Guiding Lights – Feb 2010

Greetings once again, my readers, and welcome to the 2010 Valentine’s “Guiding Lights.” Of course, this month’s deity is Aphrodite. And of course, I feel so very lucky and blessed to have the Goddess of love in my life. Being a Libra, the sign ruled by the planet Venus, I have a special connection with Aphrodite, who is associated with the planet Venus, and called by that name in the Roman Pantheon.

Aphrodite and I have a history. She has made requests of me in the past, and I must admit that I have not always fulfilled her demands. I trust though, that she forgives me, as I am not one to give up easily when given a task of any real importance. In fact, I have found that our life tasks have a way of reappearing until we have passed the test or done what is required.

Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love

There are many accounts of Aphrodite, though it is generally accepted that she formed out of the sea and “came ashore at Cyprus carried to land on a large scallop shell.” (1)

Aphrodite is known for her love affairs with both gods and mortals. She is the special patron goddess of lovers and those associated with sex and sacred sex. Over time, she became known separately as the Goddess of erotic sexuality, human romantic love, and finally heavenly love. She bestows harmony, love, beauty, and friendships. She has power over animals, spirits, and even fate.

Once associated with war as well as love, Aphrodite was largely responsible for the mythical Trojan War, but that is for another time. This month, I want to focus on love, befitting the Valentine’s holiday celebrated widely in February. Cupid, (Greek: Eros) the son of Aphrodite and Aries, is one reason for the Goddess’ association with this holiday. He, like his mother, is associated with love, romance, and starting affairs, so he became an integral part of the holiday.

Invocation of Aphrodite

On Wednesday, January 27^th, 2010, during the hour of Venus with the moon in Cancer and growing full, I invoked Aphrodite once again. With a red candle burning and offerings of rose incense and wine, I respectfully asked Aphrodite to bless me and you, my readers, with a special Valentine’s Day message. I asked her how we could bring more love and beauty into our lives and for anything else we might need to know at this time.

Although I did not see her image or hear her voice this time, she gave me many thoughts in response to my queries, and I scribbled them down as soon as I heard them. I have transcribed here, word for word, what she told me:

“Nature abhors a vacuum. Empty yourself in my name and I will fill your cup with love and bring beauty into your awareness. Have faith; if you are reading this, you are no doubt on the right path. Your star is rising.

Be of service and you will receive more than what is asked of you. Again, I say, empty yourself, and I will bless you. Be of good cheer, cooperate, and do not give into hate. Meet anger and hate with the light of love. Act in my name, the name of love, and I will give you the strength you need.

What you are after, give to others. If you want glamour, recognize and acknowledge glamour in your friends and family. Give away enthusiastically what you want for yourself. If you want friendships, be a good friend to others. Build people up and focus on the good in them and in the world.”

I meditated immediately on her words and pictured many of these things happening for me. I asked for her help in emptying myself of ego, for this is never easy for me, and she responded to this request as well. I felt peace and I knew it came from a power greater than myself. I thanked Aphrodite for coming to me and I once again pledged my love and devotion to her.

Aphrodite is the most beautiful of the gods. She is strong, can be demanding, and often not for the faint of heart, but she loves beyond imagination and the world would not have beauty without her divine presence. Thank you. It is always a pleasure to bring you these stories. I’ll be back again in March with something new.

Work Sited:

1. Illes, J. The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses. 2009.

Sources:

• Virtue, D. Archangels and Ascended Masters, A guide to Working with and Healing with Divinities and Deities. 2003.
• Illes, J. The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses. 2009.

Belenus teaches at the Grey School of Wizardry (www.greyschool.com) and is the founder of and published through Dreamz-Work Productions (www.dreamz-work.com).