Image via WikipediaKate needs a housewarming goddess. She needs Hestia, the Greek goddess of the hearth, who is the patroness of all things homey.Hestia lived on Mount Olympus with her brother Zeus and their other siblings. But while her brothers and sisters were always gallivanting around Greece causing trouble, Hestia stayed home and tended the fire. It may sound boring, but, remember, the old saying, "May you live in interesting times," is actually supposed to be a curse. There are worse things than stability and predictability.
Besides, Hestia was into tending her fire. She knew it was an important job. Even the gods didn't have matches back then. Once you started your family fire you had to keep it going round the clock. So that's what Hestia did.
Every home fire in Greece was an altar to Hestia. The first bite of every meal was offered to Hestia. In return, Hestia offered light, warmth, and char-broiled goodness. And isn't that what we all want to come home to?
So, here's to your new home, Kate! May it grant you light and warmth, and, with Hestia's blessing, may you and the ones you love always keep the home fires burning.
Channel this goddess: When settling into a new home or making s'mores. Hestia was also the patroness of bakers so toss her a spoonful of sugar the next time you make cookies.
Need a goddess: I got goddesses! Post a comment saying what you need or want a goddess for. Then check back in a week or two and see what you got.
PS: Deb and Wendy, a little Hestia might be good for you right now, too.
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19 comments:
How do u pronounce the name of this Goddes, MF??
Raising my coffee cup in a toast to Kate's new home ... Cheers :)
It's good to be back here with the Goddesses, Margaret. Hope all is well and you had a great summer!
What a great one! Will be good for my mom, too. And I think my mom can use a healing/health goddess! :)
Pup: I believe it is Hes-tia.
Joanne: Welcome back! We've missed you. I'll be dropping by for a cup of virtual coffee soon.
Carrie: Fabulous Girl, I'm glad you approve. You're mom is ok, right?
Much happiness in your new home, Kate.
Would Hestia help me with my housekeeping? There are just so many more interesting things to do besides vacuum and wash the windows. But both are badly needed.
Daisy's Barbara
Congrats on your new home, Kate. May I borrow Hestia when you're done with her? I've been in my home for 5 months and I'm still a long way from light, warmth and char-broiled goodness.
Perfect! We are heading to Florida to set up our winter home and get all the utilities sorted out, etc. I take Hestia along.
I love goddesses who play with fire
You had me at s'mores.
Can I like Hestia and still feel just the tiniest bit oppressed by her?
It makes me think about the month I spent on a Prometheus Unbound essay. And I have nothing to show for it, not one slip of paper, not even a candle.
Of course, I didn't know Hestia.
Daisy: I am with you! Housekeeping is such a chore. I think Hestia is flexible and always willing to help out.
Susan: You can have her too. No need to borrow.
Des: I can understand the oppression part, but I say you just unshackle Hestia from patriarchal representations of her and of domesticity. She is bigger than that.
Yay for Kate and her housewarming needs fulfilled! Is there a goddess for uniting a family? That's what I need as my husband, daughter, and I wait for our adoption application to get approved! LOVE your blog!
Patriarchal representations! You are speaking my language. Thanks for the reminder that domesticity does not equal doormat.
Desiree made me laugh.
"There are worse things than stability and predictability". This suits me to a T. I've actually heard of this goddess before, but of course not nearly in this lovely detail. Great post Margaret, as always!
You are right my dear, I needed this goddess right now too. I loved reading about Hestia, Margaret. Hooray for new homes and char-broiled goodness. ;o)
PS: All the best in your new homes, Kate and Wendy! xo
Elizabeth: I would love to get you a goddess! What a worthy cause.
Deb: So glad you are on the mend.
I need a heartwarming Goddess...
Margaret I MISSED YOU! :-)
But now I'm back!
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