Beauty and Love; Recognizing the Signs Aphrodite Is Calling You

Last Updated: September 22, 2023

Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Sexual Love, Pleasure, Feminine Beauty, and Fertility. She has been revered and worshipped in so many ways since ancient times. Her worship has evolved over time, reflecting cultural shifts, societal norms, and different cultural practices. In ancient Greece, she was worshipped as one of the Olympian deities and many temples were dedicated to her worship where devotees could offer their sacrifices, and prayers, and perform rituals to seek her favor in relationships or matters of fertility and sex.

With the expansion of the Roman Empire, the worship of Aphrodite evolved into the veneration of Venus, the Roman equivalent. The cult of Venus continued many aspects of Aphrodite’s worship while adapting to Roman traditions. Then, during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, classical mythology experienced a resurgence. Aphrodite’s ideals of beauty, love, and desire began to influence art, literature, and culture. However, direct worship of ancient gods was still not acceptable due to the spread of Christianity.

In more modern times, neo-pagan and spiritually eclectic communities have embraced her as the deity to connect with for matters of self-love, relationships, and sensuality, however, there are lots of new practitioners who are fearful about working with Aphrodite because of misconceptions about what she represents and false narratives being spread against her.

I’m here to clear that up and tell you that Aphrodite is one of the most self-empowering goddesses to work ,and if you are wondering if it’s time to work with her yourself, let me share with you some of the signs I’ve noticed that let me know she is around or trying to get my attention.

Definitive Signs From Aphrodite

1.) Being drawn to the water

Aphrodite’s presence is accompanied by an attraction to water that I haven’t felt with many other deities. Whether it’s baths, extra showers, an ocean, or the sea, when Aphrodite wants my attention, I feel magnetically pulled to being in or near water. If you’re meditating or taking a moment of quiet contemplation you can also hear or visualize water very clearly when she is around. These sounds or visions will manifest differently for everyone and I’ve noticed that she will use different water sounds to communicate different messages.

These are all subjective, similarly to dream interpretation. For example, water drops or dripping water is a sign for me that something bigger is being contained. I’m only receiving little bits and pieces while the sound of waves from the ocean is a reminder to not resist the changes that are coming towards me. Communication with spirits and deities is hardly ever direct so you will have to use your own experience and intuition to decipher the messages and interpret them best for you.

2.) A desire for self-care and embracing your sensuality

When Aphrodite is in your space you are likely to want to step into the self-care routine that you’ve been neglecting and when you’re reflecting on your physical self in the mirror you are going to be empowered by positive thoughts instead of negative ones. You might also experience heightened awareness or attraction to certain scents, tastes, and textures which include aphrodisiacs and soft or silky fabrics. It’s easier to feel good about yourself when she is around, so it’s even more noticeable if you are typically shy about your body or nervous about your sensuality because Aphrodite’s energy brings forth the self-confidence to embrace your body in every way, shape, and form. You may become more picky about what you wear and you might spontaneously dance, whatever you like to do to connect with your body, Aphrodite is going to encourage and influence you to do these things when she is around.

3.) An increased appreciation for beauty, and art

Feeling drawn to classical art, fashion, design, or anything that has to do with beauty can be influenced by Aphrodite’s presence in your life. You may find yourself drawn to beautiful things in your surroundings—nature, architecture, and even people. This feeling doesn’t come with the judgment of what isn’t beautiful, it comes with the idea that everything is beautiful in its own way if you take the time to see it. Modern paganism and cultural influence of the western world has turned Aphrodite’s reputation into one of a goddess that is jealous and punishes vanity, but when you truly connect with her you will find that her energy brings a sense of peace and acceptance with who you are. A goddess that is associated with mirrors can often reflect our own fears right back at us but if you take the time to look with a positive mind, you’ll find beauty in everything including yourself.

4.) Compliments & Praises

Be prepared to receive lots of compliments and praises when you are in Aphrodite’s presence or under her guidance. She tends to throw a veil of allurement over her favourited devotees and everyone notices. If you are suddenly being told your hair looks healthier, your skin is glowing, and you are receiving lots of positive attention, Aphrodite just might be influencing that.

5.) Seeing her sacred signs & symbols in synchronistic ways

Deities communicate through our natural world and sometimes in unnatural ways which often feel synchronistic to us. For example, seeing a dove or sparrow on any given day might not be a direct sign from Aphrodite but if one happens to fly into the room you’re in and land on the mirror or next to a vase of roses you can definitely take that as a sign. When we become desperate for connection, it’s easy to see signs that aren’t there, so I encourage everyone to look for synchronistic signs. However, sometimes signs are subtle so you have to use your intuition and skeptical discernment to figure them out. I’ve included a list of some of her signs and symbols below.

Sacred Signs & Symbols In Depth from Aphrodite

Dove – Aphrodite’s jewel-encrusted, golden chariot was drawn through the sky by a team of doves
Sparrow – The sparrow was a bird sacred to the goddess Aphrodite
Mirror – Often depicted holding a mirror, it symbolizes the symbol for Venus and represents truth vs perception
Anenome – The red anemone was a flower sacred to Aphrodite. It was said to have sprung from the blood of her dying lover Adonis.
Rose – The red rose was sacred to Aphrodite. It was said to have blushed or been stained red when Aphrodite cut her feet on its thorns rushing to the aide of her dying lover Adonis.
Shellfish – Shellfish were regarded as sacred to the goddess Aphrodite and were so regarded as aphrodisiacs – from the scallop or cockle, to the mussel and nerites shell. The pearl was therefore also her stone.
Myrtle & Myrrh – The myrtle-tree (Greek myrrhina) and myrrh-bush (Greek smyrna) were sacred to Aphrodite, because it was from one these plants that her beloved Adonis was born (the metamorphosed form of his mother Myrrha or Smyrna).
Apple – The apple and apple-tree were sacred to the goddess Aphrodite. She was awarded the prize of the golden apple from Paris of Troy, and also bestowed golden apples upon Hippomenes in his contest to win Atalanta.
Pearl – The sea-born pearl was regarded as the stone of love, and so it is sacred to the goddess Aphrodite.
Magical Girdle -The magical girdle (or cestus) of Aphrodite was woven with the irrestistable powers of love and desire.
Tritons (mermen) – she possessed a sea-going chariot drawn by fish-tailed Tritones.

The Complicated Origins of Aphrodite

The origins of Aphrodite are a bit obscure considering she has three different birth stories with conflicting accounts of where she comes from. The Iliad, written by Homer, claims that she is the daughter of Zeus and Dione. Hesiod’s account of her birth, as expressed through Theogony and Works and Days, has her being born from the castrated genitals of Uranos, where she sprung from sea foam after his mutilated balls were tossed into the sea.

Both of these authors lived around the same time but they often portrayed the gods and goddesses in different ways. According to Hesiod, Aphrodite is the first Goddess to exist outside of the Titans. Within the book, Aphrodite the Origins and History of the Greek Goddess of Love, Andrew Scott and Charles River Editors claim that, “Just as Eros has been present at the time of the establishment of the first system (the titans), Aphrodite, the more elaborate representation of love and desire would be present to usher in the next (Olympians).” Without love, lust, or at least desire, the idea of procreation would have been unthinkable to the ancient reader, so placing her within this context made sense. With this perspective, Hesiod emphasises on her role as a fundamental and cosmic force of nature associated with love, fertility, and the beauty that comes with the continuation of life.

Homer, on the other hand, highlights her personal attributes by showcasing her interactions with the other gods, goddesses, and mortal characters which also emphasizes her ability to influence situations, manipulate emotions, and even shape human destinies. Without a father figure, though, Aphrodite doesn’t quite fit in with the ancient Greek idea of what a daughter, wife, and mother should be – liberated, and so she is given the parentage of Zeus and Dione. With this version of her myth, we see an incestuous relationship between her and Ares which makes a lot of people uncomfortable. However, it was a theme for many deities to marry and procreate with their siblings or even their parents because they represented forces of nature coming together to establish divine order or create new forms of life and experiences.

The third tale of Aphrodite’s birth, describes her suddenly appearing out of the void of Chaos and dancing across the waves with Eros. This less popular version seems to corroborate what some modern archaeologists and ancient historians have theorized about Aphrodite’s pre-greek origins as a Phoenician goddess named Astarte who was also a variant of the Akkadian Ishtar. It is believed by some that her energy evolved as it moved through different cultures in the Mediterranean.

There are many clues to suggest Aphrodite could come from somewhere else, but one of the most referenced by scholars is an epithet that gives her the title of “Philommedes”, slightly different from her epithet “Philommeides” which means laughter-loving, Philommedes means, “to her belong male genitals” and some speculate that Hesiod’s epithet references an aspect of her prior incarnation as Ishtar-Astarte, who according to the Babylonians and Assyrians was a dual goddess-god, both male and female. They can be seen in images sitting next to each other, with the goddess Ishtar shown having a beard. In much later images, Aphrodite can also be seen depicted next to an “Aphroditos” and also with a beard which could suggest that trans lives have been acknowledged since the beginning of time. This theory about Ishtar-Astarte (with other correlations in their attributes and worship) has led to speculation that the Greeks adopted and adapted Aphrodite into their pantheon.

A lot of research still has to be done to understand her origins and I believe that it will be a personal and private journey for anyone willing to work with a goddess as powerful and influential as Aphrodite. When trying to discover the origin of deities for yourself, another place to look is at their epithets. Below is a list of Aphrodite’s epithets that can help you understand how she was viewed by her followers and devotees in the past:

Cypris: This epithet emphasizes Aphrodite’s association with the island of Cyprus, where she was particularly revered and said to have first come from sea to land. “Cypris” comes from “Kypros,” the Greek name for Cyprus.
Cyprian: Similar to “Cypris,” this epithet also refers to Aphrodite’s connection with Cyprus. It’s often used interchangeably with “Cypris.”
Anadyomene: This epithet means “rising from the sea” or “emerging from the waves,” underscoring the myth of Aphrodite’s birth from the sea foam.
Euploia: This epithet relates to Aphrodite as the goddess of safe voyage and smooth sailing.
Pandemos: This epithet signifies Aphrodite as a goddess of all the people, representing her role in both physical and spiritual love.
Urania: This epithet refers to Aphrodite’s celestial and spiritual aspects, as she was sometimes associated with the heavenly bodies. Not to be confused with the muse of astronomy, but more so based off of her parentage with Ouranos.
Philommeides: Meaning “laughter-loving,” this epithet highlights Aphrodite’s joyful and lighthearted nature.
Philommedes: Similar to “Philommeides,” this epithet means to her belong male genitals.
Morpho: This epithet means “shapely” or “beautifully formed,” underscoring Aphrodite’s role as the goddess of physical beauty.
Aphroditos: This epithet refers to Aphrodite as a male deity. It’s associated with certain cults and represents the fluidity of gender and sexuality in ancient Greek religious practices.
Epitymbidia: This epithet is connected to Aphrodite’s role as a deity who watches over graves and the afterlife.
Kallipygos: Meaning “beautiful buttocks,” this epithet emphasizes Aphrodite’s physical allure.
Melaenis: This epithet refers to Aphrodite as “black-haired,” highlighting one of her physical characteristics.
Ourania: This epithet, meaning “heavenly” or “celestial,” represents Aphrodite in her more spiritual and divine aspects.

A Dove’s Visit: Signs of Aphrodite In Dreams

Dream symbolism can be deeply personal and subjective, and the way Aphrodite might communicate with her devotees in dreams can vary. That being said tho, considering her themes of love, beauty, and desire, here are some possible symbols or signs that her devotees might receive in their dreams:

Roses: Roses are often associated with Aphrodite and symbolize love and beauty. In dreams, a vivid or recurring presence of roses could be a sign of Aphrodite’s presence or her message.
Mirrors: Mirrors are linked to self-reflection and self-love. In a dream, an emphasis on mirrors might suggest Aphrodite’s encouragement to reflect on one’s self-worth and beauty.
Doves: Doves are symbols of peace and love, often associated with Aphrodite. Seeing doves in dreams could represent her energy and guidance in matters of the heart.
Seashells: Given Aphrodite’s connection to the sea, seashells might be a sign of her presence. They could symbolize the beauty and mystery of the ocean’s depths.
Harmony and Romance: Dreams featuring romantic scenarios, harmonious relationships, or scenes of beauty might be Aphrodite’s way of communicating her blessings in matters of love.
Artistic Expression: Aphrodite is linked with creative expression. Dreams involving art, music, or other creative activities might indicate her influence and inspiration in these areas.
Goddess Figure: If you encounter a goddess-like figure in your dream who exudes love, beauty, and warmth, this could be Aphrodite herself making her presence felt.
Sensuous Experiences: Dreams that engage your senses, such as tasting exquisite foods, feeling soft textures, or enjoying fragrant scents, might reflect Aphrodite’s emphasis on sensuality.
Cupid/Eros/Cherub symbolism: Aphrodite’s son, Cupid (Eros in Greek mythology), is the god of love and desire. Seeing Cupid in a dream could signify Aphrodite’s influence in matters of love and attraction.
Feelings of Love and Bliss: Dreams that leave you with strong feelings of love, happiness, and euphoria could be a sign of Aphrodite’s presence, as she often brings these emotions.

Dream interpretation is highly personal. If you suspect Aphrodite is trying to communicate with you through dreams, it’s a good idea to keep a dream journal, note recurring symbols, note it in your Book of Intuitions and reflect on your feelings upon waking. Trust your intuition and feelings about the dream’s significance, as these elements can often offer valuable insights into the message or presence of a deity in your dreams.

Aphrodite, a Goddess for All People: Traits She Favours in Devotees and Companions

Pandemos is a title or epithet given to Aphrodite which means “of all people”. So while certain deities may have preferences in who they work with, Aphrodite is really open to connecting with all people. The situations she is most beneficial to work with people on are our relationships, fertility, beauty, appearance, and navigating social situations. In short, she’s for everyone.

In terms of the type of people Aphrodite works with, she is often associated with archetypes of lovers, artists, poets, and individuals who are involved in matters of romance and beauty. Think along the lines of recently engaged versus sex workers. She may also work with those who seek her guidance in matters related to self-love, self-acceptance, and the healing of emotional wounds.

Aphrodite’s energy extends beyond cultural boundaries, and she may be approached and honored by individuals from various spiritual paths who connect with the themes of love, beauty, and desire.

Throughout history, Aphrodite’s worship has taken on different forms, reflecting the values and beliefs of each era. From ancient Greece to the present day, she continues to inspire new ideas of beauty. Whether through traditional rituals or modern interpretations, Aphrodite’s influence remains a poignant reminder of the profound impact of love and art in our lives and it is our duty to honor and acknowledge what she provides us.

Keep in mind that everyone is going to have different experiences and relationships with deities and the way she presents herself to me in my practice, might not be how she presents herself in yours. I hope this helps makes sense of some of the signs she might be sending. Thank you for reading!

Until next time,

Meta.Mystics

A Note From BackyardBanshee.com

For most people, it is the feeling of a sudden pull or interest in learning more about Aphrodite. It’s really that simple – there’s no hidden agenda. So if that is what you are feeling intuitively called to explore whilst on your witchcraft journey, please do so (if you are open to it).

It’s important to remember that all of the above are all just examples and that everyone’s experience is unique. Some people may not experience any one of these signs, while others may have a completely different experience with them that we’ve not been able to list for you.

If you feel drawn to Aphrodite or have any questions, it is recommended to do further research and learn more about them and then respectfully reach out if you feel comfortable, and ask permission with them to start a conversation, especially to see if a relationship is what you’d both like.

Consent and respect are two very important factors, always. If you don’t want to or feel uncomfortable, then it is not necessary, and this is something that just keeps your journey interesting, to say the least! Keep safe, and until next time xox

Written by Meta Mystic's Paige

Paige is a developing psychic medium and the owner of a small online business called MetaMystics. She currently offers spiritual guidance, tarot readings, lessons, and deity identifications. Her main deity guide is Apollon, and she works with Aphrodite, Ares, and Hekate. Paige prefers to just worship Artemis for now and believes they will be working together privately in the future, but for now, her focus is primarily on her work with Apollo. Together they are writing books and inspiring the world. And here are a few book recommendations she has given to learn about the deities she works with.