so interpretatio Romana was Romans equating other gods with theirs kinda, but did they ever worship say Lugus in place of Mercury, or both of them? Not just Celtic Romans but like would a general Roman ever worship a god that is associated with a Roman one??

I'm still a minor I don't feel ready to fully connect to any deity, but this experience was a comfort to me and I want a full understanding of how spirit work could go moving forward. My mom got me a book about Samhain rituals a couple years ago, which that was the first time I'd go trick or treating alone with a friend. It had prayers to a multitude of gods, which I tend to get very nervous about being vulnerable in public, so I was seeking comfort. I chose to pray to Hekate and Persephone as I simply felt comfort thinking of them. That made me feel better just knowing I could walk safely (for context, I'm AFAB and I've heard many true stories of what can happen as well as me just generally struggling with Anxiety Disorder). Me and my friend were ready to leave since my dad and younger sister would be going on their own together, but I spotted a stray cat. I have cats myself (a black cat and a tuxedo cat, both female) and in the past I had always seen black cats on Halloween, but this one was different. It was a gray tabby with some white areas on its chest and green eyes, my neighborhood has stray cats along with pets that just walk outdoors but this was one I hadn't spotted nor heard of before. The cat let me pet it, which it looked very clean and healthy compared to other cats outdoors. After that night, I didn't see it again, but everything went well and I've always had the feeling that my prayers were answered. I don't know whether it was Hekate or Persephone who heard my prayers, but I'm very grateful to have had the comfort I needed to feel safe during a new experience. Has anyone else had similar experiences or answers for who could've answered my prayers? I'd also appreciate advice for spirit work moving on, even if I can't do full rituals yet I at least want to pray when it feels necessary.

A way to honor the cycle of life

Or

Disrespectful to Eostre

Signed - Eclectic pagan, Celtic-Norse

I mean it’s as the title states. I want to be able to officiate pagan weddings but that’s very unclear on how that would happen in the US. Any guidance?

Been cracking open books on runes trying to learn how to read and write them I have a few linguistic sources (Jackson Crawford and Michael P. Barnes) but was looking for books on the more "Magical" side of things. I have a Runes for Beginners book but it's written by a wiccan( not that that's a bad thing but I'm wanting to be as historically accurate as possible and was advised against those types of books) . I also have a audiobook called taking up the Runes by Diana L Paxson tho I've heard some negative things about her as well.

So I want to work with Lord Loki and what to learn what things that would the best to worship him (I do have a small alter with a candle will get a candle with a citrus scent at soon, a bust for Loki originally supposed to be a bust for Lord Hades I ordered on Amazon, runes associated with Loki, sweet tart mini chewys, and 2 pop figures of the marvel version of Loki) and been doing tarot reading seeing more cards associated with Loki in pulls like the tower and the devil here and the lovers (I know it's not associated with him but the art on the card is a black snake and a white snake)

I'm from a very Christian family, and the last 3 generations have abandoned our historically pagan roots. I'm in the broom closet (and I have yet to attempt a spell because I want to learn respectfully). Based off of experiences with multiple estranged family members, I'm sure there are several blood relatives I'm completely unaware of. I feel very drawn to Hecate, so I was looking for ways to honor and connect with her and I stumbled across some passages on Google..they said caring for and honoring ancestors is an appropriate way to show devotion. I have wanted to do this for years and never knew why. How can I reconnect with the history of my bloodline? Is there a way I can communicate with my ancestors to pay respects and ask for guidance? Is it possible to ask Hecate to guide me to them?

The only new things with this are the two statues I got, one of Demeter (who I will start worshipping in March) and one of Artemis (who I am already worshipping) both of witch I got from Etsy, along with that I have the pendants I use for each deity in front of the respected statue. Also I have a new crescent moon trinket dish which is for Hekate (which I got from HMV) and some Greek coins for Hermes (I got from eBay) (they would be infront if them and on the deity section but as you can see they isn’t room).

I want to make a painting for a friend of mine whose pagan. But I have no idea where to start. She asked me to paint her a canvas with her favorite colors and some protection runes for when she goes to practice. If you have any suggestions I could really use the help thank you!

So recently I have been Researching Taweret and thinking about working with/worshipping her. What are your experiences with her? Are there things I should know as an expert in the Hellenistic pantheon, about important ways to reach out apart from being respectful and understanding? Anything helps

Hello,

I'm a follower of Odin, lightly describe myself as Asatru, but have an interest in general occultism/LHP as well. That said, I'm hesitant to join any organization given the general stink of racism that surrounds neopagan communities and would greatly appreciate some guidance as to which groups are worth investigating/joining. All of my friends are atheists or have no real interest in this sort of thing and I feel somewhat adrift and seeking for a place to belong.

Apologies if this doesn't belong here.

I am completely questioning my beliefs, and I no longer trust in the universe. I have been a dedicated pagan for 11 years, and not once have I questioned my beliefs until now.

There’s a bit of a backstory to this.

Recently, 18 days ago, my familiar passed away very quickly and unexpectedly at the age of 12. I am still going through the grieving process, and I’m very very angry that the universe decided it was time for my baby to go. I just don’t understand it. I have faced a ridiculous amount of death and loss recently, and I am just completely exhausted.. I do not trust the universe anymore, especially with all that’s going on in the world. I do not believe the universe has a plan anymore…

I love being pagan, paganism has helped me in amazing ways, but recently I am questioning everything. Does anyone else go through stages of questioning themselves?

(Name)

• God of Technological Progression

• Pupil of Athena and Auxeria, Son of Hephaestus

• Born by Hephaestus' show of empathy, allowing for the god to bless a seedling.

Creation of (Name):

• Athena and Hephaestus underestimated the misuse of their theologies to forge an age of informational distrust. The goddess embraced the god, he who shed a single tear of lava onto a seedling. The seed turned into stone and buried itself into the garden.

• As time passed and under the watchful eyes of Athena and Hephaestus, the plant started to sprout. Its. roots dug deep and deeper into the soil, trunk the texture of stone grew into the clouds. As the entity matured, its roots breached the earth in a vice-like grip. When the leaves started to bloom, they were filled with stone tablets, tomes, scripts, books, newspapers, and papers. Every branch became full to the brim of each specific kind of literature. Athena deciphered it was the stories of those both told and untold as more and more grew from the tree. Hephaestus used his forge to prescribe rules upon the stone trunks and branches. The rules stated as such (Not Finalized. Just an idea for a foundry to start):

i) You mustn't believe that you are the first or only god to come into existence. Other gods and goddesses have come before you, and more will become in result of you.

ii) You will be forever be on the side of positive progression. Forwards for the totality of all beings that wish to believe in you.

iii) Your law is not absolute. Your existence is not Law. You must bless those with an open mind, the strength to advance their knowledge and understand that which they do not know. Your believers must accept that there will be ideas of both support and opposition. 

iv) Wisdom mustn't be withheld from all followers who choose to believe in you. To progress, information should be encouraged to be shared with trustful earnest. To gate-keep knowledge, shall be the downfall of this belief forged upon the ideologies that will lead to ever-moving headway to overflow with shared knowledge.

v) Treat all beings with kindness. No mortal is more favorable than any based on arbitrary biases. To advance forward, one must see all living entities as intellectual equals. One species' wisdom does not lessen another species. Their value shall not be weighed in favors. 

----I would love to hear ideas on how I could make this feel more like something someone would want to follow as an actual god based on the beliefs of sharing knowledge and the advancement of technology across all time periods. The rules aren't made to be end all, be all, but something that can be expanded upon.

Edit: I will be looking into more religions than just greco-roman. This doesnt feel like it's solely within their pantheon.

Edit 2: The more I look into this, the more it feels like I made this up. But there is the question of "Why am I suddenly passionate about this?" And what does the name "Theot-il" mean? It feels like something wants its story to be told.

Edit 3: What if this isnt exactly a god but an Axis Mundi? Not as a creation for the world but a starting point for something new? Does this make me a Chaote?

HI all! I've been exploring different spiritual paths. I'm American (of Mexican descent). I was raised catholic, later converted to fundamentalist Christianity and now am atheist/agnostic. I don't resonate with folk Catholicism or any spiritual practice of my Mexican ancestors. I have been drawn to Pagan spiritual traditions so I am wondering if there's anyone out there like me or how I can practice while avoiding cultural appropriation? Thanks for your input!

Hi! It's my first time celebrating Imbolc as a baby pagan and I have two questions.

1. What is Imbolc a celebration of, what's it all about?

2. Any specific ways to celebrate, crafts or rituals or anything?

Thanks, Z

The Great Prayer Experiment

Ok, so, the prayer experiment is something I heard from a horror/thriller movie called ‘HERETIC’.

The Great Prayer Experiment was an experiment on how prayer affects the recovery time of a patient that went through a major surgery.

The results were that if someone knew they were getting prayed for took longer to recover and had more complications. Along with that, the study also suggested that prayer does not work and is merely ‘wishful thinking’ as one scientist put it.

Whether you believe this is up to you. Personally I believe that prayer does and doesn’t work at the same time. I believe that there is something truly beautiful about praying for someone and giving them your love, even if it doesn’t work. I also believe that the gods are real and they do listen. They might not provide everything that is wanted but they prayer does give answers to a lot of our questions.

I believe both is a truly beautiful way to look at the world.

What do you guys think?

I wanted to ask if anyone else has had negative experiences dealing with Jeff Cullen, aka Hellfirian. I’ve unfortunately had an awful time after making a few purchase from him, and I’m trying to figure out how others have handled similar situations.

Here’s what happened to me: • I paid for multiple items back in September, but never received them. Sent multiple emails and Instagram messages no replay. • I finally had to open a claim with PayPal- then he started sending me abusive and aggressive emails. It escalated to a point where it felt like pure gaslighting—making it seem like I was the problem.

I don’t know when PayPal will settle the claim, but I’m wondering if I should also report him to the NY Consumer Protection Agency or any other organizations.

Has anyone else gone through this with him? How did you handle it? Were you able to get any resolution? If you have advice on reporting him or any other next steps, I’d really appreciate it.

Just trying to figure out my options and make sure others don’t fall into the same situation.

Thanks in advance!

When i mean "freedom" i mean in a political sense, as in "breaker of chains" or "liberator of slaves". There is one that i know from my countrie's folklore called "Kianumaka-Manã" the Xakriabá's people goddess of freedom and liberty.

Hey, new here but I want to ask how do you react to loved ones either leaving you for being pagan or being aggressively mean about it to the point where you can’t talk any sense into them??

I’m trying my best to let it roll off my shoulders and distance myself from them but honestly it’s tough dealing with people I’ve loved all my life basically start to hate me due to something that brings joy to my life.

Any advice will help thank you!!

Sorry if this is a bad sub, will delete if this doesn't belong here.

So I've been struggling to meditate. Or have I? It's hard to know what you're doing when you're not sure what you're trying to achieve!

What I think a meditative state feels like is the first stage of sleep, but you're aware that you're in the first stage of sleep. Your body naturally relaxes, your breath slows, and there's an indescribable shift in the way your energy and consciousness feels.

If that's what it is, then I've been doing it every night for years. Meditation champ.

If that's not what it is... Well, I guess I need some redirection.

So please, if you're willing, tell me about what meditation feels like for you. I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing 🫠

how do you define it, I see paganism as an earth based spirituality, embracing the elements, being in mama’s cycles and seasons, following the moons cycle and honoring the other planets powers that we receive from here on earth. it is nature based. and in natures elements we find all we need. let the creeks wash away our emotional attachments, let the dirt ground us, let the wind atop the mountain clear our minds and let the warmth and light of the fire inspire in us our true spirits calling. how would you define paganism ?

Just as the title says, I'm looking to add a statue of Aphrodite to my work space. If you use statues, figurines, etc. in yours, where do you prefer to purchase from?

Hello, I want to start by saying I appreciate any advice you can all give me. My very good friend is Pagan, today we recieved news that her husband has died. I would like to do something for her, but would like to know if there is anything I can do which would respect her beliefs? We are all in shock and just want to support in whatever way we can.

I (18M) consider myself a worshipper of Hades, I felt a very deep connection with him in high school when I was around other pagans. I could almost feel his hand on my shoulder sometimes, or atleast a projection of it.

Nowadays I barely feel him, I feel so disconnected. It's just one of the many connections I feel like has gotten weak and I wanted to know if there is a way to mend what may be a stressed relationship with him? I'm unfortunately a poor sailor living on base so I can't afford a good offering to him, or give traditional sacrifices due to spatial limitations. I can't even set up an altar.

Hello!! I am sorry in advance for anything I get wrong as I am not a practicing pagan at all!!

My beloved cousin is a pagan (I think!!) and she loves this one horror movie about Thankgiving. Long story short, I would like to make a custom tarot deck with symbolism from that specific movie. Is it okay if I do? I am not sure if goes against the pagan beliefs if it isn't made a specific way.

I am EXTREMELY clueless if you couldn't tell already lol, but I am not sure if it would be an appropriate gift for her.

Hello, I was recently diagnosed with PCOS and have to overhaul my diet but I can’t seem to summon the willpower to stop eating horribly for my health. My body and mind are suffering from this. I just recently started giving offers to Hecate but didn’t know if there was anyone else I could ask for help. I’m very new to paganism I’ve just been spiritual for years and have started trying to find my vein, so far paganism is where I’ve landed because of the respect of Earth/natural cycles. I apologize in advance if this post is not appropriate for this sub.

A lot of us might find themselves worshipping or working with deities that originated in regions, landscapes and climates quite different to the ones we live in- A person from US Arkansas following Celtic traditions, a person from Northern Ireland working with the Greek pantheon, for example.

If that’s the case for you, I’m curious how it reflects in your own, personal practice- does it change your approaches, influence the way you venerate ?

Do you associate weather gods of warm climates with snow ? Do you venerate gods associated with mountains, even though you yourself live in the plains ? Would you choose to worship a deity of the sea/ocean while living in a landlocked country or desert ? Do you broaden the definitions of the respective deities domain to fit certain aspects of your own circumstances or do you stick to the definitions most likely used by their culture of origin ?

I live in a colder climate zone and I personally can’t imagine connecting the weather deity of the pantheon I venerate to snow, as their worship originated somewhere with a way hotter climate.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic and about your personal experiences with it !

A lot of people I have spoken to say that if I cant afford to buy the gods I am trying to build a connection with offerings I can do other things like taking care of myself for them but I have been having a pretty bad depressive episode as of late and I can barely get out of bed most days. I suppose I'm just worried that Apollon could possibly be mad at me for not taking care of myself or being able to give him offerings recently. I need another opinion here please so I can know if he is mad or if I'm worrying too much. :(

Looking for an officiant for our handfasting in Little Rock Arkansas. Anyone have any recommendations?