BeGayDoCrime

she/they | AuDHD | here for memes and gay shit

[morggo]

I Will Not Apologize

Happy Pride, ya'll.

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Prints: https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/mxmorgan/

Shirts: https://mxmorgan.threadless.com/mens/t-shirt/regular

[thescarlettbitch]

To the Gods lost to time

We may have no way of knowing your name, but we do know you. We know you existed.

We may have no way of knowing what purpose you served in your pantheon, but we appreciate the work that you did, and the work you continue to do.

You may be older than what we think of as the first civilizations, you may be older than evolution, but thank you for being with our ancestors.

Thank you for holding their hands, teaching them how to hunt, which plants were edible, how to walk, how to develop.

It's because of you that humanity exists in the way we know today.

I'm sorry you've been lost to time.

[vikings-til-valhalla]

From Loki's Hut on Facebook

[cursecuelebre]

Anglo Saxon Nine Herb Charm

Ancient charm that is rooted in Germanic paganism and witchcraft, it’s very helpful for those interested in herbalism, Folk magic, Germanic folk magic and paganism, or just simple herbal magic. It's said that it was taught by Woden or Odin (Norse) who is the god of healing. It’s in the form of a poem, a form of Galdor which is basically is incantation when reciting this poem you’re evoking these herbs. By how the poem is written the plants are spoken like another person or living thing with a conscious mind. It’s one of good sources of wortcunning or medicinal knowledge of herbs. The blog can be helpful for those who wishes to bond with these herbs this poem can really bring good insight.

Some points to take note in this poem, most of these herbs are to be used in a healing context against poison. The Saxons believed that diseases were caused by corruption of evil spirits, elf-shot, most commonly in form of “Worms” not worms we see today in the soil but more like dragons or serpents. “Nesso” is the Anglo Saxon term and Wyrm is High German where Worm derives from which means dragon. That to cast the “worms” out is essentially getting rid of the poison. When you find yourself reading Anglo Saxon charms with “Worm” that is what is being refer to. The number 9 is very sacred in Germanic paganism and witchcraft, also the use of christian elements is suppose to be there. In medieveal context of folk magic in general a common concept is to mix pagan deities with Christianity Woden and Christ is not uncommon in German folk magic to be seen together. The green is the herbs mentioned and after the poem I'll put what some of the herbs are in modern day in english. I should also note there is multiple translations but this version is what I'm most familiar with.

Traditionally to perform the ritual a witches would chant over the herbs and applied to the patient’s body then the witch would blow into the targets ear and mouth to get rid of the evil/harmful spirit.

Remember, mugwort, what you made known, What you arranged at the Great proclamation. You were called Una, the oldest of herbs, you have power against three and against thirty, you have power against poison and against infection, you have power against the loathsome foe roving through the land.

And you, Waybread, mother of herbs, Open from the east, mighty inside. over you chariots creaked, over you queens rode, over you brides cried out, over you bulls snorted. You withstood all of them, you dashed against them. May you likewise withstand poison and infection and the loathsome foe roving through the land.

'Stune' is the name of this herb, it grew on a stone, it stands up against poison, it dashes against poison *Nettle it is called, it attacks against poison, it drives out the hostile one, it casts out poison. This is the herb that fought against the serpent, it has power against poison, it has power against infection, it has power against the loathsome foe roving through the land. Put to flight now, attorlaðe (poison hater), the greater poisons, though you are the lesser, until he is cured of both.

Remember, Chamomile, what you made known, what you accomplished at Alorford, that never a man should lose his life from infection after Chamomile was prepared for his food.

This is the herb that is called Stinging Nettle. A seal sent it across the sea-right, a vexation to poison, a help to others. it stands against pain, it dashes against poison,

A worm came crawling, it killed nothing. For Woden took nine glory-twigs, he smote the the adder that it flew apart into nine parts. There the apple accomplished it against poison that she [the loathsome serpent] would never dwell in the house.

Chervil and fennel, two of much might, They were created by the wise Lord, holy in heaven as He hung. He set and sent them to the seven worlds, to the wretched and the fortunate, as a help to all. It stands against pain, it fights against poison, it avails against 3 and against 30, against foe´s hand and against noble scheming, against enchantment of vile creatures.

Now there nine herbs have power against nine evil spirits, against nine poisons and against nine infections: Against the red poison, against the foul poison, against the white poison, against the pale blue poison, against the yellow poison, against the green poison, against the black poison, against the blue poison, against the brown poison, against the crimson poison, against worm-blister, against water-blister, against thorn-blister, against thistle-blister, against ice-blister, against poison-blister,

If any poison comes flying from the east, or any from the north, [or any from the south,] or any from the west among the people. Christ stood over diseases of every kind.

I alone know a running stream, and the nine adders beware of it. May all the weeds spring up from their roots, the seas slip apart, all salt water, when I blow this poison from you

mucgwyrt - Mugwort

wegbrāde - Waybread - Plantain

Stune - Lamb Cress

Stiðe - Nettle

mægðe - Chamomile

wergulu - Stinging Nettle

æppel - Crab Apple

fille - Chervil

finule - Fennel

*Stiðe most likely means nettle as a type of plants that is used very broadly, whilst stinging nettle refers to the actual plant such as the leaves, stems, etc. Nettle can also mean the roots. Some translations have attorlaðe instead of Stiðe, but in my opinion it's talking about how nettle is perceived here attorlaðe means 'poison hater' link to Fumitory. Perhaps Fumitory to the Saxons was related to Nettle I'm not sure just a theory of mine. Most likely than not the fourth herb in the charm is Nettle in the board sense of the family of plants. Unless someone can give me a more insight on the translation, I be more than happy to be corrected.

I really hope this helps people and it may inspire others on the path and learning of Anglo Saxon culture and Traditions. :)

[samwisethewitch]

Book Review: Freya: Meeting the Norse Goddess of Magic by Morgan Daimler

I just finished a reread of this book and realized I've never talked about it on this blog, even though it ties into a lot of my content.

I've talked about my relationship with Freyja here before. She is the deity I have worked with most consistently in my personal practice, and she's been a strong presence in my life since I was a child. Even before I was interested in witchcraft or paganism, I was drawn to stories and images of Freyja.

Unfortunately, quality books about Freyja are hard to find in English. A lot of the wonderful work being done by Scandinavian scholars and heathens is only available in their native languages. A lot of English-language resources are either very academic and prohibitively expensive, or they are books about goddess worship more generally that only mention Freyja on a few pages. Freyja, Lady, Vanadis: An Introduction to the Goddess by Patricia M. Lafayllve is a pretty good beginner's resource, but it's only available in paperback, which can be a barrier for some readers.

All of this is to say, I was very excited when Morgan Daimler put out this book. I've talked about how much I love Daimler's work before on this blog -- I think they do really great research AND do a really good job of making all that information accessible for a beginner. I have several of Daimler's books on Norse and Irish deities, and all of them are resources I reference often in my practice.

This book follows a similar formula to Daimler's other books on deities, like Odin or the Morrigan. Daimler presents Freyja's mythology, folklore, associations, and relationships. There is also an entire chapter dedicated to Freyja's connection to seiðr, which explains what seiðr is and why it is important in a very straightforward way. There is also an entire chapter dedicated to connecting with Freyja as a modern worshiper.

I like that Daimler includes a section at the end of each chapter about their own experiences with Freyja. I also like that they talk about the importance of actually experiencing the gods and trusting our experiences. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that anything that doesn't match up with primary sources is wrong, and I like that Daimler takes time to shoot down that idea.

I also really like that Daimler does not tell you how to interpret the lore. Daimler presents a story, explains the different ways it could be interpreted, and leaves readers to make their own conclusions. This is a style of teaching I try to use in my own work, and I love seeing it done well here.

If you know next to nothing about Freyja, I think this book is an excellent place to start. Everything you need to make that initial connection is here.

Even as someone who has worked with Freyja for years and done lots of my own research, I found a few things I didn't know here. This book also gave me a new perspective on certain aspects of Freyja's lore. This is why it's always great to compare notes with other people.

If you're interested in connecting with Freyja or just learning more about her, I highly, highly recommend this book!

[rosethewitch]

Make elder futhark runes with me! It's super fun and easy.

You'll need:

1. Half marble gems

2. Oven dry clay

3. A paint pen, or permanent marker in a color of your choosing.

Choose a small clump of clay, use your intuition about how much of it you need. I like to roll the clay into a ball first. The only thing about this is you need enough of it to form neatly around the half marble.

Go ahead and do that, into a coin shape.

Repeat till you have 24!

It's oven bake, so pop these bad boys onto a baking sheet covered in aluminum foil, and preheat your oven to 270° and stick them in for about 15 minutes.

After, don't worry about if they're still a little soft. Give them time to set and cool off and they should be good and done by the time they are completely cooled.

Here's a picture of the elder futhark alphabet I found on google.

Proceed using your paint pen, or marker, or whatever inspires you to get it down. Don't worry about perfection! Just have fun.

Let that paint dry, and bless them/cleanse them as you see fit. Have fun with your new runes!

[devouredbyflame]

Understanding the Silence: Why Deities May Not Respond

There are times wherein we cannot hear the voices of the Gods. Perhaps you know how to listen, perhaps you have built the shrine, and yet, nothing seems to be working. Perhaps you have found yourself in the midst of a struggling time and the last thing you want to do is listen for an inner voice.

I have spoken about deity communication and what that can look like but I’ve yet to speak on what happens when you are unable to hear the voices of the Gods.

There are many reasons why this could be happening and not all of them I am going to cover in this post. I’ve already touched on dissociation and feelings of moral failure but in this post I will speak on why Gods may not always respond.

It is important to note that just because you want to reach a Deity, it does not mean that They will reach back. Just because you give an offering, built a shrine and have prayed to Them does not mean They are going to give you the time of day. This doesn’t always mean that They don’t like you, nor does it have anything to do with who you are as a person, either.

Read the rest of this post here:

Understanding the Silence: Why Deities May Not Respond

There are times wherein we cannot hear the voices of the Gods. Perhaps you know how to listen, perhaps you have built the shrine, and yet, n

[broomsick]

regarding your "we aren't meant to fear the Gods" - I agree, but do have any advice on how not to fear them? There's someone who's called out to me and I want to work with him, but he honestly kind of intimidates me

Hi there!

This is quite the relevant question, and I’m actually glad you asked. To be honest with you, this sort of nervousness is part of so, so many aspects of our lives. To feel intimidated before stepping into something new is inevitable, at least for most of us. But we are also nervous before making a new friend, or traveling somewhere new! Taking the leap is what makes the difference. So before diving into detail, I’ll give you this first piece of advice: if you want to work with this deity, take the leap!

I can tell you that being intimidated by the divine is a fully natural reaction, and it’s not one that’s meant to be stamped down or ignored. The nerves are your way to protect yourself in the face of the unknown. The process of trusting a deity works in the same way as trusting a new friend. See it this way: working with a new deity is exactly like meeting somebody new! You don’t need to jump head first into a deep connection. You can take it step by step, and most importantly, allow yourself to stumble and learn with time.

You’re allowed to start at the beginning: by introducing yourself, even if it seems silly! There’s no such thing as embarrassment before the Gods. And in my personal opinion, if this deity has reached out to you in some way, then they are already interested in knowing you! Talk to them about yourself and what you know about them!

If it helps, I’ll tell you something that I’ve learned after years of being polytheistic. The Gods are remarkably like us. I know I’m repeating something that I’ve mentioned in previous posts, but bear with me. They are as beautiful as they are flawed, and they are not all-powerful. They have their own personalities and presences, just like we do. And more importantly: they are nothing to be afraid of. In my experience, and I’m sure lots of fellow pagans would agree, they are warm, kind and caring. No deity will be angry at you for wanting to work with them. Lots of them have been worshipped for centuries after all! They are eager to guide and to help.

Now, I’ve tried not to make this post too long, but I’ve written down a few ideas of things you could engage in in order to loosen your nerves!

Write him a letter! Something to introduce yourself and share your thoughts about him, as well as your concerns.

Look into other people you know who have worshipped him, if there are. How have they experienced his presence?

Send him a short prayer, and stay in tune with how praying to him generally feels.

Play some ambient noises, or ambient music, close your eyes and meditate on him. How do you picture him? What feelings do you associate with him? Just spend a moment fully focusing on your perception of him as a God.

Start incorporating a few elements of his worship into your daily life! For example if he’s associated with a particular animal, then carry a representation of this animal around (same thing goes for any of his symbolism).

Start noticing what songs remind you of him, and why. You might even make a playlist using these songs!

You could also start noticing what activities remind you of him, and invite him to join you (I practice I engage in and which I’ve detailed here).

I hope my little response helps you gather the courage to take this leap. Deity work is rewarding beyond words, no matter the deity. All are so different and all have so much to teach.

[notthesomefather]

Reading runes: tips for beginners

Hi folks! When beginners start investigating rune-reading, they typically see two things: posts reiterating that runes had no historical basis in divination and posts dictating what each rune always means.

While the former is true, it doesn't negate the power of letting the divine speak to you through channels you understand--whether you use playing cards, tarot, runes, or other signs to interpret these messages. And while runes each carry their own meaning(s), these meanings are not fixed but context-sensitive.

Step One: Sitting with the runes

Before you do too much research, I'd advise you to simply sit with the runes and listen to how they feel. Hold one in your hand, visualize one in your mind, chant one's name aloud, or some combination of those techniques. Let images, sounds, smells, and ideas come to you without analysis or critique. This is an initial "getting to know you" meditation meant to be repeated many times throughout your journey, and I'd advise revisiting these meditations even after you feel acquainted with the runes.

Step Two: Researching the runes

Research into historical and linguistic concepts behind the runes may be beneficial. I'd also recommend contemporary research--see how folks use the runes in their practice, whether in divination, creation of bind runes, or other implementations. Know that each individual will have their own relationship with runes, but keep an eye open for inspiration.

Step Three: Questioning the runes

Once you understand how you interpret the runes, it's time to take them for a spin. I advise against very detailed "yes or no" questions and suggest broader, more open-ended questions. Example: instead of "Should I take this job?" ask, "What are qualities in a job that would make me happy?" then see if the offered job reflects those values. Instead of "Does Tyr like it when I offer him a beer?" ask, "What are attributes Tyr values in a devotee?"

Step Four: Throwing the runes

As part of your research phase, I'd suggest looking up different rune spreads to see if any resonate with you. What I do is more random and case-by-case: without looking, I dig my hand into the runes and concentrate on my question. I do this until a rune pops into my hand (or out of the bag) or feels unusually heavy. I'll pull runes without looking until the remaining runes in the bag feel neutral (nothing trying to pop out)--this results in typically 3-5 runes but it varies. I typically don't organize the runes or pull with any spread in mind, but rather leave them where they fall (from the bag or my palm).

Step Five: Interpreting the runes

Sit back, take deep breaths, and remember to view the spread as a whole. Each rune is in communication with the others.

I interpret the runes' placement to indicate their relationships with one another. For example, if I throw a Berkano, Perthro, and Elhaz, but the Perthro and Elhaz are on top of each other, I'll analyze them as a pair. So I would analyze Berkano on its own, the relationship between Perthro and Elhaz, and then the larger relationship between all three. Yes, it is 100% okay to refer back to notes you've taken!

In my experience, the most important thing to remember is: reading the runes requires a great deal of self-honesty and inner reflection, bravery to hear tough answers, and humility to let the runes answer questions we didn't know we were asking.

[lockwood-metaphysical]

Happy Pride everyone! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ If you’d like to support a trans-owned pagan store, you can shop my designs at Lockwood Metaphysical. Use the code PRIDE15 at the checkout to get 15% off your entire order.

(I’m not doing so hot rn health-wise, so the support would be appreciated!)

[notthesomefather]

Absolutely love the progressive/inclusive heathenry swag you talented creators continue to make x0x

Rainbow chainmail Mjolnir by The Metal Warren Odin Hates Nazis pin from @whiskeyterrafoxtrot's shop

[broomsick]

15 pagan questions to share your personal experiences

These can serve as either journaling prompts, or as a fun little thing to partake in on a social media platform! Feel free to share and answer at your own leasure. Wishing you all a good season ❤️

What are some similarities you share with your deities?

If you were asked to write a myth featuring one or more of your deities, what would it be about?

Explain one of your most prominent UPG’s! How did you come to develop it?

How do you picture your deities? What are their physiques and personalities like?

Describe a ritual/prayer/offering that you’re proud of.

Name a mythological place that you would like to visit! How do you picture it? Why pick this one?

Is there a message sent by a deity that stuck with you? Explain it!

What is an activity that’s not explicitly spiritual in nature, but feels spiritual to you?

In general, what are your relationships with deities like?

Do you have any goals regarding your practice in the near future?

Name a place that reminds you of a deity, and explain why!

What are your thoughts on fate, or predestination? What role does it play within your spirituality?

What are some teachings from the Gods that you treasure most?

Name the things in your own life that paganism has helped you with.

Describe a moment when you felt without a doubt that the Gods were real.

[peterlukaswrongs-alt]

A Thor Moodboard

[personalpagan]

Skaði is important to me for many reasons but one of them that I think the community underutilizes is her status as a transplant. She is Jotnar, living amongst the Aesir Gods. Skaði lives in a world she is not native to, in a culture that is not her own. She intermarries a Vanir God, whomst is also living in a land that is not his own. Many of us living in North America are not native to it, and find ourselves in somewhat of a disconnect with the land. Skaði is a phenomenal teacher of this lesson; connecting to land you are not native to. Learning to respect, honor, and live harmoniously with a place that our ancestors are unfamiliar with. Though we are not indigenous here, it is vital that we learn to care for the land we occupy, to love it as if we are native to it, out of respect and reciprocity. Skaði is versed in this, and I think that this facet of hers is overlooked.

[guidingjustice]

I see Freyja as a goddess of empowerment.

I see her as that friend who says something kind to you that gives you the strength to keep going.

I see her as looking in the mirror and saying, "Hey, I don't look half bad".

I see her as taking power back from people who have hurt you. I see her as someone not to mess with.

I see Freyja as someone who'll support you no matter what happens.

[southernmermaidsgrotto]

There's levels to ancestral connection, and you shouldn't skip any of them.

Take this as your reminder to first of all, spend time with your spirits, without expecting anything in return. Heavy on that last part. You don't make and maintain a genuine connection with someone just by showing up to their doorstep every time you need something from them. Treat them as people because they are. Your people. You should care for them as much as they care for you.

Be it ancestors (specifically direct blood lineage or adoptive family, any deceased human relative) or ancestral spirits (in general, that is, all ancestral allies and hereditary connections not just your ancestors). Just make time to hang out. Walk up to their space, a cup of your favorite drink in hand, give them their preferred drink and just chat. Don't ask anything in return. If you have an altar for them, do that. But it can be just going to visit their graves and giving libations and flowers, and telling them how your life's going, sharing memories together, remembrance, or just to listen. It can also be going to the beach or a river, and same thing, pour a drink and talk to them, and listen back. It can be your plant allies, while you're watering them, or putting eggshells or honey or sugar water or other good nutrients and fertilizers on their soil. It can be visiting your ancestors in dreams, and spending time with them there. There's so many ways to do this.

The second level to this is letting them sit in your body too. Listen. Become familiar with how they make you feel. With the signs of their arrival and presence. With the signs they communicate with and what they mean to you. With how they let you know they have a message, or that they're in for a visit. And let them in. Dance to your grandma's favorite beats. Sing your grandpa's favorite songs. Make a family recipe and share a meal with them, enjoy it for them and with them.

Ancestral reverence isn't just the big rituals and they're not the most important aspect of it, it is the everyday coexistence, in your little but constant everyday ways.

Do as you do but also as they did. You're an extension of them and they're an extension of you. They not only walk with you, you carry them within you.

Honor that.

[w00dw1tch]

Often when I pray to Thor he'll want me to sit up straight and take pride in myself as I speak. That feels kinda strange when you're used to bowing your head.

[notthesomefather]

I also feel that when I pray to certain gods (Tyr and Fenrir are two others I can think of off the top of my head). I'm not sure if you've seen any of the Lord of the Rings films but it does feel similar to the moment when Aragorn tells the hobbits: "Friends, you bow to no one." It's an incredibly humbling sensation I find.

...do I sometimes still bow my head anyway? Guilty.

[libraryogre]

To me, I'm more likely to bow my head if

1) I am asking for something

2) I need to concentrate.

[notthesomefather]

That's a very good point. When I'm asking for help with something or praying/mediating on something I feel shameful about, I'll tend to bow my head.

[tardiscraft05]

I also occasionally feel this when praying/talking to Odin. it feels like an "I appreciate the gesture/respect, but this is unnecessary" when I get it from him. From Thor, it often feels like an Uncle or older brother playfully scolding me to sit up straight