Casual Ways To Connect With Your Deities

Cleansing...

It’s so easy to forget about a form of cleansing that is so relieving and fulfilling. Phone cleansing!

🌟-Clean off the screen, pop off the case and clean it out. Before you do this, trace a cleansing sigil on the screen with your finger then wipe it off. 🌟-Charge any sigils you keep in the case. 🌟-Pop it on the charger, let it charge to 100%. Additionally, making a cleansing sigil your lock screen for this. 🌟-Upload your photos and delete them. Or go through and delete the ones you don’t like. 🌟-Clean out your contacts. You don’t need that random person’s number anymore. 🌟-Get rid of ALL of those bubble notifications. All of them. 🌟-Rearrange your apps. 🌟-Unfollow/unfriend people on social media who you dislike, their content isn’t your thing anymore, or are downright toxic. 🌟-Change your wallpaper! It’s time for a new background. 🌟-Delete those apps you never use, they’re just wasting space. 🌟-Go through your notes, only keep the things you need. 🌟-Get a new phone case! 🌟-Narrow down your music selection to the things you actually listen to, add a couple new songs.

New Guidelines

Hey y'all, this is Jasper! I am a nonbinary (they/them), aromantic, and asexual tarot reader. This side blog is explicitly only for tarot/oracle readings. As such, let's go over the rules.

If you want a free reading, you will follow the following rules in exchange for a free one-card draw. I would appreciate receiving feedback afterwards in exchange for the effort I put into these readings. Send reading requests through the ask box only.

All readings are posted publicly.

Here are all of the things I need for a reading:

your preferred name, nickname, or initials

your pronouns

your question

background information around your question

Here are what I need if your reading includes someone else:

their preferred name, nickname, or initials

their pronouns

background information on your relationship with this person

If no pronouns are provided, I will default to they/them pronouns.

If you want me to use a specific deck, send the deck name as listed on the page (this is because I often have decks with similar names). Otherwise, I will choose the deck myself. If you want me to use a particular deck or to avoid particular decks, let me know in the reading request. There is a chance I will pick a deck that I have given to a deity I worship, and they may provide commentary if or as they see fit.

I will NOT answer the following types of questions:

“What does X think of me?” or “How does X feel about me?” (my decks will always tell you to just talk to them yourself)

yes/no questions (the divination systems I use are not good for that)

time-related or time-sensitive questions (your readings get answered when they get answered)

medical or legal questions as I am not a medical or legal person (don't fucking sue me)

future spouse readings (like it or not, there's a chance you could marry multiple people in the future, and you might not like any of them!)

readings about celebrities (I don't know who those people are)

entity identification readings (again, I don't know who those people are)

anything I’m not comfortable answering

any readings that require me to somehow read minds

I am aromantic and asexual. If you want in-depth relationship readings, I am not the best tarot reader for that. I can give it a shot, but the answer to such a query is almost guaranteed to just come down to "talk to them or dump them since you can't talk to them" based on past times I've read for that sort of question.

I will not do readings for you if you misgender me.

Your questions will get answered when they get answered.

Morning star

The Power Of The Ouroboros

The Ouroboros, the ancient symbol of a serpent or dragon devouring its own tail, is one of the most enduring mystical symbols across cultures. It represents eternity, cyclicality, duality, self-reflection, and the unity of opposites. This emblem has been deeply woven into alchemical, esoteric, and magickal traditions, holding powerful spiritual and philosophical meanings.

Symbolism of the Ouroboros

• Eternal Cycle & Rebirth: The Ouroboros embodies the concept of eternal return—the infinite cycle of life, death, and rebirth. It reflects the changing of seasons, reincarnation, and the perpetual transformation of the soul. In this sense, the symbol mirrors the Phoenix, which dies in flames only to rise again.

• Unity of Opposites (The Alchemical Marriage): The serpent biting its own tail represents the union of creation and destruction, light and dark, life and death. This mirrors the balance of forces seen in Yin-Yang philosophy, the alchemical Great Work, and Hermetic principles. The Ouroboros teaches that opposites are part of the same whole—to destroy is to create anew.

• Self-Containment & Infinity: The circular shape of the Ouroboros has no beginning or end, symbolizing wholeness and self-sufficiency. It represents the idea that the universe is self-renewing, and knowledge, wisdom, and energy are constantly recycled in the cosmos.

• Alchemical & Esoteric Meanings: Alchemists saw the Ouroboros as a symbol of the Philosopher’s Stone, the ultimate goal of transformation and enlightenment. The phrase often associated with it, "One is All, and All is One", conveys the Hermetic belief that all things are interconnected.

• Self-Reflection & Inner Alchemy: As the serpent consumes itself, it represents the process of inner transformation—the ability to destroy old versions of oneself and give birth to new wisdom. This makes the Ouroboros a powerful tool for shadow work, spiritual ascension, and deep introspection.

Magickal Uses of the Ouroboros

Protection & Binding Magick:

• The Ouroboros, forming an unbreakable circle, serves as a protective sigil in spellwork.

• It can be inscribed on talismans, amulets, or ritual tools to guard against external influences and unwanted energy.

• Used in circle casting, the image of the Ouroboros strengthens spiritual barriers.

Alchemical & Transformational Work:

• The Ouroboros is ideal for spells involving personal transformation, breaking bad habits, and reinventing oneself.

• Meditating on the symbol aids in spiritual evolution and helps with understanding life cycles and karmic lessons.

Rebirth & Regeneration Magick:

• When performing rituals for new beginnings, the Ouroboros reminds us that endings are merely transitions.

• It can be used in rituals for renewal, fertility, and rejuvenation.

Infinity & Timelessness in Spellcraft:

• The Ouroboros represents the endless nature of time, making it useful in spells for immortality, longevity, and wisdom.

• It is also a symbol of past life work, helping practitioners tap into ancestral or Akashic knowledge.

Manifestation & Energy Recycling:

• Because it represents self-sustaining energy, the Ouroboros is excellent for manifestation magick.

• It helps ensure that energy used in spells does not dissipate but rather returns to the practitioner, growing in strength.

Cultural and Historical Perspectives

• Egyptian Ouroboros: One of the earliest depictions of the Ouroboros appears in Ancient Egyptian texts, particularly in the Tomb of Tutankhamun and the Book of the Dead. The serpent represents Apep, the chaos serpent, as well as Mehen, the protector of the underworld sun god, Ra.

• Norse Ouroboros: Jörmungandr: In Norse mythology, the Ouroboros appears as Jörmungandr, the great World Serpent who encircles Midgard. It represents the cycles of destruction and rebirth, especially during Ragnarok (the Norse apocalypse).

• Gnostic & Alchemical Ouroboros: The Gnostics used the Ouroboros as a symbol of the divine oneness of the universe. In alchemy, it was often depicted as half-black and half-white, symbolizing the balance of opposing forces (the union of spirit and matter, mercury and sulfur, life and death).

• Eastern Ouroboros: Kundalini & Yin-Yang: The coiled serpent in Hindu and Buddhist mysticism is associated with Kundalini energy, which, when awakened, leads to spiritual enlightenment. Additionally, the circular nature of the Ouroboros parallels the Yin-Yang, which expresses the harmony of duality.

The Ouroboros in Modern Magick

Tarot & Divination:

• The World card (XXI) and The Wheel of Fortune (X) both embody the Ouroboros’ theme of eternal cycles and completion.

• Meditating with the Ouroboros during readings enhances one’s understanding of karmic lessons and life patterns.

Sigil Work & Chaos Magick:

• The Ouroboros can be used in sigil magick to create self-sustaining symbols that regenerate their own energy.

• Chaos magicians see the Ouroboros as an emblem of self-evolution, infinite potential, and reality manipulation.

Astral Projection & Time Magick:

• The symbol is used in rituals for past-life regression, astral travel, and accessing hidden knowledge.

• Practitioners working with time magick or reality shifting often meditate on the Ouroboros to understand the fluidity of time.

How to Work With the Ouroboros Magickally

Meditation & Visualization:

• Visualize the Ouroboros coiling around your energy field for protection.

• Meditate on the symbol when working on letting go of old cycles or embracing transformation.

Sacred Jewelry & Talismans:

• Wearing an Ouroboros pendant enhances spiritual insight and protection.

• Drawing or engraving it on ritual tools amplifies magickal potency and transformation work.

Spell Example - Ouroboros Renewal Ritual

Purpose: To break old cycles and manifest personal growth.

• Draw the Ouroboros on a piece of paper.

• Write the cycle you wish to break inside the circle (e.g., "self-doubt, procrastination").

• Light a black candle for banishment and a gold candle for renewal.

• Burn the paper, visualizing the cycle dissolving and reforming into strength.

• Close with "As the cycle ends, I am renewed. So it is done."

The Ouroboros is one of the most profound and powerful esoteric symbols, embodying infinity, wisdom, and self-transformation. It teaches us that life is a constant cycle of growth, destruction, and rebirth, making it a potent ally in magickal, alchemical, and spiritual practices.

⚔️Achilles worship guide/suggestions⚔️

Domain: Rage, War, battle, revenge, skill, glory, vastness, bloodshed, resilience.

Epithets: son of Peleus, King of Phthia, swift-footed, lion-hearted, Godlike, shepherd of the people, breaking through men, brilliant, inimitable.

Imagery/symbolism: Shield, spear, the Lyre, golden armor, the heel, the sea, helm, the pyre.

Colors: red, black, gold, blue, yellow.

Animal: Horse, lion.

Offerings: Flowers, Candles, incense, art, poetry, lamps, gold, decorative shields, sea/war imagery, water, wine, meat, gin, milk, honey, horse imagery, bread, fruits, sweets, lyre, jewels, shells, spices.

Devotional acts: working out, honoring Patroclus, learning self defense, Personal Challenges, reading the Iliad, learning spearing, sea gazing, horse riding, running.

Collecting And Utilizing Magick Charms

My personal charm collection.

Magick charms are small, enchanted objects used for protection, luck, attraction, and spiritual power. Witches, shamans, and mystics have used charms for centuries to enhance spells, manifest intentions, and guard against negative forces. This comprehensive guide will help you collect, store, and use charms effectively in your witchcraft.

What is a Magick Charm?

A magick charm is any object infused with energy or intention to create a desired effect. Unlike talismans (which attract energy) or amulets (which repel energy), charms can do both, depending on their purpose.

Uses of Magick Charms in Witchcraft:

• Protection – Shields against negative energy, hexes, and harm.

• Luck & Prosperity – Draws fortune, money, and success.

• Love & Attraction – Enhances self-love, relationships, and passion.

• Healing & Wellness – Promotes emotional, physical, and spiritual health.

• Psychic Abilities & Divination – Strengthens intuition, dreamwork, and spirit communication.

• Manifestation & Goal Achievement – Focuses energy on specific desires.

Collecting Magick Charms

Magick charms can be found, crafted, or gifted. The key is choosing objects that resonate with your energy and intention.

Where to Find Charms:

• Nature – Stones, feathers, shells, acorns, bones, dried herbs.

• Thrift Shops & Antique Stores – Old jewelry, keys, trinkets, coins.

• Personal Objects – Lockets, rings, buttons, meaningful tokens.

• Handmade Charms – Sigil-carved wood, cloth pouches filled with herbs, inscribed coins.

• Cultural or Spiritual Items – Religious symbols, runes, lucky talismans.

A List of Magick Charms & Their Meanings

Protection Symbols & Charms:

• Pentacle/Pentagram – A five-pointed star within a circle, symbolizing protection, balance, and the elements.

• Hamsa Hand – A hand-shaped amulet with an eye in the center, used to ward off the evil eye and negative energy.

• Ankh – An Egyptian symbol of life, protection, and divine energy.

• Eye of Horus (Wadjet) – Offers protection, health, and wisdom.

• Algiz (ᛉ) – A rune of protection and higher guidance.

• Triquetra – A three-interwoven loop symbol representing the triple goddess (maiden, mother, crone) and protection.

• Bindrunes – Custom symbols made from Norse runes for specific protective purposes.

• Hexagram (Seal of Solomon) – Used for divine wisdom and spiritual protection.

• Blackthorn (Saining Rod) – A charm in Celtic magic for warding off evil spirits.

Love & Attraction Charms:

• Heart Symbol – Represents love, passion, and emotional connection.

• Venus Symbol (♀) – Associated with love, beauty, and feminine energy.

• Claddagh Ring – An Irish symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship.

• Red String – A Kabbalistic charm for protection and attracting love.

• Rose Quartz – A stone of love, harmony, and emotional healing.

• Apple (Sacred Fruit) – Used in love spells and fertility rites.

Wealth & Prosperity Charms:

• Coin – Standard charm of wealth, success, and prosperity.

• Maneki-Neko (Lucky Cat) – A Japanese charm for attracting fortune and prosperity.

• Four-Leaf Clover – Brings luck, success, and good fortune.

• Fehu (ᚠ) – Manifests wealth, prosperity, and abundance.

• Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty) – A symbol of abundance and wealth.

• Chinese Coins (Tied with Red String) – A feng shui charm for prosperity.

• Citrine (Merchant’s Stone) – Attracts wealth and financial success.

• Elephant with Trunk Up – A charm for good luck and financial stability.

Power & Strength Symbols:

• Thor’s Hammer (Mjölnir) – A Norse symbol for protection and personal power.

• Dragon Symbol – Represents strength, wisdom, and magickal power.

• The Lion (Solar Power) – Represents courage, dominance, and royalty.

• Oak Leaf & Acorn – Strength, endurance, and longevity.

• Sowilo Rune (ᛋ) – Represents the sun’s power, success, and victory.

• Phoenix – A symbol of resilience, transformation, and rebirth.

Wisdom & Knowledge Symbols:

• Key – Unlocks new opportunities, wisdom, and secrets.

• Ouroboros (Serpent Eating Its Tail) – Represents infinite wisdom and cycles of renewal.

• The Owl – A symbol of wisdom, intuition, and the unknown.

• Merkaba (Star Tetrahedron) – Represents spiritual ascension and higher consciousness.

• Celtic Awen – Three rays representing divine inspiration, wisdom, and creativity.

• Feather – A symbol of knowledge, communication with spirits, and travel.

• Shell – Connection to water energy, emotions, intuition.

• The Labyrinth – A journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

• Spider Web Charm – Symbolic of creativity, patience, weaving fate.

• The Book (Grimoire Symbol) – Represents arcane knowledge and magickal wisdom.

Healing & Health Symbols:

• Caduceus (Staff of Hermes) – Often confused with the Rod of Asclepius, it symbolizes healing and balance.

• Rod of Asclepius – A staff with a serpent, representing medicine and healing.

• Chalice/Grail – A symbol of spiritual nourishment and healing.

• Dove Symbol – Represents peace, purity, and emotional healing.

• Green Aventurine – A crystal associated with heart healing and vitality.

• Healing Hand (Reiki Symbol) – Used in energy healing practices.

Magick & Spiritual Symbols:

• Triple Moon (Waxing, Full, Waning) – Represents the triple goddess and the phases of magick.

• Yin-Yang – Balancing opposing energies, duality, and harmony.

• Infinity Symbol (∞) – Represents limitless potential and eternal cycles.

• Spiral (Sacred Geometry) – Represents cosmic forces, spiritual growth, and energy flow.

• Alchemical Symbols – Such as Sulfur (fire), Mercury (transformation), and Salt (earthly existence).

• The Sigil – A personal or created magical symbol for manifesting desires.

• The Triskelion (Triple Spiral) – A Celtic symbol of motion, progress, and spiritual evolution.

Death & Afterlife Symbols:

• The Scythe – Symbol of death, transformation, and the cycle of life.

• Anubis (Jackal-Headed Deity) – Egyptian guide of the dead and protector of souls.

• Raven & Crow – Messengers of the spirit world, associated with death and prophecy.

• The Skull – Represents mortality, spiritual protection, and wisdom.

• The Black Rose – A symbol of endings, transformation, and mourning.

Storing & Carrying Magick Charms

Proper storage keeps charms energetically charged and ready for use. Here are some ideas for how to store your charms:

• Charm Bracelet – Wear daily for constant energy.

• Key Ring – Carry for protection, luck, or travel safety.

• Necklace or Amulet Pouch – Close to the heart for emotional or psychic work.

• Pocket Charm Bag – Small pouches with multiple charms inside.

• Altar Bowl or Plate – Keeps charms cleansed and charged.

• Wooden Box – A sacred space for unused or rotating charms.

• Glass Jars – Store charms by category (protection, love, luck).

• Hanging Charms – Over doorways, windows, or in cars for protection.

Activating & Charging Your Charms

Once stored, activate your charms to align them with your energy and purpose. Here are some methods for charging charms:

• Full Moon Light – Best for charms related to psychic abilities, intuition, and love.

• Sunlight – Increases vitality, confidence, and empowerment.

• Fire Energy – Hold over a candle flame to strengthen power (use fire-safe materials).

• Earth Energy – Bury in soil or place on a crystal for grounding.

• Anointing Oils – Rub with essential oils that match the intention (e.g., rose oil for love, peppermint for clarity).

• Breath & Spoken Word – Whisper affirmations or spells into the charm.

Example Activation Spell:

"By earth, air, fire, and sea,

A charm of power this shall be.

Blessed with magic, strong and bright,

Guided by love, luck, and light."

Using Magick Charms in Witchcraft

Protection Magick:

• Wear as Jewelry – Carry protective charms like pentacles, hamsas, or evil eye symbols as rings, necklaces, or bracelets.

• Hang Above Doorways – Place charms like iron horseshoes, pentagrams, witch bells, or bindrunes on doors to keep negative energy away.

• Pocket or Pouch Carrying – Keep a small charm (such as a rune, hexagram, or protective sigil) in your pocket or mojo bag.

• Car Charm for Safe Travel – Hang protective symbols like an Eye of Horus, hag stone, or hamsa in your car.

• Candle Spell with Protective Symbols – Carve protective sigils or runes onto candles and burn them for shielding energy.

Love & Attraction Magick:

• Charm Bags for Love – Create a sachet filled with rose petals, cinnamon, and love-drawing charms to carry with you.

• Embedding in Jewelry – Enchant a piece of jewelry with attraction energy and wear it to enhance romantic appeal.

• Love Candles – Use pink or red candles and tie love charms to them for love spells.

• Bath Ritual with Love Charms – Place rose quartz or heart charms in bathwater to charge yourself with loving energy.

• Knot Magick with Charms – Tie a ribbon around a love-attracting charm while focusing on your desire.

Prosperity & Success Magick:

• Prosperity Jar – Fill a jar with green aventurine, bay leaves, wealth charms and coins to attract wealth.

• Keep Money-Drawing Charms in Wallet – Carry a citrine crystal, Chinese coin, or prosperity sigil inside your wallet.

• Tie Wealth Symbols to Candles – Use green or gold candles and adorn them with symbols for financial success.

• Charm Your Work Desk – Place a charged prosperity charm on your workspace to attract career success.

• Bury a Charm for Long-Term Growth – Plant a coin or lucky charm in the soil with a new plant to manifest sustained wealth.

Healing & Well-being Magick:

• Crystal Healing Charms – Wear or carry stones like amethyst, jade, or lapis lazuli for mental and physical healing.

• Drink Infused Herbal Water – Charge a charm with healing energy and place it beside a cup of herbal tea.

• Create a Healing Amulet – Anoint a small token with essential oils like lavender or rosemary and carry it for health.

• Under-Pillow Charms for Rest – Place a dream charm or amethyst under your pillow to promote restful sleep.

Divination & Psychic Enhancement:

• Pendulum Work – Use a small charm as a pendulum for dowsing and spiritual guidance.

• Charms with Tarot Cards – Keep psychic-enhancing charms with your tarot deck for clearer readings.

• Crystal Ball or Scrying Mirror with Charms – Keep a pentagram, labradorite, or a third-eye charm near scrying tools.

• Create an Intuition Talisman – Carry a charm or rune (such as Algiz or Ansuz) to strengthen intuition.

• Anointing the Third Eye – Use a charm to draw anointing oil onto the third eye for spiritual awareness.

Spirit Communication & Ancestral Work:

• Ancestral Altar Offerings – Place a charm representing your ancestors on your altar to honor and connect with them.

• Use Spirit Keys – Enchant an old key as a tool to unlock communication with spirits.

• Bone or Shell Divination – Keep a charm or marked bones for spirit-based divination.

• Spirit Sigils - Use name sigils or symbols of spirits to connect with them.

• Carve Names on Candles – Inscribe an ancestor’s name on a candle along with a symbolic charm for guidance.

• Use a Spirit Bottle – Fill a small bottle with herbs, salt, and charms to aid in contacting spirits.

Shadow Work & Personal Growth:

• Shadow Work Charm Pouch – Keep black tourmaline or obsidian, a moon, a skull, etc. charm in it for deep introspection.

• Mirror Work – Put a shadow work charm on a mirror and use it for self-reflection rituals.

• Create a Personal Power Amulet – Enchant an item with affirmations for self-empowerment.

Warding & Banishing Negativity:

• Black Salt & Charm Mix – Combine black salt with a protective charm and sprinkle it around your home.

• Smoke Cleansing with Charms – Pass a protective charm through incense smoke to empower it.

• Candle Banishing Ritual – Carve a banishing sigil onto a black candle and burn it while focusing on removing negativity.

• Mirror Magick for Reflection & Deflection – Charge a small mirror charm to send negativity back to its source.

Elemental Magick Uses:

• Earth Charms – Bury a stone charm in soil to manifest long-term goals.

• Air Charms – Hang charms in trees or use feathers to enhance communication and wisdom.

• Fire Charms – Burn symbols in fire to release intentions or perform fire scrying.

• Water Charms – Place charms in a bowl of water under the moonlight for cleansing and intuition.

Dream Magick & Astral Travel:

• Dream Charm Under Pillow – Use an amethyst, moonstone, or dreamcatcher to encourage prophetic dreams.

• Charm on Bed Frame – Put a charm under your bed or mattress to enhance dream recall and astral travel.

• Silver Cord Charm – Carry or wear a silver cord for protection during astral projection.

• Anointing with Mugwort Oil – Use mugwort-infused oil on a charm to enhance dream visions.

Retiring or Disposing of Old Charms

If a charm loses its energy, becomes damaged, or is no longer needed:

• Bury It – Returns energy to the earth.

• Burn It – Safely burn wooden or biodegradable charms.

• Release It into Water – If eco-friendly (e.g., shells, stones).

• Gift It – Pass it to someone who may need its magic.

Magick charms are versatile, powerful tools that enhance spells, offer protection, and bring luck. Whether worn, carried, or placed in a sacred space, they infuse your life with magick while keeping your intentions aligned.

How to Study Resources

Many people in the modern day pagan/polytheist communities are young. As such, a majority of them are neurodivergent, like I am. For me, that means a majority of the language used in resources is difficult to understand. This was originally going to be a post about that, but the more I wrote, the more I realised that many people, neurodivergent or not, just... don't know how to study resources. So, if you are someone that also struggles, I now present to you... my full guide on how to study resources.

Little disclaimer: I myself am a hellenic polytheist, but this guide is for anyone that struggles with understanding information from resources, whether you are a hellenic polytheist, norse polytheist, kemetic polytheist, etc. Though do understand that I am writing from the perspective of a hellenic polytheist, so I am bound to make mistakes when it comes to religions I am less educated on. You are always welcome to adjust anything I say here to fit your own religion accordingly.

Let's get started.

Firstly, you have to find resources. Many people happen to get stuck here, unfortunately.

How do I know what to research to begin with? When starting out, the general consensus among the polytheist/pagan communities is to research the related historical practice. How the deities were worshipped, what contexts they were worshipped in, the history of the deities, etc etc... all of these are very important factors to consider as a beginner. Only by knowing the history can you then delve deeper into specific terms and specific paths that may be right for you!

How do I find resources? Unfortunately, a lot of resources are behind paywalls or just plain hard to find. Here is a list of websites that I personally use and recommend:

scholar.google.com

academia.edu

pdfdrive.com

library.memoryoftheworld.org

libcom.org

libretexts.org

standardebooks.org

By the way, just a reminder that if you find a resource but there is a pesky paywall in your way, you can probably find it on archive.org for free!

How do I choose a resource though? If you are part of hellenic polytheism, then theoi.com is a great resource, but I always like to add primary sources into my research + not everyone reading this will be part of helpol. Try to find primary sources, first and foremost. Then read historical accounts. Then read secondary sources. Also, make sure your author is reliable! (that link is only for hellenic polytheism though, apologies. If you are not part of hellenic polytheism, then looking into who the author is/was as a person and what sort of contributions they made and beliefs they held never failed me personally!)

Found your resource? Made sure the author is reliable? Wonderful! Now what?

This is usually where the procrastination hits for me. Either that, or I get hyperfocused for a while but never complete it and then lose interest.

To avoid that, break things down and establish a routine. You do not have to finish a book in a day, or understand everything you read straight away. Setting those kinds of expectations for yourself will only make things so much more difficult.

Instead, make a routine for yourself. Outlined below is my routine:

Getting into the mindset. I always like to get myself into the mindset of studying by praying, whether this is studying for school or studying a resource. Since my entire life is devoted to lord Apollon, I pray to Him for it. However, if I am researching a specific god, I will typically pray to them instead. However, sometimes I do not have the spoons to write out a prayer, so I typically just adjust my surroundings instead. Turning my LED lights to a warmer colour and putting on some lofi music usually helps me! The studyblr community has great tips for this part! I also recommend I Miss My Cafe.

Reading. First, I try to read without annotating or taking notes. This is the time to take in the information, to try and grasp what I am reading. This is usually the most difficult part for me, because a lot of academic sources tend to use advanced language and sentence structures that are difficult for me to understand. Unfortunately, the only tip I have for this part is to read as slowly as you need. Do not be ashamed for taking your time. Typically, I only like to read one paragraph before I move onto the next step.

Annotation. This is where I re-read the paragraph I just read. Typically, I like to re-word the paragraph in a simpler way for me to understand. Sometimes I notice little patterns that may connect back to something I've read prior, whether in another book or earlier in the same book. When that happens, that is something I add too! Remember, you do not have to annotate. If it makes it easier, then perfect! If it does not, discard it.

Consult study tools. This is where I cross-reference with other resources. This is how the entire process repeats again. Though, you do not just have to use books for this part! YouTube videos, podcasts, online resources, etc etc...these always help too!

Application. After vetting the information, consider how it would apply to your life, if at all.

Of course, that's just my routine. You are always welcome to use it, but I also greatly encourage you to create your own routine so that you can cater it to your learning style!

I also recommend setting a time limit for yourself. If you have not completed a chapter within the time limit, that is okay! The most important thing about researching is making sure you are not guilting yourself into biting off more than you can chew. Take your time, you have a lot of it.

Research is vital to religions like ours, and research should be something everyone can do! Just because you may need some accommodations does not make you any less intelligent. We all learn differently. That is okay.

I hope this post can serve as something helpful for those who struggle in this area, and as a reminder that you are not alone in your struggles. If you have any questions or would like further clarification on some points, feel free to reach out!

Xaire ♡

Elements And Their Correspondences

Earth

Direction: North

Time: Midnight

Season: Winter

Color: Green, brown

Zodiac: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Ruling planets: Venus and Saturn

Tarot Cards: Pentacles, Coins

Tools: Pentacle, salt, stones, dirt, crystals, wood, flowers

Cystals: Emerald, Jet, tourmaline, quartz, onyx, azurite, amethyst, jasper, peridot, granite.

Animals: gopher, bear, wolf, ant, horse, stag, deer, dog, cow, bull, bison, snake, worms, moles, voles, grubs

Herbs: Oak, cedar, cypress, honeysuckle, ivy, primrose, sage, grains, patchouli, nuts, magnolia, comfrey, vetivert, moss, lilac, lichen, roots, barley, alfalfa, corn, rice.

Rules: Grounding, strength, healing, success, stability, sturdiness, steadfastness, foundations, empathy, fertility, death, rebirth, wisdom, nature, animals, plants, money, prosperity.

Water

Direction: West

Time: Dusk

Season: Fall

Color: Blue, Indigo, Sliver

Zodiac: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

Ruling planets: Moon, Neptune, Pluto

Tarot Cards: Cups

Tools: Ocean, sea glass, cup, bowl, seaweed, hag stones, cauldron

Cystals: Moonstone, pearl, silver, aquamarine, amethyst, blue tourmaline, lapis lazuli, fluorite, coral, blue topaz, beryl, opal, coral

Animals: fish, snake, frog, crab, lobster, eel, shark, dragonfly, seahorse, dolphin, sea otter, seal, whale, alligator, crocodile, beaver, octopus, penguin, salamander, turtle, starfish, koi, coral, barnacle, manta ray, manatee, jellyfish, nautilus, heron, duck, geese, crane, swan, water birds, ammonite, dragons, serpents

Herbs: seaweed, aloe, fern, water lily, lotus, moss, willow, gardenia, apple, catnip, chamomile, cattail, lettuce, kelp, birch, cabbage, coconut, cucumber, comfrey, eucalyptus, gourd, geranium, grape, licorice, lilac, pear, strawberry, tomato

Rules: emotion, intuition, psychic abilities, love, unconscious mind, fertility, self-healing, reflection, lunar energy, deep feelings, curses, death

Fire

Direction: South

Time: Noon

Season: Summer

Color: Red, Orange

Zodiac: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Ruling planets: Sun, Mars

Tarot Cards: Wands or Swords (depends on belief system)

Tools: Athame, candles, swords, wands, dagger, lamp, flame

Cystals: Carnelian, red jasper, bloodstone, garnet, ruby, agate, rhodochrosite, gold, pyrite, brass, fire opal, lavastone, tiger's eye

Animals: Lion, snake, coyote, fox, ladybug, bee, shark, scorpion, horse, mantis, tiger

Herbs: Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, allspice, basil, cacti, marigold, chilis, garlic, mustard, nettle, onion, heliotrope, hibiscus, juniper, lime, orange, red pepper, poppies, thistle, coffee, jalapenos, lemon, cumin, saffron, coriander

Rules: Energy, will, destruction, strength, courage, power, passion, lust, sexuality, anger, war, new beginnings, protection, loyalty, transformation, action, movement, achievement, creativity, desire, willpower

Air

Direction: East

Time: Down

Season: Spring

Color: Yellow, gold, white, light blue, pastels

Zodiac: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Ruling planets: Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus

Tarot Cards: Wands

Tools: Feather, wand, staff, incense, broom, bell, sword, pen

Cystals: Amber, topaz, citrine, jasper, agate, pumice, alexandrite, amethyst, fluorite, mica, clear quartz

Animals: Birds, flying insects, spiders, bats

Herbs: Bergamot, lavender, marjoram, peppermint, sage, dandelion, bluebell, clover, frankincense, primrose, lemongrass, pine, aspen, yarrow, violets, vervain, myrrh, dill, anise, aspen

Rules: Intelligence, wisdom, knowledge, logic, thought, communication, truth, inspiration, intuition, memory, creativity

Tip jar

There are so so so many ways to experience the gods.

There is no right or wrong way. There is no blunt way. Its all feeling and ephemeral.

If you’ve felt warmth, if you’ve had a dream, if you’ve seen a crow that stares at you for too long, if something inexplicable happens and you’re lucky suddenly, if you’ve caught eyes with a stranger and felt like you knew each other. If the candle flickers a certain way, if one time when you’re singing your voice sounds gorgeous in a way you weren’t expecting, these are all the presence of a god.

God phoning is popular on witchtok but half the time what they’re saying is bullshit. I’ve very very rarely heard a voice and every single time it was my own voice, just suffused with something, saying something I normally wouldn’t say. Or maybe I would. I’ve never heard a clear, distinct, audible voice. Its an invisible world we’re connecting with, its a different plain. We cannot experience it the same way we experience every day life.

We’ll never sit down at a coffee table across from the physical manifestation of our god, and know that its them, not until after. And even then we can never be sure. That’s the nature of it. There are no absolutes, there cannot be. That’s what makes it beautiful. That’s where belief comes in. It isn’t about being good enough or worthy enough or devout enough, that doesn’t exist. That isn’t what its about at all. You are worthy even if the divine doesn’t manifest in a way we’ve been told is the only real way, and you are connecting even if you cant see it now. My most intense spiritual experiences are never something I realize are happening in the moment, its always only after that I can see it clearly.

The gods are all around us.

oh boy is divination exhausting :’))