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Happy Monday everyone!! This is a digital offering for lady Selene, I hope she likes it 🌙

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I keep seeings posts on here expressing wishes for Hellenic Polytheism or other Pagan paths to "make a major comeback" and "replace the Abrahamic religions" (namely this one) Y'all. I know that a lot of you are ex-Christian and have a hard time separating what you grew up with culturally and religiously with your current practice, but this is not the progressive call for justice that you think this is and certainly not something to blindly repeat and accept just because you keep seeing it in Pagan spaces. Long post ahead.

Firstly, calling people who practice Judaism, Islam, or Christianity delusional or even TERFs based on their religion is inherently harmful and textbook religious discrimination, especially when in religions like Judaism, g-d is considered genderless (1), the Talmud acknowledges 6-8 genders and sexes (2) and the right to choose is also intrinsically a halachic right (3). It's okay not to know everything, but know when your heavily biased opinion is not relevant or wanted. Learn to identify instead when you're just repeating Christian rhetoric repackaged in loosely Pagan wrapping paper.

I know you all think it's so cute to use the term "Abrahamic" to mean Christian, but I have always find this term extremely reductive, misleading, and problematic as a Jew. While Christianity and Islam share roots in Jewish texts, Judaism maintains a culturally and religiously distinct method of textual interpretation and analysis as it has for thousands of years. Judaism is not just Old Christianity like you all make it sound like, just like Christianity and Islam aren't Judaism 2.0 (and they are not lesser, of course, for not being so! Don't come at me with that). Judaism is a closed religion, culture, as well as ethnicity, while Christianity and Islam are open religions that anyone can join. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all have intricate rules that conflict within their respective religious systems. They deserve to be respected separately and correctly within their cultural and/or religious contexts! It is insensitive to assume they all operate similarly or even the same because they are monotheistic…also, side note, someone being monotheistic is not harming you, as being polytheistic is not harming a monotheist.

To get to the point, wishing for the complete replacement of religions you hate is the formal definition of genocide, which constitutes a "deliberate and systematic destruction of a group of people because of their ethnicity, nationality, religion, or race" (4). Yes, Christianity was and is a colonial religion- however, so was Ancient Greek and Ancient Roman religion!!! Why do you think Alexander the Great's conquests resulted in an empire spanning three continents? It surely wasn't because he logged onto tumblr dot com and expanded Ancient Greek religion by converting all those "nasty Barbarians" through text post format. Proselytizing and manipulating others into sharing your beliefs "because it's the internet and the power of the gods are on our side!11!!!" is an insult to the Theoi, a violation of a person's autonomy, and frankly, a gross misinterpretation of Xenia and what the patrons of foreigners, Zeus Xenios and Athena Xenia, represent. Do your (scholarly) research of your religion and others outside your own culture, know when you're wrong, and don't fucking wish religious genocide, mass conversion, or unwanted proselytizing on other people??? I hate that I even have to end this post on that note, but it is what it is. Do better and keep learning.

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I came into this video expecting bad takes (cause this woman doesn't have a track record for being smart) and what I found was even worse. Anti-intellectualism is really biting our society's ass.

Not only she cites Lore Olympus for her source of learning about Greek mythology as an adult, but she also says the reason why she can't read the original works it's because they're too difficult for her so she needs to read it in a fanfiction-ish form. At her old age.

Then she says that she learner about the personalities of the gods (she calls them “characters of this game”) thanks to Lore Olympus which means all she learnt was a bunch of mischaracterizations.

To top it all off she asks about what's the lesson of the myth (she was talking about Orpheus and Eurydice at this point) or if myths even have a lesson at all. She's asking if stories that were created out of the wishes and fears of a civilization have a meaning.

No matter if you consider these stories to be pure fiction or an allegorical way of telling true events, you should respect them as they are part of the culture of a country (or multiple countries if we have Roman syncretism in mind) that still exists and holds cultural relevance to this day. Stop treating Greek gods and legends as if they are some pop culture fandom characters.

As someone said in the comments: saying you've learnt about Greek mythology by reading Lore Olympus is like saying you've learnt about Christianity by watching Glee's Grilled Cheesus episode.

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An Olympian Family Tree. I wanted to make a color and style guide for myself that I could reference whenever I drew an Olympian, and in true me fashion it got completely out of hand. Greek Gods take all sorts of shapes and sizes and there is no “right” way to depict them, but for this I used what little descriptions were provided by writers in classical sources, as well as referencing colors from ancient frescoes.

For style reasons, Zeus isn't connected to his children from outside his marriage to Hera. However, you'll notice there is an eagle (or what passes for an eagle in Ancient Greek pottery) on the lowest branch, which is meant to signify his paternal status.

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🏺 Libations Info🍷

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I’ve seen a lot of incorrect information going around about libations, so I wanted to make my own post on the practice since they’re my favorite kind of offering.

What is a libation?

Libations are the ritual act of pouring out a liquid (typically wine) as an offering to a deity, spirit, or the deceased. The liquid is poured either directly onto the ground, or into a bowl and then taken outside to be poured onto the ground. It is accompanied by a prayer. [1]

Traditionally, libations were done at mealtimes, at formal events and rituals, and in times of need. [2] There are two forms of libations:

Spondai - for Ouranic (Olympian/heavenly) and Einalic (sea) Gods, as well as nymphs and nature spirits. Involves giving a measured pour of liquid to the deity, and the pourer consuming the remaining liquid. The act of consuming some yourself symbolizes both offering and participating. [3]

Choai - for Chthonic (underworld) deities and spirits, as well as heroes and the deceased. This involves pouring out the entire liquid and not consuming any - a complete offering. [3] It’s important to not consume any liquid given in Choai, in order to show the upmost respect.

Without some kind of prayer or dedication, a libation is just spillage [4]. The prayer can be simple; even just mentally dedicating it to a deity works. Or you can make it more complex - it’s truly up to you.

Historically, libations were primarily wine diluted with water, olive oil, milk mixed with honey, or just water.[3][4] But you can truly do it with any liquid that you would drink, (I.e. done with respect, and not a bodily fluid). Personally, things I’ve used range from diluted and undiluted wine, to soda and strawberry boba, (a little silly, but they both fit the occasion!).

Sample libation prayer to Apollon

This is the prayer format I personally use for libations. Note that I am not a reconstructionist. In preparation, I cleanse myself of miasma by washing my hands and face, and depending on the formality of the occasion I may wear a veil.

“I call to Apollon, radiant and beautiful God;

Apollon, sender of plagues, granter of good health, leader of the muses, and deliverer of visions and enlightenment.

I praise you, honor you, and I thank you for your blessings.

*In this time, I ask for your support; [insert petition here].*

Oh Apollon, please accept this offering and be well-disposed.”

*Optional section - libations can be just praise if desired.

I then pour the deities share of the glass of wine into the dirt. While I’m sipping on the remaining wine, I usually have a more casual conversation with the deity and just kinda chill in Their presence. It’s quite peaceful and nice.

As I said previously, the prayers can be shorter as well. Honestly they can be as simple as this:

“I call to Apollon; please, accept this offering and be well-disposed.”

I hope people find this to be helpful! Please let me know if you have any questions or would like more sample libation prayers.

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Sources:

[1]“Hellenic Ritual Brochure” Hellenion, (2022). https://www.hellenion.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Hellenic_ritual-brochure_2022-1.pdf

[2] Émile Benveniste, “Indo-European Language and Society” Book 6. Miami Linguistics Series, no. 12. (University of Miami Press, 1973.) Chapter 2. http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:hul.ebook:CHS_Benveniste.Indo-European_Language_and_Society.1973.

[3] “The Enduring Ritual of Libations: Unveiling the Deep Roots of an Ancient Practice” The Archeologist, (May 8, 2024). www.thearchaeologist.org/blog/the-enduring-ritual-of-libations-unveiling-the-deep-roots-of-an-ancient-practice

[4] Tony Mierzwicki, “Hellenismos: Practicing Greek Polytheism Today” (Llewellyn Publications, August 8, 2018): 37, 77-78.

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Greek Pagan Basics: How to Write a Prayer

When it comes to prayer, there aren’t a lot of rules. Prayer can be as simple, direct and informal as talking to the gods, off the cuff, in a time of need or just because you feel like it. Prayer can also be something you plan and prepare for, whether by making use of the many existing historical or modern prayers to the gods and reading or memorizing them, or by writing your own modern prayers.

You do not have to write your own prayers–it is not a requirement of worshipping the gods. But if you feel called to do it, it can be a wonderful and meaningful way to connect with deity. And while the act of prayer is not an offering, the work you put into creating it can itself be a gift to the gods.

The idea of writing your own prayers to the gods can be intimidating. You look at the readily available surviving texts, the Homeric Hymns, the Orphic Hymns, and they are so beautiful. If that’s the standard, how can we ever attain it?

But it isn’t the standard. It never was. Not all historical hymns were the Homeric hymns. Not all hymns were high art. (And certainly not all prayers were hymns, although the two terms have a lot of overlap in meaning. I usually use the term “prayer” to refer to my own writings, in part because it feels more like I’m focusing on function.)

The Homeric hymns and similar pieces were often performed at festivals and in competitions. The beauty of these hymns, while not separate from their religious significance, is not solely related to their liturgical function. Many of the hymns actually used in ritual were more to the point–more focused on that function. Few of these works survive, and those that do are of widely varying literary quality. (I personally, as a writer of my own prayers, find this idea quite comforting. :))

The Rhetoric of Prayer

I will admit it, I write a lot of prayers of praise and prayers of thanks. I don’t often pray for something and if I do it’s usually pretty informal. (I suspect that says at least as much about my life as it does about my theology.) But many of the same techniques can be used just as effectively in prayers of supplication.

Reciprocity. Like most Indo-European cultures, the ancient Greeks had a view of relationship that included “a gift for a gift.” This does not mean that you are buying friendship–rather, it emphasizes the give-and-take that is a part of any healthy relationship.

A prayer of supplication might include a reminder of past relationship, which can be either a mention of blessings the god has granted you in the past, or a mention of offerings or other services you have provided the god. It can also mention a gift being given at the same time this prayer is being made. Or it can include a promise of future gifts and services. In all cases, it is a statement of relationship.

Myth. Mythic references can refer in general to the greatness of the god, or can be used to point specifically toward the theme of the prayer. For example, a prayer to Aphrodite to bring love into your life might mention the story of Pygmalion and Galatea as an example of the goddess’ greatness. It goes without saying that these mythic references should be positive ones–you might use stories from the Iliad in a prayer praising Athena, but probably not in one for Ares.

History. Since we lack a large and thriving worship community, for concrete examples I sometimes refer back to the power and prestige a god enjoyed in the distant past. If you are asking Apollo for divinatory help, a mention of his oracular prowess at Delphi would be appropriate; if you are asking his help in health matters, the role he took at ancient healing temples would be more to the point.

Style. Historically, some sorts of prayer were believed particularly appropriate to certain gods. The dignified paean was Apollo’s, while the livelier dithyramb was for Dionysos. For a modern writer, you may want to keep in mind the rhythm of the words and metre when writing.

Voice. While a hymn or prayer of praise may be written in the third person, all the better to tell a good story, a prayer that asks for something is most often written in the second person, thus providing a direct, personal message from the writer/speaker to the god.

The Elements of Prayer

Although there is no precise and standard form that all historic prayers followed, there are a few guidelines, things that a number of prayers tended to have in common. Generally Greek prayers included three parts, each providing a different function.

Invocation. First of all, you need to get the god’s attention, and to get the interaction off on the right foot. Call to the god by name, including words of praise (pro tip, all the gods are beautiful, all the gods are mighty :)) and by the use of descriptive words and phrases. Referring to Asklepios as “son of Apollo” underlines the sort of healing power he comes from. Referring to Apollo as “swift-shooting” has a different meaning than referring to him as “sweet-singing,” although both emphasize his power and skill.

Note that there is nothing wrong with using an epithet you’ve seen in historical texts, “ox-eyed Hera” and “thundering Zeus” were common phrases and had all the more meaning because they were known and understood by all.

Argument. Here you give reasons why the god should look favorably on your request. (See Reciprocityabove.) You can also include reasons based on something other than personal relationship–for example, asking for help in matters of love from Aphrodite, or in matters of justice from Zeus, because those are among their respective realms. This is where you make your case.

Request. Finally you ask the god to look kindly on your request, to grant you their blessings and gifts.

Example: Invocation: Grey-eyed Athena, daughter of thundering Zeus, Argument: if ever I have poured out sweet wine for you, Request: look kindly on me and grant me your wisdom.

The Act of Prayer

It was traditional to stand while praying, with arms raised toward the heavens.

If praying to a chthonic deity, it would be appropriate to kneel (placing yourself symbolically closer to their realm), or to focus your attention toward the earth in some other way.

(It is more than appropriate, by the way, to sing hymns, as was often done historically, if this is something you feel drawn to do. A performance, again, is work that is a gift to the gods.)

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Moon and Venus conjunction

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Libations

As a Hellenic polytheist, one of our most important duties to our gods would be to give libations. Libations are liquid offerings to our gods, not only in recognition of them and their importance but as an invitation into our lives for them.

When it comes to giving libations, it can be difficult for those of us practicing and worshipping in secret. So in this post I'll go over typical libations and how they're given, and then some methods I believe would be helpful for those that can't give openly! Please keep in mind that the suggested methods (for those practicing in secret) come from someone who is still navigating and learning her own religion. As always, do your own research where needed and do methods that make you most comfortable in your practices.

Typical Libations

Wine (typically red)

Symbolic of the divine ether, and Zeus's influence on the soul. Additionally, dark red wine represents the blood of Dionysus/Zagreus. We drink his blood as reflectance for his sacrifice by the titans and the eating of his flesh. It represents his metamorphosis, and in turn, our own cycle of birth.

Milk

Representative of Hera and Ira', who's breast milk formed the galaxies and cosmos. Milk also represents the earth.

Honey

Honey just golden which is incredibly symbolic of the gods, particularly their ichor (the blood of the gods). Honey is also a powerful preservative representing the immortality of the gods.

Fine oil (typically olive)

Oil historical lyrics symbolizes life, prosperity, and the divine spirit.

Milk and honey together are also a considerable libations but is particularly good for death related gods and the honoring of the dead. Milk and honey libations for them should NOT be consumed.

Giving Libations

To give libations, you would first pick up the offering bowl full of whatever you are giving with your right hand, then hold it with both and recite a dedication. The dedication itself is up to you but the example I saw is as follows:

"We dedicate this libation to khrismôdós Apóllôn and aithǽrios Diónysos and to all the happy, deathless Gods!"

Libations can be made to a singular god or multiple at once. Just ensure you have enough for them equally. Dedications can also be to a singular god or you can name the ones you are dedicating to.

Once you've made tour dedication, you'll transfer the bowl to your left hand and pour your offering on the ground or into whatever reservoir you have dedicated to it on your altaf. This is your libation, and the offering now belongs to them. Once you've made your libations you may sip from the remaining contents of the bowl as communion. Before doing so you may recite a prayer. Here is an example:

"We drink the blood of Diónysos! May the Aithír of Zefs intoxicate our souls and transform us!"

Please be aware that you should NOT drink libations to the dead or to death gods.

When sipping from the remainder of your libations, do NOT sip from the part where you poured. You should drink from the opposite end of the bowl.

Libations in Secret

When you're practicing in secret, these method of libations can be incredibly difficult. So with that, here are a few ways that I think could be helpful!

Can't access or drink wine/milk/honey? Substitute them for water or better yet, flavored juices!

Pomegranate juice can make a good libation for Underworld gods and goddesses, apple juice would be good for Zeus, etc. Research your deity's associations and try working with them. Water is also life-giving and integral to life.

Can't pour your libations outside or in a dedicated offering bowl? Use cups!

Pour your libations directly from the bottle to a cup and sit it on a shelf or desk or wherever you've dedicated to your god. You can recite your prayers and dedications in your head as well.

Worried about wasting drinks? Offer a smaller amount!

Typically what you give should be more than you keep, but your gods understand your struggles and would be understanding of your intentions. Offer a small amount of your drink, honey, etc and inform them of your reasonings and intentions. Your gods love you, they'll be happy with your efforts regardless.

Can't do your libations during the day? Do them at night!

Give your libations while everyone is asleep. You can even hide it under your bed or behind something to keep it for the time you want. (Please be careful of doing this with honey and be mindful of possible insects, pets, pests, spills, etc)

A minor? Do your libations at school!

You can do your libations while at school by making them during a PE class, during lunch, or any period of time where you can take a moment to do so! (I'm not condoning using your bathroom breaks to sneak off and do them, I'm just saying you definitely could do that)

Regardless of how you do your libations and with what, your practice is your own as is your relationship with your god(s). Do what feels right for you ♡

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If you're going to slander Zeus you're absolutely NEVER welcome on my blog. Simply don't interact. Worship who you want but I have absolutely no reason to sit and listen to you call Him a terrible father or husband or king.

You have no place here and I immediately block any and all blogs that slander His name, even if we share other devotions.

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Fun fact of the day

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Polytheists from the US: please stop fear mongering

I wanna start this post by saying that, as a bisexual woman, I do feel for my fellow women and LGBT people in the US, as well as for other minorities. I also fear for all of us around the world, as US politics have a direct impact in all countries.

However, please stop projecting your fears on the gods. If you think the gods suddenly became angry after the elections, after everything the world has gone through this year, that means you think the gods care more about you than they do about everyone else. And that's not okay.

1. You're the centre of the world. Please don't be entitled.

As I said, whatever the US does has an impact everywhere. That doesn't mean we need to extrapolate that into religion.

There are two things that have happened this year that would directly impact the gods. One was Mt Olympus burning in August. The other is an Israeli airstrike nearly hitting the Temple of Bacchus in Baalbek. I saw ZERO posts about the gods being angry about that. Or about the gods being angry at all. I understand you can't read the news about every country ever, but at least try to keep up with the country your religion comes from?

To those two things I said, I could add others that don't impact the gods directly like Palestine, Lebanon and Ukraine getting b0mbed; Argentina, Brazil, Greece, Poland, Austria, Spain and many other countries having deadly fires and floods; the rights of Italian LGBT people being set years back by their current PM, as well as LGBT people in some countries not having rights at all; conservative politicians being elected all over the world; WOMEN BEING BANNED FROM SPEAKING IN AFGHANISTAN; Pakistani Pagan tribes being targeted; the whole Gisèle Pelicot case... I could go on and on and on because there's just too much stuff going on in the world.

If you think none of these things would make the gods go angry, but the moment something happens in your country they're suddenly angry then that's an issue. And if you're trying to make this into a collective truth then you're making it everyone else's issue.

2. This is not an Abrahamic religion.

I understand many of you come from an Abrahamic background. I was raised in a deeply Catholic country. In the type of town where people get their favourite apparition or Mary tattooed. So I understand. But you have to somehow unlearn that when it comes to things like these.

The gods are not angry at you. Why would they be? Did you personally do something to offend them? Did you steal from their temple? Did you brag about being better than them in any way? I'm sure you didn't. So why would they be angry?

If you start saying things like “the gods are angry because of this!!” you sound just like the Christians who repeat Christ is coming soon everytime any type of natural catastrophe happens. Please stop. You're making all of us look crazy.

And also, what do you gain from this? Making other people upset? Especially those who just came into this religion and might think the gods are angry at them? It'd be fine if you posted something like “let's pray for our fellow Americans” but this doesn't make any sense. I just don't understand you people sometimes.

Also if you're gonna reply to this post by saying something along the lines of “people are allowed to talk about their feelings” then delete the comment because it shows you have little reading comprehension.

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( Artistic Nudity !!)

☽☾ Study of Lady Selene ☽☾

( ft. A little doodle of yours truly admiring her hehe )

The Original is called " Selene " by Pietro della Vecchia

I might revisit this one later for some coloring , but for now I'm happy with it ! And I of course hope Lady Selene likes it as well ♡

I really fell in love with the painting this is based on because of how playful & happy Lady Selene looks in it , so I just had to draw it myself!

( sidenote I really do hope I don't get maimed for drawing this )

( dividers made by @ saradika ♡ )

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Holy mother, Selene - Queen of the Moon

Oh how you delight in your black horses

As they dance across the sky

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happy Monday! remember to love Selene and the Moon for all they do for us <33