I Made These Into Keychains!

Virgo

MORTCATUS’S DEITY SERIES: THANATOS

Thanatos is a chthonic Hellenic deity – meaning he dwells beneath the earth, in the realm of the dead, or the Underworld. Thanatos was specifically viewed by the ancient Greeks as the god of peaceful death, or the personification of Death itself. He also acted as a psychopomp, touching the living who were to die to bring death to them, and then bring them back to the realm of the dead. His touch is gentle, likened to that of his twin brother Hypnos, the god of sleep. Violent death was the domain of Thanatos’ sisters, the Keres, spirits of slaughter and disease.

He does not have many worshipers in modern day, similarly to back then. He was feared more than he was honored, even today, most people are weary of or completely closed off to dealing with any entity that has such a direct connection to death. With this being said, it is common to hear that Thanatos does not care for offerings, I don’t find this to be true, and I don’t think that it is impossible or ill-advised to interact with Him, or that it is inappropriate to allot Him traditional offerings and bond with Him as you would any other deity. – However, Thanatos does not care to receive offerings with expectation of some sort of reciprocating action on His part. Thanatos does not respond well to those who try to bend his will, to silver tongues. Though giving Him offerings for the sake of thanks, honor, love, or respect are welcome. Building a shrine to share with Him as a gesture to show that you are open to His presence and willing to learn is welcome. Thanatos is not inaccessible at all. He has His own lessons to teach and stories to tell, if only you are willing to listen.

Below is a list of symbolism / offerings / devotional acts that I feel to be well-received, this is not an exhaustive list and is UPG. It is also worth noting that because Thanatos is a chthonic entity, there is a certain etiquette you should follow when you give Him your offerings. With chthonic deities, offerings are poured downwards rather than sent upwards, therefore incense is a less common offering, as you want to offer things that are poured down into the earth, where they reside. Pour the remains of your offering into the earth after you feel they’re done – just be sure that you are not harming any nature when you’re doing this. For edible offerings, it is unwise to take a sip / bite of your offering before you offer it, it is traditional to offer the entire food / drink to chthonic deities, and failing to do this may upset them. @death-witch-envy has a more inclusive post on tips for worshiping chthonic deities here.

SYMBOLISM

+ Snakes + Bones + Scythes + Poppies + Gravestones + Wreaths

OFFERINGS

+ Obsidian + Lapis lazuli + Bones / teeth / furs and other “leftovers” of once living things so long as they’re clean + Carved bone + Skulls + Lavender + Poppy seeds / flowers + Breads + Snake skins + Dead moths / butterflies, moth / butterfly wings + Dark wines + Oils + Tobacco + Dark chocolate + Myrrh, patchouli, frankincense, opium, and musk scents + Black, grey, and purple candles

DEVOTIONAL ACTS

+ Collect and honor dead moths / butterflies + Build a wreath + Ancestor veneration + Place flowers / offerings on unmarked graves + Spend time in graveyards, keep the spirits company + Eat foods or baked goods with poppy seeds – use more poppy seed dressing + Decorate using poppies + Plant poppies + Harvest and dry flowers or plants + Spend time enjoying a river or creek + Adopt an older animal, or be particularly kind and gentle to your older animal + Volunteer at a nursing home + Spent time outdoors at dawn or dusk + Burn a myrrh, patchouli, frankincense, opium, or musk scented candle before bed + Hunt for bones or fossils + Clean / dye / articulate bones. As a practicing member of the VC community I feel very connected to Him personally when I am working to give honor and beauty to the remains of a being forgotten, abandoned, or disgraced in death. + Wear dark, soothing colors + Go swimming in natural bodies of water + Have spaces where you can avoid time + Say thank you.

Compiled from my personal grimoire.

"𝓦𝓮𝓵𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓥𝓮𝓵𝓿𝓮𝓽 𝓡𝓸𝓸𝓶"

I worked REALLY really hard on this, and am super proud of how it turned out! I decided I loved the aesthetic of Persona 3's elevator Velvet Room, and really wanted to try for that dramatic lighting! Overall this was a huge challenge, and I feel I really have pushed the limits! I've never worked so hard on a piece, @poichanchan I hope you're proud

There was the sudden rush of shuffled feet as Leblanc’s only other current inhabitant rushed back down the steps. Akechi, having not moved from his spot ( which was already right near the base as is ) competitively stood his ground; as if bracing for impact. Whether that be another jaw-clenched argument, or a brawl. And right when Amamiya got right up in his face, Akechi did not back down. He held his full few centimeters that he had over the other, and competitively glared back. His mind went into an instant fight or flight response, and it was choosing fight. Stand your guard, and don’t back down.

“Thank you for everything.” He murmured.

That fiery gaze he received emanated an intensity that demanded recognition. And Goro didn’t dare back down. But the soft voice that practically brushed sweet breath against his lips whispered softened gratitude. Goro’s frazzled mind wasn’t quite sure what was happening. He had all but been assuming some sort of challenge, picking up from the tensions he, himself had created. And yet, this turn ( despite giving the same exact energy back ) was something entirely earnest and sincere.

The exact instant Ren tilted his own head, there was a sudden surprised sharp intake of breath; caught and held within the same confines of his chest, where that fluttery thing resided. But that was all the moment would allow for him to do, before their lips were meeting. Goro’s feet remained where they had been firmly planted. His eyes naturally had closed upon impact, perhaps a bit tightly, as if bracing for something with more of a kick to it. But the kiss was gentle, and genuine. The brief lapse between the corner of both of their mouths where it was allowed, he took in another hitched breath, but he gave in. Allowed that foreign tongue into his mouth. That overwhelming flavored scent that, somehow, tasted better than any food ever would. Satiated the tongue better than any other thirst ever could.

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excerpts from a fanfic my partner and I are writing together, called "Pillow Talk."

Have a meme (ﾉ´ヮ´)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

fanart of my friend's oc, Uranus

Some Crow and Joker sketches I had done a while back. I love drawing expressions! My specialty is lineart, but I would like to learn how to do painting as well ;;~;;

#considering diety work #ofc Hermes got my eye

Deity of the Week- Hermes

Deity of the Week- Hermes

“I sing of Hermes Kyllenios (of Mt Kyllene), Argeiphontes (the Slayer of Argus), lord of Kyllene (Cyllene) and Arkadia rich in flocks, luck-bringing (eriones) messenger of the deathless gods (angelos athanaton). He was born of Maia, the daughter of Atlas, when she had made with Zeus,–a shy goddess she. Ever she avoided the throng of the blessed gods and lived in a shadowy cave, and there Kronion [Zeus] used to lie with the rich-tressed Nymphe at dead of night, while white-armed Hera lay bound in sweet sleep: and neither deathless god nor mortal man knew it. And so hail to you, Son of Zeus and Maia; with you I have begun: now I will turn to another song! Hail, Hermes, giver of grace (kharidotes), guide (diaktoros), and giver of good things (dotor eaon)!”- Homeric Hymn to Hermes

Hermes is the son of Zeus and his nymph mother, Maia, born from their love. He is the personal messenger to his father, and also to Hades. Classically, he is depicted as a young man both attractive and athletic, or as an older man with a beard. His most famous myth is the one where upon his birth, he creeps from his cradle and travels to where his brother Apollon holds his oxen and makes off with them. He typically shown wearing winged boots or sandles while holding a caduceus.

God of:

Hermes is a god of many attributes. His most common association is him as a trickster god, or a messenger god. While both are accurate and true, his associates are far more encompassing than that:

Animal husbandry

Roads and travel

Hospitality

Diplomacy

Trade

coins

Thievery

Language

Writing

luck

Athletic contests

Astronomy and astrology

Boundries

Guide of the dead

Magic

And so much more. No God has only one facet, and to limit them in such a way is to deign them what they truly are.

Correspondences:

Plants-

Crocus- a beautiful purple flowering plant

Strawberry trees

I would also argue any plant that can be associated with death or being laid to rest can also be associated with him, as he is a guide to the underworld and is one of the only beings able to freely pass between the land of the dead and the living.

Animals-

Cattle/oxen

Turtles/tortoise

Hawks

Any bird of omens

Rooster/cock

Rams

Hares

Snakes

Guard dogs

Occupations-

Some gods are the patrons of specific jobs, job fields and hobbies. A few for Hermes are

Bike messenger

Mail person/postal worker

Diviners

Mediums

Magicians/illusionists

Merchant

Hospitality workers

Hotel and inn keepers

Travel guides

Veterinarians and Vet Techs

Animal breeders

Herdsmen/cowboys/etc

Funeral directors

Diplomats

Bankers/bank tellers

Donation center workers

and so many more. And while I wouldn’t technically consider thievery an occupation, some might. In which cause he is also the god of professional thieves.

Colors-

Red

Purple

Silver

Gold

Copper

Most colors you would associated with trade, merchants, coin, plushness, etc.(SPG)

Black(UPG)

Grey(UPG)

White(UPG)

Most colors that can be associated with death or passing can be associated with him

Scents-

Lavender

Strawberries

Frankincense( A general all around good choice for all the Theoi)

The smell of ink and parchment/paper(SPG)

Stones-

Marble or Alabaster(UPG)

It’s not stones, but metals like copper, silver, gold- anything that is or was used to make currency

Offerings:

Incense

Honey

Olives or olive oil

Wine

Milk

Turtle shells or turtle shaped objects

Coins/currency/money

Written messages(SPG)

 Strawberries

Feathers(legal to own-let’s not get in trouble now)

dice

Devotional Activities:

There’s so many choices of devotional activities when it comes to Hermes.

Writing letters

Donating to homeless shelters or food pantries

Study animal husbandry

Become a magician/illusionist

Travel to another town/state/country

Try something that requires luck- cards, dice games, etc.

Learn about astronomy

Honor the dead

Learn about your ancestors

Study astrology

Pick up a sport

Workout/become athletic

Give a few coins to a homeless person

Learn other languages

Practice speaking

Learn to be diplomatic

A more modern twist to a devotional act would be to pick up merchant skills in a game, like mmorpgs. Or, avoid being a real life thief and become one in a game! There’s so many options, just let your imagination go wild.

~That’s all for deity of the week! If you have any questions, feel free to ask!~

-Artistic

Team Verity | Original characters