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The Use of Body Oils Throughout History

Throughout history, oils have played a significant role in skincare and body health routines across various cultures. From ancient civilizations to modern times, oils have been valued for their nourishing properties and therapeutic benefits.

In ancient times, oils were not only consumed for their nutritional value but also used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Olive oil, for example, was highly esteemed in ancient Greece and Rome for its abundance of fats and medical properties. It was not only incorporated into the diet but also utilized for lighting and as a skincare remedy. Olive oil was applied to the skin to trap moisture and remove grime, functioning as a primitive form of soap. Similarly, fish oils containing omega-3 fatty acids were recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce fat in the bloodstream.

In ancient Rome, skincare and beauty rituals were highly elaborate, reflecting societal norms and values. Pale skin was considered a symbol of aristocracy and beauty, with women employing various ingredients and techniques to achieve a fair complexion. Beauty masks made from unconventional ingredients such as sweat from sheep’s wool, honey, plants, and even excrement were used to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin. Additionally, bathing in substances like asses’ milk was considered a luxurious treatment to achieve smooth and radiant skin.

Cosmetics, including rouge, eye makeup, and perfumes, were also integral to ancient Roman beauty rituals. Kohl, made from ashes or soot and antimony, was used to accentuate the eyes, while colored eyeshadows and darkened eyebrows were popular for enhancing facial features. Perfumes, created through a maceration process with flowers or herbs and oil, were not only used for personal fragrance but also believed to have medicinal properties and were used in food and household applications.

Today, the tradition of incorporating oils into skincare and body health routines continues, with a renewed focus on natural and organic ingredients. Inspired by ancient practices and infused with modern innovations, our Goddess body oils offer a luxurious and effective way to nourish and pamper the skin. Harnessing the power of botanical extracts and essential oils, these body oils provide hydration, antioxidant protection, and aromatherapeutic benefits.

Experience the timeless allure of ancient skincare rituals with our range of body oils inspired by the gods and goddesses of antiquity. Indulge in the nourishing properties of botanical oils and immerse yourself in the captivating scents reminiscent of ancient beauty secrets. Elevate your skincare routine and embrace the luxurious essence of ancient wellness with our divine body oils.

Transform your skincare ritual and embrace the timeless allure of ancient beauty with our collection of body oils. Shop now and embark on a journey of indulgence and rejuvenation inspired by the gods and goddesses of antiquity.

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Unlocking the Secrets of Lupercalia: A Roman Festival of Love and Fertility

In the annals of ancient Rome’s vibrant calendar, nestled between the chilly winds of winter and the burgeoning blooms of spring, lies Lupercalia. This pastoral festival, observed annually from February 13 through 15, was not merely a celebration but a profound ritual aimed at purifying the city, promoting health, and ushering in fertility. Join us on a journey to uncover the fascinating mysteries of Lupercalia, from its origins and rituals to its enduring legacy.

Exploring Lupercalia: A Festival of Purification and Renewal

Origins and Namesake:
Originally known as Februa, Lupercalia derived its name from the februa, purification instruments used during the festival. It was a time of cleansing and renewal, symbolizing the transition from winter’s dormancy to spring’s vitality. The name Lupercalia was believed to have connections to the Ancient Greek festival of Lykaia, associated with the worship of the wolf god, Lycaean Pan, and the legendary she-wolf, Lupa, who nursed Romulus and Remus in the Lupercal cave.

Rites and Rituals:
Central to Lupercalia were the Luperci, the “brothers of the wolf,” who conducted the festival’s sacred rites. Clad in animal skins, these young men performed rituals of purification and fertility. Sacrifices of goats and dogs were made at the Lupercal altar, invoking the blessings of the gods for health and prosperity. Thongs, known as februa, were cut from the sacrificial animals and used to gently strike the crowds, symbolizing purification and fertility.

Legacy and Modern Influence:
Despite its ancient origins, Lupercalia’s influence resonates through the ages. From Shakespearean dramas to modern-day Valentine’s Day traditions, echoes of Lupercalia’s rituals endure. Its association with love, fertility, and purification continues to captivate imaginations, reminding us of the timeless human quest for renewal and connection.

Embrace the Spirit of Lupercalia with Our Love-Infused Products

As we reflect on the timeless allure of Lupercalia, we invite you to embrace its spirit of love and renewal with our exclusive line of bath and body products. Inspired by the ancient rituals of purification and fertility, our products are crafted to indulge your senses and nurture your body, invoking the timeless essence of love and romance. Treat yourself or your loved ones to a luxurious experience that celebrates the enduring legacy of Lupercalia.

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Zodiac Signs Correspondences to Roman Gods

In the first century, the Roman poet Manilius wrote “Astronomica”, a celestial epic poem split in to five books. It details astrology and the zodiac and makes assertions about each sign’s association with a Roman god or goddess. To quote the poem itself:

“Pallas watches over the Woolbearer;
Cytherea over Taurus;
Phoebus the shapely Gemini;
You, Cyllenius, over Cancer;
and Jupiter, you yourself rule Leo with the Mother of the Gods;
Virgo who bears ears of grain belongs to Ceres;
and the forged scales to Vulcan;
quarrelsome Scorpio clings to Mars;
Diana cherishes the hunting man part horse;
and Vesta the contracted stars of Capricorn;
opposite Jupiter is Aquarius, the star of Juno;
and Neptune acknowledges his own Pisces in the upper air.”

So what does the poem mean?

Manilius at times uses epithets for the deities and at times uses the description for the zodiac signs, instead of their outright name. So to simplify this portion of the poem:

  • Minerva (Pallas is an epithet) rules Aries (the woolbearer)
  • Venus (Cytherea is an epithet) rules Taurus
  • Apollo (Phoebus is an epithet) rules Gemini
  • Mercury (Cyllenius is an epithet) rules Cancer
  • Jupiter rules Leo
  • Ceres rules Virgo
  • Vulcan rules Libra (the forged scales)
  • Mars rules Scorpio
  • Diana rules Sagittarius (the hunting man part horse)
  • Vesta rules Capricorn
  • Juno rules Aquarius
  • Neptune rules Pisces

Greek correspondences

For those of the Hellenic persuasion, we can translate these deities over to the Greek pantheon and understand them as the following:

  • Athena rules Aries
  • Aphrodite rules Taurus
  • Apollo rules Gemini
  • Hermes rules Cancer
  • Zeus rules Leo
  • Demeter rules Virgo
  • Hephaestus rules Libra
  • Ares rules Scorpio
  • Artemis rules Sagittarius
  • Hestia rules Capricorn
  • Hera rules Aquarius
  • Poseidon rules Pisces

As we conclude, let us remember that just as the stars and planets are constantly moving and evolving, so are we. Let the wisdom of the ancient gods guide us as we continue to explore and discover our own unique identities. And as the great Roman philosopher Cicero said, “The stars incline us, they do not bind us.” So let us use this knowledge to empower ourselves and create our own destinies. The possibilities are endless.