Family Deities: Venus (Genetrix)

Thanks for joining us for another Families’ Deity! We’re exploring deities that tie into families and family values, or who are important to the family unit or children in some way. This month, we are exploring the motherly Goddess, Venus (Genetrix)

Why is Venus (Genetrix) one of our Family Deities?

Many of us have heard of the Venus, though if we look deeper into the complex structure of the pagan Roman empire, it’s difficult to pin down exactly who Venus was. Venus began life as a nature God, linked to Spring, before becoming a Goddess of Love and then into various other representations. Venus was a God of many faces… And one of those faces was Venus (Genetrix), or Venus The Mother.

In the 48BCE, Julius Caesar vowed to dedicate a Temple in Rome to Venus (Genetrix), claiming his family’s descent from this Goddess. His vow came to pass in 46BCE when he dedicated the Temple of Venus (Genetrix) in the Forum of Caesar in Rome, some elements are still standing, though the Forum and Temple have been burned and restored numerous times during the Ancient Rome period.

The dedication of the temple occurred on 26^th September, and this became the festival of Venus (Genetrix). During this time, offerings were made to Venus (Genetrix) specifically though it was a festival of ancestor veneration, motherhood, and the ancestral home.

Honouring Venus (Genetrix)

On the 26^{th of} September the followers of Venus (Genetrix) celebrated with sacrifices and festivities, so you might look to honour and remember your family both present and those that have passed.

Venus (Genetrix) Correspondences
Motherhood, Family, Ancestors, The Home

Animals
Doves are commonly associated with Venus, though in the name of Venus (Genetrix) you might like to consider your own personal or family/ancestral animal links, pets, etc.

Images
There are numerous sculptures that have been replicated since ancient times of Venus (and sometimes Aphrodite) Genetrix, and they usually depict a version of Venus that has been draped with cloth of some form. 

Offerings
There’s no record of the precise nature of the offerings and sacrifices, so perhaps consider placing flowers with photos of loved ones or tending to memorials, graves, or places of significance to you and your family present and past.

What are your experiences with this fascinating deity? Pop over to our Facebook group and let us know.