Vulcan

Culture: Ancient Roman   Domain: Fire, the forge, volcanic power

Vulcan parallels Hephaestus, but Roman worship of him leaned heavily toward controlling fire's destructive potential: his festival, the Volcanalia in August, involved throwing small fish into a fire to protect stored grain from real fires during the driest part of the year.

Associations

The forge, fire (both creative and destructive), craftsmanship, protection from fire hazards.

Ways people honor him (modern)

• Practice fire safety with real intention, not as an afterthought
• Take up metalworking or another forge-based craft
• Reflect on fire as a force needing respect on both its creative and dangerous sides
• Read about the Volcanalia's practical, protective purpose

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.