Hestia, First and Last. ⋆ Fabienne S. Morgana

Hestia: Greek Goddess of Hearth and Home

From the above blog: my notes in italics.

Olympus Manager

Non-judgmental and forgiving, her “unconditional love” and calm acceptance inspired the love and trust of others in return. Dependable and caring, Hestia was always there for them, helping them manage their lives which were certainly more exciting than her own.

One of Hestia’s most important responsibilities as the estate manager was as “Keeper of the Reserves”. Seeing to it that all their clothing and equipment was in good repair and the pantry always full so there would be ample food and wine on hand when any of the gods and goddesses returned from their adventures.

As keeper of the key to all the supplies, Hestia efficiently managed the large household, pleasing all with her practical dependability.

The estate manager aspect is something I am contemplating deeply. It’s been touched on elsewhere, but the deeper I go on this exploration of Hestia that kicked off as part of my meditations prior The Quickening (Imbolc), the more complex a character and cultus this seems to be.

The Protector of Guests

One of the few myths of Hestia tells how the lustful Priapus attempted to rape her as she slept. As he approached her bed, a donkey (long since a symbol of lust) began to bray loudly, awakening the slumbering Hestia. Her screams awoke the other gods and goddesses and sent the embarrassed Priapus falling all over himself as he fled.

I’m currently sitting with this myth; as someone who has experienced abuse and trauma myself, I want to address it in a devotional piece but that inspiration has not yet coalesced into coherent (hopefully!) words and form.

Hestia is also known as the originator of the concept of “sanctuary.” It was an offence to Hestia to refuse hospitality to a stranger. Those in need were to be sheltered and protected from ill-treatment, which was recognized by Hestia’s followers as a sacred obligation.

Special emphasis was placed on the requirement to not “take advantage” of a female guest, presumably as a result of Hestia’s experience with Priapus.

The Flame of Hestia

The Olympic Torch is just one example of the living flame that has survived to modern times, though it is seldom recalled that it originally honored the Greek goddess Hestia.

There is an exhibition at the Hellenic Museum in Naarm, where I live, that focuses on the Olympic Torch, and I hope to visit as part of my Spring Equinox (Southern Hemisphere) celebrations.

Hestia Symbols

Hestia (also known as the Roman goddess Vesta) is often represented by goddess symbols associated with her personality traits, the sacred flame, and her contribution to civilization, personal households, and to architecture.

As a polytheist, I do not see Vesta as the same deity as Hestia. I see all Mysterious Ones as Their Own Entities, entire, and complete individuals.

General

A hearth is one of the main symbols of Hestia since she was the goddess of home and sacred fire. As such, the hearth symbolizes warmth, security, protection, family, and home.

Hestia’s other symbols are architecture, bowls, veils, pantries, and keys.

Animals

Donkeys and pigs are one of the most useful animals in the household, and there is certainly a lot of symbolism related to those animals that can also be associated with Hestia.

For example, donkeys symbolize integrity, honesty, diligence, courage, and truth. Pigs, on the other hand, symbolize fertility and success in business and careers.

I grew up in rural environments. Large Whites are fearsome beasts, and the idea of a Sow as a companion animal is more intimidating than people might think.

Plants

Plants and flowers that symbolize Hestia are the angel’s trumpet (Datura), hollyhock, purple coneflower, and yarrow.

Given that Hestia now strongly linked to The Quickening for me, in an Australian context, I feel like Wattle might be Hers.

Perfumes/Scents

Angelica’s root scent is musky, earthy, and warm, perfectly symbolizing Hestia’s essence. Her other associated scents and perfumes are iris, lavender, and peony.

Gems And Metals

Amethyst symbolizes purity, protection, wisdom, humility, and healing, all of those associated with Hestia. Other gems and metals symbolizing Hestia are garnet, gold, silver, and brass.

Colours

As the goddess of the sacred fire, it is logical that Hestia is symbolized by gold colour. Other colours that can symbolize this goddess are dark rose, lavender, silver, and black.

The Giustiniani Hestia is a finely-executed marble sculpture, a perhaps Hadrianic Roman copy of a Greek bronze of about 470 BCE, now in the Torlonia Collection (see Torlonia Museum), Rome, but named for its early owner, marchese Vincenzo Giustiniani. It is the only known Early Classical bronze that was reproduced at full size in marble for a Roman collection: Roman taste ran more towards the Hellenistic baroque.

The home’s central point is a glowing fire,

The heart of our home shining brightly,

*Hestia, Sacred Flame, O Holy Sovereign,

Bless all your people,

All who dwell in this house.

A Book of Pagan Prayer Ceisiwr Serith

*Ceisiwr Serith’s original prayer was for Brighid, and this line was “Brighid, Queen of Fire.” Ceisiwr constantly states that his work can be moderated to reflect the Mysterious Ones that you are working with, and I do that. His work has been a great, positive, and creative influence on my ability to find my feet as a devotional practitioner. Buy his books, seriously – this one especially.