Egeria

Egeria (of the black poplar) In Roman mythology, protector of unborn babies; wife of Numa Pompilius, second king of Rome. She melted into tears when Numa died and was transformed into a fountain by the goddess Diana. Ovid’s Metamorphoses (book 15) tells her tale.

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow
Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante

Egeria

Giver of Life

ORIGIN:

Italian

CLASSIFICATION:

Nymph

Egeria is the wise Nymph who resides with Diana in the Forest of Nemi. She is Diana’s servant and assistant midwife and may be venerated independently or together with Diana. Plutarch reported that Egeria’s spring gushed from a giant oak. Her waters allegedly conferred wisdom, prophetic vision and fertility. She may still be invoked for these gifts.

Egeria is a spirit of wisdom and healing. She was the lover and advisor to Numa Pompilius, second king of Rome (after Romulus), and is credited with helping him establish official Roman state religion.

Manifestations:

A beautiful woman or a mermaid

ELEMENT

Water

SACRED SITES:

Egeria is venerated in wells, springs, and grottoes within groves.

OFFERINGS:

Libations of spring water or milk; terra-cotta ex-votos similar to modern milagros have been found in her spring at Nemi; milagros formed of any material may be offered to her now.

SEE ALSO:

Diana; Mermaid; Nymph; and the Glossary entry for Milagro

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.