Zeus

Culture: Ancient Greek   Domain: Sky, thunder, law, kingship, hospitality

Zeus is the youngest child of the Titans Cronus and Rhea, who swallowed his siblings at birth; hidden away and raised in secret, Zeus later forced Cronus to disgorge them and led the Olympians to victory over the Titans. As king of Olympus he wields the thunderbolt, upholds oaths and hospitality (xenia), and presides over the pantheon from Mount Olympus. His many unions, divine and mortal, produced much of the rest of Greek mythology's cast.

Associations

The sky, thunder and lightning, the eagle, the oak tree, kingship, law, oaths, hospitality to strangers.

Ways people honor him (modern)

• Keep promises and hospitality customs with special care on days set aside for him
• Offer libations of wine or water outdoors, under open sky
• Work with oak leaves, acorns or an eagle image on the altar
• Study the Homeric Hymns to Zeus as primary source material

Approach any deity with respect and do your own research. Practices vary widely between traditions, and modern devotional practice often goes beyond what survives in ancient sources.