Tanit, the mythology behind the fertility…
With its African, Phoenician, Arab and Catalonian heritage, Ibiza has always been know as a great centre of mystery and healing, dedicated to Tanit – the great African goddess. There are many traces of this dedication all over the island… It is said Tanit brings life, fertility, purification, healing, breath and magnetic flow – and also death and resurrection. She was of the stars, and the Romans called Her Juno Celeste. And this can hardly be argued when the island is so rich in olive groves, vineyards, almonds, figs, orange and lemon groves and seas abundant with fish. In fact, the rich green pine forests them (and the island namesake which means ‘land of the pines’.
The city of Evissa itself came about when red-tinted water appeared one day and flowed to a hill. The people took this as a sign from Tanit, the water Her sacred menstrual flow, and they built Eivissa on that hill. The essence and spirit of the Goddess were believed to dwell in the waters, and omens for the future were spoken by underground springs, that miraculously sprang forth from the womb of Mother Earth. The new city was born with Her blessing.
Tanit is the mother of the waters in all its forms, and there are many wells and fountains with medicinal waters on Ibiza. There was singing and dancing by the fountains and outlets of rivers at certain times of the year. There are many sources of water in the pine-covered hills. The singing and dancing continues…. from the parties and the clubs to the sacred and healing dances, like within Walk in Beauty retreat, being held here in Ibiza this Easter. Explore the mythology and feel the rhythms of Tanit and her empowering goddess energies.