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Here's your daily reminder not to leave your candles unattended when lit.

Practice fire safety y'all

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Seasons Greasons from me and the bingus podes <3

Edit by @venort

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can i come over and do this

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31 days of helpol

days 23-24

DAY TWENTY-THREE: What’s a bit of UPG you have with your deities?

Apollon: Apollo likes, like really likes Phil Collin’s- anytime he is on I feel closer to Apollo idk

Ares: raccoons- idk just sm abt them

DAY TWENTY-FOUR: What’s an offering you’ve made that you’re really proud of?

This painting- he’s now with a friend but lords it took so long and turned out amazing

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"Little ones, has your keeper not forbid you from eating the fruits on the tree of old gods?"

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31 Days of Hellenic Polytheism-

17-22 (bc I’ve Had some family ish going on)

DAY SEVENTEEN: Send out some love! Are there any Helpol blogs here on tumblr that you follow and really like?

@justarandomhumanontheinternet and @khaire-traveler really cool dudes

DAY EIGHTEEN: How can you best describe your relationship with each of your deities?

with Apollo? It’s a lot more personal than Ares who is a kick in the ass when I need it… but Apollo has been with me for a long time- its very hard for me to describe how my feelings feel (autism) but it’s like a hand on my back-

DAY NINETEEN: If you had to assign one song to each of the deities you worship, what songs would you choose?

Apollon: sunlight- by hozier ( holy shit what a shocker )

Ares: Maddog- the crane wives

DAY TWENTY: Do you have a favourite aspect of Hellenic Polytheism?

The flexibility- and the community- I’ve met some stellar ppl here

DAY TWENTY-ONE: Are there any retellings/adaptations of greek mythology that you LIKE? Why/why not?

that I like??? The Hades games are really fun- I enjoy them a lot, honestly if you’ve never played them I highly recommend

DAY TWENTY-TWO: Is there an aspect of Hellenic polytheism you haven’t yet gotten to try but hope to in the future? Do you have any other Helpol-related goals for next year?

As goals in general I hope to practice more of the ritual aspects of it- I would like to veil more I’ve not very good adapting my practices to my new environment and routine at college yet

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"magical fey shapeshifter surrounded by regular animals" is by far my favorite cartoon saloon trope

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"the world isn't kind" ok??? Much more importantly are you?????

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31 Days of Hellenic Polytheism

19-16 bc finals are FINALLY over DAY TEN: What’s something you’ve learned about Hellenic Polytheism that you wish you knew sooner?

how to just chill- no your gods don’t hate you, you have depression go outside and touch grass

DAY ELEVEN: What is the clearest sign you’ve received from a deity?

something that happens constantly but here were the first few times that made me go “oh ok”

Crying in the car bc of the stress of a situation and ‘you’ll be in my heart” by phill Collin’s comes on

and then a bit later I was once again cry in the car (it happens some times yk) and it came on again- and a few times after

DAY TWELVE: Do you do food offerings or libations? What do you do with the food/drink after you’ve offered it?

I do- usually I sit them on the aulters then after a bit i move them to an outside aulter (if it’s safe for the environment to otherwise they go in the bin)

DAY THIRTEEN: Do you write your own prayers?

I bearly have time to pray tf, I pray like it’s a constant conversation-

DAY FOURTEEN: Do you have any hobbies that fit any of your deities’ domains?

For apollon: I draw, I used to do color guard bf I went to college, I am knowledgeable in medicine and medical stuff (part because I’ve been in and out of hospitals and doctors since birth) I’m quite literally going to college for emergency medicine

and for ares: I do kickboxing… and i practice being a hater

DAY FIFTEEN: How has your worship changed you?

it’s helped me ground myself- to put energy into something

DAY SIXTEEN: If you could give one piece of advice to someone who’s just starting in Helpol, what would it be?

Don’t take yourself to seriously- your gonna forget worship days… your gonna fuck up- you’ll get to busy… give yourself grace- the gods will be theee when you come back

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Something that's been incredibly exhausting about posting in online pagan and polytheist spaces (or just generally online, tbh) is that it feels like you're constantly walking on eggshells. If you say even just slightly the Wrong Thing™, it feels like you're almost guaranteed to have someone harp on why you're dumb or wrong or weird or whatever. This has been happening a lot to my friends in the Norse pagan community recently, and it's part of why I try VERY hard to be careful with my words. If you create a space where people don't feel comfortable expressing themselves freely, yet claim to stand for freedom, then you've already become the thing you've sworn to destroy.

This post isn't meant to discourage others from posting in pagan and polytheist spaces; it's aiming to draw attention to a massive issue (that likely prevents people from sharing, actually) of people being quick to judge, always on guard, always waiting for the next "attack". A lot of the time, in my experience, people have good or harmless intentions, yet they'll be misconstrued as some kind of monster. It's kind of ridiculous at this point.

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***Since I KNOW someone is going to mention this, I'm not talking about posts that are, like, from Nazis or transphobes or similar; I'm talking about things like devotional poetry, sharing quotes from ancient texts (yes, people are really getting hate for such a harmless act), or even just sharing parts of one's practice. The fact that I even have to add this disclaimer feels like part of the problem, in all honesty.***

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𝐘𝐮𝐥𝐞

The winter solstice 🎄

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What is Yule?

Yule, rooted in ancient Pagan traditions, is a time of profound spiritual significance and celebration. Observed during the winter solstice, Yule marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, when the sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky within the Wheel of the Year. Historically, it is a period rich in feasting, merriment, and magical practices, rooted in ancient pagan traditions. Celebrated from December 21 to January 1 in the Northern Hemisphere and from June 21 to July 1 in the Southern Hemisphere Yule spans 12 days, beginning on the Winter Solstice, and is celebrated with rituals, offerings, and festivities that honor the rebirth of the sun, the changing seasons, and connections to deities or spirits.

The origins of Yule trace back to Nordic Pagan festivals, which began with the winter solstice. The name "Yule" itself carries symbolic meaning. It may derive from juleiss, a Gothic term for a festive month, or from the Anglo-Saxon word for "wheel," a nod to the ever-turning Wheel of the Year. These celebrations emphasized the rebirth of light and the power of community during the dark winter months. Fires were lit to drive away the bitter chill of winter and to welcome the sun’s warmth and light back into the world. These fires symbolized resilience and hope, inspiring those who gathered to reflect on renewal and the enduring cycles of nature. Also known as the Winter solstice, Yuletide is deeply connected to the Celtic tradition of honoring the Sun King’s rebirth. This sacred event symbolizes the return of light and the promise of renewal, hope, and transformation.

Yule remains a powerful time to reflect on the year’s end, set intentions for renewal, and honor the balance of light and dark. In essence, Yule is a celebration of life’s cycles and the eternal return of the sun. Whether through ancient rituals or modern adaptations, its themes of renewal, community, and connection continue to inspire those who honor its magic. From lighting fires to welcoming the Sun King’s rebirth, Yule reminds us of the return of lighter, longer and brighter days.

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Holly King & Oak King

During Yule, the mythical battle between the Holly King and the Oak King unfolds, symbolizing the eternal cycle of the seasons. The Holly King, ruler of the waning year, governs the darker half of the year from Midsummer to Yule, embodying the quiet, reflective energy of winter. In contrast, the Oak King, representing the waxing year, reigns from Yule to Midsummer, bringing the promise of light, growth, and abundance.

At the winter solstice, the Oak King triumphs over the Holly King, marking the turning point from the longest night to the gradual return of light and longer days. This victory signifies the triumph of renewal over stagnation, life over dormancy, and hope over the darkness of winter. It celebrates the rebirth of the sun and the promise of brighter days to come.

The myth of the Holly King and Oak King beautifully captures the cyclical rhythm of nature, reflecting the eternal dance between light and dark, life and death, and the perpetual cycle of rebirth. During Yule, this timeless story is often incorporated into rituals and ceremonies to honor the changing seasons and embrace the natural flow of life. It serves as a powerful reminder of the balance inherent in the universe and the inevitability of new beginnings.

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The Yule Log

The Yule log, a cherished tradition rooted in ancient customs across various cultures, is a powerful symbol of light, warmth, and the cycle of life. Central to Yule celebrations, the log represents the return of the sun, the triumph of light over darkness, and the renewal of life as the longest night gives way to lengthening days.

Traditionally, families would select a large log, often from trees considered sacred, such as oak, ash, or birch, and ceremoniously bring it into their homes to burn during the Yule festivities. Oak symbolized strength and endurance, ash was associated with protection and prosperity, and birch represented new beginnings. Before lighting the log, it was often adorned with seasonal greenery like holly, ivy, or mistletoe, as well as dusted with wine, cider, or oil as offerings to the spirits of the hearth and the divine.

The burning of the Yule log was not just a practical act of creating warmth; it held deep spiritual significance. The fire symbolized the returning sun's strength and the victory of light over the darkness of winter. The ashes from the burned log were often kept, believed to hold protective and healing properties. Some would scatter the ashes over their fields or gardens to bless the land for the coming year, while others used the ashes in rituals for protection or luck.

The log was typically burned for several days, often for the twelve nights of Yule, signifying the transition from the old year to the new. Families would preserve a portion of the unburned log to kindle the following year’s Yule log, ensuring continuity and the protection of the household. During the burning, people gathered around the hearth to share stories, sing songs, and enjoy feasts, celebrating the end of one cycle and the beginning of another.

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The Yule Tree

The Yule tree was an important symbol in Pagan traditions, representing the Tree of Life or the World Tree. It was a way for early Pagans to honor the cycles of nature and the interconnectedness of all life. The tree was decorated with gifts and offerings to the gods, as people hoped to receive blessings for the coming year.In ancient times, the Yule tree was adorned with natural decorations like pinecones, berries, and fruit, which symbolized abundance and fertility. People also hung symbols that were sacred to the gods and goddesses, making the tree a living altar of sorts.

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Magic Correspondences:

Planets: Jupiter, Saturn

Season: Winter

Element: Earth

Time of Day: Dawn

Tarot: The World, Three of Cups, The Star, The Wheel of Fortune

Colors: Red, White, Green, Gold, Black, Silver

Herbs: Sage, Holly, Bayberry, Fir, Ivy, Mistletoe, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Myrrh, Cedar, Pine, Cedarwood, Juniper, Oregano

Fruits: Orange, Grapefruit, Pomegranate, Clementine, Cranberry, Mandarin, Nuts, Lemon

Vegetables: Potato, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Turnips, Cabbage, Onion

Runes: Dagaz, Sowilo, Jera, Isa

Crystals: Black Tourmaline, Turquoise, Garnet, Clear Quartz, Ruby, Bloodstone, Moss Agate, Blue Zircon, Serpentine, Cat's eye

Trees: Cedar, Oak, Pine, Fir, Chestnut

Goddesses: Amaterasu, Athena, Hecate, Demeter, Cailleach Bheur, Frigga, Freyja, Brigid, Isis, Perchta / Berchta

Gods: Baldur, Dionysus, Cernunnos, Odin, Holly King, Oak King, Horus, Saturn, Osiris, Cronos

Dragon: Naelyon

Flowers: Holly, Poinsettia, Narcissus, Christmas Cactus, Daffodil

Animals: Goat, Squirrel, Stag, Deer, Robin, Wren, Snowy Owl, Bear, Wolf

Mythical Beings: La Befana, Yule Goat, Yule Cat, Gnomes, Yule Boar, Krampus, Gryla, The Disir, Elves

Magical Powers: Snow Magic, new beginnings, love, gratitude, friendship, fulfillment, darkness & light, transformation, house blessings, peace, healing, new cycle.

Activities To Do:

🎄 Make a Yule altar

🔔 Decorate a Yule tree with your favorite decorations (dried oranges, holly, garlands, bows, pinecones, and more)

🎄 Start planning for the coming year

🔔 Bake a Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)

🎄 Decorate your Yule Log with ribbons, pine branches, candles, berries, and cloves

🔔 Collect pinecones and arrange them around your home

🎄 Burn small pieces of pine in a cauldron for good luck in the new year

🔔 Drink hot mulled wine

🎄 Craft a wreath

🔔 Create a special Yule Log where you can write your wishes and let it burn in the fireplace

🎄 Hang mistletoe in your home

🔔 Listen to Yule music or Christmas carols

🎄 Sing or dance to your favorite festive music

🔔 Make a Yule magic jar

🎄 Bake spiced cookies

🔔 Connect and spend time with your deities

🎄 Cook as many seasonal recipes as you can

🔔 Perform fire, new beginnings, or prosperity spells

🎄 Exchange gifts with your loved ones

🔔 Write your wishes on bay leaves and burn them to release their energy

🎄 Read about Yuletide traditions and history

🔔 Watch Yule/Christmas themed movies

🎄 Wear seasonal colors

🔔 Spend time with your loved ones, eat together, and play games

🎄 Hang dried oranges around your home for a sweet & festive scent

🔔 Spend time in nature

🎄 Light candles around your house to honor the return of the light, leaving them on until sunrise (keep them in safe spots, especially near where you sleep)

🔔 Enjoy the longest night of the year by staying cozy and doing activities you love

🎄 Meditate in nature

🔔 Host a Yule feast!

🎄 Honor your ancestors during the Yule days

🔔 Drink hot chocolate as you watch your Yule log burn, sending your wishes into the Universe and visualizing them coming true ♡

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Food and Drinks:

Yule Log cake, bread pudding, roasted nuts, gingerbread, potato latkes, Yule ham, roast goose, spiced cakes, cinnamon-flavored cakes, ginger tea, hot apple cider, wassail, seasoned soups, spiced buttermilk bread, nuts, apples, honey, oranges, dried fruits, turkey, roasted meats, mincemeat, eggnog, chocolate, roasted chicken, roasted capon, roasted partridge, roasted suckling pig, venison offal, rabbit stew, fruit mince pies, sugar cookies, grog, spiced cider, mulled wine, plum pudding, marmalade cakes, chocolate biscuits, fruit pies, tarts with nuts, hot cocoa (These are just suggestions for traditional Yule foods, but feel free to eat or drink anything you like! :D)

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useful sources: Wicca: A Modern Guide To Witchcraft & Magick; Encyclopedia of Witchcraft: The Complete A-Z for the Entire Magical World by Judika Illes; Wicca in the kitchen by Scott Cunningham

gifs credit: Pinterest

TipJar🎅🎄

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Nazis will never be welcome in paganism. They have no space in our communities, we will have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to nazis. You have no right to the cultures, gods and religions you hijack to spread your disgusting ideologies. You will find no refuge or comraderie amongst pagans.

Reblog to let nazis know they’re not welcome here.

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31 Days of Hellenic Polytheism 5-9 bc I’ve had work and finals

DAY FIVE: How much have you bonded with your deities?

I’d say it’s a pretty close one… Apollo more than Ares but Apollo is my main boy do yk… dew to school and work I’ve been a little disconnected but I’ve been trying recently to get back in the swing of things

DAY SIX: What’s one way you incorporate Hellenic Polytheism into your routine (daily, weekly, monthly, etc?)

I like to vail- I used to use scarfs but I ain’t got time for that anymore so I use Bennie’s and hats

DAY SEVEN: Are you openly a Hellenic Polytheist offline? How does being open/not being open effect your worship?

I’m open abt it I’m privileged enough to be able to express it like anyone else would with there religion

DAY EIGHT: Do you have altar(s)? If you do, how do you use it? If you don’t have one, do you want one? Why/why not?

yes in lill tin altoids boxes for my dorm

DAY NINE: Is there a practice that’s common among other Hellenic Polytheists that you’re skeptical about?

oh gods I’ve been dreading this one… now it’s not common- or a common polytheist thing but one thing I’ve always side eyed was deity marriage- bear with me- idc what you do in your own practice but when I hear abt it sm in me says “that’s some wack shit” and it makes me wonder if what the person is experiencing is an actual religious experience or religious psychosis…

also the ppl who claimed to be Hellenic Polytheists and then shit on Zeus constantly a little poking fun is fine hey we all do it but some of Y’all take it to far I fear its ok to critique the myths and the cultures they came from but some of y’all forget he’s not all of his myths too

(I’d like to say I’m not an expert nor are my words end all be all- im just a guy with some opinions you don’t have to agree with me)

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31 Days of Hellenic Polytheism!

DAY FOUR: Are there any deities you don’t currently worship but want to learn about?

uh, I think I’d be cool to learn more about like Hades he seems chill

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behind every hot girl there is a deep history of obsessing over a particular time period or historical figure

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31 Days of Hellenic Polytheism

DAY THREE: How long ago did you start Hellenic Polytheism?

Oh gods I’m gonna feel old…. Uh I first started worshipping Apollo in like 2020?? Possibly 2019 but I don’t think it was that long ago… but I really got into the practice and started taking it more seriously 2022 ish