Doves of Aphrodite

Just an Aphrodiasian follower doing her best

[doveywitch]

about — doveywitch / doves of aphrodite

this blog is a collection of:

• minimal + heartfelt devotions

• soft witchcraft

• gentle self-care

• offerings to aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty

for the closeted, the quiet, and the kind-hearted.

your love is enough. 🌷

my practice — my thoughts, journals, and little personal offerings — can be found @doveywitchhq 🕊️

[doveywitch]

seeking harmony in relationships (with Aphrodite in mind)

relationships can feel tender sometimes. misunderstandings happen, emotions run high, and it’s easy to want resolution right away.

if you work with Aphrodite, moments like these can be an invitation to return to love, balance, and care, for yourself and for your partner.

a small harmony jar, beginner friendly

this is not meant to change someone or force an outcome. it is simply an offering for calmer communication and understanding.

you will need a small jar, bottle, or dish, honey or sugar for sweetness in words and tone, a pinch of cinnamon or basil for warmth and understanding, rose petals if you have them, and a small slip of paper.

on the paper, write an intention rather than a demand. something like:

“may our words be gentle.”

“may we listen with patience.”

“may love lead before pride.”

fold the paper and place it in the jar. add the honey or sugar, then the herbs. as you do, take a breath and picture calm settling into the situation.

you can say, “Aphrodite, guide us toward understanding and peace.”

seal the jar and place it somewhere safe. you do not need to revisit it often. trust the intention you set.

(if you’re using a dish instead of a jar, you can “seal” it by placing the note over the top, covering it with a coaster or plate, or simply stating out loud that the intention is complete and protected.)

everyday acts that invite harmony

sometimes devotion looks like choosing a softer tone, listening without interrupting, pausing before responding, or taking care of yourself so resentment does not build. these small choices matter. Aphrodite notices them.

harmony is not about avoiding conflict. it is about moving through it with grace. and grace is sacred.

relationship safety note

this practice is meant for situations where both people care and are willing to grow. it is not meant to excuse harm, disrespect, or unsafe behavior.

if you are feeling afraid, constantly diminished, or hurt in ways that do not improve with communication, your safety and well-being matter more than harmony. Aphrodite does not ask you to endure pain in the name of love.

choosing yourself, seeking support, or stepping away can also be acts of love and devotion.

[doveywitch]

a gentle reminder

it’s easy to spend a lot of time on our phones without realizing how tense it makes us. scrolling, checking messages, jumping from one thing to the next. it adds up.

if you can today, try stepping away from technology for even a few minutes. not as a challenge, but just as a small act of care.

• sit by a window or step outside

• notice the air, the sky, the light around you

• listen to the quiet sounds you usually tune out

• take a slow breath and let your shoulders relax

you don’t need to meditate or reflect deeply. just allow yourself to appreciate the world around you. there’s a lot of beauty in the world, sometimes taking a moment to appreciate it can help your body and mind feel a little more settled.

devotion

sometimes, when you slow down like this, inspiration finds you. you might feel drawn to write a few lines in a journal, take a photo, or notice beauty in a way that feels meaningful.

and if you work with Aphrodite, moments like these can naturally turn into devotion.

there’s no pressure for it to become anything. just let it be what it is.

[doveywitch]

calming with Aphrodite

some days you don’t feel loving or patient at all. you feel tense, irritated, overwhelmed. this is exactly when Aphrodite’s presence can help you settle back into yourself.

here’s a simple way to calm with her, gently and intentionally:

1. name what you feel

instead of trying to “fix” your mood immediately, pause and be honest:

“i’m frustrated.”

“i’m hurting.”

“i’m tired.”

naming it helps release some of the pressure. imagine Aphrodite listening without judgment (because she is.)

2. soothe your body

your mind softens quicker when your body does. try something small:

• unclench your jaw

• loosen your shoulders

• place a warm hand over your chest

• take one slow breath in and out

as you do, imagine her presence settling around you like a warm, rosy calm.

3. soften the reaction, not the feeling

you don’t have to pretend the irritation is gone. just let the next step be a little gentler.

you can say:

“Aphrodite, help me respond with grace, not my frustration.”

this can be a powerful offering.

4. add a simple grounding gesture

choose one thing that brings you back to center:

• touch a necklace or ring you associate with her

• smooth your hair with your fingertips

• inhale a scent you love

• light a candle

these small actions remind your body how to soften.

5. let the calm unfold naturally

don’t rush it. let her presence be something that comes slowly and naturally. you’re safe, you’re held, and you don’t have to carry the day alone.

even your effort to choose kindness when you feel anything but is a devotion all its own.

[doveywitch]

how to use your energy as an offering to Aphrodite

someone asked me recently what it means to offer your energy to aphrodite. our conversation stayed with me, so i wanted to take a moment to expand on that here.

not every offering needs to be physical. sometimes devotion can simply be in the energy you share, the way you move through your day with love, joy, and intention.

if you’re in a good mood, share that light with her. smile at yourself in the mirror, speak kindly to others, and let your happiness be something you offer up

and when your energy feels heavy, that can still be devotion too. as you wash your face or bathe, imagine cleansing away the doubts, the worry, or the negativity you’ve picked up. say softly:

“as i rinse this away, i make space for beauty and love to return.”

every single act can carry meaning if you let it.

• pour your coffee or tea with gratitude. take a breath, thank her for another morning, and let the warmth remind you of her gentle and comforting prescence. when you feel that warm gratitude, send it her way.

• when you feel peace, send it toward her. imagine that a soft pink glow is leaving your heart, a thank-you for her presence.

Aphrodite’s love is balanced. it glows and it soothes. both joy and healing are beautiful offerings.

• when you feel low, care for yourself in her spirit. brush your hair, drink water, or rest, knowing that taking care of yourself honors her too. Aphrodite wants you to treat yourself with love.

a way i like to think is that i ask for her calming energy, so it would be kind of me to give some in return.

take care of yourself, and let every kind act be an offering toward her. 🕊️

[doveywitch]

healing under Aphrodite’s care

resting as devotion

i’ve been quiet the past few days because of a migraine. it reminded me that sometimes devotion isn’t about doing more, it’s about slowing down and listening to what your body needs.

Aphrodite isn’t only love in beauty and confidence. she’s also love in softness, care, and patience. taking care of yourself is a way to honor her too.

some ways to turn rest into devotion:

drink water and rest your body when it asks

take deep breaths and speak kindly to yourself

light a candle with a small prayer for healing

thank your body for all the work it does, even when it’s tired

you don’t have to be ‘productive’ to be devoted. healing is a form of love, and love is Aphrodite’s language.

💌 to anyone else recovering or feeling drained: you’re still showing up for her, and for yourself.

take it slow today, doves. rest can be sacred too. 🕊️

[doveywitch]

Simple Aphrodite Devotional Smoothie

i am well aware this might seem odd to some, but i wanted to really showcase that offerings and devotions can be anything

sometimes devotion looks like taking care of yourself, adding intention to something small and sweet.

i made this simple smoothie for Lady Aphrodite and i’m sipping on it as i type

ingredients:

• 1 cup oat milk

• about 1 to 1½ cups mixed frozen strawberries & bananas

• honey (to taste)

• cinnamon (to taste)

• a drop of vanilla

symbolism & connection:

• strawberries: sacred to Aphrodite — love, sweetness, and joy

• banana: grounding and nurturing, honoring your body

• cinnamon: passion, warmth, and confidence

• honey: a classic offering of devotion and sincerity

• oat milk: comfort, nourishment, and self-care

• vanilla: gentle attraction and emotional calm

how to make it devotional:

as you blend, set your intention. maybe for self-love, confidence, or gratitude.

you can whisper a small prayer or just think of her light while you pour it.

dedicate the first sip to her, or enjoy the whole thing as a shared moment of beauty and care. 🌷

thank you for reading 🕊️ and enjoy!

feel free to share any of your own variations ~

[doveywitch]

Kitchen Herbs & Simple Intention Jars for Aphrodite

(Devotion with what’s already in your kitchen)

you don’t need elaborate or expensive tools to connect with her. when i first started i went crazy and bought a collection, which i ended up only using a small portion. It was sadly very wasteful.

Aphrodite understands love that comes from the heart. the herbs, spices, and small containers you already have are more than enough.

if you’re new, start by looking up the meanings of the herbs in your kitchen. you’ll be surprised at how much you already own.

this post took a little longer to make i spent some time digging through my herbs and compiling info. it all started from an ask. may it help you connect with Lady Aphrodite 🕊️

Herbs Closely Tied to Aphrodite

Rose – beauty, love, and self-acceptance (not as common but i thought to include anywho)

Mint – healing, renewal, and fresh energy

Cinnamon – confidence, warmth, and passion

Basil – harmony, attraction, and balance

Thyme – courage and self-trust

Other Common Herbs with Loving Energy

Rosemary – cleansing and devotion

Bay Leaf – wishes and guidance

Honey or Sugar – sweetness, kindness, and devotion

Nutmeg – warmth, grounding, attraction

Common Fruits

Lemon (or peel) – clarity and joy

Apple - love, abundance, attraction

Orange / Orange Peel – positivity, charm, happiness

Coconut – fertility, purity, protection (fruit?)

Strawberry – romance, passion, self-love

Other Common Kitchen Items

Chili / Pepper – passion, energy, empowerment

Green tea / Herbal Tea Leaves - calm, healing, relaxation

Sugar - sweetness, love, devotion, kindness

Salt - purification, protection, clarity

Repurposing What You Have

you don’t need new tools, anything can be repurposed and given new life:

• the glass jar from a used candle

• an empty herb or spice container

• a small dish, teacup, or soap dish

• a seashell or tiny bowl

Ideas for Simple Intention Jars & Bowls for Aphrodite

1. Self-Love Jar

• rose petals (beauty)

• cinnamon (confidence)

• honey or sugar (sweetness)

• bay leaf with a short note or affirmation

seal and hold it, saying:

“may i love myself as she loves me fully, softly, without fear.”

2. Peace & Healing Bowl

• salt or sugar base (purity)

• rosemary (cleansing)

• mint (peace)

• lemon peel (light)

place near your altar or bedside and whisper gratitude for calm and gentle rest.

3. Confidence & Charm Jar

• thyme (courage)

• basil (harmony)

• cinnamon (inner fire)

• a drop of perfume or favorite scent

hold it close, breathe deeply, and let it remind you of your worth and presence.

Using Kitchen Herbs as Offerings

• sprinkle herbs in a small dish with a candle and dedicate it to her

• brew tea or cook with herbs as an offering

• toss herbs into water, soil, or the wind with a short prayer

• draw a bath with mint, rose, or salt to honor her sea-born essence

use what you have. create with care. you will begin to grow confident in your work 🤍

[doveywitch]

i loveee the way you explain things, you sound so sweet and wise! 🩷

thank you, love!! i just do my best to help. everyone’s learning, and a bit of kindness makes the journey easier

🤍 kindness is one of Aphrodite’s truest forms of love

[doveywitch]

hii, i really want to make an altar and start worshipping both aphrodite and apollo, should i make two separate altars? where can i research more about them?

i'm so nervous helpp

hi dove 🕊️ that’s such a sweet question — and how lovely that you feel called to both Aphrodite and Apollo! feeling nervous is understandable, don't worry.

it’s generally more respectful (and easier energetically) to keep their spaces separate if you can. kind of like sharing a room but having two desks, so each has their own place and attention

but if your situation doesn’t allow for two altars (because of space, privacy, or budget), that’s completely okay. just communicate that intention to them honestly and create a bit of separation. maybe two candles, or two distinct areas on the same surface.

what matters most is clarity and intention in your devotion. they’ll both understand 🤍

as for research, i’d recommend looking into:

theoi.com — great for myth and epithets

hellenistic-polytheism and witchblr tags here on tumblr

books or essays on modern greek polytheism

learn from the dieties themselves! you can read about them in books or see what people write, but a lot of that is interpretations. connect directly and trust your own intuition and experiences.

take your time learning and connecting. both deities appreciate sincerity and growth.

my inbox is always open if you ever need more help, reassurance, or just a friend. 🕊️

[doveywitch]

hiiii! i really want to start worshipping lady aphrodite but i don't have an altar yet, is that okay? would she mind? i just don't want to do anything wrong or mess anything up😭😭

hello dove!!! welcome to the family 🕊️ (my first ask, so excited!)

and it is absolutely okay to not have an altar when you’re starting out. (mine is still packed up from my move!)

you don’t need an elaborate altar or expensive tools to connect with aphrodite, she understands when your devotion comes from the heart.

you can start simple:

• light a candle and speak your prayer

• use herbs or flowers you already have in your kitchen, or find some outside

• write her letters or notes in a notebook (and if you’re closeted you can burn the letters to release them — just pretty please do it safely)

• set aside a small corner or box as a mini altar (a shoebox works perfectly and I know several who do this and they turn out super cute)

• offer your time and energy through self-care, art, or acts of love/compassion

everything you do with intention can be an offering. aphrodite values sincerity above all — she meets you exactly where you are 🌸

(and if you’d like, i’ll be making a post soon about herbs for aphrodite using things most people already have on hand!)

[doveywitch]

Veiling & Intention

veiling is the practice of covering your hair (or part of it) with purpose as a sign of respect, devotion, or sacred focus 🌷

people have practiced veiling for thousands of years in temples, rituals, and daily life. it’s been used by priestesses, brides, mourners, and devotees across many cultures. while the meanings shift, the heart of it stays the same: intention, humility, and connection

in modern devotional practice, veiling can look like anything that feels right for you.

a hair bow or ribbon (especially if you’re closeted)

a braid

a soft scarf or shawl for prayer, journaling, etc

some veil only during meditation or offerings, while others do it during their menstrual cycle: a time seen as sacred, symbolizing renewal and deep connection to self.

before buying scarves or fabrics, try veiling with what you already have. feel the energy, the calm, the focus it brings.

veiling isn’t about appearance. it’s about presence, respect, and devotion 🤍

[doveywitch]

beginner tip : Aphrodite’s epithets

an epithet is another name for a god or goddess that shows a specific part of who they are.

Aphrodite has many names, or epithets, each highlighting a different aspect of her energy. you can choose one that resonates with you, or rotate through a few depending on what you want to call her for that day.

for example:

i’m a curly-haired girl, and sometimes i carry a lot of insecurity with my hair.

so i call to Aphrodite Eratoplocamus when i brush, style, or care for my hair. (“she who has lovely locks of hair”)

connecting with her this way is purposeful, she knows exactly what i am calling her for.

my hair care becomes a devotion. a prayer. an offering.

you can find epithets that reflect:

— your body, hair, or appearance

— love, desire, or beauty

— the sea, roses, or nature

— any part of life you want her to bless

there is no wrong choice ~ any name that feels meaningful to you is perfect. 🕊️

[doveywitch]

there is no one “right” way to worship

i will continue to shout this to all my baby witches, fellow devotees, and all else who desperately deserve to hear this.

some people pray. some people bake bread.

some people build altars covered in roses and some just offer a “thank you” before bed.

all of it counts. all of it matters.

your relationship with Aphrodite is personal. it’s not about what you own, its not comparing your worshiping style to others, it’s about what you mean.

she sees intention, not perfection.

she values sincerity over performance.

if you love her, if you try, if you care ~ she knows.

[doveywitch]

minimal devotions to Lady Aphrodite

devotion doesn’t have to be loud. you can worship quietly and it will still reach her.

not everyone has the space (or support) for elaborate altars, spell jars, or rose-scented candles and that’s okay.

Aphrodite understands intention above all. she knows your heart before you even speak it.

some small ways to honor her:

• light a candle

a simple flame can say everything.

light it with love, whisper her name, or sit in the glow for a moment of peace.

• write to her

letters, poems, little notes of love or gratitude.

keep them, fold them into your journal, or burn them when you’re ready to release them into the air.

• honey offerings

sweeten your tea with honey and drink with intention.

or pour a little into a dish, leave it at your altar (or chosen space), then dispose of it respectfully later.

• self-care as devotion

when you take care of yourself, you honor her.

run a warm bath. read something soft. let yourself rest.

• beauty as prayer

apply your makeup slowly, lovingly. let each brushstroke be an offering.

see the art in yourself.

• baking & cooking

make something sweet or nourishing.

pour love into it, stir with intention, and offer the warmth to her before you enjoy it yourself.

• meditation + prayer

sit in stillness. breathe love in, breathe doubt out.

talk to her: out loud, in your mind, or in the quiet spaces between thoughts.

• cleanse + renew

open a window, light incense, let go of heaviness.

invite her warmth to fill your space again.

you don’t need much to honor her.

you just need meaning. 🕊️