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Hellenism for the experienced

So, you’re experienced, and all informational posts are for beginners? That’s exactly why I’m making this!

You’ve developed Kharis, learned about the mythology etc,,,now what’s next for your practice?

priesthood

Im gonna start off with something which is REALLY for the experienced, but even if youve practiced for years, keep in mind that this doesn’t equal being quite ready yet either. It’s a serious act of devotion which is to be taken seriously. Once you reach priesthood, you take an oath of devotion to that god for the rest of your life. Keep that in mind.

In our modern age, priesthood may look different than it did in Ancient Greece, for at that time, it was more so a political position, those in this line of work were elected and had a temple to care for. In this age, priesthood looks comparatively very different. It’s a calling, a lifestyle, a way to devote yourself to the gods and your community. Your temple may look different too, perhaps it’s in the form of some sort of discord server, or an altar space where perhaps you gather with close friends or just by yourself.

Most can agree we lack our community and temples in this age, which may mean priesthood is unreachable. That’s not so true, it just looks different than what the title once meant. It’s still entirely reachable a goal, if one is committed.

Keep in mind that this isn’t something you can get into on your own. You need a third party to do a reading, and a mentor to teach is preferable, though I understand how for some such an idea may be unobtainable. I see nothing wrong with teaching oneself with the aid of a god, but alas, the community aspect of priesthood is important that, for me personally, wouldn’t feel right to do solely by oneself.

First step: do tons of research, make sure you’re ready, and that you have someone do a reading for you to see if the god you wish to serve even wishes for you to do so. Make sure you can devote time to this career and the god, and that you’re absolutely committed. It’s not something to take lightly at all. Period.

Myths do not denote the nature of the gods

this may seem like a beginner thing, but, unfortunately, it is a much needed reminder even in those who have been practicing for long. It’s a common misconception that gods are equal to their myths, which is simply not the case.

Myths were written by man, sometimes to excuse their own behaviours by using the gods as examples of conduct. Now, whilst myths can be helpful in understanding the divine natures of the gods, it is not meant to be taken literal, but instead with a grain of salt. They too were used to explain things people did not yet understand, the gods being their best teachers.

Now, it’s a common question among those who do not practice, what’s the point if the gods don’t equal their myths? How do you explain their natures? Well, the gods existed before the myths. Think of it as a sort of fanfiction.

Write your own myths!

Yeah, you can do that. If the ancients did it before, why can we not do the very same? Writing is an act of devotion, and often, I do not see this idea mentioned. This can be for beginners too, of course, but the reason I put this here for the more experienced is because those who have experience may understand the gods they work with better, which will result in a better, authentic piece of writing. Let’s start a renaissance, bring the gods forth in myth.

Dedicate a larger space to them

now, this is not a necessity, but merely an idea for someone who has devoted much time and love to the gods for perhaps years. If you don’t have space, that’s quite alright and you shouldn’t feel bad, but if you DO, perhaps an ultimate act of devotion can be dedicating a much larger space to the gods.

For example, I recently decided it was time to give Eros, my patron, a larger altar that wasn’t in a little porcelain bunny jar. He shares it with Aphrodite, but it still felt so good to dedicate a larger space after all these years. It was simply time.

Tattoos

Now, this isn’t to mean that I think everyone should get a tattoo, but if you’re someone who likes them and can afford it, and are an adult whose thought about it heavily, by all means get a tattoo of the gods in devotion.

This is an act of devotion that requires a lot of thought, and is something I admire heavily. Tattoos are works of art, and to have the gods imprinted on you for life is beautiful. But again, keep in mind that this is only for someone who’s committed, and doesn’t mind the idea of tattoos.

Study the practices of the ancients

This is a beginner thing to say, that much is true, but it’s just as important for an experienced helpol to learn as much as a beginner. To take it a step further, dedicate your life to the study by making it your career.

The pillars of Hellenic polytheism, and the Delphic maxims

Now, this is something a beginner should study, but unfortunately, even those who have experienced lack knowledge on this subject. Perhaps we have pagantok to thank for that, I’m not sure, but often people delve into this religion and start worshipping right away without doing research beforehand, and at times, people can go years into their practice without even knowing about this.

This religion is more than acts of devotion and worship. It’s a LIFESTYLE. The pillars were not like the Ten Commandments that people studied in ancient times, but were instead daily practices that people learned much in the way we know to say “bless you” when someone sneezes.

Practice Xenia, which is hospitality, or Sophia, the pillar which strives for knowledge. Study them, understand them, and put them into practice each and every day.

I feel stuck, like I’ve done everything….

congratulations. You’re truly an experienced helpol. At this point, someone like me on the internet can only tell you so much. Go explore the world, see the gods in every cloud or every season or every smile. Go find out for yourself what more you can do, it’s all part of the journey.

You shouldn’t have to rely on the internet to figure things out, it’s true that it can be helpful, but at times, be aware that it can be a hindrance to your practice. Im glad to be of service, but I should not be relied on at the end of the day.

If you feel stuck, like you’ve done and heard everything, that’s okay. Part of being experienced is doing it all over again, learning and striving to do better.

Extra advice

NEVER STOP LEARNING. Theres no point in this religion where you’ve completed it like a quest. Always strive for knowledge, repeat things, and remember WHY you started practicing in the first place. There’s no end goal, aside from doing your best every day, not just for the gods, but for yourself.

THE JOURNEY NEVER ENDS. Our religion isn’t something that’s meant to be “completed” and there’s no competition to learn everything as fast as you can. Take it slow, and cherish everything no matter how many times you’ve experienced it.

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE DOES NOT EQUAL BEING AN EXPERT. Im bruising some egos with this one, even part of my own, but it’s the absolute truth. Experience doesn’t suddenly mean you’re an expert, as much as we would like to think. In many ways, like me, you might still feel like you’re a beginner even after all this time. That’s okay. Even with that being said, don’t be shy to share your experiences and any advice you may have. The best way to learn is to share with others, just don’t pretend you have a PhD in the subject (unless, of course, you really do have one).

🧝🏼‍♀️ and 🫧 for the witch ask game!!

What type of witch? Truly, I'm eceltic, I dabble in lots of things, but my strongest is solar witch. Sub types include, kitchen, weather, some fae.

Favorite method of cleansing? This varies depending on what it is I'm cleansing. In a "basic" situation, such as just had a bad day, been a rough week, etc. I will do a simple candle spell with incense as I'm physically cleaning something, tidy the room, quick load of laundry. This helps me personally clean my mind and my space. I also have an easy self cleansing spell I do too. For heavier situations, candles, incense, and ring bells. But, I am still going to physically clean my space as well. Like a deeper clean, so like dusting polishing furniture, etc. As well as opening windows to let some fresh air in.

I say this simply because the state of my spiritual space and my head space show in my physical space and vice versa.

The cliche Kansas weather has begun! Checked the weather earlier, some chance of rain starting Friday and into the weekend. 2 hours later, chance for thunderstorms for my area around 7 pm.

Well, it's 8:30 pm and it's finally here lol.

Just got off work, and I'm off for a couple of days. I'm contemplating offering free readings to kind of get back into the swing of things, because I can read for my boyfriend and myself, but it's different when reading for others.

But this is only an idea, and I have to think about my personal boundaries and guidelines for the types of questions I will answer. Any who, I'm going to go home, get into comfortable clothes then cuss out my laundry as I fold it.

I'm struggling with my anxiety today, I'm trying to do small manageable tasks, with my witchy ambience music, but it's not quite helping. I do have my asks and messages open if people want ask or talk about something. I mean witchcraft is a topic, but I also enjoy journaling, bullet journaling, crocheting, or whatever tickles your fancy. I just need help getting through some house work.

Some of the research I have been doing, has been revealing some interesting results. The connection between my ancestor Mikael and I is interesting and sort of complex.

At the base of it all, it's a spiritual attachment. Our emotions are separate, and I am aware of how he feels during certain situations. And under stressful situations, I can choose to fully channel him. I rarely do this, because my posture, tone, attitude, etc. changes due to Mikael. Mikael is a no bullshit kind of man, I mean he's a 800 year old mercenary, I expect nothing less. When it's like this the best way I can describe it like Eddie Brock and Venom. I'm aware with my hands on stand by, but he is very much present.

Now, most of the time it's just communication via dreams and automatic writing, and he can communicate through channeling as well. This isn't a 24/7 occurrence, it is tiring and I have to keep snacks on deck. For the clearest results, I do need to be in a calm/relaxed state.

When I was in the kitchen, I did partial physical channeling. Mostly to help me be ambitextris, I'm right handed, he's left handed, and he would help give me a boost of energy if needed. But that would be taxing for the both of us, and we both would need a rest. Also, I noticed some mental perks. Other family members that don't believe in the esoteric, noticed I have a calmer, more serious demeanor, but also great at giving sound advice.

Yay! I'm learning things! I'll share later! But I must get back to work.

I truly believe that the trauma and stress with my ex husband and his stroke, heart attack, then two more strokes after that, really stunted my witch/spiritual growth while forcing me to grow and adapt physically. And of course, my mental health took a nose dive.

But, I was working on/researching lucid dreaming, dream walking, and ancestor work. Also I was testing for clairsenses. I had such zeal and joy. I lost myself along the way.

Sooo...I'm Just Throwing This Out To The Void

While working on my Grimoire and drawing inspiration from other Tumblrs, I'm trying to go back to my roots and where this journey truly began. It seriously started with my search of my family history. Again, goes back to Assassin's Creed. The protag Desmond, is essentially strapped to a machine, the Animus, that studies his DNA and triggers his memories found there. But the kicker is, him and the other subjects before him that were in the machine too long would suffer what the game calls the Bleeding Effect. Essentially, subject and their ancestors memories would become muddled and the subject would begin to have hallucinations or act as their ancestor. Which typically had dire consequences.

Game mechanics aside, I began researching DNA, memories, past lives, dreams, etc. So, with my trusty pendulum and my newbie witch books at the time. I began with meditations and visualizing my own Animus. Then, I would calmly wait for something. Eventually, that's how I came across Mikael.

Now, when this began I was able to see Mikael's memories via dreams. If these dreams ended, the dream would continue the following night. Like an Assassin's Creed save file. And since we have bonded over the years, I can do partial to full channels if needed. I haven't need to yet. But, would all of this be classified as? Are there actual terms for this? Is this spirit work? Is it mediumship? Ancestor veneration? Or did I FBI breakdown the door to my spiritual senses as a rookie?

So...um...I have some insider tips and tricks on psi vamps if people are interested.

I'm going to make dinner, clean up, and work on my Grimoire some more, and maybe even make another post.

I did settle for my 3 ring binder for now, I like having the ability to change around what goes where. I am also visual and touch person, having something in my hands helps me keep focused. Plus, with my current situation, I have no laptop and no home Internet, just my phone.

As for Calling Corners, I actually did learn a few things, thank you y'all for helping. I did learn some new names I wasn't familiar with so I was able to do more research.

I have another observation/question?

When I got started on this journey in my college days, my tutor and other resources I had at the time were heavily Wiccan. They were very much the it's our way or the highway mentality.

But rituals such as Calling Corners or Quarters, is that a thing witches do? Or is that a Wiccan thing? I'm confused. Where did it come from? Why all the pomp and circumstance?

What does everybody use for a Grimoire? The tide and true leather book, classic 3 ring notebook, or something else?

I'm Going to Be Bold...

Read those problematic witchcraft books, read those Wiccan books that people don't agree with, read those books that people can't stand. Why? So you can read them for yourself! That way you can understand why people feel the way they feel about certain authors and books. And also, you can process how you feel about them. To also take that a step further, read the books everyone raves about. I have books that I like, and I have books that I got half way through, and I haven't touched since. And that includes books that some people truly like.

Another example of this action is when I went to church with Jehovah's Witnesses. Jehovah's Witnesses are not very well liked in my area. Their beliefs have made them banned in several countries, and folks in my area tend to avoid them as much as they can. But one day, I was invited to go to one of their meetings on Sunday. I kept my comments to myself, I followed along in one of their Bibles, and I even sat through like a for one for all study session where everyone participated. The topic was, "What Would Happen If We Get Banned". It was like 40 question booklet thing, that everyone took turns reading like we would do in grade school.I sat through over 2 hours of discomfort because my butt went numb, and I was bored, but for them this was a serious issue, and I tried to be respectful.

Why would I do that? Because didn't want to be another broken record in echo chamber. I wanted to see for myself why people feel the way they do, inside and outside of the congregation. And now I also have opinions of my own.

Given my few past posts/reblogs I like talking and discussions. Gemini, go figure right. But understand something, I handle discussions like we did in college. State your claim, but if you present something that you claim is factual, cite your sources. Share some actual context, maybe an article, book, a reputable site, etc. Other then that, things will be viewed as opinions, and that's great! We are all entitled to those, but me and whoever sees a post, we also have the abilities to agree or disagree with you.

But if you can't handle that, and you're going to be a five star shit head, there ways and buttons we can use to make sure that you're no longer part of the discussion.

Hello! Allow me to reintroduce myself!

I have managed to acquire some more traction on here, so I figured i would share a few things.

My name is Shelby

I'm a Gemini Sun, Scorpio Moon, Libra Rising

Like my intro header says my main Patron is Ra, but I do also communicate with Anubis

I'm currently a Sun witch with weather hobbies, but to quote video game character, "My muse is a fickle bitch with a short attention span!" -Sander Cohen, BioShock. I was heavily a divination witch, then I shifted to death witch, took a hiatus because of life, started off again with an interest in weather magic.

I'm also clairaudient, or at least have the tendency to be.

I still like divination, mostly Tarot, Oracle, and Pendulum.

Welcome to my blog, my asks and DMs are open. Come say hello!

Welp...gotta love Kansas weather...❄️❄️

I adulted! Actually it was just opening a savings account setting up the banking app, it wasn't all that hard. I'm letting my phone charge before I go on a walk, but currently I have my Weather Magic book, and just studying the sky.

I hate adulting, and I especially hate having to adult even though my IBS is flaring up. But hopefully, I can go for a walk today. Then I need to summon some weather witches, actually all the witches. Certain states have had tornadoes, Oklahoma and Kansas, had fires and dust bowl conditions with how bad the wind has been, and now there is word of snow!

I miss the good old days of witchblr. Does anybody else remember like we could read whatever we wanted, and we could post about it? And sure, there were people that didn't care of the book or topic. The difference between then and now is that it was a discussion and not a beat down session. And then, people were kind enough to offer other book titles!

Also, we had a clear set of guidelines referring to cultural appropriation, and words or phrases that were frowned upon. Other then that, you want to be a Death Witch, go for it. A Sea Witch, have at it. A Storm Witch, power to ya. The lists goes on. Then, if we were curious about there practice we would ask genuine questions! If the practitioner maybe did something that maybe you didn't like or thought was borderline on the no no list, again you didn't beat them down, it was a discussion.

The ones that couldn't handle having a informal discussion were simply blocked and their comments were deleted. Or in some cases, the post was deleted, which was pretty common, and occasionally remade.

Also, side tangent, we liked the titles of the different witch types, because it was our niche and it was organized. Sure, you don't have to have a title or a certain practice, that's fine. As for me, I like having a title or a type because it keeps me focused on what I want to achieve. Plus, having a title made the witchblr tags so much easier to navigate.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHG_FRVyZSW/?igsh=eTQ2MmE2eXlqN2Nr

I'm up already, getting jump started on some house work, and coffee already brewed. Said good morning to Ra. Just sitting here drinking my cup of coffee, and enjoying the sunrise for a minute.

Safe Travels Spell and Spell Jar

My boyfriend is not very familiar with spell work, and he asked if I could do a spell for safe travels. We were invited to a local hockey game and we were given free tickets. He seldom asks for spells for himself mostly for other people. But I figured with the planetary alignment and it's heavy concentration of a lot of different energies at once, so perhaps a spell wouldn't hurt.

Spell:

Ra and his yellow candle for guidance and blessings

Dragon's Blood incense for protection

White candle for purifying and cleansing us and our space

Black candle for protection and ridding of negativity

Amber perfume for protection and soothing of nerves

I essentially asked Ra for guidance and protection during our travels. May the journey be smooth and calm, and if we meet any obstacles may they be small and manageable. May we handle these energies with calm and clear minds and understanding.

Spell Jar:

Salt for grounding and cleansing

Lavender for calm thoughts

Rosemary for gentle protection

Bay Leaf to ward of negativity

I asked Ra to bless this spell jar because it's going to be going on the car with us tomorrow.

Also, I had some witchy ambience music in the background because I prefer some noise to help me focus.

Spa Day!

It's my UPG that there are times that the deities want you to take time for yourself and recharge. Not out of vanity but self care. I call it souping.

Currently, I'm using the Healing Blend epsom salt from my local store. Its eucalyptus, mint, and pink salt. I use only about two teaspoons, it's what my skin can handle. Then, I'm using a skin care pack from Dollar Tree. I definitely feel better and pretty.

Sleep is being elusive tonight. My ask box is open if anyone feels like talking.

This morning I spent some time with Ra, and I was able to switch on my clairaudient abilities. Using the Bee Tarot I used what is called Hive and Flower spread. Their version of the Celtic Cross Spread. It was an overall positive spread, and any negative stuff that was brought up I am already aware of and in the thick of things. Things will get better, I have done it before and I will do it again.

It was also brought up in the cards, I need to get back on the spiritual track as well. This was brought up by the Delphic Bee (Hierophant) and the Star. Which is true. I definitely have lost my zeal I used to have back in the day.

I'm also getting back in the habit of journaling again. It is helping me keep my mind off of too many things.

Job Hunting Spell Jar

Cinnamon

Thyme

Onion powder

Bay Leaf

Green glitter

Green candle

Update on Work Status

After resubmitting my statement, and the company reviewing it, I should know by Wednesday or Thursday whether or not I'm terminated.

But if I am, that's okay, I sat up my scared space, lit my tall yellow candle, centered myself, and did some Tarot reading yesterday. It was positive. Then of course today. I sat down and filled out a few job applications today, got an interview scheduled for this week already. Tomorrow, I'm going to finish putting my outfit together.

I feel better about all of this. I'm still mad about how they are handling the situation and how it doesn't seem fair for everyone affected. But I will persevere.

I Must Not Give Up

Dollar Tree put me on suspension because of a robbery/scam. We followed protocol but somehow I still feel like I'm going to get canned. But at only 9.75, come Monday I'll just hit the ground running and start filling out job applications. I already have seen two potentials.

Tomorrow, I will clean the house, do some self-reflecting, and maybe some spell work and enjoy some tea. Maybe some confidence spells and glamours. Also, I will start setting up my interview attire. I must be positive and not give up, there are better things.

Ancestor Work and Research

This process was tedious but it was effective for me. I had a hand drawn keyboard with letters and numbers, and used my pendulum a lot for this. While getting to know my ancestor, I would ask the pretty standard questions like:

What's your name?

A: Mikael

How old are you?

A: 60

Where are you from?

A: Scotland

Did you move?

A: Yes

Where did you move to?

A: France

What was your profession?

A: Soldier (More will come about this later)

What time period are you from?

A: The era of wars and kings or wars and kings

I would finish the session, and thank him for his time. And let the research begin. My first big clue was the era of wars and kings. The late medieval period and the notable war that was taking place was the 100 year war. So, I researched that time period, and wrote down ideas for further questions if he wanted to talk. But here's the thing, he was also a person long, long ago. If he didn't want to talk about something, I did not force it.

But I think it's important to research anything that you are not familiar with. It's for knowledge but also since I was using a pendulum at first it was easy to detect if I was actually communicating with Mikael or something else.