Gods and goddesses of wealth have been an integral part of world mythology for centuries. From the Hindu goddess Lakshmi to the Greek god Plutus, many cultures have worshipped deities associated with wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. These gods and goddesses are often depicted with symbols of wealth, such as gold coins or overflowing cornucopias.
In Hinduism, Lakshmi is one of the most widely worshipped goddesses and is known as the goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. She is believed to bring good luck, success, and happiness to those who honour her. In Greek mythology, Plutus was the god of wealth and was often associated with agriculture and the harvest. He was depicted as a blindfolded child carrying a cornucopia overflowing with riches.
The worship of gods and goddesses of wealth is not limited to Hinduism and Greek mythology. Many other cultures have their own deities associated with wealth and prosperity. In Chinese mythology, Caishen is the god of wealth and is often depicted carrying a gold ingot or a scroll with the Chinese character for “wealth”. In Norse mythology, the goddess Freyja was associated with fertility, love, and wealth.
Ancient Greek Wealth Deities
Plutus
In Greek mythology, Plutus was the god of wealth and abundance. He was often depicted as a blindfolded child holding a cornucopia, which symbolizes the abundance of riches he brings. Plutus was believed to be the son of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, and Iasion, a mortal hero.
Plutus was highly revered by the ancient Greeks, who believed that he could bring great prosperity to those who worshiped him. He was often associated with the god of the underworld, Hades, who was also believed to have control over the wealth of the earth.
Tyche
Tyche was the Greek goddess of fortune and prosperity. She was often depicted holding a cornucopia, which symbolizes the abundance of riches she brings. Tyche was also associated with the wheel of fortune, which represented the ever-changing nature of wealth and prosperity.
The ancient Greeks believed that Tyche could bring good luck and fortune to those who worshiped her. She was often depicted as a beautiful woman with a crown of stars, representing her divine nature. Tyche was also associated with the goddess Nemesis, who was believed to bring punishment to those who were too greedy or ambitious.
Overall, the ancient Greek wealth deities were highly revered by the ancient Greeks, who believed that they could bring great prosperity and fortune to those who worshiped them. Plutus and Tyche were two of the most important wealth deities in Greek mythology, and they continue to be celebrated by people around the world today.
Hindu Gods and Goddesses of Prosperity
Lakshmi
Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. She is the consort of Vishnu, one of the three main gods in Hinduism. Lakshmi is often depicted with four arms, holding a lotus flower, a conch shell, a pot of gold, and making the mudra of blessings. She is said to bring good luck and wealth to those who worship her.
In Hindu mythology, Lakshmi is associated with beauty, fertility, and good fortune. She is believed to have been born from the churning of the ocean of milk and is often depicted with a lotus flower, which symbolizes purity and enlightenment. Lakshmi is also associated with the festival of Diwali, which celebrates the victory of light over darkness.
Kubera
Kubera is the Hindu god of wealth and the king of Yakshas, a type of nature spirit. He is often depicted with a pot of gold, a club, and a mongoose. Kubera is believed to be a guardian of the North and is associated with the element of earth.
In Hindu mythology, Kubera is said to have been the treasurer of the gods and the ruler of the city of Alaka. He is often depicted as a fat, jolly man with a big belly, symbolizing his wealth and abundance. Kubera is also associated with the festival of Diwali and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who worship him.
Norse Mythology: Abundance and Fortune
Norse mythology is rich with gods and goddesses who are associated with wealth, abundance, and fortune. Two of the most prominent figures in this regard are Njord and Freyja.
Njord
Njord is a god of the sea, wind, and fishing. He is also associated with wealth and prosperity, and is often depicted as a wealthy and powerful figure. Njord is said to have the power to calm the seas and bring good fortune to sailors and fishermen. He is also associated with the harvest and is said to bring abundance to the land.
Freyja
Freyja is a goddess of love, fertility, and war. She is also associated with wealth and prosperity, and is often depicted wearing a necklace made of gold. Freyja is said to have the power to bring wealth and abundance to those who worship her, and is often invoked by merchants and traders. She is also associated with the harvest and is said to bring fertility to the land.
Overall, Njord and Freyja are two of the most important figures in Norse mythology when it comes to wealth, abundance, and fortune. Their stories and legends continue to inspire people today, and their influence can be seen in many aspects of modern culture.
Roman Pantheon and Wealth
The ancient Romans had a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses, many of whom were associated with wealth and prosperity. Two such deities were Abundantia and Moneta.
Abundantia
Abundantia was the goddess of abundance and prosperity, often depicted holding a cornucopia overflowing with fruits, grains, and coins. She was associated with the abundance of all things, including wealth, and was often invoked by those seeking financial success. Abundantia was also closely associated with the harvest, and offerings were made to her during harvest festivals.
Moneta
Moneta was the goddess of money and the mint, responsible for overseeing the production of coins. Her name is the origin of the word “money,” and she was often depicted holding scales and a cornucopia overflowing with coins. Moneta was also associated with prophecy and foresight, and her temple served as a repository for important documents and records.
The worship of these deities, along with other gods and goddesses associated with wealth and prosperity, was an important part of Roman religious life. The Romans believed that by honoring these deities, they could ensure financial success and prosperity in their lives.
Egyptian Deities of Resources
Egyptian mythology is rich with deities that represent various aspects of life, including wealth and resources. Two such deities are Renenutet and Hapi.
Renenutet
Renenutet was the goddess of harvest, fertility, and abundance. She was often depicted as a cobra or a woman with a snake’s head. Renenutet was believed to bless the crops with her divine presence, ensuring a bountiful harvest. She was also associated with the concept of time and was sometimes depicted holding an ankh, the symbol of eternal life.
Hapi
Hapi was the god of the Nile River, which was the lifeblood of ancient Egypt. He was often depicted as a portly man with a beard, carrying offerings of food and water. Hapi was believed to control the annual flooding of the Nile, which was essential for the fertility of the land. He was also associated with the concept of abundance and was sometimes depicted holding a cornucopia, overflowing with food and riches.
In summary, Renenutet and Hapi were two important deities in ancient Egyptian mythology that represented wealth and resources. They were worshipped for their ability to bless the land with abundance and ensure a bountiful harvest.
Chinese Mythology: Gods of Wealth
Caishen
In Chinese mythology, Caishen is the God of Wealth, and he is widely celebrated for bestowing prosperity and abundance upon his followers. He is often depicted as a wealthy man seated in a silk robe holding riches in both hands. Caishen is believed to be the patron of merchants and traders, and his statue can be seen in businesses run by Chinese merchants all around the world.
During the two-week New Year celebration, incense is burned in Caishen’s temple, especially on the fifth day of the festival, which is considered his birthday. This is believed to bring good luck and fortune to the devotees who visit his temple.
Bi Gan
Bi Gan is another god of wealth in Chinese mythology. He is known for his generosity and kindness towards the poor and needy. Bi Gan is often depicted holding a bag of gold and silver, which he uses to help those in need.
According to legend, Bi Gan was a minister of the Shang Dynasty, who was executed by the tyrant King Zhou. However, his spirit continued to help the people even after his death. Bi Gan is still revered by the Chinese people today, and his statue can be found in many temples and shrines across China.
In conclusion, Chinese mythology has many gods and goddesses of wealth, but Caishen and Bi Gan are among the most popular ones. Their stories and legends offer insights into the Chinese culture and beliefs, and their statues and temples continue to attract devotees from all over the world.
African Spirits of Riches
African mythology is rich with stories and legends of deities and spirits associated with wealth and prosperity. In this section, we will explore two such spirits – Olokun and Aje – and their roles in African mythology.
Olokun
Olokun is a spirit in Yoruba mythology, associated with the sea and wealth. According to legend, Olokun was the first to discover the wealth hidden in the depths of the ocean. As such, he is considered the god of wealth and prosperity. Olokun is often depicted as a mermaid or a sea serpent, and his followers believe that he can bring them riches if they offer him the appropriate sacrifices.
Aje
In Yoruba mythology, Aje is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman wearing a crown and holding a bag of money. Aje is believed to have the power to bring prosperity to those who offer her the appropriate sacrifices. Her followers often perform rituals and offer her gifts in the hopes of gaining her favor.
In conclusion, African mythology is full of deities and spirits associated with wealth and prosperity. Olokun and Aje are just two examples of the many spirits that are revered in African culture for their ability to bring riches to those who honor them.
Aztec Beliefs in Prosperity
The Aztec civilization had a complex pantheon of gods and goddesses, with many deities associated with wealth and prosperity. Here are two of the most prominent ones:
Tezcatlipoca
Tezcatlipoca was one of the most important gods in the Aztec pantheon, associated with many aspects of life, including wealth and prosperity. He was often depicted as a jaguar, and was believed to have the power to see into the hearts of men and women. Tezcatlipoca was also associated with sorcery, and was believed to have the power to grant great wealth to those who pleased him.
Chantico
Chantico was the Aztec goddess of hearth fires and wealth, and was often depicted wearing a red mask. She was believed to be a protector of the home, and was associated with the idea of abundance and prosperity. Chantico was also associated with the Aztec festival of Xocotl Huetzi, which celebrated the harvest and the abundance of the earth.
The Aztec civilization had a complex and fascinating mythology, with many gods and goddesses associated with wealth and prosperity. While Tezcatlipoca and Chantico were just two of the many deities in the Aztec pantheon, they were both important figures who were believed to have the power to bring great wealth and abundance to those who worshipped them.
Celtic Deities and Prosperity
The Celts had a rich mythology full of gods and goddesses, many of whom were associated with prosperity and abundance. Two such deities were Abnoba and Rosmerta.
Abnoba
Abnoba was a goddess of the hunt and the forest, but she was also associated with wealth and prosperity. She was often depicted carrying a cornucopia, a symbol of abundance and plenty. Abnoba was worshipped throughout the Celtic world, but particularly in the Black Forest region of Germany.
Rosmerta
Rosmerta was a prominent figure in Celtic mythology, known as the deity of abundance, fertility, and prosperity. Her worship spanned across Gaul, the British Isles, and various regions of Celtic Europe. Associated with therapeutic springs, she enjoyed great popularity in Gloucester. Rosmerta was often depicted carrying a basket of fruit or a cornucopia, symbols of prosperity and abundance.
Both Abnoba and Rosmerta were revered by the Celts for their ability to bring wealth and prosperity. Their images were often used in amulets and talismans, and their names invoked in spells and incantations. Today, their legacies live on in the folklore and mythology of the Celtic people.