In the quiet hours before dawn, when the world hovers in the soft embrace of twilight, there emerges from the horizon a deity whose presence heralds the new day. Aurora, the Roman goddess of dawn, rides her chariot across the sky, scattering away the stars and painting the heavens with rosy hues of pink and gold.
She embodies the transition from night to day, from dreams to awakening. Her mythos is rich with tales of love and loss, of mortal infatuation and the relentless march of time. As the first light touches the earth, so does Aurora touch the hearts of those who revere her, reminding us that every ending is but a prelude to a new beginning.
Who is The Goddess Aurora?
Along with her Greek counterpart Eos, Aurora is the Roman goddess of the dawn. She is the sister of Sol, the god of the sun, and Luna, the goddess of the moon. She is the mother of the four winds: Boreas, Notus, Zephyrus, and Eurus (one for each cardinal direction) with Astraeus, the father of stars.
Aurora heralds the arrival of the morning sun. After her sister Luna has finished her nightly tasks, Aurora paves the way for their brother Sol’s arrival. Thought to renew herself again each morning, she soared through the sky upon her chariot pulled by her two trusty steeds: Lampetus and Phaethon.
After a calm night, Aurora arrives with her children, the four winds, breathing life into the day and painting the sky in a myriad of colors.
Working with Goddess Aurora
This article incorporates elements of Aurora’s history with the poetic myths of the Greek goddess Eos, as well as the Latin goddess Mater Matuta. Understanding the mythology of these goddesses and the history of their worship can enhance your spiritual practice and connection with them.
- Mythology
- Symbols of Aurora
- Titles and Epithets of Aurora
- Signs of Aurora
- How to Worship Aurora as a Goddess
The Matralia
The Matralia was a festival held for the Latin goddess Mater Matuta, who was later syncretized with the Roman goddess Aurora. This festival was traditionally held on June 11th and celebrated by maidens and matrons in their first marriage.
It is believed that this ritual was held at the temple of Aurora at the base of Rome’s Capitoline Hill. Participants celebrated by crowning images of the goddess in floral garlands and enjoying toasted yellow sweet cakes.
This otherwise normal festival eventually turned into something more sinister as it progressed, ending in the ritual beating and driving out of a female slave. It is said that female slaves were forbidden from the temple of Matra Matuta.
Myth of Aurora
Aurora and Tithonus
In a jealous fit of rage, the goddess Aphrodite cursed the goddess Aurora for sleeping with her husband Ares. The curse inflicted upon Aurora was one of relentless passion, a punishment that led her to fall hopelessly in love with a succession of mortals.
One such mortal was Tithonus, the Prince of Troy. Despite their deep love, Tithonus’s mortality cast a shadow over their happiness. Determined to be with him for all eternity, Aurora beseeched Jupiter for immortality for her beloved. Her wish was granted, but a crucial detail was overlooked – eternal youth was not included. As the years passed, Tithonus continued to age, while Aurora maintained her youthful beauty.
Consumed by despair, Aurora, in a desperate bid to keep Tithonus by her side, transformed him into a cicada in some versions of the tale, while others tell of him becoming a grasshopper. The goddess’s heartbreak and longing for her lost love echo through the ages, a testament to the power of love and the tragic consequences of unchecked passion.
Tithonus and Aurora were blessed with two children: Emathion and Memnon. Memnon went on to become a distinguished Ethiopian monarch who tragically met his demise at the hands of the renowned Greek warrior Achilles.
Symbols of Aurora
Cicada: In the tale of Aurora and Tithonus, the Goddess of Dawn transforms her beloved into an insect — a cicada or a cricket, depending on the tale. Cicadas represent immortality and resurrection.
Saffron: Both the plant and the color have been associated with Aurora, as she is seen wearing a saffron gown and painting the sky this lovely shade of red.
The Chariot: A common symbol in Roman and Greek mythology, the chariot is often used by gods of the heavens to carry out their divine role.
Wings: Often depicted with wings, Aurora symbolizes swift movement across the sky, bringing the morning light.
Rooster: The rooster, which crows at dawn, serves as a symbol of Aurora and her connection to the break of day.
Sky and Clouds: Aurora is typically portrayed against a backdrop of the morning sky, painted in hues of pink and orange.
Titles and Epithets of Aurora
Here’s a short list of the titles and names of Aurora:
- Rosy-fingered
- Goddess of the Morning Red
- Mother of the Stars and Winds
- Orthria (Twilight)
- Erigeneia (Early Born)
- Hemera/Tito (Day)
Signs that Aurora is Calling You
Aurora, the Roman goddess of the dawn, often reaches out in subtle ways. The signs of a deity contacting you are rarely obvious at first, so take the initiative to connect with her. Aurora’s presence is strongest at dawn, so take time each morning to connect with her energy and feel her influence.
Set up an altar for Aurora. Tend to it daily, making offerings of flowers and light-related items on the altar, such as candles and crystals that catch and reflect sunlight.
Light some candles and keep an eye out for any confirmation such as a warm feeling, a voice, or a vision during meditation or in a dream.
Meditate, chant prayers, and open yourself up more to experiences with her. Engage in activities that honor the morning, such as watching the sunrise, painting, or writing poetry. Craft items that symbolize the dawn or morning light as offerings for Aurora.
How to Worship Aurora
One way of incorporating Aurora into your spiritual practice as a practitioner of Wicca or neopaganism is to create a designated altar space for her. This altar should feature symbols associated with Aurora or a representation of her, such as a statue or artistic depiction. Additionally, ensure that the altar provides a space for making offerings to honor Aurora.
Including references to the aurora borealis can add a special touch, as this natural light display, named after the goddess, symbolizes her presence and the breathtaking beauty of the dawn.
Below are correspondences commonly associated with the divine goddess Aurora that you may include on your altar:
Aurora Correspondences
Associations: Femininity, childbirth, new beginnings, growth, and the ripening of grain. She is a patroness to children and watches over them into maturity.
Element: Air.
Animals: Cicada, cricket, horse, rooster.
Herbs: Saffron, lavender, and mint.
Gems: Clear quartz, Opal, Topaz, and Rose quartz
Colors: Red, orange, yellow, pink, gold.
Planet: Mercury.
Genealogy: Daughter of the titans Hyperion and Theia. Sister to Sol and Luna.
Aurora Offerings
- Crocuses
- Jasmine
- Roses
- Tea
- Yellow cakes
- Foods prepared with saffron
- Works of art, such as poetry, songs, or paintings of the goddess
Other popular offerings to Roman and Greek deities are bay leaves, fruits, flowers, incense, libations of wine and milk, and honey.
Incense for Aurora: Jasmine, Northern Lights, Rose.
Download the Printable
This PDF version comes with a transparent background so you can print it on any kind of paper you want and add it to your own Book of Shadows. Find more free printable grimoire pages browsing Spells8.
Invocations and Prayers to Aurora
A simple chant to invoke Aurora, goddess of the dawn:
“In the tender blush of dawn’s embrace,
When twilight’s veil lifts from the land,
Aurora, celestial weaver of light
Unfurls her golden tapestry across the sky.
O Goddess of Rosy Fingers,
Bearer of the morning flame,
I beseech thee:
Grant me your blessings with each new day.
From the eastern horizon, she emerges
Her chariot drawn by steeds of fire,
Their hooves igniting the heavens
As if stitching constellations into existence.
Aurora, Keeper of the Dawn,
Your touch paints the world anew.
With hues of coral, amber, and saffron:
A symphony of colors that whispers hope.
I stand upon the dew-kissed grass,
My face turned toward the waking sun,
As I invoke your name, sweet Aurora,
For in your light, all shadows flee.
Goddess of Renewal,
Bless my steps as I journey forth,
Illuminate my path with clarity,
And weave courage into my heart’s fabric.
Let the Fae dance in your radiance,
Their delicate wings shimmering
As they whisper secrets to the blossoms,
Guiding them toward the warmth of day.
Aurora, Weaver of Morning Light,
May your touch linger on my brow
As I rise with the sun,
A mortal blessed by immortal grace.
And when evening’s curtain falls,
And Lunda ascends her silver throne,
I shall remember your gift, dear Aurora,
For every ending is but a prelude to dawn.
O Goddess of the First Light,
I honor you with each breath.
As daybreak eases the world awake,
And hope unfurls like petals in the morning breeze.“
Blessed be.
May I ask… Will Goddess Aurora get a Book of Shadows printable PDF page?
Hi Vivan! Thank you for pointing this out – it got lost in the shuffle and I’ve fixed it now! The printable is up and ready for download.
Thank you, Megan!! 😀
You’re welcome!