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Ive started doing nightly tarot readings and tonight the feeling of choosing the deck felt much different than two nights before when I did it, and a different deck was chosen too. Rather than a firm, pressurised feeling, it was a wave-like, pulsing feeling. Because of this, I decided to ask the same question two nights ago, and got a very similar answer. I was still a bit confused, as it still felt much different, and decided to ask if it was someone else. I had the feeling that two nights ago was Zeus, and tonight was Poseidon. (Due to the decks chosen, being the Shadows/Light and Mermaid decks respectively). I did the reading as usual, and the card I drew for an answer was ‘Yes’. Im excited about this, and I’m even more excited to get to know their energies! I also asked about Hades, however I got a rather cryptic answer, so I will just have to see in time.

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Does anyone know any sacred days for Poseidon, Hades, and Zeus? Apollo as well, but id prefer to focus on the first three! I can’t seem to find any solid dates, which isn’t very helpful!

[starrysadalbari-deactivated2021]

Unpopular Opinion: Aphrodite Can Be Anything. At any time. To anyone.

Because beauty isn’t limited to one perspective. It certainly isn’t limited by any mortal eye or mind.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Beauty morphs and manifests in every way imaginable.

And so Aphrodite is trans. Aphrodite is a lesbian. Aphrodite is gay. Aphrodite is bisexual and Aphrodite is even found in asexual platonic relationships because friendship is also a thing of beauty. Aphrodite is black. Aphrodite is Asian. Aphrodite is Mexican and Syrian and Australian and Norwegian.

And Aphrodite is Greek.

But the core of Aphrodite is beauty and love which, at it’s core, holds no one face. But all faces and all body types and all genders and all ethnicities and all sexual identifications.

[nervousbreadchaos-deactivated20]

Even when you can’t shrine, your Gods love you.

Even when it’s been months since you have done a ritual or rite in their name, your Gods love you.

Even when you aren’t at your best, your Gods love you.

Even when they’re disappointed in something you have done, your Gods love you.

Even when you turn your back to them, your Gods love you.

Your Gods won’t stop loving you for being human.

[nervousbreadchaos-deactivated20]

Message to myself during my fallow time…

[death-witch-envy]

On Worshipping Hades

There are a ton of posts out there for signs and symbols, offerings and all that. Regardless, I’m making this post because Hades is the God I receive the most asks about, and this post was highly requested.

The Basics

Offerings:

Coins & other money (traditionally gold or brass, but all money works)

Stones, especially dark, jagged stones

Alcohol, especially wine

Honey

Milk or Water

Tobacco

Herbs: cypress, mint, myrrh, patchouli, bay, pumpkin, yew, wormwood, cinnamon, lavender, willow, oak

Flowers: marigold, dandelion, rose, lily, daisies, rowan, poppy, daffodils, calendulas 

Oils, especially olive oils and vinegars

Salts and spices

Shells or bones of the earth

Teas, especially blacks and oolongs

Breads or cakes

Fruits, such as apples and pomegranates

Meat (especially lamb)

Incenses: frankincense, myrrh, wormwood, sandalwood, cinnamon, rose, pomegranate

Candles: black, grey or silver

Symbols:

Dogs (Cerberus, specifically), black lambs, serpents and screech owls

Precious jewels, money, metals

Cypress, white asphodel, mint, narcissus

Drinking horn

Sceptre

Key

Helm of darkness

Black, grey, silver, gold

Nighttime

Autumn and Winter

Cemeteries, crossroads, forests, caves and mines

Ideas for the Altar:

Black mirror

Black cloth

Dark stones, such as hematite, onyx, obsidian, jet and the like

Shells

Dirt from outside, or graveyard dirt

Black, grey or silver candles

Flowers (dried works well too)

Bones (ethically sourced)

Representations of any of His symbols, listed above

Money, especially rare coins

Silver, or other precious metals

Family heirlooms

Active Practice

Worship Etiquette:

As with all chthonic deities, offerings are usually poured down. Offerings that float up (such as incense) are less common, but can be used.

Food offerings are usually buried instead of eaten. However, if need be, you may eat them.

Offerings are often buried, poured down the drain, or into the trash. This is done to ‘complete’ the offering.

This is very traditional, but I want to include it for extra information. In a temple with a roof, offerings would often be left by His feet all day and then during at night. Also, since the Mycenaean period, priests of Άδης would rhythmically pound their hands on the ground whilst praying to Him. I will sometimes tap (not pound) my head to the floor while praying in honor of this tradition.

As always, be polite. Hades will forgive any mistakes with a forgiveness offerings and continued respect.

Ideas for Active Worship:

Saving money, and spending it wisely

Cleaning litter from cemeteries, and tending to old graves

Offerings to the dead, as well as money to the spirits of the dead to let them pass on, and donating the physical change

Collecting crystals and stones

Making an altar to tend dead spirits

Studying other cultures’ burial methods and cemetery rites

Donating to burial, mortuary or funeral services

If you communicate to spirits, treat them kindly and help them move on

Ancestral worship

Praying

Devotional poems and artwork

Dedicating items to Him, such as jewelry, a wand, or a specific bone

Working with death energy and dying plants during autumn and winter

Caring for dogs kindly

Reflecting on your thoughts and emotions on death 

Helping others who have experienced loss

Frequently Asked or Requested Information

Hades can help with:

Fears about death or dying

Suicidal tendencies

Chronic illness

Money and business

Creativity

Moving on 

Releasing regrets, guilt, and past relationships

Seasonal worship and practice

Earth magic and herb work

Recovery from trauma

Spirit work, namely spirits of the dead

You DO NOT need to:

Be a spirit worker or death worker in order to work with Him

Swear an oath with Him, unless you’re 110% sure to commit

Be a devotee in order to worship Him

Only worship Him

Speak super formally to Him

Be someone you’re not in order to worship Him

You DO need to:

Honor Him

Be respectful

????

PROFIT

More Questions I’ve Answered

What are more DO’s and DON’T’s?

How do I know it’s Hades and not someone else?

I want to devote! How can I?

What if I can’t give extravagant offerings?

I can’t bury His food offerings

I feel like He’s not listening

I think I’ve fallen in love with Hades

Easy ways to start worshipping

I’m closeted, and want to devote

More tips for closeted worship

What are some modern things Hades would like?

How does Hades feel about cursing?

I was taught to fear Hades … 

What do I even say to Him?

Do you have any tips or advice for someone wanting to become more involved with death magic and Hades?

Are there any Gods Hades wouldn’t want to be worshipped alongside?

How do you pray to Him through journal?

Advice on devoteeing

For more information on worshipping Hades–espeically devoteeism and oaths–you can check out this zine I published about Him, Pleading to Hades.

[death-witch-envy]

Offerings for Deities

It’s been a while since I’ve made a post. I’m going to address one of the most frequently asked questions I receive: How do I give offerings? For some reason, many beginner books don’t dive into the specifics of this religious practice which many are unfamiliar with. Hopefully this will help.

General Rules:

Offerings are given as thank-yous, as little gifts to say that you appreciate the deity’s existence. They don’t have to be expensive, but they should be special in your eyes. For example, I often offer donuts or wine simply because I don’t buy those two things often.

Offerings should be appropriate for the deity you’re giving them to.

You’re allowed to get creative with offerings–in fact, the Gods even prefer that you do!

How often you give offerings in accordance to your practice is up to you.

You may give apology offerings for any offense you think you may have made.

Prayers, songs, playlists, and there intangible gifts still count as offerings.

You do not need an altar to give offerings. You can give offerings anywhere, at anytime.

Simply saying “This is for you” makes the object an offering.

Food Offerings:

Most food offerings are eaten after being offered. The main exceptions are Greek chthonic deities, and ancestors, in which case you do not eat the offerings. Research your specific pantheon to make sure if eating is appropriate or not.

There is no set amount of time to leave out food offerings. In fact, many worshippers will eat said offerings right after they offer them.

If you do not eat food offerings, you may throw them away, saying something like, “Though I discard these physical offerings, the spiritual offering remains”.

You may also bury the offerings. Make sure that the offerings will not harm the surrounding environment or animals. Do not bury them in a jar or plastic bag.

If you offer herbs, you may either burn them using a charcoal block or cauldron, or you may throw them out/bury them. While burning is certainly traditional in many pantheons, do not feel the need to if you will be bothered by the potent smoke or handling fire.

Liquid Offerings:

Liquid offerings are handled in the same way food offerings are, with the exception of oils.

You do not have to drink oils after offering them. (Drinking straight olive oil is pretty gross, and please DO NOT drink harmful essential oils!) I recommend pouring them into the ground outside, or into the trash can.

You may pour liquid offerings into the offering bowl, or, you may keep the liquid offering in a cup. I have a special teacup that I often use for offerings such as tea, but any regular teacup will do. After all, you are offering the liquid, not the cup.

Incense and Candle Offerings:

According to tradition, these offerings must be left to burn out on their own. I recommend lighting small tea light candles for these offerings, as big candles burn for a long time. However, some modern Pagans may blow, rinse, or snuff them out early to prevent a fire hazard.

Make sure to be present while the offering is lit, and make sure nothing catches on fire.

If you are bothered by incense smoke, using an essential oil diffuser or unscented candle works fine.

Although many Pagans recommend incense as a general offering, you do not have to offer it, or any candles, if they bother you.

Plant Offerings:

If you offer a plucked flower, you may leave it on an altar or table until it withers. Afterwards you may throw it away. Basically, you handle it as any other friend would had you given them a plucked flower.

If you offer a growing or potted plant, tend to it as you would your other plants. If it dies, that’s okay. Simply discard it as you would normally. The Gods understand that plants die, and They appreciate the beauty of plants while they last.

Other Offerings:

For objects such as stones, shells, or family heirlooms, keep them on the altar or somewhere else special. Ideally, you will not need to throw these away. If they get damaged somehow, and if you cannot repair them, you may throw them out, but give an apology offering and try to replace them.

For artworks or crafts, place them on the altar or hang them somewhere. Don’t sell your offerings; they are gifts you gave to the Gods and not yours to sell.

For songs, play or sing them anytime you’d like to connect or give something to your deity.

For writings, you may keep them, or some people might burn them to “send” to their Gods. Whichever way is up to you.

For e-shrines or other technological offerings, keep them saved in their own folder, keep them nice and up-to-date.

For magical tools, such as grimoires or wands that you dedicate, feel free to use them as normal. Just take care of them, and remember to thank the deity you devoted them to once in a while.

For daily or private actions, such as cleaning, giving to others, etc., simply think “This is for you” or send your energy to the God, and finish the action.

You may say prayers out loud, write them down, or simply think them in your mind. All are perfectly legitimate.

I hope I got all of this. Feel free to reblog or message with corrections, since I know I don’t know everything about every pantheon. Have a beautiful day, and have fun worshipping!! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

[red-moon-witch]

This is a super good list that covers a lot of questions people tend to have about offerings (my self included).

- Aesa <3

[oracleofapollo]

Low Key Offerings

Here are offerings to the gods without looking like offerings to the gods

Books: Great for Athena, but can be offered to other gods as well. I offered "The Art of War" to Ares once.

Drawings: Of the gods or of anything else. If drawn for them they work

Poems/Written works: Poems, stories, songs. They all can be written or typed and printed and set on the alter or other area dedicated to the gods

Jewelry: Any kind. They just look like you set jewelry down

Keepsake Box: I did this as a offering box and also as an offering to Artemis when I was younger

Coins: Good for Charon, Hermes, and Hades

Flowers: Everyone loves flowers and they just look like decor

Statues/Figurines: It's art. As long as you aren't overly decorating them or putting other offerings at their feet no one will think "Hey now that there's an offering"

Stuffed animals: My kids do this. Recently a stuffed owl was offered to Athena

Sea Shells: You can just put them in a pretty box or jar.

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Simple devotional thing ive started doing: Adding honey to my food.

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I’m currently making a masterpost type thing of every Greek God/Goddess I can possibly find. It’s a very breif thing, with only their names and what they’re the god/goddess of with some other important things to note, but it’ll incorporate a lot of gods/goddesses. Would anyone be interested in this when I am finished?

[pinklaurels]

where to find poseidon:

🔱 in the feeling of storms and earthquakes rumbling deep in your chest 🔱 in sunburnt and sunkissed skin after a long day at the beach 🔱 in horses who affectionately nuzzle each other and their humans  🔱 in kids who hold seashells to their ears and marvel at the sound of waves 🔱 in the wonderfully terrifying creatures at the bottom of the ocean 🔱 in the first hard, refreshing rain after a seemingly endless drought

[thegreenwitch13]

“His glance there glows and lingers.” -Archaic Torso of Apollo

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Apollo aesthetic 💕 Even if it doesn’t look the best, I personally like it. I wish i could add more, as Apollo represents so much to me, but this will do for now

[sirenwitchx]

IMPORTANT PRIDE MONTH INFO

Aphrodite loves you and respects your identity and pronouns, even when others around you don’t.

She doesn’t care what your labels are, or if you’re out or closeted or in between.

She loves you and is supporting you this Pride season.

[novelconcepts]

I want to see Greek gods in the modern era.

I want to see Zeus in a tailored suit and shaggy beard, a walking disparity of the loud, brash, post-graduate frat boy variety who can’t pass a woman on the street without catcalls, who has more one-night stands than he could possibly keep in his head, for whom adultery comes as naturally as the weather he predicts on the Channel 4 News—with startlingly accuracy, and an endless wealth of charisma.

I want to see Hera walking tall, six-inch heels and not a wrinkle in her skirt, knowing her boyfriend is cheating, and knowing with equal certainty that she is better, stronger, fiercer than he will ever be, a wedding planner with an eye of steel, spotting vulnerability, slicing it open, teaching every woman who crosses her path to value themselves over any mistake made in the name of men and love.

I want to see Poseidon in Olympic prime, a gym rat who skives off class to shatter backstroke records, who spends his summers lifeguarding at the city pool, who keeps an ever-expanding aquarium in his bedroom and coaxes all the pretty girls up to visit his fish, his charm as impressive as the earth-rending temper he generally uses to fuel his competitive nature.

I want to see Hades, big, hulking, quieter than his brothers would ever think to be, who dresses in neat dark clothes, and polishes his boots, and spends more time reading than fighting, who debates eventuality and ethics, who stoically reminds everyone how enormous, how terrifying, how inescapable a thing like silent inevitability can be.

I want to see Hermes in a beanie, with watercolor splashes of tattoo crawling up his arms and holes in his Chucks, a bike messenger with no helmet, no regard for the rules of the road, all cataclysmic laughter, lock-pick tricks passed along to every kid who thinks to ask, thumbing through his iPhone without a care in the world.

I want to see Athena with reading glasses pushed high on her head, six books in her bag and a switchblade in her back pocket, her clothing as neatly ordered as her mind is feverish, brilliance and temper clashing and blending, doing her best to look dignified—even when her brain chemistry rockets ahead of her well-intentioned plans.

I want to see Apollo splattered with acrylics, board shorts and Monster headphones and a beautiful classic car, busking on street corners, not because he has no choice, but because the sunlight catching on a sticker-patterned acoustic is summer incarnate, because music is blood, because the act of creation is the ultimate in sublime.

I want to see Artemis in ripped jeans and haphazard topknot, star of the soccer team, the track team, the archery team, who rides a motorcycle, and keeps a tribe of girls around her at all times, and does not care for men, for expectation, for anything but volunteer hours down at the local animal shelter and falling asleep under the stars.

I want to see Aphrodite in sundress and scarf, homemade jewelry and lavish amounts of bright red lipstick, who is excellent at public speaking, at theater auditions, at soothing bruised egos and sparking epic fights, who kisses as easily as she breathes and scrawls poetry onto bathroom stalls.

I want to see Ares all but living in the boxing ring, cutoff shirts and sweats, red-faced under a crew cut as he punches, punches, punches until the noise in his head dims, a warrior with no war, all crude jokes and blind fury, totally incapable of understanding what it is to sit, think, plan before running screaming into the fray.

I want to see Demeter with the best garden you’ve seen in your life, with a lawn care business she runs out of her garage, a teenage prodigy grown into a joint-custody single mother, who teaches her carefree daughter all she knows while scaring off the hopeful neighborhood boys with the pet python draped across her shoulders.

I want to see Dionysus with a joint in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other, baggy hoodies and three-week-old jeans, who brews his own beer in his basement and greets all visitors with a fresh pack of Oreos and half-stoned theories of the universe, of birth and death and partying mid-week, because why not, man?

I want to see Hephaestus with a workshop taking up the majority of his house, whose kitchen is overrun with blowtorches, whose bathrooms are home to all manner of hodge-podge invention, who walks with a cane and forgets his laundry for weeks at a time, and strings together the most beautiful steampunk costumes at any convention at the drop of a hat.

I want to see wood nymphs fighting against climate change, waving their signs and pushing for scientific progress. I want to see epic heroes sitting down to Magic: The Gathering tournaments, poker brawls, Call of Duty all-nighters with beer and snapbacks. I want to see Medusa working a women’s shelter, want to see Achilles training for deployment, want to see Prometheus serving endless community service stints for what he calls providing necessary welfare with stolen goods.

Give me modern mythology. I could play for hours in that sandbox.

[pinkwinged-deactivated20230125]

[goodbyedearfriends-deactivated2]

some motivational/positive graphics based off this post of mine

Do not remove the caption or link and/or promote yourself or your blog on this post. Also do not repost this either. I’ll know if you do any of those things, trust me. :)

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On Offerings to the Gods

Ive seen a LOT of posts going around with different offerings to certain gods, and ive seen a common theme with some! This is just to clear up some questions I personally had 💕

1. If you aren’t comfortable with it, sex or an orgasm is absolutely not the only offering you can provide for Aphrodite! She is the goddess of love, yes, but this can come in many different forms! If you arent comfortable with sex or orgasms, then please don’t force yourself to do it in order to please Aphrodite. Things I have seen other than sex and orgasms include loving yourself, sea shells, pearls, clam shells, food, plants, etc !

2. If you are a minor or a recovering addict, wine is not necessary for offerings! I know many posts talk about wine as an offering, especially to the Underworld gods and Dionysus, but if you cant have it for legal or recovering reasons, the gods will understand. Dionysus won’t get mad that he hasn’t been offered wine, you can easily substitute grape juice for it, or if you don’t like that, find some other thing to offer to him.

3. This is more on worship than offerings, but, if you identify as male, you can still worship Artemis. It doesn’t make you any less of a man, especially for those who arent amab. You’re free to worship whoever you want regardless lf age, gender, sexual orientation, etc, as long as the gods are not part of a closed religion you aren’t a part of.

In conclusion, if you’re ever uncomfortable with an offering a post suggests, or you feel something else would fit better, do that! You should feel comfortable and safe in your own worship, and if an offering that everyone seems to vouch for isn’t comfortable to you, the gods wont be mad if you substitute it for something else. Your comfort and safety is above what people on Tumblr think you should offer 💕