apiswitchcraft

[apiswitchcraft]

oracle deck reviews

click here for the first part, where i review my tarot decks!

in this post i'll just be going over my likes and dislikes with each deck, as well as where i got them. unfortunately that means this post will probably be a bit shorter than the last one :(

THE CITADEL

LIKES: cool funky shaped cards, metallic orange foil, a guidebook that's surprisingly detailed enough for me, the coolest box EVER, has suits that the cards are organized in

DISLIKES: hard to shuffle the cards because of shape

i got these off amazon!

WOODLAND WARDENS

LIKES: nice, thick cardstock, the drawings are SO CUTE honestly there's not a single one i dislike

DISLIKES: hard to shuffle because they're not very bendy, i wish the guidebook was a little more detailed

i got these as a gift but they bought them off amazon too

AMOR ET PSYCHE

LIKES: cards are very large, good for a love reading, easy to shuffle and bendy

DISLIKES: WARNING: nudity, violence, there isn't very many cards (only 30), and the guidebook is pretty brief + there's spelling/grammar errors

i got this one off ebay!

THE DAEMON TAROT

LIKES: the diversity of cards and interpretations, there's a reason why the guidebook is so big, taught me about different infernals!

DISLIKES: my cards are warped (water damage) so this makes it even worse, but they are kinda hard to shuffle normally

i got this at Barnes and Noble

and these three i got from my therapist so i don't know a good source for them

WISDOM OF THE HIDDEN REALMS

LIKES: good diversity of cards and interpretations

DISLIKES: some of the images are definitely giving AI-generated before AI images even existed (weird photo editing and filters)

GODDESSES

LIKES: i really like using these cards for giving advice or as a good extra add-on to a tarot reading, i like the size and that the interpretations come on the back

DISLIKES: some of these descriptions of goddesses are just wrong, lol, including indigenous/closed practice deities, some are strangely cropped or stretched

BUTTERFLY

LIKES: same with the goddesses deck, it's good for advice

DISLIKES: reuses some of the pictures just flipped/cropped differently

[apiswitchcraft]

tarot deck reviews

click here for the second part, where i review my oracle decks

another poll suggestion post!! this one will just be all my tarot decks that i currently own (i have given away two decks, the robin wood tarot and universal waite pocket deck, and they will not be featured here) plus some others that i think are really cool and deserve a spotlight. my next post will be all my oracle decks, which are just tarot decks but someone made up entirely new cards and meanings (if you didn't know)

in this post ill go over physical pros and cons, special features, and where i got them/the artist. what i will NOT be trying to do is comment on the "vibes" of each deck or how my personal relationship with them is, that varies between individuals and is between you and your cards

buuuutt before we get into the actual reviews lets talk about

STORAGE

i like to keep my tarot decks stored in a drawer away from the sun (UV can leech colors) and any heat/moisture sources (can cause some cards to warp) however, as I've moved from place to place this does occasionally change

for a majority of my decks I like to put them into a cloth bag, wrapped in a bandana or scarf or large handkerchief. this is because i learned that a piece of cloth (blessed/enchanted) will protect the deck from negative energy from people/spirits. it Also just helps to prevent wear/damage while i'm moving or transporting my stuff around

in the occasion that a card gets bent or creased, you can sandwich each individual card with a damp paper towel (removed after a few hours/a day and replaced with a dry one to prevent mold) on the bottom and a very heavy FLAT item on top for several days until you are ABSOLUTELY sure the card is dry.

WARNING: if the ink on the card is water soluble, this could cause the art to warp or smear. do a test on the corner of a card or the guidebook (if printed the same way) to make sure. if you're still concerned you can put a piece of plastic in between the card and the paper towel, and then put the whole thing in a bag (so that you can still put a heavy item on top)

THE ACTUAL REVIEWS

okay i know i just said i wouldn't comment on my relationships with my decks but these are my ride or dies. my meow meows some would say. if im not in an oracle mood these are ALWAYS the decks i reach for

FYODOR PAVLOV TAROT

PROS: the stars on the back are actually metallic, sturdy but still bendable enough to shuffle, printing quality is so detailed, metallic (gold) edge

CONS: plain back design, WARNING: NSFW designs including nudity and sexual themes, pentacles are replaced with the suit of coins (if that bothers you)

SPECIAL FEATURES: each suit is color themed (so tasty for my brain), so much of the art includes trans, poc and queer characters!! comes with a guidebook

i just got this one at Barnes and Noble, but you should check out the artist on Instagram

THE MUSHROOM TAROT

KEEP IN MIND SOME OF THESE THINGS MAY HAVE CHANGED IN LATER EDITIONS

PROS: yay metallic (copper) edge!!! amazing print quality, and i also weirdly like the plasticy material it's printed on? makes them smooth and easy to cut (shuffle)

CONS: really flexible, to the point i get worried about creasing them, metallic edge wears easily/quickly (i've been VERY gentle with these)

SPECIAL FEATURES: comes with three extra cards and a guidebook

i got this on the official website, but it seems like it's often sold out these days, so check out listings on etsy or ebay

THE ZOMBIE TAROT

PROS: i fuck with this art style so heavy, printing quality is great, and i still have the box it came in lol, i use it for trinkets

CONS: made out of pretty stiff card stock that i'm not a huge fan of, WARNING: some designs have gore!, no metallic edges :(

SPECIAL FEATURES: comes with a guidebook, replaces the pentacles suit with "hazards" (i don't mind it, but some people will)

i got this baby at Barnes and Noble a LONG time ago, right around the beginning of my journey as a witch!

THE GRAND ETTEILLA (printed 1977 in france)

PROS: long and thin, flexible, still feels very sturdy despite being almost 50 years old

CONS: the box is a whisper away from disintegrating, the designs and print quality leave a bit to be desired (but i mean these designs are hella old so i'm not super upset about it), something about the cards make them stick together while I'm trying to shuffle them

SPECIAL FEATURES: comes with a guidebook, cards and book are translated to both english and french, includes all the major arcana and suits of modern rider-waite tarot just in a different order/under different names

i got this off of ebay second hand (obviously), although recreations printed by USGS are pretty easy to find around the internet

ugh, okay before we get started YES these are different decks, and NO i did not know they'd be nearly identical before i bought the gold illuminated version. i'm giving that one away to my brother on his birthday so it doesn't go to waste

ETHERAL VISIONS: LUNA

PROS: the card material is smooth and flexible, AWESOME holographic film incorporated into each card's design, if you like to shuffle cards kinda aggressively these seem good for that

CONS: see the illuminated version's section

SPECIAL FEATURES: lots of queer/poc/trans characters in the designs, comes with a guidebook and three extra cards

i think i got this one off amazon

ETHEREAL VISIONS ILLUMINATED TAROT

i bought this one second hand off ebay thinking, oh, i really liked the luna deck lemme check this one out cause i bet it'll be cool. WRONG. little did i know that the Luna deck is actually a rerelease of the illuminated edition to include more diversity. more like ANY diversity because the illuminated version is ALL WHITE, CISHET CHARACTERS. god i wanted to strangle myself for this one.

obviously, this deck is still beautiful, and it's just as high quality as the Luna version, I'm just mad about a) the lack of inclusivity and b) lack of transparency about these being the SAME deck practically. more than half of the card designs are the same, including the bonus extras, the back is just changed + the metallic film color is different

and if i had never bought the gold illuminated version i would never know because luna is the more widely distributed one nowadays, but NOOO i had to have some semblance of brand loyalty >:(

ON MY WISHLIST:

check out these amazing artists on etsy (see alt text if needed)! i adore their work

the background of my pictures is a bandana by KateOHaraArt on etsy!

[apiswitchcraft]

my knife got balls, call that shit my phagger

praise dionysus for this wonderful creation

[apiswitchcraft]

oh yes! this is a good addendum

in no way do i think any magic is worse or lesser at all, i personally only ever do "easy" magic like tea spells, spell jars, etc.

the reason why i made this post was just bc it was being talked about amongst my friends and i wanted some ideas, the phrasing was just cause i thought it was funny and it mimics some other posts ive seen

thank you prev !!

no more "sigil for anxiety" this or "love spell" that. give me your worst, most terrifying curse

the type of shit that'll tarnish their ancestral line for generations to come or ruin their chance of ever seeing the gates of elysium

[apiswitchcraft]

no more "sigil for anxiety" this or "love spell" that. give me your worst, most terrifying curse

the type of shit that'll tarnish their ancestral line for generations to come or ruin their chance of ever seeing the gates of elysium

[apiswitchcraft]

SHIT sorry guys i forgot the alt text, now it should have captions available for the images :)

poems for the olympians + extras

hey yall!! so that poll got even MORE votes than my earlier one, so iggg i can be convinced to post some poems here (/s)

i did decide to delete that post though just bc those poems are not up to my current standards and so im reworking them to be posted again (like these!)

plus hekate's bc it didn't fit \/

im thinking about reworking that hymn for persephone and making some other ones, so if you have suggestions please let me know !! id love to have the incentive (bc im a terrible procrastinator)

[apiswitchcraft]

poems for the olympians + extras

hey yall!! so that poll got even MORE votes than my earlier one, so iggg i can be convinced to post some poems here (/s)

i did decide to delete that post though just bc those poems are not up to my current standards and so im reworking them to be posted again (like these!)

plus hekate's bc it didn't fit \/

im thinking about reworking that hymn for persephone and making some other ones, so if you have suggestions please let me know !! id love to have the incentive (bc im a terrible procrastinator)

[apiswitchcraft]

and Persephone's is the one i used to use!

I drew some dividers inspired by Greek goddesses, feel free to use them if you like it! (credit given would be appreciated)

Hera

Hestia

Demeter

Aphrodite

Athena

Artemis

Persephone

[apiswitchcraft]

btw these are the dividers ive started using :D

Dionysus themed dividers perhaps?

🍇Dionysus Dividers🍇

please like, reblog, & credit if you use!

[DIVIDER REQUESTS ARE OPEN!]

DNI: TERFS, endo, proship, pro ana, nazi, MAPs, zoophiles

tag list: @ghostboneswrites2 @savanaclaw1996 @lordhavemercyyyyy @bloodythornsandskulls

@und3ad-mutt @ribbed-scythe @idkwhatto-namethis @nothers @yourlocaltrasheater

@ang3l-d1nn3r @puppy-monst3r @orisaspirin @bunnyb0yy @blindweb

@worstwolverinesbf @wardenofbanland @weirdest-worlds

[if you’d like to be on the tag list for dividers, please leave a message in my inbox]

[apiswitchcraft]

devotional jewelry

the poll that i put up the other day (which i know isn't even done yet) has dictated that this post shall be about devotional jewelry/prayer beads! which honestly, i'm really excited for this, i've been meaning to get an excuse to show these off

btw i did provide image descriptions but if they're missing something or you have suggestions please don't be afraid to comment them!

(SOME) EXAMPLES

japa mala: hindu. usually consists of 108 beads (separated by a larger one at the beginning/end), these are used to keep track of mantras/prayers/sacred phrases recited during meditation

mala: buddhist, most commonly tibetan. likely adapted from hinduism, these also have 108 beads (ending in a tassel or amulet), used to count mantras or direct breathing during meditation

prayer rope: eastern orthodox. usually made of 33, 100, or 300 knots ending in a cross (also made of knots) and/or a tassel. used to count repetitions of the Jesus Prayer

rosary: catholic. arranged in five decades (sets of 10 beads) each separated by a larger bead and ending in a strand with a crucifix on the end. traditionally, a person does three cycles, saying Hail Marys on the small beads and different prayers relating to the mysteries on the larger beads

misbaha/subha: islamic. three groups of beads totaling to 99, each section with a different prayer separated by imams and ending in the yad (used as a handle), used in dhikr after regular prayer

ANCIENT GREECE: as far as i can tell, prayer beads were not in use in ancient greek worship. however, jewelry was a somewhat common offering at temples, and a large part of archeological findings have depictions of deities on them. these are my favorite

(SOME OF) MY DEVOTIONAL PIECES

HADES (left) -red/gold glass beads: reminds me of pomegranate seeds

-gold: association with wealth (Plouton)

-silver: association with wealth

-snowflake obsidian: protection, associated with the underworld

-smokey quartz pendant: protection, association with the underworld

PERSEPHONE (right) -unakite: association with nature/the earth

-rhodonite: pink to remind me of spring

-flower beads: association with her Roman form Flora

-hematite: protection, association with underworld

APHRODITE (left) -pearls: association with the ocean (i venerate her strongly as an oceanic deity)

-shells: association with the ocean

-art deco style beads: opulence and beauty

-mint quartz: it's kinda a sea green, reminds me of the ocean where i live

ATHENA (right) -sodalite: intuition, complex thought (wisdom, some might even say)

-lapis lazuli: intuition (also associated with zeus)

-blue aventurine: just fit the theme lol

-obsidian: protection (like against enemies)

-sword pendant: representative of her war aspect

DIONYSUS (left) -aventurine: prosperity, fortune (similar to fertility, kinda?)

-fluorite: just fit the theme

-amethyst and pendant: bc of the story of rhea curing his madness with an amethyst

this was one of the first pieces i made, so i didn't have as big a variety of beads to work with

HEKATE (right) -garnet: associated with Persephone, a companion of Hekate

-labradorite: magic

-bloodstone: the underworld/the dead

-skull beads: underworld/the dead

-tarot cards: representative of her domain of the sky, earth, and seas, also divination/magic

-black tourmaline pendant: the underworld

i chose specifically three skulls on the short section to represent her tripartate depiction

APOLLO (left) -tree agate: nature and hunting

-wood beads: nature

-bells: music (yes they actually make noise!)

-the sun tarot card pendant: he's the god of the sun AND oracles/seers, which this kinda represents

this is one of my faves but i never wear it just bc the bells can be obnoxious in public lmfao. i know most people wear yellow or orange for him but tbh i don't really enjoy those colors and it's important to me to explore his other aspects

ARTEMIS (right) -lepidolite: aids in transitions

-moss agate: nature

-obsidian: protection (i see her as a personal protector)

-labradorite: looks like the moon

i actually went shopping for this one specifically (i had another set for her i wasn't happy with) so that's why there's so many plastic and glass beads (i got them from a craft store). the old set had howlite cause howl=wolf=lykeia and blue aventurine for the sky

HOW TO USE THEM

personally, devotional jewelry is my first go-to when i have low spoons and need to spend the day in bed. i can wear it taking a nap, making my lunch, taking a walk, whatever! i don't always wear it though, since i try to keep it meaningful. this may differ from person to person, but that's just the way i do it

you can also use them as prayer beads and count each bead as a set prayer or phrase to your deity OR use them to help you focus on relaxing during meditation

for those who are devoted to one deity/oathbound/etc., this could also be your way of showing your faith, like you would in a romantic relationship (although you don't need to be godspoused)

they also work as a great altar decoration, you can wear it while doing prayer and put it back after

but also, at the end of the day, i got a lot more value out of the making of these than wearing them (i forget oftentimes), and it was a great devotional activity for me

HOW I MAKE THEM

for my specific pieces i used a style that's commonly seen in modern rosaries--the bead(s) on separate but connected pieces--but you can use whatever style you like

here's an example of what my friend's looks like:

and my brother's:

if you want them all on one strand like these, i say go ahead! if you want them all separate bead by bead then do that! if you want plastic, stone, wood, shell, seed, whatever, go ahead!

ultimately i make my devotional jewelry personal to me and my relationship with the deity, and i encourage you all to do the same. don't worry about what other people are doing (although im always down to provide suggestions!)

MATERIALS I USE -pre looped pins OR bead stringing wire

-a kit like this if using wire string (crimp the small beads or the vertical rectangle with the loop on top instead of tying the wire)

-just jumprings if using pre looped pins

-a round and flat pair of jewelry pliers

-a one step looper (optional)

-whatever beads and pendants i can five finger discount from stores or find at home

if you want recommendations for what crystals or colors to go with you can see my common crystals post and my altars for series. i choose crystals related to the domain of the deity, or ones that show up in their myth

techniques or materials may vary depending on what piece of jewelry you're doing. if you're doing earrings ofc you won't need the wire string and you'll need a different kit with earring backs

ALTERNATIVES

don't have the dexterity, materials, tools, or money to make your own jewelry? here are some ideas: -thrifting/buying them pre made

-thrifting beads

-using old jewelry you already own and just consecrating it for a specific deity (ill make another post about that)

-making something other than a necklace, like friendship bracelets, kandi, earrings, or even a knotted rope

but ultimately, you don't have to have or wear devotional jewelry. it isn't necessarily a vital part of my craft, i just really enjoyed making them. if you don't enjoy making them or can't, don't! you don't need to stress about forcing it into your practice

SOURCES

britannica

wikipedia on misbaha (briefly)

[apiswitchcraft]

i could cry i love this so much thank you aön

HelPol Discourse & Ableism

A more nuanced addition to this post - which I made on a low spoons day (if you're just interested in the ableism part then scroll to the bottom).

The Dunning-Kruger Effect

“The Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which people with limited competence in a particular domain overestimate their abilities”

- Wikipedia

The Duning-Kruger Effect was first pointed out to me by another pagan practitioner - and in that context it was used to describe those who claim to know what is “right” or “wrong” for all practitioners within a given tradition.

This fellow practitioner (I can’t remember their name - this was at least 2 years ago) pointed out that those who are incredibly knowledgeable about a given tradition don’t tend to go around policing others practices.

Why?

Because being knowledgeable about any religious or spiritual tradition means recognizing how incredibly human made traditions are. They are loose - flexible - ever changing and ever evolving within both individual and community practice.

Now - that doesn’t mean “anything goes” within a tradition or religion, quite the opposite.

It instead means that the best way to create a cohesive tradition (or revive a cohesive tradition) is through working together as a community to discuss what is and isn’t valid praxis.

One individual (or a small group of individuals) speaking on behalf of an entire community is very rarely a good idea.

Bold “unpopular opinion” posts - telling others what is and isn’t valid praxis - is not only incredibly hubristic, but is also only going to lead to anger and infighting.

It is through conversation that we can get to the root of an issue and try to find consensus as a community.

As an example: I could make a post explaining my interpretation of, and feelings around, people worshipping Medusa. I could explain that I have negative feelings because this type of worship was not seen in antiquity. But then I could also make it clear that this is just my opinion - and that I’d be interested in hearing others points of view*

*some of those caught up in this controversy have done this, and have wrongly been demonized for it - while others have done the exact opposite, stating their opinion as law.

If someone makes a post similar to the example and you’re still going to be antagonistic or cruel - then just block that person. You’re going to save both them and yourself a lot of needless stress.

If someone makes a post that is actively inflammatory - you can do one of two things:

1. If you have the energy and bandwidth, you can engage with them in a discussion or civil debate.

2. If you don’t have the energy or bandwidth, or if OP is unwillingly to engage you in such talks, then just block them. Again - it will save you a lot of needless stress.

Lastly - we as Hellenic Polytheists need to be better about our ableism.

If there is something in our faith that is ableist (example: you must always stand with arms outstretched during ritual) then it shouldn’t be part of our faith.

Just because some people do not have any limitations on their physical mobility or mental energy - does not mean that the able-bodied way of doing things gets to be the default or “correct” way of practicing our faith.

I want to make a longer post on the ableism that is rampant in both the HelPol and wider Pagan communities - but for now I think that will suffice.

Askbox is open, as are DMs - The Temple is always open to community building, community discussion, and (civil) community debate.

Eirene - peace and farewell,

- Temple Hyacinthus

[apiswitchcraft]

i just wanted to come on here and say thank you so much for 1400 followers!

i know i never said anything when i hit 1000 a while ago (i just didn't really post anything other than informative stuff) but since there's been a bit of an influx of new people i thought it was a good time to make this post

i have a lot of ideas for new posts, but i can't decide which one to do next so i thought id put it to a poll!

i think ill eventually do all of these ideas but id like to know what y'all would be interested in the most!

thanks again everyone, seriously

<3 ryan

[apiswitchcraft]

looove this thank you so much for putting my thoughts into words

i just want to add on a couple things (but in no way imply that you're wrong)!

1) even the fruits and vegetables and herbs that you grow are processed, as they have undergone hundreds of years of selective breeding (aka a GMO, but ik that's a scary word for some of you "crunchy" folks out there) and their seeds are the ones that are mass distributed. the farm animals you've raised by hand lovingly from birth? yup, they're a GMO too. how do you think that silkie got it's beautiful plume or your cornish got so much muscle?

also, y'all know that things like kale and broccoli don't even exist in nature, right? we fucked them up so good you wouldn't even know they come from the same plant.

and yet, some people will tell you processed foods or foods full of "chemicals" are bad offerings for the gods. i just wanna agree with op here that that's complete bullshit (and also an alt right pipeline red flag)

2. you can still be ableist if you're disabled. and you'll say "of course! i know that," but do you really? do you know how intrinsically ableism is intertwined with modern (and ancient too, btw) society? this is by no means some sort of competition of "who's disability/illness is worse" but, even as a disabled person, there will be perspectives that even i will not understand.

for example: i have not yet begun using a wheelchair, so how could i ever really know on a personal, emotional level how difficult that is?

on the other hand, i often cannot go outside for periods of time due to environmental allergies (which worsen existing conditions) and risk of overheating. so how could these people saying "just go outside" really understand my perspective?

furthermore, the hate against people with serious mental health conditions (some examples being NPD, BPD, DID, etc) is absolutely everywhere, and it is clearly affecting how some people think about certain worshippers.

what if someone feels abandoned by the gods and lashes out or pulls away?

what if an alter in your system isn't a Hellenic polytheist?

these are all questions we need to be keeping in mind as people with a platform, which is what this really comes down to. it's not "just your opinion" or a "don't like it, don't do it" sort of thing when you have hundreds of followers, some of which will be young people or beginners! that's just a given! and now you're being a negative influence on them and that's why people are trying to correct the narrative

but the anon haters (to EVERYONE) can go suck a big one, cowards. idc what side you're on you're helping no one

Ableism in the Hellenic Polytheist space

Before I start, today is seriously a low spoons day, so I hope all of this is coherent and makes sense.

I've noticed a large trend of covert ableism in this space recently. Both in terms of how making your practice more accessible is viewed, but also the way that the disabilities of other people get treated by other members of the community.

Obviously part of this post is in relation to the current debate that I'm seeing about offering the gods processed foods. The "hot Cheetos and monster" stuff that's going around. Before I get into this, please don't go harass anybody. I know at least one person who has made an opposite stance to mine known as received countless asks of them telling them horrible awful things. We can disagree and be civil, but if anyone who follows me feels the need to send anon hate to anyone over this, please just don't follow me. I don't want you here. With that disclaimer over, let's dig in.

No, I don't think the gods will view you any differently because you offer processed foods (or digital offerings that you put genuine time and energy and thought into!!!) If all that you can manage is genuinely Hot Cheetos and an unopened can of monster, that is a good, valid, and loved offering. If you are able to do more and you still decide to do that, that is still a perfectly valid offering. @fireandfennel made a really good post (linked here) about disability and offerings that explains it better than me, but an offering is a sacrifice. Processed foods are expensive, and often for us disabled people it's all that we can manage because we can't always cook or even prepare instant meals. To us that is a sacrifice. I would also argue that in this economy where junk food is more expensive than ever, it's a sacrifice for everyone that chooses to do it, because it is inherently more expensive than offering something like water. The idea that it has to come straight from the earth is a valid one, but is definitely not doable for all of us. I wish personally that I could be ass deep in the mud to be collecting clay, but I just physically can't. The other point that I would like to make about this is that almost everything that we consume is either processed or genetically modified. Unless you are offering something that you have grown yourself with no pesticides or anything, you are still offering a processed food of some sort. If you offer tap water, you are offering water that is treated with fluoride. If you are offering purified water, you are offering water that has had to be processed. In the modern day, 99% of us will not be giving offerings that aren't processed. We just aren't. To me this point stems from the idea that some people are Better Special Worshippers because they have the physical ability to do what others of us cannot. Which brings me to my second point.

Tumblr is ableist. This community is ableist. We need to do better. The way this has been handled by VERY LARGE creators is absolutely fucking insane to me. The idea of "just cut up an apple instead" is a crazy take because some people have mobility issues with their hands and arms, some people have issues with grip and coordination. Not everyone CAN "just" cut up an apple. For some people it's a big fucking task. I think truthfully that these people just aren't thinking about their disabled peers, though that's what I'm choosing to hope (rather than seeing the observable fact that these creators claim to be friends with disabled people, and still choose to be openly exclusionary towards them).

The way I've seen it handled in replies was worse. Someone in the comments of a post were even making fun of me personally because of a meme I posted regarding my mental illness, making jokes that I was attention seeking and it "made sense". Yeah I'm diagnosed with multiple conditions, and even if it's in memes, I AM going to talk about it so that other people feel less alone.

I've seen so many people say or imply that it's lazy to offer junk food. Listen if you're offering what you have and it's with clean hands and good intentions, the gods love you.

Anyway my point to this is that Tumblr has been really fucking ableist lately with the way they've been handling offerings, and it's really disappointing because the ones I've seen do it are large accounts. This is not okay. We are better than this as a community.

For all the disabled folks like me, you are welcome here. You are welcome on my account, you are welcomed by Dionysus. The gods are for everyone and they understand, even when other humans don't.

[apiswitchcraft]

it's not "bad Xenia" if they're an asshole btw

that's like, the whole point.

[apiswitchcraft]

i definitely prefer collages/e-offerings that are of your own art/photography HOWEVER even if they're not they're totally valid (please just credit the originals, reverse image search is your friend here) AS LONG AS they're not AI

AI generated images are anti-environment, anti-intellectualism, anti-art(ist), anti-human

I don't give a single shit if your drawings are bad, are on physical media, are budget friendly, are "not aesthetic," i will still respect it more than devotional AI images

the gods have evolved with us, and they'll understand "low effort" offerings

hell i didn't offer the gods anything except burning candles or arranging crystals for YEARS and i still built kharis

don't be afraid of people telling you what to do online, what's wrong or what's right. it's perfectly acceptable to provide recommendations or historically accurate replacements but in no way are those the ONLY things that are valid

I believe digital offerings are terribly valid offerings. Digital offerings take time and effort, that's what matters. Not everyone can give offerings in person. Not everyone lives around a supportive family. Not everyone has the money to spend on physical offerings, nor can safely put them places.

Not to mention, not everyone has the time/energy levels to do large rituals, prayers, ect.

Not one single person has the same relationship with their Theoi/Gods/Dieties/Higher Beings/ect. Don't let anyone tell you that you're not valid because you don't buy hundreds of dollars in offerings. Don't let anyone tell you you're not valid for not having a dedicated space in the physical world.

Your pinterest boards are valid.

Your minecraft altars/temples are valid.

Your devotional playlists are valid.

Your devotional blogs are valid.

Your lockscreen/homescreen devotions are valid.

You are valid.

What matters is that you're thinking about Them. Talking about them. Doing things to honor Them. Don't let others put you down for loving and appreciating your Gods.

[apiswitchcraft]

how i shop ethically/sustainably as a witch/pagan

now, ive been a witch and polytheist for a long ass time, and ive been in many different states of life between then. ive lived in my childhood bedroom, ive lived in a dorm, ive lived in an apartment, and now i live in a house with three roommates. ive been poor, ive been less poor, and ive been college student broke. i have quite a bit of altars for different deities, i have a lot of crystal and herbs that need storage, books that need shelves, nick nacks that need scattering, etc etc. tbh though, i don't always have the space 😅 and so this post is for those of us that are low on space, low on funds, or just looking to make their lives easier

1. ask crystal shops where they source from. sometimes major chains will ship crystals in from asian or african mines that are powered by slave/underpaid/underage miners (source, source, and one more source). and although sourcing within your country of origin (mine being the U.S.) isn't always a guarantee you get ethical product, it usually is better because there's more transparency about environmental regulations and labor laws

2. however, overmining of natural resources like crystals is still an issue. although the medium to large shiny rock collection you have in your closet probably isn't hurting anybody, shit like giant rose quartz bathtubs and natural diamond chandeliers definitely aren't great!! as common as some of these minerals are, there is still a finite amount on this earth and we should do our best to respect her

3. not using herbs or animal products that are endangered. the usage of frankincense, for example, which is a resin (hardened sap) of the boswellia genus of trees, is threatening the wild population. additionally, many animals like grizzly bears or gray wolves have been hunted out of many areas in the Continental United States, and birds like the Mamo and some species of eagles are listed as endangered. however, some indigenous groups will use parts of these animals for ritualistic purposes, although they take extreme care for these animals and show the remains utmost respect. therefore, the shady ebay/etsy seller or ignorant psychic shop down the street from you should be avoided at all costs

4. not using herbs/offerings that are from closed/indigenous practices. i don't use sage of any kind, i don't use palo santo, i don't use copal (i don't think this is a closed practice thing but i don't use it anyways), i don't use feathers or smudging techniques. keep in mind that im white, so if you're of a different ethnicity than me then that changes things

INSTEAD i use: rosemary, lavender, or cedar for cleansing, frankincense (which i bought years ago and i won't be buying more) or myrrh resin for consecration, moon water (especially full moon) or any kind of incense for cleansing OR consecration, charcoal for protection, bells/music for cleansing or just ritual ambience, and selenite or salt for cleansing before an enchantment

6. in that same kind of vein, if i can make it i do. i bind my own notebooks (sometimes, not always, im not perfect and i like my cute leather journals from time to time), i make offerings out of clay or needle felting or paper crafts or drawing or painting, i use my own cats whiskers on my freyja altar, i make candles (it's actually very easy!! i recommend it a lot!), etc.

5. not being wasteful. of course this is a very broad category but i do it in a few ways. i reuse old glass bottles/jars, i melt down leftover candle wax to make new candles, i burn all of the herbs i set out and dispose of them back into the earth, everything i buy i use until they're done before buying more (ik it's tempting to hoard candles but if we're being real here, do you really have the space?), storing my herbs in a cool dark place so that they don't mold or rot, harvesting herbs from my area or growing my own instead of buying some from a store thats triple wrapped in plastic or some shit, going thrifting or antiquing. ALSO big one is using common materials/offerings instead of exotic ones (like using crow feathers i picked up off the ground for my altar instead of buying fancy ones online or using foraged acorns and bottle caps on my dionysus altar). this can also include recycled materials like cardboard boxes as stands/tables (practice proper fire safety though!!), old canvases for paintings, random paper/plastic stuff for crafts or collages, really whatever you can think of!

7. i regift things that i can't use/won't use. ofc in my time ive gotten books that i can't use (they have closed practice aspects like hoodoo or are better for covens of people instead of individuals), herbs i can't burn, tarot cards i don't like, crystals i don't need. and instead of getting rid of them or hoarding them out of guilt of trashing it, i just give them away! for tarot specifically this is a great way to get rid of decks you don't want bc it adds a sort of energy to it and people really like it

8. i don't build an altar if i don't need it. this one i think is very practical considering the Poly nature of polytheism. in my time ive had many deities ive reached out to, ive made devotional art for, dedicated an offering to, but never built an altar to. there's no real reason why i choose to build an altar to one deity over another, but often times ill build an altar if i feel a strong pull to one or i find myself interacting with their domain a lot. in athenas case i became a lot more invested in politics and was constantly doing crafts, and then with hekate i was doing a lot of witchcraft, so i built them both altars even though i didn't feel a strong pull towards them. in reverse, i feel a bit of a pull towards deified mortals like psyche and ariadne and atalanta, but i have not at this time built them altars because they're either associated with a deity i already have one for, or i just don't feel like i need to to connect with them. and this is completely fine! although it can be a very personal thing, i promise that most deities will not mind if you deconstruct or minimize their altars out of space concerns or whatever it might be (i like to just do it respectfully and burn offerings for them while im doing it though). you can still connect with the gods without a formal altar

[apiswitchcraft]

reconstructionists in general are just normal ass people who have an interest in history and they're totally chill

but there are some people,, likeee girl you're Embarrassing Yourself!! cmon now

homer didnt even have central plumbing im not sure i believe he lived among the ONLY people who got it right and get to make the rules

y'all r giving cult leader. giving southern baptist. giving narrow worldview that inherently betrays what the ancient greeks really experienced (keeping in mind syncretism and cultural overlap)

Can I have a safe space to ramble a bit about reconstructionists? Just seeing the posts over the last few days have recemented some feelings I have and I don’t really have anyone to bounce them off of-

And for one I completely respect reconstructionsists! I think there absolutely is value in studying how Hellenic polytheism operated and was integrated into every day life. It’s a part of history and deserves to be covered and I love to concept of being able to bring back some older traditions into our modern day practices even if they are separated by thousands of years. And it’s really good to reflect on how these gods existed originally outside of modern interpretation.

I just really feel squicked out by the… elitism? that a lot of reconstructionists I’ve encountered hold. Just this idea that they know the right way to worship the gods and all of us to who mix our practices into our modern lives or work with our modern limitations are actually doing it all wrong.

I never really like this line of thinking that the gods are confused or turned off by modern customs and changes. As if they are incapable of evolving past the period of time we classify as Ancient Greece. As if Greece is a place that doesn’t still exist as a modern location. If that makes sense?

There’s also the fact that the period of time we recognize as Ancient Greece existed a couple thousand years ago- and the period of time where helpol was working was also over several hundred years itself (talking more as the “main” religion of the region yknow?).

I just feel that it’s inauthentic for reconstructionists to constantly peddle this idea that they are worshipping in this true old way- when there’s no doubt in my mind that helpol existed and changed so much from its inception to the time it “ended”. If anything, their own practices can really only cover brief periods of time.

I could go on but I think I’ll end it there- hopefully this made sense, some of these thoughts I don’t fully know how to articulate, but thanks for listening <3

You honestly just put everything I've been thinking for so long into words. TOTAL reconstruction is fully and completely impossible because of how old and lost to time the religion is

I want to obviously say that I LOVE reconstructionists, I'm friends with many and most of them are wonderful people full of respect and a passion for learning. It's just a few bad apples.

But holy shit I so agree. It's a dick measuring contest of who knows the most about the absolutely miniscule amount of information we have. And learning and reading up on stuff is good, it's GREAT!! we all SHOULD be! But at the same time, we're all human, and it's a lot of information that's hard to find, hard to understand, and needs an insane amount of cross referencing. It's HARD.

honestly I don't even have more to add. You were so well spoken and put it all so well. Thank you for finding me a safe space to share this 🩷