Hestia the Goddess Of HospitialityWritten by Judi Singleton
Hestia, in high dwellings of all, both deathless gods and men who walk on earth, you have gained an everlasting abode and highest honor: glorious is your portion and your right. For without you mortals hold no banquet, - where one does not duly pour sweet wine in offering to Hestia both first and last. ~Homeric Hymn to Hestia~ Hestia was first and last born to Cronos. She was first child born to Cronos and Rhea. Because of a prophesy that one of his children would grow up to usurp his throne Crono swallowed her and her and brother and sisters that were born after her. Later during birth of Zues Rhea was grieving for her children so she tricked Cronos into swallowing a rock that he thought was an infant. He regurgitated all infants and Hestia first swallowed last regurgitated so it is said she is first and last born. Hestia, was a virgin Goddess, she swore a oath that she would never marry. But unlike some of other virgin goddesses she did not have wild adventures. She loved home and hearth. Hestia was hearth keeper. Her job was to literally keep home fires burning. This task or ritual symbolised nurturing and continuity of a spiritual force within home.
| | Travel Safety - How to Take a Fearless Ride by Bus, Train or TaxiWritten by Michelle Annese
Follow these travel safety tips to help you feel more confident next time you use ground transportation on a bus, train, subway or taxi. They should be practiced daily if you use public transportation to and from work or when traveling in unfamiliar towns and cities when on vacation.On Bus… Use a bus stop you know is usually busy and is well lit. Know departure and arrival times and try and let someone at end of your route which bus you plan to catch. They should always meet you at your stop. Sit close to driver. If someone starts up a conversation, be pleasant and confident, but never give away personal information like where you live or work. By Train or Subway… Wait on a well- lit section of platform, close to exit or where there are other people around. Many stations now have security cameras and staff who are trained to deal with emergencies. When you get on train, try to sit in a busy compartment and keep bags and personal possessions right next to you or under your legs. If you feel uncomfortable, switch seats or even consider getting off train and taking next one. Only do this if station where you are getting off is manned and busy. Know where emergency button or cord is situated and help points in a station. Taking a Taxi… Carry phone number of a taxi or shuttle company you know. When you need to book a cab, ask company for taxi drivers name and type of car they will be driving. Try and book taxi you will need to go home with, before you go out on town. When a driver arrives, make sure they know name it was booked under. If you have to book your taxi in a public place, do it quietly where people are less likely to overhear your name and address. If you can, share a taxi with a friend (always remember, safety in numbers) and have your money and keys ready at end of your trip so you can enter your home quickly. If you ever feel uneasy in a taxi ask driver to stop in a busy place you know well and get out.
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