i dabble in spirituality and practicing paganism but i dont know much so bare with me. i really want to get into a specific college, would it be wrong or disrespectful to make an altar for said college? would an altar even be the way to go? is there another way to make sure i get in?

So over the past 10 years, I've been trying to find a place among all the pantheons that I have been able to get information about (Greek, Norse, Kemetic, even Finnish & Estonian at one point - even went back and tried Christianity twice, but I'm not feeling connected to that anymore) but none of them have particularly spoken to me. Norse paganism got close but I still felt like it wasn't where I was "meant" to be. It was fascinating and I love Norse mythology, but it wasn't exactly my place.

So now I'm just making up my own, bc (to me) the idea is that "oh they're all made up if you go back far enough, what's actually important is how they speak to me and help me grow". So here we go, we're making a pantheon and writing mythology. This will probably be a "series" of sorts where I care more of the pantheon and mythology as I write & revise it. And ofc since I'm sharing this publicly, if anyone wants to use it, they absolutely can if they'd like, tho I don't expect that to be a thing that happens, lmao.

So far there are 21 deities, with the central three being Tariel, Naluel, and Anadel. They represent birth, living, and death.

Tariel is the god of creation, new phases of life, and new opportunities/beginnings. He, along with his siblings, created the earth and everything on it. The actions of both himself and the other two led to the creation of almost every other deity in the pantheon, either directly or indirectly. He is considered the chief god because he is the oldest, but he reigns in close communion with Naluel and Anadel, so it's really more of a council type deal than anything.

Naluel is the deity of life and living. They are also associated with change and the cycles of nature, as well as the phases of life people go through. They represent flexibility, adaptability, and the understanding that nothing lasts forever and eventually the things we come to know will change. This deity has no set form, which is why they are referred to as "they". Sometimes they appear as male, sometimes female, sometimes androgynous, sometimes an adult, sometimes a child. Naluel is the one who created Earth's geographical features and is also the one who decided the earth should spin, thus having a continuous day/night cycle. They were also the one who created the moon and placed it in the sky. This action also caused the births of two other deities, Esrial, the goddess of the sun and the day, and Iluniel, the god night and the moon, which Naluel raised and parented for the many years they and their siblings spent creating the world's life forms.

Anadel is the god of death and the end of cycles. This also means I associate him with the completion of tasks, journeys, etc. if it ends, Anadel is there to see the end. He is a reminder, along with Naluel, that nothing lasts, and that is simply a part of the way things are. Scary as they may be, the things we lose shouldn't deter us from moving on, because where one thing ends, a new thing begins, and there is something lovely in that. He is also the god of grief and loss, and I like to think that when someone loses something they love, he comforts them. He's very benevolent.

These are the Major Three, as I call them, and I'll introduce their family and such in later posts, as well as physical things I associate with them and give as offerings. I'm still developing a lot of stuff but these three are pretty set in stone. Hope you had fun reading, see y'all later.

Sometimes, it's hard to be a pagan. On October 31, 2024, Samhain and Diwali fell on the same day. Diwali is a very joyful festival, but I was up to my neck in the November blues and couldn't really get into a joyful mood. I read that the Bengali festival of Diwali is not the festival of Lakshmi, but the festival of the goddess Kali. Maybe that would have been a possible compromise for me. How did you spend this day?

I know I work with Hermes as I have since I was 13 and I’ve received protection from Demeter, I think I work with Loki but I can’t tell anymore, (respectfully he’s really chaotic ) I have a space for Persephone on Demeters alter, I’ve set something up for Aphrodite before but I’ve felt a connection to Apollo as well. I know I sound insane with all of this but I want the gods to know I appreciate them without worrying if I doing enough, I’ve been interested if protective deity’s recently and I have a baphomet statue as well as a Medusa candle, I’m aware I tried too many things but I just want to fix it without offending the gods, any advice is appreciated please be respectful I’m really worried

Hello! I want to dive into a film or tv show that celebrates and expresses the same love I have for paganism. Any suggestions?

on top of my regular alter. 2 small white candles to represent my ancestors on both sides of the family w the blue candle in the middle representing me. the cookie, coffee, and cow tooth as my offerings to them.

(the big white candle in the back is for my spirit guides)

I wrote a prayer for the election and I wanted to share it. Please share if you agree and wish to raise more energy by spreading the prayer to others. Thank you.

I pray to every God and Goddess of every Pantheon and to every entity with the power to effect change. Grant the American people victory over the enemies who seek to destroy us and our freedoms. Grant Vice President Kamala Harris ultimate victory over the evil traitor Donald Trump who seeks to become a dictator over us. Let him lose this election so that justice may be served. Let shame and imprisonment be the only future on his path. Grant the House and Senate majorities to Democrats so that the MAGA movement can go down to defeat and no longer be a plague upon our people. Bind the actions of the MAGA terrorists who seek to attack this election and put every obstacle in their path that they may be halted and arrested. I beseech these powers to accept my prayer and protect the American people from the evil on the right that seeks to subjugate and enslave us. May candles be lit and libations be poured to honor you for all time should you grant this boon to our people and our posterity. So mote it be.

Hey folks, I wanted to light a small bonfire tonight to celebrate Samhain en remember lost loved ones, but found out that I can’t in my garden because of a warning about smoke forming and people with asthma having a bad time if everyone starts lighting fires.

So what I did is that I put a shitload of small candles in jars and put them all around the perimeter of the garden to form a sort of circle of light around the house and garden (the chickens where left out, sorry chicks 🫶🏻). I did it with the intention when lighting a bonfire, to create the same sort of protection against the more evil spirits that might slip through.

Do you think the intention I had with the circle of light be enough? (Not anxious about things going terribly wrong, but I am new to paganism and don’t want to invoke something bad).

A blessed Samhain to all my sisters and brothers in the craft.

I'm traveling to Göteborg, Sweden soon and I would like to ask for tips and advice for pagan/witchcraft related things to do and see while in town.

Mostly I'm interested in places to visit, such as historically significant buildings and/sites with a background related to paganism or witchcraft.

Shops etc. tips are also always welcome.

I'm also interested in ghost/haunted walks/tours, so if anyone knows a good guide/tour please let me know.

Thanks in advance!

So, I've been start to go crazy a little cause I haven't been able to get a straight answer, but in paganism, what exactly is a "godly parent"? I've seen a few pagans claim they have godly parents, but I'm not sure what they mean by that. Would appreciate a clear and could concise response, please and thank you!

For context, I started deity work since the 14th October this year. Since then, I've converted to Kemetism and tried to connect to deities that I was fascinated by. But I don't feel like I'm making any progress. I'm trying to do meditations every night, I've tried guided meditations and felt nothing, I've watched countless videos on the matter and still don't know what to do right. I feel worried that the gods I want to work with might not want to work with me at all

So I fairly recently started practicing Celtic paganism and I'm having a hard time researching. What do I do for samhain? Any dieties I could make an altar for or any sigils I can make for tomorrow? I'm trying to learn, I'm very confused

Hi all, I'm still new to actively practicing and learning generally pagan/magical beliefs, and I've only done two rituals/prayed and offered to a specific god, but both times (and honestly sometimes even after just doing research) I will get this overwhelming shame and embarrassment. Like, that I'm stupid for believing in these things and feeling dumb for even attempting a spell or ritual or whatever. Is this a normal thing you guys have also experienced? Is it a sign from nature or a deity or the universe that whatever I was doing wasn't right? Is it just being culturally Christian and experiencing shame for the sake of shame?

I would chalk it up to internalized phobias of some kind if it didn't effect the rituals after: in my shame (often at night when I'm trying to sleep lol) I'll be so disgusted with myself and my actions that I retroactively try to cancel them, like sorry, disregard whatever I did it was stupid, and it makes me feel like I won't get anywhere bc my intentions, if only in those moments are shifted and in my mind, "cancel out" whatever I did.

Sorry if this is rambly, but I would love to know your thoughts and experiences. Thank you

Can someone tell me a little more about evocation/invocation particularly with deities? You need not describe the ritual itself I am more interested in the motivations and what warrants such a strong, rather forceful act? I work with deities myself and I would love to have such experiences but I have never felt my curiosity was enough to merit it. What has been your experience? Is this something that is best done in a group? What about invocation?

Hi, so I am a beginner when it comes to Hellenism, but I have an altar made for Lord Apollon. I just don't know how to communicate with him as I am not allowed to have a burning candle or burning incense in my room due to safety reasons. Is there any other way to communicate with him?

I’ve been worshiping Hades since I started my pagan journey. In Greek mythology, a single Greek obolus is needed to pay Charon to get across The River Styx. Does anyone know where I could find one of these coins or a replica that would also work? I’d like to have it as a part of my devotion jewelry (make it into a charm and put it on my charm necklace) and as kind of an investment for later because I’d like to be buried with one. I can’t quite find anything that would work, so any suggestions? Thank you!

My female cat gave birth to kittens and when they were old enough to sell my bf who I coparent that cats with put up an ad. The first call we get us from a child asking if the kittens will be able to pull a chariot. I didn't get this reference until later 😂 So I start working with Hypnos and it's going pretty good. I notice suddenly my dreams are filled with an absurd amount of cats but I am sort of thinking maybe this is because of the kittens even though I am not just seeing my actual cats. I also notice neighborhood cats running up to my like we have been friends forever, cats I have never seen. Maybe the kittens have created a special scent? I don't know enough about Freyja since I am working in the Greek Pantheon to connect it. Then Hypnos introduces me to Freyja in a dream and I am thinking this is just weird they are not even in the same Pantheon. In the dream Freyja and I have heated discussion and then we just start working quietly together 😂 I think I have asked Hypnos 3 times now if he wants me to work with Freyja and everytime it's a empathetic yes. The other day on the way to work I saw a pair of doves, usually I never see them in this area but one of the doves was so beautiful I actually stopped and complimented it 😂 I didn't know until today Freyja had anything to do with doves. I am a little intimidated by Freyja (the happy loving cats is a bonus though) anyone else willing to share their experiences? Hypnos seems very insistent about this so I have started research. Any tips would be useful.

With Samhain approaching, I was wondering what rituals you all engage in to celebrate the pagan new year? I'm new to paganism and this is my first time celebrating Samhain the pagan way so it would be good yo get some inspiration and explore traditions I may not have heard of before :)

What’s here

• 8 pendants I’ve made (god of metalwork after all)
• metal snake
• silver bowl (for the snake to sit in)
• various offerings (both the stuff in the plant pot and the purple jar)
• many rocks (most are at least partially metallic)
• NALOXONE!! Carry it everywhere!! You can save a life!

Not pictured: Snake choker- it’s pretty and I like physical pressure, plus it’s nice to keep a little bit of my altar with me

The transformation of Neorþe, an earth goddess from Proto-Germanic mythology into an ocean goddess named Nēorðe illustrates the dynamic nature of mythological evolution and cultural exchange. This hypothesis is supported by historical, linguistic and ritualistic elements that highlight the fluidity of deities' roles and attributes over time.

Proto-Germanic Roots and Anglo-Saxon Transition

Neorþe, known as Nerthus in Tacitus' Germania, was revered as the earth goddess associated with fertility and prosperity. Tacitus describes her as traveling among her people in a sacred chariot, bringing peace and abundance. As Germanic tribes migrated and evolved into the Anglo-Saxons, their religious beliefs transformed, potentially leading to Neorþe's adaptation into new roles.

Influence of Ritualistic Drownings

Ritualistic drownings, sacred to Neorþe, were believed to appease the goddess and ensure the land's fertility. Over time, these practices potentially evolved into bog mummifications, suggesting a deepening connection between Neorþe and water. The preservation of bodies in bogs indicates a sacred relationship with these watery environments, hinting at Neorþe's potential transformation into a water deity with the liminal nature of bogs and marshes adding a cthonic element.

Comparison with Norse Deities

In Norse mythology, Rán is a fearsome sea goddess known for capturing sailors with her net, their souls residing in her hall whose name is lost to time. The hypothesis that Nēorðe evolved into a water goddess with similar attributes to Rán is plausible, given the cultural syncretism and linguistic shifts over centuries. As an ocean deity, Nēorðe might have adopted more terrifying and cruel aspects, reflecting the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the ocean. The reason for Rán in particular is the lack of knowledge about Njörðr's wife Njörunn and his remarrying of the goddess Skaði; more lost tales potentially explain this that we do not know.

Hypothetical Lost Story

A compelling narrative could explain Nēorðe's transformation: Once a nurturing earth goddess, Nēorðe was swallowed by the treacherous marshlands due to some calamity (perhaps the Æsir-Vanir war?), her spirit merging with the waters. As The Drowned Goddess, she demands souls to accompany her in her watery grave, leading to the continuation of ritualistic drownings as offerings, now as bog mummies. This story, though a speculative reconstruction, aligns with the characteristics and evolution nature deities.

Classification as a Vanir/Wæn

Given her association with nature and fertility, Nēorðe is likely classified among the Vanir (Wæn in Old English), a group of deities overseeing prosperity and natural elements. This classification contrasts with the Jötunn (Ēoten), who represent more chaotic and antagonistic forces in mythology. While embodying the terrifying and almost cruel nature of the seas as much as the bounty and beauty of the waves, as a nature deity Nēorðe more closely embodies that duality than an Ēoten, who would embody tidal waves and tsunamis specifically.

Conclusion

The hypothesis that Neorþe evolved into an ocean goddess named Nēorðe is supported by historical practices, cultural exchanges, and the fluid nature of mythological evolution. The transformation reflects a significant shift in the deity's attributes and domain, aligning her more closely with the characteristics of water deities like Rán. This evolution underscores the adaptability of deities to new cultural and environmental contexts, highlighting the rich tapestry of the gods and their embodying of humanity's own adaptability.

I’m pretty new to this and I have an alter for Aphrodite, but I don’t live in my own house and my grandma wants to put up Christmas stuff (I’m aware it hasn’t even been Halloween yet)

Do I have to do anything specific or can I just gently pack it away temporarily?

How do you exacly talk/communucate with deities?? I know some people prefer tarots but how do i do it? sorry if this question seems funny but i am really confused. Can u give me ideas please?

I've been pagan for a few years now, and I've slowly been building up my routine to fit into holidays and other things. This is the first year I'm genuinely doing anything for samhain, which included delving into old pictures to find ones of my ancestors/loved ones who have passed. It was surprisingly emotional, especially because I can't find a picture of a few people I was hoping for, and I won't be in my family home to get one until after the holiday.

But!! I have meaningful objects for them and I've honestly never directly faced some of their passings like this, but as emotional as I am I still really feel connected to them, which is something I don't often feel.

I'm very excited to build up traditions from here forward, and I'm hoping to make this part of the year something positive for the rest of my life.

https://preview.redd.it/fm3lvzamk3xd1.png?width=734&format=png&auto=webp&s=9f7bce48e6294d8e6ccc3277e1138b75154640c6

I recently came across this tradition known as Irish Witta, apparently acording to this books description, Witta is an old religion of Ireland born of a people who worshipped a deity known as the Greenmother (which is obliviously a very sketchy claim) however I saw some sources claim it was a Wiccan tradition but other than that I haven't found any other Sources covering it (other than this book by Edain McCoy, who is a self-Initiated witch according to her bio).

So I was wondering if anyone here knows about this tradition or practice, is it a legit thing or an attempt by someone to create a new religious neo-pagan movement?

Decided to split my current altar by my desk into another one. This one has no open flame materials while the other one is going to hold all my candles and spellcraft items more than deity items.

On this altar (currently; waiting on a couple figurines) is my prized statue of my sweet rose Eros, my two Eros perfumes, a rose I sculpted, an incense burner my sister gave me, and a little snake holding a very special pendulum. :)

Context: hello! I'm very new to this method of worship as I have been Christian my whole life... I'm only a few weeks old baby witch(?) to say the least.

I had guidance from a practicing witch apprentice to use a necklace of mine as makeshift pendulum. I also made a ward with my selenite charger and sealed it away. The ward has considered the pendulum to be its extension and they work well together in keeping me safe.

But now, with my 2 guardian deities guidance, (Mother Athene and Mother Mnemosyne) I feel ready to get an actual crystal pendulum and get closer to both of them.

Can I use multiple pendulums? If so, how am I supposed to use 2 pendulums at the same time? How do I go about this with respect for the makeshift pendulum that has served me for so long.

I wanted to know how to start with divination, like, I have kind of a skill in this regard, I think if I started with divination I would be able to improve this skill and it would also help me write more things in my grimoire