Māra cross of crosses is the most popular of Māra symbols. Its dynamic/rotating version (opposed to the straight/still) embodies earthly activities, movement without obstacles, limited energy charge. Associated with fire. Widely used for protection and prosperity.⠀ Pre-Christian worldview is well detailed in folklore, which indicates Māra as patron of earthly life. In consequence most important survival ensuring items which women are responsible for like bread and fire in hearth fall under Māra responsibilities. Accordingly, her sign is closely related to fire, home, prosperity, and well-being of people. An item that has a Māra cross on it symbolically serves as offering to her in return receiving her blessings and care.⠀ Fire Mother (Uguns māte) is one of Māra's manifestations. Honored and respected in the household. Similarly is Gabija - the spirit of the fire in Lithuanian mythology. She is the protector of home and family. Gabija could take zoomorphic forms of a cat, stork or rooster, or she could appear as a woman clothed in red. Gabija was greatly respected and cared for like a living creature. People would feed Gabija by offering bread and salt. Women would cover charcoal with ashes every evening so that fire would not wander around. Just as Gabija was the protector of the house, the mother of the household was the protector of fire. If angered, Gabija would "go for a walk" burning the house. Much folklore describes the ill fate of those who offended Gabija by stomping, spitting, or urinating on her.⠀ It's imaginable to have a household without a fire for so many reasons. The same token, human evolution wouldn't be where it is if not for fire as it positively transformed our diets. Ancestors acknowledged the importance of Fire paying proper respect in their traditions.⠀ ⠀ Qualities of Māra cross: ⠀ *Has double strength to ward off troubles and protect⠀ *Ensures wellbeing in the family, protects home and bread.⠀ *Repels malevolence and evil⠀ *Helps to heal⠀ * To have a blessed union its advised to have the sign used in the wedding ceremony⠀ *Protects young families, ensures fertility and health⠀ *Advised to have it during childbirth⠀ ⠀ #balticgoddess https://www.instagram.com/p/BteBSKih0K7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1030lgiv0r72u