ARIADNE
(Mythic - Greek)

Ariadne at Naxos

Ariadne is identified as an early Moon Goddess. She was worshiped as a cult on ancient Greek Islands long before Zeus was established as a deity.

Ariadne holds the spool of golden thread which she had given to Thesus. He used the thread to find his way out of the labyrinth after he had killed the Minotour. Because she conspired against her father, King Minos, Thesus said he would take her to Athens; however, he left her alone on Naxos.

SYMBOLS

1. Blue and red columns - Religious significance represents the Great Mother. Palace at Knossos.

2. Border design - Fresco at Knossos -- 1500 BC.

3. Hair - Mycenean -- 1300 BC.

4. Gown - 8th Century BC -- worn by Snake Goddesses of Crete.

5. Octopus - Cretan, late Minoan -- 1600-1500 BC.

6. Swallows, Dolphin - Cretan, late Minoan -- 1600-1500 BC.

7. Gold spiral - Amorgos, Geometric Period -- 800 BC.

8. Flower design - Queen's Megarian, Palace at Knossos.

9. Grapes - Late Bronze Age -- 1600-1500 BC; portends Dionysus who joined with her later while on Naxos.