Aphrodite, Paganism, Ritual

Unexpectedly Aphrodite

I like to think I’ve gotten used to Aphrodite showing up in unexpected ways. I’ve written multiple posts on this blog about how my experience of Her doesn’t usually match the lore, and doesn’t jive with the frilly, superficial way She is often portrayed in modern Paganism. I no longer assume that She will fit into any mold that we humans prescribe for Her. And yet, there are still times when She surprises me.

Aphrodite, Connecting with Aphrodite, Paganism, Ritual, Spiritual Growth

Connecting with Aphrodite – Seeking Out the Goddess

The process and experience of connection will be different for each person. You can use what follows as a general guide, but do not feel limited by it. If you feel called to do something different, do it! As I’ve said before, pursuing a Goddess is an experimental process. You have to figure out what works for you and for Her. Your connection with Aphrodite will be unique. 

Aphrodite, Paganism, Ritual

Self-Compassion Ritual – Pandemic Edition

Our modern society doesn’t teach us self-compassion. Quite the opposite. It teaches us self-criticism, shame, guilt, and blame. It tells us that we have to follow the rules, meet its unrealistic expectations, and practically achieve perfection before we are worthy of loving ourselves. This, quite frankly, is an utter load of crap.

Aphrodite, Devotions to Aphrodite, Paganism

Ocean Cleansing Meditation with Aphrodite

I feel like we could all use an energetic reset during these troubling and uncertain times. This cleansing meditation is a version of something I spontaneously wandered into during my last deep meditation with Aphrodite. It was so powerful for me that I wanted to share it. I also made a video for the guided meditation!

Magick, Paganism

Soup for Cerridwyn – Sweet Potato and Barley

Every time I make soup for Cerridwyn, the recipe is different. I used to have a recipe that I riffed off of, swapping out ingredients and adding or subtracting things. This most recent time, I had to completely abandon all hopes of using a recipe.

Magick, Paganism, Spiritual Growth

Keeping Quarantine Pagan

So, the world is a bonkers place right now. We are in the middle of a global pandemic. In times of great uncertainty, we can reach to our spiritual practice for comfort and stability. With that in mind, here are my recommendations for keeping quarantine Pagan...

Empath, Magick, Paganism, Spiritual Growth

Why Do We Ground, Cleanse, and Shield?

If you’ve been wandering down the Pagan path for very long, you’ve likely heard the terms “grounding,” “cleansing,” and “shielding” on more than one occasion. These practices are recognized as important across many traditions, but frequently the explanation as to exactly why they are important gets lost. Grounding, cleansing, and shielding are found in many beginning books on Paganism and magick, but it wasn’t until I really started doing ritual and magick regularly that I understood their importance.

Aphrodite, Magick, Paganism, Ritual

Self-Compassion Ritual Revisited

Self-compassion can be a challenge - particularly in a world where we are flooded with media constantly telling us that we aren't enough. We aren't beautiful or handsome enough. We aren't skilled enough. We aren't fit enough. We aren't rich enough. We aren't good enough to have a partner. Or we aren't a good enough partner for someone else. Let me tell you something. It's not a secret, though in our culture it is guarded like one - only spoken in hushed tones between the closest of friends. YOU ARE ENOUGH.

Aphrodite, Devotions to Aphrodite, Paganism

A Meditation To Meet Aphrodite

This meditation (or some variation of it) was one of the first ways I connected with Aphrodite in a tangible sense - to actually speak with Her, to see Her physical form, and to go beyond impressions and feelings. It incorporates elements from both guided meditation and journeying.