Metaphysical Properties
In Greek mythology, Aphrodite is the goddess of love, beauty, desire, and sexuality. She is also associated with fertility, passion, and pleasure.
Meaning of the name:
Aphrodite's name comes from the Greek word aphros, which means "foam".
She was born from the foam that resulted when Cronus threw the severed genitals of Uranus into the sea.
Symbolism:
Her symbols include seashells, roses, doves, sparrows, and swans.
Erotic pleasures were called ta Aphrodisia, which means "the business of Aphrodite".
Other associations:
She was the patron goddess of prostitutes.
She was worshipped as a goddess of war in Sparta, Thebes, Cyprus, and other places.
She was associated with the sea and seafaring.
Relationships with other gods:
She was married to Hephaestus, the god of fire, but despised him.
She had affairs with Ares, Dionysus, Hermes, and Poseidon.
Roman counterpart: The Romans identified Aphrodite with Venus.