Also called Neptunus.
Their story
Neptune was first a god of fresh water, honoured at the height of summer when springs ran low, and only later took on the sea and the stories of the Greek Poseidon. At the Neptunalia on 23 July Romans built shady huts of branches, called umbrae, and feasted in them. He was among the gods feasted at Rome's first lectisternium in 399 BC, and he had a temple near the Circus Flaminius. As Neptune Equester he was also linked with horses and with Consus.
Best times to give to them
- Neptunalia, 23 July
- Kalends of each month
- Before a sea or river journey
What they like being given
- A bowl of fresh spring water
- Wine or grape juice poured into running water
- Blue or green flowers
- Incense
How to honour them
- Build a small shelter of leafy branches in the garden in July, as Romans did at the Neptunalia.
- Pour a little clean water back to a stream with thanks.
- Keep a shell or small trident on the altar as a sign of him.
How they can help you
- Safe travel over water
- Relief in drought and heat
- Emotional flow when stuck
Symbols
- trident
- dolphin
- horse
- leafy bower
Most sea myths told of Neptune are borrowed from the Greek Poseidon.
Sources
- Varro, De Lingua Latina 6.19
- Livy 5.13
- Festus, De Verborum Significatu (s.v. umbrae)
More Roman gods
- Jupiter Best and greatest, guardian of Rome
- 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
- Vulcan God of fire, both destroying and forging
- Apollo (in Rome) Healer and prophet adopted by Rome