Their story
Laverna was the patron of thieves and cheats, with an altar near the Porta Lavernalis and a grove on the Via Salaria. Horace describes a man who prays aloud to Apollo while whispering to Laverna to let him deceive, seem just and hide his faults in darkness. Festus says thieves were called Laverniones after her. Some ancient sources link her with the underworld.
Best times to give to them
- At night
- Before recovering something stolen
What they like being given
- Incense
- Something offered in the dark
How to honour them
- Ask her help to find lost or stolen property, not to take anything.
- Ask her to keep thieves from your door.
- Keep her rites private and brief.
How they can help you
- Recovering stolen goods
- Discretion
- Protection from thieves
Symbols
- darkness
- veil
- hidden face
This entry is for protection and recovery, not wrongdoing.
Sources
- Horace, Epistles 1.16
- Varro, De Lingua Latina 5.163
- Festus, De Verborum Significatu
More Roman goddesses
- Juno Queen of heaven and protector of women
- Minerva Patron of craftworkers, teachers and healers
- Venus Mother of the Roman people and goddess of love
- Diana Lady of the woodland grove and the moon
- Vesta The living flame at the heart of home and Rome
- Ceres Mother of the grain and friend of the common people
- Luna The moon, shining through the night
- Libera Partner of Liber in the Aventine triad