Persephone is the goddess of the underworld in Greek mythology. She is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, goddess of the harvest.

Persephone was a very beautiful young woman and since Hades was very lonely as no one wanted to be with him, so -with the agreement of the other gods- he decided to seize her for his wife. One day, when she was collecting flowers the earth suddenly opened and Hades rose up in his chariot and grabbed her. He then took her back to his underworld.

Broken-hearted, Demeter left her temple and roamed the earth, desperately looking for her daughter. Because she was the goddess of the crops (known as Ceres in Roman mythology) the earth began to dry up. The gods realised they had to intervene for without food the humans would die and there would be no one left to worship them. Zeus sent Hermes (Mercury the messenger god) down to Hades to bring back Persephone.

Hades had to agree, but before she went back he gave Persephone a pomegranate (or the seeds of a pomegranate, according to some sources). When she later ate of it, it bound her to underworld forever and she had to stay there one-third of the year. The other months she stayed with her mother.

When Persephone was in Hades, Demeter refused to let anything grow and winter began. This myth is a symbol of the cycle of death and rebirth in nature.

It also demonstrates how the young girl Persephone grows into the mature wife of the god of the Underworld. It resonates with the story of a girl leaving home to marry and running home to mother when the marriage goes wrong. Once she understands herself and the psychology of a man with hidden power (and strong sexuality as seen in the myth) she becomes the Queen of the Underworld, also known as The High Priestess.

For more understanding read Jean Shinoda Bolen "Goddesses in Everywoman"

ASTROLOGY NOTE When Venus opposes Pluto (normally twice yearly) it is the re-enactment of the myth of Persephone entering the underworld. Venus opposed Pluto for the second time on June 2nd at the Full Moon and opposed for the final time this year on July 25th 2004.

If you have Venus in strong aspect to Pluto in your birth chart this myth could be a theme in your life.
Email Pam@healingstars.com for an astrology consultation and guidance. See her astrology website www.healingstars.com

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