Goddess Pomona

Areas of Influence: Pomona was one of the Numina, the Roman guardian spirits who watched over people, homes and special places. She protected fruiting trees and gardens.

She is an agricultural Goddess as she is linked to the fruit harvest.

Her dedication to her work left her little time for love. She turned down the offers of Silvanus and Picus but was eventually tricked into marriage by Vertumnus.

This deity was served by high priests known as Flamen Pomonalis.

As a fertility Goddess she represented abundance.


Origins and Genealogy: I can find no references to her parents, siblings and children.


Strengths: A nurturer, dedicated to her job.


Weaknesses: So busy looking after her trees that she has little time for herself.


Symbolism: A popular figure in art she is shown as a beautiful Goddess carrying a knife to prune with and a platter of fruit or a cornucopia.


Sacred Animal/Bird/Plant: Apples


Festival A feast was held annually on the November 1st when apples, nuts and grapes were consumed to celebrate the harvest.

Pomona's Archetype

The Mother is a life-giver and the source of nurturing, devotion, patience and unconditional love. The ability to forgive and provide for her children and put them before herself is the essence of a good mother.

In its shadow aspect the Mother can be devouring, abusive and abandoning. The shadow Mother can also make her children feel guilty about becoming independent and leaving her. It is not necessary to be a biological Mother to have this stereotype. It can refer to anyone who has a lifelong pattern of nurturing and devotion to living things.

As Goddess of the harvest she represents the Mother Archetype as she nurtures the fruits, trees and the plants in the garden.

How to Work With This Archetype

You are exhibiting the features of the shadow Mother if you smother your children and are over protective. Encourage independence and allow children to make mistakes but be available to give care and advice when it's needed.

The other shadow Mother is the one that abandons her children, or is so busy that she has no time for nurturing her young.

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