Gems of the Goddess
Hearth Heiress: Hestia
She is said to be the warmth that spreads throughout our houses, leaving a calming state of mind. She watches over ritual and cooking within the homes across the world. She is the very flame that burns with an ethereal brightness in our fire pits. Hestia, the Greek Goddess of the hearth, is not only a domestic women, but a protective motherly Goddess. Even though Hestia promised to never marry and have children, she served as a mother figure for many Gods and Goddesses. Hestia choose this because she felt it was true to her nature. She wanted to choose her own path with no influenced of outsiders. She did what felt right to her, which was being of service to her family and friends. Think of her as a loving, down to earth, mother figure brewing you tea in the kitchen for your head cold. Hestia did little things like that for people, but also things of greater meaning.
When Zeus heard that Hestia choose to remain a virgin, he was overly delighted, considering her decision repelled the option of war between her suitors. So being as happy as he was, Zeus gave Hestia the keys to their family home on Mount Olympus. There, Hestia was to watch over the home, and the other Gods and Goddesses roaming about the earth. She was comfortable keeping to herself and her home, and felt right in protecting it and the people she loved. Being such a loving individual, Hestia was never involved in any conflict with other Gods or Goddesses, and managed to stay out of trouble. This resulted in her lacking a grand story like the rest of the Goddesses, but Hestia doesn’t need a story…she’s all that is, and continues to be a burning flame within the walls of houses across the universe. She is the embodiment of peace and centeredness not only within our homes and the earth, but within ourselves.
CONNECTING WITH HESTIA
Remember: Hestia does exactly what she wants, because it feels true to her and makes her happy. That’s very common behavior among Goddesses, but Hestia really never let her ego get in the way. When you feel your ego creeping up on you, yell for Hestia and she’ll gladly help you out. She’s also great to evoke for house blessing or protection rituals. If you want to keep burglars away, Hestia’s your girl.
You could also do some baking for your loved ones! Plus with Samhain just around the corner this recipe is perfect.
Pumpkin Cranberry Cookies
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 cup solid pack pumpkin puree
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla, egg and pumpkin. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; stir into mixture until well blended. Cut the cranberries in half and stir into mixture along with the orange zest and walnuts. Drop by teaspoons onto cookie sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
SYMBOLS AND THINGS TO PUT ON YOUR ALTER
Fire, bowls, keys, purple coneflower, angelica, iris, lavender, gold, silver, amethyst, architecture