apollo and athena

[asthecrowprays]

a poem for Apollo

sometimes he burns so brightly

that i cannot see him

but i look anyway

he of the ashes

that rain down around me, all that remains

of our enemies

apollo sotir, apollo savior

he who utters a war cry

blood drips from my ears and his scream is mine

rouser of armies

apollo ilios, apollo invoked with a cry

he of the wild cry

my feet pound against the dirt, teeth bared against the frost

wolfish lord, apollo lykios

apollo neomenius, he of the new moon

descending like the night

resting in the negative space

words whispered in the darkness, telling of bleak futures

apollo kledones, apollo omen

tracks of fire across the sky,

apollon emos, carry me far

apollo erasmius, apollo psychodotir, apollo olbiodotes, they forget

the light is always warm and giving

before it burns.

[schrawbry-juice]

The Pillars of Hellenismos:

“The “Pillars of Hellenismos” never really existed.

And by that, I mean the ancient Greeks weren’t taught something called the “Pillars” of their religion. Their religion had no name, and religious practices were embedded in their culture. People learned about religion and correct behavior from their family and friends, and through participation in worship from a young age. What we know as the “Pillars of Hellenismos” were taught through modeled religious and ethical behavior.

Our modern “Pillars of Hellenismos” originated and are drawn from the virtues taught in ancient Greek philosophy, especially that of Plato and Aristotle. The virtues differ somewhat from list to list, because the various philosophers emphasized different virtues in their works, but the lists generally overlap.”

~ Honor the Gods blog

The concept of pillars in Hellenic polytheism is fairly modern, and there isn’t one universal list of pillars all Hellenic polytheists should adhere to. I think that having a general idea of what you value most is something you should consider, but not everyone even needs a concise list. Some common pillars I’ve seen include:

Eusebeia: piety, reverence toward the Gods

Xenia: hospitality

Arete: moral virtue, excellence

There are others that cover things from self-control to being unconditionally and unwaveringly kind. When evaluating your own list of pillars, you should be honest with yourself about why each pillar is important to you. Is it because that’s what you think the right answer is? Or is it because it’s a value that you genuinely see as a crucial part of your beliefs? Take your time with things like this, and remember that it’s okay if your views change as time goes on.

Reblog/reply with your own Pillars/list of values!

[chiawitch]

i. aidis cloistered low, name spoken in coarse whispers, a secret that everyone knows. a city of bones; full of shades living without life

ii. adamastos law is your crown, you have never learned mercy. sin is a debt, you are simply the collector

iii. eubulis no one expects your warm hands, gentle smile. your grace is reserved for the deserving; their blood has already been paid, no need for new wounds

iv. adesius the gracious host, waiting to receive in your asphodel hall. worry not, weary traveler, for there is a feast tonight. deep cherry wine, drink in peace, exhale memory

[valyriance]

Sigil for Aoibheall (Aibell)

[finngualart]

Felt like painting this little bastard. I’ve been drawing him each winter for five years now and it’s fun to see how he changes with me. I’m so elated about the progress I’m making! This is probably the last thing I will paint in 2018. Here’s to 2019 :)