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Ancient Goddesses in New York

An Online Guide to Discovering the Sacred Feminine in
Museums, Temples, and Public Places

The Sacred Elements at 195 Broadway

 

This Greek-influenced building boasts Doric columns and iconic desights akin to the Pantheon and the Temple of Artemis. It also features the four elements personified as two females and two males, and they look like goddesses and gods. 

 

The Element of Water Guards the Revolving Door

Photo: Laurie Sue Brockway/Goddess Communications

 

The building is a modern marvel with ancient Greek architecture and details. Deborah Greene wrote in Wanderlust that it brings "a piece of Athenian grandeur to the heart of New York City." The building's facade is blessed with in intricate friezes representing the four elements of nature. Honoring the elements brings spiritual balance. Personifying them as male and female, two of each, brings further harmony. Each of the four revolving doors has one of these divine figures. The order is male (air), female (earth), male (fire), females (water).

The Element of Water, a Goddess of the Sea

Photo: Laurie Sue Brockway/Goddess Communications

 

She is reminiscent of a sea goddess with her beautiful form gracing golden waters. She holds the ship in one hand and what looks like the trident of the god Posiden in the other hand. Her left leg is human but her right is part fish. Could she be modeled after Amphitrite, the beloved of Posiden who became his wife and goddess of the seas? Sometimes called a sea nymph, she was pictured as part human and part mermaid. Triton was their son and he was also seen with the Trident.

The Element of Earth, A Mother Goddess

Photo: Laurie Sue Brockway/Goddess Communications
 
The element of earth is represented by a bare-breasted female with a child behind her and a cornucopia beneath her arm, as if she is dispensing the abundance of the earth. She is surrounded by animals. She appeared to be am earthy goddess, or mother earth.

The Element of Air is a Winged Male

Photo: Laurie Sue Brockway/Goddess Communications
 
The element of Air is represented by a winged male who is surrounded by birds and seems to be blowing his breath in the form of wind in a container. He looks like an angel or divine being in the sky.

The Element of Fire is a Male Form Holding a Dragon

Photos: Laurie Sue Brockway/Goddess Communications
 
The element of fire is represented by a male surrounded by golden flames. He is holding a torch that seems to be the source of the flames. He also appears to have a small dragon in his arms.

A Spiritual Prayer to Use to Call in the Great Mother and the Elements

I call to the Great Mother and the Elements of the East. I honor the wind and the ancestors and ask that my dreams, goals, and intellect be blessed. Please inspire creativity.

 

I call the Great Mother and the Elements from of South. I honor fire and the ancestors and ask for help finding my truest passions. Please give me enthusiasm as I grow.

 

I call to the Great Mother and the Elements of the West. I honor water and ask to be cleansed and purified for my next steps. Please bless and stabilize my emotions and make me resilient.

 

I call to the Great Mother and the Elements of the North. I honor Mother Earth and pray to remain grounded with a strong foundation beneath me. Please help me find healing and wholeness in nature.

 

I call to the Spirits of above, below, and within. I pray for harmony and joy as I commit myself to following the call of my heart and soul and to the fulfillment of my true purpose. And so it is.

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