#eclecticism

LIVE

It is not surprising that Thanatos does not appear very often in ancient texts. Since he is the deity of (and simultaneously the personification of) Death, he was feared more than he was honored or openly worshiped. Even today, most people are weary dealing with any entity that has such a direct relationship with “That Which Resides Below” because of preconceived notions that there is something inherently negative or morally unacceptable to evoke something of that nature (I will write more fully about this some other time and discuss what I believe to be the inherent ambiguity of deities, their general separation from human ideas of moral good/evil). Hence, we do not have a lot of instruction as to how to interact with him “properly” so to speak.

Therefore, it is common to hear that Thanatos does not care for offerings and that he is chief among the Hellenic Pantheon to have no sacred plants or animals attributed to him. And although this may be true, historically, I do not think this means that it is impossible to interact with him today, or that it is inappropriate or unacceptable (or “bad”) to allot him traditional offerings and deal with him as you would any other deity. In other words, I don’t think these misgivings should prevent us from building a healthy and didactic relationship with him.

So, as I understand it, the concept that “Thanatos does not care for gifts” is a not entirely true. Really, it should read: “Thanatos does not care for bribes.” This means giving for the sake of getting something in return; giving as transaction or persuasion. Thanatos does not respond well to those who try to sway him one way or another (for good or for bad) because he is nothing if not just, honest, and fair; he does not take well to silver-tongues and cheats. However, giving for the sake of thanks, for honor, for respect or adoration? These are not problematic. Building a shrine or altar to share with him in order to show that you are open to his presence and willing to learn? This is welcome. Having done these things, I have come to believe that Thanatos is not inaccessible at all. He has lessons to teach too. He has stories to share.

For anyone who is even just the slightest bit curious about how to begin offering to him, here are some things I personally (UPG) find appropriate (and safe) to give. By no means is this an exhaustive list (and it is constantly growing and changing). These are just examples of what I have used so far and saw to be well-received.

Flowers and Trees: Daffodils, Willow, Mugwort or Wormwood, Lavender, Lilies (Yellow Spider-Lilies in particular), rose, poppy
Food and Drink: Pomegranate (juice, seeds, etc. and anything made with it as a central ingredient), Manna Bread or Seeds/Grain, Wine, Blood Orange (juice, flesh, etc.)
Herbal Incense: Myrrh, Frankincense, Jasmine, Musk, Sandalwood, Willowbark, Dracaena (known as “Dragon’s Blood”), Opium
Crystals and Gemstones: Garnet, Smoky Quartz, Obsidian, Onyx, Tourmaline, Mookaite, Lapis Lazuli (the darker the shade, the better)
Miscellaneous:Music, Butterflies (actual or images), Candles (blacks and dark blues or purples or dark reds), Bones (or, if you are reluctant to handle real remains, any replicas or related items are appreciated as well, such as resin casts or even a large, bronze wishbone. The image and its meaning is just as important as the actual substance of the thing in question…at least, this is what I believe), horns, and other “leftovers” of once living things so long as they are clean (again, Thanatos is no fan of a mess). Also, leaving items to slowly expel their life-force upon the altar can be a special gift. Interoperate this last one as you wish…so long as you remember that Thanatos watches over gentle, peaceful death. Anything done with violence, hate, or negativity will dishonor him, and at worst, may seriously offend him.

As you can see, I’ve found that what makes for good offerings for Thanatos are really not all that different (materially) from those of any other deity in the canon. Ultimately, the same rules always apply: respectful dedication from the heart, in any form, is always appreciated and never unbecoming.