Venus and Cupid, Guillaume Seignac (French, 1870-1924)
Throughout history, the name Cupid, or Eros, has been synonymous with romance, desire, and playful mischief. This cherubic archer, often depicted as a winged boy with a bow and quiver full of arrows, has roots far deeper than modern Valentine’s Day iconography. Originating in ancient mythology, Cupid’s story intertwines love and fate, often with dramatic and unexpected consequences. But who exactly is Cupid, and what is the lore behind this mischievous god of love?
Cupid, known to the Greeks as Eros, was initially portrayed quite differently from the plump, childlike figure we recognize today. In early Greek mythology, Eros was a primordial deity, a force of raw, cosmic desire who helped shape the universe. Some accounts, including Hesiod’s Theogony, suggest that Eros emerged from Chaos itself, embodying the powerful force that drives all creation.
As mythology evolved, Eros became the son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and took on a more personal role in human affairs. The Romans later adopted Eros into their pantheon, renaming him Cupid (from the Latin Cupido, meaning “desire”). In Roman lore, Cupid was not merely a divine matchmaker but a mischievous entity who could spark both passionate love and unbearable longing with his enchanted arrows.
One of Cupid’s most famous attributes is his set of arrows, each carrying a different effect. According to myth, Cupid wields two types of arrows: golden ones that inspire love and leaden ones that induce indifference or even disdain. This duality represents love’s unpredictable nature—while it can uplift and unite, it can just as easily cause pain and separation.
Perhaps the most famous tale demonstrating this power is that of Apollo and Daphne. After mocking Cupid’s archery skills, Apollo found himself struck by a golden arrow, filling him with an insatiable love for the nymph Daphne. However, she was pierced by a leaden arrow, ensuring that she would forever reject his advances. The tragic chase that ensued ended only when Daphne, desperate to escape, was transformed into a laurel tree—a somber reminder of love’s cruel irony.
Apollo Pursuing Daphne, c. 1755/1760. Giovanni Battista Tiepolo
Among the most well-known stories featuring Cupid is his romance with Psyche, a mortal woman of unparalleled beauty. As told in Apuleius’ The Golden Ass, Psyche’s beauty sparked the jealousy of Venus, aka Aphrodite, who sent Cupid to make her fall in love with a hideous beast. Instead, Cupid fell in love with Psyche himself, whisking her away to a hidden palace where he visited her only under the cover of darkness, forbidding her to look upon his face.
Tempted by curiosity (and the persuasion of her jealous sisters), Psyche illuminated Cupid’s face with an oil lamp, accidentally burning him in the process. Cupid fled, leaving Psyche heartbroken. Determined to win him back, Psyche endured a series of grueling trials set by Venus, including a journey to the underworld itself. Eventually, Jupiter (Zeus) granted Psyche immortality, allowing her to reunite with Cupid in divine matrimony, symbolizing the triumph of love over hardship. As a reward for her perseverance and transformation, Psyche was given butterfly wings, signifying her soul’s ascension and eternal union with Cupid.
Psyche Enamoured of Cupid, John Wood (1801–1870)
Throughout the centuries, Cupid has remained a beloved figure in art and literature. Renaissance painters such as Caravaggio and Botticelli frequently depicted him as a playful or even mischievous youth, often accompanying Venus in her divine role. In modern times, Cupid has become a staple of Valentine’s Day, his image adorning cards and decorations as a symbol of romance and matchmaking.
However, beyond his commercialized persona, Cupid’s mythology serves as a reminder of love’s many facets—its joy, its torment, and its transformative power. Whether seen as a benevolent bringer of passion or a trickster who meddles with hearts, Cupid’s legacy endures, continuing to shape our understanding of love and desire.
For those drawn to the mystical aspects of love and attraction, working with Cupid can be a powerful practice. Invoking his presence through rituals like meditation or candle magick can help manifest deeper connections with the self, understand personal change, and even mend a broken heart. Here are some ideas to help craft a meaningful connection with Cupid:
Yet, just as in the myths, one must be careful what they wish for—love, once kindled, follows its own unpredictable course.
Cupid’s legend is a testament to love’s complexity, its potential for both ecstasy and heartbreak. Whether he is a divine matchmaker or a mischievous trickster, his arrows continue to shape destinies, proving that even gods can’t control the wild nature of the heart.
Happy Full Moon in Capricorn! 🌝♑️It’s a special one as it is our second full moon in Capricorn in a row! So I did a quick tarot pull asking thee questions. In the earthen spirit of Capricorn of course I got pentacles, clarity, and straightforwardness with this reading lol. Took me less than 5 minutes to understand. Read for for the spread!
