Often overshadowed by her more prominent relatives, the Greek Goddess Hebe's importance in mythology cannot be understated. Known as the "fairest of all the goddesses", Hebe was pure-blooded royalty as the daughter of Zeus and Hera. Hebe acted as the cupbearer to the gods and was the goddess of youth and vitality -- in fact, her name literally means "youth" in Greek (although, in early references her name was "Dia" or "Ganymeda"). Hebe is often depicted alongside an eagle, representing her father Zeus, and holding a pitcher of ambrosia. In amphorae art she is occasionally painted with wings similar to Nike or the Egyptian goddess Iris.
Hebe by Jacques Louis Dubois (French), 19th century. Hebe pictured here with an Eagle representing her father, Zeus.
Hebe's main role on Mount Olympus was to brew and serve Ambrosia, known as the nectar of the gods, which kept the members of the Greek pantheon young and immortal. Despite being relegated to the lowly role of barmaid, Hebe possesses an incredible power no other deity is capable of. While other gods constantly lament over the aging and death of their favored mortals, Hebe is the only Greek deity capable of restoring youth and reversing the aging process. In fact, it is her power that keeps the gods young and beautiful. That is nothing to scoff at -- this unique ability is the envy of several gods (including Zeus) who have begged her on several occasions to restore vitality to their diminishing mortal loves.
François-Hubert Drouais, Marie-Antoinette, as Hébé, 1773
In addition to her role as cupbearer, Hebe is associated with marriage and the bond between spouses. Although her mother Hera is widely recognized as the goddess of marriage, Hebe is the divine patroness of young brides, bestowing fertility and blessings upon newlyweds and protecting the young women in their married life.
Hebe was also a young bride herself. According to myth, Hebe was initially betrothed to her cousin, the fearsome god of war, Ares. However, when Ares proved to be unfaithful (as is to be expected), Hebe ended up marrying Heracles (Hercules), who had recently ascended to godhood. Their union symbolized the merging of mortal and immortal realms, with Heracles becoming a full-fledged member of the Olympian pantheon. It appears this union between Hebe and Heracles finally put Hera's disdain for Heracles to bed.
While she is most well-known as the cupbearer to the gods, she was eventually replaced in this capacity. There are several versions of this legend, including one where Hebe was fired from her role as cupbearer after she clumsily spilled ambrosia while serving her fellow gods at a banquet. Other myths simply state that once she married Heracles, she was relieved of her duties. Regardless, in either case, Zeus replaced her with Ganymede, a mortal youth renowned for his beauty and grace, whom Zeus had a "special" relationship with. This is where the relation to Hebe's original name, Ganymeda, comes into play -- as it more closely ties her to her male counterpart and her father's young lover.
Harnessing Hebe's Energy in Your Daily Routine:
If you're looking to harness Hebe's energy in your everyday life, there are several simple practices you can incorporate into your daily routine. Here are a few ideas to honor the goddess of youth:
1. Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle: Just as Hebe embodies the essence of youth and vitality, so too can you by embracing a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and take care of your mental and emotional well-being.
2. Practice Self-Care: Take time each day to nurture yourself and prioritize self-care. Whether it's taking a long bath, going for a walk in nature, or simply taking a few moments to breathe deeply and center yourself, make self-care a priority in your life.
3. Stay Curious and Open-Minded: Like children and young adults, it is important to stay curious, embrace new challenges, and approach life with a sense of wonder and enthusiasm. Keeping your mind young is just as important as nurturing your body!
4. Surround Yourself with Joy: Surround yourself with people and things that bring you joy and happiness. Whether it's spending time with loved ones, indulging in your favorite hobbies, or simply enjoying the beauty of the natural world, surround yourself with positivity and light.
5. Celebrate Your Youthfulness: Finally, celebrate your own youthfulness and vitality. Embrace your inner child, laugh often, and approach life with a sense of joy and wonder. Remember that age is just a number, and that the true essence of youth lies within you, waiting to be unleashed.
Hebe in Modern Witchcraft:
Our 8.5oz Hebe Candle
In modern witchcraft and paganism, Hebe is (unsurprisingly) invoked for her associations with youth, vitality, and rejuvenation. Here are a few ways you can incorporate Hebe into your magical practice (and you can use one of our Hebe candles to aid your workings!):
1. Healing Spells: Invoke Hebe's energy in healing spells aimed at rejuvenating the body, mind, and spirit. Focus on promoting health, vitality, and overall well-being.
2. Beauty Rituals: Create beauty rituals and spells aimed at enhancing your natural beauty and radiance. Use herbs and essential oils associated with youth and vitality, such as rosemary, lavender, and rose.
3. Youthful Energy Talismans: Create talismans and amulets infused with Hebe's energy to carry with you as a reminder of your own vitality and life. Use symbols associated with youth and rejuvenation, such as the Greek letter "Η" (Eta), which is often used as a symbol of eternal youth.
Whether you're looking to recapture the energy of your youth or simply seeking to infuse your life with a sense of joy and celebration, Hebe offers guidance and inspiration for all who seek her wisdom. By harnessing Hebe's energy in your everyday life and incorporating her into your magical practice, you can tap into the power of youth, infusing your life with joy, beauty, and newfound wonder. So embrace your inner youth, and let Hebe guide you on a journey of rediscovering the world and your own inner child.