ARTIST: Janet Hess

ABOUT THE COVER ART:
Amaterasu (or Amaterasu-o-mi-kami – Shinto Sun Goddess), whose name in the Japanese language means "shining heavens" or "she who shines in the heavens," is ruler of the Plain of Heaven. Her brother, the Storm-God, ravaged the earth and Amaterasu retreated to a cave. Her disappearance deprived the world of its light. Amaterasu was lured from the cave with a mirror and as she emerged, a streak of light escaped—a streak people now call Dawn. She returned to the sky and brought light back into the world. Amaterasu is still worshipped today.

Artist, Janet Hess creates drawings and paintings of the Goddess in her many forms. Visit www.lady-birds.com.

Copyright © 2003 Janet Hess. All rights reserved.