Goddess of the hearth, domestic duties and the home life, Hestia is strong, nurturing and protective. According to Greek mythology, Hestia was the first born child of Cronos and Rhea. Her brothers were Poseidon, Hades and Zeus, and her sisters were Demeter and Hera. Wooed by Apollo and Poseidon, Hestia swore that she would never marry, instead following her own path of service to family, home and community. Being the goddess of the hearth, she was greatly honored in ancient Greek households. In fact, the hearth fires of the ancient Greeks were not allowed to go out unless they were extinguished in a ceremonial, ritualized way and then also relit in the same way.
Hestia, as is her Roman equivalent Vesta, is seen as a complete goddess, the center of home, family and municipality. She is independent and yet a strong nurturer and protector. Aside from being the goddess of hearth and home, she is also the eternal living flame and inspires quiet dignity, serenity and courage. To invite the goddess Hestia into your home is to make your home a sacred space and a place where you can find centering and balancing energy. You can bring her into your home life in simple or more ritualized ways, depending on the time that you have and your own personal preferences. Some ideas include:
- Create an altar to Hestia in a quiet area of your home or apartment. Use a grouping of candles, an amethyst, a bundle of lavender, a plant or anything that you feel symbolizes Hestia and invokes her energy.
- Take time each day, even if it’s just for a few minutes, to sit in quiet contemplation of her quiet strength. Relax, breathe in or visualize her centering energy so that your own life and spirit will feel more balanced.
- Hestia is not only a part of balance in the home life, but also of the self. Keep in balance with your self and your spirit by setting good personal boundaries, taking care of your health, connecting with community and keeping a healthy balance between work, recreation and rest.
- One of Hestia’s great gifts is the gift of ritual making. You can honor her in simple ways throughout your day by taking joy in the tasks that you perform around your home and offering up gratitude to her for the blessings in your home and family life. Keep in mind that all of these tasks and activities, no matter how small, are sacred.
- Wear amethyst jewelry or carry an amethyst with you throughout the day to draw on her balancing energy.
- Keep plants, colors and scents in your home that symbolize Hestia
Hestia’s goddess symbols consist of the circle and the eternal flame. Other symbols associated with Hestia are:
Colors- lavender, gold, black and silver
Aromatic scents- lavender, angelica, peony
Gemstones and metals- gold, silver, brass, garnet, amethyst
Plants- hollyhock, goldenrod, poppy, purple coneflower,yarrow
Also read- How to Invite the Goddess
Elizabeth Farrell - Elizabeth has been practicing christo/pagan/new age spirituality for nearly 7 years and finds a happy medium in a blend of both the old ...
