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Witchcraft Basics Masterlist!

Witchcraft Basics and Giggles:

Everything to know before you start! The various practices The Tools healing, protecting, and grounding. shielding and banishing herbs,oils and crystals.| Herbs | Oils | Crystals the sabbatsthe Elements astrology + astrology calendar spells, hexes and curses energy manipulation the various entitis Divination tool Symbology Shadow Work Witchy hack Offerings Grimoire/book of shadows

more master lists!

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Herb's Properties

Basil:  money, luck, prosperity, happiness

Bay Leaf: energy, cleansing, can be charged with almost any intention

Camomile: Caring, kindness, luck, growth, self-love growth, confidence, avoiding negativity, happiness

Cinnamon: passion, quick success, fire magick

Chia seeds: Growth, health, kindness, Property

Chilli flakes:  Pride, confidence, power, strength, Passion

Cumin: Courage, bravery, protection, loyalty

Dandelion: wishes, charisma, success, good luck

Dill: sexual love, luck, protection

Eucalyptus: cleansing, healing, purifying, relaxing, comfort

Fennel:  hate, anger

Flax seeds: Prosperity, growth, new beginnings

Ginger: fiery passion, success, and personal power

Jasmine: love, dreams, sensuality, luxury and kindness

Lavender: love and attraction, purification, relaxation, restful sleep

Nutmeg: luck, Health, Fidelity, Love, Prosperity, comfort, loyalty

Oregano:  comfort, love, warmth

Paprika:  Pride, confidence, power, strength

Parsley: Cleansing. purification

Peppermint: healing, purification, love and energy, cleansing, prosperity

Poppy seeds: protection, intuition, self-assurance, hexing and cursing

Rose: love, beauty, harmony, romance, attraction

Rosemary: cleansing, purification, wisdom, protection

Sesame seeds: Prosperity, growth, health, nurturing

Spearmint: love, cleansing, renewal, blessing

Sunflower seeds: happiness, growth, joy

Thyme: beauty, strength, courage

Turmeric: confidence, creativity, energy

Vanilla: love and sexuality

tip jar

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Ive made a Spotify playlist dedicated to Goddess Selene 🫶🏾

Based on my playlist for her, it has songs that remind me of her and express the themes of the moon, night, serenity, and her divine beauty 🌕

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PLEASE DO NOT USE TIKTOK AS A RESOURCE FOR HELLENIC POLYTHEISM

Tiktok is probably one of THE WORST places to learn about REAL hellenic polytheism because it is rampant with misinformation and most creators are only interested in views and parroting misinformation THEY heard. Yes there are some great and informative creators on there to learn about the hellenic gods but they are far and few in-between.

INSTEAD if you're new to the religion and have no clue where to start researching/learning, here are a few phenomenal creators on here with wonderful and informative posts!

@wisdom-devotee has an amazing guide for starting out in hellenic polytheism

@seasaltdevotion also recently made a fantastic post on resources for starting out

@crazycatsiren has a SUPER long list of resources and research material

@khaire-traveler has possibly the greatest list on subtle deity worship for just about every god

Please actually learn from those of us that truly love and covet this religion and spread information that will truly benefit you.

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You are loved by the Gods. Every part of you is loved and will always be, no matter what you do.

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Hail Selene 🫶🏾🌕

Prayer for Selene 💗

Oh sweet summers Moon, oh darling Selene, you never stop to astonish us all.

You stun us in your beautiful gaze, I will graciously ask to bear such a sight, taking my time to breathe it all in, how is it that you are always endlessly patient and kind? I feel as if I don't deserve such a hand.

You know things that I can't bear like no other, I turn to you in my times of sorrow.

I am filled with loneliness, apathy, and desperation. You never shy away from the wide and expansive emotional sea. You dance on the tides with me, toe and toe in the sweet salty tides.

Oh, sweet loving one. I am so unbelievably blessed in your moonlight, all-shining titaness, we adore you no matter the phase.

I listen to your words now and hear them in my dreams, how am I to please you? How can I be more worthy of your love? I plea to you desperate in this sorrowful seat I am in.

I honor and devote myself to you, oh loving Selene of the Moon. May you always be shining, bless as it be.

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Hey so quick question.

Why do y'all think that the greek gods are mad about elections? Let alone be mad at YOU for how the elections turned out.

Another question. Shouldn't they also be mad about the constant forest fires in Greece every year? The poverty and exploitation of the African continent by their past colonizers? Shouldn't they be mad about what's happening in Gaza? And why are they not mad at the dictatorship in Russia?

I know this is a situation where many Americans are becoming vulnerable... From queer people, people of color, disabled people, and more minorities.

BUT PLEASE TRY TO THINK RATIONALLY. WHY WOULD THE GODS BE MAD AT YOU FOR SOMETHING YOU CAN'T CONTROL?

Also. Don't believe everything you see on TikTok and stop fear mongering PLEASE.

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Hail Aphrodite 🫶🏾

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Libations

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

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

Typical Libations

Wine (typically red)

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

Milk

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

Honey

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

Fine oil (typically olive)

Oil historically symbolizes life, prosperity, and the divine spirit.

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

Giving Libations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Libations in Secret

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

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

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

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

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

Worried about wasting drinks? Offer a smaller amount!

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

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

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

A minor? Do your libations at school!

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

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

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🙌🏾

˚⊹ᡣ𐭩 Respect ♡ˊˎ-

I haven’t been working with the gods for long, so this probably isn’t my place to say this, but seeing young people on TikTok treat the gods as their bestie after a week and being disrespectful to them makes my blood boil.

“I called Apollo a man-whore and he got mad🤪”

YOU DID WHAT.

OF COURSE HE GOT MAD, WHAT WAS THE THOUGHT BEHIND THIS???

I get it. The Greek gods are quite forgiving and can even be quite funny! I’ve experienced it first hand! Especially Apollon and Hermes are usually in for a joke.

But you can still be respectful.

I am clairvoyant, I can hear the gods, and I am not exaggerating when I tell you at least 5 of them have told me “wow, you are so respectful and speak so politely.” They were not surprised, perse, but they were so appreciative of it.

Of course dynamics can change over time. Things become looser and more chill. Sometimes it becomes paternal, or even loving, and then you can become a little less formal. But you can still. Be. Respectful. There is no reason not to be.

I do not wish to speak for the gods here, so please don’t take it as such, but I expected this to be common sense and it apparently is not.

I’m also very open to hear your thoughts, so feel very free to share them! Especially if you disagree, honestly, I am always open to try and see things from a different perspective!

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Books for Hellenic polytheists! 📚

For an easy overview of ancient Greek religion, read Jon D. Mikalson’s Ancient Greek Religion and Ancient Greek Cults: A Guide by Jennifer Larson.

For a complete overview of the key concepts of ancient Greek religion, read The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Greek Religion and A Companion to Greek Religion.

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🎐Ideas of devotional acts for your Deities🎐

Adhara post introduction: Hello lovebugs! Hope you're having a great day 🥰🥰 today's post is about devotional acts; which are very important to have a deeper connection with your deities, but also as a form of putting your energy on its own axis! Any doubts you can message me and I'll try to help you the best I can :)

🎐Having a hobbie🎐

Having a hobbie in honor of your deity is something that can be both a form of relaxation but also a form of connecting deeper with your Deity. If you work with Athena, you can, for example, learn a new language as a devotional act! If it's Apollo, you can try writing poems or music, does it make sense?

🎐Learning about your Deities story, it's myths and also their epithets🎐

I'll make a post about epithets, but I also think that learning your Deities epithets is as important as learning their myths and their story. I know (and hope) that everyone did their research about their Deity. But the searching and learning are more on a deeper level. Try reading books dedicated about their myths and etc.

The epithets are important in case of what you're going to work with your Deity!

🎐Making playlists🎐

Music is something that everyone likes, and playlists are something very common for us, so why not making playlists for your Deities?

There isn't a rule to do a playlist for your Deity, you can do it based on songs that makes you feel their energy, songs that you they can like based on their personality, or simply based on their epithets! Do what you're most comfortable with it!

🎐Wearing Jewelry🎐

Wearing jewelry is a form of being connected, especially if you need a form of comfort. Take this as a way of having their energy with you. I have two devotional jewelry to two of my Deities, and I plan to have two more devotional jewelry to my other two Deities.

So, having devotional jewelry is a devotional act! Since you're making sure to carry a "part" of them with you!

🎐Wearing the colors of your Deity🎐

You can wear clothes that have the color associated with your Deity!

It's a form of honoring your Deity in a subtle way, and also in a way that it's comfortable for you. An idea for doing this is on the day dedicated for your Deity, for example, at Friday, for Aphrodite. Obviously, it's only an additional idea. Take it if you want or feel comfortable, lovebug!

And lastly because I'm running out of ideas haha:

🎐Take care of yourself in honor of your Deity🎐

Taking care of yourself can also be a devotional act! If your Deity is inclined to health; take your medicine in honor of them, if they're inclined to love; have a skincare routine or try loving yourself in slow steps; if your Deity is more "imposing"; try making sure to have more attitude and saying no if you have difficulty doing so.

Another thing is; connecting yourself with nature not only to reconnect with your energy, do gardening, go walking through the park, have contact with animals (as long it's safe), go the beach, take long walks at night if your Deity has connection to the night or darkness.

That's a few of my devotional acts ideas you can have! Hope it helps you all, and if you have any struggle, you can DM me and I'll try my best to help you 💕

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Your Polytheist reminder that if you have altars in your home, then ...

Your housework is tending your temple.

Vacuuming, cleaning up the clutter, dusting... all of it.

Housework suddenly becomes not only easier but spiritually fulfilling when I play music and envision that I am not cleaning my bedroom or apartment but in fact cleaning my modern day temple.

You can dedicate cleaning each room or each corner to a specific deity if you like in addition to your altars.

Cleaning itself is not only great active meditation (it's when I get my best deity insights, such as this very post) but is such an underrated act of worship and devotion.

Witchy tip: sweeping dust etc out the door is a super effective cleansing activity that doesn't require expensive herbs or other ingredients.

Go forth and clean thy temples, babes. 😘🕯🧹

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Every day I’m reminded of what a blessing it is to love and be loved by Hestia. She’s like an older sister, a mother, an aunt, a grandmother. A caring friend. She’s comforting, gentle, and patient. I can talk to her about anything and she knows just what I need. Her divine love is as warming as cozying up by a fire. I feel her comforting me when I wrap myself up in a blanket or sweater. I hear her laughter in crackling wood flames. How lucky am I to worship her? She breathes life into me and I am strengthened by my devotion to her.

Thank you Blessed Hestia. I trust you. I honor you. I love you.

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☽☾queen of night☽☾

Here's a devotional piece I drew for Lady Selene <33 it's based on Bouguereau's painting titled Evening Mood, as it always reminded me of her . Hope you like it <3

I'm trying something a little different with my art , as in I'm trying to include more colors to make it pop more if that makes sense :')

Also I added stars around Lady Selene's crescent moon because she's often described as being surrounded by stars , as if they dance around her in a way .

( divider made by me <3 )

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Offerings for Deities

It’s been a while since I’ve made a post. I’m going to address one of the most frequently asked questions I receive: How do I give offerings? For some reason, many beginner books don’t dive into the specifics of this religious practice which many are unfamiliar with. Hopefully this will help.

General Rules:

Offerings are given as thank-yous, as little gifts to say that you appreciate the deity’s existence. They don’t have to be expensive, but they should be special in your eyes. For example, I often offer donuts or wine simply because I don’t buy those two things often.

Offerings should be appropriate for the deity you’re giving them to.

You’re allowed to get creative with offerings–in fact, the Gods even prefer that you do!

How often you give offerings in accordance to your practice is up to you.

You may give apology offerings for any offense you think you may have made.

Prayers, songs, playlists, and there intangible gifts still count as offerings.

You do not need an altar to give offerings. You can give offerings anywhere, at anytime.

Simply saying “This is for you” makes the object an offering.

Food Offerings:

Most food offerings are eaten after being offered. The main exceptions are Greek chthonic deities, and ancestors, in which case you do not eat the offerings. Research your specific pantheon to make sure if eating is appropriate or not.

There is no set amount of time to leave out food offerings. In fact, many worshippers will eat said offerings right after they offer them.

If you do not eat food offerings, you may throw them away, saying something like, “Though I discard these physical offerings, the spiritual offering remains”.

You may also bury the offerings. Make sure that the offerings will not harm the surrounding environment or animals. Do not bury them in a jar or plastic bag.

If you offer herbs, you may either burn them using a charcoal block or cauldron, or you may throw them out/bury them. While burning is certainly traditional in many pantheons, do not feel the need to if you will be bothered by the potent smoke or handling fire.

Liquid Offerings:

Liquid offerings are handled in the same way food offerings are, with the exception of oils.

You do not have to drink oils after offering them. (Drinking straight olive oil is pretty gross, and please DO NOT drink harmful essential oils!) I recommend pouring them into the ground outside, or into the trash can.

You may pour liquid offerings into the offering bowl, or, you may keep the liquid offering in a cup. I have a special teacup that I often use for offerings such as tea, but any regular teacup will do. After all, you are offering the liquid, not the cup.

Incense and Candle Offerings:

According to tradition, these offerings must be left to burn out on their own. I recommend lighting small tea light candles for these offerings, as big candles burn for a long time. However, some modern Pagans may blow, rinse, or snuff them out early to prevent a fire hazard.

Make sure to be present while the offering is lit, and make sure nothing catches on fire.

If you are bothered by incense smoke, using an essential oil diffuser or unscented candle works fine.

Although many Pagans recommend incense as a general offering, you do not have to offer it, or any candles, if they bother you.

Plant Offerings:

If you offer a plucked flower, you may leave it on an altar or table until it withers. Afterwards you may throw it away. Basically, you handle it as any other friend would had you given them a plucked flower.

If you offer a growing or potted plant, tend to it as you would your other plants. If it dies, that’s okay. Simply discard it as you would normally. The Gods understand that plants die, and They appreciate the beauty of plants while they last.

Other Offerings:

For objects such as stones, shells, or family heirlooms, keep them on the altar or somewhere else special. Ideally, you will not need to throw these away. If they get damaged somehow, and if you cannot repair them, you may throw them out, but give an apology offering and try to replace them.

For artworks or crafts, place them on the altar or hang them somewhere. Don’t sell your offerings; they are gifts you gave to the Gods and not yours to sell.

For songs, play or sing them anytime you’d like to connect or give something to your deity.

For writings, you may keep them, or some people might burn them to “send” to their Gods. Whichever way is up to you.

For e-shrines or other technological offerings, keep them saved in their own folder, keep them nice and up-to-date.

For magical tools, such as grimoires or wands that you dedicate, feel free to use them as normal. Just take care of them, and remember to thank the deity you devoted them to once in a while.

For daily or private actions, such as cleaning, giving to others, etc., simply think “This is for you” or send your energy to the God, and finish the action.

You may say prayers out loud, write them down, or simply think them in your mind. All are perfectly legitimate.

I hope I got all of this. Feel free to reblog or message with corrections, since I know I don’t know everything about every pantheon. Have a beautiful day, and have fun worshipping!! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

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Hi I realise that this probably isn’t the kind of ask that you usually get but I’ve been wanting to get into Hellenic polytheism for a little while now but have no idea where to start. Are there certain books or texts I should read? Are there values or rules I should know to follow? do I need to be of a specific nationality or worship specific gods within the religion? How do I pray and make altars? Are there specific clothing garments that should be worn?

again I’m sorry for the bombardment of questions but I have been scouring the internet looking for how best to go about this and have found nothing so I thought it would just be best to ask someone.

thank you in advance if you do end up answering this but if you don’t that’s understandable and thank you anyway :)

Hi there! It's alright. I'm open to all sorts of asks and happy to help!

Before we get into it, I'll be talking about some things that might be quite traditional, things I use as someone who relies on historical accuracy in my practice to a certain degree. You don't need to strictly do everything like the ancients did. If you'd like to reconstruct in your practice that's awesome. I know from my own experience that it can be difficult at first, so don't be too hard on yourself if you can't do something. It takes time, patience and a lot of learning.

Texts

IMO the basics are The Iliad, The Odyssey, Theogony, Homeric Hymns and such.

Theoi.com is a fantastic resource for myths, cults, and historical information on the gods. The website has a library where you can find plenty of classical texts.

Here's my post on how mythology applies to religion. I'd like to edit it soon and add a couple things but maybe you'll find it helpful.

These also might be helpful:

Perseus Digital Library

Sacred Texts - classics

What to avoid:

Hellenic Online Groups/Forums to Avoid

Authors to Watch Out For in Hellenismos

Rules

You don't need to be of a specific nationality, ethnicity or come from a specific background. It's an open religion, meaning everyone's welcome regardless of where they come from!

There is no one specific strict set of rules one needs to follow in order to be a Hellenic Polytheist. There are certain customs, for example when it comes to worship and of course, remember to learn and respect the culture and the tradition.

If we observe the history, there are things that might seem like some form of rules but it didn't just regard the religion. It was also about functioning in the ancient society and religion played an important role in said society. Not all of these rules may be applicable nowadays, though and they could vary in different regions.

Some of them include:

Don't violate Xenia

Stay true to your oaths

Don't allow Agos

Don't abuse supplicants

Stand against murder

Bury the dead

Try to approach the gods while washed

Obey sacred laws (they varied depending on the sanctuary)

Respect Pythia

Do not steal from temples

Now, in the modern-day reconstruction of the Ancient Greek religion, these are the so-called Pillars of Hellenismos:

Ethike Arête - the practice of habitual excellence

Eusebia - reverence, loyalty, and sense of duty toward the Gods

Hagneia - the maintaining of ritual purity by avoiding miasma

Nomos Arkhaios - observance of ancient tradition, (religious) law, and customs

Sophia - the pursuit of wisdom, understanding, and truth

Sophrosune - the control of self through deep contemplation

Xenia - adherence to hospitality and the guest-host relationship

It's more of a modern thing created for the purpose of reconstruction and has its origins in philosophy. They're pretty much the ideals the ancients admired and strived for, which can be mirrored in one's practice. I think they can be quite helpful. Not everyone follows the same pillars, however. They may vary depending on the practitioner.

Prayer & altar space

Your altar can be as extra or as simple as you want. Essentially, it's a space you dedicate to the gods. The altar doesn't need to be super big or too fancy. It's up to you. You can have one altar for multiple gods or a general home altar. It's quite practical. You can also have separate altars to the deities of your choice but that's not a requirement. For example, I have a general altar for Theoi where I normally pray and make offerings and separate altars for my patrons.

Some "basic" elements an altar could include are:

Candles

Something to burn the incense

A place for the offerings, e.g. a plate/bowl

A depiction of the deity, e.g. a statue, drawing, image

Something that reminds you of the, e.g. their symbols

You don't need to spend a fortune. Handmade things are always a good way to honour the gods.

If you need to practice in secret you could make a "hidden" altar. I mentioned it here: LINK

When it comes to prayer, traditionally there are some customs depending on the deity:

When praying to Ouranic [heavenly] Gods, one should stand with hands outstretched in the air and palms facing upward

When praying to Chthonic [underworld] Gods, hands mustn’t be raised, and the prayer should be murmured

When praying to Einalic [sea] Gods, Nymphs and spirits of the earth, arms must be spread wide towards the sea; the hands are also be facing the cult image

You can pray out loud or silently, though. I often do it "in my head" whenever I can't do it out loud.

One more important thing. I won't ramble about it here but here's a great post about purification and miasma: LINK

Getting dressed

It's not required to wear a certain type of clothing however, if you're down for something like that veiling could be an option. Its purpose was to exhibit modesty. It was a common practice among women but it was not exclusive to them, men did veil as well.

It's a good way to honour Hestia, for example as she's known to wear a veil herself.

Here's an amazing post about it listing different styles: LINK

The most well know form of veiling involved using Himation, a rectangular cloak or shawl wrapped around the body and thrown over the left shoulder, like on the picture above but a more simple way to veil could even be wearing a beanie.

Or... you could always do it Achilles' way lmao! ↑ Whatever floats your boat!

Additional links

Here are some posts that might be useful:

Hellenic Polytheism Masterpost

Hellenic Polytheism 101

Cheat sheets for Hellenic deities

Offerings (traditionally)

Misinfo about Hellenismos

Hubris