Saule, Latvian / Baltic, mosaic art nouveau portrait

Latvian / Baltic

Saule

The Sun Mother

Baltic religion, preserved in Latvian dainas

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Her story

Historical context

goddess · Baltic religion, preserved in Latvian dainas

Saule is the Baltic sun goddess, who drives her chariot across the sky and sails at night in a golden boat. Latvian dainas describe her as a caring mother to orphans, and she is celebrated at Jāņi, the midsummer festival.

Mythology & traditions

The dainas follow Saule through a daily cosmic journey: she crosses the sky in a chariot and returns by a golden boat across the sea. Songs describe her daughters, suitors and celestial wedding, but also her compassion for orphans and laborers. At midsummer, solar imagery celebrates the brief northern night and the renewal of life.

Domains

  • sun
  • life
  • orphans
  • summer solstice

Symbols

  • golden sun
  • amber
  • apple tree
  • golden boat

In the oracle

Her guidance

Maiden

What you need to sow

Begin shining where there has been shadow.

Mother

What you need to grow

Grow warmth for those who have no one.

Crone

What you need to know

Know that every setting is followed by a rising.

Her tradition

Latvian Tradition

Fate and sun goddesses sung in thousands of Latvian dainas.

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