spindle, and Athena herself carries a spear and shield.
With Athena, it's all about balance. Her Weaving is a Creative art, while her talent with warfare strategy might be seen as Destructive. Balancing the two sides successfully is what has gained her Wisdom. She didn't create the sides of Light and Dark, but she practices both daily, and models for us how to balance all sides of ourselves with grace and courage. Athena’s sankalpa affirmation is, “I love, honor, and respect myself.” Athena's mandala features owls, olive branches, spears, and a traditional ancient Greek drop spindle. Athena herself, resplendent in silver, carries a spear and shield, on a backdrop reminiscent of marble.