Hello! Do You (and Other Greeks) Find "Hellenic Polytheism" An Acceptable Term For The Religion Worshipping

Hello! Do you (and other Greeks) find "Hellenic polytheism" an acceptable term for the religion worshipping the ancient Greek gods? If not, what would you want people to call it instead? I feel strongly that I would not be able to change my belief itself, but I definitely want to be respectful in what I call it and my other actions

Hellenic Polytheism should be fine. You can introduce yourself as a Hellenic Polytheist.

People have a bit of a hard time with this hell of terms (get it? he he), so I am gonna create a mini-lexicon. It's not targeted to you in specific to use all these, it's just for whoever is interested to clear this up in their minds.

A very hellenic lexicon

Hellás = 1) the official term for Greece and the only one ever used by Greeks themselves (there is no equivalent of "Greece" in Greek), 2) a historical ancient region in central mainland Greece where southeast Epirus and southwestern Thessaly meet and where a lot of Achilles' soldiers supposedly originated from, 3) the administrative region of central mainland Greece during the Byzantine Empire

Hellenic = anything Greek (like you may say "this is an american movie", that's why you can use hellenic polytheism, because it means "greek religion of many gods"). And by anything Greek, we mean ANYTHING. Care to know what the "Greek Orthodox Church" is called in Greek?

Hello! Do You (and Other Greeks) Find "Hellenic Polytheism" An Acceptable Term For The Religion Worshipping

You guessed it! Hellenic Orthodox Church...! So you see, how when foreigners say some things like "i'm hellenic, hellene, hellenist" like "what hellenic are you? coffee? bank? Christian?" You know?

Hellen = the mythological progenitor of the Greeks according to Hesiod. Not to be confused with Helen.

Héllene = a Greek by descent, nationality and / or ethnicity. And if we are being totally accurate, it's a Greek male. I don't actually know how it is pronounced in English but ideally keep the last e silent. (By the way we do not pronounce that h in the beginning in all these words for the last 1500 years or so.... just saying.)

Héllenes = the Greeks, just men or mixed. The last e is NOT silent.

English does not have gendered nouns but Greek does so technically there is a seperate word for Greek women but I don't know if this is transferable to English. If we could do it in theory and by following the trasliteration style of the Hellene, it should be something like:

*Hellenís / Hellenidae or Hellenides = Greek woman / women*

Hopefully this explains why random foreigners identifying as "Hellenes" is exremely problematic.

Helladic = pertaining to the geography and territory of Hellas and whatever happens strictly within its borders

Hellenisation = spread of Greek influence and culture, it is also used for cases of Greek assimilation in ancient times

Hellenistic = 1) something being characterized by particular Greek influence, 2) referring to the era after the Classical period and before the Roman period

Hellenicá = 1) the Greek language, 2) (infrequent) Greek matters, documented topics about the Greeks

Hellenism = The complete Greek culture, civilization and nationhood, the essence of being Greek.

Hellenist = 1) a specialist in the study of Greek language, literature, culture, or history, or an admirer of the Greek culture and civilization, 2) a person who adopted the Greek customs, language and culture during the Hellenistic period, 3) now, the English Wiktionary also adds the "a follower and practitioner of Hellenic religion" <- which one of the two??? XD, clearly following the trend of western classicist circles. In the Greek Wiktionary for the same exact term (Ελληνιστής) that last interpretation does not exist and I can guarantee you it is officially rejected. Here's why: the suffixes -ist and -ism (as well as all suffixes here) are suffixes of Greek origin and they signify that someone is something or is passionate and dedicated to something on the superlative or very very earnestly, essentially. So when someone says they are a hellenist, they are supposed to be dedicated or charmed by anything that makes something hellenic, not to be professional cherry pickers. Of course, everyone is allowed their preferences, however you can't be interested in a super specific / niche thing like a religion mostly practiced 2000-3500 years ago and simultaneously show complete disregard and ignorance on literally everything else about this civilization, history and its living people and call yourself a hellenist. It tears the word apart. By the way this is not targeted at you. You are here asking about it, wanting to do the right thing. I am referring to this thing happening in this forum that @alatismeni-theitsa 's Anon was complaining about; they obsess over the ancient religion and they hate everything Greek post the AD mark. That's not being a Hellenist. That's not a Hellenism forum. That's the exact opposite in fact. Very few people can correctly claim the term "hellenist".

BONUS: Philhellene is kind of synonym to "hellenist" and it means "friend / lover of the Hellenes and all things hellenic". But again it can surely be misused. Not all self-proclaimed Philhellenes were ones indeed. Some, like Lord Byron, were Philhellenes through and through, on the other hand.

Of course, one definitely does not have to go through what Lord Byron and other great Philhellenes of the 19th century went through to prove they are a Hellenist or a Philhellene! My point is that very very few people can correctly claim the identity of a Philhellene or a Hellenist.

Therefore, "Hellenic polytheist" is just fine.

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.

Vintage style background with hands opening an empty wallet. Icons of a small bottle, a sachet, and mortar with pestle in vintage a vintage art style sit around words that say "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

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thatgurlpersephonee

2 months ago

You might need some T.L.C. - Tigger Loving Care!!!

Tigger board for you sunshines :)

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thatgurlpersephonee

1 year ago

a fun way to script⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🪷

i learned about this exercise from @thatcutemanifestor from her masterlist and i thought it was brilliant 🫶🏽, and its called the "wattpad method" so here's how it works

also a quick disclaimer that she also mentioned ; YOU GIVE POWER TO A MANIFESTING EXERCISE. all methods work as good and as fast as others.

so basically, you take a couple deep breaths, and choose a title that you'd like to give to a scenario. for example if ur manifesting high marks you'd title that scenario "highest grades in class".

next vaunt or affirm about how ur a master manifestor. vaunt as long as u want or until u believe in ur own power. next open wattpad, or the notes app, notion etc etc.

then start to script the scenario (BE DESCRIPTIVE). play some subliminals (preferably one that affirms that "it is done") simultaneously or listen to affirmation tapes while u do this if u want.

"after done scripting, read the script and try to feel it just as if you are experiencing it in the very moment. (tip: you can read the script and feel it for as many times as you want, i suggest to do it until you feel satisfied)"

to finish it off, affirm that "im so happy my (scenario name) has manifested"

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thatgurlpersephonee

4 months ago

The fact that thinness came in vogue (as seen in popular culture, magazines, fashion models, etc.) in the 1920s when women got the right to vote is telling. We got real, tangible power and then were told to be thin to achieve beauty, and sickly thin too. The kind of thin with no muscles, no power. It is not surprising to me that our beauty standards keep women physically weaker, physically starving, and mentally exhausted. The beauty standard is nothing more than a tool to keep women weak, docile, poor, and too tired to act.

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thatgurlpersephonee

9 months ago

Why water is not a "lazy" offering

Water was a requested topic and there was plenty of ways to tackle the topic. I’ve chosen this angle of approach because I know I’ve seen some people struggle with the idea. So let’s talk about it and give some context: if you’ve grown up with the luxury of always having had access to clean water, it’s something you take for granted. I urge you to think of the last time the water was shut off in your house for any reason and how it impacted your comfort.

Water in Ancient Greek life The Ancient Greeks did not have running water directly in their homes. In Athens, the first hydraulic project is dated between 546 and 527 BC. The city was supplied in water: they had functional lavatories, functional aqueducs and water pumps but those were public commodities, not private ones. In fact, Plutarch tells us that Solon, an Athenian statesman between the 7th and 6th century BC, encouraged individuals to build their own wells if they lived in an area that was not sufficiently supplied and had the right to ask their neighbor for about 40 liters of water a day and make provisions in case of need (Plutarch, Solon, 23). Water safety was a legitimate concern, as it depended on the clemency of weather and could be jeopardized in emergency situations like wars.

The philosophy of water by Thales of Miletus (626/3-548/5 BC) Without going into the details of Thales’ thought, he theorized the idea that water was the fundation of matter and thus, is the first principle. It is through Aristotle that we know of this hypothesis. While a lot of the theory is scientifically wrong, I think the theory serves its role in showing us how much water mattered as a substance essential to life.

On a religious level Spring water is potable. It is its greatest difference with sea water, which while abundant, is not drinkable. Poseidon, as the master of seas and Zeus as the bringer of rains play an essential part in the natural cycle of water. Lack of water has catastrophic consequences on living things, and the Ancients knew that they relied on Zeus’ rains for their crops to grow, for their springs to be filled, for their cattle to feed and drink.

So when the Ancient brought water to the altar as an offering, they brought something precious. They sacrificed a substance that they relied on for their own survival. They knew that water supplies were not infinite and that the rains bestowed by Zeus allowed for their well to stay full.

Considering water as a “lazy” offering is just the epitome of privilege. The privilege of not having to worry about your access to water, the privilege of not having to wonder if the water coming from your tap is clean or not. All while forgetting that access to potable water is still a problem today for many. If what you see when you think of offering water is the easiness of turning on your tap and tossing a glass on your altar, then you’ve forgotten what your offering means.

Sources: Terje Tvedt, Terje Oestigaard, A History of Water: Water and Urbanization, 2014

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thatgurlpersephonee

9 months ago

Dissecting the Anatomy of Prayer

Within Hellenic polytheism, prayers in supplication or thanksgiving typically contain elements of a recognisable formula, the purpose of which is to gain the attention of a god/s most appropriate to your request or words of thanks with justification or explanation for the prayer:

Greeting and call to god/s

Naming epithets/cult titles and favoured shrines or places

Invocation of kharis

Request or thanksgiving

Farewell

Constructing prayers within this framework can be as elaborate or simple as your need requires. The greater the need the longer and more flattering the prayer.

But how to recognise this formula in traditional prayers in order to construct one of your own? I’ve outlined a few examples and colour-coordinated the key points to match the formula above.

Ready for some colour vomit? Let’s go …

Hear me, you of the silver bow, you who stand in protection over Chryse and holy Killa, and who rule Tenedos with your might, Smintheus, if ever I placed a roof on your lovely temple, or if ever I burned for you the fat thighs of bulls or of goats, grant me this request: let the Danaans pay for my tears with your arrows. Iliad 1.37-42

Now, queen of the land of sweet Eleusis and sea-girt Paros and rocky Antron, lady, giver of good gifts, bringer of seasons, queen Deo, be gracious, you and your daughter all beauteous Persephone, and for my song grant me heart-cheering substance. And now I will remember you and another song also. Homeric Hymn to Demeter

Zeus, thou king, Dodonaean, Pelasgian, thou that dwellest afar, ruling over wintry Dodona,—and about thee dwell the Selli, thine interpreters, men with unwashen feet that couch on the ground. Aforetime verily thou didst hear my word, when I prayed: me thou didst honour, and didst mightily smite the host of the Achaeans; even so now also fulfill thou for me this my desire. Myself verily will I abide in the gathering of the ships, but my comrade am I sending forth amid the host of the Myrmidons to war: with him do thou send forth glory, O Zeus, whose voice is borne afar, and make bold the heart in his breast, to the end that Hector, too, may know whether even alone my squire hath skill to fight, or whether his hands then only rage invincible, whenso I enter the turmoil of Ares. But when away from the ships he hath driven war and the din of war, thea all-unscathed let him come back to the swift ships with all his arms, and his comrades that fight in close combat. Iliad 16.233-248

Deathless Aphrodite of the spangled mind, child of Zeus, who twists lures, I beg you do not break with hard pains, O lady, my heart, but come here if ever before you caught my voice far off and listening left your father’s golden house and came, yoking your car. Sappho Ode to Aphrodite

Kindly Zeus, Ombrios, bringer of rain, and you Maimaktes who clouded over, I thank you for the life-bringing rains and the warm moist air that my plants love. But I thank you most of all for protecting my home from your damaging winds and the strike of thunder. May you always grant me shelter and fertile soils. Prayer to Zeus after a summer storm

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thatgurlpersephonee

1 year ago

*Regulus talking to Remus*

Regulus: Honestly Lily has more self respect than I do

Remus: What makes you say that?

Regulus: If James Potter threw himself at me I would’ve folded like a camping chair

Sirius: *is apalled*

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