#pagan workshop

[joelchaimholtzman]

Character design I mad a while back, a Scythian (proto-Slavic) Horselord.

It was quiet a lot of fun to decide which details to keep, emphasise or simply remove. Need to push myself more in that department.

Hope you like it!

JCH

[skylark913]

Teaching Chaplains About Paganism

I had the amazing opportunity to teach a class of Chaplaincy students doing CPE with OhioHealth this week.  Their instructor had reached out to me to see if I could help give them some perspective on what types of things pagans belief, and what would help them in times of crisis.  The talk went really well, the students were engaged and had good questions.  Hopefully I get the opportunity to go…

[sacredsistersthree]

my time spent with The Morrigan today was very different from my normal worship/devotion... I just worked out and devoted that to Her. (well, and lit Her incense and picked out a candle for Her). and that included a really cheesy "this one's for You Girls" before I put on the first song.

I'm not necessarily working out to lose weight or anything, but because I want to be a stronger warrior for Her, in every way, including physically. being disabled as I am, I don't expect to be super fit or super strong (especially because I am pretty physically limited/weakened by my disability), but just to be stronger and healthier in any way I can. and taking care of myself and finding strength I've lost since the onset of my illness? seems like a pretty good way to honor Her.

I love Her so much. I want Her to be proud of me. I want Her to see me get stronger, because I know She wants me to see me get stronger. so I'm working on it, especially now that I've found an outlet for working out that doesn't put undue strain on my body.

[taratarotgreene]

The original Burning Man Festival, Lammas

August 1st A Happy Lammas Pagan Harvest Festival to you. Lammas or Lughnasadh is a cross-quarter day in the annual nature’s growth and solar round in the Pagan/ Witch Harvest Festival in the Northern Hemisphere, celebrated as one of the 8 spokes of the Turning of the year in the ancient nature calendar. Lammas is based on the Sun transiting in it’s annual orbit. It marks halfway to the Autumn…

[aerikarkadian]

Summer Magick Festival 2024 Recap

We’ve been back from Orlando and SMF 2024 for a few days now and Selene and I were just talking about how hard it’s been to reset. I was telling her that our spirits got a dose of pleasant energy and now they’re in withdrawal again from being in reality. This is a pretty common feeling with all festivals, though. But just in case you’ve never heard of Summer Magick Festival in particular, it’s a…

[myrtleturtlee]

Crystal ball is Crystaling

[nexusofsorcery]

How to Build a Strong Pagan Community: Tips and Strategies for Success

Table of Contents Table of ContentsWelcome To The World of PaganismHow to Build a Pagan Community1. Find Local Pagan Groups2. Attend Pagan Events3. Host Gatherings4. Start an Online Group5. Volunteer for Pagan Organizations6. Share Your Knowledge7. Practice Inclusivity and RespectPagan Community Events and GatheringsThe Different Types of Pagan GatheringsBenefits of Attending Pagan…

[opencoven]

Hand sewn sigil with fox femur. Learn to make talismans like these: https://www.opencoven.com/tiny-magick-talismans-workshop.html

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

Unleash Your Inner Witch: Tips for Writing Witchcraft

Introduction

Witchcraft has been a fascinating and mysterious topic for centuries. From the Salem witch trials to modern-day Wicca, the practice of witchcraft has evolved and endured. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a curious beginner, writing about witchcraft can be a powerful and transformative experience. In this blog post, I’ll help you explore tips and strategies for writing about witchcraft, including researching the history of witchcraft, developing your own unique system, selecting tools, creating spells and rituals, incorporating mythology and folklore, and writing with intention and purpose.

Explore the History of Witchcraft

Before you can write about witchcraft, it's important to understand its history and evolution. Witchcraft has been practiced in various forms throughout history, from ancient pagan traditions to medieval and common era witch-hunts. A thorough exploration of the history of witchcraft can provide context and inspiration for your writing.

One way to explore the history of witchcraft is to read books and articles on the subject. Look for works by reputable historians and scholars, such as Ronald Hutton's "The Witch: A History of Fear from Ancient Times to the Present." You can also visit museums and historical sites related to witchcraft, such as the Salem Witch Museum in Massachusetts or the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Cornwall, England. Google is another way to research, but the articles you find on the internet aren’t always true; it’s best to use search engines other than Google to find more truthful information.

Finally, consider connecting with other practitioners of witchcraft and participating in online communities and forums. These communities can provide valuable insights and perspectives on the history and practice of witchcraft.

Research Modern-Day Witchcraft

While the history of witchcraft is important, it's also essential to understand modern-day witchcraft. There are many different traditions and practices within the broad umbrella of witchcraft, from Wicca to Hoodoo to modern eclectic witchcraft. Researching modern-day witchcraft can help you develop your own unique system and style of writing about witchcraft. Start by exploring different books and websites on modern-day witchcraft. Look for authors and practitioners who resonate with you and your writing style. Consider attending local events and workshops related to witchcraft, such as pagan festivals or Wiccan covens. These experiences can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your writing. You don’t have to go to physical events or workshops in order to learn about witchcraft, but if you want a realistic experience and authentic knowledge on witchcraft it’s best to do so.

Remember that witchcraft is a constantly evolving and changing practice. Stay open-minded and willing to learn as you research modern-day witchcraft.

Develop Your Unique Witchcraft System

Once you have a solid understanding of the history and modern-day practices of witchcraft, it's time to develop your own unique system. This can include selecting tools and materials, creating spells and rituals, and incorporating your own personal mythology and folklore.

When selecting tools and materials, consider what resonates with you and your writing. This can include herbs, crystals, candles, and tarot cards, among others. Experiment with different tools and materials to find what works best for you.

Creating spells and rituals can be a powerful and transformative experience. Consider what intentions and desires you want to manifest through your writing, and craft spells and rituals accordingly. Remember to stay true to your own personal beliefs and values.

Finally, consider incorporating your own personal mythology and folklore into your writing. This can include family stories and traditions, personal experiences, and cultural mythology. By incorporating your own unique perspective and voice, you can create powerful and authentic writing about witchcraft.

Choose Your Witchcraft Tools

Once you have developed your unique witchcraft system, it's time to choose your tools. This can include physical tools, such as candles and crystals.

When selecting physical tools, consider what resonates with you and your writing, including whatever fits the plot of your story. This can include materials that have personal significance or symbolism, as well as tools that are practical and useful for your writing process.

Find Your Writing Software

When selecting digital tools, consider what will help you stay organized and productive. This can include writing software, such as Scrivener or Google Docs, as well as online communities and forums for feedback and support.

Remember that your tools should support your writing process and help you achieve your goals as a writer of witchcraft.

Create Spells and Rituals

Creating spells and rituals is an essential part of writing about witchcraft. These practices can help you manifest your intentions and desires, as well as connect with your own personal mythology and folklore.

When creating spells and rituals, consider what you want to achieve through your writing. This can include personal growth, healing, or manifestation of specific desires. Craft spells and rituals that are aligned with your own beliefs and values.

Remember to approach spells and rituals with intention and respect. These practices can be powerful and transformative, and should be treated accordingly.

Consider noting what spells would fit in your story, for example if you’re character wants someone to fall in love with them consider creating a love spell, make sure to have a note-taking digital software or app to help you note down everything about the spells and rituals you create. Including the incantation, the items your character needs to cast it. And anything else that has a relation with your spell(s).

Incorporate Mythology and Folklore Mythology and folklore are an important part of the history and practice of witchcraft. Incorporating these elements into your story can add depth and richness to your work.

When incorporating mythology and folklore, consider what resonates with you and your story. This can include cultural mythology, family traditions, and personal experiences. Use these elements to add authenticity and depth to your writing.

Remember to approach mythology and folklore with respect and sensitivity. These are living traditions that should be treated with care and reverence.

Write with Intention and Purpose When writing about witchcraft, it's important to approach your work with intention and purpose. This can include setting goals and intentions for your writing, as well as staying true to your own beliefs and values.

Consider what you want to achieve through your writing. This can include personal growth, healing, or sharing your experiences with others. Craft your writing with these goals in mind. Remember to stay true to your own voice and perspective. Witchcraft is a deeply personal and individual practice, and your writing should reflect this.

Practice, Revise, and Share Your Work

Like any form of writing, writing about witchcraft requires practice, revision, and sharing your work with others.

Take the time to continually research about witchcraft and the traditions, and incorporate your research into your revision process. Revise your work with intention and purpose, and seek feedback from others to help improve your writing. Don’t be afraid to get a real practitioner of witchcraft to become a beta-reader for your story. They can help you find anything offensive or misleading about witchcraft in your novel.

Finally, share your work with others. This can include submitting your writing to publications or sharing it with online communities and forums. By sharing your work, you can connect with others and inspire them to explore their own inner witch.

Conclusion

Writing about witchcraft can be a powerful and transformative experience. By exploring the history of witchcraft, researching modern-day practices, developing your own unique system, selecting tools, creating spells and rituals, incorporating mythology and folklore, writing with intention and purpose, and practicing, revising, and sharing your work, (try saying that five times.)

You can unleash your inner witch and create powerful and authentic writing about witchcraft. Remember to stay true to your own voice and perspective, and approach your writing with respect and intention.

(Note:) It’s important to note that witchcraft is a craft/practice not a religion. All Wiccans are witches and pagans, but not all individuals who practice witchcraft are wiccans or pagans.

TheWriteAdviceForWriters 2023

[beetlethebug]

so we know that like, Kristen's whole deal is religion and such, right? I'm just kinda thinking about the other Bad Kids and the Gods. Maybe it's my own multi-deity pagan ass just wanting to consider what it would look like. (I'm using primarily Forgotten Realms Gods and my absolutely vague knowledge of them).

This got long so read under the cut ;u;

Gorgug is absolutely Garl Glittergold's favorite child. He loves the shenanigans. Do you think he starts connecting with Gruumsh when he starts connecting with his birth parents? Baby Gorgug leaving bits of metal and toys he accidentally broke on the altar the Thistlesprings' have in their workshop. Gorgug pre-artificer offering up the songs he makes as a tricky sort of "metal" working. Feeling a connection to Gruumsh in the heats of his rage, the nudge of a hand during his frenzy guiding him to the right target. Keeping bits of scrap from their enemies to melt down into his next artificing project. He also probably talks to Helm, sometimes, asking for guidance on how to best protect his friends. Gorgug has big protector energy.

Adaine who is, in a way, a deity in her own right, depending how revered the Oracle is. I don't know if Adaine would connect with Elvish gods, but she and Oghma vibe. I think that after the Bad Kids all talk and bond, Kristen makes a joke about her being a Gruumsh follower with her furious fist and so Adaine jokingly buys a pin to wear in offering. Jawbone also had a talk with her about sometimes it can help to talk to someone about your anxiety--whether that be a counselor or even the Gods, sometimes. Just Adaine praying to Gruumsh to have the strength to punch her anxiety in the face is very beautiful to me. Azuth is the god of wizards, so he and Adaine might vibe. Adaine feels like the type to vibe with the Gods mostly in jest; she talks to them sometimes, but they're silly little guys to her. Because of Tracker and Jawbone's lycanthropy, I think she either has a small shrine to Galicaea or has the biggest beef with her imaginable. Maybe a little bit of both.

Riz. God. I think once Riz meets his Father, he definitely like, sets up a little shrine to him. Ancestor work feels really important to Riz. He dedicates a lot of self-care things to his dad, I think. Mainly sleeping and drinking water. Does he do them? No. But it's the thought that counts. Riz is definitely the like, mundane acts of worship. Incorporating it into miniscule parts of his day that would go undetected unless you knew him and where to look. He also probably has some devotional jewelry to Yondalla; I think that Penny probably had a habit of repeating prayers while touching the beads of her bracelet (kind of like a Rosary) and that rubbed off on him, especially when she was babysitting him. The whole family also probably have at least some sort of worship to Tyr due to their connection to justice and law enforcement. I think Sklonda is more connected with some of the deities associated with Goblins, specifically Gruumsh (can you tell I love him?) and Maglubiyet. He prays to war gods to get through the absolute shitshow of Adventuring school. He and Adaine probably dedicate their research to Oghma.

Fig is really interesting because I feel like she is probably in the vein of demon work instead of divinity. Although I think that she unironically thinks Riz's dad is super cool so like, playfully worships him. Fig is the Bad Kid that I feel like collects all the different pieces of her friends and wears them proudly upon herself. She dedicates concerts to Kristen's new deity of the week. She sighs and asks Oghma for help on exams; she includes prayers to Gruumsh in her tracks. I feel like Fig also might have a tendency to like, worship the people in her life. She thinks they're so important and she cares about them so much. So she elevates them to the status of a God in her mind. They are invincible. They are young and powerful and the bonds they share are much, much magical then some God who pretends to be high and mighty. Her body is an altar--she wears jewelry and draws sigils and uses so much color magick. She is, in a way, a walking beacon to the gods, saying, "Look at us! We're just as good as you, and if you doubt it, then we'll kick your ass!"

Fabian Seacaster my beloved. This man follows his Father's footsteps for a long time. He worships Gods of the tempest, of the sea and sailing. Yondalla holds a special place in his heart. Riz nearly has a conniption when Fabian corrects him on a prayer to Yondalla, and the two of them bond about it. But once this man starts dancing, this man worships Corellon Larethian with his whole chest. He does a lot of his worship through dancing. Moving his body, getting in touch with his roots. Because of the fire elemental, he also does some like, elemental magic? But I think a lot of his forms of worship come through bodily experiences. Braving a storm, dancing in front of a crowd, making just the right maneuver to protect his friends in battle. Sometimes he and Fig and Gorgug will sit together and make devotional playlists!

[witchcraftandmayhem]

Fortune telling scams, overpriced statues, tools, candles, and workshops, as well as arguments on reused candles and jars, it's hard not to think that witchcraft is expensive. I'm not saying that hand crafted items don't deserve fair pay, but there are a lot of mass-produced items that sell for a lot more just because they're labeled for pagans or witchcraft. That's what I am talking about.

You don't have to spend tons of money, and no one has the right to judge for not spending a lot of money.

Things like using scented or dare I say electric candles if needed is fine. Using tea instead of buying individual herbs is fine.

No witch should have to go broke over their own craft. They shouldn't be expected to either doing so is elitist and makes witchcraft inaccessible to a variety of people.

Your craft is yours. Use what's available to you even if other witches tell you that you have to go spend money on things you don't have to.

[blueiscoool]

Archaeologists Uncover a Bronze Belt Fitting From an Unknown Pagan Cult

team of archaeologists from Masaryk University have uncovered a bronze belt fitting from an unknown pagan cult in the village of Lány, located in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic.

The belt fitting dates from the 8th century AD and depicts a snake devouring a frog-like creature that appears in Germanic, Avar, and Slavic mythology.

Such representations are related to the cosmogonic myth of the world’s creation which are found at various sites across Central Europe, while the interaction between the frog and the snake can be linked to fertility cult practices.

According to the researchers, the belt fitting provides evidence of a previously unknown pagan cult that connected diverse populations of varying origins during the early Middle Ages before the advent of Christianity which began in the 9th century AD.

The discovery in Lány belongs to the group of so-called Avar belt fittings, which were mainly produced in Central Europe in the 7th and 8th centuries AD. It was likely worn by an Avar, a Northeast Caucasian ethnic group who settled in the Carpathian Basin, however, it could also be from one of the cultures influenced by Avar cultural practices.

Using an X-ray fluorescence analysis (EDXRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a lead isotope analysis, and 3D digital morphometry, an analysis of the belt fitting revealed that the greater part of the bronze was heavily gilded and was cast by using a wax model.

A chemical analysis of the lead isotopes in the bronze alloy indicates that the copper used in the production was mined in the Slovak Red Mountains, while the morphometric analysis suggests that some of the fittings originate from the same workshop.

The results of the study have been published in the Journal of Archaeological Science.

By Mark Milligan.

[cavorta]

October 11, 2024 Book Review „Witch in Darkness: Magick for Tough Times, Bad Days and Moments of Total Catastrophe“ by Kelly-Ann Maddox

The blurb: The long-awaited follow-up to Kelly-Ann Maddox’s bestselling Rebel Witch is here … Witch in Darkness explores loss, fear, grief and pain through the magickal lens Guiding the reader through the concept of the craft as a life-saving, soul-nurturing practice for dark times, this book overflows with inspiration and compassion for witches in difficulty. The raw and honest tone peels back the surface layers of witchcraft’s meaning and power, inviting the reader to use magick, ritual and readings to heal and grow. When disaster strikes, a magickal practitioner has endless tools to help them build strength and hope, and face the seemingly impossible. Witch is Darkness is packed with nourishing wisdom, including advice on:

Embracing an imperfect practice 

Cleansing, grounding and shielding during tough times 

Witching through extremes Identifying high-risk and low-risk practices 

Energy management and low-maintenance magick 

Dealing with loss, grief and despair using witchcraft 

Magick and ritual for conflicts, dramas and relationship breakdowns 

Addressing mental and physical issues from the witchcraft perspective 

The book includes easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions to make magickal action easier to execute. Discover tarot spread designs, journal prompts, words of power and excellent suggestions for shifting your mindset, alongside a great Q&A segment to clear up confusions and help you get unstuck. Spiritual counsellor and witchcraft mentor Kelly-Ann Maddox has a decade’s experience in the magickal space, offering workshops, one-to-one sessions and hundreds of informative videos on her popular YouTube channel. In this book, she draws on countless conversations with witches from all walks of life, as well as her own life journey through mental health breakdowns, struggles with self-harm and eating disorders, and heart-breaking bereavement.

Review

In my opinion, this is a much needed book for the witchcraft community. There are a few witchcraft books available about witching with chronic illnesses or disabilities, or how to deal with grief and loss from a pagan or witchcraft perspective. All of these have been published quite recently.

But this book is not limited to these topics, the author writes about several more, like dysfunctional or toxic relationships, addictions and how to support yourself and others when you do activism for social justice or other causes. In most of the chapters, there are ideas for ritual and spells, writing prompts, words of power and also several ideas for readings of Tarot or Oracle cards. The author encourages readers to tweak and adapt spells as they see fit. I have tried this with one of the spells and it went well. I also had ideas how to adapt another one and I surely will revisit this book from time to time.

Kelly-Ann Maddox writes, “You do not serve the craft; it is the craft that serves you” (p. 333). In my understanding, this opens up lots of new possibilities when thinking about doing witchcraft even if you are down in the dumps so to speak, or feel scared or helpless or are stressed-out. Kelly-Ann explains about what low-risk and high-risk witchcraft activities are and gives suggestions which to pursue in different situations and which better not.

She writes, „Witchcraft is a collection of tools for surviving and thriving. It is not a judgemental overseer that ascertains your worthiness to access it based on how much you seem to have your life together“ (p. 334) and „witchcraft is a resource, not a test“ (p. 334)

On a personal note, over the past years, I have quite often felt in a spiritual slump for weeks and felt like witchcraft was not longer easily available for me. I wish this book would already have been available back then.

The author has a unique and a bit eclectic witchcraft style, she doesn’t follow a specific tradition. If you want to learn about how to deal with your problem following a magickal tradition, this book is not a good choice I guess. For me, as a very eclectic witch, it’s really interesting.

[lokavisi]

Yesterday was such a fantastic day. I love volunteering my time and energy to Pagan Pride Day. This festival is truly a gift. So many folks that walk a pagan path don't have physical places to go and commune with other pagans. This one day draws hundreds of folks to this one magical plot of land to celebrate and honor these many sacred traditions that have been pushed into the margins. (Where I'm at in the Midatlantic seems to be rather privileged in this regard. A friend shared with me that they encountered a woman who traveled all the way from Texas to attend.) It is an honor to serve and be a part of this vibrant and varied community, and foster safe spaces for people to be themselves and connected with the divine in all its many forms.

I didn't take a ton of pictures, but I wanted to share these. The first is of my friend, who is one of the head planners. He always wears a top hat for easy identification, and this year, he had it decorated for Loki! Second is an amulet I made for Apollo in a workshop ritual to the Kouroutrohpi. Third is of the pet blue tongued skank of one of the vendors. I was thrilled to get a shot of the blue tongue! And the last one is MY SELFIE WITH A CROW. It was so exciting lol

I am grateful, I am grateful, I am grateful ❤️

[taratarotgreene]

St. Patrick’s Day Astrology

vm.tiktok.com/ZMMkXss8V/ I will be doing Ceremony March 17 working with the beautiful Sun Neptune conjunction. I will be in nature calling in the directions, I’m a high priestess and Green witch., Please send me names of those you’d like added to the prayers. Blessings Tara

[aerikarkadian]

Turning the Tide 2024 Recap

Turning the Tide is a small, pagan festival that occurs each year in Miami, FL. It’s put on by the great folks at Everglades Moon Local Council and has been happening since 1997! Selene and I have been attending for the past few years. This year was Tides #17 and the theme was “Crafting the Magick.” It’s kind of strange to think about camping in the middle of Miami, right? But Camp Greynolds,…