Also called Hygeia, Salus (Roman).
Their story
Hygieia is the daughter of Asclepius and was worshipped with him at Epidaurus, Athens and many other sanctuaries. She is often shown feeding a snake from a bowl. The poet Ariphron's hymn to her calls Health the eldest of the blessed ones, without whom no one is happy.
Best times to give to them
- Alongside Asclepius at his festivals
- At the start of a healthy habit
- Each morning, with a glass of water
What they like being given
- Fresh water
- Fruit
- Honey cakes
- A small bowl of milk or water, recalling her snake
How to honour them
- Make a daily habit of care, such as a walk or good food, and dedicate it to her.
- Keep your home clean as a quiet act of devotion.
- Follow good medical advice for prevention and screening.
How they can help you
- Staying well
- Healthy routines
- Caring for the body
Symbols
- snake
- bowl
- cup
The bowl of Hygieia is still a symbol of pharmacy today.
Sources
- Pausanias, Description of Greece 1.23.4
- Athenaeus, Deipnosophistae 15.702a-b (Ariphron's Hymn to Health)
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
- Hestia Goddess of the hearth and the home fire
- Demeter Mother of the grain and the harvest
- Persephone Queen of the underworld and the returning spring
- Hecate Keeper of crossroads and keys