I Keep Getting Spiraled On The Motives Of Gabriel Writing That Letter And His Final Moments. He Obviously

I'm a big supporter of "the gods love you, regardless of how much you're able to do to worship them", but at the same time, it's difficult to forge a relationship with any deity (or even other people) if you don't allow yourself to be known by them. If you don't have moments of vulnerability, moments of silliness, moments of small joy even, then it's difficult to forge relationships or take them to a deeper level. Loving gods (or even other people) can be a scary thing for some people (hell, it was for me), but if you don't allow your heart to be exposed, even just a little, then you're not going to get back as much as you're hoping to.

Anything that's worth anything in life is going to require some level of risk, as terrifying as that feels sometimes, and in my opinion, having a deeper connection with a deity is one of those things that's worth the risk.

My point isn't that we aren't loved by the gods if we don't do a ritual everyday or pray every hour; my point here is that we cannot deepen our bonds if we aren't willing to dip more than just our toes into our deity relationships. Love your gods, and know that you are loved, but they can't really help you if you won't let them in, you know?

The Attic Calendar

I’ve been wanting to make a post on the Attic Calendar, which was the lunisolar of Athens. Despite the numerous resources available, our knowledge of it still remains patchy due to the fact that since it wasn’t used outside of Athens, no one really bothered to make an extensive examination of it. I’ll try to explain the calendar as best as I can, and in a future post, I’ll try to cover every festival I can (Including Roman and non-Athenian festivals).

New Moon, Hekate’s Deipnon, & Noumenia

Before we discuss the months, it is quintessential to learn these three very important dates. Despite what I’ve seen from others, the new moon does not correlate with Noumenia. The Noumenia takes place 2 days after the new moon. This is because the Noumenia was marked when the first sliver of the moon was able to be seen.

“Ok, but why should we know about the Noumenia and Hekate’s Deipnon?”

Well, the Noumenia was the start of an Attic month. Hekate’s Deipnon was the end of the Attic month. I’ll explain the importance of these dates.

Hekate’s Deipnon

The day right after the new moon, Hekate’s Deipnon, also simply just called the Deipnon, was a meal served to Hekate. It was believed that on this day, Hekate called upon the restless spirits of the Underworld to roam the living world for a night. Because of this, it was incredibly unlucky to leave the house during the night hours.

To appease them, the Athenians would lay out a meal at a crossroads (typically in front of the doorway), as the crossroad is sacred to Hekate. This was done to purify the household of misdeeds and to return favor with Hekate. The Athenian would not look back on the offering, due to believing the spirits would be angry with them doing so. This meal typically consisted of raw eggs, cakes, loaves, fish, garlic, leeks, and/or onions. Incense was also lit.

This also had a secondary purpose, of which was feeding the poor. It was believed that Hekate encouraged the poor to eat the food laid out by the rich Athenians:

“From her (Hekate) one may learn whether it is better to be rich or to go hungry. For she says that those who have and who are wealthy should send her a dinner each month, but that the poor among mankind should snatch it before they put it down.’ For it was customary for the rich to offer loaves and other things to Hekate each month, and for the poor to take from them.“  -  Aristophanes in the Suda,(Suda Epsilon 363, C10th CE, trans. W. Hutton)

If the household felt they were polluted, each member would touch a dog and put all their misdeeds onto it, and they would sacrifice the dog to Hekate. This is unfathomable nowadays, and in modern practice the sweeping and cleaning of the house should work just fine. (This is also when you should clean out the kathiskos made in honor of Zeus Ktesios)

In summary, the day was used to appease restless spirits and to purify the house before the new month begins.

Noumenia

The Noumenia was the first day of the Attic month, and the second day after the new moon. Household deities were honored and worshiped on this day, but also including Selene and Apollo Noumenios.

This was a day of relaxation and no work, considered the “holiest of days” by Plutarch. No festivals were allowed to take place during the Noumenia. Frankincense, wine, flower garlands, and barley cakes were common offerings during the Noumenia.

Holy Days

You got the Noumenia and Hekate’s Deipnon down? Good, because there’s actually more. The first couple days of each month was holy to a specific God. The 1st day was for the Noumenia, 2nd day was for the Agathos Daimon, 3rd day was for Athena, 4th day was for Aphrodite, Herakles, Eros, and Hermes, 5th day was considered very unlucky so no Gods had a holy day there (except for the Erinyes and Eris), 6th day was for Artemis, 7th day was for Apollo, 8th day was for Poseidon and Theseus, and the 9th day was for Rhea, Helios, and the Muses.

The Years

The final thing we need to talk about before we even get to the months is the years. Every 4 years completed an Olympiad, which was used to determine the Olympic games. Each different year in a Olympiad was generally the same, though some festivals could only be on a specific year. Some years also had an additional month (it was unclear which month would be duplicated, but nowadays we always duplicate the month of Poseidon) in order to keep the lunar dates in line with the solar dates. For example, this year (2020 before the Athenian New Year) is the 3rd year of the 699th Olympiad. This means in 2021, it will be the 700th Olympiad, which is quite rare since every 100 Olympiads is 400 years!

Whew. Time to finally talk about the months!

Hekatombaion

Hekatombaion was the first month in the Attic calendar. It always took place after the first new moon of the summer solstice. (This was how they kept the calendar in tune with the seasons; it was necessary to do so since Greece has very pronounced seasons). It generally correlates to July and August.

Hekatombaion 1st was the Athenian New Year, but unlike in the modern day, it was of very little importance to the regular Athenian. The actual new year festivities would take place during the Panathenaea, which took place later in the month. 

This month would also host the Kronia and Synoikia.

Metageitnion

Metageitnion was the second month. It generally correlates to August and September.

This month hosted the Eleusinia (NOT related to the Eleusinian Mysteries) and the Herakleia.

Boedromion

Boedromion was the third month. It generally correlates to September and October.

This month hosted the Niketeria, Genesia, the Greater Eleusinian Mysteries.

Pyanepsion

Pyanepsion was the fourth month. It generally correlates to October and November.

This month hosted the Proerosia, Pyanepsia, Oskhophoria, Theseia, Stenia, Thesmophoria, Apatouria, and Khalkeia.

Maimakterion

Maimakterion was the fifth month. It generally correlates to November and December.

This month hosted the Pompaia.

Poseideon

Poseidon was the sixth month. It was also the month duplicated if need be, resulting in the month Poseidon-2, but it is unclear if any festivals were repeated or if there was any new festivals for it. It generally correlates to December and January.

This month hosted the Poseidea, Plerosia, Lesser Dionysia, and Haloa.

Gamelion

Gamelion was the seventh month. It generally correlates to January and February. 

This month hosted the Lenaia and the Theogamia.

Anthesterion

Anthesterion was the eighth month. It generally correlates to February and March.

This month hosted the Anthesteria, the Lesser Eleusinian Mysteries, and the Diasia.

Elaphebolion

Elaphebolion was the ninth month. It generally correlates to March and April.

This month hosted the Elaphebolia, Asklepia, Greater Dionysia, and Pandia.

Mounukhion

Mounukhion was the tenth month. It generally correlates to April and May.

This month hosted the Delphinia, Mounukhia,and the Olympeia.

Thargelion

Thargelion was the eleventh month. It generally correlates to May and June.

This month hosted the Thargelia, Bendideia, Kallynteria, and Plynteria.

Skirophorion

Skirophorion was the twelfth and final month. It generally correlates to June and July.

This month hosted the Arrephoria, Skira, and Dipolieia/Bouphonia.

Where can I check these dates?

Hellenion is pretty amazing for this, here is 2020. It has links to each festival with further explanations too. HMEPA is also great as you can go through really every year. Here’s the link to it.

Hope you enjoyed! On the Athenian New Year I plan to release a wave of posts for each month (in the Gregorian months) for all festivals (including Roman and non-Athenian) with details and how to do them. Thanks for reading!

Zeus (smiling): I brought gifts!

Athena: What?

Zeus: Remember when you said you liked owls? (Hands her an owl hatchling)

Athena (immediately loves her): She's amazing! Thanks!

Zeus: Apollo, I'm pretty sure you said something about swans.

Apollo (gasping as he's given a little swan): So pretty! I love him!

Zeus: Now, Artemis, you like deer, right?

Artemis (excitedly): Yes! (Hugs the little fawn)

Zeus: Onto Hermes. There was a little reptile which reminded me of what you'd said before.

Hermes (grins as he's given a tortoise): Sweet!

Zeus: Hephaestus, you mentioned donkeys a while back.

Hephaestus (jaw dropping at the sight): You noticed that?

Zeus: And Dionysus, I remember you saying that you wanted a goat.

Dionysus (beaming): Aw! She's the cutest!

Zeus (hands on his hips): Well, I think I've done good parenting for one day.

Ares:...

Zeus (leaves)

Ares: :(

Athena (hands him a puppy): I remembered.

Ares (happily cuddles the pup): Thanks!

post-reveal shenanigans before Alya knows would be hilarious, I NEED it :) ashville secret santa gift for @arisu-artnfics !!!✩₊˚.⋆ this was specifically inspired by your request for misunderstandings mixed with fluff hehe

Funniest thing about miraculous ladybug is that Marinettes problem for the episode will be something like “OMG I have to give this important presentation at school AND talk to a pretty boy WHILE fighting a super villain this is gonna be tough 😅” meanwhile adrien is just in the corner like “this morning I woke up at 6:08 instead of 6:00 and so my father withheld his monthly hug :(, hopefully my day as cat noir will go better” and then he gets like turned into like a sentient Lego brick or something

Dog Manners- mostly for my own reference as a trainer

Attention- Say his name and, when he looks at you, mark the behavior you like by saying “yes!”

Sit- front paws up, butt on the floor. Most dogs get this one easily

https://youtube.com/shorts/x_Lo5csZrvE?feature=share

Stay- the dog should not move from a sit or a down position unless called

https://youtube.com/shorts/qOCmi-nD_Pk?feature=share

Come when called- Like attention, say “Name, come” or whatever your release cue is. Some use “free” or “here”

I couldn’t find any videos on this but it should be somewhat self explanatory.

Look at me- dog is expected to make eye contact with owner until given the release cue.

https://youtu.be/d6PogCb_mLc

Lay Down- all paws down, waiting. Can also be used with extended stays

https://youtube.com/shorts/nSgL3Rml-S8?feature=share

Heel- dog walking close to your side in on a loose leash, not distracted at all.

https://youtube.com/shorts/odUxQvAiARs?feature=share

https://youtube.com/shorts/WdY56ruQfXg?feature=share

Once they consistently look to you, begin to take 2-3 steps. Tap your hip. When they follow and keep eye contact, reward. Increase how far you walk. Once you’re at a solid 10 steps, add the word heel. Slowly fade out treat until dog can do this with only the verbal command.

Leave It- ignore an object or person

https://youtube.com/shorts/fKAF1g21Umc?feature=share

Loose leash walking- walking nicely on a loose leash (some distance allowed between owner and dog). Not distractable or jumping up/on other dogs

https://youtube.com/shorts/AF64kPSE1jI?feature=share

Settle- relax. Usually meaning quiet or lay down. Sometimes will be used in combination with place. Treats or toys should be given to keep the dog engaged.

https://youtube.com/shorts/CXAmYoFLdXo?feature=share

Place- dog is expected to go to a designated area (crate, under chair, etc) most often this is a mat or a dog bed. They go to area and lay down quietly. Toys or treats can be given.

https://youtu.be/qLHAKyd3hJ8

Take it/hold it- takes toy from owner, dog is expected to hold it firmly in their mouth (can’t be pulled out) until drop it/give is said

https://youtu.be/JO2cxHgIzX0

Drop it/give- dog is expected to drop item at owners feet or into their hand and back up, putting themselves into a sit

Same video as above

Shake- dog extends paw and puts it into the hand of someone else, usually in front of them.

https://youtube.com/shorts/jT_KjxSlpoY?feature=share

Crawl- dog crawls like a bug, wiggling close to the floor

https://youtube.com/shorts/pyOrzeHEw44?feature=share

Touch- similar to shake, dog extends paw and puts it on object in front of them. Alternatively, dog boops something in front of them with their nose

To teach this, place an object in front of them. Put a teat on it and tell them to “leave it”. After 5 seconds, use “paw” command. The second their paw touches the object, reward. Say “good touch” or whatever you have names this command. Do this until your dog is consistent.

Switch objects to make sure it understands.

Now that it understood, we’re going to do the same thing, but fade the leave it command. So one time, you’ll say leave it, then paw. The next time, you’ll simply place the treat down, then wait 5 seconds to use the paw command. Do this until the dog understands without you having to use the command at all.

Now that we’ve faded the leave it cue, do the same with the paw command. The goal is to eventually just say “touch” and the dog to understand, as it’s been given treats and told “touch” after it does this sequence. It may be confusing for the dog, as it’s a chain really, so if needed add a point to the command as well to direct the dog.

This skill is in preparation for service work, which is why it doesn’t serve an obvious purpose, but it’s a neat trick.

Orbit- dog orbits around owners body and sits behind them or between their legs (owner directed)

https://youtu.be/oXVwkYXl9c4

This one is another prep for service work, but it looks cool to people!

Wait the photo of Adrien on Marinette’s plotting board is giving me some lovesquare crumbs because she probably took that photo of him while they were on a date 😭🥹 Before Marinette really only had photos of Adrien that were from photoshoots! Look how far they have come! 👏

Lol imagine simping for your friends. Couldn’t be me (ahhhh!! Shes so pretty!!! 😍)

Broke Witch Tips - Magic on a Budget

As capitalism sets its sights on the witchcraft community, it’s easy to get caught up in all the stuff that companies try to sell you.

Alas, not all of us have the money to spend on expensive items. If we're being honest, you probably don't need such items to begin with.

For those that are curious, however, let's talk about how to do magic on a budget.

First things first, reframe what you think magic is.

Magic is not what you buy.

It’s not pricey crystals, expensive altar tools, and pretty bottles. As fun as those are, they aren't necessary to practice magic.

All you need to create magic is yourself, your intentions, and your actions.

Still, I said I would talk about how to do magic on a budget, so here are some tips that I have picked up along the way as a broke witch.

Broke Witch Tips

Upcycle what you already have into magical tools. Plenty of the stuff you already own can be used for magic. Make a simmer pot in that old cooking pot. Use the kitchen spices as your herbs in spells.

Thrift stores are great for finding cool bottles and boxes to put your herbs and other magical items in. Also great for spell bottles/jars!

You don’t need every herb under the sun, many of the most accessible (and cheapest) herbs have similar, if not the same, correspondences as the expensive ones.

Buy herbs from the grocery store or farmers market, if possible.

If you have a green thumb, grow the herbs yourself!

Tarot cards can be expensive, but you can use a deck of regular playing cards for cartomancy if needed! There are also options such as tarot apps and websites that allow you to use their digital tarot decks for free.

Make your own tarot or oracle deck if you're artistic and have the time/energy to do so!

You don’t need to have an expensive cast-iron cauldron, just find a fire safe bowl or container. For me, I use a handmade bowl that I got at a fair in my hometown! Works like a charm.

The dollar store is a great place to find inexpensive candles, usually they’re tea lights but you might get lucky and even find some chime candles.

If you're working with deities: plenty of them like hand-made items for offerings! So you don’t need to go out and break the bank just to buy an expensive statue.

This is not a post to shame the folks who own expensive things for witchcraft. I’m sure most of us would agree that if we had the money to go all out, we certainly would! This is just a post for those of us that can’t afford costly goods but would still like to have physical items when practicing magic.

Feel free to add your tips for practicing low-cost magic!

Have a lovely day <3