Somnus

Culture: Ancient Roman   Domain: Sleep

Somnus, parallel to the Greek Hypnos, personifies sleep, dwelling in a dim, quiet cave near the underworld's edge according to Ovid's Metamorphoses, from which he sends dreams to mortals through his sons, including Morpheus, who takes human shapes in dreams.

Associations

Sleep, rest, the boundary between waking and dreaming.

Ways people honor him (modern)

• Build a consistent, restful bedtime routine
• Keep lavender or another sleep-supporting herb near the bed
• Pay attention to dreams as a source of insight
• Read Ovid's description of Somnus's cave in the Metamorphoses

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.