It’s The 3rd But I’ve Reblogged This For Literal Years And I Ain’t Stopping Now

the Dude will always be the world’s buddy but will also just leave if he wants to be alone and I can never not respect the confidence in this age

also your magic concepts are dope af!

my legal first and middle name are both on this list and THAT is why I am CHANGING THEM

I’m watching Splash (1984) which is a romcom about a guy who falls in love with a mermaid, and when she chooses a human name she chooses Madison and guy says “that’s not a real name, but alright” which seems to imply that Madison was not a name until at least the 80’s and all girls named Madison are actually named after the mermaid. thought you should know

as someone who spent a long time in that category of worshippers and is still unlearning some of it, i’ve been making more of an effort to use Theoi vs gods (for more of an anthropological perspective discussion.) i’ve wanted to open more of the barrel of monkeys that is reconstructing ancient religion, but in this current day and age, it’s a little more difficult to trust sources.

do you have any known reliable resources for finding the more historically accurate terms (unfortunately digging through texts isn’t always accessible and google can’t be trusted anymore) or is there terms you prefer to use?

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

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

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

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

it should be noted that this thought concept is most well known (originating from iirc but don't quote that) from George Orwell's book 1984. it is a method used by the government to confuse and oppress until the main protagonist learns to 'speak their language' to abuse and eventually escape the corrupt system.

their language may be evil, but speaking it and being able to talk your way out on their terms will save your life.

Speechcraft101: What is Double Speak?

(Please check out this video as this is gonna be the real meat of the post and this guy does a better job than I could simply)

Double speak is way of making one thing sound like something else. It's the art of misleading someone in speech.

Youll find many famous Pagan characters and stories have this moment: Loki, Famous evil cult leaders from the 70s, Satan in the Bible, really any character of mischief in mythology.

Get this! Its also common in US politics. Presidents, politicians, good and bad.

So in conclusion, I am not failing my classes I am "Struggling to reach the ideal point of resolve for my educational goals"

gotta love looking back on this a week or so of tumblr helpol drama later and just... laughing my ass off

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

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

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

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

i did not touch a physical spell component (other than paper and pen for sigil work) for the first year i was a closeted witch as a minor.

i performed multiple spells to varying degrees of success (it's been 10 years no i don't remember details) all with energy work basics i had put together from multiple witchblr sources and a long history of therapy and mediation.

witchcraft is INTENTION. physical components only focus and guide your energy to make your working stronger/easier on you. Intention is the basis of all magic, and can accomplish most basic tasks just fine.

You don’t need to work with anything to be a witch.

Not a thing. You don’t need to work with any spirits.

You don’t have to work any tools.

You don’t have to work with any gods.

You don’t have to work with anything, you just need your own energy. Anyone that says otherwise is wrong or trying to sell you something.

You don’t have to work with anything to be a witch. But… you can. You can work with all the things you like.

But a lot of the things you will probably end up working with the most will be gifts, things you made. Things that came to you in odd ways, spirits that come into your craft when you weren’t even thinking about it.

So many witches get $100 books if shadows and never write in them, because they are afraid to “mess it up.”

Nice things are nice, but they won’t make you a powerful witch.

🪔 A COMPILATION OF CROSSROAD RITUALS

From the first Kleidous Agoge festival at the Sanctuary of the Crossroads!

@your-local-shapeshifting-witch / anon / @corner-of-the-waywardwitch / @enodia-polymorphous / @enodianpropolis / anon / melinoeghost on tiktok / anon / queer.witchery on tiktok / @whats-the-word-again / aliveriis on tiktok / @queer-of-swords / anon / @atheniangrace / @thatwitchmaria / @vangieswitchycorner / @metamagickian / hekatean_saiyan on tiktok

Thank you to everyone for sharing their gorgeous rituals! March 29th 2025 - April 4th 2025

divider credit -> @enchanthings-a

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).

my phone isn’t charging even though i plugged her innnnn dramatic ass bitch. YOUR PUSSY IS FILLED! WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT