Cubic Zirconia (man-made stone)
Fine Silver
 
Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of love, beauty, passion, lust and sexuality. Emerging from the ocean and capturing the eyes of all the Gods of Mount Olympus.

Much like modern-day archetypes of beauty and sexuality such as Marilyn Monroe, Aphrodite’s life was one of burning passion and love but also heartache and tragedy. Whilst capturing the hearts of all, she also seemed unencumbered by the moral norms, giving herself in love to whoever her heart desired.

Her presence in the universe of Greek myth brings much vitality and sensuality but also conflict. She becomes infatuated with Ares, the God of war, leading to a scene of public humiliation in front of all the Gods of Ancient Greece. A scene not dissimilar to those on the front of our celebrity magazines.

There is a sadness in the way we fail to appreciate raw, carnal beauty. The judgements and jealousy that emerge when culture is faced with such figures. The way in which they are used, attempted to be owned and then discarded when failing to meet certain expectations.

There is a lot to be said for those who attempt to make the world a more beautiful and sensuous place. Sometimes lofty political goals or social causes can seem more virtuous than the pursuit of beauty but maybe creating a haven for those we love is one of the most compassionate acts in our power.

Maybe the wisdom in this myth is its ability to shine a light on the ways in which our culture's judgements and jealousies taint the divine manifestation of love and sexuality. Perhaps there is a lesson in this for all of us. If we could see others for what they truly are, not what we would like them to be and appreciate and value them on that basis, then perhaps our own personal mythos would be a less conflictual and more beautiful one.