#i am polytheistic and animist

[brightlotusmoon]

In today's world, when it is not uncommon for people to reject trans and non-binary gender identities, it is encouraging to know that the idea of multiple genders and sexes isn't new-it's an idea rooted in our rabbinic texts. Not only were these gender identities and sexes mentioned hundreds of times in the Talmud, but they were also attributed to some of the most important Biblical characters.

Genesis Rabbah proposes that when Genesis 1:27 states that "God created man in God's own image, in the image of God, God created him; male and female, God created them," it means that the first human being, Adam, was in fact an androgynos (8:1). The Babylonian Talmud goes on to claim that both Abraham and Sarah were tumtums (Yevamot 64a). These ideas-that some of the most important Biblical figures did not conform to our standard ideas of sex and gender-further strengthen the core Jewish value that all human beings are created b'tzelem Elohim, in the Divine image (Genesis 1:27), and are therefore deserving of equality as respect.

As Jewish advocates, we must raise a moral voice in support of trans rights. As Jews, we are in a unique position to counter arguments that non-binary identities don't truly exist by pointing to our rich Jewish tradition that discussed these concepts millennia ago. As allies, we must continuously educate ourselves on how to be strong trans allies. Let us all not just hope for a world where society accepts the existence of multiple genders and sexes as our rabbinic ancestors did; let us strive to create that world and ensure that all people-regardless of sex or gender identity-are treated equally both in society and under the law.

[roadkillnroses]

Thunderstorms have always filled me with holy awe. My whole life, even long before I was a polytheist (I might have always been a polytheist at heart. Animist, even) and I think to myself every time, "I need to worship the god of/in/who is this storm!"

And you're probably thinking "You mean Zeus? You're a Hellenic polytheist, surely you mean Zeus, the king of the gods. The head of the pantheon? Ruler of Olympus? Father to half the major deities?" And you'd be right, but I am a stubborn anarchist and I just... can't accept that. I don't like kings. I don't like patriarchs.

And the storm doesn't say "king" to me anyway. The winds are changeable and subtle; kings are stubborn and foolish. The storm is beyond all control, it represents freedom beyond all reason, but the patriarch is controlling and claims that Reason is whatever he thinks.

I don't want that Zeus, but where am I gonna find a different one? I can't just make up one I like better, I'm trying to follow an ancient tradition here.

Recently I had a thought: in the animist view, what is the difference between a god and an elemental? Is there a difference? I think probably everything I see when I go outside is the body or home of some god, though I might not know yet which god. The anthropomorphic form is fun and aesthetically pleasing, but that isn't their true essence. And it isn't just trees and rocks and all that either, states of consciousness also have gods. Dionysos isn't just embodied in the yeast and grapes but also in the act of drinking and the state of mind produced. Apollon is the flash of insight, the moment when inspiration strikes, the bright shock of clarity. Artemis is the deer, the archer, the wild wood and also the way being there affects your perception. Have you ever been in the forest and felt that shift in the way you look at things? Your eyes start carefully tracing the outlines of objects in the dappled light, alert for anything that moves or shines, or perhaps scanning among the green for a spot of juicy red or purple. The natural world is connected directly to our minds, because we are part of nature- because the gods are nature.

Probably ancient people felt the same sense of awe that I feel at the power of a thunderstorm, the joy at the arrival of rain to dry soil, the way a change in the direction of the air awakens the intuition, the same dreamy curiosity at the movements of clouds. Who could those feelings be but the sky god, Zeus?

[libraford]

Was hanging out with friends and we got on the topic of religion. A new friend to the group has chronic foot-in-mouth syndrome so I'm being patient in explaining things because shes clearly nervous about messing up social interactions.

But I said that I was Pagan.

She was a little confused about the terms, so I specified what I believe, said that it's not a universal belief structure- that I, specifically, am a polytheist-animist.

"What's that mean?"

"I believe that there is spirit in all things, and that it does not originate from a single source, but many- and that humans are animals with their own place in the world."

She starts talking about how she thought about going vegan but it's difficult, which I though was an odd topic to switch to. Then I realized that she assumed I was vegan and I just ... didnt correct her because she was already on the subject and I didnt want her to feel embarrassed.

...this may turn into a comedy of errors.

[mythicalwomansblog]

Religious Imageries in JJK: The Conflicting Views of Shinto and Buddhism.

Disclaimer: This is not an explanation post, this is an observer post. I will try to sum up what I have observed so far.

Let's begin with the definition and history of both Shinto and Buddhism.

Shinto [神道]: Combined with the kanji of God/Kami (神) and Road /Michi(道), Shinto literally means The way of the God(s). It is the indigenous religion of Japan and is as old as Japan itself.

Shinto belief is polytheist and animistic as it has almost 8 million gods that are derived from nature and natural things. This religion revolves around "Kami". Kami can be manifested from anything, but the most important Kami are the natural ones.

Sun, Rain, Earth etc. The most important central Kami is Amaterasu the Kami of the Sun. The exact history of Shinto is untraceable but it was mentioned in the Yayoi Period (300 BCE to 300 CE) of text.

Shinto describes the world as a inhabitant of the human and the kami they worship. It describes the world as founded by the kami and once humans/ living beings pass away they become kami as well.

It is safe to say that Shinto belief described humanity as living being as a whole, where even after death they don't living. The idea of morality or immorality is also absent from it. The existence of Kami is the manifestation of humanity itself and not separated from human beings.

Fun Fact: Chinese indigenous religion 'Dao' has the same characters as Shinto's kanji. So it might be possible that Shinto actually comes from Chinese Daoism.

Buddhism: Buddhism is an Indian religion. It revolves around the teaching of Buddha. Buddha is no myth. Even though convoluted, early texts gives his name as "Gautama" and he lived around 5th to 6th Century BCE.

In India his name is mostly known as "Siddharth". He was born in Lumbini in present day Nepal and grew up in Kapilavastu. The border of India and Nepal, a town of the Ganges plain of present day Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

The most notable person who helped spread Buddhism around India so much that it was spread in the NEA and SEA is Emperor Asoka (304-232 BCE) from the Maurya Empire (322-180 BCE).

Buddhism circles around the suffering of human, the circle of life and Karma (deed). Where a soul is constant as it is being born in this world as human, it goes through the cycle of life (suffering) and it dies.

It also talks about Dharma as the ultimate truths, also that humans are born to fulfill a certain role. Moksha: The liberation from the earthly desire which should be the ultimate goal of a human being.

It also draws the line between God and humans as Gods are separated from the earthly matters and pushes the idea of Gods creating the universe and the creating the humanity.

The Mix of both Religion:

Though the idea of Shinto and Buddhism is pretty contradicting it existed with each other for centuries.

Even though Buddhism entered in japan in Yayoi Period (250-538 AD), it became popular in Asuka Period (538-710) due to buddhist sect taking the rein of the country. Initially Buddhism and Shinto coexisted and even mixed with each other. It was called Shinbutsu-Shougou. However, later it was forcefully separated by Japanese nationalists in Meiji Era (1868-1912) and Shinto became the state religion of Japan with the Emperor being worshipped as Kami the descendants of Amaterasu.

Cursed Spirit: The reason I am writing this is not because the obvious depiction of buddha, Buddhist shrines and mention of clans and sects etc. What caught my interest was that the idea of "Cursed Spirit".

The textbook explanation of Cursed Spirit is that the reaction of human emotions but as we see it is actually the manifestation of human existence. As long as humans will exist, curses will also exist.

Which pretty much resembles the idea of Kami.

The timeline: The golden era of jujutsu was Heian Era which historically existed between 794-1185 AD. Almost a century after Buddhism was introduced in Japan. Also in that era Sukuna rose up as the king of curses. Which may indicate the clans existed even before and Sukuna existed throughout.

Characters like Kenjaku and Tengen their birth and living timeline are unknown but they might just as be as old as Japan, like Shinto.

Getou and Megumi are the only two people who can control curses as Shikigami. Which is another japanese Shinto belief that has also been associated with "Curses" during Heian Era.

The people who used to control Shikigami were called Onmyoji (Yin-Yang Master).

Both of them were either antagonised or villfied by the jujutsu society at one point.

Also the most important part that made me think about this is...Sukuna's domain.

This resembles an average Shinto shrine...

The Tori is missing.

Insanity.

Anyways. I am not saying that Gege is making one religion look bad and another look good. It's not true and actually far from it. Though contradiction, Gege shows the good and bad of both sides. Kenjaku is bad and the higher ups are as worse as him.

Personally I think this is a battle of belief of the world with a main character emerges with no beliefs at all. Itadori Yuuji hates Sukuna but not by the virtue of being Gojo's student but his own opinion about him. In the latest chapter he says "Human beings are not a tool, so nobody's existence is premediated." Which contradicts the idea of "Dharma".

The message might be "If you want to change the world, you have to diverge from the existing path and forge your own."

[sillysybilsden]

Ehilà, viaggiatore

Hey there, traveller

Dedicated to my twin Lares.

Foreword

Hello there! It's me, the Silly Sybil (fka Clever Crow). I've been wanting to do this post for months, but life got in the way and I eventually forgot about it. But hey: better late than never, right?

Now, to the post.

In this foreword, I do want to address the nature of my resources. In fact, I am not writing all of this off of articles or academic works, but off of a questionnaire I had published back in July 2023. The answers given by fellow pagans are the main resources for this blog, whose objective is that of determining the main characteristics of two different approaches to lost practices: reconstructionism and revivalism.

Why choose such a peculiar approach to resources? Reconstructionism and revivalism are part of a spectrum, which can be intended and defined differently by different practitioners. Every pagan will have a slightly different idea of these terms. That means that these labels do not have a universal meaning - there is no institution recognised worldwide that gives us the requirements to be a revivalist or a reconstructionist: it is up to the practitioner and their understanding of the term. This is the reason why I've decided to opt for a form rather than articles as a resource. After all, who, better than a pagan who lives and practices paganism daily, can instruct us about paganism-related terms?

One last important thing I want to do is introduce you to our “cast”* - the wonderful pagans who took the time to compile the form, that is:

➳ anonymous contibutor (revivalist)

➳ Dead (revivalist)

➳ Guenevere (reconstructionist)

➳ Magpie (reconstructionist)

I do feel like thanking the people above is the least I can do. For this reason, I thank all of those who participated from the bottom of my heart: this post wouldn't exist without you.

*The "cast" is formed by aquaintances from a closed Amino community.

On paganism

In order to understand the definition of paganism-related labels, we must first define paganism. My personal research led me to two definitions I will provide you with:

An umbrella-term that indicates non-Abrahamic religions*;

An umbrella-term that indicates religions that are not main world religions**.

The options above might seem similar - if not identical. However, the subtle difference between them is extremely important.

According to Dr. Angela Puca¹, pagan beliefs/religions show the following characteristics:

A polytheistic and animistic approach to spirituality;

A direct relationship with the divine - which sometimes translates with little interest to scriptures and interactions in a non-institutionalised way;

The belief of immanence - the belief that the divine is everywhere and, thus, is not external to the natural world but within the same;

As a consequence of (3.), the reverence for everything as everything holds divine power.

For the reasons above, pagans are very likely to believe in magick - if not practice it. Quoting Dr. Puca, one could say that some of the most popular beliefs that fall under paganism are “Wicca/Witchcraft, Druidry, Heathernry, Asatrù, Goddess worship, ethnic reconstructions and other animist earth-based traditions”.

Now that we have defined, very broadly, what paganism is, let us get to reconstructionism and revivalism.

*Abrahamic religions include Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

**Main world religions include, among the others, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism.

On reconstructionism

“Reconstructionism is about recreating an ancient or dead religion as closely as possible to the original source. This means learning about, understanding, and incorporating historical traditions. Being a Reconstructionist involves a lot of time and research.” - Magpie

“A reconstructionist seeks to find the historic pieces of practice and remain true to that as best they can.” - Guevevere

As the two members of the cast above already said ever-so-clearly, reconstructionism puts a lot of emphasis on historical accuracy - which revivalism also does but to a lesser extent, as we will see later on. The key characteristic of this approach to pagan traditions is the will to practice a dead religion as it was by ancient peoples.

For example: a modern Hellenic polytheist who considers themselves a reconstructionist will do a ritual as a 3rd century BCE Hellenic polytheist would have - if that is indeed the era they mean to reconstruct: the same pagan religion can show different characteristics depending on the century.

The modern reconstructionist practitioner will not alter the rituals and, sometimes, nor will they attempt to fill the gaps with their own UPG*². For this reason, many reconstructionists affirm that it takes a lot of time and research for them to add new practices to their own, as they must research thoroughly the subject and reconstruct it exclusively thanks to historical accounts - for this reason, they rely on academical and primary resources**. Sometimes, if gaps make it impossible to reconstruct a, say, ritual, reconstructionists might decide not to include it in its entirety - in place of, as said before, use any UPG to fill said gaps.

*Unverified Personal Gnosis: a belief that is not backed up by mythos and is exclusively theorized/recognised by the single practitioner.

**Primary resources: texts that were written in the historical period that one is researching. Eg: Saint Augustine of Hippo's texts are a primary resource to those who are researching 4th/5th century Christianity.

On revivalism

“Revivalism is a sort of subcategory of Reconstruction. It has the same goals and also has an emphasis on historical accuracy but tends to be on the less strict side and not as culturally focused*. While Recon. as a whole would include people that expect near-total adherence to historically or culturally attested practices, Revivalism is more theologically focused and has more room for adaptation to one's existing culture and environment. *cultural context is still important, revivalism just doesn't expect participation/membership to a specific culture.” - Dead

“Revivalists keep a sense of tradition within their practice but still allow room for UPG/SPG* and modern practices while still keeping it within the religion.” - anonymous contributor

As we anticipated before, revivalism, too, heavily focuses on historical accuracy. However, there is more room to add one's personal beliefs and/or alter some parts of the practice. This is the very big - and very important - difference between the two approaches: while reconstructionism hardly accepts UPG or SPG to fill the gaps - and, so, adjust part of a practice to one's needs/beliefs -, revivalism is much more flexible on that bit.

For example: a modern Gaulish polytheist who considers themselves a revivalist might decide to fill the gaps given by the little - and biased - resources on their practice by adding their own UPG to what is already historically attested.

Just because revivalism accepts UPG and SPG, it doesn't mean that it is a less-demanding approach than reconstructionism. In fact, it does require the same amount of research and of digging into academic and primary texts. Revivalism is about *adapting* an historical practice; it is not about eradicating it from its original historical and/or cultural context, which has to be researched nonetheless. One could say that revivalists want to reconstruct ancient practices as if they were never destroyed in the first place, taking into account the evolutions such practices would have gone through in the contemporary world. Thus, using one of the examples above, if I am a revivalist I am not practicing Hellenic polytheism as a 3rd century BCE polytheist would have, but I am practicing it as a potential 2024 Hellenic polytheist would have after all of the probable changes religion could have gone through.

To better explain the difference between reconstructionism and revivalism: Roman deities used to be offered incense and wine. If I were to use a reconstructionist approach, I might want to stick to these offerings as they are two of the few offerings that are historically attested. If I were to use a revivalist approach, I might prefer using incense or wine, but I could opt for a strawberry beverage from time to time.

*Shared Personal Gnosis: a belief that is not backed up by mythos and is exclusively theorized/recognised by a group of practitioners.

Conclusion

I personally, to this day, do not know whether to consider myself a reconstructionist or a revivalist. That is because, depending on the pagan community you're interacting with, the "requirements" to label yourself as reconstructionist or revivalist might change - and this is something I already mentioned in the foreword. What I - and the other contributors - tried to do is give you some very broad guidelines in order to let you establish whether you fall under one or the other category.

If you do not find any of these two approaches fitting for you, there is no need to worry: as I stated in the foreword, we are talking about a spectrum. Some people lean towards one of the two extremes of this spectrum and there might be people who find themselves outside of it, which is valid nonetheless.

This being said, I thank you all for reading this blog. Let me know in the comments whether you describe yourself as a reconstructionist, a revivalist or something else entirely!

Wish you a pleasant day/evening/night.

The Silly Sybil

Resources

Informative

¹ Dr. Angela Puca's video on paganism

² Dead's post on UPG and SPG

Paintings

¹ "Priestess of Delphi" by John Collier

² "Magic Circle" by John William Waterhouse

³ "Roman Woman Lighing a Lamp at the Home Altar" by Stephan Wladilawowitsch Bakalowicz

[tarotporkema]

Water Spirits: Witches who gaze at the sea

Water Spirits: Witches Who Gaze at the Sea An expression of witchcraft in spiritual connection with the ocean

By request from a reader who is both attracted to and frightened by aquatic powers, I am going to provide some insight into the devotion to gods and spirits of water. Generally speaking, river and sea deities are known for their changeable and capricious temperaments, and their mythologies are filled with disturbing and even treacherous monsters.

It is essential to understand that there are two aspects to consider: on one hand, there is the "request" made to a deity, which is accompanied by an offering from the devotee. The offering is crucial because, in an animistic, pantheistic, and/or polytheistic mentality, a plea is nothing more than asking a favor from a force much more powerful than us. It is an exchange, or rather, a gift: the deity is not obligated, and neither are you. That is why it is devotional: if the request is not fulfilled, the relationship between the deity and the person does not change. The offering is spiritual in nature and is in no way a transactional relationship.

Let me give you an example: in Uruguay, on February 2nd, there is a significant turnout for the religious festivity of the goddess Iemanjá. There are always devotees, new devotees, those looking for something to believe in, those who want a favor from the goddess because they heard she grants them, and some who are there out of curiosity or dragged by fashion; but the cult of Iemanjá is something else entirely. Her cult is not detached from the rest of the deities that make up the pantheon, cosmogony, and mythology of the Afro-Brazilian religion known as Umbanda or others like Candomblé. What I want to say is that most non-religious people who make a plea to Iemanjá are seeking an act of magic and do not have a relationship with the goddess or the other gods of this religion's pantheon, meaning they do not have a devotional relationship.

Although they are inextricably linked, it is worth remembering that magic and religion are not the same thing.

SEA DEITIES

If you are going to make requests to a deity, it is crucial to know what they like, what they are connected to. This can be read about or orally transmitted in their mythology. This has both a devotional and practical purpose: we are not going to bring a ham to Iemanjá, right? Her mythology tells us she likes combs, mirrors, watermelons, etc. The most probable thing is that the goddess will not be very happy—or at least will remain indifferent—with a screwdriver or a plate of peeled peanuts (what she will surely hate is people throwing garbage into the sea, bags, and styrofoam boats that harm and kill her creatures).

In the case of Iemanjá, people already somewhat know what she likes, but this concept of offerings she enjoys applies to all deities with pagan characteristics. Yes, I know, people from Afro religions do not like to be called pagans, and we pagans do not include them in paganism for this reason, just as we do not include the living indigenous religions of America or any other part of the world. In this case, I say "pagan characteristics" because, from an anthropological, scientific point of view, they share characteristics: animism, pantheism, manism, polytheism, nature worship...

To recap: to request something from a deity, you need to know at least the basics about that deity. It's not that a curse will fall upon you or anything like that, but doing it wrong is completely futile.

NOTABLE CHARACTERISTICS OF SEA DEITIES

You may have heard that there are gods with dual natures; in paganism, we often say such gods are tricksters. Although they exist in all mythologies and geographies, among sea deities, this ambivalence or reverse nature is common and expected.

The sea is so deep, so impossible to tame, and so vast that its attributes cannot be synthesized into just a handful of deities. Thus, it can represent mystery, wrath, voluptuousness, wealth, or infinity in the multiplicity of beings that inhabit it, including fabulous fish-like creatures such as mermaids, tritons, or human-divine hybrids, demigods... Many gods not initially associated with the sea have marine origins, like Aphrodite, or have been raised by deities of the depths, like Dionysus. Even a maternal goddess like Iemanjá—the fertile sea, the origin of life—has her twisted and arrogant side, always fed up with her husbands. Not to mention the mood swings of Poseidon, whose origin can be traced back to Poseideia, the Minoan goddess of the oceans.

Being attracted to sea deities, mythologies warn, can be dangerous. I believe that with such dual and unpredictable forces, these dangers are related to our own emotional reactions to overwhelming power, and that deities drag us to the seabed because they desire something we possess. We can share this treasure with them voluntarily, or in an exchange of favors, but the way to avoid getting lost succumbing to the siren calls is to never stop listening to our own voice and not be deceived by a calm surface. We should not be carried away by chimera or promises of a rudderless ship, adrift at the mercy of the tides, whether we ask for love, riches, calm, or clarity.

THE SEA WITCH

Well, it never hurts to clarify that there is no such thing as this witch or that witch; I put this subtitle to give myself the chance to explain: I am referring to myself. I was born in Maldonado, and this geography belongs to me. There is an intimate reason why my web is called Los Faros Australes ( The Southern Lighthouses)

All witchcraft depends on the territory in which it unfolds. If someday I move to live with my friend Paula who lives in El Bolsón, I will not transform into a little mountain witch, but clearly, my witchcraft will change. It will not make sense to summon the same winds, just as it does not make sense for someone from the Bolivian Altiplano to practice sea witchcraft or for someone from the Moroccan desert to call themselves a forest witch.

I will not delve into atmospheric phenomena or historical data, although one day I would like to tell you some legends and myths and about their fabulous creatures. Here are some basic suggestions and symbolism to approach this particular type of witchcraft with common things. Reflecting on how to cast spells is your work.

Having made this pristinely clear, here are some tips or insights for doing witchcraft with the powers of the sea:

Sand has crystalline properties, hardness, and immeasurable antiquity. You can draw, make wells, figures, structures, etc. Some spells can include anything from sandbags to castles or fortresses, pouring seawater over it...

Shells, due to their shape, represent female polarity. Spirals, eternity. Sexuality. Aphrodisiac properties.

Feathers represent the bird they belong to. Flight and, by association, dreams. Connection with the superior, elevated, distant, subtle, and ethereal.

Seawater, of course. A world of which we only see the surface, full of creatures, beauty, dangers, and food. The primordial broth of life. Mystery, healing, and the subconscious.

Glass —which is nothing but transformed sand—stones perforated or sculpted by erosion, nets, plants, hooks, snail eggs, sticks returned by the sea—excellent pencils for drawing in the sand—are elements for casting spells; also foam, rocks, waves, silver fish, and the flashes of the moon—the maker of the tides—as well as the total darkness of its grottoes. The mood of the sea is a powerful indicator: a rough sea is not the same as gentle waves, a port is not the open sea, nor is the color palette always the same.

SPELLS WITH MARINE OR NAUTICAL KNOTS

Mentally reviewing the oldest written reference to this type of magic, I thought it is very likely that it predates the poet Homer by many centuries, given that Minoan civilization was undeniably maritime. But well, Linear A has not yet been deciphered, so everything remains a mystery.

I imagine that it is possible to perform magic with knots related to embroidery and tapestry—which I do not master—although nautical knots associated with weather magic and both mythical and real-life sea witches have prevailed. So, here I will speak about what I know, which are the navigation sailor’s knots. If you do not know how to make any, know that they are very easy to learn and that you do not need to know many, just enough to manage some numbers that will be represented by the number of ropes; their function on ships also symbolizes their role in Magic, regardless of the knot's complexity.

Knot magic is simple, and mastering it involves understanding a few basic principles:

It is binding magic, meaning it has the function of tying or joining two or more different elements, or two or more parts of the same thing.

Each individual rope represents an action or influence.

The specific functions that marine knots serve on ships, docks, and sea-related activities maintain analogous symbolism in their magical use.

If a knot can be tied, it can be untied, which means we can use negative magic, that is, to undo an influence, action, etc.

This simplicity can become as complicated as the spell itself, each time considering the rope's color, the number of ropes used, the number of knots made, and if objects are attached to the rope or string, as in a witch's ladder, etc.

The good news is that knowing how to make a simple knot is enough, and the skill is much more focused on concentration, spells, and magical action. Moreover, it is an excellent resource when you do not have or want a lot of paraphernalia and when you need to do something quickly. In witchcraft, there is an unwritten principle that we all know: what is done quickly has quick but not lasting effects; the complex takes time but endures. Sometimes we need something urgently; other times, we need stability. Effectiveness is conditioned by the type of spell, concentration, need, and time you dedicate.

Imagine the complexity of magically weaving a fishing net! I still haven't found the patience for that.

( Both animated gifs are from Piriápolis, my hometown)

[forsakenbythenarrative]

hii!! i’m super interested in learning about christian theology & i’d love to hear ur beliefs on it!! im getting into christopaganism & i don’t know where to look to see if god’s okay with other gods(sorry idk how to better word that) & seeing you’re an animist, i wanted to know if that falls in line with that, thankss!!!

interesting question (sorry for the long wait lol. life has been crazy!) i'm not 100% sure how to answer because it is sort of a broad topic but i'll do my best.

christopaganism is very much an umbrella term for really anyone who finds theological importance within and without traditional christian doctrine simultaneously, which i guess i technically fit within? the thing that really breaks down how this can work to me is the understanding that God and a god are not the same kind of being. it's hard to compare the monotheistic God and polytheistic deities because they define the word "god" completely differently. (and pantheism is its own can of worms when it comes to what constitutes "god")

i don't know that other pantheons are technically wrong or even wrong to worship but the perspective i've had in life and theological studies has led me to the belief that the ultimate divine power is the cohesion of the universe as a whole like the story that drives it. as an animist i believe the sea and the moon are both living and contain divinity. however, the relationship between the moon and the sea is more powerful and important. in my faith, that "relationship" is the "capital G God". They are love and also physics and storytelling. there's nothing wrong with appreciating and loving the natural and material beings of this Earth but despite the beauty and power of the forest, there are more beautiful and powerful things in the waves and energy that connect us together.

anyway, my point is that it depends on what you mean by "god" and that is something you might need to simply spend time meditating on. i also encourage you to reach out to some practicing christopagans and connect with them on this as i am one singular and imperfect person with only one perspective.

[astro-witchery]

~~~ 🅘🅝🅣🅡🅞 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My name is Sasha. I am a cosmic/astro/lunar witch. This means: I do a lot of rituals around the moon cycles, I tend to also do intention setting based on lunar phases, and live my life by astrological and cosmic patterns and magic.

I am also an astrologer (I’ve been practicing and studying for over 6 years). I’m a Sagittarius sun, Sagittarius moon, and Cancer ascendant in Tropical Astrology. {Scorpio Sun, Sagittarius Moon, and Gemini Ascendant in Western Sidereal.} I study all types of astrology but I’m most well versed in Western Tropical and Western Sidereal Astrology.

I also do tarot, oracle, & dabble with other forms of divination. Plus, I believe myself to be claircognizant and use this to help aide in my witchery.

I consider myself an Agnostic Pagan and Witchy. I am also and animist. I identified as a Hellenic Polytheist for a while but have recently decided to explore my ancestry and it’s relation to other spiritual paths (absolutely not in a folkish or racist way btw!) I am adopted and it’s always been really hard for me, not being able to explore my ancestry and do ancestor work within my spiritual practice.

I am possibly a mix of Anglo-Saxon, Devon, & Cornish descent. My adopted family is of Scottish, Welsh, & French descent. I’m still putting together my biological family tree. This very hard for me to do as I don’t have a lot of access to info being an adoptee. (I am not claiming I have certain rights to cultures because of this, I am just trying to learn about my ancestors and their spiritual practices to find answers about my own inherent beliefs about spirituality that I was born with.)

I have always had a love for religious and philosophical studies. I had very profound spiritual experiences at a very young age (for example: I knew I was reincarnated without even really knowing what death was or about spirituality). Most people in these spaces have a similar story to starting off Christian and not being satisfied (or being traumatized) by their church. I grew up Baptist and when I could explore other options after I left home I did.

I currently research: Christian Sects (especially Catholicism and Greek Orthodoxy, but also really enjoy niche fringe sects and “folk Catholicism” or “Christian Witchcraft”), Pagan and Polytheistic religions (Hellenic Polytheism, Proto Indo-European Polytheism, Anglo-Saxon Heathenry, Norse Heathenry, & Celtic Polytheism or more specifically Cornish/Devon/Welsh Druidism), Hinduism, Buddhism, Atheism, and honestly I could add more to list but I don’t want to ramble on. This does not mean I am an eclectic witch or that I mix pantheons or practices, I just enjoy reading/studying all types of world religions and I’m still searching for the right practice for me.

This is just a place where I can share and reblog helpful info and share aspects of my craft ~

☾ ⁂ ——————— 🜸☆

𖦹 This Account Stands Against Bigotry 𖦹

This account is accepting of all people of all religions and belief systems that are not harmful to others. This account is a safe space for LGBTQA+ identities, disabled folks, mentally ill folks, plural/multiple folks, & strangers/travelers/homeless folks. This account is against racism, homophobia, transphobia, antisemitism, ALL the problematic isms.

I don’t do DNIs bc I prefer to block people.

I am happy that you are here! If I follow you back it will be from my main account @s4shiii

Feel free to send asks to get to know me more, to inquire about readings, or ask astrological questions. I do offer full paid astrological natal chart readings in Western Tropical & I also offer tarot card readings all for a sliding scale price! ~

[demonicnarwhale]

Thank youuuuuu @sundogmaniac !!!!!!!

OAUGHHHH OOOH OH OH HEHEHE OK YES!! ok ok ok so i know i said i'll post it and yadda but! but that'll take for AGES! So quickly!!!

Note, as will be mentioned, I never really thought about religion in depth for Prospit or Derse. So if this comes off as me trying to be a magician and pull shit out of thin air... :) i hope it's entertaining!

Religion, alright, I honestly don't quite know how strong religion is! Like how much of a hold on society does it have? Of course bishops are a thing, but so far, they're a bit like representational figures depending on that individual (1) (a hint of leadership) on either planets (like Prospit and Derse). I've never really managed to really think about Prospit being religious moreso Derse. WhICH i know, I know fucking dumb considering Derse is about skepticism and rebellion (hA! try keep a religious theme or thingy afloat with that)

told myself i wouldn't go off and post these freaks yet but here I go. (1) CC here (while being a Dersite) is noted as a "religious" leader. However he's not really like, "human" religious or strict with it (as in he doesn't follow the same "code" as actual priests/clergymen). He's kind of there to give some words here and there, mainly keep individuals from trying to rebel against the BQ on Derse. (since he's not on Skaia, his ass would fucking leave). Also i only put him here because I haven't started on my Prospit monk/shinshoku whoopsies

There are some individuals that are more, "faithful" to our depictions of priests and religious figures like the whole "Oh love thy neighbor! Biblestuck this! Worship this figure" and etc. But there's no set in stone figure they worship. Like there's no JC that got nailed (cackles) or like mono/polytheistic or animistic practices that MUST be followed. I think the horrorterrors like Feferi's Gigglybob (my ass ain't spelling) are considered not really as gods or demons by Dersites but like creatures that only some carapaces are willing to listen to. Like yes, they are referred to as the "outer gods" but they're not entirely feared or revered as (stated before but i am redundant) not all carapaces on Derse give a shit. Like you're either getting your ass flung to Skaia or you're working to keep your kingdom planet from kinda just crumbling or going stale??? So it's like, they're there, but not all are going to be like "ah yes outer gods!"

So Prospit is a bit the same, but they just really don't have any figure(s) to turn to. They're located closest to Skaia so sometimes some of those future seeing clouds pop up every now and then. And sure, some will go "oh that's uh the God of the Clouds

trying to converse with us!". But like Derse, there's usually a specific set of carapaces that are assigned/bestowed roles or jobs that interact with these. Like HK's role of being able to make sense of what's being shown (since it's like fragments the clouds will reveal, all random moments in time so have fun with that mess". So not entirely religious-religious! but there's something there?

Grm I don't know much about religion in general lol even though my dumbass fucking took religious themed classes (writing and oral inensive credits) but I'll be damned if I get smited. So basically!!!! Religion on both Prospit and Derse (whatever it may be) is very, representational? I don't know the specific word to use, but it's more focused on the individuals (mainly Bishops) that are used as "lesser leaders" for society. They're essentially like the royal family lol, like no serious political power but more power to set an example for/somewhat influence society to follow? Groaugh liKE! There's some hints of animism(?) that influence stuff in society, but it's really being able to see or have an actual living proof/being be the main source of religion? gooaug LIKEEEEE I think! they're both leaning towards folklorism rather than mainly religion-based??? So there's probably some astronomical being/creature??? more mythology/folklore based.

my ass thinking about the whole "Ah yes! Politics vs Religion, when and which should have more power over what. What context and GET OUT OF MY HEAD" sorry im shit at explaining and answering and my mind is trying very hard to think of something that makes sense but isn't too human-society focused.

SO so so more of a wrap-wrap-wrap up with a pretty bow:

I think! (or try to think) that both kingdoms are more folklorism leaning for a form how they worship or practice with a religion-esque feel. Like through performative arts (Prospit = theatrical/plays and Derse = choir/organized like). But goog ol' religion themes, motifs, concepts like gaoaugh architecture (sorry i simply cannot help myself) is like, society's outline? The whole yeah there's the big honcho pope-like mf then the rest, so it really is like a structure based part. Both do influence society in any manner the individual wants it to.

Also! icons, ehhh? (i just have no real ideas on any figures that can serve as religious beings? maybe those astronomical beings/creatures???) but perhaps those icons can be of bishops like how in the Medieval, there's this stained glass in Chartres Cathedral the one showing St. Lubin/Leobinus which is like, not a well-known saint but he was a local favorite, mainly with the wine making guild. (I know, technically isn't an icon but shhh) So like, icons don't need to be big well-known religious(?) context figures. (I will explain more with examples of gargoyles and grotesques for (Derse focused) architecture.)

Also, I do apologize if this comes off as like, Christian or Catholic(?) leaning with the theme of religion, it's mainly due to me taking an Art History Course on the Medieval and of course the Medieval wasn't a "strictly" religious or prude time (as there's a good chunk of uh risqué or bodily humorous art. The Gothics kinda just shunned that aspect in more favor of "Oh they were so pious! With their innocent/pure depictions of love/courtship!") but it's just me going "Oh yeah haha Derse and Prospit have a (Western-European) Medieval theme! And since this was a very off the top of my head thinking explanation/answer, I will think over this some more and probably fix it up here and there.

[asphodel-disciple]

about me —

kat ⟡ they, it ⟡ ΘΔ θηρῐ́ον ⟡ 16 ⟡ animistic pagan ⟡ aspiring mortician ⟡ ♊︎ ☉, ♌︎ ☾, ♏︎ ↑ ⟡ lover of death, wife of the earth, fiancee to the moon

about my practice —

i am a hellenic-kemetic polytheist. i'm interested in ancient magic, though i wouldn't call myself a witch

i mainly worship persephone, demeter, dionysos, anpu, and sutekh. i also practice hero veneration with a focus on akhilleus, patroklos, and ganymedes

°. ⋆༺𓋹༻⋆. °

Khaire! Em Hotep! ᢉ𐭩

[stellarcobweb]

WEEEEEEEEE BLOG FOR SPIRITUAL AND ALTERHUMAN STUFF

--

you can call me Selkie! 24yo. androgyne. he/doll. non-sam aromantic lesbian.

i AM: alterhuman (therian, otherkin, fictionkin), misce (delta = beta/omega interdynamic) :)!

i am NOT: kff (yes i use the language + yes i identify as my kintypes)

my core kintypes are: felidae cladotherian, arctic fox therian, angelkin, deitykin, various fictionkin

(but i kin lots of others as well - they just aren't as core to my identity rn or i haven't had a shift in a while. if you ask abt my kintypes these are probably gonna be the first ones mentioned!)

--

i currently consider myself: daoist (/+buddhist overlap), witch (eclectic, kitchen/hearth, diviner, astrologer, traditional/folkloric), polytheist/pantheist/animist, pagan (focus on celtic and kemetic pantheons)

im married to a fox (spiritspouse/godspouse - youll hear me refer to him as Umber)

--

(please don't armchair diagnose me in regards to any mental health condition <3 you are not my therapist and do not know me)

[musingmelsuinesmelancholy]

🌞 and 🌱 for the Polytheist asks <3

Hey there!

🌞 what deities are you closest to?

Tsirona!

🌱 do plant/nature spirits play a role in your in your practice?

Yes, first and foremost I am an animist. Watery spirits in particular I have an affinity for. Within Gaulpol there’s a category of spirit called “Dusioi”, they’re spirits of the wild. They’re not worshiped though, just avoided or given offerings of placation and peace-making. The maple spirit is particularly important to me, as is broadleaf plantain. I plan to blog about plantain later on :) bird spirits are important to me too. Especially water fowl, specifically herons.

I’m unsure if there’s other categories of nature spirit within Gaulpol, given my experiences though I wouldn’t be surprised.

I’ve also had a few experiences with the Dames Blanchées, French fairies. They’re not nature spirits per sey but they guard waters, caves and grottos from what I understand. I’m not sure if French lore connects them with pale/white barked trees but I’ve also seen them before beech and poplar trees.

[catspittle]

Religion and Jonathan Crane, a compilation.

[It is 3:00 in the morning and I am barely conscious + had yet another mental breakdown and also eating my chemistry teacher alive is starting to look pretty good right about now. So forgive me for any major errors, dropped trains of thought, etc. Just need to get my mind off some things.]

Born and raised Mahāyāna Buddhist, still sticks to this faith in adulthood but mixes aspects of it with his family's native Mo traditions. People too often tend to assume all religions are Abrahamic God-centric, and I find that people in the DC fandom in particular only like the idea of atheist Scarecrow because of that. Granted the Mo do have a singular notion of god, Bu Luotuo, but also do you really think that this guy would respect a singular entity that much? Overall he holds no real belief in anyone/thing proclaiming to be an authority figure while also letting things such as childhood cancer happen, and will fistfight anything at any time ever. [He'll lose, but still.]

TLDR: Animistic polytheist

With Mahāyāna Buddhism there's not so much of an emphasis on reincarnation than there is gaining knowledge/wisdom.

Veryyyyy unsurprising that he is primarily a Huapo worshipper, as well as Me Hoa, as both are Mo goddesses associated with reproduction and reproductive health. Also the entire Mo religion places heavy emphasis on continuing one's bloodline.

Highly superstitious. Honestly, has probably sacrificed a few people to various gods/spirits....who were more than likely like "wtf we don't want these".

Mostly vegetarian when he does bother to eat of his own accord [and cook for that matter], following traditional diet.

Going to hell and is completely fine with that. He knows he's too much of a mess to reach nirvana any time soon if ever. If given a hypothetical [or real] Get Out of Hell Free card, he'd probably just laugh his ass off. But ironically he'd also probably be the most trusted to hang on to it because however much he wants to die and throws himself into dangerous situations, so far no one's killed him. Overall, he just doesn't see the concept of eternal damnation as a big deal, and frequently jokes that "being alive [is] hell enough already".

Has a habit of openly praying when under duress.

Frankly? He doesn't believe suffering can be avoided, and that to believe so is foolish. His entire life has been a series of doors slammed in his face, so it's hardly surprising.

[a-god-in-ruins-rises]

Pagan? Pan-indo-european syncretist? What do any of these terms even mean? I'm genuinely asking. I am ignorant.

simply...

pagan: in its broadest sense, just refer to any non-abrahamic religions. generally "polytheistic" and/or animist.

pan-indo-european: "indo-european" refers to linguistic/cultural/ethnic category stretching from most of europe to asia. it covers a number of different peoples and cultures that are related because they descend from a common ancestor; the proto-indo-europeans. so "pan-indo-european" just means that i incorporate gods, beliefs, practices, philosophies, etc across the indo-european spectrum.

syncretist: means someone who blends or fuses different religions/traditions into one hybrid system.

so a pan-indo-european syncretist is someone who tries to build or practice a religion that draws from multiple indo-european traditions and combines them into a cohesive whole.

[sketch-raven]

An Introduction & Dedication 🖤

Hello all! I’m Kaytlin (aka sketchraven), curator of this ever-growing grimoire. I work as a tattoo artist and freelance illustrator. Art and creating permeates every part of my life and my craft. I share my home with my wife and two cats. We travel and move house frequently, so I am always striving to learn local folklore, practices, and meet spirits of those places.

This blog functions as an ever changing grimoire; an accumulation of my ideas and workings as well as those of my practitioner peers. I work through an animistic and polytheistic lens. I am not aligned with any particular pantheon or path, instead choosing to prioritize working with spirits of nature and folklore. I am slowly learning tarot and would like to grow into working with deity and similarly “large-scale” spirits. This blog generally functions as a rough draft journal/notebook/scrapbook that feeds into my physical witch journal.

I’m always very happy to chat with fellow practitioners, whether it’s to answer questions, brainstorm ideas, share resources, or socialize and make friends!

Live curiously

-Kaytlin

[sarenth]

🙏 - Which pantheon(s) do you actively worship?

Several, though my primary worldview is Heathen, focused especially in Icelandic and Norwegian sources, though it includes some Continental and Ænglish sources.

🌞 - Which deity(ies) are you closest to/do you worship the most often?

Óðinn is the God I am closest to, followed by Freyja, Loki, and Their families.

✨ - Do you believe in patron deities? If so, do you have any that you know of?

Yes.

🌍 - Which pantheons do you believe exist?

It is perhaps easier to ask which I do not believe exist. I believe potentially all of them. I have no reason to doubt the Greek Gods exist (after all, I worship some of Them!) any more than the Heathen Gods. I believe the Christian God exists at the least as a separate God, though I may not believe the exclusivist truth claims made by the Christian religions.

📜 - Have you ever made an oath, vow, or contract with a deity? If yes, how did it go (you don't have to share)?

Yes. It has gone very well because it was well-negotiated, and it actively did my life immense good.

📿 - What are three things you're grateful to your deity(ies) for?

My family, my communities, and my life's path.

🖋️ - If you could say anything to your deity(ies) right now, what would you most want to say?

Thank you for my family, my communities, and my life's path.

💌 - What is your favorite form of deity communication?

Direct communication through prayer or talking.

🎭 - What is an emotionally impactful or a silly worship-related experience you've had?

When Óðinn had me initiated with Him and to the Runevættir in a Nine Day Hanging on Yggdrasil.

❤️ - What's one memory of your practice that you reflect the most fondly on?

Night prayers with my family. They are a touchstone for all of us, and they are simple ones each of us can engage with.

🥂 - What is your favorite devotional act or offering to give?

I deeply enjoy writing prayers, whether for my own Gods or others'.

🎉 - Do you celebrate any festivals? If so, which ones?

When I do, I tend to celebrate Heathen or general Pagan festivals.

🫂 - Do you syncretize any pantheons with one another? If so, which ones?

Not at present.

🔮 - Do you delve into topics like the occult or the mysteries? Do you do anything esoteric?

My life is suffused by the esoteric.

⭐ - What is something you wish people outside your practice knew more about?

The basics of polytheist and animist theology.

📖 - Do you like the way your pantheon is most often portrayed in media? Why or why not?

Eh, it can be good in some cases and not in others. I'd say Marvel is okay-ish, though I find Óðinn in American Gods is close at times to how I understand Him.

🏛️ - Do you have a favorite statue or temple to your deity(ies)? If yes, what is it?

Yes, my Óðinn statue by Paul Borda.

🔥 - Do you have a favorite myth or tale from your pantheon or others?

The Hávamál and the gaining of the Runes by Óðinn.

🧭 - What led you to your practice?

I got grabbed up by Óðinn during a Gods-guided meditation.

🧿 - Did you have any other spiritual beliefs before discovering your current practice?

Yes. I am a former Catholic, and was quite devout during my time.

🪽 - Do you believe in angels and/or demons? If yes, do you worship or work with any?

Yes. It has been a while since I worked with angels, though I have never had cause to work with demons.

🪄 - Do you practice witchcraft? If yes, do you keep it separate from your deity worship?

Yes, I practice seiðr in a variety of forms, and spá. It is not separate from my deity worship, as Freyja brought me to them and had me learn them.

🪦 - Do ancestors or human spirits play a big role in your practice?

Absolutely. Ancestor worship and work is a big part of my Heathen religion, and esoteric work as well.

🐾 - Do animal spirits play a big role in your practice?

Yes. I have a variety of animalvættir I carry relationships with for a number of reasons.

🌱 - Does nature - plants, nature spirits, etc. - play a big role in your practice?

Yes. As with animalvættir, I carry a number of relationships here. I carry deeply felt, loved, and powerful relationships with the landvættir.

💀 - Do you believe in ghosts? If yes, have you ever had an experience with one?

Oh yes, and considering I live very close to a cemetery coming into contact with them is a semi-regular occurrence on that level alone.

☄️ - Do you believe in astral travel/the astral realm? If so, have you been there before?

Yes, having done the work and experienced the astral realm/plane. However, since becoming a Heathen I think of it more like hamfara, faring forth in Hamr form, rather than strictly an astral space/idea. In how I understand it now, the astral realm might be better understood as the place betwixt and between the Worlds, whether we are talking the various Underworlds, Middle Worlds, Upper Worlds, etc.

Polytheist & Pagan Asks

🙏 - Which pantheon(s) do you actively worship?

🌞 - Which deity(ies) are you closest to/do you worship the most often?

✨ - Do you believe in patron deities? If so, do you have any that you know of?

🌍 - Which pantheons do you believe exist?

📜 - Have you ever made an oath, vow, or contract with a deity? If yes, how did it go (you don't have to share)?

📿 - What are three things you're grateful to your deity(ies) for?

🖋️ - If you could say anything to your deity(ies) right now, what would you most want to say?

💌 - What is your favorite form of deity communication?

🎭 - What is an emotionally impactful or a silly worship-related experience you've had?

❤️ - What's one memory of your practice that you reflect the most fondly on?

🥂 - What is your favorite devotional act or offering to give?

🎉 - Do you celebrate any festivals? If so, which ones?

🫂 - Do you syncretize any pantheons with one another? If so, which ones?

🔮 - Do you delve into topics like the occult or the mysteries? Do you do anything esoteric?

⭐ - What is something you wish people outside your practice knew more about?

📖 - Do you like the way your pantheon is most often portrayed in media? Why or why not?

🏛️ - Do you have a favorite statue or temple to your deity(ies)? If yes, what is it?

🔥 - Do you have a favorite myth or tale from your pantheon or others?

🧭 - What led you to your practice?

🧿 - Did you have any other spiritual beliefs before discovering your current practice?

🪽 - Do you believe in angels and/or demons? If yes, do you worship or work with any?

🪄 - Do you practice witchcraft? If yes, do you keep it separate from your deity worship?

🪦 - Do ancestors or human spirits play a big role in your practice?

🐾 - Do animal spirits play a big role in your practice?

🌱 - Does nature - plants, nature spirits, etc. - play a big role in your practice?

💀 - Do you believe in ghosts? If yes, have you ever had an experience with one?

☄️ - Do you believe in astral travel/the astral realm? If so, have you been there before?