Today's Goddess: Charila

Pharmakos ( Greece )

Themes:  Cleansing; Fertility; Luck; Protection; Providence ; Kindness

Symbols:  Leeks; Onions; Grain; Honey Cake

About Charila: Charila comes to our aid when there is a famine, a drought, or some kind of abuse, be it in the earth or in our spirits.  Greek mythology tells us that Charila was a young girl who approached a king seeking food.  The king was angered and slapped her.  Charila hung herself in disgrace, but not without some notice by the Delphic oracle.  The prophetess told the king to change his unsympathetic ways and make offerings to Charila to appease her spirit.  Some traditional offerings for her include honey cakes and grains.

To Do Today:  During this observance in Greece , a criminal representing the community was ritually driven out of the city with leeks and onions rather than being executed.  This act of mercy propitiated Charila, cleansed the city of its "sins," and ensured continuing good fortune for the region.  This also brought fertility, onions being an aphrodisiac.  So, whether you need Charila's luck, productivity, forgiveness, or protection, definitely add onions and leeks to the menu (followed by a hefty dose of breath mints)!

To draw Charila's kindness or good fortune to your home, take a handful of any type of grain and sprinkle it on the walkway near your living space, saying,

Follow me, wherever I roam, and let tenderness and luck fill my home!

)0(