July 2021 Goddess of the Month : Mere Ama

Mere Ama, also known as Vedenemo, is the Finnish "mother of waters." She reigns supreme over oceans, rivers, and streams. She's the queen of all the creatures that reside within her domain. She has the head and torso of a woman, with long, flowing, silver hair that resembles waves, and the tail of a fish. She should remind you a bit of a mermaid.  She did have a song, much like the Greek Siren's Song, that would lure humans into her deep waters. Fishermen would sacrifice their first catch to her, ensuring a safe fishing season. 

Finnish people would leave her offerings of brandy, her favorite drink, to ensure a good fishing season. New mothers and brides would leave gifts of cheese, bread, and possibly wine for Mere Ama at streams, then perform a symbolic baptism, just a sprinkle, asking for the goddess's blessings. 

To honor this goddess, take a walk by a brook or a stream. Take a symbolic/ritual bath or shower or simply nourish yourself with a tall glass of fresh spring water and contemplate this: Freshwater is perhaps our most precious resource on earth. How can I give thanks and use it wisely?

Sources: 

Finish Mythology Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_mythology

Gods and Goddesses: http://goddesses-and-gods.blogspot.com/2011/01/goddess-mere-ama.html

Goddesses for every day by Julie Loar (page 329)

Photo Credit: Darkmoon from Pixbay