And If I Get The Motivation Before The Results, I Will Probably Finish One Or More Of The Wips So It

And if I get the motivation before the results, I will probably finish one or more of the wips so it may be a MULTI-POST DAY

Do you have any tips for starting to work with deities? There’s a lot of info and it’s kinda overwhelming.

I feel like deity work is something I sort of blundered my way into and ran with it, so I can't provide anything too in depth, and I know it's an experience that will be different for different people. But here's some things I've picked up in my personal practice and experience.

Start small. I know when I was a kid, I didn't have a lot of information. I found a list of various deities and wanted to find a way to work with all of them, without knowing anything about them really beyond your generic "So and so is the deity of this thing." So, I would definitely recommend against rushing into things and taking on too much. Get to know the deities, learn their stories, etc. Sometimes you might find a connection with you had previously never thought of.

Adding to that first point, don't try to work with too many at once. I feel like it's like learning most things: if you try to do too much before you're familiar enough with it, you might get overwhelmed or discouraged. Start by working with one deity. Learn about them, talk to them, call on them, leave them offerings. As you get more comfortable, you will find it easier to work with multiple deities.

Look for signs. These aren't always the same for everyone, but sometimes you will feel a deity reach out to work with you. Hera and Hecate both reached out to me in my active practice, and in both cases I couldn't shake the sudden desire to work with them. A former friend worked with Artemis because she would see deer in her yard and feel an undeniable connection to divinity.

It's okay to be the one to reach out to a deity. I've seen advice about how the deities should always be the ones to choose you. Maybe that's true with some deities, but, at the very least, not all. Some are absolutely happy when you make the first move. I sometimes feel like Hestia was always with me, and she was just politely waiting for me to invite her in.

Deities are allowed to say no! This is a big one. I've seen people get discouraged because they worked with a deity in spellwork, but they didn't the result they wanted. A few vented about how they'd never work with that deity again. It can be easy to fall into mindset, especially when it's something you had really set your heart on. But sometimes it just means the universe has a different plan for you. A good example was when I appealed to Aphrodite again and again in hopes of getting back with my ex, but I think she knew that he and I were destined for a more platonic love (he's still my dearest friend to this day), and that my soul mate was, in fact, 600 miles away. Deities don't say "no" as way to punish us, but as a way of guiding us. (But it's valid to feel disappointed and such when those moments happen. We are only human).

Offerings are nice, but I think the gods understand that they can't always be promised. I see people steer clear of deity worship because they aren't able to leave physical offerings for one reason or another (not able to light incense in an apartment, having to hide their practice, finances make buying that extra little treat impossible). Offerings don't always have to be physical. A prayer or little note of gratitude goes a long way. Plus acts of devotion are an offering (self care days for Aphordite, spending a little extra time tidying the kitchen for Hestia, being scared but doing the thing anyway for Ares).

Don't compare your journey with deities to others. I think this is the biggest piece of advice younger me needed in all aspects of things. But definitely applies here. If someone works exclusively with one deity, has a whole altar dedicated to them, and has devoted their life to that deity? Hell yeah. That's great. If someone else feels a more casual type of connection with their deities and talk to them like they're besties? Unconventional, but everyone's path is different. It may come naturally to you, or you may find yourself still having to double-check things five years later. Do what works for you, whatever that may look like.

And finally, one of the most important things to keep in mind: not all deities are open. If a deity belongs to a practice or pantheon that's closed to you, that means the deity is as well.

This wasn't as eloquent as I'd hoped, but I really hope it helps!

𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐤 🌧

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁

Outdoor Activities:

🌧 first of all, collect rainwater! (You can use it in spells, charging, or for cleansing yourself. You can also add it to your bath for extra energy.)

🌧 dance in the rain to connect with Mother Earth's energy by letting the rain fall on you as you move to its rhythm.

🌧 while dancing, you can also sing! Especially your all-time favorite songs. The nature spirits will love it.

🌧 take a walk barefoot in the rain. Speak with the trees and look for some nice stones to collect along the way

🌧 connect with the fae folk or other folklore spirits. You can leave offerings for them, such as cookies, bread, or tea

🌧 let the rain cleanse you. Just stay in the rain and allow it to wash away any negative thoughts or emotions

🌧 if it's a gentle rain, take the opportunity to meditate, focusing especially on sound of the raindrops

Indoor Activities:

🌧 try shadow work prompts

🌧 connect with the water element by listening to your heart and respecting your emotions

🌧 listen to a guided meditation that promotes self-reflection and healing

🌧 read something while you listen to the rain

🌧 bake anything you like♡. Warm up your house by baking a treat and you can also make some tea with it

🌧 study about deities associated with rain (Zeus, Mariamman, Anzar, Freyr, Jupiter)

🌧 rest or do peaceful activities. If you're not particularly fond of rain, simply use the day to rest in your bed and do things that make you feel comfortable and peaceful ☁️ 🌱 💧♡

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁

tip jar♡🐉

Wrote this post like a month ago and totally forgot, but just remembered it because it’s been raining all day where I live 🌧 At least it’s a good time to stay cozy in bed and light a candle🕯:D

The Teacher at Forks High School

My heels click on the linoleum floor as I walk through the halls, lesson plans in hand.

"Ms. Duskbloom!" An off-pitch voice rang off the lockers lining the walls, the sound of rubber squeaking on wet floor.

"I have no idea how you are walking around in those shoes! With the rain and the wet floors! How do you do it?!" The choir teacher, Mrs. de la Rouche, wraps her cardigan tighter around her midsection. She looks almost expectant for an answer.

"Well... lots of practice." I let my old UK accent slip a little.

"Oh! I almost forgot! You sound so... American!" She gives a small shrug with a smile still plastered on her wrinkled face. "Well!" Her smile drops, "I do have to go prepare the classroom for the students. Talk to you later!" The older woman in her not-so-sneaky sneakers squeaked back to her classroom, shutting the door behind her.

A sigh of relief leaves me. It is almost suffocating to talk to her. She never seems to have anything nice to say... anything actually nice that has no underlying tone of condescension. I approach my classroom and swing the door open. The lingering scent of incense permeates the air, mixing with the petrichor in a dance.

I swing open the windows, and light some incense in the windowsill of the room. I sit at my desk and check the time. 7:13am. 47 minutes until class. I brush up on my lesson plans for religious studies. Periods 1 and 3 are studying post-theistic and naturalistic religion, periods 2 and 4 are studying ancient religions, and periods 5-6 are doing a creative writing piece based on the song In The Flood by Oleska Lozowchuk and Ariana Gillis. No worries about 7th period. Maybe I'll bring out some Fleetwood Mac or Stevie Nicks... I did love Practical Magic. Oh, but lo-fi is very popular... maybe I will find a playlist of lo-fi.

Now, to put together the final bits. Just need to edit the final posts for the online chats and post them, get the homework printed off, and finish the slides...

I sigh and leave my seat at the front of the class. I need a coffee... or a tea. Tea sounds nice. I grab the mug I leave in the classroom and heat up the kettle. I grab my sugar and milk from the mini fridge that's hidden under the counter. I grab my favorite tea from the cupboard and add the leaves to the mug before pouring the steaming water over them. I add the milk and sugar when the water seems to be an acceptable height and stir it while I mosey over back to my desk, tea materials put away. I sit and take a sip of my drink before I set it down, the spoon still stirring it, almost as if it remembers my movements.

First step, send the homework to be printed off. It's going to take a while. May as well get started on putting on the finishing touches of the slides. Remember the slides describing the classes... the slide describing the grading system... slide for classroom rules. Fantastic. I check on the homework printing process and it seems almost done, so I get up and grab my tea for the walk to the copy room. I stir my tea while I walk to the copy room, manila folder tight under my arm.

I take a sip as I walk in, lowering the cup and looking at the number of copies. I neatly shuffle the stack to fit into the folder and grab the folder & cup with my now still spoon. My heels click as I hurry back to the classroom, 2 of the 3 tasks done. I set the homework down on my desk and check the time. 7:48. 12 minutes till class. Twelve minutes until the first class of the year. I only need to edit the online post... I quickly get to work finishing the last edits of the online post. I finish the edits and quickly post it to the classroom board. I sit back in my chair, and take the last sip of my tea.

Right as the bell rings.

And about a dozen kids come flooding in.

"I know my seating chart is unorthodox, but I prefer to learn when I am comfortable. Take a seat wherever you like, but I will change you on a need-by-need basis so sit next to people you will actually work with." I gesture to the loveseats, couches, and chairs surrounding little coffee tables, about 5 to every table.

The teens filter in and find their seats.

"We are going to wait a few minutes before class starts, just for the few remaining stragglers to walk in." I go through the students and set my mug down in the sink.

I go to the incense holder and light a stick of lavender incense. "You are welcome to do whatever you like in this time, but no leaving unless you need to use the restroom. Then please grab a pass on the way out." I gesture to the passes dangling by the door.

I check the time, about 8:06. "Okay, class!" I get off my chair and sit on the stool in the presenting space, crossing my legs. "My name is Ms. Duskbloom or Twyla. I live on the outskirts of town, but I will answer emails efficiently because I have nothing else to do." A few students laugh as I click a button on the remote that triggers the projector in the room and start the slideshow.

"Now, we have a few universal rules for whatever class of mine you take. I don't like rules so there are not many," I click to the next slide. "1. If you have to go to the bathroom, feel free. Just take a hall pass. We have a few teachers that are a little... stringent on that. I personally don't care." I look at everyone just to make sure they understood. "2. Do not distract your peers. You can listen to music, do things for different classes, take a nap, I don't particularly care. Just don't distract your peers. 3. We will be having hot drinks available around the winter months. If you want to have a drink, leave a mug or cup you are okay with leaving at school. Any questions?"

I glance out at the class and wait. One student slowly raises their hand. "Yes, Mr...?"

"Eric. Eric Yorkie. Why do we not have to ask to go to the bathroom?" He leans forward, elbows on his knees. The notebook in front of him already has notes. These are only the rules...

"Mr. Yorkie, it's disruptive to the environment of the classroom if every time someone had to go to the restroom, they asked. You are all in high school. I trust you enough to know yourselves best. If this rule is abused, I will have you ask. This also applies to another topic that I did not include in the rules. If you have a family emergency, or you need to take a call for whatever reason, feel free to step out and take the call or deal with your business. You determine your learning in my class." I look out at all of the students. "Also, this is the one day I take attendance. After that, I will mark everyone as here unless you give me notice before leaving and then it will be an excused absence, and therefore not affect your record. There are no unexcused absences or tardies in my class. You either are here, marked as here, or excused to be absent."

Another boy shot his hand up. As I made eye contact with the young man, he took his hand down. "So you said we could do anything as long as we don't disturb our peers..." I raise my eyebrow. Bold... didn't even get acknowledged before speaking... "And that we get hot cocoa and hot drinks during winter..." He had a sheepish smile.

"I did." My eyebrow rises on my face, as the tension seems to grow.

"Does this mean we can eat in class?" He finishes, shrugging. He looks at Mike Newton, looking for support. Mr. Newton seemed to agree with his friend's sentiment and tried to get all of the students to agree.

"What is your name?"

"Tyler."

"Last name... Crowley?" I check the attendance sheet, "I know another man by the name of Crowley. A chivalrous fellow... Mr. Crowley-"

"Tyler."

"Mr. Crowley." I subtly cast a spell to show him I am the dominant in the classroom. "As long as you have enough to share, or you are good at hiding your food, you may eat. If you leave a mess, you clean it up. If you don't clean it, you don't eat in here. Understood?"

He nods his head and sits back in the chair. "Good. Last question. Can't stay on this slide all day."

A girl's hand rises into the air.

"Yes, Ms...?"

"Weber, ma'am. Angela Weber."

"Not old enough to be a ma'am yet, Ms. Weber. What is your question?"

"What does homework look like?"

"What a perfect segway into the next topic. Now this is also universal for all of my classes." I click to the next slide. "Homework. It is literally impossible to fail this class. We have 3 different methods. In-class participation. Pretty self-explanatory. Homework, also self-explanatory. Online discussions. Now, I understand that most of the teachers here do not use online platforms, but I do. If that bothers you, that is okay. You don't have to do them. Grading is based off of what you choose to do for homework. In-class participation counts for 50 percent of your grade. As does homework. And the online discussions, should you choose to participate, is also 50 percent of your grade." A few students jaws dropped. This is a foreign concept, it seems. To have a teacher who wants you succeed.

I drop the gentle smile that has been lingering on my face and stand up, "Every test you take is extra credit. Every bit of homework over the amount to reach an A in this class is extra credit. I am here to make sure that you are able to graduate without experiencing severe burnout or having to scramble to finish the class. I am your teacher. I am here to help. Also, I have a study period for seventh period. It is a free-range deal. If you need to attend the study hall to catch up with a class, I can write you a note, but you do have to tell me. If you don't have anything to do for 7th period and you want to hang out here, you are free to." I scan the group of children that seem as though I have dropped the world at their feet, and they are scrambling to make sense of it.

This is what I am supposed to do. Help them excel. Help them with their world.

"Any questions?" I sit back on the stool, crossing my ankles this time.

A few students shook their heads, just grateful to have this grading system.

2 hands raised, one after the other. "First hand up, what is your name?"

"Edward Cullen."

"Mr. Cullen, what is your question?"

"No other teacher grades like this. Why do you?"

"I find that this system allows for multiple paths to success, and as my entire job is to facilitate your successes and strengthen all of you, this is the most effective way to help. People eventually lose motivation when they stay at the bottom for so long. I don't want anyone left to be a bottom-feeder. Every single person has potential. Sometimes, we just need help with it. Second hand up, what is your name?" I turn to face the woman on the chair next to the table that held Edward but did hold Angela and their group of friends.

"Bella Swan."

"Ms. Swan, what is your question?"

"All tests are standard for school curriculum to judge where we are at in the class. Why do they count as extra credit?"

"Because I hate tests. Third hand!" I stare at the blonde woman in class, sitting with Edward Cullen.

"Rosalie Cullen."

"Ms. Cullen, what is your question?"

"Based on what you said, it is possible for us to get more than 150% in this class. Why make it so easy?"

I smile softly, "I didn't like talking when I went to class, and I got lots of failing grades because I didn't communicate during class discussions. Also, life happens, and it can hold you back or feel like it is. My job is to help you, not put more weight on your shoulders. Should you choose to go for more than 100%, good for you. Personally, I do not care. It is up to you."

"No more questions. This is class-specific stuff now. You are my post-theistic and naturalistic religions. Does anyone know any religions of the like?"

Angela's hand raises. "Ms. Weber?"

"Native American religion?"

"Like our own Quiluette tribe here in Forks, well done. That is ancestral veneration and respect for the natural environment around them. That is a form of naturalistic religion. Are there any others?" My gaze flits across the room, skimming over the students.

"Christianity?" Tylers hand rose, but answered without me calling on him.

"Mr. Crowley, you have begun one of the most interesting conversations of my entire teaching career. Do you know what a monotheistic religion is?" I lean forward, my tea in my hands. I had gotten up and made a new one, the old one cold.

"No..."

"Ms. Weber! What is a monotheistic religion?"

"A religion that celebrates one god as that religions one and only god. Christianity refers to God with a capital and as the 'one and only true god'."

"Thank you, Ms. Weber. Mr. Crowley, come find me after class." I press the button for us to go to the next slide.

"Post-theistic religions are religions thought to be the end to monotheistic religions or religions with no higher being. Islam is an example of a post-theistic religion that is thought to become greater than Christianity. Buddhism is a post-theistic religion that does not have a higher power but believes in spiritual enlightment to become a better person. We will touch on this for about a third of the year.

Naturalistic religions! Examples?"

Bella raises her hand shyly, as if she's hoping to hide.

"Native American?"

"That is not a religion. That is a culture and a race, but good guess. Their religion is called Ancestral Veneration! Anyone else?"

Another childs hand rose, "What is your name?"

"Charlie. Charlie Smith."

"Ms. Smith. What is your answer?"

"Paganism?"

"Yes! We have naturalist pagans! Paganism is a broad umbrella term that is frequently used to describe a religion as one that does not uphold the Abrahamic, Judeo-Christian God. Under that umbrella are naturalist pagans, or druids. Typically people who venerate nature instead of the Abrahamic God.” And they are saved by the bell.

“We have a reading on different religions and how they compare to others! Please grab it on the way out!” I turn to Tyler as he is about to leave, “And Mr. Crowley, your attempts at sneaking out of this class are abysmal. Sit, please and thank you.”

He sits, looking nervous, “Now, you aren’t in trouble. I would just like to know if you understand the differences between ‘monotheism’ and ‘polytheism’?”

“Not really…”

I smile, “That’s what I’m here for. If you don’t understand something, can you please write it down, and then talk to me after class or during study period so we can get it figured out. Your classmates love the energy you bring to class. You seem like a good kid. But I can only help if you let me.”

“Ok… Thanks, Twyla.”

“Anytime, Tyler. Now get out of here. You have another class, yes?” I start writing up a note excusing his late arrival, stating that I had held him back for some help.

“Yes.”

“Amazing. Here is a note excusing your tardiness to the other class. I shall see you next time.” I hand him the note.

“Yeah. See you next time.”

More children start flooding in for second period as Tyler Crowley leaves my classroom.

Well… they never said it would be easy.

Author’s Cup of Tea:

TWO POSTS IN ONE DAY? HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? I tell you how! I…. Prepared…. IN ADVANCE! I had some extra time and a want to finish at least this WIP so I did! Also, I got to talking about how Twilight is basically a horror movie in Charlie’s perspective and that gave me the reminder of this aha..haha…. I am so sorry.

Anybody else got that Evergiven sized writers block

Cartomancy

A tarot styled divination method using standard playing cards. This oracle first appeared in Europe in the 14th century and is still used sporadically today. Practitioners of this divination are commonly called cartomancers. Cards can be laid in a variety of spreads and functions much like a tarot deck. As such, cartomancy decks should be designated and regarded with all the respect of a deck of tarot cards. The meanings of the cards are as follows:

Hearts

• Ace: Love, beginning, happiness, friendship

• King: Fair-haired man, affectionate and generous, but impetuous

• Queen: Fair-haired woman, trustworthy

• Jack: Fair-haired young person, good friend

• 10: Good fortune, joy

• 9: Desires fulfilled

• 8: Invitations/partings

• 7: Someone unreliable

• 6: Unexpected good fortune, generosity

• 5: Jealousy, indecision

• 4: Changes, travel

• 3: Need for caution

• 2: Friendship, success

Clubs

• Ace: Harmony, property, achievement, love

• King: Dark-haired man, honest, open

• Queen: Dark-haired woman, strong, helpful

• Jack: Reliable friend

• 10: Fortune, abundance

• 9: New romance

• 8: Opposition, danger of recklessness

• 7: Prosperity, potential romantic interference

• 6: Business success

• 5: Help from a friend/partner

• 4: Bad change of fortune

• 3: Good partnership

• 2: Disappointment and opposition

Diamonds

• Ace: Money, a ring

• King: Fair-haired man, stubborn

• Queen: Fair-haired woman, flirty, witty

• Jack: A relative, unreliable

• 10: Journey, wealth

• 9: Financial opportunity, surprises

• 8: Declarations of love

• 7: A gift

• 6: Reconciliation

• 5: Successful meeting

• 4: Change for the better, an inheritance

• 3: Domestic/legal battles

• 2: Important love affair

Spades

• Ace: Conflict, infidelity, stress

• King: Dark-haired man, successful, ambitious

• Queen: Dark-haired woman, seductive

• Jack: Dark-haired youth, well meaning

• 10: Grief, despair, imprisonment

• 9: Bad luck, delays, quarrels

• 8: Disappointment

• 7: Possible loss of friendship

• 6: Improvements

• 5: Anxiety, setbacks, interference

• 4: Jealousy, business troubles

• 3: Bitter parting

• 2: Scandal, gossip, deceit

Note: You may choose to include the joker to represent folly, new beginnings, the Universe and to also signify the person receiving the reading.

Bonus: Using Playing Cards to Detect Baneful Magick

This technique relies on reading either red or black cards and nothing else. It can technically be used to answer any yes/no question.

Shuffle the deck and ask, "have I been hexed or cursed?" -while you are shuffling. When ready, stop shuffling and deal out five cards in a row, face down. Then one by one, left to right, turn them over. Black indicates a 'no' response, while red indicates 'yes'. You can see the degree of the curse by the presence of red cards. All black is a clear 'no' and all red is a clear 'yes'. The spread can be read as follows:

5 Black - 0 Red: No curse or negative energy present

4 Black - 1 Red: Blip of dark energy, natural defenses can ward it off

3 Black - 2 Red: Dark energy present, possible jinx

2 Black - 3 Red: Sufficient dark energy, possible hex, cleanse immediately

1 Black - 4 Red: Significant harmful magick present, likely hex or curse. Do a purification/protection ritual

0 Black - 5 Red: Curse confirmed, take serious action to uncross/cleanse/protect. Someone has intentionally tried to harm you with magick.