witchwayiswhich

[witchwayiswhich]

There are actually a lot of rules to magic.

Like yes, there's no rules, but if your takeaway from that is that there's literally no rules, then I think you missed the larger conversation about the specific ways in which there are no rules.

What "there's no rules" means is that there is not one universal set of rules that applies to every practitioner.

It means that nobody gets to act as an authority on what the rules are for everyone else.

It means that if you show up on somebody else's post saying "the first rule of witchcraft is that you must only use magic for good" you will probably (and deservedly) be told to fuck off.

What "there's no rules" does NOT mean is that there are literally no rules. There are SO many rules. People just work within their own set of rules.

Some rules come with the territory of working within a specific tradition.

Some rules are set by entities that practitioners work with, and might be quite specific to each individual.

Some rules are like laws of physics. They define the mechanisms by which magic works within a paradigm, and what the limits are on what it can do. A magical practice consisting of "I can do literally anything," is typically a practice that hasn't had a lot of genuine thought put into it. I have yet to meet anybody who can literally turn invisible or fly.

Some rules are more like a personal code of ethics.

So, when you burst into someone else's post to announce that there are no rules, you might not be told to fuck off quite as quickly as if you turned up to impose your personal rules on other people, but you are essentially signaling that you do not understand the concept of rules within a magical practice.

Disclaimer: some people are going to be obnoxious and make their own posts about how everyone else should be following their rules, and while it might be tempting to correct them, in my experience these people tend to get 0 notes, and you're more likely to give them the exposure they desire by starting a flame war. When they find that followers don't come flocking to them, they eventually get bored and give up.

[witchwayiswhich]

Veles: Patron of Knowledge

Veles is a Slavic deity. He is the King of the Underworld, God of magic, alchemy, the forces of earth and water, livestock, song, wealth, health, vegetation, trade, wisdom, and travel. He is the patron of witchcraft and trickery. He is a shapeshifter. He is the eternal opponent and balancing force for Perun. He is known as the Cattle-God or Horned Deity. He is a symbol of wealth. He is the Punisher of Oathbreakers, punishing them with awful diseases.

He has many symbols:

• Bears

• Dragons (In Slavic folklore, dragons often had snake bodies and bear heads)

• Wolves

• Snakes

• Cattle

• Sheep

• Goats

• Deers

• Other forest and farm animals

• Willow

There are many things that are appropriate to offer to Him/put on His altar:

• Cooked corn

• Bread

• Herbs (especially basil, mistletoe, hollyberry, thyme, catnip, and willow)

• Wooden flutes

• Any stringed instrument

• Imagery of His symbols/sacred animals

• Black wool or fur

• Cow bells

• Wood-carved art or wood carvings

• Opal, obsidian, onyx, moss agate, amber, garnet, jet, snowflake obsidian, serpentine, and bloodstone (while gemstones and crystals weren’t typically offered in Slavic worship, they can still be used)

• Gold, silver, bronze, etc.

• Coins and money

• Bear skin (ethically sourced)

• Rabbit hide/foot/bones/etc. (ethically sourced)

• Snake shed (ethically sourced)

• Cow horns

• River water

• Practicing one’s claire___ skills

• Whiskey

• Pinecones

• Feathers (especially owl)

• Meats (especially beef)

• Garlic

• Apples

• Peppermint tea

• Milk and honey

• Dark chocolate

• Umbrellas/umbrella imagery

There are many more tidbits of information available:

He lives in caves and hollow trees. The forms of rebirth in humanity is represented in The Battle Between Perun and Veles, where Perun kills Veles and then revives. Because of this, Veles often represents our forebears, and is a part of traditional Slavic ancestor veneration.

[witchwayiswhich]

Papa Zeus coming in with the thunderstorm in winter in February when I’m having a struggle day thank you Papa Zeus

#papa zeus #zeus #hellenic pagan #hellenic polytheism #hellenic deities #hellenic polythiest

[witchwayiswhich]

You just have to Look

The gods haven’t left us, but some say they are forgotten

Zeus roars his battle cry as lightning strikes skyscrapers and thunder rolls over corn fields and grassy plains.

Hera sings a lullaby to the crying newborn babies every night and hold the hand of those born early, those fighting to survive.

Artemis screams her protest in the voices of every woman, young and old, as they raise their fists for equality.

Demeter whistles through the streets of cities, rustling the leaves of scarce trees, reminding the concrete jungle of the jungles around them.

Poseidon bellows through the foghorns of steam ships, cruise liners and cargo ships as they dock into the harbour.

Hephaestus hammers his forge’s red fires with the punch of a time-clock and in the muscles strains of the working man.

Apollo blasts his voice through every headphone, earbud and speaker turned way too loud.

Ares’ battle cry echoes through a stadium as the crowd cheers after a national anthem is played.

Aphrodite whispers in the giggles and “I love you"s said between lovers intimating.

Hermes laughs in the roar of every engine and the gurgle of gasoline through the pump.

Dionysus cheers in the spirit of every young person celebrating themselves and making their lives enjoyable.

Athena hums in the silence of a late night library visit, in the turn of a page and the scratch of a pen.

Hestia smiles in every host saying “come in”, in every oven’s beeping, and the sigh of relaxation in ones home.

Hades beams in every dark humoured joke, in every Halloween night, and in every morning after.

They say the gods are gone, forgotten and a world away. But they are here, if you look for them.

[witchwayiswhich]

THE SUN

Heals, charges, warms, illuminates, nourishes

THE MOON

Manifests, rebirths, clears, enhances intuition

THE OCEAN

Cleanses, refreshes, Invigorates, releases

THE FOREST

Grounds, balances, connects, stabilizes

#the forest #the sun #the moon #the ocean #witchblr

[witchwayiswhich]

12 Houses of the birth chart explained

The birth chart is divided into 12 houses, each representing a different area of life.

Here is a brief explanation of each house placement:

First House (Ascendant): This house represents the individual's self-image, physical appearance, and how they present themselves to the world. The sign on the cusp of the first house is the individual's rising sign or ascendant.

Second House: This house represents the individual's resources, values, and possessions. It can also indicate financial security and income.

Third House: This house represents communication, mental activity, and short-term travel. It can also indicate siblings and local community.

Fourth House (IC): This house represents the individual's home, family, roots, and emotional foundation. The IC (Imum Coeli) is the point opposite the Midheaven and represents the bottom of the chart.

Fifth House: This house represents creativity, self-expression, romance, and children. It can also indicate hobbies and leisure activities.

Sixth House: This house represents daily routine, work, health, and service. It can also indicate pets and employees.

Seventh House (Descendant): This house represents relationships, partnerships, and collaborations. The sign on the cusp of the seventh house is the individual's descendant.

Eighth House: This house represents transformation, death and rebirth, shared resources, and sexuality. It can also indicate inheritances and investments.

Ninth House: This house represents higher education, philosophy, travel, and spirituality. It can also indicate legal matters and foreign affairs.

Tenth House (MC): This house represents career, public image, reputation, and achievements. The MC (Midheaven) is the point opposite the IC and represents the top of the chart.

Eleventh House: This house represents social groups, friends, and aspirations. It can also indicate humanitarian causes and community involvement.

Twelfth House: This house represents subconscious, spirituality, retreat, and self-undoing. It can also indicate secrets and hidden enemies.

Each house is ruled by a different sign of the zodiac and planet, which can provide additional information about the individual's life and experiences.

The placements of the planets in each house can also indicate which areas of life are most strongly influenced by each planet.

[witchwayiswhich]

Blessing to all who worship Lord Apollon

I have also begun worshipping Lady Hekate, I’ve made a separate blog @hekates-torch

#apollo #hellenic pagan #pagan #apollo worship

[witchwayiswhich]

Crystal Color Meaning Charts Pt. 2

[witchwayiswhich]

Crystal Color Meanings Pt. 1

[witchwayiswhich]

I don't know who (if anyone) needs to hear this, but witchcraft isn't sacred to every practitioner. It's not always filling some spiritual void they had, or becoming a huge part of their life and identity. It's not a religious experience for a lot of witches. Not everyone takes it super seriously at all times.

It can be a hobby. It can be a casual thing. It can be something fun they do every now and then.

Just because it's a certain thing for you, don't expect everyone else to feel exactly the same way.

[witchwayiswhich]

Wait wait wait.

You can dedicate certain tasks and hobbies and such to the gods? You don’t have to give, like, physical offerings? Like food and drink?

Because I’ve always thought that you had to have an alter space (if possible) and a place to put offerings of food and drink. And you’d have to be clean (with khernips I think????) to worship otherwise you’re dirty spiritually and may offend them. And I’ve always shied away from that because it just feels…. Idk. Weird to me? Not bad or anything! Because I know some people do worship that way. But, for me personally, it just seemed kind of strange that the gods would want you to waste food and drink on them.

I am so confused. 😵‍💫 I can just…. Sing and dedicate it to Apollo? Or draw? Or RESEARCH Hellenic polytheism????? And that counts?????????????

YESSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!! Devotional Acts are a legit form of worship! I have an entire episode on my podcast about them! They are pretty much the backbone of my entire worship! I very rarely give out physical offerings. My devotion is pretty much 95% work based!

Also I don't use khernips at all and I basically just keep up with basic hygiene. Nothing fancy or special. And sometimes bc I have depression I don't keep up with basic hygiene but the gods are never offended by it. They're always there trying to help me feel better because THATS what they truly care about.

And i've been without an altar for 3 months and have had zero problems.

Your worship is decided by you and your gods. No one else.

[witchwayiswhich]

A Guide to Greek Alphabet Divination (Runes)

As many may already know, Runes are a popular form of divination in order to communicate with the gods! However, aside from the popular Norse runes (elder futhark) that everyone might be aware of, did you know that there’s also a form of “rune casting divination” for the Greek alphabet?

First found inscribed in Olympos, a city in ancient Lycia, the Greek alphabet divination system uses the 24 letters from the Greek language and assigns them meanings, and based on what rune you pull, can give you advice from the gods on your current situation!

There were many Alphabet Oracles in ancient Greece, and the idea of reading the Greek alphabet for signs of the gods is one of the oldest divination methods that we know of.

How do I create my “runes?” 

To create your runes, any way of making them works! Historically, they would be painted onto pottery shards, but any way you can think of to have them accessible to throw/draw is completely okay. I have personally used black stones with gold paint on them.

You create one piece per letter, and in total there will be 24. Each letter will be listed and elaborated on later on in the post!

I’ve made my alphabet set. How do I use them?

In order to call upon the Theoi to get an answer, you can firstly call upon them in an invocation. After you have called upon them or asked your gods to give you an answer (sometimes no formal structure is needed) you can reach into a bag which contains the letters and pull out one at a time and read that, or you can grab them and throw them and look for patterns or groups of letters that are clumped together. 

THE LETTER MEANINGS

Α - Alpha - “The God Apollo [Apollon] says you will do everything successfully.” With his luck and good fortune, the current thing you are working on will turn out well and you will be the leader of your situation and have good transactions with others.

Β - Beta - “With the help of Tyche, you will have an assistant [Boêthos], who is the Pythian Apollon.” You might be at a time in your life where you’re struggling, but this divine-coded letter tells you that the gods that you worship are going to help you soon, so the signs you get might be more prophetic in nature. 

Γ - Gamma - “Gaia [Gê] will give you the ripe fruit of your labors.” It is time for you to take a break and admire the hard work you have put in. Gaia will reward you, and you will have abundance in happiness, emotional fulfillment, food, or all of the above. 

Δ - Delta - “In customs inopportune strength [Dunamis] is weak.” Timing is everything. Wait for the right time to act, and do not act to hastily. Wait for your time, but at the same time, use your strength for good to make a change in your situation.

Ε - Epsilon - “You desire [Eraô] to see the offspring of righteous marriages.” You need to surround yourself with good friendships, romances, allies, or relationships in general in order to get the most out of it. Surround yourself with positive people or situations to bring yourself up in a righteous way.

Ζ - Zeta - “Flee the very great storm [Zalê], lest you be hindered in some way.” If you’re already struggling, know when to pick your battles. Sometimes flight is better than fight, and only you know your own limitations. 

Η - Eta - “Bright Helios [Hêlios], who watches everything, watches you.” Helios knows that in the past you feel like you have been wronged. As the enforcer of oaths and promises, if you are honest with yourself and the situation the truth will come out and you will be aided.

Θ - Theta - “You have the helping Gods [Theoi] of this path.” If you are taking a plan of action do not worry! The Gods are guiding your way and you are in good hands. 

Ι - Iota - “There is sweat [’idrôs]; it excels more than everything.” Within your situation, there is going to be a lot of work. The gods recommend you buckle down and work as hard as you can, and it will not be easy. But it will be worth it.

Κ - Kappa - “To fight with the waves [Kuma] is difficult; endure, friend.” Now is not the time. You should wait until the vicious waves die down, and then take action.

Λ - Lambda - ““The one passing on the left [Laios] bodes well for everything.” Something that may seem really bad currently or in the future is actually going to turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Pay attention to your intuition!

Μ - Mu - “It is necessary to labor [Mokhtheô], but the change will be admirable.” You might feel distressed right now and that nothing is going right. But keep working to change either your situation or yourself, and the results will be in your favour.

Ν - Nu - ““The strife-bearing [Neikêphoros] gift fulfils the oracle.” Something will be given to you and enter your life. While it might not be obvious at first, this is the first domino in a line of changes that will happen in your life and make prophecy come true. 

Ξ - Xi - “There is no fruit to take from a withered [Xêros] shoot.” Being bitter and angry is not the way to go about things. Don’t keep trying to pull water out of a well that is empty, and know when to let go. 

Ο - Omicron - “There are no [Ou] crops to be reaped that were not sown.” In order to get things out of the situation, you have to plan ahead. What goes around comes around. 

Π - Pi - “Completing many [Polus] contests, you will seize the crown.” After many trials, you will achieve your goal. Persistence will give you your rewards, and do not be afraid to use your talents. 

Ρ - Rho - “You will go on more easily [Rhaion] if you wait a short time.” You should act, and quickly. Now is the best time and waiting longer is not a good idea. The stars are aligned and while it not be easy, there is no better time than the present. 

Σ - Sigma - “Phoibos Apollon speaks plainly [Saphôs], ‘Stay, friend.’” The gods want to inform you to wait for more information before you make any decisions. In this time, relax, and let the signs come to you.

Τ - Tau - “You will have a parting from the [Tôn] companions now around you.” Soon, people in your life might not stay the way they are. Friends might leave or enemies might leave. You might grow apart or distance or travel might force you away. Be wary of this, and act accordingly. 

Υ - Upsilon - “The affair holds a noble undertaking [Yposkhesis].” The task at hand is certainly a grand one, but with confidence, you, the hero of your own story, can pull through. You must acknowledge your strength, but also acknowledge the size of the task. 

Φ - Phi - “Having done something carelessly [Phaulos], you will thereafter blame the Gods.” Something is going wrong, and you may be trying to blame other things than the cause of the problem. Don’t resort to pointing fingers. The Gods will help you if you do not take out your anger on them or others needlessly. 

Χ - Khi - “Succeeding, friend, you will fulfill a golden [Khruseos] oracle.” Luck is on your side, and by mere chance, things might fall into place. The answer is positive, and you might be pleasantly surprised at all the riches that the world gives you in addition to your solution.

Ψ - Psi - “You have this righteous judgment [Psêphos] from the Gods.” Truth will be brought forwards, so be careful in your actions. The Gods are watching, and they will be fair, honest, and unforgiving to those who deserve it. This includes those who might be harming you, as well.

Ω - Omega - “You will have a difficult [Ômos] harvest season, not a useful one.” The times will be rough, and you will not get what you wish for at the end. You also might be forced to make tough decisions that you are not ready to make.

And those are the letters! Happy letter-casting! 

[witchwayiswhich]

I spend much of my time reassuring baby Hellenic Pagans about this:

Our gods are not wrathful. They will not be angered by small mistakes. You poured a libation wrong? Or didn’t do a ritual you intended because life got in the way? They aren’t angry with you. They will not punish you. 

They aren’t with you in order to take from you. They give to us unconditionally, and in return we give thanks because we are thankful. Not because we are afraid.

In my own experience, the gods will not be angered unless you act in a purposeful malicious or disrespectful way. You would really need to do something terrible for them to be angry with you.

We are human. We make mistakes. All you can do is have good intentions, and to continue learning. They love you for trying, even when you don’t do so perfectly. Try your best. Treat yourself and others with love, and you’re all set. 

[witchwayiswhich]

i don't believe that you become a witch. it was within and around you all along.

every time you'd collect rocks as a child, or spoke to the moon when you needed comfort, or even when that warm, tingling sensation would hit you while walking in the woods. it was always the little things that didn't quite make sense.

it was calling to you, remember that. you're no less just because you figured it out later.

#bruh i practically lived in the woods as a child #i was also like best buds with one of the trees #he was a good friend to me #and the rocks oh the rocks #i had buckets and buckets of rocks because they all felt special #even now in an apartment i have a hoard of rocks #yup always been

[witchwayiswhich]

♠️♦️How to Divine Using Playing Cards ♥️♣️

♥️HEARTS♥️

♥️Ace: home or close environment. Could represent a visit, travel or a change of address.

♥️King: an influencial man, someone who has the power or ability to do something good for the querent. Money, wealth, success in love.

♥️Queen: A trusted woman. Someone knowledgeable and faithful. One who always plays fair. Trust, honesty, friendship.

♥️Jack: A good friend to the querent, someone close, a cousin or confidant, someone they have known for a long time. Friendship, relationships (usually family-related), and gathering or celebration.

♥️10: A good card: means good luck, can counteract bad cards around it.

♥️9: Harmony, prosperity. Also known as ‘the Wish Card’. If surrounded by bad cards, these can represent obstacles that need to be dealt with in order to get the fulfillment of the wish.

♥️8: An event, a celebration, a party/wedding ..etc. Some sort of ceremony that is already in the works, or is being planned.

♥️7: A card of disappointent. Usually indicates a partner or other person failing to keep their promises. If this card comes up when dealing with some sort of plan, expect that the other person will back out.

♥️6: Warning card. Someone may try to take advantage of the querent. Also, the querent is being used by a close friend or partner.

♥️5: Indecisiveness: The querent’s inability to make up his/her mind on a subject. A tendency to make and break plans with others.

♥️4: The bachelor/old maid card. This card represent someone who is too fussy in their selection of a partner. Someone who, by their picky nature, is destined to remain alone.

♥️3: An unwise decision, made in haste and without proper background information.

♥️2: Success, often beyond the querent’s expectations. If bad cards surround, there may be delays in reaching the goal.

♣️CLUBS♣️

♣️Ace: Indicates wealth, fame, and having many friends or acquaintances. Also feeling well known and being able to receive certain perks due to good looks or social status.

♣️King: Represents a very good friend. A lifelong companion, someone who can be trusted and counted on during times of need and sorrow.

♣️Queen: Represents a wife or girlfriend in long term relationship for a man. For a woman, represents a sister or good friend, someone who shares a lot of knowledge about the querent.

♣️Jack: Represents a good friend, one who uses a lot of flattery, but only to make the other person feel better. Someone who is good at cheering the querent up.

♣️10 :A card of happiness and good fortune. Can also represent a long and fun-filled journey.

♣️9: Trouble: Represents arguments with good friends. A loss of a relationship, a dispute that will remain unresolved.

♣️8: A sense of desperation. An urgent need for money.

♣️7: A card of good luck, if other favorable cards are around. Success if there is not interference from the opposite sex.

♣️6: A partnership card. Success based on mutual goals and friendship.

♣️5: A marriage card, or the beginning of a long standing alliance.

♣️4: A danger card, showing misfortune or failure. Supposed friends getting in the way, or turning against the querent.

♣️3: A sign of a second marriage or even a third. Or an engagement with someone, then a marriage with another, after a friendly separation.

♣️2: Bad luck. Being let down by those around. Opposition from friends and family. Do not count on others.

♦️DIAMONDS♦️

♦️Ace: an important message. A letter or package/gift arriving, the contents of which are very important.

♦️King: A bitter rival, a dangerous competitor, for women it can mean an abusive man or a deceitful lover.

♦️Queen: A flirtatious woman, one who will interfere in plans. Gossipy, very attractive to males..able to get away with things and interfere in situations.

♦️Jack: A bringer of bad news. A selfish person. Not dangerous to male querents, but problems for a female one.

♦️10: Money. Money being the driving force of a journey or partnership. Greed.

♦️9: Adventure: A move in the hopes of advancement.

♦️8: Country life, travel and marriage late in life. The querent’s life is too hectic at the moment..a need to settle down and get away..but being unable to do so at the present time.

♦️7: Bad luck on an enterprise or idea. A man who is unreliable, a gambler or drinker.

♦️6: An early marriage, but an unhappy one..and one not destined to last. A second marriage would also be unhappy.

♦️5: Prosperity, long enduring friendship. Pride in family. Success with children.

♦️4: Quarrels: Forgotten or neglected friends and family. Situations that have been brewing and now come to a head.

♦️3: A card of disputes and quarrels. Lawsuits, legal actions. A sign of separation or divorce.

♦️2: A serious love affair, resulting in a marriage or interfering with one depending on surrounding cards.

♠️SPADES♠️

♠️Ace: Bad news, loss of someone close, possible death to someone near, or an illness, miscarriage, etc.

♠️King: A man who will cause problems in marriage or relationships. One who will get in the middle, divide and conquer..and then destroy.

♠️Queen: A cruel woman, one who interferes. For women, a betrayal by a good friend. For men, a woman who will use them for their own gain.

♠️Jack: A person who hangs around and gets in the way. Not a bad person, but a lazy person. One who will get in the way of progress. Takes and takes, but does not give back anything.

♠️10: A very unlucky card. If near a good card, it can cancel it out. If found with bad cards, makes them twice as bad.

♠️9: The worst card of all: Illness, loss of money, or misery. Even among the best of cards. Defeat, lack of success:

♠️8: False friends, traitors, someone who will betray. Most of the trouble can be avoided if caught early on. Examine all relationships closely.

♠️7: Sorrow and quarrels. Avoid arguments with friends. Let them “win” for now.

♠️6: Much planning but little result. Hard work, without much profit. Discouragements.

♠️5: Success in business or love, after much time and hard work.

♠️4: Minor misfortune: A short illness, a temporary setback.

♠️3: Unhappiness: Misfortune in love or marriage. A loss of pride and hope. Do not dwell, move on in life.

♠️2: A complete and forced change. Sudden change of location, relationship or a death. Bound to make a big difference in the coming months.

GENERALLY: ♥️HEARTS: Emotional, symbols of pain and suffering.

♣️CLUBS: Friends, relationships.

♦️DIAMONDS: Difficulties, money problems.

♠️SPADES: Warnings.

[witchwayiswhich]

The Happy Burrito

A tarot spread for when Depression/ Apathy hit hard and all you want to do is curl up in a fuzzy blanket until its over. 

1. The Never Ending Void: where is this depression or apathy coming from?

2. The Fuzzy Blanket: what words of comfort do you need to hear right now?

I wanted to keep this short and sweet. I know when I’m drowning in apathy or depression I don’t feel like touching my cards, much less interpreting them. Hopefully this will be helpful yet easy to those who need it. 

***** Please do not remove my captions******

spread inspiration from @scarletteugenetarot

[witchwayiswhich]

Reminder!

All my forest videos (rain, birdsong, moments at my stream) can be found here. This link will automatically update when I add more.

My goal is to post at least one per day since I have the privilege of being in the forest during these times (when many cannot access it)🌲