apiswitchcraft

[apiswitchcraft]

I have a question. If someone collects bones, but never kills to get them, is it ethical? If they're also pagan, and pick up roadkill(like a raccoon or something that isn't a pet) in order to collect its hide before, or bones after, natural decomposition, is that ethical? This has been on my mind for a while and I haven't known how to approach this topic

I feel like if the person treats the animal with kindness and honors them after they've decomposed by displaying or using their bones, then it could be ethical. I don't know, though. What do you think?

Also, I'm sorry for the long ask, I've thought about this for a while and haven't come to a conclusion yet

hi!! no worries about this one, this is actually a topic im somewhat knowledgeable about!

in my opinion, yes, it's perfectly ethical. even hunting is ethical in my eyes, as long as it's practiced within the proper environmental context and is regulated correctly. hunting is something that has been done literally since the dawn of humanity, but it's as our populations grew and industrialization + automization expanded that things got real sketchy discerning between "hunting," and "intentional speciocide." even now, humans are capable of hunting ethically and knowledgeabley, especially within indigenous american communities. as humans, it's important to recognize our role is part of the food chain, not separate from it.

anyways, sorry, you were talking more along the lines of taxidermy, yes? well there's certainly unethical ways of practicing post-mortem preservation like this, but from what you're talking about you're not even close to being at risk of that. i want to specify that i do own animal pelts, skulls, and other bones, but they have all been purchased from sustainable sources. to me, a sustainable source would be exactly like what you're talking about--taking animals that otherwise be discarded or abandoned and processing them. often times they'll even be left someplace to decompose (sometimes with a cage around it to prevent the bones from scattering too much) as much as possible, and then retrieved for degreasing and bleaching and all that.

as an individual it is very difficult to do this and have much of an impact, negative or positive, on your local environment. taking the odd roadkill isn't going to deprive the entirety of the area's detritivores of food, or the soil of nutrients, or the land of its natural balance.

some things you can keep in mind though is 1) if you see an animal being scavenged, come back for it after they're done 2) properly dispose of the chemicals you use and 3) obviously don't start killing animals for the practice if you're not going to eat it

on the topic of display, this one is harder. some people think it's exploitative, others think it's appreciation, and honestly i see both sides. when i display my animal remains, i try to do it in a way that respects the original soul. i turn them into something beautiful or useful (like with knucklebones), and i handle them with reverence and care, as if they were the remains of a beloved pet. this starts to get a little difficult when you've got taxidermied mice in funny, risque poses or coyotes in little outfits. personally, i would not buy something like that.

on this same vein i would NEVER purchase anything made of human remains. anything you can find for sale is likely Victorian era and is from grave-robbed or slave corpses OR from bodies donated to science who didn't intend to be hung up in your living room. i do NOT fuck around with this, and i don't believe there is any way to ethically own and display these.

either way though it's not for me to decide, and it's a personal journey for a lot of people. im certainly not out here to demonize anyone on either side

anyways, if you wanna see some of my bone collection check out below the cut!

+ i have half a sheep jaw, a full coyote jaw, and a whale bone but i don't have pictures of them

[apiswitchcraft]

what post would you be interested in seeing?

[apiswitchcraft]

roman and hellenic polytheism: the twelve olympians vs. the dii consentes

to many people it seems that the roman gods are just "remixed" or "renamed" versions of the hellenic gods. i have definitely fallen into this trap myself before, so i decided i'd do some research and if i'm doing all that then may as well make a post about it too. this is in no way meant to be comprehensive or even just a little bit hensive, i'm basically giving you the cliffnotes on the cliffnotes. if you want people who know more than me then i recommend this post by @sillysybilsden and this post by @mask131.

the list of gods part of the dii consentes are: Juno, Vesta, Minerva, Ceres, Diana, Venus, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Neptune, Vulcan, and Apollo (who was basically a direct copy of Greek Apollo so he isn't listed below). if you have ANY comments or corrections please let me know, I'm not as versed in the Roman Empire as I'd like to be, and I may have missed some things.

SOME HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:

if you can believe it, the ancient romans were Not the only people present in the italian peninsula (/s). in fact, they were the much smaller, weaker brother of their neighbors for a lot longer than you might think. furthermore, almost no one from rome was truly "Roman." between the two founding stories: Aeneas, a refugee from the city of Troy according to Virgil, and Romulus and Remus, who were conceived via immaculate conception between Mars and a Vestal Virgin in Alba Longa.

after being put into the Tiber to die and then rescued by a mother wolf, the twins moved from Alba Longa and eventually founded the city of Rome in a region nearby: a safe haven for crooks, outcasts, and traitors alike.

and even then most people in Rome weren't related to the founders, many were Etruscans and Sabines or other neighbors (which were still considered "foreigners"). this is where the pre-hellenic Roman gods often originate. Minerva, thought to have originated as Menrva in Etruria, was adopted by the Romans long before they could syncretize her with Greek Athena. and this story is shared by a lot of other roman deities, Jupter and Tinia, Pluto and Orcus, etc.

first, we'll start with what was called the Capitoline Triad, often considered the patrons of the patrician class. as part of this triad, these gods have the role as protectors of the city/republic/empire, and were very politically relevant.

JUPITER/JOVE:

who were they: god of the sky in charge of the weather--including wind, rain, thunder/lightning--as well as the light from the heavens. he was the king of the gods with domain over laws, oaths and treaties, justice and honor, and often considered to be the father of the Roman Empire: Romulus supposedly built the first ever temple to him after a battle with the Sabines. he was considered the patron of whoever ruled Rome at the time, from the ancient "kings," to the consuls, to the Emperor. he was a protector of boundaries, and imbued soldiers with the strength to protect their city. his sacred animal, the eagle, became an important image to the Roman army

greek counterpart: Zeus

JUNO:

who were they: juno was a goddess of the sky and queen of the pantheon. as jupiter's sister/wife, the two shared a lot of aspects: namely, both being deities of heavenly light. furthermore, she was a goddess of women, fertility, and the transition from maiden to matron. this meant she was also the goddess of weddings, the bride's girdle, birth, nursing, and protectress of children. this position as queen-mother of Rome also made her goddess of freedom, liberation, and good counsel. in a lot of her depictions she adopts a more "warlike" look--wearing goatskin and holding a spear--similar to greek Athena. her symbols were geese and peacocks.

greek counterpart: Hera

MINERVA:

who were they: minerva, to me, differs a lot more obviously from her greek counterpart than most other roman deities. she is almost completely de-militarized (although no less politically orientated), but remains as a symbol of wisdom and intelligence. she was patron goddess of schools and students, medicine and doctors, and industry and artisans. furthermore, she was goddess of the arts, especially music and weaving. she had a big hand in commerce because of these attributes, as well as the formation of craftsmen guilds. she still remains a virginal goddess with the symbol of an owl, due to her Etruscan roots (who were hellenized already).

greek counterpart: Athena

next, we'll consider what was called the Aventine Triad, considered the patrons of the plebian class. as such, they were champions of justice and rights for the lower classes

CERES:

who were they: agricultural goddess, tied to the growth of crops and plants. as the inventor of agriculture, she was revered as goddess of plant, animal, and human fertility. because of this, she was honored at weddings, for pregnancies, and in childbirth. as goddess of cereal grains, she was also honored taking part in the distribution of food to the poor. ceres helped to maintain peace after wartime, and attackers were punished in her name. she was honored at funerals and in ritual in a way that implied a role in escorting the dead into the underworld and keeping spirits restful. as part of her role as the leader of the aventine (or "plebian") triad, she kept the lower classes "restful" as well, and many political leaders would align with her as a propaganda technique. her sacred animal was the cow.

greek counterpart: Demeter

BACCHUS/LIBER:

who were they: oh bacchus my beloved. OKAY. before bacchus, there was liber, ancient italic god of freedom, liberation, grapes, wine, and male fertility. in a way that we don't see the goddess Venus, liber was given domain over virility and passion--sexuality that was free and unrestrained. bacchus, as a name, is derived from an epithet of dionysus--related to the "bacchic frenzy" he induces--and was adopted when him and liber were syncretised. despite that, bacchus is still largely seen as a "calmer," more adult dionysus: he is depicted with a large belly, beard, and calm demeanor. because of his role in wine-making, he is honored in every libation given.

greek counterpart: Dionysus

PROSPERINE/LIBERA:

who were they: unfortunately, libera did not mean very much on her own before she was syncretised with persephone. she was mainly just to be a counterpart to liber, goddess of female fertility, crops, and maidens. because of this she was often overshadowed by Ceres, even after hellenization. the only thing that really changed when the romans took on her greek attributes is her story; that of a dutiful daughter who respected her mother and husband, one that romans could use as an example to their daughters.

greek counterpart: Persephone

and now for everyone else...

MARS:

who were they: mars is the god of the "good war." as compared to ares, mars is much more similar of a militant to athena, he is wise and thoughtful, a tactician, has a rigid moral code. it was believed he assisted in the growth and expansion of the empire across the continent, and protected their borders. he was the god of honor and courage, bravery, and, surprisingly, vegetation and fertility. he was depicted along side Victoria (goddess of Victory), and with laurel on his spear. considering how militarized and expansive Rome was, mars was an extremely popular god. his sacred animals were the woodpecker, bear, and wolf (because of Romulus and Remus' story).

greek counterpart: Ares

VENUS:

who were they: out of all the di consentes, i would say that venus had the biggest turn around. pre-hellenization she was more of a minor vegetation goddess, of fertility and good harvest. even after greek syncretisation, she was still a much more "tame" goddess of love, sex, and prosperity. because of how conservative roman society was, venus was given a role in motherhood, marriage, and chastity. she was considered more "pure" than aphrodite, turning lust into abstinence, representing only the kind of sexuality that the Romans wanted women to have. as a war goddess, she brought fortune and luck, and would sometimes stand alongside mars instead of victoria. as the female counterpart to mars, she was a calming, balancing force, emphasizing her life-giving role.

greek counterpart: Aphrodite

VESTA:

who were they: vesta was one of the most important deities to the patrician women of the roman empire, as becoming her priestess--called Vestal Virgins due to their vow of chastity--meant gaining an independence from men. despite her own virginity, vesta was often seen as the goddess of the home, motherhood, and fertility. this was due to the fact that fire was seen as a life-giving, sexual force (the birth story of Romulus and Remus involved Mars' phallus coming out of a hearth and impregnating Rea Silvia). furthermore, she was honored as a goddess of the earth and prosperity, alongside Tellus and Terra.

greek counterpart: Hestia

VULCAN:

who were they: vulcan was more roman than he really ever was greek. he was still patron of blacksmiths, but his power was seen as more elemental and wild rather than practical. god of fire(s), volcanoes, deserts, and a guardian against drought and crop-killing heat. since fire is, again, a symbol of fertility, he is associated with vesta in that way. he also has origins as a god of nature like her. guardian of the home and state borders, his symbol is the guard dog.

greek counterpart: Hephaestus

MERCURY:

who were they: mercury did not exist in much detail before hellenic influence over rome. despite this, he was still worshipped differently, and was important to rome mostly for his power of commerce and money. he was the patron of merchants and travellers, and the father of Lares (household spirits). considering the still legendary reputation roman roads still have, i find it important to mention that he had domain over those, too. he also was god of eloquence and communication, though his role with thieves was heavily diminished. for an empire as big as rome was, mercury was popular across europe. his symbols were the rooster, goat or ram, and tortoise.

greek counterpart: Hermes

DIANA:

who were they: although playing a more minor role before hellenization, roman diana played the roles of three goddesses (as Diana Triformis): Selene/Luna in the heavens, Artemis on earth, and Hekate/Trivia in the underworld. she was a protector of women--especially those in labor or young girls--the rural areas of rome (which were more "tame" than in greece), the home and families, and pathways or crossroads. her domain over land gave the romans supremacy over italy and the european landscape (like the american "manifest destiny").

greek counterpart: Artemis

PLUTO/DIS PATER/REX INFERNUS:

who were they: although pluto is a name adopted from the greeks, it is the more widely accepted name used over Dis Pater and Rex Infernus, which were more like epithets. after adopting the Etruscan god Orcus, god of oaths and the underworld, and combining him with Hades Plouton, god of mineral wealth (like gems and precious metals) and fertile land, we have a god who goes by a number of names: Pluto, Rex Infernus, and Dis Pater. Dis Pater or "rich father" seems to just be a direct translation of Pluto, and Rex Infernus just means "King of the Underworld." he was honored alongside Prosperine after hellenization

greek counterpart: Hades

NEPTUNE:

who were they: likely a god of freshwater before his role as god of the sea, neptune presided over rivers, springs, and wells. he remained as the creator of horses, and was patron of horse races. he was revered as the bringer of water during times of drought, and thus the nourishing source for the earth.

greek counterpart: Poseidon

SOURCES:

Larousse Greek and Roman Mythology

Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology

[apiswitchcraft]

hey so this ask is crazy as fuck. either this bitch really wanna talk to some kids or this IS a kid who's unknowingly in some weird, scary friendships. either way, the fact that anyone would send this to an underage person makes me sick.

intergenerational relationships are supposed to be formed between yourself and TRUSTED ADULTS. as in ADULTS WHO ARE TRUSTED BY ANOTHER RESPONSIBLE PARTY (parent/guardian/an adult who cares for you). this CANNOT HAPPEN on the internet, there is simply No Way to verify that your adult friends are trustworthy because this is the Internet and Things are Inherently Anonymous (no matter how long you're friends or how well you think you know each other, they could be ANYONE).

i say this as a person that had some bad online relationships with adults when i was a kid. i say this as an adult that does not WANT to create relationships with minors online, because that opens doors that i don't want other people going through. i know IM not a predator, but i don't trust society at large to not try to follow behind me and victimize that friend.

how about we not have this attitude in the helpol space, where people are already claiming religious authority and establishing themselves as mentors/teachers and then abusing that.

and the crazy thing is that you can't just preach "education" and expect that to hold up. minors cannot be expected to just "know" the signs, their brains aren't even fully formed: i mean like they got 17 different assignments due tomorrow but their mom still packs their lunch everyday. we give children legal protections for a REASON, and even then a lot get away with it for way too long and become entirely too good at just convincing you there is no "signs."

these are unsafe times and some of you people need to start REALIZING THAT and ACTING LIKE IT

and don't fuckin bother me with "what if"s and fringe cases i don't need to be hearing out contrarians on a post about CHILD PREDATION

We can't just tell kids to never speak to adults and to never form intergenerational connections. Why are we fear mongering instead of equipping our children to learn how to recognize questionable behavior and how to remove themselves from it in online spaces? It's ridiculous. Let's just never ever have any discussions, guys, as soon as you turn 18 grooming can't happen to you anyways! Why take actually reasonable steps when we could adopt an abstinence based approach that isolates people?? 🙄🙄🙄 This approach always works every time!

Let me start this with a personal experience (not a lot of detail)

TW: grooming

I was taught, at a very young age , how to recognize when adults are grooming a child, myself or someone else

A few years ago, I was groomed anyways

Repeatedly

I knew the signs but didn't see them because that is really hard for a child to notice due to the lack of development in their prefrontal cortex

Teaching kids to see it doesn't always work and it's better for kids to not be DMing random adults from the internet

This isn't fear mongering, it is genuine safety that if you are a minor you should have a community to help you and not a specific person

And you're right, the ability to be groomed doesn't magically stop after 18 which is why you also have to be careful after 18

And there are a lot of posts and resources on what Grooming looks like (some will be linked at the bottom) so there are more resources on it for when you have a more fully developed prefrontal cortex

That being said, if you would like to continue this conversation, refrain from the sarcasm and rudeness

I am 100% okay with talking about disagreeing opinions, but not if you are going to be so incredibly rude to both me and the people who brought up genuine safety concerns

Grooming resources links:

https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection/grooming

https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/safety/online-safety/grooming-signs

https://safekidsthrive.org/the-report/introduction/other-warning-signs/

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/campaigns/online-child-sexual-exploitation/grooming.html

https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/online-mobile-safety/online-grooming/

https://bravehearts.org.au/about-child-sexual-abuse/what-is-grooming/

https://www.webmd.com/sex/what-is-sexual-grooming

https://www.loveisrespect.org/resources/signs-of-grooming/

[apiswitchcraft]

okay so like i know no one asked but i feel like i need to make some things clear because i can word things pretty strongly sometimes and i don't wanna be misinterpreted. remember that these are OPINIONS and i don't give a shit if you disagree, im not debating you

sometimes my friends have takes that i disagree with, we're still friends.

sometimes i do decide to not be friends with people for their opinions, and that is just as much my right as it is yours. unfollow or block or just ignore me if you want to, i will not care

anyways, this is just a quick list, if you have questions, ask away! i don't mind clarifying

-i don't care about godspousal

-localising your practice is cool and you should do it too

-i don't care about self-identifying seers or clairvoyants or like,, anything else in that vein

-BUT that doesn't mean im automatically gonna believe you. lots of seers are/have been wrong, and that's fine! i don't feel like the future is set in stone and anything predictive is automatically just speculation and that does not invalidate you

-i will always value my health over my practice. worship can be tabled for a better time, mental or physical health Cannot

-i don't worry about miasma

-i don't use khernips (lustral water), but i don't care if you do

-helpol is whatever you make it to be, and if you're going to be overly concerned about offending the gods or doing something "wrong," you're not going to have much better of an experience than with any other religion

-i DO care about not respecting closed practices or cultural origins

-xenia does NOT mean i have to be nice to you, it just means im going to match your energy

-hearing the gods or having a particularly strong relationship doesn't make you any more special than anyone else

-anyone can worship any deity in the pantheon

-prophecies and oracles are for yourself unless EXPLICITLY asked for and even then i believe people largely use them as tools for manipulation against others (like "oh zeus told me he doesn't like you" SHUT UP)

-i believe everyone sees the gods differently, so whether or not Zeus is black (to me he is) isn't an argument im willing to entertain

-you can take myths slightly literally (at least in terms of who's in relationships with who or the lore behind deified mortals) but generally they are anecdotes to explain natural phenomena

-don't get all your information from friends/mentors, do your own research to verify because we're all human and we can all be wrong sometimes

-having some knowledge of greek history is important for cultural context

-same with knowing at least something about greek philosophy

-primary sources are excellent but sometimes referring to secondary or a professional's thesis helps a LOT

-gods from different pantheons can't be worshipped exactly the same way

[apiswitchcraft]

speaking very, very generally here i feel like it's not a good idea. i think it's great for teenagers to explore priesthood and what it Could mean if they decided to do it, or being trained as an acolyte but not fully taking on the mantle, but I just don't think taking that full step is a good idea so young. to me, priesthood is a lifetime commitment similar to working in the Christian Church or becoming a monk. it is inherently (supposed to be) selfless and community-oriented. most people don't have any idea what they want to be at 18, much less before that point.

having the maturity to decide what to dedicate your life to is very hard for teenagers, most of which haven't lived on their own or been self-sufficient before. of course, reaching that maturity point will happen at different times for everyone, and I wouldn't put an age on when someone is without a doubt ready, but I think <18 is not it.

basically, I would never condone or encourage it, and i think it would be irresponsible to do so. that's just my opinion though, I'm not out here to crucify anyone

Gang how do we feel about people under 18 who are actively going into priesthood?

[apiswitchcraft]

tarot card interpretations: major arcana

greetings, friends! a long time ago i made a few posts with the tarot card meanings i had compiled from several of those little booklets you get with tarot decks, plus a couple websites. however, once i got a book with more detailed interpretations i realized i wasn't happy with the posts and decided to delete them and restart. this is the culmination of that!

also i should mention now that reversed interpretations largely depend on the situation and reader, so there will often be multiple lines of reasoning that i put forward. it's up to you to decide which one works the best for you

0 - THE FOOL

upright: the beginning and end of all things, the fool is a young person just about to start on the journey of enlightenment, innocent and free of life's burdens. although inexperienced, the fool knows they are on the right path, and they freely embrace beginner's luck. they are lighthearted and free, and are unafraid to take risks (whether for better or worse, but usually better). the fool tunes into their inherent intuition and uses it to guide them where the path is usually unclear. leave the past behind, and openly embrace the future. being bold is the best way to move up and ahead. be okay with the unknown

reversed: reversed fool may indicate that you are holding back or holding on too much, especially to preconceived notions of yourself or others. you may fear change or are about to jump too quickly into a big change. since the fool often indicates a certain level of naivete, you may want to wait until you understand the situation better before moving forward. plan carefully. balance unrealistic expectations and fears. self-centeredness or vanity

1 - THE MAGICIAN

upright: the magician is able to use the full potential of all four elements to their advantage. with a balance of clear intentions and passion you can make the physical and spiritual connect. you have the powers of manifestation at your fingertips, and your willpower is all you need to motivate you forwards. know your worth, and go after what you want. inspiration, "as above, so below," diplomacy, a deepening spiritual practice. you are a conduit through which energy flows, and you have the power to give the formless form

reversed: the reversed magician may be a bad actor in your life with an advantage over you. they are out of balance, and often abuse their power to manipulate others to get what they want. they take the easy way out at the expense of others. if this card represents the querent then it can also represent self-doubt and insecurity, often times disguised under a thin layer of ego. it's time to reconnect with your inner source of power, instead of turning to external sources. poor judgement. lying. look for alternative paths and consider redirecting your energy there

2 - THE HIGH PRIESTESS

upright: the high priestess is a card of intuition, and connection between yourself and the divine. more generally it also evokes feminine energy, but specifically this card can represent fertility, emotional intelligence, the phases of the moon, and wisdom. it gives you permission to take a sacred (or necessary) silence: you don't need to overthink this issue, there's no need to "get to the bottom of things" if it's draining you. in a relationship this card can represent an unspoken, unshakeable trust between the two people where secrets have no room to exist. outside of that (or any other situation where secrecy doesn't serve you), it can represent a mystery, a cloudy future which you may be seeking to rectify. trust your gut

reversed: the reversed high priestess most commonly means there is a disconnect between the querent and intuitive forces (whether internal or external, like a deity). confusion and disharmony is ruling you, most likely because of outside influence. you may find yourself relying on others for guidance too often, or maybe just the few people you do consult are misguided. try to find answers within yourself, even if it's uncomfortable. silence, disconnection from others

3 - THE EMPRESS

upright: the empress often represents the querent or a person in their life who evokes the divine feminine, in whatever that may mean. to some it may mean being okay with receiving, rather than acting, coaching yourself to wait for just a little bit longer. it may mean to act selflessly on behalf of others, rather than only for yourself. it may represent creation, or fertility, as is often represented on the card itself with pomegranates and Venus' symbol, which can also be seen as an empowerment of women. to be clear, this card in no way has to represent someone who identifies as a woman, or even someone who is assigned female at birth: this card can represent anyone who may embody these aspects. if this card is not describing an individual, it can describe security in a relationship, trusting that your own passion and creativity will lead you down the right road, and engaging in self-love and self-care. something is working in the background in your favor. look towards a parent/nurturing figure or think about acting as that for someone else

reversed: trying to force a situation that will not move no matter what you do. feeling cut off from others or unable to love yourself in place of others. difficulties with romance, especially relating to miscommunication or trying to force things to work even if it's evident it won't. lack of satisfaction, especially when it comes to receiving positive reinforcement or affection from others. a parent or caretaker who is not fulfilling their role completely. consider reconnecting with nature for a little bit. an imbalance of power

4 - THE EMPEROR

upright: the emperor often represents the querent or a person in their life who evokes the divine masculine, in whatever that may mean. on this card rams are often depicted, as well as Mars' symbol. this card is often considered the opposite counterpart to the Empress, so where she would advise one to sit and wait, the Emperor advises to always be constantly fighting onwards and upwards. he acts from a position of power and self-control, he does not react based on instinct or fear. he has a healthy relationship with his masculinity, and allows himself (and others) to take up the space they require. structure and stability is paramount here, and the emperor is not someone who would let his insecurities get the best of him (as we often see in the modern "alpha males"). you have to be okay with setting boundaries and being ambitious or assertive. take on a leadership role if you're offered it, don't let yourself be trampled over. honor, discipline, balance

reversed: the reversed emperor is often not the opposite of upright, but rather a bastardization of it. it represents abuse of power, the patriarchy, and immaturity. a tyrannical leader who is inherently weak at their core, someone who does not use the lessons the upright reading teaches us. it can also be someone who feels weak, powerless, or is made to feel that way by a tyrannical person. confusion, overly-emotional, being too quick to the draw

5- THE HIEROPHANT

upright: the hierophant has a strong relationship to the divine similar to the high priestess. however, in this case, the hierophant's knowledge comes from studying and upholding traditions, participating in rituals, and spreading their teachings to others. he has a strong faith and rigid principles, and he is happiest having his path laid out before him. the lesson here is that education is a never-ending process, and to always be open to new learning opportunities. it encourages following the grain and not trying to reinvent the wheel--it may not be as big of a deal as you're building it up to be in your head. if you're in a position to spread your wisdom, jump at it as soon as you can. it you're presented a situation in which your personal rules or values are challenged, stick to your guns, or if you don't have a preconceived notion, seek guidance from an older, wiser person. as a person this represents a religious, timid, good and merciful individual who believes in the power of putting your nose to the grindstone, and working your way up in social/economic hierarchies in a "traditional" way (following the rules and laboring).

reversed: the reversed hierophant is the embodiment of non-conformity. this may mean a person who is stubborn and constantly fighting against others, refusing to learn and listen OR it represents a person who is being suppressed by uptight, rigid societal beliefs, and is actively rebelling against them. they believe in their right to being free, love trying new things, and are a little eccentric. this might be someone who has been expected to give as much as possible at all times, and now you're being encouraged to think more about yourself. if you're feeling a little bit used in your relationships that's okay, and it might be a smart decision to reconsider the state of your relationships right now.

6- THE LOVERS

upright: the lovers is, understandably, a card of love, passion, and lust, balanced with vulnerability and trust, there's a big emphasis on balance. if you're at a time of your life where things are feeling all thrown all out of wack, it might be time to take stock of what you have going on right now, and cutting out burdens or adding self-care routines. choosing to maintain healthy communication and mutual respect bar nothing will lead you to the type of love you've been seeking. you shouldn't compromise on the big things, your boundaries especially so, but where you can compromise you should try to, even if it puts you out of your comfort zone (meaning like going with your friend to a party even though you're more of an introverted person NOT forcing a crazy non-monogamy set-up because your partner wants to cheat or some shit). you're faced with a choice, and there might be a small sacrifice involved, but it will be worth it. harmony between two people, while maintaining individuality

reversed: codependency or unrealistic expectations, breaking of boundaries, and lack of commitment. you or others are refusing to take responsibility for yourselves: you can't change how things happened, only how you choose to react. the world isn't going to lay itself at your feet in order for you to overcome this obstacle, that's something that you will only be able to accomplish through hard work and introspection. that doesn't mean you can't ask for help though, a mental health professional that helps you do your introspection could absolutely be the right call here. this could also indicate a contrarian, confusion.

7- THE CHARIOT

upright: the chariot is a card of building momentum, of creating a plan and building foundations for lasting change. being fueled by purely your own determination or anger will not last, you need to create structure in order to stay focused on that path. schedule your days and stick to that schedule, lest things spiral out of control. maintaining control is important to you, but you should be prepared for things to get a little out of hand sometimes. plan for it, accept it, and you'll be better able to handle it when it happens. things are moving quickly, especially in relationships: the best course of action is creating a vision for your future (or lack of one) together. triumph and righteous vengeance is indicated. if you're not sure where to start, follow your gut (or pull more cards for clarification). overcoming a conflict.

reversed: the logical opposite of the chariot is defeat and a loss of willpower. take the momentum that the chariot has built up, and turn it in on itself. you may be being warned against possible self-immolation due to doubt and anxiety (or at least that is your worst case scenario). you've lost your direction, even if it feels like momentum is forcing you along. mindless work, hesitation over taking the next step. quarreling and in-fighting, degradation of support system or foundation. maintain impulse control. measure twice, cut once, don't miss any important steps.

8- STRENGTH

upright: the strength card basically represents exactly it's namesake: courage, assertiveness, and triumph over a difficult obstacle. if you maintain inner peace and peace will return back to you. don't be afraid to be vulnerable with others, as it will only strengthen your bond. it's scary, yes, but remember your power. even moreso, be sure you're wielding it correctly: be that compassionate person that people can rely on, a pillar of stability. in no way does that mean that you should ignore or bottle up your fears, you just shouldn't allow them to hold you back. it's pertinent now to sit with your emotions, and process them, so that they don't become a burden on your psyche or on your relationships with others. be open to speaking your mind, and standing up for what is right.

reversed: the reversed strength card, while it can indicate weakness and self-doubt, often also includes abuse of power and reluctance to show vulnerability. you or others are holding on too tight, fearing that any small move can usurp your control. remember the line between assertiveness and aggressiveness. this card can point to feeling apprehensive to stand up for yourself or others, or not taking action when it's necessary. remember that while a bad situation might have you feeling weak, you are the only one who can determine your worth.

9- THE HERMIT

upright: the hermit is another card that represents almost exactly what the name implies. it encourages the querent to take a period of solitude to find your way towards wisdom and the answers to your questions. the hermit grows his power through deep introspection, teaching himself to rely on himself, and exercising patience. while many people fear loneliness, the constant noise of well-meaning people can often obscure your path more than it helps. this isn't a permanent thing by any stretch of the imagination, but you'll know when it's time to return to the "real world" when your energy level feels back to normal again. if you're looking to go soul-searching, do not distract yourself by looping others into the process. try out meditation or going on meditative walks if you think it might help. it may indicate a mentor, a teacher, an elder to help you on your way.

reversed: the reversed version often indicates that isolation is the last thing you need right now, and exile would only be a form of punishment. it's time to reach out for support and connection, as your time of solitude needs to come to an end. be wary of acting too hasty, or letting your abundance of caution become an overabundance. getting trapped in your own world and an unending cycle of anxieties. losing connection with reality. being too caught up in other people's issues or drama.

10- WHEEL OF FORTUNE

upright: the wheel of fortune is a card that reminds us of the cyclical nature of life and the universe. it indicates luck, and the whims of fate. this card may mean that the situation at hand is outside of your control, that the tides are already changing without your intervention. it encourages you to have optimism and faith so that you can gather that energy and use it to adapt to obstacles as they arise. cultivating your spiritual practice may also be imperative moving forward, as the divine will assist you as you evolve. even if you are in a bad spot, remember that the world is ever-changing, and that "this too, shall pass." if you are in a good spot, it's important now to be living well in the moment. feel empowered to enjoy the positive moments when they come, and use that to navigate the uncertain or challenging moments down the line. they will come, but that's nothing to fear, you will tackle them as they come. let go of what you cannot control, it will open you to your fate. enjoy the possibility of new positive experiences after a period of sadness. new fortune, new job opportunities, new wealth. the cycle of death and rebirth. stay on path.

reversed: the reversed wheel of fortune indicates that cycles have come to a stop, that stagnation and delay is plaguing you. bad luck may be clinging to you, but trying to interfere with and micro-manage everything won't help you move past it. this time of chaos and instability is temporary, and something so much better will take's place. there are so many opportunities for positive change, but they will not be forced. life has a way, as excruciatingly slow as that may feel sometimes.

11- JUSTICE

upright: the imagery of this card often includes the sword of truth and the scales of justice, and these two themes are present throughout the interpretation of this card. the scales of justice encourages logic and objectivity, while the sword of truth points to personal integrity and honesty towards others. in another vein, disputes and disagreements are on their way to being resolved, more often in a positive way for the querent than not. find balance in your relationships by standing up for yourself and/or hearing the other person's side. reconcile with the past and fulfill your karmic contracts (like paying back money or favors you owe). the justice card is often times correlated to ongoing legal or domestic matters. perhaps you're in the process of signing a lease for an apartment, or someone you know is going through a divorce. in these situations, try to be as diplomatic as possible, but no specific outcome or course of action is really indicated within this card, so you should look to other cards

reversed: the reversed of this card can indicate that the scales of justice have been thrown off balance. bias, bigotry, and cruelty are present here, even some sense of living in denial (either the querent or the subject of the query). an issue of morals and ethics is at hand, particularly if they've been thrown out of wack in some way. look into where your effort is lacking and needs to be rebalanced. some sort of struggle is going on, and it's possible that there is no other way out than straight through it. bad legal decisions. one-sided feelings or relationship

12- THE HANGED MAN

upright: the hanged man is not, as some may think, someone who is in any sort of distress. he hangs from his feet, and sinks into a trance of spiritual enlightenment. if you find yourself unable to move forward, take the opportunity you've been given to see your situation from a new perspective. instead of getting impatient of moving past this period, restructure your thought process into one of learning. accept the life lessons that are being thrown at you, even if they're difficult ones. surrender yourself to the current, find peace, in whatever way that means to you. waiting for the right time, stalling any major decision, is important here. don't make hasty decisions. spiritual wisdom, prophecies, and divination are enhanced in this card. you're being asked to make a sacrifice, or choose between the lesser of two evils, and it's better now to wait to have all the information before you do. trust that the timing is right, even if it feels abrasive or uncomfortable. this isn't a punishment, it's no reward, but this pain isn't for nothing.

reversed: if the upright hanged man is stagnation, then the reversed can be either backwards or forward movement. you may have missed your chance, and now it's time to backpedal a little bit. you certainly haven't missed the timing Forever, but it might take more effort now than it would have in the past. quiet your mind, and listen for messages or omens from the divine. if you're sure that looking to the past is not the right move here, then maybe it's time to move forward. whatever it is, it is time to take some sort of action. don't move too hastily, don't be too reckless, and even too, don't be too self-centered here. remember your place in the world, and center yourself appropriately, you'll know what kind of movement is right based off of that

13- DEATH

upright: the death card is another misleading or misunderstood card. death does not always mean death, it isn't necessarily even a bad card at all. instead, this card is one of change, transformation, and letting go of unhealthy attachments. in the spiritual world death is not the end, as it only leads to rebirth, the restarting of a cycle. change is not only natural but it's encouraged. just so as the seasons change, you will grow and evolve in a similar way. this card isn't supposed to be easy, or one you can detach yourself from, but something better is coming your way. often times this will feel like a radical turn around, or unexpected, but it's important to mitigate your fear. purging habits and thought processes will improve your sense of self-awareness and intelligence. this shift will have you feeling more secure in yourself, it will affirm that you can get through things, you can do hard things. remind yourself of your own mortality, that life is short, and you should make the most of it while you can. not that you're going to die, or should be worried about that, just that you don't have to maintain perfection all the time. it's okay to be messy, it's okay to be wrong and make mistakes, it's okay to play a little more fast and loose while you're still able to. don't be reckless, but you don't have to punish yourself for every little thing

reversed: the reversed death card can indicate that you are resisting a necessary change, you are stubbornly clinging onto the past. your fear of the unknown isn't keeping you safe, it's keeping you isolated. you may be feeling depressed, lethargic, like you've lost inertia. if you feel like you're stuck in a cycle, it might help to act a bit more outside of your comfort zone. if you're struggling with that, it's always possible to seek help from outside sources: your friends, your parents, even a mental health professional. resistance to change could be what is amplifying your pain, and although it'll be difficult to deconstruct that, you should still put in the effort. learn to let go, and trust that the universe has your back

14- TEMPERANCE

upright: temperance teaches us to keep all things in moderation (both good and bad, rest and work) and that the divine will provide their assistance if asked. be flexible and take the moderate route in all things: don't overwork yourself, but also don't overindulge either. seek connection with others and the divine, and have patience as fate goes to work in the background. seek balance and harmony within your relationships. good health. the metaphorical stream between the divine and you flows in both directions, it has to, for a mutualistic relationship. look for signs or omens, and follow the guidance that is relayed to you. use your intuition to determine what the best interpretation is, but don't be afraid to ask for more guidance and elaboration

reversed: reversed temperance is often reliant on the cards surrounding it in a reading, as it can mean any of three things: imbalance, impatience, and/or a breakdown in relationships. if you're struggling in your friendships due to misunderstandings, take a step back and evaluate what the best way to mitigate it in the future would be, possibly even seek guidance from other people or spiritual guides. imbalance can be present in a number of places throughout the querents life: reckless behavior, being too uptight or anxious, letting yourself be taken advantage of by others, etc. as for impatience, it's often present through trying to force things to move along before you or it is ready

15- THE DEVIL

upright: the devil is a card that represents the physical pleasures in life, addictions, self-destructive behaviors, and fears. in the original rider-waite card, the couple from the lovers card are seen chained to a humanoid, goat-faced, winged figure: representing their attachment to their vices, specifically lust. this figure is the embodiment of greed and overindulgence, unhealthy attachments. maybe it's time to revisit your coping mechanisms and ask if they're still serving you. think about if the power dynamics in your relationships are working for you. identifying why you engage with self-sabotaging behavior, what fears and anxieties are at the root, can be illuminating and healing. there could be a toxic relationship holding you back, with a friend, a partner, a boss/coworker, family, etc. disillusion, complacency, entrapment.

reversed: the reversed devil is all about breaking from the bondage of self-destruction and addiction. you may have recently started your healing journey, ended a bad relationship, or moved to a new and better place. a time of rest after a period of overwork and stress. a positive transformation is at hand, but it won't come without some amount of effort (as with all things). this card is often a good sign, as it points towards a renewal of hope and happiness, freedom from a hurtful past. if there is some sort of crossroads ahead of you, it might be that the difficult route is the best one

16- THE TOWER

upright: this card represents a vast, earth-shaking change, something that permeates to the core of the querents foundations. it is often sudden, and may well be distressing. however, despite that, the best course of action is to accept the changes as they come, because it will eventually turn out positive. the imagery of this card often depicts a disaster, tragedy, or something similarly explosive. it could be the beginning of a period of misery (which will come to an end, as with all things), or a great liberation. the relationships in your life might be feeling particularly turbulent, and/or some patterns that were not serving you are now breaking down. a loss clearing the path to a breakthrough. keep a level head and your chin up and muscle your way through. this sudden upheaval will create new illumination along your path, guiding you in the right direction. change is not only possible, but inevitable

reversed: the reversed version of the tower can mean the same as the upright, just less severe, or it can mean that the querent is resisting the effects of above. you may be clinging on to the past, and old ways of doing things. just because something is "old school" doesn't mean that it's still worth engaging with. crisis may feel like it's looming on the horizon, but you should trust you're being led in the right direction. you are being reassured that you'll be safe if you accept this coming change

17- THE STAR

upright: the star card can be interpreted as the therapeutic recovery after the events of the tower. the divine are giving you a renewed sense of hope, faith, inspiration, and spiritual and physical healing. trust that your path is guided and protected, and you should try to take advantage of all your gifts (creative and otherwise). be open to flashes of inspiration and remain optimistic. a sense of calmness and serenity permeates you and your relationships with others. healing from the past. improved health and positive growth. recovering from the past but still bringing the good parts with you into the future. the star represents all the possible routes radiating out from you (like a star).

reversed: the reversed version of this card is kind of if the upright card was on delayed release. healing and divine assistance is coming your way, but you either don't need it yet, or need to take some personal steps before it'll step in. this can also be a card of arrogance, a disconnect from the divine, and lack of self-esteem or inspiration. there may be some sense of hopelessness, monotony and boredom. declining physical health may also happen here.

18- THE MOON

upright: the moon is another one of those cards that often has two meanings: one about a "shadowy" aspect to the self, and one about sneaky, thwarting people. the "shadow" self is the aspects of shame, fear, depression, and self-deception that each person has. you may be holding back from exploring those deeper parts of yourself because of the pain that it would cause. on the other hand, you may be surrounded by sneaky people, or people who are keeping secrets from you. these may not necessarily be bad secrets, just things surrounded by aforementioned shame. illusions and mysteries. evolution on a spiritual path, developing your intuition and instincts: explore dream work and astral projection. read all contracts in great detail, just in case there's hidden fees or the deal is too good to be true. your fear will only hinder you.

reversed: the reversed moon occurs when the negative aspects of the upright take over. confusion, instability, and deception (especially self-deception) are overwhelming you right now. you or someone else may be refusing to accept the truth or resisting looking inwards. insomnia or just general discontent might be becoming an issue. trust guidance from others (within reason). gauge where you are on your spiritual journey before interacting with others, you might be getting ahead of yourself.

19- THE SUN

upright: the sun is, in my opinion, the most positive card to pull in the entire major arcana. the card offers clarity in a time of confusion, renewed vitality in a time of fatigue, and passion during a time of monotony. in all things it is a positive symbol. your mental and physical health is or will be improving. consider indulging your inner child, and reconciling with your past wants and joys. enthusiasm for new or once abandoned hobbies and projects. a bright future with love on the horizon. success, happiness and pleasure is in store for you. share your gifts and wealth with others, especially family or your partner. contentment, the universe is on your side, positivity and optimism.

reversed: for the most part, the reversed sun means the same as upright. there is room for some differences, like maybe you can't acknowledge the joys in your life. you might be feeling some uncertainty, but it's all going to turn out alright. change might not happen overnight, but it's on the way. in the meantime, celebrate the small wins as they come. beware of pessimism and nihilism overwhelming you, as things will improve soon.

20- JUDGEMENT

upright: the judgement card is all about reflecting on your life, choices, actions, and experiences. the rider-waite card has imagery of resurrection and divine awakening (following the call from the heavens). in this process, remember to have compassion for your past self, as you were doing the best with the information you had. in order to move forward, you have to be willing to accept your mistakes and look at the past with at the very least ambivalence, but ideally some appreciation. surrender to the changes as they come, and accept that you are constantly evolving, and the person a year from now will be just as foreign to you as the person from back then. accept reconciliation if it is attempted, but don't force it, it isn't necessary for closure. heed signs from the universe and accept your gifts. acquiring a purpose, life-altering decisions.

reversed: this interpretation is about repeating patterns without learning the right lessons to move forward. indecision due to self-doubt and harsh judgement. not being able to evolve as a person because you're clinging to the past. ignoring a higher calling. separation and denial, especially in relationships. take time for yourself to recover and heal. embrace growth and change.

21- THE WORLD

upright: the world, as the final card in the major arcana, represents the fool at the end of his journey. for all his effort he will be rewarded, and that will be reflected in the querent as well. all is for naught. celebrate your wins and acknowledge how far you've come. similar to the wheel of fortune, this card reminds us how life is cyclical, but it adds on to that. at the end of each road you have traveled, you have gained something: knowledge, wealth, maturity. be generous with your winnings, and express your love for others freely and openly. wealth and recognition. travel or the end of your travels. consider taking on more responsibility in your job. accept this new phase in your life, and feel proud of yourself for making it this far.

reversed: the reversed world card signifies that a cycle is coming to an end, whether you're ready for it or not. there might be a lack of closure or delayed gratification, but both will come in time. if closure is what you need, feel assured that you can offer it to yourself through self-affirmations and taking (measured) risks (to improve your trust in yourself). disappointment in yourself or your life situation. failed plans: don't be afraid to try again.

SOURCES

"Guided Tarot for Seamless Readings" by Stefanie Caponi

Labyrinthos

Various booklet guides from tarot decks

[apiswitchcraft]

would anyone be interested in a post about the differences and syncretism between hellenic and roman polytheism? ive been reading a lot about the roman empire recently and idk i think it's something important to talk about bc the two get combined a lot. but if there's already someone on here who's made a post similar that i don't know about then i don't wanna be redundant!

[apiswitchcraft]

do you have any tips to feeling more connected with the gods? I'm a devotee for Aphrodite and I've been feeling so estranged recently and I havne't prayed for the last few weeks at my altar because I've been out and I just feel so horrible about it :(

love your blog btw!!!

hi!! yes i have a few, just off the top of my head.

1. Using travel altars!

I have a few different travel altars that I keep in various different bags (I carry a purse/satchel with me everywhere). They're basically just small plastic boxes that I got from buying jewelry supplies, but you can also use glass/plastic bottles, I've even seen people incorporate images or written hymns into their wallets or coin purses.

For my travel altars I like to include small charms, dried herbs, and crystals that I associate with the deity, and then I seal it with melted wax. Keep in mind that these will often be kept in non-temperature controlled, dark areas that are ideal for mold growth. Because of this, make sure your herbs are fully dried and I probably wouldn't add essential oils just in case. Also make sure that your container is completely sealed if you decide to put ground herbs/spices or incense ash in it

2. Setting a routine for praying

I think the biggest takeaway from this is that you don't need to pray every single day, I certainly don't, and many other practitioners I know don't either. Instead, you can set a routine for praying in between your daily activities. It doesn't need to be for very long, it doesn't need to follow any sort of framework, but I think just becoming more acquainted with casual prayer and casual worship will not only benefit your connection with the gods, but also make worship more accessible to you

3. Meditating or divining just because you feel like it

This one is pretty self-explanatory, but basically I just mean: pull a couple tarot cards just to fill the time or sit and meditate just to start your day. You don't need to have a reason, and it doesn't need to be this big, complex arrangement. You can certainly do that from time to time, but I find myself getting burnt out building up my expectations for myself.

4. Reading about or researching online in downtime

I think this one is pretty great just because of how accessible information is online. You can pull up so many primary sources and peruse them as your day allows. If you spend a lot of time commuting, or are generally just not in the driver's seat you can pull out your phone and go crazy! If you do drive you can use audiobooks (there are a lot of free audio recordings of public domain works) too.

[apiswitchcraft]

do you know about any symbol or literally anything to let people know my religion and the deities i’m devote to? they’re a really important part of my life and i want to include them in as much daily and mundane things in my life as i can!! (like social media, clothes, gestures) hope it makes sense<3

hi anon!!

so ofc there's plenty of imagery out there that might be applicable in this situation, from astrological to alchemical to planetary there is a LOT you could use

for this specific post though ill just give you what ive compiled off the top of my head, all of these images are from google and i have no claim to them in the slightest they were just convenient

first up are these symbols that idk where they originate so do what you will:

next is deities' more "functional" or basically just more meaningful images:

(this is hermes' caduceus and hekate's strophalos, which represents a labyrinth)

there are other examples too of like asclepius' staff and the aquarius symbol (which represents ganymede, the divine water bearer). which like the astrological symbols are often used to relate to the gods, but it's up to you how you decide to use them so

hopefully this is what you meant by this question and that this was in any way helpful

[apiswitchcraft]

hi ryy

💌⭐ for the ask (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)

HALLO !!! :3

💌 - What is your favorite form of deity communication?

for me i've always been very impartial to using pendulums, since they're the first thing i got when i started my practice! at first i didn't use them to connect with deities but i got familiar with them fairly quickly plus i connected really strongly with the pendulums themselves.

other than that i primarily use tarot and oracle cards, since they're more detailed and i can ask more open-ended questions.

when i was doing better mental health wise I was also spending a lot of time meditating and attempting communication that way, which always made me feel really relaxed and at peace. because i've been struggling a bit though it's much more difficult to accomplish and so i'd rate it lower than the other two

⭐ - What is something you wish people outside your practice knew more about?

i'm not entirely sure what this question is referring to so i'm going to answer it in two parts:

-people that aren't witches/pagans. i guess i wish that more people in general knew about non-wiccan practices. i'm not exactly angered by it but it is disheartening to be lumped in with people who culturally appropriate like it's a fuckin professional sport lol. i'm not exactly anti-wiccan, because i believe there are people who identify as wiccan who don't do that, but the very foundation of the religion is based on traditions stolen from other cultures and that's incredibly difficult to separate from the individual practitioners

-witches/pagans that have beliefs differing from mine in a more substantial way. i wish more people knew about and practiced folk witch (if applicable) traditions! i just think they're really neat, especially if you're in a really culturally charged area (like the Southern United States). just educating yourself on things like that definitely aren't cultural appropriation, and I highly recommend it!

to add on to that, I think more pagans and witches should look into local and unnamed deities--gods/nymphs/dryads/etc. of your local lake or river or forest or whatever it is! it's definitely something i've been trying to do more of and it's so wholesome and fulfilling to experience that type of energy

[apiswitchcraft]

not me forgetting to type everything in the previous ask.... If it's not too much trouble, could you please make a post about offerings to Hypnos like the posts abt altars to the gods? Sure, if it's not too much trouble!! <3

GOOD GOD I CAN'T BELIEVE I FORGOT TO INCLUDE HIM??? i updated this post to include him next to thanatos, his brother. if you have any other questions feel free to send a follow up or post a comment and i'd be happy to answer!

thank you for letting me know he was missing! and for anyone else reading this that wants another specific deity feel free to send an ask just like this :)

[apiswitchcraft]

Did Apollo rape Dryope?? I was reading more about the gods and mythology in general on Theoi and it says there that she was seduced by Apollo in the form of a serpent, but I've also seen that she was raped by him (as it says on Wikipedia for example)

Sorry to bother you, all the best to you, wonderful person <3 💐💐

im not familiar with this specific myth well enough to claim which version is right or wrong, however i do know that SA is not an uncommon theme in greek myths. despite that, because of the separation between the myths and actual deities that helpolytheism keeps, we know this isn't an actual reflection on the gods characters

take hades' capture of persephone, for example. an innocent young woman kidnapped by an older man and taken away to be kept as a "trophy wife" of sorts. sounds pretty bad, right?

except this myth acts moreso as a commentary on ancient greek society at the time, as this may be something commonly experienced at the time. furthermore, it is a literal interpretation of the changing of seasons, of Death coming and stealing the radiant Spring and beginning the frigid Winter months.

at the end of the day, these myths were written by people to explain phenomena they saw in their daily lives and in the relationships between divinities, not doctrine that was passed on from god to man like in christianity.

(also you can check the source on wikipedia for that specific section, and then see if the SA is part of early or later greek or even roman literature, neither is really wrong but i prefer earlier sources)

have a great one anon, i wish you a good weekend!

[apiswitchcraft]

i don't have much in the way of academic content rn but here's a recent sketch i finished

western cowboy ganymede (pre-zeus)

posting it now in case i never finish it after transfering to digital </3

based on the part of his lore where he's the "cow boy" of his father's herd

[apiswitchcraft]

Hii ♥️🎭 for the ask thingy

hey gang sorry these have been sitting in my inbox for WAY too long, i've been doing a new mental health treatment (TMS, it's a little like electro shock but with magnets) and it's been really intense. i'm doing fine and my depression is having a noticeable improvement already, but i can literally feel my brain chemistry changing and the side effects are a little annoying

anyways, this is for you, anon, and @dislikabledionysian, who asked for 🎭 too

❤️ - What's one memory of your practice that you reflect the most fondly on?

The only thing that I can really think of for this is the very beginning of my relationship with the divine.

My "inciting incident," so to speak, was a trip where I visited my long distance best friend, who was raised as an American folk witch. During that trip, he introduced me to pendulums (for divination), tarot, and deity worship.

Keep in mind, we're both like 13 at the time, and he manages to teach me about the worship of multiple deities across different pantheons, And witchcraft, And hellenic polytheism in the span of like seven days. I have always been deeply interested in greek mythology (shoutout Percy Jackson series), so I was super excited to realize that people actually worshipped those deities, which meant that I could too.

It was not only such a healing experience within our friendship, but is something I look back on really fondly as part of the beginning of my practice.

🎭 - What is an emotionally impactful or a silly worship-related experience you've had?

Other than the previous story, I think one part of my practice that still stands out is teaching my younger brother about witchcraft and hellenic polytheism. I didn't exactly convert him per se, but I basically just said "hey if you are ever interested in that stuff (he was on tiktok at the time and witchtok was starting to get popular), I'm really into it so I could teach you about it." And now lil bro is like a devoted artemis worshipper!!! it's so cool to see his evolution over time

Seeing someone you introduced to the pagan/witchy space carve out their own space and have their own thoughts and beliefs independent from your own just gives you that warm fuzzy feeling idk

[apiswitchcraft]

YOU'LL NEVER GUESS WHAT CAME IN THE MAIL THE OTHER DAY

she's so beautiful and arrived so quick seriously pls give his shop some love

Demeter & Kore Offering Bowl

A modest ceramic bowl with the carved image of a snake. one half is living and the other half dead. painted wheat surrounds the snake on top of the stone-like inner surface of the bowl. The imagery reflects Kore and Demeter's irreplaceable roles in the natural cycles of earth and agriculture.

This vessel has sold 🐍

if you are interested in supporting my functional artwork, please visit my shop linked here !

[apiswitchcraft]

i see my moots doing this so ig i can do it too

Polytheist & Pagan Asks

🙏 - Which pantheon(s) do you actively worship?

🌞 - Which deity(ies) are you closest to/do you worship the most often?

✨ - Do you believe in patron deities? If so, do you have any that you know of?

🌍 - Which pantheons do you believe exist?

📜 - Have you ever made an oath, vow, or contract with a deity? If yes, how did it go (you don't have to share)?

📿 - What are three things you're grateful to your deity(ies) for?

🖋️ - If you could say anything to your deity(ies) right now, what would you most want to say?

💌 - What is your favorite form of deity communication?

🎭 - What is an emotionally impactful or a silly worship-related experience you've had?

❤️ - What's one memory of your practice that you reflect the most fondly on?

🥂 - What is your favorite devotional act or offering to give?

🎉 - Do you celebrate any festivals? If so, which ones?

🫂 - Do you syncretize any pantheons with one another? If so, which ones?

🔮 - Do you delve into topics like the occult or the mysteries? Do you do anything esoteric?

⭐ - What is something you wish people outside your practice knew more about?

📖 - Do you like the way your pantheon is most often portrayed in media? Why or why not?

🏛️ - Do you have a favorite statue or temple to your deity(ies)? If yes, what is it?

🔥 - Do you have a favorite myth or tale from your pantheon or others?

🧭 - What led you to your practice?

🧿 - Did you have any other spiritual beliefs before discovering your current practice?

🪽 - Do you believe in angels and/or demons? If yes, do you worship or work with any?

🪄 - Do you practice witchcraft? If yes, do you keep it separate from your deity worship?

🪦 - Do ancestors or human spirits play a big role in your practice?

🐾 - Do animal spirits play a big role in your practice?

🌱 - Does nature - plants, nature spirits, etc. - play a big role in your practice?

💀 - Do you believe in ghosts? If yes, have you ever had an experience with one?

☄️ - Do you believe in astral travel/the astral realm? If so, have you been there before?