Category: Paganism

What to Do If a Deity Approaches You

1/1/2022

Last summer, I wrote a post about how to choose a Pagan deity to worship. This week, I’m doing the reverse: what to do when a deity chooses you.

Perhaps a deity popped up during divination. Maybe you keep seeing signs associated with a deity. Or maybe you feel suddenly drawn toward a deity, despite not knowing why.

What do you do now? I’ll answer based on my experiences and shared experiences from others.

Art of Thoth, done by me.

Why Me?

Ever since I started posting about Hades worship on Tumblr, I’ve received messages similar to this: “Hades is reaching out to me, but I’m not a death witch, and I’ve never had any significant experiences with death. Why me?”

I can’t answer that. The Gods and Goddesses think in ways that are beyond our comprehension.

That said, deities are more complex than many of us realize. For example, Hades doesn’t just aid with funerals and grief. He also governs justice, fair treatment, the fear of mortality, wealth and finances, fertility of the earth, and major life transitions. There could be a reason why you need this deity or vice-versa. But you won’t know until you start studying/working with Them.

You Can Say No

For some reason, many authors don’t mention that you can say no. A deity might invite you to work with Them, but it’s just that: an invitation. You may politely turn it down if you are uninterested or not ready. Even in Paganism and witchcraft, relationships are a two-way street. You won’t be punished or screw up cosmic law by declining.

In the same vein, some deities enter our lives momentarily. A God or Goddess might work with you for a while and then withdraw. If this happens, don’t panic. It’s normal. If you want to continue the relationship, then They will likely come back later.

If You Want to Proceed

If you’re still reading, you might want to form a relationship with this deity. Or you could just be curious and want more information before deciding. Remember that you don’t have to dive head-first into worship right away (and definitely don’t devotee right away!). Study the deity, communicate with Them for a bit, and see how the relationship feels.

Old Hades altar.

One more thing. Notice that I have been saying “working with a deity” instead of “worshiping” throughout the post. Many practitioners will work with deities–pay respects, ask for support, and harness Their power for spells–without worshiping Them. If this sounds like you, then these tips still apply.

Study the Deity

Like I mentioned before, deities are more complex than most people believe. If you only know the deity through myths, then you do not know enough to start working with Them.

The ancients treated Gods and Goddesses differently than the myths did. After all, myths are only stories, and even some Pagans didn’t believe they were real. So if you really want to know who the deity is, research how the ancients worshiped Them.

Don’t know where to start? Here are some ideas:

Honorifics. In Hellenic polytheism, these are called epithets. Honorifics, such as “Lord of the Dead,” can tell you a lot about how the ancients perceived these deities.
Holidays and festivals. Does your deity have any holidays or festivals? Even the ones observed by small cults count.
Rituals. Were They involved in any ancient magic? If so, what for?
Symbols. Every deity is associated with certain symbols, colors, animals, and elements. Learning these will help with offerings and altars.

Hades devotional box with prayer inside. Used to be available on my shop.

If you want to worship this deity, then also research modern worship. Modern practitioners often tweak ancient rituals to be appropriate for the 2020s. You could get some creative ideas from them.

If you're approached by a minor deity, these might be harder to research. Check out this post for more guidance.

Decide How to Reach Out

So you’ve done your research. Now what? Now, you’ll decide how you want to reach out to Them.

This sounds more daunting than it is. Put simply, you need to consider what you want your relationship to be, or what you would like to know from Them. Grab a pen and paper and jot down these prompts:

Do you want your relationship to look a certain way?
Are you comfortable with worship or a more secular relationship?
Do you want a long-term or short-term relationship?
Would you like to know why the deity approached you?
What aspect of this deity do you jive with? Is there a certain symbol, honorific, or myth that stood out to you?
Are you reaching out for a specific reason? For example, do you need help with a spell or a life event?

These answers will help you decide what to say (or ask) when you first approach the deity.

When You Reach Out

There is no “right way” to reach out to a deity, as long as you’re respectful. That said, I know that many practitioners worry about being disrespectful. So I will give you an example ritual to introduce yourself to a deity. Feel free to adjust if appropriate.

Give Them an offering. It doesn’t have to be large; it can be a small candle in the deity’s color or Their preferred drink. (Don't know how to give offerings? Read this.)
Thank the deity for reaching out. Acknowledge that They took the time to do so, even if you don’t know why.
Ask any questions you wish. If desired, use divination. They might not answer right away, but They will hear you.
If you know what kind of relationship you want, then bring it up as an idea. Don’t demand; just say, “I would like” or “I would prefer.”
If you do not know what kind of relationship you want, or are till undecided, you may ask for a sign.
Sit with Them for a bit. Give Them a chance to respond.
Thank Them for Their time and respectfully dispose of the offering. If you cast a circle, you may close it now.

If you're struggling with prayer--how to do it, what's appropriate, etc.--then this post might help you.

Altar offerings for Imbolc.

What Happens Afterwards?

What should you do after reaching out? I cannot answer this for you. That would defeat the purpose of establishing your own relationship with the deity.

You might not have received an answer after that ritual. Be patient. You might want to repeat divination (similar to how you do it with spirits), or you may wait for signs. If you don’t know whether something is a sign, read this post.

I hope this helped you start a relationship with a deity who reached out. If you have any other tips or experiences you want to share, please comment below!

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Tips for Working with Moon Phases If You’re Not into Astrology

10/17/2021

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I’ve never been keen on astrology. I never knew what a moon sign was before people started asking me about mine on tumblr. Ironically, my Catholic parents are more into it than I am and they often send me horoscopes.

Even so, I incorporate the moon phases into my practice. New moons and full moons are common spell days for me. Even if people don’t practice magic, many like to do something to honor these days, such as taking a bath during the full moon.

When I journal about the moon phases, I often run into blogs that go incredibly in-depth into astrology. Not just what sign we’re in, but where Pluto is, and how close Saturn has come, and which constellation is influencing the season. There is nothing wrong with this practice; plenty of magicians adore complex astrology. It’s just not my cup of tea.

So this post is for people who are not super interested in astrology. You can use the moon phases to your advantage without memorizing the correspondences of each planet. Even if you only work with full moons once in a while, you might benefit from these tips. And since the October full moon lands on the 20th, this is the perfect time to start planning.

What Do People Do during Each Moon Phase?

Before we dive into the tips, let’s discuss what each moon phase means. To be clear, the moon isn’t physically changing; its position to the sun changes, which is what makes it look different from Earth. Most of astrology is based on how planets and natural satellites appear to us. For example, retrogrades occur when a planet appears to move backwards, due to an illusion.

The moon is associated with the subconscious and magic almost universally across folklore. It illuminates aspects of ourselves that we might not otherwise pay attention to. Like the tide, energies ebb and wane with the moon, which is why many people cast spells during certain phases.

I have a moon phase mini-zine with bullet point correspondences for each phase. But here is a more in-depth version of that.

DISCLAIMER: Since this is directed toward people who are not super into astrology, I will not be going into crescent, quarter, and gibbous phases. I don’t personally follow those, and they can get a little too complicated for some people. However, I will discuss waxing and waning phases.

New Moon

The new moon occurs when the moon looks black or invisible. Many consider this to be the start of the moon phase.

Because of this, new moons are associated with beginnings. If you want to change an aspect of your life, such as wake up earlier or eat healthier, the new moon might be a great time to start.

Magic-wise, new moons will amplify any spell that puts projects in motion. Money and job spells fit well here. So do rituals that will enhance your psychic abilities. For spirit workers, this is the ideal time for banishings and divination.

If you have a long-term spell that you cast over time--for example, one where you have to light a candle every day for a week--perform it on the new moon. It will grow in power with the moon phases.

Remember what I said about the moon and our subconscious? Despite having little light, the new moon illuminates the “darker” aspects of our subconscious, such as emotions and biases that we otherwise do not face. You might want to practice shadow work or journal.

Waxing Moon

The waxing moon looks like the moon is “growing.” It develops from a new moon into a full moon. When the moon looks like a crescent, it’s called waxing crescent; when it passes the halfway point, it’s waxing gibbous.

The waxing moon expands whatever you started during the new moon. During this stage, many people work on self-improvement, whether that be a work project or a personal goal or passion.

If you casted a long-term spell on the new moon, it will usually finish during the waxing or full moon. Otherwise, money and attraction spells will gain power here.

For spirit workers, you might want to practice your psychic abilities during this period.

August new moon notes in my prayer journal.

Full Moon

The full moon is famous for helping any spell. Why? Because the moon is at full power, which means that many other energies get amplified. Spirits become more active during this period, and your intuition might sharpen.

Full moons are perfect for single-night spells. You can do anything from protection to love spells to cleansing. Personally, I tend to get a lot of success in spirit work and divination during a full moon.

Another aspect of the full moon that many people forget about is self-care. Because the moon is sending you power, this is the perfect time to recharge. Bath and shower spells are especially popular during full moons, or you can relax with an old-fashioned Netflix binge.

Waning Moon

If the waxing moon is “growing,” then the waning moon is “shrinking.’ The moon’s power is ebbing during a waning moon, especially the last quarter moon (when it’s half full).

This is the time to cool down from all the magic you might have done during the new and full moons. Waning moons usually occur at the end of the moon, when many students and employees feel exhausted.

I view the waning moon as a spiritual cleaning time. Cleansing, meditating, and other stress-lowering practices can recharge you. Work on removing anything that isn’t helping you, whether it’s an emotion, a habit, or even clutter around your home.

If you have long-term spells that are still going during this period, bring them to a close before the new moon.

Tips to Make the Moon Phases Simpler

This might seem like a lot of information because it is. But I have some tips to make the moon phases feel a lot less overwhelming.

Plan what to do beforehand. For the new and full moons, try to research them beforehand. I usually write about them in my prayer journal a few days before. This time, I started a week before to provide an example for this blog post.

Use this as a brainstorming period. What kind of spells work best during this period? Do you want to cast a spell here, or would you rather practice self-care or do something simpler like make moon water?

Remember that you have wiggle room. Because moon phases change slowly, the full and new moons continue for two to three days. If you forgot about the full moon until the last minute (we’ve all been there), relax--you have time.

Don’t feel pressured to perform rituals at night. Many people cast their spells at night when they can see the moon phase. While this does feel magical, you do not have to practice at 10 p.m. The moon will still be full even if you cast a spell during the day. Personally, I tend to practice magic in the mornings because I’m not a night person.

Look up the full moon’s name. Every month, the full moon has a different name and meaning. Most have multiple names. This October, the upcoming full moon on October 20th is called the Hunter’s Moon, Blue Moon, Dying Grass Moon, and Sanguine Moon.

All of these names came from somewhere. If you understand the meaning behind the name, then you’ll get a better idea of what to do on the day.

If you want to, look up the current astrological season. The current astrological season (for example, we’re in Libra right now) can supply some information about the full moon. You do not have to be an astrology expert to gain information from what is currently happening in the stars.

Are there any retrogrades going on? Any planets you like to focus on? If you want to dive a bit deeper, do so. Everyone approaches astrology differently.

You do not need to work during every moon phase. Did you miss this month’s new moon? Don’t worry about it. You are not a failure if you miss a moon phase or choose not to practice magic on these days. Everyone needs a break, and sometimes life gets in the way.

My notes for the 2021 October full moon.

In Summary

Although moon phases play a significant role in peoples’ crafts, they are not a requirement. You do not need to follow the moon phases to practice magic. You also do not need to be an astrology expert.

Everyone’s craft is different. If you’re not interested in casting a spell during the day of Mars in the hour of Saturn, don’t. Your spiritual practice should be fun and rewarding. Work to make it that way!

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65 Prompts for Pagan Prayer Journaling

9/25/2021

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I used to write in my Pagan journal every day. But since I have started working on my Etsy full time, I dropped the habit. I want to introduce prayer journaling into my new schedule, so I decided to write down several prompts in case I run out of ideas.

These prompts are not specific to any one deity or religion. I hope they inspire you to connect with your Gods.

For those who need advice on Pagan prayer, here is the blog post for you: If You're Struggling with Pagan Prayer, Read This.

What Is Pagan Prayer Journaling?

Pagan prayer journaling is any kind of writing or drawing that relates to your Pagan practice. You can write down notes while studying your deities, or you can thank the Gods for anything. You can even draw or write a letter to your deity.

Your Pagan prayer journal has no guidelines. You don’t have to make it look Pinterest-worthy unless you want to. You don’t even have to write in it; you can draw instead! This is why I love Pagan journals. They encourage people to expand their daily practice, but do not pressure them to write about something they don’t like.

If you want to start a Pagan journal, all you need is a journal. The type and design are entirely up to you. Read the prompts below and try one or two each day. Keep track of which prompts you enjoy or dislike. Over time, you will develop a daily habit that will keep you connected to your faith. If you need more information on creating and maintaining a daily practice, read this blog post: How to Practice Magic or Paganism Every Day Specifically.

Daily Check-Ins:

These are journaling practices that you can do on any given day, or daily if you choose.

Write down five things you’re grateful for, and thank the Gods for them.
Meditate for two, five, or ten minutes. Write about it afterward.
If you remember last night’s dream, record it and what you think it might mean.
Tell the Gods about your goals for the day.
Read one chapter of a book each morning and write notes.
Record the weather. How does it make you feel? Would you thank your deities for the weather or season?
Cleanse with smoke or crystals and then write down how you feel afterward.
Perform divination--draw a tarot card, pull a rune, or scy for a bit. What was your question? What was your answer?
Talk to the Gods about what is bothering you.
Find an inspirational quote. What do you like/not like about it? How does it relate to your practice?
Choose one symbol, crystal, herb, or divination tool. Research its correspondences and note how you can use it in your practice.
Contact a spirit you’re familiar with. What method did you use? Divination, meditation, or something else? How did it go?

For a Pantheon/Religion:

These prompts can help you learn about a religion/pantheon or explore your own beliefs.

Are there any major holidays coming up? If so, how can you prepare for them?
Study how the ancients practiced this religion, and take notes. What can you include in your practice? What will you exclude?
Look up the tenets of your religion, if applicable. Do you agree or disagree with these rules? How can you include them in your practice?
Give an offering to the Gods, such as a candle, incense, coffee/tea, or even water. How do you feel afterward? Is any particular deity grabbing your attention?
Talk about your favorite or least favorite myths from this religion.
Jot down a general prayer for all the deities, such as “Gods, I thank You all for ___.”
If you are interested in any other pantheon, study it and take notes.
Research a deity in your pantheon Whom you don’t know as well. What did you learn about Them?
How do you feel about this religion’s view of the afterlife?
Does your religion have a holiday calendar? If so, write about it.
Are there any local legends or folklore where you live? Study and write about them.
Why did you choose this religion or pantheon?
If you are eclectic or still choosing a Pagan religion, write down what you are looking for in a belief system.
Write down anything you love about your religion/pantheon.
Record your worship goals. In the next month, season, or year, look back at your list. What have you accomplished?
Are you thankful to this religion for any positives in your life? If so, write those down.

For One Specific Deity:

Whether you are studying a deity, hoping to work with one, or enhancing your daily practice, these prompts can help you. For those working with minor deities, go here: How to Worship Lesser-Known (Minor) Deities.

Give one offering to your deity and sit with Them for a bit. How was that experience?
Meditate with your deity. How did it go?
Look up your deity’s symbols and write about them.
Research how the ancients worshipped your deity. What can you incorporate into your faith?
Research how modern worshippers work with your deity (check blogs and social media). Have you found any new ideas or perspectives?
Describe your relationship with your deity. Does it feel like a friendship, parental love, or something more?
Tell your deity about your goals for the day.
Tell your deity what you like about Them and/or why you chose Them.
What are your favorite myths associated with this deity? Why?
What do you think are your deity’s favorite offerings?
Have you experienced any signs that you believe came from a deity? If so, ask Them about it.
Ask your deity if They have any messages for you, and then perform divination. What was your answer?
Tell your deity about any thoughts or feelings you want to share.
Look up your deity’s epithets or titles. Which ones do you like? What do you think they mean?
Google some prayers for your deities, whether they be Orphic hymns or ones written by modern worshippers. Do you like these prayers? What about the prayer stuck out to you?
If it has been a long time since you’ve spoken to a deity, write down how that makes you feel. Do you feel you need to apologize? Are you nervous? Guilty? Telling your deity about these feelings can clear the air and improve your relationship.
Do you associate any song with your deity? If so, why?

Holidays:

These are prompts for holidays such as Sabbats, harvest festivals, and even national/Christian holidays.

What is the meaning of this holiday?
Are there any symbols associated with this holiday? For example, if you’re writing about Christmas, you might say “Christmas tree, ornaments, Yule log,” etc. List associations if applicable.
Are any specific deities associated with this holiday? If so, how?
How did the ancients celebrate this holiday?
How do modern practitioners celebrate this holiday?
Do you have any plans for this holiday? If you celebrated already, how did it go?
What prayers would you give to your deity/deities on this day?
What foods are used to celebrate this holiday?
What are you grateful for on this day?
What are you hoping to do or achieve on this day?
If you are planning for a specific holiday, brainstorm ideas of what you can do.
Do you want to decorate your altar for the holiday? If so, brainstorm some ideas of what you can do. Check this post for inspiration: How to Create a Pinterest-Worthy and Functional Altar.
Write down your ideal schedule for the day. See how many of these things you can accomplish. Instead of focusing on what you can’t/didn’t do, focus on what you achieved.

Moon Phases and Astrology:

If astrology contributes to your practice, check out these prompts.

What is the current moon phase? What does this phase mean?
What is the current astrological season?
Are there any planets in retrograde? If so, how is this making you feel?
Read your daily horoscope. What do you think about it?
Brainstorm ideas for what you can do during this moon phase or a future one.
If you work with any specific deities during these days, pray to Them. Tell Them what you are excited or apprehensive about.
How do you feel during this astrological season? Are your feelings different than usual?

Tell Me about Your Journaling Experience!

Do you use a Pagan prayer journal? What do you write about? Do you have any other ideas for journal prompts? Let me know in the comments below!

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How to Begin Working with a Pagan Deity, Stress-Free

7/31/2021

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In the Book of Luke, an angel appeared before shepherds and said “Do not be afraid.” Logically, there is no reason to be afraid--angels usually bring glad tidings. But they are also intimidating because of their unfathomable knowledge and power.

Pagan Gods are the same way. They are comforting, enlightening, and honest; but They are also overwhelming. Seven years into my faith, I still feel afraid when I contact (or even consider contacting) a deity whom I’ve never worked with before.

If you feel this way, you’re not alone. I often receive questions such as, “What do I say when I pray to Them?” or “What if I do something wrong?”

Recently, I have pondered all of these questions while building a relationship with the Egyptian God Thoth. So I’m going to run through the process with you: choosing a deity, studying, and beginning your relationship.

How to Choose a Deity

“How do I decide which deity to work with?” is probably the most common question in the Pagan realm. The short answer is: Whoever you want. But I’ll address some concerns that many people have.

I have met many people who stress over worshipping a God and Goddess, or “matron and patron.” This stems from a Wiccan tradition--or rather, some peoples’ interpretation of a Wiccan tradition (see: How Do Other Deities Fit into Wicca?). If you do not subscribe to Wicca or this idea, do not feel pressured to work with two deities.

Many are interested in deities that represent an interest or hobby, such as art, sun/moon, education, or the home. This can work for some people; for instance, I first reached out to Thoth for writing advice. But you and your deity do not need to have the same interests.

Some people feel drawn to certain deities, and they don’t know why. I’ve had several people message me saying, “I feel drawn to Hades, but I have no interest in death work!” which is exactly how I felt when Hades reached out to me.

Gods and Goddesses are more complex than They seem on the surface. For instance, Hades is the Lord of the Underworld; but if you research Him further, you’ll find that He governs wealth, seasons, fertility of the land, gems, mourning, and justice. Perhaps those aspects will impact worshippers later on.

Over all, if you feel drawn to a deity, shoot your shot. You don’t need to have a reason to like a certain deity. Try the relationship and see where it goes. If it doesn’t work out, don’t fret; some deities are only in our lives for a short time.

One more thing: I highly recommend working with one new deity at a time, especially for beginners. Tackling a few Gods or an entire pantheon at once can get overwhelming.

My tiny altar to Thoth.

What to Study Before Working with the Deity

Before you start giving offerings or setting up an altar, study your chosen deity. After all, you need to know what your deity prefers for Their offerings or altar.

By “study,” I’m not just talking about the myths (although those can be useful). Research how the ancients worshipped that deity. What offerings did that deity receive? Did They pop up during certain holidays? Did certain cults or occupations worship Them? Usually, the ancients did not view the deity as we perceive Them through mythology today.

One of the simplest ways to understand how the ancients worshipped that deity is through epithets. Epithets are a word or phrase that describes a certain quality of that deity. Some of Thoth’s epithets include ”He who drives away evil” and “He who created purification,” which tells me that He governs protection and cleansing.

Another method is through art. In ancient Egypt, ancients painted certain deities in specific colors. All of those colors had different meanings. Often, art also portrayed deities with an animal or object that was sacred to Them.

As you research, you might notice that some things do not translate to the modern age. For instance, Hades worshippers are not sacrificing black goats anymore. If this stumps you, look into modern worship. Pagans often talk about how they worship deities on blogs and social media accounts. You might gain some inspiration there.

One last thing. While researching, you might notice that cultures and countries all worship deities in a certain way. You must ensure that you are working with a deity with regard to Their culture. This is called appropriate worship. For instance, I wouldn’t worship Thoth in the same way I do Hades, because They are from different cultures.

My notes on Thoth and ancient Egyptian worship.

How to Conduct an Introduction Ritual

Deities are like new friends: you need to build a relationship with Them, even if you are just working with Them and not worshipping. Immediately jumping into demands is rude. Because of this, I recommend an introduction ritual.

Although the word “ritual” might sound solemn and serious, it really isn’t. This ritual can be casual and lighthearted; you don’t have to use “thees” and “thous” if you don’t want to.

The introduction ritual has two main components: an offering and a prayer. By now, you should have learned about appropriate offerings through your research. If you need a foolproof offering, consider lighting a candle. It works for almost any deity. If you do not know how to give offerings, see Offerings for Deities: the Basics.

After giving the offering, begin the prayer. You do not need to recite a prewritten prayer (unless you want to). You can say it in your head, write it down, mutter it, or even sing it. Whatever feels the most comfortable.

My introduction ritual to Thoth (performed at my Wiccan altar).

If you don’t know what to include in the prayer, here are some ideas:

Introduce yourself (name, interests, etc.)
Explain where you are in your Pagan journey.
Discuss how you feel during the introduction ritual. Are you nervous? Excited? Self-conscious? In my experience, Gods appreciate openness and honesty.
Talk about your day.
Clarify any intentions you want for the relationship. For instance, do you want to worship or work with the deity? Do you need help with anything?
If you play music during the ritual, explain why you chose that song.
Tell Them what you appreciate or admire about Them.
Thank Them for Their time.

For more examples, see: If You’re Struggling with Pagan Prayer, Read This.

Many have asked how to end a prayer, or whether to use “Amen” or “Blessed be.” You do not need a sign-off like that if you would feel uncomfortable reciting it. A simple “Thank You for Your time” is good enough. You could also press your hands together, bow, or blow out the candle. These small actions might make the ritual’s ending feel more final.

If you want to conduct divination, feel free to do so. You likely will not receive a grand revelation from the deity, like a vision or voice in your head. Instead, the signs might be more subtle, such as a high candle flame or a meaningful song appearing on your playlist. If you’d like more examples, read Is It a Sign? Interpreting Messages from Deities.

If you are feeling so nervous that you can’t focus, try meditating for a few minutes beforehand. Or, wait until you feel calmer to conduct the ritual.

Also, here is an important tip: do NOT make any oaths, devotions, or swearings yet. You’ll want to make sure that you get along with this deity before becoming a devotee or something similar.

Devotional artwork to Thoth (Djehuty).

How Do You Know If You Do Something Wrong?

If you’re like me, you might be worried about doing something wrong. Nobody gets worship right on the first try. What if They don’t want to talk to you again? Or what if They end up not liking you?

In my experience, it’s pretty difficult to irritate a deity as long as you’re respectful. I’ve spilled offerings, screwed up a candle so the wick wouldn’t burn, and accidentally caught stuff on fire during rituals before (always keep a water bowl nearby!) None of those incidents broke my relationship with the Gods.

That being said, some Gods might prefer not to work with you. Or more likely, They want to work with you, but They prefer that you do certain things.

If you do something “wrong”--say, you give an offering that They don’t like, or you call Them something They don’t appreciate--you might get this “off” feeling. For example, I call Hades “Lord Hades” quite often. But when I used the title “Lord” with other deities like Zephyrus and Thoth, They didn’t like it.

When this happens, simply correct your behavior. In my case, I said, “oh my bad, I won’t call You that anymore.” Mistakes like these are not make-or-break scenarios. If you continue to act in a way that a God doesn’t appreciate, out of spite or disinterest, then you might have a problem.

If you constantly think “I’ve done something wrong” throughout the ritual, you might be too anxious. Our minds can overtake our spiritual sense when we feel powerful emotions. Take a break, work through your feelings, and try again.

New moon prayer journaling, devoted to Thoth.

Some Tips to Remember

The more you work with a deity, the more comfortable you will feel.
It takes a while to learn the deity’s “language,” for lack of a better word. Different deities provide different signs, emotions, and indications. If you do not receive a response right away, be patient.
Don’t worry too much about doing things wrong. Everyone makes mistakes during their first attempt at something, and the Gods know that. Be kind to yourself.
If you think the relationship didn’t work out--that is not a reflection of you. It does not make you less worthy. It just wasn’t meant to be.
If you decide to end the relationship, that’s okay. Just do so respectfully.
Although Gods decide whether to accept the relationship, do not make that choice for Them. Do not go into it assuming “They won’t take me” or “They will take me.” Let Them decide.
Let yourself have fun. Play an upbeat song to calm your nerves, or tell the deity about subjects you enjoy. Worship should be enjoyable!

In Summary

Choose a deity whom you feel attracted to, not one that you “should” like or are “supposed to” worship.
Research how the ancients worshipped that deity along with modern-day practitioners.
Perform an introduction ritual, consisting of an offering and prayer.
Be honest, and don’t worry too much about mistakes.
If you feel that you have made a mistake, correct it and move on.

How do you feel about working with a new deity? Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below!

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Budget Witchcraft: 34 Magic Supplies You Can Buy at Thrift Stores

3/27/2021

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On the 2021 spring equinox, my husband and I were standing in line (six feet apart from everyone) in the Long Beach Sun. We were behind two friends with very distinct laughs, across the street from a university’s florist department, and next to an ice cream seller in a tux ringing a bell. Eventually, we got into the Long Beach Antique Market.

This market had around 500 sellers of thrift items and antiques. With $200 in $20s, I was specifically looking for altar and witchcraft items. And I was not let down. I got everything from dried plants to altar decor to animal bones.

Many people ask me about witchcraft on a budget. If you’re reading this, then you probably know how expensive some magic tools and metaphysical shops are. But everyone can practice magic with little to no money. To prove it, I’ve made a list of witchcraft and Pagan supplies that you can buy at thrift shops, antique stores, and flea markets.

These items are divided into four categories: spell ingredients, witchcraft tools, altar items, and storage. You’ll find some crossover; for instance, the vials that I mention in Storage are also decorating my altar. At the end, I’ll show you how much you can decorate an altar with thrifted supplies.

Spell Ingredients

These are items that you can potentially use in spells.

Animal bones. Animal bones, especially skulls, can cost dozens to hundreds of dollars. Thrift stores and flea markets sell a variety of bones for cheap. At one booth, I found jaws, horns, teeth, skulls, and more for cheap. I bought two coyote skulls for $40, which usually cost between $30 and $150 each on Etsy. Other skulls were as low as $25. At a different booth, I fought a tiny spine and herb in a jar--although the seller did not know what bone it was.
Candles. Some thrift stores provide candles alongside candle holders. You will usually see tealight and pillar candles, which often come with the holder. If you are looking for small candles in every color, though, visit a metaphysical shop.
Crystals. You might be surprised how many thrift stores and flea markets offer crystals. Most sellers offer geodes, but many also sell polished crystals, himalyan salt lamps, raw crystals, towers, and more. At the antique market, one booth provided colorful geodes for $3 each. You can even find decorative altar crystals for cheap. I bought a grape design made with amethyst for only $15, far lower than most metaphysical shops. The booth also offered grape designs in jade, rose quartz, and more (although I forgot to snap a picture).
Incense and incense holders. Many thrift stores supply vintage and modern incense holders. In my experience, most sellers only provide the holder, not the actual incense. But you can sometimes find a seller that offers stick incense or resin.
Plants, both living and dried. If you go to a flea market or antique fair, you will likely see a lot of plant booths. Plant sellers are popular there, as many people go for pots and home decor. Some sellers also specialize in dried plants, from roses to eucalyptus to baby’s breath. You can use these for altar decorations or as spell ingredients.
Shells. Seashells, seaglass, exoskeletons--all of these are sold in certain thrift shops.
Smoke cleansing bundles. Some antique sellers also offer smoke cleansing ingredients because it fits with their other products. Sweetgrass, sage, and palo santo are often sold at a discount. Unfortunately some sellers do not know where these ingredients were sourced.

Witchcraft Tools

These include divination tools, books, and other items that you might use for spells, but not in them.

Bells. Bells are common witchcraft tools. On Wiccan altars, you’ll often find a bell rung to cleanse the space. If that sounds like something you’d want to use, go thrift hunting.
Jewelry. If you like devotional jewelry, then you can find a wide variety of vintage necklaces, bracelets, and more at thrift stores and flea markets. Some sellers specilalize in jewelry.
Knives and spoons. Utensils are frequently used in witchcraft. For instance, a knife can carve symbols into candles or wood. Spoons can scoop dried herbs into containers.
Mirrors. Many magicians designate a single mirror for scrying. Thrift shops sell a variety of vintage mirrors in many sizes. If you are looking for an obsidian mirror, however, you might need to hunt elsewhere. But if you only want a black mirror, you can also paint a vintage mirror black.
Mortar and pestles. A mortar and pestle is quite expensive, but you can find wooden, stone, marble, and ceramic ones at flea markets if you get lucky. I personally recommend either marble or ceramic. If you buy a used mortar and pestle, do not grind foods that you will eat in them. You don’t know where it has been; the cracks might contain something toxic.
Pendulums. Although it’s rare, some antique sellers offer pendulums. You can also find vintage necklaces that can operate as a pendulum.
Pipes. If you like to smoke magical blends, then you can probably find a pipe at a flea market. However, you will need to clean it thoroughly before using it.
Pots and pans. If you plan to make inedible magical tools--such as ointments, candles, or inks--buy an old pot or pan at a thrift store. You won’t have to worry about cross-contamination with your regular cooking utensils. Plus, the inks and ointments might stain your pot.
Scrying bowls. Do you want to try water scrying? If so, get a cheap bowl at a thrift shop or flea market. I recommend a glass bowl that allows you to see the water more clearly.
Singing bowls. When I was at the antique fair, I saw several booths offer singing bowls. They sell for a lot less there than metaphysical shops. If you are interested, check out some local thrift stores or antique shops.
Witchcraft books. Many popular witchcraft books are from the 20th century. If you’re looking for one, check a used bookstore. I bought almost all of my Cunningham books from used bookstores. Many libraries supply witchcraft books, too.

Altar Items

Whether you are religious or not, you can put some of these items on your altar.

Altar cloths. Altar clothes don’t have to be from a metaphysical shop. Thrift shops sell a variety of tablecloths, placemats, and blankets that can function as altar cloths. They come in a variety of colors, patterns, and fabrics to protect whatever your altar sits on.
Books. If you’ve read my tips for a Pinterest-worthy altar, you know that I like to elevate some objects to create different heights. Vintage books are perfect for this, and thrift shops sell them for a few bucks each.
Candle holders. I have never seen a thrift store that did not sell candle holders. If you are looking for more expensive materials, such as brass or glass, go thrifting. They are much, much cheaper than brand store holders. For $10, you can buy a variety of candle holders with different heights, designs, and colors.
Fake bones and skulls. Although I encourage the use of real animal bones, some people are not comfortable with that. If you prefer fake bones to put on your altar, then thrift stores can provide that, too.
Frames. Do you like art on your altar? On my Hades altar, I have a sator square that I drew in pen and ink. You can buy frames for devotional or magical artworks at thrift shops. You can paint wooden frames, too!
Offering bowls. Thrift stores offer a wide variety of ceramic, plastic, and glass bowls to put on your altar. I personally recommend fireproof bowls for offerings. Aim for “fine ceramics” which can withstand high temperatures.
Religious votives. Some sellers provide religious votive candles at thrift shops. If you are looking for saints or angels, though, you can also check your local grocery store.
Statues. You might be surprised how many antique sellers offer statues that you can put on your altar. I have seen Egyptian, Norse, Buddhist, and many other statues at flea markets and shops. My Greco-Roman woman statue came from the Long Beach Antique Market, although I was 10 or 11 when I bought the set of two. If you like animal and angel statues, you will find them in abundance.
Teacups and teapots. I use certain vintage teacups for offerings (they were my grandmothers’). I also have a small teapot that goes on my altar. If you’d like something similar, then you will have no trouble finding teacups and pots at antique stores.

Storage

These include jars, shelves, and other materials to store your magic supplies when not using them.

Spice containers. Although flea markets rarely offer spices, they often sell spice racks and containers that you can repurpose for dried herbs, graveyard dirt, moon water, etc.
Glass bottles. Vintage medicine and alcohol bottles are often sold in thrift stores. These stylist containers can hold liquids, herbs, or plants that you display on your altar.
Glass jars. Small jars can hold herbs, crystals, graveyard dirt, moon water, and several other tools. At a flea market, I even bought old ink containers to store magical inks. You can buy them in a variety of sizes and colors for only a buck or two.
Hanging shelves. Many people convert wall space into altar storage with shelves. Thrift shops offer unique, vintage shelves that give you that “witchy” feel. Some of the shelves have doors and drawers designed to hold spices. Use these for herbs and other spell ingredients.
Perfume bottles. If you want a liquid container that looks amazing on an altar, search for vintage perfume bottles. They come in a variety of colors and can seal liquids efficiently. The spirit oil that I detailed in a previous post is in a thrifted perfume bottle.
Storage containers. In my opinion, every magician should have a spare storage container for their supplies. Thrift shops offer crates, trunks, tins, and other storage containers for cheap. You can also buy tiny lockers or bookshelves to decorate your altar.
Vials. Vials are small containers traditionally designed to hold liquid medicines. If you use oils, moon water, or other magical liquids, look for vials. Antique glass vials sell for around $20 on Etsy, but they are far cheaper when thrifted. One seller offered vintage Egyptian vials of various colors and heights. I got mine for $15, and it contains cemetery water.

Building Altars with Thrifted Items

When I got back from the Long Beach Antique Market, I challenged myself to decorate my altars using mainly thrifted supplies. It was easier than I expected; at least 70% of each altar was bought secondhand.

If this looks like a lot of supplies, remember that I’ve been practicing for over ten years. I’ve visited a lot of antique stores and gathered supplies over time. Not all of these were from the Antique Market.

I have three altars, all on my dresser. I will name all of the items on each that were thrifted.

Altar #1: Wiccan Altar

Thrifted items: the Goddess statue, teapot, both pink bowls, amethyst grapes, opal apple, books, white vase, dried eucalyptus, air plant and its holder.

Altar #2: Death Witchcraft Altar

Thrifted items: coyote skull, glass vial (holding cemetery water), perfume bottle (holding spirit oil), pink container (holding graveyard dirt), black offering bowl.

Altar #3: Hades Altar

Thrifted Items: mythology book, glass jar with bone, black frame, coyote skull, green glass bottles, dried plants, amber medicine bottle.

Did I Miss Anything?

Do you go thrift shopping for magic supplies? What have you bought? Did I miss any items? Let me know in the comments below!

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My Pagan and Christian Wedding: How We Combined Faiths

3/20/2021

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On the morning of October 9th, 2020, I was drinking coffee in a large rattan chair. My bridesmaid sat on the floor, crocheting an image of the planet Saturn with a smiley face. My other bridesmaid sat across from her, playing Animal Crossing. Meanwhile, I was looking at the trees outside, deeply breathing in the scent of pine, and gripping my prayer beads. If I did not have my Wiccan prayer beads with me, I would not have remained calm until the first look.

Back in May 2020, I wrote a post about planning my interfaith Pagan and Christian wedding. A few of my readers pitched in with ideas about how I can incorporate both religions or shared struggles with their own weddings. I never revealed what we did or how it went to the readers who spent time helping me.

Today, I’m going to cover what we actually did, rather than ideas of what we could do. Hopefully, this will give people ideas for their own wedding or another celebration where you need to combine religions. My husband and I made the ceremony as religiously-neutral as possible, not explicitly leaning toward Christianity or Paganism. If that sounds interesting, read on.

Also, because this is a Pagan blog, I’m going to focus on how I subtly incorporated Pagan aspects into the wedding.

All wedding photos are from Emily Saenz. You can find her on Instagram @heyemilysaenz or her website.

Making the Handfasting Cords

The most “religious” part of our wedding was the handfasting ceremony. Although many people associate handfasting with Paganism, it used to be performed during Christian weddings--or rather, before. Handfasting was sometimes viewed as an “unofficial” marriage until a pastor could arrive. Other times, it was incorporated into the wedding.

We decided to do a handfasting because (1) I really wanted it and (2) it reflects both of our ancestries. Both families have ancestors from the British Isles, and the ritual is appropriate for both Christian and Pagan ceremonies.

The first part, which I did not cover in the last post, was making the handfasting cords. While you can buy cords online, I wanted to make my own. I created four cords to represent the elements earth, fire, air, and water. The colors and designs of the ribbons reflect those. If you want a tutorial on making handfasting cords, let me know in the comments.

I also put charms on the cords that represent both faiths. Every cord had two charms, one on each end. Here is what I put on:

Earth cord: a Celtic cross with spirals; a pink skull charm for Hades
Fire cord: a wooden pentagram; a jade crystal that I devoted to the God
Air cord: a triquetra; a cross with a pentagram in it
Water cord: a rose quartz pendant for love; a quartz crystal that I devoted to the Goddess

These photos are mine. Let me know if you would like a handfasting cord tutorial!

The Religiously Vague Ceremony

As I mentioned in the previous post, my husband and I wanted a short, “non-denominational” ceremony. We wanted the ceremony to be about us, not about religion. On the bright side, we did not need to plan much for this. The officiate takes care of it--who, in this case, was my grandmother.

We told my grandmother that we wanted a brief history about handfasting and why we chose it. She then chose a spiritual quote from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran which she thought reflected us. (Good thing she studied psychology and religion!)

During the ceremony, the officiate explained our reasons for the handfasting. Then, my parents and the groom’s parents each tied a cord. This symbolized both families coming together. While they tied the cords, the officiate recited the quote.

After, we removed the cords and recited our personal vows. We then exchanged rings, and viola! The ceremony is done and we get to party.

A Memorial for the Dead

Just by reading the title of this blog, you’ll understand that I work with the dead. Honoring ancestors is important to me, especially family members who were not there to celebrate my wedding. One was my grandfather, husband of the officiate.

I wanted a way to commemorate the dead. Some people weddings provide photos of the deceased, but we did not have time. Because of the uncertainty with the pandemic, we confirmed with our venue about two months prior and had to rush some things.

Instead, I purchased a memorial plaque from ThePaintedHedge. It came with a candle to light in honor of the dead. Next to it, I wrote down the names of the deceased family members and put it in a frame.

This memorial stood next to the sweetheart table during the reception. People seemed to appreciate it, especially my grandmother.

Religious Jewelry

Because our ceremony was religiously vague, I found personal ways to express my Wiccan beliefs. One was jewelry. Long before the wedding, I had purchased formal Pagan jewelry from the Etsy shop Sheekydoodle. Check them out if you want something similar.

For the necklace, I chose the simple pearls with the pentagram. It complemented the simple wedding dress without overpowering. I also wore a hair comb in the symbol of the Goddess. Not to get all Wiccan on you, but marriage tends to be an obvious marker of the transition from maidenhood to adulthood. Since the Goddess has undergone all stages of life and holds our hands through change, I wanted Her there with me. This hairpiece is from Ayreeworks.

I also brought two sets of prayer beads. Initially, I was not going to do this. About a month before the wedding, I worked with my therapist on preventing “wedding amnesia.” This is when the bride or groom feels so stressed and rushed that they forget most of the day. In other words, it was something that I absolutely did not want.

My therapist recommended that I could practice mindfulness by holding something. Whenever I felt anxious, I could focus on the object’s texture or appearance. This slows down the mind and gives it time to develop memories. She asked if I had any religious object to hold, and I brought up my prayer beads.

The first is a pair of Wiccan selenite beads from Sheekydoodle (same as the necklace). I clung to these while getting ready, when my nerves were highest. It really helped to ground me--that plus planning plenty of downtime and walking outside every so often.

The second pair were my Hades prayer beads from Hearthfire Handworks, whom I highly recommend. I wore them around my wrist during the ceremony and reception. As a Hades devotee, I wanted Him to be involved with the ceremony somehow, even if I was the only one who noticed.

And yes, these methods worked. I remember almost everything from my wedding day.

The Bouquet and Other Small Aspects

While I was planning the wedding, I asked some friends on a Pagan discord server how I could incorporate more of my faith into the wedding. People mentioned the flowers, which was a great idea! But by that point, I had already settled the florals and could not change them.

My friends then asked what I had planned. My florist, Molly Zager, brilliantly incorporated artichokes into the bouquet. Jesse from Tea with the Gods mentioned that artichoke is an aphrodisiac, an unexpected symbol of Aphrodite. That worked out!

On top of that, the bouquet was green and purple. I chose these colors because I enjoyed them, and I did not expect people to connect them to Hera. The Goddess of marriage is commonly represented with a peacock--purple and green! I really enjoyed this accidental connection and used it as a springboard to start working with Hera.

Now, I want to mention some other things that I neglected in the previous post.

The venue was one of the few wedding aspects that I refused to budge on. I loved Sacred Mountain. It was in a town that my husband and I used to camp at before we got engaged. Plus, it was quite literally on a mountain. Both of us wanted a lot of trees and greenery; getting married in nature was a must for me. Grass, wind, and trees bring us closer to deities than churches, in my opinion.

Our circle arch had some symbolism. This came with the venue, but it reflects the magic circle that is often cast during Wiccan weddings. We did not cast a circle during the ceremony, but we did have a circle arch covered in florals.

Lanterns also came with the venue and were incorporated into our decor. The bridesmaids carried white lanterns filled with flowers, and after the ceremony, these were reused as centerpieces. It saved money and gave off a “witchy” feel.

Other Ideas That We Did Not Incorporate

Because of our limited time and budget, we did not use all of the ideas that I considered. Here are some recommendations that readers offered on the last post. I couldn’t do them, but I want to give them a shoutout.

Themed wedding gifts. One reader recommended Pagan-esque wedding favors, specifically these pomegranate jars from the Etsy shop EranaDesign. I also considered giving candles, honey jars, and flavored olive oil. Because of time and money, we could not do any of these.
Tossing lavender petals. When the couple walks down the aisle together, many people throw rice. We thought about tossing lavender petals instead. Along with being environmentally friendly, lavender is used in calming and love spells. We scrapped this due to Covid compliance.
Drawing symbols on shoes. Some people recommended drawing sigils or writing prayers on the bottom of your shoes. Great idea, but I had two pairs of shoes that were difficult to draw on.
Tossing coins into a well. One reader considered tossing coins into a well (or another body of water) with your spouse. Not only do you get to make a wish together, but it also reflects the payment given to the Underworld’s ferryman, Charon.
Deity-themed flowers and herbs. A few people proposed flowers and herbs to signify Hades, mainly mint and pomegranate seeds. If you honor a certain deity, you can tie the flowers to Them. Put them on the arch, boutonnieres, centerpieces, bouquets, and more.
Floating candle centerpieces. These centerpieces fill a jar with water and float a tealight candle on it. It’s a beautiful way to represent earth (the candle), fire and air (the flame), and water. You can even float dried herbs in the water.
Pendants on the bouquet. On the bridal bouquet, some people will attach pendants onto the ribbon. These can be pictures of deceased loved ones, religious symbols, or anything else close to your heart.
Themed nail polish was also brought up, such as painting them in a deity’s colors or symbols. I already have religious finger tattoos, so I didn’t do this.
The color theme in general. I didn’t want to bother much with a color theme, so I just matched the venue: sage bridesmaid dresses, floral ties, light blue and pink flowers. But if you want the colors to represent something, like the four elements or a deity, go for it.

What Do You Think?

Would you incorporate any of these ideas into a wedding? Or do you prefer a split ceremony with both Christian and Pagan rituals? Let me know in the comments below!

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Real-Life Locations That Connect to the Underworld

3/6/2021

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Hierapolis, the ancient Greek city that now lies in ruins in Turkey, holds a mysterious religious site. The ancient Romans called it Pluto’s Gate, and later medieval scholars named it “the Gateway to Hell.” Both names, of course, represented the Lord of the Dead, Pluto.

Pluto's Gate - Anette/Pinterest

Pluto’s Gate was a cave that led deep underground, surrounded by bubbling hot springs. Priests would lead animals into the cave as offerings. Onlookers heard the animals panic before a loud thud, and the priest would drag out a dead cow, goat, or lamb. Birds that landed on the cave would eventually suffocate and die. Only priests could enter, and when they did, they experienced visions of the Underworld and the dead.

It’s no wonder why people assumed that this cave led to the Underworld. But in 2013, Italian archaeologists found another explanation. The nearby hot springs emitted toxic gases, specifically CO₂, which made up 91% of the air in the cave. This much CO₂ is deadly and causes vivid hallucinations.

Although Pluto’s Gate has a scientific explanation, it still portrays a universal trope in folklore: real-life locations that lead to the land of the dead. Some cultures call this the Otherworld, Heaven, Hell, or afterlife; I’m going to use the term “Underworld” for simplicity.

There are many other locations that are said to connect to the Underworld, where witches and magicians can more easily speak to the dead. I am going to cover many of these locations here, and how you can use them.

Crossroads

Crossroads in Venice, Italy - Yakir/Pixabay

Crossroads are commonly known as a “thin place” where ghosts, faeries, witches, the Devil, and other spirits appear. You can find stories of the crossroads in Denmark, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Greece, Brazil, and the Kingdom of Kongo. In spirit work, crossroads are so prevalent that the ancient Greeks dedicated a Goddess to them--Hecate.

Some rituals require people to visit the crossroads at certain times, such as at night or on All Hallow’s Eve. Whenever the magician arrived, they usually performed divination. Crossroads were said to connect people to ghosts and tell magicians when people will die.

According to Welsh folklore, if you stand in a crossroads and listen to the wind in the trees, you will hear the names of people who will die. People in the Scottish Highlands would sit on a three-legged stool and wait for ghosts to whisper these names into their ears. In Denmark, practitioners made a triangle with their horse cart and called a ghost by name. They could then ask the ghost three questions.

Because of its associations with the afterlife, crossroads often appeared in funeral processions. In Finland and Wales, the deceased was carried across crossroads during the funeral to protect it against witchcraft and prevent the spirit from haunting the living.

Nowadays, many people visit crossroads to practice spirit work, especially in traditional witchcraft and Hoodoo. Many leave offerings for spirits at crossroads, while others go there to practice divination. Some say that you can dispose of spell ingredients at crossroads, while others go there to perform certain spells, such as hedgecrossing and traveling to the Underworld.

Cemeteries and Graveyards

We all knew that cemeteries and graveyards would be on the list, but I have to mention them. Many, many cultures speak of ghosts that walk around in cemeteries. In ancient cemeteries, everything from the iron gates to the type of trees planted were meant to prevent the dead from haunting the living (see: Trees in Cemeteries).

In traditional necromancy, otherwise known as reanimation necromancy, practitioners aimed to put a person’s soul back into their body. According to authors such as Ebenezer Sibly, necromancers needed a fresh body to do this, usually no older than three days. The necromancers would approach the corpse at sunset, midnight, or on a full moon. They would cast a circle, light (usually poisonous) incense, and perform rituals to reanimate the body and speak to it.

Most people do not practice this anymore because (1) digging into a grave is illegal, (2) entering cemeteries at night is usually illegal, and (3) it’s just flat-out disrespectful to the deceased.

Instead of performing necromancy at cemeteries, modern-day practitioners go there to collect graveyard dirt, speak with local spirits, clean graves, and give offerings. I’ve covered these topics already in these posts: Magical Uses for Graveyard Dirt and How to Commune with Spirits While in a Graveyard.

My photo of a cemetery in Ramona, CA.

Caves

Light pours into a cave - Ivana Cajina/Unsplash

As you could probably tell by the Pluto’s Gate story, caves are often linked to the Underworld. After all, many of the ancients believed that the Underworld was literally right under their feet. Necropoles, graves, and burial sites were all underground--as are caves.

Stories of caves leading to the afterlife date back to ancient Babylon. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh entered a cave on Mount Mashu to cross the Sea of Death and enter Paradise. Across the world, the Mayans performed religious rituals in caves along the Yucatan Peninsula, believing that they connected to the Underworld. When a person was born, they emerged from the Underworld; when they died, they returned to it.

One thing to note is that, in most cultures, caves are perceived as dangerous, not just physically but spiritually. People who entered the Underworld were unlikely to return. In Ireland, caves were not only houses for ghosts, but for fae. The ancients warned children not to go near caves, or else they could get kidnapped by the fae. In England, people carved “anti-witch” marks into caves to prevent witchcraft, many of which still exist today. Because these spiritual sites were so risky, the only people who inhabited them were shamans, priests, or oracles.

Although records upon records of folklore associate caves with the Underworld, modern practitioners do not use caves as much. Certain caves see practitioners arrive for a ritual, but other than that, not many people use caves for magic.

Bridges

In many cultures, bridges symbolize the transition between life and death. On some Scandinavian gravestones, you might see inscriptions of bridges, implying that the soul crossed one to reach the afterlife. It is no wonder, then, that real-life bridges are viewed as hot spots of spirit activity.

A bridge in Shatin Park, Hong Kong - Wai Siew/Unsplash

In Germany, Russia, France, Italy, and many other countries, bridges are viewed as a “thin place” that ghosts frequent. Most often, the bridges that attracted practitioners were called Devil’s Bridges. These stone arch bridges had an unusual shape, and the ancients claimed that the Devil himself built it.

Some believed that witches and other magical practitioners would cross bridges during the Wild Hunt. The Wild Hunt was a procession of spirits from ghosts to fae that occurred many times throughout the year, usually around Yule. Because bridges are seen as routes to the Otherworld, many people use them for hedgecrossing or astral projection.

Rivers

River in Aosta, Italy - Mario Álvarez/Unsplash

If you’re familiar with Greek mythology, then you know about the river Styx carrying souls into the Underworld. But the Greeks were not the only culture who associated rivers with the afterlife. In Japanese Buddhism, souls have to cross the Sanzu River to reach the afterlife. The ancient Egyptian Underworld, Duat, included rivers similar to real-life Egypt. In some traditions, Mesopotamian Underworld, Kur, also had a river.

Now, rivers leading to the Underworld (like Styx) and rivers in the Underworld (like the other four rivers in Hades) are two very different things. Nonetheless, a lot of people associate rivers with the realm of the dead. Many who have hedgecrossed to the afterlife describe rivers, and I knew one death witch who used her bath to travel to the afterlife.

Unlike other locations on this list, Underworld rivers were not usually equated with real-life locations, like the Nile. They were deemed to be entirely different rivers, possibly similar or identical to the physical world, but in another realm.

That has not stopped people from experiencing hauntings around rivers, especially in the U.S., where many rivers were sites of Civil War battles. You might have some luck connecting to ghosts by rivers; at the very least, you will meet local land spirits there.

Rainbows

In many cultures, rainbows connect the living to the dead. From Germany to Hawai’i to Australia, many cultures viewed rainbows as a way to connect humans to spirits and Gods.

In terms of deceased souls, folklore from Austria and Germany said that children’s souls ascended to Heaven through the rainbow. Unborn children also reached the afterlife through a rainbow serpent, according to Australian Aboriginal mythology.

Nowadays, the rainbow holds many other meanings, from gay rights to miracles to God’s promise after the flood. Some practitioners perform certain religious and spiritual rituals during rainbows, or use the symbol of the rainbow in their work. Others gather rainwater when a rainbow appears, believing that deceased loved ones send them a rainbow to let them know that they’re okay.

A rainbow touches a meadow - Pexels/Pixabay

Other Notable Locations

While I was researching, I came across some other locations that are associated with ghosts, mainly through urban legends. There is not enough information for these to have a full section, but I want to include them because they’re interesting.

Mazes have appeared in both Egyptian and Celtic mythology as being part of the afterlife. The idea is that ghosts cannot navigate mazes, so it keeps them inside the Underworld.
Wells are often sites of hauntings. They connect the top of the earth to the deep underground, which many interpret as leading to the Underworld.
Certain roads, highways, and tunnels are seen as ghost hot spots, largely due to traffic accidents there. Tales of ghost hitchhikers are common in these areas.
Fields--most ancient Underworlds are described as large fields, including reeds, grass, lakes, and so on. Many people see this while hedgecrossing.

Conclusion

Many ancient civilizations perceived real-life locations as connecting to the Underworld, including caves, rivers, rainbows, and bridges. These places were known as a “thin place” where people can more easily sense ghosts.

Modern practitioners can use this to their advantage by performing divination there, giving offerings to local spirits, or gathering tools from there such as graveyard dirt.

Is there any location that you associate with the dead? Or do you go somewhere to practice your Craft? Let me know in the comments below!

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Demon or Deity? How to Confirm That You’re Talking To a God or Goddess

2/24/2021

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In the early 5th century, St. Augustine of Hippo wrote a theological essay against Paganism called On the Divination of Demons. In it, he proposed the argument that all Pagan Gods are actually demons in disguise.

If you have not heard of St. Augustine, you should know that he kickstarted many arguments for Christianity. He was born 40 years after Rome officially became Christian, although most of the Empire was still Pagan at this time. Augustine’s mother was Christian and his father was Pagan, so he understood both sides. He wrote many philosophical arguments for Christianity, his largest being The City of God.

In On the Divination of Demons, Augustine fought back against the assertion that a Pagan Oracle predicted the invasion of Serapis's temple. He argued that Gods did not speak to this Oracle; demons did.

[3.7] The demons have also gained, through the long span through which their life is extended, a far greater experience of events than humans can attain, since their lives are brief. Through these capacities, which the nature of an aerial body is allotted, the demons not only predict many things to come, but also do many wonders. Since men cannot say and do these things, some judge them worthy of their service and the bestowal of divine honors, especially under the impulsion of the vice of curiosity, on account of their love of false felicity and of earthly, temporal excellence.

As a side note, Augustine also argued that future predictions were not impressive because circus performers also do things that he couldn’t understand.

[4.8] How many marvelous things have funambulists and the other theatrical specialists done? How many marvelous things have artisans and especially contrivers made? Are they really then better than men who are good and endowed with holy piety?

I’m not trying to undermine St. Augustine’s intelligence, but I laughed so hard when I read that he compared acrobatics to accurately foreseeing an invasion.

Regardless, the idea that Pagan deities are actually demonic pervades through Christian literature. We see it in sermons, theology, Dante’s Inferno and Milton’s Paradise Lost. It is no wonder, then, that many people fear that messages from Pagan deities are actually demonic in origin.

Can Spirits Impersonate Deities?

The short answer is yes.

The long answer is it depends on your method, experience level, and knowledge of the situation.

If you do not know how to fact-check the messages you are receiving, you are prone to deceit. If you are not used to the deity’s signs or how They speak, you are prone to deceit. And if you do not know which red flags to look out for, you are prone to deceit.

I find that people most often encounter this with divination. Divination is one of the best ways to contact a spirit or deity, and it is easy to fact-check by asking the same questions over and over. But if you do not know how to do that, then a spirit can easily take over your pendulum/cards/whatever divination tool.

That said, not all shocking or disturbing messages stem from malicious spirits. Sometimes, people just misinterpret signs. If a practitioner is stressed, anxious, angry, etc., they can mistake these strong emotions for intuition or divine signals. I’ve seen it happen even in practitioners with 10+ years of experience.

People often ask me if they need protection spells to contact a deity. No, you do not. I always recommend spiritual protection for people who are interested in magic, because it is better to be safe than sorry. But you don’t need a spell to know who you’re talking to; you just need to know the signs.

Red Flags to Watch For

While you are trying to communicate with a deity, watch out for these red flags. Regular readers might recognize some of these from my malicious spirits post. That is not a coincidence.

The tone of the message drastically changes. This is by far the biggest and most common red flag that you are not speaking to a deity. Let’s say, for example, that you recently received a sign from the Goddess Ceridwen that She wants to work with you. The next week, you receive another divination message that She does not like you. Deities do not choose people willy-nilly, and They rarely change their mind without good reason. If this happens, double-check your divination.
Someone interpreted the message for you. Deities do not need to go through others to speak to you. Even if you cannot hear Them directly, deities can contact you through many different ways. If someone else does a reading that sounds completely different from what a deity has told you, question it. Especially if it came without request. For instance, if someone randomly told you “I heard that Ceridwen doesn’t like you” without you asking for a reading, that would sound fishy, right? Because it is. Even if that person is a friend, they can still be wrong.
The message is overly negative or apocalyptic. I've heard an unfortunate amount of people claim that their deity said the world was gonna end, that they were going to die, etc. What are the chances that a deity, who is in constant contact with thousands of worshippers, only told that to you about the apocalypse? Giving someone a sense that they are “the chosen one” is a sign of a malicious spirit. This goes hand-in-hand with the tone change, too. Deities do not go around insulting people or telling them they’re worthless, especially if you’ve worked with that deity before.
The entity is trying to force your hand. If you’ve been in the Pagan community for a while, you’ve probably heard that you do not need to answer deities. A deity could ask you to worship Them, but you can also say no. In my thirteen years of experience, I have never heard of a deity punishing someone for not working with Them. If a message sounds like a deity is threatening you, trying to force you, etc., question it.

How to Guarantee That You’re Speaking to a Deity

Depending on your situation, you can try one or more of these techniques to fact-check the concerning message.

Ask the same question several times. When you use a divination tool, write down all answers to your questions. Wait at least a day. Then, using the same divination technique, rephrase the question and ask again. Like humans, malicious spirits usually do not remain consistent with their lies.
Is it another entity’s thought, or yours? As I mentioned before, some people mistake strong emotions for divine signs. Self-deprecation, anger, guilt, anxiety--if you think these things about yourself, it does not guarantee that a deity feels the same way. During spirit and deity work, I often ask myself, “Is this message what I anticipated would happen, or is it something never thought of?” Even our closest friends and family can surprise us with unexpected answers.
Familiarize yourself with the deity before trying a new divination method. This might not be possible for new Pagans, but in an ideal world, you should become comfortable with a deity before attempting something new. Learn how They respond to offerings, divination, prayers, written letters, devotional acts, etc. This way, you’ll be more likely to catch when something is off in the future.
Before contacting your deity, stabilize your emotional state. Even the most experienced practitioners can be tricked if they are stressed, angry, self-deprecating, anxious, or sad. It is also possible to misinterpret a deity’s sign if you feel bad. While deities can soothe turbulent emotions, make sure that you’re taking care of yourself, too.
Ask the deity for confirmation. Some people worry that asking a deity about their worries might offend Them. If you feel that a divine message has been compromised, confirm it. The deity might reassure you and, better yet, protect you from future mishaps.
Seek an outside opinion. If you are new to deity work or a certain divination method, ask someone who is more experienced in that field. You can even ask a different form of divination (such as tarot cards or runes) for answers.
Trust your gut. Although this might sound cliche, intuition matters in deity work. Did the message shock you? Scare you? Infuriate you? Does it seem too convenient? If so, ask your deity next time you pray. You may have good reason to doubt.
If you’re constantly worried, put up wards. If you suspect that a spirit is messing with your deity work, cast protection spells. It will give you peace of mind, at least.
Give deities the benefit of the doubt. Deities are here to help people. They want loyal worshippers, not enemies. They can heal, inspire, encourage, and enlighten if you let them. I have personally found that, when people think lowly of themselves, they assume that deities think the same way. They do not. Trust me.

Conclusion

Although it is possible for a spirit to pose as a deity, it is not common. If you reach out to a deity, you more likely receive a response from Them. If you want to learn how deities can contact you, check this post.

St. Augustine made an intelligent philosophical argument in On the Divination of Demons. However, I believe that he is wrong. Pagan deities are not demons in disguise, for two reasons:

This argument can easily be flipped and said about any religion.
We know when we’re talking a deity, because we have methods to fact-check!

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Why Color Magic Correspondence Lists Only Scratch The Surface

2/20/2021

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In 2007, researchers from Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland, tested how color influences pain. They set up participants to feel mild electric shocks. Before shocking them, they showed the participants one of six colors. When participants saw the color red, they felt more pain than when they saw green or blue. It makes sense; many people associate red with burning, bleeding, or inflammation.

During a later study in 2016, French scientists found that color has a physiological effect on people. Participants who stared at red had higher testosterone levels, and they tended to feel more dominance and arousal.

It is no secret that color affects us emotionally, psychologically, and physically. Color is important in every system of magic, no matter where or when it comes from. That is why color magic posts are so popular...and why so many of them are wrong.

The Fault of Color Correspondence Lists

If you look up almost any witchcraft website or book, you will find correspondence lists. These lists are meant to be easy resources for people to glance at when they need it. As a result, most of these associate colors with single nouns. For example, you might see the color “red” with correspondences such as “fire,” “sex,” “passion,” and so on.

But these lists only scratch the surface of what colors mean and how they affect us. I’m willing to bet that the two studies I cited earlier told you more about red than any of the correspondence words in the previous paragraph.

To be clear, I’m not trying to start beef with people who create color correspondence lists. These lists can be great starting points to inspire people and get them thinking about color. But what I am saying is that, in magic, color has so many associations that further research is imperative.

The colored inks I use for art magic and devotionals.

Colors Have Contradictory Meanings

Pop quiz: what is the most common wedding dress color?

If you live in the U.S. or Europe, you probably answered white. If you hail from China or India, you probably said red. And if you’re familiar with wedding culture, you probably said that dresses came in a variety of colors until Queen Victoria popularized white in 1840.

But this question isn’t about the wedding industry. I’m trying to point out that every culture has a different association with colors. And depending on the culture you reference, you might find that a color means more than you think it does.

My Thoth devotional art piece.

Let’s return to white. Many people who grew up in a Christian household end up associating white with purity. But if you lived in China, you would find that white is commonly associated with death. White chrysanthemums frequently appear on caskets, and some people even wear white to funerals (not often, but it does happen). Meanwhile, Finnish folklore says that seeing a white animal--especially albino--is an omen of death.

You might say, “But isn’t black the color of death?” In many cultures, yes. If you’ve seen ancient Egyptian art, you’ve probably noticed that chthonic deities (including Anubis and Thoth) are portrayed with black bodies. But in the same culture, black is associated with fertility because the Nile banks turned black when they became moist. In fact, one of Egypt’s nicknames was Kemet, meaning “the black land.” That’s two seemingly contradictory meanings within the same civilization.

When I look at color correspondence lists, few take culture or religion into account. You have no idea which culture the author is from. You can only assume that, wherever they’re from, red means “passion.”

Even Emotionally, Colors Have Different Meanings

Candles in various colors with a ziplock bag of coffin nails.

When I look up color correspondences, I often see people cite emotional implications of colors. For example, many people will say that the color blue is calming because of its associations with water. Several psychology studies have reported on color’s emotional associations, and even they have come across mixed results.

Remember that 2007 study I mentioned where seeing red resulted in more pain? You might be surprised to learn that a different study recorded the healing powers of red. In 1996, researchers gave participants placebo painkiller pills of different colors. Warm-colored pills ended up working better than cool-colored pills.

On top of that, each color created a different effect. When participants took a blue or green placebo pill, they felt more calm and tired. But red, orange, and yellow pills were more stimulating.

The contradictory meanings of colors do not work against magic; they work for it. Depending on the spell, a red candle can heal someone, seduce a partner, or curse an enemy. The power stems from the practitioner and how they use it.

Create Your Own Correspondence List

.Before I continue, I want to shout out my friend Lumi who gave me the advice that I’m about to tell you (and for just being fantastic). If you want to learn more about color or art magic, visit her Instagram @artbylumi or her Tumblr @artwitchpath.

To kickstart your color magic journey, create your own correspondence list. With paint, pens, or whatever medium you prefer, jot down every color of the rainbow. I recommend doing different shades too, as light green and dark green could mean different things to you.

Do not worry about folklore or magic yet. Just write down what you think of when you see that color. Is it calming? Scary? Do you associate colors with certain deities or seasons? Approach this as an intuitive writing exercise.

If you need help starting, check out this Instagram poll that I put on my story this week (@death.witch.envy). This is what my followers had to say about certain color associations.

Do you agree with these results? Do you disagree? Can you think of another color that is more calming, happy, negative, or healing?

At the end of this post, I’ll show you my working color correspondence list. I used paint swatches and wrote all associations I could come up with. Hopefully, it will inspire you.

As You Research, Add to Your List

As you study your Craft, you’ll likely find colors along the way. Update your correspondences as you learn. The more you work with color in magic, the deeper of an understanding you’ll get.

Also, do not feel pressured to write down the meaning of blue in every single culture or religion. Try to focus on what you are practicing. I mentioned some Chinese associations earlier, but my religion and ethnicity are not Chinese, so I do not use those in my practice. Instead, I focus on ancient Greek, Irish, Sumerian, or Egyptian correspondences, depending on the spell or deity I’m working with.

Whenever you perform a spell or ritual, write it down. Include which colors you used in candles, pen ink, flowers, etc. Did the spell succeed? Did it not? This is why I always recommend writing down rituals; it’s the best way to learn what works and what does not.

For more examples, check out my color correspondence lists below.

Conclusion

Depending on the culture, ethnicity, folklore, religion, or even person, colors have different meanings. That is why most color correspondence lists only scratch the surface of their magical uses.
Create your own color list by writing down what you think each shade means.
As you research, add meanings that stem from certain spells, folklore, mythology, or religious rituals related to your Craft.

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Everything You Need to Know About Yule: History, Traditions, and How to Celebrate It

12/19/2020

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The winter solstice, Yule, is rapidly approaching. Many Pagans celebrate Yule, and while I was researching the holiday, I wondered where the traditions came from. I knew a few things, such as that the Yule log and wassailing came from Norse culture. But when I researched more, I found out that Yule is an amalgamation of several cultures, from Roman to Egyptian to modern-day Christmas.

This post is an exploration of modern-day Yule. I’ll go into the history of where certain celebrations came from and how they gathered to create the holiday. Then, I’ll discuss how you can celebrate Yule today.

NOTE: For this post, I will call ancient Pagans “Pagans” and modern Pagans “NeoPagans.” I don’t usually do this, but I’m making an exception for clarity.

The Ancient Germanic Jól

The first written record of Yule we have comes from fourth-century Germany. During that time, the Yule festival began after the first day of autumn. In the tenth century, Haakon the Good of Norway shortened Yule to 12 days at the end of the year. The ancient calendar did not encompass 365 days, so the 12 “extra” days became the celebration.

The word Yule comes from the Old Norse jól and Old English ġēol. It was pretty clearly a Pagan holiday. One name for Odin, jólfaðr, literally means “Yule Father.” The holiday celebrated the winter solstice, and it was a time to make oaths, such as marriages and rulership.

The Old Norse practiced a form of trick-or-treating on Yule. Children would ask their neighbors for treats such as figgy pudding. For dinner, communities would traditionally eat boar (ham), wine, and nog.

In the Middle Ages, people practiced wassailing. It was similar to Christmas caroling where people would sing at neighbors’ doorsteps with a wassail bowl. The bowl was filled with some kind of drink, usually cider, wine, or ale blended with honey and spices. They offered their drink in return for gifts.

Ancient Pagans also believed that the trees slept through autumn. During Yule, they would pick orchards and lay them near trees to “wake them up.” Mistletoes were considered to be sacred and a symbol of Freya. If they spotted a mistletoe, the ancients would let it fall onto a white cloth. Then, they would give parts of the mistletoe to each household to ward off evil.

This gorgeous Yule log is by the Etsy shop Mlwoodlandcreations.

The Yule Log

The Yule log is perhaps the most well-known holiday tradition. And no, we’re not talking about the French dessert. We’re talking about a log that is burned throughout Yuletide. Today, NeoPagans often decorate logs and place candles in them in honor of the tradition.

For the ancient Norse, however, the Yule log was an entire tree. Communities would take great care to choose a sacred tree to chop down. After cutting off the branches, they would haul the trunk into a long hallway. Instead of lighting the entire tree on fire, they only lit the end. Over time, the ancients would push the trunk into the fire, burning the entire thing throughout the 12 days of Yule. In Holland, Pagans gathered the tree’s ashes and placed them under their bed for protection.

The Roman Festival Saturnalia

The ancient Romans had their own solstice festival, Saturnalia, which went from December 17th to December 23rd. There are many interesting facts about Saturnalia, but I’m going to focus on the factors that likely influenced modern-day Christmas and Yule.

Saturnalia is widely credited as the origin of “Christmas cheer.” The holiday was created to imitate the rule of the Titan Saturn (Cronos in Greek), who governed a golden age. During this time, the Romans practice “role reversal” where their usual societal rules did not matter. Slaves ate with their masters, wars would go on pause, and all political squabbles would cease.

Partying and gift-giving were huge aspects of Saturnalia. On December 19th, the Romans would give each other sigillaria, or gag-gifts. For regular gifts, children often received toys, and adults could get expensive gifts such as a farm animal. A common gift was a cerei, a wax candle that signified the sun returning after the solstice.

People decorated their homes with greenery and wore colorful clothes called synthesis during dinner.. Singing, dancing, gambling, and playing games were common celebrations, as well as large feasts. I’m sure that you can see the similarities between Saturnalia and modern-day Christmas/Yule.

The Ancient Egyptian Winter Solstice

The ancient Egyptians also celebrated the winter solstice. For them, the return of the sun was closely associated with their sun God, Horus. However, in the Middle Kingdom, this festival celebrated the births of five deities over five days: Osiris, Horus, Set, Isis, and Nephthys.

I want to address the common myth that Horus was born on December 25th. This is incorrect. According to Plutarch, Horus was born on the winter solstice, which can land between December 20th and December 22nd depending on the year. Although these dates are close, they should not be conflated.

The Egyptians frequently associated deities and pharaohs with the sun. They built their shrines so that the sun would rise in between two pillars on the solstice. They knew that they could not live without the sun and welcomed it back in winter.

The Mysterious Origin Of Christmas Trees

Although some NeoPagans say that Christmas trees were appropriated from Paganism, the truth is not so black-and-white. Historians still aren’t sure where the Christmas tree tradition began. However, we do know that ancients from several cultures decorated with evergreens.

The ancient Celts used to decorate temples with green boughs, the plant of the sun God, Baldr. The boughs symbolized everlasting lift and the return of the sun. The ancient Egyptians also placed greenery over doors and windows to ward off malicious spirits and illness.

So when did people start hauling trees indoors? Historians still aren’t sure. The first record of a decorated Christmas tree came from Martin Luther, the 16th-century leader of the Protestant Reformation. Luther reportedly came up with the idea to place candles near a tree after lights outside of his church.

Many historians believe that people were likely bringing trees indoors for many years before Martin Luther. Perhaps Luther was the first well-known figure to decorate a tree. But as for where Christmas trees come from, we’re not quite sure.

Did Christians Steal Christmas?

The claim that Christians stole Christmas from the Pagans is everywhere, especially in Pagan communities. I can’t talk about the history of Yule without addressing these accusations.

First off, the claim that December 25th came from the winter solstice is not entirely correct. In the second century, Clement of Alexandria claimed that Mary conceived Christ on March 25th (the same day as his future death). Therefore, Jesus was born nine months later, on December 25th.

When missionaries aimed to convert Pagan populations, this date came in handy. The most effect method of conversion was to take previous holidays, locations, and figures and change them from Pagan to Christian. Although Christmas was already being celebrated, it was close enough to the winter solstice that the celebration made sense to many Pagans.

In my opinion, the most common misconception about the Christian conversion is how long it took. Many people assume that conversation was quick; it wasn’t. Conversion took hundreds of years. In the Norse, Nordic, and Celtic countries, areas were constantly being taken over by Viking clans before returning to missionaries. So one area would become Pagan, then Christian, then Pagan again over hundreds of years.

This is why we see so many Pagan traditions blended into Christian ones. People took old Pagan celebrations, such as decorating with evergreens, and continued them with a different religion. On top of that, the government eventually became Christian, and it enforced how people should celebrate holidays.

Now, I’m not trying to relieve the missionaries from blame. They absolutely forced people to convert, and there are cases where the word “stealing” is appropriate. For instance, in Ireland, the Goddess Brigid was so popular that missionaries transformed Her into Saint Brigid. But for Christmas, I personally believe that the answer is more complicated than “Christians stole it.” The Christian holiday already existed, and Yule traditions eventually blended in and became Christian.

My Yule altar for 2020.

Wiccan Yule and the Holly and Oak Kings

In Wicca, Yule is a Sabbat, or a celebration of the sun. In some traditions, Yule honors the rebirth of the Horned God. The God passed away on Samhain (Halloween) and is reborn on Yule.

In other traditions, Wiccans celebrate the legend of the Holly King and the Oak King. Although some claim that this myth is ancient, we have no record of it before Robert Graves’ 1948 book The White Goddess. Graves compared the legend to other myths such as Lugh and Balor and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Similar comparisons came from the 1890 book The Golden Bough by anthropologist Sir James George Frazer, but the Oak and Holly Kings story did not arise until later.

According to the story, the Holly King and Oak King battle throughout the year. The Holly King represents darkness and gains power during the autumn equinox. On Yule, the Oak King, which represents light, overthrows the Holly King. In some traditions, these kings are aspects of the Horned God, and the Oak King fights for the Goddess.

How to Celebrate Yule Today

You might have read about all of these traditions and gotten confused. How can we celebrate modern-day Yule when it has so many origins from so many cultures? Fortunately, many of these holidays have overlap, and we can decide which traditions we want to celebrate.

Decorate your home with real or fake greenery. A Christmas tree is not required, but many Pagans choose to make one. Evergreens are associated with everlasting life and protection.
Create a Yule altar featuring greenery, candles, pinecones, and other wintery decorations.
Light candles. Remember that the winter solstice is a celebration of the sun. Fire is an element that appears through many ancient solstice celebrations.
Light a Yule log or make one yourself. Many NeoPagans stick candles into logs in place of burning one. Many will decorate a log with greenery. I bought a decorated Yule log with fake candles to celebrate the holiday.
Feast! Food and feasting has been a winter solstice celebration for thousands of years. Bake a Yule log (the French dessert), or cook a meal with family or friends.
Give gifts. It’s not just a Christmas thing.
Watch the sunrise or sunset. Remember that the earth is about to get warmer and more fruitful.
Sing, dance, and be merry! Yule is a holiday about joy and hope. People are encouraged to party and play games together.
If applicable, pray to deities in your faith. Sun deities get special attention on Yule, but you can pray to any God or Goddess you want.
Spells that encompass rebirth, shadow work, fertility, luck, ancestry, and the future are appropriate for Yule.
Read myths related to the winter, solstice, or sun. Storytelling was a large part of Pagan culture, as many holidays and traditions were passed down orally.
Get cozy. Yule is time to celebrate warmth during the colder months. Get under a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa and remember that the world is about to get warmer.

How do you celebrate Yule? Did I miss any facts or traditions? Are you reading this on the holiday or before? Let me know in the comments below!

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<<Previous

Why Me?

You Can Say No ​

If You Want to Proceed

Study the Deity

Decide How to Reach Out

When You Reach Out

What Happens Afterwards?

What Do People Do during Each Moon Phase?

New Moon

Waxing Moon

Full Moon

Waning Moon

Tips to Make the Moon Phases Simpler

In Summary

What Is Pagan Prayer Journaling?

Daily Check-Ins:

For a Pantheon/Religion:

For One Specific Deity:

Holidays:

Moon Phases and Astrology:

Tell Me about Your Journaling Experience!

How to Choose a Deity

What to Study Before Working with the Deity

How to Conduct an Introduction Ritual

How Do You Know If You Do Something Wrong?

Some Tips to Remember

In Summary

Spell Ingredients

Witchcraft Tools

Altar Items

Storage

Building Altars with Thrifted Items

Did I Miss Anything?

Making the Handfasting Cords

The Religiously Vague Ceremony

A Memorial for the Dead

Religious Jewelry

The Bouquet and Other Small Aspects

Other Ideas That We Did Not Incorporate

What Do You Think?

Crossroads

Cemeteries and Graveyards

Caves

Bridges

Rivers

Rainbows

Other Notable Locations

Conclusion

Can Spirits Impersonate Deities?

Red Flags to Watch For

How to Guarantee That You’re Speaking to a Deity

​Conclusion

The Fault of Color Correspondence Lists

Colors Have Contradictory Meanings

Even Emotionally, Colors Have Different Meanings

Create Your Own Correspondence List

As You Research, Add to Your List

Conclusion

The Ancient Germanic Jól

The Yule Log

The Roman Festival Saturnalia

The Ancient Egyptian Winter Solstice

The Mysterious Origin Of Christmas Trees

Did Christians Steal Christmas?

Wiccan Yule and the Holly and Oak Kings

How to Celebrate Yule Today

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