Today is the Feast Day of Hestia, Virgin Goddess of Hearth, Home, and of the family unit. She is described by Homer as the First Born of Cronus and the youngest as well. Having been one of the original 12 Olympians, she chose instead to allow Dionysus her Seat in order to tend the fires of Mount Olympus.
Homeric Hymn 5 to Aphrodite 18 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C7th - 4th B.C.)
"Nor yet does the pure maiden Histia love Aphrodite's works. She was the first-born child of wily Kronos and youngest too, by will of Zeus who holds the aigis,--a queenly maid whom both Poseidon and Apollon sought to wed. But she was wholly unwilling, nay, stubbornly refused; and touching the head of father Zeus who holds the aigis, she, that fair goddess, sware a great oath which has in truth been fulfilled, that she would be a maiden all her days. So Zeus the Father gave her a high honour instead of marriage, and she has her place in the midst of the house and has the richest portion. In all the temples of the gods she has a share of honour, and among all mortal men she is chief of the goddesses. Of these three Aphrodite cannot bend or ensnare the hearts."
On this, her Feast day, I left offerings of the first fresh peaches of the year, and sweet Peach wine at the base of the plant most often found associated with Her, Vitex agnus castus or "Chaste Tree Berry".
Often grown in medieval apothecary gardens and a favorite of monks, Chaste Tree can be used as a pepper flavored spice, the seeds are gray purple 'balls' the size and shape of peppercorns. That is where the similarities end, as these peppered seeds are very soft and light, and easily crushed with the fingers. Chaste Tree is also used as a tincture to bring on menses and relieve problems associated with menstruation.
The Vitex's medicinal uses is the original reason I purchased this beautiful specimen. I suppose since my aim was a little one sided, it didn't do as well in the first year as I'd hoped.
Then something happened. My husband and I awoke one sunny Sunday morning to find that someone had spray painted our drive way during the night, like a coward(s).
"Witch B*tch F*ck You". Four words can really shake your foundation. I asked the Vitex to watch over our home and 'report' any ne'er do wells to Hestia and Hera. Once my "Vivi" had a job, (and a name, that just sort of happened), the growth and beauty of this plant skyrocketed. No one has bothered our home (and hearth) since. Blessings of compost, fertilizer, and offerings to Hestia, (I'm trying to build Hera a shrine as we speak.) also help cement my Devotion.
Hestia, Hestia, the first and the last, always to thee.
"One Of Sixteen Vestal Virgins
Who Were Leaving For The Coast
And Although My Eyes Were Open
They Might Just As Well Been Closed"
3 comments:
Hugs and blessings to you for having to deal with the spray painting. You sound well-protected now.
In turmoil, transmutation is the key. From recipient of ill will to protected hearth and home. Beautiful.
Thank you for sharing! Blessings to your home and family.
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