whats-the-word-again

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To Lady Hestia: Thank you for your support while I'm working with fire. I made a perfect stuffed pepper 🫑, ramen and adobo in the last three days including today.

I forgot take their pics and gobbled them up like a beast instead(... yh not very demure of me) but I dedicate all of it You. Here's a collage as my offering.

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No, the Roman deities aren't just the Hellenic ones in a new wrapper, they're distinct from each other.

In fact, many Roman gods had different functions before they syncretised (got infused) with the Hellenic pantheon! For example, Mars used to be a protector of Rome and it's agriculture before he became associated with war due to his syncretism with Ares.

Plus, many deities have existed long before the city of Rome was even founded. For example Juno and Minerva: they're originally etruscan deities going by the names Uni (Juno) and Menrva (Minerva).

And also, some deities do not have an "equivalent" in the Hellenic pantheon. For example Janus, the god of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, duality, doorways, passages, frames, and endings. Yes, he may be similar to Khronos, but no, he's not his "equivalent" (also since he exists since etruscan times).

— PSA from a greco-roman polytheist

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Prayer for when you're in need of financial blessings

Hekate of the Three Roads, Queen of the Crossroads, may you open the road for me to receive the financial blessings I require.

Kleidoukos, Hekate the Keybearer, unlock the way for me, under your gracious guidance.

May you, too, pass the torch to Unseen Wealth, who resides in the underbelly of the mortal realm, He who sits alongside the Springtime Queen in rule. May he cultivate the seeds of abundance as he does the seeds of the earth with giving Deo 🌾

After "I require" in the first paragraph, you can add your specific request.

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⛈ King Zeus ⛈

The following includes a little ramble of my day (including me offering things), a picture of said offerings, Homeric Hymn 23 (to Cronides), and a moodboard.

So basically this post in of itself is dedicated to Mighty Zeus hehe. Hope you're all well! And may the god of gods bless you.

Taking some time today to appreciate the almighty King of the gods, Zeus. It's been flicking between just raining and thunder-storming today where I am, hence I felt very inclined to honour Him today.

I thanked Him for the rain and tried exercising more independence in His name, this did however lead to me spontaneously piercing my ears, but it felt good to take control of my body and make bigger decisions for myself (< someone who usually just goes along with whatever someone else says or does).

Then once I got home and was alone, I set up some (LED) candles and some decorations for a makeshift altar to place offerings on since I don't have a permanent one dedicated to Him. I sliced up some green apple and poured some honeyed milk as a libation and offered them with a prayer. When I do larger offerings like this I give a portion to Hestia, first and last, as well.

After offering and praying, I sat in front of it for about 20ish minutes. I recited one of King Zeus' myths from a book I have, meditated to the sound of rain outside, and then contemplated for a little while. I out loud, to King Zeus if He could hear me, and I spoke of some of my fears, offered them up to Him almost. I won't get too into it but afterward I felt relieved that I'd spoken it out loud, knowing that I was always safe to speak my mind even in the presence of the King of gods. He's a father, a counsellor, and a leader; of course He would listen to me, He would listen to anyone if they ask.

Picture of my offerings ^^

Homeric Hymn 23 to Cronides

"To [Zeus] Kronides (Cronides) (Son of Kronos), Most High (hypatos). I will sing of Zeus, chiefest among the gods and greatest, all-seeing, the lord of all, the fulfiller who whispers words of wisdom to Themis as she sits leaning towards him. Be gracious, all-seeing Kronides, most excellent and great!"

from theoi.com

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basic human empathy has got to make a comeback divas

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A Dialogue about Change.

We find ourselves sat underneath a sturdy oak tree by a stream. We are relaxing. Though I find myself a bit high-strung. He turns to me.

Hermes: What is it that makes you so tense, Oathkeeper? It is your day off. What worries you?

Altis: I find myself... struggling, my patron. I've been lacking funds and penniless. The future is so uncertain. No matter what I do to make it clearer, there are always gaps and uncertainty. I mean, who would have guessed that we would end up here?

There is a moment of pause. I can tell it is contemplative. My Patron is deep in thought, as am I.

Soon, he shifts. He crossed his legs to face me. I am resting on my knees, back on my heels.

Hermes: Do you fear the unknown?

Altis: Most people fear the unknown, yes.

Hermes: But do you?

Altis: Yes.

Hermes: And so you are human. Humans hate the unknown. Though the dislike seems to only apply to the future. You hardly ever stress about the unknown past. Things said that you'll never know. People who have come and gone, you get over them. Why can't you get over the future?

I have never considered this. Getting over the future.

Altis: How can one just... get over the unknown? The fears are valid. Why would I need to get over it?

Hermes: The fear of the unknown is what holds you back, Altis. You worry that every step is wrong, that your choices will lead you down the wrong path. But if all it takes is one step to change everything, then the straight path is not yours to walk. It may belong to a friend. Or a stranger, who you might meet years later. But focusing on a path not meant for you will only be distracting. You'll just have to trust yourself, Oathkeeper.

The breeze brushes past us both and I look to the stream as it flows, unbothered, over dirt and rocks.

Altis: You want me to learn to be unbothered?

My Patron laughs.

Hermes: No, no. Be bothered. But learn to ask why. What about the future bothers you? Why can't you just accept that you don't know? No matter how many times you ask questions, we cannot give you clear answers. All you have is your interpretation. With such a wide range of possibilities, why obsess over narrowing it down? (Again, he laughs.) Focus on the right thing. Human things. The future is a divine concern. You're a mortal. Act as one.

But now, I am confused. To worry about the future is to be mortal, I thought. The future, change, and what's to come. I furrow my brows, and my Patron grins.

Hermes: Ask away, Altis.

Altis: How am I supposed to be a mortal without focusing on the future?

Hermes: You'll be a mortal no matter what you do. But don't try to control the future. That's my job. Well, the Fates' job. Everything is planned for you. So have faith in us. Have faith in our Father. And focus on what matters to you. Worry about taking care of yourself. You waste valuable energy on the unknown. That is what mortals do.

Now, I think I am starting to understand. My shoulders relax. And I feel less stressed.

Altis: I do trust you. And the Fates. And Father Zeus. The Gods wouldn't let me fall or misstep without reason. And, Lord Hermes, I thank you endlessly.

He waves his hand.

Hermes: Thank me by learning. Be a seeker of wisdom, as the Maxim states. You're young, with a full life ahead of you. Please don't waste your life with what-ifs and worries. You tell others to live life without worry. Heed that advice.

Altis: I'm trying. Living in the moment is a challenge nowadays. But I've been trying to form better habits. Saturdays to relax, a better work ethic, and building routines to support me.

Hermes: Ah, habits. They seem to be the hardest thing in the world for your folks.

Altis: I've been managing.

Hermes: Let's remember to prioritize what serves you. But you know that already.

At this time, I'm running through the conversation in my head. Things to ponder. I will have to learn not to worry too much about the future. That is not within my jurisdiction. Habits are good, so long as they serve me.

Change is a sensitive thing, I know this. I can do some things to influence what comes next. Perhaps, I think, I should be less critical. Whatever happens will happen. This is something I will have to learn. Change is scary. But Lord Hermes reassures me that it won't be so bad.

[whats-the-word-again]

Working Around Disabilities

Unable to walk/move around very much? Try:

Just sitting in bed, it's literally fine

Maybe sitting outside

Sitting near a window

Listen to nature sounds from Spotify

Maybe look into a sunlamp? (Can help with depression)

Too low energy to do magic or to worship? Try:

Devoting small things like brushing your teeth

Don't do anything! It's fine, take the time you need!

Drink tea with an intention for the day (doesn't need to be big, maybe it's brushing your teeth or getting out of bed)

Edit: Sensory issues? Try:

Wearing gloves if you can

Noise cancelling headphones

Turning off all the lights

Just enjoying the quiet

Do Whatever Makes You Comfortable!

Do what you can, do Not force it!!

And feel free to send in more additions to the list and I'll edit the post to add them in

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Now that I'm thinking about it, He really is engrained into my life. I'm just gonna list things out here so I don't forget.

[long list incoming]

I write poetry and stories often and hope to be well-published in the future (one of my poems is soon to be published hehe)

Branching off that; I've always been into creative writing, ever since I could remember. Non-fiction writing too; 12 year old me was a bit too bored once and decided, for fun, to write a persuasive letter to my teachers son telling him why he should get a job. He got one the next week and my teacher thanked me (she'd been complaining about him in class so...)

I listen to music everyday

I was that kid that only ever got art supplies for Christmas and birthdays

I'm Australian, so the sun + sunlight + heat + sun safety etc. are very much part of my surrounding culture

I've always kind of been part of the health sphere; from being in and out of hospital as a child, to having both physical and mental issues currently, to being surrounded by family members who have more prominent health issues and being a carer for them at times

I've tried archery once in my life. I was absolutely CRACKED at it, not to brag. The poor workers were confused, as was I, but I was having the time of my life - one of the only sports I'm actually good good at

The native animal and 'mascot' of my city / state is a swan

I used to be a Navy cadet, and for the years that I was one, I was part of the Guard - so marching with guns, doing tricks with the (twirling them, holding them in various positions for different occasions and ceremonies, etc.). Whilst this isn't directly related to Apollon, it feels reminiscent of Him and His bow and arrow, being close to His weapon

Again branching off the one above; I was in the Navy, and I believe one of Apollon's epithets - Epibatêrios - means (something similar to) "conducting men on ships" or "leader of sailors"

I often see Him regarded as a coastal god, or relating to beaches, etc. and again, I'm Australian, more than 85% of all Australians live within 50 kilometres (roughly 31 miles) of the coast.

Going back to His creative side, whilst plays and whatnot are more often associated with Dionysos, but I'm pretty sure Apollon counts too. I act a lot, was one of the top in my drama class at school (have been in a few plays), and have acted for a short film outside of school

I'm also pretty sure one of His epithets regards Him as a god of pastures, which I suppose makes sense with His cows and all, but my family used to have a farm! I used to grow up around cows and goats and horses with family friends as well. I currently also maintain my family's veggie garden and orchard too

And on a more modern note, His association with queerness is something I hold dear to my heart being transgender and queer myself

That's all I can think of right now. I might be reaching with some of them, but oh well, it's nice either way. I should stop stalling now and reach out to Him...

Guy whose been lowkey scared of Apollon from the beginning of his practice for no apparent reason = me

Guy who realised how silly that was especially because of just how engrained His domains are in his daily life = also me

Guy who needs people to keep him accountable about actually reaching out and being consistent with Lord Apollon = me again

[whats-the-word-again]

🦉The Panathenaia🦉

28 Hekatombaion

The annual Panathenaia in Athens was Athena’s biggest civic festival, in which Athena Polias, Athena Nike, and Athena Hugeia were honored. The main purpose of the Panathenaia was to deliver a new saffron-colored robe (peplos) to the olivewood statue of Athena Polias in the Erechtheum. Woven into this peplos was a depiction of Athena’s victory alongside and in support of Zeus in the Gigantomachy. A second myth that was of great importance here was Athena’s birth from Zeus’ head, her birthday being celebrated on 28 Hekatombaion. The festival may have originally only been celebrated on this day, but later grew into an 8 day long occasion from 23 - 30 Hekatombaion. Competitions took place on most of the days, with an all-night celebration (pannykhis) on 27 Hekatombaion preceding a dawn procession up to Athena’s Great Altar on the Akropolis for a grand sacrifice of a hekatomb and the presentation of the peplos.

Like many festivals, it was a chance for the population to celebrate their communal identity, but as it developed and grew and was influenced by national events, the festival also became a chance for Athens to display its growing power and wealth. Athena’s adopted son in myth, King Erikhthonios, was credited with establishing the festival and also with erecting the statue of Athena Polias. Through him, the Athenian citizens were in a sense descendants of Athena, adding to the importance of this festival. In 566BC, it was supposedly Peisistratos who instituted the “Greater Panathenaia” which would happen every four years, a grander version in which even non-Athenians could compete in the events. Following Kleisthenes’ democratic reforms, Athenian-only tribal events were included. After the victory at Salamis during the Persian Wars, a trireme on wheels was added to the procession. After the headquarters of the Delian League moved to Athens, increasing its power and domain, Athens’ “allies” were required to participate in the festival and also to provide a panoply and sacrificial cow for the festival.

The Peplos… and the Peplos

As mentioned, the annual peplos for the statue depicted the Gigantomachy and was saffron-colored. It was started nine months prior when the loom was set up during the artisan festival of Khalkeia. The arrhēphoroi, four high-born girls aged between 7 and 10, and the ergastinai (female workers) who were also high-born women, were involved in the making of this peplos.

A second ‘peplos’ later came into play. This was the massive sail of the trireme that was added to the procession after the Persian Wars. It also depicted the Gigantomachy, now with increased importance as a metaphorical and mythological link to Athens’ battle and victory against the Persians. This sail was made by male professional weavers and was only presented at the Greater Panathenaia.  It is important to note that originally these two were conflated in scholarship, until John Mansfield’s dissertation in 1985, The Robe of Athena and the Panathanaic Peplos. Walter Burkert’s Greek Religion, a common resource for Hellenic Polytheists, predates this, being published first in 1977.

The Pannykhis and The Procession

The Pannykhis was a celebration on the Akropolis that lasted all night on 27 Hekatombaion. Not a lot seems to be known about it, but choruses of young men and women were featured, as was the sunrise torch race. This team relay race started outside the Akademos at the altar of Eros, where a sacrifice may have been made to both Athena and Eros. It went into the city, through the agora and up to the Akropolis to light the flame at the Great Altar of Athena for the sacrifice.

At sunrise, the procession would gather at the Dipylon Gate (main gate to the city walls) in the Kerameikos (potters’ quarters). Male and female, citizen and metic (resident foreigner) and even former slaves took part in this. It was led by members of Athena’s cult which would include her priestess, the kanēphoroi (basket-bearers) who wore white makeup and carried baskets containing ritual implements for the sacrifice, and the arrhēphoroi and ergastinai (female workers) who had worked on the peplos. After them came the other religious and government officials.

Metics would wear purple robes and carried silver trays of cakes and honeycombs, and their daughters carried water pitchers. Former slaves carried oak branches. Handsome elder aristocratic men (thallophoroi), would carry olive branches. Accompanying the procession would be musicians playing music, and the sacrificial animals.

Events

Based on inscriptions listing prizes for winners, a possible program has been reconstructed as follows:

Day 1 - Musical and Rhapsodic Contests

Day 2 - Athletic Contests for Boys and Youths

Day 3 - Athletic Contests for Men

Day 4 - Equestrian Contests

Day 5 - Tribal Contests

Day 6 - Torch Race and Sacrifice

Day 7 - Boat Race

Day 8 - Awarding of Prizes, Feasting and Celebrations

Musical contests included competitions for solo aulos (“flute”) and kithara (“lyre”) players, singing and playing the kithara, and singing with aulos accompaniment. Along with these there were competitions for the recitation of epic poetry.

Athletic contests included footraces (200, 400 and 4800 meters), boxing, wrestling, hoplite race, pentathlon (running, wrestling, long jump, discus and javelin throwing), pankration (Combination of boxing, wrestling and kicking). Many of the contests had two or three age divisions.

Equestrian contests included a horse race, chariot races with both two and four horses, a javelin throw from horseback, and a mule-cart race. In the horse and chariot races, it was the owner of the horses who was awarded the prize, and thus it was possible for women to be ‘winners’ of these events.

Tribal contests were for Athenians only who would represent their tribe. It included a pyrrhic dance (armed dance using movements reflecting battle), euandria (male beauty or fitness contest), the torch race and a boat race in the harbour. The apobates race was also one of the tribal contests associated with this festival (but not unique to Athens), in which warriors jumped from speeding chariots. It’s unclear if they finished the race on foot, or if they hopped on and off the moving chariot. Traditionally, Erikhthonios was considered the inventor of charioteering in battle attire. 

Prizes for musical contests were gold crowns and money. For athletic and equestrian contests, they were special Panathenaic amphorae filled with sacred olive oil. These had an image of the event on one side and of an armed Athena on the other, and symbolized the many aspects of Athena celebrated at the festival. Prizes were also given for second place.

Offerings & Communal Meal

The biggest offering during the festival was the hekatomb for Athena Polias at the end of the procession - a sacrifice of a hundred or more animals, primarily cows but also sheep. This may have come after preliminary offerings, and either the thigh pieces or the bones and fat would be given as burnt offerings, with musical accompaniment. It wasn’t just Athena Polias who would receive offerings, however; during the procession to the great Altar there would be individual sacrifices given to Athena Nike and Athena Hugeia at their temples. There would also be special cakes offerings. After the sacrifices, the meat would be roasted and distributed as communal meals for residents of the city, but tribal banquets subsidized by wealthy citizens may also have contributed to these meals.

Sources:

Burkert, Walter - Greek Religion (1977, trans. 1985)

Mansfield, John - The Robe of Athena and the Panathanaic Peplos (1985)

Neils, Jenifer - Goddess and Polis: The Panathenaic Festival in Ancient Athens (1994)

Deacy, Susan & Villing, Alexandra - Athena in the Classical World (2001)

Ogden, Daniel - A Companion to Greek Religion (2007)

Larson, Jennifer - Ancient Greek Cults (2007)

Deacy, Susan - Athena (2008)

Mikalson, Jon D. - Ancient Greek Religion (2nd ed. 2010)

Larson, Jennifer - Understanding Greek Religion (2016)

Ideas for Modern Celebration

Length: Could be celebrated for 8 days, just on 28 Hekatombaion, or that day plus the night before if you want to include inspiration from the pannychis

Torch race: If celebrating with friends or family, you could stage a relay race. If solitary, you could include “torches” in a procession by using a lit candle

Procession: A procession could be made (at dawn if possible) from your front door, front gate, or other location that could stand in as a “gate”. A candle, offerings, and olive or oak branches could be carried, and music played.

Contests: In the days leading up to 28 Hekatombaion, or on the day, you could engage in competitions with friends or family

Music: Play a devotional playlist or other music, play an instrument if you know how

Reading hymns and prayers

Communal meal: You could cook and share with family and friends

Honor Athena Nike, Athena Hugeia and Athena Polias with offerings, you could light candles for each of them with the candles from your procession

Offerings:

Make honey cakes, cheesecake, cow/sheep shaped cookies or other baked goods

Offer beef or lamb, which could be incorporated in the communal meal

Something you’ve crafted

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Guy whose been lowkey scared of Apollon from the beginning of his practice for no apparent reason = me

Guy who realised how silly that was especially because of just how engrained His domains are in his daily life = also me

Guy who needs people to keep him accountable about actually reaching out and being consistent with Lord Apollon = me again

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me tooooo, also that sounds really cool

favorite offerings to deities?

What is your favorite offerings to deities?

Most times, offering the steam of my food is what I remember to do. While it cools down, I say that the gods can have the steam, essence, ‘spiritual taste’ of my food, it really depends on how much my brain is deciding to function that day. Other times I can sneak a small snack onto their altars!

Otherwise, physical offerings aren’t common due to my home life. So I tend to do more devotional acts? I devote my time writing and doing divination to Lord Apollon. Exercising and protesting to Lord Ares. Self care to Lady Aphrodite. Learning about the ocean and admiring the sea for Father Poseidon. Just for some examples. I wear devotional jewelry as well!

[whats-the-word-again]

📜ㆍ∿ㆍFood Offerings in Modern Worship.

Food was seen as a gift from the Gods to Man in Antiquity. This belief is the reason we worship harvest Gods, like Demetra, and hunting Gods, like Artemis. Food is also one of the foundations of life on Earth. We cannot exist without nourishment. And so it makes sense that we would offer food to the Theoi as an act of Piety. In this post, I will be exploring the foundations of food sacrifice as they were in Ancient Greece, and how they have evolved into the offerings we know of today. 

∿ㆍWhat is food sacrifice?ㆍ∿

Food sacrifice is a ritual practice that is still done to this day in a variety of religions and backgrounds. In Hellenic Polytheism, it was done traditionally before a meal and offered to the Ouranic Gods. I will expand more on this later. 

The concept of sacrifice was very popular in Ancient Greece and was done very commonly in daily life. Before every meal, at sunrise and sunset, during rituals, and before festivals. The most common form of food sacrifice would be the libation. The libation, as defined by LABRYS in Hellenic Polytheism: Household Worship, is “a sacred act that is an integral part of Hellenic Worship. It is the ceremonial pouring of liquid offerings onto an altar, into a sacred fire, on the ground, on the roots (for trees) or into the sea, rivers, and lakes.” In modern practice, you can libate with whatever you have. Water is the most common, especially for folks who cannot legally obtain alcohol. Wine is most popular. In Antiquity, unmixed wine was often used. I personally often use honeyed milk and olive oil, just as they did in Ancient Greece. Perfumes and fruit juice were also used for libations. In most cases, the vessel was almost entirely emptied, save for a few gulps, so the individual could drink the last bit. This is only done with consumable offerings and with Ouranic Deities. Please do not drink perfume. When taking an oath, the vessel would be shattered to symbolize the permanence or importance of the spoken words.

Food was frequently thrown into the hearth or sacred fire to burn as an offering to the Gods. The act of burning it was equated with giving it to the Gods. Animal sacrifices were also burned after being drained of their blood, and the remains were typically used for divinatory purposes. I will go a bit more in-depth on how it was done in Antiquity later on in this post. In modern times, some people still burn their food sacrifices if they have the means to do so. I will also elaborate upon this later in this post. 

With that being said, let's discuss Ancient Greece.

∿ㆍHow were they used in antiquity?ㆍ∿

In Ancient Greece, most offerings were burned in the Hearth. If one did not have access to the Hearth, one could do what Odysseus and his crew did and make one. Every home, or Oikos, came equipped with a hearth either in the kitchen, the courtyard, or both. Food could also be placed in baskets or offering bowls on the altar to be thrown into the hearth at a later date. 

The food offered varied depending on a few different factors. Firstly, geographical location. People offered the food that was local to them. Cheese could be offered—cakes, sweets, honeycakes, barley, grain. These were all typical offerings, regardless of geographical location, though, the specifics could vary. 

The second was cult practice. My favorite cult to use as an example here is the Cult of Pythagoras. The Pythagoreans were known for being vegetarians. They did not consume meat, and because of this, their offerings would have been vastly different from, say, the common person in Athens. Rather strict Pythagoreans (referred to as “The Pure”) wouldn’t let blood touch their altars at all. This practice was not very common. Blood was poured on the altar and within the tenemos all the time. They did not offer food that came from animals, simply defined in a variety of scholarly texts as “fleshy foods.” Rather, they focused on offering incense, as most did, honeycombs, and grains. Grains were, and still are, a very popular food offering. 

In some rituals, it was also required to consume or abstain from food. For Thesmophoria and Skira, for example, people were expected to fast before the feast in the evening. On Skira, this was only expected of women. In other rituals, I’ve found the example of this in Dionysian Rites, it was expected that meat is consumed raw in honor of the creation of Man from Titans. Meat itself was seen as food of the highest status. It was the food of Demigods. For this reason, the God-King diet would consist of meats, bread, wine, and not much else. But that is not much to do with food offerings, and more to do with the Ancient Greek Diet. 

Food was offered at the beginning of a meal in a very specific order. LABRYS defines this order as first and last to Hestia, The Olympians in order next, then followed by Soter Zeus / Zeus the Savior. The food was thrown into the hearth alongside a prayer, then enjoyed by those present for the meal.

∿ㆍHow do we use them in modern praxis?ㆍ∿

The modern application of food offerings varies from practitioner to practitioner, similar to how it varied based on cult and location. First, people offer what they have. The offering methods are different. Some folk set aside the last bite, allow the Gods to enjoy it while they eat the rest of the meal, then come back around to it. For foods that do not spoil fast, it is left on the altar and consumed at a later date. Other folks will, like the Greeks, burn their offerings in the hearth. 

Some individuals choose to make cakes or bread in the shape of sacred animals for the Gods they plan on giving these offerings to. For Zeus, one could make an eagle-shaped cake. For Apollon, a snake-shaped cake. Hermes, turtle-shaped, and so on. The act of creating this votive can also be offered to the God in preparation for the bigger ritual. The burning or consumption of these pieces can be interpreted as both animal and food sacrifice.

For Chthonic Gods, the food is left outside on the ground. When doing so, the practitioner should ensure that the food is not only biodegradable but also safe for animal consumption. For this reason, it is important to be aware of your local wildlife. Chthonic food offerings should not be consumed after being offered as well – it is assumed that they have been touched by the Gods of the Underworld, and consuming them will only bring the Underworld to you. If you cannot leave it outside, throw it out. If you feel bad throwing out food (understandably so), cut off a smaller portion to throw out instead. Do not eat the cut-off portion, but you may enjoy the rest.

If you have any other methods for food offerings, please feel free to share them! I am not all knowing, and if I did not mention it above, chances are I do not know of that method.

∿ㆍNuances surrounding food offeringsㆍ∿

Some folks have issues with food offerings for a few different reasons. Some of these reasons are listed below. 

∿ㆍWasting food, throwing unconsumed food out, or being unable to throw food away for any reason. ∿ㆍCost of Groceries. ∿ㆍHiding one's practice from family and/or friends. ∿ㆍInability to pray before a meal or offering (see previous point for reasoning). ∿ㆍBeing unable to leave food outside for the Chthonic Gods. 

I have dealt with a few of these, and outlined below are some ways in which I have handled and dealt with these issues. 

∿ㆍThe meal preparation would be offered to the Gods instead. No matter how minimal the prep was. If I were just having toast, then the act of taking the bread from the pantry and toasting it was my devotional act. Or, offering something else while preparing my food, like singing or dancing. ∿ㆍWhen I lived at home, I would offer snacks more than meals. If I had cookies wrapped in packaging, the whole package would go on the altar for a while before I disposed of it by consuming it myself. This eased the guilt of wasting groceries. I can live without junk food. ∿ㆍPlenty of folks, myself included, have offered the steam of a meal or hot drink to the Ouranic Gods. The steam rises to the Heavens where they reside, so it is perfectly reasonable to offer this to them. ∿ㆍI would pray silently to myself before a meal. If I were out at dinner, I’d pray while waiting for my food or leave to the bathroom. If I were at home, I would pray in my head while eating around my last bite. Now, while with roommates, I hum as a form of prayer instead. 

Of course, there are a myriad of work arounds to some of these issues. Feel free to be as innovative and creative as possible with this. It is your practice. What works for me may not work for you. 

∿ㆍCommon food offerings and replacementsㆍ∿

Some common offerings include:

∿ㆍWine. Red wine was frequently used, but any wine will do. If you don’t purchase wine, you can use any alcohol in your libations. ∿ㆍWater. Tap water is just fine. ∿ㆍMilk. Any milk is fine (whole, almond, soy, oat, etc). ∿ㆍOlive oil. Any oil is fine (Olive oil, Almond Oil, Peanut Oil, Avocado Oil, just be mindful of allergies). ∿ㆍHoney. ∿ㆍMeal cakes (honeycakes, barley cakes, corn bread, any kind of cake). ∿ㆍFruit juice. Any kind of fruit. Feel free to use any fruit relating to your God when libating. ∿ㆍBaked goods. I’ve offered cookies, brownies, and cake to the Gods. You can offer any baked goods.

You are not limited to the above offerings - you can offer whatever you please, whatever you have. I tend to use sesame seeds in place of barley in most offerings and rituals. Some rituals or holidays may outline specific food offerings. If you do not have it and cannot afford it, it is okay to use replacements. In my own rituals, I typically offer honeyed milk, olive oil, rain water and, if I have it, wine. I have offered soft drinks in the past. I find that Lord Apollon is rather partial to orange soda. 

This was a bit lengthy, but I hope it was worth the read! As usual, if you have any questions or would like any elaboration, please feel free to ask me. I’ve included my sources below, should you want to do any further reading. 

Xaire, Altis. 

Sources -

Detienne, Marcel, and Jean-Pierre Vernant. The Cuisine of Sacrifice among the Greeks. University of Chicago Press, 1989.

Labrys Polytheistic Community. Hellenic Polytheism Household Worship. Athens, Greece, Labrys Polytheistic Community, Lexington, Ky, 2014.

Salza, Eugenia, and Ruth Anne Lotero. Meals and Recipes from Ancient Greece. Los Angeles (Calif.), J. Paul Getty Museum, Cop, 2007.

Suk, Theodora. Sharing with the Gods : Aparchai and Dekatai in Ancient Greece. Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2014.

Wilkins, John, and Shaun Hill. Food in the Ancient World. John Wiley & Sons, 9 Feb. 2009.

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∿ㆍThe Oathkeeper's Templeㆍ∿

📜ㆍ∿ㆍThe Oathkeeper's Temple

We invite you to join The Oathkeeper's Temple, an online space dedicated to the worship and celebration of The Mighty King Zeus, the Shining Oracle Apollon, and the Swift Messenger Hermes!

We are a 15+ space fit with a divination channel, a space for discussing and debating philosophy, and a channel for non-Hellenic systems of belief and practice.

In honor of the three aforementioned Gods, we have dedicated temple categories to each of them, with altar channels, prayer and hymn chats, and discussion spaces.

It is a fresh space - there is not much currently to offer. I intend to build it and grow in response to the needs of the community. However, in the future, you can anticipate the following:

∿ㆍHoliday celebrations that are accessible to folks who cannot openly practice or celebrate. ∿ㆍA collaborative zine created by the community in honor of this divine trio. ∿ㆍA festival calendar inspired by the Attic Calendar, designed by the community - free of charge!

We are, of course, welcome to suggestions, ideas, and feedback. This temple space is for the community just as much as it is for me, and I would be honored if folks indulged in the grace and blessings of Zeus, Apollon, and Hermes alongside me.

Thank you all so very much for giving me the confidence to create this space. As a Priest, community means everything to me. I am opening the doors to build a more tight-knit space, and I implore you to join me.

Xaire, Altis.

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CHAT LOOK AT WHAT I GOT!!

This is amazing!! I love it so far!! (I’m on page 43! It’s so good) I also love how it includes prayers you can do as well!! :3

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HELPOL JOURNALING/REFLECTION PROMPTS — heavy shadow work prompts, Olympian edition.

Featuring lesser-discussed aspects or sides of the gods. Massive "read to filth" warning!!

ZEUS – Forming pacts, promises, and oaths to others is an obligation, an action that puts integrity and trust on the line until what is agreed upon is fulfilled. Breaking an agreement breaks spirits and stability in relationships. So what have you promised yourself in the past that have never been put to fruition—any resolutions, goals, that you never got to fulfill? Why were they never completed?

POSEIDON – The very soil you stand on is supposedly the safest place to be, but the earth moves and shakes unapologetically, taking down all that towers above it. Have you had moments where what you built and stood for crumbled to the ground mercilessly, and you were left to pick up what had been destroyed? Could you have stopped it from breaking even if you couldn't prevent it from happening?

HERA – Life is a journey traversed through both familiar roads and unpaved paths. These journeys can be literal expeditions and long travels to be in new places, and for some, it is a long-winded path to a less physical but equally beautiful destination. Write a letter about your travels to your past self, who was yet to begin their long journey just to get to where you are now. Thank them, thank yourself.

HESTIA – Transparency is the lesser mentioned but equally important partner of communication as a key aspect of negotiation and bureaucracy. Is there ever a time when you or somebody else had twisted the truth or altered the manner in which to express it to raise the chances in your favour, or has somebody else done it against you? Do you think it was worth it to do so?

DEMETER – Abundance is never ensured or constant, and there will be inevitable periods of darkness and drought where one feels as if they are losing everything and gaining nothing at the same time. Whenever you are hopeless and feel as if nothing good will ever replenish all that you have lost, there are reasons as to why you're still here despite it. What or who are these reasons that stayed even when all else has vanished from you?

ARES – Respect for another person's inborn dignity is respect for human life and existence. Most of us attempt to be gracious and polite to preserve the dignity of others. Ignoring your own, and therefore disrespecting yourself, is not an exception to the rule. How many times in the past six months, up to a year ago, have you shamed yourself, been self-deprecating, and been cruel to yourself?

HEPHAESTUS – As much as our passions and specialties fuel us, there will be inevitable times when burnout exists. In periods of creative rut and artistic block, even the greatest artisans feel as if nothing they create is good enough. In the worst cases, these periods may last so long and so painfully that they stop altogether. If you are still a creative now, how do you get over these artistic dry spells? If you've given up and dropped an art form, is there still an ember of passion within you, or has it truly died out?

ATHENA – Intellect is not merely measured by academic excellence or the ability to quickly solve a problem on paper with genius skill. It also involves displaying a deep understanding of concepts and experiences, and the ability to apply learnings in profound ways. What are the greatest realizations, revelations, or life lessons you have had in the past year? Do you think understanding these has made you a smarter person about your life, or at the very least more aware?

APHRODITE – Passion and love are forces with no morality, only power. When harnessed healthily, these can fuel perseverance, healing, improvement, and even renewal. When left uncontrolled and unsupervised, they can quickly corrupt and turn irrational as fast as they can influence. Are you somebody who allows themself to be thoroughly ruined by its intensity, or do you attempt to rein it in as much as you can help it?

APOLLON – The excess of anything good becomes bad, and the indulgence in something seemingly beneficial can be blinding. Potent medication is administered with specific doses for a reason. And many good things in life are not meant to be had all at one time, though it is undeniably irresistible. Do you have any guilty pleasures or vices that you struggle with working on or experiencing, and are you aware of their long-term effects on you? Do you still take care of yourself regardless of or because of it?

ARTEMIS – Many people look down on others for reasons they cannot prevent, deny, or remove from themselves. Race, gender, sexuality, conditions, you name it, and some people feel the need to belittle those who are different from others. If you are not part of these minorities, or if you are somebody who experiences some forms of discrimination, how do you advocate and fight for yourself and those who are alienated by others?

DIONYSUS – Merely realizing the utter chaos and clamor of life can render even the most well-adjusted individuals in society to develop an existential crisis that uproots their motivations and reasons for being. In this ever-changing, ever maddening, potentially meaningless existence we live in modern day life, how do you keep grounded to reality, experiencing it, shaping this reality to be distinctly suited and meaningful to you?

HERMES – Luck is a leap of faith, and you never know which side of the probability you will end up having. There are times when the world leaves us no opportunity to choose wisely, and we are thrown into a fit of quick decision-making that may or may not end in catastrophe. Usually, they do end up horribly, but on the rare occasions that chance is on your side, recall a time you made a reckless, potentially dangerous, and non-advisable decision that, by a stroke of luck, ended better than expected. Would you ever dare do it again with the same stakes at hand?

I'll probably make more of these but with specific themes soon >:3. Khaire, self-love and enlightenment be with you! Happy journaling!

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I've been taking some time to thank Lady Hestia lately. I think she goes underappreciated in a lot of online spaces.

I wish I could figure out a way to end this post, so this is my way of doing it: take some time to appreciate the lady of the hearth! She's wonderful. ♡

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have you considered apologizing to altis and co in private?

I would, honestly. Unfortunately, we all have each other blocked so that's quite unlikely to happen. I didn't name any of them because I don't want to rehash old drama if they didn't want their names said (which I understand, I asked not to have my name brought up either), hence why my apologies today have all been to the entirety of those that were in the Acropolises, including them.