A goddess is a female deity
In many known cultures, goddesses are often linked with literal or metaphorical pregnancy or imagined feminine roles associated with how women and girls are perceived or expected to behave
This includes themes of spinning, weaving, beauty, love, sexuality, motherhood, domesticity, creativity, and fertility (exemplified by the ancient mother goddess cult)
Many major goddesses are also associated with magic, war, strategy, hunting, farming, wisdom, fate, earth, sky, power, laws, justice, and more
Some themes, such as discord or disease, which are considered negative within their cultural contexts also are found associated with some goddesses
There are as many differently described and understood goddesses as there are male, shapeshifting, or neuter gods
In some faiths, a sacred female figure holds a central place in religious prayer and worship
For example, Shaktism, the worship of the female force that animates the world, is one of the three major sects of Hinduism
Polytheist religions, including Polytheistic reconstructionists, honor multiple goddesses and gods, and usually view them as discrete, separate beings
These deities may be part of a pantheon, or different regions may have tutelary deities