Guided by the Goddess: Finnish Wheel of the Year

By: Niina Niskanen

Narrated by: Niina Niskanen

Finnish mythology is filled with stories from northern gods and goddesses, magical animals and feisty forest spirits. Finland was an agricultural society for hundreds of years and before that the inhabitants were hunter-gatherers. Our mythology and folktales are intertwined with the surrounding nature, clear lakes, northern lights and the forest, which was the home of all kinds of mysterious events. In this book you will become familiar with old Finnish gods and goddesses and ancient festivals. We will go through different deities that represent different seasons. All of these gods and goddesses have different messages for us and they can teach us valuable lessons, about ourselves, nature around us, and the universe.

Summer Solstice was the time to honor the thunder god Ukko, who brought the rain and life with him. This was the time to party and be merry. All kinds of spells and magic was performed during this magical day. The biggest festival of the year, however was the harvest festival Kekri. This was the time when the spirits and ghosts wondered among the living. Ancestors were remembered and they were invited to join the festivities. Many of the modern Finnish Christmas traditions, are in fact, based on the old Kekri celebration. In March when the earth woke up from it's sleep, the goddess Akka was celebrated. Spring equanox was known as matopäivä the day of the snakes. During this day, snakes woke up from hibernation and they danced to honor the earth goddess.

This book is perfect for anyone who is fascinated by history, folklore and old European cultures and anyone who is interested in magic, myth and lore. You will learn about ancient customs and traditions and how you can implement these teachings in your personal life.

Niina is a folklorist and mythology researcher. She has created multiple courses on her native Finnish folklore.

©2023 Niina Niskanen (P)2023 Niina Niskanen