I was very saddened to learn of the recent death of Abby Willowroot. Abby was an extraordinary and prolific artist whose many designs, in particular her "Spiral Goddess" became icons throughout the Neo-Pagan world, so much so that many are generic today, and few know they originated with Abby Willowroot and her pioneering exploration of ancient symbols.
Abby was a philosopher and organizer as well as an artist, and the founder of an international project called The Goddess 2000 Project. Hundreds of women and men around not only the U.S. but around the world created art, poetry, and rituals dedicated to "the Goddess with 10,000 names" to be shared as we approached the year 2000, the new Millenium. I myself organized a Spiral Dance ritual, with the help of 20 Collaborators, which was presented at the Unitarian Church here in Tucson in October of 2000, as my contribution to the Goddess 2000 Project.
And not least, Abby was my friend. I remember we met at Harbin Hot Springs, during one of the festivals there. We both smoked, and so we found ourselves in the small smoking area again and again, and of course conversations ensued. In 2000 we went to Bali, and had the adventure of a lifetime in that beautiful island. I'm glad that I was able to talk Abby into going, and that is how and where I'll best remember her.
Goodbye Abby. I know you missed your husband Tom - surely he is there with you now. And I know you are dancing among the Goddesses you served so faithfully, the Goddesses your art and life brought to so many of us. Thank you seems too small a word.
Abby was a philosopher and organizer as well as an artist, and the founder of an international project called The Goddess 2000 Project. Hundreds of women and men around not only the U.S. but around the world created art, poetry, and rituals dedicated to "the Goddess with 10,000 names" to be shared as we approached the year 2000, the new Millenium. I myself organized a Spiral Dance ritual, with the help of 20 Collaborators, which was presented at the Unitarian Church here in Tucson in October of 2000, as my contribution to the Goddess 2000 Project.
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| "Weaving" from The Spiral Dance, Unitarian Church, Oct. 27, 2000, as part of the Goddess 2000 Project. |
Goodbye Abby. I know you missed your husband Tom - surely he is there with you now. And I know you are dancing among the Goddesses you served so faithfully, the Goddesses your art and life brought to so many of us. Thank you seems too small a word.
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| Me, Nyoman, and Abby in Ubud, Bali in 2000. |
What is the Goddess 2000 Project?
With the motto "A Goddess on Every Block!" The Goddess 2000 Project is "A Grass-roots Goddess Art Project." All over the world pagan groups, circles, and solitary folks are making Goddess statues, painting Goddess images, and building labyrinths and other projects in preparation for the new Millenia. The next thousand years belong to the Goddess, lets make Her feel Welcome by putting a Goddess image on every block in America, and thousands more around the world!
Some projects that are being made as part of the Goddess 2000 Project include: Statues made in wood, plaster, concrete, clay, paper-mache, textiles and metal. Paintings of all kinds of paint. Some people are making Goddess Collages, Quilts, Banners Murals, and Labyrinths. Smaller pieces are also being made by many folks. Ideas for projects are endless. Many of the Goddess pieces are for public display and many are being displayed only in people's homes and in their gardens.
Anyone can make Goddess Art, you don't need to be an artist. If you love the Goddess, you will honor Her with whatever you make.
......Abby Willowroot
