Aurora

Aurora is the Spirit of Dawn. Roses fall from her hair to Earth. Every morning she signals the day by riding across the sky in her chariot. Her siblings are Sol the sun and Luna the moon. In the Aeneid, Virgil describes Aurora leaving her “saffron bed.” The image of the saffron bed is very erotic. In addition to its use as an important medicinal, dye, perfume, and cosmetic, saffron was perceived as a potent aphrodisiac. Aurora’s throne and robes are the color of saffron, as is perhaps the goddess herself.

ORIGIN:

Italy

FLOWER:

Saffron crocus (Crocus sativa); meditate on a saffron crocus flower and you will understand its associations with dawn. The flower’s center is the intense yellow of the Mediterranean sun, while its petals are the color of dawn’s purple clouds.

OFFERINGS:

Roses; crocuses; foods cooked with rosewater or saffron, still Earth’s most expensive spice

SEE ALSO:

• Ausriné
• Eos
• Ushas

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.