The Tea Says No

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

So you've lit your candles, called your corners, and maybe something moved in your peripheral vision. Was it the wind? Was it your cat? Or was it... a spirit?

In witchcraft and pagan traditions, we engage with a wild spectrum of spirits — and no, we’re not just talking about ghosts or wayward ancestors whispering cryptic things at 3 AM. Spirits can be allies, messengers, mischief-makers, protectors, and even full-blown deities, depending on the tradition and context.

Let’s break down the who's who of the spirit world so you’re not blindly inviting anything with a pulse (or lack of one) into your sacred space.

Black water: a modern invention that is sold in many stores. It is infused with trace “fulvic” minerals that turn it black and make it very alkaline. It can be used during the dark half of the year's Sabbats and for shadow meditations, shadow work, shadow magic, or anything else that is nocturnal. Some wells produce water that is black or turns items touched by it black, but this water is not safe to ingest, while black water purchased from a store is. St. Joseph's Well, located in the crypt of the Lady Chapel of Glastonbury Abbey, is widely considered to have black water.

Brackish water: occurs where fresh-water rivers meet salt water. This mix of fresh and salt water can be substituted for fresh or salt water, and carries its own calming but darker energy. The shorelines are liminal places full of healing and death, balance and bane, with yarrow growing among the poison hemlock. Use this water in magic to merge with or to enter the “betwixt and between.”

Dew: collected at dawn on May 1st (Beltane), it brings power to beauty rituals and spells.

Fog and mist: useful especially to access the Otherworld. Mist can be used as a portal, especially during the liminal hours of dusk and dawn. Meditating, walking, or sitting in a light trance state while a fog or mist rolls in creates an environment that calms the mind and allows you to connect with or even enter the Otherworld.

Hail or sleet: collected during or after a storm, it comes from the sky in a furious frozen state. Keep it frozen or melt it and store it in a bottle. It is generally used for cursing and can make a great base for War Water, an aggressive formula containing water and rust that is used for physical and psychic protection, spiritual cleansing, and to place or reverse a curse.

Marsh, bog, swamp, and canal water: dark dirty water that is imbued with decaying plant matter and has become stagnant. These waters can be used for darker magic, ancestral work, and to hide, cover, or mask. Swamp water is full of mystery and poison. Toads, snakes, and spiders lurk within the grooves of hollowed trees and mingle with the reeds peeking above the surface of these waters. Swamp waters can be found all over the world, and can be used for any type of magic.

Mud: water and earth mixed together. It is mysterious and messy. You can use it as an earth element and to bury old worn-out cycles, or for grounding.

Sea water: has unlimited uses. It can be used for work with spirits and water deities; with a prayer or blessing, it can be used as holy water, as it is already salty. It has many useful healing properties and can be used for healing, protection, charming, and cleansing. It is also useful in banishing rituals.

Fountains and pools: Water pumped through homes, heaters, and fountains is sometimes chlorinated. When I first started to encounter water spirits, I looked to the old and traditional ways. As my practice expanded, however, I found that these waters also had both personality and spirit and could be used in my personal work. If you live near or around these types of manmade waters, you can still develop a relationship with them and use them for specific and personal purposes.

Pond and lake water: typically calm and serene and often resembles a mirror. Use lake water to discover mysteries. Lakes are considered portals and many creatures dwell in and under them. These waters are good for relaxation or revitalizing spells. If you are in an argument with someone, use lake water to “calm” the situation. Because of its still surface, lake and pond water is also useful in scrying—divining or foretelling the future by gazing. Lakes are like mirrors, and so support self-reflection. They can also be used in watery mirror work and vision journeys as a portal to the watery realms.

Rain water: ideal medium for water magic. I work with three major types of rain: water from sun showers, “dreary water,” and water from thunderstorms. Sun-shower water can be used for healing, nourishment, and solar magic. It is a great base for Florida Water—a perfumed water made with various herbs and flowers. What I call “dreary water” occurs when a light rainfall continues for days, typically accompanied by gray skies and cool temperatures. Collected over several days, this water is great for shadow work, resting, rejuvenation, invisibility, and protection. Thunderstorm water is fierce. It can be used in aggressive magic, cursing, and in any spell that needs a really big power-packed punch! It's particularly effective if you can safely collect and work with water from a large storm like a hurricane, but always remember to make safety your priority.

River water: fast-moving water that can be used in conjunction with or in place of the Chariot card in the tarot to speed things up. If you need something to move along quickly, find a river and work with its water. It is also useful for aggressively cleansing your energetic body of impurities and negativities. Sit in a river with the directional flow hitting your back to enhance a purging or cleansing visualization. (I often use the phrase “Send it down the river!”) Launch little boats made of twigs and leaves and send them down the river with the intent of getting rid of something or someone. Rivers, canals, and streams can be used for spells involving moving forward, change, getting unstuck, and sending things away. The Celts believed that evil spirits could not cross running water, so rivers are also useful for escaping an astral enemy. Remember, however, that bodies of water that flow freely will have energy different from that of stagnant canal systems.

Snow or ice: can be kept frozen or placed in a jar or bottle and allowed to melt. It is great for winter water magic. Like all ice magic, it can “freeze” your enemies in place. Likewise, the act of defrosting will help you get “unstuck” and move to a more flexible place. It can also be used to defrost an enemy's icy heart. Draw sigils in snow for temporary binding or to help unbind.

Spring and well water: fresh waters that literally “spring” up from below the ground. These waters are usually crystal clear and are often associated with mystery, mythology, and folklore. They can be used in healing magic and to connect with water fae. They were also used to remove curses and enchantments, and to place curses—often for a fee.

Waterfalls: some of the most beautiful waters. Some flow all year, while others are seasonal. This water is useful in cleansing and purification, and in rites of birth and beauty.

Water Witchcraft - Magic and Lore from the Celtic Tradition, Annwyn Avalon

WHO IS HE?

Khonsu is the Egyptian god of the moon, time, and healing. Also being a member of the Theban Triad. He is also the fourth god mentioned in the Book of the Dead and is associated with healing, fertility and the passage of time. During the New Kingdom, he was considered the tutelary deity of the city of Thebes, and his priesthoods were known for their healing skills.

BASIC INFO: 

Appearance: Khonsu is commonly depicted in two primary forms: a mummiform man with a sidelock of hair and a falcon-headed man. He also often wears a crescent moon and a full lunar disk on his head. 

Personality: he is believed to be a loving and protective deity who looks after his devotees and grants their wishes. He is also known for his healing powers and is often invoked for protection during sleep and during dangerous travels. In general, devotion to Khonsu is believed to bring one closer to divine wisdom and power, and those who worship him often receive his blessings of healing, insight, and protection.

Symbols: the moon disk, the sidelock, crescent moon, falcon, crook and flail, was-sceptre

God of: the moon, time, and healing 

Culture: Egyptian 

Plants: night blooming flowers

Crystals: moonstone, opal, selenite, angelite, and peristerite

Animals: falcon, hawk, and baboon

Incense: frankincense, lotus, myrrh, cinnamon, and Kyphi

Practices: lunar magick, healing, fertility, childbirth, astral travel, and protection (mainly against wild animals and when traveling)

Colours: blue, white, gold, and red

Number: 8 (eight phases of the moon)

Zodiac: Cancer

Tarot: The Moon

Planet: Moon

Days: Monday, Opet Festival, and Beautiful Festival of the Valley

Parents: Amun and Mut 

Siblings: several unnamed brothers and sisters

Partner: Hathor

Children: N/A

MISC:

Crescent moon: the crescent moon is associated with Khonsu because the moon god Khonsu was associated with the phases of the moon. Khonsu was believed to play a role in the waxing and waning of the lunar phases, and the crescent moon became a significant symbol associated with him because it is often seen as the first visible phase of the new moon, representing growth and renewal. The crescent moon is also symbolic of the passage of time and the journey from birth to death and rebirth.

Falcon: the falcon is associated with Khonsu, because according to ancient Egyptian mythology, the falcon represented the god Khonsu who is associated with moon and time. The falcon is known for its connection to the sky and its keen eyesight, and was considered sacred to Khonsu because they symbolize speed, power and strength. In some depictions, Khonsu is depicted as having the head of the falcon.

Travel: he is often associated with travel, particularly travel at night. The moon influences the movement of the seas and the tides and was also used for navigation by the ancient Egyptians. Additionally, the phases of the moon were used for planning travel in relation to the lunar calendar. Khonsu' also associated with the concept of the "lunatic," and people who go insane for a time. This aspect of Khonsu can be associated with the concept of traveling to other realms (such as the world of the dead or the realms of the gods).

Fertility: Khonsu was associated with fertility because he was the Egyptian god of the moon, which played a crucial role in the agricultural cycle. The phases of the moon were used to help farmers keep track of planting and harvest dates, and thus the fertility of the land. The moon was also associated with menstrual cycles and woman's fertility, suggesting a possible connection between Khonsu and feminine cycles. 

Baboon: they were associated with the god Khonsu due to their nocturnal behaviour and resemblance to the moon. Baboons were believed to be the manifestations of Thoth, the moon god who was also associated with the moon and knowledge. In turn, this connection was seen as a symbol of Khonsu's connection to the moon and its associated powers.

FACTS ABOUT KHONSU:

His name means 'traveller', and this may relate to the perceived nightly travel of the Moon across the sky. Along with Thoth, he marked the passage of time and is associated with baboons. Khonsu was instrumental in the creation of new life in all living creatures.

As the god of the moon, Khonsu was believed to govern the lunar cycle and its influence on the passage of time. Ancient Egyptians associated the phases of the moon with various aspects of life, including fertility, agriculture, and the cyclical nature of existence. Khonsu’s role as a deity of time also extended to matters of divination and prophecy, as lunar phases were often used as a means of predicting future events. Furthermore, Khonsu was revered as a healer, particularly in the realm of mental and physical afflictions. Temples dedicated to Khonsu served as centres of healing and rejuvenation, where worshippers sought his divine intervention in times of illness or distress.

Khonsu is silent and picky. He especially likes prayers at night. He likes playing pranks on his devotees as a joke but he is serious when it is a serious matter. 

He's also associated with travellers and fertility.

HOW TO INVOKE KHONSU:

To invoke Khonsu, you can find a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus and be undisturbed, then create a sacred space with candles, incense, or other tools before lighting a candle or offering incense and state that you are calling on Khonsu. You can then say or read an invocation asking him for guidance, clarity or whatever it is you might need. State your offerings and make your request for communication.

PRAYER FOR KHONSU:

Lord Khonsu, whose face is the Moon. Shining bright amongst. the blessed stars. It is you, who I call upon. It is you I offer my

praise. 

Left Eye of Heru. 'Decider of Life's length. Child of the Sky, I adore your beauty. 

You who brings forth the blood, you whose rage is known. I ask for your protection and ask that you guide me safety through the night. Go in peace Lord Khonsu and may your light last forever. 

SIGNS THAT KHONSU IS CALLING YOU:

Increased interest or attraction to the moon and the night sky.

Repeated dreams or visions about the moon, or repeated encounters with moon imagery.

Feeling drawn to certain places that are close to cultural or historical structures associated with Khonsu.

Spontaneous occurrences related to lunar cycles, such as noticing that you get more ideas during the full or new moon.

Feelings of increased psychic or intuitive abilities.

Wanting to learn or participate in lunar magick. 

Feeling drawn to certain symbols or colours associated with the him, such as blue, white, gold, and red. 

OFFERINGS:

Moon water. 

Photos or depictions of the moon. 

Depictions of falcons. 

Food and drinks: bread, water, cakes, wine, honey, beer, fruit, and vegetables.

Gold jewelry. 

Moon-shaped objects.

Incense: frankincense, lotus, myrrh, cinnamon, and Kyphi.

Video games.

Music.

Images of things that he is associated with.

Fresh night blooming flowers. 

Drums, flutes or other musical instruments associated with the moon.

Blue, white, gold, or red candles. 

Crystals: moonstone, opal, selenite, angelite, and peristerite. 

DEVOTIONAL ACTS:

Learning about moon phases.  

Go on a moonlit stroll. 

Learn about lunar magick. 

Take care of your body physically to the best of your ability (shower, eat well, get a good amount of sleep, etc). 

Honour him on the full moon and the new moon. 

Watching the moon. 

Learning about the different types of moons (Supermoon, Harvest Moon, etc). 

Staying up late. 

Keep a dream journal; try to interpret your dreams. 

Engaging with your childhood media or toys. 

Watch the moon as it rises, greet him each night. 

Light a candle or incense that reminds you of him (safely). 

Take your medications, if any; as needed. 

Learn self-defence, weapons included or not. 

Eat comfort food, especially from childhood. 

Donate children and baby supplies to homeless shelters. 

Dancing.

Show support for any parents in your life, especially new ones; help out when/if you can. 

Speak your mind; be honest and direct with others. 

Practice truthfulness and keep your promises. 

Stand up for yourself and the things you believe in.

But we just got a new dog today, and dogs most often remind me of Hekate

But to my family, dogs aren't just pets, they are family members. He started out as a stray found by a woman a few days ago, one of our neighbors. She took him to the vet but either she didn't want him or she couldn't keep him, so we took him in.

I wanted to welcome him into the family and the household, and potentially pour out a libation for my last dog who left us a year ago.

I read somewhere that people would sometimes pour libations for passed family members to ease their souls in Hades, and because our Lola was family, I wanted to do the same for her. She wasn't just our dog, she was very very important to us, and the fact that she's gone now is something our family will likely never fully forgive ourselves for, as it was our fault.

Here's Bandit, our new member of the family

Rosemary - memory, anxiety, sleep, cleansing, purifying, learning, healing, love, lust, protection, wisdom, mental power

Turmeric - healing, strength, vitality, purification, abundance, joy, prosperity

allspice - healing, energy, love, luck

pepper - courage, protection

sage - health, immortality, longevity, protection against negativity, protection, purification, wisdom, wishes, anxiety

bay - divination, good fortune, healing, anxiety, money, prosperity, peace, protection, happiness, purification, love, tranquility

oregano - peace, love

parsley - protection, power, strength, lust, purification, prosperity

garlic - protection against evil eye

cinnamon - aphrodisiac, passion, love, luck, prosperity, success, spiritual vibrations, energy, purification, healing, protection

cayenne - healing, removing blockages, protection, strength, motivation, courage

clover - fidelity, protection, love, money, success, animal protection, luck

pine - health, healing

nutmeg - money, prosperity, good luck, protection, psychic abilities, happiness, love, health

cloves - healing, love, friendship, cleansing, protection, abundance

thyme - health, courage, eliminates nightmares, attracts loyalty, affection, psychic abilities

ginger - energy, speeding things up, love, prosperity, success, power, healing

mint - avoid jealousy, dreams, protecting, prosperity, joy, fertility, purification, love, success, lust, travel, money, luck

chamomile - love, healing, stress-relief, calming, sleep

lavender - purification, concentration, love, healing, sleep, dreams

jasmine - divination, innovation, attraction, dreams, love, beauty

mugwort - psychic powers, protection, lust, fertility, prophetic dreams, divination, relaxing, tranquility, banishing, consecration

peach blossoms - luck, prosperity, romance, love, passion, affection, harmony, peace, health, longevity

peony - protection from hexes, luck, prosperity, business success, attracts fairies

rose - divine love, self-love, friendship, healing, domestic happiness, lasting relationships, closeness with nature, divination, tranquility, harmony, psychic ability, spirituality, protection, luck

lemon grass - openness, communication, clear mind, love, luck, libido, psychic abilities, calming

chrysanthemum - longevity, mental clarity, optimism, protection, solving mysteries, soothing grief

pink Himalayan salt - purification, grounding, abundance, prosperity, self-love, cleaning, growth, protection, peace, calming

palo santo - cleansing, positivity, good fortune, creativity, love

sweet orange - optimism, charisma, confidence, restoring aura, attracting love, fertility, abundance

bergamot - protection, purification, calming

ylang ylang - sexual attraction, persuasiveness, peace, love, anxiety and depression relief, fairy magic

geranium - prosperity, happiness, healthy pregnancy and fertility

eucalyptus - purifying, cleansing, good health, protection, negativity

sandalwood - calming, anxiety, purification, protection, healing

anise - peace, tranquility, awakening of psychic awareness, luck, spiritual connection, psychic and magic power

jojoba - healing, protection, purification, grounding, meditation, love

frankincense - cleansing, energy, uplifting, inner peace, balance

peppermint - mental clarity, prophetic visions, success, prosperity,

cedarwood - love, growth, longevity, psychic powers, healing, money

tea tree - cleansing, protection, uplifting, energy, memory, love

vanilla - sex, calming, good luck, love, empowerment, happiness, growth

hibiscus is great for self-love, empowerment, courage, passion and beauty!

Basil:  money, luck, prosperity, happiness

Bay Leaf: energy, cleansing, can be charged with almost any intention

Camomile: Caring, kindness, luck, growth, self-love growth, confidence, avoiding negativity, happiness

Cinnamon: passion, quick success, fire magick

Chia seeds: Growth, health, kindness, Property

Chilli flakes:  Pride, confidence, power, strength, Passion

Cumin: Courage, bravery, protection, loyalty

Dandelion: wishes, charisma, success, good luck

Dill: sexual love, luck, protection

Eucalyptus: cleansing, healing, purifying, relaxing, comfort

Fennel:  hate, anger

Flax seeds: Prosperity, growth, new beginnings

Ginger: fiery passion, success, and personal power

Jasmine: love, dreams, sensuality, luxury and kindness

Lavender: love and attraction, purification, relaxation, restful sleep

Nutmeg: luck, Health, Fidelity, Love, Prosperity, comfort, loyalty

Oregano:  comfort, love, warmth

Paprika:  Pride, confidence, power, strength

Parsley: Cleansing. purification

Peppermint: healing, purification, love and energy, cleansing, prosperity

Poppy seeds: protection, intuition, self-assurance, hexing and cursing

Rose: love, beauty, harmony, romance, attraction

Rosemary: cleansing, purification, wisdom, protection

Sesame seeds: Prosperity, growth, health, nurturing

Spearmint: love, cleansing, renewal, blessing

Sunflower seeds: happiness, growth, joy

Thyme: beauty, strength, courage

Turmeric: confidence, creativity, energy

Vanilla: love and sexuality

“(enter deity) I trust you to help me get out of this horrible scenario and make me stronger”