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Mary Oliver, from Serengeti

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quick devotional doodles — slowly finding my way back and hoping to do a bigger piece again eventually

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Apollo In The Forge Of Vulcan (detail)

By Diego Velazquez (1630)

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Witchcraft 101: Scrying

WHAT IS SCRYING?

I know it looks like a typo and what’s really happening, is that we’ve actually been crying as a community, but alas no; “scrying” is a legitimate and archaic form of divination.

Let’s check out the definition of it via Google:

scrying

Foretell the future using a crystal ball or other reflective object or surface. “A mirror used for scrying”.

Okay, so Google did pretty well this time and have hit the nail smack on the head with this definition.

Scrying is the act of gazing at a reflective surface and using any symbols that may appear as a way of garnering advice, or foretelling the outcome of certain forthcoming situations, circumstances, and choices.

TYPES OF SCRYING

The Crystal Ball

This is the one you’ll see all the fortune tellers with a multitude of rings and long nails use in the movies. It’s the method with the most flair and dramatic air about it, and is used a lot in the media by characters who are tied to mysticism.

In reality, gazing into a clouded glass or crystal (like Obsidian) ball to obtain information about forthcoming events, or unknown aspects of the present has been done for thousands of years (probably).

Mirror Scrying

Mirrors are the most practical form of scrying, particularly in the modern age when lots of us carry compacts or small mirrors in our bags or pockets on a daily basis.

Mirror scrying is usually done on a mirror that has a black backing to it as that makes for a better reflective surface and thus, a better experience when looking for symbols and signs within the mirror. You should keep your query in mind as you stare and see what is revealed to you.

You can buy ready-made scrying mirrors, but it’s also incredibly easy to make your own [click [X] or [X] or [X] for more info on that!].

Fire Scrying

Fire scrying is exactly what it says on the tin - staring into a flame to see what symbols and visions may present themselves to you.

When you scry with fire, you should take note of the movement of the flames and keep an eye out for repeated shapes and patterns, because whilst some people may see clear images, others may see shapes, or flashes or shadows.

Water Scrying

Much like fire scrying, this is what it says it is: using water to scry.

Some people use large bodies of water like lakes and oceans and incorporate the moon into their practise of this method, whilst some people prefer to use a small bowl of water and just employ the sitting-and-staring thing. Sometimes, people will use bowls that are made of crystal, or bowls that have a gloss on them to heighten the reflectivity. Some people will allow themselves to go into a trance-like state before scrying this way.

HOW TO SCRY:

Okay, so naturally the first step you’re going to want to take is deciding on which medium you’re going to use to scry! You don’t have to pick one now and stick with it forever - nothing stops you from experimenting with each method if that’s what you want to do.

Let’s go through it in steps.

Step 1: Find somewhere quiet, where you are unlikely to be disturbed.

If you want to, and if you think that it will help you, set up your surroundings so that you can fall into a relaxed and almost trance like state. For some, this may mean dimming the lights and putting on some sobering music. For others, it may be throwing open the curtains, letting the sunlight in and listening to birdsong - each to their own.

If you are familiar with meditating and meditation, think of it as a process just like that; you’ll want to reach a point of calmness before you scry. It’ll make the process a lot easier on you, as a skittish or burdened mind is a mind lacking clarity.

Stage 2: Why are you scrying? What is your intent?

You’ll have seen intent mentioned in a lot of spiritual/witchcraft posts because it’s a core concept in our work. It plays into scrying as well, because if you have a set reason for doing this, you’re more likely to find the answers you seek.

You know how we say that when you’re crafting a sigil you should write out a sentence that clearly states the intent behind the sigil? Well, doing something like that here might be a good idea, if only to make this whole thing easier on you. Think of it this way: it’s easier to accomplish something if you know what the fuck you’re trying to do, right?

Stage 3: Stare.

Now it’s time to stare. Yes, you heard me right. Sit back (or lean forward if you need to - it was just a figure of speech) and gaze into your chosen medium.

You should be aware, that it is likely you will fall deeper into a trance-like state when you do this and you may end up spending more time scrying than you had intended to. That particular situation has happened to most of us - you start scrying whilst the sun is out and finish in the middle of the night.

After some time, images may begin to show themselves. You may see shapes, shadows; silhouettes. You may see vivid flashes or blurry vague images; some people report seeing things in an almost dream-like manner; hazy and vague, and ambiguous.

In some cases people have reported that whilst they scry, dates, times and locations come to mind that are relevant to the query they have bore in mind during their divination session.

Remember to try and not force yourself to see things if they are not there. Let it happen organically. If you’re in a relaxed and trance-like state, you won’t be able to force yourself to see things in the water, mirror, water or flame.

Once you’ve finished scrying, if you have the energy left to do so, you may want to write down how everything went! Write the medium you used, what you saw, what you were asking about/wanting insight into, and what the symbols may mean.

This will help you interpret and clarify things, and it will also be a useful tool in learning and growing within this form of divination.

EXTRA TIPS:

At first you may be afraid of seeing things, or afraid of what you may see.

That’s okay. It’s normal to be apprehensive when you’re looking for insight into the unknown. If you want to know something, I still sometimes get a little nervous when I’m doing any kind of divination because when you’re asking for answers or guidance on something that’s not entirely clear, you can never be sure that you’re going to like the answers you get.

One way to combat this, is to prepare yourself before you dive in. Take some time to reflect on why you’re doing what you’re doing. Doing this may settle your nerves because you’re not going in blind.

Other ways include:

Grounding: grounding is the act of centering yourself by feeling connected to the physical world in some form or another. By recognising this, you are less likely to feel drained and may in fact feel like your might in steeled somewhat (that’s what it does for me! If I take time to feel my surroundings and recognise that I am tied to the solidity of this world, I feel stronger and more resilient.)

*Links: Grounding Visualisations ✧ Grounding/Meditation Chant ✧ Grounding ✧ Grounding Techniques

Remind yourself that when you see images or symbols, this is a good thing and you’re not going mad.

I know that may sound silly, but for first time scry-ers actually seeing something is scary because often a small part of you thinks this is hokum and you won’t actually see anything tangible.

It may help if you sit down, take a few deep breaths and say to yourself over and over as a sort of affirmation, something along the lines of: “I will images, shapes, visions of what I need to see in the flame/water/fire/mirror/crystal, and I will not be afraid.”

If you need to, prepare a sigil or incantation, or some small form of magick to make yourself feel more comfortable.

There’s no shame in needing or wanting to do so. I have used a sigil before divination before to calm my nerves. It’s a valid thing to do and want to do.

If you like my content and would like to help me keep providing free stuff for my gorgeous Ghoul Gang, you can tip your witch here: Paypal.

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good morning apollo devotees ☀️ may the sun fill you with unconditional love and warmth today!

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Before criticizing modern Greco-Roman polytheistic practices, I suggest looking into the actual history of the tradition(s) you’re dealing with. Here are some practices I often see bashed in modern communities that are in fact parts of Ancient tradition:

godspousing (most myths that include mortals; veneration of Divine consorts like Hyacinth; Ariadne’s marriage; some priestesses were considered “brides” to a Deity)

sex with a God (the concept of Demigods; most myths with mortals)

adoption by a Deity (adoption of Erichthonius by Athena and Aclepius by Apollo; Roman belief in descent from Divine roots through Aeneas) 

visions from a God (both Romans and Greeks believed in receiving visions and important imagery through sleep and incubation)

visitation by a Deity (the concepts of Divine manifestation existed in both Greek and Roman worldview)

feeling “called” to worship (records of people feeling as if something in their life was Divine influence and now they need to establish a Temple)

The list is far from complete. It needs to be stated that some of these concepts might have had slightly different practical manifestation in the past, but that’s normal for reconstructed religions.

If you criticize, at least do it over things that actually did not exist in the far past.

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making stupid devotional memes >>>>

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why are people so shocked to find that deities (like people) contain multitudes 😭

girl help people are debating the nature of the gods again as if there's supposed to be one singular correct answer about it

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greek god epithets (pt. 2)

this post includes hades, persephone, aphrodite, hermes, apollo, artemis, dionysus, and hekate. for part one including zeus, hera, demeter, ares, athena, poseidon and hephaestus click here

HADES:

-PLOUTON= of wealth -THEON CHTHONIUS= god of the underworld -POLYSEMANTOR= ruler of many -POLYDEGMON/POLYXENUS= host of many -NECRODEGMON= receiver of the dead -NECRON SOTER= savior of the dead -ADESIUS= of grace -STYGIUS= from the Styx -URAGUS= of fire -NIGER DEUS= the black god

PERSEPHONE:

-CHTHONIA= of the earth -CARPOPHORUS= bringer of fruit -SOTEIRA= the savior -MEGALA THEA= the great Goddess -HAGNE= the pure/holy one -DAEIRA= the knowing one -PRAXIDICE= the exacter of justice -PROTOGONE= the first born -BRIMO= the dreaded/vengeful

APHRODITE:

-URANIA= of heavenly/divine love -PANDEMOS= common to all people -MACHANITIS= the diviser/contriver -EPISTROPHIA= she who turns to love -CALASCOPIA= the spying/all seeing -PSITHYRISTES= the whispering -PRAXIS= of sexual action -MELAENIS= the black -SYMMACHIA= the ally in love -APATURUS= the deceptive one -NYMPHIA= the bridal -MIGONTIS= of unions -DORITIS= the bountiful -MORPHO= of shapely form -AMBOLOGERA= the postponer of old age -NICEPHORUS= the bringer of victory -HOPLISMENA= the armed -EUPLOEA= of fair voyages -PONTIA= of the sea -LIMENIA= of the harbor -XENIA= of hospitality to foreigners -PHILOMIDES= the laughter loving -APHROGENEIA/APHROGENES= the foam born -PHILOMMEDES= the genital loving -CHRYSEA= the golden -DIA= the golden/shining -POTHON MATER= the mother of desire -EUSTEPHANUS= the richly crowned/the well girdled -EN KIPIS= of vegetation/agricultural fertility

HERMES:

-EPIMELIUS= keeper of the flocks -OEOPOLUS= the shepherd -AGORAEUS= of the market place -DOIUS= of crafts/wiles -ENAGONIUS= of the games -PROMACHUS= the champion -HERMENEUTES= the interpreter/translator (of the gods) -TRICEPHALUS= the three headed -DIACTORUS= the guide/messenger -ATHANATUS DIACTORUS= the immortal guide -ANGELUS MACARON/ANGELUS ATHANATON= messenger of the divine -CHRYSORRHAPIS= of the golden wand -CLEPSIPHRON= the deceiver -MECHANIOTES= the trickster/contriver -PHELETES= the thief/robber/rustler -ARCHUS PHELETEON= leader of robbers/thieves -POECILOMETES/POLYTROPUS= the wily -DAIS HETAERUS= comrade of the feast -CHARIDOTES= giver of joy -CHARMOPHRON= the glad-hearted -DOTOR EAON= giver of good things -ACACETA= the guileless/gracious -EUSCOPUS= the keen sighted/watchful -CYDIMUS/ERICYDES/AGLAUS= the glorious/famous/splendid -CRATUS/CRATERUS= the strong/mighty -POMPAEUS= the guide

APOLLO:

-THEARIUS= of the oracle -PROUPSIUS= the foreseeing -CLERIUS= of distribution by lot -CLEDONES= of omens -HECATUS= the shooter from afar/the archer -AGRAEUS= of the hunt/the hunter -MUSAGETES= the leader of the Muses -ULIUS= of good health -PAEON= the healer -ACESIUS= of healing -ALEXICACUS= averter of evil/harm -EPICURIUS= the succoring/helping -BOEDROMIUS= the rescuer -LYCIUS= of the wolves -SMINTHEUS= of the mice -DELPHINIUS= of the dolphin -ACTIUS= of the foreshore -THEOXENIUS= the god of foreigners -ARGYEUS= of streets/public places/entrances to homes -VIROTUTIS= the benefactor of humanity

ARTEMIS:

-AGROTERA= of the hunt -PHERAEA= of the beasts -ELAPHAEA= of the deer -DAPHNAEA= of the laurel tree -CEDREATIS= of the cedar tree -CARYAE/CARYATIS= of the walnut tree -LIMNAEA/LIMNATUS= of the lake -HELEIA= of the marshes -EURYNOME= of broad pastures -LYCAEA= of the wolves -LEUCOPHRYNE= of the white (bird) -PAEDOTROPHUS= the nurse of children -PHILOEIRAX= the friend of young girls -ORSILOCHIA= the helper of childbirth -SELASPHORUS/PHOSPHORUS= the light bringer -SOLEIRA= the saviour -HEMERASIA= she who soothes -HYMNIA= of the hymns -HEGEMORE= the leader of dances/choir -ARISTE= the best/the excellent -EUCLEIA= of good repute -CALLISTE= the very beautiful -BASILEIS= the princess -HIEREIA= the priestess -HEURIPPA= the horse finder -PEITHO= the persuasive -PYRONIA= of the fire

DIONYSUS:

-BROMIUS= the noisy/boisterous -MAENOLES= the mad/raging -NYCTELIUS= of the night -LAMPTERUS= of the torches -HESTIUS= of the feast -PHALLEN= the phallic -ANDROGYNUS= the androgynous (of sexuality, he bed all genders) -PHLEON= the luxuriant -STAPHYLITES= of the grape -OMPHACITES= of the unripe grape -LENAEUS= of the wine press -THEOENUS= the god of wine -AGATHUS DAEMON= the good spirit (as in a ghost, not a drink) -OENOPS= the wine-dark -ACRATOPHORUS= the bringer of mixed wine -CISSEUS= of the ivy -CITIOPHORUS= the ivy bearer -ANTHION= of the flowers -CISTOPHORUS= the basket bearer -DIMETOR= twice born -IRAPHIOTES= the goat child -AEGOBOLUS= the goat slayer -MELANAEGIS= of the black goat-skin -ANTHROPORRAESTUS= the man slayer -LYSIUS= of release -ELEUTHEREUS= of liberation/freedom -PSILAX= uplifted on wings -SAOTES/SOTERIUS= the savior -AESYMNETES= the dictator -POLITES= the citizen -MYSTES= of mysteries -CHTHONIUS= of the earth -MELPOMENUS= the singer/of the tragic plays

HEKATE:

-BRIMO= the dreaded/the vengeful -CHTHONIA= of the earth -DESPOINA= the goddess/our lady -ENODIA= of the crossroads -AENAOS= the eternal/the ever loving -AGLAOS= the beautiful/the bright -APOTROPAIA= the one that protects -EROTOTOKOS= the bringer of love -INDALIMOS= the beautiful -KLEIDOUCHOS= the keeper of the keys of Hades -KOUROTRPHOS= the nurse of children -PHOSPHOROUS/LAMPADEPHOROUS= the bringer/bearer of light -SOTERIA= the savior -TRIMORPHE- the three formed -TRIODIA/TRIODITIS= she who frequents crossroads

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The idea of setting up an altar/making offerings to the unknown/undocumented gods is so underrated and tbh seems like a really neat concept for deity/spirit workers who want to traverse some uncharted territory.

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☼ Apollo protects trans boys and helps trans boys in growing into adulthood ☼

☽ Artemis protects trans girls and helps trans girls in growing into adulthood ☾

☼ Both Twins support trans individuals regardless and grant them comfort ☾

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I wandered everywhere, through cities and countries wide.

ig credit: bookishcoffeelover.

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hi devotees :-)

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Meditating With Your Deities!!

Ever since I thought of this last night, my guys have been hounding me to actually write it

(In a good way. They know I tend to forget things and they seem very excited to see this written out.)

Anyway, this is just how I prefer to do things, as per usual. Purely my own experiences. Even if you do this the exact same way as me, you’ll never see the same thing as me.

Everyone’s relationships are different!!

Now, I’d like to point out that you shouldn’t pressure yourself to do anything exactly the way anyone else does it, including my way. Doing things with my own spin on them was how I got this method.

Alright, with that out of the way, time to finally get started!

At the beginning, I just talked to my gods and tried to imagine them near me. Kind of like trying to mentally reach out and touch their energy (but not really. That’s just what it feels like)

For example, Ares has this really fiery presence. It’s sure and strong and warm and comforting, but also volatile.

(This is actually how I figured out what he feels like.)

You could also imagine them as a color and picture that surrounding you.

The main thing you’re trying to do here is listen. Don’t forget that. It doesn’t need to be fancy or complex or anything.

It’s just you and your gods.

Don’t forget that!!

Pray (or just talk) to them and tell them what you want to do. Address them and tell them you’d like to talk to them, or maybe even ask if they could let you feel their presence if you want.

If you don’t feel them there, don’t worry! I’ve only felt Hermes once, and I’ve known him for nearly a year. Meanwhile, I feel Ares around me quite frequently.

It just depends on the particular bond.

And just because you can’t feel them, that doesn’t mean they’re not there.

Even if you feel like you’re imagining their energy, that’s still a good mental practice! Anything that makes you feel closer to your gods is good!!

Even if you fail miserably (like I did at first) they’ll still love you!!

Anyway, usually I turn on some music, but not always. I’ll just zone out then. I don’t really know how to put the feeling into words besides that. It’s almost like slipping into sleep but not really. The closest word for it is probably “trance”.

Note: it’s best, for me at least, to do this sitting up so I don’t accidentally fall asleep. Which I’ve done,, many times. If you do fall asleep, that’s fine too. Don’t worry about it!

For a few attempts, all I was met with was blackness. But eventually a place popped into my head, either Apollo or Ares’s at first.

(Hermes insists that I call them “meditation stations”. Sometimes I can’t stand him.)

maybe in a different post I’ll describe my places I see, but they’re beautiful and so vivid. And when I say vivid, I mean so vivid that I can just draw it from my head, which I usually can’t do.

TL; DR?

Step one: Find a calm place you feel comfortable in. Either sit or lay down depending on personal preference. You can even stand if it makes you feel better.

Step two: Tell your deity you want to talk to them.

Step three: Zone out, either to music or your own thoughts (preferably about/to the deity you’re trying to reach)

Step four: Make sure you’re focusing on them and their energy. After a few attempts, you might be able to see a place that represents them. If you don’t, don’t worry! Everyone’s relationship is different!!

Step five: Pay attention to any changes in what you see, feel, and even think or hear. But try not to digest any of it until you get the whole message or else you’ll likely lose where you were.

Personally, I use these places to anchor myself while I’m trying to talk to my deities. Focusing on a place makes it where I have to put in less effort to hear my deities usually.

Note: you can also use this as a means of deity identification, now that I think of it! Just make sure you let your mind wander instead of thinking too hard.

Keep in mind this might not work for everyone!!

when in doubt, guided meditations are supposed to be great. You can find them on YouTube or even Spotify, I think. There are even some deity specific ones!

also remember: if a place feels like it just doesn’t fit, let go of it. Don’t force anything.

And if you wanna know about my places for my deities, I have one for Apollon, Ares, Dionysus, Hyacinthus, the Muses, and (occasionally) Hermes.

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The olive tree of Vouves, on Crete. This tree, which has a trunk 15 feet in diameter, is at least 2,000 years old, and likely 2,900 years old, based on the graveyard found nearby. This tree likely lived through the writing of the Iliad, the golden age of Athens, the rise of the Roman Empire, and the birth of Christ – and then lived for 2,000 years after that. It still produces olives, as well!

{WHF} {HTE} {Medium}

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*sips tea* anyway, Ares is the god of police forces in the same way that Apollo is the god of plagues. Apollo doesn’t condone or choose to exacerbate COVID any more than Ares condones or chooses to exacerbate police violence. Both aspects are part of the duality of the Theoi and their domains and in conclusion, Ares says ACAB. Black lives still matter.

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Stop drawing dionysus skinny challenge

Bitch is the god of feasts, he's got chub, he's got meat. Aphrodite is the god of romance and love but dionysus is the god of sex and orgies, he is ideal cuddling density, dude HAS a tummy.