Pagan theologies wiki / Religio Romana

Create a new page
Create a classroom
Create a syllabus
Create a group project
Use another template

Site contents

Wiki information

Contact

Educators: Earn a free Gold upgrade by joining the PBwiki Back To School Challenge.

a spirituality that is both holistic and practical: holistic, because Roman religion acknowledges that spirits of place (genii loci) exist everywhere, along with ancestral spirits (dii manes), spirits of house and home (lares and penates), other, lesser but more mobile minor deities (numina or daimones), as well as a host of gods of tribe and locality (some of which only seem to manifest at certain times of the year, as others are only apparently available in certain localities), besides the internationally-acknowledged gods of the official Roman pantheon. In addition to all these, every human being is a small god in potentiality because within each of us is a genius (possibly best translated as the Higher Self). In other words, the visible and invisible worlds are full of interactive entities, with whom the believer constantly negotiates relationships which it is hoped will be mutually beneficial. - Nick and Carol Ford, 2004

Pomona, goddess of orchards

Religio Romana beliefs

usually polytheist and animist
belief in spirits of place (genii loci)
usually focus on one tradition or pantheon
some do not use magic (moving away from links with the Western Mystery Tradition)
believe in deities as distinct individuals, not aspects or archetypes
often believe that our ancestors' way of life is worth reviving

Religio Romana values

Civic virtues, community values, humanitas. Fairness, honour, peace, nobility, piety, decency, reverence, etc.

-- Nova Roma: Roman Virtues

“If it is not right, don't do it. If it is not true, don't say it.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

Religio Romana festivals

many festivals each month; honouring deities and celebrating the festivals of ancient Rome
daily honouring of ancestors & deities, lares & penates at the family shrine, or lararium
offerings of wine, milk, honey, or herbs
The basic notion included not only the honouring of the gods, but also restrictions on public life: the courts were closed, some agricultural work was restricted, and in some cases holidays given to other workers.