Abeona is the Roman Goddess of Outward Journeys, who watches
over a child's steps and protects travellers. She is likely an old Italic Goddess
who was later considered an indigimentum of Juno,
the Roman Goddess of Mothers, Women, and their Children. The term di indigetes
generally refers to deities whose functions were very specific, and who were
sometimes considered aspects of other deities. Often they preside over the ordinary
matters of daily life.
Abeona's name comes from the Latin verb abeo, "to
depart, go away, or go forth". She was believed to especially guard children
as they took their first steps away from home to explore the world, an anxious
time for parents, perhaps reflected in the fact that abeo carries the
added meaning of "to die, disappear, or be changed". Abeona watched
over any "first steps", whether literal or metaphoric. With Her associate
Adiona, Abeona was believed to teach toddlers to walk.
And when that child grew up and left home--whether due to marriage, college,
or to make his or her way in the world--Abeona was there to ease the fears of
the parents and guard their son or daughter.
Abeona is specifically a Goddess of Partings: She is usually
mentioned with Adiona, who is in charge of returning the child home safely.