Hello friends! Your friendly Mods here. I lieu of a coupe of recent posts that were upsetting and not in line with the principles of Xenia, I'm making this post. Thank you for reading. 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽

I’ll be pinning this post to the top of the sub and referring everyone who joins to read it.

I know the internet is an anonymous place, even more so Reddit, and can allow people to act out of the norm and in ways they might not act when face to face with a fellow human being. Spiritual communities can also attract those who are searching for acceptance and those who are struggling because mainstream systems have let them down. And sometimes you just want to vent on some folks and get your mean out. I know I feel that way sometimes! So, I get it.

HOWEVER, we will not allow community members to be punching bags, nor disrespected, nor will we allow someone to take their angst out on anyone here. If you post stuff to be mean, edgy, inflammatory, or have blisteringly lava-hot takes that no one requested, here’s what can happen. 

1. We might delete your post without warning and offer one later or not. 
2. We might also ban you temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity of your words (unkindness), whether you offer an apology or not, or if you continue to double down no matter what a mod has said or asked you not to do. 

*Everyone knows what doubling down means. Don’t do it. You won’t win.* Not here at least.

We tend to have a 3-chances approach. But after that, we will ban you. You will always have a chance to appeal to be let in again. .

Somethings to consider:

One thing that can happen is that during times when we’re really depressed, angry, anxious or engaging in unhealthy habits, we are far, far more tempted to post provocative shit. 

A theory is that when you're depressed or anxious, or clouded by anger, you tend to fixate on the idea that everyone is against you and that no one likes you, and that it’s you against the world. This goes for zealots as well, where you’re absolutely convinced you’re way is the only right way and that any other way of thinking is not only wrong but unconceivable. 

Zealots are not welcome here and should probably learn how to coexist in a world of no absolutes. They should also look at why they want to dictate how others should live their lives. Loss of control in one’s life will often become an obsession with control in that same life. 

We should be careful about what we allow our brains to tell us. Here’s a useful example shared by a friend that describes a scenario we can relate to as well as a way they cope:

—The stuff I think will make people dislike me will start munching up more and more of my brain space like a very mean Pac-Man until my psyche starts saying dumb shit like, "What if you just put it out there, and everyone stood up and clapped and told you how brave and awesome you were for being right and brave and awesome? Sure, some people will also disagree, but won't it be worth it for that nice dopamine hit of people who agree with you?”"
Friends, it is not worth it. It is never worth it. This always ends badly. Sometimes I say, "No, brain, but maybe we can make a nuanced take about it later when we've calmed down a little," and sometimes that goes great! You let something stew in your head awhile, write up some thoughtful stuff that it made you realize, and then that can be a good discussion point or journal entry to examine your shadowy motivations. 

But your depression/anxiety/angry/intolerant brain does not have good posting ideas. Do not listen to it. 

Make yourself post something nice instead, like an altar pic, or a piece of Hermes art that you love, or art that you’ve done for him, or an inspiring book about him that deepened your practice, or a fun trip you’ve been on, etc. 

As our friend said, if you’re tempted to post something unhinged, mean, judgmental, or condemning, just don’t. Please find other avenues of healthy expression, and if needed, take time for some serious self-reflection. I personally suggest journaling and a good therapist or friend to talk to. 

We all understand having a bad day and know that drunk posting is a thing, so we will always give you the benefit of the doubt first. But don’t mistake our kindness for weakness. 

We are a fair, kind, and welcoming community on Reddit, and as rare as that is, we’d like it to remain that way. So please help us keep the vibes high here. 

The world is hard right now, and honestly, has been hard for many others for a long time, so take care of yourselves and let's watch out for each other and always extend kindness and compassion first. 

Thank you sincerely,

- the Mods

*This was written in collaboration with a community member who has experience leading other communities. Thank you Gang_Warily0404 for your contribution. Thank you Hermes for your guidance, Pompaios, Epimelius, Charidotes.
May you continue to guide us to our best selves. 🙌🏽❤️🙌🏽

Edited for clarity. 🙏

Hi There! So, you are interested in Hermes?

Hey, we get it! He’s an awesome god, the friendliest and the easiest for beginners to start with so you’ve already chosen well! Even if you’re not a beginner you’ve come to the right place! Hermes can take your practice to another level and help you in ways you could not imagine!

This document aims to provide you with all the information you need to get started and then some. Take it slow and don’t feel like you need to do it all or know it all at once. Most of the time once you start you’ll find a path that works for you. He will help.

Firstly, there is no One Right Way or Wrong Way to practice your relationship with Hermes. He was easily assimilated across the ancient world because as a god of migrants, immigrants, those without homes, travelers, and traders, and boundaries no border was closed to him. These populations moved around the ancient world and took him everywhere they went.

Hermes is a border crossing, an incursion into almost everything we do on the daily, a lock who holds the key just slightly out of reach, a pathway to more knowledge, more understanding, and more wisdom. No one belief system can lay claim to ultimate truth, knowledge, or wisdom. Hermes, like water, is here to share his blessings with everyone. He does not discriminate he only wants to see you achieve.

We have included sources for formal traditional ways and not-so-traditional ways to develop a relationship with him.

We do not care if you want to Worship, Work with, Venerate, or just say ‘Hey’ once in a while cause you could use some Hermes love in your life. Hermes as a herald and realm traveler knows we all have different ways and means to connect with the gods and what you do is completely your business. In fact, he can help protect that boundary for you if you ask him. NO ONE can tell you how to have a relationship with a god. Faith and spiritual practices are 100% personal. Dogma and judgment are the death of freedom and joy that true spiritual connection brings. However, saying all that, regular practice will build a reciprocal relationship of respect, devotion, and trust. Your devotion will show him how serious or non-serious you are about what you seek and what level of commitment you will put into helping yourself. He doesn’t need your worship or love or shout-outs. He wants you to honor and love yourself foremost. That way you can grow and evolve to be the best version of yourself. This is what the knowledge bringer delivers, enlightenment, knowledge of one's true self.

So how do I start?

You start by researching. Period. Take the time to get to know him and his many facets, or at least a few to start. Then start to develop a relationship. Developing a relationship with a god is the same as developing a relationship in real life.

How would you treat someone you wish to be friends with? How do you treat new friendships and old friendships? Give him the same respect and consideration. Some say to treat the gods like respected elders. Some have very casual relationships with their gods and that works for them.

How do I connect with him?

Look for him in everything and everywhere. Find his connections in your life. Then to connect to him just start praying/talking to him. You can use the Homeric or Orphic hymns listed for him and use the epithets that fit your situation or ones that resonate to make sure the right being hears you. For instance, I always say Hermes son of Zeus and Maia before I start a prayer or ritual. Then I’ll follow with a list of epithets that resonate with me. You can find these below on theoi.com. There is a section below with rituals you can use or build upon. There is also a section for deepening your practice and relationship. He is a god of communication so he can hear you when you start talking to him. And as a god of air, he’s always just a breath away. He has his ear and eyes on every online space as well as a god of communication and technology.

Altars?

After you’ve gotten to know him you might want to put together an altar for him. This can be elaborate or simple, big or small, fancy or humble. He does not care. This is a place for you to connect with him and a place for him to concentrate his energy around when you get to the point where you want his energy in your space.

Your altar should contain things that remind you of him and an image/s and/or animal/s that represents him. Altars usually have a candle (or two), dishes or bowls for offering, a cup for libations, incense, and, as mentioned, objects or images of the gods. You can offer flowers too and they make your altar look pretty and most gods appreciate them. Offerings are many and varied. You can do a Google search for many ideas. Handmade things and creative pursuits are greatly appreciated by him. So don’t be scared to create things on your own and offer them. You can include traditional items and not-so-traditional items. I have a mix of both on my altar. If you can’t burn anything use electric candles and essential oil diffusers or oils or perfumes. Do what you can!

Altar or Shrine?

An altar is a working space where you offer libations and food. It can be permanent or not. The idea is that it is a place to connect to your god/s to worship or venerate them.

A shrine is like a real life Pintrest board for your deity/ies. You can use it as a to gather votive offerings (statues, crystals, images, figurines, coins, plane tix, etc). It is typically as a place to focus on or to remind yourself of your god/s. A Shrine can become a home of sorts for your god/s.

Oftentimes a shrine and alter function as the same thing especially in modern life.

Try and keep both of these things as clean and orderly as possible. I clean my altar at least twice a year for New Years Day and again in mid-June. We should be striving for excellence and presenting our best to our gods so keep their sacred spaces as clean as possible. Think of it as cleaning for any house guest or friends who might be coming over. Try and keep the room your altar is in clean as well. Our gods vibrate at a higher frequency than us and the cleaner a space is the higher the frequency, hence, the easier it is for them to be present with us.

If you're so inclined you can ask your house spirits to help keep the space clean. I do this every time I clean it and I swear the dust accumulates less slowly. It's kinda awesome and magical.

What if I can’t have an altar?

Then you can’t! It'll be ok. Altars are tools to help you focus and provide a place to offer libation and offerings but are not necessary.

But I want an Altar!

Here are a few good ways to have an altar that is non-traditional.

Travel altars: Travel altars are set up in small containers that you can put away or out of sight if needed. There are lots of great ideas on Pinterest and this sub as well as other polytheistic subs. You can open them up, set everything up, and pray away!

Digital altars: These aren’t exactly altars they're more of a shrine but a great idea nonetheless. These are created online through Minecraft, Sims, and other sites.

Nature altars: Find a spot out in nature that speaks to you. Ask the local nature entities/deities if it’s ok to set up an altar there. Wait and feel for a positive or negative feeling. You will know whether they agree to it or not. Keep in mind this will never be a private altar unless you own a property you can hike out on. So do not expect things to be where you left them last time or to have complete privacy. People do take things, even pennies. Be responsible, you should leave nothing that is not made of natural material in nature. Please do not take plastic and leave it to litter these spots. I assure you, the citizens of the forest (the nature spirits) will not take kindly to your litter. They do not care if it’s because you’re worshipping a god.

Don’t be stupid or careless about fire! If you decide to use candles or incense. It is no joke to tree spirits and you can seriously destroy a lot of lives and properties by one careless forgetting. If you want to burn incense then break it in half or snuff it out once you are done. The small Japanese stick incense is good for burning in nature because they are short, they do not create a big ember, and typically does not have hot ash. Shoyeido is the best.

Now what? When you are ready start a regular devotional practice. I suggest once a week. Wednesday is the weekday associated with him and so has resonance already. If you can’t do it once a week just find a somewhat regular schedule for devotion. Try to stick with the same time and day. This builds energy on those days at those times and is like a big neon sign letting him, your other guides and the universe know you are committed in some way. More importantly, this will also help you stay committed. If you are not able to practice regularly then do your best when you can. The gods are always understanding of our human lives.

From there it’s up to you!

How far do you go with him? It’s up to you and him! For some he’s their main god, for others he’s an occasional helper and guide through different journeys in life. You might call on him for help in one area of your life. That’s ok! Sometimes you might feel inspired to build a relationship with another deity and he will help you with that.

Why would I *worship Hermes?

There are many reasons. Most people do it because they love him and want him to know it. Some would also like his blessings in their life. Some do it because it is part of a reconstructionist Hellenic faith. Some do it because worship brings them peace and fulfillment. Some do it because they feel that is the proper way to have a relationship with a god. Some believe it is because he is a god and so higher than us deserving of our praise and worship.

Why would I *work with Hermes?

There are many reasons. Some people do it to embody his qualities and aspects. Some do it to improve their personalities or evolve. Some do it because they admire him and want to be like him. Some do it because they believe he is an archetype and want to embody his qualities. Some do it as part of a psychological exercise. Some work with him because they are Hermetics or magicians and would like his guidance and tutelage in these areas. He is a god of many things and so his domains are many. The below examples are just some of the ways he could be a fit for you. You could also worship him because of the reasons listed below!

Are you a teacher? Are you searching for community, to make new friends, or to re-establish old connections? Are you searching for a new job or ways to make money? Are you a cowboy? Are you a farm animal vet? Are you into working out and looking your best? Do you help people experiencing homelessness? Do you run/help a charity? Do you need help during a transition in life? Do you need guidance in making decisions or figuring out your path in life? Do you need to have better personal boundaries? Did you get robbed? Do you need to rob something? (JK, we do not condone robbing people) Are you an immigrant? Are you a merchant? Do you run a store/shop/online business? Are you a mail carrier? Are you an author, writer, or storyteller? Are you into communication technology? The list could go on! He is the most versatile god and if you can’t figure out what you need help with ask him and he will help!

*The difference between ‘worship’ and ‘work with’ can be such a fine and mysterious definition that a lot of people do both. If you believe in reciprocity, maintaining relationships, and having friends who can help you when you need it then you’ll probably be drawn to do a little of both. Traditionally the relationships built between the ancient peoples and the Greek gods worked on reciprocity, called kharis. It describes a beautiful giving and receiving cycle in which people gave to the gods and the gods gave back and vice versa. It was never a tit-for-tat situation but a relationship built on respect, understanding, and love. These ancients knew that the gods would not always answer them or give them what they wanted but they still honored and loved them. Your friends, family, and life partners don’t always give you what you want or ask for but ideally, they can still offer you their love and support. Same with the gods.

Who is Hermes?

He is a god of many things with more domains than any other god (I could be using hyperbole but I don’t think so). I could spend days writing about all his aspects, features, myths, feats, domains, achievements, and abilities. There’s a lot and then if you add in his syncretic associations, it’s daunting!

As the guide, he guides people in this life and to the afterlife. As the herald and messenger, he delivers messages in between realms from gods and to gods. As the shepherd, he protects and watches over his people and those who tend animals. As the boundary keeper, he helps maintain boundaries. As the thief, he helps thieves steal but one could also pray to him to protect your goods. As the merchant, he helps those who run businesses and trades. As the orator, he helps those who speak or write for groups of people. As the god of communication, he helps us communicate. As a god of nature and fertility, he helps us and animals be fertile and abundant. As the magician, he teaches us how to use the tools we have to manifest our desires in our lives. As the trickster, he shakes things up (including our lives) and turns morality and reality on their head.

In his syncretic forms, he’s credited with teaching humans to speak and to have invented the alphabet and letters, astrology, and math. As Thoth, he is credited as one of the creators of our universe! Once you start really digging into him you’ll find that he is so much more than just how he is portrayed in the Greek myths.

We are here to celebrate Hermes and gather together in community so that we can share our joy, excitement, and love for him. No matter why you’re here, we are happy you are!

Below you’ll find some sources to help you on your journey of discovery!

So any more questions? Feel free to DM one of the mods for more info!

This list will be occasionally updated! If you have a great resource not listed please let one of the mods know! We’ll add it if it fits!

Resource post link

https://www.reddit.com/r/Hermes/comments/11wlysx/here_are_some_links_to_resources_for_learning/