Thus we can represent Her only by means of those epiphanies through which She manifests Herself to us in specific form.

The most perfect expression of Her is the beauty of woman; and of woman the most perfect expression is the Priestess. But the Priestess is not only the embodiment of the Goddess; she is a human woman separated from Her perfection by the Veil of her individual nature.

As a consequence of this dual nature of woman, the craftsman must make a definite indication of Her immediate Presence. We do this by means of the symbols that are sacred to Her: the dove, the serpent, the Double-Axe, and the Shrine of the Pillar.

These general principles of representation hold true whether you are working in bronze, clay, stone, or gem-stones. It is the presence of Her sacred forms that indicates Her presence. When representing the Priestess as Her embodiment, you will always include one or more of Her sacred forms.

The Shrine of the Pillar and the Double-Axe may be used to indicate Her Presence under any circumstances, just as a votive offering of a Double-Axe is always appropriate.

Though it is often forgotten, the Shrine of the Pillar is our representation of that Image-Not-Made-With-Hands in the caves of Dicte and Eileithyia. We worshipped Her in that image for a thousand years before we constructed the Pillar Shrines of the Palace. The Lesser Oracles may come from any Priestess possessed by Her Presence, but the Greater Oracles may come only from the Image-Not-Made-With-Hands.

Thus, the use of the Pillar Shrine in craftwork associates the work with Her aspect as Truth-sayer.

The use of the dove associates the work with Her aspects of Love and Beauty.

The use of the serpent associates the work with Her aspect as Mother and Nourisher of earthly life, as does the image of Her as Mistress of the Animals.

Only with a proper and clear understanding of those symbols that invoke Her Presence can the craftsman be assured of success.

Love Her, and trust that She loves you.