To the Romans Minerva was the Goddess of war, wisdom and the crafts of weaving and spinning - an odd combination and one which may be evidence of this Goddess being older than Her Roman origins. In Roman myth the constellation of Pisces was put in the Heavens by the Goddess Minerva and so we also associate Her with the fish and water.

She was the daughter of Jupiter and is reputed to have sprung forth from his head. Her sister was Hebe the Water Bearer to the gods. Her shield was said to represent a great battle between the Greeks and Amazons. Minerva is often related to or interchangeable with the Greek Goddess Athena and similar adornments such as the spear, shield and helmet can be found surrounding them both. These items are also associated with the British Goddess Britannia who can still be found on our pound notes.

Minerva is associated with many symbols of the ancient Great Goddess such as the shield which is believed to be the sun-disk - a representation of the feminine, life-giving Sun spirit. The spear can be compared to the rod, the Great Goddesses secret consort, and the snake upon her shield a representation of Her life giving energy. Minerva's associations with Weaving and Spinning link her back to the Great Goddess as Spinner of fate. We must remember the late Roman pantheon was very much dominated by its masculine Gods and like her Greek counterpart Athena, Minerva is most likely to be a water-down version of the Great Goddess worshiped as One with Many Faces.

Minerva can be called upon when you are in doubt or wish to obtain clarity of thought. As Goddess of Wisdom she can be called upon when you are in need of discernment or when you are unsure of a choice you have made and wish to be shown the wisdom in your choice. Minerva can also be invoked to assist with the death mysteries as she is closely related to the Death Goddess in that of her totem birds is the Owl.

Take yourself to a space where you will not be disturbed. Take with you a candle, a bowl of water and feathers. The feathers will represent the topic upon which you are seeking guidance. It may be a simple yes of no answer you require or deeper clarification - if it is a yes or no answer ensure you allocate a positive outcome and negative outcome to two feathers. Make yourself comfortable, close you eyes and centre yourself by taking a few deep breaths. Draw your attention to you physical body and actively relax all of your muscles. Now take two or three minutes to sit in silence before you begin.

Light your candle, hold the feathers in your hand and say:
"I dedicate this flame to the Wisdom of Minerva, may She be near to me and answer my call".

Now focus on the flame and watch the candle flame flickering and dancing. As you do so your eyes begin to close. Now visualise wings surrounding you, they are the wings of Minerva's Owl and she surrounds and protects you.

Now concentrate on your query, do not focus on any one outcome or worry why you are in doubt, focus only on the subject of your doubt. When you are ready place the feathers in the bowl of water and ask Minerva for guidance. Spend ten minutes in this space and be aware of any images or ideas which come to pass - spend a few minutes in meditation here.

Now whilst in this peaceful state open your eyes and notice the feathers in the water, do they show you a message from Minerva? If there is no message apparent do not worry, sit back and ask to be shown Minerva's wisdom in your dreams or to be given the direction you require within the next two days, and it will come to pass.

Now fill yourself with the energy of the Goddess and make ready for your return to waking state. Before you return to waking state centre yourself and ground yourself in the physical by growing roots into the Earth. Welcome back.