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1 Ourania

Jul 2, 2025

Overview

The first class of the "Priestess of Aphrodite" training introduced the course structure, required supplies, class schedule, the myth and symbolism of Aphrodite Urania, historical sanctuaries, the role of Sappho, and a creative devotional assignment. The session emphasized personal connection, poetic prayer, and the importance of community.

Supplies and Logistics

  • Required supplies:
    • Beeswax candle
    • Chalice, wine glass, or bowl for offerings
    • Small jar of honey
    • Rose oil
    • Piece of rose quartz
    • Gold satin cord or gold belly chain (for making a special belt)
    • Compact or handheld mirror
    • Olive oil
    • Sea salt
    • Kaolin clay (for beauty rituals)
    • Rose water
    • Special lipstick or lip balm to consecrate to Aphrodite
  • Supplies can be purchased from suggested vendors (see email) or sourced independently.
  • Classes are held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays and 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays; all sessions are recorded for later viewing.
  • A bibliography of recommended readings on Aphrodite will be provided, along with a printable version of the Sibilene Hymn for memorization.
  • A WhatsApp chat named "Love and Ether: Aphrodite Priestess Circle" is available for participants to connect, share experiences, and ask questions. To join, check your welcome email for the invitation link or request access from the course facilitator.

Opening Ritual & Hymn

  • Each class begins with the recitation of the Sibilene Hymn to Aphrodite, which students are encouraged to memorize over time.
  • Ritual offerings are made at each session, such as lighting a candle, offering flowers, or using a chalice of water, wine, or rose water. Floating a flower in the offering is optional.

Aphrodite Urania: Myth and Symbolism

  • Aphrodite Urania, the "Queen of Heaven," is an ancient, cosmic, and chaste form of Aphrodite, predating Zeus in some myths.
  • She is depicted standing on a swan (symbolizing art, creativity, and protection) or a tortoise (representing veiling, domesticity, protection, and enclosure).
  • The veil was discussed as a symbol of both protection and agency, as well as enforced modesty, depending on context and choice.
  • Ancient shrines often bridged sacred and marketplace spaces, reflecting the dual aspects of Aphrodite as both transcendent and present in daily life.

Historical Sites and Syncretism

  • Key sanctuaries include those in Athens (near the Temple of Hephaestus), Lesbos (Messa), and Cytherea (Kythira), each reflecting Aphrodite’s integration with local goddesses such as Astarte, Cybele, and Anahita.
  • These sites often included a temple, theater, and stadium, supporting both artistic and athletic expressions as part of Aphrodite’s worship.
  • The agora (marketplace) near temples was a place for acquiring ritual items and, in some cases, for social and economic activities associated with the goddess.

Sappho and Devotion

  • Sappho, the renowned poet from Lesbos, was highlighted as a devoted worshipper of Aphrodite and a symbol of love in all its forms.
  • Her poetry, often addressed directly to Aphrodite, was considered a form of sacred worship and personal expression.
  • Sappho’s life contrasted with the more restrictive norms of Athenian women, reflecting greater freedom and agency.
  • Her legacy is especially honored during Pride Month for her significance in LGBTQ+ history and culture.

Poetic Prayer Assignment

Detailed Steps for the Homework Assignment:

  1. Set Your Intention:

    • Before you begin, take a moment to center yourself. Consider lighting a candle, reciting the Sibilene Hymn, or making a small offering to Aphrodite to create a sacred space for your writing.
    • Reflect on your personal connection to Aphrodite, your experiences of love, and what you wish to express or heal through this act of devotion.

  2. Handwrite Your Prayer or Song:

    • Using pen and paper, compose a devotional poem, prayer, or song dedicated to Aphrodite.
    • The writing can be as short as a four-line chant or as long as a full ode—choose the form that feels most authentic to you.
    • Focus on expressing your true feelings, desires, gratitude, or requests for healing and guidance. Pour your heart into the words, making this a personal and meaningful offering.

  3. Do Not Use AI for Composition:

    • The prayer or song must be written entirely by you, in your own words and handwriting.
    • You may use spell check, a thesaurus, or make edits for clarity and elegance after the initial draft, but the core content and creative process must be your own.

  4. Optional: Revise and Refine:

    • After writing your first draft, you may type it up, revise, or refine the language for flow and impact.
    • If you wish, you can continue to work on your piece over several days, allowing inspiration to deepen.

  5. Offer Your Prayer:

    • When you feel your prayer or song is complete, offer it to Aphrodite in a simple ritual.
    • You might read it aloud at your altar, burn a candle, or make a small offering (such as honey, rose water, or a flower) as you recite your words.
    • Focus on the sincerity of your devotion rather than perfection.

  6. Sharing (Optional):

    • You are invited to share your devotional piece in a future class if you feel comfortable.
    • If your writing is deeply personal and you prefer to keep it private, that is completely acceptable.
    • Sharing is encouraged as a way to build community and inspire others, but it is never required.

  7. Reflect on the Experience:

    • After completing the assignment, take a few moments to reflect on how the process felt.
    • Consider journaling about any insights, emotions, or shifts you experienced while writing and offering your prayer.

Closing Reflections and Further Reading

  • Devotional poetry is presented as a royal and priceless offering, capable of healing and restoring one’s sense of love and innocence.
  • The class encourages participants to reconnect with the pure, ideal love that Aphrodite Urania represents, offering prayers and emotions as acts of faith and devotion.
  • Further reading is provided via an online link, covering topics such as Aphrodite, the tortoise, the veil, and the societal roles of Greek women.
  • The class concludes with a closing song and an invitation for participants to reflect and share insights.

Community and Communication

  • The "Love and Ether: Aphrodite Priestess Circle" WhatsApp chat is the main space for ongoing community support, sharing, and discussion outside of class.
  • To join, use the invitation link provided in your welcome email or contact the course facilitator for access.
  • The chat is intended for sharing experiences, asking questions, and building connections with fellow participants throughout the training.

Action Items

  • All Students: Gather the required ritual supplies for use in upcoming training sessions.
  • All Students: Handwrite a personal devotional poem or song to Aphrodite, following the detailed steps above; consider sharing it in a future class.
  • All Students: Join the "Love and Ether: Aphrodite Priestess Circle" WhatsApp chat to stay connected and engaged with the community.

Full transcript