In Neo-pagan Witchcraft the Goddess is the very essence or central figure of the Craft and worship. She is the Great Mother, representing the fertility which brings forth all life; as Mother Nature she is the living biosphere of both the planets and the forces of the elements; she has roles of both creator and destroyer; she is the Queen of Heaven; and she is the moon. She possesses magical powers and emotion, intuition and a psychic faculty.

The Divine Force within the Goddess is believed to be genderless, but within the universe it is manifested as male and female principles. Often within the worship of the Divine Force the Goddess, or the female principle, is emphasized to the exclusion of The Horned God, or the male principle. But, theoretically both are recognised.

The Goddess has many facets, names and aspects. Although in witchcraft and Neo-paganism she is mainly worshiped in her aspects of the triple Goddess: Maiden, Mother and Crone.

The Maiden The maiden is the first aspect of the triple goddess. The maiden is a young girl who is considered to be innocent and virginal, just beginning to make her way in life. She is often pictured as a nymph, innocent but very tempting, causing young men to chase her and seek her affections.
Her Age: From the advent of puberty until marriage and motherhood happen. Perhaps between 12 to 25 or so. She Represents: New life, magick, youth, excitement of the chase. Her Moon Phase: Waxing moon Her Colours: White, pink, soft yellow. Invoke The Maiden For: New beginnings, new jobs, new ideas, major life change, moving, beginning school, travel, relationships (love and friendship), first menstruation, pregnancy, birth of a child. Maiden Goddesses include: Anatha, Brigid, Nimue, Kore, Persephone, Gerd, Caer, Blodeuwedd.
	The Mother The second aspect of the triple goddess is the mother, a woman in the prime of her life and the peak of her power. The mother has experienced childbirth and is often already mated. She represents the power of female intuition, the strength of a mother’s love for her children and the protective maternal instinct. Think of the mother goddess as the mother for us all, loving us, protecting us and helping to guide us along the way.
Her Age: From the beginning of motherhood up until the beginning of menopause. Usually characterized as a woman in her 30s or 40s. She Represents: Nurturing, caring, fertility, protective, justice. Her Moon Phase: Full moon Her Colours: Green, copper, red, mauve, royal blue, silver. Invoke The Mother For: Fertility, childbirth, strength, blessings, protection (especially from men), guidance, marriage, finding/choosing a mate, gardening, animal magicks, choices, peace, intuition and psychism, spiritual direction. Mother Goddesses Include: Ceres, Danu, Demeter, Hathor, Ishtar & Isis.
The Crone The last stage of the triple goddess is the wise crone. The crone has experienced many things throughout her life, and because of it she has strong intuition and has a wealth of knowledge. The crone protects the maiden and mother, as well as their children. She is at the gates of death and helps to guide us peacefully into its realm.
Her Age: A woman past menopause up until death. She Represents: Wisdom, death, intuition, revenge. Her Moon Phase: Waning moon. Her Colours: Black, grey, purple, brown, midnight blue. Invoke The Crone For: Ending relationships, menopause, coming to terms with aging, divorce, rest before new goals, readying plants for winter, harassment, retribution, death of a person or pet, completion of the life cycle, moving, protection, understanding of mysteries, communication with spirits. Crone Goddesses Include: Cerridwen, Lilith, Kali, Hecate, Hestia & Sedna.