The Triple Goddess

In Wicca, the Great Goddess is divided into 3 different aspects; the maiden, the mother, and the crone. They are all parts of the greater whole or 3-in-1. This concept has been observed for centuries by many cultures. And, just like in many ancients cultures, these 3 aspects correspond with 3 phases of the moon; the waxing, the full, and the waning moon. The 4th phase, the New Moon is represented separately by the Dark Goddess.

The Maiden represents the beginning, childhood, purity, virginity, youth, excitement and a carefree attitude. She is an innocent in many ways, but she is also a seductress. She is pure, yet dangerous. Some of the many goddesses that represent her are: Anatha, Brigid, Nimue, Kore, Persephone, Gerd, Caer, and Blodeuwedd. She is represented by the color white.

The Mother represents Motherhood, fertility, growth, stability, power and fulfilment. She is at the full height of womanhood. She is tender with her children, yet powerful enough to protect them. She is represented by the goddesses including Aa, Ambika, Anahita, Asherah, Ceres, Coatlicue, Danu, Demeter, Hathor, Ishtar, Isis, Lakshmi, Luonnotar, Nintu, Sheng-Mu. The color that represents her is red.

The Crone represents old age, wisdom, change, death and rebirth. She is wise woman, the mother to all. She is represented by the goddesses include: Annis, Baba Yaga, Cailleach, Greine, Hel, Maman Brigitte, Oya, Sedna, Skuld, Takotsi, Toci. Her color is black.

There also some goddesses who embody the entire Triple Goddess within their own aspects. Some of them include: Brigid (Ireland/Celtic), Carmenta or Carmentis (Roman), Hekate or Hecate (Greek/Anatolia), Helice (Greek), Kali (India), the Morrigan (Ireland/Celtic).