the-polyam-polytheist

[the-polyam-polytheist]

If my body is a temple, then what deity is worshipped with?

Those who use this phrase usually have an answer for you, but they have their own temple, and you need not let them dictate your life, your virtues, or your praise. How many temples does their god require? And should we praise one so greedy?

Do you want to sing your words of worship? Do you feel like dancing will bring praise to your values? Do you sometimes sit in your temple with closed eyes and meditate? Or perhaps like me you write your prayers and cast them into the void hoping that they will reach someone, and that they may send something in return so that you know you are not alone?

Do you worship a god of blood, of war, of terror? Do you praise the struggle against death, or the benefits of community, or the bounty of the world? Perhaps it is silence, peace, and ease that you hold dear?

Whatever it is that you have enshrined within your temple, engraved into the boney pillars and the domed ceiling, painted in a thousand colors on the mural above the altar, and filtering the light of the world through those two stained glass windows above the door from which your songs (or silence) ebb forth... Be sure to act within your temple in a way that glorifies those things.

I would like to encourage you to open your doors often, and let your worshipers spread the virtues to the world in which your temple belongs; I know however, that there are those who worship destruction, and those who insist they follow a better god, and there are many who would shutter your windows and bar your doors so that they are not forced to think about what others may worship. Therefore I also must caution you to not spread your art of praise where there is danger, but pray at all times within your temple so that your god never forgets you, so that your values are never corrupted, and that your life story is one that tells of how your temple mattered.

[the-polyam-polytheist]

Artem Rohovyi (Ukrainian, 1988) - Symphony of Branches

gouache on paper

[the-polyam-polytheist]

A Prayer For The Honorable & Forgotten : Ancestor Work

I call to the Ancestors, seen and unseen— To those of my blood, my spirit, and my path. To the ones who shaped this world before me, Walking in wisdom, justice, and love.

I honor the bold, the healers, the seekers— Those who protected, who taught, who mended, Who walked with truth and kindness in their time, Their voices still echoing through the ages.

May your wisdom light my way. May your strength uphold me. May your love live on in my heart, my thoughts, my deeds.

Yet I turn from those who wrought harm— Who chose cruelty when compassion was an option, Who upheld injustice instead of standing for what was right. Their influence has no place here, Their voices do not shape my path.

And to the forgotten, the silenced, the lost— I call your names, even if the world has erased them. I offer remembrance, honor, love, and light. May you find peace where once there was none.

[the-polyam-polytheist]

A Prayer For The Honorable & Forgotten : Ancestor Work

I call to the Ancestors, seen and unseen— To those of my blood, my spirit, and my path. To the ones who shaped this world before me, Walking in wisdom, justice, and love.

I honor the bold, the healers, the seekers— Those who protected, who taught, who mended, Who walked with truth and kindness in their time, Their voices still echoing through the ages.

May your wisdom light my way. May your strength uphold me. May your love live on in my heart, my thoughts, my deeds.

Yet I turn from those who wrought harm— Who chose cruelty when compassion was an option, Who upheld injustice instead of standing for what was right. Their influence has no place here, Their voices do not shape my path.

And to the forgotten, the silenced, the lost— I call your names, even if the world has erased them. I offer remembrance, honor, love, and light. May you find peace where once there was none.

[the-polyam-polytheist]

hey @witnesstheabsurd, is there anywhere i can buy a print of this?

Commissioned to draw a version of the Norse god Odin

[the-polyam-polytheist]

Hot take, and I truly mean this in the kindest way possible, but some Pagans very much need to examine their own religious trauma before speaking on what is right/wrong to say in Pagan spaces.

I understand that Paganism is an incredibly freeing religion for many people (most notably for those coming from Christianity), and that’s wonderful, but Paganism isn’t lawless, and it never has been.

I understand that you don’t like religious dogma, that’s fair. But that doesn’t mean this religion is a free for all. The Gods are authority figures, they are rulers, and they do ask things of us. For some Pagans I fear that they have based their entire religion on being an opposition to Christianity and that’s just… not ideal.

You cannot build a healthy relationship to the Gods if you are constantly comparing them to Christianity. You cannot follow the Gods if you refuse to do anything they ask of you that feels too similar to another religion that has hurt you in some way.

I’ve seen people say that Pagans shouldn’t veil because modesty is only a Christian invention designed to oppress women. I’ve seen people say that blasphemy doesn’t exist and that the idea that Gods (any God(s)) can get offended is a Christian fear tactic. I’ve seen people say that humans are on the same hierarchical level as the Gods and that the idea that humans are servants to God is a Christian tool for denying human power.

Not only are these things blatantly untrue, but it also negates the power of the Gods, and pushes doubt upon the personal convictions of fellow Pagans.

Paganism exists independently from Christianity. I truly don’t know how anyone can build a healthy practice when the only way they connect with the Gods is in a reactionary “screw Christianity!!” sort of way. Despite what society may say; Paganism is not an enemy to Christianity. It exists independently, and it has for thousands and thousands of years.

I really hope everyone who struggles with religious trauma can find the healing they need, but I implore you to not allow that to be the defining factor of your religion, and I beg that to not distract you from the undoubtable authority of the Gods.

May the Gods bless everyone, hail the great Lords and Ladies above 🩷

[the-polyam-polytheist]

The Myklebust Ship, believed to be the largest Viking ship ever discovered, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of Norse craftsmanship. At 30 meters (98 feet) long, this extraordinary vessel was uncovered in Nordfjordeid, Norway, within a cremation burial mound dating back over 1,000 years. Likely belonging to King Audbjørn of the Fjords, it symbolizes the power and prestige of Viking royalty.

Today, the ship is reborn at the Sagastad Viking Center, where a full-scale replica invites visitors to step into the world of the Vikings. Completed in 2019 using traditional techniques, the replica is not just for show—it’s fully seaworthy and occasionally launched on the fjord. The remains of 7,000 rivets and 44 shield bosses tell a story of strength and status, connecting us to a time when these ships ruled the seas.

🎥: @sagastad_official

[the-polyam-polytheist]

team Stop It With The Mythic Literalism 2k25

[the-polyam-polytheist]

The Value of Worshipping Loki, Fenrir, Hel, or Any Other "Evil" or "Scary" Deity

If you've spent any time in Heathen spaces, I'm sure you've seen people who claim that Loki and their offspring are evil and / or not worthy of worship. While I can understand this line of thinking st the surface level, I don't think it takes certain factors into account

1) Downfalls Of Mythic Literalism

Taking the myths as true stories is, in my opinion, unhelpful in worshipping the gods. These stories have been written down by humans after they were passed down orally. There's always going to be human bias in these telling and retellings because humans aren't perfect.

Claiming that Loki is evil is saying that humans know the gods and can decide if they are "good" or "evil."

The myths and stories are just that: stories. They aren't the end all be all of who the gods are.

2) "Good" vs. "Evil" Is Unhelpful

The concept that Loki is evil and the other gods are good is such a black and white way of looking at Norse Mythology. A vast majority of humans are neither purely good nor purely evil, so why should the gods be subject to this sort of ridicule?

In reality, things are always gray, there isn't much that's black and white.

3) Chaos Is A Part Of Life

The gods often reflect the realities of life, and let's be honest, life is messy and chaotic. Embracing chaos can be helpful in getting through rough patches.

Loki is a god of chaos; chaos is a part of life. Therefore, some may find benefit in working with or worshipping them.

4) It's Literally None Of Your Business

If everything I have said previously does not inspire you to leave Loki devotees or devotees of "evil" deities alone, please realize that other peoples' practices aren't your concern. They aren't hurting anyone. They aren't hurting you.

I think all of us need to remember that everyone is fighting their own battle. Picking a fight with someone over who they worship or work with is not kind, and you're unlikely to change anyone's mind.

Even in this post, I'm not trying to convince you to worship Loki or his children. All I'm trying to do is remind people that kindness goes a long way.

I hope you found this post informative or helpful in some way. If you have any questions or comments, send them my way!!

[the-polyam-polytheist]

the thing about Dead White Guys History is like. It is in fact important to learn. The way people are venerated is a mistake, and the way that's the only focus of history is a mistake. But for better or for worse, if you want to understand the origins of the way society is, you do in fact need to read about a bunch of dead white guys and the ways they thought about things.

[the-polyam-polytheist]

aight i'm online again

[the-polyam-polytheist]

taking a break from tumblr for the next few days. might be abandoning my main blog sometime, who knows. i'll still be around on discord.

[the-polyam-polytheist]

Hello My Freind 🌹

I want your support My house was destroyed and I am currently living in a tent with my children 😞

My Mom and Dad who suffer from chronic diseases, They need urgent medical care and medications that are not available 💔

https://www.gofundme.com/f/Help-Mohammed-alhabil-Family

Please help my family by donating or reblog my campaign is going very slowly 🙏🍉

.

.

[the-polyam-polytheist]

warrenkeelan

[the-polyam-polytheist]

*republicans flip gender switch on and off* welcome to hell! welcome to hell!

[the-polyam-polytheist]

Odin plays chess. Which means, if you want any sort of valuable communication with him, you have to play chess, too. Bring with you skepticism, caution, discernment. Foresight and retrospect. It will take time—chess is a long, complicated game. Odin doesn't rush, and his moves won't always make sense when they happen. But, they all add up, and you have to watch to board closely to make sure you don't miss something.

[the-polyam-polytheist]

I don’t think we are meant to fear the Gods. Not even Gods of storms, death, or war. To believe in them is to accept them as they are. Don’t let anybody convince you that polytheists should fear the Gods. Be awe-struck, be humble before them if it feels right, but in this modern day and age, spirituality shouldn’t feel unsafe.