🎭 Weekly Witchy CHALLENGE - Your Magickal Muse

[BryWisteria]

Welcome one, welcome all!

And bravo once again to everyone who joined in for last week’s Weekly Witchy Challenge - Sacred Trees and Wood

After sinking our roots into Tree Magick, it’s time to plant ourselves in the spotlight for what is sure to be a truly inspirational show

The challenge this week was inspired by @Garnet, is timed to a historical event happening over the next few days, and is…

Your Magickal Muse

You may be familiar with the term “muse”- it is often used to refer to a source (be it a person, situation, force, idea, or something else) that brings about inspiration and creativity for the one who experiences it.

But did you also know that a muse can refer to a deity as well? A muse to the ancient Greeks was a goddess- or more specifically, the Nine Muse Goddesses

Picture from Wikimedia Commons: Apollo and the Nine Muses

The Festival of the Muses

This challenge aligns with the ancient Greek Festival of the Muses. The Festival was a celebration particularly enjoyed by artists, performers, writers, crafters, and creative folks of all kinds- this festival is all about YOU!

During the festival, the Nine Muse Goddesses were revered above all other deities. These nine goddesses are daughters of Zeus and each represent a different creative talent or artistic area.

For the challenge this week, you are free to work with a muse or area that the muses represent or you are welcome to explore your own magickal muse!

Whatever you choose, it’s all about finding and working with your muse in magick this week

So are you ready? The curtain is rising and it’s…

CHALLENGE TIME!

Art by Julie Bell: Pegasus Befriends the Muses

STEP 1 : Inspired Magick

This challenge is all about inspiration and creativity- how you choose to channel and express that is up to you!

To help you get started, here is a brief introduction to the Nine Muse Goddesses and the magickal areas they represent.

Note that there is a lot of contradictory information about the muses and who is in charge of what- please use the following as just a simple guideline!

Please also be aware that you do not have to work with one of the nine muses nor do you have to work with one of the magickal areas they represent if you do not want to!

You are very welcome to explore your own magickal muse- be creative with how you pursue the challenge this week!

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Ourania/Urania - Muse of Astrology & Astronomy

Ourania is a goddess of the stars and the celestial heavens. She is credited with invented astronomy, and watches over all those who explores the starry realms. Learn more about Ourania.

Work with Ourania this week by exploring astrology, Zodiac Magick, Moon Magick, or Solar Magick.

Moon Magick

Zodiac Meditations

Erato - Muse of Love & Sex

Lovely Erato is a goddess of love, beauty, and sex. She resides over poems of a romantic or erotic nature. Learn more about Erato.

To call upon Erato, pursue Love spells or Sex Magick this week.

Love Spell Collection

Sex Magic

Terpsichore - Muse of Dance

Terpsichore is the muse of dance- she is an exceptionally creative and expressive muse to work with for those who like to move. Learn more about Terpsichore.

Celebrate Terpsichore by letting loose to the music! Consider exploring witchy tunes, writing your own, or giving a ritual dance a try.

Clio - Muse of History

Clio is a muse of writing, records, and history. She is a protector of all those who look back on past times and may guide the hand of those who write. Learn more about Clio.

How to Write Your Own Spells

Polymnia - Muse of Sacred Poetry

Polymnia is a beautiful yet mysterious deity with ties to religion and spirituality. She is often depicted with a lyre, and is a symbol of poems, hymns, and chants. Learn more about Polymnia.

For Polymnia this week, explore your musical side and perhaps give ritual dancing a try!

Thalia - Muse of Comedy

Thalia is a fun and bright muse of comedy. Her name refers to “flourishing” and she is a symbol of unbrindedled joy. Learn more about Thalia.

For Thalia, choose magick of a fun nature that makes you happy and brings smiles. You might pursue self-love work or spells for Abundance and Happiness.

→ Abundance Spells
→ Spells for Happiness
→ Self-Love Spellwork

Melpomene - Muse of Tragedy

To Thalia’s light is Melpomene’s shadow. She protects the world of tragedy and reminds of the need for balance in our lives- without shadow, there can be no light. Some say she is the mother of Sirens. Learn more about Melpomene.

For Melpomene this week, you might consider sinking into Shadow Work or doing reflective Journalling.

Shadow Work and How to Begin

Magical Journalling

Euterpe - Muse of Music

Euterpe is a muse of music, songs, and instruments. She also goes by the name “Giver of Delight”, as well as being associated with communication and language. Learn more about Euterpe.

For Euterpe, you might create a musical chant, do a musical meditation, or explore fun witchy music.

→ Witchy music, what’s your favorite?

Calliope - Muse of Justice and Heroes

Calliope is called the “Chief Muse” or the “Mother of All Muses”. She accompanied heroes and protects great works of poetry. She is a symbol of justice, elegance, and honor. Learn more about Calliope.

For Calliope, you may consider working spells for Justice or Strength.

Karmic Justice Spell

Grounding and Stregnth Bloodstone Activation

…And more!

Does your inspiration come from somewhere else? Is there another area or aspect of magick that you like to use to channel your creativity?

A challenge about creativity and self-expression should allow for just those things- feel free to be free as you explore the theme of magickal muses this week!

Art by TeraSArt on DeviantArt: The Muses

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STEP 2 : Share Your Experience

Click here for notes about challenge inclusivity

Everyone is welcome to join the challenge by practicing magick in line with the current theme. For those who don’t feel comfortable sharing, it is absolutely okay to follow along with the challenge but keep your entry personal. Feel free to join in spirit and do what feels most comfortable for you!

That being said, please know that if you would like to receive a prize and a public shout-out, it is required that you share your experience.

To participate in the challenge, please share:

1. Your magickal muse this week- be it one of the muse Goddesses, another deity, a source of inspiration, etc.

2. How you used that creativity/inspiration in your magickal practice

For your entry to be counted, please write about your experience in the comments below and/or create a new thread in the forums.

Note : If you choose to create a new thread, please tag the challenge by adding a hyperlink back to this post so that I can easily find it- thank you!

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This challenge will close in 6 DAYS

To join in, please share your experience by:

Tuesday, January 25th at 7:00 AM EST (Eastern Standard Time)
( 2022-01-25T12:00:00Z )

For their efforts, all participants will receive a special shout-out and a small prize!

Acknowledgments will be given in a Props and Presents Post that will appear in the forums on Tuesday.

After the challenge closes, you are still very welcome to post but please be aware that no additional prizes will be given. This discussion will remain open for about a week after the challenge finishes.

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Picture from Winning the Business: Which of the Nine Muses Guides You?

A warm reminder that all challenges are designed to be very open- everyone is encouraged to participate in a way that honors and reflects their unique practice

If you have any doubts about if something is acceptable to post or say, please double-check with the Forum FAQ and/or reach out to your friendly Moderator Team .

And for those new to challenges- welcome! Know that the goal of these activities is to help you further diversify and strengthen your abilities and to bring together the Spells8 forum family to inspire and support one another in creative ways

Art by Unknown, Picture from The 8 Percent

The mind of witch is something sublime,
When inspiration strikes- how bright they shine!
So let your talents bloom and grow,
Don’t hold back- let magickal creativity flow!

Blessed be!

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Additional Sources:

• The Nine Muses of the Greek Mythology by Greek Myths & Greek Mythology.

[Susurrus]

@BryWisteria

Melpomene - Muse of Tragedy

To Thalia’s light is Melpomene’s shadow. She protects the world of tragedy and reminds of the need for balance in our lives- without shadow, there can be no light. Some say she is the mother of Sirens. Learn more about Melpomene.

For Melpomene this week, you might consider sinking into Shadow Work or doing reflective Journalling.

Considering my last couple of months, I think I am going to work with this muse, but with Reflective journaling & not so much the shadow work. I’m still too open & vulnerable to start that right now.

[Kasandra]

I had to think for a moment what inspires me. One of my main sources is the TV show with messages, and characters that I can relate to on some level. This week’a challenge gives me the perfect excuse to discuss a show I’ve been watching on Netflix. It’s inspired me to start some shadow journaling. I’m anticipating that my entry will be a bit long, so I’m probably going to have to make another topic.

[BrightBear]

@Kasandra ~ I’m looking forward to reading your entry!!

[Satu_TheGreenWitch]

This will be a very good challenge. My muse has been Circe, the first Witch of Greek Mythology, for some time. I hope I can tell her story and how she inspires me in a way that all here will enjoy and benefit from. Great idea for a challenge! Thank you!

This John William Waterhouse’s version of Circe (and I have this painting):

[rachel21]

@BryWisteria

Melpomene - Muse of Tragedy

I too am going to work with this muse. I was drawn to her. I am excited for this challenge.

[debra2]

@BryWisteria

Erato - Muse of Love & Sex

Lovely Erato is a goddess of love, beauty, and sex. She resides over poems of a romantic or erotic nature. Learn more about Erato.

To call upon Erato, pursue Love spells or Sex Magick this week.

I do feel a connection here.

[Ostara]

This looks very interesting. Not sure what I’m going to do yet, but I know I will learn a lot!

[sharon1369]

I will be researching Erato… Very low libido so hopefully I can learn and help myself and my husband!

[jessica72]

Melpomene – The Muse of Tragedy - Symbol Sage

Warning - POSSIBLE TRIGGER CONTENT

Heads up in advance… I am going on a rant fest. My apologies. I may have gotten the point completely wrong here - about working with the muses but this was all in my brain.

O to the k… to totally jump on the Melpomene band wagon I was immediately drawn to her as the Muse of Tragedy. 2021 was absolutely terri- ma- bubbles. (another Jess-ism there for you)

Not just for me, but for so many. As many of you know about me for the simple fact of ending some 15 year relationship with a cheating, lying, narcissistic piece of

One of my goals for 2022 was to focus all on my onesies and attempt to do some serious shadow work. I need to fix me. One of the suggestions to help heal after a narcissistic relationship is to journal, journal, journal. Which is what I have been doing. Some days it was scary how dark my thoughts had become. Even though I am trying everything I can to be 'ok’.

One thing that kind of struck a chord with me as I was researching Melpomene was how she is often depicted as either holding or wearing a mask.

I had the thought of how much do we actually all have this trait of wearing a figurative mask? not just the covid-y kind.

I mean how much do we all cover up so much of what is really going on in our minds? Our true thoughts and feelings; towards others in our lives or situations that we find ourselves in.

I think that I lot of people would be just like me that you wear a mask so much as part of everyday to cover up your pain to be ‘ok’ for others because that is what is expected of you - you know the “aren’t you over it yet?” Then when you get home at the end of the day to where you are alone in your safe and sacred space and you can take of your mask. Isn’t it absolutely exhausting?

I know for me with the job I do (child care) you have to be upbeat and ‘on’ all the time. I’m working 12 hours shifts at the moment so it’s a blooming long day. Then I go home to where I live with mum (she’s a psychiatric nurse so she has a very stressful job) But as soon as I walk in the door - Bam I hear all about her day. Then eventually when she does ask about my day I am just so tried I just respond with either an “ok” or “the usual” despite whatever kind of day I may have had. I think I may have empathetic tendencies so it’s like a triple whammy of sheer exhaustion, mental, physical and emotional.

These thoughts kind of helped me to realise that I need to really make more time for just me. To heal. Let my mind wander where it wants. To have time where I’m not ok. Just to have some peace and quiet after 12 hours of nothing but noise and sometimes chaos where every 5 minutes someone, somewhere needs you for something or to sort some problem out.

Wanting to be alone to process your day and thoughts isn’t selfish and you’re not neglecting anyone.

Being alone with my little D-bird, Buggle, Pumpkin Bum - my baby Denzel (Dillon is mum’s new baby) who just listens to me without judgment, catches any tears in his fur and tries to lick them away - Goddess bless his pure little soul. When he comes to lay beside me when I’m at my altar doing whatever it is I may be doing, sitting with me under the moon light in quiet contemplation, or being with me during meditations or while I’m journaling. That is the thing that makes me most happy in my magical workings. I don’t have to wear a mask with him. Linking back to my last challenge entry about my drum stick one of my favourite lines from one of my favourite Green Day songs - Jesus of Suburbia “There is nothing wrong with me. This is how I’m supposed to be.” I am exactly where I need to be for a reason. I have these random little thoughts for a reason.

Anyways this is what I thought lol. I dunno what do you all think? Any one relate?

[Artemisia]

Very inspiring. I have to say when I saw this challenge I wasn’t immediately drawn to work with any of them but seeing your post made me realize this is something I need help with as well. I suppose this is the perfect time and challenge to turn to

@BryWisteria

Erato - Muse of Love & Sex

Lovely Erato is a goddess of love, beauty, and sex. She resides over poems of a romantic or erotic nature. Learn more about Erato.

To call upon Erato, pursue Love spells or Sex Magick this week.

I’m a bit hesitant about this challenge as it is a bit more personal and I have been reluctant to address this issue head on for a long time.

We shall see…

[Susurrus]

Address it as comfortably as you can. If it triggers something then you should stop & ground & then center. Go back to it when you feel ready to do so.

[Rowan]

@jessica72 BRAVO!!! Yes I completely relate, and @Susurrus and I were just speaking on this exact topic (the many masks we wear) Whether we do it out of social obligation (what we think others expect of us) or out of own own judgements of how we think we should look, be, feel etc. What an interesting world it would be if we could all feel comfortable MASK FREE.
Thank you for sharing your thought.
Blessed Be,
Rowan

[christina4]

I, like many others am drawn to Melpomene. I’m going to share two journals that I try to write in daily. For gratitude, I have Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal by Lori Deschene…

And for shadow work, I use the book Integrating My Shadow by Uncensored Intuition…

I like to write in both to keep a balance sometimes it’s hard to write in one and vice versa. But I’ve always been drawn to journaling. This is part of my daily practice. That’s how I am at least related to Melpomene.

[Susurrus]

@jessica72 in some form we all wear masks & when I was closer to finding me again, I learned through conversation with @Rowan that without consciously knowing it, I was shedding masks. (Although shedding them all at once was a bit much, but who am I to argue with the timing of the Universe? Apparently, I had been hiding behind them long enough )

It’s not easy & it’s not easy when it’s happening & can be very emotionally charged Without my family & friends, I don’t know what I would have done.

All of that being said, it would be a great thing if we didn’t feel obligated to have any masks & we could just be. I am going to caution you that it can be SUPER triggering & a lot of tears. So tread lightly at first, make it a gradual thing. Please don’t try all at once.

@christina4 I journal everyday that I can, even if that means going into my bedroom at night before we go to bed to get it done. Sometimes mundane, sometimes the racing thoughts in my head. But I do it & it’s a release every time.

[BryWisteria]

@Susurrus It sounds like Melpomene has called to you, Siofra- wishing you all the best with your reflective journalling! I’m sorry you’re going through hard emotions now, I hope your journaling work helps you find peace

@Kasandra Your creativity has been sparked- what a fun idea to tie the challenge with a show you’ve been enjoying! I’m looking forward to hearing about your shadow journaling, Kasandra- good luck!

@Satu_TheGreenWitch I love Circe- I’m so excited to hear that she is your muse, Kate! And ohhhhhh major art envy over your gorgeous painting, what a beautiful piece to have on display! Good luck and have fun- may Circe help inspire you this week, Kate!

@rachel21 That’s exciting that one of the muses has called to you, Rachel- may Melpomene watch over you this week as you explore Her realms! Good luck!

@Debra2 Beautiful muse to choose, Debra! Enjoy your work with Erato this week!

@Ostara No rush and no worries, Linda! There is plenty of time- whatever you choose to pursue, I hope you have fun with it. Good luck!

@sharon1369 Wonderful, Sharon- may Erato watch over you this week! Best of luck and enjoy your work with this lovely muse

@Jessica72 First of all- I am loving the Jess-isms as always! You explore some really heavy and heartfelt things here, and yet you still make it so fun and enjoyable to read with your bright language and cheerful character. That’s a real talent, Jess I can tell Melphomene really connected with you, and I think what you realized about Her mask is really deep- that was a revelation for me reading it! I’m glad you have your sweet Denzel at your side to help and support you in being your beautiful self- with no need for a mask or hiding. There really is nothing wrong with just being- even though, as you’ve said, it’s harder said than done sometimes! All in all, amazing work here- thank you so much for sharing!

@Artemisia I think you are very brave for trying to step out of your comfort zone to explore something new, Kat! At the end of the day, these challenges exist for you to develop your practice, so know that it is absolutely okay to keep personal details private You can give a very brief summary without details or can share your entry as a new post in A Sacred Space (a more private part of the forum) if you’re more comfortable with that. Good luck and know that I am cheering you on- whatever you choose to do, have fun with it!

@Christina4 Your journals are lovely, Christina- good for you for keeping a daily journaling practice! Gratitude and Shadow work are both wonderful areas to explore and keep up with on the daily. And your books are very nice- great job!

[sarah29]

Ooh, this is fun.
I don’t know much about the muses but love Greek mythology and dieties.
I am personally drawn to the arts and wanted to share this clip from the Tony Awards of the musical Hadestown, in case anyone else would be inspired by it.
Hadestown is a retelling of the Greek myth about Orpheus and Eurydice, where Orpheus has to descend to the underworld to rescue Eurydice. What got me thinking about this was that Orpheus was the son of Apollo and the muse, Calliope.

Anyway, just for funsies!

Hadestown performs "Wait For Me" at the Tony's 2019

[Ostara]

That was beautiful!

[rachel21]

WOW!! Thank you for sharing this. Loved it!

[jem1]

I’m very excited for this challenge!I absolutely love music,dancing and history and this is the perfect opportunity to combine my interests!