Hello, while I was in high school/middle school I read a serious of books in which the main group of characters worshiped the goddess Nyx and her consort, Erebus. Though it is a fictional book, I feel a connection to the goddess they describe and the way the utilize the casting of circles connected to the elements to worship her, closely related to Native American beliefs. I was wondering if you could shed some light on the goddess, or guide me to where to begin my research. Peace be with you
This is going to turn into a lot of word vomit because I have so many things to say about this. If youâre referencing the House of Night books then let me tell you a little something:
Thatâs exactly where I got my start worshipping Nyx.
When it comes to the practice of calling to the elements and casting circles and such, I say go for it. Research what the different elements can stand for, apply them to spells, etc. But do NOT appropriate any Native practices you may find in the books if you are not of that Native tribe i.e. You can smoke cleanse, but donât call it smudging; you can research any native practices without actually putting them into practice. I believe some Native cultures allow practice if you make the effort to go learn from an actual Native teacher and adhere to their rules about their religions. But thatâs some, not all and I may be mistaken.
When it comes to Nyx, thereâs not a lot to read on her. As much as I enjoyed the HoN books when I was in high school (although I do like the first few over the last few) they donât paint Nyx in the most accurate light. Sure sheâs a loving goddess, but she is also a jealous goddess, a powerful goddess. Iâve lost track of how many times Iâve mentioned that even Zeus dared not upset her because he feared her.
Working with Nyx (and even Erebus, though I have less of a relationship with him) can be a little tricky. In my personal experience, she likes it to be made obvious that you need her help. Sometimes Iâll just outright say âOkay, I really need some help here. I donât have much to offer but Iâll leave a dark chocolate Godiva bar on the altarâ because sometimes thatâs all you can do.
The elemental worship factor is nice, especially because if Iâm feeling like getting a different kind of help (other than that the night and darkness provide) Iâll call on the elements. Iâve gone with lots of the cliche affiliations, like wind for messages, fire for passion, water for change, earth for grounding, and spirit for strengthening myself personally. Even casting a circle and calling all the elements for their abstract combined power, just to give your spells or rituals or anything else a little boost. But respect the powers you are asking for help, whether they be deities or other powers found in nature.
If you have any more specific questions, or fi you want to talk about the book series (because Iâm always down for that) you can message me on my pagan blog :)
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