Aphrodite Shrine

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Following is information about how the Aphrodite Shrine is ideally honored:

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RITUAL

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All of the Greek shrines have a common format for honoring them, asking a boon of them, etc. The format goes:

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1) Say “Khaire (Car-ay) O [their name]. Hail [their name]!”

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2) If you know any of their historical/ literary epithets, add a few and tell them why you are calling on them. For example, for Aphrodite you might say “Sea-foam-born Heavenly One, thank you for your presence, wisdom, insight, and assistance in my ritual.”

 

3) Say this:

 

“Eleibometha (Elay bomb etha) soi (soy). We have poured a libation to you. (Pour them a little wine)

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Leipsometha (Layp somm etha) soi (soy). We do pour a libation to you.(Pour them a little more wine) 

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Leibometha (Lay bomb etha) soi (soy). We will pour a libation to you. (Pour them a little more wine and finish the rest yourself)

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Kharin (Car-een) ekhomen (ek-omen) soi (soy). Khaire (Car-ay)! We give you thanks. Hail!”

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AREAS OF INFLUENCE AND EPITHETS

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Aphrodite is the Goddess of Love, Desire, and Beauty, but also so much more. You may use any of these epithets and more to address Her and specify your intentions:

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•Aphrodite Pandemos (“of all the people”) — associated with common or earthly love and civic unity.

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•Aphrodite Urania (“heavenly”) — associated with spiritual or celestial love but also for cemeteries and the dead. 

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•Aphrodite Philommeidēs (“laughter-loving” or “smile-loving”) — from epic poetry, especially Iliad. 

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•Aphrodite Himera (“desire”) — emphasizing erotic longing.

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•Aphrodite Peitho (“persuasion”) — connected with seduction and eloquence. 

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•Aphrodite Euploia (“fair voyage”) — patroness of safe sailing.

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•Aphrodite Pontia (“of the sea”) 

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•Aphrodite Anadyomene (“rising from the sea”) — referencing her mythical birth from sea foam. 

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•Aphrodite Nikephoros (“bringer of victory”) 

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•Aphrodite Apostrophia (“she who turns away”) — invoked to avert improper desire. 

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•Aphrodite Genetyllis (“of motherhood” or “birth”) 

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•Aphrodite Nymphia (“bridal”) — protector of marriage rites.

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•Aphrodite Epitragia (“upon the goat”) — connected with fertility symbolism.

 

•Aphrodite Praxis (“of action” or “successful affairs”)

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If you plan to honor each of the Greek shrines, we recommend you start and end with the Community Shrine. Hestia is traditionally the first and last deity to be given offerings.

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There are eight official shrines at Laurelin.

 

Four of the Shrines are to Greek gods and goddesses:

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-Hermes

-Aphrodite

-Pan

-Nymphs

 

 

Four shrines are dedicated to local features:

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-Community (which can also be a Greek shrine for Hertha)

​-Water

​-Wild Ancestors

​-Stone Circle

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You are welcome to visit any of them as long as you treat them with respect.