Gods and Poetry

Hellenic Polytheism, Witchcraft, and my occasional attemps at being a good poet. This blog will have be what I would have needed when I started so hopefully I can help other people.

[khaire-traveler]

You know how there are universities where you can learn to be a pastor then go work for churches for a living? I wish you could do that in Hellenic Polytheism. What I wouldn't give to be able to dedicate my life to the gods in such a way while still earning an income for it. To learn under someone who has spent their own life researching worship, learning about the mysteries, hosting festivals in a temple, etc. But noOOooOOoo, the closest you could probably get is learning about classics, history, and the like. Boooo to the system, boooo. 🍅 🍅 🍅

[honorthegods]

Not an endorsement of Hellenion, but it is a Hellenic clergy program if OP is interested: https://www.hellenion.org/clergy/#:~:text=Hellenion%20is%20committed%20to%20providing,activities%2C%20and%20self%2Dreflection.

Student handbook here: https://www.hellenion.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/clergystudenthandbook2005.pdf

Not specifically Hellenic Polytheist, but one may tailor one's degree to one's path:

Not sure either of these programs necessarily translate into a steady with regular income, though.

[praying-disaster]

Love the hellenion calendar if nothing else so check the website out regardless

[chironomy]

chthonic worship tip

In my experience, chthonic (underworld) gods really appreciate hearing “thank you.” (This includes Hades and Persephone as well as Hecate, Hermes in his psychopomp aspect, Hypnos, Thanatos, Morpheus, and others.) They all do incredibly dirty, difficult, and vitally important jobs and rarely get recognition for it.

Things you can thank them for:

Sheltering, protecting, and taking care of the dead

Treating everyone fairly, meting out divine justice to people who escaped it in life

Allowing us to extract precious metals and material resources from the earth (I usually pair this with a commitment to do what I can to be a responsible steward of the earth, and follow the principle of xenia rather than hoarding wealth)

Maintaining the boundaries between this world and the next, and allowing people to pass through when appropriate

Making new growth possible by clearing away that which is no longer useful (this can be both literal and metaphorical)

Guiding and looking after people who are going through grief, depression, or “dark nights of the soul,” enabling personal rebirth and transformation

Protecting and nourishing the roots of plants, making all plant life and agriculture possible

Things that come from or are sheltered in their world include: sleep, dreams, precious metals, plant life, reincarnated or newly incarnated souls, magic, purpose and destiny — and according to interpretation, vaccination, EMDR, anesthesia, X-rays and MRIs, mass social movements, psychology, shadow work**

Also, please do something nice for Charon. I’ve long thought of him as the patron of customer service workers who are frequently yelled at.

*sources: Greek Religion by Walter Burkert, Ancient Greek Cults by Jennifer Larson, The Greek Way of Death by Robert Garland – these three books are my go-to’s for info about the roles the chthonic gods and the underworld played in ancient Greek religion and culture. Add to this the underworld as metaphor in Jungian psychology and archetypes (I’m less well read in this area, but see also The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell)

**I once read a great series of essays on the rivers of the Underworld (which I can not find right now) that posited the principle of vaccination comes from the Styx. According to myth, Achilles was dipped in the river as a baby and this protected his body from injury — just as exposure to a dead pathogen grants our bodies protection from a live version of that same pathogen. Along these lines, things like anesthesia and EMDR would come from the Lethe and/or the Acheron, psychology and self-reflection from the Mnemosyne, and so on. And modern astrology understands Pluto (Hades) as a god of invisible forms of power, which makes him also the ruler of things like X-rays and MRIs, nuclear energy, mass movements, and lots of other things…

[honorthegods]

I'm conflicted about prayers for the deceased. If they don't choose or don't qualify for rebirth, I'm not sure our prayers can help them. If they've been reborn, it seems like their fate has already been decided. If they've gone to Elysium or the Isles of the Blessed, it doesn't seem like they need our prayers. What do you think?

Hello, Anon! I apologize for taking so long to answer this.

I appreciate your asking me about this because I think honoring the dead is a confusing issue for many Hellenic and Roman polytheists And it *is* somewhat confusing, partly because attitudes toward the deceased changed so much over time in ancient Hellenic and Roman religion, and partly because there's a difference in praying *for* the deceased and praying *to* the deceased.

Ancient Greek and Roman funerary practices (γέρας θανόντων ‘the honorable portion due to the dead’) were motivated by the concepts of kleos (fame and renown) and tîmê (honors and recognition). It was believed that immortality could be achieved by a notable life or, in some cases, a notable death. 

The “notability” factor didn’t necessarily have to be an exceptionally virtuous one or an exemplar of civic duty; those who committed a terrible act, or died a senseless death were sometimes accorded rites and offerings as a way for the community to process and recover. Think of the reasons various memorial markers and the annual or occasional memorial ceremonies in your community. For example, here in the US, makeshift shrines often mark the sites of vehicle crashes in which one or more lives were lost. These shrines are sometimes replaced with official signs on busy highways. A spot near the grocery s tore where George Floyd was murdered has become a shrine filled with portraits, flowers, and other memorial tributes, and may eventually become an official shrine with a community garden and perhaps a statue and interactive display.  

Having one’s name and, therefore, one’s existence, remembered and celebrated was so important to ancient Greeks and Romans that many people left lengthy instructions in their wills regarding care of their graves and bequeathed funds for the rites and offerings to be made there. People who weren’t wealthy often joined funerary associations, organizations which collected dues from members to make sure they received proper funerals and held regular sacrifices and feasts to keep fresh the memory of deceased members. Elite Romans made wax impressions of the faces of family members when they reached middle age, a time by which they had presumably achieved notable success; these masks (called imagines) were kept in a special chest or cabinet in the atrium of the family home. These imagines were openly displayed in the atrium on anniversaries and religious festivals honoring the dead. They were worn at family funerals, occasions at which the significant deeds of the ancestors were recalled, evoking the presence of prominent ancestors as the accomplishments of the newly deceased person were recited and added to the family history. 

The opposite of “the honorable portion due to the dead” was Damnatio Memoriae. The deaths of unpopular, corrupt, or scandalous public figures were sometimes followed by the destruction of their homes, the pulling down of their statues, the chiseling out of their name on inscriptions, or even the melting of coins they had issued to publicly acknowledge their dishonor. We’ve seen this happen this year, with the public toppling of statues of slavers, slave owners, and white supremacists. 

Death is an uncomfortable subject in many parts of the modern world. One’s ancestors may be buried in a distant place. One may not know - or not like - one’s ancestors, for various reasons. One may have been raised in a religion which rejected prayers for the dead. Furthermore, many of us have more immediate issues which supercede spending time and/or money on the dead.

Having said all that, I think that reconstructionist Hellenic and Roman polytheists should at least give some thought to what is “honorable portion due to the dead” today, in the light of historic practices.

If one doesn’t know much about one’s ancestors, one may learn quite a bit with a free account at ancestry.com.

If one cannot visit an ancestor’s grave, there may be a photo of the grave marker and perhaps an obituary at www.findagrave.com. 

If one cannot maintain an ancestor’s grave or perform rituals there, one can mention their name in prayers to the chthonic deities, and piously hope that they’re at peace, that they learned from their life experiences, that they do better in their next life, and that, in their next life, their basic needs are met and they enjoy friendship and love,  

One shouldn’t automatically assume that one’s ancestors would reject one for being LGBT  or non-binary, having a different religion, or for making different life choices than may have been available to them when they lived. For some ancestors, simply receiving ‘the honorable portion due to the dead’ from their descendents makes them very happy and even willing to help out when needed. Even recently-deceased ancestors may realize the negative attitudes they maintained in life were foolish, and seek forgiveness from their living descendents. 

Ancestors aren’t just the dead who are genetically related to you: you may consider deceased members of your “found” family among your ancestors, the people who helped and inspired you. They, too, deserve the “honorable portion due to the dead”, whether they were writers or artists who lived long ago, or teachers or neighbors you knew as a child. 

You may pray to your deceased ancestors to thank them for inspiration and motivation, or to ask for any help needed in living your life. You might wish to create your own family shrine by displaying photos of your ancestors with objects they once owned. You could create your own laments for their lives, or research and write about their accomplishments.

Hope this answers your questions!

 Sources:     

Alexiou, Margaret. The Ritual Lament in Greek Tradition, Second edition. https://chs.harvard.edu/CHS/article/display/6668.margaret-alexiou-the-ritual-lament-in-greek-tradition

Bond, Sarah E. “Erasing the Face of History.” The New York Times, 14 May 2011. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/15/opinion/15bond.html

Garcia, Lorenzo F., Jr. 2013. Homeric Durability: Telling Time in the Iliad. Hellenic Studies Series 58. Washington, DC: Center for Hellenic Studies.

https://chs.harvard.edu/CHS/article/display/5218.4-memorials-tombs-and-the-%20%20%20%20%20-%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20-the-im-permanence-of-mortuary-architecture-in-the-iliad

Johns, Kieran. “Damnatio Memoriae: Destruction and DIsgrace in Antiquity.” thecollector.com, 28 May 2020. https://www.thecollector.com/damnatio-memoriae/#:~:text=Modern%20Terms%2C%20Ancient%20Practices&text=Statues%20were%20pulled%20down%20and,or%20the%20condemnation%20of%20memory

Jones, Christopher P. New Heroes in Antiquity: From Achilles to Antinoos. Harvard University Press, 2010

Larson, Jennifer.  Greek Heroine Cults (Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1995) 

Lundy, Patricia. “Sacred Songs for the Dead.” History Today. Published 16 January 2018 https://www.historytoday.com/history-matters/sacred-songs-dead

“Roadside Memorial” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 22 June 2020,  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roadside_memorial. 

Robey, Tracey E. “The Long History of Damnatio Memoria and the Destruction of Monuments.” jezebel.com, 16 August 2017. https://theattic.jezebel.com/the-long-history-of-damnatio-memoriae-and-the-destructi-1797860410

Rose, C. Brian with Lovingk, Marianne.  “Recreating Roman Wax Masks”, Expedition Magazine, volume 56, issue 3, 2014. https://www.penn.museum/sites/expedition/recreating-roman-wax-masks/

Smith, William. “Funus.” (Funerals) A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities, Part 2. Taylor and Walton, 1842. 435-443. https://books.google.com/books?id=-XZqkmmiFWUC&q=Funus#v=snippet&q=Funus&f=false

Walsh, James. “Shrine to George Floyd Could Be Permanent at Minneapolis Intersection.” Star Tribune, 12 June 2020. https://www.startribune.com/shrine-to-george-floyd-could-be-permanent-at-38th-and-chicago/571211342/)

[officialbrooklynn]

As a black woman, I am furious. I have no words. I have no more patience. I am angry. I am tired. WE are tired. Oh and our president is a piece of shit racist and unfollow this account if it hurts your poor little feelings to hear me say that. I have spent my whole life watching and experiencing racism and white silence. No more being nice. No more staying silent. If this hurts your feelings and you feel personally attacked by the sentiment then you ain’t ready to hear the message yet. I don’t have any more time for white fragility. I’ve been tip-toeing around it my whole life and I am done. For those that are using their privilege to speak up and make a difference, thank you. You are on the right side of history. ✊🏽 Artwork By Me: @BrooklynnMusic on Instagram

[piristephes]

May our Gods, Ares and Athena, help the protestors against fucking white supremacy

[hellenicpolytheistmemes]

[praying-disaster]

Am I making a spotify playlist for every greek god

Yes

Do they all kinda suck at the moment

Also yes

If a song is named after, mentions, or has the general vibes of one of the gods then it goes on the playlist. I don't make the rules.

[woollyjumper-deactivated2022032]

♡ everyday things to appreciate more ♡

sunlight shining through your window on brighter spring mornings

the cosiness and comfort of your bed on a cold night

curling up in front of the fire with a cat

walking in windy weather with your hair flying about your face

the papery whisper of a book being read

that lovely, fresh feeling you get after you wash your face in the morning

peeling vegetables for dinner and the sound of the skins falling away

checking for letters in the post-box

the pitter-patter of raindrops against the window

the gentle tickle of the comb as you brush your hair

the warmth of a cup of tea against your hands

getting a good night’s sleep and waking up to the birds

[saintacephale]

my talents are doing witchcraft and having breakdowns

[foxglove-and-fern]

Aphrodite wants you to love your body! Your female body, your male body, your nonbinary body. Your body is a gift even if it doesn’t always feel like it and she sees you as beautiful. Her love is limitless and so let yourself be consumed by it.

[witchthetics]

Low Energy Witchcraft

Enchant your laundry detergent/fabric softener with your intent so that your clothes come out charmed. For example, you can charge your laundry with protection magic so that every item of clothing is like armor.

[the-witches-tea]

Dear Pagan/Witch Terfs

Aphrodite is ashamed of you.

She is disgusted you only bar your love to certain people because of your transphobic beliefs but still claim to spread her love.

She is disappointed you think love means only sex and romantic love. 

She is sad you think Aphrodite will back you up on your transphobic beliefs. 

She laughs at you on how you claim she knows biology like you so claim when Aphrodite knows biology supports intersex and trans people too. 

She is angry you do not know her history and lore and how Aphrodite has myths and stories about her that support trans and intersex people. Aphrodite claimed that intersex people were the highest symbol of love and fertility, not cis women. A large part of Aphrodite’s priestess in ancient greece were transwomen. 

[honorthegods]

I just recently found out that another polytheist whom’d I’d thought of as a friend holds extremely racist and xenophobic opinions.

As disturbing as that has been, it was made even worse by the corresponding surprise that they assumed I share their views.

So, I’m going to spell this out so no one here can claim to be ignorant of my views:

I reject and oppose racism, xenophobia, classicism, sexism, misogyny, mysoginoir, transmysoginy, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, sanism, ageism. There’s probably more, but this makes a good start.

This is my opinion about the Greek and Roman gods:

The gods are not “Greek” or “Roman”. They existed before Greeks or Romans - or any human being - existed. Their decision to appear in human form was a divine kindness, since their true form can incinerate humans who behold it. They can appear in any form they choose. Humans should never flatter themselves that they look like the gods. The appearance of the gods in human form does not imply that the gods accept humanity as their equals. Humans have the potential to become divine, but it is a privilege that must be earned.

The gods became patrons of the Greeks and Romans of their divine kindness, NOT because the Greeks and Romans were exceptional among humanity, and certainly NOT because the physical appearance of the Greeks and Romans was like that of the gods or valued more highly by the gods than the physical appearance of any other humans.

The gods see humanity as ONE species - the human race.

Therefore, the gods may be respectfully imagined in any combination of human skin-tone, hair color, or bodily proportion which is beautiful to the artist.

The gods’ most basic expectation from humanity is not worship, but virtue. Xenia (hospitality) is one of the oldest virtues of human-kind. Racism and xenophobia represent the diametric opposite of xenia and, furthermore, demonstrate the hubris of belief that anyone is somehow “better” than another based upon where they or their ancestors were born. 

If anyone wants to stand out from the rest, to be a truly extraordinary human, they should strive to practice virtue, for that is - sadly - the rarest quality to be found in this selfish and violent world.

[praying-disaster]

Bringing this back cause apparently there are nazis again.

[honorthegods]

Hellenic polytheism - free (and reliable!) resources

The Homeric Hymns: http://www.theoi.com/Text/HomericHymns1.html)

The Orphic Hymns: http://www.theoi.com/Text/OrphicHymns1.html

The Delphic Maxims: https://www.scribd.com/document/186693295/Delphic-Maxims

Many other primary sources from ancient Greece can be found in English translations at theoi.com, which is a fantastic resource for information about the Theoi.

Modern prayers to the Theoi:

Hearthstone http://hellenicdevotions.com/ 

winebrightruby https://winebrightruby.tumblr.com/devotional

Some of the best and most essential books to start with - and for continuous reference, in my opinion:

Handbook To Life In Ancient Greece by Lesley Adkins & Roy A. Adkins (available free to read at archive.org)

Greek Religion by Walter Burkert (available to read free at archive.org)

The Ancient Mysteries: A Sourcebook: Sacred Texts of the Mystery Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean World by Mavin Meyer. (available to read free at archive.org)

The free student guide to Classical Mythology by Mark Morford, Robert J. Lenardon, and Michael Sham:  https://global.oup.com/us/companion.websites/9780199997329/

[asklepiad-apollon]

A Guide to Greek Alphabet Divination (Runes)

As many may already know, Runes are a popular form of divination in order to communicate with the gods! However, aside from the popular Norse runes (elder futhark) that everyone might be aware of, did you know that there’s also a form of “rune casting divination” for the Greek alphabet?

First found inscribed in Olympos, a city in ancient Lycia, the Greek alphabet divination system uses the 24 letters from the Greek language and assigns them meanings, and based on what rune you pull, can give you advice from the gods on your current situation!

There were many Alphabet Oracles in ancient Greece, and the idea of reading the Greek alphabet for signs of the gods is one of the oldest divination methods that we know of.

How do I create my “runes?” 

To create your runes, any way of making them works! Historically, they would be painted onto pottery shards, but any way you can think of to have them accessible to throw/draw is completely okay. I have personally used black stones with gold paint on them.

You create one piece per letter, and in total there will be 24. Each letter will be listed and elaborated on later on in the post!

I’ve made my alphabet set. How do I use them?

In order to call upon the Theoi to get an answer, you can firstly call upon them in an invocation. After you have called upon them or asked your gods to give you an answer (sometimes no formal structure is needed) you can reach into a bag which contains the letters and pull out one at a time and read that, or you can grab them and throw them and look for patterns or groups of letters that are clumped together. 

THE LETTER MEANINGS

Α - Alpha - “The God Apollo [Apollon] says you will do everything successfully.” With his luck and good fortune, the current thing you are working on will turn out well and you will be the leader of your situation and have good transactions with others.

Β - Beta - “With the help of Tyche, you will have an assistant [Boêthos], who is the Pythian Apollon.” You might be at a time in your life where you’re struggling, but this divine-coded letter tells you that the gods that you worship are going to help you soon, so the signs you get might be more prophetic in nature. 

Γ - Gamma - “Gaia [Gê] will give you the ripe fruit of your labors.” It is time for you to take a break and admire the hard work you have put in. Gaia will reward you, and you will have abundance in happiness, emotional fulfillment, food, or all of the above. 

Δ - Delta - “In customs inopportune strength [Dunamis] is weak.” Timing is everything. Wait for the right time to act, and do not act to hastily. Wait for your time, but at the same time, use your strength for good to make a change in your situation.

Ε - Epsilon - “You desire [Eraô] to see the offspring of righteous marriages.” You need to surround yourself with good friendships, romances, allies, or relationships in general in order to get the most out of it. Surround yourself with positive people or situations to bring yourself up in a righteous way.

Ζ - Zeta - “Flee the very great storm [Zalê], lest you be hindered in some way.” If you’re already struggling, know when to pick your battles. Sometimes flight is better than fight, and only you know your own limitations. 

Η - Eta - “Bright Helios [Hêlios], who watches everything, watches you.” Helios knows that in the past you feel like you have been wronged. As the enforcer of oaths and promises, if you are honest with yourself and the situation the truth will come out and you will be aided.

Θ - Theta - “You have the helping Gods [Theoi] of this path.” If you are taking a plan of action do not worry! The Gods are guiding your way and you are in good hands. 

Ι - Iota - “There is sweat [’idrôs]; it excels more than everything.” Within your situation, there is going to be a lot of work. The gods recommend you buckle down and work as hard as you can, and it will not be easy. But it will be worth it.

Κ - Kappa - “To fight with the waves [Kuma] is difficult; endure, friend.” Now is not the time. You should wait until the vicious waves die down, and then take action.

Λ - Lambda - ““The one passing on the left [Laios] bodes well for everything.” Something that may seem really bad currently or in the future is actually going to turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Pay attention to your intuition!

Μ - Mu - “It is necessary to labor [Mokhtheô], but the change will be admirable.” You might feel distressed right now and that nothing is going right. But keep working to change either your situation or yourself, and the results will be in your favour.

Ν - Nu - ““The strife-bearing [Neikêphoros] gift fulfils the oracle.” Something will be given to you and enter your life. While it might not be obvious at first, this is the first domino in a line of changes that will happen in your life and make prophecy come true. 

Ξ - Xi - “There is no fruit to take from a withered [Xêros] shoot.” Being bitter and angry is not the way to go about things. Don’t keep trying to pull water out of a well that is empty, and know when to let go. 

Ο - Omicron - “There are no [Ou] crops to be reaped that were not sown.” In order to get things out of the situation, you have to plan ahead. What goes around comes around. 

Π - Pi - “Completing many [Polus] contests, you will seize the crown.” After many trials, you will achieve your goal. Persistence will give you your rewards, and do not be afraid to use your talents. 

Ρ - Rho - “You will go on more easily [Rhaion] if you wait a short time.” You should act, and quickly. Now is the best time and waiting longer is not a good idea. The stars are aligned and while it not be easy, there is no better time than the present. 

Σ - Sigma - “Phoibos Apollon speaks plainly [Saphôs], ‘Stay, friend.’” The gods want to inform you to wait for more information before you make any decisions. In this time, relax, and let the signs come to you.

Τ - Tau - “You will have a parting from the [Tôn] companions now around you.” Soon, people in your life might not stay the way they are. Friends might leave or enemies might leave. You might grow apart or distance or travel might force you away. Be wary of this, and act accordingly. 

Υ - Upsilon - “The affair holds a noble undertaking [Yposkhesis].” The task at hand is certainly a grand one, but with confidence, you, the hero of your own story, can pull through. You must acknowledge your strength, but also acknowledge the size of the task. 

Φ - Phi - “Having done something carelessly [Phaulos], you will thereafter blame the Gods.” Something is going wrong, and you may be trying to blame other things than the cause of the problem. Don’t resort to pointing fingers. The Gods will help you if you do not take out your anger on them or others needlessly. 

Χ - Khi - “Succeeding, friend, you will fulfill a golden [Khruseos] oracle.” Luck is on your side, and by mere chance, things might fall into place. The answer is positive, and you might be pleasantly surprised at all the riches that the world gives you in addition to your solution.

Ψ - Psi - “You have this righteous judgment [Psêphos] from the Gods.” Truth will be brought forwards, so be careful in your actions. The Gods are watching, and they will be fair, honest, and unforgiving to those who deserve it. This includes those who might be harming you, as well.

Ω - Omega - “You will have a difficult [Ômos] harvest season, not a useful one.” The times will be rough, and you will not get what you wish for at the end. You also might be forced to make tough decisions that you are not ready to make.

And those are the letters! Happy letter-casting! 

[orpheuseclipse]

I am so glad to find out about Hellenic runes

[hellenic-reconstructionism]

Historically Accurate Offerings to the Theoi

Zeus

Oak

Carnations

Olive branches

Styrax incense

Eagle, bull, swan images

Hera

Lilies

Peacock feathers or images

Pomegranate

Incenses

Cuckoo images

Athena

Olive branch/oil/fruit

Weavings

Myrrh incense

Perfume

Owl images

Apollon

Laurel

Red roses, sunflowers

Frankincense (manna) incense

Palm tree

Raven, swan, wolf, mouse, dolphin images

Artemis

Cedar, palm and cypress trees

Tokens of deer

Jasmine

Myrtle, white flowers

Frankincense (manna) incense

Amaranthus

Peanut

Wormwood

Deer, dog, bear, partidge, quail images

Hestia

Incenses

Chaste-tree

Pig images

Poseidon

Sea anemone

Myrrh incense

Pine

Bull, dolphin, horse images

Dionysos

Ivy

Grape vine

Pine

Styrax incense

Leopard, panther, donkey, bull images

Hermes

Tongue-shaped tokens

Rosemary, saffron

Almond tree and pine tree

Frankincense and styrax incense

Mint (for Kthonios epithet)

Cow, ram, hawk, turtle, hare images

Wild strawberry (purslane)

Ares

Bronze weapons

Frankincense (manna) incense

Swan, vulture, dragon/poisonous snake, owl images

Aphrodite

Roses, myrtle, anemone (poppy)

Quince

Apple, pomegranate

Perfumes and fragrances as incense

Dove, goose, sparrow, turtle images

Hephaistos

Daisies

Frankincense (manna) incense

Donkey, dog, crane images

Asklepios

Frankincense (manna) incense

Bread

Serpent, dog, goose, rooster images

Pan

Pine, beech trees

Fern

Wild flowers

Herbs burnt as incense and the smell of perfumes

Reeds

Goat, turtle images

Demeter

Poppy

Tokens of pigs

Styrax incense

Mint (for Kthonia epithet)

Wheat

Dove, bee, pig images

Persephone

Asphodel

Wheat

Hades

Pitchfork

Pomegranate

Daffodil

Styrax incense

Dried laurel leaves

Poplar, cypress trees

Mint

Daffodil

Hekate

Saffron

Rosemary

Garlic

Red Mullet

Amphiphon (candy)

Styrax incense

Dry laurel leaves

Oak

Ferret, dog, bull, lioness images

Source: LABRYS’ Hellenic Polytheism: Household Worship and Theoi.com

[praying-disaster]

Money Bringing Spaghetti

I made this recipe for my family tonight and it was a huge success. Even my sister who hates spaghetti went back for a second helping. This dish is super easy to make and the magic in it is very discreet making it perfect for a closeted witch who wants to help their family.  Feeds 5 - 8 people depending on how hungry they are. Feel free to change the measurements how you see fit but know that the recipe is written for about 8 servings ;)

What you Need:

A box of Spaghetti Noodles (or whatever you got idk)

2 jars of Tomato Sauce

about 2 lbs ground beef (optional)

Salt 

Black Pepper

Cinnamon

Dill

A pot

a pan

two lids

a strainer 

Fill the pot 2/3 of the way with water. Put in two or three pinches of salt, which will cleanse the water and help bring it to a boil faster. Set on the stove and wait for it to boil

Put the two pounds of meat in the pan and put it on the other burner at a medium heat. Break the meat up with a spatula. (I took about a spoonful of water from the pot and put it in to help the meat cook)

Sprinkle salt across the meat, you don't need that much just a couple shakes, and stir.

Now add a 1/4 tsp of cinnamon, for money, and 1/4 tsp of black pepper, for protection, to the meat, and stir. You can add more if you want but I didn't want either flavor to be too overpowering (especially because you still have to add the tomato sauce)

Add just a pinch of dill, for money, to the meat. Basil might be a better substitute but I didn't have any on hand...the sauce might have basil anyway so  

Once the meat has browned, stir in one of the jars of sauce. Turn off your burner and cover the pan with a lid to keep the heat in.

When the pot has come to a boil add in your noodles (breaking them in half might help if you have a small pot) to test if your noodles are done cool one off and throw it at a wall. If it sticks your good... or you can just run it under cold water and bite it to see if its cooked all the way through but that's less fun. 

Once they are done put the strainer in the sink and dump them in. Watch for the steam if you have glasses like me cause that sucks. 

Turn off the stovetop they were on. Dump the noodles back in the pot and put them on the stove

Pour in the rest of the sauce in with the noodles and put a pinch of each spice or two of each spice and stir

And you're done! You could put the meat in with the noodles if you want but I kept them separate so my family could get their perfect meat to noodle ratio.