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Though I began my spiritual journey exploring eclectic paganism, I found that the novelty-seeking, shallow and ungrounded tendecies of that approach were dissatisfying. In many of these esoteric traditions, rituals are too complex, and tools are used arbitrarily - without much attention paid to history or religious structures. That said, after decades of exploring so-called devotional, polytheistic reconstructionism, the excessively formalized, ungainly praxis and politically partisan organizations I found there were just as spiritually lacking. I'm a Roman polytheist or cultor. Though derived from Roman religion - otherwise known as Cultus Deorum Romanorum - my practice is decidedly independent, personal, philosophical and revivalist in orientation. I focus my practice on worshipping the gods and goddesses in naturalistic context. I endeavor to build upon Roman Religion in a manner than reflects my own relationship to the divine - rather than as a means of maintaining social conformity or promoting tribalism.
Virtue
In much the same way that there are many gods and goddesses of value, there are also many different virtues that have value in the way I lead my life. As far as I'm concerned, one virtue should ever be considered the most important. Morality should be viewed holistically like any other aspect of life. Virtues are not moral absolutes. Virtues are ethical abstractions - expressed differently in each situation, and are determined by the individual above all else. An important exercise of virtue, therefore, is to determine which morals are most valuable and actionable - with the guidance of the gods and ancestors. I believe that one should be open to changing core virtues over time. The good we do in the world is yet another expression of the spiritual devotion that motivates us to maintain altars and leave offerings upon them. Strong relationships with the divine should encourage every person to do good in the world. Moral goodness can be as private as worship, as public as volunteering or as personal as time with friends and family.
Theology
The gods are immanent manifestations within the world, but are also transcendent. They are manifestations of aether - the spiritual foundation of the four sacred elements that created the world. The divine power that unfolds from aether can manifest as any divinity it chooses to - from any culture or pantheon. In my practice, I engage in devotional rituals in honor of the Roman gods and goddesses - as well as from other cultures where appropriate. The most important focus of spirituality is cultivating devotion and gratitude towards the divine. The devotion I have for the gods and ancestors are manifest not only in my prayers and offerings, but also my friends, family and service I do in my community.
Pantheon
The following are the most important gods and goddesses that exist in my personal Roman practice. I also honor other deities, and often consider them to be manifestations of the deities I've listed here. I consider Sol Indiges and Sol Invictus to be forms of Apollo, Luna and Trivia to be manifestations of Diana, Vediovis to be a manifestation of Jupiter, Quirinus to be a manifestation of Mars, and both Terminus and Portunus to be manifestations of Janus. I have also incorporated other innovations. I have paired Diana with Men - a Phrygian deity that was sometimes worshipped as Lunus alongside Luna in Ancient Roman records.
The Sky Gods
The Sky Gods are Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. Their domains are the mountains, the sky, storms, clouds, wind, rain, law, order, authority, philosophy, family, strength, eagles, owls, vultures, geese, cattle and coyotes.
The Wind Gods
The Wind Gods or Venti are Aquilo, Vulturnus, Auster and Favonius. Their domains are wind, fortune, fertility, growth, change, transformation, travel, passerine birds, raptors, waterfowl, fish, amphibians and reptiles.
The Luck Gods
The Luck Gods are Mercury and Fortuna. Their domains are wind, wisdom, intellect, fortune, prosperity, magic, speech, trade, travel, transformation, rabbits, sparrows, waterfowl, snakes, turtles, lizards and frogs.
The Trust Gods
The Trust Gods are Sancus and Fides. Their domains are wind, wisdom, intellect, magic, trust, oaths, contracts, laws, order, transformation, transitions, passerine birds, raptors, waterfowl, fish, amphibians and reptiles.
The Sun Gods
The Sun Gods are Apollo and Aurora. Their domains are the Sun, fire, healing, illumination, order, prophecy, poetry, creativity, athleticism, wolves, small mammals, swans, hawks, eagles, falcons, sparrows and ravens.
The Fire Gods
The Fire Gods are Vulcan and Vesta. Their domains are fire, the hearth, the forge, cooking, crafting, gathering, crafting, weaving, protection, discipline, family, friendship, order, work, discipline, horses, cattle, cats, and serpents.
The Love Gods
The Love Gods are Cupid and Venus. Their domains are fire, emotion, love, vitality, confidence, agriculture, sexuality, intimacy, fertility, transformation fish, serpents, amphibians, rabbits, sparrow, geese and doves.
The War Gods
The War Gods are Mars and Bellona or Nerio. Their domains are fire, passion, war, conflict, vitality, confidence, work, discipline, athleticism fish, serpent, vulture, woodpecker, wolves, rabbits, sparrow, geese and doves.
The Time Gods
The Time Gods are Saturn, Ops and Parcae. Their domains are time, fate, choice, the seasons, weather, agriculture, prosperity, earth, family, cats, bobcats, cougars, serpents, rabbits, mice, rats, fish and cattle.
The Grove Gods
The Grove Gods are Faunus, Fauna and Maia or Flora. Their domains are life, death, chaos, forests, growth, spring, plants, weather, sexuality, prosperity, earth, goats, sheep, deer, bears, cats, serpents, rabbits, mice, rats, fish and cattle.
The Earth Gods
The Earth Gods are Liber, Libera and Ceres. Their domains are fields, foothills, grasslands, agriculture, work, prosperity, fertility, war, discipline, snakes, bobcats, cougars, cats, cows, horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, and pigs.
The Cave Gods
The Cave Gods are Pluto and Prosperina. Their domains are caves, caverns, darkness, death, the underworld, mystery, magic, transitions, physical wealth, earth, water, snakes, bats, owls, rats and dogs.
The Moon Gods
The Moon Gods are Men and Diana. Their domains are the Moon, water, healing, dreams, nature, sexuality, fertility, the wild, deer, bear, cats, cougars, bobcats, boars, peccaries, quails and owls.
The Change Gods
The Change Gods are Janus and Juturna. Their domains are fresh water, change, beginnings, transformation, transitions, boundaries, magic, wolves, woodpeckers, fish, frogs, snakes, lizards, mice, rats and rabbits.
The Stream Gods
The Stream Gods are Fontus and Lympha. Their domains are fresh water, rivers, streams, springs, movement, emotion, desire, fertility, magic, fish, sharks, frogs, snakes, lizards, turtles, mice, rats and rabbits.
The Sea Gods
The Sea Gods are Neptune and Salacia. Their domains are the ocean, coasts, estuaries, mystery, chaos, potential, transitions, transformation, fish, sharks, whales, dolphins, seals, and invertebrates.
Genii
Genii or geniuses are divine, protective spirits of all persons and places - both agrestic and domestic. The various types of genii guard against physical or spiritual harm, secure belongings, protect human dwellings, and sanctify natural spaces. As personal geniuses, they are called daemons or daemones. As genii of the home, they are known as lares. As genii of natural places, they are known as nymphs.
Manes
Manes are the spirits of the dead. The various types of manes guard ancestal wisdom. When properly appeased, manes help protect both agrestic and domestic spaces. Enlightened, free-moving manes are known as ancestors or guides. Malevolent souls are known as lemures. Manes that wander without malevolence or are spiritually confined to the underworld are known as umbrae or shades.
Ritual
In my polytheistic practice, ritual is simple and direct. It involves a personal, memorized ritual primer with an opening sacrifice, a central working and a closing petition. During the central working is where additional spiritual practices can occur. A working can include not only simple devotional meditation and informal prayer, but may also include oath making, divination and magical practice. During the central working, I allow the divine to come to me however it chooses to.
Primer
O Janus, keeper of transitions, Vesta, keeper of the hearth, Lares, keepers of the home, Penates, keepers of the pantry, departed Manes, blessed Genii, and all divinities I am devoted to, I invite you to attend this ritual. In your most holy presence, I present this sacred offering - with deep gratitude and respect - to vivify and sustain you. Do ut des. May you be well disposed. I thank you for the grace and guidance you've bestowed upon me - as well as my kith and kin. Through your aid, I thrive. I affirm my oaths.
[Make informal prayers to the gods.]
O Janus, keeper of transitions, Vesta, keeper of the hearth, Lares, keepers of the home, Penates, keepers of the pantry, departed Manes, blessed Genii, and all divinities I am devoted to, if it is your will, may you make manifest the unspoken desires of my heart and reveal the sacred, hidden knowledge you deem me worthy to receive. If I have caused unbeknownst offense, please accept my deep regret and recall my good intentions towards you. May you receive my gifts with kindness and depart in peace. Valete.
Mythos
Before the creation of the world, there was only aether. Though hidden and formless, aether desired manifestation. Brilliant, celestial fire emerged from the desire of aether - becoming the golden sun and brilliant stars that shine within the darkness of the abyss. Brilliant, celestial fire created the elements of air, water and earth. Air formed the blessed sky and the blowing winds. Water became oceans, lakes and rivers. Earth became the mountains, the valleys and the silver moon. The hidden aether that nurtures all of creation became manifest within these primordial forces as sacred gods and goddesses. After many ages, living creatures emerged in the oceans. Eventually, these living creatures came onto dry land and inhabited the four corners of the world. Along with plants, fungi and animals, many humans would come to populate the earth and honor the gods and goddesses in their blessed forms. Sacred, numinous aether permeates every creature. Through their grace and guidance, life thrives in the world the gods and goddesses maintain.
Feriae
Januarius
Janualia
Festival of Janus on the Kalends of JanuaryAgonalia Jani
Festival of Janus on January 9thJuternalia
Festival of Juturna on January 11th
Februarius
Parentalia
Festival of the Manes from February 13th to 22ndLupercalia
Festival of Lupercus and Faunus on February 15thFeralia
Festival of the Manes marking the end of ParentaliaTerminalia
Festival of Terminus on February 23rd
Martius
Dies Natalis Martis
Birthday of Mars on March 1stMatronalia
Festival of Juno Lucina from March 1st to 7thLiberalia
Festival of Liber or Bacchus on March 17thAgonalia Martis
Festival of Mars on March 17thDies Natalis Minervae
Birthday of Minerva on March 19thQuinquatria Maior
Greater Festival of Minerva from March 19th to 23rd
Aprilis
Veneralia
Festival of Venus on April 1stCerialia
Festival of Ceres inspired by the Ludi Ceriales from April 12th to 19thFloralia
Festival of Flora inspired by the Ludi Florales from April 27th to May 3rd
Maius
Maialia
Festival of Maia on May 1stLemuria
Festival of the Lemures or Larvae on May 9th, 11th and 13thMercuralia
Festival of Mercury on May 15thAgonalia Vediovis
Festival of Vediovis - an enigmatic form of Jupiter on May 21st
Junius
Junonalia
Festival of Juno on June 1stVestalia
Festival of Vesta from June 7th to 15thQuinquatria Minor
Lesser Festival of Minerva on the Ides of JuneFortunalia
Festival of Fortuna on June 24th
Quintilis
Apollonalia
Festival of Apollo inspired by the Ludi Apollinares from July 6th to 13thNeptunalia
Festival of Neptune on July 23rdFurrinalia
Festival of Furrina on July 25th
Sextilis
Nemoralia
Festival of Diana from August 6th to 13thPortunalia
Festival of Portunus and Janus on August 17thVulcanalia
Festival of Vulcan on August 23rdPrimus Dies Mundus Patet
The first of three festivals of the underworld on August 24th
September
Epulum Jovis Maior
The Greater Feast of Jove inspired by the Epulum Jovis and Ludi Romani from September 5th to 19th
October
Secundus Dies Mundus Patet
The second of three festivals of the underworld on October 5thFontinalia
Festival of Fontus on October 13th
November
Epululm Jovis Minor
The Lesser Feast of Jove inspired by the Epulum Jovis and Ludi Plebeii from November 4th to 17thTertius Dies Mundus Patet
The last of three festivals of the underworld on November 8thBrumalia
Festival of Liber or Bacchus from November 24th to December 17th
December
Agonalia Solis Indigis
Festival of Sol Indiges on December 11thSaturnalia
Festival of Saturnus from December 17th to 23rdDies Natalis Solis Invicti
Birthday of the Unconquered Sun on December 25th