Hera is the goddess of marriage, women, childbirth, and family. Hera is also the patroness and protectress of married women, presiding over weddings and blessing marital unions. She is the Queen of the gods and one of the 12 Olympians. Hera is known for her jealous rages as much as Zeus is known for his sleeping around. She always takes this rage out on Zeus's lovers, children, and mortals who crossed her. Usually, when there's conflict on Olympus, it's because Zeus and Hera are fighting over the latest "sex scandal turned murder."
Appearance: Hera is typically described as an incredibly beautiful and majestic goddess. She is often depicted as a regal woman with long, flowing hair, a fair complexion, and a commanding presence. She wears a golden crown and holds a sceptor or a lotus branch. She is often surrounded by divine attendants and symbols of her power and authority. Hera's beauty and grace are often compared to that of other goddesses, with some sources describing her as surpassingly lovely and radiant. She is also said to carry a pomegranate in her hand, which symbolizes fertility and motherhood.
Personality: With devotees, Hera is often depicted as a stern but loving deity who expects unwavering loyalty and devotion. She is also known for her generosity and compassion towards women and mothers, but her wrath is something to be feared. Ultimately, Hera's personality is complex and multifaceted, and her devotees must approach her with respect and reverence.
Symbols: pomegranate, white flowers, peacocks, lotus-staff, throne, and diadem
Goddess of: marriage, fertility, childbirth, Kings and Empires, women, family, the sky, heaven, the stars, and the protector of women during childbirth
Plants and trees: lily, willow, lotus, poppy, stephanotis, pomegranate, strawberries, cypress, coconut, iris, white rose, apple trees, waterlily, maple trees, and all white flowers
Crystals: amethyst, turquoise, quartz, pearls, garnet, citrine, amber, diamond, and star sapphires
Animals: hawk, peacock, lion, cow, cuckoo, eagles, crane, and snails, crabs, or any other creatures with shells
Incense: apple, lotus, pomegranate, rose, myrrh, jasmine, iris, patchouli, and frankincense
Practices: fertility magick, marriage and relationship rituals, pregnancy rituals, shadow work, healing, cord-cutting, beauty magick, strength, marital harmony, and domestic magic and home protection
Colours: gold, silver, white, purple, royal blue, and green
Tarot: The Empress, The World, Suit of Cups, and Queen of Cups
Days: Friday, Daidala, Heraia, and she is typically invoked for matters concerning family, marriage, and fertility
Siblings: Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hestia, and Demeter
Children: Angelos, Eris, Arge, the Charities, Eleutheria, Ares, Hephaestus, Hebe, and Eileithyia
Peacocks: Hera is often associated with peacocks for several reasons. The most common explanation is that the striking and colourful feathers of the peacock symbolize Hera's own beauty and radiance. Peacocks are also known for their pride and vanity, which some see as a reflection of Hera's own traits. Additionally, the peacock's habit of fanning out its tail feathers is seen as emblematic of Hera's own display of power and grandeur. Some also attribute the association to a specific myth in which Hera takes the form of a peacock.
Motherhood and childhood: she is often associated with motherhood and childbirth in Greek mythology because she is the goddess of marriage and the family unit, and she is the mother of many of the Olympian gods. She is also considered the protector of women and children, and is sometimes depicted with the symbol of a child in her arms. Additionally, Hera herself is the mother of several gods and goddesses, including Ares, Hebe, Eileithyia, Hephaestus and a few others. Her role as a mother and as a protector of motherhood is an important aspect of her identity and her place in the pantheon of Greek deities.
Crowns: Hera is often associated with crowns because of her status as the Queen of the gods and the wife of Zeus. In Greek mythology, Hera is often depicted wearing a golden or jewelled crown on her head, which symbolized her authority and power as the queen of the gods. Crowns were also often associated with royalty and divinity, and Hera's crown was a visible symbol of her exalted rank among the gods. Additionally, some myths suggest that Hera was given a crown by Zeus as a symbol of his love and devotion to her.
Gold and silver: in Greek mythology, gold is often associated with the gods and their divine nature, and Hera's crown was often made of gold to reflect her own divine status. Silver is also associated with purity and beauty, and in some myths, it is said that Hera was given a silver mirror by Zeus to symbolize her own beauty and grace.
Family: Hera is famously associated with family in Greek mythology because she is the goddess of marriage and the family unit. She is the patron deity of married women and is often invoked to bless the home and hearth. Hera is also the mother of many of the Olympian gods, and she is deeply protective of her own children and husband, Zeus. Hera's association with the family and married life is a key part of her identity as a goddess, and she is often depicted as a loving and nurturing wife and mother.
Rage: one of the main reasons is her jealousy and possessiveness towards her husband, Zeus. Hera is frequently portrayed as a jealous and vengeful goddess who cannot abide any sign of infidelity or disloyalty from her spouse. This is evident in many myths, such as the story of Io, where Hera turns Io into a cow to prevent Zeus from being with her. Another reason for Hera's association with rage is her protectiveness over her children and her role as the goddess of family.
One of her defining characteristics in myth is her jealous and vengeful nature in dealing with any who offended her, especially Zeus's numerous adulterous lovers and illegitimate offspring.
When Hera heard of her loyal, Argus, servant's death she was distraught. To honour Argus, she took his eyes and placed them in the peacock's feathers—her favourite animal. To take her revenge, Hera sent a gadfly—a fly that bites livestock—to bite Lo as she wandered the Earth for eternity, forever lost to Zeus.
She would seek revenge on those who offended her, including poisoning and killing most of the island of Oenone, tricking Semele into her death, blinded the seer (Teiresias), sent the Sphinx to Thebes to punish the King (Laïus), turning Io into a cow, and transforming Callisto into a bear.
One way to invoke Hera is through a meditation, such as the Hera invocation meditation, you can try:
Relaxing your muscles, starting with your bust, chest, and stomach
Breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth
Relaxing your shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands, and fingers
Feeling the relaxation in your head, face, forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, jaw, ears, skull, and hair
Visualizing roots growing from your feet, legs, and tailbone, deep into the earth.
Then light her candles and patiently wait, even meditate on her energy.
I call to Hera, Queen of lofty Olympus, dark-eyed goddess, beloved of thundering Zeus, radiant daughter of Kronos and blessed Rhea.
In times of old were you well loved, in Argos and in Samos.
Many are the tales told of you; many are your temples, many are your honours, many are the blessings granted by your goodness.
Wise one, insightful one, you discern and devise the way most fitting to achieve your ends.
Hera, in the clear blue sky we recognize your favor, and in a warm spring rain; in a joyous wedding feast, a constant love, and a harmonious home we know you.
Stately and beautiful goddess, friend of women, friend of marriage, protector of home and family, most lovely and most exalted goddess, I call to you, Mother Hera.
SIGNS THAT HERA IS CALLING YOU:
Encounters with The Empress tarot card: The Empress links perfectly with Hera as the Queen of the Gods, as well as the themes of motherhood and partnership to the Emperor (Zeus). Seeing this card repeatedly may signify that Hera is trying to send you a message or guide you in your life.
Gifted apples: apples were a symbol of love, fertility and abundance in Ancient Greece, often gifted to Hera. If you find yourself receiving apples as gifts or encountering them frequently, it could be a sign of her blessing or encouragement in your pursuit of love, partnerships or abundance.
Encountering peacocks: peacocks are often associated with Hera, as they are her sacred animal. Seeing them frequently could be a sign of her presence or a reminder to embrace your inner beauty and confidence. It may be imagery, in design, or the actual animal you repeatedly encounter.
If you have noticed the weather “feels” exactly how you are, especially when it comes to turbulent moments in relationships or in relation to the tone of a management position, for example, and noticeably so – then this may be a very specific nod.
If you find yourself constantly hearing the name “Hera”, whether it’s in a conversation, on TV or in a book, it could be a sign that she is trying to get your attention.
Feeling drawn to Mount Olympus.
Disconnect from children: whilst not the most positive imagery, if you’re seeing a lot of symbolism and storylines surrounding a mother’s disconnect with her children, it could be Hera sharing that she too struggled with what may have been postpartum depression. This is something that does happen in nature, so it doesn’t necessarily have to be specifically a human situation.
Seeing or hearing more about lions, serpents, cuckoo birds, hawks, eagles, etc.
Dreams about getting married, divorce or widowhood, pregnancy, empowerment, leadership, justice, and power.
Snail or hermit crab shells.
Incense: apple, lotus, pomegranate, rose, myrrh, jasmine, iris, patchouli, and frankincense.
Food and drinks: grains, wine, bread, chocolate, pomegranates, apples, honey, milk, fruit (strawberries, pomegranate, etc), water, olive oil, grapes, beef and other meats, nuts, homemade sweets,
Silver or gold jewelry (especially rings).
Peacock or cuckoo feathers.
Peacock paintings, statues, or peacock patterns.
Cuckoo bird art or statues.
Cow paintings, statues, or cow print patterns.
Plants and trees: lily, willow, lotus, poppy, stephanotis, pomegranate, strawberries, cypress, coconut, iris, white rose, apple trees, waterlily, maple trees, and all white flowers.
White, royal blue, purple, dark green, grey, and silver candles.
Crystals: amethyst, turquoise, pearls, garnet, citrine, amber, diamond, and star sapphires.
If you have a romantic partner surprise them with breakfast in bed, a movie, a massage, booking a romantic retreat for the two of you, etc.
Do housework and keep your home clean.
Stand up for women’s rights.
Honour Her children and Her husband Zeus.
Make a playlist of songs that remind you of Her.
Donate and support domestic abuse victims.
Spend time with those you care about and listen to what they have to say.
Reminisce by looking at old photos on your phone or photographs around your house.
Set time aside in your schedule just for your S.O., children, family, friends, etc.
Turn your bathroom into a spa!
Donate and support charities that help aid in ending child hunger and that support women.
Take a long bath with bubbles, soaks, music, candles, wine, etc.
Don’t be afraid to speak your mind and let others know what you want and don’t want.
Donate a dress to organizations like Brides for a Cause or Brides Against Breast Cancer or donate to help fund someone’s wedding/wedding dress.
Take care of yourself, your mental health, and treat yourself to something you want.
Pray to Her and talk with Her about what’s going on in your life, any crushes you have, your romantic partner/s, past relationships, children, etc.
Spend time with your family or loved ones.
Take care of your physical and mental health.
