Name: Rachel Smith
Location: Chicago
Astrological Sign: Gemini
Occupation: I'm a visual artist (acrylic painting/ watercolor), a nature photographer, and seamstress!

Which Goddess or Goddess Archetype do you most identify with and why?

I most identify with two Goddesses: Yemaya and Oshun. Seeing how I have a deep connection to water and aquatic life, it's befitting that I would see myself in these two Goddesses. Yemaya is the mother of the ocean. She invokes these feelings of self-acceptance, unconditional love, and nurturing for all. While Oshun represents everything I am now. She is romance, healing, magick (witchcraft), and beauty. Yemaya is who I aspire to be, Oshun is my present. Although, I don't see myself gaining Yemaya's maternal instincts anytime soon, haha!

How do you get in touch with/unleash your inner goddess?

Locking myself in the bathroom and taking long hot showers. Being in water, just opens this door within me that allows for my healing to take place. I'm pretty big on rituals nowadays so lighting white or blue candles and burning incense helps set the mood for my goddess to unleash. I can sit in the water for hours, talking to myself. Yes, I totally talk to myself just like everyone else. But it's more like I am speaking with my Goddess, my guides,my oracles, my mermaids, who are essentially within me. During these times, I hear their voices as if they are my own thoughts and it brings me clarity.

What is your Goddess superpower?

That's so hard, but I'll have to go with healing. Emotional and verbal healing. I've always had this ability to say the right words during the right moments, and in turn activating this spark within the people who listen. A spark that opens up something within them that's been closed for so long. I don't think there's a word for it but being able to speak these magical words that could help others. It's all the work of my Goddesses, speaking through me I suppose!