The word Goddess conjures up images of lushness, beauty, and love. And as a conduit of divine feminine energy, Goddess energy in general carries elements of love and pleasure, most often embodied through specific Goddesses. Love goddesses exist in nearly all cultures, governing everything from fertility and sensuality to passion, beauty and romance.

Though these energies are available to us at all times, Valentine’s day is a beautiful time to connect with them. Whether you are partnered or not, read on below to discover more about a few of these love goddesses and when to call on them.

Inanna

The very ancient Sumerian Goddess of desire and procreation, Inanna can help connect you with your body and with the deepest, most powerful divine feminine energy. She also governs war and politics and is most often depicted surrounded by lions, giving her energy a fierce, primal edge. Connect with Inanna when you want to invoke raw power and sensual, unashamed pleasure, and elemental divine feminine energy.

Aphrodite

The greek goddess of love and passion is perhaps the most well known love Goddess. Associated with the planet Venus, she exudes harmony, beauty, and receptivity. Myth has it she was born of ocean foam, and as such has a strong connection to the fluidity of the ocean. Call on Aphrodite when you desire assistance embracing your own inner goddess, finding emotional balance, and feeling comfortable in your body.

Parvati

Parvati is the Hindu goddess of love and devotion. She embodies Shakti (divine feminine energy, and together with her partner Shiva (who embodies the divine masculine), they make up a balanced whole. She is almost always depicted adorned with luscious silks and gorgeous jewelry, as she also embodies the lushness and beauty of the feminine. In some traditions, she is worshiped in the form of the yoni, connecting her both to fertility and pleasure.Call on her when seeking to balance feminine and masculine energies, either in yourself or in a relationship.

Radha

The Hindu goddess of passionate devotion and worship, depicted in Indic texts as the partner of the god Krishna, governs wild passion and lust. Her love for Krishna endures through many obstacles, and it is said that the love between them is the purest form of love and devotion. Call on Radha to bring more ecstasy and enchantment into your relationship with yourself or a lover.

Freya

The Nordic earth Goddess of fertility and passion teaches us about the unabashed power of the wild feminine. The day Friday was named in her honor, which fits as Friday is a day of celebration and excitement. Freya encourages us to delight in our beauty and sensuality, and to fully enjoy our embodied experience. Call on her when you want assistance connecting with your sensuality and being fully receptive to joy and pleasure.

Mary Magdalene

Not a Goddess in the traditional sense, Mary Magdalene is a powerful ally for complete and unconditional self love. She embodies forgiveness, grace, and open heartedness, both towards the self and others. She can assist you with cultivate deeper trust and acceptance towards yourself.