minerva speaks

impressions of Jody Wilson-Raybould

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Amanta Scott, encaustic on canvas on panel, 92 x 92 cm, 2019

The wisest of the Roman deities, Minerva is the Goddess of wisdom, medicine, commerce, poetry, the arts, justice, law, and ultimately: strategic warfare and victory.

Jody Wilson-Raybould, the Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and the Liberal Member of Parliament for the British Columbia riding of Vancouver Granville, is known for fighting political interference and speaking truth to power.

“If women are not playing their needed roles in leadership, in law, family, in all aspects of society — then there is an imbalance and all suffer.”

— Jody Wilson-Raybould

“I was taught to always be careful what you say because you cannot take it back. I was taught to always hold true to your core values and principles and to act with integrity. These are the teachings of my parents, my grandparents and my community. I come from a long line of matriarchs and I am a truth teller in accordance with the laws and traditions of our big house. This is who I am and this is who I will always be.”

— Jody Wilson-Raybould

A head of Minerva found in ruins of Roman baths in Bath, England, photo copyright Stan Zurek

The wisest of the Roman deities, Minerva is the Goddess of wisdom, medicine, commerce, poetry, the arts, justice, law, and ultimately: strategic warfare and victory.

Minerva, Frans Floris I, 1519, The Phoebus Foundation, image via Wikimedia Commons

To the Greeks she was known as Athena; to the Etruscans as Menrva; to the Egyptians as Neith; and to the Celts as Sulis.

Athena bowl from the Hildesheim Silver Treasure; 1st century BC, Antikensammlung Berlin, photo by Andreas Praefcke

Minerva caught and tamed the horse Pegasus, Medusa’s son, before giving it to the Muses.

1600px-Johann_König_-_Minerva_Visiting_the_Muses_on_Mount_Helicon.jpg — Minerva Visiting the Muses on Mount Helicon, Mohann König, c. 1620, Private collection

One might say that Minerva/Athena holds the power to channel and focus rage and fury.

Minerva is often associated with owls, snakes, olive trees and the Gorgoneion - the terrifying face worn as a protective pendant, considered to be variously Medusa or an aspect of the ancient Mother Goddess.

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Jody Wilson-Raybould

Jody Wilson-Raybould (born March 23, 1971), also known by her initials, JWR, and by her Kwak'wala name, Puglaas, is the Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and the Liberal Member of Parliament for the British Columbia riding of Vancouver Granville. Jody Wilson-Raybould is known for fighting political interference and speaking truth to power.