Athena
Athena
Greek Goddess of War, Strategy, Wisdom, and Handcrafting
Mythology
Athena is the Greek goddess of war, strategy, and wisdom. She makes a formidable opponent not because of physical force but because she can outwit just about anyone. She also was the goddess that often aided famous heroes such as Perseus, Heracles, Bellerophon, and Jason. She also played a role in the start of the Trojan War as a result of a feud involving her, Aphrodite, and Hera. One of the more famous myths involving Athena describes her outsmarting Poseidon by succeeding in creating the first olive tree.
Another incredibly famous story involves her competing with a human woman Arachne in a weaving competition and transformed her into the first spider. Another myth speaks of Athena turning Medusa into a gorgon in retaliation to witnessing an assault on her by Perseus. Some believe she did this as punishment or out of jealousy, but others reinterpret this as an act of protecting Medusa, being that any man that tried to gaze upon her again would be turned to stone. It is up to you which version of the myth you choose to abide by. Mythology is rarely ever black and white and is more symbolic of deeper meanings and lessons. As societal ideals change, so do the interpretations of the mythology.
Working with Athena
Athena is the ideal goddess to work with when you want to embody wisdom and think your moves out strategically before making them. She comes out victorious because of her careful planning and sharp wit. She is playing chess, not checkers. Working with her will help you to sharpen as well as strengthen your will. She will awaken the warrior spirit lying within and encourage you to apply yourself in order to achieve your goals. Although anyone can benefit from her gifts, students will find her to be especially helpful when it comes to studying and strategizing.
Symbols of Athena
Olive leaves
Snakes
Gorgoneion
Helmet
Spear
Armor
Chariot
Owls
Creating an Altar for Athena
What to Include:
Symbols of owls
Symbols of snakes
Feathers
Statue of Athena
Art print or pictures of her
Symbols of armor or battle
Books, paper, pens
