Venerari - Veneratio

Considering that the month of April is dedicated to Venus, I think it may be useful to make some reflections about the verb "venerari" and the term "veneratio".

It is quite obvious the etymological connection linking somehow these two terms to Venus. As for other Latin words (eg. Devotio, Evocatio, felix, sinister, etc.), these two words have now acquired a totally profane meaning also following the process of continuous profanation in modern languages ​​(not coincidentally defined as "vulgar" )

The veneratio, as well as the act of venerari, is an attitude of the Cultor and the Cultrix towards the Gods and Goddesses connected to the pietas. Unlike the pietas, the veneratio is not based on a relationship of fides and do-ut-des but rather on a feeling capable to capturing, captivating the benevolence, a positive approach to the divine power. So this is not an equal exchange, but it requires an act of "divine courtesy" or the divine venia.

The veneratio implies a sincere attitude and a particular disposition of spirit as to arouse a gesture of love by the divine power. In this sense the veneratio is inspired by Venus. The involvement of Venus, as powerful, fascinating and attractive force of Love, would be likely to make veneratio and the act of venerari (applying certain theurgical techniques - unknown to me), a so powerful and seductive formula to create a force to which the involved divine energy can not resist.

In this sense the veneratio may become not only an invocation inspired by Love to/from the Divine, but also a very powerful magic formula capable to consequently generate a venenum or a charm similar to that exercised by women towards men. The venenum aroused by veneratio and venerari therefore can become similar, in theurgic and magic terms, to fascinum. But while the venenum is a religious expression and captivating love, the fascinum has a definitively negative value because it looks like a magic formula of curse.

In short, a distinction of a not scondary importance.