Spades

hey. here's my witchy alt. mostly reblogs

[bcowlick]

Need people to understand that Ovid's Medusa and Hesiod's Medusa are both VALID.

Both of them are valid!

My problem is that retellings use Ovid's version and then don't even use it right 🫠

So that's why i preffer Hesiod's tbh.

[spadesdoeswitchcraft]

BOTH ARE VALID SO LONG AS WE REMEMBER BOTH. if you only know Ovid's, you're doing a disservice to yourself and to Medusa. And quite honestly, it's anti feminist and anti intellectual to reduce Medusa down to the survivor of S/A

[spadesdoeswitchcraft]

So it has come to attention that y'all have an extremely limited view of Medusa SO here's a basic history of Medusa

The farthest back we can trace goes back to 700 BC in Archaic Greece. Back then, according to Hesiod in the Theogony, Medusa was one of 3 gorgon sisters, born of Ceto and Phorcys. Medusa was the only mortal of the gorgons. By this point, it was already established that Poseidon and Medusa had a sexual encounter, but there is no evidence of any non-consensual acts. In the culture at this time, Gorgoneia were essentially ye olde gargoyles. Their terrifying faces were placed at the entrance of homes, temples, and businesses. Homer even tells us how Athena's shield has a gorgon's face on it.

Then, later, around 450 BC, Pindar tells us how the mourning of the gorgons, Stentho and Euryale, inspired Athena to invent the flute.

The first time we see a beautiful Medusa is around 500 BC during the shift between archaic era Greece to Classical era Greece, often referred to as the Rational age. Specifically, Pausanius says that Medusa was a queen in Libya and led a fierce army, and when killed by Perseus, was seen as so beautiful, he had to cut off her head and show all of Greece.

In the first century bc, Pseudo Apollodorus tells us how Pegasus and Chrysaor sprang from her severed neck when killed by Perseus.

Then, much later, in at least 5 CE, in Ovid's Metamorphoses, we see the first instance of Medusa being cursed by Minerva. Here, we see a human Medusa with beautiful hair. She caught the attention of Neptune, who raped her in one of Minerva's temples. Minerva, being a virginal goddess, was angered and cursed Medusa to be a gorgon.

These days, a narrative has sprung about that recounts Medusa as a priestess of Athena or Minerva, but we have no historical basis for this narrative. Also in this narrative, it is believed that Medusa's gorgonism was a blessing from Minerva/Athena as to ensure she wouldn't be raped again.

So now you know that she is not JUST a survivor of S/A but a powerful spirit of protection who has been around for EONS. You can still carry her image as a symbol for survivors, but there is much more to her story than just that.

[spadesdoeswitchcraft]

Thinking about studying under vampire spirits for a hundred days, I'm thinking about Lilith, Medusa, and Sekhmet. What other vampiric deities do you think I should study and what resources do you suggest?

[spadesdoeswitchcraft]

Hey I've been gone for like ever but what flavor vape would Alligator like? He likes tobacco as an offering but I wanna see if we can compromise

[lakevida]

lollll dude have you seriously not realized that all things are delicately interconnected yet? at your age?

[fromdelphi]

Dionysiac posting on here is all about losing one’s mind and going insane, and I find it a bit dismissive. It creates an illusion that Dionysus is all about the negative, uncontrolled side of one’s mental journey while that’s not true.

Dionysus, or Bacchus if you’d prefer it more, was known as Σωτηριος, Soterios - the savior, deliverer, implying that while He can make one insane, He can make one escape madness the same way He put one into it.

A God who can make one go crazy is the God who can help one find a way through intricate pathways of human mind, provided the worker or worshipper know who they are working with and that His approach might be quite intense. The same way Apollo is both plague-bringer and healer, Dionysus is the one who brings madness and releases from it. Mental health is his field.

Some wounds can’t be healed by just medicine, herbs, physical therapy - they might require a lot of mental work. Sometimes the Apollonian requires addition of the Dionysian - which is just as capable of being healing to the soul, just in different ways.

[xrixx]

is it just me or does anyone else not see signs? i understand i don’t need them, and i don’t actively go looking for them. but i was just thinking about it, and i don’t see any signs. or maybe i’m just extremely oblivious, which is a likely possibility.

[spadesdoeswitchcraft]

I fully thought this meant road signs and I was extremely concerned.

Anyway uhhh no signs no problem. You don't need to be surrounded by signs but I would suggest trying to work on your third eye and intuition

[earthsealover]

Reblog this if u a hellenic polytheist who LOVES trans/nonbinary folks and queer folks. Reblog this is u a hellenic polytheist or hellenic who believes in ending the gender binary and allowing people to identify as however the fuck they want to, and supporting them. Reblog this if ur a hellenic polytheist who believes our gods both draw strength from and ALSO transcend gender.

Reblog this if u understand or want to understand that just because western/white ideals of gender involve a binary, that this isn’t the only way of looking at gender that historically existed and STILL exists across cultures, and that to enforce one view over others is white supremacy and only feeds patriarchal oppression by reinforcing its ideals of binary and punishment of nonconformity

reblog this if ur a hellenic polytheist who says NO to crusty white cisheteropatriarchy–  in which white cis men oppress all those who don’t identify as white heterosexual cisgender men.

reblog this if you realize that we have to work together.

for those who have been fighting this fight in the community long before i got here, I THANK YOU <3

- Signed your local trans gendernonconforming brujx, as a devotional activity for Dionysus and my Indigenous, two-spirit and trans ancestors.

[mamaangiwine]

I know that we talk a lot about understanding the behaviors of animals, and being educated on the flora and fauna in your area when it comes to divining signs from your gods and spirits (and yes, I do think this is important) but, if I'm being honest, a lot of the time when someone asks me "Did this random deer in a highly deer populated area mean anything?", "did this crow feather I found in molting season mean anything?", "did this dream about fairies, after I watched Pixie Hollow, mean anything?" my answer is often:

Idk? Do you think so?

Did something stir in you when it happened? Did something about it affect you? Is the thought of it lingering? Or gripping you?

Most of all: Did you want it to mean something?

This is your practice. This is your path.

That is literally something you can determine and decide for yourself.

[midwxstmilf]

things i got in the divorce, a alligator.

[tiredwitchplant]

Everything You Need to Know About Crystals: Moonstone (White)

Moonstone (The Sacred Stone of the Moon)

Color: White, cream, yellow, blue, green

Rarity: Easy to obtain

Hardiness: 6.5

Type: Oligoclase/ Feldspar

Chakra Association: Brow, Heart, Root, Third Eye, Sacral, Solar Plexus

Deities: All Lunar Deities, Diana, Selene, Artemis, Isis, Chandra

Birthstone: June

Astrological Signs: Cancer

Element: Water

Planet: Moon

Origin: Australia, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, USA

Powers: Femininity, Calmness, Balance, Luck, Intuition, Healing, Sensual, Patience, Reproductive Health

Crystals It Works Well With: Aquamarine, garnet, pearl

How It is Created: Moonstone is a type of feldspar composed of potassium aluminum silicate. It can be found in a number of colors, but all examples demonstrate a particular sheen known as labradorescence; an effect also found in labradorite and blue moonstone. Labradorescence is a light effect caused by parallel hairlike structures laid down within the crystal matrix, which reflect light back and forth, creating different-colored effects, including blue, yellow, silvery gray, and white.

History: Moonstone is the sacred stone of India. During the earliest traditions, the gem was said to have been embedded in the forehead of Ganesh, the four-handed god of the moon, since the beginning of time. It was written in Hindu mythology that moonstone is made from moonbeams, thus its luster.

The magnificent gem is never displayed outside for sale unless placed on a yellow cloth, as yellow is a sacred color. According to other legends, Moonstone can give gifts of prophecy and clairvoyance to the wearer. It could also clear the mind for the wearer to welcome wisdom. But to unlock this ability, Moonstone must be placed in their mouths during the full moon. Since ancient Egypt it is considered as a spiritual stone as it is seen as the gem of protection for night travelers.

Since Moonstone looks a lot like the moonshine, ancient Romans believed that it was formed from moonlight. If you look at the gem closely, you’ll see a dance of light that lurks on the insides of the gem. Ancient Greeks merged the names of the goddess of love (Aphrodite) and the goddess of the moon (Selene) and christened Moonstone as “Aphroselene”. While the Romans believed that the gem exhibits the image of their moon goddess, Diana.

It is also known as an aphrodisiac and when worn by two people, they will fall passionately in love when the moon is high. Moonstone was once called the “Travelers Stone” as it is said to protect those who travel at night, especially at sea.

What It Can Do:

When worn, can attract true love and arouse passion

If you give your lover a moonstone during the full moon, there will be passion between you always

Can settle disagreements and return things to peaceful status

Sewn into garments can enhance fertility

Wearing moonstone protects sensitive emotions

Enhances divination, prophetic dreams and prevents nightmares

Great for meditation and scrying

Represents yin and attracts peaceful energy

Protects travelers at night and by sea

Considered good luck

Balances male-female energies and aids men who want to get in touch with their feminine side

Affects the female reproductive cycle and alleviates menstrual-related diseases and tensions

Helps with digestive and reproductive systems, assimilates nutrients, eliminates toxins and fluid retention, and alleviates degenerative conditions of the skin, hair, eyes and fleshy organs such as the liver and pancreas.

How to Get the Best Out Of: Wear as a ring or place on the appropriate body part, would recommend the forehead, for spiritual experiences, and solar plexus or heart for emotions. Women may need to remove Moonstone at full moon.

How to Cleanse and Charge: Moonstone is relatively soft stone, 6 on the Mohs scale, so it should be handled with care as it can be easily scratched or crushed. Moonstone should be stored separate from other jewelry in its own soft bag or lined box and should not be worn while performing strenuous tasks that could result in it getting bumped or scratched. It can be cleaned with plain water and a soft cloth. If it gets scratched, take it to a jeweler to have it polished out.

Charge your moonstone in the light of the waxing moon and keep it out of direct sunlight.

Crystal Grid: N/A Couldn't find one that wasn't too complex @_@

Sources

[laurelandsun]

I've had Dionysus on my mind a lot lately which is strange for me specifically, I think. I'm not a drinker (in fact I'm completely sober at this point in my life) and I don't really care for parties. I have a lot of issues with not feeling in control of what's happening around me. My husband is much closer to Dionysus than I am if we're being honest.

Nevertheless, I did a tarot reading with Him just to see why I felt His presence around me so much lately, and before I could even start to shuffle 8 of Pentacles and Ace of Swords fell out of my deck. I took that to mean He wants me to work on something inside myself. After that I reshuffled and pulled The Hanged Man. I pulled two clarification cards and got King of Pentacles reversed and 3 of Swords.

I think the reading might be related to a conversation I was having with my husband about Dionysus and how He relates to mental health/why people in modern times are so attracted to Him. I think He's telling me I had the wrong idea in that conversation and need to reframe how I think of Him and his followers.

All of this to say, if anyone would like to share their experiences with Dionysus, I'd love to hear it.

[spadesdoeswitchcraft]

I will say this a million times if I have to

Dionysus is not the God of drinking

He's the God of mystery, of the subconscious, the unseen, the shadow. He is the God of the wilderness. He is the God of sanity. He is so much more complex than alcohol. Alcohol is just a medium. Alcohol unlocks parts of ourselves we may not be able to otherwise without super intense shadow work. If dionysus is coming to you, he doesn't want you to drink. He wants you to light a candle, turn off all the lights, and gaze in the mirror into your own eyes. He wants you to face yourself. He wants you to stop running from your shadow and your trauma. He wants you to go to therapy. He wants you to unlock those memories you hid because you didn't feel strong enough to face them. Because you are strong enough. And he's going to teach you that.

[mikeybooch]

In this house, we do not subscribe to the convention of vilifying Demeter in the myth of Persephone. 

[spadesdoeswitchcraft]

I think that all versions are right and valid

Personally, demeter is neither good nor evil. A but dramatic but neutral. Hades didn't kidnap persephone, she went willingly. But she wasn't meant to eat the pomegranate.

But for people who have trauma regarding controlling mothers, maybe the iteration where demeter is keeping persephone trapped and she escapes is cathartic and vindicating.

Myths are reflections of people. It's a depiction of their reality.

[trollmaiden]

It’s time to Be a Adult and mythologize your local Flora, Fauna, Rivers, and rock formations,

No that isn’t just a birch tree,

That’s the Sisters Rosamund, Lyonesse, and Miranda, They are under a shape shifting curse and trapping themselves inside a tree is the only safe way for them to figure out how to break it.

Leave them Ribbons, or crystals, Your secrets, your Social security number, whatever you think they will like

[magicianing]

Nontraditional Baneful Work (1)

For the hardcore crystal witch:

Specific harm

On a very sunny day, write on paper: "[Name Of Enemy] will [experience a great misfortune] before [date]" or similar, or use a sigil. Take a sphere of quartz, hold above the paper, and allow the sun to stream through it until the victim's name is scorched from the paper.

Harm in love

Write their name on a slip of paper. On another, write "your/their heart will not find love", similar, or use a sigil. Wrap in cloth or tinfoil with a piece of rose quartz. Unwrap to release.

(Even if you do not cleanse your crystals, I would recommend doing so after using them as described above)

For the elemental witch:

General harm

Create a vial of strong sun water, then "corrupt" with a pinch of pepper or a splash of red dye. On paper, write the name of your victim, and cast them into the vial. Shake vigorously to expedite.

Productivity-related harm

Cast a small item taken from your victim into a vial of ocean water. They now feel as if they are drowning in their responsibilities. Pour out to release.

There are always alternatives to the risk of pickpocketing items on and off of people, but this is a method I have always had success with.

For the nature witch:

Long-term harm

Healthy acorns sink in water, while rotten ones will float (most of the time). Take a floating acorn and and whisper to it its purpose. Sneak it into your victim's belongings and let it take root.

Bad luck

Paint the name of your victim in water on a maple leaf. Place the maple leaf under the candlestick of a black candle and let burn for as long as you like. Negative energy, including that of any standing hexes against you, will be captured and sent on to your victim, even if they are its originator.

(All are based on my own research, practice, experience, and theory. I encourage you to modify these for your own use if I have inspired you.)

[spadesdoeswitchcraft]

For all witches. Just piss on them. Put them in a jar and piss in the jar. I'm so serious about this. Piss on your enemies

[osa-aikanoita]

If your an active witchcraft blog that doesn't do cultural appropriation and you're not a transphobe or queerphobe, can you like and/or reblog this? I would love to follow new active witchcraft blogs

[malukeando-deactivated20241117]

hey yall I'm looking for witch blogs that are active, if you are a witch please reblog this and I will follow you, I need mutuals ✨️