Channeling is allowing a nonphysical entity to use your physical body, in order to accomplish something. If that sounds, vague, it’s because it is. Channeling takes many different forms and intensity levels! Depending on how it’s done, it can be a medium-difficulty task or one of the most advanced things a spirit worker can do.
I once heard channeling described as a car ride, and in my experience that’s very accurate. The car is your body, and you’re in it with an entity. Sometimes you’re in the driver’s seat, and the entity is in the back seat giving directions. Sometimes you or the entity is in the passenger’s seat: not calling most of the shots, but able to reach over and grab the wheel if needed. Sometimes you’re in the backseat watching the entity drive, and sometimes you’re in the trunk. In practice, this can take a number of forms.
Speaking on Behalf. This is the kind of channeling people do most often. The entity isn’t controlling you, just feeding you lines which you can then relay to a third party. You’re translating their messages to something other people can comprehend. If you’ve ever answered a question for a spirit in their words, you’ve done this.
Isolated Channeling. The entity takes control of just a part of the body, usually the hands or fingers. This is mostly used for things like automatic writing.
Assuming Form. Also known as consensual possession. The entity is in the driver’s seat, speaking and acting for themselves without your help. Some people will call this “horsing.”
Possession. While the word “possession” could technically cover all of this, within the spirit work community it’s usually reserved for channeling where the human did not consent beforehand. This doesn’t necessarily mean in a violating way- I once had a friend who got possessed just long enough for an entity to yank them out of danger; once I was taken for just a moment to convey a quick (but very direct) message to a devotee, and snapped out of it right after.
Everyone will have a different reason to channel but most of them fall under a few categories:
Helping Someone Else. You’re channeling on behalf of someone who can’t [easily] reach the entity themselves, in order to ease communication between the two parties. This is often seen with mediums contacting spirit guides and Ancestors.
Aid in Other Works. The entity is better suited to accomplish a certain task than you, so you let them take the lead. This is often seen with a familiar or spirit companion, someone the practitioner works with closely enough to know their strengths and trust them.
Easier Communication Overall. Channeling is a way to get really familiar with an entity’s energy. Again, we often see this with spirit companions and is more to bond than to achieve another goal. This would include automatic writing or letting a spirit experience things “through” you.
Ritual Invitation. In some traditions, it’s common to invite deities to ritual events. Often, some type of channeling/possession is expected and is usually reached through ecstatic experiences. It’s taken as a sign the deity has arrived at the party, either a sign the offerings have been received or a time for the deity to convey important messages.
Know How To Protect Yourself. This is non-negotiable. Is your discernment tuned enough to spot an impostor or malevolent entity? Do you know how to end a session early? Do you know how to banish a spirit in an emergency? If the answer is no, then study up and return to channeling when you’re ready.
Know Your Entity. Channeling, by nature, puts the practitioner in an intimate and vulnerable place, so you don’t want to give that access to an entity who may misuse it. If it’s your first time channeling, make sure you trust this entity with your life.
Don’t Channel Alone. When you channel, you’re in an altered state of consciousness. Having someone grounded near you helps keep the session on track and keep you out of trouble should you need it. (Either by forcing an entity out if needed or just keeping you from climbing that tree.)
It’ll Probably Take a Lot Out of You. Have something ready to ground and rehydrate yourself after a session, and make sure you don’t have anything high-demand planned after.
Start Small. No need to jump head-first into the most advancecd and high-intensity types of channeling! Start with automatic writing or painting and get used to the feeling and work your way up.
Don’t Make It Weird. Basic etiquette still matters. Channeling is not a pass to give unsolicited messages to other practitioners, speak on behalf of their deities to them (unless they’ve specifically asked), or say hurtful things cushioned by: “What? It wasn’t me who said it.”
Messages Are Rarely “Pure.” This means everything is still filtered through you, the practitioner. Your values, morals, biases, and beliefs can inform what messages get through and how they are conveyed. Nobody wants to send out a message they disagree with, after all. This becomes less of an influencing factor with experience as one learns to hone their skill and let go more, but it’s important to always keep in mind. (If a channeling friend says a deity doesn’t accept your gender identity or something, that’s a good sign that really your “friend” doesn’t accept it.)
Already am ❤️
Trying to prove something to myself
Saw this cutie at work n remembered this post bug :)
Life is just a game of how many nightlights I can buy before my mom stops me! I currently have 3 but I just found two really cute Sesame Street ones
an apple can be used for a simple house blessing; cut an apple in half, and eat one half in your home. place the other outside, in the backyard or front porch, as an offering to good spirits for protection and warm energy.
bay leaves can be placed in the corners of a room to banish evil from it and protect those within it.
a cactus can be grown near a house to offer strong protection; even stronger protection is gained by planting cacti at all for corners of the home.
planting catnip in the garden, or hanging it above your door, will attract good spirits and good luck.
chamomile can be sprinkled about in the home to break curses and unwanted spells cast on or in the home.
cilantro brings peace and harmony to a home.
clover can be sprinkled around a home to banish unwanted spirits.
garlic can be hung in a home to bring its inhabitants closer together.
ivy plants can be hung to deter unwanted guests.
lavender can be burned and its ashes sprinkled about to cultivate rest and tranquility within the home.
orange peel can be placed in windowsills to bless the house with angel and sun energy.
peppermint can be burned as a smoke cleanser to remove illness and negative energy from a new home.
a sprig of pine can be hung in the home to bless it and its inhabitants.
sachets of saffron can bring happiness to the home.
thyme burned or hung inside brings good health to its residents.
Crafts
quilting
embroidery
cross-stitch
knitting
crochet
sewing
Cooking and Baking
homemade bread
homemade butter
homemade extracts
dandelion jelly
Canning
26 canning recipes
canning jars 101
60 canning recipes
Gardening
edible trees to plant
what to plant to save the bees
cure and braid garlic
save seeds for next year
braid onions for long term storage
build a greenhouse
Animals
homemade chicken feed
raising mealworms for chickens
why to raise nigerian dwarf goats
Outdoors
starting a fire with sticks
trail signs
knotting
find true north without a compass
Medicine
homemade neosporin
all purpose healing salve
May Money Find You. Like to charge, reblog to cast!
Hey guys! :D I answered a bunch of questions regarding Hellenic deities, so I thought I would make a post linking to them all ^_^
How Do I Know When A Deity is Interested in Me? What if they Aren’t?
Tips on Getting Started
How to Introduce Yourself
What’s hair wrapping/veiling, and why is it something some Hellenic Polytheists do?
How did you personally begin worshiping your deities? Do you have any tips regarding some of them?
How can I connect to a god/goddess that I am beginning to worship?
How Can I Do Rituals When I Live in a Loud Home?
How can I worship deities if I am a secret polytheist? (includes advice specifically for Athena and Artemis as well)
I’m having a hard time getting my words out to introduce myself to the deity I want to worship. Have any tips?
Sacred Locations for the Main Twelve Olympians
How Can I Discover My Religion/Deities?
I’m Anxious About Introducing Myself. Any Tips?
Playlists I’ve Made So Far
Do you know of any offerings that would work for almost any deity?
Can I throw away offerings that aren’t nature-friendly? If so, how can I do that respectfully?
How can I learn to write poetry that I can give to the gods as offerings?
How can I give offerings without burning them?
Types of Books to Read to the Gods
Do I have to Read Aloud When Reading to my Deities?
I Told Someone That I am a Hellenic Polytheist and They Aren’t Taking it Seriously.
What Are Some Ways I Can Show my Devotion?
How Can I pay More Attention to my Deity?
How did you know your deity asked you to do Hairbinding/veiling?
DIY Devotional Prayer Beads
Epithets of the Gods
General Offerings
How Do You Use Prayer Beads?
DIY Freeverse Devotional Poem
How I Make Offerings At Lunch
I want to maintain an altar, but I don’t have a lot of space. Do you have any ideas?
How do you maintain an altar in secret?
How can I use my body as a shrine?
Autumn Shrine Decor
What Are Some Steps I Should Take to Communicate With a Deity?
How can I communicate with Deities?
How Do You Scry To Communicate With a Deity?
I’m depressed. Can I still work with Aphrodite? & How can I know what god/goddess is trying to get my attention if I am bad at picking up on signs?
I have self-harm scars. Will Aphrodite be displeased by me? Can I still use my body as an altar?
How should I make an altar to Aphrodite/make an altar for any deity?
Offering Ideas, Shrine Ideas, and Resources for Athena and Aphrodite
Aphrodite Devotional Day Ideas
Aphrodite Walking Shrine Ideas
Aphrodite Offering Ideas
Connecting During Everyday Tasks
Offerings for Apollo and Selene, altar ideas, and resources
Apollo Masterpost
Apollo Walking Shrine Ideas
Apollo Worship/Tips for New Worshippers
Connecting During Everyday Tasks
Offerings for Ares and Morpheus and resources
Ares and Hermes Walking Shrine Ideas
Is there a difference between Selene and Artemis?
Altar ideas and resources for Artemis
To Anyone Interested in Artemis, read this tip from an Anon :)
Artemis Links
Walking Shrine Ideas for Artemis
Morning Worship Ideas for Persephone and Artemis (Separated)
Small Ways to Connect
Offering Ideas, Shrine Ideas, and Resources for Athena and Aphrodite
Body Altar Ideas for Athena
Devotion Ritual
Small Ways to Connect
Do you Have Any Ideas on How to Honour Ananke or the Moirai?
Tips for Beginning Work With the Moiria
How can I approach Demeter?
Demeter Resources
Small Ways to Connect
Cheap and Discreet Shrine Ideas for Hades/Persephone and Dionysus
How should I worship Eos?
Gaia Shrine Ideas
Resources
Secret shrine to Persephone and Hades
Hades Tea Offering Ideas
How can I introduce myself to Hades and Persephone?
How can I use my body as an altar to Hades & Persephone?
Hades/Persephone Masterpost
Do I Have to Introduce Myself to Hades Before Becoming a Devotee?
Cheap and Discreet Shrine Ideas for Hades/Persephone and Dionysus
Is Hades the Devil?
Tips for Incoming Worshipers
Shrine Ideas
Tips For New Worshipers II
Worship Dates/Festivals
Small Ways to Connect
Devotion Ritual for Hades and Persephone
Hecate Resources
Hecate Shrine ideas and Resources
More Hecate Resources
How Can I Worship Hecate?
Hera Resources and Shrine Ideas
Small Ways to Connect
What are some arcane-ish symbols/things Hermes is related to?
Ares and Hermes Walking Shrine Ideas
Connecting During Everyday Tasks
Hestia Offerings, Resources, and Shrine Ideas
Hestia Worship
Resources
Connecting During Everyday Tasks
Offerings for Ares and Morpheus and resources
Small Ways to Connect
Nyx Resources
Shrine Ideas for Nyx
Nyx Worship Ideas
Nyx Walking Shrine Ideas
Offering Ideas
Pan Offerings and Resources
Can you tell me about Persephone? How should I introduce myself to her?
What should I put on my altar to Persephone?
Secret shrine to Persephone and Hades
How can I introduce myself to Hades and Persephone?
How can I use my body as an altar to Hades & Persephone?
Hades/Persephone Masterpost
Cheap and Discreet Shrine Ideas for Hades/Persephone and Dionysus
How Can I Worship Persephone in Everyday Life?
Tips for Incoming Worshipers
Morning Worship Ideas for Persephone and Artemis (Separated)
Small Ways to Connect
Devotion Ritual for Hades and Persephone
Poseidon resources, acts of devotion, shrine ideas, etc.
Small Way to Connect
Is there a difference between Selene and Artemis?
Offerings for Apollo and Selene, altar ideas, and resources
I want to begin working with Zeus. How should I get started, and what are some tips or pointers you have?
Cheap and Discreet Shrine Ideas for Zeus
Devotional Acts for Zeus
I Want to Connect With Zeus. Any Advice or Tips?
Some Zeus Resources and Worship Ideas
Zeus Masterpost
Walking Shrine Ideas for Zeus
Small Ways to Connect
Offerings
Shrine Decor
Elysium/Getting There
Fields of Asphodel
Recreating Hairstyles { Soloontherocks }
What’s Miasma? { Royalautumnfrost }
How Can Men Veil/How Was it Done in Ancient Greece? { songbirdspells }
Good Websites to Learn About the Gods { shipping-the-gods }
Introduction to the Underworld { Waterspeak }
Hellenic Terminology Page { baringtheaegis }
Honouring the Nymphai { Bayoread }
Sacred Animals of the Gods { thewhisperingmountain }
What Even is Hellenic Polytheism? What are Some Good Links to Read When First Getting Started? { Royalautumnfrost }
How to Make a Libation { Bayoread }
Do the Gods Always Respond? What Does it Mean When A Bond I have Already Formed Doesn’t Seem to Be Active Suddenly? { Pomegranateandivy }
More About Getting Started { thepaganstudygrouppage }
Hellenic Veiling Ideas/Tutorials/Inspiration {Shipping-the-gods }
Fasting Tips { baringtheaegis }
Masterpost of Pagan E-Shrines { Hellenicappalachia }
Ritual in Hellenismos { @mythologyrules }
Pillars of Hellenismos { @mythologyrules }
Pillars of Hellenismos { @soloontherocks }
Finding Your Ritual Calendar { @hearthfirehandworks }
How to Make an Offering { Bayoread }
Building Your Worship { @pomegranateandivy }
Pomegranateandivy’s Hellenic FAQ { @pomegranateandivy }
How to Write a Prayer { @hearthfirehandworks }
What Are Sigils
5 Types Of Sigils
Linking sigils
Mixed Sigils
Hypersigils
The construction, and application of a magickal squares
How to make Sigils
Word Sigil Method
Verbal sigils
Hand Tapping Sigils
Photograph Sigil Method
Automatic Writing Sigil Method
Eyes Closed Sigil Method
How to make Acoustic Sigils
Emoji Spells
Tribal Sigils, And How To Make Them
How I Make My Sigils
Ways to charge a sigil
Ways to charge a sigil. 2
Ways To Know If Your Sigil Is Charged
Ways to activate a sigil
Active, And Passive Sigil Activation
How to use sigils
How exactly do you use a sigil?
Body Sigils
Sigil Placement
Sigil Triggers
Inverted Sigils
Forgetting Sigils
Sigil surroundings
Tracing sigils into the air
Sigil Altars
Sigil Matrix
Sigil Matrices
Alphabet of Desire
Alphabet Of Binding
Magickal Circles
Bind Runes
Bind Runes 2