Faunus

Culture: Ancient Roman   Domain: Wild land, forests, shepherds, rustic prophecy

Faunus, closely related to Pan, is a Roman god of the countryside, forests and wild places, honored by farmers and shepherds and consulted through a prophetic ritual in which questioners slept in his sacred groves hoping for a dream-message.

Associations

Wild land, forests, rural life, prophetic dreams received in nature.

Ways people honor him (modern)

• Spend a night, or quiet time, in a wooded or wild place
• Pay attention to dreams that come after time spent outdoors
• Support rural land conservation
• Read about his dream-oracle tradition, distinct from more formal oracles like Delphi

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.