A to Z Challenge – JUNO

Day 10

April 11, 2016

The Decade Later Letter – J

JUNO

(Roman)

Areas of Influence: Juno was the Goddess of marriage, pregnancy and childbirth.

She was the Queen of the Gods and part of the Capitoline triad that also included Minerva and Jupiter.

This Deity was an embodiment of the traditional female roles of wife and mother.

One of her titles was Lucino (meaning light) as she helped to bring children into the light of this world at birth. She was also said to set and strengthen a child’s bones.

She was also Goddess of conception, a Goddess to be called upon in labour and one who helped settle disagreements between spouses.

Juno protected the finances of the Roman people. In this role she was the patron Goddess of the royal mint.

Before she absorbed many of Hera’s characteristics several scholars suggest that she was a Maiden Goddess.

The Month of June was named after her and it was considered the most favourable months in which to get married.

Her other claim to fame is that as an archetypal figure she appears in Shakespeare’s play The Tempest.

Each Roman woman was said to have her own Juno which represented her female spirit.

Origins and Genealogy: According to later Roman myths she was the sister and consort of Jupiter and the mother of Mars, Hebe and Vulcan.

Mars was conceived when the Goddess was imoregnated by a flower.

Strengths: Leadership and a loyal wife.

Weaknesses: Jealousy and vindictiveness.

Symbolism

This Roman Goddess had a more warlike nature than Hera and was often depicted in a goat skin coat that was favoured among Roman soldiers.

She was also able to throw lightning bolts like her husband Jupiter. Sacred Birds: Geese and peacocks.

Sacred Plants: The wild fig tree.

Festivals: A special ceremony was dedicated to her in the home to celebrate the begining of each lunar month.

Her main festival, the Matronalia was held on 1st March. On this day married women asked their husbands to give them money to make offerings to the Goddess.

A smaller celebration known as the Nonae Caprotinae took place on 7th July.

Greek and Etruscan Equivalents: The Goddess Hera was the Greek equivalent to Juno.

Uni was the Etruscan Goddess who shared many similarities with this Deity.

Juno’s Archetypes

The Queen :

In the positive aspect the Queen represents the regal feminine. Using her benevolent authority to protect others. This Archetype can signify the power of women who rule over anything from the office to the home environment.

The shadow aspect reflects the tendency to become arrogant, controlling and aggressive when challenged.

As Queen of the Roman pantheon Juno has power and authority. Like her Greek counterpart, Hera, she misuses her position when she feels threatened. The Companion:

This stereotype is loyal, tenacious and unselfish in their service to a more authoritive figure. In this relationship she provides the emotional and practical support to enable her partner to concentrate on his mission. This was long considered the traditional role of the wife.

The shadow Companion manifests as betrayal, breaking confidences and identity loss through constantly suppressing your own needs.

Despite her husbands numerous affairs Juno remained loyal to her husband. How To Work With These Archetypes

The Queen:

The Queen asks whether you rule over your domain fairly, protecting every body’s rights and feelings.

Or do you need to look at patterns of trying to control others to protect your own emotional and personal position? If this is one of your patterns, you need to ask yourself what are you afraid of losing and where does that fear stem from ?

The Companion:

Do you have a long history of playing the loyal Companion to other people? Are you happy with this role or do you feel that the partnership is unequal and resent the fact that your needs are not being met? How do you express this resentment?

The shadow aspect of the Companion suggests you look at ways at achieving a better balance. Begin to rediscover who you are and what you want in life and allow time to follow your own interests.

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http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/ – J

Information: Goddess.com

Photo: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/167970261077662408/

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