Queen of Heaven
Juno is the Queen of the Roman region. She is an ancient spirit who preceded the Romans in the area. In her earliest incarnations, Juno was the Spirit of Time, organizing the orderly division of time. In this capacity, she rules the menstrual cycle - what was once considered the earliest calendar. Matron and protector of women, Juno is involved in every stage of female life, from a woman's first breath to her last. Her particular concerns are marriage and fertility. Juno epitomizes womanpower.
Women were expected to honor Juno each year on the occasion of their birthdays. According to Roman tradition, during the week following a birth, a table laden with offerings honoring Juno was kept in the new child’s room.
Juno can heal any illness but is specifically associated with those considered “women’s illnesses” or anything to do with female parts of the body. She bestows fertility or can help you not get pregnant if that’s your desire. She oversees romance, marriage, and menopause and has the power to fulfill any request made by a devotee.
Juno has become identified with Greek Hera as if Juno is just another nation’s name for Hera. Hera and Juno do have many similarities and common concerns. However, they are not the same; their natures are quite different. Juno is not an abused, volatile jealous wife. Juno is calm, regal, serene, and usually a very reasonable spirit.
Juno favors women, children, Romans, Italians, men of military age (whether or not they are in the military), those born or married during the months of June and February, or on one of her many feast days.
Juno is depicted as a veiled woman with a flower in her right hand and holding an infant in her left.
Her sacred animals are snakes, goats, wolves, peacocks, crows, and geese. And she drives a chariot drawn by lions.
Her sacred tree is the Fig and her flower is the Iris. Her planet is the Moon and her number is 1.
The first day of each month is dedicated to Juno. Her primary feast day is held on March 1.
Juno is considered the guardian of Rome and provides for its safety and well-being.
If you wish to venerate Juno, traditionally done on the 1st of each month, offer her flowers, peacock feathers, Italian wine and mineral water, coins, a flock of toy geese, and cooked lamb or beef.
Over the centuries, Juno developed many paths, which may all be understood as the many facets of one great goddess. The different paths were recognized and venerated independently by the Romans. You can celebrate all of Juno’s feasts and facets or any one in particular which resonates with you. The following are a few of Juno’s many aspects:
Juno Februata
Juno the Pacifier or Juno of the Fever or Love presides over the month of February, the last month of the traditional Roman year, dedicated to spiritual cleansing and getting ready for the new year to come.
Juno Covella
Juno of the Vault of the Heavens, spirit of the New Moon. The appearance of the New Moon marks the first day of each lunar month. Juno Covella presides over calendars.
Juno Sospita
Juno the Savior or Defender, Mother of Rome, and Matron Deity of the Republic. This is Juno in her warrior aspect.
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