Hiii there my name’s Astra, I use she/her pronouns, I’m pansexual and I’ve been a Hellenic Polytheist since about 2022/2023. I’m not really comfortable sharing my age but I’m not a minor.
Feel free to ask me anything or just message me directly!!
: ̗̀➛ "Celestial Aphrodite, Paphian queen, dark-eyelashed Goddess, of a lovely mien."
Orphic Hymn 57 to Chthonian Hermes (Greek hymns C3rd B.C. to 2nd A.D.)
: ̗̀➛I am devoted to Aphrodite
I worship Selene ·˚ ༘
And am currently learning about: Athena, Hera & Hestia
I think it goes without saying that I honour all the gods
Also please note that English isn’t my first language so excuse any mistakes I will make.
Hellenic polytheism stems from a rich culture, receiving its common (but not exclusive) name from the region in which it was primarily practiced. Naturally, some elements of ancient Hellenic values and traditions made their way into religious practices. Some of these traits are more obvious than others, but today, I’d like to introduce how I bind and veil my hair on a daily basis.
I’ve written about what binding/veiling is in the past, so if you’d like a clear introduction to the concept, I suggest reading one of my posts, and/or this great post by Elani, aka @baringtheaegis . In short, though, binding and veiling was something used by women during the later periods of life in Ancient Hellas. it was a way women would protect themselves from lyma (the pollution/distraction we naturally gather in our day-to-day lives– but this is not sin check out my subheading for lyma on my masterpost for more info) and maintain ritual purity, also called katharmos. It was very culturally significant, which accounts for its place in Hellenic Polytheism.
Although not mandatory, binding and veiling during rituals was very common, and if you want to give it a shot, that’s where I would start. For a while, that is what I did, until I found my personal method of veiling and binding, which suits my lifestyle better than before.
I personally veil everyday before I leave the house, which, for me helps with a few things:
Protection from lyma
Reminds me of the Theoi and acts as a devotional ‘activity’ (for lack of a better word)
Adds a routine for me to use to honour the Theoi everyday
Everyone who veils does so for their own reasons, in their own ways, and with their own ideals of what binding/veiling means to them. Some people bind or veil, preferring one or the other. It’s a very intimate way to connect to the Theoi and our religious predecessors.
When I think of veils/etc., I tend to recall hijabs, tichels, and other very well-defined coverings. In Ancient Hellas (which is a broad time frame as it is), there wasn’t a set way to bind or veil. Binding just means tying back your hair, and veiling is covering it in some way (entirely, or not). Himations (see below) were used to veil, but how you arrange the fabric is really open to interpretation. It’s like having a large scarf wrapped around your body and/or across your head. It looks pretty comfy, right?
(source)
(source)
However simple to wear and easy to replicate himations are, they aren’t super practical for modern lifestyles. Trust me, having to readjust these is a pain. If you think you could do it, then by all means, give it a go, but for me, it isn’t feasible.
There isn’t really a formula for binding either, which isn’t really a bad thing. There are tons of options left behind through art, including the caryatids (see first image below) and vase depictions of women living their lives (the first image after the caryatids is a scene where one women is being styled).
What I have seen most often are buns/updos of some kind with headbands or mesh coverings that hold them in place. This is what I usually use for inspiration when I get ready in the morning, but I also love braids, so those do sneak in, too.
(source)
(Source)
(source)
Now that I’ve discussed veiling and binding a bit more, I’d like to move on to how I do it. This is by no means the only way to bind/veil. In fact, this is one of the less-intensive versions I have seen. I find joy in it, but if you don’t, that’s cool! Find what you like and ditch it if you don’t. Veiling and binding isn’t for everyone, and every technique offers different pros and cons.
Anyway, here’s the staples of my collection:
At the top, I have a few hairties that I use to create buns/tie off braids (I have dark hair, but I love these too much to actually not wear them, haha. They’re called teleties). If I don’t want them to show, I just use plain black hairties. Similarly, I have a bunch of bobby pins, because my hair is long and unruly.
I have three headbands, one of which I made from upcycled materials (very bottom). The other two I bought for very cheap, totalling at $4? They’re really comfortable, which I refuse to compromise on (looking at you, plastic headbands from my childhood). I usually layer the sparkly one over the white one, which has a really elegant look when put all together.
I also have two ornaments, which I don’t usually use, but have for special occasions or for when I want to feel special. The feather is a hair clip (great for binding on days when not veiling) and the wreath is a brooch.
Every once in a while, I add a strip of fabric I have lying around, and tie bows or braids. In general, though, this is what I tend to stick to!
I struggled with not looking like an idiot when wearing these, at first, but after some wiggling around, I figured out that these styles work best for me (modified as needed):
(source [this is an etsy listing, so if you like it, you can buy it])
(source [this is also an etsy listing]).
*I would typically pair this kind of style with a braid, probably a fishtail
(source [yet another awesome etsy listing])
There are days when I don’t leave the house or I don’t want to veil for whatever reason. On these days, I have a few hairstyles I go to:
Fishtail braid
Dutch braid
French braid
Criss-cross bun
Braided chignon
Smooth chignon
Other ideas I’ve had fun with (or want to try) include hair tucks (see this video for an example), milkmaid-style braids (example video), beanies, hats, and Renaissance hair nets (example).
This style is something I desperately want to recreate, but I haven’t really figured it out yet (click to view it at its source).
I hope this post is helpful to anyone looking to learn about or try binding/veiling! Let me know if you have any questions!
Otherwise, I hope to see you soon! Khaire!
*** I would like to note that binding/veiling is not, in my opinion, something only women can do. I think anyone, regardless of gender, should be able to bind and/or veil as they please, based on my views as a feminist. However, no one should feel pressured to bind/veil if they don’t want to. This post is purely for the education of interested parties! ***
When you step into sunlight, you honor Apollo. When you admire the moon, you honor Artemis. When you admire cloud shapes, you honor Hera. When you smell petrichor, you honor Zeus. When you laugh at a joke, you honor Hermes. When your body twitches to dance at a particularly upbeat music, you honor Dinoysus. When you enjoy the first bite of your breakfast, you honor Demeter. When you choose your peace over any conflict, you honor Athena. When you warm yourself up by sheltering yourself in blanket, you honor Hestia. When you listen to Ocean sounds, you honor Poseidon. When you smell flowers, you honor Persephone. When you admire the coolness of first day of Autumn, you honor Hades. When you wear your favourite jewellery, you honor Hephaestus. When you smile, you honor Aphrodite. When you exercise, you honor Ares. When you light a torch in a dark room, you honor Hekate.
Your body is a shrine to Gods, your being an act of devotion for them. You, by yourself, are enough for them.
Here's a devotional piece I drew for Lady Selene <33 it's based on Bouguereau's painting titled Evening Mood, as it always reminded me of her . Hope you like it <3
I'm trying something a little different with my art , as in I'm trying to include more colors to make it pop more if that makes sense :')
Also I added stars around Lady Selene's crescent moon because she's often described as being surrounded by stars , as if they dance around her in a way .
This will be a deep dive into Selene mostly for people who want to learn about and worship her as well as for me to learn even more about her.
If you’re researching about Selene do not let this be you’re only source. For one, I myself am still learning so there might be a few errors (don’t hesitate to message me if you find any) and then that just one post isn’t enough to cover the amount of information out there and I highly recommend you do your own research aswell!! (theoi.com is a great place to start)
I will try to break up the information into digestible chunks the best I can.
If you have any requests for deities (or heroes as well) you want me to research or suggestions for things I should add just message me!!:]
This is about to be a long post, so brace yourself.
This post took a bit so rebloggs would make my day and be super appreciated!!
─table of contents───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────
1. Basic Information
2. Myths
3. Worship
4. Depictions in Art
─1. Basic Information───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────
Selene (name meaning: moon) is the titan goddess of the moon. There are multiple goddesses repressing the moon (e. g. Artemis and Hecate) however Selene was the only goddess to be the moon incarnate (hence her being the Tinan goddesses the moon).
She was often shown riding her chariot drawn by a pair of white horses, mules or cows. As well as being depicted with a round face and clothed in a long robe. She either had a crescent moon crown (/bull horns to represent the crescent moon) on her head or a crescent moon behind her.
She‘s also called the all-seeing eye of the night since you cannot escape the moons view at night. And was known for being the one who controlled its phases and light. As well as being able to induce sleep and dreams and was often associated with the calmness of sleep. However some myths suggest that she also had the power change/influence people’s emotions through the light of the moon (awe, wonder or even madness).
Symbols of Selene include: a Torch, Horses, Moon, Silver, Chariots, Bulls.
Family: (Hesiod’s Theogony) her parents were the Titans Hyperion and Theia, her brother was Helios the titan god of the sun and sometimes called her father and her sister was Eos (Dawn).
─2. Myths───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────
Selene‘s love for Endymion
Endymion a beautiful handsome young man. One day he went out hunting till the moon rose.
While Selene rode her chariot through the sky she laid eyes on him and he on her.
They were bound together. However Selene could not bare the thought of Endymion ageing and eventually dying.
She turned to Zeus and begged him to let Endymion sleep eternal. So Zeus took him to heaven and granted him immortality and forever-youth while sleeping.
Like that he would sleep and stay young forever. And Selene would visit the handsome man every night and be with him till dawn.
Also Hypnos (the god of sleep) kept Endymion’s eyes wide open while he slept, so that he and Selene could gaze at each other without interruption. (According to a passage in Deipnosophistae)
Typhoeus
One of my favourite myths around Selene talks about how she fought off Typhoeus when he attacked the gods. Typhoeus battled Selene by chucking bulls at her, then violently rushing her, according to Nonnus. As I’ve written Selene was able to ultimately fight him off. However Selene did take scars from the battle that remain carved on the moon forever.
The Nemean Lion
The beast Nemean Lion was the first of Heracles‘ Twelve Labors and was slain by him. Though Hesiod made the Nemean Lion the child of Echidna, different authors wrote that Selene gave birth to it or brought it up at Hera’s request. Some authors even stated that the Nemean Lion, (as the child of Selene) had originally fallen from the moon.
─3. Worship───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────
Ancient Worship
Selene was rarely worshipped in the earlier periods of Ancient Greece. However her cult grew more and more towards the end of the Hellenistic period. During that time she was identified with more, back then, important goddesses such as Artemis and Hecate. Which expanded her role in Ancient Greece.
Religious Centres
She only had a few known religious centres such as a Temple (that was also an oracle) near Thalamae in Laconia. And a sacred statue in the public market of Elis, that stood long side her brother Helios.
Modern Worship
Today they are multiple ways to honour and worship a deity. Worshipping a deity (for me and what I’ve seen for most people) is norturing and caring for a relationship with Selene. How this work for you can be very different from what works for me and other people. There are many different ways so don’t be afraid to try what works best for you!!
Here are a few Devotional acts and offerings to give to Selene if you struggle to find them.
Devotional acts: moon bath (if it’s safe for you to go outside at night), research about the lunar cycle, write prayers and/or poems, wear Selene-devoted jewellery, watch documentaries about Selene or the moon (my personal fav), dream journal, paint something for her
Offerings: stones and gems like moonstone, quartz, selenite and pearl, food and drinks like white wine, olive oil, water, fruit, honey, milk and cakes, images/statues of things she’s associated with, any moon related things (jewellery, decor, art etc.)
Epithets: gleaming, all-shining, long-winged
faq about worshiping
Do I have to wait for sign from Selene?
Nope!! You can worship and work with her from your own accord. You do not need to wait for a sign, you can worship her regardless.
Did I anger Selene?
Did you kill someone? Touched holy places (like an altar) with bodily fluids on your hand? Harmed another human being severely? No? Great!! Then she’s very likely not mad at you (this goes for any deity). If you made a silly mistake because you’re a beginner or didn’t knew better that’s fine. Since I do not know why you think that way I can’t help you directly but for more precise advice you can go to subreddits or tumblr communities :]
Do I need an altar?
You do not need an Altar to work with her. For many people (myself included) it’s a place to leave offerings, pray to her and be reminded of her presence. Your altar also doesn’t have to look like the ones on TikTok and Pinterest. They are for you and the goddess!! So do what works best for you:]
I can’t/am not able to worship her very intensive at the moment is this bad?
Its not bad and do not shame yourself if you’re currently not able to worship her as intensive. shes not gonna be mad at you!! If you’re busy because of school or huge workloads that’s completely reasonable. If you’re feeling bad in any way you could do devotional acts or maybe write a prayer for her to get back to your worship!!:] Or maybe do small devotional acts like lighting a candle for her, moongazing etc.
─4. depictions in Art───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────
A series of Art depicting Selene that I love
Selene watching over her sleeping lover as a mosaic made in the imperial Roman period, displayed in Bardo National Museum, Tunis.
A marble statue of Selene holding her torch in one hand and her cloak in the other. It was made during the imperial Roman period and is in the Pio-Clementino Museum, Vatican City.
An oil painting of Selene admiring Endymion with a an Eros like individual by her side. Made by Ubaldo Gandolfi ca. 1770 and is now being displayed in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (and my personal favourite)
An oil painting on copper made by Flippo Lauri showing Selene resting and watching over his lover on her lap. Ca made in the 1650s.
A Painting by Albert Aublet of Selene kissing Endymion. I highly recommend checking out Albert Aublet‘s Paintings!! His painting of Selene and L'heure Du Bain Au Tréport are one of my favourite paintings ever.
Another beautiful oil painting by Albert Aublet showing Selene curving her body to form the crescent moon. Made in 1880.
─Closure───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────
Thank you so much for reading!! This took some time so reblogging would be super appreciated if you enjoyed this post:]
If you have suggestions for other deities or heros I should research about just sent a message through my ask page:]
Deities I already have planned to research:
- Aphrodite
-Athena
-Hestia
I really loved writing and researching for this and I hope you lovelies enjoyed it as well!!
Sometimes you shuffle a deity playlist and get told exactly what you needed to hear. Thank you, Athena. You’re always there when I need you, and you always know just what to say.
