everyone thinking this persons a vampire but they’re just autistic.
‘you hate sunlight???’
‘yeah im super sensitive to it it gives me headaches’
‘but you hate garlic??’
‘mmh it gives me acid reflux, i have a bunch of gastrointestinal issues’
‘but- you only drink that weird red liquid!! which is obviously blood!!’
‘i have really bad sensory issues, that beetroot smoothie is the one of the only things that i can eat ://‘
‘YOU SLEEP. IN A COFFIN.’
‘….its comfy’
As requested, a list of basic tools! Don’t feel obligated to use any of this, as you really only need yourself to worship the Theoi :) These are just some things I use and find helpful.
Incense: Incense, resins, etc., are all great to have on hand. Manna was the traditional incense used, which is thought to have been frankincense or something with frankincense. As such, having some is an easy way to have a low-energy offering ready. Along with the incense or resins, you’ll need somewhere to safely burn it, like an incense holder or fire-safe bowl, and you may want a few charcoal discs.Sometimes you can find incense burning kits, complete with the burner and everything else. I’ve seen them at walmart recently.
Bowl and Pitcher: In the Ancient Hellenic religion, there is a method of cleansing using what’s called ‘khernips’. It’s usually a mixture of sea/salt water, spring water, a burnt match or herb, and a prayer for a Theos’ blessing over it. You cleanse your hands and face with it, and as such, using a pitcher to make and transport your khernips can be quite helpful. This can be easily stored or decorated as you wish, and it keeps water from getting everywhere. Also, keep a towel handy for when you’re finished!
Table/Shelf Space: To create an altar or shrine. you can use a shelf or table. Usually, you would have it high up if you can, but when it comes to Underworld or Earth Theoi, you would normally worship them closer to the floor. I personally like having my Kthonic shrines and altars on trays and platters to move around more easily. That way, when I need to give an offering outside, I can simply move the tray and not one thing at a time.
Candles: The hearth-fire was a huge part of everyday life in Ancient Hellas, but it wasn’t the fireplace we know and love. A heart-fire was typically surrounded by stones, and was fairly large, It was in the center of the bustling lives of old. It was where people cooked, got warm, and entertained guests. We don’t really have an equivalent, but we can use symbolism to try and recreate the effect. I try to recommend candles to beginners who face the modern challenge of not having a permanent fire going to Hestia, whether they be real candles or electric ones. They can be found fairly cheap at places like walmart, or even the dollar store. In home decor and crafting stores, there are usually nice electric ones that will last a long while. My Nana gave me an old one of hers, and it works perfectly. It’s nearly as old as I am, so I can testify for their durability :)
Bowls/Cups: When it comes to giving offerings, burning things, and just worship in general, bowls are really awesome. If you wish to give a libation in a very traditional way, you can try to invest in a bowl shaped like a phiale, linked here. Or, if you’re more modern and like to fill your altar space with lots of quirky things, try finding a fancy libation cup to use specifically for rituals. Here is my personal favourite (due to the punny nature it holds) and another great one. But if you’re like me and are low on funds or are trying to remain a secret worshiper, then any cup or bowl will do. I find candy dishes to be quite beautiful and discreet, as a sidenote.
Urn/Vase: Iv’e seen this more often recently, and I absolutely love it. I use a glass bottle keep my incense ash and burnt offerings in, and then later dedicate them to Zeus Ktesios at the end of each month on the Deipnon, but you can use an urn, a pot for a plant, an ornate vase, a jar, or a simple glass bowl to keep them in. Just make sure it isn’t flammable, since ashes are known to start fires when not properly disposed of. Along with this topic, you may want to consider finding a sealable container to potential make your very one Kathiskos :) Here are two links for that: x and x.
Box/Place for Votive Offerings: I personally use a closable box for votive offerings, and I call it my “vault”. In the temples of Greece, there were vaults where you could leave offerings to a Theos. Similarly, this is what the box would be for. It’s for non-perishable things. I have used a bowl before, and a cup as well. When I need to get a bigger container, I put the offerings together in a shoebox, and then I have more room. Whatever works best for you will do. If you don’t usually give votive offerings, I wouldn’t worry about getting anything to keep them in.
Representations of the Theoi: This is more of an optional thing, but a lot of people enjoy having a representation to focus on while worshiping. It can be a statue, a drawing, a symbol, or even a framed hymn or prayer. If it helps you feel more connected to a Theos, you can use it. I’m working on drawing (it’s not very good) the Olympians to hang near my household altar.
Barley: Although how barley is used is debated throughout the community and within scholarly circles, we do know it was used. Some say it was used to make a ritual drink, and others believe you would “scatter” it, meaning you would throw it around your altar to cleanse it. I am working on getting some barley to have in a vase just to cleanse my altar space a bit more, though I don’t plan on literally scattering it.
Hellenic Text: Having copies of things like The Odyssey, The Iliad, and the Homeric Hymns are all great. I can provide a few resources as to my personal favourites if you need any as well. Reading and studying literature from the prime example of Hellenismos will help build a quality understanding of who you’re worshiping and how you do it. I learned so much just by reading through The Odyssey, and it really helped strengthen my connection with the ancients as well. What you read doesn’t have to be religious, necessarily, it could be something like the poetry of Sappho, or a Philosopher’s study of the world around them.
Notebook/Online Cloud Storage: You will learn so much as you begin your journey. Taking notes, saving articles for further review, or just as reference, and documenting what you need to is awesome. Evernote, Google Drive, and Dropbox are all good things you can use to organize and combine your knowledge, but a good ole spiral notebook or binder works just fine. I like to keep my sacred texts in the physical copy, but I also have several online versions for easy access. My kindle also houses a couple things for when I’m on the go.
this is so important, take care of yourself babes
I wonder if you have tips on how to deal with depression and finding joy in life again when you struggle to feel it 🫠 💜
I will try my best to answer this but I am not super educated on this subject so keep that in mind.
Depression can often make it feel like the joy has been sucked out of life, but it's important to remember that you are not alone and that help is available.
SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP
If you are feeling depressed, it's important to reach out to a mental health professional. They can provide you with a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, which may include therapy, medication, or both. If your diagnosis includes medication it is also important to not get addicted to it, as that could lead to other thing
STAY CONNECTED
Loneliness can exacerbate feelings of depression, so try to stay connected with friends and family. Even if you don't feel like talking about your feelings, just spending time with loved ones can provide a much needed boost. But also make sure you are taking time to yourself
SELF CARE
This can mean different things for different people, but essentially, it's about taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. This could involve getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, or practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
FIND JOY IN SMALL THINGS
When you're depressed, it can be hard to find joy in anything. But try to take pleasure in small, everyday things. This could be a cup of your favorite tea, a walk in the park, or an episode of a show you love.
BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF
Recovery from depression takes time, and it's okay to have bad days. Don't beat yourself up if you're not feeling better right away.
LIMIT EXPOSURE TO NEGATIVITY
Try to limit your exposure to negative news and stressful situations. Surround yourself with positivity as much as you can.
SET PERSONAL GOALS
Having something to work towards can provide a sense of purpose, which can in turn lead to feelings of joy and fulfillment. This could be anything from learning a new skill, to completing a project, or achieving a fitness goal.
UPLIFTING ACTIVITIES
Engage in activities that make you happy. This could be reading a good book, listening to your favorite music, painting, or spending time in nature.
PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Try to focus on the positive aspects of your life. This might be difficult during a depressive episode, but acknowledging and appreciating what you have can enhance feelings of joy and satisfaction.
Read the comments under any post about the election results. It’s little boys and adult men laughing at you while you’re crying about losing your rights. You don’t need to tell them what our concerns are. They know. They know you could die from sepsis, or while you’re getting an illegal abortion, or from not receiving treatment for your ectopic pregnancy.
They enjoy watching you suffer because you’re just a fucking cow in their eyes.
i made this a while ago 😭
this is a collab w the it girl @prettieinpink !!
HABITS TO IMPLEMENT
Movement (yoga, running, Pilates, walking, gym, etc. Anything that allows you to move your body
Reflection- make a note of things you would like to improve on. This could be self-love, relationships,
STAY CONSISTENT
Consistency is key. Make sure to stick to your plan and keep working towards your goals every day. Even small steps are progress. Try to make your goal part of your daily routine.
HOW TO STAY CONSISTENT
SCHEDULE- Setting schedules helps really well with consistency. Make a schedule for the tasks you need to do daily or weekly to achieve your goals. This can help you make your goals a part of your routine, making it easier to stay consistent.
STAY ORGANIZED- Keep track of your tasks and goals. Use tools like calendars, to-do lists, or apps to help you stay organized and remember what you need to do.
DISCIPLINE YOURSELF- Sometimes, you won't feel like working towards your goals, and that's okay. The key is to maintain discipline and do the task anyway. Remember, consistency is about doing the task regularly, not just when you feel like it.
START SMALL- Don't overwhelm yourself with huge tasks. Start small and gradually increase your workload as you build consistency.
DON’T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF- If you miss a day, don't beat yourself up. Instead, acknowledge that it happened, understand why, and move on. Consistency is about long-term progress, not perfection.
CREATE A PLAN
Once you know what your goals are, create a step-by-step plan on how to achieve them. Break down each goal into smaller, manageable tasks. This might involve creating a timeline, setting deadlines, or identifying resources or tools you might need.
LEAVE THINGS IN THE PAST
In 2023, I’m sure everyone has had ups and downs, but not letting them define you as a person is something that has to be done in order for you to become a new person.
HOW TO LEAVE THINGS IN THE PAST
ACCEPTANCE- Acknowledge the past and accept it as part of your life story. Understand that it's something that has shaped you but doesn't define you.
FORGIVENESS- Forgive yourself and others. Holding onto resentment only harms you. Letting go of grudges can bring a sense of peace and open up space for healthier relationships.
LEARN FROM IT- Every experience, good or bad, is an opportunity to learn. Reflect on these experiences and use them as stepping stones to better decisions in the future.
FOCUS ON THE PRESENT- The past is unchangeable, but the present is in your control. Concentrate on what you can do now to create a positive future.
SET NEW GOALS- Create new objectives for yourself. This gives you something to work towards and helps shift your focus from the past to the future.
PRACTISE MINDFULNESS- Mindfulness is about staying focused on the present moment. Practices like meditation can help you stay grounded and prevent you from dwelling on the past.
ADJUST YOUR PLAN AS NEEDED
It's okay if your initial plan doesn't work out exactly as you thought. Life happens, and it's important to be flexible and adapt your plan as needed. If you find that a certain approach isn't working, don't be afraid to try something different.
PRACTICE SELF CARE
Remember to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. This can include things like getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising regularly, and taking time to relax and do things you enjoy. Don't forget that self-care is an important part of reaching your goals.
WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF CARE-
BALANCED DIET- There is no need to restrict yourself from foods but eating a healthy, balanced diet is crucial for maintaining physical health. Try to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your diet.
EXERCISE REGULARLY- Regular physical activity can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall health. This doesn't necessarily mean going to the gym - it could be anything from a brisk walk to a yoga class
GET ENOUGH SLEEP- Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to improve sleep quality.
STAY HYDRATED- Drinking enough water each day is important for overall health. Try to aim for at least 8 glasses per day.
TAKE BREAKS- Make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day, especially if you're working or studying. This can help prevent burnout and improve productivity.
DO THINGS YOU ENJOY- Make time for hobbies or activities you enjoy. This could be anything from reading a book to playing a sport to painting.
CELEBRATE SMALL THINGS
Don't wait until you've reached your big goal to celebrate. Celebrate small wins along the way to keep your motivation high. This could be treating yourself to something you enjoy, or simply taking a moment to acknowledge your achievement.
REFLECTING ON THE PAST YEAR
Think about how the past year went. Did you learn anything? Did you reach new goals? If you don't the answers to these questions, I recommend further examining your year!!
When you step into sunlight, you honor Apollo. When you admire the moon, you honor Artemis. When you admire cloud shapes, you honor Hera. When you smell petrichor, you honor Zeus. When you laugh at a joke, you honor Hermes. When your body twitches to dance at a particularly upbeat music, you honor Dinoysus. When you enjoy the first bite of your breakfast, you honor Demeter. When you choose your peace over any conflict, you honor Athena. When you warm yourself up by sheltering yourself in blanket, you honor Hestia. When you listen to Ocean sounds, you honor Poseidon. When you smell flowers, you honor Persephone. When you admire the coolness of first day of Autumn, you honor Hades. When you wear your favourite jewellery, you honor Hephaestus. When you smile, you honor Aphrodite. When you exercise, you honor Ares. When you light a torch in a dark room, you honor Hekate.
Your body is a shrine to Gods, your being an act of devotion for them. You, by yourself, are enough for them.
I caught that, Adrien.
captain hook: arrrg i miss vine. twas me fav’rit app
smee: but capn! there’s a new app! its not exactly the same but it’s very similar!
captain hook: what’s it called?
smee: um
•Delilah Paris •Audhd •any pronouns • the greek gods 🏛️ •fandoms: HP (the marauders), miraculous lb, pjo, Sherlock Holmes
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