Symbol: Shining Star 

Color (s): Pale yellow and soft white (colors of the stars) 

Theme: Light, stars and beauty

Holy Time of Reverence: February (especially Re en' Cormea) 

Title: The Beautiful, The Keeper of Light

Association: Wife to Manwë

After Morgoth's betrayal, Ilùvatar plunged Arda into slumber. The Valar pleaded for Elves to awaken, and His heart grew soft. Thus He brought them unto consciousness. Of all the Valar, Varda pleaded with most ardor. And, thus, in Her honor and as a keepsake for Elves, the first light was formed from Varda's beauty. The stars, pale gold and blue, illuminated the sky and awakening Elves could only gasp in wonder at the magnificence of this creation. As the Elves gazed upon the sky, their hearts opened and they felt Love. The first feeling was all-encompassing and gave the Elves a sense of safety, belonging and purpose. And thus love was attributed to Varda*. 

It is said that Varda's beauty is best described as starlit - powerful and enchanting beauty that is still humble and shy. There are entire epics written on Her beauty. And yet, none can pinpoint what makes Her so beautiful. Indeed, Elves who have returned from Valinor report that naught can be said of Varda's face or locks, lest that they are the lovelies a mortal has ever seen. For such, no Elf would dare offend Varda's beauty by attempting to paint it or sculpt it. Rather, she is always depicted by her symbol: a golden shining star.

Varda is the Keeper of Light, especially the stars (for they were the first to appear in darkness). As such, should a shadow fall over Her glowing face, all light would disappear from Arda. Her Love and Her smile are what keeps Light abundant, thus Elves always speak of her with kindness and respect. It is said that the twinkling of stars is the sound of Varda's laughter, thus Elven eyes are often turned to skies on clear nights. All bask in Her joy, and all are grateful for the Light she brings into their lives. When the path is unclear, be it from shadows that corner the Elven minds or be it from darkness of the night, Varda is called upon for her blessings. 

Her blessings come in form of a dim, but cheerful, light. It is a guide to safety and beacon of hope when things are at their darkest. The light always fills the Elves with Love, and thus gives them the courage to persevere. If called upon for aid, Varda will also enlighten with knowledge. She is known to share mysteries of Creation with Elves who honor her. Inspired by her own marriage to Manwë, Varda also she bestows blessings and lessons upon Elven couples. If a union is made without her approval, it shall be doomed to fail and cause great pain and anguish to both parties. If, on the other hand, a union blessed by Varda is broken, those responsible will be punished severely. 

Priests of Varda are uncharacteristically beautiful. Fair of complexion or hair, they are often compared to marble statues that Aüle creates in perfection. They shine a beautiful inner light that attracts many creatures to their side (both a gift and curse, it is told, for not all creatures that approach them are benevolent). Always graceful and composed, they are frequently found walking temple gardens or staring wistfully at the starlit sky. They are particularly cherished by the Elves, and often known as Lords and Ladies of the community. 

*Note that Love in this sense does not imply lust or the process of falling in love. Those are the domain of Vána. Love, in Varda's reign, is the feeling that binds parents with children, married couples and members of the community together. It is more frequently described as devotion or belonging.

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