Genius (mythology)
In
Roman mythology, every man had a
genius and every woman a
juno.
Juno was also the name for the queen of the gods.
Originally, the genius/juno were ancestors who guarded over their descendants. Over time, they turned into personal guardian spirits, granting intellect and prowess. Sacrifices were made to one's genius/juno on one's birthday.
The juno was worshipped under many titles:
In addition to each genius/juno of individuals, regions, families, households and cities had a genius. The genius of the
Roman race was a winged, naked youth. The genius dedicated to places were usually depicted as
snakes.
See also Lares, Di Penates, Genius loci