Mother Earth is all around us, everything comes from her and will return to her. It is believed that man himself was created from her. The Earth was perceived as a divine being MOKOSH. In Mother Earth, as Rozhanica - the judge, we perceive not only the embodiment of the primordial matter of our world but also a connection with time and destiny. She maintains the eternal process of planting, growth, ripening, and subsequent harvest, after which planting begins anew, ensuring the cycle of life and death. Mother Earth is the archetype of fertile feminine energy, creativity, stability and prosperity. On the other hand, she is also a being with the ability to absorb, absorb, consume, and decompose everything living and non-living.
The goddess is depicted with full female forms, dressed in dark but warm colors. Her seemingly modest dress is decorated with beautiful jewelry from earth's treasures. On her brown hair rests a beautiful golden shimmering crown, decorated with precious stones. Her thick hair is often braided.
Our ancestors believed in the sanctity of the earth, which was extended to certain places, such as mountain tops, deep caves or precipices. These places, known as places of power, were created naturally where Mother Earth manifested her might, or as a result of lightning meteorite impacts, or the influence of other deities. Places of power could also be created by humans through enchantment or significant events Crossroads and burial sites were also considered places of power.
The earth was used in various magical practices. During the earth protection ritual, objects were sprinkled with sacred earth or salt, or protective circles or signs were drawn with sacred chalk. Earth was also used in purification rituals. If an object was cursed, it was buried so that the Earth would absorb the curse. Similary, objects that needed to gain the Earth's power were also buried.
A frequent sacrificial ritual for protection, healing, or thanksgving for a divine blessing, a harvest or fulfillment of wishes, involved burying the offering or throwing it into an inaccessible chasm, earth hole, or cave.
Among the magical techniques was the creation of figurines from clay, straws or dough. The identity of the bewitched was ritually infused into the figurine. Magic figures were used for agrarian and hunting charms, but also for love, healing or harmful charms.
The earth as a tool for magic in the form of stones, minerals or salt was often a part of rituals and ceremonies. We cannot forget that we also owe all healing and magical plants to Mother Earth.
Our ancestors also showed great respect for the soil itself, for example by ritual plowing and burying sacrifices into the first spring furrow. Another important ritual was the offering of a pinch or a drop of every meal or drink, accompanied by reflection and gratitude for the gifts of Mother Earth.
Mokoš, was perceived as the mother of many Slavic deities and magical beings. Especially gods and beings of mountains, underground, forests, fields and meadows.
