Magic of Rome

Ancient Rome was a culture with beliefs deeply rooted in the power of spirits and gods. The Romans believed them to inhabit every facet of their lives – people, nature, animals, food. Everything had a god or a guardian, and as Rome expanded, so did their gods. Ancient Romans attributed their success as a world power to their accumulated pantheon. After their conquests, if a rival fought well, they adopted their gods. When the ancient Romans conquered the Greeks, they embraced their gods and legends and changed their names and personalities to better fit the Roman way of life. Anything that went wrong was attributed to people forgetting to worship the gods properly. Extraordinary temples were built all over the Roman Empire, and offerings were made to the gods every day, based on the principle of do ut des, “I give so that you might give”. Romans believed in the immortality of the soul, and it was essential that the soul was not tarnished when it reached judgment in the afterworld. There was one goddess who embodied the standard all Romans sought to live by, and she was known as Veritas.  

Veritas, the Roman goddess of truth is often depicted nude, holding a hand mirror. She was the daughter of time (Cronus) and mother of Virtue, sculpted to form by Prometheus to instill the spirit of truth and justice into the Roman people. It is said that Veritas was so elusive, she hit the bottom of the holy well, indicating that truth is usually found with great difficulty. Ancient Romans believed mirrors were the access to Veritas, as they reveal every flaw and beauty. They believed they had the power to penetrate the self through interior thought. When one looked in the mirror, desiring nothing, they became the projection of spiritual immaculacy. If the seeker was only mesmerized by their own beauty, it indicated pride, lust, and vanity; the direct opposite of truth. Veritas did not only hold a mirror, she was the mirror. She was the reflection of pure light.

• Discussion question: What do you see when you look in the mirror?

Ritual

This ritual is intended to help you discover who you truly are by visualizing, integrating, and understanding all parts of yourself. These tools will help you dig deep, and protect you at the same time.

First, burn white sage to lift the room, inviting in only the pure, positive vibrations. All ritual must always begin by removing any negative vibrations from your space. With your eyes closed, stay in the connected beam of white light.

Anoint yourself with my Veritas Perfume, created with notes that help you bring your truth to life by activating your Throat Chakra.

Allow your Truth Candle to serve as your centerpiece. Place the stones around yourself, or in your hands, as you sit in front of your candle. Then, light your candle, come into present time, take three deep breaths, and visualize your connection to yourself. Open your eyes and look in the mirror. Look at yourself in your true state of being. Visualize what you want and say it out loud. What you seek will come to life.

As you focus on yourself, stay present. Take in all your beauty, even the dark parts of yourself. Close your eyes again and be grateful for everything you are, you’ve been, and will be.

• Discussion question: When you envision yourself in perfect form, what do you see?

Magic of Rome: Veritas Speak Your Truth Set

This set is filled with tools intentionally chosen to help you speak your truth.

I chose tulsi, neroli, ylang ylang, and jasmine for my Veritas Perfume. Anoint yourself, your candle, and your stones with this blend to capture the spirit of truth. The truth you speak out loud, the truth you hear, and the truth you see. Your bottle of perfume has been infused with a clear quartz chip stone to magnify every intention.

Tulsi is a healer of the subtle body systems, while the uplifting properties of Neroli are said to heal bodies, minds, and spirit. Ylang ylang invokes ancient wisdom and connects us to our goddess selves. Jasmine means gift from God. It carries calming, sensuous properties that open you, and those around you, to Divine beauty and love.

Use the Truth Candle in this set – which is hand-poured with soy wax and blended with my Truth Perfume – to invoke your authenticity.

Use the mirror in this set to examine yourself in your true state. Visualize what you want and say it out loud. What you seek will come to life.

Your stone trio includes one dioptase, one natural blue apatite, and one optical calcite. This set is intended for use during ritual.

Dioptase brings wisdom, discernment, clear sight and vision. It aids with forgiveness, enhances compassion, and facilitates the release of karmic patterns. Dioptase emanates the energy of the Green Ray, supporting the heart in every way. It can help anyone feel more joy, peace, and fulfillment in life.

Blue apatite is the stone of personal power and spiritual guidance. It draws your guides near and helps you speak from a place of affirmation and strength in the world.

Optical calcite is known as a happiness stone that brings peace. It is also an amplifier and raises vibrations. Optical calcite can be used as an energy dispersing and clearing tool. This stone powerfully takes in your energy and sends it out in dual directions.

Place your custom-made SG canvas art on your altar and use your stone set to place as you feel called during class.

• Discussion Question: Which tool do you believe will benefit you the most?