amber gray you will always be famous

Doing some practice. Still vibeing with grayscale for a bit.

Trying to hone in on August's design. Making him Nagaraja gives me a fun excuse to draw fun teeth instead of normal fangs.

Grill me a cheese - Submitted by kanadeosc

(Image ID: a row of stone archways overlooking the coast and the ocean)

Been working on going back to college in the fall. It's something that I've been debating over for the better part of two years now. I took a gap year after I graduated high school and while I thought that was the best idea at the time, now I'm trying to apply and enroll, I feel nothing but lost.

I'm not sure why but this is one of the most daunting tasks I've ever tried to do. When Lady Athene reached out to me a little over a month ago, I wasn't entirely sure why, but I think now this is why. I woke up this morning with the intense desire to actually get all of my ducks in a row, per se, as enrollment for the Fall semester here opens tomorrow.

I lit Lady Athene's candle and got to work, but I was struck with the most paralyzing anxiety I have ever experienced. There were too many steps, too many things that needed to be done, too many requirements that I wasn't sure I met anymore.

So I prayed.

I've never been good at prayer, I stumble over my words, I back track, I second guess myself. But I called to Her, I asked for Her help, to guide me. It's been a slow, but steady process, but I know She is looking out for me.

I make my pilgrimage through the crowd

I dance my way through the beer garden and enter her sacred space

past midnight, the sermons begin

the sink is the altar at the temple of Aphrodite

the priestesses are gathered around one tiny mirror

their giggles and cackles are ambrosia to my ears, the nectar has long before started flowing

it has to, else no service tonight

"oh my god," the high priestess says, invoking the prayer

"you're too good for him," says another of the women

"girl, I love that dress," says the third.

one of them offers her mascara. communion.

the stalls are the confession booths in the temple of Aphrodite

as the godess herself holds a girl's hair as she confesses her sin

"do not worry, child, it is not a sin to live in hedonism," she says, her voice like honey

"stall’s free," the girl stumbles out

it is a mess, the temple of Aphrodite

but not a repulsion. tear tracks are a mark of love,

not for the man who caused the tears but for the girls who wipe them away

you’ll never see them again, but tonight they voice the will of a godess

I ask the high priestess where she got her shoes

it is part of the ritual of the temple, and I have done my part now

"ooh, girl, on sale!" the priestess is pleased.

the godess herself is appeased. I go in peace.

Learning about self-defense (includes carrying a self-protection weapon)

Listening to or writing slam poetry

Wearing jewelry that reminds you of him

Making a list of your personal strengths and things you're proud of

Writing letters (that you will never send) to people who've hurt you and burning them

Exercising, if possible

Dancing, especially to music that brings out your passion, anger, or rebellious side

Supporting local activists or online activism for causes you believe in

Expressing yourself the way you want to physically (this can include little things, such as wearing a certain bracelet or putting on a scent)

Allowing yourself to express your anger and upset; sit with and feel your feelings

Keeping a picture of him in your wallet (this will be a recommendation for every deity, since this can be really discreet)

Playing combat-based video games

Watching combat-based shows

Having a candle that reminds you of him (no altar required)

Having rose imagery around (e.g. art of roses, rose jewelry, rose fairy lights, etc.)

Having imagery of horses around, especially horses related to fire (his chariot has four horses that BREATHE FIRE, WHAT)

Place motivational/affirmational notes somewhere you'll see them

Wearing bold colors, such as red or maroon (these colors are UPG; what do you associate with Ares? Wear those!)

Learning how to box or wrestle (a punching bag tends to be helpful)

Engaging with your personal passions

If you have dogs, playing with them

-

Taper, Pillar and Vatic and Tealight. The most well used candles [but if like me the only types of Candles I know is tea lights hence the image to show what is what]

Candles can be used in place of statues for deities or your chosen deity, have a candle colour that represents them or carve their symbol sigil into the candle. 

A flame that splits into two or more flames means that there is a presence of spirits, deities, or another human being involved. 

A flame that burns calmly, eventually and clean means your spell is going as planned, everything is going good and the spell will manifest as expected.

A tall bright and high candle flame: Means there is a lot of energy behind the spell, not much can go wrong, everything is going perfectly. Fast results are more likely.

A small steady low-burning flame means there is little energy behind the spell, a wanted result is still likely, but with a delay. If the size of the flame grows during the spell, that means the amount of energy is increasing.

A small, week flame that flickers and bends, means something bad, it’s just a bad sign could be wrong timing for the spell the outcome isn’t likely if the flame drowns the wax then the spell wont work.

If the flame makes a cracking or popping sound then that means there is a conversation.

A flickering flame means there is a spirit around, or whichever deity you are trying to contact, if any is listening and you will be heard. If the flame pops while flickering then the spirit or deity is trying to communicate with you.

If you try to blow out the flame and it doesn’t go out then this means that you are not yet done. Either the deity or spirit doesn’t want you to extinguish the flame, you missed a step, etc. When you feel the time is right to try to extinguish the candle again, do so.

If the candle flame dances or moves rapidly then it means there is high energy in a spell, but also chaotic energy. A large dancing flame means success, but may bring possible challenges. A small dancing flame means the spell may be interfered with by other forces, meaning there may be other things (or even people) working against you.

If the flame suddenly goes out then the spell is already finished, so leave it be. Usually this means that the spell, or whatever working you were doing, will not manifest, or the wanted outcome is already there.

If the candle won’t light, This spell can’t give you the result you want. The outcome may have already been decided, or isn’t something you can control. Take some quality time (at least a day, up to a couple weeks) to focus on your intention again, then try it again. Meditation and spiritual cleansing may be helpful. Divination may also be able to help you discover what is blocking you.

If the candle produces lots of smoke then it means the element of Air is present in the spell or whatever working you are doing. The element of Air is the element of communication and observation. Observe the smoke closely to gather information about the situation.

If the candle makes white smoke then this is a really good sign. It means your wish will be granted. White smoke generally is a sign of blessing and benevolent spirits. 

If the candle produces black smoke this is then a representation of negative energy. Opposing forces and bad luck are interfering. Prayer or meditation, and cleansing are needed before continuing. 

If the smoke moves towards you then this is a good sign if you are performing a spell that brings something to you. If you are performing a spell that is a curse, hex, etc. then this definitely is a bad sign.

If the smoke moves away from you then this means something is escaping your control… this is a bad sign, unless it is a spell to heal, influence or manipulate others, then this means your spell is going as planned.

If the flame is mainly blue or blue- white then this is a sign of spiritual presence, the color of Angelic and Faery fire. This is a sign that higher spiritual beings have come to assist you with magick.

If the candle forms a crater in the center surrounding the flame, and leaves wax on the sides, then this isn’t a good sign for you. It usually means that your intent is too weak for the spell to manifest, or something has blocked you from reaching the intended target.

If the candle quickly melts into a puddle then is not necessarily a bad sign. It can represent strong, passionate, increasing energy. The hardened wax is good for wax divination. Observe the hardened wax, looking for any shapes or messages or deeper meanings. You can look online or through other resources to find out what these meanings are, or trust your intuition to find the meanings yourself and apply it to whatever situation fits.

If the candle burns with no dripping then this spell has been very successful and properly performed.

If the wax drips on one side only then something is out of balance.  Some say that drips on the left represent an emotional or psychic imbalance, while drips on the right mean your thoughts or beliefs are blocking you. An incomplete outcome is awaiting. .

If burnt wick pieces appear in the wax then this means there is accidental consequences or other things to work on after the spell is finished. Guilt, broken hearts, karma, new challenges, etc. this is usually minor, but still unenjoyable.

If soot collects on the candle container: Black soot is a sign of negative energy or interference. If it appears only at the top of the jar, the challenging force has likely already been dealt with. If it covers the entire surface of the container, then you’re better off re-doing the working, something has interfered with it. White soot is rare, and represents spiritual assistance.

If the candle/ container explodes, breaks, or something else drastic happens, abandon the spell and cleanse yourself and your space. This working has been ended by a higher force or a reason. Do not continue until you’ve acquired more information.

[Source] @awake-by-the-moon

Make your body wash/shampoo/conditioner rose scented

Have a rose or sweet scented candle that you light (doesn't have to be on an altar)

Create a skin/body care routine

Have perfume/cologne that you dedicate to her

Wear jewelry that reminds you of her

Carry a pocket charm that reminds you of her (dove works well in a Christian household and is a sacred animal of hers)

Keep a small picture of her in your wallet (maybe carry modern art and claim she is a character from something if asked)

Wear a locket with a picture of someone you love or of her

Give compliments to strangers

Drink water regularly and dedicate a glass of it to her

Collect seashells (if possible)

Collect things you simply find pretty

Get a stuffed animal of a dove or swan/have imagery of those animals around (dove works especially well in a Christian household)

Plan your outfits/wear clothes that make you feel good

Keep a journal of poetry dedicated to Aphrodite and love-related topics; can also be a general positivity journal or diary (maybe a diary in a way of writing letters to her but saying a code name instead of "Aphrodite")

Keep heart-shaped imagery around

Embrace yourself; give yourself love

Forgive yourself of past mistakes

Give yourself compliments; start small if needed; I recommend doing this in a mirror

Pin up pictures of loved ones on a mirror or wall

If possible, burn some incense in honor of her; strawberry always has a great smell to it

Watch a love-focused movie (romantic or platonic)

Listen to or read stories about acts of kindness and love

Paint your nails or wear make-up (if you enjoy those things and are able to)

-

I turn to Ares.

Thanks to Tyler Miles Lockett who allowed me to draw inspiration from his ARES piece for page 2! Look at his etsy page it's SICK