title: Aphrodite's Priestess
author:  Laurelei Black 
description: Laurelei Black is a contemporary priestess of Aphrodite who presents workshops and rituals throughout the Midwest at Pagan festivals and bookstores. She is the hiereia (high priestess) of the Temple of Aphrodite Asteria and an active member within the Qadishti Movement of sacred sexuality. She engages devotees in the worship and celebration of Aphrodite, and she is moved to bring Aphrodites presence into the world.
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  Prologue
  
  ![](images/00003.jpg)
  
  London
  
  Aphrodite's Club 1849
  
  "I need you to go back to a time many years ago." Madame Aphrodite sat forward
  in her Egyptian-style chair, her black silk gown rustling, her long fingers,
  heavy with rings, gripping the sphinx carvings on the armrests. Her beautiful,
  haggard face was intent, while her dark gaze was fixed upon Sebastian Thorne.
  "I need your help," she said hoarsely.
  
  "Of course," Sebastian murmured. He was used to overwrought clients-it was
  something he had seen a lot of in the past eight years-but there was something
  about this one that was different. "I will do what I can, Madame."
  
  Aphrodite must have decided she was playing her hand too openly, exposing her
  raw feelings, because she leaned back, forcing her clenched fingers to relax,
  one by one. "So you will help me?"
  
  "Yes, if I can."
  
  "You are the best... or so I have been told." She gave a little smile.
  
  "I am flattered." Sebastian bowed his head.
  
  "Don't be, mon a