Aphrodite (Venus)

A Very Brief Overview of Aphrodite:

Aphrodite is not a water goddess directly but was born from the sea.  After Oranos' genitals were cut off they were thrown into the sea (during the Greek creation myth).  Foam begins to form at the point where they entered the water.  From the foam arises Aphrodite. 

Aphrodite is actually the goddess of sexual love and has a connection to fertility.  Her temples supported themselves financially through ritual prostitution.  Young women whose fathers could not afford a dowry were given to the temple to serve as priestesses.  The priestesses slept with any patron who paid the fee.  In Greek society there was no shame in this, it was perfectly acceptable given the circumstances of the father.

Hephaestus, god of Blacksmith forges & pottery (the creative force of fire) was Aphrodite's legal husband.  However she had numerous affairs.  Ares, god of war, was one of her lovers.  Together they had Eros & Anteros.

More information will become available elsewhere in the site in the future.  This information comes from notes I am taking in my class on Greek Religion.