Persephone

Persephone

Persephone the Goddess of Spring. Daughter of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture & fertility of the earth. Persephone is known by many names including; Kore, Proserpina, Greek Goddess of Vegetation & Grain, Goddess of the Harvest & wife of the Underworld.

*Persephone's legend has a variety of versions*

While gathering flowers in a meadow young Persephone was abducted by Hades, the Lord of the Underworld. Due to his overwhelming desire when he first laid eyes on her he brought her to the underworld to live with him. Demeter is devastated and searches the earth for her daughter. In the depths of her despair nothing on earth grows.

Some versions of this story claim Zeus, Persephone's father, granted the abduction. As he promised Hades the betrothal of one of his daughters. Knowing Demeter would not approve of this marriage Zeus aided in Persephone's capture. Zeus demanded Persephone's return after widespread famine of the earth began to set in. By this time it was too late.

It is said Hades offered Persephone pomegranate seeds. After eating fruit of the dead Persephone was forever bound to Hades. The compromise of her fate differs from various versions of the myth. One version says she was to rule the underworld for 3 winter months only to return to earth in the spring. The other states Persephone was to live with Hades for half of the year and the other half with her mother. In time Persephone would grow to love Hades. She was his Queen and showed her an abundance of love and compassion.

Persephone was also called:

Kore. Proserpina. Goddess of Spring. Goddess of Vegetation & Grain. Goddess of the Harvest. The Queen of the Underworld. Guardian of Death.

Persephone Represents:

The Cycle of Life ❇️ Fertility ❇️ Change of Seasons ❇️ Perennial Change of Life to Death ❇️ New Growth ❇️ Harvesting

Persephone Symbols:

Pomegranates

Seeds of grain

Torch

Flowers, specifically the narcissus flowers

Deer

Ritual or Altar Items:

Pomegranates

Pomegranate juice or wine

Pomegranate candles

Flowers

Spring water

Floral teas

Breads or grains

Crystals

Crystals that express the delight of spring. Bright colors of green such as Peridot or green Aventurine. To celebrate the coming of the harvest use Citrine or Topaz.

📷: Mystic Sisters Oracle Deck by Emily Balivet