gracesvespers

[gracesvespers]

As a child crying goes to his mother, so we go to Mary.

- Pope Francis' Annunciation sermon, 25 March 2022

[gracesvespers]

Polytheist & Pagan Asks

🙏 - Which pantheon(s) do you actively worship?

🌞 - Which deity(ies) are you closest to/do you worship the most often?

✨ - Do you believe in patron deities? If so, do you have any that you know of?

🌍 - Which pantheons do you believe exist?

📜 - Have you ever made an oath, vow, or contract with a deity? If yes, how did it go (you don't have to share)?

📿 - What are three things you're grateful to your deity(ies) for?

🖋️ - If you could say anything to your deity(ies) right now, what would you most want to say?

💌 - What is your favorite form of deity communication?

🎭 - What is an emotionally impactful or a silly worship-related experience you've had?

❤️ - What's one memory of your practice that you reflect the most fondly on?

🥂 - What is your favorite devotional act or offering to give?

🎉 - Do you celebrate any festivals? If so, which ones?

🫂 - Do you syncretize any pantheons with one another? If so, which ones?

🔮 - Do you delve into topics like the occult or the mysteries? Do you do anything esoteric?

⭐ - What is something you wish people outside your practice knew more about?

📖 - Do you like the way your pantheon is most often portrayed in media? Why or why not?

🏛️ - Do you have a favorite statue or temple to your deity(ies)? If yes, what is it?

🔥 - Do you have a favorite myth or tale from your pantheon or others?

🧭 - What led you to your practice?

🧿 - Did you have any other spiritual beliefs before discovering your current practice?

🪽 - Do you believe in angels and/or demons? If yes, do you worship or work with any?

🪄 - Do you practice witchcraft? If yes, do you keep it separate from your deity worship?

🪦 - Do ancestors or human spirits play a big role in your practice?

🐾 - Do animal spirits play a big role in your practice?

🌱 - Does nature - plants, nature spirits, etc. - play a big role in your practice?

💀 - Do you believe in ghosts? If yes, have you ever had an experience with one?

☄️ - Do you believe in astral travel/the astral realm? If so, have you been there before?

[gracesvespers]

After too many Bollywood movies, i have decided to grace you with Dionysus and Ariadne in India because the influence was strong with this one

[gracesvespers]

Do you think Dionysus came back from India covered in henna? His fingertips stained red like wine, touched by divinity?

[gracesvespers]

The Impact of Islam on Paganism (and Why That Still Matters Today)

So as a lot of my followers may or may not know, I am ex-Muslim. I was raised in a comparatively lax (though still extremely conservative) Muslim family and was made to start reading the Qur’an as early as I started reading English, and made to start memorizing the prayers just as early.

One thing that’s prevalent in Islam is the stories of Muhammad’s life. And during his life, specifically his youth, he grew up during a time when Paganism was very prevalent in Arabia. I always see posts about Christianity's influence on paganism, so I figured it would be a nice change of pace to hear from someone that has a different experience. Especially considering Islam historically has done a lot more damage to paganism than any other of the "Big Three" in my opinion, for reasons we'll see later.

NOTE: Most things we know about this specific patch of history come from Islamic sources, some directly from the Qur'an itself, so take everything with a river of salt.

NOTE 2: THIS IS NOT AN ANTI ISLAM POST. THIS IS PURELY FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. ISLAMOPHOBES ARE NOT WELCOME HERE.

Before Islam, much of the Arabian Peninsula was polytheistic. People worshipped a variety of gods and goddesses tied to tribes, natural elements, and celestial bodies. The Kaaba itself, now the holiest site in Islam, was once a shrine that held numerous idols representing different deities. This pre-Islamic era is often referred to in Islamic texts as Jahiliyyah, meaning the "age of ignorance."

In Islam, there is only one sin that is genuinely irredeemable in the eyes of Allah. It's called shirk, and it refers to "associating partners with Allah". Many in the modern day take this to mean worshipping a god that is not Allah, but when we look at the historical context, things change. See, in the Kaaba, one of the gods worshipped was Al-Lat, who was a goddess worshipped by the Quraish tribe (a tribe who basically served as the villains of Muhammad's life). It's believed that Al-Lat and Her sisters were daughters of Allah, and thus, worshipped alongside him. This is where that particular phrasing comes from; others quite literally worshipping Allah alongside other gods.

Islamic teachings later framed these polytheistic practices as misguided or demonic, and many of those practices were systematically dismantled as Islam spread. This erasure wasn’t just spiritual, it was political and cultural. Many polytheist traditions were destroyed, and over time, the idea that polytheism was inherently evil became deeply ingrained in many Islamic teachings.

In fact, the Qur'an directly calls the polytheists of pre-Islamic Arabia pagan, as an insult. It is still used as an insult today in many Islamic countries, though I can only really speak for the one I used to live in so take that with a grain of salt.

That anti-pagan sentiment didn’t stay in the past. It’s alive and well today, not just in Muslim-majority societies, but even in ex-Muslim and secular communities where Islam's historical influence still lingers. For many Muslims and ex-Muslims alike, the word “pagan” is still deeply stigmatized. It’s associated with devil-worship (in the stigmatized way, my demonolatry friends), chaos, and moral depravity. Not because of anything inherently wrong with paganism, but because that’s how it was framed for centuries.

Even when people leave Islam, those inherited fears and associations don’t just vanish. If you were taught from early childhood that polytheism is evil, it’s not easy to deconstruct that belief, even if you stop identifying as Muslim. This contributes to internalized stigma for those who explore or convert to Paganism later in life.

It’s also worth noting that Islam isn’t the only "Big Three" religion that demonized Paganism, Christianity and Judaism have their own long histories of doing the same. But Islam’s specific influence on North African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian cultures means that in many parts of the world, “pagan” is still a dirty word.

In some countries, even being accused of “witchcraft” (a concept that overlaps heavily with modern pagan practice) can be grounds for legal punishment or even violence. This isn't just about faith. It's about state power, colonial legacy, and institutional control over spirituality.

And yet. They survive.

Interestingly, not all of those ancient beliefs were wiped out. In places like Sudan, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey, you can still find folk practices that trace back to pre-Islamic spirituality. Sometimes these practices are “Islamicized” (e.g., calling a spirit a jinn instead of a god), and sometimes they’re practiced quietly, under the radar.

Examples include:

Zār spirit possession rituals in East Africa and parts of the Middle East

Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which has Zoroastrian roots but is still celebrated widely

Sufi mysticism, which often incorporates music, poetry, and ecstatic rituals that feel more aligned with animist and shamanic traditions than orthodox Islam

For modern Pagans (especially those coming from Muslim backgrounds) it can be hard to fully embrace Paganism without guilt, fear, or social consequences. But understanding why that stigma exists is part of the healing process.

Islam, like all religions, is shaped by its context. It developed in a time of rapid cultural change, political consolidation, and theological urgency. Its opposition to Paganism was part of a larger project of unification. One that worked for many people, but also suppressed other spiritual paths.

If you’re a modern Pagan, especially one from a Muslim background, you are not regressing. You’re not betraying your roots. You are choosing a spiritual path that makes sense for you, and you are also part of a much longer tradition than many people realize. One that predates Islam and Christianity, and that has always, in some form, resisted erasure.

Sources & Further Reading:

Hawting, G. R. (1999). The Idea of Idolatry and the Emergence of Islam: From Polemic to History. Cambridge University Press.

Shahid, Irfan. “Pre-Islamic Arabia.” In The Cambridge History of Islam, vol. 1.

Amira El-Zein (2009). Islam, Arabs, and the Intelligent World of the Jinn. Syracuse University Press.

Sa'diyya Shaikh (2012). Sufi Narratives of Intimacy: Ibn 'Arabi, Gender, and Sexuality. University of North Carolina Press.

Sabrina Peric (2015). “From Spirits to Science: Exploring the Jinn in Contemporary Muslim Contexts.” Comparative Islamic Studies.

[gracesvespers]

Hello all! I am happy to announce that I am finished with finals, and now have a little bit more free time. While that free time may be dedicated elsewhere, I do plan on dedicating some of it to more posts like this one. I apologize in advance if this post reads as a ramble -- it was inspired by my own thoughts and introspection into my practice and personal perceptions.

Today's topic is the exclusionary culture surrounding Modern Priesthood.

Throughout my training and work under King Zeus, I was introduced to the belief that the Hellenic Priesthood was an exclusive concept. The Gods selected who they wanted to be their servants. It was not something anyone could claim as theirs. And while this was true in ancient times, it was not as strict as it was made out to be.

But before discussing this, what exactly is a Priest of Antiquity?

Defining Priesthood

Hellenic Priesthood can be described as follows:

...there is no priestly caste as a closed group with fixed tradition, education, initiation, and hierarchy, and even in the permanently established cults there is no discipline, but only usage, nomos. The god in principle admits anyone, as long as he respects the nomos, that is, as long as he is willing to fit into the local community;... Burket W. (1991) Greek Religion: Archaic and Classical

Essentially, this excerpt is saying that the Priesthood was not an exclusive practice. Anyone could fulfill the role, "as long as he respects the nomos, that is, as long as he is willing to fit into the local community." In some cults, the Priesthood was a temporary title. One held it for one month, one year, whatever fixed amount of time, and then a new Priest was selected. Sometimes, this was done by drawing lots, elections, or through purchase of the title.

Additionally, during Antiquity, the main role of a Priest, although varied between cult practice and community worship, was simply to lead rituals. If there was no Priest present, they could very easily be replaced or have a stand-in to do their job for them. While the Priest was important, it was a job that could be, and was frequently, handed off.

Oracles are an exception to this. The Oracle at Delphi and the Oracle of Dodona were often lifetime titles one would hold.

Not to mention the fact that one individual could wear multiple hats, so to speak. From the same source quoted from above, "Several priesthoods can, of course, be united in one person." If you were a Priestess of Lady Athena, you would serve her on her holidays and festivals. At the same time, you could serve Lady Artemis on her holidays and festivals due to the individual nature of these festivities and rituals. This debunks the idea that floats around (one that I have personally subscribed to in the past) that you can only be a Priest for one God. You can be a Priest for many, though the title would only be relevant on respective holidays. Priesthood is not a year-round title. It is only relevant on select days, unless, of course, one was a Priest for a cult with requirements (i.e., the Priest must be in the temple x number of days in a month, minimum).

But with this definition in mind, let's move into my main point.

Modern Priesthood

Now, to clarify, when I say "Modern Priesthood," I am not referring to Priests who may live in Greece and practice Hellenic Polytheism, as there is a group of them who do. I am mainly referring to the online practice of Modern Hellenic Priesthood and how people treat not only the title, but the affiliated responsibilities.

When someone comes online and announces themself as a Priest, people are quick to look to them as a symbol of knowledge, a speaker for the people, and someone whom they can go to with absolutely anything. And while it is important to have people like this, it is also important to note that just because someone has a fancy title like Oath Keeper or Priest, it does not mean that they are going to know anything or be entirely infallible. Priests, historically, were just members of the community.

These individuals are regarded as Priests all of the time. They are referred to as a Priest all of the time, even when it is not applicable. There is a difference between informing others of the role and flaunting it all of the time. I mention it where applicable. Perhaps I am discussing Oaths in Ancient Greece, and to contextualize the lens of which I look at them from, I will bring up my status as an Oath Keeper and Priest of King Zeus Horkios. However, I wouldn't bring it up if I were simply discussing Hellenic Polytheism with friends. The role is only really applicable in situations regarding rituals and Temples. And as it stands currently, we do not have temples that require Priests to tend to.

There is also an air of superiority whenever someone steps into the role of a Priest. Does it take a lot of work to get to this point? Yes, absolutely. But carrying a title should not put someone in an automatic position of power. It is a title that should be associated with humility, not waved about like it is a status symbol. Modern Priests in the online age tend to think that, by having a title as a Priest, Oracle, Melissa, whatever the status may be, that they are automatically a symbol of morality and an icon for what the religion should look like. But there are corrupt Priests, individuals who have little regard for the actual duties of the title, people who think that they are immune simply because they have been given the honor of being a servant to a God in such a way.

Modern Priesthood is treated as though it is a hierarchical status symbol when, in Antiquity, it was emphasized that this is not the case. Individuals who were regarded as Priests were just members of the community. Infrequently were they separated from the rest of society due to their status. There are rare, famous cases of this, like the Oracle at Delphi or the Oracle of Dodona. But these are rare cases that could be classified as outliers due to how rigorous the title of Oracle could be.

Exclusionary Culture

With these titles comes the idea that only a certain group of people can become a Priest. I used to maintain this mindset because it is what I was taught. I have taken the time to unlearn this mentality through research and historical texts. There are ways for anyone to reach the title of Priest, whether "formally" through a Mystery School, or "informally" through personal training with the God of choice.

Priesthood has been treated like it is something that can only be achieved by a select group of people who have been specifically plucked out by a God and asked to be their Priest. I was approached by King Zeus to be a Priest of His, but I have quickly learned that this title is only truly applicable when I am doing my "job," which is mostly overseeing others in their paths and being here if they need help, doing rituals when applicable, and celebrating His holidays.

Through my training, I was told that I should be honored because I am going to be a Priest of King Zeus, and only a specific kind of person could do it, not just anyone. This, in retrospect, is simply not true. And I would encourage individuals with this mindset to do some research on the selection process of Priests. It was not as exclusive as we make it out to be. It was not as special as we make it now. Do things change with time? Most certainly. But some things do not need to change. We do not need to make the Priesthood an exclusive club that only few can join. Anyone is capable of stepping into the shoes of a Priest or Oathsworn title. I would highly advise that those seeking it do the necessary research and ask questions, but I would never turn someone away from the path simply because they "don't have it in them."

The exclusivity of Priesthood seems to be a very new-age concept, as well. I don't personally have any theories as to why this may be, not yet, but I have definitely noticed it from individuals in the community who claim that Priesthood is something that has to be strenuous and flaunted. I have seen the rhetoric that Priesthood should be exclusive to "weed out" those who falsely claim the title. I have heard that making it exclusive makes those who are not serious about being a Priest second-guess seeking the title. All of these mentalities are, in my opinion, inaccurate and damaging to adopt. It just creates a divide in the community when Priests are meant to serve the people.

I will also urge those who do not hold a title to deconstruct these beliefs that a title holds such weight. Respect those who bear titles, but do not bow to their feet and bend to their every beck and call. Be critical of their actions; they are not infallible because they have a title. And yes, these words apply to me. A lot of this came from me being critical of myself and my own actions, and feeling the need to write something that all can benefit from. Be respectful, of course, but be skeptical as well. Approach individuals with titles with an air of caution. Some people let the title get to their heads, and they act out of turn and hide behind their title as though it were a shield. Be mindful of what they may say and how they may say it. If anyone tries to act as though they are an authority, I would be wary. I am not an authority. For anything. I may supervise Oaths and give advice, but I am not the final say or the deciding factor. I can act as a witness on Oaths, Vows, and Promises, but I am not the person who makes them sacred or consecrates them. I do not speak your words for you. I advise, I can make suggestions, but everyone reading this has free will. Never forget that.

That being said, I do hope that people may look at title-bearers with a bit of a skeptical eye. And if Priesthood is something you wish to pursue, do the necessary research, and step with caution. Do not be afraid to trip and fall. That is the only way you will learn where to dig your heels in.

Xaire, Altis.

[gracesvespers]

she's so cool im so normal about Mary i swear

[gracesvespers]

I WAS SUMMONED HEYY (thank you sm,@edensvessel for thinking of me) I'd like to start by saying that I'm sorry your home situation is not loving and supportive. I also come from an abusive household, and that if you ever need an ear to listen my DMs are open <3

A. She won't dislike you for having a difficult relationship with her domain. Not to speak for the gods, but there will always be domains you don't interact with well for personal reasons or trauma reasons or it just isn't your thing and that is okay. I didn't worship her for the longest time because of all the negativity I used to harbour towards ideas of home and family. If anything, having difficulty with her domains might make you a better worshipper because it's something you want in your life.

B. Bad worshippers don't really exist. Unless you're on purpose, very deliberately disrespecting any god, you aren't a 'bad worshipper'. It is okay to struggle; it is okay to take things slowly and one step at a time. You don't have to worship her as a goddess of the home to start with if you aren't there yet. I started by honouring her as the first and last, and things just went from there.

In my personal practice, she's helped me a lot with these feelings of not feeling like home anywhere and feeling like I am doomed to repeat the past. None of this fear, anxiety, distrust, hatred of the home has ever negatively impacted my worship, it has only ever drawn me closer to her and to myself.

I really hope things get easier soon, and if you ever want more advice or just want to talk about her my DMs and asks are both open.

i wanted to ask for advice in regards to worshipping lady hestia.

so, i wanna worship her more, but as a victim of abuse, i have a very bad relationship with my house, my household, my family, etc. i fear that having such negative feelings towards her domain will make her dislike me or make me a bad worshipper and im having trouble convincing myself otherwise :[ has anyone been on a similar situation or have any words of advice?

[gracesvespers]

♡⸝⸝ Hey Everyone, I come here as a last resort for myself but I am in a bit of a financial crisis due to my government.

I no longer have any income and have no means of getting food this week, So I'm here to promote my services on Ko-fi. I currently only offer prayer writing ($5 USD) but soon I will be offering a Theoi connection service ; (one that guides you towards the Theoi that align with your interests and life!) I only intend to make this one post about this because I'm frankly embarrassed haha.

Id greatly appreciate any amount of support but please do not feel any obligation! ♡⸝⸝ My Kofi.

[gracesvespers]

Reminder that there's a human being behind that screen. The person you're talking to or about is also human with emotions that are just as complex as your own. Even when we disagree, we should still consider this fact. There is no black and white, no absolute right and absolute wrong. Nuance exists in everything, and that often includes things you hear about through the grapevine. Let's just keep these things in mind as we continue on and let things go.

[gracesvespers]

On Helpol tumblr there has been some discourse on the worship of Ares and it is completely justified for a personal practice why someone would not honour him. However, though, I would enjoy to bring up points from history on a reconstruction angle on why to worship Ares. I appreciate the critical examination into who and what we worship—we should be more critical of stately portrayals of the divine and understand ancient politics less we reconstruct something wretched. These points are sourced from Cults and sanctuaries of Ares and Enyalios: A survey of the literary, epigraphic, and archaeological evidence by Matthew Paul Gonzales.

It is deeply historically attested, for anyone thinking that it was not. The anti-Ares classical sentiment can be traced back to WWII for reasons that do not need explaining. The emphasis on his pathetic myths also partially stem from this.

Ares was and is deeply concerned with justice and Dike is described as his lead. He is shown as the blood vengeance in particular, which still does have modern importance—many of us endorse the guillotine. This could inspire modern worshippers to take to action for causes to support good, justice, and love in their communities. Love and war, mayhaps?

He is also connected to peace and restraining violence alongside war-like desires. This is depicted in the homeric hymnal.

Ares is also close to defending land, especially that of floral and agricultural bounty: he is often positioned with fertility goddesses, such as Aphrodite, Despoina, and Cybele.

He is a vengeful protector, when people are wronged or land is stolen and waged against. Athens used this for defending their land—chaining Ares to the land meanings bringing in his power to serve you and your land’s interests. I do not endorse the usage of this to support oppressive regimes, but it could be adapted in a more liberation focused fashion.

Through Ares, some facets of prosperity is given, and I do not take it as a coincidence he is paired with Athena, who directs while Ares rushes.

Worship is also used to avoid conditions; Apollon to keep the plague away, Ares to keep war and strife away, such as his homeric hymn entails.

Courage is also stated to be a condition he gifts.

Lastly, I find it of vast importance to establish modern ideas of gods that are honest to the historical record and finds fluidity in them. Gods can change and they can be discussed with. Perhaps this is my Roman pagan influences, but we can influence and argue with the gods on points we believe in—for justice and ultimate good, as Zeus does mandate divine justice. We can show Ares, more than he already knows and has, the importance of supporting the revolutionary, and we can invoke his power in fighting for the sovereignty of nature. I am also personally fond of the feminist interpretations of him, and while not likely accurate to history, we should be adapting and developing with the gods in the modern period. Ares as a symbol of violently defending women against patriarchy is ripe for expression and movement, though not without due issues.

We should be striving towards ultimate good and Ares’ power in the modern era, with a modern lens, can continue to give weight to this pursuit. If he can encourage us and take a stand against the machismo ideas of “spartan” ideals that dudebros often have, we can make beneficial cultural changes. The gods do not just belong to history, they are history, and Historia is here to inspire and defeat us at every turn. 

I will say my dea Bellona is more of the historical revolution divinity that people want. She has a lot more of the epigraphic record to support this, but nonetheless, there are many reasons to honour Ares outside of war. Especially in his connections to nature and fertility, which strikes my heart happily as a sustainable agriculturalist. If it is Ares that can motivate more Hellenic pagans to embrace liberation and revolutionary ideas, that is something to preserve.

And regardless, if I can worship Ker without expecting much benefit, we can easily worship a god that is not literal murder. 

[gracesvespers]

Description by @whats-the-word-again

[gracesvespers]

Description by @evanxhunter

[gracesvespers]

Description by @wiiiowsden

[gracesvespers]

Description by @pomegranatebones

[gracesvespers]

🐍Cassandra of Troy worship guide/suggestions🐍

Domain: prophecy, prophetesses, tragedy, unheeded warnings, despair, misunderstandings, priestesses, inevitable doom.

Epithets: princess of Troy, Prophetess of Troy, Daughter of Priam, priestess of Apollo, the doomed prophetess, twin sister of Helenus, much enduring, greatly wise.

Imagery/symbolism: statue of Athena, The chest of Dionysus, the sun, torch, axe

Colors: blue, white, gold, brown

Animal: snake

Offerings: Flowers, Candles, incense, art, poetry, lamps, gold, jewelry, Ropes/Scarves, Divination Tools, sun water, crowns, cinnamon, oils, tea, wine, fruit, vegetables, honey, Statues of Athena, snake imagery, small chests.

Devotional acts: Keeping a Divination Journal, Researching Hysteria, Researching the “Cassandra Syndrome”, Becoming More In-Tune with Your Intuition, reading “The Trojan women”, researching about the Trojan war, learn reasoning.

[gracesvespers]

I will always defend Apollo’s more ‘undesirable’ aspects (His violence, vengeance, wrath, anger, strictness, grief, etc) because I can’t help but really adore those parts of Him. I love all parts of Him, but His darker self always has me in awe (as if His presence doesn’t do that already). I think about those aspects a lot, and discussing them is one of my favorite hobbies at this point.