As promised from our Valentine's Day tale, we are going to briefly dive into the Roman God Faunus. Now, much like many Roman Gods and Goddesses before him, he himself shares a Greek God counterpart (persona), "Pan". If you find that slightly confusing it's okay, this occurs because Roman's religion branched off of and was largely once based within Greek's array of Gods and Goddesses, and was since crafted by the culture's expansion and the changing of times. Faunus is often known as the God of forest, fields, herds, agriculture, fertility, love, and prophecy.
He is often depicted as a half-man and half goat deity, seen as representing and embodying the spirit of nature. Faunus's is much like that of Greek "satyrs", the upper body of a man and the bottom half of a goat. Yes, that means he has legs covered in hair and hooves in place of feet. He is said to have small curved horns atop his head, complete with goat or faun like pointed ears. He is often known as a very "rustic" God, which shines through in his clothing being very simplistic animal skins and organic materials. He at times has been known to adorn a wreath or crown made from vines, leaves, and/or flowers. He has a close relationship with music and is often depicted as playing the panpipes in very earthy and uplifting tones. If not the pipes than he is seen alongside his shepherd's crook, firmly symbolizing both his guardianship/ protector qualities, as well as his caring for livestock and agriculture. But do not let his relaxed posture and simpleness fool you, Faunus is very capable and has been known widely for his dualistic nature. As any out-doorsy person would tell you, nature can be a tricky thing, and so can Faunus, sometimes playful and other times mischievous.
He has his roots deeply planted in ancient Roman mythology and even thought he may not be wildly known today, he was very important way back when. He was believed to be the son of "Picus", considered to be a minor God of agriculture, fertility, and prophecy. His mother was said to be "Canens", an enchanting nymph known to be a divine spirit of nature, one often known for water, trees, and groves. She was said to have an otherworldly singing voice and was often known to have hypnotic qualities for both healing and transformation through melodies and tunes. Faunus is also believed to be the Grandson of "Saturn" (Greek Counterpart Cronus), an ancient Roman God of time, cycles of life and death, harvest, and the Golden Age of Peace.
One of Faunus's more notable abilities was his gift of divine prophecy and wisdom. He was said to be able to communicate with humans through dreams and oracles. Many people would visit his sacred groves and sanctuaries to seek information and guidance, often about their future. Many of these signs if not retrieved directly from dreams, where interpreted through nature signs and some even by priests held in high sacred regard. This close connection with the art of prophecy has been argued as his link to other Gods such as "Mercury". But, this was not all he was called and honored for. February 15th was erected Lupercalia and festivals, scarifies, and feasts were held to not only gain his favor, but to ward off evil spirits, purify the city, and promote health, harvest, and fertility amongst the towns. (More about this festival can be read in the Valentine's Day Post Linked Below)
Faunus has been seen in several mythologies surrounding love, romance, as well as trickery. Even at times causing unexpected and amusing disruptions and issues in the lives of those who travel into his domain. He is truly seen as the untamed aspects of nature, something to be loved, fear, and above all respected. But despite his many tales, both Roman and as the Greek God Pan, he is revered as being a protector, guardian, a watcher over nature, animals, and a bringer of abundances, in their many forms, to people and the land alike.
Associations with Faunus:
Herbs and Plants
Oak: The oak tree was sacred to many ancient deities, including Faunus. Offering acorns or oak leaves was a way to honor him and seek his favor.
Laurel: Laurel leaves were often used in rituals and offerings to Faunus. They symbolized victory and protection.
Pine: Pine branches and cones were also associated with Faunus, representing fertility and the evergreen nature of his influence.
Wildflowers: Offering wildflowers, particularly those found in forests and fields, was a common practice to honor Faunus's connection to nature.
Mint: Associated with renewal and vitality, mint can be used in offerings to promote growth and abundance in nature.
Juniper: Known for its protective and cleansing properties, juniper berries or branches can be used in rituals to honor Faunus and seek his blessings.
Mugwort: Often used in divination and dream work, mugwort can be incorporated into rituals to connect with Faunus's prophetic abilities.
Yarrow: Known for its healing properties, yarrow can be used in offerings to seek Faunus's protection and support in healing.
Marjoram: Associated with happiness and love, marjoram can be used in rituals to promote harmony and joy.
Offerings
Milk: As a pastoral god, Faunus was often offered milk, which symbolized nourishment and fertility.
Wine: Wine was a common offering in Roman rituals, including those dedicated to Faunus. It represented celebration and the bounty of the earth.
Cheese: Given his guardianship of flocks and herds, cheese made from sheep or goat milk was a fitting offering.
Honey: Honey, symbolizing sweetness and natural abundance, was also offered to Faunus.
Acorns and Pinecones: Symbolic of nature's bounty, acorns and pinecones can be used as offerings to Faunus.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Offering seasonal fruits and vegetables from your garden or the market is a way to honor Faunus and celebrate the abundance of the land.
Bread: Homemade bread or bread made from whole grains can be used as an offering, symbolizing the nourishment and sustenance provided by the earth.
Wreaths and Garlands: Creating wreaths or garlands from natural materials like leaves, vines, and flowers can be a meaningful offering that celebrates Faunus's connection to the wild.
Wooden Carvings: Handcrafted wooden items, such as small carvings or figurines, can be offered to honor Faunus and his association with forests and trees.
Crystals and Stones
Green Aventurine: This crystal is associated with nature, growth, and abundance, making it a fitting stone for offerings to Faunus.
Moss Agate: Known for its connection to the earth and plant life, moss agate symbolizes growth and stability, aligning well with Faunus’s attributes.
Emerald: Emeralds are linked to fertility, rebirth, and the lush greenery of nature. They were often used in rituals to honor gods of nature and agriculture.
Jasper: Jasper, particularly green jasper, was associated with nurturing energy and protection, making it suitable for offerings to Faunus.
Peridot: symbolizing growth, renewal, and abundance while being deeply associated with the heart chakra, resonating with Faunus compassionate nature.
Ritual Practices
Nature Walks: Walking through forests or fields and leaving small offerings like flowers, herbs, or crystals was a way to honor Faunus and connect with his spirit.
Planting Trees or Gardens: Planting trees or creating a garden dedicated to Faunus can be a living offering that honors his role as a protector of nature and promotes the growth and health of the environment.
Musical Offerings: Playing the panpipes or other rustic instruments was a way to celebrate Faunus's playful and musical nature.
Feasting and Celebration: Participating in festivals like Lupercalia, which included feasting, singing, and dancing, was a way to honor Faunus and invoke his blessings.
These offerings and associations are ones that deeply reflect Faunus's connection to the natural world and his role as a guardian of the Roman countryside. This is by no means a complete list and as always incorporate whatever you may feel called to when working with energies within your practice. But for Romans, incorporating elements such as these into rituals and offerings was a way for them to seek out his favor and often ensuring the fertility and prosperity of their land and their livestock, which for many was their livelihood.
If you would like to hear some of Faunus's mythological tales of mischief and love, let us know