#pagan reading list

[booksandwitchery]

List of books I’ve mentioned or reviewed on my blog

Here is the master list of books I’ve mentioned, with links to their pages. I will be keeping this list current and linked in my description.

*The ankh symbol [ ☥ ] indicates that this book is especially important to me and/or drastically changed my life

Secular/Science-Based/Skeptic-Friendly:

☥ Atheopaganism: An Earth-Honoring Path Rooted in Science by Mark Green

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

☥ Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler

☥ DIY Magic by Anthony Alvarado

How to Become a Witch by Julie Wilder

☥ Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick & Manifestation by Mat Auryn

Storytelling Alchemy by Renée Damoiselle

The Beginner Witch’s Guide to Grimoires by Julie Wilder

The Door to Witchcraft by Tonya A. Brown

The Enchanted Life: Unlocking the Magic of the Everyday by Sharon Blackie

The Witch of the Forest’s Guide to Natural Magick by Lindsay Squire

The Witch’s Guide to Manifestation by Mystic Dylan

☥ Witchcraft Therapy by Mandi Em

Wisdom, Psychology, Philosophy, Self-Growth, etc…

☥ The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Non-Secular:

☥ Sane Occultism by Dion Fortune

Simply Wicca: A Beginner’s Guide to the Craft of the Wise by Lisa & Anton Stewart

☥ Wicca for Beginners by Thea Sabin

[morphic-mythos]

DIVINA OBSCURA: a personal Hellenic library

Disclaimer: this post is a perpetual WIP, serving as an archive of all the books I've read on topics of Hellenic polytheism, mythology, ancient Greek history, and similar topics.

This is by no means a list of recommendations (in fact, there are some titles on this list I wouldn't recommend), but feel free to treat it that way if you're looking for suggestions!

Other reading masterlists:

ARCANA OBSCURA: a personal occult library

TRIVIA OBSCURA: books to honor Hekate

CLASSICS

The Odyssey, Homer

MYTHOLOGY

Mythos, Stephen Fry

Mythology, Edith Hamilton

Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth, Natalie Haynes

Pandora's Jar: Women in Greek Myth, Natalie Haynes

HELLENIC RELIGION

Ancient Greek Religion, Jon D. Mikalson

Ancient Greek Divination, Sarah Iles Johnston

GREEK HISTORY

Creators, Conquerors, and Citizens, Robin Waterfield

The Parthenon, R. Taylor Austen

MODERN WORSHIP

Hellenic Polytheism: Household Worship, Labrys

Hellenismos: Practicing Greek Polytheism Today, Tony Mierzwicki

In Praise of Olympus: Prayers to the Greek Gods, Hearthstone

A Year of Pagan Prayer, Barbara Nolan

Secrets of Greek Mysticism, George Lizos

THEURGY

The Practical Art of Divine Magic, Patrick Dunn

For the Love of the Gods, Brandy Williams

[renegade-hierophant]

Order of reading Plato’s works

Alcibiades I (Ἀλκιβιάδης αʹ) - introduction to philosophy (seeking of self-knowledge), theory of the demons (present in the human soul)

Gorgias (Γοργίας) - political virtues, dogmas concerning the three demiurges

Phaedo (Φαίδων) - cathartic virtues, a.k.a. “On the Soul”

Cratylus (Κρατύλος) - theoretical virtues, “names” (words as linguistic objects), theory of the divine names

Theatetus (Θεαίτητος) - theoretical virtues, concepts proper (mental forms)

Sophist (Σοφιστής) - theoretical virtues, physical things (forms), study of the properties of celestial Gods

Statesmen (Πολιτικός) - theoretical virtues, physical things (forms), whole theory of celestial demiurgy, the cyclic movement of the cosmos and its divine causes

Phaedrus (Φαῖδρος) - divine things (forms), theory of the noetic-noeric and some classes of hypercosmic Gods

Symposium (Συμπόσιον) - divine things (forms), theory of demons and divine love

Philebus (Φίληβος) - “crown” of the virtues, teaching related to the dyad of the primal principles and triad derived from them

Timaeus (Τίμαιος)

Parmenides (Παρμενίδης)

After these have been mastered the rest can be read in any order, for example:

Laws (Νόμοι) - teaching on providence and the existential characteristics of the Gods

Protagoras (Πρωταγόρας) - relation between mortals and Gods

Republic (Πολιτεία) - justice, keys to the symbolic interpretation of myths

Euthypro (Εὐθύφρων) - piety

[mossnstudy]

100 Days of Productivity - Day 27/100

14/12/24

Hello Hello!!

Today!! My first day off for christmas was so productive! I woke up a little late but im allowed it I think after my first term back at uni after a year long break! Its been exhausting. ANYWAYS!

Started my new book 'Clytemnestra' by Constanza Casati. Its so good so far and I'm really excited to start engaging with modern classically inspired texts!! My personal reading list for my next books are - The Divine Comedy (Dantes inferno), reading ariadne/circe/soa and the Symposium!

Got all of mine and my partners clothes drying on! I had to walk it all back and fourth to the laundrette up the road!!

Went on a little hour long walk and tried out a restaurant ive wanted to for ages! Its a lebanese place and I only had chips but the owner gave me a free slice of pizza !! Definetly going back there

Read 3 sections of Metamorphoses by Ovid - its part of my university assigned work

Did some actual spellwork !! For the first time in a while. It was a cold moon spell and it was actually really good - I dont often practice im usually researching so this was a nice change.

Did some washing up and cooking! and organised some concerts I want to go to !!

Mini work out but i dont know if im counting it

So overall!! Pretty happy with the day!! Tomorrow I want to spend some more time academically but!! Quite happy with today

Hope everyone else has had a great day!

[oidheadh-con-culainn]

love when i see a book rec list where half the items on it are things i liked / thought were okay / haven't read but am intrigued by... and then there's just one thing on there i hate and it ruins the whole list for me. i'm like. sorry. if you enjoyed the vibes of XYZ i cannot trust your taste at all. i object.

[honeybadger-the-pop-witch]

I bought myself a scrapbooking journal for Christmas with a gift card my boyfriend’s mom got me. I’m using it as a reading journal to catalog all the books I read throughout the year.

As I’ve started working with the Morrigan, the first audiobook to get crossed off the January TBR is Courtney Weber’s The Morrigan: Celtic Goddess of Magick and Might. As someone new to honoring this goddess, I have to say, I found the book quite helpful as a primer.

Aside from the popular translated and abridged Morrigan myths, the book involves anecdotes, some (if personally not enough for this history buff) Irish Celtic history to give context, brief quotes from other people who have a relationship with the Morrigan about their own experiences, and little DIYs to start making your own connection. It was accessibly written and didn’t shy away from either the harsher or the softer sides of the triplicate goddess.

Next up the Green Witch, finishing the Magician’s Nephew, and the book that deals with Floriography in the paintings in the Louvre.

[pressagie]

Hi, how are you? I saw you were offering free readings and was interested in asking a question. I would like to know what’s coming towards me next in love? I’m single. Can you use the lenormand deck. Can you also add a song? Please 😊 Thanks! - JD

JD, what's up? We're finally doing this, let's go!

Note: I added some info to the bottom of my pinned post, and I recommend (to everyone who sent in questions) giving it a read :]

Situation

— your anchor to the topic

THE MOON

The way The Moon card came out indicates a sense of loneliness, and being aware of it – not just being alone, in a neutral/positive way, but feeling somehow uneasy in that (single) state. It seems like this comes from (and becomes worse because of) you acting, without reason, like that will always be your reality. Might be something to unpack, and I don't think it would be too hard for you, if you decide to do so.

Context

— external factors at play

THE CROSS

In the past, you used to hold some beliefs that were more hopeful in regard to how you felt about (and even acted towards) love, connections, yourself, and love for yourself. This may not be (immediately) clear to you; at the time you could have done it without even thinking and/or due to outside influences – but it is somehow connected to The Moon issue, as it could be a reminder and inspiration to present-you.

Focus

— what really matters

THE STORK + THE CHILD

The Stork speaks of positive action you take towards other people or a person – this does not necessarily mean a romantic relationship (what, I'm assuming, you asked about); it could be searching for a community, a family or any kind of connection that helps you feel good, and more a part of something, with those who function like you, and aim for similar places in life. Where do you (figuratively) want to go?

The Child, on the other hand, points to you thinking about a bad past experience, when you might've been taken advantage of, and it burdening this present one (The Stork) – even though they are not the same! Try to keep that in mind and recognize where you actually stand, and you can have a better time.

Advice

— results taste better with a grain of salt

THE SCYTHE + THE ANCHOR

The Scythe and The Anchor came out hand in hand, meaning these are tools to utilize together.

On the one hand: make the most of this/these new connection(s); find your space, and allow yourself to grow from there.

On the other hand: be sure that you're not in a group or with a specific someone because you'd rather have anyone than no one, ending up in situations that do not benefit you – or in which the other(s) feel(s) used. Don't lose track of yourself, as well as why it all started.

To clarify: none of this seems like it's about manipulation and abusive dynamics. More like miscommunication and similar mistakes that can still cause some harm. So, remember to maintain and respect everyone's boundaries, including your own.

Overall (and the most probable scenario): if you check in with your feelings, and let them guide you, you'll be happily surprised by what you take from this experience.

Outcome

— one possibility within reach

THE OWLS

The Owls card comes towards the end of this timeline, in a disruptive position. It signals a conversation or encounter that you won't understand for what it is, and that will be incompatible with the peace you might have established by then. It demands an active response to clear up.

Don't despair! There's no need to worry about The Owls right now. For better or worse, nothing lasts forever. When the time comes, and everything settles, this could even end up being a favorable change or, at least, a learning experience. Either way, you'll know it's coming, and can deal with it according to what you discover along this journey, as well as the paths you choose.

The Chain by Fleetwood Mac in Rumours (1977)

Thank you for trusting me to read for you. I would love to know what you think: if this resonates with your circumstances, and what comes of it. Don't be afraid to give me honest feedback and suggestions, after all, it'll help me become a better reader :]

Do you want to expand on this or have another topic to explore? Leave me a (follow-up) question!

You can always include the numbered tag associated with your reading(s), and I'll add it to the future posts as well, so they are identified as belonging to the same querent, and easier to find – check below, next to #OMEN DEAL.

For Ko-fi tips (zero pressure)

I honor the spirit who helps with my practice – for winding and guiding my path, learning how to sit with me, and being a light to read by.

Elioth Gruner's Milking Time / Araluen Valley

[breelandwalker]

2024 Witches' Calendar

For all my witches out there, here's a handy list of the 2024 dates for the solstices, quarter days, full and new moons, and special events. I've listed my sources at the bottom.

Dates and times for all events are calculated for Eastern Standard Time, USA, Northern Hemisphere. Adjust for your location as needed and check the DarkSky Placefinder to see what special events will be visible in your area. Enjoy!

Solstices, Harvests, and Quarter Days

February 1-2 - Imbolc / Candlemas

March 19 - Spring Equinox / Ostara

April 30-May 1 - Beltane / May Day

June 20 - Summer Solstice / Midsummer / Litha

August 1 - Lughnasadh / Lammas / Summer Harvest

September 22 - Autumn Equinox / Mabon / Fall Harvest

October 31 - Samhain / Halloween / Final Harvest

December 21 - Winter Solstice / Yule

Full Moons

January 25 - Wolf Moon ♌

February 24 - Snow Moon ♍

March 25 - Worm Moon ♎

April 23 - Pink Moon ♏

May 23 - Flower Moon ♐

June 21 - Strawberry Moon ♑

July 21 - Thunder Moon (aka Buck Moon) ♑

August 19 - Sturgeon Moon* ♒

September 17 - Harvest Moon* ♓

October 17 - Hunter's Moon (aka Blood Moon)* ♈

November 15 - Frost Moon (or Beaver Moon)* ♉

December 15 - Cold Moon ♊

*- Supermoon

Fun Fact: The title of Harvest Moon is given to either the September or October full moon, whichever falls closest to the autumn equinox. Once again this year, that month will be September.

New Moons

January 11 ♑

February 9 ♒

March 10 ♓

April 8 ♈

May 7 ♉

June 6 ♊

July 5 ♋

August 4 ♌

September 2 ♍

October 2 ♎

November 1 ♏

December 1 ♐

December 30 (black moon) ♑

Special Celestial Events

January 3-4 - Quadrantids meteor shower peak

March 25 - Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

April 8 - Total solar eclipse

April 22-23 - Lyrids meteor shower peak

May 6-7 - Eta Aquarids meteor shower peak

August 11-13 - Perseids meteor shower peak

August 19 - Sturgeon Supermoon / Seasonal Blue Moon

September 17 - Harvest Supermoon / Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

October 2 - "Ring of Fire" solar eclipse

October 17 - Hunter's Supermoon

October 21-22 - Orionids meteor shower peak

November 15 - Frost Supermoon

November 16-17 - Leonids meteor shower peak

December 13-14 - Geminids meteor shower peak

December 30 - Black Moon

(Check the DarkSky Placefinder to see what will be visible in your area!)

Mercury Retrogrades (in case you need them)

April 1 - April 24

August 4 - August 27

November 25 - December 15

Happy Witching!

SOURCES & FURTHER READING:

Bree's Lunar Calendar Series

Bree's Secular Celebrations Series

Moon Info - Full Moon Dates for 2024

Calendar-12 - 2024 Moon Phases

Full Moonology - 2024 Full Moon Calendar

AstroStyle - All the 2024 Full Moons

Your Zodiac Sign - Astrology Calendar 2024

Old Farmer's Almanac - Mercury Retrograde Dates 2023-2024

Lonely Planet - Best Star-gazing Events of 2024

Sea and Sky - Astronomy Calendar of Celestial Events 2024

DarkSky International - Dark Sky Placefinder for Stargazing

Pagan Grimoire - Wheel of the Year: The 8 Festivals in the Wiccan Calendar (2024 Edition)

=

If you're enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊

EDIT: Mercury is stationed direct on Jan 1st, 2024. The source I used which stated it was in retrograde until the 18th had a typo.

EDIT: Fixed the zodiac signs for the full moons using a new source.

[booksandwitchery]

On the Disenchantment of Society

Just wrapped up Sharon Blackie’s The Enchanted Life: Unlocking the Magic of Everyday last week and wanted to share some of her ideas about humanity’s lack of connection to the natural world (what she calls “disenchantment”).

This book seems targeted towards those who are witch-curious or curious about nature-based religions. It is something I would recommend to people who are skeptical of religion but also want to find meaning or a place of belonging in the world. It is either the most witchy non-witchcraft book ever, or a witch book entirely without the woo-woo, dubiously mystical stuff.

I. Society’s “Disenchantment”

The message of Blackie’s book ultimately responds to modern life becoming more “mechanized.” She believes that in a more mechanized society, we become starved for meaning and ways to “feel at home in the world,” which I think is pretty objectively true. It’s hard to deny that technology has really disconnected humans from their “roots” and from communion with the natural world.

II. Critique of Classical Philosophy

More interestingly, Blackie also argues that man’s estrangement from the world stems from classical philosophy (think Plato, Socrates, Aristotle). At one point she blames classical philosophy for promoting the idea that the natural world is a resource to be exploited. I’m no student of philosophy, so I don’t feel qualified to comment on this. BUT. It is an interesting argument that I’d like to explore further.

III. Religion’s Contribution to the World’s Disenchantment

One of the most important things (for me, at least) that Blackie says in this book is that “many religions, in their dogmatic adherence to one particular way of seeing the world, relieve us of possibility and so fetter our imaginations.” In other words, religion has really caused a lot of damage to the human psyche, and to the way humans relate to one another. She also points out that it is ironic for religions to promote “wonder and awe,” but only for one particular entity or set of entities. This is a really good framing of why I appreciate the pagan/witch community so much–it is non-dogmatic, tolerant, and promotes creativity. So many worldviews and praxes seem to discourage creativity these days, and it makes me sad.

IV. Society’s Misplaced Opposition to Change

The way that humans cling to their religions and traditional ways of thinking is, according to Blackie, reflective of the fear of change. Evolution has caused us to feel fear when we experience change–the problem arises when we accept the idea that fear always indicates danger. Sometimes fear is just a by-product of evolution that doesn’t serve us, and it’s important that we pay attention to the types of fear we experience. Blackie encourages the reader to accept that change is really scary sometimes–and change in spite of fear.

[morphic-mythos]

ARCANA OBSCURA: a personal occult library

Disclaimer: this post is a perpetual WIP, serving as an archive of all the books I've read on topics of non-Hellenic paganism, witchcraft, occultism, etc. I read widely because I enjoy expanding my perspective.

This is by no means a list of recommendations (in fact, there are some titles on this list I wouldn't recommend), but feel free to treat it that way if you're looking for suggestions!

Other reading masterlists:

DIVINA OBSCURA: a personal Hellenic library

TRIVIA OBSCURA: books to honor Hekate

CULTURAL HISTORIES

A History of Magic, Witchcraft, and the Occult, D.K. Publishing

On Monsters: An Unnatural History of Our Worst Fears, Stephen T. Asma

Grimoires: A History of Magic Books, Owen Davies

Darkness: A Cultural History, Nina Edwards

The Spectral Arctic: A History of Ghosts and Dreams in Polar Exploration, Shane McCorristine

The Witch, Ronald Hutton

The Ruin of All Witches: Life and Death in the New World, Malcom Gaskill

WITCHCRAFT

Psychic Witch, Mat Auryn

Mastering Magick, Mat Auryn

Urban Magick, Diana Rajchel

Of Blood and Bones: Working with Shadow Magick and the Dark Moon, Kate Freuler

Year of the Witch: Connecting with Nature's Seasons through Intuitive Magick, Temperance Alden

Rebel Witch, Kelly-Ann Maddox

Witch in Darkness, Kelly-Ann Maddox

Weave the Liminal: Living Modern Traditional Witchcraft, Laura Tempest Zakroff

By Rust of Nail and Prick of Thorn: The Theory and Practice of Effective Home Warding, Althaea Sebastiani

Path of the Moonlit Hedge: Discovering the Magick of Animistic Witchcraft, Nathan M. Hall

OCCULTISM

The Book of Hermetica, Hermes Trismegistus and the Three Initiates

Lifting the Veil: A Witches' Guide to Trance-Prophecy, Drawing Down the Moon and Ecstatic Ritual, Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone

MUSINGS & MEDITATIONS

Becoming Dangerous, Katie West

Waking the Witch: Reflections on Women, Magic, and Power, Pam Grossman

Waking Up to the Dark, Clark Strand

Meditations, Marcus Aurelius

DREAMS & SYMBOLISM

The Forgotten Language, Erich Fromm

[cursecuelebre]

Top Recommendations for Norse Pagans that aren’t Problematic.

There is a lot of books by people who are racist and part of far right side of Heathenry and I’m going to try my best and list the books I have that helped me on my path that isn’t problematic and have questionable intentions. Books and YouTube channels.

Anglo Saxon Socerery and Magic by Alaric Albertson. He is very knowledgeable in his work and path especially on runes which includes the rune poem to make your own interpretation and witchcraft side of things. He even talks about the Elves which I appreciate because not a lot of Norse authors talk about them. It’s more Germanic than Norse but I can’t see any problem adopting certain aspects since they are very similar. I will say he does take himself a bit serious at times but his information is so good and worthwhile. I have not read his first book on Travels through middle earth but it focus on more the pagan side.

Poetic Edda and Prose Edda: it’s what every Norse pagan needs. It’s the foundation of Norse paganism not bibles but myths and tales that can help along our journey. There is tons of translations, but my favorites are Dr. Jackson Crawford Poetic Edda and Anthony Fawkes Prose Edda. But look into other sagas as well like Volsung which Dr Jackson Crawford also wrote about.

Beowulf. More of a Germanic tale but again includes it has roots of Germanic sorcery, traditions, religion like the concept of Wyrd (Fate), the runes, and values within his society like loyalty and mythical creatures. Again there is many translations even Jrr Tolkien did a incompleted version of Beowulf but I think Tom Shippey finished that version I could be wrong. Nonetheless explore more than one, the oneI have is by Seamus Heaney.

Grimm Fairy Tales this mostly German Folklore but it’s still quite important to learn about in German folk magic, creatures and entities in German folklore tends to be very real to the practitioner in their spellwork.

The Way of Fire and Ice by Ryan Smith a very progressive outlook in Norse paganism, he talks about creating communities in Norse paganism and calling out and denouncing Nazis in the community how Norse Paganism is inclusive and how to be open to all types of people. But he has a beginner approach to the deities, beliefs, values within Norse paganism.

Look into a lot of academic sources that’s where you will find a lot of information on Norse paganism and religions.

Tacitus Germania - A Roman historian talking about the Germanic tribes their culture and customs.

Saxo Grammaticus history of the Danes

The Viking Way by Neil Price it goes good in depths about magic in Scandinavia like Seidh

Dictionary of Norse Mythology a quick guide to northern myths, if you are trying to find a specific god and you don’t have time to look up in a book it’s in there with great information to each one.

Children of Ask and Elm: History of Vikings by Neil Price on Scandinavian culture during the Viking age

Some YouTube Channels

The Norse Witch: Bente lives in Germany and their channel encompasses all of Norse paganism more around magic. They do interviews with other Norse witches of folk magic like Icelandic and Danish. Even gives good book recommendations and advice on general spellwork as well!.

Dr Jackson Crawford he is an author but he also has a YouTube channel. He was a professor in Colorado on Norse culture, mythology, and language and now is a full time YouTuber. He did a series of videos on the runes which are more historically accurate. Discusses the myths and the language and what do they mean. Jackson Crawford isn’t a Norse pagan nor he doesn’t care if you are one but just letting you know he isn’t coming from a pagan perspective.

The Welsh Viking also like Jackson Crawford but still has really great knowledge on Viking culture.

De Spökenkyker who is a channel that focus on German Folk magic living in Germany who is a practicing German Folk Witch.

Please feel free to add on any recommendations that are helpful and useful to the Norse pagan Community!

[ts-witchy-archive]

16 Ways to Connect with the Gods when you don't have an Altar

So I'm currently away from home for 10 days (pet/house sitting) and I don't have an altar space with me. I have my tarot deck and that's it. I decided to write this list incase it might help someone else who is away from home or is just in the pagan closet. Enjoy!

Read your Deity's myths or listen to people read myths on youtube

Sit outside and just think about them

Set your phone background to something that reminds you of them

Wear their colours or symbols

Make or listen to a playlist dedicated to your Deity/Deities

Do a digital offering on tumblr or another site

Just talk to them about your day

Write some poetry for them. Anything can be poetry, it doesn't have to be good

Scroll through their tags on social media

If you have coloured shoelaces wear their corresponding colours on your shoes!! (I can't believe i didn't think about this earlier)

Do your make up to honour them

Talk about them in a (dedicated witchy/pagan) discord server

Do something nice for someone. I know it's cheesy but it's cliche for a reason. For me it definitely makes me feel closer to my Gods

Draw/make art of them or one of their symbols

Youtube ambiance videos are great! If your Deity has an association with fire, water, birds, communal spaces or music there are heaps of videos on Youtube that you can play. Think coffee shop ambiance (communal space), waterfall/rain/water ambiance, nature/bird chirping ambiance, fire place ambiance, studying at the library ambiance, etc. endless possibilities

Draw their sigils/symbols on your face with skin care

I hope this helps!! Feel free to add any other tips. I tried to keep these relatively accessible for everyone.

[aferalhoekage]

Welcome to the Genjutsu

I dare you to fall into my rabbit hole...

Hi Sweeties!! ☺️ I'm finally making a pinned post!!

First things first, I do NOT allow anyone 19 and younger on my page, if I find you, you will be blocked immediately, trust me. I do not want teenagers on my page. Go play with your hot wheels/Barbies.

Links: ASMR TikTok | CashApp | Ko-Fi | Instagram | Twitter | Super Secret Link | Link tree (all links)

You can call me Olivia, Liv, Livi 🤍 I go by many names

I will never post or send you nudes! Don't ask, it's tacky, & lame. This is your only warning, if you send me an UNSOLICITED dick pic, you will have 2 options, CashApp me $50 OR I'm going to screenshot and post you all over this app 🥰🩷🥰 &&& NO THAT DOES NOT MEAN SEND ME THE $50 & A DICK PIC! I DONT WANT IT PLEASE

Since I have been asked a few times, of course you can blow my notifications up & reblog as much as you want 🥰 my pictures included! 🥰🩷

A little about me: I am 26, in my first year, getting my degree in botany. I'm pagan/wiccan, still very new though & something I keep close to myself because people can be cruel. I am a mom, I have three kids. I am also bisexual. Don't take my non-response to your messages as ignoring you. I'm very busy and cannot reply to everyone, every single day. Also if I repost something but don't reply to you, please don't be offended! I promise if I'm not responding, I am most likely in a shitty ass mood and I don't want to take that out on anyone. I am 5'5, and between 120 lbs. I have one tattoo, and one piercing. I'm a libra, October 21 is my birthday, and Halloween is my favorite day of the year. I am very shy, but can be very clingy... ugh.

I use tags HEAVILY on my page, click on the ones at the bottom of the post to navigate around a lot easier :) I promise you'll thank me

Enough of that, now! On to the kinks portion of the tour: (This list is still growing/I haven't figured all of mine out yet- so this list will change a bit most likely.)

Breeding | DD/lg | CNC | Corruption | Fauxcest | Masochism | Pain/Degrading | Size Difference | Somno | Age Difference | R@pe Play | BDSM | Slight bondage (this one is newer) |

Hard NO's!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I give one- maybe two depending on the person- warnings, then you will be blocked if you cross my boundaries.)

Anal (Traumatized from my experiences.)

Bathroom ... Things... - not for me.

diaper stuff - no hate, just not for me (:

Cheating/Poly - to each their own, but I don't like it.

Anorexia - it's not a fucking kink. Don't put that shit in my tags. I will block you immediately.

Other things I enjoy since I am human and sex isn't the ONLY thing I think about(it's up there lol): Nordic mythology, Vikings(in every aspect), I want to be an author eventually(maybe), I smoke weed, I play video games. DC comics are my favorite but I do like marvel as well. Anime is my favorite genre. DnD! I absolutely love food. I can bake🥰 I do not look like I can eat but I can lol. I will 100% talk to you about tattoos all of the time 🥰. I am obviously in botany, so plants and trees are my favorite thing! My favorite colors are dark green, pink, and yellow 🩷 I'm very much into the dark and spooky side of everything, but I love the girly side of me and life as well.

Taken Anon Emojis: 🤠, 🦥, 🦀, 📌, 👑, 🐻, 🐺, ⚡,🐕, 🍀, FPFL , 🐯, 🦊, ☠️, ❤️‍🔥, 🌷, 🐑

I follow people back, but it's based off your profile, I read bios. Your age has to be in your bio for me to follow you back. But if you have taken/married/open relationship or anything like that in your bio, I will not follow you back :) and I will not flirt with you if you're in any type of relationship 👍🏽 if I also find out that you have been flirting with me and are in a relationship you will be blocked immediately. I will not be lied to, by omission or otherwise. Please be respectful 🤍

[longreads]

TikTok Covens and QAnon Shamans: A Reading List on Neo-Paganism

"It’s a story that features modern characters, from internet witches to the shamanic avatar of the US Capitol riot—but one that began long ago." Why are people in the West reviving ancient pagan spiritual practices? Sam Firman explores the rise of neo-paganism in a fascinating new reading list. 

Delve into this world of witches and shamans here.

[lyreofchrysaor]

How to Study Resources

Many people in the modern day pagan/polytheist communities are young. As such, a majority of them are neurodivergent, like I am. For me, that means a majority of the language used in resources is difficult to understand. This was originally going to be a post about that, but the more I wrote, the more I realised that many people, neurodivergent or not, just... don't know how to study resources. So, if you are someone that also struggles, I now present to you... my full guide on how to study resources.

Little disclaimer: I myself am a hellenic polytheist, but this guide is for anyone that struggles with understanding information from resources, whether you are a hellenic polytheist, norse polytheist, kemetic polytheist, etc. Though do understand that I am writing from the perspective of a hellenic polytheist, so I am bound to make mistakes when it comes to religions I am less educated on. You are always welcome to adjust anything I say here to fit your own religion accordingly.

Let's get started.

Firstly, you have to find resources. Many people happen to get stuck here, unfortunately.

How do I know what to research to begin with? When starting out, the general consensus among the polytheist/pagan communities is to research the related historical practice. How the deities were worshipped, what contexts they were worshipped in, the history of the deities, etc etc... all of these are very important factors to consider as a beginner. Only by knowing the history can you then delve deeper into specific terms and specific paths that may be right for you!

How do I find resources? Unfortunately, a lot of resources are behind paywalls or just plain hard to find. Here is a list of websites that I personally use and recommend:

scholar.google.com

academia.edu

pdfdrive.com

library.memoryoftheworld.org

libcom.org

libretexts.org

standardebooks.org

By the way, just a reminder that if you find a resource but there is a pesky paywall in your way, you can probably find it on archive.org for free!

How do I choose a resource though? If you are part of hellenic polytheism, then theoi.com is a great resource, but I always like to add primary sources into my research + not everyone reading this will be part of helpol. Try to find primary sources, first and foremost. Then read historical accounts. Then read secondary sources. Also, make sure your author is reliable! (that link is only for hellenic polytheism though, apologies. If you are not part of hellenic polytheism, then looking into who the author is/was as a person and what sort of contributions they made and beliefs they held never failed me personally!)

Found your resource? Made sure the author is reliable? Wonderful! Now what?

This is usually where the procrastination hits for me. Either that, or I get hyperfocused for a while but never complete it and then lose interest.

To avoid that, break things down and establish a routine. You do not have to finish a book in a day, or understand everything you read straight away. Setting those kinds of expectations for yourself will only make things so much more difficult.

Instead, make a routine for yourself. Outlined below is my routine:

Getting into the mindset. I always like to get myself into the mindset of studying by praying, whether this is studying for school or studying a resource. Since my entire life is devoted to lord Apollon, I pray to Him for it. However, if I am researching a specific god, I will typically pray to them instead. However, sometimes I do not have the spoons to write out a prayer, so I typically just adjust my surroundings instead. Turning my LED lights to a warmer colour and putting on some lofi music usually helps me! The studyblr community has great tips for this part! I also recommend I Miss My Cafe.

Reading. First, I try to read without annotating or taking notes. This is the time to take in the information, to try and grasp what I am reading. This is usually the most difficult part for me, because a lot of academic sources tend to use advanced language and sentence structures that are difficult for me to understand. Unfortunately, the only tip I have for this part is to read as slowly as you need. Do not be ashamed for taking your time. Typically, I only like to read one paragraph before I move onto the next step.

Annotation. This is where I re-read the paragraph I just read. Typically, I like to re-word the paragraph in a simpler way for me to understand. Sometimes I notice little patterns that may connect back to something I've read prior, whether in another book or earlier in the same book. When that happens, that is something I add too! Remember, you do not have to annotate. If it makes it easier, then perfect! If it does not, discard it.

Consult study tools. This is where I cross-reference with other resources. This is how the entire process repeats again. Though, you do not just have to use books for this part! YouTube videos, podcasts, online resources, etc etc...these always help too!

Application. After vetting the information, consider how it would apply to your life, if at all.

Of course, that's just my routine. You are always welcome to use it, but I also greatly encourage you to create your own routine so that you can cater it to your learning style!

I also recommend setting a time limit for yourself. If you have not completed a chapter within the time limit, that is okay! The most important thing about researching is making sure you are not guilting yourself into biting off more than you can chew. Take your time, you have a lot of it.

Research is vital to religions like ours, and research should be something everyone can do! Just because you may need some accommodations does not make you any less intelligent. We all learn differently. That is okay.

I hope this post can serve as something helpful for those who struggle in this area, and as a reminder that you are not alone in your struggles. If you have any questions or would like further clarification on some points, feel free to reach out!

Xaire ♡