Astraea

The name Astraea has its origins in Greek mythology. It is derived from the ancient Greek word "astra," meaning "stars." Astraea was the virgin goddess of innocence, purity, and justice in Greek mythology.

During the Golden Age, Astraea lived among mortals, but as humanity became wicked and unjust, she left the earth and ascended to the heavens to become the constellation Virgo. The name Astraea symbolizes virtue, righteousness, and the ideal of justice.

The earliest known record of the name Astraea appears in the ancient Greek poet Hesiod's "Works and Days," written around the 8th century BCE. Hesiod described Astraea as the daughter of the Titan gods Astraeus and Eos (the goddess of dawn).

In the 1st century CE, the Roman poet Ovid referred to Astraea in his "Metamorphoses," portraying her as the last of the immortals to abandon the earth due to the prevalence of wickedness among humans.

Throughout history, the name Astraea has been bestowed upon several notable individuals. One of the earliest recorded persons with this name was Astraea of Alexandria (fl. 4th century CE), a Neoplatonist philosopher and scholar.

Another notable bearer of the name was Astraea Tanahill (1556-1623), a Scottish noblewoman and landowner who was involved in the Glenshee Witch Trials.

In the 18th century, Astraea Hill Granger (1734-1807) was an American writer and poet who published under the pseudonym "A Lady of Massachusetts."

The English novelist and playwright Aphra Behn (1640-1689) used the name Astraea as a pseudonym for some of her works, reflecting her interest in the goddess of justice.

More recently, Astraea Polari (1920-2003) was an American astrologer and author who wrote several books on astrology and the occult.