Connecting with the Goddess Lakshmi

Throughout history, in modern times, and across cultures, gods and goddesses have played key roles in people’s beliefs. They have been and are invoked in prayer and meditation to help a person receive wisdom and grace in the area overseen by the deity. This article, and ones that follow, will look at various deities, their roles, and how to invoke them as guides and benefactors. The deity for this article is Lakshmi. 

Who is Lakshmi? 

Firstly, according to the Goddesses and Sirens oracle description: 

Lakshmi is part of a living tradition, Hinduism, and so is worshiped by millions every day. In India, her biggest festival is that of Diwali, the festival of lights. Celebrants light oil lamps and candles in every home and business. The lights honor the goddess but also draw her to the place to give her blessing of prosperity. Everything is tidied and cleaned thoroughly, and the doors and windows to all the shops are left open, so that Lakshmi can visit and bring with her the energy of wealth and plenty. In the spirit of an abundant, fresh start, devotees wear new clothes, use new cooking dishes, and hold feasts following the goddess’ visit (99). 

Lakshmi is revered as a primary component of the Mother deity in Goddess-oriented Shaktism. Lakshmi is the wife of the Hindu god Vishnu, the Supreme Being of Vaishnavism, and the holy force (shakti) that helps Vishnu create, defend, and alter the cosmos. She is also the Supreme Goddess in the religion and supports Vishnu in creating, protecting, and transforming the universe. Lakshmi followed Vishnu as an avatar whenever he descended to the earth, for example, as Sita and Radha or Rukmini, the consorts of Vishnu’s incarnations Rama and Krishna, respectively. The Ashtalakshmi, Lakshmi’s eight main manifestations, represent the eight sources of prosperity. 

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A Modern Take 

So, here is her card in the deck, Goddesses and Sirens, by Stacey Demarco: 

More from the companion book: 

One of the most joyous goddess energies is that of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. Sitting upon a lotus, stunningly dressed in red, Lakshmi shines her golden light to anyone who reaches for a more love-filled and prosperous life (98) 

Should you need help attracting prosperity into your life – both spiritual and monetary – calm and serene Lakshmi is a wise choice to invoke and honor. When you are looking for more happiness, more joy, more health, more friends, and yes, even more money, Lakshmi can help – but remember, you still must work toward these things in positive ways and not just expect Lakshmi to drop them in your lap! (99). 

Her symbols include: the conch shell, the lotus, the color red, a shower of coins, waterfalls, elephants, Diwali, and the month of October (99). 

Why Invoke Lakshmi? 

You would choose to invoke Lakshmi for many reasons, including improvements with your health, increasing your wealth, and finding more joy in your life. She is also a goddess to invoke for more friendships, better relationships with your family members, and improved communication with your romantic partner. Due to her connection with Vishnu, she is a goddess of partnerships and the abundance that comes from working together. 

Lakshmi can also help when you need to increase your abundance, but you must be prepared to show her your effort to appreciate and use the gifts and energies she grants you. She is a goddess of the feminine divine, so also a deity to invoke, as a woman, when seeking guidance and support for children and the family. 

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Specific Request, Temporary Guide, Council Member 

All deities are available to us. Some may prove to be spiritual council members for us, while others serve as temporary guides, or best fulfill a specific request. 

Indeed, you can ask Lakshmi’s guidance for a specific request, such as, “Help me find the best way to promote my business.” Or, “Help me stay on a nutritious path that will give me better health.” If you decide to ask for a specific request and she is not a member of your council, then be sure to make a proper sacrifice or payment ahead of or during your request. You may honor her by purchasing a conch shell and gifting it to someone or buying a lotus and enjoying its beauty in your home. 

You can ask her to be a temporary guide through process involving the start of a business, the process of getting in shape, or building savings. She is adept at helping with any significant issues involving feminine concerns and processes. The greater the request, the greater the honor, so you would want to add coins to your altar, or buy a miniature fountain that imitates a waterfall. You could donate money to an elephant rescue program. 

To conclude, if you recognize that Lakshmi should be a member of your council, she will prefer to share her role with Vishnu as your council leader. In her mythology, she is well-known as his wife and consort. For women, she is an ideal goddess to include in your full-time spiritual council. 

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