ts-witchy-archive

[ts-witchy-archive]

2024 Rural Dionysia Announcement

Io! The time of the year has come again for the Rural Dionysia!

How to participate

The Rural Dionysia is meant to be a smaller competition than its urban counterpart, as such, we have selected only 3 categories:

Freestyle poetry

Modern hymns

“Complete the fragment”

Freestyle poetry

Your poem can be about any chosen topic (myth, personal experience etc.) in any written format. It doesn't have to be religious in nature.

Modern hymn

An hymn must sing the praises of a deity of your choice. Unlike the "freestyle poetry", your work must be of religious nature to fit in this category.

Complete the Fragment

Each year, we choose a fragment from an Ancient Greek poet to work with. The challenge is that the initial fragment must be included somewhere in your piece in its original order. This means you can fill the gaps however you want, but you can’t switch the order of the words in your piece or remove words from the original fragment.

Here is the fragment selected for this 2024 edition:

Fragment 113 by Alcaeus (trans. David A. Campbell; Loeb 142)

…kiss…(they) began…knowledge…sits…are…mortal

Here is the Greek text for reference. Note that because the word "they" is implied, it will be acceptable to keep or modify this word.

If in doubt for any of these categories, remember that you can check submissions from the previous years to get an idea of how others have done before.

Submitting your piece

Please submit your piece through submissions on this blog. All entries must be tagged for the category they are being submitted to. but you can only choose 1 category per piece and each person may only submit 1 entry per category each year.

Entries must also be tagged for potentially triggering content and squicks. If your entry needs a trigger warning, kindly add them at the end of your submission and we will take care of adding them in. Check the rules below for further information about submissions.

Calendar of the event

Nov. 16: Official announcement and opening of submissions. Dec. 17: Final submission day. Dec. 18: Vote opening. Dec. 25: Vote closing. Dec. 25-26: Announcement of the winners!

No worries though! We will be posting reminders about each step when the time comes.

General rules

Roleplay and fanfic are not acceptable submissions. This is a religious festival, please respect our faith and do not submit an entry if you are roleplaying or writing fanfiction.

Unlike with the City Dionysia, entries do not necessarily have to be about specific deities or Hellenic polytheism except for the “Modern Hymn” category, which has to be dedicated to one or many gods of your choice.

There are no meter restrictions. This is up to the writer.

All stories, myths, and poems must be entered using the submissions button.

All entries must be tagged for the category they are being submitted to. Entries must also be tagged for potentially triggering content and squicks.

An entry may only be submitted to a single category.

Each person may only submit one entry per category each year.

Winners for each category will be decided by popular vote.

Admins of this blog cannot participate, for obvious reasons. As for now, this includes @thegrapeandthefig @verdantlyviolet

Questions about the rules? Check the blog for past answers, your answer might be in there. And if it's not, simply submit an ask. We'll answer in the best delays possible.

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So true lol. I barely heard anything about this literal ban on social media for under 16s until it was in parliament. And this is happening in MY country. I do love that this is what our tax money is going towards /s

I think it’s so funny that when America faced KOSA (and still does) that we did not hear the end of it online, but now that Australia is implementing a complete social media ban for under 16 year olds that will likely require a ID to verify, I’ve seen like 2 posts.

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a not so gentle reminder, zeus haters are not welcome here.

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Goddesses 

Hestia “To Shine”

Goddess of Hearth and Home and Sacrificial Flame. The First and the Last. Chief of Goddesses.

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Illustrations by Janet and Anne Grahame Johnstone

The four winds

Hermes

Athena, Aphrodite and Hera compete for the golden apple

Apollo appears to Orestes

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I know you weren’t accusing anyone of anything! Sorry I should have made that more clear. I just know that the internet tends to take things and run with them. I saw quite a few people in the comments saying that they stop reading things the second the word ‘Magick’ is used and while I think that approach is valid when it comes to books (obviously if you’re writing a book you would know about ‘Magick vs magic’) but making sure that you have a more nuanced approach with people on social media, in real life, etc is important. Also I generally agree that we shouldn’t use ‘Magick’. Do I think that we have control over that? Not really but ya know, we can still try

Anyways, yeah. I’m sorry I didn’t make that clearer. I’m not accusing you or Aön Re (the person who runs the Temple blog) of anything. It was just a general statement and I do appreciate bringing attention to the discourse around ‘Magick v magic’ because I haven’t seen it since like 2020/21 (but then again I also haven’t been deep in witchcraft community since then).

STOP!! SPELLING!! MAGIC!! WITH!! A!! K!!! ALISTAIR CROWLEY WAS A PIECE OF SHIT!! STOP HONORING HIM LIKE THAT!!!

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Yes! But with this being said, most people don’t know that Magic with a K is associated with Crowley. If you open any modern witchcraft book it will use ‘Magick’ and use it as a distinction between fantasy magic and witchcraft magic. ‘Magick’ is so common place now it’s lost its original meaning to time and most people who aren’t in ceremonial magic spaces do not use it to pay homage to Crowley. Remember that nuance is required and don’t go around accusing people of following Thelema or Crowley if they use ‘magick’. Nuance is important✨

STOP!! SPELLING!! MAGIC!! WITH!! A!! K!!! ALISTAIR CROWLEY WAS A PIECE OF SHIT!! STOP HONORING HIM LIKE THAT!!!

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I'm a bit tentative to reach out to Hekate as my helpol friends have told me she's 'not for the naive' and that I should set up a protection spell beforehand. Is there anything in particular I should know? Sorry to bother!

Khaire!

This straight up sounds like gatekeeping lol. Every Greek deity has had some wild cult worship throughout history, so maybe this is what they're referring to, but it still feels generally incorrect. Granted, I don't know your friends, and I don't worship Hekate directly (I almost did, as she was reaching out), but every time I've interacted with her, she's been extremely friendly, kind, and welcoming; she's never given off a hint of malice towards me. The only time I've heard of needing to protect oneself when doing anything with Hekate is regarding esoteric practices; in no other context have I ever heard about some kind of necessity to protect oneself when interacting with any Greek deities.

In the recent past, there's been a lot of fear-mongering about needing to protect oneself from deities, but I personally believe deities are the protection FROM evil, NOT the cause of it. I don't think you need to protect yourself when interacting with deities in general; I feel it has the potential to come across as offensive and make a bad first impression. This is all my opinion, however, just as how your friends are of the opinion that you do need protection. I highly encourage you to make your own call. What do you feel is the right thing to do? How do you personally want to reach out to her?

Reminder that there is no such thing as a "beginner" deity, and that includes deities who are "not for the naive". I'm genuinely curious who your friends would consider being "for the naive", considering that children worshipped these gods and goddesses. There is no deity that's flat-out off limits within hellenic polytheism. I've met many people who tell me Hekate is motherly and sweet to them; I've had others tell me that they work with much more intense aspects of hers and have felt her presence more intensely, as a consequence. Experiences will always vary between people. This is to say that I disagree with your friends strongly, general speaking. To claim that any deity is "not for the naive" is such a strange take. I'm inclined to believe they're worshipping or working with her more intense aspects, which you do not have to do if you reach out.

Frankly, if you want to reach out to her, I say go for it! Just because your friends said all that stuff doesn't mean your experience with her will be like that. If you're really that nervous, I would encourage asking a deity you're close with to be with you. Just explain that you're a bit nervous and would like some support. I've asked Lord Hermes and Lord Haides to do this with me before, and all went well; just make sure to inform Hekate of the deity's presence once you invoke her, to be polite. I honestly don't know what the hell your friends are talking about lol. Best of luck to you. 🧡

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and whenever you travel and you have to drink new flavored water? it's the worst. hell even if you just travel a 40min car ride the water tastes so different. Have you ever avoided drinking water at a 10hr summit because the water is so gross? yeah. It was in that moment that I decided i could never live in that part of my city. horrible. 0/10

shoutout to all the autistics who cant drink normal water/tap water i c u and i hear u

[ts-witchy-archive]

Hestia Devotional Acts and Offerings

Devotional Acts

Light a candle

Paint the flame of an LED candle red and orange to symbolize an eternal flame

Cook a meal

Have a meal with your (chosen) family

Reminisce with your (chosen) family

Tend to a fire

Bake

Make a quilt

Clean the house/your space

Have dedicated family time

Talk to your neighbors

Get involved with your community

Donate and volunteer within your community

Make a scrapbook

Make tea/coffee/hot chocolate

Sit in front of a space heater to warm up (if you lack a fireplace)

Host a gathering

Veil

Dress modestly

Practice celibacy 

Mend your clothes

Sew, knit, crochet, etc.

Offer her the first and last portions of your meals/offerings to the gods

Make your space cozy and welcoming

Research kitchen witchery

Research herbology

Practice mindfulness, particularly when doing chores

Thank your living space

Do your chores

Take it slow and rest as needed

Offerings

Tea

Teabag fortunes

Tea kettles

Mugs/teacups

Coffee

Honey

Honey bears/honey pots

Beer/wine

Cinnamon

Candles

Vanilla

Matches

Lighters

Incense

Pumpkin flavored things

Pumpkin scented things

Witch’s brooms

Apples

Pig imagery

Pottery pieces

Handmade clothing

Stuffed animals

Family heirlooms

Family photos

Home-cooked meals

Flour/sugar

Measuring cups/spoons

Cooking utensils

Cook books

Childhood toys

Acorns

House keys

Apron/oven mitts

Anything that reminds you of home

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"If thing has scientific explanation then thing no longer feels magical" - skill issue.

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There is a greatness in the names of deities that, when uttered from my lips, fills me with a momentary sense of awe. A quiet and unspoken power that lies within them.

·° ★ *·

Hestia. A humble energy that is both the First and Last of all the deathless Olympians. A welcome comfort in times of trial that brings with her the love of a sheltering home. A soothing warmth that can be found without the presence of a kindled fire, for her arms are open to all and to all she provides an internal flame.

Zeus. An unmatched power that shakes the skies and brings the most indomitable beasts to their knees. A hardy will that bends the sturdy hands of the fates and dishes out blessings and curses in equal measure. A mighty presence that cannot be overshadowed nor overcome by any other, though it is a brief encounter when the name is merely spoken.

Hera. An elegant strength that is carried with the grace of a lioness, royal in nature with a silent yet undeniable authority. A razor-sharp gaze that can cut through the hardiest of stone and pierce the heart of any person who dares to question her rule. A confident presence that knows when to show compassion and when to assert one's power, certain of her worth and limits.

Poseidon. An earthshaking presence that commands the respect of those brave enough to traverse the crashing waves. A nurturing caretaker who oversees the health and wellness of every underwater denizen. A flowing energy that rolls in and out, rising and falling, ever-changing as the tides of life itself.

Demeter. An ever-caring mother of the very land we tread upon, the soil that squeezes between our toes. An unyielding mountain of power that provides for every manner of creature that roams the earth. An ever-changing force with the variability of the very seasons themselves that plants the seed of transformation within every person she encounters, simply by her nature.

Haides. The gentle yet sturdy ruler - the king who rules us all, in the end. The certainty of an ending paired with the uncertainty of the details. The warmth of burying your feet beneath the earth and watching plants grow over them. The curiosity of change in all its forms, and the subtle comfort that comes with its acceptance.

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Offering Ideas!

Offerings can be so difficult to keep up with, but here are a few examples of some daily--or even weekly--offering ideas! These can be used for gods, spirits, ancestors, or any entity, really!

What is an Offering?

An offering is generally something that is offered as a religious sacrifice or token of devotion. This could be a physical item, a digital item, or an action.

Non-Physical Offerings

These are often easier to do, if you can remember to do it! Personally I have to have a reminder on my self care app to tell Lugh and The Morrigan "good morning" and "good night" every day. Here are some other non-physical offerings you can do!

Greetings. Just a simple "hello" or some other pleasantry at the beginning and end of each day.

Pray. Either improvise it or use one that you recite regularly. It's a bonus if you created the prayer yourself!

Sing. Again, you could create your own song if you'd like. This also works if you'd like to play an instrument.

Dance.

Recite Poetry.

Exercise. Dedicating your exercise is a great way to incorporate offerings into a more regular routine!

Chat. Sometimes if I feel like I'm not able to do much else, I will try and chat, almost in the way one would speak to an old friend while catching up. I know some folks who make whole discord servers specifically to talk to their deities or spirit pals.

Write a digital note on your phone. This one is simple and easy and you can do it anywhere without worrying about other people overseeing/hearing.

Meditate. Meditating with the sole purpose of it being an action as an offering is a good way to not only help you feel connected, but can help you throughout your day, too!

Physical Offerings

These involve a bit more work, especially if you're trying to make sure your pets or children don't get into them! But if you have a space you can place an offering, even if it's on a countertop or the topmost part of a bookshelf, then here are some things you can do.

Or consider doing a libation instead--where you pour out a drink instead of leave it out!

Drinks. Alcohol is a pretty common offering but can be rather expensive. Try milk, juice, tea, or coffee. Hell, even your favorite energy drink or sparkling water can be an offering!

Food. Set a portion of your meal aside as an offering.

Tending to plants. If you have a dedicated plant (or multiple!) then tending to them can be an offering in an of itself.

Candles or Incense. This one is as old as...well, candles and incense, I suppose! You can also use an LED light for this if needed!

Cleaning. This is especially good if you're doing it as an offering to house spirits. Also good for deities that reign over homemaking and the sort.

Pick up litter. This is a good one if you're trying to get in touch with local nature spirits.

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Apollo,

King of the Arts,

Protect artists from scammers and AI thieves

May we keep our dignity and earn a luxurious living from our own hard-earned skills

Lord of light, lend us your keen sight so we can detect scammers with ease and attract the most excellent of commissioners

May our love for our work flourish with every stroke, and delight our clients to no end

Lord Apollo, guide our hands and minds as we work hard to create fresh art, liveliness apparent in every detail until our characters seem to push themselves out of the pages

Blessed is your light,

Lord of the Sun and Leader of the Muses

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Yeah basically hair styles. Hair binding is just the religious term tying your hair in a specific way for religious reasons:)

Hestia Devotional Activities

I was cleaning my room last night and found this list on a random piece of paper. I've been worshipping/working with Lady Hestia for roughly 2 years now so I have no idea when these ideas are from but I hope you enjoy!

Pick up rubbish in communal areas

Offer the first or last bites/portions of food your to her

Cooking/baking for yourself or others

Having a candle lit whenever possible (electric or real)

Alternatively, playing a video of a fire place. (This is my favourite)

Volunteering at or donating to homeless or DV shelters

Setting healthy boundaries with friends and family

Tea/Coffee magick is always a great devotional opportunity

Get involved with your local community in anyway possible.

Additionally, getting involved in politics! Advocating for policies you believe will better the community is absolutely in alignment with Hestia and her role in ancient Greece.

Allow yourself to rest (this is UPG but i've always found that she just wants you to take care of yourself more than anything).

Do a chore you've been putting off for a long time and dedicate it to her

Organise to hang out with some friends and/or family

Be kind to others AND YOURSELF!!

Veil or bind your hair!

Wear something red or orange (I normally opt for a red hair tie and bind my hair with it. 2 birds, 1 stone)

Make a devotional playlist for her

While we're on the topic of digital witchcraft, make a pinterest board or a mood board for her

Learn about kitchen witchery

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Ode to Hekate

O Hekate, wonderous, wise;

Queen of Night,

Welcome in Shadows, bringer of light,

Your Moon and Torch Illuminate my paths.

You guide me at the crossroads, Holy Keeper of the keys

O’ Chthonic Goddess! Veiled in Darkness,

You wear a mask of gold in company of the gods.

At night you take my hand in true countenance and wisdom

And I worship you, Holy One, as you appear in all knowledge and age

In all humility and purest soul,

I humbly ask your guidance remain through the dark.

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Just want to quickly remind newcomers to the tumblr witch community - This Isn't Tiktok.

Notes aren't a definition of success here. We don't have an algorithm that bumps things to the top of the dash based on popularity. And yes, it's ALWAYS the memes and shitposts and fandom stuff that gets the attention, compared to that long post about the current moon phase you spent an hour writing. (Trust me, I know.)

You're curating your own experience here. Liking posts is fine, but it's commenting and reblogging that kickstart meaningful interactions and help the posts you enjoy reach other users. Tagging posts is fine, but it's not a guarantee that your post will do numbers and tagspamming will get you blocked.

Yes, tumblr is by and large a fandom space, but that doesn't mean that's all there is. And unfortunately, expecting it to work like other social media platforms is only going to lead to disappointment.

If you want to interact with the community and start discussions, REACH OUT TO OTHER WITCHES. You can post in the tags all day and night, but if you don't make a direct effort to engage with other users by commenting, reblogging with commentary, or asking/answering questions, it's not likely to get you anywhere meaningful.

Consider this an invitation to browse my posts, check out my tags, and get in my inbox - and do the same for other witchy creators whose content you vibe with.

I'm glad you're here. Let's talk about witchy stuff. 😊