So When We Love Fictional Characters, We Literally Fall In Love With A Fragment Of Someone’s Imagination

Ancient Greek Religion & Hellenic Polytheism: A Reading Guide

I’ve been wanting to make something like this for a long while, and talking to my friend @olympianbutch today gave me the push I needed to do so. When I was starting out as a Hellenic Polytheist years ago, this is the kind of resource I needed. So I hope you all enjoy and find this helpful!

Introductory Reading:

Ancient Greek Religion by Jon D. Mikalson

Athenian Popular Religion by Jon D. Mikalson

Greek Religion by Jan N. Bremmer

On Greek Religion by Robert Parker

Hellenic Polytheism: Household Worship by LABRYS

Comprehensive Guides:

Greek Religion by Walter Burkert

Companion to Greek Religion edited by Daniel Ogden

Understanding Greek Religion by Jennifer Larson

Rethinking Greek Religion by Julia Klindt

The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Greek Religion edited by Esther Eidinow and Julia Klindt

Polytheism and Society by Robert Parker

The Gods and Theology:

Ancient Greek Cults by Jennifer Larson

Theologies of Ancient Greek Religion edited by Esther Eidinow, Julia Klindt, and Robin Osborne

Underworld Gods in Ancient Greek Religion by Ellie Mackin Roberts

Gods and Heroes of the Ancient World (Routledge Series)

Offerings and Sacrifice:

Personal Experience and Materiality in Greek Religion by K.A. Rask

Singing for the Gods by Barbara Kowalzig

Smoke Signals for the Gods by F.S. Maiden

Sharing with the Gods by Theodora Suk Fong Jim

Primary Sources:

Theogony & Works and Days by Hesiod

The Homeric Hymns

The Orphic Hymns

Sources for the Study of Greek Religion by David Rice and John Stambaugh

Greek Religion: A Sourcebook by Valerie M. Warrior

Ancient Greek Religion: A Sourcebook by Emily Kearns

“Everything has changed and yet, I am more me than I’ve ever been.”

— Iain Thomas, I Wrote This For You

🦔

This is Charles. He wants to go on a journey around tumblr. could you show him around?

GONE WITH THE WIND 1939 — dir. Victor Fleming

Here's some inspiration pics of what you can do with them -

Lost Object Spell

A spell to enhance your concentration and mentally retrace your steps to the last known sighting of your missing item. You can initiate this ritual anytime, but performing it during a Full Moon will significantly boost its power.

Needed:

• A suitably sized mirror

• An orange candle

• A black candle

• A magnet

• Basil oil

• Patchouli incense

Instructions:

Arrange the mirror on your altar, position the orange candle to the right and the black candle to the left, with the magnet right in the middle. Move clockwise around the room with a lit patchouli incense, inviting the elemental energies into your circle, conclude in front of the mirror. Envision the missing item and chant: "With sight and sound, let what's lost be found". Apply basil oil to the black candle and light it, focusing on the missing item. Do the same with the orange while recalling its last location. Touch the magnet, look in the mirror and chant: "Shown in the mirror, may the magnet draw near what's dear". Maintain your focus on the mirror, repeating the chant and remain open to any visual hints that might indicate where the item is. Convey your thanks to the elements by saying: "Elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Air, I entrust this circle to your care. Return to the depths and the skies, with my graditude and loving goodbyes". Circle your space counterclockwise with the incense. Allow the candles to burn down naturally with the magnet between them, then proceed to retrieve your misplaced object.

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I am going to give you a tarot reading, pendulum reading, or a reading without any tools depending on my intuition regarding your question.

Rules:

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Disclaimer: if you deceive me in any way, ask more than the max number of questions after you’ve read my post, or try to manifest an answer out of me, you will experience deception and bad luck the very next day for 24hrs.

HECATE / HEKATE

WHO IS SHE?

Hecate is a Goddess of magic and witchcraft, as well as the guardian of boundaries and crossings. She is often depicted as a triple-headed woman, representing her role as a gatekeeper between realms. Hecate is a powerful and mysterious Goddess, and she is often associated with the moon, the night, and the Underworld. She is also known for her connection to the spirits of the dead, and she is revered as a protector of orphans and wayfarers. As the Goddess of magic and witchcraft, she is also an expert in magic, astrology, and other arcane arts.

BASIC INFO:

Appearance: Hecate is traditionally depicted as a tall and powerful woman with a distinctive appearance. She is often portrayed as having three heads, each with different facial features, such as eyes of different colours or expressions. She is also described as having black hair and wearing a dark cloak, which further lends to her mysterious and dark appearance. In some depictions, she was said to carry a torch, a crescent moon, and a key, which is a symbol of her power over the boundaries between life and death.

Personality: Hecate is a complex and multi-faceted deity, representing the trinity of magic, knowledge and wisdom, as well as the boundaries between life and death. Her personality reflects that complexity and is a combination of contradictory traits, embodying both dark and mysterious aspects, as reflected by her position as Goddess of the Underworld, while also being a bright and benevolent figure, representing light and wisdom. She is often depicted as a three-headed woman, symbolizing her association with the crossroads and the triad of magic that she encapsulates.

Symbols: paired torches, keys, crossroads, dark/triple moon, wheel, dagger, rope, dogs, serpents, knives, and strophalos

Goddess of: Witchcraft, necromancy, ghosts, the night, boundaries, and crossroads

Culture: Greek

Plants and trees: asphodel, mugwort, lavender, rue, garlic, yew, cypress, aconite (also called hecateis), belladonna, dittany, mandrake, mint, sage, laurel, and cedar

Crystals: amethyst, obsidian, tiger’s eye, jade, black tourmaline, labradorite, serpentine, moonstone, onyx, and ametrine

Animals: dog, mare, serpent, cat, bats, and polecat

Incense: frankincense, rosemary, myrrh, and patchouli

Colours: black, grey, silver, gold, violet, green, red, and white

Tarot: The High Priestess, The Hermit, The Moon, and Queen of Pentacles

Planets: Mercury, Moon, and Mars

Days: Thursday, Wednesday evenings (new moon celebrations are typically held on Wednesday evenings), Tuesday, the full moon, Samhain (Oct 31st), and the new moon

Parents: Perses and Asteria

Siblings: none known

Partner: Apollo and Mormo

Children: Empusa and Scylla

MISC:

• The triple moon: which represents the phases of the moon and balance between the material and the spiritual, as well as the duality of light and darkness.

• Keys: which represents power and knowledge and can be used to unlock doors and paths to knowledge and power that are hidden or restricted.

• Torches: which represents guidance and illumination in dark times or when clarity is needed.

• Wolves: Hecate is sometimes depicted with three heads, which is one reason she is often associated with wolves. Wolves also symbolize strength, loyalty, and protection and can be a natural source of inspiration for your prayers or rituals.

• Black cats: commonly associated with Hecate, mostly due to her connection to the Underworld. Black cats represent protection and wisdom, and they can be an excellent source of inspiration for your prayers or rituals.

• The triune Goddess: which represents the trio of maiden, mother, and crone and the power of the feminine.

• Crossroads: where people would often seek wisdom from Hecate when they faced difficulties or had questions.

• Magic, occultism, and witchcraft: as Hecate is the Goddess of magic and spells, and she is often invoked during rituals and magickal practices.

FACTS ABOUT HECATE:

• Name: the name Hecate comes from the Greek word "ekatid," which means "the one who has power over the road."

• Relationships: Hecate is associated with the night, the Underworld, the moon, and the spirit world. She is also connected to Demeter and Persephone, both of whom are associated with the fertility of the cycle of life and death.

• Symbols: the symbols of Hecate include a three-headed dog, a key, and a torch.

• Role: Hecate is a mysterious and powerful Goddess associated with sorcery and magic, often depicted as a triple-headed or triple-bodied figure.

• Associations: Hecate is often associated with crossroads, magic, prophecy, mystery, spirits, night, ghosts, and the Underworld, serving as a protector and guide for those who have died. She is also the patron deity of witches and magic-users, and is also associated with the night.

• History: Hecate is a minor deity in Greek mythology, but she has become a prevalent figure in modern times. Hecate's origins are linked to the Greek Underworld and the female deity Selene, and she is also connected to the Roman goddesses Artemis and Diana.

• Role in Witchcraft: Hecate is widely associated with magic and witchcraft, and many witches and Wiccans revere her as a source of power and knowledge. Some witch traditions worship Hecate as a three-way Goddess who represents the past, present, and future.

HOW TO WORSHIP HECATE:

To worship Hecate respectfully, you should approach her with a sense of reverence and respect. She is a powerful Goddess and should be treated as such. You can offer prayers, libations, and offerings to her, and it's important to speak to her in a respectful manner, as you would to any other person of authority. Hecate has a strong connection to magic and the Underworld, so you can also use magic or other rituals to communicate with her. It's important to have an open mind and a respectful attitude when approaching Hecate and seeking her guidance.

HOW TO PRAY TO HECATE:

To begin, you could address her by name and say something along the lines of:

"Oh Great Goddess Hecate, I come to you seeking your guidance and wisdom. I offer myself to you, my heart and my spirit, and I ask for your blessing in this prayer."

"I thank you, great Goddess Hecate, for listening to my words and for your guidance and protection. May you walk by my side always. Hail Hecate.”

CAN I CONTACT HECATE AT A CROSSROAD?

Yes, it is possible to contact Hecate at a crossroads. This is a traditional method of invoking the Goddess that has been used for centuries. To do this, you should prepare a offering (bread, honey, and herbs, or any other items that you feel would be suitable for her) and then go to a crossroads during the witching hour between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m. Place your offering under the crossroads sign and say a prayer to invoke Hecate. Speak with sincerity and humility, and ask for guidance and aid in whatever aspect of your life you feel most in need of support. Remember to listen for signs and messages that Hecate may bring you.

WHAT ARE SIGNS THAT HECATE WANTS ME TO WORK WITH HER?

If your request to work with Hecate has been accepted, you may notice the following signs:

• Feeling drawn toward witchcraft, magic, or spiritual practices

• Seeing her symbols, such as the moon, keys, dogs, etc.

• Feeling a connection to animals, nature, or the Underworld

• Feeling a pull towards the crossroads or areas with a strong sense of the occult

• Having vivid dreams or visions in which she appears or speaks directly to you.

• Seeing or feeling her energies in your environment

• The number 13 keeps popping up everywhere

• You hear dogs howling at night from nowhere

• Hecate’s symbols are repeating: the key, crossroads, torch, dagger, Hecate’s wheel

• You’re drawn to graveyards and cemeteries

• You’ve had a spiritual experience (either positive or terrifying) at a crossroads in the woods

• You’re new to the craft and need guidance but don’t know who to turn to

• Hecate comes into witches’ lives who are pregnant and dying (during major transitions in life)

• You’re seeing a white dog(s) everywhere you go (in real life or on TV, etc.)

• Hecate’s name keeps showing up in your daily life (in random conversations, books, TV shows, online, etc.)

• You love working with animals, in particular dogs

• Stray dogs tend to find you and want you to take them in

• You were born under a Dark Moon or on Hecate Night

• Spirits communicate with you and have your entire life

If your request to work with Hecate has not been accepted, you may notice the following signs:

• Getting a strong impression or intuition that she is not interested in working with you.

• Getting a reading or divination that indicates Hecate is not willing to work with you at this time.

• Feeling a strong resistance or dissonance when you attempt to connect with her or her energies.


Overall you need to be respectful of deities denying your request.

OFFERINGS:

• Fire

• Three-headed candles

• Bones or skulls

• Poetry

• Chanting

• Herbs and flowers

• Food and drinks: such as grapes, almonds, garlic, red meat, water, milk, eggs, fruit, dishes with garlic, sweets that are crescent-shaped, pomegranates, dark chocolate, red wine, bread, and honey

• Painting

• Dancing

• Incense

• Olive oil

• Wands

• Keys

• A cauldron

• Crow feathers

DEVOTIONAL ACTS FOR HECATE:

• Respect the boundaries of others and yourself

• Practice self-love and self-compassion

• Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually

• Cultivate an open mind and open heart

• Follow your instincts and trust in your guidance

• Nurture friendships and relationships that are healthy and beneficial

• Learn to balance pleasure and work

• Live each day with purpose and intention.

• Doings Things in 13’s: offer thirteen flowers to her, give elaborate offerings or do ritual on the thirteenth of each month in her name, say your prayers thirteen times, etc

• Take care of our canine friends, do so in Hecate’s name. She will bless you AND your dogs or any dogs you care for. If you can’t have a dog, donate your time OR old blankets, dog food, etc. to a local animal shelter. And tell Hecate you’re doing it in her name. This doesn’t just go for dogs, but for any kind of canine species.

• Doing spirit work in the cemetery

IS IT SAFE TO EAT OR DRINK AN OFFERING I GIVE TO HER?

An offering given to her is thus infused with the energies of the Underworld and may have a powerful impact on the consumer, if eaten. To avoid any potential discomfort, confusion, or negative effects, it is generally recommended that you avoid consuming offerings dedicated to Hecate and instead pour or bury the edible offerings into the earth.

“It’s never too late while you’re breathing.”

— Lois McMaster Bujold, The Warrior’s Apprentice