Athena: The Wise Warrior

Who is the Goddess Athena?

Athena depicted with helmet, shield, and owl. Attributed to the Brygos Painter(c. 490–480 BC). The Metropolitan Museum of Art. (2011), CC BY 2.5.

Often revered as the embodiment of wisdom and strategic warfare, the Greek Goddess Athena holds a place of great importance in Greek mythology. Daughter of Zeus, Athena was conceived without a mother (though in some myths her mother was Metis) and emerged fully formed from his forehead. Athena's birth was as extraordinary as her influence. Known for her wisdom, courage, and the Aegis, a shield she wielded in battle, Athena is often depicted as the protector of cities and a patron goddess of heroes. Despite her divine attributes, the works of later poets, particularly the Roman poet Ovid, have cast a shadow over her reputation, depicting her as a foolish goddess motivated by jealousy, vanity, and vindication...qualities not becoming of the goddess of wisdom, nor ones she was known for possessing.

Athena is often depicted wearing a helmet, carrying a shield or breastplate emblazoned with the head of Medusa (the Aegis), and accompanied by an owl, symbolizing her association with wisdom. Unlike other goddesses who are often portrayed in the throes of love or vengeance, Athena's iconography consistently reflects her rationality, strategic mind, and unyielding strength. This is also due to her status as one of the virgin goddesses, accompanied by others such as Hebe, Artemis, Hestia, and Hecate.

A Tarnished Reputation

However, despite her status as the patron goddess of heroes and wisdom -- Athena's reputation has been tarnished by the Roman poet Ovid who had a problem with authority -- especially female authority. In his works, Athena is not a wise and just deity but one prone to mood swings motivated by extreme jealousy and pettiness. The myth of Arachne, in particular, highlights this shift. In Ovid's Metamorphoses, Athena punishes the mortal weaver Arachne for her hubris, transforming her into a spider after losing a weaving contest. While earlier myths portrayed Athena's actions as a necessary assertion of divine order, Ovid's version emphasizes her cruelty and vindictiveness, contributing to a more complex, and less flattering, view of the goddess.

Similarly, Ovid’s interpretation of the myth of Medusa further complicates Athena's image. Rather than the protective and rational goddess of older myths, Ovid’s Athena is portrayed as punishing Medusa by transforming her into a monster, blaming the victim rather than the perpetrator, Poseidon, who violated her within Athena’s own temple. This retelling has led to debates over Athena's role as a protector of women and a champion of justice. This narrative has been reclaimed in the modern era, suggesting Athena's actions were to protect Medusa from further attacks by men -- giving her the ability to turn them to stone to quite literally weaponize the male gaze. However, in Medusa's original myth she was never human at all but was one of the three monstrous Gorgon sisters who creatures who despised humans.

Symbols of Athena

Athena has many symbols, which you can use in your spiritual practice. Here most common symbols are:

Silver coin at the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon depicting the owl of Athena (c. 480–420 BC).

• The Owl: Perhaps the most widely known symbol associated with Athena is the owl. She is often depicted in classical art with an owl perched on her shoulder or following close behind. In antiquity, the "Owl of Athena" or the "Owl of Minerva" (pictured right) was used on drachmas and coins. 
  
  While the owl is undoubtedly a symbol of wisdom in many cultures, there are a few hypothesis as to other reasons it is associated with Athena specifically. One of the most straightforward explanations is that Athena's city, Athens, has a significant owl population (which has been noted by ancient Greeks like Aristophanes).  Another theory is that Athena evolved from a Minoan bird goddess or another European goddess associated with birds and snakes.
• The Olive Tree: The olive tree is one of Athena's most significant symbols, representing wisdom, peace, and prosperity. According to myth, Athena gifted the olive tree to the city of Athens during a contest with Poseidon to determine who would become the city's patron deity. While Poseidon offered a saltwater spring, Athena's olive tree was seen as far more valuable, providing food, oil, and wood. This sacred tree became a symbol of Athens itself, embodying the ideals of wisdom, sustenance, and enduring peace that the goddess represents. The olive branch, derived from this myth, has since become a universal symbol of peace, reflecting Athena's role as a wise and just protector who prefers to settle dispute with diplomacy or over conflict whenever possible.
• Shield or Aegis: As the goddess of defensive war, the shield is strongly associated with Athena and her role as a protector.  She is often depicted carrying a bronze shield or the Aegis (a shield or breastplate with Medusa's head).
• Snakes: Snakes are associated with wisdom, protection, and the cycle of life and death. In many depictions, Athena is shown with a serpent coiled at her feet or on the head of medusa on her shield, the Aegis.  In truth, the associated of snakes with Athena is not entirely understood, lending credence to the theory she may have her roots in a European snake and bird goddess.
• Spear: as the goddess of warfare, Athena is almost always depicted holding a spear. This represents her skill as a warrior and her fierce strength. When holding 
• Helmet: as part of her armor, Athena wears a helmet. You would be hard-pressed to find a representation of Athena that does not include this iconic symbol.

Harnessing Athena’s Energy in Your Daily Life

Despite these negative interpretations, Athena remains a powerful symbol of wisdom, strategy, and inner strength. Here are a few ways to honor Athena and harness her energy in your daily life:

1. Seek Knowledge: Athena embodies the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. Make it a point to learn something new each day, whether through reading, engaging in thoughtful discussions, or exploring new ideas.
2. Embrace Strategy and Planning: Like Athena, approach challenges with a strategic mind. Whether in your personal or professional life, take time to plan, consider your options, and make informed decisions.
3. Protect and Defend: Athena is the protector of cities and a guardian of justice. In your own life, stand up for what is right, protect those who are vulnerable, and use your voice and knowledge as a weapon to fight for just causes.
4. Balance Mind and Body: Athena represents a perfect balance between intellectual and physical prowess. Keep this balance in your life by nurturing both your mind and body through physical activity and mental exercises.

Invoking the Goddess Athena in Magic and Witchcraft

Our 8.5oz Athena Candle

At Aphrodite’s Apothecary, we honor Athena through our products designed to inspire wisdom, protection, and strength. Whether you’re seeking to channel Athena’s strategic mind in your daily tasks or protect your energy with her shield, there are various ways to incorporate her influence into your magical practice:

1. Wisdom Spells: Invoke Athena’s energy by lighting our Athena Candle when you need clarity and insight, particularly in complex situations. To amplify her energy, use symbols associated with Athena, such as owls or olive branches in your rituals.
2. Protection Talismans: Wear our Medusa Enamel Pin to invoke the power of the Aegis, Athena's shield or armor, for protection. You can also create your own talismans to protect yourself and your loved ones using materials like bronze or use Athena’s symbols in your spells.
3. Justice Workings: If you’re engaged in civil rights, social justice, or legal battles, call on Athena’s energy to support your cause or light our Athena candle before a major event or presentation. Ask her to help ensure fairness, protection, and to help keep your wit as sharp as her blade.

Athena's wisdom, despite the complexities and challenges introduced by later myths, remains a powerful source of guidance and strength. By channeling her energy, you can tap into a wellspring of knowledge, courage, and strategic insight to navigate life’s challenges with the grace and power of the goddess herself.