Goddess of the Week: Athena

Birth of Athena. Attic exaleiptron (black-figured tripod), ca. 570–560 BC. Found in Thebes (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Elizabeth needs a goddess for dealing with migraines.  Oi!  She needs Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom.

Zeus, the big cheater who could never keep his toga closed, lusted after the Titan Metis.  But there were two problems.  One, Metis was just not into him.  Two, a prophet foretold that Metis would bear Zeus a daughter, and later, a son, and that the son would kill Zeus and become leader of the gods, much like Zeus had done earlier.

Naturally, Zeus never let a little thing like impeding patricide get in the way of romance.  He pursued and flattered Metis until she couldn't see straight, and then, after they had their little tete-a-tete, he swallowed her.  (Talk about your bad dates!)

Now Zeus had a new problem.  He had such a headache!  He was doubled-over in pain.  He moaned so loudly the whole world heard him.  Finally, the smith god had to split Zeus's head open with an ax!  And then what happened?  Athena, fully grown and dressed in stylish battle armor, popped straight out of his head.

Now listen, Elizabeth, because this is important: Do not split your head open!  That only works if you are Zeus.  But Zeus got help, and so can you.  See your doctor.  Also consider an acupuncturist.  Also, I'm hearing mixed reviews about oxygen therapy.  Check it out.  Mostly, be gentle on yourself.  Unlike Zeus, you did not swallow some poor Titan.  Your sweet body is doing the best it can dealing with a really crummy situation.  Give it some love.

Channel this goddess: When having a migraine or really bad headache.  Titans aren't the only food triggers, by the way.  Also watch out for bacon, wine, cheese, chocolate--basically anything good.  Enjoy your gruel!

Need a goddess?  I got goddesses! Post a comment explaining what you need or want a goddess for.  Then check back in a week or two and see what you got.  It's fun!  It's free!  It's better than having a fully-grown goddess stuck in your head.

PS: On another note, local readers might appreciate knowing that my novel The Goddess Lounge is now available at Vroman's Bookstore, 695 East Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA.  Each copy is looking for a good home and is fully house trained.  Tell your friends.

Also, I'll be reading from The Goddess Lounge at a book signing and reception this Saturday, July 21 at SPACE Arts Center, located at 1508 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA.  The reception is from three to four-thirty in the afternoon.  The reading will be at three-thirty.  A portion of all proceeds will go to SPACE Arts Center scholarships.  I'm making cookies, so come on down!