Preparing for Aphrodisia

As June approaches, I'm starting to get more and more excited for the biggest festival in my calendar- Aphrodisia.

Personally, I celebrate Aphrodisia the week of the summer solstice. I like to start on that Sunday and end it the next Sunday. I do this for a few reasons. One, who wouldn't want to give Aphrodite a full week of celebration?? Festivals are fun, Aphrodite loves fun. And two, it gives me plenty of time to do things as a lazy, still-can't-drive-at-18 witch. Also, here in Minneapolis, that weekend is Pride! Pride is certainly an Aphrodisian festival.

I'm still not quite sure what I should be doing during Aphrodisia, to be honest. As much as I love it, so far it's just been a treat yourself to everything nice and celebrate being gay week. Unfortunately, we don't have very much information on Aphrodisia despite knowing there was a version of the celebration in every city that worshiped Aphrodite.

Since I've been preparing, I thought I'd start off with a list of things I'm thinking of doing to honor Aphrodite and give myself some self love during that week!

• Taking some extra time off work! I don't know how much I'll do this since I started a new job, but I'm thinking I'll probably work it down to a day or two. Standing on your feet all day and being fake-nice to people is so not self care.

• Swimming! I can't make it to the ocean, unfortunately, but I'm at least gonna make it to a pool!

• Spa days. Sleeping in, doing face masks, taking some relaxing baths with lush products... this all screams Aphrodite

• Taking a little extra time to do my makeup and put together my outfits. As much as I love makeup and cute clothes, I tend to be a bit lazy and just go with eyeliner and whatever dress is clean most days. For Aphrodisia I'm gonna actually try for something more than a selfie

• Speaking of selfies... Aphrodite totally approves, and thus I'm indulging in my love of them for Her!

• As much as I dread it... I'm gonna lay off all pork for that week. I'm dreading it because I'm a picky enough eater as it is, but I already do this on Fridays so! One week, I'll live.

• Lots of chocolate.

• Flowers! My room is gonna be covered in roses and peonies and lavender and violets

• Read some Sappho. And other gay poems, probably

• If it all allows, I'm going to Pride! Nothing's set in stone yet, since alas I cannot drive, but you know if I can be there I am!

#Aphrodisia #hellenictips #hellenismos #Aphrodite