Today is one of Rhea’s sacred days.
Called “The Great Mother” or “Mother of the Gods”, Rhea is a patroness of fertility; petition her for all things pregnancy and childbirth related. Her name actually means “flow”, indicating the menstrual flow, birthing waters, the ocean’s tide, the moon and mother’s milk.
Rhea is mother to Hestia, Hera, Demeter (all great domestic deities!) and Hades, Poseidon and Zeus. She is daughter of Gaia (the Earth) and Ouranos (the Heavens). Her Roman counterpart is Cybele
Sacred to Rhea is the oak, myrrh, the almond, grapes and the grape vine. Her day is Saturday, her symbol the lion. Her sacred stones include smoky quartz, obsidian and black tourmaline.
To ask for fertility, anoint your belly with almond oil while praying for Rhea’s blessing. Leave an offering of wine, grapes or milk on your altar for her. Carry a smoky quartz in your or wear a lion symbol to honor her. As the inventor of dancing, dancing can be done in her honor as well.
Read more in depth about the Goddess Rhea here.
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how fitting… I just had my annual lady dr. visit today. *L*
Rhea is the deity I was named after. Often I get asked why it is I choose her as my craft name, and most are surprised when I pull out my ID card and prove that it is, in fact, my legal birth name. I always get such a thrill whenever I see someone write about her, for she is passed over for more conventional Goddesses far too often. Thanks for a great post!
Beautiful Post – just wanted to add that the etymology of Rhea isn't 100% certain; as well as a possible derivation from the Greek verb meaning 'to flow' and 'to stream', another strong contender is the word for 'earth' (era). The Romans certainly identified Rhea and Cybele, but Cybele wasn't actually Roman – her cult was imported to Rome with great pomp and ceremony from Asia Minor in the late 3rd Century
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No wonder my period started today (~5 days before expected). Bleh.
Very interesting; thanks for sharing!
a perfect day for baby making!