The Vamporium

A place for all things dark and unique...well kind of..

[deathsembrace662]

How is it that you can be with a person, understand them and truly feel so seen yourself but still feel so incredibly lonely.

Knowing that they would forget to kiss you if you didn’t mention it first etc. This is why plants constantly reach in the direction of the sun while they are growing. Love is the same way. It’s like air, all of us need it.

[deathsembrace662]

Hi everyone, it’s been a while. Recently there was a problem in my friend group. Some one close to me was part of a house for Voudou. I have permission to share this. Voudou is a beautiful religion/faith. The spirits are to be respected and normally the teaching environment of a house can be a wonderful space to learn and grow. Anyway, my friend had a Papa which is a Houngan or Priest/spiritual leader in that house. He ended up assaulting her claiming it was perfectly ok because a, b and c. (That part i am not allowed to share) So my question, cut and dry without explaining anything I’m not supposed to speak of is this…how prevalent is sexual assault in Voudou houses? It is a very secretive faith, and i just want to know if anyone has any stories or knows someone this has happened to, thank you.

[toothmuncher3000]

the most life-changing customer i’ve ever had at work was a guy who came up to me and my coworker when we were at cash and said ‘hey kids…. wanna see something?’

and I said sure because why the fuck not, i’m here for a good time not a long time, and this motherfucker pulled a railroad spike out of his pocket.

A GODDAMN

ANTIQUE

RAILROAD

SPIKE

It was a fucking foot long chunk of steel that weighed about five pounds on its own so i was like ‘huh….. neat’

and he said ‘wait. there’s more’ and he took out a screwdriver. inlaid into the head of the spike. ‘things aren’t always as they appear’ he said as he unscrewed the bit and pulled out of this goddamn railroad spike

a statue

a tiny, tiny golden statue stood on the base of this flathead screw. it was a tiny golden man standing next to a tiny golden flower with gemstones in the petals. the whole thing was smaller than my thumbnail is tall. it was detailed enough that the tiny man had facial features. it was amazing.

‘oh my god,’ i said. ‘how long did it take you to make that?’

‘here’s a word of advice,’ he said, ‘never answer that question when people ask it. it devalues your work. you’ll get faster and better at things, and be able to make more art in less time. they don’t need to know about the process, just the product’.

and he left and that’s the one artistic piece of advice i definitely wanna hold to.

don’t tell people how long it takes to make shit.

[deathsembrace662]

That guy sounds fuckin awesome!

[windvexer]

Red Pepper Spellbreaker

Used for: Breaking up and chasing away suspected malefica, unwanted presences, and various undesired energies.

Be careful when burning dried peppers or having them next to open flame. The first and only step to macing yourself is lighting dried red peppers on fire. Seriously, have your inhaler handy.

(Only 4 steps but it reads a bit long as I explain theory along the way)

Materials:

A candle of any size or color (if taking recommendations: taper or smaller for a quick-ish burn; red is ideal).

Dry red peppers, whole, flaked, or powdered. The hotter, the better (red pepper flake packets from the pizza place work well). The peppers may be suspended in a carrier oil.

A touch of carrier oil, such as olive oil (without peppers in it). Or, tap water.

Paper and a pen.

A small offering: three coins, a glass of water, and a small gift of your own choosing will suffice.

All statements may be thought, signed, or written instead of spoken.

Steps:

1. On the paper, write out in detail everything you want to be broken up and banished. Say you only have a vague feeling of a heavy energy holding you down: write about it. Write about how it feels and what the symptoms are and where you feel it most. Write out all your suspicions, worries, concerns. Describe what you're feeling. Write about when you think it started, or when you first noticed it.

This may be a sentence, but the more the better - feel free to accumulate paragraphs or pages of writing.

Whenever you are done emptying your desires onto the page, end your writing with a paragraph like this:

"The unwanted energy I have described will be melted away by my candle. The energy will be goaded and burned by the peppers until it is torn apart. It will be hounded and chased until it flees to the ends of the earth. Let my spell come together unto this purpose: that the unwanted energy I have described here is reduced to carbon, and what cannot be reduced to carbon is burned until it flees, and whatever flees is chased into oblivion and cannot return. As my word, so shall it be - [Your Name]"

Basically, just describe what will happen to the energies you've pinpointed through your writing. Explain what the candle and peppers are supposed to do. Pretend that you're giving instructions to the candle and peppers. Be a good leader and explain to your helpers what they are supposed to do.

2. Place your peppers on the paper. If using peppers suspended in oil, rub the oil all over your pages. Sprinkle powdered pepper onto each page, place whole peppers around the page like a border, whatever you like.

As you do so, invoke and invite the peppers to aid and assist you. Like,

"Peppers, I call on you for your incredible powers at this time: I have described this sort of energy that is around me that I need gone. And I've given clear details about how it should be burned away and sent away. I place you on this page now, because it holds everything you need to know. I'm doing this because I know through your incredible power, my needs will be fulfilled."

3. Anoint the candle with the non-pepper oil (or water). For a taper or votive, start at the base of the candle and draw the oil/water up towards the wick. For a tea light or jar candle, swirl the oil/water counter-clockwise around the top. Say something like,

"Candle, I need you for a task. I've written down this problem I am having. I need you to help me with this. I need you to provide fire and power to this spell, so that the peppers who are helping me have all the energy they need to do their work. And I need you to be the vessel of fire for me, so that my will be done. Work with the peppers, and give them whatever they ask for."

Do not dress the candle with peppers or pepper oil (safety hazard).

Place the candle in a fire-safe container/holder. Place the holder on top of the sheet(s) of paper (you may be more comfortable placing the candle holder in a larger fire-safe dish, and putting that dish on the paper).

4. Pray. It may be a prayer to yourself, or to a god, or your ancestors. Whatever the prayer is, it needs to have a few components. These are: A) asking for aide, B) promising payment, and C) devoting your power to the spell.

Example:

"I pray to my ancestors and the Powers That Be, that you see how I am working on my own behalf today. I pray that you open the gateways that must be opened for my spell to succeed. I pray that you clear the way, so that my work today is not in vain (A). I now make this vow: that the spirits who help me in this operation will not work for free. I dedicate [prepared offering] to the spirits which aid me, especially Pepper. I dedicate this offering to feed the spirits who aid me, so they have enough energy to complete my will (B)."

Now here's where we get to C, because depending on how much power you have, YMMV. Some of us out here cannot devote extra personal energy to spells, and devoting personal power willy-nilly is risky business regardless. So choose your wording carefully.

I sit here before this spell I have prepared. I have brought offerings to pay the spirits, and I have sacrificed my time and energy to prepare the spell. Let my offerings be devoted. Let my power be applied. Let this spell not be an empty vessel, but one overflowing. Let this be a true act of magic, worked through Me, with the aid of benevolent spirits, and those who come because they are paid. (C)

When the time is right, say something like: "As my words, so shall it be."

Light the candle. Set out the offering.

The candle does not need to burn down all at once. You may snuff it out and relight it as you please.

When the spell is complete, tear up the paper(s) and throw them away. You can burn them outside if you like but its not necessary.

Additional candles may be dressed and dedicated to continue the spell once the first one has burned out.

[fair-is-foul]

From @windvexer :

Whenever you are done emptying your desires onto the page, end your writing with a paragraph like this:

"The unwanted energy I have described will be melted away by my candle. The energy will be goaded and burned by the peppers until it is torn apart. It will be hounded and chased until it flees to the ends of the earth. Let my spell come together unto this purpose: that the unwanted energy I have described here is reduced to carbon, and what cannot be reduced to carbon is burned until it flees, and whatever flees is chased into oblivion and cannot return. As my word, so shall it be - [Your Name]"

Basically, just describe what will happen to the energies you've pinpointed through your writing. Explain what the candle and peppers are supposed to do. Pretend that you're giving instructions to the candle and peppers. Be a good leader and explain to your helpers what they are supposed to do.

2. Place your peppers on the paper. If using peppers suspended in oil, rub the oil all over your pages. Sprinkle powdered pepper onto each page, place whole peppers around the page like a border, whatever you like.

As you do so, invoke and invite the peppers to aid and assist you. Like,

"Peppers, I call on you for your incredible powers at this time: I have described this sort of energy that is around me that I need gone. And I've given clear details about how it should be burned away and sent away. I place you on this page now, because it holds everything you need to know. I'm doing this because I know through your incredible power, my needs will be fulfilled."

3. Anoint the candle with the non-pepper oil (or water). For a taper or votive, start at the base of the candle and draw the oil/water up towards the wick. For a tea light or jar candle, swirl the oil/water counter-clockwise around the top. Say something like,

"Candle, I need you for a task. I've written down this problem I am having. I need you to help me with this. I need you to provide fire and power to this spell, so that the peppers who are helping me have all the energy they need to do their work. And I need you to be the vessel of fire for me, so that my will be done. Work with the peppers, and give them whatever they ask for."

Do not dress the candle with peppers or pepper oil (safety hazard).

Place the candle in a fire-safe container/holder. Place the holder on top of the sheet(s) of paper (you may be more comfortable placing the candle holder in a larger fire-safe dish, and putting that dish on the paper).

4. Pray. It may be a prayer to yourself, or to a god, or your ancestors. Whatever the prayer is, it needs to have a few components. These are: A) asking for aide, B) promising payment, and C) devoting your power to the spell.

Example:

"I pray to my ancestors and the Powers That Be, that you see how I am working on my own behalf today. I pray that you open the gateways that must be opened for my spell to succeed. I pray that you clear the way, so that my work today is not in vain (A). I now make this vow: that the spirits who help me in this operation will not work for free. I dedicate [prepared offering] to the spirits which aid me, especially Pepper. I dedicate this offering to feed the spirits who aid me, so they have enough energy to complete my will (B)."

Now here's where we get to C, because depending on how much power you have, YMMV. Some of us out here cannot devote extra personal energy to spells, and devoting personal power willy-nilly is risky business regardless. So choose your wording carefully.

I sit here before this spell I have prepared. I have brought offerings to pay the spirits, and I have sacrificed my time and energy to prepare the spell. Let my offerings be devoted. Let my power be applied. Let this spell not be an empty vessel, but one overflowing. Let this be a true act of magic, worked through Me, with the aid of benevolent spirits, and those who come because they are paid. (C)

When the time is right, say something like: "As my words, so shall it be."

Light the candle. Set out the offering.

The candle does not need to burn down all at once. You may snuff it out and relight it as you please.

When the spell is complete, tear up the paper(s) and throw them away. You can burn them outside if you like but its not necessary.

Additional candles may be dressed and dedicated to continue the spell once the first one has burned out.

[deathsembrace662]

I made a Porterhouse 🥩 with blue cheese butter https://www.instagram.com/p/CgGtvrzu2d4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ageofgeek]

the special relationship is as strong as ever, lads

[shoomlah]

HEYYY the Steam Summer Sale has concluded, so I can finally share all of the fake game art I got to make for it!! Woo

The idea for this sale was to design a bunch of relatively convincing key art to hide in the Steam storefront, but that would be a little weird on second glance—Erik Wolpaw and Jay Pinkerton came up with the names/descriptions for all of Clorthax’s fake games, and then I just tried to match their energy in the final art.

This ended up being a whole lot of work for everyone involved, but it was such a blast! Super fun trying to make plausibly polished logos in a whole bunch of different styles/genres. I hope everyone got a kick out of finding each of these as much as we did making ‘em 😎👍🏼

[brown-forking-weed]

The more intelligent you are the more serious it sounds when someone says you "had an accident"

dog = pissed on the floor

toddler = spilled some milk

professor = permanently disfigured by vapors

[pukicho]

High chance we are in the evil dimension, guys.

[rosiedisaster]

No shit dumbass

[pukicho]

I am going to nibble off your ligaments

[several-pots-of-coffee]

No one in the nice dimension says stuff like this.

[spellbookbitch]

Why POC in Witchcraft matter

Okay, so disclaimer. I am a white ass bitch. But let me put down some truth on this matter.

POC are constantly ridiculed for alternative culture to what white america deems is okay, and yet somehow SOMEHOW the witch community…. a place for people who have been historically persecuted for their beliefs and lifestyle??? (specifically older/traditional witches) still finds a way to shit on black/latino witches whom decide to practice in a fashion similar to their ancestors.

I don’t know if little miss Mary Lou and Betsy know this… but poppets and various other magickal/occult items come from practices such as West African Vodun, Cuban Vodu, Dominican Vodu and various other African spiritual concepts/religions that were spread throughout by POC historically and thus developed into rootwork/Hoodoo. So please STFU and respect POC witches following a path similar to what their heritage is, or respect them if they follow a path far from their heritage. Just plain and simple:

Respect POC witches.

-Mack

[brujitaflora-deactivated2023120]

If you don’t practice hoodoo, Vodou, or any other form of afrocentric spirituality/magick

Stop telling us how to do our shit. We hex, we can be spiteful, we bury out novena candles in the ground. Fuck off @ eurocentric practioners who believe they are holier-than-thou because they are “good to the earth,” as if we aren’t or frown down upon us because they don’t agree with us. Last time I checked no one asked your no culture having asses what we should and shouldn’t be doing. And if I can recall, honey, your ancestors were amazed and afraid at what mine could do so step to me if you want. I guarantee you will all catch this work.

In conclusion: mind your craft. This goes for all practioners, right here. Witchcraft and spirituality are different for each person participating. Fuck you and fuck your vibes if you ever think you’re gonna tell me what I’m doing is wrong. Bet you’ll notice something’s wrong when you wake up with your head on backwards.

[deathsembrace662]

Damn. 👏

[deathsembrace662]

Bonjour, I wanted to ask if anyone is a practitioner of Haitian Voodou. If you are uncomfortable with leaving a note you can contact me directly that’s fine, i understand the need for secrecy in our society. I just want to maybe speak to other practitioners to see how you do things and if i am doing things respectfully and correctly. Thank you again:)

[horrorandhalloween]

[radimus-co-uk]

Veve for Baron Samedi

[iamwinklebottom]

Conjure Work Remains | Crossroads, Brujería, Graveyard Magick, Voodoo, & Yard Burial Alternatives

https://youtu.be/jVLFNKWbZDU

[systlin]

I was very anti- religion for myself for the better part of three years, till about three months ago, when I started gaining interest in Norse gods and tarot cards, for some reason. I have no idea what I’m doing and where this is taking me, and honestly, I’m quite scared. Christianity (the culture, not the belief) has burned me raw before, and feeling the pull to believe in something makes me very nervous. Do you have any advice for me and people like me? Thank you in advance.

This is very, very, VERY common in folks who are seeking to reconnect to something else after being  burned by Christianity. 

The difference is this; the Norse gods do not demand that you hate yourself, or feel bad about yourself. They do not claim that you are somehow an inherently bad creature (sinful, what a strange concept! For such human things as enjoying comfort, or beautiful things or people? What a terrible way to live, being told that such things are evil, that you are evil for enjoying sex, or food, or getting angry. What a strange concept ‘purity’ is! That by denying yourself all that makes us human, you are somehow better? What ridiculousness!)

They do not treat you like a barely-suffered delinquent child, and do not threaten wrath and damnation for making mistakes. To make mistakes is human. Hell. Even the gods make mistakes, and know it. They are not omnipotent or all powerful, and do not claim to be. 

No heathens here are going to try and force you to conform to the One True Way of being heathen. It’s an intensely individual path. 

Just learn. Go ahead. Learn about that which interests you. The gods do not need me to win you over for them; they are quite capable of doing that on their own. Approach them on your own terms, in your own time, and let them earn your respect.

[systlin]

“ Also. In my experience, a lot of gods are willing to accept a ‘i know you’re there, but I’m not in a place I feel like I can do more than that’. Or a ‘i’m interested in learning more, but not ready to devote myself’. As far as I’m concerned, any god who isn’t willing to let you make your own pace for learning or a bond, is not a god worth your time, or faith.”

-A reply from @opalrhea , which deserves to be added here because it is COMPLETELY true. 

[arachnospooky]

I’ve found this true of Kemetic gods as well, and my wife’s Ladies.

Ra waited… hell, probably 15 years for me to be comfortable enough with spirituality, then religion, then male-aligned deities.

I’m still working on trusting those that appear human, because that’s another burnout area for me for some reason. Apparently the Morrigan is\are thrilled with the offering I gave on my wife’s altar, Rhiannon seems very warm and welcoming, and I want to say hi to Wesir but I’m still not ready.

But the overall feeling I get from all of them is that there’s no pressure, which is a huge change from the religious culture I grew up in.

[systlin]

As I said; this is a very, very, very common thing among people who leave Christianity, almost to the point of I EXPECT these exact feelings from someone who says “So I used to be Christian, but…”

The thing to remember is that they are old. And they are patient. They’ve waited out Christianity for centuries…hell. Millennia. 

Waiting a little longer, for you? Is nothing for them. Fifteen years is a long time on human terms. It’s a snap of a finger for them. 

They don’t mind waiting for you. Not a bit.

[dancing-thru-clouds]

Alhough some of them are. Um. A bit socially clumsy, and will fall all over you once you finally open up.

[systlin]

True. 

[featheredshoes-and-birdsofomen]

That’s honestly what I love about the polytheistic religions I’ve come across? Personally I’m a Hellenic polytheist and it’s just really nice that They’ll meet you where you are. A lot of times when I look up the types of things that would be nice to give as offerings it has some type of food, or the first/last but if your meal. And I just, can’t do that. I have issues eating enough as is. But Their response when I apologized for it? Something along the lines of “hey, don’t worry about it. You do what you can and take care of yourself” and that’s just amazing to me. I can’t see that happening with Christianity.

Being able to forge your own path and decide how you worship is amazing and freeing and I’m so happy that I found it.

[heatherwitch]

Hecate/Hekate

Small devotional acts.

Learn more about the history of witchcraft

Practice divination

Light a torch, lantern, or even a match

Thank her when you go through crossroads or intersections

Listen to music that makes you feel witchy or powerful

Do small, simple spells

Wear jewelry that reminds you of her

Burn candles; blue, black or white.

Think of her when you pass graveyards

Stand outside at night and listen to all the sounds

Dedicate a small part of the night to her

Read stories about ghosts or spirits

Burn incense blends that make you feel magical and in control

Greet animals, especially ones with black fur

Go on nighttime adventures

Wear makeup or clothes that make you feel powerful and confident

Get some plants that bloom/thrive at night

Be the ‘guiding light’ for others, however that looks for you

Sit in a room with all the lights off, burn a candle if you need to

Keep track of the moon phases, do things associated with each one

Incoporate darker colors into you home or outfits 

PRACTICE LOVING YOURSELF

Many, many, many other things not said here

With contributions from: @divinecrossroads and @lynx-tiger-arjei