Luthien Burzum-Ishi

She/her ~ 24 ~ Polytheist and a Witch

[cursecuelebre]

Intro Post

I did have one beginning of this blog I don’t feel like finding it again so consider it to be a new and updated one!

A bit about the blog

The name of this blog is Curse Cuelebre after one of my favorite dragon stories called The Cuelebre originated in Spain I believe, a Sea Witch casts a spell on a maidan who whilst brushing her hair few gold strands of hair fell into it summoning the sea witch cursing her into a dragon till a knight is able to fall in love with her. It always struck with me since I was a kid.

I am a huge fan of Tolkien hence the name and some posts on here, “Lúthien Bruzum-ishi basically means Lúthien in darkness in black speech which I think it’s a amazing language and unfortunate that Tolkien didn’t expanded upon it and wrote more about it.

How would I describe myself?

I guess I would call myself a Roman polytheist with Norse and Greek aspects or Norse pagan with Roman and Greek aspects to not be too confusing I just call myself a polytheist and a witch at this point I ain’t too worried about labels.

Practice:

I focus on my ancestral roots which is German a lot of German, Italian, Greek, a bit of Scandinavian nothing to get hot about, I am also part Irish and Scottish but I’m not really connected with Celtic paganism but I am fascinated with Brigid and Cernunnos and Cerridwen but not jumping into it right now. I practice more of a folk magic and traditional witchcraft base in America where I live specifically Northeastern, USA whilst learning Italian, Greek, German folk magic where my ancestors are from.

If you could see my practice what would you see? Tarot, Sewing, Candle Magic, and Writing.

Deities:

So I do practice and work with deities mostly with Hekate and Odin, I am planning on working and worshipping with Hel. But those two I’m very close with and of course worship of other deities here and there. I consider him as a deity which is Baphomet I see him as a horned god and Lucifer/Samael of course as the Witch Devil and Witch Father. I have been connecting with Helios.

Spirits:

Ancestors most definitely lately been really bonding with them. Tree spirits and other herbal allies like Garlic, love garlic so much. I do a lot of spirit communication on a board I made for Hekate.

Saints, have done a lot of work with Saint Michael but not into Saint magic or working with Catholic influence but I’m not opposed to it since it is big part of Italian and other Catholic and orthodox folk magic. I do place Saint cards that were patron of my Christian ancestors try to acknowledge them as well.

Facts about me ig if y’all are curious:

Coffee obsessed

I read a lot nonfiction and fiction, Classic girlie and epic fantasy but I’m not prejudice towards any other genre or reading something new. Nonfiction takes such a long time for me to read depending on the writing and the topic.

I have ADHD and suspected to have Autism still working on a diagnosis but here we are lol

Huge nerd in History, Video games, Movies, Music, and Mythology.

Favorite genre of music: Heavy Metal and Ronnie James Dio is my favourite but I like all music fr if you saw my playlist it’s a whiplash from black metal to bubblegum pop Sabrina Carpenter to Classical Opera.

Favorite video games: Halo, Skyrim, Fallout, Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, Hellblade, Assassin’s Creed Ezio trilogy especially Revelations my childhood lol

History: Ancient Rome and Greece not a surprise. WW2 since I was twelve and I haven’t gotten over it since and The American Civil War, Union gang all the way lol but other scattered events that interest me

I am Bisexual

I like to write stories cause I create so many in my brain it gives me anxiety.

I love my cats dearly

Bigots, Racists, and Nazis and whoever like them well if not learning WW2 and American Civil War including Reconstruction yeah I fucking hate them and having ancestors who fought on the right side of history I’m not dishonoring their memory by supporting terrible, disgusting, dog shit people and their ideologies.

I curse freely I should’ve put this earlier lol

I was a “Christian witch” at the beginning of my practice but soon drifted to more polytheistic BUT Christian witchcraft or any other Abrahamic witches I do respect and appreciate in the community they’re always welcome on this blog. Despite my criticism and my harsh points on Christianity it’s not on the individual or the communities of people but the church and those in power who spread hate.

I don’t believe in the threefold law I think it’s bs I do think spells can backfire but just because it’s a curse doesn’t make it backfire or you’re terrible for doing so. I am very much pro baneful magic.

I love Tolkien so much, I have a tarot deck, LOTR series as individual books and 3 in 1 book including the Hobbit, The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales. Plus the extended version of LOTR I love Tolkien hence the blog’s title. Galadriel is my favorite and ROP is really good not what I expected but really good nonetheless.

I do draw not great but my landscapes are coming out quite well than when I draw people so I think I found my niche.

I am a very crafty person I like to Junk Journal, Cross stitch, Sew, Embroidery, etc.

——————————-

[cursecuelebre]

My first ever Aphrodite statue!! It’s a blessing because it was last one in stock and I just felt called to her and to help reconnecting to my Cypriot Greek ancestry so it’s been a journey that I’m glad that it reached this point!

[cursecuelebre]

First ever of doing a poppet of a Saint, Saint Anthony of Pradua patron Saint of Lost Things, Poor, and Miracles. Depicted with holding infant Jesus, as he asked a infant to speak on the behalf of his mother to prove her innocence against false claims of infidelity.

For awhile I’ve been drawn to certain saints, St Anthony being one of them. Maybe because he’s the patron saint of Portugal and I’m part Portuguese so makes sense. My first ever doing this so it’s sort of choppy, the hair which was the hardest out of everything, surprisingly making his Habit was easy

[cursecuelebre]

If people are really out there claiming The Morrighan or Hekate or any liminal deity or spirit be pro ICE or whatever I really need to know where your brain is at

[white1bis]

Excuse the late reblog but some IDIOT saying the Morrígan who is apart of the Tuathe Dè Danann who IMMIGRATED TO IRELAND would support ICE is absolutely hilarious, I'm cackling

[cursecuelebre]

No need to apologize! I love when people are spreading awareness of this weird behavior online it’s not just them but any deity that is associated with liminal spaces people like making this argument or denouncing them as “well they were used by an oppressive empire so therefore they would’ve supported ICE.” which the most bonkers thing I ever heard.

I work with Mars a lot and he is a liminal deity that protects people within countries and cities regardless of legal status, people think he wouldn’t be able to help them because of Roman Empire atrocities which I don’t condone but you can’t generalize a deity that was used by an oppressive force and ignoring the civilian population not the military. It’s a weird concept floating around and I don’t know why people feel comfortable of spreading this nonsense that any deity would inherently agree with ICE and the Trump administration especially deities like The Morrighan and Hekate. It’s probably this deflection thinking that deities have nothing to do with activism and advocacy of human rights, it’s where I see it coming from the most.

[cursecuelebre]

Terracotta statue of Mars by Guillaume Coustou in 1733

[cursecuelebre]

questions 8 and 6 from the witchy ask please :)

Oooh thank you soo much!!

6. If I carry any good luck charms/talismans: Yes! One or two. I carry a Mati charm in my pocket and wear my Corno but I also have a iron necklace made from iron nails

8. Do I celebrate and observe any holidays? Yes well I try to but not wheel of the year pre se Roman polytheistic celebrations but I do celebrate holidays with my family who aren’t Greco Roman so like Yule/Christmas, luckily my family my mom for instance is pagan as well so we tend to flow easy :)

Thanks again for this ask! It’s so fun to do them :)

[magpiesmagicnest]

Witchy asks

Do you believe in ghosts and spirits? Any experience with them?

What do you believe happens to us after we die?

How would you describe your personal beliefs/path/practice?

Do you think life is guided by fate, free will or a mix of both?

Do you think dreams have meaning? If so, have you had any meaningful ones you can remember?

Do you carry any good luck charms/talismans on you? How did you get them if so?

Do you believe people can feel the energy others have? If so, do you think you're good at doing so?

Are there specific celebrations you observe (eg. Sabbats.)?

What deities do you worship (if any)? Can you talk about how you connected with them?

What tools do you think are the most important in your practice?

Do you have any stones you favor? If so, which ones?

Ignoring birth month associations, is there an element that you most heavily identify with? Why?

Do you prefer doing spells that are cast and then forgotten? Or do you prefer longer lasting ones, like jar spells, that you keep around?

Is there anywhere spiritually significant to you that you'd want to visit someday?

Do you believe in things such as karma, or the threefold rule?

[cursecuelebre]

Saying it’s boring or they copied is very much of a surface level of knowledge and just not understanding of what Ancient Roman literature and culture was about. Even Aesop’s Fables can count as mythology and folklore. Yes some included Greek deities but Greek Eros is not going to be perceive as the same as Romans saw Eros culturally and religiously.

*Eros and Pysche was first written in Latin in 2nd century CE Apuleius in his story The Golden Ass

*Both Arachne and Mortal Medusa are written by Ovid, Arachne has unclear links with Greece, which there isn’t a known story prior to Metamorphosis.

[cursecuelebre]

The Genius Loci Is Not What Modern Pagans or Witches think.

The Genius Loci was an ancient Roman guardian spirit link with the land and household specifically the head of the household the Paterfamilias which is the head, the patriarch. This spirit manifested as a snake or a male figure holding a libation dish or/and cornucopia. It was the man’s soul spirit, Genius was to the man and the Iuno to the women everyone was thought to be born with one. The Genius Loci is tied to the property of which the man owned, if the spirit was pleased it ensure the patriarch’s well being and security and his property well intended, it was honored at the Lararium (household shrine) but the Matron of the household was also honored this way. Today modern pagans and witches uses this term as a catch all term for “land spirits” but this is not what and how the Romans believed in.

The Genius and Iuno taught the person and guided them throughout their life teaching them morals, learn, and grow as well as protecting them and their possessions. Some Genius’s were honored and worshipped when the person had died for instance after the death and deification of Augustus his Genius was honored in every Roman household believing it to be the Genius of the Roman citizens and families. But geniuses has outside influences where ever a male ownership and presence may be such as sacred places, communities, fields, even legions had their own geniuses.

Disclaimer!

I’m not saying modern witches and pagans shouldn’t be allowed to use this word but terms are thrown around a lot and people don’t understand what they mean. Genius Loci isn’t modern invention but rather how it is perceive. Just giving context on the term.

[cursecuelebre]

What is Supersitio in Greco-Roman Polytheism?

This concept is shared in both Ancient Greek and Roman cultures and religion. It was orthopaxic/Cultus Deorum of Mos Mairum “Way of The Ancestors” both shared common values, traditions, and religious beliefs. Supersitio is one of these concepts.

Supersitio is the opposite, the counter of the “correct way” of approaching the gods. Superstitious beliefs of having fear of the gods such as thinking their vengeful, cruel, petty, angry and jealous followed to excessively pray and offer them was considered especially to the Greeks as Hubris or prideful thinking one can sway the gods with bribes for their appeasement. To one approach the gods correctly one must not think the gods are going to harm them in anyway to have a trust and bond between the god and worshipper.

What is Supersitio?

It comes the Latin word meaning “standing over” and to translate the Ancient Greek word deisidaimonia or “fear of the gods or spirits.” That this fear is impious before the gods.

Here’s a few examples how this would’ve looked like.

1. Irrational fear of the Gods, believing the gods are easily angered, petty, jealous, and cruel then trying to win their favor with what’s more than necessary is considered to be hubris and thinking the gods can be win over by bribes.

2. Excessive Dependence on the Deities - essentially you place your autonomy and power in the hands of the gods not fulfilling or acting on your commitments and obligations leaving it to the divine or you can’t make any decisions, actions, or any other decree without involving the gods and relying solely on them. There is a balance between the person’s own ability and self control and the faith of the gods.

3. Sorcery or goetia (opposite of therugy) both cultures the practice of necromancy, curses, and spells that involve forcing someone was regarded as superstitious. As well as fortune telling but divination and fortune telling were two separate things to them. Plato mentions that one would practice necromancy would exploit the dead for their own personal means risking the danger of themselves and the communities this also follows to the last one.

4. Believing you can command the Gods and spirits, according to Plato no one has the power or authority to bind a god or spirit by usage of spells and rituals.

But here’s the thing about sorcery….

It’s a tricky thing because the people who condemn it usually are rich and powerful men, Plato was a Ancient Greek philosopher meaning he was very wealthy and educated. The Roman elite was frighten of fortune tellers and sorcerers because they can sway the plebeians (peasants, lower class) in fear and rebellion. The most common people performing sorcery was women and it was a common thing to do among the common folk to go to sorcerers and fortune tellers or practice themselves. But also defixiones or curse tablets, evil eye amulets, and poppets are superstitions as well. It was common thing to bury curse tablets beneath the temples of Demeter and Kore (Persephone)

My personal opinions and beliefs

Except for sorcery cause how it was common among the common folk to practice it was very widespread and I do it myself. The previous mentions is something I adhere to and agree with. If you want to pray and approach the gods you can’t think they will do you any harm in anyway possible or not able to make decisions or do any actions unless divine presence is involved and rely on it solely is unhealthy cause it removes independence and autonomy of the person. Now if someone is trying to command the gods through the act of sorcery that’s a whole different story but as someone who practices witchcraft with deities like Hekate I don’t believe I’m commanding or binding them to the spell and I know others who don’t believe it as well.

Supersitio is the counter to Cultus Deorum and the religion of the ancient Greeks it’s not dogmatic as in heaven vs hell or sins rather it’s inappropriate impious behavior people act before the gods and out of the values that is centered around such Piety, Faith, Discipline, etc.

[cursecuelebre]

Etruscan statues of Apulu (Apollo) and Leto holding infant Apulu discovered in a temple in Veii in Italy made maybe around 510 BC

Photo by: Carole Raddato

[cursecuelebre]

Vase art depicting Athena and Aegis, Archaic Gorgons are just so 🤌🏻🤌🏻

[cursecuelebre]

What do you make of me finding a dead thrush in the place where I typically do augury?

It did not appear to have been killed by a cat, most likely a great horned owl, based on timing and condition of the corpse. There were no entrails to read.

So typically in Ancient Roman Augury finding dead birds unexpectedly or come across is a sign of unfavourable of dirae which is fearful or unnatural signs. Symbolic of divine unpleasure or misfortune. But it depends, it can come from the gods but it also come from spirits as well. Owls are rather unfavourable creatures in Augury and an auspicious presence.

I’m not saying this for certain just my perspective, I’m not an expert Augur so many things can play into it. Did you ask a specific question? The question can matter as well. If you found the bird in the place maybe there is something nearby not taking a liking to you maybe a nymph, a spirit of land, etc.

[magpie-maybe]

So, uh. If I visit a cemetery, and leave a couple offerings, and bury a petition to Mars at the war graves, and when I come back to the offering I left near the entrance there is now a freshly dead and partly-eaten bird there... that's a good sign, right?

...Right??

[cursecuelebre]

Roman Polytheist here Mars was extremely popular with Augury and had often bird omens like the woodpecker. Now could be a coincidence and I’m not going to say it’s exactly what of this means just giving my perspective. Now depending of the bird does matter, when a dead bird is found it can mean an ill omen like military defeat, bad luck, or death. HOWEVER it depends on the circumstances and I do not think death is coming you as in literal death but can mean changes and especially at a graveyard yeah endings and changes can be happening. Now the ill-omen aspects happen only with specific birds for instance Ravens, Owls, and Vultures especially Owls. I do not know what bird you saw or how superstitious you are best to at least cleanse yourself in case bad luck has attracted. Again I don’t believe you’re in any sort of danger but if you felt uncomfortable and off about it just do a cleansing, I wouldn’t worry too much since you did offerings and weren’t being disrespectful to the dead but sometimes there are spirits who aren’t so nice.

[cursecuelebre]

What are Lararia?

These shrines were the pinnacle and most common in Ancient Roman Polytheistic Household Worship or Religio Romana. They were used for the purpose of worship and honouring the gods that were named after, the Lares.

The Lares were a diverse group of guardian spirits commonly as spirits of the crossroads, Lares Compitales and had a respected festival called Compitalia where people offer and worship the Lares at their crossroad shrines. Lares of the household were called Lares Familiares, ancestral guardian spirits of the home, property, household, protection, and providers of prosperity and abundance when pleased. They were depicted as dancing youth carrying libation dishes and cornucopias sometimes winged and sometimes not.

Historical mosaic paintings showed the Genius Loci but it’s not what modern paganism or witches think it is. The Genius Loci is linked with the patriarch of the household so the man of the house essentially, if the Genius Loci is pleased the man who was the main provider at the time would be successful and stable and secure within his family and career. The Genius Loci was depicted as a snake and the patriarch would also be painted on the wall as well between the dancing Lares but not always. Sometimes it’s a household god or patron god of the family. Lares would have statues as well (angel statues are a great substitute btw). The gods could be Vesta, Bacchus, Janus, or the Penates. You have the Lararium shrine then the altar space for rituals and offerings to take place.

Creating a Lararium

How you create and display your shrine is going to be up to you. Some will go reconstruct historical ones that look like mini temples and in the center the mosiac painting or actual small temples to house the idols and offerings. There is nothing wrong of having a blank wall shelf and a printed out picture of a Lar or statue which again Angel statues are great examples as along the Lar is included and enough room for rituals to take place you’re all set. Jewelry cabinets are great and empty Catholic wall shrines are also great. Lararia are heavily personalized you can go expensive to inexpensive as much you want build it up as you go.

Here are a few examples:

Again heavily personalised and private no Lararium is going to be the same. Usually it was place in the family room or living room but there is no rule saying you can’t have one place in your bedroom or closet as along there is enough room to be comfortable making offerings and prayers is no big deal. They are worshipped alongside household deities commonly with Janus and Vesta threshold deities, but again any deity can be worshipped alongside them ideally household deities but your patron deity is considered a household deity. Hekate or Hermes and Apollo are great examples. You can make petitions to the gods at your shrine, Lares traditionally are witness to big family events such as weddings, adoptions, birthdays, graduations, etc. also Lares have a seat at the table so dummy dinners where you bring their statue to the dinner table or bring them a plate of food, it’s also believed that when a piece of food drops on the floor it belongs to the Lares.

Offerings to The Lares

Now if you’re familiar with offering to deities especially to Hellenic and Roman deities it’s really about the same way. Libations of wine, water, juice, etc flowers, incense, fruit, pastries, and candles, it’s said that when someone brings in their harvest of crops, fruits, and produce it is offered to the Lares and Penates first. Modern day can be seen as you get a bag of apples, when you open the bag for the first time take the first apple and clean it and offer it to the Lar of your household, plain and simple. Of course it can adapted but just an example.

Lares are part of your ancestry and family so feel free to talk to them like family and see them as family. Pray for good health for not just you but your family members, financial stability, abundance, cleansing of the house, household protection, etc.

DISCLAIMER: You don’t need to have Italian ancestry to worship or connect with the Lares or have an Lararium, these shrines have been found outside of the Rome like in Gaul and Britain, the Romans loved sharing their religious practices. But it is a strict Roman tradition not a Hellenic tradition you can be a Hellenic polytheist and have an Lararium but don’t label it as Hellenic polytheistic and do not remove the Lar from the Lararium. It’s attached to the shrine within itself.

[cursecuelebre]

Santucci Bag for mental health, Blessed by St Raphael sharing for parisement and thanks to Saint Raphael

[cursecuelebre]

Floralia marks the anniversary of finding the temple of Flora after she saved the people of Rome during a drought, after fulfilling her promise the people made a temple dedicated to her. They celebrated chariot races and decorated flowers everywhere even making wreaths and crowns of flowers, it was celebrated from April 27 (the anniversary) to May 3rd.