Basic Herb Bundle For Protection, Prosperity And Love.

Hellenic Polytheism Start Pack

Pillars of Hellenismos

Hellenismos in Application Post #1

Xenia

Miasma

Khernips

Veiling & Binding

Giving Offerings to Cthonic Theoi

Giving Offerings to the Ouranic Theoi

Offering Ideas

How I Deal With Being a Secret Hellenist Post #1

How I Deal With Being a Secret Hellenist Post #2

How I Deal With Being a Secret Hellenist Post #3

Festivals and How to Start

Hekate’s Deipnon, Noumenia, and Agathos Daimon

How to Make a Kathiskos

Hestia in Hellenismos

How to Pray, Praise, and Worship the Theoi

The Titanomachy Post #1

The Titanomachy Post #2

The Ages of Mankind

How to Make a Shrine { @modernhellenismos }

Ritual in Hellenismos { @mythologyrules }

Pillars of Hellenismos   { @mythologyrules }

Pillars of Hellenismos { @soloontherocks }

Finding Your Ritual Calendar { @hearthfirehandworks }

Hellenic Terminology Page { baringtheaegis }

What Even is Hellenic Polytheism? What are Some Good Links to Read When First Getting Started? { Royalautumnfrost }

Building Your Worship { @pomegranateandivy }

Pomegranateandivy’s Hellenic FAQ { @pomegranateandivy }

What’s Miasma? { Royalautumnfrost }

Household Shrines { @baringtheaegis }

Household Gods {@hearthfirehandworks } 

Difference Between Hellenic and Hellenistic { @soloontherocks }

Delphic Maxims (Printable PDF) { Hellenicgods.org }

Example of Daily Rituals { baringtheaegis }

Ritual Formula { @mythologyrules }

Relationships with the Theoi { @baringtheaegis }

How to Pray and Praise (Hymn and Prayer Formula) { @baringtheaegis }

As someone who’s been wanting to convert for a while and who’s also been drawn to witchcraft for ages, do you have any resources or starting points for how Judaism and witchcraft can work together? I’m stuck in this battle of feeling like I have to choose one or the other to commit to and I’m Bad for wanting both, and I feel like I’d face extra judgement as a convert, if that makes sense to you?

(I’m happy to donate in exchange for this question, because I know you must get a lot of the same kind of thing but I don’t know where else to go)

jewitches.com has a lot of great articles, many of which dive into the intersection of Jewish practice and witchcraft! Zo is a lovely human being and also cites all her sources. YIVO institute also has a great, free (free!) course on Ashkenazi folklore which I think is really neat (and I'm happy they make the distinction that it's specifically Ashkenazi instead of treating it as universal.) Here's a link.

Obviously I'm biased, but I really don't believe magic work and Judaism are opposing forces. A lot of folk practices and religious rituals (in a lot of religions, really) would be indiscernible from magic work on paper. We're just busy calling it tradition instead of magic. The word "witchcraft" is also very nebulous and can encompass a lot of different practices, some of which you may decide to abstain from because of your religious affiliation or not. That part is totally up to you.

You're not Bad at all for having your own approach, no more than anybody else is bad for doing their thing. Your connection with the Divine is between you and that Divine! You'll have a lot more luck converting under reform or renewal movements, probably. You don't have to be "out" about your practice with your peers if you don't want to, that's your business. I don't recommend lying to your Rabbi though, so you'll want a Rabbi who is willing to have those conversations. I'm sure they're out there!

I hope all this helps! Totally reach out if you have any other questions. :) And thank you so much for offering to tip, that's very very kind of you. Usually I would refuse, but you caught me in the middle of trying to stop immediately rejecting every nice thing people offer me so I'll share my Paypal and Venmo links just this once lol. Please do not feel obligated to tip me though!!

The Construction of the Muse Servitor

I have previously written (at length lol) about the creation of servitors, constructed-familiars, and other what-have-yous, but I wanted to touch on a more specific variety that I don't often see discussed: the muse servitor. 

Given forth by the student, the muse servitor acts as liaison to and inspiration for all things creative or scientific. It is a piece of oneself separated and fed through acts of service, giving back to its creator further insight, passion and — under the right circumstance — dauntless motivation. Are they a necessity? No, far from. But for those creatives and scholars who are, by circumstance, removed from their specialized communities and/or who struggle to motivate themselves toward artistic ends without "external" validation, the muse servitor can fill this void. Their creation can also act as a mental jumpstart on a new project, a new field of study, or be used to reinvigorate passion after a period of stagnation.

The process of creation is relatively simple but can be complicated (non-derogatory) in any number of ways at the student's preference.

To begin, gather: 

An item to embody the muse servitor — could be anything, but association is a powerful tool 

A "house" for said item where offerings will be left — it can be elaborate or not; a box, a jug, a shelf, a cabinet, even a folder on a computer

An initial offering — again, could be anything; it could be your own work (preferred) or an artifact you are utilizing to begin a project or course of study

A catalyst — most often this is the student themselves, but you could channel from almost any source: the moon, the ground, the air, color theory, the concept of relativity, etc.; get as freaky as you want with it

To complete the working:

Hold the item in hand and let your mind work. Channel from whichever medium you prefer, if you have chosen one. Let the thing take shape, applying what you must, see what sticks. You can verbalize your intentions or define the nature of the relationship if you'd like, but it isn't required. Once fully formed (by your own estimate), tie this mental/spiritual concept to the object. Again, you may voice what you are doing if you prefer. And in doing so, so is born the muse servitor: name it and place it in its "home."

Note: For those inclined toward the visual arts, this process can be done by way of practice also. For instance, you might draw, paint, sculpt, etc. a portrait of the servitor. If you have chosen to render it on a scale unbefitting a small "home," you may assign it an area by way of hanging or leaning the work against a wall, placing it on an altar, in a corner, etc. and arranging offerings around it. Writers or poets might use the written word to describe in detail the servitor's appearance and character. These collected pages may be housed as above or, as earlier stated, housed in a desktop folder

Present the initial offering. Verbalize, either mentally or aloud, what it represents. Promise to feed it when you can and ask that, should it begin to hunger, it inspire you to create, to read, to work. If you fail to meet its need, speak that it may go freely to the aether, return to the mind, or be left to its own devices.

Feed it regularly. Develop a rapport. Learn its preferences. Call to it when you need inspiration or guidance.

Et voilà!

The work is done. 

Or just beginning, rather.

I would add that "feeding" the muse servitor can be done differently or by different means beyond the one "assigned." For instance, you can do a portrait, sure, or compose a song, but you could also create a concept board or a playlist. You might also create the muse with the intention of focusing on music, but feed it drawings or readings about quantum theory instead. Work done to completion is only a part of the servitor's purview. The process is important, too. And gathering concepts, exploring alternate modes of doing and expressing, researching. Anything that feeds a well-rounded understanding also feeds the muse. And with it, the muse gives back passion and inspiration enough to continue. To keep going, keep doing, keep searching. "If not for yourself, then for me."

Happy inspiring!

The meaning of chart patterns in astrology

Seesaw pattern: it feels like these natives are constantly being pulled in two different directions in their lives, reflected by the planets situated on the opposing ends of the astrological wheel, forming two clusters. This may lead to feeling disoriented and/or maybe attracting situations where the natives’ real values are being called into question.

Their life is characterised by duality, sometimes expressing the energies of one planetary cluster, and other times behaving unexpectedly or in a contradictory fashion (when the energy of the other cluster is being expressed).

You may also find that you identify more with one “end” of the seesaw and have the tendency to deny/reject the other part of yourself that you find less desirable.

Relationships likely mean a great deal to you and it’s only in relationships that you feel truly complete and balanced. You may be unconsciously seeking the very same energy in other people that you deny within yourself.

It’s important: to accept that there are contradictory sides to your personality and integrate them as best as you can. Aim to achieve balance. Some people may find it weird. But this is what it means to be you. And if you learn how to properly utilise your gifts, you’ll be able to accomplish absolutely extraordinary things! Look at Robert Downey Jr. and Frank Sinatra’s charts for inspiration🫶

Bowl pattern: these people have solid values, are stable and probably have a good grasp of their weaknesses. There may be a reluctance to get out of their comfort zone and they may always feel like “something” is missing from their life (the other half of the wheel). They will be looking for that special half that makes them feel complete.

They aren’t dual or contradictory like the see-saw or splay people, but rather constant and they have specific talents and attributes that are reflected in the houses their planets fall into and.

They may not be as flexible or open to change as other patterns. They are focused, resilient and self-contained typically. There may be a need to develop certain qualities that they miss.

Depending on which side of the wheel is occupied, it manifests differently in the native’s life. If the upper half is occupied: there is more focus on external activities: social gatherings, public image etc. If the lower half of the wheel is occupied, the emphasis will be on the family, home, closer relationships, the self. If the planets fall on the right side of the wheel, the person will be easier to influence, and personal relationships will be quintessential to the native’s well-being. And finally if the planets are all on the right side of the wheel, the person will be enterprising, self-motivated and with a strong direction in their life.

Special attention should be given to the leading planet, that is to say the first one that is situated counterclockwise starting from the empty space.

Dominik Cruz and Ella Fitzgerald had this chart pattern.

Locomotive pattern: these people are independent and self-starters. They have a thinking of their own and often may feel misunderstood. Their ideas are ahead of their time usually. They can be motivational and quite stubborn. They are ambitious and steadfast people who have quite a few interests. Their focus is not as narrow as with bundle type. They are energetic people who want to improve the world around them and may feel a constant sense of “emptiness”, as though something is missing in their life.

It’s important to look at the first planet that rises clockwise starting from the empty space. It will significantly influence the native’s life.

George Washington and Isaac Newton had this chart pattern.

Bundle pattern: the native’s focus is oriented in limited, very specific areas of their life, in detriment to other important areas. They are very focused and driven people who usually become proeficient, real masters in whatever activity/job they have chosen for themselves.

There could be a tendency to be narrow-minded, rigid or unusually ignorant in areas outside of their interest range with this pattern however. Obsessive thoughts and behaviours are also possible. It’s an excellent chart type for a professional athlete, politician or car mechanic for example, depending on the houses and signs.

These people are passionate, unique, strongly hold onto their identities and are relentless when pursuing their chosen goal. They might feel like “something” is missing in their life and they need someone who teaches them to think outside the box and help them develop their weaker energies in their chart.

Harrison Ford and Sylvester Stallone had this chart pattern.

Splay pattern: these people are incredibly talented and have lots of potential. Their interests are in 3-4 areas and they may sometimes find it difficult to concentrate as their attention is quite divided. They are individualistic, inquisitive and open-minded people who have the potential to achieve great things if they “pull themselves together”. Their talents could be unrelated to one another and they may fight it hard to integrate their strengths into something concrete/tangible.

Some call this chart pattern the tripod.

These natives definitely march to the rhythm of their own drums. They are adaptable people who make interesting conversation partners.

They don’t like strict schedules or being atunci into routine for too long.

The aim should be on correctly distributing their focus so that they properly develop their talents and live up to their potential.

Franklin Roosevelt and Sandra Bullock had/have this chart pattern.

Splash pattern: these people’s talents are incredibly diverse. They are open-minded, inquisitive, curious people. They enjoy exploring different ideas, activities. The love new things and probably have lots of hobbies and interests. Choosing one career option is probably very difficult for them. They don’t like to focus on one single activity for too long, contrary to bundle pattern people. Their attention is very divided. They can be forgetful at times.

They likely have mercurial qualities and can easily adapt to almost any situation. They make very flexible people.

They can be quite confused especially during their youth or feel like they can’t find their direction in life. There is a desire for self-reflection and independence inherent within this placement. Many famous thinkers such as Carl Jung and Firjof Capra had this chart pattern.

They may have trouble focusing or be scattered due to which they never develop any of their talents deeply and fully. Their outlook on life is broad and brain-oriented.

Bucket pattern: these people are ambitious, enterprising, passionate, self-contained; they pursue their goals in a realistic fashion. It’s important to look at the planet that plays the role of the handle as it will play an important role in the natives’s life (the sign and house, major aspects).

They want to be recognised for their talents and be part of society in some way; they likely focus their attention in a single direction when trying to achieve their goals. The “handle” signifies the area of their life where they invest most of their energy or where they seek satisfaction.

They could be predisposed to conflict or do their best to avoid it.

Their challenge is learning to manage the energy of the “handle.”

Like with the bowl pattern they could at times feel like something is missing in their life.

Will Smith and Prince Charles have this chart pattern.

I made some lavender milk for my spirit companion L <3  I used this recipe if anyone was interested in making their own! It tastes wonderfully sweet and floral

Creating and Using Planetary Pentacles

(Part one of the Talismans, Pentacles, and Sigils series)

The Greater Key of Solomon contains numerous planetary pentacles for use in magickal operations. When properly constructed they are quite potent and require little additional input from the magician aside from periodic maintenance making them an excellent method of low energy spell casting. Rather than reproducing all of the pentacles here, please refer to this excerpt from the Greater Key before beginning. 

Construction

Choose a pentacle appropriate for your working. In general Saturn pentacles deal with destruction and baneful magick, Jupiter with wealth and protection, Mars with war and domination, Sun with spirit control and status, Venus with love and emotional/sexual domination, Mercury with knowledge and acquisition, and the Moon with freedom, divination, and water. Note that these are not hard and fast classifications and the realm of influence for each planet varies widely so choose your pentacle carefully to ensure you receive the greatest effects. 

Gather your materials. Traditionally pentacles were engraved on a disk of metal corresponding to the planet however this is a huge pain in the ass as well as expensive and toxic in many cases. Using metal is not strictly necessary though if you plan keeping it around for long term use, it can be beneficial. Paper works perfectly well and I suspect other materials would also be adequate so feel free to get creative. You will also need a Bible and a means of calculating the planetary hours (please see the “planetary correspondences” and “calculating the planetary hours” sections below for more information). 

On the day and hour associated with your planet (day and hour of Jupiter etc), draw the pentacle in an appropriately colored ink. While it may be tempting to print out your pentacle, avoid doing so because the process of drawing it by hand is the majority of the casting method. It doesn’t matter how the end product looks - a shitty pentacle will work just as well as a beautiful one, it’s the process that matters. You may start later than the planetary hour or finish drawing after the planetary hour has concluded but take care not to start early otherwise your pentacle will not be infused with the correct planetary energies. If you plan on drawing pentacles regularly, a compass and ruler will make your life much easier. 

Casting - this is the easy part. During the correct day and planetary hour, light some incense and hold the pentacle over it while reciting Psalms 8, 21, 27, 29, 32, 51, 72, and 134. Next read the Bible verse associated with your pentacle over it. If your pentacle has any special instructions (such as the 6th pentacle of the Moon), do them now. Using the correct hour is more important than the day so you can fudge this if necessary but it will not function as reliably. 

You’re done! If you want to keep it around feel free to though I personally find that paper pentacles are only good for one or two uses or as a component of a planetary talisman.

Calculating the Planetary Hours

Every day is ruled by one of the classical planets and each hour of the day is also ruled by a planet. These combinations of planetary day and hour can serve to either strengthen or weaken the planets effects depending on how the two interact with each other which in turn effects the outcome of planetary-based spellwork. For example Saturn (the great malefic) and Jupiter (the great benefic)  don’t play well together so curses cast on the day of Saturn in the hour of Jupiter will be weaker than normal or may not function at all. Conversely, Saturn and Mars serve to strengthen each other so a curse could be made more aggressive by casting during the day of Saturn, hour of Mars. The nitty-gritty of choosing the correct combination of planetary day and hour is outside the scope of this post so for our purposes we will be focusing on matching day and hour as this is when the planet’s influence is strongest. 

Planetary hours are calculated from sunrise to sunset and from sunset to sunrise so though they are based off a 24 hour cycle, they are not one hour long nor does their duration and starting time stay consistent throughout the year. Instead the time between sunrise and sunset is divided into 12 equal parts as are the hours between sunset and sunrise. Each day begins on it’s ruling planet - the first hour of Sunday is the hour of the sun, the first hour of monday is the hour of the moon, and so forth. The following chart is useful for illustrating the procession of the hours but remember: these are not the times in which the planetary hour occurs 

Quite frankly, manually determining the planetary hour is a pain in the ass. The good news is there is literally no reason whatsoever to do this by hand (unless you’re a masochist I guess). There are a number of programs, apps, and websites that will determine them for you based on your geographic location. ChronosXP is a good option for Windows and there are numerous free apps in the Android and iOS stores.  This is a good option for those of you who prefer to use your browser. 

Planetary Correspondences

Sun - gold, yellow, Sunday

1st Pentacle - “Behold His face and form by Whom all things were made, and Whom all creatures obey.”

2nd Pentacle - Angels: Shemeshiel, Paimoniah, Rekhodiah, Malkhiel

3rd Pentacle - Daniel 4:34

4th Pentacle - Psalm 13:3-4

5th Pentacle - Psalm 91:11-12

6th Pentacle - Psalm 69:23, Psalm 135:16

7th Pentacle - Psalm 116:16-17

Moon - silver, silver, Monday

1st Pentacle - Psalm 107:16

2nd Pentacle - Psalm 56:11

3rd Pentacle - Psalm 40:13

4th Pentacle- “Let them be confounded who persecute me, and let me not be confounded; let them fear, and not I.”

5th Pentacle - Psalm 68:1

6th Pentacle - Genesis 7:11-12

Mars - iron, red, Tuesday

1st Pentacle- Angels: Madimiel, Bartzachiah, Eschiel, Ithuriel

2nd Pentacle - John 1:4

3rd Pentacle - Psalm 77:13

4th Pentacle - Psalm 110:5

5th Pentacle - Psalm 91:13

6th Pentacle - Psalm 37:15

7th Pentacle - Psalm 105:32-33

Mercury - mercury, mixed colors, orange, Wednesday

1st Pentacle - Spirits: Yekahel, Agiel

2nd Pentacle - Spirits: Boel and other Spirits

3rd Pentacle- Angels: Kokaviel, Gheoriah, Savaniah, Chokmahiel

4th Pentacle - “Wisdom and virtue are in his house, and the Knowledge of all things remaineth with him for ever.”

5th Pentacle- Psalm 24:7

Jupiter - tin, blue, Thursday

1st Pentacle - Angels: Netoniel, Devichiah, Tzedeqiah, Parasiel

2nd Pentacle- Psalm 112:3

3rd Pentacle- Psalm 125:1

4th Pentacle- Psalm 112:3

5th Pentacle- Ezekiel 1:1

6th Pentacle- Psalm 22:16-17

7th Pentacle- Psalm 113:7

Venus - copper, green, Friday

1st Pentacle - Angels: Nogahiel, Acheliah, Socodiah (or Socohiah), Nangariel

2nd Pentacle - Canticles 8:6

3rd Pentacle - Genesis 1:28

4th Pentacle - Genesis 2:23-24

5th Pentacle - Psalm 22:14

Saturn - lead, black, Saturday

1st Pentacle - Psalm 72:9

2nd Pentacle- Psalm 72:8

3rd Pentacle- Angels: Omeliel, Anachiel, Araughiah, Anazachia

4th Pentacle- Deuteronomy 6:4, Psalm 109:18

5th Pentacle- Deuteronomy 10:17

6th Pentacle- “Set thou a wicked one to be ruler over him, and let Satan stand at his right hand.”

7th Pentacle- Psalm 18:7

For an explanation of the meaning of the symbols contained in the pentacles, please see SonofBel’s excellent post on the subject

im a third-generation italian-american looking to get into traditional italian magic. my family are devout catholic, so i wouldn't be able to ask them. where do you recommend i start?

Hello love thank you for the question. I think its great that you want to begin this journey, it will be a bit challenging if your parents are not a fan of witchcraft/magic so here are ways to delve into this subject on your own. Here are some steps to get you started:

How to begin your journey into learning about traditional italian magick

Research Italian Folklore and Folk Magic: Familiarize yourself with the rich folklore and magical traditions of Italy. Look for books, online resources, and academic studies that delve into the topic. Some key areas to explore include the Benandanti, Stregoneria, and the practices of the Mezzadria.

Connect with Italian Folk Magic Communities: Seek out online communities, forums, or social media groups focused on Italian folk magic. Engaging with like-minded individuals who share a passion for Italian traditions can provide valuable insights, resources, and guidance.

Study Italian Catholicism: As your family follows Catholicism, understanding the religious and spiritual practices within this tradition can offer a foundation for exploring Italian magic. Look into saints, rituals, and devotions that are specific to Italy, as they often have intertwining elements with folk magic.

Learn about Saints and Folk Traditions: Italian folk magic often incorporates the veneration of saints and the belief in their intercession. Research saints that are particularly revered in Italian culture, such as Saint Anthony, Saint Lucy, or Saint Joseph. Learn about their stories, symbols, and associated rituals or prayers.

Explore Magical Objects and Practices: Italian folk magic involves the use of certain objects and practices. Look into items like the cornicello (horn-shaped amulet), malocchio (evil eye), or charms known as "cimaruta." Additionally, explore divination practices like reading coffee grounds (tasseography) or playing cards (cartomancy).

Experiment with Kitchen Witchery: Traditional Italian magic often involves practices related to the home and kitchen. Explore herbalism, folk remedies, and the magical properties of Italian culinary ingredients. Experiment with making your own herbal preparations or creating talismans related to food and household items.

Consider Seeking a Mentor: If possible, try to find an experienced practitioner of Italian folk magic who can serve as a mentor. They can provide guidance, teach you specific practices, and help you deepen your understanding of the tradition.

Remember, it's important to approach these practices with respect and a genuine desire to learn. Take your time, be open to new experiences, and trust your intuition as you explore the magical traditions of your Italian heritage.

Planetary placements in a birth chart

The planetary placements in a birth chart represent the position of the planets at the time and location of a person's birth. Each planet represents different energies and archetypes that influence different areas of life. Here is a brief explanation of the planetary placements in birth charts:

Sun: The Sun represents the individual's core identity, ego, and vitality. It indicates the person's sense of self, their inner nature, and how they express themselves.

Moon: The Moon represents emotions, instincts, and the unconscious. It indicates the person's emotional needs, nurturing qualities, and how they experience and process their feelings.

Mercury: Mercury represents communication, thinking, and intellectual abilities. It indicates the person's mental processes, style of thinking, and communication skills.

Venus: Venus represents love, beauty, and harmony. It indicates the person's approach to relationships, aesthetics, and values.

Mars: Mars represents action, energy, and passion. It indicates the person's drive, assertiveness, and sexuality.

Jupiter: Jupiter represents expansion, growth, and abundance. It indicates the person's sense of purpose, optimism, and ability to attract good fortune.

Saturn: Saturn represents responsibility, structure, and limitation. It indicates the person's sense of duty, discipline, and areas where they may face challenges and limitations.

Uranus: Uranus represents innovation, rebellion, and individuality. It indicates the person's need for freedom, independence, and desire to break free from conventional norms.

Neptune: Neptune represents spirituality, intuition, and imagination. It indicates the person's sensitivity, creativity, and potential for escapism or delusion.

Pluto: Pluto represents transformation, power, and intensity. It indicates the person's potential for deep transformation, intensity, and areas where they may experience power struggles or control issues.

The sign and house placement of each planet in a person's birth chart can provide more detailed information about how that planet's energy manifests in different areas of their life. The relationships between the planets in the chart, such as aspects and conjunctions, can also reveal important dynamics and themes in the individual's life.

Talk to your house

Your house is a sentient being with it’s own spirit and soul. Some people identify this spirit as their household deities or friendly house spirits. But some people have altogether forgotten how important the spirit of their house is. Talk to your house. Houses that have been ignored tend to be dull, tired and susceptible to hauntings and negative energies.  So talk to your house, listen to its aches and pains, say hello. Tell it that you come in peace, tell it that you are there to listen to it speak. Be grateful to your house. And watch the energies of your home transform themselves into joy.