Alcides Ilius Herakles

President of the Temple of Dionysus Nonprofit. I help run the Tumblr Community on the Temple's behalf. https://www.linktr.ee/templeofdionysus/ @@temple-of-dionysus

[iliusolympios]

Khaire!

Austin • He/him • 32 • Autistic ADHD • Hellenic Polytheist • tribal tattoo artist • ceramics artist • Intuitive Empath • Energy Worker • Bi and Poly • AKA: DarkDragonRising

Welcome to my blog. Enjoy the content, but please don't cause a ruckus. I will reblog the occasional artistic nudity, so minors be wary.

Unity. Empathy. Intuition. Perspective. Transparency. Storms. Strength. Heroes. Rebirth.

DrkDragonRising Shop | Redbubble

DrkDragonRising is an independent artist creating amazing designs for great products such as t-shirts, stickers, posters, and phone cases.

I won't create any kinds of informational blogs like others do regarding subtle worship, or any kinds of guides. Feel free to use my ask box. Apologies for any errors in knowledge, lore, etiquette, or facts. I find it hard to keep it all together and remember it all sometimes. I do my best. I do apologize if any interaction comes off strong sometimes.

Reminder: I am in my 30's and autistic. My words don't always come out how I want, and my views may differ. Communication is the most important aspect of any kind of relationship, from business, to acquaintances, to lovers, to strangers. How do you learn something if you don't ask questions? How do you set boundaries if you don't speak up? Don't just assume. Communicate first and clearly and don't beat around the bush. Then make informed opinions. Also, give people a chance to correct behavior before immediately dismissing and talking negatively about someone. It's part of communicating. Only then can the other two foundations of any relationship materialize: Trust and Compromise.

~~~~~~~~

I've been connecting to and studying the Gods since I was 12. I'm not a historical or cultural buff, nor a reconstructionist, nor will I ever claim to be. Even though I do light studying on the overall subject of ancient cultural aspects of Hellenic Polytheism as it pops up, I'm more focused on connecting and living my life with the Gods. I've studied some Japanese, Norse and Egyptian Gods, along with dabbling in many others, however the Hellenic Gods are where I put most of my everyday devotion. I've been worshipping the Hellenic Gods and have had a few profound spiritual encounters with them since I was 16. Zeus, Hera, Athena, Hades, Hermes, Apollo, Dionysus, Ares, Ganymede, Hephaestus, Zagreus, and Herakles are the ones I connect to the most, but I do love them all, of course. They are like family to me. I am devoted to Zeus. I consider myself a son of Zeus, in body, mind, and soul.

There will be no tolerance for any hate or bigotry towards the Gods, Zeus, or even other Pantheons.

My UPG answers I received through a form of divination indicate that Ananke, Hellenic Primordial Goddess of Inevitably and Necessity, goes by Karma these days. I am and always have been a huge follower of Karma. (She loves strawberries, by the way, especially with chocolate!) As Karma, she is a goddess of Karmic Reward and Retribution, that has domain over both gods and mortals, with mortals subject to past life (akashic), ancestral, and familial karma that carries over to our current lives. Ananke (Karma) is mother to the Hellenic, Hindu, and Egyptian Fates, with authority over the Norse Fates.

I am a graphic designer, collaborative project partner, President (Under a Board of Directors), and proud member of the Temple of Dionysus (link at top of page), a federally recognized non-profit organization based out of Rhode Island and the Southern New England area of the United States. We are an all inclusive community that's LGBTQ+, trans, and female operated. Online for now, with ambitions for a physical temple in the future. (Tumblr Community: @@temple-of-dionysus [tumblr.com/communities/temple-of-dionysus/]) DM for invite. Your blog will be looked at before sending out invitations. 18+ recommended.

That being said, you bet this blog follows Xenia, the ancient Hellenic belief in showing kindness to everyone, regardless of beliefs or disagreement in a subject or matter. As a member of the Temple of Dionysus, which is also partnered with the Tree of Life Interfaith Sanctuary (TOLIS), I uphold the Temple's signage of the Xenia Declaration. Absolutely no hate of any kind is allowed here.

[depsidase]

[iliusolympios]

Unity > Division

It appeases and pleases Zeus, it appeases and pleases the Theoi, when we, as humans, work together for a shared purpose or benefit.

When we worship together, pray together, sing, laugh, dance, cry together-

the Gods take notice. The root of Hellenism,

of Xenia,

of Kharis,

of Trade-

Is genuine connection and unity.

[iliusolympios]

No Xenia For Xenophobes

We at The Temple of Dionysus nonprofit received a clear message from Zeus Xenios which we feel compelled to share:

As with most of Hellenism, Xenia is reciprocal.

We can *not* extend Xenia to invaders in our communities who seek to harm and destroy the diversity of our sacred gardens.

*No Xenia for Xenophobes.*

It is our sacred duty to protect the sanctity of hospitality and deny Xenia to ICE agents.

Their masks, distractions, and corrupt coverups can not hide their crimes from Themis, from Zeus, from Dike.

We affirm our Third Amendment rights.

May the warmth of the Gods melt the hazardous ice. May our roads and our communities find safety. May Dionysus break the chains of oppression. May Herakles grant us strength.

Stay safe. Stay warm.

The Gods are watching.

What Xenia is not:

What Xenia Isn’t: Understanding the Boundaries of Ancient Hospitality | The Temple of Dionysus

Get more from The Temple of Dionysus on Patreon

[greayworks]

Joke idea. Heracles is trying to go by his old name but no one knows who Alcides is.

[dionysiandevotee]

My newest book is live!

Dionysus is the god of many things, including festivals. Whether it was the throng at the public Dionysia which saw the opening nights of the Greek tragedies we know and love today or the Roman poet Horace creating his own private festival in honour of the time Dionysus saved his life, Dionysus was seen in Antiquity as the god of the festivals which offered respite as we shuffle along the mortal coil: indeed it was Dionysus’ ties to life and death that tied him to the festivals which marked the passing of the years, and therefore to the years which marked the passing of human lives.

It should come as no surprise that as Dionysus’ worship revived in the modern era, his devotees revived his festivals and crafted new ones. But what is the origin of these festivals? How do we know when they occur, how to celebrate them, and how to connect them to each other? Many Dionysians have struggled with trying to arrive at their own calendars, often because information about the festivals is scattered and contradictory. This book is an attempt to remedy this situation. Featuring in-depth examinations of dozens of Dionysian festivals ancient and modern, this book provides primary sources on the ancient, outlines for the modern, and ideas for celebrating both. Whether you are a Dionysian wanting the history of the festivals you celebrate or a Hellenist wanting guidance on how festivals worked in antiquity, this book offers primary sources, dates, suggestions for celebration and prayers for the observance of the festivals contained with in.

Link: https://a.co/d/f2g9Sc5

[fireandfennel]

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!

Calendars | The Temple of Dionysus

Calendars | The Temple of Dionysus

[wordsofthemuses]

"i asked chatgpt" well i asked father zeus and he told me to have hope for the future

[iliusolympios]

Herakles the Merciful

"I need a hero - one that jumps into the fire and exclaims without desire ~

Herakles - The Hero of the Hour!

When Herakles comes to mind, most people tend to picture an optimistic cartoon character fighting against fictional family drama or make believe monsters.

Rarely do people think of the God of Strength and Heroes as one of the more commonplace figures in the modern world.

Yet, Herakles is all around us.

We see him in our local fire departments, rushing into danger to save sleeping children.

We see him lending Strength to the chronically ill.

We see him helping people embrace their mistakes and learn and grow.

For Herakles is far from a mysterious mythological figure who only belongs in the history books. Herakles is a modern super hero - ready to answer the call when others need him.

Herakles is also a God of Redemption, Self-improvement, Second Chances, and Forgiveness.

Yes, forgiveness - mostly forgiveness you give yourself. Herakles set out to prove that even the worst of offenses against the Gods can be atoned for.

Herakles proved that people can change.

Of course, even though many people who have harmed others do not change, as it would seem impossible, Herakles proved definitively that it could be done, and it starts by learning to forgive yourself...

He did the crime and he served the time. His sentence ended when he completed his community service. It is not fair in any way to punish Herakles for old crimes.

No matter how many lifetimes ago Herakles lived— he earned that redemption.

The first time I ever prayed to Herakles, it was right after my late husband died. Herakles was there for me. Even though he and I didn’t really see eye to eye. At the time, I did not have any kharis with the son of Zeus. We didn’t have a relationship. I had never prayed to him or even made the smallest of offerings.

Then, after I was suddenly and tragically widowed, I simply showed up asking for his help and Herakles helped me. No questions asked. No demands or expectations. No mentions of my lack of prayers or offerings.

That is simply who he is. That is the Herakles that I remember. The one who goes out of his way to help people. The one who never turns down a friend in need—regardless of if they feel like they “deserve” the help.

Herakles single-handedly proved that there was no crime that was truly unforgivable in the eyes of the Gods. He taught the world that humans can change. That if we really work for it, we can learn and grow and become better people. He taught the world that no human is beyond redemption. The Herculean task of self-improvement, of self-forgiveness, of atonement—it isn’t an easy road to walk. It’s long and windy. It doubles back and veers off wildly to the side from time to time. Yet, the path continues forward.

We all make mistakes. It’s what we do afterwards that makes all the difference. Herakles helps us find the strength to admit our faults and to strive to become better people. Herakles helps us learn to forgive each other, and to forgive ourselves.

In this era of division and disconnection, we are fortunate to have the might of Herakles to protect us."

~ The Pythia of Providence - circa 2023

[iliusolympios]

*Herakles's Names (Pantheons):*

Alkidas (Cretean)

Alcaedes/Alcides/Herakles (Greek)

Heryshaf (Egyptian)

Narasimha/Rama (Hindu)

Melqart (Phoenician)

*Domains/God of:*

Strength

Heroes

Redemption

Self-improvement

Second Chances

Forgiveness

Masculinity

Protection

Labor and Adventure

Athletics

Selflessness

*Major Titles and Divine Duties:*

- Destroyer of Corruption - Removes corrupt kings and leaders.

- Kingmaker - Helps install Leaders that pass his and Zeus's standards of being a good Leader. One who truly cares for their people and nation.

- Protector of Humanity - Guards Humanity in various ways.

- Protector of Olympus - Guards and protects Olympus alongside his Divine Sons - Alexiares and Anicetus, as well as his brother Iphikles - whom, unbeknownst to humanity, has also undergone Apotheosis.

- Guardian of Oracles - Protects all oracles and sybils of the Theoi.

- Purger of Miasma - Immune to and can help with any type of Miasma.

- Defender of Balance - Divorced Hebe, Goddess of Youth, and Married Themis, the Titan of Oracles, Fate, and Divine Justice & Law - Gave Themis his Bow of Herakles. Themis is permanently unblind-folded, as Justice, Oracles, and Fate are not blind. She wields the Bow of Herakles instead of the sword, now.

*Epithets:* *English [Greek/Transliteration/Latin]*

- Of Thebes (Boeotia) [Θηβαιος/Thêbaios/Thebaeus]

-Of Tiryns (Argolis) [Τιρυνθιος/Tirynthios/Tirynthius]

- Of Bura (Achaea)[Βουραικος/Bouraikos/Buraecus]

- Of Thasos (Aegean)[Θασιος/Thasios/Thasius]

- Of Manticlus (hero)[Μαντικλος/Mantiklos/Manticlus]

- White Dog [Κυνοσαργες/Kynosarges/Cynosarges]

- Champion [Προμαχος/Promakhos/Promachus]

- Comrade, Assister [Παραστατης/Parastatês/Parastates]

- Horse-Binder [Ἱπποδετος/Hippodetos/Hippodetus]

- Nose-Clipper [Ρινοκολουστης/Rhinololoustês/Rhinocolustes]

- Locust Scarer [Κορνοπιων/Kornopiôn/Cornopion]

- Killer of Vine Worms [Ιποκτονος/Ipoktonos/Ipoctonus]

- Bright Eyed [Χαροψ/Kharops/Charops]

- Averting God [Αποτροπαιος/Apotropaios/Apotropaeus]

- Solitary [Μονοικος/Monoikos/Monoecus]

- Egyptian [Αιγυπτιος/Aigyptios/Aegyptius]

- Lord [Αναξ/Anax/Anax]

- Lion-Hearted [Λεοντοθυμος/Leontothymos/Leontothymus]

*Symbols and associated imagery:*

Lion-pelt

Olivewood Club

Hydra

Bow and Arrows (Boar and Birds)

Cerberus (The walking of)

Ceryneian Hind (Leading Deer)

Horse Taming (Stables/Mares of Diomedes)

Cattle and Bulls (Cattle of Ceryon/Cretan Bull)

Golden Apples

*Colors:*

Gold, red, black, orange-brown/tan, white, and teal/turquoise.

*Animals:*

Lions and cats, boars, bulls and cattle, dogs, snakes, and horses.

*Material Offerings:*

Roses, Lilies, Lotus Flowers, Candles (No Lavender), Incense, Cannabis, Art, Lion Skin and Animal Hides (ethically sourced and faux replicas), Clubs, Swords, Arrow Heads, Poison, Handmade Ceramics, Handmade Carvings, Handmade Sculptures, Athletic and Labor Tools & Items.

*Consumable Offerings:*

Wine, Water, Cider, Mead, Tea, Honey, Maple Syrup, Pancakes, Muffins, Protein drinks, Sweet Fruit, High Protein Snacks and Foods, Meat (no pork), Rice and Beans, Noodles, Pizza, Parmesan, Red Wine Cheese, Peanuts, Almonds, Cashews, Pistachios, Baklava, Honey Cakes, Cornbread, Olives, Laurel, Henbane, Anglica, Birch, Sea salt and pepper, Blessed thistle, Borage, Cedarwood, Nasturtium, Comfrey, Garlic chives, Cannabis, Dark Chocolate, Ormus, Shilajit, Bang/Reign/Zoa/Ghost Energy Drinks, Mountain Dew and other light sodas.

*Offerings to avoid:*

Dark Soda

Hard Liquor

Most Beer

Lavender (in any form)

Pork

*Devotional acts:*

Going to the gym, Self Care, Dog Training, Animal Care, Ranching, Mental Health Care, Performing acts of service, Traveling, Logic and Emotional Study and Practice, Acts of Valor (Helping community/jumping to action during a crisis), Healthy Acts of Selflessness, Learning Archery, Attention to Safety, Protecting loves ones and those unable to defend, Wrestling (Unscripted), Learning and Teaching Self-Defense, Hunting (In moderation. Please follow local hunting laws), Learning/Studying to be a Good Leader, Fighting Against Oppression.

*Iphikles* - Unbeknownst to Humanity and with lots of Divinations - it has been revealed to me that the twin brother of Herakles was also granted godhood at the request of Herakles - or Apotheosis.

God of Loyalty, Companionship, Assistants of the Famous, Heroes and The Hero's Path, Charioteers, Hunting, and Protector of Heroes.

Also Herakles's Cherioteer

While his brother Herakles was Strength Incarnate - Iphikles is also a minor God of Strength, such as Kratos and Ares.

*This guide was made with UPG (So much divination), SPG (Anecdotal evidence from around the communities) and VPG*

[iliusolympios]

Temple of Dionysus Newsletter, The Dandelion

Did you know The Temple of Dionysus is starting a newsletter? Would you like to contribute?

What:

We’d like to share short stories, news, and art, from our community with the community. We’re looking for 3-4 news pieces, and 3-7 mini-blogs including but not limited to: opinions pieces, poetry, recommendations for Dionysian media, as well as short stories and myths.

Submissions should be no longer than 750 words. We’d also like to feature art and comics, as well as fake ads.

When: We are planning the first issue to be ready for publication in October, then every other month afterward.

We’d like submissions for the first issue submitted by September 1st, 2025.

How to Submit:

Please use the subject line: “NEWSLETTER”. Please include a heading, summary, word count and how you’d like to be credited for your work. Text based submissions should be attached as a pfd or written in the body of the email.

October’s Theme is:

Don’t panic, Organize.

Where:

Submissions should be sent to: [email protected]

If you want to be added the mailing please sign up for our Patreon at the free tier.

Please keep in mind all of this is being done by volunteers.

[deathlessathanasia]

Dumb question, but why does heracles use a club, a rather primitive weapon, when other heroes use swords and spears? I know he's ridiculously strong but even the gods use more manufactured weapons.

Not sure why, but I guess it's just part of his identity as this man of extremes and contradictions, especially since his other notable weapon is the bow. As D. C. Feeney puts it in The Gods in Epic: Poets and Critics of the Classical Tradition: "He is at home in the shared feast, sometimes as a glutton, and he is also famous for violating the holy laws of hospitality. He is the ultimate expression of Greek virility, and spends a year as the slave of a woman, the Asiatic Omphale. He is physical strength incarnate, and also a philosopher’s paradigm of intellectual resource and self-control. He is the great civilizer, clearing the world of monsters to make it safe for humans, who wears the untanned skin of an animal. One of his stock weapons, the club, is the very emblem of pre-technological aggressive brutishness, while the other, the bow, is the embodiment of craft in war. His very name is a paradox: the glory of Hera, the glory of the goddess who persecuted him all his life."

[melampyguss]

finished the keychain/sticker designs for these two 🧡💛

[hero-shrine]

🦁Heracles worship guide/suggestions🦁

Domain: Power, heroism, male fertility, masculinity, courage, protection, adventure, mankind, labor.

Epithets: son of Zeus, great-hearted, lord, Fierce, Greatest, Who leads in battle, Averter of evil, The triumphant, Bright-eyed, Killer of the vine-worm, Defeater of the Nemean lion, The champion.

Imagery/symbolism: lion-pelt, club, bow and arrow, golden apples, shield.

Color: gold, red, black, brown, white, orange.

Animal: Lion, boar, cattle, dog, serpent, horse.

Offerings: Flowers, Candles, incense, art, poetry, lamps, laurel, lion skin, clubs, arrow heads, poison, gold, meat, fruit, wine, gin, tea, manly products, snake skin, boar hide, spices, olives, athletic items, trophies, lamb blood.

Devotional acts: Going to the gym, performing acts of service, traveling, controlling your anger, acts of valor, learning archery, protecting those you love, wrestling, learning self-defense, hunting, going to the market, celebrating Heracleia.

[iliusolympios]

Lyre Sun of Apollo. May he bless us with his eternal light and radiance.

Hand drawn and inked in honor of and as tribute to Apollo, Son of Leto, Hellenic god of The Sun, Music, Prophecy, Medicine, Light, and more. Twin brother of Artemis.

[iliusolympios]

Happy Pride Month, Apollo, God of Bisexuals!

[iliusolympios]

Ganymede's Jar

Ganymede, God of the Gays, Lover of Zeus, Cupbearer of Zeus and the Gods,

This drawing is given as tribute and in honor of you. May your love and blessings reach those who need it most.

Part of my series of drawings for the gods in a collaborative project with New England (USA) Non-profit, The Temple of Dionysus.

[iliusolympios]

Happy Pride Month to Ganymede, God of the Gays!

[templehyacinthus]

The New Temple Website is Live!

www.TempleHyacinthus.org

[iliusolympios]

Herakles the Merciful

"I need a hero - one that jumps into the fire and exclaims without desire ~

Herakles - The Hero of the Hour!

When Herakles comes to mind, most people tend to picture an optimistic cartoon character fighting against fictional family drama or make believe monsters.

Rarely do people think of the God of Strength and Heroes as one of the more commonplace figures in the modern world.

Yet, Herakles is all around us.

We see him in our local fire departments, rushing into danger to save sleeping children.

We see him lending Strength to the chronically ill.

We see him helping people embrace their mistakes and learn and grow.

For Herakles is far from a mysterious mythological figure who only belongs in the history books. Herakles is a modern super hero - ready to answer the call when others need him.

Herakles is also a God of Redemption, Self-improvement, Second Chances, and Forgiveness.

Yes, forgiveness - mostly forgiveness you give yourself. Herakles set out to prove that even the worst of offenses against the Gods can be atoned for.

Herakles proved that people can change.

Of course, even though many people who have harmed others do not change, as it would seem impossible, Herakles proved definitively that it could be done, and it starts by learning to forgive yourself...

He did the crime and he served the time. His sentence ended when he completed his community service. It is not fair in any way to punish Herakles for old crimes.

No matter how many lifetimes ago Herakles lived— he earned that redemption.

The first time I ever prayed to Herakles, it was right after my late husband died. Herakles was there for me. Even though he and I didn’t really see eye to eye. At the time, I did not have any kharis with the son of Zeus. We didn’t have a relationship. I had never prayed to him or even made the smallest of offerings.

Then, after I was suddenly and tragically widowed, I simply showed up asking for his help and Herakles helped me. No questions asked. No demands or expectations. No mentions of my lack of prayers or offerings.

That is simply who he is. That is the Herakles that I remember. The one who goes out of his way to help people. The one who never turns down a friend in need—regardless of if they feel like they “deserve” the help.

Herakles single-handedly proved that there was no crime that was truly unforgivable in the eyes of the Gods. He taught the world that humans can change. That if we really work for it, we can learn and grow and become better people. He taught the world that no human is beyond redemption. The Herculean task of self-improvement, of self-forgiveness, of atonement—it isn’t an easy road to walk. It’s long and windy. It doubles back and veers off wildly to the side from time to time. Yet, the path continues forward.

We all make mistakes. It’s what we do afterwards that makes all the difference. Herakles helps us find the strength to admit our faults and to strive to become better people. Herakles helps us learn to forgive each other, and to forgive ourselves.

In this era of division and disconnection, we are fortunate to have the might of Herakles to protect us."

~ The Pythia of Providence - circa 2023