#paganism — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #paganism, aggregated by home.social.
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Ancient word of the day: Hedgehog
The ancient word for today is hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus. In the Middle Ages, writers didn’t make reference to hedgehogs, but to urchins. This term for the spiky diminuitive animal is still favoured in some English dialects. We still have the lingering remnants of this etymology in the form of sea urchin, which is literally a sea hedgehog.
The word urchin came to England with the Norman invasion and was derived from the Latin word ericius. Before the Norman conquest, the animal was known by the Anglo-Saxon name Igl.
Other names
Furze-pig – Devon
Hotchi-witchi – Romani
Hodmedods – Norfolk
Ouriço cacheiro – crafty pig
Detail of a miniature of hedgehogs sticking fallen fruit to their quills and carrying it back to their burrow; from the Rochester Bestiary, England (Rochester?), c. 1230, Royal MS 12 F. xiii, f. 45r.
or porco espinho’ – spiky pig in Portuguese”Thorns shall grow in their palaces, nettles & thistles in their strongholds … there shall the hedgehog build, dig, be there at home and bring forth his young ones.” Taverner’s Isiah 34, 1539.
Detail of a miniature of the hedgehog reproaching the goat for his vanity; from Ulrich von Pottenstein, Spiegel der Weisheit, Austria (Salzburg), c. 1430, Egerton MS 1121, f. 44v.The hedgehog was a symbol of Christian humility
The Speculum sapientiae, or Mirror of Wisdom is an ancient tale of beasts in Latin. In one tale, a passing goat sees its reflection in a pond and declares himself very handsome indeed. A hedgehog trundles along afterwards and reproaches the goat telling him that profound humility, not vain boasting are what makes animals truly noble.
Detail of a miniature of a hedgehog; from Jean de Wavrin, Recueil des croniques d’Engleterre, vol. 1, Netherlands (Bruges), 1471-1483, Royal MS 15 E. iv, f. 180r.Read more: The British Library Digitised Manusripts
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Follow me on Mastodon Watch my videos Donate to my Ko Fi #AncientWordOfTheDay #animals #books #England #Europe #fauna #hedgehog #History #inspiration #medieval #naturalHistory #nature #paganism #Scotland #ScottishHistory #spirituality #words -
#FediCoven 2026 Q7: What have seasonal changes taught you that books or teachers could not?
I've learned more from nature in general that I ever would have in school when it comes to many subjects. I allow myself to truly feel (and love) the changes during the year, throughout the seasons, and that alone has done a lot for me. Just as we as people change, Mother Earth does as well throughout the year. Change is good. It cleanses and renews.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q7: What have seasonal changes taught you that books or teachers could not?
I've learned more from nature in general that I ever would have in school when it comes to many subjects. I allow myself to truly feel (and love) the changes during the year, throughout the seasons, and that alone has done a lot for me. Just as we as people change, Mother Earth does as well throughout the year. Change is good. It cleanses and renews.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q7: What have seasonal changes taught you that books or teachers could not?
I've learned more from nature in general that I ever would have in school when it comes to many subjects. I allow myself to truly feel (and love) the changes during the year, throughout the seasons, and that alone has done a lot for me. Just as we as people change, Mother Earth does as well throughout the year. Change is good. It cleanses and renews.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q7: What have seasonal changes taught you that books or teachers could not?
I've learned more from nature in general that I ever would have in school when it comes to many subjects. I allow myself to truly feel (and love) the changes during the year, throughout the seasons, and that alone has done a lot for me. Just as we as people change, Mother Earth does as well throughout the year. Change is good. It cleanses and renews.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q7: What have seasonal changes taught you that books or teachers could not?
I've learned more from nature in general that I ever would have in school when it comes to many subjects. I allow myself to truly feel (and love) the changes during the year, throughout the seasons, and that alone has done a lot for me. Just as we as people change, Mother Earth does as well throughout the year. Change is good. It cleanses and renews.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q6: What relationship do you have with the moon and its phases, and how does that show up in your craft?
Ever since I was little, I've always felt connected to the moon. That hasn't changed, nor will it. The moon plays a big part in my practice, as I'm sure it does for many others as well. I usually work my schedule and spells around its phases.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q6: What relationship do you have with the moon and its phases, and how does that show up in your craft?
Ever since I was little, I've always felt connected to the moon. That hasn't changed, nor will it. The moon plays a big part in my practice, as I'm sure it does for many others as well. I usually work my schedule and spells around its phases.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q6: What relationship do you have with the moon and its phases, and how does that show up in your craft?
Ever since I was little, I've always felt connected to the moon. That hasn't changed, nor will it. The moon plays a big part in my practice, as I'm sure it does for many others as well. I usually work my schedule and spells around its phases.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q6: What relationship do you have with the moon and its phases, and how does that show up in your craft?
Ever since I was little, I've always felt connected to the moon. That hasn't changed, nor will it. The moon plays a big part in my practice, as I'm sure it does for many others as well. I usually work my schedule and spells around its phases.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q6: What relationship do you have with the moon and its phases, and how does that show up in your craft?
Ever since I was little, I've always felt connected to the moon. That hasn't changed, nor will it. The moon plays a big part in my practice, as I'm sure it does for many others as well. I usually work my schedule and spells around its phases.
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@floofpaldi I love when somebody hits it off with you & we start talking energies, herbs, or spiritual court. Then others join in with their experiences.
What doesn’t work for me when you bring something up that could be better & you’re greeted with apathy. I’ve left circles over this. #Pagan #Paganism #Wicca #Wiccan #Heathen #Fedicoven
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@floofpaldi I love when somebody hits it off with you & we start talking energies, herbs, or spiritual court. Then others join in with their experiences.
What doesn’t work for me when you bring something up that could be better & you’re greeted with apathy. I’ve left circles over this. #Pagan #Paganism #Wicca #Wiccan #Heathen #Fedicoven
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@floofpaldi I love when somebody hits it off with you & we start talking energies, herbs, or spiritual court. Then others join in with their experiences.
What doesn’t work for me when you bring something up that could be better & you’re greeted with apathy. I’ve left circles over this. #Pagan #Paganism #Wicca #Wiccan #Heathen #Fedicoven
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@floofpaldi I love when somebody hits it off with you & we start talking energies, herbs, or spiritual court. Then others join in with their experiences.
What doesn’t work for me when you bring something up that could be better & you’re greeted with apathy. I’ve left circles over this. #Pagan #Paganism #Wicca #Wiccan #Heathen #Fedicoven
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@floofpaldi I love when somebody hits it off with you & we start talking energies, herbs, or spiritual court. Then others join in with their experiences.
What doesn’t work for me when you bring something up that could be better & you’re greeted with apathy. I’ve left circles over this. #Pagan #Paganism #Wicca #Wiccan #Heathen #Fedicoven
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#FediCoven 2026 Q5: What helps you feel welcome in a pagan or witchy space? And what doesn't?
A true feeling of "otherness" and a lack of crosses. LOL. In all seriousness, though, just a genuine sense of self, unapologetically and authentically them, so I can get a read on the person, an idea of who they are or what they like, and we all decorate differently. That final part makes things fun.
Just be yourself.
🍂 🍄 🔮 🧿 🗡️ 🐉 🐺 🍁
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#FediCoven 2026 Q5: What helps you feel welcome in a pagan or witchy space? And what doesn't?
A true feeling of "otherness" and a lack of crosses. LOL. In all seriousness, though, just a genuine sense of self, unapologetically and authentically them, so I can get a read on the person, an idea of who they are or what they like, and we all decorate differently. That final part makes things fun.
Just be yourself.
🍂 🍄 🔮 🧿 🗡️ 🐉 🐺 🍁
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#FediCoven 2026 Q5: What helps you feel welcome in a pagan or witchy space? And what doesn't?
A true feeling of "otherness" and a lack of crosses. LOL. In all seriousness, though, just a genuine sense of self, unapologetically and authentically them, so I can get a read on the person, an idea of who they are or what they like, and we all decorate differently. That final part makes things fun.
Just be yourself.
🍂 🍄 🔮 🧿 🗡️ 🐉 🐺 🍁
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#FediCoven 2026 Q5: What helps you feel welcome in a pagan or witchy space? And what doesn't?
A true feeling of "otherness" and a lack of crosses. LOL. In all seriousness, though, just a genuine sense of self, unapologetically and authentically them, so I can get a read on the person, an idea of who they are or what they like, and we all decorate differently. That final part makes things fun.
Just be yourself.
🍂 🍄 🔮 🧿 🗡️ 🐉 🐺 🍁
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#FediCoven 2026 Q5: What helps you feel welcome in a pagan or witchy space? And what doesn't?
A true feeling of "otherness" and a lack of crosses. LOL. In all seriousness, though, just a genuine sense of self, unapologetically and authentically them, so I can get a read on the person, an idea of who they are or what they like, and we all decorate differently. That final part makes things fun.
Just be yourself.
🍂 🍄 🔮 🧿 🗡️ 🐉 🐺 🍁
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#FediCoven 2026 Q4: How do you identify? (Witch, druid, pagan, shaman, medium, 'all of the above'?)
These days, I generally only use a single word: pagan (because it's simple, easy). Feel free to call me anything you want, though. None of those words bother me. Also, random: I'm a medium, or a clairvoyant, psychic, etc. I even have a paranormal podcast.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q4: How do you identify? (Witch, druid, pagan, shaman, medium, 'all of the above'?)
These days, I generally only use a single word: pagan (because it's simple, easy). Feel free to call me anything you want, though. None of those words bother me. Also, random: I'm a medium, or a clairvoyant, psychic, etc. I even have a paranormal podcast.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q4: How do you identify? (Witch, druid, pagan, shaman, medium, 'all of the above'?)
These days, I generally only use a single word: pagan (because it's simple, easy). Feel free to call me anything you want, though. None of those words bother me. Also, random: I'm a medium, or a clairvoyant, psychic, etc. I even have a paranormal podcast.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q4: How do you identify? (Witch, druid, pagan, shaman, medium, 'all of the above'?)
These days, I generally only use a single word: pagan (because it's simple, easy). Feel free to call me anything you want, though. None of those words bother me. Also, random: I'm a medium, or a clairvoyant, psychic, etc. I even have a paranormal podcast.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q4: How do you identify? (Witch, druid, pagan, shaman, medium, 'all of the above'?)
These days, I generally only use a single word: pagan (because it's simple, easy). Feel free to call me anything you want, though. None of those words bother me. Also, random: I'm a medium, or a clairvoyant, psychic, etc. I even have a paranormal podcast.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q3: Are you out of the broom closet?
I was raised in an Irish Catholic family. With that being said, my father practiced his own sort of Paganism, having been close to and dear friends with so many indigenous peoples, and my mother is Wiccan. So, of course, to some family members, I'm out. To others, I'm not. I actually live with my grandmother, my nana, and she thinks I just collect crystals. She also thinks I might be agnostic. It is what it is.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q3: Are you out of the broom closet?
I was raised in an Irish Catholic family. With that being said, my father practiced his own sort of Paganism, having been close to and dear friends with so many indigenous peoples, and my mother is Wiccan. So, of course, to some family members, I'm out. To others, I'm not. I actually live with my grandmother, my nana, and she thinks I just collect crystals. She also thinks I might be agnostic. It is what it is.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q3: Are you out of the broom closet?
I was raised in an Irish Catholic family. With that being said, my father practiced his own sort of Paganism, having been close to and dear friends with so many indigenous peoples, and my mother is Wiccan. So, of course, to some family members, I'm out. To others, I'm not. I actually live with my grandmother, my nana, and she thinks I just collect crystals. She also thinks I might be agnostic. It is what it is.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q3: Are you out of the broom closet?
I was raised in an Irish Catholic family. With that being said, my father practiced his own sort of Paganism, having been close to and dear friends with so many indigenous peoples, and my mother is Wiccan. So, of course, to some family members, I'm out. To others, I'm not. I actually live with my grandmother, my nana, and she thinks I just collect crystals. She also thinks I might be agnostic. It is what it is.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q3: Are you out of the broom closet?
I was raised in an Irish Catholic family. With that being said, my father practiced his own sort of Paganism, having been close to and dear friends with so many indigenous peoples, and my mother is Wiccan. So, of course, to some family members, I'm out. To others, I'm not. I actually live with my grandmother, my nana, and she thinks I just collect crystals. She also thinks I might be agnostic. It is what it is.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q2: What role does self-care play in your practice? Any tips?
Self-care is a huge part of my practice. A major one, actually. We have to take care of ourselves before we can even think of taking care of those around us. No matter what your religion is, that should play a role.
As for tips? Do what's right for your body. Listen to what your body needs. Drink more water. Take your medication if you're reading this and you haven't yet. Every little thing matters.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q2: What role does self-care play in your practice? Any tips?
Self-care is a huge part of my practice. A major one, actually. We have to take care of ourselves before we can even think of taking care of those around us. No matter what your religion is, that should play a role.
As for tips? Do what's right for your body. Listen to what your body needs. Drink more water. Take your medication if you're reading this and you haven't yet. Every little thing matters.
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#FediCoven 2026 Q2: What role does self-care play in your practice? Any tips?
Self-care is a huge part of my practice. A major one, actually. We have to take care of ourselves before we can even think of taking care of those around us. No matter what your religion is, that should play a role.
As for tips? Do what's right for your body. Listen to what your body needs. Drink more water. Take your medication if you're reading this and you haven't yet. Every little thing matters.
-
#FediCoven 2026 Q2: What role does self-care play in your practice? Any tips?
Self-care is a huge part of my practice. A major one, actually. We have to take care of ourselves before we can even think of taking care of those around us. No matter what your religion is, that should play a role.
As for tips? Do what's right for your body. Listen to what your body needs. Drink more water. Take your medication if you're reading this and you haven't yet. Every little thing matters.
-
#FediCoven 2026 Q2: What role does self-care play in your practice? Any tips?
Self-care is a huge part of my practice. A major one, actually. We have to take care of ourselves before we can even think of taking care of those around us. No matter what your religion is, that should play a role.
As for tips? Do what's right for your body. Listen to what your body needs. Drink more water. Take your medication if you're reading this and you haven't yet. Every little thing matters.
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Lots of fantastic presenters are lined up for the virtual Witchspace Conference next weekend, including @IvoD , Elyse Welles, Madam Pamita, and David Shi. Get your ticket here: https://witchspace.app/schedule
#WitchSky #paganism #WitchConference -
Lots of fantastic presenters are lined up for the virtual Witchspace Conference next weekend, including @IvoD , Elyse Welles, Madam Pamita, and David Shi. Get your ticket here: https://witchspace.app/schedule
#WitchSky #paganism #WitchConference -
Lots of fantastic presenters are lined up for the virtual Witchspace Conference next weekend, including @IvoD , Elyse Welles, Madam Pamita, and David Shi. Get your ticket here: https://witchspace.app/schedule
#WitchSky #paganism #WitchConference -
Lots of fantastic presenters are lined up for the virtual Witchspace Conference next weekend, including @IvoD , Elyse Welles, Madam Pamita, and David Shi. Get your ticket here: https://witchspace.app/schedule
#WitchSky #paganism #WitchConference -
Olivia and I were driving back from Trumansburg to celebrate summer bounty last week and I saw this flower universe in front of Indian Creek Farm
#photo #photography #Lughnasadh #lugh #flower #trumanburg #bloomscrolling #zinnia #indiancreek #paganism
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Olivia and I were driving back from Trumansburg to celebrate summer bounty last week and I saw this flower universe in front of Indian Creek Farm
#photo #photography #Lughnasadh #lugh #flower #trumanburg #bloomscrolling #zinnia #indiancreek #paganism
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Olivia and I were driving back from Trumansburg to celebrate summer bounty last week and I saw this flower universe in front of Indian Creek Farm
#photo #photography #Lughnasadh #lugh #flower #trumanburg #bloomscrolling #zinnia #indiancreek #paganism
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Olivia and I were driving back from Trumansburg to celebrate summer bounty last week and I saw this flower universe in front of Indian Creek Farm
#photo #photography #Lughnasadh #lugh #flower #trumanburg #bloomscrolling #zinnia #indiancreek #paganism