Sans titre

What if we talked about closed practices? Something I'd never heard of in all my years of practice/belief...

I started my journey as a Wiccan. Yes, yes, I know. Although at the time I thought I was just following a simple, easy-going belief system, I quickly found myself unable to be satisfied with that.

It's ugly, but like many people today, I sought to develop my practice and beliefs by being special. And by working with practices or pantheons without really doing any in-depth research.

You know what the worst part is? The boomerang effect.

I admit I was lucky, and for that, I will never be able to thank the goddess enough for coming to me and teaching me this lesson.

• In fact, this post is a bit of a tribute to her.

I would like to help those who are unaware of it to open their eyes to this perspective. At first, the concept of closed practices/beliefs seemed unclear to me. Between doing whatever you want as long as you don't hurt anyone, only practicing according to your blood heritage, only practicing according to a specific ethnicity...

= In short, I searched. And I SEARCHED, for a

long time. A really long time

I spent hours researching, reading, and everything else I could, to the point where my eyes were stinging.

Why? Because I didn't want to be disrespectful anymore.

Know that there are many things that are closed practices or beliefs. And many that are also open. To you. And the answers will be different. (Country, Culture, Initiation, etc.)

Here are some examples of closed practice:

• White sage

• Voodoo

• Jewish beliefs and mysticism (Kabbalah, etc.)

• Irish and Scottish Celtic beliefs

• The majority of beliefs linked to pantheons such as: Slavic, Asian, African, etc.

• Monotheistic beliefs... And I'll stop there, but there are MANY more.

A closed practice or belief doesn't necessarily mean untouchable. For some, you can have an initiation that allows you to open these doors, so to speak. BUT. It's important to understand that initiation, for example, isn't something that can be rushed. It requires time and commitment, sometimes several years. And apparently, it proves its worth.

New Age paganism doesn't only have advantages. It takes a way of thinking and turns it into a system.

Practicing a closed practice is disrespectful to the gods of the pantheon, the ancestors connected to these beliefs or practices, and it can be dangerous for you.

I called to a water lily

It told me to stay with you

I called to a water lily

It told me to watch over you

She watched over me like a mother

Advised me like a true friend

She supported me when I wouldn't

Carried me when I fell

She was one of the first to take my hand when I was sad

She cradled me on a water lily

She was one of the first to make me understand the affection of the gods

She held me with a water lily

Demeter

Goddess I ignored

Mother goddess

Harvest goddess

Hold me in my sadness

Your arms are my comfort

Hold me in my tears

Your arms will be my reason.

Phoebe (or Phoebe "shining") is a Titaness, daughter of Uranus and Gaia. Married to her brother Coeus, she gave birth to Leto and Asteria. This makes her the grandmother of Apollo, Artemis, and Hecate.

As with everything, there are sometimes several versions. Some do not mention Asteria.

She is traditionally associated with the Moon and with Artemis, her granddaughter, with whom she is sometimes confused.

I found some information linking her to Selene. But I haven't found a reliable source for this.

According to the introduction to Aeschylus' Eumenides, she receives control of the Delphic oracle after her sister Themis, and passes it on to Apollo as a birthday present (which would explain the god's epithet "Phoebus").

Some call it the gentle moonlight or the light of wisdom and prophecy, but that seems to be more recent than the rest.

Fun fact: One of the Halliwell sisters from Charmed is named Phoebe and has the gift of premonition. I always thought it was a nod to the show, but I never checked.

The colors of the Titanide: Traditionally, it is associated with white, silver, and pale blue. But I also associate it with dark blue.

Animals: Owl

Music for her :

✨

Phoebe

Enlighten us with your divine light

Guide us with your wisdom

Whisper to us what you see

We are your children

We praise your name

We follow your example

We pray to you, sending you honor and devotion in our words.

Blessed are you, great goddess

Mom, this message is for you. Divinity who watches over me day and night. Whom I pray to. Whom I honor. From whom I learn. Mentor of my existence. Who guides me with patience. I thank you for your consideration. In my life, which is a little shaky anyway. Without you, I wouldn't be here. You welcomed me into your arms when I had no one. You held my hand through trials when I had only myself. You gently taught me life's lessons. You were with me through my sorrows. You congratulated me on my successes. You were sometimes more expressive than me in readings on certain subjects, and you always answered my questions that went around and around in my head. You never judged me; I always felt safe. Mom, I call you that, and you know why. I am lucky to have you near me. You have been my answer and my solution. My lifeline, like my parachute. I know you are there. No matter where. I move forward with peace of mind. I praise your power. I praise your presence. I praise your name. I praise all that is in you.

Mother, I praise you.

I saw it. But it's one of the offerings I perhaps liked the most.

Today, spirituality is mainly about buying things for deities, or doing spectacular things. We sometimes forget that in the past, we didn't necessarily have these kinds of resources. We built. We improved things ourselves with our own hands, and that says more.

My offering isn't perfect; it's not aesthetically pleasing. But in the end, what does it matter as long as it pleases my goddess? Today, most things are about aesthetics. They have to be impressive. They can't be modest. But why bother? When the best we have to offer is handmade. The time and energy invested.

I'm not saying that something bought can't be suitable as an offering. I'm not saying it won't be accepted or appreciated by the gods. The value, however, is different in the end. It depends.

Is it better to save for five months for a statuette or to make a hand? I don't have a universal answer to that question. I have an opinion, but it's not what you're looking for.

Full of Grace

Queen of all gentleness

Who pierces our hearts with the blade of your epithets

Goddess of love and tenderness

Face of war and rivalry

Teach us duality.

Educate our closed hearts.

With your love you will guide us at every step.

I have no doubt about our safety.

By letting TikTok and other social networks develop, I've noticed that we no longer know anything.

Whether it's about religion or anything else. Far too many people don't even know the symbol they wear every day, or why they wear it.

Many don't know the myths or the origins of their god and are content with things they see on the internet.

I don't blame anyone; I've made these mistakes. Who am I to say anything other than facts?

Trying to have a constructive conversation about why we perform a ritual in this way at this particular festival will lead to many stammering.

To know is not to agree with everything. It's to accept that part of the truth, that part of existence that may displease us or leave us perplexed.

Being religious is not about making others believe at all costs, but about being open to their perspective. It's about recognizing that what they say may be true, while still choosing your own faith without letting it influence you. And that's not easy.

We are easily led today to have a politically correct belief. I would like to remind you that, especially now, political correctness is influenced by TikTok. Brilliant.

The "spiritual trend" has become a concern. When I observe things that include the use of concepts like chakras, white sage, or other things outside their traditional context, several problems arise:

Decontextualization: Chakras, for example, originate from specific Indian traditions, according to my research. Using them as mere fashion accessories empties them of their profound meaning.

Cultural appropriation: The superficial and commercial use of spiritual symbols and practices can be perceived as disrespectful to the cultures that developed them.

Distortion: The popularization of these concepts can lead to oversimplification and a distortion of their original meaning, resulting in misunderstandings or even problems.

Commodification: The sale of products related to these practices ("chakra" jewelry, "energy" clothing, etc.) turns spirituality into something that can be bought. No. Spirituality is lived.

And it's not all sunshine and rainbows. It is crucial to approach these concepts with respect and to learn about their origins and meaning.

What worries me most is perhaps the simplistic approach of the ritual.

Ask yourself some questions !

Where does this come from? Why? What are the risks? Is it a closed practice? Is it really useful? Why this herb/plant? Is it dangerous in certain ways? How do you store the oils? Where does this god come from? Can I pray to him? And if so, where do these myths and cults come from? There are LOTS of things to know.

I call you that because from the beginning of my life

you have guided me,

helped me,

And loved me.

Mother

You may not be my mother in the strictest sense, but you are my anchor.

Hecate

Goddess of crossroads

Goddess of witchcraft

Guardian of wisdom

Mother

Hear my words, and be honored.

Adsagsona

Adsagsona is the presumed name of a female deity attested only on lead from the Larzac region. Discovered in 1983 during a rescue excavation at the ancient necropolis of La Vayssière (L'Hospitalet-du-Larzac, Aveyron). Composed of two segments, inscribed on both sides.

Unfortunaly, the extensive oxidation of the plaques prevents a complete reading of the text.

So, According to my research, this is the largest inscription in the Gaulish language found since. Based on this, several possibilities have emerged. One suggests that it was probably a goddess invoked to obtain justice.

But there is also another proposal. This time, she is presented as a goddess who repels curses and spells. Others interpret her as a goddess of the underworld and perhaps of magic.

Queen of Wisdom

Giver of Good Counsel

You were there when I wasn't looking

You are my inner voice

The one I love to hear

Reminding me of prudence

gentleness or,

on the contrary, defense

Métis

Queen of Knowledge

Who brings us the wisdom of reflection

And the tenderness of your judgment

With you,

I have never felt alone.

With you,

I know I am protected

With you,

I know I am safe

I feel you

Powerful like a queen

Warm like a mother

Sigyn

Faithful companion

Goddess full of wisdom

Mentor of gentleness

Thanks to the gods, I resemble you a little

Sigyn

Goddess full of glory

Unwavering love

Trusted fidelity

Goddess of victory

Goddess of love

Goddess of compassion

Thanks to the gods, you inspire me every day

Sigyn

May these words touch you, honor you, and please you.

Mistress of the dark realm

Bearer of the night

Who watches over our sleep and protects us

Comforting goddess

Goddess with a sharpened soul

May you guide us with your wisdom

Honor us with your protection

Nyx

Queen of the night

Benevolent and guiding

Powerful and influential

You who welcome our prayers

You who hear our cries

Nyx

Protector and judge

Mother, guide, and goddess

You who frighten

You who soothe

Nyx

Queen of the night

Bearer of this

Hear my honor.

Hear my voice.

Nyx

These words are for you.

God we meet on the path of chaos

God who guides us off the beaten path

God who leads us to reflection

I didn't know

You were watching over me

I didn't know

You guided me every day

I didn't know

You were always there

Blazing God

God of illusions

Shape-shifter

Protector of children

Protector of the unloved

Protector of the black sheep

Fox God

Spirit of cunning

Ancient God

Filled with hidden wisdom

Cunning God

Who brings surprising change

May you be honored by these words.

May you receive my love.

Grant me your presence

Grant me your guidance

Be blessed

You who carry the flame of every family

every home

every heart

You who bring to this earth

The sweetness of your presence

the wisdom of your knowledge

the depth of your thoughts

Guide my steps

Even in the darkest of corridors

Teach me

The way to you

So be it

• Nott is a deity in Norse mythology.

• In Greek mythology, Nyx personifies Night.

• Hemera embodies earthly light and therefore personifies Day.

• Eos is the goddess who personifies dawn.

• Astraeus is recognized as a Titan god associated with twilight.

• Helios is the personified god of the Sun.

• Selene is the personification of the moon.

• The personifications of the winds: Boreas, the North Wind; Euros, the East Wind; Zephyr, the West Wind; Notus, the South Wind.

• Aura is the personification of the Breeze and the fresh morning air.

• Uranus is a deity personifying the starry sky.

Wolf God,

Father,

Brother,

Protector,

Gods of many roles for me

Hear my voice Hear my words

Help me to rise again

Show me the way

Enlighten me with your decision

I am devoted to you