[academic-vampire]

𝔪𝔬𝔡𝔢𝔯𝔫 𝔠𝔦𝔱𝔶 𝔴𝔦𝔱𝔠𝔥

[carissimuspuer]

I feel like a lot of people flatten Hermes into one domain as if he is not a god of so many things.

Yes he is a trickster and god of thieves but also of commerce and safe travels and language and communication and he is a guide both during mortal life and in the afterlife and much more I'm sure I'm forgetting.

I think you could easily argue that he is one of the most, I suppose, present gods in everyday mortal life.

[myrtles-and-blood]

I think it's obvious why Phobos and Deimos accompany Ares to battle. Those who fight in battle instill fear and terror on others, but they feel those same emotions too.

Now of course, these two are born out of love, Aphrodite. Love for your people, who you might lose, by your death or theirs. Love for what you're fighting for, whatever that may be. Love for yourself, the most dangerous thing you can lose when you're blinded by emotion. And even love for your opponents, because maybe you truly don't want to hurt them.

Love makes you afraid for what you might lose in life, a constant battle with your surroundings and yourself.

Almost nothing is more terrifying than love. What if you lose everyone? What if you don't lose your people, but your love itself? What if you never get to have it? Or even scarier, what if you do?

The constant battle of living and the inevitable need for love we have is the most terrifying thing in the world. But is that not what we are?

Of course Aphrodite and Ares had Phobos and Deimos. It's nature.

[honeyluvsw]

lucky charm pngs ! images not mine, i'd just prefer you don't repost as your own pngs please.

[whatrealbeautylookslike]

I love the casual substitution of "gods" instead of "god" in colloquial sayings. "oh my gods" "gods, my feet hurt" etc etc. like yeah deconstruct the societal standard of monotheism with me. let's party

[plushefemme]

not to be a hedonist but. pleasure IS the whole point, my loves. we are made for pleasure. humans have not survived out of spite or sheer grit or simply to make more humans. we live for pleasure. the pleasure of licking the last delicious crumbs off your fingers and feeling sunlight on your skin and massaging a loved one's shoulders. we're made to fill our bellies with delicious food, to nap in soft grass, to touch each other in joy and comfort.

there is no shame or guilt in our bodies doing what they were made to do. and we are made for pleasure.

[twunkish-cleric]

The fact that there are gods with disabilities makes me so emotional. Hephaestus, Tyr, Hodr, Odin and other disabled deities just prove that being disabled is a vital part of the human experience, not a deviation from it, and that concept alone is so moving. Just like there are deities for specific human experiences like fertility or war, there are also deities with disabilities, which just proves that we have just as much of a place on this earth as mothers and warriors do. The idea of that has genuinely pulled me through some hard times.

[random-brushstrokes]

Gustave Doré - La Prairie (ca. 1855)

[theoxenia]

maybe it's the aromanticism but i'm so in love with aphrodite's roles outside of just interpersonal love. like the notion of her being the one who unites a community, her being the goddess of persuasion including in political contexts. obviously interpersonal love of all kinds is still important and part of her domain, but to me that's like. that comes from a wider, more existential understanding of love, as a force which brings together and mixes things into one shared being.

[theoxenia]

also this is not to be dismissive or look down on the interpersonal & especially sexual aspects of Her. if anything it feels me with more awe when i consider the dichotomy of aphrodite ourania & aphrodite pandemos. like She is what brings the world together, what keeps us bound to one another as a community, and she is also the goddess of lust and crushes and sex work. aphrodite is both the goddess of undeniably grand cosmic union AND the very human, very small, often derided parts of mundane life. which is true of all the gods imo but it's more special to me here because of how much Her realm is looked down on as shallow and dirty... there is no Aphrodite Ourania without Aphrodite Pandemos and vice versa. she is both of the heavens and of the masses. because love/mixis are present everywhere.

[ivetteflowerblooom]

I feel like we don't give enough appreciation to the fatherly side of the gods. How about Zeus, who taught young Artemis archery? How about Poseidon, who proudly made Triton his herald? How about Ares, who carefully brushed Eros' wings? How about Hades, who lovingly lulled baby Zagreus to sleep? How about THAT

[cherryjuicegf]

sorry babe i can't come over tonight jesus of nazareth by franco zeffirelli is on tv

[purple-amaranthe]

The whole of Greece at Holy Week

[hestiashearthfire]

A Prayer to Hermes for Luck

Hear me, golden-staffed giver of blessings, friend of mortals! If ever I have given libations in your name, grant me luck this day. May your sure, swift feet guide my own, and grant me success!

[hellenicpagan7]

Keen-minded Hermes, light-fingered one, light-footed one, quick and cunning, bright and merry, ever watchful, ever agile, ever sharp of wit.

The wings at your feet carry you to any landing-place, in any realm; wearing the cap of Aidoneus, you tarry, unseen by mortal mane. Wielder of the golden sword, player on the shepherd’s pipe, god of herdsmen, god of thieves, god of cities and of pastures, rustic and urbane, you walk the line between contradictions. Hermes of the borderland, Hermes of the threshold, god of the uncertain, consistent and contrary, you stand in the doorway, you stand at the edge; the knife-sharp boundary between two worlds is yours.

Hermes, child of rich-tressed Maia and thundering Zeus, I thank you for your many gifts, I praise your might.

[thegrapeandthefig]

Why water is not a "lazy" offering

Water was a requested topic and there was plenty of ways to tackle the topic. I’ve chosen this angle of approach because I know I’ve seen some people struggle with the idea. So let’s talk about it and give some context: if you’ve grown up with the luxury of always having had access to clean water, it’s something you take for granted. I urge you to think of the last time the water was shut off in your house for any reason and how it impacted your comfort.  

Water in Ancient Greek life The Ancient Greeks did not have running water directly in their homes. In Athens, the first hydraulic project is dated between 546 and 527 BC. The city was supplied in water: they had functional lavatories, functional aqueducs and water pumps but those were public commodities, not private ones. In fact, Plutarch tells us that Solon, an Athenian statesman between the 7th and 6th century BC, encouraged individuals to build their own wells if they lived in an area that was not sufficiently supplied and had the right to ask their neighbor for about 40 liters of water a day and make provisions in case of need (Plutarch, Solon, 23).  Water safety was a legitimate concern, as it depended on the clemency of weather and could be jeopardized in emergency situations like wars.

The philosophy of water by Thales of Miletus (626/3-548/5 BC) Without going into the details of Thales’ thought, he theorized the idea that water was the fundation of matter and thus, is the first principle. It is through Aristotle that we know of this hypothesis. While a lot of the theory is scientifically wrong, I think the theory serves its role in showing us how much water mattered as a substance essential to life.

On a religious level Spring water is potable. It is its greatest difference with sea water, which while abundant, is not drinkable. Poseidon, as the master of seas and Zeus as the bringer of rains play an essential part in the natural cycle of water. Lack of water has catastrophic consequences on living things, and the Ancients knew that they relied on Zeus’ rains for their crops to grow, for their springs to be filled, for their cattle to feed and drink.

So when the Ancient brought water to the altar as an offering, they brought something precious. They sacrificed a substance that they relied on for their own survival. They knew that water supplies were not infinite and that the rains bestowed by Zeus allowed for their well to stay full.

Considering water as a “lazy” offering is just the epitome of privilege. The privilege of not having to worry about your access to water, the privilege of not having to wonder if the water coming from your tap is clean or not. All while forgetting that access to potable water is still a problem today for many. If what you see when you think of offering water is the easiness of turning on your tap and tossing a glass on your altar, then you’ve forgotten what your offering means.

Sources: Terje Tvedt, Terje Oestigaard, A History of Water: Water and Urbanization, 2014

[rose-by-the-sea]

Aphrodite worshipper culture is calling on her presence and having Ares join her immediately after, and vice versa

[necrolatria]

aphrodite areia

[thecityhag-deactivated20170312]

Aphrodite Epithets

Acidalia- “of the Well of Acidalius”, “of the Troubles”. Aphrodite bathed in the Well of Acidalius with the Graces. The Well was near Orchomenos. The second interpretation connects Aphrodite with troubles- either bringing them or soothing them as she sees fit.

Acraea- “of the Heights”. This epithet is shared by many deities whose temples were situated upon hills including Zeus, Hera, Aphrodite, and Athena.

Alitta- This epithet combines Aphrodite with the Arabian Goddess Al-lat. Al-lat may have been considered the Great Goddess of Pre-Islamic Arabia, whose domain covered everything from the stars to the Underworld.

Amathusia- “of Amathus”. This was an epithet common in Amathus, a city in Cyprus. This city was one of Aphrodite’s most ancient centers of worship.

Ambologera- “Postponer of Old Age”. This epithet was common in Sparta and statues were dedicated to this aspect of the Goddess there.

Amyclaeus- “of Amyklai”.

Anadyomene- “Risen from the Sea”. This epithets relates to Aphrodite’s birth from the sea. This epithet did not gain popularity until Apelles made a painting showing Aphrodite drying her hair after leaving the ocean. The specific painting was placed in Asclepius’ temple on Cos Island. (Augustus removed the painting for himself in exchange for reducing the taxes on Cos. By the time Nero was emperor, the painting was in bad shape and was replaced.)

Antheia- “the Blooming”, “Friend of Flowers”. This epithet was common in Cnossus.

Apaturus- “Deceptive One”. This epithet was common in Phanagoria and Chersonesus (Tauros). The epithet originated in Tauros, where Aphrodite was supposedly attacked by giants. She asked Heracles for assistance. They both hid in a cavern. Aphrodite then seduced each giant into entering the cavern where they would then be slaughtered by Heracles.

Aphacitis- “of Aphace”. This epithet was common in Aphace, a city in Coele-Syria. There was a temple and oracle dedicated to Aphrodite in the city. Both were destroyed by Emperor Constantine.

Aphrogenea- “Foam-Born”.

Apostrophia- “Averter of Unlawful Desires”. This epithet was commonly used in Thebes. Aphrodite was said to remove lust and sinful desire from people’s hearts. It is said Harmonia, as well as Aphrodite the Heavenly and Aphrodite, Common to All the People, instituted the worship of this new aspect of Aphrodite in Thebes. Historically, it may be that worship of Harmonia and the first two aspects of Aphrodite began in Thebes first, eventually generating a new form of worship.

Aracynthias- “of Mt Aracynthus”. It is believed there was a temple to Aphrodite on Mt Aracynthus. However, the location of the actual mountain has never been confirmed.

Area- “of Ares”, “Warlike”. This epithet was most commonly used at Sparta. She was often shown as being fully dressed in armor when called by this name.

Argennis- “Mentor of Argennus”. Argennus was a favorite of Agamemnon. Agamemnon tried to seduce him, but Argennus fled. He jumped into the Cephissus River and died. Agamemnon built a temple to this aspect of Aphrodite in honor of his love.

Berbia- This is a poorly understood epithet. Any suggestions on the meaning would be appreciated.

Callipygos- “of the Well-Shaped Buttocks”. Statues of this aspect of Aphrodite are known for being soft, luxuriant, and round.

Castinia- “of Mt Kastion”.

Castnietis- This is a poorly understood epithet. I believe it may mean “Wisest of All the Sisters”. Any suggestions on the meaning would be appreciated.

Catascopia- “Spying”, “Peeping”

Cepois- “of the Gardens”.

Chrysia- “Golden”.

Cnidia- “of Knidos”. This epithet was common in Knidos, a city in Caria. This city held the famed statue of Aphrodite made by Praxiteles.

Colias- “of Kolios”. The epithet was common in Kolios, a city in Attica. A famous statue of Aphrodite once resided in the neighborhood of Anaphlystus.

Cypria- “of Cyprus”. In some versions of the theology, Aphrodite is born on Cyprus. The island is one of her most ancient areas of worship.

Cyprogenes- “Born in Cyprus”. In some versions of the theology, Aphrodite is born on Cyprus. The island is one of her most ancient areas of worship.

Cytherea- “of Kythereia”. Kythereia is the name of a city in Crete, as well as an island. Both of these places were said to be where Aphrodite made her first landfall. It is unknown which is which, but a temple was dedicated to this aspect of the Goddess.

Despoena- “the Ruler”, “the Mistress”. The epithet was shared by many Goddesses including Aphrodite, Demeter, and Persephone.

Dia- “Divine”, “Shining”, “Daughter of Zeus”.

Dionaea- “of Dione”, “of Zeus”. This name combined the Titaness Dione with Aphrodite. Dione’s domain included the bright sky and water, which can be considered also domains of Aphrodite. Dione’s parents were Oceanus and Tethys, making her a water nymph. Some sources have her father as Uranus or Aether and her mother as Gaia. She was one of the wives of Zeus and witnessed the birth of Apollo. Sometimes Dione and Zeus are named as the parents of Aphrodite. This epithet can also be applied to all symbols associated with either Dione or Aphrodite, such as the dove.

Doritis- “Bountiful”.

Epistrophia- “She Who Turns to Love”.

Erykina- “of Eryx”. The epithet was common on Mt Eryx in Sicily, where a famous temple was dedicated to the Goddess. The temple was built by Eryx, son of Aphrodite and Butes, King of Sicily. Although, it is also said Aeneias built the temple. Eryx’s daughter, Psophis, dedicated a temple to this aspect of the Goddess in Psophis, a city in Arcadia. At the beginning of the Second Punic War, this aspect of Aphrodite was introduced into Rome. Her first Roman temple was built in 181 BC at Porta Collatina.

Euploea- “Fair Voyage”.

Eustephanus- “Richly Crowned”, “Well-Girdled”.

Gamelii- “Protectress of Marriage”. This was an epithet for all deities who worked to protect marriage and/or presided over marital rites. The deities who shared this epithet were Zeus, Hera, Aphrodite, Peitho, and Artemis. It was believed these five deities must be invoked in order to have a successful wedding and marriage. The Moirai also shared this epithet. However, it can be said any deity may be invoked under the epithet as all deities protect marriage. The month of Gamelion honors this aspect of the Gods. It was also celebrated during the festival of Gamelia.

Genetyllis- “Protectress of Births”. This epithet was shared by Aphrodite and Artemis. It was also the name of a distinct Goddess who worked with Aphrodite. Deities who deal with generation and birth may also share this epithet, and were considered to be companions of Aphrodite of Kolias.

Hekaerge- “Far-Working”, “Worker from Afar”, “Mentor of Hekaerge”. This epithet was shared by Artemis and Aphrodite. The first two interpretations related to Aphrodite. It was most commonly used in Iulus, a city on Cos Island.

Hera- “of Hera”. This epithet combined Hera and Aphrodite. It specifically relates to Aphrodite as a Goddess of Marriage.

Hoplismena- “Armed”.

Idalia- “of Idalion”. This epithet was common in Idalion, a city in Crete.

Limenia- “of the Harbor”. This epithet is shared by many deities including Zeus, Aphrodite, Artemis, Priapus, and Pan.

Machanitis- “Deviser”, “Contriver”. This epithet was shared by Zeus, Aphrodite, and Athena. This epithet was commonly used in Megalopolis.

Melaenis- “Black”. This epithet was common in Corinth. It referred to Aphrodite’s power to work in the night.

Melinaea- “of Meline”. This epithet was common in the Argive city of Meline.

Migonitis- “of Migonium”. This epithet was used at the Goddess’ temple on Cranne Island in Laconia.

Migontis- “Union” This epithet refers to Aphrodite’s domain over marriage.

Morpho- “of Shapely Form”. This epithet was common in Sparta. She was often represented sitting and veiled, with her feet bound.

Nicephorus- “Bringer of Victory”. This epithet was common among the deities.

Nymphia- “Bridal”.

Pandemos- “Common to All the People”. This epithet is shared by Aphrodite and Eros. This epithet had a double meaning and strongly tied into Aphrodite’s role as a Love Goddess. Firstly, this epithet was used to refer to Aphrodite as a Goddess of Sex and other Sensual Pleasures. (Compare to this to Aphrodite of the Heavens.) Scopas built a statue to this aspect of the Goddess in the city of Elis where she rode as a ram. Secondly, this epithet refers to Aphrodite’s to unite people into a social and/or political body. This second aspect was worshiped in Athens alongside Peitho. It was instituted by Theseus when he united the scattered townships into the city-state of Athens. It is believed by some that Solon actually called for the erection of a sanctuary to the Goddess in Athens, either because her statue already stood in the agora or because courtesans were required to pay taxes to fund the project. This epithet was also common at Megalopolis in Arcadia and Thebes. Festivals to Aphrodite of this name consisted of the sacrifice of white goats.

Paphia- “of Paphos”. A well-known temple was dedicated to Aphrodite at Paphos in Cyprus. This epithet was also common in Ino. A statue was dedicated to this aspect of the Goddess in the local sanctuary, between Oetylus and Thalamae in Laconia.

Peitho- “Persuasive”. This epithet was shared by many deities including Artemis and Aphrodite. It also referred to the Goddess Peitho, who ruled over persuasion.

Philommides- “Laughter-Loving”.

Philommedes- “Genital-Loving”.

Pontia- “of the Sea”.

Pothon Mater- “Mother of Desire”.

Praxis- “Action”. This epithet refers to Aphrodite’s role as a Goddess of Sex.

Psithyristes- “Whispering”.

Pyrenaea- “of the Pyrenes Mts”.

Symmachia- “Ally”. This epithet refers to Aphrodite’s role as a Goddess of Love.

Syria- “of Syria”, “the Syrian”. This epithet combined Astarte and Aphrodite. Astarte was a Middle Eastern Goddess of Fertility, Love, War, and Sex. It is possible Astarte and Aphrodite were originally the same Goddess since Aphrodite’s spread west into Cyprus and then into Greece. An alternative of this epithet is Syria Dea.

Urania- “Heavenly”, “Divine”, “Daughter of Uranus”. This aspect of the Goddess was specific to her role as Goddess of Love. It was usually contrasted with Aphrodite, Common to All the People. It also refers to the possibility of Aphrodite being Uranus’ daughter without a mother. Wine would not be an acceptable offering to this aspect of the Goddess.

Xenia- “of the Foreigner”.

Zephyritis- “of Zephyrium”. This epithet was common in Zephyrium, a city in Egypt.

Zerynthia- “of Zerynthus”. This is a poorly understood epithet. This epithet was common in the Thracian city of Zerynthus. The local sanctuary was built by Phaedra.

I hope this is a helpful list for anyone interested in worshiping Aphrodite. These are her main epithets. I took out alternate spellings and epithets which had the same meanings but were less widely known than the ones shown here. I left similarly spelt epithets with very different meanings. Some epithets whose meanings are unknown appear in the list. Any help identifying these epithets would be awesome. If you are interested in ideas on when to use these epithets or inspiration based on them, shoot me an ask!

(Source: theoi.com- Titles of Aphrodite: Ancient Greek Religion)