“Someone to Share My Nightmares” Weekend: Cryptids, Spirits, and Deities Associated with Love and Romance
Cryptids, Spirits, and Deities Associated with Love and Romance
All around the world, humans have worshipped and revered gods, spirits, cryptids and creatures who rule over lust, love, and sexuality. Today we’re diving into some of those spiritual figureheads in honor of the latest collection of dark romance stories by Sonora Taylor, Someone to Share My Nightmares. Some of these beings have tragic stories of love lost and becoming overwhelmed by passion and love, others are messengers and dream guides promoting romance, good fortune, and balance. Either way it’s very clear that love is certainly a unifying quality in humanity no matter where you are on the globe!
Kapre (South Asian) - This South Asian tree-dwelling cryptid comes from the Philippines and towers above humans at a height of 7 to 10 feet tall. The Kapre are often male, and can be seen wearing a traditional Filipino loincloth, carrying a small stone on its person, and is said to have a belt of invisibility that shields it from humans. These cryptids are not vengeful, but they are tricksters and pranksters, often entertained by disorienting humans in their natural surroundings. Should you encounter a Kapre and befriend it, and come into possession of its magical stone, it will grant your wishes. Kapres are a friendly lot, and will often choose to make themselves known to humans, especially women. If you have been befriended by this cryptid, or perhaps even romanced by it, it may allow itself to be seen by your peers if you choose to sit in its lap. If the Kapre has fallen in love with someone, it is dutifully devoted to the object of its affection and will follow them throughout their lives.
Xochiquetzal (Aztec) - This Aztec goddess of beauty, love, fertility and pregnancy, sexuality, as well as flowers and plants. She is usually depicted as a vibrant young woman often surrounded by florals. She was highly regarded by her devoted followers, and every eight years they would pay tribute to the goddess with a feast. It is said that she was the wife of rain god Tlaloc, but was kidnapped by Tezcatlipoca and forced into a marriage with the god of the night. It is also believed she is the mother of serpent god Quetzalcoatl.
Chlíodhna (Celtic/Irish) - The daughter of Sea God Manaan, often referred to as the Queen of the Fairies or Queen of the Banshees, this Irish deity is the goddess of love and beauty, as well as the patron spirit of County Cork. She was said to be the most beautiful woman to grace this green earth. Chlíodhna was known for being stingy with her love, and keeping her emotions locked away inside, until she encountered Ciabahn, the most handsome man on earth. Chlíodhna is represented by sea birds and the ocean.
Hu Tianbao (China) - This spirit from China is considered a minor god of homosexual love and marriage. Hu Tianbao once walked the earth as a human as a soldier in the 17th century, but was beaten to death after spying on an attractive man who worked for the government in the Qing dynasty. Being so moved by his death and his tragic, unrequited love, the Gods deemed him worthy of a second chance and brought him back to life one month later in the form of a young rabbit. He is not to be confused with Tu’Er Ye, the rabbit on the moon.
Freyja (Norse) - This devious, greedy, jealous Norse Goddess is associated with love, fertility, battle, and death. She often rides throughout the world on a chariot led by cats. Freyja was the Queen of Folkvangar, an afterlife for half of the heroes slain in battle, residents of which she chose herself. She was vicious, jealous, and often credited with teaching witchcraft to humans as well as the Aesir, a tribe of gods, an act which the Norse people viewed as evil. Freyja spent much of her time traveling to the ends of the earth searching for her husband who frequently went missing, and it is said that she shed tears of red gold along her journeys.
Rati (Hindu) - As the wife and assistant of Kamadeva or Manmatha, the god of love who rides a chariot of parrots and uses love arrows to inspire passion in both humans and gods, it is no surprise Rati is revered as the goddess of carnal desires, lust, passion, and sexual pleasures. She is believed to be the cause of the god Brahma’s death, who killed himself after falling in love with and lusting over her, and in response she also took her own life, but the pair were resurrected by fellow gods to live again. She is so associated with arousal and lust, many sexual positions bear her name. Rati can be seen riding on horseback like a queen. Together, she and Kamadeva represent balance in marriage, perfect love, harmony, and conjugal relationships.
Dolphins (Greek) - In Greek Mythology, these creatures are associated with Delphi and Aphrodite, and represent love, harmony, peace, and joy. Sailors often see them as a sign of luck, as the dolphins lovingly guide them to safety. You will often find them carved into spears or tridents as a symbol of safety and guidance. Dolphins are also considered messengers of love, and are the chosen transport of Aphrodite. They also symbolize teamwork, cooperation, and playfulness, all traits attributed to healthy romantic relationships. Dreaming of dolphins can symbolize connection with others, and the ability to explore and navigate your emotions well. They are believed to be guiding you along your spiritual path in the right direction of personal, spiritual, and emotional growth.
Ladybugs (Celtic/Irish) - These iconic and ubiquitous red insects are associated with love, affection and romance. Legend has it that after you catch a ladybug and release it, this spiritual messenger bug will whisper your name into the ears of your lover and give you good fortune in love. They are often connected with love and prosperity, and thanks to their red hue are associated with passion, amorous behavior, and adoration. It is believed if a ladybug lands on you that you will have much luck and good fortune, and, should make a wish, when the ladybug flies away, your wish will be granted as she’s carried it off to the heavens. If they appear to you in your dreams, however, this could mean you’ll be encountering some challenges such as money problems, loss, or headed to a tumultuous time in your life.
By Ellen Avigliano
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