Anahita: Ancient Persian Goddess and Zoroastrian Yazata

Anahita: Ancient Persian Goddess and Zoroastrian Yazata. The IndoIranian Anahita is an ancient Persian Goddess, who became a Zoroastrian Yazata (or Angel) and is still part of contemporary Zoroastrianism. Described as a beautiful maiden, who is strong, tall and pure, she is depicted as wearing a mantle embroidered with gold and as holding the baresma (sacred plant) in her hand. She is the Goddess of all the waters upon the earth, her full title being Aredvi Sura Anahita which means moist, mighty and immaculate (pure), and she travels on her chariot pulled by four horses: Wind, Rain, Cloud and Sleet. Closely associated with the King s investiture she is a Goddess of Sovereignty, thought by some to be the Persian Aphrodite, who also has some remarkable similarities to numerous other ancient goddesses, including Ishtar, Venus, Nana and Isis. (Published by Avalonia, 2013, available from local bookshops, online stores and Amazon. ) Anahita: Ancient Persian Goddess and Zoroastrian Yazata is a collection