honorthegods: Altar to Bona Dea. Glanum, Bouches du Rhone, Provence, France. Today, 1 May, is t

honorthegods:

Altar to Bona Dea. Glanum, Bouches du Rhone, Provence, France. 

Today, 1 May, is the dies natalis (anniversary) of the dedication of the temple of Bona Dea on the Aventine in Rome. Bona Dea is a goddess of healing and a protector of the Roman people.

The cult of Bona Dea, the Good Goddess, is married to Faunus, god of the flocks from Latium, and connected with Damia, goddess of the fertile earth from Magna Graecia, who is (perhaps, Demeter). The rites of Bona Dea were secret, permitted only to women and banned for men, though men were allowed to seek healthcare from the medical staff at the goddess’ temples.

The ears on this altar indicate Bona Dea’s reputation for “hearing” prayers.