Hestia: First and Last

If you ever studied Greek mythology, you may remember Hestia as the goddess of the hearth.  Or you may not, as she is not as well-known as fierce Athena or sexy Aphrodite or lovely Artemis of the Moon.  Hestia was the oldest and most revered of the Greek goddesses, but one now largely ignored!

Hestia was first:  the first-born of her Titan parents Rhea and Cronos, the eldest sister of Zeus.  After Cronos swallowed his children, Hestia was the last to re-emerge, rescued by Zeus. 

Hestia is the the hearth, the campfire, the center, the focus (this word actually means hearth or fireplace in Latin).  She is home, and she watches over everything that feeds and comforts and nourishes us.  She is behind the scenes, behind closed doors, away from the arena of "achievement" and glory, "just" a housewife and homemaker.  She is first, essential, and she is last, often taken for granted!

In ancient Greece, every home had a hearth, and each day began and ended with a prayer to Hestia to protect and nurture the family within.   Hestia, first and last.

Hestia's colors are purple, silver, white, and black.  Her symbols are the circle and the controlled flame.