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seafoamandtrident · 9 months

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Even if you can’t hear your deities, they hear you

Even if you can’t see your deities, they see you

Even if you can’t feel your deities, they’re there and they love you

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seafoamandtrident · 9 months

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Ares isn't just violence.

To me, Ares is energy. He's courage and He's determination. He motivates us to push through when we feel like we can't. He is the voice in our head which tells us to keep going. He's strength and He's perseverance, He's warmth and support.

When you fight for what's right, He's standing right there beside you. He pushes us to be the best, to achieve greatness, but He won't let us break. He's the older brother who watches you struggle so you learn and get stronger, but He still loves you and wants the best for you.

He's kind and He's gentle and there's so much to Him that I could never put in words. So don't write Him off because's He's the God of War.

I just love Him. so so so so so much. And I wanted to share that because I think He's pretty neat<3

#ares

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seafoamandtrident · 2 years

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🌿 Pagan / Hellenist Spoonie Ideas

spoonie: an individual who suffers from chronic illness / pain ALTARS: -> set up a small altar / statue + candle by your bed or on your bedside table (practice fire safety) -> create digital shrines + offerings in video games -> create portable art shrines—like this! (tutorial here) PRAYER: -> read prewritten prayers / hymns (e.g. The Homeric Hymns & The Orphic Hymns for Hellenic Polytheists) -> unstructured prayer -> write your own poems, prayers + hymns to deities when you have spoons, and read them the next time you wish to pray -> sit and meditate with your deity without saying anything -> pray silently / in your mind whilst in bed, on a walk, washing the dishes, etc. OFFERINGS: -> devotional offerings—activities you can dedicate to the Gods; incorporate daily activities into worship -> utilise a skill you have (art, singing, gardening, sport, writing) to create an offering piece for your deities -> create devotional playlists for deities -> remember that offerings do not have to be grand; you can offer clean water, bread, honey, flowers, etc. RELIGIOUS RESEARCH: -> break up spiritual research into themes/topics so you can do little by little each day over a set time (e.g. a fortnight, a month) without running out of spoons -> masterposts of pagan / polytheist primary resources on Tumblr -> take digital notes -> research using various forms of media; films, videos, books, images of artefacts, music -> free online ancient history / mythology courses (example) COMMUNITY: -> join a pagan / hellenist discord server -> explore and interact with pagan / polytheist blogs -> be on the lookout for digital community rituals / festivals being hosted online

REMINDER: If you are planning on criticising these ideas for worship as being 'too modern' and not like 'how it was done in ancient times', please keep in mind that not everybody is a reconstructionist. Even for those of us who are, including myself—keep in mind that reconstructionism and worship look very different according to what people are able to manage given their life circumstances. Digital altars are not the 'mark of a lazy pagan', they are an alternative method of worship utilised by somebody who may not be able to have a physical altar for numerous reasons. In the same way that you cannot expect a person with fractured legs to assume a standing position to pray—you cannot expect a person who suffers from chronic illness (physical or mental) and/or fatigue to be able to keep up with the same pace and types of worship as other practitioners. The Gods will not turn a worshipper away for 'not being able to do it like in the ancient times'. The Gods are understanding and they will not abandon you because of your struggles.

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seafoamandtrident · 2 years

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e-offering for Hekate, #026

I give this offering in exchange for heightened protection during this time

#hekate

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seafoamandtrident · 2 years

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Re: ‘Water is not a lazy offering’ discourse.

In my opinion, water is a lazy offering. Yes across certain periods of time and locations it is a prized commodity, and yes it is life-giving and wonderous. But that does not change the fact your average witch/pagan who reads this post on tumblr gets it in 2 seconds from the tap.

However, a cup of water being lazy and convenient is exactly why it’s so great. Lazy and convenient are not inherently bad things, you understand?

What’s even better is that the majority of gods and spirits will happily accept an offering of water. You’ll always get spirits who don’t like tea, or coffee, or milk, or alcohol, or soda etc etc. But it seems the vast majority will accept a cup of water.

Water offerings will never be as valued as a personalised offering after getting to know the spirit’s likes and dislikes. Don’t kid yourself.

But yes water is safe, lazy and convenient for many of us, and admitting that is not taking it for granted. Yes it is a privilege to have easy access to water. That’s the best thing about it.

You don’t have to spin a tale of how difficult it was for our ancestors to access water in the past or xyz location for it to be valuable – that’s an amusing thought process but not as relevant as it being accessible, practical, efficient, and versatile.

If you do happen to live in an area with water issues, then of course a water offering takes on that extra special meaning and becomes a far greater sacrifice on your part. If you do not have this problem, then rejoice! But why pretend that sacrifice is relevant to you?

#reference

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seafoamandtrident · 2 years

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IMO, it’s helpful to think of offerings in terms of acts of hospitality. For example, when you have a guest over, it’s customary to offer them a drink such as ice water, tea, or perhaps something stronger if you have it and they like that sort of thing. Now of course you don’t want to be miserly with your offerings and you do want to give your deities something they actually like, but the idea that something like, say, a glass of ice water just can’t be good enough because your offerings must be this exact expensive/inaccessible thing is just spiritual gentrification. Water might seem awfully unremarkable, but it’s one of the most basic necessities of life and that is why we offer it to guests; because they might be thirsty after their trip to your home. And sure, it’s nice to offer guests something fancier if you have it. But I think we can agree that water should be acceptable to to your guests if it’s what you have. What constitutes hospitality could also be used to inform what else you might offer your deities. Perhaps you could offer them a chair to sit on. Perhaps you could offer them a homemade cookie or even just a mint candy. Of course there’s going to be no one-size-fits-all answer here, but thinking of offerings as a matter of hospitality can still give you some idea of what might be appropriate.

#reference

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seafoamandtrident · 2 years

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Authors to Watch Out For in Hellenismos (WIP)

I will only list the Hellenismos-related books by these authors.

Timothy Jay Alexander - creator of the so-called Pillars of Hellenismos. Homophobic and extremely ableist.

A Beginner’s Guide to Hellenismos

Hellenismos Today

The Gods of Reason: An Authentic Theology for Modern Hellenismos

Galina Krasskova - writes about paganism at large, usually Heathenry. Defends fascist neo-nazi organization AFA, sold Bacchic Lives Matter pin on Etsy, etc. Basically endless with this one. Just look her up on Tumblr.

Sacramentum: A Devotional for Dionysos

On Divination

Devotional Polytheism

Honoring the Ancestors: A Basic Guide

Ferryman of Souls: A Devotional to Charon

Magic and Religion

Philosophy and Polytheism

Building Regional Cultus

Ancestors and Hero Cultus

Ecstatic Practices

In Praise of Hermes: Nine Days of Devotion to the God of Travellers, Mischief, and More

To Rejuvenate and Nourish: Nine Days of Prayer to Asklepios, God of Healing

Divination and Oracles

With Clean Minds and Clean Hands: Miasma - What It Is and How to Treat It

Honoring the Mothers: Novenas to the Mothers of Our Gods and Heroes

Combatting the Evil Eye

Unto Herself: A Devotional Anthology for Independent Goddesses

Out of Arcadia: A Devotional Anthology in Honor of Pan

Guardian of the Road: A Devotional Anthology in Honor of Hermes etc.

Edward P. Butler - Neoplatonic pompous academia. Defends Krasskova and has a big persecution complex (spends at least half his twitter presence railing on ‘monotheists’). Antisemitic. Advocate for Hindu fascism, also known as Hindutva.

Essays on Hellenic Theology

Essays on a Polytheistic Philosophy of Religion

Tony Mierzwicki - Misinformation I have yet to verify this personally, but it is telling that he publishes through Llewelyn, the New Age publishing house of misinformation. Apparently he puts a rant about GMOs in a book about Hellenismos, and has strange ideas about what it means to be Greek.

Graeco-Egyptian Magick

Hellenic Polytheism Today

Sannion/H. Jeremiah Lewis - Neo-Nazi. Seriously, he has Nazi symbols on his blog. And yes, he knows it’s a Nazi symbol, but he doesn’t care and made up UPG and spiritual justifications. Transphobic, basically everything possible. Here are the Hellenic related books he’s written:

Ecstatic: For Dionysos

End to End

Everything Dances: Strange Spirits 3

Gods and Mortals: New Stories of Hellenic Polytheism

Going Forth

Hunting Wisdom: A Bacchic Orphic Diviner’s Manual

Masks of Dionysos: Getting to know the God through his Heroes and Heroines

Monstrous Things

Pandæmonium and Silence

Spirits of Initiation: A Study of the Toys of Dionysos

Strange Spirits Volume One

Tending the Bull: A tradition of Dionysian devotion

THIS IS NOT AN EXIT: Strange Spirits Volume II

Thunderstruck with Wine

What Flowers in the Dark: A Poetic Journey Through Anthesteria

Wine Dark

Sarah Kate Istra Winter/Dver - co-wrote articles with Sannion and very friendly with Krasskova. Cites Krasskova and encourages cultural appropriation of spirit animals.

Kharis: Hellenic Polytheism Explained

Komos: Celebrating Festivals in Contemporary Hellenic Polytheism

Patrick Dunn - possible cultural appropriation of Hoodoo ritual framework and definite appropriation of Qabbalah (seen here and here), both closed practices as well.

The Orphic Hymns

The Practical Art of Divine Magic

Rosemarie Taylor-Perry - cultural appropriation and general White fuckery towards closed indigenous traditions, claiming Dionysos is syncretic with deities from indigenous cultures.

The god who comes: Dionysian mysteries revealed

Rhyd Wildermuth - transphobic and defended right-winger Alexander Reid Ross. Pro-Hindutva; lots of “anti antifascist” (ie. alt right type) dogwhistling. He doesn’t write specifically about Hellenic paganism but I am guessing many fans of his are unaware of his turn to the right lately.

All That is Sacred is Profaned: A Pagan Guide to Marxism

Witches in a Crumbling Empire

A Kindness of Ravens

Your Face is a Forest

…and he also founded the Gods and Radicals publishing unit

Kaye Boesme - Supports Greek ethnonationalism (in the context of the harassment of Aliakai).

Acts of Speech

…has articles in Eternal Haunted Summer, Walking the Worlds, etc.

Chris Aldridge - Antisemite (scroll to bottom) who has published for YSEE. Carefully avoids talking about any homoerotic myths. Misogynist who characterizes male heroes as strong warriors and heroines as excessively family-oriented (and thus giving blessings in that area), even Atalanta, in his Hellenic Polytheism book. Ignores/neglects more powerful, ‘unladylike’ aspects of goddesses aside from Athena.

New Prayers of Old Hellas

Theseus: His Life, Mysteries and Virtues

Light of Olympos

Hellenic Polytheism: A Personal Guide

Lives and Prayers of the Greek Heroes and Heroine’s (sic)

…also published in Neos Alexandria’s anthologies, Festival of the Sun, etc,

Heliotrophy - General right-wing. Defends Edward Butler. Reactionary center-right bullshit. One of those “kids these days complain too much” types. Note that he is one of those ‘family values’ type conservatives as well.

Hymns for the Gods From Olympus to Asgard: Prayers in the Orphic and Eddic Traditions

Please feel free to add!

#long post

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seafoamandtrident · 2 years

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☀️ Hymn to Apollo - John Keats ☀️

#apollo #hymns

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seafoamandtrident · 2 years

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Grimoire - Hellenic Polytheism

Hellenic Polytheism In General: HP 101: Where to start Hellenic polytheism - free (and reliable!) resources Things Every Baby Hellenic Should Research/Know Adult Home Study for Hellenic and Roman Polytheists Considering the Hellenic Pagan as an Identity Bedridden and Low Energy hellenic polytheist tips 10 Myths About Hellenismos The Thing About Myths A Clash of Tales: How to Reconcile Conflicting Myths The Gods are not their myths! Some points on Orphism The difference between "religion online" and "online religion" Lets have a chat: about research in recon How to determine if a book on mythology is legit? Hellenic Polytheism: Evaluating “How-to” Books Why learning Hellenic Polytheism (or really any other pagan current) on Tumblr aint a good idea

Hellenic Polytheist Concepts And Practices: Khernips A follow-up on pollution and purification Miasma vs. Lyma Thoughts on cognitive hygiene and pollution Spiritual protection in the Greco-Roman world The Hellenic Gods Aren’t Malicious Towards You. Deepening your relationship with a deity Why personal devotion matters Things the Gods Get Mad at Mortals For On Household Worship Children in Ancient (Athenian) Festivals Basic Prayer Formula Dissecting the Anatomy of Prayer Kharis: The Reciprocal Relationship with the Gods Invoking Kharis Xenia, and why it is our duty as Hellenic polytheists/pagans to be anti-racist and anti-fascist The Pillars of Hellenic Worship Pillars of Hellenismos Oaths and Hellenic Polytheism Hellenic polytheism and witchcraft Witchcraft in Hellenismos Magic in Hellenismos: An Introduction Ingredients of Ancient Greek style reconstructed magic Magic idea: using the Iliad (and Odyssey) for magic Popular Divination Methods in Ancient Greece Introduction to The Underworld as Understood in Ancient Hellas Practical tips for Hellenic Khthonic Ritual Necromancy- a learning journal

Religious Offerings: Extravagant Offerings Are Unnecessary Libations Effects of Libations in the Garden Why water is not a "lazy" offering Basic Hellenic Offering Ritual Historical Hellenic Offerings How to Make an Offering as a Hellenic Polytheist (based on historical methods)

Hellenic Pantheon: Pantheon of the Greek Gods Resources for Cult Epithets of the Greek Gods Theogony Choose Your Starter Theoi Modern Hellenic Polytheist Household Deity Worship Household rituals for the Agathos Daimon The forgotten ones: on honouring obscure gods Zeus and Hera’s Marriage In defense of Zeus Nymph Worship Honouring the Nymphai - The maidens of nature. Ourea: The Mountain Gods Potamoi: The River Gods Offerings to local river gods (potamoi) Hero Worship Hero worship 101 - The basics Hero Worship 101 - Which hero should I worship? How do I contact them?

Festivals And Sacred Days: Libation days in Hellenismos 2021 Attic Calendar Deipnon-Noumenia-Agathos Daimon lunar dates for 2021 The Attic Calendar Hekate's Deipnon Noumenia Agathos Daimon Deipnon, Noumenia and Agathos Daimon Prayers Attempting to set up a "holiday decoration" box Example Modernisation of an Ancient Greek Festival

Things To Beware Of: Authors to Watch Out For in Hellenismos Hellenic Polytheist Groups to Avoid Things to Watch Out for in Hellenic Polytheism How To Tell When "God Drama" Is Fake

My Hellenic Polytheism Practice: My Hellenic Polytheism Recommended Reading List The glorious mess of a Hellenic Pagan with her glorious mess of a religious practice Festivals and holidays I observe as a Hellenic witch To the new worshippers/devotees My advice for beginner Hellenic Pagans Keeping in touch with the gods Things I have learned as a Hellenic Pagan Hellenic Pagan Oath Taking "Permissions" How NOT to act with the gods Asking the gods for favors My advice regarding romantic relationships with Hellenic deities To the witches who would like to work with the Hellenic deities, from a Hellenic witch How I pray as a Hellenic Pagan The gods are complex beings The Hellenic Witch with an Atheist Spouse Why I don't interpret religious/spiritual experiences for others "How do I know... what if..."

#reference

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seafoamandtrident · 2 years

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Traditional Offerings (Ouranic and Khthonic)

Ouranic

Diluted Wine

Water

(Olive) Oil

Honey

Milk

Meat (common : sheep and cow)

Grains (barley), bread, cakes

Honeyed bread and cakes

Fruit, first fruit of the season

Flowers, flower wreaths/crowns

Incense (frankincense, storax, myrrh, myrtle, jasmine)

Khthonic

Unmixed wine

Water

Milk

Honey

Coins, money

Meat (common : sheep and cow)

Grains (barley), bread, cakes

Honeyed bread and cakes

Fruit, first fruit of the season

Flowers, flower wreaths/crowns

Votive offerings can also be given to both.

This is not an exhaustive list nor will it fit every deity - for example, pomegranates are a good offering for Hera, but not for Demeter (they're banned during the Eleusinian Mysteries) - so make sure to check.

#reference

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seafoamandtrident · 2 years

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I don't know who needs to hear this but...

The Gods love you.

They love you when you smile.

They love you when you cry.

They love you even if you have a hard time noticing them.

They love you and are with you.

They love you both when you're feeling down or when you're feeling like your on top of the world.

They love you even if you haven't prayed in a while or can't pray.

They love you when you haven't made any offerings in a while or can't make them.

They love you even if you forget about festivals or don't participate in them.

They love you when you reconstruct in your practice and they love you when you don't.

They love you even if you have doubts.

They love you when you can't get out of bed.

They love you when you're batteling your own thoughts.

They love you when you find it hard to take care of yourself.

They love you when you've fallen and they'll help you get back up.

They love you when you struggle and they see you.

They love you when you think you are not enough but you are enough to them just as you are.

They love you, value and recognise you as a beautiful, unique being that you are.

The Gods love you even when you can't love yourself.

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seafoamandtrident · 2 years

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Delphic Maxim List

Below I am creating a list of all 147 Delphic Maxims. This is meant to be an exercise for me to help me study and remember them, as well as record my own interpretations. Feel free to comment or message me your own interpretations, as long as you do so in a respectful manner.

For some history, the Delphic Maxims were inscribed in the Temple of Apollo, after Apollo gave them to his Oracle in Delphi. They are considered an important part of Hellenism/Hellenic Polytheism to many. Of course, this does not mean that you must follow them. Many of us who grew up in Christian households may subconsciously try to compare them to the ten commandments or something similar and worry that it is an offence or “sin” to not follow them. This is not the case. They are meant to provide a sort of outline or framework for a disciplined and honorable way of life, which should be the ultimate goal for any of us. This does not mean that you may not go beyond them or mess up along the way. Free will is an important part of the human soul and mistakes are a necessary part of life. Without them, you cannot grow, and this is know different when they are mistakes of the spiritual or religious kind. The end goal of life is not perfection, but growth.

They are also of course always up to change and reinterpretation. Just like we as individuals and as a society must grow and progress, so must they. There will be a few that I will provide my modern interpretation for based on historical context and my own beliefs. I will make sure to state so accordingly.

The List:

Keep reading

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seafoamandtrident · 2 years

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Prayer to Aphrodite for Aphrodisia 🌹🌊

Mother from the ocean, common to all people, I thank you for your blessings and your presence.

Thank you, mother from the waves, for watching over me and sheltering me in the storm.

Thank you for guiding me from the darkness to a place of love and light.

Thank you, Aphrodite, born from sea foam and blood, for the gifts you give and the love you bring to this world.

I strive to make you proud. 💖

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seafoamandtrident · 2 years

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🏛Hellenic cheat sheets🏛

In construction

Here are some cheat sheets with general information about the Greek Gods which you might find useful in worship but not only!

There is plenty of information I did not include. These are just simple cheat sheets. I could not fit everything in there but this might come in handy if you’re just starting out or want to get to know the Hellenic Gods.

For more information about them, I highly recommend you check out the websites or books I listed in sources!

PSA: Some of the things listed in offerings and associations section are more modern, thus could be regarded as UPGs/SPGs

⚡ The Olympians ⚡

Zeus

Hera

Poseidon

Demeter

Athena

Apollo

Artemis

Ares

Hephaestus

Aphrodite

Hermes

Hestia

Dionysus

Mount Olympus - Home of the Gods

🦴The Underworld🦴

Hades

Persephone

Hekate

Hypnos

Thanatos

Erinyes

House of Hades & the Afterlife

If you like my content consider supporting me on: https://ko-fi.com/screeching0wlet

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seafoamandtrident · 2 years

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May the gods be with you in 2022, protecting you, supporting your endeavours, and keeping your cup full.

🕯🎆 Happy New Year 🎆🕯

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seafoamandtrident · 2 years

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Baby witch here!

I REALLY wanna take an oath on my gods, Artemis and Athena.

But idk how to take an oath!!

How long have you been worshipping them? If the answer is less than 5 years, please don't. And if you're still a minor, please don't, period.

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seafoamandtrident · 2 years

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#poseidon

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