The Alexandria Archives @thealexandriarchives - Tumblr Blog

10 Myths About Hellenismos

Today, let's address some popular myths (and the truths) about Hellenismos and its deities. Not very surprisingly, most of these things come from Wicca or Christian colonization. You can believe these things if you want, they just aren't from the religion.

Myth 1: Deity work is dangerous

Truth: Deity work, in Hellenismos, isn't any more dangerous than worshiping the Christian god is supposed to be. This notion didn't originate in Hellenismos, and is also a largely neopagan idea. Our theoi aren't monsters or aggressive. They won't kill you over tiny mistakes. Just respect them, do what you can, and you'll be fine.

Remember that even in the mythos, people aren't smited for the wrong offering. They're smited for blatant and deliberate disrespect, which by nature can't be done accidentally.

Our deities genuinely aren't easily angered. They wont be mad if you reach out to them, if you confuse them for something else, if you give them the wrong offering, etc.

Myth 2: You need to look out for entities impersonating deities

Truth: Again, this isn't remotely from Hellenismos. Our gods cannot be impersonated by evil entities. Frankly, we don't really have entities with that desire or power in the religion. If you're contacting a Hellenic deity, and you get an affirmative response, you contacted them. The idea you didn't, or that something else is lying to you, is from outside the religion. Our deities are more powerful than random ghosts, and our religion doesn't have that concept.

Myth 3: Hekate is a moon goddess/crone

Truth: Hekate is associated with the moon, but she is not a goddess of the moon. She is the goddess of one lunar phase--the dark moon, which is on the eve of Hekate's Deipnon. She is also not a crone goddess outside of neopaganism and Wicca. Historically, she was depicted as a maiden. Her triple form was also not maiden/mother/crone, simply a triple maiden-esque figure.

Myth 4: Hestia gave her seat to Dionysos/Apollon took Helios's chariot

Truth: Honestly, it's just a difference in counting. Some deities were and weren't Olympians depending on time, culture, and locations. No seats on Olympos were "given up," it's just that sometimes one is there and sometimes the other isn't.

As for the chariot, no. Apollon didn't replace Helios. They were synchronized, but Apollon didn't "take" the chariot, and Helios was never removed. Helios is still the sun--his name is literally "sun."

Myth 5: The myths are history/Hellenic Polytheists believe in the myths

Truth: The characters in myths are real to us, and some myths are literal, but in general, Hellenic mythology is not meant to be taken fully literally. Most of it is symbolic. Additionally, a lot of the r*pe in the mythos is translation errors. We believe in our heroes and our gods, and we believe there is truth in the myths, but no, our mythology isn't like Christian mythology--it's not expected or really encouraged to believe the myths are strictly true history. The myths aren't even consistent over time and location, so it's simply impossible to believe in all of them at once. But no, our gods do not act the way they do in mythology. Myths are by and for mortals, and do not capture the divine.

Myth 6: It's disrespectful to dress up as or write fiction about the gods

Truth: This is just ridiculous and ahistoric. The majority of Ancient Greek theater was deity cosplay and fanfiction. I said what I said.

This can definitely be done disrespectfully, but isn't inherently disrespectful. You also aren't required to represent the theoi fully accurately in this.

Myth 6: X god is Y orientation/gender

Truth: While you can certainly theorize our theoi's sexuality, and none of our gods are cishet by modern standards, none of the gods can only be interpreted as one gender or orientation. The terms we ascribe to them are based on mythos, portrayals, and modern interpretation of historic social roles.

The most common of these theories are maiden goddesses as aroace (ie. Hestia, Athena, Artemis), erastes (top) gods as bi men (ie. Zeus, Apollon, Patroklos), eromenos (bottom) gods as gay men (ie. Ganymedes, Hyakinthos, Akhilleus), and Artemis as a lesbian.

None of these are wrong, to be clear. It's just not as simple as using our modern labels for them. Erastes and eromenos were both considered straight in Ancient Greece; being a 'virgin' didn't always mean celibate; Artemis can be interpreted as bi, lesbian, and/or aroace based on her myths. You can interpret them however you like--I certainly interpret my gods as queer--but there is no single right answer.

Myth 7: You need a patron or to be devoted to someone, or can only have one patron/be devoted to one god, & devotion is an oath

Truth: Patron deities are more of a principle in neopaganism and Wicca than in Hellenismos. Worshiping the theoi does not require you to find a patron or devote to a deity, ever. Patronage is not particularly important or common, unless you are thinking of a patron god of a trade (ie. if you're a blacksmith your patron is Hephaistos).

Devotion is also not exclusive, and never requires an oath. Oaths in Hellenismos are extremely serious, and should never be taken without extreme caution. If you aren't willing to die if you break the oath, don't make it--find something else. You probably wont die, but that's the necessary level of certainty. Devotion, while serious, is not as serious as being oath-bound. You can be devoted to multiple deities, and devotion can be called off if needed. You can't really call off an oath.

Myth 8: X god is a r*pist!

Truth: Please stop it. Just stop it. No. Especially if you're basing that on Lore Olympus. The mythology isn't fact, weird inaccurate mythology fanfic written by someone who doesn't know anything about the myths isn't fact.

The mythology isn't straight up history. The myths were often mistranslated (the Greek word for r*pe didn't just mean r*pe) and they aren't facts. They were also products of their culture. So. No. They are not. And their worshipers aren't r*pe apologists.

Myth 9: Titans are evil and/or Olympians hate titans

Truth: Titans are fine. Really. They're not evil, they're not going to hurt you. They're just another kind of Theoi. Many of them were actually a large part of the historic religion. Hekate's Deipnon was a monthly festival, after all. And no, Olympians don't hate titans. Remember the point about myths not being literal.

Myth 10: The gods are jealous

Truth: No, the gods will not be jealous if you worship another god. They wont be jealous if you worship another pantheon, or if you need a break. If you're a god consort, they won't be jealous if you're interested in other mortals or deities. If you're a devotee, they won't be upset if you devote to other deities.

The most jealous a god gets is upset if you break an oath, promise, or agreement with them. If you promised them a daily libation but skipped it for another deity without permission, they may get upset. But even then, that's not really jealousy.

Myth 11: If you work with X deity, you can't work with Y

Truth: This is usually based on rivalry in mythology, and isn't true at all. Related to the above jealousy point, no deity in real life hates another deity, especially not enough that if you worship both they'll be upset. You can worship Aphrodite and Persephone. You can honor Hera and Leto.

Most of these gods are actually happy if you honor other theoi. Many of them are family, or share domains.

If enough people are interested, I might make a part two, because this is barely the tip of the iceberg. RBs welcome from pagans and non-pagans alike.

#hellenic polytheism

sew-much-to-do

DIY Jasmine Lavender Milk Bath

Make these jasmine lavender DIY milk bath jars for a sweet slumber. Created with natures’ most calming aroma and ingredients to soothe the body – it’s all about relaxation!

✖✖✖✖✖✖✖✖

sew-much-to-do: a visual collection of sewing tutorials/patterns, knitting, diy, crafts, recipes, etc.

#this could have some Applications #bath magic

will-o-the-witch

Healing Bathwater

A calming bath spell to break up energy blocks, shed whatever is weighing you down and replenish your energy. Great for when you’re in a slump and need to give yourself a good cleanse!

Ingredients

Storm Water- for power and dynamic energy shifts.

Salt- for cleansing and purification

Baking Soda- for an even deeper clean

Fennel Seed- purification

Lemon Juice- cleansing, breaking up energy blocks, energy. (If the seeds get in while you squeeze the lemon, keep them in for seeds of revitalization!)

Snake Skin- Naturally shed if at all possible. Shedding what is no longer needed, transformation (any other shed skin should work the same, but snake skin is the easiest to get ahold of if you don’t have a reptile of your own.) To make this recipe vegan or if you don’t have access to the skin, try shucking corn and using the husks. Let me know how it goes!

Instructions

Boil the storm water if you haven’t already done so. This will help get rid of some of the backteria and shouldn’t affect the storm water for our purposes. (You will still probably want to rinse your body after all this, though. This is meant to clean your energy, not necessarily your skin.)

Take water off the heat and combine all other ingredients. Yes, if you add all the ingredients together and then pour the water over it after, the lemon juice and baking soda WILL react with each other and fizz, and it WILL look cool. Optional: add a clear quartz crystal for extra potency.

Once everything is combined, put in a vessel and shake thoroughly.

Never underestimate the power of a shakey-shake. Let rest until ready for use. I let mine sit overnight.

Once you’re ready, draw your bath.

Add your mixture to the bathwater. I highly recommend pouring it through some kind of filter so that you don’t end up with seeds and reptile skin in your bath water. Learn from my mistakes.

Enjoy your bath as normal, focusing on relaxing, washing the stress and spiritual gunk away, exhaling stagnation and breathing in vigor!

IF YOU’RE TAKING A SHOWER that’s fine too! The process is the same, just mindfully pour the water over your body and “lather.” It might be cold if it’s been sitting at room temperature, but not unpleasant.

Be sure to rinse afterwards. Clean bodies are happy bodies.

#bath magic

growing-yet-into-magic

Witchcraft, Fire, and You

There is only one chemical reaction we commonly call “fire”, but there’s plenty of ways to get it into your house and your practice. Some ways are better for certain situations then others- let’s try to go through the more common ways, shall we?

Lighters: Lighters are relatively cheap and can be found in almost any corner store. They work under most conditions, including times when wind or drafts might blow out a match. If you’re lighting incense or candles outside, they have a higher likelihood of success in light wind or at odd angles. Considering that they’re multiple use, you won’t run the risk of littering used matches in the area either. And besides, if you have a deep candle you can’t get into with your hand, you can always resort to investing in one of these bad boys:

Matches: Speaking of matches, matches are still my favorite. Kitchen matches are not strong enough to withstand anything other than a light breeze, and can blow out at the least opportune moments, but if you want that whole-grain, organic fire experience, there’s nothing like the crackle of sulfur, phosphorous, and responsibly sourced wood. And besides, now you can invest in strike-anywhere, which means that you can just carry loose matches and strike them in an a variety of odd places. High-friction surfaces tend to work best, and I have a lot of success on concrete and brick.

Censers/High-Heat-Resistance bowls: This is less of a “way to make fire” and more of a “where to make fire”. If you are of the sort to be burning paper, or incense, you’re not exactly going to be holding it in your naked hand as it catches aflame.

The general rules of use for either is to first layer the bottom of the container with sand. This creates a buffer between the flammable bits and the breakable outside that will prevent cracking and shattering. That’s right; if your container is glass or ceramic, it can literally explode if too close to the flame. Bottom layer is sand, next layer is the bit you’re setting aflame, all away from the edges of the container. Keep within eyesight at all times while it is burning, and make 100% sure all flames are out before you leave the area. Cool to the touch, no embers, everything.

Barbeque Grill: If you need a controlled fire, and actually have a grill on hand, why not use it? Sure, it may not be the most mystical tool out there, but it has a semi-standard temperature and can get a lot of heavy lifting done.

Fire Pit: Perhaps you’re a bit more traditional and want the full roaring fire experience. Fire pits let you enjoy all the fun of setting things on fire with all the safety of not catching you or your coven aflame. If you really, really need a lot of fire, whether for a fire meditation, a sabbat celebration, or any other ritual, there’s little else that compares. I’d speak more on the subject, but I’m less of an expert on this. Here’s Mother Earth News’s safety guide to fire pits, here’s a maintenance guide from ehow, and here’s a diy for building your own fire pit for a relatively cheap price. Stay safe out there.

TIPS AND TRICKS TO NOT HURTING YOURSELF:

Know what you’re burning! If I had a penny for every camping trip they had to warn us about burning poisonous plants, I could pay a therapist to address the trauma of hearing about people who got poison sumac or poison ivy smoke in their lungs and airways. If you’re awful at recognizing plants, like me, you can always always always head down to a local farm and see if they sell firewood for cheap.

Tie your hair up and back

Don’t inhale smoke if you don’t have to

Try not to be inebriated, okay? It’s fire. Don’t mess with that with anything less than your best work.

Don’t put random crap in a fire. I know it’s great to see how things burn, but you don’t know how it catches or what chemicals are released when it does. Be safe and just…like…don’t.

Open a window. If you’re inside, you don’t want the fumes and CO2 accumulating in your lungs. Crack a window, and leave if you feel lightheaded in any way.

No droopy sleeves, please!

Have a fire extinguisher nearby! Or at least know where one is! If you can take a bucket of sand with you during the ritual, all the better!

No matter how and where you are, and no matter your situation, just know that there’s always a possibility of adding a little extra spark to your craft. Just remember to be safe while doing so- and don’t forget to look at the local regulations on fire in your area! Call up the firefighters if you have to- they’ll probably know.

Blessings!

#general magic #safety

grimoiredefen

A list of Plants commonly used in witchcraft and their safety for cats

As an anxious cat parent I had this list on hand so thought I'd share~

SAFE FOR CATS:

Alyssum

Apple

Baby’s Breath

Banana

Basil

Blueberry

Bottlebrush

Calendula Flower

Carob

Catnip

Cinnamon

Coriander

Cornflower

Chestnut

Cucumber

Dandelion Root

Dill

Echinacea

Goldenseal

Jasmine

Lemon Balm

Lemon Verbena

Licorice Root

Mulberry

Orchid (Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Oncidium, and Phalaenopsis)

Plumbago

Poison Ivy

Poison Oak

Rockmelon

Rose (Rosa)

Rosemary

Sage

Salt

Stevia

Strawberry

Sunflower (Helianthus)

Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)

Thyme

Valerian Root

Venus Flytrap

Watermelon

Witch Hazel

NOT RECORDED AS TOXIC (MAY BE AN IRRITANT OR TOXIC IN LARGE AMOUNTS)

Horehound

Mugwort

Chilli powder - Irritant

Cumin

Cloves

Black pepper - Irritant

Paprika

UNSAFE FOR CATS

Aloe

Azalea

Bay leaves

Chamomile

Cherries

Daisy

Daffodil

Eucalyptus

Fig

Garlic

Grape

Grapefruit

Lemon

Lemongrass

Lily

Lime

Marjoram

Mint

Orange

Oregano

Raisins

St. John’s Wort

Tarragon

Tomato

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

ADDENDUM

This is by no means a comprehensive list, just things I've personally come across and researched as I went. Please feel free to add on it this!! I will be keeping this pinned and updating it with new info as it comes IMPORTANT NOTES:

Cats have tiny lungs, so even if something is considered non-toxic you should never burn it around your cats. Any incense, herb bundles etc should only be burnt in a well ventilated room that is closed off to cats. Use non-burning methods wherever possible

Even if something is non-toxic, please ensure that it is safely stored and there are no chances of your cat ingesting large amounts of it. This may still make them ill and it's always best to be cautious.

#green magic #herbs

dissolving-views

Things Every Baby Hellenic Should Research/Know

-The Types of Theoi (Chthonic, Ouranic, ect.)

- The Greek Creation Myth

- Basic Ritual

- Basic Offerings

- Devotional Acts

- Khernips and Miasma

- Basics of How the Ancient Greeks Practiced

- Basics of Ancient Greek Culture/History

- The Hellenic Calendar

- The Basics of the Theoi you want to focus your worship on

- Modern Worship (reconstructionism vs revivalism, upg-spg-vpg, ect.)

- HOW TO USE SKEPTICISM/HOW TO AVOID PSEUDOSCIENCE

- Basic Philosophy (if you so choose, but its important to know why you believe something)

From there you will find out the idea of what path you want to go down!

verdantlyviolet

This is exactly what I’d consider a starting point ☺️

thegrapeandthefig

I really like this post but I also really want to give some of the reasons WHY those topics are important. Especially if you’re new, you might see that list and wonder why the hell those are things to look into. So let’s go through them:

The Types of Theoi (Chthonic, Ouranic, ect.

Because there were some ritual differences between the two.

The Greek Creation Myth

This is important general context. However, be aware there are more than one cosmology, so don’t get caught up in believing one is truth over the others. This is good to learn that different versions of myth co-exist even when they seem to contradict eachother

Basic Ritual (adding prayer to it)

Ties in with #1 and this should be your priority. Ritual and prayer are both one of the main communication methods you have with a deity.

Here’s a simplified formula to start with: Hymn/Deity name + offering + prayer

Basic Offerings

Also ties in with #1 and #3. This should also be a priority since offerings are part of ritual. Learn the difference between a libation (liquid), food offerings, votive offerings etc.

Devotional Acts

This doesn’t need to be high in your priority list. Devotional acts = dedicating an activity to a god. This is very handy if you can’t worship openly.

Khernips and Miasma (aka ritual cleanliness)

Ritual cleanliness and what it means in the greek context. The term miasma is misleading but is so widely used that yeah, you can search that and still find information. Basically, you want to learn this because it is a preliminary step to ritual. As a rule of thumb, at the very least wash your hands before ritual/prayer.

Basics of How the Ancient Greeks Practiced

You want to learn this because it helps realize the ancient practiced in very diverse ways depending on location and era. There was never a single right way to do things, and there still isn’t. Rather, there were many different right ways.

Basics of Ancient Greek Culture/History

Because context is good to know. Also, Greece still exists, you will gain much from exploring modern Greek culture as well.

The Hellenic Calendar(s)

Again, a good way to realize there wasn’t a single right way. Many calendars co-existed depending on the location. Now, the one you probably saw the most is the Athenian one, which is great to learn if you want structure in your worship, and also helps seeing what kind of logic is behind the festivals.

The Basics of the Theoi you want to focus your worship on

This is obvious but also: it builds connection with the deity you want to focus on.

Modern Worship (reconstructionism vs revivalism, upg-spg-vpg, ect.)

This will help you navigate online hellenic circles without being too confused.

HOW TO USE SKEPTICISM/HOW TO AVOID PSEUDOSCIENCE

Generally, learning critical thinking will help you not fall into the claws of wannabe cult leaders. Ask for sources, check who the authors of the books you use are.

Basic Philosophy (if you so choose, but its important to know why you believe something)

This is good to understand the biases of some ancient sources. Philosophical debates are not representative of the people’s worship and learning some of it will help you be aware of this.

#hellenic polytheism

irishwordseveryday

Do you have any good Irish folklore recommendations? I know loads about Greek and Roman mythology but almost nothing about my own culture's legends bar the ones you do sa bhunscoil and I'd like to change that. Go raibh míle!

Sure! Disclaimer, but I’m sure you already know this: Irish mythology is definitely different to Greek/Roman/Norse etc mythology, in that it is absolutely entrenched in history and religion. Sometimes, the lines between history and story and faith are invisible - there’s not quite a pantheon with exact versions of stories (as is the case in many mythologies tho).

I would say that as the myths and legends have been passed down through the oral tradition, and that remains the best place to hear them, so definitely ask any older people if they have stories!

Now, a bunch of resources (asterisks beside ones i personally recommend)

candlelit tales have a podcast series where they tell myths and then discuss them a little. they are BEAUTIFUL i can’t recommend this enough and they cover all the myths really really good *

blúiríní béaloideas is another folklore podcast i haven’t listened but it’s made by scholars in the field from UCDeece so they kno their stuff

this website is an INCREDIBLE resource with written versions of loads of stories and plenty of links/discussion on them, really really good, esp if you prefer reading to listening. it’s also got recent irish literature/art/music/language resources compiled over 2 decades. really recommend!! *

CELT has directly uploaded the ancient texts online so you can read the old manuscripts for FREE, with english translations!! it’s A1, i especially recommend the early poetry *

the craobh crua have made direct translations of many irish stories etc. straight from the manuscripts *

this website has a vast amount of irish stories, poems, and general writing typed out, categorised, and translated *

UCC have translated loads of sagas and made them available here *

duchas.ie is an astounding collection of irish folklore, all explained on the home page of the link but yeah search any topic and you’ll find it a story about it there *

a list of irish mythology books that was compiled by a professor

an irish times article recommending books about mythology

the encyclopaedia mythica has lots of stuff on various elements of irish mythology

here are various untrustworthy websites purporting to have information about irish mythology. most of this is prolly bull but sure lookit

there are some youtube videos that tell/discuss them - x x x

That’s everything I have I think! Feel free to ask any questions <33

#irish paganism #regional

neonswitchhouse

Pop Culture Paganism and The Main 3(ish)* Categories of Work/Worship

(*Please see end note for further information)

(Heads up, this is text-heavy and a bit UPG based)

In the years I’ve been involved in Pop Culture Paganism and the like, I’ve noticed that there tends to be around 3 main categories of entities that people tend to gravitate towards. So I though as a bit of a follow-up to the post I’ve made regarding the fundamentals and foundations of Pop Culture Paganism, Witchcraft, and the like, I’d briefly go into these categories for those who may be just dipping their toes or simply curious.

#pop culture

windvexer

A charm to enchant your waters, candles, incenses, temporary tools, etc etc.

It's really important to remember this is my own version inspired by Traditional Witchcraft. What is presented here is not a "universal" belief about how magic works, and it is influenced by my experiences and UPG/SPG.

The purpose of this charm is to elevate mundane/inert objects, including commercially harvested/mined plants and stones, so that they become filled with power and magically effective.

This is a basic and simple spell which can be adapted to a wide variety of uses. However, it lacks the power and permanence of a formal consecration.

I recommend performing this charm right before you use whatever it is you're enchanting. So, right before drinking the tea, right before using your broom to sweep out energies, etc.

I use a charm similar to this one to prepare spellcasting materials, such as enchanting salt and candles before using them in a spell.

This charm has like two steps and takes about fifteen seconds to do in the moment, but this post runs a little long because I explain the theory along the way.

Materials:

Whatever it is to be enchanted

A traditional symbol of spiritual power, ideally one simple enough that you can draw it in the air with your finger or picture it in your mind

A very short little incantation (you will be writing it)

A traditional symbol of spiritual power, eh?

"Traditional" as in you didn't make it up - so, not your own sigils.

This is based on my belief about how this charm and magical symbols work.

If you use a really old and powerful magical symbol - like a five-pointed star or the Christian cross - you're tapping into the power of the symbol itself.

If you use a sigil that you created and charged with your own energy, you're going to be drawing on your own power to use this charm. Which of course, totally fine - it's just that it's more draining.

("What if my sigil is designed to channel external power?" you still have to spend your energy to maintain the sigil, like having to repair a bucket you use to carry water)

Whatever symbol you use definitely matters. If you use one of the elemental triangles, it's going to impart elemental energy into the charm. If you use Brigid's Cross, it's going to impart her energy into the charm. If you want to impart your own energy on purpose, you can use your own signature :)

It's worth putting thought into what energies you want to impart. You can keep a collection of symbols handy to impart special kinds of energy if you want, or use something universal like the pentagram for everything.

A very short little incantation

This can be anything. I enjoy somewhat standardizing mine, it just helps me get into the groove. You usually want your incantation to do 3 things:

Acknowledge the power behind the symbol you're using.

State that you need the power provided by the symbol and that you want this power to go into the object you're enchanting.

Clearly state what you want the outcome to be.

Here are a couple of examples. Materials in [brackets] indicate that word should be swapped out depending on what you're actually charming. You can be plain or poetic, whatever works:

By the power of Christ, I charm this [candle] to purify. Through Him this room will be cleansed.

Five elements fill you one by one, 'till this [salt] shines like the sun. Hear this task assigned to thee: help my spell and make it well. As my will, so shall it be.

I empower this [incense] to dispel unwanted spirits through the powers of the Sun and Moon.

You do not need to speak it aloud. Just reading it or going over it in your mind will suffice.

Focus and willpower?

Eh. If you've got focus and willpower to spare, feel free to spend them on this. But you don't really need them.

If you're using symbols of actual spiritual power and clearly directing them unto a goal, it should work. Powers don't need your belief in order to be powerful. Energies can still move when you're not focused on them.

If your incantation includes directions that clearly indicates you are A) calling on magical power, B) that the power needs to go into the object, and C) what the power should do for you, then that's all you need.

Staying in the present moment is really helpful, but you don't need to really burn the lamp oil on this, you know?

Putting it all together:

Using your finger, draw the spiritual symbol over the thing you want to charm. Alternatively:

Draw it on a piece of paper and hold the paper nearby

Picture the symbol in your mind

Speak, think, or sign your very short little incantation. Make sure you are clearly indicating that you are using the symbol for its power, that you want the power to go into the object, and that all this is being done so that the object aligns to your stated intent.

That's it :)

Wee bit of troubleshooting

Magical symbols are like the crystalized form of the powers they represent. The charm has power because the symbol you employ radiates with power. It is then up to you to direct it and instruct it according to your needs.

If you're not having success, try changing the symbol you use.

If the symbol is one representing a specific deity or being, ensure you've got at least a neutral relationship with them. If you skipped out on an oath to a god and you're avoiding them, using their symbol is probably not a great idea.

If you are new to magic, spending more willpower and focus will likely be of assistance to you.

#general magic

thesorcerersdiary

I don’t know who needs to hear this but

Do NOT cast spells for positive effects that involve:

Burning a picture of yourself*

Burning a piece of paper that anywhere contains your name*

Burning a piece of hair or other taglock*

*Unless you really know what you’re doing

I don’t know how sigil culture got people to think that burning anything = sending it off for spirits, but NO. Across pretty much every magical practice, burning involving a person = destruction. Burning as a means of generically sending things off is mainly used for offerings.

On a similar vein, do not cast spells for positive effects that involve taking a human figure and ripping up, burning, submerging in soil or water, or doing anything else to that figure that would maim or kill a real human. (unless you really know what you’re doing)

Remember the Law of Similarity. Destruction of an image = destruction of the thing itself.

teawitch

I’ve left a group over this one. Though it was drowning not burning. To get rid of negativity in the group, we were supposed to make poppets of ourselves and then make a paper boat and put the poppets in the river. Where the river would carry them away as they sank. And drowned.

I said no. This refusal created more negativity. Okay, I may have also said something like “I don’t know what Ophelia shit you’re up to here, but I’m not doing the spell.” Which probably caused more negativity because the reference was probably went over some heads. But…

You do not create representations of yourself and destroy them. If anyone who thinks they should teach witchcraft or lead a group tries to get you to do that, you have every right to leave. Or to severely question what they think they’re up to.

(Need to get rid of negativity or excess energy? Get a good size rock. Not a fancy crystal, just a hunk of basic rock. Hold the rock and let your energy flow into it. Then put the rock outside on the ground and the energy will flow into the earth. This transfers the energy without destroying anything. I know witches who have a specific rock just for this purpose.)

crystalwitch-in-the-tardis

I can’t believe they wanted you to make a poppet of yourself and sink it. Besides the environmental impact, based on what materials used put in the river, this feels more like a curse than a remove negativity spell. Did the person who put the spell together want yall to be miserable together, stuck in a river? What happens when the river floods…. I love the Ophelia comment because definitely that feel.

I like the rock idea, I’ve done this with negativity, with harmful spirits too. If you really want it gone gone for good, that’s when you throw that rock in the river that contains your negative energy, etc.

themanicnami

New witches, if you do not curse personally remember to research into what cursing holds! This is exactly why.

You can definitely make poppets of yourself for positivity but you should never EVER destroy or harm those poppets unless you have already removed all connections to you from them - or else you are essentially unintentionally setting up yourself for the possibility of allowing some very negative unexpect outcomes to rear their heads into your life.

Remember the aspects of cursing and what different steps in cursing means to avoid doing that to yourself.

Actions to avoid doing to yourself or a poppet of you (this includes anything with your name or photo or other taglock unless you are doing very specific spirit work contracts but that is a whole different thing):

1. Burning: burning brings not only destruction it is often done to poppets and items of people to represent anger, hateful energy, bringing complete chaos and ruining good things that they have. In cursing you burn poppets of others as one of the more severe types of curses and often to get very large outcomes.

2. Submerging in Water: as discussed above this represents drowning which isn’t literal in most cases but often represents anxieties, sinking emotions, flooding or drowning someone with negative emotions or misery, losing control of one’s life and paranoia. Drowning is usually connected to extreme punishment connected to another’s emotions and their own self-views.

3. Burying: burying a poppet represents caging, confining, repressing and smothering them. It can also be used to ‘bury a person away’ or toss them out of your life. Doing this to something strongly connected to you outside of a properly made witch’s jar or well researched ritual is not only environmentally bad if its not made out of safe materials but can repress yourself from achieving goals, reaching milestones or succeeding in things you do such as trying to improve upon something.

4. Cutting/Slicing: never cut or slice a poppet meant to represent yourself! This represents pain, bringing old wounds to the surface and suffering. I’ve seen way too many younger communities try to say cutting up something with your face or name on it is letting go - it can be but not in this context. Cutting things like strings, ribbons, tangled up knots, etc is much safer and proper without risk of the above.

5. Tying, Knotting, Hanging: using thread, ribbon or anything else to bind up a poppet or photo even if its in a pretty bow is the same actions done as in binding spells - which are meant to restrict and immobilize others. Make sure you do not hang your poppet especially not by the neck or limbs for this can also represent suffocation (usually not literally but emotionally or socially) and removing someone’s ability to protect themselves and making the vulnerable.

Remember intent only goes so far! You can put as much intent as you want into things but that doesn’t always ensure that they will happen - do your research! Research what correspondences are to everything you use, make sure any actions you are using are not going to counteract with the spell or worse possibly ruin the whole spell and make sure you are well researched in self poppet and taglock work!

Note: all craft is different, everyone walks their own path, just research before you try to tackle things that may go against what you are trying to do. As said intent only goes so far. If you are certain that you have a safe method for anything above and have done it before thats great! this is intended for witches who are new, finding their footing and may not realize how to properly protect themselves or master their craft yet. All craft is valid! We just want to make sure people do it safely and know the basics before they jump into things they aren’t prepared for

#general magic #beginners

dragoncastings

Candle Magic

The spark of a candle can purify the air and can also be applied for divination. Candles can be engraved, anointed, infused, and beyond. They also are great for incorporating the element Fire. However, Please do not let your craft cause a fire. Be responsible with your flames.

Fire safety is an especially important thing to be aware of and practice when working with fire, candles, bundles, or cauldrons. I suggest keeping a glass of water around and placing the item you intend to burn on a safe surface. Keeping your cauldron on a plate, or bowl of salt is also highly recommended. Always put out lit candles before leaving it unattended or going to bed.

Methods And Mannerisms:

Classic Candle Care:

Trimming your wick every time before lighting your candle can assist in a cleaner and softer burn, just make sure not to cut it too short. Other traditions believe that you should let your candles burn themselves completely. Different practices say to only use a Snuffer to put the wick out. If so, please be safe about it and take extra precautions.

Centering with Candles:

I prefer to cast a small circle, or set the space before I light the candle, and have the flame and warmth resemble the essence of solar energy, purification, and sacredness. This helps me center myself and set my individual intentions more efficiently.

Chromomancy:

Using color theory or the magickal meanings of colors, choosing the color or shade or your candle can be extremely beneficial in amplifying your intended effects.

Personalization:

If you desire to personalize your candle, you can Inscribe a candle with a Symbol, Sigil, Ward, or Rune to cast your intention. You can also Anoint your candle by rubbing it with intentions with oil. To anoint, caress upwards and towards you for attracting, and away and downward for banishing. Add herbs if desired.

Classifications Of Candles:

Tea-Light Candles:

A tiny candle in a tin. This is useful for travel, secrecy, or budgeting. You can add sprinkles of herbs in the tin (beneath the candle) for a simple spell. Can often be found at the dollar store.

Taper Candles:

The classical and visually pleasing candles which have nothing keeping the candle contained. They can vary in height and width, but they are exceptional for embalming or anointing.

Pillar Candles:

These are long burning and radiant candles. They are usually tall and have a circular glass container. Can often be found in dollar and thrift stores alongside holders for them/

Wood-Wick Candles:

These sparkling and charming Wood-wick Candles provide grounding, gratifying, and gentle crackles as they incorporate earthly energies. The noise is soothing and the ambiance is fabulous

#candle magic

theoldcottage-deactivated202208

Spell Planning - Times of Day

Dawn

An opportune time for spells of new beginnings, employment, healing, business, study, travel and purification.

A good time to celebrate solar rites, especially those of Yule (when the Sun is reborn, marking that winter has slowly started to come to an end).

Due to many people just waking up at this time, people are still between the astral and the mundane thus this is a good time to do any divination as your mind is still somewhat in a trance state, more receptive of spiritual messages.

Generally this is also a time where one would go to do spells of various types and be empowered, now is also a time where one would go collect dew from various plants to be used in spells. For example, one could go collect dew from ivy on a Friday at this time to maximize the potential of that due for beauty spells.

Noon

An auspicious time for spells of strength, courage, protection, success, opportunity and money issues.

I would find that this time is a good time for obtaining wisdom from the Sun as he has moved from his young juvenile state (in the dawn) to his wise, elder form as the high sun.

Solar rites can also be done at this time.

A good thing to note, especially in the evocation of spirits, is that some spirits are best summoned at day and some are best summoned at night.

Sunset

Sunset is a good time for any spells of release, letting go of illness, heart break and failure, banishing misery and pain and performing of rituals to break patterns.

This is also a good time for Samhain rituals that honour the passing of life into death.

A further note to be made is that this is a liminal time, as with dawn, and thus spirits can be summoned at this time as well as workings between the ways.

Night

Spells to enhance self-development, psychic dreams and awareness, divination and spirituality, love, peace and healing of old wounds as well as relaxation.

A good time for working with lunar or night deities, as well as good time for rites of necromancy and certain types of spiritual works.

Spells of manipulation are exceptionally powerful at night generally due to the fact that, if the person is sleeping, they’re much more receptive towards spiritual works. One can go as far as to say that you can launch a hex at them and it will impact their spirit while it is walking in the dream. Alongside this, sending messages and implanting ideas or dreams is of good aid.

There is an idea that the opportune time for extremely dark works are best done in the period from midnight to three in the morning.

Some General tips to keep in mind when planning timing

Solar spells or spells that are used to harness the energy of the sun are done best at no other time than when the sun is up and visible. The same goes for lunar magick, that it is best done when the moon is in the sky.

Deities that correspond to various times of day are also to be honoured at those times. For example, Nyx would be better honoured at night, Helios when he is in the sky and so on.

St. Johns Eve and other such times are generally corresponded to the time between sunset of the day before the festival and the sunrise of the festival’s date. So St John’s Eve would be from the sunset of the day before St. John’s day and the sunrise on St. John’s Day. It should be noted that any herbs gathered at this time are believed to be extremely potent in their respective powers.

A key thing to note is that outside of planning for particular times of the day, so too can one use the planetary hours. This comes in particular use when one wishes to incorporate two planetary forces in one ritual. For example, The Sun and Venus, one would choose what the main intent was and base it off that planet. So if the intent was luck in business affairs - the Sun would be our primary planet and Venus our secondary, so we would do the spell on Sunday during the Hour of Venus. If we were looking to have luck in love or obtain a glamour for power and confidence - Friday at the hour of the sun.

windvexer

Reblogging because I've been scrolling 20 minutes and this is the first actual post about witchcraft I've seen out of the 240 witchcraft blogs I follow.

#general magic

will-o-the-witch

Using Your Synethesia for Witchcraft

Synethesia is a common-enough thing that I thought this would be helpful! It's basically when your brain automatically connects different sensations, so numbers might have colors, smells might have shapes, geographical locations might have textures, or any other combination of stuff. These are often very unique to the indivudal and might not make sense to other people who don't get what makes something taste "round."

Now let's apply it to magic work.

In my experience, synesthesia often helps me understand unique sensations with more nuance. I completely understand how something feels, even if I can't quite put words to it. What happens if we shed the need to put words to it, to externalize it and rationalize it to other people? I understand it in my own mind, so I'll just get to work.

A lot of witchcraft involves sensing and discerning different types of vibes/energy. Contrary to how we talk about them, energies actually have no inherent color, texture, etc. Just look at all the wildly different guides for what the "color of your aura" means, then factor in cultural influences which cast meanings onto different colors. What you have left is just the way it feels, what it's telling you, and your brain gives it a color it feels exemplifies that. That color can be different for every person but the underlying "meaning" is the same.

So let's say you're feeling out the vibes of a room and it's green, high pitched, and salty. Okay! That's all information. There's no need to figure out if youre correct and the energy is ""actually"" green (it's not, it's energy,) because the colors/sensations/details aren't what you're ACTUALLY looking for. Another person may think the room feels like red cotton balls and reach the same conclusion of "Yikes, this place needs to be cleansed."

Tldr I guess; synesthesia in magic work isn't a bad thing, because the actual colors/smells/etc. of nonphysical stuff is all a social construct anyway, so embracing it (rather than treating it like an obstacle) can just help you get to the point faster.

#general magic

coinandcandle

When NOT to Use Herbs in Witchcraft - Witchy Quick Tips

Herbs are a huge part of many people's craft, but you need to know when to use them and when not to. Here is a quick guide on just that!

When NOT to use herbs

This probably sounds a little strange if you're not too familiar with herbs, but stick with me here: there is a time and a place for everything, even herbs. Here are some examples of when you shouldn't use herbs:

If Consuming:

if you or those around you are severely allergic

if the herbs in question interact with any medications that you take

if the herbs are known to interact or otherwise mess with any mental or physical disorders you may have

If Burning:

if pets, small children, or someone with a lung condition is around

if you are in an enclosed space with little to no ventilation

if you're renting, make sure it's okay to use incense or burning herbs

Other Notes:

Make sure to keep all herbs out of reach of pets or small children, herbs should only be consumed if properly prepared (like in food) or they have been given the OK by a medical professional.

If you are foraging, make sure the herb you're looking at is actually the herb you're looking for; many safe herbs have VERY harmful--even deadly--look a likes.

Never replace your prescribed medication with herbs.

Also do not use herbal supplements if you're unaware of the side effects that they could cause.

Never use herbal supplements from shady or unknown sources.

Resources:

Common Herbal-Drug Interactions Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List for Cats Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List for Cats

-Coin

#green magic #herbs

hagoftheholler

How to Read Playing Cards: ♧ Clubs ♧

Clubs are the suit of accomplishments, luck, social status, communication and transactions. This suit generally talks about the individual's role in social situations and whether or not they are successful in their endeavors. The following are my own interpretations of the individual cards.

#divination #cartomancy

theoldcottage-deactivated202208

Tools Used in Magick

An apple - to create or inspire love, to break love or love spells, divination, communion with the dead, obtaining beauty and fairness.

A lemon - to break spells, to create hexes that affect physical life, to promote strong healing by way of a detox or purgation, to bind people frm doing magick towards you. Can be made into a lamp for protection against curses and evil.

An orange - amazing offering to spirits, especially those of the dead, to break misfortune, summoning good fortune, bringing good health, inspiring joy and positivity, can be used as a lamp for any of the above purposes.

Ginger - giving fire to any spell, ginger tea or root can be consumed before rituals to lend power ot the witch, due to its potent nature, it can be used as a poppet to inspire passion, sexuality, or to dominate someobody, a potent money charm. I do feel like it does have some very strong purification qualities.

Mirrors - to amplify magick, protect and bind people, for reflecting hexes and evil, for scrying magick.

Rice - for spells of growth, abundance and benediction, mixed with other herbs and can be made into a talisman for household wealth. Also good as offerings to certain spirits, could also be used as a protection spell due to the idea that the reason rice is thrown at a wedding is to confuse evil spirits, useful in rain spells.

Coffee - empowerment of all spells, stimulating psychic gifts, amazing for enhancing spirit communication and amazing for spirit offerings (black coffee), useful in breaking curses and road openings and strong cleansings. Has a good ability in money magick and in empowering love in a relationship, like most food, it can be enchanted to make someone caring and loving towards you.

Black Pepper - a martial incense, good for works of exorcism, domination, subjugation, potent cleansings, curse breaking, afflicting curses, creating war and conflict, good for break up works.

Matches - there is a small belief that due to matches containing sulphur, they have the tendency towards darker magick (sulphur and brimstone), but this can or cannot be applied in one's practice.

Flour - can be used to mark out circles and as a base for powders. Mixed with salt and black pepper it creates a protection powder, with sugar, a powder to promote love, peace, sweetening etc. with sugar and cinnamon, useful for money magick and to induce love and lust. It can be mixed with the ashes of a petition, sigil or prayer and used to dust things like doorknobs. It can alternatively be mixed with a small amount of water which can then make a paste to anoint doors and windows as a temporary mark.

Salt/White Vinegar - mixed together and placed in a room creates a potent cleansing agent.

Sewing supplies - used in creating bags and poppets but also useful in things such as love magick, binding magick and so on. For example, sew two photographs together to make a small packet and add sugar, basil and red rose petals to create a love pouch, orange peels can be added for martial bliss.

Tin Foil - good for reflection spells, can be used in heating spells. So taking a fish heart (for example) and working it to inspire love, wrapping it in tin foil and putting it in a fire or in the oven is a good way of heating up a spell, useful when you want to warm someone's heart to you, fire up their loins, their temper etc. Alternatively, due to its reflective surface, it can be used in binding spells.

Clay - it can be u sed in poppet magick but also to seal people. For example, green is associated with Venus, so a green heart can be used in magick relating to love.

#general magic

windvexer

troubleshooting spotty spirit connections/"godphoning"

This post is full of my personal UPGs and stuff. These are just my beliefs and what works for me. YMMV.

It takes them a lot of energy to come through to us. Feed them and help them get across the veil.

Have you ever done a big tarot reading and got really drained? Or focused really intensely on a spirit guide meditation that left you feeling lightheaded and hungry? When we connect to the spirit world it is tiring and energy-intensive. There is no reason to believe that connection on their end is any easier.

A lot of rhetoric gets tossed around that spirits and guides are so powerful and life-changing, etc. And this might be true, but I think it gets construed in a way where we assume that because they're so powerful, it must be very easy for them to appear to us - so any failure of communication is squarely on our shoulders.

This is unfair to both them and us.

Your offerings aren't just token gestures. You are actually providing energy to your spirits - dense, earthy energies they need in order to be able to come through to our world. Fresh water is refreshing and polite, but not really energizing. Food offerings are especially helpful.

This is the point of spirit houses and spirit vessels. You create a sacred object or space aligned to a spirit's energies, and invite them to come inside of it and use it as they please. As a magic-worker, your words of dedication and consecration make a literal foothold for that spirit to more easily come to our world. This also provides a place for the spirit to rest and relax as they speak to you.

Liminal times and spaces make it easier for us to reach the spirit world, and therefore easier for them to reach us. Taking actions such as laying a compass, casting a circle, or reaching trance states can actually be extremely helpful. It's not about "spirits are dangerous so cast a circle first," and it's not about "you have to meditate and clear your mind" (trance can be achieved ecstatically, after all). It's about creating or entering into in-between spaces where our worlds more easily meet.

If you primarily use tools to communicate with spirits, cleanse and charge them more regularly. The spirits can direct the energy within your tools instead of having to use their own.

If you're already using spirit vessels or houses, try gently cleaning them and re-consecrating them. Provide as much energy as you can to the spirit at that time, so that they can more strongly imprint upon the vessel.

Stop trying to talk to them all of the time.

Spirits are people too. They shouldn't be treated like invisible humans with cool new skins, but that doesn't mean they don't have autonomy and personhood.

Spirits exist independently of us and they don't disappear and go into the void when we stop paying attention to them. They are living their own lives. Even if you believe the spirits do revolve around you, at some point they have to leave to go find information you're asking about, or review the strands of fate to make sure you're headed in the right direction, or whatever.

You don't expect your human friends to be on call 24/7 and it's rude and inconsiderate to just assume all spirits are going to want to communicate with you every single time you want to communicate with them.

No, the point of this is not "you're clingy and the spirits need space."

The point is that if you're just picking up the spirit phone at any random time, of course some of your communication will "fail" because they're not free to answer!

You might be blaming yourself for having unreliable psychic abilities when the reality is that you're just sending a FaceTime request at a bad time.

It is my experience that this is true even of gods. Sometimes I walk by the shrine of my primary god and it's just empty - he's not there right now. It's not because he hates me or because my psychism failed. He's probably off chasing nymphs or something, he'll be back later.

Try setting a schedule with the spirits if possible, such as determining what time(s) of day they're free to talk, what days of the week or moon phases they're usually free or busy, and so on.

You have times when you're more or less attuned to communication, too. The most random stuff can make psychic senses go haywire. For some, a strong cup of coffee will turn off their second sight like flipping a switch. If you try to get more of a schedule going, it will be a lot easier for you to control the variables contributing to your successes or failures. It's not fair for you to assume your psychic senses are static and you should just be able to turn them on at any time you want.

Give them a good reason to talk to you.

There are many kinds of spirits. Some we primarily interact with as friends and companions. For them, the reason for them to talk to you is that you're cool, interesting, and they want to spend time with you (all your friends think that about you! I promise!).

Other spirits can hold a much more spiritual or tutelary role in our life. When they speak, they have something important to say - and they're not necessarily going to let that be drowned out by everyday chatter.

Have you ever done a tarot reading you didn't like or understand, and then re-drew the spread to ask again? And the second time made even less sense?

Talking to spiritual teachers can be like that. They tell you something important, and they're not necessarily going to rephrase it. The problem with spiritual teachers and guides is that you still have to be the student and the explorer.

I have often communicated with the gods and spirits of other people. In these situations, I do my best to give them a really good reason to want to talk to me. "Hello, gods and spirits of [client]. I am helping [client] with [their question/problem]. I will be empty, and you can speak through me. I'll do my very best to clearly share everything you want them to know."

No matter what, though, spirits might just not want to talk. And that's ok.

Ask yourself the kinds of relationships you have with the spirits and beings you're attempting communication with. Having a very close and fulfilling relationship with a spirit doesn't mean it's appropriate to treat them like a casual friend (just as I can have a very fulfilling relationship with a professional mentor, but it's still inappropriate for me to call them at 3am after some wine).

Keep an eye on the intention of your communications. Are you unable to "find" your guide when it's about an important spiritual question, but they show up just to chat? Or vice-versa? Ask why a spirit might choose to not respond to some types of communication.

I find that spiritual guides can get irritable and non-responsive if you continually request communication without applying their advice.

In the case of spirits who are primarily friends/companions, try thinking of a fun activity for the two of you to do together, or something interesting to show them. Spirits enjoy novelty, too. Maybe you could read a new book together :)

Conversational skills transcend dimensions.

There is a difference between requesting communication and just vibing with a spirit's vibes.

When you want to communicate with the spirits, do you actually think, say, or sign, "hi, it's me, I want to talk to you today about [topic]"? Or do you just kinda show up like, "I'm here, so... yeah."

I like vibing with the vibes. I like sitting quietly with people and spirits and just existing with them. But I wouldn't sit quietly in the vibes and then say, "okay, so you're just not going to talk to me??"

Other things like manners go an incredibly long way. Spirits have a concept of boundaries and politeness - some more than others.

Active listening and critical thinking helps a lot too (and it's a great way to strengthen relationships with other humans!). Make sure you're treating spirits like a conversation partner, and not a novelty toy that spits out mystic answers to your questions.

One of the best ways to bond through communication is to create the space for the other person to share their thoughts. It's more than reasonable to show up to a spirit with a question.

But if you redirect the conversation always to be what you want to talk about, think your senses are going haywire just because a spirit is showing you something that isn't what you asked about, or only want to talk about yourself or your problems - it's not reasonable to expect that 100% of spirits want to be a part of 100% of those conversations.

Try approaching every spirit communication with clear intent. Just wanting to chat and hang out is more than okay, but be upfront with your interests and needs.

Try asking the spirits if they're free to talk and if they're interested in talking about what you want to discuss.

Make time and space for the spirits to bring up their own topics.

Employ manners at all times, even if you think your communication effort failed. Please, thank you, hello, and goodbye are powerful words.

Be open to the idea that the spirit might not want to talk about your question or your problem, and that they might have something to share with you that doesn't appear to directly benefit you.

#spirit work

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