Before foundations were laid below you or roof raised above you, you were;

Before stones were marked out to hold you, or chimney and fireplace covered you, you were;

Before the shelter of walls embraced you, center of the home as yet unbuilt, you were;

Within the unwitting spark of tinder, the fragile ember, within the first primordial fire, you were;

The telltale sign of human presence-- that which made man into mankind, noble Hestia, you were;

The light that lit our way, the warmth that preserved us, tool and weapon and giver of food, you were;

The ritual heart, the circle center, the primal stage of ancient tales, you were;

Tender, keeper, bonder of bonds, bringer of shelter, guider and guardian of the human race,

From our infancy, great Hestia, you were-- ever have been, ever will be-- and ever shall you be deserving of praise.

Credit: Thistle from home-fire.tumblr.com/

I pray to thee, Lady Hestia, Blessed Keeper of Hearth and Home,

Protector of families both by blood and by choice,

You who maintain the eternal fire on Olympus,

You are the spark that ignites the flame,

The warmth that comforts in the chill of night.

In your unending warmth and tender-heartedness,

My soul finds peace and healing.

Please guide me with patience and strength as I strive for independence,

And navigate the complexities of life

May your divine presence bring harmony within my family and protection for my home.

With profound gratitude and unwavering reverence,

I offer this prayer to you,

O Hestia, eternal and benevolent.

May your favor be ever upon me.

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Hestia dwells inside my heart,

In the veins that bring heat through my body,

The heat that keeps my love warm

When we embrace.

Hestia is home,

She is in the honey-sweet tea

I sip for her,

I pray for her care and touch

And tender understanding.

Though her flames no longer

Lick the stones circling each bustling oikos,

Hestia lives and she still holds

The chilled and sick

Who long for light and heat.

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Hestia’s posture is impeccable.

She is neither tall nor short - and round in figure.

Her hips are wide - perfect for holding the children that she never birthed, but cares for anyway.

Her belly is round, from good food and a good family - and it bounces slightly when she laughs.

She has a mothers face, and a mothers hands, and auburn hair that falls in curls.

She wears dresses in muted oranges and reds, or browns - and her apron is off-white.

She hums when she cooks in the kitchen and grows her own herbs in the back garden.

She keeps a cleaning rag in her pocket, and always has a salve ready in case of scraped knees or burnt hands.

She does not yell, no - her honey brown eyes give a harsh enough stare to silence unruly children and self-indulgent adults.

Her doors are always open, to the forgotten and the lost - to the wandering and the wanting.

She always cooks enough for extra company and second helpings.

Her hearth is always burning, her love is never ending.

Hestia, Goddess of Hearth and Home,

Lead my way - and light my path. 

Credit: Aön Re - Temple Hyacinthus

"Hestia, in the high dwellings of all, both deathless gods and men who walk on earth, you ahve gained an everlasting abode and highest honour: glorious is your portion and your right. For without you mortals hold no banquet,--where one does not duly pour sweet wine in offering to Hestia both first and last. And you, Argeiphontes, son of Zeus and Maia, . . . be favourable and help us, you and Hestia, the worshipful and dear. Come and dwell in this glorious house in friendship together; for you two, well knowing the noble actions of men, aid on their wisdom and their strength. Hail, Daughter of Kronos, and you also, Hermes."

Source: theoi.com/Ouranios/Hestia.html

"Hestia, you who tend the holy house of the lord Apollon, the Far-shooter at goodly Pytho, with soft oil dripping ever from your locks, come now into this house, come, having one mind with Zeus the all-wise--draw near, and withal bestow grace upon my song."

Source: theoi.com/Ouranios/Hestia.html

"To Hestia, Fumigation from Aromatics. Daughter of Kronos, venerable dame, who dwellest amidst great fire's eternal flame; in sacred rites these ministers are thine, mystics much blessed, holy and divine. In thee the Gods have fixed their dwelling place, strong, stable basis of the mortal race. Eternal, much formed, ever florid queen, laughing and blessed, and of lovely mien; accept these rites, accord each just desire, and gentle health and needful good inspire."

Source: theoi.com/Ouranios/Hestia.html

As Gaia’s revolution continues, as winter is drawing near,

I whisper my invocation, I beg fair Hestia’s ear.

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Granddaughter of Ouranos, Lady Rhea’s first and last -

Presider over sacred hearths, both modern and those past.

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I bow before your altar, and kneel before your flame, 

I pour libations for our Kharis, and speak petitions plain.

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As our Oikos travels, to be closer to the sea

I ask oh Glorious Hestia, for you to be with me.

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Help us find the house we seek, help guide our journey home.

Help find a place to fill with love, a place to call our own.

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Protect us Lady Hestia, from bigotry and scorn,

Help us leave the past behind, leave the places we were born.

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We seek a new horizon, a different view - a brand new start.

Help us find a house where you can be its beating heart.

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May Hermes carry whispered prayers to your most sacred ears -

And may your blessings be abound - may you always be here.

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Hestia, Goddess of Hearth and Home - both future and of past

I ask that your fire leads my way and guides me on my path.

Credit: Aön Re - Temple Hyacinthus