The Egg, The Goddess, and Creation

As many observe the time of Easter in various regions around the world, I thought I’d share the legend—that is thought to have originated among Eastern Orthodox traditions—of why we have the colored Easter egg, along with brief descriptions of the egg’s symbolism among many ancient belief systems.

I enjoy the red egg legend because of its seeming simplicity, yet deep symbolism. The story goes that Mary Magdalene traveled to meet with Emperor Tiberius in order to decry Pilate’s cruelty toward Yeshua (Jesus) after his crucifixion. As she relayed the story of the crucifixion and resulting resurrection, she offered an egg as a symbol of Yeshua having broken free from death. Tiberius scoffed at her story, stating that Yeshua was as likely to resurrect from death as that egg in her hand was likely to turn red.

The egg in Mary Magdalene’s hand promptly turned red.

While the egg in this story is used to demonstrate Yeshua’s resurrection, the symbolism behind the egg is far older and was understood to be a symbol for creation itself in ancient traditions. In fact, Germanic goddesses (Ostara/Eostre) and Mesopotamian deities (Inanna/Ishtar) were also associated with eggs as symbols of fertility.

One of my personal favorites, the Egyptian goddess Isis, was said to have been born of a goose (Geb, symbolized by the earthly goose) and was associated with eggs and the ongoing cycle of fertility, among her many gloriously magical abilities. We never truly die as she demonstrated when she carefully brought her beloved Osiris back from death so that he would ultimately rule over the afterlife. Together, they achieved Ma’at, or cosmic balance and unity. The egg then became a symbol of the eternal cycle of birth, death, rebirth and was incorporated in tombs, such as the egg-filled nest in Tutankhamen’s resting place.

Among its numerous aspects, the egg is a great symbol of how thin the veil is, and that death is temporary. As we gestate within the egg, or womb, we are provided with all that we need in order to grow and flourish within its confines. We are knit together both in mind and spirit while nestled within the safety of the dark womb. When the time comes, we emerge fully formed and our first gasp echoes the Breath of Creation and All That Is. When our bodies die, we re-enter the great womb where we prepare to be reborn in a beautiful cycle of life.

In fact, Tyet, the knot of Isis, was placed within the sarcophagus of rulers and nobility as both protection and as a reminder that the deceased would break free from the flimsy bonds of the sarcophagus in order to be reborn. Death, you see, was only an illusion. The knot was worn by her priestesses and followers as a symbol of the egg, as well as a reminder of the immortality that we hold inside of us. Our souls continue in the great vastness, and love binds us together as One.

To return to Mary Magdalene, she is often depicted as having worn this knot on her robes. Many of her followers understand that she would’ve studied and trained in the ancient practices of the goddess as an initiate. She is also featured with a book and skull, reminding us that the soul is eternal and that we are all part of the great cycle of creation as we ultimately strive to achieve mastery and full enlightenment.

So please embrace whatever aspect of this season that calls to you. Go for a walk in nature, hunt for Easter eggs, join loved ones in ceremony, enjoy the traditions that bring you connection and peace during this time.

Bask in the burgeoning and flourishing signs of new life and be reminded that you are an eternal being, you are worthy, and you are love incarnate.