#American linden tree

[believing-is-seeing]

Beautiful blooming basswood tree

aka American linden tree

If only you could smell it 🥰

June 2023

[headspace-hotel]

There, in the sunlit forest on a high ridgeline, was a tree I had never seen before.

I spend a lot of time looking at trees. I know my beech, sourwood, tulip poplar, sassafras and shagbark hickory. Appalachian forests have such a diverse tree community that for those who grew up in or around the ancient mountains, forests in other places feel curiously simple and flat.

Oaks: red, white, black, bur, scarlet, post, overcup, pin, chestnut, willow, chinkapin, and likely a few others I forgot. Shellbark, shagbark and pignut hickories. Sweetgum, serviceberry, hackberry, sycamore, holly, black walnut, white walnut, persimmon, Eastern redcedar, sugar maple, red maple, silver maple, striped maple, boxelder maple, black locust, stewartia, silverbell, Kentucky yellowwood, blackgum, black cherry, cucumber magnolia, umbrella magnolia, big-leaf magnolia, white pine, scrub pine, Eastern hemlock, redbud, flowering dogwood, yellow buckeye, white ash, witch hazel, pawpaw, linden, hornbeam, and I could continue, but y'all would never get free!

And yet, this tree is different.

We gather around the tree as though surrounding the feet of a prophet. Among the couple dozen of us, only a few are much younger than forty. Even one of the younger men, who smiles approvingly and compliments my sharp eye when I identify herbs along the trail, has gray streaking his beard. One older gentleman scales the steep ridge slowly, relying on a cane for support.

The older folks talk to us young folks with enthusiasm. They brighten when we can call plants and trees by name and list their virtues and importance. "You're right! That's Smilax." "Good eye!" "Do you know what this is?—Yes, Eupatorium, that's a pollinator's paradise." "Are you planning to study botany?"

The tree we have come to see is not like the tall and pillar-like oaks that surround us. It is still young, barely the diameter of a fence post. Its bark is gray and forms broad stripes like rivulets of water down smooth rock. Its smooth leaves are long, with thin pointed teeth along their edges. Some of the group carefully examine the bark down to the ground, but the tree is healthy and flourishing, for now.

This tree is among the last of its kind.

The wood of the American Chestnut was once used to craft both cradles and coffins, and thus it was known as the "cradle-to-grave tree." The tree that would hold you in entering this world and in leaving it would also sustain your body throughout your life: each tree produced a hundred pounds of edible nuts every winter, feeding humans and all the other creatures of the mountains. In the Appalachian Mountains, massive chestnut trees formed a third of the overstory of the forest, sometimes growing larger than six feet in diameter.

They are a keystone species, and this is my first time seeing one alive in the wild.

It's a sad story. But I have to tell you so you will understand.

At the turn of the 20th century, the chestnut trees of Appalachia were fundamental to life in this ecosystem, but something sinister had taken hold, accidentally imported from Asia. Cryphonectria parasitica is a pathogenic fungus that infects chestnut trees. It co-evolved with the Chinese chestnut, and therefore the Chinese chestnut is not bothered much by the fungus.

The American chestnut, unlike its Chinese sister, had no resistance whatsoever.

They showed us slides with photos of trees infected with the chestnut blight earlier. It looks like sickly orange insulation foam oozing through the bark of the trees. It looks like that orange powder that comes in boxes of Kraft mac and cheese. It looks wrong. It means death.

The chestnut plague was one of the worst ecological disasters ever to occur in this place—which is saying something. And almost no one is alive who remembers it. By the end of the 1940's, by the time my grandparents were born, approximately three to four billion American chestnut trees were dead.

The Queen of the Forest was functionally extinct. With her, at least seven moth species dependent on her as a host plant were lost forever, and no one knows how much else. She is a keystone species, and when the keystone that holds a structure in place is removed, everything falls.

Appalachia is still falling.

Now, in some places, mostly-dead trees tried to put up new sprouts. It was only a matter of time for those lingering sprouts of life.

But life, however weak, means hope.

I learned that once in a rare while, one of the surviving sprouts got lucky enough to successfully flower and produce a chestnut. And from that seed, a new tree could be grown. People searched for the still-living sprouts and gathered what few chestnuts could be produced, and began growing and breeding the trees.

Some people tried hybridizing American and Chinese chestnuts and then crossing the hybrids to produce purer American strains that might have some resistance to the disease. They did this for decades.

And yet, it wasn't enough. The hybrid trees were stronger, but not strong enough.

Extinction is inevitable. It's natural. There have been at least five mass extinctions in Earth's history, and the sixth is coming fast. Many people accepted that the American chestnut was gone forever. There had been an intensive breeding program, summoning all the natural forces of evolution to produce a tree that could survive the plague, and it wasn't enough.

This has happened to more species than can possibly be counted or mourned. And every species is forced to accept this reality.

Except one.

We are a difficult motherfucker of a species, aren't we? If every letter of the genome's book of life spelled doom for the Queen of the Forest, then we would write a new ending ourselves. Research teams worked to extract a gene from wheat and implant it in the American chestnut, in hopes of creating an American chestnut tree that could survive.

This project led to the Darling 58, the world's first genetically modified organism to be created for the purpose of release into the wild.

The Darling 58 chestnut is not immune, the presenters warned us. It does become infected with the blight. And some trees die. But some live.

And life means hope.

In isolated areas, some surviving American Chestnut trees have been discovered, most of them still very young. The researchers hope it is possible that some of these trees may have been spared not because of pure luck, but because they carry something in their genes that slows the blight in doing its deadly work, and that possibly this small bit of innate resistance can be shaped and combined with other efforts to create a tree that can live to grow old.

This long, desperate, multi-decade quest is what has brought us here. The tree before me is one such tree: a rare survivor. In this clearing, a number of other baby chestnut trees have been planted by human hands. They are hybrids of the Darling 58 and the best of the best Chinese/American hybrids. The little trees are as prepared for the blight as we can possibly make them at this time. It is still very possible that I will watch them die. Almost certainly, I will watch this tree die, the one that shades us with her young, stately limbs.

Some of the people standing around me are in their 70's or 80's, and yet, they have no memory of a world where the Queen of the Forest was at her full majesty. The oldest remember the haunting shapes of the colossal dead trees looming as if in silent judgment.

I am shaken by this realization. They will not live to see the baby trees grow old. The people who began the effort to save the American chestnut devoted decades of their lives to these little trees, knowing all the while they likely never would see them grow tall. Knowing they would not see the work finished. Knowing they wouldn't be able to be there to finish it. Knowing they wouldn't be certain if it could be finished.

When the work began, the technology to complete it did not exist. In the first decades after the great old trees were dead, genetic engineering was a fantasy.

But those that came before me had to imagine that there was some hope of a future. Hope set the foundation. Now that little spark of hope is a fragile flame, and the torch is being passed to the next generation.

When a keystone is removed, everything suffers. What happens when a keystone is put back into place? The caretakers of the American chestnut hope that when the Queen is restored, all of Appalachia will become more resilient and able to adapt to climate change.

Not only that, but this experiment in changing the course of evolution is teaching us lessons and skills that may be able to help us save other species.

It's just one tree—but it's never just one tree. It's a bear successfully raising cubs, chestnut bread being served at a Cherokee festival, carbon being removed from the atmosphere and returned to the Earth, a wealth of nectar being produced for pollinators, scientific insights into how to save a species from a deadly pathogen, a baby cradle being shaped in the skilled hands of an Appalachian crafter. It's everything.

Despair is individual; hope is an ecosystem. Despair is a wall that shuts out everything; hope is seeing through a crack in that wall and catching a glimpse of a single tree, and devoting your life to chiseling through the wall towards that tree, even if you know you will never reach it yourself.

An old man points to a shaft of light through the darkness we are both in, toward a crack in the wall. "Do you see it too?" he says. I look, and on the other side I see a young forest full of sunlight, with limber, pole-size chestnut trees growing toward the canopy among the old oaks and hickories. The chestnut trees are in bloom with fuzzy spikes of creamy white, and bumblebees heavy with pollen move among them. I tell the man what I see, and he smiles.

"When I was your age, that crack was so narrow, all I could see was a single little sapling on the forest floor," he says. "I've been chipping away at it all my life. Maybe your generation will be the one to finally reach the other side."

Hope is a great work that takes a lifetime. It is the hardest thing we are asked to do, and the most essential.

I am trying to show you a glimpse of the other side. Do you see it too?

[greenwitchcrafts]

June 2024 witch guide

Full moon: June 21st

New moon: June 6th

Sabbats: Litha/Summer Solstice- June 20th

June Strawberry Moon

Known as: Aerra Litha, Birth Moon, Blooming Moon, Brachmanoth, Dyad Moon, Egg Laying Moon, Green Corn Moon, Hatching Moon, Hoer Moon, Honey Moon, Lovers Moon, Mead Moon, Moon of Horses, Moon of Making Fat, Partner Moon, Rose Moon & Strong Sun Moon

Element: Earth

Zodiac: Gemini & Cancer

Nature spirits: Sylphs & Zephyrs

Deities: Aine of Knockaine, Bendis, Cerridwen, Green Man, Ishtar, Isis, Neith & Persephone

Animals: Butterfly, frog, monkey & toad

Birds: Peacock & wren

Trees: Maple & Oak

Herbs: Dog grass, meadowsweet, moss, mugwort, parsley, skullcap & vervain

Flowers: Lavender, orchid, tansy & yarrow

Scents: Lavender & lily of the valley

Stones:  Agate, Alexandrite, cat's eye, chrysoberyl, emerald, fluorite, garnet, moonstone, ruby & topaz

Colors: Gold, green, orange & yellow

Energy:  Abundance, balance, change of residence, communication, decision making, education, family relations, full & restful energy, love, marriage, prosperity, positive transformation, prevention, protection, public relations, relationships, responsibility, strength, tides turning, travel & writing

While strawberries certainly are a reddish-pink color and are roundish in shape, the origin of the name “Strawberry Moon” has nothing to do with the Moon’s hue or appearance.

• June's full Moon is typically the last full moon of spring or the first of summer. The June Full Moon will be extraordinary. For the first time since 1985, Full Moon happens precisely on the summer solstice, when the Sun is highest up. Because the Full Moon is always opposite the Sun, this year, you will see that the Moon is 10 widths lower on the horizon than the Sun ever is. 

This “Strawberry Moon” name has been used by Native American Algonquian tribes that live in the northeastern United States as well as the Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota peoples to mark the ripening of “June-bearing” strawberries that are ready to be gathered. The Haida term Berries Ripen Moon reflects this as well. As flowers bloom and early fruit ripens, June is a time of great abundance for many.

Litha

Known as: Alban Heruin, Summer Solstice & Whit Sunday

Season: Summer

Element: Fire

Symbols: Besom, fairies, God's eyes, sunflowers & symbols of the sun

Colors: Blue, gold, green, orange, red, tan & yellow

Oils/Incense: Cinnamon, frankincense, heliotrope, lavender, lemon, lily of the valley, mint, musk, myrrh, orange, orange pine, pine, rose, saffron, sandalwood & wisteria

Animals: Cattle, crab, horse & octopus

Birds: Goldfinch, kingfisher, meadowlark, owl, robin & wren

Mythical: Fairies

Stones: Bloodstone, diamond, emerald, jade, lapis lazuli & tiger's eye

Food: Ale, bread, cheese, edible flowers, garden fresh vegetables & fruit, lemons, meade, milk, oranges, pumpernickel bread, summer squash & wine

Herbs/Plants: Anise, basil, betony, cinquefoil, copal, elder, fennel, fern, frankincense, galangal, hemp, ivy, larkspur, lemon, lemon balm, mistletoe, mugwort, mullien, nettle, orange, orpin, plantain, rue, saffron, sandalwood, St.John's wort, thyme, verbena, vervain, wild thyme & ylang-ylang

Flowers: Carnation, chamomile, daisy, heather, heliotrope, honeysuckle, lavender, lily, marigold, orchid, rose, wisteria & yarrow

Trees: Elder, holly, laurel, linden, oak & pine

Goddesses: Amaterasu, Aine, Anahita, Dea, Cerde, Dag, Dana, Eiru, Fenne, Gwydion, Kupala, Mabd, Phoebe, Skhmet & Sul

Gods: Apollo, Baal, Balder, Bel, The Dagda, Donnus, El, The Green Man, Helios, Huon, Jupiter, Llew, Loki, Lugh, Maui, Mithras, Oak/Holly King, Ogmios, Ra, Surya, Thor & Zeus

Issues, Intentions & Powers: Agriculture, changes, divination, ending, fertility, life, light, manifestation, power, purpose, strength, success & unity

Spellwork: Fire & water magick

Activities:

• Charge and cleanse your crystals in the solstice sun

• Make Sun water

• Create crafts with natural elements such as flowers

• Burn a paper with things that no longer serve you or that you are trying to let go

•  Invite friends & family over for a bonfire and/or feast

• Gather & dry herbs for the upcoming year

• Clean, decorate & cleanse your altar with summer symbols

• Brew some sun tea

• Take a ritual bath/shower with flowers

• Make your own sun dial

• Craft a door wreath out of flowers & herbs

• Enjoy some sunrise/sunset yoga

• Volunteer at a food kitchen or animal shelter

• Plant trees (especially ones that may provide fruit or berries to feed the wildlife)

• Watch the sunset & say a blessing to nature

• Make flower infused anointing/spell oils

• Eat fresh fruits & berries

• Participate in a handfasting

• Create shadow art

The history of Litha reveals its deep connections to ancient agricultural societies & their reliance on the sun's power. Celebrated as part of the Wheel of the Year, Litha symbolizes the balance between light & darkness. Throughout history  customs such as bonfires, herb gathering & the construction of sunwheels have marked this festival. Today, Litha continues to be celebrated by various communities, with gatherings at sacred sites & private rituals in natural settings. It serves as a reminder of our connection with nature and the cycles of life.

• The traditions of Litha appear to be borrowed from many cultures. Most ancient cultures celebrated the summer solstice in some way such as the Celts celebrated Litha with hilltop bonfires & dancing. Many people attempted to jump over or through the bonfires for good luck. Other European traditions included setting large wheels on fire & rolling them down a hill into a body of water.

Litha is often associated with Midsummer, a celebration that extends beyond the pagan and Wiccan traditions. Midsummer festivities are observed in many cultures around the world, including Scandinavian countries where it holds a prominent place in their cultural heritage. Midsummer dances, bonfires, & feasts are integral parts of these celebrations, often accompanied by folklore and traditional rituals that honor the sun's energy and the abundance of nature during this time.

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year & in some traditions, Litha is when The Sun(The God) is symbolically at it's peak time of power & the World will soon be ripe to harvest. It is also when The Goddess is pregnant with The God who is to be reborn at Yule.

• In the Northern Hemisphere the Summer Solstice occurs when the Sun reaches its highest and northernmost points in the sky. It marks the start of summer in the northern half of the globe. (In contrast, the June solstice in the Southern Hemisphere is when the Sun is at its lowest point in the sky, marking the start of winter.)

Some also believe the history & spirit of Litha revolve around two deities, The Oak King & The Holly King. In Wiccan and Neo-Pagan traditions, each King rules the Earth for half of the year. From Yule to Litha, the Oak King rules. On Litha, the two battled for the crown and it is then that the Holly King triumphs. The Holly King will rule through fall until Yule, and the cycle will begin again.

Related festivals:

• Vestalia- June 7th -15th

Was a Roman religious festival in honor of Vesta, the goddess of the hearth & the burning continuation of the sacred fire of Rome. It was held from 7–15 June & was reserved as a women's-only event. Domestic & family life in general were represented by the festival of the goddess of the house & of the spirits of the storechamber — Vesta & the Penates .

On the first day of festivities the penus Vestae (sanctum sanctorum of the temple of Vesta which was usually curtained off) was opened for the only time during the year, at which women offered sacrifices. As long as the curtain remained open, mothers could come, barefoot and disheveled, to leave offerings to the goddess in exchange for a blessing to them and their family.

For the last day, the penus Vestae was solemnly closed, the Flaminica Dialis observed mourning & the temple was subjected to a purification called stercoratio: the filth was swept from the temple and carried next by the route called clivus Capitolinus and then into the Tiber.

Sources:

Farmersalmanac .com

Llewellyn's Complete Book of Correspondences by Sandra Kines

Wikipedia

A Witch's Book of Correspondences by Viktorija Briggs

Encyclopedia britannica

Llewellyn 2024 magical almanac Practical magic for everyday living

[rwrbficrecs]

Readers' Choice Rec List Part 1 of 7

To celebrate 500 followers we thought we'd do a special rec list featuring recs submitted by all of you, the readers ❤️ Though at the time of posting this, we're at 800+ followers 🥺 From the volunteers and I, thank you for supporting this blog. We hope it's been a helpful resource! Hope you enjoy these recs, with a little comment from the reader. Thank you to everyone who submitted a fic rec 🥰 I'll be posting a list everyday till all 7 parts are posted Go and leave these authors some love ❤️ Happy Reading! Theme: A fic that you’d like to celebrate and give some love to ❤️ the poem you make of me by @omgcmere

@celaestis1: Just as they speculate under the linden tree, Henry is a writer; Alex a model. The story is just so beautiful, sweet and smutty and funny.

Omakase by @orchidscript

@historicallysam: Orchid made me fall in love with a brash American who wants respect and a stoic Brit who wants to be himself. I could read this story every single day.

We'll Invite Something In by @smc-27

@historicallysam: President ACD & HRH Prince Henry, grown up and willing to work for what they want. It's one of my top two favorite stories in this fandom.

Spoke Love to Soul by @celaestis1

@emmalostinwonderland: The story is gripping, the characters are compelling, and the myth they chose is really under-appreciated. I rode the entire rollercoaster of emotions with this one, and I would gladly do it again.

cover to cover by Anonymous

anon: The characters' voices are amazing and the narration is just super sweet! A feel-good fic for anyone craving a good intimate time.

On Thin Ice by @pirates-against-heterosexuality (WIP)

anon: A really sweet, in progress, NHL AU. It's in progress but It's really enjoyable so far, especially as it draws a lot of similarities to book moments, without being a copy.

Heartaches and Cupcakes and Sunshine Boys by @everwitch-magiks

anon: This was the first RWRB fic I read, and it's still my favorite! Henry as a writer (and her skill writing as Henry) and the emotional depth of this fic are things I need in every fic!

love dares you to change our way of caring about ourselves by @kapplebougher

anon: I am simply OBSESSED with this oneshot, I scream about it to anybody that will listen. I come back and read it every time I read the climax of Alex and Henry's argument in London. It is Henry POV and the first time I read it I truly wondered if it was CMQ writing Henry fic on AO3. Not only does it build on the signet ring and give background on what it means to Henry and parallels it with his parents, but it also weaves fire/water symbolism for Alex/Henry. The thing that gets me is the quote at the end though. It's just like the queer historical quotes from the emails in the books and it makes the ending SO PERFECT it just makes me go feral. I wish I could give it all the kudos!

Picture On Your Corkboard by bleedingballroomfloor

anon: absolutely beautiful and a roller coaster of emotions. 100% recommended.

religion's in your lips (even if it's a false god) by @coffeecatsme

anon: NSFW but also incredibly good and i need everyone to appreciate billie's writing!!!

Someday We Will Be Home by witchseeker1133

anon: this fic is incredibly special to me bc it was one of the first ones i read. it is very angsty but i think its worth a read.

[apoemaday]

Banished Wonders

by Ada Límon

The American linden sways nonplussed by the storm, a bounce here, a shimmy there, just shaking like music

left over from the night's end wafting into the avenues before sleep. I remember once walking down Clinton Street, and singing

that line returning, New York is cold, but I like where I'm living. There's music on Clinton Street all through the evening. And of course

there was music, though it was me and my incessant remembering. And here now, what does one even offer?

Darling Cockroaches of the Highest Order, hard underthings of hard underworlds, I am utterly suspicious of advice.

What is the world like out there? Are you singing in the tunnels?

I should say nothing sometimes. I should say, Memory will leap from the mountain.

Dearest purple spiderwort in the ditch's mud, how did you do it? Such bravery, such softness, even with all that name calling and rage.

No one wants to be a pretty thing all the time. But no one wants to be the weed. Alone in Argentina at a cafe, I never felt like dancing, I screwed

my face up so it said nothing and no one and never. Borges lost his sight over years, and yet sometimes it is best to be invisible.

What is it to be seen in the right way? As who you are? A flash of color, a blur in the crowd, something spectacular but untouchable.

And now the world is gone. No more Buenos Aires or Santiago. No tango, no samba. No more pisco sours sweet and sticky and piercing the head's stubborn brick.

Mistral writes: We don't need all the things that used to give us pleasure. Still some dumb desire, to sneak into the cities of the world

again, a window, to sit at Cafe Tortoni and refuse an invitation because I can. Now we endure.

Endure time, this envenomed veil of extremes--loss and grief and reckoning.

Mistral writes: I killed a woman in me: One I did not love. But I do not want to kill that longing woman in me. I love her and I want her to go on longing

until it drives her mad, that longing, until her desire is something

like a blazing flower, a tree shaking off the torrents of rain as if it is simply making music.

[balkanradfem]

I've been learning the differences between spruce, pine, fir and yew tree this morning; it's important to know because the first three have edible needles, and yew is deadly poisonous, ingesting even a few needles can end you. You can also use spruce, pine and fir's young shoots to make medicinal syrups and tinctures, while doing the same with yew would be lethal.

I realized while absorbing this knowledge that I do not, in fact, have a great base of knowledge about trees; I've never taken a class on trees. I can recognize all of the fruit and nut trees because of my foraging habits, and I can recognize oaks, lindens, willows, birches, poplars, black locust, ginkgo, and maples. Last year I learned to recognize beeches, elms, and hornbeams. But there are still so many trees, even close around me, that I do not know the name of!

A few months ago, while walking around the park, I noticed it was filled with trees that were beautiful, tall, had smooth but layered bark and gorgeous maple-like leaves, and I couldn't figure out what that tree was, because it was not maple. Most parks here are filled with wild chestnuts (which benefits me a lot, since I use wild chestnuts as a laundry detergent), and I've seen oaks and poplars used as a park tree, but I had no idea what this was, and there was a lot of it.

I took pictures, and set out to research; eventually I found an old article that described the town's initiative to create all of the parks, and the tree I was wondering about was maple-leafed plane tree! It's a mix of american sycamore and asian plane tree, and it's not native to us, but very resistant to air pollution and drought, so it's a popular tree to import and cultivate in city parks.

I actually had never heard the name of this tree until finding it in the article, and all of other people I asked about it, had no idea what I was talking about. I was a bit offended there was a tree with origin and name completely unknown growing everywhere in the city.

Learning about trees makes me extremely pleased and inspired, so I thought I would create a little game; I go out, then confront every tree I see and figure out if I can recognize what it is; if I can't, I would take pictures and research until I know what it is. There are trees I already know and love around the building, like the poplar I can see from my window (and everyone complains about because it's horrible for people with allergies), black walnut trees that are a great foraging resource, pear tree that is most beloved because it provides me with fruit during the summer, couple of wild plums, and cedars that the nearby hotel planted for decoration. But there are probably 20 more tree varieties around me that I cannot recognize.

I was about to head out, when I realized, it's actually February, and none of those trees have any leaves on them, which makes my mission difficult. I could still potentially research them from the bark and the branch formation, but, it is much easier if I can see the leaf as well. Fruit trees are the most easy to spot in the spring, because they will flower and that makes them stand out, chestnuts and magnolias will flower as well. It's how I found a lot of fruit trees around the banished settlement.

But to do a more thorough tree research around the city, I will have to wait a few months. I'll make a post about how many trees I recognized, and how many I had to research! I am almost certain to learn about all of the uses, food, and medicine these trees can provide as well, information on any tree is like information on possible food and medicine source, and that makes it incredibly worth knowing.

Also, if you're still wondering how to successfully recognize spruce, fir, pine and yew tree, here's a video for you.

[crazylittlejester]

RE: eating trees

Sorry to interrupt, but I have notes on which trees are edible and how to prepare them. Depending on what you're allergic to, you might be able to eat trees after all, but as always when eating things not from grocery stores, proceed with caution.

There are a little over 20 species of edible trees, ranging from trees that produce nuts to maple trees. Here's a short list:

North American Beech -- Obviously you can eat the nuts, but you can also cook the leaves and turn the inner bark into flour.

Sweet Birch -- The inner bark can be turned into flour or cut into strips and used as noodles, you can also make birch syrup from the sap.

Linden -- The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and the flowers can be made into tea.

Sugar Maple -- Obviously you can make maple syrup from the sap, but the inner bark can be eaten cooked or raw, and so can the seeds.

Common Mulberry -- You can literally just eat the twigs raw or cooked.

Quaking Aspen -- The inner bark can be eaten raw or cooked or used as a flour, the catkins are also edible.

Slippery Elm -- Again, the inner bark can be eaten raw or cooked.

Willow -- Edible inner bark when cooked or raw, the leaves are also edible but supposedly taste very bitter.

Sugar Pine -- You can eat these pinecones raw or cooked, as well as the inner bark and pine needles.

Blue Spruce -- You can eat basically any part of this tree.

have i mentioned how much i fucking love you and your very odd knowledge if super specific things? /gen

saving this in case i EVER need it for some reason

[loveofdetail]

today i learned that the fragrant tree in my front yard (american linden) is EDIBLE. game changer.

[sturmhondsdemjin]

Five part one

So, the thing about the kiss is, Alex absolutely cannot stop thinking about it.

He’s tried. Henry and Pez and their bodyguards were long gone by the time Alex made it back inside. Not even a drunken stupor or the next morning’s pounding hangover can scrub the image from his brain.

But beneath it all, there’s the Prince of England kissing him under a linden tree in the garden, moonlight in his hair, and Alex’s insides feel positively molten, and he wants to throw himself down the presidential stairs.

Straight people, he thinks, probably don’t spend this much time convincing themselves they’re straight.

He thinks about Henry, and something twists in his chest, like a stretch he’s been avoiding for too long.

He thinks about Henry’s voice low in his ear over the phone at three in the morning, and suddenly he has a name for what ignites in the pit of his stomach. Henry’s hands on him, his thumbs braced against his temples back in the garden, Henry’s hands other places, Henry’s mouth, what he might do with it if Alex let him. Henry’s broad shoulders and long legs and narrow waist, the place his jaw meets his neck and the place his neck meets his shoulder and the tendon that stretches the length between them, and the way it looks when Henry turns his head to shoot him a challenging glare, and his impossibly blue eyes—

He needs a list. So: Things he knows right now.

One. He’s attracted to Henry.

Two. He wants to kiss Henry again.

Three. He has maybe wanted to kiss Henry for a while. As in, probably this whole time.

He drags his finger down to the LGBTQ+ tab and turns to the page he’s looking for, titled with mother’s typical flair: THE B ISN’T SILENT: A CRASH COURSE ON BISEXUAL AMERICANS.

[magnoliamyrrh]

one of my favourite childhood memories i think is when id spend the summer months with my grandparents, and during the night this group of native american singers and dancers would come and perform?

in this little town in dobrogea, technically middle of nowhere and halfway across the world from america, theyd come and set up in the plaza; the black sea and her rolling waves and the smell of seasalt behind them, the moon above, the breeze flowing through the summer poppys and bloosomed linden trees

dressed up in full traditional clothes, theyd start drumming, and playing flutes, and singing, and dancing. it was so entrancing and beautiful and calming. my grandparents and i would spend what felt like hours watching them

[tapedsleeves]

Favorite sound and favorite outfit (or a few if you have outfits for different seasons!)

Favorite sound

since I don't have a favorite outfit for different seasons (I wear the same clothes all year round, except with the addition of cardigans / sweaters from late fall to early spring: I'll do my favorite sound per season!

Spring: the sound of the bees in my mom's linden trees. My mom has 4 or 5 American Lindens (or American Basswood) - which are really really great for bees. They bloom early - from May to June - and bees *fucking love* their flowers. In the spring and early summer, these trees absolutely hum with bees (or at least my mom's do, since at least one of her trees has a hive in it).

Summer: this one has 2 - cicadas outside (I had one in my room once and it sounded like a fuckin demon) but outside they're just. I love the sound they make. the other one is the sound of someone swinging a weedeater. My mom had about 5 acres of lawn and had to weedeat all the time. Idk it became a comfort sound, I guess.

Fall: Rain! Rain rain rain. I love the sound of rain, and it rains a lot in the fall here.

Winter: the sound of Mariah Carey's -- (taken out by the bear sniper). for legal reasons, that's a joke. My actual favorite sound in the winter is the sound of snow falling or ice trucks scraping ice off the roads. Idk! Something about the peaceful silence of snow and then the just. massive engine scraping the asphalt. I just like it.

All Season - cats purring. It's just. so calming.

favorite outfit

Jeans. Jeans! I am not a big fan of shorts or skirts or dresses. I like high-rise skinny jeans. If my stomach doesn't have a lot of structure, it feels weird. If my skin touches, it sweats and I get a rash.

And then a big t-shirt - hard for me to find bc i'm not a small girl, but! I have one mustard yellow t-shirt that has "What would Dolly Do?" on it with a giant picture of Dolly Parton on it, and i love that shirt more than is reasonable.

No shoes. I'm from the south, fuck shoes (unless they're necessary). Also, for unrelated reasons, fuck socks.

ask list

[lindsayjabinal]

The Mighty Linden Tree

L - is lion-hearted

I - is independent

N - is natural

D - is dinkum

S - is sincere

A - is altruistic

Y - is yellow

How does it feel to have a name of British origin? Lindsay is my name. However, the meaning of my name is destiny, heart's desire, and personality. Lindsay is God's gift. I am a person that has the magic to persuade others effortlessly. I am expressive, optimistic, outgoing, charming, cheerful, and inspiring. I am a party animal. I fascinate others with my creativity, especially in writing. I have the innate ability to explain complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand.

R - is reliable

A - is adventurous

Y - is yellow

N - is nobby

E - is exuberant

As a gender-neutral name of Latin origin with roots in Scandinavia and Israel, my name, Rayne, holds a special meaning. People frequently tell me that my name summons images of the nourishing power of rain and the comforting sound of hearing raindrops on a rooftop. It represents who I am and serves as a reminder of the traits that identify with my name — good friendship and counseling. With a name like mine, I strive to be a positive source of guidance for the people in my life. I am Rayne, a name that has many origins and meanings. In Scandinavian culture, Rayne was known as a variant of Raina, meaning 'counselor or mighty.' The Hebrew culture sees my name as a 'song,' while the French culture sees it as a 'queen.' My American origin refers to 'abundant blessings from above.' As if that weren't enough, I'm also an alternative form of the Latin name Regina, meaning 'lady.' Finally, my Scottish origin is from a habitational place called Rayne, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. My name is a perfect reflection of my diverse and abundant heritage.

I asked my parents about the origin of my name about 5 or 6 years ago, and they told me that they chose Lindsay from the Bible and Rayne because of the rain that poured down the day I was born. I adore my name, not only because it's unique and special but because it reflects my personality so well. It's as if the rain that day was a sign that I was to be the cheerful and enthusiastic person I am today. My name serves as a reminder of my sunny personality and the joy I bring to the world.

[greenwitchcrafts]

March 2024 witch guide

Full moon: March 25th

New moon: March 10th

Sabbats: Ostara-March 19th

March Worm Moon

Known as: Crow Moon, Eagle Moon, Goose Moon, Hrethmonath, Lenting moon, Lentzinmanoth, Moon of Snowblind, Moon of Winds, Plow Moon, Sap Moon, Seed Moon, Sore Eyes Moon, Storm Moon, Sugar Moon & Wind Strong Moon

Element: Water

Zodiac: Pisces & Aries

Nature spirits: Air & water spirits & Mer-people

Deities: Artemis, Astarte, Athena, Cybele, Isis, Luna & Minerva

Animals: Boar, cougar & hedgehog

Birds: Sea crow & sea eagle

Trees: Alder, dogwood & honeysuckle

Herbs: Apple blossom, broom, high John root, Irish moss, pennyroyal, wood betony & yellow dock

Flowers: Daffodil, jonquil & violet

Scents: Apple blossom & honeysuckle

Stones: Aquamarine, bloodstone, jasper, opal &topaz

Colors: Pale-green, red, violet, yellow & white

Energy:  Balance, beginnings, dream work, energy breaking into the open, exploring, fertility, inner development, karma, prosperity, spirituality, success & truth seeking

For many years, it was thought that the name "Worm Moon" referred to the earthworms that appear as the soil warms in spring. This invites robins and other birds to feed—a true sign of spring.

However, more research revealed another explanation. In the 1760s, Captain Jonathan Carver visited the Naudowessie (Dakota) and other Native American tribes and wrote that the name Worm Moon refers to a different sort of “worm”—beetle larvae—which begin to emerge from the thawing bark of trees and other winter hideouts at this time.

March’s full Moon often plays a role in religion, specifically in Christianity, this Moon is known as the Lenten Moon if it is the last full Moon of the winter season (i.e., if it occurs before the spring equinox) or as the Paschal Full Moon if it is the first full Moon of spring (i.e., if it occurs after the spring equinox).

Ostara

Known as: Alban Eiler, Lady Day & Spring/Vernal equinox

Season: Spring

Symbols: 8-spoked wheel, butterflies, chicks, decorated baskets, eggs, feathers, jellybeans, lambs, rabbits, seeds, shamrocks, spring flowers & sunwheels

Colors: Green, indigo, light blue, pastels, pink, red & yellow

Oils/Incense: African violet, florals, ginger, jasmine, lotus, magnolia, rose, sage & strawberry

Animals: Cormorant, hare, hawk, rabbit, sheep, sparrow & swallow

Mythical: Dragon & Unicorn

Stones: Amethyst, aquamarine, bloodstone, moonstone, red jasper & rose quartz

Food: Dairy foods, eggs(hard boiled), fruits, honey, honey cakes, leafy greens, vegetables, pine nuts, pumpkin, sunflower seeds, sprouts & waffles

Herbs/Plants: Acorn, cinquefoil, dogwood, ginger, Irish moss, olive, strawberry & woodruff

Flowers: Celandine, crocus, daffodil, dandelion, Easter lily,  jasmine gorse, honeysuckle, hyssop, iris, jonquil, linden, narcissus, peony, snowdrop, tansy & violet

Goddesses: Aphrodite, Ariadne, Artemis, Athena, Coatlicue, Cybele,Demeter, Diana, Eos, Eostre, Flora, Gaia, Hera, Idunn, Iris, Ishtar, Juno, Minerva, Persephone, Venus & Vesta

Gods: Adonis, Attis, Celi, Cernunnos, Coel, Dagda, Dalon ap Landu, Dumuzi, Green Man, Lord of the Greenwood, Mithras, Odin, Osiris, Ovis & Pan

Issues, Intentions & Powers: Agriculture, balance, beauty, fertility, growth, life, love & rebirth/renewal

Spellwork: Air magick, fertility, new beginnings & water magick

Activities:

• Go on a hike/walk & look for signs of spring

• Add Ostara symbols to decorate your altar space

• Plant vegetable &/or flower seedlings

• Decorate eggs with bright colors

• Set your intentions for the weeks/months ahead

• Start a new class or hobby

• Create eggshell candles

• Make plans & new routines for the future

• Participate in rituals & ceremonies that connect you with energy & the life force of nature

• Have a feast with your friends &/family with sprouts & leafy greens

• Bake hot cross buns or lavender/lemon flavored treats

• Clean & de-clutter your home

• Try a re-birthing/ renewing ritual

• Bring fresh flowers or plants into into the home

• Host a spring & floral themed tea party

• Make egg based food dishes & desserts

This holiday marks the Spring Equinox, which happens before March 19-22. It is the second of three spring celebrations (the midpoint between Imbolc and Beltane)  during which light & darkness are again in balance, with light on the rise. It is a time of new beginnings & of life emerging further from the grips of winter.

There is much debate regarding the origins of Ostara due to the lack of primary sources about this sabbat. One theory is the name of Ostara came from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre. Another theory is that Eostre is more of a localized goddess in Kent County, England. Despite the questions of her origins, Eostre is associated with modern-day Pagan traditions of Ostara.

There is no evidence that the ancient Greeks or Romans celebrated Ostara, although they did celebrate their own spring festivals, such as the Roman festival of Floralia & the Greek festival of Anthesteria. It was a time to honor the returning sun, fertility & rebirth.

Related festivals:

• Nowruz- March 19th

Nowruz marks the first day of spring & renewal of nature. It is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox. It is also celebrated as the beginning of the new year by people all around the world for over 3,000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East & other regions.

It promotes values of peace & solidarity between generations & within families as well as reconciliation & neighbourliness. Nowruz plays a significant role in strengthening the ties among peoples based on mutual respect & the ideals of peace and good neighbourliness. 

Traditional customs of Nowruz include fire & water, ritual dances, gift exchanges, reciting poetry, symbolic objects & more; these customs differ between the diverse peoples & countries that celebrate the festival.

• Holi- March 25th

Holi is a popular & significant Hindu festival celebrated as the The festival of colors, Love &Spring. It commemorates eternal and divine love of the deities Radha & Krishna. Additionally, the day signifies the triumph of good over evil, as it celebratess the victory of Vishnu as Narasimha over Hiranyakashipu. Holi originated & is predominantly celebrated in the Indian subcontinent, but has also spread to other regions of Asia & parts of the Western world through the Indian diaspora.

Holi also celebrates the arrival of Spring in India, the end of winter & the blossoming of love. It is also an invocation for a good spring harvest season. It lasts for a night & a day, starting on the evening of the Purnima (full moon day) falling on the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna, which falls around the middle of March in the Gregorian calendar.

• Easter- March 31st

also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday is a Christian festival & cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD. It is the culmination of the Passion of Jesus Christ, preceded by Lent (or Great Lent), a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, & penance.

Easter traditions vary across the Christian world & include sunrise services or late-night vigils, exclamations & exchanges of Paschal greetings, flowering the cross & the decoration and the communal breaking of Easter eggs (a symbol of the empty tomb) among many others. The Easter lily is a symbol of the resurrection in Western Christianity traditionally decorates the chancel area of churches on this day & for the rest of Eastertide. Additional customs that have become associated with Easter & are observed by both Christians & some non-Christians include Easter parades, communal dancing, the Easter Bunny & egg hunting.

Other Celebrations:

• Festival of Luna- March 31st

Is a feast day honoring the Goddess Luna who is seen as the divine embodiment of the Moon.

The Temple of Luna was a temple on the Aventine Hill in Rome, dedicated to Luna, the moon goddess. Its dedication was celebrated on March 31st, thus the celebration.

According to Tacitus, it was built by king Servius Tullius. However, the first confirmed reference to a temple to Luna dates to 182 BC & refers to one of its doors being knocked off its posts by a miraculous blast of air & shot into the back of the Temple of Ceres. That account probably places the temple at the north end of the hill, just above porta Trigemina. The temple was struck by lightning around the time of the death of Cinna, as was the temple of Ceres. After the destruction of Corinth, Lucius Mummius Achaicus dedicated some of his spoils from the city to this temple. It was destroyed in the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD & not rebuilt.

Sources:

Farmersalmanac .com

Llewellyn's Complete Book of Correspondences by Sandra Kines

Wikipedia

A Witch's Book of Correspondences by Viktorija Briggs

Encyclopedia britannica

Llewellyn 2024 magical almanac Practical magic for everyday living

[gardenofbookworms]

week #11 recommendation: rose

The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry

▪︎ historical fiction/mystery novel ▪︎

not very long ago and not very far away, there once was and still is an invisible place right here with us. and if you were born knowing, you will find your way through the woodlands to the shimmering doors that lead to the land made just and exactly for you...

so begins the story of whisperwood, a magical place in which hazel and flora linden could disappear away into. the sound of hazel's voice took them through the bushes and above the trees, turning the sisters into any animals they desired, journeying into a magical world made just and only for them. all of this, while staying in a hole in a tree in the woods near the cottage where they'd been sent to live, far away from the comfort of their mother's flat in london. they'd been sent away for their own safety—it was 1940, and the bombs were soon to start falling. but there in the english countryside, in beloved binsey, the girls were safe. until six year old flora disappeared near the beautiful but deadly river thames. hazel left her for but a moment, and she lost her. now, twenty years later, hazel has almost given up hope of finding flora once more—a body was found in the river, and it was entirely possible that it was flora. then, in the bookshop where she works, hazel comes across the secret story she told flora. the story of whisperwood. hazel never told anyone—it was their story, and theirs alone. so how did it get into the hands of this strange american author, and why is she telling it now? could flora be alive despite all the evidence to the contrary?

▪︎

i loved this book. the author does a brilliant job of showing the bonds that tie hazel and flora together, and why hazel can't let go of the fact that a fairy tale by the name of whisperwood has recently been published. this book is sort of a mystery, sort of historical fiction, sort of fantasy—which, in my opinion, makes it even better. the best books and songs and movie can't be easily sorted at categories; they do an outstanding job of tying it all together. and callahan henry definitely does that that here—the idyllic picture of whisperwood is beautifully painted, and yet it's so easy to jump right back in to binsey or london or wherever hazel is. also, alternating timelines? the perfect way to tell this story.

[john-sydnor]

Urban Renaissance Through TreeLab: John Sydnor's Green Revolution

Imagine a bustling cityscape dominated by concrete and steel, where a longing for nature and concerns about the scarcity of green spaces have become palpable. Enter TreeLab, John Sydnor's brainchild offers a promising solution to this urban challenge. This article delves into the significance of weaving greenery into urban environments and explores the transformative impact of TreeLab on cities.

Introducing John Sydnor: The Visionary Urban Developer

John Sydnor is a seasoned urban developer renowned for his pioneering work on the innovative TreeLab project. Driven by an unyielding passion for urban growth, he has reimagined city spaces as vibrant and ecologically conscious green sanctuaries. His unwavering commitment to environmental preservation has earned him widespread recognition and respect. Sydnor's efforts to create green oases within urban landscapes have inspired similar industries, shaping the future of city planning and fostering environmental consciousness.

Unveiling TreeLab: A Catalyst for Sustainable Urban Development

TreeLab is a pioneering urban development initiative led by John Sydnor, with sustainability at its core. This visionary project leverages cutting-edge technologies and community engagement to champion the integration of green spaces within urban realms. The central mission of TreeLab is to combat environmental challenges by strategically planting and maintaining greenery in urban settings.

Roots of TreeLab and Historical Significance

The roots of TreeLab can be traced back to Richmond's rich commitment to sustainable green spaces. This historical journey commences in the late 1800s when the forward-thinking city engineer Wilfred Emory Cutshaw laid the groundwork for "New Reservoir Park" and envisioned the iconic linden-tree-lined Boulevard. Cutshaw's visionary foresight led to establishing Richmond's first city tree nursery in the early 1900s, located within what would later become Byrd Park. This early recognition of the importance of urban greenery harmonized seamlessly with the burgeoning City Beautiful movement in American cities.

Throughout the 20th century, the City of Richmond was dedicated to nurturing green spaces and expanding tree nurseries during the 1960s and 70s. These initiatives mirrored a growing societal awareness of environmental sustainability and the pivotal role played by trees and open spaces in fostering ecological equilibrium and the well-being of urban inhabitants. However, subsequent decades witnessed a wane in attention and resources allocated to urban nurseries, marking a period of stagnation in the city's commitment to its green infrastructure during the 1980s and 1990s.

Against this historical ebb and flow in Richmond's urban greening endeavors, TreeLab emerged as a symbol of resurgence. Founded by John Sydnor, TreeLab reinvigorated the city's commitment to sustainable urban development. By reusing abandoned city nursery spaces and other vacant areas, integrating educational components within public schools, and encouraging community participation, TreeLab redefined the urban landscape by strategically planting and nurturing greenery. Its mission echoed the early vision of Cutshaw and the City Beautiful Movement, addressing environmental challenges and creating thriving green oases at the heart of the city.

Through the prism of TreeLab, Richmond's history of urban nurseries was transformed into a dynamic narrative—a story of initial vision, expansion, stagnation, and, ultimately, renaissance. While TreeLab eventually concluded its operations, the city's greening endures through the efforts of new nonprofit organizations.

The Purpose of TreeLab: A Blueprint for Urban Transformation

The primary goal of TreeLab is to revolutionize urban development by seamlessly weaving nature into cityscapes, promoting sustainability, and enhancing the quality of life for urban residents. In doing so, TreeLab addresses pressing urban environmental issues such as air pollution, extreme heat, and the scarcity of green spaces.

Contributions to Urban Development

TreeLab plays a pivotal role in shaping urban development in multiple ways. This section delves into how it enhances air quality and provides much-needed green spaces in urban areas.

Improving Air Quality

Tree Planting: TreeLab strategically plants diverse tree species, including evergreens and deciduous trees, to enhance air quality by absorbing air pollutants.

Emission Reduction: By advocating for sustainable transportation and cleaner energy sources, TreeLab reduces harmful pollutant emissions.

Green Infrastructure Installation: Integrating green roofs and green walls in urban areas amplifies air purification efforts.

Community Education: TreeLab empowers communities with knowledge about the pivotal role of trees in improving air quality.

Recognizing the profound impact of urban development on air quality, promoting green spaces, and sustainable practices is imperative for creating healthier and more livable cities.

Mitigating the Urban Heat Island Effect

Increasing Vegetation: TreeLab plants more trees, shrubs, and greenery to provide shade and mitigate the urban heat island effect by reducing heat absorption by buildings and pavements.

Reflective Surfaces: Adopting reflective or lighter-colored materials for pavements, roofs, and roads minimizes heat absorption and combats the urban heat island effect.

Green Roofs: Implementing green roofs on buildings aids heat absorption and provides insulation.

Providing Green Spaces in Urban Areas

Developing Community Gardens and Urban Parks: TreeLab fosters the creation of community gardens and urban parks, offering essential green spaces in urban areas.

Rooftop Gardens: Incorporating rooftop gardens or green roofs on buildings adds a touch of greenery to cities.

Pocket Parks: Establishing small green enclaves in densely populated urban areas elevates the quality of life for city dwellers.

Vertical Gardens: Vertical gardens on walls or building facades seamlessly integrate nature into urban landscapes.

John Sydnor's Multi-Faceted Projects

John Sydnor's commitment to community-focused growth extends beyond TreeLab. This section sheds light on some other projects he is involved in, spanning urban agriculture, sustainable housing, and community engagement.

Sustainable Housing

Energy-Efficient Design: Sydnor's sustainable housing projects incorporate energy-saving features such as solar panels and sustainable materials.

Waste Reduction: Utilization of recycled and eco-friendly materials and minimizing construction waste characterizes sustainable housing construction.

Water Conservation: Water-saving fixtures and rainwater harvesting systems enhance sustainability in housing developments.

Green Spaces: Integrating gardens, green roofs, or vertical gardens further amplifies environmental sustainability in housing projects.

Community Engagement

Organizing Community Workshops and Events: Sydnor's projects actively engage communities through workshops and events, fostering urban development and sustainability awareness.

Collaboration with Residents and Organizations: Collaboration with residents, businesses, and organizations ensures collective project input and decision-making.

Educational Programs: Sydnor develops educational programs to empower communities with knowledge about environmental issues and solutions, encouraging active participation.

Volunteer Opportunities: Providing volunteer opportunities for community members fosters engagement in urban development initiatives and nurtures a sense of ownership.

The Impact of John Sydnor's Work: A Greener Tomorrow

John Sydnor's innovative initiatives, including TreeLab, have left an indelible mark on various facets of city life, from environmental conservation to societal well-being and economic prosperity. His endeavors have yielded significant benefits:

Environmental Benefits

Air Purification: TreeLab's green infrastructure actively absorbs pollutants, improving air quality in urban areas and yielding environmental benefits.

Temperature Regulation: Trees and vegetation planted by TreeLab reduce the urban heat island effect, lowering city temperatures and contributing to environmental benefits.

Ecosystem Restoration: The creation of green spaces through TreeLab restores biodiversity and provides habitats for wildlife, resulting in environmental benefits.

Social Benefits

The social benefits stemming from TreeLab and John Sydnor's projects include fostering community cohesion, enhancing mental well-being, and promoting social interaction and integration. Creating green spaces and involvement in community projects actively encourages social interaction and strengthens the sense of community ownership and pride.

Economic Benefits

Job Creation: Urban development projects led by TreeLab improve the environment and generate employment opportunities.

Property Value: Implementing green spaces and sustainable housing has boosted property values in urban areas, providing economic benefits.

Cost Savings: TreeLab's focus on improving air quality and reducing the urban heat island effect benefits the environment and lowers healthcare costs and energy bills, resulting in cost savings for residents.

John Sydnor's enduring commitment to sustainable urban development continues to shape cities, creating a greener, healthier, and more vibrant future for urban residents.

[the-lunch-squad]

Characters:

Shay Ambrose ~ he/him. Ankh. Irish/Welsh/Egyptian. Parents: Aisha El Nour and Gareth Ambrose-Jones

Conor Moss ~ he/they. Celtic cross. Irish. Parents: Donal and Eilís Moss. Siblings: Colm, [Conor], Eoghan, Ronan.

Lynne Rivers ~ she/her. Flipper. English/Punjabi. Parents: Rahul Kapoor, Rose Rivers & Joseph Moran. Siblings: [Lynne], Rebecca, Sophie.

Georgie Drake ~ they/she. Snake. Irish/German. Parents: Klaus Drake, Irene. Siblings: Fiona, Theresa, [Georgie].

Raven Bone ~ they/them. Skull with headphones. Irish. Parent: Ash Bone.

Rania Deyaa ~ she/her. Formerly ankh. Egyptian. Shay’s grandmother.

Margaret Moss ~ she/her. Formerly Celtic cross. Irish. Moss’s grandmother.

Lughaidh de Búrca ~ he/him. Axe. Irish. Margaret’s first cousin.

Inky (Jhuliete Del Agua) ~ she/her. Octopus. Filipino.

Jay Campbell ~ she/her. Motorbike. Scottish.

Lucy Campbell ~ she/her. Bird. Scottish.

Marzanna Zima ~ she/her. Mushroom. Polish.

Gust de Moulin ~ he/him. Swirl. Luxembourgish.

Mem Hochberg ~ they/them. Elephant. Polish Jew.

Rocío Basurto Ramos ~ she/her. Tree of life. Spanish.

Nuru Otieno ~ she/her. Flame. Kenyan.

Tjaart Kumbukani ~ he/she. Theatre mask. South African.

Peter Webb ~ he/him. Spider. Australian.

Linden Oakes ~ he/him. Leaf. English.

Hunter O’Ryan ~ he/they. Scorpion. American.

Zal Finnegan ~ he/him. Butterfly. Iranian/Irish

Elain ~ she/her. Deer antlers. Welsh.

Hellen Tempest ~ they/any. English.

Nina Evren-Hayes ~ she/they. Dragon. Turkish/American. Parents: Șule Evren, Kenneth Hayes.

Alvíss Gull ~ they/them. Viking ship. Norwegian. Aunt: Ingunn Bakken. (Parents: Annethe and Henrik Gull)

Aimée Roux ~ she/her. Heart. French. Parents: Gabriel and Anne Roux. Siblings: Veronique, Jeanne, Gabrielle, Marianne, [Aimée]

Fay Harper ~ he/him. Harp. English. Parents: Jeanie Bell, [blank] Harper. Siblings: [Fay], Grace.

Ethan Hektor ~ he/him. Anchor. Greek. Parents: Markos & Eleni Marinos.

Aleksander Gunvald ~ he/him. Formerly Viking ship. Norwegian.