The gift of the sun is the light of the moon in those ...
Devana (Zevana, Dzevana, Diivika)
Devana (Zevana, Dzevana,
Diivika), in Slavic mythology virgin, always younggoddess of hunting, flora and fauna, goddess of fertility, goddess of female chastity, patroness of all life on Earth, giving happiness in marriage and help during childbirth (one of the Women in Childbirth), 1image of girlish harmony,personification of the moon
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wife of the forest god Svyatobor. 2
Devana has a triple aspect - Mother of creatures, 3 Huntress 3 and Destroyer. 3Perhaps the cult of the Amazons among the Scythian tribes is associated with Devana. The ancient Slavs represented Devana in the guise of a beauty dressed in a rich marten fur coat trimmed with a squirrel; with drawn bow and arrows. Instead of an epancha ( outerwear) a bearskin is thrown over, 4and the head of the beast served as a hat. At the feet of the beautiful goddess Devana lay a horn, with which they go to a bear and a knife. She took care of forest animals, taught them to avoid danger, endure harsh winters.
Devana is not only a hunter, but also a werewolf bear. 5Devana shrines were often located near springs, lakes or swamps, 6symbolizing the fertility of the plant deity.The sacred animals of the Devana cult are the dog (wolf) and the deer. 7Metal - silver.
Dewana was revered by hunters and trappers, praying for her good luck, and in gratitude they brought part of their prey to her sanctuary. It was she who sent luck to hunters, 8helping them win in a fight with a bear or wolves.
With her predilection for hunting on moonlit nights, Devan is somewhat reminiscent of the Greek Artemis and the Roman Diana, the goddess of hunting.
Symbol of the Goddess Devana.
Sun plant. Means grace, purification, virginity. Turns away evil spirits.
Made from rue powerful amulet known in Rome as Cimaruta or "rue sprig". The fact is that the cult of Roman Diana and Devana is very similar, and even more so, Roman Diana was not the native deity of the Romans. In Rome, she was more worshiped by slaves. 9 And the amulet "Sprig of Rue" is very similar to Slavic amulets pendants and bows. And the symbol of the fig has long been known in Russia as protective symbol. In the "rue branch" he is present. Therefore, I will provide his image here.
Explanatory footnotes (Artemy Severin):
one. "Animals from the Sorcerer's Cave
. In the cave of the Sorcerer, you can see images of various animals on the walls. Let's dwell on one of them for now - in the drawings, "made in the "sweeping" style with thin engravings, clearly belonging to a different historical and chronological period, rather to the Eneolithic-Bronze Age. This opinion is supported by the image of a person in a crouched position, as if illustrating the position in the grave, characteristic of the Pit-Catacomb time
", rice. 23. Here, as we see, a completely different story.
There appear to be no accompanying inscriptions, but the curves of the deer are syllabic signs. The text reads: MARAL (kind of deer) - LIVING GOD. GO, GOD, RUN!, fig. 23 (The sequence of reading sections of the image of a deer from 1 to 9 is shown on the right). Thus, the image simultaneously serves as an appeal to the Maral god, who should appear on the run and, probably, contribute to hunting luck. We have never heard of the existence of a deer-god before. Such a god looks very new and unexpected to us. In addition, this is not just a DEER IN GENERAL, namely Maral. The image of a deer is not alone. It is accompanied by inscriptions on the wall on the right and left (in Fig. 23 I placed them all on the left, as well as my reading of them in a numbered sequence). Let's try to read the inscriptions on the right first. The first of them in the form of a foot means the word BECHADNE, that is, PRINTED, the second - CATHEDRAL or COLLECTION; Together, it seems to us, the idea of a collection of images certified by a seal, that is, authentic, is reflected. Previously, we have repeatedly encountered the word BECHATA in the sense of SEAL, including in medieval texts, and this is not the voicing of the first syllable, but its true sound, because the word BECHAT comes from the verb BEAT, SCORE, that is, CUT; thus the word BECHAT means EMBOSSED, CARVED.
The image on the left resembles a falling man with bent knees. The image of a person in Paleolithic subjects is generally very rare, and in combination with the image of a deer-god, it becomes even more interesting. The arms are not shown, but the legs are wide apart, like those of a woman giving birth. Thus, the semantics of the picture reflects two fundamentally important moments for mythology: the presence of the Rozhanitsa and her connection with the deer. The hypothesis of B.A. Rybakov that once the Rozhanitsy were moose cows. The fact that the drawing of a deer symbolizes a deer should not be surprising. Maral is included in the genus of deer and belongs to game animals; however, its numbers are currently small; the elk genus contains only one species that has successfully survived to this day; therefore, a slight semantic shift from a non-surviving maral to a surviving elk is quite acceptable. So, over time, deer women in labor began to be understood as moose cows in childbirth.
Even more interesting is the reading of the constituent parts of Rozhanitsa. The text is:TWO GODS: GO GOOD, LELY. Thus, Rozhanitsy are indeed the goddesses Lada and Lelei. The art with which a person made syllabic signs is striking constituent parts images, in this case Women in labor. The fact that there are two of them follows from the text. But also from the drawing: one goddess in an anthropomorphic form gives birth, the other, in a zoomorphic one, runs. Thus, we are faced with an interesting combination of two different hypostases of the deity: zoomorphic and anthropomorphic. I already reported about this deciphering in one of the publications, attributing them to the Paleolithic. Now I don’t have such confidence in such an ancient attribution of this particular plot, but the understanding of a person as a woman in labor is preserved, because corpses are not buried in a strange position with legs wide apart.”
“It is even more interesting to read the constituent parts of Rozhanitsa. The text is as follows: TWO GODS: GOOD, LELI. Thus, Rozhanitsy are indeed the goddesses Lada and Lelei. The art with which a person made syllabic signs as components of an image, in this case Rozhanitsa, is striking. The fact that there are two of them follows from the text. But also from the drawing: one goddess in an anthropomorphic guise gives birth, the other, in a zoomorphic one, runs. )
Thus, you can see that Rozhanitsy are Lada and Lelya, moose cows or deer. But in the future, some gods merged with others, including the Virgin was also alive, that is, she, Devan (I think a simple linguistic study is enough to see that the name Devan appeared from the Virgin, just as Marena, Morana turned out from Mary and, apparently, from Yar, as its priestess - Yarina, Arina, that is, by adding: Name + She). Then it is natural to call her Rozhanitsa, apparently, in this case, resulting from Lelya and Zhiva. Although, in late mythology, these are already different goddesses. Initially, according to Chudinov's research, there was only one - Makosh. She is the mother, and the goddess of love and everything else.
Artemy Severin
Devana (Zevana) - Slavic Goddess of the Hunt. Devana protects forest animals, makes sure that hunters do not kill them cruelly, unnecessarily. The Slavic Goddess Devana was especially revered by hunters, however, all people remembered her formidable disposition, because in the old days even children went to the forest for berries, which means they could meet the formidable Slavic Goddess.
Devana is described as a beautiful young girl. She often wears men's clothes and does not want to yield to men in anything. In the protected forests, Devana chases animals, riding through the forest on her horse, accompanied by two wolves. True, it does not kill animals, it only scares. But it can be harsh with people, therefore, in the old days, hunters certainly made an offering to Devana, going into the forest, but they did not forget to follow her law - they did not beat the beast for nothing.
With her difficult character, the beautiful Devan is similar to her parents: God Perun and Goddess Diva-Dodolu. Perun's daughter took over from her father his military skills, strength, courage, desire to be the first in everything. From her mother, Diva Dodola, the Goddess of Heavenly Moisture, Devana adopted beauty and a proud disposition. The wayward Goddess does not want to yield to anyone who is at least in some way better than her, and Devan is endowed with many talents: she can turn into any animal or bird, shoot accurately from a bow, and with her beauty she can charm any person.
The wayward Goddess Devana was given in marriage to Svyatobor, God of the Reserved Forests and Groves. The calm and reasonable Svyatobor softens the character of Devana a little, helps her not to commit reckless acts, but this was not always the case. Slavic myths tell how Devana, the Goddess of the Hunt, tried to defeat Perun's father and Svarog's grandfather.
Legends and myths about the Goddess of the Hunt Dewan
Slavic myths say that once Devana became proud of her strength and beauty and wanted to take the place of her grandfather, God Svarog - instead of him, rule the worlds of Reveal and Rule, resolve disputes between the Gods, be the main one in everything. The gods found out about that, and Perun, Devana's father, decided to interfere with his daughter. Dewana did not succumb to persuasion, she wanted to seize power over the Gods by force. Then Perun fought with his daughter. In the battle with spears and swords, they were equal. Then Devana turned into a lioness and Perun in the guise of a lion defeated her. Devana tried to fly away from him, turning into a bird, but her father caught up with her in the form of an eagle. Finally, Devana turned into a white fish and went to the bottom of the sea, hid from her father. They were able to catch the whitefish with a magic net woven by the Goddess Makosh. Then Devana promised her father not to try to seize power over the Gods and kept her word.
However, the proud Goddess of the Hunt did not resign herself to defeat and wanted to take revenge on all the men who did not allow her to power. At the crossroads next to the world of Navi, she built a house and met travelers there. She lured them to visit with her beauty and affectionate speeches, and then put them to sleep on a false bed - the bed turned over and the traveler found himself in the world of Navi, from where there was no way out. When the Gods found out about this, they sent Semargl, the God of Fire, to Devana. He brought the proud Goddess to Perun, and her father married her to Svyatobor in order to soften the temper of his daughter.
Amulet - a symbol of the Goddess Devana
The symbol of the Goddess Devana is called " star amulet". This is a star with seven rays, facing up with a sharp end. The amulet of the Goddess Devana helps to gain self-confidence so as not to make mistakes. This symbol will bring success in work, good luck, fame - such help can be given to a person by the daughter of God Perun. Brings Devana's amulet and good health.
Attributes of the Goddess of the Hunt Devana
Animal- two wolves.
Heraldry, items- a cloak with the head of a wolf or a bear.
Treba (offering)- from hunters - part of the prey (meat of wild animals or a piece of skin), from girls going to the forest - pies, bright ribbons.
Goddess Dewana in the northern tradition of divination and magic
The image of the Goddess Devana is present in the set of Slavic Rez Rod. Reza Number of the Goddess of the Hunt - 37 .
When Reza of the Goddess of the Hunt appears in divination, Devana warns the questioner about possible error. The goddess Devana, who suffered from her wayward character and pride, warns that the questioner takes on the task beyond his strength, wants to get too much in short term hopes to correct past mistakes by risky actions. Goddess Devana calls to think about the future and stop risky actions now.
Read more about the meaning of the Reza of the Goddess Devana in divination in the article "Reza of the Devan Rod".
Holidays where the Goddess Devana is honored
We do not know a separate day when the Slavic Goddess of the Hunt was honored. However, this Goddess is certainly addressed, starting and ending the hunt. Therefore, the holiday of the beginning of the hunting season can be considered dedicated to it.
Devana (Zevana, Dzevana) was revered by the ancient Slavs as the goddess of hunting. Devana was daughter of Perun and Diva Dodola, and became wife of the forest god Svyatobor.
The goddess Devana was a huntress, but not a warrior, she did not recognize thoughtless bloodshed. The hunters worshiped her, and always before the start of the hunt they brought her trebs in the form of meat and skins. Usually the temples of the goddess were arranged in caves. There was a belief that Devana hunted exclusively at night, therefore, such cave-temples served her as an overnight stay and resting place. Devana was also revered as the protector of animals. According to belief, it was she who taught the animals the art of hunting and survival in the cold season of the dark Mara's domination on earth.
Appearance.
She appeared to people in the form of a beautiful girl who wore a chic fur coat made of marten wool, and instead of a hat she wore the skin and head of a bear. was armed Slavic goddess Devana with a skillful bow that was able to hit any target.
Like her father Perun, Devana had a huge physical strength. But she also had the ability to turn into any earthly animal, an inhabitant of the waters and a tech who soars in the sky. That is why she was chosen by the Irian gods as the goddess of hunting, since she had no equal in the ability to subdue the animals and find their tracks. According to legend, Devana had faithful servants: terrible and huge wolves who accompanied their mistress everywhere. In addition to carrying a bow, Devana was also credited with the possession of a skillful dagger and a horn, which was usually armed during a bear hunt.
Amulet - a symbol of the Goddess Devana
The symbol of the Goddess Devana is called "Star Guardian" . This is a star with seven rays, facing up with a sharp end. The amulet of the Goddess Devana helps to gain self-confidence so as not to make mistakes. This symbol will bring success in work, luck, fame- such help can be given to a person by the daughter of God Perun. Brings Devana's amulet and good health.
Attributes of the Goddess of the Hunt Devana
Animal- two wolves.
Heraldry, items- a cloak with the head of a wolf or a bear.
Treba (offering)- from hunters - part of the prey (meat of wild animals or a piece of skin), from girls going to the forest - pies, bright ribbons.
Devana is the goddess of the hunt, wife of the god of the forests and daughter. The Slavs represented the goddess in the form beautiful girl, dressed in an elegant marten fur coat, trimmed with a squirrel. Over the fur coat, the beauty put on a bearskin, and the head of the beast served as her hat. With her daughter carried an excellent bow and arrows, sharp knife and a horn with which they go to bear.
The beautiful goddess not only hunted forest animals: she herself taught them how to avoid dangers and endure harsh winters.
Capabilities
Like the goddess of the hunt, she has superhuman strength, but Dewana also has other magical abilities: without difficulty, it can turn into any forest animal, into a sea fish and into a mighty bird. Therefore, the goddess became a great huntress, who knows no equal. Devana has faithful companions: a pair of terrible wolves, accompanying the goddess everywhere and dutifully serving their mistress.
Sphere of influence
Dewana was primarily revered by hunters and trappers, they prayed to the goddess to grant good luck in hunting, and in gratitude they brought part of their prey to her sanctuary. It was believed that it was she who helped to find the secret paths of animals in the dense forest, avoid skirmishes with wolves and bears, but if the meeting did take place, the person would emerge victorious from it.
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This goddess is most often associated with the Greek Artemis or the Roman Diana. Due to the fact that Devana and Diana are very similar names, it is believed that the Slavs adopted this deity from the Romans. She has a longer name, Dzewona or Dzewana, as the Poles called her, even more reminiscent of the name of the Roman goddess of the hunt, which is an additional argument in favor of the theory that Dewana cannot be considered native Slavic deity. However Devana is a name of Aryan origin, which suggests that Devana and Diana are just two different options with the same name. Which one is more correct?
The ancient Aryans believed in Devases, who were the sons of Deius, who was the father of the sky, which means they were real gods. The words "deus" and "theos", by which they mean god, are borrowed from the Sanskrit term "deva" (deva). The names of numerous gods come from this term: Dionysus, Zeus, Dione, Dana (the Celtic supreme goddess) and, of course, Diana and Devana. Thus, Diana and Devana represent the original supreme goddess, who later lost her supreme power and became one of the simple goddesses. Add our useful site site to your bookmarks to always have access to the necessary and useful information.
However, before I continue, I would like to point you to a couple of sensible publications on the subject of religions and cults. For example, find out about popular superstitions, who is Mermaid, who is called Kikimora, who is Dazhdbog, etc.
So, let's continue, the Slavic goddess Devan, the meaning?
Devana- Slavic goddess of forests, wild animals and hunting. We know her as Mother of the forest", wild and unrestrained. She is the wife of Veles, with whom she had a son Yarilo, as well as the goddess of war, anger, sexuality and fertility.
She is portrayed as a strong young woman, a virgin who, when necessary, takes up a sword to fight in war. Her animal form is a mare, which is her sacred animal. Devana's virginity was renewed every spring in a ritual when the girls bathed in the water of a river or lake. The rite is a symbol of female sexual power and freedom. Holiday dedicated to Devana - " vrbopuc”, it is noted in early spring. Slavic legends describe Devana as Vasilisa the Wise, who helps her husband Veles overcome numerous problems.
Belief in a primordial goddess similar to Dewana has existed in our territories since time immemorial. The inhabitants of the Balkans worshiped the Forest Mother, the mistress of the forests and her creators. Diana and Devana are goddesses of the forest, protectors of wild animals and goddesses of the hunt. Many perceive Devana as an image of the pagan Highest Goddess, who appears through the three phases of the Moon and the three phases of female life, as the Mother of God, personifying the Mother and the Old Woman at the same time. However, some researchers believe that the image of the Virgin is completely unsuitable for association with Devana. Even the name "Devana" tells us this, because the word " deva", in English: " maiden", "virgin" or " young girl" depending on the context. This forest goddess undoubtedly personifies a woman with something wild and rebellious inside her, since she never gave herself to a man.
Today, this triune goddess among the Slavs is almost completely forgotten, at least not in her original form. True, it will be easier to understand everything if the Slavic system is connected with the Celtic one, and some parallels can be drawn between these two types of paganism. More detailed information about the Slavic supreme goddess and her possible triple image can be found in the book of Alexandra Baich " Great goddess of the Slavs" (Aleksandra Bajić The Great Goddess of the Slavs).
What else can we say about Dewan? Her holy animal is a mare, and Devana herself is considered a goddess - mare. On Mount Devica, which is apparently associated with Devana, a rock with the image of a mare was discovered. Aleksandra Bajic believes that Devana appears in Serbian epic poems as the mother of Miloč Obilić ( Milos Obilić), whose last name is Obilic ( Obilić) comes from Kobilić (from the Serbian " kobila"which means mare;-" ic" - suffix for Serbian surnames). Thus, Miloch ( Milos) personifies the son of Yarilo, Devana and Veles.
What was the marriage of Devan and Veles like? At the beginning, the goddess was against this marriage, but Veles found a way to appease her. He turned into a basil flower and thus calmed the slightly wild Devana. As the wife of Veles, Devana appears in Russian fairy tales as Vasilisa the Beautiful, a wise woman who helps her husband complete many very difficult assignments. In addition to the fact that Devana is mostly the goddess of the forest, she is also associated with rivers and lakes. Her trees are walnut and also willow. Willow Day, a holiday celebrated in early spring, is dedicated to this goddess. In any case, Spasoje Vasiljev considers Devana the goddess of spring, so we can safely assume that she is directly related to this season.
After reading this useful article you finally figured out who is goddess devana, and now you will not get into trouble if you suddenly find it again interesting name.
Learn more about Slavic goddesses.
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