#double cleanse method

[angelicgirlmj]

simple skincare routine (+ product recommendations based of skin types)

hi angels! skincare has been a big passion of mine since i was around twelve and began to develop some hormonal skincare issues. these really made me insecure and i still struggle with my skin. but being consistent and developing my routine, working out my skin type, eating with my skin as a focus and trial and error has got me to a place where im much much happier with my skin - and id love to share some tips and products with you!! remember your skin is exposed to so much and such a delicate part of your body, treat it with the love and respect it deserves. ˚₊‧꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

firstly: figuring out your skin type

im not exaggerating when i say the basis of a good skincare routine is knowing your skin type. it makes it easier to buy products, work out what your skin needs and how to achieve the look you want.

dermatologists agree that there are four skin types:

oily (skin produces more oils and sebum).

dry (produces less oils and sebum).

normal (produces a normal amount of oils and sebum).

combination (areas of skin which are dry and areas that are sebum heavy/oily).

so…

how do you work out your skin type?

well there are two easy at home methods!

watch and wait (requires cleanser): wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. wait for half an hour or so and observe your skin. shiny all over = oily. tight and perhaps flaky = dry. shine in t zone = likely combination. hydrated and comfortable but not too oily = normal.

blotting sheet method (requires blotting sheets and cleanser): wash face with gentle cleanser, pat dry and waist for half an hour or so. press blotting sheets to chin, cheeks, forehead etc and examine the oil left on the sheets. lots of oil = oily. almost no oil/no oil = dry. oil mostly in t zone = combination. minimal all over face = normal.

˚₊‧꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

secondly: building a routine

now youve worked out what skin type you have it’s time to build a routine! i personally have combination skin that verges more on the dry side.

my am and pm skincare routines look like this…

am: cleanser, ice face, oil face and do gentle gua sha routine, moisturiser and spf. applying facial sanitising spray regularly throughout the day.

pm: double cleanse, ice face (only if feeling puffy/sore), moisturiser, 1 - 2 spot treatments and sanitise face.

am products:

cerave hydrating cleanser.

corsx moisturiser (great for dry and spot prone skin, little goes along way).

la roche posay spf 50+.

jojoba face oil.

vital baby face spray.

pm products:

la roche posay effclar duo.

avene hydrance aqua cream.

two over the counter spot treatments.

you may need to cleanse your face more/less, use less moisturiser etc. developing your skin care routine is through trial and error, just be observant of your skin and take notes on any effects or changes a product seems to have.

˚₊‧꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

thirdly: product recommendations

here’s a list of some product recommendations! some i have personally tried (they will be starred), others are popular ones based of your skin type loved by many.

cleansers

dry: cerave hydrating cleanser ⟡

oily: la roche posay effclar duo cleanser ⟡

combination: neutrogena skin balancing purifying gel cleanser

normal: paulas choice perfectly balanced foaming cleanser.

toner

dry: laneige cream skin toner

oily: body shop tea tree toner ⟡

combination: innisfree green tea toner

normal: la roche posay toner

moisturisers

dry: corsx moisturiser ⟡

oily: glow watermelon pink juice moisturiser

combination: byoma moisturising gel cream

normal: la roche posay cicaplast baume B5+ ⟡

spf

la roche posay spf 50+

black girl sunscreen

supergoop unseen sunscreen

˚₊‧꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

thank you for reading angels! feel free to give any skincare product recommendations or reviews. im planning on doing an in-depth personal skincare routine post soon. hopefully you enjoyed!!

love, m.

[glowettee]

Do you have any tips related to skin care?

hi angel! thank you for asking about skincare 🌸 i've been meaning to write a detailed guide about this! here's everything i've learned about achieving that dreamy, glazed-skin glow…

mindy's guide to achieving your dream skin

by mindy ♡ @glowettee

understanding your canvas:

before diving into products, let's talk about what your skin actually needs. your skin is delicate and deserves to be treated like the finest silk. here's how to start:

morning routine (in order):

gentle cleanse with lukewarm water

hydrating toner (pat, don't rub!)

vitamin c serum (wait 1 minute)

lightweight moisturizer

sunscreen (non-negotiable!)

evening routine (the dreamy part):

double cleanse (oil cleanser then gentle foam)

treatment (rotate between these)

monday/thursday: exfoliation

tuesday/friday: retinol

wednesday/saturday: hydrating treatments

sunday: rest day

essence (tap in with fingertips)

moisturizer

facial oil (if needed)

my holy grail products (that won't break the bank):

cleansing balm: heimish all clean balm

gentle cleanser: la roche posay toleriane

toner: laneige cream skin refiner

vitamin c: timeless 20% vitamin c

moisturizer: illiyoon ceramide ato cream

sunscreen: beauty of joseon rice + probiotics

secret tips i've learned:

sleep with a silk pillowcase

change pillowcases twice a week

apply products to damp skin

keep skincare in the fridge

use facial ice globes in the morning

drink spearmint tea for hormonal breakouts

practice face massage techniques

lifestyle changes that transformed my skin:

drinking 2.5 liters of water daily

getting 8 hours of sleep

eating more green vegetables

reducing dairy intake

managing stress through meditation

regular exercise (the glow is real!)

weekly sheet mask sessions

common mistakes to avoid:

harsh physical scrubs

hot water on face

touching face throughout day

skipping sunscreen

trying too many new products

over-exfoliating

sleeping with makeup on

creating your skincare sanctuary:

set up a dedicated space

use pretty containers

keep tools clean

maintain a skincare journal

take progress photos

emergency skin solutions:

sudden breakout: pimple patch + ice

dehydration: layered toner method

redness: centella products

dullness: gentle aha toner

sensitivity: skip actives, focus on healing

seasonal adjustments:

spring/summer:

lighter moisturizer

higher spf

more antioxidants

gentle exfoliation

fall/winter:

richer moisturizer

facial oils

humidifier

less exfoliation

note:

consistency over complexity

patience is key

listen to your skin

what works for others might not work for you

stress shows on skin

healing takes time

skincare is self-care

personal note:

i struggled with my skin for years before realizing that gentleness and consistency matter more than expensive products or complicated routines. your skin is unique and beautiful - treat it with love and patience. some days won't be perfect, and that's okay. focus on progress, not perfection.

sending you the softest hugs 🤍

love, mindy x

p.s. would you like a detailed post about my favorite face massage techniques? let me know in the reblogs/replies!

[favoritedreams]

𝑆ℎ𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑒 － 𝐴 𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑚𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑙𝑎𝑦𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔

𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐢��𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 . 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞.

Start off with a clean foundation- By using an unscented bar of soap. Take your time with this step as it is very important. It is best to wash about twice for this step . Make sure to wash with a washcloth.

Next, apply your scented scrubs or body wash - Now that you're clean from your first layer, apply your favourite scented body washes over top with a loofah, an African net cloth, a silicone body brush, or whatever exfoliating tool you have.

* You've just finished a crucial step without realising it , you've double cleansed. Similar to skin care, double cleansing ensures that your skin is clean and prepped . Before going the additional mile, it is important to start with a a clean surface.

Rinsing with cold water- it’s a game changer from someone who loves hot showers and use to find the idea of taking a cold one crazy. It has so many benefits , I feel more fresh and committed to my routine. This is just personal preference.

Put on lotion - A little tip if you use body oil mix in with your lotion , this method is is also your base to smelling good for a longer period of time .

Put on deodorant - Self explanatory

Perfume of you choice - Finish your routine by smelling good in your favorite scent and you’re done !

**Make sure your scents match , avoid mixing any scent’s together that do not go together , finding your signature scent takes time but keep scents in range **

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞

Dr. Bronner's Unscented Bar soap - Wash twice with washcloth

Dove body wash Shea butter and vanilla scent - Wash twice with more of an exfoliating tool . Ex ( loofah , African net , Silicone brush )

Tree hut Brown sugar scrub - exfoliate twice a week at most

Vaseline coco radiant Lotion + body oil

Any vanilla scent perfume

Follow @favoritedreams for more ♡︎

[babysfirstpentagram]

How to enchant jewelry!

Hello there my beautiful Glamour witch! I see you have a lot of beautiful necklaces/rings/bracelets that you want to enchant! Have no fear, here is how you can do so!

There are many ways to enchant jewelry just like there are many ways to enchant anything. You can use oils, moonlight, sigils, spells, etc. Each piece of jewelry will need a different way to enchant it, so here are the steps you can take to do so. 

Moonlight: Moonlight is a good way to cleanse your jewelry and to enchant it with a feminine energy. Sunlight is good for masculine energy, so please utilize both of these methods. Feminine energy can help you stay calm, collected, and “soft” while the masculine energy can help you demand attention and respect. You CAN mix jewelry that has been enchanted by both, but please do not enchant the same item with both (it may just cancel out instead of doubling.) Oils: Essential oils are wonderful in moderation. Do not soak your accessories in it, but a few tiny drops won't really hurt anything, it would be like using body spray on them (which you can also do!) Use scent associations to help enchant your jewelry like this. 

Sigils: You can create enchanting sigils for your jewelry and place them in boxes or bags to hold in the intentions. 

Color Magic: For jewelry that has color on it, use those colors and meditate with your accessory to add intention and enchant them. Please see a list of colors and what their meanings are to help you with this path. 

This is just a couple of ways you can enchant jewelry. Please let me know if you would like me to expand on any of these methods! Please consider donating so you can keep seeing wonderful free posts like this! It really helps!

$carterofval on cashapp

[bia-badoobadee]

s k i n c a r e 1 0 1

this post will go over basic information like skin type and how to determine it as well as more in depth info about types of cleansers, moisturisers and sunscreen, how to choose and apply them. Whether you should incorporate toners, essences, serums, masks, or exfoliants into your skincare routine and what to look for in them. As well as some more general lifestyle tips and what kinds of products you should be using at your current age or consider getting in the future.

To determine skin type

Wash your face and let it air dry .

If it feels tight and itchy you have dry skin . You may also see fine lines or flakes on your skin .

If your skin is oily you’ll have more visible pores and your skin will be shiny . This skin type is usually prone to acne , black heads , and white heads .

If it feels tight in certain places or has large pores in some areas but not others. If you notice aspects of both skin types on different parts of your face. Congratulations you have combination skin .

If none of these apply to you and your face doesn’t feel oily or dry then you've got normal skin .

Some people view sensitive as a skin type , I personally don't. Sensitivity can be developed or be sensitive in combination with another skin type .

As you age your skin tends to become thinner and dryer.

cleanse

The types of cleansers

Micellar water - tiny oil molecules suspended in soft water which attract oil and dirt . Especially recommended for those with sensitive skin .

Foam - start out as gel or cream and lather to foam and removes all excess oil from the skin . Which is good for combination skin

Gel - similar to foam cleanser. Good for acne prone or oily skin

Lotion - because of their consistency they’re less stripping thus suitable for sensitive dry skin

Balm - if you wear a lot of makeup, especially if your makeup is waterproof this is for your . Rub the balm over your face . They also have hydrating benefits which makes them perfect for dry skin .

Oil Based - contrary to popular belief oily skin types can use oil cleansers without fear of side effects. They remove dirt without disturbing your skin barrier or drying out your skin .

Clay - draw out all excess oils and toxins from your skin . Not suitable for dry skin as it may be overly stripping but are perfect for sensitive oily or combination .

Wipes - requires no real explanation . You just wipe your skin with the little disposable cloth .

How to use them

wash your hands so you don’t transfer more germs onto your face , that would defeat the purpose of cleansing

Wet your face

Now rub the cleanser of choice between your hands . You only need a pea to a blueberry amount . Some will foam , others will cream , and then there are those that won’t really do anything.

Rub the cleanser gently in circular motions all over your face . Emphasis on the gentle part . Use your pointer and middle finger and imagine you’re washing someone else’s face .

You should do this for no more than a minute , any longer could be stripping to your skin

If your skin is super dry you can use a cleanser once a day so you don’t over strip your skin . cleanse with product at night to get rid of all the impurities picked up during the day and in the morning all you did was sleep in a clean room in a clean bed . That doesn’t mean don’t wash your face in the morning . You should still be using water to wash your face . Not just rinsing , actually wash your face .

If you don’t have this issue you can try double cleansing . This is when you cleanse first with an oil based cleanser then with a water based cleanser . We double cleanse because not all impurities are water soluble . Double cleansing helps to thoroughly cleanse your skin . This method works well if you wear a lot of thick , heavy makeup . Bear in mind that it would be too stripping to double cleanse every day , twice a day. if you really want to double cleanse every night and you’re hydrating your skin well afterwards there should be no problem .

Protect

After cleansing you need to protect your skin . During the day you protect it with sunscreen and during the night you use a moisturiser . I have really dry skin so I use a moisturiser in the morning as well .

A rule of thumb don’t mix your sunscreen and moisturiser ( or any of your skincare products ) layer them .

Sunscreen

There are two number values on the bottle PA and SPF.

SPF stands for sun protection factor, refers to how long protection lasts and protects you from uv rays that cause sunburn. Generally SPF 15 blocks 93% of UV rays and SPF 30 blocks about 97%. Spf that is too high isn’t good for your skin but ideally you want to use spf50 when going outdoors.

PA protects you from uv rays that accelerates aging. Here you want to focus on the number of plus signs on the bottle as they indicate the effectiveness of the product.

Even with sunscreen it’s still advised you stay out of direct sunlight for long periods of time. So wear a hat if you can’t avoid it .

Types of Sunscreen

Chemical - are absorbed into your skin and turn uv rays into energy before they can hurt your skin . Sensitive skin may want to stay away from this type as it could cause a bad reaction . Don’t rule chemical sunscreen out completely though. It may have been one bad brand or ingredient . Note this sunscreen needs to be applied first as it has to penetrate your skin .

Physical - sits on top of your skin and act like a shield from uv rays which means it needs to be applied last . Because they sit on your skin they’re thicker and tend to leave a cast so people with darker skin may prefer chemical sunscreen .

Powder and spray - is more of a reapplication than a primary sunscreen . The idea is you use your physical or chemical sunscreen and every two hours you reapply a powder or spray sunscreen .

How to use sunscreen

Cleanse

Dot a teaspoon amount of sunscreen all over your face (and body)

Gently massage it into your skin . I’ll say that again : Gently , gently massage

Reapply every two hours

If you wear makeup it’s best to apply physical sunscreen over makeup as you’ll have to do so anyway when you reapply .

Moisturiser

Types of moisturisers

Humectants - attract water and slow down evaporation usually comes in gel formulas . They absorb into the skin quickly making them best for oily skin types .

Emollients - fills the gaps between skin with hydrating oils and lipids . These have a light cream or lotion consistency . This type best for dry or combination skin .

Occlusives - seals in moisture and stops it from evaporating . They come in thick creams and balms . Perfect for dehydrated , dry , mature skin .

How to apply moisturiser

Cleanse face and apply chemical sunscreen if using

Then apply moisturiser , a pea to blueberry sized amount

Dab it all over your face

Soothe each up and across your face in circular motions

Again be very gentle using your middle and forefingers

These are the foundations of skincare. Consider the next sections only after you have these first three covered.

Treat

Between cleansing and protecting comes a treatment step. this can be with a toner , essence , serum , exfoliation, and masks . All of the above if your skin can handle it. Layer them from lightest to thickest consistency and exfoliate after cleansing.

Masks, toners, essences, and serums are infused with nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins chosen to treat specific skin concern . I have a section on ingredients to treat skin concerns at the end. When comparing products look at the similarities and differences between their ingredient lists. The order or products is usually from highest to lowest concentration.

Remember an ingredient or product that someone else swears by may not work well for your skin . this step requires trail and error, time and money . Consistent cleansing, moisturiser and sunscreen should fade most concerns so don’t fret over a treatment if you can’t afford to.

If any product you have doesn’t work for you , don’t waste the product and throw it away . You could give it to a friend with a similar skin concern to see if it works better for them .

Toner

Watery consistency , the lightweight helping it absorb into the skin quickly . Applied with cotton pad after double cleansing to hydrate and restore the PH of skin .

If the toner is exfoliating put a couple drops on a cotton pad, don’t drown it, and pass the pad once across your face.

If the toner is hydrating put a couple dots on your palm and gently pat the toner into your skin. If you need more than one layer feel free to repeat this process no more than 7 times

Essence

As hydrating and fast absorbing but thicker than toners. However they're less concentrated than serums.

Application is the same as a hydrating toner but 7 layers would be excessive, 2 to 3 should be enough.

Serum

Usually comes in a dropper . Even if you’ve double cleansed it’s imperative that the dropper doesn’t touch your face to ensure bacteria won’t contaminate the dropper and by extension the serum . Once you’ve applied the serum gently massage the liquid into your skin .

Masks

Types of masks

Using a mask once or twice a week is beneficial but remember it’s not necessary . As long as you cleanse and protect you'll be fine

sheet

Works for all skin types . There are two variations of sheet masks . The first type is a cotton mask drenched in serum or essence . The second is a jelly-like sheet infused with ingredients . Sheet masks are extremely hydrating but the ingredients infused will determine the benefits .

Clay

If you have oily skin this one is for you . It’s a combination of water , clay , and minerals that determine the properties and absorb all excess oils from your skin . For this reason it’s best to stay away from this mask if your skin is already dry .

Charcoal

These masks are best used as spot treatments for breakouts as they help soothe inflammation . Charcoal helps remove excess oils as well .

Cream

This category is for wash off masks that don’t fit into the above categories . As previously stated the ingredients determine the benefits of a mask .

Overnight

As the name suggests you put it on before bed and it works while you’re asleep . What makes an overnight mask different from a night cream are the active ingredients .

Peel off

People with sensitive skin proceed with caution . This mask will literally peel the dead skin from your face . So sensitive skin types be careful . These have no active ingredients because they’re used for exfoliating than treating .

Exfoliate

This is when you remove dead skin cells. However it is not recommended if you have any kind of skin condition like acne, eczema, etc . The most important thing is that you cleanse and protect but exfoliation can remove dry dull skin and improve circulation

Types of exfoliation

Physical : sugar scrubs , clay masks , gommage peeling , dry brushing , sponges , and cloths rubbed onto the skin in circular motions

Chemicals: like AHAs ( alpha hydroxy acids ) that’ll break the bonds holding the dead skin onto your face or BHAs ( beta hydroxy acids ) . PHAs have larger particles and work best on thinner skin. LHA is a milder BHA perfect for acne prone skin .

Oily and dry skin types would benefit from physical exfoliation but if your skin is sensitive avoid rubbing into it harshly . To avoid irritation stick to a mild chemical exfoliant . AHAs followed by cleanser and moisturiser would be perfect for dry skin . if your skin is normal or combination you'll have to experiment with both chemical and physical exfoliants. A general rule is that chemical exfoliation is gentler and therefore better . You should never be too rough with your skin .

Common skin concerns and ingredients

acne

Benzoyl peroxide, 5% for face and 10% for body

Salicylic acid

Clindamycin (with BP)

Azeliac acid

Retinol/retinoids

pigmentation

SUNSCREEN

hydroquinone

Azelaic acid

Vitamin C

Kojic acid

Retinoid creams

Caffeine creams

Steroid creams

Superficial chemical peels

Laser resurfacing

scarring

High strength retinoid creams

Deep chemical peels

Laser resurfacing

Microneedling

If thick scars, steroid injections

Subcision/ filler for depressed scars

redness

Aloe vera

Niacinamide

Chamomile

Resveratrol

Licorice

Sodium sulfacetamide

Sulfur products

Azeliac acid

Bromelain

flaky dry skin

ceramides

Mineral oil

Petrolatum

Hyaluronic acid

Vitamin E

Selenium sulfide

Zinc pyrithione

Ketoconazole

Ciclopirox

Steroid creams/solutions

ideal skincare routine at based on age

- 15

mild cleanser

spf50 sunscreen

Moisturiser

15 - 18

At this stage there’s no need to worry about premature ageing

but you might consider incorporating an acne treatment

Or a hydrating sheet mask twice a week

19 - 24

You may notice dark circles or eye bags that require an eye cream

And consider an exfoliant or vitamin c to brighten dull skin or prevent fine lines

25 - 30

You want to focus on hydrating your skin to keep it soft and supple

And incorporating anti aging into your skincare through antioxidants and damage preventing treatments

31 +

You may notice your skin begin to notice sagging, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation

Thus choose lifting and firming products, anti wrinkle treatments, and ingredients that fade dark spots

Sun protection and hydration are absolutely crucial at this stage

lifestyle habits to incorporate

Correct any vitamin deficiencies and hormonal imbalances

Make sure you do not overeat especially on processed carbs and sugars or under eat to the point of lacking essential nutrients

Be sure to drink enough water throughout the day, the golden rule is 8 glasses a day

You may need to adjust your skincare routine depending on the season eg. Cold dry winter air may leave your skin needing more hydrating products while sweating more in the summer may lead to acne

Keep a regular sleep schedule of 7-9 hours a night on a silk pillowcase as the reduced friction can help prevent fine lines and change your pillowcases once a week to prevent bacteria build up

[covenofvenus]

Year of the Wood Snake - January 29th, 2025 Astrological Forecast & Patreon Lunar New Year Group Ritual

While most people in the Western world are familiar with the solar-based Gregorian calendar which standardizes January 1 as New Year’s Day for simplicity and global consistency, the Lunar New Year aligns with the Moon’s cycles and is the astronomically accurate start of the New Year. This Lunar New Year starts on the second new moon after the Winter Solstice, aligning with Earth's seasonal cycles.

Lunar New Year celebrations, observed primarily in East and Southeast Asia and other lesser-known traditional cultural folk traditions, honor the traditional and spiritual connections to nature’s rhythms on this day.  

This year, Lunar New Year begins on January 29, marking the Year of the Wood Snake according to the Chinese Zodiac. 

This year's zodiac sign, the Snake, holds metaphysical associations with intuition, wisdom, healing and transformation, resonating with the energies of contemplation and adaptability. The Wood Snake is a charming, intelligent and creative sign, but also secretive, cunning and sometimes ruthless. The Snake is a double-edged creature, embodying both wisdom and danger. While it offers opportunities for growth and insight, it will require careful navigation to avoid its hidden perils. 

Snake years encourage protection, so create a safe space to work and live by practicing good spiritual hygiene or feng shui to feel safe and secure to enhance the year’s energy. This is the year to make headway in methodical and strategic ways. There is no need to exhaust your energy: adopt the nature of the Snake with awareness and a greater sense of timing, ready to strike when the time is right to maximize the energy of the year. 

For additional personal horoscopes according to your Chinese Zodiac ( click here )

Lunar New Year Spiritual Tips 

Renewal and Cleansing: 

Cleaning homes and offering prayers symbolize the removal of negative energy. 

Prepare for prosperity and health by performing rituals connected to protection, purity and blessings. 

Astrological Practices: 

Check out your natal chart to align life decisions with zodiac energies for this year. 

Practices like meditation, Feng Shui, and mindful goal setting align with the transformative Snake and Lunar year. 

Chinese Traditions Rooted in Lunar Phases: 

Lantern festivals and fireworks acknowledge the transition from darkness to light, symbolizing hope and positivity. 

Key Symbolism: 

Snake: Metamorphosis, cunning, and wisdom. 

Wood: Growth, stability, and connection to nature. 

Western Astrological Forecast of the Lunar New Year

Astrologically the placements of this day are incredibly unique, allowing me to craft a group spell designed to spiritual cleanse your path, and maximize your personal blessings.

The Sun, Moon, Mercury, and Pluto are also forming a stellium in Aquarius. This stellium transits all 12 astrological houses throughout the entirety of the day, starting in 4th house and ending in the 5th houses.

There is also difficult and poorly aspected Jupiter in Gemini in Retrograde, bringing significant obstacles, challenges and difficulty to the new year while also transiting all of the houses, during this day.

Since Jupiter is planetary guardian of wishes and fortune, this year's Group Ritual will also include elements for overcoming challenges, delays and adversity - protecting you from disaster - while giving you a leg up and drawing in new blessings and good fortune for the rest of 2025, to intuitively counteract these negative aspects.

Click the link Shop Group Ritual Below:

[witchersmistress]

10 months later

@livesinfantasyland here we go darling

Summary: 10 months after Ann was attacked

trigger warnings: graphic shower sex, begging, daddy kink, praise kink, sass to the maximum setting, a softer side of august walker

word count: 2.8k

August’s POV

The afternoon light filtered into the room, the curtains blowing in a warm summer breeze. Her heart monitor beating in perfect rhythm. Never changing, never moving, always the same.  The same machine that was breathing for her. The hospital wanted me to pull the plug on her but I refused to let them do so. I had her moved to a rehabilitation centre.. She has been here for almost a year with no changes or improvements. That will not stop my quest as John Lark or stop me from believing she will come home one day. 

Running a comb through her long dark hair, something I cannot wait to do when she is up right and talking. Sighing slightly as I picked up her right hand and kissed each knuckle before placing it just above her heart. Moving my chair closer to her beside, i sat down and began to read her parts of my manifesto

“There has never been peace without first a great suffering, the greater the suffering, the greater the peace. As mankind is drawn to his self-destruction like a moth to the candle, the so-called defenders of peace – the church, the government, the law – work tirelessly to save humanity from itself. But, by averting disaster, they serve to delay a peace that can only come through an inevitable baptism of fire.”

I snorted as I imagined Ann’s reply to me “ Fire? Really couldn't you use soap and water to cleanse the earth” rolling my eyes i continued

“The suffering I bring you is not the beginning of the end. It is the beginning of a greater mutual understanding through common suffering. It is the first step towards the ultimate brotherhood of man. The suffering I bring you is the bridge to ultimate peace.

Today, mankind has been handed the opportunity to escape his destiny, an otherwise inevitable conclusion to a thousand years of intolerance and fear.

I call all rationalists who can stand and join in the struggle against the radical theists, all of which fall beneath a common umbrella of ideology. If we were to continue any further we would reach mythology and Aesop’s fables. When do we stop?”

“Aesop’s fables? Really Gus? A children's book, you could have thought of a better example, I don't know, maybe like Babe the Gallant Pig or Charlotte's Web even?! She threw her head back and laughed at that one knowing the look on my face was priceless. I looked over my shoulder to see she was indeed still sleeping. With a sigh I continued on reading to her and found some delight in the sassy comments she made in my head.

Ann’s pov

The slow methodical beeping drew me closer and closer to the surface. The familiar timber of August’s voice as he continued to read something. Opening my eyes I looked around the room, it was a soft yellow with big bay windows and a set of double doors, with white curtains blowing in a gentle breeze. Turn to the right, I saw August. His back was to me as he continued to read, he paused and chuckled to himself as he turned to the next page. I could feel tears escaping my eyes as I moved the hand off my chest and dropped it on his shoulder. He jumped and dropped the book, spinning in his chair. He brought my hand to his face and kissed it “ Oh my God Ann.”  kissing my hand repeatedly as he just stared at me. Pulling my hand away from him, I try to imitate writing. He looked at me as I did it again. He stood up and grabbed his book from the ground, flipping to a blank page and handing me a pen. 

It took a few moments for me to get my hand to work but with toddler-like handwriting I wrote out “ how long?” placing a hand on top of my head he looked at me “ Ann, it's been nearly a year, 10 months.” I looked around the room again. My heart started racing as I wrote the next question. “Julian?” he gave a heavy sigh with a sick and twisted smile “ Julian is dead '' the emotions that flooded through me were not that of sadness or grief but something sweeter and overwhelming. August’s blue eyes stared into mine. So much seemed to swirl within them as he kissed my hand and watched me. The weight of Julian lifted off my shoulders, it was the sweetest feeling. Freedom, that is what I was feeling as I let that emotion wash over me. It was light at first then hit me all at once, I was free, I was finally free. I let the tears fall as I finally tasted my long awaited freedom.

* 6 months later*

Ann’s pov 

My back hit the mats with a loud thud, I groaned as I rolled to my side and looked over at the devil who threw me down like a rag doll. August, he was smiling like the cat who ate the canary,  the arrogant bastard. I was going to take him down if it was the last thing that I do. Sitting up and glaring at him as he approached with his hand outstretched to help me up, but I smacked it away, I was being sassy, sue me. He chuckled and bent down to my level “ Little mouse” he said with a deep chuckle. I wrinkled my nose and stuck my tongue out at him. Wrapping my arms around his neck as if i intended to let him help me up, i pulled him closer to my chest, and waited for it, snaking a hand to his joggers, we stood up as i adjusted my shoulder and with a swift and hard yank on his joggers, i lodge my shoulder into his abdomen and flipped him over my shoulder. He landed on the ground with a satisfying thud. I quickly spun around and sat on his torso and pinned his hands to the mat with a victory whoop. The few guards that had been scattered around the gym gave me chuckles as I had a small victory dance. Dance isn't the right word, wiggle is more accurate as I wiggled on August chest.

He let out a low rumble of a laugh “ Very good little mouse, but i wouldn't get too cocky just yet” he said with a devilish smile. I cocked my head and gave him a puzzled look as he grabbed my hips and flipped us over so now I was pinned to the mat. Again. Fucking bastard. I growled my annoyance as he laughed and buried his face into my neck and wedged one of his muscular legs between my thighs, pressing his knee right against my aching core. I grinded myself on his leg without shame as I stared at him. He let out a sharp exhale, like he was a damn dragon. “ Oi oi” an irish accent shouted “ Get a room you bleeding perverts, nobody wants to see that” i laughed, august placed a quick kiss on my lips before rising to his feet pulling me with and jogged over to put eddie in a headlock as they wrestled. I sat on one of the benches and drank water watching the two grown men play like children. 

It took August nearly 8 weeks to leave the house and still be convinced I was safe. He still is paranoid, cameras in every room apart from the bathroom. Constant calls and texts that man is always worried about. I had to beg him to let me train but after mentioning that my smart ass mouth is what got me in trouble not my lack of ability to fight, he reluctantly agreed. Charles, Brandon and Levi stopped in at week 3. Charles looked like someone had beaten him half to death, he brought a few sunflowers as an apology. I haven't quite forgiven him yet but he lets me beat on him when we train so it's fair i suppose. 

August never really did tell me what they did to Julian. By the looks on his men's faces I was better off not knowing but, he died horribly and bloody that is pretty much a 100% guarantee. Making my way up the stairs and into the main part of the house, straight to our room, the ensuite shower was calling my name. Turning it on and watching steam billow out of the top as I rolled my sore muscles and stripped off my gym clothes. The hot water felt like heaven on my skin. Grabbing my lofa and lathering it with soap, washing my body when a voice interrupted me. “ Started without me little mouse, how rude” he teased as he stepped into the shower behind me. I rolled my eyes and handed the lofa over to him, he washed my back and shoulders, massaging them as he went. Breathing a sigh as I rolled my head back and dropped it on his large frame.

“ Tell me, mouse, what do you want?” I sighed looking at him through my wet lashes. “ I just want to be us, no distractions, no talk about my coma, none of it,” he kissed me on the top of the head. He spun me around to face him “ I have a business meeting to attend to, come with me” I nodded and pulled him in for a kiss. Spinning me in his arms, he pinned me to the cool shower wall.he grabbed my aching thighs and wrapped them around his waist. He grabbed my chin, tilting my face down, he captured my bottom lip with his teeth, sucking it into his mouth as he reached a hand into my wet hair, gripping my hair at the base of my skulls and pulled. I buckled my hips against him, feeling his thick erection swell against my thighs as I whimpered into his mouth. “ What does my pretty girl want?” Whining, I rocked my hips again and begged him with my eyes. He let out a low rumble, grabbing his thick erection he placed it at my slick entrance. 

He hummed at my desperate whimpers “ Beg me little mouse” leaning my head back and rolling my eyes as he gently pushed into me before pulling back out “ I don’t hear you begging” groaning “ please Daddy I’m begging you, please” he cocked an eyebrow at me, “ “You call that begging?” “Please,” I plead, as he kisses my neck.  “Please, August, please.”

 “Fuck, baby,” he sharply exhales. “That’s right. Say my name.” 

“August” I beg . He groans.

As I braced on his shoulders, he pulled back, rubbing the tip of his cock along my wet entrance. Up and down, over and over, toying with me. Teasing me. Driving me to the brink of insanity. “Please,” I eagerly beg, desperate to feel him. Without warning, August enters me with one, hard thrust. Stretching me wide as he buries himself to the hilt. “Fuck,” he bites out, getting a better grip on me as he secures his arms around my back.

 The inner walls of my core tighten and grip at his cock with each stroke, and my body jolts back from the hard force. Thrust, after thrust, after thrust, he fucks me without emotion. Plunging himself deeper, faster, he pushes his way inside of me repeatedly. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I hold onto him for dear life, spreading my legs wider so I can feel him more fully. 

  Roughly squeezing my ass, and bruising my skin, he pulls us away from the wall. Standing strong and tall, he bounces me on his thick, hard shaft. Adjusting to his size in this new position, my arms find their way around his neck. I cry out in ecstasy, grinding my clit against his pelvis, creating the perfect amount of friction. “Yes,” I whimper, rubbing myself against him. He brings me down harder each time, bucking his hips with each deliberate thrust, throwing me closer and closer to the edge. “Fuck,” he groans, slamming my back against the wall. Wincing from the pain, my legs lock tighter around his waist. I cry out, moaning louder, and he claims me ruthlessly. “Yes, baby. I want to hear you scream.” No longer able to hold myself back, I scream out with pleasure, letting go completely.

There’s the sound of skin smacking intermingled with moans of praise as he quickened his pace, pounding into me relentlessly. Crying out to him, whimpering, and gasping for air to fill my deprived lungs, I slip my hands fron his neck, tracing the muscles of his back. I dig my nails all the way down the flesh of his back before taking his firm ass in my hands. “Yes,” I cry out, throwing back my head, matching his merciless thrusts with my hips. “Oh, fuck, yes. Yes. Yes!” My eyes start to close as my climax builds, rapidly approaching. “Look at me,” he savagely orders, slamming into me. Hard. Harder. Even harder. I obey, staring desperately into the dark eyes. Something about this is so erotic, so twisted. Here I am, in the shower, getting railed by August Walker, the world's most dangerous man.

“Good girl,” he praises, squeezing my ass as he slams into me with urgency. “You’re such a good fucking girl.” “Yes,” I whimper, as he nuzzles his face into the crook of my neck, adjusts his angle, and sinks into me deeper. “God, yes!”

 “I want everyone in this house to know that you’re mine.” 

“Yes!” 

“Tell them, baby.”

 “I’m yours,”

 I breathlessly moan, rocking my hips to match his thrusts. 

“Yes!” 

“That’s right. Such a good little mouse. Bounce on daddy’s dick.” Tightly gripping his shoulders, I ride his pulsating cock, breathing in the heady scent of him. The seductive aroma washes over me, and my senses are heightened, sending me into a state of pure euphoria. He pulls me from the wall, easing me up and down on his thickness. “Fuck,” he grunts, bringing me down harder. “Just like that.” “Gus,” I moaned, right on the edge. “Come for me,” he urges. My orgasm rips through me, catching me completely off guard. The intensity is unimaginable. I’ve only ever gotten off with my vibrator, but August  hits all the right places. My back arches, pleasure consuming my body from my head to my toes. At this moment, nothing else matters. As he slowly moves within me, he grips me tighter, gaining back full control. Pure bliss takes over—earth-shattering sensations rockin through me like nothing I’ve ever felt in my life. This is what it’s supposed to feel like. “Fuck,” he breathes, finding his release. Easing my legs back on to the shower floor, leaning us against the wall. Grazing my fingertips to the curve of his hips, I pull him closer as his cum leaks down my thigh. “Now that, little mouse____” He firmly takes my jaw in his hand, tracing my lips with his thumb. “That is how you deserve to be fucked. Always.”

August’s POV

* the next day* 

Climbing on to the plane, Ann settled into her spot by the window, sliding into the seat across from her, settling in with her blanket and her newest romance book. Her eyes locking with mine, she smiled and blushed slightly as she picked up her book and began reading. Chuckling as I pull out my laptop and begin to work but never taking my eyes off of you. Just as we land you are out like a light. Handing off our stuff to my guards, I gently wake you “ Ann, sweet girl wake up” running a knuckle down your face, holding my breath as you slowly come to. I relive the first time all over again the night you fell asleep after your coma. I could not stop watching you. I didn't sleep for 12 hours to make sure you didn't slip away from me but you never did.

Opening your dark eyes and blinking into focus “ where are we?” you question as you straighten in your seat out stretching your arms like a cat lounging in the sun. I grabbed you little black flats and slipped them on before pulling you up to your feet. “ Let's go see shall we?” letting you walk ahead of me, down the stairs you looked up and stopped, gasping you covered your mouth as i wrapped my arms around you “ Isn't it wonderful?” i purred in your ear as a soft breeze blew as i tucked you into my jacket, “ it's wonderful” as you leaned into my chest, looking over the car waiting at the twilight dusk settling over Seine River as the golden lights of the eiffel tower began to glow their beautiful hue. Peeking down as you looked up as your eyes lit up and the stars reflected in your eyes “ Welcome home” kissing you softly under the setting sun.

[will1survive]

Kingsman & Class

A 300 word draft essay on classism in the Kingsman series. I hope you enjoy :)

I'm aware this is probably for ease for the viewer, but he's dressed a black pinstripe suit that separates him from the white, pale neutrals of the churchgoers. It exemplifies his status and, to some extent, symbolic capital as the figure of death.

The cut and pattern of the suit however is most certainly deliberate and symbolic. There's the theme of classism throughout the films - where Eggsy is told he should want to be upper class - because it's “better” apparently. And he's treated favorably because he isn't seen as like the other lower class people, he's “different”. 

As an example, if you take the scene in the church from a particularly analytical and somewhat marxist perspective, Hart is the upper class "executioner" of the proletariat class. This is supported by the costume choice to put him in a pinstriped suit, traditionally worn by bankers and symbols of wealth, but also the double breasted nature of it which symbolises power. Thus, his distance at times and the act of using a gun as opposed to other methods could be because he has a degree of disgust at lower class people and he wishes them to reinforce the class divide in their final moments.

Furthermore, it’s an idea that’s embedded in capitalism that the working classes are “ugly” and “disgusting” or even parasitic because of a lack of wealth. Kingsman doesnt take to such a degree however, it does want to laugh at, or be disgusted by, the Unwin family and by extension the rest of the “loud” and “disruptive” characters who are characterised by the fact they live on a council estate. 

Thus, when Eggsy is transformed into a Bond like character he is ridded of the “undesirable” aspects of being lower class and effectively “cleansed” by becoming upper class.

Also, one final issue I have with the series and the genre of british sex symbol spy is how it treats women and I think it’s best put in an article (linked below) by Jason Ward - “If the film is a throwback, then it’s a throwback in the worst manner: not a carefree romp, but James Bond shooing away a female masseuse with a smack on the bottom, telling her it’s time for “man talk”. It is an unpleasant, carelessly violent cartoon, in thrall to the establishment and utterly contemptuous of women and the working class.”

Finally, I’ve attached many an intresting read on the classism and representation of Kingsman below

1. Is Kingsman the most conservative comedy this century?

2. The suit maketh man

3. The not-so-secret conservative politics of the Kingsman movies

[gemblackthorn]

There are several reasons why you would want to do these exercises:

-You acquired a used Tarot deck

-The cards are repetitive no matter how much you shuffle

-You feel energetic gunk when you use the deck

The methods:

1.REORDER Re-organizing the deck in numerical order is a great way to cleanse and reset the deck. If you think about it, this is the order it comes in when you buy it, so it’s literally a factory reset. Bonus points if you can reorder the deck while under a trance with the intention to reset it flowing through your hands.

2. KNOCKING Knocking three times firmly is my favorite way to cleanse a deck between clients whenever I read at an event. You can knock the deck against the table, but I prefer to use my knuckles. That way, it’s my intension to cleanse making physical contact with the deck. For an extra oomph, visualize energy dispersing outward from the deck with every knock.

3. CRYSTALS Place a cleansing crystal on the deck and leave it overnight. My crystal of choice is selenite. I leave the tarot deck on a “bed” of tumbled selenite and leave the largest chunk of top of it.

4. MOON BATH If there’s a full moon, there’s hundreds of witchy types racing to place their crystals and other objects on a window sill. The moon has the added bonus of symbolizing intuition. Place the tarot deck in direct moonlight and leave overnight. You can also add your cleansing crystal on top of it. Think of this as the extra rinse cycle.

5. SMOKE CLEANSE This is not smudging. Avoid herbs that are sacred to indigenous cultures or closed practices (i.e. white sage). Two of my favorite herbs to burn to cleanse and purify my Tarot decks are rosemary and thyme. You can use a smoke wand, which is a bundle of herb tightly bound with twine. Loose herbs on a fire-safe container will also work fine. In order to add some of your life force into the cleansing, you can opt for a rolled herbal cigarette (double check the herbs you choose and if you have any allergies). Only one to two puffs will be necessary. And if none of these methods sound appealing, you can always use incense. Whatever you choose, shuffle the cards and pass the deck through the smoke.

6. SALT CLEANSE Technically, salt doesn’t cleanse, it neutralizes. Doing a salt cleanse will neutralize the energy on the cards (some people interpret this as “cleansing” the deck). I would follow this up with crystals and/or a moon bath. Fill a bowl with coarse salt and bury your Tarot deck in the bowl. Leave it overnight.

7. MEDITATION Your mind is powerful. One of the first exercises a young witch or diviner learns is the 4-step routine of grounding, cleansing, centering and shielding. We’re going to focus on cleansing. Once you’ve grounded yourself, imagine a bright white light shining over the deck you’re holding in your hands. Watch the light envelop the deck and the excess energy being blown away by its intensity. Meditate on this visual until you intuitively know that your deck is clear.

[snowivivienne]

VIVI GLOW UP GUIDE: HAIR

“Invest in your hair, it's the crown you never take off.”

STEP ONE : THE NECESSITIES

- Wet Brush

- Gentle Hair Ties / Claw Clips / Scrunches

- Wide Tooth Comb

- Regular Shampoo

- Clarifying Shampoo

- Conditioner

- Leave in Conditioner

- Hair Mask

- Hair Oil

- Microfiber Towel or Cotton T-Shirt

- Silk Bonnet or Silk Pillow Cases

STEP TWO : HAIR ASSESSMENT

- What type of hair do you have? Oily, dry, or normal

- What is your hair texture ? ( 1a through 4c )

- What state is your hair currently in? Is it breaking, stretching or frizzy?

- Do you have split ends?

- Do you have colored hair?

- Do you use heating tools, take hot showers ?

Use these answers to these for helping picking products, use labels that target your complaints

STEP THREE : CUT THOSE ENDS

You want pretty hair? Cut. Those. Split. Ends. As much as people want to think you can 100% repair split ends with bonding products, you can’t. Split ends will find a way to creep up, and soon your split ends can become split miss and now your hair will not grow. Do this one time in the start of your hair care journey, and then from there on out you can learn how to cut your own split ends with the “no length lost method”.

STEP FOUR : WASH DAY

Find you wash days, it is okay to wash everyday or less with more days in between, as long as your scalp stays clean.

Your wash day should look like this, a coconut based pre-oil treatment to the ends of your hair for 30 minutes prior to getting into the shower. Weekly, take the oil up to the roots and massage in before doing the next steps. When you get in the shower star with a double shampoo cleanse if you skip days in between washes. If you wash your hair everyday only wash it one time (unless you did full hair oil) Lather the shampoo in your hands and start at the nape of your neck working your way up, only focuses on the scalp. Wash thoroughly then add conditioner after squeezing out all access water. Apply onlyto the ends and let it sit, pinning it up with a claw clip to keep the conditioner of your skin to avoid body acne. Rinse out.

Once you get out the shower, gently squeeze hair with microfiber towel and apply your leave in conditioner or oil. Let dry, the best way is mainly air dry with some help from a hair dryer on a cool setting at least 11 inches away from your head. Only after your hair is dry should you brush it.

Before Bed put your hair into a protective lose hair style or silk bonnet.

Once a week, swap your conditioner and pre-oil for a hair mask. I recommend getting your hair wet outside the shower, squeeze the water out, apply the hair mask and then let it sit for 20 minutes prior to getting into the shower.

STEP FIVE : IN BETWEEN WASH CARE

- only brush your hair what you need, don’t do the 100 strokes.

- always use detangler (you can use conditioner in a spray bottle mixed with water)

- Damp the ends of your hair and adds tiny bit of oil, before putting in a protect style.

STEP SIX : STAY INFORMED

- Ingredients are listed from highest concentration to lower, if all the helpful ingredients are the last on this list it’s not the best.

- Don’t fall for gimmicks not approved by dermatologists, such as hair training, keep your scalp clean.

- Don’t think you need only expensive products, despite what hair stylists say, there is very good drug store products that could easily be high end.

- Sulfates, Parabens and silicones are good for most hair, i love them.

STEP 777 : AFFIRMATIONS AND SUBLIMINALS

- Make a subliminal playlist

- Create a vision board for your hair, and maybe a wishlist of some dream products.

- Always use affirmations !!

If I hope you all find this helpful dolls, let me know if you want any requests or more information ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ - Vivienne

[carmyn-rambles]

C was in a horrible mood.

One of their sinks had been leaking for weeks, apparently. The water had been dripping onto the wood before, causing water damage, and apparently mold. They'd only found out this morning, and had to try and find out some sort of solution that wasn't calling a plumber. They didn't have the money for that.

They'd ended up scraping the mold off and throwing it away (quite possibly one of the worst experiences they had) and placing a cup to keep the dripping water from damaging anything further. The leak itself wasn't something they could fix at that time, so they left it alone.

Now, they were finally at their computer. They were seated in front of the monitor, signing as they pulled up their most recent project. The simulation had been running on the VM overnight, but it hadn't been completed that morning. Far too slow.

They'd left it alone while they handled the mold issue. T Now, the simulation had finished, but looking at the length of time it took to complete… They considered trying to make it faster.

The obvious solution would be allocating more storage to the VM, but they didn't have much more on their computer. It was taken up by all their other things, but they decided that they could start pruning.

C set aside all the completed programs and projects but default. They needed those. They looked at the list of remaining folders, the first of which was labeled 'backup_phone2008.'

They considered throwing it directly into the recycling. They didn't remember anything important that would be in that folder.

But, thinking about it, they only tended to backup important things.

They double clicked, opening the folder. At the top were a few files saved in formats their computer wasn't even prepared to open, so they just threw those into the recycling. They didn't have any interest in trying to figure out what they were.

Then, there were a few audio files. They had been automatically named after when they were saved, ranging from 2006 to 2008. Cyphen hesitated for a moment before clicking.

"Hey, J. How are you?"

They froze in their seat.

"No, I didn't expect you to answer, just thought I'd ask anyway."

C had no idea how they'd forgotten about these.

"You need to pick up your phone more often, I can't keep leaving voicemail on here."

That was the end of that message, but Cyphen still didn't move for what felt like an hour.

They selected the file, uncertain if they wanted to delete it.

It was just a worthless recording of his voice. They'd never wanted to remember him. They left him. They left him and ensured he couldn't follow them. They didn't want to remember him. He wasn't important. Not anymore.

They scrolled down, and listened to the next one.

"Hey, J. I know you're on your period, so I grabbed some of that chocolate you like. I'll be leaving it on your desk for you."

They remembered that.

C hated their period. Hated that suffering that was the women's privilege. They'd hidden all their menstrual products, so they never knew how he kept finding out when it was taking place. Had he hacked their phone? Looked too closely in the bathroom's garage bin?

They were never sure if they liked that he found out on his own, or if they hated it.

Cyphen clicked on the next one.

"Hey, J. I know you're busy, but do you think you could, uh, lock the back door? And do a cleanse on the computers, you know. Uhhh. Yeah."

They remembered that, too. Panicking over what might've gone wrong, getting out of bed in a rush, locking the doors, the windows, wiping the computers, hell, even the logs of anything they could think of.

And when he'd returned, he told C that it hadn't actually been a big deal. He just wanted them to get up and do stuff after being useless in bed.

Cyphen hadn't been able to argue why that hurt them so much.

What he wanted wasn't bad, and he had succeeded. There was no reason to get upset with the method. They didn't have a right to be hurt. It didn't matter.

They didn't say anything, but they remained upset anyway.

Cyphen clicked between the saved voice messages, ranging from so many different times throughout that period of their life.

"Hey, J. Pick up your phone. I'm not patient enough for this." "Hey, J. Think you can pick out an outfit for me? You know more about fashion than I do, I think." "Hey, J. I need you to add a deadline to the calendar." "Hey, J. I know you don't like your voice, but do you think you could pick up more often? It would be easier than leaving voicemails." "Hey, J. Remind me to work on the third project later today."

Some of them brought back vivid memories. Others had faded too much, only having blurred images and a vague emotion.

"Hey, J. Stop leaving me unanswered. When I message you, I need an answer." "Hey, J. The hell did you go? You didn't come home, I'm worried." "Hey, J. You can't just be upset and not tell me what I did wrong. That's not how this works."

Cyphen grit their teeth listening to those. They highlighted the whole section and finally threw it into the recycling bin, which they double clicked, moving their cursor to hover over the button that would immediately clear it out and delete those recordings forever.

They didn't click it.

[green-t3a]

Comfort Bread 🌿

I made this recipe when we had no money and just used what I had in my kitchen, so if you want to make this please use what you have and substitute whatever you need. Use herbs that call to you, herbs that you like, herbs that you have.

Ingredients:

500g bread flour

7g yeast

3 tbsp olive oil, can sub canola/sunflower etc.

300ml warm water

2 tsp salt- cleansing, protection

Herbs (measure with your heart:)

Oregano- health, vitality and joy

Basil- wealth, sympathy and protection

Marjoram- cleansing, dispelling negativity, aids in grief and sadness

Garlic powder- health and protection

Rosemary- healing, mental power and protection

Method:

Add all the ingredients into a bowl and mix, then turn out onto a floured surface and knead until dough is smooth and springs back when you poke it with your finger lightly. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Feel free to channel your intentions into the dough whilst you're doing this.

Lightly oil the bowl and place the dough back inside, cover with a plate/cling film and leave to rise for one hour or until doubled in size.

After an hour, punch the dough down and shape into a ball/loaf and place into a dutch oven or onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover with a tea towel and let rise for one more hour.

Pre heat your oven to 220⁰c and mark your dough with a sigil if you choose to. I used turmeric to mark mine.

Place your bread into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown on top and hollow sounding when you tap on the bottom of the loaf.

Place onto a cooling rack for at least 10 minutes to cool before slicing.

Enjoy 🌱

[breelandwalker]

Hello! I made a full moon wish jar and I wanted to know, if I decided not to recharge it, how should I go about disassembling and disposing of the contents? Also, can I reuse the jar for another, different spell afterwards? I looked on your blog to see if I could find an answer but couldn't find one for my exact questions, sorry if you've already answered something like this. Thank you!

No worries! I think I've talked about this before, but it's always good to review.

If you feel like your wish jar spell has run its' course (and hopefully had positive results), you can certainly disassemble, cleanse, clean, and reuse the jar if it's in good shape.

Crack or remove any seals, remove any binding material, and empty the jar into the proper waste receptacle. Some witches prefer to burn the contents of spell jars, but this isn't always possible or practical, so disposal by earth (read: garbage can) is just as good. If the contents of your jar have gone moldy or rancid for any reason, discard the entire jar and get a new one. This goes double if you used any bodily fluids. Better to start over than have to scrub out a biohazard.

Clean the jar and the lid THOROUGHLY. This will likely include some elbow grease and a bit of time. If need be, rinse the jar and lid as thoroughly as possible, then leave it to soak in a bucket of hot water and dish detergent or bleach solution overnight, then scrub until there is no dust, stain, smear, or odor remaining. If you used a cork lid, just throw it away and get a new one. If you measure the mouth of the jar, you should be able to find a replacement online or at a craft store.

Once the jar is physically clean, you can remove any magical residue with your preferred cleansing methods. I usually use incense or rosemary smoke, or just give the jar another dry scrubdown with a handful of salt and lemon juice. (Wear gloves if you choose to go this route - that stuff is abrasive and getting it under your nails STINGS.) Other witches I know recommend rinsing with white vinegar or leaving the jar out in the sun for a period of several days. It's probably good to let it dry out and rest before reusing in any case.

Once the jar is totally clean and satisfactorily cleansed, you can use it again for whatever spell you like.

The one caveat I'll give is that I don't recommend reusing jars which previously contained baneful spells, unless it's for another baneful spell. This is partly because it can be difficult to completely remove that baneful energy (and it might snarl up or just nullify a more friendly working) and also because the materials used for such spells might be more difficult (or less desirable) to clean out. See previous remark about biohazards.

Anyway, hope this helps!

[thedragonagelesbian]

happy pride

“Be at peace, my dear, holy friend.”

Friend maybe wasn’t the word for it. For that night in the Abyss when the truth of his powers was revealed and they crashed together in their grief and anger and passion. For two not-quite and fallen angels who had been praying to one another since their separation. But it would suffice.

The heart pulsed, slow and steady as it had been since he found it, but quickening now. Beat, beat, beat faster still when the cracked helm that obscured the Hand’s visage glanced down, thrumming between Cyrus’ hands before—

It slipped through his fingers and rushed like a shooting star through the molten gash in the Hand’s breastplate. Light burst from his chest. No longer the hungry flames of the Abyss but the cleansing glow of Heaven. The Hand gasped and slumped down on all fours. In contrast to his sharp, methodical motions before, he writhed now, agonizingly alive. With a shudder, the flayed skin of his demon’s wings burned away. The spindles of golden light settled in the form of feathers once more, save for those spokes which coalesced behind his head in the familiar sunburst of his halo.

Cyrus let out a breath.

The Hand of the Inheritor was okay. Everything was okay.

But the Hand remained doubled over, clutching at his chest, and suddenly he moaned, “What is this…? Why does it hurt so much? Why…? My own betrayal is tearing at my heart!”

“It’s alright,” Cyrus said quickly. “It’s okay, you’re safe now, I promise.” He took the angel’s head between his hands, not to move him but simply to hold him. “I have you.”

“Champion… No, Cyrus…” His name broke in the herald’s throat, the syllables soft and aching as he lifted his head. “My true friend. Is it really you standing before me? You do not look as I remember you. Can it be that you have restored life to the one who doubted you in the darkest hour? But…” The metal shivered, and when Cyrus’ fingers hooked underneath the helm to touch the feverish skin beneath, he felt hot tears on the Hand’s neck. “Why? I deserve no forgiveness.”

“There is nothing to forgive.”

The Hand shook his head. “I treated you harshly.”

“We both had our faith shaken.” Cyrus smothered a wince at the memory of their fight. The way he lashed out too, so desperate to be seen as something other than Nocticula’s weapon or Vorlesh’s experiment or heaven’s Champion. To be a person, not a tool. “But you stayed by my side regardless, to save Eliandra and to fight Hepzamirah. I forgave you then. I will forgive you again now if you need to hear the words. You are forgiven.”

The angel lifted a hand as if to touch Cyrus, only to see the bloody gnarl in his hip and stop. “I do not deserve you… and I cannot forgive myself. I let a lord of the Abyss turn me into a tool for evil.”

“You didn’t let him,” Cyrus said with a frown, but the Hand scarcely seemed to hear him.

“I will not easily rid myself of this shame. I cannot return to my lady now!”

“Then return with me.”

[gladstones-corner]

On the Ritual Dagger and Other Tools

Originally this was a very targeted, well-researched post. However, as I started writing, I realized the real point of this article: my difficulty using iron in magic, and what that means for my selection of tools as a general rule. And in all honesty, that's probably more interesting than a scholarly history of the athame. 

The magical community at large tends to accept the position that iron is disruptive to entities of the Otherworld, though the reasons why have been debated for centuries. Theories range from "ferrous metal disrupts subtle bodies" to "iron is symbolic of human industrialization". 

I'm less interested in a mystical reason than a practical one—in other words, I accept that iron disrupts Otherworld denizens, but am more concerned with why it disrupts me. I find it very difficult to channel energy through iron tools of any kind. 

The good news is that I'm not alone. Some practitioners work closely with the Otherworld, and iron tools hinder their work. Others prefer to use more natural material to reflect their connection with the web of life. Still others are just like me—they just find iron hard to use. 

Are these alternatives standard to the Western Esoteric Tradition? No, absolutely not. There are reasons why iron is used for the athame—not the least of which is because of the disruption towards unwanted spirits. Of course, wanted spirits also experience the disruption, so there is that to consider. 

Of these alternatives, bone and stone are the most common materials. Wood is much less common, as the material tends to be associated with Fire more than with Air (the standard elemental correspondence for the ritual dagger). But, if your tradition swaps the elemental correspondence so that the Wand is for Air and the Dagger is for Fire, there's nothing stopping you from obtaining a wooden ritual dagger. 

Other materials that are nonmetallic, like resin, should be avoided on environmental and practical principles. Not only are many synthetics bad for the environment—which can hinder your connection with the living universe—they are usually very poor conductors of energy. That isn't to say you can't use them—I've seen plenty of people use resin wands—but I really don't recommend it. 

So, what did I choose? I'll be honest, I didn't go out of my way to purchase new tools; I examined what I had on hand. And thankfully, what I found were two obsidian knives from a family trip to Cancun years ago. 

Before I could use them, I had to cleanse and bless them. To do so, I decided to use the Druid method of Land, Sea, Sky. So I started by letting them sit in the sunlight for a few hours to cleanse and bless them by the Sky. After that, I waited for a storm and set them outside to be cleansed and blessed by the "Sea" (water). Finally, I wiped them clean and drove them into the soil to cleanse and bless them by the Land. Finally, they were ready for use. 

First thing I did was cast alchemical glyphs in the air before me: invoking pentacle, banishing pentacle, fire, water, air, earth, spirit, etc.  

My initial thought: the knives are very well balanced. One is about 7", the other about 4". I prefer the larger, if only because the smaller one is more fragile. However, they both have solid heft without being unwieldy. They're great for flourishing with. 

My second thought was that the knives hold and channel energy with ease. That was a pleasant surprise—now I know it's the iron in the dagger, not the dagger itself, that gives me trouble (though to really confirm, I'd need to try other iron athames). 

But here's the thing: these obsidian ritual daggers are not athames. Athames are specifically the black-handled, usually double-edged blade. So that raises a new question: where do we draw the line on swapping out tools? 

Let's examine that in some detail. If we are to believe the four tools of the Western Esoteric Tradition are based in ancient sources, then what are those sources and how did they evolve into their current forms? 

In the broadest strokes, the elemental tools of the Western Esoteric Tradition are the Wand, Dagger, Cup, and Disk. 

Some sources speculate they originate from the Four Treasures of the Tuatha de Danaan: the Spear of Lugh, Sword of Nuada, Cauldron of The Dagda, and Stone of Fal. But if that were wholly the case, we would still be left with questions around how the Spear and Stone became Wand and Disk. 

Let's keep digging and examine each tool individually, rather than as a set: 

Wand: traced back to prehistory, but came into the forefront with Egyptian, Zoroastrian, and Greek priests. 

Dagger: traced back to the Key of Solomon as one of several goetic tools. 

Cup: traced back to prehistory as a tool for holding sacred and mundane liquids. 

Pentacle: traced back to the Key of Solomon as a method of summoning entities. 

Okay, so we can now see that these tools came from a few different places and have slowly grown together. Let me fill in some gaps: the wand is relatively the same as it was in ancient times; the dagger used to be several daggers but has since been standardized; the cup is still widely variable and can be a chalice, cauldron, or any other vessel; the pentacle is still widely variable based on tradition. 

So that brings us back to our question: when do we substitute tools out? The "real" answer is whatever your tradition requires. But for those of us without a set tradition, the question becomes more complicated. 

I've implied throughout this article that the tools are directly correlated to the four lower elements. So, it stands to reason that you would have a representation of each element on the altar. 

Let's take the case of the Four Treasures of the Tuatha de Danaan: 

Sword: Fire 

Spear: Air 

Cauldron: Water 

Stone: Earth 

For a more eclectic take, we can try: 

Sage Bundle: Fire 

Large Feather: Air 

Bowl: Water 

Plate: Earth 

You're also not limited to "tools", either. In my Druidic practice, I place four vessels on the altar that contain: 

Fire: Candle 

Air: Incense 

Water: Water 

Earth: Soil 

So really, the answer to the question "when do we substitute" is really "whenever feels most appropriate to you". The important things are that the items on the altar represent the four lower elements, and can be used for energy channeling. That's what makes it a tool, that you can use it to channel energy, not the fact that it's inherently a tool of some kind. 

Thank you for reading. As always, stay safe and stay tuned. 

Blessed be~ 

[snow-dotcom]

Why Double Cleansing is Your Skin's Best Friend ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪

hi!!

welcome back to my lil blog!! today i wanted to talk about the first and most important step in any skincare routine: cleansing! double cleansing to be specific. so lets hop right in <3

so, what exactly is double cleansing?

double cleansing is two-step method of face washing that uses two different types of cleansers to clean the skin. It's effective for removing makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, and other impurities while preparing the skin for subsequent treatments. i personally always double cleanse esp because of my oily skin. Now, lets go into the how ᡣ • . • 𐭩 ♡ ᯓᡣ𐭩

step one ✮⋆˙

so, pick out your fave cleansers, i use the Beauty of Joseon - Ginseng Cleansing Oil and Deve Amino Moisturizing Facial Cleansing Foam. I just love how they feel, and ive never broken out from them c:

And lets get started!!

How It Works: Oil based cleansers attract and break down similar substances, which makes it super effective for removing makeup, sunscreen, and sebum from the skins surface ૮ • ﻌ - ა

How to Use This Method of Cleansing ૮₍ ´ ꒳ `₎ა ♡

Squeeze a little drop of magic into your soft hands

Gently rub it all over your face in tiny circles, especially where you're wearing makeup or sunscreen ✨

Add a splash of warm water and watch the cleanser turn all milky and dreamy ~ ♡

Rinse with lukewarm water and pat your sweet face dry—you're all clean and glowing now! ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

Common Forms of oil cleansers

Cleansing oils

Cleansing balms

Step 2: ꩜ .ᐟ

This step washes away impurities like sweat and any leftover residue from the first cleanse, leaving your skin deeply clean and oh-so-fresh without disturbing its natural moisture barrier. Your skin deserves love, not stripping! ₊˚❀༉‧₊˚ ♡

Common Types:

Gel cleansers ✨

Foam cleansers ☁️

Cream cleansers ♡

Powder cleansers ✧

How to Use This Sweet Second Cleanser! (´,,•ω•,,)♡

Start with a damp face~ Splash some water to prep! ♡

Apply the cleanser to your skin and gently massage in soft, circular motions for 30–60 seconds ✨

Rinse with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry with a clean, fluffy towel ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ ♡

benefits <3

♡ Say Bye-Bye to Makeup Residue: Whisks away makeup and sunscreen so your precious pores stay clean and happy

♡ Perfect Skin Prep: Leaves skin silky and fresh, the perfect canvas for all your dreamy toners, serums, and moisturizers! ✨

♡ Prevents Pesky Breakouts: Removes deep-down dirt, sweat, and oils that could cause trouble, keeping your skin purrfectly clear.

♡ Boosts Skincare Magic: Helps your favorite products absorb better, so all those active ingredients can work their wonders. ♡

Double cleansing = soft, clean, glowing skin that feels loved and cared for! ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

Common double cleansing mistakes (and how to avoid them!) ✧*:･ﾟ

♡ Skipping the magic emulsification: Don’t forget to add water to your oil-based cleanser to turn it all milky and dreamy~ This step helps avoid leftover residue that might upset your precious skin ✨

♡ Using bad cleansers: Harsh cleansers with alcohol or sulfates are a big no-no! Be gentle to your skin ♡

♡ Skipping Hydration: After cleansing, treat your skin to some love with toner, serum, and moisturizer to keep it hydrated and glowing Always lock in that moisture, kitty! ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ

i realllly love this method of cleansing - if you have sensitive skin once a day should be good enough for this method, i do it both morning and night because of my skin type. its best to figure out what works for you before going overboard ⋆｡𖦹°⭒˚｡⋆