#pagan gaming

[lumi-klovstad-games]

On Shadowheart's faith and how it mirrors my own (some heavy topical talk of religion and faith, FYI)

I've seen Shadowheart get dragged for her faith and her cagey-ness and unwillingness to talk about herself and especially her religion, and on the one hand, YES, she does worship a deity who wants to dissolve creation back into primordial darkness out of a petty and childish grudge. Like, that isn't nothing.

But when I hear Shadowheart talk about what her faith means to her, what this goddess who everyone else calls evil (and from our outside perspective, rightly so) means to her... to be honest, I hear my own spiritual journey in her words.

I was raised a Christian and now primarily worship Lilith, one of many names Christianity considers a straight up demon. But... because my family and community doesn't share that faith, I have to live in their world. So I've gotten practiced at keeping quiet about this fundamental part of myself, at playing the game with my cards close to the chest. When the topic of my faith comes up, I do my best to deflect the conversation or give a diplomatically worded non-answer, and yeah, I do get flustered and irritated when pressed if I didn't choose to reveal these details on my own. After all, one's faith is a DEEPLY personal thing, a core function of who they are that in many ways defines them.

While I have the wonder and the pleasure to know plenty of folks for whom my faith means exactly nothing, or is at most an unorthodox point of curiosity and vague interest, that's not how things started. The first few years after I found my own faith were.... rough. I wasn't sure who I could trust with that part of me, who I could trust to not ridicule me or accuse me of doing it for attention. I can only imagine what it would be like for Shadowheart to live life as part of a cult that is actively suppressed and hunted, where, in fact, "they" ARE in fact out to get her.

My divorce from my parent's god came when I was disillusioned as a teenager. The incredibly likable and charismatic pastor who had overseen my Confirmation had moved on to a new church, and I realized that when I prayed, there really wasn't... anything there. Nobody on the other end, or at least nobody interested enough to listen. I don't think Pastor Dan was a bad guy or a charlatan or anything. I think he really had meant to help. But in his effort to make his faith accessible/relevant, etc., he'd oversold it, and without his likability to reinforce things, I found myself in a reality that was significantly darker and less caring than I was led to expect, and I was left feeling that kind of alone you can only feel in a room full of people who don't even acknowledge you. I can't speak to whether the Christian God is real or not, only that it never once spoke to me in all my years of praying to it.

And while Shadowheart isn't remembering fully or accurately, and she has been manipulated by the Cult of Shar far more than she's initially ready to accept, that doesn't mean how she feels is incorrect. We are the sum of what we can remember, after all. Our feelings and opinions in large part are determined by what we have experienced and can recall. When she talks about what Shar specifically means to her, and how through Shar she found meaning in her moments of greatest darkness and pain, I get that. Like, that's literally where my faith was found: when I was at my lowest point, in a period of incredible darkness, self-harm and nearly worse. And in that moment of darkness, I had an experience: "I am not the one you prayed to, but I will help you, if you let me."

To say that was a transformative moment isn't doing it justice. It's the kind of moment that changes a life.

And that's what happened to Shadowheart, at least by her recollection, her truth. The objective truth in-game is of course more complicated and tells a much more dramatic story, but to be honest, Larian could have left it there and had Shadowheart's account be 100% correct and true and found some other way to use her faith to challenge her and it would have worked just as well, because Shadowheart's tale is a realistic one at its core: a lonely, suffering, desperate child finds a VERY unlikely savior. To boot, said savior is an incredibly dark being that others purely have cause to fear and mistrust, one not known for compassionate action. Of course Shadowheart plays it close to the chest. Of COURSE she assumes others won't trust her if they know more about her. All she's ever known of sharing her faith with outsiders has been fear, mistrust, and even persecution. Their experience with her goddess is so, SO incredibly different from hers, they literally cannot understand why she would find meaning in or be loyal to such a deity. I know what that's like because I've lived that, if to a far less extreme degree.

And it was SO NICE to have a character who made my lived experience feel seen — even if the writers DID pull the rug out from under me later, the fuckers.

[blackbacchus999]

[khaire-traveler]

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?

[witchescollection]

witchcraft ask game

except it's actually real fucking specific and possibly shadow work in disguise idk

What are your opinions on AI in Witchcraft?

How do you feel about pop culture deities?

Opinions on fantasy depictions of witchcraft/paganism?

Thoughts on Astral pregnancy?

Do you think witchcraft is a religion or a practice? Why/why not?

What do you think of Aleister Crowley?

Opinions on Wicca?

What do you think of the divine feminine/masculine archetypes?

Do you think they're should be a set period before someone becomes a full-fledged witch?

What do you think of Gerald Gardner?

What are your thoughts on odinism?

Do you think witchcraft is inherently political?

Do you think you can hex/curse/jinx a deity? Do you think you should?

How different do you think your gods are from other religion's gods? What work have you done to deconstruct that?

Do you believe in spiritual psychosis?

How do you feel about TERF witches?

What is your moral code? How do you justify that?

Do you wish paganism were more organised?

Do you think it's okay to have a sexual relationship with a deity? What about romantic (i.e. godspousing)?

Do you research ex-pagans viewpoints with an open mind?

Have you ever been in argument/sent hate to another witchcraft blog? What was the story? Do you still think you were right?

Do you believe in closed practices?

Do you believe in cultural appropriation?

Outside of the online space, where do you get your resources from?

What makes someone a real witch?

Are you a real witch?

Are you confident in your beliefs?

What do you think happens when we die?

Why are you a witch? What need does it serve?

What do you think is a scam in witchcraft?

What post have you seen recently that makes you wanna scream?

What's your hottest take in the witchcraft space?

Do you move out of fear or love?

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Please feel free to reblog, and send me an ask <3

[divinationsanctuary19]

🎴 "Pick Your Fate" Halloween Card Game 🎴

1 2 3

4 5 6

Pick a card, any card… then scroll down to uncover the mystery of your Halloween fate. Are you ready to see what awaits you in the shadows?

Don't forget to check my services🎃

Card 1: The Black Cat 🐈‍⬛

“A shadow crosses your path as the moon rises… The Black Cat brings luck, but beware: not all who offer kindness come with pure intentions.”

Your Fate: A surge of good fortune is headed your way, but there's a catch — someone close to you may be hiding their true intentions. Be vigilant and trust your intuition; not everyone is who they seem. If you play your cards right, you’ll gain a powerful ally… or perhaps a mysterious admirer.

Card 2: The Haunted House 🏚️

“Old, creaking doors and windows covered in cobwebs… The Haunted House has secrets buried within its walls, and you are about to uncover one.”

Your Fate: Prepare to learn something unexpected. Whether it’s a forgotten memory or a hidden truth, something from the past is resurfacing. This revelation could help you understand something important about yourself or someone close. Embrace the eerie feeling — the unknown holds wisdom for those brave enough to seek it.

🧙‍♀️🧙‍♀️🧙‍♀️🧹🧙‍♀️🧹🧙‍♀️🧙‍♀️🧙‍♀️🧙‍♀️🧙‍♀️🧙‍♀️🧙‍♀️🧹🧹🧹

Card 3: The Witch’s Brew 🧪

“In the dim light of midnight, the cauldron bubbles and brews… The Witch’s Brew promises magic, but remember: every spell comes at a price.”

Your Fate: A bit of magic is stirring in your life. Look for signs — strange coincidences, repeated numbers, or dreams that feel too real. This magic might guide you to something (or someone) special, but stay grounded; not every wish should come true exactly as you hope.

Card 4: The Skull 💀

“Death is not the end, but a doorway to transformation. The Skull heralds change — whether you’re ready or not.”

Your Fate: Something significant in your life is about to change. It could be a relationship, a belief, or even a personal habit that you’ve held for too long. Embrace this transformation; although it may feel unsettling at first, it’s ultimately freeing. Think of it as shedding old skin so something new can emerge.

🕸🕷🕷🕸🕷🕷🕷🕷🕸🕸🕸🕷🕷🕷🕸🕸

Card 5: The Spider’s Web 🕸️

“The Spider spins its web with precision, waiting for the right moment. The past and future are connected, and a familiar face may return…”

Your Fate: Something or someone from your past is making their way back into your life. Whether it’s an old friend, a former flame, or even an opportunity you missed, this encounter will offer closure or spark something new. Trust in the web of fate — sometimes the past holds the key to the future.

Card 6: The Pumpkin Lantern 🎃

“The light within the pumpkin guides the way… a beacon in the darkness, illuminating hidden desires.”

Your Fate: A wish or goal you’ve been working toward is about to manifest. Keep your intentions clear, and make sure this is truly what you desire. The Pumpkin Lantern’s light will guide you to your goal, but only if you’re willing to walk bravely through the shadows. This Halloween, the universe might just grant you a treat.

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Happy Halloween everyone!

[god-blog]

I’m starting a tag game!

People are always saying they need more witchy/pagan mutuals so I thought this would be a fun way to find them while getting to talk about your practice!

Who, if anyone, was the first deity(s) you worked with?

Hermes was the first deity that I made the conscious decision to worship though I had always been drawn to paganism. I made a tiny altar, devotional drawings, playlists, and a journal to him. I quickly added Athena and Apollo after that, but it became too overwhelming, and I got burnt out. I stopped practicing for about four years until I started again this year.

Who, if anyone, is the deity(s) you’re working with now?

Artemis was the one who reached out to me this time. She had been sending me a bunch of incredibly obvious signs that took me abt six months to finally notice (my bad lol) but I'm very happy with her now. Athena has also been more present, whereas she was more in the background the first time I tried Hellenism, and now she sits with me at work. Hermes dips in and out and Apollo's the one who's been more in the background. I would like to strengthen my relationship with them because I miss them.

What’s your favorite aspect of your practice? (Ex: doing tarot, celebrating holidays, casting spells, etc)

I like getting things for my altar. It makes me so happy knowing that my gods will like whatever I'm getting; I love getting presents for ppl I care abt. I haven't collected everything into one central altar yet but I'm very excited for when I do.

What’s something you want to get better at?

I want to get better at tarot. I've been doing it for a few years now but I'm still 100% reliant on the guidebook the cards came with and am not very good at making my own interpretations. I'm hoping I'll get better at it with time but it has been quite a while...

Tagging: @buriedpentacles @kore-siciliana @anne-the-witch-ish @serpent-among-vines @khaire-traveler @princesmeadow @hunters-moonlight-serenade @huntingkyrie

[unusual-suspects]

wallpaper i made . should i turn it into a sparkly gif ?

[magickrosegalaxy]

Get to know me asks 🌟

Witch edition

🌙 astrology sign?

💎 favorite crystal?

🔮 favorite form of divination?

🧘🏿‍♀️ do you look up to a guru/psychic/spiritual leader?

🧚🏻‍♀️ have you had any paranormal experiences?

🌞 are you working with a deity?

📿 describe your altar

🕯️do you have a favorite spell/ritual?

🧿 what persuaded you to start practicing?

🧝🏻‍♀️ what kind of witch are you?

🌟 are you currently manifesting anything?

🔢 do you see angel numbers?

👽 do you channel spirits/interdimensional beings?

🌀 have you had spiritual experiences under the influence?

🙏�� what puts you in a spiritual mood?

👁️ what are your psychic/intuitive abilities?

📌 have you ever hexed anyone?

🎶 do you chant or listen to meditation music?

🌎 what’s most profound experience spiritually?

🌑 have you experienced a “dark night of the soul” for witchcraft? How did you get back into it?

🐺 do most people know about your craft, or do you keep it a secret?

🌐 are you into spiritual conspiracies?

🐉 what are your thoughts on cryptids/magical animals?

🕊️ are you a religious witch?

🗝️ have you ever manipulated a situation to your favor using witchcraft?

🪦 do you contact your ancestors?

🫧 what’s your favorite method of cleansing?

[sleepnowmychild]

Since hades 2 early access is out and people are talking about it, here’s my 2 cents on myth retellings.

Personally I never really like Greek myth retellings, because they get so much wrong and some border on straight up disrespectful, but hades is one of the few that actually does it right. I played the first game in 2020, and I’m a console player so I’ll have to wait to play the second one but I’m one of those autistics that likes spoilers so I know what to expect. And I’ve been DEVOURING the spoilers. I think the reason hades works when so many others don’t is because they 1) actually do their research 2) don’t erase the inherent queerness of Greek myth and 3) don’t modernise anything. It’s set in Ancient Greece and it stays in Ancient Greece. A lot of modern retellings just don’t work because there’s aspects of these myths that don’t translate well to the modern day. Researching the culture of the place and time is important to a faithful retelling, retellings like PJO and LO don’t work for me because they’re basically a wattpad American high-school/CEO AU fanfic.

I think a modern retelling COULD work, but you’d have to be a damn expect on the source material and Greek culture to make it work.

Another point: Greece and Rome have a big overlap in their mythology and ancient worship, but there are still differences. If you’re going to draw from both, you need to know those differences and be educated on how both cultures used their overlapping myths. My Italian ass heard varying stories from my Italian family, and my school when we did Greek myths in class. I was able to recognise they were the same source, but they had differences. That’s something you have to take into account for retellings too.

TLDR: the hades game series is one of the few that does Greek myth retellings right. And I like their depiction of Hypnos (he’s a fictive in my brain I mean-) he embodies the more childish mischief side of his characterisation from source myth.

[joelchaimholtzman]

This is a painting (top) I made a few years ago as a tribute to John William Waterhouse's work named ''The Magic Circle'' (bottom).

The mood, stortytelling and simplicity of the scene really caught my attention, and I wanted to take those elements and add more dynamicism to it when working on my interpretation.

I hope you like it!

Best,

JCH

[theic-manic]

Hot take:

Being anti fandom in a hateful manner because your blog is religious doesn't make you especially enlightened or spiritual, it just makes you a grumpy bitch who needs to go find joy again.

Fandom posts about Greek Gods absolutely inspire my little polytheist heart.

Personally, I like to occasionally blend the two thanks to my relationship with Apollo and Hermes.

Hell, I treat the enjoyment of modern adaptations as mini devotional acts sometimes.

Here, I lightly touched on Apollo and divine madness (Theia Mania), which includes artistic ecstasy.

Yes, I get that seeing fandom results when trying to research spiritual and mythological concepts can be annoying, but not knowing how to train your algorithm is a skill issue.

[dionysusismydaddy]

Lord of Madness

[blackbacchus999]

My Greek Goddess Altar Room in my House.

Game: Play Together

** What do yall think?

[unusual-suspects]

final part of my castlevania trilogy (not mine)

[illustratus]

Speculum Romanae Magnificentiae: Circus Maximus by Giovanni Ambrogio Brambilla and Claudio Duchetti

[sleepnowmychild]

Even though the hades game depiction of the gods is completely separate to the actual gods, I’m still counting this shirt as a devotional outfit because they’re sO CUTE-

The twinsies!!!! Look at them!!! Also the sticker that came with it I’ve put in my mini ita bag

Tbh I (clearly) really like the way hades has adapted the myths. Of all the retellings out there it’s definitely one of the better ones, they clearly actually did their research. Sure it’s not a 100% accurate retelling, but when it’s a video game that the players decisions have effect on, you can’t really be 100% accurate can you?