Good morning, afternoon or evening fraters, have any of you ever worked with Aphrodite? Did they use an altar? or maybe a Pathworking?
I would be very grateful if you recommend books to work with this goddess or if you tell me your experience with her.
thank you so much
Yes. Hers is a presence that's been around me and one which I've cultivated. It's a presence that doesn't require much in the way of wrestling to get a response: if you value her qualities and are open, she will send a messenger to communicate with you.
Valuing her qualities is essential. This isn't just about sexuality but beauty in all of its forms and a certain kind of gracefulness. I tend towards theurgy in my approach to the gods rather than ceremonial attempts. In other words, I approach the gods more through religion than magic. This approach is especially more resonant with Aphrodite.
A very simple way of connecting is to pour out a libation to Her. Use a compass or Google maps and figure out the direction of Cyprus from your working area. Use (or buy) the best bowl you have. Fill it two thirds with milk. Take a handful of dried myrtle leaves, set them on fire and let them drop into the milk. Add some rose petals into the bowl and stir with a little honey. Bathe and dress well. Stand in the direction of Cyprus and call on Her by name and by her epithets, something like.... "Foam born thea who bestows beauty upon the world, Aphrodite, Kytherea, hear my prayer..." open your heart to her and then offer the libation. Pour the contents of the bowl onto the ground.
If this brings you connection, permanent altars and so on are options to explore. Some cursory searching will reveal her
sympatheia (roses, mirrors, apples, myrtle, etc.).
