Auxesia (mythology)

Auxesia was a minor Greek goddess, primarily associated with the growth of crops and fertility. She was especially venerated in ancient Argolis, particularly on the island of Aegina.

While the details of her mythology are scarce, Auxesia’s name is derived from the Greek word "auxesis," meaning "increase" or "growth." This directly relates to her function as a deity who fostered the burgeoning of plant life, ensuring a bountiful harvest. She was closely linked to Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, and Kore (Persephone), representing the cycle of growth and renewal.

Accounts regarding the specifics of her worship vary. Some sources suggest that Auxesia and Damia, another goddess of fertility, were originally Cretan maidens who were stoned to death for their involvement in a dispute. Others propose they were chaste maidens who had been sent to Aegina. In any case, misfortune plagued Aegina until the Aeginetans built shrines in their honor, appeasing their spirits and restoring fertility to the land.

Her cult practices often involved rituals aimed at promoting agricultural abundance. These rites would likely have included offerings and prayers intended to secure a prosperous harvest. The connection to Damia suggests a joint worship, possibly emphasizing the female aspects of fertility and growth within the agricultural sphere.