Mars

Culture: Ancient Roman   Domain: War, but also agriculture and the protection of the state

Mars held a far more dignified and central place in Roman religion than Ares did in Greek religion; as father of Romulus and Remus, he was considered an ancestor of the Roman people themselves, and his name marks March, the month when campaigning season traditionally began. He was also, originally, an agricultural guardian deity.

Associations

Disciplined strength, protection of home and state, agriculture's guarding power, honorable conflict.

Ways people honor him (modern)

• Take up disciplined physical training with clear purpose
• Protect and defend what matters to you, deliberately and thoughtfully
• Reflect on his dual role as both warrior and farmer's guardian
• Read about his central place in the Romulus and Remus founding myth

Approach any deity with respect and do your own research. Practices vary widely between traditions, and modern devotional practice often goes beyond what survives in ancient sources.