Dhūmāvatī Yantra Mandala—Smoky Goddess of primal sleep: she who reveals the hidden and profound

Original Artwork for the Yantra Wisdom Collection & Deck
Watercolor and Gouache on watercolor paper
14 x 10 inches

As the eldest of the wisdom Goddesses, Dhūmāvatī plays the role of ancestral guide. Her grandmother spirit takes the form of a hideous toothless crone in dirty rags surrounded by black crows. She is the repulsive evil witch we fear, and the smelly old hag we choose to ignore. Dhūma, the smoke of uncertainty, brings misunderstanding, confusion, and moonless nights. This terrifying unknown darkness is the threshold of liberating spiritual expansion (mokĉha).

As the Goddess of primal sleep, she gives us permission to forget the memories and experiences that limit our understanding of our truth. When we stare into the beady eyes of Dhūmāvatī, our perception blurs and we can see beyond external beauty to a found truth within our heart.