Yule Resource Masterpost

WITCHY ART CHALLENGE  ✨ 🌘🔮

Summer is coming and here is for you, all witch artist/writer of this world, a Challenge with only witchy stuff to draw or write about! You can do whatever you want with it, whenever you want! It’s just a list of witches I really wanted to design and bring to my story or I really wanted to draw just for fun~ 

You can mix it with some color palette meme found on the web, there is a lot of it around deviantart and Tumblr! It doesn’t have to be done in the order, you can just reblog it and ask to you followers to suggest you some of these! And you can suggest me some of these too! I’ll do it in July or August anyway ;D

This is a character design challenge~ You can do anything, any body type, any skin color, any disability, any religion or any gender you want, it’s totally free, so be creative ♥ That’s the only thing that counts! 

Lots of love *:･ﾟ✧

What to use when in Witchcraft -

Ok so I am gonna say this is my personal reference, its mainly through associations. You might TOTALLY disagree and thats chill!

Its more something to think about and a guideline of what I use myself…

Candle Magic:

Carve a candle when…. the candle represents the target, in sympathetic magic. When, essentially, the candle is a poppet and lighting it is a symbol of destruction or empowerment to the target.

Place something under the candle or before it when… you are doing general candle magic, when the candle represents empowering a wish, idea or concept.

Anoint the candle when… doing work with spirits and gods, when you mark the candle for a special purpose, when doing high magic.

Herbs and plant work:

Use dry herbs when… it is convienent to do so, when the herbs are out of season or when you need to store them in a jar or bottle for a long time.

Use fresh herbs when… the spell is very earth orientated, when doing magic on behalf of another or when the magic is sympathetic so that the herbs represent the target, within kitchen witchery.

Use flowers when… when the spell concerns love and sex, or perhaps fertility and attraction, due to flowers being the reproductive parts of the plant.

Use fruit when when… working with children as a target, or with children practising. When you work with fertility and abundance spells.

Use wood and twigs when… when the spell is for protection or binding, for hardiness.

Burn herbs (recaning/incense) when… you wish to cleanse or banish, or invoke an atmosphere - that being, for divination using herbs that are said to open up your perceptions, when banishing, burning acrid or pungent herbs.

Use oil infusions when… you wish to anoint something, when you wish to mark something permanently.

Use floral waters (rose water etc) when… dealing with spirits and gods, for glamour as it has a long history of being used to beautify.

Crystals:

Use metals (haematite, copper, ores etc..) when… you work in protection, when you do energy work due to the conductive properties of metal.

Use shell, pearl, coral and such when… you work in sea magic, when you work within emotional magic due to the element of water.

Use points when… you wish to direct magic to a target.

Use tumble stones when… you wish the magic to be gentle or manifest at a certain place on the body on a target.

Use geodes when… you work in protection, when you work with glamour aimed to obscure and hide.

Knot magic:

Use cotton when… it is convenient.

Use silk when… doing spells that benefit the target.

Use ribbons when… love spells and wealth spells, as well as confidence and beauty spells. Spells to ensure victory.

Use rope when… doing spells that aim to hurt or weaken the target, binding especially.

Poppets:

Use cloth when… the spell aims to benefit who the poppet represents, use particular care when sewing or cutting, choose colours that are appropriate to them.

Use wax when… you wish to manipulate the target.

Use clay when… wish to create fetches or servitors, when you wish to create permanency.

Use twigs when… you wish to bury or throw the poppet out, when you want the poppet to be easily destroyed by breaking or setting on fire.

Sigils:

Use an alphabet grid or circle when… you wish the sigil to be more random and less attached to you.

Combine the shapes of letters from a sentence… when your sigil is very specific and a short term goal.

Use your own personal symbols when… you want the magic to be connected to you, when it is personal.

Understanding Shadow Work: Pt. III

How Does One Prepare for Shadow Work?

Before we get into the different methods in which we can practice shadow work, it is essential to determine how we can (or should, rather) prepare to do so. Be aware that shadow work is not an easy or comfortable process. On the contrary, it tends to be discouragingly difficult and extremely uncomfortable at best and downright horrifying and sometimes even further damaging at worst. 

The Importance of Perspective

With that being said, it is of utmost importance to first evaluate and transform how you perceive the negative aspects of existence– primarily in regards to your own physical, mental, emotional and spiritual states of being. If you believe the negative aspects of existence (and the Self) are only meant to cause harm, to hinder and debilitate you, or are “evil” in any sense, you are going to run into some serious resistance issues– possibly even strengthening and perpetuating your Shadow. Simultaneously, the holding of this view is a tell-tale sign that you are most definitely in need of shadow work. Do not feel compelled to rush into it, however. 

If you do find that you seem to maintain an unhealthy perspective of the negative, start by contemplating duality. Try meditating on the concept of day and night. The sun (our physical source of light) is always ‘there’– burning, casting light in all directions; it is our world, our point of perspective, that rotates and creates a mirage which suggests that it is not. It is always something that stands in the way of the light which casts a shadow and creates the illusion of darkness. Essentially, darkness is an aspect of light. 

Also keep in mind that without darkness, light would not possess the same quality. Without death, [physical] life would have no real meaning. The negative, in part, serves to allow for the positive to be perceived. 

This shifting of perception may take some time and may prove exceedingly difficult for some. But if you cannot understand, accept and embrace the truth and purpose of duality, you will find it even more difficult to face your Shadow. This is when shadow work can be seen as counterproductive and even dangerous. 

The Importance of Knowing Your Limits

Additionally, it is important to know your boundaries, to be in tune with yourself. I feel you should be fairly familiar with grounding exercises, meditation and energy work in general before pursuing shadow work. You should be able to discern when you need to rest or when your state of being is too weak to handle any additional stress. If you are suffering from severe depression, PTSD or other adverse mental conditions, you should proceed with extreme care and discretion. Though, again, if you are experiencing such conditions it is a tell-tale sign that you would certainly benefit from shadow work. Such conditions are very much created and perpetuated by those experiences we have trouble facing– whether it simply be uncontrollable, undesirable emotions or severely traumatic events. By virtue, shadow work is practiced because we are sick and broken; so it is silly to assume we need to be in some sort of perfectly stable, elevated state before pursuing such an endeavor. 

That does not mean, however, that you should rush into it in effort to ‘fix’ yourself. You should be able to become fairly acquainted with and accepting of whatever condition you may find yourself in– again, this has a lot to do with perspective. Also, don’t feel it necessary to do all on your own. Though a large part of shadow work must be done alone, always feel free to reach out for support from others, especially those who have already consciously engaged in shadow work. Don’t feel hesitant or ashamed to share your experiences with others either. Sharing is an integral part of the healing process for most people; not only can it help you, it can help others as well. 

The Importance of Patience

As I previously emphasized, don’t rush. Try not to have any expectations or set forth with the desire to 'conquer’ this entity, the Shadow; this will not serve you. The purpose of shadow work is to befriend and reintegrate the Shadow, not to challenge it– doing so will only strengthen its influences. This requires a great degree of patience. Understand the importance of working slowly and earnestly, heeding to your limitations as necessary. This also means not jumping into shadow work before preparing yourself. It can be tempting to rush into it headstrong and determined to mend your wounds so that other aspects of your life might improve. Again, you are defeating the purpose by having this attitude; in essence, you are still resisting your Shadow because your aim is to use it to incite positive effects rather than to simply understand and accept the negative. Also be aware that shadow work is an ongoing practice; once you begin, you will realize there is no real end to true shadow work. 

For Understanding Shadow Work: Part II, visit: http://unmaskingthedivine.tumblr.com/post/112889344340/understanding-shadow-work-pt-ii

When You’re Stuck In A Situation With Triggers

(For situations you cannot excuse yourself from, like being in a vehicle or an elevator.)

-Do not focus on being trapped, how badly you feel, or how disgusting you think the person is for making that sound. Try focusing on something else. Anything else. If you have intrusive thoughts, do not engage with them. Notice them but do not dwell on them.

-Relax your muscles. I never feel it happening, but my shoulders tense when I’m triggered. Forcing them to relax every time, has given me the ability to withstand my triggers longer with less of an intense reaction (Ex: I can stay in class now when someone makes those sounds. When before, tears would come to my eyes and I could no longer hear what my teacher was saying. I’m still extremely uncomfortable but I do not have to leave, I can still take notes, and it doesn’t make me cry. It took me about a month of practice before I noticed a difference.) 

-Continue forcing any tension to leave. Do not dig your nails into anything and do not clench your fists, or you’re only increasing the intensity of your nervous system’s response. If you tense up, immediately release it.

-Take deep and steady breaths. You want to avoid hyperventilating if you feel panic rising. This will also help to keep your heart from racing. Count your breaths, as an added distraction from the trigger sound.

Afterwards:

-Find a quiet place where you can recover, like a bathroom. 

-It’s okay to lie if you need to excuse yourself for a moment and feel that you cannot explain what happened.

-If you feel the need to cry, allow yourself to. Give yourself a set amount of time, like 2 minutes, to dwell on how difficult and painful that was.

-After that time, do not focus on the negative emotions. Simply feel them, accept them, and let them pass, while breathing deeply and steadily.

-When you feel calm again, celebrate. You just survived a horrible experience. Text or call someone that knows about your Misophonia and tell them how well you handled it. Knowing someone is proud of you will help you feel better about the entire situation and encourage you to feel proud of yourself.

-Consider developing a reward system. I like to keep candy in my pocket or backpack so I can reward myself for withstanding my triggers.

-Forgive yourself if you didn’t handle it as well as you think you should have. Sometimes life forces you to go over the limit of what you can handle in a day. This is a chronic disorder that is not your fault.

Masterpost of Resources for Hellenic Polytheism

I made a masterpost in April, and updated it again today… and then I realized it was in desperate need of organization. Instead of separating my resources from everyone else’s, because that honestly doesn’t do anything, this is a more organized version with mine mixed in, too. Let me know if you find any good resources you think I should add to this list!

Khaire, everyone!

                                   Last Updated 1/21/19

Household Worship & Getting Started

Basic Supplies for Hellenic Polytheism - @breathing-in-gilded-dust​

Building Your Worship - @pomegranateandivy​

Sacredness of a Home - @baringtheaegis​

Household Gods - @hearthfirehandworks​

Getting Into Hellenismos (Dorms) - @baringtheaegis​

Rituals, Offerings, and Prayers/Praise

Why You Should (Probably) Eat That Offering - @songbirdspells

Note on ‘Proper’ Offerings - @poemsandmyths​

How to Pray to, Praise, and Worship the Theoi - @breathing-in-gilded-dust​​

Tips for Worshiping the Theoi When You Are Non-Verbal - @breathing-in-gilded-dust​​

(Modernized) Ancient Ouranic Offering Ritual - @breathing-in-gilded-dust​

(Modernized) Nekromanteion Ritual - @breathing-in-gilded-dust​

Why You Should (Probably) Eat That Offering - @songbirdspells​

Note on ‘Proper’ Offerings - @poemsandmyths​

Why Worship a God of War? - @honorthegods​

Communication With the Theoi, and Why It’s Okay to Not Receive Signs/Messages - @pomegranateandivy​ 

Offering DIY: How to Make Recycled Paper - @breathing-in-gilded-dust​

Recipes for the main 13 (part one) // (part two) - @breathing-in-gilded-dust​

​Recipes for Other Theoi (part one) - @breathing-in-gilded-dust​

Epithets of The Theoi

My Personal Unique Epithets for the Theoi - @breathing-in-gilded-dust​

My Personal Epithets for Persephone - @breathing-in-gilded-dust

My Personal Epithets for Haides - @breathing-in-gilded-dust​

Epithets and Titles of Aphrodite - Theoi.com

Epithets and Titles of Apollon - Theoi.com 

Epithets and Titles of Ares - Theoi.com   

Epithets and Titles of Artemis - Theoi.com 

Epithets and Titles of Asklepios - Theoi.com

Epithets and Titles of Athena - Theoi.com 

Epithets and Titles of Demeter - Theoi.com 

Epithets and Titles of Dionysos - Theoi.com

Epithets and Titles of Haides - Theoi.com

Epithets and Titles of Hekate - Theoi.com

Epithets and Titles of Hephaistos - Theoi.com 

Epithets and Titles of Hera - Theoi.com

Epithets and Titles of Hermes - Theoi.com

Epithets and Titles of Hestia - Theoi.com

Epithets and Titles of Persephone (mainly worshiped alongside Demeter) - Theio.com

Epithets and Titles of Poseidon - Theoi.com

Epithets and Titles of Selene - Theoi.com

Epithets and Titles of Zeus - Theoi.com

Lyma & Miasma

The Debate on Daily Purification and the Difference Between Miasma and Lyma - @sisterofiris

A Follow Up on Pollution and Purification - @sisterofiris

How we Pick Up Lyma and a Note on Binding/Veiling - @sisterofiris

Festivals 

Hellenic Revivalist Calendar - @pomegranateandivy​

Hellenic Polytheism Festivals and Information - @pomegranateandivy​ 

Hellenion.org (Site for reconstruction of the Hellenic Polytheistic religion with festival calendars, ritual ideas, and more… highly recommended)

Link to their 2019 calendar page

Link to their festival directory

Elaion.org (Another group for Hellenic Polytheists with rituals, festival calendars, etc. Very wonderful as well)

Link to their 2019 calendar page 

Link to their Resource Page

Arete and Other Values

Hellenic Polytheism and Depression - @breathing-in-gilded-dust​

The Pillars of Hellenismos - @honorthegods​

Veiling

Amaranta’s Guide to Basic Hair Binding and Veiling - @breathing-in-gilded-dust​

Hellenic Veiling - @pomegranateandivy

Books, Academic Posts, and Other Resource Masterposts

Tons of Great Books for Hellenic Polytheists (with free PDFs) - @breathing-in-gilded-dust​

Hellenic FAQ - @pomegranateandivy

Magic in Ancient Greece and Rome - @bayoread​

Harvard’s Center for Hellenic Studies - @songbirdspells​

Recommended Books About Hekate - @teawitch​ & @the-witching-tree​

Information and Tips About Persephone’s Worship (And some for Aphrodite as well) - @honorthegods​

Free Academic Resources Masterpost - @secondgenerationimmigrant​

Site for Learning Ancient Languages - @witchofeindor​

Information About Hekate - @baringtheaegis 

Theoi.com (a site full of information about all of the gods and goddesses that we really know about. Good for basic information. Not the end-all-be-all, and as with any site, can sometimes be inaccurate, though usually great for beginner things, epithets, etc.)

The Monster Compilation of Free Online Resources for Classical Studies - @honorthegods​

Ancient Greek Mountain Cultus - @sisterofiris​

baringtheaegis.blogspot.com (This a wonderful, wonderful blog) - @baringtheaegis​

Two Book Recommendations with Free PDFs - @nessotropheion​

Great Sites for Research - @pomegranateandivy

The Greek Alphabet Oracle (similar to Nordic rune-casting) - Apollonius Sophistes

Sisterofiris’ Resources and Tags Page - @sisterofiris

How I Personally View the Idea of Destiny and Free Will as a Hellenic Polytheist - @breathing-in-gilded-dust

Hymns/Prayers Masterposts

My Hymns, Prayers, and Poetry (WIP) - @breathing-in-gilded-dust

Prayers and Devotionals - @pomegranateandivy

Blogs I recommend:

@pomegranateandivy

@honorthegods

@sisterofiris​

@songbirdspells​

@baringtheaegis​

@thepastelpriestess​

I believe this spell is called “Fuck You I Am a Goddamn Witch and Don’t Have to Tolerate This Bullshit”. 

Let’s see how well this plays out for the offenders.

Misophonia or not?

It’s always been an odd feeling when I hear a sound and I’m just like, “that sounds gross,” but it’s an entirely different experience from a misophonic trigger reaction…and being afraid that it’ll eventually morph into a trigger sound :|

---

Ostara (March 21st)

Ostara, also spelled as Eostre, is the first day of Spring. Ostara symbolizes new life and is represented by rabbits and eggs. A wonderful day to celebrate the changing of the warmer season and celebrate the fertility of Earth.

Herbs

Lavender

Thyme

Lemon Balm

Rose Hips

Spring Flowers

Colours

Light Green

Light Purple

Light Yellow

Light Pink

Light Blue

Crystals

Clear Quartz

Rose Quartz

Jasper

Aquamarine

Food

Egg Dishes

Seeds (Sesame, Sunflower, Almonds, Pecans, etc.)

Lamb Dishes

Leafy Greens

Wine

Celebrating

A nature walk to see the changing season

Decorate eggs/ painting them

Plant seeds/ working on a garden

Herb work of any type

Pick/buy some flowers (make sure to ask permission before picking flowers and to thank them afterwards)

Cheap, newbie lithomancy

Ok so I love the idea of divination by throwing things about, and lithomancy is stone divination. Now, you can use your lovely crystals or tumbled stones for this but a. I’m cheap so I don’t have too many and b. I am not gonna be throwing around my precious gem babies. Nooope. 

So, what to do? Go outside and grab a bunch of small to medium stones that appeal to you, you should need about 10-15 depending on what you wanna put on them. Give them a wash and dry. Take paint or use markers (I used gold and silver markers) to add symbols of meaning to each one. Common themes include the planets and elements along with some tarot influence.

Next, take a spare piece of paper and figure out what categories you want, 8 in total. I did: Self, love, money, work, friends, home, magic and health. Now you should make a circle with whatever you can that looks like the below, and place your categories in the 8 sections. Still with me? Cool.

Now here’s the fun part! Shake up your stones and (not too hard) cast them over the circle. They will scatter about and maybe bounce a little. Stones that lie outside the circle or lines are irrelevant and should be put back in the storage while you read. Depending on which section they land in, the stones will have a message about that topic. Stones in the centre circle show past/current events, the middle ring shows things to come and the outer is for future possibilities.

This is super fun, inexpensive and actually pretty accurate so if you get the chance, go do it!!

 Lots of love and good luck, 

Gazelle.

❣ Hair Magick ❣

Red - Courage, Power, Self-Esteem, Leadership.

Pink - Self-Love, Friendship, Calming, Romance, Passion, Physical Energy, Compassion.

Orange - Happiness, Kindness, Strength, Opportunities, Mental Alertness.

Blond/e - Healing, Creativity, Prosperity, Humility, Intellect, Beauty.

Green - Trust, Healing, Wellness, Transformation, Money, Employment, Fertility, Luck, The Arts.

Blue - Wisdom, Joy, Truth, Loyalty, Fidelity, Self-Improvement.

Purple - Clairvoyance, Spiritual Protection, Justice, Forgiveness, Memory, Ambition, Progress.

White - Safety, Protection, Enlightenment, Freedom, Health.

Black - Divination, Rebirth, Patience, Binding, Stability.

Brunet/te - Security, Generosity, Grounding, Decision Making, Concentration.

Gray - Lunar Magick, Meditation, Success, Balance.

Hair is often considered very important in witchcraft. Hair is said to hold memories and power and can be used in spells and rituals for a variety of outcomes. The way we style our hair can have different affects on our energy.

Straightened - Calmness, Gentleness, Peace.

Curled - Problem Solving, Knowledge, Strength.

Wavy - Inner Conflict Resolution, Privacy, Reflection.

Combination - Duality, Decision Making, Emotional Transition.

Bun - Intent, Concentration, Task Management.

Ponytail - Energy, Youthfulness.

Half Up - Ambition, Forward Motion, Healing, Acceptance.

Braided - Protection, Gracefulness, Patience.

French Braided - Self Admiration, Clarity, Inner Tranquility.

Long - Nostalgia, Contentment, Creativity, Whimsy.

Shoulder - Organization, Leadership, Focus, Ambition.

Short - Control, Self-Awareness,

Shaved - Rejuvenation, Resiliency.

Partially Shaved - Transformation, Transition, Accomplishment.