As Spring moves towards Summer we are drawn to spend more time outdoors and in doing so focus more on our health. It does help to be healthy if we are wanting to be more active and be able to enjoy the Sun. Come and join us for an evening of health and healing.
Celebrate Bona Dea
Roman Goddess of Womyn, Fertility & Healing
Thursday, April 18th, 2019 7:30pm
Waxing Moon in Libra, Sun in Aries
Concord locale, directions given upon RSVP
$30 per ritual/$15 first time visit
Bona Dea (the Good Goddess) is a Roman Goddess of Healing & Fertility. She was worshiped exclusively by womyn. Men were not allowed to know Her name, nor speak it, and they were also forbidden from Her Secret festivals. She is sometimes said to be Fauna which means She Who Wishes Well, and it is often considered Her secret name. The grape plant, leaves, and especially wine were sacred to Her. Her rites always were celebrated with wine and thru the intoxicating effect came prophecy. There was also a feasting of a sow which was sacrificed during the ritual then cooked to feed the participants.
Bona Dea, and Her Priestesses, were extremely skilled in healing and herb lore. Her statue in Her temple on Aventine Hill was depicted wearing a crown of grape leaves, carrying a scepter, standing next to a jug of wine. Other representations depict her as a matron seated and holding a snake and cornucopia. Her temples also included a shop that sold all forms of healing herbs and may have included a clinic for womyn. It is known that the high priestess dispensed herbal medicines from the temple.
We are excited to have Certified Nutritionist Eden Leimomi Sussenguth presenting information on her favorite healing herbs, spices and foods to purify your body for Spring. Come and celebrate Bona Dea with an evening of healing and herbs. For the altar please bring a green or wine colored candle, any images of Her, grape leaves, herbs, snakes or the sow.
Please see our participation page for more information on attending our ceremonies.
