Astarte (goddess)

Astarte is an ancient Near Eastern goddess associated with love, war, and fertility. Worshiped in various cultures, including the Canaanites and Phoenicians, she often represents the duality of nurturing and destructive aspects of femininity. Her iconography frequently includes symbols like lions and doves, signifying strength and peace. Astarte is linked to the cycle of nature, particularly in agriculture, and her myths often reflect societal values around love and conflict. She is sometimes equated with other deities like Aphrodite in Greek mythology and is considered part of a wider pantheon of female deities in ancient religions.