Goddess of the Week: Coventina

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Apparently, Allison has a new pool. She would like a goddess of all things aquatic. I give her Coventina.

Coventina is a water goddess from Northumberland, England. She had a temple there, and in that temple there was a well. People would ask Coventina for favors, and if she granted the favor they would come and drop a coin in her well. The coins would say things like, "To Couventia, Aelius Tertius, prefect of the First Cohort of Batavi, willingly and deservedly fulfils a vow." Or, "There once was a goddess Coventina, who people did ask, beg, and plead-a. I asked for a man, who was hot, tall, and tan, now I'm barefoot and pregnant. Who needs ya?" (Actually, that one sounds a lot better in the original Latin.)

The point is, Coventina is a generous goddess, and she can fulfill all your watery needs, but she expects recompense, otherwise kids are going to poop in the pool left and right--and then you'll be high, dry and indebted to the pool man. Much better to just pay your dues. Throw some coins in that pool! And don't be skimpy. Nobody wants your pennies. Even my struggling, working-class college students won't stop to pick up pennies. So throw in some dollar coins. They won't get stuck in the filter will they? They might? Jeesh. You gotta work hard to please a goddess these days. How about this? You have a nice barbecue and you offer Coventina a nice flotation device. It might work, but don't sue me if your concrete cracks.

Channel Coventina: When you need a favor. No need making your own pool; if you get what you want you can throw a coin in any fountain. Better yet, just assume you'll get your wish and throw the coin in the fountain from the get go. How do you think that old coin-in-the-fountain tradition started anyway?

Need a goddess? I got goddesses? Post a comment telling me your need. (You can also email me if you're feeling shy.) Then check back in a week or two and see what I found you.

PS: There's still time to join the drawing for your own goddess pack. Just let me know you want to be included. The drawing is next Monday. There are two drawings: One for faithful readers and one for new followers.