Hellenic pagan; devotee of Lord Hephaestus • disabled • wheelchair user • trans • queer • DID system • mixed race • they/they& • adult over 25 • artist • writer • crafter • practicing pagan since 2009 @chronicallycouchbound
You can call me Phoenix. This is my Hellenic Pagan worship/main blog, primarily dedicated to Lord Hephaestus, but I worship all Deities within the Greek pantheon.
If you’re looking for my blog centered around intersectional activism, especially regarding homelessness and disability, that's @chronicallycouchbound
Admin for @temple-of-hephaestus
Join us on Discord, Reddit, and Tumblr
Important Posts
My Flame Chariot: Magnus
My Flame Chariot: Etna
My Flame Chariot: Jack
Deities for Disabled Worshippers
Epithets of Lord Hephaestus
When they call me cripple
Erythema ab igne — Stained by Fire
Disability and Innovation
Love, War, and Disability
Lust, Disability and Grace
Faith
We have been practicing paganism in some form since 2009, and converted to Hellenic Polytheism in 2022. We practice a variety of divination methods, we learned palmistry and tea leaf reading, and tarot and oracle card reading soon after, and our practice expanded from there. We were first truly drawn to worship Lord Hephaestus in 2017.
We honor all Deities within the Hellenic pantheon. We maintain altars to: Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Hades, Persephone, Hephaestus, Hermes, Ares, Demeter, Hekate, Apollo, Artemis, Hestia, Aphrodite, Athena, and Dionysus.
We have been an animist our entire life, and found the animism of Hellenic Polytheism to be very fitting for our long standing beliefs. We also consider ourselves to be omnist and pantheist. We additionally occasionally honor/worship deities in other pantheons, in particular: Celtic, Kemetic, Mesopotamian, and a few other polytheistic religions.
FAQ: “Why is your blog called ‘Fire and Fennel’?”
Accessibility
I’m Hard of Hearing and have transient deafness episodes and require captions in order to interact with video/audio. Any videos or audio I post will always have captions or transcripts (barring times when I can’t tell if a video has audio/can’t make it out myself)
Sometimes, I don’t have the ability to add alt text, image descriptions, and/or plain text versions of posts, feel free to go back and add them if you’re able to and see them needed. I have Low Vision, transient blindness and visual disturbances due to some of my conditions and often require IDs myself. I try to avoid reblogging images without IDs. I try to go back and add IDs when I’m able.
I will never post flashing lights, jump scares, or April Fool's hoaxes on any of my blogs. I intentionally will not interact with those types of posts so they will not show up on my followers feeds.
Boundaries
I’m an adult (born in 1999) and will occasionally post more adult centric posts (nothing graphic, all safe for work, primarily just mentions of alcohol use) I try to add alcohol mentions in tags using #alcohol or #cw alcohol
This is my religious and spiritual blog, and as such, please be mindful that this is not a fandom or critical analysis of classics based blog. These are my personal beliefs and views, so if you’re just here for discourse, my posts are not the space.
Inbox is open for mutuals only. Asks are currently open.
- Phoenix 🐦🔥
fireandfennel.carrd.co
Icon is a digital drawing version of an attic vase depicting Hephaestus on his winged chariot
My new chair! It’s a Tilite Z, with a Roho Hybrid Select cushion, Jay 3 backrest, and Surge handrims. It might look similar to my last chair, but it’s completely different! It’s the comfiest chair I’ve had, the most customized to my needs, and so far has been incredible for me! So it’s been aptly named Magnus, meaning “great”
[ID: 4 photos of a fire themed wheelchair: the wheelchair is a tilite z in red with flame stickers, it has an orange covered roho cushion and black and flame covered jay 3 backrest with a patch of a wheelchair user outline with flames coming out on the back. The chair has red, orange and yellow spoke covers and red light under it. End ID.]
I don’t think Dionysus was raised as a girl for his protection. I think he was raised as a girl because they didn’t know better. Then one day he told them all he was not a girl. All of the mad women of the mountains who raised and loved him and would be his first maenads rushed to hug him and kiss the crown of his head. Hermaphroditus told him how proud they were that he knew himself. Silenus lied and said he had seen this coming for some time. The world paused for a moment for him but it did not change around him. The creeks babbled and the birds sang and the gentle rains of Nysa beat down upon the trees. His girlhood was in the past tense very suddenly and his boyhood stretched out in front of him.
Started drawing him after reading about The Hymn to Dictaean Zeus. The hymn invokes Zeus as the "greatest kouros," worshipped as a fertility god who welcomes the young initiates at the annual festival at his birthplace, Mount Dicte. In the hymn, Zeus, who "jumps" herds, fields, ships, cities, and young citizens,is called upon to return to Dicte and enjoy the singing that is taking place at his altar.
I mainly experimented with colors in this, and there's still a lot I need to learn before I can finish it. I am grateful to everyone who has given me good advice to move forward. But I had a lot of fun
***Under the cut are NSFW ways of worship, since Pothos is the God of Sexual Longing and Desire (along with non-sexual); I would prefer minors to not interact with this post specifically below the cut please ^^;***
Wear clothes that make you feel confident or good about your appearance
Intentionally dress nicely when meeting with your crush or partner (obviously you don't have to do this every single time or something)
Try out different perfumes and colognes; find a scent that you feel fits you, and stick with it c:
Have imagery of vines, white asphodel, wings, feathers, rainbows (homage to Iris), wind/windy weather (homage to Zephyrus), red roses, things that remind you of passion/longing, lyres, pearls (homage to Aphrodite)
Have a stuffed animal of animals that remind you of longing/desire; swan, dove, lovebirds, rabbits, etc.
Practicing saying "no" to others when you're uncomfortable; it's ok if this takes time
Get 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
Make a tea, drink, or meal that reminds you of him - the first thing that comes to your mind
Write a list of your long-term goals for the future (things that you desire for your life)
Make an "Encouragement Jar" for yourself or someone else (write encouraging messages on paper slips, place them in a jar, and take one when feeling discouraged)
Celebrate any progress you make towards a goal, even the smallest step forward
Plan a day where you spoil yourself (or your partner)
Engage in something you're passionate about
If you have a partner, surprise them with a date night, thoughtful gift, or one-on-one time
Identify what drives you forward when you feel discouraged; try focusing on that feeling (or those things) the next time you feel discouraged
Cook your favorite food or drink, specifically one that you can't have often
Go on a trip with or take a trip to visit a loved one
Send a thoughtful letter to a loved one through the mail
Compose love poems for your partner when you miss them the most
If there's someone you're struggling to let go of, write them a "goodbye" letter that you'll never send and burn it
Make a wish when you have the chance to (ex: shooting stars, throwing a coin in a fountain/well, blowing on dandelions, birthday candles, etc.)
Keep an item that reminds you of a loved one (specifically if you have a partner)
Allow yourself to mourn the loss of someone from your life; set aside time to sit with those feelings
Leave a flower on the grave of a loved one or with their ashes, if possible; if not, do something that honors that person (e.g. cook a meal they enjoy, write a poem in their honor, listen to a song they liked, etc.)
Allow yourself to miss people without shame, including those who may have hurt you; it's natural to long for something that you no longer have
Have some chocolates, strawberries, or honeyed pastries
Take some time to reflect on what you desire for yourself in the short-term
Reflect on how your desires/goals have changed over the years; take note of how you've grown as a person with these changes
Link to my Subtle Worship Master list (including this here due to the cut)
Learn about kinks/fetishes, especially if you don't know much about them; engage in those that interest you
When being intimate (with yourself), think of the thing that you desire most in life; imagine it coming closer into your life if you can
Wear lingerie that makes you feel attractive
Read/write sexual fanfiction or stories, especially about situations/characters who don't exist
Indulge in sexual fantasies/dreams; allow yourself to have them without shame
Try long-distance toys with your partner (such as ones that work with an app or similar)
Try edging and teasing with your sexual partner (obviously do this with the consent prior)
If you're experienced/able to do so safely, try engaging in some of the wilder kinks that interest you; reading fictional stories about them also works
Treat yourself to a toy, lingerie, or similar item that you've had your eyes on
Engage in a kink/fetish that's new to you but that your partner wants to try
Openly share your sexual desires with your partner, especially any that you've felt embarrassed about; encourage your partner to do the same
Learn to accept any sexual feelings that you often shame yourself for; remind yourself that it's ok to have "uncommon" desires
Be open-minded to kinks and fetishes that you don't have
Make goals for things you'd like to try/experience sexually
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I hope you enjoyed my list of discreet ways to worship Pothos! I may add more to it in the future. Take care, and may Pothos bring a new spark into your life, if you wish him to! ❤️
My art is featured in the 2026 @templeofdionysus calendar!
You can get yours here! If you can't afford one, they have a free Google Calendar link for all, so you can still know about what festivals are when. They also have other cool stuff in their shop, including this sick Return of Hephaestus mug.
Note: I don't get commission from this or anything, but they are sending me a free calendar! I do love what the Temple of Dionysus is doing and I'm happy to spread the word!
Catholic nuns are technically godspouses. They're called the brides of Christ for that reason. The Catholic Church considers them married to the Lord when they take their vows. And no, that doesn't mean they're "delusional".
The lot of y'all will be much better off minding your own businesses, in all sincerity. Just because you don't do a thing, doesn't mean other people can't. Just because you personally disagree with a thing, doesn't make it bad or wrong. Especially if it's hurting no one.
And cut the ableism and sanism while you're at it. Learn to live with diversity, differences, and discomfort. Grow up.
Update — We have found a printer for the 2026 calendar! All contributing artists will receive a physical calendar and the temple will cover the printing and shipping costs. It’s not too late! We are still accepting submissions for the calendar.
It’s that time of the year again! We are looking for artists who would like to be featured in the 2026 Lunar calendar. We love uplifting community voices and sharing community artwork. Every month has a unique style and it’s incredible to see what we are capable of together.
All skill levels are welcome and encouraged to participate. Art takes many forms including digital paintings, photos/scans of physical artwork, photos of your altar or cool rock collection, etc. AI art and AI edited artwork is expressly prohibited.
In previous years, we have been able to promise contributing artists a complimentary, physical calendar shipped directly to them. Unfortunately, our printer went out of business as a result of the tariffs. All contributing artists will receive a physical copy if we have a print run — otherwise, all contributing artists will receive the digital edition.
Artists retain the rights to their work and it does not need to be exclusive or new. Artists are also encouraged to add a QR code (our staff can help with this if needed) to promote their work. The full license agreement is sent to artists who reach out.
Saying this as a reminder for helpols especially fellow poor ones rn in the US who rely on SNAP/food stamps:
You can and SHOULD eat/drink your offerings to Deities!
This was common historical practice, and your Gods don't want you to starve or suffer, you can share the bounty together. Offerings to King Zeus included burning the fat and bones so the smoke could rise to Him, leaving the meat for humans to eat.
This doesn't go for chthonic deities, in part because offerings to them go directly to the ground/dirt, and were placed on altars on the ground or fire pits, and because chthonic deities consume all of their offerings.
To my fellow Americans (gods have mercy on us 😩), now is a really shit time for our local communities. If you can, I highly encourage donating canned goods, bread, eggs, and milk to food banks. Or, just in general, donate what you can to them. People are going to be relying more on food banks with the shitshow regarding SNAP benefits. SNAP is a federal program that allows millions of people to have access to a government-provided fund that allows them to purchase food. People cannot eat right now. People cannot feed their families.
Please, if you can, donate. Cook meals for any homeless or struggling folks you know. Volunteer at food banks (they'll need extra hands right now, I'm sure). Or spread the word about these things. Make others aware of how they can help.
I have something to add. If you have food you aren't planning on eating and you want to donate, please donate the food.
However, if you have money that you plan to go buy food with to donate, please skip purchasing, and give the money directly to the food pantry. They are tax exempt and can stretch your money much farther than you can, and they can buy things that they know they're low on or out of.
Also, if you plan to get anything for homeless shelters, I've worked with a lot of them over the years, and the two items that they need the most of at all times are socks and period products. If you have little budget but you still want to donate, those are the items they very likely need the most of
You can also call your local food banks and homeless shelters and ask directly what it is that they need most right now!! They love that!!
But overall, many of these establishments can stretch your money much farther than you can. If you have a budget to donate with, just give them the money directly. Even if it doesn't seem like a lot to you, they often get heavy discounts that the average consumer does not!!!
