Also called Proserpina (identified).
Their story
Libera was worshipped with Ceres and Liber in the Aventine temple dedicated in 493 BC, an important shrine for the plebeian order. According to Varro, as reported by Augustine, Liber presided over the male seed and Libera over the female. She was later identified with Proserpina, daughter of Ceres. Little narrative survives, so her worship is known mainly through her place in the triad.
Best times to give to them
- Liberalia, 17 March
- Cerialia, 12 to 19 April
What they like being given
- Honey cakes
- Grape juice or wine
- Grain
- Flowers
How to honour them
- Honour her alongside Ceres and Liber as a triad.
- Sow a few seeds with a prayer in her name.
- Offer thanks for freedom you enjoy.
How they can help you
- Fertility and growth
- Women's concerns
- Independence
Symbols
- grapes
- ear of wheat
- ivy
Her separate identity from Proserpina is debated by scholars.
Sources
- Augustine, De Civitate Dei 7.2-3
- Cicero, De Natura Deorum 2.62
- Dionysius of Halicarnassus, Roman Antiquities 6.17
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
- Proserpina Queen of the underworld and the returning spring