Athena Goddess and the Odyssey
Goddess Jewellery Born of Ancient Stories
Myths, legends and ancient sources of wisdom enrich us spiritually, and restore forgotten ideas and possibilities. They remind us of beauty, endurance, courage, and belonging. Talismans inspired by these themes help us connect with these age old ideas that bring real comfort and hope.
The greek goddesses and their stories and spirit animals still resonate with our modern day trials, and help us feel guided and connected to feminine strength and quiet power. As these ancient myths and legends begin to inhabit us, they reshape the way we imagine ourselves and the world around us. These ancient legends are a part of humanity's self reflection.
Many of my jewellery designs are inspired by timeless mythology and legends, by rituals and ancient wisdom. While Homer’s Odyssey is creating waves on the big screen, there is much to explore beyond that favourite of Nolans themes: a complex man on a journey. Indeed the women of the odyssey are conspicuous in their absence in the movie, as are their depth and feminine power.
Athena the Warrior Goddess
Athena is the warrior goddess of Athens, strategic and wise.
She is clever enough to avoid conflict, but ready if it arrives. Without her Odysseus would never return home. My Athena coin is a replica of one of the most recognisable ancient coins of all time - the Tetradrachm, from over 2,400 years ago.
Athena's spirit animal the owl features on the obverse and speaks to her skill of strategy and wisdom as a protector - very essential balancing traits to the bravery and courage of any warrior. Skills and traits that are very female.
Ancient Greece is filed with legends of Goddesses and their overcoming and enduring. They repeatedly must endure patriarchal mercurial gods, and their power is often hidden in the male-centric myth. Celebration of these female power gods is a balm for our modern world. We are required to constantly challenge the old tropes. The truth is that ancient Greece was not good to women, and the myths reflect that. I want to dig beneath all that, and celebrate the true essence of these goddesses. I want to translate their qualities into precious metal amulets. Positive symbols and reminders of hope.
Wearing Athena's symbols invoke clarity, wisdom and courage. More than adornment, the Athena Goddess coin is protective and galvanising. Athena is a reminder that you are a wise woman who can summon her inner courage when faced with adversity and your own odyssey. The balance of your courage and wisdom make you powerful.
Andrea August 26