I...tried To Make A Meme And Got Carried Away And Made A Thing That Is Like Partially Unfinished Because

welcome to the witchy world new friend!

hellenism is technically the more appropriative incorrect word for Hellenic Polytheism! it’s the reconstructionist view of the Greek Gods!

I recommend some googling and doing some reading on reconstructionist vs revivalist paganism, as well as basics of modern Hellenic Polytheism. Google, not tumblr, there’s still some good scholarly articles out there!

as far as hexing/cursing, the ethics of “can I hex” is entirely up to the witch themselves. everyone has their own paths and ethics, and while some will try to teach you that hexing is evil or wrong or threefold law or whatever-

YOU WRITE YOUR OWN PATH IN WITCHCRAFT

hope this helps friend! welcome!

I'll make this account pretty later but im not worried about that rn. My main acc is @opposededds

But anyways! Im interested and starting to practice witchcraft/paganism/hellenism (im not sure what it is specifically) and i have basic knowledge of most things. But i have some questions.

Is there an acceptable reason to hex/curse someone (i know the two mean different thinga thats why im asking)

I believe i have a good reason, but i also know it can backfire so thats why I'm asking.

In this video, take a flight through millions of galaxies mapped using coordinate data from DESI.

Credit: Fiske Planetarium, CU Boulder and DESI collaboration

astrohumanist

What I've Done Instead of Shadow Work

This is going to be the last thing I say on the topic of shadow work, because, honestly I'm getting bored of the subject and would rather go back to talking about spirit work, or spells, or any of the many other subjects that I care a thousand times more about. Some folks seem to be hearing “I refuse to do any introspection” when I say "I have never and will never do shadow work". I have done lots of introspection, I've done therapy that follows evidence based practices, I just see no reason do try and guide myself through a method of therapy with little to no scientific evidence. But in case anyone's curious, or wants some tips, here's what I've done instead! Mindfulness exercises: I love mindfulness exercises that train you to think about your thoughts, but not judge them. Consistent mindfulness practice has really helped me become more aware of my internal thought processes, what I get hung up on, what I struggle with, what emotions I’m feeling and what caused them.

The Artist Way & Embrace Your Weird: These are both self help books for creative folks with a heavy emphasis on journaling and self expression. I found both of these helpful in different ways when I felt like I was struggling with creative burnout or felt like I was stuck in the daily grind of my day job.

Journaling: I keep multiple journals! One is a commonplace book that I fill up with on the spot thoughts, quotes, song lyrics, etc. just stuff I want to remember. The other I write in every morning when I first wake up, a continuation of the morning pages from the Artist’s Way, to just unpack and process whatever going on in my head.

Therapy: Actual real therapy with a licensed professional. I specifically see a pain psychologist because most of what we focus on is the impact my chronic pain has on my and developing healthy coping mechanisms for that.

I think what gets a bee in my bonnet the most about the few negative reactions I’ve gotten on this topic is that these folks seem most concerned about the trauma and “inner demons” aspects of shadow work. There’s always something about how dangerous or unhealthy it is for me or even those around me for me to have not delt with my trauma via shadow work. I don’t like that they presume to know my life and mental health history without having ever spoken to me. And I really don’t like the insistance that everyone has the same kind of trauma that needs to be healed in the same way.

happy new moon! doodled a sigil blessing.

Look! It's a Hypnos devotee running in with a message!

You are not a bad person for finding it difficult to go to sleep. You are not a bad peron for finding it difficult to wake up. You are not cursed by Hypnos or Morpheus of the Oneroi for having nightmares. You have not displeased them for not having or not remembering your dreams. Just because you had a nightmare or couldn't get to sleep does not mean you've angered any gods. You are human. Your mind still works on it's own accord. Yes, even if you prayed that night - yes, even if you're a devotee - yes, even if you give offerings - yes, even if they are your patrons - you are not expemt from science. Of course things can have spiritual meanings, but not everything does. Hypnos loves you. Morpheus loves you. The Oneroi love you; no matter any sleeping disorders or issues you may have. Stay safe and mundane before magical my friends.

STARTING in a religion is easy and accessible, just start praying.

STAYING in a religion is effort and work and learning, do your research.

“There’s no wrong way to practice, if you want to worship, just start praying. “ and “you have to have a basic understanding of the foundation of Hellenic polytheism before you delve in” are two things that can and will coexist.

totally agree there’s tons of stuff out there! let me further rephrase:

I work a lot 😂 kitchen jobs I can’t churn through audio versions of texts because no headphones, and while I do my best to read things, it takes me considerably longer to complete research than I would like.

I more was seeking your opinion and thoughts as a fellow practitioner looking to expand my knowledge! I always ask for help where I can, worst case scenario I don’t get it! but if I can give myself the leg up with peer review, i’ll always take that opportunity

so as a fellow long term hellenic polytheist (around 10 years of loosely dedicated practice) who has recently (1 year) decided to crack down and get more serious about learning the actual texts… what do you think is the best to start with?

we’ve all been inundated with tumblr terms for years, and when you learn the concepts with bad vocabulary, it’s hard to drop. it’s easier to replace. so what terms have you seen that you would recommend for the practice of decentrifying the tiktok/media-based “knowledge” that we all drown in everyday?

if there’s no specific terms, do you have any recommendations for sources that specifically helped you reach this point in your practice?

thanks for actually making this a conversation and entertaining my questions!

I hate a lot of terms adjacent to HelPol spaces. So many of them are indicative of 1. Being raised with Christianity 2. Lack of deconstruction of those beliefs and 3. Utter lack of research (what I call Tik-tokisms)

I do not like the terms deity, misuse of the term “altar”, ever using patron, “my gods or goddesses”, devotee, “reach out” (as in a spirit is reaching out), “talking to the gods”, offending the gods.

I’ve got some REALLLY unpopular opinions about Ares, some primordial spirits, Khaos, like.

I am selective about the term “god”, (Theos and Theoí are commonly more appropriate to my conversations). I’m also slightly apprehensive around the phrase “work with”, but that being said I don’t care as much.

Doomscrolling Save Point

hey relax for a second and watch the cat

this is INCREDIBLE. modern magic in action.

I will be testing my own and recording my findings.

Magic Square of Saturn: Rubik's Cube Talisman

I've had this idea rattling around in my brain for a few months, and I've finally brought it to fruition:

Behold, my Magic Square of Saturn Rubik's Cube!

For more info on how I made this, and the exact applications on this talisman - check out my post on Substack!