Hades Calling

A side blog to a side blog. A little more focused. A little more devotional. A lot more Hades. More generic pagan antics @thingsgotwyrd

[wrathful-warhound]

Hades Eubuleus (the Consoler)

[khaire-traveler]

💀 Subtle Haides Worship 🐕‍🦺

If you have a dog (or any pet), play with them

Volunteer at an animal shelter

Donate dog supplies to animal shelters and places who help families in need

Feed neighborhood dogs, cats, or birds

Start a coin collection with the intention of souls who need payment at the Underworld's gates can use those coins

Keep a picture of him in your wallet

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

Wear jewelry that reminds you of him

Have a stuffed animal owl, dog, or black ram

Have imagery of a bident, Cerberus, or ancient Greek helmets around

Drink coffee or a soothing tea to start your day

Honor your ancestors/souls that have passed; learn about your family history

Hold onto any family heirlooms; keep items from people who have passed in your life

Eat pomegranate seeds; drink pomegranate juice

Support suicide prevention or funeral funding organizations

Visit cemeteries; if allowed (get permission first please), leave flowers at graves; visit loved ones' or family members' graves

Collect animal bones (please thank the animal's spirit after doing so; I just think it's respectful to do so)

Learn about death; acquaint yourself with the idea of death; figure out what you believe happens after death

Take care of yourself physically and emotionally

Work on learning to let go of the past; forgive yourself for past mistakes, and release past regrets

Start a garden or tend to plants

Save your money, if able; work on spending it wisely

Practice patience, understanding, and gratitude

Be a good host to all who enter your space; Haides is the ultimate host, the Ruler of All

Take a walk during a new moon (if it is safe to do so in your area)

Bury a time capsule

Honor old family traditions; dig into your heritage and find pride in it

Learn to find simple joys in life; make a list of things that bring you joy in your day to day

Meditate in nature; ground yourself often; practice mindfulness

Visit/explore caves (please do so safely!!!)

Visit ancient ruins, ghost towns, and any place where people used to be but are no longer

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Hope this helps someone! I may add more later on. For now, this is my list of discreet ways to worship Haides. Take care, everyone! 🩵

Link to Subtle Worship Master list

[hellenic-reconstructionism]

Historically Accurate Offerings for Hades

Also known as Plouton, Zeus (Kata)chthonios, Aidoneus, and Klymenos

Image source

Pitchfork

Pomegranate

Styrax incense

Dried laurel leaves

Scepter

Chariot

Cornucopia

Throne

Chickens

Screech-owl

White poplar

Mint

Asphodel

Sources: 1, 2

[evslight]

digital offering/e offering for Lord Hades

[rottenstocking]

Hades (or Haides); King of the underworld, god of the dead - not of death.

[hadescalling]

It's my 10 year anniversary on Tumblr 🥳

[askpagans]

can I get some beginner-level resources on miasma please? thank you!

.

[thingsgotwyrd]

A lot of resource pages recommend you read Kharis: Hellenic Polytheism Explored. I’m ¾ through the book myself and I recommend it as well. It’s a small book and an easier read than primary sources (such as the Iliad, Orphic Hymns, etc)

Miasma is basically life gunk built up from being human. Anything can give you miasma.

When you’re in a mental funk, stressed or angry you’d be considered miasmic. So you would want to calm your mind, “get back to center”, chill out, etc, to get rid of mental miasma. But then you still have physical left to deal with. That’s where the khernips come in.

Khernips is basically blessed water. Here is a good online source that goes into greater detail. http://baringtheaegis.blogspot.com/2014/06/khernips-without-burning-anything.html?m=1

Both sources helped me a lot. I hope they are what you are looking for.

[pagangrimoire2-blog]

Hellenic Terminology Page

Below is a list of terms used on this blog, with a short explanation and a link to blog posts with more information. It’s meant to serve as a reference guide to this blog as well as Hellenismos in general. Aegis - mythological shield of the God Zeus, as well as His daughter Athena and even Apollo on rare occasions. Said to carry the head of Medusa on its front. Agathós Daímōn - household spirits who protect the family, house and bloodline, or Theoi. Also the name of a festival held on the second day after the new moon. Agonothetai - judges, most notably the judges of tragic plays during the City Dionysia. Aiskhrologia - women insulting each other and using foul language, in honor of Iambe, who cheered up a grieving Demeter by either lifting her skirts or making a dirty joke. Part of the Eleusinian Mystery Tradition Alseids (Ἀλσηΐδες) - nymphs associated with groves. Amphidromia (τὰ Ἀμφιδρόμια) - celebration on the fifth or seventh day after the birth of a child where the child was presented at the shrine to Zeus and Hestia by the father. Apopompai (ἀποποπμαί) - ‘sendings away’ or ‘exorcism’ of spirits and other supernatural entities. Apoptygma - name of the fold in a peplos. Archon (ἄρχων) - title. Ruled Athens first in threes, then in nines, then in tens and their power did not extend to law-making. Oversaw the tasks of the ancient kings. Archōn Basileus (Ἄρχων Βασιλεύς) - title. Spiritual inheritors of the mythic kings of Athens, in charge of religious and artistic festivals. Archōn Epōnymos (ἄρχων Ἐπώνυμος) - title. Chief magistrate of Athens for one year. Was in charge of the affairs of Athens’ citizens; served as an ancient mayor for the city, and the year was named after him. Arrephoros (Ἀρρήφορος) - year long handmaidens of Athena Polias Arête (ἀρετή) - the act of living up to one’s full potential. Arètèr - title of a priest or priestess meaning ‘supplicant’. Aromatic herbs (ἀρώματα) - any woods, plants, or flowers which release a pleasant odor when burned. Autochthonous (αὐτός χθών) - ‘earth-born’, applied to those born of Gaea, or literally ‘of the earth’. Bômos (βωμός) - properly signifies any elevation; an altar for the Ouranic Theoi. Bothros (βόθρος) - offering pit to the Khthonic Theoi. Boule (βουλή) - five-hundered members, selected from eledgable voters, to structure the democracy. Caduceus - messenger staff of Hermes, and sometimes Isis. Chiton (khitōn, χιτών) - clothing. Came in two forms: the Doric chiton and the later Ionic chiton. The Doric style was open on one side, sleeveless and didn’t have the apoptygma the peplos had, while the Ionic chiton was pinned or sewn from top to bottom, was made with a much wider piece of fabric, and had sleeves. Chlamys (χλαμύς) - clothing, cloak. Was normally pinned with a fibula at the right shoulder. It was worn by messengers and warriors, and could serve as a light shield. Chorêgos (χορηγός) - a wealthy Athenian, who would train the selected actors and the chorus, and would pay for any part of the productions not paid for by the state, in the performance of the tragedies at the City Dionysia. Dadoukhos (Δᾳδοῦχος) - 'torch bearer’, official title within the Eleusinian Mystery Tradition. Deipnon (Hekate’s) - monthly festival day on the day of the new moon where the house is prepared for the new month. Dedicated to Hekate and usually celebrated with Hekate’s Dinner. Deisidaimonia (δεισιδαιμονία) - fear of spirits and other supernatural entities. Delphic Maxims - the Delphic Maxims are a list of 147 guidelines towards an ethical life. Received from the Oracle of Delphi. Drachma - base coin of ancient Hellas. On Baring the Aegis, prices calculated from drachma to dollars, are always 1 drachma = $ 60,- Eiresiône (εἰρεσιώνη) - a branch of olive or laurel bound with purple or white wool, decorated with fruits of the season, pastries, and small jars of honey, oil and wine. It was carried through the streets of Athens during the festival of Pyanepsai (Πυανέψια). Ekphorá (ἐκφορά) - 'funeral procession’ during funerary rites. Elaphos (ἔλαφος) -  cakes in the shape of a stag, made out of a basic dough, honey, and sesame seeds, in honor of Artemis during the Elaphebolia. Epipuron (ἐπίπυρον) - a movable pan or brazier, used on top of a bômos so it could serve as an altar for burnt-offerings. Epithets - an attachment to the name of a God or Goddess, used to indicate either a specific domain of the Deity, a specific origin myth or region from which the Deity came, or an entirely different entity, through either domain or origin. Eschára (ἐσχάρα) - a low-lying altar used in burnt-offerings for heroes, demi-Gods and (nature) spirits. Sometimes used to indicate the corresponding projection at the top of a bômos that held its own fire. Ethike Arete - the practice of habitual excellence (ethics). Euergetism (εὐεργετέω) - 'I do good things’–gift-giving from a wealthy citizen to the community. Eusebia - reverence, loyalty, and sense of duty toward the Gods (of Hellas). Fasting - the act of voluntarily withholding food from your body for a longer period of time than you would normally be without it. Garon (γάρον) - fish sauce, prepared from the intestines of small fishes through the process of bacterial fermentation. Grammateîs (γραμματεῖς) - title. Tenth archon, served as a secretary with a large variety of tasks. Hagneia - the maintaining of ritual purity by avoiding miasma. Hellen (a) - the preferred term for a citizen of ancient Greece. Hellenist (a) - the preferred term for a practitioner of Hellenismos. Hellas - the preferred term for ancient and modern day Greece. Hellenismos (Ἑλλήνισμος) - the modern reconstruction of the ancient Greek religion. It focuses on the worship of the Twelve Olympic Gods–Zeus, Hera, Athena, Hephaistos, Apollo, Artemis, Demeter, Dionysos, Hermes, Ares, Poseidon and Aphrodite–along with Hades and Hestia. Hetairai (ἑταῖραι) - female companions, a term used non-sexually for women, about women, but used by men to indicate a woman hired for entertainment, often leading to sex. Hiereus - title of a priest or priestess meaning 'sacrificer’. Hierodoule (ἱεροδούλη) - temple slave in the temple of Aphrodite at Corinth Himation (ἱμάτιον) - clothing, cloak. Was usually worn over a chiton. It wasn’t fastened with pins, but instead was held up by the friction created between two layers of the garment, usually over one shoulder. Holocaustos (ὁλόκαυστος) - a sacrifice given–and usually burnt–in full to the Gods. Opposite of Thyesthai. Katadesmoi (κατάδεσμοi) - cursing tablets, or binding tablets. Kathiskos - name of an offer jar of foodstuffs used to protect the household’s food storage. Dedicated to Zeus Ktesios. Katharmos (Καθαρμός) - ritual purification, one of the pillars of Hellenismos. Kernoi (κέρνοι) - offering dishes. Kharis (Χάρις) - religious reciprocity. Khernibeionas (Χερνῐβεῖον) - holder for khernips. Khernips (Χἐρνιψ) - ritually purified water to remove miasma. Held in a Khernibeionas. Kithara - ancient instrument in the Lyre family. In mythology, it was gifted to Apollo by Hermes. Khoe (χοαί) - a type of libation where the entire content is poured out. Reserved for Chthonic Gods, Goddesses and other Underworld beings, like spirits or ghosts, as well as earth Deities. Consists of a measure of honey, milk and dark-red wine. Opposite of a sponde. Khoi - vessel that holds the khoe. Króki (κρόκη) -  a yellow wollen thread, worn by supplicants during the walk from Athens to Eleusis for the (Lesser) Mysteries. Se also: Martic. Kurios (κύριος) - head of the Oikos. Male. Kykeon (κυκεών) - a boiled down barley solution, sacred to Demeter. Leitourgia (λειτουργία) - semi-voluntary financial contributions made by the most wealthy of citizens and métoikos in order to finance the state’s public expenses in areas of war, theater, and religious worship. Libation - liquid sacrifice. Mageiroi - temple helpers. Manna (μάννᾰ) - powdered frankincense. Martis (μάρτης) -  a red-and-white piece of string, tied around the wrist, used as a charm against evil forces. See also: króki. Melissai - temple dancers. Mēria (μηρια) - the part of the sacrificed animal that was alotted to the Theoi; the preferred sections were the thigh bones, the tail, vertebrae and the sacrum. Miasma (Μίασμα) - describes the lingering aura of uncleanliness in regards to a person or space through which contact is made with the Gods. Literally 'pollution’. Muses, The (Μοῦσαι) - Melete (Practice), Mneme (Memory), and Aoede (Song) or Calliope (epic poetry), Clio (history), Euterpe (flutes and lyric poetry), Thaleia/Thalia (comedy and pastoral poetry), Melpomene (tragedy), Terpsikhore (dance), Erato (love poetry), Polyhymnia/Polymnia (sacred poetry) and Urania (astronomy). Mystagogoi - initiated mystai within the Eleusian Mystery Tradition. Mystai - 'initiates’, worthy of witnessing the Greater Mysteries. Noumenia - name of a festival held on the first day after the new moon. The main purpose of the monthly festival is to kick off the new month and appease all Deities connected to this. Nomos Arkhaios - observance of ancient tradition, (religious) law, and customs. Nymphs - nature spirits. The term Nymph means 'bride’. Oikos (οἶκος) - literally  'home’, 'house’, 'family’ or 'bloodline’. Oiônoskopos - divination by looking at the behavior of birds. Ololygē (ὀλολῡγή) - the ritual scream women made, usually when an animal was sacrificed, but also at other sacred times. Opisthodomos (ὀπισθόδομος) - usually refers to the back room of a temple, where secret rites to the deity of the temple were performed. Opson (ὄψον) - 'the favorite relish’, a most prefered dish. Oracle - person or practice to divine answers from the Gods on current troubles. Orphism (Ὀρφικά) - the name given to a set of religious beliefs and practices originating in the ancient Hellenic world, associated with literature ascribed to the mythical poet Orpheus, who descended into Hades and returned. Orphic incenses | Orphic hymns Panspermia - a mixture of beans and grains, offered to Apollo during the Pyanepsia (Πυανέψια). Pederasty (παιδεραστία) - the socially acknowledged erotic relationship between an adult male and a younger male usually in his teens, practiced mostly in the Archaic and Classical ages of Hellenic history. Peplos (ὁ πέπλος) - clothing. A body-length garment established as typical attire for women in ancient Hellas. It was a tubular cloth folded inside-out from the top about halfway down to form an apoptygma. The garment was then gathered about the waist and the open top–at the fold–pinned over the shoulders. The top of the tube was then draped over the waist, providing the appearance of a second piece of clothing. Polemarchos (πολέμαρχος) - title. charged with all affairs of war in the early days of Athens’ democracy. Was in charge of the entire army, and required to make military decisions for the whole of the city-state. Became in charge of the city’s métoikos after military rule fell to the stratēgoí. ’Practicing Apart Together’ - a term dubbed by Elani Temperance and a practice adopted by Hellenistic organization Elaion to indicate timed rituals practiced by various people around the world as a form of community worship. Prothesis (Προθησις) - 'display of the body’ during funerary rites. Prytaneis (πρυτάνεις) - fifty members, selected from the boule, to help structure the democracy. Ptóchos (πτωχός) - a beggar. Purifier. Protogenoi, The (Πρωτογενοι) - first Born Deities of the Greek Kosmos; Aether (Αἰθήρ, 'Light’), Ananke (Ἀνάγκη, 'Fate’ or 'Compulsion’), Khronos (Χρόνος, 'Time’), Erebos (Ἔρεβος, 'Darkness’), Eros (Ἔρως, 'Desire’ or 'Love’), Gaea (Γαῖα, 'Earth’), Hemera (Ἡμέρα, 'Day’), Hydros (Ὑδρος, 'Primordial Waters’), Khaos (χάος, 'Chaos’ or 'Air’), Nêsoi (Νησοι, 'Islands’), Nyx (Νύξ, 'Night’), Ôkeanos (Ωκεανος, 'Water’), Ourea (Oὔρεα, 'Mountains’), Phanes (Φάνης 'Procreation’), Pontos (Πόντος, 'Sea’), Phusis (φύσις, 'Nature’), Tartaros (Τάρταρος), Thalassa (Θάλασσα, 'Sea’), Thesis (Θεσις, 'Creation’), Uranos (Οὐρανός, 'Sky’). Prytaneion (Πρυτανεῖον) - ancient Hellenic building where officials met and the communal fire of Hestia was kept. Sophia - the pursuit of wisdom, understanding, and truth. Sophrosune - the control of self through deep contemplation. Sponde (Σπονδή) - a libation given, partly, to the Deity or Deities offered to, and partly drunken by those given the libation. Opposite of a khoe. Spondophoroi (Σπονδοφοροί) - vessel that holds the sponde. Stratēgoí (στρατηγοί) - ten men, elected from the ten tribes of Athens, to oversee Athens’ military. Symposion (συμπόσιον) - a gathering where wine was drunk, music played, political, philosophical and scientific discussions were held. Symposiarch (συμποσίαρχος) - profession. A wine-mixer. Theoi - Hellenic term for the Gods. Theos - Hellenic term for a single God or Goddess. Thespiode - oracle singers. Thirty Tyrants (οἱ τριάκοντα τύραννοι) - a pro-Spartan oligarchy installed in Athens after its defeat in the Peloponnesian War in 404 BC. They took power over Athens in 411-410 and another slightly longer period in 404-403. During their reign, hundreds were condemned to execution by drinking hemlock, while thousands more were exiled from Athens. Tholos (θόλος) - a circular edifice constructed for the prytanis, next to the bouleterion. Thyesthai (θύεσθαι) - partially given–or burnt– sacrifice to the Gods. Opposite of a Holocaustos. Titanomachy (Τιτανομαχία) - ten year war of the Olympians with the Titans for dominance over Earth. UPG - non-Hellenic term meaning 'Unverified Personal Gnosis’. Used to label personal insight into the Gods not derived from ancient, reputable, sources. Xenia (ξενία) - ritual hospitality, one of the pillars of Hellenismos. Xenion (ξεινήιον) - a parting gift for guests.

[templeswreathedinlaurel-deactiv]

How to Pray, Praise, and Worship the Theoi

As someone who struggled to find resources that weren’t entirely one sided and hard to understand, I believe this post is in order! It explains how to petition to, (in other words, pray to) the Theoi concerning both everyday matters and big events in your life, as well as how to praise them and some general worship tips. I hope this helps some of you get started!

Prayer

Unlike what I first thought whenever I began doing research into Hellenismos, praying is not simply talking to a Theos, or praising them. There is definitely a place for that in Hellenismos, but prayer typically means to ask for something or for help in a matter that the Theos has a connection to. So when I talk about prayer, this is what I refer to.

Prayers are usually said while an offering is being given, whether that be a hymn, libation, etc., or in a moment where you can call upon the Theos of your choice and say something such as ”if I have ever brought offerings to you, hear my prayer”. Prayers are very loose and there aren’t necessarily rules for petitioning the gods, just general standards. For example, don’t outright demand something from the Theoi without an offering or something similar. Be respectful, and know that you are asking for something, not taking money out of the bank.

Whenever I want to pray for something, I sing a hymn. Sometimes these are ones I write myself, or they come from the Homeric or Orphic hymns. I’ll be talking more about praising the Theoi in a little bit, so I won’t go into details, but incorporating your prayer into a hymn is very easy to do, and hymns often make a good lead-up offering. Singing a hymn, no matter how awful you think your singing voice is, is a performance and a gift to the Theoi, Sing, be proud, and lift your words to the heavens. They will appreciate all you give as long as it comes from your heart.

If you cannot or will not sing for any reason, giving an offering may be your best choice. Poetry, artwork, food, libations, incense/candles (mainly for Ouranic Theoi) and anything you else you wish to give such as time, are perfectly acceptable offerings. Here is a list of basic Hellenic Offerings, which also explains how to give them.

In times of need or when you have very little time but desperately wish for the aid of the Theoi, you can petition to the gods without an offering. I have done this either with a mention of a previous offering, or an oath to give them a specific offering if they helped me. Here’s an example for both instances:

“Wise Athene, if I have ever pleased you with my offerings, answer my prayer, great goddess!” “I swear upon the life which I love to make you an offering, Athene, if you aid me and answer my prayer!”

You can then say your prayer after making this plea or before using something similar. I think the more heartfelt and honest the prayer, the better. I have a few daily prayers I use and I try to really feel them, since I’ll be using them very often. If a certain prayer clicks with you, I say use it.

Praise

Praising the Theoi is a major part of Hellenismos, and as such, there are tons of ways you can shower the gods with adoration and love. As aforementioned, hymns and offerings are both excellent ways to do so.

Hymns, in the Hellenic sense, are beautiful poem-like songs we can sing (or say) to build kharis with the Theoi. The Homeric and Orphic hymns are obviously very well-known, but they are by no means the only or the best hymns out there. Ones made by yourself or other Hellenists are also wonderful. @hymnstothetheoi has a collection of hymns on their blog, which I recommend for anyone interested in learning more. @baringtheaegis has a wonderful post on how one could go about creating a hymn based off of the Orphic hymn to Pan. This is how I personally write my hymns.

Feel free to only use the Homeric and Orphic pieces, but you don’t need to by any means. I love the old style of them and the connection I feel to the Ancients, but I make my own for personal and public use as well. During rituals, using the old hymns seems special, so I do that. Here is a link to a pdf download of the Homeric hymns (as soon as you click on it it will begin downloading, just so you’re aware). I haven’t found a good resource for the Orphic hymns as of yet, but Theoi.com definitely has a nice collection in thier library.

Other ways to praise the Theoi include celebrating some of their festivals, dedicating time to them (doing something they hold influence over, ex: archery for Artemis and/or Apollo), or even keeping an e-shrine or playlist you made for them. People with disabilities, illnesses etc. often do things such as simply spend time thinking about them or creating aesthetic posts. These are wonderful alternatives to energy-draining activities such as rituals.

Worship

Prayer and praise both tie into worship. The only reason I didn’t include praise within the worship heading is because I wanted to touch more on the ritual aspect of Hellenismos. I barely knew anything about rituals as a beginner simply because no one had any resources. After finding Elani’s blog, that changed of course, and I began to understand what rituals were and how to do them. A big thank you for all of the information and resources, I have no idea how I would have learned everything without her.

In ancient Hellas, there were rituals, and they were usually public. They were very important to the city that held these rituals, so I see them as vital in my personal practice. Rituals are not for everyone, of course, but I love them. There were very repetitious steps involved in rituals, so once you grasp the concept, it comes naturally and is easy to follow.

A procession would take place first, sometimes from outside the city walls, or from an important place. To mimic this procession, many modern Hellenists take a walk outside or around their homes to put themselves in the ritual mindset. It’s a small thing that helps in the long run for some people.

After the procession, the people giving an offering and honouring the Theos would have made it to where the ritual would take place. Temples had an altar set up outside where people would gather to watch and make prayers as the offering (usually an animal sacrifice) was made.

This wasn’t as solemn or as super serious and quiet as I thought it may be. There was music, lyre players and flutists playing the instruments they were skilled at, and people would be asking the Theos for things such as protection or their blessing throughout this whole thing. Some people may be giving up offerings on the side, and really be a part of what was going on.

Barley was scattered to cleanse the altar space, people washed themselves with khernips, and this was called Katharmos. In other words, it was a time for cleansing away miasma. They would also circle the altar with khernips to cleanse it as well.

After this had been done, prayers, hymns, and other related things were sung and said. They would make their sacrifice, and then hold a feast using the meat of the animal they had sacrificed (unless this was a cthonic ritual). In modern times, people may give up something such as a bottle of wine or a meal, and then feast with what they give up.

To learn more about rituals, @nymphei wrote a nice informational post on them here.

[natural-magics]

Books and Resources (Paganism, Witchcraft and More)

This list has been updated over the years and will continued to be updated over time. If you re-post this elsewhere, kindly credit me because it’s taken a long time to compile what I feel are useful resources on the following topics. The very basics are covered in my FAQ.

Last updated: 6/20/2015

Paganism:

A Pagan Primer — For Those New to Paganism

Paganism: An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions by River and Joyce Higginbotham

Pagan Spirituality: A Guide to Personal Transformation by River and Joyce Higginbotham

Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America by Margot Adler

Connecting to the Power of Nature by Joe H. Slate

Exploring the Pagan Path: Wisdom from the Elders (a collection of articles, essays and general commentary from various pagan authors)

ChristoPaganism: An Inclusive Path by River Higginbotham and Joyce Higginbotham

Myths and Symbols in Pagan Europe by H.R. Ellis Davidson

Wicca:

Wicca for the Rest of Us

Wicca Resources

Wicca for Beginners by Thea Sabin

Witchcraft Today by Gerald Gardner 

The Meaning of Witchcraft by Gerald Gardner

The Spiral Dance by Starhawk (most recent edition only, old editions have inaccurate info that has since been updated)

Elements of Ritual: Air, Fire, Water & Earth in the Wiccan Circle by Deborah Lipp

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner and Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner (Scott Cunningham) – note that this book is somewhat outdated, due to it being written in the 1980s.

Witchcraft (non-Wiccan):

The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft by Judika Illes

Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells by Judika Illes

Crone’s Book of Charms & Spells by Valerie Worth

Witchcraft: a History by P.G. Maxwell-Stuart

Mrs. B’s Guide to Household Witchery by Kris Bradley

Candle Magic for Beginners by Richard Webster

Master Book of Candle Burning by Henry Gamache

A Grimoire for Modern Cunningfolk by Peter Paddon

Traditional Witchcraft: A Cornish Book of Ways by Gemma Gary and Jane Cox

Non-Wiccan Witchcraft Reading List

Witch of Forest Grove: Sarah Anne Lawless

Welcome to Witchcraft - A Post for Beginners

The Salem Witch Hunt: A Brief History with Documents (The Bedford Series in History and Culture) by Richard Godbeer

Witchcraft by Type:

Hedge Witchery Resources

Traditional Witchcraft Resources

Historical Witchcraft Books

Sea Witchcraft Resources / Sea Witchcraft Tag

Cottage Witchcraft Resources

Kitchen and Green Witchcraft Resources

Green Witchcraft: Walking the Green Path

Kitchen in the Cottage

Urban Witchcraft Resources

College Witchcraft/Tips

Chaos Magic:

What is Chaos Magic?

Resources for Sigil Magic and Crafting

World Mythology:

www.sacred-texts.com (free archive of online books about religion, mythology, folklore, and the esoteric)

Mythology: Myths, Legends and Fantasies by Alice Mills

Illustrated Dictionary of Mythology: Heroes, Heroines, Gods, and Goddesses from Around the World by Philip Wilkinson

The Oxford Companion to World Mythology by David Leeming

World Mythology: The Illustrated Guide by Roy Willis

Hellenic Polytheism and Greek Mythology:

www.hellenion.org

www.theoi.com

neokoroi.org

baringtheaegis.blogspot.com

Hellenic Recon Beginner’s Guide

Reconstruction of Hellenic Polytheistic Practices

Hellenic Calendar

An Outline for a Presentation on Hellenismos

Hellenic Resources by Bayoread

Hellenic Resource Download Bundle 1 by Elaphos

Hellenic Resource Download Bundle 2 by Elaphos

Orphic Incenses

Hellenic Terminology

Treasury of Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes & Monst​ers by Donna Jo Napoli

D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths by Ingri d’Aulaire

Old Stones, New Temples by Drew Campbell

Greek Mythology and Prehistory by W. Harris

The Gods of Reason by Timothy Jay Alexander

A Beginner’s Guide to Hellenismos by Timothy Jay Alexander

Hellenismos Today by Timothy Jay Alexander

The Complete World of Greek Mythology by Richard Buxton

Did the Greeks Believe in Their Myths? by Paul Veyne

Kharis: Hellenic Polytheism Explored by Sarah Kate Istra Winter

Homer’s Iliad, The Odyssey and Homeric Hymns

The Homeric Hymns (PDF) and The Orphic Hymns (PDF)

Homer’s Odyssey (PDF)

Homer’s Iliad (Theoi.com)

Hesiod: Works and Days (PDF version here)

The Theogony of Hesiod (PDF version here)

Magic in Ancient Greece:

Magic in the Ancient Greek World by Derek Collins

Magic, Witchcraft and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds by Daniel Ogden

Arcana Mundi: Magic and the Occult in the Greek and Roman Worlds by Georg Luck

The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation (PDF)

Magika Hiera: Ancient Greek Magic and Religion

Greek Folk Religion by Martin P Nilsson 

Curse Tablets and Binding Spells from the Ancient World by John G. Gager

Magic in the Ancient World by Fritz Graf

Magic and Magicians in the Greco-Roman World by Matthew W. Dickie

Roman Polytheism:

Click Here for Books and Resources

Kemeticism and Ancient Egyptian Mythology:

www.egyptianmyths.net

Kemeticism by The Twisted Rope

The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt by Richard H. Wilkinson

Symbol & Magic in Egyptian Art by Richard H. Wilkinson

Egyptian Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Goddesses, and Traditions of Ancient Egypt by Geraldine Pinch

Celtic Recon and Myth:

Celtic Folklore on Sacred Texts

The Celtic Recon FAQ

The Religion of the Ancient Celts (Sacred Texts)

What is Celtic? 101

Carmina Gadelica by Alexander Carmichael

The Celts: A Very Short Introduction by Barry Cunliffe

The Mabinogi and Other Medieval Welsh Tales by Patrick Form

Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend by Miranda Green

Gods and Heroes of the Celts by Marie-Louise Sjoestedt

The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles by Ronald Hutton

Early Irish Myths and Sagas by Jeffrey Gantz

Druidry/Druidism:

druidry.org

druidnetwork.org

Druidry - A Mega List of Resources

Non-Wiccan Witches: Modern Druidry

Irish Druids and Old Irish Religions (Sacred Texts)

Asatru, Heathenism and Norse Mythology:

www.thetroth.org

grumpylokeanelder.tumblr.com

“Alright, I’m interested in this Norse stuff. Where do I even start?”

The Eddas: The Keys to the Msteries of the North by James Allen Chisholm

The Poetic Edda (PDF)

The Prose Edda (PDF)

Exploring the Northern Tradition by Galina Krasskova

Norse Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs by John Lindow

Dictionary of Northern Mythology by Rudolf Simek

Teutonic Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie

The Nature of Asatru: An Overview of the Ideals and Philosophy of the Indigenous Religion of Northern Europe by Mark Puryear

Crystals and Stones:

The Encyclopedia of Crystals by Judy Hall

The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall

Crystal Healing by Judy Hall

Rocks & Minerals by Chris Pellant  (identification handbook)

Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham

Crystal Grids: How and Why They Work by Hibiscus Moon

The Book of Crystal Spells by Ember Grant

Herbal (Magical, Medicinal):

The Master Book of Herbalism by Paul Beyerl

Compendium of Herbal Magic by Paul Beyerl  

The Green Mantle: An Investigation Into Our Lost Knowledge of Plants by Michael Jordan

The Book of Magical Herbs: Herbal History, Mystery, & Folklore by Margaret Picton

A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs: of Eastern and Central North America (Peterson Field Guides)

Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham (good for quick reference, but not in depth information)

The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews by Scott Cunningham 

A List of Threatened Magical Herbs

Resources to Start Learning Local Plants

Notes: please take care before using herbs for medicinal and/or supplemental purposes. Many herbs are toxic (some authors fail to mention this!) and/or have harmful side-effects. Always do research and consult a professional before use. 

Fae and Faerie Faith:

My Masterlist of Fae Resources

Fairy Faith 101

Working with Faery (Info and Resources)

The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries by W.Y. Evans

Runes:

Futhark: A Handbook of Rune Magic by Edred Thorsson

Runelore: A Handbook of Esoteric Runology by Edred Thorsson

The Complete Illustrated Guide to the Runes by Nigel Pennick

Authors to avoid (due to misinformation, historical inaccuracies, poor research, potentially harmful advice, and/or failure to cite sources):

Silver Ravenwolf (here’s why)

DJ Conway

Edain McCoy

Ann Moura 

Ralph Blum (runes)

approach Llewellyn-published books with caution — there are some great ones, but many aren’t well researched and may contain misinformation.

if all else fails, Google the author and ask around to see what people have to say about them - many bad authors have entire pages or discussions dedicated on why to avoid them!

always fact check information (especially if it involves ingesting anything or putting anything on the skin — just because an ingredient is natural does not mean it isn’t harmful/toxic)

How do I know what to believe? Critical Thinking and Pagan Books

[thingsgotwyrd]

Is there an updated version?

[hadescalling]

Some things may be out of date or broken 😕

[thestormandthehedge]

Hades and music

I feel like Hades must love underground (no pun intended) music, especially jazz from the Big Easy. NoLa is so connected to death in a myriad of ways, I’m sure He feels at home there. Just imagine all the great artists that have passed through His halls. There may be a lot of gloominess, but music never dies.

[winebrightruby]

I agree! Haides seems particularly connected to our second lines and brass bands, to the point that I’m developing epithets for him related to them.

[bayoread-deactivated20200607]

Talk about this, Mari, plz.

[winebrightruby]

Okay so, south Louisiana and especially New Orleans really embrace, even flaunt, the trappings of death. Our cemeteries are tourist attractions, and our funerals come with parades. It seems reasonable to me that our very different relationship with death would extend to a very different relationship with Aidoneus himself. One of the ways I’ve experienced that (though I’m still in the test-div-confirm-test process) is through sort of treating him like an honored guest when I see those second lines heading into or out of a cemetery. A sort of acknowledgment that yeah, this is His place and His role in the universe.

[thestormandthehedge]

Plus His connection to metals put more meaning in a big brass band.

[winebrightruby]

I am definitely always here for anything that suggests puns might be valid religious choices.

[thestormandthehedge]

Puns are always valid religious choices! Like, aside from my mental image of Hermes doing the Buddy Christ pose at that statement, I’ve always felt that humor and layered meaning make my prayers so much more powerful and meaningful. Look at all the festivals that include jokes, crude humor and clever use of words to please Them. Plus if I’m putting as much energy into crafting a funny story as I do a dolly or meal for the Theoi, I see no difference. Thoughts? I want to hear more from @winebrightruby

[winebrightruby]

Puns and wordplay are precious to me, so it makes sense to me that they would be involved in other things that are precious to me, like my religion. Basically, I agree with what you said  ^^

[thesparkofrevolution]

PERSEPHONE 101

Hello tumblr friends! So recently I keep seeing all these empowering Persephone posts and let me tell you- I love them! I absolutely love the evolution of myth in popular culture because it’s not new! It happened all the time in the ancient world! The amount of stories that got mushed into the gigantomachy? You would not even believe all of the different versions the Romans were ranting about! I love nothing more than seeing people’s takes on myths and their creative uses of them! But- And there IS a ‘but’. It’d be nice to see more of these creative uses of Persephone coming from a place of understanding of her in Greek mythology and in Greek and Roman authors. I see a lot of Persephone being put into this dichotomy whether she is either the Percy Jackson version who cares about flowers and wants nothing to do with Hades (especially that film version oh ho ho) or she is this badass goth queen of the underworld who jumped onto Hades’ chariot and was like ‘move aside bitch, I’m running hell now’ and Hades was all like 'oh shit what do’. And as I said before, I’m so behind whatever you are feeling but I also want to give you some info on Persephone from the original myths. I am putting this under a read more so feel free to keep reading?

Keep reading

[thyestean-feast]

^^^^ THIS.

[hadescalling]

Spring is finally here. I could have devoted more time to this account and could have done some really interesting quarantine posts. I miss the quiet of a tumblr scroll. 

Persephone has returned to the mortal realm and Hades resumes soul leadership until fall. Today I am thankful for spring. 

[chthonicwitchcraft]

hades devotion 💀🦉💰

Hades is my patron and I've seen these posts floating around. But I had to be extra and make a list that is so long that you might not make it to the end. Everyone's worship is different but this is a list I often draw from when I want to connect with Hades. I will regularly be adding things to this so feel free to visit again!

- cemetery walks

- cemetery cleaning: pick up litter, clear off headstones, remove dead flowers

- ancestor communication: talk to a deceased family member or write them a letter

- work on a budget

- start a piggy bank or jar for a reward or goal

- put money in savings

- make a charitable donation or volunteer (soup kitchen, animal shelter, etc.)

- donate pet food or supplies to a shelter in honor of a deceased pet

- drink dark beverages such as coffee, red wine, hot chocolate, or grape juice

- wear jewelry, especially silver and gold

- eat dark chocolate to reward yourself on a difficult day

- drink mint tea or mint lemonade

- tend to an herb garden (grow mint!)

- suck on a peppermint to help you study or to briefly energize you

- walk a dog from a shelter or play with a friend's dog

- work on a small business plan if applicable

- invest in the stock market

- interact politely with spirits

- watch crime/forensic shows

- seek out bones, shed antlers, and fungi during nature walks

- look at fossils as a local museum

- collect pieces of pyrite and mica (shiny rocks!)

- create a "treasure chest" or a "box of riches" filled with treasures that have little monetary value but a lot of emotional value (not all riches are gold!)

- make a list of things you treasure

- write a list of reasons why you are rich! and not financially (;

- wear dark or muted colors like black, maroon, gray

- wear metallics like gold and silver

- collect coins or crystals

- use a charcoal or black bathbomb

- charcoal face mask (a soothing one!)

- black, gold and/or silver makeup

- carry obsidian or smoky quartz in your pocket

- use dark stones for divination

- research death and mourning rituals in other cultures and religions

- snack on fermented or pickled food or dip your french fries in vinegar instead of ketchup

- eat bitter foods (if you like them!)

- if it's snowy or snowing where you are: make a snowman, go for a walk in the snow, meditate in the snow, draw sigils or make sculptures from the snow

- watch a horror movie or show

- create a poison garden filled with posionous/inedible plants or herbs

- create a garden with dark plants and flowers

- tell ghost stories

- read ghost stories

- burn black, red, good, or silver candles

- start a planner

- organize your planner

- track daily devotional acts, water intake, etc.

- watch a documentary about owls, vultures or snakes

- research the life cycle

- research fungi (they eat dead things!)

- donate to vulture conservation

- offering bottle - fill a bottle with things like dried mint, obsidian, smoky quartz, coffee beans, snake shed, etc.

- create a virtual altar on Tumblr, Pinterest, or another app

- visit a family member's grave

- learn about your ancestry

[riversoftheunderworld]

Hades moodboard - God of the Underworld

[riversoftheunderworld]

I had a doodling day recently and had the sudden urge to draw a pomegranate, so I did. When I was finished I dedicated it to Hades and I think he really enjoyed it! It now sits atop my altar for him.

[soundbit404]

“It takes a few seconds”