HESTIA was the virgin goddess of the hearth (both private and municipal) and the home. As the goddess of the family hearth she also presided over the cooking of bread and the preparation of the family meal. Hestia was also the goddess of the sacrificial flame and received a share of every sacrifice to the gods. The cooking of the communal feast of sacrificial meat was naturally a part of her domain.
In myth Hestia was the first born child ofKronos and Rhea who was swallowed by her father at birth. Zeus later forced the old Titan to disgorge Hestia and her siblings. As the first to be swallowed she was also the last to be disgorged, and so was named as both the eldest and youngest of the six Kronides. When the gods Apollon and Poseidon sought for her hand in marriage, Hestia refused and asked Zeus to let her remain an eternal virgin. He agreed and she took her place at his royal hearth.
Hestia’s Appearance: A sweet, modestly dressed young woman. She often is shown wearing a veil.
Hestia’s Symbol or Attribute: The hearth and the tamed fire which burns there.
Hestia’s Strengths: Constant, calm, gentle, and supportive of the family and home.
Her Weaknesses: Cool emotionally.
Hestia’s Affairs and Relationships: Though she was courted by Poseidon and Apollon, Hestia chose to remain a virgin. She occasionally had to fend off the attacks of Priapus and other sexually promiscuous creatures and divinities.
Children of Hestia: Hestia had no children.
Major Temple Sites for Hestia: Her public hearths were called the prytaneion (also spelled Prytaneum). Greek colonists would kindle fire from her hearth in the prytaneion and keep it lit until they reached the hearths of new towns and cities. There is one of these at Olympia and at Delphi.
Hestia’s Basic Myth: Hestia is the eldest daughter of the Titans Rhea and Kronos (also spelled Chronos. Like the rest of his children, he ate her but she eventually was regurgitated by him. She asked Zeus to be the goddess of the hearth, and she kept the hearth lit atMount Olympus.
Interesting Facts about Hestia: Hestia was one of three goddesses immune to the influence ofAphrodite. She could not be forced to love anyone. In Rome, a similar goddess, Vesta, ruled over the group of priestesses called the Vestal Virgins whose duty it was to keep the sacred fire perpetually lit.
“Hestia, you who tend the sacred dwellingof the far-shooting lord, Apollo, at holy Pytho,from your tresses flowing oil ever drips down.Come to this house! Come in gentle spiritwith resourceful Zeus and grant grace to my song!”
Colors ~ white for purity, and gold
Gems/stones ~ clear quartz, crystal, sodaliteSymbols ~ the hearth, the torch
Feast/ Festival day ~ December 31
Fragrances ~ chamomile (calming), frankincense, myrrh (cleansing)
Flowers/herbs ~ daisy, hyssop, basil
Cast the Circle and face East. Call the Elements and Lady Hestia to join in.
“Spirits great, Spirits good, Spirits help me as You should;
Spirits listen, hear my plea, finish and maintain our home for me.”
Thank and release Lady Hestia and the Elements
When you feel stuck about an issue, blocked, or simply need a different point of view, try this: Light a candle to the goddess Hestia, burn some incense that makes you feel happy, put your favorite music on, and pick up your favorite broom. Sweep the house as you sing along with the music. Dance with the broom, and have fun, visualizing all your blocks being swept into the pile of dirt you’re collecting.
Brush it into a dustpan and dispose of it outside your immediate living space. Sit down, drink a favorite beverage, and let a fresh point of view filter through.
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