Athena: A Quick Witch’s Guide to the Goddess of Wisdom and War
Many believe that Athena existed before her Greek mythology, as there are reference to her in other regions like ancient Crete, Egypt and Libya. What we know of her birth from Greek mythology is that There are two versions to the story of her birth: In one, Zeus swallows the goddess of counsel, Metis, while she was pregnant with Athena. The other where Athena has no mother at all. Either way, Athena was birthed, fully grown and in her armor, from Zeus’s head. Despite this, she is Zeus’s favorite daughter!
She is the Goddess of wisdom, war, specifically when it comes to skill and strategy, practical reasoning and handicrafts. Particularly in skills when it comes to sewing or metalworking.
Ares is also a god of war, but where Athena is the strategy side of war, Ares is the violence and bloodshed side of war. But she does use her armor, In the Iliad, she fights beside other gods and heroes.
She wears body armor, a helmet, shield and spear. She is particularly associated with owls but also sometimes has snakes on her cape because of Medusa, a mortal woman whom Athena turned into gorgon for not remaining a virgin while serving her. Athena is also sometimes associated with or has a distaste for spiders due to her weaving abilities. A mortal woman named Arachne challenged Athena on her weaving ability while boasting about her own, ultimately ending with Athena turning Arachne into a spider to forever weave in that form.
Athena has a LOT of lore to unpack. Athens is named after her after she produced the first olive tree there, winning a contest over Poseidon and becoming the patron goddess of Athens. Athena is said to be a virgin goddess to avoid the fate over her mother, in versions where she has a mother. which is also where the Parthenon (parthenos in green is virgin or “maiden”). Athena protected Hercules during his twelve labours. She fought in battles, she entered many contests and usually won, she blinded a man for seeing her naked…
If you are working with Athena, I do recommend learning more about her stories in depth. Not only because she is a goddess of wisdom and knowledge is a great way to honor her, but also so you know what is and is not going to fly with her. Athena is an amazing goddess to work with for strong feminine empowerment. She is incredibly protective and can be a very healing and safe energy. She is empowering and wise. She does have a bit of a temper and does not take kindly to any manipulation. She will enact revenge on your behalf and rewards loyalty.
Athena altar ideas:
Olive branches
Olive oil
White candles
Shields, spears, swords,
Books
Owls
Wine
Woven crafts/Sewn/Knitting
Metal jewelry or tokens