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A collection of some of my original magical powder recipes.
All-Purpose Cursing Powder
Bree's Banishing Powder
Clean House Powder
Come Hither Powder
Dead Man's Dust
Dream Dust
âEye of Sauronâ Revelation Powder
Get Thee Hence Powder
Ghost-Be-Gone Powder
Heal Thy Heart Powder
Hexbreaker Powder
Inspiration Salt
Lucky Day Powder
âOutta My Wayâ Powder
Peacekeeper Powder
Persuasion Powder
STFU Powder
Travelerâs Luck Powder
Truthfinder Powder
For those of you who may not be able to find herbs locally, here are some online suppliers who consistently have affordable and high-quality products.
Penn Herb Co. - Bulk herbs, spices, and botanicals - including over 400 wildcrafted herbs, gathered from the United States and worldwide. Single ounce packages are available. Excellent source for powders.
Starwest Botanicals - Bulk herbs, spices, oils, and teas. Good amount of organic and Fair Trade products, as well as supplies for holistic medicine and tea-making.
Mountain Rose Herbs - Bulk herbs, spices, and sundries. Also carries organic products and essential oils, and has link to schools that offer courses in herbalism and herbology.
Bulk Apothecary - Bulk herbs, spices, and oils, in addition to materials for the home production of soap, candles, wine, and beer.
For more recipes to fill out your potion kit, you can check out Pestlework: A Book of Magical Powders & Oils. (Available on Amazon and in my shop!)
If you're enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. đ
As a closeted witch & Pagan celebrating any sort of Pagan holidays was always a struggle. However, I've come up with my own way to celebrate with the things I already own.
Clothes.
Simply wearing the colors that represent Samhain, blacks, oranges, golds, and silvers. I already own many clothes with this color scheme, and since I won't be going trick or treating, I can even wear my skeleton pjs in honor of Samhain. I can put on jewelry in honor of deities like Hecate, Bastet, The MorrĂgan, and so many more of them! I can veil with a headwrap, a hat, or even a headband.
Food
There is no reason to make a big feast. Apple juice, apples, grape juice, and grapes can work the same way. It's the intention that will count. I can even use these as offerings during Samhain.
Activities
Keeping it simple! I'm a digital artist, I can draw any sort of Samhain inspired artwork with my original characters, I can print out pumpkin activity sheets, watch horror movies, light some candles or incense. Clean and cleanse my room. Or even crochet! All of these are low energy activities that I can do and don't require much to do. It's easier for me to find something more obtainable that I can do rather than make a list of all of these activities that require more physical output that I know I won't be able to do. Once again, it's all about the intention I put into doing these activities. That is what really counts!
Final Notes
Honestly, as someone who keeps on seeing all of these big celebrations, it gets really discouraging when you can't do what they can. That's part of the reason I was terrified to go into paganism fully because I knew I couldn't do these big things or have a large beautiful altar. But that's not what was required. It was just something optional. All I need is my mind and my own energy to be a Pagan. So I can celebrate with just a cat stuff animal in honor of Bastet if I so choosed. It's the intention that I'm setting that pushes me forward, not the presentation of it.
Samhain, pronounced "SAH-win", is the eighth Sabbat and final spoke on the Wheel of the Year. With ancient Celtic origins, Samhain was one of the four fire festivals, and falls at the halfway point between the Autumn Equinox ans Winter Solstice. Opposing Beltane on the Wheel, Samhain also similarly features a 'thinning of the Veil', a time when the barrier between our world and that of spirits and other magickal entities is weakened and easier to cross. While Beltane famously is a strong time to interact with the Fae due to the Veil thinning, Samhain is most known for interactions with spiritual entities, the dead, and ancestors.
Samhain is also known as the third and final Harvest Festival (the first being Lughnasadh, and the second Mabon). The frost is coming, and most of the produce has been collected from the fields and stored away. As people prepared for oncoming harsh weather and lack of food/resources, they had to cut back on everything that wasn't crucial to their survival. Thus, this festival was the time of the animal harvest. All creatures who could not be fed through the harsh Winter were harvested during this time, and celebrated for their sacrifice.
Other names for Samhain and similar celebrations include:
âą Halloween
âą All Hallow's Eve
âą The Witch's New Year
âą The Third/Final Harvest
âą Calan Gaeaf, "The First Day Of Winter"
âą Oiche Shamnhna
âą All Soul's Day
âą All Saint's Day
âą Devil's Night
Common Samhain Traditions
âą The Dumb Supper is when a meal is hosted and consumed by the living, but the dead and spirits are invited to participate and given seats and places at the table as a sign of respect. Often the windows are all open during a Dumb Supper to invite the spirits into a home. Sometimes specific spirits or ancestors are invited or the invitation is simply left open to any spirits that wish to attend. The living attendants traditionally eat in silence to honor the spirits and hear their messages.
âą Carving Jack-O-Lanterns originally came from the myth of "Stringy Jack", which is an Irish folktale about a man who tricked the Devil and now has to wander the world with a lit piece of coal protected inside a carved turnip. This evolved into people carving their own turnips and potatoes and placing them in windows or doorways to scare away Stringy Jack and other tricky or potentially harmful spirits. Once Irish immigrants came to America, the tradition was continued with pumpkins.
âą Trick-Or-Treating is also derived from old Samhain traditions. The Celts believed that by dressing up they were disguising themselves from negative spirits who wandered the Earth on Samhain. In the Middle-Ages, "guising" was when children or impoverished people would dress in costumes and go door-to-door begging for food in exchange for songs or prayers. This practice was known as "souling" and the participants called "soulers". In Ireland, the practice of "mumming" involved dressing up in costumes and going door-to-door to sing in exchange for tasty cakes and baked goods.
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The Harvest Moon is the full Moon that occurs nearest to the autumnal equinox date (September 22, 2024). This means that either September or Octoberâs full Moon may take on the name âHarvest Moonâ instead of its traditional name. Similarly, the Hunterâs Moon is the first full Moon to follow the Harvest Moon, meaning it can occur in either October or November.
The Harvest Moon & the Hunterâs Moon are unique in that they are not directly related to this folklore or restricted to a single month. Instead, they are tied to an astronomical event: the autumnal equinox!
âą Octoberâs full Hunter Moon orbits closer to Earth than any of the other full Moons this year, making one of the four supermoons of 2024!  As the Moon drifts over the horizon around sunset, it may appear larger & more orangeâhow perfect for the fall season!
It is believed that this name originates from the fact that it was a signal for hunters to prepare for the upcoming cold winter by going hunting. This is because animals were beginning to fatten up in preparation for the winter season. Moreover, since fields had recently been cleared out under the Harvest Moon, hunters could easily spot deer & other animals that had come out to search for remaining scraps. Additionally, foxes & wolves would also come out to prey on these animals.
Samhain
Known as: Ancestor's night, Feast of Apples, Feast of Sam-fuim, Feast of Souls, Feast of the Dead, Geimhreadh, Hallowmass, Martinmass, Old Hallowmass, Pagan New Year, Samana, Samhuinn, Samonios & Shadowfest
âąDedicate an altar to loved ones who have passed
âą Boil a simmer pot to cleanse your space
âą Have a silent dinner
âą Light a candle for your loved ones & yourself
âą Decorate your house and/or altar
âą Release negative energy & cleanse yourself with a ritual bath
âą Pull tarot cards to see what may be in store for you ahead
âą Cleanse, clean & de-clutter your space
âą Host or attend a bonfire
âą Leave offerings for the SĂdhe
âą Journal & reflect on your accomplishments, challenges & everything you did this year
âąGo on a nature walk
âą Learn a new form of divination
âą Have a bonfire with your friends and/or family
âą Carve pumpkins, turnips or apples
âą Express yourself creatively through art, music, ect
âą Visit a cemetery & help clean off areas that need it or to visit a family member/ ancestor & leave an offering
âą Hold a seance
âą Bake spooky treats & bread as offerings
âą Refresh your protection magicks, sigils & rituals
Samhain is about halfway between the autumnal equinox & winter solstice. It is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals along with Imbolc, Beltane, & Lughnasa. Historically it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland, & the Isle of Man.Â
Samhain is believed to have Celtic pagan origins & some Neolithic passage tombs in Great Britain & Ireland are aligned with the sunrise at the time of Samhain. It is mentioned in the earliest Irish literature, from the 9th century & is associated with many important events in Irish mythology.
The early literature says great gatherings & feasts marked Samhain when the ancient burial mounds were open, which were seen as portals to the Otherworld. Some of the literature also associates Samhain with bonfires & sacrifices.
⹠According to Irish mythology, Samhain (like Beltane) was a time when the 'doorways' to the Otherworld opened, allowing supernatural beings and the souls of the dead to come into our world; while Beltane was a summer festival for the living, Samhain "was essentially a festival for the dead".
âąThe festival was not recorded in detail until the early modern era. It was when cattle were brought down from the summer pastures & livestock were slaughtered. Special bonfires were lit, which were deemed to have protective & cleansing powers.
At Samhain, the aos sà were appeased with offerings of food & drink to ensure the people & livestock survived the winter. The souls of dead kin were also thought to revisit their homes seeking hospitality & a place was set at the table for them during a meal. Divination was also a big part of the festival & often involved nuts & apples.
Mumming & guising were part of the festival from at least the early modern era, whereby people went door-to-door in costume, reciting verses in exchange for food. The costumes may have been a way of imitating & disguising oneself from the aos sĂ.Â
⹠In the late 19th century, John Rhys and James Frazer suggested it had been the "Celtic New Year", but that is disputed.
Some believe it is the time of The Goddess' mourning the death of The God until his rebirth at Yule. The Goddess' sadness can be seen in the shortening, darkening days & the arrival or cold weather.
Related festivals:
âąÂ Halloween( October 31st)-
In popular culture, the day has become a celebration of horror, being associated with the macabre and supernatural.
âąOne theory holds that many Halloween traditions were influenced by Celtic harvest festivals, particularly the Gaelic festival Samhain, which are believed to have pagan roots. Some go further & suggest that Samhain may have been Christianized as All Hallow's Day, along with its eve, by the early Church. Other academics believe Halloween began solely as a Christian holiday, being the vigil of All Hallow's Day.
Popular Halloween activities include trick-or-treating (or the related guising & ghouling), attending Halloween costume parties, carving pumpkins or turnips into jack-o'-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, divination games, playing pranks, visiting haunted attractions, telling scary stories, & watching horror or Halloween-themed films
âąÂ Day of the Dead(November 1st-2nd)-
 el DĂa de Muertos or el DĂa de los Muertos
The multi-day holiday involves family & friends gathering to pay respects & to remember friends & family members who have died. These celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember amusing events & anecdotes about the departed. It is widely observed in Mexico, where it largely developed, and is also observed in other places, especially by people of Mexican heritage.
âąThe observance falls during the Christian period of Allhallowtide.
Traditions connected with the holiday include honoring the deceased using calaveras & marigold flowers known as cempazĂșchitl, building home altars called ofrendas with the favorite foods & beverages of the departed & visiting graves with these items as gifts for the deceased.
 The celebration is not solely focused on the dead, as it is also common to give gifts to friends such as candy sugar skulls, to share traditional pan de muerto with family & friends, & to write light-hearted & often irreverent verses in the form of mock epitaphs dedicated to living friends & acquaintances, a literary form known as calaveras literarias.
 Some argue that there are Indigenous Mexican or ancient Aztec influences that account for the custom & it has become a way to remember those forebears of Mexican culture.
âąÂ All Saint's Day(November 1st)-Â
Also known as All Hallows' Day or the Feast of All Saints is a Christian solemnity celebrated in honour of all the saints of the Church, whether they are known or unknown.
Sources:
Farmersalmanac .com
Llewellyn's Complete Book of Correspondences by Sandra Kines
Wikipedia
A Witch's Book of Correspondences by Viktorija Briggs
Encyclopedia britannica
Llewellyn 2024 magical almanac Practical magic for everyday living
When appealing to a deity or making an offering, itâs wise to know how this was traditionally done in the past so you can be as respectful as possible and build a true reciprocity with the gods. This type of prayer structure is found in all manner of pagan religions from Norse paganism, Hellenic (Greek) polytheism, Kemetic (Egyptian) prayer and so on. I got the inspiration and much of the information here from @Ocean Keltoi on Youtube who is a fantastic scholar and Norse heathen who actively stands against prejudice and is all around a wonderful resource.Â
Now, there are three main elements of a pagan prayer, which should be done in this order:
1. The Invocation. This is where you call upon the specific god youâre hoping to connect with. Think of it as writing the name and address on your letter to the Gods - it lets the deity know that this prayer is directed at them, which is important in a polytheistic religion with many gods. To start your invocation, address the deity directly by name, or use an epithet or kenning that they're known by. It's especially wise to choose an epithet that relates to what you're praying for, like using one of Apollo's healer epithets while addressing him in a prayer about a loved one's sickness, for instance. Itâs also a good idea to praise them highly and with a certain air of reverence. These are ancient deities after all.Â
2. The Argument. Here you give your reasons for why a deity should fulfill your request and favor you. If youâve brought offerings, cite them here. You can also include reasons for why youâre reaching out, such as love in a prayer for Aphrodite or matters of justice with the god Tyr. This is where you make your case to them. And if youâre reaching out to a deity you donât have a working relationship with, which letâs be honest will be the case many more times than weâd like, then you can tell them this here also. A good example might be âOh Tyr, one-handed war god and son of Odin, though we have not met before I have heard your name and been called to itâŠâ
3. The Request. Finally you ask the gods to look kindly on your request and to grant you their blessing. Again, be as respectful and reverent as possible towards them.Â
Prayer Example: âGrey-eyed Athena, daughter of thundering Zeus, if ever I have poured out sweet wine for you, look kindly on me and grant me your wisdom.â
How to stand when making the prayer
This depends on which God youâre reaching out to and, of course, your own personal comfort. The most common ways of praying are to stand and perform some gesture of reverence, kneel while praying and even prostrate, kneeling fully on the ground with your head down as you appeal to the gods. Some might also choose to wear veils when performing prayers or rituals for deities, though this is naturally up to the individual.Â
In Hellenic tradition, if youâre praying to an Ouranic god (deities of the heavens) you would traditionally wear your hair up and stand with your arms raised to the heavens while reciting your prayer. Meanwhile, if you are praying to a Chthonic god (deities of the underworld), you would kneel and face downwards towards the Earth with your hair flowing freely.Â
Some Norse sources tell of ancient pagans prostrating before the gods, and yet this is still not entirely necessary. Pray however you see fit and what is most comfortable for you at the moment.Â
^ This is what prostrating looks like
Sources:
Ocean Keltoi's video on pagan prayers
Hearth and Fire Work's blog post on Hellenic prayer structure
May the Theoi surround you with comfort and warmth in times of hopelessness and dismal loneliness. May they always remain a friend in your corner, a gentle rhythm to your heartbeat, a surge of confidence, a bout of contagious laughter, a boundless curiosity, a passionate anger, pure joy in all its countless shapes and forms. May they embrace you in the dark and dance with you in the light.
May you never suffer, or celebrate, in the cruelty of solitude ever again.
Singing/listening to your favorite songs; this applies to any music, though
Listening to music while studying
Playing any instrument
Dedicating a journal to writing poetry or stories
Reading poetry books; reading ancient poetry/stories (especially ancient Greek poetry/stories)
Dancing to any music of your choice
Setting reminders to take medication on time; taking your medication in general
Taking care of your body physically, such as brushing one's teeth or taking a shower
Taking a walk on a sunny day; basking in the warmth of the light
Keeping a pic of him in your wallet
Wearing jewelry that reminds you of him
Keeping imagery of light/the sun, lyres, instruments, music, swans, cranes, or ravens around
Getting a wolf, swan, or dolphin stuffed animal
Anything to do with positive and healthy self-wellness
Learning archery
Learning to do divination outside of the obvious (the obvious being tarot, runes, and pendulums, for example; not obvious would be cartomancy, pyromancy, carromancy, shufflomancy, etc.)
Doing homework (yes, really)
Being kind to yourself when you're having a difficult time
Placing positive affirmations on somewhere you'd see them everyday, especially ones about things you're proud of
Checking in with yourself emotionally throughout the day; how are you feeling? What are some good things that have happened so far? What are some not so good things?
Learning about philosophy and taking note of your thoughts on the topic
Learning more about yourself (e.g. make a list of things you enjoy, try new hobbies, experiment with new outfits, etc.)
Expressing yourself through art of any kind
Having a candle that reminds you of him (no altar needed)
Keeping a personal journal/diary - somewhere where you can keep track of your thoughts and feelings
Practice compassion and patience, especially with yourself
Continue learning throughout your life; interesting topics, philosophy, music, psychology, physical health, etc.
Learn about any medical conditions you or a loved one has
Learn about your healthcare options and medical rights (HIPPA in the US)
Support education forward, humanitarian, healthcare, or homeless shelter organizations
Volunteer at a homeless shelter
Donate clothes, toys, hygiene kits, and other items; hygiene kits are always needed
Be kind to children; play with them if offered
Make a list of things that make you feel human throughout the year - moments where you feel present, content, and alive
Sharpen your mind; play memory or mentally stimulating games
-
May add more later! For now, this is my list of discreet ways to worship Apollo. I hope it helps someone, and take care, y'all! đ§Ą
ÎÏολλÏÎœ [Apollo]
God of prophecy and oracles, music, song and poetry, archery, healing, plague and disease
Epithets:
⥠Proopsios [Foreseeing]
⥠Phoibos [Bright]
⥠Akestor [Healer]
⥠Alexikakos [Averter of Evil]
⥠Theoxenios [ God of Foreigners ]
⥠Pythios [Slayers of Python]
⥠Chrusaor [Of Golden Sword]
⥠Daphnephorios [Bearer of Laurels]
⥠Loimios [ Deliverer from Pague]
⥠Moiragetes [Leader of Fate]
⥠Pagasios [Pagasaean]
⥠Hekaergos [Far-shooting]
Domains:
⥠Prophecy & Oracles
⥠Light
⥠Music & Arts
⥠Song & poetry
⥠Archery
⥠Healing & medicine
⥠Plague & Disease
⥠Protection of the young
⥠Boys
⥠Sudden Death
⥠Knowledge
⥠Herds & Flocks
⥠Protector of Fugitives
Devotional acts:
⥠Donate to medical charities
⥠Draw or Paint
⥠Read poetry or listen to music
⥠Sing or play an instrument
⥠Go to the library
Associations
Symbol:
⥠The Lyre
⥠Silver bow & Arrows
⥠Dolphins
⥠Swans
⥠Crows
⥠Ravens
⥠Lions
⥠Wolves
⥠Mice
⥠Griffins
⥠Hawks
⥠Snakes
⥠Laurel wreath
⥠Fire / flame
⥠The sun / Light
⥠Tripod
⥠Apples
Element:
⥠Light
Color:
⥠Orange ; yellow ; Gold
⥠Red
⥠Pure white
⥠Pink
⥠Purple
⥠Green
⥠Blue
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†Please note!!! this post will contain my personal gnosis at some points. Magic is intimately personal and everyoneâs practice is different. You may agree or disagree with me at any point during this post. However, while I am sharing this to be educational, please keep in mind that this is my personal outlook on this subject âĄ
âŸàŒșâ°àŒ»âœ
đ¶ What Is Hearth Magic?
Hearth Magic, at its core, is magic of the home. This kind of magic differs greatly between families, cultures and traditions. When starting Hearth Magic, you must take a moment to really think about what home is to you. Your hearth can be anywhere, but generally, the hearth is seen as a place of comfort, growth, and rest.
Taking care of your home has always been important and even sacred for many people. Taking care of it magically is just another way of respecting this place that takes care of you. Your home is somewhere that protects you and those you invite in. Personally, Hearth Magic is almost like showing your gratitude to this familiar place. I would suggest doing research into how the home is taken care of in your own cultures, or watch how others in your life take care of their home and take notes!
âŸàŒșâ°àŒ»âœ
đ¶ How can I Practice Hearth Magic?
Just like any kind of magic, Hearth Magic will be something you incorporate into your practice in your own ways. To get started, however, here are some things you can do to:
†Get into the habit of cleansing your space. This can be your whole home, or just the one specific place you consider the hearth (a bedroom, living space, kitchen, fireplace etc). You can also cleanse while doing day to day chores! incorporate moon water or intention while washing dishes, or do an herb sweep when cleaning your floors. Brooms are also important magical tools!
†Try a house or home blessing/spell. For me, I made a large spell jar and incorporated ingredients commonly used in my familyâs cooking, our yard, and local herbs/herbs we use a lot. This can be used as an invitation for positive energy, or a ward against negativity. This will really help set the energy of the space.
†Start incorporating magic into your cooking. Kitchen magic is an easy and convenient way to keep your life a little more magical. Try adding herbs to sauces with intention, or cook in honor of spirits or deities. Easy foods to incorporate kitchen magic into (at least personally!) include sauces, soups, baked goods, and pasta dishes.
†Start to decorate your home in a way that makes you happy. This doesnât have to be any specific aesthetic; just making your space somewhere you enjoy being through decor adds to the energy!
†If you like spirit work, consider the possibility that, if you live in a house, there may be a house spirit attached to the space. This can give you an extra opportunity to connect to this space and the spirits within it by honoring this entity.
âŸàŒșâ°àŒ»âœ
†In all, Hearth Magic can be a very grounding and important part of your magical path if you plan to practice it. It allows you to really grow in a familiar and comfortable space, as well as providing you with a comfortable place to come back to every day, even for mundane life. âĄ
I think about this sometimes, like my immediate friends my family would be able to find and tell
But like do you announce it in the discord servers I'm in? Can they even get into my computer or phone?, or the accounts to say I'm gone? Things like my tumblr they don't even know about, and there's friends in games that they won't know exist. For some people I might just drop off the face of the earth inexplicably.. and that's sad. I want to be able to say goodbye
Some time ago, recent enough for it to still hurt, an online friend of mine was suffering from bronchitis. She was coughing a lot, but could not afford to go to the emergency room and so decided to tough it out. The next day was her birthday, and the last we heard from her was that she was still coughing.
We woke up to wish her happy birthday, and learned that she was dead.
And I cannot tell you enough about how much it still hurts to think about, or how I still get sad every time her birthday comes around, or how it's left a permanent dim on my own birthday, just a few days after hers.
But what I can tell you is that the people she lived with knew how important her online friends were to her, and made sure that we knew she was gone. We made sure to let others know who had even less ties to her online, so that no one was left wondering where she went. We crowdfunded money to send flowers to her mother, who didn't know who we were. We talk about her still. I hang onto images that remind me of her, and look at our old conversations sometimes.
I will continue to find ways to keep Brona in my life after she is gone, because she would have cheered me on the whole way.
I know of other stories that aren't mine to tell, but I mainly want you to know that your online friends will miss you and mourn for you, even if you can't say goodbye. They will keep you on their friendslist and save screenshots of your words. Our digital remains are not ghosts, but cherished memories, and I hope that brings some comfort.
99% of "mysterious disappearances" esp of people in their 20s who start acting weird for 48 hours and then vanish are not mysterious, thats just when a lot of reality-obliterating mental illness tends to kick in and it's pretty easy to get a short circuit in your brain that makes you go family guy death pose in joshua tree national park. it's not any less tragic, it's just a documented phenomenon and not particularly predictable. its a big reason the medical advice is for people with a family history of schizophrenia to completely avoid weed and psychedelics. "people just go crazy sometimes" is a principle of human health that used to be a lot more accepted prior to the american midcentury and to a certain extent thats a healthier way to conceptualize and prepare for the risk, as opposed to the modern assertion that anyone acting weird is dangerous and broken forever.
you should have a rough outline of a plan for if any of your loved ones experiences psychosis, it really does happen a lot. UTIs can cause psychosis. taking drugs, even safe drugs, or prescription drugs, can cause psychosis. i was once prescribed a heavy regimen of vitamin D because i was deficient, but the doctor never told me to stop taking it, so i moved to california, stopped being deficient, and developed vitamin d toxicity with downstream hyperparathyroidism which triggered significant hypomania that was undetected and uncontrolled for yeeeeeeears. i just slowly got Weird and started making impulsive decisions based on slightly out-of-gamut beliefs. i drove cross country by myself to have a love affair. the love affair was real, the series of decisions leading to burning down my life in pursuit of it were based on not great brain function however. etc. you see what i mean. churchill mentioned depression being the "black dog who stalks us" (one reason for Churchgrim's multi-referential name) but theres another, stealthier dog called Insanity and it's closer to some people than others but man it sneaks up on you. every time i see one of those "guy gets weird and drives into the wilderness forever" missing persons stories i think "yeah i could totally pull that off"
"van gogh cut off his ear what a lunatic" you are 3 nights of bad sleep, getting unexpected upsetting news and taking a substance as benign as coffee at the wrong time away from doing the same hope this helps
i mean this in the gentlest way possible: you need to eat vegetables. you need to become comfortable with doing so. i do not care if you are a picky eater because of autism (hi, i used to be this person!), you need to find at least some vegetables you can eat. find a different way to prepare them. chances are you would like a vegetable you hate if you prepared it in a stew or roasted it with seasoning or included it as an ingredient in a recipe. just. please start eating better. potatoes and corn are not sufficient vegetables for a healthy diet.
Celery sticks (add some peanut butter or cream cheese for extra flavor and protein)
Broccoli (good with ranch, cheese, or salt/pepper/butter)
Canned peas (you can microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. Good with salt/pepper/butter)
Bell peppers (cut into strips, good with cream cheese)
Canned green beans (can be microwaved in microwave-safe bowl. Good with salt/pepper/butter)
Hummus (good with crackers or tortilla chips)
Salsa (good with tortilla chips)
Guacamole (good with tortilla chips)
Need it in something?
Can't see it:
Hummus
salsa
Guacamole
Can see but disguised flavor (can usually be found store bought or done at home and use different veggies):
Dressed up ramen - just toss in some random veggies in ramen of your choice. Pretty much everything I've tried goes fine with it.
Chicken pot pie
Vegetable soup (with so many together it's hard to taste any specific one!)
Chicken noodle soup
Sweet and sour pork (haven't tried it but chicken should be fine in place of pork)
Texture problems:
Need it soft:
Hummus
Salsa
Guacamole
Cooked carrots
Avocados
Beans (personally I prefer black beans and canned baked beans)
Peas (make sure to cook well, great value brand has the softest peas I've tried)
Cooked broccoli (note: it does smell bad while cooking)
Cooked asparagus (note: also smells bad while cooking)
Cooked zucchini and squash (good together but can be eaten separate)
You can also puree most vegetables and eat with a spoon or use them as a dip
Needs to be crunchy:
Raw carrots
Raw celery
Raw bell peppers
Salad (remember you can put whatever you want in it! Even if that means no lettuce)
Most veggies are okay raw, and are usually very crunchy
Veggies google says stay crunchy after lightly cooking:
Snap peas
Brussel sprouts
Cabbage
Water chestnut
Bamboo shoots
Broad texture tips:
You can change textures by eating raw, cooking, chopping, pureeing, etc
You can separate different textures to use in different ways (ie using broccoli tops in a soup and eating the bottoms raw)
It also really helps to think about why you dislike a vegetable. I found that I am scared of green foods so I like to use those veggies for ingredients in things they are well hidden for. I've also learned that watching something while eating helps because then I'm not looking at the gross green things. When possible, I also like to get help hiding it (ie using cream of celery soup in my chicken and dumplings).
Remember that vegetables are important because they contain nutrients that other foods donât contain. NOT because they are low calorie.
Eating vegetables slathered in pork fat is always better than not eating vegetables. In fact fat will help you absorb the nutrients. Get those nutrients in your body by any means necessary.
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So there were many forms of divination in classical Greece, and one was the drawing of lots - having a collection of some kind of tokens (sticks, stones, beans, etc.) with a certain symbol on them that one would draw by chance, and each symbol would have a certain meaning. This is a type of kleromancy.
The Greek Alphabet Oracle is such a method, whereby you draw a token that has a letter of the classical Greek alphabet. Each letter corresponds to an oracular phrase (chresmoi) that, in Greek, starts with that letter. It is also known as the Psephoi Oracle because psephoi is the word for a pebble that was used for both divination and voting purposes.
Although it seems that the right phrase was initially obtained by throwing knuckle bones (astalagoi) and adding indicated numbers for a numerical value that was associated with a letter, most people today just use pebbles/stones/etc. with the letter itself on them, much like Norse runes. This sort of divination was under the domain of Hermes and Apollo.
Omens and Oracles: Divination in Ancient Greece by Matthe Dillon, pages 272-273
The Oracles of Apollo by John Opsopaus
How Do I Make A Set?
You will need:
The psephoi (Those glass pebbles for aquariums or small stones or pebbles or lil wood discs or whatever you want to make it out of)
A marker of some sort
A container to keep them in
They're very easy to make, just write a letter of the classical Greek alphabet on each psephoi you're using. Some may look similar when rotated so make a note of those and make sure you can tell which is which. I put a small dot at the bottom like you might find on polyhedral dice.
How Do I Use The Set?
Easy!
Method 1: Put the psephoi in a container, mix them up as you ask your question and pull one out without looking. Repeat if desired.
Method 2: Put the psephoi in a container, ask your question, shake them around until one or more jump out of the container.
The Alphabet and Interpretations
*In the spirit of keeping the first letter of the phrase the same as the letter you draw, John Opsopaus in his book includes his own version of the phrase. I will include these also as Alt, and when I have altered them myself they or the word will be in italics.
**Some have alternative versions that come from the Olympos site in Lycia. They are included with a [O].
***Some of the interpretations are from Opsopaus' book, some are others' that I found, and others are my own interpretations.
Î - Alpha
"The god [Apollon] says you will do everything successfully"
Alt: All things you will achieve with good fortune
Interpretations: You'll do great! You will succeed. Projects will go well. Everything is fine. Don't doubt yourself. Complete success. Good luck. Favorable Outcome. Best outcome you can ask for.
B - Beta
"Wait a little; it is not opportune for you"
Alt: Briefly wait, the time is not right for you
Interpretations: Try another time. Now is not the right time. Wait a little and you will receive a better outcome. Be patient. With a delay, the time will be right. Timing is everything. There is a time for everything and everything has its season. It would be to your advantage to wait for the opportune moment. Wait for the perfect moment. Don't act with haste. Slow down.
[O] "You will have Tyche [Fortune] and the Pythian [Apollon] as a helper."
Alt: Both Apollon and Fortune will bring you aid
Interpretations: You will receive help, particularly prophetic help. Call on Apollon for help, he will assist you. The theoi will help you if you ask. Ask for help. You are at a critical point, but if you are fortunate, Apollo the Far-shooter will help you if you call on Him. Even with luck, the God will only assist; ultimate responsibility is yours. With proper acts and choices - and a bit of luck - youâll be successful. You will get help as long as you put in the work. Rely on and call on the help of the gods, however it may come. Help will come from unexpected, distant or indirect sources when you need it most.
Î - Gamma
âGaia will give you the ripe fruit from your laborsâ
Alt: Gaia gives you the results of your efforts
Interpretations: You will get the results that you have worked hard for. You'll get what you have earned. You reap what you sow. Your efforts will be rewarded. Youâll get what you deserve. Anything done previously will now return a result back to you, whether good or bad. Everything that happens is a direct result of everything that was already done. Past events and actions determine future ones. Usually a good omen of success.
Î - Delta
"Desist from dreadful deeds, so that you avoid harm."
Alt: Dodge the dreadful deeds, avoiding harm.
Interpretations: Avoid matters that are terrible, fearful, or uncanny. Beware of the excessively wonderful, skillful, or clever. Donât commit terrible deeds. Stay away from strange circumstances and affairs. Donât make bad choices for the sake of expediency. In these ways you may escape harm.
[O] "In customs, inopportune strength is weak"
Alt: Drive ill-timed is weak before the rules
Interpretations: Ill-timed force will be ineffective; act with precision; timing is everything. Knowing where and when to strike is more important than strength. Blind conformity to customs is spineless; overly strict adherence to rules is self-defeating. Unreasonable or undue force will defeat itself; a tyrant must fall. In all things, follow the process and protocol. Slow down, form a strategy, and work with the system. Donât force matters. Work smarter, not harder. Be responsible, not reckless, with the power you have. Knowing where and when to strike is more important than strength.
Î - Epsilon
"You desire to see offspring from proper marriages."
Alt: Eager art thou for right unions' fruits.
*Desire here being "EraĂŽ" which could also be 'love' or 'are in love with'
Interpretations: You think you know whatâs right. You think you know and want the results of a union or action. Reflect on what youâre hoping for. What do you think you want? How do you think you will get that? You think you know the right/best way to do things. What you think is right and successful isnât what is actually right/fitting. We want to see the results from acceptable convergence of actions. We can only act within the boundaries of what is proper. Worry about yourself, stay in your lane and donât meddle in the affairs of others.
Î - Zeta
"Flee the great storm lest you somehow be harmed"
Alt: Zealously avoid the harmful storm!
*Harmed here can also mean hindered
Interpretations: Thereâs a storm coming, get out of the way. Difficult and dangerous situations are coming, stay out if at all possible! Sometimes the storms just happen, but other times, we cause them. You will only be harmed or hurt by getting involved in what comes. Prepare to be hit by the storm. Avoid raging storms of any kind; save your energy for when it can be effective. Escape from the chaos or controversy. Sometimes flight is wiser than fight. Go with the flow. Donât get involved in conflicts.
Î - Eta
"Bright Helios [Sun], who watches everything, watches you."
Alt: Helios, all-seer, watches you.
Interpretations: You canât hide. Youâve got the spotlight on you. Act nobly and openly, and you will have spiritual blessing and protection. This is not a time to be secretive or hidden in your works. Anything in the dark will be thrust into the light. Anything secret will be revealed. Anything made in oath or promise will be enforced. Keep your promises and be genuine, and you will be cared for.
Î - Theta
"You have the gods as assistants and defenders."
Alt: Thou hast gods as comrades and as aides.
Interpretations: You have divine assistance at hand. The theoi will aid and defend you. Call on the gods for help, and they will be there for you. Have confidence! Your deities have your back and are guiding you. You are on the right path.
[O] "You have the gods as assistants of this path."
Alt: Thou hast gods as helpers on this path.
Interpretations: Youâre on the right path, under divine care. Youâre on the right path, so stick to it and stay on it. This is what you are meant to be doing. Commit yourself to the inquired matter and approach, and you will have success and protection, insofar as it is possible to do so. You still have to do the work though. The gods will bless those who honor them, and help those who help themselves. Heading out on your path, remember to be grateful, appreciative and respectful.
Î - Iota
"There is sweat, it excels more than everything."
Alt: It is through sweat that you will succeed.
Interpretations: Although you are working hard, you will accomplish everything. Hard work is the surest means of success. The oracle recommends elbow grease. Toil, work, and labor is required in order to succeed. Keep working, and success will result, no matter the cost. Just focus on the work, donât worry about the outcome. Giving up is not an option.
Î - Kappa
"To fight with the waves is difficult; endure, friend."
Alt: Contests with the waves are hard; endure
*'Endure' can also mean 'delay'
Interpretations: The problems of life will come and go, but will never fully go away. Either wait for the currents to be favorable, or find a way to ride them. You might be caught in a tough situation with no clear way forward. Donât fight it; endure. Wait when possible, persevere with care. Work with the sea rather than against it. Donât give up; sink or swim. If youâre going through Hell, keep going.
Î - Lambda
"Make an end of grief; hereafter expect joy."
Alt: Leave off grief, and then await delight.
Interpretations: You have grieved long enough. Although you have been sad, you will be happy soon. Stop worrying, and prepare to be pleased. Turn your attention from your pain to the things that give you joy. Pain will yield to happiness. You have been through dark times, but the sun will rise again.
[O] "The one passing on the left bodes well for everything."
Alt: Luck comes from unexpected places.
*The left is traditionally the sinister side. The left is also associated with the unconscious, lunar mind.
Interpretations: A promising sign comes from an unpromising quarter. Whatever looks bad at the start will turn out well in the end. A blessing in disguise. Or, at least, whatever ill omens there are are not intended for you. Pay attention to your intuition, dreams and expressions of your subconscious.
Î - Mu
"You press on in vain; donât hurry; itâs not useful."
Alt: Make no haste; in vain you press ahead.
Interpretations: Donât keep busy at what you are doing, itâs pointless. Haste makes waste. You are rushing around and working hard, but randomly and thoughtlessly. You are putting a lot of energy into wasting time. Pressing on now will be futile; wait for a better time.
[O] "It is necessary to be weary with toil, but the change will be admirable."
Alt: Mandatory toil: the change is good.
Interpretations: Through toil and distress a change will be made for the better. Hard work will result in a good return. It is your fate to be weary with labor, but there will be a beautiful or noble transformation. You are obliged to work hard, but the change will be good. Circumstances will cause distress, but there will be a good change or exchange. Pain will force an admirable change. You will need to work hard.
Î - Nu
"Now the fitting opportunity for everything arises"
Alt: Now springs forth the fitting time for all.
Interpretations:
Now is the suitable time for anything; the right time begins now. You
are entering into a harmonious season, a time when everything is well
ordered and bears fruit. An appropriate opportunity or profit is at hand; it is developing. Orderly profits are growing. The most suitable situation is now. Seize the moment; you can accomplish anything! You are entering a synchronistic period when anything is possible.
[O] "A victory-bearing gift enwreathes the oracle"
Alt: Nikeâs gift enwreathes the oracle
Interpretations: Something will be given (to you, by you, or from one to another) that brings victory with it and will crown this oracle. The import seems to be that this gift will be the answer to the question asked of the oracle. So, for example, if the querent asked when something will happen, the gift is the sign that itâs immanent.
Î - Xi
"The seasonable fruit of Deo the golden awaits you"
Alt: Xanthic DĂȘĂŽâs ripened fruit awaits.
Interpretations: The fruit that is due now is available for you. The ripe grain is yours for the cutting. The gifts of the goddess are yours for the taking. She has brought you the profits, results, or returns that are due. The goddess DĂȘĂŽ (a name for Demeter, the Grain Mother) has brought you some benefit, so perhaps you should accept the gift.
[O] "There is no fruit to take from a dry shoot."
Alt: Expect no fruit from withered shoots.
Interpretations: Donât wait too long to harvest or to take your profit. You canât get blood from a turnip; you canât get water from a stone. Donât polish a turd. You won't get something from nothing. Being bitter and angry is not the way to go about things. Donât keep trying to pull water out of a well that is empty, and know when to let go. Do not expect more from something than it can give. Youâre on a dead-end path. Things have failed before theyâve even begun. Better to start over from scratch or look elsewhere entirely. Stop asking questions you already know the answer to: You already have an answer. The gods may be unwilling to talk at this point, so stop bothering them.
Î - Omicron
"There are no crops to be reaped that were not sown."
Alt: Out of sight are crops that are not sown.
Interpretations: You reap what you sow. You will get nothing because you have given nothing. If you do not work now, there will be no reward later. If you want apples, plant apple seeds. What we spread about comes back to us. What goes around comes around. You must plan ahead in order to achieve anything. There will be no return if you do not invest. What has not been created cannot be destroyed. What has not been born cannot die. Warning against laziness, procrastination, and sloth. That which was inquired about will not happen because of what was not done. A warning that you need to work and prepare for the future in order to have success.
Î - Pi
"Completing many contests, you will seize the crown"
Alt: Passing many tests, youâll win the crown.
Interpretations: If you persist in your struggles, after many trials you will succeed. Perseverance through adversity. Keep striving and victory will come. After much competition, you will emerge the winner. Don't give up, face adversity! Persistence will give you your rewards, and do not be afraid to use your talents. Whatever rewards, station, acclaim, or prize you want, it will eventually be yours, but you have to keep fighting for it. Success may not be immediate, but a gradual process of refinement instead that leads to fulfillment of desires
ÎĄ - Rho
"You will go on more easily if you wait a short time"
Alt: Rest awhile; youâll go more easily.
Interpretations: If you will hold your ground for only a short time, you will be able to proceed (more easily or with greater cooperation). Youâll live more easily if you take a break. You will go faster by waiting than by going now; on the other hand, delaying too long may provoke reckless action. By standing fast you live recklessly. By remaining where you are, you live life thoughtlessly.
Interpretations: Neither advance nor retreat; wait or hold your ground, as appropriate; the best action is inaction. Donât travel. Stay firm; donât let yourself be swayed. The gods want to inform you to wait for more information before you make any decisions. In this time, relax, and let the signs come to you. Things will resolve on their own or get to a point where it is better to act than now. Respond only when it is appropriate to do so, which is not now.
΀ - Tau
"You will have release from the present circumstances."
Alt: Take release from present circumstance.
Interpretations: Your misfortune will come to an end. You will be
given a way out of present circumstances. You are between a rock and a hard place, but you will get out. All your mishaps will come to an end. Leave present events behind. If you have been having good luck, that too may be departing.
[O?] "You will have a parting from the companions now around you."
Alt: There will be a departure from the companions now around you.
Interpretations: You will be separated from some of the people in your life. This may be an unwelcome parting from friends or a welcome release from enemies; in either case they are now around you. This may also mean a growing apart or forced separation of a person from his or her family, peers or fellow travelers on the path. Soon, people in your life might not stay the way they are. You might grow apart or distance or travel might force you away. Be wary of this, and act accordingly. Consider that 'companions' could also be interpreted as personifications (e.g. in the way Love and Strife are personified) so it could mean a change of circumstances. The people, resources, and situations youâre with now are not what youâll always be with.
Y - Upsilon
"This wedding is not yours; do not labor in vain"
Alt: Useless toil: this wedding isnât yours!
Interpretations: The person whom you are trying to woo will not be yours. This romance or relationship will not be permanent. Give it up. Be sensible. You have not made a good choice of someone to pursue. Do not pretend that you are interested in marriage. Donât pursue the partnership (of any kind); you are wasting your time. The Oracle advises you to abandon some alliance or union that you have been pursuing.
[O] "The affair holds a noble undertaking."
Alt: Undertaking fine is held by deed
Interpretations: There is some issue to be resolved, or some action is under consideration; it involves high-mindedness, either in commitment, deed, or professional pursuit. The oracle may tell us that the affair is admirable due to this noble element, or that the situation may guide us to seek the appropriate noble undertaking or profession. The heroâs quest. On the other hand, the oracle may mean that the situation hinders this fine undertaking. Thus you should try to understand the situation: does it demand an excellent undertaking or impede it? Take the high road.
Ί - Phi
"Plant! For Deo will nourish everything beautifully."
Alt: Forthwith plant! For Deo fosters well.
Interpretations: Plant your crops or vegetable garden, and Demeter will make them grow well. Start your project, for the goddess will bring it to fruition. She will care for it, and it will come out very well. Plant your seeds (of any sort), and the goddess will help you to cultivate them productively.
[O] "Having done something carelessly, you will thereafter blame the gods."
Alt: Faultily you act, and blame the gods.
Interpretations: Take responsibility for your actions (or inactions); donât blame the gods (or the universe, or fate, or society, or nature) for your own failings, for your thoughtless or careless actions. Something is going wrong, and you may be trying to blame other things than the cause of the problem. Donât resort to pointing fingers. The Gods will help you if you do not take out your anger on them or others needlessly.
Χ - Khi
"Rejoicing, press on!â Zeus himself says this."
Alt: "Happily press on!" says Zeus himself
Interpretations: Charge ahead! Keep working with joy in your heart. Zeus urges you forward, even commands you! Act with the confidence that you will fare well and be safe. With joy, hasten the matter or yourself forward. Lean hard on it, but stay happy.
[O] "Succeeding, wanderer, you will fulfill this golden oracle."
Alt: Happy end fulfills this golden word.
Interpretations: âGoldenâ may be a metaphor for rich, noble, excellent, etc. This admirable oracle will be fulfilled by you attaining your ends, or a mere chance meeting could constitute the golden event. Rejoice, you will succeed! Luck is on your side, and by mere chance, things might fall into place. The answer is positive, and you might be pleasantly surprised at all the riches that the world gives you in addition to your solution. A favorable result is indicated - but even more subtle success is at hand.
Κ - Psi
"You have this righteous judgment from the gods."
Alt: Proper is this judgment from the gods.
Interpretations: This oracle refers to collective judgment rather than individual judgment. This implies that the majority of the gods concur in this judgment, and that this judgment is appropriate, fair, and righteous, though there is no implication that the result is that desired by the querent. Accept it and move on. Truth will be brought forwards, so be careful in your actions. The Gods are watching, and they will be fair, honest, and unforgiving to those who deserve it. This includes those who might be harming you, as well.
Interpretations: If you pick your fruit too soon, you will have a bad harvest. More abstractly, too early grasping of the fruits of your labor (whether the taking is voluntary or necessary) will yield a poor return; the rewards will not be suitable for their purpose. Donât be impatient, or the results will be inferior. Don't act rashly or hastily. Don't jump the gun. The time is not yet right to take advantage of the matter. Taking action now will lead to uselessness, worthlessness, and difficulty. At best, this letter indicated to just stay on the course and wait for the matter to develop further before inquiring again.
We're at the end now! (Phew!) I might make a google doc with the alphabet - maybe even make it so you can suggest your own interpretations or even alternative phrases for some of the more difficult ones. In the meantime I hope this has been helpful!
Hi if you ever find yourself in a relationship saying anything along the lines of "well I can't leave cause I would never be able to find something better than this because I'm trans/fat/aging/antisocial/unlucky" I beg of you to run. Please. You can find and build better but in order to do that you have to take the first step out the door. You do not have to endure abuse, mistreatment, or just plain incompatibility for the sake of a fraction of happiness. You don't.
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