ANGEL’S AWARD WINNING LEMON POPPY SEED BREAD

E-offering for Lady Aphrodite🕊🩷

“Lucky Bath from The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells by Judika Illes”

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Common Terms in Helpol!

Hello there! So... Hellenic polytheism has a lot of words, and they can get confusing. It's hard to keep track of so many things! So I thought I would make a list of a whole bunch of common, or maybe not-so-common terms in Hellenic polytheism! Honestly, I really just wanted to make a really long informative post, so here you all go!

If there is any term you would like me to add to this list, let me know and I will gladly add it! Also, at the bottom of this post, I will link other posts where people have done an absolutely amazing job going into detail about one or more of these terms, or maybe others I chose not to include in this list!

Hellenic/Hellenismos/Hellenistic/Helpol

If you’re on helpol tumblr, or really any helpol-focused social media, you’ve heard all of these terms, and you may be wondering… which is the right term for the religion?

Hellenic: of or relating to Greece, its people, or its language specifically: of or relating to ancient Greek history, culture, or art before the Hellenistic period (Merriam-Webster). Basically, Hellenic means Greek.

Hellenism: devotion to or imitation of ancient Greek thought, customs, or styles; Greek civilization especially as modified in the Hellenistic period by influences from southwestern Asia; a body of humanistic and classical ideals associated with ancient Greece and including reason, the pursuit of knowledge and the arts, moderation, civic responsibility, and bodily development (Merriam-Webster). Basically, Hellenism means relating to Greek culture.

Hellenismos: Hellenism, but closer to what the word is in Greek, to my understanding.

Hellenistic: of or relating to Greek history, culture, or art after Alexander the Great (Merriam-Webster) The Hellenistic Period refers to 323-31 BCE, from the death of Alexander the Great to the rise of Augustus in Rome.

Hellenic Polytheism (Helpol): Hellenic polytheism, which would literally mean "The worship of more than one Greek god" is generally thought to be the best term for the worship of Hellenic (Greek) gods. And in my opinion, it makes the most sense!

Theoi

Theoi is the ancient Greek word for the Gods. There are many "Types" (sort of) of Theoi, including Theoi Einalioi, Theoi Georgikoi, Theoi Gamelioi, Theoi Kthonioi, Theoi Ouranioi, Theoi Olympioi, Theoi Nomioi, and the Theoi Titanes (Theoi.com) Most commonly mentioned of these "types" of the theoi are Ouranic and Kthonic. Many (if not most or all) gods fit in to more than one of these categories, for example, Lady Aphrodite is part of the Theoi Einalioi (Sea), Theoi Gamelioi (Marriage), Theoi Ouranioi (Sky), and Theoi Olympioi (Olympian).

Ouranic: The Theoi Ouranioi, or Ouranic deities are the gods of the sky. Offerings to Ouranic deities can be eaten, and when praying, palms are traditionally facing up.

Kthonic: The Theoi Kthonioi, or Kthonic deities are the gods of the earth and underworld. Offerings shouldn’t be eaten and when praying, hands are typically down towards the ground.

Khaire/Xaire

Khaire, chaire, or xaire (Greek: χαίρε) Is a Greek greeting, meaning “hello”, “hail”, “rejoice”, “goodbye”, or “farewell”. However, to my understanding it is not used in modern Greek, though it’s plural, χαίρετε, is occasionally used in formal settings.

I have personally seen many helpols use the spelling “khaire” as a greeting, while the spelling “xaire” to mean hail or rejoice. As far as I can tell, this is just their personal preference.

Purification

Miasma: “Stain”, “Defilement”, “Pollution”. Miasma refers to being extremely ritually impure, and one who is miasmic should not approach the Gods. However, you likely do not have miasma. Miasma comes from murder, incest, assault, and other extremely serious crimes. Miasma affects its surroundings, and can make the area around it also impure, but being a victim to these crimes does not make one miasmic. Without the proper purification, miasmic individuals should not approach the Gods.

Lyma: “dirt”. Lyma is impurity one naturally picks up from the world around them. Humans are not naturally impure, but they can pick up lyma on a normal day to day basis. Examples of lyma include being around/giving birth, blood, being around death/the dead, literal dirt, etc. Having lyma is not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s best to wash it away (most people in modern day and in ancient Greece to my knowledge simply wash their hands in running water) before approaching the Gods, similar to washing your hands before dinner. It’s just more respectful.

Khernips: Khernips refers to a flame doused in water and is basically a fancy way of purification. Most of the time, you don’t need to use khernips to rid yourself of lyma, you can just use regular running water, but some prefer to use khernips all the time.

Kharis

Kharis at its most basic definition is a reciprocal relationship with the gods. This means not asking for things without giving anything in return, such as praying for big things without an offering to go with it. Kharis goes both ways, so if you give an offering, a god will often respond to your request.

Xenia

Xenia, meaning “guest-friendship” and “hospitality”, is often thought to be an important ideal in Hellenic Polytheism. Many take it to mean inclusivity and kindness to everyone, including strangers. In ancient Greece, xenia was thought to be important because there was always a chance that a guest could be a god in disguise.

Hubris

“exaggerated pride or self-confidence […] In classical Greek tragedy, hubris was often a fatal shortcoming that brought about the fall of the tragic hero. Typically, overconfidence led the hero to attempt to overstep the boundaries of human limitations and assume a godlike status, and the gods inevitably humbled the offender with a sharp reminder of their mortality.” - Merriam-Webster. Basically, hubris is putting oneself at the same or higher level than the Theoi.

Offerings

Offerings: Gifts to the gods. Common offerings include foods, art, music, trinkets that remind you of the god the offering is for, etc.

Libations: Liquid offerings to the gods. Libations can be poured on the ground or into a container. Common libations include wine and water (though I personally like to offer Diet Coke, but that’s just me)

Devotional Acts: Things done in honor of the gods. Often, these are used as a more subtle way of offering. An example of a devotional act would be for Lady Aphrodite, doing one’s skincare/makeup, or spending time with a loved one.

Patron

In modern helpol spaces, I often see the word patron used to mean a god one closely worships. However, in ancient Greece, a patron god was one who held dominion over certain aspects of your life, such as your job, hobbies, identity, or where you lived. For example, Lady Athena is the patron of Athens, and Lord Hermes is the patron of travelers and thieves.

Epithets

An epithet is “a descriptive term (word or phrase) accompanying or occurring in place of a name”, sometimes described as a nickname. Epithets often refer to qualities of the one they are given too, whether by appearance (ex. Bright-Eyed Athena), personality (ex. Zeus the Merciful), history (ex. Sea foam born Aphrodite), or actions (Swift-Footed Achilles). Gods and some heroes have epithets.

Reconstructionism/Revivalism

Reconstructionism and Revivalism are two different ways of practicing helpol (not specific to helpol, but I’m just talking about that here). When done respectfully, neither is wrong, nor better/worse than the other.

Reconstructionism: “Reconstructionism attempts to re-establish genuine polytheistic religions in the modern world through a rediscovery of the rituals, practices and contextual worldviews of pre-Christian pagan religions.” In other words, reconstructionists attempt to recreate the religious practices of ancient times as closely as possible (while usually modifying some things such as animal sacrifice that aren’t as acceptable nowadays).

Revivalism: Revivalism refers to those who practice in a more modern way, while still keeping in mind the ancient traditions. An example of something that a revivalist might do is a digital offering, something that would not have been possible in ancient Greece.

UPG, SPG, and VPG

Unverified Personal Gnosis: UPG refers to an experience, belief, or association with a deity that isn't backed up historically. UPGs are personal, and others may or may not agree with or share them.

Shared Personal Gnosis: SPG, also known as PVPG (Peer Verified Personal Gnosis), refers to experiences, beliefs, or associations shared by many worshippers of certain deities. Though they don't hold as much weight as beliefs backed up historically, they tend to hold more weight than UPGs.

Verified Personal Gnosis: VPG means that an experience, belief, or association someone has is backed up by historical sources.

Great Helpol Resources

These are mostly just some amazing other tumblr posts that have helped me a lot and also explain some of these terms in more detail/better than I have.

Xenia and UPG vs SPG vs VPG ~ @beautyofaphrodite (me)

Miasma, Lyma, and Khernips ~ @sisterofiris

Beginner’s Guide to Hellenic Polytheism ~ @wisdom-devotee

Ouranic, Kthonic, and Einalic ~ @pietyandpearls

Blogs such as @khaire-traveler and @atheneum-of-you are also amazing! khaire-traveler has some great subtle worship posts, and atheneum-of-you has some amazing and very well researched informative posts.

As always, if something I mentioned is wrong, weirdly worded, confusing, I missed something, etc, please please please let me know and I’ll do my best to fix it! Much love 🫶

Ancient Greek Religion & Hellenic Polytheism: A Reading Guide

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

Ancient Greek Religion: A Sourcebook by Emily Kearns

RECIPES I KEEP IN MY ONLINE KITCHEN WITCH JOURNAL #2

I love making these oh my gosh.

Why?

It's really fun

It's been a while since my last one

I get an excuse to try yummy recipes

You all are way too good at what you do

It's fun x2

Teas, Drinks, And Syrups

🍊 Orange Peel Tea 🍊

Violet Lemonade

Coconut Summer Drink

Dandelion Honey

The Best Hot Spiced Cider recipe you’ll ever try

Apple Cider is basically a homesteading spell

Rose Lemonade Syrup

100-Year Garlic (Garlic Honey)

Fire Cider Spell for Winter Protection

Blackberry & Apple Jam

Witchy Recipes - Blackberry Lemonade

Baked Goods + Sweets

Prosperity Bread

Lavender Earl Grey Cookies

Easy Rosemary Focaccia Loaf for Love and Protection

Heavenly Lavender Scones

Honey Vanilla Peach Butter 🍑

Pumpkin Pie Dip 🎃

Vanilla-Pumpkin Cupcakes

Soups, Stews, And Dinners

Super simple secret potato soup

Forest Porridge

Heartwarming potato soup

Perfect Homemade Garlic Bread

Creamy vegetable soup

Springtime Soup

Stuffed Maple dijon glazed roasted butternut squash

Summertime stir fry

Sabbat Stuff

Litha Orange Honey Cake

Litha Thyme Chicken

Stuffed Apples for Mabon

Mabon Mug

Imbolc Pretzel wreath

Oatmeal Bread for Lughnasadh

Samhain Mulled Cider

Samhain Irish Apple Cake

Angel's Best

(my favorite recipe posts I've made over the years, plus backstories that sound like your grandmother's reminiscing over the past.)

LATE WINTER BUTTER ROLLS

My first post I ever made. I was pretty new to the tumblr community at the time. I loved kitchen witchcraft, and I'm the type of person who will ramble on about how much I love cooking and baking. This blog gave me an outlet to express my love of cooking, baking, paganism, and witcraft. And these rolls are very tasty, I make them to this day!

WITCHY TOMATO BASIL SOUP

Tasty, simple, and a crowd-pleaser. It's perfect for a beginner kitchen witch! It was also the second recipe I ever posted.

SWEET CREAM BUNS

It was a recipe given to me by one of my good friends at the time. Every time I make it, it gets devoured in less than 10 minutes. It was also my first recipe to get over 50 notes. I was shocked but ecstatic that so many people would even give it the time of day lol.

WITCHY THUMBPRINT COOKIES

These ones were just fun to make and delicious lol.

A WITCH’S COZY BUTTERNUT WINTER SOUP

A quick soup that feeds a lot of people during the fall season. Fall is my favorite season, so of course I'm very biased lol.

SAMHAIN PUMPKIN BREAD

I love pumpkin bread and apple cider... So why not combine the two? This one was definitely one of my favorites of all time. Moist pumpkin bread and chocolate chips have to be one of my favorite things on this planet. It also makes for the perfect gift for friends and family. Yummy!

ANGEL’S AWARD-WINNING LEMON POPPY SEED BREAD

I love dessert loaves of any kind, so naturally, this would be on the list lol.

MAPLE BUTTER COOKIES

Super simple comfort food! I love any time of cookie with brown sugar.

BRING ME POSITIVITY PECAN FRENCH TOAST BAKE

I love French toast, and I love positivity~

SAMHAIN SOUL CAKES RECIPE

These are really good! And traditional. If you celebrate Samhain, I recommend you make some soul cakes and have friends and family help decorate. I give the littles a bag of orange frosting and let them go crazy lol.

FEEL BETTER CHICKEN SOUP

One of my most recent is my witchy twist on chicken noodle soup!

“The Song of Mounykhia” - to Artemis.

Portuguese:

Canta, Ó Musa, de Ártemis do Arco Dourado A fugaz caçadora que do prado é dona Cujos olhos argutos de luar perscrutam o campo E identificam a presa ao qual seu alegre dardo encontra As passadas vorazes da Senhora das Feras Ecoam na batalha sanguinolenta O brilho dourado e Selene acima Ártemis sobre o campo impera e ilumina E agradecidos mortais entoam seu nome Queimando incenso, bolos e mel Sagrada Ártemis longiflecheira é honrada Pela clareza noturna que iluminou o céu

English:

Sing, O Muse, of Artemis of the Golden Bow The fleeting hunter who owns the meadow Whose sharp eyes of moonlight scan the field Identifying the prey that Her delightful dart finds

The voracious footsteps of the Mistress of Beasts Echo admist the bloody battle Her golden glow and Selene above Artemis over the field reigns and illuminates

And grateful mortals chant your name Burning incense, cakes and honey Sacred far-shooting Artemis is honored For the night clarity that lit up the sky

 The festival of Mounykhia is a celebration that occurs on the 16th lunar day of the hellenic month of Mounykhion. It’s about honouring Artemis as Potnia Theron, the Mistress of Beasts and (through the celebration of Arkteia) is also linked to a rite of passage of young girls. You can read about it more here.

Apollon's Blessing Deity Oil

"APOLLON (Apollo) was the Olympian god of prophecy and oracles, music, song and poetry, archery, healing, plague and disease, and the protection of the young." - Theoi

I actively work with him for my health and Herbalism. He aids me with knowledge along with helping me with my chronic pain and chronic fatigue. I venerate him on Sundays as that is the planetary day of the sun.

I made an oil for him to call upon him. I use it to carry him with me and as a candle-dressing. It helps me with my intuition, my mental/physical health (I am in no way claiming this will heal you. This is a personal association) and creativity.

You will need

Clean and cleansed bottle to place oil in

Chamomile - The Sun, stress, insomnia, anxiety, banish negativity

Rosemary - The Sun, mental clarity (to lift brain fog), memory and concentration

Bay Leaf- The Sun, healing, inspiration, creativity,

Cypress - The Sun, healing (traditionally eternal life and the continuity of the soul), strength, protection, historical plant

Carrier Olive Oil - Fire, protection, historical offering

You can either do the folk method or the hot method. You can find my post on infused oils here to learn how to make infused spell oils. I suggest if you are an animist or someone who wants more power from your oils. Speak to the herbs kindly, treat them less like an ingredient and ask them respectfully for their aid and the purpose they'll have in your oil. Use intention. The same goes for the Olive oil.

You can sub any of these, however, Cypress is historical for him. Try to keep herbs within the theme of the sun, fire and healing for his oil. Olive oil is a traditional offering for example.

Blessings!

♥ 𝔸 ℝ𝕖𝕔𝕚𝕡𝕖 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕞𝕪 𝕂𝕚𝕥𝕔𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕎𝕚𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕁𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕟𝕒𝕝 #𝟛 ♥

Sweet Cream Buns

This recipe was given to me by a friend awhile ago, and I feel it needs a little more appreciation. They’re super easy to make and are tasty too!

I feel one thing a kitchen witch has to master is their ability to make all sorts of bread. It’s such a staple, and is so versatile. Not to mention how much of a crowd pleaser it is.

This recipe is a tasty bun, that when bitten into, oozes vanilla custard. Whenever I make these, they are gone in the first ten minutes. I tweaked this recipe from one of my good friends who enlightened me on this yummy recipe. I highly recommend you to try these for yourself!

Now in this recipe I will be showing you three fillings that I’m sure you will love!

- Vanilla Custard

- Chocolate coffee cream

- Brown sugar maple custard

Ingredients

For the Dough

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup bread flour

1 cup cake flour

A sprinkle of sea salt

1/3 cup sugar

1 packet of dry yeast

½ cup warm almond milk (Or any type of milk)

2 tbsp heavy cream

1 egg

3 tbsp butter

For the Vanilla Custard

5 tbsp sugar

2 ½ tbsp flour

3 egg yolks

1 cup whole milk

1 Tablespoon butter

Vanilla Bean

Vanilla Extract 

For the Chocolate Coffee Cream

6 tbsp sugar

3 tbsp flour

3 egg yolks

½ cup whole milk

1 Tablespoon butter

¼ cup expresso/ brewed coffee

Milk chocolate/ dark chocolate/ Semi-sweet chocolate (Its up to you)

For the Maple Syrup Custard

5 tbsp brown sugar

3 tbsp maple syrup

2 ½ tbsp flour

3 egg yolks

1 cup whole milk

1 Tablespoon butter

Directions

To prepare: Set your butter and eggs out 10 minutes before you start so they enough time to come to room temperature. 

Start by filling a measuring cup with your milk and heat in your microwave for about 20 seconds, or until when you stick a (clean) finger in, it is just warm. If it is too hot, it will kill your yeast mixture. Add your dry yeast in and stir. Let it sit for 10 minutes to bloom.

Next, in a kitchen aid (If you have one) attach the dough hook and mix your flour, salt and sugar together. Now crack an egg into the yeast mixture and add it to the kitchen aid bowl on low speed. Add in warmed cream. Let the dough hook do its magic on medium low speed until the dough is very smooth and elastic.

Add in your butter 1 tablespoon at a time and let it mix until completely smooth. About 4-5 minutes.

Oil a bowl with some neutral oil, or with some butter and place the kneaded dough ball into the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and place in oven with the light on, or in a warm area.

Leave it to rise for 2 hours, or until doubled in size. 

Ok, so now poke your dough and let the gas leak out from the dough. Cut it into equal sized pieces and place cling wrap on it and let it rise for another 15 minutes or more.

In the 15 minutes, now is the time to make your custard cream. On high heat, add your milk and butter and let it come to a boil. Then turn down your heat and whisk in sugar, egg, and flour. Add in your additives (Vanilla, maple syrup. etc.) and mix on low heat until it has reached a thick pudding like consistency. About 6-12 minutes. If you are doing chocolate, here is the time to melt your chocolate in, when it is off the heat. Let it cool completely.

With a rolling pin roll out the pieces of dough and place a dollop of custard in the center. Fold them over and press/pinch the sides together. Repeat the process until all of them are like this.

Place them on a tray and wrap cling wrap over them. Let them proof for about an hour, or until they’ve doubled in size again.

Now with a nonstick pan on medium low heat, place the bun in the pan and cover with lid. Cook each side for about 5 minutes, or until it is a nice golden brown. You can also cook this in an oven. 400 F for 8-15 minutes.

Now your done! Enjoy this hot and cold, they are tasty either way. It will be a little crispy when hot and soft when cold. 

I hope you enjoy this recipe!

I love you all! My DMs, mail, and comments are always open! 

xoxo, Angel

Lavender Tea Spell for a Good Night’s Sleep

My spells are pretty loose and rely much more on state of mind, imagination, and intention than specific steps, but here you go! @dinobandaid

1. Brew a pot of lavender tea and let it steep. If you work with a god, this is a wonderful time to insert a small offering to them. My patron is a fae queen so I often sing without a tune in mind, just letting my voice wander through notes wherever it wants to go.

2. Once your tea is ready, pour yourself a cup. Sit cross legged before your altar (if you have one) while holding it and call the elements. Close your eyes and reach down with your energy, burrowing into the earth until you hit bedrock. Imagine yourself suspended within a great ocean, gently cradled by a current’s soft hand. Burst from the sea and into the sky on powerful wings, wind whipping at your shirt. Feel the fire in your heart each time it beats, the warmth in your hands, the wildness in your ability to live - in DARING to live.

3. Add your honey, stirring clockwise three times., stating your intention as you do so. I prefer to say these off the cuff rather than following a pre-written statement. If you would like an example, “let my sleep be dark and deep and full of pleasant dreams” has worked for me in the past.

4. Close your eyes and drink your tea, letting that feeling of reverence overtake you. Some tea spells take me 10 seconds to consume, some take 20 minutes. Your intuition will tell you how long to take and when the spell is over. Sleep spells usually take a bit more time.

5. Complete the rest of your nightly routine and go to bed.

Hope this helps!