When people talk about love goddesses, Aphrodite is often one of the first that comes to mind. So naturally, when someone is looking for the love of their life, their soul mate, they ask for Aphrodite’s help. Makes sense, right?
Well, kinda… sorta… not really.
Aphrodite is perfect to call on as you start a relationship search, because she will help you get ready. She’ll teach you to love yourself, and love your body. She’ll teach you how to be more attractive – and I’m not just talking looks here. Attractive as in magnetic.
Aphrodite may even bring you some great relationships – partners that remind you of your worth and beauty, partners that match your libido, and partners that help you refine what you are really looking for in a long term relationship (by showing you what you DON’T want).
Note the use of the plural in the preceding paragraph.
You see, Aphrodite’s not particularly interested in commitment. She loves everyone. Yes, EVERYONE. Sure, she kept going back to Ares, because he matched her passion. They came together and split up on the regular because she needs variety.
So if Aphrodite’s not the one to ask for help with finding a long term relationship, who is?
Hera.
Hera is the Goddess of Marriage after all. And say what you want about Zeus’s infidelity, he was committed to her, and matched her power and passion.
My theory on why Zeus is the All Father has to do with invasion and propaganda. The area we know as Greece was originally a bunch of small, isolated communities. They had their own deities and beliefs, and many of them worshiped Goddesses – one of the oldest temples in Greece is Hera’s. Waves of conquerors started coming in, with a God as their highest deity. And rather than try and take the Goddesses and Gods away from the people they conquered, they rolled them into their new pantheon. So Hera became the Queen of Heaven, to match Zeus the king. Many other deities and heroes, like Hermes, Theseus, Jason, etc, became children of Zeus – to make them subordinate to him. And the Queen of Heaven was put “in her place” as a subordinate by painting a picture of her as a jealous, vengeful wife. I digress.
Hera blesses long term relationships and marriage. She was worshiped as a beneficent Mother Goddess, the most beautiful, the most kind, the most revered. Once you’ve claimed your worth and you’re ready for commitment, Hera has got you covered.
I praise you bright and noble Hera, great lady of Olympus,
https://vocal.media/futurism/ways-of-worship-hera
gracious queen of the deathless gods, dark-eyed goddess,
fairest of the children of Rhea, graceful and comely,
cloaked in the starry skies, garlanded in poppies fragrant and blood-red,
crowned in brightest gold, the lotus wand in your hand,
your form ever draped in the finest of silks,
majestic one whose blessing is sought by all, whose gifts are treasured,
whose favor is a surety of good fortune.
Hera, champion of great cities,
guardian of ancient Argos and the pretty isle of Samos,
warder of the bonds of marriage,
protector of women in the old world and the new,
unparalleled goddess, white-armed one,
sovereign of the high-reaching heavens,
I honor your might.
Blessings,
Mary