Goddess for Women:
Bona Dea was an Italian (Roman) goddess, patron of the good of the earth and of chastity and fertility in women. Bona Dea was invoked for healing and for freedom from slavery; many of her worshippers were freed slaves and plebians, and many were women seeking aid in sickness or for fertility. She was also considered a protector from earthquakes.
Also known as:
"Good Goddess" - also Feminea Dea, Fauna, Fatua
Bona Dea in Art:
Bona Dea was sometimes depicted with a scepter, vine leaves, wine, and a serpent, usually curled around her arm. Sometimes she was depicted seated, holding a cornucopia. Her image appeared on many coins.
Temple of Bona Dea:
The temple to Bona Dea in Rome stood over an overhanging rock, or cave, and both serpents and healing herbs are associated with the cave. Men were not allowed in her temple or at her festivals, nor were male animals. Some men did bring offerings to Bona Dea.
Festivals of Bona Dea:
May 1 was the annual, state-sponsored festival to Bona Dea at her temple. In early December, there was another private festival as well.
Julius Caesar divorced his wife over an incident where a man, Publius Clodius, disguised himself as a woman to attend a festival to Bona Dea, December 3, 62 B.C.E.
