krishanna|dot|com

Goddess of the Month - Themis

By Tinnekke Bebout
Guest Author

Mystic Crystal Gazer by Lynne French from ArtCardsWanted.com

Who Is Themis?

Themis is a most ancient Goddess. One of the eldest children of Gaia and Ouranos, Themis is cited as one of the first prophetesses and givers of law.Her name literally means "Law of Nature", and She is considered one whose decrees could sway even the most powerful of the Olympian Gods. She is also the Goddess of Assemblies, and She was invoked at every assembly in ancient Greece and called the Gods themselves to assemble on Olympus when needed. Themis also presided over the functions of the family as part of the greater populace as well as the fair and proper function of the courts. Because of this, judges were called themistop'loi, servants of Themis. Some of Her other titles include:

Euboulos - Well-Counselled
Orthoboulos - Straight Counselled
S'teira - Saviour
Hiera - Holy
Aidoios - August
Eugen's - High-Born

Worship of Themis

Themis did not have one town that honored Her more than any other with a special temple that was a place of pilgrimage. Rather all cities had temples to Themis, either by Herself or in conjunction with other Goddesses such as Nemesis. Themis also had a special shrine to Her on Mount Parnassos because of Her connection to the story of Deukalion and Pyrrha where She tells the survivors or the Hellenic flood to "throw the bones of their mother (Gaia) over their shoulders as they leave Her temple" to recreate the human race.

According to several poets and playwrites or classical times, Themis was one of the earliest brides of Zeus, with whom She is parent to the Horae or Seasons, and the Moirae, or Fates, as well as the Goddesses Dike (Justice), Eunomia (Good Order), and Eirene (Peace). Thus it was said that through Themis did come all things that made harmonious living possible. In some accounts the Hesperides, who guarded the grove of golden apple trees which conveyed immortality to those who ate of them, were also Her daughters with Zeus.

Contrary to some belief in modern times, statues of the Blind Justice are not statues of Themis. Themis was never depicted that way in classical times. Rather She was shown as a young woman seated on a tripod looking down at a dish holding either lots for drawing or the sacred smoke of the Oracle, and Her face is contemplative and serene. Themis was also depicted as a woman seated besides Zeus, advising him on the precepts of divine law. The blindfolded Justice that we are familiar with was the Roman Goddess Justicia, who was not to be confused with Themis in role or function in society as She presided over the courts only.

Our Elders

Our hearts are revealed by the way that we treat our elders.

They can be an encumbrance and a weight, mirroring our own mortality. They do not always say the things we like, agree with or want to hear. Maybe they behave in the ways we think elders aren't supposed to behave. It requires a person of substantial heart to see past these facts and to the wisdom elders have to share, teach and offer and to serve them and care for them out of gratitude for the life they have passed on.

In this culture, it isn't easy to have gratitude for our elders. Our culture views elders like a burden that offers no promise, any hope. They are often a sad, gray presence hidden behind phrases like "retired person", "senior citizen" or 'the elderly". Often, they are pushed aside into irrelevance, tolerated or feared. They are not sought after, honored or even loved for the wisdom their years have imparted to them.

One of the things that has been pressed firmly into my memory banks and has grown deep roots over the years is the importance of elders. Reverence for elders and those who have traveled the road before me has become intrinsic to my spirituality and philosophy. I have been taught that there is no other life so near in time or as close to my own as the elders who saw the world that I came into. It doesn't matter if theirs was the most limited, ordinary or simple life, you will never be so near the world you arrived in as you are when you are speaking to an elder. For this alone, elders are to be honored and revered and listened to.

Elders offer a glimpse into our futures. They were you and you will be them one day. From them we can learn what it is to age and learn how to deal with life on life's terms everyday for years at time. From them we gain wisdom, knowledge and insight. And each time they are in your presence, they remember their earlier lives. Every opportunity you have to listen to an elder tell a story, give counsel or reflect makes you wiser in ways you could not have possibly counted on or imagined.

Go to the elders with a pure heart, without notions of obligation. Observe their ways and hear what they have to say. As you are listening and watching, learn the lessons they have to teach. Love them. Honor them. Revere them. It is through the elders that you will gain knowledge of your past, gain insight into your future and the wisdom to appreciate your present for all it is worth.

Copyright © 2007 Krishanna Spencer