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Ares as... rooster?

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

[ID: An image of a brown-gold rooster cawing. The rooster has a large, six-pointed comb and orange-red round eyes. The background is blurry, highlighting the rooster's neck and face.]

ARES IS A WONDERFUL GOD, and there is little academia about him in particular. There is much about the analysis of him in the Iliad and function in myth, but less about his cultus and more obscure traits. While researching, I stumbled upon a very different Ares….as a rooster. So, as a quick post, here is a small bit on Ares and roosters. 

ROOSTERS IN ANCIENT GREECE 

Roosters are funny creatures. They’re very feisty, but also sometimes cowardly—affectionate, but terribly bloodthirsty. I have worked with several roosters in my time, and they’ve either been useless or fiends. Hens are often much better at their jobs. A good rooster though is priceless, and I’ll never forget the white tufted rooster at my job we used to have that would cuddle but also attack dogs if they dared step near his flock. Perhaps due to this, Ares also gained an association with roosters—he’s certainly the good kind, if he is to be compared to a rooster. 

Chickens were originally thought to have arrived in the Archaic era, aided by chickens being termed the “Persian bird.” Sacred roosters may have even appeared in temples, perhaps suggesting to us as modern polytheists to raise birds in devotion to the gods. They were not a common bird, coming in slowly from West Asia—with divine association, appearing on temples and later into Egypt in which they were connected to the pharaoh. Their ability to produce meat and eggs also made them far more convenient than pigs or cattle, along with consuming less resources. When the bird then reached the Minoans, it possibly gained martial connotations and appeared on Minoan seals. 

Chickens in ancient Greece gained many associations—naturally with Helios, but also with childbirth, Selene and her lunar cycles, Apollon and Asklepios, as a chthonian being with Hermes and Persephone, and as a symbol of rebirth and transition. 

THE MYTH OF ARES AND THE ROOSTER

There is also the story of Ares’ soldier and lover Alcetyron, who failed to guard the door to Ares and Aphrodite’s affair, allowing Helios to witness the couple: 

“Mi. Why, to be sure, I have heard something like this before about a cock. It was the story of a young man called Alectryon; he was a lover of Ares,—used to join in his revels and junketings, and give him a hand in his love affairs. Whenever Ares went to pay a sly visit to Aphrodite, he used to take Alectryon with him, and as he was particularly afraid that Helios would see him, and tell Hephaestus, he would always leave Alectryon at the door, so that he might give him warning when the Helios was up. But one day Alectryon fell asleep, and unwittingly betrayed his trust; the consequence was that the Sun got a peep at the lovers, while Ares was having a comfortable nap, relying on Alectryon to tell him if any one came. Hephaestus heard of it, and caught them in that cage of his, which he had long had waiting for them. When Ares was released, he was so angry with Alectryon that he turned him into a cock, armour and all, as is shown by his crest; and that is what makes you cocks in such a hurry to crow at dawn, to let us know that the Sun is coming up presently; it is your way of apologizing to Ares, though crowing will not mend matters now.”

This story is then better explained by An Argument for a Bronze Age Introduction of the Cock in Ancient Greece by Jorrit M. Kelder: 

Perhaps the bird served a double purpose, both as a symbol of ‘transition’ (including the various stages in the cycle of life) and virility. This double connotation may be reflected in the story of Alectryon, a companion of Ares, whose failure to warn his master (who was having an illicit affair with Aphrodite) of the arrival of Helios resulted in his transformation into a cock. The story, first attested in Lucian (Gallus 3), may well be a late one, designed to explain the name and manifold associations of the cock. None of these associations can with certainty be identified in Bronze Age Aegean iconography, though the presence of an altar on the Zakros sealing indicates that the bird could (also) serve some purpose in the religious sphere.

This dialogue continues on and the rooster reveals himself to be Pythagoras after thoroughly roasting the man he was speaking to. 

ARES AS ROOSTER 

Continuing on, paper I was reading explored slightly on the topic of gods as birds or bird-hybrids, such as Athene the owl, Hermes the chicken, and Ares the rooster:

This likely represents Ares the fighting rooster—a symbol of virtuality, and extended to his son Eros with eroticism and ancient Greek homosexuality.  Cockfighting was a common sport in ancient Greece, likened with ‘masculine’ prowess in sports and even appearing on Panathenaic amphorae. 

Admittedly, I found this most comedic and wonderful. I’m not completely sure what to do with this information beyond associating Ares with roosters, but it is a fun tidbit on him indeed. Roosters and chickens overall have a vast lore behind them, whether that is with the sun or as a symbol of death. Today, chickens are such a common aspect of life—we can simply go out and buy some eggs and chicken meat. However, two thousand years ago, I could imagine someone being beyond excited to finally be able to have a chicken in their life. From this small research spree for Ares, I have gained a new appreciation for chickens. Perhaps that is the blessing that he has given us in being a divine cock. 

wordpress link

References 

Allinson, F. G., Fowler, H. W., & Fowler, F. G. (1906). The Works of Lucian of Samosata: Complete with Exceptions Specified in the Preface. American Journal of Philology, 27(4), 455. https://doi.org/10.2307/288891

Eckerman, C. (2012). Cockfighting and the Iconography of Panathenaic Amphorae. Illinois Classical Studies, 37, 39–50. https://doi.org/10.5406/illiclasstud.37.0039

Kelder, J. M. (2021). AN ARGUMENT FOR A BRONZE AGE INTRODUCTION OF THE CHICKEN IN GREECE. Mediterranean Archaeology, 34/35, 1–14. https://www.jstor.org/stable/48691680 Spier, J. (2010). Most fowl: athena, ares, and hermes depicted as birds on engraved gems. Pallas. https://doi.org/10.4000/pallas.11101

ok so! i made some notion pages for my deities (missing about three tho), and i thought sharing it would be nice so people can read the info and whatnot :)

APHRODITE

ARES

APOLLO

HERMES

LUCIFER

Trying to Explain How the Gods Feel to Me

Inspired by @khthonioi and their post. They’re really sweet so check them out!

Hermes: The excitement of getting a letter from a real person, winning a coin toss, suddenly breaking into a sprint, helping a friend up after they’ve fallen, getting on a train and not knowing where you’ll get off, speaking in a foreign language for the first time, having someone you love stay over at your house, cool evening air after a hot day, jumping a fence, winning a game of go fish as a child, visiting a bustling market, getting doubles with dice, successfully passing a soccer ball

Ares: Doing what needs to be done, finding old scars, persevering no matter what, the feeling that comes after a workout, overcoming a fear, bandaging up a wound, the buzz of a protest, feeling the blood of all that have come before you running through your veins, holding an old pocket knife, wearing a leather jacket, the smell of dragons blood, lighting a match only to blow it out, the satisfaction of cracking ice, pressing on a bruise and finding it no longer hurts

Artemis: Slipping into worn boots, balancing on a log with no fear of falling, dancing alone in your room, late night walks, running your hands through a dogs fur, severing the stem of a flower with a knife, the lightness after cutting off a lot of hair, twirling in a flowy skirt or dress, being able to see at night thanks to the moon, the drive to keep going, the gurgling of a stream, making eye contact with a wild animal and feeling a connection, cooking on a campfire 

Zeus: The rumble of thunder in your chest, seeing justice be carried out, knowing this is where you’re meant to be, watching lightning hit the earth, realizing you can change the outcome, entering a dark oak forest, watching a bird soar against the wind, doing what other deemed impossible, a warm hand on your shoulder, smelling petrichor in the air, finding proof of something you knew to be true, seeing the trees bend but not break to the wind, feeling all the hair on your body stand up, the heaviness in the air before a storm

O warlike Lady of Olives O powerful sage who wields the aegis O mother of strategy and victory! Hearken to me, Pallas Athena! O wild-hearted Father of Dread O Lover of strife and bearer of courage O flaming-spear, helper for those in need! Hither come, Ares Enyalios!

May both bring courage and wisdom to the coming battles, propicious to peace and sweet-talking harmony. Hail to ye both, mighty Gods!

português:

Ó belicosa Senhora das Oliveiras Ó poderosa sábia que porta a égide Ó mãe da estratégia e da vitória! Ouça-me, Palas Atena!

Ó Pai do Pavor de coração selvagem Ó Amante da luta e portador de coragem Ó lança flamejante, ajudante na necessidade! Venha cá, Ares Eniálio!

Que ambos tragam coragem e sabedoria para as próximas batalhas, propícios à paz e à harmonia de fala mansa. Saúdo-lhes ambos, poderosos Deuses!

Low energy Devotional Acts for when you don’t have a lot of energy (or time, or money, etc.) pt. 1

⚡️Zeus⚡️

-listen to storm or rain soundscapes

-watch the weather or check the weather on your phone or in the newspaper

-watch storm chasing videos

-watch documentaries or videos about various monarchies and/or kings

-watch videos about Crete! His mother hid Him there in a cave to keep Him safe from his father! And there’s all sorts of travel videos and such about it! If military history is your thing you could also learn about the Battle of Crete which took place in ww2!

-listen to devotional playlists for Him I have one up on Spotify but I know there’s some others there as well!

-cloud gaze

-watch nature docs about any of His sacred animals! The eagle, bulls, etc.

⚔️Ares⚔️

-watch war movies or war related shows (my favorite is Band of Brothers which I have on dvd)

-watch war related documentaries

-watch combat sports like boxing, wrestling, etc.

-do a Wikipedia rabbit hole search about various weapons and/or combat styles from any era or a YouTube deep dive whichever works for you

-if able find and attend a reenactment my town does a little civil war thing a few times a year that I occasionally go to you learn about what life as a soldier was like and what training was like and all that it’s very interesting

-watch a video about Thebes! Ares is said to have played a role in its founding!

-learn about birds of prey!

-listen to a devotional playlist for Him

-adding to this with: listening to video game soundtracks from fighting/combat games, or listening to war soundscapes

Love, War, and Disability

From a historical lens looking at the myth of Aphrodite cheating on Hephaestus with Ares, it’s interesting because the Hephaestus cults were often primarily made up of men who were injured in combat.

Blacksmithing and metalworking was a primary career path for those who had limb differences or other disabilities as a result of war. And thus, the devotees of Hephaestus often were people who might harbor resentment towards the concept of war.

Furthermore, the idea that war (Ares) would steal their love/lust/sexual experience (Aphrodite) away from them makes sense too, a lot of people with various injuries and disabilities might have physical difficulties with sex, AND people are less likely to view disabled people as sexual beings.

Alternatively, if we consider Aphrodite as a Goddess of self-love, then the myth is changed to be that war, and the injury of war, stole away their self-love. This is something a lot of disabled people even in modern day struggle with on many levels.

I personally view the golden net as a reclamation of the self, of one’s self love, of sexuality, healing emotionally from war, and coming to terms with disability.

Ares Deep dive

Ares 

Herbs • Garlic, basil, buttercup, yarrow, ginger, anything with tiny yellow flowers, spicy stuff (ex- peppers, paprika), Water hemlock, Snapdragon, Poppy, Nettle, Magnolia, Ginger

Animals• Vulture, Colchian Dragon, serpents, barn owls, woodpeckers, dogs, horses, Stymphalian birds, boars

Zodiac • Aries

Colors • Red, black, and dark purple

Crystal• garnets, rubies, bloodstone, obsidian, red scoria, smoky quartz, red jasper, carnelian

Symbols• a helm, a shield, a spear and sometimes a sheathed sword, flaming torch, armor, palace, four fire-breathing horses 

Jewelry you can wear in their honor• Iron, armor

Diety of• masculinity, civil order, Battle lust, courage, City guards/police, Rage, Violent deeds, Fights, Murder, Manslaughter, Quarrels, cheese, dancing, rebellion 

Patron of• the Amazons, City defenses, City defenders

Offerings• Dragons, Dragon imagery, Dragon art, Strong dark red wine, Strong whiskey, Pure water, Black coffee, Black tea, Olive oil, Beef, Red meats in general, Cooked fat from meats, Blood from cut meats, Heavy spices, Spicy foods, Garlic, Red, black, and dark purple candles, Art or statues of Him, Statues of horses or dogs, Weapons, armor, and shields (ex- art, statues, toys, handmade.), Trophies, Spicy jerky, Sport drinks / protein shakes, Hand drawn or printed art of HimArt or images of dogs, horses, and vultures, Feathers from vultures, woodpeckers, or barn owls, Iron or steel jewelry, Red flowers (ex- roses), Thorns, Miniature or toy weapons and armor (especially helmets), Snake skin, Animal teeth, Write down your fears or successes and give them to Him, Medals and ribbons you’ve earned, Antiques, Photos of riots or past wars, hot sauce, Pork ribs, homemade meals, poultry, hare, venison, wolf hearts, chili peppers, lemons, green bananas, unripe peaches, batons, bullets, kendo swords, shields, military helmets, bullet-proof vests, military boots, military belts, dynamite sticks, grenades, lion pelts, shark teeth, ram skulls, explosives (handle carefully), Medals or Certificates, dog fur or dog teeth (ethically sourced), horseshoes, bull horns, war memorabilia, broken glass, spicy jerky or twiggy sticks, Carmel, sushi, stormwater, spicy salsa, Mexican food, chocolate or chia pudding, burnt matches, cigarette butts

Devotional• Create a playlist and listen to music that makes you feel brave/empowered, Donate to the Rape Crisis Center or other similar programs, Donate and support victims of war, Cook with garlic or heavy spices that you haven’t tried before, Try new things and don’t feel ashamed about doing so, Tell Him about your accomplishments, Tell Him about your fears, Learn about shadow work and try it for yourself, Learn about history, past wars, and past riots, Learn what they accomplished or failed to accomplish, Learn and educate yourself about the downsides of war and what can happen to the people affected by wars, Partake in combat sports (ex- martial arts, fencing), Exercise, Play some strategy games like chess, Risk, and Civilization, Stand up for yourself and what you believe in, write to your governor/mayor for things you want to see changed, attend riots, Pray to Him (ex-strength, ability to fight and defeat enemies, courage, to keep others safe, and help in a battle), go to a protest, learn first aid, educate yourself on PTSD, do unharmful things that give you adrenaline rushes (ex- amusement park rides, bungee jumping), watch action movies with him, pet a dog, Playing Strategy Games, Work on managing your anger, bones, go do axe throwing, a playlist that makes you feel, brave, energized and confident, keep track of your successes (this can be daily tasks, when you conquer them cross them off, and then offer the list to Ares), write down or draw art of your fears, go to a rage room, pray or meditate during thunderstorms, watch war movies and documentaries and play war/combat and strategy video games

Ephithets•Adámastos/adamastus/ἀδάμαστος/ΑΔΑΜΑΣΤΟΣ/ἀδάμας -unconquerable & indestructible, Ænyálios/enyalius/ἐνυάλιος/ΕΝΥΑΛΙΟΣ -war-God, Alcimus, Álkimos/alcimus/ἄλκιμος/ΑΛΚΙΜΟΣ/Adj - valiant, brave, Alloprósallos/alloprosallus/ἀλλοπρόσαλλος/ΑΛΛΟΠΡΟΣΑΛΛΟΣ- loyal to the struggle and to the souls who are engaged in it, Ánax/ἄναξ/ΑΝΑΞ -lord, king, Aphneiós/aphneius/ἀφνειός/ΑΦΝΕΙΟΣ -rich, wealthy, Arrectus, Árriktos/arrectus/ἄρρηκτος, ΑΡΡΗΚΤΟΣ -unbreakable, Brotoctonus, Enyalius, Hippius, Hoplochares/Hoplodupus/Hoplophorus,  Íppios/hippius/ἵππιος/ÍΠΠΙΟΣ -horseman,  Mægasthænís/megasthenes/μεγασθενής/ΜΕΓΑΣΘΕΝΗΣ/μεγασθενές -very strong,  Megasthenes/Mægasthænís., Ombrimothymus:See Omvrimóthymos/Omvrimóthymos/ombrimo hymus/ὀμβριμόθυμος/ΟΜΒΡΙΜΟΘΥΜΟΣ/ὀβρῐμόθῡμος -doughty, indomitable, Oplódoupos/hoplodupus/ὁπλόδουπος/ΟΠΛΟΔΟΥΠΟΣ -clattering in his armor, Oplokharís/hoplochares/ὁπλοχαρής, ΟΠΛΟΧΑΡΗΣ -rejoicing in arms, Oplophóros/hoplophorus/ὁπλοφόρος/ΟΠΛΟΦΟΡΟΣ - he who bears arms, Phrictus/Phriktós/phrictus/φρικτός/ΦΡΙΚΤΟΣ - horrifying, Polæmóklonos/polemoklonus/πολεμόκλονος/ΠΟΛΕΜΟΚΛΟΝΟΣ -he raises the clamor of combat, Polemoklonus/Polæmóklonos, Sceptuchus/ Skiptoukhos/Skiptoukho/sceptuchus/σκηπτοῦχος/ΣΚΗΠΤΟΥΧΟΣ -he who bears a scepter, Teichesipletes/Teikhæsiplítis/Teikhæsiplítis/teichesipletes/τειχεσιπλήτης/ΤΕΙΧΕΣΙΠΛΗΤΗΣ—he who storms the cities in battle, Vrotoktónos/brotoctonus/βροτοκτόνος, ΒΡΟΤΟΚΤΟΝΟΣ -the slayer of men.

Equivalents• Mars (Roman), Onuris-Anhur (Egyptian god), Tiu-Tyr (Germanic god),  unnamed war-god (Scythian god).

Courting• unmarried, but courting Aphrodite. 

Past lovers/crushes/hookups• Aerope, Agraulos, Harmonia, Otrere, Astyokhe, Demonike or Sterope, Kyrene or Asterie, Astyokhe

Personality• He’s a great father, and a great lover, I talk to a godspouse of his and they talk about how he calmed them and was always there. He’s a great father because I’ve talked to a person who their father is ares and he’s always there for them, he’s also generous.

Home• Mount Olympus 

Mortal or immortal • immortal

Fact• Ares was the only male greek god that never raped or sexually assaulted any woman

Curses• Routing armies, Cowardice, Death on the battlefield, Military invasion, Sacking of cities, Rebellion, Uprisings, Sedition

Blessings•Driving armies, Bravery, fighting strength & endurance,  Averting war (peace), Repelling invading armies, Maintaining civil order, Crushing rebellions, Restraint violent instinct,

Roots• Thrake, Ancient Greece.

Parentage• Zues and Hera

Siblings• Enyo (twin sister), Eris (sister), Apollo (half-brother), Artemis (half-sister), Athena (half-sister), Hephaestus (brother), Hermes (half-brother), Dionysus (half-brother), Hebe (sister), Heracles (half-brother), Aphrodite (half-sister).

Pet• four fire-breathing horses (Aithon (Red-Fire), Phlogios (Flame), Konabos (Tumult) and Phobos (Fear))

Children •ANTEROS (God of reciprocated love, son of Ares and Aphrodite), DEIMOS (God of fear, a son of Ares and Aphrodite.), ENYALIOS/Enyalius (A war-god son of Ares and Eris), EROS (God of love, a son of Ares and Aphrodite),  HARMONIA (Goddess of harmony, daughter of Ares and Aphrodite.), NIKE(The goddess of victory, a daughter of Ares), PHOBOS (God of panic, son of Ares and Aphrodite),AEROPOS/Aeropus (son of Ares and Aerope.), ALKIPPE/Alcippe (daughter of Ares and Agraulos), AMAZONES/Amazons (Warrior women of Assyria, daughters of Ares and Harmonia), ANTIOPE(daughter of Ares and Otrere), ASKALAPHOS/Ascalaphus (son of Ares and Astyokhe), DIOMEDES (son of Ares and Kyrene or Asterie), DRYAS (son of Ares), EUENOS/Evenus (son of Ares and Demonike, and sometimes the son of Ares and Sterope), HIPPOLYTE (daughter of Ares and Otrere.),IALMENOS/Ialmenus (son of Ares and Astyokhe), KYKNOS/Cycnus) (son of Ares and Pelopia or Pyrene), LIKYMNIOS/Licymnius (son of Ares most say his father was King Elektryon), LYKASTOS/Lycastus) (son of Ares and Phylonome.), LYKOS/Lycus (son of Ares who used to sacrifice strangers to his father), MELANIPPOS/Melanippus (son of Ares and Triteia.), MELEAGROS/Meleager (son of Ares and Queen Althaia, but most call him a son of King Oineus), MOLOS/Molus (son of Ares and Demonike), NISOS/Nisus (son of Ares, but most accounts say he was a son of the Athenian prince Pandion), OIAGROS/Oeagrus (a son of Ares but some say his father was King Kharops),OINOMAUS/Oenomaus (son of Ares and the Pleaid Sterope or Princess Harpinna), OXYLOS/Oxylus (son of Ares and Protogeneia), PARRHASIOS/Parrhasius(son of Ares and Phylonome.),PARTHENOPAIOS/Parthenopaeus (son of Ares and Atalanta, many say his father was Melanion or Meleagros), PENTHESILEIA (daughter of Ares and Otrere), PHLEGYAS (He was a son of Ares and Dotis or Khryse.), PORTHAON (son of Ares or according to others of Agenor), PYLOS/Pylus (son of Ares and Demonike.), REMUS (son of Ares and Ilia), ROMULUS (son of Ares and Ilia), TEREUS (a son of Ares.), THESTIOS/Thesius (son of Ares and Demonike or Agenor and Epikaste), THRASSA (daughter of Ares and Tereine.), DRAKON ISMENIAN (A monstrous dragon-serpent, it was a son of Ares and the Erinys Telphousia.)

attendees• DEIMOS & PHOBOS (The twin gods of terror and fear), ERIS & ENYO (goddess of strife, hatred and war), KYDOIMOS/Cydoemus (The god of the din of war), NIKE (goddess of victory), OTHER ABSTRACTIONS(spirits described such as Rage, Anger, Threats, Death and Valour)

Appearance in astral or gen• In ancient Greek art, he was depicted as either a mature, bearded warrior armed for battle, or as a nude, beardless youth with a helm and spear.

Festivals • Artemis Agrotera/Kharisteria , and Genesios, maybe.

Day • Tuesday 

Scared places• Odrysia in Bistonia, Thrake (his birth-place)

Planet• Mars

Tarot cards• Chariot & Emperor card

Scents/Inscene • Frankensince, Sandalwood incense, resin, burning wood (especially if Himalayan salt in thrown in since it reminds him of blood), and red sandalwood incense

Prayers• 

Prayer to Ares for the Safety of a Soldier

Bold-hearted Ares, bright-helmed son of thundering Zeus and noble Hera, well-honored god of war, any battle will you face, any foe will you fight, without fear and without hestitation. Ares, god of warriors, ally of those who risk their lives on the field, to you do soldiers offer their prayers. You know each one’s name, O Ares, you know their lives, you know their worth. Great Ares, I pray to you, watch over ____________ who heeded your call, who practices your art, whose name you know well, for s/he is one of your own who does you honor with each day s/he serves. Ares, I pray to you.

In general 

Bright-helmed Ares, strong of arm and stern of visage, firm of stance, unyielding of will, ever ready to face any foe, to hold the line against all who may come, to battle until the end. Ares, son of noble Zeus and wise Hera, cherished by golden Aphrodite, honored by those who call on you for strength and courage, in the north were you much honored in times of old, in Thrace and Thessaly were you held in esteem by those whose lives were harsh, whose world was stony, whose comforts were hard-won. Ares who answers the prayers of the despairing, I honor you

For Courage

Ares, fierce-hearted son of Zeus and noble Hera, full-famed you are as god of war. To you do soldiers pray when battle is most heated, when mettle is most needed. To you as well do we turn in desperate times, to you do we call for strength, for the spirit to endure. You understand the terror of struggle and strife, you confront it in every way. Ares, your courage is unquestioned, your might and your prowess unequaled. Ares, friend to those in direst need, I pray to you, grant me the nerve to face what must be faced, grant me the will to do what must be done, grant me the heart to forge ahead.

Links/websites/sources •https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net/gods/ares/

https://twelfthremedy.tumblr.com/post/624476009567289344/ares-offerings/amphttps://aspisofares.wordpress.com/tag/offerings/https://www.tumblr.com/warriots/622104378198933504/a-guide-to-ares-worship https://www.tumblr.com/warriots/622104378198933504/a-guide-to-ares-worship https://scarletarosa.tumblr.com/post/187742800571/ares-greek-god-ofhttps://www.tumblr.com/diana-thyme/722942201197363200/greek-gods-101-ares @enyalios-shrinehttps://greekpagan.com/category/prayers-2/ares/

BIG HELP TO

https://www.tumblr.com/tarotbee

Ares is the Greek god and patron of many things, he is the edge of the sword while you hold the soft side, no god can be the god of war without the bloodshed, so don’t judge so quick, he is an amazing god, we love Ares here. Please excuse my grammar and everything, I tried my best.

Ares and Hera (pregnant with Ilithyia).

This is the first time I’ve drawn dialogue in ages.

⚔️ Subtle Ares Worship 💥

Learning about self-defense (includes carrying a self-protection weapon)

Listening to or writing slam poetry

Wearing jewelry that reminds you of him

Making a list of your personal strengths and things you're proud of

Writing letters (that you will never send) to people who've hurt you and burning them

Exercising, if possible; get some movement throughout the day

Dancing, especially to music that brings out your passion, anger, or rebellious side

Supporting local activists or online activism for causes you believe in; support human rights or humanitarian organizations

Expressing yourself the way you want to physically (this can include little things, such as wearing a certain bracelet or putting on a scent)

Allowing yourself to express your anger and upset; sit with and feel your feelings

Keeping a picture of him in your wallet

Playing combat-based video games

Watching combat-based shows

Having a candle that reminds you of him (no altar required)

Wear jewelry that reminds you of him

Having rose, horse, spear, soldier, or boar imagery around )

Have a stuffed animal horse, boar, vulture, or dog

Place motivational/affirmational notes somewhere you'll see them

Wearing bold colors, such as red or maroon (these colors are UPG; what do you associate with Ares? Wear those!)

Learning how to box or wrestle (a punching bag tends to be helpful)

Engaging with your personal passions

If you have dogs, playing with them

Volunteer at a homeless or animal shelter

Support local veterans; donate to veteran-supporting organizations

Be considerate towards veterans nearby (don't light fireworks in neighborhoods, don't fire weapons in neighborhoods, don't bring up their time fighting without them prompting it, etc.)

Stand up for yourself and others

Assert your boundaries; learn what your boundaries are

Be forgiving to an extent; do not let others continue to wrong you over and over again; learn to let them go and cut them off if possible

Learn about healthy conflict resolution skills; implement them into your life

Own a spear or a sword, and learn how to use it correctly because why the fuck not

Take a walk/hike outside, preferably during the day

Play a sport

Share your passions with others c:

Carry a protective charm with you

Prioritize your own well-being; take care of yourself first, then others when you're able

-

May add more later! This is just a basic list of some discreet ways to worship Ares. Hope y'all enjoy, and take care! ❤️

Link to Subtle Worship Master list

A little appreciation for the domains of a deity that don't get much attention/recognition. I'm making this because I do think it would be lovely if the aspects mentioned below got more attention, and additions not mentioned are welcome so long as it's an obscure part of them. This was going to be just a few and then I got carried away and did the main Twelve Olympians

A little love for:

Apollon as the God of Foreigners (the Arcadian friendship's harmony with Hermes being the god of travelers/way-god couldn't be any louder)

Aphrodite as a Goddess of the Arts (anything love-themed falls to her by default)

Ares of Civil Order, Defender, and Of Courage

Artemis as the Goddess of Dancing and equal Leader of the Mousai

Athene as the Goddess of Carpentry, Metalwork, and Sculpting

Demeter as Friend of Peace and Law-Giver

Hephaistos as the one with a delicate touch that creates beautiful works of art (It isn't so much unknown but honestly the thing I love most and not the first thing one thinks of with his talents/image)

Hera as the Skillful Bender of Language, Bender of Oaths and Promises

Hermes, God of Peace/Diplomacy, Divine Protector of All, as well as a God of Poetry and Knowledge (rightfully the other half to Athene)

Hestia of the Earth, Earth Dwelling and Delighting in the Works of Man, The One That Made Buildings

Poseidon of Fertility, the Plant Nurturer, and Holder of the Earth

Zeus of the People, Gracious and Merciful, Of Refuge, Counsellor

Here are some small random factoids about Zeus for those of you who are confused about his character and don't know enough about him to decide whether or not you want to work with him.

(Do note that this is just my experience with him and your experience may be completely different from mine. Zeus has been with me through ALL of my lifetimes and our personalities mesh really really well. There is always the chance that he's not the right deity for you and that's okay. I just wanted to post my experience so people have something to base him off of.)

Zeus has the personality of a moist dark chocolate cake with honey drizzled on top. It's a weird description but it makes complete sense if you know him well.

Honestly.. he's pretty sappy and very sentimental. He will cherish anything you've ever made him, even if it's something from many years ago that you consider god awful. He's the type of guy who will hang it on his fridge with pride and smile every time he passes it.

He cries during the sad moments in kids TV shows and movies, he feels bad for the characters.

He sees you as an equal not as a follower. It tends to be more like a friendship rather than a worshipper and god relationship.

He is extremely empathetic and understanding. Even if you do piss him off he tends to forgive rather quickly and he will let it go after giving you a light lecture for whatever you did.

He's not hard on beginners (baby witches), they get off easy. He's not super hard on anyone, but he's especially soft with them.

He tends to see people more as his children rather than his followers. It's not that uncommon umong the gods to see a human as their own child, it's actually way more common than you would think.

He's the type of person who would sit quietly and paitently as you ramble about your day or vent about something bad that happened to you in your past then quietly hold you in his arms as you have a good cry. He'll tell you how good of a job you're doing and how strong you are / were. He'll tell you how proud of you he is and how amazing you are. 10/10 comforter.

Zeus is an amazing father figure, he was very good to his children and he's tried his best to stay in touch with them all. However, some of them are a bit hard to keep up with. He likes to randomly pop in and check on them, he usually brings a gift of some kind (mostly snack food based) but sometimes something unexpected.

altars for greek gods (pt.2)

this post includes zeus, hera, poseidon, hestia, hephaestus, dionysus, ares, demeter, and athena. for part 1 including hades, persephone, artemis, apollo, aphrodite, hermes, and hekate click here.

keep in mind that typical offerings to any god includes meat, wine, grain (usually barley), honey, and incense (myrrh and frankincense would be period appropriate), but i'm listing some specific offerings that can be given if you'd like

colors can be used for candles, banners, decor, whatever you want

ZEUS

Colors: white, blue, and grey for association with the heavens, yellow and black for association with storms. gold because he's the King of the Gods

Offerings: rain water, oak, olives/olive branches/olive leaves, vervain, cinnamon, laurel. images of himself or lightning bolts are particularly recommended for Zeus

Crystals: diamonds, gold (i think pyrite, aka fool's gold, would be offensive), turquoise, lapis lazuli, celestite, iron/steel, any quartz

Animals: eagle, bull

POSEIDON

Colors: blue and white for association with the seas, gray for association with storms, brown for association with the earth/earthquakes

Offerings: coffee, mint, ocean water, salt, seashells

Crystals: coral, petoskey stone, abalone, opal (especially water opal), blue calcite, aquamarine

Animals: horse, bull, dolphin, hippocampus

HERA

Colors: red, pink and white for association with love and marriage. gold because she's the Queen of the Gods.

Offerings: iris, rose, patchouli, coconut, cypress, maple, peacock feathers, pomegranate

Crystals: pearls, garnet, citrine, diamonds, lapis lazuli, topaz, opal, moonstone, rose quartz

Animals: peacock, cuckoo, cow

HESTIA

Colors: red, orange, and yellow for association with fire, brown or white for the hearth/home.

Offerings: tea/coffee (especially if you drink it with her), pine, bread, cider, apples, anything on fire, cinnamon

Crystals: amber, jade, garnet, ruby, carnelian, sunstone, amethyst, honey calcite

Animals: donkey, pig, crane

HEPHAESTUS

Colors: red, orange, and yellow for association with fire, metallics for association with metalworking.

Offerings: spicy things, hot beverages, handmade things, dragon's blood incense, seashells, anything on fire

Crystals: metals, fire opal, honey calcite, obsidian, hematite, carnelian

Animals: donkey, dog, crane

DIONYSUS

Colors: purple and green for association with grapes/wine, leopard/tiger print for his holy animals

Offerings: grapes (or any derivative), alcohol, cinnamon, ivy, pinecones. there's a particular emphasis on non-physical offerings with dionysus, like playing music, partying or sex/masturbation

Crystals: grape agate, leopard jasper, crazy lace agate, tiger's eye, garnet, rose or rutilated quartz, amethyst, jade

Animals: panther/leopard, tiger, bull, serpent, dolphin

ARES

Colors: red and purple for association with war

Offerings: spicy things, yarrow, chocolate, basil, cinnamon

Crystals: bloodstone, garnet, red jasper, smokey quartz, black tourmaline, hematite, metals, obsidian, carnelian

Animals: eagle owl, barn owl, poisonous snakes, boar, vulture

DEMETER

Colors: green, brown, and yellow for association with the earth/harvest. black for her ruthlessness

Offerings: oats and grain, anything baked, flowers, spices (like cinnamon or cloves, allspice is good too), leaves that have begun to change colors for fall, mint, poppy

Crystals: jade, tree/moss agate, carnelian, amber, aventurine, rutilated quartz

Animals: serpent, farm animals (especially pig), gecko, turtle-dove

ATHENA

Colors: white and grey/silver for association with wisdom. red for association with war

Offerings: anything handmade, olives/olive oil/olive branches/olive leaves, snake shed, cedar, cypress, cinnamon

Crystals: metals, celestite, fluorite, lapis lazuli, bloodstone, obsidian, iolite

Animals: snakes and owls

greek god epithets

this post includes zeus, hera, athena, demeter, ares, hephaestus, and poseidon. for part two including hades, persephone, hekate, aphrodite, hermes, apollo, artemis, and dionysus click here

epithets are surnames (as <god's name> <epithet>) used to call upon the greek gods without saying their name directly. the epithet that you choose often corresponds to the purpose you are invoking them for

ZEUS:

-OMBRIUS/HYETIUS/APHESIUS= of the rain

-SCOTITAS= the dark/murky

-CERAUNIUS= of the thunderbolt

-ASTRAPAEUS= of the lightning

-CATAEBATES= the descending

-LABRANDEUS= the furious/raging

-ICMAEUS= of moisture

-CONIUS= of the dust

-MAEMACTES= the boisterous

-EVENEMUS= of fair winds

-LIMENOSCOPUS= the watcher of sea havens

-BASILEUS/CORYPHAEUS= the king/chief/ruler

-HYPATUS/HYPSISTUS= the supreme

-CTESIUS= of the house/property

-HERCEIUS= of the courtyard

-BULAEUS= of the council

-AMBULIUS= the counsellor

-TELEUS/ZYGIUS= of marriage

-MOIRAGETES= the leader of the Fates

-CLARIUS= of the lots

-SEMALEUS= the giver of signs (like clairvoyant messages)

-MECHANEUS= the contriver

-COSMETES= the orderer

-THEUS AGATHUS= the good God

-EPIDOTES= the giver of good

-PLUSIUS= of wealth

-PHILIUS= of friendship

-XENIUS= of hospitality/strangers

-HICESIUS= of suppliants

-PHYXIUS= of refuge

-PALAMNAEUS= the punisher of murderers

-CATHARSIUS= of ritual purification

-PROSTROPAEUS= the turner of pollution

-APEMIUS= averter of ills (ailments)

-SOTER= the savior/deliverer

-MILICHIUS= the gracious/merciful

-PANHELENIOS= of all the Greeks

-LAOITES= of the people

-POLEIUS= of the city-state

-SOSIPOLIS= the city-savior

-ELEUTHEREUS= of freedom

-CHRYSAORUS= of the Golden Sword

-STATIUS/AREIUS= of war/the warlike

-STHENIUS= of strength/the strong

-TROPAEUS= turns to flight/who defeats

-PHYXIUS= puts to flight/banishes

HERA:

-PAIS= the girl

-NYMPHEUOMENE= the betrothed bride

-TELEIA= the (adult) woman/the goddess of marriage

-CLEIRA= the widow

-GAMELIA= of marriage

-ATAUROTE/PARTHENOS= the virginal

-ZYGIA= presider over marriage

-HENIOCHE= of the chariot

-ANTHEA= of the flowers

-ARGOEA= of the ship Argo

-HYPERCHEIRIA= whose hand is above

-BASILEIA= the queen

ATHENA:

-NIKE= victory

-AREIA/PALLAS= of war/the warlike

-ZOSTERIA= girded in armor

-STHENIAS= of strength/the strong

-POLEMODOCUS= the war sustaining

-HIPPIA= of horses

-CHALINITIS= bridler of horses

-ERYMA= the defender

-SOTEIRA= the savior

-ALALACOMENEIS= the protectress

-POLIAS= of the city

-POLIUCHUS= the city protectress

-POLIATIS= the keeper of the city

-ERGANE= the worker

-PAEONIA= the healer

-HYGEIA= of good health

-ALEA= of escapes to refuge

-AMBULIA= the counsellor

-PRONOEA= of foresight

-APATURIA= the deceiver/of deception

-MACHANITIS= contriver of plans

-OXYDERCES= the sharp sighted

-CORYPHASIA/CORYPHAGENES= relating to the head (like her birth)

-PARTHENUS= the virgin/maiden

-CORIA= the maiden

-XENIA= of hospitality (especially to strangers/foreigners)

DEMETER:

-CHTHONIA/DEO= of the earth

-CHLOE= the green/the first shoots

-EPOGMIA= of the furrows

-ANESIDORA= she who sends forth gifts

-PLUTODOTIRA= the giver of wealth

-CARPOPHORUS/MALOPHORUS= bearer of fruit

-THERMASIA= of warmth/heat

-MEGALA THEA= the great Goddess

-MEGALA MATER= the great Mother

-THESMOPHORUS= the bringer of law

-THESMIA= of the laws

-PROSTASIA= the patron/leader

-PANACHAEA= of all the Greeks

-ERINYS= of fury/wrath

-MELAENA= the black

-LUSIA= the bathing/purifying

-HORAPHORUS= the bringer of season

-POLYPHORBUS= the all nourishing/bountiful

-AGLAOCARPUS= the giver of goodly fruit

-AGLAODORUS= the bestower of splendid gifts

-CALLISTEPHANUS= the beautifully crowned

-EUSTEPHANUS= the lovely crowned

-EUCOMUS= the lovely haired

-XANTHE= the blonde/golden-haired

-CYANOPEPLUS= the dark veiled/cloaked

-CALLISPHYRUS= the beautiful

-CHRYSAORUS= of the golden blade

-DIA THEA= the bright Goddess

-SEMNE= the holy/revered

-HAGNE= the pure/chaste/holy

-ANASSA/POTHIA= the queen

-POTHIA THEAON= the queen amongst goddesses

-CYDRA THEA= the glorious/noble goddess

-ORGIA= of religious orgies

-MYSTERIA= of mysteries

ARES:

-THERITAS= the beastly/brutish

-HIPPIUS= of the horses

-APHNEIUS= the abundant

-GYNAECOTHOENAS= feasted by women

-MIAEPHONUS= the blood stained/bloody

-LAOSSOUS= he who rallies men

-BROTOLOEGUS= the manslaughtering

-ANDREIPHONTES= the destroyer of men

-CHALCEUS/CHALCOCORUSTES= of the bronze/armed with bronze

-TEICHESIPLETES= the stormer of cities

-AATUS POLEMOEO= insatiate of fighting/war

-ENCHESPALUS= spear-brandishing

-RHINOTORUS= shield/flesh piercing

-OXYS= the sharp/piercing

-THOOS= the swift/fleet

-THURUS= the violent/furious

-OBRIMUS= the strong/mighty

-DINUS= the terrible/fearsome

-ENYALIUS= the warlike

-CHRYSOPELEX= of the golden helm

HEPHAESTUS:

-CLYTUS= the renowned/famed

-PERICLYTUS/AGACLYTUS= the very famed/the glorious

-CLYTOMETIS/CLYTOTECHNES= famed for crafts/skills

-POLYTECHNES= of many skills

-POLYPHRON= the ingenious/inventive

-POLYMETIS= resourceful

-AETHALOIS THEUS= the sooty god

-CHALCEUS= the bronze/copper smith

-CYLLOPODIUM/AMPHIGYEIS= referring to his disability

POSEIDON:

-BASILEUS= the king/lord

-PELAGAEUS= of the sea/marine

-AEGAEON= of the Aegeon sea

-PROSCLYSTIUS= who dashes against

-ASPHALIUS= who secures safe voyage

-EPOPTES= the overseer/watcher

-GAEOCHUS= the holder of the earth

-ENNOSIGAEUS= shaker of the earth

-HIPPIUS= of the horses

-HIPPOCURIUS= the horse tender

-PHYTALMIUS= the plant nurturer

-GENETHLIUS= of the kin/the kindred

-DOMATITES= of the house

-LAOITES= of the people

Mood board offering for Lady Brigid!!! Happy Beltane 🥰🫶🏼🌱

Aphrodite moodboard offering!! All hail Lady Aphrodite 🥰🫶🏼🫧

💀 Subtle Hel Worship 🪦

Honor your ancestors or passed loved ones

Visit cemeteries; leave flowers at graves (with permission!!!)

Try veiling

Have a candle that reminds you of her (no altar needed)

Wear jewelry that reminds you of her

Keep a picture of her in your wallet

Have imagery of birch trees, cemeteries, skulls, snakes, wolves, or dogs (dogs are huge) around

Have a stuffed animal dog, wolf, or snake

Practice mindfulness; try meditation

Explore abandoned places (urb-ex; be safe!!!)

Take time to yourself every day to decompress

Drink relaxing teas or beverages; black tea or coffee is especially good or dark hot chocolate

Eat a comforting meal

Engage in activities you find calming; drawing, painting, crocheting, reading, etc.

Feel your feelings; cry if you need to, scream if you need to, etc.; find a healthy outlet for these emotions (drawing, boxing, dancing, etc.

Support homeless or animal shelters, healthcare or humanitarian organizations

Volunteer at homeless or animal shelters

Feed neighborhood dogs, cats, birds, etc.

If you have dogs, play with and take care of them; play with/take care of any pets c:

Cook a meal for someone you love

Donate supplies to animal or homeless shelters

Cook a warm meal for someone in need

Collect animal bones (please thank the animal's spirit after doing so)

Recycle, make/use compost (great with gardens)

Spend time with loved ones; spend time with any elderly or older folks that you love

Take care of your basic needs; eat three meals a day, get some movement into your day, take a shower when needed, etc.

Revisit things from your childhood; keep any stuffed animals from childhood or buy ones you've always wanted

Practice patience, especially with yourself

Take a walk at night, especially on the new moon (only if it's safe in your area!!!)

Have a nighttime/bedtime routine

Learn more about death; get more comfortable with the concept itself; focus on figuring out what your beliefs on the afterlife are (if any)

Collect old items or antiques; try to restore them or give them a fresh coat of paint/polish; keep them or give them to someone who will love them

Have compassion towards those who are often looked down on by the wider society, such as addicts or the homeless; donate to causes that aid them /their recovery

Eat an apple; go apple-picking; visit an apple orchard

Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable; when at home, get comfy!

Learn to get comfortable with change, especially necessary change; try spontaneous things, go outside your comfort zone, find effective ways to manage stress during changes

Take note of the seasons changing; maybe capture the moment of an Official Season Change™ in a painting or picture

Take time to reflect on yourself objectively; if you find yourself being unkind, take a step back

Observe the life cycles of animals; learn more about the natural world around you

Practice compassion and forgiveness towards yourself and others

Set healthy boundaries; learn what your personal boundaries are

Let go of what no longer serves you; release what you no longer need in your life

Go out in weather that reminds you of her if it's safe to do so (may sound weird, but I associate fog with her)

Be kind to children; play with them if offered

Start a new hobby - something that is calm and enjoyable; crocheting, carving, painting, etc.

Live your life unapologetically

-

I'll likely add more to this later as I feel it's incomplete. For the time being, this is my list of discreet ways to worship Hel. I hope this is helpful! Take care, everyone. 🩵

Link to Subtle Worship Master list

🔥 Subtle Hestia Worship 🥖

Clean your room/house; keep your home in good condition

Make your space your own; decorate your room/home in a way that makes you feel good

Help out with household chores

Bake pastries for those you love, especially those topped with honey or cinnamon

Drink a soothing tea or hot chocolate; any sort of comfort drink; add honey to it if you can

Eat comfort food, especially from childhood

Have a picture of her in your wallet

Make a bonfire for her; gather around it with loved ones

If you have a fireplace, spend time around it

Have a candle that reminds you of her (no altar needed)

Wear jewelry that reminds you of her

Have a stuffed animal of a pig, cow, or donkey; have any stuffed animal, really

Have imagery of cranes, fire, or kettles around

Try veiling in honor of her, if able

Try growing poppy or hollyhock flowers

Volunteer at a homeless shelter

Make a warm meal for someone in need

Give baked goods to neighbors

Learn how to cook or bake

Care for yourself physically and mentally

Be as kind to yourself as you are to others

Practice modesty (this does not mean never celebrating or taking pride in yourself)

Host parties/celebrations at your home, especially those that welcome in family (found family works just as well)

Read a book to relax

Wear comfortable clothing; robes, slippers, sweaters, etc.

Learn how to make homemade bread

Learn how to crochet, knit, sew, etc.

Support local food banks; donate to them, if able

Donate toys to children in need

Donate clothes to others in need, especially warm clothes

Cook yourself/loved ones a delicious meal

Practice body positivity

Relax and decompress after a long day

Watch comfort movies or shows; engage in media that comforts you

Seek out wholesome stories online; humans helping one another, rescue animal turnarounds, cute puppy/kitty vids, etc.

-

May add more later on! For the time being, this is my list of discreet ways to worship Hestia. I hope it helps someone, and take care, everyone! May your hearth fires always be kept warm. ❤️🔥

Link to Subtle Worship Master list

🌱 Subtle Freyr Worship 🐗

Take a hike/walk out in nature

Meditate in nature; ground yourself

Take frequent breaks from technology to get some fresh air or go outside

Take care of yourself physically; exercise, if able

Have a candle that reminds you of him (no altar needed)

Wear jewelry that reminds you of him

Keep a picture of him in your wallet

Start a garden; tend to plants

Grow your own herbs, fruits, or vegetables

Pick flowers (not from someone's garden!!!)

Make flower crowns

Have a stuffed animal horse or boar

Have imagery of plants, fruits, sailboats/Viking ships, or antlers

Dance to music that makes you feel lively and free

Allow yourself to romanticize life

Be open to love; be compassionate towards others and yourself

Be kind to young children; play with them if offered

Keep a self-care/self-love journal

At the beginning of the harvest or spring season, cook a hardy, good meal for yourself; cook a feast for your loved ones

Spend time with loved ones

Spend time with pets; play with or walk them

Support animal shelters or environmental preservation organizations

Volunteer at an animal shelter

Visit a zoo or wildlife refuge/sanctuary

Learn about nature; watch nature documentaries, learn about animals, etc.

Learn how to forage safely; picking berries, mushrooms, etc.

Eat three meals a day

Learn how to cook or bake

Drink herbal teas, vegetable juice, or fruit juice, especially if it's homemade

Feed neighborhood dogs, cats, or birds

Wear naturally scented perfumes/colognes

Pick up trash in the environment

Focus on self improvement

Lead a project, group, etc.

Engage in activities that you feel passionate about

Drink water; stay hydrated

Play in the rain

Ground yourself regularly; focus on healthy coping skills

Cook a warm meal for someone in need

-

I might add more to this later on! For the time being, this is my list of discreet ways to worship Freyr. I hope you enjoy this, and take care! 💚

Link to my Subtle Worship Master list

Byggvir and Beyla.

Gods of Vanheim or Elfes of ljusalfheim?

Deppends on whom you ask.

Byggvir:

Bygg is the Old Norse word for barley. And may be a fertility deity with a involvement in mill-grinding and other forms of barley processing. Hes said to be one of the servets of lord Yngve-Freyr, wich further strenghthens the fertility and barley aspects of Byggvir.

Beyla:

Her name has been proposed as related to "cow," "bean," or "bee."

Amung modern pagans shes all tho often given more focus on the bee aspect and seen as the mother of bees, this is tho in some pagan groups seen as controversial. I see here as both with the bee aspect as well as the cow and Milk, crops, mill-grinding and over all as a agricultural deity.

Some say she serves Yngve-Freyr just like her husband, others that she serves Freya.

Byggvir and Beyla:

They are married to eachother and works as a symbolic duo of farm work and fertility. It semes most see them as working under Freyr but others as beyla being under Freyas leadership and some see them as complet independent deitys of agriculture. Its all tho more commun to see polytheists to worship them together as a duo than as seperate, as aspects of the devine masculine and devine feminin in agriculture. Just like Frey and Freya or Frey and Gerd often are.

How do you see them? Vanir? Elfes? Servents or not? As a duo or seperate?

Devotional Acts & Offerings to Freyr

Devotional Acts:

going for a quiet walk and soaking in the sun

going for a picnic with your friends or loved ones

learning how to keep bees and using their honey to bake, make soaps, etc.

laying out bird seed & putting up bird houses

keeping your garden bee-friendly with lots of wildflowers

embracing your masculinity & femininity

doing something nice for the people you love

“self-love”

doing your best to keep your plants alive

having a garden to sustain yourself with fruits and veggies (window sill gardens are valid too)

environmental activism (also includes: picking up litter, planting trees, etc)

singing songs that make you happy

Offerings: 

putting handpicked flower bouquets on your altar

offering him some of your harvest (e.g. fruits from your garden, honey from your bees, some handspun yarn, etc.)

phallic symbols

sun symbols

a vial of rain water

in spring/summer: pressed flowers

in autumn: conkers, acorns, colourful leaves, etc.

self-baked goods

antlers

boar teeth

wheat / wheat dolls

honey

handmade wreaths

Fertility gods get a lot of emphasis on sexuality. That's definitely an aspect of them given how much Freyr particularly is ehm... portrayed, but that's not all that fertility means.

Example: Beltane is, according to my Llewellyn book collection, a sexy sex festival of fornication and, on the side, a splash of PG rated euphemisms. To me, this is boring and ought to make Beltane an entirely skippable season. However, it's actually one of my favorites, and the time I feel closest to Freyr.

Fertility is just abundance. It can manifest a multitude of ways, from physical wealth, to richness of soil and flourishing of crops and livestock. Passion is mental as much as physical. Anyone who has sunk into a warm bath at the end of a hard day can tell you that physical bliss doesn't always mean sex.

Freyja and Freyr are gods of indulgences and good things. Taking care of yourself. The feeling of being wrapped in a warm blanket on a rainy day, or the rush of joy in seeing something or someone you love. The pleasant aching stretch of growing, and the satisfaction after working hard. And, yes, sometimes sex.

🌹🌸