scared witch side blog

My name is Lilian or Lily for short. This blog is for all things witchy and witchcraft!

Here's a handy list to keep on hand!

Solstices, Harvests, and Quarter Days

February 1-2 - Imbolc / Candlemas

March 19 - Spring Equinox / Ostara

April 30-May 1 - Beltane / May Day

June 20 - Summer Solstice / Midsummer / Litha

August 1 - Lughnasadh / Lammas / Summer Harvest

September 22 - Autumn Equinox / Mabon / Fall Harvest

October 31 - Samhain / Halloween / Final Harvest

December 21 - Winter Solstice / Yule

Full Moons

January 25 - Wolf Moon ♌

February 24 - Snow Moon ♍

March 25 - Worm Moon ♎

April 23 - Pink Moon ♏

May 23 - Flower Moon ♐

June 21 - Strawberry Moon ♑

July 21 - Thunder Moon (aka Buck Moon) ♑

August 19 - Sturgeon Moon* ♒

September 17 - Harvest Moon* ♓

October 17 - Hunter's Moon (aka Blood Moon)* ♈

November 15 - Frost Moon (or Beaver Moon)* ♉

December 15 - Cold Moon (Black Moon) ♊

*- Supermoon

New Moons

January 11 ♑

February 9 ♒

March 10 ♓

April 8 ♈

May 7 ♉

June 6 ♊

July 5 ♋

August 4 ♌

September 2 ♍

October 2 ♎

November 1 ♏

December 1 ♐

December 30 (black moon) ♑

Special Celestial Events

January 3-4 - Quadrantids meteor shower peak

March 25 - Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

April 8 - Total solar eclipse

April 22-23 - Lyrids meteor shower peak

May 6-7 - Eta Aquarids meteor shower peak

August 11-13 - Perseids meteor shower peak

August 19 - Sturgeon Supermoon / Seasonal Blue Moon

September 17 - Harvest Supermoon / Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

October 2 - "Ring of Fire" solar eclipse

October 17 - Hunter's Supermoon

October 21-22 - Orionids meteor shower peak

November 15 - Frost Supermoon

November 16-17 - Leonids meteor shower peak

December 13-14 - Geminids meteor shower peak

December 30 - Black Moon

Mercury Retrogrades

April 1 - April 24

August 4 - August 27

Holidays are an important part of Hellenic religious life across all of the Mediterranean– whether Greek or Roman. For the sake of modernity, relevant Graeco-Roman holidays will be adapted to the contemporary Gregorian Calendar.

Ianouarios (Latin: Ianuarius, Eng: January)

Kalends (January), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, January 1: First day of the New Year, in honour of Janus. Large celebrations done, and charity is highly encouraged. Prayers to Lord Asklepios also recommended.

Phebrouarios (Latin: Februarius, Eng: February)

Kalends (February), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, February 1: First day of the month.

Parentalia, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, February 13 – February 21: Literally “Ancestors Days” or “Days of the Ancestors”, Parentalia is the February festival celebrating the deceased ancestors of the family and the pater familias.  They are offered flowers, wine-soaked bread, violets salt, and wheat.  Often they are providing a true sacrificial banquet, but these are di inferni, spirits of the underworld.  They are those who dwell below, and proper care must be made in sacrificing to them.

Anthesteria, Greek era, Gregorian calendar, February 19 – February 21: Athenian festivals dedicated to Dionysos and the dead.

Lupercalia, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, February 15: Holiday intended to avert evil spirits and miasma, as well as spread purification; which releases health and fertility.

Lesser Eleusinian Mysteries, Greek era, Gregorian calendar, February 17-23 (Sign of capricorn): Serves as reminders of the Greater Mysteries, in honour of Deo and Kore.

Martios (Latin: Martius, Eng: March)

Kalends (March), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, March 1: First day of the month.

Navigium Isidis, Hellenistic-era Egyptian, Gregorian calendar, March 5-6: Festival in honour of Isis marks the opening of the sailing season.

Dionysia, Greek era, Gregorian calendar, March 9 – 16: Holiday dedicated to Bacchus.

Liberalia, Roman era, Gregorian Calendar, March 17: Another holiday dedicated to Bacchus.

Hilaria, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, March 15 – March 28: Numerous day celebration dedicated to the Mother of the Gods and Her lover Attis/Gallus.

Quinquatrus, Roman era, Gregorian Calendar, March 19: When the Temple of Athene on the Aventine Hill was consecrated. Feast day to Athene.

Aprillios (Latin: Aprilis, Eng: April)

Kalends (April), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, April 1: First day of the month. Dedicated to Aphrodite.

Genéteira tis Rómis (Natale de Roma), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, April 21: Day commemorating the founding of Rome by Quirinus, known as Romulus when embodied in a mortal form.

Serapia, Hellenistic-era Egyptian, Gregorian calendar, April 25: Day commemorating Serapis, the ruler of the underworld.

Maïos (Latin: Maius Eng: May)

Kalends (May), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, May 1: First day of the month.

Lemuria, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, May 9, 11 and 13: A trio of solemn days for the malevolent and restless dead, for maintaining their memory is as paramount as those of the benevolent ancestors.  Sacrifices are offered as propitiation in order to keep the peace and avoid ill luck from these infernal spirits.

Thargelia, Greek era, Gregorian calendar, May 22 – May 23: Celebration in honour of Artemis and Apollo.

Iounios (Latin: Iunius, Eng: June)

Kalends (June), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, June 1: First day of the month.

Flight of Aineías, June 11: According to calculations by Eratosthenes, today is the day the city of Troy was sacked in 1184 BCE. The burning of Troy would be the end of the Trojan War, but simultaneously it would be the birth of a new beginning. Ultimately, Troy’s fall would give rise to the eternal city of Rome centuries later, as many of those who laid the city’s foundations had been descendant of the Trojan refugees led by the pious Prince Aineías who fled the destruction, such as Aineías’ descendant Romulus. Today is a day that feasts should be held to commemorate the flight of Aineías and the survival of our ancestors, but simultaneously a day of mourning for those innocent who perished, whether during the Trojan War or any war.

Prometheia, Greek era, Gregorian calendar, June 17th: Festival dedicated to Prometheus bestowing reason to mankind.

Vestalia, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, June 7th – 15th: Festival specifically in honor of the Goddess of the house, Vesta, and the spirits of the store chambers, cupboards, and the penates.

Death of Julian, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, June 28th: Mourning day marking the death of the divine Julian.

Ioulios (Latin: Iulius, Eng: July)

Kalends (July), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, July 1: First day of the month.

Panathenaia, Greek era, Gregorian calendar, July 17-24: https://sites.google.com/site/hellenionstemenos/Home/festivals/panathenaia-ta-mikra

Neptunalia, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, July 23: Held in honour of Poseidon. Plea for rain.

Augoustos (Latin: Augustus, Eng: August)

Kalends (August), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, August 1: First day of the month.

Sol Indiges, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, August 9: Minor holiday to King Helios where sacrifice is offered.

Vinalia Rustica, Gregorian calendar, August 19: A rustic harvest festival dedicated to Zeus and Aphrodite, celebrating the grape harvest, vegetable growth and fertility

Vulcanalia, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, August 23: A propitiatory sacrifice during the hot month of August to Hephaistos (Vulcan) in order to protect the home and livelihood from the ravages of fire.  Traditional practices include sacrificing small fish into bonfires so that humans would not be harmed.

Septembrios (Latin: September, Eng: September)

Kalends (September), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, September 1: First day of the month. Ceremonies dedicated to Jupiter Tonans (“the Thunderer”) on the Capitolium, and Juno Regina on the Aventine.

Greater Eleusinian Mysteries, Greek era, Gregorian calendar, September 6-12 (Sign of cancer): In honour of Deo and Kore. Called great when the Goddess departs, (At least, the other equinox is in mythology the time of the kidnap of Kore, which is the descent of the souls.)

Apollo Campus Martius, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, September 23: Anniversary of the rededication of the Temple of Apollo in the Campus Martius; Leto is also honored

Oktôbrios (Latin: October, Eng: October)

Kalends (October), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, October 1: First day of the month. Dedicated to the deity Pistis (Fides in Latin).

Thesmophoria, Greek era, Gregorian calendar, October 2-4:

Khalkeia, ancient Hellenistic, Gregorian calendar, October 7:

Noembrios (Latin: November, Eng: November)

Kalends (November), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, November 1: First day of the month.

Feastday of Julian, Later Roman era, Gregorian calendar, November 8: Feast day dedicated to the coronation of Flavius Claudius Iulianus Augustus, the great reformer of Hellenism, as Caesar of the west.

Dekembrios (Latin: December, Eng: December)

Kalends (December), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, December 1: First day of the month. Dedicated to Poseidon and Pietas.

Saturnalia, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, December 17-23rd: Festivals that goes on for numerous days in celebration of the Winter Solstice with a particular focus on the golden age of Saturn.

Opalia, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, December 19: Festival in honour of Ops

Hii! SO I have had this in my drafts for a while so I decided to make a post for Lord Apollo as I have nothing better to do this evening. So I made a list of simple things you can do as an offering for Lord Apollo! These are things witches of all ages and stages can do! I hope this is helpful!

Creative Offerings

Sing to Him

Play musical instruments for Him

Hold dance parties in His honor

Write or read poetry for Him

Create art (drawing, painting, photography)

Compose or share music playlists dedicated to Him

Share your creative hobbies—anything made with love

Acts of Devotion

Try different types of divination

Pray to Him often (guidance, healing, inspiration, truth, prophecy)

Learn His myths, as well as the stories of His mother Leto, sister Artemis, and His lovers

Honor Leto and Artemis alongside Him

Study about Delphi and His temples

Spend time in the sunlight—walks, morning sunrises, or simply opening your curtains

apollon agyieus means "of the streets." this epithet describes him as the protector of the streets, roads, public places, and the entrances of homes. he was often worshipped as such in acharnae, mycenae, and at tegea.

when this epithet of apollon was being worshipped, he was represented as a sort of pointed column or obelisk, which was kept on front doors or boundaries. they were considered sacred to this epithet and believed to avert any type of harm from the space.

these obelisks were treated as altars of sorts, where offerings were placed. historically, these offerings included wreaths, ribbons, libations, incense, fruits, flowers, etc.

ways to worship this epithet 🏙️

☀︎ place a small stone or rock resembling the shape of these columns near the entry to your home to represent apollon agyieus. you can place offerings by it as well.

☀︎ ward and do protection spells on your home and space.

☀︎ cleanse your space both physically and energetically

☀︎ be respectful to public spaces (don't litter, etc.)

The Sun ☀️ Drawing a sunrise ☀️ Taking a picture of the sun ☀️ Bask in the sun while thinking of him ☀️ Wear yellows and warm tones ☀️ Golden makeup

Music 🎼 Learn an instrument or sing 🎼 Decorate with sheet music 🎼 Support indie/small musicians 🎼 Dance 🎼 Create your own musical chant in honour of him

Healing & Medicine 💊 Donate to health charities 💊 Eat healthily 💊 Learn first aid 💊 Exercise 💊 Expand your knowledge on health care

The Arts 📝 Write poetry 📝 Draw or paint 📝 Create clay models 📝 Visit a theatre 📝 Visit an opera or classical music performance

Oracles, Prophecy & Truth 🎴 Learn divination 🎴 Perform readings for yourself and others 🎴 Dedicate a tarot deck to him 🎴 Meditate with him in mind 🎴 Speak truthfully

Beauty 💄 Wear jewellery 💄 Dedicate an item of clothing to him 💄 Offer rings 💄 Self-care routine 💄 Makeup

Crystals 🪨 Citrine 🪨 Amber 🪨 Sapphire 🪨 Sunstone 🪨 Carnelian

Plants 🪻 Hyacinth 🪻 Laurel 🪻 Apple-trees 🪻 Bay leaves 🪻 Cinnamon

« ✦ —⋆——― ꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ———⋆— ✦ »« ✦ —⋆——― ꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ———⋆— ✦ »

Dearest son of Gentle Leto and Mighty Zeus,

He who tends to the wound under my Band-Aid and yet wounds men with the swift piercing of an arrow drawn from your silver bow.

The mellow hums of your lyre collide with the clamorous stomps of merry dance.

God, who communicates most directly whilst shooting from afar, I praise you. 

For I am crowned by your laurel in my pride, assisted by the strike of your arrow in my words, and inspired by your presence in my worship.

I thank you, Lord Apollon, for my adoration and gratitude for you knows no bounds.

Oh glorious god, as always and for forever, I praise and honor you.

Praise be Radiant Apollon!

« ✦ —⋆——― ꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ———⋆— ✦ »« ✦ —⋆——― ꒰ঌ·✦·໒꒱ ———⋆— ✦ »

MIASMA 👏 IS 👏 NOT 👏 THE 👏 HELPOL 👏 EQUIVALENT 👏 OF 👏 SIN 👏

Miasma is a word used to describe rape, murder, evil things we should not do.

Sin is a violation of the Christian god's will.

Lyma is the inherent spiritual uncleanliness that comes with being human, NOT miasma. These two concepts have been falsely conflated. Lyma is what you use khernips for, not miasma. On that note, khernips is not necessary to get rid of lyma, just a shower or washing your hands is enough in today's modern age of cleanliness. Lyma is not evil either. Miasma is the spiritual equivalent of committing a crime, because you only get miasma upon committing something like murder or rape or what-have-you. Miasma is inherently evil.

Sin is not inherently evil because you are born with it and you can be saved. Miasma is inherently evil because it is the religious equivalent of crimes.

I say inherently because yes, some sin is evil, but not all sin is. To say “all” of something, whether in theology or history, is a big big BIG error unless it is quite literally 100%. People seem to have forgotten that too.

Most importantly, a lot of the religious historians we have are Christian and they put their Christian viewpoint on everything. That is why it's so important not to take everything in a resource super literally and to cross reference your sources.

Miasma is not "sin" because you can't compare two concepts that existed centuries apart from each other that may, to your modern eye in a world where christianity is the norm, look similar.

Stop spreading misinformation under the guise of miasma. Most importantly, stop sending asks to tumblr blogs to do your research for you. Google scholar is free. Internet archive is free. Got a question? Research it! Having trouble? Ask people for help! There's nothing wrong with asking someone's opinion on something but to take that person's opinion as law thereafter? Are we forgetting that we're sharing opinions and not facts and that facts need to have sources listed at the end?

by Keziah

Hard times have come, often bringing with them uncertainty and twists and turns in our paths. For those who are seeking a new path or who are presented with choices that they don't know how to make sense of, for those who seek guidance as to what's meant for them and what's best for them at this time, and for those who don't wish to dive into anything new without weighing the potential outcomes of that newness, this collection of tarot spreads is for you.

O, spring at sheydmade has been such good fun. Here's a round-up of all the pieces I've posted over the last couple of months, in case anyone wants to catch up on some of this spring reading or save these posts for next spring!

Spells & Divination Resources:

Spring Magic: Herbs, Charms, & Spells for Cleansing & Prosperity

Protection Work in Folk Magic: Herbs, Spells, & Charms for Protecting Yourself & Others

Home Protection in Folk Magic: Charms, Wards, & Work to Magically Protect One's Home

Simple Methods of Magical Protection

Rose Magic: Using Roses in Spells & Divination

Love in Folk Magic: Charms, Omens, & Divinatory Customs

Flower Power: Using Spring Flowers in Divination

Tarot Spreads for Making Decisions, Forging New Paths, & Pursuing New Endeavors

With Love: Tarot for Matters of the Heart

The Star: A Tarot Spread for Pursuing New Endeavors

Tarot Spreads for Your Enemies

The Dumb Supper Divination Rite

Spring Allies:

Small But Mighty: Violets & Their Many Magical Uses

Rose Magic: Using Roses in Spells & Divination

Witchcraft History:

The Craft of Isobel Gowdie: A Look at Scottish Folk Magic in the 1600s

The Jewitch: An Exploration of Jewish Magical Practice

Jewish Incantation Bowls (infographic)

Jewish Incantation Bowls (full article)

Mythology & Folk Lore:

The Aos Sí: Figures of Celtic Fae Lore

The Apple in Myth: Deities, Figures, & Lore

The Otherworld of Irish & Welsh Mythology

©mistytarot0919 - all rights reserved. do not copy, translate, alter, or repost my work.

Please REBLOG if you find this information useful! ༄˖°🪐.ೃ࿔*

While Tarot cards can provide insights and guidance on a situation, predicting precise timing can be difficult as the Tarot operates on a more intuitive and spiritual level rather than a literal timeframe.

It's important to remember that Tarot readings are meant to provide guidance, not concrete predictions. Trust in the process and allow the messages from the cards to unfold in their own time.

If timing is a crucial aspect of your question, consider seeking additional clarification from the cards or a professional Tarot reader.

Traditional tarot timing correspondences

WANDS - rapid action(hours to days), noon and spring

SWORDS - quick but not as fast as wands(days to weeks), morning and spring

CUPS - somehow slow( weeks to months), evening and autumn

PENTACLES - the slowest of all(months to years), midnight and winter

Note: If you want me to create a deck regarding timing feel free to send me an ask!

Types of Divination

I recently saw my friend Dagan ( @olympianbutch ) respond to an ask about his forms of divination and thought it'd be fun to go over the ones I know of! A lot of people know of tarot and pendulum but there's so many more that deserve to be be tried and maybe someone will find a new method that works for them ♡

• 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 •

Tarot- One of if not THE most well-known forms of divination. Tarot typically consists of a 78 card deck with 22 major arcana cards and 56 minor cards. These cards typically have a set and known meaning universally across all decks.

Lenormand- A (usually) 36 card deck typically used for fortune telling. As opposed to tarot, lenormand is read in a sequence and is considered more straightforward than tarot. One of the most common readings for lenormand would he The Grand Tableau, which uses the entire deck to create a "snapshot".

Oracle Cards- Oracle cards vary vastly across different decks, as each deck has different cards with different meanings. They typically create a more specific answer than tarot.

Cartomancy- Tarot is often confused as cartomancy, but cartomancy is its own separate divination style. Cartomancy typically involves using a deck of playing cards for divining questions. It has its own reading system separate from tarot and usually involves some numerology in its deciphering.

• 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 •

Capnomancy (smoke reading)- Divining messages and answers from smoke. Incense smoke is one of the most common, but other fire sources producing smoke can be used.

Geomancy- Divination done through identifying patterns created in the earth (or on paper). The diviner will create geomantic figures at random (with 16 possible combinations) and divine messages and answers from them.

Hydromancy- Divining through water by observing reflections and ripples (either naturally occurring or created.

Botanomancy- A method that involves burning herbs, plants, or branches and diving messages/identifying energies through the smoke and flames.

Cledonomancy- A method involving "overheard words". The diviner will cover their ears while asking their question or for advice, leave their location, and then unplug their ears. The words and sounds they hear will be their response. This was typically done while asking the Hermes Agoraios questions and leaving the agora/walking away from the statue.

• 𝐈𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 •

Pendulum (dowsing)- A form of divination that uses a pendant, typically on an evenly distributed chain or cord, to divine messages. The most common way it's done is by asking the pendulum (or spirits/entities etc) how the pendulum will swing for yes, no, and maybe answers. It is also common to use a pendulum board which has set spaces for yes, no, maybe, and occasionally letters for more refined answers.

Ouija- Also known as a spirit board, a suitable board consists of a board with yes, no, and alphabet, and goodbye at the bottom. A planchette is used to spell messages from the spirit/entity and answer auestions. It is known practice to always end an ouija board session by sliding the planchette to the "goodbye" section of the board.

Scrying- A divination method typically involving an obsidian mirror, a crystal ball, a pool of water in darkness, etc. A candle is commonly lit and the diviner falls into a trance-like state in which they'll see images and scenes depicted in the reflections.

Ceromancy (Wax reading)- A method that commonly involves the diviner pouring candle wax into water and deciphering the imagery seen above and below the surface of the water.

Tasseography (Tea reading)- Divination involving a tea cup and the leaves of the tea. The majority of the tea is drank, leaving just a small amount in the cup. The remaining leaves in the cup are interpreted typically for fortune telling.

Bibliomancy- The opening of a book to a random page and line/passage to divine messages and answers.

Astragalomancy (dice casting)- Throwing dice, typically to divine short answers. The reader will usually assign meaning to each number of the dice, the most common being yes, no, maybe.

I'm definitely missing more than a few, and several of these have been described to their bare minimum because they're fairly complex (ie, geomancy), but I had fun making this list regardless. Maybe I'll make in-depth posts about some of the more complex ones.

Research Them! Their myths, Their cults, the experiences people have had with Them

Write letters to Them

Talk about Them to others - online or irl

Invite Them to do things with you - Going on walks, watching a show, engaging in a hobby, eating

Pray

Allow yourself the option to mess up in your religion. Allow yourself the option to doubt Their presence. When you decide that you still believe, and when you learn from your mistakes, you will feel closer.

Cry to Them. It’s okay to be vulnerable

Laugh with Them. It’s okay not to take everything too seriously

Compliment Them.

Ask for signs. Be as vague or as specific as you want.

🌸🏛️🌸🏛️🌸🏛️🌸🏛️🌸🏛️🌸🏛️🌸🏛️🌸🏛️

- 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

OFFERINGS FOR HEKATE: a comprehensive guide for beginners

There is a lot of information out there on the subject of offerings, but I want to provide my own take on the subject to contextualize my own practice and content. Specifically, I want to expand upon the subject of offerings through the lens of a closeted practitioner. Not everyone is going to be able to leave traditional or elaborate offerings to Hekate, so we need to explore some alternatives. Topics in this post include:

THE PURPOSE OF OFFERINGS

AM I REQUIRED TO MAKE OFFERINGS?

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BE MAKING OFFERINGS?

WHAT SORTS OF THINGS CAN I OFFER?

You've helped me with info about Her before, could you now expand on your practices???

Hi there Samarie!! Thank you for your ask and trust in me. I'm happy to offer my insights again!

First I'd like to link this ask/post on learning about Hekate, though let's get into my practice here.

HOW DID I START HONOURING HEKATE?

So I first came to know Hekate in a similar way to you. I did feel a sort of "calling" towards her. Now, years later, I don't believe you need to feel called by her to worship her (or any of the hellenic deities for that matter), as hellenic polytheism allows us to invite the gods into our lives, rather than being "recruited", so to say, as worshippers. At the same time, I can admit that feeling called towards her is a good thing! It means you resonate with her in some way and you are interested in learning more.

And perhaps by simply showing interest in her, she is already showing interest back towards you.

Bonus: do you want to learn more about what I mean by this? Read this article about "Experiencing the Gods in Ancient Greek Religion"

When I started, I did the following:

Bought a purple candle for her and offered her water

You don't need to buy anything, but let's look at the idea behind this. I wanted to start a devotional relationship with Hekate, so I started giving offerings.

The candle was from a dollar shop and I got a cup from there too to pour water into for her. You could do with a cup you already have. You could use an extra candle. You can burn incense. You can sprinkle a pinch of herbs into a pit in the ground and dedicate that offering to Hekate.

You don't need an existing devotion to give offerings; you can build a devotional relationship by giving offerings (among giving and doing other things!!)

I read a lot about her

Reading about her isn't just about research, about "knowing" (it seems never-ending, maybe it is!). It's also expanding your perception of her, and therefore how you might invite her into your life.

When you read about Hekate Propylaia (before the gate, of the threshold) and Hekate Apotropaia (averter of evil), you realise you can call on her as a protector. When you, then, read that in ancient times shrines of Hekate (Hekatesion) were placed at front doors for protection, you realise you can create a little shrine at your door (bedroom door or window if it's not your house/not safe) or if not a shrine, then you could place a symbol of Hekate at your thresholds (e.g. an unused key, a printed picture).

When you find out through research that she is Hekate Kourotrophos, protector of children, the vulnerable and women, and also Hekate Phosphorus, light-bringer, you may realise she is perfect to worship as someone looking for justice and truth.

Researching about her is a devotional act in itself. And by researching her, you will find yourself thinking of different ideas for how she can be honoured in your life.

I did witchcraft

Now, witchcraft is a later association with Hekate and not her primary function as a goddess, but it's true that you can dedicate your witchcraft practice to her and even petition her to join you when working on spells and rituals.

I am a witch as well as a hellenic polytheist. (An important distinction. Witchcraft is not inherent to the religion of hellenic polytheism, though the nature of polytheism or paganism tends to lead practitioners towards witchcraft too.)

I prayed to her

Prayer is a wonderful way to praise and thank the goddess. You can pray before or after giving offerings, in the morning, at night, or whenever you feel like it.

Look into:

The Orphic Hymn to Hekate

Honouring her through the Homeric Hymn to Demeter

Writing your own hymns and prayers

I came to understand she was more than a scary goddess

Not to say you think this at all. Just that it's a very common image of her that even I fell into before I worshipped Hekate.

You may hear many stories about how Hekate will turn your life upside down. How she will destroy things. How she will make you go through pain in order to heal.

It doesn't have to be this way. It likely won't be this way.

She will never intentionally put you in harm's way just to teach you a lesson.

She is a loving goddess. A guide, patient and gentle. She is also fiery, can get angry, a protector, an underworld titan-goddess who holds the keys to all the realms.

She helps us overcome fear and allows us to look deep within. To see our inner truths. She teaches us to trust ourselves. She sits with us when we need comfort, and she holds the torch to light the road so that we can make the decisions we need to make.

I won't assume how you feel about approaching worship about her, but I do like to say generally that sometimes fear might block us from connecting with deities who intimidate us! Yes, she is intimidating. But there's no need to be afraid in worshipping her.

I hope this helps you with getting started in your worship of Lady Hekate. This is a summary of how I got started, and I plan to make a post one day about my current practice (basically an expanded version of all this, now that I'm older, more educated, and have a better income)

Send through anymore questions you have!

High Steady Flame- Yes

Low Steady Flame- No

Short Weak Flame- No

Violently Flickering- Strong No

Sputtering Cracking- More to your answer than just a yes or no

Duel flame- Waiting for your response

Leaning to the left- Yes

Leaning to the right- No

Will not light- Not the time to ask, ask later