#don't hold the incense burner like this if it is in use...

[fouryearsofshades]

qixiong shanqun by 纨绮汉服工作室

[asha-mage]

I feel like I am going to be having random WoT Finale thoughts for the next six months, but one I especially want to hit up now:

The actual logistics of the Whitecloak attack on Falme, from the military tactics to the geo politics of it all are so perfectly on point that it's like something Jordan would have written himself.

In the books the Whitecloaks are on Tomon Head for unrelated reasons to the Seanchan (ones that would be hard to establish properly in a tv format where we don't have the time to follow Bornhold Sr for six odd scenes), so the show runners shifted it so that they are explicitly answering a call for aid from a foreign throne. The Whitecloaks are a autonomous military body beholden to no nation that operates with pseudo-legality in most places that are not under their influence, and the idea of expanding that influence to another nation is far to tempting to resist, especially when no other power is answering the Falme's call for aid, including the White Tower, who are the Whitecloak's primary rival. On principles it seems like they are stepping up to help a victimized nation that the 'witches' have abandoned, or even orchestrated the fall of.

And then on a practical level, the actual tactics they employ are fiendishly clever. Using incense burners to create a fog to hide their approach and blunt the effectiveness of the enemy channelers (who need to be able to see something to target their weaves). This also makes sense on a world building level- the Whitecloaks probably have a dozen tactics in their back pockets to deal with an outright war against the Aes Sedai if it ever breaks out. Then once the Whitecloaks close up to the walls, they send in their cavalry first, to overwhelm enemy defenses before they can get the gates shut, then send in the infantry to secure and pacify the remaining resistance not taken out by the shock charge. At this point the Seanchan have to focus their fighting to the streets of Falme, and the best way to do that is to gather their damane on the nearby tower and rain down artillery fire in an attempt to break the Whitecloaks into retreat- a brutal strategy likely to result in the deaths of their own troops and civilians, but necessary if they are going to have any hope of holding the city.

And then is where things get INSANE. See, conventional medieval military wisdom dictates that in a situation where the gates are breached already siege engines have no use. Their too clumsy, taking to much time to aim and fire to be much use in a melee brawl like this. Siege engines are useful for breaking fortifications, toppling walls, etc, so if used offensively almost always come out first. That means that no one is expecting them to roll out of that fog and hurl stones at the damane's position. In one strike Bornhold Senior decapitates the enemy's primary advantage over him and tilts the battle in his favor. (And even if the damane had managed to counter the strike, they would be weakened significantly, having to focus on blocking further attacks and counter attacking the siege engines- not easy with the fog- instead of keeping the fighting in the streets under control).

This might be one of those things that only I care about, but good employment of medieval military tactics combined with magical fantasy elements always makes me go

[muertawrites]

Of Incense and Intimacy (Eddie Munson x Reader) [18+]

Summary: Your roommate's recreational habits tend to wreak havoc on your anxious sensitivities, so you burn a little incense with him to help you both relax. Maybe choosing a scent called "love spell" wasn't the best idea....

Warnings: anxiety, panic attacks, the devil's lettuce, explicit descriptions of secks (minors i fucking see you stay behind the beaded curtain), raw dogging (wear a fuckin' raincoat y'all don't be dumb), mentions of the dirty touch, perv!eddie my beloved, my daddy kink continuing to control every aspect of my life

Word Count: 3.5k (she long and thick this time babes)

Author's Note: i just like incense a lot. ever since i got a backflow burner it's become my entire personality. my room smells amazing.

You hate doing this, ruining his fun. Especially because you know it's how he relaxes; how he deals with his own problems. Still, the tightening of your chest, the shallowness of your breathing, the fear starting to creep its way out of the corners of your mind sends you across the hall, tapping on his door.

Eddie answers in a puff of cannabis smoke, and you instinctively cover your mouth and nose with your shirt. Even in his hazy, glazed-over frame of mind, he knows exactly why you're here, and he immediately apologizes.

"Oh, shit, pumpkin, I'm sorry."

He dashes back into his room, stubbing out the joint in his hand and opening his window a crack, despite the winter chill. You stand in the doorway and sigh.

"No, I'm sorry," you say. "I'm a shit roommate."

"You have clinical anxiety." He annunciates the words as he returns to you, leaning against the door frame and giving your hair a quick, gentle pet. "It's okay."

You grimace as you flinch away, choked by the skunky smell emanating from him.

"That shit reeks," you huff. "You don't have anything better?"

Eddie chuckles, shoving the sleeve of his sweatshirt under your nose to tease you. He laughs as you smack him away.

"The high quality stuff brings in too much money," he explains. "Unless you want me to stop pitching in for takeout."

You roll your eyes and hold a finger up, telling him to wait.

"I'm not living with that stench all night."

You disappear into your bedroom, returning with a couple ceramic dishes and a stack of different sized boxes. Eddie raises an eyebrow as you set them up on his dresser, handing him a few of the boxes and directing him to choose some of the contents. He opens the topmost one, labeled "fairy dust", and removes one of the clay-coated sticks inside.

"Incense?" he realizes. He holds the stick up to his face, the scent so sweet it burns his nostrils. "Is this why your room always smells so good?"

You nod, shuffling through a few of the smaller boxes.

"It covers up the smell of weed," you explain. "I started using it like a week after we moved in together."

Eddie smirks, looking through the other scents you've brought over. Some of them are simple and self-explanatory, like basil and lily, but others are more vague, like "mystique" and "decadence". He pauses when he comes across a box marked with the words "love spell", grinning at you in that impish, borderline perverse way you know too well.

"You trying to seduce me?" he jests, waggling his eyebrows.

"I'd have to do way less than this to seduce you," you laugh. You shriek when his pillow smacks you in the back of the head.

"I'm not desperate," he defends himself. "I've been dry for over a year, y'know."

"We share a wall," you remind him. "I can hear you masturbate. Twice a day. It's like you don't even try to keep quiet."

He scoffs, attempting to play off the fierce blush that burns across his cheeks. You giggle at him; he's way too cute.

"What's weirder is that I never hear you masturbate," he deflects. "I'm starting to worry."

"I masturbate," you state matter-of-factly. "I'm just considerate enough to shut the fuck up about it."

Eddie tries to ignore the way the image of you pleasuring yourself, just feet away from him, makes his cock twitch. He clears his throat as he hands you one of the boxes, choosing at random.

"Here."

You examine it, grinning up at him.

"You picked the one called 'wizard'?" you tease. "Not surprised."

He chuckles, settling himself on the end of his mattress as he watches you place an incense stick upright in your burner and set it alight with the Zippo he keeps next to his stash. The flame flares, searing a thick, smoky path down the tip of the stick before you blow it out, leaving nothing but glowing embers and heavy, fragrant smoke curling into the air. He fixates on the purse of your lips, barely staving off the lewd thoughts that float through his mind.

As the smell of sugar and sandalwood perfumes the confined space, you pop open one of the smaller boxes and remove an incense cone from it, setting it strategically at the top of the second dish. This one is shaped like a pond, beveled with stones, complete with sculpted lily pads and painted koi. When you light the tip of the cone, sweet sage drifts upward on the wisps of smoke, waves of it cascading down the ceramic stones and into the waiting pool below.

Eddie's eyes grow wide, watching the display as if you're performing magic. You smile, curling up on his mattress so you can comfortably enjoy the view.

"That's so fucking cool," he gasps. He lays back beside you, his body fitting nicely next to yours. There isn't much room on his full bed, so you're pressed together, your head falling onto his stomach to compensate for the lack of space.

"Yeah, I knew you'd like it," you muse. "I was gonna get you one for your birthday."

You lay like that for a while, until the incense stick burns out, the silence and shared warmth far too easy between you. Eddie's arm migrates around your shoulders, hugging you close, your leg somehow finding its way between his as you fold yourself more and more into him. The scent of weed still lingers after the incense is gone, so you stand and light another, Eddie whining at the loss of your touch.

Rose petals and musk fill the air as you return to the bed, this time straddling your roommate's lap as he sits leaned against his pillows and the wall. He quirks a brow at you but doesn't protest, his hands falling without hesitation around your waist, keeping you there.

"... Maybe I am trying to seduce you. A little bit," you admit.

He smirks, eyes still glassy from his high.

"You're joking," he replies. There's no way that you - beautiful, intelligent, fiery you - want to have sex with him.

But you shake your head, arms draping over his shoulders as your chest presses to his.

"I think you're hotter than sin, Eddie Munson. And you're my best friend. I can't think of anyone I'd rather be in bed with."

Maybe it's the pot. Maybe it's how pretty you look with your hair up, greasy and messy, a day past needing a wash. Maybe it's the feel of your unconfined breasts pushed against him under your sweater. Maybe it's simply how he loves you, but can't find the words to admit it. Whatever the reason, Eddie closes the space between you with a tender, tentative kiss, his thumb grazing the naked skin just under your shirt. You smile softly against his lips, opening your mouth so they can slot together with yours, tongues finding each other with the gentlest little push.

"You taste good," he murmurs. You peck his lips as he pulls away to speak, gazing dreamily into his honey brown eyes.

"You taste like smoke," you tell him. He chuckles, returning your tiny smooch.

You take your time, savoring each other's kisses and touches in a heated round of sucking face. Eddie's movements are slow and deliberate, his tongue and his lips moving in sync with yours while his large, calloused palms rub loving circles into the skin under your sweater. When you pull away to breathe, he licks teasingly at your lips, grinning as you giggle softly. He presses lazy kisses along your jaw, your eyes falling blissfully closed as he works his way down your neck, nipping and sucking at your flesh. He's hard under his sweatpants, but he's in no rush - he loves having you close, loves having the time to worship your body the way you deserve. You knot your fingers in his hair and he lets out a breathy little moan, the sound so melodic you could listen to it on repeat for hours.

"What do you think about when you masturbate?" he wonders aloud. He thoughtfully licks his lips as he levels his face once again, brushing his nose against yours. His eyes are heavily lidded.

"It used to be Jeff Goldblum, before he gets all gross in The Fly," you divulge. "But since living with you, it's just you. The sounds you make... it's like having my own private porno."

You smirk as Eddie blushes, his hand squeezing gently at your love handle. You've masturbated... to him masturbating? All while he was none the wiser? That can't be right. He must be hearing things, mustering his own fantasies into being.

"You're so pretty..." he whispers, losing track of his thoughts.

You giggle, playfully licking at his lips the way he did yours.

"What do you think about?" you ask in return.

"You," he answers without a beat. "How you look when you walk around in just a big t-shirt. I like to imagine you riding me like that. Or when you're in the shower, I... I sometimes masturbate thinking of you in there."

Your tongue grazes over your bottom lip, teeth sinking into it as the muscle disappears into your mouth and you smile. He's shocked that you're not totally disgusted.

"I want you to bend me over," you confess.

He blinks. This can't be for real.

"What, no missionary first?" he asks.

You laugh, pressing an affectionate kiss against his lips. He returns it reflexively, grinning into you, adoring the sound of your laugh.

"Just fuck me," you whisper. "It's about time we got naked together."

Eddie obliges without further convincing. He lifts your sweater over your head, drinking in the sight of your bare tits without shame. You kiss him again as your hands run under his sweatshirt, groping at his bare skin as he guides the offending fabric up and away, tossing it somewhere to be forgotten. He takes your face in his hands and presses his chest against yours, sighing into your mouth at the feel of your bodies so close, without anything between them. He's warm, his chest broad and firm, his arms forming a protective brace around you. Something so salacious as preparing for sex with your roommate has no right feeling as loving as this does.

"Stand up," Eddie instructs.

You climb off the mattress, giggling as he takes you by the hips and positions you between his legs. He kisses the space between your breasts, his breath fanning delicately over your skin as he eases your sweatpants down your legs, fingers teasing your exposed thighs. Your first instinct is to be embarrassed - you haven't shaved in well over two weeks, and you're afraid he'll be put off by it. But he's unfazed, too enamored with you to really care. His eyes graze over your body with lovelorn grace, still very much under the influence of the drugs, but clear enough to remain totally tuned in to you.

"Undress me."

He stands so he's towering over you, snaring you in another kiss before you make your way downward, trailing your lips languidly over his torso until you're kneeling before him; you pause on your way to kitten lick his nipple, and the sharp intake of his breath at the tease thrills you.

You don't bother taking your time with his sweats, unraveling the drawstring with expert precision and letting them fall, immediately grasping at the base of his cock. It's a pretty thing, long and perfectly thick, the tip poking out handsomely from the hood of his uncut foreskin. You stroke at him gently, grinning up at him with your lip between your teeth.

"You're as perverted as I am, aren't you, sweet little thing?" Eddie chuckles. You don't miss the way he twitches in your palm.

"I learned from the best," you reply with a wink.

His grin doesn't disappear as you run your tongue up the underside of his head, tasting the salt of precum as you gently suckle at the tip. He breathes an airy moan, his hand falling to the nape of your neck.

"Just let me fuck you, baby," he pleads. "I'll use your mouth another time."

You raise yourself up, unable to stop yourself from taking him in for another kiss. He's addicting, the feel of his lips twined with yours almost, if not as good as the sex you've been aching to have with him.

Eddie's hands don't leave your waist as you crawl back on to his mattress, bending down on your elbows and knees and arching your back in a display of catlike sensuality. He's quick to fall behind you, smoothing his palm down the curve of your back before bringing it with a sharp smack down on your ass cheek. You yelp, already dripping through the petals of your pussy in anticipation of his cock.

He runs two fingers through your slick, feeling you out; in the floor length mirror beside his window, you watch him raise those fingers to his lips and suck them clean.

"So sweet," he drawls. "I can't wait to make you cum with my tongue."

"I've never been eaten out before," you mention, catching his eyes in the mirror. They've got a mischievous gleam, not leaving yours as he runs the head of his cock up and down the length of your opening.

"You'll never want anyone else between your thighs once I'm done with you," he promises.

He dips himself inside you, causing you to gasp at the sudden rush of pain that always comes with the first breach of your walls. Your face scrunches, fingers gripping at his sheets as he takes hold of your hips, gently and carefully easing you onto him.

"It hurt?" he questions. The concern in his voice is obvious, and it makes you want for him even more.

"Only for a moment," you assure him. He gives a little nod, pulling out slightly before slipping back in, his cock stroking against you and relaxing your muscles. You breathe out a sigh, the pain fading into delicious fullness.

"Fuck, Eddie," you gasp. "Why didn't you mention you have the dick of a porn star?"

He chuckles, giving you another playful spank as he bottoms out, his head just kissing your cervix.

"Same reason you never mentioned your pussy was so perfectly deep and tight, I guess."

He grips you by the waist and starts to fuck, moaning as he sets a steady pace so you can both savor the feeling of each other. You stretch your torso out on his mattress, curling your body so he's hitting you right at your deepest point, an angle that has him groaning and mewling the way you're all too familiar with.

"Fuck, sweetheart, you look so good for me," he praises. "Taking my cock into that sweet little pussy..."

He brings his hand down once again, causing you to moan with the pleasurable sting of his palm against your skin. He continues to spank, thrusting in time with each hit until your cheeks are rosy and tender with the imprint of his palm. Your tongue rolls out of your mouth as he picks up his pace, eyes closing as you smile with bliss.

"Oh, that's my good girl," he growls. "Loving the way daddy uses her as his little fuck toy."

One of his hands raises to curl around the back of your neck, holding you in place as he starts to pound ruthlessly into you, your legs shaking as the sensation of him filling you reaches high into your stomach.

"You're so good baby... so good... mmmm, fuck, shit, heck, you feel incredible on my cock... Fuuuuuuuck, baby... Fuck...!"

You giggle at his intonations, mewling sweetly as his hips snap against yours, the sound of your thighs slapping together echoing off the walls. You can hear your sticky wetness clinging to his shaft, a harmony to back the loud groans he releases every time he thrusts.

"Right there, Eddie..." you coax. "Fuck, babe, right there... Make me cum..."

He guides your body forward, laying you flush against the blankets as he positions his body prone above yours, his arm wrapping around your neck to steady you. He doesn't stop railing into you, panting heavily in your ear, the thin plastic of the ever-present guitar pick around his neck bobbing against your back. You roll your hips into his, meeting his thrusts, and he lets out sound so sweet you think he might actually be crying.

"Oh, god, sugar, yes..." he snarls. "Keep fucking yourself on my cock... fuck, fuck, yeah, just like that... oh, love, you feel so fucking good..."

His relentless pace has built up a knot in your abdomen, one that releases with an explosion throughout your entire body. You cry out in ecstasy, your limbs fizzling with the shock of your orgasm, your toes curling as you ride the wave of indescribable pleasure out for its impossible length. As soon as Eddie feels you tighten around him, he clenches the base of his cock, staving away his own release as he fucks you through to the end. Once you relax, he gingerly unsheathes himself; you roll so you're facing him, repositioning yourself with bended knees so you can curl your fingers around the handsome appendage and stroke him, savoring his enamored cries as he cums onto your stomach and breasts. His breathing is ragged as the thick, pearly strings of semen cease to erupt from his slit. He collapses onto the mattress beside you with a satisfied huff.

For a few minutes, all you do is lay beside each other, filling each other's space while your breathing regains its normal rhythm and your bodies come back to themselves. Eventually, Eddie gets up and disappears, returning with the pack of baby wipes you keep in your room. He cleans you off, removing every trace of the depravity you've shared and kissing your stomach once you're pure again. He wipes himself off as well, pitching both the used cloths and the ash left in your burner into the little trash can beside his nightstand. The incense has long since burnt out.

Eddie crawls back into bed with you, lifting the blankets over you both and slipping between them, placing a kiss on your shoulder as he presses his chest to your back. You're laying with your heads on the foot of his bed, but that hardly matters; he's actually holding you, close and tight and with his face buried in your hair. It's such a small thing, but you've never been treated with this much tenderness before.

"What's wrong?" he asks. He can read you like a book and it makes you want to cry.

"... You're just being really good to me," you whisper. "You're not... You're not done with me."

"Of course not," he murmurs. He brushes a few stray wisps away from your face, clearing a space for his lips to press a light kiss into your temple. "If I just wanted you for sex I'd have made a move a long time ago. I... I kind of feel things for you. Like... a lot of things."

You turn to face him, hugging him close and hiding your face in his chest. He kisses the top of your head, his fingers making a delicate trail down the length of your spine.

"Thank you for putting up with me," you say. "And for driving me to the hospital that time my contact high gave me a panic attack."

Eddie chuckles, giving your love handle an affectionate squeeze.

"Any time, pumpkin. That's still the best date I've ever had."

You smile, letting out a breathy laugh into his skin.

Over the next couple weeks, Eddie slowly migrates his things into your room, making a habit of sharing a bed even when you're not having sex. His old room becomes a studio, and the other members of Corroded Coffin are excited when he tells them they finally have their own recording space. They're sprawled out on the floor, sharing a joint in celebration when the new setup finally dawns on Jeff.

"Did your roommate move out?" he inquires.

"Not really," Eddie responds with a shrug. "More like I moved in."

Jeff and Gareth share a skeptical look. As if on cue, you appear in the doorway, wearing a pair of Eddie's boxers and tossing him a pack of basil-scented incense, which he catches without so much as a flinch.

"Put it out, please," you request. "I'm starting to get jitters."

"Yes, dear. Our apologies."

He flashes you a giddy, awestruck smile as he reaches for the ashtray. He then blows you an exaggerated kiss, to which you just roll your eyes and grin.

"You're a fucking dork," you tell him.

"Love you too, angel babe."

💀🌹 masterlist 🌹💀

[lilianasgrimoire]

Altars

A witch's alar is a divine place. it's unique and sacred. There will never be 2 of the same. Each altar is personal, one of a kind. Most altars, however, will have similar or the same items, such as a cauldron, candles, an athame (a small blade), and a symbol to represent the craft of the individual (pentagram, flower of life, etc.). There is no set of items to make an altar an altar.

You do not need to go out of you way to get expensive for specific items for your space. You may only need a regular bowl as the cauldron and some herbs with a grimoire. Another's space may have incense or a smelly candle. Some alters are decorated for the season, special festivals, items for specific deities or even spell jars. Should you want to decorate your dedicated space traditionally, it would have a specific layout, particularly during spell work.

How to Set Up an Altar

Typically, a cloth will be placed on the table (but it isn't a necessity). A pentacle/pentagram will be placed on the table and there will be 4 corners to represent the elements.

North = Earth = crystals, bowl of salt, a plant

East = Air = incense or/and burner

South = Fire = candles or something that holds a flame

West = Water = a body of water (bowl or cup).

Other witches may have many more objects on their alter, or they may keep it minimal. If an individual works with deities, they may included a candle or item to hold a space on the altar for that particular spirit/deity. Items also differ based on their belief system.

Most commonly, witches use:

Pictures or statues of the deity to honour them, or/and a symbolic item to represent their certain God, should they work with or worship one.

A chalice may be used to represent the feminine aspect in the Great Rite (Wicca), which is usually filled with wine, juice or spring water.

A bell can be used to mark the start and end of a ritual or used to sound cleanse a space.

The Athame is a blade to represent the male or masculine of the Great Rite, to direct energies and cut doorways in the circle. Also can be used in rituals to 'cut ties' energetically and spiritually with another person.

A wand to direct energies and create the temple of the protective circle (usually cast before doing spell work)

Crystals to promote, banish or maintain specific energies.

Altars do not need to be in one spot or a specific way. Altars can be spread out over shelves, tables or even over several rooms. Alternatively, they can even be pocket sized for your own convenience! It's your space - make it how you like it and what works for you and your situation. An Altar is designed and tailored to fit the witch using it.

Some witches don't even have altars, but most do. Altars are not a necessity in your craft and neither is what you put on it, so there should be no pressure as to make one.

[conjuremanj]

Traditional Road Opener with Rituals

In traditional Hoodoo life is one long road from Birth to the Grave, that's when we'll to become ancestors ourselves. The term Road Opening is not used in hoodoo back in the day it was called Blockbusting. So if you go to a spiritual shop and see a road opener and a blockage candle it's the same thing. It gets rid of blockages, and do away with the obstacles in your or your clients life.

There also is a Blockbuster (read my post in that up top)

Now in the Spanish version like Santeria they may use a herb like Abre Camino which means "opens road, where the plant may be used.

Now think of it as a road where our blessings come one way and our gifts our free will comes the other way. ☝️ Sometimes we can get side-tracked that ends up with a blockage in our way. It may be from pursuing a person we should not be pursuing or a job we should pursue or a life path. Now I'm not saying you can't have those things just that it may not be the right time for those yet there are many reasons we can get blocked.

So when we pursue those blessings that comes towards us and don't received them it's because we put blockages in front of ourselves then we ask why. Why am I not receiving my blessings. That why... Your Blocked.

So when you use a blockbuster your undoing the blockages so that the blessings can start flowing towards you again. And it's does not matter if your blocked in love or money or even employment this will help you to receive those blessings and have them flow back to you again. Now if it's yourself that is blocked see my last post there's another spell for your self to stop blockages. Do both if you feel you need to.

Candles: We know that road opening colors are green, yellow, gold some are red. But you can used a color base on the type of opening you're doing. [Example of it's money that is blocked green is a good choice if it's love use that color if it's spiritual use white] So for this spell color can help if you don't have one white is fine.

Ritual: You will need a Bay leaf. Charcoal frankincense and myrrh and Incense burner. Write on a bay leaf the things that are holding you back.

We use the bay leaf because the leaf is a carrier it invokes spirits and ancestors to walk with you to identify the problem and to help get rid of the burdens and we use the frankincense and myrrh help cleanse the road and give them that extra push to get it out of your way.

Pray the 23rd psalms and walk around with it your going to walk because these are your burdens and you must carry it. This isn't a working where you can just let it burn and walk away NO. Just continue to pray the 23 psalms while you walk around (just like if your sageing) untill the bay leaf is completely burned out. It's important.

Now once you finish your road opening take those opportunities that come up even if it's not what you really want it's a opportunity to get where you need and want to be so take those opportunities when they present themselves.

Full Spell: If needed.

Road Opener Candle Spell: First you'll make a name paper. Take 4" x 4" piece of paper and write "Open Roads" on it stacked 3 times. Turn the paper 1/4 turn clockwise and write your name across it stacked 3 times. Dab a bit of Road Opener Oil on the four corners and center of the paper and set it aside.

Get a Yellow jumbo candle glass is ok, and dab a bit of Road Opener Oil on it. Stroke the oil on the candle toward you saying "Open my roads to me unblock health, love, money and opportunities unblock this________ I have so I may receive the blessings I deserve!" Set the candle in a candle holder.

Place the name paper on a plate then sprinkle a bit of Road Opener powder on top of the name paper in the shape of a large "+" (making a little crossroad on the plate)

(if you decide to go outside draw this symbol on the ground same way. Pour a little rum or whisky on top then place the candle in the center)

Place the candle in the center of the "+" of the herbal powder on the plate. Use your rattle and bell to bring spirit and or ancestors to you for help blow your cigar on the altar.

Now pray to God in your own words for the obstacles in your life to be cleared away and release the blockages so you can move toward your goals and the blessings in your life to be open and easy.

Next writ your problems on a bay leaf and follow the prayer and ritual instructions I mentioned at the top.

After your done with the bay leaf other instructions mention at the top. Hold the candle, take a moment to think and picture all of the goals you would like to accomplish in life as if you already had them. Once you've pictured all of your goals and desires, say "Amen" Let the candle burn all the way down.

Candle Read: Once the candle is done burning you can interpret the way the wax drippings are shaped for signs as to the success of your spell. (this is a very subjective and interpretive art - please if you need help interpreting your candle contact me for free)

Finishing Up: by taking the wax remains, the paper etc, wrapped it up and leave it in the trash. You don't need to go to a crossroads if you don't want to. Throw it away with all your problems.

Let me know how this goes if you try these.

[dionysianfreak]

Could you explain all that’s on your alter and what it means? I’m trying to redo and get mine together

i have many different permanent shrines in my house, all eclectic and unique to the God(s) whom it's dedicated to. this came right after I posted a temporary shrine so I'll include that too in case that sparked your ask :)

i like to set up temporary shrines in my home and in my travels so I can honor specific epithets or moments in life. i always take items off the individual main shrines of the Gods in order to build the small ones. this one started as honoring Dionysos and welcoming the month of Dionysia but grew as I felt Apollon and Hermès wanted to join as well. this is the first honoring space I've had with just these three since the very beginning of my practice.

starting on the left, this is where Apollon is. He only has a few items, but I'll be brief this post isn't 8 years long

the glass contains white wine. my mom is a wine fanatic and gave me a bunch because she had accumulated it from gifts and dislikes white. so i give it to the Theoi as an offering occasionally.

the candle holder in the back is the only one I could find to hold the yellow candle i wanted to use lol

I got the brass incense burner at a local Christian second hand store. i believe i found it at the same time i found my Artemis statue. i got it because i thought it was adorable and it has a handle

i believe the stone is a yellow banded agate. I got it at Goodwill in a pack and it's been His ever since

the statue is of the roman Romulus and Remus, which I got at an underground antique shop with my closest friend. though I've always seen Artemis and Apollon instead, and Leto as their protective wolf-mother

Dionysos takes up a majority of this space, but He also has the most votives on His shrine to add

Dionysos's statue has a jewelry draped on it; a bracelet I made at my first festival, a rosary my grandmother gave to me with the crucifix replaced with a charm of the Hanged Man, and a leopard necklace i bought from a woman with a pop up booth. i always drape my totums in decor like jewelry or ribbons, I don't know when I started but I like to give special attention and adornment to the images of the Theoi

in the center sits a red fox skull, it was gifted to me by a friend. only second to the leopard, the red fox is an animal i closely associate with Dionysos and feel very connected to personally

I put two phalluses, a candle and a tiger's eye carving, on this shrine for protection and abundance. i use the phallus as a protective votive often, especially if Dionysos is involved

below the skull, I have a pyrite and a banded amethyst. I've always closely associated the two with Dionysos, but this amethyst in particular has been there for me through a lot

there's a little za 🍃 on there for Them all, but mainly Dionysos

there's a small totum of a leopard, it's there because i wanted it to be. leopards are extremely sacred to Dio in my worship, along with any other feline, but especially them

the silver champagne glass is full of red wine. the stem has grapevines and ivy growing up it, it was perfect for Him. I generally keep it full of wine 24/7

in the bottom left corner, there's a red book called Toasts and Tributes. it's a book of toasts and poems from 1904 that i use as a prayer book for Dionysos. i like to blindly flip through the pages and let the right one fall open, and use the first one I see as a prayer. a few name Him directly, as you can't have a toast without naming the God of wine !

Hermès has few items both here and on His main shrine. this is mostly because most of His stuff is in my car, including His little statue

the orange vase has an image of Hermès on the front. i picked it up from a lovely antiques dealer in my town. the other side has an image of Psyke, but it's almost always turned to show Hermès

within the vase i have rodent bones I picked up from the side of the road, and a chicken feather from my flock. my worship doesn't involve my chickens much, but i like to ask Him to watch over them occasionally

the candle in the back is there simply because I like candles to show my worship is "active" and the shrine is being used in a sacred way. when I blow them out, it's a time of rest for the space

on the far right, there's a golden candle holder with wings. I got it around when Hermès and i first began our relationship

on it, I have a ring with wings on it. i wear it when i travel or when I wish to Honor him in my day to day life

my permanent shrines are simply the shrines for the Gods whose shrines have grown disproportionately over a long time. in the case of Dionysos and Aphrodite, Their shrines are simply too big to put anywhere else. i am very votive-centric in my worship, and I have a crow brain, so They all have too many trinkets I've found an collected throughout my life

there's waaaay too much to go over everything, so I'll go over what's most important to me and why i have it :)

i have enough seashells to build a temple for Her. i seriously have so many that I've collected and found at Goodwill, it's a problem. i view the beach as the juxtaposition of Aphrodite—where the sky and the sea clash passionately. about half of these I have collected whenever I got the chance to be on an ocean beach

images of Aphrodite are very common for me to stumble upon,l so I've collected quite a few items. because of this quite a few sub-shrines have emerged within this shrine. epithets are distinct in nature yet part of the whole, in my opinion, so i rarely worship epithets without worshipping the root Deity as well

Fragrance is sacred and common as hell in my worship of Aphrodite so you can see multiple fragrant items littered around. perfumes, incense, dried roses, oil diffusers, and more. fragrance is easy, fast, and sensory friendly for me and was common in antiquity as well. it's a win-win

dressing up or devoting outfits to Aphrodite is something I do frequently, so jewelry is littered everywhere. all of it is gifted and thrifted <3 Aphrodite is extremely generous

this is Aphrodite Areia's epithet shrine, the print in the back honoring Ares Gynaecothoenas

and this is my little shrine to Hestia :3 I sometimes use the matches to light my fireplace. i bought the small statue on a whim when I found it at a local shop. She seems to prefer it simple and minimal

I'm gonna end it here because this is getting long. if you have a specific Deity in mind, few Gods i worship have been private about Their shrines. i hope this helps inspire you. add things for fun or just because you want to and give things that just feel like they should go. eventually, you'll have a haven of memories and of personal sacredness. trust and They will guide you well

[colorisbyshe]

I have literally no way of verifying this info so take it with a grain of salt but I heard a while ago mxtx actually was in college when writing mdzs so the confusing style makes a lot of sense since she's inexperienced, and tgcf was much tighter and made more sense. as someone who read the fan translation of mdzs (and never will again, lmao cql is my only canon), it's interesting to hear about your thoughts about the writing and novel! imo there are genuinely spectacular book moments/dialogue/scenes, but most of them made it to cql, and the few good romance scenes (if he catches me I'll-, the yunmeng date extra) rly aren't worth it. I'm personally glad I read the entire book (sans incense burners) because it gives me a fuller perspective and allows comparison between adaptations, but it's not something I would necessarily recommend. the only scene that I think the novel did great that cql didn't have was the wen blood pool scene, but iirc that was in the donghua too. on the other hand the novel had a lot of really cool worldbuilding elements that were explained much better than in cql and I think jin ling was a stronger character so it also depends on what you like and want to see. anyway it's great to hear your thoughts, thanks for posting!

same anon - also love your description of the problems in the framing device in mdzs. you're right! it's inconsistent and a mess! also super insightful to pinpoint the fact that wwx is being used to introduce characters without spoiling them instead of reacting organically to the situation. and his weird interactions with lwj…they were so miserable /sob

Yeah, I do think the novel does a LOT better job explaining word building stuff than CQL did, since it can just... write things out instead of having it just sort of implied or directly stated via dialogue, which can be clunky. I honestly think a looot of hwat I know about the ~lore was actually picked up through checking the wiki or like having concepts spelled out in fanfic by authors who were drawing from both MDZS/CQL information, which... is a problem. Like it's almost all technical information (like about how golden cores work and what specific terms signify) but also some of it is just concepts being better explained when they were skimmed over in the drama.

So the novels do have value in like... padding out the world and maybe providing some character moments (although I will say... I thought Jiang Cheng being homophobic was just like... an exaggerated meme but no he's like... straight up just textually homophobic LMAO... don't know if i needed that enhanced character depth) but they will never be my definitive understanding of the story, even if I do read past Vol 1. And I definitely hve no interest in spending money on or owning the novels, even in a pirated way.

I am still impressed with how enjoyable of a read it is and I think the text holds up better than I thought it would in terms of like... properly dropping bread crumbs for people who know how everything ends, like it lays things out well... outside of the very weird framing of Wei Wuxian himself against everyone from his former life.

Like I said his reactions to everyone... come off as very unnatural and untrue to his character and their relationships, even with how much distance came between them in his final months/years. For how well misdirection worked in CQL at least... it's really not working here when provided with characters more inner thoughts.

So I LIKE having them, at least in theory, and I like more peaks into the background (like Lan Xichen teasing Lan Wangji early on about liking Wei Wuxian's company lmaoooo), but idk if the early stuff is servicing what is to come as well as it should be.

Also... the bad BL tropes are already hitting hard. Like LWJ making WWX sleep on top of him and the moments emphasizing how tiny WWX is now.... girl, the fujoshi within you has leaked onto the page, go clean that up.

I think (from what I know at least, from the manhua and from comparisons) Imas sively going to appreciate MXTX being less present in the CQL adaption. Like I feel the author too much in the novel. I feel the machinations.

So as pleased as I am by the world building and overall narrative/character moments, which is VERY pleased, she really is her own worst enemy. Not even getting into her moral issues just from like a technical stand point, her writing is very frustrating to me.

Going from a superior adaption to the OG text is lot.

It's like... did any of y'all read the thirteen letters? Womb to tomb bitches?? It's like reading that then watching TFA. Like... even the likable things become frustrating because you're so aware of their limitations and how they aren't reaching their full potential.

[mankatzu]

Ok full post because some f@g dared me to answer every question

here we go. all 50 oc questions about shino. From this post

Do they have any crafting hobbies? - Not really, but Shino does take up watercolor painting post-canon, so that's crafty.

Do they wear perfume/cologne? If so what scents do they prefer?- I don't actually know how common straight up perfume was in this era of japan but I'm positive shino has like, 5 perfume oils on rotation. I actually just found out people would leave their clothes over incense burners to catch the scent so she definitely did that. Shino's "scent" in particular however is pomegranates, it's a part of her skin routine to dry them, turn them into powder and rub them with water over her skin to make it smooth.

Do they enjoy cooking? - Yes more or less, but she is NOT good at it. Like she will poison you if you let her make you bento. like just raw onions in there.

Do they enjoy baking? - Not really applicable since most japanese sweets to my knowledge don't involve stereotypical ovens like most of us in the west do. She enjoys baked food/deserts but just doesn't make it much.

Do they have any tattoos? If so what are they and do they have any special meaning? - She has no tattoos.

If they were badly injured, and for whatever reason couldn't go to a hospital, who would they go to for help? - Her mother and sisters, her teahouse is her safehaven.

Do they have any unusual fears? - Shino is afraid of the dark because . It's not like she can never be in darkness she has to sleep after all but she REALLY doesn't like being alone in the dark. Her kitty zakuro helps with that.

Do they collect anything? If so what and why? - if collecting clothes count, than yes. But nothing significant. She definitely collects gifts from her patrons.

When they're sick what do they do to feel better? - Resting, eating warm food and taking lots of baths.

Do they have any regrets? - Yes. I can't say what because of spoilers but lets just say she wishes she never became an actress.

Do they have any addictions? - Shino definitely becomes how you say, addicted to cigarettes post canon as she originally only smoked a pipe but yknow. its in like the cool and sexy way.

Do they have any sense of style? Regardless of the answer do they believe they have a sense of style? - Absolutely, I mean it's tough because fashion back then wasn't as diverse as it is now but shino is like. absolutely the person to match her kimono colors to the season and find the perfect coordinate each time.

Do they enjoy poetry? - She doesn't write it, but she has a moderate appreciation I'd say.

Do they have a hard time opening up to people? - Yeah, Shino has a hard time shifting out of "customer service" mode when she gets to know people. She usually does it to not ruin her perfect image but if you're around her enough (okita-kun) she'll relax around you.

What kind of sense of humor do they have? Or do they have one at all? - Absolutely, Shino is so fun and has a good-spirit about most things, she's just not like yknow. kevin hart at the apollo with her humor.

Do they have or want kids? - Shino would LOOOVE to have kids. it's just hard with the whole yknow amab gay thing.

How easily would they be convinced to do something that goes against their morals?- It would be hard. Shino may be someone living on the edge of the law technically but if she really disagrees with something morally I don't think she'd do it. MAYBE if it was like "you have to do this to save x person" kind of thing. i.e. trolly problem.

How easy is it to become their enemy? - hard, Shino isn't the type to really hold grudges, like she definitely might not like you but she'll dislike you in a mean girls way not "you're my ENEMY" way. like oh that bitch. that sort of thing

How easy is it to become their friend? - pretty easy, but only if you're becoming like a friendly acquaintance/work friend. Yknow the kind of person you see around often and strike up a conversation with but you wouldn't know their birthday. To become her true friend takes a lot more committed time.

Do they have a strong connection to their culture? - Yes and no? Like I think culturally she's very japanese and loves her own culture but I don't think she feels particularly attached to the concept of being japanese. like she's just vibing. I think like most in this time period until commodore perry and his goons knocked down their door the idea of like. Oh there are others completely different from me? didn't really cross her mind. Exposure to foreign influence in the way of their neighborhood doctor, "Shigu-sensei" (sigfried) has helped, though.

What is more important to them, friends or family? - Easily family. It's a found family but its found family nonetheless.

Would they ever betray someone for money? - Depends on the person and depends on the money and depends on the depth of betrayal... I think generally she probably wouldn't but depending on the amount she'd be very tempted. And if she went through with it she'd feel really bad about it.

How would they want to die? - Soundly in her sleep without any pain. or preferably in the arms of a loved one.

Do they have any enemies? - Nah. maybe someone who thinks she's the enemy but otherwise no.

Do they have a daily/nightly routine? - Yes! Every morning she wakes up early and eats breakfast with her family, and feeds Zakuro. Then she does their family's assigned chores and spends the early afternoon just chilling, might have a nap if she's feeling sleepy. Around I'd say like five or so she gets ready for customers and spends until 11pm or so serving. Then around 12-2 am she helps clean up, has a bath, and then turns in for bed. I'd say like once a week she has to do her little pomegranate ritual to keep herself clean.

stay tuned for part 2 ✌️ I had to split it because of block limit.

[phae-undergrove]

FIRE SAFTEY

Witchcraft edition

General tips:

No long, drapey sleeves when working with anything on fire and hair pulled back out of the way.

Do not pour water on a wax fire - it will pop and spread like oil. Use salt or sand to extinguish.

Keep a fire extinguisher nearby!!

For crystal balls: COVER THEM WHEN NOT IN USE. They are giant magnifying glasses, and when they catch the sun’s rays, they can start fires.

For candle spells:

always place candles in a sturdy candle holder.

Avoid placing them in windows with blinds or curtains that may catch fire.

Do not leave candles burn unattended.

If a candle must burn continuously, be sure it is enclosed in a glass container and placed in a sink, on a metal tray, or in a deep basin filled with water.

Make sure you put a heat proof pad under candle containers while burning-they can get very hot and burn into furniture.

Always watching what ever you burn! (Watch for stuff to pop like seed pods!)

Don't put burning candles where a pet can knock them over or burn themselves.

Salt in the bottom of your candle container will help remove the wax droplets and candle stub easier.

beeswax can candles burn much hotter than other kinds.you may want to use a candle snuffer

don't overload your candles with herbs.

For burning items:

Be aware of the incense/candles/that you use as some can be harmful to pets.

Ventilation, and pet safety before burning.

Clean off any resin from your incense off your fingers before lighting the charcoal

If you do any bay leaf / paper spells, use long tongs not your hands to hold the paper/ leaf. They will go up in flames quickly.

Put sand in the bottom of your insence burner, even if it's fire safe. It insulates a bit and prevents the dish from getting too hot in case someone accidentally touches it before its cool.

burn where it is easy to put out *near a sink is good.

For more safety tips check out WITCHCRAFT SAFTEY post!

If you have anything to add please do! And please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have ANY questions

Merry meet! B- (Phae)

✨FOLLOW FOR MORE✨

[plan-d-to-i]

Even if it's not on the wall, does it really matter? LQR is a respected Elder of the Sect and has even led it. His words and opinions are respected. Even if it's a verbal rule, it existing is bad enough. A grown man, an Elder throwing a tantrum? that's not cute. Him throwing fits at 'inappropriate sounds 'from the Jingshi? still not cute. WWX is LWJ's actual husband and deserves respect. Him being able to do trainings and work with the juniors isn't a cheering clapping achievement, it's basic. And half of it is because the juniors themselves are ready to face punishment for talking to WWX. They were punished for going on a Night Hunt with WN but it's not like that was gonna stop them either. WWX does not interact with other Lans, or shown to be making friends throughout the Sect no matter how much we wish for him to have big happy Lan family.

And the Lan clan can keep secrets. They can have rules without it being on the wall or outsiders finding out. LWJ's mother was in confinement. We don't know the truth. It wasn't on the wall. Doesn't mean innocent children weren't hurt. Doesn't mean LWJ and LXC didn't suffer. No one knows if the Lan Mother was guilty or innocent. We don't know how she died. We don't know how willing she was to stay trapped in a house and only see her children once a month. but we know that the Lan clan can keep secrets. And it can go a lot beyond being 'petty'.

LQR has always disliked WWX. He thought "Wei Ying was one of the biggest threats to humanity" when WWX was just a teenager.

His words to WWX were targeted from the first lesson "If one becomes complacent and proud just because they defeated a few simple mountain beings in their home and hold some empty reputations, one would definitely bring disgrace upon themselves, sooner or later.”

This problem goes deeper than the 'haha pig ate the cabbage' joke that's often used in cnovels. Jingyi and Sizhui don't find that joke funny either. People aren't divided into pure evil or righteous good. There are middle areas and LQR is a pedantic ass.

WWX doesn't complain. He doesn't say bad things about JC or YZY. He's wants the best for LWJ and would never take sides. He jokes. Doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. Like you said in a previous post, WWX joked about his intestines falling out and even LWJ thought he was speaking nonsense. So what if there are unfair rules? He's been fighting and living with unfair rules his entire life. Life at the Lan is better. He has LWJ and the juniors. His husband dotes on him and they go on life hunts and they have a very very happy sex life.

Him being invited to the Banquet was because LWJ pressed LQR constantly.

“Whether or not they let him attend the sect banquet was basically whether or not they acknowledged his status as Lan WangJi’s partner in cultivation. Lan WangJi definitely pressed Lan QiRen over and over again to gain him such a right.”

“Meanwhile, Lan QiRen’s eyes swept by once in awhile, glaring at him just like back when he taught him, ready to pick on him and make him leave at all time.”

It's not exactly a glowing recommendation of acceptance.

WWX has the love of his life. Who takes him out in very long night-hunts constantly. And they go to Caiyi. And they have their safe space at the Jingshi. They make their own happiness despite LQR. And because LWJ fights for WWX.

lmao are you ok? Like are you able to walk under the weight of the victim mentality you carry around. If it doesn't matter why are certain people spreading it around as canon? It was written with a humorous tone. It's a joke. There's a difference between LQR throwing a peeved mother in law tantrum that WWX gets and laughs at and is not brought up again, and WWX pushing intestines back into his body. Does WWX seem like he's locked in the house? He literally has a token to come and go as he pleases and get whatever money he wants from the Lan Clan. He's rifling around in their treasure pavilion when he finds the incense burner. WWX was the most wanted/reviled man in the cultivation world and now he's training the juniors of the Clan whose motto is "righteousness". Ofc it's a cheering achievement. LQR has petty ass prejudices about Cangse Sanren's son BUT he picks on WWX the first day bc WWX crashed into the CR the previous night drinking and breaking curfew and sword fighting w LWJ. It doesn't matter how much LWJ pushed LQR to accept WWX, is this your first brush w this kind of story? Some would kill the disciples they raised as kids rather than see them marry someone they hate. Grow the fuck up. WWX doesn't share your victim mentality. He's the opposite of the bs you spout which is why he's a special person. I get it's hard for you to relate to that but at least make an effort not to project your entire butthurt self on him and certainly keep that shit away from me.

[vargamormusings]

So, a lot of the magical working that I post about is effectively shrine work, or tool creation. I don't actually talk a lot about what exactly my practice is, or about my spells or rituals. But, it seems like a good time to start, at least a little. So, one aspect of my working can involve ritualized meals. --birthday cake aside, I'm pretty certain that the first time I ritually mixed food and magic was in conducting my first dumb suppers years ago. (That's when you eat in silence, but invite spirits to join you.) Going to be honest- I'm really bad with human spirits. I need heading aids.

Since then, though, ritualized devouring has become a part of my practice, including the more lycanthropic aspects. Since running down a deer and eating it raw is not within my skill set (especially given how painfully sedentary my lifestyle has been since 2020) meals intended for lupine endeavors are a little more mild, but have plenty of intent.

This one is a little fancier than most. Usually meals for shapeshifting work consist of wine (maybe beer in some instances) or water and some jerky or other meat, laid out on a rabbit skin. I like to use items that I consider "natural" for holding the consumables, which is why I usually have a wooden bowl, and a stone cup. The purpose of the pelt is not because it's soft and pretty, but to evoke prey. Though the jerky is beef rather than rabbit, I am still symbolically taking flesh from the corpse. This skin is the only one I use for this particular practice, as this rabbit and I have something of an agreement, and the pelt has a lot of magical work put into it.

As the eclipse is a little bit of a special affair, given the eclipse, this is a little more fancy. In addition to jerky, there are berries and cherry tomatoes (wolf peaches) to round out the meal. The cauldron holds a salve that I use for some shape-shifting work, and there's incense to cleanse the area, and entice the senses- The inference burner is on the iron lid of the cauldron to protect the pelt. The copper knife is one made specifically for my favorite historic lycanthropic ritual, and the candle is one of three involved.

The first candle has an image of a sun carved into it, which was then used to light another candle, with an image of the moon, mirroring how the light of the full moon is just reflected sunlight. That candle in turn was used to light the final candle that you see here, representing the tapetum lucidum, The reflective membrane in the eyes of nocturnal animals, in this instance, intending to be that of the wolf, indicating that nocturnal instincts are still lit by everyday illumination.

The sun candle is blown out first, symbolic of the sun setting, then the moon candle is blown out, usually indicative of the moon setting, but in this case it's for the eclipse, and then the meal is eaten by the light of the wolf sight candle, with no spoken word, using my hands. The shapeshifting salve is then applied to the skin, and the final candle blown out.

Then … off to the woods.

[mamabearlarusso]

Holidays are Always Hard

Well, I never expected this weekend, to be easy, but did it have to be like pulling teeth?

It started off decent enough. Reconnecting with Sam was a pretty great highlight, even my mother/son time with Anthony wasn't too bad. I knew he was thinking about how much his father wasn't there, but he didn't really say anything. Just kept eyeing the food and being hesitant as if I wasn't doing it right, or at least not the way Daniel would have made it. It just made the elephant in the room all the more eager to trample through camp, when Monday came around.

I went to go wake the kids up at first light, as per tradition, and I was already tense. Sam was already awake and in the shower, always planning ahead for this day. Walking into Anthony's room flipped a switch and of course the fight started....

"I'm not going!" He said from under the covers, facing the wall and the pillow over his head.

"But we always go!"

"Yeah, Dad always goes too, is Dad gonna be there?!"

*nails digging into my palms* "Anthony..." He had me there. I couldn't think of how to turn it around with out raising my voice at him.

"I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THE DUDE, AND DAD'S NEVER COMING BACK, SO I DON'T EVER HAVE TO GO AGAIN!"

"ANTHONY!" Sam burst in the room, towel over her wet head, furious as she yanked at the covers. "Don't you dare talk like that, Jiji loved you! Now get ready!"

"NO!"

I'm about to lose it, I don't know if I'll yell or break into tears first. "Okay Anthony, fine, you want to be like that? You can stay in the car, but you're still going, so it's up to you whether you get dressed or stay in your pajamas!"

I had to get out of there and get on with the morning, before I said or did anything worse. I just wanted that day to be done with and stop reminding me of everything I had lost.

We got to the cemetery, Anthony, out of his cartoon pajamas, just sat there with crossed arms. (Had nothing else to do since Sam, took and hid his gameboy. Might want to keep an eye on that. She's just being a sister and she's understandably upset right now. Just saying.)

Sam and I were both quiet as we walked up to the gravestone. She set down her bag full of everything, bowed and got down to business. She set the paper lanterns up on top, and her phone between them. Pulled out a giant towel to kneel down on, as she rested the incense burner at the base of the stone and lit it. Then she pressed play on her phone to play one of his favorite songs, as she silently clipped away at the bonsai.

I just stood there, bouquet of flowers in my arms, not knowing what to do. It had been months since I had been there, so much was still fresh back then and now it was all starting to come back. *eyes started to water and almost as if on cue, Sam started humming along to the music* I couldn't help myself, tears rolled down my face and I laughed. *wiping my eyes* "Oh you!" I knelt on the towel and laid the flowers on the grass in front of the burner.

"I remember the first time you caught me crying, I was so embarrassed. A grown woman, crying for her daddy. But you told me, 'Everyone cry. Miyagi cry. You need cry, you cry.' *wipes eyes again* Then you sang that song. I'll never forget how calming, comforting and refreshing it was, to see a man so okay with crying.

Hope you're having a good time where ever you are, but I think I'm just about done crying. It's just time. I'm sure you've seen everything going on, but you don't have to worry, time to get my sh--uh, my stuff together and put this train back on the tracks. *kisses my fingers and touches the stone* I miss you, Old Man. Thank you."

As I got up and asked Sam if she was ready, she reached in the bag for a couple more things, "almost!" She stuck the little flag in the ground and in place of the burner, she set two paper cranes. "We love and miss you, Jiji."

---

On the way home the SUV was quiet again, until Sam asked if we could visit my dad's grave. I tried not to show how much that simple question had effected me, but my hands definitely tightened around that steering wheel. Kinda just side stepped the whole situation, making some comment that it wasn't in this cemetery, but we could go some other time. After all, we had to get back and do some digging.

I took them to the storage unit, where I keep everything from before I met Daniel. The look on Sam's face when she saw just how much there was, made it all worth the nerves I had getting here. We loaded several boxes in the trunk and headed home.

By the end of the day, Sam and I were in the den, hip deep in albums--photo and record. Anthony, who said he was going straight to his room when we got home, staggered back down when he heard Sam make a big deal about my comic collection. (I still don't know what that was all about, but it sure was nice to see her smile again. That's happening more the last few days.)

---

I must have fallen asleep after the kids went to bed, because I was still in the den buried under a chest of old mementos, a random letter still in my hands. But it sounded like someone was in the kitchen...cooking...at this time of night!?

I staggered out, just barely making it out of the labyrinth of boxes' contents everywhere. Then I heard a voice holler out, I never thought I would hear again.

'Honey, if you want me to sew that new patch on your jacket, just leave it on the chair and I'll get to it later.'

'Mama?'

She set a plate down on the table without even looking up, before getting back to the stove. 'Come on, hurry up and get to eatin', you've got a lot on your plate, now don't'cha?'

'Where's Dad?' I searched all around the room.

'Oh he's around here somewhere. How are those grandbabies of mine?'

I sat down looking at the food, not knowing how to start. 'Mama...I screwed up...with them, with the men in my life...with Dad, and...with you...I...'

'Oh honey, you were still just a baby then.'

'I know, but--'

'but nothing...you're not eating.'

'You didn't know all that you do now. Everytime you got upset that I was butting into your life, you didn't realize I was just making sure that you'd be okay without me. Your father and I decided not to tell you that I was sick, until they had to take me to the hospital. That was our decision as parents. We wanted you to enjoy that time as best as you could. We never blamed you for being mad, holding it against us or acting out. We understood that you had every right to, but we would've done it over again the same way in a heart beat. Because we knew you never get those years back.

Deep down you know that, or else you wouldn't have done the same, countless times with your little ones.'

'Exactly! You never get those years back, I should have been there, every last minute, with you!'

All of the sudden Mama's sitting next to me, holding me in her arms, stroking my hair. 'Sweetie, you couldn't have known, when you ran out in pain, that things would have escalated so fast. You didn't cause it to happen, okay. There was nothing you could have done...it was already in his hands.'

Then she looked at me with the biggest smile, 'Now eat your breakfast and tell me all about my grand babies!'

---

I woke up back in the den, laying in the fetal position on the couch, hugging my ratty, old teddy bear and I swore I could smell her perfume in the air. Then I remembered the letter on the table and sighed.

Mandy,

Sweetie, if you're reading this, I want you to know...

Grabbing the letter and teddy bear, it was time to go upstairs and get ready for the new day.

[orionnquartzwater]

In a local witches group on my personal FB page, an admin I look up to asked us what our current altars looked like at the moment to spark up a discussion. I had an offhand picture of recently showing and explaining my faith to a friend of mine, but as I began to reflect on the items, my reply grew longer and longer until Facebook just gave up on allowing me to post it. Still wanting to share, I figured I would host my answer here.

This is my current set-up. Please excuse some of the mess, I'm currently in the process of clearing out the old for the new calender year. I don't work at my altar very often at the moment as life has been a little hectic, but it's right above my fireplace in my living room! ♡

PHOTO DESCRIPTION WITH DETAILS AND PERSONAL HISTORIES BEHIND THE OBJECTS PICTURED: On white shelf above the fireplace in my living room is my altar, lit by a ceiling light that brings the eye to the center of the image where a wall-hanging of the elemental symbols I hand-crafted in branches and black twine covers a large portion of the white wall in the back. In the middle on the top of the hanging decor is a clear hand-crafted witch ball I made several years back when my coven was still meeting and I was teaching some of the history behind them and what they are today filled with many different herbs and a large cinnamon stick. Several natural pieces of twine hang from some of the twigs that make up the elemental symbols, used for tying and drying herb bunches above my altar, currently sitting empty. On both sides framing the mantle on the wall, there two metallic swirling candle holders, one of which has a recently gifted antique bell from my once-ignorant and oppressive grandmother about what my faith truly had meant to me on twine hanging from it. In the dead center of the altar, a large glass candle holder sits containing a layered orange and red candle, burned most of the way down with ash on the insise of the glass as it hasn't been in use for some time. Currently displayed on top of the candle is my own hand-crafted wand that sits perfectly balanced in my hand with the natural curve of the branch. It felt made for my hand as I whittled the top down and used copper and quartz to charge it, wrapping the handle and charging the energy forward with the small point I've had for years until I found why I had clung to it.

Two alabaster statuette busts of the Greek deities Artemis (to the left), and Apollo (to the right) also frame the large glass candleholder. The statues are of the deities who I worked faithfully worked with to recieve my service dog Andromeda, and thank constantly trying to honor, as everything in my life had said I couldn't receive her from time to money to circumstance to lack of outside help, even though everything else about it was said that it was truly meant for me, and I believe to this day it was due to them watching me working tirelessly to do everything on my end including my rituals and asking for their assistance that they granted me a medically healing (Apollo's side) & faithful canine (Artemis's side). I had the statues shipped to me from Greece, and the golden accents on the alabaster textiles and laurel on them are probably my favorite part of them. They're one of my most prized possessions. The two godly siblings face each other with their heads cast in different directions. Behind Artemis, slightly to her right is a black and white painting I did of the forested coast and night sky with a prominent moon bouncing off the waves and a comet in the stars above (Ironically, my dog Andromeda (Andi) was listed as Comit in the breeders list as well, something I hadn't even considered when painting and adding it to my altar). To Artemis' left is a small antler chew we took from my service dog when she was too big to use it safely any longer, as well as a small clay torso of the human form I crafted some time ago. In front of the mini painting is where I currently sit a chakra bracelet gifted to me years ago, and sitting in front of those not too far from the edge is an incense holder depicting a skeleton with roses around it as a memento mori, a circle of life as the ash falls and the incense is burned. To the left of that are some pieces of geodes and petrified woods I have that my grandmother also gifted me, two unused candles in front of those, and a petrified wood piece laying flat that holds two tiny pinecones connected by a stem and two coins for abundance beside a ceramic acorn bowl holding many gemstones collected through the years, including the labradorite my grandmother also gifted me when I was a small child and found myself connecting to the stone as I connected to the faith alone on my own. To the left of that is a tall decorative triple goddess wooden box box my dad's girlfriend bought for me, a small black and white moon phase & elemental symbol zentangle art piece sitting above it that I drew in pen in high school, and in front of them on the altar is an antique taxidermied dog-paw letter opener made of Mother of Pearl, dating the beloved Print's death as Sept 15th, 1867 that I use for directing energy, connecting to the love we hold for those in our lives, and also with connecting to the centuries past in my own hands.

To Apollo's right sits a massive pinecone, and behind him somewhat obscured is a small wax burner currently holding the remnants of the ritual work I had been using to call forth my service dog to me as a variety of herbs, green wax for abundance and coins. To the right of that are a variety of candles, currently perching a bird's nest that had fallen out of and was sitting abandoned from the tree in front of my apartments two years ago that would have been tossed by maintainence or mowed over but found a renewed life in my practice after it sat abandoned for some time. Beside that is a squared lantern of black metal framinh with frosted glass and metallic fir tree silhouettes. Also the right of that, leaning over the edge of the mantle from a small end table not pictured is a twig broom with the bristles up. (On the very edge of the mantle also sits a large bottle of hand-sanitizer constantly in use as I live with a hospital worker, and both cleanliness and healthcare are just as important in our faith, lest we forget to take care of ourselves with the modern knowledge passed down to us now, nor forget to do our part wherever we go.)

— I haven't had the mind to do much traditional work, even here, and this doesn't include the dresser I plan on doing a fuller altar for so I can have a place to be alone, in my space, and wholly enter the circle once more as I haven't been able to do that in a very, very long time, but this one houses most of my items of power, is displayed prominently, and is curated to allow me to remember to honor my faith more and never stop working on it, taking time to stand in front of it and reflect on me, my faith, where I came from and where I'm going as well as spending a moment with the deities I honor. After my birthday later this year growing up in a household of agnostics and the faith and discomfort of my oppressive grandparents, I'll actually have been in the faith for more than half my life as I was only 11 when I stumbled into it alone, celebrated my first Imbolc all by myself by making crafts out of ribbons and buying and lighting candles, meditating reading books. I ran around with my bell wand shaking it at nature to reawaken it for spring, and I knew I would always be in the faith, and want to raise a future family in it, and grow a community of like-minded folks. I'm still always learning, and it makes me equally immensely proud and insanely humbled when I can teach others what I've learned since the faith found me. I can actually remember crying to my grandma about whether or not magic(k) could truly exist in the world and she told me if I believed in it, it DID at that age, and the feelings of finding power in my faith after growing up so alone have been unlike any other. Finding other witches was one of the most impactful moments of my life, especially growing up in a heavily Christian town of just over 1,000. Nothing has made me ever feel more fulfilled than people who know me and know I have been in the faith since childhood coming up to me to timidly ask them to teach them some things and where they could start to learn more, asking questions and finding me with a million resources for them, only to come back at a later date and truly thank me for helping them find their path to deity, to nature, to being one with the energies around us and finding power in their experiences and newfound budding faith and community. I've since found a true passion for anthropology and folklore, and I never feel more whole than working with others who share that with me. I think that my coven was one of the best things I experienced in high school, a mix of young witches learning and finding our paths and bringing our passions to life with each other and what we knew over good food, good friends and good faith wasn't something I got to experience often until then.

I'm still hoping to one day build an establishment where witches and aspiring witches can come, talk, read, ask for recommendations, be taught by local witches, take community crafting classes with history lessons, and be able to continue to provide that feeling to other folks. One of the people I ended up mentoring after they were asking me questions and for book recommendations, for clarifications and good conversation, also reaffirmed my childhood last name of faith that came to me by expressing their gratitude of my mentorship referring to me as "a willow tree I was providing wisdom, knowledge and needed shade to the growing saplings around them," and I actually broke down crying as Willow was the last name I ended up with as child, and Willowtree was the last name I had settled on after my transition. I hate the feeling of buying myself mass-produced items used for making a quick buck off a community rather than fostering the Craft, and the power that's within our tools created by hand or when they're gifted by people who impacted us with the knowledge of what they mean and the things they hold are just so much different than not knowing the ethical conditions of who made the materials, or the companies behind them pandering for money, and it's a bit of a passion project as my physical health keeps me from being able to work much on my own. I often wish I could go back and tell a young me how much I would learn and do, how many amazing people I would meet, and communities I would find, even in the areas directly around me. I think I would have been amazed. After writing all of this, I looked back and realized that my current set-up is actually doing it's EXACT job right now. As I described the objects and what they meant to me when I got them, I got caught up in it the same way I do IRL when I pass by and take a moment to think about what my faith holds for me, where I'm coming from and where I really want to take things from here. I guess it's REALLY just that effective on me that even trying to answer a question about it off-hand in a post really ends up in me really taking a minute to address who I am and the power it all holds to me, especially standing where I stand today.

Blessed Be! I hope everyone has a wonderful week.

— 12.9.2020

[crownedwithflowerswitchcraft]

Burning incense with charcoal: the results of my trial and error

I love burning resin incense, but it took me several tries to get the hang of it. I don't post much original content but I wanted to share what I've figured out! First, you need a few things. You need charcoal discs (I buy them at smoke shops, you can also find them at occult stores and online), some incense, a lighter or matches, and a fireproof dish. I use a metal "cauldron" burner that I got on Amazon, and I line it with salt to keep the bottom from getting too hot. I also put it on a coaster cause I like safety.

So first you want to light your charcoal. I like to use a birthday candle instead of just holding a lighter up to the disc. It will start sparking like crazy, and then fire will start to spread.

Once it spreads all the way across, put your resin or herbs on top. I used my mortar and pestle to grind together frankincense and myrrh for purification, lavender for peacefulness, and rose petals for self love. Don't cover the whole disc or it might smother the flame.

Some tips:

You don't need to add all of your incense at once. If you're cleansing several objects, add just a pinch before each one.

Empty the charcoal and salt from your censer/burner, grind it up, and Bam! You made black salt.

Crushing the burnt charcoal and lining an ashtray with it keeps resin from sticking. Easier cleanup for my weed witches!

Store your charcoal in a baggie. It will get black dust everywhere.

Open more windows than you think you need. Charcoal is a lot smokier than incense sticks or cones.

I hope this is helpful for someone!

[my3amletterstoher]

That's dope afff 😭✨✨✨✨, Tumblr messing up , gives you a big hug 😘😘😘😘, now I'm about to get up and head to the store , Tumblr messing up , and then I'm going to sit down and get this order together 😍😍😍😍, but yeah as for the spirit work.. do you know how to call ours? Tumblr messing up , by their names or by their offerings , only we can call em , I still have to get them into their vessels 😍, which will be better for them 😍😍😍, and we can have something physical to represent them , what you think baby? 😍muah muah muah muah 😘😘😘😘, we gotta get some Mason jars ,

😍😍🤤

Breasts lips 😍😍😍😍🤤🤤🤤, yummy 😍😍😍🤤🤤🤤

https://youtu.be/56R9U5wkz64

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🐱💦💦💦💦, Tumblr messing up , there's some elephants that ran to greet a new elephant 😭😍 it's so cute: https://youtu.be/H_D4qqciraI

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It's that cute baby? Tumblr messing up, I'm about to sit down , I love animals so much 😩😍🖤, wraps my arms around you 😘😘😘😘😘😘😘🖤🖤🖤, 1 sec I gotta load up this gift card 🖤, back 🖤, should I try to get us some herbs ? I see some bottles with the cork but it's 18 of them.. we don't need that many right now , tumblr messing up , I'll get use some herbs 😍😍😍, I'm excited , some rose pedals , an incense burner perhaps ? A tin can

Or should i wait on that? , I'll focus more on the herbs , wraps my arms around you 😘😘😘😘😘🖤🖤🖤, I'll see if I can get 2 more herbs , gives you a big kiss 😘😘😘😘, I was tryna fond spme wormwood , okay got some of that... some rose , maybe some Lotus ? Or peppermint? (Tumblr messing up) I see some kava power you want some ? I added it to the list , I'll see if I can get the tea form first , Tumblr messing up, should I get a black mirror? Nah I'll wait cause we can use something else for that , so I got use 3 herbs 😍, the wormwood was for the astral right? I can't remember , if not I'll get one for that , okay yeah the wormwood is for that , Tumblr messing up , gives you a big kiss 😘😘😘😘😘🖤, I gotta get up and see if there's done kava tea here in this store before I place this order in, Tumblr messing up,

Swoons 😍😍😍😍 licks your face 👅💦💦💦😘, how's school going? How are you doing my princess ? 😘😘😘😘🖤, wraps my arms around you 😘😘😘😘😘, I'm excited /happy af , wraps my arms around you 😘😍😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘🤗🤗🤗🖤, that face so beautiful 😍😍😍😍those eyebrows are poppin baby 😍😍😍😍, so divine and fine 😍😍😍😍, I'm happy and proud that you're mine 🔐🖤you're the best gf/sub/slave/muse/trophy/princess/rider ever

Mhm 😌🖤😍, Tumblr messing up

🖤💋

Love 😍😍😍😍💋, dark & oh so lovely 😍😍😍🖤

🖤🖤🖤

Perfection , you are a divine reflection , tumblr messing up , beautiful in every way , Tumblr messing up, you are a God , you hold the definition , golden description , Tumblr messing up, no doubt , no denying, you are truly one of a kind

Getting up looking for this kava 🖤🖤🖤, I can't wait to get home 😩🖤🖤🖤🖤ahhh no kava tea , you liked the lavender? I'll get some more of that? And something else (Tumblr messing up) maybe some oolong or something , I gotta make another post for the images