Aphrodite: Love & War | Deity Deep Dive

The Goddess of sea and sky, beauty and adornment, love and war...Aphrodite. 🌊💞
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❧ PRIMARY SOURCES
• The Iliad by Homer
• Cypria (fragments)
• Theogony by Hesiod
• Works & Days by Hesiod
• Catalogues of Women (fragment) by Hesiod
• Homeric Hymn 5 to Aphrodite
• Homeric Hymn 6 to Aphrodite
• Homeric Hymn 10 to Aphrodite
• Helen by Euripides
❧ SECONDARY SOURCES
• Aphrodite by Monica S. Cyrino
• Ancient Greek Cults by Jennifer Larson: Ch 15
• Ancient Greek Cults: Ch 9, The Persuasive Goddess by Jennifer Larson
• The Cults of the Greek State Volume 2: Aphrodite Cults by L. R. Farnell
❧ KZbin CHANNELS
• Aliakai: https: / aliakai
I also am a co-host of the the podcast Test Tubes and Cauldrons, an intersection of science and spirituality. Find us here or anywhere you get podcasts: / @testtubesandcauldrons...
❧ COPYRIGHT INFO:
Music is from Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicso...
The Death of Adonis (Mazzuoli) (1709) by Giuseppe Mazzuoli
CC BY-SA 2.5
File:Giuseppe-Mazzuoli-The-Death-of-Adonis-hermitag.jpg
Uploaded: 31 August 2007
Statue of ares
Date: 14 December 2010, 21:45 (UTC)
Source: Ares_Canope_Villa_Adriana.jpg
Author: Jastrow

[@cristinapanagi]

thank u for mentioning cyprus 🇨🇾 aphrodite is still hugely influential here and we have many cultural traditions around her. we also have a specific epithet for her, aphrodite encheios (aphrodite with the spear)

[@nurturingcompassion]

You mentioned Aphrodite is believed to have created all sexuality. Later in the video when you brought up being on Ace spectrum, and that meaning you don’t engage with that aspect of her that much…. I had a message come through: Being on the Ace spectrum doesn’t mean you aren’t engaging with the sexual aspect of Aphrodite… you are honoring her by honoring your authentic sexual desires (or lack there of), and by having clear boundaries when it comes to your sensuality. May be super obvious, and you just didn’t state it in the video, but I felt called to share that. Even if it’s just a reminder💖 Thank you for the wonderfully well researched video in regards to both the historical and magickal significance of Aphrodite.

[@tegan8523]

This is a beautiful message.

[@NicoleM_radiantbaby]

About a decade ago, my partner and I attended a 'Dark Aphrodite' talk and ritual at Pantheacon and, wow, when we shifted into the ritual and Her energy descended into the room, it was like a chill in the air and was definitely a bit creepy. It was very much the Epitumbidia (She Upon the Graves) or other war or funerary epithets of Hers being honored and it was definitely an interesting side to Her I'd never felt. I mean, don't get me wrong, I've felt a lighter, almost 'fluffier' energy from Her at other times, but I think some people forget (or don't even know) that She's not all sunshine and rainbows.

[@FeltheBlithe]

This is very true! Examining those aspects are pretty complex historically (which is why I didn't include them, as I didn't feel I had enough resources to cover them properly) but I plan on doing a second video dedicated to them!

[@kaytihodan-st2qp]

Thanks for bringing that up! Also, Fel, could you possibly make a video about this nuance of Aphrodite? It is an overlooked side that reminds me of the legend of “Inanna/Ishtar’s descent into the underworld” where she had to remove her worldly pleasures, humble her soul, die, be reborn, and ascend to heaven. It’s like that with these darker epithets of Aphrodite as a goddess for people who seek intense growth. Apparently in the Black Sea, her celestial “Ourania” epithet was her being worshipped as a Cthonic goddess alongside Persephone and Demeter. I cannot find any info online about these epithets though. Seeing this side of her depends on the level of wisdom you seek from her as a goddess. I also think it is because humanity goes through ugly periods like sexual abuse or human trafficking, a lack of self love, identity issues, and intense emotions which is all her domain. These epithets exist to help humans do shadow work to undo toxic tendencies and spiritually awaken. She showed me this side to her when I sought her wisdom so basically she showed me this darker side of herself so that I could correct my toxic behavior and treat people with more grace and nuance who I previously used to reject and judge, because I used to project my past trauma onto others. So it made me a better person. She had people mirror my toxic behavior to me to help me understand myself. She loved me through it and knew I could handle it, but she had to help me remove old behaviors to move forward into another way of moving. This is also why she has her warlike epithets too because I have seen a fearsome side to her that is passionate and warlike through epithets like Enoplios. She has that side to her which is even comparable to deities like Sekhmet. Aphrodite can be very violent if needed, like perhaps to defend against pimps, abusers, and people like that.

[@Artemisiagentileschia]

@@kaytihodan-st2qpme too her energy was very strong and In my dream I even saw her with skeleton and it took me time to understand this part of her 😭

[@sabbiosaurus101]

I love Aphrodite so so much! She's amazing, and a true friend when it comes down to it. She's amazing to vent to, and cares sooo much about the feelings of us mortals, she's a true gem of the sky! Praise Aphrodite!

[@luzlikescats1668]

I love love that you mentioned the festival of Adonia. It might seem silly at first, but it's a festival all about embracing grief, letting yourself feel the full range of your emotions. That's one of the most important and beautiful things I think Aphrodite can teach you.

[@FeltheBlithe]

I wholeheartedly agree!!! I love cathartic rituals and festivals, I think they're often overlooked yet so important.

[@elijahdonsei1408]

I loved this video I've been a devotee of Aphrodite for about five years and like you she's the one who brought me to Hellenisom. Aphordite is honestly the first form of divinity I ever felt turly connected to. I love her more than I can explain. Thank you for this video.

[@joleedavis9933]

One child you forgot of Hers and Ares is Adrestia, goddess of Rebellion

[@FeltheBlithe]

Hmm do you know where you saw that? In most of the primary sources I've looked at she's either the nymph who took care of Zeus as an infant or is a daughter of Zeus

[@nothingposted9056]

Who the fuck pits Aphrodite against Persephone?! They have literally no beef with each other

[@nothingposted9056]

Shouldn't Persephone have beef with Hera?!

[@Carla-watches]

I wonder if yet another reason why Hermes and Aphrodite were worshipped together has to do with traveling on boats, given that Hermes is God of merchants and commerce, as well as travelers too. I'm thinking about all the merchants who traveled by boat and might've prayed to both... VERY IMPORTANT EDIT: I am quite intrigued about the worship of Aphrodite as someone in the ace spectrum. I think that has always kept me away from her

[@FeltheBlithe]

Aphrodite has a lot to offer! And the idea with Hermes and Aphrodite in relation to travel is certainly one that could've existed! Since sea travel was a very common way

[@khaylir1415]

p😊

[@LunDruid]

Through most of my life, I'd been "accompanied" by a feminine deity/force/spirit/etc. who embodies dichotomies like love and war. So I've always felt drawn to Goddesses for whom these are their domains. For most of my life, I only understood Aphrodite as being about beauty and sex, and yet she always seemed an outlier. Other Goddesses for whom sex was a central domain also frequently embodied war. This always felt just... off to me, but I never really understood why, or even fully realized that something was off to begin with. Then I learned about Aphrodite Areia, and _everything_ fell into place.

[@carissabelik9120]

“A dennys parking lot level brawl ensued…” you make me LOL!! I love it!! Wonderful storytelling. 😁

[@blossomwithbri]

Thank you so much for this video. Aphrodite came into my life last year and I’ve been feeling alienated as someone that’s ace.

[@bolladragon]

Thank you for the talk at the end about being Ace and still feeling a connection to Aphrodite. She’s just come to me recently and I’m wrangling with a lot but, she’s already helping me in similar ways.

[@grimala]

I wish there were more videos on Her! Whether it be meditations or historical stuff like this. I find surprisingly little for Her on this side of KZbin :(. She’s been calling to me since I was a child still brainwashed by the church, what I imagined then as just a “silly interest” I now know as a true, steadfast relationship that I am just now getting to know and work with better. I can remember being a kid and my mom at night reading me the graphic novel for Aphrodite that I borrowed from my school library. Back then I just saw her as the Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty and though She was my favorite character in mythology, I had no idea it was possible to even worship these old gods, but after re-reading an in depth reading I had done a few months back, I know now that it’s not a coincidence that Aphrodite featured heavily in the channeling that this stranger on Etsy had. She has been here my whole life. I may have worshipped Freyja as my first love goddess, but this archetype in general has shown its glory on me. All praise and blessings be to the Goddesses of Love everywhere in this world!!

[@FeltheBlithe]

Aphrodite truly is wonderful. There are a few meditations and whatnot of her on here. I'm hoping to do a second video on her, but some of the scholarship is proving difficult.

[@TheChavert]

I'm already a hellenic polytheist but I've yet to start worshipping Aphrodite, and I think I'm gonna start soon. Thank you for your video!

[@creacrea281]

Thanks for your video 😊 Aphrodite is definitely my most beloved Goddess, and I think you represented her many facets really well

[@marierimmer7845]

Thankyou for this great video on Aphrodite, Aphrodite is one of the deites that i worship i feel deeply connected to her with me living at sea side destination my friend is also getting me a book for Christmas on Aphrodite looking forward to receiving that hehe. ♥️

[@FeltheBlithe]

Aphrodite is great!! 🧡🌺

[@ntvandannoying]

I'm honestly surprised you didn't mention Aphroditus at all. I know He wasn't worshipped much, but He is literally Male Aphrodite and Her being Bigender in this way is very important to note.

[@FeltheBlithe]

I'm planning on doing an entire video on him actually!

[@Seeker-And-Sought]

Really enjoyed and appreciated this video! It came at a very synchronous time for me.

[@jackalschannel3557]

Cannot WAIT for your vid on Athena.

[@FeltheBlithe]

I'll make sure to put it on my list!

[@mermaid_Jupiter]

i just started working with aphrodite! ever since i announced myself as a sea witch i had nothing but signs.I gotta say this stuff is very fascinating, i thank you for the extra details about her that may have went over my head reading about her before

[@rajkamalgupta7631]

Keep it up, you are doing great

[@LeeindaGodsTruewatermaiden]

Angels lead me to your video and I Love it!!!! 💙💙💙💙💙 Thank you Dear One, please know, you are dearly loved and appreciated 😘

[@luneluna307]

Its amazing how much you know about the goddesses

[@FeltheBlithe]

It takes a lot of research and I hope to clear up misinformation!

[@lunamartinez8258]

thanks for the video, its really helpful , its always a pleasure to learn more about the beautiful Aphrodite

[@TheOakWitch]

This was so interesting!! I'm loving these deity deep dive videos, they're so good 🧡🧡

[@FeltheBlithe]

Thank you Ari! They certainly take a lot of work but I'm excited to keep doing them 😊

[@GoddessShawnaLane]

Hail to the Great Goddess Aphrodite 🙏🏾👑🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌹🐚🌊💕💕

[@Matti_Sisu]

Thank you so much for this video! ❤

[@claytonbixby1232]

Denny's parking lot level brawl got me

[@FeltheBlithe]

I can't take credit for that haha it's a saying in my friend group 😂

[@kadajxanatos6175]

This video is awsome and very informative ❤ Salve Dominia Kupria! Aphrodite is amazing 🤩😍

[@FeltheBlithe]

Love Aphrodite! 🫶🌸

[@aquamarinedream4505]

I’m really late but this video was wonderful! I love Aphrodite with all my heart. 💗

[@IrisAugustHill]

Great job again! ❤️

[@arwenives]

Ummm you’re amazing. Subscribed.

[@darthrevan7242]

Great video! Could you do one on Apollon and Ares as well?

[@WildMen4444]

Hail Aphrodite!

[@charlessmith5465]

When people talk about things such as "ending hunger" or "ending war" it reminds me of these other aspects of [desire]. I consider it quite a bit more monkish to consider setting out to "end passion" or "end love" etc. 🤭 It's interesting to see such often contrasted aspects in a deity.

[@carolinegerrari8548]

Thank you! 💕

[@ellamaedelacruz2192]

This was such a helpful and informational videooo!! Will you ever do one on the Goddess Athena??

[@FeltheBlithe]

I'll add her to my list!

[@catherine.marial]

The myth of Adonis is very interesting. As far as I know, there are only 3 versions of the myth where Persephone is mentioned and in some of them she loves Adonis as a mother, not as a lover- tbh I prefer that version of the myth because I doubt that the ancient greeks would tell a story where a woman repeatedly cheats on her husband and suffers no consequences

[@QuangNguyen-kb4ip]

I learned soo much. Didn't know APhrodite protected sex workers

[@FeltheBlithe]

yup! we see this a lot in the archeological evidence

[@TraderJoesReject]

I just found your channel and I //love// your content and the way you deliver it!! This series has been awesome! Would you consider putting Poseidon on your list? I find that, though he was a popular god to worship, also there’s not a lot of information about his festivals and such. I’m always looking forward to your new videos! Hope your break is going well!

[@FeltheBlithe]

I'll add Poseidon to my list!

[@xkagutaba]

hmm, but at least in the Iliad, after Aphrodite being wounded by Diomedes and getting mocked by Athene, Zeus tells her that the war and battle is not her thing. but i can understand her war relation as being a part of another (possible) trinity, i.e. Hera-Athene-Aphrodite---yes, Paris' story :)---which is a societal (polis) representative, contrary to Hekate trimorphis. the Orphic hymn to Aphrodite is also very interesting, specially the part where she's addressed as being connected to the three different geographical regions: Greece, Syria and Egypt. anyway, great essay!

[@FeltheBlithe]

Yeah, much debate has been done on Aphroidte in the Iliad. Some believe that comment was an attempt to divorce her from her war aspect and "Hellenize" her if she was indeed a deity from another region.

[@xkagutaba]

@@FeltheBlithe hmm.. this sounds as if people back then (i.e. in the archaic and/or pre-archaic period) had the ability to invent and modify myths consciously, which is a bold assumption, imho.

[@FeltheBlithe]

I mean I’m no scholar! But that is the assertion many scholarly books have made: Aphrodite by Monica S, Cyrino, ch 9 of Ancient Greek cults by Jennifer Larson, the cults of the Ancient Greek state by LR Farnell. It wasn’t that the alteration was done intentionally by Homer but that rather Homer’s writing is a reflection of the changing culture in which Aphrodite found herself.

[@xkagutaba]

@@FeltheBlithe thanks for the clarification and the references! it's fascinating to see the multilayered phases of such a complex dynamics of people's perception of deities turned out to be the way it is. p.s. the very fact that your devotion to Ellenismos is coupled with scholarly takes and historical examinations is what makes your content valuable, at least to me, and i appreciate it very much!

[@alexcypher4794]

What are your thoughts on the role Venus plays in Lucretius' De Rerum Natura? He seems to invoke her in a very poetic fashion as to refer to the generative powers of the natural universe. I don't think it really matches the way Aphrodite was worshipped, but I wonder if there's some sort of conceptual or thematic link in any case. Also, I gotta love the pairing of love and war.

[@FeltheBlithe]

Hmm, I'm not sure I know much about that particular writing, I mostly focused my search on Aphrodite prior to the 1st century CE and the Roman Era

[@kevintapia8021]

Hello, thanks for all this information, i lately had been very drawn to Aphrodite and i have been wanting to put up an altar to her but I heard that once you put something like del are products you cannot use them or take them back ¿Is that true?

[@FeltheBlithe]

I certainly have plenty of items that I use that I leave on my altar! It's up to people's own personal practice

[@kevintapia8021]

@@FeltheBlithe Thank you very much, I hope you have a great day

[@cloudianempire4605]

I have an important question and I really hope you could answer this.. I dont have alot of money so if I wanted to get a statue for aphrodite, could I make one myself? Would it be as good as getting one??

[@Davlavi]

for the algorithm

[@blackhat958]

Im curious about your relationship with posidon now that youve mentiond your connection to the sea

[@Uea628kun]

Hey can someone please tell me I don't want to be a witch and I don't want to harm anyone but can I worship Aphrodite ? And if I worship her then would there be any harm or problem?

[@demonpants1613]

May i ask if she came from other goddesses then why not worship them, also how do you explain her as a separate existence or separate goddess?

[@deepalkessa8938]

Hope u well i was scared of Aphrodite initially due to some ppl who read hwr stories but i believe the stories to be allegorical do u think i should be afraid in anyvway i do not want to offend her.❤😊

[@ApollonianShy18]

Why would i consider some myths if i want to worship sth my way, huh??

[@sunfirefire45]

Chronos overthrew Ouranos and Zeus overthrew Chronos; I am sensing a pattern.

[@mathildehb0076]

Do you still practice some witchcraft?

[@FeltheBlithe]

sometimes! I don't identify as a witch anymore though

[@mathildehb0076]

@@FeltheBlithe True and that is ok 😊💖

[@sharynrosa5403]

Aphrodite is the goddes of love & beauty not war , the goddess of love annd war is freya not Aphrodite

[@FeltheBlithe]

Many goddess are actually lova and war. Aphrodite had the epithet “Areia” which means warlike and she was worshipped as a goddess of war in Sparta! It’s just an unknown side of her