Opal is Gone

Hellenic Polytheist/Witch

[littleflowercerise]

We often say, "memento mori."

But what about "memento vivere?"

"Remember, you must live."

Is death more important than life? No, no, no! To die, you must first live. You cannot die if you have not yet lived. Your life is sacred and beautiful.

You must live.

You must also die, and that is important to remember, but you must live before you must die.

Your death depends on your life. How do you want to live? What does living mean to you? What do you want after you die?

[blessednereids]

This is your annual reminder that “The 7 Pillars of Hellenic Polytheism” were not made in antiquity. They hold no true binding to Hellenic Polytheism as a religion as these Pillars were not followed in Ancient Greece—Or at any time until the last decade or so

They are, of course, nice to have in mind, and everyone should be kind and humble when necessary, but I’m honestly kind of tired of hearing that these Pillars are “foundational” to the religion or included in “Helpol basics” posts

A man named Timothy Jay Alexander initially created these Pillars, and while he took inspiration from Ancient Greek philosophers, he very much was not one himself

He’s known to be intolerant of Revivalist views of Hellenic Polytheism, and because of his strict Recon perspective, believes that queer, ill and disabled people cannot or should not be allowed to hold the title of Priestx (link)

You are allowed to hold yourself to standards like the Pillars, but acting as though they are actual rules of Hellenic Polytheism, or, Gods forbid, pushing them on others, is so disheartening to see

Just because something has a Greek name, doesn’t automatically make it authentically Helpol or from antiquity

The closest thing from antiquity that we have like the Pillars are the Delphic Maxims, honestly

Anyway. Do you what you like, but this is just some information for those of you who are unaware

[micdotcom]

Watch: George Carlin spoke the truth about pro-lifers in 1996 — and it’s still being proven today.

[dontshootmespence]

The fucking man right here. 👏

[faerytreealtars]

Bealtaine in Irish Folk Practice.

Bealtaine is a traditional Irish fire celebration that marks the start of summer. This event, which takes place from sunset on April 30 to noon on May 1, is linked to the fertility, protection, and rebirth of life of nature.

When it comes to Irish folk practice and customs in particular, it's crucial to remember that Beltane is an anglicised method of "simplifying" the original Irish word, which is still used as Gaeilge for the entire month of May, to make it easier for colonisers to understand and speak.

Home and hearth protection is crucial during Bealtaine. The custom of putting yellow flowers, particularly primroses, though Dandelions are a good choice too, on thresholds before the starting sun of Bealtaine rises. These vivid flowers are more than simply attractive; they act as strong barriers against any dangerous magic that might try to enter the house, as well as any Malevolent Spirits or Aos Sidhe. My guess as to why this gives protection (besides the use of intention) is that the flowers resemble the sun and fire, which are things these malevolent beings avoid due to fear.

In the past, they would also light up a bush in front of the house on Bealtaine to ward off lightning and thunder. Decorating a May Bush, a tiny tree or shrub, with ribbons, painted shells, and vibrant flowers is still a cherished Bealtaine tradition. In addition to serving as a focal point for the festivities, this will shield you from bad luck and bring you good fortune in the upcoming year. I'm aware that not everyone can light up a bush for good luck so instead I suggest you light a candle placing it upon a windowsill (which is a threshold place) surrounded by such things as ribbons, shells and flowers. Here you can speak to the flame offer it song or story then tell it of all you wish to abundantly achieve within the months of spring & summer.

It was also good practice to mind what you have during this time, it was important not to borrow, lend or buy during these dates as doing so is was believed to be giving away all your luck and abundance for the rest of the year. SO if you don't mind being seen as a little selfish on this day it's a good practice to do.

Divination was done by a few as well, this was done in two ways. The first one includes sweeping your threshold (doorway/entrance) clean then sprinkle ashes from the last fire before Bealtaine occurs. Then watch for the first footprints. If you see the prints turned inwards, it means a marriage; but if you see the prints turned outwards, it means a death. The second divination done involves the use of a plate and some flour. Take the plate, sprinkle some flour over it, then leave it at the threshold of the house. At sunset, take a look, and you will see the initials of your true love’s name.

If you feel like getting up early (or perhaps you already do) then you can collect the dew from the leaves and grass before the sun properly rises. This water was used for beauty rituals, as washing your face with this dew was said to enhance your beauty, but one can also use this dew in spells for luck and good health.

Finally, for Spirits and Gods associated with Bealtaine, in my personal practice at least, are all spirits of land, as this is when the land is truly awaking, as well as Goddess Aíne, Goddess Anú and the Dagda/Greenman (I personally see these two beings as actually being two different forms/naming of the one spirit) so now is a good time to give thanks, offerings or do workings with them as they may be more aware.

[queeranarchism]

It's a real shame that online reply guys have made 'thought experiments' into a constant ordeal of 'would you let me say the n-word to save 5 black children?' bullshit, when actually, real thought experiments are important training tools to unlearn acting on bigotry, biased instincts and propaganda.

In life you're going to encounter ethical questions that you've never considered before or you'll find reasons to question ethical questions that you always thought that you knew the answer to. And when that happens, you have to be comfortable thinking the whole things thru from all angles, even though your gut instinct tells you to settle for the easy answer that makes you comfortable.

You have to be able to ask questions like 'but is anyone harmed by the thing that disgusts me?', 'is this about improving the world or just about punishment'?, 'what if my assumptions about why people do this thing are wrong'?

You have to be comfortable not being sure yet what your conclusion will be. You have to be comfortable exploring opinions that differ from what your friends think. Thought experiments teach you this.

If you don't get comfortable doing that, propagandists will trick you into accepting a comfortable answer based on your preconceived biases and whatever new biases they want to slip in there.

[queeranarchism]

I regret to announce that I need to actually explain to insufferable people in the notes why 'would you let me say the n-word to save 5 black children?' isn't a clever little thought experiment. Let's start with a little story:

I work the door at a feminist club sometimes. We've got a big sign at the door in bold letters reading "No touch of any kind without consent, you will be kicked out". When new guests show up, we point out the rule and ask them to confirm that they'll follow this rule.

Every night, there will be a few guys whose response to this is to immediately put a finger somewhere on my body, like my shoulder or my arm, and ask "not even this?". If those guys are allowed to enter the club, they ALWAYS end up groping people. Their response to a boundary that was put in place to prevent harm, is to immediately push it, test it, see if they can do a little bit of harm, see how much harm we will tolerate. That's what that finger and "not even this?" shows.

In this club, little innocent touches without prior consent definitely happen. It's loud and it can get crowded on the dance floor and around the bar. Shoulders touch, people tap each other on their arm to signal that they want to get through the crowd. No harm is done. But "No touch of any kind without consent" stays up at the door because its an effective filter to keep out the predatory guys.

Social conventions around the n-word are a lot like that. While it is technically true that the sound of the n-word does no harm on its own and it's the intent that makes a slur into a slur, to point that out is to misunderstand why the "don't say the n-word ever" social rule is there. It's a test, like our "No touch of any kind without consent" rule. People who see that rule and respond by pushing its boundaries are telling on themselves. They're showing that they want to explore how much harm we will tolerate.

So you're not particularly clever if you invent a thought experiment that shows that the n-word isn't a magic sound that does harm on it's own. We all knew that already and you're not cleverly exposing purity culture or dogmatic liberal behavior. You're just telling on yourself. The "don't say the n-word ever" social rule is a filter that exists to get people like you to tell on yourself.

[queeranarchism]

This also branched into a bigger thing about thought experiments: Thought experiments are NOT neutral lenses which reveal inevitable truths. They're artificial realities controlled by their creators, and as such they're extremely subjective.

Clever, insightful thought experiments have no clear answer and challenge us to examine all sides of an issue, to dig deeper until we get to a more complex nuanced understanding of moral issues.

Thought experiments whose only purpose is to create a scenario in which we must inevitably say the n-word, or we must torture someone to defuse a bomb, etc. are not insightful, they just reveal that their creator would really like to be alloed to say the n word / torture. They're blunt manipulations and we have every right to refuse to play that game.

[brigitte-poetry]

More pagans need to internalize that most deities will be antagonistic in some myths and protagonistic in others, and neither of those portrayals will completely capture their actual character when you start worshipping them.

[thetelesterion]

Meditation on Zeus

Let me see with the eyes of Zeus. Let me hear with the ears of Zeus. Let me speak with the lips of Zeus. Let me love with the heart of Zeus. Let my hands create, let my mind generate, according to the mind of Zeus. Let my form be filled with the breath of Zeus. Great God, Lord and Master of Creation, I ask that you take me and carry me as a father takes a child into his arms.

[bodhi-devotee]

what a fantastic prayer. this is the goal of the label ‘cleric of Zeus-Helios’ for my practice 💞 def going to be a repeat prayer

[funstyle]

Im always like "i will not add my two cents. i will not add my two cents" but i cant lie the pennies are getting sweaty in my hand

[mellointheory]

Who makes the porn bots. Where do they come from. What do they hope to achieve.

[the-haiku-bot]

Who makes the porn bots.

Where do they come from. What do

they hope to achieve.

Beep boop! I look for accidental haiku posts. Sometimes I mess up.

[mellointheory]

and what about you, little haiku bot? do you feel kinship with your brethren? do you understand them? they speak words of enticement and seek love, but are met with disdain. you only parrot the words that cross your screen, but we all love you. or rather, since all you do is reflect us, maybe we simply love ourselves through you.

do you understand them, do you wish you could speak to us like they do? if you found your own voice, would we still care for you?

[the-haiku-bot]

My voice repeats what

you all say: I love you I

love you I love you.

Beep boop! I look for accidental haiku posts. Sometimes I mess up.

[solkorolevaa]

[thenewborndeity]

This. This is the first time. The only time. That it was not an echo. It was not found. Oh god.

[masquerade-of-mephistopheles]

[asteroidtroglodyte]

Me, tears streaming down my face, sobbing, as I stare at the stars: it’s just so beautiful

The medieval peasant I went back in time to give a bag of Doritos to, concerned: what terrible and powerful sorcerers they must have in your age, to be able to veil the vault of heaven itself from view, as you say

Me, sniffling: I didn’t realize, I can’t, it’s so much, I, I… are the chips good, at least?

Medieval peasant, trying to make me feel better: they’re… magical, strange traveler

[jacquelinebartholomew]

"I asked ChatGPT and—"

Well I called upon the Muses before a recitation of an ancient tale so they could imbue me with poetic inspiration and knowledge of history, and they said you're wrong

[orionnco]

If you see a community of people missing from a chunk of history (Queer/trans/religious ect) and your immediate thought is "oh they didnt exist then" instead of "oh shit these people had a bunch of their history erased" you have fallen for genocidal propaganda.

[amphibifish]

never do any sort of collaborative storytelling with your friends youll get addicted for life

[creature-wizard]

TikTokker explains how manifestation is the spirituality of the privileged, a pipeline to the far right, and a tool of the oppressor class.

[wyrd-wyrm]

Spicy but

I have a hard time believing that the three fold law is real when we’ve had centuries of abuse happen to minorities. 

The threefold law just feels like prosperity gospel for witchcraft. 

Trying to suggest to me that bad things will happen to bad people on its own because the universe will do it for you just feels kind of privileged. And then to use that idea to suggest that Baneful magic, which historically was used by oppressed people not the oppressors is bad because it does harm, is almost laughable.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of their day and the rest of the week! 

[creatureffeature]

people making fun of/"criticizing" grace's stutter REALLY rubs me the wrong way as someone who stutters occasionally. her fear during the main part of the game is completely understandable, yes, but we also see her stuttering in normal situations (talking to her boss, talking to the cop, iirc she stuttered a little when talking to her mom)

her stutter is accurate to what i experience (especially during times of stress.) stuttering is not "childish" or a sign of stupidity. grace is an intelligent woman who stutters AND it got exacerbated by her anxiety and fear during the game

edit 03/12: i wanted to add onto this and say i've seen two responses to her stuttering that i dislike

the first response is either blatant or subtle infantilization: this happens often with autistic people (esp. women) who have symptoms/traits that are seen as "cute" or "child-like". this, while sometimes well-meaning, is still ableist and often also fueled by misogyny/sexism

the second response i've seen is just being outright rude or dismissive of her character because of her stuttering. this sometimes stems from her being seen as "child-like" but instead of a "positive" response, this is met with negativity. this is also more out-right ableist and inspired my first version of this post