This is a rudimentary translation of articles from my book “Goddess Culture in Israel“. While it is far from ideal, it serves a purpose given the significance of the topic and the distinctiveness of the information contained. I have chosen to publish it in its current state, with the hope that a more refined translation will be available in the future.

introduction – Time of the Goddess

This book marks the beginning of a six-part series exploring spiritual traditions and sacred sites in Israel. Often described as a microcosm of human history and culture, particularly in the context of the Western world, this assertion holds merit. The earliest expressions of spirituality and religiosity in the land of Israel were linked to the worship of the “Great Mother,” or the Goddess, signifying an era dominated by Goddess spirituality and culture. This period, characterized by matriarchal societies, spanned thousands of years in prehistory. The Great Mother Goddess is credited with teaching humans to construct dwellings, found villages, and advance agriculture.

Recent archaeological excavations have unearthed increasingly astonishing evidence of a Goddess culture and society that thrived in Israel during prehistoric times, spanning thousands of years. This narrative reveals a largely untold story of what could be described as a human golden age, a period devoid of warfare, wealth accumulation, or the exploitation and enslavement of others. Instead, it was marked by cooperation, fraternal bonds among people, and a harmonious relationship between human societies and the natural world. The Goddess culture emerged with the dawn of the agricultural revolution, around 11,000 years ago, and persisted until the onset of recorded history and the rise of the first urban settlements in Israel, along with the well-documented kingdoms of Sumer and Egypt, about 5,000 years ago.

Throughout this extensive period, Israel was home to Goddess cultures that revered Mother earth, held crafts, art, and human habitation in high esteem, and worshipped nature. They possessed a developed sense of spirituality, not religion in the later developed sense of a tool for control, but as an awareness of being part of something greater than oneself. These cultures believed in a compassionate web of love and connections encompassing all things.

To fully explore the Goddess Culture in Israel, this book is structured into three sections:

The initial section delves into the extensive period spanning from the appearance of Homo sapiens in its modern form (Cro-Magnon) around 40,000 years ago to the dawn of the agricultural revolution 11,000 years ago. This era was characterized by humans as hunter-gatherers, continuously traversing the land on a sacred journey that repeated year after year. For millennia, humans resided in caves for certain months and roamed the earth for the remainder, finding home in various places. During this time, humans developed a profound connection with the land, feeling an integral part of nature, yet also perceiving themselves as distinct.

Israel has been identified as one of the first locations where humans, both early forms such as Homo erectus and modern Homo sapiens, appeared outside of Africa. It is here that they learned to harness fire, construct tools, develop aspects of religion, and formulate language. Thus, the mystery of human origins can be traced back to Israel. For those seeking to delve into and connect with the genesis of humankind, Israel offers a rich tableau for exploration. Esteemed archaeologists and prehistoric researchers, driven by a quest to understand the essence of humanity and how it evolved to create the culture we share today, have scoured Israel for answers to these profound questions.

In the first part of the book, we’ll follow in the footsteps of early humans and explore some of the world’s most intriguing prehistoric sites: the Carmel Caves, the caves of Nahal Amud, Kezpa Cave near Nazareth, among others. Visiting these caves represents a sacred journey back to the womb, enabling a deep connection with the energies of Mother Earth.

The second part of the book delves into the era following the agricultural revolution, marking the emergence of a fully realized Goddess culture in Israel at the start of the Neolithic Period. This period was characterized by the shift to an agrarian lifestyle, settling in houses and villages instead of roaming and living in caves. This transformative phase was facilitated by the guidance, assistance, and blessings of Mother Earth. She was perceived as a benevolent figure bestowing her gifts upon humanity through her priestess sisters, who played pivotal roles in society. These priestesses were instrumental in domesticating plants and animals and advancing various crafts. They engaged with the land through song, dance, and rituals, fostering values of responsibility, respect, mindfulness, and care. The shamanic priestesses at the helm of society also cultivated abstract thought, art, aesthetics, and orchestrated the major annual rituals.

The second and third parts of the book cover the extensive 6,000 years of prehistory in Israel, a time dominated by Goddess cultures and segmented into three distinct eras. The initial period spans from the onset of agriculture in the 9th millennium BC to the 7th millennium BC. Following this, the golden age, stretching from the 7th to the 5th millennium BC, marked a full shift to agricultural practices, the introduction of pottery, advancements in animal husbandry, the establishment of extensive village networks and trade, along with a proliferation of Goddess figurines and rituals involving dance and music. The final period, leading up to the dawn of recorded history, corresponds to the Chalcolithic era from the 5th millennium BC. This era is notable for the development of metallurgy, the cultivation of secondary agricultural products, and the construction of a Megalithic network that further enriched the land.

In the second part of the book, we delve deeper into the first and second periods of the Goddess Culture, tracing from the dawn of agriculture up to the onset of the Chalcolithic age. We will explore both renowned and lesser-known sites, including Jericho, recognized as the world’s oldest settlement, the village of Sha’ar Hagolan, the Yarmukian Culture, and others, highlighting the rich tapestry of this era’s cultural and societal developments.

In the third part of the book, we will focus on the final phase of the Goddess culture, underscoring that it wasn’t a continuous civilization but rather various cultures that succeeded one another peacefully, each influenced by technological advancements like pottery and metallurgy. During this last phase of the Goddess culture, corresponding to the Chalcolithic period, a network of megaliths and sacred sites was constructed across the land.

In the third part, you will find a thorough and detailed exploration of the topic of megaliths, along with descriptions of the remarkable sites unearthed in Israel in recent years. Having researched and visited megalithic sites in England, Bulgaria, Greece, and various other locations globally, I can assert that Israel stands on equal footing in this regard, if not surpassing others. Indeed, Israel serves as a source of inspiration for many sites considered wonders of the world, including Stonehenge. Notably, Israel is home to stone circles that are both older and larger, and no less awe-inspiring.

This book is the culmination of many years of research, during which I authored several books about the manifestation of Goddess culture in various parts of the world. It has been incredibly fulfilling to “return home” and uncover similar, and in some cases even more remarkable, phenomena in the Land of Israel. The information presented is grounded in reputable archaeological and historical research. However, the essays reflect my personal insights. I propose a thesis through comparisons with other global sites, observations, and conclusions drawn from both my understanding and intuition. While you may not agree with everything, the aim is to stimulate thought and present the possibility of an alternative human existence—one that is peaceful and in harmony with nature. This book suggests that ancient societies were not as primitive as often perceived but possessed advanced spiritual beliefs and practices from which we can learn.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in neo-paganism, Goddess religion, and even witchcraft, both in Israel and globally. I embrace this trend and am open to exploring alternative theories, following in the footsteps of esteemed prehistoric scholars like Margaret Murray, Maria Gimbutas, and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. To truly grasp any concept, especially one as distinct as the mindset of the Goddess culture, it’s crucial to immerse oneself in its perspective. Meanwhile, I’ve endeavored to remain grounded, incorporating the latest research findings and drawing upon the insights of eminent experts such as Mircea Eliade and Dr. Michael Rappenglück. This approach ensures that the book is not merely a reflection of my personal views but is supported by credible academic research and authoritative opinions.

I hope this book will unveil new vistas of inspiration and hope, serve as a foundation for learning, and ignite thought and imagination. It aims to enhance the relationship between humans, animals, plants, and nature, honor the crafts, and contribute to the revival of sacred time and place. The book intends to foster and promote values of responsibility, mindfulness, and collaboration, ultimately connecting us more deeply with each other and with the Goddess.

Epilogue – Disappearance of the Goddess Culture

Around 5,000 years ago, there was a significant shift from village life to urban living in large cities with populations in the thousands. This transition brought about social stratification, role specialization, the emergence of temples and palaces, and the development of economies, trade, education, and organized religions. This move marked a departure from the village lifestyle, where individuals largely cultivated their own food and lived in a state of relative equality and cooperation, maintaining a strong connection to nature and living in harmony with the seasonal cycles.

For 6,000 years, man was intimately connected to his natural environment, to Mother Earth. He was attuned to the cycles of spring and autumn, winter and summer, engaging daily with animals and plants. Even though many were domesticated, there remained a shared existence with the animal and plant kingdoms. The wild realms of nature were just beyond his doorstep, and he ventured into these sacred spaces to welcome and honor the sunrise and moonrise, to gaze upon and contemplate the stars that shone brightly in the night sky. The trees stood undisturbed, streams flowed freely, and the lands remained fertile. While there might have been occasional overhunting of certain species, the ecological systems largely remained intact.

Humans adhered to natural cycles, sowing in sorrow and reaping in joy, leading to a society that was harmonious and largely free of unnecessary conflict. The values of vigilance, responsibility, and awareness were cultivated, with leadership often held by priestesses who revered the crafts, offered counsel, and possessed foresight. The Great Goddess dominated various facets of human life, particularly those concerning birth, fertility, and death. Sexuality was considered sacred, as were the arts—music, dance, painting, pottery, sculpture, weaving, spinning, and, later on, the crafting of jewelry and copper items.

As the era of the Goddess drew to a close, settlements in the Land of Israel reached their zenith, with hundreds of communities thriving in areas later deemed uninhabitable, like the Negev and the Golan. Monumental megalithic structures, such as Rujum Hiri or Gal Jethro, were erected through the collective and harmonious efforts of people from across the region. Pilgrimages were made to various sacred sites, including the temple at Ein Gedi, amidst a blossoming of art and creativity, and the development of both national and international trade. During this time, wars were absent, allowing people to generally enjoy peace and prosperity.

What led to the sudden shift from this ideal way of life? Why did the Goddess culture, which had flourished in prosperity, peace, and harmony in villages (some quite large) for thousands of years—resembling a kind of lost paradise—transition to the historical trajectory we recognize today, marked by the rise of large cities like Uruk in Sumer, Memphis in Egypt, and Beit Yerah and Arad in Israel?

The era of the Goddess falls into what is termed “Prehistory,” specifically the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods. Its end marks the dawn of recorded history around 5,000 years ago, signified by the advent of writing, the establishment of cities, the development of organized religions, and social institutions. The historical era is characterized by social stratification, specialization of professions, advancements in agriculture, the invention of the wheel and the cart, and the creation and use of bronze—a durable metal alloy of copper and tin. These innovations occurred concurrently and facilitated the formation of the first kingdoms at either end of the Fertile Crescent: Sumer in Mesopotamia and Egypt. This convergence of developments prompts the question: What triggered the simultaneous emergence of all these advancements?

The drive behind the onset of historical processes and the foundation of cities and kingdoms was essentially aimed at severing our symbiotic relationship with Mother Earth, redirecting us towards the creation of an artificial environment that connects us to the divine or, in other words, to the cosmos beyond our planet. The conclusion of prehistory signifies the end of the Goddess culture, an era characterized by harmony with nature and a religion focused on the Great Mother and the mysteries of the earth. The advent of history marks the era of the Gods’ appearance, a period where religion embraced magic as a part of everyday life, and sought the advancement of culture and society, the construction of cities and temples, to invoke and anchor divine forces on Earth.

These reflections are not about judging good or bad but describing a natural evolutionary process. Occasionally, there’s a yearning to return to our origins with the Goddess, to the cradle of our existence, to a period when we were in tune with the Great Mother, Earth. It is in this spirit that this book was penned. Indeed, there is much to glean from the era of the Goddess, and it is my hope that this book aids in rekindling our connection with her, albeit from a standpoint that is now more mature, seasoned, and consequently, enriched with love and appreciation.

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