I've been feeling both Theoi's presence in my life and have begun to consider Gaia as a sort of matron, and would quite comfortable, I think, with Apollo as a patron, in time. However, the two have very little connection and may even conflict in terms of their interactions through mythology. Because of this, I feel unsure about pairing them in worship as a matron and patron, and so torn between them. Has anyone got any advice on the subject? I've read up on the background mythology and, although their domains don't necessarily conflict, the story of Delphi and how Apollo slayed Python, Gaia's offspring, has me concerned that it would be difficult if not impossible to involve both Theoi in my spirituality as matron/patron. Thanks to any and all replies made.
Hello Nymree.
I am very knowledgeable regarding Greek mythology and Ancient Greek symbolisms so let me help you out here. Indeed Apollo did slay python who was one of Gaia's children. However in Greek mythology Gods often find them selves in conflict acting like humans and often become violent. However that does not neccesarily mean much especially in neo paganism. Mythology has little significance in comparison to symbolism. Gaia was a symbol of an enternal mother. Gaia in ancient Greece was what we call Earth today. She was one of the first Gods and many support that she was the first God. She gave birth to Uranous (sky) to stand by her, cover and protect her from each angle. Then Uranus and Gaia gave birth to Thalassa (sea) and Oroi (mountains). In other words she was considered a creator and one of the first Gods. She had much different place from Apollo. However as you may know Gaia also went by the name Rea who was the mother of olympian Gods.
There is nothing wrong with worshiping both of those dieties. However you should also consider dimitra who is considered a later symbolism of Gaia by many and also symbolises the Earth. I think it's a good combination though earth and light, stability and knowledge very balanced choice.
I hope I helped
Some very important corrections need to be made here. Gaia and Rhea are seperate Goddesses. Gaia and Dimitra (which is just another name for Demeter) are completely different Goddesses. Hellenism is a hard polytheistic religion. We do not mash Gods together and claim them to be one and the same. In some religions such as Hindu, they can be soft polytheists. In Wicca, they can be soft or hard polytheistic. Hellenists are absolutely not soft polytheists.
Gaea was indeed one of the first Goddesses to emerge out of creation, the one before her being Khaos. Gaea did indeed make Uranus. However, Rhea is the daughter of Gaia and Ouranos. So how exactly is she her own daughter? Rhea is the mother of Zeus by Kronos. Demeter is one of Zeus's sisters, much like his wife Hera is also his sister. Demeter therefore like Zeus, is the child of Rhea and Kronos. Now tell me how Gaia is not only her own daughter but also her own granddaughter? Spreading misinformation is bad, okay?
