The Enchanted Tarot

Astrology

Enchantments

Alchemy

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APHRODITE means "risen from the sea foam" and that is why the Greeks who worshipped her built many of her temples by the sea. The holy women who served in her temples took lovers from among those who came to worship her. Myrrh and frankincense were burned in her sacred precincts and love was love regardless of the sex of one's partner.

In appearance she was the essence of feminine beauty with a graceful figure, a perfect face, and an amiable smile. She was truly adored as the Queen of Heaven. A mistress of seductive conversation, she enjoyed arousing the passions of many of the Gods. This was true despite the fact that she had a husband, who, though ugly and lacking in charm, was reputed to love all pleasures.

Her interests strayed to mortal men as well, to whom she sometimes appeared as an earthly maiden. One such mortal was a young shepherd who died in his youth. His blood, flowing from a boar's fatal wound, colored the poppies crimson forever. Another was Pygmalion, a sculptor, whose lovely female statue she brought to life in order that she might love him.

Although she hardly seemed to need its aid, she was reputed to have a magic girdle which made all who saw her fall in love with her. Her Cupids were sent to Earth with their arrows to cause the joining of men and women; willing victims of the Goddess of Love and Affection.

APHRODITE never expected permanent liaisons but charmed the partner of the moment with tenderness and warmth. Her love was unbounded by convention and unconcerned with the bonds of marriage, whether her's or anyone else's.