cactusynopales:

El altar

Santisima Muerte

(via bonesniffer)

kriegsmaschine:

Altar

(via bonesniffer)

This book is…interesting. It’s not great, it’s very Wicca-centric since it’s written by Starhawk, but there are some interesting rituals and spells for people who die of drug overdoses, sudden death, disease, stillbirth, and even prayers of coping for those who have miscarriages or abortions. It’s a joint effort by Starhawk and other collaborators, but was put together after the death of Starhawk’s mother. If anyone requires help coping with certain deaths, I can regerence the book for you, if you wish.

- Rae

orishaproject:

Esu receives a portion of every sacrifice, including the blood poured from the neck of this guinea fowl - an ebo made by Awo Ifagbemi Faseye ObaFunso of The Faseye Institute in Greater Seattle, WA.

By Christopher M. Johnson/The Orisha Project 2012.

(via cythrawl)

Evil Eye charms in Turkey

(via thehornburg)

vi0letnocturne:

Dark Paganism is a movement within modern Paganism to reclaim the dark portion of the light-dark polarity that has been denied or ignored by those who have confused this polarity with the good-bad dualism of the Judeo-Christian culture. Darkness is not the same as evil. This confusion has been caused by the increase in popularity of Pagan religions, particularly Wicca, and a lack of formal training and proper initiation. Such Dark Pagans challenge contemporary thought to ensure that one’s beliefs hold true to themselves and are not simply the result of repression or conditioning. It is important to be challenged since it allows us to think and reflect on what we believe and helps strengthen our true beliefs in the process.

Dark Paganism is the incorporation of dark imagery such as gothic imagery, that tends to have a death-related theme. Such Dark Pagans are not obsessed with death but rather fascinated by ,and drawn to, its symbolism. Through dark imagery the individual is made more aware of themselves and of the sacredness of life as well as the importance to live life to the fullest while always remaining true to who we are. Focus is on self exploration and expression.

Dark Paganism is the form of Paganism that is attuned with the internal or “dark” school or approach to spirituality. Spirituality can be approached in one of two ways: internally or externally. The internal approach has an emphasis on the Self. Concepts of deity and ethics are less of a focus or are based on personal perception and experience. The external approach works within a set framework. Deity is defined, religious practices are more structured, and ethics are decreed by an external authority figure and usually very specific in detailing appropriate behaviour. Both approaches are viable but only the individual can determine which approach is best for him or her. Some work better in a rigid and structured approach while others work better in a highly personal experience. Dark Paganism in this respect, merely delineates those Pagans who operate within an internal approach from those of an external approach since there are some inherent differences in how they operate. A spiritual paths following an internal approach encourages one to explore those aspects society or culture may label as taboo so that we can come to our own conclusion. By doing this, Dark Pagans free themselves of the social conditioning that often suffocates self expression and individuation as they strive to become more whole.

-By John J. Coughlin, “Out of the Shadows: An Exploration of Dark Paganism and Magick“