Animals Associated with Aphrodite


This article was added by Spell Casters


Animals historically associated with the goddess Aphrodite.

A short look at some animals associated with Aphrodite. The purpose of this article is to not only educate but also give inspiration when decorating your altar, making art for her, and writing prayers/poetry in her honor. As usual, I suggest everyone do their own research. Constructive criticism and corrections are welcome.

Doves

Perhaps her most well-known animal association is the turtle-dove. In antiquity these birds were considered her sacred avian companions, with numerous references to them made in literature involving Aphrodite. There was additionally much art of Aphrodite accompanied by doves, such as on pottery and temple decoration. At the goddess’ temple in Daphni, small marble dove votives were recovered by archaeologists.

“Birds your [Ares’] consort [Aphrodite] loves… snow-white doves.” - Ovid, Metamorphoses

Sparrows

In Ode to Aphrodite by the Greek poet Sappho, sparrows are clearly established as an important bird to Aphrodite as well.

“...with chariot yoked: beautiful swift sparrows whirring fast-beating wings brought you above the dark earth down from heaven…”

Water fowl

Naturally, as a goddess associated with the sea, Aphrodite is associated with water fowl. Geese, swans, and ducks are all good choices for iconography.

Dolphins

There is some classical artwork depicting her with dolphins. 

Rams/goats

The Greek sculptor Scopas depicted her riding atop a ram. Historically, white goats were to be sacrificed to her. Obviously, do not sacrifice any animal, period. Your religion does not justify animal cruelty.

Rabbits

Since rabbits reproduce at a very rapid rate, their fertility was sometimes seen as a blessing from Aphrodite herself. Take a look at this quote from Philostratus:

“...but there is no shooting of arrows at the hare, since they are trying to catch it alive as an offering most pleasing to Aphrodite. For you know, I imagine, what is said of the hare, that it possesses the gift of Aphrodite [fertility] to an unusual degree. At any rate it is said of the female that while she suckles the young she has borne, she bears another litter to share the same milk; forthwith she conceives again, nor is there any time at all when she is not carrying young. As for the male, he not only begets offspring in the way natural to males, but also himself bears young, contrary to nature. And perverted lovers have found in the hare a certain power to produce love, attempting to secure the objects of their affection by a compelling magic art."

Misc.

I assume other assorted sea creatures or animals found on beaches would do fine for devotional purposes as well. While this particular association has no historical backing that I could find, and is therefore my own Unverified Personal Gnosis, I once gifted Aphrodite a pink crocheted manta ray that she seemed to love.


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