Aphrodite

Aphrodite (Αφροδιτη) is the Greek goddess of love, beauty and procreation. The most famous myth about her birth is the myth where the god Ouranos/Uranus is castrated and his genitals thrown into the sea, resulting in Aphrodite's birth in the sea foam. She is married to the god Hephaestus, though in myths, she has an affair with Ares.

Places of Worship

Regions

  • Attica (Athens is located here)
  • Corinth
  • Cyprus
  • Cythera
  • Delos
  • Sparta (as Aphrodite Areia)
  • Thebes

Depictions

Aphrodite is probably one of the most popularly depicted goddesses in artwork. She is portrayed as a beautiful young woman, often nude, but not always. I'm unsure how to describe them, but I'll provide some examples:

In Sparta, where she was worshiped as Aphrodite Areia, she was depicted in full armor.

Symbols

There are a variety of animals, plants and symbols associated with Aphrodite. Everything listed here is historically attested.

  • Animals: Dove, Goose, Sparrow, Swan, Fish, Shellfish, Hares, Swine
  • Plants: Myrtle, Rose, Apple, Pomegranite, Lettuce, Myrrh, Anemone
  • Stones: Pearls
  • Misc: Cockle shells

Festivals

The biggest festival for Aphrodite is the Aphrodisia, held during the month of Hekatombaion (roughly around late July/early August). It was celebrated in many places that worshiped Aphrodite, but was especially important in Attica (where Athens is located) and the island of Cyprus. We know little about the festival, save for that the temple was purified with the blood from a dove (not recommended practice for modern worshipers) and that bloody offerings (save for the aforementioned dove) were not permitted. Flowers and incense were the primary offerings during this festival. From what I can tell, this festival is specifically for Aphrodite Pandemos.

Aphrodite is also honored as part of the Athenian festival of Arrephoria, which seems to at least partially be a rite of passage festival for young girls. It also may be an agricultural fertility festival. There isn't much that can be reconstructed about this festival, unfortunately.

Epithets

Cult Titles/Epithets (ie related to her functions, areas of influence, et cetera)

  • Ambologera - postponer of old age
  • Apostrophia - averter of (unlawful desires)
  • Areia - of Ares, warlike
  • Epistrophia - She who turns to (love)
  • Hera - of Hera (marriage)
  • Kataskopia/Catascopia - spying, peeping
  • Melainis/Melaenis - black (of night)
  • Migontis - union (marital)
  • Morpho - of shapely form
  • Nikeporos/Nicephorus - of victory
  • Nymphia - bridal
  • Ourania/Urania - heavenly, divine
  • Pandemos - common to all people (love)
  • Pontia - of the sea
  • Praxis - action (sexual)
  • Xenia- of the foreigner

Poetic Epithets

  • Aphrogeneia - Foam-born
  • Dia - divine, shining
  • Eustephanos/Eustephanus - richly-crowned, well-girdled
  • Khrysee/Chrysea - golden
  • Philommedes - genital-loving
  • Philommides - laughter-loving

Offerings

Historically, Aphrodite has been offered animal sacrifices (which is not recommended), myrrh, wine, and any of her aforementioned sacred plants. She is also commonly offered frankincense and perfume, which may or may not be historical offerings. I'll update this once I find a solid source.

Modern pagans often offer her chocolate as well, due to it's connection to Valentine's Day and romance in general.

Offerings can be essentially whatever you want, as long as it's offered sincerely and with the deity's preferences in mind (historical or UPG). Aphrodite should not be offered pork in most contexts, though (sources: CGRN 171, Theoi).

Modern Worship

Aphrodite is a very popular goddess and is worshiped by many different types of pagans. One of the earliest neo-pagan groups was the Church of Aphrodite, though their worship of Aphrodite is closer to Wiccan Goddess worship. Even outside of a pagan context, she is a very well-known goddess.

She is often appealed to, naturally, as a goddess of love. Many ask for her help regarding romantic relationships and, less often (unfortunately!), with regards to friendships. I've seen witches invoke her for glamour magic, though I personally think you should build up a relationship with a deity before asking them to help with spellwork. She also, unfortunately, seems to be a popular goddess among the more TERF-y pagan crowd, which is odd considering how often she is depicted with a penis (technically, in this case, she is referred to as Aphroditos).

In my personal experience, I'd describe her as approachable, but also as a goddess with high standards. My biggest mistake to date was when I was 18 years old and tried to offer her Dr Pepper. She did not like that and it was not a mistake I ever repeated. She's always been receptive to incense and candles (again, in my experience) and, like most of the Theoi, enjoys wine. I haven't personally noticed any particular preference, but I also am usually offering wine to the Theoi as a collective.

Prayers to Aphrodite

Sources

Links

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