Goddess Melinoe

The Greek Goddess Melinoe is one who is relatively unknown amongst the Pagan community. She rules over the offerings to the dead, and walks amongst the Earth at night with a parade of spirits and ghosts, bringing nightmares and terrors to the sleeping mortals. It is said that when you hear dogs barking or howling at nothing during the night, it was because of Melinoe.

Melinoe is described as a more-so Chthonic deity, being the daughter of Hades and Persephone. Her skin was thought to be half-black and half-white, similar to the Norse Goddess Hel, the Underworld daughter of Loki. This was a representation of Her nature as both as Chthonic diety by Her father, and Uranic one by Her mother. In a second version of her story, Melinoe was thought to be conceived by Persephone and Zeus; Zeus being disguised as Hades. Once Hades became aware of Zeus's betrayal, He distorted Melinoe's skin.

In Paganism, Melinoe is a great Goddess to call upon when seeking answers to any nightmares or unpleasant dreams, when facing and overcoming fears, and for things such as 'Shadow Magick'; coming face to face with your shadow, or dark side. She is best called upon at night, and can be invoked when setting up offerings for past loved ones or ancestors. 

SYMBOLISM

Fitting symbols for Melinoe would be common symbols used in Death Magick; skulls, bones, graveyards, ghosts, ravens/crows and snakes. Others might include offering plates or cups, black/white dual colored objects, and whatever else feels right when invoking her.

CORRESPONDENCES

Lunar Phase: Dark Moon or Full Moon

Day: Monday or Friday

Colors: Black, white

Incense: Black Blossom, Patchoulli, Mhyrr

Herbs: Cypress, poppies, birch

Sabbats: Samhain

Practices: Death witchery, Shadow magick

OFFERINGS

Cypress, poppies, birch, black or white candles, honey, moon water, milk, soul cookies, wine, pomegranates.