Aphrodite is most often described as radiant and shining: when Aphrodite is present the whole world acquires a soft, golden glow. "Foam born," she is associated with the creative, life-giving sea and represents a sense of freshness, renewal, and hope. A descendant of the prehistoric water bird goddesses of Old Europe, she is often accompanied by birds. The goddess of both spiritual and passionate love, Aphrodite joins us to one another. She is feminine being in all her fullness, and her realm is that of relationship and feeling. Aphrodite demands maturity if we are to be in true relationship: when we embrace mature love, Aphrodite is there to bless us.
Here she is shown in the form of a dove, embracing her son, Eros, and his wife, Psyche. This moment depicts the point at which Psyche, having completed the tasks allotted her by Aphrodite, is reunited with Eros. It is at this point at which a new and renewed relationship with love is possible.
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