
The Goddess Project
The Goddess Project is a podcast hosted by Dr. Carla Ionescu that explores the mythology, history, and spirituality of ancient goddesses like Artemis, Medusa, and Cybele. Each episode covers forgotten myths, sacred rituals, and the hidden symbols behind these powerful figures. The show also examines how goddess worship shaped ancient civilizations and continues to influence modern spirituality. Listeners hear expert insights from archaeologists, mythologists, and scholars, with a focus on reconnecting with the divine feminine.
Episodes

Goddess Talks: Hekate, Light in the Darkness with Sorita D'Este
In this episode of Goddess Talks, part of The Goddess Project Podcast, I sit down with author and researcher Sorita d’Este for a thoughtful and engaging conversation on the goddess Hekate. Together, we explore some of the most common misconceptions surrounding Hekate, the current trends shaping how she is understood today, and what it means to approach her through both historical research and mode

Mistress of Animals: The Dangerous Goddess Before Artemis
The Mistress of Animals is one of the oldest and most powerful divine images in the ancient world. Long before classical Artemis, a goddess stood between lions, deer, and wild creatures, commanding them without weapon or apology. In this episode, we trace the Mistress of Animals across Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Crete, Greece, and the wider Mediterranean. From Inanna and Cybele to early Archaic Greek

Before Homer: Enheduanna, Inanna, and the First Voice in World Literature
🎙️ The Goddess Project Podcast is backAfter more than a year away, The Goddess Project returns with a powerful first episode, diving into the life, writings, and legacy of Enheduanna, the high priestess of Inanna and the earliest named author in world history.In this episode, I explore Enheduanna’s historical world in ancient Mesopotamia, her role as en priestess, and her groundbreaking hymn The E

Travelling with the Goddess: Sacred Spaces, Feminine Wisdom & Spiritual Power with Karen Tate
🔥 The Goddess Project Podcast | Goddess Talks with Karen Tate 🔥 Discover the Power of the Sacred Feminine to Heal, Awaken & Transform Society In this powerful episode of Goddess Talks on The Goddess Project Podcast, I sit down with renowned author, speaker, and sacred activist Rev. Dr. Karen Tate. Known globally for her work uplifting the Divine Feminine, Karen brings decades of insight into g

The Last Woman Standing: Misogyny in Museums & Reclaiming the Goddess
History is written by the victors… but what happens when it erases the divine feminine? In this episode of The Goddess Project, we expose how misogyny in museum curation has shaped the interpretation of the Assyrian nude statue (BM 124963), housed at the @britishmuseum Originally commissioned by King Ashur-bel-kala (1073–1056 BCE), this unique artifact has been labeled as an object of mockery,

The Minotaur Wasn't Real? Uncovering the Truth About Minoan Gods with Laura Perry
The Minotaur is one of the most famous figures in Greek mythology—but what if the story we’ve been told isn’t true? What if the labyrinth, the bull, and the sacrifices point to something far older and more sacred?In this episode of Goddess Talks, I sit down with Laura Perry, author, artist, and expert in Minoan spirituality, to explore the real history and religion of the Minoans. We dive deep int

Hygieia & the Sacred Serpent: Ancient Medicine & Rituals
Hygieia, the ancient Greek goddess of health, cleanliness, and sanitation, has left an enduring mark on medical history and spiritual traditions. As the daughter of Asclepius, the god of medicine, Hygieia represented preventive care, wellness, and purification—concepts that continue to shape modern healthcare.This episode explores Hygeia’s origins in Greek mythology, her close connection to healin

Gorgons: Ugly and Free
In the premiere episode of Season 3 of The Goddess Project, we delve into the transformative power of the Gorgons—fierce, unapologetic, and untamed. At a time when freedom and resilience are being tested worldwide, Medusa and her sisters emerge as timeless icons of defiance and empowerment. Their stories challenge oppressive systems, urging us to reclaim our strength, embrace our so-called "ugly,"

Where Goddess Wisdom Meets Film: Laura Hirch Discusses "From The Goddess"
This week on The Goddess Project podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Laura Hirch, a conscious filmmaker, journalist, artist, and scholar of ancient herstory and matriarchal research. In this exciting episode, we dive deep into her independent documentary series From the Goddess, where she highlights the sacred roles of women in society, explores ancient goddess myths, and challenges patriarchal narra

Goddesses Who Go To Hell
Welcome to "The Goddess Project"! In this episode, Dr. Carla Ionescu explores the mysterious realms of the underworld and the powerful deities who rule them. Discover the stories of Persephone, Hecate, Nyx, Nephthys, Anput, Isis, Ereshkigal, Inanna, Hel, Kali, Mictecacihuatl, and Tuonetar.Uncover the myths and primary sources that reveal these divine figures' roles and significance. Don't miss thi

Of Course Amazons Were Real! Myth, Symbolism, and Propaganda in Ancient Greece
Let's delve into the fascinating world of the Amazonomachy, exploring its rich meaning and symbolism in ancient Greek traditions, architecture, and propaganda. Join me as I uncover the stories of the fierce Amazon warriors and their legendary battles against Greek heroes, revealing how these myths were used to convey cultural values, political messages, and social ideals.▶️SUPPORT THE GODDESS PROJ

Cretan Goddesses: The Last of the Holy Trinity
In this episode we delve into the fascinating world of Cretan goddesses, focusing on Diktynna, Britomartis, and Artemis. These deities offer a rich tapestry of mythology and history that spans from the ancient Minoan civilization to classical Greek times. Diktynna, often associated with Britomartis, was a revered goddess of mountains and hunting in Crete, worshipped since the Minoan era (circa 200

Goddess Talks: Pythias, Melissae and Titanides - with Max Dashu
Goddess Talks is a short series of interviews with Goddess scholars and practitioners where we informally discuss all things ancient, sacred and divinely feminine.Max Dashu is a feminist historian, author, and artist. Her areas of expertise include female iconography, mother-right cultures, and the origins of patriarchy.In 1970, Max founded the Suppressed Histories Archives to research and documen

Eileithyia - Giving Birth in Caves
In this episode, we delve into the intriguing world of the Goddess Eileithyia of Crete. Join me, and let's unravel the mysteries surrounding this long underrated deity as we explore a myriad of primary sources, scavenge through the rich mythology, and shed light on the enigmatic aspects of the Eileithyia mystery cult. Discover the fascinating tales and ancient accounts that have shaped our underst

GODDESS TALKS: Women, Bears and Mythology - with Kaarina Kailo
Goddess Talks is a short series of interviews with Goddess scholars and practitioners where we informally discuss all things ancient, sacred and divinely feminine. #goddesstalks #history #divinefeminine #herstory #bears #bear #myth #mythology Kaarino Kailo PhD, has worked in women's and cultural studies positions (professor, docent, lecturer) in Finland and Canada. She is a nonfiction writer, lect

Kybele - Mother of the Gods
From Anatolian mythology to her influence across Greek and Roman cultures, we'll uncover the fascinating world of Kybele. Join me, and let's journey into the ancient worship of Kybele "The Great Mother". In this episode we will unravel the mysteries surrounding this revered deity, delving into the rituals, sacrifices, and profound symbolism that defined her worship.▶️ TAKE A GODDESS COURSE WITH ME

The Labrys - Mystery of the Double Axe
Embark on an in-depth journey into the profound symbolism and intricate mysteries encapsulated within the Labrys, the emblematic double axe, and its intriguing link to the revered Butterfly Goddess of ancient Crete. This episode will meticulously unravel the historical, cultural, and mythological implications surrounding these enigmatic symbols, shedding light on their profound resonance within th

Bleeding For The Gods - Magic and Sacrifice
Join me on a fascinating journey through time as we uncover the secrets, rituals, and beliefs surrounding blood sacrifice in various ancient civilizations, from the Neolithic to the Romans. Delve into the reasons behind this ancient tradition and its profound significance in these diverse societies.🔍 Discover the origins and evolution of blood sacrifice.🌍 Explore the rich tapestry of cultures that

GODDESS TALKS: Dianic Wicca and Women's Rites - with Ruth Barrett
Ruth Barrett is an ordained Dianic high priestess, a seasoned ritualist, teacher and author, dedicated to the propagation of Women’s Magick and Mysteries. Her critically acclaimed Women’s Rites, Women’s Mysteries: Intuitive Ritual Creation – Expanded 3rd edition was re-published in 2018 by Tidal Time Publishing. Her website is: https://www.guardiansofthegrove.org/In 1997 she was honoured as recipi

All The Ways Apollo Sucks!
Apollo has always been the 'frat boy' of the Olympic Pantheon. Privileged, arrogant and constantly needing to be the centre of attention, his transgressions make him the most repugnant of Greek gods (yes, even more so the Zeus, his father). Don't believe me? Let's talk about all the ways Apollo sucks, and see what you think. #sungod #greekmythology #apolloandartemis #apollosucks #archaeology #gree

Inanna/Ishtar - She Who Wants All The Things
Step into the mystical world of ancient Mesopotamia as we embark on a mesmerizing journey to unravel the captivating tale of Inanna, the powerful and multifaceted goddess. In this enchanting episode of THE GODDESS PROJECT, we dive deep into the rich mythology and symbolism surrounding Inanna, a deity whose influence spans thousands of years and continues to captivate our imaginations.Join our host

GAY GODS OF GREECE - Artemis
Artemis has always had 'big lesbian energy'. As Goddess of the Hunt, she walked freely in men's spaces, and demanded that no men be in her domain. Join me for this short series in honour of Pride Month 2023 and let's talk about the intimate relationships of Artemis and her besties, and all the ways she loved the company of women #artemis #diana #myth #greekmythology #ancientgreece #iphigenia #sayg

Light in the Darkness - Goddesses with Torches
Much remains unsaid about the power of those who bring light to the darkness. In this episode we dive into the worship and rituals of Goddesses who carry torches. We will discuss Hestia Goddess of the Hearth, as well as Vesta, Goddess of the flame. We will then look at a rare Triad of Goddesses: Hecate, Artemis and Selene, the Holy Trinity of Goddesses who are all depicted carying a torch. Finally

GAY GODS OF GREECE - Poseidon and Pelops
Poseidon, god of the sea and horses, (also known as Neptune to the Romans) was the epitome of Olympic masculinity. Often the poster boy for heteronormative desires and conquests, this big bad man also fell in love with one of the most infamous princes in Greek history: Pelops. Join me for this short series in honour of Pride Month 2023 and let's talk about Pelops story and all the ways Poseidon lo

GAY GODS OF GREECE: The Amazons
Amazon Warrior women were infamous among the Greeks for being notoriously independent, athletic and unapologetic. But what were they doing in their down time? While we know they love getting tattoos, smoking pot and dropping off unwanted male babies in the nearest village, we don't know much about their intimate and personal lives. Join me for this short series in honour of Pride Month 2023 and le

Ancient Maenads - The Last of the Wild Women
#greekmythology #maenad #dionysus Maenads were the "raving" wild women of the Ancient Greek and Roman world. Or were they? So much that has been shared about the ecstatic rites of Dionysius was written by ancient male authors who never witnessed theses 'savage' festivals of wild women for themselves. So much of what we know about the Bacchants of the wine god was written as backlash in response to

GODDESS TALKS: Myth, Sex, and Historical Fiction - with Zenobia Neil
Goddess Talks is a short series of interviews with Goddess scholars and practitioners where we informally discuss all things ancient, sacred and divinely feminine. #goddesstalks #history #ariadne #fictionZenobia Neil was named after an ancient warrior queen who fought against the Romans. She writes historical fiction and historical fantasy from under-represented perspectives. Her debut novel PSYCH

GODDESS TALKS: The World of the Ancient Minoans - with Laura Perry
Ever wonder what the ancient Minoans were really like? Whether or not Ariadne and Theseus really fell in love? Join me in this conversation with Minoan expert Laura Perry, for a candid conversation. about Minoan life and traditions. #goddesstalksLaura Perry is a priestess and creator who works magic with words, paint, ink, music, textiles, and herbs. She is the founder and Temple Mom of Modern Min

Hera - The NOT So Nagging Wife
#greekmythology #hera #goddess How many stories of Hera, the nagging wife of Zeus have you heard? How many in which she is jealous and murderous, and out to cause havoc on Zeus' seductive exploits? Would it surprise you to learn that Hera is a much more ancient Goddess than all male gods in the Olympian pantheon? Her power was rooted in the fact that she could birth children without the help of a

GODDESS TALKS: Journeying with The Virgin Mary - with Mikki Baloy
Goddess Talks is a short series of interviews with Goddess scholars and practitioners where we informally discuss all things ancient, sacred and divinely feminine. #goddesstalksThis week I had the pleasure to talk to Mikki Baloy. Mikki has been practicing shamanic healing for over a decade. She has studied with shamans, ritual-keepers, and mystics from around the world, as well as with other teach

The Horned Goddess - Satanic or Divine?
#hornedgoddess #deergoddess #shahziasikander Inspired by the 'Satanic" accusations of Shahzia Sikander's gold horned goddess exhibition in NYC titled "Now" this episode dives into the history of ram gods and deer goddesses. How did these nature divinities become associated with Satan and devil worship? How were horn gods and antler goddess perceived in the past and why did they loose their wild an

GODDESS TALKS - PaGaian Cosmology and Goddess Religion with Dr. Glenys Livingstone
Goddess Talks is a short series of interviews with Goddess scholars and practitioners where we informally discuss all things ancient, sacred and divinely feminine.This week I had the pleasure to talk to Dr. Glenys Livingstone. Dr. Livingstone has been on a Goddess path since 1979. She is the author of "PaGaian Cosmology: Re-inventing Earth-based Goddess Religion," which fuses the indigenous tradit

Ariadne and Dionysus - Power Couple of the Ancient World
#ariadne #greekmythology #dionysus Ariadne and Dionysus (Ancient Greek Mythology) [S2. EP 1.] The story of Ariadne and Dionysus has long been the romantic tragedy of the Ancient World. What is Ariadne the Goddess of? How did Ariadne die? Did Dionysus cheat on Ariadne? Find out as we dive deep into Ancient Greek myth of Ariadne and Dionysus' true love story.▶️ TAKE A GODDESS COURSE WITH ME! ▶️ http

The Goddess Project Podcast - Season 1 Finale - Q&A
You asked, I answered :)) Not gonna lie, this episode felt so very personal but also so much fun answering all your questions about Artemis, life with the goddess, and how mythology is a living, breathing, entity we all continue to discover in our daily lives. Thank you for subscribing to my podcast and for being such a huge part of my motivation to build the ARTEMIS TEMPLE and centre for learning

Persephone - Queen of the Underworld
#persephone #greekmythology #queenoftheunderworld One of the most powerful divinities of the ancient world, Persephone is the queen of darkness and light. So fierce was her rule that the ancients refused to say her name out loud, and referred to her only as 'maiden' or 'mistress'. She ruled the souls of the dead and returned each spring to bring life. Abducted by Hades, and rescued by her Titan mo

Sirens and Mermaids - Songs of Death and Destruction
#littlemermaid #greekmythology #sirens #wildwomen How did the Greek sirens of old, half-bird half-maiden, become the mermaids of modern lore, half-fish, half-seductress? When did the shift between signing men to sleep and death become singing men to lust and fatherhood? Join me for this episode on sirens and mermaids and let's find the missing link between these fantastical creatures! (we'll also

The Blood is The Life - Secret Cults and Hidden Meanings of the Holy Grail
#holygrail The search for the Holy Grail has been the subject of secrecy, mystery and legend for well over 1000 years. Join me in this heated discussion of the truth around this Christian relic and its primordial and archaic ancestry. Let's dig thru Arthurian legend and lost battles of the Knights Templar and reveal the original source of power over life, death and salvation.▶️ TAKE A GODDESS COUR

Fortuna - May The Odds Be Ever in Your Favour
#fortune #luckfavoursthebrave How much of our lives is left to chance? When life got tough, or when things went supremely well, the Romans turned to their favourite goddess Fortuna to praise, or blame, for their fortunes. Her power over abundance, fate and the rise and fall of empires large and small was unchallenged. She was the gatekeeper of random failure and success, and as such, the most powe

Aphrodite - The Ultimate Femme Fatale
#aphrodite Why is beauty so frightening? Join in me looking at how Aphrodite defied all ancient gender norms and expectations of domesticity. A wife and mother unlike any other, the goddess of love and sex feared no one and let no one trap her in the expectations of her gender. While Aphrodite is most commonly known as Venus in the modern world, little is ever discussed about her tragic love affai

Nike: What's So Special About Victory?
#nike #victory What makes Nike so special? Why is she the only Greek goddess to keep her ancient role even in our modern world? Why does she have clones of herself called Nikai? Join me as we talk about one of the least talked about goddesses of the Olympian Pantheon. Nike is so much more than just victory, she is the embodiment of survival, the key to success, the epitome of winning!▶️ TAKE A GOD

Circe - The Witch That Could
#circe #witches What if I told you one of the greatest of Witches went without notice for millennia? What if I told you she was often dismissed as a charming seductress who trapped men on her tropical island? What if those men were turned into pigs, and satyrs, and werewolves and all kinds of beasties? Would you know this episode is about Circe? The witch that lived on her own island, grew her own

The Harpies and Furies - Screaming Women
**trigger warning - brief discussion of self-murder**The Harpies have long been depicted as screeching daemons, with half woman, half bird bodies. They are the hounds of Zeus when you piss him off, and Jove (Zeus) help you if you try to eat around them. The Furies are something even more frightening. They were goddess born before Zeus was even a blink in his mother's eye, and a ball of rock in his

Scylla and Charybdis - Insatiable Women
What happens when women want too much? Too much space, too much sex, too much food? They become monsters. Join me this week, and lets talk about how the insatiable appetites of women is frightening and horrific to ancient and modern heroes alike.▶️ TAKE A GODDESS COURSE WITH ME! ▶️ https://artemisexpert.disco.co GET MY BOOK! ▶️ https://www.amazon.com/She-Who-Hunts-... ▶️ABOUT THE BOOK: She Who Hun

Empusas and Lamias - Women Who Devour
#vampirewomen What's more frightening than a beautiful woman seducing you into a false sense of love and security and rips out your heart and eats it right in front of you!! Yeah, thats frightening :) But is there more to the story than we have been led to believe? Join me in this discussion of women who devour men, children, and bleeding hearts!▶️ TAKE A GODDESS COURSE WITH ME! ▶️ https://artemis

The Sphinx - The Original "Riddler"
#sphinx #mysteries The Sphinx stands at the gateway of temples, pyramids and even the Vatican. She is the keeper of mysteries and the protector of the gods. She is the embodiment of the term "knowledge is power". Join me in this revealing discussion of why and how the Sphinx was thrown off her perch of power, and learn who stood to gain from her demise.▶️ TAKE A GODDESS COURSE WITH ME! ▶️ https://

Medusa Misunderstood
#scarywomen Medusa has been one of the most 'misunderstood' figures of ancient mythology. Often represented as a 'monster' she has suffered thru centuries of defamation and contempt. Join me as we look back at Medusa's original story, her true purpose and her modern resurrection as a symbol of protection and knowledge.▶️ TAKE A GODDESS COURSE WITH ME! ▶️ https://artemisexpert.disco.co GET MY BOOK!

Snake Goddesses - Mothers, Oracles and Prophets
#oracles From Ananke to the Pythia, to Eve, snake knowledge has always been central to women's power and wisdom. In this episode we discuss how that power was initially celebrated, then ostracized and eventually destroyed. Join me and let's talk about how serpent goddesses played a key role in the development of human history and continue to be a part of our collective unconscious.▶️ TAKE A GODDES

Serpents of Old - Gods of Myth and Religion (part 1)
#snakewisdom From Ningishzida, to Ladon, to Nehushtan, come join me in this fascinating adventure down the rabbit... umm, snake hole? In this first part of what has quickly become a trilogy on serpent lore, we discuss ancient snake cults of immortality, salvation and altered states of consciousness.▶️ TAKE A GODDESS COURSE WITH ME! ▶️ https://artemisexpert.disco.co GET MY BOOK! ▶️ https://www.amaz

Pubic Triangles and Blood Rituals – The ‘Icky’ Power of Ancient Women
#caves Triangles have always been a tool of power and mystery. From prehistoric cave art, and hand sculpted figurines, the pubic triangle, the 'original' geometric shape, has fascinated archeologists and anthropologists for centuries.In addition, Egyptologists have come up with several answers to the question, 'why triangular pyramids?' using myth and modern interpretations of the symbolic meaning

The Womb of the Earth - Exploring the Symbolism of Caves
#wombwisdom What is it about caves that have held us in metaphysical awe for more than 70,000 years? Why is it that every major spiritual leader in history, Buddha, Jesus, Mohammed, has found revelation and resurrection in caves? We enter a different realm when we descend into caves, and our discovery of self in darkness is only made more significant as we make our ascent back to the 'real' world.

Artemis - She Who Hunts, and Kills
#artemis The version of the Greek Artemis has long been a thorn in my side. As I collected more and more stories of a goddess that can be as vicious as she is caring, and as vengeful as she is protective, I realized early on that she was being purposely overlooked as a powerful divinity of righteous rage and dark vengeance. She is very clearly a goddess who kills without a second thought — a merce

Isis - Goddess of Resurrection and Salvation
#egyptianmythology Isis, the Queen of Heaven has been too long forgotten. In this episode we discuss at length, the magical powers, festivals and ancestral origins of She who resurrects the dead, and offers salvation to the living. As the most influential goddess of Egypt, and much of the ancient world, Isis has long been ignored by scholars and story tellers outside Egyptian history. It is time w

Demeter and Persephone - Angry Mothers, Stolen Daughters
#mothersanddaughters The myth of Demeter and Persephone is one of the most powerful stories of the ancient world. Join me as we talk mothers and daughters, abduction and deceit, burning babies and all the ways this myth continues to be applicable to our modern lives!▶️ TAKE A GODDESS COURSE WITH ME! ▶️ https://artemisexpert.disco.co GET MY BOOK! ▶️ https://www.amazon.com/She-Who-Hunts-... ▶️ABOUT

Lilith - No Means No!
#lilith This episode is an informal discussion of Lilith the Queen of the Night! According to scholars no other goddess has ever achieved as fantastic a career as Lilith, who's mythological highlights include 4 legendary birth stories, denying Adam sexual gratification, becoming the Queen of Demons as the bride of Samael the demon King, and finally ending up as one of the most infamous female char
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