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Apple: Apollo, Hera, Aphrodite, Diana, Eris, Freyja, The Hesperides, Idun, Pomona, Saulé, Athena, Gaia, Eros, Lugh, Manannan, Nemesis, Zeus, Loki, Freyr

Grapes: Dionysus, The Horae, Lady Chang'O, Europa, Gestinana, Renenet, Sirona

Pear: Aphrodite, Hera, Pomona, Isis

Orange: Apollo, Oshun, Pomona, Venus, Enlil, Hesperethusa

Cherry: Aphrodite, Chinju no Kami, Xi Wang Mu, Artemis, Flora, Persephone, the Morrigan

Plum: Amaterasu, Pomona, Aphrodite, Freyja, Dionysus

Mango: Durga, Ogun, Simbi, Kamadeva, Hanuman, Ambika

Strawberry: Hermes, Aphrodite, Adonis, Eris, Freyja, Frigg, Venus, Freyr

Raspberry: Venus, Leto, Rhea, Cernunnos, Hera, Artemis

Banana: Shango, Brihaspati, Vishnu, Parvati, Lakhsmi

Coconut: Hina, Mahesh, Asar, Isis, Osiris, Brahma, Vishnu, Ganesha, Aphrodite

Blackberry: Dionysus, Brigid, the Dagda, Danu, Freyja, Manannan, Osiris, Poseidon

Lemon: Alakshmi, Arethusa, Apollo,

Olive: Athena, Elais, Zeus, Ra, Poseidon, Indra, Pele, Apollo

Watermelon: Hera, Yemaya, Bahuchara

Peach: Xiwangmu, Kami, Hathor, Aphrodite, Freyja, Shou Xing, Apollo

Papaya: Istustaya

Pomegranate: Hades, Persephone, Zeus, Demeter, Aphrodite, Hecate, Athena, Hestia, Ares

Fig: Dionysus, Priapus, Demeter

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tip jar🍇

As we all are fully aware by now, the results of the US presidential election are not good for those of us who fall into any minority group. I'm lucky enough to live in a blue state, surrounded by other blue states, and within a safe distance of Canada. My heart goes out to those who don't have that same privilege. With that being said, I want to offer some suggestions for things to do religiously in the days and weeks to come.

The main thing I would suggest, above all else, is to take good care of yourself. Take deep breaths, eat the foods you love, listen to your favorite songs, shower or take a bath, and so on. As someone who struggles with depression frequently, I know that religious practice can be hard when the rest of your life feels like it's falling apart.

After that, I would suggest frequent prayers. If you've never honored Zeus, Athena, Hestia, or Ares, then I would recommend starting. Zeus and Athena both are associated with politics, especially Zeus, with His domain also lying in the well-being of strangers, and a general practice of hospitality. Athena, as a Goddess of wisdom and the defense of towns. Hestia, for protection and peace within the home. Ares, for protection and peace outside of it. And if you also have the time and energy, rereading the Bakkhai would be an excellent idea, either as inspiration or self-care.

Dionysus was there when the girl who was sick of her hair went mad in the bathroom and buzzed it all off. In that moment, she was flying, and she truly felt free.

Dionysus was there when the girl was standing in front of the mirror, about to take a shower, putting lipstick on her eyebrows and eyeshadow on her cheeks, looking wild and partaking in the gentle joy of painting her face, knowing that before she is seen again, she can wash it all down the drain.

Dionysus was there the first time the 30 something man tried on a dress. As he poured himself a glass of wine and posed in the mirror. How elegant he was in the cramped confines of that dingy motel. For tonight, he can be his effeminate self, knowing that this secret is all his to indulge in.

Dionysus was there when the girls got together, removed their tight bras and danced in freedom as they burped and screamed and cried and howled. These women are insane! How mad they become when they’re free from the burden of society! They were laying on the floor with their stomachs out, breasts sagging, hair disheveled, saying crude words that women must not say. For a moment they were no longer trapped in suburbia. They were in the wild woods, far away from any rule or law. They were free! Free and mad!

Dionysus represents much more than the God of Madness and Frenzy; he embodies the essence of mental health. Dedicating time and effort to healing your mind can be seen as an act of devotion to Dionysus. This is why advocating for, discussing, and learning about mental illness and your experiences can be so beneficial.

He is more than just the God of Wine; he also embodies sobriety and restraint. He teaches us moderation, guiding us not to overindulge in what our bodies cannot handle. Choosing to abstain from alcohol or maintaining sobriety can be a profound act of devotion as well.

Excessive consumption, whether it's alcohol, negative thoughts, or anything else, can be harmful. Dionysus serves as a reminder that healing from such excesses is possible.

While he embodies the spirit of fun, enjoyment, and hedonism, I don't believe he would want you to indulge for the wrong reasons. Whenever I felt too serious or caught in a downward spiral, he would remind me that it's okay to let loose, but also to stay attuned to my feelings. I don't think he would shun you if you're not having too much fun. If you're not feeling okay, then you're not feeling okay. There's nothing wrong with that.

If anything, Dionysus seems like the ultimate god of self-care. Taking your medication, staying hydrated or drinking other beverages (I personally find that hot chocolate boosts my mood), spending time with friends, or even enjoying a solitary walk in nature—all these activities can feel like acts of devotion. He is love and full of love. A god of duality and balance.

He can embody the warmth of summer and the freshness of spring, just as he can evoke the chill of winter. He's complex and multifaceted. He is a god of rebirth, death and immortality. He to me, resembles a phoenix. He means so much to me and my practice. My heart has so much room for him. He has shown me that regardless what I've experience, it is possible to change and heal. His own love feels poetic.

I'm a Hermes devotee, of course I walk way too fast!

I'm a Hermes devotee, of course I pick up every coin I see on the ground!

I'm a Hermes devotee, of course I tell awful jokes!

I'm a Hermes devotee, of course I spend too much on dice!

I'm a Hermes devotee, of course I like to plan trips I'll never go on!

I'm a Hermes devotee, of course I get excited every time I see a rooster!

Something I’ve done, and very recently, is just ask the gods I work with up front if there’s anything specific they’d like for me to get for their altar, and while they’ve given me answers, the most common thing I hear is also just:

“Anything that reminds you of me.”

And I’ve been pondering that since.

It’s like for a birthday or Christmas gift. Of course there’s specific things you’d like, but the things that are always(or usually) the most flattering and heartwarming are the things people make or get you simply because it reminded you of them. And that goes for the gods too.

Even if you think it may not be a “good” offering, put it on your altar that you have for your god.

Do it.