Zwezda Dnieca

Zwezda Dnieca is the Aurora of the Morning Star in Polish mythology, married to the male aspect of the Moon; the maiden/warrior opens the Gates of Heaven for the Sun every morning to emerge. She is described as a fully armed warrior goddess, courageous in temperament. The Slavs portrayed her each morning as the Sun rose; and is the patroness of horses, protection, and exorcisms and is associated with the planet Venus. She is invoked to protect against death in battle, and her prayers were addressed as "Defend me, O maiden, with your veil from the enemy, from the arquebus and arrow..."