Place of Origin:Ancient Near East, particularly Canaan and Phoenicia
Origin Date: Circa 1500 BCE - 1000 BCE
Domain: Fertility, love, war
Symbols: Star, lion, dove
Attributes:Fertility, love, war
Religion: Canaanite religion, Phoenician religion
Description
Astarte, also known as Ashtart or Athtart, is a prominent deity in Canaanite and Phoenician mythology, revered as the goddess of love, war, and fertility. She is often associated with the planet Venus and shares similarities with other ancient goddesses such as Ishtar (Mesopotamian), Inanna (Sumerian), and Aphrodite (Greek).
Astarte was widely worshipped across the ancient Near East, including in Ugarit, Sidon, and Tyre, and her influence extended to Egypt, where she was adopted as a war goddess and consort of Set. She is often depicted as a beautiful and powerful figure, sometimes riding a chariot drawn by horses or accompanied by lions, symbolizing her strength and dominion.
In her role as a goddess of war, Astarte was invoked for protection and victory in battle, while her association with love and fertility made her a central figure in rituals promoting prosperity and reproduction. Her worship often involved offerings, hymns, and sacred rites performed in her honor.
Astarte's legacy endures as a symbol of the divine feminine, embodying the duality of love and power. She remains a significant figure in the study of ancient religions and continues to inspire modern interpretations in art and spirituality.
Relations: El (father), Baal (consort in some myths)
Epithets: Ashtart, Ishtar
Equivalents: Greek: Aphrodite, Roman: Venus
Iconography:Depicted with symbols of fertility and war, often shown with a star or a lion
Worship Practices
Astarte was worshipped through rituals involving offerings of food, drink, and incense. Festivals celebrating fertility and martial prowess were common, and temples dedicated to Astarte were centers of both worship and community gatherings.
Narratives
Astarte and Baal (c. 1500 BCE)
Summary: Astarte is often depicted as the consort of Baal, the storm god. Together, they represent the duality of fertility and power. In this myth, Astarte supports Baal in his battles against Yam, the sea god, symbolizing the triumph of order over chaos.
Source: Smith, M. S. (1994). The Ugaritic Baal Cycle. Brill.
Astarte and the Horse (c. 1400 BCE)
Summary: Astarte is associated with horses and chariots, emphasizing her martial attributes. In this tale, she rides into battle alongside Baal, showcasing her strength and protective nature.
Source: Day, J. (2000). Yahweh and the Gods and Goddesses of Canaan. Sheffield Academic Press.
The Tale of Astarte and the Sea (c. 1300 BCE)
Summary: This story recounts Astarte's journey across the sea to establish her worship in foreign lands. Her travels symbolize her widespread influence and demonstrate her ability to transcend cultural boundaries.
Source: Smith, M. S. (1994). The Ugaritic Baal Cycle. Brill.
Astarte and the Dove (c. 1300 BCE)
Summary: Astarte is linked to the dove, symbolizing peace and beauty. This story highlights her dual nature as both a warrior and a nurturer, reflecting the balance between conflict and harmony.
Source: Pritchard, J. B. (1955). Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament. Princeton University Press.
Astarte in Egypt (c. 1200 BCE)
Summary: Astarte’s worship spreads to Egypt during the New Kingdom. She is adopted as a war deity and consort of Set, the god of chaos. This tale explores her integration into Egyptian mythology and her role in protecting the pharaohs.
Source: Redford, D. B. (1992). Egypt, Canaan, and Israel in Ancient Times. Princeton University Press.
Astarte and the Queen of Heaven (c. 1000 BCE)
Summary: Astarte is revered as the Queen of Heaven in Canaanite religion. This title reflects her supreme status among the gods and her influence over fertility, love, and war.
Source: King, P. J. (1988). Amos, Hosea, Micah: An Archaeological Commentary. Westminster John Knox Press.
Sacred Texts:Ugaritic texts, Phoenician inscriptions