neptunesdolphins | Entries tagged with roman

June (Junius) is dedicated to Juno (Iuno), the Patroness of Women. It is unclear why Juno is honored by Romans at this time, since only Juno Moneta has a festival day in June. However, marriages in the last two weeks of June were considered especially blessed by this Goddess of Marriage.

However, the tradition of June being for Juno is murky. Ovid in “Fasti,” suggests that “Junius” (which means “junior”) referred to June since May (Maius) was from “Maiores,” (the elders). He also suggests that “Junius” could come from “Iungo” (“to join”) since this could be the month that the Romans and Sabines were united.

VESTA

The main focus of June is the Vestalia from June 7 to 15. The Inner Sanctum (Penus) of the Temple of Vesta, Goddess of the Hearth, was opened to women. The temple was cleaned, purified, and rededicated. (The rubbish was then into the Tiber River.) In the Roman religion, Vesta is the Perpetual Fire, Who keeps the Pact between the People and the Gods. (Her Eternal Flame was rekindled on March 1 by rubbing two sticks together.) Modern Romans will donate to homeless shelters or food banks in Vesta’s honor, as the Goddess of Homes.

HERCULES

I have a personal cultus to Hercules, who is considered to be one of the early founders of Rome. Some of the Greek mythology of Heracules was grafted onto Hercules, the Roman God Hero. However, Romans had their own particular myths about Him. For example, the focus of Hercules’ worship, the Ara Maxima (the Greatest Altar) is where He killed Cacus, the monster who terrorized the early Romans. He is also the God of Victory and Business Ventures.

Two temples of Hercules have dedications this month. Hercules Magno Custodi (the Great Custodian) has one on June 4, and Hercules Musarum (of the Muses) on June 29. The first was vowed on the orders of the Sibylline Books in light of Hannibal’s victories against Rome. The second was where poets and others would come to pay their respects to Hercules and the Muses. This temple featured Hercules playing the lyre to the Muses.

MATER MATUTA

On June 11, the Matralia is held. Single women and women in their first marriage (univira) offer prayers for their sisters’ children. Traditionally a slave was driven out of her temple in Rome.

MINERVA

Between June 13 and 15, the Lesser Quinquatria (Quinquartrus Minusculae) is held. Flute players (tibicines) dressed up in festive clothing. Wearing masks, they wandered about businesses, playing their instruments.

SUMMANUS

Another God that I have a cultus for is Summanus, the God of the Nocturnal Heavens. He ruled the night as Jupiter ruled the day. Summanus is one of the dii Novensiles (Nine Gods), who are ancient Etruscan Thunder Gods. (Thunder at nighttime came from Summanus.)

The temple for Summanus was dedicated on June 20, after He indicated He wanted a temple of his own by striking the temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus. On his festival day (June 20), people offered round breads imprinted with wheels. For Romans, the Summer Solstice was known as “The Day of Torches,” (dies lampadarum).

FORS FORTUNA

The popular Goddess Fors Fortuna has her festival on June 24. Traditionally, Romans would take flower-decked boats down the Tiber to her temple. It is customary to wear flowers and get roaring drunk on her feast day. (Fors Fortuna is the Goddess of Lucky Chance and is responsible for rags to riches stories.)

From the choral work, “Carmina Burana” by Carl Orff. Translated from 13th Century poem by B. Nolen.

O Fortuna, You

Are like the moon:

Always changing

Always waxing,

Or waning;

Painful life

Now oppresses

Then soothes,

Playing with the mind;

Poverty,

Power—

She melts them like ice.

Since I am a Roman Polytheist, I follow the Roman Public and Private Virtues. (Note 1) These virtues are the ideals that Romans aspire to in their lives. According to Cicero, the four “Cardinal Virtues” contain the rest. (Note 2) “Prudence” (Prudentia) includes “Patience” (Patientia) and “Forethought” (Providentia), as important values to follow. “Courage (Virtus) has “Tenacity (Firmitas) and “Duty” (Pietas). Meanwhile, “Justice” (Iustitia) has “Mercy” (Clementia), “Equity” (Aequitas) and “Good Faith” (Fides). Finally, “Temperance” (Temperantia) includes “Dignity” (Dignitas), “Responsibility” (Gravitas), “Truthfulness” (Veritas) and “Nobility” (Nobilitas).

How these can be applied in modern life is described by Nessa Bird in her essay, “The Influence of Roman Virtues on Modern Business Ethics.” (Note 3) In business, “Virtus” is a commitment to moral integrity as “a responsibility to employees and stockholders.” “Fides” covers customer and community relations. The business ensures a safe product (service) and customer satisfaction. “Pietas,” which is responsibility in commerce, focuses on responsible business practices. For example, the company does not employ deceptive sales tactics. With “Dignitas,” the company’s reputation entails good will towards the community which includes investors.

Applying Roman virtues to divining means starting with “Virtus” (Moral Integrity). The diviner (reader) works with otherworldly entities and with humans. Unlike regular businesses, divination has a spiritual dimension to it. Mystic Dylan in “Throwing the Bones” notes that psychic links are formed between the tools used for divination, the questioner, and the otherworld entities with the diviner as the focal point. Therefore, the prudent diviner knows their own boundaries. An ethical reader recognizes the entire ecosystem of divination, which is “Pietas” (Duty and Piety)

“Fides” (Trust and Fidelity) for the diviner comes with the reading. A discerning reader understands what the questioner needs to hear and how they need to hear it. Since prophesy can be self-fulfilling, a responsible reader tempers their reading. As the maxim of Astrology states, “The Stars inform; They do not compel.” Therefore, the reading requires the latitude of choice and free will for the questioner. The responsible diviner preserves the delicate balance between what the otherworld entities want the questioner to know and what the questioner can understand.

Moreover, “Virtus” includes a duty to the otherworld entities drawn into this world. The diviner always establishes rules for all involved. Some entities need an offering for their services. Some should not be asked certain questions. Meanwhile to allow the exchange between the entity and questioner to flow, the diviner must remain rooted in the ordinary world.

Notes:

Note 1. Among the fifteen Personal Virtues are “Dignity,” “Tenacity,” “Prudence,” and “Truthfulness.” Among the twenty-six Public Virtues are “Concord,” “Confidence,” “Justice,” and “Piety.”

Note 2. “Everything that is honorable originates from some one of four parts: either in thoroughly recognizing and perceiving the truth; or in safeguarding human association, giving to each his own, and keeping good faith in agreements made; or in the greatness and strength of a lofty and unconquerable spirit; or in the order and due measure of all deeds and speech in which are included discretion and temperance.” Cicero: “On Duties: Book I,” Page 28.

Note 3. Bird considers the following: “Virtus”: bravery and moral excellence. “Fides”: trust and fidelity. “Pietas”: duty to family, state, and gods. “Dignitas”: dignity, worth, and reputation.

Works Cited:

Bird, Nessa, “The Influence of Roman Virtues on Modern Business Ethics,” 30 November 2024. Web. Roman Mythology Worldwide. https://roman.mythologyworldwide.com/the-influence-of-roman-virtues-on-modern-business-ethics/ .

Cicero, “On Duties.” Translated by Walter Miller. Roman Roads Press: Moscow (ID). 2016.

Cook, Tonya, “Influence of Roman Virtues on Modern Ethics,” 30 November, 2024. Web. Roman Mytholology Worldwide. https://roman.mythologyworldwide.com/the-influence-of-roman-virtues-on-modern-ethics-2/.

Dylan, Mystic, “Throwing Bones, Crystals, Stones and Curios.” Weiser Books: Newbury Port (MA). 2024.

Kenny, Dennis, Rev., “Breaking the Spiritual Code.” Wipf and Stock: Eugene (OR). 2023.

Kinneging, Andreas, “The Geography of Good and Evil.” Trans. Ineke Hardy. Regnery Publishing: Washington D.C. 2005.

Leath, Melissa, “Psychic Integrity.” Hay House: Bloomington (IN). 2011.

Sancho, Brandie, “Exploring the Core Roman Virtues: A Path to Moral Excellence,” 28 November 2024. Web. Roman Mythology Worldwide. https://roman.mythologyworldwide.com/exploring-the-core-roman-virtues-a-path-to-moral-excellence/.

Triarius, L. Vitellius. “Religio Roman Handbook.” Independently Published. 2014.

Vest, Jennifer Lisa, PhD., “The Ethical Psychic.” North Atlantic Books: Berkeley (CA). 2022.

Wood, Robin, “When, Why…If.” Livingtree Press: Dearborn (MI). 1996.

April for Romans is the time of opening buds. Flowers appear, trees come into leaf, and new crops are coming up. At this time, most of the festivals are centered on honoring the fertility of the land and protecting the crops. Ovid, in “Fasti,” explains why Venus is the tutelary Goddess of April, “She gave the crops and trees their first roots.”

Ovid writes in “Fasti” (Note 1)

“They say Spring was named from the open (apertum) season,

Because Spring opens (aperit) everything

And the sharp Frost-bound cold vanishes, and fertile soil’s revealed,

Though kind Venus sets her hand there and claims it.”

VENUS VERTICORDIA and FORTUNA VIRILIS

On April 1, the Veneralia is held. During this festival, women would go where the men are, usually the baths. There they would pray to Venus Verticordia (Venus, the Changer of Hearts) and Fortuna Virilis (Fortune the Bold) for support in their love lives. Later the festival included everyone, married and single, male and female asking these two Goddesses for help in matters of the heart.

CYBELE, the MAGNA MATER

To commemorate the arrival of Cybele, the Idaean Mother, in Rome, the Megalesia is held from April 4 to April 10. As the Magna Mater, Cybele saved Rome from Hannibal during the Second Punic War. During the Megalesia, theatrical shows and mutual banquets were held. On the last day, the Goddess was taken on a bier in a grand procession to the Circus Maximus. Because her priests, the Galli, were castrated men who dressed as women, many modern people regard Cybele as the Goddess of Transgender People.

CERES and TELLUS

From the 12th to the 19th, the Cerialia is held to honor Ceres, Goddess of Agriculture and Gain. The festival is to thank Ceres for the earth’s fertility. Many of the ceremonies of the Cerialia are held in private with the participants wearing white. An Ancient Roman tradition was to set loose foxes with burning torches tied to their tails. (It was believed to drive out diseases of the land.) For Ceres, I usually walk the nearby field three times and offer milk, a traditional offering.

During the Cerialia, the Fordicidia is held on April 15. In Ancient Rome, pregnant cows were sacrificed to Tellus, the Goddess of Productive Power of the Earth, for the fertility of the cattle and fields. The ashes of the unborn calves were burnt and use in the Parilia later in the month. Modern Romans will burn meat and mix it with soil as an offering to Tellus.

PALES

On April 21, the Parilia is held. Similar to the Celtic Beltane Festival, the Parilia focuses on the purification of sheep and shepherds. Sheep pens would be cleaned out and garlands hung on the gates. Bonfires are lit and sheep are driven through them. Grain and milk are offered to Pales of Shepherds and Sheep. For this festival, I pray for healthy livestock and put a stuffed sheep between two candles.

Pales is a mystery as to what They are – male or female, plural or singular. This/these ancient Roman God/s are from the time before the Romans were shepherds, which adds to the confusion of who Pales is/are. I prefer to regard Pales as the entirety of all the concepts about Them. For me, They are the Protectors of Herders and Flocks.

In “Fasti,” Ovid writes of a ritual to Pales.

“Make dark smoke with pure burning sulphur,

And let the sheep bleat, in contact with the smoke.

Burn male-olive wood, and pine, and juniper fronds,

And let scorched laurel crackle in the hearth.

Let a basket of millet keep the millet cakes company:

The rural goddess particularly loves that food.

Add meats, and a pail of her milk, and when the meat

Is cut, offer the warm milk, pray to sylvan Pales,

Saying: ‘Protect the cattle and masters alike:

And drive everything harmful from my stalls.”

(The Parilia is also considered the Founding Day of Rome.)

VENUS ERYCINA

At the Vinalia Prior (the Festival of Wine from the Last Year), the wine from autumn is opened and offered to Venus Erycina and Jupiter. (This is the first tasting of the new wine.) Originally from Eryx in Sicily, Venus Erycina became Romanized and associated with fertility. During the Vinalia on April 23, prostitutes would offer mint and myrtle to Her, as the Goddess of Prostitutes.

ROBIGUS (ROBIGO)

To save crops from wheat rust, the Romans sacrificed dogs to Robigus, the God of Wheat Rust during the Robigalia on April 25. Traditionally, red animals were offered at the boundary of Roman territory to ensure protection of the crops from mildew and blight. Today, people offer red wine requesting that Robigus leave the crops alone.

In “Fasti,” Ovid presents a prayer for Robigus.

“Your priest, Quirinus, pronounced these words:

‘Scaly Mildew, spare the blades of corn,

And let their tender tips quiver above the soil.

Let the crops grow, nurtured by favourable stars,

Until they’re ready for the sickle.

Your power’s not slight: the corn you blight

The grieving farmer gives up for lost.

Wind and showers don’t harm the wheat as much,

Nor gleaming frost that bleaches the yellow corn,

As when the sun heats the moist stalks:

Then, dreadful goddess, is the time of your wrath.

Spare us, I pray, take your blighted hands from the harvest,

And don’t harm the crop: it’s enough that you can harm.”

FLORA

The Floralia, honoring Flora, the Goddess of Flowering Plants, is held from April 27 to May 1. (Fauna, the Goddess of Wildlife, is her Sister.) Coming after the Robigalia, the Floralia affirms the safety of the growing plants from harm. During this time, people adorn themselves and their homes with flowers. They also wear colorful clothing to reflect the emerging flowers. Traditionally, goats and rabbits were set loose in the crowds, while priests threw lupines, bean flowers and vetch about. This was to ensure fertility of everyone and everything.

Notes:

Note 1. Ovid, “Fasti,” Book IV. Translator: A.S. Kline, 2004.

In the Roman religion, “di Manes” can be confusing, since They are originally the ordinary dead. Adding to the confusion, the term “Lemures” is often used interchangeably with “di Manes.” Romans have argued among themselves as to the difference between the two if any. (Note 1) Meanwhile, the “Larvae” are the unknown and unrecognizable Dead, who are forgotten. (Note 2) Di Manes are the Family Gods who take a part in the lives of the living.

Romans, in general, did not believe in an afterlife. The idea of the Dead going to Tartarus or the Elysium Fields is a Greek one. The closest to an afterlife is the Dead exiting and entering the Mundus, the underground granary that leads to their underworld home. What Romans believe happened to the Dead is that They became Gods.

The concept of the Dead being Gods who care for the living is a foreign one for modern people. For many, the Christian idea of the afterlife is the one they know – Heaven or Hell. Meanwhile, the undetermined dead went to Purgatory. Therefore, the living helped the Dead go to Heaven through prayers and Masses. In other words, the Dead are dependent upon the living for their well-being.

For Romans, after death, the Dead stayed in the world of the living. Di Manes interacted with people long after their physical body is gone. They provided many things for their families. Di Manes could prolong a person’s life or hasten their death. (An impious person often died early since di Manes would remove their protection.) Di Manes offered counseling to the living. They would come in dreams giving advice on a thorny problem They were also a Guardian of Oaths. People accused of crime would swear by di Manes of the fallen that they were innocent. Moreover, di Manes could disturb the sleep of the living. Since most families wanted harmonious relations with each other, they were careful not to ask for retribution from di Manes.

Roman graves are sacred spaces where the living would make their offerings. Therefore, the Roman funeral included rituals to remove the pollution of death from the attendants. Then earth would be heaped on the grave and sacrifices are made. At this time, the grave transforms into an altar to the new Gods. Then, another offering would be made.

Modern Roman Polytheists, who live far from family graves, have home altars to di Manes. These altars have items of the Dead like photos or favorite things. Daily offerings are made there for di Manes.

Modern people often ask what to do with the Dead who are toxic. If the Dead are Family Gods, then what about the unsavory Dead? A person would ask the “Wise and Well” Ancestors to intervene for them. These Wise and Well Ancestors can guide them as to how to deal with the toxic Dead. In “Bread of the Journey: A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith,” Henri Nouwen, Dutch theologian said “Remembering the dead is choosing their ongoing companionship.” Therefore, a person should seek the blessings of the Wise and Well Dead. The object of asking Them is to end the multigeneration transmittal of toxicity in the Ancestral line. (Note 3).

Notes:

Note 1. Lemures could be the Dead who died tragically, or they could be identified with the Larvae. Roman sources have argued both. For instance, Varro said that the Manes were the friendly Dead, while the Larvae were the restless Dead.

Note 2. The Larvae, as the unknown Dead, could act as the Furies tormenting the living. Therefore, Romans had rituals to ward off the unidentified Dead such as banging pots.

Note 3. Murray Bowen, a psychiatrist, developed the “Bowen Family Systems Theory.” He reasoned that the patterns of relating between family members are transmitted from generation to generations. Once a person knows how toxicity develops in a family, they can repair the family line for future descendants.

Suggested Reading

Charles King, “The Ancient Roman Afterlife.”

Harriet Flower, “The Dancing Lares and the Serpent in the Garden.”

Christine Valters Paintner, “The Love of Thousands.”

“Who knows not of the Golden Age of the carefree King? When no man subdued fields to his will or sowed grain in them or fended harmful weeds from the crops, which were to come when plenteous harvest filled the barns to last the year.” (Anonymous, Aenta)

Saturnalia, the most popular of Roman festivals, is a time of good feeling, gift giving and celebrating the returning sun. Lasting for seven days from 17 December to 24, this festival is wildly celebrated. People visit, feast, play games, and gamble. Normal restrictions of society are cast off, and drunkenness is encouraged.

The day before Saturnalia, I clean the Larium, the home altar. We all take showers to be clean for the coming festival. A part of Roman piety is cleanliness, which includes preparing for festivities.

The first day opens with the unwrapping of Saturn’s feet. In Ancient Rome, Saturn watched over the treasury. His feet was wrapped in woolen bands to prevent Him from leaving. If Saturn left, so did the treasury. (I use yarn for my Saturn’s feet.)

I make a morning sacrifice of pork. Later, I share a meal with Saturn in friendship. After shouting, “Io Saturnalia!” I begin to celebrate.

The second day opens with a bath. The pork is offered this time to the family Lars for helping the household. We also share a meal with Them. Later in the day, we play games such as Hearts. For the thrill of it all, we also buy lottery tickets.

On 19 December (the third day), we celebrate the Opalia to honor Ops, Saturn’s Consort. The Goddess of Abundance is honored for her part in the new harvest. One thing that we do is pray to Her while sitting on the earth. Our prayers are for peace, plenty, and protection.

Two other festivals that occur during Saturnalia are the Angeronalia (21 December) and the Larentalia (23 December). On the Winter Solstice, people pray to Angerona for relief from anxiety and pain. For the Larentalia, people honor Acca Larentia, whose lands become Rome.

Saturnalia is the time when people can speak their minds without having consequences. We have the “Airing of Grievances.” (Note 1) Everyone tells each other “what cheeses them off.” Afterwards, we have cookies to sweeten things again. (Baking cookies is something modern Romans do for Saturnalia.)

Since Saturnalia involves role-reversal, we have a day when we plot to smash the hierarchy. We wear Santa hats (which look like Roman pileus (Note 2)) and together ponder how to do that. We make fun of political leaders and imagine ourselves in their place.

Over the remaining days, we visit friends and have feasts. This goes with giving candles and other small gifts to each other. On the last day, Saturn’s feet are bound, and Saturnalia is officially over for another year.

Traditional decorations include garlands and wreaths. Houses are decorated red and gold, with hanging cutouts of suns, stars, and the faces of Janus. Outdoors, trees are decorated with food for the birds.

For traditional Roman foods, we feature pickled eggs and beets. Romans loved apples, so we serve them. Sausages were often given as gifts, so we serve them as well. For seasoning, peppercorns are heavily used in cooking the meals.

“Saturnus, our most sacred Father

By offering You, this incense

I pray good prayers so

That You be benevolent and propitious

To my friends, to me, to my household, and

To my family.”

(Cn. Cornelius Lentulus (Nova Roma))

Notes:

Note 1. This is similar to Festivus, which has the “Airing of the Grievances.” Festivus, created by Daniel O’Keefe, the writer in 1966, became well-known after being featured on the TV Show “Seinfeld.”

Note 2. Freed slaves wear the pileus. This cap became the symbol of Libertas, the Goddess of Liberty.

As a Roman Polytheist, I have pondered Lupa, the She-Wolf of Rome. When the Divine Twins, Romulus and Remus, were cast adrift as newborns, She saved them. At her cave (the Lupercal), She nursed Romulus and Remus until foster parents could be found. An enduring symbol of Rome, Lupa was featured on coins. Moreover, her nursing of Romulus and Remus was celebrated in statues.

In her book “Lupa” (Note 1), Rachel Roberts traces the She-Wolf from Etruscan times to the modern era. She writes that her book is partially Unverified Personal Gnosis (UPG) and partially research. (Note 2) For example, the book features the retelling of Founding of Rome from Lupa’s point of view. Reading Roberts’ intriguing ideas sparked my investigation of Lupa as a Goddess of Rome.

Reading alternative points of view helps to broaden my perspective. Roberts’ writings prompted me to ponder Lupa’s influence on Rome and the Roman character. Sifting through the myths and festivals, She emerges as a central Goddess of Rome. The Lupercalia, celebrated every February, includes honoring her role in the Founding of Rome. Meanwhile, Mars, as the Defender of the Fields, has Her as His Companion. Moreover, Cicero, the noted statesman, called Lupa, “The Nurse of Roman Dominion” in his “De Divinatione.” (Note 3)

Romans featured Lupa as the Protector of the City on their coins. They also used wolf fat as a talisman against bad spirits. A new bride would smear wolf fat on the threshold of her new home before crossing it. Meanwhile, Roman parents would ask Lupa to protect their sons as they matured into men.

Roberts lists Lupa’s attributes as

Goddess of the Threshold

Goddess of Growth (Note 4)

Goddess of Transformation and Transmutation (Note 5)

Goddess of Courage

Protector and Guardian

Mother of Destiny

Guide, Guardian and Protector

Reading Roberts’ book had me take a second look at Lupa and Roman Gods in general. The first known Gods of the Romans were not thought of as human but as their essences. Vesta is the Living Flame, Tiber, the Life-Giving River, and Fascinus, the Winged Penis. Because of this, I need to remind myself that Roman Gods take many forms. For me, Lupa moved out of the shadows into the light. Now, I see Her as an important Goddess.

Salve Lupa, She-Wolf!

Nurse of Romulus and Remus

Protector of the Divine Twins

Guardian of the Eternal City

You have been Rome from the Founding

Hidden from view

May we see You in the shadows

May we honor You

Salve Lupa, She-Wolf!

Notes

Note 1. “Pagan Portals: Lupa: She Wolf of Rome and Mother of Destiny.” Moon Books. 2023.

Note 2. The Founder of “Wolf Woman Rising,” Roberts has a cultus to the Grand Mother Wolf.

Note 3. Cicero wrote, “the nurse of Roman dominion, suckling with life-giving dew that issues from udders distended, struck by lightning, she toppled to the earth, bringing with her the children, torn from her station as she left the prints of her feet in descending.”

Note 4. As the Goddess Luperca, Lupa promotes fertility.

Note 5. Roberts cites Lupa as the One who is charged with ensuring that the Divine Twins become men, and later Romulus receive the kingship.

As a Roman Polytheist, I have daily devotions at my Lararium, following a standard outline. The routine developed as I deepened my relations with the Gods. The following is an outline of what I do now.

Wash hands before approaching Lararium. (The Romans value ritual purity.)

I pray that this water will purify my body, mind, and heart.

At the Lararium.

Salve Ianus Pater

Father Janus, who receives the first and last offerings

Look upon this offering with kind eyes,

You who receive the first

Salve Ianus Patulcius

The Opener of Doors

Who lets good things enter

Who lets bad things leave

Guardian of the Homes of the Gods

Guard our home as we sleep

We thank you.

I light the fire of the candle and place the incense in the turibulum (incense burner).

Salve Vesta Mater

Mother Vesta

The Eternal Flame of Rome

Who is the Axis Mundi

Bless Our Fire

May Your Flame guide us to the Gods

May Your Flame warm us tonight

We Thank You.

Then I offer incense.

Salve Apollo Medicus

Apollo the Healer

Allow us healing sleep

May we wake to tomorrow’s sun

We thank You

Salve Iuno Curitis

Juno the Protector

Kindly watch over us tonight

Preserve our family

We thank You

Salve Lares Familiares

Kindly watch over us tonight

Kindly watch over us tomorrow

We thank You.

Salvete Lares Domestici

Kindly watch over our home

Keep it well

We thank You.

Salvete di Penates

Guardians of the Pantry

Protect our food

As we rest

We thank You.

Salvete di Parentes

The Ancestors

May we be well tonight

May we rise tomorrow

We thank You.

We give so that You may give

Thank All of You for blessing our home and family

May we rest well

Under Your kind eyes

Bless us as we sleep

May we have good dreams

We thank You

I extinguish the candle

Vesta Mater

May You be blessed

I offer another stick of incense

Salve Ianus Pater

Father Janus, who receives the first and last offerings

Look upon this offering with kind eyes,

You who receive the last.

Salve Ianus Clusivus

The Closer of Doors

Who lets only good things stay

Who lets only bad things leave

May our sleep be untroubled

Kindly watch our home

We thank you.

It is done!

(I was asked by a reader to expound on my Roman practice. If other readers have requests, I will consider them.)

As a Roman Polytheist, I have daily devotions at my Lararium, following a standard outline. This ritual developed as I deepened my relations with the Gods. The following is an outline of what I do now.

Please note that the first day of the month is Kalends with addition prayers to Juno. Nones (the fifth day) and Ides (the thirteenth) is sacred to Jupiter. (In March, May, July, October, the Nones and Ides are the seventh and fifteenth.)

Wash hands before approaching Lararium. (The Romans value ritual purity.)

I pray that this water will purify my body, mind, and heart.

At the Lararium.

Salve Ianus Pater,

Father Janus, who receives the first and last offerings.

Look upon this offering with kind eyes,

You who receive the first.

Salve Ianus Patulcius,

The Opener of Doors

Who lets good things enter

Who lets bad things leave

Guardian of the Homes of the Gods

Kindly guard our home as we go in and out

We thank You.

I light the fire of the candle and place the incense in the turibulum (incense burner).

Salve Vesta Mater,

Mother Vesta

The Eternal Flame of Rome

Who is the Axis Mundi

Bless Our Fire

May Your Flame warm our hearts

May Your Flame warm our home

We thank You.

Then I offer milk and Cheerios. (My husband said to me that the Lars, at my kitchen altar, would not stop staring at him. To satisfy Them, he would give some Cheerios while he was eating breakfast.)

Salve Apollo Medicus,

Apollo the Healer

Allow us good health

Grant us Your Healing

We thank You

Salve Iuno Curitis,

Juno the Protector

Kindly watch over us

Guide us today

We thank You

Salve Lares Familiares,

Kindly watch over our family

Keep us healthy and safe

We thank You.

Salvete Lares Domestici,

Kindly watch over our home

Keep it well

We thank You.

Salvete di Penates,

Guardians of the Pantry

Protect our food

May we never know hunger.

We thank You.

Salvete di Parentes,

The Ancestors

Kindly watch over us

May we be guided by You

We thank You

Prayers for the Gods of the Day, such as Juno at the Kalends or the Pales in on their festival days in April and July.

We give so that You may give

Thank All of You for blessing our home and family

May only good things

May only fortunate things

Happen for us today

May we receive Your Blessings

We thank You

I extinguish the candle

Vesta Mater

May You be blessed

I offer another stick of incense

Salve Ianus Pater,

Father Janus, who receives the first and last offerings

Look upon this offering with kind eyes,

You who receive the last.

Salve Ianus Clusivus,

The Closer of Doors

Who lets only good things stay

Who lets only bad things leave.

Guardian of the Homes of the Gods

We thank You

It is done!

My experience with altars is that they are places of devotion. After reading “The Witch’s Altar” by Jason Mankey and Laura Tempest Zakroff, I find that they are also used for blessings, consecrations, honoring, inspiration, magic, ritual offerings, sacrifices, and spellcraft. Afterwards, I looked at my own altar differently. I did do all those things but regarded them as acts of devotion.

My main altar is for devotion to the Roman Gods. Since I practice the Religio Romana, I have the proscribed Roman altar. The Roman religion is exacting in terms of honoring the Gods. Because the Gods, humans, and the Others rely on reciprocity between each other, proper piety (pietas) is important. (Religio Romana is an orthopraxic religion.)

Called a Lararium, the altar is the home of the Lares and Genius (Note 1) (the household and family spirits). It is usually placed by the door to watch over the comings and goings of the family. (The altar is like the door — a liminal space.) Therefore, it is placed near the entrance.

The Lararium has containers for incense (acerra), salt (salinum), and milk (or wine) (gutus). The offering dish (patera) is for food or milk from the household meals. The incense burner (turibulum) is used for creating scents or to burn incense. Finally, the Sacred Fire (Who is the Goddess Vesta) is represented by the lucerna (sacred lamp) where the fire is symbolically kept.

Like the standard Neo-Pagan altar, the Lararium has representations of the elements. Water is represented by the offering dishes for milk and wine. Fire is the lucerna, while Earth is the salt container, and Air the incense burner. Of course, Spirit is represented by the statues of the Lares and other Gods, as well as the Sacred Fire. Roman altars are used mostly for devotion although magic is done by offerings, petitions, prayers, and requests.

There is a standard Roman ritual for consecrating a Lararium. First is the cleansing of the self and the altar with water (Ablutio). The Praefatio is the incense offering to Janus, the Divine Doorkeeper, God of Liminal Spaces. (Note 2) The Precatio is the formal prayers and offerings. The Redditio is the final offering to Janus. Before closing, one final offering is made – the Piaculum, which is to excuse any mistakes that were inadvertently made during the ritual. Then the rite is over.

Notes:

Note 1. The Lares Familares (Guardians of the Family) and Lares Domestici (Guardians of the House) are depicted as youths holding cups and bowls. The Genius, depicted as a snake, is the Guardian Spirit of the Family Line.

Note 2. The two-faced God, Janus, always receives the first and last offerings of any Roman ritual.

Works Used:

Adkins Lesley and Roy Adkins, “Dictionary of Roman Religion.” New York: Oxford University Press. 1996.

Mankey, Jason and Laura Tempest Zakroff, “The Witch’s Altar.” Woodbury (MN): Llewellyn. 2021.

Triarius, L. Vitellius, “Religio Romana Handbook.” Charleston (SC): Masonic Press. 2014.

Hilaria, the festival for the Son and Lover of Cybele, the Magna Mater, was held in March. Attis, the Shepherd, was found as a baby abandoned at a river bank. The Goddess raised Him, and fell in love with the adult Attis. When He wanted to marry someone else, She made Attis insane. In a frenzy, Attis castrated Himself on a pine tree and died. Finding his body, Cybele asked that Attis be reborn. An almond tree grew in his place, while violets (Note 1) surrounded the pine tree where his body had laid.

The Hilaria of Attis was a “Holy Week” or the “Passion of Attis.” This was unusual for Roman festivals, and reflected the foreign origins of Attis. When Cybele was brought to the City from Anatolia, He was adopted by Romans.

Notes:

Note 1. Violets were used to decorate Roman tombs.

The Hilaria

March 15: Canna intrat (The Reed Enters). The Cannophori (reed bearers) march in a procession marking the birth of Attis. During this time, followers of the Magna Mater abstained from bread, pomegranates, quinces, fish, and pork.

March 22: Arbor intrat (The Tree Enters). The Dendrophori (tree bearers) carried a pine tree wrapped in wool, bedecked with violets in a funeral procession. This marked the death of Attis.

March 23: Day of Mourning and Fasting. The pine tree is laid to rest at the temple of the Magna Mater.

March 24: Dies Sanguinis (Day of Blood). The devotees of Attis and Cybele whipped themselves to offer their blood to these Gods. Meanwhile, the Galli (priests of Cybele) would play flutes and beat hand drums. Then, Attis was placed in his tomb.

March 25: Hilaria (Day of Rejoicing). Attis is reborn. People stage street carnivals to celebrate.

March 26: Requietio (Day of Rest). After the previous day’s fun, people rested.

March 27: Lavatio (Day of Washing). The sacred stone of Magna Mater was carried down the Appian Way to Almo, a tributary of the Tiber. The Goddess was washed with ashes and showered with violets.

During the Second Punic War (218-201 B.C.E.), the Roman Senate consulted the Sibylline Books for advice. After demolishing the Roman army at Cannae, Hannibal was marching on Rome. Panicked, the Senate needed to hear from the Gods. The Sibylline Books offered this oracle: “War would end in victory by an Idaean Mother of Pessinus.” Meanwhile, a group of ambassadors reported back from Delphi, that the Oracle gave a similar prophesy. Therefore, the Sente arranged to have Cybele (the Idaean Mother) to come to Rome from Anatolia. The patricians greeted Her Sacred Black Stone and brought it to the temple of the Goddess of Victory. Rome was saved.

Unlike other foreign Gods, Cybele, the Phrygian Mother had a temple within the City Limits of Rome (the Pomerium). Now known as the Magna Mater deorum Idaera (the Great Mother of the Gods from Mount Ida), She had her own temple on Palatine Hill. During his reign Claudius (41-54 C.E.) gave her cultus official recognition. In addition, the Hilaria (“Passion of Attis”) was encouraged to honor her Son and Lover, Attis.

The Magna Mater is considered to be the Goddess of Wild Nature and of Fertility. The Goddess is depicted either riding a lion or having her chariot pulled by lions. She is also shown on a throne with a bowl and drum.

The Megalesia, festival for Cybele, the Magna Mater, started April 4 and continued to April 10. The Megalesia was the Romans’ offer of gratitude to the Magna Mater for saving their City. Also, this festival commemorated her arrival in Rome. Meanwhile, the Hilaria was held for Attis from March 15 to March 25.

The Megalesia consisted of theatrical shows and mutual banquets (mutitationes) given by the Senators. The shows were held on the steps of her temple. On the final day of the festival, chariot races were held at the Circus Maximus.

The last day of the Megalesia, the Grand Procession went from her temple to the Circus Maximus. The statue of the Goddess, on a chariot drawn by lions, was taken on a bier. During the procession, the Galli (her priests) (Note 1) made a loud din with flutes and hand drums. While in a frenzy, they cut themselves with knives to offer their blood to the Goddess. They also collected alms during the procession. Scandalous by Roman standards, Romans were not allowed to take part. However, they could watch.

Notes:

Note 1. The Galli were castrated men, and not Roman citizens.

In “Ultimum Mysterium,” Physics Professor Anthony Burns notes that in relativity and quantum physics, the observer has influence over what happens at the quantum level. A person can make a significant difference to the behavior of quantum particles when they observe them. He writes, “We know how entities such as mass and electric charge behave – but we still don’t know what they really are. We don’t know what time is, except that we measure it with a clock. And most importantly we don’t know what the observer is. We knew that the “observer” is us… but we don’t know the true nature…”

In discussing what he called “new physics,” psychologist Allan Combs explains, “In quantum theory we recover the view of a world as an unbroken fabric in which seemingly separate events do not occur insolation, but in fact, form pieces interwoven into a common tapestry.” Combs was explaining what effect quantum physics has on mythology and synchronicity in his book, “Synchronicity.” According to Combs, the Common Tapestry is such that Wolfgang Pauli, well-known physicist, could have the “Pauli Effect.” (Note 1) Whenever he entered a laboratory, the equipment would break.

C.W. (Charles Webster) Leadbeater, noted Theosophist, wrote in 1913 in “Hidden Side of Things,” that people’s vibrations of thoughts and feelings affected other people. He cites the Principle of Cause and Effect (Note 2) which he says that whatever a person puts forth will return to them. Therefore, people need to be responsible in their deeds and thoughts.

Oberon Zell-Ravenheart echoes this in “Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard.” “To be a Wizard is to acknowledge that everything is alive and everything is connected.” (Emphasis his.) A wizard understands that no matter how adept they are, there is always something else that they do not know. Since a wizard has the power to manifest whatever they want, they should examine what they are doing and why.

Golda Meir, Prime Minister of Israel, once said “Don’t be so humble, you’re not that great.” What she meant was do not be falsely modest, but own your successes. Taking credit for their actions means that the mature person understands their place in the world. They are someone who can be trusted, since they have demonstrated that in their attitude and conduct.

Because the Universe is connected, what a person does has reverberations through the Cosmos. Since wizards have power, they have to take responsibility (and credit is a part of that). Or they will end like Pauli, who had no friends. Carl Jung observed that Pauli had relegated his “Effect” to his Shadow, which came out in his brutal insults of fellow scientists. Pauli died of pancreatic cancer at 58 years old.

Notes:

Note 1. The Pauli Effect (Pauli’s Device Corollary): “The mysterious failure of technical equipment in the presences of certain people, particularly theoretical physicists.”

Note 2. The Principle of Cause and Effect (The Sixth Hermetic Principle): “Every Cause has its Effect, every Effect its Cause, everything happens according to Law. Chance is but a name for Law not recognized; There are many planes of causation but nothing escapes the Law.”

Works Used:

Besant, Annie and C.W. Leadbeater, “Magic and the Left Hand Path.” Compiled by Pedro Oliveira, PDF. CWL World. 2023. Web. http://www.cwlworld.info/On_the_Left_Hand_Path.pdf .

Burns, Anthony, “Ultimum Mysterium.” Winchester (UK): 6th Books. 2016.

Combs, Allan and Mark Holland, “Synchronicity.” New York: Marlow & Comp. 1996.

Corradi, Max, “The Seven Laws of Reality and Being.” E-book. Jaborandi Publishing. 2013.

Hall, Manly P., “Magic, A Treatise on Natural Occultism. (1929).” E-book. Mockingbird Press. 2022

—, “Unseen Forces: Nature Spirits, Thought Forms, Ghosts and Specters, the Dweller on the Threshold. (1924).” E-book. Borodino Books. 2018.

Michelle, Heron, “Elemental Witchcraft.” Woodbury (MN): Llewellyn. 2021.

Leadbeater, C.W., “The Hidden Side of Things. (1913).” E-book. Global Grey. 2016.

Zell-Ravenheart, Oberon, “Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard.” New Page Books: Franklin Lakes (NJ). 2004.

In their civilian capacity, Romans are called “Quirites.” This is in reference to Quirinus, God of the Roman People. This ancient God was first a War God of the Sabines and then later the deified Romulus, the Founder of Rome. The fluidity of Quirinus from Sabine God to God of the Archaic Triad to the Divine Romulus is not that unusual. Romans are always reviewing their relations with various Ancient Gods. What has remained is the essence of the God with his association with the Roman people.

First, Quirinus was regarded to be the War God of the Sabines. When the Romans absorbed Quirinal Hill (Note 1), where the Sabines had lived, they installed Him with Jupiter and Mars as the Archaic Triad. These three Gods oversaw Roman affairs before the Republic. To that end, the Romans established Flamen Maiores (Major Priests) for these Gods – Flamen Dialis (Jupiter), Flamen Martialis (Mars) and Flamen Quirinalis (Quirinus). Each received one third of the spoils of war (spolia opima).

Unlike the Weapons of Mars, the Sacred Arms of Quirinus were smeared in pitch. These Arms were stored instead of being kept ready for war. With his weapons, Quirinus remained in Rome to protect the people. Servius wrote “when Mars rages uncontrolled, He is called Gradivus (the Marching God), when He is calm, He is called Quirinus.”

The Flamen Quirinalis, presided in four festivals – the Fornacalia which includes the Quirinalia, the Robigalia, the Consualia Aestivia, and the Larentalia. These festivals except for the Larentalia, focused on the preservation of grain, while the grain was growing, being stored, and baked. Meanwhile, the Larentalia focused on the Founding of Rome. All the festivals that included Quirinus emphasized the well-being of the people.

By the end of the Republic, Quirinus became the deified Romulus. In “Fasti,” Ovid wrote that Jupiter raised the half-human Romulus to Godhood. He explained that Romulus had been taken up in a thunderstorm. Meanwhile, Proculus Julius (of the same Gens as Julius Caesar) announced that Romulus had appeared to him to inform the Romans that He was now Quirinus. After that, Augustus Caesar built Quirinus a new temple that was to be the largest in Rome.

One reason that Romulus became Quirinus is because both were involved with the Curiae (wards of the City). Romulus had divided the Romans into three Tribes (Ramnes, Tities, and Luceres), then divided each into ten Curiae. Meanwhile, Quirinus guarded the joining of the Romans and Sabines, to form the Curiae.

Notes:

Note 1: Quirinal Hill of Rome is considered to be the residing place of the God.

Between the 5th and the 17th of February, Romans hold the Fornacalia and on the 17th, the Quirinalia. The Fornacalia was begun by Numa Pompilius, the second King of Rome, who wanted the spelt that was used for offerings to the Gods to be in a pure state. Traditional Roman offerings to the Gods included spelt cakes.

Ancient Rome was divided into Curiae (wards). Each Curia had a communal altar, oven, and feasting hall. During the Fornacalia, the ovens were decorated with garlands. At the communal ovens, people would parch their spelt to allow for ease in husking. While it was roasting, people would invoke Fornax and sing her praises. Afterwards, they would make offerings to Juno Curitis (Goddess of the Curiae) and Fornax, the Goddess of Ovens.

Fornax, the Roman Goddess of Bakers and Ovens, is invoked to prevent baking goods from burning. She is also invoked to preserve grain through the winter. In addition, folk wisdom claims that a person could bake a wish into the bread. Feeding it to the birds will convey their hopes to the Goddess. When I bake, I always ask for Her Help.

Fornax regulated the heat for cooking. While Vesta governed the flame, Fornax oversaw the temperatures. The Romans considered themselves civilized since they could successfully roast wheat. Without Her, Rome would have remained a primitive village of shepherds. Therefore, Fornax could be thought of as the Goddess Who Civilized the Savage Romans.

Ovid, in “Fasti,” wrote that the ancient Romans would either burn the wheat to a cinder or the house down.

“Fierce wars weakened their powerful bodies.

There was more glory in the sword than the plough:

And the neglected farm brought its owner little return.

Yet the ancients sowed corn, corn they reaped,

Offering the first fruits of the corn harvest to Ceres.

Taught by practice they parched it in the flames,

And incurred many losses through their own mistakes.

Sometimes they’d sweep up burnt ash and not corn,

Sometimes the flames took their huts themselves:

The oven was made a goddess, Fornax: the farmers

Pleased with her, prayed she’d regulate the grain’s heat.”

(From: Fasti, Book 2. (Translated by A.S Kline))

Contrary to popular ideas, Fornax has nothing to do with fornication. “Fornax” means “oven” or “furnace.” Her name can be translated as “the Oven is the Mother.” Meanwhile, “fornix” means “arches,” where the prostitutes gathered in Rome.

In February, Romans prepare for the coming of spring by purifying themselves, their homes, and their communities. “February” comes from februum (purgation), and the februa (expiatory rituals). Ceremonies for the Dead abound, since a part of purification is fulfilling the obligations to the Dead. For example, the Lupercalia and Quirinalia have specific purifications rites as a part of their rituals. In addition, the Terminalia and Fornacalia are a part of the worship of the Di Parentes (Parents). Meanwhile, the Feralia focused on all the Dead and the Parentalia on the Lar Familiaris (family spirit).

For Roman Polytheists, the focus on the Dead puts them outside the norm of modern Pagans, who generally follow the Wheel of the Year. For these Pagans, Samhain, held in October, is when the Dead walk the earth. Meanwhile, Imbolc, which is held in February, is the fire festival of Brighid. This time of restrained joy focuses on the returning of new life. In contrast, for Romans, February is the time that the Dead walk freely amongst the living.

February was the only month in the original Roman calendar that had an even number of days. This was to allow the year have an odd number of days for good luck. February was originally the end of the year, with March being the beginning. Many of February’s festivals focus on the transition between the old and new year – making things right with the Dead, purifying, and re-establishing the boundaries.

Fornax and Quirinus

The Fornacalia is held between February 5 and 17. At this time, in ancient Rome, people brought grain to the communal ovens to be parched in the ancient manner of their fathers. Fornax, the Goddess of Bakers and Ovens, was invoked to keep the wheat from burning. The last day of the Fornacalia is the Quirinalia, also known as “The Feast of Fools.” This is the time that people who delayed bringing their grain came to fulfill their civic duty. Modern observances involved making bread from scratch and making offerings to Juno Curitis (Juno of the Curia (Wards)).

Quirinus is thought to be the deified Romulus and represents the Romans in their civic sense. “Quirites” is what officials addressed Roman citizens as. In their military capacity, Romans were called “Romani.” Quirinus with Mars and Jupiter were the original trio of Gods governing Rome before the Republic.

Di Parentes and Di Manes (The Dead)

The Parentalia starts February 13 and runs through February 21. The Caristia on February 22 officially ends this period of venerating the Dead. During this time, the Lupercalia and Feralia are held. Each ritual focuses on a different aspect of purification, families, and the Dead. The Parentalia is a private ceremony that the family does to honor their dead. The Feralia entails visiting the graves and making offerings. The Caristia is a family feast, where all quarrels between family members are settled. Family unity is then cemented with the household Lars.

Faunus and Inuus

On February 15, the Lupercalia is held. Traditionally, sacrifices were made at the Lupercal Cave in Rome, where the She-Wolf nursed Romulus and Remus. This was followed by the Lupercii (young men) running through the streets striking women with the februa (goatskin whips). This was to insure fertility in the women. Traditional Gods of Fertility, Faunus and Inuus preside over the Lupercalia. Modern observances entail prayers for purification and fertility, the cleaning of the house and self, and offerings left in secluded areas.

Terminus

The Terminalia, held on February 23, honors the God of Boundaries. It is a time of purifying the land and redefining the boundaries between homes. The “beating of the bounds” which entails walking around the perimeter reestablishes the boundaries for another year. Cakes and wine are offered to Terminus during this activity.

Named for the God, Janus, the month of January (Mensis Ianuarius) is the hinge of the year: the old year ends and the new one begins. The second King of Rome (Note 1), Numa Pompilius (715 – 673 BCE) reformed the Roman calendar by adding two more months – January and February at the beginning of the 10-month year. (Note 2) Thus the New Year began in January instead of March. (However, for Romans, both New Years are celebrated.)

January is the month for public vows and divination of the coming year. Festivals celebrating the beginnings of life – both human and plant are held. The Carmentalia is for childbirth, and the Sementivae is for crops. Also, the Gods of Healing are given offerings to ensure a healthy year.

Gardeners and farmers make a gesture of beginning to work the land on January 1. Then they would refrain from other chores until January 13. Planting did not begin until February 7, when Favonius, the West Wind, who is considered mild, starts to blow.

JANUS

Janus, the two-head God, is the God of Beginnings and Endings. In Ovid’s “Fasti,” Janus explains to the poet why the year begins in the winter instead of the spring. “Midwinter is the beginning of the new Sun and the end of the old one. Phoebus and the year take their start from the same point.” (Note 3)

AESCULAPIUS and VEDIOVIS

On January 1, dedications to the Gods of Healing were made at temples on an island in the Tiber River. A plague was stopped during the dedication of the temple of Aesculapius on January 1, 291 BCE. Meanwhile, Lucius Furius Purpurio vowed the temple to Vediovis on January 1, 194 BCE for the God’s help at the Battle of Cremona (against the Gauls).

LARS OF THE CROSSROADS (Lars Compitales)

During January, the Compitalia is observed to honor the Lars who watch over the crossroads. At each crossroads, shrines are set up and dolls hung from them. I live at the nexus of three streets and make offerings of crystals to the Lars. I also hang a wooden doll on my doorknob for a day.

CARMENTIS

January 11 and 15 are the two days of the Carmentalia honoring Carmentis, a Goddess of Childbirth and Prophecy. Prayers for safe childbirth are made to Her. For the two days, matrons celebrate their status in the family. In addition, divinations are done.

TELLUS and CERES

Held between January 24 and 26, the Sementivae is a festival of purification to protect both the seeds and the sowers. Tellus and Ceres are entreated to keep the seeds safe. Oscilla (small clay discs) are hung in trees to ward off evil spirits. Work in the fields began on February 7, when Favonius, the West Wind, brought milder weather.

Notes:

Note 1. Romulus was the first King of Rome.

Note 2. During the Roman Republic, January had only twenty-nine days. When Julius Caesar reformed the calendar, he added two more days.

Note 3. Starting the year at Midwinter (the Winter Solstice) was common in Northern Europe, especially with the Norse and Anglo-Saxons.

For Romans, December is a month to honor the Gods, who ensure the fertility of the earth. People are concerned about the winter sowing and the future crops. It is also a month for family and friends, including the local Nature Spirits. Saturnalia, which celebrates the Golden Age of Saturnus (Saturn), occurs in the middle of December. It is a time of lights, games, and gift-giving.

BONA DEA: December 3 is the day of women’s mysteries for Bona Dea, the Good Goddess. This Goddess of Healing also ensures women’s fertility. During the rites, it is forbidden to speak the words “wine” and “myrtle” since Faunus got the Goddess drunk and beat Her with a myrtle branch.

TIBER RIVER AND THE SEVEN HILLS OF ROME: Two festivals – one for the Tiber River and one for the Seven Hills – occur on December 8 and December 11 respectfully. This is the time to thank and make offerings to the local rivers and streams, as well as hills.

CONSUS: The second festival for Consus, the God of the Granary is held on December 15. This is the start of the Halcyon Days, the seven days before and the seven days following the Winter Solstice. In Roman times, chariot races were held to celebrate the autumn sowing.

SATURNUS (SATURN): Saturnalia from December 17 to 24 celebrates the Golden Age that Saturnus Pater ruled the earth. During Saturnalia, the feet of Saturn’s statue are unbound.

For Saturnalia, people decorate their homes in red and yellow. My family exchanges candles and plays board games.

OPS CONSIVA: The Opalia is held on December 19 for Ops Consiva (the Sower), as part of celebrating the autumn sowing. This Goddess of Abundance is the Consort of both Consus and Saturnus. In making offerings of milk and honey to the Goddess, people would sit and touch the earth.

ANGERONA: At the Divalia, on December 21, Angerona, the Goddess of Secrets is honored. People prayed to Her for relief from pain and worry.

ACCA LARENTIA: On December 23, the Larentalia was held at her tomb. Acca Larentia is the Founder of Rome and Goddess of the Lars. She owned the surrounding lands around the fledgling city. The Twelve Arval Priests, who are responsible for offerings to Dea Dia, were said to be founded in Acca Larentia’s memory.

For the Romans, October is a month to focus on the affairs of the state and of the community. Fides (Good Faith), Felicitas (Good Fortune) and Venus Victrix (Venus Victorious) are honored for the protection of the people and the continuing favor of the Gods. Di Penates (the Gods of the Pantry) are also given sacrifices for protecting the food stores. Meanwhile, the welfare of the people is prayed for by offerings to springs for Fons and drinking the first wine for health in the honor of Meditrina.

Also, October is a month of transitions. The campaign season is over and soldiers return home. They and their weapons need to be purified before they can rejoin the civilian population. For that reason, this month is under the guardianship (tutela) of Mars.

GODS AND THEIR FESTIVALS

FIDES PUBLICA: The Goddess of Good Faith and Trust, Fides Publica has sacrifices made to Her on October 1. This Goddess presides over oral contracts both political and social. Roman priests make offerings to Fides with gloved hands, to show their absolute trust in Her.

MANIA and DII MANES: The Opening of the Mundus (the Well to the Underworld) is conducted for the second time in the year on October 5. At this time, the Dead (Dii Manes) go amongst the living. I say prayers to Dii Manes and Mania, who is Guardian of the Underworld, to protect my family from the restless Dead.

The Roman calendar differs from the standard Neo-Pagan one. There is no thinning of the veil, instead the Mundus is opened three times a year (August, October and November). The honoring of the Ancestors and the Dead is held in February and May.

FAUSTA FELICITAS: On October 9, a festival is held for Fausta Felicitas, the Goddess of Good Fortune. As Felicitas Publica, She is the Divine Force of the State. People pray to Her in both aspects to keep the commonwealth prosperous and successful.

VENUS VICTRIX: The Roman Goddess Venus has many aspects. One of them is Venus Victrix (Venus Victorious), who protects the State. As Venus Genetrix, She is considered to be the Ancestress of the Roman People. As the Evening Star, Venus led her son Aeneas to Latium to settle. Her festival is also on October 9.

MEDITRINA: The Meditrinalia, the Festival of First Wine, is held on October 11. Cups of new wine mixed with old wine is drunk to Meditrina, Goddess of the First Wine and Healing. She is the daughter of Aesculapis God of Healing, and the sister of Hygenia,

FONS: Fons, the God of Springs, is honored at the Fontinalia on October 13. I make offerings for clean water at a neighborhood stream.

DI PENATES: On October 14, Romans honor Di Penates, the Gods of the Pantry. Along with the Lars, Di Penates protect the household. Since They guard the food stores, Di Penates can be considered the Gods of the Food Banks. Taking canned goods to a food bank is one way to honor Di Penates.

MARS: In October, the Roman armies came home from the wars. They and their arms had to be purified, and Mars thanked for another campaign season. The final sacrifice to Mars for the season was the October Horse. The Armilustrium was the purification of the weapons and trumpets (tubae). At this time, I honor Mars and say prayers for veterans on October 18.

Since Jupiter is important, I have dedicated prayers to various aspects of Him. Each prayer helps to me focus on that aspect of Jupiter, and become closer to Him.

Salve Iuppiter Tonas!

The Thunderer who speaks to us

In the Storm

May we understand

Salve Iuppiter Fulgur!

Salve Iuppiter Fulgurator!

Jupiter of the Lightening bolt

Tells us Your Will

May we understand

Salve Iuppiter Elicius!

Reliever of drought

We thank You for the welcome rain

Salve Iuppiter Capitolinus!

Jupiter of the Capitol

Jupiter who helps us to govern

May we listen

Salve Iuppiter Feretrius!

The Hard Striker

Maker of Treaties who Blesses our Weapons

Salvete Iuno Regina, Iuppiter Optimus Maximus, Minerva Augusta!

O Capitoline Triad

Who shows us to govern

May we heed Your Advice

May our leaders listen

Salve Iuppiter Stator!

The Stayer of the Rout

Who commands us to stay and fight

Salve Iuppiter Invictus!

Unconquered Jupiter

Always victorious

May we follow You

Salve Iuppiter Depular!

The Repeller of Enemies

We thank You

Salve Iuppiter Pistor!

Who told us to give up

What we hold most precious

To win against our besiegers

Salve Iuppiter Conservator!

Jupiter the Savior

Sheltering those in need

We give You Thanks

Salve Iuppiter Caelestis!

Heavenly Jupiter

Who looks kindly down upon us

Salve Iuppiter Custos!

Jupiter the Custodian

Who protects his people

We give You Thanks

Known as The Shining Father (“Dies Pater”), Jupiter (Iuppiter), according to the Romans, is the Ruler of the Cosmos. Jupiter Optimus Maximus (IOM) is the Supreme Roman God. As the Lord of the Sky, He makes his will to be known through thunder and lightning. Any piece of land struck by lightning belongs to Him alone.

The Romans looked to Jupiter as the Protector of Rome and its laws. They saw Him in many aspects of governance. As a member of both the Archaic and Capitoline Triads, Jupiter Optimus Maximus oversaw Roman affairs. As Jupiter Lapis, He presided over solemn oaths. Meanwhile, Jupiter Feretrius presided over treaties and just wars. Jupiter Stator encouraged the Romans to stand their ground against the Sabines and later the Samnites.

Jupiter Pistor appeared to the Romans during the siege of their Capitol by the Gauls. He told them to hurl bread at the attacking Gauls. Believing that the Romans had ample supplies, they decided to leave. The Gauls ended their siege not knowing that the Romans had thrown the last of the food stores at them.

In addition, many of Jupiter’s titles allude to his control of the weather. The Romans delineated his many forms of thunder and lightning in their names for Him. Jupiter Elicius regulated the rainfall, while Jupiter Tonans nearly struck the Emperor Augustus with lightning.

The oldest temple for Jupiter was Jupiter Feretrius, founded by Romulus. This temple was a repository of ritual implements for dedicating treaties. To declare war, the fetialis (priest-diplomat of Jupiter) would hurl a spear from the temple into enemy territory. To solemnize a treaty with foreign governments, the fetialis, using the lapis silex (flint) of Jupiter Feretrius, sacrificed a pig.

What is interesting to me is that St. Augustine listed several epithets of Jupiter in his work “The City of God.”

Victor: He Who conquers all things.

Invictus: He Who is conquered by none.

Opitulus: He Who brings help to the needy.

Impulsor: He Who has the power of impelling.

Stator: He Who has the power of founding.

Centumpeda: He Who has the power of rendering stable.

Supinalis: He Who has the power of throwing on the back.

Tigillus: He Who supports the world.

Almus: He Who nourishes all things.

Ruminus: He Who nourishes all animals.

Pecunia: He to Whom everything belongs.

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Neptune's Dolphins

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Entries tagged with roman

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Roman Gods of the Month: June

Divination: Roman Ethics

Roman Gods for April

Di Manes, The Roman Dead

Modern Roman Saturnalia Festivities

Lupa, the She-Wolf of Rome

Daily Rituals: Evening at the Lararium

Daily Rituals: Morning at the Lararium

ALTARS: LARARIUM

THE HILARIA: ATTIS AND MAGNA MATER

MAGNA MATER (CYBELE): GODDESS OF ROME

PONDERINGS IN MAGIC: RESPONSIBILITY

QUIRINUS, PROTECTOR OF THE ROMAN PEOPLE

FORNAX, ROMAN GODDESS OF OVENS

ROMAN GODS FOR FEBRUARY

ROMAN GODS OF THE MONTH: JANUARY

ROMAN GODS OF THE MONTH: DECEMBER

ROMAN GODS OF THE MONTH: OCTOBER

PRAYERS FOR JUPITER OF THE ROMANS

JUPITER, DIES PATER OF THE ROMANS

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