Aphrodite

[Moon Petal]

While reading up on the Gods and Goddesses, I’ve decided to have Aphrodite as my main deity. I’ve always been interested in her. In order to gain more understanding of her and her stories, I’ve watched a documentary called Venus Uncovered: Ancient Goddess Of Love. Can anyone recommend other documentaries and books about her? I want to know not just her history but also rituals and prayers for her.

I already have a very clear picture in my mind of how I want my altar for her to be and I can’t wait to make it a reality.

[SpiritTalker]

I don't know of any documentaries but when the time comes I hope you'll post photos in the altar pics sections.

[Moon Petal]

I definitely will!

[Lord_of_Nightmares]

Book "From Ishtar to Aphrodite" documents her progress as Astarte/Ishtar/Inanna into Aphrodite.

[Moon Petal]

Today I was at a restaurant celebrating my wedding and there were white candles on the table. I took the 20 seconds where no one was talking to me and stared at the candle nearest me and silently thanked Aphrodite for making my big day special. I had prayed to her the night before thanking her for her assistance in finding me a dress at the last minute as my original dress wasn’t going to work. I’m enjoying communicating with her but I feel bad that I can’t do it properly (altar) right now. I did buy a rose quartz elemental tower last week, it hasn’t arrived yet. It’s not much but I know Aphrodite is associated with rose quartz so maybe if I hold it while I’m talking to her, she’ll like that.

Anyways just wanted to share.

[SpiritTalker]

Do I understand correctly that you were married this weekend?

The essential spirit of Aphrodite has been with human-kind since the raw beginnings of spiritual practices & she's had many names. All acts of love & pleasure are hers as the Charge says.

Congratulations & 10,000 blessings.

[Xiao Rong]

Congratulations on your wedding, Moonpetal!

I would also suggest that there are also some other ways to get to know Aphrodite. She is not just the goddess of love, but also of pleasure and sensuality, and you can really get creative! Taking a long bubble bath filled with fragrances could be a wonderful ritual in her honor, for example. My own personal favorite method is belly dance; I usually dedicate my performances to Aphrodite.

[Lord_of_Nightmares]

Congratulations Moonpetal, on your wedding!

Aphrodite is a complex goddess, and because of her former war goddess status as Ishtar she tends to hang out with Aries a lot. Her war side is described by Hesoid. But you can see it in her giving birth to Phobos and Deimos, fear and dread, with Aries. Don't be afraid to explore her dark side. She is very nice and understanding to people.

[Moon Petal]

A ritual bath sounds like a wonderful idea! I’m going to buy some vanilla bubble bath and rose petals. How do I make it more ritual-like? Candles are not an option.

[Lord_of_Nightmares]

A ritual bath sounds like a wonderful idea! I’m going to buy some vanilla bubble bath and rose petals. How do I make it more ritual-like? Candles are not an option.

There are electric candles, though that sounds like a terrible option. I don't normally use candles when I am doing ritual baths and stuff though. I focus more on earth and water. I make my own salt scrub and stuff.

[Moon Petal]

Are there any prayers or words I should say?

I bought two long-stemmed red roses that I plan on picking the petals off and vanilla marshmallow bubble bath.

[Lord_of_Nightmares]

I always make up stuff about washing away negativity and purifying myseld.

[Moon Petal]

After the ritual is it okay if I just put the rose petals into the trash? I’m staying in a hotel so I’m limited with how to dispose of them.

[Lord_of_Nightmares]

After the ritual is it okay if I just put the rose petals into the trash? I’m staying in a hotel so I’m limited with how to dispose of them.

Yeah, hold them and state that they have no magickal usage/power anymore.

[Moon Petal]

So it all went really well!

I dimmed the lights. I ran some warm water, poured in the bubble bath (which smelled amazing!) and then picked each of the rose petals off, and as I did that I continuously welcomed Aphrodite to join me. Once I was in the tub I alternated between meditation and playing with the petals. Putting them on my body and feeling their velvety texture in my hands. Silently thanking Aphrodite for helping to bring love into my life.

I was in there for 20 minutes and then my husband joined me. He knows about my re-awakened interest in Wicca but I didn’t tell him the bath was meant to be a ritual until after. We left the petals in the tub for an hour because they looked pretty. Before putting in the trash I thanked them (and Aphrodite) for being a part of it. I felt really warm and content afterwards. Almost like a floating feeling. I then ate some leftover chocolate.


I plan on making this a monthly ritual and including candles and crystals.