These Pagan Portal books are a work in progress, being serialised here on the Pagan Collective blog with each chapter being open for comment. In due course the entire script will be published as a Pagan Portal book.

Chapter 5: Cults of Athena

Only-begotten, noble race of Zeus, blessed and fierce, who joyest in caves to rove: O warlike Pallas, whose illustrious kind, ineffable, and effable we find: magnanimous and famed, the rocky height, and groves, and shady mountains thee delight: in arms rejoicing, who with furies dire and wild the souls of mortals dost inspire. Gymnastic virgin of terrific mind, dire Gorgon’s bane, unmarried, blessed, kind: mother of arts, impetuous; understood as fury by the bad, but wisdom by the good. Female and male, the arts of war are thine, O much-formed, Drakaina (She-Dragon), inspired divine: over the Phlegraion Gigantes (Phlegraean Giants), roused to ire, thy coursers driving with destructive dire. Tritogeneia, of splendid mien, purger of evils, all-victorious queen. Hear me, O Goddess, when to thee I pray, with supplicating voice both night and day, and in my latest hour give peace and health, propitious times, and necessary wealth, and ever present be thy votaries aid, O much implored, art’s parent, blue-eyed maid.

Orphic Hymn 32 to Athena, translated by Thomas Taylor

The worship of Athena spread across Attica, focusing on Athens. Her image is still found in the Acropolis and local museums are filled with statues, images, and stories. While Athena may not have named Athens as the stories are told, she was influential, important, and honored. Protectress and mother of art, her wisdom was revered and recounted.

The Importance of Cults in Ancient Greece

While the modern definition of cults will likely leave readers thinking about control, cults in ancient Greece focus more on collective devotion and initiatory mysteries. In some cases, cults were groups of people who honored the cycle of life and death^[1], often acting out these stories to better understand and live into the promises of the godds.

However, while there is speculation about the movement of cults, they were, as mentioned, often shrouded in mysteries. And in that mystery, it is difficult to know for certain what happened–or what didn’t happen behind closed doors. What is speculated by some researchers is that Athena was likely to preside over rites of passage, including citizenship and marriage. Further writings note how these rites may have helped to create standards for socialization that could extend beyond Athens.

What I might offer from the modern perspective is that cults offered a place to make sense of life transitions and build better understanding of the role of deities. By bringing together like-minded worshipers, these cults were sanctuaries of belief and mystery. Though the cults of Athena may not have volumes of information from which to gain inspiration for modern reconstruction, one can surmise from her connection to war, wisdom, and craft that she could be involved in related activities.

Athens – Acropolis
The Acropolis in Athens includes a statue of Athena at the entryway, and Pausanias compiled many descriptions of Athena’s presence. Plato^[2] also speaks to the idea that Athena’s statue at the Parthenon did not include gold on her face, hands, or feet, but that she was made of ivory. What you will notice in the select writings below is that Athena is often associated with a particular epithet, or title, that further speaks to the type of energy being revered.

As you enter the temple that they name the Parthenon, all the sculptures you see on what is called the pediment refer to the birth of Athena, those on the rear pediment represent the contest for the land between Athena and Poseidon. The statue itself is made of ivory and gold. On the middle of her helmet is placed a likeness of the Sphinx–the tale of the Sphinx I will give when I come to my description of Boiotia–and on either side of the helmet are Grypes (Griffins) in relief…The statue of Athena is upright, with a tunic reaching to the feet, and on her breast the head of Medousa is worked in ivory. She holds a statue of Nike (Victory) about four cubits high, and in the other hand a spear; at her feet lies a shield and near the spear is a serpent. This serpent would be Erikhthonios.

Pausanias, Description of Greece 1.24.5, translated by W.H.S. Jones

Both the city [of Athens] and the whole of the land [of Attika] are alike sacred to Athena; for even those who in their parishes have an established worship of other gods nevertheless hold Athena in honor. But the most holy symbol, that was so considered by all many years before the unification of the parishes, is the image of Athena which is on what is now called the Akropolis, but in early days the Polis (City). A legend concerning it says that it fell from heaven; whether this is true or not I shall not discuss. A golden lamp for the goddess was made by Kallimakhos. Having filled the lamp with oil, they wait until the same day next year, and the oil is sufficient for the lamp during the interval, although it is alight both day and night.

Pausanias, Description of Greece 1.26.6 – 7, translated by W.H.S. Jones

Athens – Attica
From the gate to the Kerameikos [in Athens] there are porticoes…One of the porticoes contains shrines of gods…here there are images of Athena Paionia (Healer).

Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 2. 5, translated by W.H.S. Jones

Above the Kerameikos [in Athens] and the portico called the King’s Portico is a temple of Hephaistos. I was not surprised that by it stands a statue of Athena, because I knew the story about Erikhthonios. But when I saw that the statue of Athena had blue eyes I found out that the legend about them is Libyan. For the Libyans have a saying that the Goddess is the daughter of Poseidon and Lake Tritonis, and for this reason has blue eyes like Poseidon.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 14. 6, translated by W.H.S. Jones

There is an altar to Athena Areia (Warlike) [in the Areopagos, Athens], which he [Ares] dedicated on being acquitted [for the murder of Hallirhothios].
Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 30. 2, translated by W.H.S. Jones

There is also pointed out a place called the Hill of Horses [outside of Athens], the first point in Attika, they say, that Oidipous reached…and an altar to Poseidon Hippios (Horse God), and to Athena Hippia (Horse Goddess).
Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 30. 4, translated by W.H.S. Jones

Piraeus (Peiraeus) – Attica
The most noteworthy sight in the Peiraeus is a precinct of Athena and Zeus. Both their images are of bronze; Zeus holds a staff and a Nike, Athena a spear.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 1. 3, translated by W.H.S. Jones

Sunium (Sounion) – Attica
When you have rounded the promontory you see a harbor and a temple to Athena Sounia (of Sunion) on the peak of the promontory.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 1. 1, translated by W.H.S. Jones

Other cult locations include:

Acharnae (Akharnai) – Attica
CephiIsus – Attica
Laciadae – Attica
Mount Pentelicus – Attica
Munychia (Mounykhia) – Attica
Phaleron – Attica
Phyla & Myrrhinus (Myrrhinos) – Attica
Zoster – Attica

Learning about the locations of cults helps to create context for devotional work with Athena. You might choose to look at a map to find these locations and better situate yourself and your relationship to Athena between the past and the present.

Festivals for Athena

Panathenaea^[3] is a festival that brought people together from all over Athens, including men and women, but not slaves. Held in late July or August, this festival included games and contests, including singing. This competition took place in the Odeum, built near a theater to celebrate Dionysus, located on the hillside of the Acropolis as you make your way up to the Parthenon. It’s an outdoor amphitheater that holds concerts for modern day artists today. Those who participated in the musical contest might win an olive crown or a monetary prize.

Athletic contests included men and winners would receive bottles of olive oil from a sacred grove in Athens.

In “The Frogs” by Aristophanes^[4], Dionysus speaks to the games:

By the Powers, you are right! At the Panathenaea
I laughed till I felt like a potsherd to see
Pale, paunchy young gentleman pounding along,
With his head butting forward, the last of the throng,
In the direst of straits; and behold at the gates,
The Ceramites flapped him, and smacked him, and slapped him,
In the ribs, and the loin, and the flank, and the groin,
And still, as they spanked him, he puffed and he panted,
Till at one mighty cuff, he discharged such a puff
That he blew out his torch and levanted.

This writing notes how some young men were not in the best athletic shape to run the relays of the games. And there is also some confusion as there was a yearly festival but also a festival of the same name that was larger and held every four years.

It is said that a procession for Athena would happen on the last day, and offerings and sacrifices were common to show gratitude toward the goddess. Festivals brought people together and helped to promote cohesiveness in the culture.

Practice: Building a Modern Cult to Athena

When building a relationship to Athena, you might find others who want to practice devotional work together. Because there are few writings about cult practices, you might create a cult based on what you most appreciate or celebrate in Athena. Here are some ideas that can help you begin your cult-building.

Decide on an aspect of Athena – If you want to begin a cult, it can help to choose an aspect of Athena for focus. For example, you might look to Athena for her skills in warfare, and then create a cult that participates in practices related to war and fighting.
Work with different epithets – Like many Greek deities, Athena has a list of epithets, or titles, to promote certain energies. You may choose to create a cult that works with different titles each month or each year, depending on your goals. You can find ways to sink into those energies in order to learn more about Athena’s diversity and magick.
Create an art and craft group – Since Athena is related to craft and weaving, a modern cult to Athena may focus on spending time together in art-focused practices. You might choose to create items in her image. Or you can create art that is dedicated to her, even if it doesn’t include her image. You might have art shows and sharings to promote the magick related to art. A group might also find imagery of Athena and each person can create their own interpretation of those images.
Train for battle – For a more physical-minded cult to Athena, a group could decide to learn about sword fighting or other battle tactics. Or you might choose to engage in exercise to boost your endurance and strength. This cult might include fighting with each other, strategizing battle plans, engaging in activism or protests, and finding ways to fight corrupt systems. Not all battles are physical, after all.
Read stories about Athena – The wisdom of Athena is well-known, so a cult you may begin can include learning all that you can about her. This can include reading her stories, finding different versions of those stories and reading them aloud. You might also choose to write your own stories in a modern context to expand her influence.
Re-create the imagery of Pausanias – A modern cult might seek out the stories of Athena and not only read them, but also use art and other skills to build those images in real life. This might involve drawing or sculpting, painting or digital art. When you bring these images to life, Athena is well-honored. And it can be interesting to see what each person in a group might do in their own interpretation and how that can further expand your understanding of her influence.
Rites of passage rituals – Athena watched over the initiatory rites of citizens in Athens, and this can happen where you are too. You can write rituals that bring her into focus as a guide and grantor of passage to the next life stage.

Over time, a group can create a history of practices, including those created in the modern context, enabling some written record of how Athena continues to be worshiped. And in future days, that worship might be remembered and used for inspiration.

Practice: Re-creating an Athena Festival

When I think of the Greeks, I often think about their festivals and celebrations. These gatherings influenced not only culture and community, but also how their deities were seen. Whether you have a group or a cult, it can be inspiring to recreate the festivals of ancient Greece. You can step back into time and better understand the energies, the motivations, and how things from the past are still relevant today.

Begin by naming the goal of the festival, e.g., athletics, rites of passage, art, etc. While you can have different events, having one overall goal is helpful in creating coherence in the celebration. For example, you might have a celebration that focuses on the arts and crafts of Athena. This festival could bring together the artists and creators of the local area (or online). You could create an invitation to artists of all kinds to create something in celebration of Athena. Find a place where you can gather to see the art and decide on a ‘winner.’ Or you might find a place big enough to hold a number of artists who create their piece of art in a certain time period. People can watch these artists as they create, and comment on their work. In the end, all of the pieces can be offered to Athena for blessing.

Here are additional ideas to create a festival to Athena:

Build a temple or altar to Athena – It is wise to create some sort of sacred place for Athena. This might include a statue or pictures, offerings to her, and other symbols. People can be invited to bring ‘sacrifices’ or petitions to her. This altar might include a light that stays lit the entirety of the celebration.

Introduce Athena – Having people reading and/or acting out stories of Athena can help participants less familiar get a sense of who she is and what she represents. You can include books that people can read, or have small cards with basic information about her for people to learn more.

Invite Athena devotees and presenters – It can help to have time for offerings from various Athena worshipers, including rituals, workshops on creating weapons, etc. By inviting diversity and wisdom, you further expand Athena’s influence.

Lead a ritual to Athena – A simple ritual to Athena can be how you start and/or end the festival. This can follow traditional Greek/Hellenistic practices or can follow modern magickal outlines. Here’s a possible template:

Honoring Hestia – As was common, honor Hestia by lighting a flame or acknowledging the hearth of community.

Preparations – You might give an introduction to what will happen and help people understand what they need to know to be a respectful ritual participant.

Cleansing & Purification – This step can include everyone cleansing themselves with water as they enter the ritual space or you might throw water droplets around the space to ensure it is purified before people enter.

Procession – From where you are, you might process physically to the space of the ritual, or you might lead a quick meditation that guides people into a temple space where they will honor Athena.

Hymns to the Muses – Often, the Muses were acknowledged and asked for their support and inspiration.

Offering / Sacrifice – If people have brought offerings to share with Athena or the group, this is the place where these can be moved to the appropriate place or in the middle of the ritual. Each offering can be presented to the Athena altar or to her name.

Prayer – Once the offerings are made, Athena is welcomed in by offering praise and glory of her through recounting her stories, her epithets, and her impact in the world. This can vary and can include the reading of hymns or other stories. Once she is well-honored, a request can be made of her to watch over the festival or the group. (Or you might have another request of her, depending on your focus.) Once the request is made, you will offer a vow in return, a promise to honor her name, for example. Remember, whatever you promise a deity, you need to fulfil.

Libations – At this time, you might ask people to share a drink together, either one amongst the group or each person can drink their own beverage. This is a celebration and a drinking in of the deity’s energy and the commitments made.

Gratitude – Then you might give gratitude to Athena for her blessings and her wisdom. This can be a practice that continues throughout the celebration, and certainly when the celebration ends.

One thing I’d like to clarify is that a festival doesn’t need to be complicated or even something that goes beyond your backyard or room. What is important is that the celebration is one that honors her wisdom and her glory. And if done right, you will also bring together people in celebration of a goddess who wants cooperation. This can be a healing celebration, and one you return to each year to remind yourself of how people can come together, lay weapons down, and honor the goal of community.

^[1] https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/mystery-cults-in-the-greek-and-roman-world
^[2] Plato, Hippias Major 290b (trans. Lamb)
^[3] https://www.hellenic.org.au/post/panathenaic-festival
^[4] https://classics.mit.edu/Aristophanes/frogs.html

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