Today's Goddess: HERA
Daedala (Greece)
Themes: Love; Romance; Forgiveness; Humor
Symbols: Oak; Myrrh; Poppy
About Hera: Hera rules the earth, its people, and the hearts of those people. Using passion
and creativity, Hera nudges star-crossed lovers together, chaperones trysts, and helps struggling marriages
with a case of spring twitterpation!
Legend tells us that Hera refused to return to Zeus's bed because of a quarrel. Zeus, however, had a plan.
He humorously dressed up a wooden figure to look like a bride and declared he was going
to marry. When Hera tore off the dummy's clothes and discovered the ruse, she was so amused and
impressed by Zeus's ingenuity that she forgave him.
To Do Today: Ancient Greeks honored Hera and Zeus's reconciliation today, often in the company of
old oak trees. Small pieces of fallen wood are collected to symbolize the divinities, then burned on
the ritual fire to keep love warm. To mirror this custom, find a fallen branch and burn a small
part of it as an offering to Hera. Keep the rest to use as a goddess image year-round, burning
a few slivers whenever love needs encouragement.
Present someone you love or admire with a poppy today to symbolically bestow Hera's blessings
on your relationship. If you have a loved one away from home, burn some myrrh incense in front of
their picture so Hera can watch over them and keep that connection strong.
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By Patricia Telesco ~ From "365 Goddess" and GrannyMoon's Morning Feast