Oracle Insights | Sacred Deities: Fides

Roman Goddess Fides: The Divine Guardian of Trust and Contracts

Ever heard of the Roman Goddess Fides?

Nah, I hadn’t either – until I started researching Turtle Doves. Although not a major player, she was apparently quite popular with your everyday Roman. I know this because she had her own temple on Capitoline (the smallest of the Seven Hills of Rome). I haven’t actually been there so I can’t attest to the actual size of the hill, but the fact she even had a temple is testament to her importance.

So, what was Goddess Fides’ deal?

Well, deals… or verbal contracts to be precise. Rarely would an agreement be made without invoking her name to seal the deal.

As a bona fide Goddess who promoted honesty, trust and good faith, she helped instil moral integrity into her followers, especially those in positions of power. In return, Romans held an annual procession in her honour on October 1st and used her ‘I trust you not to screw me over’ handshake.

Romans valued her so much that they even popped her onto their coins. I like to think out of respect, but coins were often tools of propaganda. Images of Fides were frequently used to alleviate public fear about upcoming seasonal events, barbarian invasions, and help big up the virtues of your local leaders or Emperor.

As with most deities, Fides had other stuff going on.

In addition to keeping Roman wheeler-dealers honest, Fides was also tied to the harvest. When Romans wanted to promote this side of her, they would show her dressed up in flowing white gown wearing a stylish wreath of laurel or olive leaves on her head. Her go-to accessory was a big basket full with delicious fruits and grains, usually wheat. This visual symbolism was likely meant to reinforce Fides’ role in guaranteeing a plentiful crop, further cementing her influence in Roman society.

Where does the Turtle Dove come into all of this?

Glad you asked – these pretty little doves known for their lifelong monogamous partnerships, made them a powerful symbol of loyalty, devotion and trustworthiness, all the good things Fides embodied. So, she was often seen holding them to remind Romans to uphold their word when entering agreements.

Impressively, the influence of this ‘lesser’ Roman Goddess is far reaching even today.

Not only has she provided the term Bona fide as in that’s genuine, but also gave us fidelity (meaning loyalty, especially in relationships), Mala fide (the opposite of bona fide), and the concepts of honour systems, professional integrity, and fiduciary duty.

How cool is that?!

Personally, I feel she is long overdue for a promotion to the Major (Deity) League. Next time I sign an important contract, I will give this veritable lady a grateful nod and thank her for her services.

Deity Insight | Roman Goddess Fides

Colours | Fides

Oracle Insights | Symbolism & Spiritual Meaning

While researching Fides, I couldn’t find any information on associated crystals, planets, or other divine connections (except for Jupiter). I am sure you hate knowledge gaps as much as I do, so I’ve included some related gems – like crystals that help you embody truth and integrity (not that you need that I am sure), and the fact that Fides’ annual celebration fell in the star sign Virgo. With time I am certain that other information will surface to add to our knowledge banks.

Oracle Associations | Goddess Fides