A Talisman Trough Time: A 2nd Century Roman Venus Figurine in Mississippi
Recently, I was gifted a remarkable piece of history—a pocket-sized lead statue talisman of Venus, dating back to the 2nd century AD. This beautiful lady was unearthed in Cambridgeshire during the 1960s, and it is a striking example of Roman artistry and religious symbolism. What makes this captivating is not just its connection to Venus, the goddess of love, but also the mysterious way it has found its way to me—a person who has long worked with the energy of Venus/ her archetype counterpart, Aphrodite, in a small town sitting on the shore of the Mississippi.
For years, I’ve sought out Venus’ guidance, especially as I’ve learned to embrace my feminine energy—a journey that was neither easy nor linear. My own trauma involving women made accepting my feminine side particularly difficult. For a long time, I wasn’t a “girls’ girl,” and I carried a mistrust of other women, finding it hard to connect. As part of my healing, I realized I had to set boundaries and unlearn some of the toxic feminine traits I had developed as defenses. It was during this process that I turned to Venus/Aphrodite, asking for guidance in embracing my own femininity without fear, without shame.
In reflection, one of the most profound moments of this journey came to me in a dream. After a confrontation in a bar with a woman from my past, I found myself running up a stairway and into a quiet room. When I closed the door behind me, Venus appeared, stepping out from behind a changing wall. She wore a nude lace corset adorned with delicate rose patterns, her long hair flowing around her. She smiled at me as I leaned against the door, catching my breath. In that moment, I felt her energy as a calm and powerful presence, a reminder of the strength in softness and the beauty in vulnerability.
This figurine, like Venus in my dream, seems to have appeared at a time when I most needed it—a reminder of the goddess’ influence in my life. This figure of her holds a sphere in one hand, perhaps a representation of the cosmos or fate, and her flowing robes suggest grace. In Roman mythology, she was the divine mother of Aeneas, guiding him through trials that would eventually lead to the founding of Rome . Venus is, in many ways, a goddess of destiny—one who seems to bring about beauty in life even through its challenges.
It’s also funny how this figurine, made of lead, has surfaced. My father once gave me a lead ball that he had made. After his death, I lost it somewhere, and I’ve often wished I still had it. Did I mention that my dad was also in that dream I had, standing at the bar? Ha! Now, as I hold this lead statue of Venus, I can’t help but think of that lost lead ball. The metal feels like a small thread of connection between the past and present, between the things I’ve lost and the things I’ve found again. Could it be a coincidence, or is there something deeper at work? Maybe, like Venus, this statue has come to me as a reminder that shared energy and connection take many forms, and that sometimes what we lose comes back to us in different ways.
To me she serves as more than just a piece of history—she’s a symbol of the complex energy imbedded into the purpose of the divine feminine. Her mythology teaches us that beauty and love are both blessings and burdens, full of joy but also full of sorrow. Neither less nor more important than the other. She is a goddess who moves between worlds, who navigates the realms of life and death, love and loss. And perhaps that’s why this feels like more than a just a relic to me. It feels like a message, a reminder that Venus, in all her forms, continues to guide those who seek her. This form of her has now taken its place on my ancestral altar, laying among personal archaeological finds and offerings, now holding the title as the oldest piece of history in my collection. Giving emphasizes to the deep personal connection and spiritual significance of this tiny goddess, not just as an artifact but as a symbol intertwined with my own life and if not past, then future lineage.
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE DO NOT HANDLE LEAD ITEMS, AS LEAD CAN BE A DANGEROUS METAL AND SHOULD BE KEPT OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND IN A CLOSED CONTAINER. IF YOU MUST HANDLE LEAD PLEASE DO SO WITH COTTON GLOVES. ALWAYS WASH YOUR HADNS GENEROUSLY BEFORE TOUCHING YOUR FACE OR MOUTH IF YOU HAVE HANDLED A LEAD PRODUCT.
Immersive Reflection and Acceptance Self Love Spell:
Ingredients:
1. Epsom Salt – for cleansing and releasing negativity.
2. Small Pink Candle – to represent love and self-acceptance.
3. Mirror – for self-reflection and embracing your true self.
4. Rose Petals (dried or fresh) – to symbolize love and beauty.
5. Essential Oils (optional) – such as lavender or rose, for added relaxation and connection to the divine feminine.
6. Warm Water – to fill the bath and create a comforting atmosphere.
7. Journal and Pen – for writing down insights and affirmations after the ritual.
8. Towel – for after the bath.
…You draw a bath, letting the warm water swirl as you toss in Epsom salt, ready to wash away the weight you’ve been carrying. The steam rises around you, creating a cozy space that feels just right. You light a small pink candle, its flame flickering softly, filling the room with a warm glow.
As you sink into the tub, the water hugs your body, making you feel safe and grounded. You take a deep breath, letting it all go, and reach for a mirror. Holding it up, you look into your own eyes, ready to face yourself.
You start peeling away the layers, letting go of the masks you wear for others. You see the parts of yourself that often stay hidden—the pain, the struggles, and what you’ve learned. You acknowledge those darker sides, knowing they’re part of your journey.
“I embrace my shadows; they’re part of my story,” you say, letting the words sink in. You realize you’re both a warrior and a nurturer. “I’m strong and I’m soft,” you whisper, feeling empowered by that truth.
With your eyes still on your reflection, you picture a warm light surrounding you, lighting up those hidden parts of yourself. You know that every hard moment has shaped you into who you are now.
You toss some rose petals into the bath, watching them float around you. Each petal represents love and beauty, reminding you of your worth. You close your eyes and take a moment to think about your journey, embracing the strength inside you to keep going.
As you wrap up your ritual, you blow out the candle, watching the flame dance before it goes out. Your specific message from the divine feminine comes to you in this moment, and from this, you know your will and power are true.
When you step out of the bath, you feel refreshed and ready to embrace every part of yourself. You grab your journal, excited to write down what you’ve learned. Each word you jot down weaves together your self-love story, connecting your past with what’s ahead.
In this moment, you honor the divine feminine in you, celebrating both the light and the shadows that make you whole…
