Deity of the Week- Apollo

Working with deities is probably my favorite part of witchcraft. Not everyone incorporates deity work into their craft and that is totally okay as your craft is yours to create. Although if you want to learn more about Hellenic Polytheism this blog is a great place to look. Whether you want to get to know a deity or are simply interested in greek mythology we'll cover all of the above in the Manifest Blog. So, let's get into it.

This week's featured deity is one of my personal favorites, Apollo, or Apollon.

Apollo is the Greek god of music, prophecy, healing, archery, and of course, the sun. He was born on the Island of Delos, to his parents: Zues and Leto. Hera pursued Apollo and his sister, Artemis due to jealousy as the two were born to zues through an affair.

If you've watched Percy Jackson, you've probably heard of the Oracle of Delphi. The Oracle was a woman also known as the pythia who had served as Apollo's voice on earth. Apollo traveled from Delos to Pytho where he slew the serpent that guarded the area, Python. Apollo took the form of a dolphin and leaped aboard a Cretan ship and forced the crew to obey him. Pytho was then named Delphi after the dolphins.

Apollo has been considered the prophet of Zues guiding mortals with his prophecies.

Throughout the myths Apollo had many love affairs, though they mostly ended tragically; Daphne tried to escape him and became a laurel, Coronis was shot by Artemis when she was decided unfaithful, and Cassandra rejected him and was made to tell prophecy that was true but have no one believe her.

Apollo has also been known for his impeccable musical abilities. One specific symbol being the lyre, a harp-like instrument. He famously defeated the satyr Marsyas and Pan in musical competitions.

In the Illiad Apollo sided with the Trojans in the Trojan War, helped Paris with the famous death of Achilles, and set plagues upon the Greek camp.

Apollo's mythology features a delicate balance between light and healing, however his actions showcase divine wrath at its finest.

Apollo's Epithets:

Apollo, like the other gods, has many epithets. Epithets are a specific name that highlights one of many roles.

Phoebus (Φοίβος)- Bright or Radiant, Apollo's most famous title.

Paean (Παιάν)- Healer or Physician

Loxias (Λοξίας)- Ambiguous or Obscure, referring to his role as a prophet.

Pythius (Πύθιος)- The Pythian, referring to his victory over Python

Hekebolos (Εκηβόλος)- Far Shooter

Argyrotoxos (Άργυρότοξος)- Of the silver bow

Musagetes (Μουσηγέτης)- Leader of the Muses.

Kitharodos (Κιθαρωδός)- He who sings to the Lyre.

Alexikakos (Αλεξκακος)- Averter of Evil.

Agyieus (Άγυιεύς)- Protector of streets and homes.

Iatromantis (Ίατρομάντις)- Physician-Prophet.

Thearios (Θεάριος)- Of the Oracle.

Now you may be wondering, how would you know if you are called by apollo?

Maybe you have a connection to the sun that you can't explain or you see ravens and swans everywhere you go. Maybe you are a lover of archery or you're a poet. The truth is he doesn't need to call you for you to follow him. All you need is to know how to follow him.

Offerings:

Apollo likes music, poetry, art, and in my personal experience, a little competition.

Great ways to honor him include creating your own art and giving it to him, writing poetry filled with emotion, or writing poems about him. Of course, playing instruments, singing songs, creating a Playlist for him, etc.

Some associates herbs would be laurel, aloe, hyacinth, sunflowers, Cypress,and delphinium, lemongrass, orange peel, dried lemon slices.

Dried bay leaves are also a common offering and can be burned as incense. Along with rosemary, cinnamon, and Frankincense. Healing herbs like Eucalyptus, chamomile, and st. John's worth are also common in healing rituals.

Of course you can place statues or art of Apollo on his alter, along with imagery of the sun.

Colors:

Yellow, White, Gold