Helpol - Blog Posts
digital offering to Lord Árész
im praying to you, oh Swift and Mighty Árész, that you keep those who protest in the upcoming days safe, and that you can lend them your strenght to fight against the oppression 。.:*:・'°☆
What to put in your hellenic journal and why it helps
Building a kharis with gods using a religious journal is really helpful. It helped me keep my information and my thoughts related to the Gods organized. It can also help beginners if they are uncomfortable reciting hymns out loud.
What could be put inside it:
Every day write one delphic maxim and write how you interpret it or what you think about it
Make a shopping list for your altar and offerings
Compose prayers
Hymns/ prayers to your patrons and Hestia, Nyx, Helios, Hypnos
Write something as if you are conversating with the Gods.
Important information on deities
Favorite offerings, incenses, and libations of the Gods
Important Callendar events, festivals, and key info on celebration
Quotes from the most famous books of Gods that you relate to or want to remember
Instructions on composing prayers
What afterlife means in Hellenismos
What defines hubris, agos and miasma
7 pillars of Hellenismos and their meaning
Do some drawings for the Gods as a devotional act
Include your personal experiences with the divine and how it affected you
Write down the signs you saw during the week
You can also decorate it with the images of Gods
Delphic Maxims:
https://www.tumblr.com/bluemorfedbutterfly/746793310790828032/delphic-maxims-pt1-the-delphic-maxims-are-a?source=share
PLEASE DO NOT USE TIKTOK AS A RESOURCE FOR HELLENIC POLYTHEISM
Tiktok is probably one of THE WORST places to learn about REAL hellenic polytheism because it is rampant with misinformation and most creators are only interested in views and parroting misinformation THEY heard. Yes there are some great and informative creators on there to learn about the hellenic gods but they are far and few in-between.
INSTEAD if you're new to the religion and have no clue where to start researching/learning, here are a few phenomenal creators on here with wonderful and informative posts!
@wisdom-devotee has an amazing guide for starting out in hellenic polytheism
@seasaltdevotion also recently made a fantastic post on resources for starting out
@crazycatsiren has a SUPER long list of resources and research material
@khaire-traveler has possibly the greatest list on subtle deity worship for just about every god
Please actually learn from those of us that truly love and covet this religion and spread information that will truly benefit you.
Aphrodite loves sex workers and victims of sexual assault and intersex people and people who are insecure about their body/self harm and nonwhite people and queer people and fat people btw. pass it on
PSA: Aphrodite isn't just romantic love, the ancient Greeks had 7 words for love!
eros: your typical love, romance, sex, all that. typically what Aphrodite is known for.
philautia: self-love (which is SO SO important!)
storge: parental love, the bond that parents and children have with each other.
ludus: playful love - banter, teasing, flirting as a joke with your friends.
pragma: longstanding love, that is built upon trust and respect for one another. can be any type of relationship.
xenia: hospitality, a love and care for strangers and the people around you.
agape: true, unconditional love. the love everyone should aim to feel for others and to let others feel for them.
Lady Aphrodite is all of this! She tends to like hearing about relationships (in my experience), and She's always willing to lend some advice!
Different flowers and the Hellenic deities they correspond with: a masterlist:
🌸🏛️🌸🏛️🌸🏛️🌸🏛️🌸🏛️🌸🏛️🌸🏛️🌸🏛️
- Anenome 🌹Aeolus, Aether
- Aster 🌹 Astraea
- Amaranth 🌹Artemis
- Allium 🌹Poseidon, Hecate
- Asphodel 🌹hades, Nyx, Persephone, Hecate
- Bluebell 🌹Circe
- Buttercup 🌹Apollo
- Black eyed Susan 🌹Tyche, Nemesis
- Bleeding heart 🌹Aphrodite
- Chrysanthemum 🌹 Heracles,
- Carnation 🌹Artemis, Aphrodite, Ares, Dysnomia, Zeus
- Cornflower 🌹Demeter
- Crocus 🌹Apollo, Hermes
- Cosmos 🌹Astraeus
- Cyclamen 🌹Persephone, Hekate
- Dandelion 🌹Apollo, Hekate
- Daisy 🌹Hebe, Hephaestus, Artemis, Persephone, Aphrodite
- Daffodil 🌹 Apollo, Eirene, Proteus, Hades
- Delphinium 🌹Poseidon, Amphitrite, Britomartis
- Daylily 🌹 Hyperion, Aether
- Forget me not 🌹 Mnemosyne, Dionysus, Zeus
- Foxglove 🌹 Artemis, Ares
- Gardenia 🌹Athena, Aphrodite
- Geranium 🌹Circe, Aphrodite
- Gladiolus 🌹 Apollo, Nike
- Goldenrod 🌹Demeter
- Heather 🌹 Heracles, Hera
- Heliotrope 🌹 Helios
- Hollyhock 🌹Hestia
- Hyacinth 🌹 Apollo
- Honeysuckle 🌹 Aristaeus, Hestia
- Iris 🌹 Iris, Pistis
- Jasmine 🌹Aphrodite, Athena, Morpheus, Nyx
- Lily 🌹Hebe, Hekate, Hera
- Lily of the valley 🌹 Persephone, Melinoe, Prometheus, Hades, Hekate, Nyx
- Lavender 🌹 Asclepius
- Lilac 🌹Pan
- Morning glory 🌹 Apollo, Eos
- Marigold 🌹 Apollo, Deipneus, Dionysus
- Nasturtium 🌹Hephaestus, Nike
- Orchid 🌹 Dionysus
- Peace Lily 🌹Tyche, Harmonia, Hera
- Poppy 🌹Ares, Asclepius, Epione, Morpheus, Hygeia, Demeter
- Peony 🌹 Aphrodite, Apollo
- Pansy 🌹Apollo, Dionysus
- Phlox 🌹 Eros
- Rose 🌹Aglaea, Aphrodite, Clymene, Eris, Eos
- Sunflower 🌹 Demeter, Apollo
- Sweet pea 🌹Aphrodite
- Snowdrops 🌹Chione
- Tulip 🌹 Eirene, Aphrodite
- Violet 🌹Aphrodite, Persephone, Zagreus, Dionysus
- Veronica 🌹Demeter
- Vervain 🌹Artemis, Aphrodite
- Water Lily 🌹Tethys, Zagreus, Hera
- Yarrow 🌹 Aphrodite, Hermes, Pan
- Zinnia 🌹 Zeus
🏛️🌸🏛️🌸🏛️🌸🏛️🌸🏛️🌸🏛️🌸🏛️🌸🏛️🌸
🌍 Subtle Gaia Worship 🌱
Pick up trash and litter in your neighborhood, nature preserves, hiking trails, beaches, etc. (please wear protective equipment!!!)
Take a walk/hike outside; nature environments would be great, but it's ok if you don't have that option
Open a window in your home; breathe in some fresh air
Support organizations focused on climate control, the environment, or the well-being of wildlife/plant life
Support organizations that are against domestic abuse or aiding domestic abuse survivors
Plant a tree if you can
Try gardening or own a houseplant
Have a candle that reminds you of her (no altar needed)
Wear jewelry that reminds you of her
Keep a picture of her or the earth in your wallet
Fall asleep to nature sounds, such as birds singing, forest ambiance, or comforting animal noises
Try to spot something beautiful in the natural world around you every time you go outside; take a moment to appreciate it if you can
Learn about your local flora and fauna; learn about invasive species to look out for
Watch a nature documentary or educational video about nature
Learn about foraging; try your hand at it (SAFELY!!!)
Try eating organic fruits and veggies; if you can't, try eating fruits and veggies in general
Spend extra time making a tasty meal for yourself or loved ones; add natural ingredients to it, like fruits, veggies, meats, eggs, etc.
Drink tea made from herbs and the like; add honey to your tea
Try communing with plants and their spirits, if you're open to that practice; give thanks to local nature spirits; this includes nymphs
Have imagery of the seasons, lightning, fruits, the earth, the ocean, the sky, mountains, natural environments (like forests and jungles), plant life (especially very green plants), ash trees, pine trees, olive trees, rosemary, motherhood (however you choose to interpret that), scorpions, snakes, dragons, bats/bat wings, sea creatures, centaurs, nymphs, and flint sickles (or generally sickles)
Have a stuffed animal snake, dragon, bat, or scorpion; have a stuffed animal of an animal you associate strongly with motherhood
Lend a hand to any new parents in your life; offer to help babysit, if you can
Be kind to children (or disengage, just don't be beefing with a child)
Play with or spend time with any kids in your life
Donate child supplies, such as diapers, baby food, and toys, to a homeless shelter or organization that helps parents/single mothers
Engage in random acts of kindness towards a stranger; make someone smile
Allow yourself to rest when you need to; rest is productive
Treat yourself with kindness and love; practice self-love
Try to encourage yourself when you're having a hard time, or otherwise be gentle with yourself
Give compassion to others, especially those who are struggling
Embrace being the "parent friend", if you are one (someone who always has snacks, bandaids, etc.; someone who is always checking in on everyone in the group; someone is always taking care of the group, etc.)
Practice grounding techniques; give meditation in nature (or to nature sounds) a try
Engage in relaxing activities, especially when you're feeling overwhelmed; this can include drawing, painting, crocheting, writing, etc.
Take an herbal/salt bath (USE BATH SALTS; MAKE SURE HERBS DON'T GO DOWN YOUR DRAIN!!!)
Take frequent breaks from your phone/technology; make sure you're not straining your eyes
Exercise/stretch; move your body in some way
-
For now, this is my list of discreet ways to worship Gaia! I'll likely add more later on. May Gaia embrace you in her loving arms, if you wish her to. 💚
Link to Subtle Worship Master list
🍇 Subtle Dionysus Worship 🥂
Drinking grape juice or wine; fruity drinks also work; raise a glass to him
Eating food that you love, especially comfort foods
Hosting or attending parties
Hanging out with loved ones
Celebrating your accomplishments, big or small
Having a candle that reminds you of him (no altar needed)
Putting on grape-scented or fruit-scented perfumes/colognes
Wearing jewelry that reminds you of him
Seeking community; LGBTQ+ support groups, gamer groups, fandom groups, etc.
Having a bull, leopard, goat, or cat stuffed animal
Decorating parts of your room with real or fake ivy vines
Growing a plant, especially ivy or vined plants
Wearing showy or lavish outfits; wearing outfits that make you feel good about yourself
Taking care of your mental health; finding new and healthy ways to cope with issues
Keeping a mental health journal
Keeping a picture of him in your wallet
Having leopard, bull, or big cat imagery around
Taking a hike/walk in a local forest or nature preserve
Taking a walk at night, especially on a new or full moon (only if safe in your area, please)
Dancing, especially to songs that make you feel wild, free, and expressive
Listening to energizing or expressive music
Watching/reading musicals or plays
Performing in a musical or play (including backstage and tech)
Taking your medications; setting reminders for them
Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally
Learning to accept both the "dark" and "light" parts of yourself
Being kind to those outcast by society, especially the homeless and addicts
Volunteering at a homeless shelter
Engaging in activities that bring you joy, especially those that are looked down upon
Finding ways to be rebellious, especially towards authority (don't do this if it risks your own safety)
Expressing yourself in little ways if unable to be open about it (wearing a bracelet that represents your gender identity, shoelaces that are pride flag colored, etc.)
Embracing all the unique things that make you who you are
Support LGBT, homeless shelter, environmental preservation, or humanitarian organizations
Volunteer at a homeless shelter
-
May add more later! This is my list of discreet ways to worship Dionysus. I hope it helps, and take care! 💜
Link to Subtle Worship Master list
Dionysus is in the erratic dancing in your room
Apollo is in the strum of your instrument
Artemis is in the swift glance of the deer
Hestia is in the warm hugs of family
Athena is in the peering eyes of the owl
Zeus is in the admiration of the pattering rain
Hera is in the stern guidance of a mother
Hephaestus is in craftsmanship of your tool
Aphrodite is in the overwhelming feeling of affection
Ares is in the instinct to protect those in need
Poseidon is in the enthralling crash of the watery waves
Hermes is in the ever-moving soul of a traveler
Demeter is in the wind sifting through the wheat
{ Original Poem for the Theoi }
guys i know the donation post has been marked as mature but i posted an extremely urgent update regarding magala's group yesterday and today with no movement. one of her camp members was attacked and beaten so badly she hasn't spoken since yesterday and she is at extreme risk of death. they need $1000 for treatment as they have no funds after paying off other hospital bills. PLEASE share however you can, this is extremely serious
Do y'all think your deities have been with you since you were born?
I was watching some old childhood of myself, and I randomly wondered, "What if Lady Athena has been with me since childhood?"
And immediately after that, a random owl my mom decided to film appeared on screen. I thought it was funny, but what do you all think?
Have the gods been with us since childhood and just waited for us?
devotional jewelry
the poll that i put up the other day (which i know isn't even done yet) has dictated that this post shall be about devotional jewelry/prayer beads! which honestly, i'm really excited for this, i've been meaning to get an excuse to show these off
btw i did provide image descriptions but if they're missing something or you have suggestions please don't be afraid to comment them!
(SOME) EXAMPLES
japa mala: hindu. usually consists of 108 beads (separated by a larger one at the beginning/end), these are used to keep track of mantras/prayers/sacred phrases recited during meditation
mala: buddhist, most commonly tibetan. likely adapted from hinduism, these also have 108 beads (ending in a tassel or amulet), used to count mantras or direct breathing during meditation
prayer rope: eastern orthodox. usually made of 33, 100, or 300 knots ending in a cross (also made of knots) and/or a tassel. used to count repetitions of the Jesus Prayer
rosary: catholic. arranged in five decades (sets of 10 beads) each separated by a larger bead and ending in a strand with a crucifix on the end. traditionally, a person does three cycles, saying Hail Marys on the small beads and different prayers relating to the mysteries on the larger beads
misbaha/subha: islamic. three groups of beads totaling to 99, each section with a different prayer separated by imams and ending in the yad (used as a handle), used in dhikr after regular prayer
ANCIENT GREECE: as far as i can tell, prayer beads were not in use in ancient greek worship. however, jewelry was a somewhat common offering at temples, and a large part of archeological findings have depictions of deities on them. these are my favorite
(SOME OF) MY DEVOTIONAL PIECES
HADES (left) -red/gold glass beads: reminds me of pomegranate seeds
-gold: association with wealth (Plouton)
-silver: association with wealth
-snowflake obsidian: protection, associated with the underworld
-smokey quartz pendant: protection, association with the underworld
PERSEPHONE (right) -unakite: association with nature/the earth
-rhodonite: pink to remind me of spring
-flower beads: association with her Roman form Flora
-hematite: protection, association with underworld
APHRODITE (left) -pearls: association with the ocean (i venerate her strongly as an oceanic deity)
-shells: association with the ocean
-art deco style beads: opulence and beauty
-mint quartz: it's kinda a sea green, reminds me of the ocean where i live
ATHENA (right) -sodalite: intuition, complex thought (wisdom, some might even say)
-lapis lazuli: intuition (also associated with zeus)
-blue aventurine: just fit the theme lol
-obsidian: protection (like against enemies)
-sword pendant: representative of her war aspect
DIONYSUS (left) -aventurine: prosperity, fortune (similar to fertility, kinda?)
-fluorite: just fit the theme
-amethyst and pendant: bc of the story of rhea curing his madness with an amethyst
this was one of the first pieces i made, so i didn't have as big a variety of beads to work with
HEKATE (right) -garnet: associated with Persephone, a companion of Hekate
-labradorite: magic
-bloodstone: the underworld/the dead
-skull beads: underworld/the dead
-tarot cards: representative of her domain of the sky, earth, and seas, also divination/magic
-black tourmaline pendant: the underworld
i chose specifically three skulls on the short section to represent her tripartate depiction
APOLLO (left) -tree agate: nature and hunting
-wood beads: nature
-bells: music (yes they actually make noise!)
-the sun tarot card pendant: he's the god of the sun AND oracles/seers, which this kinda represents
this is one of my faves but i never wear it just bc the bells can be obnoxious in public lmfao. i know most people wear yellow or orange for him but tbh i don't really enjoy those colors and it's important to me to explore his other aspects
ARTEMIS (right) -lepidolite: aids in transitions
-moss agate: nature
-obsidian: protection (i see her as a personal protector)
-labradorite: looks like the moon
i actually went shopping for this one specifically (i had another set for her i wasn't happy with) so that's why there's so many plastic and glass beads (i got them from a craft store). the old set had howlite cause howl=wolf=lykeia and blue aventurine for the sky
HOW TO USE THEM
personally, devotional jewelry is my first go-to when i have low spoons and need to spend the day in bed. i can wear it taking a nap, making my lunch, taking a walk, whatever! i don't always wear it though, since i try to keep it meaningful. this may differ from person to person, but that's just the way i do it
you can also use them as prayer beads and count each bead as a set prayer or phrase to your deity OR use them to help you focus on relaxing during meditation
for those who are devoted to one deity/oathbound/etc., this could also be your way of showing your faith, like you would in a romantic relationship (although you don't need to be godspoused)
they also work as a great altar decoration, you can wear it while doing prayer and put it back after
but also, at the end of the day, i got a lot more value out of the making of these than wearing them (i forget oftentimes), and it was a great devotional activity for me
HOW I MAKE THEM
for my specific pieces i used a style that's commonly seen in modern rosaries--the bead(s) on separate but connected pieces--but you can use whatever style you like
here's an example of what my friend's looks like:
and my brother's:
if you want them all on one strand like these, i say go ahead! if you want them all separate bead by bead then do that! if you want plastic, stone, wood, shell, seed, whatever, go ahead!
ultimately i make my devotional jewelry personal to me and my relationship with the deity, and i encourage you all to do the same. don't worry about what other people are doing (although im always down to provide suggestions!)
MATERIALS I USE -pre looped pins OR bead stringing wire
-a kit like this if using wire string (crimp the small beads or the vertical rectangle with the loop on top instead of tying the wire)
-just jumprings if using pre looped pins
-a round and flat pair of jewelry pliers
-a one step looper (optional)
-whatever beads and pendants i can five finger discount from stores or find at home
if you want recommendations for what crystals or colors to go with you can see my common crystals post and my altars for series. i choose crystals related to the domain of the deity, or ones that show up in their myth
techniques or materials may vary depending on what piece of jewelry you're doing. if you're doing earrings ofc you won't need the wire string and you'll need a different kit with earring backs
ALTERNATIVES
don't have the dexterity, materials, tools, or money to make your own jewelry? here are some ideas: -thrifting/buying them pre made
-thrifting beads
-using old jewelry you already own and just consecrating it for a specific deity (ill make another post about that)
-making something other than a necklace, like friendship bracelets, kandi, earrings, or even a knotted rope
but ultimately, you don't have to have or wear devotional jewelry. it isn't necessarily a vital part of my craft, i just really enjoyed making them. if you don't enjoy making them or can't, don't! you don't need to stress about forcing it into your practice
SOURCES
britannica
wikipedia on misbaha (briefly)
⚔️Achilles worship guide/suggestions⚔️
Domain: Rage, War, battle, revenge, skill, glory, vastness, bloodshed, resilience.
Epithets: son of Peleus, King of Phthia, swift-footed, lion-hearted, Godlike, shepherd of the people, breaking through men, brilliant, inimitable.
Imagery/symbolism: Shield, spear, the Lyre, golden armor, the heel, the sea, helm, the pyre.
Colors: red, black, gold, blue, yellow.
Animal: Horse, lion.
Offerings: Flowers, Candles, incense, art, poetry, lamps, gold, decorative shields, sea/war imagery, water, wine, meat, gin, milk, honey, horse imagery, bread, fruits, sweets, lyre, jewels, shells, spices.
Devotional acts: working out, honoring Patroclus, learning self defense, Personal Challenges, reading the Iliad, learning spearing, sea gazing, horse riding, running.