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Posted on February 16, 2025February 16, 2025 by Modepogdemystic

Hestia; Invite peace, generosity, and harmony into your hearth with the keeper of the eternal flame

Our ancestors needed fire to stay alive. They needed it for warmth, to cook their food and brew their medicinal remedies. They needed a fireplace or hearth to light and keep that fire burning for all these much needed things to survive. Even today living in Minnesota your hearth is an important place for our long , harsh, and cold winter months we experience here. We light them to heat up our homes, connect us to hope, and create a festive environment for the holidays with their dancing lights. Our hearth is a sacred and magical space for us to meet at as we light up our homes with it’s creative, protective, purifying, and generous energy. When we are at this sacred space within our home we have the ability to connect to one of the most compassionate, generous, forgiving, and peaceful Greek goddesses we can work with; Hestia. Hestia is the sole attendant to the celestial hearth of the gods. As the goddess of the hearth, she personified the fire burning in the hearths of every home in Greece. Plus she was at the heart of the each city burning bright in the communal hearth at the center of town. On a very tangible level, Hestia rules the domain of fire. This means that she is directly responsible, at least according to the Greeks, for the fire, the stove, and the heat in your home. Which means she has a great impact on our family matters as well. Come join me as the fire is dancing in your hearth filling your home with protection, peace, and gentleness as we learn about Hestia in this blog post.

Who is Hestia?

Hestia’s presence fills a room with her wise, grounded energy, and her emotional maternal warmth is open, eternal, and strong. Hestia knows who she is and what she wants. She knows what is most important in her life and that’s what she centers her life around. She is calm, wise, and mature. She represents our spiritual core, and our connection with something deeper. That feeds us from the inside out like the eternal divine flame that she keeps. Hestia exemplifies the calm at the core of one’s being. When you need some quiet time alone, you long for her embrace as you sit next to the eternal flame. She is one of the original 12 Olympians in the Greek pantheon. But, later on in myths, Hestia gave up her throne for Dionysus. This is why some today consider her the secret 13th god of mount Olympus. Not only that alongside Artemis and Athena she is considered one of only three virginal goddesses putting her in a place of modesty, purity, and innocence in many myths and stories. Her most important role she is referred to in a Homeric hymn as “chief among goddesses”. Hestia was a very important goddess in the everyday life of the Greeks. Hestia is the Goddess of the Hearth Fire, Goddess of the Home, First and Last, Goddess of Domestic Order, Goddess of the state, and Goddess of Service and Devotion.

Hestia the keeper of the eternal flame

Hestia is known as the keeper of the sacred flame. This comes from Socrates when he describes his view of the cosmos. He saw it as ten divine celestial bodies [planets] that rhythmically rotated” around a Divine Fire, which was the center of the cosmos. That Divine Fire was Hestia, she was the hearth of the universe. Her flame symbolizes the continuity of life, community, and the divine spark within each person. You will also often see her referenced as the goddess of the sacrificial flame as which meant she received a share of every sacrifice to the gods. In many homes and public temples, the first sacrifice was given to Hestia before all other deities. It was said if you wanted your hearth to be lit all winter long you needed to give her the first piece of the best meat of every meal and especially on sacred festivals and holidays. Some say this is due to her being the eternal flame. While others say it’s because of her commitment to being chaste. So, Zeus made this a decree as a reward for all to honor her dedication.

Hestia the goddess of the hearth

Hestia is goddess of the hearth and this is the primary place she prefers to reside. Actually, her name itself means “hearth” or “altar.” This was a very prominent place in the life of every Greek to hold. In both the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey,” the hearth is more than a source of warmth and nourishment; it is the heart of the household. A sacred space where gods are honored and familial bonds are reinforced. This reverence for the hearth reflects Hestia’s domain. Highlighting the significance of her role in fostering the bonds of kinship and hospitality from the hearth of each and every home. As the goddess of the hearth; Hestia also symbolizes the importance of creating sacred space within one’s home by honoring the fire that turns wood to ashes and re –kindles itself, resurrecting what was once dead.

Hestia the goddess of home

As the goddess of the family and hearth she watches over the home as a protective matriarch. She also presided over the cooking of bread and the preparation of the family meal. Her commitment to family and community is unbreakable. As the goddess of the home, she fosters connections and ensures that bonds remain strong. She has the unique gift of fostering unity. She symbolized the family and community bond. Her presence at the hearth ensured peace and harmony, causing families to come together and strangers to become friends around the warmth of the fireplace of every home.

Hestia the goddess of the state

Many Greek cities and states had their own patron god. For example, Athens had Athena. However, Hestia was the goddess of the state in general. Her domain tied back to the role of the hearth in public life and the idea of a city as an extended family. Each city had a sacred fire dedicated to Hestia for use during festivals. The fire of this public hearth was also used for all state sacrifices and offerings. The maintenance of the hearth was an important duty, as an extinguished fire was a bad omen for the city. I also feel she was given this role to honor her significance as the chieftain goddess among the gods and goddesses. Plus her ability to stay calm, and neutral l in all matters of conflict among the gods is a great quality for the state to have and want to embody as well.

Family and Origin

As with every other deity I have written about her origin and family history is shrouded in a bit of smoky history with different versions to be found. Most agree that Hestia was the eldest daughter of the Titans Rhea and Cronus. She was sister to Demeter, Hades, Hera, Poseidon, and Zeus. Because of her commitment to be chaste unlike other goddesses she has no consorts, no lovers, no husband and no children.

Myths and legends

During one of the most important myths of Greek culture; the Titanomachy; when Zeus over throws his father Cronus to become the king of the Olympian Greek pantheon. Hestia is directly mentioned as well. She is listed as the first of the siblings Cronus swallowed and the last to emerge again from the depths of his belly. So, technically she is not only the eldest and first born of the Olympians but, also the youngest and the last to be born as well. Placing her in a very dualistic place within the Olympic pantheon. While also tying her to the creative and destructive force that is the element of fire.

Her Vow of Virginity
She was pursued by both Poseidon and Apollo, who desired to marry her. Despite their advances, she chose to remain a virgin goddess. She made a solemn vow to Zeus, promising to remain chaste and dedicate herself to the service of mankind and the gods. Her vow symbolized her commitment to her role as the goddess of the hearth and her focus on community and family.

Giving Up Her Seat on Mount Olympus
In a selfless act that underscores the goddess’s gentle nature, she gave up her seat on Mount Olympus to Dionysus when he was accepted as one of the Twelve Olympians. This act wasn’t about relinquishing power but about ensuring harmony and balance among the gods. She continued to tend the sacred hearth in Olympus, maintaining her important role solo.

Her aid to Prometheus

Hestia secretly helped Prometheus steal fire from the Olympian hearth to give to humans. She did this by simply turning a blind eye to his actions. Allowing him to steal the eternal flame as she tended to it and gift it to all of us humans. Her aid wasn’t just about lighting hearths; it was a game-changer for humanity. With fire, people could cook, stay warm, and forge tools; essentially kickstarting civilization.

Her attempted rape
The Roman poet Ovid recounted one story in which the vegetation god Priapus tried to rape the virgin Hestia. Finding Hestia sleeping in the woods, Priapus approached her stealthily with the intention of having his way with her. But a donkey suddenly brayed nearby, waking the goddess. When the other gods learned of Priapus’ intentions, they banished him from their gatherings. He was sent to live in the forest with the woodland gods, far from Mount Olympus.

Worship of Hestia

Hestia’s worship was widespread and mainly upheld within the home. Within them families would honor her at their central hearth, at the very heart of each home. Unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of references showing entire temples in her dedication or priesthoods like we find with many of the Greek goddesses. Although there is a vague mention of a Hestia priestess in one ancient source. The most I can find really documented about her is connected to her roman counter part Vesta, the temple of vesta, the vestal virgins, and the festival Vestalia, which I talk about below. Plus mentioning’s of sacrifices being left for her at the hearth in the central of town. I bet she was worshipped in almost every single temple though. Typically, every main temple had its own hearth which meant Hestia presided and ruled there as well. Essentially she was worshipped all over the city where she received many of the cities’ sacrifices. Her job was crucial to the survival of the entire community. Her loving, peaceful embrace was present and was felt by every citizen in every home.

Vestalia

Her own festival for her counter part in Rome was known as the Vestalia. The Vestalia, was celebrated from June 7 to 15. During the festival, violets and bread were hung in garlands on donkeys. As the hearth is used to bake, the bread was representative of the goddess. The donkeys symbolized the story of the god Priapus, who attempted to rape the goddess but was frightened by the braying of a donkey and scared away . At the end of the festival, on the 15th of June, the Temple of Vesta was cleaned. On the 9th it is said, the matrons of the town walked barefooted in procession to her temple, to ask for the blessing of the goddess for their households, and to offer sacrifice to her in rude dishes, in remembrance of the time when the hearth served generally for the baking of bread.

Who is Vesta and the Vestal virgins?

Hestia’s Roman counterpart is known as Vesta and has very similar qualities as keeper of the flame. She was just as prominent in Roman culture as Hestia was in Greece. Maybe even more so with one of the most important temples in the city being dedicated to her; the temple of Vesta. With the largest temple comes some of the most important priestesses tending it; they were known as the vestal virgins. I honestly can’t talk about Hestia without talking about these badass women of Rome. I say badass because, I really respect their devotion to make a different path for themselves as women and create their own fate through service. These women were some of the most sought often women who had their very OWN fortunes of wealth. Which was almost unheard-of for women in ancient Rome.

So, who were the Vestal virgins?

They were the priestesses who lived in and served the temple of vesta. The women chosen for the great privilege and responsibility of tending the Temple of Vesta were typically selected from the daughters of Rome’s most noble families. There were 6 Vestals at any one time, and the group of girls eligible for the role was chosen by the Pontifex Maximus when they were between 6 and 10 years old. When they started their service they were contracted for 30 years in total commitment to not only the goddess and temple but, to all the people of Rome. During those 30 years they were required to remain chaste while performing their duties. If they were to have an infraction of any of their vows or duties the punishment was brutal. In his account of the Chief Vestal Cornelia being subjected to this punishment under the emperor Domitian, Pliny the Younger describes how the condemned Vestal was led into an underground chamber, given a small amount of bread and water, and then sealed up forever, condemned to a horrible death by suffocation or dehydration in the pitch dark. But, if they were being dutiful they got a lot of perks. one of the favorites being; having prominent seats at sporting events at the Coliseum. Most importantly, however, was the fact that the Vestals were not under the supervision of their fathers like other Roman women, and had the right to own property as well as disbursing their estates (their access to the wealthy allowed them to amass was another perk) as they saw fit in their wills. This was huge for a woman in ancient Rome! This is why I call them badasses! After their 30 years of service had expired, the Vestals retired from their role and were given a pension too. Allowing them to continue to build even more wealth. She was then even permitted to marry a suitable noblemen that the Pontifex Maximus found for her. This meant she was able to get out of the control of her family and father forever while also moving up in social status through marriage AND her own fortune she had amassed.

So what were their duties? Their primary and most important duty was to keep the communal flame in the hearth of the temple lit. This duty placed them in high regards among the people of the city making them some of the most prominent women in all of society. Rome even allowed them to give legal testimony and evidence in a court of law without ever having to swear a legal Oath either. Since their word has held in such high esteem. It was even said if you injured a Vestal virgin you were sentenced to death. This was because if the fire was extinguished for any reason at any time, it was a harbinger of trouble for the ENTIRE city. Not only did they keep the fire lit, they also performed other duties around the temple and they helped lead at least 9 major religious festivals throughout the year for the city. The Vestals also performed other important tasks within the space of the Temple itself. One of the most mysterious of these was their custodianship of the storeroom known as the penus vestae, a sacred symbolic space whose secret contents were said to be related to Rome’s origins. The Vestals were also tasked with the production of a ritual substance known as the mola salsa, used in various purification ceremonies, as well as safeguarding the wills of important Romans, including those of Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony and the Emperor Augustus.

What does Hestia look like?

Hestia is a personification of the hearth and the fire within, so many who work with her reference her manifesting in that way. However, there are some ancient pieces of pottery and sculptures that depict Hestia as a beautiful young woman, usually with long brunette tresses, dressed modestly with a veil. In some depictions I see her holding a kettle or cauldron to sit over the hearth. I myself have seen her presented as versions of both. Her beautiful young woman form usually is present when I am doing inner child work or blessing my home with kitchen magic for my family guiding my hands in recipes.

Summary facts about Hestia

She was a sibling to Demeter, Hades, Poseidon, Hera, and Zeus.
She was primarily known as the Goddess of the Hearth.
Of all the gods and goddesses, she was considered the gentlest, mildest and most modest.
Each city had a public hearth that was sacred to Hestia; the fire kindled there was never allowed to go out unless put out ritually
New colonies took fire from the hearth in the prytaneion (also known as the town hall) and kept the fires going in those new locations.
She never took part in conflicts
She was rarely depicted in art unlike other deities
Every meal began and ended with an offering to Hestia at the hearth including pouring wine out
Like Athena and Artemis, Hestia was referred to as one of the three virgin goddesses.
Unlike many other Greek gods, she had no major love affairs or romantic entanglements. Her vow of chastity set her apart and underscored her devotion to her divine duties. Both Poseidon and Apollo wanted to marry her, but she refused.
She was one of only twelve Olympian deities.
She was the first sibling to be swallowed by Cronus and the last to be released from his belly.
Her name literally means “hearth”
Vesta is her Roman counter part she had a major temple in Rome called the temple of Vesta where her Priestess called the Vestal virgins lived and served
Children were accepted into the family by being presented at Hestia’s hearth. This observed first step ensured the goddess’s blessing on the new addition to the family and the home.

Hestia and duality

Since I am a grey witch every single energy I work with I look at how it can help me maintain balance and how it can represent the cosmic energy of duality. When it comes to the duality of Hestia I personally had struggled to see what it was. Until I went on my journey with her. Until I read about her and worked with her in shadow work and within my home. Especially, once I had my little family to care for and protect within it’s walls. But, Hestia is burning with duality from the embers glowing within the crackling wood, to the tips of the flames reaching for the divine heavens. While most of her traits can be described as calm, gentle, and supportive and she was a constant presence in the daily lives of ancient Greeks. This means she also has a resilience, fortitude, and dedication to her service and commitment that is unwavering and full of so much strength. This means that while she can hold you in a peaceful, harmonious, and loving embrace, she can also lash out and protect with a fierceness of fire to burn those who would dare to disrupt your peaceful home. She is the keeper of the eternal flame and personification of fire itself so she shines insanely brightly. While also being comfortable to be in the darkness where she brings things into her warm light. Lastly, the duality of her connection to others while being perfectly fine standing alone. The hearth is where we gather for meals, celebrations, and even community rituals. Making it a place of deep human connections and celebrating community. But, remember Hestia is the SOLE attendant of the eternal flame. Even giving up her place on mount Olympus to stay by her fire alone. She is perfectly fine being on her own and understands the importance of loving ourselves in order to connect with and serve others with grace.

Correspondences To Connect To Hestia

First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be an archetype energy , or the zodiac energy the moon is currently, or a deity, like I will list below for you to use with Hestia .Follow your intuition and use what speaks to you!

Planet- Jupiter
Animal- pig, cow, donkey
Element- fire
Zodiac-Taurus
Sex-feminine
Symbol-flame, hearth, cauldron, kettle, veil, chaste branch
colors-yellow, orange, red
Herbs- goldenrod, angelica, yarrow, poppy, angel’s trumpet, lavender, iris, myrrh, chamomile
Stones/ crystals- amber, carnelian, amethyst, garnet, ruby, quartz
Foods-grains, breads, sweet cakes, fresh fruit, the first meat pieces of burnt meat from each offering
Tarot card- temperance or strength

How To Know Hestia Is Calling To Work With You

I get asked this question every time I write or teach about a goddess. Remember, signs and messages appear in many different ways and are unique to the individual. It’s ultimately up to you to discern by opening up your clares, paying attention and listening to your intuition. Also, remember you can choose to work with her as well even if you don’t feel her calling to you. You can be the one to begin building that relationship by reaching out. Below is a list of some ways that you may know she is reaching out to you.

You’re a kitchen witch or are learning to be one
Baking bread is your forte
You keep seeing her symbols everywhere: hearth/fireplace or fire
you work in foster care or volunteer with children
Your home and family need protection and guidance
You are drawn to working with fire in your spell workings
You avoid conflict at all costs
The kitchen is your happy place
You live your life by the same values as her of kindness, forgiveness, and contentment
You may hear her name repeatedly in passing conversations or in your dreams
You see her name on TV, in books, online, etc.
You don’t like to leave your home much
You have taken a temporary or permanent vow of celibacy/ Chasity
You’ve always felt drawn to her
Your home is the home your family gathers at for holidays
You enjoy bonfires
You have a job working with the community and need help or guidance
You feel a strong urge to learn more about Hestia
Chasteberry is an herb you’re currently taking as regimen or working with in your practice
You brew and drink magical teas every day or often
You’re focused on going within to uncover your own sacred flame
You keep seeing pigs everywhere
You feel drawn to practice religious / spiritual veiling
You feel a deep desire to burn candles often in your home
You are drawn to her depiction in art
You might start feeling an inexplicable sense of warmth and comfort, especially when you’re at home

A fundamental pillar of Paganism is working with the deities that one believes in. While all practicing Pagans have varying beliefs about the gods and goddesses, most agree that honoring their deities is a great way to connect with them and further their spiritual goals. But, again remember not every pagan works with deities. Also remember there are literally thousands of different deities out there in the multiverse and which ones you choose to honor will often depend significantly upon what pantheon your spiritual path follows. This eBook will walk you thru the different ways to view deities, what a deity can be, and the basics to start building a deep meaningful relationship with one.

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Ways To Work With and Connect To Hestia

Everyone’s relationship with deities is different and we all work with and believe in them differently. You might believe in multiple gods and goddesses and work with them each as though they are close, personal friends. Or maybe you believe the old gods are reflections of Universal energy and simply archetype energies that you can learn a lesson from. However you incorporate deities in your practice is up to you. If you need help to figure this out you can purchase my eBook here on the Introduction to working with pagan deities.

As the Goddess of the Hearth Fire, Hestia also rules over the Home (protection and love in the home), Food (nourishment and sustainment), and Service (caring for others and yourself). Hestia can be called upon for all matters involving the home, feeling safe, self care, food and nourishment, and learning to serve others with compassion. Remember however you feel called to work with her; it’s important to approach her with respect, reverence, gratitude and by building a relationship with her. Every time you work with a deity it is an even energetic exchange; which means what you put into your intention when working with them and building your relationship to them is what you get back.

Study, get to know her

As with every deity I have ever written about or taught about, The first way to get to know a deity, specifically a goddess like Hestia; is to study all you can about her. Look at the different versions of her origin, and how she is both the eldest and youngest of all the siblings in the Olympian Pantheon . Try to understand all the different versions of her you can connect to through the element of fire. You can even, study the culture, region, and worship of the people of Greece where she is from. Plus the influence she had over the entire city with the communal hearth. The more you study and learn the better! When working with a deity it is all about building a true relationship with them and you do this first by getting to know who they are.

Work with the element of fire

Hestia is the personification of fire itself both within and without. Which means any fire ritual or working with fire in spells will appease and connect you to the goddess Hestia. So keep a fire going in your fireplace this Winter in honor of Hestia. Get outside in the winter landscape and sit next to a sacred bonfire. You can even grab some candles, light them, and add them to any of your magical workings like during kitchen magic, sitting on your altar as you prayer or meditate, and as you create protection sigils. Call in the element of fire to connect to the very essence of Hestia during your spells for protection, purification, warmth, and more. Traditionally, Hestia’s fire should never be allowed to burn out or be blown out. Only during ritual may it be extinguished and then ritually relit. PS. if you need to learn more about how to work with the element of fire you can read my guide HERE!

Meditation and visualization

One of the best ways to channel divine energy and tap into goddesses like Hestia is through meditation and visualization. These practices allow you to open up and receive/ connect to divine energy in a very intuitive, clear, and transformative way. You will find a plethora of guided meditations on YouTube that will lead you to your spirit guide or god/goddess. Try those if you have a hard time meditating on your own. I have many classes on YouTube as well on previous deities you can watch where I even summon and guide you to them in sacred container.

Cooking and kitchen magic

Hestia is the goddess of the home and hearth which means one of her favorite places to hang out in modern homes is in the kitchen. So of course she presides over all cooking and will aid you in creating magical recipes like simmer pots. She will even be standing next to you guiding your hands while you work hearth-side. Every time you cook, you honor her and bring her essence into your home. This is probably the easiest way to work with Hestia. Don’t forget she’s associated with pigs so pork is great to work with. Plus bread; especially some with fresh herbs for protection like thyme, rosemary, and garlic! She loves it when you dedicate the first loaf/slice to Her. So, roll up your sleeves, grab some herbs, light your oven, knead your dough, and work with Hestia in your kitchen today.

Offerings

Everyone loves receiving gifts, and that includes deities like Hestia. You don’t have to give her offerings every day, but when you feel it is appropriate. I highly recommend gifting them to her during the long winter months and when you have big family feasts to leave her the best piece of the meat. You can place these offerings at your altar or at the mantle of the hearth in your home. You can also give her offerings when performing any work to connect to her like meditation, prayer, visualization, and spell work. Below I will list some of the best offerings you can give her, but keep in mind these are just some ideas from my own personal experience with her and her corresponding energies. Just follow your intuition.

When cooking or baking, give Hestia the first bite or sip of whatever you’re making
first bites of fresh fruits
olive oil
Wine
water
cakes shaped like a calf
freshly baked bread
Candles
herbs
incense
homemade crafts
Acts of hospitality, like welcoming guests warmly
A cup of tea or hot cider
Pottery
Knitted items
Woven tapestries
Flowers from your garden
A small piece of wood
music
Baked cookies
milk
barley

Dedicate Altar Space

Set aside some space in honor of Hestia. This can be an elaborate large altar or as simple as a small shelf or corner of a counter. Place a representation of Hestia there like a candle. Be sure to cleanse the space before you invite her in. Include all of her colors, her symbols, and representations of the element of fire, the essence of home, family, and hearth. Plus add any of her other correspondences you can use to connect to her. This will be a container that reminds you to connect with her and her energy. To allow you a container of maternal protective, peaceful, and purifying energy to connect to in your life.

Volunteer in your community

Hestia wasn’t only just the goddess of the hearth in your home but, she presided over the hearth of the entire city. Which means she is present within the community as a whole. Her fire dancing in the souls of each and every person who passed through the center of the town. To honor Hestia, consider volunteering at a local domestic violence shelter or at a Youth shelter home. Or better yet, fill the bellies of those in your community at a local soup kitchen!

Prayer

One very powerful way to connect to a deity is through prayer. Things to Pray for; protection, homes blessings, family, fertility, purification, creativity, peace, modesty, and purity. Below are a few prayers I like to use but, you can find many across texts and the internet plus you can always create your own.

Homeric Hymn 24 to Hestia
“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. And you, Argeiphontes [Hermes], son of Zeus and Maia, . . . be favorable and help us, you and Hestia, the worshipful and dear. Come and dwell in this glorious house in friendship together; for you two, well knowing the noble actions of men, aid on their wisdom and their strength. Hail, Daughter of Kronos (Cronus), and you also, Hermes.”

Homeric Hymn

“Hestia, you who tend the holy house of the lord Apollo, the Far-shooter at goodly Pytho, with soft oil dripping ever from your locks, come now into this house, come, having one mind with Zeus the all-wise — draw near, and withal bestow grace upon my song.”

Home spells and blessings

Since Hestia is the goddess of not only the hearth but the home as well of course she would love to help you with any spells or blessings associated with your home. Ask her to help you ward and protect your home with the fierceness of a mother’s love. Or you can do my favorite home workings with her during the winter asking her to bring warmth to your home for the cold winter months. You can also do rituals and create charms with her sigil to protect the home and cleanse the home with purifying energy.

Other ways to work with her

ask for her assistance to help find a new home or apartment when you need to move
call on her to assist with domestic issues in the home and help with family strife
call on her when casting circles of warding and protection for your home and property
always offer her the first slice of any loaf of bread you make or buy to eat
Learn how to sew, knit, or crochet
consecrate your cooking tools and utensils with her sigil to bless all of your recipes
Call on her to be a soft, comforting, glowing light to guide you during shadow work to find your inner sacred flame and stoke it. If you would like to learn more about shadow work you can purchase my eBook here; you can book me for a 1:1 session as your guide here; and you can watch my free class previously taught on it through Divination here. Plus don’t forget to head to the shop and register for my new course that is beginning at the end of this month!
Work with herbs and learn some herbal magic
Brew a magical tea
bake Hestia’s sigils into bread as you are baking loaves with her
Light as many candles as you can around your entire home to welcome her and purify it with the element of fire
learn and perform candle magic
cast peace and harmony spells
Invite her to your table for a meal by setting a place for her and leaving it empty for her to sit there and join you
take a cooking or baking class
create an altar just for your kitchen magic
Call relatives you don’t see often
remove yourself from conflict
learn how to make fires on your own
create a powder to use as a protective magical barrier for your home especially around your threshold ( I have a recipe for one on my Pinterest page )
Divination like fire gazing
ask her to join in family traditions you already have or create new ones with her
decorate your home
Plant and grow a kitchen garden
Ask for her maternal protective energy to embrace you as you do inner child work and healing
Pray, sing, or chant to Hestia whenever you’re working on something related to the home
Creativity spells
Share stories, traditions, and family histories
dedicate your stove, fire pit, and hearth to her by placing a statue or image of her near by or draw her sigils on them
ask for her help and guidance to create a balance between your home/family life and your work/volunteer life
invite her into your home when you first purchase it to bring in harmony, peace, and meaningful connections within the four walls
use a gratitude challenge or practice to cultivate gratitude
take all your recipes and put them together into a cook book
Create a spell jar for self love, peace, harmony, friendship, inner flame
wear her sigil on your skin or as jewelry during the cold winter months to help you always be warm
take either a temporary or permanent vow of celibacy
Welcome guests into your home
Use her fire and flame to burn away and release things we no longer need
prioritize self-care and boost your the height and strength of your eternal flame with self worth
decide to do a set timeframe like 30 days of spiritual/ religious veiling
spend time with your family and host a meal or gathering in your home
practice generosity and donate clothing or food to those in need and others

Why work with Hestia?

Flame is heat and passion. Flame is purifying and renewing. Hestia chose not to claim a realm to rule over mortals and earth in some way, and instead chose to simply tend the fires for the good of mankind and the Gods. Making sure that our hearth fire remains lit always so we can find our way to food, warmth, protection, transformation, or healing whenever we may need it. This is why she chose a role of service rather than dominion to be here as a protective yet comforting and warm maternal embrace helping us survive. Her duty to maintain this eternal fire symbolizes purity, devotion, and a connection to the divine. It’s a task she undertakes with solemn grace. She is also Known for inducing calmness, her presence brings peace and serenity. Her calming influence extends to both the divine and mortal realms, making her a beacon of stability in a world often feels like it is nothing but chaotic Especially, in a pantheon filled with conflict, her gentle and steadfast nature stands as a comforting constant to shelter with. Working with her will show you a goddess who is a gentle and caring figure, one who welcomes all into her presence. Her warmth is not just physical but emotional, offering comfort to those in need.

Hestia forever kneels next to the eternal hearth as a figure in Greek mythology, one whose powers are not of conquest or ego like the rest but of harmony, warmth, and stability. She is the reason the flames never go out in the universal heart. She is the connections we make, the homes we build, and the love we share,. All the things that are central to our human experience. Her eternal flame invites us to gather around, to celebrate our common bonds, and to reflect on the simple yet profound joys of being together. Her story serves as a warm invitation to reflect on the connections that make us human. While also teaching us how to be okay with being alone by truly loving ourselves and tending to our own eternal flame. Hestia teaches us how to go within to find our own sacred spark. This is the essence of self that makes us confident in who we are and sure of our own beliefs. While many of the other deities I write and teach about, will show us how to change our outer world, Hestia shows us that real change comes from within. She helps us uncover that flame that has been oppressed within ourselves in order to see our true essence. Finally letting it shine for all to see and be a place of warmth and security for you to call on.

In this new special 6 month shadow work program I will help you realign your inner world, discover all the versions of you in the shadows, and show you how to integrate your shadows into your own authentic identity. When you purchase and register for this 6 month course you will get pre-recorded lessons, eBooks, journal prompt workbooks, weekly guided sessions, ( with one week off for integration) one womb healing session, and access to a discord chat for all those who are taking the course with you. We begin the last Monday of February for orientation week and then session for courses start the first Monday of March! There will be limited spots so hurry and register today.

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About Me : I have been a solitary grey magic practitioner for 15 + years. First and foremost, I consider myself a mystic and seeker of all knowledge. I am dedicated to the restoration, and re-enchantment of Magic in society, across this realm, and in each and every soul I come across in life! I am here to create a container that promotes healing, duality, and raw authenticity. I do this by guiding you on your personal journey to understanding your unique magic and sacred contracts. I facilitate this for you through embracing your shadow, duality and learning to live in energetic balance while not wearing a mask. When you work and learn from me you do so from your “darkness” as much as your “light” and in a way to truly harness and accept it not to just go thru it on the way to your light. But, I teach you how to truly embrace it, work with it, and use it alongside your light as a partner. I hold up a mirror for you to be able to see your authentic reflection looking back. Then have the courage to take the next step and do the uncomfortable but vital inner work to completely remove your mask. By facing all of your past wounds, traumas, and hurts. Allowing you to see both the dark and light within your story and take each chapter and alchemize it into something that is so powerful. your unique internal flame will shine so bright you will always be able to go within and find it on a dark cold night. You will learn how to truly live in duality and energetic balance to allow growth, and alignment with your sacred contracts and purposes. to finally move on and truly let the things that hold you back in this life from healing and manifesting go. To see everything I offer; like personalized shadow work sessions, womb healing, eBooks for you to work through on your own, Tarot sessions for guidance and more! Go to my shop!

Posted on May 4, 2024February 17, 2025 by Modepogdemystic

Amaterasu; The Illuminating Shinto Goddess of The Sun, Creation, and The Higher Celestial Plane

Amaterasu is the primary deity of the Shinto religion in Japanese mythology, revered as the goddess of the sun, universe, and creation itself, and considered the highest manifestation of the spirit of the universe. As the source of all light, life, and creation, the sun goddess sustains heaven and earth with a light so compelling that her father appointed her ruler of the universe when he first laid eyes on her.

As the embodiment of the sun, she assimilates all of its qualities and provides comfort and assurance to all those who look to her for guidance and protection. Having served as the mother of the imperial family she is revered as the goddess of the state, and is both nurturing and maternal.

Born from the drops of water that fell from his face, Amaterasu is deeply connected to mirrors, which are seen as sacred objects that contain a sliver of her spirit. Her blessings permeate many aspects of Japanese life, from protecting warriors in battle to ensuring bountiful harvests. Revered throughout history, even the imperial family claims descent from Amaterasu. Her benevolent light continues to guide the Japanese people through dark times. Let me shine her illuminating light for you to see and learn all that her rays touch and influence in your life!

Who is Amaterasu?

She has a shimmering aura that spreads across the skies and touches all corners of the world. Amaterasu signifies a new day with hope, energy, and growth. From the moment of her creation Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess of Japanese mythology, was said to be so radiant that she illuminated both heaven and earth. Goddess Amaterasu is the Goddess of the Sun worshiped in Japan.

Possessing the rising sun as a symbol, every morning she is greeted by the people through prayers. Amaterasu is one of the main Goddesses of Shinto. In Shinto it is common for Goddesses and Gods to be called “Kami”, therefore it is common to see the name Amaterasu-ōmikami which means something close to “Great” Kami that illuminates the heavens.”

Goddess Amaterasu is described as a radiant and kind Goddess who brings light, joy, and prosperity to her people. Her femininity and nurturance blend with her forceful solar nature. Her influence extends beyond physical aspects; she is linked to enlightenment, wisdom, and artistic inspiration. She is also credited with first using silkworms and looms for weaving.

She is the daughter of the divine creators of the world, Izanami and Izanagi, and she has two brothers: Tsukuyomi, the God of the Moon, and Susanoo, the God of Storms and seas. It was written that Amaterasu had painted the landscape with her siblings to create ancient Japan.

Amaterasu, Japan’s sun goddess of legend, is known for her powerful and benevolent ways. One story tells of her brother’s misdeeds causing her to retreat into a cave, and the other gods’ plan to coax her out again, resulting in the birth of dance and music which we will talk about later.

The radiant god is believed to be the ancestor of Japan’s imperial family, and her divine power is said to have been passed down through generations. She is associated with Shintoism, Japan’s native religion, with sunlight representing purity and enlightenment.

A sacred mirror reflects her true form and is venerated in Shinto shrines throughout Japan. It symbolizes truth and self-reflection, encouraging us to embrace our own radiance and divinity. Amaterasu has played a fundamental role in Japan’s culture, from ancient times to today. Her influence runs deep, becoming part of the country’s collective identity.

What does she look like?

Amaterasu is a revered deity known for her ethereal beauty and enchanting presence. Often depicted as graceful, the sun goddess has long, lustrous black hair, radiant skin, and bright eyes. Her attire consists of flowing kimonos crafted from the finest silks and satins. Such richly detailed depictions of the goddess have helped to cement her place as one of the most beloved and celebrated figures in Japanese folklore and culture.

Ruler of the higher celestial plane

Amaterasu is also known for her role as the ruler of the Higher Celestial Plane. In this realm, she was responsible for bringing light to the world through the sun that she embodied. Amaterasu is the rising and setting sun: without her, all forms of life would cease to exist. As ruler of the heavens, she governs over all spirits (kami), and her divine powers brought about the cultivation of rice and wheat: she is also credited with first using silkworms and looms for weaving. Amaterasu’s role as the ruler of heaven is to ensure the continuity of life by maintaining order.

Her tie to the imperial state

The Japanese monarchy is regarded as the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy in the world, with its roots extending all the way back to the 7th century BC. Like many other ancient monarchies, the Emperors of Japan trace their ancestry to a divine source, though it may be said that there are certain differences between the divinity of the Japanese Emperor and those of other rulers who claimed divinity.

It is said that the first emperors of Japan were direct descendants of Amaterasu. It is believed that Amaterasu sent her grandson Jimmu to Earth 3,000 years ago to be the first ruler of Japan, beginning the divine family of Japanese emperors. Even her sacred sword (Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi), her jewel (Yasakani in the Magatama) and her mirror (Yata no Kagami), the goddess’s main symbol, are still guarded to this day as Imperial Treasures.

Goddess of creation

Amaterasu is believed to be one of the oldest gods. She played an important role in creating Japan and its people. Her divine light illuminated the world and caused many phenomena. Amaterasu is the rising and setting sun: without her, all forms of life would cease to exist. As ruler of the heavens, she governs over all spirits (kami), and her divine powers brought about the cultivation of rice and wheat.

Amaterasu The spiritual guide

Amaterasu is the spiritual guide and protector of the Japanese people. Many festivals are held in her honor. She symbolizes hope, prosperity, and purity. She gets this role because of her incredibly high status as the kami of the higher celestial plane. Since this is said to be a realm she has domain over it would of course make her the spiritual guide to the people.

Amaterasu and duality

Since I am a grey witch and live in the liminal spaces every single deity I work with I look for how they can connect to duality. How do they represent the universal concept of duality that every being is meant to achieve in the universe. I feel with light deities this gets overlooked often and is much more focused on with dark deities. Amaterasu does this very well, in the fact that she is the sun that can both bring and sustain all life and it can smother it and snuff it out. If you think about it we as humans love the sun and NEED it to survive but, our bodies aren’t really made for it either. Our skin burns, we sweat, and we can only tolerate low heats of it.

The same thing with her being a deity of light. Light can illuminate and shine brightly to allow us to see. It can also shine so brightly It can blind us and send us off in the direction. She also does this by being the kami to embody all of the universe. How can she encompass all of the universe and she not be steeped in duality?

Amaterasu and the Divine feminine

The myth of the Goddess Amaterasu emphasizes female power. The absence of the Goddess and the resulting aridity and darkness of the world demonstrate the importance of the woman, who must be respected, recognized and honored as a source of life and energy. You also see her importance with the divine feminine in being a solar deity and her simply being a goddess. It is common across cultures especially in the west and after christianity that the sun is represented as a masculine energy with a god.

Her Association with Other Elements of Nature

Amaterasu is not only the goddess of the sun, but also holds significance in the association with other elements of nature. In Japanese mythology, she is responsible for sending forth the four winds and for creating the typhoons that are prevalent in Japan.

She is also associated with the regulation of the tides, agriculture, and rainfall. These associations with natural elements have given Amaterasu significant power in shaping the lives and culture of the Japanese people.

Mythology and stories

The birth of Amaterasu

According to the beliefs of the Shinto religion, Amaterasu is the child of Izanami and Izanagi, the two primordial gods responsible for the creation of the Japanese islands. Izanami is recognized as ‘she who invites,’ while Izanagi is known as ‘he who invites.’ Amaterasu’s birth is shrouded in myth, with multiple versions of the story found in Japanese sacred texts. The Nihon Shoki includes two versions of the tale, while the Kojiki or Furukotofum contains the most widely accepted account of her conception

The Nihon Shoki

The Nihon Shoki, or Chronicles of Japan, is a highly esteemed history book that dates back to classical Japan. As the second-oldest text in Japanese history, it is more detailed and comprehensive than its predecessor, the Kojiki. Its value to historians stems from the fact that it contains the most extensive historical records of ancient Japanese history. Along with this, it also includes a collection of myths about the origins of Japan and a genealogy of the Imperial family.

In the Nihongi, there are two versions of the origins of Amaterasu. In the first version, the divine beings Izanagi and Izanami no Mikoto are said to have descended from heaven and created Japan’s islands, mountains, rivers, and seas. They were, however, most concerned with bringing forth the high Kami who would rule over all these lands. First, they brought forth Amaterasu Omikami, who emanated light from every horizon. In their joy, the divine parents sent the child to heaven to reign over the highest celestial plain (Takama No Hara). Following Amaterasu’s ascent to heaven, Tsukiyomi no Mikoto, the Moon Kami, came into existence and was sent to join Amaterasu as her brother and husband, Soon after, her brother Susano-O no Mikoto, the Storm Kami, was created and sent to control the seas.

In the second version of the myth found in the Nihongi, the divine progenitor is solely named Izanagi (“Amaterasu – New World Encyclopedia” 2019). In this particular narrative, Izanagi desired to create a deity worthy of governing the universe. After careful consideration, he took hold of a white-copper mirror in his left hand and created Amaterasu Omikami. Then he took another mirror of the same material in his right hand and used it to produce Tsukiyomi no Mikoto. Lastly, Izanagi turned his head and looked askance, leading to the emergence of Susano-O.

The Kojiki

The Kojiki, also known as the Furukotofumi or “Records of Ancient Matters,” is a priceless artifact that provides valuable insights into the ancient history of Japan. It was compiled during the first half of 680 C.E. at the command of Emperor Temmu and remains the oldest surviving book of its kind.

According to the Kojiki, the final and most widely accepted version of Amaterasu’s birth involves Izanagi and Izanami creating the islands of Japan and the entire natural universe. That is until Kagu-Tsuchi’s birth. Unfortunately, upon emerging from his mother’s womb, Kagu-Tsuchi singed his mother, causing Izanami to become gravely wounded. Despite attempts to save her, Izanami ultimately succumbed to her injuries and passed away. Amid his grief, Izanagi sought to retrieve his beloved Izanami from Yomi, the underworld. With a heavy heart, he journeyed to the land of the dead and searched for her. However, upon finding her, he was devastated to discover that her flesh was decaying and covered in maggots. Despite his desperate pleas, Izanami could not leave the realm of the dead and return with him to the world above.

Barely escaping Yomi, Izanagi went to purify himself and bathed in a nearby river, cleansing himself of any remnants of the underworld that may have clung to him. As he washed his face, something miraculous occurred. When he rinsed his left eye, a radiant figure emerged – Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun. Overcome with wonder and amazement, Izanagi continued to wash his face. Soon after, he rinsed his right eye, and then Tsukiyomi no Mikoto, the god of the moon, emerged. Finally, as he rinsed his nose, Susano-O no Mikoto, the god of storms, appeared before him. As a result of great sorrow and loss, three mighty deities emerged, each representing a distinct aspect of the natural world.

Amaterasu hides inside the Ama-no-Iwato

The main story involving Goddess Amaterasu Goddess tells when she hid in a cave due to sadness. According to Kojiki, the main book that tells the Shinto myth of creation, Susanoo caused many problems and, for that reason, he was expelled from the skies. The main problem he caused greatly upset Amaterasu, let me tell it below.

There was a long-standing rivalry between Amaterasu and her other brother, Susanoo. When he was to leave Heaven by order of Izanagi, he went to bid his sister goodbye. Amaterasu was suspicious, but when Susanoo proposed a challenge to prove his sincerity, she accepted. Each of them took an object of the other’s and from it birthed gods and goddesses. Amaterasu birthed three women from Susanoo’s sword while he birthed five men from her necklace. Claiming the gods were hers because they were born of her necklace, she decided that she had won the challenge.

The two were content for a time, but her brother became restless and went on a rampage, destroying Amaterasu’s rice fields, hurling a flayed pony at her loom, and killing one of her attendants in a fit of rage. Amaterasu, who was in fury and grief, hid inside the Ama-no-Iwato (“heavenly rock cave”), thus effectively hiding the sun for a long period of time. The world, without the illumination of the sun, became dark.

The fields begin to die, the vegetation does not grow anymore, the cold takes over everything. Not even the Gods can reverse the situation. No one can persuade Amaterasu to leave the cave. Fearing eternal darkness, the God of Wisdom Omoikane has a great idea. The Gods organized a party at the entrance of the cave. A mirror was raised so Amaterasu could see her own reflection.

Goddess Uzume began to dance. She was so happy dancing that she ended up losing her clothes, exposing her breasts. She then says that the Gods have found another Goddess as beautiful and radiant as Amaterasu. Then she recites the verses:

Hito futa miyo. Itsu muyu nana. Ya koko no tari. Momo chi yorodzu. Which means: Gods, look at the entrance to the cave. The Majesty appears! Rejoice! Our hearts are happy. Look at my breasts and my limbs.

Listening to the noise and laughter of the other gods, Amaterasu decides to spy out of the cave. Seeing her image reflected in the mirror, and dazzled by her own beauty, Amaterasu emerges from the cave. She was received with songs of praise and let herself be carried back to her golden palace, illuminating the world again. This story is also thought to be the birth of dance and music.

Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi: The legend of night and day

Another important story involving the Goddess Amaterasu is found in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan). Tlegend begins with Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu serving as the deities of heaven as husband and wife. One day, Uke Mochi, the goddess of food, invited Amaterasu over for a feast: not being able to go, Amaterasu sent Tsukuyomi instead.

Tsukuyomi meets Ukemochi and she prepares a banquet for him, creating all her food through her mouth. Tsukuyomi finds everything very disgusting and kills Ukemochi, leaving Amaterasu deeply saddened. Since then, Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi are no longer together.After their separation, the sun goddess Amaterasu and the moon god Tsukuyomi took control of the sky separately, one illuminating the day while the other cast a soft glow over the night.

Festivals And Rituals

A leading figure in Japanese spiritual and cultural traditions, Amaterasu’s legacy endures to this day. Many devotees seek blessings and guidance from the Goddess through many shrines and temples across Japan.

The Grand Shrine of Ise is the most prominent shrine dedicated to Amaterasu in Ise, Mie, in western Honshū. The shrine is believed to enshrine the body of Amaterasu, and it is considered the holiest site for Shintoists. It is customary to rebuild the Inner Shrine at Isé every twenty years as per Shinto tradition, ensuring that it remains pure and new. Visitors worship outside the southern gate, while only priests and members of the imperial family can enter the innermost sanctum. It is customary for Shinto believers to make a pilgrimage to the shrine at least once in their lifetime.

There are also other significant shrines that worship Amaterasu, such as the Amanoiwato Shrine and the Atsuta Shrine.The Amanoiwato Shrine is located in the cave where Amaterasu famously hid during the story of her retreat, while the Atsuta Shrine is believed to house the sword that was passed down from Amaterasu’s grandson, Ninigi.

Amaterasu’s importance to Japanese history is evident in the imperial regalia of Japan, which have been passed down from her grandson Ninigi. These three artifacts – a mirror, a sword, and a jewel – are believed to be the symbols of the Japanese imperial family and their rule.

The mirror is said to represent wisdom, the sword bravery, and the jewel benevolence. The regalia are kept in the Tokyo Imperial Palace and only brought out for coronations and other important rituals.

In Japan, there are annual street processions to honor Amaterasu on July 17th and a winter solstice celebration on December 21st: commemorating Amaterasu’s emerging from the cave, bringing light and warmth back into the world.

Correspondences

First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy , or the zodiac energy the moon is currently in like I will list below for you to use.

Planet- The sun, Higher celestial plane, the universe
Animal-The raven and white wolf, horses, snakes, sometimes kitsunes but most often they are connected to Inari okami
Element- Fire, but she is uniquely connected to all elements
Sex- Feminine
Symbol- Sun, Rooster, Crow, Pheasant, Raven, Mirror, Sword, infinity symbol
colors- Yellow, Gold, Orange, Red
Themes- sun, higher celestial plane, the universe, queen of the kami, light, the imperial family, The nation of japan, joy, happiness, laughter, dance, vitality, energy, protection, wisdom, strength, nourishment, purity, health, abundance, radiation, unity, blessings, community, and kinship.
Chakra-Solar plexus, Crown chakra, root chakra
Herbs-Heliotrope, Sandalwood, Rose, Grapefruit, Lemon, Bergamot, rice, chamomile, marigold, carnation, sunflower, juniper, chrysanthemum, Sakura cherry tree
Stones/ crystals- Sunstone, Gold, Danburite, Citrine, Tigers Eye, Yellow Jasper, amber, carnelian, Rose Quartz
Metal- gold

Why work with Amaterasu?

This beautiful Goddess will bring the joy back to your life. Helping you find joy in all aspects of your life, helping you to laugh and have fun. She will help you relax and enjoy the little things in life and just be in the moment. Call on her when you are feeling overwhelmed and worried or feeling down and she will bring some spark back into you. Helping you see the bright side of things and to give you a powerful boost of shining light, shining joy and lots of laughter!

Ways to work with Amaterasu

Everyone’s relationship with deities is different and we all work with and believe in them differently. You might believe in multiple gods and goddesses and work with them each as though they are close, personal friends. Or maybe you believe the old gods are reflections of Universal energy and simply archetype energies that you can learn a lesson from. However you incorporate deities in your practice is up to you. But here are our ideas to get you started. To work with Amaterasu, it’s important to approach her with respect, reverence, gratitude and by building a relationship with her.

Study, get to know her

As with every deity I have ever written about or taught about, The first way to get to know a deity, specifically a goddess like Amaterasu is to study all you can about her. Read more about the myths we went over above, learn about the other kami connected to her, look at the brilliant art she is the centerpiece of throughout centuries, study the culture and religion she is central to;Japan and shintoism. When working with a deity it is all about building a true relationship with them and you do this first by getting to know who they are.

Create a Kamindana in your home to connect to and honor her

To add her to your home and to create a sacred space to go and meet with her you can create a kamidana dedicated to her. A kamidana is a miniature Shinto shrine designed for home worship. It is very similar to having an altar dedicated to any of the deities I have talked about before. You can learn how to create a kamidana to add to your home for her in my previous blog post here; https://modgepodgemystic.com/shintoism-the-way-of-the-kami/

Offerings

Everyone likes receiving presents. Amaterasu is no different, especially since she is such a revered deity and so central to every part of Japanese life and culture. You don’t have to give her offerings every day, but when you feel it is appropriate. You can place these offerings at your kamidana or when performing any work to connect to her like meditation, prayer, and visualization.

The best offerings for Amaterasu include:

Rice crackers
cooked rice dyed with saffron
paper origami figures
Grain or rice as an offering, inside a brass or gold offering dish/bowl
A magick mirror dedicated to Amaterasu
Sandalwood oil
A special cloth, like silk

Greet her at sunrise

Amaterasu is everywhere through the sunlight. Even on cloudy days, she graced the earth with her warmth and kindness. There is no need to summon a Goddess who is already so present among us, but it is common to greet her at sunrise and reflect her light with a mirror through the rooms of the house letting her enter the rooms to bring peace, energy and life. Otherwise your greeting can be as simple as giving a respectful bow and clapping. How to do this; at first, bow twice to greet the kami. Then clap twice, and make a pray with your both hands together. At last, bow again to show gratitude towards the deity.

Mirror Guidance

Another way of summoning the Goddess can be done at times when you wish advice from the Goddess. For being the Goddess of the Sun, Amaterasu can light up your mind and overshadow illusions that may be blocking your path. To do this ritual, first, take a mirror. It can be any mirror you have in your home or a mirror that you want to use especially for these occasions. Bow before the mirror, greeting the Goddess as the Japanese do. Then look into your own eyes and call Amaterasu eight times, the number of infinity. Concentrate and listen to the words of the Goddess.

To learn how to work with mirrors more in your life to connect to here you can watch my previous class all about mirror magic below!

Sunbathing

Obviously Amaterasu is a solar goddess and therefore she enjoys warmth, sunlight, and hot climates. So why not get out in the sun and do a little sunbathing? It feels great, gives you energy, and allows you to soak up the magical energy the sun has to offer us humans as the vital energy of our existence.

Perform solar magic

Like we just talked about, Amaterasu is a solar goddess so a very obvious way to connect to and work with her would be performing and working with any kind of solar magic. There are so many different ways to work with solar magic and the sun from meditating under its bright rays, making sun water, drawing down the sun and more. To learn all about solar magic and connecting to the sun and how to do so you can read about it here in my previous blog post; https://modgepodgemystic.com/solar-magic-a-guide-to-harness-the-bright-vibrant-and-confident-magical-energy-of-the-sun/

Call on her for abundance

Since, Amaterasu is the deity of the sun, and the reason we have all sustenance to survive and thrive as humans she is amazing to work with for abundance! Call on her when doing any abundance spells, working or rituals for a more boosted and amplified affect. To learn how to work with the energy of abundance you can read all about it in my guide here; https://modgepodgemystic.com/all-about-the-magic-of-abundance-prosperity-and-good-fortune/

Meditation, visualization and Dream work

One of the best ways to channel divine energy and tap into goddesses like Amaterasu is through meditation, visualization and dreaming. These practices allow you to open up and receive/ connect to divine energy in a very intuitive, clear, and transformative way. You will find a plethora of guided meditations on YouTube that will lead you to your spirit guide or god/goddess.. Try those if you have a hard time meditating on your own. I have many classes on youtube as well on previous deities you can watch where I even summon and guide you to them in sacred space. In addition, ask Amaterasu to visit you in your dreams and teach you lessons that you currently need to learn. Then record every encounter with her in your journal, book of shadows, or grimoire.

Meditation to connect with Amaterasu Omikami

Light some incense, maybe a candle and close your eyes. Take three deep breaths, relaxing your whole body. Hold your intention in connecting to Amaterasu Omikami. You could say this in your head three times, ‘My intention is to connect with Amaterasu Omikami.’

Imagine you are in the middle of a field and its just before dawn. There is high grass around you with meadow flowers. Light is starting to show on the horizon and you can see that far off in the distance there are trees. You sit down and watch the light get stronger and then the sun starts to rise. You say Amaterasu Omikami I wish to connect with you, please connect. The sun then rises high in the sky and shines down on you with so much light and warmth. You hear a voice ‘I am Amaterasu Omikami. You are my shining light just as I am yours. I will help you to balance your energies and bring you joy. You can call on me when ever you need, for I am a Mother to you and I will help you and comfort you.’ You then talk to Amaterasu Omikami.

When you have finished your conversation with Amaterasu Omikami, you thank her and know you can contact her any time. The sun sets and the day turns to night. When you are ready, take three deep breaths and come back to the room.

Write down your experience. What was Amaterasu Omikami like? What message did she have for you? Did she answer your questions? What did she look like? What was the gift she gave you?

Prayers

One very powerful way to connect to a deity is through prayer. It is common in Japan for Devotees to utter heartfelt prayers to Amaterasu to receive her bountiful blessings of prosperity, health, and guidance.

“I honor you, Amaterasu. I ask you to turn your light upon me. I honor you with this piece of silk (or jewelry) and ask that it become a talisman of power. Goddess of the sun, bless me.”

The most well known prayer to Amaterasu no Omikoto. It goes like this:

Lovely Lady of the Heaven’s
Goddess and Guardian of the Japan People.
Amaterasu, with Awe we see your beauty Rise.Tranquil Queen of Heaven
When I look up to the Royal Sky
I see thee Shining in Great Glory. behind a screen of Clouds, The Sun
Amaterasu, For Thousands of ages Your Children have served you.
As your Brillant light did shine,
Now in their Hour of Greatest Need,
We ask you to shine the full measure of your blessing on your children,
May it shine from each Bosom, and Shrine. May it shine from each home, and each field. May it shine forth from each child you touch. Amaterasu, may the children of your children remember this moment with Awe, and sing your name with great Praise. Let them look heavenward and sing For Thousands of ages may she shine.
For Thousands of ages may we serve her. May we serve her with reverence.May we serve her with Love

Move your body through Dance

Amaterasu is a solar deity, and the kami of the entire universe which makes her a very vital goddess. What better way to connect to vitality than by getting up and moving our bodies? To connect to her more directly, do this through dancing to honor one of the popular myths which credit the birth of dance and music in Japan to her.

Light work and Energy work

Since Amaterasu is a solar deity, a light deity, and the kami of the universe and higher celestial plane she is one of the best goddesses to call on when working with your own energy, the energy of the environment around you, and the universe as whole. She has the ability to guide you to your higher self, your sacred contracts and the divine in a very intense and illuminating way. Unlike when working with a dark goddess and being shown your shadows she illuminates the brightest and best part of yourselves that may shine too brightly for you to always see. To learn more about how to do energy work you can learn about in my previous blogpost here; https://modgepodgemystic.com/working-with-the-basics-of-life-and-magic-energy/

Pilgrimages

Followers embark on pilgrimages to sacred sites associated with the goddess, such as Ise Grand Shrine. These journeys symbolize strong devotion and spiritual unity with Amaterasu. So, if at all realistically possible try and do this at some point in your life to connect to her in a deep way.I have yet to experience this one but, it is a goal of mine to one day do!

Sacred Objects

Worshippers create ornate talismans, known as omamori, that are said to possess Amaterasu’s divine presence. These talismans bring protection and good luck to their owners.

Live in accordance to the practices of shintoism

Amaterasu is the central figure to shintoism, and Japanese culture. So, one of the best ways to connect to her and honor her would be by encompassing the principles and affirmations of that belief system. To learn more about how to do that you can read my previous blog post on it here; https://modgepodgemystic.com/shintoism-the-way-of-the-kami/

Conclusion

Amaterasu has been a revered guiding force since her arrival into this world. Even after thousands of years, she continues to shine as a symbol of hope and inspiration for those who believe in her divine presence. Call on her when you are feeling overwhelmed and worried or feeling down and she will bring some spark back into you. Helping you see the bright side of things and to give you a powerful boost of shining light, shining joy and lots of laughter! Allow her to guide you to higher celestial plane and shine her illuminating rays on all that you are and provide you with all that you need!

To expand your knowledge about her and meet her in a guided session or if you learn better through listening instead of reading. You can watch my free class with Divination Academy on youtube below!

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