Buriedanswers - Tumblr Posts

30. What post have you seen recently that makes you wanna scream?

For some reason, I've had an influx of those "callout" posts that like vaguely talk about other practictioners or practices and I hate them. And it's not like ""problematic"" practices, it's just things like people working with multiple deities or doing baneful work.

If you don't like what someone is doing, block and move on.

hi! when do u think it’s appropriate for someone to start calling themself a pagan? what do you need to do before u start using that label? how do u get started?

Paganism is believing in a non-mainworld religion. If you fit the definition then use the label as soon as you feel comfortable. There is no checklist or necessary steps to take - it's about belief and faith.

I can't tell you what to do because there are so many different pagan beliefs and religions that each have their own cultures and etiquettes. So go explore them!! Dive into this amazing, vibrant world of faith and gods and devotion and find your place.

25 and 9!

25. What makes someone a real witch?

9. Do you think they're should be a set period before someone becomes a full-fledged witch?

"Witch" is a label - it's just a word people use to describe themselves and their practices. It doesn't hold the authority or weight of a title (e.g. priest, volva, etc) and so I think anyone can call themselves a witch whenever they want.

8. What do you think of the divine feminine/masculine archetypes?

I don't hate the terms, but I don't like how they're used. Personally I don't use "Divine Feminine/Masculine" as terms in my practice but I don't think they're inherently wrong terms.

Often, Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine are used as "ideals" for what a man or woman should be, I.e. "How to step into your Divine Feminine" articles for women - and a lot of these are just patriarchal ideals (i.e. "The Divine Feminine is submissive to the Divine Masculine")

Divine Feminine and Masculine are used to represent supposed opposites: creativity vs logic, internal vs external, action vs passive etc and I can kinda understand and get behind that usage

Everyone is both feminine and masculine - it's not a spectrum of one to the other but more like a kaleidoscope of opposites all intwining and working together. You can be both creative and logical, you NEED to be both active and passive at different points in your life, you will be a protector to someone and the protected to another - these shouldn't be gendered terms, they should just be facets of humanity.

There's a lot more nuance to this and I have more opinions around it that I'm just struggling to organise and explain in a way that will make any sense. I do not believe that gender (or even sex) is a binary, I think that biology is complicated and beautiful and our spirituality should reflect that complex nature.

24. Outside of the online space, where do you get your resources from?

Given my very nature heavy practice, it's largely natural sciences textbooks and articles - botany, ecology, zoology, anatomy etc. I learn about the tangible aspects of the natural world first and they help me understand the spiritual, unseen aspects even better.

I'll also read about local folklore, herbal remedies and folk medicine etc sometimes!!

Most books I read are from my university or local library, though sometimes I'll find a gem in a local charity shop!

is jungian paganism harmful or have some kind of bad roots? I feel like I’ve seen people say that /gen question

I've never heard of Jungian Paganism.

I have heard of Jungian Psychology. Carl Jung was a Psychologist, his particular branch of Psychology came out in the mid 20th century and followed the idea of the unconscious mind and using archetypes in therapy. Aspects are still used by psychologists today. In witchcraft communities, Jung's psychology is often used and referred to, especially in the context of "shadow work".

Jung believed that the "shadow" was like your emotional blind spot - the part the ego does not want to acknowledge. Shadow work is about recognising this shadow and findng ways to work with it.

There's plenty of critisism around Jungian Psychology, as there is in many psychological theories. I personally find it interesting and use some of its concepts in my own healing.

I'd reccomend you do some of your own further research - pick up some books on the topic read articles from academics and figure out where you stand and how it might or might not benefit you.

How does one know if they are pagan or if they’re just “an atheist hippie trying to be special” as people say? How do you deal with those kinds of comments making you feel invalidated?

Pagan means "a person holding religious beliefs other than those of the main world religions." So if you hold a religious belief outside of main world religions, you're a pagan.

It's also just a label - there is no innate, fundamnetal difference between someone who calls themselves a pagan and someone who doesn't - it's just a word used to describe religious beliefs. If you think you fit the definition and feel like the word is right for you, use it.

As for the second part, I don't let people make me feel invalidated anymore. They can insult me, try to negate my feelings and experiences, they can shove their own labels on me. But I just don't give them the time of day anymore. I used to, but then I realised that labels are for me, not for others who will never understand, or want to understand, my experiences.

As Barbie: Princess Charm School taught us: "Noone can make you feel inferior without your consent."

for the witchcraft ask game, number 30: What do you think is a scam in witchcraft?

Thanks 🖤

There are a lot of things that I think are scams in witchcraft but one of the most predominant and dangerous 'scams' are the numerous wannabe cult leaders who exist in witch and pagan spaces.

So many people use spirituality and religion as a way to control and groom vulnerable and typically young pagans and witches - I've seen it happen. They often use priesthood or similiar titles to garner trust and place themselves in a position of authority and then try to dictate the beliefs of those that trust them. I've seen it happen where people were not allowed to dictate their own "experience level" on a discord server and instead had to pass the owner's tests and answer their questions in order to be "awarded" a badge that said "advananced" practictioner. People would be manipulated into trusting what the owner said about everything and any different beliefs were immediately removed and insulted.

This, to me, is the biggest "scam" because of how dangerous it is. Be safe online.

i find it soothing to see your posts. when i was first getting into witchcraft, i found it so overwhelming and constricting because of all of the rules i felt i had to follow, these things that should and shouldn't be done, all of this information that conflicted with something i'd seen somewhere else. it was much too much. but at some point i just decided i'd do whatever i wanted and if it felt right, that meant it was working. we hold a great deal of similar beliefs, and it gives me comfort to know that there's someone else out there who thinks like i do.

I'm glad to hear this! I had a similiar experiences - all the books had different advice, the people conflicting ideas and I felt all out of place.

It took time, but I found my own path and figured it out for myself. I have some simple rules for myself and I stick to them to ensure I respect other cultures and practices, but I don't follow what other people do if it doesn't feel right to me.

late but 1 and 16 on the ask thing?

1. What are your opinions on AI in Witchcraft?

AI is a very broad term. I'm assuming you mean generative AI like chatgpt and that in case - I don't agree with it period. On one hand the technology is unsustainable and destroying the environment, on the other hand it steals from artists and writers and creatives and is used to create awful, soulless and even criminal artworks and writings.

16. How do you feel about TERF witches?

I don't like TERFs. They're not welcome on my blog, in my spaces. I myself am queer and GNC and will always support trans people completely.

12 and 20?

12. Do you think witchcraft is inherently political?

Not necessarily, but I believe that it's a powerful political tool with powerful political communities. The same applies to art - art is not a inherently political, but it is used as a political tool. Witchcraft is a very powerful tool of expression that can be used politically (by anyone, on either side of the political spectrum) but inherently it is just witchcraft. That's not to say I think it should be entirely apolitical, and I definitely think that most witchcraft communities (especially online) are political, even if not intentionally or obviously so.

20. Do you research ex-pagans viewpoints with an open mind?

It's not something I currently actively research, however when I encounter ex-pagan opinions, I do take my time to read and understand them. I do the same for anyone who has left a religion and who chooses to share their opinions and reasoning. It's important to recognise the pitfalls of religion - even paganism - and to be aware of the mistakes that we may be viable to make.

16. How do you feel about TERF witches?

I think TERFs in any capacity are cruel, ignorant and genuinely harmful people. I have no respect for them.

Another fun ask game ;)

June ask game:

1) As a witch, somebody caught between two worlds- not fully belonging to either one, what anchors you to the physical world?

2) Is there something you found particularly shocking or surprising once you took up magic?

3) Tell me about an insect native to your region, especially if you work with them.

4) Do you attempt to localize your practice? If so, especially if you’re living on colonized land, has that proven difficult?

5) I’m not sure how others feel but it seems like the online occult community has been very quiet for a while. How do you think we can get it more active again? Or, do you feel the fallow periods are inevitable, good even?

6)How do you think your younger self would react to seeing where/who you are now?

7) Is practicing, or wanting to practice witchcraft selfish? Is it necessarily wrong for it to be a selfish pursuit?

8) From what I’ve seen some gaulpols believe in what they’ve termed “the gifting cycle”. I give, that you may give, that I may give again. (Other gaulpols pls correct me if I’m mistaken) does a similar concept exist in your practice?

9) Do you find sensory engagement or deprivation more helpful in your magic?

10) Is breath or voice of particular importance?

11) Are paradoxes or opposing opposites important to you? I.e. Fire and Water.

List 5 things that make you happy

1. Spotting wild animals I don't usually see - I get so excited to see a deer or lizard when I'm not expecting it!

2. Rivers - I love the sound and feel of water flowing around me.

3. Chocolate - I'm a sweet treat kinda person ;)

4. My family and spending time with the kids I work with!!

5. Rain - especially if I can have a hot chocolate and a good book ;)

11, 7

7) Is practicing, or wanting to practice witchcraft selfish? Is it necessarily wrong for it to be a selfish pursuit?

Selfishness is not a bad thing - everything we do is, in a way, selfish. Even kind acts can be argued as selfish: 'you helped that person despite it being inconvenient because you feel good doing kind things'.

Witchcraft can be selfish, and it should be at times. You should want your practice to be your own and benefit yourself above all others - otherwise it is martyrdom. I think that if it suits you, your practice can also be selfless; providing for and benefitting others at your own energetic cost but it does not have to be.

11) Are paradoxes or opposing opposites important to you? I.e. Fire and Water.

I'd say so. I work with and worship nature, and nature is full of opposites and paradoxes. I cannot revere the light of the sun, if I do not recognise how it also shines on the moon. I cannot worship the beauty of new sprouts, birth and life without also worshipping rot and destruction and death. We must appreciate both sides of the coin.

9) Do you find sensory engagement or deprivation more helpful in your magic?

I find that each has its place!

For example, if I want to meditate and focus on my inner eye and visualise, I will wear headphones and shut my eyes/wear a blind fold to help my focus.

However, sometimes I like to focus on all my senses, especially when I'm connecting to nature! What can I see, smell, hear, touch, taste?

Each have their uses and benefits!

10) Is breath or voice of particular importance?

I think breath is important for a number of reasons!

It is our connection to the element of air. It is our life force and a very real symbol of life and death (first and last breaths have poetic importance and are a clear reminder of our mortality). Our breath connects us to every part of our body and can help reset our nervous systems when in a distressed state.

Focusing on my breath is an important part of my spiritual practice, and also my generally wellbeing - I use breathing exercises for my mental health and magic.

Voice is also important to me. I think words carry a lot of power and we need to acknowledge that. No matter your intention, you can never take back the words you say or the impact they have on others.

I enjoy speaking my prayers and spells out loud, I enjoy singing and writing too, but speaking out loud has a different, special feeling to me.

Got a long train ride home tomorrow so

Ask me questions about Mother Nature!!!

Our relationship, her personality and appearances, working with her, anything!

this might be a bit of a depressing question so i totally understand if you don't wanna answer but does the damage done to the environment and climate change come up in your practice and devotion to Earth? i have lots of environmental anxiety and i think it blocks me from connecting to Earth more because i get reminded about it all and worry about the future but i don't want that to hinder my connection either so i'm a bit stuck with figuring out how to manage this :(

As a Zoology student, I am well aware of the absolute tragedy the Earth is facing right now and I too struggle with environmental anxiety - it's been really difficult at times for me to continue with my studies and devotion because of the overwhelming feelings of doom.

Climate change and it's impacts are definitely a part of my relationship with Mother Nature. It is in her name that I continue my studies and make changes in my life to be more sustainable, it is in her name that I sign petitions, join in protests and do whatever I can to help push the powers of the world to actually *do something* about climate change.

I can understand your anxiety, and I can definitely understand why it might make it difficult to connect to the Earth but right now is exactly the time that you need to connect.

Notice and connect to the world around you, take care of it and show it kindness. Recognise that the world is changing, heating up, and what effects it's having on the planet and people. We need to connect to Mother Nature now more than ever, it is only by understanding and respecting nature and the world around us that we can learn to live within it more sustainably.

hi! since i've really leaned into witchcraft and spirituality, i became much more appreciative of the earth and i've been talking to her lots but i want to also become more sustainable in my daily life to help the environment even in small ways. do you have any ideas for simple things to do or habits to change to be more sustainable?

I do indeed!!

I think some the best things you can do for sustainable living is develop sustainable skills:

Learning to sew allows you to:

- fix holes in clothes

- adjust the height/seams/etc of clothes

- crop or add to items of clothing

Which means that clothes have a longer lifespan in general!

Learning to garden (even if its windowsill gardening!) helps you:

- spend less on certain herbs or plants (an easy way to start is regrowing spring onions in water)

- grow more native plants in your area

- encourage more insects into your garden

Learning to cook and bake can actually be super helpful because:

- you don't rely on takeaways or ready meals as often

- you can have more control over where your food is sourced and what you're eating

- you can meal plan and prep which saves time and money

- you can learn how to make your own jams, pickles, syrups etc! And you can get pretty creative with it!

Learning simple diy skills is super beneficial as you can:

- make things unqiue and suited to yourself (I.e. perfect sized shelves or a cabinet that fits perfectly in that gap between your bed and wall)

- restore thrifted furniture (staining to a preferred colour, cutting off legs to shorten it, fix the wobbly door etc)

- recycle old furniture, cabinets or similiar unused items into something else (I've turned a old cabinet into a small outdoor storage unit) rather than throwing them away

Learning basic maintenance for things you own is a money saver and:

- means you can fix your bike chain or replace your car's oil and filter without needing to call anyone or spend extra money

- can keep you safe and at a lower risk of motor accident (knowing how to do basic maintenance checks can help you see warning signs for damage)

- means that simpler things like clogged drains, non-flushing toilets, leaky taps etc no longer require calling and paying for a plumber

Of course you don't need to be an expert in any of these, I'm certainly not! But I can cook myself a decent meal, sew some new buttons on an old shirt or fix a hole in my jeans and restore an old wardrobe into something usable.

I love Pete Seeger's quote:

"If it can’t be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted, then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production."

Basically it's so important to be aware of your consumption - avoid overconsumption, buy quality over quantity, thrift and reuse things, trade with people. Throwing things away should be a last resort or a necessity, rather than a "I don't know what else to do with it".

And, while recycling isn't quite the saviour people think it is, it is so important to get into the habit of sorting your rubbish correctly!!

Other important sustainable habits include:

Changing your eating habits. If it's feasible for you, try:

- reduce meat and dairy consumption (including fish, as they're massively overharvested)

- prioritise locally and ethically sourced animal produce (local butchers can be a great place to start for this)

- eat more seasonally (its not really feasible to only eat seasonal foods, but try to learn about them and incorporate them more)

- reduce food waste with composting, food donations, meal planning/prepping and learn to love leftovers

- invest in a tap filter and reusable water bottle (drinking tap water is not always safe depending on where you live so research first!!!)

- use public transport (or walk) where possible!

- connect with other people near you who also care about sustainable living: trade services and items and knowledge!

- learn about your local area and ecology!! I sound like a broken record saying this, but the BEST way to start living with nature, is to understand it. You can't help your local wildlife if you don't know it, you can't take steps to protect your environment if you don't know the threats.

All of these are just a few tips and ideas, they may not be feasible for everyone for numerous reasons but it's important to remember that it's not about being perfect, it's about *trying* and doing what you can.

There's so much more I could get into here, from foraging to activism to how and what to thrift vs when to splurge on new items but I think this post is long enough! Let me know if there's anything you want expanding or going into more depth on!!!