#hellenic oracles

[wayfind-er]

Seers in Ancient Greece

[long post under the cut]

Foreword This post primarily focuses on the responsibilities of being a Seer in ancient Greece. It discusses at length and refers to oracles as strictly divine announcements from the Gods and the location where divine messages are received. Some people may not agree with my definitions. I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the modern association with oracles as a role someone could be; however, I find this to be more of a modern association than something rooted in historical sources. That's not to say that people cannot call themselves Oracles, but it is just not the focus of this post.

Understanding the Oracle

When you think of an Oracle, you may immediately think of the oracle of Delphi; however, the Pythia—Priestess of Apollo most associated with oracles—would not have been called an oracle by locals.

The etymology of oracle comes from the Latin verb, ōrāre ("to speak"), and the Latin word ōrāclum ("divine announcement").

You couldn't be an Oracle; instead, "oracle" referred to the oracular center (such as the oracle of Delphi) and divine messages from the Gods themselves.

In ancient Greece, these divine utterances were called the chresmos¹, and those who interpreted these were called Chresmologoi, a type of Manteis or Seers.

The Pythia were Priestesses of Apollo (an official job) who delivered oracles (divine announcements) in an oracular center (the temple where they received the divine announcements)—this made them Manteis (the ones who interpret omens).

ʚଓ ⁄ Oracular Center & Deities

Seer, for the sake of brevity, is an umbrella term for those who interpret omens.

Seers did not necessarily have to be Priests or Priestesses devoted to a deity, and not all Temples were oracular centers with a Seer stationed there.

In antiquity, only a handful of deities bestowed divine announcements.

Apollo was the most predominant oracular deity. However, Zeus, Demeter (only concerning sick individuals), Hermes, and certain deified heroes (Amphilochus, Trophonius, Heracles, etc.)² also had oracular centers associated with them.

Some of them, such as the oracle of Hermes in the Marketplace of Pharae, did not require consulting a Seer.

Instead, you approached a statue of Hermes, gave offerings, and whispered the question into the ear of the statue. Then you'd cover your ears until you left the marketplace, and then the first thing you heard was the oracle.

Consulting a Seer was often a privilege afforded to the wealthy and influential. The Oracle of Delphi, the most popular oracle, was closed for the winter months, and oracles were delivered only on the Seventh. Not to mention that at Delphi, the most influential had a special privilege called promanteia, which allowed them to skip the line³. Even if you wanted to consult a Seer, you often had to plan in advance and prepare well.

You were never guaranteed an audience, and as such, many people of the time sought to receive oracles without a Seer.

Receiving Oracles Alone

As a reminder, oracles refer to the divine announcement and/or the location where the message was received. Seers interpret the oracles from the Gods and deliver them to the querent.

Consulting a Seer was not possible for everyone; however, divination was still a large part of ancient Greek culture⁴—from planning events to waging wars, every major decision was discussed with the Gods.

Remember that a Seer interprets the omens from the divine; anyone could do it. There are literally hundreds of methods to do divination⁵, and the ancient Greeks knew that.

The most common (and perhaps the oldest) method was to observe the behaviors of birds as omens.

At the Oracle of Hermes in the Marketplace in Pharae, querents ask a question to a statue of Hermes and then hear the oracle in the words of those around them as they leave.

At the Oracle of Heracles at Bura, querents would roll dice in front of a statue of Heracles, and the position of the dice constituted the oracle.

Interpreting dreams was another common method of interpreting omens from the Gods⁶. In fact, as early as AD 180 and 210 (at the height of Classic Antiquity), Artemidoros wrote a five-book manual called Oneirocritica ("The Interpretation of Dreams") that detailed how to analyze dreams. By this point, many other books detailed dream interpretation; however, Artemidoros' was regarded as the best of the time.

"Various sortition methods involving dice, numbers, and knuckle bones existed, employed for knowledge of the future not only in formalised oracular settings but also in public places, which provided consultants with a set number of possible replies which they could use to apply to [...] their personal circumstances. ...[O]ther methods were also believed to provide divine guidance, from the surface of water to that of mirrors⁶."

So, Why Do Seers Matter?

We've already established that consulting with a Seer was a privilege afforded to the wealthy and influential and that oracles could be received without them (either by going to an oracular center or interpreting the omens themselves). So, we must now ask ourselves why people sought out Seers to begin with.

"The importance of the hiereus was largely determined by the prestige of the divinity and cult he served; by contrast, the authority of the mantis depended entirely on the 'reliability of his prophecies.' [...] While both perform animal sacrifice, only a mantis possesses the ritual know-how that allows him to interpret the divine will from, among other things, the appearance and behavior of the inner organs of the sacrificial animal.⁷”

Similar to the role of the Hiereiai—the ancient Greek Priest—being a Seer (Mantis) was a job someone had. The polis (city-state) often employed Seers and worked as civil workers.

One of the most common responsibilities of the Seer was to work alongside the Hiereiai and ensure that the Gods were satisfied with the sacrifices and offerings given, specifically during festivals. Seers frequently dealt with animal sacrifices and used the entrails to interpret omens.

It's important to note that not all Seers were bound to specific temples or sanctuaries.

"Priests were attached to particular sanctuaries; seers practiced their craft wherever their skills were needed—in different cities or demes, in public or in private, on the road, at sea, or on the battlefield.⁷"

"Recurrent in both epic and tragedy is the lesson that rulers and military commanders must heed prophetic specialists, even if those in authority find the manteis’ advice unpalatable, as failure to follow the predictions inevitably leads to disaster. As Chilon, the Spartan ephor and one of Greece's ‘Seven Wise Men’ warned: Do not have hatred for divination.⁸"

Seers were much more accessible than the Hiereiai. Seers could be hired and traveled far distances alongside military generals, businessmen, etc.

For those who lived too far from an oracle, they were their primary source for divination. While people could interpret omens themselves, Seers were sought after due to their wisdom.

As mentioned earlier, there are hundreds of different methods of divination, and Seers were considered experts with their specialties. Many were virtually indistinguishable from the Hiereiai⁷.

They could give sacrifices just before battle to appease the Gods (sphagia) and were seen as an invaluable wealth of knowledge on the battlefield. They could prophesize whether a battle would be a success just before the fight. They were often highly regarded, and their advice was generally heeded⁸. The status of a Seer depended on their accuracy⁷, and untrue prophecies reflected negatively on the Seer.

ʚଓ ⁄ Traveling Seers vs. Stationed Seer

Functionally, there was no difference between a Seer that traveled and one that stayed in a specific temple—both, one way or another, received omens from the Divine and interpreted those omens to those who needed to hear it.

Seers stationed at a specific oracular temple were more similar to the Hiereiai.

They most likely came from esteemed families (clans) with a lineage of Seers⁹, as it was thought the "mantic ability" was hereditary. That said, the most important metric to become a Seer was skill. It was not unheard of for “peasant” children with no background to become Seers.

Mantic abilities played a significant role in the prestige of being a mantis.

"Divination was known as manteia: [...] an oracular centre was a manteion, as was an oracular pronouncement [....]. Manteia and mantis are etymologically related to mania (inspired frenzy or madness), as with manteuomai, to divine...¹"

"...[M]ania refers to a range of multifarious conditions, which cannot be concisely described by the words ‘madness’ or ‘frenzy’ used in modern English translation. In Greek, mania also implies divine inspiration or revelation. Any deviation from an ordinary baseline state of consciousness, whether achieved voluntarily or involuntarily [...] could be dubbed mania.¹⁰"

ʚଓ ⁄ Theia Mania (Divine Madness)

Divine Mania is a complex topic, yet it is part of why Seers were so unique. Divine Mania (or Divine Madness) was believed to be the connection between a Seer and the Divine—the source of a Seer's mantic (manic/divination) abilities.

In the presence of the Divine, a Seer would become "divinely inspired" (enthusiastic/enthousiasmos)¹¹ or frenzied.

Plato defined four types of Mania:

Prophetic (foreseeing the future),

Ritual/Telestic (ritualistic release),

Poetic (artistic inspiration), and

Erotic (intense emotions/passion).

This mania—a deviation from the Seer’s ordinary—proved that they were communicating with the Divine.

As noted by Plato and Cicero¹¹, Divine Mania could only be achieved during states of altered consciousness—sleep was a common one; however, being under the influence of drugs (ex. the Pythia) or experiencing illness and delirium were also acceptable altered states.

Messages from the divinely inspired were considered superior¹¹ to those that weren't. However, that does not mean Seers constantly tried to alter their consciousness to have "superior" interpretations.

Divine Mania could be achieved by letting a God "seize" one's body in a practice similar to channeling. It took many forms, from inviting the Gods into one's space during a ritual to feeling a sudden, compulsive need to create, to being overwhelmed with emotions, to experiencing symbolic dreams or visions. This was called mantikê atechnos, a divine gift or gift of divination¹¹.

It is important to note here that Divine Mania occurs when a Seer is inspired by a Divine being and/or is in an altered state of consciousness and behaves differently than their baseline. Being in a state of Divine Mania does not necessarily mean you act outside of societal norms; however, it definitely can. If you are naturally and consistently excitable, then being divinely inspired may slow you down and dull some of that excitability. Divine Mania will not look the same in every Seer.

ʚଓ ⁄ Indirect Divination (Art of Divination)

While Divine Mania was considered a superior way of connecting with the Gods, we have to acknowledge that not every Seer could or did use this method.

As mentioned earlier, there were hundreds of different divination techniques, and Seers were experts with specialized skill sets. They had different titles that suited their skill sets.

I won't discuss every technique here. However, this wouldn't be complete without mentioning some of the more common titles people had.

Manetis (s. Mantis) interpreted omens (birds, natural phenomena).

Chresmologoi maintained a collection of previous oracles and selected an oracle to recite based on the situation.

Theiasantes used tools of divination (ex. dice) to make prophecies.

The Oneiropoloi used dreams to forecast prophecies.

Bringing it all Together

It's time to review everything we discussed. For starters, you could not be an Oracle in antiquity—it was something a Seer gave or a place you went.

Being an oracle was not a job you could get appointed; however, being a Seer was. Seer, just as a reminder, is an umbrella term for those who interpret divine announcements ("oracles") from the Gods. They are typically bound to work at a specific temple or sanctuary like the Hierari do, often traveling around and delivering oracles as required. In a time where divination was everything, Seers gave the layman a way to connect with the divine.

Seers were sought after due to their mantic (manic/divination) abilities, which allowed some of them to experience Divine Mania or an altered state of consciousness. This was an impressive feat at the time, as Divine Mania was associated with being in the direct presence of the Gods; however, it's important to note that not all Seers experienced this.

The gift of divination comes in many shapes and forms for many Seers, yet the importance of this role cannot be understated. Seers served as civil servants for their communities and bridged the gap between the mundane and the Divine for many.

Divider by @/sister-lucifer [1] Dillion, "Omens and Oracles," 5. [2] Smith, "Oraculum," [3] Flowers, "The Seer in Ancient Greece," 2. [4] Ulanowski, "Greek Divination in War," [5] Dillion, "Omens and Oracles," 3. [6] Dillion, "Omens and Oracles," 263. [7] Dignas, "Practitioner of the Divine," 16. [8] Dillion, "Omens and Oracles," 2-3. [9] Dillion, "Omens and Oracles," 55. [10] Ustinova, "Divine Mania," 2. [11] Ustinova, "Divine Mania," 55-57.

Updated March 7th, 2025.

[tarotbyjam24]

Pick a card : Lemme describe your bf\gf\fs\lover\crush :

pile 1 pile 2 pile 3 pile 4

Likes , reblogs and feedbacks are very much appreciated 💗 Thankyou for stopping by let's dive in ☄️ Choose the pile you feel most drawn to 🧸

Masterlist \ pick a piles feedback

Disclaimer: this is general reading . It may or may not resonate . If reading doesn't resonate let it fly and choose another pile or simply there were no messages for you through this reading 😊 Take the reading lightly as nothing's set in stone until you believe so 🕊️

Exchanges : open , collabs for paps : open

I also offer paid readings you can book one as it'll help me a lot and don't forget to check the free readings offer ✨

Pile एक

funny without trying

doesn't hide you from their friends

sometimes boastful

extremely popular

knows everything about you

extremely smart

sometimes sassy

loves to look after you

usually hungry

sometimes rude without knowing it

loves listening to rap

never at home

doesn't realise they're very hardworking

sometimes feels underrated

remembers everything about you

sometimes pessimistic

get your personalised readings

Pile दो

18+ read at your own consent

Reckless

very indecisive

always eating

a bit of a fattie :D

party boy

gives the best advice

yolo mindset

best outfit/music taste

Doesn't care what other think

JEALOUS AF

Loud af

Dom

"ooh, sexy"

"Babe"

"How do you feel?"

*SPANKS*

Horny 24/7

Your friends like his look but hates his personality

"Send Nu*es"

"Nice Ass"

BUYS EXPENSIVE SHITS TO EXPRESS HIS LOVE OR APOLOGIZE

LOYAL BUT HARDLY SAY NO FOR A GOOD ASS

huge book reader

obsessed with one girl

quiet but loud

comfort > style

with the right people

best secret keeper

get your personalised readings

Pile तीन

ALWAYS looking at you

acts goofier around you

warm hugs

sends "this reminded me of you" texts

remembers every single word you've ever said

princess gf - bf who does anything to see her happy "baby"

"that's cute"

"hmmm?"

falling asleep on call

You've good taste in music

gm and gn texts

holds hands with you

"i can't wait for our future together"

big hands

"doll"

"go ahead... what "speak up. "were you saying?"

"don't be shy"

-grabs inner thigh-

holds your chin up w/Index finger and rubs lower lip w/thumb while making eye contact

"when they smirk and lick their lips"

"eye contact"

madly needs your attention

always ready to fight for you

impulsive and stubborn

seems terrifying but he's a warm bean

"duuude"

doesn't like horror movies

gives and wants kissies all the time

moms love him

high pitched scream

always fails when he tries to intimidate you

does everything to make you feel safe

"yooo"

enjoys causing chaos

pretty good at video game

feels a lil insecure sometimes

has some chad energy

can be hella sassy

afraid of being put aside

get your personalised readings

Pile चार

super clingy

wants forehead kisses

loves to sit on ur lap

spoiled brat

cuddles

short

"call me your angel, anon!"

caring & sweet

veryyy emotional

always sleepy

"yes please"

will cry if yelled at

sub

"i love you, anon :("

apologizes 24/7

tall straight ADHD bf who loves games - 5'3 mentally ill gf who loves astrology

actually a huge nerd

protective af

secretly gay

super duper nice

very pretty eyes

insecure

music

lowkey clingy

og sk8r boy

loves 2 cuddle

likes plants a lot

old soul

probably the coolest person u will ever meet

loves cartoons

handsome af but also pretty af

baggy clothes

get your personalised readings

I hope you liked the reading . Thank you so much for letting me read for you . Wishing you best ahead . 🎀Bless you and have a nice day🌸🐰 I'd love to hear which pile you chose

Loads of love , jam🩷

[hecatesdelights]

The Oracle at Delphi

[chthonic-sorcery]

🚩🚩"Witch/Pagan" community PSA 🚩🚩

Goêteia is not evil, you dipshits.

I'm so sick of these neo-pagans getting all their information from Tumblr, Pinterest and TikTok.

Goêteia is literally just the Greek term for magic, for sorcery, which were one and the same.

Ancient Greece didn't have the word "witchcraft" it had Goêteia, and then later mageia, where we get our modern term magic from, although mageia was a misappropriated term from Zoroastrian priests or Magi.

It's so funny seeing baby witches claim Goêteia to be evil on one hand, then on the other worshipping Hekate, literally the goddess of Goêteia. The goddess of sorcerers and necromancy.

It screams puritanical morality policing. It's such a christian-centered way of looking at ancient religion.

Y'all need to open a damn book.

Goêteia was described as a "lesser" form of magic (mainly in the later Medieval period, roughly starting around the 8th century,) not meaning any less powerful, just simply the easiest or "closest" thus "lower" magic to achieve. This ability to more easily achieve success in magic was later taken and used by christian theologians to paint goêteia and Goêtes as "lesser practitioners."

There does seem to be little difference between Theurgy and goêteia as well,

Surprise!

Both Goêteia and Theurgy sharing the same goddamn workings through evocations of gods, the animation of statues, mediumship or what could be considered "divine possession" having a god or spirit speak through you, the use of iynx wheels / iynges, and mystery rites.

The only 'real' difference Theurgists claim, is that they "don't practice secularly/for selfish reasons" but supposedly rather to become closer to the divine. It's a nice sentiment, but total bullshit, because even in the Theurgic doctrine the Chaldean Oracles they bind the goddess Hekate to do their will.

Additionally, Theurgists had a more Neoplatonic belief, they essentially viewed a singular Oneness as supreme, the emanation from which all things return, a concept which was picked up by early christian theologians and is likely why while Goêtes were demonized in the later centuries mainly by early christians and christian philosophers, Theurgists on the other hand were seen as "pure" and "holier" despite Theurgical and Goêteic practices being pretty much exactly the same down to the tools and incantations.

(Agustine of Hippo for an example of these theologians, who wrote in "De civitate Dei contra Paganos", or "On the City of God Against the Pagans" how all "pagan" (non christian) gods and beliefs were secretly agents of Satan and evil, here to trick humanity into sin and that paganism, essentially any non christian faith, must be stopped–

He also wrote about how sorcerers/magicians (Goêtes) were charlatans, tricksters, that magic and sorcery were merely tricks of an invisible opposition to the divine and how only god could hold such supreme power. These ideas still seem to be deeply embedded into christian faith, particularly Orthodox and Evangelical, today.)

Practitioners of goêteia, the Goēs, was also understood to have the ability to initiate souls into mystery religions, or, in other words, to ensure through his superior knowledge of the Underworld and its workings that the souls under his care would receive preferential treatment after death, an easier way to paradise, such as the Orphic Hymns.

This likely also helped "other" the Goēs, as most practitioners of magic, of goêteia, of these mystery cults were made up of societies "unwanted" or marginalized people, such as women, foreigners, immigrants, the poor, the disabled, and the elderly. Early goêtes were described as being Thessalian (primarily women, particularly described as "old or decrepid") or. ethnically, not considered "fully Greek" to many of the era. Many critiques and fears of goêteia come from this "otherness," the fear the ruling classes of Greece had of groups they continued to harm, they feared the power they held within these mystery rites and practices.

With reliable accuracy from these critics, goêtes were (perceived to be) moral transgressors, who operated from the fringe of society in a private mago-mystical setting, offering their service for coin.

Or, in simpler terms, the Greeks were just really fucking racist

which is nothing new.

In fact, because goêteia itself is a synchronization of mainly Egyptian and Jewish magic, the Greeks and later christians went extra-hard into villifying it because they saw these people as lesser, as barbaric.

We have to understand where the fears and judgements of these critics were coming from, and continue to remain impartial. The ruling elite feared these practices because they feared losing their power, especially rich Greek men, and those early christian philosophers who saw everything outside their own faith as lies, manipulations, or tricks from "the Opposition" as well as the extremely racist and ethnocentric beliefs they held.

[teawiththegods]

☕️SIP OF THE DAY☕️

Remember this whenever anyone tries to claim they are the Pythia.

[reno-matagot]

“Tᴇʟʟ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴍᴘᴇʀᴏʀ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴍʏ ᴛᴇᴍᴘʟᴇ ʜᴀs ғᴀʟʟᴇɴ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ɢʀᴏᴜɴᴅ. Pʜᴏɪʙᴏs ɪs ɴᴏ ʟᴏɴɢᴇʀ ʜɪs ʜᴏᴍᴇ ʜᴇʀᴇ, ɴᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇsɪᴅᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴏғ ʜɪs ᴏʀᴀᴄʟᴇ, ɴᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴍᴇʀɢᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴏғ ʜɪs ɴᴜᴍᴇʀᴏᴜs ᴘʀᴏᴘʜᴇᴄɪᴇs ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜsᴇ ᴛʜᴇ sᴀᴄʀᴇᴅ ᴡᴀᴛᴇʀ ʜᴀs ᴅʀɪᴇᴅ ᴜᴘ.

Bᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ᴡɪʟʟ ᴄᴏᴍᴇ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍɪᴅsᴛ ᴏғ ᴅᴀʀᴋ ᴛɪᴍᴇs, ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴍᴇɴ ᴡɪʟʟ ʀᴇᴠɪᴠᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʀɪᴛᴇs ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴀʀᴛʜ ᴀɴᴅ ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇ ʙʀᴀᴢɪᴇʀs ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɪɴᴄᴇɴsᴇ ᴡɪʟʟ ʙᴜʀɴ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ, ᴛʜᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇ Gᴏᴅs ᴡɪʟʟ ʀᴇᴛᴜʀɴ ᴛᴏ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ʜᴏᴍᴇ ᴀᴍᴏɴɢ ʏᴏᴜ.

Lᴀsᴛ ᴘʀᴏᴘʜᴇᴄʏ ᴏғ 362 ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏʀᴀᴄʟᴇ ᴏғ Dᴇʟᴘʜɪ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴍᴘᴇʀᴏʀ Jᴜʟɪᴀɴ, ʀᴇᴘᴏʀᴛᴇᴅ ʙʏ Oʀɪʙᴀsɪᴜs.

[cosmic-ghost-hermit]

Pick a Card: Message from Aphrodite

I dedicate this reading to Lady Aphrodite. I deliver this message from her to the collective. Take what resonates and leave the rest behind, baby. But always be open to new experiences. Decks used are the star spinner tarot, the romantic Lenormand and occult tarot.

🌸Tip your Reader💖

_________

PILE ONE 🤍

Astrology: Leo, Libra, Virgo (maybe Scorpio)

Song: EVIL by Melanie Martinez

Vibes: Pink, dark purple, aquamarine, peacocks, lions, pheonix, whales, pixies, ship in a bottle, sunflowers, clear night sky, 1010, 2020, 2029

Cards: The Hermit, 10 of Swords, Queen of Wands, Queen of Cups, The Lovers (Gay), Sallos (2 of Cups), Woman, Garden

Hello, pile one. Lady Aphrodite is telling me that you aren't very kind to yourself. She wants this to change. I think you do too. Maybe you aren't sure what being nice to yourself really feels like. No one ever taught you. They taught you how to serve others. They taught you how to neglect your own needs. This isn't helping or working for you anymore. It is honestly just making life harder than it needs to be. I see this self-hatred could be leading you to depression. You try so hard to focus on other peoples problems so you don't have to focus on yourself. Lady Aphrodite says she wants to help you tend to your garden. She wants to nourish your soul. She wants you to learn about yourself and bring light to the darkest parts of your soul.

I am going to attempt to directly channel her.

"My dearest, you aren't undeserving of love. You bring the utmost sincerity to understanding every person and everything around you. I do so wish you would bring the loving energy you do to those topics to yourself. I want to fill your life with abundance. I wish to see you bloom, my flower. I wish to watch you flourish and grow past what you ever imagined was possible. Hear me, little flower. You are deserving of cherishing. It doesn't matter what the crowds say. It is truth. You are deserving of being known to your core. You don't have to fawn anymore to protect yourself. I will protect you from now on, my darling. Those previous lovers did you no good. Self-love is where you must begin. Start at your lust. It will lead you to where the hurt is. So, you may begin to heal."

Lady Aphrodite has seen your pain and wants to take away the pain you have been feeling. The pain you have been causing yourself isn't deserved. She knows you have been self sacrificing and is asking you to stop. Stop hurting the one person who has been looking after you this whole time. Yourself. Give yourself some slack and see yourself as the person you truly are. Don't filter your perspective of yourself through the lenses of others. All they know how to look at is reflections. You are not their reflection. The things they say are just their own self-hatred reflected off of you. You aren't what others see. You are more than that. Allow yourself to open your mind to experience yourself anew. Lay down your sword. You don't need to fight yourself any longer.

________

PILE TWO 💎

Astrology: Taurus, Capricorn, Pisces

Song: Nobody Else by Em Beihold

Vibes: Deep purple, deep blues, burgundy, yellow, gray, wheat, keys, time, clocks, gold fish, coy fish, bears, bulls, stars, alstroemerias, wishing well, thistles, 345, 78, 11

Cards: 8 of Pentacles, Hierophant, Empress, 4 of Wands, 7 of Cups, Whip, Fish, Balam (page of wands)

Pile two, welcome to you reading. Lady Aphrodite wants me to tell you a couple different things. First, why do you need to earn what you have deserved all along? I see how hard you work. She see's it too. You have this hyper independence and this unbridled need to prove yourself. These beliefs of yours are holding you back, love. Why do you think you need to be punished in order to receive? My dear these beliefs are from generational trauma that was passed to you. You don't have to work to deserve. You are inherently deserving of all that you need. You are lovable. You should be seen and recognized for all your hard work. Lady Aphrodite asks you to stop inheriting pain and start inheriting pleasure. Just for the sake of being happy. Just for the sake of your mental stability.

I will channel Lady Aphrodite directly so you can hear her clearly.

"My little dove, you can relax now. There is no one looking over your shoulder anymore. What are you trying to prove? You don't need to prove yourself to anyone, baby. You are just perfect. You will still be abundant if you take a second to breath. I'm so sorry your loved ones and career have made you feel like you aren't enough. You are more than enough. My love, I don't want you to think that you need to work so hard to get what you need or anything you want. You can take a minute to breath. I will take care of your desires, my dearest. I know you are getting all choked up about the needs and wants. Cry if you need to. Let all that built up pressure out. You don't always have to hold your composure like they all claimed you needed to. Relax your shoulders and unclench your jaw, my love. I wish you didn't feel the need to prove yourself. You have already proven yourself over and over. A thousand times you proved you could do anything. You don't have to anymore. Let go of spite. It doesn't matter if someone thinks you can't. Their opinion of you don't reflect the truth. It only spreads light onto their insecurities. You are perfect. You are perfect even when you aren't trying so please my dearest. Stop trying so hard. Just be."

Lady Aphrodite wants to take anything that is bothering you away so you may have the time to rest and recuperate from all that work you have been doing. You have done enough. You are enough. She can see it. She wants you too see it too.

___________

PILE THREE 🐰

Astrology: Cancer, Scorpio, Aquarius

Song: PUPPET SHOW by XG

Vibes: Sky blue, cyan, navy blue, indigo, green, purple, rocking horse, carrousel, apples, ibis bird, lilys, yellow roses, angels, mermaids, sparrows, unshed tears, circus, 45, 4444, 13

Cards: Queen of Pentacles, Knight of Cups, Star, 4 of Cups, 5 of Swords, House, Child, Berith (King of Pentacles)

Welcome, pile three to your reading. Lady Aphrodite has a very strong and stern message she wants me to tell you. You really might not like to hear this so continue if you desire but just know I warned you. You are 'playing house' with someone who doesn't want to play the role that they agreed to. You think if you coddle this person they will warm up and get back into playing with you but they won't. No amount of babying will make them play with you, my friend. This could be a romantic partner but more likely I see they are a FWB that you want something more with. This person is extremely childish and doesn't want to commit to you but wants all the benefits of being with you. I'm hearing you set up this persons doctors appointments and making their lunch. You are acting like a mother to this person. It is leaving you really disappointed and unsatisfied. You want something real with this person. You aren't scared to commit but the person only wants to take from you. They don't want to give. Lady Aphrodite thinks you deserve more than that. You deserve your desires to be fulfilled. This person can't do that for you.

Now I am going to try and channel Lady Aphrodite. She wants a couple words with you.

"I do not enjoy how that person treats you. Excuse my language but they are a bitch for not making a commitment to you. You deserve dates, flowers and A RING. You deserve the world and this person isn't giving that to you. All you are receiving is a second rate sexual experience and motherhood you never signed up for, my dear! I don't think kicking this person to the curb is going to work right away but you need to change how you think about this person. I would much rather you just leave them but I sense it wouldn't be safe quite yet. Don't worry, my dearest. I will set everything up just for you. Please, in the mean time while I set up your new love-life, start treating this person like a friend. They don't act like a lover so do not treat them like a lover. They will hardly notice, my love. There is nothing to fear. I will remove this person quickly from your life very soon so I can give you a new and better person. This new person will be perfect for you, just you wait and see. They are going to treat you exactly how you have always dreamed. I guarantee you some princess treatment and romance. I guarantee you a ring and a lovely life with this new person. You might have to leave some old behaviors and habits behind with the current person but I promise you good things will replace the things you will leave. Good luck, my love. You have me on your side."

You won't have to wish for your current situation-ship to step up for you because someone else will. You don't need to yearn much longer. You are a queen and you must be treated like one.

________

PILE FOUR 🌸

Astrology: Aries, Gemini, Sagittarius

Song: Please Please Please by Sabrina Carpenter

Vibes: Pastel pink, cobalt, cornflower blue, blonde, hawk, starling, rodents, garlic, cheese, peaches, walnuts, pecans, pineapple, dyed hair, orange peal, fish bones, illusion, 1212, 333, 5858, 55

Cards: Knight of Wands, Knight of Swords, 5 of Wands, 3 of Swords, 8 of Cups, Clouds, Mice, Gamigin (5 of Pentacles)

Pile four, I hope you are ready because this one is a doozy. Lady Aphrodite wants me to tell you that you need to run far away from whoever has been breaking your heart. She is telling me there is someone you are getting close with and have known for a while. It could be a romantic interest but not necessarily. They are probably an air sign. This person she is telling me about is changing into someone nasty behind closed doors. You have been seeing it too. You have been ignoring the red flags because you have known this person for a very long time but you haven't ever known them really. It has been little red flags or orange/yellow flags so you dismissed your own worries and haven't really entertained the thought that this person is turning into a pest. Those yellow flags are going to pile up, my friend. You will loose so much. Lady Aphrodite is really serious about this and wants me to say that if you don't break your own heart now. This person will do it for you and they won't be as kind as you are. They are growing close with someone who is a terrible influence on them. If you try to confront them about your concerns they will brush you off. Do not let them convince you. You aren't imagining anything. You are seeing the signs.

I will now channel a direct message from Lady Aphrodite.

"My dearest. Get away from them and their 'new friend'. While you still can. This person is a manipulative vexation and they are turning your friend into someone gross. This is the only way I can protect you from them, my love. You need to run. Hurry away. They are luring you into false security. Don't let this little rat of a person eat up your money, your time, your self esteem or anything else that is rightfully yours. Do not give away your power to these vermin. I know you might feel guilty, my dearest. Do not. I swear on the name of love that this person is not worth the guiltiness you feel. If you don't trust what I am saying. I suggest you find your person's new friend's previous partners and inquire about them secretly. Then you will have your proof. They have a pattern, my dear. They say the same pickup lines and take every person to the same date. They are not healthy for you or your friend but your person is in to deep now. I cannot protect you unless you help me protect you. I cannot save you if you refuse to save yourself. Please do not turn a blind eye."

I know it might be lonely at first, my friend but there will be new people coming in to take the spots that will be left empty. You will be provided for. You won't have to be alone forever. I understand that this air sign person you don't want to leave behind has helped you feel less abandoned in recent years. Lady Aphrodite won't let you be lonely for long. Your friend just has some lessons to learn that you don't need to be involved in. Please stay safe, my love.

[laurusamystic]

Happy Elaphobolion!🏺

Elaphebolion was the ninth month of the ancient Attic calendar, roughly aligning with March and early April in today’s Gregorian calendar. The month was significant for the celebration of the Elaphebolia festival, dedicated to Artemis Elaphebolos, meaning Artemis the Deer-Slayer.

The Elaphebolia festival was marked by offerings and rituals to honour Artemis for her role as a huntress and guardian. A key part of the celebration was the preparation of special cakes called “elaphoi,” shaped like deer, symbolizing Artemis’ dominion over wildlife and her hunting skills. These cakes were made from flour, honey, and sesame seeds, serving as both a symbolic offering and a way for the community to come together in worship.

In addition to offerings, the Elaphebolia festival likely featured processions, prayers, and other activities aimed at gaining Artemis’ favour for successful hunts and protection from wild animals. As part of the broader religious and agricultural calendar, Elaphobolion also marked the seasonal transition and preparations for spring.

This year, 2025, the festival of Elaphebolia falls on March 6th.

March 6th is also the day that pre-orders for my indie deck, Wisdom of Artemis Oracle, will officially open to the public. As a lifelong devotee of Artemis and a dedicated Hellenic Polytheist, I chose this date to align the deck’s release with one of her most significant festivals—one that is also a personal favourite of mine. The deck features 47 of Artemis’s sacred epithets, including Artemis Elaphobolos. 🏹🦌

Hail Artemis!

[mythoscorner]

Heres another intresting snippet that may be good for some Apollo followers!

I'll leave the full explanation for those who wish to read the book (The Oracles Of Apollo)

The birth

Leto, Apollos mother. couldn't give birth anywhere on Mother Earth (due to Heras' anger with her for Zeus was the father), so she went to Delos for it was a floating island not connected by earth.

(Notes! Artemis was born first on the sixth day after the new moon! And so it is sacred to her. She also helped deliver her younger twin, Apollo, which is why women in labor may call on her)

(Notes! Swans are also sacred to Apollo! Who was born at dawn on the seventh day on the seventh month, Delphinios [the first month after winter solstice] )

Hymn to Apollo

[khaire-traveler]

I wouldn't only be giving away tarot readings; there would be quite a few services I'd offer, such as Oracle readings, Homeric Oracle readings, Greek alphabet readings, sand readings, tea leaf readings, smoke readings, and self-made divination method readings. I want to keep the options diverse and interesting! I've been doing divination for five years now and have a lot of practice reading for others in various formats, though tarot is my most practiced.

Please reblog this poll! I'd like to see how much feedback I could get. c: 🧡

[wayfind-er]

"Priesthood" in Ancient Greece

[long post under the cut]

TL;DR: The Hiereiai (fem. hiereia, masc. hiereus) was the closest Greek equivalent to a Christian Priest; however, running a temple requires many different people with a variety of responsibilities, and the requirements changed at every temple. If you wanted to participate in a public ritual, you followed a hiereia (priestess) or hiereus (priest); if you wanted to give an offering or say a prayer in the presence of the Divine, you asked a Keyholder; and if you wanted a message from the Gods themselves, you requested a meeting with a Seer.

Recommended: @star-of-zeus' Priesthood Series.

Foreword

Throughout this post, I will use the term priesthood and priest as a gender-neutral term for female and male priests; however, like some scholars¹, I believe the modern definition of priesthood does not belong in Hellenistic Polytheism. Using them erases the complexities of the Greek Priest equivalent and combines the roles of many historically into one. In this post, I'll go more in-depth into what "priesthood" meant in ancient Greece.

Greek "Priesthood" in Antiquity

Our concept of priesthood is heavily Christian-inspired.

While priesthood in Christianity varies by denomination, our perception of modern Christian priest have inaccurately shaped our understanding of priesthood in ancient Greece.

There's a prominent misconception that priesthood was always a lifelong position and a priests' sole responsibility was to educate the masses and spread the word of their God(s). This comes from a fundamental misunderstanding of what priests actually did in antiquity².

The Hiereiai: the Greek "Priest"

"In Greece, the priesthood is not a way of life, but a part-time and honorary office; it may involve expense, but it brings great prestige.” — Burkert³

The people responsible for maintaining a particular temple and the closest Greek equivalent to a Christian priest were called the Hiereiai (fem. hiereia, masc. hiereus).

The Hiereiai primarily led public rituals, festivals and ensured sacrifices were received and cared for appropriately (per the ritual procedures). Being a part of the Hiereiai can be compared to working a 9-to-5. The Hiereiai did not live in the temple and only worked when the temple was opened, typically during festivals and celebrations⁴ (although this varied by cult).

While their primary job was caring for sacrifices, the Hiereiai worked as public servants (or civil workers). They worked alongside the city to prepare festivals, cleanse homes after a birth or death, and maintain the temple and sanctuary.

Becoming a Priest: Qualifications

Every temple was slightly different, with different requirements and expectations for those who worked there. I'll give the most generalized description from the sources I've found.

"...[I]n the case of Greek priesthoods, pedigree, wealth, or both were basic requirements for attaining office..." — Connelly⁵

The position of a "priest" was most commonly inherited. Priesthood could be purchased, won by elections or lots, or inherited². The most eligible always came from wealthy and well-educated families, with little exception.

There were male and female priests (fem. hiereia, masc. hiereus). The acceptable age of a "priest" varied from cult. Those aged 7 to 11 were likely to be assistants rather than oath-bound priests, as seen in notes about the Cult of Athena Polias. Some cults only accepted “matured” (married and with children—usually post-menopause) women. It's important to note that hiereus typically worked with male deities, and hiereia worked with female deities; however, there were exceptions.

If someone's household was eligible to hold a priest position, all members (regardless of gender) would receive education to obtain the title. Likewise, if someone came from a family of priests, the elders would pass down their knowledge to the young. Most priests had been "training" their entire lives⁶.

The younger someone was, the more likely their position as a priest would be temporary. Younger priests, namely prepubescent children, would typically work as priests until they were no longer virgins or married⁸. Similarly, young women would sometimes temporarily work as priests in the year leading up to their marriage. It's important to note that most priest positions were not life-long and did not typically require oaths of celibacy⁷.

— WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR —

The Hiereiai was the closest Greek equivalent to a Christian priest in antiquity. Priesthood was more like a regular job in that it was commonly a temp. position that allotted a person (and their family) great prestige. The title of a "priest" was commonly inherited, but it could also be bought or elected by the people or Gods (via lots). Primarily, people from wealthy and well-educated backgrounds would be considered eligible for priesthood, although the qualifications required varied from cult and temple. Many of the Hiereiai spent their entire lifetimes learning about priesthood and how to worship the Gods according to their local cults). The Hiereiai's main job was to take care of sacrifices, work with the city to prepare festivals, cleanse homes after birth or death, and maintain the temple.

Keyholders, Oracles, and More

There are not enough words to stress that the term priest does not adequately describe the ancient practice of the Hiereiai or the other people who worked alongside them. When you use priest or priestess, you effectively erase the diversity of the numerous roles that make running a temple possible.

Keyholders: Male or female priests with noble backgrounds and high cultic status could become the ones who carried the key to the temple (or the naos, the dwelling of the Gods). The Naos was not always accessible to all worshippers, as entering meant (metaphorically) stepping into the presence of a God⁸. Keyholders essentially acted as gatekeepers at the doors of the Divine and allowed visitors in according to cultic tradition.

Manteis (Seers, Sibyls, etc.): In antiquity, Manteis went by many names—Seers, Sibyls, Prophet(ess), etc. Simply put, Manteis were usually part of the Hiereiai (but not always) and could receive messages from the divine. Unlike a priest, a Mantis was not always bound to a single temple. They would often travel from different cities or backgrounds and advise publicly (or privately to those of high status)⁹. While priesthood was usually reserved for the elite, anyone could become a Mantis, as seen by many of Apollo's Seers who were "peasants", so long as they had the skills. Manteis and the Hiereiai could sometimes be virtually indistinguishable⁹. Manteis would perform rituals and offer animal sacrifices alongside the Hiereiai; however, a hiereia (priestess) or hiereus (priest) couldn't perform the duties of a Mantis. That said, a lot of the information about Manteis has been lost. In the modern day, Manteis and Oracles are virtually indistinguishable; however, in antiquity, oracles referred to the divine message itself. Instead of calling a specific person an oracle, the message they received—or even the collection of previous messages from the collective priests of said temple—would be called an oracle¹⁰. Pythia, commonly called the Oracle of Delphi, was likely not called an Oracle. Today, Oracle and Mantis have become intertwined. According to Wikipedia, Oracles were believed to receive the word of a God directly. On the other hand, Seers interpreted signs (omens, stars, animal entrails from a sacrifice, etc.) and interpreted the message from the Gods that way. However, this distinction may not have existed in antiquity.

Summarizing

This brief list does not even begin to scratch the surface of the many, many roles that could be found in a temple.

If you wanted to participate in a public ritual, you followed a hiereia (priestess) or hiereus (priest). The Hiereiai (plural for hiereia and hiereus) primarly led public rituals and city-wide festivals, ensured sacrifices were take care of, and cleaned the temple.

If you wanted to give an offering or say a prayer in the presence of the Divine, you asked a Keyholder. The Keyholder was apart of the Hiereiai that was in charge of a key that allowed them to open and close the Naos, a part of the Temple where the Gods were said to dwell.

If you wanted a message from the Gods, you requested a meeting with a Mantis. The Manteis interpreted messages sent from the Gods and shared them as needed. They were often part of the Hiereiai themselves, but not always.

Being a part of the Hiereiai can be compared to working a 9-to-5. Every temple was slightly different, with different requirements and expectations for those who worked there; however it was rarely a lifetime job.

When you use the terms Priest or Priestess, you lose some of the nuance that made up "priesthood" in antiquity.

Sources

Divider by @/sister-lucifer [1] Dignas and Kai, "Practitioners of the Divine," 21. [2] Garland, "Greek and Roman Priests and Religious Personnel" [3] Dignas and Kai, "Practitioners of the Divine," 27. [4] Dignas and Kai, "Practitioners of the Divine," 36. [5] Connelly, "Portrait of a Priestess," 23. [6] Connelly, "Portrait of a Priestess," 28. [7] Connelly, "Portait of a Priestess," 18. [8] Karatas, "Key-bearers of Greek Temples" [9] Dignas and Kai, "Practitioners of the Divine," 16. [10] Dillions, "Omens and Oracles,” 5.

Updated March 5th, 2025.

[tarotbyjam24]

Pick a card:What can elevate your beauty?

Likes , reblogs and feedbacks are very much appreciated 💗

Disclaimer: this is general reading . It may or may not resonate . If reading doesn't resonate let it fly and choose another pile or simply there were no messages for you through this reading 😊 Take the reading lightly as nothing's set in stone until you believe so 🕊️

Thankyou for stopping by let's dive in ☄️ Choose the pile you feel most drawn to 🧸

Exchanges : open , collabs for paps : open

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I also offer paid readings you can book one as it'll help me a lot and don't forget to check the free readings offer ✨

Pile 1. Pile 2 .

Pile एक

Hi pile 1 , I feel you can increase your beauty be spending your money means get those treatment you've been putting off . Go enjoy yourself. Be yourself. Be unhinged. Be confident . Embody that rich single aunt vibe . Take care of your hairs . Dress as you want don't put limitations on it . Use plants\herbs for your self care . Like rosemary for hairs , Aloe for skin , use coffee and honey and other home made skincare . Learn that hairstyle and do that on your hairs . Put flowers in your hairs. Take those compliments don't shove them off. I'll say just show yourself more bring your talents out and take that crown . Sit in correct posture. Show your smile to people around you. If you've that funny mischievous side to you show it don't hide it but yea please don't harm people with it okay ? Be a child . Be strict with your discipline. Use your thinking to bring justice to whoever needs it . Be a person from whom people will like inspire . Let your imagination run . Be more introspective. Be a mirror to people and show them who they're but kindly :) fill their cups . You can show your support to them . Meditate more. Don't absorb just observe. Lastly dress well pile 1 the world is your ramp walk . Step on r carpet and show them your beauty.

Pile दो

Hi pile 2, work out more physically. Get Outta your comfort zone. Break those self made walls . Don't forget to walk Outta room that doesn't serve and where you're not welcomed well . Be more giving . Show love to your little ones. Spend time with your family . If you've not been showing your love ,care to your surrounded people due to slef imposed limitations please start doing so . Show them all the love ,care ,kindness you've in yourself. Share it them even if it small act do it for them <33 . You don't always have to act like a armour. Take more care of your eyes . Your eyes are so beautiful. If you tend to use contact colour lenses ..please restrain from using them often. Use gua-sha and ice water bath for face . Bathe in sunlight. Spend your money on yourself. Don't always keep saving thinking it'll increase if you wanna increase it invest it somewhere. Let your money grow . Don't just keep it as unavailable money. Start your business if it's related to nature ,great! Expand your ways of income. Don't dye your hair often . Lay in grass freely without worry just gaze in sky and appreciate it. Drink more water . Also sometimes when you feel exhausted all you have to do is just rest and let it be . You don't have to worry about lil details. Go with the flow when such situations come where you don't seem to find solutions to the problems. Be more positive. Also accept the love ,kindness , gifts, compliments people give you .

I hope you liked the reading . Thank you so much for letting me read for you . Wishing you best ahead . 🎀Bless you and have a nice day🌸🐰 I'd love to hear which pile you chose

Loads of love , jam🩷

[ancientcurator]

Looking for more blogs to follow!

Please like this post if you post about:

Hellenism

Kemeticism

Celtic and Norse

Divination

Shadow work

Apollo, Hades, Persephone, Aphrodite

Anubis, Bastet, Horus, Set, Sobek, Osiris, Thoth

My blog is strictly about spiritually, kindly no fandom blogs will be followed back. (So sorry)

[continuous-train-of-thought]

thinking of making a greek alphabet oracle (like norse rune divination but with greek letters for anyone unfamiliar) out of salt dough tbh. i think ill dedicate it to apollon as well idk i’ll see

[khthonicdove]

i got a bunch of fake bones from the dollar tree (54 for $3.75!!!) and turned them into a psephoi set specifically for my Khthonic altar! i’m very happy with them and i’ll be working on adding some of the usual interpretations into my BoS and i’m very excited to start getting my own reactions and interpretations once i use these regularly

[teawiththegods]

☕️SIP OF THE DAY☕️

Because of this belief, many modern worshipers claim Apollo goes silent or is less active in the winter.