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Persephone Shrine Photos
Here are some photographs of my (Gitana’s) personal Persephone shrine that I have in my home.
This shrine obviously hangs on a wall. As you can see from the picture, it includes an image of the goddess, along with offerings for her: pomegranates, flowers, a candle, and an amphora which at times will hold liquid offerings (libations) such as water, oil, wine, milk, and/or honey.
This is basically the same picture as above, only now the candle is lit.
The above two pictures were taken in summer 2005. I’ve taken some new ones, in summer 2006 that are below.
Basically the same as before, only here the little piglet has been added, and I took the pic right after I had offered her some fresh flowers.
I also added a shrine to Haides and Persephone:
One picture was taken in the daytime, and one obviously at night. The plaque is actually a reproduction of an ancient Greek “pinax.” If you’d like to read more about what that is, and how they were used and offered, you can read an article I wrote about them here.
Here is how both the shrines look next to one another on the wall.
According to ancient Greek tradition, the Khthonic deities, the heroes, and the dead were honored on the last three days of the Hellenic month. (The last day always falls on the dark moon.) Although no specific day was designated for Persephone, I have made it my own custom to honor her on the first of these three days, mainly because she is my patron deity.
For my own monthly ritual in her honor, I do something very simple. I might conduct it at my shrine, or I might go to a local park, or other outdoor location. I always offer a libation, but what the liquid is depends on the location. If I’m at a local park, I only bring fresh, pure water. I simply put the container of water on the ground, and knock it over, allowing the water to spill out. If it is possible, I also recite the Orphic Hymn to Persephone. I may also offer flowers. It all depends on the circumstances and the actual location.
If I am indoors, I will begin at the stove, which I view as my “hearth.” I will pour libations into a bowl that is put directly on the stove flame. Most often I start with olive oil, and then after that heats up, I may add barley and/or nice smelling herbs. I will end with wine. Please note: when pouring wine into hot oil, it causes the wine to flame up, so be prepared! It’s best to only pour very small droplets at a time, and have something handy to put out a fire, just in case! Once that burns for a minute or so, I bring the mixture to my shrine. I will pour that into the amphora, and light the candle. I then recite the Orphic Hymn to Persephone, and offer both the amphora and candle to her. If I have anything else to offer, like flowers, etc. I will offer those as well, and place them on the shelf.