genii In Roman mythology, guardian spirits of people, places or things. A genius presides over the birth of a person, a place, or a thing and shapes its character and destiny. Like a guardian ANGEL, it remains with a person throughout life and becomes the person’s living soul after death. The genius of a place is the living spirit that ani- mates a locale and gives it its unique powers and atmosphere. Genii can be evoked and commanded in ceremonial magic.