Lady Athena / Lady Athene
> The Greek goddess of wisdom, good counsel, reason, handicrafts, strategic warfare and justice. > One of the Twelve Olympians, making her an Ouranic deity.
Parents;
~ Lord Zeus - Father
> The Greek god of sky, lightning, thunder, weather, law, order, justice and hospitality and the ruler of the gods.
> One of the Twelve Olympians, making him an Ouranic deity.
~ Lady Metis - Mother (in selective myths)
> The titan goddess of wisdom, prudence, deep thought and good counsel.
> One of the Oceanids, the children of Lord Oceanus and Lady Tethys, making her a Chthonic deity.
Names and epithets
> Disclaimer; This is not an exhaustive list of every one of Lady Athena's epithets and names. Feel free to do further research.
> This section is split into Names, Notable epithets and Invented epithets (these are epithets that I have created based on my view and perspective of her.)
Names;
~ 'Athena' - Latin spelling
~ 'Αθηνη' - Greek spelling
~ 'Athene' or 'Athina' - Transliteration
~ 'Minerva' - Roman name
Notable epithets;
~ 'Pallas Athena' - Taken from the Myth of Athena and Pallas, this epithet emphasizes Lady Athena's warrior aspect and role as a protector.
~ 'Athena Nike' - Association with the goddess of victory (Lady Nike), and the patron of heroes and triumph, leading warriors and geniuses to victory.
~ 'Athena Soteira' - Association with the shield, one of Lady Athena's symbols, as a protector and defender.
~ 'Athena Polias' - Her role as the goddess of the city, representing the city-state and its protection.
~ 'Athena Parthenos' - Translates to 'Athena the virgin', often associated with purity and innocence due to her status as a maiden goddess.
~ 'Athena Kyparissia' - Meaning the goddess of the Cypress grove, linking to the Cypress tree.
~ 'Athena Kydonia' or 'Athena Kydônia' - The goddess of Cydonia, Crete, representing the city of Cydonia.
~ 'Athena Atrytone' - Meaning 'Athena the unwearying', for her resilience and her ability to fight through the worst.
~ 'Athena Promachos' - Meaning 'she who fights in front' or 'champion', generally nodding to her fighting ability and her role as a leader.
~ 'Athena Ergane' - Translating to 'Athena the industrious', this epithet defined her as a patron of craftsmen and artisans.
~ 'Athena Areia' - A nod to Lady Athena's role as a judge. The myth giving her this epithet was the Trial of Orestes, where he was acquitted for murdering his mother.
~ 'Athena Glaukopis' - Usually translated as 'bright-eyed' or 'with gleaming eyes', this is Homer's most common epithet of Lady Athena, symbolizing her intelligence and wisdom.
Invented epithets;
~ 'Athena Prostatis' - Meaning 'protector', this epithet is the protective nature of Lady Athena.
~ 'Athena Viothos' - A translation of 'Athena the helper', this epithet references how Lady Athena has helped heroes to victory.
Symbolism
> Disclaimer; This is not an exhaustive list of all of Lady Athena's symbols.
> This section is split into Major symbols, Minor symbols, Colors, Herbs and Crystals.
Major symbols;
~ Owls - Owls, particularly the Athene Noctua (also 'Little owls' or 'owls of Minerva'), are associated with Lady Athena, being her sacred animal. They often represent her wisdom and intelligence.
~ Snakes - Snakes are also associated with Lady Athena for their cunning and intellect, and have been depicted with her in ancient statues and artworks. Myths associating Lady Athena with snakes include the myth of Erichthonius, the Athens founding myth and the myth of Medusa.
~ Olive trees - Olive trees, symbolizing peace and prosperity, are Lady Athena's sacred plant. This is also where the saying 'extending an olive branch' originated. Myths associating Lady Athena with olive trees include the Athens founding myth, in which she became the patron of Athens.
~ Aegis - Often depicted as a protective cloak or shield, bearing the head of Medusa, the Aegis symbolizes protection and power. It was said to be a gift from Lord Zeus (who was noted to be the only other deity to wear or use the aegis on a regular basis.)
~ Helmet and armor - Lady Athena is depicted wearing a helmet and armor in many Ancient Greek arts, which is a nod to her domains in warfare and strategy. They are often symbolic of her martial ability and her leadership qualities.
~ Gorgoneion - The Gorgoneion, the head of Medusa (also 'Medousa'), is often depicted on Lady Athena's shield. It is intended to be a symbol of protection. In the mythology, the Gorgoneion was said to turn Lady Athena's opponents to stone.
Minor symbols;
~ Acanthus flowers - The acanthus, having bristle-like blooms, would often be considered as symbols of protection, leading them to be associated with Lady Athena.
~ Myrtle trees - Generally a nod to the myth of Myrsine, myrtle trees were led to be favored by Lady Athena, first and foremost representing love.
~ Spiders - Due to the Myth of Arachne, Lady Athena is sometimes associated with spiders, a reminder of what happens to mortals for the crime of hubris.
~ Doves - Doves are symbols of peace, love and, within Greek mythos, divine favor. Though, the dove is more commonly attributed to Lady Aphrodite.
~ Roosters - Roosters are generally a dual representation of both Lady Athena and Lord Ares, as they represent both Lady Athena's high vigilance and Lord Ares' favored weapons.
~ Eagles - While mostly associated with Lord Zeus eagles have been attributed to Lady Athena on occasion for their symbolism of protection, strength and majesty.
~ Bulls - While Lord Zeus is the patron god of bulls, Lady Athena has been associated with bulls sometimes. This is generally attributed to the myth of the Cretan Bull and the Twelve Labors of Heracles.
~ Crows - Embodying her war-like aspect and her role as a protector, crows are sometimes associated with Lady Athena, although mainly attributed to Lord Apollon.
Colors;
~ Blue - Often one of the main colors associated with Lady Athena, blue represents a variety of things. It is linked to wisdom, one of Lady Athena's primary attributes, and the sky and heavens, reflecting her divine nature.
~ Gray - A nod to her serious and often authoritative nature, Lady Athena is often associated with the color gray. It links to her wisdom, and it isn't uncommon for her to be described as having 'storm-gray' eyes.
~ Gold - A color associated with many of the theoi, gold is a common motif in the Greek pantheon. It reflects Lady Athena's status as a revered deity and her power, ability and prowess.
Herbs;
~ Olives - Lady Athena gave the city of Athens the olive tree; It would be a logical conclusion to associate olive oil, olive branches, olive wood and olives in general with her.
~ Cypress - Seeing as one of Lady Athena's epithets means 'goddess of the cypress grove', cypress trees, branches and leaves can be associated with her.
~ Rue - Used in spells for protection and purification, rue is often connected to Lady Athena, who is attributed to many protective epithets.
~ Lavender - Often used in calming incense and the perfect scent for relaxation and stress relief, this herb aligns with Lady Athena's nurturing aspects and can be associated with her.
~ Sage - Aligned with wisdom and purification, Lady Athena is often associated with sage and it can be burned as incense.
~ Cedar - Cedar is commonly associated with strength and vitality, meaning it could very well be associated with Lady Athena. It also makes a beautifully fragrant oil.
~ Dragon's blood - Widely regarded as a 'power' ingredient, this herb can be associated with Lady Athena.
Crystals;
~ Lapis Lazuli - Lapis Lazuli is commonly associated with truth and clarity, and Lady Athena, as a goddess of wisdom, could be linked to this.
~ Azurite - Linked to Lady Athena because of its association with communication and honesty, azurite can be associated with the goddess.
~ Celestite - Lady Athena, often called 'gray-eyed Athene', can be pictured with eyes the same color as these blue-gray stones.
~ Gold - Many deities were associated with gold. While not a crystal, many of her statues were adorned with gold accents, and many descriptions of her said she wore golden armor.
~ Topaz - Also associated with the color saffron, this stone can remind people of Lady Athena due to its gorgeous yellow color.
~ Citrine - Lady Athena was said to wear a yellow chiton trimmed with purple in some descriptions, which could be linked to this beautiful yellow stone.
~ Carnelian - Lady Athena is still a war goddess, and carnelian being a vibrant stone said to increase physical strength and endurance is the perfect thing for a warrior deity.
Offerings
> Disclaimer; This section is not an exhaustive list of every offering given to Lady Athena.
> This section is split into different kinds of offerings. This is; Votive offerings (physical offerings that were often given before asking for and after receiving a blessing), Creative offerings (things that were created), and Acts of devotion (things that people do in devotion).
Votive offerings;
~ Animal sacrifices - Being a significant form of offering to the theoi in ancient Greece, animal sacrifices to Lady Athena included sheep, goats and cows. This form of offering is generally not used anymore.
~ Olives and olive trees - As olive trees are sacred to her, and her patron tree, symbolizing her connection to Athens and peace and prosperity.
~ Any sculptures/fine art - As Lady Athena was a patron of craftsmen and artisans, most crafts and artworks can be offered to her. This can include statues of her, woven things you have, and pretty much any artwork you own.
~ Lances or spears - In respect and recognition to Lady Athena's domains in strategy and warfare, weaponry (though mostly lances or spears) are not an uncommon offering.
~ Incense - Considered a symbol of devotion and purity, incense was not an uncommon offering to the theoi. For Lady Athena, this can include offerings such as dragon's blood, frankincense, cedarwood and orange blossom.
~ Perfume - Seen as a gesture of love and devotion, perfume offerings were generally a symbol of Arete (giving one's best) and a manner of and seeking Lady Athena's favor.
~ Fruits - Due to a belief that gods should be given their share first, fruits were a common offering to the theoi, especially to deities associated with the harvest.
~ Honey - Seen as a gesture of gratitude and reverence, honey was believed to have dripped from the Heavens, making it a suitable offering for many gods.
~ Grain and food - Symbolizing fertility and abundance, offerings of barley, wheat, honey and various baked goods were not uncommon for Lady Athena.
~ Owl feathers - Naturally shed owl feathers can be a perfect offering for Lady Athena, as owls are her patron animal.
~ Crystals - Crystals that are associated with her can be a great offering, and can be put in dedicating jewelry or even an altar.
~ Herbs - Similarly to crystals, herbs that are associated or that remind you of Lady Athena can be used as offerings or put in an altar.
~ Candles - Used in offerings and placed on many altars, candles are a common offering for the theoi, especially in the given god's color. For Lady Athena, this can be red, gold and blue.
~ Gold, blue items - Gold and blue being colors that represent Lady Athena, anything with these colors in its design makes for a great offering to her.
~ Jewelry - Created by yourself or store-bought, dedicating (and possibly wearing) jewelry in honor of Lady Athena isn't uncommon.
~ Board games - Games like chess, monopoly or any board game that requires any semblance of strategic thought is a great offering for the goddess of strategy.
Creative offerings;
~ Writing - As Lady Athena is the goddess of wisdom, books and other articles of writing would be a logical offering to her, for her knowledge and intellect. This can include your own pieces of writing.
~ Artwork - Like the worship of many other gods, artwork (particularly depictions of her and her symbols, but can be other things too) is not an uncommon offering to Lady Athena, especially since she is a patron of craftsmen.
~ Poetry - While Lord Apollon is the god of poetry, epics and poems are splendid offerings for any god.
~ Sewn works - Being the goddess of weaving, anything sewn or woven is a great offering for Lady Athena. It can be your own work or woven items in your house. (This also applies to crocheted work and other forms of creating with fabric.)
Acts of devotion;
~ Gratitude - An offering of gratitude ranging from spoken offerings to a moment of thankfulness is a common non-tangible offering to the theoi, and can help build Kharis (friendship) with a god.
~ Creating - Creating music, writing, art and other articles of creativity dedicated to a god is a common offering of action. This works particularly well as Lady Athena is a goddess of handicrafts, particularly weaving.
~ Reading - Reading aloud and in your head is a simple, easy and pretty cheap active offering to Lady Athena. Any book will do--especially non-fiction. However, fiction works perfectly fine as well.
~ Research - Doing research on topics that interest you or that you enjoy, for Lady Athena's wisdom and intelligence. This ties into Sophia (the rule of wisdom). This can include: searching things up on the internet, looking at informational books, learning in school, etc.
~ Learning - Learning a new skill, learning about self-defense, learning about your rights and learning in general can be an offering to Lady Athena. Again tying into Sophia, this allows you to relate and worship Lady Athena while also learning.
~ Studying - As terrible as studying is, this is an act of Sophia, and most acts of Sophia can be given or dedicated to Lady Athena as offerings, as she is the goddess of wisdom.
~ Plant an olive tree - Seeing as olive trees are Lady Athena's patron plant, growing, tending to or planting an olive tree can be a great offering for her while also being simple and easy to do.
~ Taking care of an owl - Whether it is a pet, a wounded owl, or just leaving out food, caring for our nocturnal feathery friends, the patron animal of Lady Athena, can be a lovely act of devotion to her.
~ Defending those in need - Lady Athena was known as the 'protector of the weak' (among other things), and defending or standing up for others who need help can be offered or dedicated to her.
~ Sewing - Lady Athena is the goddess of handicrafts, things that you have sewn, are sewing or will sew perfect offerings for her.
~ Self-care - Although this befits other deities more than it would Lady Athena, self-care is an adequate offering for any god. Many people dedicate acts of self-care to deities, and it would not be a stretch to dedicate one to Lady Athena.
