Theodora Rain

Tarot reading, tea sipping, magick loving

[corvidae-witch-deactivated20230]

some tarot tips i've collected over the years

- when shuffling, pay attention to the cards that fall out of the deck. sometimes they have a special message for you.

- questions aren't always necessary when reading. letting the cards tell you what they need to helps to develop your intuition, and the relationship between you and your deck (or the spirit you are working with, depending on how you divine information).

- when reading with multiple cards (i.e. as a spread), try and string the cards together rather than interpreting them by their individual meanings:

recurring suits, themes, symbols, and numbers

proportions of suits and uprights vs. reversals

position of the cards (e.g. if people are present in the cards, where are they looking?)

colours of the cards (e.g. do any of the cards stand out more than the rest?)

- although each card has a core meaning, different decks with different art could emanate different "flavours" of the core meaning.

- draw a clarifying card if something confuses you, but try not to draw any more than two cards per reading.

[kosmogrl]

[the-lost-kemetic]

Red Flags In Pagan Circles

I've seen a lot of younger, inexperienced members of the pagan (and witchy!) communities fall into some traps set up for them by people who wish to harm them. It saddens my heart to see this happen, as a lot of newer practitioners join these circles so they can learn! And because they're new, they often get taken advantage of.

So I'm creating this non-comprehensive list of some red flags in pagan and witch circles. Again, this isn't comprehensive. I will be updating this as time goes by, so I recommend checking in on this. For each red flag, I'll give a brief explanation as to why it's a red flag. As always, feel free to add your own in the replies and I'll add them to this post!

EDIT: 11/15/2022 - since there's been some people misunderstanding some of the things in this post, I've rewritten a lot of it so hopefully it makes more sense! Apologies to any confusion that's been caused. I also added some of the additions people have reblogged as well!

Usage of the terms "black" and "white" magick:

While this doesn't always mean someone is racist or xenophobic, within occult spaces there's this tendency to use this. The association of darkness/black things being evil isn't always a racist thing (we as humans are naturally afraid of the dark), but it did play a part in the Atlantic slave trade by associating dark skin with animalistic, evil ambitions and light skin as being pure and good. This isn't 100% a red flag, but it's good to keep an eye out when it is used!

Argues that anyone can practice whatever they want, regardless of the status of it being closed or not:

Closed practices are closed for a reason, specifically because these practices have had their people murdered, their land stolen, and their practices made illegal for many years. The reason they are closed is so that outsiders cannot just come into their sacred spaces, take what they want, and bastardize it. The belief that you can join these closed practices without being initiated/born into them is rooted in colonialism and racism. This is one of the biggest red flags. Some examples of closed practices are hoodoo, ATRs, Native American beliefs, brujeria, and santeria. Some plants are closed as well, so please do your due diligence.

The belief in folkism/volkism: that open pantheons should only be worshiped by those with their blood:

This is the complete opposite of the above. Open pantheons are open because they have not been passed down to us in a single line, and they are currently being revived. As such, these practices can't really be "closed". People who argue that open pantheons should only be worshiped by those with their blood are partaking in the same beliefs as Neo-Nazis. Please watch out for this especially in heathen/Nordic spaces! These people ARE NAZIS. The specific dogwhistle here is "go back to your roots". (Thank you to @chrisasiaheartman)

Offers to teach advanced practices (baneful magick, deity work, etc.) to newcomers:

It's true that everyone is on different parts of their practice, and not everyone will progress the same way. However, there are certain practices that newcomers should not be doing until they have the basics down. This includes baneful magick and deity work, as you can open yourself up to disastrous consequences if you don't take the proper precautions. This isn't too much of a red flag as often the people doing this do mean well, but it's still something to look out for.

They use the terms "witchcraft" and "Wicca" interchangeably:

They are not interchangeable! Witchcraft is a practice, and Wicca is a religion. These types of people often believe you must be Wiccan to practice witchcraft, which you don't.

They refer to Wicca as an "ancient" religion:

This is false. Wicca was founded in the 1960s. If they do this, it could either be tongue-in-cheek, or it's just blatant misinformation. I would be careful.

They act as though baneful magick is evil.

It isn't. Baneful magick can be a form of protection and self-defense, it is not always a bad thing.

They act as though the "threefold law" is the end-all-be-all of practicing:

Not every witch believes in the threefold law, nor are you required to. This goes back into my point about them believing you must follow Wiccan teachings to practice witchcraft. You don't, period.

The use of racial or cultural slurs, even if they claim it's in a non-discriminatory way:

They are racist. If they're mentioning these slurs in an educational way, that's fine. But if a witchcraft space is just dropping these slurs casually in speech, it's a good sign of them being racist.

They push a specific diet:

You don't need to eat vegan or vegetarian to be a witch. No one has to. Some witches might think that's the best way to practice, and that's fine! Some witches might not subscribe to that idea, and that's fine too!

They push pseudoscience and/or anti-science ideologies (anti-vax, etc.):

This is extremely dangerous. Witchcraft and science can work together just fine. People have done this for so long, and pushing these ideologies can be extremely dangerous to peoples' personal health.

Enforcement of gender binaries:

This is things like the divine "masculine" and divine "feminine". Often times these people will also claim that the womb/uterus should be worshipped as well, and the people who do this are often TERFs/transphobic. Not everyone neatly fits into a gender binary. (Thank you to @hagstone-enthusiast for this!)

They promote the idea that only witches can be female, or that male witches are called warlocks:

Witches can be any gender, and the term warlock is actually derogatory as it means someone broke their oath.

Promotes the idea that mentally ill/neurodivergent witches that that way because they have a strong intuition:

This is very dangerous because being neurodivergent/mentally ill isn't a special thing, and it often is a detriment to many people. People who claim this often believe in indigo children/starseed children. In addition, look out for people to claim that neurodivergent people are that way because they "don't have a position attitude" (thanks to @urchinbeans5000).

[theodorarain]

Just some things I’ve worked on in the past month. Scarf is still a work in progress but everything I have knit is blessed and cleansed. Working on building an inventory to get on a shop! This has been so much fun!

[allamericansbitch]

And I damn sure never would’ve danced with the devil at nineteen And the God’s honest truth is that the pain was heaven

[witchesversuspatriarchy]

It’s a hard path we’ve chosen

[theodorarain]

Deadass I have spent hours peeling and scrubbing labels

[kwyw]

[vigilanteshits]

Visit Original Link

[moonlit-sunflower-books]

bitches be like “i like reading” and then ignore their tbr for months while they re read comfort fanfiction. it’s me i’m bitches.

[mymoodisno-deactivated20220904]

[kitkatabasis]

SARAH J MAAS JUST CALLED HERSELF OUT ON HER OWN SHIT OMFGGGG-

[returntoeden]

🕯️spiritual veiling🕯️

Veiling (or head covering) is a spiritual practice that is found within nearly all world religions! Veiling is the act of covering ones head, partially or fully, with an article of clothing or hanging cloth. The type of veil or head covering varies from faith to faith. Also, everyone has different reasons for veiling. In general, it is a sign of respect to ones deities, to the self, and to the sacredness of the body. Vestal Priestesses of Vesta veiled before their goddess, Yoruba initiates cover their head for spiritual protection, Catholic Nuns veil for spiritual distinction and modesty, etc. Historically, women are more likely to practice veiling but there are many practices where men are also called to cover their heads. Veiling is for anyone and everyone who feels called to practice! 💐🌹

✨ BENEFITS OF VEILING ✨

(Note, this is an amalgamation of different reasons why people veil. Not everyone shares these same benefits or beliefs. This is a generalization!)

DIVINE DEVOTION

The crown of the head is, in many practices, believed to be the center of divine communication. It is the part of our body that is closest to divinity. As a result, many people veil in order to respect the sacredness of this connection. It’s almost as if placing a crown upon our head to symbolize our pure connection with our gods. It can also be a sign of humility and humbleness before divine. Veiling for divine devotion is often worn during rituals or worship but may not be worn for everyday use (this varies). This practice of veiling results in a closer, sanctified bond with our divinity. 

SPIRITUAL PROTECTION

Similar to the last point, the head is believed to be sacred. If the head is not protected, the rest of the body may suffer. Emotional empaths may be called to veiling out of a desire to protect their energy from the world around them. Full-body veils can also be worn for this purpose. It offers comfort, peace, and a sense of spiritual protection!

DISTINCTION

For many people, veiling is a way of “wearing their faith”. A clear religious habit (form of clothing) sets you apart from the rest of the world. Not in the sense that you are higher or holier than the world but in the sense that your life is lived in devotion. It is a reminder of the covenant you have made within your spiritual path. It makes your faith visible and tangible. My Muslim sisters often express that wearing their hijab creates a sense of unification and connectedness. 

EMPOWERMENT

I’ve noticed a lot of people, especially women, express how empowered they feel when they’re wearing their veils. It can often garner a sense of respect and reverence. Sadly there are spaces where veiling (especially for muslim women) is met with judgement but, even when faced with criticism, it is an empowering practice. It forces the world to view us as more than bodies to be objectified. It adds a sense privacy that demands respect. 

SELF AWARENESS 

Wearing a veil is a reminder to the world but also to ourselves. When we wear a veil, we are wearing the tradition of our respective beliefs. It is a physical symbol that aligns us with our spiritual practice and reminds us of why we do what we do. I find that I am much more aware of my actions when I am veiling (for rituals and for everyday wear). There’s a sense of responsibility that comes with wearing a veil. It’s highly symbolic and we have to respect its importance. 

A BLESSING

For many, it is a reminder that we are forever blessed, protected, and empowered by our spiritual practice! It’s like taking up a mantle of power. For some it’s out of modestly but, for most, it’s an outward sign of the blessed relationship that we have with our respective spiritual paths!  ✨✨✨✨ Thank you for stopping by! My askbox is always open for anyone who wants to learn more! If you are someone who veils, I would love to hear your reasons and experiences. I feel like there are so many misunderstandings about the purpose of veiling and I hope this post could shed some light! 💐 🌷 🌹 P.S anyone can veil, as it’s a part of pretty much every culture, but be mindful of the style of veil you choose! There are some styles that are sacred and should not be used unless you are a part of that religion/tradition. Do your research. 

[sacerdotessa]

HOW TO SPOT TRAUMAS AND FEARS IN A BIRTH CHART pt.1 🦇☕️

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If you’re an IG page and want to repost this, don’t forget to tag the creator: @sacerdotess4 on IG

Don’t plagiarize, you were born original, don’t die a copy.

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Pay attention  to the 8th HOUSE:

The 8th house is all about fears, taboo, the dark side of the human mind and what’s hidden. It’s connected with Scorpio and associated with Pluto, the planet of regeneration and rebirth, it suggests that we’re all able to find the key for heal our traumas and win over our fears.

First, look at the sign on the cousp on the 8th house, here some examples (maybe I’ll explain in another post and in a more detailed way what does the sign on the 8th house cousp mean):

Aries 8th house: fears related to taking action, defining your individuality, competition, doing something exclusively for yourself, expressing your anger, impulsive behaviors.

Taurus 8th house: fears related to your own stability, expressing yourself in a creative way, expressing the sensual side of your personality.

Gemini 8th house: fears related to communication, expressing your opinion, being chatty, being superficial, not feeling smart enough.

Cancer 8th house: fears related to your roots, your family, expressing your emotions, being vulnerable.

Leo 8th house: fears related to self-expression in general, standing up for yourself, being extra, taking leadership, vanity, feeling confident, expressing yourself through art.

Virgo 8th house: fears related to rejection, being criticized, responsibility, respecting high standards, not feeling smart enough, being imperfect.

Libra 8th house: fears related to cooperation, relationships, connecting with other people, love, loosing your balance.

Scorpio 8th house: fears related to secrets, not being able to know what’s happening around and inside of yourself, jealousy, expressing your sexuality, open up, intimacy.

Sagittarius 8th house: fear of missing something, not living your life at the fullest, being trapped, not being able to experiment and have the opportunity to learn.

Capricorn in 8th house: fears related to taking responsibility, not working/trying hard enough, showing your emotions, open up.

Aquarius in 8th house: fears related to showing your authentic side to the world, feeling weird, not being able to “fit in”, being different, loneliness.

Pisces in 8th house: fears related to chaotic situations, deep emotions, love, explore your dreams, explore your spiritual side, losing yourself.

Look at the position of Pluto in the birth chart:

The position of Pluto in a specific house of your birth chart suggests how you can heal your traumas. Pluto can be a tricky planet, it’s connected to karmic lessons and can be challenging keeping on repeat the same lessons again and again until you change the game in a definitive way.

Pluto in 1th house: define your identity, find your authentic self and don’t be afraid to express who you truly are, open up with others, accept unconditionally your unique way to independence is the key.

Pluto in 2th house: find your comfort zone, guarantee yourself a stable lifestyle, develop resilience and try to set reachable goals for yourself, try to express yourself through art.

Pluto in 3th house: speak your mind, connect with people around you, share your ideas, relationships are important for your healing journey, write down your emotions, heal the relationships with your siblings.

Pluto in 4th house: understand and nurture your emotions, heal the relationship with your family, understand your roots and practice unconditional love, heal your inner child, feel a sense of belonging with your community.

Pluto in 5th house: heal your relationship with your inner child or surround yourself with children, give yourself the opportunity to “act like a kid” again, work on being spontaneous and less shy, express yourself through art and theater.

Pluto in 6th house: follow a healthy lifestyle, eat well and drink more water, do gym, work on your goals and dedicate your energy to a project or volunteering, connect with animals.

Pluto in 7th house: establish healthy relationships with others, define healthy boundaries with others, open up, establish 50-50 relationships based on mutual respect and cooperation.

Pluto in the 8th house: establish a healthy approach towards sexuality, explore your spiritual side and activate yourself in a direct way towards your fears, be honest and don’t fear your deepest thoughts.

Pluto in the 9 th house: expand your horizons through  travel and education, learn is the key for healing your trauma, connect with new realities, explore your spiritual and philosophical side.

Pluto in the 10th house: find your goals and work hard to achieve them, you can heal your wounds through a carrier that makes you feel happy and aligned with your highest goals, you need a lot of structure and to work on your approach to responsibility.

Pluto in the 11th house: you need to find a community and work with people that shares your same view of life, find a place where you can feel a sense of belonging and community, don’t isolate yourself and open up with others, you can heal your wounds through friendships.

Pluto in the 12th house: you need to explore with your spiritual side, work on your internal dialog, try to sleep well, analyze your dreams and trust your intuition, your spiritual gift will guide you through the healing process.

[circeknox]

Grimoire Masterpost! ✨📚

«📚 starting your grimoire / organization 📚»

 » Laurel’s Guide to Grimoires  » Grimoire Organization 📖  » tips on grimoire organization  » grimoires: ”I’m afraid I’ll mess it up!”  » Grimoire Organization Ideas  » Grimoires: Suggestion  » Beginning Tips for a Witchy Notebook  » 📚 A Witch’s Book 📚  » A Witch’s Journal  » Week Long Grimoire Challenge

«📚 correspondences 📚»

 » Flowers to press in your BoS  » Flowers & Plant Correspondences A - D  » helpful lil correspondences masterpost ✨💕🌻🍂  » Tarot cheat sheet  » A List of Basic Herbs  » A-Z Incense List and Usage Spell                                                                           » When to Cast a Spell - By Time of Day  » Candle Scent Correspondences  » Colors in Magic  » Color Correspondences  » When to Cast a Spell - By Weekdays  » Full Moons in a Year - By Hemispheres 🌜  » personal correspondences  » Plant Correspondences  » Masterpost of Crystal Meanings  » 🌺 Crystals for the Seasons 🌺  » Crystals and the zodiac

«📚 ideas / inspiration 📚»

 » 50 ideas for a Grimoire  » 📓Some Grimoire ideas📓  » Grimoire/BoS ideas for the beginning witch  » So You Don’t Think You Can Grimoire?  » Grimoire Prompts                                                                                                   » witchy grimoire ideas🌙🌹                                                                                       » Your Grimoire is Good Enough                                                                               » grimoire pages ideas for baby witches    » Magickal Glossary  » 15 more ideas for your BOS!  » Witch Bullet Journal Collection Ideas  » Things to Research as a Beginner Earth Witch  » Things to Research as a Beginner Fire Witch  » Witchy Writing Prompts!  » ☆What to put in your Book Of Shadows!☆

I will be updating this whenever I find anything new!

✨disclaimer // none of these belong to me! all credit goes to the creators! never listen to just one source, do you own research! ✨

[6i]

it takes years to develop your craft. do not romanticize the idea of an ‘overnight success’. be a student. grow organically. get really good. hate your work. start over. find new ways to express the same ideas. the student becomes the master. your time will come.

[when-november-ends]

Things Toxic Spiritualists Say ☠️

feel free to add your own experiences

I can name quite a few of those because my own mom is part of the team *pain*

None of the following things are true, so please don't let them influence you! <3

☠️✨ - "negative" emotions like sadness, anger, envy, etc lower your vibrations

☠️✨ - if you're feeling "negative" emotions frequently over a long period of time, you will develop cancer or an autoimmune disease

☠️✨ - we've already been every being and lived every life before so closed practices don't exit and we are all allowed to make use of them

☠️✨ - nothing is real and we're all going to die anyways so there's no need to solve or care about issues that go on in the world (like climate change, plastic in the oceans, etc)

☠️✨ - getting a piercing will hinder the energy flow in your body and you will see negative effects of it

☠️✨ - getting a tattoo will permanently make the symbols energy a part of you and influence your life (example: if you're getting a skull tattoo you'll become more negative and experience a lot of death or become sick)

☠️✨ - the more you think about something the more likely it is to manifest (while that isn't completely wrong, things you don't want don't manifest just because you think about them. That sentence is especially hurtful if you're an overthinker and your most frequent thoughts are 'what if i have or developed xy disease'. It'll throw you into a spiral.)

☠️✨ - the world is run by reptilian aliens (wow okay, next time just say that you're antisemitic)

☠️✨ - all of the mainstream media is controlled by the people in power and you'll only see what they want you to in order to spread panic. Therefore the only information you can trust is on youtube and telegram.

☠️✨ - the government full of reptilian aliens inserts microchips into vaccines to control the population

☠️✨ - the government full of reptilian aliens wants to get away from physical money and only use digital money to have better control over the population

☠️✨ - vaccines cause autism (first of all, ableist. Second, that's not only something many toxic spiritualists say but obviously also anti-vaxx people)

Those are all for now, I'll do another post if i can come up with enough <3

[theodorarain]

A Celtic cross oracle reading.

This was SUPER enlightening and I learned a lot about myself.

Working with a Deity and taking steps to better myself have been amazing. I feel in control of my life for the first time in a long time.