Feeling attacked? Find serenity from Greek goddesses

I have often been moved by the images of Greek goddesses — powerful and strong, muscular bodies and fierce expressions.  As many women are feeling attacked, whether for their decision to not have children or their academic achievements that now routinely surpass those of men — we should be comforted that the traditional representations of womanhood transcend motherhood.  The Greeks recognized that women are protectors not just of children, but of equally important aspects of society ranging from law to sex.

A few months ago, I told a friend that “I suddenly feel attacked.  I’ve never felt so much aggression towards women before.”  I am not a “childless cat lady,” but I am a “childless dog lady.”  And, in words now known everywhere, the reason why “is none of your damn business” (or JD Vance’s for that matter).  These words are intended to make women feel guilty for childlessness — we are supposed to feel less worthy, less “invested” in the future of our world.  As, apparently, are Catholic priests and Mother Teresa. (Huh?)

In today's strange times , it is important to find serenity somewhere — I suggest you stare into the faces of childless Greek goddesses. They are neither defensive or insecure. They instead embody strength, grace and focused determination. The artists who created the sculptures and paintings that represent them unquestionably saw these women as heroes. These women represent the most basic elements of being human in an organized society. There is Athena (the goddess of wisdom and war), Artemis (the goddess of hunting), Hestia (the goddess of hearth and home!), among many others. I have no doubt that any one of these powerful women could easily kick JD Vance’s a**. In any event, women should find comfort in the Greek’s understanding that women are often the models of those things we respect and hold dear — and that includes much beyond motherhood.

A quick editorial note: these posts are intended to speak to the issues that bring women together, not tear them apart. This post may go too far into the political sphere (generally avoided for its potential to divide) but regardless of your political affiliation, I hope all women can connect to the often narrow visions of femininity that exist in today’s world.

And I also want to call out the amazing strength, patience and love that we so often find in the faces of mothers. Cheers.

Here are images of some of the most famous childless goddesses: