10 years of Hellenistic paganism and eclectic witchery makes you learn some weird shit
72 posts
WHAT DO YOU MEAN I TAKE TWO MEDICATIONS ON THIS LIST
hey americans there is a recall on testosterone gel because they found benzene in it! please check the lot numbers on your batches, benzene is really not something you want to be rubbing into your skin, also you might be eligible for compensation because this is just insane what the fuck
Mutuals who I don't know very personally yet I am holding a sugarcube out in my hand in the hopes that you will approach me like the noble horse
it should be noted that this thought concept is most well known (originating from iirc but don't quote that) from George Orwell's book 1984. it is a method used by the government to confuse and oppress until the main protagonist learns to 'speak their language' to abuse and eventually escape the corrupt system.
their language may be evil, but speaking it and being able to talk your way out on their terms will save your life.
(Please check out this video as this is gonna be the real meat of the post and this guy does a better job than I could simply)
Double speak is way of making one thing sound like something else. It's the art of misleading someone in speech.
Youll find many famous Pagan characters and stories have this moment: Loki, Famous evil cult leaders from the 70s, Satan in the Bible, really any character of mischief in mythology.
Get this! Its also common in US politics. Presidents, politicians, good and bad.
So in conclusion, I am not failing my classes I am "Struggling to reach the ideal point of resolve for my educational goals"
hey Elvis is the glass half full or half empty to you?
Woah mama it depends on whether you're filling or emptying
*whispers* (I’m whispering because it’s very important that we keep this very low key)
hey, you know that ancient grimoire you’ve been searching for but can’t get shipped to your country, is probably on Anna’s Archives. Yeah… you could download it for free… pretty much any text you can think of regardless of how old it is, it’s probably on there… give it a little searchy search and you’ll probably find the entire book for free… just saying.
Having a hard copy is always nice. But when I’m trying to figure out if a grimoire is worth dumping money on… it’s always nice to have a little free trial,…
just saying ….
No answers answer because I wanna see what it be
Hellenism for the experienced
So, you’re experienced, and all informational posts are for beginners? That’s exactly why I’m making this!
You’ve developed Kharis, learned about the mythology etc,,,now what’s next for your practice?
priesthood
Im gonna start off with something which is REALLY for the experienced, but even if youve practiced for years, keep in mind that this doesn’t equal being quite ready yet either. It’s a serious act of devotion which is to be taken seriously. Once you reach priesthood, you take an oath of devotion to that god for the rest of your life. Keep that in mind.
In our modern age, priesthood may look different than it did in Ancient Greece, for at that time, it was more so a political position, those in this line of work were elected and had a temple to care for. In this age, priesthood looks comparatively very different. It’s a calling, a lifestyle, a way to devote yourself to the gods and your community. Your temple may look different too, perhaps it’s in the form of some sort of discord server, or an altar space where perhaps you gather with close friends or just by yourself.
Most can agree we lack our community and temples in this age, which may mean priesthood is unreachable. That’s not so true, it just looks different than what the title once meant. It’s still entirely reachable a goal, if one is committed.
Keep in mind that this isn’t something you can get into on your own. You need a third party to do a reading, and a mentor to teach is preferable, though I understand how for some such an idea may be unobtainable. I see nothing wrong with teaching oneself with the aid of a god, but alas, the community aspect of priesthood is important that, for me personally, wouldn’t feel right to do solely by oneself.
First step: do tons of research, make sure you’re ready, and that you have someone do a reading for you to see if the god you wish to serve even wishes for you to do so. Make sure you can devote time to this career and the god, and that you’re absolutely committed. It’s not something to take lightly at all. Period.
Myths do not denote the nature of the gods
this may seem like a beginner thing, but, unfortunately, it is a much needed reminder even in those who have been practicing for long. It’s a common misconception that gods are equal to their myths, which is simply not the case.
Myths were written by man, sometimes to excuse their own behaviours by using the gods as examples of conduct. Now, whilst myths can be helpful in understanding the divine natures of the gods, it is not meant to be taken literal, but instead with a grain of salt. They too were used to explain things people did not yet understand, the gods being their best teachers.
Now, it’s a common question among those who do not practice, what’s the point if the gods don’t equal their myths? How do you explain their natures? Well, the gods existed before the myths. Think of it as a sort of fanfiction.
Write your own myths!
Yeah, you can do that. If the ancients did it before, why can we not do the very same? Writing is an act of devotion, and often, I do not see this idea mentioned. This can be for beginners too, of course, but the reason I put this here for the more experienced is because those who have experience may understand the gods they work with better, which will result in a better, authentic piece of writing. Let’s start a renaissance, bring the gods forth in myth.
Dedicate a larger space to them
now, this is not a necessity, but merely an idea for someone who has devoted much time and love to the gods for perhaps years. If you don’t have space, that’s quite alright and you shouldn’t feel bad, but if you DO, perhaps an ultimate act of devotion can be dedicating a much larger space to the gods.
For example, I recently decided it was time to give Eros, my patron, a larger altar that wasn’t in a little porcelain bunny jar. He shares it with Aphrodite, but it still felt so good to dedicate a larger space after all these years. It was simply time.
Tattoos
Now, this isn’t to mean that I think everyone should get a tattoo, but if you’re someone who likes them and can afford it, and are an adult whose thought about it heavily, by all means get a tattoo of the gods in devotion.
This is an act of devotion that requires a lot of thought, and is something I admire heavily. Tattoos are works of art, and to have the gods imprinted on you for life is beautiful. But again, keep in mind that this is only for someone who’s committed, and doesn’t mind the idea of tattoos.
Study the practices of the ancients
This is a beginner thing to say, that much is true, but it’s just as important for an experienced helpol to learn as much as a beginner. To take it a step further, dedicate your life to the study by making it your career.
The pillars of Hellenic polytheism, and the Delphic maxims
Now, this is something a beginner should study, but unfortunately, even those who have experienced lack knowledge on this subject. Perhaps we have pagantok to thank for that, I’m not sure, but often people delve into this religion and start worshipping right away without doing research beforehand, and at times, people can go years into their practice without even knowing about this.
This religion is more than acts of devotion and worship. It’s a LIFESTYLE. The pillars were not like the Ten Commandments that people studied in ancient times, but were instead daily practices that people learned much in the way we know to say “bless you” when someone sneezes.
Practice Xenia, which is hospitality, or Sophia, the pillar which strives for knowledge. Study them, understand them, and put them into practice each and every day.
I feel stuck, like I’ve done everything….
congratulations. You’re truly an experienced helpol. At this point, someone like me on the internet can only tell you so much. Go explore the world, see the gods in every cloud or every season or every smile. Go find out for yourself what more you can do, it’s all part of the journey.
You shouldn’t have to rely on the internet to figure things out, it’s true that it can be helpful, but at times, be aware that it can be a hindrance to your practice. Im glad to be of service, but I should not be relied on at the end of the day.
If you feel stuck, like you’ve done and heard everything, that’s okay. Part of being experienced is doing it all over again, learning and striving to do better.
Extra advice
NEVER STOP LEARNING. Theres no point in this religion where you’ve completed it like a quest. Always strive for knowledge, repeat things, and remember WHY you started practicing in the first place. There’s no end goal, aside from doing your best every day, not just for the gods, but for yourself.
THE JOURNEY NEVER ENDS. Our religion isn’t something that’s meant to be “completed” and there’s no competition to learn everything as fast as you can. Take it slow, and cherish everything no matter how many times you’ve experienced it.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE DOES NOT EQUAL BEING AN EXPERT. Im bruising some egos with this one, even part of my own, but it’s the absolute truth. Experience doesn’t suddenly mean you’re an expert, as much as we would like to think. In many ways, like me, you might still feel like you’re a beginner even after all this time. That’s okay. Even with that being said, don’t be shy to share your experiences and any advice you may have. The best way to learn is to share with others, just don’t pretend you have a PhD in the subject (unless, of course, you really do have one).
STARTING in a religion is easy and accessible, just start praying.
STAYING in a religion is effort and work and learning, do your research.
“There’s no wrong way to practice, if you want to worship, just start praying. “ and “you have to have a basic understanding of the foundation of Hellenic polytheism before you delve in” are two things that can and will coexist.
Maya C. Popa, from Wound is the Origin of Wonder: Poems: “All inner life runs at some delay”
[Text ID: “The wound is where the light enters us.”]
i did not touch a physical spell component (other than paper and pen for sigil work) for the first year i was a closeted witch as a minor.
i performed multiple spells to varying degrees of success (it's been 10 years no i don't remember details) all with energy work basics i had put together from multiple witchblr sources and a long history of therapy and mediation.
witchcraft is INTENTION. physical components only focus and guide your energy to make your working stronger/easier on you. Intention is the basis of all magic, and can accomplish most basic tasks just fine.
Not a thing. You don’t need to work with any spirits.
You don’t have to work any tools.
You don’t have to work with any gods.
You don’t have to work with anything, you just need your own energy. Anyone that says otherwise is wrong or trying to sell you something.
You don’t have to work with anything to be a witch. But… you can. You can work with all the things you like.
But a lot of the things you will probably end up working with the most will be gifts, things you made. Things that came to you in odd ways, spirits that come into your craft when you weren’t even thinking about it.
So many witches get $100 books if shadows and never write in them, because they are afraid to “mess it up.”
Nice things are nice, but they won’t make you a powerful witch.
*quickly shoves my mtg commanders back in the box i have charged to affect the people i associate them with* YEAH Mtg adn maggic is cool and normal things that are very separate 👍
Tumblr does not seem to understand the difference between Magic (the spiritual practice) and Magic (The Gathering) and seeing posts about the latter come across my dash will always be funny
USING YOUR MENTAL SAFE SPACE AS AN ASTRAL STRONGHOLD
okay but can you imagine Frankenstein with the radioactive green aesthetic worked into the goth
we are pitting bad bitches against each other for gladitorial entertainment
i’m sorry people don’t know this? what the fuck do you guys think they scan at the register if there’s no price sticker? there is a barcode on the back yall
I don't know why I continue to be surprised at how few people seem to know that most mass market paperbacks have the prices printed on the back.
Most of our books do. Only the British imports and some of the indie books don't.
the Dude will always be the world’s buddy but will also just leave if he wants to be alone and I can never not respect the confidence in this age
also your magic concepts are dope af!
[jerking off motion] look who acted disharmoniously with the oneness of all things
totally agree there’s tons of stuff out there! let me further rephrase:
I work a lot 😂 kitchen jobs I can’t churn through audio versions of texts because no headphones, and while I do my best to read things, it takes me considerably longer to complete research than I would like.
I more was seeking your opinion and thoughts as a fellow practitioner looking to expand my knowledge! I always ask for help where I can, worst case scenario I don’t get it! but if I can give myself the leg up with peer review, i’ll always take that opportunity
so as a fellow long term hellenic polytheist (around 10 years of loosely dedicated practice) who has recently (1 year) decided to crack down and get more serious about learning the actual texts… what do you think is the best to start with?
we’ve all been inundated with tumblr terms for years, and when you learn the concepts with bad vocabulary, it’s hard to drop. it’s easier to replace. so what terms have you seen that you would recommend for the practice of decentrifying the tiktok/media-based “knowledge” that we all drown in everyday?
if there’s no specific terms, do you have any recommendations for sources that specifically helped you reach this point in your practice?
thanks for actually making this a conversation and entertaining my questions!
I hate a lot of terms adjacent to HelPol spaces. So many of them are indicative of 1. Being raised with Christianity 2. Lack of deconstruction of those beliefs and 3. Utter lack of research (what I call Tik-tokisms)
I do not like the terms deity, misuse of the term “altar”, ever using patron, “my gods or goddesses”, devotee, “reach out” (as in a spirit is reaching out), “talking to the gods”, offending the gods.
I’ve got some REALLLY unpopular opinions about Ares, some primordial spirits, Khaos, like.
I am selective about the term “god”, (Theos and Theoí are commonly more appropriate to my conversations). I’m also slightly apprehensive around the phrase “work with”, but that being said I don’t care as much.
From the first Kleidous Agoge festival at the Sanctuary of the Crossroads!
@your-local-shapeshifting-witch / anon / @corner-of-the-waywardwitch / @enodia-polymorphous / @enodianpropolis / anon / melinoeghost on tiktok / anon / queer.witchery on tiktok / @whats-the-word-again / aliveriis on tiktok / @queer-of-swords / anon / @atheniangrace / @thatwitchmaria / @vangieswitchycorner / @metamagickian / hekatean_saiyan on tiktok
Thank you to everyone for sharing their gorgeous rituals! March 29th 2025 - April 4th 2025
divider credit -> @enchanthings-a
I maxed the tags because of how much I love the Dude
Phoebus Apollo, slayer of Python, protector of Delphi, and patron of the Oracle?
no I don’t associate Him with fortune telling at all why would you even suggest that
Apollo Proupsius
(the foreseeing)
Pls don't tell me I am the only one who asociates Apollo with fortune telling
as someone who spent a long time in that category of worshippers and is still unlearning some of it, i’ve been making more of an effort to use Theoi vs gods (for more of an anthropological perspective discussion.) i’ve wanted to open more of the barrel of monkeys that is reconstructing ancient religion, but in this current day and age, it’s a little more difficult to trust sources.
do you have any known reliable resources for finding the more historically accurate terms (unfortunately digging through texts isn’t always accessible and google can’t be trusted anymore) or is there terms you prefer to use?
I hate a lot of terms adjacent to HelPol spaces. So many of them are indicative of 1. Being raised with Christianity 2. Lack of deconstruction of those beliefs and 3. Utter lack of research (what I call Tik-tokisms)
I do not like the terms deity, misuse of the term “altar”, ever using patron, “my gods or goddesses”, devotee, “reach out” (as in a spirit is reaching out), “talking to the gods”, offending the gods.
I’ve got some REALLLY unpopular opinions about Ares, some primordial spirits, Khaos, like.
I am selective about the term “god”, (Theos and Theoí are commonly more appropriate to my conversations). I’m also slightly apprehensive around the phrase “work with”, but that being said I don’t care as much.
does she have it out for you, or is she trying to get your attention on something?
the Gods do not just dislike. that's not how they work. they don't have petty grudges or just not like someone. they are not human. they are Gods.
if your petitions to Aphrodite are not working, you are missing something.
maybe you have some learning or growing to do, a habit to break, maybe this is a lesson in perserverance or looking for love in the wrong places.
somewhere there's that poem about someone's dog wanting chocoloate because she doesn't know it will hurt her and the Gods witholding the things we pray for for the same reason
if you genuinely think a deity is angry with you, check yourself first. what are you doing that is in active opposition to their teachings? what would they be mad about in the first place? if you can't find it, you are convincing yourself of failure for no reason.
Hey witchy side of Tumblr quick question why does Aphrodite seem to have it out for me?
And what can I do get her to not hate me?