Also called Menrva, Minerva Medica, Minerva Capitolina.
Their story
Minerva came to Rome from the Etruscan goddess Menrva and was set beside Jupiter and Juno on the Capitol as one of the three great guardians of the city. The Quinquatrus in March was said to be her birthday, and all who worked with their hands, from weavers and doctors to painters and teachers, kept it as their festival.
Their day
Wednesday. In modern practice, some give Minerva Wednesday, the day of Mercury, who shared her care for skill and learning.
Best times to give to them
- the Quinquatrus, 19 to 23 March
- the Lesser Quinquatrus on 13 June
- the start of a school year or new job
- before exams
What they like being given
- olive oil
- handmade work
- a lamp or candle
- incense
- books or tools set on her altar
How to honour them
- Dedicate a new tool, book or piece of equipment to Minerva before first use.
- Keep the Quinquatrus by setting aside time for learning or craftwork.
- Thank your teachers, as Roman pupils gave their teachers a fee in her name.
- Work carefully and take pride in doing a job well.
How they can help you
- learning and exams
- crafts and skilled work
- teaching
- health and healing
- planning and strategy
Symbols
- owl
- olive
- helmet
- spindle
- aegis
More Roman goddesses
- Juno Queen of heaven and protector of women
- 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
- Proserpina Queen of the underworld and the returning spring