Rachel Alexander's Blog, page 210
May 10, 2019
honeygob:
thethingsiveseen-photography:
How could I...
How could I forget…
[id/ Four close up pictures of forget-me-nots. /End]
via-appia:
Gold snake rings. Snakes were a common motif in...
Gold snake rings. Snakes were a common motif in jewelry during Roman times. They were associated with healing and the god Asclepius, with protection, as well as resurrection, and immortality.
Roman,
c. 1st century BC - 1st century AD
May 9, 2019
I want to thank you because you actually introduced me to Hadestown and, as someone who’s been a musical theater fan for most of my life, I don’t know how I never came across that masterpiece. It’s all I’ve been listening to for weeks now and I’ve been abl
I couldn’t agree more and I am so happy I got to introduce it to you!
Practical tips for Hellenic Khthonic Ritual
Khthonic deities are of the earth or ‘under’ it so offerings were made outside on low altars (escharai) or into specially dug pits.
For libations wine was replaced with water, milk, honey or blood.
Animals sacrificed were black in contrast to white, which were reserved for Ouranic (sky) deities.
Rituals were traditionally performed at night.
Seeing as animal sacrifice is frowned upon nowadays and not feasible for most practitioners, votive offerings can be offered instead, i.e. black animal figurines, predominantly sheep and rams.
Other offerings may include coins as traditionally an obol or oboloi (plural) was used as currency in Hades.
Epithets were used more than plain names. Persephone - Kore (Maiden,) Carpophorus (Bringer of Fruit), Despoina (Mistress), Praxidice (Exacter of Justice). Hades - Aidoneos (The Hidden), Necron Soter (Saviour of the Dead), Eubouleus (Good Counselor), Necrodegmon (Receiver of the Dead), Plouton (Wealth), Polydektes (Receiver of Many Guests), Theon Khthonios (God of the Underworld).
Any food offerings were wholly burned or buried (holocaust), none of it was shared with the ritual attendees as with Ouranic offerings.
Gods associated with or make the Underworld their home includes Hades, Kore, Hekate, Hermes Khthonios, Kerberus, Erinyes (Furies), Kronos, Thanatos, Charon, Hypnos, The Moirae and Nyx, among a myriad of others.
Heroes and ancestors were also worshipped in this manner, thought to exert great power from their tombs and the Underworld. F’ex, Asklepios and Herakles.
Caves or deep chasms were also thought to be gateways to the Underworld though mortals were discouraged from venturing there before their time.Disclaimer - This is solely from personal research and in no way indicative of how everyone should approach Khthonic ritual. Feel free to omit or adjust anything you see fit.
latent-thoughts:
ysvyri:
“Nyx” - My painting of the night...
“Nyx” - My painting of the night goddess Nyx done for International Women’s Day. This painting was supported by the wonderful people over on my Patreon
Limited edition prints are available in my shop (links in profile)
