#i may not be present at a ritual but i can still create gifts to support him from afar

[bluegekk0]

did grimm ever visit pharloom in your au

I like to think so, yeah. Pharloom existing was actually the biggest reason why I took the AU in the direction I did - in the way that Hallownest is just one of many lands one can travel between. I'm not sure how they will explain the memory loss thing implied in the first game (as in, when you leave Hallownest), maybe it'll end up being retconned. If that's the case, then even better for me, since that isn't a thing in my AU.

But to get back to the question. Grimm used to travel a lot, especially before meeting FPK (he still continued to travel, but he stopped by Hallownest far more often to visit him). So at some point, he definitely visited Pharloom. I haven't really had an in-depth brainstorming session about that kingdom yet, I'm waiting for more details about it once (if) Silksong releases (I don't know whether Silksong will be canon in the AU yet, but either way, I'll definitely include Pharloom one way or another).

Since Pharloom seems to be very song/music themed, perhaps that's the reason why he visited (and likely still visits) it. The Troupe are basically like a theatre in the AU, and they need instruments for their performances. Perhaps there are luthiers in Pharloom who craft very rare instruments Grimm would show interest in. Maybe some of the Grimmkin originate from there, Grimm always searches for new recruits for his troupe, and a kingdom centered around music would without a doubt be a home to many young, ambitious musicians, or those artists who lost everything and would search for a new life - Grimm's troupe could give them just that. They would be tied to him through the Nightmare Realm, but compared to many gods, he does not require worship, only loyalty. It's not surprising that many would accept his offer.

And lastly, he would stop by to buy gifts for the family. Zote in particular shows some interest in playing instruments, so Grimm would keep that in mind as he passes through Pharloom. And of course, since the kingdom is still full of life, that means there's plenty of merchants that would offer shiny trinkets or rare crafting resources, which he could bring home as a present for Vyrm.

I would love to put some more thought into different lands. Hallownest and Pharloom are the only named kingdoms that we know of, but I imagine there's many different kingdoms, towns or small settlements you can stumble upon during travels. Some are dead and offer lingering Nightmare Essence that Grimm collects for his rituals, but some are thriving.

Maybe one day I'll create some kind of map to show where Hallownest and Pharloom are located. Hallownest, in my AU, is located in the mountains and has a cold climate, so it would most likely be up north. Pharloom? It's said it's a distant land, and with the coral reefs we see on screenshots, that'd imply it's a lot warmer than Hallownest. And there's also other lands I could include - Vyrm's homeland, the natural habitat of the now extinct wyrms, or the land destroyed by war where Divine originates from, among others.

I love doing worldbuilding for the AU do I do hope I get the inspiration to do this one day! I think it would be fun. Though maybe it's best if I finish the Hallownest fauna first so I don't put too may things on my plate at once hahaha

#ask stuff #feral pk au #au worldbuilding #save #grimm #pharloom

[wouldntyou-liketoknow]

Cruz

To whoever is reading this: I hope whatever holiday you happen to celebrate this time of year is going fantastic for you! Best wishes, and Happy New Year!!!

I personally celebrate Christmas (and even if I didn't, gift-giving would still be my primary love language to friends and family), so I figured it would be fun to create a fanego as a present for my amazing buddy @sammys-magical-au! Just a little something to show my gratitude for all the times they've helped me brainstorm for my stories!

(I might try to do this for more of my Tumblr friends next year; I'll admit that this instance was kinda last-minute 😅)

So, since this character is for Sammy, he's obviously a LixianEgo

Cruz is basically my headcanon name for the character that Lixian voices in Late Night Mop. (I actually brought up the idea of making said character into an ego in an ask I sent to Sammy a while ago.)

When I watched the Let's Plays of LNM roll out, I grew attached to the theory that the whole last-minute cleaning job was actually just a trap/long-con to appease the demon that had been summoned.

So. . .yeah. Cruz may not be part of a cult, but he's still what most wannabe cultists like to pretend they are. As for why Cruz chose to make a hobby out of summoning horrific abominations. . .well, I'm not really sure, but I know he's not gonna explain himself anytime soon.

I won't say Cruz isn't a bit of a misanthropist, but he still knows how to interact with others. I.e., how to put on a personable facade in order to "make friends" until he's gained enough of their trust to lure them into his escapades. You can't just mingle with outer monstrosities without making a sacrifice or two, after all.

On the other side of the coin, Cruz has a shocking knack for taking mind-melting eldritch vibes in stride. Honestly, he's way more casual and collected when hanging out with atrocities against nature than he is around his fellow humans.

He's grown a decent collection of occult books/artifacts over the years. Most things in this collection have been acquired through less-than-legal means, because duh. Cruz has long-since learned to navigate the more paranormal side of the Dark Web/Black Market.

He's picked up several languages in order to translate for his projects. Some are human (such as Latin/Pig Latin). Others. . .not so much (the pronunciation is difficult for someone without multiple forked tongues, but Cruz is nothing if not a determined bastard, so he manages).

He's also musically-inclined (inspired by the fact that there's a violin hanging on the wall in LNM's master bedroom). The majority of summoning rituals don't require music, but he'll be over the moon whenever he manages to find one that does.

If LNM didn't make it obvious, Cruz isn't phased by gory stuff. Hell, the bloody mess in that game is small potatoes compared to some of the other offerings/rituals he's set up in the past (and in the future. . .😈)

That demon from LNM wasn't the first ungodly creature Cruz has summoned, and it certainly won't be the last, either. In fact, his latest schemes may or may not involve. . .ah, what's his name again? Oh yeah! The terrifying EldritchPlier himself, as well as Lunky and Co. (*cough-cough* Cruz has also probably entered a contract with my very own LeviathanPat on the side *cough-cough*)

Thanks to all the surreal shenanigans he's experienced, Cruz has developed a literal sixth sense. Though it takes concentration/mental strength, he can see/hear/feel/smell/taste all kinds of things that most people are better off not being aware of.

While Cruz operates with little regard for his own sanity or the well-being of other people, he still has enough morals to not sacrifice babies/kids.

Happy Holidays, Sammy!!! I know this isn't much, but I hope you like this guy! Please feel free to write about him whenever you want! (No pressure of course, but still!)

#happy holidays!!! #sammy's magical au #friendship #my characters #my writing #my fan egos #fanmade egos #cruz the semi-cultist #lixiantv #luis costa #lixianegos

[ts-wicked-wonders]

Why do we celebrate the winter solstice?

Let’s start with the science. The Winter Solstice is the point of the year at which the path of the sun in the sky is farthest south. Here in the Northern Hemisphere this occurs in December, between the 20th to the 23rd of the month. The sun travels the shortest path across the sky giving us the shortest day of the year with the least sunlight and subsequently, the longest night.

The hushed darkness of winter is at its deepest on the solstice, yet for thousands of years it has been celebrated as a promise of the brighter days ahead. The winter solstice is a tipping point, a moment of stillness when the balance of the seasonal scales will once again begin to tilt towards the light. Since long, long ago humans have been aware of this tipping point and celebrated the long night as a marker of new life and warmth returning.

These days we may find that Christmas celebrations become the focus of our attention around this time, there is usually so much to do and little time to rest when we find ourselves preparing for family visits, buying gifts and tackling the mighty food shop! But there is so much internal gold to be mined at this midwinter point, so much connection and grounding to be found in this quiet seasonal milestone, I think it’s well worth carving out some time for each year, if we can.

How to celebrate the Winter Solstice

3 simple ways to honour the shortest day

1. Light up the longest night

“In the Druidic tradition the name of this festival is “Alban Arthan”, Welsh for “Light of Winter”. According to an older and more poetic interpretation, the name is “Alban Arthuan”, meaning “Light of Arthur”. In this poetical image, Arthur is symbolized by the Sun. The Sun dies and is reborn, just as the mythical Arthur is sleeping deep inside a mountain and will wake up again when the people need his help.” Www.druidry.org

Of course I would choose candlelight for number one! Even the small act of striking a match and lighting a wick can be easily turned into a mindful ritual, an action which provides a minute of clarity within a busy day and one which takes us back to the present moment, even in a house full of noise, chaos and kids running wild!

Bringing light to the dark is a simple yet powerful acknowledgment of the seasonal shift and an invitation to take some time to consider what the winter solstice means and how we are feeling at this point in the year. Candles are symbolic of the returning of the light and have been used for many centuries past to focus our attention and create a sacred space.

Lighting a fire in the grate, or a bonfire in the garden is also a traditional way to mark this day. The ancient Norse would burn a Yule log in their celebration of the return of the sun at winter solstice. “Yule” came from the Norse word hweol, meaning wheel. This practice of burning a Yule log can also be found in many other countries and in the Pagan, Wiccan and Druid traditions too.

2. Reflect on the year gone by

The solstice and equinox points give us quarter milestones in the year to reflect and reset. This has been a year of huge upheaval, emotion and uncertainty so I know I am likely not alone in needing a little time to consider what this past year has changed in me and how I might use that knowledge in the next chapter ahead.

Winter is a time for stories, a time for hopes and dreams birthed from the darkness and given time to stretch and grow before they see the light of day. What story do you want to see come to life next year?

Journaling is a wonderful way to get down some of these thoughts and reflections on the winter solstice. Remember that journaling doesn’t have to look like pages and pages of thoughtful verse – you can choose to jot down a few key words which sum up your feelings, or if you are more visual person sketch out a spider diagram or mind map which pulls out your perceptions of what has passed and your hopes for what might be – use whatever method works for you.

“There is a reason why some of our most enduring holidays of mysticism occur during the cold months. Winter is a time when unseen energies steps forth out of the fog— when the above-ground world goes back to the roots and the hidden mysteries of spirit can bloom.” Asia Suler – One Willow Apothecaries

3. Find nourishment in your favourite winter comforts

Brew up your favourite seasonal tea or make a hot chocolate with the works. Find something which warms your body and feels like a small luxury and take it to a quiet part of the house, or over to your favourite window. Sit down and take the time to savour it. Letting our bodies be still and allowing our minds to wander doesn’t always feel easy, there is a temptation to constantly fill ourselves up with scrolling, doing chores, working, cleaning – anything to keep our minds occupied.

But the stillness of the winter solstice, and the call of the winter season in general, is an invitation to let ourselves drift. So try to give yourself a little time to do just that.

“Pause here. You are deep in the heart of the darkest nights. The world is hushed: The trees are dwelling in their roots, and the earth’s small creatures have gone to ground. Turn inward and listen to the stories of your deepest self.”- Maia Toll

http://www.Tswickedwonders.com

#winter solstice #winter #yule #spiritualguidance #spiritual warrior #spiritual knowledge

[aries-rp-corner]

Holy I did it! I present you all the head leaders of Cipher! King Durai and Queen Ozul!

Now…Story time! Yay ;w; (pls forgive me for my poor writing…)

•King Durai Schrade Tova

Long ago, before Cipher was an organization…hell, before any organization was formed… When Hisui was slowly becoming Sinnoh. There was once a king who craved conquest to have the world in the palm of his hand. His name was Durai Schrade Tova, a ruthless king who held unknown dark powers, using his powers to corrupt Pokémon and those who dare stand against him. He was unstoppable…until he foresaw a vision in his dream, a silver fox wielding claws of the moon, but it was her eyes…burning a golden yellow as she strikes. Waking the man as he felt his life was in grave danger, he ordered his armies to seek out the creature he described in his dreams. However, it wasn’t a fox, as a young woman with silver hair heard about the Tyrant’s rule and harm to the people around him, feeling a burning desire to stop the dark king for good. The woman secretly gathered a rebellion by her side to fight and dethrone the cruel king… but there was a secret she was hiding, she wielded magic of her own, but this was pure light magic as she uses it to heal or defend those around her…if rebellion truly knew of her secret that is..

Days and months passed, leaving Durai almost spiraling down into madness; until he planned an idea that will forever stain his very soul. He created a ritual that will make him live forever, creating the spell under the light of the Bloodmoon he casted himself with eternal life…but he didn’t feel anything, not even a change. He flew into a rage as he believed he failed and is now going to meet his end if he doesn’t capture the fox. His rage soon ceased as he received news of a rebellion is forming and declared war on him for the mistreatment and destruction he brought upon the people he ruled over and the pain he caused to the Pokémon within the lands..and he accepted the challenge as he demanded to know the leader of this rebellion, once he heard it was a woman with an Hisuian Zoroark, Durai felt he had finally found the silver fox that will put an end to him.

The leader of the Rebellion however, felt her secret was going to be revealed so soon during the war. Until a member of the Trenya Warriors spoke to her, the woman trusted the Trenya Warrior as she revealed her magical abilities. The warrior was surprised, but not scared, as they tell her that her secret will forever stay safe with them until they take their final breath. Through pain, spell casted, or near death, they bound to her for the kind action she did to save their young daughter from a terrible sickness. The woman was in tears, as she held the warrior’s hands, speaking: “If we win this war, I shall give your family an eternal gift that will bloom upon the senses of darkness rising in the horizon. May my gift serve your family as you serve me in this quest for Justice.”

After that, the war fully began. Now the woman holding the title Wiccan for finally showing her warriors the power she hold as they witnessed the King’s dark power. The Battle of Fading Light.

Durai and the Wiccan fought fiercely with power and blades clashing. Durai still believed that her Hisuian Zoroark was the one that was going to kill him and he wished to slay it…the king couldn’t been so foolish, he was hunting down the wrong being. Underneath the light of the full moon, the Wiccan’s magic burst with glorious energy as her form became the silhouette of the silver lucent fox, her claws burned in pure white fire with such magic that not even the darkness can pierce her light. King Durai was very horrified, but he refused to let this be his last stand as he fought to the very end. The dark king received an X wound on his chest as he roared out in pain for all to hear, to the Rebels, that was the sound of Victory…. Or so they believed.

After the war, the people believed Durai was finally gone…but the spell he casted on himself finally activated. The man awakened into something completely different, something nature itself is horrified to witness. Seeing a lone soldier passing by made the man mad with hunger, thus, he attacked and drained the soldier’s blood. Durai had transformed himself into a Vampire. He now hides under from the Full Moon due to remembering the war, but surprisingly he is able to walk in the day as long he has enough blood to satisfy him…but something else happened to him…he felt his own powers fading as time passed, now holding fragments of it as he desperately tries to find a way to help gain it all back. Many, many, and many years flew by in his search to gain his full strength back, that was until he heard about Cipher. Curious, he joined to see what the humans can do with their technology upon creating Shadows. Durai felt a familiar sense from the tech, as if his own magic is there but not in him. Now with the knowledge of the modern era, he requested Veda and Archie to construct his armor technology carefully as they unknowingly helped him gain back power…or worse, he has received new abilities to help combat the new age.

After the fall of the first and second rise of Cipher, he declared himself to be next in charge and bring back the true glory of Cipher in his vision. Thanks to his careful planning he and his wife carefully selected proper Peons, Guards, and Commanders; Cipher made a steady comeback…that is until a ghost from his past has now come back to haunt him to fully put his conquests to an end.

•Queen Ozul Schrade Tova

Ozul was a noble Lady around 500 years ago, people at the beginning of her being selected as the Lady of her Kingdom, the people believed she was a kind hearted woman…but she held a dark secret. She was cruel and a tyrant to her fellow nobles from the other kingdoms, causing battles and wars to claim lands she believed would fit for her people…as good as it was…it did leave those alone or gone. Even her own people question and share worry about her intention, sadly she only turned them away as she fights against the rivals; although, there was a true motive behind it all, she wanted to be the only queen of the lands and will show her true colors…and that’s what she did.

Nearly claiming an entire region, there were a few souls who stood up. An ancestor of the Trenya Family was gifted with the same power as the Wiccan so long ago. As they combined their gift with their arrows, to wage a war against her and to free the people of her tyranny of the region. While that, Ozul began to study fragments of dark magic however something got her attention as she read about a gemstone that will grant a soul the ability to use magic. Intrigued, she and a few royal guards ventured into the Dark Mountains. Seeing signs that Pokémon have been corrupted and lost themselves to madness within the zone, but the more they got deeper, it also began to affect her soldiers. Speaking of a shadow moving and following them to the very spot they are trying to look for the gems, Ozul didn’t believe them at first as she kept marching on. Finally arriving to see gems mixed with light and darker colors, walking over to collect her prize in achieving her mission…only to have something appear with anger. A Darkrai hovered over the woman with anger, it was the guardian of the Corrupted Crystals and it began to attack her. Trying to make her run away, but to its surprise, Ozul stood her ground as she began to fight back.

“I know what you are! I shall claim my gems of victory! I will not yield to your power of Nightmares! I will succeed!!” Howled out the woman, as she truly did put up a fight…but it wasn’t enough. After a blast of a Dark Pulse, she found herself stabbed by one of the Crystals. She knew her time is coming, as she watched the Darkrai about to put her into a deep sleep with its Dark Void…but nothing happened as she heard a hiss like roar and found the Darkrai tackled to the ground. A man with sharp fangs hissed and snarled at the Mythical, confused and horrified of this…”Human’s” strength, it tried to fight back, but it couldn’t as it quickly retreated into the shadows. Ozul was still in pain from her wound, causing her to try to pull out the gem..but the smell of blood filled the air for the Stranger as she now found herself pinned to the ground. Now facing what was once a king, Durai. The two stared at each other with anger and worry, Ozul tried to fight back, but Durai was stronger. But the vampire didn’t do anything as he quickly let her go, and offered to help Ozul with her cause if she did him a favor.

Confused and curious, she was confused and weary of his presence…but she did need more men; thus she agreed to do what he wanted…she didn’t expect to find herself to feed an ancient vampire. Little did she know, that would seal her fate of what will happen to her in time. The two became a duo against the land as they got to know each other, Ozul didn’t expect Durai to be defeated by a Witch a long time ago and now the Trenya Family now hold not only the Wiccan’s Gift, but also her magic. This however gave her an idea, as she gifted Durai the gems she and him collected, the two didn’t expect what was next as Durai yelled out in pain as his body began to transform into something they didn’t expect…a dragon? Amazingly, Durai was able to stay in control, but that alone nearly drained his entire energy. Now having a new form, he and Ozul terrorized the people with this new “Pokémon” that suddenly appeared out of the darkness. Their bond grows more and more as they fight together, study about magic, and learn more about Durai’s transformation…that will soon end as the Trenya Guardian made themselves known.

The Guardian fires enchanted arrows to the beast, only for Ozul to shield and be struck while protecting Durai. Durai flew into a fury as he and the Guardian fought viciously through combat and Pokémon combat, the Guardian formed into a fox hybrid of sorts making Durai remember the first Witch that defeated him and permanently gave his scars. With a roar, he quickly grabbed Ozul and made their escape… They believed that the monster now consumed her after the wrong she had done, but that wasn’t true. Durai gave the dying Ozul his blood so she can stay alive…but at the cost of losing her humanity to become a fellow Vampire like him…

Awakened, she quickly noticed her appearance had changed and matched Durai. She was angry, but upon hearing that he got her away from death and for the longest time, he never thought he would love someone like her. Ozul learned he did this out of love and worry, and for the longest time…she did fall in love with him. Now as a vampire, she and Durai wandered all over the world as it quickly changed around them. Slowly but slowly getting used to their environment, that was until she noticed Durai’s powers were slowly fading. She tried her best to help find anything or the gems to prevent him from losing what little magic was left…until the name Cipher echoed throughout the world.

•King Durai and Queen Ozul Schrade Tova

The two arrived to Orre to bare witness the rise of the first wave of Cipher. The two decided to help and learn more about Cipher. To their surprise, the technology they were using to corrupt Pokémon to become Shadows very much intrigued them deeply; also causing Durai to mention her that this is something similar to his spells so long ago. Durai offered his combat training and Ozul offered her expertise on strategy, despite their weird appearance, they were immediately welcomed after the greatness the gave to Cipher… but it didn’t last long as Cipher fell to the two trainers.

However, Durai and Ozul refused to let Cipher die as they helped the new leader at the time, Greevil, to rebuild Cipher for five years…but all that was for nothing as Cipher fell again. Anger, hate, and grief fueled the two, now making both Durai and Ozul to take matters into their own hands as they slowly rebuild Cipher from the ashes and the ground up. Taking any old and new members of Cipher as they swore to take the world by a carnage storm! Taking back what’s truly theirs!…

However…for the beaten and the broken, for the lost and the forsaken, an ancient call has echoed, a call that wishes for justice to be served. Their history may have forgotten the olden days, but magic will forever flow through their veins.

The Witch’s Curse against the darkness shall never fade within the Trenya Family, and it will never fade within the Lucent Witch of Illusions.

#Team Cipher #pokémon xd #pokémon colosseum #gales of darkness #Tag: The Leaders of Cipher #no rp here just rambling #no rp #forgive me with my writing here…My brain didn’t want me to put in effort…

[boethiahsboytoy]

may I hear about some falmer things pls? it sounds interesting and i hope you are well

Hii anon thanks for ur message !! I am well, thank you for checking in, hope you are also doing okay 🧡✨️

Some Falmer things, based on kin memories as well as input from Toby my beef :3 sorry if my phrasing is a lil weird I'm quite tired n sleepy cozy

Falmer Warriors of any sort that wielded a blade (like a sword or a dagger etc) would go thru a complex ritual bonding them to a blade made specifically for them and Only them. It was believed that each blade had a portion of our Warrior-God residing within it. That God would guide their blade, ensuring that it would never harm the one weilding it, or any ally

These rituals were massively important to the entire hive. Everyone would gather to be present to show their support and pride in the Warrior !

The Warrior-God. Ok. There were many stories abt them. But the Main Belief was that they were made up of three parts: the Blade that protects (in a more offensive way) us, the Fury that guides us (in battle), and the Light that protects us (in a more defensive way) (roughly translated). Those three parts came from three separate gods that were fractured and destroyed when the ancient snow elves were corrupted. Bc they were gods and couldn't ACTUALLY be destroyed they still existed, and their fragmented parts combined to form our Warrior-God

Auri-El gave us the sun . When we were corrupted by the Dwemer he put the sun inside us to protect and sustain us even when we were underground.

There r gods for practically every aspect of life. I prayed often to our agricultural God since I was a farmer :3 asking them 2 watch over my crops and make sure they were healthy, for insight on how 2 better care for them,Things like that.

Hives are very close knit, and place a lot of value on caring for each other. This comes from our ancestors' "allies" betraying them, and the atmorans trying to slaughter them--if no one loves and cares for the Falmer, then they will love and care for themselves.

Because of this, every time a falmer was born it was cause for massive celebration! Everyone would greet the baby and give their best wishes, so the first thing they'd ever experience was people showing them love and kindness and giving them well wishes :3

At every important milestone for a Falmer child, a Gift is given that represents something. The gift was always hand made by the giver and it would always be smthn practical that can be used in day to day life. (My gifts were baskets, sturdy and hand woven ones made 2 last a lifetime. They symbolized that th recipient would always have someone out there 2 support them :3)

Boethiah was there, apparently.

Our language was created to mimic the noises of the chaurus so we could converse around the Dwemer n they'd think it was just chaurus sounds. Legends say that plans of our rebellions would be openly discussed in front of dwemer leaders bc they just didn't think we were smart enough to even HAVE a language. A lot of our tales r about how the dwemer thought they were the only intelligent people alive literally at all.

Ok that is all I can remember now BUT I know there's more. I'll come back 2 this a s I remember what I was going 2 write.

Hope you're doing well anon !! Thanks again for ur curiosity :3 I love the Falmer (ik I'm biased but they really are so cool and interesting, and it's incredibly fucked up how they're treated in canon :/) hope u have a good night/day🧡✨️

#ask #anon #kin things with stars #teskin #falmer headcanons

[fantabulousblog]

Mother's Day around the world

Mother's Day card from Fantabuloustef Zazzle Collection.

When it comes to creating art for online Print-on-demand platforms, one of the keys to success lies in understanding the trends and timing of the year. Knowing when certain seasonal events, holidays, or special occasions are coming up can help you create art that will be popular at just the right time. There are certain important dates throughout the year that define what people are looking for and when they’re looking for it.

A few weeks ago, I began the exciting task of preparing collections of cards for Mother's Day. As I delved deeper into the subject, I discovered that Mother's Day celebration dates may vary across countries, and quickly realized I was running behind in preparig my creations for some of them! So, I decided to dig a bit deeper into this topic, and to share my findings in this post.

Brief History of Mother's Day

The observance of modern Mother's day, has its origins deeply rooted in history. This celebration can be traced back to various ancient cults and festivities. Initially, it was primarily focused on celebrating motherhood as the act of giving birth. However, with time, it evolved to encompass the aspect of children's care as well.

The earliest recorded evidence of any type of mother-centric holiday dates can be found in Egypt pharaonic tradition. (starting around 3000 BC)

For thousands of years, the Ancient Egyptians celebrated a yearly festival to honor the beloved goddess Isis, who was known for her embodiment of the perfect mother and wife. Isis was married to her brother Osiris, who was tragically killed by their jealous brother Set. Undeterred, Isis collected his scattered body parts and used them to conceive their son Horus. Horus later avenged his father's death by killing Set and became the first ruler of Egypt, thus making Isis the mother of all pharaohs and a symbol of motherhood.

Isis statue - Picture by Liliane Caliste from Pixabay

Ancient Greeks used to organize a yearly festival during spring known as "thesmophoria" which was dedicated to Rhea, the mother goddess figure (From 1100 BC). This festival involved rituals such as offerings made by daughters for their deceased mothers who had passed away during childbirth or sicknesses related to childbearing process.

It also included feasting together with family members while exchanging gifts among each other - practices still observed today on Mother’s day celebrations worldwide!

Painting : Thesmophoria' by Francis Davis Millet, 1894-1897 - Brigham Young University Museum of Art

The phrygians also held a festival for Cybele, the Great Mother of the gods. It was celebrated in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), in the spring and included processions, music, dancing, and sacrifices. This festival was an important part of the culture and religion of the people of Anatolia and was celebrated for centuries. It was a celebration of the power of motherhood and fertility and was a way of honoring the divine feminine. The festival also celebrated the bond between a mother and her children.

The Roman Empire had their own version of "thesmophoria" known as “Matronalia” which honored Juno Lucina - the patroness deity associated with fertility and childbirth. Traditionally, the festival was celebrated on the 1st of March and was marked by feasting, offering of prayers, and giving of presents. In addition to honoring Juno, the Matronalia Roman Festival was also a time of celebration for all women, as it was believed to bring them good luck and fertility. (7th century BC)

During the Middle Ages, a tradition began to gain popularity in medieval England, which granted those who had moved away from their home parishes the opportunity to visit the place of their birth and their mothers on Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent. This custom soon became known as Mothering Sunday in Britain, and with the passage of time, it evolved into what we now know as Mother's Day.

In India, the festival of Durga Puja, (Durga : the mother Goddess), is also considered as one of the roots of the modern Mother's day celebrations. It is believed to have originated in the 16th century when King Krishnadeva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire is said to have organized the first Durga Puja.

Since then, it has become an important part of Hindu culture and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion.

The reason for commemorating this festival is not limited to expressing reverence to the divine, but also to acknowledge motherhood and its exceptional virtues like boundless love, tenderness, and nurturing. These endearing qualities have been bestowed upon their children by mothers for ages, without anticipating any reward except the contentment and joy of them. According to Hindu mythology, Maa Kali (an incarnation of Maa durga) is believed to have created the universe out of her sheer compassion towards her offspring. Thus, she represents the epitome of selfless love, which is both affectionate and tender.

Durga Puja - Photo by Souvik laha

Modern Mother's Day adoption

The international Mother's Day originated from the United States and takes place the 2nd Sunday of May.

Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia initiated the movement for a dedicated holiday to honour mothers in the United States after her personal loss in 1906. Within five years, nearly every state observed the day and in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson finally declared the second Sunday of May as "Mother's Day" throughout America.

Portrait of Anna Jarvis

Progressively, the celebration has evolved, to encompass additional individuals such as grandmothers and aunts who plays mothering roles.

The day initially meant for showing respect gradually transformed into a day of exchanging greeting cards and presents. Jarvis, the founder of the holiday, spent her final years protesting against its commercialization and striving to eliminate it altogether.

Mother's day contemporary celebrations around the world.

The second Sunday of May, which was first introduced by the United States, has now evolved into the globally celebrated "International Mother's Day." Many countries have officially adopted this modern date for honoring mothers, including the United States, India, Canada, Japan, Australia, South Africa, and many more.

Numerous countries worldwide share a similar set of customs and routines to commemorate Mother's day. These include sending cards, presenting gifts and flowers, and taking their mothers out for a special meal. Moreover, it's prevalent for kids to create their own handcrafted cards or gifts to express their affection, gratitude and love towards their moms.

In the following section, I have delved into the unique and distinct aspects of celebrations across various countries, including the dates he dates opted by those who do not follow the international date.

Specificities for a few countries that celebrate the international mother's day

United States

In United States, a notable fact is that it's usual to offer lilac or roses but also large hydrangeas to symbolize gratitude.

Hydrangea - Photo by Teona Swift

Canada

In Canada, it is a day to honor mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures. In addition to the customs adopted worldwide, some counties will also celebrate with a Mother’s Day mass or special church service.

Every year, cities across Canada host the annual Mother's Day Walk, a fundraising event that supports local charities and organizations which help women and children. This action is a great opportunity for participants to pay tribute to their mother, grandmother, or any other special woman in their life. Typically, the walk covers a distance of 3-4 km and is filled with fun activities and entertainment. Sometimes, there's a memorial section where participants can honor their loved ones by leaving flowers or mementos. This event is an excellent way to celebrate motherood while also contributing to a worthwhile cause.

India

In India, Mother's Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. The traditional Indian way to honor mothers is to give them gifts and express their gratitude. On this day, families come together to celebrate the important role mothers play in our lives. People may exchange gifts like traditional Indian sweets, flowers, jewelry, and fabric.

In many parts of India, children may even put a vermilion mark on their mother's forehead as a sign of respect and love.

Additionally, in Hindu households, Mother's Day is often celebrated with great religious reverence. People come together to perform puja to the divine mother, Durga, to ask for her blessings on their mothers and families. It is a special day to honor the powerful energy of the mother of the universe and to show gratitude for the unconditional love she provides.

Japan

In Japan, the celebration is gaining popularity, since it corresponds to the traditional principles of respect for parents and the elderly. It is now known as Haha no Hi (母の日). The celebration was introduced to in the early 1920s, and it has become a popular holiday ever since.

Along with the general festivities, the day is also marked by visits to shrines and temples, where prayers are said for the health and happiness of mothers and other family members.

Japan's population is steadily declining. This can be explained in many ways, but the very low birth rate is often singled out. Japanese mothers are encouraged (at least by the Japanese government) to embrace their role as mothers more quickly and more intensely. For this reason, this national holiday offers a moment of welcome recognition to all these valiant women!

Australia

Mother's day tradition dates back to 1924 when Leichhardt Sydney resident Janet Heyden began visiting patients at Newinton State Home for Women. The hospital housed a number of mothers without families to care for them. To bring happiness into the lives of these abandoned mothers, Janet Heyden decided to present them with gifts with the help of the community. Another unique thing that sets Australian Mother's Day apart is the Chrysanthemum flower. This fall flower was chosen because its name in English contains the word mom.

Chrysanthemum - Pixabay picture

A few countries that celebrate mothers on another day

United Kingdom

In UK, mother's day is the 4th Sunday of Lent and directly comes from the Mothering Sunday.

For this momentous occasion, in addition to the other traditional festivities, it is customary for girls to bake a special cake known as the mothering cake or "simnel cake", as a special tribute. This cake is composed of dried fruit and adorned with 11 marzipan balls, symbolizing the 11 loyal apostles of Christ, excluding Judas. It may also be topped with sugar violets.

Mexico

In Mexico, Mother’s Day is celebrated the 10th of May with a lot of enthusiasm and joy. May 10 holds significance because it was traditionally considered as the "pay day" in Mexico, allowing people to splurge on their mother's gifts or take her out for an extravagant dinner. Additionally, the month of May in Mexico is dedicated to honoring the Virgin Mary, one of the most renowned mothers in history.

Even though Mother's Day in Mexico was only established a little over a century ago, motherhood have been honored from ancient times. Mexico has long been a place where powerful matriarchs take center stage. Pre-Columbian civilizations like the Mayans had a rich pantheon of goddesses, led by Ix Chel - representing fertility and motherhood that were celebrated and honored.

Mother's day celebration are very happy and include dancing, music, food, and special gifts.

On Dia de las Madres, flowers are a popular gift, but for many Mexican moms, the most valuable present is something that money can't buy. On the morning of Mother's Day, children come together to serenade mom with the traditional song "Las Mañanitas". The heartfelt lyrics express their love and appreciation for their mother, and the sound of their voices, sometimes accompanied by a mariachi band, is the most meaningful Mother's Day experience.

Lyrics translation ( some variants exist):

These are the little mornings In which King David used to sing And on the day of your Saint So we sing it for you. Wake up, my dear, wake up, Look, it's already dawning, The little birds already are singing, The moon has gone away. How beautiful is the morning In which I'm coming to greet you, We all are coming with joy And are happy to congratulate you. The day that you were born All flowers were born too, In the baptismal The nightingales are singing. Day is already breaking And the light the day is making Gets us up in the morning, Look, it's already dawning.

I'd love to be a little sun To enter your window To say "good morning" to you While you're lying in your bed.

Four doves flew By every city Today because it's your saint's day, We wish you happiness.

With jasmine and flowers I will decorate this day, And today for being your saint day We have come to dance for you.

Thaïland

in Thailand, Mother's Day is celebrated on August 12th, which is the birthday of Queen Sirikit, the Thai mother figure.

On this day, making an offering to monks is an important part of the traditional Mother's Day ceremony.

It is also customary to give the mother of the family a jasmine garland, which is a traditional Thai symbol of respect.

Traditional Thaï Jasmine Garland

Egypt

In Egypt, Mother's day is celebrated the 21st of March, first day of Spring. Back in 1956, a journalist and poet named Mustafa Amin initiated a year-long awareness campaign that led to setting aside a special date. He first proposed the idea in a poem he wrote in 1934, calling for a day to celebrate the contributions of mothers in Egypt. His poem argued that mothers deserved greater recognition for the hard work and sacrifices they made for their families and society.

Originally, the holiday was celebrated in August and was known as the "Festival of the Mothers of Egypt," or "Yom el-Omara El-Misreyeen" in Arabic. Over the years, the date of the celebration was changed to the 21st of March.

This special day is celebrated by treating mothers like queens, allowing them to rest and relax while others take over their daily tasks.

France

Mother's Day is observed in France on the final Sunday of May, but if it coincides with the Pentecost festival, then it is rescheduled for the initial Sunday of June. This will be the situation in 2023.

The tradition of celebrating Mother's Day has a heartwarming past. The original celebration dates back to the Napoleonic era, when Emperor Napoleon I established a day dedicated to honoring the mothers of large families. After World War I, an official Mother's Day was held in Lyon to pay tribute to the widows who lost their husbands during the war. The French government officially recognized Mother's Day in 1929, and in 1941, the Vichy Regime chose the last Sunday of May as the official date. Finally, after nine years, a law was passed that stated, "Every year, the French Republic pays an official tribute to Mothers during a special day dedicated to celebrating Mother's Day."

Conclusion

Mother's Day is a remarkable day of appreciation and recognition for mothers all around the world. It's a day that has been celebrated for centuries, tracing its origins back to as far as 5,000 years ago.

Over time, this celebration has evolved from being an ancient ritual to becoming a modern tradition that honors not only individual mothers but also all women serving in maternal roles across different cultures and countries.

In many countries it's celebrated on the second Sunday of May, that is now considered as the international Mother's day.

The ways of celebrating this special occasion vary according to cultural traditions, but one thing remains the same: Mothers are celebrated for their unconditional love and support.

In the introduction of this blog post, I initially intended to write about my beloved mother. However, I ultimately decided against it, as it would have monopolized the entire post. In my heart, she holds a special place as the most loving, devoted, and gentle person I have ever encountered. I am unsure whether this sentiment is unique to our bond or if it resonates with every child and mother across the globe.

Mother's Day makes us think of our moms and how much we love them, but let's not forget to remind them of our love and gratitude regularly! No matter where you live, if you are lucky enough to still have your mom around, show her your appreciation every single day!

If you have any unique customs or traditions in your country that you'd like to share, I'd love to hear about them in the comments section! I'm sure there's a lot I haven't covered in this blog post, so your input would be greatly appreciated.

Bibliography

Memorializing Motherhood: Anna Jarvis and the Struggle for the Control of Mother’s Day by Katharine Lane Antolini

History of mother's day: From ancient Egypt to modern times American University in Cairo

Mama Lisa's World International music & culture

Mother's day traditions around the world - Scholastic

Mother's day in India - Bhupinder Singh

Mother's day in Australia - Lepetitjournal Perth

Mother's day in Japan - furansujapon.com

Mother's day in Mexico - pinandtravel

Mother's day in Thaïland - Taste of Thaïland

Simnel Cake Recipe - BBC

Illustrations

Isis statue - Picture by Liliane Caliste from Pixabay

Painting - Thesmophoria' by Francis Davis Millet, 1894-1897 - Brigham Young University Museum of Art : Public Domain

Portrait of Anna Jarvis

Hydrangea - Photo by Teona Swift

Chrysanthemum - Pixabay picture

Traditional Thaï Jasmine Garland - Pxfuel

Discover my collection of cards and gifts for Mother's Day, most of them are downloadable if you're late !

#Youtube #mother’s day #mother's day gifts #mother's day customs #mother's day traditions #original art #mother's day card #fantabuloustef #artists on tumblr

[qu-film-history-to-1968]

American Studio Systems: Budget and Genre

Studios have been a staple in the film industry ever since it became a phenomenon. They can be a monopoly, or they can be limited. Whenever a studio creates a product, the budget can be obvious to an audience member, especially depending on the genre. Studios have evolved into identities, such as Marvel being primarily known for superhero movies. Because they are such a large conglomerate, they are gifted with larger budgets to attach to their products. Independent and horror films cannot usually say the same. This has rung true throughout the history of cinema and is still prevalent today.

Firstly, the horror films of the past didn’t carry a lot of weight in the budget and theming department. They were great experiences to have in the theater and were amazing audiences with their technical prowess. But the studios that created them were not presented with large budgets. For example, Universal was widely known back in the early 20th century for not having large budgets. One of the movies they made was Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932). This followed Dr. Mirakle and his monkey, Erik, in a thriller film. It was of high concept, giving the monkey a heightened intelligence and made him an intimidating threat. The horror films of this time were not only limited by budget, but also the production codes. This film had to dial it back in terms of gore because of this.

Andy W. Smith writes about this when he says, “Given its staging, framing, dialogue and characters, it is difficult to think of Browning’s film as ‘horrific’ in a contemporary sense, and certainly there is an absence of gore on screen; all the deaths take place off camera, including Dracula’s ritual staking by Van Helsing, in part due to the strict censorship mores of the time” (Andy W. Smith, pp 7). Erik the monkey killed his master off screen near the end of the film because violence was not allowed, nor did they have the budget to necessarily do so. This is evidence of the studio system and the combinations of codes and budgets that restrict them.

Another example is one that was released even earlier, that being Fantomas (1913). Horror was not the only low-budget form of entertainment, so were crime and adventure. It starred René Navarre who was relatively unknown before being in this. When producing lower-budget entertainment, the studios would find talent for cheaper prices. With this being a melodramatic crime piece, they found a way to comfortably produce it. This quote from Britannica explains the appeal of melodrama, “Perhaps most interesting, the “voice” of truth in melodrama is the individual, and although characters may have little depth, the pronouncements emanating from the “I” are frequent and crucial; as Brooks notes, ‘the statement ‘I am the man …’ returns again and again. Both heroines and villains announce their moral identity’” (The Interwar Years). This is important because it’ll keep the public coming back repeatedly to watch similar content. This was what Fantomas (1913) was back in the day.

A modern example of this is the NCIS shows. They are simple melodramatic pieces that studios can produce at a cheaper price. Because they’ve been so successful over the years there have been multiple adaptations. Horror and melodramatic crime pieces are very common among studios and bring in a lot of attention from audiences. These genres have thrived in the modern-day landscape, but the bigger studios (such as Disney) have taken over the playing field with their classic superhero and sci-fi blockbuster movies that end up eating all the tickets. All genres still have their place, but the tides of influence have certainly changed.

[alphaannapurnabasecamp]

Valentine’s Day gift ideas for the travel lover in your life

For the travel enthusiast in your life, a Valentine's Day travel gift is usually a fantastic suggestion. Does the special someone in your life—your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, or other close companion—love to travel as much as we do? I understand what it's like to live, breathe, and dream all things travel because I am a fellow travel addict. create stronger links in a new or existing relationship, or reignite an old one. Going on adventures together demonstrates confidence, comfort, and a desire to have just their company. All the love languages come together beautifully in travel, and you come away with lifelong memories. Here are some of the top excursions to give your significant other on Valentine's Day.

This Valentine's Day, you can digitally travel to a far-off romantic destination even though you can't physically. You may find a virtual travel experience to suit your Valentine's personality from The Table Less Traveled, Airbnb, Amazon, Intrepid Travel, and a host of other businesses. Take your significant other on a walking tour of Nepal, a luxury tour to Everest Base Camp, a yoga class in the Himalayas, or a free tour of Kathmandu that focuses on its historical love stories thanks to the wonders of the Internet.

Valentine’s Day Travel Gift Guide

There are numerous benefits to "saving" money this Valentine's Day. Maybe you've only been dating a short time and don't want to spend too much money. You might be in a committed relationship and saving for a significant vacation as a couple, so you don't want to spend money on anything superfluous. Whatever your motivation, you may still make a romantic presentation without going broke. Here are some ideas from us on how to celebrate Valentine's Day without breaking the bank.

Luxury tour to the world’s highest Peak:

This adventure trip is ideal for couples and makes a great Valentine's Day present. Reach the base camp of the highest peak in the world while enjoying a magnificent helicopter ride on the way back. Reach the illustrious point of Kala Patthar and the base camp of Mount Everest (8,848m/29,030 ft) simultaneously. Together achieving these milestones will undoubtedly deepen your love and strengthen your relationship. You will soar as high as 5,545m (18,193ft) above sea level on this spectacular journey. Together, take a helicopter ride over the picturesque Gokyo Lakes, land at the Lukla airstrip, and enjoy panoramic views of the Everest region.

Kathmandu City Tour:

The name of the Kathmandu Valley is derived from Kathmandu, which serves as Nepal's capital and largest city. In Nepal's Warm Moderate Zone, where the weather is unusually mild for the region, the Kathmandu Valley is situated. Kathmandu is one of Nepal's most captivating cities for a honeymoon. Nepal's capital city is home to a wide variety of cultural traditions, colors, and rituals. Some locations to check out include Swayambhu, Boudha Stupa, Naryanhiti Palace Museum, ThamelChowk, Freak Street, Pashupatinath, and others. Kathmandu's main lure is its entrancing and opulent nightlife, which can be found in Casino Anna and Casino Royale. For a Valentine's Day gift trip, the best dates to visit Kathmandu are from September through November and from February through April.

Pokhara Sightseeing by Helicopter:

The magnificent Pokhara city and mountain range may be seen from above on the Pokhara Helicopter Sightseeing Tour. Views of Mount Annapurna, Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Fishtail, and Mount Mardi Himal are seen from above in Pokhara. Valentine's Day is the perfect time to visit this city for couples because there are so many hotels and bars that cater to them and provide special deals.

Travel Journal:

Adventure-loving couples tend to remain together! This personalized trip journal, which prominently displays your names on the front cover, allows you to record all of your travels. It's a personalized wooden hardback journal that you can take on all of your travels.

Aero press Coffee Maker:

From one coffee enthusiast to another, if you want to enjoy delicious coffee everywhere you go, you must have an Aero press portable coffee maker. If you have an Aero press, you can quickly prepare rich cups of coffee anywhere you are, including on a plane, in an airport, while camping, or even at home (basically anywhere you can find hot water). See more of my advice about making coffee when traveling.

Customized Couples Travel Themed Mugs:

A personalized Airporter travel-themed mug makes a thoughtful but inexpensive Valentine's Day present. The runway heart mug is perfect for aviation enthusiasts, and you can also use the boarding pass mug or the love at first flight mug to commemorate your first flight together. Both the dishwasher and microwave are safe to use with these premium ceramic mugs.

Hammock made for two:

An Eno Double Nest Hammock designed for two is the ideal way to cuddle up whether you're camping, having a picnic, or just hanging out together in your backyard. In addition, these hammocks conveniently fold up into a pocket of their own, making it simple to slip one in your backpack before leaving on a trip.

Instant camera and photo Book:

Use a Fujifilm Instant Camera when traveling to capture all of your greatest experiences. You can't go wrong giving someone who enjoys the nostalgia of a polaroid-style photo this present. On Valentine's Day evening, you might even take a ton of adorable pictures of the two of you! Don't forget to keep a homemade scrapbook so you can add your best memories to each picture!

#Valentine's day travel gifts

[i-myeoni-blogs]

REMEMBERING WHO I AM: A glimpse of tribal community.

How many of us talk about our ancestors' ethnicity? There may be a few people who are still connected to their roots, but the majority of us in generation Z are influenced primarily by western culture and fashion. Though it’s not bad but somehow, we’re losing our own authenticity.

I am no exception; having been born and raised in a town, I shaped myself in accordance with the trends that emerged. When it comes to natives, I am a member of the "Santhal Tribe," an indigenous minority group. There are over 100 tribes in India, and each one has its own clothing, food, festival, language, and rituals. But, due to school and other obligations, we were unable to visit our hometown as frequently as we would have liked. And perhaps this is why I know so little about my own tribe.

It was my cousin's brother's wedding—the only boy in our entire family tree, with only one brother to seven sisters. I was overjoyed, but no Indian function is complete without a hiccup, and so my exams fell on the same day as my brother's wedding. I couldn't make it to the wedding, but I promised I wouldn't miss the authentic Santhali reception. Okay let’s not jump into the fact that I missed the ceremony. But visiting my hometown after almost a decade felt so relaxing.

Sagarbhanga is a small village located in the Jharkhand district of Sahebganj. Tribals can be found at every turn and are extremely friendly. I don't want to brag, but my family home is the largest in the entire district, and it is referred to as "Bada Ghar" by the locals. Because of the village people's regard for us, they came to assist with the preparations. Women were involved in making decorations out of the palm leaves. Oh, how beautiful their work was, and how natural everything was. Few men were painting on the walls, and they were tribal wall paintings with various creatures painted on them. It was absolutely lovely. The beauty of a tribe is that we live as one community and help each other unconditionally.

I should be familiar with the local tongue they use, santhali, but alas, I am not able to communicate in it. We even have our own traditional clothing, known as "Panchi Parhat" for women and lungi or dhoti for men. My sisters and I decided to dress in traditional attire for the ceremony. The dress was arranged, and a few locals assisted us in draping it. it was so pretty and easy to handle, light weight as it was made of cotton. My parents and other relatives were so happy to see us in our own traditional clothes.

In the ceremony all the village people gathered and presented gifts to the bride and the groom. My brother is so lucky he got a lot of gifts and blessings, I can’t wait to have a ceremony of my own.

It was time for food after the gift exchange. "The simpler, the better," is all I have to say. I'm sure the first thing that comes to mind when we hear the word "marriage" is the food. Being Indian, we always want pulav, Manchurian, or paneer butter masala; it's just ingrained in our minds that it should be on the menu. And I thought the same thing, but the taste of authentic simple food on a 'pattal' surprised me. Off-white perfectly cooked rice, dal, meat, and veggies, and that's it, all served on dried leaf plates. And, no offence, but all the dishes I've ever tasted in restaurants and hotels paled in comparison. I know you're thinking it'll create a lot of trash, but pattals are biodegradable, so we dumped it in a large hole that was later covered by soil. "Khaane ke baad kuch meetha ho jaye," we say now that we've eaten. You won't be sorry, believe me. Aside from the usual sweets, there was one item that piqued my interest. Those yellow bead-like things called "Bundiya" just melted as soon as I took a spoonful of them. Mesmerizing, a perfect way to round out the dish, but what I really missed was the authentic 'Dumbu' sweet from the tribe. It's made of rice flour, and the sweet dough is formed into many small balls before being steamed.

While I was eating the sweets, I overheard people discussing being a patient. Who got hurt, I wondered, until my mother explained that it was a ritual. A fun ritual in which the new bride pretends to be a doctor while the groom's sisters and relatives pretend to be injured by covering their legs and hands with mud and straws. And the bride is expected to treat them well (wash their hands and feet). But the best part is yet to come: the bride tightly grips the patient's feet and demands fees (gifts), refusing to leave until you give her gift. That sounded like fun, so I tried it as well.

It was great to see the entire family enjoying themselves after such a long time apart.

What about the dance, though? The ground was cleared, chairs were moved, and music was played immediately after each ritual. I was expecting the barati dance, but it's an authentic wedding. A few men who could play mandar gathered in the centre, and women formed a circle around them. It was a santhali folk dance, and it was a lot of fun. We danced until after midnight, which resulted in sore leg muscles next day.

Those were two lovely days spent in my hometown. I learned a lot about my own culture that I was unaware of because I had spent my entire life in a city. I enjoyed every minute I was there and hope to return soon. Yes, there is one thing I still regret: not learning my native language.

There is a misconception that tribal in Jharkhand live in jungles, wear leaves, and eat raw food. Well, the answer is already given; it is simply a misconception. We as a tribe prefer to live close to nature, not in jungles, but in homes that only a few people know about, which is unfortunate. Remember that there is a distinction between being indigenous and being uncivilized.

And I've learned that it's important to know and respect your roots no matter where you live.

#santhal #tribal #tribestories #feature story #weddingvibes #authentic

[blazingstar24]

Summary: It’s customary to bring gifts to the family of the one you are courting. But shopping for the Mighty Nein is way harder than Essek expected.

Notes: I found time in my schedule to write for day 4 of sgtober2021! Not me taking liberties with Kryn courting rituals~ Also snuck in my personal headcanon that Essek takes up knitting so he came make Caleb a bunch of clothes. Since Caleb seems to love scarves.

*******************************************************

Essek flopped face first onto the couch. Several cats circled the couch and meowed loudly, as if they were checking if their master was still alive.

“No. You all cannot eat me yet.”

Essek sat back up and pulled a cat into his lap. He refused to look back at the mess he created in the kitchen. He had no idea how Jester was able to bake perfectly little pastries every time. Evidently, this gift idea was not going to pan out. That left the second option for Jester’s gift, which he was hoping he wouldn’t have to do.

Jester Lavorre loved her romance novels, especially if they had smut in them. Essek mentally planned out Caleb’s schedule. His husband wouldn’t be home for another two hours as he had some students who needed extra tutoring. He could probably make it to a book shop and back before Caleb came home. He had no qualms about buying said novels with Caleb, but he was trying to keep his collections of gifts a secret.

Essek’s gaze drifted to the ring on his finger. An amber cat’s eye gem affixed to a gold band. A soft smile slowly spread across his face as he remembered their wedding night. Although that is the reason why he is collecting these gifts in the first place. Their marriage was currently a secret from the rest of the Nein. They had gotten married in a bit of a whirlwind sort of way. Far opposed to how their relationship even came about, but neither of them regretted the decision. But that meant none of the Nein were present and Essek knew at the very least Jester and Beau would have some choice words about that.

Hence the gifts. It was customary in Kryn culture to present the family of the one you were courting with gifts. Essek wasn’t too big on traditions, but with the Mighty Nein, it was different. The sense of obligation was there, but he also wished to indulge his family as well. Also maybe it would calm Jester’s wrath for her non existent wedding invite.

“Better clean up this mess before Caleb gets home.”

Essek set the cat back on the floor. The herd of them followed the drow back into the kitchen as he cast Prestidigitation to clean up the mess. He then floated to the door, casting a simple illusion with a wave of his hand. He booped an orange cat on the way out

*******************************************************

“Schatz, I got home early. Should I be worried that you aren’t here?”

Essek paused in his shopping as Caleb’s voice flowed through his mind. Luckily he had already purchased Jester’s gift, but he had gotten sidetracked in buying more spell components for the two of them.

“Impromptu shopping trip, darling. Nothing to worry about. I’ll be home soon.”

“Good because I’m making your favorite tonight. I do fear that the cats may eat it first.”

Essek chuckled to himself. He started to make his way back to their home in Rexxentrum. He was just about to leaving the shopping district when an article of clothing caught his eye. An elderly halfling woman was selling what seemed to be handmade scarves. She also had a plethora of colorful yarn.

Essek quietly ran his fingers over the scarves and debated on whether or not he should do what he has been planning to do for a long time. Caleb’s old scarf had been getting frayed and Essek had been testing out all sorts of hobbies. He never expected to have the time to explore interests outside of his magical pursuits.

“I see you’re eyeing the yarn, honey. I know a fellow knitter when I see one.”

“Ah, yes. Well I’ve only just started to learn.”

The halfling smiled. “My intuition is never wrong. I can tell that you’ve got the talent. Tell you what, honey. I’ll give you a discount on whatever yarn you choose.”

Essek’s eyes widened slightly. Simple kindness still caught him off guard. His confidence in his new hobby wasn’t strong, but he did want to gift Caleb something as well. They were going to take another trip up to Aeor.

He pulled out a bundle of purple and white yarn. The halfling had no amber colored yarn, but Jester was teaching him all about dyeing, so he figured he could make it work.

“I’ll take these.”

(Several Months Later)

Essek stood outside on the deck of the Nein Heroez, trying to avoid the chaos happening below deck. He smiled as he could hear Jester’s voice yelling again.

“Cay—leb! You and Essek need to have a second wedding because I have to do the ceremony for it!”

“Ja, Jester. Perhaps when we get back from Aeor.”

His gifts went over well. A romance novel for Jester. A set of enchanted crossbow bolts for Veth. A tea set for Caduceus. Rare Xhorhassian flowers for Yasha. A set of journals for Beau. A new “more piratey coat” for Fjord. (Jester’s words not his). And Kryn style jewerly for Kingsley. (He had taken a liking to the earrings Essek himself wore).

Just one more to give. If his friends would let his husband join him on deck.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Schatz.”

Caleb finally stepped up onto the deck of the ship. His blue eyes sparking with amusement. Essek pulled him into a long kiss, playing with the necklace that held Caleb’s wedding band. An purple gem resembling a beacon affixed to a gold band.

“Mmm I thought Veth was going to have my head.”

“Ja, well you didn’t get her blessing it seems.”

Essek let out a laugh. “Ah, well I’ll make sure to do so for our second wedding.”

Caleb smiled and let his head rest on Essek’s chest. If Essek’s heartbeat sped up after all this time, well that’s something only Caleb knows.

“Would you like to have one? After Aeor?”

“I’d love to. Although I doubt Jester was offering us a choice.”

Caleb hummed happily. Essek laid a kiss on top of the wizard’s head. They stood out on the deck for a while, staring out into the sea. The sky was startlingly clear which meant the ocean looked quite similar to a beacon. A sea of stars.

“Darling, I have something to give to you as well.”

Caleb perked up, head tipping slightly in curiosity. Essek pulled out from his wristpocket, a beautiful knitted scarf. It was purple with lines of amber. A small and a bit messy white cat was also knitted at the end of it. Essek flushed as he held it out towards Caleb.

“I noticed your old scarf was getting frayed. And since we are heading up to Aeor, I decided to make a new one for you. It took a couple tries and it’s a bit messy, but—”

Essek’s next words were cut off as Caleb suddenly kissed him. He melted into it as Caleb deepened it, running his fingers through Essek’s hair.

“Schatz, it’s beautiful. I love it.”

“I’m glad. It was quite hard to keep the cats from unraveling the whole thing.”

Caleb laughed and motioned for Essek to tie the scarf around his neck. As he deftly tied it around his husband, he could hear the revelry starting back up again below deck. They would go back and join their friends in time, but Essek couldn’t help but savor these quiet moments just for the two of them.

“You said you had to give presents to all of the Nein, right?”

“Yes. But I would have done this regardless.”

“Ja, I believe you would. But then what exactly is your gift?”

“My gift?”

“You are part of the Nein, no?”

Essek smirked. “My gift?”

He pulled Caleb closer. “My gift is this.”

Essek held up his hand with his wedding ring on it.

“Every day, every moment spent with you is more than I deserve. My gift is the one you miraculously freely gave to me. My gift is that somehow in this cruel, beautiful world, you decided you want to spend this lifetime with me.”

Caleb pressed his forehead to Essek’s. His response was breathy and low.

“Getting sappy, Thelyss”

“You love it, Widogast.”

Caleb laughed. “I do.”

#shadowgast #essek thelyss #caleb widogast #sgtober2021 #wow a shadowgast piece written by me without any angst? #i fucking love these wizards #critical role

[makingspiritualityreal]

Numerology Life Path 6 - Your Birth Card and its Ruling Planet

Numerology Life Path Numbers and their assigned Tarot Card Meaning Series

This is a post in my new astrology/numerology/tarot series, that only concerns you, if you are a Life Path 6. Posts on consecutive Life Path Numbers will follow. Originally, I wanted to do them all in one post, but my writing turned out to be so long, I decided to split the post and seperate the Life Path Numbers. The introduction part of the post will be the same for all Life Path Numbers, in case you only read a post about your own Life Path Number, and nothing else.

Introduction

The concept of a Birth Card links Tarot and Numerology together, in order to deepen our understanding of a vibration of a Life Path Number we are born with. The Birth Card, or rather Birth Cards, are Major Arcana Tarot Cards with assigned numbers, which correlate with Life Path Numbers. Understanding the meaning of tarot cards, mixed with the knowledge of Numerology Vibrations, helps create a more unique vision of your life experience.

A person with any given Life Path Number, having several Major Arcana energies present in their lives, usually struggles with one of the energies more than the other. As a result, life will probably force them to focus on mastering one of these energies. In general, however, any Life Path describes both your biggest downfall and ultimate triumph - just like with an Astrology Chart, the highlighted numbers/astrology houses point to your biggest strengths and weaknesses. For a better understanding of this concept, visit my article “Natal Chart - A map of your issues?”

Remember, that everyone, besides their Life Path Number and Birth Card also has a unique astrology chart. Thus, for some people embracing the higher expression of their energy is easier, for others it’s harder and it takes more time to master, and some energies become easier to deal with than others. Most human beings are somewhere in between, working on their path and having some achievements while struggling with difficulties at the same time.

In the spiritual community, there are differences in opinion on linking Astrological Planets and positions to specific numerology numbers energies. My take is a result of my own personal experience, conversations with other people in my field and research, in order to give you the widest possible spectrum of ideas and increase the understanding of every Life Path Number.

If you are a Master Number 11, 22 or 33, there will be a seperate post on how the Birth Cards apply to you as well.

Even If you have only a basic understanding of Astrology, Tarot or Numerology, this post will still be helpful to you, because it describes the unique vibrational mix that comes from the expression of both these spiritual sciences mixed together. To calculate which Tarot Cards and what Life Path correspond to your birthday, click here.

Life Path 6 - The Lovers and The Devil

Life Path 6 is ruled by the mirroring, balancing energies of Venus. There can be a lot of confusion due to that number being associated with the Devil Tarot Card, having such a scary sounding name, and with Venus and Lovers being mixed into all this at the same time. However, this comes from lack of understanding of the actual nature of Venus as a planet and its dualistic energy.

In life path 6, we cross the barrier between the self and the other. 6 comes after 5, and in 5 we have reached the apex of accumulating what we have within and we went to the final stage of sharing all that we have and all that we are outside. In 6, we take it a step further, as our energetic centers open up to the outside world in new ways due to the continuous exchange that occurred in the 5, as we freely share all our energetic material with others.

This conflict leads to the death of the ego. Venus represents surrendering of our egotism, but it is not an easy process, since we associate our sense of "self" with survival and security. This is the source of The Devil Tarot card ruling this number. The Devil is the unknown, the control that the ego has over us, keeping us prisoner, as per the graphic representation in the traditional Tarot Deck. Thus, in number 6 we experience the scariest illusion-shattering and confrontation through other parties, which exposes our weaknesses and shows how easily we are manipulated by external influences.

There can be no passage to the harmonious, balancing stage in The Lovers before passing the test of surrender in The Devil. That surrender is the only thing, that frees us from his grasp. The Devil controls the material realm and Venus is materialistic in nature as well. Venus relishes in surface-level, materialistic pleasure, and The Devil reminds us how easily we can become a slave to it, if we don't hold the consciousness of the illusory nature of the satisfaction these pleasures give us.

As a Life Path 6, your task is to be able to enjoy the pleasures in your life and relationships, while holding the truth close to your heart. The purpose of all connections in this Universe is true harmony and symbiosis. This Life Path is a testing point, that reveals your true colors and can force you to make some uncomfortable decisions. The Shadow Aspect of this Life Path is being blinded to the bliss of intimate union and staying at a surface level. Venus is also prone to conforming to others' opinions on a shallow level without really listening to them or being deeply invested, for the sake of smoothing the waters. This difficult aspect of Life Path 6 once again leads to The Devil - being controlled through illusions, because of the reciprocal, malleable nature of Venus. However, an experienced Life Path 6 embraces the scary process of setting themselves free from their ego and learns to truly surrender to the other, which is rewarded in the harmony that we experience in The Lovers.

Through the associated Tarot Cards, we learn how to navigate the energies of Life Path 6.

The Devil - The task here is to be in control of material illusions and not let them blind you, as you experience the pleasure. Realise their temporary, superficial nature. You may be reaping some karmic rewards in this incarnation, but you are also being put to the test, and thus you need to preserve the necessary balance. Venus is easily influenced and swayed by others, so the need for rationality is even more pronounced in face of greater temptation. However, you can't truly prove yourself without having a testing experience to use as a measuring stick, so thank this card for being the ultimate tool of spiritual progress for you.

The Lovers - This is the easier aspect of Venus, that we experience as a response to passing the ardorous spiritual tests of temptation in the previous stage. The Lovers give us the gift of balance, harmony, unity, compromise and merging between opposites through pronounced tolerance. In The Lovers, we know how to abandon selfishness, coming from a place of true compassion, and thus we achieve the state of Cosmic perfection in blissful union with another. The key difference between conformism and love is authentic connection, coming from an open heart space, as opposed to creating an illusion for the sake of gaining approval.

The key word for a Life Path 6 is honesty. If you stay true to yourself and to others, and you express it from a vulnerable place inside yourself, the scales will automatically tip towards the balancing energy you possess inside. Remember, that you have the power not only to be swayed by illusions, but also to create them in front of others. Use this power responsibly, not for your own benefit but for the sake of creating an intimate, mutual experience of complete acceptance and harmony. Don't let the pleasures of worldly experiences sway you from your spiritual mission, which is as real as for any other Life Path Number. There is depth to be found in the expression of every Number, and you are the spiritual gateway between One and Oneness. You have the key power to make heavy cosmic decisions as a ritual of passage, and with this power comes responsibility.

#numerology #astrology #tarot #venus #6 #life path 6 #life path number #numerologist #numerology reading for you #life path #number 6 #numerological #planet #spirituality #birth cards #birth card

[a-d-curtis]

Incense

“Are you really that excited about this?” Katara asked, laughing at her husband, ‘the mighty Avatar’, and the giddy way he trotted next to her.

The two walked together hand in hand through the red-tapestried halls of the Firelord’s palace, Katara leading the way to this oft-visited location, navigating which corridors to take, effortlessly winding her way through the mammoth palace like it was a well worn path.  

As Aang turned his grey eyes upon her, Katara noted the way his eyes still shone with excitement as they did back when they were kids, even though the smile-lines beside his eyes stayed in more permanent creases now. “Well, I should say so!” he teased, “After you’ve withheld this little pleasure from me all of these years. Yes! Yes, I’m excited to finally be invited to join you!”

Katara stifled a laugh, the sound coming out more as a snort. “Really, Aang? Really?! I just never knew you wanted to come.”

“What?! Why would you think that I wouldn’t want to come?!”

“Well…” Katara began as they rounded the final corner and a woman in a red and gold robe opened the door to the room for them. “I guess I just never thought you would have any… interest in this particular thing.”

Aang looked affronted. “But you’ve come here with everyone else over the years, Katara! Mai, Sokka, even Zuko when he can relax long enough to take a break. You brought Kya even when she was just a little kid, and Bumi can’t seem to get enough!”

Katara turned toward her husband teasingly. “Well, they all, you know…” she rose up on her tiptoes and ran a hand over the smooth arch of her husband’s bald head as she finished, “have hair.” Her eyes laughed even when her mouth held it back.

Aang looked insulted. “Who says you need to have hair!?”

Katara couldn’t hold back her laugh anymore. “Well, it is a hair wash, Aang!”

Aang smirked at her, stroking his beard. “I have hair.”

Katara slapped him playfully across the chest. “You need it on your head, you doofus!”

Aang’s forehead creased as his puppy-dog eyes looked at her dolefully. “Well you took everyone else… I just felt left out.”

Katara laughed again shaking her head in baffled amusement. “All you had to do was tell me you wanted to come."

Aang smiled a flirtatious, one-sided grin. “I figured this was an exclusive ‘by invitation only’ activity.”

Katara laughed and linked her arm through the crook of Aang’s elbow, leading him further into the palace spa. With her other hand she gestured magnanimously “Well then, here you are! The very ‘exclusive’ Palace Hair Wash!”

Before them was a reception room with dimmed lights and a strong aroma of orchids.  The calming sound of trickling water could be traced to a fountain that fell from high on the back wall, running over a slanted stone slab carved in the shape of two flying dragons. At the bottom the water ran into a trench that split and continued down two small creeks lined with smoothed stones on either side of the room, creating a cheery trickling sound as it passed. Around the perimeter of the spa heavy red curtains hung covering the entrances to several smaller rooms. A few of the curtains were tied back with thick gold ropes revealing massage tables or big tubs of water within the lowly-lit rooms. In the center of the room stood an elaborately carved golden colored desk, with an elegant, overly made-up elderly woman sitting behind it.

As Katara and Aang approached the center desk, the woman stood with prim stiffness. The elderly woman bowed slightly in Fire Nation custom, the large, ornate black hairpiece on her head tipping forward, causing the beaded strings that hung from either side of her hairpiece to clink softly. “Master Katara, you come again,” she greets with formal curtness. Then turning towards Aang, “And you, Avatar,” her sharp golden eyes darting to his tattoos, her voice laced with cool decorum, “We are honored to have your presence among us.”

Aang bowed to her, replying with jovial warmth, “I’m happy to be here!”

Katara tipped her head to the woman, her voice a bit cooler than usual, “Thank you Madam Uriko. My husband and I have come for a hair wash.”

“Of course,” the woman responded with a smile restricted to just her red painted lips, her eyes still sharp. She waved her large sleeve once and a young woman in red robes rushed forward from where she had stood quietly at the back of the room. “As always,” Madam Uriko’s barbed voice spoke, her piercing eyes not leaving them, “we are at your service.”

As the young woman led Aang and Katara away, Aang glanced back over his shoulder toward Madam Uriko, and shivered. “Is it just me, or does she feel predatory somehow?” Aang asked Katara in a hushed whisper.

Katara leaned in towards Aang whispering, “Madam Uriko has been in charge of this place for decades. One of the old relics of an older time. She’s harmless, just still seeped in beliefs of Fire Nation supremacy. I think it hackles her that Zuko allows non-Fire Nation royalty to use the spa…”

Aang’s brow furrowed for a moment, and Katara guessed at what he was thinking. The two had lamented frequently together of how difficult it was to change the perceptions of those who had been raised on war propaganda. Their little band of child warriors had been able to stop the fighting almost overnight, but the perpetuation of racism, animosity and false-ideologies were much harder to eliminate.

Katara knew that Aang sorrowed, not only for his lost people and culture, but also for the way that even the memory of them had been defiled. Despite Zuko’s efforts to reform education in the Fire Nation to teach the Air Nomad genocide accurately, it was still common to encounter people who still believed the lies taught during the war. It churned Katara’s stomach to know that in 100 years of Fire Nation propaganda, the people had been taught that the Air Nomads were the aggressors, that they had been war-mongers and child-stealers, who swooped in on their flying creatures to slaughter parents and carry away the children of helpless villagers.

Katara still remembers the first time Aang had been called a baby-eater from a terrified old granny. They were in one of the more remote Fire Nation islands, when the old woman had run and swooped up her toddling grandson who had been watching Aang juggle leaves in an airball for a bunch of the local kids. They had still been kids back then, and Katara had confronted the woman, yelling passionately in defense of her boyfriend and the Air Nomads. But Aang had just turned and walked away. When Katara caught up to him, she had listened as Aang quietly recounted a seemingly unrelated story of trying to comfort his crying friend, Samten, when he’d accidentally stepped on a scorpi-beetle while playing airball. Aang told how the two of them had carefully scooped what was left of the tiny squished bug onto a pipa leaf, and performed their best approximation of the “Soaring of the Dead” ritual to send the soul of the scorpi-beetle on gentle breezes into his next life, praying for it to be a good life, full of freedom and enlightenment. Katara and Aang hadn’t talked about what the woman had called him, and he didn’t bring it up again. But Katara knew that the Air Nomads, the memory of whom Sozin and his children slandered, were real people to Aang. They were his culture and heritage, yes; but they were also individuals he had known.

The contrast of what the peaceful Air Nomads had been, and how they were remembered was devastatingly unfair.

In an effort to distract Aang from whatever thoughts he might be slipping into, and pull him back into the present, Katara decided to share a piece of juicy gossip. Pulling on their linked arms to bring Aang’s ear down closer to her, she spoke in a conspiratorial whisper, “Rumor has it Madam Uriko was, um, very close, with Fire Lord Azulon.” The implication of her words caused Aang to wrinkle his nose in disgust. Katara continued, “She’s been working in this spa since she was a young woman, and has bragged to me more than once about how Lord Azulon used to come to her for ‘solace’ from his heavy duties as Fire Lord.”

Aang grimaced comically. And Katara laughed at his expression as she continued, “Madam Uriko is just one of those unchangeable parts of Fire Nation imperialism. I asked Zuko why he keeps her around, and he told me that she technically hasn’t done anything wrong (apart from being super creepy), so he can’t really get rid of her. Aaaand,” Katara dragged the word out with a smirk, “frankly I suspect Zuko is intimidated by her.”

Aang chuckled and chanced a glance back towards the woman again as their host untied the golden rope holding the curtain to their room open. The Madam’s narrowed golden gaze was still on them as the heavy red curtain fell across the doorway, obscuring her from view. “I can see why…” Aang said with a commiserating shudder.

Aang stood still a moment longer, before brightening excitedly, rubbing his hands together eagerly as he said enthusiastically, “Well! Lets bring on this famous hair wash!”

……………….

“So that’s when Zuko gave me that fancy hairbrush set. It was in retribution for the pocket lighters Sokka and I both got him for his birthday.”

Aang spoke from his place lying on the hair wash bed next to hers. Katara smiled as she opened one eye to glance his way, appreciating the large bubbly lather his spa worker had managed to lather on his baldhead. Katara had stifled a laugh at the woman’s expression when Aang had initially lain down, her hands hovering unsurely over his baldhead. But he had smiled affably up at her saying, “I’m sure you’ll figure it out” with a wink. Apparently she had figured it out, because Aang had spent the last twenty minutes sighing in pleasure at the experience.

“Well I really appreciated that gift from Zuko,” Katara said smugly as she closed her eyes again, enjoying the feeling of the spa worker’s hands in her hair as she massaged her scalp and combed out her long tresses in the warm flowing water. “I still use that brush to this day. You’ve got to admit, even with a gag gift, Zuko gives quality.”

Aang chuckled from his place on the hair wash bed next to hers. “Oh absolutely. I kept one of the combs from that set for years, remember?”

Katara laughed again, “Oh yes, I remember. You kept it in your pocket for the sole purpose of pulling it out and combing your beard whenever Zuko was giving a serious speech.”

“I remember fondly the special way he’d glare whenever that comb came out!” Aang laughed jovially.

Katara turned her head to look at her husband again, who now had a warm folded washcloth over his eyes. Even so his hands still gestured animatedly while he talked, his spa worker needing to dodge an especially enthusiastic hand here or there.

Katara smiled as she settled back into her hair wash, sighing in relaxation. She really did love a good palace hair wash – the calm of the dimmed lights, the smell of the flower water and the oils they used in her hair, the sound of the warm water running over her scalp as the woman massaged the base of her neck – it was a little piece of heaven! It was fun to share it with Aang this time.

“Was that before or after Sokka gave Toph those dark glasses?” Katara asked lazily.

“Before, I think,” Aang replied as he sighed again, clearly relishing his ‘sans-hair-head-wash’.

Katara smiled. “Sokka had thought that would be so funny, giving our favorite Blind Bandit sunglasses. Little did he know that she would wear them proudly. Before long, nearly every police officer in Republic City owned a pair.”

Aang chucked. “But that wasn’t nearly as big a backfire as the time I gave a single chopstick to Zuko.”

“Remind me again how a single chopstick is a useless gift for a firebender?”

“Oh it wasn’t because he’s a firebender, Katara! It’s because a single chopstick is useless to anyone! … Or so I thought…” Aang said with chagrin, “But that was before Zuko handed the chopstick to Mai, who with a flick of her arm managed to skewer it securely in the cushion I was sitting on, squarely between my thighs!” Katara could hear the shudder in his voice. “That was before we’d had Tenzin, Katara! Do you know what that could have meant?! For an instant I’d thought that was the end of the Air Nomads for good!”

Katara snorted, knowing full well that Mai would have had that little threat in mind when she threw the chopstick. Although it had taken some time for Katara to warm up to Mai, she now fully appreciated the understated, off-kilter wit of the dark-humored Fire Lady.

“But I thought I had her the next time when I gave her a bag of bison-fur yarn-balls.” Katara could hear the irritation in Aang’s voice when he continued, “Who knew she could make even those hurt…?”

A small snicker had Katara glancing up at the woman washing her hair. Apparently their talking was amusing to those washing their hair; these women undoubtedly would have encountered Mai here as well, and perhaps could appreciate the image of their Fire Lady harassing the Avatar.

But the woman’s mirthful expression hurriedly returned to a professional neutral when the curtain opened and Madam Uriko entered.

The old woman moved gracefully as she stopped in front of the shrine at the front of the small room. Removing a small pressed incense cone from a pouch at her waist, Madam Uriko lit the cone with a small snap of her fingers. Katara was mildly surprised; she hadn’t known that Madam Uriko was a firebender.

“Well Sokka’s birthday is coming up soon, and I’ve got to get him something really useless.” Aang continued talking, probably unaware that Madam Uriko had entered the room.

Madam Uriko lifted the elaborately carved lid of a brass incense burner standing on three spindly legs on the shrine and placed the lit incense pellet inside. After replacing the lid and folding her hands delicately in front of her, Madam Uriko breathed deeply, firebending to coax the fragranced smoke out through the intricate pattern of holes in the lid.

Katara looked toward her husband, washcloth still over his eyes, still moving his hands dramatically as he continued to talk, maybe a bit too loudly. Madam Uriko sent a disdainful look his direction.

“And not useless like that art kit we gave him a few years back,” Aang continued. “I mean, he loved that gift! Sokka completely failed to see any of the irony we all saw when we got it for him…”

Katara decided to ignore the Madam and closed her eyes again, breathing deeply to take in the relaxing aroma of the incense. Katara loved this smell. “You could try finding one of those cloud reading books Aunt Wu used to tell the future…” Katara suggested.

“Hey, that’s not a bad idea, Katara! I’m sure he would— Wait!” Katara heard Aang’s hair washer gasp in surprise. Katara’s eyes sprung open to see Aang sitting up abruptly on the side of the bed, water running down his back from his wet head, the washcloth falling to the floor.

“What is that smell…?” Aang asked, an unexplained apprehension in his voice. Then pointing at the incense burner, he addressed the Madam. “What’s in that burner?”

“It’s incense, Master Avatar,” Madam Uriko said condescendingly. “Surely you’ve smelled incense before.”

Aang ignored her rudeness, and closed his eyes breathing in the scent deeply. His forehead furrowed slightly above his closed eyelids. Katara watched his expression carefully, troubled by her husband’s sudden intensity. Katara noticed Aang swallow thickly, this brows arching in… longing? Sadness? Why was Aang reacting this way?

“Sweetie?” Katara asked softly. But he ignored her, turning instead towards Madam Uriko with a sudden fire in his eyes.

“Where did you get that incense?!” Aang demanded of the woman.

“Get it?” the woman replied coolly, uncowed by Aang’s aggressive tone. “Why it comes from the spa’s private stores. We’ve been burning this incense here in the palace spa for generations. It was a favorite of Firelord Sozin. And of his son, Firelord Azulon.” Madam Uriko said the name like a caress.

Aang took another halted inhale before quickly standing and pushing past the woman, unceremoniously ripping the lid off the burner and tipping the burning cone into his hand. Katara watched his back stiffen visually.

Katara sat up, concerned, her hair washer reaching forward to wring her hair as best she could as water streamed down Katara’s back from her heavy wet hair. But Katara ignored it. “Aang?” she asked anxiously. “What’s wrong?”

Aang turned towards Madam Uriko, holding the cone up in his fingers. “How did this get here?!” He shook it once angrily at her. “This doesn’t belong here!”

Katara was unaccustomed to seeing Aang this heated. He was notoriously even-tempered, and almost never lost his cool. To see Aang this upset alarmed Katara. “Aang?!”

Aang finally turned his eyes toward his wife, anger burning behind them. “This belongs to the Air Nomads!” Aang declared furiously. “See!” Aang turned the cone over, revealing one air spiral symbol pressed into the bottom of the cone. Turning back towards Madam Uriko Aang’s voice nearly yelled, “You have no business having this!”

Madam Uriko stepped back, her expression now clearly daunted by Aang’s intensity. “I assure you, this comes from the palace stores…” she stammered, trying to keep her composure. “It’s been here from before I began working here… as a young woman… I assure you, we--”

Aang’s nose wrinkled in a snarl as he cut her off, “This belongs to the Air Nomads! This is… was… sacred to us!”

And with that Aang fisted the incense in his hand and stormed from the room, knocking the brass burner over with his arm and leaving everyone’s clothes rippling in a stiff wind left in his wake.

…………..

It was late when Katara finally heard the snap of Aang’s glider on the balcony of their guest room in the Fire Palace. The sun had set hours ago, and it was now late enough that the moon had nearly completed her arch across the sky and now hung low over the crest of the volcanic rim of the Caldera, sending her ghostly silver light sideways into their room.

Katara was lying in bed. But she hadn’t slept.

After Aang had stormed out of the Palace spa earlier this evening, Katara had run after him. But even as she had searched for Aang, Katara knew that trying to catch up with a fleeing airbender was futile. The best she could hope for would be to find him wherever he stopped.

Katara had checked with Appa first, but the bison was snoring lazily in his favorite place in the courtyard of the stables, undisturbed. Katara checked their room, the garden, and even the rooftop. No Aang. But Aang’s glider was gone, so Katara knew that the best she could do was wait for him to return.

Knowing this didn’t keep her from being irritated with her husband. And concerned, of course. Mostly concerned. Katara hadn’t seen Aang this upset in years, not since they were very young. She wondered what it was about the incense that had upset him enough to run like he was a child again?

She now lay quietly in their bed and waited as her husband crept noiselessly into their room, his footsteps silent. She watched his profile as he propped his staff carefully against the wall, and removed a satchel from his chest, setting it noiselessly on the ground. The moon’s iridescent glow was on his back, his face in shadow.

“Aang…?”

His shadow stilled.

“I’m sorry, Katara. I’d hoped you were asleep.”

Katara let out a breath from the darkness inside their room. Did he really think she could sleep without knowing where he was and that he was okay? Had twenty years of marriage taught him nothing?

Aang spoke softly from just inside the doorway, his face still in shadowy profile. “I’m sorry I left so rudely this evening. And I’m sorry it is so late…”

Katara wasn’t angry anymore, well not very angry anyway, mostly just concerned. His apologies were secondary to his wellbeing to her at the moment. But she didn’t say anything, sensing that he wasn’t finished.

“I shouldn’t have lost my temper like that. It wasn’t fair to you, and it wasn’t fair to those women doing their jobs at the spa either. I’ll return tomorrow and apologize.”

Something in his voice told Katara that as sincere as his words were, there was a much heavier burden behind them. But he didn’t say anything more. Just stood there facing the darkness, the light of the moon highlighting the blue line on the back of his head, making it look almost silver.

“I just needed some time to… uh, to work through some things.” Aang finally turned towards her, the light now illuminating half of his face. Katara caught her breath at the sadness in expression. Despite the shimmering moonlight, no light danced in Aang’s eye as it usually did. Instead his eyes looked at her with a dark forlorn blackness.

“Oh Aang,” Katara murmured as she pushed the blankets off of her and swept over to him in the darkness, her bare feet cold on the polished floor. “I’ve just been worried. Where were you?”

“I, uh, flew north for a while. Found a small island. Really small. Almost all rocks. I just needed some space to, um… to…”

“Meditate?”

“… well… I did some of that too...” Aang looked down and to the side, a little sheepishly. “But I might have spent most of the time breaking things. Throwing around fire and rocks to cool off a bit.”

Aang looked at her penitently. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have run off. I shouldn’t have worried you.”

“Oh Aang, I don’t need anymore apologies.” Katara reached up with her warm hand to touch his face in concern. “But please, let me know how I can help you. Why were you so upset? Why do you look so…  so sad?”

Aang brought his hand up between them, opening to reveal the small incense cone from earlier lying benignly on his palm.

“This,” Aang spoke softly, his shoulders slumping, as though the burden of a nation weighed on him.

Katara swallowed a lump in her own throat, remembering that it did.

Katara reached forward, picking up the small pressed cone with her fingers. She ran the pad of her forefinger over the small air swirl stamped into the bottom of it before looking back up at him. “What is it Aang? You said it belonged to the Air Nomads?”

“Yes.” Aang’s brow creased and he took a steadying breath before he continued, trying to explain. “This incense is something I haven’t smelled in… well since before. But it’s a scent I will never forget. One I thought I would never smell again.”

Aang took the incense from Katara, and with a snap of his fingers a flare of yellow heat illuminated their faces for a moment as he lit the end of it. They both watched as a tiny stream of smoke began to trail upward in lazy loops, filling the space with the rich aroma of cedar resin and cardamom, and with a fragrance unnamed but potent, both light and substantial, like the air and the mountains themselves.

“This smell is unmistakable for me.” Aang said as he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, his brow softening in memory. “The monks lit this incense during the Ceremony of Mastership. I was wrapped in this scent for ten days while Master Dun and his assistants bestowed my tattoos. Breathing this incense helped fortify me through the, uh, difficult parts of the ceremony; it deepened my meditation.”

Aang swirled a hand lightly above the incense, airbending the smoke into an upward spiral, his eyes unfocused, drifting into the past. “Of course I knew the smell before I ever got my own tattoos. It was part of the ceremony we all participated in to unveil a newly tattooed Master Airbender. Wisps of it were often in the air of my childhood.” A small smile appeared on Aang’s cheek. “But that day… when I got my own tattoos… this smell meant belonging. It was completion. It was a connection to the spirit of Air itself, a bond I shared with all the other Masters.”

Katara watched her husband carefully, her heart throbbing with the pain of knowing that even Aang’s happiest memories were so often undercut with grief.

Aang let out a long breath, relaxing just a bit. “The tattooing ceremony was one of the most spiritual events in my life – back in a time when I knew nothing about being the Avatar; when my greatest aspiration in life was to be a monk, simple and at peace. I tasted that future that day, that peace.”

Katara ached as his shoulders sagged once more and he said quietly, “Of course it didn’t last…”

Aang sighed, looking down at the incense. “I thought this was lost, just like so many parts of my culture. I’m trying to be grateful to have this at all…”

He hesitated. So Katara prompted him, “But?”

“But sometimes I just miss them so much…”

Aang looked sadly into Katara’s eyes. “I would never want you to think that I’m not happy with our life together – I am! Our family, the kids, you in my life, is better than I could ever have asked for.”

Katara took his hand, “But that doesn’t change what you’ve lost, Sweetie. It doesn’t make it all better.”

Aang swallowed, and nodded. “Sometimes I forget. I don’t think about them for a while. Just live in the moment. It’s easier that way. Then it doesn’t hurt so much. I can just move on with my life. Sometimes I believe that I really have moved past it.” He smiled again, despite the wetness in his eyes. “Sometimes it feels like it was all a dream anyway, like my childhood was someone else’s… like maybe it wasn’t even real.”

Aang stood silently for a moment, before looking back down at the incense in his hand. “But when I smelled this today, it all came back to me in an instant. Like I was there again! And they were there, and we were worshipping and celebrating together.” Aang’s face crumpled in grief, his voice a whisper. “For a split second they were all alive again.”

Katara’s heart lurched for Aang, but before she could touch him Aang’s anguish suddenly turned to anger, his face scowling as his words cut out fiercely. “But who knew that all this time our ceremonial incense has been used as ambiance for our, our murderer’s bathhouse!?”

Katara took a surprised step back as Aang’s hand fisted tightly around the incense, his hand turning hotly to flame and crushing the little cone.

“That they used it as perfume for when they bedded their concubines!?”

The flame danced angrily in his eyes as he seethed.

But Aang extinguished the flame, letting it die as quickly as it had flared, the anger in his face dissipating with it, replaced by that same dark sadness.

“What does this,” Aang looked sadly down at the smoking ash in his hand, “teach us about about Sozin’s destruction of the Air Nomads?” A large tear rolled down Aang’s cheek as he closed his eyes tightly. “That apparently Sozin liked how we smelled when we burned.”

A sob caught in Katara’s throat as she scrubbed at the tears she hadn’t realized were falling down her own face. Katara pushed down her own temper that was threatening to flare. One thing she had learned over the course of their marriage, was that when one of them was struggling, the other needed to be strong. And she needed to be calm and strong if she was to help Aang today. Otherwise, she knew him, and he would feel the need to focus on her. But this was all about him right now.

She reached for Aang, wrapping her arms around him. After a moment, Aang grasped her tightly back, bowing his head to lay his chin over her shoulder.

He shook; and so did she. Crying together for the disgrace and tragedy and uselessness of it all.

“Oh Aang,” Katara whispered into his neck, compassion welling within her. She pulled him closer to her, even as a sob shuddering through his body as he gripped her, holding onto Katara as if to remind himself that not _everyone_was gone, he hadn’t lost it all.

“I don’t want to feel this way. I don’t want to hate them.”

Katara nodded against him. “I know, Aang.”

It’s easy to do nothing. It’s hard to forgive. Words that Aang had spoken to her long ago. And Aang didn’t just spout these words — he lived them. Katara had seen how Aang had chosen forgiveness, over and over again, even-- no especially-- when it was hard.

What many people mistakenly thought -- even herself, before the end of the war -- was that forgiveness came naturally for Aang, or that somehow it was easier for him. But after years of living with this good man, what she had come to learn is that forgiveness was only easier for him because he practiced it all the time. He believed it in, and worked at it everyday.

But sometimes it was still hard.

Katara held him tighter, telling him through her embrace that he is not alone, and that she is here. That she bears this burden with him.

Forgiveness was hard, but he didn’t have to do it alone.

……………

Katara inhaled deeply. She didn’t need to look around at the many smoking burners lining the back of the ceremonial hall to know that the incense was there. The smell was incredible! Enveloping the entire room in its fragrance like the embrace of a supportive friend.

It had been ten years since Aang had disconcertedly discovered that for generations the Fire Nation royalty had been using the Air Nomad’s sacred incense in their palace spa. Although Zuko, Aang and Katara had all tired their best to uncover how the royal family had gotten a hold of the incense in the first place, they were never able to find anything conclusive. Procurement of a conquered people’s incense was apparently not significant enough to merit any documentation.

However, with the help of a surprisingly accommodating Madam Uriko, they were able to study the remaining cones and records in the spa stores. Apparently the royal chandler during the early period of Azulon’s rule, had studied the incense himself, and written out his own recipe. It was likely that the modern cones in the spa had not been made by Air Nomads at all, but had been replicates made by chandler himself. Katara and Aang had wondered in length together about why the royal chandler would continue to include the air nomad symbol on the bottom of each incense cone he made – perhaps he had done it as his own small rebellion against the Fire Nation’s campaigns? Or perhaps he had wanted to keep record of the incense cultural roots? Or perhaps he had just done it to more authentically mimic the original? – there was no way to know. But Aang liked to think that perhaps the chandler had known an Air Nomad personally, perhaps had lost a friend, and maybe he included the symbol in memory of what was lost.  

The discovery of the chandler’s recipe had been an incredible find for Aang. He and the acolytes had worked hard to replicate the recipe, and now were fully capable of making their own incense. A scent Aang had thought was lost to time and tragedy, was now a viable part of the new Air Nation’s culture once again!

And now it was time to finally use it for its original purpose. Tenzin was being unveiled a Master Airbender today!

The anointment was a big day for Tenzin; big enough that Kya had delayed leaving on an extended trip she had planned, and Bumi had even taken leave from his service in the United Republic of Nations so he could be present.

However, important event or not, Katara had had to roll her eyes at her grown children’s antics. It seemed that the act of simply stepping foot back on Air Temple Island caused Bumi to reverted from ‘distinguished soldier’ to ‘annoying older brother’ instantly. Even though no one except Aang and his tattooing assistants had been allowed to see Tenzin since his Ceremony of Mastership had begun ten days previous, this hadn’t stopped Bumi from teasing Tenzin from through the closed door. He would gleefully call in suggestions to his dad about how to modify Tenzin’s tats to be a little more interesting. It didn’t help that Aang would flippantly play along, before seeming to remember that this was a sacred ceremony, and finally tell Bumi to get lost.

In addition to bothering his younger brother, Bumi had also taken to flirting with Kya’s girlfriend. While this was mildly amusing to Katara, it was seriously beginning to irritate Kya. Katara tried to remind Kya that Bumi flirted with everyone, while also sternly admonishing Bumi to cool it.

As much as Katara loved having everyone together again, she had to admit that keeping harmony in her small family of strong personalities was harder than it looked. Where was the docile, peacemaking child they so desperately needed? Whenever she would ask, Aang would only stifle a smile and raise his hands in surrender, jokingly claiming that he was not the one to blame for their children’s temperaments! And as exasperated as she might feel, Katara had to laugh at herself, knowing that he wasn’t wrong.

In preparation for the tattooing ceremony, Aang had called in two different tattoo artists – one from the earth kingdom and one from the fire nation, both reportedly the best tattooist in their perspective nations – to help teach Aang how to give Tenzin his tattoos. As Tenzin had neared the end of his training, Aang had admitted to Katara that just being ‘the Last Airbender’ didn’t automatically make him an expert on all Airbender skills. “Giving someone their tattoos is very different than being on the other side of the needle, Katara!” he had worried out loud. The closer Tenzin had gotten to mastership, the more nervous Aang got about how to bestow his tattoos. It was Katara who had suggested he ask for help.

After consulting with the tattoo experts, Aang had told Katara later that although their methods were different than what the Air Nomads had done over a hundred years ago, they seemed to understand enough of the process to take the details and tools he remembered and turn them into a working process. One of them even offered to give Tenzin his tattoos herself. Aang had declined, but expressed how grateful he was for to them for teaching him how.

The night before the commencement of Tenzin’s Ceremony of Mastership, Katara didn’t know who was more anxious: Tenzin or Aang? They were both bundles of nerves, but expressed their apprehension in characteristically different ways: Tenzin tried to hide his concern behind stoic meditation, while Aang couldn’t hold still, needing to “take a little run around the island” about ten times before bedtime.

When Aang had come in to bed the first night after beginning Tenzin’s tattoos, the smell of incense strong on his clothes and body, Katara had asked how it had gone. “I got better at it as the day went on.” Aang had replied. Then with a self-depreciating chuckle he added, “Hopefully nobody will look too closely at the back of Tenzin’s thigh…”

But the process had gone better from there, and ten days later, Katara now sat with Bumi and Kya on cushions near the front of the ceremonial room on Air Temple Island awaiting Tenzin’s anointing.

Katara was immensely proud of Tenzin, and all of his studious hard work. She knew he was aware of the burden he was born with, and in some ways she was sorry to have her son shouldering such a responsibility, but she was proud of the way he took it seriously. She knew Aang worried that Tenzin was ‘too serious’, but Katara, as a serious student of her own bending art, could not be more proud of his diligence and discipline.

Katara had often reflected on the irony that, of her three children, the one that was the least silly and carefree, the one who was a homebody with the seeming least amount of nomadic drive, was the one born with airbending. She’d wondered if perhaps it was meant to be; that airbending could be a way for Tenzin and his father to bond, when their personalities were so singularly opposite.

But as her mind wandered over these thoughts a hush fell over the audience, and she turned to see Aang and Tenzin, wearing a long hooded cloak, walk into the room and down the center aisle to the raised dais. Tears pricked at Katara’s eyes as the tall hooded form of her youngest son knelt reverently at the center of the stage. She looked at her husband, dressed in a formal yellow robe not unlike the one he had worn to Zuko’s coronation, and, catching his eye, noted that Aang’s eyes were also moist with emotion.

Katara cried for most of the ceremony. The image of Tenzin removing his hood to reveal a new blue arrow on his forehead brought a loud sob from her. Kya reached an arm over her shoulders, while Bumi refrained from being irreverent (which was more than Katara would have expected from him). From then on the rest of the ceremony was one big tear-clouded blur.

But the smell of the burning incense was potent and clear, and got even stronger as she felt it swirl around her, ruffling her clothes and inciting the song of the many wind chimes hung throughout the room.

Katara drank in the aroma carried on the wind. Despite the way the incense had found its way back to Aang, Katara couldn’t help but be grateful for this piece of Aang’s culture, of her family’s culture, that had been restored. Aang had admitted to Katara that although for a long time it had bothered him that his people’s sacred incense had been dishonored, he was grateful it had been. At least this way it had been preserved.

Katara breathed in deeply, taking in this scent that was both ancient and new. And something powerful stirred with in her.

Perhaps it was the power of the scent in the air, coupled with the way the wind chimes sang, but as Katara closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, she felt a spiritual tingling across her body, as though they were not alone. Like perhaps the energy of the Air Nomads, the ancestors of her children, were there and rejoicing with them as the first airbender in well over a hundred years, was anointed a Master.

…………….

A/N: I don’t know about you, but sometimes the smell of something can bring back very vivid memories/emotion for me. That was the genesis for this story.

(P.S. Also, I really do have a bald friend who loves getting hair washes. ;)

..................

Other works in this series:

Chant

Artifacts

#older Aang #older kataang #kataang family #air nomad genocide #katara POV #Aang #the last airbender #ALTA #avatar the last airbender #best boy aang #forgiving is hard #hair wash fic #incense fic #tenzin's tattoos #angry aang #aang's tattoos #air nomads #false fire nation propaganda

[umbralstars]

Sothis, the Church of Seiros and Byleth: A Pagan Reading

Due to L!Byleth and the minor hyperfixation he caused I decided to make a whole discussion on how I personally view Sothis, the Church of Seiros as a whole, and examine Byleth's role in the story.

So just some ground rules before I begin:

This is just how I personally viewed the story as I played it, and my own perspective on the plot and meaning behind certain things. I am open to discussion in the comments and reblogs, and if you disagree with my opinion that's perfectly fine. Also so much of this is going to read like headcanons/assumptions loosely supported by canon's thin red strings and I am ok with that.

If any in-game quotes are used they will mostly come from the Church Library since it's easy to check but I'll paraphrase important scenes that I can remember.

Also after compiling a timeline of events best I can understand it I have made a few assumptions: worship of Sothis existed before the Church of Seiros (perhaps even going as far back as pre-Calamity times) and thus Church doctrine and beliefs is largely based upon previously established beliefs about the Goddess. This doesn't have too much to do with the analysis itself, but I just wanted to say it as I quote The Book of Seiros parts a few times and the writings in those books I hold to have a basis in that pre-Church faith.

With those in place, allow me to begin.

The Sothis/Church of Seiros Meta:

While there have been many metas comparing Sothis and the Church to medieval Christianity, I have always looked at them both through a distinctly non-Christian, Pagan lense. 

I myself am a syncretic polytheist who has a complicated history with Southern Baptists. These two core aspects of my spiritual life does color my perceptions of the religion presented in this game and I am fully aware of that. Three Houses came at a time in my life where I was finally seperating myself from my latent Christianity, and exercising my Pagan goggles on this was a major step I took towards that. My intention here isn't to say that Christian coding doesn't exist, but to simply give my ideas and perspective on the religion presented in this game.

First, allow me to give the define the Gods through the lense of a Pagan as it's important to the framing of my ideas:

"The Gods are real, sentient, disembodied minds with awesome greatness and powers beyond what we humans can currently explain with science."

This is the simplest, shortest definition of the Gods I can give and Sothis, beyond a shadow of a doubt, hits all of the criteria as she is presented in the game. The Pagan conception of the Gods does not require any pretense of tri-omnism, and I believe it's best to look at Sothis, and many other FE Gods, through this lense. Sothis, when she was alive and even when she is "dead," is capable of amazing feats such as creating life, turning back time in a limited capacity, and restoring entire continents to life after calamity. While she is not tri-omni, she does not need to be so to be a Goddess and one worthy of worship and reverence.  

Church doctrine itself also exhibits other fundamental aspects of Pagan practice and belief that are important to me and many others: animism and the reciprocity cycle. As stated by The Book of Seiros, Part 1,

"The Revelation.The Goddess is all things. She is heaven above and the land below. She is eternity incarnate. She is the present, the past, and the future. Her eyes see all. Her ears hear all. Her hands receive all."

Obvious allusions to omnipresence aside, another reading of this passage is a far more esoteric, and hard to put into words, aspect of Pagan belief about the Gods. In a sense , the Gods are not limited by the physical constraints of the world and their bodies are inherently an aspect of the very universe itself. They are not omnipresent at all times, but they can be wherever they wish to be especially wherever their presence and power is strongest. That is actually the purpose of idols, alters, and temples. The Gods are not idols or are bound by them, those things are simply repositories to allow us humans to connect with and worship them. 

The natural world as well can be the "body" of a God. Places where their spirits decide to dwell. Natural phenomenon one can feel their presence in. They are not limited to these places, but upkeep of them is necessary to maintain their power and spirit. In this way that passage can be read as Fodlan and the Blue Sea Star being the places where Sothis' spirit chooses to reside along with her actual remains needing to be maintained to keep her spirit maintained. Her sacred body likely extends across all of Fodlan and her spirit resides most strongly as the Blue Sea Star.

Gods in FE also, more often than not, have a physical body that is important for their connection to the physical world. FE Gods are not incapable of interacting with or watching over the physical world from the spiritual, but have much more free reign when their physical body is alive. The places where their bodies are buried are where their power is most heavily felt, and their spirits the strongest, as evidenced by the Mila Tree and the Good Ending of Future Past in Awakening. This what I believe the true purpose of the Sealed Forest to be. Given how protective Rhea is of the place, the strange alter and Crest of Flames that is just there, and that being where Byleth awakens and Sothis remembers, either parts or the entire rest of Sothis' physical body must be buried there and not actually in the Holy Tomb.

As an aside, the remains of the Nabateans can also be seen through this lense but to a lesser degree. It's obvious that parts of their souls and power remain with their bodies, and thus, maintaining the Relics, Crestsones, and the other Nabatean remains not fashioned into weapons would be of utmost importance to Rhea. Because, if they were to be lost or damaged her kin's spirits may forever be lost to the physical world. 

Fodlan being the sacred body of Sothis is also why I believe the Church of Seiros to be an ethnic religion and a henotheistic one to the people of Fodlan. The Goddess is only ever credited in the creation story and a lot of other Church doctrines as having created and choosing Fodlan as her sacred ground. The people of Fodlan likewise are seen as her sacred people. Nothing in Church doctrine says that Sothis is the only God to exist and I truly cannot remember a single instance where anyone says other religions outside the Church are false ones. Hence why I say Fodlanders are henotheistic, where they do not deny the existence of other Gods, but Sothis is the most important and only one worshipped by them. To the people of Fodlan as long as foreigners do not deny her existence and those of Fodlandic descent worship her as they should there is no cause for an uproar.

This is not to say other religions can be practiced freely on Sothis' sacred ground, as evidenced by the women in Abyss who says she worships there "because Abyss is where it is allowed." Along with Atheism among Fodlanders to be a taboo in their societies. Whilst I don't see the Church to be a beacon of religious tolerance (or that Fodlanders don't believe their religion to be the best), I also do not believe them to be proselytizers to places outside of Fodlan. 

The reciprocity cycle also has a place within Church doctrine. The Book of Seiros, Part V describes the various commandments Sothis gave to her people and how if they abide by them the Goddess pays the people back with blessings and gifts. Textbook reciprocity is doing something for the Gods, such as sacrifice or ritual, and gaining something back in return or the Gods do something for you and you give back to them in turn. Reciprocity can be as simple as giving thanks for the blessings the Gods give or complex as full ritual, sacrifice, and or prayer to gain a blessing/aid or give thanks for one. The best case of reciprocity I see in game is the restoration quest for the Saint Statues. Whilst the Saints are complicated in how I believe their divinity is handled there is no doubt the player receives blessings from them for restoring their icons. 

(While I would like to devote an entire section to them and the Nabateans in general like 80 - 90% of my ideas are headcanon that I'm still not sure of. I don't think the Nabateans are Gods like Sothis is however immortal or long-lived they may be. I also still don't know whether the Saints would be worshiped or venerated in the Church, as I still don't understand the distinction of those two things myself, so I don't want to make a judgement call).

What about Byleth?

Byleth...is tricky. Now, I must preface, that all of this is my opinion. Some of it may not be supported by the game, but this is how I personally write him and his status regarding everything we see in game.

Byleth is, for all intents and purposes, the 13th potential vessel for Sothis to return to the world as they were given Sothis' Creststone on the request of Sitri. Here's the thing. I personally do not believe that Sothis is truly dead or that Byleth manifested her consciousness on happenstance.  It has been my personal belief ever since playing the game for the first time that Sothis' spirit does indeed reside in the heavens and that the piece of Sothis that resides in Byleth until his awakening is only a fragment. Along with that I believe that Sothis' consciousness and power manifested in Byleth specifically because Sothis wished for it to be so.

My ideas are centered around a few aspects of the game that have always stood out to me as rather strange if kept in line with the larger context.

Why after all this time and Rhea's many attempts did Sothis manifest in a stillborn child?

How was Sothis able to speak to Byleth and wake him after his 5 year coma?

Why does Byleth loose the Goddess' power at the end of Crimson Flower?

How was Sothis able to speak to Byleth if you choose to S-Support her?

How exactly was Byleth able to dream about something that happened long after Sothis' death even if he can access her memories?

These sticking points have always struck as odd given everything that Sothis says before Byleth's awakening. Sothis should not be able to speak to Byleth at all, but still does so only a few chapters later and comments on the war that Byleth was only privy to the very beginning of.

Hence my belief that Sothis' spirit as the Goddess of Fodlan does reside in the heavens, watching over the continent, and only able to interact with it and its people in subtle ways. Some of her spirit and power laid within her Creststone as it passed from vessel to vessel. One way or another, she was able to foresee the coming war that would change Fodlan fundamentally forever and chose to manifest that piece of her consciousness when the opportunity presented itself. It's why Byleth can dream of a battle that happened long after Sothis' death because he's remembering something experienced by the Creststone and knowledge given by the Goddess soul who resides in heaven.

I also believe that Byleth and Sothis as we saw them during the game was a mistake in some way. Byleth as his own entity was likely not supposed to be and the piece of Sothis' soul that was supposed to manifest wasn't supposed to be amnesiatic or at the very least not separate from Byleth. There were a few times pre-time skip where Sothis would be talking and Byleth's model would be moving and his facial expression changing. Almost like their thoughts were so intertwined that they were practically the same even before the awakening. It's very likely to me that Byleth's memory issues, lack of ability to properly express emotions, and other aspects of their character to be directly connected to the fact that Sothis' soul manifested incorrectly.

The Sothis he hears before waking from his coma and the one he speaks to during his S support is likely the full spirit of the Goddess communicating with him through great effort and only able to because he's her avatar. She knows of the pain Fodlan is experiencing because she can see it and feel it even as Byleth slumbers. Same thing for why Byleth would lose her power and soul piece on Crimson Flower, as Sothis may have interpreted siding with Edelgard as a rejection of being her avatar and simply deciding to be human instead (I don't wish to speak too long on a route I don't particularly like, but I felt that strange ending should be addressed).

My experience as someone who follows a Kemetic path leads me to not see Sothis' soul being split in this way as strange. In this particular religion, as I understand it, the soul is encompassed as multiple different parts all combining to make a singular being. Both Gods and humans have multiple parts to their souls, so one residing in the Creststone, later manifesting in Byleth, and another part residing in the heavens is plausible to me. Also if I wanted to compare Byleth to another FE character, his situation reminds me most of Nagi from FE 11 & 12 who is an amnesiac and likely an incarnation of Naga to aid Marth on his quest. Nagi doesn't get much characterization in those games, but it does show that incarnations/avatar of Gods, who aren't the confusing mess of Robin and Grima for instance, isn't a new concept in series for Byleth.

In terms of what happens after Byleth awakens I do believe that Byleth himself becomes a God or at the very least a demi-god in his own right. As it was Byleth absorbing the piece of Sothis' soul into his own, the Goddess' power was inherited by him alone. The inner turmoil caused by two souls sharing one body finally ceased and Byleth was fundamentally changed becoming, well, an Enlightened One. As the game doesn't really explore Sothis and Byleth much post-Time Skip, due to the war taking precedence and Byleth's unfortunate existence as a silent protag, how exactly he changes is up to personal interpretation. I personally believe he gained not only Sothis' power but some of Sothis' memories and insight that the Creststone soul piece had. He also gained greater control and range of emotional expression and probably took on some of the characteristics Sothis had. 

Byleth is both an avatar of the Goddess and his own person at the same time. He is and is not Sothis.

#fire emblem #fe3h #byleth eisner #fe sothis #church of seiros #fodland #fe3h headcanons #m!byleth #i really do apologize if this is rambling #i've had these ideas since first playing the game and never wrote them down #and they all came back to the surface all at once #i can't tell if this is supposed to be meta or pure headcanons #both? both is good

[irenadel]

So I recently read the short story “An Unwilling Apprentice” and found it all sorts of unsatisfying and intriguing, mostly because in canon we are given completely contradictory hints in regards to how old exactly Maul was when Sidious took him and in what circumstances he was taken.

1) Maul seems to remember nothing of Dathomir. True this can happen both if he was taken as a baby too young to remember or by sheer, ornery self-defense against remembering something less shitty that current circumstances.

1) a) Maul’s name: Maul says in Rebels that he used to have a name long ago, that was forgotten, which is just... I’m... it kills me okay? That just outright destroys the fuck out of me. Because it means he’s acknowldging a Dathomir he doesn’t remember, but now knows existed (thanks to Savage and that bitch Talzin, whom I stan), a Time Before Sidious. And also because... I don’t think “Maul” is actually a sithly soubriquet. “Maul” sounds too much like other nightbrother names, which sure, all sound sithly but that’s because Dathomir is neck deep in Dark Side Aesthetics. It’s entirely possible that “Maul” is his actual birth name. Talzin and Savage never call him anything else, though Talzin would have a vested interest in restoring to him any sort of lost name, maybe not in the immadiate aftermath of dragging Maul out of the pit of raving insanity, but at any point afterwards... maybe? a little? Mother Talzin if you named him something less metal please speak up...

2) There is that one depiction of Maul in Son of Dathomir, presumably at the time Sidious just got hold of him.

And like that’s absolutely adorable but he IS too old to not remember anything because of age (then again comic book artists are notorious for drawing weirdly adulty kids), so that means he did not remember because he blocked most of his memories? Well.... my problem with this is that you create a sort of phantom (ha!) preMaul where you have to imagine Maul sans Sidious’s influence and that’s.... strange if you’re not thinking about a baby or a toddler who have just the beginning of a personality. It’s unsatisfactory for me at least, because you strip Maul of all we know of Maul and chase after the shadow of a kid who no longer exists.

3) We have two accounts of how Maul ends up with Sidious, one of them Talzin insisting he was stolen (what does that mean? furtively? or by coercion like Asajj) and the other being Sidious’s account from the comic Son of Dathomir “a not so appreciated gift” or some old sithly nonsense like that. One must consider that both parties are liars, who is the worst liar of the two? who the fuck knows? So it’s entirely possible that both accounts are wrong or one is right or both are bogus.

3) a) Then there’s also that thing where apparently Talzin wanted to be Sidious’s apprentice and like... for what? and how? and why? and how did you think this was gonna come out okay!? You’re already either clan mother or poised to be clan mother, what do you need this shmuck for!? (Wait! did she become clan mother because of what he taught her? Intriguing new possibility) Like with all competent, older dark siders (I see you Dooku) I am always left baffled by how anyone who is both powerful and saavy ever gets roped into siding with Sidious. The dude is like Chronic Backstabbing Disorder: The Movie. There is nothing about him that says Trustworthy... unless he actually has the chance to groom you since childhood. Like I get Maul, Anakin and Ben Solo.... but WTF Dooku and Talzin?! You guys knew better!!!!

3) b) This is happening when Sidious’s own master is still alive right? Whether you take that to be Plagueis or else... So, so, so.... is Sidious hanging around Dathomir to find out a way to kill his own master? Doesn’t he say something along the lines of “I was learning from her when she thought she was learning from me”? I dunno, sounds like a shitty Sidious thing to do.

So all this to say “An Unwilling Apprentice” presents us a scenario where Maul is in Dathomir long enough to be a boy taught by his mother, who is sometimes bullied by other, bigger boys, and old enough to understand fishy things are happening between his mom and the creepy dude (Sidious). And the manipulation is spot on, don’t get me wrong, Sidious does that thing he does with Anakin where he tells Talzin to do horrible things to herself to gain more power and all these things do is drive a wedge between her and her son, all the while he is stoking anger and resentment in Maul, so that when the time comes Maul goes with him willingly even though that was not the deal he and Talzin had struck. So it is true both that this boy is being “stolen” but also given as a sort of gift to Sidious...

It’s just that this author does the thing authors in Star Wars always do, where they ignore previously established canon, because we can’t actually have one coherent galaxy can we? Because... one, Maul is old enough to remember everything... and like okay I can go with him just blocking those memories.... but this also means Maul was taken old enough for Savage to remember and Savage doesn’t seem to in TCW. Let’s grant that Maul is an unreliable narrator who may be supressing memories or lying about how much he remembers.... but SAVAGE doesn’t remember him. How much Savage actually remembers of his brothers and life is also up for debate, given the Dark Side Steroids and brainwashing he underwent, but still.... STILL it seems the only one who fully remembers Maul is Talzin.

But then we have this in “An Unwilling Apprentice”:

“Matters, however, were only to get worse, for later that night, having been hauled from the pit, the boy found himself introduced to those his keeper claimed would become his kin: a tall, wiry boy of a similar age and a stocky, broad shouldered boy at least a year older.

‘These two boys had for too long been starved of the love and attention all children crave, for the keeper was a stern and self-righteous man, and their mother had long before been taken from them to join a mysterious order from which she had never returned. It seemed fitting, then, that the two of them resented the new boy as much as he resented them, for he represented another mouth to feed and another who would vie for the keeper’s scant attention.“

Are the boys bullying Maul, Savage and Feral??? What the hell kind of jump in characterization is this? Because Savage and Feral seem to be adorable bros who just bro around being bros and not harming anyone until Asajj shows up to fuck their whole shit up... And like I get people can change a lot growing up but...... come on, you don’t have time to take me through such a radical change in personality, this is a short story! Or maybe these bullies have nothing to do with his brothers. (There’s another brother mentioned as a “weakling”? Is THAT Savage? But then Savage is definitely Force sensitive and not a weakling.... is it Feral? Why mention weakling brother if we don’t get enough information on him to place him or have him do enough to affect the story? AUGH!)  And there’s the line, “their mother had been taken from them”.... So nightsisters grow up with nightbrothers? What? Is this keeper brother Viscus? What is going on? What insanity is this?

This is what I mean by ignoring canon. Dathomir is presented as a society violently segregated by gender. You never see any young boys with the nightsisters or any young girls with the nightbrother. For all intents and purposes they all live apart until Violent Breeding Ritual of Rapey Undertones ensues. Any story where you want Maul to be raised at least partially by Talzin must account for this segregation and in that sense you don’t actually... need.... the bullies.... they are kind of superfluous.... You have a whole caste system beating down on babyMaul and his mother wanting to keep him besides her. But then once more you have to account for olderMaul remembering nothing of this. Which okay, fair enough, Savage seems not to remember either. Neither of them seem to be scared or even wary of women... though by all means Savage should definitely be....

I just think it was a good plot with a weak setup that ignored a super useful canon setting and does not account for Maul remembering nothing of all of this! 

When considering all of this I wonder if the most interesting explanation is that Maul did spend enough time in Dathomir to remember but he does not from sheer trauma. I think adult Maul seems to depend on Sidious a lot but... he also seems a lot more... I’m not going to say rebellious, but I’ll say “aware” than Anakin. He goes behind Sidious’s back much more than Vader and is way more resentful of his position as a subordinate (and ready to lord his masterdom over Savage as soon as he gets it... but.... harmlessly.....like siths but for babies, babysiths).

Maybe the more interesting view is to think that Maul remembers nothing and it is only upon encountering Savage and Talzin that, little by little, he begins to remember pieces of it. It would explain his sudden loyalty to Talzin. It would explain his desire for a long forgotten name that Sidious never gave him... it would explain... a lot...

#Star Wars #Darth maul #savage opress #mother talzin #son of dathomir #Sidious sucks and I hate him #You're not doing much better Talzin #*sighs* #brother viscus #feral opress #is that even his last name??? #dathomir #Dooku and Talzin suck at judging people's trustworthiness #they don't even have Anakin's myriad of excuses

[pluraldeepdive]

The (Communal) History of System, Multiple, & Multiplicity

Introduction

In the fields of psychology and psychiatry, the terms system, multiple, and multiplicity have been used to describe DID/OSDD patients since the beginning of these disorders’ existence. In older academic papers, this kind of terminology was actually encouraged to describe DID/OSDD in particular, especially by Ralph B. Allison, Bennett G. Braun, and Richard Kluft, who helped pioneer this sort of language within dissociative research and treatment.

Despite that, it was most likely people with DID/OSDD who brought this clinical lingo to society’s awareness. The 1980’s to 2010’s saw many publications created by people with DID/OSDD, about DID/OSDD, and usually for other people with DID/OSDD. With the introduction of the world wide web, this verbiage only increased in popularity. While that may not seem very surprising, this provides valuable insight into the early dissociative community and how it evolved over time.

Early DID/OSDD Publications

During my deep dive, I stumbled across several early publications, such as newsletters, magazines, and books created by the early DID/OSDD community. The ones below seemed to be the most noteworthy because they were often mentioned in the archives I looked at. I will also be sharing an excerpt from each work to demonstrate what early community lingo was like.

When Rabbit Howls (1987): Truddi Chase’s “When Rabbit Howls” is an autobiography on her personal experiences with DID and surviving childhood abuse. This was one of the first few publications by a person with DID that did not push for unification (complete integration of all alters). You can find it on Amazon here. 

(TW for abuse) p. 140

“When Putnam was researching schizophrenia, he discovered that the term didn’t fit all the patients he encountered. That led him to research the multiple personality cases recorded since the early 1800s. His final documented conclusion was that ninety-eight percent of the multiples on record involved repeated and severe incidents of child sexual and physical abuse. Incest seems to head the list, culprit-wise. For better or for worse, multiplicity may not be as rare as we think--only misdiagnosed..”

Many Voices (1989-2012): One of the oldest and longest running publications I could find was the DID/OSDD newsletter called Many Voices that ran from 1989 to 2012. This newsletter became such a hit that it eventually became a non-profit and is now owned by the ISSTD. According to the wishes of the founder of Many Voices, who has sadly passed away, the magazines are now freely available and you can read them here.

If you don’t mind discourse, I also highly recommend checking out @justanothersyscourse​​ who occasionally shares memorable parts of the magazines.

What is a “true” multiple? (Many Voices, October 1989)

“I cringe when I hear people (therapists, clients, or lay-people) use the term ‘true’ multiple. What does that mean? If it means ‘SALS-She Ain’t Like Sybil,’ or ‘SALE-She Ain’t Like Eve’ (to quote the eminent Dr. Kluft,) then one could (and would) quite easily overlook or misdiagnose the majority of MPD patients. Again, to quote Dr. Kluft, only 3% to 4% of the MPD population flagrantly presents the symptoms of their MPD. The rest (if they’re even aware of being MPD) work very hard to hide it. 

It is true that some multiples are more ‘split’ or separate than others. […] I believe that MPD lies on a continuum. The more severe and violent the abuse, […] the more separate and complex the system[…] Other factors which I feel influence the numbers of alters and the functionality of the system are 1) the personality or temperament of the family the MPD individual was born into and 2) the innate strength or weakness of each individual.”

Multiple Personality Gift (1991): While not a newsletter, a MPD/DID workbook called Multiple Personality Gift by Jacklyn Pia was published in September 1991. Back then, several diagnosed individuals choose to see their DID as a gift because it was what helped them survive childhood abuse. Jacklyn Pia, a ritual abuse survivor, described DID as a gift because they felt like it saved their life. You can read an archive of the book here.

Am I A Multiple? (Multiple Personality Gift, September 1991)

“Because a multiple has the presence of two or more distinct and recognizable personalities within, a variety of inside and outside happenings are present in his/her life that are not present in the lives of ‘singletons’ (a non-multiple person). […] In the following paragraph, are a number of inside and outside happenings commonly reported by people with the gift of multiplicity.”

Divided Hearts Newsletter (1996-?): Another older newsletter I found began publication in 1996 by a DID support website & forum called Divided Hearts. You can read the archived list here.

Some Facts about MPD/DID (Divided Hearts, September 1996)

“A multiple may have as few as two and as many as hundreds of personalities. The average number of alter personalities in a multiple is 8-13, although super-multiples may have more than 100 alternates.”

Collective Consciousness (?-1997) & Rainbow’s End (1998-Now): Collective Consciousness was a DID magazine but I’m unsure how long it ran for. I could not find much information on it. In July 1997, it ceased publication but was luckily picked back up by some folks who later formed the DID non-profit organization, First Person Plural. The new newsletter would be called “The First Person Plural Newsletter” up until 2002, when it was renamed to “Rainbow’s End.”

Rainbow’s End started in 1998 and is still running in present day. It’s freely available and you can read the magazines here.

A note on terminology (Rainbow End, April 1998)

“Multiplicity; Multiple Personality Disorder; Dissociative Identity Disorder; MPD; DID; DDNOS; Multie; Dissociator; Multiple Personality Gift; Host; Core; System; Alters; Parts; Ego States; Switching; Fusion; Integration; Out Front; Gone Deep; Co-conscious; In the background … etc etc

The language used to describe the dissociative experience is various and individualistic. First Person Plural retains the terms preferred by each contributor. Consequently throughout the newsletter different terms may be used for similar concepts.”

First Person Plural: My Life as a Multiple (1999): An autobiographical book written by Cameron West about his personal experiences with DID. You can look at the Wikipedia page for the book here. Cameron West’s website can also be found here. (I have not read the book so I can’t give any quotes but I think the title speaks for itself.)

Myths & Corroborating Evidence

Ever since I joined the dissociative community online, I have seen many, many myths floating around regarding these particular terms and their relation to dissociative disorders. The three myths I want to address are:

Myth #1 -- System, multiple, and multiplicity have no significance to the DID/OSDD community.

Myth #2 -- These terms were popularized by non-dissociative plurality groups (such as endogenic, natural, etc.) instead of the DID/OSDD community.

Myth #3 -- These terms were created by non-dissociative plurality groups.

Obviously, from the publications listed above (which is not an exhaustive list!), we know that myth #1 is just not true at all. Myth #2 & #3 can be fact-checked by this as well. The intermixing of DID/OSDD concepts with non-dissociative concepts emerged more in the late 1990s on the Internet, and it was certainly not very widespread at first. More information can be viewed here. And also here!

During my deep dive, I found that even the earliest online speakers on non-dissociative plurality, such as Astraea’s Web, have corroborated that system, multiple, and multiplicity originated from early DID/OSDD academia and publications. These publications can also be found all over archives of these earlier websites, too. Here are some archives that show that.

#there will be another post that covers the clinical history later #syscourse #actuallydid #actuallytraumagenic #dissociative identity disorder #actuallydissociative #abuse tw

[toadstoolgardens]

Magical Ways in Herb Magic

Timing

Ancient people created magical systems of varying complexity to time ritual acts with astronomical phenomena. Some of these systems involved the phases of the moon, others accounted for the seasons, and others used the stars and their positions. Timing can provide extra power to spells, but the inviolable rule of magic is to use it when needed. If you have a need now, there's no use waiting for the moon to enter the proper sign or until Ursa Major rises, grab your herbs and get on with it! Magic already works, it will work any time of day or night. If you wish to follow the old ways of timing magic with the sun, moon, and stars, please do! It's amazing and will give your powers a boost, but it may be followed or not as you please. You will still get results because the power is in everything, including you!

Tools

Herb magic requires few tools, and the only one you really need is the herbs themselves. Candles, incense burners, charcoal blocks, and jars to store herbs are important as well. A mortar and pestle set is needed to grind herbs and seeds. A large bowl to enchant herbs. A large glass or enameled pot to use exclusively for brewing infusions/potions. You may also want some simple sewing supplies to make sachets, along with cotton or wool cloth.

The Altar

Also called the spell table or work table. Magic does not need the presence of an altar, but it is a special place where spells are cast. It can also be used to enchant herbs, compose sachets, and perform all other magical work. An altar can be any flat surface where you can place herbs, candles, an incense burner, and any other materials you need for your spells. It can be indoors or outdoors, performing magic outdoors is advised when it feels right and is practical for you. Wherever you can find a for an altar place is sufficient, I use the top of my dresser inside and an old stump outside. You can add any objects that feel comfortable and significant to you. Lucky charms, fossils, rocks, shells, feathers, anything. Natural objects in particular may empower your magic further. I even collect my cats' shed claws and whiskers to add to my altar since that feels special and powerful to me. Your altar is all about you and limited only by your imagination!

Visualization

Visualization is forming a picture in your mind of your need. Many books have been written on this subject and many have difficulty visualizing clearly. If this is you, that's totally okay! The ability is present in you, I promise, and like any skill you probably just need practice. Try picturing a sunflower in your head right now... this is visualization. In magic, visualization is used to direct the power by forming a picture in your head. What you visualize can be any symbol associated with the need you're using magic for. Visualize it as if you've already obtained it, it's already come to fruition. Even if you're never able to fully visualize your need, that's okay! Magic will work as long as the intention is there.

Other Considerations

When possible, bathe before performing magic and dress in clean comfortable clothing or nothing at all. Some choose to wear special articles of clothing or jewelry, which is wonderful if it feels right but isn't necessary. It's also not necessary to abstain from sex, foods, or liquids prior to magic. Again, do so if it feels right to you. As a rule of thumb, don't cast spells for others without permission. If you want to use magic for someone you love and can't get permission or want it to be a surprise, make them a sachet! Present it as a gift, explain the uses and powers, and allow the other person to choose to bring those vibrations into their life or not. Above all, have fun! You should be serious when actually enchanting herbs and visualizing, but magic should be enjoyable.

Cunningham, Scott. Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Sixteenth Printing, Second Edition, 2008.

#herb magic #herbal magic #green witch #witchcraft #witchy #magic timing #altar #visualization #plant magic #witch tips #witchblr #herb witch