#anicetus

I don’t know why, but I felt called to reach out to the immortal twin sons of Heracles recently; not for daily worship or close relationships, but more so just to say hi and get introduced. So I did all of the research I could (there’s not much out there about them) and set the space. 

I used two black pillar candles and two Strength tarot cards (one from Rider-Waite, the other from Morgan-Greer) and made my offerings of herbs and incense. Then I did a reading.

I should say, this is all UPG; there is such little information out there that it would be hard to confirm these beliefs.

One things I noticed is that the cards popped out in pairs, which is unusual for me. Usually only one pops out, sometimes three, but every pull was bringing two cards. I figured this was the twin energy.

I asked what their worship was like in Ancient times: 

Page of Wands, Death, Nine of Wands, Hermit, Seven of Wands, and Queen of Swords. 

I interpreted this to mean they were usually worshiped by younger people, namely men (Page energy), who were patrolling their cities and towns (Nine of Wands - protecting a boundary), often alone (Hermit) and seeking/providing protection. When they came under attack (or close to Death), they reached out to Alexiares and Anicetus for perseverance and protection (Seven of Wands). To me, the Queen of Swords reiterated that they were worshiped by soldiers who needed mental clarity and good judgment.

I then asked what their modern day worship was like (and if they had any; they confirmed they do). ALL REVERSED: Three of Swords, Nine of Swords, Eight of Swords, Nine of Pentacles, Ten of Swords, and Ten of Pentacles.

 I interpreted this to mean their modern day worshipers go to them for help in abusive situations or in times of great mental distress. The three, nine, and ten of swords all speak of someone who is in great mental turmoil and the ten of pentacles suggests they may come from an unstable family life and home. The Nine of Pentacles indicates these people may have a hard time with self-esteem and may live in poverty. The Eight of Swords reversed speaks of someone breaking free from what binds them, in this case, with the help of Alexiares and Anicetus. Overall, it appears (and this is UPG) that their followers go to them for protection, breaking free of harmful situations, and setting and upholding strong boundaries. This makes sense to me since they are the gatekeepers of Mount Olympus. 

mythology aesthetics

ALEXIARES & ANICETUS