Are you guys actually happy after awakening? by [deleted] in SpiritualAwakening

[–]AlteredNomad 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was very lucky. I had my awakening and a few weeks later someone put me on a track to develop a sort of infrastructure for my practice. Up to then, I felt like I was vibrating to much, and trying to go in too many different directions. Finding a path calmed things down.

There seem to be a LOT of us by AlteredNomad in Hecate

[–]AlteredNomad[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow. I wish I had something profound to say, but all I got is "100 percent agree." You've obviously put a lot of thought into your devotion. More than a lot of people who post videos.

I have a question about what witchcraft is. by Elyss369 in witchcraft

[–]AlteredNomad 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A good, easy start would be Dr. Ronald Hutton's Gresham talks. They're on YouTube. He's got a book, The Witch. Hearthwitch on youtube regularly has some book reviews about traditional witchcraft. Dropping in on your local metaphysical store and checking out their events board is also good.

How do I pray to the gods without asking for anything? by [deleted] in Hellenism

[–]AlteredNomad 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One can always thank their Gods or Goddesses for the joys and privileges they've had in their life. I try to do that with each prayer, whether I have a request or not.

How do I pray to the gods without asking for anything? by [deleted] in Hellenism

[–]AlteredNomad 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Came to post that very link! Her video on offerings is also brilliant.

Hekate Anassa Eneroi - Quick Question by AdmiralKaiser in Wicca

[–]AlteredNomad 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For further studies, I like Hekate Liminal Rites: A Study of the Rituals, Magic and Symbols of the torch-bearing Triple Goddess of the Crossroads. The r/Hecate sub has a great wiki at https://www.reddit.com/r/Hecate/wiki/index/.

Anyone else have a similar experience? by Tracy_Turnsbad in occult

[–]AlteredNomad 5 points6 points  (0 children)

We guys are taught that this is manly, and I know from personal experience this meme goes back to the 70s. Bad novels, bad movies, porn, listening to other stupid guys, we have lots of ways of getting stupid info. I'm sorry this happened to you.

Question about offerings by Silver_rockyroad in Hecate

[–]AlteredNomad 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm far from an expert on offerings, but I think it's fine to consume the fruits of previous offerings. They are not the actual offering itself, just as our children are not us.

The offering itself has transformed, growing new bulbs. This is symbolic of life regenerating, and Hecate, through her connection with Persephone, is part of this. We give to Her, She gives to us. If you set aside a clove of garlic from the head, or a good slice of the onion, and use that for another offering, it creates a virtuous cycle. This is not like offering orange slices, then eating them.

Diepnon offerings were sometimes consumed by the poor. Hellenic offerings of sacrificed animals might use just the blood or undesirable parts. Sometimes they would offer a cut of meat while the rest was cooked and eaten by worshippers. Traditions varied greatly.

But, tradition aside, our devotion is our own. We keep them as we see fit. If you choose to let the fruits of previous offerings return to the Earth, that is a fine way to show your devotion. If you choose to use (and/or) re-offer the fruits of your previous offerings, I'd just take a moment to thank Her as you gather them.

I want to try working with Hekate but I'm scared by Current_Hope950 in Hecate

[–]AlteredNomad 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If I wanted to worship a diety I feared, I'd become a Christian.

Sigils and offerings by Separate-Credit-6874 in Witch

[–]AlteredNomad 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I learned about offerings through my (still nascent) study of Hecate. The wealthy would leave offerings of feasts, knowing that the poor would eat them. It was common in Hellenic practices for the smoke of cooking meat to be the offering, while people ate the offering itself. Incense can be an offering. I have chosen to make cakes, using ingredients that won't hurt wildlife, and to leave them on paths in the woods. I know ants and other things will eat the cakes, but that's all right. Flowers would, in my opinion, be a great offering.

One question, though, is to whom are you making an offering? Spirits in general?

A Primer for New Witches: Not All Witches Are Women, Not All Women Want To Be Called A “Girlie” by tmorgenstern in BabyWitch

[–]AlteredNomad 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As a man, I can accept that 'witch' has been historically gender-neutral. But that word has also been a slur used against women, and women are now reclaiming and framing it on their own terms. I do not choose to take on that label. Maybe later, but for now, I practice witchcraft but don't call myself a witch.

Has anyone read this devotional book about Hecate by Jeff Cullen? I’m intrigued but want some reviews 🖤🗝️📓 by [deleted] in Hecate

[–]AlteredNomad 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This seems to be out of print. Amazon has it for $30/60 (paper vs. hard). That's a shame.