#hestia appreciation

[beatingdrumspouringwine]

Dionysos Loves His Mom(s), a very long essay

Going to just preface this by saying that I may/may not have gone a bit overboard, but I hope everyone enjoys reading my rambles on how amazing it is that we still have this message even through to day, how important this is for our understanding of Dionysos, and also just a little bit of (what I hope will come across as) Semele appreciation :) Also, I did write this during finals week, so if it seems rambly, please bear with me ;-;

And for clarification, I'll be referring to Semele with capitalized pronouns because even though She was human, mythologically, while carrying Dionysos, She was also deified by Him after He brought Her up from the Underworld.

The first interesting thing is that we get our description of Dionysos, as well as the love he shows for His Mother, in Greek mythology. While myths are usually pretty good resources for understanding the Gods, they are also usually written by the people who are in power at the time - which would be specifically older men who were not slaves. Because of this, a lot of myths tend to trend towards the "male" perspective of the Athenians. Also because of this, women are frequently represented in a very negative light, or at least as being relatively unimportant.

There are no Gods who have quite a relationship with Their Mothers like Dionysos has of His. Some of the Gods technically have no mother, like Aphrodite and Athena, and others just... don't seem to have much of a relationship at all. And this isn't necessarily to say that the Gods that we worship don't love Their Mothers, but more that the popular attitude of Greek society was simply to push women off to the side, and let the men take the glory.

And then, strangely, we have Dionysos, He Who Takes No Shit When It Comes to Women, as well as Him Who Has Two Moms. He's already something of an anti-Athena in Greek mythology, for while She was born of Zeus's head, and Metis was a sort of mother-base, Dionysos was born of two mothers, and from Zeus, in a way that echoes an intimate, "maternal" sort of birth, instead of the detached birth of Athena. And we know full well that Dionysos did not forget about either of His first two mothers. Persephone and Him famously get along well enough that they shared a rite in the form of the Eleusinian Mysteries, and it is to Persephone that initiates go, telling Her that the Bakkhic One Himself has freed us!

And we haven't even touched on Semele! It's one thing to have a divine Mother to welcome us to the afterlife. It's another thing to have a once-human-become-Goddess Mother in the form of Semele-Thyone. And Dionysos loves Her as well, very much so as well! Even though He never met Her as a child, He still very clearly has a lot of love for Her. At the start of the Bacchae, when Dionysos first arrives in Thebes, you will notice that one of the very first things He mentions in His monologue is that His mother is being disrespected by King Pentheus, and that this disrespect is part of the reason why He has driven the women of the city mad, as well as the sisters of Semele, who also were disrespecting Her.

This loyalty is only further emphasized by the fact that even though Semele is dead at the time of the Bacchae (and obviously after it as well, as the myth of Dionysos traveling to the underworld is an entirely separate story). And yet we must once again emphasize that this was written in a time where mothers were so often thrown under the bus (or horse-drawn chariot), and all of these myths were notably written by men, as far as we know. It seems that there is an inherent thread which ties Dionysos to the world of women, or at least has Him incredibly sympathetic to it, and one which could not be broken with all of the hyper-patriarchal nonsense that was woven deep into the cultural fabric of ancient Greece, especially Athens.

And to finish this fun little rant off, I want to offer two significantly longer ideas than the initial thing that I wrote! One for reflection on how we relate to Dionysos (and how He relates to us), and another as a reflection on Semele-Thyone and how She relates to us, and how we should relate to Her.

To start, this sympathy that Dionysos shows with women does, in some ways, hits culturally closer to a sisterhood than to the way that a man would have been encouraged to act towards women in ancient Greece. Dionysos as God understands His band of madwomen's own self-worth, and does not question their autonomy. Instead, he seems to encourage it, especially with all of the sassing he gives Pentheus while being grilled by him. This is such a good thing for all of us. Not only is Dionysos a friend of humanity, but He is specifically a friend for the marginalized. Whoever finds themselves marginalized in society will be His "favorites", so to speak, because that is where He truly finds His followers. It's almost as if He naturally finds where there is a power imbalance, and jumps on the other side to even things out, even if it is a little bit. I also think that this same "purposeful marginalization" is something which adds further theological credence to Dionysos being also validly a trans woman and nonbinary, as He does not sit within a patriarchal "Him"-ness, but rather within a "Him"-ness that refers to a more equal world.

Moving on to Semele-Thyone, we have a wonderful ally in a divine woman, sympathetic to humans, who knows full well not only the sufferings of humanity, and the pain in disrespect, but also the importance of kindness and respect towards others. In Greek mythological and religious canon, Semele-Thyone became the Goddess of the Bacchic revel, which, if you really think about it, isn't just about the Bacchic revel (it's never "just about the Bacchic revels"). This also tells us that Thyone, like Her Son, is also a God of the marginalized. Like Dionysos, She oversees the safety and wellbeing of the community which Her Son has founded. In some way, Thyone has become a Mom to all of us, through Her assistance with the divine inspiration that strikes frenzied devotees. It's a caring thing, too!

Anyways, the long and short of this is - Dionysos loves His Mom, Semele-Thyone is an incredibly underrated Goddess, and Mother's Day was yesterday. So hug your mom if you've got a good relationship with her, and if not, we can all borrow Dionysos' Mom :)

[coriander-candlesticks]

I was pouring a promised libation out to Hermes, Apollo, Aphrodite, and Dionysus this afternoon (I'd asked them for help with a personal matter involving a sibling) and as I was looking up at the sky talking about the situation I saw three hawks start to circle something a little ways in the distance. Hawks aren't exactly uncommon here but it had been a while since I'd seen any, let alone three at once, so it caught my attention.

And while I was trying to figure out what type of bird they were (not an eagle, too short a neck to be a vulture, etc) one of them swooped down into a neighbor's backyard and back up along the tree in my backyard, close enough that, if a branch weren't in the way, I would have been able to see its feather markings. While hawks were somewhat usual, experiencing that certainly was not. So, of course, when I got inside I looked up if any Greek gods are associated with hawks.

And, of course, Apollo is.

I've been thinking a lot about the difference between "this is just a Thing That Happens" and a sign so it was nice to see a direct example of how something differs when it's coming from a god.

[cardboard-writer]

Wonder Woman by Linda Medley:

Link

[isforever-moved]

friendship over with every single helluva boss character, the problematic penguins are my new favorite.

[cultdionysus]

Hestia,

Protector of the home,

Goddess of the hearth,

Tender of Olympus’ flame 🕯️

Please hear my prayer:

Thank you for your protection during these difficult times.

Please protect my home from further damage. Please grant me luck and protect me from misfortune and accidents.

Please watch over my home and protect it when no one is there.

Please allow any plumbing issues and the water damage to be fixed without further damage,

so that my boyfriend and I can return home to rest and recover 💕🧿

🧿

[personinthepalace]

Ok so as far as I remember the minor gods like Hestia or Nyx or Nemesis don't have cabins until the end of the series when Percy makes his deal with the gods

Ooh gotcha - thanks! For some reason I thought that Hestia was one of the Twelve Olympians. But I just looked it up and apparently the 12th Olympian is usually either Dionysus or Hestia

[stellacaerulea]

I don't have a witty subtitle for this

[juliandevorakshonkers]

how my conversation with hestia just went basically

me: hey hestia sorry I haven’t been practicing much but I feel up to it again!!

hestia: don’t worry my child it is ok :)

me: thank you my lady I appreciate it, I want to do stuff for Yule! Do you want me to bake anything?

hestia before I even finish that sentence: COOKIES

me: uhmmm haha you want me to bake cookies?

hestia: YES PLEASE

me: ok haha I can do that! Do you have any crystals you want?

hestia, once again before I finish the sentence: RED JASPER

me: uhhh?? Red jasper? Are you sure? It’s not really associated with you I don’t think-

hestia: RED JASPER RED JASPER RED JASPER RED-

me: OK UNDERSTOOD I GOT IT I WILL GET YOU RED JASPER AHAHHAHA THANK YOU HESTIA

hestia: thank you :D

[wukyma]

Me: oh, I have a little bit of free time, what shall I do?

30+ unanswered asks:

Unfinished stories:

Me: yeah perfect time for another AU

Anyway meet Reversed!EPIC where gods are humans and vice versa.

Short lore: gods are Chronos' (maybe an important king of some sort?) escaped children, really just a chaotic bunch who stole a ship and are trying to survive with like 0 (zero) knowledge about the world and 0 (zero) skills

Don't worry about Telemachus btw, they just threw a spear at him randomly (miscommunication core) and it somehow managed to land (he's immortal he's fine)

I THINK they would get high like in the first 20 seconds of being on the lotus eaters' island. (pls appreciate Zeus having a crisis) (and that's Hestia btw)

Aaand of course this was an excuse to draw more posepoli. HEAR ME OUT. Polites as Calypso. HEAR ME ✋ With Odysseus it was like "stay with me, be my man, never go back to your wife" and with human!Poseidon it would be like "stay with me (respectful), be my man (respectful) and for the love of gods, please stop trying to murder everything you think even remotely hostile towards you"

Sure enough Polites will have some tragic backstory :'D

Part 1 | Part 2

[apricot-blossomss]

Is it okay if I ask what type of s/o would the Gods be into? I find that really interesting and would like to hear your opinion since I really love your writing <3<3

This request came just right, bc I really want to write but I'm mad busy rn, and this was a lot of fun! so I kinda wrote for ... everyone.

If you're conventionally attractive, you are in Zeus' dating pool. You're exceptionally beautiful? I'm so sorry. Once he has set his eyes on you, you are not safe anywhere. There is no other factor that matters, except maybe if you're exceptionally hospitable and kind to guests, which might attract his attention. Which is not a good thing.

Poseidon would love someone unpredictable, someone who never gets boring and never fails to surprise him or catch him off guard. He'd love the excitement of it all and is generally pulled to exciting and outgoing people, but also people who are more introverted but break out of their shell at unexpected times.

If Hades had a type, it would for sure be someone a little more ... alive than him. He's clearly going for that opposites attract thing, just look at Persephone. Also, I reckon he'd like someone who can stand up for themselves, as standing up to his brothers was always very hard for him and he would admire you greatly for it.

Demeter would like someone who is humble, orderly and respectful and appreciative of the beauties of nature. Someone who finds joy in the little things and never fails to call their grandma for her birthday.

To be honest- you don't have a romantic chance with neither Hera nor Athena, Artemis or Hestia. Though I thought it would be fun to make some platonic headcanons for what kind of mortal they would take interest in in a platonic way.

Hera admires loyalty, it doesn't even have to be to a spouse, it can also be your family or friends. Also, she appreciates people who remain strong even in the face of long term hardships or anguish, and it might earn you her favor. It's not that she pities you, but that she admires your strength to keep fighting. Also, she'd love to talk shit about men with you as much as the next goddess...

Artemis isn't about the whole opposites attract thing. As with Orion, she is likely to make friends with someone who shares her interests, as she also surrounds herself with her huntresses. She loves to talk about hunting and the wild and would like someone who isn't afraid to get themselves dirty. If you're a guy, it's pretty hard to get in her good grades though.

Athena is all in for academic weapons. Critical thinkers, challenging the status quo and earning great archivements. Someone she could have an intellectual conversation with, who offers new points of argument and is able to hold their own in an argument, she is the goddess of warfare after all...

I don't think there is anyone Hestia doesn't like, though she would favor people who spend a lot of time with their family and are kind and hospitable to others. Kindness to strangers is something she very much appreciates.

Apollo doesn't really have a type. His mortal lovers are symbolic for his creative inspirations, so he would not settle for a type but be all over the board. The variety of his lovers concludes that Apollo isn't looking for a specific kind of person. He simply watches or spends time with someone and BAM he's completely and utterly in love. He does love himself an artsy spouse though.

Ares needs someone calm and peaceful- it might seem a little contradictory, but Ares needs someone to ground him, to listen to him and provide the calm for his storm. Actually, he's all for domesticity, though a hot love affair doesn't turn him away either. If his spouse had a strong personality and could stand up for themselves, he would really respect that, but he would also be your guard dog if that wasn't the case. Ares just needs someone to love him unconditionally, quite like the next god on the list.

Not to be disrespectful but Hephaestus does not care who you are, he's just happy with someone who treats him with dignity. Be kind to him and he is putty in your hands. After all his family put him through, he'd also appreciate someone to rant about them to, who can also sit in silent understanding with him at other times. But honestly, he isn't setting the bar very high.

Not to call her vain, but you would have to be insanely beautiful to be on Aphrodites radar. She simply considers herself too good to spend her time on anyone who isn't pleasing to her eye- and that really cuts down the pool of potential lovers. Also, she would only stay around for someone who is ready to give their full attention to her at all times, she is a very demanding lover.

I think Hermes would want someone who is able to keep up with him, but also root him when he overdoes it a little. It would take quite a lot for him to actually stick around, because for him to make time in his busy schedule, he'd have to be head over heels in love.

Dionysus would probably not have a specific type either, simply because he wouldn't want to cut short his dating pool. Though he would like someone who is able to let loose at least sometimes and surrender to his pull of madness and ecstasy.

Extra: Eros would mostly go for someone attractive, but he wouldn't let that be the only factor. Just as the unpredictable and surprising nature of his arrows, Eros could fall for anybody, picking out a trait he loves about them and obsessing over it for the day (I'm thinking 'Someone New' by Hozier if you know what I mean).

[lxdymoon0357]

Hiiii...... Please do a suggestive scenario for yandere cael (my derelict favorite) x isekai fem reader(only if you're OK with it) ?? Thanks💐

(warnings: This is fucking filthy, I'm so sorry, but I'm not sorry. Afab reader. mentions of suicide. Dub-con/cnc, yandere content. Porn with half-baked plot. Manipulation using suicide, somewhat. Nipple play, dacryphilia, fingering, choking, clit play, grinding, rough sex, half-baked missionary, cowgirl, breeding kink, unprotected sex (don't do this irl, hoes, be safe), he holds your throat far too many times and chokes you far too many times, I don't know what to do with hands. Tell me if I missed something. You can also kill me for any and all spelling mistakes.)

© Writing belongs to me, Lxdymoon0357. Do not plagiarize, but reblogging, liking and commenting is deeply appreciated.

Oh, Marquis' pretty slut!

What's the easiest way to keep someone close to you? Love, marriage, gifts? Cael has tried everything...yet you were determined to go away. Go back to 'your world'. How can you do that?

Caelus doesn't want to leave, so you were stuck, holding a knife and hands shaking, the same knife moments ago held against the nerves of his neck, on his pulse. If you weren't going to be here, he was no reason to be here either!

You felt bad, leaving him unstable.. Seeing his swollen eyes, eyes glassy and round, snow-white lashes blinking up at you with so much love..it hurts. What more do you need from him?

He's so sweet, so kind, caring, protective..everything you want, everything you need. Who cares if he murdered Hestia because his marriage to her was stopping him from loving you?

Even now, as you tried to leave him, you have no idea how, but he simply pushes your head down, a near grin on his lips from seeing you almost whine as his fingers gently twisted in your pussy— knuckles deep.

His fingers feel warm, he could feel your creamy walls push down on his fingers, sucking him deep despite your wishes, "C-cael...no-plea-noo.." yu almost whined, cheek squished against the bed-frame, as you held onto it as your knees buckled.

Caelus almost smiled, pressing a quick kiss to your back as he lowered himself on his knees, looking up and admiring you as if you were his God.

"don't you feel good? Isn't it nice? Why do you wanna leave me?"

He asked, but barely gives you time to respond as he begins moving his fingers far too rough to handle, as his other hand held your other ass cheek, gently spreading it..

Cael wrapped his arm around your waist, turning you around as he sat back on the bed, crawling back, pulling you against him as his hands gently slapped your thighs, making you spread them individually,

"Oh...so pretty" he mumbled, snuggling his face against yours as you sniffled, your knuckles going white as your hands bunched in the mattress, as he put his thighs right over yours. Making sure you couldn't close them as his hands pulled you tight,

"Oh, how could you leave me...I love you..I can't live without you." he mumbled, as you felt disgust crawl in your veins as you tried not to let your eyes tear up, but his fingers gently stroked your slit, rings cold as he began rubbing your clit in tiny eight motions making you let out soft moans,

"Caeell. -Ah-Ca-el..no..hah-ngh ple-plea-pleaseee, no" you could only writhe in his tight grip as his fingers and cold rings just trace your pussy-lips softly, giving you just the pleasure but not enough—Just not enough!

Cael's fingers softly circled your clit, squeezing just gently making you arch your bag..as your hips gently shimmied to get him to press his fingers in again as he smiled.

His fingers entering, "Se-see? Hah.." he panted, feeling you grin back on his cock as he leaned his head back gently, his grip from your waist moving up your chest and around your throat, subconsciously squeezing

"Ca-caelll..No, ple-ha-please—ngh..! Ah-!" you moaned, trying to get words out as he gently pushed his middle finger in, the ring cold pressing down on his knuckles the further he pushed his finger in, the ring's coldness on the rim,

"h-hahh...ple-ss-ye-yess.." you whined, kicking your legs out as Cael's grip around your throat pressed in rougher before letting go. Your hands gently reached back, unbuckling his pants while your hips were moving on their own against his rough palm to get more stimulation on your clit as he pulled you back roughly,

"Swe-sweetheart. I'm sorry—" he panted out, his hands working faster than yours as they pulled out of you with a little whimper from Cael's own mouth and a little whine from yours.

He worked quick and before you knew it, you were straddling him as you smiled, "ha-hah...betterr, no?" hee said, a bright smile on his otherwise stoic face as he rubbed the tip of his cock against your pussy.

Your cunt getting slick and wet, gushing despite your wishes as you whined, "no-no-ah...", "Sweetheart don't say no." Caelus said firmly, blocking your airway for a few seconds with his large hands making you whimper out and you were gonna go say something back.

But with his grip on your throat and the threatening distance the knife, he previously used to attempt to end his life, was from you and him...You barely moved, only your body seizing softly every time his cock touched your clit softly.

Caelus smiled, rubbing your waist, "..Are you okay, my dear?" he asked softly, gently holding your wrists together as you whined, feeling him gently push his cock in as your back arched,

"Ca-Cael..ple-please..no" your whined left unheard as Cael threw his head back in pleasure, forcing you down as you whimpered.Your thighs shaking as Cael 's hand reached down rubbed your clit softly trying to get you more wet,

"come-come on-uhn-mhm...shh" Cael also felt his mouth gape open as he wiggled his hips to get you to take his cock deeper,

"It's ok-ok-ayy." His fingers circling your clit far more rougher than he meant to, "You're so pretty-ohfuckfuck..mgh..mm-Hah.." Cael whined, his hand's grip tightening on your hips.

Your eyes began watering, your head thrown back and back arching as Cael shoved his face in your chest, softly pinching your nipples, making you cry out louder,

"No-ah..fu-fu-no-fuck-! Pl-pleasepleaseno-!" your thighs began shaking far more as your brain began to loose thoughts, oh fuck—

Was it just now or was Caelus of Vrandt always this big compared to you?!

Your thighs were paining as you felt whimpers, whines, drool and any thought, or coherent ones at-least, leave your brain as you joined Caelus's hands in rubbing your clit faster, your cunt juicing Cael's cock as you whimpered,

"Ah-hm..Yea-mnh, dear. Jus-just like tha-thaat-!" he panted, smiling softly. Oh, were you accepting him already? Please do..he couldn't wait to make you his spouse.

Your eyes watering, tears spilling past waterlines and a whine from your throat, sending it straight to his cock as his hands held you close, softly sucking on your nipple, making you gasp ou, "fu-fuck..hah"

"Ye-yes..Yes, I know. you're oka-okayy" he sighed out as he bottoms out, as you sighed, as he shifted back just a bit, pulling you close. Hot and white as he gently held up your thighs, gently pushing you against the bed's poster.

Pulling his hips back and slamming in as you choke out incoherent words or rather, not even words..simple incoherent sounds to get him to be somewhat gentle,

"Ah-hu-Ca-Cael. S-huh, gentle-! Plea-pleasee..Gentler" you hiccuped out, soft gasps and whines spilling over your glossed up and drooled over lips as he shoved his face in the crook of your neck, sighing,

"Y-yes..My dear, I-uh, I'll-I'll t-try." he sighed, though his actions did not replicate his words or promise or agreement a he pushed his cock deeper, plunging in your warm cunt and walls, making you jerk back-and-fro with every movement of his hips.

You cried out, whining out please and soft crie..though half heard over your gasps, soft seizing of your tongue in your own mouth, choking and whine.

The entire manor would know what would be going on in the Marquis' bedroom and the likely reason it was so quiet, though usually it wasn't. Caelus pulled his head back to drink in the sight of you, clothes half-torn, hair ruined, face red, soaked and just wt as your lovely unt he was pushing his cock into.

Cael almost smiled, you were angelic right now. His hand gently cupped your cheek, wiping your tears with a smile, "M-my lovely.." he paused and hummed as if to get your attention.

Before again moving his hand to stroke your shoulder and rubbing the span of skin from under your jawline to your shoulder to pull you out of your dazed trance, "ha-hah.." you whimpered out, refusing to met his eye in disgust and anger.

Caelus did not care. He used his other hand to pinch your nipples, while pushing his cock deeper into your cunt,

"Love. Look at me." he said firmly, his hand moving you hold your throat yet again as if having found it's perfect resting place there, squeezing down, as he plunged his cock in and groaned,

"ha-hah..so perfect, if only you'd-you'd behavee.." he panted out. He pushed himself against you.

His hands right behind your knees, pulling you back onto him, so you weren't leaning against anything and slipping down onto the mattress, you were now on top. "Ha-ah..ple-m-nonono" you whimpered in horror, your thighs paining.

"Co-come on, love, Up." he smiled, leaning his head back to admire you from below you a bit as you straddled his waist.

You had sex before..yes, but you had never on top, "Chk-mm-hm ngh..Ca-Cael..ple-please-no-!" you softly whispered out, a little hiss as you felt yourself push yourself down anyway.

Oh shit—

You felt the gravity do it's toll and impale you down as you threw head back, "Caell..Pl-pleaseee.." the biiig stretch, it was far too deep..how did ti reach that part. The spongy spot being the hit of Cael's cock and it's tip and veins..

Despite it all, that gorgeous smile on Caelus's face guilted you into softly wiggling your hips to get comfy, as he pulled you roughly and smashed his lips against yours.

With the calloused ends of his nimble but strong digits clasping ‘round your throat, he’s reeling you to him like some cute toy for him. Drinking in your every piping shrill, whine, moan, dripping drool while he is kissing, loving, slobbering, gnawing-

You felt his other hand move off and force your hand open, off his chest and intertwined and lace it tightly with his before removing his hand from your throat to force yours tightly against his, before finding it's loving place against your throat yet again,

You felt a shiver up your spine as you hummed, kissing back despite the sloppy movements, his cock resting against all your sensitive spots..

That fucking kiss..You could feel your slobbering pussylips grow ever-wetter, glossing out a slick coating Caelus's cock with squelching noises all for a kiss. That's all it took to melt you against the man.

You whimpered, the stretch a bit too much with the pre from his cock and juices from you spreading down to basically stick and glue your thighs and pussy-lips down onto Caelus.

Even now as Caelus' hand gently moved down your neck and holding your ass, kneading the flesh before giving it a little pat, as he pulled away from the kiss, drool spreading on his lips with a string connecting your lips to his.

"Sweetheart-..move. Come on, please..? Do-don't say no-!" he begged, his eyes dewy as you whimpered. No..nonono, you can't do that! You didn't want this to begin with!

You had no idea how you're here..why you're here. You should be back home, not in this stupid novel, not it going horribly hazardous! But the urge was far too much to stop, using your force you used energy and a hand on Cael's chest to lift yourself up.

You could be feeling spiders crawl down your back with the feel of your juices and his pree becoming sticky right at your pussy-lips and the hilt of his cock.

It was making it all sticky as tears dripped down your cheeks as Cael wiped them off lovingly, on hand tightly laced against yours. You softly pushed yourself down, plunging his cock deep and repeating over and over and over till your bouncing on his cock with difficulty from the pain and burn in your upper thighs.

"Hah-hah-C-Cael..pl-pleas-mmmgh-ye-yeah-hah-" You whined out, whimpering and crying softly as Cal nodded, "IknowIknow-! Pl-please, yes-yes, my love. Just like that-!"

You whimpered, trying to get yourself off over and over and over in jagged bounces while trying not to get tired as you whimpered, "Ha-ahm-mnh" you felt burns in your legs.

More and more and more and it just wasn't enough!

"C-cael..I-I can't! Do-hmmh-hmg-do something!" you mumbled, huffing as you settled your weight on him, as he pulled away his hand from yours and put them both on your waist, moving you softly as if spelling his name with your hips.

Your mouth was drooling as he wiped your lips gently, shoving his thumb in as you sucked softly, before he pulled it out. Using his wet thumb to gently circle your clit.

“Please- nghhh please, it feels t-too good–”

Feeling the thumbing of your clit, you subconsciously grind down humming in delight as Caelus smiles in between whines, whimpers and dewy eyes of his own.

You could feel the edge approaching as you huffed,using whatever energy you had to force yourself to fuck down on him, bouncing happily.

Over the sound of skin over skin with plap, plap, plap! in routine with the squealches from the pre cum and juices causing a sticky mixture in between your and Caelus's thighs and your pussy-lips and his cock.

The swell of his vein-covered shaft protrudes against some of your sweetest spots, probing. “I feel- feel it-”

“Yeahhh—? Is-I-iss she memorizing it?” Caelus asked, a tone far too mischievous to be his own conscious and live mind as you looked down at his own fucked out, pussy-drunk face..

This? On your first time? He'll die if he got to actually fuck it everyday..

"..Yes, for you, my dear" you mumbled, despite the embarrassment of sleeping with a man who you didn't want to admit made you fele good or fucked you better than anyone..espcially not the man who had basically forced himself onto you, even if he didn't mean to.

"Come on..Caelus, fuck me-! Harder, faster, rougher!" you whined out, as you felt Caelus groan and almost cry out with his grip on your tightening as you he fucked up into you.

white-hot sparks of pleasure running through Caelus as he whimpered, feeling you clamp down like a vice, refusing to let him even move, "are you close..? Love?" he asked and he didn't even need to wait for an answer.

You couldn't tell when you came, gushing down so hard..but you did feel Cael pump you full, pressing down on your tummy right beefore you cum gushes down, mixing with the pre, the juices and his own cum as h pulled you in a rough kiss.

"Hm..mhm. My love" he hummed, in the kiss, smiling as he gently stroked your clit a few more times. The white-hot sparks of pleasure, not dying down..

You're just such a perfect slut for him!

[alyssa-the-witch]

Offerings and their Removal

Disclosure, this may not apply to everyone! Cherry pick it if that works for you, or take none at all. Just no hate or arguments in the comments!

Definition- Offering - Something given to an entity or deity to show appreciation. This can also be something done or said to show appreciation.

~~~~~Types of Offerings~~~~~

Food- In ancient tradition, specifically Greek, the first bites of food were thrown into the fire to be sent through the gods by smoke. However, this isn't an option for many people these days. Alternative methods are favored.

Fire - The old methods are still applicable if available. If one has a bon fire or fire-place/hearth, the first bite of food can still be "smoked" , per-say.

Prayer - A small prayer can be said over food before the first bite is taken. Just a simple "Entity/spirit, please accept this offering, Blessed Be" or something similar can suffice. This, for some deities like Hestia can be done at the end too. This is more convenient for a hidden practice and for those who can't afford to waste food.

Altar- If you have an altar, or ever a small bowl, they can place the first bite of food there for the deity entity too.

Objects and Trinkets- Just like us, deities/entities love little trinkets. Whether it be a few coins you find nice to a statue or an engraved candle. Whatever it my be, it can be given to an entity with a prayer and/or on an altar in their honor.

Removables - There are some things that can be placed on altar and taken off. I like to call them removables. When placed on an altar, one could say "Entity/Deity, bless this object, with your energy and blessings." let it sit for a moment or cleanse with incense. If a clothing item, accessory, or perfume, you can take it off and use/wear it. Just remember to put it back to refresh the energy and discuss before taking it off for the first time.

Actions - There are also things that one can do in offer of a deity or entity. They can be small things, like prayers, to full-on rituals.

Prayer- This is probably the easiest in my opinion. It can be a small "Hey entity/deity, I appreciate you." on the go, or reciting a hymn or a prayer by the altar. It's incredibly diverse and can meld to any practice.

Chores - This can apply more to some deities than others, but just Keeping your room and house tidy can be done in honor of a deity. Altars specifically can be cleaned or re-arranged as an offering

Art-In ancient times, arts of every kind were offered to deities ant spirits. And it can fit most anyone's style.

Music- written specifically or just a song you think reminds you of them. Drawings/Paintings- try thing that reminds you of the deity or how you see them can be drawn or painted. Others- Pottery, Dance, Crocheting or handy crafts, or even more. All can be done in offering to a deity. Specifics - If you have done research into who you're offering to, you can offer specific things. Sleep for Hypnos, Baking bread for Hestia, Rehearsing if in the arts for Dionysus, etc. Self Care- This not a lot of people think applies, however the gas most want you to be kind to your self. whether it be a bath with oils, flower petals, and all the works to just brushing your teeth at night. All would make the gods/entities very proud of you!!

~~~~~Disposal~~~~~

This is something a bit more difficult; You did the thing, you think it's time, now what do you do? A decent chunk of this section was taken from @khaire-traveler. Obviously, actions cannot be "removed" Once the action is complete, the offering is sent.

Food- khaire narrowed it into 4 options that I really like. Just remember, when on an alter, don't let it sit too long for health concerns (rotting, bugs, etc.)

Consume - After praying aver the food like I had mentioned before.

Bum - Also mentioned before, but can be done after sitting at an altar for awhile.

Bury- Food offerings. if safe for local wildlife, can be buried. "My logic in burying them (only if environmentally safe) is returning the offering to the earth in a sense." (khair-3) (Yes its MLA cited, AP capstone has rotted my brain) If that fits Your practice, it is a good option.

Dispose, - This, like everything else here, must be done with respect. Clarify with the entity/deity that you aren't doing so out of disrespect, rather because this is your preferred disposal style or your only option

Objects/Art Pieces- If you have this ability, talk to your entity/deity about it, clarify there is no disrespect in the removal, and give the deity some time to de-attach to it. Slowly, the energy will fade from the object when kept away from the altar. This doesn't need to a ritual, but can be if that's what you prefer

Thank you for reading! This is my first fore into the pagan-sphere, so if this is something a lot of people like, I'll continue! Blessed Be, Alyssa the Witch!

[royal-wren]

A little appreciation for the domains of a deity that don't get much attention/recognition. I'm making this because I do think it would be lovely if the aspects mentioned below got more attention, and additions not mentioned are welcome so long as it's an obscure part of them. This was going to be just a few and then I got carried away and did the main Twelve Olympians

A little love for:

Apollon as the God of Foreigners (the Arcadian friendship's harmony with Hermes being the god of travelers/way-god couldn't be any louder)

Aphrodite as a Goddess of the Arts (anything love-themed falls to her by default)

Ares of Civil Order, Defender, and Of Courage

Artemis as the Goddess of Dancing and equal Leader of the Mousai

Athene as the Goddess of Carpentry, Metalwork, and Sculpting

Demeter as Friend of Peace and Law-Giver

Hephaistos as the one with a delicate touch that creates beautiful works of art (It isn't so much unknown but honestly the thing I love most and not the first thing one thinks of with his talents/image)

Hera as the Skillful Bender of Language, Bender of Oaths and Promises

Hermes, God of Peace/Diplomacy, Divine Protector of All, as well as a God of Poetry and Knowledge (rightfully the other half to Athene)

Hestia of the Earth, Earth Dwelling and Delighting in the Works of Man, The One That Made Buildings

Poseidon of Fertility, the Plant Nurturer, and Holder of the Earth

Zeus of the People, Gracious and Merciful, Of Refuge, Counsellor

[dionysianivy]

𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𓇢𓆸

Peony: Asclepius, Aion, Apollo, Leto, Aphrodite

Crocus: Hermes, Brigid, Tyche, Zeus, Persephone, Hekate, Mercury, Aurora, Eos, Artemis

Asphodel: Hades, Persephone, Hekate

Columbine: Aphrodite, Venus, Freyja, Baldr

Flowering Quince: Aphrodite, Venus

Hellebore: Dionysus, Helle, Saturn, Loki, Hekate

Henbane: Hekate, Apollo, Artemis, Saturn

Pansy: Thoth, Hermes, Zeus, Venus, Aphrodite, Persephone

Dandelion: Brigid, Aphrodite, Hecate, Loki, Belenus, Hermes, Helios, Artio

Grape Hyacinth: Dionysus, Hyacinthus

Snowdrops: Brigid, Persephone, Freyja, Aphrodite, Nanna

Forget-me-not: Zeus, Freyja, Aphrodite (named „mouse ear” by her), Adonis

Magnolia: Artemis, Selene, Aphrodite, Kala

Bluebell: Selene, Hermes, Hekate

Lily of the Valley: Apollo, Asculapius, Maia, Mercury, Ostara, Skadi, Baldrr, Artemis

Primrose: Bertha, Brigid, Freyja

Hyacinth: Apollo, Zephyrus, Tyche, Hyacinthus, Quetzalcoatl, Yemaya, Dionysus

Anemone: Aphrodite, Adonis, Blodeuwedd, Artemis, Loki

Lilac: Pan, Venus, Sigyn, Dionysus

Chamomile: Tyche, Hermes, Ra, Helios, Mercury, Hestia, Oshun, Baldr, Hephaestus

Iris: Persephone, Iris, Hera, Juno, Horus, Isis

Easter Lily: Áine, Ostara

Azalea: Persephone, Artemis, Aphrodite

Tulip: Flora, Dionysus, Anahita, Eros, Lilith, Nyx

Gardenia Morpheus, Athena, Artemis, Selene

Lily: Persephone, Morrigan, Hera, Cybele, Artemis, Lilith, Thanatos

Daffodil/Narcissus: Apollo, Narcissus, Persephone, Tyche, Hades, Thanatos

Foxglove: Freyja, Flora, Juno, Dionysus, Áine, Cernunnos, Saturn

Jasmine: Lakshmi, Aphrodite, Vishnu, Selene, Morpheus, Tyche, Hermes, Hel

Wisteria: Dionysus, Hermes, Kanayago, Mercury

Larkspur (Delphinium): Apollo, Persephone, Zephyrus, Freyja, Aphrodite, Poseidon

Phlox: Eros, Demeter, Hestia, Dionysus

Poppy: Thanatos, Demeter, Ceres, Morpheus, Ares, Dionysus

Violet: Ares, Aphrodite, Io, Orpheus, Venus, Attis, Persephone, Priapus, Polukleitos , Dionysus

Carnation: Artemis, Diana, Zeus, Odin

Daisy: Brigid, Aphrodite, Freyja, Venus, Selene, Cernunnos, Hermes, Ostara

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁

Note about this post! These aren’t all the spring flowers, just the ones I have more knowledge about and personal experience with. This list is mostly based on my own interpretation and how I’ve come to associate certain flowers with specific deities throughout my journey as a pagan witch. I’m aware there are many other deities connected to flowers, but these are the ones that came to mind while I was taking notes. I also want to mention that color is probably one of the most important aspects when it comes to associating flowers with deities. For example, Lady Athena is connected with all white flowers, Lady Aphrodite with pink ones, and Dionysus with any purple flower. Elements also play a role, flowers carry elemental energy that can deepen their symbolism or connection to a deity. There are goddesses from different religions who are patrons of flowers and vegetation, like Flora, Chloris, and others, and they’re basically associated with all flowers, so I didn’t include them here since it felt kind of obvious. Whether a flower is traditionally associated with a deity or not, I just want to say, flowers make beautiful offerings, and your deities will absolutely appreciate any plant you choose to give them :D

[satoshy12]

To forget the past is hard. Even if you try to ignore it.

Clockwork is Kronos.

Clockwork is visited by his ex-wife Rhea and she discuss their children and Kronos' disregard for them. Clockwork reveals that he thinks of them, with only a picture of Hestia and a large family portrait of Danny and Dani, while Rhea questions his intentions. They argue again.

++

Kronos, or Clockwork as he was now known, stood at his desk and adjusted his staff, knowing that someone would be visiting him in his home. The ticking of clocks filled the air of his lair in the Ghost Zone, he found it comforting as always. He turned slightly at the sound of a portal opening and sighed as the familiar figure stepped through. He had seen her coming and knew it. 

It was Titaness Rhea, his ex-wife, once Queen of the Titans, standing with an air of regal composure that eons of separation had not eroded. Her presence seemed to fill the room, her aura a subtle blend of authority and warmth. 

Clockwork stifled a groan. While he appreciated her rare visits, they always came with strings attached. What part of him that had changed and didn't need to see her all the time, or at all, didn't she understand?

"Clockwork," Rhea began, using his adopted name with strained politeness. She was still not used to calling him that, but she respected that he wanted to be called that. She crossed her arms and gave him a measured look. "It's been a while."

He turned to face her fully, his ghost tail now flying as he looked at her, hands clasped behind his back. "Indeed. I hope this is a fleeting visit, Rhea. I do have a schedule to keep."

Rhea's lips twitched, not quite a smile. "When is that not your excuse? Still, I wanted to see you. To talk." 

"About what?" he asked, though he already knew the answer. He hoped she would understand that he didn't want to talk about their children and their descendants. The less he thought about them, the better. 

"Our children," Rhea said, her tone pointed. "You've ignored them. Again."

Clockwork raised a brow, feigning confusion. "I have no idea what you're talking about. I've kept her in my mind. I even have a picture of one of them right here."

He gestured to his desk, where a very small but neatly framed photograph of Hestia rested; she wasn't looking at the camera as she worked at her hearth. He took the picture from one of his portals. Rhea followed his hand, her expression unimpressed. She can't believe he only had one picture of Hestia.

Rhea glanced at her ex-husband and wondered why she ever thought he cared. Even if he wasn't crazy anymore. 

Then she pointed behind him, to the huge family portrait that dominated the wall behind his desk. 

It was impossible to miss: a large painting, almost three metres high, showing Clockwork sitting on a chair in the centre, flanked by Danny Fenton and Ellie Fenton. The two half-ghosts stood confidently beside him, their expressions radiant with joy, and Clockwork also had a smile on his face. It had been so hard to get them both to behave the way the painter had painted the picture, so many hours. They couldn't sit still. But he liked the way it was going. 

"You were saying?" Rhea asked dryly.

Clockwork looked back at the portrait, then shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, as if talking about the weather. "Danny and Ellie are my apprentices. I look after them, guide them, teach them. So to speak. Not my children."

Rhea's brow furrowed, her patience waning. "And when exactly were you going to tell me about them? Or were you going to continue pretending I didn't exist for them? Or let me meet them."

Clockwork sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Rhea, we know how things turned out with the other five. I can handle this duo on my own. And Danny is a great hero, as is Ellie at the moment. Really great students."

The mention of their children - Hades, Hera, Poseidon, Zeus, Demeter and Hestia - hung heavily in the air. The bitter history of betrayal, war and broken family ties was not something any of them wanted to revisit. Or that Kronos wanted to talk about, let alone with his wife.

Still, Rhea glared at him, her anger simmering beneath the surface.

"You don't just start like that," she snapped. "Blaming me for how they got out! While praising the ones you took care of, how great heroes they are!"

Clockwork's tone became defensive. "I gave them stability, training and helped them find a purpose. Isn't that enough? Or would you rather I eat them? Or be given to me to eat."

Rhea's eyes flashed. "Don't you dare put that on me. You were the one who..."

"Yes, yes, I know," Clockwork interrupted, his voice uncharacteristically sharp. "The great betrayal I gave you, the swallowing of children, the rebellion of Zeus, how you hid the boy. We're past that, Rhea. I have moved on from the past. Perhaps you should too.

The argument spiralled from there, as it always did. Words turned to accusations, accusations turned to frustration. Rhea's voice grew louder, while Clockwork's remained icy, but no less cutting. The air in the cave grew heavy with tension, time itself seemed to slow under the weight of their unresolved grievances.

Finally, Rhea threw up her hands. "You are unbearable, Kronos!"

Clockwork stiffened at the use of his old name. "And you are implacable, Rhea."

Rhea took one last look at her husband and the painting behind him. Before she left.

"Silence at last. I really should not bet with my own powers whether she will visit or not."

[thedansemacabres]

ARES CHTHONIOS, DEFENDER OF LAND

[IMG ID: A photograph of a dark, smoky landscape that turns the sun a brightly-dim red hue. The background is obscured by the ash, with tall trees in the distance. In the foreground is a single house, the blue hidden by the dark ash, with tall oak trees to the right accompanied by a visible large SUV. The scene is dark and dreary].

I HAVE HAD A HARVEST OF GOOD CONVERSATIONS AROUND THE TOPIC OF DIVINE ARES, especially as of late, and I have begun to find a deeper appreciation for the theos. Beyond what many hellenic pagans have said, of him using rage for justice and an aspect of revolution, in my personal research I found another related Ares: the Ares of Ge, the land defender, close to the Erinys and fertility goddesses, and who casts his dice based upon holy Dike’s will. Ares was a popular deity in antiquity, worshipped across the ancient world, especially in Asia Minor with his likely syncretism with a local deity and Iliac connections. I will begin to follow a journey with Ares to understand him as more than war and slaughter, similar to my endlessly loving dea Bellona, and thus I have found Ares Chthonios.

This will be a general survey of his historical cult and my understanding of it based upon my own actions in activism, land sovereignty, and also my understandings from the devotion to the war, retribution, and revolution goddess Bellona. I will interlude my personal interpretations, but I hope these are clear, and I urge those interested to see my bibliography to understand more about Ares in a less frenzied context. 

ARES, DEFENDER OF LAND 

A strong function of war in antiquity was the defence of land. War often meant the burning of crops and homes, the raping of women, slaughter of children, destruction of hearths, and sometimes even the destruction of sacred groves of the gods. Sanctuaries could also be raided and plundered, such as the case in Rome, and their goods appropriated for other deities and personal use. Another aspect of war was civil control, as states did not desire rebellion. For this we begin to see the binding of gods, Ares, but also Dionysos. The ancient world did not have the food security that we do—and imagining life without more readily stable food, defending land becomes not only a necessity, but an ethical move. Siege spells death through Limos. Without land, you cannot access the hearth of Hestia, nor is there security from enslavement by other poli in antiquity. 

Ares’ less war-bound primary functions lie in this defence of land. He was widely worshipped, with some facets of this worship were for the purpose of defending the homeland. 

He is described as a personification of the yeoman-hoplite, who was also likely a farmer that arose to defend his homeland and farm in times of war. Cultic evidence suggests that he was also often paired with fertility goddesses, such as Despoina, Chthonia, the Anatolian Mother Kybele, and of course Aphrodite. He lacks the direct agricultural association of Mars, but he possesses the inherent relation to the chora: thus placed in the city’s sacred groves.

Us modern people concerned with justice tend towards movements such as land back and decolonialism. Xenia does not permit us to be bad to foreigners and xenophobia is a pillar of modern bigotry. Ares’ power may be used to brandish the spear in the defence of land—especially in these ages of growing oligarchies and fascism, the defense of land and home becomes ever more important. His passion and rage lend well to an activist from giving up, giving us strength to continue on. Instead of empowering doom, we may pray for Ares’ courage in the fights present and cultural wars to come just as the homeric hymnal asks for his courage and manliness to investigate the worshipper. 

ARES, OF THE GROVE 

Worship of Ares is also often found in sacred groves. As a defender of chora, it is internal sense to place him within nature. His shrines were also found in the countryside in the network of interpolis social and spatial focal politics. His association with the Earth is enough to call him one of the theoi chthonoi and more for than just bloodshed. As Cults and Sanctuaries of Ares and Enualios summarises: 

Ares, it would seem, was believed to stand guard over the agricultural land of the polls and served the divine patron of its human protectors as well. When enemies threatened, it was Ares who guided the warriors of the polls in their attempt to pay back their enemy. Thus the mythology of Ares, in which he is almost always opposes the aggressor and is often roused to action by an attack against his children,reflects the essentially parochial and reactive nature of a god intent on the defense of the land under his protection (Gonzales, pg 61). 

As a defender of land, he is keen to strike against those that threaten his children: he attempts to avenge Askalaphos in the Iliad, he fights Herakles for the body of his son Kyknos, he avenges the death of the Drakon Ismenios by transforming Kadmos and Harmonia, and he avenges the rape of his daughter Alkippe. Ares is a god of protection in his own right.

Another remark is that Ares is connected to drakons, symbols of the protection alongside chthonic earth, and groves as a whole. He fathers a drakon and snakes are commonly associated with him, his sacred grove that contains the fleece also contained a drakon. Another remark from the book on his binding to the land states; 

The oracle from Pamphylian Syedra, once again, most clearly articulates the associations between, Ares, Dike, and the well being of the polis and its chora. Physically bound to the city and its land, the power of Ares would function both as an avenging protector and guarantor of prosperity: “thus will he become a peaceful god for you, once he has driven the enemy horde far from your land, and he will give rise to prosperity much prayed for..” (Gonzales, 62.) 

This oracle will be revisited later, but there is a clear line of Ares and protection of the land. 

ARES, OF THE PEOPLE

Defending land is equally the defence of people. Undoubtedly there were ancient Greek warriors that would fight to return home, such as Odysseus, and countless unnamed people. Particularly in the context of Iliac Ares, arete is positioned in war as related to material goods and the sadness women and people express at warriors dying relates to their failure as a warrior; their failure becoming agathos. An agathos brings dishonor and shame as he is not able to defend his home, often leaving women and children in distress (Mary, 4). In Iliac poetry, when a warrior lives, he is then chosen by Ares to uphold his Arete. When it comes to Iliac Ares, it makes me wonder about the portrayal of Ares in relation to this—Ares’ humiliation in the Iliad could be related to this idea of failing Arete. 

In this context of ancient society, Ares is enjoyed by common people who take an active role in the pursuits of war. He was invoked by the state for purposes of defending it, much as Apollon was used for colonialism and in war. Ares as the causal force of war, the dangerous slayer, also rallies people to join in union for the fight, 

Plutarch quotes Archilochus, a poet from Paros, also active in the seventh century, as describing the beginning of the close combat within a battle as Ares bringing together the press of battle on the plain. This idea also appears in a mid-fifth century inscription from Samos, in which Ares is described as having brought together the ships of the Greeks and the Medes in battle. Alcaeus’ Ares is the cause of war, and Archilochus’ Ares brings armies together in the conflict which, as other poets tell us, is Ares’ domain (Millington, 113). 

Another small note from Pindar is him positioning Zeus, god of the polis and the people, as an ally to Ares. The Iliad employs an adversarial relationship between them, but Zeus is also a noted war god—elsewhere it is remarked that Apollon’s lyre tames the spear of Ares and the thunderbolt of Zeus. War and the Warrior: Functions of Ares in Literature and Cult describes the friendlier relationship of Zeus and Ares as, 

In his first Pythian Ode, Pindar describes Ares and Zeus as an allied pair,contrasted with Typhon and the forces of chaos, implying that Ares is integrated into, rather than an enemy of the city and civilization (Millington, 128). 

Thus Ares may be compositied with the other theoi as a defender of people. And looking at his name in epithets of other gods—Athena Areia, Aphrodite Areia, Zeus Areios—he is not constantly of strife, but rather comes into unity with the other gods. His association with the Erinyes only puts this as more explicit, as he avenges the blood oath—giving power to the appropriate parties in the Oresteia to avenge the blood-curse. Just as he is mentioned with Dike, the Homeric hymn pairs him as an “aid to Themis” and “ally of mortals” (Rayor, 99).

ARES BEYOND STATELY VALUES

I do critique any reconstructionist that is going to say “chain Ares”, which while in the modern period refers to limiting or constructing, in the ancient world it was to chain Ares’ power to your homeland in particular. It was to ensure his power, by Hermes, would be favoured and stay on your side. Ares’ worship may be further stood in antiquity through this—the Homeric hymn asks to “quell the rebellious”, which for a state would be a primary function of Ares as he could bring civil strife. From a critical perspective, Ares’ worship in this capacity I believe traces back to a rebellious nature—this is a god that can easily bring civil war and revolution, thus he is worshipped to appease this nature and thus secure stability. Then, equally, as a god that brings bloodlust and rage, he also brings peace and the restraint of bloody desires. A function of worship for many in the ancient world is aversion. The same hymnal remarks on Ares to bring courage, not fear, and to tame bloody desires. 

Considering the need to chain and appease Ares, this to my personal understanding shows a deity deeply concerned with the state in a negative manner to said state. He is a vengeance deity, associated with blood-curses, found in actions such us Klytiemennstra’s revenge. Taking a note from my own dea, my understanding of Ares is that he operates as a vengeance god who contests the state on the basis of state injustice. The gods are far more progressive than ancient Greek society was—considering slavery, misogyny, and strife, I find it of no surprise a god of defending land and vengeance would be such a contrarian force. 

I also think of Harmonia, his daughter. A god who was entirely hate and terror would not father the personification of musical and societal harmony. Many of Ares’ children function in harmonic rather than wholly negative roles—even if Eros is sweet and bitter. 

BELLONA, ARES, AND REVOLUTION

Bellona is the roman warrior and hero of excellence, she holds virtue, victory, and retribution in her hands. Rome before the empire understood war as an act of revenge—Rome tried to create and self-justify expansion as a revenge and divine retribution. She essentially acts as a fury. But this retribution and balancing of the scales could turn inwards, and thus, Rome was in tension with her to stay of moral righteousness, lest she bring down her whip upon the city and strike up civil war. Her methods are bloody and furious, deeply caring about wrongs committed, and very rewarding to the righteous and good that follow. 

I see my dea as a goddess of justice, as retribution for wrong that is done is often a key component of justice. Compared to Justicia, who was used for imperial propaganda, Bellona became sidelined in the times of the empire but her popularity did not wane. In this I see a homoplasy between these two gods: Ares’ masculinity would naturally contribute to his more stately portrayal than Bellona, but he is in enough tension with the polis to require a binding by Dike and Hermes from anxious polis religions. And as he is guided by Dike, justice herself, he must often have very good reason to be a volatile causal force. 

Less on my interpretative notes, this quote gives an idea to modernised Ares worship:

Pamphylians of Syedra, who inhabit a rich land of mixed men in shared fields, plant a statue of bloody, man-slaying Ares in the middle of the city and beside (him) perform sacrifices as you bind him with the iron bonds of Hermes, and on the other side let Justice administer the law and judge him; let him resemble a suppliant. Thus will he become a peaceful deity for you, once he has driven the enemy horde far from your country, and he will give rise to prosperity much prayed for. And you, at the same time, take great pain, either chasing them or placing them in unbreakable bonds, and do not, out of fear of the pirates, pay their terrible penalty. For thus will you escape from all degradation (Gonzales, 2010, 280).

Ares here is directly connected to prosperity and defense of people. And most of all, he can be peaceful. One of Ares’ essential traits is his endless bloodlust and rage, which when guided by justice, gives rise to holy revolution and the passionate urge to do good. He as the gods of these things also gives my senses a modern interpretation of a passage in the homeric hymnal: 

Mighty Ares, gold-helmed chariot master, shield-bearer, bronze-armored city guard, strong-willed,  strong-armed, untiring spear strength, defense of Olympos, father of Victory in war, aid to Themis, tyrant to enemies, leader of righteous men, wielding manhood’s scepter, your red orb whirling  among the seven paths of the planets through the ether where your fiery stallions bear you above the third orbit (Rayor, 99).

While quelling rebellion, it is stated that he also leads the righteous. For a personal interpretation, I can easily see it as such: rebellious men are quelled, but righteous men are led, and oftentimes the revolutionary is a person aspiring for right societal change—the feminist argues against the coil and chains of sexism, the indigenous revolutionary against colonialism, and many such examples. I would never shame the rightful anger of a revolutionary. And this is another aspect of Ares I see: his anger and bloodlust may be channelled for the purpose of societal equity-health and stability. Tyrants in ancient Greece were not initially viewed poorly, but after the ancient Greco-Persian war, tyrants became viewed as an enemy of people and democracy. Ares’ hymn thus describes a stance against tyranny, requiring no imagination for the modern day. 

ENDING NOTES

This post is both a survey and a modern look at the evidence. I urge everyone interested to read Cults and Sanctuaries of Ares and Enyalios: A Survey of the Literary, Epigraphic, and Archaeological Evidence to gain a better understanding of him and to develop the historical literacy on Ares. And for Ares’ darker associations, there are plenty of other texts expressing the rightful  pessimism on war. As a fragment of Archilochus says, Ares is “common” to all people, and war affects us all. But this side of Ares does not have to be the one that people still know him for—he is like my dea in this, still bloodshed and slaughter, but he is also a defender and protector. Just as Dionysos drives people mad and Apollon kills through plague, Ares embodies the dualities and complexities of the conflict. I find it depressing that Ares has not been uncoupled or understood in his darker aspects compared to Athena or Apollon. Several are quick to pick away Athena’s war aspects as a vintage value, even her historical misogyny, but not Ares. This I find to be a shame. 

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References 

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