Author: Sun WuKong
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The Lares, revered spirits of the deceased in ancient Roman culture, held a pivotal role in domestic worship. Their observance originated from the practice of interring ancestors within homes—a tradition that continued until disallowed by the Twelve Tables. Each household was assigned a lar familiaris, a protective spirit who safeguarded the family’s lineage. This figure,…
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Roman religion, also referred to as Roman mythology, encompasses the beliefs and rituals observed by the inhabitants of ancient Italy from the early days until the rise of Christianity in the 4th century CE. This era is categorized as Classical antiquity. Nature and Importance According to Cicero, a notable orator and politician, the Romans possessed…
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The Protector of Boundaries: Terminus Terminus, revered as the Roman deity of boundaries, represented the stones known as termini that defined property lines. This worship dates back to King Numa, where rituals were held at these boundary markers. Community members gathered during the ceremony, wherein the designated spot for the stone was consecrated with the…
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This gallery showcases a variety of interpretations of Zeus, a prominent figure in Greek mythology, alongside portions of his temple. Regarded as “the father of gods and men,” and “the god of sky and thunder,” Zeus stands out as the most potent deity in the pantheon. This exploration aims to unveil the different artistic representations…
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This week, my focus is on the ancient goddess Neith. My fascination with her began during my university studies when I was tasked with an assignment on Egyptian mythology. As I delved into various topics, particularly related to gender, funerary practices, and mythology, Neith naturally captured my interest. Her titles like ‘Mistress of the Bows’…
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Vesta: The Goddess of Hearth and Home Vesta, the revered goddess of the hearth, symbolizes the sacred fire that resides within homes, emphasizing purity and virginity. She is remembered not only through offerings of food, incense, and milk but also through the devotion of her priestesses and the cultural rituals surrounding her worship. Vesta in…
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Years ago, I forged a friendship with George, an enthusiastic historian of ancient Celtic culture. While sharing drinks in a pub, he captivated me with tales of the seldom-discussed Celtic deities of creativity, particularly the god Gobhniu alongside his companions, Luchta and Creidhne. As George unraveled these engrossing stories about the gods of metalsmithing, I…
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Exploring the Divine Feminine through Meretseger The Divine Feminine embodies a balance between masculine and feminine energies, crucial for achieving inner harmony and contributing positively to the world around us. Regardless of one’s physical gender or self-identification, this balance is vital for personal and collective well-being. The Enigmatic Meretseger Meretseger, an Ancient Egyptian Cobra Goddess,…
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Exploring the Underworld Journey In the realm of the afterlife, the spirit of the departed would encounter a series of divine entities, mythical beings, and guardians as they navigated their way to meet Osiris and enter the Hall of Final Judgment. This critical meeting would offer the deceased a chance to argue for their right…
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Cernunnos, often referred to as the horned deity of the Celts, embodies a myriad of concepts including nature, wildlife, and fertility. He is typically portrayed with stag antlers or horns and is adorned with a torc around his neck. Despite the limited information available on him, notable representations can be found in various Celtic artistic…