#30daysofdevotion

[the-brambled-way]

30 Days of Devotion: Day 1

I’ve decided to do Hephaestus for my 30 days of devotion. He’s a God I’ve always loved but haven’t been as close to as others. So, I’m hoping this will help me get closer to him.

Introduction to Hephaestus

Hephaestus is the god of fire and crafts - most especially metal working or other crafts requiring fire. Those who made pottery in ancient times also worshiped him alongside Athena during the Khalkeia. He was the armorer of the Gods, creating many of their weapons and armor as well as providing them all with glorious thrones and other more artistic workings. When he lived with Thetis, after Hera threw him from Olympus at birth, he created jewelry and other beautiful trinkets for his adopted family.

But he wasn’t merely an artistic crafter or weapon smith. He was also the chief inventor of the Gods. He created a set of braces for his own legs and other more functional things when needed. He was thought to inspire man to invention and was considered a chief contributor to mankind becoming civilized through technological advances. 

If Hermes is now seen as a tech god, it is only in conjunction with Hephaestus. Hermes is like the software, but he relies on the hardware of Hephaestus to function in that capacity. (This is UPG of modern aspects of the Gods of course.)

Hephaestus also had a hand in creating the body of Pandora, the first woman, along with Prometheus. In his own dealings with women, he had a rough marriage with Aphrodite. (UPG: Personally I think expecting Aphrodite to be monogamous is to not understand her but these were different times.) He (literally) caught her cheating on him with Ares and they were divorced. But Hephaestus went on to find true love with his second wife Aglaia, one of the three Graces.

Personally, I love that he was able to move on, and I wish more people could remember that he wasn’t just scorned by Aphrodite but went on with his life to find happiness in a second love that was far more supportive and loving. It can give a lot of people hope to see that it’s possible to love again.

People often also forget that Hephaestus was just as powerful as other Gods in battle. He’s shown to rise up and take down mighty foes like river Gods in his mythology. I feel like a lot of people can think of him as a weak God because he has a disability, but this is a very ableist take on him. (Have you ever seen the muscles on a blacksmith?)

Which brings me to another modern aspect of Hephaestus as a God of the disabled community. (UPG warning again) Hephaestus is a disabled God. There is no reason why he isn’t a patron of the disabled community. While I look at Dionysus as the God of the mentally ill community, Hephaestus is there for and stands with the physically disabled. He is the God I look to when I push for accessibility.

To conclude this rambling introduction to Hephaestus, I want to add that I think of Hephaestus as one of the most compassionate of the Gods. Having fallen to the Earth and spent time among mankind, being shown compassion by those he fell amongst, and being mistreated by the other Gods on more than one occasion, I feel he learned (like many of us did) through suffering to be compassionate to others.

This includes both mankind and other deities. He greatly mourned his task of chaining Prometheus to Mount Kaukasos. In Prometheus Bound, he had a lengthy conversation with Kratos and Bia (personifications of strength and force,) sent there to make sure he actually did it, about how bad he felt.

In conclusion, I feel like more people should join me in learning about Hephaestus, a mighty and compassionate God of fire, crafting, technology, and the disabled community.

[tr-ravenwood]

My current project: a daily practice and devotion journal. I was inspired by Molly Remer's (of Brigid's Grove) #30DaysofGoddess but decided to take it in a slightly different direction. Every day I will record the current moon phase, do a tarot/oracle/rune pull, say and record a prayer, reflect on and pay devotion to a particular god(dess), jot down magical tidbits, doodle, share some magical/spiritual highlights from my day, record any spell work, etc. I may post pictures periodically and will definitely post a summary of how the project went at the end of the month.

[mercurialtongued]

30 Days of Devotion - Hermes (Day 15)

Any mundane practices that are associated with this deity?

As we’ve discussed before in this series, Hermes’ domain is very far-reaching, so many mundane things could be associated with him.

Instead of making a huge list of a bunch of things that could be in his association, I’m going to just talk about a few personal and ‘small’ practices that I often do that make me feel closer to him by association.

Gambling and card/dice games in particular, especially ones pertaining to luck or being clever/taking a risk (thinking of Poker or Texas Hold ‘Em). There’s been times when I’ve played at casinos and whispered a quick prayer or an invitation before pushing the button/pulling the lever. 

Another thing being when finding a coin on the ground that’s tails-side-up, flipping it heads-up so whoever finds it next is given some good luck. 

When traveling, parking the car to help an animal cross a busy street so it doesn’t get hit, or placing them off a path humans tread on often so it isn’t further disturbed. 

Going to open market-places/garage sales and spending money, taking the time to have pleasant conversations with the seller is another big one. I feel much more inclined to give money to the actual creator than a big box store. An offshoot of this being bartering, as well.

Pouring out libations before any sort of travel has become a consistent thing, and have most definitely found it has made my travels go by well and find a bit of random luck (somehow getting a window seat without paying for it. or finding out that the people next to you on a flight didn’t show up, having the entire aisle to yourself, making layovers even though you’re delayed, etc).

It was also brought to my attention that computer-hacking and pirating goes into his domain (which.... duh. hadn’t even THOUGHT of that) a being a gateways and a creator of his own doors, breaking through websites or torrenting things for free is completely up his alley. 

So just a few mundane practices! Feel free to add your own you’ve incorporated. 

[the-brambled-way]

30 Days of Devotion Day 3 and 4

My day 3 got delayed due to life so today gets to be day 3 and day 4.

Symbols and icons of this deity 

The most known symbol for Hephaestus are his tongs and hammer which he uses to do his metalwork. The anvil is one of his symbols for the same reason. He was also depicted riding a donkey, so if you see a guy on a donkey with tools in his hands in pottery art, it’s probably Hephaestus. Those are the ones I know off the top of my head, but if anyone knows more, I’d love to hear of them.

A favorite myth or myths of this deity

My favorite scene with Hephaestus is the chaining of Prometheus. In Aeschylus‘ Prometheus Bound he’s shown being overseen by Bia and Kratos as he does his job. His conversation with Bia and Kratos during this scene shows that Hephaestus is loathed and grieved to do this job, but he knows he has to or face consequences himself.

Alas, Prometheus, I groan for your sufferings.

I just like the overall compassion that’s shown in Hephaestus in this scene as well as the suggestion that he and Prometheus were likely close friends.

Lofty-minded son of Themis who counsels straight, against my will, no less than yours, I must rivet you with brazen bonds no hand can loose to this desolate crag. . . . And many a groan and unavailing lament you shall utter; for the heart of Zeus is hard, and everyone is harsh whose power is new.

And while he doesn’t have the power to stand up against Zeus, he does voice his displeasure with the decision he’s made and the harsh way in which he’s ruling. Something that likely will make it’s way back to Zeus via Bia and Kratos, making this a brave thing to do in and of itself.

But I think one of the most interesting things here that I’d love to see talked about more comes from this line from Kratos.

Why do you not detest a god most hateful to the gods, since he has betrayed your prerogative to mortals?

The thing which was stolen by Prometheus and given to man is fire. This is Hephaestus’ domain. But he does not begrudge that Prometheus has given it to man and he does not wish to see him punished for it. And I think this comes back to my UPG that in a way these two (Prometheus and Hephaestus) may love mankind most of all the Gods. Or, I guess, it’s not so much that I think they love mankind most. I think they wish the best for mankind in the most human of ways. They wish to see them thrive and progress, create and grow, and become something greater than they currently are.

But that is, of course, just my upg on the matter. It’s not said in a way that’s meant to downplay how the rest of the Theoi feels about mankind. And it’s not that I don’t think they love mankind in their many individual ways. I just think Hephaestus, having lived among man, may have a far more human way of loving us.

[mercurialtongued]

30 Days of Devotion - Hermes (Day 17)

How does this deity relate to other gods and other pantheons?

This is honestly an extremely similar question to Day 6, being “ Other related deities and entities associated with this deity “ which I have also linked there so people may read. 

We have already discussed major similarities between Hermes and the Etruscan/Roman Mercury, Hermanubis and Hermes Trismegistus (creator of Hermeticism, and the synchronization between Hermes and the Kemetic deity Thoth). 

He is readily pretty similar to other entities, as well, one such being Archangel Raphael. Both are dominated by the planet Mercury and both sacred days are on Wednesdays. He sometimes appears actively holding a Caduceus/Kerykeion (Hermes’ sacred wand), and also winged sandals, another symbol of Hermes. 

Both have similar tarot correspondences, some of which being The Magician and The Hermit. 

Both are messengers for their divine king, and both are attributed to the safe passage of travelers. Both are attributed to the works of alchemy, and therefore also healing and creation/transformation. And, as well, successful communications.

I also do enjoy the fact both traveled the Earth and spoke to people in the guise of humans, but, many divine entities seem to enjoy doing so in canon. 

[mercurialtongued]

30 Days of Devotion - Hermes (Day 16)

How do you think this deity represents the values of their pantheon and cultural origins?

Hermes is a deity of hospitality and travel, and as mentioned in previous posts in this series, is a huge proponent of the concept of Xenia/being hospitable and a good host. So much so that he and his father, Zeus, would go in disguise as vagabonds and travelers to people’s homes and punish those who acted unkindly. You take care of those in need, you give shelter and home if you can, you feed those who are in need of food. Basically, you be a good member of your community and help your fellow man. 

Another would be making oaths/promises, since oathing (like over the river of Styx) was something even the immortal gods were bound to keeping. Making oaths and promises are a big deal, and I’ve always felt promises laid in his domain since it’s somewhat a deal of word. So, no breaking promises, no not keeping your word to Hermes. 

There are seven major pillars in Hellenic Polytheism, all which the gods represent (in some way shape or form), but Xenia is a big, particular one that comes to mind with Hermes.

The others being:

Arete - doing and being your best Sophrosyne - self-control and moderation Sophia - the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding Xenia - generosity and hospitality Hagneia - spiritual purity Kharis - giving for the sake of giving, not with the expectation of getting anything in return. people usually use this term when building relationships with the gods. Eusebia - reverence, loyalty, duty towards the gods. piety. 

[the-brambled-way]

30 Days of Devotion: Day 2

How did you become first aware of this deity? 

I really don’t recall. Especially if the question is referring to the first time I heard of him in a more mundane sense. : P With Greek mythology being popular, I probably heard about him in school or random reading at some point in elementary school.

But if it means when did I become aware of his presence in my life? I might have to say that happened very recently. As I said in my first post, I’ve loved Hephaestus for years. But I’ve never been close with him in a spiritual sense.

Probably in the past year is when he started being more present. This is possibly due to a combination of having a friend begin to worship him and increasing my research into accessibility options for non-profit organizations.

Since he’s present for my friend, it’s like meeting a friend of a friend. He’s just there hanging out and so you get to know him better. Even though I was already familiar with his mythology and such, that’s not quite the same as being in his presence. There’s a deeper sense of understanding and closeness that occurs.

I’m glad he has become more present for me and I’ll enjoy it for however long it persists. But I have a feeling he won’t be as consistently present for me as Dionysus. That’s just how it works, I suppose.

[lyssalittlebear]

Thirty Days of Devotion: Day 3

Symbols associated with this deity:

Deer are the most widely recognized symbol associated with Artemis. As a hunting Goddess, that association is logical. She is also associated with hunting dogs and hounds. The bow She wields is described as golden in the early days of Her worship, when She was associated with the sun, and in later times was (and still is) described as silver, mirroring Her association with the moon. Artemis is associated with the bear, guinea fowl and quail. In terms of plants and flowers, She is symbolized by the cypress tree, the walnut tree, and the flower amaranth.