The female deity most strongly associated with sacred trees, particularly within Canaanite and Israelite traditions, is Asherah.
According to the provided reference, Asherah was a prominent figure in the Canaanite pantheon:
- She was one of the three great goddesses, alongside Astarte and Anath.
- Her primary role in Canaanite religion was that of a mother goddess.
- Crucially, the Canaanites associated Asherah with sacred trees. This association was also present in the Israelite tradition.
This strong connection to sacred trees is a defining characteristic of Asherah in these religious contexts, leading to her identification as a "tree goddess" or a deity linked to sacred tree worship.
For more information, you can refer to the source:
Asherah/Asherim: Bible - Jewish Women's Archive
Key Points about Asherah and Trees:
- Canaanite Origin: Asherah originated as a major deity in Canaanite religion.
- Mother Goddess Role: Beyond her tree association, she held the significant role of a mother goddess.
- Sacred Tree Symbolism: Sacred trees, often referred to as asherim (plural of Asherah or referring to her cult symbols), were symbols associated with her worship.
- Israelite Tradition: The association between Asherah and sacred trees carried over into Israelite religious practices, although often viewed negatively by biblical writers.
This consistent association across different traditions solidifies Asherah's position as the female deity connected to sacred trees.
