What is the significance of the Throne of Destiny?After Athene's birth from the head of Zeus, Hera was furious and gave birth without Zeus to the fatherless Hephaistos.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 20. 3 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) :"One of the Greek legends is that Hephaistos, when he was born, was thrown down by Hera. In revenge he sent as a gift a golden chair with invisible fetters. When Hera sat down she was held fast, and Hephaistos refused to listen to any other of the gods save Dionysos--in him he reposed the fullest trust--and after making him drunk Dionysos brought him to heaven."
Pausanias, Description of Greece 3. 18. 16 :"[Amongst the scenes depicted on the throne of Apollon at Amyklai near Sparta :] There are also represented . . . the fabled binding of Hera by Hephaistos."
Sovereignty is conferred by the goddess to human agents to act with the blessings of Nature and the spirit world. The throne is the symbol of this. The throne is not only on the headdress of Isis/Auset, but is also represented by the birthing chair, a midwifery chair to facilitate the labour and delivery of babies. We still show respect when we are told by a judge, "Approach the Bench." The Hot Seat, Seat of Power, Big Chair, and judge's bench are all extensions of this symbol of authority.
ReplyDeleteSovereignty is easily seen in the tales of Rhiannon and Pwyll, Math Mathonwy, Arhianrhod-Gwydion-Llew, Hera-Zeus-Herakles-Hebe, Helen-Menelaus & Helen-Paris, Harmonia-Cadmus, Ishtar/Inanna & Gilgamesh, etc., Ankhesenamun and the slain Hittite prince Zannanza, Olwen & Culwch, Ragnall & Gawain, Guenhumara & Arthur/Meleagrant/Medraut/etc. One of the most glorious examples is that of Shakti and Shiva - the cosmos joined to itself in ecstasy and continual renewal. Vishnu dreams on his Cosmic Couch, too...
Caitlin Matthews wrote a book called "Arthur and the Sovereignty of Britain", now renewed (!) as "King Arthur and the Goddess of the Land". (Inner Traditions publ., Rochester, Vt., ©1989, 2002. ISBN 0-89281-921-9 [ppbk.]
The book will infuse a deeper understanding of the transformative effects of the Goddess when it comes to conferring power, authority, blessing, and guidance or inspration. Other books that may help:
"The Great Goddesses of Egypt", Barbara Lesko, University of Oklahoma Press, NOrman, OK., ©1999. /iSBN 0-8061-3202-7 - ppbk. Excellent!
"Goddesses of the Sun and Moon", Karl Kerenyi, Spring Publications, Inc., University of Dallas, Texas, translation ©1979, ISBN 0-88214-211-9 - ppbk.
All the guys benefit from the gals. 'Medea' is powerful and opens some eyes. 'Circe' was a goddess who ruled her own island, a la Calypso. 'Aphrodite' gave heavenly favors. ''Niobe' is an example of the new rulers conquering the old throne-holders.
Eclipse of the Sun", Janet McCrickland, Gothic Images Publications, Glastonbury, Somerset, England. © 1990, ISBN 0-906362-13-X.
The whole book is a treasure!
"Woman's Power, Man's Game: Essays on Classical Antiquity in Honor of Joy K. King", edited by Mary deForest, Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers, Wauconda, IL., ©1993. ISBN 0-86516-258-1 ppbk. A paper on Hera here - and more.
"Daughters of Gaia", Bella Vivante, Praeger Series on the Ancient World, Praeger Publishers, Westport, CT., © 2007. ISBN-13: 978-0-275-98249-2 ppbk.
The chapter, 'From Matrons to Female Kings - Women who Ruled from Home and From the Throne' will be of interest to many.
I hope this has been helpful and that any of the books read bring pleasure as well as knowledge. Many blessings to All,
Demetria