#hel pol

[sweet-selenite]

Just did my Noumenia ritual for the first time. It went beautifully. Libations were red wine and incense and bay leaves.

Also made the Kathiskos earlier this evening and said a hymn to Zeus Ktesios for blessings and protection for my household 💕

This religion is beautiful and makes me feel so at peace

[sweet-selenite]

Noumenia. What it is and how to celebrate

What is Noumenia?

Noumenia is proceeded by Hekate's deipnon (the dark moon) and is when the first sliver of the moon becomes visible and, in Hellenic Polytheism, is considered the first day of the new month. Noumenia proceeds Agathos Daimon which is the day after, when the moon is slightly more visible still.

It is one of the Hellenic sacred days that comes monthly, dedicated to Apollon. It is a day to honour the Gods, especially the household Gods - Hestia, Apollon, Zeus, Hermes, and Hekate. It is traditional to include the moon Goddess Selene in this worship, too.

How to celebrate:

Cleaning alters and statues devoted to the Gods and throughly cleansing yourself for whatever ritual you will be performing. While the majority of cleaning is done the day prior, on Hekate's deipnon, it is traditional to maintain the upkeep of alters and statues on Noumenia.

Decorating. Fill your house and/or alter with fresh flowers and colourful decorations to welcome in the light of the coming moon.

Make offerings to the household Gods. Pour libations, burn frankincense and candles, and leave out honey cakes and other food on your alter in devotion.

The Kathiskos refreshment. The Kathiskos is a jar of grains, honey, oil, dried foods, ect, traditionally sealed and tied with a white ribbon, in honour of Zeus Ktesios. Each month, this should be refreshed and put on a special shelf or your alter.

Rituals and hymns. Perform a Noumenia ritual of lighting incense and puring libations while thanking the Gods. Perform an Orphic hymn to Apollon and Selene.

Share a meal with loved ones. Noumenia is an Ouranic holiday, meaning heavenly, so ot is important to share blessings and spend time with those close to you.

Fresh starts. This is a new month. It's time to (symbolically or not) put away last month's troubles and turmoil and begin again in the light of a new moon.

[sweet-selenite]

Hekate's Deipnon is coming up (for me at least) so here are some ways to celebrate:

1) Cleansing

This doesn't just have to be spiritual. It's a great time to clean your alter and home. Save the sweepings and make a point of throwing them out to symbolise getting rid of the old month in transition to the new.

2) Offerings

Traditional Offerings include raw eggs (+shell), leeks, onions, garlic, bread, and cakes as well as libations and honey. You can leave these offerings on your personal alter or at a 3 way crossroads for Hekate and the restless dead (make sure these offerings are animal safe if you leave them outside as garlic and onions can be poisonous to some animals). When you leave the offerings, say nothing, turn, and don't look back as you return home. The dead don't like to be seen.

3) Charity

Often left our offerings would be eaten by the poor/ less fortunate so now is a good time to give back. Donate to charity, or a food bank. Sponsor a person in need or make a 1 time donation. It's a time for humility and giving.

4) Reflection and shadow work

The dark moon is the space between the old and new month so a perfect time to reflect on past actions, thoughts, and patterns that don't serve you anymore. Meditate, journal, write a letter to your past self, ect. Now is the time of out with the old to make way for the new.

[sweet-selenite]

A few terms I think more Hellenic Polytheists should know 💕

Arete- the concept of excellence, virtue, and living to your fullest potential. It pleases the Gods as you being the best version of yourself makes a positive difference in the world.

Sophrosyne- moderation and self control. This goes against Hubris, so it's essential for a good relationship with the Gods

Hubris- arrogance, specifically towards the Gods.

Eusebia- piety. Propperly honoring the Gods, your ancestors, your family, and even yourself.

Kharis- the reciprocal relationship of grace and understanding between the Gods and mortals.

Xenia- the value that you should be a good host to guests in your home. Any traveller could be a God in disguise. This extends to you being a a good guest in other's homes, too. Abusing xenia is an offence against the Gods.

Hagneia- ritual and spiritual purity. It involves cleaning yourself physically as well as spiritually of miasma, especially before worship.

Miasma- the idea of spiritual pollution or contamination. It's what separates us from the divine. It can be collected from being around death, blood, childbirth, ect and is not a "sin" or anything so to speak, but rather a byproduct of living.

Khernips- traditional water used to wash the hands (and face) before worship to clean yourself of miasma.

Sophia and Philosophia- wisdom and the love of wisdom. The pursuit of knowledge and intellect are spiritual virtues.

[sweet-selenite]

Taken a huge 180 on this blog.

Still vegan, still care about political issues, just wanna dedicate this blog to something different now 💕

[satyrmagos]

From my portfolio:

Two devotional images of Hestia, custom work from autumn 2023. The cauldron image is based on the customer’s own art; the goddess image is based on a Roman relief carving.

https://sorcerersworkbench.etsy.com

[satyrmagos]

image of Hekate as the chthonic sun, from a vision that came to me in ritual last month

i have high ambitions for this one, both to digitally ink and to traditionally ink and watercolor, but i'm pretty fucking happy with these pencils as-is