#bedbound witch

[sometimesconforming-kookie]

I want to start seriously looking at hellenic polytheism but all the reading materials and the prospect of having to adapt all of it to my bedbound life is very daunting.

So if anyone knows of any blogs or books or sites or podcasts or youtube channels or anything really from people who talk about being bedbound and practicing helpol, please let me know

[koraki-pharmakis]

Bedridden Worship: Dionysos

For those who somehow don't know, I'm a disabled and chronically ill witch. I also recently had surgery, and my symptoms flare in summer. All of this has combined to make me totally bed-bound as of late.

I'm also considering devoting to Dionysos, and have been a dedicated worshiper of them for almost two years now. Dionysos is definitely not associated with calm, quiet, bed-bound worship, but that doesn't mean they can't be!

So, I wanted to compile tips both for me and others to worship and connect with the Mad God while staying wholly or partly in bed!

Activities:

Listening to music

Researching the Cult of Dionysos

Stimming & dancing while sitting

Meditating to hymns and/or music

Watching plays and movies and bootlegs

Calling friends to watch something or just have a fun time together

Themed collages

Making devotional jewelry, which can be as simple as a string bracelet

Practicing divination using cards, websites, runes, or whatever you prefer

Making an online or mini altar/shrine

Self-care, whatever that means to you

Habits:

These should be done to the best of your ability in their honor.

Taking medication on time

Daily prayers--I simply do them right before bed when I take meds

Offering a meal of the day as you eat

Practicing mental health exercises

Choosing a time to meditate (or nap) for them

Your Space:

Things you can add to your room to make your space have more of their 'vibes'

Fake vines

Glitter (ideally ecofriendly!)

Flowers and plants, real or fake

The colors purple, green, red, and/or black

Leopard patterns

Pinecones

Empty wine or other glass bottles

Amethyst in any form

Pine scented room sprays, air fresheners, etc.

Keep plants that are easy to maintain, especially vine plants (I favor a pothos)

Offerings

Note that any devotional activity can be an offering!

Candles

Incense or diffused oils

Food you're eating

Wine (if you're of drinking age)

Water

Originally hymns, prayers, or poetry

Artwork

Donations to trans and/or mental health charities and mutual aid

Dionysos loves you, and they understand that you need to rest. Your health and self care always comes before worship. Arete is your personal best, and your personal best is what you can do without hurting yourself.

[koraki-pharmakis]

Bedridden Worship: Nemesis

In honor of Nemeseia being today (5th of Boe.), I wanted to make a follow up bedridden worship for Nemesis, goddess of revenge and the forgotten dead.

Like Dionysos, I've worshiped Nemesis since the very start of my practice, and like them, she's always been understanding of my disability. As I'm writing this, I'm celebrating Nemeseia while totally unable to walk due to chronic pain, and she's fully accepting of that.

So, here are my practices to honor her from my bed and room!

Activities:

Listening to music

Donating to mutual aid

Researching Nemesis and Rhamnous

Researching civil rights

Researching criminal justice

Online activism (writing & sharing information on civil rights, for example)

Learning about systems of oppression

Reading the Iliad (in myths she is often the mother of Helen)

Making devotional jewelry

Drawing her or her symbols (wings, whips, geese, wheel)

Making a mini or online altar/shrine

Habits:

These should be done to the best of your ability in their honor.

Regular donations to mutual aid, ie monthly ones

Daily prayers (I usually do them right before bed)

Dedicating 5 minutes a day to learning about topics relating to her

Offering the energy of whatever you're drinking

Your Space:

Things you can add to your room to make your space have more of her ‘vibes’

Feathers, especially goose feathers

Daffodils/Narcissus flowers

Leather items (jewelry, whips, etc)

Chains

Balance scales

The colors red or black

Art with wing imagery

Skulls and bones (real or fake)

Offerings:

Note that any devotional activity can be an offering!

Candles

Incense or diffused oils

Wine (if you’re of drinking age)

Water

Honey

Donations to civil rights charities

Mutual aid for or in support of marginalized people, ie to support BLM or disability justice

Artwork

Original hymns, prayers, or poetry

Nemesis loves you, and she understands that you need to rest. Your health and self care always comes before worship. Arete is your personal best, and your personal best is what you can do without hurting yourself.

[arkefthos]

Devotional suggestions while chronically fatigued or bedbound

Make an altar in a game - animal crossing, stardew, and sims are all good for this

Draw or paint - I've been using oil pastels because they are much more forgiving on my hands

Set up equipment for a libation on your nightstand

Research online - if taking physical notes is too difficult, make voice notes or type

Listen to music and sing

Share part of your meal with the theoi - set a bit to one side or eat it consciously according to your preference

Please add more!!