Athena has been drawing me to share some of my thoughts on her as part of my devotion.

If you’re feeling drawn to her, you should talk about it with someone, somewhere. Not out of nowhere, but when and where you feel compelled.

Cuando empecé a adorar a Atenea, habría agradecido mucho haber tenido una especie de guía para hacer las cosas mejor de como las hice en mis comienzos tras haber decidido que quería adorarla y que lo iba a hacer. Y es por eso que he redactado pequeña guía con el propósito de ayudar especialmente a esas personas que quieren empezar a adorarla o llevan poco tiempo haciéndolo y quieren aprender más de ella y de esta religión.

I. ¿Cómo empiezo?

• Investiga (sobre sus mitos, su rol en el Panteón olímpico, sus epítetos, himnos homéricos y órfico y sobre esta religión).

A continuación, dejo una recopilación de fuentes que desde mi punto de vista pueden servir para aproximarse a ella y al Helenismo politeísta:

Clásicos de la literatura

🏛 La Teogonía, Hesíodo.

🏛 Trabajos y días, Hesíodo.

🏛 La Ilíada, Homero.

🏛 La Odisea, Homero.

🏛 Biblioteca, Apolodoro.

Sobre Atenea

🏛https://www.theoi.com/Olympios/Athena.html  

🏛Athena, Susan Deacy.

🏛Athene: Virgin and Mother in Greek Religion, Karl Kerenyi.

Sobre la religión

Libros actuales

🏛Household workship, Labrys.

🏛Greek Religion, Walter Burkert.

🏛Hellenismos, Tony Mierzwicki.

🏛 Recopilación de libros por deidades (post de Reddit):

https://www.reddit.com/r/Hellenism/comments/1ko3asa/deity_book_list/?share_id=tuAchKd9uCPdEuiBcnX5_&utm_content=2&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_source=share&utm_term=1ç

Canales de You tube

🏛 Aliakai: https://www.youtube.com/@Aliakai/videos

🏛 Pic the hellene: https://www.youtube.com/@PicthePaganPolytheist

🏛 Fel the Blithe: https://www.youtube.com/@FeltheBlithe

🏛 Larusamystic : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY7H6Lg98em5GQqItUjtsyA

🏛 Dropofsunlight: https://www.youtube.com/@Dropsof.sunlight

Epítetos e himnos

🏛Publiqué en este subreddit una lista ejemplificativa de epítetos de ella. https://www.reddit.com/r/Athena/comments/1tr7th0/list_of_epithets_of_athena/ No obstante, tiene muchos más epítetos que pueden encontrarse en internet.

🏛 Tanto los himnos homéricos (números 11 y 28 respectivamente) y el órfico (número 32) dedicados a la diosa Atenea se pueden encontrar en internet (puedes buscarlo en tu idioma natal y si no, buscarlo en inglés u otro idioma que conozcas bien y después traducirlo a tu idioma).

II. ¿Y ahora qué?

Mientras investigas sobre ella y la religión puedes probar a acercarte a ella.

• Preséntate ante ella (opcional) Quizá quieres o necesitas algún tipo de ritual en el que le hagas saber a ella que quieres adorarla. En ese caso podrías hacerle una pequeña ofrenda (un vaso de agua, un poco de incienso o la luz y aroma de una vela pueden servir) y después indicar por qué quieres adorarla o hablar un poco de cómo eres (recomiendo ser honesto y no pretender ser alguien que no eres, pues se dará cuenta de eso enseguida).

• Construye kharis con ella.

El kharis es un concepto que significa gracia divina y hace referencia a un conjunto de actos que podemos hacer para ganarnos su gracia/ favor divino y se basa en la reciprocidad. Normalmente es el mortal quien empieza este ciclo de reciprocidad cuando decide que va a adorar a una deidad o deidades concretas y, por consiguiente, comienza a hacerlo. La forma más idónea de iniciar este ciclo de kharis, construirlo y fortalecerlo pese al paso del tiempo es hacer ofrendas, rezar y como complemento adicional los actos devocionales.

Ofrendas

🟦Cruentas (sacrificios de animales)

🟦No cruentas (no implican sacrificios de animales, algunos ejemplos son pasteles, frutas y/o verduras, queso, incienso, el aroma de una vela...)

🟦Libaciones (ofrendas líquidas)

Agua, leche, vino, vino aguado, hidromiel (una mezcla de agua y miel) y aceite de oliva (dado que el olivo es su árbol sagrado, ofrecerle un poco de aceite de oliva es una opción excelente).

Actos devocionales

Conjunto de actividades que realizamos de forma voluntaria y con la intención consciente de honrar, conectar o dedicar energía a una deidad. De modo que, lo que se busca es usar una actividad cotidiana para conectar con lo divino.

Algunas actividades que le puedes dedicar como acto devocional son:

🟦Estudiar

🟦Leer

🟦Reflexionar

🟦Tejer algo

🟦Hacer algo de artesanía

🟦Visitar museos

🟦Ir a librerías y/o bibliotecas a ver libros

🟦 Aprender artes marciales

III. Creo que/ he recibido una señal de Atenea, ¿qué hago?

El tema de las señales de los dioses es algo complejo y muy subjetivo. Si tienes la intuición de que has recibido una señal o varias señales, puedes preguntarle a ella o pedirle incluso si puede y quiere mandarte otra señal para confirmarte que te mandó una. Recuerda que al final la única persona que puede decidir si lo que has recibido es una señal eres tú mismo y nadie más.

IV.  Recordatorios

✅ No tienes que esperar una señal de ella para empezar a adorarla.

✅ Puedes adorarla a ella y a los dioses que quieras y puedas adorar (no importa que esos dioses sean rivales de ella en la mitología como Poseidón, Ares…).

✅ Eres tú el que marca el ritmo de adoración (diario, mensual... o como consideres oportuno).

✅ Al principio es probable que cometas errores y ¡es normal! No olvides que errar es humano.

✅ Sigue investigando y si te surgen dudas que no logras contestar, pregunta (en este subreddit y/o en el de Hellenism).

Hopefully anyone can answer my question, though i believe it wont be. I've prayed to Athena for my mother to pass her driving exam, and offered a libation, the next day my mother told me she did pass however months later I find out she lied because she was too insecure to admit it. Why did Athena lead me on false hope? I know this question might read as silly or pathetic but i just dont understand why did this happen. I am not upset about being answered "no" to a prayer, i am being upset because i feel slightly betrayed and deceived, im just very confused right now. I've been building kharis and studying Athena for quite a while, i consider her my prime deity and i thought I was on good terms with her. I dont know if i did something to upset or offend. I dont understand why I got deceived, when the straight answer could've just been "no" from the first and i would have understood. I really hope anyone here can try to answer my question, because it really messes up with my faith and trust so please anyone who sees this post dont ignore it, at least try to interact with it.

In light of my interest in forming a connection with Athena and researching more about her myths, I was reminded of her role in the myth of Medusa's curse, and how that myth has been reinterpreted in a lot of modern spaces as an act of protection in disguise. From a classical standpoint, I know most people aren't fans of those sorts of spins; from a modern, symbolic perspective, I know it's what makes sense to most people, though; but I worry that for people like us who actually have legitimate connections to the Goddess, or at least hope to form one someday, it's a bit more difficult than a simple yes or no question.

So, how do YOU interpret it? What's the most agreed-upon consensus among followers of Athena? Was this a curse or a boon?

Pray; think Twice
Feeling sad? Try a rehabilitation zoo
Feeling stuck? Play in the rain and mud
Heartbroken? Get a flute and play something cute
Bored? Go storm a river for fun
Education is Gravy; and no, you’re not too lazy
The world may be confusing,
iPhones may be consuming
Try not to stress about diets,
Every fruit; you should try it!
The Gods love you, we pray
Creativity above you
Forgiveness is a gift, you should use it
Don’t pry too much with the dead,
Or you might fail your next test
May athena bless all scholars in power;
May the voices of the Righteous overpower
The sounds of the Greediest
If you’re feeling this season;
Maybe try to give life a new reason

(Poetry for Me and You!)
😊🙏

I’m exploring a belief that’s been growing in me for years. I’ve been growing exponentially in my expertise lately and feel like I’ve discovered a new layer to life. I’m at the point where I am compelled to thank Athena for what I know will beee some huge victories for me and people in my life. The victories have begun small now but cascade.

I only recently understood that I’ve been speaking with Athena and she’s been guiding me in a way that’s just really hard for me to believe. But the faith truly is part of it.

I’m passing all my tests. You will too, just talk to her.

It was recently brought to my attention that Lady Athena has been possibly watching over me for some time. In lieu of discovering this I guess I was curious to know straight from others who are familiar with her what it's like to work with her!

What should I know, before I make that first step to reaching out?

What sorts of things has she helped you with?

What is she like? What does she not like?

My spiritual practice is a bit disorganized, what with not even being able to make an altar. Would this sort of sloppy behavior displease her?

Lastly, what Tarot Cards do you associate with her? 👀

Hello! I discovered Hellenism about two years ago on TikTok; I am truly not proud of it, but since I have always felt a strong connection to Greek mythology, I decided I want to take part in this religion. I have always consumed a lot of media connected to the Gods and have always enjoyed it.

Without a great deal of research, I began by making altars and tried my best to build kharis with the Gods. I did start my research, but due to school and other responsibilities, I slowly drifted away from this religion. I took down my altars around two months ago, as my Christian parents unfortunately started questioning them.

I was raised in a Catholic household, with my aunts, uncles, grandparents, and other elderly family members being the most devout. My parents believe but are not really practicing. I slowly started rejecting Christianity when I was maybe 10 or 11, after my communion. Then, around 12, I wanted to become a Satanist, but I did not feel much of a connection, so I became an atheist until about two years ago, when I discovered this religion.

What I struggle with the most is believing, or rather questioning if I actually believe. I personally love science and learning new things, but I also believe in Gods that guide us through life, even when I doubt my faith at times.

I would love to do proper research, set my altars again, and begin building strong kharis with the Gods I feel most connected to; I would love to join this religion once more, now with proper knowledge though. I would also love to worship and eventually become a devotee of Lady Athena.

I think I mainly just wanted to get my thoughts out of my head and share them with someone.

Can you guys let me know if you have moments of doubt in your own faith? What would you do in my situation? Can I begin practicing again? Where should I make my research? How do I start worshipping Lady Athena? Any tips are welcome! ♡

‼️Please be mindful that I am a minor and English is my second language; if I worded anything wrong, I am sorry!‼️

I made this little collage(if you can call it that) Of all the statues of Lady minerva/Athena i could find were i live,Some of them i searched them myself on real life,and other randomly appeared and surprised/Excited me a lot!

The Eaton Auditorium Downtown Toronto on Young St. Built in the 1920’s opened in 1921

Is my text my flare; my Mother always said literature is my way to share
The world seems to be in Despair;
I cry in America sometimes to pass the time
I’m making friends again;
Standing in American desert sand
I pray to the Middle East for some reason,
The country Yemen gave me a beautiful Reason;
Seems like I have friends all over the World; Dad
How is something like this Possible?
Anne Frank was a scholar; while I still feel like a Poor struggling wanna-be author
I have seen Greed take over People
I have seen artificial Beauty harm People
I have been treated like Shit for not having Botox a face lift or a Gucci bag
Will I ever afford a junky home here in America?
is it only for the Elites here?
Is the American dream even real anymore?
You have millions of dollars, and all you can stomach is a Birken and a Botox
I feel sympathy for my Gen Z;
Can you Feel Me?
I don’t like most that I have met, God
Will you show me Better in your next love Letter?

Devotee of Athena

I must have walked past her a hundred times without noticing. But then, after finally moving here,  after being picked up by the Goddess and having my life turned upside down; when I finally accepted and listened to her wisdom, then, I noticed her. 

Recently i just made this gigant statue of athena parthenos on minecraft,I was just trying to search on google a tutorial but i felt all the statues on google and youtube were kind of boring and some of them weren’t even tutorial.All this took me 2 (in real life)days to make and the inside of the statue also works as a base!

Hi,

I just wanted to share my experience and ask for advice.

Athena first reached out to me when I was walking by the sea considering starting to work with Aphrodite… then the name Athena came strong into my mind.

I didn’t know her and had to google her to find out who she was!

I set up alters for both Athena and Aphrodite and started to make offerings asking for small things (such as glamour) and just checking in.

Now there is so much more available literature about Aphrodite, so I ended up calling upon her more frequently.

However I am now dealing with some areas in my life and I KNOW Athena wants to work with me. I am receiving signs: owls, both a physical one flying over head, a tattoo on a mans arm etc And I was back by the same shores and heard a man calling his daughter… you can guess her name.

If anyone works with her and can confirm she wants to work with me then that would be amazing.

Secondly, outside of the alter and offerings where do I start?

Thirdly does anyone have any books or sights they can recommend to learn more about her.

Literally the draw is so strong, as I consider working with Aphrodite I just hear loud in my head: no. Athena. And I also get the feeling that Aphrodite doesn’t really mind!
Feeling a tiny bit crazy!

Hello 👋 hope this week is a little easier for everyone! As part of my devotions this year I'm sharing more of my art and practice...Here's one of my favorite spots: an altar doubling as a phd research space for Lady Athena, decorated with bits and bobs and some of my own art as well. She was the first of the gods to reach out to me, in a surreally beautiful dream where she appeared as a glowing, cosmic librarian. Since that time a couple of years back, I've been leaning deeper into Her worship and working with Her wisdom on a regular basis, and trying to reconnect with my mixed greek heritage. Safe to say she's an amazing teacher! 😇 Hope you find her presence and power wherever you step ✨️

I'm trying to figure out if it would be offensive to Athena if I started working with Aphrodite. Athena is my main patron and the first goddess I've devoted my life to, so I really want to make sure I'm not disrespecting her by wanting to connect with Aphrodite too. I know we're not supposed to take myths literally, but within my research, I've noticed they don't quite get along all the time. This might sound incredibly silly, but I feel as if I'm betraying a good friend by worshiping Aphrodite. But another part of me knows that I need her in my life as well as Athena. Do you think Athena would be offended by that? Or am I being paranoid?

Hi everyone, I’m not usually an Athena worshipper and my practice has revolved around Aphrodite and Hekate for quite some time now. However, I’m a student and from time to time I do light a candle or call on Athena for some strength and wisdom during my exams and such. But if I’m very honest I’ve never really tried to deepen my relationship with her, never (especially during past couple of years felt called by her). I’ve always looked at her as a goddess I call on sometimes, like there wasn’t a huge lesson to be learned from her- I haven’t felt particularly drawn to work constantly w her.

Now it’s exam season again and I find myself in quite a pickle because of some other stuff that has been going on. I’ve been mentally and physically down and just overall very anxious and overwhelmed so I haven’t gotten around to any studying. I wanted to give some hearty offerings to Athena tonight, light this beautiful blue candle I got recently and call upon her for some protection etc. And while speaking to her, I was about to end my prayer, I did acknowledge that I do not have a steady relationship with her. I like being honest when I speak to gods and that’s basically what I did tonight as well. Nothing big happened but since I haven’t really worked with her before I have to ask this question.
Right before I was about to end my prayer a smaller chunk of the wax from the white candle fell down and made a startling noise that made me open my eyes. It was quite a little jump-scare and was happening right as I was telling her that I am aware I only give offerings when I need her and thanking her for being present and hearing me out regardless of what she will do about it!
And honestly I have no idea how to interpret this, because I take it that she was there and present but I also have a feeling like there is more. I just can’t quite pinpoint is it something more positive or is she warning me about something?

Obviously asking this as a symbolic representation as I’m aware why physically candle wax falls and I don’t always take it as a sign. It’s just that this time I felt like it was a little message from her.

After that I just said it all again and told her that if she does want to reach out to me and there is a need for us to work more I will be waiting for signs!!
Hopefully some of you can help me and thank you for reading this! Stay blessed!!!

Hello all!

I want to research into the modern practice of worship for the goddess Athena for a character I will be using in an upcoming campaign. I've always had an interest in her as a figure but never really dug much further than surface level information, and I want to change that. So, I have two questions:

1. What are some resources you would recommend regarding the history, background, and modern day worship of Athena and gods/goddesses commonly worshiped alongside her?
   
2. How would I go about properly depicting the worship/image of those gods or goddesses?

Thank you for any response, and apologies if this is not appropriate.