How & When To Cleanse Your Tarot Cards ✨

Padma Patil

Hermione Granger

Ronald Weasley

Cedric Diggory

Basic Hellenic Supplies

As requested, a list of basic tools! Don’t feel obligated to use any of this, as you really only need yourself to worship the Theoi :) These are just some things I use and find helpful.

Incense: Incense, resins, etc., are all great to have on hand. Manna was the traditional incense used, which is thought to have been frankincense or something with frankincense. As such, having some is an easy way to have a low-energy offering ready. Along with the incense or resins, you’ll need somewhere to safely burn it, like an incense holder or fire-safe bowl, and you may want a few charcoal discs.Sometimes you can find incense burning kits, complete with the burner and everything else. I’ve seen them at walmart recently.

Bowl and Pitcher: In the Ancient Hellenic religion, there is a method of cleansing using what’s called ‘khernips’. It’s usually a mixture of sea/salt water, spring water, a burnt match or herb, and a prayer for a Theos’ blessing over it. You cleanse your hands and face with it, and as such, using a pitcher to make and transport your khernips can be quite helpful. This can be easily stored or decorated as you wish, and it keeps water from getting everywhere. Also, keep a towel handy for when you’re finished!

Table/Shelf Space: To create an altar or shrine. you can use a shelf or table. Usually, you would have it high up if you can, but when it comes to Underworld or Earth Theoi, you would normally worship them closer to the floor. I personally like having my Kthonic shrines and altars on trays and platters to move around more easily. That way, when I need to give an offering outside, I can simply move the tray and not one thing at a time. 

Candles: The hearth-fire was a huge part of everyday life in Ancient Hellas, but it wasn’t the fireplace we know and love. A heart-fire was typically surrounded by stones, and was fairly large, It was in the center of the bustling lives of old. It was where people cooked, got warm, and entertained guests. We don’t really have an equivalent, but we can use symbolism to try and recreate the effect. I try to recommend candles to beginners who face the modern challenge of not having a permanent fire going to Hestia, whether they be real candles or electric ones. They can be found fairly cheap at places like walmart, or even the dollar store. In home decor and crafting stores, there are usually nice electric ones that will last a long while. My Nana gave me an old one of hers, and it works perfectly. It’s nearly as old as I am, so I can testify for their durability :)

Bowls/Cups: When it comes to giving offerings, burning things, and just worship in general, bowls are really awesome. If you wish to give a libation in a very traditional way, you can try to invest in a bowl shaped like a phiale, linked here. Or, if you’re more modern and like to fill your altar space with lots of quirky things, try finding a fancy libation cup to use specifically for rituals. Here is my personal favourite (due to the punny nature it holds) and another great one. But if you’re like me and are low on funds or are trying to remain a secret worshiper, then any cup or bowl will do. I find candy dishes to be quite beautiful and discreet, as a sidenote. 

Urn/Vase: Iv’e seen this more often recently, and I absolutely love it. I use a glass bottle keep my incense ash and burnt offerings in, and then later dedicate them to Zeus Ktesios at the end of each month on the Deipnon, but you can use an urn, a pot for a plant, an ornate vase, a jar, or a simple glass bowl to keep them in. Just make sure it isn’t flammable, since ashes are known to start fires when not properly disposed of. Along with this topic, you may want to consider finding a sealable container to potential make your very one Kathiskos :)  Here are two links for that: x and x.

Box/Place for Votive Offerings: I personally use a closable box for votive offerings, and I call it my “vault”. In the temples of Greece, there were vaults where you could leave offerings to a Theos. Similarly, this is what the box would be for. It’s for non-perishable things. I have used a bowl before, and a cup as well. When I need to get a bigger container, I put the offerings together in a shoebox, and then I have more room. Whatever works best for you will do. If you don’t usually give votive offerings, I wouldn’t worry about getting anything to keep them in. 

Representations of the Theoi: This is more of an optional thing, but a lot of people enjoy having a representation to focus on while worshiping. It can be a statue, a drawing, a symbol, or even a framed hymn or prayer. If it helps you feel more connected to a Theos, you can use it. I’m working on drawing (it’s not very good) the Olympians to hang near my household altar.

Barley: Although how barley is used is debated throughout the community and within scholarly circles, we do know it was used. Some say it was used to make a ritual drink, and others believe you would “scatter” it, meaning you would throw it around your altar to cleanse it. I am working on getting some barley to have in a vase just to cleanse my altar space a bit more, though I don’t plan on literally scattering it.

Hellenic Text: Having copies of things like The Odyssey, The Iliad, and the Homeric Hymns are all great. I can provide a few resources as to my personal favourites if you need any as well. Reading and studying literature from the prime example of Hellenismos will help build a quality understanding of who you’re worshiping and how you do it. I learned so much just by reading through The Odyssey, and it really helped strengthen my connection with the ancients as well. What you read doesn’t have to be religious, necessarily, it could be something like the poetry of Sappho, or a Philosopher’s study of the world around them.

Notebook/Online Cloud Storage: You will learn so much as you begin your journey. Taking notes, saving articles for further review, or just as reference, and documenting what you need to is awesome. Evernote, Google Drive, and Dropbox are all good things you can use to organize and combine your knowledge, but a good ole spiral notebook or binder works just fine. I like to keep my sacred texts in the physical copy, but I also have several online versions for easy access. My kindle also houses a couple things for when I’m on the go.

my liege we your council would not advise this course of action but we all agree it would be pretty funny regardless

Don't threaten me with a good time

ladybug makes the observation at some point that chat noir, at the ripe age of fifteen, acts like such a dad sometimes. like he'll comment about how she should really sit up straight while theyre chilling out after patrol, and he'll start bringing a pair of binoculars so he can birdwatch from their rooftop, and he'll do that thing where after she casually mentions she's been craving strawberies lately he starts bringing industrial amounts of strawberries for her every time they meet. and she just thinks, wow, this boy must come from such a wonderful family for him to be so cute.

so when he quietly admits to her one day that he hasn't hugged his own dad in years, in fact he's not even sure if his own dad really likes him very much, her heart shatters

Pendulum Basics

Hey, friends! To celebrate my new pendulum, I’m doing a Pendulum Basics post giving a run down on tips and information about pendulums! 

What even are pendulums? 

Pendulums are tools of divination primarily used to answer yes/no/maybe questions, and sometimes used with a pendulum board for more in depth answers, to communicate with spirits, or find lost items. They’re great beginner tools!

Pendulums are made of a string or chain with an object freely hanging from one end. Many pendulums have crystal points and use silver or gold chain, but it can be simple as a necklace pendant or a string and needle/bead/button/coin. Often, pendulums also have a small bead on the other end of the chain to make it easier to hold. 

Pendulums are held by one end so the crystal or object can swing, spin, circle, or shake freely. The movement of the object determines the answer.

How do I use a pendulum?

The best way to get clear and accurate answers is by making sure you’re holding your pendulum with a steady hand. You can hold one end of the chain between your pointer finger and thumb on your dominant hand. If you have a bead or similar object on the end, you have the option of holding the end of the chain between your pointer and middle fingers with the bead above your fingers. Do whatever is most comfortable for you, as long as your crystal/object is freely dangling where it won’t hit anything. 

To keep your hand steady, prop your elbow on a stable surface like a table. Rest your dangling object in your non-dominant hand while you ask the question. Drop your non-dominant hand downwards so it’s no longer touching the pendulum when you’re ready for the answer. Make sure you aren’t hitting the crystal when moving your non-dominant hand away!

What means yes, what means no?

That depends on your pendulum! All pendulums have different personalities. My pendulum swings back and forth in a straight line for no, makes small circles for yes, and shakes for maybe or don’t know. Some pendulums will do the reverse or make clockwise circles for yes, counter-clockwise for no or vice versa!

The best way to find out how your pendulum communicates is to ask basic questions you already know the answer to and see how it responds. For example “Do I have (color) hair?” or “Am I eight feet tall?” You can also say “Show me yes,” and “Show me no.”

Remember that it will take time for your energies to align so don’t worry if your first few questions are unclear. 

Where can I get a pendulum?

Many big online stores such as Etsy, Amazon, and eBay sell pendulums for varying prices. There are also independent sellers with their own websites that sell pendulums. You could also go to your local crystal or spiritual shop and see which one calls to you, which I recommend if that’s an option. 

Don’t forget to cleanse your pendulum first thing. A couple tester questions first are fine, but cleanse as soon as you’re able. Sage, salt, moonlight, sunlight, and meditation are all good options. Make sure your object can be exposed to whatever you’re using to cleanse. For example, some crystals will loose their color if out in the sun too long. 

You can also make your own pendulum. If you do make it yourself, you’ll only have to cleanse the materials that haven’t already been cleansed. For example, if you already have cleansed silver chain, but bought a new crystal, cleanse the crystal!

Final Tips

Don’t do anything you aren’t comfortable with. You don’t have to ask any questions you don’t want to, even if a client or friend is pushing you.  This is your craft!

Some crystals or objects might be better for certain questions. For example, a rose quartz pendulum would be great for love questions. You definitely do not need a rose quartz pendulum for love questions though!

Practice, practice, practice! Don’t be discouraged if you and your pendulum don’t sync right away. Learning divination takes time.

Cleanse regularly, especially if you encounter a lot of negative energy. If your pendulum starts acting up, that might mean it needs a cleansing. 

Work up to harder questions. Start with simple stuff like “Should I wear my hair up today?” or “Should I read this book?” and gradually move towards questions about love, work, etc. 

Don’t overwork your pendulum. Too much energy flowing through the crystal could break it!

If communicating with spirits or other entities, always dismiss everyone at the end of your session! You don’t want to unwittingly invite unwanted house guests. 

Thank you pendulum. It does a lot of hard work for you! Show your appreciation every once in a while. 

Basics Series | Ask Box | Tarot Readings | Tip Jar | Ko-Fi 

How has it been 5 years already

In Marinette's eyes, the two cats might appear to overlap.

It's been 5 years since the release of Chat Blanc.

Ways the Gods Can Contact You

This is one of the most frequent questions I receive. Otherwise, I would not make this post. Worship is incredibly personal, and Gods usually contact you in ways that you don’t expect, or ways you didn’t realize until you look back on the past.

These methods listed are common ones that I often hear from others. Do not limit your communication to these steps.

You feel a very close connection with Them, even without legitimate reason. Some people feel a connection to Their area of rule (i.e. sea god for feeling close to the ocean). If you’re like me, you’ve felt drawn to a God and you don’t even know why. This could be the Gods trying to reach out to you.

A God sends you strong gut feelings. Before I devoteed to Hades, I gave Him offerings during every Sabbat. I can’t tell you why; I just felt like I needed to. One day, I thought of making an altar for Hades, and I immediately put aside all other thoughts and responsibilities, determined to create that altar. If you’ve experience similar gut feelings, that may be a God speaking to you.

Your favorites overlap. It sounds silly, but it’s an experience I’ve heard about from a lot of people. For example, if you’ve always felt connected to dogs, and feel drawn towards Aries, you might look up the correspondence of dogs and realize that Aries has a close relationship with dogs. A quick disclaimer: This doesn’t always happen, and it’s possible to feel attracted to a God you have little connectivity with.

Your environment responds to you when you speak with the Gods. During my first ever Wiccan ritual, the God spoke to me by raising the candle flame higher than any I’ve ever seen. I’ve felt the wind shift when I spoke to the Gods about change in my life. Changes like these could be signs of response, especially during a prayer or ritual.

You feel a response, similar to the last one, but more esoteric. Examples may include feeling a warm blanket on your shoulders, feeling yourself relax while speaking to the Gods, touching hands, or even smelling a certain scent from no obvious source.

You hear a response. In some cases you may actually hear a voice in your head when a God speaks to you.

The Gods come through divination, such as automatic writing, scrying, tarot, pendulum or omens. Certain signs or repeated animal sightings may also be a method of contact.

The Gods communicate through dreams, visions, meditation or hedge crossing.

Anything I missed? Please add on. And remember that these are simply examples. Listen to your instinct, and you’ll know. It may take some time.

I wish you a fun and rewarding path, lovelies! .+(´^ω^`)+.

she’s an angel. she’s clean and she smells good. she always dresses cute and her lips r always glossy. she radiates angelic energy and attracts only lovely things. she has long, pampering morning and night routines. she works out everyday, eats healthy, and always makes sure she gets enough sleep. she does her skincare every morning and night. she’s sweet and charming and shows respect to everyone, while at the same time only allowing a sacred few to bask in her heavenly vibes. she is witty and intellectual, and always learning. she sees the good in everything. she stands up for what she believes in. her number one goal is to become the best version of herself. and of course, she knows that she is destined for happiness and success. ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚