were not represented in human form by painters or sculptors. Instead, this goddess was felt to be present in the living flame at the center of the home, temple, and city. Hestia’s symbol was a circle. Her first hearths were round, and her temples were also. Neither home nor temple were sanctified until Hestia entered. She made both places holy when she was there. Hestia was apparently a spiritually felt presence as well as a sacred fire that provided illumination, warmth, and heat for food.
