Also called Hestia Boulaia, Lady of the Hearth.
Their story
Hestia was the first child of Kronos and Rhea. Both Poseidon and Apollo sought to marry her, but she swore to remain unwed, and Zeus instead gave her the centre of every home and the first portion of every sacrifice. The Greeks said that sacrifice begins with Hestia.
Best times to give to them
- first and last in any ritual, before and after the other gods
- the Noumenia, the first day of the lunar month
- daily, when lighting the home fire or a candle
- at mealtimes
What they like being given
- the first and last share of any offering
- olive oil
- bread and a pinch of salt
- fresh water
- incense
How to honour them
- Light a candle or lamp for Hestia before you honour any other god.
- Keep one flame or light in your home that you tend with care.
- Offer her the first bite of a meal by setting it aside or into the fire.
- Keep your kitchen and hearth clean and welcoming.
How they can help you
- a peaceful home
- family harmony
- settling into a new house
- feeling grounded and safe
Symbols
- hearth fire
- oil lamp
- kettle or cooking pot
- veil
Hestia has no weekday of her own because she is honoured every day, at the start of every rite.
Festivals
- Noumenia Monthly, on the first day of the lunar month when the first thin crescent is seen; the date here is only a typical example
More Greek goddesses
- Hera Queen of heaven and guardian of marriage
- Athena Grey-eyed goddess of wisdom and craft
- Artemis Lady of wild things and the hunt
- Aphrodite Foam-born goddess of love and beauty
- Demeter Mother of the grain and the harvest
- Persephone Queen of the underworld and the returning spring
- Hecate Keeper of crossroads and keys
- Selene The moon herself, driving her silver chariot