#devotional writing
i keep thinking about an event or something for polytheists focused on writingmyth retellings.
if its something specific itd be like a “MythReWriMo” (along the lines of a “Myth-Retelling Writing Month” or anything with less of a silly name fkdkdkd)
and maybe even something more non-specific? like not a month-long thing, but a more general event for coming up with retellings.
or better yet !! modern myths!!narratives or poetry
(with monthly or weekly prompts perhaps, maybe focusing on different deities depending on the time?)
i just feel like itd be so cool to have a little community interacting with our own versions of the known stories, and also with modern mythos, new stories, with the gods interacting with new domains that are a part of modern worship and cultus….
idk, something to think about maybe?
NewModernMythologistsPrompt
Describe your personal realm. You can also include pictures or even a whole picture board for reference!
Modern Mythologists is one of the amazing clubs we have in the server ✨Every two weeks we vote on a writing prompt and then share and discuss our works. If you want to participate and see what other fun activities we have going on, join Pagan Sanctum here!
ModernMythologists
Our previous prompt was to write about giving a gift to a deity or a spirit, or receiving one from them. The texts that got submitted turned out rather personal and emotional, thanking the deities for all their support and for helping us change our lives to better. A perfect theme for these final days of this year, when we contemplate the past year and what we hope for the next year to bring ✨
As a holiday special, our current prompt is to write anything you want, as long as it’s somehow related to your practice. If you want to see what everyone comes up with, join us on our Discord server ✨
ModernMythologists
For the past few weeks, our prompts have been to write a fairytale, and to imagine a myth ending differently. For the latter, here’s a text one of our mods @lucinaofstarlight wrote, concerning the relationship between Hera and Heracles.
TW for a vague mention of attempted sexual assault
Glory of Hera
After a moment of silence, as if the world was drawing breath, the battlefield was filled with loud cheers of joy as the Olympian gods celebrated their newly-fought victory over the giants. Heracles got an approving nod from Athena, who had fetched him to help with the battle: after all, a prophecy had stated that the gods could only win if they were aided by a mortal. And Heracles had been a great help indeed, having shot many giants with his arrows. The hero’s confidence faltered slightly when he saw Hera approach him.
In the midst of battle, he had saved the Queen of the Gods from being attacked and assaulted by giant Porphyrion. The enemy had first been struck by a thunderbolt thrown by Hera’s husband Zeus, and Heracles had then rushed to help by shooting Porphyrion with an arrow. No harm had come to Hera, who had then proceeded to fight as she had before. The goddess of motherhood and marriage was quite fierce when she wanted to be, as Heracles had experienced before. He was a brave and resourceful warrior, even now clad in the hide of the Nemean lion he had killed. But if there was something that made him feel nervous, it was being in the presence of the goddess who had caused many problems for him before. What was she thinking about right now?
“Thank you for saving my life”, Hera said, to Heracles’ surprise. What confused him even more was her tone, which was actually genuinely grateful.
“Of course, my lady”, the man replied politely. Hera must have noticed the slight suspicion in his voice and demeanor, and chuckled.
“Has it not dawned on you yet, boy?” the queen asked, and proceeded to explain. “I don’t hate you. All the obstacles I have thrown at you have been challenges for you to overcome.”
She glanced at her husband who was standing nearby, chatting with his beloved daughter Athena. Hera turned back to Heracles and continued:
“Zeus fathers children, I forge them into the heroes this world needs. In that sense, you are my son as much as you are his.”
Her tone was proud and royal but at the same time the look in her eyes was soft and approving. Heracles was confused and unsure what to think, but in the end supposed that this was a good thing.
“Geez”, he said, scratching his head embarrassed. “I guess that explains the meaning of my name and all.”
Hera’s Glory. The goddess simply nodded and turned her head towards the night sky, where the stars were clearly visible now. There was the milky way, which had come to existence when Hera had nursed baby Heracles and he had sucked so strongly that milk had spilled across the sky. Her milk had also given Heracles his super strength. As he had been just an infant he himself didn’t remember this event, but Hera did, and thought of that memory now.
She had never hated him. She had had plans for him all along.
ModernMythologists&NovemberWritingChallenge
For the past two weeks our prompt was to write about how you first met your deity or spirit guide. Members shared their heartwarming stories, and an example written by one of our mods can be read below. Our new prompt is to write about how would the altar or place of worship of your dreams look like
Writers will have even more fun going on next month, as there will be a separate November writing challenge which will offer exciting daily prompts to work on. They aren’t limited to spiritual matters either - you can do basically anything you want with them. If you want to join or see what our creative members come up with, join us on our Discord server! ✨
October Rainbow
Exactly one year ago today, I saw a rainbow. It was the biggest rainbow that I had ever seen, and it arched over the whole city, shining brightly. I took a photo of it – the camera on my phone could capture only a glimpse of its beauty – and was simply enchanted by it.
I posted the picture on Instagram, and almost typed something about Iris in the description, as I had instinctively thought of her when I saw that wonderful phenomena. But a lot of the people following my account that time were my relatives who did not know that I was pagan, and so I shied away from doing so. But every time I looked at the photo I would think of the Goddess of the Rainbow, and months later when I had officially approached her I realized that I had met for the very first time when I gazed at that huge rainbow up in the October sky.
ModernMythologists
For the past two weeks, our prompt was “try travelling to a different realm while meditating and write a story about your experiences. If you can’t travel, imagine a place you would like to go to!”
Our admin recently shared a story of some astral traveling they did, guided by the goddess Hestia. It included a place in the astral that they didn’t expect, a mysterious fountain, and ended with them receiving a very unique item for protection.
If you’re interested in reading more about this story and more about our other members’ experiences with the astral, our discord server is open and has many stories about these travels and practitioners willing to share more!
Hymn to Andraste
Hail Andraste! Through our Lady of Perpetual Victory
and Iceni-made staves may our hopeful minds dream
of her restitution, divined and seized through magical means.
Our Goddess of Redemption uplifts what mortals she can,
training her warriors to wield knowledge of saplings and steel
beyond counting, to break the chains that have bound them.
Even when she is reduced to ashes, her followers pray
for the Shield of Boudica to be reborn from all that remains.
Call to her and she shall embrace you, in her arms lie eternity.
- Darling Undine
P.S. Edited Dragon Age’s “Canticles of Andraste” to add a Brythonic Twist
P.P.S. Written for @pagan-sanctum’s Modern Mythologist prompt!
For the past two weeks, our prompt has been to write a prayer or a hymn. It was heart-warming to see many of our members participate and write for their deities from many different pantheons As an example here is a little something I wrote for Iris, but if you would like to see all the other prayers & hymns as well as participate in our future prompts yourself, come join us on Discord ✨
- Mod Lucina @lucinaofstarlight
Hymn to Iris
I greet you, Iris of the Rainbow!
Clad in vivid colors, shining bright
You truly are the Wondorous One
With your golden wings you fly you across the skies
Leaving your enchanting mark behind
I greet you, Iris Storm-Footed
And dance with you in the rain
You always fill me with such inspiration
And such great joy
I thank you for your many blessings.
Photo by Lucie DawsononUnsplash
ModernMythologists
The most recent prompt for Modern Mythologists has been “Try getting in touch with your spirit guides or deity you’ve always wanted to make contact with and write about your experience!” We got to read each other’s exciting stories about meeting new deities. Here’s one example from the pop culture pagan side of our server, about contacting Meridia, The Daedric Prince of Life.
Breath of Life
The Sun.
That is the card Lady Azura gave me as an answer to my question. I had asked if she consented to me introducing myself to Lady Meridia. I do dream of working with both of them, but before I actually get started with Meridia, I wish to honor my promise to Azura. Promise of regularly devoting time for her, promise of showing that I am committed. Daedric Princes have expectations and don’t wish to be forgotten or ignored. When I’ve proved that I can keep up with a consistent worship, I can follow the both of them. Dawn and Dusk, Light and Life.
The Sun.
What could be a clearer sign of approval? And at the very same time the perfect card to represent the Lady of Infinite Energies herself? I excitedly pour an offering of honeyed tea and address the one once known as Merid-Nunda. A sense of approval washes over me.
The Sun.
Candles are lit and I settle down. I wish to travel, I want to see her. Talk to her. I close my eyes, take deep breaths. Soon I am surrounded by bright beams of light, bathing in their warmth. I can see nothing more, only endless radiance. I think I catch a glimpse of a winged silhouette in the golden glow, but I am uncertain. I decide to trust in my instincts.
The Sun.
I’m not sure where exactly I am, but it is beautiful. Peaceful. Only light. I find myself thinking about life. Nothing specific, just… life itself, if that makes sense. It does to me in that moment as I feel invigorated by the rays of light. I don’t exactly hear a voice, but I’m quite certain that I am being talked to. I can make out a single command in my mind:
Live.
As I take that in, I feel a strong sense of approval again. I am accepted, I am welcomed. Her hand touches my forehead, conferring her blessing.
I wake up, and feel alive.
“Dream while you rest;
Dream after you wake.
Never stop dreaming,
Not matter how hard
This life gets to be.
Breathe life into your dreams
And never stop tending
To each one of their needs.
Love them like children,
Mold them like creations.
You may not get to
Live out all of them,
But that should not sway you.
These dreams of yours
Are as beautiful as you.As I cradle you in my arms,
Watching over you as you sleep,
I find joy in your dreams
And all that they mean.
So keep on dreaming,
Never stop believing,
For one day those dreams
Will give your life meaning.”
“You must be the friend
That Hermes told me about.
The darkness that surrounds you
Is as he described,
Incredibly thick and powerful.
You are practically drowning in it!
I can see how it has
Stolen the air from your lungs!“All that you have seen
And all that you have experienced…
Little one, you sure are resilient!
That mind of yours
Is stronger than you think!
We have much to discuss,
But first, grab hold.
I won’t let you drown anymore!”The voice that speaks to you
Is powerful, yet melodic;
And that hand that reaches for you
Is gloriously sun-kissed
With the calloused fingers
Of a talented musician.
You trust in the voice
And accept His hand.“Helios, my friend,
Please send this poor soul
A glorious ray of light!”
And suddenly you see the sun,
Feel the warmth on your skin.
It is new and refreshing.
You drink it in
As you are pulled upward.Then there is more light,
Brilliant and colorful.
The darkness dissipates
Beneath your feet,
Hissing and snarling
As it cowers away.
You feel lighter and, finally,
You can take in a breath.“There! Look at you!
I can see the color
Returning to your cheeks.
How does it feel, young one,
To breathe in fresh air?
To see the sun after so long?
You have so many more
Beautiful things to experience!”He takes a seat and gestures
For you to sit beside Him.
“Lately, things have been
Particularly difficult for you.
Hermes has shared your struggles
And I sympathize, I do.
I have seen many mortals
Struggle and fall."Hermes says that you
Once had an incredible
Passion for the arts…
But you’ve forgotten how to smile
And you no longer sing or dance.
That, my mortal friend,
Breaks my heart
And I feel compelled to help you."Whatever you are carrying,
I know it must be heavy.
But please, dear one,
Share that weight with me.
Whatever you are holding on to,
Tell it to me here
And I will help you
Let go of it for good."I know you feel alone,
But there are many people,
Divine and mortal,
Who are willing to help you.
Keeping this to yourself
Will only make things worse.
The darkness will keep coming back
If you try to face it alone."You deserve to smile and dance,
To laugh and sing again!
I want to see the passion
Return to your beautiful eyes.
I want to see you breathe
This fresh air every day,
No longer trapped in the darkness,
But happily walking under the Sun."Every day will not be grand
You will still have struggles,
But you won’t be weighed down
By all the hardships of your past.
If you accept my help,
I will make sure you can handle
Any obstacle that gets in your way
And help you overcome it."Will you let me reignite your passion
And help you face the darkness
That has consumed you for so long?
Will you let me strum my lyre
And sing of your victory
When you finally overcome your past?
You’ve got nothing to lose
And so much to gain!"I know this is a leap of faith
But you trusted me enough
To take my hand the first time.
The path ahead won’t be easy,
I will make you work hard,
But you will not be alone.
So what do you say, my friend,
Will you walk with me?”
