Exploring the Dark Goddess

Name: Exploring the Dark Goddess
Rating: 4.9 (20 reviews)

Using Myth to meet the Shadow Self

Created byFrances Billinghurst

Last updated 5/2026

English

What you'll learn

Who is the Dark Goddess and what makes a Goddess a "Dark" Goddess.
Identify various categories of Dark Goddesses found within mythology.
Learn about the popular concept of the Triple Goddess and the moon, and where the Dark Goddess fits.
The possible origins of our rejection of the sacred mysteries governed by the Dark Goddess.
An introduction to the concept of "shadow" and "shadow work" as it is found within Jungian psychology.
Understand what is meant by "spiritual by-passing".
Explore the sacred myths and associations of Dark Goddesses from Wales, western Africa and ancient Mesopotamia.
Learn how to connect with the Dark Goddess in order to gain a deeper insight into challenges in your own life.
Meet the Dark Goddess, or an aspect of her, through a powerful meditation.
Gain insight into a personal practice with the Hindu Dark Goddess, Kali.
Bonus Self Care Meditation

Course content

8 sections • 14 lectures • 3h 28m total length

Introduction12:29
This introductory video provides background to who your tutor is and their own interest in working with the Dark Goddess.

The Dark Goddess within Mythology25:22
The Dark Goddess is often associated with the Underworld, death and cemeteries. However, when looking at the myths, there are many other categories that her various aspects can fall into. In the Resource section is a handout about the various categories of Dark Goddesses.
The Triple Goddess, the Moon and the Dark Goddess8:11
Within modern paganism and Goddess spirituality, the Triple Goddess (maiden, mother and crone) is associated with the moon. Where, then, does the Dark Goddess fit into this?

Spiritual Bypassing7:14
A brief explanation as to what "spiritual bypassing" is about and why we ought to embody our emotions instead of ignoring them.
The Welsh Goddess Cerridwen7:11
From the Mabinogi (a collection of medieval Welsh stories) comes Cerridwen, the Keeper of the Cauldron of birth and Dark Goddess of transformation. In the Resource section are links to stories and accounts about working with Cerridwen.
Working with Cerridwen22:09
Having been introduced to Cerridwen, now is the time to meet her.
The West African Goddess Oya5:19
Originating from western Africa, Oya is an extremely powerful orisha and guardian of the sacred realm between life and death. In the Resource section are links to additional information about Oya.
Ereshkigal, the Sumerian Queen of the Great Below8:28
More commonly seen as the tormentor of Inanna, the Queen of Heaven, there is more to Ereshkigal, and the reasons behind Inanna's descent, than what is often discussed. In the Resource section is a link to the "Descent of Ishtar" myth.
Meeting the Queen of the Great Below21:41
Having been introduced to Ereshkigal, now is the time to meet her.

Requirements

An interest in mythology.
An interest in self-healing or self-improvement at a deeper soul level.
An open and curious mind.

Description

What does the word "dark" mean to you?

Do you think of something that is evil and frightening? Or are you filled with awe and wonder?

If the concept of "Goddess" means "divine feminine", what then is a "Dark Goddess"?

Can something that is "divine" also be "evil and frightening"?

Within mythology there are certain goddesses, aspects of the divine feminine, who seem to taunt or challenge us mere mortals, reminding us of our failings and our own mortality. They are depicted as being sexually alluring temptresses, evil hags residing in the darkness forests or deep the Underworld, or worse, destroying mothers. These Dark Goddesses can haunt our dreams, bring chaos to our organised lives, or even push us to our limits.

Yet, there is more to them than that.

When we connect with the Dark Goddess, or the various aspects from mythology that fall under this title, we find that they can offer us comfort from a world of pain, and a place of much needed rest to heal and replenish our soul.

If we are brave enough to step through the veil and pass their initiations, they bestow sacred gifts upon us - the gifts of understanding the light that is contained within our own darkness, our "shadow".

These Dark Goddesses help us to "get real" in an ever-increasing world filled with superficial layerings.

Their teachings may appear harsh, yet their love is fierce and deep.

Are you brave enough to step through the veil into the realm of the Dark Goddess?

Are you able to prove yourself worthy of their sacred teachings?

Are you ready to open your own Pandora's Box and expose your failings?

Are you able to accept that precious gem hidden deep within your soul?

Who this course is for:

This course is for anyone curious in learning about the “darker” aspect of the Divine Feminine depicted in various mythologies from around the world.
This course is for anyone interested in analysing the sacred myth with the view to revealing possible deeper meanings.
This course is for anyone interested in learning how to connect with their shadow or hidden aspects of self through understanding mythology and sacred stories.
This course is for anyone seeking ways to better understand their own selves through finding meaning in the experiences that they may have had gone through in order to gain an understanding of the strength or power that such experiences can bring.
This course is for anyone who feels the need to become "whole" in a world that is focused largely only on the "light".
This course is for anyone wishing to establish a personal relationship with aspects of the Dark Goddess in order to undertake inner healing.
This course is for anyone regardless of how they identify as - it is for men, women, non-binary - everyone. The Dark Goddess does not discriminate.

Exploring the Dark Goddess

What you'll learn

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Course content

Introduction1 lecture • 12min

Who is the Dark Goddess?2 lectures • 34min

Rejection of the Dark Goddess1 lecture • 15min

Entering the Shadow1 lecture • 9min

Meet the Dark Goddess1 lecture • 23min