GoodGod!
Meet the Gods: Zeus
(Statue of Zeus at Olympia From Ancient History Encyclopedia www.ancient.eu)
Zeus is the Greek king of all the other gods and of man. He rules the sky, lightning, thunder, law, order, and justice. In addition to the weather, Zeus is associated with wisdom and destiny. Universally he was referred to as Father. His home was Mount Olympus.
The son of Cronus and Rhea, he married his sister and wife Hera. His legitimate children are Ares, Hebe, and Haphaestus. His numerous affairs resulted in many children including Apollo, Artemis, Athena, Hermes, Heracles and Helen of Troy. A promiscuous god, he could also take the shape of many animals, and his love affairs were with nymphs and mortals.
Zeus is one of the Twelve Olympians; and a member of the Big Three along with his two older brothers. They drew lots for who would rule what. Zeus got the sky, Poseidon got the oceans, and the underworld went to Hades. Their grandmother, Gaia, claimed the Earth.
Considered one of the oldest Greek gods, Zeus is portrayed holding a scepter in one hand and a lightening bolt in the other. Both are symbols of his authority. Sometimes he wears a crown of leaves from his sacred oak tree. He would frequently carry a huge shield, the Aegis, which he would lend to his daughter, Athena now and then. Aetos Dios is the name of his pet golden eagle. The wolf, woodpecker and bull are also said to be his animals.
(Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers in Navona Square. Photograph by Jaroslav Frank)
His Roman form is Jupiter.
The first Olympic games were held every four years to honor Zeus. Only Greek athletes were allowed to compete, and they would come from colonies as far away as Spain and the Ukraine.
You can ask Zeus for good weather, thunderstorms, help in legal matters, justice, help in creating an eternal fire, and help getting pregnant (where you are specific you want children with your husband or significant other, and not Zeus).
If doing a ritual, choose gold, silver, blue, or white for candles and altar covers. Some oak leaves would be good to place on the altar or in your hair. Produce and small cakes can be offerings.
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About the Author:
Lynn Woike
All my life I have known magic was real. As a child, I played with the fae, established relationships with trees and “just knew things.” In my maiden years I discovered witchcraft and dabbled in the black-candles-and-cemeteries-at-midnight-on-a-fullmoon magick just enough to realize I did not understand its power. I went on to explore many practices including Zen, astrology, color therapy, native traditions, tarot, herbs, candle magic, gems, and, as I moved into my mother years, Buddhism, the Kabbalah and Reiki. The first man I dated after my divorce was a witch who reintroduced me to the Craft, this time by way of the Goddess. For 11 years I was in a coven, but with retirement, I have returned to an eclectic solitary practice. When accepting the mantle of crone, I pledged to serve and teach. This is what I do from my skoolie – a 30-year-old school bus converted into a tiny house on wheels that I am driving around the country, following 72-degree weather, emerging myself into nature, and sharing magic with those I meet. Find me at thewitchonwheels.com, Facebook and Instagram.
