Nature as Feminine Ancient Vision of Geopiety and Goddess Ecology The Feminine conceptualization of nature occupies very significant place in Indian religious history. The image of the earth as a goddess, known variously as Prthivi , Dharatimata , Jagadddhatri is ancient and all-pervasive. Almost all the geographical features of the natural environment are personified as goddesses. Mountains, caves, rocks, forests, trees, plants, healing herbs, rivers, streams, lakes were conceived of as potent symbols of feminine power, inherent in nature. From the Vedas down to the Puranas nature personifications are mediated through the symbol of the divine feminine. In the Rg Veda , for example, the crimson streak of day-break is portrayed as Usas, the Mistress of Dawn whose brilliant effulgence spreads out piercing the formless black abyss ( RV , 10.127). Night and day are the two celestial sisters that bring rest and awakening to the