Hestia: Greek
Goddess of the Hearth and Home
Vesta: Roman Goddess of the Hearth and Home
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~
Daughter of Chronos and Rhea, Hestia is Hearth, the first born of the Olympians.
Hestia, who discovered how to build houses, extends her power over altars,
hearths, and states.
The guardian of innermost thoughts and desires, prayers and sacrifices end with
acknowledging Her .
A virgin goddess, Hestia can never be ensnared by the goddess of love. Instead
of marriage, Zeus granted that her place should be in the very midst of the
house. For that reason mortals did not hold banquet without offering to Hestia
both first and last, and many homes naturally included an altar to Hestia.
Her Roman name was Vesta, and her Vestal Virgins tended the sacred flame of
Rome.
She invites abundance and well-being
into your home. Place Hestia, on your altar or mantle and she will bless your
home with abundance and well-being, signified by the measure of wheat and fresh
round bread loaf under her throne.
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