Communicating With Deities

Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) by Will Burrard-Lucas

the gods understand your disabilities, mental health, and neurodiversities.

they understand if your disabilities, mental or physical, prevent you from being able to go outside.

they understand you even when you cannot articulate what you mean during prayer or cannot find the words to express gratitude and love.

they understand if you can't spend much time or stand still at their altars.

they understand if executive dysfunction keeps you from making offerings or doing a lot of active practice.

they understand if you have to take breaks and hiatuses from practicing to focus on yourself and your mental or physical health.

they understand if you lose focus during meditation/trance work or cannot do it to begin with.

they understand you and are with you when you cannot get out of bed for mental or physical reasons.

they understand you and are with you during times when you cannot care for yourself or love yourself.

the gods will always understand, love, and accept us for who we are. we are all valid, and we are seen and heard by the gods, even when it feels as if we are alone. 💙

mental transition; coming out of a depression; releasing emotional baggage

How To Practice: Divination With Dice!

While most of us associate dice with games, they can also be used for divination. Even if we don't have access to a set of physical dice, dice rolling apps and websites are everywhere, making them one of the most accessible divination tools there is.

The method is simple: you assign a meaning to each number, then roll.

You can assign meaning through older numerology associations, or you can even assign your own meanings. Here's how this works:

Let's say you're working with a D10 (ten-sided die). You make a numbered list on which you write possible outcomes. Here's an example of a list populated with common symbolic objects:

Branch

Heart

Clover

Rock

Star

Crystal

Moon

Sun

Tree

Sky

This is of course just a quick example, and I definitely don't think it would necessarily work for everyone. Feel free to play around with your own symbols. I would personally not recommend using straightforward answers like "yes," "no," etc., unless you can demonstrably get a correct result every time (for example, correctly answering who's running the country, what year it is, etc). IMO, your intuition is where the real power lies, and you should give it lots of wiggle room.

If you're using a D12, you can even even associate the numbers with the Zodiac, starting at 1 for Aries and ending at 12 for Pisces. Or you could do the months of the year. I would suggest using them in a suggestive sense rather than a strictly literal one. (Like, don't roll to find out your next lover's Zodiac sign unless you can also correctly roll your family's Zodiac signs. If the dice can't correctly tell you your mom and dad's signs, why trust it to tell you your next partner's sign?)

So yeah, that's the basics of dice divination. Experiment and see what works for you or not.

Happy witchin'!

oh man it’s beltane today and i don’t think i even have the energy to do anything for it :// sucks

Botanical illustrations taken from 'The Flowering Plants, Grasses, and Ferns of Great Britain' by Anne Pratt, Edward Stepp.

Published 1905 by F. Warne.

New York Botanical Garden, LuEsther T. Mertz Library.

archive.org

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 ♡

Bedridden witch: Elements edition

Little ways to connect to the elements while you’re bedridden or stuck inside.

Earth:

Keep jars of dirt from special places.

Grow cacti or succulents.

Make a mini sand garden.

Hang macrame with crystals or stones.

Keep a bouquet of flowers.

Hang herbs from your walls/ceiling.

Get a little plant starter kit, keep seedlings by your window.

Keep some books on plants and geology around.

Watch nature documentaries.

Keep pebbles and crystals under your pillow.

Make a miniature garden/landscape using fake or real plants!

Reach down and feel the energy of the earth below you. Sometimes this is easier on the floor.

Burn candles that smell like the earth/forest/your favorite place.

Drink herbal tea.

Water:

Get a mini waterfall or fountain.

Keep plants that grow in water.

Get a water essential oil diffuser.

Make a spray from infused water.

Open windows when it rains.

Set up a bird fountain outside.

Fully savor your next glass of water.

Keep blues and sea green colors around.

Watch videos or documentaries on aquatic/marine life.

Watch the raindrops or condensation on your window.

Keep a bowl of water around. 

Listen to water/rain ambiance.

Burn candles that smell like the ocean or the rain.

Use a washcloth to wipe down your face/body.

Keep jars of water from your favorite places.

Air:

Open your window.

Use room spray/mist.

Burn candles that smell like the wind.

Hang wind chimes.

Listen to air/wind ambiance.

Get a small fan for some air flow.

Burn incense and watch the smoke move through the air.

Use your breath.

Hang feathers in your room.

Hang scarves and cloths around your room, watch the breeze sway them around.

Get some air plants.

Use an app that lets you see the sky/night sky.

Watch the clouds from your window.

Meditate, allow your senses to explore the air around you.

Fire:

Burn candles/incense.

Hang red or orange curtains.

Get a Himalayan salt lamp.

Use a wax melter.

Get an electric candle.

Use a heating pad or electric blanket.

Listen to fire ambiance. 

Use the heat of your body.

Watch gifs/videos of fire.

Keep a lighter nearby when you need a little flame. 

Place a little tealight in a fireproof vessel near your bed.

Feel the warmth and strength of the sun.

Build up energy with your hands, imagine it’s fire.

Drink tea with warming spices (cinnamon, cloves, etc.)

Click here for my other posts in this series!

Thanks to @healing-water-witch for giving me the idea and contributing!

What Constitutes An Altar?

An altar, a sacred space used for worship, meditation, and magickal practice. It serves as a focal point for spiritual energy, spellwork, and connection to deities/spirits, ancestors, or personal intentions. However, an altar doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive—its power comes from the intention, not the appearance. There may be some debate on the topic, but ultimately an altar is a space created with intention and spiritual purpose, and that's as specific as you can get. This is because each altar is as unique as it's creator and their magick.

Essential Components of an Altar

An altar can be as simple or elaborate as you need. While traditional altars may have statues, candles, tools, and crystals, a minimalist or budget-friendly altar can be just as effective.

Basic Elements of an Altar:

• Surface – A small table, shelf, windowsill, box lid, or even a cloth spread on the floor.

• Representation of Spirit/Deity/Intention – This can be a photo, a symbol, a small figurine, or even a handwritten name or sigil.

• Personal Objects – Anything meaningful like jewelry, a cup, a handmade charm, or natural objects from your environment.

Elemental Representations (Optional):

• Earth – A rock, salt, soil, a small potted plant.

• Air – Incense, a feather, a piece of paper with a prayer or spell.

• Fire – A candle, a matchstick, a small LED light.

• Water – A small bowl of water, a seashell, a vial of rainwater.

Creating an Altar with Limited Space

If space is a concern, you can adapt your altar to fit small or temporary setups:

• Portable Altar (A Box or Pouch) – Store sacred items in a small wooden box, tin, or fabric pouch and set them up when needed.

• Wall or Vertical Altar – Use a floating shelf, a corkboard, or wall hooks to create a sacred space.

• Digital Altar – A private folder on your phone or computer with images, prayers, and intentions can serve as a modern altar.

• Hidden or Foldable Altar – If privacy is needed, keep items in a drawer or behind books and only bring them out during practice.

Low-Cost Altar Ideas

You don’t need expensive ritual tools—many everyday or natural items work just as well:

• Candles – Birthday candles, tea lights, or even an LED candle.

• Incense Alternatives – Dried herbs (like rosemary, sage, or cinnamon) burned in a small fireproof dish.

• Crystals & Stones – Local river stones, shells, or even broken glass polished by the ocean.

• Offerings – A piece of bread, a drop of honey, or fresh water.

• Statues & Symbols – Print out images, draw sigils, or create simple handmade representations.

• Chalice Alternative – Any cup, mug, or small bowl can be used for offerings.

• Wand or Athame – A twig, butter knife, or even your own fingers can direct energy.

Maintaining & Empowering Your Altar

• Keep it Clean – Even a simple space should be treated with respect and intention.

• Change It with the Seasons – Add seasonal items like leaves in fall, flowers in spring, or snow water in winter.

• Use What Feels Right – Your altar is personal—only include what has meaning for you.

• Charge It with Intention – Light a candle, say a blessing, or simply sit in meditation to empower your sacred space.

An altar is not about luxury or appearance—it’s a personal, sacred space where you connect with the divine, your inner self, or your magickal practice. Even in a small, low-budget setting, your altar holds immense spiritual power when built with intention, meaning, and respect.