Hestia the Goddess Of Hospitiality

Hestia, in the high dwellings of all, both deathless gods and men who walk on earth, you have gained an everlasting abode and highest honor: glorious is your portion and your right. For without you mortals hold no banquet, - where one does not duly pour sweet wine in offering to Hestia both first and last. ~Homeric Hymn to Hestia~ Hestia was the first and last born to Cronos. She was the first child born to Cronos and Rhea. Because of a prophesy that one of his children would grow up to usurp his throne Crono swallowed her and her and the brother and sisters that were born after her. Later during the birth of Zues Rhea was grieving for her children so she tricked Cronos into swallowing a rock that he thought was an infant. He regurgitated all the infants and Hestia first swallowed last regurgitated so it is said she is the first and last born. Hestia, was a virgin Goddess, she swore a oath that she would never marry. But unlike some of the other virgin goddesses she did not have wild adventures. She loved the home and the hearth. Hestia was the hearth keeper. Her job was to literally keep the home fires burning. This task or ritual symbolised the nurturing and continuity of a spiritual force within the home. The Olympic Torch is just one example of the living flame that has survived to modern times, though it is seldom recalled that it originally honored the Greek goddess Hestia. Hestia, symbolizes the living flame of life. Her sacred flame was never allowed to go out as that would invite coldness and bareness into the home. When a new home was built flames from the town fire were carried to the new home to assure prosperity of that home. Pray to Hestia for the warmth and comfort of the living fire within.. Just as the hearth and the fire soothes and warms us so you can call on Hestia to accept your life and love yourself. She will give you inner peace. Hestia can help you by allowing your to be complete within yourself as she is. When you are doing mundane tasks center on the task and call on Hestia. She is one who can bring holiness to the simplist of tasks. Call her name.