does anyone else have the opinion that ALL the gods that are worshipped exist, but they might only help those who believe in them?

for example, God might only answer Christians, Allah might only answer Muslims, Zeus might only answer Helpols, Odin might only answer Norse pagans, etc etc

because i do fully believe people when they say “God helped me with XYZ”. but i do not believe people when they say “God helped you with XYZ”, because i simply don’t believe in the Christian God and i haven’t given him any reason to interact with me (i.e. i don’t pray to God, i pray to many other gods but not that one)

obviously its a lot more nuanced than this (like with folks who change religions because of a lack of interaction from their previous god(s)) but this is just, like, the most basic way i can explain it right now

sooo does anyone else feel similar? like every god that’s worshipped exists to help their worshippers?

this also ties into why i believe in pop culture paganism. i suppose it relates to the idea that humans created higher beings through worship, and anything can be made into a deity. similarly, gods that receive no worship may go dormant or die

Just a kind reminder to all my northern hemisphere family that you are a mammal, and resting, saying no, eating more, prioritising fun and comfort and feeling low energy and even a bit sad are all normal natural responses to winter. Take care of yourself and your community and remember that the days are getting longer - every dawn will be a little earlier and every dusk a little later until June now. Prydeinig folks: soon the crocuses will come up, then the hawthorn will be in blossom. Hang in there.

When someone gives the advice of “don’t be afraid to disappoint your parents” they don’t just mean taking music theory in college or starting a YouTube channel.

It also means wearing things they might not approve of. Using accommodations that they might not think you need. Not falling for their guilt trips. Eating when you’re hungry, not when it suits them and their idea of your weight or health. Making your own friends instead of seeking the stamp of approval from them.

Of course, some parents are stricter than others, and some use abuse to keep you from expressing yourself. But do what you can, even if it seems small.

Otherwise, when your parents are no longer in the picture, you’ll try to find it somewhere else to get validation. A strict boss, an abusive partner, a selfish friend.

Going against your parent’s wishes is developmentally healthy. Not doing so stunts your independence and self-regulation. You shouldn’t be living to constantly please others, even the people who love you.

I’ve never seen this name— granted, I’m not actively hunting books either. But heads up.

The casting the wide net, should be the first clue you’re on the road to some bull shit.

Ah yes the at best copy pasted info from Wikipedia and at worst ChatGPT nonsense. Ahhhhh.

Can confirm, as someone who spends a LOT of time researching pagan authors, Mari Silva is one of the (unfortunately many) AI authors out there. "She" has put out dozens of books in four years. Do not buy, do not read.

Greek mythology got me weaving in the 21st century

propaganda i am not falling for:

• always moving on. some goodbyes need to rot a little. some griefs need to be held in the mouth like a stone.
• beauty defined by algorithms. beauty exists in crow feet and smile lines
• pretending to be chill. i’m not chill. i care deeply and inconveniently. i read into things. i write poems about eye contact
• beige apartments with no soul. give me bookshelves and incense and loud art
• sneaky links and unclear intentions. i want devotion. and also clarity
• treating books as decor. read them. dog-ear them. argue with them in the margins

everything is either "sweets", "cutes", or "fucked beyond comprehension"

We live such short lives, and so much of this capitalistic, fast paced culture tells us to live in moderation and humility.

Fuck that.

Be lustful.

Be gluttonous.

Be untamed.

Be human.

Be Dionysian.

The Gods : Simple ways to get closer to your Deity

Fun fact: Bonding with your Deities or spirit companions doesn't have to be elaborate, nor does it have to be expensive or difficult to access.

Here are some ways to bond with your Gods that I, personally, find very nice!

» ․ 💌 !! ˎˊ˗ Write them a letter

Now, 'letter' has a very loose definition here. This can be a literal letter on paper, something digital, a little note, writing in the dirt or any form of writing/printing on something.

Once you're done, do whatever you want with it! Burn it to send it to your God, keep it to give it to Them, place it on Their altar, put it somewhere safe, do whatever makes you feel best.

» ․ 🎵 !! ˎˊ˗ Play Them music

It doesn't have to be a devotional playlist and it doesn't have to be songs that remind you of Them. Just put on your liked songs or your favorite playlist and do something relaxing.

Tell Them about your day, draw with Them, sing along to the music, have a cup of tea, literally anything with the music playing in the background. Ask Them what They think about the music. Tell Them what you think about the music. Just anything.

» ․ 🌲 !! ˎˊ˗ Go outside

Take a walk in the park or sit by an open window and let the air run through your face. "Go for a walk outdoors. Reconnect with the feeling of the wind blowing through your hair. Listen to the birds that live in a tree in your yard. Watch the sunset. Take time to smell the flowers that bloom in the park during the summer." [- 'The modern guide to witchcraft' by Skye Alexander]

» ․ 🕯️ !! ˎˊ˗ Light a candle

Light a candle on your altar (or just any candle, for that matter) as a devotional act, or just for whatever you would like. Make sure you stay safe around fire, though, and keep an eye on that flame.

After lighting your candle, you can let it continue burning (while keeping an eye on it), you can make an offering or a prayer, you can talk to Them, you can just rest in Their presence, you can do anything you want really.

» ․ 🥰 !! ˎˊ˗ Make an emoji sequence for Them

Now, by 'emoji sequence', I do mean probably exactly what you're thinking. A collection of emojis that remind you of your Deity or spirit. Now, I'm not using the term 'emoji spell' because it isn't necessarily a spell (though categorically it can fall under 'spells' depending on how you intend to use it.)

Here's some examples!
~🎵🌻☀️🌻🎵~ Lord Apollon ~
~🔵⚔️🦉⚔️🔵~ Lady Athena ~
~💍👪👑👪💍~ Queen Hera ~
~☁️⚡👑⚡☁️~ King Zeus ~

It can help you better connect with your Deity or spirit, and, honestly, it can be a great way to really understand just what you associate with your Deity or spirit.

» ․ 👗 !! ˎˊ˗ Wear clothes with things related to Them

Whether it's yellow for Apollon, owls for Athena or a dress for Aphrodite, wearing something that is or represents something you associate with Them can help you feel closer to Them.

It's basically the same concept as a prayer bead or devotional jewelry, but it's literally your clothes.

» ․ 📖 !! ˎˊ˗ Research

Research your Deity, things related to your Deity, things that remind you of your Deity or pretty much anything. Ways to worship, spells, how to offer.

This has helped me feel closer to my Goddess many times (which makes sense, considering She's literally the Goddess of wisdom, but it works even if They aren't an intelligence-related Deity).

I really hope this helps anyone who sees it! Khaire, may your path bloom with flowers and have a nice day!