#polytheism
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As much as there is a sense of environmental grief within society and our circles—watching land be destroyed, knowledge of extinct species, etc—do you ever think there is a sense of spiritual grief for us pagans?
Do you ever wonder what the world would be like if paganism wasn't forced out of society? If our temples and shrines were still visited and offerings were still left, if our symbols were everywhere and not worn on a necklace hidden beneath our shirts, if in every woodland grove there was a statue of Cernuunos, on every mountain a sculpture of Skadi, if hearthcraft and spellwork and old herbalism/magic/knowledge was handed down through the generations.....
I know that paganism is greatly growing in numbers, but I wonder what the strength of our community would look like if our oral traditions and spiritual histories were never broken. The stories we'd be raised on could topple the highest of kings.
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putting the poly back in polytheism
something that I've noticed in neo-pagan/polytheist spaces is this focus on one or a few deities. while this is a valid approach and seems to be working amazingly for many people, i wanted to write a short defence of a different form of polytheism that, while maybe less visible on social media, is equally viable.
the poly in polytheism necessitates the belief in multiple gods however modern forms of worship take many different forms on top of that. from my years being in pagan spaces on social media I have noticed that to many, being a polytheist means worshipping one or a handful of gods and having very close relationships with them. which deities someone chooses to have this kind of relationship with stems from multiple possible sources, for example, personal interest, the deity's domain being somehow related to a person's life or an inexplicable draw to them.
to me, this seems to be the dominant view on social media of the form that neo-paganism takes, however, after years of exploring my spirituality and practice, I have come to the conclusion that this is not how I want to worship. I am writing this post for more people like me, who are interested in exploring this often less mainstream approach.
an ancient template
reading about Ancient Greek and Roman civilisations I was always struck by the number of minor deities with hyper-specific domains and associations. as a modern pagan, I could not understand the appeal of worshipping such a deity, ie. using so much time and resources to build a relationship for only a handful of niche issues that you could approach them with.
but as I kept reading and exploring, I realised that I was approaching polytheism completely differently than the ancients did. they truly did live in a world full of gods and they did not require a relationship built over days, if not weeks or more, to approach a deity and ask for their aid.
as long as you followed the rules of reciprocity, you could approach any deity that was relevant to your situation because they were the best equipped to help you with your problem. now this is not true for all of the population all the time, there were definitely also for example, people devoted to one deity, but from my understanding, this seemed to be the general form that polytheism took in those ancient civilisations.
the influence of monotheism
I think another feature of online neo-paganism is this expansion of the major deities' domains which then removes the need to worship the smaller deities. now, don't get me wrong, I'm all for expanding the domains of deities, especially if this is done from a revivalist perspective in order to modernise them for the contemporary worshipper. but sometimes I feel like completely unrelated domains are added for the sake of convenience more than anything else, ie. so that someone can keep worshipping the same deity(ies) without approaching others.
this, in my opinion, goes against one of the core aspects of polytheism which is the idea that different gods rule over different domains and have power over them. following this idea, it would make very little sense to pray to Neptune during air travel as he has no influence over the skies. yet, I sometimes see the deities be treated more like monotheistic gods which are all-powerful and can influence anything in the world.
if this is your view of how the gods work, that's fine, but I feel like sometimes people accept it without questioning it much or thinking about their view of theology at all. after mulling this idea over for some time, I realised it made much more sense to approach those specific deities, even if they are much less known or minor because this fits into my beliefs about polytheism much better.
a poly-practice
so, how would a poly-polytheistic practice look like in the modern day? well, there are many ways to go about it but I will just share bits from my own experience.
what I have ended up doing is focusing on different deities as they become relevant in my life - I focused on worshipping Janus at the beginning of the year while also taking the time to pray to Fortuna in moment when I needed her aid. I then did some extra reading on Jupiter, but didn't forget to thank Mars every time I went to the gym. I no longer felt the pressure to have some sort of special "connection" to every deity or "feel their presence", just trusting that they are there and then catching glimpses of divinity in my daily life.
looking into which Roman festivals I wanted to celebrate also opened my perspectives to more deities I would not have otherwise worshipped on my own. like this, I feel like I am building an arsenal of deities I can turn to when I need and of course, it is also vital to remember that I can call on multiple ones at the same time, just like the Romans saw the gods aiding one another in their tasks.
I only have one altar, which is practical and thus quite minimalistic, but there is space for my prayer notebook as well as other supplies that I need for my rituals.
conclusion
of course, this kind of practice results in a much more "impersonal" relationship with the gods, but I never really felt the need to communicate with them directly or things like that, so it fits me well. I find comfort in imagining a world full of gods, who may only know me in passing but who look out for me nevertheless.
in the end, the goal of this post is not to change anyone's mind about how they worship, but to present an alternate perspective which you can learn from but also completely disregard. in the end I am just happy that you were interested enough to reach until the end of this post. thank you for reading!!
#paganism#polytheism#roman polytheism#helpol#hellenic polytheism#pagan#religio romana#cultus deorum#mint in the moonlight#mint hot takes
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#vesta 🪔#aesthetics :: 🎨#devotion :: 📿#roman pagan#pagan community#pagan#paganblr#paganism#pagans of tumblr#spiritual#spirituality#polytheism#religion#deity devotion#deity worship#sculpture#italy#marble
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i can't stop making these
#my media#paganism#hellenic pagan#Greco-Egyptian polytheism#polytheism#hellenic polytheism#polytherian#paganblr#pagan#history memes#ancient history
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I’ve been seeing a lot of posts around social media talking about people hearing the call of Hekate, The Morrigan, and Lilith.
I’m not here to dissuade any of that, just want to remind my fellow pagans and witches that there are a plethora of other deities you can work with in regards to what we’re all currently going through and anticipated to go through.
As a Hellenic Polytheist here are some of my suggestions:
Aphrodite (especially her war side, yes Aphrodite has a war side)
Ares (THE feminist of the pantheon, I will die on that hill)
Artemis (protector of women and children, killer of dickheads, a witch, and a primal goddess. Don’t sleep on her!)
Athena (THE strategist. She’s going to lead you to the path of victory)
Dionysus (THE revolutionist. Dionysus is the destroyer of empires and harbinger of change. Especially in regard to women. Their maenads are lethal to men who try to oppress and suppress them)
Eris (MY GIRL! I mean this bitch started the Trojan War with an Apple. Do I need to say more??)
Demeter (Also a witch and single handedly brought two of the 3 kings to their knees and almost destroyed the entire world because she went against the patriarchy. This is the goddess you want to fight alongside of in this battle! Stop sleeping on her!)
Hera (Arguably the most terrifying deity in the entire pantheon. Even Zeus is terrified of her. She lead the Greeks to victory in the Trojan War using her rage, spite, and power. And she can do the same for us!)
There are of course other deities especially in other pantheons. And you can absolutely and should lean on the deities you already have relationships with. This is just a suggestion in case you would like to connect with a new deity for the collective work we are preparing to do.
As always, if you have any questions about the deities I listed don’t hesitate to ask! 💖
Happy hexing and dismantling oppressive systems, my darlings! 😘
#hellenic polytheism#polytheist#polytheism#paganism#pagan#pagan community#witch community#witchcraft#witch#witchblr#deity work#deity worship#hex the patriarchy
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I don’t think we are meant to fear the Gods. Not even Gods of storms, death, or war. To believe in them is to accept them as they are. Don’t let anybody convince you that polytheists should fear the Gods. Be awe-struck, be humble before them if it feels right, but in this modern day and age, spirituality shouldn’t feel unsafe.
#thought#polytheism#spirituality#heathenry#deity work#norse gods#norse paganism#paganism#deities#pagan
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I've seen this saying being passed around a few times. Not sure where it is from, but I love it:
If you don't know who to pray to, then pray to Hermes. Even if he cannot help you, he knows someone who can.
#hellenic polytheism#hellenic paganism#hellenic polytheist#hellenic pagan#helpol#theoi#paganism#polytheism#pagan#polytheist#hermes god#hermes#hermes worship#hermes deity#lord hermes#the gods#hellenist#Ἑρμῆς
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altars for greek gods
this post includes hades, persephone, artemis, apollo, aphrodite, hermes, and hekate. for part 2 including zeus, hera, poseidon, hestia, hephaestus, dionysus, ares, demeter, and athena click here, for the titans and protogenoi click here.
keep in mind that this is largely UPG, new age stuff, and historically accurate offerings to the gods include meat, wine, grain (specifically barley), honey, and incense (myrrh and frankincense).
colors can be used for candles, banners, decor, whatever you want
HADES
Colors: black, red, and white for association with death. purple and metallics for association with riches/wealth
Offerings: mint, asphodel, white poplar, pomegranate, coffee, cinnamon, elm, money, chocolate
Crystals: gemstones, black crystals (obsidian, black tourmaline, smokey quartz, etc.), pyrite, hematite, labradorite
Animals: black ram, owl, serpent, Cerberus
PERSEPHONE
Colors: purple, pink, yellow, green for association with springtime. black and metallics for association with Hades. white for purity.
Offerings: pomegranate, flowers, grains, asphodel, lavender, rosemary
Crystals: amethyst, gemstones, moss/tree agate, milk quartz, jade, lepidolite
Animals: deer, ram, bat, talking birds (including parrots)
APHRODITE
Colors: red and pink for love/sexuality. white and blue for association with the ocean. gold for association with, well, gold.
Offerings: roses, chocolate, shells, myrrh, gold
Crystals: rose quartz, pearl, emerald, opal, aquamarine, rhodonite, rhodochrosite, ocean jasper, morganite
Animals: swan, dove, hare
ARTEMIS
Colors: white, blue, black, and grey for association with the heavens. brown and green for association with nature/the hunt.
Offerings: moon shaped foods, frankincense, cypress, mugwort, amaranth
Crystals: morganite, moonstone, aventurine, selenite, celestite, moss/tree agate, amethyst, quartz (specific dendritic), labradorite, silver
Animals: deer, wolf, wild boar
APOLLO
Colors: yellow, white, and blue for association with the heavens. red, orange, and pink for healing. purple and green for the Oracle
Offerings: sun shaped foods, bay leaves, laurel, cypress, playing music, poetry
Crystals: sunstone, amber, calcite (specifically honey and yellow), quartz (specifically rutilated or clear), rose quartz, silver
Animals: cow, snake, hawk, crow/raven, cicada, swan, bees
HERMES
Colors: green and gold for money/luck. white and brown for travels.
Offerings: money, crocus/saffron, strawberries
Crystals: jade, malachite, fluorite, pyrite, lapis lazuli, citrine, alexandrite
Animals: tortoise, ram
HEKATE
Colors: purple, blue, and green for magic. red and black for association with underworld
Offerings: garlic, saffron, crossroad dirt, black salt, ashes, sage, cedar, yew
Crystals: labradorite, obsidian, hematite, black tourmaline, amethyst, bloodstone, serpentine, lepidolite
Animals: wolf, boar, serpent, lion, horse, cow
#pagan#paganism#polytheist#witchblr#witchcraft#polytheism#witch#magic#magick#ancient greece#hellenic paganism#hellenic polytheism#hellenic pagan#hellenic deities#hellenic gods#greek polytheism#greek mythology#greek gods#ancient greek mythology#ancient greek#altar#deity#deity work#deity worship#hades#persephone#artemis#aphrodite#hermes#hecate
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Absolutely be political in your worship.
Aphrodite isn't called Pandemos (of All People) so you can sit around and let the big names capitalise love and serve it only to those who can afford to pay past the persecution. Hermes isn't called Oeopolus (Shepherd) so you can sit around and let a bunch of power-hungry wolves lead a flock of influencable sheep. Apollo isn't called Paean (Healer) so you can sit around while wealthy corporations serve healthcare only to those who can afford not to die. Athena isn't called Ambulia (Counsellor) so you can sit around while the people are being fed propaganda against each other to divert them from the real enemy at the top. Dionysus isn't called Eleuthereus (the Liberator) so you can sit around while freedom is only granted to those whose skins have the acceptable colour while the others die in chains. Zeus isn't called Xenios (of the Foreigners) so you can sit around while the borders are closed to those who need it and only open to those who can give back the money.
The Gods stand with the oppressed, and so should you.
#aphrodite deity#aphrodite worship#hermes worship#hermes deity#apollo deity#apollo worship#athena deity#athena worship#dionysus deity#dionysus worship#aphrodite#athena#apollo#hermes#zeus#zeus deity#zeus worship#revelations#hellenic polytheist#helpol#hellenism#hellenic polytheism#polytheism
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Casual ways to connect with your deities
-Pray to them or just just talk with them and tell them about your day
-Light a candle and say your thanks
-Offer your meal/snack to them or bake/cook with them or for them
-Watch a movie in their honor
-Offer your morning drink to them or make a cup for them
-Assign them a plant and take care of it as a devotion to them
-Listen to music that reminds you of them
-Say good morning/good night
-Thank them for the things you see that you consider beautiful
#paganism#pagan#polytheism#hellenic polytheism#hellenic pagan#hellenic paganism#hellenism#kemetic#kemeticism#heathenry#heathenism#norse paganism#deity devotion#deities#deity#deity work
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Broke Boy Guide to Altar Offerings
Hey! Are you broke but still wanna offer something up to the gods? Don't worry! (So am i) So here's a guide of things that are either free, low cost or that you probably already own to slap onto those altars. Mind you: These are mainly modern offerings that I attribute to these different classification of gods. I'll likely update as time goes on with other classifications :)
General Offerings to Deities:
random flowers from outside
random sticks from outside
hand written letters/prayers
plushies of the animals they're connected to
raw/cooked meats as "sacrifices"
drawn symbols
Art/Creative Deities:
symbol painted bottle caps
pens/pencils/markers
old sketchbooks
stickers/prints
origami
comic books
figurines
Death Deities:
bones or meat from your meals
dirt from a dead plant
dying flowers
skull imagery
coins or other gifts for those passing
photo/belongings of your late loved ones
Familial/Household/Protector of Children Deities:
photobooth photos
jewelry gifted from family
baby teeth from your children
breast milk
old baby shoes
framed photo of family
cookies/bread
homecooked meals
Fire Deities:
birthday candles
charcoal discs
burnt herbs
alcohol
incense
tobacco
matchbox/lighter
Healing Deities:
your current medications
bandaids
water
skincare
vitamin gummies
spell jar in an empty pill bottle
Knowledge/Wisdom Deities:
old books & textbooks
pens/pencils
mini chess pieces
written down philosophical quotes
good test scores/report cards/degrees
Love/Lust Deities:
origami 3D hearts
chapsticks
unused makeup
love letters to deities
love letters about S/O or crush
current perfume/cologne
current lotions
apples
Nature Deities:
plants dedicated to them
herbal tea packets
feathers
milk
fruits/vegetables
spells using recycled materials (toilet paper rolls, etc.)
bread
acorns
Sea Deities:
beach sand
shells
sea water
tiny sea animal figurines
shared fish dinners
makeshift spell jar using a shell
Trickster Deities:
laffy taffy joke wrappers
cards against humanity packs
other comedy card games
#deity work#paganism#deity worship#hellenic pagan#norse paganism#hellenic polytheism#pagan#helpol#pagan witch#heathenry#kemetic polytheism#kemetism#polytheism#celtic polytheism#norse polytheism#polytheist#altar offerings#deity offerings
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Dionysos, the seen and the unseen 🍇🍷
✧ please do not repost to other sites~
#dionysos#dionysus#personal#my art#upg#helpol#hellenic polytheism#theoi#greek gods#please do not save for personal use#devotional art#hellenic pagan#polytheism#paganism
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the evolution of my Aphrodite shrine 🩷 2019-2024
#aphrodite#helpol#shrine evolution#hellenic polytheism#personal#shrines#altars#polytheism#paganism#hellenic polytheist#theoi#greek gods
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Normalise dressing fancy to read tarot to talk to a deity even though you don't even know if you're doing it right but it doesn't matter because you still get answers and you felt fancy while getting them
#paganism#pagan#hellenism#hellenic pagan#polytheism#hellenic polytheism#deity work#he basically told me about me being masc and fem at the same time#im assigned non binary at tarot reading#apollo devotee#apollo#im trying my best guys
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A lot of online pagan/polytheistic communities act batshit with constant infighting, drama, and weird rules they pull out of their ass because - and i am saying this as someone who has BEEN in these communities since the LIVEJOURNAL days - a LOT of the community is made up by kids coming from fandom spaces and bringing this weird fandom discourse mindset with them. They treat religions like fandoms and gods like their blorbos
#witchblr#hellenic pagan#hellenic polytheism#polytheism#paganism#pagan#greco egyptian polytheism#roman polytheism#norse paganism
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