The
Tenma Goddesses of Tibetan Buddhism
In Tibetan Buddhism, there are twelve Tenma, or guardian, goddesses,
who are subordinates of the "five sisters of long life," who,
in turn, are subordinate to Pelden Lhamo (Shridevi), the "sole mother"
and chief guardian goddess of the Tibetan Buddhist pantheon. All of these
are ancient Tibetan deities, predating Tibetan Buddhism but bound to it
through various means, including subjugation.
The five sisters and most of the Tenma are mountain goddesses; six of the Tenma act as guardians of narrow mountain ledges.
"According to the instructions of Tibetan ritual works, the worship of this group of guardian goddesses should be carried out at a lonely but pleasant spot, preferably in a lovely forest full of beautiful flowers. In addition to the usual offerings of food and drink such as are sacrificed to deities of the peaceful type, medicinal sacrificial cakes (mentor), a bronze mirror, a crystal, peacock feathers, dice made of conch shells, and a precious vessel filled with water should be offered."
The cult of the Tenma goddesses is widespread in the Gelug order (tradition) of Tibetan Buddhism; they are associated with oracle priestesses.
Hecate,
Guardian at the Gate
Though we think of
Her today as the witches' Goddess, a Goddess of night time and the crossroads,
a crone Goddess of magic, She was originally a maiden Goddess, a minor
deity, one whose important functions had to do with being a guardian.