Modern Minoan Myths Preview

And some art to go with it!

I’ve already shared the cover for my upcoming (release date: 21 June 2025) book of modern Minoan myths, as well as one of the myths, which is actually a sort of double-header: the beautiful tale of Winter Solstice, which tells of both the Sun Goddess Therasia’s self-rebirth and the birth of the Divine Child to the Great Mother Rhea.

A recent discussion with some of the lovely Ariadne’s Tribe folks inspired me to share another story. But before I share it, I’d like to show you the artwork I’ve created to go with it. I want to show you especially because many people will look at my illustration and think it’s not Minoan. Here it is:

Believe it or not, that snake comes directly from a Minoan fresco found in Tylissos, Crete:

Minoan art is far more varied and imaginative than many people realize. I love sharing the lesser-known pieces so people can get a feel for how incredibly talented and visionary the artists were.

Now, on to the story that goes with this illustration. It’s titled “The Path,” and it’s the first story in the book:

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We begin our collection of myths with this story, which is a tale of endings as much as beginnings. As with the Fool Tarot card that brings the end back around to the beginning, here the Serpent Mother bites her own tail to remind us that the universe is not linear, but cyclical. And so our cycle of stories begins.

Do you remember when you were here before, on this Earth, in a body, perhaps a long time ago, perhaps not so very long ago after all? You did the things you had come here to do for the time that you decided to spend here. And when that time was over, Eileithyia took your hand as Ariadne came to guide you from here, to help you find your way back to the place you had come from. You were accompanied by the buzzing of the Melissae, whose song opens the doorway between the worlds, and by the Minotaur, who guards the way, keeping you as safe as safe can be. Ariadne led you through the Labyrinth, the winding, twisting path that is a sacred living thing: the body of the Serpent Mother through which we travel between the worlds, between lives, our path marked by Arachne’s thread of fate.

The Serpent Mother is the Labyrinth of movement and transformation. Her two snakes, which you can see on the cover of this book, remind us of the parts of existence the modern world has confused so badly that many of us no longer know which ones to pair together. But the Serpent Mother knows, and she helps us remember. The red-and-gold snake in her right hand is life and destruction, the vigor of material existence that relies on dissolution and decay such as the taking-apart of the food we eat and the rotting of plants and animals to feed other plants and animals. The black-and-silver snake in her left hand is death and regeneration, the time of rest and healing outside the material realm, when we abide with the Great Mothers in safety and peace. The path between these two states of our existence is the Labyrinth.

When we walk or dance the Labyrinth with our bodies and minds in this world, whether for celebration or healing or some other sacred and joyful purpose, we remind ourselves of the spirit journey between the worlds, between lives, in the safety and care of Ariadne, our sweet Lady of the Labyrinth who is also the Queen of the Dead, and her brother the Minotaur, who is our Beloved Guardian. We remind ourselves that we already know the path, that we cannot get lost, that we will always be safe.

For a time out of time, when you were not here on this Earth in a body, you dwelled among the spirits of the dead, safe in the Underworld, a place we also call the World Below. Though some will tell you the Underworld is a shadowy and desolate place, in truth it is a place of love and comfort, warm and cozy like the mother’s womb. How else would the Great Mothers choose to cherish us between lifetimes, when they love us so? So there we stay, safe and beloved, between lives.

When it came time for you to be born into this world once again, Eileithyia came with her torch, calling you, reaching out to weave you back into the world of the living. And so you took her hand. And you made the journey again through the Labyrinth. But this time you followed the path in the other direction, from that world to this one, sure and steady. And as with every time you have undertaken this journey, Ariadne accompanied you, the Minotaur guarded you, and the Melissae sang of your going and coming.

Now that you are back in this world, you must remember those who are still in the Realm of the Dead, for they are your loved ones, too, just as you were once among them and will be again one day. This is why we honor our beloved dead, why we care for them with offerings and songs and dances. Because they are us and we are them. And we all rest in the arms of the Mothers from one lifetime to the next.

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About Laura Perry

I'm the founder and Temple Mom of Ariadne's Tribe, a worldwide inclusive Minoan spiritual tradition. I'm also an author, artist, and creator who works magic with words, paint, ink, music, textiles, and herbs. My spiritual practice includes spirit work and herbalism through the lens of lifelong animism. I write Pagan / polytheist / magical non-fiction and fiction across several different subjects and genres. My Minoan entry in the Moon Books Pantheons series is now available for pre-order and will be released on 26 August 2025. While that process percolates along, I’m working on an illustrated book of modern Minoan myths. I’m also an avid herb and vegetable gardener and living history demonstrator.