Persephone The Greek Goddess

Areas of Influence: Persephone is the Goddess of the underworld and goddess of spring and rebirth.

After Hades abducts her she became Queen of the underworld, helping to escort the souls of the dead. She only performed this role for four months of the year (due to the four pomegranate seeds she ate) the rest of the time she lived with her mother Demeter.

Her exit from the underworld heralds the beginning of Spring as she helps her mother to bring life and bounty back to the land. This dual role makes her a Goddess of death and rebirth.

She also symbolizes the Maiden aspect of the Triple Goddess. For more information I highly recommend Laura Strong’s retelling and interpretation of this Goddess at www.mythicarts.com/writing/Persephone.htm.

Origins and Genealogy: She is the only daughter of Zeus and Demeter. Her marriage to Hades bore no children.

Strengths: Able to compromise, adaptable.

Weaknesses: Not able to escape the influence of an over protective mother. Torn by her loyalties she tries to please everybody.

Persephone's Symbolism

from a variety of ancient sources can be found by following the link provided. Pictures of Persephone from a variety of ancient sources can be found by following the link provided.

Sacred Animal: Bats

Sacred Plants: Grain, lily of the valley, spring flowers and pomegranates.

Roman Equivalent: Proserpina.

Persephone's Archetype

The Maiden Archetype represents purity and the innocence of childhood. where the soul’s dreams, magic and make believe still prevail.

It is also an aspect of the Triple Goddess, together with the mother and the crone they represents the cycles of the moon and the different stages of a woman’s life.

Shadow Maiden is very self centered all, her dreams and energy is expended on achieving her own personal needs and goals.

Persephone's life embodies this Archetype, she remains eternally on the cusp between childhood and motherhood. Trapped by a mother's love and her inability to fully assert her independence.

How To work with This Archetype

The Maiden is one of your Archetypes if you are life still in touch with your childhood intuition and fantasies and have used these to fulfill your dreams. Hence you can still have this archetype at any time of life.

The Maiden reminds you to take care of the magical child that lies within us all.

Shadow Maiden asks you to look at whether your dreams and aspirations are selfish and take no account of the needs of others.

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