Local Cultus is the term used to describe the way deities express themselves in a particular area. Epithets are used to distinguish between them. An example of a historic local cultus for Artemis is at her cult in Ephesus.
When you think of Artemis, do you think of this:
http://tinyurl.com/zadtfmo
Probably not. But this is the way the Ephesians saw Artemis.
So, have you ever perceived, or do you perceive, your deities/spirits in the area you are in? How do they show themselves to you? Also, what about plants, animals, minerals, and other curios? Do they feel or have different qualities than those described in books?
Hekate of Louisiana, moccasins writhe through her hair, dripping venom for her concoctions. This goddess is not three formed, but amphibious in appearance. The liminal places here are the lakes and bayous. Rivers flow all over the state, and she swims among them with her congregation of alligators.
Alligators lurk among the dark places, catching their pray in the dead of night. They pretend to be dead, floating in the water like logs, living their life between the lands and the water as their Queen does. Some say an ungrateful conjurer cursed at Hekate, she smiled as the poor witch writhed on the floor, breaking at her feet. Skin turning leathery and eyes glowing. Others think the mighty Titanides took the witch in when she no longer could stand the strain of the world, blessing her with the privilege to lurk among her congregation.
Clad in the huntress's garb with bits of spanish moss hanging as a charm, she enjoys spending time with Artemis in the Sportsman's Paradise. She cuts the gentler roots at dawn, but when the night hits, she ventures with the witches cutting the roots and herbs for deadly curses.
Her torches smell of citronella. We all know the biggest pests around here.
She guards the dead furiously, keeping those unfavorable to her away. Alligators devour the unjust desires against her favorites. Hermes Psychopompus keeps her company, telling jokes as he conducts the departed through the swamps.
