Persian mother goddess, Anahita

This day is sacred to the ancient Persian mother goddess, Anahita. She was the goddess of all the waters...rivers, streams, lakes, and the sea, as well as the life-giving fluids of mankind, such as semen and mother's milk. Rivers and lakes were sacred to her, as they were thought to be the waters of birth. She is depicted as a beautiful young woman with full breasts. She is dressed in golden robes complete with jewels and a halo crown. One of the earliest of the great mothers, Her titles include Golden Mother and Immaculate One. Anahita originated in Babylon, traveled throughout Asia Minor, Egypt, and India. She was identified with the planet Venus and was possibly descended from Ishtar, the chief goddess of the region in the pre-lndo-European era. Anahita was also the patroness of women and the goddess of war who rides in a chariot drawn by four white horses. Along with Mithra and Verethragna, She lost much of Her power during Zoroastrian period but She did not completely disappear. May Ahura Mazda be rejoiced!.... Ashem Vohu: Holiness is the best of all good.... I confess myself a worshipper of Mazda, a follower of Zarathushtra, one who hates the Daevas and obeys the laws of Ahura; For sacrifice, prayer, propitiation, and glorification unto [Hawan], the holy and master of holiness.... Unto the good Waters, made by Mazda; unto the holy water-spring ARDVI ANAHITA; unto all waters, made by Mazda; unto all plants, made by Mazda, Be propitiation, with sacrifice, prayer, propitiation, and glorification. Yatha ahu vairyo: The will of the Lord is the law of holiness....