Persephone

Persephone is a living example of youth, beauty, and life, and draws the attention of the king of the dead. While picking flowers with her companions, Persephone is lured away from the group by the most interesting, beautiful, and sweet-smelling blooms she has ever encountered. As she gathers them, a great chasm opens in the earth and Hades bears upon her riding his monstrous chariot pulled by magnificent black stallions. He sweeps her away to the depths of the kingdom of the dead.

Zeus at first sees no reason to seek him out, but when Demeter neglects her duties as a goddess, the earth suffered. He decrees that Persephone must be returned to Demeter for everyone’s sake, and that she and Hades must share their time with her. They each get six months of the year with her. The earth experiences spring and summer when Persephone is with her mother, and autumn and winter when she is with Hades.

Her symbols are the pomegranate and torch.

Sacred plants: Asphodel Wheat, Narcissus, Willow Tree, Lily, Ivy, Lily of the Valley, Oriental Lily, Maidenhair Fern, Daisy, and Lavender.

Sacred animals: Bats, Black Rams, Parrots and all talking birds, Monkeys.

Consorts: Hades (Husband/uncle)