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I found a book called Celebrating the Great Mother in a used book store years ago, and it has tons good recipes and activities for each holiday. Here’s a link to the book. I’m trapped under a sleeping baby, but if you message me I’ll send you some pics of the Samhain section later. :)
I just tried different search terms and found it! It’s by Brigid Ashwood and you can find it on amazon Ebros Brigid Ashwood Colorful Nature Spirit God Celtic Greenman Hanging Wall Decor Plaque 12" High Wiccan Tree of Life Forest Tree Ent Decorative Sculpture Mythical Fantasy Cernunnos Horned God https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R6JY8T4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4DSbEbG7WQ3FZ
Edit: sorry I’m on mobile so the linking is weird!
It’s window film! It was so easy to install I did it by myself. Smells a bit like pool floaties when you first open it but the smells goes away fast.
DKTIE Decorative Window Privacy... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NQ9NC2R?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Edit for spelling
I would recommend at least doing some Stoic practices for anybody, Pagan or not.
I love the Enchiridion. I read it,and I also listen to a LibriVox audiobook of it from time to time, it's just under an hour in length.
I've actually been thinking of posting a link to Stoic Week 2014 here. It is:
>an online and international event taking place from Monday 24th to Sunday 30th November. This is its third year. Anyone can participate by following the daily instructions in the Stoic Week 2014 Handbook, which will be published online. You will be following the Stoic practices of philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus, for seven days, and discussing the experience of adapting them for modern living with other participants in our online forums. The aims of the course are to introduce the philosophy so that you can see how it might be useful in your own life and to measure its potential therapeutic effectiveness.
If you're interested, there is a (obviously not approved by AA) book that goes through the steps from a pagan perspective. It is very generalist and not tradition specific. It didn't help me a lot as I practice Hellenic Paganism, which has a different underlying theology, but it might ring the bell for someone else.
The Pagan in Recovery is available from Amazon if you are interested.
Cernunnos doesn't seem to have much, if any surviving mythology. But Jason Mankey's book The Horned God of the Witches has a section on Cernunnos detailing some historical info and how to build an altar to that god.
I bought mine from a local bookstore but this is the Amazon link:
I'm a newbie newbie, in fact I haven't even done my first prayer yet (still trying to make sure my Lararium is arranged appropriately, also I'm still insecure about fucking something up). But I was raised Catholic, and had a stint of being pretty hard atheist for a couple years (mostly mad about some bs that happened in the Baptist Church I went to). After I realized I was being ridiculous I chilled out and just lived like a typical agnostic.
About two years ago I developed a great love for Roman history. I saw Nova Roma was a thing and thought hey, it'd be cool to just go full on reconstructionist because I'm in love with the culture. Sorry if that was long just wanted to set it up how I see the divine. As a Christian in broad strokes you're told god is constantly trying to push you towards him, but after I leaving Christianity I realized the gods care but arent, I guess you'd say "needy". You have to look for the omens. On a whim I decided the next book I'd read would be Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, and his writings on the gods just clicked for me.
It's not very big like a visitation, which may happen to me as I start my path, but for what little I've experienced it feels like you kind of get a huge feeling of relief, freedom, love and happiness. There's no baptisms or communions, the gods are there and there's no catch to opening the door and seeing the hints they're there.
Western Esotericisms are an entirely different animal apart from Revived (usually polytheistic) religions and more or less "intact" Ancient religions, where such terms are used (in English language discussions of them, anyway). Western Esotericisms also tend not to follow standard language rules with the terms they use. To be clear, that's not a value judgement, that's an observation.
"Invocation" is calling to the deity to appear. It's pretty universal language in Modern discussions of various traditions. For example, the Invocation Hymn to Amun-Re at Hebet Temple. Never are opening rituals and accompanying verbal petitions to Gods referred to as "Evocations."
"Evocation" in everyday Modern English usage chiefly refers to thoughts and feelings being "brought out" of someone, but in the realm of religion, as /u/BenningRavensWorkAct already stated, it's a "calling away [from the city]" of a deity or deities -- moreover, it's largely specific to Roman religions.
Hey greetings! Already loving the dedication there.
I'm a designer myself, so thought I try to help a bit. Sorry if I make word or grammar mistakes, English isn't my native language. :)
So the color scheme is nice, but hard on the eye. Not something you want to read so often. Neon(ish) colors aren't so great for that.
Dark colors or shades are the best, but you can go with the general reddit style though. Well that is a bit easier than the current one, not by all means better.
In this case I would use the header to represent the topic, not the body itself. Your title and bg colors strain the eye. Also this way the sidebar pops out too much and don't fit.
Maybe I would go with a dark grey tone (night reveries) and put wine colors in the text. Some neutral tones. At least if you wish (understandably) to go with that idea.
My advice is to check this site for inspiration on color schemes.
With more than half the world's population living in urban areas, and the world's population increasing, I don't see this changing any time soon. Plus, a lot of people can't afford to move far from where they work, and increasingly that's also in cities.
Though I totally agree that it's great to go out into the wilderness, that also has costs associated with it, and if you can't afford the time or money to do so, these are some great suggestions for making nature accessible for those in the urban jungle. :)
Why thank you, and I got it off of Amazon, I believe this is the one.
You can browse a lot of different decks using the Fool's Dog Tarot Sampler (also available for Apple/iPhone) to give yourself a general idea of the art and descriptions, which are often customized for each deck. If you want to try before you make a commitment, you can buy the app versions of any deck that interest you just to see if you like they way they "work", then spring for a physical copy of you do.
I typically don't do serious readings with the apps, but it's how I found my current favorite deck (the Ellis decK) and I still use it as a reference/ note taking device for my physical deck. You can add your own personal descriptions to the cards and make journal entries on readings. Conversely, I also found out that a deck I loved art-wise (Ostara Tarot) made no sense to me functionally/ intuitively, because I was able to play with the app first.
One of the ancient Egyptian words for incense is "snTr" - "sen netjer". It's a pun with "s-nTr" "to make holy/divine". Here's an article from academia . edu that's worth a look.
Good luck finding much to do with Andraste now thanks to the dragon age games!
However I did a bit of research when I was younger about local gods and one of them was Andraste. have a look here and the first part has a little on her.
- "Living Theurgy: A Course in Iamblichus’ Philosophy, Theology and Theurgy" by Jeffrey Kupperman
- “Hymn to the King Helios” by Julian the Wise / the Prophet
- “Letter to a Priest” by Julian the Wise / the Prophet
- "Against the Galileans” by Julian the Wise / the Prophet
- “The Last Pagan” by Adrian Murdoch
- “Summary of the Doctrines of Zoroaster and Plato” by Gemistus Plethon
- “The Six Enneads” by Plotinus
- "On the Egyptian Mysteries” by Iamblichus
- “The Heart of Plotinus: The Essential Enneads” by Algis Uzdavinys
Additionally: Polycentric Polytheism by Edward Butler
The Henadology Website in general by Edward Butler
Off the top of my head.
Yeah. The Phoenicians made it to Spain possibly by 1100 BCE, but all extant evidence points to them only arriving around 800 BCE.
With evidence from modern genetic and archaeological research, though, the Basques are shown to have have most likely been around since the mid-to-post Aurignacian period, which stretches their history on the Iberian peninsula back 35 to 45 thousand years ago, and that's a conservative esitmate.
Edit: words, spelling, clarity
Google searches turn up some results, but I don't have any experience with the books themselves.
From Etsy and book depository
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DT31CQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_-UjXFbS34GN1Y?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Here’s a link to the stuff I use if you want to experiment with it. It dilutes with alcohol. I used the blue with a little black. Give it a clear coat to make it shine.
When I read your posting the first thing that came to my mind was the saying "The more things change, the more they stay the same." I think this kind of bodes true for things like asking the spirits for protection of the home and hearth, self and kin, king (or in my case president) and country. Those I found not to have changed. If one grows plants, I would consider it ok to pray for a healthy bountiful harvest. That I don't think would change.
Sparring with words is still as popular and many wars have been fought using correspondence. Sun Tsu's book The Art of War has been adopted into many facets of society other than the battlefield.
The third thing I don't do.
I hope that gives you some ideas. Sorry If I do not sound so coherent, It is very early in the morning.
Here a source that speaks about it. But does not explain the need for fire. Another answer past the one below is that there is very rough history that Athena might have been viewed as a fire goddess to some. https://books.google.com/books?id=eU4ABAAAQBAJ&pg=PA46&dq=Iodama+fire&hl=en&sa=X&ei=j-YWVenMGYrisASd1oG4Ag&ved=0CEQQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Iodama%20fire&f=false
Their description reminds me of a cookie I had recently called pfeffernusse. I had the boxed Archway brand cookies (which you should be able to find in either the cookie or holiday aisle at your store). As for a recipe, this seems to be pretty well-liked judging by the ratings. Best of luck finding what you're looking for!
I started a generic eclectic pagan. In that phase, I was Wiccan-lite, worshiping "The God" and "The Goddess". Then I was a bit more involved eclectic Wiccan, but at no time did the duality really sit well with me. Then I encountered ADF Druidry, with the three branches of Kindred (ancestors, spirits of nature, and polytheistic god worshipping) and felt like I was home. My grove started out doing worship to the Celtic gods, but it was an ill fit as a Grove (though some have personal worship with some, esp. Brigid). We tried Norse, same things. It wasn't until we experimented with the Lithuanian gods that I found the gods I worship - Perkunas the Thunderer, Saule the Sun, and Gabija of the Fires. Ever since theyn, I've been content in my worship. I find my information from Romuva, and other sources, both online, such as and the few English sources I've been able to get (both Romuvan and other, such as Of Gods and Men). It's difficult, but I keep going.
Tlazolteotl and Tezcatlipoca both served in that role pre-Spanish contact, yeah. The Nahua had a pretty big concern with purification and tlazolli that tied in well with the Catholic concept of confession. It's actually interesting to how the attempted demonization of the two failed to account for their ability to remove tlazolli from people. A Spanish failure to fully acknowledge the importance and meaning of duality in Nahua thought.
I think there's a really good section on it in this here. Page 92 or so. The Slippery Earth in general is great to read to contrast and compare Christian and Nahua morals.
The ancient Romans sometimes deliberately created gods, not out of mere belief, but deifying existing worldly phenomena, for example:
> The Arval Brothers made sacrifices and vows to the traditional anthropomorphic deities of the Capitoline Triad, namely Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. But sacrifices and vows were also made to the goddess Salus Publica, or “Civic Well-Being of the Roman People, the Citizens,” whose very name is a potent reminder of the rituals’ original purpose: the plea for the well-being of Rome’s political community of citizens. The creation of a deity to represent a quality that is being sought from the gods through ritual means (a prominent device of constructing divinity at Rome) is witness to the creativity of the Roman religious system.
> ...
>It is significant that the ritual of the Arval Brothers recognizes no difference between the traditional gods and the deified quality—Salus Publica is accorded the same female sacrificial victim that Juno and Minerva receive.
The idea is that gods are not at first individuals, but at first parts of the world, that then become recognised as gods (and are never "individual" in the literal sense of "cannot be divided", since one god might also be many gods under various epithets).
I would like to know more about the Slavic pantheon and I agree with the comment about addressing the lack of lore in Slavic polytheism - if you could provide really good references for your sources (noting that wikipedia doesn't count) and note where there are ambiguities that would be great. Note that you may find the following is pretty interesting https://www.academia.edu/6189700/Slavic_and_Greek-Roman_Mythology_Comparative_Mythology_Brukenthalia_Acta_Musei_No._3_2013
They more or less summarize their reasoning in the first paragraph, archaeologists believe that Stonehenge was used as burial site for important and high ranking individuals. Since so few remains have been found there, enough that it doesn't make sense for people to just be randomly dumped there but not so much that it was clearly a common burial site. Since so few but enough people were buried there and from the things they do find with the remains, it's an educated guess by archaeologists that for you to be buried at Stonehenge you had to be someone important.
I don't think this article says it, I read it on another one which is the one I actually wanted to share then I lost it and haven't been able to find it again. But these particular remains were moved once already. They were found sometime in the early 1900's, moved and dumped somewhere else for 'safe keeping' then left there. So a lot has already been lost since there's no telling what might have been left behind or taken. But with the indications from all the other remains found there that only the elite were buried at Stonehenge, it's inferred that these people were elite as well. Hence the 'possibly'.
Here's a bit more information on why they think Stonehenge was basically the burial site for this culture's important figures.
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2013/mar/09/archaeology-stonehenge-bones-burial-ground
I have spent years picking Faery elements out of various Celtic Pagan traditions. It is time consuming, but it's the best way to find what speaks to you in my opinion. I got a lot of good info from Faery Wicca by Kisma Stepanich, that might be a good starting point for you. Brightest Blessings
*EDIT she has had issues with plagiarism, I have heard, but again I pick and choose what I find helpful, take with a grain of salt
I also have this which has been helpful as well. Don’t have it in a PDF form though. Sorry!
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses (Witchcraft & Spells) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B003V1WVBG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_ARFFCQRBTPJMWWDKEMXE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
In the past I've worn this one
https://www.amazon.com/Lovers-Embrace-Pendant-Talisman-Drawing/dp/B008D9MNIC
And currently I have my eye on this one
Amazon! Here’s the link. They are super easy to put up. I did it by myself! My husband shattered his shoulder in Feb so I’ve had to find things that one person can do solo when decorating.
Ophanie Floating Shelves Wall... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086MQVM2C?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
In a similar vein I picked up a book on foraging: https://www.amazon.com/Foraging-New-York-Identifying-Preparing/dp/1493024280
I’m looking through what Amazon has for Norse Mythology and I’m wondering if this book would be a good one:
Norse Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs https://www.amazon.com/dp/0195153820/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_U1QcGb05NZ1X8
I don't know why you got marked down! It can be lonely and confusing to have a problem you can't discuss with those about you. You might like to read these books:
Searching on-line for "genealogy" will find instructions on how to trace your family tree. For a useful, if rather badly organised, book on connecting, see Krasskova
its called wild unknown tarot, you can get it on amazon for $25. i know its also in some book stores, but those are all closed rn lol
Thank you! I’m sorry to hear about your restrictions with practicing, that’s a really hard situation. There are pocket altars, which I enjoy making (you can find really cool antique/vintage tins: mints, film, I even found a soap tin - and make some really neat pocket altars) but I understand how that doesn’t replace the need for a more stable practicing space, as well as just the ability to practice freely.
My parents got me that cloth for my bday so I’m not entirely sure where mine was purchased from but I found what looks like the same product on Amazon. Unfortunately I wish I didn’t support amazon as much as I do, but it’s just so easy to find cheap stuff and free shipping with prime.
To piggy back off of what Bran said, I would also recommend John Michael Greer's The Druidry Handbook. It's an introduction to the practices and teachings of the Ancient Order of Druids in America (AODA), which I belong to. You can also find several free articles on AODA's website, including their curriculum.
AODA is a bit different from both OBOD and ADF, so you definitely have a few "flavors" to pick from and see what's right for you. Many people I know of in AODA also join and love OBOD, so they're not mutually exclusive by any means.
When God Was a Woman by Merlin Stone is a good place to start for a historical perspective on any kind of goddess worship. It's a classic and quite good.
You're welcome. There is a great book by JoAnne Van derHoeven for solitary Druidry I love. Here is the Amazon link.
> Avoid strange racist representations of Native folks (my local shop has statuary of random Pocahontas-lookin ladies??? creepy) and using slurs like "g*psy" or really just any stereotypical crap.
Whilst this is a very Tumblr-esque sentiment of extreme political correctness, there are actually precedents for magic users, using these things.
For Example, google "Black Hawk" in relation to conjure.
See this book for example. http://www.amazon.com/The-Spirit-Black-Hawk-Africans/dp/0878058060
If your are particularly looking for an earth-centred religion, you should look at Druidry.
You might find these interesting reads
Becket's The Path of Paganism [The author is a well-known Druid]
Taylor's Dark Green Religion [The author is a professor specialising in religious studies and environmentalism — I haven't actually read this one]
I highly recommend procuring copy of W.Y. Evans-Wentz’s “The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries”. It’s a bit academic but he is an excellent
scholar, anthropologist, and was an expert in folklore. The book addresses beliefs, folklore (oral traditions & written mythology).
“The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries, by Walter Yeeling Evans-Wentz was originally published in 1911. The work is one of the most detailed and scholarly attempts to explain the occurrence of the Celtic belief in fairies. Based on Evans-Wentz' Oxford doctoral thesis, it includes an wide survey of the literature from many different positions, including folk-lore, history, anthropology and psychology. The core of the book is the ethnographic fieldwork conducted by Evans-Wentz himself, an indispensable recording of the fairy belief system taken just on the edge of modernity. There are localised surveys of the fairy-faith in Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Brittany and the Isle of Man.”
As others have said don't bring it if you aren't prepared to lose it and especially don't bring candles or stuff because most colleges are strict on those. I personally use this box to store all my stuff and as a makeshift altar as it folds out.
A good book on Greek priestesses is Joan Connelly's Portrait of a Priestess. The general principle in Greece is that gods had priests and goddesses had priestesses.
I actually know the author and from what we've discussed in the past, the content is dictated to her by the publisher based on what "will appeal" to the masses.
Personally, she is a fount of knowledge and an accomplished witch.
This book is highly recommended:
There is a huge Pagan community in the Maryland, DC, and Virginia area. Check Meetup.com for the group "Central MD Pagans" -- they're the biggest in the area and the people involved are pretty decent. However, it's pretty non-denominational and Wicca-leaning, so if you're looking for groups for other religions / traditions, let me know what you're interested in and I might know a group.
I'd also suggest looking for Pagan meet-ups in your area and meet other pagans!
Resources for that could be meetup.com or through facebook groups. You can also look up for Occult/metaphysical stores in your city, and network through that. Some of those stores could possibly host classes or events. The ones in my area do.
This book may be helpful: Honoring your Ancestors
Useful books — try a public library is you don't want your father to see them delivered!
One of my favorite books is "The path of Paganism" by John Beckett! This, and his blog can help you vero much John Beckett, "The path of Paganism"
This book is a general look at what paganism is. it's aimed at potential converts, but it still might be a useful read: Beckett's Path of Paganism
You can also look at Pagan wiki
A recent study by a sociologist of two pagans, one Chinese and one Indian, showed that they both regularly worshiped about a dozen divinities. But one could describe 60, the other 100. In other words, a complete list of gods would be huge. It would also be unreliable (like one I've seen) since no one person can know about every religion or fully understand them all.
Two books about paganism in general that you might find useful reading are
John Greer: A World full of Gods
John Beckett. The Path of Paganism
I'd then advise you to just read books from the library about the various cultures (not just their mythologies): Greece, Egypt, Celtic, Norse and see if one resonates.
It looks like the HMT design was lifted pretty closely from one of Oberon's designs. (without Attribution) https://www.amazon.com/Sterling-Silver-Wiccan-Goddess-Pendant/dp/B007KEH9MQ
>Are there some sacred texts you use?
The "sacredness" of lore might depend on which pantheon or mythology you're studying. I am not certain any pagan faith believes their lore is both divinely inspired and infallible (as Christianity asserts about their holy book). So different pagan beliefs may have varying relationships with their sacred texts, which you won't learn until you dig deeper.
>How about your personal practices that bring you closer to Deity?
These again vary by practitioner and path. I personally worship the Greek gods, with a side order of mysticism. But like most Hellenists, my practice involves regular prayer and offerings, which build relationships with my gods over time. Other pagan faiths may approach deities differently.
>how do I even begin to choose someone to follow or learn from?
I'd suggest learning about paganism as a whole first. It is an umbrella term that encompasses many pagan belief systems. If a certain one attracts you, research the associated myths and find some pagans on that path to lend a hand. The Path of Paganism provides a good general overview, and is a good place to start researching.
I would recommend some reading. https://www.amazon.com/Hekate-Courtney-Weber-author-Morrigan/dp/1578637163 I found this to be a good spring board when I was reintroduced to Hekate as an adult. Look into the Orphic Hymns as well.
You may find the Goddess at crossroads, be they actual location or situational. This is a good place to leave offerings of milk and honey, poisonous plants, keys, candles, bones and images of dogs or snakes. She does not care for littering, so make sure what you leave is biodegradable.
She also doesn't have time for trifles, so be mindful of that.
Well, paganism isn't one religion. It's an umbrella term for many different belief systems that aren't monotheistic like Christianity, Islam, etc. So asking what "pagans" believe is like asking what trees are like. Which trees? Which pagans? There are so many varieties that further questions would be required to even attempt an answer.
For a better answer to your question, try reading books. John Beckett's The Path of Paganism gives a good overview of a variety of pagan beliefs, and answers your question much better than I possibly could.
I recommend you read The Path of Paganism , by John Beckett. It's an overview of some of the belief systems that make up paganism.
Also, read and research different beliefs until you find one you like or want to experiment with. Then dig deeper into that and see where it takes you.
This book might be helpful: Beckett's Path of Paganism
Not sure if this is what you mean, but in terms of day to day operations I focus on:
1) increasing knowledge about historical celts and mythology . I treat it like a class and spend a little time each week. This helps give me ideas for meaningful rituals since I am solitary.
2) Learning modern Welsh as an act of honoring my gods (since my practice involves that pantheon and I'm not a native speaker) I feel more connected to them even by greeting them in the modern version, they seem to appreciate the effort
3) regular offerings with a short prayer that acknowledges the gods, ancestors, and nature spirits. I adapted a prayer from Jason Miller's book Elements of Spellcrafting. I offer incense on regular days and special things like food on holidays or when something I'm particularly thankful for happens.
4)) Skills practice like energy manipulation, meditation, divination, etc. I do practice spellcraft, so lots of areas to explore, but for those who don't you'll want to have skills that allow you to connect with gods and interpret things i.e. meditation, tarot, remembering dreams, etc.
5) celebrate holidays-there are no strict rules about which holidays to practice or even set days since often we're talking about festivals, but the four fire festivals are most relevant for celts.
This book is also good about ideas for just what to do in daily life https://www.amazon.ca/Walk-Pagan-Path-Practical-Spirituality/dp/0738737240/ref=asc_df_0738737240/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292892788772&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15808575848703398143&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvq...
Hope that helps!
It's not exactly what you asked, but I'm reading "Godless Paganism" and finding that it is actually quite articulate about the multitude of relationships Paganism allows, and that it's helping me define my own relationship with religion. Feels like it might be a useful brain poker regardless of your theistic views and how developed they are. https://www.amazon.com/Godless-Paganism-Voices-Non-theistic-Pagans-ebook/dp/B08KYDL6C2/
I like Kevin Crossley-Holland's retellings: Norse Myths. No doubt some Heathens will be rather shocked!
http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/?year=2015&country=23
Check this out, it helps. The 9th, 11th, and 13th of the Julian Calendar fall differently than on the Gregorian Calendar. So if you want to celebrate it as ancient Romans did, you've got a few more weeks to go. (Coincidentally, I'm updating last week's holiday week post to reflect.)
I discovered this book recently: Honoring your ancestors The author is an Italian American who manages to be a Lucumi initiate and still self-identify as a Catholic.
Thanks! I Love it so much :) i got it from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Winged-Guardian-Serpent-Colored-Bronze/dp/B00CXY9OJO/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Samael+Statue&qid=1658267683&s=furniture&sr=1-3
Two book that will get you off to a great start:
Switch book covers. I know that you can buy book covers online like this that are similar to a spandex material, just lie to people about what the book actually is. Or take non-pagan book covers and place them on your pagan books.
You might find this book interesting: Teachings from the American Earth
Not a book but I really enjoy this one for learning runes and bindrunes
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.evansir.runicformulas
I liked it enough to pay for removing the ads and supporting the creator.
This is more for elementary aged school kids, but it is also pan pagan, or as generic as possible. I've heard a lot of pagan parenting stuff is Wiccan-based.
https://www.amazon.com/Kindling-Sparks-Religious-Education-Program/dp/1300283130/
Get one on Amazon! Or Etsy. https://www.amazon.com/Black-Magic-Witchcraft-Pendant-Necklace/dp/B076F99TK4 is the link to the one I found with a google lens search.
This is quite a useful one that looks at different approaches and gives you activities to carry out: Path of Paganism
This is a good, readable, practical book: Practical Heathen's Guide
"Despite a long search for evidence, nothing has emerged to confirm the Viking-Age ingestion of hallucinogenic mushrooms, the inhalation of narcotics, and so on. There are, however, two archaeological exceptions to this." The Viking Way by Neil Price (The exceptions are seeds of henbane and cannabis found in graves)
As I understand it you are talking about casting a spell / sending intent to give someone health. We didn't call it 'manifesting' in the old days but it's the same principle. I presume you are looking to create a spiritual link using part of your target/subject's body. This can be effective although effigies used to symbolise them can also work without biological material - you just need something to focus your intent.
If you must use organic material I would recommend hair rather than blood, people shed hair regularly and it's kind of sweet to have a lock of a person's hair. It's kind of terrifying to have a vial of their blood.
If you are looking to make a study of magic I recommend Peter J. Carroll's Liber Null & Psychonaut as an introductory text.
I created a working wheel of the year and wheel of the day to connect more with daily and yearly events so they are more a part of my daily practice. It's nice being more aware of sunrise, sunset, solar noon, solar midnight, the solstices, equinoxes and more. It's an android app called Nature Clock.
Hiya I had the same problem, especially becuase one of my roommates thinks this is a cult I am a part of (I started my own pagan temple and she went directly to a cult because that makes sense) so what I did was I bought this. It's a box that folds out and makes for a fantastic makeshift alter and closes easily so it's great for moving in and out. Also, don't bring everything to college with you. I cut my alter in half to conserve space and fit into the area I had.
Aw, thank YOU for your kind feedback! I dreaded it sounded too invasive or overbearing. If you ever get interested in the subject, here's the book where I got this precious info, needless to say, I believe in every word of it and also on the teachings about the transubstantiation of the physical body, interdimensional portals, etc (but the latter ones are not directly mentioned in this book):
Opening the Dragon Gate: The Making of a Modern Taoist Wizard Kindle Edition by Chen Kaiguo (Author), Zheng Shunchao (Author), Thomas Cleary (Translator) Format: Kindle Edition https://www.amazon.com/Opening-Dragon-Gate-Making-Modern-ebook/dp/B006TKIC64/ref=sr_1_1?crid=35QMOLXAD8741&keywords=making+of+a+Taoist+wizard&qid=1645858145&s=books&sprefix=making+of+a+taoist+wizard%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C205&...
While Percy Jackson is not at all accurate it is enjoyable and perfect for that age group. I would also recommend Greek Myths and Legends. It was super popular when I was a kid.
Then when he gets older he can read something like The Song of Achilles, Circe, The Silence of the Girls, or A Thousand Ships. He can also read the plays of Aristophanes but definitely wait on these until he is older.
There is a really great book on Freyja called Freyja, Lady, Vanadis: An Introduction to the Goddess
shadow people are either ghosts or lots of things but you see them as shadows because you haven't fully exercised the ability to see them clearer. might be why its wise to be cautious.
I can see the hat thing with Odin those. Here's an old saga
>The tale tells that great fires were made endlong the hall, and the great tree aforesaid stood midmost thereof; withal folk say that, whenas men sat by the fires in the evening, a certain man came into the hall unknown of aspect to all men; and suchlike array he had, that over him was a spotted cloak, and he was bare-foot, and had linen-breeches knit tight even unto the bone, and he had a sword in his hand as he went up to the Branstock, and a slouched hat upon his head: huge he was, and seeming-ancient, and one-eyed. (2) So he drew his sword and smote it into the tree-trunk so that it sank in up to the hilts; and all held back from greeting the man. Then he took up the word, and said—
>"Whoso draweth this sword from this stock, shall have the same as a gift from me, and shall find in good sooth that never bare he better sword in hand than is this."
>Therewith out went the old man from the hall, and none knew who he was or whither he went.
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1152/1152-h/1152-h.htm#link2HCH0003
Read Heaven and Hell: a History of the Afterlife by Bart Erhman. It gives a detailed history of what u/CommunityHot9219 describes in another comment here, and is both serious academic history and accessible.
To connect more with daily and yearly events including the wheel of the year, the wheel of the day, full moons and more try Nature Clock:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sage.natureclock
To connect more with daily and yearly events including the wheel of the year, the wheel of the day, full moons and more try Nature Clock:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sage.natureclock
I wouldn't let the stigma stop you from practicing your beliefs. I have had some experience from racists and evangelicals telling me that what Im doing is dark or evil like tarot cards or amulets and charms. I always surround myself with light, I practice some enochian and other forms of magic and spells. It helps my mental health more than has ever harmed it. I have schizophrenia and I have practiced wicca and paganism since I was eighteen. Im almost 33 now. Its just something I have always felt within me nothing to do with mental illness. Its a spiritual practice, having a higher self, connection to the spirit world and nature. When I dont practice I am less connected. Simple things like writing a spell/prayer, my spells are really written prayers. You should check out the book of pagan prayer. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CPQ9SWX/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 this is probably one of my favorite books of all time. It has prayers for handfasting, healing, nature, death and grief, and more. It could help you grow on your path...and honoring your deities is healthy but I wouldn't let it become such an obsession that you fear offending them. Just keep the space clean, if you cant connect right now to them then honor that space and absence but dont fear offense or retribution. I dont think it works like that. Im sure the more energy you add to your practice they appreciate and respect you. They act as guides too, maybe try and connect with a spirit-guide they show up in dreams and dream-journaling is also helpful for mental health.
I know I'm a few days late, but I thought I'd answer anyways. I personally can't pick a favorite depiction of Santa Muerte/Mictecacihuatl, but this image is very unique and unlike most traditional depictions, so I love it for that. https://www.deviantart.com/art/DARKNESS-Dark-Saint-216274627
I'm assuming you are talking about college and as a recommendation, I have a pop-up alter in a case like this one. This way I can carry my alter and stuff back and forth with no issues and it's super easy to pack and reset back up when done. Just a recommendation tho
I'd recommend you read this book: John Beckett's The Path of Paganism. It will help you clarify your ideas and start you off. You could also look at Pagan Traditions
A good book to clarify your ideas is this: Path of Paganism Look at the table of contents — everything you need, plus practical things to do.
For a chunky, academically robust introduction into the pagan traditions of the island of Great Britain, I recommend Prof. Ronald Hutton's Pagan Britain which examines what we know about pre-Christian religion from the earliest humans on the islands through to the Anglo-Saxons.
About 6,000 years of material and (partially) written evidence should start you off nicely.
This is a really good place to start:
John Beckett: The Path of Paganism
He looks at theory and practice, and different types of paganism. He also gives you practical activities — things to think about, questions to ask yourself, and even a couple of small rituals. He's a Druid, but tries not to be denominational in his writing.
A Guide to Celebrating the 12 Days of Yule (Heathen-style!): Folklore, Activities and Recipes For The Whole Family to Enjoy For 12 Days! https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01N6DF4JP/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_FGP89QHMVQYV2MT64MEC this is what I use for myself. Since I am a Norse Pagan..(Heathen).
Following up on the 🎃 Autumn (N) | 🌼 Spring (S) Midpoint Megathread - 2021.
Nature Clock is now available in early access on android for $2.
I wanted to connect more with daily and yearly events like sunrise, sunset, seasons and holidays so I built an android app for myself and others to enjoy.
I would love suggestions on what events or holidays are most important to you that you would like to see in Nature Clock.
Current pagan holidays include: Ostara, Litha, Mabon, Yule, Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh, Samhain
Current seasonal events include: Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Fall Equinox, Winter Soltice, and the 4 midpoints
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sage.natureclock
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/UsxMV3x
I've got the B&N hardcover although I am a Bad Pagan so I don't know if it's the best edition. I just liked the cover, heh.
Now I'm curious about what fiction made people go "You know, maybe this polytheism thing isn't so bad."
<3 Thank you! This book does look good, it'll be first on my list. Still totally open to others also if you think of any.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/garden-spells-sarah-addison-allen/1100303468?ean=9780553384833