Dioskouroi

The twin gods Kastor and Polydeukes of sailing, horsemanship, St. Elmo's Fire, the home, guests and travelers. Known also as Castor and Pollux from their Roman names.

Theoxenia

What is Theoxenia?

Theoxenia is the practice of laying out offerings on a table separate from humans’, and laying images of a god or gods on a couch in front of that special table. For some reason, it looks like this was practiced as an offering for male deities only, but as there seems to be no explicit reason, I’d personally feel comfortable suggesting this as an offering activity for any god/goddess regardless of gender. Most examples of Theoxenia are for Dioscouroi but this has been practiced for other gods as well, such as Pluto.

Modern Theoxenia Suggestions

I think Theoxenia could be very useful for modern Greek pagans. You could cook more than you would normally and then have a separate, maybe nicer table to set out food to the god/goddess you’re offering to and prop up a statue, print-out etc. of them onto a chair, sofa etc. in front of the table. Cheese, cakes, olives, and leeks are the typical offerings to leave on the table.

Prayers and Hymns

"Castor and Polydeukes, you that have your home in Sparta by Eurotas' flowing stream:

Send ill on me that I e'er plot against a friend,

And on him twice the ill he plans for me."

-Anonymous Theognidea