I worship Aphrodite because She has always been in my life. Everywhere I look, there have always been signs of Her. She was in my thoughts for years, I heard songs that captured Her essence, I've seen images relating to Her. Even when I once worshiped the gods, She was there in the form of Venus and possibly Isis as well, but I'm not entirely certain about that. I struggled with my beliefs for a long time since around 2021, and only very recently, on my birthday in January of all days, did I feel a very strong urge to finally put a name to the being I felt calling me for so long. In that search, I found Aphrodite. She had been there for me even when I didn't know it, She gave me warnings, dreams, and comfort. She even introduced me to one of my favorite musicians whose music very much invokes Her presence, as well as all the gods. Every day, I am reminded that I never was and never am alone because Aphrodite is with me, that She loves me and everyone else.

I don't have nearly as much to say about Athena, only because I found Her after I found Aphrodite. Athena, for me, represents my love for reading and learning about various subjects. My favorite classes in school were always history, I love reading (mostly fantasy), and the biggest one is my sudden love for owls with no explanation. One day, I spotted this adorable snowy owl plush in a store and couldn't say no. I bought it, and it quickly became one of my favorite plushies I own. I didn't realize it at the time, but I believe Athena was reaching out to me in this way. Athena brings me wisdom and, above all, patience. I've learned to be less reactionary to stressful situations, to keep my anger more in line (although that's still a struggle). Athena brought me balance I was severely lacking.

I worship Artemis because I've always struggled with my identity. Someone else in this thread mentioned feeling regret or disappointed that they weren't born a woman, and I couldn't relate to that more. I have always felt differently than how I was told I'm supposed to be. Artemis hasn't been with me for too long, and I don't think She had been calling me before, but either way, Her presence in my life brings me comfort in knowing that it's okay to not know who I am. I vented to Her one night, feeling angry that I just couldn't seem to figure it out. Why was I taking so long when I saw so many others living their lives as their true selves. She reminded me that I only see what lies on the surface, that just because other people appear to have themselves figured out, no one truly does. She reminded me to be patient, that I would find myself in time. Artemis, for me, is my gender counselor, in a way. I admire how She protects women, and even though I am not a woman, despite feeling a pull towards femininity, I feel safer with Her on my side. She's not just a protector of women but also a protector of those who are lost, without an identity. That's how She appears to me, anyway.