witchery

they/them // 22 // athena devotee

[hiddenhearthwitch]

☕🌿Coffee Magic🌿☕

☕Flavors + Correspondences☕

Almond(milk): mental clarity + fortitude, luck, abundance, healing + good health

Amaretto: opening the mind, warding against negativity, creativity, luck

Blueberry: aids in memory + mental clarity, calmness, youth + glamour magic, restoration, aura cleansing + strengthening

Caramel: aids in changes + transformations, soothing quality to spells, good in Fae magic, increases tenacity

Chestnut: warding + protection, prosperity, longevity + increase stamina

Chocolate: self love + nurturing energy, ancestral magic, grounding, love + sexual prowess

Cinnamon: spiritual + personal power, healing, success, lust, luck, prosperity, strength

Clove: protection, actualization of desires, banishing negative + hostile forces

Coffee: inspire creativity, clear emotional + spiritual blockages, dispel nightmares, fortitude + increased stamina, encourage diligence

Coconut Milk: confidence + aid in glamour magic, strength, beauty, love

Cow milk: nurturing, fertility + prosperity, protection, abundance, aid in motherhood

Hazelnut: self-love and compassion, inspiration, creativity, wisdom + insight

Honey: happiness, offerings + Fae magic, sweetness, love, prosperity, healing, passion, spirituality

Irish Cream: dreams + intuition enhancer, prosperity, growth, aid in change

Peanut(butter): stability, aid in manifestation + intuition, attraction, energy

Pecan: spiritual purification + protection, abundance + prosperity

Peppermint: healing, purification, psychic powers + transformation, sleep, prosperity, passion

Pumpkin: wishes + dream fulfillment, protection + guarding, prosperity, magic enhancer, love

Oat(milk): tradition + ancestral work, health, stability + fortitude, beauty + youth, comfort, home magic, healing

Raspberry: invoking fertility or love, kindness + compassion, desire fulfilment, creativity, libido + sex magic

Sugar: used to amplify spells, sweetness + love, attraction, comfort, Fae magic

Soy milk: success + strength, growth, healing

Toffee: playfulness + youthfulness, friendship, easing transitions, courage + strength

Vanilla (creamer or vanilla extract): love, release of stress + anxiety, success, vitality + healing

🔮Bonus Magic Tips🔮

Pick ingredients for your coffee that align with your ambitions for the day.

It can be used as an offering to deities, spirits, ancestors, etc.(e.g. for Sif I sweeten the coffee with oat milk + honey but for Hel I leave the coffee black for an offering)

Consider the way you stir! Counterclockwise banishes and repels negativity, clockwise invites + brings energy to you.

Stain pages for you journal, spell work, or book of shadows! You can also use a strong brewed coffee and a paint brush to paint sigils onto the pages! .

See the full post + bonus recipe at the hidden hearth patreon.

References: The Herbal Alchemist’s Handbook by Karen Harrison

**Disclaimer: a lot of the nut and milk correspondences are personal + intuitive**

[astra-ravana]

Magick Oil Recipes

This is going to be another long post but here are various basic magick oil recipes based on various traditions, including hoodoo, witchcraft, ceremonial magick, and chaos magick. These oils can be used for anointing candles, tools, sigils, spells, and personal empowerment. Keep in mind these are simple recipes that reflect the necessary ingredients needed. So, do your own research, experiment, and create your own powerful recipes over time.

I do recognize some well known oils are not on my list and I plan to add more here in the future. If you have a request for an oil, just comment or DM me. 🖤

Prosperity & Money Oils💰

⛤Money Drawing Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Cinnamon (wealth & attraction)

• Bay leaf (success & prosperity)

• Basil (steady income)

• Patchouli (physical money)

• Carrier oil (olive, grapeseed, or almond)

Effects: Attracts money, business success, financial stability.

⛤Fast Luck Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Wintergreen (speed)

• Cinnamon (attraction)

• Five-finger grass (luck in all endeavors)

• Gold flakes (wealth energy)

• Carrier oil (jojoba or sunflower)

Effects: Brings rapid good fortune in gambling, business, and unexpected financial gains.

⛤Wealth & Abundance Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Frankincense (spiritual wealth)

• Myrrh (long-term prosperity)

• Bergamot (success in business)

• Bayberry (attracts material wealth)

• Carrier oil (avocado or coconut)

Effects: Ensures financial stability, long-term prosperity, and steady income.

⛤Business Success Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Bergamot (success in money matters)

• Cinnamon (financial attraction)

• Bay leaf (victory)

• Chamomile (prosperity)

• Carrier oil (grapeseed or jojoba)

Effects: Attracts customers, strengthens business growth, and enhances career opportunities.

⛤Road to Prosperity Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Abre Camino (removes financial blockages)

• Basil (wealth and abundance)

• Orange peel (good fortune)

• Ginger (fast action)

• Carrier oil (sunflower)

Effects: Clears obstacles to financial growth and opens doors for wealth opportunities.

⛤Money Magnet Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Lodestone chips (money attraction)

• Patchouli (physical cash manifestation)

• Vetiver (long-term financial stability)

• Frankincense (spiritual prosperity)

• Carrier oil (avocado or olive)

Effects: Strengthens money-drawing spells, attracts financial stability, and amplifies manifestation work.

Love & Attraction Oils🌹

⛤Love Drawing Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Rose petals (romantic love)

• Jasmine (sensual attraction)

• Vanilla (sweetening relationships)

• Patchouli (lust & passion)

• Carrier oil (sweet almond)

Effects: Attracts love, deepens romance, strengthens existing relationships.

⛤Come to Me Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Red rose (love)

• Catnip (draws lovers in)

• Cardamom (passionate encounters)

• Orange peel (joyful attraction)

• Carrier oil (grapeseed)

Effects: Draws a specific person to you in love or relationships.

⛤Passion & Lust Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Cinnamon (heat & desire)

• Ginger (sexual stimulation)

• Ylang-ylang (aphrodisiac)

• Hibiscus (erotic attraction)

• Carrier oil (sesame or coconut)

Effects: Ignites passion, strengthens sexual energy, increases attraction.

⛤Sweetening Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Honey (love and attraction)

• Vanilla bean (sensual sweetness)

• Lavender (peaceful romance)

• Orange blossom (happiness in love)

• Carrier oil (sweet almond)

Effects: Sweetens relationships, encourages loving communication, and softens tensions between partners.

⛤Commitment Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Rose petals (devotion and fidelity)

• Myrrh (sacred bonds)

• Chamomile (harmony in marriage)

• Jasmine (romantic attraction)

• Carrier oil (grapeseed or olive)

Effects: Strengthens commitment, encourages proposals, and deepens long-term love bonds.

⛤Irresistible Attraction Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Catnip (draws in lovers)

• Cinnamon (sexual energy)

• Hibiscus (lust and beauty)

• Ylang-Ylang (magnetic sensuality)

• Carrier oil (jojoba)

Effects: Enhances personal magnetism, boosts charm, and makes the wearer irresistible to others.

Protection & Banishing Oils🛡️

⛤Fiery Wall of Protection Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Dragon’s blood resin (spiritual shielding)

• Frankincense (purification)

• Black pepper (banishing)

• Rue (warding off evil)

• Carrier oil (olive or castor)

Effects: Creates a powerful barrier against negativity, psychic attacks, and curses.

⛤Banishing Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Wormwood (drives away spirits)

• Black pepper (protective force)

• Lemon peel (removes negativity)

• Cayenne pepper (fast action)

• Carrier oil (castor or olive)

Effects: Removes unwanted influences, spirits, and toxic energy.

⛤Uncrossing Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Hyssop (spiritual cleansing)

• Lemon verbena (purification)

• Eucalyptus (removes hexes)

• Camphor (clears stagnant energy)

• Carrier oil (coconut or mineral)

Effects: Breaks hexes, jinxes, and bad luck.

⛤Evil Eye Protection Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Rue (warding off negative energy)

• Black tourmaline chips (protection)

• Bay leaves (shielding)

• Frankincense (spiritual purification)

• Carrier oil (olive)

Effects: Protects against jealousy, gossip, and the evil eye.

⛤Reversal Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Black salt (repels negativity)

• Lemon (purification)

• Eucalyptus (removes curses)

• Agrimony (reverses hexes)

• Carrier oil (coconut)

Effects: Reverses curses, jinxes, and psychic attacks back to the sender.

⛤Guardian Spirit Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Angelica root (guardian energy)

• White sage (spiritual defense)

• Lavender (calm protective energy)

• Myrrh (ancestral guidance)

• Carrier oil (jojoba)

Effects: Invokes spirit guides, strengthens personal energy shields, and offers divine protection.

Power, Manifestation, & Influence Oils🙌

⛤Crown of Success Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Bay leaf (triumph)

• Frankincense (spiritual mastery)

• High John root (power & influence)

• Sandalwood (leadership)

• Carrier oil (jojoba or sunflower)

Effects: Increases success in career, academics, and personal achievements.

⛤Commanding Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Licorice root (domination)

• Calamus root (persuasion)

• Bay leaf (authority)

• Ginger (forcefulness)

• Carrier oil (olive or castor)

Effects: Enhances personal power, influences others, and asserts dominance.

⛤Road Opener Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Abre Camino (removes blockages)

• Lemon (clears obstacles)

• Orange peel (brings new opportunities)

• Ginger (adds momentum)

• Carrier oil (jojoba or sweet almond)

Effects: Removes obstacles, opens paths for success, clears stagnation.

⛤Mastery Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Frankincense (spiritual elevation)

• Myrrh (wisdom and insight)

• High John the Conqueror root (mastery and control)

• Bay leaf (success)

• Carrier oil (almond)

Effects: Enhances personal power, strengthens leadership abilities, and aids in mastering skills.

⛤Psychic Domination Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Calamus root (persuasion)

• Licorice root (control and authority)

• Clove (mental influence)

• Ginger (power boost)

• Carrier oil (olive)

Effects: Strengthens mental influence, persuasion, and domination over others.

⛤Success & Victory Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Bay laurel (winning energy)

• Bergamot (luck and success)

• Frankincense (high achievement)

• Dragon’s blood (empowerment)

• Carrier oil (sunflower)

Effects: Ensures success in competitions, exams, legal matters, and career goals.

Cleansing & Spiritual Oils🔮

⛤Florida Water Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Lemon (purification)

• Lavender (calming spiritual energy)

• Orange blossom (uplifting)

• Rosemary (clearing negativity)

• Carrier oil (alcohol base or sunflower)

Effects: Used for spiritual cleansing, aura clearing, and purification.

⛤Psychic Vision Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Mugwort (enhances visions)

• Star anise (clairvoyance)

• Lavender (calms the mind)

• Wormwood (opens third eye)

• Carrier oil (grapeseed or olive)

Effects: Enhances psychic abilities, intuition, and lucid dreaming.

⛤Spirit Communication Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Myrrh (spirit world connection)

• Dittany of Crete (manifestation of spirits)

• Mugwort (enhances mediumship)

• Sandalwood (deepens trance states)

• Carrier oil (jojoba or coconut)

Effects: Aids in contacting spirits, ancestors, and guides.

⛤Divine Blessing Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Frankincense (connection to divine beings)

• Lavender (spiritual peace)

• Rose (angelic guidance)

• White sage (cleansing)

• Carrier oil (coconut or jojoba)

Effects: Invokes celestial guidance, brings blessings, and strengthens spiritual connections.

⛤Lunar Empowerment Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Jasmine (moon magic)

• Mugwort (dream work and divination)

• Sandalwood (spiritual attunement)

• Silver flakes (moon energy)

• Carrier oil (grapeseed)

Effects: Enhances lunar magick, psychic abilities, and dream work.

⛤Elemental Balancing Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Fire: Cinnamon (passion)

• Water: Blue lotus (intuition)

• Earth: Patchouli (stability)

• Air: Lavender (mental clarity)

• Carrier oil (almond)

Effects: Balances elemental energies, aligns chakras, and stabilizes emotions.

⛤Black Cat Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Patchouli (attraction)

• Black Pepper (protection)

• Mugwort (psychic insight)

• Black cat hair(supernatural power)

• Carrier oil (almond or jojoba)

Effects: Used for protection, luck, supernatural guidance, and enhancing one’s personal power.

⛤Infernal Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Dragon’s blood (spirit manifestation)

• Cinnamon (energy amplification)

• Wormwood (spirit communication)

• Sulfur powder (demonic energy)

Effects: Enhances spirit work, opens pathways to demonic entities, and strengthens the connection during rituals or meditations.

⛤Spider Oil⛤

Ingredients:

• Spider web (weaving fate)

• Mullein (spirit communication)

• Clove (psychic enhancement)

• Black walnut husk (transformation)

• Carrier oil (almond or olive)

Effects: Ideal for manifestation, divination, shadow work, and spiritual wisdom.

Ways to Use Magickal Oils

• Anoint Candles – Dress ritual candles to enhance spellwork.

• Wear on Skin – Apply to pulse points (if skin-safe) to absorb its energy.

• Anoint Tools & Talismans – Charge magical items.

• Add to Mojo Bags & Spell Jars – Boost potency of spellwork.

• Drop into Bathwater – For personal empowerment and ritual cleansing.

• Mark Doorways & Altars – To create an energetic boundary.

Baneful Oils

Additionally, here are the basic recipes for various baneful oils. Always use caution and consideration. These oils are meant for experienced practitioners who understand their consequences and ethical implications.

General Hexing & Cursing Oils☠️

⛧Black Arts Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Asafoetida (baneful energy)

• Sulfur (curse activation)

• Black pepper (powerful hexing)

• Graveyard dirt (spiritual influence)

• Carrier oil (castor or mineral)

Effects: Used for hexing, cursing, and dark workings.

⛧War Water Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Iron rust (conflict energy)

• Cayenne pepper (aggression)

• Black mustard seed (chaos)

• Spanish moss (binding)

• Carrier oil (swamp water infusion or vinegar base)

Effects: Used for enemy work, destruction magick, and revenge.

⛧Hot Foot Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Cayenne pepper (drives enemies away)

• Black pepper (banishing)

• Sulfur (removes unwanted people)

• Graveyard dirt (finality)

• Carrier oil (castor)

Effects: Forces someone to leave, drives away enemies, removes toxic individuals.

⛧Devil’s Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Sulfur (destruction)

• Black pepper (banishing)

• Graveyard dirt (spiritual energy manipulation)

• Asafoetida (intensifies dark workings)

• Carrier oil (castor)

Effects: Used in cursing, binding enemies, and increasing dark magick potency.

⛧Chaos Magick Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Uranium glass (radioactive power symbolism)

• Mugwort (visionary energy)

• Peppermint (mental stimulation)

• Dragon’s blood (amplification)

• Carrier oil (coconut or jojoba)

Effects: Strengthens chaos magick rituals, assists in reality shifting, and enhances experimental spellwork.

⛧Justice Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Devil’s claw root (punishment energy)

• Black mustard seed (confusion)

• Red pepper flakes (aggression)

• War water (conflict magic)

• Carrier oil (castor)

Effects: Ensures justice, punishes wrongdoers, and intensifies karmic spells.

⛧Black Hex Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Black mustard seed (confusion and discord)

• Asafoetida (banishment and curse amplification)

• Wormwood (spiritual torment)

• Black pepper (aggression and conflict)

• Carrier oil (castor)

Effects: Brings misfortune, causes confusion, and weakens an enemy’s defenses.

⛧Jinx Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Poppy seeds (mental fog and bad luck)

• Sulfur (destruction and decay)

• Vandal root (psychic disruption)

• Red chili flakes (suffering)

• Carrier oil (olive or grapeseed)

Effects: Weakens an enemy’s luck, creates obstacles, and disrupts personal and financial stability.

⛧Graveyard Curse Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Graveyard dirt (spirit assistance)

• Myrrh (ancestral energy)

• Hemlock (poisonous influence)

• Blackthorn/locust (cursing and dark magic)

• Carrier oil (castor or mineral oil)

Effects: Calls upon spirits of the dead to enact vengeance and haunt enemies.

Domination & Manipulation Oils✊

⛧Domination Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Licorice root (control and persuasion)

• Calamus root (mental dominance)

• Clove (commanding power)

• Dragon’s blood (intensification)

• Carrier oil (jojoba or sunflower)

Effects: Grants control over another’s thoughts, actions, and decisions.

⛧Bend Over Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Licorice root (submission)

• High John the Conqueror root (dominance)

• Tobacco (enslaving influence)

• Red pepper flakes (forceful action)

• Carrier oil (olive or mineral)

Effects: Forces someone to comply with your wishes, weakens their willpower, and makes them obedient.

⛧Puppet Master Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Poppy seed (mental control)

• Mugwort (influencing dreams and subconscious)

• Orris root (psychological persuasion)

• Solomon’s seal (binding)

• Carrier oil (grapeseed)

Effects: Manipulates people’s thoughts and decisions, making them act in your favor.

Revenge & Payback Oils💔

⛧Revenge Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Devil’s claw root (punishment energy)

• Red brick dust (protection and justified aggression)

• Black salt (banishing)

• Chili powder (intensified suffering)

• Carrier oil (castor or mineral)

Effects: Brings swift karmic retribution and inflicts suffering upon wrongdoers.

⛧Return to Sender Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Agrimony (reflects negativity)

• Devil’s shoestring (block enemy spells)

• Black tourmaline chips (spiritual protection)

• Eucalyptus (cleansing)

• Carrier oil (coconut)

Effects: Sends hexes, curses, and ill intentions back to the sender with triple force.

⛧Wrath of Spirits Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Blackthorn/Locust (spiritual attack)

• Wormwood (spirit summoning)

• Henbane (malevolent energy)

• Bloodroot (ancestral wrath)

• Carrier oil (olive)

Effects: Calls upon spirits to haunt and punish enemies with nightmares, paranoia, and bad luck.

Destruction & Chaos Oils💥

⛧Black Destruction Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Sulfur (corruption and destruction)

• Black dog hair (ill omens)

• War water (conflict magic)

• Rust (decay and ruin)

• Carrier oil (castor or mineral)

Effects: Destroys enemies’ prosperity, causes financial collapse, and weakens their social standing.

⛧Discord & Strife Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Black mustard seed (confusion and rivalry)

• Vinegar (sour relationships)

• Red pepper (arguments and discord)

• Dogwood bark (unraveling stability)

• Carrier oil (olive)

Effects: Causes arguments, breaks up relationships, and fuels chaos in personal and professional life.

⛧Separation Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Lemon peel (cutting ties)

• Black salt (banishment)

• Cayenne pepper (heated conflict)

• Rue (removes unwanted people)

• Carrier oil (grapeseed)

Effects: Breaks up relationships, friendships, or business partnerships.

Pain Infliction Oils🩹

⛧Pain & Suffering Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Thorns (piercing pain)

• Red pepper (burning affliction)

• Black salt (banishment and suffering)

• Stinging nettle (agony)

• Carrier oil (castor)

Effects: Causes physical and emotional distress, making the target feel constant hardship.

⛧Shadow Plague Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Graveyard/hospital dirt (illness energy)

• Poppy seeds (lethargy and confusion)

• Henbane (spiritual sickness)

• Asafoetida (rot and corruption)

• Carrier oil (mineral)

Effects: Weakens a target’s physical health, causing fatigue, minor ailments, and general discomfort.

⛧Blood Curse Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Dried animal blood (ancestral wrath)

• Rue (generational curse energy)

• Wormwood (spiritual decay)

• Mandrake root (dark energy infusion)

• Carrier oil (olive or mineral)

Effects: Places long-lasting and harsh curses, especially on family lines or descendants.

Binding & Entrapment Oils⛓️

⛧Shadow Binding Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Solomon’s seal root (binding power)

• Black ribbon (symbolic entrapment)

• Poppy seeds (mental stagnation)

• Mugwort (energetic suppression)

• Carrier oil (coconut or jojoba)

Effects: Restricts an enemy’s ability to move forward in life, keeping them stuck in bad situations.

⛧Eternal Chains Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Devil’s shoestring (binding and restriction)

• Ivy (trapping and immobilization)

• Licorice root (control)

• Hemlock (powerful suppression)

• Carrier oil (grapeseed)

Effects: Traps a target in their misfortune, preventing them from escaping a bad fate.

⛧Veil of Silence Oil⛧

Ingredients:

• Slippery elm (stops gossip and lies)

• Mullein (silencing and stilling)

• Knotweed (energetic restriction)

• Solomon’s seal (sealing influence)

• Carrier oil (olive)

Effects: Silences enemies, stops gossip, and prevents harmful rumors from spreading.

How to Use Baneful Oils

• Anoint Black Candles – Used in hexing and cursing rituals.

• Dress Poppets/Dolls – Infuses energy into sympathetic magic.

• Mark Enemy Belongings – Secretly place on items to affect a target.

• Add to Cursed Spell Jars – Intensifies spells for long-term suffering.

• Use in Written Curses – Apply to paper sigils or petitions for enhanced power.

[graces-vespers]

THANATOS: AN INFODUMP

Thanatos (Θανατος) known to the romans as Mors is the god or daimon (personified spirit) of non-violent death. He is a chthonic deity residing in the underworld.

This post covers his family, symbols, notable myths, epithets, orphic hymn, and my favourite passages about him.

PARENTAGE AND SIBLINGS

His parentage and family can be understood through Hesiod’s Theogony (A Greek epic written in the 8th or 7th B.C)

And Nyx (Night) bare hateful Moros (Doom) and black Ker (Violent Death) and Thanatos (Death), and she bare Hypnos (Sleep) and the tribe of Oneiroi (Dreams). And again the goddess murky Nyx, though she lay with none, bare Momos (Blame) and painful Oizys (Misery), and the Hesperides . . . Also she bare the Moirai (Moirae, Fates) and the ruthless avenging Keres (Death-Fates) . . . Also deadly Nyx bare Nemesis (Envy) to afflict mortal men, and after her, Apate (Deceit) and Philotes (Friendship) and hateful Geras (Old Age) and hard-hearted Eris (Strife).

— Parents: Nyx with no father (Roman versions of his birth name Erebus the father)

— Siblings:

Apate (deceit)

Eris (strife)

Geras (old age)

Hesperides (nymphs of the evening)

Hypnos (sleep) Ker (violent death)

Keres (death-fates)

Moirai (fates)

Momos (blame)

Moros (doom)

Nemesis (retribution)

Oizys (misery)

Oneiroi (dreams)

Philotes (friendship)

SYMBOLS AND APPEARANCE

SYMBOLS

— inverted torch → represents a life being extinguished

— butterfly → symbolises the soul

— sword → indicates his authority to sever the thread of life

— poppies → as a symbol of eternal sleep

— wreath → suggesting eternity, or the cyclical nature of life and death

APPEARANCE

Greek vase paintings depicted him as a winged, older man with a beard and rarely as a young, beardless youth.

Roman sculptures portrayed him as a youth holding an inverted torch and a wreath or butterfly

NOTABLE MYTHS

— THANATOS AND THE BODY OF SARPEDON

As seen in the Iliad, Thanatos and Hypnos are tasked to carry the body of Sarpedon away from the battlefield to Lycia so his brothers and countrymen can give him a respectful burial.

Homer, Iliad 16. 453 ff (trans. Lattimore) (Greek epic C8th B.C.) : "[Hera speaks to Zeus about the approaching death of his son Sarpedon :] ‘But after the soul and the years of his life have left him [Sarpedon], then send Thanatos (Death) to carry him away, and Hypnos (Sleep), who is painless, until they come with him to the countryside of broad Lykia (Lycia) where his brothers and countrymen shall give him due burial with tomb and gravestone.’"

Homer, Iliad 16. 681 ff : "Then [Apollon] gave him [Sarpedon] into the charge of swift messengers to carry him, of Hypnos (Sleep) and Thanatos (Death), who are twin brothers, and these two presently laid him down within the rich countryside of broad Lykia (Lycia)."

— THE CAPTURE OF THANATOS BY SISYPHUS

Sisyphus was the (possibly) founder and king of Corinth and was known as ‘the craftiest on men’ in texts by Homer. In the myth, Thanatos was sent to carry Sisyphus into the underworld. Upon Thanatos’ arrival, Sisyphus who was hiding chained him and in doing do, suspended death across the entire world. Thanatos was later freed by Ares who had noticed an absence of death from the battlefield

Alcaeus, Fragment 38a (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric I) (Greek lyric C6th B.C.) : "King Sisyphos (Sisyphus), son of Aiolos (Aeolus), wisest of men, supposed that he was master of Thanatos (Death); but despite his cunning he crossed eddying Akheron (Acheron) twice at at fate's command."

Aeschylus, Sisyphus the Runaway (lost play) (Greek tragedy C5th B.C.) : Weir Smyth (L.C.L.) quotes from Pherecydes, a C5th B.C. mythographer, in his discussion of the plot of this lost play: "The drama was satyric; its theme, the escape from Haides of the crafty Korinthian king. According to the fabulous story told by Pherekydes (Frag. 78 in Müller,Fragmenta Historicum Graecorum) Sisyphos made known to Asopos that it was Zeus who had carried off his daughter Aigina; in punishment for which offence the god sent Thanatos (Death) against the babbler; but Sisyphos bound Thanatos (Death) fast, so that men ceased to die, until Ares came to the rescue, released Thanatos, and gave Sisyphos into his power."

— THANATOS WRESTLED BY HERACLES

In the Euripides, a Greek tragedy written in the 5th C B.C. Thanatos is wrestled by Heracles to save the life of Alkestis. Heracles does this to repay Admetos, Alklestis’

Euripides, Alcestis 839 ff : "Herakles : I must save this woman who has died so lately, bring Alkestis back to live in this house and pay Admetos all the kindness that I owe. I must go there [to the funeral at the graveside] and watch for Thanatos (Death) of the black robes (melampeplos), master of dead men (anax nekrôn), and I think I shall find him drinking the blood of slaughtered beasts beside the grave. Then, if I can break suddenly from my hiding place, catch him, and hold him in the circle of these arms, there is no way he will be able to break my hold on his bruised ribs, until he gives the woman up to me. But if I miss my quarry, if he does not come to the clotted offering, I must go down, I must ask Kore (Core, the Maiden) [Persephone] and the Master (Anax) [Haides] in the sunless homes of those below (domos anêlios)."

EPITHETS

Greek

- Paean -> the healing (delivers men from the pains and sorrows of life)

- Melampeplos -> of the black robes

- Anax Nekron -> master of dead men

English (these are ones I've derived from text so partial upg)

- insatiable

- dreadful/dreaded one

- awful god

- with a heart of iron

- without mercy

Latin

- Acherontis - inflicter of Acheron (woe)

ORPHIC HYMN

The Fumigation from Manna. Hear me, O Death [Thanatos], whose empire unconfined, extends to mortal tribes of every kind. On thee, the portion of our time depends, whose absence lengthens life, whose presence ends. Thy sleep perpetual bursts the vivid folds, by which the soul, attracting body holds: Common to all of every sex and age, for nought escapes thy all-destructive rage; Not youth itself thy clemency can gain, vigorous and strong, by thee untimely slain. In thee, the end of nature's works is known, in thee, all judgment is absolved alone: No suppliant arts thy dreadful rage control, no vows revoke the purpose of thy soul; O blessed power regard my ardent prayer, and human life to age abundant spare.

MY FAVOURITE MISC. COLLECTION OF TEXTS

Hesiod, Theogony 758 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or C7th B.C.) : . . . These are Hypnos (Sleep) and Thanatos (Death), dread divinities. Never upon them does Helios, the shining sun, cast the light of his eye-beams, neither when he goes up the sky nor comes down from it. One of these [Hypnos], across the earth and the wide sea-ridges, goes his way quietly back and forth, and is kind to mortals, but the heart of the other one [Thanatos] is iron, and brazen feelings without pity are inside his breast."

Aeschylus, Fragment 82 Niobe (from Stobaeus, Anthology 4. 51. 1) (trans. Weir Smyth) (Greek tragedy C5th B.C.) : "For, alone of gods, Thanatos (Death) loves not gifts; no, not by sacrifice, nor by libation, canst thou aught avail with him; he hath no altar nor hath he hymn of praise; from him, alone of gods, Peitho (Persuasion) stands aloof."

Aeschylus, Fragment 141 Philoctetes (from Stobaeus, Anthology 4. 52. 32) : "[The wounded Philoktetes (Philoctetes) laments :] ‘O Death (thanatos), the healer (paian), reject me not, but come! For thou alone art the mediciner of ills incurable, and no pain layeth hold on the dead.’"

[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.

[apiswitchcraft]

altars for greek gods

this post includes hades, persephone, artemis, apollo, aphrodite, hermes, and hekate. for part 2 including zeus, hera, poseidon, hestia, hephaestus, dionysus, ares, demeter, and athena click here, for the titans and protogenoi click here.

keep in mind that this is largely UPG, new age stuff, and historically accurate offerings to the gods include meat, wine, grain (specifically barley), honey, and incense (myrrh and frankincense).

colors can be used for candles, banners, decor, whatever you want

HADES

Colors: black, red, and white for association with death. purple and metallics for association with riches/wealth

Offerings: mint, asphodel, white poplar, pomegranate, coffee, cinnamon, elm, money, chocolate

Crystals: gemstones, black crystals (obsidian, black tourmaline, smokey quartz, etc.), pyrite, hematite, labradorite

Animals: black ram, owl, serpent, Cerberus

PERSEPHONE

Colors: purple, pink, yellow, green for association with springtime. black and metallics for association with Hades. white for purity.

Offerings: pomegranate, flowers, grains, asphodel, lavender, rosemary

Crystals: amethyst, gemstones, moss/tree agate, milk quartz, jade, lepidolite

Animals: deer, ram, bat, talking birds (including parrots)

APHRODITE

Colors: red and pink for love/sexuality. white and blue for association with the ocean. gold for association with, well, gold.

Offerings: roses, chocolate, shells, myrrh, gold

Crystals: rose quartz, pearl, emerald, opal, aquamarine, rhodonite, rhodochrosite, ocean jasper, morganite

Animals: swan, dove, hare

ARTEMIS

Colors: white, blue, black, and grey for association with the heavens. brown and green for association with nature/the hunt.

Offerings: moon shaped foods, frankincense, cypress, mugwort, amaranth

Crystals: morganite, moonstone, aventurine, selenite, celestite, moss/tree agate, amethyst, quartz (specific dendritic), labradorite, silver

Animals: deer, wolf, wild boar

APOLLO

Colors: yellow, white, and blue for association with the heavens. red, orange, and pink for healing. purple and green for the Oracle

Offerings: sun shaped foods, bay leaves, laurel, cypress, playing music, poetry

Crystals: sunstone, amber, calcite (specifically honey and yellow), quartz (specifically rutilated or clear), rose quartz, silver

Animals: cow, snake, hawk, crow/raven, cicada, swan, bees

HERMES

Colors: green and gold for money/luck. white and brown for travels.

Offerings: money, crocus/saffron, strawberries

Crystals: jade, malachite, fluorite, pyrite, lapis lazuli, citrine, alexandrite

Animals: tortoise, ram

HEKATE

Colors: purple, blue, and green for magic. red and black for association with underworld

Offerings: garlic, saffron, crossroad dirt, black salt, ashes, sage, cedar, yew

Crystals: labradorite, obsidian, hematite, black tourmaline, amethyst, bloodstone, serpentine, lepidolite

Animals: wolf, boar, serpent, lion, horse, cow

[fireandfennel]

Thinking about the “bear or man” question and about Lady Artemis, the Great She-Bear Goddess, protector of women and girls.

[broomsick]

While I’m at it, I was quite sorry to hear that new pagans, or non-pagans that are looking into the path, are finding it difficult to do some research on Thórr without seeing so much Marvel stuff. I know that I’ve talked about similar pop culture topics in the past, so right now I’ll just focus on the research part! If you’re using the internet for research, it’s possible to use the “-marvel” tip to eliminate from your search results any article containing the term “Marvel”. I find that it’s useful using key words to specify exactly which Thórr you’re looking into, such as “deity”, “mythology” and the like. It’s not ideal, but it works well if you’re just looking for a broader picture of Thórr as a deity. I find that it’s great for beginners to look into his different attestations, for example, by looking up exactly which historical texts he appears and how reliable these texts and their authors are. From there, it’s possible to find paper or online versions of these texts (either sagas, eddas and the like; basically, any historical records of his myth or worship) and to read them for yourself! Afterwards, to really dive deeper into Thórr, or any deity for that matter, it’s also great (if not necessary!) to look up what modern research and archeology have amounted to. There’s merit in learning from the learned!

[aurvandill]

Thor's Fight with the Giants / Tors strid med jättarna

Mårten Eskil Winge

[panjackdaw]

Affirmations inspired by Thor:

I embody strength and courage, just as Thor wields Mjölnir with power.

I protect and defend those who are dear to me, standing strong in the face of adversity.

I honor my commitments and fight for justice with unwavering determination.

My spirit is as indomitable as Thor’s, resilient in the storms of life.

I channel Thor's energy to overcome challenges and achieve my goals.

Like Thor, I balance power with compassion, using my strength to uplift others.

I fear no battle, for I am guided by the wisdom and might of Thor.

I am a protector, a warrior of light, carrying Thor’s legacy of bravery and honor.

Strength flows through me like the thunder that accompanies Thor’s presence.

I am grounded and unshakeable, just as Thor stands firm in his convictions.

I welcome the challenges of life, knowing I have the strength of Thor to face them.

With Thor’s guidance, I walk my path with confidence and integrity.

These affirmations are designed to help channel Thor’s attributes into your daily life, reinforcing qualities of strength, protection, and courage.

[whereserpentswalk]

I honestly hate how much pop culture, especially the influence of the mcu and serial sex pest Neil Gaimen, has infantaized depictions of Thor. Most people just simplify him to be big guy who fights monster, and there's so much more to him that.

He's the protector of humanity. Of all the gods I've worked with he's been one of the ones with the most overwhelming presences, but in a way that's almost comforting, in the same way that seeing someone stand up to your abuser can be comforting. I've worked for him a lot for spiritual warfare/protection, and idk how to describe it, he just always feels both powerful and benevolent than any pop culture depiction has shown him as. I've also called on him several times when opposing fascists and injustice, which is an aspect of him that I feel never gets touched on.

Even just from a narrative perspective people overlook the power behind the idea of a god who loves humanity in a way that isn't soft or vauge or parental, but in the sense of being willing to fight for our rights and inspire others to do the same.

[whereserpentswalk]

I find I'm always drawn to the gods in specific locations or situations. Or at the very least I tend to have specific types of places where I feel closer to certain gods.

Whenever I pray to Saga I'm always looking out at the Hudson River (which I can easily do from my aparentment). Which is probably the most straightforward given her ties to water.

Hel I useally pray to on quiet city streets at night, or in empty subway stations or liminal places. When I'm praying to her at home I'm useally in my bed looking up at the ceiling. And I also tend to do small prayers over dead animals for her when I see them.

Thor tends to being during rainstorms. But in terms of more permanent structures I tend to pray to him near large peices of ornate and sublime architecture, or near views of skylines.

Odin I've only talked to a few times but I tend to pray to them on the upper floors of tall buildings. They're the only god I've thought to look twords the blue of the sky for.

Loki tends to almost be without a location. They'll come to me while I'm sitting at my desk, or quietly when I'm in a large crowd. They also don't tend to appear in humanoid form as much with me, oftentimes I only ever see their teeth.

[chaos-bites]

⚡ Subtle Thorr Worship ⚒️

Fall asleep/meditate to the sound of rain/thunderstorms

Taking care of yourself physically

Exercising; making sure to stretch/move your body in general

Spending time with loved ones, especially any younger relatives you feel close with

Supporting human rights, abuse survivors, or homeless care organizations

Cook a warm meal for someone in need; give bottled/warm drinks to someone in need

Have a candle that reminds you of him (no altar needed)

Keep a picture of him in your wallet

Wear jewelry that reminds you of him

Donate food, clothes, umbrellas, raincoats, winter clothes, and general supplies to a homeless shelter

Have imagery of Mjölnir, lightning/storms, or the Helm of Awe symbol around

Have a stuffed animal goat

Participate in a protest for something you believe in

Engage in activities that you're passionate about

Eat a hardy meal, especially with meats or filling foods

Drink mead, coffee with honey, tea with honey, etc.; raise a glass to Thorr

Make a list of your personal strengths; acknowledge all that you've overcome

Ground yourself often, decompress after a tough day

Play in the rain (safely please)

Work hard on something, especially with your hands; crafting, wood-carving, building, etc.

Be kind to your fellow humans; practice compassion and generosity

Honor your ancestors; learn about your family history

Keep your space clean; make it your own

Help with household chores or errands

Support local farmers

Volunteer at a homeless shelter

Take responsibility for yourself and your actions

Be kind to retail/customer service workers; leave good tips when you can

Learn to trust yourself more; trust that you can protect yourself, listen to yourself, and have faith in yourself

Be patient with yourself, especially if you struggle physically

Hold the door for someone; offer help to anyone who seems to need it

Collect rain water (feel free to use it to water plants)

Start a garden; tend to plants, especially produce and herbs

Listen to music that empowers you; dance to it

Practice venting your anger through healthy avenues; be comfortable with any of your negative feelings/emotions

Take a walk outside with a cloudy sky or during a rainstorm (be safe with this please)

Pour a drink for someone else; pour a drink in honor of your ancestors

Stand up for yourself and others

Celebrate your accomplishments often; celebrate your loved ones, too

-

I'll add more to this later! For now, this is my list of discreet ways to worship Thorr. I hope this helped, and please take care, everyone! May your cups never be empty. ❤️

Link to Subtle Worship Master list

[twisted-tales-told]

I know like nothing about witchcraft stuff, but uh what are like the basics? What do you believe, celebrate, worship that kind of stuff

This is such a nice question!!

This will be a long post but I’m not putting it below a cut because I am lazy

So I’m a folk practitioner, which basically means I work with nature and do a lot more mundane things than a lot of other witchcraft/pagan practitioners (ceremonialists, wiccans etc). Folk practitioners through history have been mostly peasants & lower class people as they didn’t have access to rich spices and objects, they had the herbs growing in their yard and what was at the local market.

I am also what is called an “animist” which means I believe basically everything has a spirit. I think everything has energy and we as people can interact with that energy. I don’t know if youve seen doctor who but it’s kinda like this scene

We can interact with that energy & move it around & stuff!

Im not a big fan of the word aura for this reason because it implies only humans have this energy, when really it’s everything. Thats why witchcraft practitioners use tools! They carry energy we don’t, and we can ask them to help us.

I’ve had insane experiences working with herbs that I can’t describe any other way. Like holding lavender can calm my panic attacks immediately, and how I can feel that some of my favourite trees are happy to see me too when I visit them.

As for the basics, I always advise those wanting to begin to practice any sort of spiritual practice/discipline is to get to know the energy of their home. This will be the easiest thing to start! Does your house feel different with all the windows open? If you light incense or practices any “cleansing” method (sending away energy—can be done after having annoying company, a fight with a loved one, or anytime really) does it feel as though it’s easier to breathe in the space?

I also read tarot, which is my day job and what I hope to continue doing on the side throughout any other careers I hold. Tarot cards are complicated, their history is quite interesting but for now I’ll explain it as a method of communicating with spirits, your unconscious mind, and any other energies around you.

I also feel the need to explain the word energy here, because a lot of people don’t understand what I mean when I say I work with energy. To me, it means the same thing as calling myself a gardener. Plants grow everywhere in nature, but MY garden is something I’ve cultivated and built using tools and seeds to grow what I want. Working with energy feels like this to me.

I work with the energy of my morning coffee or tea to set my intentions for the day—the spices are the “garden” and I am the gardener. The spices all do different things, and I am cultivating them the way I want.

I also do some deity work (I won’t lie I have been lacking recently, as life has gotten very insane and I have not had the time to cultivate the same offerings I would normally want to do) and this is normally with the Irish goddess Brigid. She’s the goddess of poetry, healing, and blacksmithing. She’s quite a lovely deity to work with, but any sort of deity work is not for beginners, and I advise waiting at least a year into your practice as to adjust to the feelings of interacting with different day to day energies (plants, people, spirits etc.) first.

Okay this has been super long and as you can see I love talking about my practice so feel free everyone to send follow up questions

[assistedbytherats]

Zeus and Hera devotees who feel intimidated by them

Poseidon devotees who live far from the sea

Demeter devotees who live in the city

Hades and Persephone devotees who fear death

Dionysus devotees who are perplexed by madness

Aphrodite devotees who struggle to love themselves

Apollo devotees who struggle with inspiration

Artemis devotees who are saddened by animal death

Ares devotees who are too tired to keep fighting

Athena devotees who are easily manipulated

Hestia devotees with unstable home lives

Hermes devotees who get anxious over new things

Every one of you is so valid and so loved by your gods. They love you, and they want you to know it.

[athensclad]

feeling quite grounded at the moment. <3

i myself am not, however my partner is a devotee to Hekate; so, we just made a crossroads offering* to Her in celebration of Her full moon tonight.

for my own offering, i infused a bit of financial offerings / spellwork as well — i found myself being drawn to doing so.

i would love to hear how everyone’s night is going that has also celebrated! i wish you all very well on your weekend & the start of your next week.

* the offering’s ingredients:

berry-scented votive candle, adorned with carved sigils both for Hekate as well for financial abundance (scent non-tangential, however i felt it was adjacent to including fruit that Hekate seems to appreciate. i do hope She is not offended)

jasmine incense

chocolate

cinnamon

honey drizzle

garlic

note of personal intentions, with financial abundance sigils drawn throughout

a (blank) key

chocolate-chip cake

a bone, noticed by myself (while on the walk to the specific crossroads we chose!!) used to connect my partner’s offering & mine at offering site

(arranged in a small, clear glass bowl)

[hellenic-reconstructionism]

Historically Accurate Offerings to the Theoi

Zeus

Oak

Carnations

Olive branches

Styrax incense

Eagle, bull, swan images

Hera

Lilies

Peacock feathers or images

Pomegranate

Incenses

Cuckoo images

Athena

Olive branch/oil/fruit

Weavings

Myrrh incense

Perfume

Owl images

Apollon

Laurel

Red roses, sunflowers

Frankincense (manna) incense

Palm tree

Raven, swan, wolf, mouse, dolphin images

Artemis

Cedar, palm and cypress trees

Tokens of deer

Jasmine

Myrtle, white flowers

Frankincense (manna) incense

Amaranthus

Peanut

Wormwood

Deer, dog, bear, partidge, quail images

Hestia

Incenses

Chaste-tree

Pig images

Poseidon

Sea anemone

Myrrh incense

Pine

Bull, dolphin, horse images

Dionysos

Ivy

Grape vine

Pine

Styrax incense

Leopard, panther, donkey, bull images

Hermes

Tongue-shaped tokens

Rosemary, saffron

Almond tree and pine tree

Frankincense and styrax incense

Mint (for Kthonios epithet)

Cow, ram, hawk, turtle, hare images

Wild strawberry (purslane)

Ares

Bronze weapons

Frankincense (manna) incense

Swan, vulture, dragon/poisonous snake, owl images

Aphrodite

Roses, myrtle, anemone (poppy)

Quince

Apple, pomegranate

Perfumes and fragrances as incense

Dove, goose, sparrow, turtle images

Hephaistos

Daisies

Frankincense (manna) incense

Donkey, dog, crane images

Asklepios

Frankincense (manna) incense

Bread

Serpent, dog, goose, rooster images

Pan

Pine, beech trees

Fern

Wild flowers

Herbs burnt as incense and the smell of perfumes

Reeds

Goat, turtle images

Demeter

Poppy

Tokens of pigs

Styrax incense

Mint (for Kthonia epithet)

Wheat

Dove, bee, pig images

Persephone

Asphodel

Wheat

Hades

Pitchfork

Pomegranate

Daffodil

Styrax incense

Dried laurel leaves

Poplar, cypress trees

Mint

Hekate

Saffron

Rosemary

Garlic

Red Mullet

Amphiphon (candy)

Styrax incense

Dry laurel leaves

Oak

Ferret, dog, bull, lioness images

Source: LABRYS’ Hellenic Polytheism: Household Worship and Theoi.com

[scarletarosa]

Athena

Greek goddess of logic, intelligence, wisdom, battle strategy, law, justice, order, good counsel, skill, and handicrafts

In her mythical origin, Zeus, learning that his wife, Metis, may birth his successor, swallowed his first wife who was already pregnant. When the time came, Zeus started feeling tremendous headaches. As even he couldn’t bear them, Hephaestus struck him with his axe and Athena leapt out of Zeus’ head, fully armed and with a cry so mighty and fearsome that Uranus and Gaea were shaken to their bones with terror. Zeus, however, was delighted and full of pride. In this story, Athena is described as being born from the head of her father as a representation of her connection to logic, and is always ready to defend her people. In Rome, she was equated with Minerva, their goddess of knowledge, crafts, science, poetry, medicine, and magick.

Despite Athena’s connection to war, she moreso represents the strategy behind it and the ability to protect and bring about order. While on the other hand, Ares represents force and battle-lust and Aphrodite was called upon for strength and victory. Athena, like Aphrdodite, was also known to bestow victory in war, as she is at times seen accompanied by Nike, the goddess of victory. According to Homer, she does not even bear arms, but borrows them from Zeus; she keeps men from slaughter when prudence demands it. She does not love war for its own sake, but simply on account of the advantages which the state gains in engaging in it; and she therefore supports only such warlike undertakings as are begun with prudence, and are likely to be followed by favourable results. Through this connection, Athena was the patroness of heroes and is known to wisely advise them in their quests.

Other than the art of battle, Athena was known as a skillful inventor and even held the title of ‘protectress of agriculture’. She is represented as the inventor of the plough and rake: she created the olive tree, the greatest blessing of Attica, taught the people to yoke oxen to the plough, took care of the breeding of horses, and instructed men how to tame them by the bridle, her own invention. At the beginning of spring, thanks were offered to Athena in advance for the protection she was to afford to the fields. Besides the tools of agriculture, Athena was thought to be the inventor of numbers, science, hand-made crafts, chariots, and other such helpful things. 

Just like Artemis and Hestia, Athena was never swayed by love or lust, as she wished to remain completely in the matters of the mind. Thus, she stayed as a Virgin Goddess and never had any children. Some say that Erichthonius was an exception, but, in fact, Athena was only his foster-mother. True, Hephaestus did try to violate her, but Athena fought him off, so he spilled his semen over the Earth, after which Gaea was impregnated. When Erichthonius was born,  Athena took him under her wing, just like she would do afterward with the hero Heracles.

A popular myth of Athena is the story of Arachne, a mortal craftswoman who boasted that she was more skillful than Athena herself. Athena offered her a chance to repent, but after Arachne refused, she challenged her to a weaving duel. The goddess fashioned a beautiful tapestry which illustrated the gruesome fate of the mortals who had the hubris of challenging the gods. Arachne, on the other hand, chose to depict stories of the mortals unjustly victimized by the gods. But she didn’t even have a chance to finish it for the enraged Athena tore Arachne’s fabric to pieces and turned her into a spider. As such, Arachne is doomed to weave ever since.

In my personal experiences with Athena, she is very wise, calm, responsible, straightforward, courageous, and determined. She has a very strong sense of morality and is able to keep calm and collected under a great deal of pressure. She loves to teach and help others as much as she loves to learn, and can be quite patient as long as her student stays responsible. Athena can be rather motherly at times, but not too much in a “soft” way but more like a quiet and dedicated mother who wants the best for you. She is very uplifting and knows exactly what to say when you feel down or lost, for she can see past clouded emotions and into the clarity of truth. For me, Athena appears as a long haired brunette woman with gray eyes, and wearing either a white dress or silver armour.

| Symbolism of Athena |

Owls

Eagles

Doves

Snakes

Helmets

Shields

Weapons

Olive Tree

Books

| Some of her epithets |

Alkis (The Strong)

Areia (The Warlike)

Axiopoinos (The Avenger)

Chalinitis (Tamer of Horses)

Erganê (The Worker)

Mêchaneus (Skillful Inventor)

Paiônia (The Healer)

Parthenos (The Virgin)

Polias (Protector of the City)

Nikephoros (Bringer of Victory)

| Offerings |

Tea, coffee, white wine, olive oil, milk, bread, wheat, lilies, myrrh incense, olives, almonds, honey, cakes, fruit, cooked meat, rice, non-fiction books, fancy pens, quills, pottery, paintings, daggers, owl feathers, clear crystals, silver jewelry, wool, knitting tools, artworks, poetry, and imagery of her sacred animals.