Athena

Blessing: Athena helps us to cultivate wisdom, reason, and purity. As a Goddess of noble combat, she aids in the defending of home and country; and by inspiring just laws and civil intercourse, she is a Goddess of peace as well. She helps us to see our cities as thriving communities, as extended families, instead of just a bunch of people who live together. The duties owed to family and friends she extends to our neighbors in the community. She is also the Matron of craftsmen, weavers, and artists, and delights in simple things done well.

Epithets: Aglauros (Dewfall), Agoraia (of the Market), Aithuia (Sea Bird), Alalkomene (Repeller of Danger), Alea (Protectress), Apatouria (of the Apatouria festival), Areia (Warlike), Boulaia (of the Council), Ergane (Workerwoman), Glaukopis (Grey-eyed, Owl-eyed), Gorgopis (Gorgon-Eyed), Hellotis (Broad-Faced), Hephaistia (of Hephaistos), he Theos (the Goddess), Hippia (of Horses), Hugieia (Health), Itonia (of Itonos) Khalinitis (of the Bridle), Khalkioikos (Dwelling in a Brazen House), Khruse (Golden), Kourotrophos (Protector of Youth), Kranaia (Fulfiller), Meter (Mother), Nike (Victory), Nikephoros (Victory-Bringing), Pallas (alternate name), Panakhais (Goddess of the Akhaean League), Pandrosos (All-Bedewing), Parthenos (the Virgin), Phratria (of the Phratry), Poliakhos (City-Holding), Polias (of the City), Polumetis (of Many Counsels), Promakhos (Champion), Pronoia (Providence), Salpinx (War-Trumpet), Sophia (Wisdom), Soteria (Savior), Sthenias (Mighty), Tritogeneia (Born on Lake Triton)

Equated with: Minerva, Neith (Nit), Sophia (Chokhma)

Associations: aegis, helmet, spear, owl, snake, olive, olive oil, olive leaves and branches, aromatic herbs, almond, oak, flax, wool, star ruby, turquoise, amaranth, tiger lily, geranium, yew, galbanum, asafoetida, scammony

Festivals:
Khalkeia (last day Dios)

Ways to honor: Become involved in your community and your city. To neighbors, be friendly. To children, be a mentor. To strangers, be helpful. To your community, be of service, whatever its needs are. Learn new things. Study philosophy. Take up arts and crafts. Support veterans.

Ancient Texts:

Excerpt From De Iside et Osiride by Plutarch

Excerpt From Timaeus by Plato

Excerpts From Guide to Greece by Pausanias

Excerpts From Hieroglyphika by Horapollo

Excerpts From The Histories by Herodotus

Homeric Hymns to Athena

Orphic Hymn to Athena

Medieval, Renaissance and Early Modern Texts:

Excerpt from The Book of Deeds of Arms and Of Chivalry by Christine de Pizan

Modern Texts:

A Desire for Peace by Jason Ross Inczauskis