Roman Gods for July 15-31

 Honos, Virtus, and Victoria

On July 17, these three Gods are honored. Honos and Virtus is honor and bravery in the military respectively. Victoria is victory in war. This is a good day to honor those who have served in the military.

 

Silvanus and the Forest Gods

Lucaria, the Festival of the Grove, is held on July 19 and 21. Traditionally, the Romans would clear land or thin woods at this time. They made offerings of a pig to Silvanus and the Forest Gods for permission to clear wood. Lucaria also included votive works of arts placed in the standing groves. On these two days, I make offerings to the stands of trees near my home to Silvanus Lucaria.

 

Neptune and Furrina

Coming into the driest part of the summer, the Romans were concerned about their water supplies. Held on July 23, the Neptunalia celebrates Neptune in his role as the God of Irrigation. Neptune (Neptunus) is the God of Fresh Water, and Salacia, the Goddess of Salt Walter and Tidal Pools, is regarded to be His Wife. (Neptunus Oceanus is Neptune of the Oceans.) On July 25, the Furrinalia was held for the Goddess Furrina, who watched over wells and other underground water sources. Modern Roman polytheists hold ceremonies to thank both Gods for water.

 

“Ode to Neptune” by Horace (except from Ode III.28 (Translator Mab Morden))

What could be better to do on the feast of Neptune?

We’ll take turns caroling

First I’ll sing of Neptune and the green-haired Nereids

Then you’ll call back on the curved lyre with a verse about Latona

And the swift arrows of Cynthian Artemis.

(Source: Mab Borden, “Ancient Roman Holidays.”)

 

Divus Julius

From July 21 to 31, games were held honoring Julius Caesar as the Divine Julius. Before his assassination, Caesar was named Parens Patriae, Father of the Fatherland. The Senate also decreed that he should have a cult image (simulacrum) to be carried with the Gods. After his death, the Senate made Caesar a God.