The Lady
Perhaps we should go a little more in-depth on the whole
diety thing. Afterall, it's one of the most important parts of being wiccan.
Keep in mind that the Goddess goes through the life-cycles just like you and me. Everything you have/will experience, she has been through before. That in itself makes her all-powerful and knowledgable.
At the first part of her three stages she is called:
The Maiden
(or sometimes "The Virgin")
The Maiden is youthful and full of life. If you have experienced true love at a very young age (your teens) you will know this stage well. The young God is courting her and they both feel so happy and in love. She is free and together they do everything. When they make love they create all the life on the Earth.
But just because she is young and happy does not mean there are not bad times, or that she does not get angry or sad. The Virgin can also be the warrior Goddess. Her battle cries are feared by men everywhere. She is fast and furious with her sword and quick to correct any wrongdoings against young maidens. She can even start the wars between men if she so chooses. The Goddess is both evil and good, and all sides must be utilized in nature.
The Mother
After courting for a time the Goddess becomes pregnant with the God's child. She is now the Mother and the Earth shows this by becoming fertile. Everything is in full bloom, the grass is green, the birds return from winter and their songs are heard. During this phase she is the protector of her children. When she fights she is fighting for the survival of her young--not for revenge as in her younger years. When you feel the need for this motherly protection call upon the Mother.
The Crone
At this stage the Goddess has aged. She is past her child-bearing years, she is barren, and so is the Earth. It is now winter, and all the animals are hidden away in dens and nests, and the plants have been long covered by snow and ice.
The Crone is not feeble-minded though. Her body may be weakening, but her mind is sharp. She has experience behind her, she is the keeper of knowledge. She retains the knowledge of those who have passed before her; the old and forgotten magicks, ways, symbols, gestures. People who wish to know things, any things, past, present, or future turn to her for her wisdom. At the last she is noble and perhaps at the prime of her magickal career.