As a devotee and worshipper of both Apollo and Dionysus, I find the contrast in this artwork mildly comical.
I mean, you look at Apollo’s side and it’s so pristine. All the muses are beautifully dressed and involved in something productive or academic. Apollo is actually seated with some sense of authority. It’s a very beautiful scene.
And then you look over to Dionysus’ side…
… and the fucking tree is on fire.
No one is fully dressed, tits out everywhere, everyone’s drunk, no one is doing anything remotely productive, Dionysus is lounging around half naked.
I just- I love them both so much. Knowing them has made my life such an adventure ☀️
They said to me Apollon knows no love Nonsense, I replied For how could a god with so much melody in his heart, full of gold and silver, hyacinths and laurels know no love at all?
I got covid at christmas dinner with my fam, how’s that. Anyways, because of it i have connected more with Apollo because of his health aspect and after researching a bit for adding to my grimoire I read many posts saying how they couldn’t worship their deities properly because they saw everyone doing it in a certain way so that made them compare themselves with that certain everyone and made them insecure about their practice…
Which is a mood tbh.
And I feel I have said so many times the same thing on my posts but I will dedicate one just for this, do what it feels right for you and remember social media is fake. So, first, with the social media thing, some of your favorite bloggers or whatever you follow regarding your worship most of the times won’t tell you when they fuck up. I personally don’t sit everyday and say “oh this last month I didn’t move a finger for my worship because of x and x reason” because I don’t feel the need of sharing it, and I know many others who feel the same.
Imagine this hypothetical scenario. Your mom asks you how you’re doing at school, work, college, whatever and you’re doing really bad because of x reason. The probability you will open up and be honest is very low, we all probably want to say “i’m doing great, achieving all my goals, etc” so when we are not we just rather avoid it. The same happens with worship. There will be exceptions of posts in which we say we fucked up in certains ways, but that wont be constant because the human race has been known for not accepting their mistakes, who would be proud of them tbh.
This leads me to my next point which is don’t be scared to fuck up, the fact that you don’t see everyone messing up doesn’t mean it’s not common to do so… I’m pretty sure everyone has had their downs when it comes to worshipping, the important part is to be able to recover and do something about it. Find a way of worship you feel comfortable with, not a way of worship someone else feels comfortable with.
If there’s something I really like about Hellenism and Paganism in general is how personal the practice can be, there is not a book full of rules to follow, they are just some ground rules and from that you can create your own beautiful practice that fits into your lifestyle and way of living your religious aspect of life.
So please, don’t compare yourself to people on social media and the way they practice, that’s their personal way that fits into their lifestyle not yours.
Really short post but im sick so i would rather go to sleep, goodnight and trust your gut.
I have been intensely occupied with college but everytime I manage to gain 10 or 15 minutes between my classes, I quickly go outside to start humming a lullaby and slightly dance under the sun for Apollo, it brings me so much joy I can not put it into words. I am always grateful for this life.
My experience related to Lord Apollo and the waves of inspiration for art. He is really kind.
Good morning everyone, I’m again with a new discovering : ) !! (aaagain english is not my first language so I hope you understand hehe)
Yesterday I decided to sat under the sun and draw anything inspired in a playlist that I was listening. It is essential to know that I’ve never -and when I say never it is really never- learnt how to draw anything and much less how to draw anatomy !! I can barely draw a simple’s kid butterfly or those stick man drawings lol but as I sat down under the sun I felt like I knew what I had to do, I felt a wave of inspiration and I started drawing a human body helping myself with geometric figures, mainly circles, ovals and triangles and it’s kinda crazy ????? because I have never payed attention to any sketch like that and I still managed to make it !! so guess what ! I ended up drawing a girl figure shape kneeling and recieving like some sunlights with her hands forming a cup while her face is looking kinda up. The drawing feels so ethereal even when it’s just a sketch but I am surprised of myself, I really mean it.
I am honestly and deeply grateful with Lord Apollo.I can’t even find the words to describe how wonderful, warm and kind he is or how grateful I am to him.
Sadly It is a real shame I don’t have my phone right now because my charger died but as soon as I get a new one I’ll for sure upload the drawing, I promise.
Is there any new experiences you guys had these days related to Apollo or any other deity? I’d love to know.
Well, I hope you have a wonderful day today, thank you for your time.
Lots of love,
Miel <3
Here’s what I promised !! I know it probably has mistakes but I am really surprised for what I have created !! <3
My experience related to Lord Apollo and the waves of inspiration for art. He is really kind.
Good morning everyone, I’m again with a new discovering : ) !! (aaagain english is not my first language so I hope you understand hehe)
Yesterday I decided to sat under the sun and draw anything inspired in a playlist that I was listening. It is essential to know that I’ve never -and when I say never it is really never- learnt how to draw anything and much less how to draw anatomy !! I can barely draw a simple’s kid butterfly or those stick man drawings lol but as I sat down under the sun I felt like I knew what I had to do, I felt a wave of inspiration and I started drawing a human body helping myself with geometric figures, mainly circles, ovals and triangles and it’s kinda crazy ????? because I have never payed attention to any sketch like that and I still managed to make it !! so guess what ! I ended up drawing a girl figure shape kneeling and recieving like some sunlights with her hands forming a cup while her face is looking kinda up. The drawing feels so ethereal even when it’s just a sketch but I am surprised of myself, I really mean it.
I am honestly and deeply grateful with Lord Apollo.I can’t even find the words to describe how wonderful, warm and kind he is or how grateful I am to him.
Sadly It is a real shame I don’t have my phone right now because my charger died but as soon as I get a new one I’ll for sure upload the drawing, I promise.
Is there any new experiences you guys had these days related to Apollo or any other deity? I’d love to know.
Well, I hope you have a wonderful day today, thank you for your time.
Good morning everyone, today I’m with another story as an Apollo devotee which makes me really happy ! (please consider that english is not my first language, I am self-taught)
To begin with the story, some days ago I started to feel a really a strong conection with art, which I have not practiced for years !! Therefore, with this new event happening, I’ve been offering a lot of handmade things to Apollo, such as letters, poems, drawings, lemon cookies and more. I made them to honor him with full love and happiness but never expected something in return. Although the only thing I’d have loved was to feel him or communicate with him but it wasn’t any petition so I was okay with it BUT !! and this is where the healing part begins I have had neck and back problems due to my unhealed bone spine for several years now and yesterday, for some reason, it was very painful to bear so I went to take a nap positioning myself upside down. I don’t remember how I asked or what I did but at that moment I thought about Apollo and healing… as extraordinary as it sounds, some minutes later after that thought, I started to feel my neck really really warm as if someone were placing their hand on it producing heat to heal it. I was really really surprised and I felt -undoubtely- that it was Apollo !! so with great shyness and shame I asked him to please do the same with my back if it wasn’t too much to ask because I was in real pain and, again, some seconds later after my question, I started to feel that exact same heat on my lower back too, exactly where it hurt the most !! I knew for sure it was him, it was undeniable. I couldn’t feel him in my room exactly but I felt his warmth near me.
I am flooded with great gratitude, I still smile when I remember about his warmth.
Now I cannot do anything with my body without thinking “I am not in pain anymore, he released it”. I am deeply grateful Lord Apollo.
Hello it’s me again with a post I was meant to put online three weeks ago! I’ve done several of these: Artemis-Demeter - I also made one for Hermes during my 30 days challenge but I’ve just realized it’s quite short so I will be making a new one again at some point in the future.
What are devotional acts?
Devotional acts, or devotional activities/practices are things one can do in order to honor a deity, just like one would do with physical offerings or prayer. In short, instead of giving, say, wine, you will offer time and energy (the mundane one). You would typically look at a deity’s domains and pick some things related to them.
So here is a list of things you might do, in the hope that it would spark some ideas. Of course the list in non-exhaustive !
☀️Study academic fields (sciences or humanities) - dedicating your studies to him can be one of the easiest devotional act you can do. Can be for school/uni/work or simply your research related to the hellenic path. He’s all about the pursuit of knowledge so no matter the field, you can dedicate this time to him. It’s a side of him that is a bit forgotten as people will think of Athena first, but it is completely in line with his domains as a god of Knowledge and Education.
☀️ Art and Music making and appreciation - he is the god of music and all the fine arts so you can dedicate the practice of these things to him and call upon his aid to develop your skills and sensibilities. The mastery of Arts requires the combination of technical skills, emotional sensibility, the capacity to break down things mentally, and the creativity to bring out solutions, things that are his domains as a god of Reason and Expression. If you don’t make art, you can simply dedicate some time to your appreciation of those fields by going to an exhibition or a concert.
☀️Honoring the Muses - his epithet Musagetesmeans leader of the muses and is meant to connect him to the Arts, as previously mentioned. However, you could also take that more litteraly and devote your time forming a relationship with the Muses to him.
☀️Write and appreciate poetry - made this a separate entry for how important this was to the Ancients. Without judging yourself, write your thoughts and feelings freely and see it as an expression of your mind and soul. Alternatively, lose yourself into the writings of others.
☀️ Working around health - Apollo is the god who inflicts but also relieves plagues, and the father of Asclepios. He is thus linked to the medical field and any practice related to that would be a great idea. One of his epithets, Acestor, means healer.
☀️Philosophy- Apollo is the patron of those who seek truth and wisdom, so not only would studying philosophies and religions be a neat idea, the most important would be to adopt that mindset and make sure you reflect on your values, the meaning of your life, your place in society, etc… The delphic maxims can be a good place to start, not to use them as dogmas but rather to stimulate your own thoughts and spark questions. When I think of Apollo I think of a god who wants us to keep questioning the world and ourself and push us to a better understanding of things and to build our own sense of ethics.
☀️Introspection - As an extension of that, practising a form of introspection as a way to shed light on the most unknown parts of yourself and seeking understanding of your whole self. Keep an journal to write down your introspection sessions can be a great devotional act and would draw his good influence upon you.
☀️Pursue the best version of yourself (with kindness) - to some extent all gods want to see you become the best version of yourself, but I don’t know why, maybe it’s a bit of an UPG, but I see Apollo as the one who thrives for perfection the most and works hard for that. Just be careful that this doesn’t become unhealthy and that you are always doing this with kindness and love for yourself.
☀️Celebrate the blessings the light and the warmth of the sun gives us - he isn’t the Sun himself (that is Helios) but he is undeniably linked to the Sun and its light so he is the one I go to when I want to celebrate the bright season and its blessings. Personally I intend to celebrate the summer solstice with him.
☀️Practice methods of divination - he is the god of prophecy and oracles and one you can go to to improve your ability to divine. He isn’t the only god whose domain is of one form of divination (Hermes has ornithomancy and astragyromancy, and Zeus had oracles), but he was the one who spoke through the Pythia so you can dedicate the development of your psychic senses to him. Also, Tarot is a relatively modern invention but I link it to him due to the fact that it’s an elaborated system through which spontaneous insight arises.
☀️Teaching- giving a drawing or music class, or just anything really. The idea of transferring your knowledge and allowing someone else to become more skilled at something. Especially great with the youth since Apollo is one of its protectors.
☀️Crafting things for your altar - maybe you want to make a laurel wreath (his sacred plant) to DIY your altar, or what about a scented candle containing solar plants, you could also use clay to shape little elements that you will paint later as a decoration. The possibilities are endless!
☀️Note on donations: an alternative to practising the activities I previously mentioned, you could also give your money to those causes and domains. For example: by supporting local artists or health-workers.
a quick guide to the holiday of the summer solstice
WHAT DAYS IS IT CELEBRATED?
Its celebrated on the longest day of the year. In the NH this is usually from 20-23rd June. Most people celebrate it on the 21st June or across the 3 days. In the SH it’s usually from 20-23rdDecember.
WHAT DOES IT CELEBRATE?
It’s a celebration of the longest day of the year with the shortest night. It also celebrates the peak of summer, the sun being in its fullest,passion,success,ferlitity of the earth and growth.
TRADITIONAL WICCA CELEBRATION?
It traditionally celebrates the pregnancy of the Goddess and the Sun God being at his most powerful and full potential.
honestly even if you are a “stereotypical” worshipper of a god, you’re still doing great. You’re a Dionysian that likes to get drunk? Good, just be safe! You’re a chaotic bisexual Apollonian? That’s okay! You’re an Ace or lesbian Artemisian who wants to chill in the woods? That’s okay! You’re doing great! You’re an Aphrodite worshipper who’s really into pink, self love, and sea aesthetics? You’re doing lovely!
Your worship isn’t lesser even if it’s what people expect. Your relationship can still be deep and interpersonal. You’re doing amazing — don’t doubt yourself.
Holding Apollo’s hand is really nice. Very warm. I feel so safe whenever he’s around. He likes giving me head pats and backrubs to help me sleep and I am very grateful for it. He probably wants me to sleep like, right now though.
Also,, naps in the afternoon with the sun shining in through the cracks in the blinds is top tier. I love sun dad.
Did I mention head pats? Also cuddling. Sun dad warm, very warm. I love Apollo so much. He gives fantastic cuddles and hugs.
Hermes and Dionysus like to join in too, but mainly Hermes. Not like I’m complaining though, I will gladly take any and all forms of affection they dish out. Also it’s very warm when they’re all around. Gotta stan a cuddle pile.
I finally did my first proper libation for Apollo and my heart is racing I’m so soft–
I did it before but I wasn’t that happy with it, but now I actually got the chance to pour milk in a pretty wine glass and got to put it on his altar. I am actually so proud of myself I’m sobbing
I lit his candle up so I could tell him about it and I was just so happy, and when I saw the flame in his candle was forming a heart shape I just could not and still cannot physically handle it I feel like my chest is gonna explode.
He seems so happy, like the flame was like dancing around in the candle. I could feel his energy and it felt so light and idk happy?? It felt like he was looking down at me and was like “I’m very proud of you” with a smile on his face snsnfbdbdnfbdj
“While the world saw my encounter with Apollo as further proof of my strange mind, I saw that the day he had come to me in the temple was like a lightning bolt shattering the center of my life, the cracks in the earth spiraling from it in every direction. I knew that the madness within me had not been building to that moment, but rather that the echoes of his devastation had rung back through my years as well as forward. Such was the power of Apollo: he could shatter my existence from beginning to end.”
Poetry, music, letters, and/or hymns you’ve written
Art you’ve made
Photos you’ve taken
Golden jewelry
Lgbtia+ flags(especially bi or pan since he’s described as having female & male lovers)
Divination items(tarot, oracle, pendulum, etc)
21+ Offerings:
Wine diluted with pure water
Devotional Acts:
Read/write poetry, hymns, letters,songs, etc
Sing to him
Take care of your mental health, remember to take your medicine if you have any
Try and/or practice archery and possibly even compete in archery competitions in his honor
Try different types of divination
Watch the sunrise
Go for a walk in the sunlight
Let more sunlight into your home
Learn a musical instrument or learn how to sing
Learn simple medical care like CPR
Read his myths, hymns, & poems
Learn about his lovers
Attend pride
Support LGBTIA+ rights
Honor Leto & Artemis
Pray to him often, for guidance, healing, good health, inspiration, prophecy, or truth
Support LGBTIA+ owned businesses
Support small time and/or local indie artists, writers, & musicians
Donate to medical charities
Help street medics at protests
Digital Devotions:
Make an E-shrine
Make a moodboard
Write blogs on archery, medicine, music, arts, writing
If you have a divination service you can dedicate it to him
Altar/shrine ideas
Include a lot of solar imagery, bow & arrow statues & imagery, yellow or orange candles, statues or art of him & his sacred animals(snakes, wolves, foxes, deer, dolphins, crows, hawks), his stones, herbal medicines, musical pieces, divination tools, snake imagery, lyre statues & depictions
i don’t know whether i was drawn to lord apollon because of my love for academia or my devotion to music or my fondness of just sitting outside letting the light caress my face or my passion for learning history or my excitement towards art. but honestly, i don’t think it matters. i was captivated by him all the same.
Divine epithets crop up in even the most shallow dive into Ancient Greek religion and prayer. According to Merriam-Webster, an epithet is “a characterizing word or phrase accompanying or occurring in place of the name of a person or thing”. Most epithets come after the name of the god or goddess, but there are exceptions to this rule (like Φοῖβος Apollon, or Phoibos/Phoebus Apollon).
Types of Epithets
When it comes to divinities, there are two types of epithets: toponymic and functional. A toponymic epithet is a place-name (ex: Apollon Δηλιος, or Apollon of Delos). A functional epithet describes a specific aspect or association of the deity in question (ex: Apollon Αλεξικακος, or Apollon Alexikakos, who was called upon to avert evil).
How were Epithets Used?
Epithets were generally used during prayer and sacrifice to specify the particular aspect of the god one was sacrificing to- you wouldn’t want to call upon Apollon in his plague aspect when you were praying for healing! In The Iliad, we can see an example of prayer using epithets when Chryses prays to Apollon (1.43-49). He describes Apollon as “God of the Silver Bow” and “Smintheus, god of the plague”. Both of these are functional epithets that describe Apollon and his plague aspect.
Are Epithets Important?
Generally, epithets are heavily used in prayers. However, the Theoi will NOT punish or ignore you for using the wrong epithet. There is only one documented case in which someone suffers because they sacrificed to the wrong aspect of a god: in Xenophon’s Anabasis, Xenophon is warned by a seer that he is suffering bad financial luck because he is only sacrificing to Zeus Βασιλευς (Basileus) and neglected Zeus Μειλιχιος (Meilikhios).
Conclusion
Personally, I use the tricolon style of prayer prevalent in Ancient Greek literature. However, it is my personal opinion that you have the liberty of deviating outside the general “formula” of prayer, and this freedom is protected by the cycle of Χάρις that you have built with the Theoi.
Sources:
Besides the sources I mentioned in the post (The Iliad and Anabasis), I referenced Simon Pulleyn’s Prayer in Greek Religion (which I highly recommend for people interested in the subject), and the article “Epithets, divine (Greece and Rome)” by Sylvain Lebreton. In addition, I used the Theoi.com articles on epithets of ApollonandZeus.
