Favorite Buffy Looks: s2e5 | Reptile Boy

Day 71 of characters I headcanon as a lesbian: Maleficent

Beginners Can Work With Deities ❁ཻུ۪۪ ━

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As an individual who tries to actively engage with deities and seeks to maintain an ongoing connection in every feasible manner, one concept that has consistently bothered me is: "Beginners can't work with deities." While I understand the importance of guidance and experience in any spiritual journey, the complexity that comes along with the idea of working with deities and more—I firmly believe that beginners should not be discouraged from exploring and developing relationships with deities if they feel called to do so and or being pushed to do so.

A common problem I frequently observe is the spreading of fear within communities regarding certain deities. People are often told that these deities are intimidating, demanding, "horrifying," and can exhibit possessiveness, jealousy, control, or aggression. They are made to believe that skipping a day of worship or neglecting their craft will lead to negative consequences. This narrative is both harmful and completely untrue. It is filled with misinformation and promotes fear-mongering. Moreover, it wrongly restricts a deity's behaviour and portrays higher beings as something to be afraid of, rather than respecting their power and the impact that they do make. Additionally, it perpetuates the notion that the deity is flawless and incapable of making mistakes, despite numerous stories suggesting otherwise. A lot of this can be the fault of our beliefs being heavily Christianized with the "Lord and Servant" dynamic.

Working with deities is a deeply personal and individual journey. Each person's path is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It is essential to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to connecting with the deities. By imposing a blanket statement that beginners should not work with deities, we are effectively restricting their spiritual growth and potential. We all started somewhere. We were all beginners.

I understand the concern about someone's journey and the potential involvement of a "trickster spirit." However, it's important to note that these spirits are easily recognizable, and not everyone believes in them. In fact, such encounters are quite rare! If you've been engaging with deities, symbols, or any associations connected to them, the chances of encountering a "trickster spirit" are highly unlikely. So don't believe everything you hear on TikTok or YouTube and follow your intuition. Also, keep in mind that this belief doesn't just restrict itself to deities, but it could even be with guides.

If you've done a lot of research on a deity that you feel drawn towards then go forward working with them, especially if you feel that there is a connection.

It's worth noting that working with deities is not a requirement. There are witches and pagans who choose not to incorporate deities into their practice or much rather, they may be working with something else or nothing at all. It doesn't make them less of a pagan or a witch or whatever they choose to identify as.

Deity Relationships ❁ཻུ۪۪ ━ 

Practitioners can develop various relationships with deities, such as parent/child, teacher/student, familial, friends, or lovers (although that topic can be discussed separately). The possibilities for a person's connection with a deity are diverse and not limited to a single type of relationship.

𖤣𖥧˚ A healthy relationship with a deity can look like

Mutual Respect: A healthy deity relationship is built upon a foundation of respect. Both the individual and the deity should honour and acknowledge each other's boundaries, beliefs, and values. Respect entails treating the deity as a revered entity while also recognizing one's own worth and agency as an individual.

Clear Communication: Open and consistent communication is vital in a healthy deity relationship. This can involve prayers, rituals, meditation, or any other form of spiritual practice that allows for a genuine connection. Regularly engaging with the deity helps foster a deeper understanding and strengthens the bond between both parties.

Reciprocity and Offerings: Healthy deity relationships often involve an element of reciprocity. Devotees offer their devotion, time, energy, and resources as acts of love and reverence. These offerings can take various forms, such as prayers, rituals, sacrifices, donations, or acts of service. In return, devotees may receive blessings, guidance, and support from the deity.

Boundaries and Consent: Just as in any relationship, it is crucial to respect boundaries and seek consent. Devotees should be mindful of the deity's boundaries and follow established protocols or traditions. It is also important to remember that a deity has agency and can choose to engage or withdraw from the relationship at any time. Just like the devotee. Consent and boundaries foster a healthy and respectful dynamic.

Flexibility and Adaptability: A healthy deity relationship is adaptable to change and growth. As individuals evolve on their spiritual journey, their understanding, needs, and perspectives may shift. Similarly, deities may reveal different aspects of themselves or guide individuals in new directions. Flexibility and openness to these changes contribute to the health and longevity of the relationship.

𖤣𖥧˚ An unhealthy relationship with a deity can look like

Codependency: If the practitioner becomes overly dependent on the deity for every aspect of their life, it can indicate an unhealthy dynamic. Relying solely on the deity for decision-making, guidance, and validation without exercising personal agency and autonomy can lead to an imbalanced relationship.

Lack of Boundaries: Boundaries are essential in any relationship, including deity relationships. If the practitioner disregards their own boundaries or if the deity consistently crosses them, it can result in an unhealthy and potentially harmful connection. Boundaries should be respected and honoured by both parties involved.

Coercion or Manipulation: If the practitioner feels compelled or pressured by the deity to engage in actions or rituals against their will or moral compass, it can indicate an unhealthy dynamic. Deities should not manipulate or force practitioners into obedience or compliance.

Fear or Punitive Beliefs: If the practitioner constantly lives in fear of retribution, punishment, or wrath from the deity, it suggests an unhealthy dynamic. Deities should not be perceived as solely punitive figures, but rather as sources of guidance, support, and compassion.

Loss of Critical Thinking: When a deity relationship discourages critical thinking, questioning, or individual discernment, it can lead to a loss of personal agency and autonomy. An unhealthy dynamic may involve blind obedience or a strict adherence to dogma without room for personal growth or exploration.

Please note that the actions described may not necessarily be attributed to a deity. It could involve the practitioner or other factors at play. This example aims to illustrate an unhealthy relationship between a deity and the practitioner, rather than stating that it will definitely occur.

𖤣𖥧˚ What if a Deity Doesn't Want to Work with You?

If a deity chooses not to work with you, it's important to acknowledge their prerogative. It doesn't mean you are "bad" or "evil." Similar to human relationships, not everyone can be friends, and the same applies to interactions with deities. It's acceptable for deities to decline, just as it is for you to decline to work with them. They won't punish you for your efforts, and they certainly won't punish you for saying no to working with them.

Someone on Twitter mentioned they aren't drawn together enough so I want to fix that.

You want to know a LGBTQ+ historical fact that is not centered in the US?

Homosexuality became legal in Brazil in 1830.

A good video that accurately explains why stud is a term used for black lesbians only, not white, not poc, BLACK

I’m not even going to say please. Respect black identities and labels, they are ours for a reason.

Poor Vander, he is a patient dad xD

Always a non-lesbian calling a lesbian terf simply for pointing out we’re not attracted to men.

Also always a non-lesbian to stuck their nose on a lesbian’s business.

So what will it be, Sheriff?

Unpopular opinion but telling me to “be the bigger person” loosely translates to: “Accept the disrespect and just let it happen even if it violates your boundaries” and you can go suck a gas station toilet bowl if you think I’m gonna let that shit slide.