Asherah — also called Athirat, Ashera, or Ashtoreth — was the great mother goddess of the ancient Canaanites.

- Who she was: The supreme mother goddess of the Canaanite pantheon, wife of El the chief god, and mother of 70 divine children according to the Baal Cycle. Also described as the Canaanite fertility goddess and a Canaanite fertility and mother goddess called "Lady Athirat of the Sea".

- What her name means: "She who enriches" and "she who walks in the sea" or "lady of the sea".

- Her role: Goddess of the sea, fertility, love and motherhood, considered a fertility goddess and the supposed consort of Baal or El. In biblical times worship was widespread throughout Syria, Phoenicia and Canaan.

- How she was worshiped: Her sacred symbol was the Asherah pole — traditionally carved from living wood and placed beside altars as a living embodiment of her presence. The Bible refers to both the goddess herself and to images, sacred poles and trees that represented her.

In the Hebrew Bible, Asherah worship is repeatedly condemned as idolatry, and prophets call Israel to cut down the Asherah poles and return to exclusive worship of Yahweh..

Image: Tel Rehov Exhibition 090316 03.  Tel Rehov exhibition at the Land of Israel Museum in Tel Aviv. Rectangular altar designed in the form of a gate. A tree incised on the facade and flanked by two female figures is thought to represent Asherah. From the collection of the Israel museum. The ritual chalice on the left was found next to it. Photo Credit: Oren Rozen

Sources:
- https://www.learnreligions.com/asherah-in-the-bible-6824125
- https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/ancient-religions/ancient-religion/asherah
- https://www.americanbible.org/engage/bible-resources/articles/canaanite-gods-and-goddesses/