Hearthfire Handworks
Festivals: Poseidea
Although only one festival of this name is attested and that in the region of Marathon, it does seem likely, given the existence of a month called Poseidion, that at one time […]
Festivals: Boreaia (An Exercise in Modern Festival-building)
As far as I know, there was no ancient Greek festival that went by the name of Boreaia. If there were, it probably would not be thematically similar to this one. There […]
Festivals: Maimakteria
The festival of Maimakteria is very obscure, but surely took place in the month of Maimakterion, and likely honored Zeus Maimaktes or “blustering Zeus” Given the name of the month and the […]
A Prayer to Artemis and Apollo, Protectors of Youth
I posted this prayer on my blog for prayers and rituals but I am also posting it here with a bit of commentary. A few years back, I wrote a lot of […]
The Peplos of Athena
One of the traditions associated with ancient Athens’ greatest festival, the Panathenaia, was the presentation of a new peplos to Athena Polias on the Acropolis. This was no mere symbolic gift; the […]
Festivals: The Chalkeia
The Chalkeia was held in Athens on the last day of Pyanepsion; it was a festival of smiths and artisans honoring Hephaistos and Athena. The festival appears to have included a procession, […]
Festivals: The Genesia
The Genesia was held as a public festival honoring the dead on 5 Boedromion in Athens. It is uncertain how the Genesia related to private or family rites honoring individual ancestors (held […]
Greek Pagan Basics: Honoring the Dead
For a lot of modern pagans, this is the time of year when it is especially appropriate to honor the dead. The Irish Samhain, widely observed in the modern pagan community, the […]
My Eiresione
Here is my wildly inexpertly-crafted eiresione, made from a fallen apple branch, wound with wool I spun (also inexpertly :)) last year, with small vials of wine, olive oil and honey tied [… ]
Festivals: Pyanepsia
On 7 Pyanepsion in Attica, Apollo was honored at the Pyanepsia (Pyanopsia, Puanepsia), a festival that takes its name from a dish of beans and grains traditionally offered and eaten on this […]
Greek Pagan Basics: How to Write a Prayer
When it comes to prayer, there aren’t a lot of rules. Prayer can be as simple, direct and informal as talking to the gods, off the cuff, in a time of need […]
Eiresione checklist
Pyanepsia is on its way and I’m getting ready to make the eiresione. Apple branch, check. (Olives are so far from native to my region that it isn’t even funny. Apples we […]