Working With the Goddess Minerva O
stara, also known as the Spring or Vernal Equinox, happens every March between the 20th and the 23rd. This magickal Pagan holiday celebrates the moment when the day and night are equal and the light starts to return and stay longer. This time of year, one of the wonderful goddesses to work with is Minerva. In addition to honoring Minerva during Ostara, she has her own festival. March 19th through 23rd is known as Quinquatria, and sacrifices were made to the goddess during this time. As Minerva is also considered the patron goddess of theater and the arts, many plays and other public art displays were performed. Minerva is the Roman goddess of wisdom, the arts, trade, poetry, medicine, and war. Minerva is also the Roman name for the Goddess Athena. She is also considered a virgin goddess and is commonly referred to as a “jack of all trades” because of the number of things that she rules over. Symbolically, Minerva is usually shown in full battle gear - a spear, helmet, and chainmail. She is also commonly seen with her owl, a physical representation
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of her wisdom (known as the Owl of Wisdom). There are a few offerings specific to Minerva; olives, incense, needlework, silver gifts, and milk. These are best to offer her while seeking her assistance. Minerva is especially good at helping with things that require strategic planning, due to her status as a goddess of war. She is also great to call when seeking wisdom for anything that might be confusing in your life or clarification on where you should go next. While Minerva is an ancient goddess, she is one that can easily be used in a more contemporary sense. Her “do it all” attitude blends well with modern women and feminism, and she is the perfect deity to invoke if you’re struggling with feeling like you can handle all life seems to be throwing at you. Minerva can help remind you that you are strong, powerful, feminine, and capable. Invoke Minerva when working with sexual magick or the Maiden aspect of the Triple Goddess.
