Daily Learning

Goddess Eris:

Eris is a figure from Greek mythology known as the goddess of discord, chaos, and strife. She is often depicted as mischievous and unpredictable, stirring up trouble and conflict among gods and mortals alike. Eris is perhaps most famous for her role in the mythological tale of the Apple of Discord, which ultimately led to the events that sparked the Trojan War.

According to the myth, Eris was not invited to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, and in her anger, she threw a golden apple into the festivities. The apple was inscribed with the words "To the fairest," sparking a dispute among the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite over who deserved the title. This led to the judgment of Paris, a mortal prince of Troy, who was tasked with deciding which goddess was the fairest. Each goddess attempted to bribe Paris with promises of power, wisdom, or love, and he ultimately chose Aphrodite as the most beautiful, earning the enmity of Hera and Athena. This act of choosing Aphrodite as the fairest goddess indirectly led to the events of the Trojan War.

In addition to her role in the Apple of Discord myth, Eris represents the concept of chaos and the unpredictable nature of the universe in Greek mythology. She is sometimes associated with the primordial deity Chaos and is considered a powerful and formidable force.

Eris's influence extends beyond Greek mythology; her name has been used to refer to the dwarf planet Eris, which was discovered in 2005 and is known for its chaotic orbit and its role in the reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet. Additionally, Eris has been referenced in various works of literature, art, and popular culture as a symbol of discord and disruption.

Despite the similar reference, there isn't direct evidence to suggest that Eris from Greek mythology specifically served as the inspiration for the evil queen/witch in "Snow White".

The origins of "Snow White" can be traced back to different sources, including folk tales and literary works predating the famous Brothers Grimm version. The Grimm Brothers' version, published in 1812, drew heavily from European folklore.

The evil queen/witch archetype is a common motif in fairy tales and mythology, representing themes of jealousy, vanity, and evil. It's likely that the character of the witch in "Snow White" was influenced by various cultural and literary traditions rather than directly inspired by Eris from Greek mythology.

That said, both Eris and the evil queen/witch share some thematic similarities, such as their roles in creating conflict or harm through their actions. However, any direct connection between Eris and the character of the witch in "Snow White" would be speculative.

Daily Intention

"Embrace the chaos within and around me, finding beauty and growth amidst discord. May I navigate uncertainty with grace and creativity, fostering change and transformation wherever I go.

So mote it be."

Daily Visualization Exercise 

Goddess Eris:

Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can relax and focus. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself.

Visualize yourself standing at the center of a swirling vortex of colorful energy, representing the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the universe. Feel the currents of this energy swirling around you, pulsating with life and possibility.

In the midst of this chaos, envision Goddess Eris appearing before you, radiating with power and mischief. She holds a golden apple in her hand, symbolizing the catalyst for change and transformation.

As you gaze upon Goddess Eris, feel a sense of liberation and excitement wash over you. Embrace the uncertainty and unpredictability of life, knowing that within chaos lies the potential for growth and renewal.

With Eris by your side, visualize yourself boldly embracing the challenges and opportunities that come your way. See yourself harnessing the creative energy of chaos to manifest your desires and bring about positive change in your life and the world around you.

Take a few moments to bask in the presence of Goddess Eris and the swirling energy of chaos before slowly bringing your awareness back to the present moment. Open your eyes and carry the sense of empowerment and possibility with you as you go about your day.

Daily Ritual

In honor of Eris:

Creating a daily ritual to honor Eris can be a personal and meaningful practice. Here's a simple ritual you can follow:

Setting the Space: Find a quiet and comfortable space where you won't be disturbed. You might choose to create an altar dedicated to Eris, adorned with symbols of chaos, such as a golden apple, a discordian symbol (like the Sacred Chao), or colorful representations of chaos energy.

Centering Yourself: Take a few moments to center yourself through deep breathing or meditation. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, allowing yourself to enter a calm and centered state of mind.

Invocation: Light a candle or incense as an offering to Eris. Speak an invocation or prayer to call upon her presence. You can use your own words or borrow from existing texts, expressing your reverence for her as the goddess of chaos and discord.

Offering: Offer a symbolic gift to Eris as a gesture of honor and respect. This could be a small token or item that holds personal significance to you, such as a piece of jewelry, a handwritten poem, or a colorful piece of artwork.

Reflection and Intentions: Take a moment to reflect on the concept of chaos and its role in your life. Consider how you can embrace chaos as a catalyst for growth, creativity, and change. Set intentions for the day ahead, focusing on how you can navigate uncertainty with courage and resilience.

Closing: Express gratitude to Eris for her presence and guidance. Blow out the candle or extinguish the incense as a symbol of closing the ritual. Take a final moment to ground yourself and connect with the energy of the earth beneath you.

Integration: Carry the energy of the ritual with you throughout your day, remaining mindful of the lessons of chaos and the opportunities it presents for growth and transformation.
Remember, rituals are deeply personal, so feel free to adapt this ritual to suit your own beliefs and preferences. The most important thing is to approach it with sincerity and reverence for Goddess Eris.

An Invocation to Eris:

Goddess Eris, we call upon you, Mistress of chaos, wild and true. In your realm of discord, we find our way, Amidst the tumult, we seize the day.

With golden apple held in hand, You sow the seeds across the land. Wherever you tread, upheaval ensues, But from the chaos, new paths we choose.

Oh Eris, hear our fervent plea, Guide us through uncertainty. Grant us strength to embrace the unknown, And courage to walk where chaos is sown.

With laughter and mischief, you lead the dance, In your presence, we take a chance. To break free from the chains of order's hold, And embrace the chaos, fierce and bold.

Goddess Eris, we honor thee, In your name, we find liberty. With every twist and turn of fate, We celebrate the chaos, never too late.

So here we stand, with hearts ablaze, Embracing chaos in myriad ways. In your name, Eris, we raise our cry, To live fully, we'll seize the sky.

Hail Eris, goddess of discord and strife, In the dance of chaos, we find life.