I'm really sad that I only found this video now, it's easy to feel like my offerings or altars aren't good enough when I see everyone posting theirs and it looking so much prettier or larger, but it's important to remember that the gods are understanding, and I don't need things that aren't really accessible to me to form a great connection with them! Your words made me feel really understood, and you have a hilarious sense of humor!
Thank you for your explanation! I'm a history student and ancient Greece is the theme of my research, but I started to feel that Hellenism is something that was calling me spiritually. So thank you a lot!
after watching this, i made my first offering! i offered the steam of my tea to lady hestia and lady aphrodite. thanks so much for making this series!!
Omg I love the Aloe Vera for Asklepios and Apollon!! I'm a nurse - I dedicate my work as offerings to Asklepios. I'm also a bodybuilder - I offer my training to Asklepios & Aphrodite (and others). I'm so happy to hear another pagan offer their work to a deity! Awesome video! :)
I wouldn't consider myself eclectic but I do find myself with tendencies towards that type of spirituality (I call myself an animist for lack of a better term) but despite not being fully focused on Hellenism, I have worshipped Dionysos in my own way for quite some time, as he has helped me to love myself and grow into an appreciation for hedonism rather than a rejection of it, as I was taught from a young age. One of my favorite things to offer to Dionysos is pleasure. The feeling of pleasure is something I very much associate with him, and so when I am in ecstasy I dedicate that state of being to him, and give him praises for enjoyment and laughter. I have also given him libations of which he has his own cup and I have mine, so that we drink together but I do not drink his portion. Its a wonderful way to not only worship him, but to allow myself to enjoy lifes pleasures rather than chastise myself for enjoying my own humanity, and has allowed for much more love to enter my life.
I felt a very sudden and strong conection to Hellenism very recently and your videos have helped me so much, I'm currently in the process of setting up shrines for both Athena and Dionysus as I feel a strong connection to both of them and this video helped me stop overthinking my offerings. Thank you so much for the wonderful guidence on this path.
Something I do that I'd like to share with the class, is "Devtional Days" basically what I do is dedicate a entire day to a God, spirit, hero, what have you. I usually will fast, sing hymns and enjoy myself with little dances, Games with friends and family all this in honor of what ever ennity I'm honouring that day. I'll offer scafices prayers and really tailer it to whomever it I'm worshiping, I'll always end the devotional day with a rite which is something I fell is ensteil in Hellenic worship. I perform weekly rites to my patrons and I encourage all upcoming Hellenist to engage in rites of worship with the Gods.
I am of Greek blood line I do offerings everyday it helps even as a reminder that I got something out in the universe listening to me even on bad day I give just to say thanks for the strength you have given me it's incense and candles mostly but sometimes beer etc
Fel, you are so creative and artistically gifted! Thank you again for this information you supply to us! I also worship Athena, and I could sense her like-energy with you. It's really cute how something simple and comforting as coffee steam can be an offering to her. : )
I eat Cuthonic offerings. I am eclectic. In a way it was me devoting myself to being a part of the spirit world. To eat of the underworld is to belong there. That's how I feel. I am a Devotee of Hades. The first time I offered him pomegranate juice I got an insane urge to take a sip. I ended up drinking the whole cup. I chugged it like a beer. It's about a year later, and I do community service for the guy 😂. I did stay in the underworld so to speak. Majority of the gods I work with and worship are from the underworld or are there often. Hades is always welcome in my home and at my table. I trust that I made the right choice for me, even if it is a taboo.
I honestly look to become a devotee of Hades because he's the god I connect to so much I'm very new to actually practicing Hellenism but I've believed in the gods for years, I've never been able to praise freely and am still somewhat unable too, so I'm hoping you could give me some tips or at least stories or your experience as a devotee of Hades?
I am a bodybuilder. I competed this year and offered my wins and trophies (in two categories to Ares and Nike for their help) and at the gym I wash my hands after I lift in honor of Aphrodite because it’s a way I self care.
I absolutely adore your vibe! You have a beautiful soul and it shines through in your personality. You seem like someone whom it would be nice to know. I got a huge kick out of the Jeopardy music during your rabbit trails. I shook Alex Trebek’s hand once way back in 1985 when I was a boy. Jeopardy is near and deer. Anyway, fascinating video. Thank you for posting. And I think it’s great that you’re a lutenist. Classical guitarist here. Well met! 😊 All the best.
Please consider making a video about how to cleanse yourself of miasma and the other things (I'm new to all this so forgive me for not knowing all the words off the top of my head)
I have a strange question, if you offer candles on your altar and light them, should you let the candle burn out or can you turn it off and light them at certain periods of time? Pd: I love your explications
i rly wanted to thank u fel ur helping me so much since the hellenic faith was always calling me and since im the worst with researchs lol ur vids are helping sm
These videos are incredible! I've been practicing for a while now but am always interested in more education on hellenism. You're a fantastic educator and I enjoy your personality. Cheers!!
So I know this is an old video but I have a question. Nyx and I have a close relationship and I’m coming from a witchy background interested in Hellenic polytheism. Even if she is the primary deity I work with and worship, because she dwells in the underworld during the day I therefore should not share food with her? I know she also goes into the skies at night so she’s kinda complicated for me to figure out.
I really love how you explain things and put them into context, I just have two question to ask. How frequently should i put offerings and pray? How should i phrase my prayers? Thank you!
Offer and pray as much as you feel compelled. Hellenism is a reciprocal religion, so continued offerings are expected. some people do weekly to individual gods or a big one to all the gods, some people do daily. Other people are once a month or as need be. It's also okay for it to change depending on how busy you are and your energy levels. In terms of how to pray, it can be as simple as thanks for request. Prayers in hellenism often contain the structure - call to the god using their specific epithets - bring up past offerings ("If I have ever burned incense for you..." "If I have ever dedicated a song to you...") - make the request - say what you will do if the request is granted prayers come more naturally once you done more of them and they also don't have to contain any requests at all! Hope that helps.
I’m a few days late but I’m brand new to learning about Hellenic Polytheism (like weeks) , and while I’ve always had an interest in learning about Classical Greek mythology, I’m wondering when it would be wise for me to begin offerings. Is it something I need to be more knowledgeable about before I dive in? Is it a bad idea to make offerings if I’m not completely sure of my path/practice? I’m notoriously bad at making tough decisions especially decisions that are like final. I’m sorry I’m rambling now. I just don’t want to start something right away if it could be dangerous or anything. Thanks for the informative video!
So, in the greater occult community people warm about "imposter spirits", tbh, I personally don't really believe in so much, especially from a HelPol perspective, im Hellenism if you reach out to a god by calling on them with specific epithets you will reach out to the god. You can always start small. I actually started with prayer before offerings and doing divination(asking for signs, tarot, oracle, whatever you prefer though I caution away from pendulums). After you've settled in a bit, I would say you can proceed to offerings. You don't have to settle on anything super fast and I know it can seem scary at first when treading into this territory. If it makes you more comfortable, you can do some witchy protections and whatnot. Research is your friend! I have some helpful blogs linked in th description
As a time traveler you can tell your cardinal direction by poking a stick into the ground, pull out your watch and line yourself up the time that is north ... do with this info as you wish
i know this is an old video, but i was wondering if any kinds of morgue/funeral work would incur miasma? i am studying anatomical pathology, but i want to make sure i am not being impious or approaching the gods while tainted
as someone trying to ease back into things thanks to an intense pull from aphrodite, this is a great video with a lot of very useful information! i have a question though: when it comes to offerings, would i be constrained only to offering things to deities i'm actively working with or worshipping? for example, would offering the steam of my coffee to athena or the steam of my dinner to hestia be something i could do if i'm not technically working with her? or would those offerings need to be made to the deities i am working with?
I would like to ask, what should I do to old offerings when Im simply running out of space for new ones? Im sure simply throwing them away can't possibly be respectful
can I dedicate crafts ive previously made in the past (like before I practised hellenism) to the gods? and can I eat and drink and call that an offering? or must I offer a bit of that food or drink every time to be able to dedicate it? my family knows I believe that the gods exist, but they dont know im taking an active role in worshipping them and I want to keep it private so it might be a little hard to do that before every meal 😅
oh I also want to ask -- I know im asking a lot, im quite new to practising worship, in any religion -- can I dedicate acts like getting ready in the morning to Aphrodite? and listening to music to Apollo? or should I be doing specific things for a dedication? OH also! -- im really sorry 😅 -- if I dedicate every morning getting ready to Aphrodite, should I dedicate it to her via prayer EVERY morning, or do I just vow that all my mornings in the future will be dedicated to her? sorry if im asking so many questions, im just new to this all, and I dont want to disrespect the gods by doing something wrong without knowing. thank you!
I'm wearing it as an accessory cause I love late 1910s early 1920s fashion haha but hair binding or covering was a very common religious practice in Hellenism
I have a question: when talking about the votives offerings, if i offer an jewelry can i still use it? or should i put it aside and never touch it again? (btw loving the contend and learning a lot ty)
Imo that's something that depends on the person and the situation. I would see that more as devotional jewelry rather than a votive. So I wear a necklace dedicated to Athena as a show of devotion but there's a necklace I gave to Hyakinthos that I dress a statue in that I do not wear anymore.
Excellent video! Analyzing the situation from a financial point of view, it could be interpreted that the state of grace one enters into by offering the God(m/f) a gift, is the God being in a sort of debt to You that can be interpreted as a void that the blessings of the God flow into, and Psalm 50 of The Bible says PRAISE is a offering. In addition to Hellenic sources, The Bible itself can be reverse engineered for example in Genesis God is conceived as a idol maker breathing life into human in the same way a Pagan venerator of idols invites the presence of living Gods into their Pagan Idols. Grace/gratitude = debt in financial terms.
great video! I have a question: do offerings always have to be made in a sacred space? for example, could I offer the steam of my meal while it's on the table or should i take it to an altar? thank you
Offerings can be made anywhere! I often dedicate my tea I make at work. If you feel compelled, you can wash your hands before hand as an act of purification.
I know each of us already have what we need to build relations with the gods, a mind, a soul, and a heart, but I always end up feeling bad when a god approaches me, or I approach them and I can't go and set up an altar for them do to lack of space/money/etc. I feel bad because I believe each of the gods deserve an altar in my home, a place that I may dedicate, and worship them away from the outside world. Despite my feelings of sadness of not being able to set up an altar to all of them, I do understand it isn't a realistic "obligation" to put on myself, I have only one altar at the moment, an Altar to Goddess Aphrodite, it is the only space I have for an altar, but it is her space as I feel closest to her, and I feel as though she has been there for me my entire life even when I didn't know so. So Aphrodite is very special and important to me I love her so much. That said I do speak with both Athena and Hermes occasionally, and I do daily morning and night time prayers in the name of the Devine 12. One day I hope to get the money and space to have altars to the Devine 12 all over my home, but until then, I have to trust my prays, and my actions to build relations with the gods.
That sounds lovely! And yeah, it can be hard to feel like that way, that what you're doing is "not enough". I'm glad you feel close to Aphrodite in that way though
When you for example make a coffee and offer it to a god (apollo or someone) with a mental prayer, can you still drink it or do u have to leave it for them or pour it on the ground? 😅 I'm sorry I just want to be sure!
I see the steam rising up as the "aroma that feeds the gods", so I will drink it when it cools. If I'm feeling particularly a certain way, I'll pour a little on the ground, but not when I'm inside ofc. You can still partake in it as long it is not to a Chthonic entity!
Just an observation. I think it's neat that Hellenists put such an emphasis on not mixing cthonic and ouranic, given the myths of how bad things like the titanomachy and the gigantomachy and unleashing Khaos whenever earth rebels against the sky. It's funny to see that taboo be still relevant in 2024 lol
thank you very much for this video, it was very interesting and I learned new things🥰💗. I wanted to ask you, can I offer paintings / pine cones / jewels etc. (in short offers other than libations, first fruits, offerings that are burned or that are intangible) without it being a votive offering (so because I received something I asked for) but simply because I want to offer these things to honor a deity? 💛 I'm not 100% sure so I prefer to ask hahahahaga💗ah I have another question (sorry if I have so many questions hahahaha💗😅), by chance if I have a sanctuary for x deity how often do you recommend me to make an offer? I don't know, maybe it is considered disrespectful not to make an offer for example a week.
Your spiritual journey is your own so you get to set the tone for your offerings and shrines. You can of course pine cones and paintings etc even if it's not a votive! I do this all the time. Also you don't have to offer every week! You might find you'll make offerings more to certain deities out of the blue and less to others/only when you need to. I don't offer every week-or I'll dedicate something intangible to them like my work or a song. As you grow your practice you'll find a rhythm that works for you 😊
Depends on which aspect you're working with-which is why epithets are very important! An altar set up for Chthonic Persephone Queen of the Underworld will be different than for Kore, flower loving daughter of Demeter. So she is both Chthonic and Ouranic which is why distinguishing who you are calling on is important
thanks a lot. but about the votives offerings, which is their fate? do you offer them to a God or Goddess and leave them where you offered them to said God, or do you dedicate them to said God and put them in your house, not necessarily on the God's shrine? how does it work? how do you keep them?
Back in the day, many of them were buried in deposits (which is how we know of their existence presently). However, nowadays is a bit more complicated. I usually leave them on the shrine or find a respectful way to incorporate it into my house as either art or something practical
Weird question, I work in health care in a low income area. There are many homeless individuals that I work with and see in passing. I just recently started connecting with Zeus. Could individuals asking for help be a request for an offering? I make a point to help others and I wasn’t sure if I could dedicate an offer to another person in honor of a deity or if that is a conflict. Idk! Help, I am new!
I don't think it's necessarily a request for an offering, unless you are talking about helping those in need as an offering? That definitely counts as one to me, as long as you aren't making an offering on their behalf if that makes sense
@@FeltheBlithe I think of it as an offering to help those in need. Almost as a test of humanity. Many myths seem to include deities disguised as unfortunate individuals as a test of one’s character. I’ve always given to charities and individuals that are homeless. I’m just wondering if it is happening more as a test of my character to see if Zeus wants to work with me. If that makes sense.
At the end of the day: If it is pleasant to you, it can be offered. The grandiose of the offering is irrelevant; The Theoi smile upon a pious person scraping bits of incense from the floor and wholeheartedly giving.
so just to be clear can i eat the food that i put onto a gods alter? because i've been putting the food on there, let it sit for 2 day and then i eat it. the gods being Apollo and Dionysus
Heyyy love your channel so much . after bringing through your vids i concluded that you really have a fascination with philosophy. Do you pray to apollo given he is the god of knowledge and philosophy (it's not widely known) . You might give it a try. Have a great day . He has helped me learn so much and i feel so many epiphanies come through him . He's a wonderful God for one seeking knowledge.
So I didn't know you couldn't share offerings with chathonic dietys and I would just eat food offerings after some time they were given to avoid waste. I would ask the diety beforehand and most of the times they would allow it so I would just do that so I will stop do that with chatonic dietys so I'm very gratefull
What are some safe scents that you burn in your alters? I have sugar gliders and they have extremely sensitive noses. I want to burn incense but it may hurt their noses, and my mom is allergic to it. Could anyone here share any suggestions or something you use? Edit: Also, If I just offered songs I play or write or sing as offerings to the gods, would that count?
songs would definitely count! honestly if you have people or creatures who are sensitive, I would recommend not burning any at all and either use candles or steam (like the steam from coffee, tea or hot food) or something intangible (such as singing or art)
@@FeltheBlithe thanks for your reply even after all this time 💖 i recently moved away from hellenism though, and towards protestantism. i found a way to combine my love for nature and the ancient philosophies with choosing for Christ. keep up your teachings and follow your dreams, have a nice day 🌻✨
Did not Paul speak boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and dispute against the Hellenists? You cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven. There is only ONE GOD...One Savior...Jesus Christ of Nazareth
@wildmen5025 Well theres only 2 options..Kingdom of Heaven or Kingdom of Hell with Satan and all of his demons & Fire burning & tormenting the soul forever. I choose the Kingdom of Heaven with God Almighty. Have it your way...God doesnt force..we all have free will. You can choose your Father & go there with him when you perish
I'm really sad that I only found this video now, it's easy to feel like my offerings or altars aren't good enough when I see everyone posting theirs and it looking so much prettier or larger, but it's important to remember that the gods are understanding, and I don't need things that aren't really accessible to me to form a great connection with them! Your words made me feel really understood, and you have a hilarious sense of humor!
Thank you for your kind words! and glad you found the video helpful
Thank you for your explanation! I'm a history student and ancient Greece is the theme of my research, but I started to feel that Hellenism is something that was calling me spiritually. So thank you a lot!
i thought i was weird
I'm pursuing history as well
in my opinion Hellenism represent the beauty, the knowledge, the philosophy, all !
after watching this, i made my first offering! i offered the steam of my tea to lady hestia and lady aphrodite. thanks so much for making this series!!
I started worshiping the gods this month, and your videos really help guiding me!
Keep up with the great work
Glad you are finding them helpful! 😊 it's a wonderful journey to be on
Omg I love the Aloe Vera for Asklepios and Apollon!! I'm a nurse - I dedicate my work as offerings to Asklepios. I'm also a bodybuilder - I offer my training to Asklepios & Aphrodite (and others). I'm so happy to hear another pagan offer their work to a deity!
Awesome video! :)
thanks you! it's fun to see similarities across our practices
I wouldn't consider myself eclectic but I do find myself with tendencies towards that type of spirituality (I call myself an animist for lack of a better term) but despite not being fully focused on Hellenism, I have worshipped Dionysos in my own way for quite some time, as he has helped me to love myself and grow into an appreciation for hedonism rather than a rejection of it, as I was taught from a young age. One of my favorite things to offer to Dionysos is pleasure. The feeling of pleasure is something I very much associate with him, and so when I am in ecstasy I dedicate that state of being to him, and give him praises for enjoyment and laughter. I have also given him libations of which he has his own cup and I have mine, so that we drink together but I do not drink his portion. Its a wonderful way to not only worship him, but to allow myself to enjoy lifes pleasures rather than chastise myself for enjoying my own humanity, and has allowed for much more love to enter my life.
Sounds like a fulfilling experience, thanks for sharing.
I felt a very sudden and strong conection to Hellenism very recently and your videos have helped me so much, I'm currently in the process of setting up shrines for both Athena and Dionysus as I feel a strong connection to both of them and this video helped me stop overthinking my offerings. Thank you so much for the wonderful guidence on this path.
Something I do that I'd like to share with the class, is "Devtional Days" basically what I do is dedicate a entire day to a God, spirit, hero, what have you. I usually will fast, sing hymns and enjoy myself with little dances, Games with friends and family all this in honor of what ever ennity I'm honouring that day. I'll offer scafices prayers and really tailer it to whomever it I'm worshiping, I'll always end the devotional day with a rite which is something I fell is ensteil in Hellenic worship. I perform weekly rites to my patrons and I encourage all upcoming Hellenist to engage in rites of worship with the Gods.
That's a really good idea! A good way to keep up a consistent practice and focus on developing kharis with them. Thanks for sharing 😊
@@FeltheBlithe Do you mind if I request a video?
@@elijahdonsei1408 Sure, go ahead. I have a running list of video suggestions!
I do the same! Just on days that share associations with them, eg Apollon Sunday, Selene, Artemis Monday, Aphrodite, Eros Friday etc
I am of Greek blood line I do offerings everyday it helps even as a reminder that I got something out in the universe listening to me even on bad day I give just to say thanks for the strength you have given me it's incense and candles mostly but sometimes beer etc
Amazing video and btw I also seem to go on tangents💀 especially when it concerns American or European history
I'm a part time historical educator and the poor visitors always get so many tangents 😅😅
Thank you for these informative videos, they're so helpful. I'm a beginner closeted pagan and it's nice to know these things.
Fel, you are so creative and artistically gifted! Thank you again for this information you supply to us! I also worship Athena, and I could sense her like-energy with you. It's really cute how something simple and comforting as coffee steam can be an offering to her. : )
I eat Cuthonic offerings. I am eclectic. In a way it was me devoting myself to being a part of the spirit world. To eat of the underworld is to belong there. That's how I feel. I am a Devotee of Hades. The first time I offered him pomegranate juice I got an insane urge to take a sip. I ended up drinking the whole cup. I chugged it like a beer. It's about a year later, and I do community service for the guy 😂. I did stay in the underworld so to speak. Majority of the gods I work with and worship are from the underworld or are there often. Hades is always welcome in my home and at my table. I trust that I made the right choice for me, even if it is a taboo.
Whatever works for your practice! 🧡
I honestly look to become a devotee of Hades because he's the god I connect to so much
I'm very new to actually practicing Hellenism but I've believed in the gods for years, I've never been able to praise freely and am still somewhat unable too, so I'm hoping you could give me some tips or at least stories or your experience as a devotee of Hades?
Thank you very much for your help while I study hellenism for my practice
I am a bodybuilder. I competed this year and offered my wins and trophies (in two categories to Ares and Nike for their help) and at the gym I wash my hands after I lift in honor of Aphrodite because it’s a way I self care.
This is giving me so many ideas!
yay!! delighted to hear that! 😊🌺
I absolutely adore your vibe! You have a beautiful soul and it shines through in your personality. You seem like someone whom it would be nice to know. I got a huge kick out of the Jeopardy music during your rabbit trails. I shook Alex Trebek’s hand once way back in 1985 when I was a boy. Jeopardy is near and deer. Anyway, fascinating video. Thank you for posting. And I think it’s great that you’re a lutenist. Classical guitarist here. Well met! 😊 All the best.
This is great! I love the Hermes postcard!
I love this last part ❤ rejoice so they might rejoice...
your videos help so much, I hope you get more recognition soon!
I am a couple of years late, but your account is awesome! The videos are helpful, and you’re literally gorgeous.
Please consider making a video about how to cleanse yourself of miasma and the other things (I'm new to all this so forgive me for not knowing all the words off the top of my head)
I'm actually planning on making this my next vid!
You're giving us a beautiful content, and you're so funny! I love your work!
I have a strange question, if you offer candles on your altar and light them, should you let the candle burn out or can you turn it off and light them at certain periods of time? Pd: I love your explications
What a wonderful and interesting video ! Thank you so much, this is sooooo helpful and reassuring to me !
yay! happy it was helpful :)
Hi there. I just found your video and it’s very helpful. I have begun honoring the deity Zeus. Is there a tip on honoring Zeus?
Love how you style that red headband! Is it a form of binding the way you have it worn?
Thanks a million for the great video 😊❤🎉
A great video it was very informative and really helped clear up what types of offerings to use, it has made it much simpler. Thankyou
i rly wanted to thank u fel ur helping me so much since the hellenic faith was always calling me and since im the worst with researchs lol ur vids are helping sm
These videos are incredible! I've been practicing for a while now but am always interested in more education on hellenism. You're a fantastic educator and I enjoy your personality. Cheers!!
Thank you for your kind words! 😊 glad you enjoy
So I know this is an old video but I have a question. Nyx and I have a close relationship and I’m coming from a witchy background interested in Hellenic polytheism. Even if she is the primary deity I work with and worship, because she dwells in the underworld during the day I therefore should not share food with her? I know she also goes into the skies at night so she’s kinda complicated for me to figure out.
I always recommend doing divination and asking Nyx herself!
Fantastic videos as always.
I really love how you explain things and put them into context, I just have two question to ask. How frequently should i put offerings and pray? How should i phrase my prayers? Thank you!
Offer and pray as much as you feel compelled. Hellenism is a reciprocal religion, so continued offerings are expected. some people do weekly to individual gods or a big one to all the gods, some people do daily. Other people are once a month or as need be. It's also okay for it to change depending on how busy you are and your energy levels.
In terms of how to pray, it can be as simple as thanks for request. Prayers in hellenism often contain the structure
- call to the god using their specific epithets
- bring up past offerings ("If I have ever burned incense for you..." "If I have ever dedicated a song to you...")
- make the request
- say what you will do if the request is granted
prayers come more naturally once you done more of them and they also don't have to contain any requests at all!
Hope that helps.
@@FeltheBlithe okay, Thank you!
Fantastic video! And I love your joyful spirit. Thank you so much!
I wonder if Hekate would be considered a Hellenistic diety
Yes.
Are all food offerings in the fruit category? I made honey cakes as a offering but I didn’t exactly know how to go about giving it to the gods
I just usually leave it out and either eat it or compost it depending on the situation. And not all food has to be in the fruit category
I’m a few days late but I’m brand new to learning about Hellenic Polytheism (like weeks) , and while I’ve always had an interest in learning about Classical Greek mythology, I’m wondering when it would be wise for me to begin offerings. Is it something I need to be more knowledgeable about before I dive in? Is it a bad idea to make offerings if I’m not completely sure of my path/practice? I’m notoriously bad at making tough decisions especially decisions that are like final. I’m sorry I’m rambling now. I just don’t want to start something right away if it could be dangerous or anything. Thanks for the informative video!
So, in the greater occult community people warm about "imposter spirits", tbh, I personally don't really believe in so much, especially from a HelPol perspective, im Hellenism if you reach out to a god by calling on them with specific epithets you will reach out to the god. You can always start small. I actually started with prayer before offerings and doing divination(asking for signs, tarot, oracle, whatever you prefer though I caution away from pendulums). After you've settled in a bit, I would say you can proceed to offerings. You don't have to settle on anything super fast and I know it can seem scary at first when treading into this territory. If it makes you more comfortable, you can do some witchy protections and whatnot. Research is your friend! I have some helpful blogs linked in th description
@@FeltheBlithe thank you!!
As a time traveler you can tell your cardinal direction by poking a stick into the ground, pull out your watch and line yourself up the time that is north ... do with this info as you wish
i know this is an old video, but i was wondering if any kinds of morgue/funeral work would incur miasma? i am studying anatomical pathology, but i want to make sure i am not being impious or approaching the gods while tainted
Great video.
Omg I think I've realized votive are perfect for me. I love creating things so it's perfect
as someone trying to ease back into things thanks to an intense pull from aphrodite, this is a great video with a lot of very useful information! i have a question though: when it comes to offerings, would i be constrained only to offering things to deities i'm actively working with or worshipping? for example, would offering the steam of my coffee to athena or the steam of my dinner to hestia be something i could do if i'm not technically working with her? or would those offerings need to be made to the deities i am working with?
Sure! You don't have to have a deep relationship with every deity you offer to.
@@FeltheBlithe thank you for the reply! i appreciate it 🤗
I would like to ask, what should I do to old offerings when Im simply running out of space for new ones? Im sure simply throwing them away can't possibly be respectful
can I dedicate crafts ive previously made in the past (like before I practised hellenism) to the gods? and can I eat and drink and call that an offering? or must I offer a bit of that food or drink every time to be able to dedicate it? my family knows I believe that the gods exist, but they dont know im taking an active role in worshipping them and I want to keep it private so it might be a little hard to do that before every meal 😅
oh I also want to ask -- I know im asking a lot, im quite new to practising worship, in any religion -- can I dedicate acts like getting ready in the morning to Aphrodite? and listening to music to Apollo? or should I be doing specific things for a dedication? OH also! -- im really sorry 😅 -- if I dedicate every morning getting ready to Aphrodite, should I dedicate it to her via prayer EVERY morning, or do I just vow that all my mornings in the future will be dedicated to her? sorry if im asking so many questions, im just new to this all, and I dont want to disrespect the gods by doing something wrong without knowing. thank you!
Is the headband religious? Can you cite why it's significant? Are you wearing it as a fashion accessory, or is there a deeper purpose?
I'm wearing it as an accessory cause I love late 1910s early 1920s fashion haha but hair binding or covering was a very common religious practice in Hellenism
@@FeltheBlithe I like it. It's cute. Just thought there might be something more to it than fashion.
I have a question: when talking about the votives offerings, if i offer an jewelry can i still use it? or should i put it aside and never touch it again? (btw loving the contend and learning a lot ty)
Imo that's something that depends on the person and the situation. I would see that more as devotional jewelry rather than a votive. So I wear a necklace dedicated to Athena as a show of devotion but there's a necklace I gave to Hyakinthos that I dress a statue in that I do not wear anymore.
Excellent video! Analyzing the situation from a financial point of view, it could be interpreted that the state of grace one enters into by offering the God(m/f) a gift, is the God being in a sort of debt to You that can be interpreted as a void that the blessings of the God flow into, and Psalm 50 of The Bible says PRAISE is a offering. In addition to Hellenic sources, The Bible itself can be reverse engineered for example in Genesis God is conceived as a idol maker breathing life into human in the same way a Pagan venerator of idols invites the presence of living Gods into their Pagan Idols. Grace/gratitude = debt in financial terms.
great video! I have a question: do offerings always have to be made in a sacred space? for example, could I offer the steam of my meal while it's on the table or should i take it to an altar? thank you
Offerings can be made anywhere! I often dedicate my tea I make at work. If you feel compelled, you can wash your hands before hand as an act of purification.
@@FeltheBlithe Thank you!
I know each of us already have what we need to build relations with the gods, a mind, a soul, and a heart, but I always end up feeling bad when a god approaches me, or I approach them and I can't go and set up an altar for them do to lack of space/money/etc. I feel bad because I believe each of the gods deserve an altar in my home, a place that I may dedicate, and worship them away from the outside world. Despite my feelings of sadness of not being able to set up an altar to all of them, I do understand it isn't a realistic "obligation" to put on myself, I have only one altar at the moment, an Altar to Goddess Aphrodite, it is the only space I have for an altar, but it is her space as I feel closest to her, and I feel as though she has been there for me my entire life even when I didn't know so. So Aphrodite is very special and important to me I love her so much. That said I do speak with both Athena and Hermes occasionally, and I do daily morning and night time prayers in the name of the Devine 12. One day I hope to get the money and space to have altars to the Devine 12 all over my home, but until then, I have to trust my prays, and my actions to build relations with the gods.
That sounds lovely! And yeah, it can be hard to feel like that way, that what you're doing is "not enough". I'm glad you feel close to Aphrodite in that way though
When you for example make a coffee and offer it to a god (apollo or someone) with a mental prayer, can you still drink it or do u have to leave it for them or pour it on the ground? 😅 I'm sorry I just want to be sure!
I see the steam rising up as the "aroma that feeds the gods", so I will drink it when it cools. If I'm feeling particularly a certain way, I'll pour a little on the ground, but not when I'm inside ofc. You can still partake in it as long it is not to a Chthonic entity!
Just an observation. I think it's neat that Hellenists put such an emphasis on not mixing cthonic and ouranic, given the myths of how bad things like the titanomachy and the gigantomachy and unleashing Khaos whenever earth rebels against the sky. It's funny to see that taboo be still relevant in 2024 lol
thank you very much for this video, it was very interesting and I learned new things🥰💗. I wanted to ask you, can I offer paintings / pine cones / jewels etc. (in short offers other than libations, first fruits, offerings that are burned or that are intangible) without it being a votive offering (so because I received something I asked for) but simply because I want to offer these things to honor a deity? 💛 I'm not 100% sure so I prefer to ask hahahahaga💗ah I have another question (sorry if I have so many questions hahahaha💗😅), by chance if I have a sanctuary for x deity how often do you recommend me to make an offer? I don't know, maybe it is considered disrespectful not to make an offer for example a week.
Your spiritual journey is your own so you get to set the tone for your offerings and shrines. You can of course pine cones and paintings etc even if it's not a votive! I do this all the time. Also you don't have to offer every week! You might find you'll make offerings more to certain deities out of the blue and less to others/only when you need to. I don't offer every week-or I'll dedicate something intangible to them like my work or a song. As you grow your practice you'll find a rhythm that works for you 😊
@@FeltheBlithe thank you!🥰
would you consider persephone an ouranic or cthonic deity ? or does she count as both just at different times of year ?
Depends on which aspect you're working with-which is why epithets are very important! An altar set up for Chthonic Persephone Queen of the Underworld will be different than for Kore, flower loving daughter of Demeter. So she is both Chthonic and Ouranic which is why distinguishing who you are calling on is important
thanks a lot. but about the votives offerings, which is their fate? do you offer them to a God or Goddess and leave them where you offered them to said God, or do you dedicate them to said God and put them in your house, not necessarily on the God's shrine? how does it work? how do you keep them?
Back in the day, many of them were buried in deposits (which is how we know of their existence presently). However, nowadays is a bit more complicated. I usually leave them on the shrine or find a respectful way to incorporate it into my house as either art or something practical
Weird question, I work in health care in a low income area. There are many homeless individuals that I work with and see in passing. I just recently started connecting with Zeus. Could individuals asking for help be a request for an offering? I make a point to help others and I wasn’t sure if I could dedicate an offer to another person in honor of a deity or if that is a conflict. Idk! Help, I am new!
I don't think it's necessarily a request for an offering, unless you are talking about helping those in need as an offering? That definitely counts as one to me, as long as you aren't making an offering on their behalf if that makes sense
@@FeltheBlithe I think of it as an offering to help those in need. Almost as a test of humanity. Many myths seem to include deities disguised as unfortunate individuals as a test of one’s character. I’ve always given to charities and individuals that are homeless. I’m just wondering if it is happening more as a test of my character to see if Zeus wants to work with me. If that makes sense.
@@Pookie515 I get what you mean. I think only you can answer the question if this is Zeus testing your character. It's certainly possible!
@@FeltheBlithe thank you! I really appreciate your videos! Do you offer individual mentorship or classes?
@@Pookie515 nope! I share what I know for free and encourage folks to find their own way
At the end of the day:
If it is pleasant to you, it can be offered.
The grandiose of the offering is irrelevant;
The Theoi smile upon a pious person scraping bits of incense from the floor and wholeheartedly giving.
agreed!
so just to be clear can i eat the food that i put onto a gods alter? because i've been putting the food on there, let it sit for 2 day and then i eat it. the gods being Apollo and Dionysus
Goblin Core? Hehe :P Thank you for the video lovely
Heyyy love your channel so much . after bringing through your vids i concluded that you really have a fascination with philosophy. Do you pray to apollo given he is the god of knowledge and philosophy (it's not widely known) . You might give it a try. Have a great day . He has helped me learn so much and i feel so many epiphanies come through him . He's a wonderful God for one seeking knowledge.
I personally like to pray to Athena for Knowledge. And I certainly like musing about things but find classical philosophy not to my taste
So I didn't know you couldn't share offerings with chathonic dietys and I would just eat food offerings after some time they were given to avoid waste. I would ask the diety beforehand and most of the times they would allow it so I would just do that so I will stop do that with chatonic dietys so I'm very gratefull
What do you know about the Muses Melpomene Clio Calliope and Euterpe? What should I offer them or are offerings generic to any gods
I would go with ouranic type offerings! Milk, honey, wine, dedications, etc, etc.
@@FeltheBlithe thank you for the tip.
how did you learn all this?
reading a lot of books and blogs!
hi
What are some safe scents that you burn in your alters? I have sugar gliders and they have extremely sensitive noses. I want to burn incense but it may hurt their noses, and my mom is allergic to it. Could anyone here share any suggestions or something you use?
Edit: Also, If I just offered songs I play or write or sing as offerings to the gods, would that count?
songs would definitely count! honestly if you have people or creatures who are sensitive, I would recommend not burning any at all and either use candles or steam (like the steam from coffee, tea or hot food) or something intangible (such as singing or art)
do you think one can develop a personal bond with a deity? because i dont and im very curious about your opinion.
I do think we can, we see this constantly talked about in the ancient world as well
@@FeltheBlithe thanks for your reply even after all this time 💖 i recently moved away from hellenism though, and towards protestantism. i found a way to combine my love for nature and the ancient philosophies with choosing for Christ. keep up your teachings and follow your dreams, have a nice day 🌻✨
@@zeeschelpIf you really liked the Classical philosophies, you should have chosen Catholicism or Orthodoxy
@@WildMen4444 Hahah funny, because after 1-2 years I have chosen Catholicism! Old-Catholicism to be precise
Why buy wine if you can make your own?? :)) or grape juice & then just let it be *fermenting* n then take care how to store it so it wont spoil...
Did not Paul speak boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and dispute against the Hellenists? You cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven. There is only ONE GOD...One Savior...Jesus Christ of Nazareth
👍
Hellenic pagans don'twant to go to heaven anyways 🤦
Who says we wanted to enter that kingdom?
@wildmen5025 Well theres only 2 options..Kingdom of Heaven or Kingdom of Hell with Satan and all of his demons & Fire burning & tormenting the soul forever. I choose the Kingdom of Heaven with God Almighty. Have it your way...God doesnt force..we all have free will. You can choose your Father & go there with him when you perish