This was originally posted on March 6, 2015
Goddess Tara is one of the oldest goddesses who is still worshipped extensively in modern times. Tara originated as a Hindu goddess, a Great Goddess or Mother Creator, she who represents the eternal life force that fuels all life. In Sanskrit, the name Tara means Star, but she was also called The Great Compassionate Mother and The Great Protectress.
A version of the Goddess Tara exists in most cultures. It is believed that she will assume as many forms on earth as she is needed by the people.
Adopted by Buddhism in the third century BCE, Tara came to be the most widely revered deity in the Tibetan pantheon. Not only is she a Tibetan Goddess, but she is considered a female Buddha; an enlightened one was has attained the highest wisdom, capability and compassion. One who is able to take human form and remain at one with every living thing.
The Celts called their Great Goddess Tara. Her name is thought to be the root of the word Tor, which is a mound of earth or hill imbued with spiritual energy or connection to the other worlds.
Her name is also echoed in the Latin word Terra, meaning earth; yet another connection between Tara and the idea of a “Mother Earth”.
The Goddess Tara is also associated with Kuan Yin, the great Chinese goddess of mercy compassion who is also another manifestation of Divine Mother.
There are many embodiments of Tara, but the best known are the White and Green Tara.
Green Tara is known for the activity of compassion. She is the consort of the Dhyani Buddha Amogasiddhi, and is incarnated in all good women. White Tara is also known for compassion, long life, healing and serenity. Red Tara is the fierce aspect associated with magnetizing all good things. While Black Tara is associated with power and Yellow Tara with wealth and prosperity.
In her numerous incarnations the goddess Tara has many gifts to share with modern women. She is an embodiment of the feminine strengths of deep care and compassion. She can offer support during stressful moments, helps to overcome obstacles and is a constant source of sustenance and protection. She is here to remind us of our “oneness” with all of creation and the importance of nurturing the spirit within.
My following painting of Green Tara is embodied as “Mother Earth”, she holds the earth gently and compassionately in her hands. New growth in the form of a tea leaf sprouts from the earth with the sacred red thread extending from the roots and into her hair which flows to her garment becoming the ocean – source of life. For me, she is a reminder to BE compassion and at one with the earth. She also came as a guide of peace and love on my continuing journey of transformation.
Om Shanti
I send peace for all human kind, peace for all living and non living beings,
peace for the universe, peace for each and every thing in this whole cosmic
manifestation.
feminismandreligion.com 
I have always loved this goddess but I didn’t know that “Her name is thought to be the root of the word Tor, which is a mound of earth or hill imbued with spiritual energy or connection to the other worlds” Both And…. oh we need her now..
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Like Sara, I was also surprised about Tara’s name being the root of the word Tor, which means I can now relate to her in my own Celtic culture. (I am British and live in Wales) I also love your artwork Jassy. I studied Tibetan Buddhist meditation and practice for about 8 years with a Lama and an experienced British teacher, in London, and whilst I loved the wisdom and practice I have to admit I never felt resonant with traditional Tibetan Buddhist iconography. I like this kind of personal imagery, it is so creative, and as a result of your art, I am prompted to focus on finding my own image of Tara. I can now see her in Glastonbury, a very sacred sight in England about an hour and 45 minutes drive from here, where there is a Tor. Thank you for your inspiration.
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