genius (mythology)

In Roman mythology, every man had a genius and every woman a juno (Juno was also the name of the queen of the gods).Originally, the genii and junones were ancestors who guarded over their descendants. Over time, they turned into personal guardian spirits, granting intellectual prowess. Sacrifices were made to one's genius or juno on one's birthday.The juno was worshipped under many titles:Iugalis - protected marriageMatronalis - protected married womenPronuba - protected the brideVirginalis - protected virginity
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