Inspire: Persephone is Rising

She changes everything She touches,

and everything She touches, changes. 

I'm sure this won't be the only Inspiration post inspired by Persephone, but it is the first.

Persephone is the Goddess of Spring and Queen of the Underworld in Greek religion/mythology.  Kind of odd, don't you think?  But Persephone started off as Kore, daughter of Demeter and goddess of spring.  She was picking wild flowers when a huge hole opened up in the ground and there stood Hades, Lord of the Underworld, in his chariot.  Some say he stole her away and raped her, some say he just offered her a choice (which is what I think).  Either way, she ended up in the underworld and her mother went crazy with grief.  She stopped things from growing and caused the world to go into winter.  Demeter finally found her daughter but had to share her with Hades as Persephone had eaten seeds from a pomegranate which meant she had to spend some of her time in the Underworld.  Thus the reason we have winter and summer.

As spring is so close but so far, it is natural that my thoughts stray back to Persephone.  She is preparing to make her journey upwards and step foot in the sunshine again.  Instead of flowers made with precious jewels, she will pick delicate blossoms to decorate her hair.  Persephone will dance in the meadows until it is time, once again, to descend into the darkness where all things go.  She will sit on her throne and bring some hope to those who must pass.

The Queen of the Underworld and Maiden of Spring has made her choice.

What path will you choose?

Persephone:  Greek queen of the Underworld
Myth*ing Links
Persephone Remembers
A-Muse-ing Grace Gallery:  Kore, Greek Maiden of Spring