Quinquatrus was a festival sacred to the Goddess Minerva, celebrated from the 19-23 of March. The older festivals were of Etruscan origin and were to celebrate the Spring Equinox, the spring rebirth rites of women. One of the major holidays in the Roman calendar, this five-day holiday was sacred to both Mars and Minerva.
Minerva was patroness to writers, artists, actors and teachers. Minerva's other aspects include health (Minerva Medica), trade and craftsmanship, and strategy in war. Minerva was also the patroness of musicians.
Obtain a picture or statue of Minerva and set it up in a quiet place – a personal altar or lararium. Minerva was associated in antiquity with the Greek Athena, so symbols that relate to her will also work– a figurine of an owl, for example. Add a candle and a dish for offering bread, meat, wine or milk, or to make mola salsa.
In silent contemplation for a moment, gaze upon the statue of the goddess and clearing your mind. Take a moment to mentally focus on the goal of your offering. Kissing your right hand in adoration to the goddess, begin your prayer. Latin or English:
"Dea Minerva, te hoc ferto obmovendo bonas preces precor, uti sies volens propitius mihi (liberisque meis) domo familiaeque meae mactus hoc ferto."
"Goddess Minerva, before you I make this offering, I sincerely pray that you will look kindly and favorably on me (and my children), on my house, and my household."
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