You are here:About>Religion & Spirituality>Alternative Religions
About.comAlternative Religions
Cornucopia (Horn of plenty, horn of Amalthea)

Related Terms
Caduceus
Hexagram
Vesica pisces

Related Resources
Historical interest
Hellenismos/Greek Revival
New Age
   
Glossaries 
Symbol Glossary
Alternative Religions Glossary
Glossary of Magick and the Occult
 

The Cornucopia (Latin, 'horn of plenty'), a spiraling, woven basket overflowing with an abundance of produce, is an ever-present symbol of harvest prosperity. The symbol dates back to an ancient tale of the Nymph Amalthea,* who, as a reward from the infant Zeus for a meal of Goat's milk, was given an enchanted goat's horn which gave whatever one wished for.** The cornucopia becvame a ubiquitous symbol of forune and plenty, and was associated with many Goddesses, including Fortuna, the goddess of good fortune, and Ceres, Goddess of agriculture.


Amalthea feeds Zeus from the horn

*Sometimes, Amalthea herself is the goat.

**Similar tales include the Finnish Sampo and the Celtic legend of the Cauldron of Plenty.

Related Symbols:

Gorgon

Related Resources:

  • Hermetic Tradition
    Named after Hermes Trismigestus (Hermes the three times great), the Greek moniker of the Egyptian God Tehuti (Thoth), alleged author of hundreds of mystical tractates, the Hermetic tradition is an eclectic spiritual tradition that encompasses elements from from many religions.
  • Hellenismos/Greek Revival
    The Hellenistic revival...modern attempts to reconstruct the rich religious traditions of Ancient Greece.
  • Religio Romana
    Religio Romana is the main name under which various Neopagan groups attempt to accurately reconstruct ancient Roman Pagan worship.
Can't find what you're looking for? Something missing, broken, or incorrect? Have an idea or a question? Let us know in the Discussion Forum

Subscribe to the Newsletter
Name
Email

Need to ask me a question? I make every attempt to reply to all email. Click here to send me an email.

 

 

From Jennifer Emick,
Your Guide to Alternative Religions.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
Newsletters & RSSEmail to a friendSubmit to Digg
 All Topics | Email Article | | |
Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | HelpOur Story | Be a Guide
User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.