The Triple Goddess is a significant symbol and deity archetype, with roots in ancient cultures across the globe. More recently, neopagan traditions including Paganism, Wicca, and Neopaganism have begun to exploring expressions of triple goddesses, embracing the beauty and simplicity of the symbol.
This powerful symbol comprises a waxing crescent, a full moon, and a waning crescent. It represents the divine feminine and the three aspects of a woman’s life cycle: Maiden, Mother and Crone.
These archetypes mirror the journey that each woman takes through life, as well as the cyclic progression of the natural world – the seasons, and the manifestation of growth and decay in all things.
- The Maiden represents youth, growth, and potential
- The Mother embodies fertility, nurturing, and productivity
- The Crone stands for wisdom, deep understanding, and transition.
The triple Goddess provides us with an access point – a way to connect with these powerful archetypes.
And a you delve deeper into the meaning and origins of the triple Goddess, and form a personal relationship with her, you’ll find a new appreciation for this sacred symbol. Devoting yourself to it will bring so much richness, and new perspectives to life in our western culture.
What is the triple Moon Symbol?
The triple Moon symbol, or “triple Goddess symbol” represents three phases of the Moon:
The triple Moon represents the movement and progression through one lunar cycle, from creation and growth, to fruition and maturation, to dissemination and decay. It’s the process that all of life must move through!
But that’s not all.
The triple Moon symbol also represents the three phases of a woman’s life: the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone. Much like the phases of the lunar cycle, these archetypes belong together, expressing the sacredness of cycles and the never-ending spirals of life.
Meaning of the triple Moon symbol (AKA triple goddess symbol)
More and more spiritual women and men are experiencing the meaning and magic held within the symbol of the triple goddess moon.
Some neopagan traditions such as Wicca are actually centered around its power.
They understand that the triple Moon symbol is more than an image or object – it’s a living, conscious entity. It actually holds centuries of meaning and power, all of which can be unlocked through study and devotion. If you are new to this journey… welcome.
Maiden, Mother, Crone
In the Triple Goddess concept, the three archetypal figures that represent the different stages of life as a woman, are maiden, mother and crone.
Yet its important to realise that as well as representing literal life phases, you can express aspects of all feminine archetypes, all the way through your life! You don’t have to be in your twenties to align with the maiden. And you don’t have to have silver hair to embody the crone!
Maiden
The Maiden represents youth, beginnings, and innocence.
She is associated with the waxing phase of the Moon, when the Moon is growing and brightening. In this phase, you might find yourself exploring new opportunities, experiencing growth and creativity.
In your spiritual practice, the Maiden can be invoked to guide and support you through the early stages of a new venture or personal growth.
Mother
The Mother symbolizes the prime of life, fertility, and nurturing.
This phase corresponds to the Full Moon, when the Moon is at its brightest and most vibrant. As you reach the peak of your potential, you also need to learn to take responsibility for yourself and others, recognizing that nurturing and support are important to sustain life.
In your spiritual practice, you can call upon the Mother aspect of the Triple Goddess for strength, abundance, and protection.
Crone
Lastly, the Crone embodies wisdom, experience, and the ending of cycles.
She is linked to the waning phase of the Moon, when the Moon starts to lessen and fade away. In this phase, you may become more introspective, focusing on reflection and the lessons learned throughout your life. You might develop a deeper understanding of the mysteries of life, embracing the wisdom that comes with age.
In your spiritual practice, don’t hesitate to call upon crone archetypes for guidance, healing, and transformation.
Although the strengths, qualities and characteristics of these archetypes may seem very different, it’s important when working with feminine energy, to recognise that the Goddess is fluid. She doesn’t stay in the boxes we put her in. So you may feel the emergence of both the mother goddess AND the maiden, in the same day.
Trust her presence, however she shows up.
Triple Goddesses and the Horned God
In many modern Pagan traditions, the Triple Goddess and the Horned God are often worshiped together, forming a balance between feminine and masculine energies. The Triple Goddess is honored as the feminine counterpart to the Horned God, providing polarity to the male essence.
Just like the triple Goddess isn’t one specific goddess, but more of a “godhead”, the Horned God does not refer to one God.
Appearing as Pan, Cernuous, various antlered beings, conical-horned beings, or hoofed ones, the Horned God shapeshifted through the landscape.
Horned Gods represent the wilds, hunting and instinct. They’re often associated with fertility and fecundity, and together with the triple Goddess, unify the divine masculine and feminine principles in nature and life.
Triple Goddess and associations with deities
Keep in mind that the concept of the Triple Goddess has evolved over time, and there are various interpretations of these three goddesses in different cultures and traditions.
Ancient Goddesses in triple form can be traced back to ancient civilizations.
For example, the Greek lunar goddess Diana was honoured from the late sixth century BC as diva triformis, “three-form goddess”.
In the ancient Greek civilization, the maiden goddess Artemis, together with Selene and the crone goddess Hecate may have been another example of the triple Goddess.
In his 1984 book “The White Goddess” Robert Graves proposes the existence of a European deity he called the “White Goddess of Birth, Love and Death”. He supposes that this is what lies behind the myriad of diverse goddesses, that appear in various European and pagan mythologies.
Despite there not being definitive “proof” of the existence of the triple Goddess, Graves argues that:
…’the language of poetic myth anciently current in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe was a magical language bound up with popular religious ceremonies in honour of the Moon-goddess, or Muse, some of them dating from the Old Stone Age, and that this remains the language of true poetry…’
Curious about the idea of a Moon Goddess?
Check out this popular post too – A List of Moon Goddesses From Around the World
How to work with the triple Goddess symbol
In your spiritual practice, you can call upon the Triple Goddess for guidance and support in various aspects of life. For example, you might seek the Maiden’s energy for new beginnings and fresh perspectives, or the Mother’s nurturing presence to help you care for yourself and others. Likewise, you can draw upon the wisdom of the Crone for insight and transformation during challenging times.
Here are 5 ways to explore the deeper meaning of the triple goddess symbol:
1. Explore historical context of the triple moon symbol
Understanding the historical context of the triple goddess symbol can help you understand its deeper meaning. The triple goddess symbol has roots in many ancient cultures, including the Celtic, Greek, and Roman cultures. By exploring the myths and legends associated with these cultures, you can gain a deeper understanding of the triple goddess symbol.
Call in the Moon Goddess Selene to work with you…
Read this post next – 20 BEST Ways to Work With Selene
2. Explore the archetypal meanings and qualities in the triple moon symbol
You know now, about the three female archetypes that the triple goddess symbol is often associated with. By exploring the archetypal meanings of these three stages of life, you can gain a deeper understanding of the triple goddess symbol and its significance.
3. Work with the lunar cycle
The triple Moon symbol is, of course, associated with three different Moon phases.
Spend time working with the energy of the waxing Moon, the full Moon and the waning Moon.
Do a little research here, on the Moon School website by looking at the Moon phases category of articles.
Or download the e-book: How to Get Started with Sacred Cycles and springboard your practice to new heights!
5. Activate your feminine power
The triple goddess symbol is the encaspsulation of feminine power and the divine feminine. By exploring your own feminine power (and figuring out where it’s blocked), you will bring the triple goddess symbol to life in an embodied, authentic and deeply personal way.
Want to heal your inner feminine?
Read this post next: How to Heal Wounded Feminine Energy and Rise UP Stronger!
5. Trust your own personal interpretation
Finally, exploring your own personal interpretation of the triple goddess symbol can help you gain a deeper understanding of its meaning. By reflecting on your own experiences and beliefs, you can develop a unique understanding of the triple goddess symbol that is meaningful to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ever wondered any of these…?
What is the significance of the triple Goddess?
The Triple Goddess symbol represents the three primary phases of a woman’s life, corresponding with the three phases of the moon. This connection suggests that women share the same rhythm as the moon, experiencing cycles of growth and change throughout their lives. Embracing the Triple Goddess can help you appreciate the unique qualities and strengths of each life stage.
How is the triple Goddess represented in mythology?
In mythology, it’s common for the Goddess to appear in three separate forms, representing different aspects of femininity.
In the ancient Greek pantheon, Hecate is often seen as the original ancient triple moon goddess. The Moon Goddess Artemis was sometimes combined with Hecate.
Her roman counterpart Diana also came to be viewed as a trinity goddesses in one – Diana as huntress, Diana as the Moon, Diana of the underworld.
In Celtic mythology, the Triple Goddess is often referred to as the Morrígan.
What are the three aspects of the triple Goddess?
The Triple Goddess is typically divided into three aspects: the Maiden, Mother, and Crone. The Maiden represents youth and innocence, with a focus on personal growth and self-discovery. The Mother symbolises fertility, nurturing, and protection, while the Crone embodies wisdom, guidance, and transformation.
How do the phases of the Moon relate to the triple Goddess?
Each aspect of the triple Goddess corresponds to a specific phase of the Moon. The maiden is associated with the waxing Moon, reflecting her burgeoning potential and growth. The Mother aligns with the Full Moon, embodying the nurturing power and stability of this phase. Lastly, the Crone is connected to the waning Moon, symbolising the transition and release of old energy
What role does the triple Goddess play in Wicca and witchcraft?
The Triple Goddess plays a significant role in Wicca and witchcraft as a symbol of the divine feminine. Often invoked in rituals and ceremonies, her symbolism is used as a guiding principle for personal growth and spiritual practice.
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