lenasuns

[lenasuns]

people who shit on the gods in 2023? cringe. very cringe.

[lenasuns]

Limitless

The Gods are everywhere, you just have to look. They’re not trapped stagnant in the myths and stories, nor in the stale histories of cultures long past. Omnipresent in their own ways, the Gods can connect with anyone at any time. 

Athena can be found walking the aisles of a Harvard library, in the study room with a first generation college student, or in between the cardboard pages of a child’s first board book. Knowledge isn’t limited to the elite or the privileged, and neither is Athena. 

Apollo can be found in the galleries of prestigious art museums, in the bedroom of an aspiring anime artist, or in the imagination of a child scribbling with crayons. He is on the stage of a sold out stadium as well as in the back row of the cheapest seats. Art and creativity isn’t limited to those with influence or connections, and neither is Apollo. 

Hephaestus can be found in the offices of any corporate building, under the machinery of a blue collar factory, or in the joy of a teenager as they receive their first paycheck. He is found in the Paralympics, boosting the athletes onward, and he is also sitting with the hospital and rehab rooms of those recently disabled. Hard work is not limited to anyone’s status or abilities, and neither is Hephaestus. 

Aphrodite can be found on the covers of fashion magazines, in the dreams of an hopeful makeup artist, and in the playfulness of a child playing with their mother’s lipstick. Aphrodite can be in the appeal of sexy fishnets or the allure of a well tailored suit. Beauty and love are not limited to one’s gender or skills, and neither is Aphrodite. 

Hermes can be found flying alongside the highest reaching airplanes, the fastest driving cars, and on a seat on public transit in rush hour. He is the luck that saves the lives of a vehicular accident, and the thrill in that first payment on a used car. Luck and speed are not limited to how far or how fancy your transportation can go, and neither is Hermes. 

Zeus can be found behind the bench of a supreme court case, in the office of an overworked pubic defender, and in the thunderous laughter of a new father. He is in the welcoming smile of a stranger to those in need, and in the homeless being invited in. Justice and hospitality are not limited to one’s power or status, and neither is Zeus. 

Hera can be found in a fabulous wedding with hundreds of guests, in the celebration of a long lasting marriage, or officiating the ceremony in a courthouse. She is in the “I love you”’s before bed, the hands held in the car after a first date, and in the hospital room of an elderly couple saying goodbye for the last time. Love is not limited to the length of one’s relationship, and neither is Hera. 

Artemis can be found in the fields and forests of nature, in the calm breath of a hunter, or in the tears of grief for a lost pet. She is the courage in the voices fighting for respect and in the cheer of progress made. Equal treatment peace is not limited to those who hold the power, and neither is Artemis. 

Hestia can be found in the jingle of a first-time homeowners’ new keys, in the shared dinner of a multi-generational home, or in the exhausted smile of a single parent. She is the warmth of a household and the love shared within its walls. Family and support is not limited to those you share blood with or in the size of your dwelling, and neither is Hestia. 

Ares can be found in the measured steps of a solider over seas, in the joyous tears of a spouse when their loved one comes home, and in the flag wrapped around a coffin. He is in the voices of those calling for change, in the recovery rooms of the wounded, and in the minds of those struggling with trauma. Safety and wellness are not limited to one’s demographics and neither is Ares. 

Hades can be found in the grief left behind after a death, in the weight of responsibility of leaders, and in the darkness of winter. He is with those who cry and fear for their lives, and in the scars left behind the pain can be too much. Loss and recovery is not limited to those strong enough to withstand it and neither is Hades. 

Persephone can be found in the joy at the first warm day, in the love bridging distance between lovers, and in the will of those daring to strive for their dreams. She is the wonderment of a child at a honeybee, and the beauty found in the darkness. Energy and strength is not limited to the times of light and color, and neither is Persephone. 

Demeter can be found in the engines of the machines in a field, in the bounty of a community garden harvest, and in the first sprouts of an amateur gardener. She is the change of the seasons and the rebirth of the new year. Change and plenty are not limited to those with capital or land, and neither is Demeter. 

Dionysus can be found on the floats of a pride parade, in the movements pushing for equality, and in the bedroom of a closeted teenager. He is both the euphoria and dysphoria felt by some in their bodies, and in the community embracing those who feel lost. Rights and identity are not limited to those who one loves or how one looks, and neither is Dionysus. 

Poseidon can be found on the decks of a ship in a storm, on the docks with a father teaching his son to fish, or in the serenity on a sandy beach. He is the joyful screams of children running from the waves and the persistence in one learning how to swim. Power and possibility is not limited to the oceans and or one’s skills, and neither is Poseidon. 

[lenasuns]

Praise be the gods, who see my soul and the fruits growing from this long winter, who are proud to shine the sun on me and warm my entire being.

[lenasuns]

How lucky we are to live in a world so beautifully crafted by the gods

#hellenic polytheism #helpol #paganism #hellenic pagan #hellenism #hellenismos

[lenasuns]

A guide to worship of Hestia- cheat sheets

Hellenic cheat sheets

If you like my content consider supporting me on: https://ko-fi.com/screeching0wlet

[lenasuns]

Do not weep for the temples are gone. Our faith was always a home one. Your home is your temple and you are its clergy. Your breath is your prayer. Your kind acts are your offerings. Your memory is your idol and your words are libation. You are enough in whatever you do. Grandiose was never our way. The glass of water left on the kitchen counter is equal to the lavish meal set out in their name. The Theoi love every little act, as long as it is meant with good intentions.

[lenasuns]

"our religion" you're speaking for the people that actually have the right to call it theirs omfg you colonizer bitch

hey cutie pie ! <3

every once in a while i see stuff like this directed at people who were born outside Greece who have a relationship with the Theoi and/or practice Hellenism. I don't think I've talked about it here before so let's use this lovely anon (who is too cowardly to send their heartfelt words with their username) as a teaching moment for people interested in the Theoi who feel nervous about not being from Greece or having Greek ancestry.

in Hellenism, we have a religious principle and moral obligation to practice xenia. as an epithet of our greater protector Zeus and a practice accepted by many of the Hellas, Xenia is defined as:

Xenia (Greek: ξενία) is an ancient Greek concept of hospitality. It is almost always translated as 'guest-friendship' or 'ritualized friendship'. It is an institutionalized relationship rooted in generosity, gift exchange, and reciprocity.[1] Historically, hospitality towards foreigners and guests (Hellenes not of your polis) was understood as a moral obligation. Hospitality towards foreign Hellenes honored Zeus Xenios (and Athene Xenia) patrons of foreigners [2]

— Wikipedia, on xenia

There are many myths and famous stories that reinforce and teach the concept of Xenia. this demonstrates just how important it was to many of the people whom we revive the religion of. it wasn't only a religious custom, but a social obligation to many if not most of the common people in ancient Greece. other examples of Xenia are found in foundational ancient Greek texts, such as Homer's, Illiad. in fact, the whole plot of the Illiad comes from a violation of Xenia. Paris violated Xenia by kidnapping Helen from King Menelaus, disrespecting him as a gracious host and angering Zeus. in the Odyssey, Xenia is everywhere. every place where Xenia could be applied, it was. both violated or abided by. Odysseus's house, Circe's, Telemachus's, the Phaeacians, and Calypso's to name a few.

so, by pushing people out of Hellenic religion and kicking them out of the Theoi's sacred worship, you are violating Xenia and invoking the rage of Zeus Xenios, protector of foreigners and guests. a quote from Hellenicfaith .com on xenia sums it up quite well in my opinion:

"Such compassion for the vulnerable is the desire of King Zeus. It is thought that a host who performs poorly will blind themselves to the light of the Gods and incur wrath upon themselves, while those who perform well may earn the blessings of the divine, for any wanderer, whether they be beggar, refugee, or any other sort, is protected by Zeus Xenios"

it is blasphemy in Hellenism to deny your fellow man protection and care, and I imagine especially when you aim to deny them the care and protection of the Theoi themselves. it is important for us as Hellenists to love and protect our fellow humans, especially those who knock on our door for aid. the Theoi are for all.

i hope Zeus Xenios grants you the day you deserve, lovely anon.

[lenasuns]

Made two wild flower bouquets for Hypnos (left) and Hermes (right)! Bound them together with another flower so they wouldn't fall apart.

I put them with my grandmother's flowers in the garden.

#hellenic polytheism #hellenism #hellenismos #helpol #paganism #hermes devotion #greek god hypnos #hellenic pagan #deity hermes #hypnos deity #offerings

[lenasuns]

With my grandfather recently passing away I've been thinking about the afterlife a lot.

I believe that every pantheon co-exists, so that every religion co-exists. So therefore, every afterlife exists too.

My family is mainly christian, and I've heard a lot that they're not scared of death because they'll get to go to heaven. And therefore can meet everybody again. Their death is a temporary goodbye for them.

... So that means my family members will be waiting for me, waiting to spend the eternity of the afterlife by my side.

Only I won't be there. Because my religion has a different life. I'll be down in the Asphodel Meadows, not even remembering them because I drank from Lethe. Or according to other sources I'll be reincarnated.

Or I'll have to wait a 100 years if my surving family doesn't bury me with money to pay Charon with.

It hurts my heart a little, though I trust they'll be told that I'll be okay. I can't help but think now that everybody's death is a permanent goodbye. And I'll never ever see them again.

Just sucks, y'know?

#hellenic polytheism #hellenism #hellenismos #helpol #paganism #spirituality #greek mythology #death tw #tw death

[lenasuns]

Me: Ah. I have to wait 30 minutes for my next bus in the cold and dark.

Hermes: I've sent you a bus that's late that you can catch so you can get home faster and safely :)

Me: *doesn't get on bus because it's not mine*

Hermes:

#greek gods #greek mythology #hellenic polytheism #hellenism #hellenismos #helpol #paganism #spirituality #hermes devotee #hermes devotion #hermes #deity hermes #greek god hermes #hermes deity #i'm so angry at myself lol

[lenasuns]

I... i love my deities so much

#hellenic pagan #greek gods #hellenic polytheism #hellenism #hellenismos #helpol #paganism #spirituality #hermes devotee #hermes devotion #hypnos mythology #hypnos worship #greek god hypnos #deity hermes #greek god hermes #hermes #dionysus

[lenasuns]

Hypnos' touch

Who knew the touch

Of a simple rest

Could feel so comforting

In a world where silence has left my side

And sleep is the only time I am not tortured

Hold onto my hand endearingly

As you always have

#tinnitus #greek gods #greek mythology #hellenic polytheism #hellenism #hellenismos #helpol #paganism #spirituality #hypnos #hypnos deity #deity hypnos #hypnos poetry #hypnos worship #hypnos mythology #greek god hypnos #poetry #devotional poetry

[lenasuns]

When talking with friends about our relationships and communication with the gods, they offered I should tell them about my day. I realized I felt really uncomfortable just thinking about it, but couldn't properly put into words what was wrong.

We came to the conclusion I could communicate well with my deities through poetry, and settled on that for now.

Still, I felt like putting it into words.

So for once, have a piece of poetry that's not for my gods, but for you.

When growing up

god is somebody I bow down to

Who I can't meet eyes with, head down

Memorize your prayers

Devote

Live by the book

"What do you mean you don't go to church?"

I must end up in that endlessly difficult to reach heaven

Let's pray

Unanswered. Unheard.

Ah, am I getting punished? Don't do this to me

You're a bad person if god says so

Or is it his followers that have already forsaken me

Am I here for Him, or because I don't want to burn in hell

I'm scared

Now I've grown up

I'm one person in a billion

I'm not worthy of a god's time

Even though a god's time is infinite

My thoughts are futile and my days insignificant

And yet,

My gods hold my hand when I'm trembling and scared

Brushes their fingers through my hair when I'm asleep

Whispers into my ear when I'm alone

I'm only one person in a billion

Yet you visit me in my corner of the world

I don't think I'll be able to call you a friend just yet

But a companion who visits from time to time

Feels alright

#Lena rambles #Poetry

[lenasuns]

The small bouquet of wild flowers I made as promised for lord Hermes after he looked out for me yesterday (and essentially kept me from harm by stopping my bus from crashing into a van)

#greek gods #greek mythology #hellenic polytheism #hellenism #hellenismos #helpol #paganism #spirituality #hermes devotee #hermes devotion #deity hemes #hermes #greek god hermes

[lenasuns]

Five minutes after posting this we got into a small accident involving my 2nd bus, a phone and a truck.

I'm fine! But now I can't help but think I was supossed to miss this bus.

We missed the truck by 2 centimeters though so now I can see Hermes throwing his hands into the air at my unluckiness today after he saved us 😂

Hermes has been feeling really absent the past week or so. My friends told me it just happens as gods can get really busy. And of course Hermes has so many jobs, it makes sense.

But today he was here.

So for my travel from my college dorm to my home it takes around 2 hours on the bus, having to catch two in total.

And today when I sat down at the first busstop the app told me my bus would be 9 minutes late and I'd have 1 single minute to catch the next one.

So I started praying to Hermes to please let me get home safely and catch this 2nd bus. I promised to make him a bouquet of flowers and offer some type of drink.

The bus was SO slow I was starting to think he was doing it on purpose as a prank / he was annoyed at me for not praying properly for a while / or was just absent like the past week. Missing this bus wouldn't be a disaster but I would have to wait an extra 30 minutes.

Regardless of my bus being the slowest I've ever been on in my life I caught the second bus with 3 minutes to spare!

It's almost like he took some time out of his busy schedule and I had to make up for it because I've helped over 5 other travelers now in the span of 35 minutes.

Just a fun little story to share

#greek gods #greek mythology #hellenic polytheism #hellenism #hellenismos #helpol #paganism #spirituality #hermes devotee #hermes devotion #hermes #greek god hermes #deity hermes

[lenasuns]

Hermes has been feeling really absent the past week or so. My friends told me it just happens as gods can get really busy. And of course Hermes has so many jobs, it makes sense.

But today he was here.

So for my travel from my college dorm to my home it takes around 2 hours on the bus, having to catch two in total.

And today when I sat down at the first busstop the app told me my bus would be 9 minutes late and I'd have 1 single minute to catch the next one.

So I started praying to Hermes to please let me get home safely and catch this 2nd bus. I promised to make him a bouquet of flowers and offer some type of drink.

The bus was SO slow I was starting to think he was doing it on purpose as a prank / he was annoyed at me for not praying properly for a while / or was just absent like the past week. Missing this bus wouldn't be a disaster but I would have to wait an extra 30 minutes.

Regardless of my bus being the slowest I've ever been on in my life I caught the second bus with 3 minutes to spare!

It's almost like he took some time out of his busy schedule and I had to make up for it because I've helped over 5 other travelers now in the span of 35 minutes.

Just a fun little story to share

#greek gods #greek mythology #hellenic polytheism #hellenism #hellenismos #helpol #paganism #spirituality #hermes devotee #hermes devotion #hermes #greek god hermes

[lenasuns]

I have a drink I've devoted to Hypnos.

It's my go to when I want to feel connected to him. I wrote a poem about it even!

It's super simple, here it is:

Heat up a mug of milk in the microwave until it's hot or comfortably warm.

Pour honey into the mug, about a spoon or two. It depends on how sweet you'd like it to be!

Give it a good stir!

Now put some cinnamon on top.

Finished!

And now whenever I drink it I become exhausted instead of the normal "I feel warm and comfortable enough to sleep now".

#greek gods #greek mythology #hellenic polytheism #hellenism #hellenismos #helpol #paganism #spirituality #hypnos #hypnos mythology #hypnos worship #greek god hypnos #hypnos deity #deity hypnos