Today We Honor Demeter/Ceres Demeter/Ceres The Gift-Giver, Goddess of Agriculture Pantheon: Olympian Element: Earth Sphere of Influence: Protection and Agriculture Preferred colors: Green, Gold, Brown, Blue-green Associated symbol: Mare's Head Animals associated with: Horse , Crane Best day to work with: Saturday Strongest around Mabon Suitable offerings: Honeycombs, unspun wool, unpressed grapes, grain. Associated Planet: Earth Demeter controls the wheel of the year. She is the Earth Mother, Goddess to farmers, and mother of Persephone. When Persephone disappeared into the underworld, Demeter was inconsolable. As the source of all growth, the earth withered as Demeter mourned for her daughter. She took a job as nursemaid to Metanira, Queen of Eleusis. When the Queen's daughter (Baubo) saw her crying one day by a well, she tried to comfort her, but without success, despite many attempts.Finally, she exposed her Vulva to Demeter. This made the goddess laughter, and the earth responded with new growth. Shortly after this, Persephone was restored to her mother, and Springtime came to the starving earth. Her greatest festival, shared with Persephone, was at Eleusis, a three day festival that culminated around the time of the Autumnal Equinox (Mabon). Demeter was worshiped in fireless sacrifices, demanding all offerings in their natural state. Honeycombs, unspun wool, unpressed grapes, and uncooked grain were laid on her altars. She encourages care and respect of the Earth. Give thanks to her for a bountiful Harvest.
http://forums.delphiforums.com/herbalmusings/messages?msg=13973.1 Tiles Courtesy By SKPPB Assembled By 漏Nancy47漏 2006 @ DiamondGirls |