Also called Zeus Olympios, Zeus Xenios, Zeus Ktesios, Father of gods and men.
Their story
Rhea hid the infant Zeus in a cave on Crete so that his father Kronos could not swallow him, and gave Kronos a stone wrapped in swaddling instead. Grown, Zeus freed his siblings and overthrew the Titans. He and his brothers then drew lots, and Zeus took the sky while Poseidon took the sea and Hades the underworld.
Their day
Thursday. Thursday belongs to the planet Jupiter, the Roman form of Zeus, and still carries the name of his northern cousin Thor.
Best times to give to them
- Thursdays
- the Diasia in late winter
- before a storm or when thunder rolls
- when welcoming a guest
What they like being given
- a libation of wine or grape juice
- fresh water
- barley grains
- frankincense
- oak leaves or acorns
- the first portion of a shared meal
How to honour them
- Pour a small libation to Zeus before the first drink at a family meal.
- Keep a sealed jar of grain and water in the pantry for Zeus Ktesios, guardian of household stores.
- Treat guests generously, since hospitality was sacred to Zeus Xenios.
- Keep your promises carefully and call on him only for oaths you mean to honour.
How they can help you
- fairness and justice
- leadership and responsibility
- protecting the household
- keeping promises
- welcoming strangers
Symbols
- thunderbolt
- eagle
- oak
- sceptre
Herbs linked with them
More Greek gods
- Apollo Lord of light, music and prophecy
- Hermes Swift messenger and guide of travellers
- Hades Lord of the underworld and giver of wealth
- Dionysus Twice-born god of wine, theatre and ecstasy
- Poseidon Earth-shaker and lord of the sea
- Helios The all-seeing sun who crosses the sky
- Pan Goat-footed god of shepherds and wild places
- Ares The storm of battle