Hera

Themes: Love; Romance; Forgiveness; Humor
Symbols: Oak; Myrrh; Poppy


About Hera: Hera rules the earth, its people, and the hearts of those people. Using passion and creativity, Hera nudges star-crossed lovers together, chaperones trysts, and helps struggling marriages with a case of spring twitterpation!

Legend tells us that Hera refused to return to Zeus's bed because of a quarrel. Zeus, however, had a plan. He humorously dressed up a wooden figure to look like a bride and declared he was going to marry. When Hera tore off the dummy's clothes and discovered the ruse, she was so amused and impressed by Zeus's ingenuity that she forgave him.

To Do Today: 3/9 Ancient Greeks honored Hera and Zeus's reconciliation today, often in the company of old oak trees. Small pieces of fallen wood are collected to symbolize the divinities, then burned on the ritual fire to keep love warm. To mirror this custom, find a fallen branch and burn a small part of it as an offering to Hera. Keep the rest to use as a goddess image year-round, burning a few slivers whenever love needs encouragement.

Present someone you love or admire with a poppy today to symbolically bestow Hera's blessings on your relationship. If you have a loved one away from home, burn some myrrh incense in front of their picture so Hera can watch over them and keep that connection strong.

Greek Gods and Goddess
God and Goddess Index