The Goddess Project

The Goddess Project

by Carla Ionescu
HistoryReligion & Spirituality
Season 4
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 modern spiritual practice. We also touch on the sacred site of Lagina in Turkey, one of the most important ancient centres of Hekate worship. This is a conversation that moves between scholarship, lived experience, and the evolving presence of the goddess in the modern world. About Sorita d’Este: Sorita d’Este is an author, researcher, and international lecturer specializing in magic, mythology, and the study of ancient deities, with a particular focus on Hekate. With over 30 years of experience, her work brings together historical sources, esoteric traditions, and contemporary devotional practice. She is the founder of the Covenant of Hekate, an international community devoted to the goddess, and the creator of the Rite of Her Sacred Fires, a global ritual held annually in Hekate’s honor. Sorita is also the director of Avalonia Books, an independent publishing house dedicated to esoteric and magical studies. Her publications include Circle for Hekate, Hekate: Liminal Rites, and several influential edited volumes that have shaped modern engagement with goddess traditions. Find Sorita here: Website: https://www.soritadeste.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MeetingInTheCircle Avalonia Books: https://www.avaloniabooks.com Hekate Workshop: Lagina, Turkey If you felt inspired by our discussion, I am hosting a live workshop on Hekate at Lagina on Saturday, March 21st. This session will explore the archaeology, ritual practices, and historical significance of one of the most important sanctuary sites dedicated to Hekate in the ancient world. We will go deeper into the material, context, and lived experience of the goddess in this sacred space. Register here: https://www.artemisresearchcentre.com/event-details/hecate-at-lagina-cult-temple-and-sacred-authority #Hekate #Hecate #GoddessTalks #GoddessProject #AncientReligion #GoddessStudies #SacredFeminine #WomenInHistory #Mythology #EsotericStudies #PaganStudies #GreekReligion #HekateLagina #SpiritualHistory #PodcastInterview #WomenScholars #ModernPaganism #GoddessWork #HekateDevotion
S4 · E403
Mar 20, 2026
1:44:04
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 reliefs, this is the deeper story behind the goddess of the wild. This is not the softened “nature goddess” version. This is the original framework of female sovereignty over wilderness, danger, and survival. If Artemis has ever felt older or more powerful than the version you were taught, this episode will change how you see her. Topics Covered • What “Mistress of Animals” really means • The Bronze Age origins of the motif • Inanna and lion imagery • Anatolian rock relief goddesses • Artemis Agrotera and wild land • Why modern museums mislabel her • How this ancient grammar of power survives into Greek religion 🌿 Join the Mistress of Animals Course If this episode sparks something in you, we begin a full six week deep dive inside the Mistress of Animals course at the Artemis Research Center. 🗓 February 21 – March 22 🕰 12–2 pm EST / 5–7 pm UK / 9–11 am PST 📍 Live on Zoom This is a six week live seminar exploring: • Primary texts and inscriptions • Bronze Age seal stones and reliefs • Near Eastern parallels • Greek cult and epithets • Sanctuary geography and ritual • The transition into Artemis Two options are available: ✔ Live participation with discussion and Q&A ✔ Recording access only This is not a survey course. It is a structured, evidence based investigation of one of the most enduring and misunderstood goddess traditions in the ancient Mediterranean. Course link:https://www.artemisresearchcentre.com/challenge-page/f54cd7ab-6c2a-4a0e-85e3-de2cd7f1b68b?programId=f54cd7ab-6c2a-4a0e-85e3-de2cd7f1b68b About Dr. Carla Ionescu Dr. Carla Ionescu is a historian of ancient Mediterranean religions and the founder of the Artemis Research Center. She is the author of She Who Hunts and the newly released She Who Endures: The Cult and Iconography of Artemis of Ephesus. Her work focuses on goddess traditions, material culture, and the long continuity of female divine power across the Mediterranean world. 📚 New book: She Who Endures available now 🌿 Artemis Research Center https://www.artemisresearchcentre.com/ 📝 Substack: In Search of Artemis https://artemisexpert.substack.com/ 📷 Instagram / TikTok / YouTube: @artemisexpert If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe and leave a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts.
S4 · E402
Feb 13, 2026
1:02:27
Before Homer: Enheduanna, Inanna, and the First Voice in World Literature
🎙️ The Goddess Project Podcast is back After 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 Exaltation of Inanna, one of the earliest autobiographical texts ever written. We look closely at themes of sacred authority, gendered violence, exile from power, divine justice, and why a woman’s voice was preserved in the literary tradition over four thousand years ago. This episode takes a feminist, historical, and archaeological approach, grounding Enheduanna’s story in primary sources while asking why her words still matter today. If you’re interested in ancient goddesses, women’s history, mythology, archaeology, or the deep roots of women’s voices in religious tradition, this episode is for you. ✨ This is the first new episode of The Goddess Project in over a year, and I am so excited to be back. 📚 New book by Dr. Carla Ionescu She Who Endures: The Cult and Iconography of Artemis of Ephesus Available now. This book explores Artemis of Ephesus through archaeology, iconography, and ancient religious practice. https://a.co/d/g1Tve5s 🔗 Learn more and explore my research Artemis Research Centre: https://artemisresearchcentre.com 📸 Follow along on social media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artemisexpert YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@goddessproject Substack: https://artemisexpert.substack.com 🎧 Topics covered in this episode • Enheduanna and the first literary “I” • Inanna, female divine power, and sovereignty • Sacred authority and women in ancient temples • Gendered violence in ancient texts • Why Enheduanna’s voice survived 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and share. 💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. #Enheduanna #Inanna #TheGoddessProject #WomenInHistory #AncientGoddesses #FeministHistory #AncientReligion #MythologyPodcast #Artemis #SheWhoEndures
S4 · E401
Jan 9, 2026
1:13:10
Season 3
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 goddess spirituality, personal empowerment, and the global shift toward a more compassionate and just world. 🎙️ TOPICS COVERED • Sacred Feminism & the Rise of the Divine Feminine • Deconstructing patriarchal systems through goddess consciousness • Personal healing, political transformation, and spiritual activism • How honouring the Goddess can reshape our future ✨ ABOUT KAREN TATE Karen is a thought leader in the women's spirituality movement, creator of the long-running Voices of the Sacred Feminine podcast, and author of 7 influential books on goddess culture and spiritual liberation. 🔗 Explore Karen Tate’s work 🌐 Website: https://www.karentate.net 📚 Books: https://www.karentate.net/books 🆕 Normalizing Abuse: https://www.karentate.net/books 👇 LIKE | COMMENT | SUBSCRIBE | SHARE 👇 💖 If you're passionate about goddesses, ancient wisdom, and reclaiming spiritual power, this is your space. 📢 Share this episode with friends ready to embrace the sacred feminine and change the world. 📺 Subscribe for more goddess wisdom: 👉 The Goddess Project Podcast #GoddessProject #KarenTate #DivineFeminine #SacredFeminine #GoddessTalks #FeministSpirituality #GoddessPodcast #WomenEmpowerment #GoddessAwakening #HealingTheFeminine #KarenTateInterview #SpiritualFeminism #WomensWisdom #ReclaimTheGoddess
S3 · E305
Apr 1, 2025
1:26:52
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, but is that really the full story? Could this statue represent Ishtar the powerful Mesopotamian goddess of love, war, and divine femininity rather than a figure of humiliation? Join us as we challenge the patriarchal lens that has distorted history and reclaim the true legacy of ancient goddesses. Topics Covered in This Episode: - The Assyrian nude statue & its controversial museum interpretation - Zainab Bahrani’s feminist analysis of female representation in Mesopotamian art - Eroticism, power, and divinity in Mesopotamian culture - Colleen Heslin’s powerful open letter challenging the British Museum’s framing of the statue, read it here: https://colleenheslin.com/project_pages/2016_LastWoman.html - How Western academia has erased the strength of ancient goddesses Sacred Steps: Exploring Artemis’ Lost Temples – A Fundraiser for The Artemis Mapping Project Join me, on a three-part online lecture series as we journey through Artemis’ lost sanctuaries, uncovering their mythology, rituals, and historical significance through exclusive on-site footage, archaeological research, and ancient texts. This fundraiser supports Phase 3 of The Artemis Mapping Project, where I’ll be accessing locked archaeological sites, restricted museum archives, and remote sacred locations to document, preserve, and share Artemis’ sacred spaces before they are lost to time. 💻 Live on Zoom | Sign up for all three lectures 🔗 https://artemisresearchcentre.com/artemis-temples-and-sanctuaries/ 📌 Can’t attend live? No worries! A recording will be sent within 24 hours. What do you think? Do you believe this statue was meant to mock a woman or celebrate divine femininity? Drop your thoughts in the comments! #ReclaimTheGoddess #Ishtar #AncientHistory #WomenInHistory #FeministArchaeology #BritishMuseum #ArtemisResearch #MuseumBias #AncientMysteries #GoddessPower #SacredFeminine 🚀 SUBSCRIBE & hit the 🔔 to never miss an episode uncovering the lost goddesses of history!
S3 · E304
Mar 14, 2025
1:06:26
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 into the Minoan pantheon, their lost gods and goddesses, and their influence on later traditions. 🔹 Was Dionysus originally a Minoan god before the Greeks transformed him? 🔹 What was the true meaning of the bull in Minoan religion? 🔹 Did the Mycenaeans erase or absorb Minoan deities after their conquest of Crete? Laura shares insights from her upcoming book, Pantheon: The Minoans, as well as Tales from the Labyrinth, a collection of modern Minoan myths. We also discuss her work with Ariadne’s Tribe, a growing community dedicated to reviving Minoan spiritual traditions in a way that speaks to modern practitioners. This episode bridges archaeology, mythology, and spiritual practice—don’t miss it! 📖 More about Laura Perry: Laura Perry is a leading expert on Minoan spirituality, dedicated to reconstructing the beliefs and practices of ancient Crete. She has written extensively on the topic, helping modern practitioners reconnect with the lost spiritual traditions of the Minoans. 🔗 Explore Laura’s Work: 🌍 Website: https://www.lauraperryauthor.com/ 📚 Preorder Pantheon: The Minoans → https://www.lauraperryauthor.com/pantheon-the-minoans 📖 Tales from the Labyrinth (Modern Minoan Myths) → https://www.lauraperryauthor.com/tales-from-the-labyrinth 🌀 Join Ariadne’s Tribe (Minoan Spiritual Community) → https://ariadnestribe.com/ 📜 Read Laura’s Paper on the Minoan Snake-Horns Mystery → https://www.academia.edu/122367863/The_Secret_Identity_of_the_Minoan_Snake_Horns_Neither_Snakes_nor_Horns 🎙 Subscribe & Listen to The Goddess Project Podcast! #GoddessTalks #MinoanPantheon #Minotaur #Dionysus #MinoanMysteries #MycenaeanDNA #AncientGods #GreekMythology #AriadnesTribe
S3 · E303
Feb 21, 2025
1:27:35
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 healing temples, and the significance of her symbols, including the serpent and the bowl, which remain in medical iconography today. We’ll examine how her worship influenced ancient healing practices and how her legacy persists in modern ideas of hygiene and disease prevention. We also discuss the deeper spiritual aspects of Hygieia’s role, her presence in ancient rituals, and how she can be integrated into contemporary wellness practices. Whether you're interested in mythology, ancient medicine, or sacred feminine archetypes, this episode offers a fascinating look at one of history’s most important yet often overlooked goddesses. 🔔 Don’t forget to follow The Goddess Project for more episodes on ancient goddesses, mythology, and the divine feminine across cultures. Other Links You’ll Love: ✨ She Who Hunts Book: Discover the power of Artemis and her connection to untamed femininity. Grab your copy now: https://artemisresearchcentre.com/writing-books/ ✨ New Course: Frozen Realms, Inner Fires: Explore the transformative power of winter goddesses in this new 8-week online course. Enroll today: https://artemisexpert.disco.co/p/frozen-realms-inner-fires-the-goddesses-of-winter-transformation/register
S3 · E302
Feb 7, 2025
1:13:14
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," and use it as a force for liberation. This episode is a rallying cry for anyone ready to stand boldly in their truth, unapologetically free and unbound. About Dr. Carla Ionescu: Dr. Carla Ionescu is an ancient historian, mythologist, and the founder of The Artemis Centre. With over 12 years of research experience, Carla explores the intersection of ancient mythology and modern struggles, empowering people through the transformative stories of goddesses. She is also the author of She Who Hunts, a comprehensive exploration of Artemis and her enduring legacy. Other Links You’ll Love: ✨ She Who Hunts Book: Discover the power of Artemis and her connection to untamed femininity. Grab your copy now: https://artemisresearchcentre.com/wri... ✨ New Course: Frozen Realms, Inner Fires: Explore the transformative power of winter goddesses in this new 8-week online course. Enroll today: https://artemisexpert.disco.co/p/froz... Closing Thought: The Gorgons teach us that power comes from within, beauty is in our authenticity, and freedom belongs to those who dare to be unapologetically themselves. Join us as we celebrate their legacy and rediscover our own strength in the face of adversity.
S3 · E301
Jan 30, 2025
1:17:12
Season 2
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 narratives through a spiritual and eco-feminist lens. Laura Hirch (*1987) is a conscious filmmaker, journalist, artist, and scholar of ancient herstory and matriarchal research. Her projects, including the independent docu-series From the Goddess, focus on themes of women's wisdom, herstory, healing, spirituality, and art, aiming to highlight the sacred roles of women in society and challenge patriarchal narratives. Based in Munich and Berlin, she blends her spiritual and eco-feminist perspectives into her creative endeavors. Be sure to listen for the inside scoop on From the Goddess, Laura’s creative process, and how she blends her spiritual perspectives into filmmaking. 👉 Check out Laura Hirch’s documentary series From the Goddess https://vimeo.com/ondemand/fromthegoddessdocuseries/ 👉 Visit our website for more https://www.womenbodiment.com/news2 👉Laura's film IG German https://www.instagram.com/womenbodiment_dt?igsh=MWZ0cDI5OWhiY3Z5aQ== 👉Laura's film IG English https://www.instagram.com/womenbodiment_engl?igsh=bTB2aHFjOHVnenFn 👉Fb https://www.facebook.com/WOMENBODIMENT New Courses at The Artemis Centre! We’re excited to announce two upcoming online courses starting October 5th at The Artemis Centre. Artemis: The Great Huntress – Dive into the myth, history, and symbolism of Artemis, the powerful goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and independence. Explore how her archetype is still relevant today for those seeking personal strength and connection to nature. Join us here, use SAVE30 to save $30 when you sign up: https://artemisexpert.disco.co/p/the-great-huntress---a-goddess-for-the-modern-world---workshop---copy/register Redeeming the Goddess – In this 8-week course, we explore the forgotten stories of six incredible goddesses: Inanna, Hekate, Cybele, Athena, Anat, and Sekhmet. Together, we’ll uncover their erased histories, challenge modern perceptions, and reclaim their powerful legacies. Join us here, use SAVE30 to save $30 when you sign up: https://artemisexpert.disco.co/p/redeeming-the-goddess---fall-2024-online-course/register 👉 Join us at The Artemis Centre https://artemisexpert.disco.co/home #TheGoddessProject #GoddessTalks #LauraHirch #FromTheGoddess #WomenbodimentFilms #ArtemisCentre #RedeemingTheGoddess #DivineFeminine #GoddessWisdom #FeminineEmpowerment #EcoFeminism #AncientGoddesses #ArtemisTheGreatHuntress #MatriarchalResearch #WomenInFilm #GoddessDocumentary #SpiritualFeminism
S2 · E222
Sep 27, 2024
59:22
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 this captivating journey through ancient mythology! ▶️SUPPORT THE GODDESS PROJECT PODCAST! PATREON ▶️ / goddessproject 📖 GET MY BOOK! ▶️ https://artemisresearchcentre.com/writing-books/ ▶️ABOUT THE BOOK: She Who Hunts by Dr. Carla Ionescu SHE WHO HUNTS explores the ancient Greek Goddess Artemis through myths, history, legends, and folklore, with vivid and detailed archeological and historical evidence showing that rather than just a simple "maiden" Goddess or "virgin in the woods", ARTEMIS was one of the most prevalent and influential goddesses of the Mediterranean, playing a fundamental role in the communal, political and ritual development of the Greco-Roman world. Dr. Ionescu’s work is a labour of love and research, born out of her long-standing certainty that Artemis was the most prevalent and influential goddess of the Mediterranean. ▶️COME JOIN ME! WEBSITE: https://artemisresearchcentre.com/ NEWSLETTER: https://artemisresearchcentre.com/new... ▶️FOLLOW▶️ Let's Get Social! YOUTUBE: / @goddessproject TWITTER: / thegoddessproj4 INSTAGRAM: / goddessproject TIKTOK: / artemisexpert FACEBOOK: / artemisexpert EMAIL: info@artemisresearchcentre.com ▶️ABOUT DR. CARLA IONESCU (Artemis Expert) _____________________________________________________ ▶️DR. CARLA IONESCU is the ArtemisExpert with a Ph.D. in Ancient History/Humanities. As one of the leading experts in the worship and ritual of Artemis, Dr. Ionescu spends most of her time teaching in the field of Ancient History and Women's Studies, and during the summers digging through the remains of grave sites, ruins, and abandoned buildings, trying to uncover the long lost mystery that is Artemis, The Great Mother.
S2 · E221
Aug 3, 2024
1:30:51
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