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The
Goddess Ilythia or Eileithyia is, according to classical
mythology, daughter of Zeus and the Goddess Hera. Scholars
suggest she is an extremely ancient deity and was especially
honoured on the Mediterranean island of Crete. To the Romans she
was known as Lucina, Goddess of birth.
The name Ilythia
is sometimes pluralised and consequently thought originally to
be two sister deities who merged into one. There is no evidence
to support this metamorphosis, though in fact there are many
more Gods and Goddesses than are known of, and Ilythia could
have a sister.
On first
encounter with her a pale blue light appeared and the glimpse of
a woman's face, she wore a veil over her head. Her voice is
soft, sweet and soothing:
"I heard my name. Many centuries ago women
used my name to call for help but few paid homage to me, so this
is an unexpected pleasure. I am the Goddess Ilythia.
My
name is not as well-known as other mighty ones but there are
mortals now who know of our existence. Some fear us for the
wrong reasons but in time they will realise how wrong they are
and will be working for us instead of against us. The Olympian
faith is beautiful, it is also the true faith."
Ilythia appears
as a woman in her 30s. She has light-brown hair which she wears
coiled on top of her head. That time she wore a long flowing
sleeved gown with drapery across, pale blue drapery from the
waist, like a skirt going crossways. Her skin is like marble, so
smooth and shining with health.
"In the many temples in the various parts of your world I have been seen
and heard. You will find I can be the most gentle of Goddesses
when I so wish. Some mortals who do not hear, sense a different
feeling. I have brought about a different atmosphere, 'as if a
breath of fresh air has blown right through' said one mortal.
Yet there are those who reject me and say I am but an evil
spirit. These I punish in different ways. They wonder why
misfortune has befallen them. But some mortals now accept me and
are pleased to know there are many Gods and Goddesses. To all
these mortals I give my blessings."
Festival
of Ilythia - March 14th
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