The Temple of Aphrodite (2018)

[Peristeri]

Apr 15, 2018 17:21:47 GMT -5 Sanguine_Dragon said:

Is this only for greek Sphinxes, or can any Sphinx try the Priestess Trials?

I'm sorry, but at the moment Aphrodite is only accepting those native to her lands. Much in the same way that I doubt your Bastet would be accepting sphinxes from Hellas into her clergy. But, you never do know what the future holds, yet I don't see it happening anytime soon.

[kaats711]

Reina pads into the temple. "Ahhhh the land of my people," she purrs, "I have been living in Akhet for too many years now." She smiles and lays a beautifully illuminated scroll at the feet on the priestesses. "Though I have no intention of joining you ranks, I appreciate your hospitality in your temple. Please enjoy this scroll on which I have transcribed and illuminated for your the tale of Zeus and Leto as an offering to the goddess." Reina bowed her head and went to go enjoy the feast. 



Keol bounds joyfully into the temple. "I don't have much to offer the goddess, but I hope to prove myself a worthy acolyte," she trills, " I have collected these lovely white shells to honor the goddess." She lays an assortment of white seashells at the feet of the priestesses and bows deeply. 

[Hedge]

Awestruck by Aphrodite's beauty, lost for words, he stares open-mouthed. After what seems liked hours, Owen finally turns, gazing at his exotic surroundings. Born of a good, highly esteemed family, the extravagance of the decor, that which he has never seen in his life, lays before him. Pulling out a small elaborately carved flute, whispering, Aphrodite, I have only my heart to offer Owen begins to play ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♫♪♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♫♪♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♫♪♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♫♪ you hear the sound of gentle rolling waves breaking on the shore ...

[Rayvin_Kittiy]

Evangeline padded into the temple quietly, bowed at the alter and placed her offering to the goddess among the others.

[Peristeri]

*Peristeri looks very pleased from so many visiting the temple before lighting more incense in the brazier before the statue to fill the main temple with it's heady scent*

[NinjaWoo]

Skylark enters the temple and moving to the aulter and sets her offering down bowing her head in respect and awe before moving to sit among the crowd

[springacres]

Aridaios joins the crowd watching the proceedings.

[Cameron]

Themis entered the temple in a discreet manner. The temple of Aphrodite had always been a center for her admiration throughout her life here in Phix and it was truly a joyous event to have so many visitors to partake in the grandeur that was this glorious place of worship. Themis bowed herself once she was positioned at the base of the statue of the goddess that towered in the center of temple. She placed a small bouquet of roses and a pomegranate at the feet of the great goddess’ statue. This bouquet was her daily offering to the goddess Aphrodite. She had been making it from the roses that lined the road from her country home to the city since she was a small girl. Each and every morning she would adorn the feet of the center statue with the three roses. On this particular day she felt obligated to stop in at the farmers market on her way to the temple. She picked the ripest and best pomegranate with the deepest ruby color. These would be her offering for the day, and as she bowed her head her lips sung a song of praise that had been passed down through the ages of her family.

[Mickeyymouse]

Freya walks, awestruck, into the temple, and bows at the altar, saying her fervent thanks to the Goddess Aphrodite.

[Siopilos]

Delta strolled through the temple, marveling at the beauty of Goddess's abode whilst she let her robes glide gently behind her. Altair, even for his large swan size, waddled after his mistress with some concerted effort and loudly huffed at anyone who got too close. Around his neck a rolled of paper sat; tied around securely with a ribbon. Upon arriving to the magnificent statue of Aphrodite herself, Delta retrieved her offerings–a poem and honey wine– and placed them neatly amongst the rest.

She didn't necessarily believe in love for herself but she would pray for her little brother to find his. The scholar couldn't hide the smile that toucher her lips with the thought. Only time would tell!

[Sanguine_Dragon]

Thalassa padded into the temple with two of the members of her new pride. She smiled as she enjoyed the sites of the gorgeous temple, and went to take the satchel she had with her to the altar. Waiting her turn, she did place a couple of apples, a necklace of seashells, and a rose upon the altar gently. 

"Aphrodite, I humbly offer you these gifts." She said softly, hoping the gifts would help her become a priestess.



Neti padded alongside Thalassa for a bit, before letting her continue on her own. As she kept up with her pride sister, she did use her dancing skills to keep out of the way of other pilgrims. Neti turned to Nihebereah and smiled. 

"So..this is the temple Thalassa was cooing over.." She said as she looked around. "I have to admit, it is beautiful here."




Nihebereah looked on in awe as she admired everything about the palace. From the smell of the incense to the lovely statues. She moved quietly out of the way of other Sphinxes and smiled at Neti after a second when she realized the Sword Dancer was talking to her.

"Y-Yes, I've heard they have all sorts of things here for us to enjoy." She said with a soft giggle. She wanted to wait on Thalassa before they went further.

[Angel_of_Music]

The time had come and Hanlowa heard the call. Taking a breath, she gave a nuzzle to Klemnis before she went on her errand to bring back what was needed. Time had passed and she returned with the offerings that had been listed. Stepping forward, she bowed her head. "I give my offering to you Aphrodite, may you find me worthy." and with that, she reached for each item.

1: "I bring forth a lovely picture of Aphrodite herself"


2: "This beautiful scene of the neighborhood." (We finally had a sunny day so I could get a picture of the blue sky through our front trees)


3: "This beautiful pearl necklace fit for a Goddess."


4: "These beautiful roses to share in the beauty of a Goddess." (my man is so sweet)


5: "This beautiful song that I share with you."
Dreams to Dream

6: "This delicious looking rose made out of apples."


7: "This owl necklace that I own so that I have Athena close to me as well." (the necklace was given to me from my Aunt and Uncle a couple of years ago when they returned from their vacation in Greece, so it is actually a Greek necklace :3)


8: "A beautiful shell that I found. There are hints of red in it, even if it may be hard to see"


9: "The beautiful Aegean Sea."


10: "These adorable little figures of a little devil and an angel" (symbolizing my man[the little devil] and myself[the angel] as we tease each other of how an angel fell in love with a devil)

[Ariya Eretsee]

"I give my offering to you Aphrodite, may you find me worthy."

~ a beautiful piece of art
My favourite piece is acteully still stashed till I move, but I have this lovely painting that was a gift from my mother above the kitchen table.

This one is without the name tag cause I couldnt get a clear one with the note, in spoilertag is one with note ^w^

SPOILER: Click to show

~ a beautiful scene

I would have chosen one of my own old pictures, but the DAer Aenea-Jones posts beautifull landscapes.
She touches up most of her shots, but you have to look sometimes if one of her shots is from a game or a real shot. Recommended vieuw if you want to see some pretty scenery pictures.

~ a piece of beautiful jewelry

Maybe not as dashing as some jewelry items, but this is one of my go to necklaces and I find it odly fitting to the contest.

~ a beautiful flower

Arggghhh just when my pretty azalea decided to go "NOPE", these will just have to suffice =D

~ a beautiful song (link to a video/file of it, or put down lyrics in a spoiler)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBCukAJwKN0 Voctave - Disney princess medley ... now which princess is YOUR favourite ;D

~ a beautiful/tasty looking cooked or baked food (one picture)

Can't go wrong with cupcakes, why do they always look to pretty or cute to eat.

~ an item that you adore

I have 2 of these, I asked miyo pappy if I could have them since he was .. really just keeping them in a shed back when I was just moving into my previous home and have lifted my plants since then.
Offcourse having seen their potential dad bought himself a new, larger pillar from a 2nd handshop because he is such a copy cat. Ahahaha.
And yes, that is a wall in the livingroom, almost everywall downstairs looks like that since they never got finished, there are supposed to be plints. Sorry for the mess ^_^'

~ a seashell

Got a bunch in a bowl, didn't want to overturn it so I picked a few

~ the ocean/sea

Searched DA for this one

~ something that symbolizes or emphasizes love to you

Did you expect anything else? Oh yes that wall is also not done ... and I think she is questioning my sanety walking around the house taking pictures

[Rayvin_Kittiy]

"I give my offering to you Aphrodite, may you find me worthy."



a beautiful piece of art
(a painting painted by one of my best friends thats hanging on my wall by my desk)



a beautiful scene
(this is a picture i took when we went on a road trip up to Oregon)


a piece of beautiful jewelry
(a necklace I made with a pendent I got as a gift from a friend)


a beautiful flower
(colorful silk flowers my kids got my for mothers day)


a beautiful song


a beautiful/tasty looking cooked or baked food (one picture)
(lemon bars I made with my kiddos yesterday)


an item that you adore
(I currently absolutely adore our new kitten that im still trying to convince hubby to lets us permanently keep)



a seashell



the ocean/sea
(another picture i took of a beach we visited on our Oregon trip & those are my kiddos)


something that symbolizes or emphasizes love to you
My family symbolizes love to me <3
(this is yet another picture I took of my family standing on a beach during our Oregon trip)

[melodysangel]

I give my offering to you Aphrodite, may you find me worthy



Phera smiled gently as she brought forward her precious gifts. She had spent much time and care with her offerings, choosing only the things that meant the most.

Silently she hoped that Aphrodite's other teachings would come into play and that all forms of beauty would please her.

a beautiful piece of art

Art came in many forms, and while many pieces proved beautiful on the outside, it was the meaning of the piece that charmed Phera.

'A child is pure and free, their wonder and imagination limitless. I feel that we must preserve their short time in this stage of their life, for it does not last forever. Beauty falls within their tiny creative paws through laughter and play. This piece was lovingly and carefully created by my younger sister when she was just a cub, for our father many moons ago.

a beautiful scene


A small smile came upon the features of the female. 'It took a bit of convincing but my mother finally agreed to join with me in the splendor of our travels to the bay near our home. The sun may have hidden its view but the soft breeze coming from the water's edge welcomed the opportunity to create a cherished scene that is beautiful in many more ways then one.'

a piece of beautiful jewelry


'Goodness would only know why one would hide from capturing a moment through time, but the shell and gem bracelet that adorns her wrist came from a local artisan who spent many hours of love to create the beautiful piece of art. I especially adore the soft shades of blue and gold--and my mother adores it just as much by wearing it constantly. I am most certain the local artisan would feel proud--I certainly approve of supporting anyone that crafts within ones own town'

a beautiful flower


'Why are you not ripping those weeds out when you tend to the garden?'

'Mother! Do you not know that a 'weed' is not a 'weed' at all and does not really exist as such? These 'weeds' as you refer to them as, are local plants that are native to where we live. Our local wildlife--such as the honeybees and butterflies--rely on these very 'weeds' to sustain themselves, survive, and create beautiful things..like the honey that goes into your morning tea. All flowers are beautiful and wonderful. Some just need a bit more tending to make sure their potential--wherever they are--is at their fullest!'

((MA note: I wanted to get a picture of a dandelion but ironically couldn't find any o.0 The above is actually true 150%--including the mom assuming it isn't from a store therefore it should be ripped out))

a beautiful song


The female blushes deeply. 'I am no expert in the natures of love and accept that others around me teach me new things each day. Never take that for granted. Always be humble. Always be open. Always be true--because if you look up at the light, you may see something you never did before. My opinion on the matter may be different from someone else and that is ok, as long as I learn from it.

a beautiful/tasty looking cooked or baked food


(I had to adjust the brightness a little so you can see whats printed on the paper. Hopefully its legible)

*smiles* 'These were tended to with love and care, and gently 'cooked' in the humid sun ((Note: 45^C sun)) until they were delicately picked not even an hour ago. These are the first for sphinx consumption--our local wildlife has been 'tending' to the early crop for us, making sure their young ones were fed. I believe that something soo innocent should not be messed with and hope that these fresh berries in their 'sun cooked' state will please you, goddess'

an item that you adore



'While on our expedition I could not stop deeply thinking about everything around me and why they are as they are. Never take for granted something soo simple but unique. With an individual paw print. These stones were caressed by waters and tumbled with the waves in a continuous cycle, waiting for the right moment to emerge. Soo many shapes, colours, sizes. nature is wonderful--but it is even more special when it is in your backyard, because it is soo easy to take for granted. To celebrate these tiny unique things are soo significant to me and I find happiness in searching, looking, hunting for natures creativity.'

-She beams-

'I had added one of my favourite flowers from my own garden to symbolize that nothing is meant to be alone and that everything is beautiful if you take a moment to stop and look around you'


a seashell

(another one I had to adjust the lighting. I hav a closeup if you need it)


'It was interesting looking at the different rocks. Unfortunetely seashells were quite rare in this area...so I wondered, can creativity prevail? would it be acceptable to show the beauty in the nature around me by creating a seashell from the many stones? And so I tried. And I think it is wonderful.

The second picture..if you look close, has seashells contained inside of the rock. How rare and wonderful is that? For my goddess, I provide both and hope that it somewhat lifts up her spirits with joy.'

((MA note: I DO have seashells at home. If I need to take a picture of those, let em know. I just didn't want to cheat by bringing them to the waterfront when I was going for whatever was there))

the ocean/sea


*beams* 'The sun may have been hiding but look at the wonderful clear water! I especially like how some large stones can be seen beneath the subtle waves. This is a favourite place to me, and very special. I remember coming to this exact spot as a cub and just gazing at the wonders around me. The stones are untouched, still in this same place'

something that symbolizes or emphasizes love to you



The female happily shows her paw, 2 bracelets adorne it. On the other a very particular ring (temp taken off to be in the picture since I needed to hold the camera in that hand). 'Oh!' 'These are soo very dear to me! The bracelets were given to me by my parents, and the roze quartz beads were at the suggestion of my concerned siblings. There is soo much meaning in these! This ring..was crafted for my other half and symbolizes our love for each other, and our interests: games that are dear to us and sentimental, as well as the water. Finally, these dice...represent my friends, whom I hold near and dear. You may have heard of these tempermental pink dice? It appears the a males touch curses them, while a females enhances. The purple ones were of my very first set, from a small shop that no longer exists.'

'love is everywhere, but it is especially in those you cherish. Friends and family. Rocks for each other and there for eich other--through the best and worst of times. Nothing can replace this.'