To begin connecting to Pandora, there is a bit of herstory that may allow you to resonate deeper with this divination. You will need this resonation, this guidance, for your Black Sacred Candle amongst other upcoming creations and events!
Herstory
Pandora has many epithets, many faces, and many names. This should not be a surprise. Throughout our weavings with various Goddesses within Dark Goddess Collective we find many connections between them. Spretnak (1981) discusses Pandora as a version of Gaia, specifically as the Kore version. Her name Pandora translates to “giver of all gifts” and as an original Earth Mother Goddess, it fits. Another epithet, Anesidora, translates over to “she who sends up gifts”.
Pithos
Many of us know of the story and myth where Pandora is carrying a box. Desiderius Erasmus (16th century) translated Hesiod’s tale into Latin and used ‘pyxis’ instead of ‘pithos’, creating the Pandora’s Box imagery we still see today. It could have also been a mix-up of stories between Pandora opening a jar and Psyche opening a box as described by M.L. West in Robert Meagher’s The Meaning of Helen: In Search of an Ancient Icon (1995).
“Pithos” translates to “jar” or vase. Ancient artifacts that have been found show these jars were often placed in the ground to hold wine or oil. Pandora’s epithet Anesidora furthers this idea as in order to send up gifts, one must be below, right? To be in the ground and send up gifts…it fits.
The Perversion Of Patriarchy
The rise of patriarchy has been a catalyst of the retelling and reimagining of what was once a society illuminated and led by the Divine Feminine. The stories transferred Pandora from giving of all gifts as an Earth Goddess to Hesiod’s version as being first woman molded from clay by a God (Hephaestus, linked to Aphrodite).
Is that where they got the idea of Eve? Just chose a rib instead?
This perversion is not without impact. It has traveled through generations of humans and is still felt within society today, the feminine rising within us all has much to heal, much to face, and much to endure as we embrace our ability to be the givers of all gifts through our unique power.
Pithos Divination
This is a 7 segment divination. Feel free to use whatever divination tool is calling to you!
A Candle & Key,
Kaycee
Resources
Meagher, R.E. (1995). The Meaning of Helen: In Search of an Ancient Icon. Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers. IL.
Spretnak, C. 1981. Lost Goddesses of Early Greece. Beacon Press Boston.
Featured Image Credit: By Jean Cousin – Web Gallery of Art: Image Info about artwork, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15610001
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