It should come as no surprise that in almost every culture, the goddesses of beauty have also been the goddesses of love. They are also often goddesses of the arts, and of such essentials to life as mirth, happiness and laughter. These goddesses are not actively worshipped in many parts of the world anymore. When they were, one way their followers and priestesses would honor them was by devoting themselves to the arts of adornment and beauty. They wore tantalizing perfumes, perfected their complexions with makeup, arranged their hair and, most importantly, they took lots of baths.
Why baths? Love goddesses everywhere have been creatures of the seas, lakes and rivers. Some ride in chariots pulled by swans or dolphins, others are carried in sea shells. Still others are mermaids whose fish tails propel them through the waves. Commune with Aphrodite, Venus, the Haitian Erzulie and the rest by taking baths in their honor. Light a candle, add Venusian oils or salts to the silky water and indulge in some hedonistic purification and water-worship.
Maidenhair fern is ruled by Venus. Set some fronds adrift in your bath to work that old green magic. This bath is an ancient one that was practiced centuries ago in Rome, and was thought to invoke the love goddess' powers and enhance a woman's beauty.
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