ASSOCIATIONS

The following are some of my personal associations with Prometheus, which I find helpful in making offerings, decorating sacred spaces, and creating devotional art. Not all of these will resonate with everyone reading this, but I hope that my ideas or methodology can serve as something to think about for those currently worshipping or interested in worshipping Prometheus. While there is record of Prometheus worship in antiquity, there aren't many details about specific practices; this necessitates a level of trial-and-error in forging your own connections.

My associations tend to connect to the general themes of:
  • Fire, Trickery, Courage: Based upon the trick at Mecone, in which Prometheus tricked Zeus twice and stole fire from the gods.
  • Willpower, Endurance/Resilience, Sacrifice: Based on the result of those previous actions.
  • Technology, Cities, Artificial Materials: Based on his connection with and contribution to humanity.

    • For example, herbs I associate with Prometheus tend to be those I already connect with themes of courage. These tend to be those with bold flavors, those that can survive in harsh conditions, and those that people I learned from associated with bravery. They are also all easily accessible for me where I currently live. I imagine that people from different backgrounds view the physical properties and cultural perceptions of these associations differently; discover what makes sense for you and explore what those connections might be based on.


    ACTS:

  • Wear metal rings, bracelets, and necklaces: This is based on Pseudo-Hyginus’ Astronomica, a Roman writing in which Prometheus was freed on the condition that he continue to bind his fingers with stone and iron. Humans were said to take up a similar practice to honor him.
  • Going walking/running with friends: Some torch-races in Athens were held in honor of Prometheus (along with other deities). Going running with friends can connect to both the athletic and communal aspect of this practice, and could possibly prepare one for joining actual races.
  • Offer liver meat as sacrifice to the gods: This is another practice attested to in Pseudo-Hyginus’ Astronomica, wherein after Prometheus was freed, humans would offer livers to the gods in place of his. Another idea could be to eat meat in honor of Prometheus, as it was his trick that allowed humans to keep the best pieces.
  • Volunteer: In my personal experience, dedicating time in a deity’s name serves as a great offering. For Prometheus, I find that local organizations fighting food insecurity (in respect to his actions allowing humanity to keep the best meat) and organizations advocating for and with incarcerated persons are great choices.
  • Light Something UP!: This one seems like a no-brainer - light a candle, mediate by a fireplace, cook over a bonfire, whatever you’ve got.

    • COLORS:

  • Orange, Red, Yellow: Fire
  • Metallic Colors (Bronze, Copper, Gold, Silver): Technology, Stones, Chains
  • Brown: Humanity, Meat, Dried Blood

    • PLANTS:

  • Allspice: Determination
  • Black Pepper: Courage
  • Borage: Courage
  • Coffee: Fire, Humanity
  • Dandelion: Cities, Endurance
  • Fennel: Prometheus used a fennel stalk to hide his stolen fire.
  • Mullein: Courage
  • Mustard Seed: Courage, Endurance
  • Rosemary: Courage, Endurance
  • St. John’s Wort: Determination
  • Tarragon: Compassion, Courage

    • STONES:

  • Agate: Courage, Endurance, Strength
  • Citrine: Creativity, Endurance
  • Copper: Technology
  • Flint: Fire, Technology
  • Glass: Fire, Technology
  • Goldstone: Confidence, Ambition, Technology
  • Obsidian: Fire, Technology
  • Tiger’s Eye: Courage, Willpower

    • ANIMALS:

  • Crow: Associated with creativity, cunning, humanity (live among us), trickery
  • Eagle: Not exactly a positive correspondence, but a strong connection
  • Firefly: Fire, often live in very close proximity to humans
  • Moth: Drawn to fire, one species (Prometheus cochrus) was named after him
  • Rat: Associated with humanity, associated with scientific discoveries, perseverance (ability to live anywhere), cunning

    • MISCELLANEOUS:

  • Matches
  • Pieces from old or broken machines
  • Clay: For the creation of humanity
  • The Hanged Man Tarot: Tends to be connected with trials, sacrifice, forced waiting, and divination
  • The Planet Uranus: The discovery of Uranus upended traditional astrology, leading to it being connected with invention, technology, rebellion against the status quo, and liberation
  • The Summer Solstice: In my experience, this longest day is associated with bonfires, roasting meat, feeling the heat of the coming summer - as well as the notion that this represents the turn toward darker days.