eleusinianrites

[eleusinianrites]

Hermanubis is a syncretic god combining Anubis and Hermes who was popular during the Roman period of Egypt's history, as both were known for their skills as psychopomps. I was inspired by Byzantine icons for this one. Prints available here.

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For Lady Aphrodite 🐚

Happy International Women's Day, feeling blessed and loved 🥀🍯🍫

#THIS

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movies that i associate with artemis *

movies about: nature, hunting, girlhood, healing

balto

bambi

booksmart

edge of seventeen

eighth grade

george of the jungle

the jungle book

lady bird

little women

robin hood

the secret garden

where the wild things are

wild

letterboxd list (always being updated!) movie assocations list

* note, these are my own personal associations. this is in no way labeled as an official list.

[eleusinianrites]

winter comes in brief breathes. like the world is gasping, on the edge of crying, waiting for the noise of the aether to put a hand over its mouth. winter comes in brief breaths, until it doesn't.

artemis is cold. not in speech nor visage but feeling. she is the cold that you can feel even through all your layers. she's snowbanks on the side of the river, crystalline and fragile alone but solid ice who's underbelly coalesces to pronged points all together. she's the feeling of a rushing wind against your cheeks and nose that you can't help but revel in.

hunting season ranges from september to the very end of december. four long months, four looong months. food becomes scarcer; deer stop lurking on the edges of the highway. every weekend, she disappears into the back roads.

artemis is cold not in speech but visage. she looks the buck in the eye as she aims. and it doesn't bolt, like a human might, because it knows her. his mother spoke of her when he was but smaller and more frail than this. she is beautiful in her form; she is handsome in her gritted teeth. his antlers are slowly growing back in, but he supposes there is no reason to worry about them becoming big this year. she looks the buck in the eyes and he does not run, because sacrifices come willingly.

the colder months are sadder, too. humanity must learn to make the world more hospitable for themselves. this is easier now than it was then, of course, but that does not matter much to the divine. they have jobs like us, duties like us. they come home same as we.

artemis is not cold in speech. never in speech. her voice is the harmony of a chorus, the tone like popping fire wood. she drags the buck home with one hand. there is no snow on her; she has melted snow prints into the forest floor. the cottage is big, but only because the gods have never been small. it is a wick in a sea of wax. olympus works from many places, of course, but the blazing of a hearth will always mean home. hestia is inside, crosslegged on the worn seatee — she is working lace. demeter is seating at the kitchen table, flame flickering dull against her paled skin. she loses all her color this part of the year; it makes artemis' heart hurt. hermes and apollo, their voices echo. she can't discern from where, but she knows they are up to no good. she kisses demeter's hand and lifts it to her forehead, does the same to hestia. then she calls for her brothers to help skin the deer — athena wanted new hide.

#beautiful writing!! wow

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Grimoire - Goddess Devotions

Artemis: 30 Days of Artemis Artemis, goddess of the hunt and the wilderness What I have learned as a devotee (and adopted daughter) of Artemis Things that I can do on a regular basis for Artemis devotion My Favorite Epithets of Artemis My devotional playlist for Artemis Advice for new worshippers who are interested in becoming devotees of Artemis About my oath to Artemis Emoji Spell for Artemis Artemis offerings 6th and 7th Lunar days of the Attic Calendar, to Artemis and Apollon “Small” Ways to Incorporate/honor Lady Artemis in everyday life Maenadism, Artemis and Dionysus The Dark Side of Artemis Callimachus's Hymn to Artemis

Hestia: 15 Days of Hestia Hestia, goddess of the hearth and the home What I have learned as a devotee of Hestia Things that I can do on a regular basis for Hestia devotion How Hestia inspires me to be the best keeper of my home that I can be Hestia to me My devotional playlist for Hestia Emoji Spell for Hestia Theoi Summary - Hestia Hestia Offerings Acts of devotion to Hestia Simple Ways To Honor Hestia Hestia is… Flameless Hearths & Devotions Hestia and Dionysus

Melinoe: Melinoe, goddess of ghosts and spirits Acts of Devotion to Melinoe Melinoe's Underworld Family Melinoe in my thoughts Melinoe, ghost lady of the night My devotional playlist for Melinoe Emoji spell for Melinoe A Hymn to Melinoe Ode to Melinoe Poem for Melinoe

Other Goddesses: “Aphrodite” Aphrodite small devotional acts Misconceptions of Aphrodite Was sacred prostitution for Aphrodite really a thing? Aphrodite of the Sea “Athena” Athena small devotional acts Suggestions for Tritogeneia Medusa, Athena and Poseidon Don't Go Talking Classics Out of School: Medusa Hecate small devotional acts Common Misconceptions about the Goddess Hekate Why are the Crossroads Holy, and What Does that Mean for Hekate? Hekate and Witchcraft in Ancient Greece What is Hekatean Witchcraft? Macaria My UPG story of Macaria and Melinoe Melissa Theoi Summary - Melissa Sappho Worship Masterpost Epithets of Sappho The Thriae/Thriai

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I don't know a lot about Hestia, but I decided to try my hand in drawing her.

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🌙 Subtle Artemis Worship 🦌

Spend time out in nature (e.g. go on a hike, take a walk outside, visit a nature preserve, etc.)

Dancing, especially at night and to music that makes you feel wild and free

Playing an instrument (although this is more for Apollo, I believe it also works as a form of Artemis worship)

Wearing jewelry that reminds you of her

Having imagery of deer, horses, or dogs around

Having literally any sort of animal symbolism around (she is a Goddess of Animals)

Investing in nature/animal conservation efforts (can simply be spreading the word if you can't afford to donate or volunteer)

Creating art of your favorite flower, plant, or animal

Keeping a picture of her in your wallet

Taking a walk outside during the crescent or full moon (only if it is safe in your area to do so)

Learning about self-defense (I feel dedicating a pocket knife, if legal, to her is a great idea)

Learning archery

Befriending neighborhood animals, such as cats, birds, or dogs; leaving food out for them

Lighting a bonfire with friends and having a good time together; dancing around it is especially great (please be safe about doing so; I don't recommend drinking first)

Star-gazing and moon-gazing

Showing compassion to others, such as through volunteer work or holding doors

Taking a warm bath at night

Having a candle that reminds you of her (no altar needed)

Wearing animal-inspired outfits or doing animal-inspired makeup

Visiting a local zoo, aquarium, or butterfly pavilion; taking the time to learn about new creatures

Watching nature documentaries or movies about animals (it can be movies/shows starring anthropomorphic animals)

Being curious about local fauna and flora

Learning how to safely forage for food, such as picking berries or mushrooms

Meditating in the dark of the night, especially on a crescent or full moon

Making a list of your goals; focus on completing these one step at a time

Taking new risks, especially ones that give you a sense of thrill and excitement

Sending kind messages to loved ones, especially those having a difficult time

Learning to prioritize your own well-being; taking care of yourself first and foremost

-

May add to this later! For now, this is my list of discreet ways to worship Artemis. I hope someone finds it helpful. Take care, everyone! 💚

Link to Subtle Worship Master list

[eleusinianrites]

Artemis as a goddess of transitions my beloved...

From seed to sprout

From womb to birth

From childhood to adulthood

From 'singlehood' to marriage

From youth to old age

From sickness to healing

From death to life

From life to death

She is the boots-on-the-ground pair of hands that leads us, sometimes kicking and screaming, with all the gentleness of a lioness taking her cub by the scuff of its neck.

She is my life-death-rebirth deity in the most primal way. She's the guardian of the gate and the door. She teaches us to look at ourselves and our lives and put it all in context, and she ensures that we are never alone while we do it.

There's just something about her being goddess of the hunt (death for the sake of survival) and birth at the same time...

Sometimes being her devotee feels like looking at my own failing body and inevitable death square in the eye and learning how not to look away, because she'll bear witness with me. That's who she is. That's what she does.

Because a mother will always be a mother, no matter what form her children take.

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Engraved Scaraboid with Aphrodite Riding a Goose, about 400 B.C.E.

Aphrodite riding on a goose. Terracotta from Locri, Calabria, Italy. Made in Boeotia c. 470 – 460 BC. [this actually looks like a swan to me; look at the upper beak?].

Aphrodite on a goose, 2nd-1st Century B.C.E.

Aphrodite riding on a goose, 380 BCE, Taranto.

Relief of Aphrodite on a goose, 50 BCE-100 CE, Italy.

Terracotta figurine of Aphrodite seated on a goose, 3rd to 2nd century BCE, Cyprus.

#THE 2ND PICTURE HAHA #I LOVE HER

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Been working on a paper for an anthropology class on less common religions! My topic is hellenic polytheism, I made a survey about some areas of the religion that I'm writing about, thought I'd share it here in the hopes that some people might want to share their experiences

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Unknown, Cave painting from the Tassili N'Ajjer Mountains, about 8000 to 12,000 years old

This rendering looks clean to me to not have been enhanced, but what do I know. Art of this era is fascinating to me

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Hermes Devotional Post!

Not a complete list of course, so feel free to add on!

Travel

Dedicated travel playlist for Hermes

Mindful packing for trips

Road-trips/camping

Trying new modes of travel

Let Him pick the music

Travel by boat/kayak/canoe

Learn to roller skate, skateboard, or longboard

Learn to surf

Go for a bike ride

Find ways to save on gas (like rewards cards)

Misc.

Draw sigils on shoes

Leave coin offerings at the location you start your travels

Travel size portable altar

Give people in need bus fare 

Go for a run 

Picking up coins you find/leaving coins for others

Donating to homeless shelters

Car

Keep up on car maintenance (especially in the wintertime)

Courteous driving (Letting people out, stopping for pedestrians, using your blinker)

Clean snow off other drivers’ cars

Keep your car clean

Giving rides to others

Stopping for those that need help on the side of the road

Invite Him to ride in the passenger seat

Let Him pick the music

International

Get a passport!

Keeping up on foreign affairs

Decorate your passport

See the world!

Make a travel board/destination list

Learn about places you wanna go

Try foreign foods

Nature

Take a nature walk! (Or just a walk around the block)

Dedicate your hiking boots/running shoes to him

Find a spot in nature to talk to Him

Learn about birds in your area and where they come from and go.

Learn how animals communicate (great alongside Artemis)

Communication

Write letters to friends

Send postcards/greeting cards

Call a friend or relative

Reread messages/emails before sending 

Communicate your thoughts and feelings in your relationships

Practice keyboarding

Establish and enforce your boundaries 

Can and string telephones

Keep secrets entrusted to you

Support your local post office

Collect stamps/postcards

Dedicate your phone/laptop to Him

Have a penpal

Language

Keep a journal 

Learn a new language/Revisit the language you started learning and then neglected 

Learn ASL

Learn about the evolution of language and how it is always changing

Be mindful of the language you use in daily life and consider how it affects you and those around you 

Change your self-talk! Keep it positive!

Voice training (Particularly for trans worshippers)

Thinking before you speak

Learn about older forms of communication (like Morse Code)

Learn braille 

Go to the library and practice reading books in a foreign language (Great to do alongside Athena)

Practice writing (great to do alongside Apollo) 

Learn about the elements of writing, like allegory and metaphors (alongside Apollo)

Trickery and luck

Play pranks (remember: good pranks cause confusion, not harm)

Learn magic tricks 

Buy scratch offs/play the lottery

Understand how gambling addictions affect people

Dice and card games

Learn about good luck charms/Make your own

Night at the casino 

Learn about superstitions

Games like billiards or darts

Arcade/video games/carnival games

Make small/friendly bets

Poker nights!

Game of horseshoes

Learn parlor games

Miscellaneous 

Smoke a bowl with Him! (If your relationship is like that)

Offer him coffee and energy drinks

Trail mix, candy, road-trip snacks, 

Learn a good joke

Write/perform stand up comedy 

Related Jobs

Mail carriers and sorters

 Retail workers (Hermes of Merchants & Commerce)

 Canvassers 

Editors, journalists, and writers

Newspaper routes

Bank tellers

Carnies 

Casino workers

Gas station attendants

 Mechanics 

Where I Acknowledge Him

Gas stations

Mail carriers/trucks

Worn-looking travelers (thinking of the eye-patched man lounging on the sidewalk smoking a cigarette. Hope to be that content one day)

Gumball machines give me his vibe

Arcade games, pinball machines, and air hockey 

Flea markets/garage sales

Simple Acts to Devote to Him

Checking your mail

Checking email/voicemail

Buying stamps

Flipping a coin

Dice divination

Charm casting

Collections

Rocks

Coins/money 

Good luck charms

Pens/writing utensils

Playing cards

Dice (Looking at you D&D players)

Offerings

Orange peels

Trail mix/peanuts

Road-trip snacks

Rocks & pebbles, coins, cool things you find outside

Travel souvenirs 

Good luck charms

Energy drinks

Coffee (bonus points for gas station coffee)

Letters/postcards/stamps

Apples/bananas/grapes

Foreign foods

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Hermes Dôtor Eaôn, Giver of Good Things,

Help me not to squander the opportunities sent my way,

To accept these opportunities and capitalize on the best ones.

Help me not to sabotage the good things in my life,

Be it a friendship, a gift given, or elsewise.

Help me not to distract myself from all that is good in the world,

So that I don't focus only on the negative things that surround me.

Thank you, Generous Hermes, for your help.

May you always find more than what you were searching for,

And may you always stumble on good things when most needed.

~

Hermes Eriounês, The Luck-Bringing Ready-Helper,

Grace me with your fortune, and smile upon me,

As I venture forth into unknown territory, taking risks that petrify me with their consequences.

Journey beside me, and come well-prepared,

As I walk an unknown road filled with unknown dangers and trials ahead.

Extend your hand to me, and offer reassurance,

As I question whether or not to quit along the way, frustrated by the challenges I face.

Thank you, Benevolent Hermes, for your support.

May the Fates themselves always smile upon you,

And may the rush of the wind always be on your side on your travels.

~

Hermes Kharidôtês, Giver of Joy,

Aid me in seeing the beauty in everything around me,

Even on days where I find it hard to get out of bed.

Aid me in having faith in others as well as in myself,

No matter how powerful that monster called Doubt may seem.

Aid me in finding simple joy in the little things,

Even in tasks I would normally dread or struggle to motivate myself for.

Thank you, Kind-hearted Hermes, for your aid.

May your days be filled with never-ending joy,

And may laughter come as naturally to you as the air in a mortal's lungs.

~

|| Prayers to Hermes made by me ||

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I don't know how to put this into words efficiently, but I want to comment on Hermes and change, transition, and acceptance.

This is something I don't see people talk about often: Hermes' role within transition and change. He is a psychopomp that helps souls transition from one place to another. He is a guide to humanity, a shepherd to humankind. When a major change happens in my life, it is most often Hermes that I turn to for support.

With that aid of Hermes, I've found it much easier to accept change and to transition through it. When I feel intimidated by a change, Hermes takes my hand and reminds me that I can move through this. He walks beside me through the unknown and stays with me until I've reached the other side. He has guided scared humans before - humans afraid of the uncertainties of death and the unknown, of what lies beyond - and the way he so expertly walks me through scary changes is reassuring in the best ways. He never shames me for being afraid; he never pokes fun at me for it. Rather, he encourages me to accept that fear. "I am afraid, and that is ok." And slowly, I start to move from fear to acceptance. "This is unknown, and that is ok."

Hermes encourages change. I believe he knows how vital it is to the human experience, for if things remain stagnant for too long, that can inhibit personal growth. Change is also scary, and I believe he knows that as well. That's why he is so patient to walk people through it. That's why he doesn't shame or berate you for being afraid. That's why he sticks with you until you've finally reached the other side. He knows that it's scary, that it's a process, and I think he'd rather help you learn to be ok with change slowly over time than shove you into the deep end without swimming lessons.

I'm not entirely sure what I'm trying to say here, but know that being afraid of change, and even of risk, is natural. If you ever need to rely on a deity for help through such things, Hermes is always there, a loyal and faithful friend of humanity, willing and ready to help. Hermes is there to walk you through to the other side.

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Dionysus, god of wine and patron of wine-making, with the young Kore (Persephone), holding a flower. Roman statue, after Greek original, 2nd century CE. Collection of the Hermitage State Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia. Photo by thisisbossi via Flickr 2008:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/thisisbossi/3055479520. Image license: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)     

More about this sculpture at Hermitage State Museum website:  https://www.hermitagemuseum.org/wps/portal/hermitage/digital-collection/!ut/p/z0/jc29DoIwFAXgV4GB1V6EVhxvqkCIEUNi1C6mGsTKr1DRx5fJQY1xOyc5-Q4RZEtEJXuVSa3qShZD3wm2jxGZ7XCIYk5ngHGyoglfBmC7JCLi92AQ1OV6FUjEsa50-tBkm8tSdfu0suBet3ln1CdDttoCYCOjO96KRt_a1ALb8xjz3i-8KZ0C8pDzcEGdwJ98vTinbam0zAbmFT8kimNAF-fumvpjcNn_UpOLAy36coOm-QTrZoCX/

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Classicstober Day 7: Persephone 🏵️

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My Personal Epithets for Persephone

This is a follow up post from my last ‘personal epithets’ post, for Haides.

Mother of Moths - I have this intuition that moths and butterflies are both under Persephone’s special protection. Idk why. So, Mother of Moths seems like a fitting title to me? Like, She sends Butterflies to Haides and Moths to her mom. Just a thought.

Garnet-Adorned Queen - Garnet strikes me as a very Persephone-esque stone. Probably because it’s similar in colour to a pomegranate seed. I always picture Persephone adorned with garnet, hence the epithet. 

Khthonic Beauty - I equate Persephone with Aphrodite’s equal reflection, just living in the Underworld. She is the beauty of her realm, a bright flower among desolation.

Keeper of Curses - I believe Persephone offers divine retribution to those who ask for it. She surely divides punishments as duly on Earth as in Haides, and holds out her hand to the victims of terrible crimes.

She Who Delights in Graveyards - I have found Persephone’s presence in graveyards. I don’t know if she’s there to console the dead who haven’t made it to her realm, or to remember her husband, but I definitely feel that she can be spitted dancing in graveyards among tombstones and flowers. Its like a union area.