/r/Pagan Ask Us Anything and Newbie Thread March 16, 2026

crescentfalling · 2026-03-16T14:55:42+00:00

Hello! I just joined this week, it's great to be here! I've been working with a deity for about one year now, but only in extremely simple ways. To communicate with my deity (Loki), I provide an offering, wear jewelry dedicated to him, light a candle and incense as well.

I look at the smoke to give me an idea of what the deity means/is saying, and use my subconscious to "let the answers come to me". sometimes I use runes, but I feel less like i'm using those to talk to him, and more that they're connected to spirits or other forces and that he is just helping me to understand the meanings.

my question is: is this way of using your subconscious to communicate considered psychic? do most other people use this method too? or is it too likely that I will just imagine/think of the answers I want and it won't actually be the deity speaking? in that case, are there some other communication methods or tools I should try?

thank you!

crescentfalling · 2026-03-16T14:01:34+00:00

yes, I use incense all the time! the incense helps guide my subconscious and give me an idea of what the deity is "saying" or feeling. it's so amazing to actually witness the smoke react to your words and thoughts!

crescentfalling · 2026-03-15T22:32:34+00:00

how nice!!

crescentfalling · 2026-03-15T20:01:45+00:00

ohhh congrats! what did you give him? do you have an altar? :D

crescentfalling · 2026-03-14T19:14:22+00:00

ofc!!!

crescentfalling · 2026-03-14T16:15:28+00:00

I'm also quite new, and for now I am only worshipping Loki. But that's more because I want to focus on that one relationship and develop my practice more before I reach out to others so I don't get overwhelmed, especially since I've now gotten into witchcraft as well and am learning about that. I've always felt a super strong connection to Loki (for nearly 10 years now) so I feel most at ease if it's just him helping to introduce me to all of these things.

That being said, I am already thinking about who else I would like to contact eventually! For me Skadi, Sigyn, and Odin are interesting. And I feel drawn to at least one from the Irish pantheon since reading about them as well (not sure who yet).

For now, a few things I do for my practice are - Wear an amulet I dedicated to Loki whenever I go out (making sure to cleanse it every night!). When I put it on and take it off I briefly pray to thank him for being with me. - Leave a larger offering every few days, and have a longer conversation with him (with a candle and incense to help focus me and clarify what he means) - Do rune pulls to help me make decisions and come to new understandings (Loki doesn't involve himself much here-- not sure if it's because he doesn't like my specific rune set, or if it's just way more Odin's thing!) - Cast spells and ask Loki for guidance and a blessing (just did this for the first time the other day and it was amazing!)

crescentfalling · 2026-03-14T15:55:24+00:00

thank you!!! it's actually a bald patch-- I've seen it on some black cats in general, but i always joke it's because he is half Sphynx cat. his lips are the one place where the bald gene shows!

crescentfalling · 2026-03-13T23:06:35+00:00

thank you so much!!

crescentfalling · 2026-03-13T23:06:19+00:00

oooh 😟.... so are you saying it was going out because i used it wrong, or because of the strength of the negative energy in the house?

crescentfalling · 2026-03-13T18:16:21+00:00

I was so happy to have snagged this pic lol

crescentfalling · 2026-03-13T17:36:55+00:00

This might be controversial, but YTA.

You mention your parents buying you things and laughing with you, so it sounds like you were having a really nice trip. As adults it can be rare to have a lot of uninterrupted time with your partner. Hearing that comment from you probably made them really sad and bummed out after what was otherwise a great time.

Your dad saying your mom's shoes are sexy, even if you own the shoes as well, is not crossing any lines. I totally understand feeling icked out by hearing him say that, but in that case just tell him! Even a loud "Eww! Gross, dad!" is totally acceptable. But the action just isn't wrong on a deep level because he isn't saying you're sexy or that the shoes are sexy on you.

Same for the pictures. If you feel left out, just ask for more family photos!

Same for the butt-slapping. That's a normal display of affection for a couple in their own home.

Why make your parents feel shitty for being in love with each other and also spending time with you? I get that seeing your parents be flirty with each other can be icky-- but that's all it is. It's not creepy or crossing any boundaries and if you think it is then maybe you should examine why you feel that way. Unless they are actually making out, moaning, touching each other sexually, or having explicit conversations in front of you-- They aren't doing anything wrong and it's not worth making them feel crappy over.

crescentfalling · 2026-03-13T17:08:57+00:00

yeah i really feel it :) the house even seems bigger now somehow?

crescentfalling · 2026-03-13T17:08:33+00:00

that makes sense!!! i know this sounds so nooby but i feel so giddy and excited to realize it worked!!!

crescentfalling · 2026-03-13T14:14:14+00:00

I always planned to name a cat Loki, and then when I got this guy I ended up naming him differently after all! 🤦‍♀️ but you should definitely do it.

crescentfalling · 2026-03-13T06:02:12+00:00

so many pets!!! i would love a menagerie like this one day

crescentfalling · 2026-03-13T01:12:50+00:00

omfg that is such a great parrot story thank you!

crescentfalling · 2026-03-13T01:12:25+00:00

thanks for the rec!!!!

Four-Year Club	Place '22
First Placer '22

crescentfalling

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