Also called Venus Genetrix, Venus Verticordia, Venus Erycina, Venus Victrix.
Their story
Venus was the mother of the Trojan hero Aeneas, whose descendants founded Rome, so Romans honoured her as Venus Genetrix, the mother of their people. Julius Caesar claimed descent from her and built her a temple in his forum. As Venus Verticordia, the turner of hearts, she was asked to guide people toward virtue.
Their day
Friday. Friday was dies Veneris, the day of Venus, still vendredi in French.
Best times to give to them
- Fridays
- the Veneralia on 1 April
- the Vinalia on 23 April
- the evening star at dusk
What they like being given
- roses and myrtle
- perfume
- honey and sweets
- incense
- a libation of wine or grape juice
How to honour them
- Keep the Veneralia on 1 April with a flower-crowned image of Venus and a warm bath.
- Wear myrtle or rose scent on a Friday in her honour.
- Tend a garden, since Venus was first a goddess of gardens.
- Make peace with someone you love.
How they can help you
- love and romance
- self-love and confidence
- turning hearts toward good (Verticordia)
- fertility
- charm and good fortune
Symbols
- myrtle
- roses
- doves
- mirror
- scallop shell
Herbs linked with them
More Roman goddesses
- Juno Queen of heaven and protector of women
- Minerva Patron of craftworkers, teachers and healers
- 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