Of all the magical potions in the world, which one would you like to choose? How about an elixir for youth and everlasting life? If so, the Goddess Hebe is the person you need to speak to.
Hebe is the Goddess associated with the bloom of youth and the gift of immortality. Her symbol is the cup because she is the cup-bearer of the Greek Gods. Hebe’s primary role is to serve nectar and ambrosia at their banquets. Doves carry the nectar to the heavenly realm of Mount Olympus, and Hebe pours it from her magical chalice into the goblets of the Gods so that they can have eternal youth and power.
This beautiful Goddess is the youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera. In artwork, Hebe is often shown carrying a pitcher of nectar and a cup. In her role as cup-bearer, she is revered by the other Gods and Goddesses since it is through her that they remain young. Mythology tells us that, on occasion, humans were also touched by Hebe’s restorative powers – she was able to magically renew the youth and vitality of certain mortals who had become old.
Even though Hebe is a Goddess, because of her tender age, she is relegated to the role of a servant in the feasting halls of the older, more experienced Gods and Goddesses. Hebe accepts her position with divine grace and serves the nectar and ambrosia to all who ask.
Not many myths about Hebe have survived the ravages of time, but one story tells of when demons stole her cup of nectar. The Gods sent an eagle to recover this chalice. The eagle and the demons scuffled and brawled, and feathers and blood from the eagle fell to earth. As they touched the ground, a Rowan tree sprang forth. The Rowan tree leaves are shaped like the eagle’s feathers, and its berries are like droplets of blood. You will find a five-pointed star on the skin at the base of the Rowan tree’s berries. This pentagram symbol has offered magical protection like the Rowan tree since ancient times.
In Tarot decks that follow the Golden Dawn system, instead of having a Page of each suit, this card is designated as Princess or Prince. In this form of Tarot, Hebe is the Princess of Cups. This Court Card represents the younger aspects of a woman and the blossoming of her true self. Her cup is filled with the energy of creativity and affection, femininity, naiveté and sensitive nature. She represents the expression of loving emotions, which could result in a romance or a new relationship. With her youthful attitude, the Princess of Cups has the qualities of honesty and sincerity. She has a healthy dose of imagination while maintaining an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
The suit of Cups is associated with the tides of emotions. In this suit, feelings range from loss and deep despair to joy and the most overwhelming sensation of all—true love. This mirrors Hebe’s life, in which she became depressed after losing her job as a cup-bearer but regained happiness when she married Heracles.
The Cups of the Tarot relate to the element of Water, which can cleanse, invigorate and soothe. You can also drown if you go out of your depth, so respect the power of this element. Other characteristics of this element include the psyche, fertility, imagination, intuition, and spiritual peace. When a card from the suit of Cups turns up in a spread, it will relate to matters of the heart. It could be dealing with friendships, relationships, or a person’s innermost desires. In a reading, the suit of Cups offers greater awareness about emotional circumstances and the need for their expression.
The young Goddess Hebe is a perfect representation of the suit of Cups. She has an air of fragility, yet she is warm and compassionate. This bearer of a sacred chalice desires romance, love, and dreams of more significant things that will indeed eventuate. In Tarot divination, we can see Hebe in the card called The Princess of Cups. If we attune with this card, we can be nourished by the elixir of life, which flows freely from her cup. Honour her, and she will revitalise you with her potion of love.