Crossword Genius

A southern pro with E is a goddess! (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

astarte

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'goddess' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'a southern pro with e' is the wordplay.
'southern pro' becomes 'start' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'a'+'start'+'e'='ASTARTE'

'is a' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for astarte that I've seen before include "Pagan deity" , "Phoenician love goddess" , "She might have helped with fertility problems" , "Mediterranean goddess" , "Ancient goddess" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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