Worship for Chthonic Deities
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Chthonic (or chthonian) deities are are Gods that dwell beneath the earth. This includes any Underworld deities, as well as deities that are associated with the Underworld (Gods like Hecate would be included, since They often visit the Underworld). Some of you may have noticed that there’s hardly any information on how to worship certain chthonic deities. Here, I give you some starting tips:
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- With most chthonic deities, offerings are usually poured down instead of sent up. This means incense is a less common offering, as you want to offer things that are poured down into the earth, where They symbolically reside. I usually offer oils (often olive oils) and teas. Other offerings may include wine, juice, blood and essential oils. I pour the physical remains into the earth after ritual–just make sure you’re not harming any nature when you’re doing this!
- I know that in some pantheons, it’s common to take a sip of a drink before offering it to a heavenly deity. With chthonic deities, don’t take a sip before you offer it. It’s traditional to offer the entire drink to Them. (I got such a death glare from Hades when I didn’t do this correctly pun intended).
- If you God is associated with the dead, cleaning up cemeteries and tending to old graves are GREAT versions of philanthropic worship!
- Stones are often used with chthonic deities, in spells aided by Them and on Their altar. Check your deity’s symbols for appropriate stones, but in general, any dark, jagged stone works best (such as obsidian and smoky quartz).
- You may make an altar to chthonic deities easily. Black, grey, metallic, and purple candles are common (depending on your God). Stones, money, any bones (or representations of bones) you have, and items passed down in your family (a form of ancestral worship) also work well on the altar!
- You may create an altar to spirits of the dead or your ancestors too if you wish!
- Remember that the element of earth is sacred to most chthonic deities as well. Using dirt, herbs and any other earth elemental magic works in devotion to Them.
- Although spirit work is common with chthonic deities, it is not required. Again, spirit work is not required. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it, don’t.
- If you do pursue spirit work, treat them kindly but remember that some spirits do lie. Pendulums, tarot, astral projection, and offerings work well as beginning spirit work.
- If you don’t feel comfortable using your blood in magic, don’t. It is not required.
- You do not have to be a certain type to witch, or even a witch, to worship a chthonic deity.
- Do not forget to study up on your God! Learn their stories, associations, powers, and traditions. All chthonic deities are different!
- And finally, but most importantly, talk to Them. Talk to Them silently, out loud in front of an altar, or write to Them in a journal (which I do all the time). They are Gods, so They will listen to you, and respond when They think best.
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OP NOTE: Your worship is YOUR worship. This post is a guide for people who have had trouble finding information on worship for their deities. It is not law. You worship how you feel best, and it’ll be worth more than anyone else’s advice will.
Also, thank you for the encouragement, @daisy-witch! You’re super cool and I hope this helps! (/・v・)ノ.:*・°💀
