herbs associated with aphrodite

"[Aphrodite] To drive thy rapid two-yoked car of gold. APHRODITE was the Olympian goddess of love, beauty, pleasure and procreation. When honoring Aphrodite, there are many different aspects of the Earth that you can incorporate. "Into the Euphrates River an egg of wonderful size is said to have fallen, which the fish rolled to the bank. "[Aphrodite] carried by her doves across the sky. Thou I dont admit to very many that I am a witch. Eros, who represents lust and desire, is sometimes called Aphrodites son, but this is a relatively modern idea. These, they say, are sacred to Aphrodite and Demeter. 2. He was shaped and dressed akin to a woman but shown with full beard and erect genitalia. The fruit symbolised female fertility and the marital loss of virginity with the consumation of marriage (from both its red stains and rich seeds). Brilliant! , What weapon is associated with Aphrodite? Introduction: My name is Edwin Metz, I am a fair, energetic, helpful, brave, outstanding, nice, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you. While the following paragraphs will focus on the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, use whatever elemental system works best for you and Aphrodite when constructing an altar for Her! Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : Apuleius, The Golden Ass 4. Many witches like to plant their herbs and flowers according to the moon cycle, and harvest them under the moonlight. All affiliate links are disclosed. ", Ovid, Metamorphoses 14. Add rose petals to your bath. While there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of fenugreek as an aphrodisiac, some studies have suggested that it may have a positive effect on sexual function in both men and women. She was known primarily as a goddess of love and fertility and occasionally presided over marriage. . For in that plant, the story goes, Kypris [Aphrodite], once laid out Adonis when he died; therefore it is dead men's food. And Kratinos [comic poet C6th B.C.] "About her [Aphrodite's] beloved son [Aineias wounded during the Trojan War] came streaming her white arms, and with her white robe thrown in a fold in front she shielded him, this keeping off the throne weapons lest some fast-mounted Danaan strike the bronze spear through his chest . ", For the MYTH of Aphrodite & myrtle or myrrh see: I have some friends that use Spirit in addition to Deity, I know people who use Aether as the fifth element instead of Spirit, and I also have some friends that use the Eastern five-element system of Air, Fire, Water, Wood, and Metal. . Rouse) (Greek epic C5th A.D.) : ", The Anacreontea, Fragment 35 (trans. Hermes and Asclepius are the first deities I have worked with that asked for reversion of offerings, which is where you offer the food/drink to the deity, leave it on the altar for maybe half an hour to an hour, and then consume the offering yourself. ", Suidas s.v. Her epithets Urania (Heavenly Dweller) and Pandemos (Of All the People) were ironically taken by the philosopher Plato (in the Symposium) to refer to intellectual and common love; rather, the title Urania was honorific and applied to certain Asian deities, while Pandemos referred to her standing within the city-state. I mean, if you think about it, were actually accustomed to things in threes. to C1st A.D.) : Statius, Silvae 1. For this post, I will go more in depth about representations of the elements and offerings for the Goddess. Buds are even better if they are able to blossom during their display on your altar. Fairbanks) (Greek rhetorician C3rd A.D.) : I also like to use herbs that are sacred to Aphrodite or are traditionally associated with love. You can also include a blend of her herbs, a selection of pink crystals, or even seashells. Witchy Spiritual Stuff | Privacy Policy, Considerations when Using Aphrodisiac Herbs, Aphrodite and what she has to do with all of this, herbs can interact with other medications or have serious side effects. Aphrodite is strongly associated with all pink crystals. You can ask Aphrodite for help with your confidence and enjoyment of sex, dedicate the act to her, or even use it as a means of power raising during ritual magic that involves Aphrodite. Perhaps you already have a witchy garden (yay! Rouse) (Greek epic C5th A.D.) : Gullick) (Greek rhetorician C2nd to 3rd A.D.) : Athenaeus, Deipnosophistae 3. Aphrodite was, in fact, widely worshipped as a goddess of the sea and of seafaring; she was also honoured as a goddess of war, especially at Sparta, Thebes, Cyprus, and other places. Greek Lyric II) (Greek lyric B.C.) 708 ff (trans. Place them on your altar to attract loving energies and to attract love. . Plants with heart-shaped leaves. Aphrodite's chariot is pulled by DOVES, her sacred animal. Similarly the pearl was her sacred stone. On the other hand, in Hesiods Theogony, Aphrodite is born when Cronus cuts off Uranuss genitals and hurls them into the sea. ", Statius, Silvae 1. Swamp Queen, can grant wealth of lack of it, May be represented by a snake on the Altar. . Thats how I discovered about Hermes and Asclepius preferring reversion of offerings. In one case, a girls mother bragged that her daughter was more beautiful than Aphrodite. Alter (ending in an -er) is a verb meaning to change. I frequently see this misspelled on the internet and I wanted to clarify any confusion. Suda On Line) (Byzantine Greek lexicon C10th A.D.) : The repeated appearance of animals associated with this goddess can also mean that shes nearby. Said to improve allergy symptoms. It's more than just something you saw your best friend do in their Insta story. I know some practitioners that will place water on whichever side of the altar is closest to a body of water on the physical plane, or Earth closest to the mountains. Ginger. In general, Aphrodite is symbolized by a lot of things you might expect, like hearts, roses, cherub-like figures, and seashells. with weddings), Aphrodite (assoc. In ancient Greek vase-painting the chariot of Aphrodite was sometimes depicted drawn by a pair of Erotes (winged Love-Gods). It was said to have blushed or been stained red when Aphrodite cut her feet on its thorns rushing to the aide of her dying lover Adonis. #8 - Daffodil (Narcissus, Polyanthus) As mentioned in the section on Her sacred symbols in my previous post, roses are a wonderful addition. When the girl ends up pregnant, shes driven out of her home. Apuleius, The Golden Ass 4. Kythereia (trans. Aphrodisiac scents include pumpkin, lavender, vanilla, cinnamon, peppermint, and ginger. Melville) (Roman epic C1st B.C. : Ptolemy Hephaestion, New History Book 4 (summary from Photius, Myriobiblon 190) (trans. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular herbs associated with Aphrodite and discuss their potential benefits and uses. ", Philostratus the Elder, Imagines 1. Her sacred plants and animals included the rose, myrtle, apple, dove and goose. At her first intimation, her retinue in the deep performed her wishes [the various sea-gods and goddesses join her company] . With that in mind, its also important to understand that she wont stand for being slighted if you make an altar to her, or choose to dedicate yourself to her, you need to keep it up. Five is the symbolic number of Aphrodite/Venue representing perfection of the five senses, the nuptial number of love and union, Venus years being completed in groups of five. 36 ff (trans. 378 ff : If so, let me know your essential plants in the comments below! Use rose quartz on your alter to Aphrodite. The thinning motion of his file had made the metal gleam; the coach's value was measured by the gold it had lost. Instead, he put the decision to Paris, a prince of Troy. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. English Ivy. . ROSE The red rose was sacred to Aphrodite. Learn to make your own herbal beauty products. PALACE Aphrodite's palace stood either upon Mt Olympos itself or in the heaven's high above the famous mountain. "Venus [Aphrodite] . , What element is associated with Aphrodite? Melville) (Roman epic C1st B.C. Ginseng: Carry ginseng with you to help improve sexual potency. See also Sacred Animals: Shellfish above. SPARROW The sparrow was a bird sacred to the goddess Aphrodite. 6 ff (trans. 10. In retaliation, Aphrodite curses the girl with lust for her own father. Gullick) (Greek rhetorician C2nd to 3rd A.D.) : Rose and ocean scents, as well as myrrh, apple, and myrtle, are all candle or incense scents you could offer. Gullick) (Greek rhetorician C2nd to 3rd A.D.) : pierced with holes. Other stones associated with the heart chakra also work well, such as nephrite jade and malachite. 8 ff (trans. Have you heard about blowing cinnamon in your doorway on the first of the month? She was considered the most beautiful of the gods. Aphrodite is the ancient Greek goddess of love, beauty, and sexual desire. Gibbs) (Greek fable C6th B.C.) ", Homeric Hymn 5 to Aphrodite 58 ff : It is elaborate, all things are figured therein. ", Apuleius, The Golden Ass 6. Read Part One here. Knowing that Hephaestus would be very angry if he caught them, Ares sets a young soldier named Alectryon to guard the door and warn them when Helios, the sun God, draws near. (Video) HOW TO WORK WITH APHRODITE - DEITY WORK, (Video) Offerings For VENUS | Aphrodite | Venusian | Goddess Work. Consider red or pink silk, lush blue velvets, or even lace. . Ridiculous! This page describes the goddess' attributes, estate, and sacred plants and animals. You can find maca root powder online to add to smoothies or oatmeal. "That herb of passion [the myrtle] which Kythereia [Aphrodite] loves as much as the rose, as much as the anemone, which she wears when she is about to mingle her love with Myrrha's son [Adonis]. "[Aphrodite addresses Eros :] Honour my bridesmaid bird of love [the dove] and yours, the herald of lifelong wedding and happy hearts!", See also Dove-Drawn Chariot of Aphrodite (this page), Aelian, On Animals 10. Enjoy the mindfulness of gardening and appreciate the joy of nature. "Four white doves . Turmeric is certainly the most powerful herb on the planet. Rouse) (Greek epic C5th A.D.) : Aelian, On Animals 10. While there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these herbs, many people still use them as a. Damiana is a small shrub native to Central and South America. According to Indian Vedic Astrology, diamond is the designated gemstone that represents the planet venus or Shukra Graha and is the symbol of beauty and femininity. SWAN Usually associated with Apollon, in art, Aphrodite also occasionally appears riding on the back of a swan (in place of her usual goose). In one variation of the myth, the hibiscus represents the handsome Adonisturned into a hibiscus flower to stop the . Aphrodite and The Love Goddess Archetype, 4. As for what they want as offerings, and what they want done to them. I am a green/ hedge witch. Its seeds have been traditionally used to improve lactation, but it has also been suggested to have aphrodisiac properties. I have my girdle, I ply my goad, I raise my bow: even that girdle, whence women catch the sting of my desire, and travail often-times, but not unto death. The herb is associated with fire and the Goddess Venus and is thought to bring longevity and healing. It has been used for cleansing and purifying incenses since ancient times. This goddess is a warrior fit for Ares, and doesnt hesitate to act when she feels that shes been disrespected. I am lucky to have most of these plants in my garden already. Aphrodite is associated with the ocean, seashells, doves, swans, dolphins, mirrors, golden apples, roses, pearls, gold, aquamarine, rose quartz, jade and the colors . Fairbanks) (Greek rhetorician C3rd A.D.) : Nonnus, Dionysiaca 13. Categories Divination, How To Become A Witch, Mindfulness, Rituals, Spellwork. TRITON-DRAWN CHARIOT Aphrodite was a goddess of the sea as well as the heavens, and according to one author, she possessed a sea-going chariot drawn by fish-tailed Tritones. DOVE-DRAWN CHARIOT Aphrodite's jewel-encrusted, golden chariot was drawn through the sky by a team of doves. There are many ways to get creative with creating your own magickal and witchy garden. says that Aphrodite, when she fell in love with Phaon, hid him away in fair lettuce-beds.". Many witches love to cultivate poisonous plants, but Im not experienced in that field. A young woman named Polyphonte disrespected Aphrodite simply by choosing a virginal, unmarried life with Artemis, and Aphrodite made her pregnant by a bear. On the other, she can be vicious to those who dont show her the proper respect. ", Colluthus, Rape of Helen 155 ff : Note: if you are allergic to oregano, you may also be allergic to thyme. Abata. While the academic world is still torn about how much ritual sex work was actually historically part of this goddess worship, she is associated with lust and desire. While oregano is almost always associated with cooking, the Greeks believed that it was an herb that represented Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Her attributes included the winged godling Eros, a mirror, cockle shell, dove, apple and myrtle wreath. Aphrodite held sway in many realms: sex, marriage, fertility, sailing, civic order, even war. Lattimore) (Greek epic C8th B.C.) 7 (trans. For this post, we will be focusing on Physical Offerings, since our altars (for the most part) will be in physical space. ", Apuleius, The Golden Ass 2. Aphrodite turns her into a myrrh tree and takes the baby (the future Adonis) to Persephone to raise. This is Part Two in a series about constructing an Altar for Aphrodite. While there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of horny goat weed as an aphrodisiac, some studies have suggested that it may have a positive effect on sexual function in both men and women. You can make an altar to her by choosing a safe surface in your home and laying it with a clean cloth. Women looked up to Aphrodite, Goddess of love, sex, beauty and fertility and depicted her with a round face, large breasts and a pear-shaped body. Depending on your tradition or personal spiritual experience, you may work with elements of nature in your practice. Aradia: rue, vervain. COCKLE The cockle-shell was sacred to Aphrodite, who was often depicted emerging from one in her birth scene. 444 Meaning 400 ff (trans. Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, heard about Psyche and her sisters and was jealous of all the attention people paid to Psyche. 458 ff (trans.Boyle) (Roman poetry C1st B.C. If it is food that you have lovingly cooked yourself, so much the better! It was also believed to work as a natural abortifaction agent. 337 ff (trans. Disclaimer, Terms of Service & Privacy Policy. Aphrodite picked marjoram from Mount Ida to heal the wounds of Enea. to C1st A.D.) : The benefits of Rose Quartz - the crystal of Venus, goddess of love and beauty. ordered her carriage to be prepared; Vulcanus [Hephaistos] had lovingly applied the finishing touches to it with elaborate workmanship, and had given it to her as a wedding-present before her initiation into marriage. Within the world of spirituality, certain animals hold immense symbolic power, often delivering meaningful messages to those who encounter them. by desire]. Rieu) (Greek epic C3rd B.C.) I love the idea of sharing my meal with Her. I plan to write a more in-depth article about offerings in the future, but here is a brief overview of some of the physical offerings that I use for Aphrodite. She first attained individuality at the hands of the great 5th-century-bce Greek sculptors. Read Part One here! I have have several readings done that came thru that I was once a medicine person/ healer in my past life. Though she is loving and sensual, she is by no means soft. It has been traditionally used as an adaptogen to improve sexual function and fertility. Her special powers were those of love and desire. About the posts and pillows of her couch swarm a troop of tender Amores [Erotes the Loves] . SWINE The pig was an animal believed to be offensive to the goddess Aphrodite, for it was a wild swine which gored to death her beloved Adonis. Paris of Troy taking Helen precipitated the war. Cedar, sage, sweetgrass, and tobacco are sacred to Indigenous people across North America. When he found out her true identity, he tried to kill her. Aphrodite's major symbols include myrtles, roses, doves, sparrows, and swans. Some of my Celtic-based friends use Land, Sea, and Sky. The sow, for her part, swore by Aphrodite that she would tear the dog to pieces with her teeth. Each goddess tried to bribe him to increase her chances. There were several Greek gods of time, each with Plants used for their youth or beauty-promoting properties. You could also grow rosemary in a container. Put them at the end of your bath during a ritual bath. Doves sat on it, and when it was heated, it hatched out Venus, who was later called the Syrian goddess. And when Zeus Highest and Mightiest saw her, the goading cestus whipt him to hotter love. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. "I saw at some distance a valley shaded by a leafy wood. Once Dione [Aphrodite], in flight from terrible Typhon (when Jupiter [Zeus] armed in heaven's defence), reached the Euphrates with tiny Cupidos [Eros] in tow and sat by the hem of Palestine's stream . In another story, the women of the island of Lemnos failed to make sacrifices to Aphrodite. "The author [Hephaestion] speaks of the embroidered belt [the cestus] which Hera received from Aphrodite and gave to Helene [either for the contest of the suitors or her introduction to Paris]: it was stolen by Helene's servant, Astyanassa and recovered from her by Aphrodite. Cinnamon. If you feel this pull, follow through and see what you discover. . Campbell, Vol. Often unexplored are the nature aspects of Aphrodite, the beautiful Greek Goddess of Love, who, according to legend, had great influence over fertility and other natural phenomena. Use ones with scents that she's associated with or that remind you of her. She is also associated with: Vanilla. : He was associated with Aphrodite from earliest times; in fact, Aphrodite was known locally (e.g., at Sparta) as a war goddess, apparently an early facet of her character. Walsh) (Roman novel C2nd A.D.) : Apuleius, The Golden Ass 4. What Are The 7 Laws Of Attraction Weary she lies upon her cushions. Both plants were connected with the birth of Adonis (in two alternate versions of the story). 10. I do, however, keep plants in my bedroom and in our communal space. Aphrodite is strongly associated with all pink crystals. Sacred for Druids. 88a (trans. You may also wish to work with Aphrodite by getting in touch with your own beauty and sensuality. "[Aphrodite at her birth was carried by the winds to Kypros] and there the gold-filleted Horai (Seasons) welcomed her joyously. "Obey the cestus girdle born with Paphia [Aphrodite]! She wears a girdle-like belt called a cestus as her weapon to increase her female attraction. The sacrifice was probably to assuage her grief for the loss of Adonis, who was slain by a wild pig. 84c (trans. Rosemary appears in a number of writings as a magical herb. ], in the second book of his Dialect Lexicon, explains the word brenthis as the Cyprian term for lettuce; in this Adonis sought refuge from the wild boar which killed him . In retaliation, Aphrodite curses the girl with lust for her own father. Live hares were often presented as a gift of love. Recently, Aphrodite specifically requested some strawberry and honey ice cream that my friend had gotten me for my birthday. Now a days dove sacrifices are a thing of the past, but modern times her worship can include libations (offerings of water or wine pour\ed out), chocolate, incense, roses, acts of self care, and anything that you think she would like. Aesop, Fables 197 (from Chambry 329) (trans. There was only one problem: The most beautiful woman in the world was Helen, and she was already married to Menelaus of Sparta. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It is made from the Goddess-associated herbs myrtle, bergamot mint, palmarosa, green milfoil (yarrow), and annual tansy in a base of sweet almond oil. For example, turmeric contains Curcumin which is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the body's own antioxidant enzymes. to C1st A.D.) : Myrrha went to him and slept with him, and became pregnant. 31 ff (trans. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. "[Caesar is praised as a descendant of Aeneas:] Wreathing your brows with your mother's [Aphrodite's] myrtle. Her close association with Eros, the Graces (Charites), and the Horae (Seasons) emphasized her role as a promoter of fertility. I will frequently set aside a portion of whatever I am eating that morning/afternoon/evening as an offering to the Goddess. ", For MORE information on these Tritons see IKHTHYOKENTAUROI, Homer, Iliad 5. Rouse) (Greek epic C5th A.D.) : Sparrows sported with the combined din of their chatter as they escorted the carriage of the goddess, and the other birds, habitually sweet songsters, announced the goddess's approach with the pleasurable sound of their honeyed tunes. Bands of Tritoni sported here and there on the waters, one softly blowing on his echoing shell, another fending off with silk parasol the heat of the hostile sun, a third holding a mirror before his mistress's face, while others, yoked in pairs to her chariot, swam below. Aphrodisiac was . Paris of Troy taking Helen precipitated the war. 5. In Elizabethan times, oregano was also used to bring good luck and wish someone good health. "Seeks she [Hera] Venus' [Aphrodite's] bower and the garlands ever fresh that deck her abode. (2) Aphrodite Loves: Nerites (boy transformed into a shellfish), Philostratus the Elder, Imagines 1. I shall go to visit these, and resolve their division of discord, since now for a long time they have stayed apart from each other and from the bed of love, since rancour has entered their feelings. "Typhoeus, issuing from earth's lowest depths, struck terror in those heavenly hearts, and they all turned their backs and fled . Aphrodite is a very classic example of a love and beauty goddess. x, Your email address will not be published. The Birth of Venus - Botticelli (1485) The goddess of love, Aphrodite (Roman: Venus) is the source of this second rose myth. (2) Aphrodite Wrath: Myrrha Smyrna (transformed into the tree by Aphrodite), Pausanias, Description of Greece 2. Some studies have suggested that muira puama may have a positive effect on sexual desire and performance, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. "Piscis, heaven's horses. When I specifically construct an altar for Aphrodite, I like to use representations of the four elements that are connected to Her. FISH The fish was said to be sacred to Aphrodite, deriving from the Syrian myth of the birth of Ashtarte, in which the goddess was borne from an egg carried to the banks of the River Euphrates by fish. Gullick) (Greek rhetorician C2nd to 3rd A.D.) : Aesop, Fables 197 (from Chambry 329) (trans. When the sculptor Pygmalion fell in love with a statue he had carved, Aphrodite granted his wish and had the sculpture come alive. "Eriphos in the Meliboia . But now that I have outside resources I understand it isnt. MAGICAL GIRDLE The magical girdle (or cestus) of Aphrodite was woven with the irrestistable powers of love and desire. Rose, finest of flowers, rose, darling of spring, rose, delight of the gods also, rose with which Kythere's [Aphrodite's] son [Eros] garlands his lovely curls when he dances with the Kharites. In the past, Eros was viewed as a primeval force older than Aphrodite herself. Aphrodisiac herbs are plants or plant extracts that are believed to enhance sexual desire or performance. He is known as the god of medicine, and his serpent-draped staff, The Rod of Asclepius, is still found as a symbol of medical practice today. Be sure to thoroughly cleanse the feather (both energetically and physically) before incorporating it into your altar. This is also a part of my Devotion to Aphrodite through Conscious Eating. "[Aphrodite addresses the Kharis Pasithea :] Has Eros perhaps flicked you also with the cestus, like Eos (the Dawn) once before?", Nonnus, Dionysiaca 42. Melville) (Roman epic C1st B.C. And lifting with her hands the honeyed girdle of the Erotes (Loves) she bared all her bosom and heeded not her breasts. Rouse) (Greek epic C5th A.D.) : Rouse) (Greek epic C5th A.D.) : Angelica is a protective herb that calms the nerves and reduces tension leaving you with a . While the academic world is still torn about how much ritual sex work was actually historically part of this goddess worship, she is associated with lust and desire. . 2. Some say it prevents nightmares. It opens your heart and helps you fall in love and increases your ability to give love to others. Hephaestus, enraged, fashions a net of finely woven gold and ensnares the two illicit lovers before calling all of the other pantheon in to shame them. The immortal robe that the very Kharites had woven for her [Aphrodite]. Mozley) (Roman epic C1st A.D.) : ", Colluthus, Rape of Helen 15 ff (trans. This blog is all about living a cozy life filled with creativity & curiosity. Herbs Associated with Aphrodite Herbal aphrodisiacs are closely connected to this goddess, as are fragrant herbs like roses or myrtle. Walsh) (Roman novel C2nd A.D.) : 95f - 96a (trans. A: Ay, for they say this was the one and only tree that Aphrodite planted in Kypros. Aphrodite cursed him by making him fall in love with his own mother, and he subsequently drowned himself.

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