As the alchemical goddess, Aphrodite shares some similarities
with the other two categories, yet is intrinsically different from both.
For Aphrodite, relationships are important, but not as long-term
commitments to other people (which characterized the vulnerable
goddesses). Aphrodite seeks to consummate relationships and gen-
erate new life. This archetype may be expressed through physical
intercourse or through a creative process. What she seeks differs
from what the virgin goddesses seek, but she is like them in being
able to focus on what is personally meaningful to her; others cannot
divert her away from her goal. And in that what she values is solely
subjective and cannot be measured in terms of achievement or recog-
nition, Aphrodite is (paradoxically) most similar to anonymous, in-
troverted Hestia—who on the surface is the goddess most unlike
Aphrodite.
Whomever or whatever Aphrodite imbues with beauty is irresist-
ible. A magnetic attraction results, “chemistry” happens between
the two, and they desire union above all else. They feel a powerful
urge to get closer, to have intercourse, to consummate—or “know”
the other, which was the biblical term. While this drive may be purely
sexual, the impulse is often deeper, representing an urge that is both
psychological and spiritual. Intercourse is synonymous with com-
munication or communion, consummation may speak of an urge
toward completion or perfection, union is to join together as one,
and to know is to really understand one another. The desire to know
and be known is what Aphrodite generates. If this desire leads to
physical intimacy, impregnation and new life may follow. If the
union is also or either of mind, heart, or spirit, new growth occurs
in the psychological, emotional, or spiritual spheres.
When Aphrodite influences a relationship, her effect is not limited
to the romantic or sexual. Platonic love, soul connection, deep
friendship, rapport, and empathic understanding all are expressions
of love. Whenever growth is generated, a vision supported, potential
developed, a spark of creativity encouraged—as can happen in
mentoring, counseling, parenting, directing, teaching, editing, and
doing psychotherapy and analysis—then Aphrodite is there, affecting
both people involved.
The Alchemical Goddess