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Description
Athene, or Athena, is one of the twelve Olympian Deities, but Her origins are far, far older, dating back at least to Minoan times, and maybe even back to Neolithic times. She is of old associated with birds, especially the owl, and serpents, as well as the Akropolis in Athens. She is so old that the meaning of Her name has been lost; and whether the city of Athens is named for Her or whether it's the other way around cannot be seen from this distance.

She is a trickster, never forget, as well as a shape-shifter; She was to the Greeks a Goddess of war, but of 'civilized' war, which is a very Greek concept. She represents strategy and diplomacy and knowing when it is time to fight.

Her older associations are with crafts, especially weaving; She represents ability, and can do anything at all She sets Her considerable mind to, whether building chariots and boats, sculpting horses in bronze, weaving, throwing pots on the wheel, founding cities, or inventing the olive tree.

She is also associated with storms and lightning; Her eyes are said to be very bright, like both the lightning and the eyes of the owl, Her bird. I show Her here with storm clouds behind, holding the spear that represents the lightning bolt.

Description
Athene, or Athena, is one of the twelve Olympian Deities, but Her origins are far, far older, dating back at least to Minoan times, and maybe even back to Neolithic times. She is of old associated with birds, especially the owl, and serpents, as well as the Akropolis in Athens. She is so old that the meaning of Her name has been lost; and whether the city of Athens is named for Her or whether it's the other way around cannot be seen from this distance.

She is a trickster, never forget, as well as a shape-shifter; She was to the Greeks a Goddess of war, but of 'civilized' war, which is a very Greek concept. She represents strategy and diplomacy and knowing when it is time to fight.

Her older associations are with crafts, especially weaving; She represents ability, and can do anything at all She sets Her considerable mind to, whether building chariots and boats, sculpting horses in bronze, weaving, throwing pots on the wheel, founding cities, or inventing the olive tree.

She is also associated with storms and lightning; Her eyes are said to be very bright, like both the lightning and the eyes of the owl, Her bird. I show Her here with storm clouds behind, holding the spear that represents the lightning bolt.