What I’ve learned is that each person has to go through their own process, on their own terms, and in their own time. Being an Aries who wants things done ‘RIGHT NOW!’ it’s taken some time for me to appreciate and respect another’s right to go at their own pace. Do you care too much?
The myth of Aphrodite’s love for Adonis is a good example of how too much smothering can backfire and lead, not to ‘happily ever after,’ but to destruction and separation.
The myth of Adonis and Aphrodite is one of the great romantic legends of classical Greek mythology. This myth begins with Aphrodite recusing Adonis after his birth. His mother was turned into a Myrtle tree and is unable to care for him. (That’s a myth I’ll save for another blog…) Aphrodite takes Adonis to Persephone, the Queen of the Underworld, to look after. Under Persephone’s care he grows into a handsome and virile young man.
She is so infatuated with this young stud that Aphrodite abandons all her responsibilities, devoting all her time with Adonis. She even learns to hunt, which she has no real interest in, so she won’t be separated from Adonis for even one moment.
Finally Aphrodite can’t ignore her duties and must leave to attend some crisis. Before she leaves she warns Adonis not to attack any animal that shows no fear. He agrees, but Adonis is so relieved to be on his own and, feeling quite cocky, ignores the advice of the Goddess.
The boar attacks! Adonis is castrated in the battle and dies from loss of blood.
Aphrodite senses something is wrong and rushes to his side. She is too late to save Adonis, however. Stricken with grief she turns his blood into a field of anemones, small red flowers, in his memory.
I hope you take away from this allegory what I’ve learned, and begin to love and care with understanding and respect for another’s time, space and process, to care for and love others with detachment.
I believe we learn most of our lessons while on this earth plane through our relationships. As much as we want to be in relationship, they can be challenging – with parents, children, siblings, friends, co-workers, and partners. This is why I’ve included many opportunities for exploring issues around relating, relationships, and love in my upcoming workshop, Sacred Sexuality, the Shadow and Loving Relationships beginning October 10, 2015.
Sacred Sexuality, the Shadow and Loving Relationships is chock-full of tips, ideas, and experiential exercises on how to love ourselves (and others) more, to help improve relationships and to improve the quality of communication between friends, co-workers, and loved ones. This workshop is part of my program, Persephone’s Journey, a Wisdom School for Awakening Women. I hope you will join us!