Mythic Monday: Libra Goddess Astraea

Libra Hevelius
By Johannes Hevelius [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
As the Wheel of the Year swirled into full autumn, the energy of Libra rose to the forefront.The thematic energy morphed into awe in the face of dramatic change and the increased serenity that comes from a cooling earth and slowing activity. One day the leaves are green and barely tinged with color, and the next they splash out their wild abandon with vibrant scarlet, orange, and gold. The time is ripe for turning your thoughts inward to examination of values, goals, and any mental adjustments that may be needed. It is a chance to take stock during this passage toward stillness. The beauty of maturing nature mirrors the fullness of your inner self as it readies for a calmer season. For many people autumn is an opening of bejeweled inspiration and artistic expression. We feel uplifted and renewed. Allow the universal creativity to flow through you in expressions of love, caring, and beauty. Libra thrives on symmetry, balance, and divine justice. Seek internal equilibrium and a quiet grace. Libra is mellow while experiencing ascendency. Allow yourself to be calmed and soothed by Libra’s nurturing spirit. I honor the goddess Astraea as the 2015 patron goddess of Libra.

The Woman’s Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets by Barbara G. Walker traces the birth of Astraea to Libya. I suspect the origins come from the Phoenician era of the Libyan region, during the cultural apex of the great city of Carthage. Astraea, the goddess we recognize as holding the scales of justice in balance, went on to influence the Greek and Roman eras. The latter deemed her “the Starry One.” As divine virgin she is affiliated with both Virgo and Libra. The most wonderful story pertaining to Astraea illustrates her compassionate capacity. The ancient Greeks spoke of five ages of man, starting with the Golden Age, and with each subsequent age further deteriorating. Disgusted by the growing degeneration and evil of humans, one by one the gods left the earth. Astraea was the last of the immortals to leave, doing so during the Iron Age. She stayed here longer than the other gods because of her compassion and belief in the ultimate goodness of mankind. Finally, even she could no longer withstand the deception, brutality, and mighty self-interest. With sadness, Astraea reclaimed her birthplace among the stars.

May we all be blessed by the beauty, grace and genuine solicitude bestowed by Astraea.

GuardianoftheDeep_SM (1)Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Paranormal Romance

By Flossie Benton Rogers

Paranormal romance author who loves to shake the edges of reality.

7 comments

  1. Lovely post, Flossie. This time of year is one of contemplation. I find the season of mists here in the UK the time when it is easiest to write. Do you find that?

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  2. Even gods lost their patience with us, humans. Not difficult to understand them. The tragedy that took place on Friday, here, in Bucharest, is a perfect example for gods being disgusted by what you state – deception, brutality, and mighty self-interest.
    For me summer, though here heat is at the extreme, is the best time to write.

    Reply

  3. Beautiful post, Flossie. I have no knowledge of “the gods”, but have always found this time of year to be just a little sad. Perhaps I’ve been channeling Astraea’s disappointment in mankind.

    Reply

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