What does Minerva represent on the great seal of the state of California?

Answer 1

Minerva is the Roman counterpart to the Greek Athena. Minerva is the guardian of ancient wisdom and the protector of secrets. Because of this role, she is often used as a symbol of secret societies. The Bavarian Illuminati was originally called "The Minerval Brotherhood" and the Minerval Grade is an important grade of initiation in many secret societies. Minerva is such a powerful symbol of secrecy, that each of her symbols individually denote secrecy. Her helmet is said to render the wearer invisible, so members of Sir Francis Bacon's exclusive, secret literary Society "The Knights of the Helmet" were known as "the Invisibles" which gave rise to the Invisible College and Royal Society. Her shield protected a secret, her half serpent child Erichtonius. Her spear had mMinerva is figured prominently in California and San Francisco symbolism. SF's motto "Oro en paz, fierro en guerro" or "Gold in peace, iron in war" is a reference to Minerva, who carried two shields, a gold one in times of peace, and an iron one in times of war. THe Bohemian Club's owl logo and motto "Weaving Spiders come not here" is also a reference to Minerva, who turned Arachne into a spider after she lost a weaving contest in which she depicted the gods unfavorably.

Answer 2

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