Auseklis
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In Latvian mythology, Auseklis (derived from root aus - "dawn" or "orient" and Latvian: sēkla - "seed"[citation needed]) was a Latvian god, and the personification of the celestial body Venus. He is third most popular deity in Latvian mythology after Saule and Mēness, but is only mentioned in dainas and probably was invented by Krišjānis Barons.[citation needed]
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[edit] Auseklis as a god
Auseklis is closely associated with Mēness ("moon"). They both are Dieva dēli ("sons of God"), and are thus confused with each other and with other male deities. Auseklis is the groom of Saules meita ("daughter of the sun", Lithuanian Aušrinė). Few dainas suggest that Auseklis probably is too young to ride a horse, so respectively a horse for him is bought. However, it is said that "a son doesn't need it yet". It isn't clear if the word "son" refers Auseklis himself, his son, or the horse.
[edit] Auseklis as sign
An eight-pointed star, which became the symbol of the third Latvian National Awakening, is named Auseklis. It is also known as a cross of Lietuvēns (an evil spirit). The other symbol is the pentagram, which symbolizes Venus in other cultures. Thus, both signs could have been symbols of Auseklis, originally used for protection against evil spirits. Later, the pentagram became a symbol of evil spirits. Both signs had to be drawn without lifting the hand. The images to the right shows how to do it step-by-step.
[edit] References
- Latvijas Enciklopēdija, Rīga 2002, ISDN 9984-9482-0-X (1-8)
- Dainuskapis.lv
