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Yes... you read that right. Hellenic polytheism has closed practices, many of which you probably haven't heard of or heard about in passing or maybe you even know somebody who claims these.

No worries, hellenic polytheism is generally open.

Closed practice: a practice you must be initiated, born into, or formally accepted. Knowledge and rites are restricted. Practicing without that access is considered inappropriate or invalid

✧ Mystery Cults ✧

Mystery cults weren’t closed because of ethnicity or identity. They were closed because of initiation and ritual safety.

A mystery cult (mystērion = “that which is shut or hidden”) was a religious system where knowledge was experiential, not textual, sacred actions were revealed gradually, participation required initiation, and certain rites were protected by oaths of silence.

Mystery cults changed your ritual status. After initiation you were considered: ritually altered, bound to the deity in a new way, and subject to different obligations and taboos.

Letting the uninitiated perform or witness mystery rites would break the ritual logic, collapse the symbolic transformation, and void the rite’s meaning.

The closure of mystery cults is because of integrity.

Initiates swore real oaths to gods, to the polis, and to the cult community. Breaking secrecy wasn’t just rude, it was impiety (asebeia), it endangered the cult and it invited divine punishment. This is why we have no written records of the mystery cults from initiates themselves.

Cult rites often included darkness, dramatized death, disorientation, confrontation with fear or grief, or altered states and intoxication. Initiation ensured that you were prepared, ritually clean, had guides (mystagogues), and were reintegrated afterward. Revelation without preparation was spiritually harmful or useless.

They were not closed because of ethnicity, nationality, bloodline, gender (many were open to women), or social class (slaves could be initiated). Eleusis explicitly accepted anyone who spoke Greek and had not committed murder.

Now...

Why can't we have mystery cults today?!

Yep. We can't have mystery cults in our modern times, regardless of how bad you wanna be in one.

We lack the full ritual sequence, the sacred objects (hiera), the priestly lineages, the civic sanction, and the living ritual container. So modern “mystery initiations” are symbolic, inspired-by, and/or are new religious movements.

You can still worship the gods involved in mystery cults (Demeter, Persephone, Dionysus, etc.) reflect on themes of mystery (death, renewal, liberation, etc.) but you cannot claim Eleusinian initiation, reconstruct secret rites, pretend secrecy equals authenticity, or pressure others into “initiations”.

✧ Specific Priesthood Roles ✧

Priesthood itself isn't closed. But, there are certain roles in ancient priesthood that cannot be reconstructed today.

What is priesthood?

They were a ritual office-holder, appointed by a polis, sanctuary, or lineage, bound to a specific god in a specific place, and responsible for maintaining ritual correctness, not personal gnosis. They were not freelance mystics or pagan Tumblr hoes who post long, wordy rants about historical inaccuracies and pet peeves in the community (...wait).

The Pythia is a prime example of a closed priestess role. The Pythia wasn’t just "Apollo’s mouthpiece." To be the Pythia you had to have:

The Delphic sanctuary: the omphalos, the adyton, the sacred chasm, and Apollo’s seasonal presence A full priestly system: prophets (prophētai) to interpret utterances, priests to prepare sacrifices, temple attendants, and civic oversight Formal appointment: chosen by Delphic authorities, sworn into office, serving Delphi, not herself. Strict ritual timing: only on specific days, only in Apollo’s season, and only after purification and sacrifice. Remove any of these and you're not the Pythia.

"My friend claims to have all of these, are they the Pythia?!"

Well... unfortunately Mx. Made Up Voice To Further My Point. You literally cannot have all of these things in modern times because...

The Delphic sanctuary is no longer around. No Delphi, no Pythia. Priesthoods were place-bound, time-bound, and legally defined. The Greek government doesn't elect Pythias anymore so... no Pythia.

The Pythia never claimed that Apollo chose her because she's special, she claimed that Apollo chose Delphi to speak and she was nothing more than a tool for him to speak through.

Plenty of ancients (and modern practitioners) prophesied, entered trance, received dreams, and heard gods! But that didn't make them the Pythia because the Pythia was a legal and locational role.

Other closed priesthoods include: Athena Polias (embedded in Athenian law), Hera at Argos (hereditary, state cult), Zeus at Olympia (linked to Olympian games).

You can always honor these gods and be priests for these gods but you cannot hold their ancient offices.

What you can be today: devotee, ritual leader, oracle, priest/ess of a modern tradition, medium, seer, and diviner.

Using a title like "Pythia" implies: continuity, authority, legitimacy, and public sanction.

This is why scholars and most reconstructionists push back hard on modern claims.

if someone says that "I am the reincarnated Pythia", "Apollo chose me as the new Pythia", or "Delphi moved to me"... that's their personal belief and you are not required to believe them.

Priesthood roles like the Pythia are closed because they are offices without buildings, cities, or laws anymore.

Hermes, God of Travel, Flocks, Roads, Thievery, Language, Athletics, Astronomy and Guide of the Dead. 🪽

🩸Red: love, power, trauma healing

🍊Orange: change, courage, happiness, productivity

✨ Yellow : joy, relaxation, peace, motivation, new beginnings , intellectual matters

🌱 Green: growth, luck, change, wishes

🌌 Dark Blue/Navy : psychic wisdom, protection, healing

🪣 Light Blue: truth, spirituality, tranquility, peace

🧤 Violet: meditation, psychic wisdom, enhances third eye

🫟 Purple: power , communication, passion, action

🩷 Pink: love, gentle energy, friendship

🤎 brown: stability, earth energy, home health, career

👻 White: all purpose , cleansing, removes negativity

⚜️ Gold: meditation, wealth, abundance, spirituality

🥈Silver : action, energy, strength, courage

🥉 Bronze: wisdom, reflection, harmony, social connection

🍴Chrome: spirit world communication, reflection, reveals truth, divination

💎 Iridescent: blessing, purifying, cleansing, removes negativity

Happy Imbolc 🕯️

Level-Up Your Witchcraft

Find ways to practice daily. Start small with more energy manageable spellwork, like daily tea/kitchen magic. Try out planetary magic to help plan spells and rituals ahead of time. Daily practice helps novice witches to grow their abilities to hand and manipulate energy in greater capacities.

Daily prayer. Remember, praying doesn’t always have to be directed towards spirits or deities. Praying for your own personal power is extremely empowering. Here’s a great video from one of my favorite magical mentors on the topic.

Wear a crystal or oil programed as a magical enhancer to help amplify your will while casting. This was a game changer for me.

Discover & follow your path. Many witches are encouraged to learn many casting methods and types of magic when they are beginning their journey. I considered myself an eclectic witch for eight years before realizing what speciality of witchcraft fit best with me. Once a practitioner focuses on their most suitable path, things feel like they unlock naturally and magic feels more intense.

Read witchcraft adjacent nonfiction. As you dive deeper into most practices, what’s useful won’t be a correspondence cheat sheet or a spell book, but actual history and science. Reading books on quantum physics has helped me develop my own magical theory. Historical & geological references can help witches connect with their ancestral magic. When witches open their view of magic to include everything around them, any topic can become magical exploration and information for the grimoire. Correspondences can be discovered the old fashioned way, through discernment and for yourself.

Routine spell management. Reinforce wards or cast spells routinely in whatever manner works best for you. That could be weekly, monthly, or seasonally. Are you routinely cleansing under the New Moon? Maybe your wards are cast seasonally.

Write your own spells. Everyone loves a good spell book, but if all your casting are other people’s spells, you may not be reaching your full potential.

Meditate. Fifteen minutes a day will unlock more than you ever dreamed possible. I read in a mindfulness book once that meditating eliminates resistance, allowing what you’ve been asking for to flow into your life uninhibited. It also enhances your intuition and recalibrates your mind and body.

Master a method of divination. Tarot, runes, anything! Divination allows the witch to answer their own questions regarding spellwork, better plan, and communicate with allied spirits. It’s the first thing I would tell a young witch to learn.

Blessings everyone!! Today we are celebrating Imbolc / Candlemas, which marks the midpoint of winter and the evercloser arrival of spring !!! The sun slowly begins to shine brighter and make its presence more strongly felt. Happily, we are also blessed that this sabbat falls on a Sunday, the day of the Sun, allowing us to fully enjoy nature's purification and solar energy ☀️

May the returning of the light bring warmth to all our hearts and souls. May this sabbat bless us all with the beautiful attributes of the goddess Brigid (healing, creativity, purification, love, and abundance) Just as She keeps the sacred flame, may that fire element also burn within our souls, and may we feel, with the return of the light, more joyful, more passionate, and more alive!!🌾🕯🌿

This is also the perfect time to honor domestic animals, especially farm animals, and to do so by enjoying dairy foods and plenty of milk 🥛🐑(for those who don’t wish to or are lactose intolerant, check this post for alternatives, or simply enjoy whatever makes you happy!)

I hope everyone feels joyful, and that Imbolc and the goddess Brigid bring us all love, harmony, and happiness. May everyone be blessed, and may you celebrate in the way that feels right and true to you <3

WHO IS SHE?

Nemesis is the Greek goddess of retribution, vengeance, fairness, and Punisher of Hubris, punishing those who have committed evil deeds or who have been given undeserved good fortune. Often called the goddess of Rhamnous, she ensures cosmic harmony by balancing the scales of justice, making sure that arrogance and wrongdoing are punished. 

BASIC INFO: 

Appearance: Nemesis is typically depicted as a blindfolded woman wearing a crown of laurel or flowers, and carrying the scales of justice in one hand. Sometimes she is accompanied by a whip that represents the power her wrath. Other images show her with a dagger, to represent the punishment of sinners. She is often shown as being tall and muscular, but with a gentle and feminine face. Sometimes she is seen as veiled, to represent the hidden forces of punishment that she rules over. As the goddess of justice, she does not tolerate injustice of any kind.

Personality: many associate her with being demanding and strict, as she is seen as the one who balances the scales and is responsible for bringing about retribution. However, she is also seen as one who rewards those who follow the rules, and is a fair and just goddess. As such, she is often seen as a figure of wisdom who provides a strong guiding hand. Her personality can be described as powerful, just, fair, and protective, with a sense of authority and strength.

Symbols: sword, lash, dagger, scales, and apple branch

Goddess of: retribution, vengeance, fairness, and Punisher of Hubris

Culture: Greek

Plants: apple tree, daffodils, and thistle

Crystals: red jasper, onyx, hiddenite, aventurine, cat's eye, hematite, cacoxenite, cerussite, jade, peridot, moldavite, pyrite, tiger’s eye, peridite, tourmaline, smoky quartz, and turquoise

Animals: griffin and goose

Incense: apple, myrrh, and frankincense 

Practices: justice, shadow work, balance, storm magick, energy work, and protection

Colours: red, black, silver, and gold

Number: 3

Zodiac: Libra

Tarot: Justice 

Planet: N/A

Day: N/A

Parents: Erebus and Nyx

Siblings: Thanatos, Hypnos, Eris, Charon, the Fates, Hemera, Aether, Moros, Apate, Dolos, the Keres, Oizys, Momus, Oneiros, Philotes, and Geras

Partner: Tartarus

Children: Helen of Troy and The Telkhines

MISC:

Punishment and balance: Nemesis is associated with punishment and balance because she was known as a vengeful goddess who brought balance to the scales of justice. Her name, "Nemesis" is derived from the Greek word for "Her name means "dispenser of dues" or "she who distributes”, and this association is likely the reason that she is often portrayed with the scales of justice as a symbol.

Justice: she is associated with justice because she embodies the concept of retribution—ensuring that those who commit wrongs receive their due punishment. In myths, she was invoked to balance scales when arrogance or cruelty went unchecked by mortal laws. Her blindfold symbolizes impartiality: her judgment isn’t biased by favoritism, wealth, or status. Instead, she enforces divine fairness through consequences (karma)

Apple tree: Nemesis is associated with the apple tree because she was known as the nymph goddess of the apple-bough. She is often depicted in Greek art and literature carrying a sprig or branch from an apple tree as one of her attributes, alongside her more common symbols like scales and a sword

Weapons: Nemesis is associated with weapons such as the sword, whip, and dagger because they represent her role as the swift and inescapable enforcer of divine retribution and justice. These instruments are the physical means by which she "deals out" or "distributes" deserved punishment to those guilty of hubris (excessive pride) or other crimes against the gods and natural order. 

FACTS ABOUT NEMESIS:

Nemesis provided the ancient Greeks with a balance between good and evil. She delivered rewards for good actions and punishments for actions that caused misfortune or others harm. Because the ancient Greek world had so many evildoers and sinners, the role of Nemesis changed to one of avenger.

She was worshipped, as evidenced through the erection of her statue at Rhamnus. This particular statue represents the Athenian victory against the Persian army. The Athenians believed that the Persians, who arrogantly believed that they could quash their enemy, had received a visit from Nemesis, thus resulting in their defeat. 

Nemesis measured out happiness and unhappiness, to make sure happiness was not too frequent or too excessive. If this happened, she could bring about loses and suffering.

HOW TO INVOKE NEMESIS:

To invoke Nemesis, begin by creating a sacred space with red, black, silver, or gold candles. Light incense such as myrrh or frankincense. Recite three acts of imbalance in the world (or your life) that need correcting while visualizing their weight on one side of an invisible scale. Offer water at her altar before saying a prayer. 

PRAYER FOR NEMESIS:

I praise bright-eyed Nemesis, daughter of dark-cloaked Nyx,

Nemesis who watches, who knows whenever we have done harm, who makes certain that all evil is punished, that all who are guilty receive their due.

Swift-winged Nemesis, bearer of the apple branch, in days of old were you well honored, goddess,

By those who suffered the losses and pains of love; many were the false-hearted lovers who felt your wrath.

Fair-minded Nemesis, just one, unyielding one you are the firmest foe of cruel and violent men,

You are the avenger of the wronged, the disperser of right reward,

Nemesis, I honor you.

SIGNS THAT NEMESIS CALLING YOU:

Sudden, intense interest in her mythology. 

Seeing her symbols like scales, a bridle, a sword, or a wheel of fate everywhere. 

Experiencing events that feel like a form of divine balancing or a consequence of your action. 

She appears in dreams or visions. 

You may feel a strong urge to take action in order to create a sense of justice or equilibrium in your life or in a situation, and might be moved to offer a specific type of prayer or plea to Nemesis. 

You find yourself irresistibly compelled to research her, especially if it's not a deity you would normally gravitate toward.

OFFERINGS:

Real or fake weapons.  

Lake or storm water. 

Food and drinks: wine, olive oil, water, fruit, honey, milk, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, raisins, and vanilla cake. 

Bones or skulls (collected ethically)

Scales.

Flowers, especially daffodils and apple blossoms. 

Apple seeds. 

Chains. 

Goose feathers. 

Incense: apple, myrrh, and frankincense 

Red, black, silver, or gold candles. 

Images or depictions of wings.

Poetry. 

Crystals: red jasper, onyx, hiddenite, aventurine, cat's eye, hematite, cacoxenite, cerussite, jade, peridot, moldavite, pyrite, tiger’s eye, peridite, tourmaline, smoky quartz, and turquoise. 

DEVOTIONAL ACTS:

Singing for Her. 

Observe or study politics.

Acts of Justice. 

Hold yourself accountable for your actions. 

Learn about criminal justice. 

Learn about civil rights. 

Take a self-defence class

Learn about the violation of human rights throughout history and the effects. 

Research civil protests or attend one yourself (safety!!!). 

Write or read her poetry. 

Take care of your mental and physical health. 

Learn about oppressive systems. 

Spread awareness. 

Donate to human rights organizations. 

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What is Imbolc?

Imbolc is a festival that marks the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, occurring around February 1-2. Known as Brigid’s Day or Candlemas, it celebrates the first stirrings of spring and the return of light. The name Imbolc translates to “in the belly,” symbolizing new life, growth, and the creative potential that is awakening within the earth. It is a time of purification and renewal, where the energy of the earth begins to rise, bringing warmth and vitality to the whole world.

Imbolc is often dedicated to Brigid, the goddess of fire, healing, poetry, and craftsmanship. Brigid is associated with both the hearth and the forge, embodying the transformative powers of fire and light. As the days grow longer and the sun strengthens, we honor her influence in bringing fertility and growth to the land. The first signs of spring, such as the lactation of ewes and the appearance of snowdrops, are seen as blessings from Brigid, signaling that life is returning.

Imbolc is also a festival of light, a time to celebrate the increasing daylight through the lighting of candles, bonfires, and lanterns. As the earth begins to thaw and the seeds of spring stir beneath the soil, Imbolc offers a space for spiritual growth and creative awakening. It is a perfect time to clear away the stagnant energies of winter, refresh the soul, and prepare for the vibrant months to come. The act of lighting candles not only honors the growing light but also serves as a reminder of the inner light within us all, waiting to shine brightly in the coming seasons.

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Goddess Brigid

Brigid, one of the most revered deities in the Celtic pantheon, is also known as Lady of the Sacred Flame. She is the goddess of healing, fire, smithcraft, creativity, animals, hearth and poetry, Imbolc is her Sabbat, a time dedicated to honoring her influence on creativity and new beginnings. Her symbols are fire, poetry, lambs and fertility. Brigid is often depicted with a flame emerging from her head or a serpent coiled around her, representing the powerful energy she brings. She is also a goddess of protection, childbirth, women, blacksmithing and life.

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The Return of Light and the First Signs of Spring

Imbolc marks the shift from winter to the first signs of spring. Days start to get longer, and you can feel the earth beginning to wake up, even though winter isn’t completely gone. It’s the time when the sun starts to grow stronger, and we begin to see early signs of new life. During Imbolc, many light candles or bonfires in Brigid's honor, celebrating the return of light and the growing strength of the sun as the days grow longer.

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Brigid's Cross

A traditional symbol of Imbolc, Brigid’s Cross is woven from reeds or straw and represents both protection and blessings. It’s believed to offer protection from fire and lightning, making it an essential symbol of Brigid’s influence. In Ireland, it was common to hang Brigid’s Cross on the rafters of homes to invoke her protective energy.

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Brigid's Flame

According to legend, Brigid lit a flame on the hill of Kildare, pledging to keep it burning in her honor. This flame was said to burn continuously, symbolizing her eternal presence and influence over the cycles of life. The fire became a sacred symbol, tended by the Brigidine Sisters for centuries, representing not just physical warmth, but the power of creativity and healing.

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Magic Correspondences

Planets: Sun, Moon, Venus

Season: Midpoint between Winter and Spring

Element: Earth, Fire

Time of Day: Dawn

Tarot: The Star, The Empress, The Ace of Wands

Colors: White, Light Yellow, Green, Gold, Silver, Lilac, Pale Pink, Purple

Herbs: Chamomile, Clover, Angelica, Heather, Basil, Bay Laurel, Willow, Rosemary, Milk Thistle, Coltsfut, Lavender,

Fruits: Orange, Lemon, Pomegranate, Apple, Pear, Blackberry (Brigid's favorite fruit)

Vegetables: Leek, Potato, Carrot, Turnips, Garlic

Runes: Sowilo, Berkano, Algiz, Kenaz

Crystals: Carnelian, Amethyst, Garnet, Onyx, Ruby, Citrine, Clear Quartz, Milk Quartz

Trees: Rowan, Willow, Birch

Goddesses: Brigid, Demeter, Hestia, Vesta, Aphrodite, Ceres, Venus, Arianrhod, Cerridwen, Gaia, Aradia, Athena, Minerva

Gods: Faunus, Eros, Pan, Cupid, Aenghus Og

Dragon: Fafnir

Flowers: Snowdrops, Crocus, Daisy, Dandelion, Chicory

Animals: Lamb, Sheep, Cow, Deer, Groundhog, Hedgehog, Snake, Swan, Wolf, Bear, Boar

Magical Powers: Purification, Renewal, Creativity, Fertility, Awakening, New Beginnings, Hearth and Home, Healing, Hope, Inspiration, Cleansing, Protection

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Activities To Do:

🐑 Light candles or a bonfire to honor the return of the sun.

🐑 Make an Imbolc altar.

🐑 Rest and enjoy the midwinter season doing cozy activities.

🐑 Wear the colors of the season.

🐑 Cook or bake seasonal dishes, especially fresh bread, cheese, or other dairy products.

🐑 Make Brigid's cross.

🐑 Take a walk in nature and collect branches and stones to add to your altar.

🐑 Donate to animal shelters or send wishes for the animals born during this season, especially lambs.

🐑 Eat fresh bread or drink milk

🐑 Clean your house to invite new positive energy.

🐑 CREATE ANYTHING!! whether it’s art, crafts, edits or poetry.

🐑 Write the sigil of Imbolc somewhere visible to attract its energy( I usually do this on a piece of paper that I put on my altar or on my arm)

🐑 Take a bath with lavender or cinnamon essential oil

🐑 Read about the goddess Brigid

🐑 If it’s a sunny day, celebrate the festival of light by spending time outdoors and letting the sun purify you.

🐑 Do offerings for your deities

🐑 Dance to festive music, feel the joy of the season, and let your inner fire shine :D

🐑 Try spinning or crafting with wool to honor traditional Imbolc crafts.

🐑 Look for seasonal flowers like snowdrops or crocus and bring some into your home for decoration.

🐑 Plant seeds if the weather allows, symbolizing new beginnings and growth.

🐑 Do spells for fresh starts and set intentions

🐑 Worship Goddess Brigid or any deities you feel connected to during this time.

🐑 Read poetry to celebrate the creative energy of the season.

🐑 Make an Imbolc Magick Spell Jar

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Food and Drinks:

Dairy products (or vegetarian alternatives), like milk, cheese, and yogurt, freshly baked bread, muffins, waffles, blackberry jam, blackberry cakes (anything with blackberries), lemon cake, poppy seed cakes, biscuits coated in sesame seeds, dishes with bold spices, seeds such as sunflower, poppy, and sesame (for Imbolc seeds are very meaningdul), red cabbage, oats, butter, honey, garlic, scones, pancakes, crepes, pickles, cheese pie, oatcakes, bannock, mashed potatoes, colcannon, chili peppers, eggs, apple tarts, spiced nuts, roasted vegetables, hearty soups, grain-based salads, and citrus fruits, such as orange, lemon or pomelo). Don’t forget to make a wish while flipping your pancakes on Imbolc! <3

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useful sources: Wicca: A Modern Guide To Witchcraft & Magick; Encyclopedia of Witchcraft: The Complete A-Z for the Entire Magical World by Judika Illes

gifs credit: Pinterest