Be Themis

Be a Titan

Earlier this month, in a post about something else entirely, I mentioned Themis, the Greek goddess of justice, divine order, law, and custom and in the comments, Melina said she’d love to have a button, pin, or brooch of Themis at her finest.

I went looking and found this:

When I was a girl, I spent time at my step-grandparents’ farm in southwest Missouri. I’d walk among the cows, shoot my BB gun, and then come indoors and read and re-read one of the only books they had (other than the Bible) about the myths of ancient Greece and Rome.

I already had a Bible I read at home, so the antics of the gods and goddesses became my go-to on visits to the farm. I made a sport of memorizing who was responsible for what, who was married to whom, and who got their comeuppance and how.

I have long since forgotten most of that, but I remember particularly Athena (war, wisdom, the arts) who was called Minerva by the Romans. And I remember the Vestal Virgins, and figured had I been alive then, that would have been my career choice. Remain a virgin. Keep the fire burning. Get all the best seats at the festivals. And at age 40 or so, you’re free of your vows to go own property, just like a man.

If I knew of Themis at all, it was as an unnamed statute who showed up on courtroom drama shows I watched on television. Lady Justice, blind-folded with a scale — and a sword, though that was not held aloft.

I like this button because Themis’ sword is up and it’s a good reminder that despite the nonsense going on around us, we have power. We have swords.

I ordered 10 of these buttons and if you want one, email your address to me at slcampbell417@gmail.com and I’ll slip one in the mail. I’m keeping two for myself (one for my granddaughter) so eight are up for grabs and it’s first-come, first-served.

I intend to wear mine, especially to my First Amendment law class, where this week we will, as a class, dissect some of the new president’s executive orders. The topic is different types of laws, like administrative law, legislative law, and — yes! — executive orders. I will discuss Themis, as well — not the juicy parts (her husband ate her — which is weird) — but the idea that justice is supposed to be blind when attending the scales, and eyes wide open when it’s time for the sword.

Anywhoo…free buttons! Get yours today.

THE BUTTONS ARE ALL SPOKEN FOR. If you want to order your own, go here.