To the Gods

Greek Way of Death by Robert Garland: Chapter 5, 'Life in Hades' covers the some of the topography, as described through literature.

Albinus, Lars. 2000. The House of Hades: Studies in Ancient Greek Eschatology. Aarhus University Press.

Calame, Claude. 2009. "Ritual and Initiatory Itineraries toward the Afterlife: Time, Space, and Pragmatics in the Gold Lamellae." In Poetic and Performative Memory in Ancient Greece: Heroic Reference and Ritual Gestures in Time and Space. Center for Hellenic Studies.

Edmonds, Radcliffe G., III. 2015. "Imagining the Afterlife." In The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Greek Religion, edited by Esther Eidinow and Julia Kindt. Oxford University Press.

Burton, Diana. 2016. "Utopian Motifs in Early Greek Concepts of the Afterlife." Antichthon 50:1–16.

Mythober Day 14~ Selene 🌙

SIGYN

In Norse mythology, Sigyn stands as a profound symbol of unwavering loyalty, resilience, and quiet strength. Known as the goddess of victory and loyalty, she is the devoted wife of Loki and the mother of Vali* and Narvi. Far from the passive figure depicted in later retellings, Sigyn is a powerful and enduring presence within the Norse pantheon, often called “Loki’s Treasure” or “The Delight of Loki’s Hall” by modern pagans.

Sigyn is Loki’s most steadfast supporter, standing by him when all others have turned away. This loyalty is most evident during Loki’s brutal punishment for his role in Baldr’s death. After Odin turned Vali into a wolf, the poor boy lost his mind and slaughtered his brother Narvi. Sigyn, though heartbroken, did not retreat in grief. Instead, she rose in defiance.

While Loki was chained beneath the earth, tortured by venom dripping from a serpent’s fangs, Sigyn shielded her husband as best she could, holding a bowl to catch the poison. Unfortunately, she had to leave from time to time to empty bowl, and the poison burned Loki’s flesh, causing him to convulse in agony. His screams are believed to cause earthquakes.

Modern pagans associate her with the fox, an animal symbolizing cunning and adaptability, mirroring her own quiet yet fierce nature.

* Vali Lokison, not to be confused with Vali Odinson, God of Vengeance, son of Odin and the unfortunate Giantess Rindr.

(Text by Delia Gosforth, Illustration by Ellen Artistic)

I am the artist! Do not post without permission & credit! Thank you! Come visit me over on: instagram.com/ellenartistic or tiktok.

These illustrations all made it into a Norse Goddess Coloring Book!

(Print Copy)

There are also PDF copies available!

『 Psychopomp 』

Inspired by Souls on the Banks of the Acheron by Adolf Hirémy-Hirschl

now thats nifty, but how do u make them? fear not, ur witchy friend is here w a tutorial ❤︎

aphrodite still loves aroace people

zeus still loves people who are scared of thunder

poseidon still loves people who can't swim

apollo still loves people who aren't musical

helios still loves people who sunburn easily

artemis still loves people who aren't virgins

persephone still loves people who are allergic to pollen

hades still loves people who are afraid of death

athena still loves people who aren't academic

ares still loves people who don't like to be angry

hephaestus still loves people who can't craft things

Artemis / Diana torso statue.

I went to San Antonio Museum of Art and saw the statue with description (pictures below), and I don’t know why but at that moment I was deeply touched by the story behind it. I chose it as one of the objects for my college project.

Hope you guys enjoy this piece I made for Artemis based on the statue I’ve seen.

It's not easy being working class, especially right now, but idk

Adhara's post introduction: Here it is, Lady Athena's Epithets!! Hope you guys like it!! She's such an amazing Goddess!

Areia: Of War, Warlike;

Eryma: Defender;

Paiônia: Healer;

Erganê: Worker;

Amboulia: Counsellor, Of Counsel;

Ophthalmitis: Of the Eyes;

Parthenos: Virgin, Maiden;

Koriê: Maiden;

Alalkomenêis: Protectress;

Sthenias: Of Strength, Strong;

Alea: Escape (to Refuge);

Ormásteira: she who urges you forward.

Adhara's random fact about the Theoi: Lady Athena's cult were mainly focused on war, defending of cities, work, crafts, healing/health in general, cunning/making plans, refuge/hospitality, eyesight, and also maidenhood.

Minors are people. Minors can research. Minors can be devoted to gods, seek their assistance, guidance... Moreover, minors that are in our community, in ancient times were already let to participate in temples and offerings. Temples of Artemis were basically like kindergartens, with children of varying ages.

Artemis is by my side in these words. She who protected and guided children of her temples. She who takes care of children.

There is no reason for minors to be excluded. And if you think they should be excluded, then you're denying and disrespecting the guidance of Artemis, and therefore, what kind of helpol even are you?

Another anecdote I think is worth sharing is when my kid brought home a friend, who she felt safe being open with her religion with. When this friend met me, she enthusiastically shared with me that she believes in Aphrodite and Athena. It was so cute to see her excitement in meeting adults who genuinely worship these gods she believes in as well. But then, I was immediately struck with an awful feeling in the pit of my stomach that an adult in my position could absolutely abuse a child like that. So many of us who grew up in religious institutions saw or experienced religious abuse from elders, and it really struck me how vulnerable minors can be in religious and spiritual spaces, in that moment. There is a circle of druids locally that prohibits minors because it is their belief that it is indoctrination to bring kids into religious ritual before they’re old enough to consent. I think there is more nuance to it than warrants a blanket ban- I will continue to share how I connect with the gods with anyone who asks in good faith, regardless of their age, but I think it is important to take pause when interacting with minors and ask ourselves, “am I educating or indoctrinating?”

Now, I would say the problem touched here is more of exactly parental one, and, as a 17yo person, I wouldn't fully understand it.

But the problems of alcohol and burnt offerings, indoctrination, should not mean, in any way, that minors should be excluded, especially those on here, who are, almost all, choosing to be pagan, not born in a pagan family. Closing off communities, discord servers, invalidating minors is not something that we should have. When a minor already researching and wants to gain knowledge about this religion, listen to the experience of others, it's not indoctrination, it's sharing experiences.

Of course, don't come up to minors asking if they would like to know more about paganism, that would be weird, but if a minor chose that way, then why not? It's a basic human right to be a part of the community you match interests with.