Also called Jove, Iuppiter Optimus Maximus, Jupiter Stator, Diespiter.
Their story
Ovid tells that King Numa once bargained with Jupiter over what sacrifice would avert his thunderbolts. When Jupiter asked for heads, Numa offered heads of onions; for human hair; for lives, the lives of small fish. Jupiter laughed and accepted, pleased with the king's wit, and sent a shield from heaven as a pledge of Rome's safety.
Their day
Thursday. Thursday was dies Iovis, the day of Jupiter, which is still jeudi in French and giovedì in Italian.
Best times to give to them
- the Ides of every month, sacred to Jupiter
- Thursdays
- the Vinalia on 23 April and 19 August
- the Ludi Romani and the Epulum Iovis in September
What they like being given
- a libation of wine or grape juice
- spelt or grain
- frankincense
- white flowers
- a small cake
How to honour them
- Honour Jupiter on the Ides of each month with incense and a short prayer.
- Keep your word and your agreements, as he guards good faith.
- Pray to him for the good of your town or country, not only yourself.
- Speak his name with respect when making a formal promise.
How they can help you
- keeping promises and agreements
- leadership and public duty
- protection and stability
- success in worthy undertakings
Symbols
- eagle
- thunderbolt
- oak
- sceptre
- white
Herbs linked with them
More Roman gods
- Mars Father of Rome and guardian of fields
- Mercury Patron of merchants, messages and journeys
- Janus Two-faced god of doors and beginnings
- Saturn King of the golden age and lord of the harvest
- Sol Invictus The unconquered sun, reborn at midwinter
- Neptune Lord of fresh water and the sea
- Vulcan God of fire, both destroying and forging
- Apollo (in Rome) Healer and prophet adopted by Rome