Also called Pallas Athena, Athena Parthenos, Athena Ergane, Tritogeneia.
Their story
Athena sprang fully armed from the head of Zeus. She and Poseidon competed to become patron of Athens: Poseidon struck the Acropolis and brought forth a salt spring, while Athena planted the first olive tree. The city judged her gift the more useful and took her name.
Their day
Wednesday. In modern practice, some give Athena Wednesday, the day of Mercury, as a day for thought, study and skill.
Best times to give to them
- the third day of each lunar month, her monthly birthday
- the Panathenaia in midsummer
- before study, exams or a hard decision
- when beginning a craft project
What they like being given
- olive oil
- olives or an olive branch
- woven or handmade items
- frankincense
- honey cakes
How to honour them
- Light a lamp of olive oil for Athena when you sit down to study or plan.
- Dedicate a piece of your own handiwork to her, such as weaving, knitting or carving.
- Keep an owl image or olive branch on your desk as a reminder to think clearly.
- Stand up calmly for someone who needs defending.
How they can help you
- clear thinking and good decisions
- learning and exams
- craft and skilled work
- courage under pressure
- fair judgement
Symbols
- owl
- olive tree
- aegis
- helmet and spear
- loom
More Greek goddesses
- Hera Queen of heaven and guardian of marriage
- Artemis Lady of wild things and the hunt
- Aphrodite Foam-born goddess of love and beauty
- Hestia Goddess of the hearth and the home fire
- Demeter Mother of the grain and the harvest
- Persephone Queen of the underworld and the returning spring
- Hecate Keeper of crossroads and keys
- Selene The moon herself, driving her silver chariot