Minerva, a Roman Goddess, was said to be born from the forehead of Juniper. She was born fully suited with steel. She is the Planner, the goddess of Wisdom and justice and the sponsor of the arts of every kind.
She was the weaver, the poet, the musician, and very crafty and will cause you to be such today.
Her owl symbolizes her wisdom in the medicines, as well as everyday wisdom. The Olive tree comes from her offerings of an olive branch rather than offering war. It is said that she invented the flute by making holes in a piece of boxwood. She was so delighted with her flute that she wandered around all day playing her flute. She, eventually, came to a pool, and there, saw her reflection in the still water. She was sorely embarrassed to see how she puffed out her cheeks to play the flute. She was so disgusted with herself that she threw the flute away. In fact, she cursed as she threw it and thought that anyone who picked it up would be cursed. In ancient Roman times, if one played a flute and pointed it at someone, while he played, he was cursing that person. It was said that that person would die. What Minerva saw in the pond, reminded her of her vanity at playing the flute and vanity was something she realized made her what she thought was ugly. Her curse at throwing the flute was said to land on the next person that picked it up.
We must never be vain. I suppose that selfies and overdoing enhancements to make ourselves look younger and overdoing makeup to make us think we look prettier rather than natural are part of our vanity. AI (Artificial Intelligence apps to make us other than what we are, might be vanity as well.) I hate having my photograph taken. I do not look good in photographs and I try to avoid having mine taken. I just am what I am and these days I am looking old and pale without ‘enhancement’, so, if I go out, I do try to up it a little.
Minerva serves as a role-model for women. She was heroine in that she strategized and found a better way to victory with no vanity attached.
©Carol Desjarlais 1.3.23
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