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Ritual with Fortuna and Lakshmi

Goddesses Fortuna (as Abundantia) and Lakshmi, image generated atEasy-Peasy.AI
Goddesses Fortuna (as Abundantia) and Lakshmi
Image generated at Easy-Peasy.AI


The Fasti of Fortuna: Fortuna Publica April 5

Three Ionic temples on the Quirinal at dawn; a central stair ascends to Fortuna Publica beneath the setting moon and horse-shaped clouds.

Fortuna Publica on the Quirinal Hill

Aurora Brings a New Day

When the dawn, daughter of Pallas, shines as the stars move through the sky,
and the Moon has released her snow-white horses,
whoever says, "On this day long ago, Fortuna Publica
was once consecrated on the Quirinal Hill," will speak the truth.


The Original Latin Text (Ovid, Fasti IV.373–376)

Postera cum caelo motis Pallantias astris
fulserit, et niveos Luna levarit equos,
qui dicet 'quondam sacrata est colle Quirini
hac Fortuna die Publica', verus erit.

Book 4 of Ovid's Fasti (lines 373–376) during the observation of the Nones of April (April 5)

Translated & curated by E. Sylvia in collaboration with AI: original poetic interpretations of selections from Ovid's Fasti.

© 2026 E. Sylvia. All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced or transmitted without written permission from the author.

The Fasti of Fortuna: Fortuna Virilis April 1

Roman public bath changing room with a stone arula (portable altar) in a wall niche, glowing coals, and rising frankincense smoke.

In the Changing Rooms of the Public Baths

Offering to Fortuna Virilis

Learn now why you offer frankincense to Fortuna Virilis
in that place where the floor is moist with cooling water.

That place receives every woman once her garments are set aside,
and beholds every flaw of the uncovered form.

That She may veil these flaws and hide them from the eyes of men,
Fortuna Virilis grants this protection;
asking only for a pinch of frankincense in quiet prayer.


The Original Latin Text (Ovid, Fasti IV.145–150)

Discite nunc, quare Fortunae tura Virili
detis eo, gelida qui locus umet aqua.

Accipit ille locus posito velamine
cunctas et vitium nudi corporis omne videt;

Ut tegat hoc celetque viros,
Fortuna Virilis praestat
et hoc parvo ture rogata facit.

Book 4 of Ovid's Fasti (lines 145–150) during the observation of the Kalends of April (April 1)

Translated & curated by E. Sylvia in collaboration with AI: original poetic interpretations of selections from Ovid's Fasti.

© 2026 E. Sylvia. All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced or transmitted without written permission from the author.