The Greek Goddess Athena (a.k.a Athene, Bright-Eyed, Holy Virgin, Maiden Goddess, Mother Goddess of Athens, Pallas Athena (in memory of a close friend) is a multi-faceted virgin goddess. She was born of Zeus and Metis. Zeus swallowed Metis to prevent the birth of Athena but she nevertheless sprung from his head full-grown and fully armoured. She is the virgin mother of Erichthnonius. Athena is one of the only three able to withstand Aphrodite's influence. She is the goddess of wisdom, war, arts and crafts, industry, invention, women's rights, freedom, justice, and skill. She is the patroness of craftsmen: smiths, goldsmiths, potters, dressmakers, shipbuilders, weavers, and spinners and presides over protection, writing, music, the sciences, renewal, prudence, wise counsel, peace, and strategy. She was the goddess of war but the tactical and strategical side of war. She was strong and never lost a battle and thus the Grecian generals and captains looked to her for advice. The goddess of victory, Nike, was often by her side. Unlike her brother Ares, she much preferred settling conflicts through mediation than violence and battle. As the goddess of war, she is often called Pallas and is responsible for determining the fates of individuals engaged in combat. As a goddess of intellect, she was the first to teach the science of numbers and all ancient women's arts (cooking, weaving, spinning). Athena was very merciful and was fond of many Greek heroes, oftentimes assisting them in their quests. Those she aided include Odysseus, Heracles, Jason, Perseus and Cadmus. She is often depicted fully armed with a breastplate, a helmet on her head, a spear in hand, and her shield upon which the head of Medusa is affixed. Because of the latter, she often described as the grim goddess. She is aloud to borrows weapons from her father, Zeus, including his aegis, buckler, and thunderbolts. Her sacred city is Athens, named after her for winning the city in a contest with her uncle Poseidon. She gave the city the olive tree, judged a better gift than Poseidon's salt water spring. Her other contributions to society include the bridle, the trumpet, the flute, the pot, the rake, the plow, the yoke, the ship, and the chariot. She is identified with the Roman goddess Minerva.
Trees sacred to Athena: Fir, Olive, Oak
Herbs sacred to Athena: Aster
Animals sacred to Athena: Owl, Snake
References:
-The Witches’ Web of Moon Deities
-The Encyclopedia Mythica
-Greek Mythology Today
-Greek Mythology
-Gerina Dunwich /Wicca Craft/ Paperback / Carol Publishing Group / May 1991
-D.J. Conway /Maiden, Mother, Crone/ Paperback / Llewellyn Publications / July 1994
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