Aphrodite and/or Eros

[David19]

I was reading PurplePanther's post in this thread (http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?p=2830327#post2830327), where he said:


She's probably a better goddess to call upon when you need help in the love department if you want a long-term commitment, marriage, and possibly family and children. I'm not saying Aphrodite can't give that to you as well, but I think she's better for finding sexual love and passion. Demeter has that softer side to her, and she gives me the impression of being more concerned with lasting, long-term love (but don't get me wrong... she can get pretty sexy too ;)).

And it got me thinking about something, do you think Aphrodite could be asked and prayed to, to bring you some love (or lust aka sex) into your life, and do you think it'd be disrespectful to ask for her help, despite not really being an Hellenic recon (it's something i'm interested in and i'm still deciding if it's for me, but i'm still trying to see which path calls me, so to speak), and i don't want to be disrespectful to her or seem like i'm just 'using' Aphrodite (although i have a feeling that Aphrodite, and any god really, could probably take care of themselves, if they were insulted ;)).

And, if you think it wouldn't be disrespectful, how would you go about asking for her help or aid.

Also, i've got, basically, the same question about Eros, i know that he's associated with homosexuality (and he's usually seen as a teen, right?), i think he's brings lust and love into people's lives, but do you think you could pray to him and ask for his help, aid, blessings, etc?.

And again, i don't want to be disrespectful to Eros (or any god).

Thanks for any help, as this is something i'm very interested in looking into, as i think it could help me out.

Thanks :).

[Arion]

It wouldn't be disrespectful if you gave them offerings when you asked for their help. Good offerings for Aphrodite would be apples, sandalwood incense, copper coins, or roses. You could always light a candle for her too, red, blue or purple would be good colours.

Yeah, so invoke them, tell them what you want (and be polite of course, but clear ;)) and present them with the offering.

[Twinkle]

This is just me...but I personally find Aphrodite to be a bit umm...demanding. I never ask her for anything...I just give her offerings and hope that she likes them. LOL!!!

[David19]

It wouldn't be disrespectful if you gave them offerings when you asked for their help. Good offerings for Aphrodite would be apples, sandalwood incense, copper coins, or roses. You could always light a candle for her too, red, blue or purple would be good colours.

Yeah, so invoke them, tell them what you want (and be polite of course, but clear ;)) and present them with the offering.

Thanks for that, it's given me a few more ideas, i could probably get red candles, but how would you leave the request, would you just tell them (either mentally or talking as if they're there) or write it down and leave it somewhere or burn it, 'cause i've heard that on Hellenic altars, there's usually an offering bowl or a prayer bowl or something, where you put prayers or whatever in to the god.

Also, do you (or anyone else?) know what Eros likes, and if he's also be good to help?.

Thanks again :).

[Arion]

Thanks for that, it's given me a few more ideas, i could probably get red candles, but how would you leave the request, would you just tell them (either mentally or talking as if they're there) or write it down and leave it somewhere or burn it, 'cause i've heard that on Hellenic altars, there's usually an offering bowl or a prayer bowl or something, where you put prayers or whatever in to the god.

Also, do you (or anyone else?) know what Eros likes, and if he's also be good to help?.

Thanks again :).

You can leave the request any way you feel comfortable, there is no one way to do it. Writing it out is a good idea, and you could burn it or bury it or leave it somewhere where no one would find it and read it. I just mostly talk out loud or sometimes in my mind and tell a god or goddess what I'm looking for, and ask if they could help me out.

I don't know about Eros, but I assume he would like similar offerings as Aphrodite. Anything love or sex-related would be a safe bet ;)

[seekerofknwoledge]

I don't think that Aphrodite would be offended at your request as long as you do it respectfully (and I am a Hellenistic practitioner). All the previous suggestions for offerings sound about right to me. One thing I often do to prepare for/as part of Aphrodite rituals is to pamper myself (since She does have a great connection to the physical body and it's beauty/sexuality). This coincides with cleansing for the ritual (maybe a nice long back with some scented bubbles, possibly rose). Not only does it help prepare you for the ritual, but you come before Her as an embodiement of love (self love and love for another).

In my experience both She and Eros are good for sexual lust and
"warm fuzzy" love. I think that most offerings for Aphrodite could be carried over to Eros, but here's another suggestion you might like to try: Ever read about the myth of Eros and Psyche? Try petitioning Psyche for your love needs directly, or for Her to go to Eros (I find She has a great understanding/connection with the human aspect because according to Her story, She was once human too).

[Nitefalle]

One thing I have not seen suggested here, that I have done in the past - growing up, I prayed to Aphrodite in regards to relationships, and always did so in the bathtub, as she was born out of the sea, the great primordial metaphor for emotion. I would give offerings of salt water or scented water, as well, or maybe bathe yourself in the above before praying to her. Seashells are another good thing to have around.

[SilentDreams]

Well, I consider Eros to be my celestial Father and while he and I aren't as close as my mother Persephone I can say that I believe he wouldn't have a problem with asking for help. Now to go as far as to say "Hey, set me up with this guy/girl" and then leave him. Well, I don't think he'd be as responsive. But just to "nudge" someone or give you the tools to act in the right manner as to appeal to the person you seek, I can see that happening.

As for Aphrodite, I can't say anything forsure but I don't think she'd be enraged if you asked her.

ETA: As for how to approach him and what to offer, funnily enough I can't say. I often ignore what facts say about how a being was worshipped and I just go with my "gut" feeling. And to this day I've never truly gone to Eros for love. He's just my father, giving my guidance on all sorts of matters. I've yet to use him solely for setting up relationships.

[David19]

Thanks for all the help, i think it's something i'll try and do, i've got Sannion's Commendium of the gods, and that has a list of all of the Hellenic gods and what they like and how to honour them, including Aphrodite and Eros (if there are any Hellenic recons or anyone who worships or works with Greek gods, i'd recommend Sannion's Sanctuary).

So, hopefully, it'll work out :).

But, thanks again for all the help, and if anyone wants to add anything else, please feel free :).

[Twinkle]

I have all Sannion's stuff saved on to my hard drive. I agree that he's a good researcher, but he's not the be-all end-all for Hellenic Polytheism.:)

[Arion]

:bumpsmili

Here's the thread with the offerings you were looking for David ;)