Demeter

Greek: Δημήτηρ Roman: Ceres -grains -fertility of earth -seasons -the harvest -sancity of marriage -the sacred law -cycle of life and death The Greek earth goddess // par excellence //, who brings forth the fruits of the earth, particularly the various grains. She taught mankind the art of sowing and ploughing so they could end their nomadic existence. As such, Demeter was also the goddess of planned society. She was very popular with the rural population. The job associated with Demeter was to teach others to harvest, particularly to seed. Demeter is a daughter of Cronus and Rhea and sister of Zeus by whom she became the mother of Persephone. Her other children are: Zagreus, Despoina, Arion, Plutus, and Philomelus. As the Goddess of Fertility, Demeter provides all nutrition on the earth, allowing her to be considered a contribution to the Greek Culture. Crops flourish when her power is present. Demeter taught humankind the arts of agriculture: sowing seeds, ploughing, harvesting, etc. She was especially popular with rural folk. Major sites for the cult of Demeter were not confined to any localized part of the Greek world: there were sites at Eleusis, in Sicil, Hermion, and so on. The story of Greek goddess Demeter illustrates the tremendous capacity of a woman to love and nurture, within her own family and the world at large. It also reminds us to stand firm for what is good and right, even in the face of adversity, when powerful forces are aligned against us. The goddess Demeter's message also reminds us of the seasons of a woman's life, that even though there are times of great sorrow there is also great joy to be found. **Interesting Facts:** Persephone is the daughter of Demeter and her brother Zeus. When Persephone was abducted by Hades, lord of the underworld, Demeter wandered the earth in search of her lost child. During this time the earth brought forth no grain. Finally Zeus sent Hermes to the underworld, ordering Hades to restore Persephone to her mother. However, before she left, Hades gave her a pomegranate (a common fertility symbol). When she ate from it, she was bound to spend a third of the year with her husband in the infernal regions. Only when her daughter is with her, Demeter lets things grow.
 * DEMETER**
 * Symbol: ** Torch, Sheaf of Wheat or Barley
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