#temples post

[templeof-demeter]

This is your reminder that it’s okay to ask for help from the Gods when praying.

I personally have a lot of anxiety asking for help from them. I worry I sound selfish or am undeserving. But they want to help and they need you to give offerings and pray when you need that help.

I’ve been having a bad time at work and before work yesterday I prayed that me and the children I work with would have a good, peaceful, and happy day. It was the first day in weeks I had no complaints, and when a co-worker did something that usually would hurt my feelings I just laughed it off without even thinking. Today I am going to bake cookies as a thank you offering for that good day.

[templeof-demeter]

Demeter takes part in your meal, not just homemade breads. She is in each microwave dish, each quick cup of ramen, each fast food delivery too. You do not need endless energy and resources of fresh meals to be connected to her, any nourishment of yourself is nourishment of her realm.

[templeof-demeter]

I’ve been seeing discourse about digital offerings, and to give my two cents on the topic: In real life I make collages, collections of photos usually not taken by me, cut and cropped and glued together. My “digital offerings” are digitally made collages to an extent. I create them more as giving visual representation of various epithets and when I post them say a Thank you x,y,z to the divine along with a libation of water. I do believe that any offering created or given with respect, purpose, and gratitude towards the Theoi is a worthwhile offering, we should simply be aware of what is respectful. I believe in modernity a digital offering is fine, but as someone whose not a big fan of technology I would personally try to offer something physical in conjunction.

[templeof-demeter]

QOTW - 03/16/2025

If you have an altar or shrine to Demeter, show it off! Respond with a photo or description, and feel free to talk about the significance of any parts of it, what you’d like to add, etc.

My shrine to Demeter features various thrifted items, handmade clay and crochet, candles, artificial greenery and dried flowers! I keep a letter I wrote to her there as well, though I will eventually burn it and write another when inspired. I’d love to add some lighting inside the shrine and art of her soon.

[templeof-demeter]

An online offering for Demeter and Persephone 🌱

[templeof-demeter]

For my fellow trans worshippers,

Demeter aids you in the changes you make, she sees your transition and remembers her own journey across the earth and Olympus. Her, you, and I create great change for our truth and what we love. If you choose to medically transition, she is with you each step of the way. She is the reminder to eat so that your HRT progresses swiftly. She knows the satisfying but difficult swallow of a pill, stab of a needle, or rubbing of gel. If you do not medically transition, she is with you too. She knows the difficulties and obstacles that come with being the one to stand up and make change happen. She knows that the choice may not make sense to all, but only needs to make sense to you.

Demeter is change, and she loves you each step of your own.

“God blessed me by making me transsexual for the same reason he made wheat but not bread and fruit but not wine: so that humanity might share in the act of creation.”

[templeof-demeter]

Demeter, mistress of vegetation,

of the seed resting within the black soil,

of the changing seasons and their pleasures,

of food and flower, field and furrow,

of rich harvests given or withheld,

all at your will, all by your sturdy hand,

I thank you for your many gifts,

for the many years of survival,

of life granted us by your kindness, goddess.

Demeter, loving mother of Persephone,

mother by marriage to stern Hades,

you show us what is most important,

where lies the true substance of our lives.

Necessary goddess, I honor you.

Devotion: Prayers to the Gods of the Greeks by Hearthstone

[templeof-demeter]

Offerings to Demeter

Why give offerings?

There are many reasons to give The Gods offerings. For one, to show love and respect for them. Ideally, we eat everyday, and unfortunately many of us go without. Food is sustenance of the world that we should be grateful for, and Demeter gives us this. Also, they work in a reciprocal relationship, so if you desire help or advice it’s always good to give an offering before and after asking.

These are some offerings both historically and modernly given to Demeter. Give what works for you and for her:

🌾 Mint products

🌾 Poppy flowers

🌾 Barley

🌾 Olive Oil

🌾 Breads

🌾 Beer

🌾 A meal

🌾 Seasonal fruits and vegetables

🌾 Water

🌾 Pastries

🌾 Gold and green items (candles or crystals are typical in modern settings!)

And offering your time is important too, some things you can do for and in honor of her are:

🌾 Honor her and her family by reading myths of them

🌾 Learn about indigenous plant life and crops in your area

🌾 Watch a video about farming or crops you frequently consume

🌾 Tend to plants! This can be as small as one houseplant or as vast as a full garden.

🌾 Cook a meal! It can be something new, something you know, something nostalgic.

🌾 If you can, spend time with family. This includes chosen family.

🌾 Write poetry, prayer, hymns to her

🌾 Create a playlist or art in any form in dedication to her

🌾 Go on a walk outside, particularly a park or farmers market, though any walk is good

🌾 Learn about the laws in your state, be aware of injustices around you