Blessing:
The sons of Zeus were great warriors, horsemen, boxers, wrestlers, cattle-thieves, and sailors. They value physical prowess, courage, and daring. They appear to sailors in the form of phospherous balls - one to indicate an ill-omen, two to indicate a safe passage. They were associated with the two kings of Sparta, and so added kingship and justice to their sphere of influence.
Epithets:
Kabeiroi, Magna Theoi (Great Gods)
Symbols:
a double cross, horses, boxing gloves, St Elmo's fire
Animal(s):
horse
Sacrifices:
alexanderite, tourmaline, Iceland spar, hybrid plants, orchids, wormwood
Primary Cult Center(s):
Samothrace, Sparta
Festivals:
January 27 and August 13
Ways to honor:
Boxing, horse-riding, boating, and other athletic activities are good ways to honor them, as is watching these events. Be strong and daring, throwing caution to the wind. Respect your siblings.
For more information:
Apollodorus' Library 3.11.2
Apollonius Rhodius' Argonautica 2.1-97
Euripides' Electra and Helen
Ovid's Metamorphoses 8.301-302, 372-375
Pindar's Nemean Odes 10
Pliny's Natural History 2.101
Copyright 2002 Sannion
All Rights Reserved
Posted with permission