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[themodernwitchsguide]

Hello! Could you make an altar guide for Goddess Nyx? And without wanting to bother you too much, Nyx is a Hellenic deity??

Just curious, I'm new to this and I wanted to know if I'm Hellenic for worshiping the Goddess Nyx.

Thanks for your attention

– Mel

Nyx is definitely considered a hellenic deity, and she plays a not-so-insignificant role in the Greek origin story. You don't have to consider yourself a Hellenic pagan if you don't want to though, it's up to you. There's really nothing special you have to do either way.

NYX

Colors: black, dark blue, purple for association with the night, anything galaxy patterned

Offerings: blackberries, blueberries, plum, dew (morning is fine but after sunset is best), dark feathers, dark chocolate, night-blooming flowers (like moonflower or wisteria), black tea/coffee, mugwort

Crystals: obsidian, black tourmaline, labradorite, moonstone (especially black moonstone), selenite, lapis lazuli, amethyst, smokey quartz

Animals: owl

also, she is associated with symbols of keys and veils/cloaks, so during your practice you might look into veiling (highly recommend if you're neurodivergent too!)

[themodernwitchsguide]

tarot and their divinatory meanings (pt.3)

this post just includes the suit of wands, for the suit of pentacles click here, and for the major arcana click here

King of Wands

UPRIGHT: a passionate and energetic person, honest, noble, a good leader, handsome, possibly someone married

REVERSED: a severe and arrogant person, rash and impulsive, prejudiced, intolerant, aggressive in pursuit of gain

Queen of Wands

Knight of Wands

UPRIGHT: extremely focused and passionate person, successful businessperson, generous, may be a little self-centered, strong sense of individuality

REVERSED: deceit, infidelity, jealousy (especially if the surrounding cards indicate it), otherwise a strict, domineering, overwhelming person

Page of Wands

UPRIGHT: travel/moving house, a fearless and adventurous person, possibly hard to tie down, flighty, or rash

REVERSED: discord, separation, stagnation/delays, life interrupted

Ten of Wands

UPRIGHT: faithful and loyal person, excitement and energy (sometimes too much), inner battles keeping you from acting, a new job/position

REVERSED: bad news, indecision, gossip, someone noncommittal, not pursuing what you want

Nine of Wands

UPRIGHT: heavy burden, success becomes oppressive, taking on others' problems, obstacles overcome, martyr complex

REVERSED: shifting responsibility onto others, selfishness OR release from burdens, burnout

Eight of Wands

UPRIGHT: strength in the face of opposition, changes, deception, temporary ceasefire, be okay with hard work and taking risks

REVERSED: obstacles, calamity, a mistrustful person, illness/disability

Seven of Wands

UPRIGHT: great haste and hope, freedom after a period of inactivity, excitement/surprises, be patient--momentum is building

REVERSED: jealousy, dispute, domestic disputes, guilty conscience, forgive yourself and adapt your strategy

Six of Wands

UPRIGHT: valor, a fight you have an advantage in, success, hold your ground, set a clear purpose and follow through

REVERSED: perplexity, anxiety, indecision causes loss, being defensive, you can't see the full picture

Five of Wands

UPRIGHT: public acclaim, gain, good news, victory, possibly even egotistic/arrogant behavior, reward for hard work

REVERSED: delay, fear, treachery/disloyalty, doubt in your abilities, feeling unloved/neglected

Four of Wands

UPRIGHT: competition, internal struggle, unsatisfied desires, struggle for wealth

REVERSED: trickery, complexity/contradiction, litigation, avoiding conflict at all costs

Three of Wands

UPRIGHT: harmony, happy and relaxed home, refuge, peace, weddings, pursue love/friendships, support and stability

REVERSED: loss of peace/harmony, dissatisfaction, conflict, fear of commitment, instability

Two of Wands

UPRIGHT: good business, you are in control and have a strong position, a good grasp on the future, travel, opportunities coming your way

REVERSED: failed venture, lack of growth, feeling trapped, disappointment, take time to plan

Ace of Wands

UPRIGHT: laying foundations, patience, maturity, make plans for the future, watch and wait, look to the future

REVERSED: lack of prospects/plans for the future, loss of control, impatience/overconfidence

UPRIGHT: creation, fertility/birth/family, a beginning--start something new, act now

REVERSED: stagnation, lack of excitement/energy, excessive indulgence and the following decline, a false start

[themodernwitchsguide]

tarot and their divinatory meanings (pt.2)

this part includes just the suit of pentacles, for the major arcana click here

King of Pentacles

UPRIGHT: a provider and protector, rich (materially, emotionally, spiritually), intelligent, secure, rational, someone who will love you as you are

REVERSED: too indulgent to vices, corruption, materialistic, loss of reputation/money/position, overly concerned with external characteristics

Queen of Pentacles

Knight of Pentacles

UPRIGHT: down-to-earth, business savvy person, generous, thoughtful, stability, nurturer, a mentor/advisor

REVERSED: suspicion, fear of failure is holding you back, misplaced priorities, false prosperity

Page of Pentacles

UPRIGHT: a reliable, utilitarian person, routine and hard work, loyal, stick with your tried and true, someone who will help you

REVERSED: carelessness, inertia, upright meaning taken to the extreme, stuck in routine, boredom

Ten of Pentacles

UPRIGHT: scholarliness, concentration, dedication, news or a bringer of messages, reward for hard work and diligence

REVERSED: infidelity, luxury verging on wastefulness, illogical thoughts, lack of focus/too many distractions

Nine of Pentacles

UPRIGHT: gains and riches, a good and stable family/relationship, satisfaction, inheritance, look at the long term picture

REVERSED: loss, gambling/risky behaviors, a rough patch (current or impending)

Eight of Pentacles

UPRIGHT: independence, restraint and grace, security, personal accomplishments, being confident in the future

REVERSED: false sense of security/stability, take time to rest, a threat, there are more important things than money

Seven of Pentacles

UPRIGHT: craftsmanship, learning new skills, strive to be the best, a demanding job, be confident in yourself

REVERSED: be wary of your financial situation, voided ambition, vanity, lack of emotion, carelessness--especially at work

Six of Pentacles

UPRIGHT: effort turned fruitful, reaffirms your plans for the future, good news, investment, cleverness

REVERSED: bad investments of time/money, anxiety about money, loss but not an incredible one

Five of Pentacles

UPRIGHT: gifts, charity (given/received), return of a favor, accept the help you are offered, stability

REVERSED: jealousy, do not expect to be paid back, debt, being taken advantage of, selfishness

Four of Pentacles

UPRIGHT: destitution, unrequited love, loneliness, a debt haunting you, loss

REVERSED: the worst is over but recovery will be slow, new employment, change is coming

Three of Pentacles

UPRIGHT: shortsightedness, greed, wealth that is making you paranoid, jealousy, insecurity

REVERSED: suspense, opposition, delay, reversal of fortune, greed backfiring

Two of Pentacles

UPRIGHT: success, skilled labor--especially art, power, achievement, work together with others

REVERSED: mediocrity, occupation with success that hurts your craft, a group that doesn't work well together

Ace of Pentacles

UPRIGHT: a precarious unity/balance, gaiety, recreation, you've done a good job keeping things stable

REVERSED: too much on your plate, live within your means, forced gaiety, a neglectful relationship

UPRIGHT: perfect contentment, bright prospects, the seed has been planted--just put in the effort, ecstasy

REVERSED: poor investment of time/money, corruption, seek advice from others, unhappiness with wealth

[themodernwitchsguide]

tarot and their divinatory meanings

this is part one, with the Major Arcana

0 - The Fool

UPRIGHT: new beginnings, optimism and freedom (sometimes foolhardy), lightheartedness, infinite potential, lack of discipline, you are advised to take some risks

REVERSED: lack of caution/control, you need to be planning more, carelessness, apathy, even vanity/self-centeredness

I - The Magician

II - The High Priestess

UPRIGHT: willpower, self-reliance, a chance to use your skill(s), creativity/diplomacy, creating things for/by yourself

REVERSED: deception, trickery, insecurity that you may hide, poor judgement, someone may be using you/lying

III - The Empress

UPRIGHT: wisdom, mystery, don't get so caught up in yourself that you lose your way, listen to your gut, a cloudy future, secrets

REVERSED: confusion, you may have been ignoring your intuition, ignorance, passion that may distract you

IV - The Emperor

UPRIGHT: a parent/nurturer, femininity/a feminine person, the divine feminine, hidden actions (that benefit you), safety, good fortune, building a future

REVERSED: uncertainty, too concerned with others, lack of satisfaction, infidelity, letting others decide for you too often

V - The Hierophant

UPRIGHT: masculinity/a masculine person, honor, discipline, authoritative, reason, pursue your goals with strategy and logic, you may take on a leadership role

REVERSED: a tyrannical/weak person or leader, immaturity, lack of self-control, confusion, someone making you feel poweless

VI - The Lovers

UPRIGHT: tradition, ritual, servitude, follow the grain, religion, mercy/goodness, timidity

REVERSED: feeling controlled, go against the grain OR overgenerosity, weakness of institution, eccentricity

VII - The Chariot

UPRIGHT: love, trust, unity, a couple that has overcome trials, romance, harmony between two people while still maintaining individuality

REVERSED: contrarieties, imbalance, lack of communication, avoiding taking responsibility, failure to overcome

VIII - Strength

UPRIGHT: triumph, feeling vengeance/anger (not in a bad way), maintain focus and determination, control over a situation, create a plan or follow through with an existing one

REVERSED: defeat, lack of willpower OR obsession with goals, quarreling, unfavorable legal proceedings

IX - The Hermit

UPRIGHT: power, energy, strength despite circumstances, capability to speak your mind, a compassionate person who others rely on

REVERSED: abuse of power, loneliness or jealousy, weakness, lack of conviction/faith, self-esteem issues

X - The Wheel of Fortune

UPRIGHT: search for inner truth, take a chance to be alone and do some introspection, potentially a mentor enters your life, meditation

REVERSED: seclusion would only be harmful, hastiness, unreasonable fear/caution, trapped in your own world

XI - Justice

UPRIGHT: fate, the tides will change (whether for better or worse), external forces are at work, live in the moment (if things are going well) OR have faith (if things are going poorly)

REVERSED: bad luck has plagued you, do not cling to a sense of control--learn to accept your situation

XII - The Hanged Man

UPRIGHT: judgement will come (good/bad), equity, truth, being treated fairly, negotiations, legal matters

REVERSED: bigotry, bias, living in denial, cruel punishment, bad legal judgements

XIII - Death

UPRIGHT: spiritual wisdom, life put on pause, stall if you can so that you may reconsider, sacrifice

REVERSED: selfishness, feeling of wasted effort, over-exertion OR not enough effort

XIV - Temperance

UPRIGHT: end of an era and beginning of a new one, change, transformation, reminder of mortality, let go of unhealthy attachments

REVERSED: resisting change, depression, fear of the unknown is holding you back, lethargy, inertia

XV - The Devil

UPRIGHT: economy, do all things in moderation, patience, a level-headed person, re-evaluate your priorities, seek balance, connection with others

REVERSED: imbalance (the source of which is indicated by surrounding cards), misunderstanding, competition, too much of something

XVI - The Tower

UPRIGHT: greed, overindulgence, entrapment to an ideal, bad external influence(s), dissolution/vehemence

REVERSED: breaking from bondage, rest, a new life direction--but not without some effort

XVII - The Star

UPRIGHT: groundbreaking change, turbulent relationship--keep a level head, can indicate a disaster or just a sudden restructuring

REVERSED: tyranny, lack of or resistant to change, crisis looming on the horizon--let it happen

XVIII - The Moon

UPRIGHT: hope, recovering from a loss, a blend of past and future, bright prospects, faith, occult/spiritual power

REVERSED: arrogance, feeling of defeat/loss of faith, delays, indifference, lack of self-esteem

XIX - The Sun

UPRIGHT: a warning, danger in the dark, stay focused on your path, secrets, your fear will only hinder you

REVERSED: silence, confusion, negativity beginning to fade, instability, deception--but not severe

XX - Judgement

UPRIGHT: success, happiness, pleasure, a good relationship, contentment, share your gifts with others

REVERSED: joy--but less so than the upright meaning, perhaps you are unable to see the good things, over-optimism, uncertainty

XXI - The World

UPRIGHT: change of position, renewal, self-reflection, past may come to give consequence, acquiring a purpose

REVERSED: weakness, indecision due to self-consciousness, separation, denial, take time for yourself

UPRIGHT: completion, wholeness, travel, fulfillment/success, generosity, love for others

REVERSED: disappointment, you're missing something in your life, stagnation or an impending change that you're dreading

[themodernwitchsguide]

the cyclical holidays

sometimes the days of these holidays can change depending on the year but these are the traditional dates

alban arthuan - winter solstice

date: december 21st

associations: the sun, nwyfre (life force), white and gold, crowns, the new moon, midnight, Dagda and Hu

imbolc

alban eiler - spring equinox

date: february 1st

associations: the earth, calas (principle of matter), brown and black, a circle of candles, the first crescent moon, first light, Brighid and Ana

belteinne

date: march 21st

associations: saturn, element of earth, indigo and red, a dragon, the first quarter moon, dawn, Aengus and Coel

alban heriun - summer solstice

date: may 1st

associations: jupiter, the element of water, sky blue and orange, a mead horn, the waxing gibbous moon, morning, Eriu and Elen

lughnasadh

date: june 21st

associations: mars, the element of fire, red and yellow, three rays of light, the full moon, noon, Lugh and Beli

alban elued - autumn equinox

date: august 1st

associations: venus, the element of air, gold and green, a fiery wheel, the waning gibbous moon, afternoon, Tailtiu and Sul

samhuinn

date: september 22nd

associations: mercury, the element of spirit, green and blue, a silver branch, the last quarter moon, dusk, Mannanan and Esus

date: november 1st

associations: the moon, gwyar (principle of flow), violet and silver, a cauldron, the last crescent moon, evening, the Morrigan and Cerridwen

[themodernwitchsguide]

the ogham alphabet and their divinatory meanings

FIRST AICME

ᚁ beith

UPRIGHT: joyful beginnings, new possibilities, renewal and rebirth--even if it is uncomfortable

REVERSED: a blind path, wasted efforts, fixation on the past, longing for the impossible

ᚂ luis

ᚃ fearn

UPRIGHT: clarity, attention to detail, purification, danger avoided or overcome, two paths are open to you

REVERSED: vulnerability, uncertainty, deception, delusion, something (possibly your own emotions) is misleading you

ᚄ saille

UPRIGHT: protection and guidance, emotional security, good advice, prophecy, unexpected solution(s), music, poetry

REVERSED: willful blindness, refusal to listen to advice, arrogance or not enough information

ᚅ nuin

UPRIGHT: go with the flow, intuition, dreaming, unconscious, letting go of preconceptions, feminine energy/connection to the moon

REVERSED: inability to adapt, feeling defeated or lost, lack of movement, difficulty that will inevitably pass

SECOND AICME

UPRIGHT: connection and transformation, being a part of something bigger, fate, divine action/inspiration

REVERSED: isolation and boredom, being blind to (either good or bad) possibilities, take control and be assertive

ᚆ huath

ᚇ duir

UPRIGHT: patience, protection/purification, reserve, feeling suffocated, problems that will eventually change, self-sacrifice

REVERSED: you are acting too hasty, take a second to think OR you're at a standstill, you need to take action

ᚈ tinne

UPRIGHT: sacred spaces, forward movement, power and energy, the power to endure, leadership, endurance

REVERSED: help from those in power, success despite means, borrowed strength, a gift, cowardliness

ᚉ coll

UPRIGHT: challenges or tests, recommends decisive action, balance, integrity, talent/skill/expertise, growth

REVERSED: attack, hardship, aggression, lack of direction or balance

ᚊ quert

UPRIGHT: knowledge and learning, transformation and flexibility, creativity, daydreaming, rituals/divination

REVERSED: intellectual/creative blockages (art/writer's block), lack of insight, fear of failure, ignorance

THIRD AICME

UPRIGHT: happiness, healing, beauty, love affairs, awakenings and new experiences, opportunity (or the choice) to live more fully

REVERSED: despair, ailments, unavoidable choice(s), mixed gain/loss, procrastination

ᚋ muin

ᚌ gort

UPRIGHT: inspiration, prophecy or psychic senses, community and celebration, freedom, rest, examine life's lessons

REVERSED: burdens, difficulties, a need to relax/unwind, you're strung out or trying too hard OR overindulging

ᚍ ngetal

UPRIGHT: slow/indirect progress, wildness, purpose, determination, transformation, follow life's path

REVERSED: entanglement, think twice about what you're doing, and arduous path

ᚎ straif

UPRIGHT: vitality, awareness of environment, creating order from chaos, prioritizing personal health, you aren't finished yet

REVERSED: inability to act, need for healing and patience, you aren't ready to act yet OR you have done all you can

ᚏ ruis

UPRIGHT: necessity/inevitability, fate or omens, death, rebirth, some things cannot be changed, wheel of fortune

REVERSED: pain, difficulty, retribution, necessary suffering, no choice is a good one

FOURTH AICME

UPRIGHT: resolution, completion, looking ahead, omen of success, difficulties permanently overcome

REVERSED: endings and departures, face the facts, shame, illness/disability

ᚐ ailm

ᚑ onn

UPRIGHT: insight, grounded in the present, clear vision, start new project(s), new perspective, foresight

REVERSED: ignorance of the broader picture, unrealistic ideas, step back and reassess, fear and anxiety

ᚒ uhr

UPRIGHT: energy, life, vigor, sexuality, attraction, gathering together, consider changing your life's direction

REVERSED: difficulties and delays, overconfidence, taking too many risks, unrealistic desires

ᚓ eadhadh

UPRIGHT: spiritual/magical power, forces of nature, deep connections, fulfillment, death and memories of loved ones

REVERSED: deception, deceit, loss of contact with nature/spirits, need for recuperation/reconnection in a relationship

ᚔ iodhadh

UPRIGHT: courage and tenacity, a struggle for victory, quest for inner strength, enlightenment

REVERSED: addiction, terror, declining health, compromise and negotiation, choosing a different path

FORFEDHA

UPRIGHT: ancestry, aging or dying, things unchanging, old age, memory

REVERSED: stagnation and immobility, death or mourning, the past is a burden, things lingering past their prime

ᚕ eabhadh

ᚖ oir

UPRIGHT: spiritual wisdom, complexity, place of balance/harmony, presence of many factors, spiritual wisdom

REVERSED: confusion, bewilderment, too many factors at work to allow for a successful prediction/decision

ᚗ uilleann

UPRIGHT: radical transformation, abundance, sudden illumination or destruction that is set about by outside forces

REVERSED: patience, preparation, the path before you is a slow one, wait for outside forces to act

ᚘ ifin

UPRIGHT: knowledge and lore, learning and study, wisdom of the past as a guide, private thoughts or secrets

REVERSED: ignorance, failure to learn from the past, future instead of past

ᚙ eamancholl

UPRIGHT: secrets and revelations, subtle influences, releasing emotions of guilt/shame

REVERSED: the situation is not as it seems, the information that you need is not available to you

UPRIGHT: unexpected change, arrival of new influence, illness

REVERSED: sudden endings or disruptions

[themodernwitchsguide]

Do you have any advice on setting up an altar? (eg what to put on it, where to put it, how to make it etc). I'm just beginning with Paganism and I really want to be respectful!

So, first of all, I usually keep my different altars distinct and separate from each other, just giving each deity their own space to occupy. Mine are all still on the same desk and share the same altar cloth (because of lack of space) but I try to separate each one by about an inch in between. Essentially, each altar just has a circle of crystals they like, a nametag, and any little items that may correspond (for example my Morrigan altar has crow feathers on it). But my brother has more space for his altars so he has all of the crystals on a little dish surrounded by the little items, and a couple candles all on top of an individual hankerchief/cloth. Additionally, you could dedicate an entire space to a god. If you have a fireplace you can place some crystals/candles/herbs on the mantle to honor Hestia. However, if you do that, I wouldn't then put any other god's altar items into that space.

I try to burn my incense and frankincense/myrrh nearby to my altars, just because if I'm gonna burn it anyways I may as well make it an offering. I don't currently have space for each of my altars to have individual offering bowls but if I did I'd keep them in the ring of crystals/candles. I just like to keep everything circular because it's aesthetically pleasing to me but that is not at all necessary. Do whatever feels right to you, worship however you want, because a lot of Pagan worship is just doing your own thing for European pantheons, however I wouldn't take the same approach with heritage/closed practice pantheons. For example, the Greeks often just worshipped however it fit into their casual lives--with a lot more emphasis on how the gods served Them--but Japanese Shinto worshippers have their own set of rules and practices that need to be respected and researched.

This is what my altars looked like when I first started out:

[themodernwitchsguide]

What should you do with food offerings afterwards?? Is it ok if you eat it yourself, do you give it to nature or what??

Well since I live in an apartment I usually just throw it away (or compost, if you do that). But you could also burn it or eat it (but if you've left it out for a long time I wouldn't recommend that). You could also feed it to your pet(s) if it's safe for them to eat.

[themodernwitchsguide]

altars for greek gods (pt.2)

this post includes zeus, hera, poseidon, hestia, hephaestus, dionysus, ares, demeter, and athena. for part 1 including hades, persephone, artemis, apollo, aphrodite, hermes, and hekate click here.

keep in mind that typical offerings to any god includes meat, wine, grain (usually barley), honey, and incense (myrrh and frankincense would be period appropriate), but i'm listing some specific offerings that can be given if you'd like

colors can be used for candles, banners, decor, whatever you want

ZEUS

Colors: white, blue, and grey for association with the heavens, yellow and black for association with storms. gold because he's the King of the Gods

Offerings: rain water, oak, olives/olive branches/olive leaves, vervain, cinnamon, laurel. images of himself or lightning bolts are particularly recommended for Zeus

Crystals: diamonds, gold (i think pyrite, aka fool's gold, would be offensive), turquoise, lapis lazuli, celestite, iron/steel, any quartz

Animals: eagle, bull

POSEIDON

Colors: blue and white for association with the seas, gray for association with storms, brown for association with the earth/earthquakes

Offerings: coffee, mint, ocean water, salt, seashells

Crystals: coral, petoskey stone, abalone, opal (especially water opal), blue calcite, aquamarine

Animals: horse, bull, dolphin, hippocampus

HERA

Colors: red, pink and white for association with love and marriage. gold because she's the Queen of the Gods.

Offerings: iris, rose, patchouli, coconut, cypress, maple, peacock feathers, pomegranate

Crystals: pearls, garnet, citrine, diamonds, lapis lazuli, topaz, opal, moonstone, rose quartz

Animals: peacock, cuckoo, cow

HESTIA

Colors: red, orange, and yellow for association with fire, brown or white for the hearth/home.

Offerings: tea/coffee (especially if you drink it with her), pine, bread, cider, apples, anything on fire, cinnamon

Crystals: amber, jade, garnet, ruby, carnelian, sunstone, amethyst, honey calcite

Animals: donkey, pig, crane

HEPHAESTUS

Colors: red, orange, and yellow for association with fire, metallics for association with metalworking.

Offerings: spicy things, hot beverages, handmade things, dragon's blood incense, seashells, anything on fire

Crystals: metals, fire opal, honey calcite, obsidian, hematite, carnelian

Animals: donkey, dog, crane

DIONYSUS

Colors: purple and green for association with grapes/wine, leopard/tiger print for his holy animals

Offerings: grapes (or any derivative), alcohol, cinnamon, ivy, pinecones. there's a particular emphasis on non-physical offerings with dionysus, like playing music, partying or sex/masturbation

Crystals: grape agate, leopard jasper, crazy lace agate, tiger's eye, garnet, rose or rutilated quartz, amethyst, jade

Animals: panther/leopard, tiger, bull, serpent, dolphin

ARES

Colors: red and purple for association with war

Offerings: spicy things, yarrow, chocolate, basil, cinnamon

Crystals: bloodstone, garnet, red jasper, smokey quartz, black tourmaline, hematite, metals, obsidian, carnelian

Animals: eagle owl, barn owl, poisonous snakes, boar, vulture

DEMETER

Colors: green, brown, and yellow for association with the earth/harvest. black for her ruthlessness

Offerings: oats and grain, anything baked, flowers, spices (like cinnamon or cloves, allspice is good too), leaves that have begun to change colors for fall, mint, poppy

Crystals: jade, tree/moss agate, carnelian, amber, aventurine, rutilated quartz

Animals: serpent, farm animals (especially pig), gecko, turtle-dove

ATHENA

Colors: white and grey/silver for association with wisdom. red for association with war

Offerings: anything handmade, olives/olive oil/olive branches/olive leaves, snake shed, cedar, cypress, cinnamon

Crystals: metals, celestite, fluorite, lapis lazuli, bloodstone, obsidian, iolite

Animals: snakes and owls

[themodernwitchsguide]

Hi! I was hoping you would be willing to share any resources/advice you have for a girlie whos just starting her paganism/witchcraft journey. Much thanks

I personally really like theoi.com and sometimes even Wikipedia (with non-European cultures I would Not Recommend Wikipedia, since many sources can be wrong or non-encompassing). I mostly just go out and find books that I think look good at whatever witchy shops I find myself at but a few starters I'd recommend are: a book for uses of herbs, one for crystals, one for tarot/any other divination you like, and a book of spells. However, if you can't find anything near you/don't have the cash, tumblr is a pretty great place for beginners. Vet your sources though, anyone saying sage/palo santo is acceptable to use for every person (white people) will probably not have your best interests at heart. Anything about chakras as well, there's a post here somewhere about why those are colonizer bullshit, but I never saved it.

So basically: research, have fun, but be respectful. If you fuck up no ones going to kill you but fix it as soon as you can.

[themodernwitchsguide]

Hello! I have one question about altars..

When we put food/drink offerings, how many days will it have to stay there, and what we do afterwards? Do we discard or consume them?

For example a glass of wine only last max 1 day, otherwise the wine turns.. I’m confused 😅

Food and drink can be left out for as long or as little time as you want. The Ancient Greeks, for example, would burn some offerings, so they weren't too worried about it spoiling. In Mexico, offerings for Dia de los Muertos are left out for the night/single day. But I've also personally left out coffee for multiple days before.

Essentially: the gods don't care, as long as their spaces aren't grotesque (unless they're into that, which some are, but you might not be if it's in your house). Leave offerings when you remember to but you're not going to get smote for not doing it every day.

[themodernwitchsguide]

altars for greek gods

this post includes hades, persephone, artemis, apollo, aphrodite, hermes, and hekate. for part 2 including zeus, hera, poseidon, hestia, hephaestus, dionysus, ares, demeter, and athena click here.

keep in mind that typical offerings to any god includes meat, wine, grain (specifically barley), honey, and incense (myrrh and frankincense would be period appropriate), but i'm listing some specific offerings that can be given if you'd like

colors can be used for candles, banners, decor, whatever you want

HADES

Colors: black, red, and white for association with death. purple and metallics for association with riches/wealth

Offerings: mint, asphodel, white poplar, pomegranate, coffee, cinnamon, elm, money, chocolate

Crystals: gemstones, black crystals (obsidian, black tourmaline, smokey quartz, etc.), pyrite, hematite, labradorite

Animals: black ram, owl, serpent, Cerberus

PERSEPHONE

Colors: purple, pink, yellow, green for association with springtime. black and metallics for association with Hades. white for purity.

Offerings: pomegranate, flowers, grains, asphodel, lavender, rosemary

Crystals: amethyst, gemstones, moss/tree agate, milk quartz, jade, lepidolite

Animals: deer, ram, bat, talking birds (including parrots)

APHRODITE

Colors: red and pink for love/sexuality. white and blue for association with the ocean. gold for association with, well, gold.

Offerings: roses, chocolate, shells, myrrh, gold

Crystals: rose quartz, pearl, emerald, opal, aquamarine, rhodonite, rhodochrosite, ocean jasper, morganite

Animals: swan, dove, hare

ARTEMIS

Colors: white, blue, black, and grey for association with the heavens. brown and green for association with nature/the hunt.

Offerings: moon shaped foods, frankincense, cypress, mugwort, amaranth

Crystals: morganite, moonstone, aventurine, selenite, celestite, moss/tree agate, amethyst, quartz (specific dendritic), labradorite

Animals: deer, wolf, wild boar

APOLLO

Colors: yellow, white, and blue for association with the heavens. red, orange, and pink for healing. purple and green for the Oracle

Offerings: sun shaped foods, bay leaves, laurel, cypress, playing music, poetry

Crystals: sunstone, amber, calcite (specifically honey and yellow), quartz (specifically rutilated or clear), rose quartz

Animals: cow, snake, hawk, crow/raven, cicada, swan

HERMES

Colors: green and gold for money/luck. white and brown for travels.

Offerings: money, crocus/saffron, strawberries

Crystals: jade, malachite, fluorite, pyrite, lapis lazuli, citrine, alexandrite

Animals: tortoise, ram

HEKATE

Colors: purple, blue, and green for magic. red and black for association with underworld

Offerings: garlic, saffron, crossroad dirt, black salt, ashes, sage, cedar, yew

Crystals: labradorite, obsidian, hematite, black tourmaline, amethyst, bloodstone, serpentine, lepidolite

Animals: wolf, boar, serpent, lion, horse, cow

[themodernwitchsguide]

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:

APHRODITE:

-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

HERMES:

-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

APOLLO:

-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

ARTEMIS:

-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

DIONYSUS:

-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

HEKATE:

-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

-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

[themodernwitchsguide]

greek god epithets

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

epithets are surnames (as <god's name> <epithet>) used to call upon the greek gods without saying their name directly. the epithet that you choose often corresponds to the purpose you are invoking them for

ZEUS:

-OMBRIUS/HYETIUS/APHESIUS= of the rain

-SCOTITAS= the dark/murky

-CERAUNIUS= of the thunderbolt

-ASTRAPAEUS= of the lightning

-CATAEBATES= the descending

-LABRANDEUS= the furious/raging

-ICMAEUS= of moisture

-CONIUS= of the dust

-MAEMACTES= the boisterous

-EVENEMUS= of fair winds

-LIMENOSCOPUS= the watcher of sea havens

-BASILEUS/CORYPHAEUS= the king/chief/ruler

-HYPATUS/HYPSISTUS= the supreme

-CTESIUS= of the house/property

-HERCEIUS= of the courtyard

-BULAEUS= of the council

-AMBULIUS= the counsellor

-TELEUS/ZYGIUS= of marriage

-MOIRAGETES= the leader of the Fates

-CLARIUS= of the lots

-SEMALEUS= the giver of signs (like clairvoyant messages)

-MECHANEUS= the contriver

-COSMETES= the orderer

-THEUS AGATHUS= the good God

-EPIDOTES= the giver of good

-PLUSIUS= of wealth

-PHILIUS= of friendship

-XENIUS= of hospitality/strangers

-HICESIUS= of suppliants

-PHYXIUS= of refuge

-PALAMNAEUS= the punisher of murderers

-CATHARSIUS= of ritual purification

-PROSTROPAEUS= the turner of pollution

-APEMIUS= averter of ills (ailments)

-SOTER= the savior/deliverer

-MILICHIUS= the gracious/merciful

-PANHELENIOS= of all the Greeks

-LAOITES= of the people

-POLEIUS= of the city-state

-SOSIPOLIS= the city-savior

-ELEUTHEREUS= of freedom

-CHRYSAORUS= of the Golden Sword

-STATIUS/AREIUS= of war/the warlike

-STHENIUS= of strength/the strong

-TROPAEUS= turns to flight/who defeats

-PHYXIUS= puts to flight/banishes

HERA:

-PAIS= the girl

-NYMPHEUOMENE= the betrothed bride

-TELEIA= the (adult) woman/the goddess of marriage

-CLEIRA= the widow

-GAMELIA= of marriage

-ATAUROTE/PARTHENOS= the virginal

-ZYGIA= presider over marriage

-HENIOCHE= of the chariot

-ANTHEA= of the flowers

-ARGOEA= of the ship Argo

-HYPERCHEIRIA= whose hand is above

-BASILEIA= the queen

ATHENA:

-NIKE= victory

-AREIA/PALLAS= of war/the warlike

-ZOSTERIA= girded in armor

-STHENIAS= of strength/the strong

-POLEMODOCUS= the war sustaining

-HIPPIA= of horses

-CHALINITIS= bridler of horses

-ERYMA= the defender

-SOTEIRA= the savior

-ALALACOMENEIS= the protectress

-POLIAS= of the city

-POLIUCHUS= the city protectress

-POLIATIS= the keeper of the city

-ERGANE= the worker

-PAEONIA= the healer

-HYGEIA= of good health

-ALEA= of escapes to refuge

-AMBULIA= the counsellor

-PRONOEA= of foresight

-APATURIA= the deceiver/of deception

-MACHANITIS= contriver of plans

-OXYDERCES= the sharp sighted

-CORYPHASIA/CORYPHAGENES= relating to the head (like her birth)

-PARTHENUS= the virgin/maiden

-CORIA= the maiden

-XENIA= of hospitality (especially to strangers/foreigners)

DEMETER:

-CHTHONIA/DEO= of the earth

-CHLOE= the green/the first shoots

-EPOGMIA= of the furrows

-ANESIDORA= she who sends forth gifts

-PLUTODOTIRA= the giver of wealth

-CARPOPHORUS/MALOPHORUS= bearer of fruit

-THERMASIA= of warmth/heat

-MEGALA THEA= the great Goddess

-MEGALA MATER= the great Mother

-THESMOPHORUS= the bringer of law

-THESMIA= of the laws

-PROSTASIA= the patron/leader

-PANACHAEA= of all the Greeks

-ERINYS= of fury/wrath

-MELAENA= the black

-LUSIA= the bathing/purifying

-HORAPHORUS= the bringer of season

-POLYPHORBUS= the all nourishing/bountiful

-AGLAOCARPUS= the giver of goodly fruit

-AGLAODORUS= the bestower of splendid gifts

-CALLISTEPHANUS= the beautifully crowned

-EUSTEPHANUS= the lovely crowned

-EUCOMUS= the lovely haired

-XANTHE= the blonde/golden-haired

-CYANOPEPLUS= the dark veiled/cloaked

-CALLISPHYRUS= the beautiful

-CHRYSAORUS= of the golden blade

-DIA THEA= the bright Goddess

-SEMNE= the holy/revered

-HAGNE= the pure/chaste/holy

-ANASSA/POTHIA= the queen

-POTHIA THEAON= the queen amongst goddesses

-CYDRA THEA= the glorious/noble goddess

-ORGIA= of religious orgies

-MYSTERIA= of mysteries

ARES:

-THERITAS= the beastly/brutish

-HIPPIUS= of the horses

-APHNEIUS= the abundant

-GYNAECOTHOENAS= feasted by women

-MIAEPHONUS= the blood stained/bloody

-LAOSSOUS= he who rallies men

-BROTOLOEGUS= the manslaughtering

-ANDREIPHONTES= the destroyer of men

-CHALCEUS/CHALCOCORUSTES= of the bronze/armed with bronze

-TEICHESIPLETES= the stormer of cities

-AATUS POLEMOEO= insatiate of fighting/war

-ENCHESPALUS= spear-brandishing

-RHINOTORUS= shield/flesh piercing

-OXYS= the sharp/piercing

-THOOS= the swift/fleet

-THURUS= the violent/furious

-OBRIMUS= the strong/mighty

-DINUS= the terrible/fearsome

-ENYALIUS= the warlike

-CHRYSOPELEX= of the golden helm

HEPHAESTUS:

-CLYTUS= the renowned/famed

-PERICLYTUS/AGACLYTUS= the very famed/the glorious

-CLYTOMETIS/CLYTOTECHNES= famed for crafts/skills

-POLYTECHNES= of many skills

-POLYPHRON= the ingenious/inventive

-POLYMETIS= resourceful

-AETHALOIS THEUS= the sooty god

-CHALCEUS= the bronze/copper smith

-CYLLOPODIUM/AMPHIGYEIS= referring to his disability

POSEIDON:

-BASILEUS= the king/lord

-PELAGAEUS= of the sea/marine

-AEGAEON= of the Aegeon sea

-PROSCLYSTIUS= who dashes against

-ASPHALIUS= who secures safe voyage

-EPOPTES= the overseer/watcher

-GAEOCHUS= the holder of the earth

-ENNOSIGAEUS= shaker of the earth

-HIPPIUS= of the horses

-HIPPOCURIUS= the horse tender

-PHYTALMIUS= the plant nurturer

-GENETHLIUS= of the kin/the kindred

-DOMATITES= of the house

-LAOITES= of the people

[themodernwitchsguide]

working with pendulums

now, theoretically pendulums could be anything, however I recommend something uniform (ish) in shape and fairly weighty. you need to be able to discern when your pendulum is just moving because of the wind, and when it's moving to tell you something. some good examples are crystals, raw or cut, and metal. look out for resin and glass dupes as these do not work as well

i've seen a few theories on how pendulums work, whether they have their own spiritual energy to move themselves or if they can stimulate your muscles just subtly enough to move them in the right directions. either way, don't worry too much about your own interference here. more often than not, you'll be able to tell when they're moving on their own and when it's just shaky hands/wind

HOW TO START

first of all, find a pendulum that speaks to you. then ask it if it's willing to work with you

second, i usually like to cleanse my pendulums, but not too hardcore. just some salt, selenite or herbs will do the trick here, we're looking to wash other people's hands off here, not the actual spirit of the thing

then, when you first start speaking with your pendulum, you want to tackle the conversations with something in between a "you work for me" and "you work with me" vibe. still ask permission before someone else touches it, before you take pictures, etc. i've even known people to ask before using them at all. whatever you think is right

it's also important to get to know your pendulum. what direction is yes? what direction is no? not all pendulums swing the same way. additionally, most pendulums i've met have name and pronoun preferences, so suggest whatever calls to you and then ask if they like it

DECIDE THEIR PURPOSE

i've known people to use pendulums for a variety of things. some examples include:

-assistance with tarot

-regular divination (answering the yes/no questions you ask)

-connection to a god (this is what I do)

-talking with spirits (see image below for an alphabet chart)

-and in the darkest of times, it's nice to just to have a friend

again, it's very important you talk to your pendulums before you decide because sometimes they don't wanna be tied down

HOW TO INCORPORATE A PENDULUM INTO YOUR PRACTICE

in tarot:

1) after shuffling, separate your deck into a number of piles, have your pendulum choose which pile you should read from (this is especially useful for very broad or general readings)

2) after shuffling, lay out a series of individual cards that you feel drawn to. then have your pendulum choose individual cards (this is especially useful if you're doing a reading for someone else, since you can have the recipient hold the pendulum that chooses the cards)

with deity work:

1) have them represent an altar or space dedicated to your deity. this might not serve any practical use, but a guardian for an altar is never a bad thing

2) dedicate it to a deity and attempt communication with them. this can be iffy for some people, depending on your beliefs. in my eyes, a god does not have to be one corporeal being, having to dedicate their singular consciousness to a singular task as a human does. gods are multifaceted, primordial beings that have fingers in many different pots, so to speak. therefore, it is not outside the realm of possibility to communicate with a deity in this way, since moving a pendulum to say yes or no isn't all that deeply personal. REMEMBER, if you do this, the pendulum's spirit is still there, and you are more than capable of separating a pendulum from a deity or communicating with the two separately OR harming the pendulum while trying some risky business with a deity

WHAT TO DO WITH THEM IN THE MEAN TIME

when i'm not using them, i like to keep my pendulums hung up on my altar space, overlooking my room. however, i DO NOT keep them in direct sun because the crystals will fade with exposure to UV. sometimes i'll bring them out to the window during a full moon though

some other ideas would be:

-in a window that doesn't receive much direct sunlight

-in mesh baggies (so they don't get tangled or lost) on your altar

-hung on a wall, thumbtacks are useful for this

-if you only have one or two, it's not outside of the realm of possibility to carry them around with you. some pendulums really enjoy this too

-with your other crystals, as long as they're separated enough so that they won't get tangled or lost

happy witching!

[themodernwitchsguide]

black salt recipe

for warding off spirits

MATERIALS:

-salt

-black pepper

-ash (usually incense ash or a cleansing herb)

-charcoal

STEPS:

-cleanse ingredients

-grind up and mix ingredients (in a mortar and pestle or with an electric grinder it doesn't matter)

-sprinkle along doors and windows

[themodernwitchsguide]

inquiry to a god/spirit

take a bronze vessel and fill with water (rain water = heavenly gods, seawater = earthly gods, river water = Osiris/Serapis, spring water = dead) and, holding it on your knees, pour in green olive oil, say "AMOUN AUANTAU LAIMOUTAU RIPTOU MANTAUI IMANTOU LANTOU LAPTOUMI ANCHOMACH ARAPTOUMI, hither to me O'[name of the god/spirit], appear to me this very hour and do not frighten my eyes. hither to me, O'[name of the god/spirit], be attentive to me because he wishes and commands this. ANCHOR ANCHOR ACHACHACH PTOUMI CHACHCHO CHARACHO PTENACHO CHEU (this is the name of 100 letters)." then ask your question and repeat the 100 letter name to dismiss them

from the greek magical papyri