Shadira

Shadira is an earth goddess, patron of carnal love and desire. Like her mother Anasara, Shadira is strongly associated with sex, but while Anasara embodies procreation, the family, and responsibility, Shadira represents pure pleasure, free from obligations or commitments. As such, Shadira is ever at odds with her mother, and many myths depict the struggle between them as they strive to sway mortals' choices between freedom and obligation.

Shadira is also known as the Eater of Impurities. Once in a lifetime, a person may confess her worst deeds and sins to Shadira, holding back nothing. In return, the confessor receives absolution; no impurity or defilement is too great to be forgiven. In this role, Shadira is sometimes portrayed as a consort of Thehlal.

Shadira is often portrayed as a horrible, devouring catlike figure, yet she is also honored for being a creator, and a goddess who sets things in motion. She is sometimes pictured as four sisters (the four ages of woman) who are present at the crossroads of one's life.

Sacred animal: leopard

Associated colors: gold, dark brown