#light and dark... beginning and end of cycles... death and rebirth...

[torgawl]

just remembered diluc and crepus' names mean dawn and dusk respectively... biting my fist

#light and dark... beginning and end of cycles... death and rebirth... #noctua the owl a bird of transition and death juxtaposed directly to the phoenix that symbolises the ability to be reborn from ashes #the themes the narrative.... #diluc who adjusts his left glove possibly because of his father's delusion he once carried #diluc who had to watch his own father die #diluc who felt betrayed and used his father's killing instrument to pursue vengeance until he was once at death's door #diluc who returned to his home and decided to protect his people in his own way like the owl who symbolises guardianship #the mystery behind crepus' death and his use of the delusion his possible connection to the shady fatui vs diluc vigilante of justice #who protects the city at nighttime with his flames #my brain is fully having a moment rn #ugghhhhh i love diluc so much #he's my babygirl #my post #genshin thoughts

[slavicafire]

something ends, something begins.

reflection, rambling, and ritual for the winter solstice - and beyond. part one: longest night.

when winter looms heavy over us, the bears prepare to den. they've eaten well, they've not refused themselves anything, and thus they are ready to sleep: even though they don't hibernate fully, this sleep in their safe and secluded den is a passage nearly like death, a powerful mirror to the nature lulled to sleep by the cold. as they await the sweet coming of spring to awaken, you have the time to understand what that bear within you is - and lull it to sleep as well, so that you might focus on hope and renewal instead.

the bear is your wild force, the more primal part of your heart - it is your bitter survival, pain, it is your impulse, it is your anger, your fierce independence, dominance and hunger and rage. the heart that's fighting, grieving, persevering.

but it is so tired.

whatever the darkness and pain stirred within you - it is time for it to den. to rest. let it sleep and it will awaken in spring, in time for the grand celebrations of sacred equinox, reborn and ready to conquer in confidence. with kindness and patience, during the longest night, let the bear of your heart find its den and sleep.

take a ritual bath or shower: use something bitter and herbal to wash yourself, rinse your head with a solution of vinegar, let your body feel the cold of the water - if you can commit to it in a safe way, do it in the dark. don't dry yourself - let the air dry you as you stand there, bare, ready to embrace the darkness right before you partake in the triumph of the light. sing a lullaby: after you dress, still in the darkness or with a single candle lit, take all your bitterness, all your pain and anger, all your regret and failure and grief - and sing it a lullaby in its bed, and cover it until spring comes. and then, put the candle out. the lullaby is literal: choose one you like, one you feel moved by, perhaps it's one you loved as a child, or perhaps it's one you were afraid of or saddened by too much to like it. use the melody and the words, or add your own words to a melody that moves you. make it yours and meaningful. the bed is less literal: it means a significant, intimate space. it can be your actual bed, or it can be a crossroads, or a graveyard, or any other space that for you can be a symbol of passage, of sleep, of change. maybe the forest, maybe your old playground, maybe a place of memories. choose it wisely. cover it: prepare a piece of cloth that you will use to cover all these difficult feelings with. as you sing a lullaby to this harsh part of your heart, let it symbolically lie in this piece of cloth - then carefully fold it, as many times as you find meaning in. for some it is twice, or thrice, or four times - or as many times as physically possible for the material itself. find a den, and let it rest: hide it somewhere safe, to be recovered and unfolded only in spring, and not a second sooner! if you have an object that in your heart and mind represents this tumultuous period you want to put to rest, put it into the cloth as well. hide it. keep it safe.

in the spring, you will let it awaken: and remember, a bear is a sign of power, immense luck, and perseverance. it is a sign of good fortune - trust in your heart that good fortune awaits you, and with spring will come a full rebirth. a benevolent restart of the cycle that you are, inherently and intimately, an eternal part of.

don't close a chapter by slamming it shut or burning a bridge: put it to bed. lovingly - but stubbornly - command it to sleep.

#winter solstice #devotional #ritual

[merymoonbeam]

Truth

just a compilation of quotes and some information. (Hofas spoilers but I cant add read more so just ignore the post if you want idk)

Mor quote from Acomaf:

She lifted the orb from its velvet nest. It was no larger than a ripe apple, and fit within her cupped palms as if her entire body, her entire being, had been molded for it. “Truth is deadly. Truth is freedom. Truth can break and mend and bind. The Veritas holds in it the truth of the world. I am the Morrigan,” she said, her eyes not wholly of this earth. The hair on my arms rose. “You know I speak truth.”

Acomaf Book Of Breathings

Unmade and Made; Made and Unmade—that is the cycle. Like calls to like.

Acomaf Book Of Breathings Prophecy

Life and death and rebirth

Sun and moon and dark

Rot and bloom and bones

Hello, sweet thing. Hello, lady of night, princess of decay. Hello, fanged beast and trembling fawn. Love me, touch me, sing me.

Acowar Elriel TT scene:

Elain looked up at Azriel, their eyes meeting, his hand still lingering on the hilt of the blade. I saw the painting in my mind: the lovely fawn, blooming spring vibrant behind her.Standing before Death, shadows and terrors lurking over his shoulder. Light and dark, the space between their bodies a blend of the two. The only bridge of connection … that knife.(acowar)

Crescent City2 TT and Gwydion:

The male drew it, and Bryce flinched. Flinched, but—“What the fuck?” The knife could have been the twin of the Starsword: black hilted and bladed. It was its twin. The Starsword began to hum within its sheath, glittering white light leaking from where leather met the dark hilt. The dagger—.The male dropped the dagger to the plush carpet. All of them retreated as it flared with dark light, as if in answer. Alpha and Omega. “Gwydion,” the dark-haired female whispered, indicating the Starsword.(hosab)

Alpha and Omega meaning:

Alpha (Α) and omega (Ω) are the first and last letters, respectively, of the classical (Ionic) Greek alphabet. Thus, the phrase “I am the alpha and the omega” is further clarified with the additional phrase, “the beginning and the end” in Revelation 21:6, 22:13. The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet were used because the book of Revelation is in the New Testament, which was originally written in Greek.This phrase is interpreted by many Christians to mean that Jesus has existed for all eternity or that God is eternal. 

In Hebrew, the word emet (אמת, meaning “truth”), is referred to as the “Seal of God.”[8][9][10] [Cf. Isaiah 44:6[11]] The word is composed of the first, middle, and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The midrash explains that emet is made up of the first, middle, and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet (aleph, mem, and tav: אמת). Sheqer (שקר, falsehood), on the other hand, is made up of the 19th, 20th, and 21st (and penultimate) letters. Thus, truth is all-encompassing, while falsehood is narrow and deceiving.

Hofas Gwydion and Truth-Teller information

“The Starsword is Made, as you called it.” He waved an idle hand, sparks at his fingertips. “The knife can Unmake things. Made and Unmade. Matter and antimatter. With the right influx of power—a command from the one destined to wield them—they can be merged. And they can create a place where no life, no light exists. A place that is nothing. Nowhere.”

Hofas Gwydion and TT singing

Because the sword and dagger weren’t merely tugging now. They were singing, and all she had to do was reach out for them—

#elriel #hofas spoilers #cc3 spoilers #truth #I love canon you know? its just the best

[lunavenefica]

⛤SAMHAIN: History and Meaning⛤

Samhain is the holiest and most important Sabbat of the whole wheel of the year; it combines a number of elements: the agricultural crop, the wild crop, the transition of the autumn season into a winter temperature and the commemoration of the day of the dead. 

It is the time to remember our ancestors and our loved ones who greeted us, and as a solemn time it should tend towards contemplation of the mystery of life and death as taught by the ancients. 

Samhain is a time for introspection, to empty the false of our mind, heart and soul. It is time to heal the source of our deepest wounds and those we have inflicted on others, before time overtakes us. It is the time when we can learn to see clearly. 

The true victory of self is in the cauldron. Now we need to look at the nature of our motives and the outcome of our actions. 

Samhain is the time to communicate and listen to others, a time of death, of the thought of the ancestors and what we are thanks to them.

The leaves are falling, the apples are ripe, and the ice is on the ground. 

There is the scent of Autumn, an indescribable smell of October - pumpkins, apples, cinnamon, dry leaves and beer. 

Samhain approaches and the veil between the worlds gets thinner every night. 

You can feel it in the air that the Otherworld is approaching and the sunlight turns into sunset light. Our ancestors are celebrated in Samhain, it is the time of the dead and the dying. 

The spirits of the departed are closest to our hearts, at this time when even the earth is dying.

A melancholy and introspective mood descends upon us in this dark time of ends and completions; and therefore possible rebirths. 

In the growing shadows, darkness and fog prevail while the trees give off their colorful leaves, taking the appearance of skeletons.

This was also the time when cattle were killed for meat to be consumed in the winter months (the symbolic death of the wheat God). 

All the cereals still in the fields after Samhain were considered taboo, no one could collect them and became an offering for the spirits of nature.

⛤Samhain is the best known of all Wicca Wheel of the Year celebrations. And there is a reason for all of this. Obviously, first of all it is a festive Sabbat

and above all it is the only Sabbat that people recognize as a pagan festival  and they love to celebrate it anyway. 

In years past, the Christian Church decided, according to the tradition of the time, that people could hold this festival that they were so attached to, but that it needed a new name. He also decided that instead of being a feast to celebrate all the dead, it was to be transformed into a celebration of the dead saints. 

So the party turned into the best known Halloween.

⛤Our ancestors used to protect themselves this night, cutting out faces in vegetables and placing them near the windows. 

This gave birth to the so-called Jack o 'Lantern pumpkin. 

These carved pumpkin faces were placed next to the windows to keep the spirits of this night away. 

Being the veil of the subtle worlds, it was not only the ancestors who returned to earth, but all the people of the Underworld.

⛤Samhain is obviously the end of the "summer" mid-year(The Celts divided the year into two parts, summer and winter). 

It is also the last harvest before the snow. 

It is the opposite black of Beltane, announces the role of the Dark and celebrates the Crone. It is also considered the first of the witchcraft year. 

Since the Celts considered time to be circular rather than linear, the night is both the end and the beginning of the year. 

For this reason, Samhain is a feast of divination and a time for the dead. 

A night of contradiction where life and death, opposite but parts of the same cycle, were celebrated together.

⛤Sometimes most people think that this holiday is to venerate an evil god by the name of Samhain, but this deity does not exist in any Celtic or European pantheon. 

It is a literary creation of the twentieth century, without a foundation of reality. 

Fables of Druids who left pumpkins at the doors of families who had provided sacrifices for Samhain (Satan). 

This is not TRUE! Samhain today is famous as Halloween, and obviously still has much of the old Celtic tradition, despite the church's attempts to turn it into a day of prayer for the pantheon of saints.

⛤The best known aspect of Samhain is the Festival of the Dead. It is a night to honor ancestors, to celebrate their lives and to respect their memories. It is a time when families get together and listen to stories about the life of their great grandparents and legends about kings and their knights. It was believed that on this night, the dead could return to earth to find the living. It was common practice to prepare the table even for those who have recently died and to leave food for their wandering souls. Lights should have been placed on windows and along streets to guide the spirits of the night.

Witchfully Yours,

⛤Isidora⛤

#samhain #all hallows eve #magick #kitchen witch #witchcraft #witch aesthetic #witchblr #witches #witchy things #witchyvibes #wicca #witchcore #trick or treat #jack o lantern #halloween aesthetic #halloween decorations #pagan wicca #eclectic wicca #wiccan #celtic wicca #wiccablr #green wicca #kitchen wicca #pagan #paganism #halloween #spooky season #happy halloween #spirituality #spiritualawakening

[homomenhommes]

Good Friday and Easter: A Cycle of Death and Rebirth

In the heart of spring, Good Friday and Easter stand as a duo, unified by their contrasts. The silence and sorrow of Good Friday lead us to the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday, a time that celebrates life and hope. These holidays symbolically represent the eternal return, the renewal of life, and the triumph of light over darkness.

From Pagan Spring Rituals to the Christian Festival of Hope: Easter, the focal point of the church year, is closely tied to the resurrection of Christ. Yet, its roots reach deep into history, to times when spring was honored through pagan festivals that celebrated the cycle of death and rebirth in nature. This piece delves into the history and significance of Easter, highlighting how it has evolved over time.

Celebrating Spring Since the Dawn of Humanity: Since prehistoric times, people have marked the arrival of spring with festivities that reflected the cyclical nature of life and themes of death and rebirth. These early celebrations were brimming with vitality, signaling the end of winter and the reawakening of nature.

Transformation Through Christianity: Between Good Friday and Easter As Christianity spread, many of these pre-Christian customs were adapted. The focus shifted to the story of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, turning Good Friday and Easter into symbols of death and new life, two sides of the same coin, emphasizing the profound meaning of loss and rebirth.

The Deeper Symbolism: Good Friday, a day of pause and reflection, paves the way for Easter Sunday, a festival of joy and victory. These contrasts illustrate the eternal cycle of life: darkness gives way to light, sorrow to joy, and from death springs new life. These themes are found worldwide in various cultures and religions, reflecting the human longing for renewal and liberation.

The Relevance of Good Friday: In many Christian traditions, Good Friday is a deeply spiritual day, marked by prayer and contemplation. Despite its contrast to the festive Easter, it is an essential part of the Easter tradition, symbolizing the emotional and spiritual journey from darkness to light, from death to new life.

The Cosmic Connection: Interestingly, the period of Good Friday and Easter often coincides with the transition from the Pisces to Aries zodiac signs, forming an intriguing contrast: Pisces represent conclusion and letting go, Aries beginnings, energy, and determination. This astrological phase mirrors the themes of Easter, providing an additional layer of interpretation.

[megyulmi]

Itafushi, or from darkness to light:

[continued from this post]

Megumi’s birthday is on Winter Solstice (usually December 21 or 22), the darkest day of the year. It is a day associated with 사유(死有) in Buddhism, which is the moment of death. Since Buddhists recognise that there is a continuous cycle of life, death and rebirth, in the moment of death, after the last breath is taken the individual is in an intermediate state between their previous life and their new life. Winter Solstice is seen as the message of the darkness, but it is also perceived as a messenger of Enlightenment, or to put it in another way, the promise of the return of the light as it is when things are at their darkest that the light is about to return.

On the other hand, Spring Equinox (usually March 21) represents new light and life and can be associated with 생유(生有) in Buddhism, which is the moment of birth. In Japan, Buddhist Temples perform the Higan-e Ceremony on this day. The word ‘higan’ is a translation of the Sanskrit word ‘paramita’ and it means ‘arriving on the other shore’. It signifies ‘getting across’. Buddhism teaches that the world in which we live, called the impure world (literally: ‘realm of endurance’), is a place of suffering. In this schema, the impure world is located on this side of the shore. The source of all suffering (the three paths of earthly desires, karma and suffering) is likened to a great river and the life condition of Enlightenment is likened to the other shore. We must cross the river to reach the pure land on that side of the shore.

From this perspective, Megumi and Yuuji are the end and the beginning of this continuous cycle.

#or what i am trying to say is that yuuji is the light to megumi's darkness. #this is a mess. i apologise. i couldn't recall the correct terms in english so i am using the korean terms or whatever came first to mind. #this makes much better sense if explained properly i promise. #fushiguro megumi #itadori yuuji #itafushi #itadori x fushiguro #fushiita #megumi fushiguro #yuji itadori

[planet-gay-comic]

Good Friday and Easter: A Cycle of Death and Rebirth

In the heart of spring, Good Friday and Easter stand as a duo, unified by their contrasts. The silence and sorrow of Good Friday lead us to the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday, a time that celebrates life and hope. These holidays symbolically represent the eternal return, the renewal of life, and the triumph of light over darkness.

From Pagan Spring Rituals to the Christian Festival of Hope: Easter, the focal point of the church year, is closely tied to the resurrection of Christ. Yet, its roots reach deep into history, to times when spring was honored through pagan festivals that celebrated the cycle of death and rebirth in nature. This piece delves into the history and significance of Easter, highlighting how it has evolved over time.

Celebrating Spring Since the Dawn of Humanity: Since prehistoric times, people have marked the arrival of spring with festivities that reflected the cyclical nature of life and themes of death and rebirth. These early celebrations were brimming with vitality, signaling the end of winter and the reawakening of nature.

Transformation Through Christianity: Between Good Friday and Easter As Christianity spread, many of these pre-Christian customs were adapted. The focus shifted to the story of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, turning Good Friday and Easter into symbols of death and new life, two sides of the same coin, emphasizing the profound meaning of loss and rebirth.

The Deeper Symbolism: Good Friday, a day of pause and reflection, paves the way for Easter Sunday, a festival of joy and victory. These contrasts illustrate the eternal cycle of life: darkness gives way to light, sorrow to joy, and from death springs new life. These themes are found worldwide in various cultures and religions, reflecting the human longing for renewal and liberation.

The Relevance of Good Friday: In many Christian traditions, Good Friday is a deeply spiritual day, marked by prayer and contemplation. Despite its contrast to the festive Easter, it is an essential part of the Easter tradition, symbolizing the emotional and spiritual journey from darkness to light, from death to new life.

The Cosmic Connection: Interestingly, the period of Good Friday and Easter often coincides with the transition from the Pisces to Aries zodiac signs, forming an intriguing contrast: Pisces represent conclusion and letting go, Aries beginnings, energy, and determination. This astrological phase mirrors the themes of Easter, providing an additional layer of interpretation.

Text supported by Chat GPT-4 Images generated with SD-1.5, overworked with inpainting and composing.

#GoodFriday #Easter #Rebirth #Spring #Christianity #PaganTraditions #Renewal #Hope #Spirituality #CulturalTraditions #AstrologicalSigns #gayart #consolation #comfort

[bokettochild]

So, I have been thinking about your post about Legend and Wild looking almost like twins, Legend being Life, and Wild being Death and I can’t help but think about which of the heroes would be associated with different season. I wanted to share my thoughts: what if Wild was associated with Spring while Legend is associated with Summer? Legend is a god of growth, which takes place mostly over summer for crops and such. Wild, I tend to associate not just with Death but also Rebirth, which would fit a Spring association. Wild cares for the souls of the lost til it is time for them to become something new. Legend as summer and life, leads them on their path.

I also tend to associate Time with Fall (the old tradition of time gods being associated with harvesting) and Twilight is the one most fit for Winter cause I honestly couldn’t remember who else would be associated with that season.

Fun fact! This HC was running around in my head with almost the SAME BLOODY THOUGHTS!

I saw it a sort of different way though, because yeah, Legend would be Summer, all color and life and growth and warmth, but Wild? Wild is Fall. Fall is beautiful and nostalgic, it holds a sense of sadness as the year draws to an end, but that doesn't mean it's not happy and warm and cider and cocoa and crackling fires and crunchy leaves as well. Fall is a time of Death (the leaves die, hunting begins, gardens wither, grass turns brown) but its a beautiful sort of death that is still full of life in a strange way. And that is Wild, that is Wild so much because yeah, he's dead, he died, what came back isn't the same and he's still sort of dead (if only the man he used to be) but he's warm and happy and sweet and wonderful all the same, even though he's dead. Like crunchy leaves that whisper under your feet even though they died weeks ago.

But who is spring? Which Link is rebirth personified? Hyrule! Hyrule is like that first blossom of spring, that first patch of green grass coming up from the slush and the snow. Hyrule is a bright ray of light light in a dark world that promises that morning is coming, that the winter is defeated and it's now time to rebuild and recover and grow again. He's the one from a world still in darkness, still in destruction, a world worse off than any of the others', but it's growing again now it's recovering again now. It's still leafless trees and brown grass and barren land, but there are flowers here now, see? There is a patch of warmth here and the land is recovering, it's coming back, it's not blossoming yet but it's getting there! Hyrule is the Spring as it creeps in with slush and mud and wet and rain and only hints of the beautiful color we all long for. He's messy and raw and real and natural and beautiful not in the way we're looking for, but what is most needed.

I don't know that there are any heroes that fit the feel of winter, of death of the land but joy within, the sparks of warmth even despite the freezing cold, the brightness of a holiday amidst the death of nature, but that's okay. The Life Cycle in Mythology comes in three stages, not four. Life, Death, and Rebirth are all key. I have no clue what other stage in life there could be, but yeah.

They be Spring, Summer, and Fall, and I love that for them :)

#linked universe #linkeduniverse #asks and answers #lu legend #lu wild #lu hyrule

[moontheoretist]

"The dual planets were intertwined in each other's tragic destiny, and a dead song was scattered amongst the Cave Where Light Hid. The song had no beginning and no end, had no sound and no echo, came from no singer, and was heard by none. It thus uttered:

Takamagahara endless like Izumo, for it was a paradise perfect in its place. Yet the sky turned dark and the great sun pulled the tides, and the Kami left numerous trails as if migrating. The Yaoyorozu no Magakami manifested and slaughtered without mercy, yet little did they expect their peerless authority to be stolen and taken. Izumo broke seventy-thousand-and-thirty-three warrior's blades, forging the majestic Sentinels twelve in number.

The first was "Truth," forged with the slain Sovereign of Revelation. It allowed mortals to comprehend all laws and order, to dissect all things and to recreate miracles. - (Honkai Impact 3rd - Herrscher of Reason / Truth)

The second was "Sky," forged with the slain Eternal Zenith. It could turn the sky into walls and fortresses and pose obstacles for the Magatsu no Morokami's steps. - (Honkai Impact 3rd - Herrscher of the Void)

The third was "Howl," forged with the slain Almighty Thunder. It could summon lightning to tear the sky, and the soaring meteors and thunder dealt divine justice. - (Honkai Impact 3rd - Herrscherr of Thunder)

The fourth was "Mist," forged with the slain Everbreath. It could make winds break and shear the land, for gales to rage forever unceasing. - (Honkai Impact 3rd - Herrscher of Wind)

The fifth was "Frost," forged with the slain Heaven's Winter Cloak. It could freeze and still the very order of time, to create boundless frozen wastes and stretch one moment into eternity. - (Honkai Impact 3rd - Herrscher of Ice)

The sixth was "Fate," forged with the slain Spurned Sister of Mortality. It could make flowers bloom and cover barren graves, for life and death to dance in a cycle and dissipate. - (Honkai Impact 3rd - Herrcher of Death / Rebirth)

The seventh was "Flare," forged with the slain Flamebringer. It could summon fires to burn down the very world, to torch the skies and to char the earth. - (Honkai Impact 3rd - Herrscher of Fire)

The eighth was "Thought," forged with the slain Wisdom Supreme. It could discern the past and future with the mirror of water, to tell truth from lies over years beyond reckoning. - (Honkai Impact 3rd - Herrscher of Sentience)

The ninth was "Root," forged with the slain Father of Lands. It could command islands to float into the heavens, for mountains and valleys to burst before armies. - (Honkai Impact 3rd - Herrscher of Earth / Stars)

The tenth was "Form," forged with the slain Nether Lord. It could make the masses join in unity, for endless forms to ebb and flow as one. - (Honkai Impact 3rd - Herrcher of Legion / Dominance)

The eleventh was "Bind," forged with the slain Omen Ward. It drove misfortune into a binding cage, for evil and demons to instantly vanish. - (Honkai Impact 3rd - Herrscher of Binding)

The twelfth was "Maw," forged with the slain Woes Eighty. It could corrode and age the very mortal world and make equal Kami and Oni, leaving an entity's four souls to be sundered in twain. - (Honkai Impact 3rd - Herrscher of Corruption)

Then the underworld was cleared out, the wars called to a halt, and the twelve blades broken and locked. In the emptiness the dead souls grew restless, and under the black sun two blades were forged as Bearers of the world's destiny.

One was named "Origin" and the other named "End," for all begun with humanity and shall end with Oni-kind. (Honkai Impact 3rd - Herrscher of Origin and Herrscher of Finality)

The sounds of lamentation ceased, and the dead flowers rose and fell. The losers returned to the void, and the winners... became null. The hobbling monk sang the song without a tune, for those who hold the power of Kami are walking backwards, towards divinity. Witnessed by the great sun, the land once named Izumo became completely devoid... of humans, Oni, and Kami".

The most interesting part is how the video described Herrcher of the Void's power set in comparison to Heavenly Principles from Genshin: "It could form a barrier from the firmament, and prevent the innumerable gods of misery from passing through". Which lowkey implies that Heavenly Principles is a Guardian of Teyvat that stops random Gods or beings from just entering this world willy-nilly.

#honkai star rail #honkai impact 3rd #hrs #hi3rd #acheron #raiden mei #Youtube #genshin impact

[my-multiversal-storage]

Hollow Light Lore.

Hello once again!

before anything else i want to tell three things:

1.- Im making a story based on this au with the same name, but because i really want to tell pepole all the lore of this au and most of it won't be told on that story, iv'e decided that i would put it here.

2.- This is majorly for my au, but ive also had it in a bit mind for @void-and-light (if you are reading this, please tell me what you think of the lore :D)

Lastly, there might be some spoilers for the history, but I encourage you to read it throug!

In the beginning the Light and the Void worked together, none of them were above of the other, because existence needed them both to survive.

The Light would give life to beings and give them free will to express themselves with joy and happiness, and once their time came, the Void would embrace the beings as they passed on.

The beings feared the Void, but it didn’t care as it was with the Light who embraced it and understood it.

Millions of millennia passed, many came and many went on, the Light and Void were no exception to this…

As their time came the Light gave the beings the Guardian Spirits, representations of itself, the Void couldn’t do such thing as it wasn’t in its nature to give life, but to take it.

As both beings embraced each other in their final years, Void confessed to Light that it was scared, because without it, the void could go rampage if provoked and could cause irreparable damage to the living.

But the Light comforted it, and reassured such thing wouldn’t happen, because the beings understood the importance of life and death, and wouldn’t try to brake such balance, calming the Void.

And as the last year came, they finally confessed to each other, and they left being happy in their final moments, because they had each other.

----------

As decades came, so did Gods, one set of them were the dream goddess and the nightmare one, “siblings” that ruled over the essence realm.

The dream goddess was worshiped by the moth’s, and was some what close to the Spirits, as her light not only comforted them but other beings, and in the Spirit’s eyes, she reminded them of the Light.

She was pleased by this, seeing as many thoughts of her and many remembered her, the nightmare one didn’t really care for this, they just liked to enjoy his dances that they did from time to time…

But as decades left, so did some Gods, she was terrified by this terrified of the darkness that always came, everyone was, even the nightmare god, who was a bit more reckless than her, but she was terrified of it, terrified of dying, Terrified of Being FORGOTTEN.

The nightmare god, tried to calm her down, but in her fear and anger, she attacked the nightmare god, giving them a mortal wound and casting him out of the essence real, forcing them into a dance that would keep him alive unless they managed to get back to the full essence realm.

Also because of this, the dream goddess got more power, enough to be able to control the minds of beings, but she didn’t do that for now as she was praised enough to be able to live for thousands of years.

Because of her new-found power and also because there were no one to go against her, no one that could defy her will, NO ONE THAT WOULD FORGET HER, she declared herself to be on par with the Light, the goddess of gods.

She also gave herself a name, something that the mortals would refer her to, something that the nightmare fool also did, she would now be known as “THE RADIANCE”.

----------

Years passed, and The Radiance ruled with an iron fist, making sure that everyone respected her, there was no will that could outshine hers.

That was until the Wyrm came, a giant being that had the ability of foresight, a higher being just like her, but she didn’t pay attention to him as it looked like his life cycle had reached his end.

Unknown to her, the Wyrm’s life cycles of life and Rebirth were never ending, and so the Wyrm shed his shell and transformed into a smaller being to blend in with the others.

There he found out how The Radiance wouldn’t let anyone question her, stripping everyone of their free will, of their sapience, making her word be the first and the final.

He took pity on them, but also saw an opportunity to guide them under his light in a kingdom that in his foresight would last forever.

So, he began to work, first he expanded their minds, giving them sapience and the free will they had lost under The Radiance, slowly but surely, she began to lose her followers.

Until, she was almost forgotten, only remembered by very few and close to death.

Then, once the Wyrm was sure that The Radiance wouldn’t be a problem anymore, he started to plan his Kingdome that he foresaw.

There were complications, that was known, some were uneasy of the idea, others out right detested being ruled by another due to what happened with the radiance.

But he reassured them, they would still be able to rule on their own, it just meant that he was the major ruler, and be known as the king of the land of Niwen, the king of Hallownest.

He talked, he convinced, he made offers, to bugs, to the mantis, to the bees, to the spiders, to the moki, the kii, the owls, the gorlek, the mushroom, the snails, the mosskin, the moths, and the Spirits.

Little by little, his kingdom was taking shape, his vision was coming true, until finally he had done it.

A kingdom that was at peace, under his rule, were everyone respected him, and some saw him as a god to them, he was respected, he found love at the hands of the White Lady, and he would be remembered as “The Pale King”.

He had done it, and his kingdom would last forever… or… it should have lasted forever…

----------

Many forgot about The Radiance, but she wasn’t truly forgotten, and she was enraged beyond belief.

She was angry at herself for not seeing it sooner, angry at the beings that had forgotten her, but above all else, she was FURIOUSE at The Pale King, for he was the one that had made everyone do so.

And in her anger, she began plotting, “They want to forget about me and leave me to rot? Fine! Let’s remind them why I can’t be forgotten”.

The habitants of niwen began to have head aches and strange dreams about Her, soon the dreams began to break their minds turning them into slaves once again of The Radiance as they oozed a sickling orange.

The ones that were unaffected to this were the subjects of The Pale King, the Spirits, the White lady, and The Pale King himself.

While the Spirits tried to keep the situation under control, The Pale King tried anything he could to put an end to the infection, but all he tried, always ended in the same result.

What… what could he do? Everything he tried was completely useless against her, his hopes were diminishing by the minute, his kingdom that was supposed to last forever was crumbling, he was going to be forgotten because of HER! what could he do, What Could He Do, WHAT COULD HE-!

… An idea came into his head, he remembered something he came across at the beginnings of his kingdom.

A black substance, but not any kind, it was… void.

The mere existence of this substance was completely opposite of the Spirits, while they were full of life and some of them shared their light even in death by becoming Ancestral trees, the void was completely lifeless, even compared so something as the natural elements.

But thanks to that he got an idea… what if they made beings out of void? With no mind to think, no will to break, no voice to cry suffering, able to seal The Radiance inside itself, forever.

For any other, this would be a fool’s idea, because in a sense, he would be making something completely unnatural. Giving life to something lifeless? It would go against nature as a whole.

But, what other option did he have? If he didn’t do this, his people, his kingdom would fall, without anyone to remember it, and he HATED that idea.

And so, he began to work in secret, no one could find out what he was doing, MUCH less the Spirits, because they more than anyone else knew that what he was doing, was against nature itself, so he kept it to himself.

At first, he tried to only use void and soul, a life energy that everyone had but only the snails and higher beings could master and use to their will.

But they seemed inefficient to contain The Radiance itself inside of them, but if they were born of god and void, then it could work.

But he would have to do something he himself deemed punishable by death, he had to sacrifice his children to the void so he could have the perfect vessel.

He told the White lady about her plan, and she was disgusted by the mere idea of this, but somehow the king convinced her that this was the only method to save Hallownest, so even if a bit against her will he began to work.

1, 10, 100’s, 1000’s, 1000000’s, 1000000000000’s of vessels, try after try after try, failure after failure after failure after failure, none of them were hollow, they always had some emotion that would make them failures, over and over and over and over and over.

Until… he had finally done it, he had created a pure vessel without any kind of emotion, he was truly pure, for he was “The Hollow Knight”.

He then began training it, so it could finish The Radiance once and for all, he got the Great Nailsage sly to teach him all there were to know in the nail arts, he made some of the greatest gorlek prepare its nail ,he made it go trough the path of pain millions of times, modifying it to be as agile as a Spirit if not more, he even taught him to use soul as another way to attack if needed.

As this happened, he knew he would have to seal The Hollow Knight somewhere so nothing could interfere in its endeavors.

So, he had to choose three beings that shall enter an eternal sleep to keep the seal where The Hollow Knight would be sealed, the first one was Monmon the teacher a chief researcher and teacher of Hallownest; the second would be Lurien the watcher, the one who watched over the city of tears, who had offered himself out of loyalty for the king.

Lastly, he intended Herrah the beast to be the last dreamer, after a lot of back and forth, it was concluded that she would become a dreamer, only if she got an heir with him, and so Hornet was born.

 She was one of the only things that brought a light at the end of the tunnel to everyone, her innocence was a much-needed rest to everything else that was happening, and even The Pale King traded her as his heir…

But the more he thought Hornet as his child, the more he saw The Hollow Knight as HIS child and not only as the weapon to end The Radiance, but he had to convince himself that it was just the mean to the end.

----------

But there was something that The Pale King didn’t consider while creating The Hollow Knight, while he knew that what he did was against nature, what he didn’t consider was that the void would retaliate.

For every unnatural life that was made, the void wanted back, so it created something on par with The Radiance’s infection, it was a fungus like thing that could overtake creatures and turn them into stone.

The Spirits being the first to encounter this called it “Decay”, when they addressed it to The Pale King, but it seemed that the Spirits light could out right dispose of it, but that wouldn’t be the last problem that the void gave to the kingdom.

Far away in the silent woods the decay took many lives at random for it nor the void had someone to command it, that was until Shriek was born.

Due to the conditions of her birthing, she was born with extreme deformities, one of those being having a layer of stone over her body, afraid and alone she searched for any comfort she could get, but everywhere she looked, she was rejected by everyone, but the one that hurt her the most, was the rejection of her own kind towards her, so she just flew back to the silent woods.

Once she got back, she cried, cried because of what she couldn’t have, cried over the rejection of her own kind, cried because she would only be remembered as a monster, even if she was just a child.

But amongst her sadness, only one thing comforted her, the decay, because to it, she was the only one that could guide it, the only one that could control it, and she saw this, as she saw that the only other thing that was comforting her was also regarded as something dangerous.

She thought of The Radiance, she started to think that she was also wronged without reason, just like she was, and se set up her mind, if she couldn’t be remembered as a friend, as a kid, if they could only see a monster, then she would give them a reason to remember her as a monster, as “Shriek”.

----------

Things were getting worse and worse by the minute for the kingdom, the infection and the decay were getting more and more ground as time went on, but The Pale King had hope in The Hollow Knight, hope that not only would he be able to finish The Radiance, but also Shriek, but it would need to train harder for that to happen.

Unknown even for him, he started to treat The Hollow Knight more and more as a son than a weapon, even the White Lady knew this but she didn’t tell him in fear of having to lose another child.

Time passed and The Hollow Knight was ready, along side him there was a Spirit named Willow, she had been informed of the plan they had, of course she disapproved of it, but it was already near finished, so the only thing she could do at the time was to also train it for the upcoming battle that was going to happen on its mind.

After a long battle against the decay and the infected that had cost thousands of lives, they had finally caught the attention of The Radiance and Shriek, and proceeded to seal them both in The Hollow Knight, and sealing him in the Temple of the Black Egg with the help of the dreamers.

They had done it! They had won over The Radiance and Shriek! But… it wasn’t over, the decay still remained, once again without something to control it, but Willow had already foreseen this, so in an act of self-sacrifice, she donned her life to become something greater than a Ancestral tree, she had become a Spirit tree on top of the Temple of the Black Egg, a tree that emitted enough light to dispel the decay, but she knew that the decay wouldn’t only attack there, it would also go for other places, so many Spirits waved their goodbyes to Hallownes and Niwen, and left to fulfil their new purpose.

----------

Time passed and The Pale King was celebrated by everyone for his accomplishment of being able to defeat The Radiance and Shriek, he only said that it was the least he could do for his people.

But, whenever he was alone, whenever he was sure that there was no one else? He was near breaking point, questioning himself if he had truly done the right thing, if the many lost lives of his children were okay, if somewhat damming another species to have supposedly premature deaths in order to keep the balance of nature was justified. Was there truly no cost too great?

Time and time again, he questioned himself over and over, slowly but surely losing his sense of self…

Until the last nail in the king’s coffin was placed by the king himself.

The Pale King used his foresight to reassure himself that what he did was the correct choice, that thanks to him the kingdom would live eternally, but what he saw, was everything he didn’t want to see.

He saw the kingdom that he had sacrificed everything for, crumbling down, the people screamed in fear and agony as the decay and the infection grew more and more, The Radiance and Shriek destroying everything he had done without anyone to stop them.

That was the last time he used his foresight at all, he now knew that everything he had done, every promise he made, Every Sacrifice HE made, was all in vain.

So, he disappeared without a trace, everyone wondered where he had gone, but no one was ever able to find him, for he didn’t want to found, because he feared that he wouldn’t be remembered as a king, but as a fool that destroyed everything.

----------

Decades passed, many Spirits transformed into Spirit trees to keep the Decay at bay, it had been considered an honor to them to transform into such beautiful trees full of life that gave birth to even more Spirits.

But in Hallownest things were getting worse without anyone knowing, The Hollow Knight began to fall under The Radiance and Shriek, and the Spirit tree Willow started to die, leaving way for the Infection and the Decay, killing all the Spirits that were supposed to heir his will, and without any other Vessel, The Radiance and Shriek would come out of The Hollow Knight, leading an era of inbalance.

It seemed like it would be the end of everything… but amongst everyone a prophesy arose.

“When the kingdom comes to its final hour, when the tree’s life comes to an end and the vessel were about to break. Two heroes would come to save them all, a Spirit that calmed the darkness and a vessel once lost but that has found its way thanks to the light. Together, the both of them would give new light to Niwen and defeat The Radiance and Shriek once and for all. For they got each other, No Matter What.”

One of the few that believed the prophesy was Hornet that had fully grown to be the queen of the spiders, but after the prophesy, she sought out the ones that the prophesy spoke of, but to no avail.

When she returned, she vowed to test the both of them to see if they truly the ones that the prophesy spoke of, if they were, they would survive her test, if they weren’t, then she would have to wait for the right ones.

----------

Far, far away from Hallownes, from Niwen, a Spirit named Ori met a Vessel without a name but had named himself as Ghost, together they saved the lands of Nibel, restoring the light of the Spirit tree, they were able to calm the Owl named Kuro and save her las last child named Ku, and they brought back the mother they had lost to the decay named Naru.

Sadly, for Ku, her right wing las left without many feathers, leaving her unable to fly as a result, but thanks to thanks to a feather that they got from her mother, Ori and Ghost helped her gain the ability to do so, and in their excitement, Ori and Ghost got on to Ku’s back and flied.

They passed over many places and intended to get back, but a storm blew off the wing that Ku used to fly, as well as separating Ori and Ghost from Ku.

They landed in a place they didn’t know, but they would find out that, what they had to get over on the land of Nibel, would be considered child’s play on this land.

would they be able to save this land? or will they succumb to the Decay and the Infection?

____________________

Hope you enjoyed it :)

#ghost x ori #hollow knight #ori and the will of the wisps #hk ghost #ori #hk pale king #hk radiance #shriek #spirits #hk pure vessel #hk hornet #hollow light

[slavicafire]

something ends, something begins.

reflection, rambling, and ritual for the winter solstice - and beyond. part two: shortest day.

as the labours of nature and patient hands end in bounty during the weeks of harvest, the labours of the spirit culminate when most of nature lies embraced by winter — tired, hardened, and burdened by months of ever-growing darkness, the soul seeks to be renewed and soothed from pain. in a cycle older than humans and lakes, things die and things are born, light dies and light is born.

as the cold sun triumphs over the dark, as the light bites back at the night and slowly overtakes it, let yourself triumph with it: as you go through the longest night and enter the time of light reborn, unburden yourself - and sing, and rejoice as you rise with the sun:

unyielding.

look inwards to understand what the light - and its triumph - mean to you. whether it is more sunlight making the hardships of every day easier to bear, whether it is reborn joy and hope, or perhaps a symbol of personal improvement and deep recovery, physical or emotional - reflect on it. think of ways in which you can recognise the impact of this light, ways in which you can appreciate it, and ways in which you can reward yourself for noticing it or acting on it.

witness the sunrise: if you can, stay up through the night to see the sun rise on the shortest day, or wake up earlier, or find a moment to focus on it away from everyday responsibilities. find a place where you can see the sun, even if there's clouds. tomorrow the sun will rise again, and the day will be longer, bit by bit. witness its path, witness its effort - the night was so long and so dark, yet the sun rises again, and again, and again. light triumphs.

pay attention to the sun throughout the day: whenever you can, look out the window or look up at the sky, find the sun. track its path through the skies, and each time you look at it, make the effort to think something good in connection to yourself.

think of something you achieved this year, against all odds. think of something good or hard you managed to do. think about something you like about yourself. recall a good childhood memory, a song you love, or a moment you were happy. make plans to do something kind towards yourself in the upcoming days or months: think of small rewards, vacation plans, favourite treats, orgasms, rewatching a favourite movie or reaching out to someone who makes you feel good. every single time you see the sun, think of yourself and something good.

fast and indulge: this does not have to be fasting in the strict food-related meaning, but a focused effort on consciously refusing yourself a given pleasure until sunset, and then appreciating it twofold after.

it can be food, of course, with just a light breakfast and water throughout the day, but it can be music, it can be sweets, it can be a different comfort you can safely bar yourself from for the duration of daylight. once the sun sets - knowing it will rise tomorrow again, stronger and brighter - rejoice and indulge! eat your favourite meal or have your favourite coffee, listen to a favourite song, take an elaborate indulgent bath with soft and comforting clothes to keep you warm after. or sleep, and sleep a lot, and happily! a symbolic death or denial - and a symbolic rebirth and rejoicing later.

make sure this day is as about yourself as possible. be kind to yourself, find pleasure and joy, reward yourself for persevering through the darkness -

and for the fact that, like the sun, tomorrow you will rise again. stronger and brighter, and unyielding.

#winter solstice #devotional #ritual

[piscesseer]

Scorpio Season: Embracing Transformation

Scorpio Season October 23 - November 21

As the days grow shorter and colder, Scorpio Season sweeps over us. Between October 23 and November 21, Scorpio Season is a time of introspection, intense emotions and transformation. This astrological season brings a set of energies that asks us to reflect on our own power. Here we will shed light on the dark mysteries of Scorpio Season.

Symbol: The Scorpion Modality: Fixed Element: Water Ruling Planet: Pluto, Mars Colors: Dark Red, Black Body: genitals, reproductive organs, bladder Tarot Card: Death

Power • Sex • Introspection • Intensity • Death 

During the middle of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, Scorpio Season begins. The sun’s heat and light are beginning to fade, and darkness will outweigh the daylight hours. Scorpio’s connection with inward reflection, the shadows and transformation is reflected in the mystery and darkness of the autumn season. Scorpio is associated with beginnings and ends, and isn’t afraid of them either. It’s during Scorpio’s time that many cultures observe themes of death and rebirth, in holidays like Halloween Samhain, All Saints Day, and El Día de Los Muertos. 

Scorpio should not be taken lightly. There is an intense, serious heir to Scorpio. The scorpion is Scorpio’s symbol. Scorpios lie in and wait to strike when it’s least expected.  They inflict stings with their tails, and are considered cunning or vengeful.

In Greek Mythology, the Scorpion is associated with the death of Orion. There are many versions of this tale, but the one connected to Scorpio tells the tale of Orion, who bragged that he could kill all the animals in the wild kingdom. The Earth goddess Gaia objected and sent a Scorpion to stop Orion, which he confronted, but died when the Scorpion stung him. The Scorpion was placed in the sky for his service and valiant fight.

Originally, Scorpio was ruled by Mars, which found its nocturnal home in the brooding and secret Scorpio. Mars has warrior-like tendencies, but these powers are more secretive in the darkness of Scorpio. It has a cool, calculated anger and drive. Scorpio is more patient than the brash and brazen Aries, which shares Mars as its planet.

As Pluto was discovered in 1930, it was named for the god of the underworld. Since its dark themes of power, destruction and inner discovery were similar to themes of Scorpio, modern astrologers assigned Pluto as its co-ruler. Combined with the assertive power of Mars, Scorpio is uniquely suited to confront and transform personal and collective trauma.

The Tarot Card associated with Scorpio is Death. This card can seem ominous, but it rarely means actual death. It more points to a transformative phase in life. The principal of death is letting go. We can observe the phenomenon of transformation and rebirth in nature, and on an internal soul level. This card reminds us that this process of change and growth is nothing to fear. Once we recognize it as a time of surrender to a cycle, we can trust and flow with it. Death is not the end, but only a passage through a world of mystery and shadow that allows us to embrace the fullness of life.

As a fixed sign, Scorpio holds the elemental energy of endurance and stability. They can direct their intense laser focus into their work, projects and relationships. As a result, they have powers to uncover hidden truths. Scorpio’s sense of purpose is about looking at life's shadows to uncover hidden truth and to attain power. The voice of depth, mystery, and intuition comes forward in the Scorpio mantra: I transform. 

Scorpios are often mistaken for fire signs, due to their passion and power. But Scorpios are also known for their wise and intuitive nature, which is what makes it clear that they are a water sign. Scorpios are associated with deep, intense emotions and inner awareness. Think of the dark, unexplored depths of the ocean.

Scorpio is about introspection, intensity and intimacy. Scorpios actively live their lives exploring the unseen depths of the soul. Scorpios are often passionate, determined, and fiercely independent. Their intensity is often accompanied by a strong sense of mystery and natural inclination toward transforming.

When a Scorpio cares for someone, they do so deeply. There is no casual with them. They want to know everything about their partners, friends, and family. They can seem a bit controlling, but it’s out of wanting to protect their loved ones. 

They are relentless. If they find their passion, there is no stopping them. When they’re faced with problems, their razor-sharp intellect will find outside the box solutions and flexible work-arounds. Scorpios are very calculating, and are constantly plotting several steps ahead to orchestrate their wins. Their intentions aren’t wicked, but they know what they want and aren’t afraid to work long and hard to get it.

Curiosity of Scorpios is unmeasurable, which makes them such adept investigators. They love to probe and know how to get to the bottom of things. Their keen sense of intuition helps. There is no shocking them. The more sick, twisted or disturbing, the more they are curious about it.

Scorpios are extremely loyal. Just don’t stab them in the back, because they will get revenge, no matter how long it takes.

How Can Scorpio Season Affect You?

Scorpio Season encourages us to turn our attention inward. It’s a time when we’re prompted to confront our fears, insecurities and buried emotions. As the leaves fall in the Northern Hemisphere, we can, too, shed our old patterns, beliefs and attachments. Letting go of those things can make room for personal growth and transformation.

Hidden and buried secrets are often brought to the surface. Scandals pop up. These revelations, depending on what level they are exposed, lead to personal or societal transformations. People begin to prioritize growth over stagnation. This could easily manifest as changes in social justice movements, environmental concerns, or power structures. People tend to come together during challenging times, and Scorpio's influence encourages a deeper emotional connection, fostering a sense of unity and resilience.

During this season, we are infused with a sense of purpose and determination. This intense focus, when used for the right things, can give us a chance to work toward our goals and projects with unwavering dedication. 

The death and rebirth cycle is prominent now, mirroring the cycle of nature. We can shed old identities, relationships or habits and emerge stronger, wiser and more resilient. It’s a powerful time for introspection. We’re invited to confront our fears and emerge from the season reborn and renewed. Welcome opportunities for self-discovery and evolution that Scorpio Season brings into our lives.

Here are a few ways we can honor Scorpio Season and Samhain:

Release rituals for letting go of what is no longer serving us. Find a quiet or sacred space. Light a candle or incense. Mediate or sit quietly for a few moments. Think about or write down what you want to let go of. If you have written things down, burn the piece of paper in the flame of the candle, or speak out loud that you wish to release whatever it is.

Utilize water. Scorpio is a water sign, so connecting with water in some way is meaningful. Sit by a river or ocean to cleanse your energy. Take a mindful shower or bath to emphasize cleansing yourself. Visualize negative emotions being washed away. Replace with clarity and emotional healing. 

Write down what you’re grateful for. Gratitude is always a way to shift your focus toward the positive and promote inner growth.

Shadow Work involves delving into your unconscious or hidden aspects, acknowledging them, and integrating them into your conscious self. Reflect on your fears, insecurities, and acknowledge your desires. Journal your findings and create affirmations to heal and empower yourself.

Tarot or Oracle reading will help us to gain insights into our inner world. The veil between the realms is thin, so meditating on guidance and wisdom from your ancestors or spirit guides may be particularly helpful.

Journal Prompts for Scorpio Season:

🖤 Are there any hidden desires that I have been avoiding or suppressing? 🖤 Have I been keeping secrets from myself and others? How can I find the courage to confront these secrets and release their hold on me? 🖤 Are there any relationships of mine that require more honesty and vulnerability to deepen the emotional connection? 🖤 What role does power play in my life? How can I use power responsibly and effectively to create positive change? 🖤 What goals and projects am I most passionate about? How can I channel intensity to achieve them? Is there anything that I want to accomplish by the end of Scorpio Season? 🖤 Are there any old habits or beliefs that I need to let go of to facilitate personal growth and transformation? What are they, and what steps can I take to release them? Can I use this energy to heal and release past traumas or emotional baggage? 🖤 What aspects of my life need a deep transformation or rebirth? Can I take steps to initiate this process? 🖤 Explore your relationship with the concept of death and rebirth. How can this understanding and acceptance of the inevitability of change and transformation impact your life in a positive way?

#current astrology #scorpio season #scorpio

[the-hermit-at-midnight]

The Sabbats and the Wheel of the Year: Celebrating Nature's Rhythms

The Wheel of the Year is a sacred calendar observed by many modern Pagans and Wiccans, which revolves around the changing seasons and the cycles of nature. At the heart of this wheel are the Sabbats, the eight festivals that mark key points in the annual cycle. In this blog, we will delve into the significance of the Sabbats and how they contribute to a deeper connection with nature and the divine.

1. The Wheel of the Year

The Wheel of the Year is a symbolic representation of the Earth's journey around the sun, divided into eight major festivals, equally spaced throughout the year. These festivals are known as Sabbats and are celebrated to honor the changing seasons, the cycles of life, and the elements of nature. The Wheel is divided into two halves: the Light Half and the Dark Half, with four Sabbats in each.

2. The Quarter Days

The Wheel begins with the Quarter Days, which are the solstices and equinoxes:

- **Yule (Winter Solstice)**: Yule, celebrated around December 21st, marks the longest night of the year. It's a time of rebirth and renewal as the days begin to grow longer.

- **Ostara (Spring Equinox)**: Ostara, around March 21st, welcomes the return of spring when day and night are in perfect balance. It's a time for planting seeds and new beginnings.

- **Litha (Summer Solstice)**: Litha, around June 21st, marks the height of summer and the longest day of the year. It's a time of joy and celebration of the sun's power.

- **Mabon (Autumn Equinox)**: Mabon, around September 21st, celebrates the harvest season. It's a time of gratitude and reflection on the fruits of one's labor.

3. The Cross-Quarter Days

The Cross-Quarter Days fall between the Quarter Days:

- **Imbolc**: Celebrated around February 2nd, Imbolc signifies the first signs of spring's return. It's a time to honor the goddess Brigid and the hearth.

- **Beltane**: Around May 1st, Beltane is a fire festival celebrating fertility and the union of the god and goddess. It's a time for maypole dancing and bonfires.

- **Lughnasadh**: Occurring around August 1st, Lughnasadh is the first harvest festival, honoring the Celtic god Lugh. It's a time for games, feasting, and gratitude for the harvest.

- **Samhain**: Celebrated around October 31st, Samhain is the final festival of the year, marking the end of the harvest season. It's also considered the Celtic New Year and a time to honor the ancestors.

4. The Spiritual Significance

The Sabbats are not only a way to celebrate the changing seasons but also to connect with the spiritual aspects of life and death, growth and decay. They remind us of the cyclical nature of existence, encouraging us to live in harmony with the world around us.

The Sabbats and the Wheel of the Year provide a framework for those who follow nature-based spiritual paths to honor the Earth's cycles, connect with the divine, and find meaning in the ebb and flow of life. By celebrating these festivals, individuals can deepen their connection to nature and gain a greater understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things. Whether you're a practicing Pagan or simply curious about these traditions, the Wheel of the Year and its Sabbats offer a beautiful way to celebrate and embrace the ever-changing world around us.

#pagan witch #witchblr #witchcraft #witchy #witchy shit #witchythings #sabbats #wheel of the year

[anxxiousleo]

Today is Samhain. It is one of the most important of the 8 Sabbats as it is the Pagan New Year. The wheel of the year has turned full circle and a new year begins. The word Samhain means 'Suns end'. It is pronounced Sawin.

Leaves fall and the trees become silent and skeletal against the darkening skies. The sap which rose in the Spring and made the land fertile and green, now returns to the roots of the earth where it will wait silently until the warmth of Spring draws it back to the surface. This is the eternal cycle of life, death and rebirth, not a rigid straight line, but rather a continual cycle, season by season, year by year.

Samhain is the third of the harvest festivals, only this isn't a harvest of crops or grain, it is the harvest of flesh. It was the time of year when farmers and families would slaughter cattle and preserve the meat to last through the cold winter months.

Samhain is a festival of death as it is the death of the year and of the waxing Sun. It is also the death of the earth when plants, seeds and acorns are now slowly descending underground to ready themselves to be reborn in Spring. Animals will start to hibernate and the earth will appear barren as it sleeps through the winter months.

Earth energies are being pull inwards at this time, this is the time we should also be looking inwards at ourselves. Contemplate the year we have had and what lessons we have learned, whether they were good or bad, what can we take from them and use in the future.

The God of the waxing Sun descends into the underworld opening up the veil between the two worlds of the living and the dead. At Samhain spirits can commune with the living and visit us. We remember our ancestors and the people and pets who have died. We honour them by placing pictures of them on our altars and invite them to join us. We should also adorn our altars with seasonal fare such as fallen leaves, twigs, acorns, nuts, turnips and pumpkins and offer these as gifts to the the God and Goddess and thank them for their sacrifices.

On Samhain the triple Goddess who is maiden, mother and crone enters her final phase of the year, The Goddess enters her crone phase, she is the wise dark mother of knowledge and days past.

Although a time of death Samhain is also a time of fresh starts and new beginnings. It is a time of 'out with the old and in with the new' To start looking forward to our future.

On Samhain we should light a fire as this is primarily a Celtic fire festival where the villagers and towns folk would light giant bonfires to say goodbye to the God of the waxing Sun and to thank the Goddess for her harvest of gifts bestowed upon the earth. There would also be big feasts with stews, corn and breads and we would give thanks for people in our lives and show gratitude for all that we have and we give thanks to the people who are no longer with us and invite them to join us at the feast.

Light a candle tonight and put it at a window west facing to light the way for our lost loved ones and invite their spirits to visit us. If you don't have a west facing window, put the candle on the western most part of your home.

Today is a great time for divination, for doing Tarot reading and looking to the future and asking ourselves how we can improve our lives and move forward for the coming year.

Have a Blessed Samhain may the God and Goddess watch over you.

ctto: Wicca Teachings

#witchcraft #witch #coven #wicca #eclectic witch #baby witch #wiccan #samhain

[raw-wheat]

incremivesi

image description: a flag with nine horizontal stripes, equally sized except the middle one which is much thinner. from top to bottom, the colors are: faded teal, faded purple, moss green, dark grayish brown, moss green, brownish red, brown. in the center is the vesility star in light gray. end image description.

incremivesi: a vesility in which most or all of one's identity is affected by life from death. this could relate to reincarnation, life that grows out of dead things, because one is an undead being, or any other way one feels connected to this label.

other themes for names, pronouns, etc:

whalefalls, fungi, decomposition, regrowth, rebirth, cycles, endings and beginnings

decay exists as an extant form of life

#vesility #mogai #liom #idk how else to tag this hopefully people will find it with all the words i put in the post itself #coining #i am weary of days and hours ⌛ coining

[kerrydawn82]

Pisces Super New Moon 🌑 ♓︎ 1°

The simultaneous ending and beginning of the oldest zodiac sign.

The dark and the light, the awake and the asleep, in the same waters.

Luna, our Sun and Saturn trailing, in the enveloping nature of Pisces.

The unconscious activated, feeling realms in excess as Luna is close to Mother Earth.

A new awareness breaks through as you take a breath of this vast liberation.

Let it open you.

Welcome this reset initiation for depleted parts of the soul.

Let yourself heal and expand.

Feelings and tendencies of escapism could emerge as shadows come through this spiritual, sensitive process.

Gently lean more into yourself during these moments, integrating through the support of your higher self and Mother Earth.

Remember that you are spirit - divinity in human form.

The natural cycles of life, death and rebirth are woven into the fabric of humanity for collective evolution.

Release the attached cords to programmed looping thoughts and patterns that no longer serve you.

Surrender to the guidance of your intuition.

Let go of force and observe what the universal plan unfolds.

Accept this cosmic invitation, finding comfort in the uncomfortable. Something shifts and clicks.

View the beauty of life as if you live in a painting, through the inner artist lens.

Interpret subconscious meaning behind emotions and how they are expressed in your dreams.

Let yourself daydream and channel into the body without the ego rationalizing or questioning.

Allow these dream seeds to root.

Remember the power in vulnerability and permit humbling, acknowledging with gratitude and understanding of where you are now on your journey.

Find solitude in the middle of the ocean of Pisces.

Silence has its own sound and messages. 🌬️🌊

#pisces #newmoon #supernewmoon #piscesseason #astrology #cosmiclove #collectiveconsciousness #planetarymagick #motherearth #souljourney #humanexperience #om