notafraidtobestrange

[notafraidtobestrange]

Yall have got to start making self insert art of you and your gods together you have to. Start. Today. It is extremely important.

You gotta stop just drawing them, you must draw yourself alongside them you must you gotta you have to it’s not optional it’s mandatory you gotta do it right now

“I don’t like drawing myself!”

Bitch neither do I but there must be at least one piece of media in the world of me and my God together and the same applies to you my dear friend

“But it’ll look ugly!”

3000 YEARS AGO THEY CARVED STICK MEN INTO STONE

The only reason I know the gods were loved is because someone took the time to write it down of draw about it. It’s never ugly you fool. It is always art.

This is a warning.

You must make self insert art of you and your gods together

you have to you just have to

Go do it right now. Go. Fly high.

[notafraidtobestrange]

Cartomancy

Divination with Playing Cards

Origins

Before tarot ruled the world of modern witchcraft, there was cartomancy — the sacred art of reading standard playing cards. First emerging in Europe in the 14th century, playing cards quickly became tools of fortune-tellers and wise folk. Their humble, everyday appearance made them ideal for secret magical work, hidden in plain sight. In France and Italy, women known as sibyls or wise wives would lay the cards upon lace-draped tables, speaking prophecy through diamonds and clubs. By the 18th century, cartomancy became a respected — and feared — method of insight, sometimes paired with astrology, palmistry, or tea leaves.

Cartomancy vs. Tarot

Though both are tools of divination, tarot and cartomancy are cousins, not twins. The tarot deck is esoteric by design: 78 cards full of complex archetypes and symbolism. It speaks in riddles, dreams, and myths. Cartomancy, however, is practical — sharp as a blade. With only 52 cards, it cuts to the heart of the matter. It’s blunt, prophetic, often merciless. Where tarot asks “Why?”, cartomancy asks “What’s next?” Both are sacred. Both are powerful. But cartomancy is a language of omens and outcomes, rather than introspection.

How to Read the Cards – A Step-by-Step Ritual

Consecrate the Deck

Shuffle with Intention

Draw Your Cards: begin with a simple spread. A three-card layout is ideal for beginners: Past – Present – Future, Situation – Obstacle – Outcome, Mind – Heart – Path

Interpret in Context remember: meanings shift when cards are together.

Record the Reading

Close the Ritual: thank the spirits, guides, or intuition that aided you. Store the deck in silk or a wooden box to protect its energy.

The Cards and Their Meanings

♠️ Spades — Shadow, challenge, intellect, misfortune

Aces: Trouble beginning, sudden message

2: Betrayal, hidden danger

3: Arguments, third-party interference

4: Illness or fatigue

5: Defeat, fear

6: Small improvements, slow progress

7: Warning, deception

8: Conflict, bad timing

9: Grief, sorrow

10: Loss, endings

Jack: Young troublemaker or spy

Queen: Jealous woman, gossip

King: Stern man, judge or enemy

♥️ Hearts — Love, family, happiness, emotional life

Aces: True love, divine blessing

2: Union, partnership

3: Joy, family, birth

4: Comfort, home

5: Change in the heart

6: Generosity, kindness

7: Fickle emotions, fleeting crush

8: Invitations, parties

9: Wish fulfilled

10: Lasting happiness

Jack: Sweetheart, young admirer

Queen: Loving woman, nurturing presence

King: Warm protector, father figure

♦️ Diamonds — Wealth, ambition, decisions, worldly matters

Aces: Prosperity, a gift

2: Business talk, contracts

3: Unstable plans

4: Security, foundations

5: Financial loss or shift

6: Greed, self-interest

7: Arguments over money

8: News about wealth or career

9: Windfall, promotion

10: Long-term success

Jack: Messenger, fast talker

Queen: Ambitious, stylish woman

King: Rich man, banker or boss

♣️ Clubs — Work, growth, energy, challenges

Aces: A new job, new energy

2: Deliberation, hesitation

3: Creative endeavor

4: Stable career, teamwork

5: Rivalry, competition

6: Recognition, success

7: Struggle, perseverance

8: Rapid changes, movement

9: Achievement, fulfillment

10: Overwork, burnout

Jack: Helpful friend or ally

Queen: Hardworking, loyal woman

King: Wise mentor or authority

Cartomancy, though overlooked, is a weapon of truth in the hands of a wise reader. Its symbols may be simple, but its voice is ancient. When the cards speak, listen — they do not lie.

Let your cards become your counsel. Let each shuffle awaken a path.

[notafraidtobestrange]

Nazis will never be welcome in paganism. They have no space in our communities, we will have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to nazis. You have no right to the cultures, gods and religions you hijack to spread your disgusting ideologies. You will find no refuge or comraderie amongst pagans.

Reblog to let nazis know they’re not welcome here.

[notafraidtobestrange]

Tarot Spread of The Day!

Ace of Wands, 3 of Swords, 8 of Wqnds, 9 of Swords.

The horrors are ample, so you must forge your own splenders. Do so wrecklessly.

[notafraidtobestrange]

I have to recommend these apps!!! They are amazing! The first one is a dictionary for ancient Greek and English, I think it offers Russian as well! The second one is a library of ancient Greek works! You can read them in Ancient Greek, English, Russian, modern Greek, and others! Though, not all the works have all these options.

You can also click on a word to see the meaning, so it's great for those trying to learn Greek!

I don't know if this is available on IOS, but it's available on Android!!

I love using these to dedicate my language learning and reading to Apollon!

[notafraidtobestrange]

Queerness in the Hellenic Pantheon

One of the many beautiful things about the Hellenic pantheon is how queer it is. In a world where Abrahamic religions have shamed, ostracized or denigrated queer people, Hellenism has a celebration and normalization of queerness integrated into it.

💜 Aphrodite’s biggest fan in Ancient Greece was arguably Sappho, a poet who dedicated an entire iconic piece to the goddess of love, “Ode to Aphrodite”. In the poem, Sappho prays to Aphrodite for help in regards to gaining the attention and affection of the woman she loves. Unlike the male writers of the time who often slandered her, Sappho depicted the goddess as the truly lovely, benevolent being she is.

Sappho was a lesbian. This is where we get the term “sapphic” from. Not only that but she was from the island of Lesbos. So, yes, this is where lesbian originated. (The name of the island is the same as the derogatory term used to refer to wlw back in the day)

💜 Almost none of the male Olympian deities are straight. Apollo, Dionysus, Zeus and Hermes are notorious for their bisexuality/pansexuality, with many male lovers, both human and divine. Even Ares and Poseidon dabbled a bit in same-sex love, though to a much lesser degree.

💜 Artemis, Athena, and Hestia, the three “virgin goddesses”, are seen as asexual and aromantic. In ancient contexts, “virgin” can simply mean “unmarried woman” or “independent of a man”. But, they actually had no interest in romantic or sexual matters. Artemis and Athena are occasionally labeled lesbian, with female lovers cited, but this is often debated. In any case, they had no interest in male companionship.

💜 Aphrodite had a male version of her named Aphroditus that was worshipped in ancient times. The deity had a combination of male and female attributes, described as voluptuous while also having a phallus and, by some accounts, a beard.

Aphroditus is often seen as an earlier version of Hermaphroditus, the intersex deity that was the offspring of both Aphrodite and Hermes.

💜 Dionysus is famously androgynous. He was often described as being “raised as a girl”, due to the nymphs dressing him in female clothing to disguise him from Hera. He was also called “man-womanish” and effeminate.

The best way to describe him would be gender-fluid. He is generally male and can have clear masculine traits. But, he strongly adopts feminine characteristics, to the point where it is a major part of his mythology, and often seems to exist in some gray area in between male and female.

💜 Both Apollo and Dionysus have famous tragic myths about the loss of their male lovers, who both die in freak accidents. Apollo’s human partner Hyancinthus was turned into the hyacinth flower upon his death while Dionysus’ lover, the satyr Ampelus, was transformed into a vine and led to the god’s creation of wine.

💜 The Erotes are a group of male divinities in Aphrodite’s retinue and often said to be her sons. They are the protectors of same-sex love. The central figure of the group is Eros and all the other gods are said to be his brothers and/or different manifestations of him.

The Erotes rule various aspects of love and sex. Eros is love and desire as a whole while Anteros, his twin, embodies requited and reciprocal love. Himeros is the god of satiated desire yet unrequited love while Pothos is a god who embodies emotional and sexual yearning.

One can see how these minor gods can guide queer people struggling with love. When Timagoras confessed his love for Meles, the man mockingly told him to prove it by jumping off a cliff. Out of despair, Timagoras did just that, killing himself. Tortured by guilt, Meles did the same. An altar was built to Anteros in Athens in honor of this, linking the god to a myth of how rejecting love out of fear or pride only hurts you; a tale familiar to repressed queer people. Anteros is said to punish those who push real love away (in truth, he more so guides than punishes).

💜 In modern times, devotees of Dionysus regard him as a patron god of queer people. Many of those who follow him are gay, bisexual, gender-fluid or trans. He provides a sense of safety, comfort, protection and freedom to his queer devotees or even just any queer person who prays to him or asks for help.

Aphrodite is also said to be a protector of queer people. As the goddess of love, she is the embodiment of “love is love”. She has also been said to be a wonderful support to trans women, as she champions feminine expression in all forms and all people.

Happy Pride to all of us in the LGBTQ+ community. The gods love you!

[notafraidtobestrange]

EVERYONE(!) I’m blazing this post because at this pace we might barely hit 1,000,000 signatures—or just fall short. PLEASE reblog this post, no matter where you are from, so we can reach as many EU citizens as possible and end this horrible practice!

[notafraidtobestrange]

O’great Apollon!

Beauty of Olympus!

He who blesses us with poetry & song!

Herald of the sun, brother of the moon!

He who is able to pierce atoms with his arrowheads!

Through you do we create beautiful works!

In your inspiration do we build all that is pleasing to the ear & eye!

Your great sky, filled with light, through you does the sun rise!

Through you do we see light shine through trees!

Leader of the muses, shining bringer of beauty, I call to you!

Be favorable in your wonderful gifts, player of the sacred lute!

Soft lover of Hyacinthus, kind protector against plague!

Lord of the arrow, he who inspires divine oracles!

God of Delphi, slayer of wolves!

Let us sing in earnest for you! Let us witness your halo of light, unable to be dampened!

Grand Lord of the arts!

Grand seer of omens!

[notafraidtobestrange]

Let yourself be cringe in your worship!!!

The Gods don’t find you embarrassing. The Gods don’t care about seeming cool and professional for the approval of others.

Make that fucking aesthetic photo collage for Aphrodite with cute pics you found on Pinterest .

Dress up like Hermes and go for a damn walk.

Collect random stones you think are cool and put them on your altar.

Put that photo of that cartoon character that reminds you of your deity on your altar.

Make that Minecraft temple to Hekate, domesticate those damn Minecraft wolves for Cerberus.

Make your deities in the sims!

Write soppy melodramatic poetry for Dionysus that no one else will read.

Make self insert fanfics about your favourite Gods and write them all as your best friends. Let them interact with your edgy ocs.

Create an AU where you and your Gods are all characters from your favourite anime.

Record silly little songs for them

Make them paintings that are full of clashing colors and weird forms.

Draw them a fursona

Wear that bright yellow outfit for Apollon.

Put on a dramatic makeup look for Aphrodite.

Call your closest deity that silly little nickname you have for them and let them call you one too.

Share your special interests with your Gods. Design your God as a pokémon or a crystal gem, or a sonic character.

Those losers that try to make you feel bad for being passionate will never have what you have.

In the words of the Great Lord Hermes: “Every human I have ever liked was at least a little bit cringe”

BE CRINGE. BE PROUD. THE GODS LOVE YOU.

[notafraidtobestrange]

🕯/⚰️/🕯|⚰️/🕯/⚰️|🕯/⚰️/🕯

Anpu (Anubis) Stimboard for the wonderful protector of the dead, weigher of the heart, and compassionate god as a digital offering!! (I'm pagan, big surprise)

~ Phil

[notafraidtobestrange]

A foxgirl’s tail is made to be pet and pulled!!

[notafraidtobestrange]

Screeching in Norse and vaguely Celtic pagan today

[notafraidtobestrange]

*screeches in Hellenic pagan*

[notafraidtobestrange]

Khaire Altis! Any advice for building kharis?? I've been worshipping the theoi for over a year but I still as if we are not close, probably due to the fact that I don't worship consistently. Thanks in advance

Xaire, Anon!

When it comes to building Kharis, it isn't something that can be rushed. It takes time, and it has nothing to do with consistent worship. Here are some ways you can build Kharis without consistently offering things to them, and hopefully these are disability and neurodivergence-friendly.

Think about them. If you are walking past a flower stand, thank Queen Persephone for the Spring, Lady Demeter for the harvest, and Lord Pan for the nature they hailed from. If you are at the beach, thank Lady Aphrodite for the sea foam and King Poseidon and Queen Amphitrite for the waves. In the rain, thank King Zeus for fertilization and life. Simply think about them and thank them.

Talk about them. Educate others on the myths and nuances surrounding them. Tell people about the representation of Queer love and expression in some of the relationships of Greek Mythos, like Lord Apollon and Hyacinthus or Cyprus. Talk about the nuance of the relationship between Queen Hera and King Zeus. Talk about how important the home and hearth is to venerate and honor Lady Hestia. Talk about them.

Say Good morning and Goodnight. I built Kharis with Lord Apollon by saying good morning and thanking Him for pulling Helios across the sky every morning, and at sunset I'd say goodnight to Him and Welcome Lady Artemis with an esteemed "Good evening."

Pray to them. Pray to them and praise them, sing them hymns, or even just write them down whenever you remember to.

Write letters of introduction to them. I did this with Lord Hermes/Signore Ermetes recently to welcome Him into my practice on a deeper level. And He has been putting me into contact with a variety of Gods as of late - write the letter and pray over it, or leave it on an altar, or offer it to Lord Hermes to carry to the appropriate Divinity.

Listen to music that reminds you of them. Make them playlists. Write your own music in their honor. Music is an amazing way to express emotions and gratitude to the Theoi.

Dedicate parts of your routine to them. Things you already do in your day-to-day. If you're showering, or even just caring for your hygiene in the ways that you can, dedicated it to Lady Aphrodite as an act of self-care. Take your meds in honor of Lord Apollon and Lord Asklepios. Cook your meal in honor of Lady Hestia. Or rotate who you devote certain acts to. When I go to the gym, I cycle between offering it to Lord Ares, King Zeus, and Odysseus.

Dedicate your moments of rest to them. Thank them for the opportunity to rest and allowing it to be rejuvenating, or even for allowing a moment to catch your breath.

Simply talk to them. This can be more informal than prayer. Tell them about your day. Talk out loud, or think it at them. Something I do when I'm a bit frazzled in my room is, if an altar catches my eye, I say hello to the God whose space it is. If King Zeus's altar catches my eye, I take a moment to say, "Hello, King Zeus," and it calms me tremendously because I stopped to focus on one thing.

Position altars in spaces you visit frequently. If you cannot set up altars, mentally dedicate that space. I have Lord Apollons altar between my bed and desk. King Zeus's altar is next to my closet and on top of my dresser, and beside that is Lady Aphrodite's altar. I visit these spaces frequently, so I get to see them and spend time with them often.

Building Kharis does not have to be intimidating or time-consuming. It can be simple acts like these that show the Gods that you care, and that they occupy space in your brain. Thinking first about the Theoi shows that they are at the forefront of your mind. Letting them exist in your thoughts can be a simple way to build Kharis, as well. Do bigger acts when you can, of course. But don't feel like that is the only way to build Kharis. Worship is continuous. "Worshipping consistently" looks different for everyone. Recently for me, it has been thinking about them and keeping them in mind. Sometimes it's constant offerings and prayer when I have the capacity. Both are perfectly fine ways to worship.

This list was curated with the help of some of my friends, and I would like to thank them for assisting me. I am fortunate enough to be physically able, so without their assistance, I would not have been able to make such an inclusive list of methods. These are things they have done in their practice to accommodate themselves, and I am grateful that they worked with me to share these with you.

Xaire, Altis.

[notafraidtobestrange]

Higher Love and Wisdom, Khnum, Ptah

This was today's card pull, just asking for general advice. I've been feeling very mentally exhausted and torn down from the weight of the world. This reading was very reassuring and basically said to take a time out to reconnect with myself and my sense of purpose. It said to let myself be taken care of, both in this earthly realm as well as spiritually. To let love in and to act on my ideas (writing a book and maybe volunteering).

Deck Used: Anubis Oracle

[notafraidtobestrange]

Apollo and Hyacinth🪻

○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●○●

E-offering for Lord Apollo🏹

[notafraidtobestrange]

The Moon, 8 of Wands, and 3 of Cups

Today, I was having it rough mentally. Not that I had a reason, but I got worried about my relationship with my husband. This reading assured me its just my anxiety talking, that if I put it behind me, things will move forward as they should and we'll grow even deeper in our love. It was a very nice and calming reading.

Deck Used: Rose Gold Tarot