Also called Robigo.
Their story
Robigus, or Robigo in Ovid, was the power behind the rust that could ruin wheat in spring. On 25 April the flamen Quirinalis went to a grove at the fifth milestone on the Via Claudia and made offerings, praying for the harm to be kept away. Ovid, returning from Nomentum, saw the rite and records the prayer. It is a clear example of Romans honouring a harmful power to keep it at a distance.
Best times to give to them
- Robigalia, 25 April
What they like being given
- Incense
- Wine or grape juice
- Spelt or grain
How to honour them
- Pray over your garden in late April for protection from blight.
- Check plants for mildew and treat them with care.
- Ask him to stay far from your crops rather than inviting him in.
How they can help you
- Protecting plants from disease
- Averting harm
Symbols
- rusty wheat
- grove
- red colour
The ancient rite involved a dog sacrifice, which has no place in modern practice.
Sources
- Ovid, Fasti 4
- Varro, De Lingua Latina 6.16
- Columella, De Re Rustica 10
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
- Neptune Lord of fresh water and the sea
- Vulcan God of fire, both destroying and forging