Hebe

Flower of Youth

ORIGIN:

Greece

Hebe is the beautiful daughter of Hera and Zeus, sister of childbirth goddess, Eileithyia. Hebe is the goddess of youth and beauty. She attends her mother and Aphrodite. Hebe was given in marriage to Heracles after he was deified and raised to Mount Olympus.

Hebe served as sacred cupbearer for the spirits of Mount Olympus until replaced by her father’s young lover, Ganymede. (It’s unclear if Ganymede took over Hebe’s job completely or if he serves Zeus and Hebe still serves everyone else. It’s doubtful that Hera would welcome Ganymede serving her ambrosia.) Hebe is petitioned for blessings of rejuvenation, especially by those feeling older than their years.

FAVOURED PEOPLE:

Young brides

MANIFESTATION:

She allegedly closely resembles her mother, Hera.

Time:

Spring

OFFERINGS:

Spring flowers, candles, perfumes, cosmetics, and ornaments befitting a young girl

SEE ALSO:

Aphrodite; Eileithyia; Ganymede; Hera; Heracles; Olympic Spirits

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.