The Cottage Wytch: Homeric Hymn: the Goddess of the Hearth

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Homeric Hymn: the Goddess of the Hearth

HESTIA, wherever homes shelter, raised to the sky,
men going on earth or gods who never may die,
the foremost honour you've gained, and a lasting place.

Noble your portion and right.

For, lacking your grace, no mortal would dare to eat. First, he must bend, pouring sweet wine to you, and again at the end.

Astraea

Astraea ("the star-maiden") is the daughter of Zeus and Themis. She was, as was her mother, a goddess of justice. During the Golden Age, when the gods dwelled among mankind, she lived on the earth. When evil and wickedness increased its grip on humanity, the gods abandoned the habitations of mankind. Astraea was the last to leave and took up her abode among the stars where she was transformed into the constellation Virgo.

http://www.pantheon.org/articles/a/astraea.html

http://www.theoi.com/Titan/Astraia.html

Esbats

Esbats are rites held for the purpose of communing with the Moon's energies and are regarded as the time for most magickal workings. As opposed to the Sabbats, which are fire or sun festivals, Esbats are dedicated to the Moon in her various phases. These are considered the 'working' celebrations, the time in which to attract, banish, invoke protection, or to perform any other magickal workings. Most Sabbat festivals are held in order to celebrate the changing of the seasons, the gathering of the harvest, etc. The Esbats are held in honor of the Goddess. The Lunar Year contains 13 Full Moons.

http://www.joellessacredgrove.com/Holidays/esbats.html