Themis is known as the Greek Goddess of Justice. We see depictions of her in many places today like courtrooms and government buildings. She is the lady with the flowing robes, sometimes blindfolded and usually holding a scale. But what does Justice mean to us as humans in our world today? Does it mean “an eye for an eye”? Or fairness of decision in an area of conflict? Maybe. However, I believe a more important interpretation might be in Themis’ function of creating balance, order and harmony in our lives.

We humans relate to almost everything as part of a duality. Right, wrong; good, bad; up, down; left, right; love, hate. Who ultimately determines what is best for us in our relationship to these dualities that we face on a daily basis? I see this as an inside job with the help of Themis. This aspect of the Divine stresses a harmonious union of opposing forces. Themis allows us to see both sides of the scale in our decision making. She also helps us to take responsibility for our actions. And even more important, she helps us to see that our actions not only affect our lives but the lives of all of creation.

Being human means living with duality. If we don’t have bad how can we understand good? Both ends of the spectrum are essential to complete understanding. But in order to live in peace, we must understand that these seemingly opposing forces are just part of one grand whole. We need to learn to live with this truth and learn to not live in judgment of the two sides. There are times when leaning to one side or the other may be the best. Like when walking across a tight rope, a person needs to sometimes sway from side to side to regain their balance. It doesn’t make the action right or wrong, just necessary in reaching equilibrium. We would do well to learn forgiveness and toleration of opposition. We live in harmony when we maintain a peaceful attitude with the world around us and accept it unconditionally without judgment. This is where Themis comes to play in our lives.

Themis Courtesy of Sacred Source

We have been blessed with the gift of free will. This means we have the opportunity to make choices in our lives. Sometimes the decisions we make may not be the best for us and others. We then need to live with the consequences of our actions. When we choose to see our lives and the world pessimistically then we focus on all that is “bad” or “wrong”. For example, you just lost your job. You go home depressed, thinking about how you are going to pay your bills and feed your family. Living in this depressed state may keep you from looking for another job or accepting a position that does not make use of your talents and gifts. This focus continues to create the exact same or worse conditions. Our awareness of only what is not working in our lives blocks out our vision of what is working. However, inviting Themis into our lives helps us to make the best choices not only for us but also for all. She helps us to see more than one side to an issue. You begin to realize you have your health and a wonderful opportunity to find the job you have always dreamt of. That dream job comes to you in a short time because you are focusing on the positive aspects. Not only are you utilizing your talents but also your family is receiving the benefits of your greater salary and the company benefits in gaining a very valued employee.

“The Greeks called the concept of connectedness Themis, and saw it as an abstract principle of Law and Justice.” (1) If you view a definition of Justice as “rendering to everyone that which is his due” (2), we can see the concept of connectedness at work. Believing that we are all connected, are all “One”, then our thoughts and actions have consequences far greater than our own personal lives.

Think back to your own life and how one seemingly small comment from someone may have made an unbelievable impact on your life. Ask the woman who even though she was abused as a child had a second grade teacher who believed in her and encouraged her to follow her dreams. Instead of choosing to become a victim, she chose to become a doctor because of this one teacher’s kindness. She went on to save many lives even though another sought to destroy hers. It is Themis who reminds us of the importance of our thoughts and actions for every living being. If you seek her counsel, she will help you to choose wisely. She will also help you to understand that in being connected we are all part of the cyclical nature of life. Themis helps us “go with the flow” of this universal order.

We know we have received a message from Themis when we listen to our voice of conscience. When we go within and begin to live a life of integrity. “Integrity mean’s doing what’s right for you, all of the time.” (3) We have listened to Themis’ guidance when we:

are doing work we love are with people who inspire us speak our truth express our love live in alignment with our values keep our word live free of judgment of ourselves and others listen to our inner voice feel happy and centered accept ourselves and others exactly as we are

“When such faith, integrity and generosity have been combined in a person’s days, the result is a balanced life; or what Tolstoy called a “magnificent life”. (4) Seek Themis to create your magnificent life.

Themis was known as one of the lesser gods, but I see her as an extremely important part of our lives. Our world is crying out for more balance. We have seen this in our own studies as we attempt to bring out the qualities of the divine feminine in our lives to balance the past emphasis on the masculine. I believe we are learning to listen to Themis in our lives. This to me is a crucial step in not only bringing us peace but in bringing peace to the world.

What we know about Themis:

1. She was one of the 12 Titans born as a result of the sexual union of the Earth (Gaia) and the Sky (Uranos)
2. She was known as the Greek Goddess of Justice who regulated both physical and moral order.
3. She also convened and dissolved the assemblies of the gods.
4. Themis married Zeus. Their children were the Horae or Seasons; Eunomia (Wise Legislation); Dike(Justice); Eirene (Peace) and the 3 Fates.
5. Themis remained at Zeus’ side to offer counsel and service even after Hera replaced her. She was sometimes known as the Goddess of Wisdom.
6. It is believed that she had prophetic powers and sat as the Oracle at Delphi before giving the Oracle to Apollo.
7. She was also know as goddess of oaths and served as guardian of men’s oaths.

Her associations:

Symbols: scale or balance and cornucopia Festival day: September 23 Astrological sign related to her: Libra Other goddesses related to her: Maat - Egyptian; Justitia - Roman Occupations associated with her: Attorney; detective; ecologist; judge; librarian; referee; collective bargainer

A Prayer to Themis
By Willow Myst
Themis, great Goddess of Justice, we thank you for your guidance.
Help us to continue to focus our thoughts on what we wish to create in our lives.
Let us be reminded of how our actions affect not only us but also all of creation.
Because of your continual guidance, we are aware of both sides of issues,
We unconditionally accept that there is more than one way to view the world,
And we take the steps necessary to reach a state of equilibrium.
Your power to cocreate balance, order and harmony in our lives
Brings us to peace with our world and ourselves.
We graciously accept your presence in our lives.

References:

1. Motherpeace, A Way to the Goddess Through Myth, Art, and Tarot. Noble, Vicki. 1983. Harper Collins Publishers, New York, NY.
2. http://www.dictionaryreference.com/search?q=justice
3. http://www.InnerVantage.com; Sarah K. Dolliver; E-tip: The Principal Principle
4. The Balanced Life. McGinnis, Alan Loy. 1997. Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN.

Other Resources:

Websites:

http://www.themisonline.org/philosophy.html
http://www.hinduwebsite.com/divinelife/divinelaws1.htm
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/2282/tarot/11.htm
http://www.homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/Themis.html
http://www.pantheon.org
http://www.pbs.org/empires/thegreeks/background/7_p1.html
http://www.ancienthistory.about.com/cs/godsreligion/a/justicegoddess.htm
http://www.factory7.com/~rah/themis.shtml
http://www.olympian-foundation.org/themis.htm
http://www.fjkluth.com/themis.html


Books:

New Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology. 1959. The Hamlyn Publishing Group Limited. England.

Themis, A Study of the Social Origins of Greek Religion. Harrison, Jane Ellen. 1927. The World Publishing Co., Cleveland, OH.

Jung and Tarot, An Archetypal Journey. Nichols, Sallie. 1980. Samuel Weiser, Inc.




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