Carna is the flesh goddess, the carnal queen. She is the goddess who controls the functioning of the body, including the ability to obtain nourishment from food and the pleasures of the flesh. Although Carna has dominion over the entire corporeal form, she is particularly associated with inner organs, especially the heart, liver, and lungs. Invoke her assistance with any health issues. She is also petitioned to strengthen health and body in general, especially in terms of the digestive system.
Carna may be invoked to help those suffering from eating disorders obtain nourishment and establish a healthy relationship with food.
According to one myth, Janus was so taken with the carnal goddess that he transformed her into Cardea, goddess of hinges, the better to keep her always near.
ORIGIN:
Italy
Feast:
1 June
Rituals:
Romans traditionally ate hot bacon and beans cooked with farro (emmer wheat) on Carna’s feast day.
Sacred site:
Carna had a grove beside the Tiber River.
OFFERINGS:
She was traditionally offered flour ground from fava beans.
SEE ALSO:
- Cardea
- Janus
- Roman Mythology
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses – Written by : Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.