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#persephone deity
nikkas-cottage · 2 months
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Special spring tapers I made in honor of Persephone’s return 🌸
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undeadmagick · 13 days
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a tip for beginners since it worried me when i first started: its important to note that while there are deities that are heavily connected to each other, you’re not obligated to work with both of them.
many people speak on specifically married deities (ex: hades & persephone, zeus & hera, odin & frigg). a lot of people refer to them as a “package deal” since they are heavily entwined. but it’s important for those just starting out, this does not mean you have to work with both.
as someone who works with hades, some of my offerings to him are related to persephone but i don’t worship her. in fact, when i had the opportunity to meet her and ask, she smiled and said, “you’re not mine”. we both mutually understood that we didn’t have a connection to one another but we have mutual respect and kindness for one another.
the “package deal” part is where i offer my coffee that is too sweet for hades so he said he’ll hand it to persephone instead. which is the cutest fucking thing btw omg
this is all just in an effort to say, please do not worry about having to work with two deities rather than one. don’t get overwhelmed.
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khaire-traveler · 27 days
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🌱 Subtle Persephone Worship 🍂
Take a walk/drive through an area with lots of falling leaves during the Fall
Step in dry leaves to hear that satisfying crunch
Start a garden; tend to plants within your space
Pick flowers (not from other people's gardens!!!)
Make flower crowns
Have a candle that reminds you of her (no altar needed)
Wear jewelry that reminds you of her
Keep a picture of her in your wallet
Have a stuffed animal pig, rooster/hen, snake, or dog
Have imagery of spring, flowers, fall, winter, or pomegranates around
Eat pomegranate seeds or drink pomegranate juice
Learn to let go of shitty people, if able; assert your personal boundaries
Take a hike/walk in nature; visit a nature preserve
Honor your ancestors; learn about your family history
Keep family heirlooms; hold onto to objects given to by loved ones who've passed on
Become comfortable with change; take new risks and go outside your comfort zone
Make a list of goals at the end of each month; these goals are for the month ahead
Find simple joys in your day to day; make a list of things that you enjoy
Spend time with pets and loved ones; show appreciation for them
Volunteer at animal or homeless shelters
Support children-focused or environmental preservation organizations
Show yourself the same love you give to others
Practice standing up for yourself
During the winter, make yourself cozy; drink something warm, watch a favorite movie, curl up in a fuzzy blanket, etc.
Do spring-cleaning; keep your space clean
Donate things like blankets and coats to homeless shelters at the start of winter or fall
Cook a warm meal for someone in need, especially when it's cold out
Collect animal bones (thank the animal's spirit; I think that's just respectful)
Remember to regularly go outside/get some fresh air; take frequent breaks from technology throughout the day
Wear flowery perfumes/colognes
Have flowery scents for body wash, shampoo, conditioner, etc.
Take a self-care bath/shower
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I might add more down the line! For the time being, this is my list of ways to discreetly worship Persephone. Take care, and I hope this helps! 💚
Link to Subtle Worship Master list
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royal-wren · 1 month
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Repeat after me:
Demeter is simply a mother who loves her daughter who had her daughter ripped away from her
Demeter is simply a mother who loves her daughter who had her daughter ripped away from her
Demeter is simply a mother who loves her daughter who had her daughter ripped away from her
Demeter is simply a mother who loves her daughter who had her daughter ripped away from her
Demeter is simply a mother who loves her daughter who had her daughter ripped away from her
Her lament is the right of every loving mother as she goes against the grain of the society HER hymn was written in
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thedansemacabres · 3 months
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Introduction To Supporting Sustainable Agriculture For Witches and Pagans
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[ID: An image of yellow grain stocks, soon to be harvested. The several stocks reach towards a blurred open sky, focusing the camera on he grains themselves. The leaves of the grains are green and the cereals are exposed].
PAGANISM AND WITCHCRAFT ARE MOVEMENTS WITHIN A SELF-DESTRUCTIVE CAPITALIST SOCIETY. As the world becomes more aware of the importance of sustainability, so does the duty of humanity to uphold the idea of the steward, stemming from various indigenous worldviews, in the modern era. I make this small introduction as a viticulturist working towards organic and environmentally friendly grape production. I also do work on a food farm, as a second job—a regenerative farm, so I suppose that is my qualifications. Sustainable—or rather regenerative agriculture—grows in recognition. And as paganism and witchcraft continue to blossom, learning and supporting sustainability is naturally a path for us to take. I will say that this is influenced by I living in the USA, however, there are thousands of groups across the world for sustainable agriculture, of which tend to be easy to research.
So let us unite in caring for the world together, and here is an introduction to supporting sustainable/regenerative agriculture. 
A QUICK BRIEF ON SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE 
Sustainable agriculture, in truth, is a movement to practise agriculture as it has been done for thousands of years—this time, with more innovation from science and microbiology especially. The legal definition in the USA of sustainable agriculture is: 
The term ”sustainable agriculture” (U.S. Code Title 7, Section 3103) means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will over the long-term:
A more common man’s definition would be farming in a way that provides society’s food and textile needs without overuse of natural resources, artificial supplements and pest controls, without compromising the future generation’s needs and ability to produce resources. The agriculture industry has one of the largest and most detrimental impacts on the environment, and sustainable agriculture is the alternative movement to it. 
Sustainable agriculture also has the perk of being physically better for you—the nutrient quality of crops in the USA has dropped by 47%, and the majority of our food goes to waste. Imagine if it was composted and reused? Or even better—we buy only what we need. We as pagans and witches can help change this. 
BUYING ORGANIC (IT REALLY WORKS)
The first step is buying organic. While cliche, it does work: organic operations have certain rules to abide by, which excludes environmentally dangerous chemicals—many of which, such as DDT, which causes ecological genocide and death to people. Organic operations have to use natural ways of fertilising, such as compost, which to many of us—such as myself—revere the cycle of life, rot, and death. Organic standards do vary depending on the country, but the key idea is farming without artificial fertilisers, using organic seeds, supplementing with animal manure, fertility managed through management practices, etc. 
However, organic does have its flaws. Certified organic costs many, of which many small farmers cannot afford. The nutrient quality of organic food, while tending to be better, is still poor compared to regeneratively grown crops. Furthermore, the process to become certified organic is often gruelling—you can practise completely organically, but if you are not certified, it is not organic. Which, while a quality control insurance, is both a bonus and a hurdle. 
JOINING A CSA
Moving from organic is joining a CSA (“Community supported agriculture”). The USDA defines far better than I could: 
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), one type of direct marketing, consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community’s farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production.
By purchasing a farm share, you receive food from the farm for the agreed upon production year. I personally enjoy CSAs for the relational aspect—choosing a CSA is about having a relationship, not only with the farmer(s), but also the land you receive food from. I volunteer for my CSA and sometimes I get extra cash from it—partaking in the act of caring for the land. Joining a CSA also means taking your precious capital away from the larger food industry and directly supporting growers—and CSAs typically practise sustainable and/or regenerative agriculture. 
CSAs are also found all over the world and many can deliver their products to food deserts and other areas with limited agricultural access. I volunteer from time to time for a food bank that does exactly that with the produce I helped grow on the vegetable farm I work for. 
FARM MARKETS AND STALLS 
Another way of personally connecting to sustainable agriculture is entering the realm of the farm stall. The farmer’s market is one of my personal favourite experiences—people buzzing about searching for ingredients, smiles as farmers sell crops and products such as honey or baked goods, etc. The personal connection stretches into the earth, and into the past it buries—as I purchase my apples from the stall, I cannot help but see a thousand lives unfold. People have been doing this for thousands of years and here I stand, doing it all over again. 
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Farmers’ markets are dependent on your local area, yet in most you can still develop personal community connections. Paganism often stresses community as an ideal and a state of life. And witchcraft often stresses a connection to the soil. What better place, then, is purchasing the products from the locals who commune with the land? 
VOLUNTEERING 
If you are able to, I absolutely recommend volunteering. I have worked with aquaponic systems, food banks, farms, cider-making companies, soil conservation groups, etc. There is so much opportunity—and perhaps employment—in these fields. The knowledge I have gained has been wonderful. As one example, I learned that fertilisers reduce carbon sequestration as plants absorb carbon to help with nutrient intake. If they have all their nutrients ready, they do not need to work to obtain carbon to help absorb it. This does not even get into the symbiotic relationship fungi have with roots, or the world of hyphae. Volunteering provides community and connection. Actions and words change the world, and the world grows ever better with help—including how much or how little you may provide. It also makes a wonderful devotional activity. 
RESOURCING FOOD AND COOKING 
Buying from farmers is not always easy, however. Produce often has to be processed, requiring labour and work with some crops such as carrots. Other times, it is a hard effort to cook and many of us—such as myself—often have very limited energy. There are solutions to this, thankfully:
Many farmers can and will process foods. Some even do canning, which can be good to stock up on food and lessen the energy inputs. 
Value-added products: farms also try to avoid waste, and these products often become dried snacks if fruit, frozen, etc. 
Asking farmers if they would be open to accommodating this. Chances are, they would! The farmer I purchase my CSA share from certainly does. 
Going to farmers markets instead of buying a CSA, aligning with your energy levels. 
And if any of your purchased goods are going unused, you can always freeze them. 
DEMETER, CERES, VEIA, ETC: THE FORGOTTEN AGRICULTURE GODS
Agricultural gods are often neglected. Even gods presiding over agriculture often do not have those aspects venerated—Dionysos is a god of viticulture and Apollon a god of cattle. While I myself love Dionysos as a party and wine god, the core of him remains firmly in the vineyards and fields, branching into the expanses of the wild. I find him far more in the curling vines as I prune them than in the simple delights of the wine I ferment. Even more obscure gods, such as Veia, the Etruscan goddess of agriculture, are seldom known.
Persephone receives the worst of this: I enjoy her too as a dread queen, and people do acknowledge her as Kore, but she is far more popular as the queen of the underworld instead of the dear daughter of Demeter. I do understand this, though—I did not feel the might of Demeter and Persephone until I began to move soil with my own hands. A complete difference to the ancient world, where the Eleusinian mysteries appealed to thousands. Times change, and while some things should be left to the past, our link to these gods have been severed. After all, how many of us reading know where our food comes from? I did not until I began to purchase from the land I grew to know personally. The grocery store has become a land of tearing us from the land, instead of the food hub it should be.
Yet, while paganism forgets agriculture gods, they have not forgotten us. The new world of farming is more conductive and welcoming than ever. I find that while older, bigoted people exist, the majority of new farmers tend to be LGBT+. My own boss is trans and aro, and I myself am transgender and gay. The other young farmers I know are some flavour of LGBT+, or mixed/poc. There’s a growing movement for Black farmers, elaborated in a lovely text called We Are Each Other’s Harvest. 
Indigenous farming is also growing and I absolutely recommend buying from indigenous farmers. At this point, I consider Demeter to be a patron of LGBT+ people in this regard—she gives an escape to farmers such as myself. Bigotry is far from my mind under her tender care, as divine Helios shines above and Okeanos’ daughters bring fresh water to the crops. Paganism is also more commonly accepted—I find that farmers find out that I am pagan and tell me to do rituals for their crops instead of reacting poorly. Or they’re pagan themselves; a farmer I know turned out to be Wiccan and uses the wheel of the year to keep track of production. 
Incorporating these divinities—or concepts surrounding them—into our crafts and altars is the spiritual step towards better agriculture. Holy Demeter continues to guide me, even before I knew it. 
WANT CHANGE? DO IT YOURSELF! 
If you want change in the world, you have to act. And if you wish for better agriculture, there is always the chance to do it yourself. Sustainable agriculture is often far more accessible than people think: like witchcraft and divination, it is a practice. Homesteading is often appealing to many of us, including myself, and there are plenty of resources to begin. There are even grants to help one improve their home to be more sustainable, i.e. solar panels. Gardening is another, smaller option. Many of us find that plants we grow and nourish are far more potentant in craft, and more receptive to magical workings. 
Caring for plants is fundamental to our natures and there are a thousand ways to delve into it. I personally have joined conservation groups, my local soil conservation group, work with the NRCs in the USA, and more. The path to fully reconnecting to nature and agriculture is personal—united in a common cause to fight for this beautiful world. To immerse yourself in sustainable agriculture, I honestly recommend researching and finding your own path. Mine lies in soil and rot, grapevines and fruit trees. Others do vegetables and cereal grains, or perhaps join unions and legislators. Everyone has a share in the beauty of life, our lives stemming from the land’s gentle sprouts. 
Questions and or help may be given through my ask box on tumblr—if there is a way I can help, let me know. My knowledge is invaluable I believe, as I continue to learn and grow in the grey-clothed arms of Demeter, Dionysos, and Kore. 
FURTHER READING:
Baszile, N. (2021). We are each other’s harvest. HarperCollins.
Hatley, J. (2016). Robin Wall Kimmerer. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge and the teachings of plants. Environmental Philosophy, 13(1), 143–145. https://doi.org/10.5840/envirophil201613137
Regenerative Agriculture 101. (2021, November 29). https://www.nrdc.org/stories/regenerative-agriculture-101#what-is
And in truth, far more than I could count. 
References
Community Supported Agriculture | National Agricultural Library. (n.d.). https://www.nal.usda.gov/farms-and-agricultural-production-systems/community-supported-agriculture
Navazio, J. (2012). The Organic seed Grower: A Farmer’s Guide to Vegetable Seed Production. Chelsea Green Publishing.
Plaster, E. (2008). Soil Science and Management. Cengage Learning.
Sheaffer, C. C., & Moncada, K. M. (2012). Introduction to agronomy: food, crops, and environment. Cengage Learning.
Sheldrake, M. (2020). Entangled life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures. Random House.
Sustainable Agriculture | National Agricultural Library. (n.d.). https://www.nal.usda.gov/farms-and-agricultural-production-systems/sustainable-agriculture
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diana-thyme · 4 months
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Greek Gods 101: Persephone
Persephone is a goddess of the underworld, spring growth, agriculture, renewal, death and rebirth, and the cycle of life. Excluding the universal offerings, some common offerings include:
Flowers
Bones
Pomegranate and Pomegranate Products
Depictions or Imagery of Butterflies
Seeds
Tea
Dirt from a Dead Plant (or Person)
Wine
Depictions or Imagery of Pigs
For devotional acts, some activities that can be done for her include:
Gardening
Taking Care of Graveyards
Visiting Forests and Fields
Learn About Local Plants, Flowers, and Herbs
Going Bone Hunting
Creating Flower Crowns
Creating a more Biodiverse Lawn/Backyard
Not Killing Animals (Spiders, Mice, Etc.)
She is celebrated in multiple Athenian holidays:
Lesser Mysteries
Eleusinian Mysteries
Proerosia
Stenia
Thesmophoria
Heliogenna
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mars-and-the-theoi · 9 months
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Low energy Devotional Acts for when you don’t have a lot of energy (or time, or money, etc.) pt. 8
💀Hades/Plouton💀
- listen to a devotional playlist for Him
- learn how to budget if able
- if you have a dog- spend some time with them
- if able volunteer at an animal shelter or volunteer to walk dogs
- if able learn about your ancestors
- learn about death magic and spirit work
- learn about death doulas
- learn about the Underworld or afterlives in general
- listen to ‘dark ambient’ soundscapes
- if able visit a cemetery
- learn about cemetery and graveyard etiquette
- learn about funerary practices throughout time and around the world
- wear black (can be as simple as a hair tie or socks to your whole outfit and even makeup!)
- listen to goth music
- carry some coins on you if able
- do Halloween or gothic themed coloring pages
- learn about the roles of hospice workers, funeral directors, morticians, etc.
- honor deceased loved ones (can be pets, friends, family members, etc. doesn’t matter)
- be kind to spirits and respect* them and the dead (*I know there are some folks who don’t deserve respect in death so obviously you don’t have to respect them this is just a more…in general kind of thing)
🌺Persephone🌺
- if able go on a walk (can be as simple as down the driveway and back up if that’s all you can manage)
- if unable to do that try to sit outside or open a window/door to let some fresh air in and open the blinds/curtains to let some sunlight in
- listen to nature soundscapes
- pick some flowers or get a bouquet for yourself or others
- learn about herbalism
- enjoy some pomegranates, pomegranate juice, or something with pomegranate in it
- listen to a devotional playlist for Her
- if able visit a cemetery
- learn, read, watch stuff about ghosts (yes even those weird ghost hunting shows that come on at like 2 am and make you feel like you’re experiencing a fever dream)
- learn about reincarnation
- be kind to Demeter
- if able donate to or volunteer at a battered women’s shelter and learn about their history and importance
- if able do some baking (especially bread)
- learn about the underworld or afterlives in general
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sarafangirlart · 1 month
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I don’t like it when ppl draw Hades as a young emo guy bc part of the appeal (at least for me) is that he’s an older more mature guy. Like idk man I’d rather be kidnapped and married to Disney’s Hades rather than a guy I’d see at hot topic.
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Amongst many other things in witchcraft, I uh...
I was not prepared to have to tell people I'm giving free readings "Sorry, my deities aren't letting me have my cards back until I address a personal issue. They're hijacking my cards."
Loki, Persephone, and Hades have all confirmed through card imagery and such that yes; they are hijacking my cards. Like.... I recognize that if I truly told them "no, respect boundaries" they'd let me have them back but....
I find it hysterically funny that I'm experiencing what it's like when your deities essentially stage an intervention.
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theoisbos · 1 month
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The spring equinox approaches, and Persephone is returning to the earth. She has spent the winter under slumbering earth, caring to the bones and spirits buried within. And now she returns, and the life on earth rejoices. The frogs and bugs have woken up with her. The birds have returned, singing their hymns to her. The great cycle, Oroboros, begins once more.
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weaponizedmoth · 1 month
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Persephone, for spring solstice.
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piristephes · 1 month
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Gone, gone is Persephone! Wailing, wailing! The mother shrieking as the songbird when the cold storm approaches in tears of sorrow and saudade!
português:
Foi-se, foi-se Perséfone! Pranto, pranto! A mãe grita lamentos como o canoro quando a fria tormenta aproxima-se em lágrimas de tristeza e saudade!
*it's autumn here, guys. *saudade is the feeling of the act of longing, it has no translatable counterpart from the portuguese.
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nothoughtsgayboy · 8 months
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messywitch · 1 year
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okay i actually finished some other user boxes (that i still don't know if they're a thing anymore) but! you're free to use them, just say Aterios made them.
i'm open to making these under request, just send me an ask with the deity you'd like a box for!! please be nice, too.
gods in this post: Hades, Persephone, Thanatos, Hypnos, Hekate, Helios, Selene, Asteria, Eros & Nyx.
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signed-author · 4 months
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Winter creeps away with reluctance as spring kisses flower buds. The scent of summer rain soon to come, twirling after spring showers. The ice slips away for another year as She stirs in blooming bliss. Soon to be reunited with Her mother, spring will come again. Let us make flower crowns and plant the harvest. Let us dance to Her return and sigh in Her departure. Let us sing and smile as the grass grows green. To see the brightest flower we’ve ever seen: Persephone.
{ Original Poem for Persephone }
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the-whimsical-witch · 3 months
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Prayer to Persephone
Persephone, Maiden, taken from Springtime into death and darkness.
What many fear, you embrace. Shedding part of yourself to become something new, eternal change.
I honor you.
Persephone, Holy and Almighty, goddess of life and death alike.
We bow to you and your mighty power. Spring and Summer, Winter and Fall.
Our connection to you is strong and grounding, the earth itself.
I honor you.
Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, our souls find you upon our death.
Welcome in your arms and kingdom.
May we pass on peacefully and painfully.
I honor you.
Thank you, Persephone. I honor and praise you.
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