#slavic polytheism

[bolszaja-miedwedica]

It's the week of Weles!

all hail Weles the god of underworld, wilderness, trickery and magic!

all hail the werewolf king!

all hail you with the horns!

[jezzzebel]

How i feel talking about slavic paganism on this app:

Like, this might seem like a vent. But i feel like barely anyone (if anyone) cares about my slavic paganism posts and is here just for witchcraft, demonology and helpol☹️🙁😥

[gachats]

Mokosh by Stephanie Rew

[childofflamesandmoonlight]

Which deities do you personally associate with change/transformation?

[stanislav-s-vrabtchinskyj]

tw mention of Slavic paganism, religion and communism

"communists stole the Slavic pagan symbols!"

erm, soviet workers used 🌾 symbol because lot of them worked on fields.

it doesn't have anything to do with that the Slavic pagan main food was porridge from grains and bread from flour.

Sickle also represented work on the field. hammer represents work with iron aca hard work

both Slavic pagans and communists want to live collectively, The only difference is that in those centuries of capitalism, people started to see colectivism as something strange because it doesn't profit them.

they stoled nothing. they only had samiliar ideas how to live. only difference is the time when they lived in because they had to deal with different Problems differently and some matters seemed different to them because of current actions.

"b-but communists are atheists"

shut up there were even orthodox and any other Christians and Muslims who joined communist party. there is a difference between ideal and reality. Even communists know that communism isn't utopic as written in some books. utopia is actually awful because that means extreme totality and no right of choice.

simply those two things do not contradict themselves and do not steal each other's stuff. They coexist.

i could write a whole ass essay about it

[greco-roman-polytheism]

Problematic and Bigoted Pagan Authors (and how to avoid them)

After what was pretty much a mess in a discord server I'm in over an author posting artwork containing Nazi symbols, I decided to make a post letting everyone know about certain authors and what to look out for. I will keep updating this list as I discover things!

Big thanks to @dvudushnydiaries for letting me know ab some Slavic Polytheist authors, as well as my friend Agnes for letting me know about some Irish Polytheist Authors too! <3

If you have any suggestions to add to this list, please let me know!!!

🛑 = Avoid as much as possible

⚠️ = Be very cautious around this author

Generally, here is some red flags to look out for:

Use of symbols associated with hate groups

Claims an (open culture) is closed via ethnicity, especially if these cultures or religions historically shared with other cultures.

Claims there is a "true" or "pure" version of a certain open religion.

Use of dogwhistles.

Writes historical inaccuracies, misinformation, appropriation, making up things and presenting them as fact, etc.

Refusal to take accountability for actions.

Any form of bigotry or discrimination

The list is under the cut!

Hellenic Polytheist Authors

🛑 Timothy Jay Alexander

creator of the "Pillars of Hellenismos", which have little historical basis.

Made homophobic and ableist remarks in a blog post, essentially saying that because ancient Greece did not allow same-sex marriage, that modern Hellenic Polytheists shouldn't too. In this same post he said that marriage should be for making a family, and that since LGBTQ+ people, as well as people with "physical deformities" either can not or should not have children, they cannot marry according to him.

The same ableist remarks listed above were used as reasoning as to why a disabled person shouldn't become a priest or priestess or any higher up positions due to not being in good health. This also reminds me of eugenics.

In that same blog post, referenced a group called YSEE, which is notorious for being homophobic, xenophobic, displaying nationalism among other things better explained in this post by @hellenic-reconstructionism

Books include: A Beginner’s Guide to Hellenismos - Hellenismos Today - The Gods of Reason: An Authentic Theology for Modern Hellenismos

🛑 Galina Krasskova

Numerous things have happened with this author, some of the most notable being selling "Bacchic Lives Matter" pins on Etsy during the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement protests, as well as defending a neo-nazi and fascist group, AFA, on a blog post

Some of her Hellenic Polytheist books include: Honoring the Mothers: Novenas to the Mothers of Our Gods and Heroes - Combatting the Evil Eye - Unto Herself: A Devotional Anthology for Independent Goddesses - Out of Arcadia: A Devotional Anthology in Honor of Pan - Guardian of the Road: A Devotional Anthology in Honor of Hermes

See Norse Polytheist section for her books on that.

🛑 Edward P. Butler

Supports Hindutva, which is Hindu fascism, antisemitic, as well as defends and supports Galina Krasskova.

Books include: Essays on a Polytheistic Philosophy of Religion - Essays on Hellenic Theology.

🛑 H. Jeremiah Lewis / Sannion

Neo-nazi, having nazi symbols on his blog. Also transphobic, islamophobic, and everything under the sun, really.

Books include: Ecstatic: For Dionysos - End to End - Everything Dances: Strange Spirits 3 - Gods and Mortals: New Stories of Hellenic Polytheism

Norse Polytheist Authors

🛑 Galina Krasskova

See Hellenic Polytheist section for details.

Her Norse Polytheist books include: Living Runes; Theory and Practice of Norse Divination - Northern Tradition for the Solitary Practitioner - Neolithic Shamanism; Spirit Work in the Norse Tradition

Irish Polytheist Authors

⚠️ Lora O'Brien

Has a cultish following, thier followers and even themselves bullying and publicly shaming other Irish Polytheists. Often acts negatively towards the Irish diaspora. Has taught Irish Catholic practices, which are closed.

Runs the Irish Pagan School, which has similar rhetoric.

Books include: Irish Witchcraft from an Irish Witch - A Practical Guide to Pagan Priesthood

Slavic Polytheist Authors

🛑 Patricia Woodruff

Has a cultish following, often writes wildly inaccurate information. In a recent book she had completely made up a deity whose name means "swastika". Rated her own books on Goodreads, and publicly responded to any reviews criticizing her books.

Books include: Woodruff's Guide to Slavic Deities - Roots of Slavic Magic Book 1: Slavic Deities & Their Worship

🛑 Madame Pamita

Recently had a (now-deleted) post with an artwork containing various Nazi symbols, and deleted any criticism and seemingly refused to take any accountability. In DM's had repeatedly alluded to if you didn't follow her you "didn't know anything about Slavic Polytheism". Said to be friends with Patricia Woodruff

Books include: The Book of Candle Magic, Baba Yaga's Book of Witchcraft

🛑 Dmitriy Kushnir

Writes about Rodnovery, which many Rodnovery groups in the US and other countries often have ethnonationalist and right-wing connotations and ideology.

Books include: Rodnover

⚠️ Natasha Helvin

Misconstrues Slavic culture to be Wiccan

Says witchcraft are the "universal laws of nature" and that subjects of karma and divine judgement are solely monotheistic.

Claims to be an initiated Haitian Vodou priestess, which is doubtful.

Kemetic Polytheist Authors

⚠️ E. A Wallis Budge

Inaccurate translations of texts

Books include: The Egyptian Book of the Dead (Translation)

[dazzlen-the-clown]

HEY YOU!

Are you religious and respectful??

Are you looking for a community?

Then come join the Xenia Station!

We are an inclusive, system, POC and LBGTQ+ friendly servers for pagans new or old, witchcraft practitioners, as well as luciferians, and satanists, Christians, Aboriginal faiths, Voudou, Hinduism, Buddhists, Jewish, Muslims, Atheists or Omnists who are simply curious, and Christopagans.

We also have channels for non-religious chatter, so you can have varied experiences here!

We are welcoming of other faiths as well, just make a suggestion in our suggestion channel and we’ll add it!

We are almost at 50 members 43/50 members!!

[alephskoteinos]

Just saw something fascinating: the demon Belphegor comes up in a Christian text about a pagan revolt and alleged persecutions of Christians.

(Paganism Persisting: A History of European Paganisms Since Antiquity by Robin Douglas and Francis Young, page 51)

Here Belphegor is called "Beelphagor" and identified with a deity called Pripegala. It's not clear who Pripegala actually is.

Scholars agree that Pripegala is a distorted identity, but the real name behind that is a matter of debate. It is currently supposed that the name Pripegala may have come from an epithet of the god Svarozhits, who was probably also worshipped as "Radegast-Swarożyc" in Rethra. But if it is Svarozhits, it's an interesting case where Svarozhits was worshipped as a phallic god or in a phallic cult, since the text appears to identify "Pripegala" with Priapus, noted Greek phallus god. There's not really any info on where that connection came from.

[secretmagicalgiftswap]

Secret Magical Gift Swap 2024/2025 - Sign-Ups Open! 🔮🌿🍄

Hi everyone! ✨

After a break of 6 years, the Secret Magical Gift Swap is back!

The aim of the swap is to create friendships within the pagan/witchcraft/heathenry/other spiritual community and spread the gift of giving through a postal Secret Santa style event where you send a gift and receive one in return. It's tailored to witches, pagans, heathens, non-religious and religious people alike, Kemetics, Hellenics, polytheists of all sorts, those interested in nature paths, those that follow folk religions, astrologers and others on a path of alternative practice or magic.

In the past this was an annual event but we are now back with a plan to keep the Swaps going a few times a year, more than likely quarterly, with one for every season.

To start this new chapter off, I decided to create the first Swap now, around the very season of giving. However, with the way the financial situation is around the world right now and many post offices being closed for the end of December and start of January, this first Swap will go on from now until the end of January, with a short break in February before we jump into the second Secret Magical Gift Swap!

🍄✨ How to Join The SMGS 24/25:

Read the event rules here and here.

Fill out the Sign-Up form here.

Reblog this post to spread the word!

Join our Discord server if you have a Discord account, for which an invite will be sent to you some time after joining the Swap (this may take time as I'm currently setting up the server :'D)

If you have any questions, please send an ask or message to here or to the organizer, @fernsinthemist The deadline for joining the Swap is November 28th!

Participants will be paired up and sent out within a few days after the deadline.

Enjoy the Swap, everyone!

I am also looking for help! If you are interested in helping to organize this Swap or future Swaps, please fill out this form to apply for a moderator role!

[thedansemacabres]

wine tip of the day: in these cold months, for the gods of frost and snow, or that of winter like Demeter, ice wine is a thing. They are extremely sweet and sometimes pricey, but they have a certain uniqueness to them I adore for the gods—especially Morena and Demeter in her grief. In these cold times, as the solstice comes, the sweetness is a perfect treat to ease the weight of winter’s bitter, deathly cold.

[faith-of-the-wheel]

Rudlós part 5: Who is Welnos?

Many have put forth a proposed PIE Cattle deity, formed primarily from Slavic Veles, and his Baltic linguistic cognates(Lithuanian Velnias, and Latvian Velns). He often appears as a Proto-Odin figure and subsumes much of his character and position in the Senowera Document. I believe this to be false, and based on little evidence, with Rudlos being a much stronger candidate for much that which prescribed to Welnos. There may also be a connection to Norse Ullr/Ull/Wuldor.

Veles by BrotherBjorn

Veles, Enemy of Perun

Veles, Velnias, and Velns all protected cattle herds, and were associated with the underworld/underground, wealth, and trade. There are many theories on the etymology on the name, none are good but some more popular ones are connected to "wool", "hair", and *wulþuz. The willow tree is sacred to him.

Veles is one of few Slavic gods for which evidence of offerings can be found in all Slavic nations. The Primary Chronicle, a historical record of the early Kievan Rus, is the earliest and most important record, mentioning a god named Volos several times. Here, Volos is mentioned as god of cattle and peasants, who will punish oath-breakers with diseases, the opposite of Perun who is described as a ruling god of war who punishes by death in battle.

In the later half of the 10th century, Veles was one of seven gods whose statues Vladimir I of Kiev had erected in his city. It is very interesting that Veles' statue apparently did not stand next to others, on the hill where the prince's castle was, but lower in the city, in the marketplace. Not only does this indicate that Veles was connected with commerce, but it also shows that worship of Perun and Veles had to be kept separate: while it was proper for Perun's shrines to be built high, on the top of the hill, Veles' place was down, in the lowlands.

Veles most important function seems to be his form of a dragon, who acts as the archenemy of Perun. The battle is cyclical and eternal. The story is complicated but this I want to stress. I believe that his importance stems from Dualistic, Zoroastrian influence on Slavic religion. Before this, I think he was a deity of lesser importance. Associated with cattle herds/wealth , underground wealth, and trade. And maybe a myth putting him in conflict with Perun.

Ullr

Ullr, whose name is reflexive of Proto-Germanic *wulþuz, meaning 'glory', is a Norse god(only attested in Scandinavia proper, primarily in Sweden) associated with skiing, . *Wulþuz ultimately derive from the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) noun *wul-tus ('sight, gaze, appearance'), itself from the root *wel- ('to see').

He is a god of skiing, archery, hand-to-hand combat, and the willow tree is associated with him.

Philologist Jan de Vries suggests that the god of rage Óðr–Óðinn stood in opposition to the god of glorious majesty Ullr–Ullinn in a similar manner to the Vedic contrast between Varuna and Mitra.

Among the few scholarly theories that hold any water about Ullr, among which is one arguing him to be an aspect of the Sky Father.

Theory: Welnos as a (sorta)distinct deity

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A tutelary deity of cattle herds, caves, wealth, the underworld, and commerce. If you were to replace cattle with goats(or deer) in that list, you'd have most of the attributes of Paxuson. While his goat/deer connection is distinct, I'd wager it's possible that the horned god may also be connected with cattle, animals of central importance to the PIEs. One of the most commons theories about his name connects it to wool, which doesn't make much sense for a cattle deity, but would for a deity of sheep.

I have often wondered why Paxuson's cognates seem to be either goat-associated or deer-associated. Now, I'm theorizing that he was actually associated with all three, under different aspects. It's possible that these split off, appearing as a goat-god, a deer-god, and a cattle-god.

Veles is also a patron of traveling musicians, while Paxuson is a patron of travelers in general. The Volhov(Slavic pagan priests) derive their name from his, and both are associated with shapeshifitng and magic. Veles takes many forms, including a dragon, wolf, bear, snake, and owl.

If one accepts this connection to Paxuson, then it would be entirely up to the individual practitioner whether Welnos would be but an epithet of Paxuson or a separate but related deity(presumably part of a triad formed by goat god, deer god, and cattle god). Note the fact that one of the reasons goats are the symbol of Paxuson is because they, like him, are liminal. They can be wild or domesticated, and are often something in between, especially for the ancients. Deer are exclusively wild, and cattle are almost exclusively domesticated. Given the PIE's appreciation for 3 in religious contexts, especially deific triads, I feel this fits very well.

This theory would necessitate that much of Veles Slavic character was taken from the archetypal Wrtos, Vrtra-type snake/dragon demon, among other things, possibly with some Rudlos syncretism.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some have connected Welnos with Odin and Rudlos. He is often associated mythologically and symbolically with Odin. He sometimes wields a spear. His overlapping domains include music, magic, disease. He is a shapeshifter, known for taking the form of a wolf. Rudlos is also connected to the protection and shepherding of cattle.

While I think Veles likely supplanted Rudlos among the Slavs in a few ways, I do not think the argument for Veles being cognate of Rudlos is strong at all. What few genuine similarities they do have, I feel can be easily explained by Norse conquest and subsequent migration to the region.

I will write more about Welnos as an aspect of Paxuson later. If you are interested in Proto-Indo-European polytheism, check out my blog and the rest of this series about the reconstructed god Rudlos.

[bolszaja-miedwedica]

bad situation at home so i need to start working and the only thing i can do is offer paid readings (5$ for a reading only via paypal)

i can offer oracle readings, runes, crystal ball and tarot readings, i can ask gods questions, i can read someones aura from a picture. the reading is 5$ and any additional question in the reading is +1$

the price is like this for all of them because i dont pick the cards myself the gods choose the amount.

the crystal ball reading will be 3$

the aura reading would be 1$

pendulum readings are free if you buy a reading

i can only do 5 readings a day for now as to not burn myself in the future the amount moght change depending of how well I'm doing

[jezzzebel]

Hi guys! Here are some freshly baked userboxes for pride month!!!

Free to use!

[gachats]

Stribog, Master of the Winds, 2014 - oil on canvas.

— Andrey Alekseyevich Shishkin (Russia, 1960).

Stribog is traditionally considered the bozhich of wind or air. “The Tale of Igor's Polk” informs about the connection of Stribog with the air element: ‘The winds, Stribog's grandsons, blow arrows from the sea to the brave Igor's regiments’.

[childofflamesandmoonlight]

Help with Deity Dossier?

I did the wonderful Deity Dossier spread by @thiscrookedcrown a few days ago, and while I already have an idea who this entity could be, I would really appreciate a second opinion.

Thank you so much in advance!

Here are the cards I drew (plus some of my notes):

1. The Entity: The Emperor

This represents the spirit, deity, or being in question. The card can be drawn or selected, depending on if you know the nature of the spirit or a card that could represent them.

Leadership

Authority

Reason

Structure

Discipline

Masculine power

Maturity

Responsibility

Stubbornness

Protector

Experience

Knowledge

Confidence

Strength

Dominance

Father figure, boss, older brother, teacher, patriarch

Mind over heart, clear thinking

2. Their History: Temperance

These are past deeds or dealings the spirit has had with either other people or you that you should know about.

Balance

Moderation

Communication

Management of resources

Art

Healing

Testing the water

Patience

Two choices, two people, two sides of a conflict

3. Underlying Influences & Past Experiences: Four of Swords

Similar to Past, this represents influences that could be important to know. This may be an emotional thing rather than a past action. (Example: if previously betrayed by humans, a spirit is less likely to want to deal with humans.)

Inner reflection

Planning

Convalescence

Rest

Recovery

Solid foundations

Solitude

Self-care

Balance

Contemplation

Seclusion

Taking a break

4. Personality, Attitudes & Opinions: Four of Cups

General personality and/or how they think.

Depression

Self-indulgence

Denial

Turning inward

Moodiness

Lack of vision

Self-absorption

Escapism

Not seeing life's blessings and opportunities

Hiding

Discouraged, bored, dissatisfied, apathetic, unmotivated, weary

Having to find new motivation

Breaking the routine

5. Their Current Status: The Moon

Their current status. If a spirit is in trouble, this information would appear here.

Intuition

Deception

Imagination

Emotion

Fear

Illusion

Fantasy

Dreams

Genius

Artistic breakthrough

Confusion

Mystery

Subconscious

Uncertainty

Doubt

Losing your way

Darkness

Creativity

Magic

Inner wisdom

Lack of focus

Confusion

6. Their Health Overall: Page of Swords

The health of the spirit, deity, or being. (Example: A land spirit could be ill or ailing due to pollution.)

Vigilance

Diplomacy

Tact

Intellectual abilities

Talent

Youth

Messenger

Honesty

Truth

Integrity

Fresh outlook

Clarity

Cut to the problem

New phase in your life

New opportunity

Speaking up

Healing from past illness or injuries

Mental clarity to overcome challenges you face

7. Their Mental Health: Six of Pentacles

Their mental health or, possibly, their overall mood.

Generosity

Mentorship

Community giving

Hosting

Involvement

Charity

Sharing what you have with others

Needing help or offering it to others

Reaching out for help

8. What They Like To Do & Have Done For Them: Knight of Pentacles

This could be things they like to do for others, part of their sphere of influence, and/or things that could be used to connect with them or honor them. Think of this like hobbies or likes.

Patience

Long-term plans

Responsibilities

Slow progress

Financially conservative

Serious, dependable, experienced, mature

Parenthood

Love of animals

Financial success

Providing for others

9. Physical Manifestation: Four of Wands

Their physical health or how they could physically manifest. This is especially useful for finding out what deity is contacting you.

Happiness

Family

Unity

Blossoming

New life, new success

Prosperity

Celebration

Harmony

Engagement

Marriage, partnership

Completion of a project

Solidity, stability, security

Grounded

Resting

Recharging

Vacation

Peace

Radiant

Lively

Comforting

Confident

Joyful

Inviting, welcoming, sociable

10. What To Know: The Lovers

Things that are imperative for you to know. This could be used to see how working with this being could affect you in the future.

Love

Commitment

Partnership

Friendship

Attraction

Marriage

Unification

Communication

Trust

11. What To Avoid: King of Wands

Things that are imperative for you to avoid doing. Example: If a spirit hates blood, don’t give blood offerings. This could also be used to see how the spirit could negatively affect you in the future.

Power

Fire

Warmth

Charisma

Charm

Strength

Manipulation

Megalomania

Visionary

Rivalry

Spice

Popularity

Ambition

Greed

Selfishness

Tyranny

Being a bad leader

12. Positive Influences, Friends or Experiences: Six of Wands

What is helpful? What will help your relationship with them? This can be something that is not in the spirit or deity’s sphere of influence but still influences them. A deity might be one of fertility but their sibling could be a deity of war. That will somewhat play into how the spirit acts. Another example would be a spirit becoming powerful because a nearby coven is worshiping it.

Accomplishment

Recognition

Acknowledgement

Praise

Pride

Rewards

Being noticed

Achievements

Affirmation

13. Negative Influences, Enemies or Experiences: Five of Cups

Exactly as above, but the more negative side of things. What isn’t helping this spirit? What will not help your relationship with them? Do they feel used or not appreciated? The examples above also apply.

Negative thinking

Grief

Loss

Inclination to focus on the bad

Difficulty

Trouble letting go of the past

Former hardship, pain or heartbreak

14. Conscious Desires & Thoughts: The Hanged Man

What they want. This could be offerings or a general goal. This may be what they want from you. If they have an agenda they’ll admit to, it will be here.

Crossroads

Decisions

Potential growth

Discernment

Change

Letting go

Waiting

Sacrifice

15. Unconscious Desires & Thoughts: Nine of Cups

This is what they want but won’t admit to or what they don’t know they want. If they have a hidden agenda, it will be here.

Prosperity

Fulfillment

Good luck

Rewards

Bonuses and promotions

Happiness

Attainment of things they desire

Celebration

Wishes

Victory

16. Hopes: Nine of Swords

This can be a general list of hopes, a overall hope for the future, or what they hope to get from you.

Anxiety

Sleeplessness

Depression

Worry

Self-torment

Despair

Nightmares

Haunted

Guilt

Old wounds that have not healed

Stress

17. Fears: The Devil

This can be a general list of fears, what they fear for the future, or what they’re concerned about in regards to you or your life. 

Bondage

Failure

Obsession

Addiction

Depression

Materialism

Lust

Illusion

Temptation

Constraints

Harmful attachments, bonds and impulses

Bad habits

Codependency

[stanislav-s-vrabtchinskyj]

people lived 99% of their history collectively

1% is taken as "civilised" times full of feudalism

and over 400 years exist capitalism.

capitalism is not human nature.

capitalism is human suffering.

let's bring back collectivism