Question: What Are the Attributes of the Zoroastrian Amesha Spentas?

In the Zoroastrian religion, which is considered Monotheistic although it has a dualistic component, Ahura Mazda is the creator god. Although Ahura Mazda is the one god (and one who is not an anthropomorphized father figure), there are other forces (virtues?) at work. Working more actively and directly in the world is its emanation, Spenta Mainyu [the all-pervading spirit of goodness and truth].


Spenta Mainyu fights the force of evil and chaos, Angra Mainyu, who, with its host of helper demons, daevas, in the Avestan language (a word cognate with the Latin word deus 'god'), brings evil, darkness, and lies to the universe. The helpers on the side of order, truth, and the good -- that is, on Spenta Mainyu's side -- are the following sets of pairs active on the personal level for humans and for the good of social units, like nations, as well as on behalf of the non-human elements in the world:

Answer:

1. The most important pair:
   
   Vohu Manah: good mind, divine wisdom, illumination, welcomes souls into paradise
   Symbol: cattle
   (male)
   
   Asha Vahishta: truth, order of the universe, righteousness,
   Symbol: fire
   (male)
   
2. Spenta Armaiti: piety, benevolence, personifies fertile land and sacred places, ideal of women
   Symbol: earth
   (female)
   
   Khshathra Vairya: holy dominion, good society, symbolizes strength and power
   Symbol: metal
   (male)
   
3. Sometimes considered twins:
   Haurvatat: well-being, perfection, health, prosperity
   Symbol: water
   (female)
   
   Ameretat: eternal bliss
   Symbol: plants
   (female)
   

Reference:

• Amesha Spentas