Also called Forculus, Limentinus, Limentina.
Their story
Roman religion named very specific powers, and the door had several: Forculus for the door leaves, Cardea for the hinge, and Limentinus for the threshold. Christian writers such as Augustine and Tertullian listed them, mockingly, to show how many gods the Romans kept. Yet the threshold truly mattered in Roman life, and a bride was lifted over it so she would not stumble. These spirits sit alongside Janus, god of all doorways.
Best times to give to them
- Moving into a new home
- Kalends of each month
- Before a wedding procession
What they like being given
- Salt sprinkled at the threshold
- Incense at the door
- Flowers hung on the door
How to honour them
- Sweep the doorstep and give thanks.
- Pause at the threshold of a new home before stepping in.
- Hang a garland on the door on special days.
How they can help you
- Home protection
- New homes
- Transitions
Symbols
- door leaf
- threshold stone
They are known mainly from hostile Christian writers citing Varro.
Sources
- Augustine, De Civitate Dei 4.8
- Tertullian, De Idololatria 15
- Tertullian, De Corona 13
More Roman spirits
- The Lares Guardian spirits of the household and crossroads
- Penates Guardians of the household store cupboard
- Manes The honoured spirits of the family dead
- Genius The divine double of each man and household
- Juno (personal spirit) The guardian spirit of each woman
- Lares Compitales Guardians of crossroads and neighbourhoods
- Parcae The three Fates of birth and death
- Camenae Spring goddesses of song and prophecy