Hephaistos

Strong-armed Hephaistos, maker of miracles,
creator of the inconceivable, deviser
of clever machines, from your skillful hands
come intricacies undreamt of, gold and jewels
to please a goddess. Artisans and blacksmiths,
craftsmen and wrights of every trade, all look to you
for insight and revelation, all feel your hand
upon their own when in need of inspiration.
Hephaistos, visionary, you see beyond
what is practical, beyond what is beautiful.
In your hands molten metal flows like water,
takes its form like clay, swift and precise, each work
becoming more than what it is, each piece instilled
with the spark of the divine. Deep-hearted god,
Hephaistos, I praise you for the gifts you grant us,
I praise you for the ideal of artistry.

Hera

Hera of the deep heart, beautiful goddess
whose true radiance would blind mortal eyes,
whose steps fall softly in the golden halls
of storied Olympos. In silks your fair form
is draped, O Hera, heavy with jewels is your crown,
the sweetest of perfumes surround you; in ancient
times you received the highest honors, the finest
of offerings were ever yours, your shining temples
stood across the land. Hera, defender of cities,
protector of marriage, champion of the love
that upholds a family, that cherishes a child,
you are the friend of those who hold the household dear.
Queen of the heavens, holder of the lotus staff,
the poppy and the pomegranate have you
in hand. Hera, supreme in dignity and grace,
unsurpassed in goodness and kindness, I praise you.