Maiden
What you need to sow
Begin now, imperfectly. One foot is already off the cushion.
Tibetan Buddhist
Green Tara
Swift Liberator, Mother of All Buddhas
India and Tibet, c. 6th century CE onward; living tradition
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Her story
Historical context
goddess · India and Tibet, c. 6th century CE onward; living tradition
Tara is said to have arisen from a tear of Avalokiteshvara as he wept at the scale of suffering. Green Tara is her active form: she sits with one leg already stepping down, ready to move before she is finished being asked.
Mythology & traditions
In one account she was a princess told she should pray to be reborn male to reach enlightenment, and vowed instead to attain it in a woman's body and to keep returning in one. She is the goddess of the fast response — the help that arrives while you are still panicking, and the courage to be the one who moves first.
Domains
- Compassion
- Swift help
- Fearlessness
- Protection on journeys
- Action
Symbols
- Blue utpala lotus
- Half-extended right leg
- Green light
- Mantra beads
- Open right hand
In the oracle
Her guidance
Mother
What you need to grow
Nurture your responsiveness. Answer the person who needs you today.
Crone
What you need to know
Fear is a passenger, not a verdict. You can act while it is still present.