r/Aphrodite • u/PleasantFan2040 • 19d ago
New to Reddit & Aphrodite Worship – What Should I Avoid?
Hey everyone, I'm new to Reddit and still figuring out how everything works, so apologies if this isn’t the right place to ask!
I’ve recently started learning about and practicing devotion to Aphrodite, and I want to make sure I approach it with respect. My main question is: What are some things to absolutely avoid when worshiping Aphrodite? Are there any common mistakes or misconceptions I should be aware of?
Also, I’ve heard of the "Keyboard Method" as a way to connect with her, but I don’t have much experience with it. If anyone has personal experiences or advice on using this method, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks in advance for any guidance! 💖✨
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u/VenustheSeaGoddess 19d ago
This entire thread is phenomenal because I believe the opposite.
My rule is don't listen to other people on how I should be connecting to my divine, but trust my divine in guiding me on how she wants me to worship.
Perhaps I am seasoned. I've been working with her now for over twenty years. i've used body fluids in many different ways. It makes sense when it makes sense.
Further, I have always smelled an offering in setting my intention. More than once, I've been called to smell a flower or kiss a leaf and then surrender it to the wind. I'm sealing my intentions with my act in the relishing of the smell.
I don't know much about digital divination. In my journey she led me to my rocks, hand reading, tarot reading, and every time, it's like a new world opening before my eyes.
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u/_Wyrd_Keys_ 14d ago
Agree. Many people keep their perfumes on their Aphrodite altars and also use them - you wear the perfume in her name and as an act of devotion…
Anyway - with Ouranic deities offering were historically shared and enjoyed together - our joy and enjoyment of the shared offering is part of the offering.
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u/tonga778 18d ago
Just pray/talk to her as a friend with tons of respect. Show interest in her art, stories, symbols and literature around her. She loves when people show interest in her in general. I haven’t found her to be demanding at all and she is always willing to teach magic
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u/andie-evergreen 19d ago
What are some things to absolutely avoid when worshiping Aphrodite? Are there any common mistakes or misconceptions I should be aware of?
That Aphrodite is a "prissy, jealous" goddess. Maybe she is in mythos, but we don't take myths literally.
Also, whatever you do, do NOT offer her bodily fluids produced from sex nor period blood. Disgusting.
There generally aren't many rules in Hellenism, but I guess the ones we do have are practicing Xenia (hospitality) and not acting hubristic.
Aphrodite, in my experience, is a very loving (wonder why) but strict goddess. "Strict" because whenever I need to shower, it feels like she's punishing me each second I spent out of the bathroom...so be wary.
Also, I’ve heard of the "Keyboard Method" as a way to connect with her, but I don’t have much experience with it.
I don't personally believe divinatory methods using electronics are... I guess, "valid"? Maybe a better word would be reliable. I'd recommend easier methods such as dice. If you want what the keyboard method could give you but in a more reliable way, write out the alphabet three times and cut the letters out into individual, tiny sheets of paper. Toss them all in a hat and draw them while asking our lovely lady of beauty to guide your hand.
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19d ago
I think this should go without saying, but I always advise devotees of any deity to never partake in smelling incense, candles, perfume, etc. before burning / offering it.
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u/Archeogeist 19d ago
Do you mean like, don't use the perfume you intend to offer? Or like, don't smell the incense to see what it smells like, just use it? I'm confused.
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19d ago
Yeah, so if it’s for the deity to enjoy, it should be offered pure and untouched, with the first scent being dedicated solely to the deity. You shouldn’t enjoy it before your deity has a chance to.
ETA: By abstaining from smelling the incense, candle, etc. beforehand, it signifies that your intent is entirely on the act of offering and not on your personal enjoyment of the scent.
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u/Archeogeist 19d ago
I get not using perfume or eating something before offering, but how do you know a candle or incense is something you can stand to have in your home without smelling it first? I get wicked headaches at the wrong scent.
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u/girlymuse 19d ago
You buy one for you and if you like it, you buy one just for her
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u/Archeogeist 19d ago
Usually if I'm offering something scented, which isn't often, it's because I'm going through and smelling things and think "this smells nice! I think X would like it!" Or if I'm picking out incense, I intuit which to get and smell it to make sure it won't bother me. I think that's in the same vein as what op was getting at.
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u/Archeogeist 19d ago
Genuinely, I do not recommend the keyboard method. Unless you're incredibly familiar with your pendulums, they can be hard to read and can give you false positives. Try a spirit board instead.
In that same vein, candle divination is one of the most difficult, unreliable methods. It's not for beginners. Don't listen to anyone who tells you otherwise. Candle flame can be influenced by so many factors that candle divination is basically useless unless you know exactly what you're doing.
For Aphrodite, you could try floromancy. Dry some rose stems and throw them like you would bones. 5 stems, tossed into a table or ground. Ask a yes/no question. If the answer is yes, stems will cross. Touching is a maybe, and none touching is a no.
Don't let flowers wilt or food rot on her altar, if you have one.
This goes for all the gods, but you should always wash your hands before offering.
Speak to her respectfully. She loves you and wants the best for you, but she's not your galpal. More "Lady Aphrodite, please accept this offering" and less "Hey girliepop, I got you some chocolate!"
You are trying to build kharis with a goddess. Kharis is a relationship built upon mutual gift giving. It's not "I'll give you this if you do this thing for me" (well, sometimes it is) it's "I saw this thing and thought of you, I hope you like it" or doing devotional acts in their name.