Male deities played a role in fertility rites in addition to female deities. My husband and I had a discussion about how man is the farmer & woman the soil. She can’t bring forth life without him. He lights the spark, sows the seed, and protects the saplings from the ravaging forces of nature. But, the soil is where the magick happens. It is a mysterious sort of alchemy that induces awe, respect, and must be nurtured and protected for the growth and health of the entire tribe. I truly believe that men saw this as their sacred duty.

In fact, the Slavic deity Makosh or Makosha is referred to as “moist Mother Earth” and associated with good and fertile soil. We know from folkloric accounts of Russian peasants that reverence for “moist Mother Earth” carried on into very recent times universally among men, women, and even the Russian Orthodox clergy! And, Thor's lightning bolt can be seen as his own fertility aspect.

Excerpt from "Eostre & Beyond" essay for subs https://www.subscribestar.com/OakwiseBecoming

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