Things I wished I learned before practicing Hellenic Polytheism
Always wash your hands & don’t forget khernips (water used for ritual handwashing to purify people or places from spiritual pollution, miasma) before prayer.
To put simply, miasma is "stain," "defilement," or "pollution". Its a spiritual impurity that us humans have. It’s not at all wise to approach the gods and their altars while having this “impurity”, this is why we wash our hands or make a Khernip.
To make a Khernip, it doesn’t at all require much. All you need is:
A bowl and put clean water into it
Light a bay leaf and extinguish it in the fire (you can also use incense)
As you do so, say “Xerniptosai” (Zer-nip-toe-sigh, meaning: be purified in greek. its a key invocation used during the making of a khernip)
And you’re done! A khernip can be left on or by your altar and you can use it until it’s time to make more.
How to write your own prayers:
If you struggle with making prayers and often read ones you find online, then this is the guide for you!
Address the God you’re praying to (e.g. Aphrodite, Goddess of Beauty, Love, and sea foam, etc.)
Mention their parents or birthplace
Talk of things they do in their domains
Thank them for what they do or ask for them to do something
Be sure to thank them once more
Remember: Always wash your hands before prayer.
How to offer things to a God
Present the offering you wish to give, saying something along the lines of “Hi, Aphrodite, look, I got this (insert thing) for you.”
Explain why you got it for her, something along the lines of, “I got this for you as an appreciation for all of the beauty and love that you have brought into my life.” Be specific for what you’re appreciating.
(please take everything in this list with a grain of salt. this is not me trying to dictate others practices or tell them what they should do. this is just a guide to help people out.)
