The
traditional story we all know is that Persephone, also known as Kore
(pronounced Koray**) in her maiden form while with her mother, Demeter,
was
kidnapped and raped by her future husband, Hades. I ask how this
happens with a
goddess? It doesn’t sound right. Another
variation was given by a witch that I found a connection with thru her
books that
sounds more likely. Ellen Dugan offers this story based off a “visit”
from the
Goddess Persephone herself. * Here is what I believe to be the true
story of
Persephone.
One
day, hanging out with her mom,
Demeter, and her attendants’, she got bored and wanders off for some
stolen
privacy. She wasn’t
thrilled with life
anymore and the sparkle was gone. She was a goddess that couldn’t
really come
into her home because Demeter still thought of her as a child. It
wasn’t that
she didn’t love Demeter, who is her constant companion. She just was
restless
and craved a lover, and an adventure.
Well,
next thing she notices is a flower
blooming all on its own in the middle of the field. This beautiful
bright white
flower was a narcissus. With its lovely fragrance and glowing white
petals,
it’s understandable why she’d be enchanted by it.
When she plucks it, up comes Hades, Lord of
the Underworld and her future husband. Not that he asked of course. Persephone, as she is
known in the
Underworld, decides that she’s going to make him work for her love. He
does
too. She falls for him, and not eating anything yet, settles into her
role as
Queen of the Underworld and his wife.
While
all this is going on, Demeter is
devastated and misses her daughter dearly. The earth is feeling her
pain too
because she is withholding her blessings till her daughter is home
safely. So a
messenger arrives from Zeus asking that Hades release Persephone so the
earth
can receive Demeter’s blessings again. Persephone overhears this and
now
contemplates what to do in the gardens of the Underworld. She holds the
answer
in her hands, a pomegranate. Unknowingly to her, Hades gardener is
spying on
her and watches as she takes a bite out of the fruit. Once you eat food
from
the Underworld, you can’t leave.
When
it’s discovered that Persephone ate
the fruit, a deal was struck. Persephone had to divide her time between
her mom
on earth and her husband in the Underworld.
When Persephone goes to be with Hades, she is the Queen of
the
Underworld. Well, here comes those cold dark lonely nights. In the
spring, Kore
is returns to the earth and life resumes in all its glory!
Sacred
to Her:
Moon
Phase: The
new moon
Day: Feb
2, Candlemas or Groundhog Day
Candle
Colors: Pale
greens and black
Food:
Pomegranates, Stems of Wheat, dried ornamental
Corn
Flowers:
Narcissus primarily, but anything with an almost
black color to it and deep burgundy.
Other
Items:
Torches, seasons are spring and autumn, the
willow**
Ritual*
This ritual I
found in the same book as Persephone story. I modified it a bit, but
the credit
goes to Mrs. Dugan. I think this ritual applies to a lot of my sisters
now with
all the challenges we currently face. Hopefully this is something that
can
inspire a positive change when used.
Moon
Phase: waning
Materials:
Autumn leaves, real or silk
Acorns
Candles
of
shades of green and black
Pomegranates
(Mine are fake)
Pomegranate
Apple Lemon tea
Dark
Flower
petals for altar
Cast
circle
Call
and invite the Quarters
Invoke
Persephone
Light
your
candles, and meditate on Persephone. What do you think her story is?
What is
really holding you back? A person, loving or not or yourself, or are
just stuck
in a rut, afraid to make that needed but scary jump? Let Persephone
hear you.
Visualize what your life would be like if did take that jump.
When
you’re
ready, repeat the charm:
“Persephone,
Queen of the
Underworld, Hear my call,
Your
sacred seasons are spring and fall,
I
stand in doubt at the
crossroads of my life,
Help
me to move forward
without pain or strife.
It is
time to let go of the
past and of old dreams and fears.
The
future is bright and
many opportunities are near.”
If you
have a
pomegranate, eat it now, or drink the tea. Allow some seeds to dry out
to carry
them with you in an envelope as a talisman during your transition
period. If
you used flower petals, dry them and do the same as the seeds.
Thank
the
Quarters,
Thank
Persephone
Open
circle
A
chant that seems
to be related or used where Persephone is concerned is
Titled”
Kore
Chant” from Libana, A Circle is Cast CD
I’m
not
really sure how to insert the sound clip.
My Original art is the altar I
created
using an earthy dark blue Van Briggle pottery. I used silk flowers in
dark hues
as well as some silk white flowers I believe to be narcissus.
Sources:
*Autumn
Equinox, The Enchantment of Mabon, Ellen Dugan
^ 365
Goddesses, Patricia Telesco
** The
Witches Goddess, Janet and Stewart Farrar
Libana,
Kore
Chant
Sources
for pictures
1. T H
E
T E M P L E O F P E R S E P H O N E
2. www.st-edjohn.dudley.gov.uk/Gods.htm
3.
Picture of Narcissus, source unknown
4. My
original art