#tea divination

[river-in-the-woods]

Tasseomancy examples

Here are some examples of images I’ve seen when reading tea leaves, and how I interpreted them.

A large hen, huddled up and brooding (not laying eggs). Then later, a large hen with its head perked up. – There will be/needs to be a period of rest and inactivity, before you will have the energy to resume your ventures.

A bee visiting a very long, elongated flower. – Certain flowers require bees to have specialised proboscis in order to reach the nectar (the biologist in me is coming through). Hence, this reading means that the nectar/reward is there, if one has the means to reach it.

A scarecrow, and a bouquet of flowers. – Investing in someone who doesn’t appreciate you. Metaphorically, giving a scarecrow a bouquet of flowers.

A mermaid – An instruction to work with water spirits, or to make use of magical waters and inks (which came up when asking how to craft sigils).

A bow, but with no arrow nocked – An instruction to do preparatory work for a project, but not to take any actions yet.

A witch, or, a person and a pointed hat as two consecutive visions – A representative of willpower in its embodied form; mundanely, it means the determination to see one’s goals realised. In occult terms, it’s an instruction to use magical methods.

A cow, especially one with horns – A lunar symbol, representing one’s mother, or any emotions relating to mother figures. It also indicates any work that requires steady, repeated effort over a long period.

[fvrest-mochi]

sun

tea, coffee

[lunar-witches]

🌟 Types of Divination 🌟

🃏 Tarot Reading: Ah, the classic! Shuffle those cards, lay 'em out, and let the symbols tell your story. It's like a psychic storytime with beautifully illustrated cards.

🔮 Crystal Ball Gazing: Channel your inner fortune teller and gaze into the shimmering depths of a crystal ball. See visions, symbols, or just a really fancy paperweight – your call!

☕ Tea Leaf Reading: Sip your cuppa, but don't toss those leaves! The way they settle in your cup can unveil the mysteries of the universe. Get ready to decipher some leafy hieroglyphics.

🖐️ Palmistry (Chiromancy): Study the lines, mounts, and shapes on your palm. Each crease tells a story about your life path, personality, and potential. It's like reading a roadmap to your destiny right on your hand!

🕊️ Feather Divination: Feathers are more than just fashionable accessories for birds! They can carry messages from the spirit world. Find one, meditate on it, and decode its wisdom.

🌀 Runes Casting: Norse warriors used them, and now you can too! Grab some ancient runestones, cast them, and let the runic symbols weave tales of your destiny.

🕯️ Candle Scrying: Light a candle, focus on the flame, and let your visions come to life within the flickering glow.

🌿 Pendulum Magic: Swing that pendulum and ask it some yes-or-no questions. Allow the pendulum to swing freely and always keep your hand still to allow the energy to truly answer you questions.

🌗 Numerology: Numbers, man! They're everywhere, and they've got a lot to say. Discover your life path, destiny, and soul numbers.

🔍 Scrying Mirrors: Stare into the abyss... or, well, a special mirror! Gaze deep, and let the answers reveal themselves.

🌊 Water Scrying: Gaze into the reflective surface of water – be it a pond, a lake, or even a scrying bowl. Watch as ripples reveal the unseen.

🐚 Shell Divination: Channel your inner mermaid! Listen to the whispers of seashells and let them reveal their secrets. You can also collect a handful of different shells and cast them. Their placement, pattern, etc, can reveal important details!

🗝️ Key Casting (Cleidomancy): Gather a collection of old keys, close your eyes, and toss them onto a cloth. The position and arrangement of the keys will unveil symbolic messages or answers to your questions. It's like unlocking the secrets of the cosmos, one key at a time.

🎶 Music Divination (Alectryomancy): Play some tunes and let the lyrics, melodies, or even random song selections speak to you. The songs that resonate can offer messages or insights about your current situation. Let the music be your mystical DJ!

With this ever-growing list of divination methods, you'll have a magical tool for every occasion. Trust your intuition and let your inner seeker explore the mystical world of divination. Happy divining, cosmic explorers! 🔮🌠

[lua-stellar]

What Will This July Bring You??✨ Tea Leaf Reading 🍵

Reading done with Tea Leaves 🍵 Predictions for what will come your way this July (2024) *images included

tip me on ko-fi if you liked this reading :3

pile 1

in the first week or first couple of weeks of july you will experience some kind of event or celebration and i see that during this you'll experience an extremely lucky coincidence, i feel like this is love related somehow and this event can help you possibly become closer with someone? I see a giraffe thats touching the inner rim venus symbol and the glass but also what i think looks like a lamp, thats also touching the venus symbol going into the sunrise symbol. A lamp and a sunrise, i feel like fortells a new beginning with your path enlightened regarding romance somehow whether its with someone you like now or someone you meet at this event possibly? Like i feel like whatever it is your path will metaphorically be enlightened and you will have luck on your side regarding this future event and possibly shooting your shot with someone romantically? Like i'm getting a vibe of you putting yourself out there romantically this july and within the first two weeks is my prediction based off the placement of the symbols on the cup. The lamp also kind of looks like the rune Algiz which kind of affirms my interpretation of the lamp in the sense that you will have luck on your side and be sort of protected in a way when doing something risky like making a move on someone romantically. Like if i had to make a comparison it'd be the ten of hearts card in cartomancy, you will have nothing to worry about because things will go your way and you can let yourself be confident in what you do basically. Further into the month like closer to the end of the month i see like a little unicorn, or a pony. I initially thought it was a unicorn, but it i get the vibe that you are someone who maybe limits themselves a little and feel like you underestimate yourself. Basically late july you will be able to accomplish alot of things that you have always wanted to accomplish, and you will be able to open your roads and make all sorts of things possible even things you didn't think could even be possible for you. Good things are definently coming your way this july, wishes being granted, manifestations etc etc. I also see a rabbit in the distant future same area as the little unicorn and i think that means things will be increasing for you, increased ideas increased creativity, you will be coming up with new ideas and increased growth in different aspects of your life. I also see a little candle as well which is just more metaphorically your path being enlightened and things working in your favour, you can pursue whatever it is you want without worrying because again things will be going good and everything will work out for you. In your little tea plate, which i use to drain the water, it typically represents like the drama or overall energy of the reading,, i initially saw like two people in the middle of the plate like holding hands perhaps, or embracing, just connecting somehow. It kind of looks like one is a little kid and the other person is some kind of animal like a dog maybe, I feel like you will make a new connection this july with someone. And for this upcoming month there is alot of energy of growth and things like growing, improving, etc etc.

pile 2

i feel as though within maybe the first or again second week of july, you will be reaching out to people and connecting with others being sociable, and i feel like a new romance will blossom. A summer fling if you will. I don't know why i keep getting romance related messages but i see a heart on the mercury symbol, through reaching out to people and communicating and whatnot a new romance will blossom in your life, and its sort of like a slow burn romance because there is a tortoise right next to the heart. This romance will move slowly but the tortoise is a good omen that things will last and you will be successful through patience, and possibly getting to know this person. There is also alot of like loose little tea leaf dots like freckles that are kind of surrounding mercury in general like i feel like there is alot of energy in that aspect of your life in this coming july you will be reaching out to people, communicating getting out of your comfort zone possibly, etc etc. This outgoingness type of energy attracts a new romance into your life. In distant july like more closer to the end perhaps i see a rabbit a really big one on the bottom of your cup and i think it signifies alot of growth and new things happening new opportunities springing up new ideas etc, I also see a giraffe which i feel means you will experience good luck when doing things kind of risky or out of your comfort zone, you may experience happy coincidences and things working out for you very well, I also see like a little puppy like one of those white fluffy puppies, the kind you'd see on a rich lady's purse, idk. I feel like this could represent someone like a friend or a partner, someone who is friendly, it could also represent literally 'puppy love'. On your tea plate, which I read to represent the drama occuring in your life and the overall energy of the reading and overall energy of this upcoming july in general. There is a lighthouse right on the plate which shows to me that maybe you are someone who people will look up to, maybe you will be in a position of authority, perhaps in a summer job and whatnot. But also I see like a dinosaur right on Pisces and Aries, on the rim of the plate. It's completely covering the pisces symbol actually. I feel like maybe this fortells you living in the past a little bit during this month and refusing to change certain things, because its covering up pisces completely i'm inclined to believe you may have trouble during july regarding change that threatens your inner world you may be more outgoing this summer however during this time i'm picking up on the energy that you are not someone who enjoys the spotlight for long and shies away from it eventually, and at a certain point you don't want to sacrifice your comfort for anything really anyone or circumstances which leaves you holding onto the past a bit like the dinosaur. I feel like this bleeds into aries because it's like part of what can tick you off, and although there is a lightouse in the middle of this plate implying people around you will like you and look up to you at a certain point the spotlight will even irritate you and people who are annoying and threaten your comfort or even world view will just tick you off this july. I also see a little arrow on the aquarius symbol, I think this ties in with you going alot out of your comfort zone this july when it comes to communicating with others but also internally shows how you may be unsure about it, the arrow is like you wondering whether you should take that leap and the fact that its right on aquarius i feel means that you have a need for stability and security when it comes to friendships and being around others, and you are someone who requires space and to be alone with their thoughts perhaps.

[biggest-gaudiest-patronuses]

yes i have personal & intimate reasons for my own (lack of) religious/supernatural beliefs, but it's not dishonest to admit: i am also an atheist bc at no point in my life have i, after completing a slightly unpleasant task, been witness to an angel/imp/sprite/devil/entity-of-any-kind manifesting in all their glory to offer me a pat on the head and a little plastic baggy of crackers (by way of encouragement/reward).

call me childish but in my heart of hearts i cannot truly participate in a belief system that tolerates such negligence

[atmymercy]

i accept fun and fictional questions as well! aka what's it like being married to a leprechaun for you? or does santa claus think you're naughty? lol sounds like a fun reading to me! woot!

all selections are open to extra cards and longer responses. i accept kofi, paypal & credit card check out. if you are looking for something particular, feel free to message me and we can discuss it!

all questions include a clarifying question afterward except for {minis}! it's essentially a free mini included as a thank you from me! clarification questions need to be used within 48 hours! i won’t leave you high and dry after your reading! i get that sometimes you might want to get a little extra detail or understanding of some detail and i’ll be right here! this clarifying question must be related to your initial question or it becomes a whole new question! lol

in-depth option means you get a longer reading (the single question is 2-3 paragraphs & in-depth single is 3-5 paragraphs or more!) and numerology information directed toward your question! let’s get real in-depth here and even inspect the small details! lol

extensive option is at least a page-long reading (text size 10.5 normally). a question can be included!

minis are one-line readings. only the {mini reading & song vibe} going up to 5 lines.

add-ons are for adding to your existing reading! to make the reading you choose extra special or personalized to you!

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tea tarot feedback && past free tea tarot readings to give you a taste before you book with me!🧡

compatibility reading - let's see how compatible you and the person in question are! we will dive into physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional & sexual compatibility! let's see how well you two measure against each other in areas of journey alignment, humor and more!

crush tea - oh my! somebody has a crush. tell me more! tell me more! in this cup, we will explore how they currently feel about you and what guidance spirit has for you to feel/be closer to them!

spirit tea - interested in getting more in touch with your spirituality and spirit guides? let’s see what your spirit guides have to say and what guidance they wish to share with you!

journey tea - are you feeling a bit lost in your true potential? let me pour you a special cup and we can explore your path and talents together. there’s no reason for you to wander aimlessly!

intuition tea - you’re ready to explore your own intuition and your dark side of the moon, eh? okay! let’s do it! spirit and i don’t gatekeep but we can’t promise this will be an easy journey. or fast. dip your toes in and let me hold your hand as you close your eyes and open your third eye. ooh chills!

heart tea - bubbling for some heart tea, i see! sit! sit! let’s find out all about your significant other! this is all about your love life and how it heats you up! 2 clarifying questions are included afterward to get all the steamy details!

astrology chart - let’s explore your birth natal chart and discover how the energies of your rising, sun, moon & more affect you and your everyday life! what insights can we find here!

♡ message me for details/questions & to book a reading! ♡

[marsneedstherapy]

I cannot keep getting obsessed with books with literally no fandom/a completely dead fandom

[nightbunnysong]

The biochemical properties of raspberry leaf tea and its effects on the female reproductive system🌸🌿

Abstract

Raspberry leaf tea, derived from the leaves of Rubus idaeus, has been traditionally used to support female reproductive health. This article delves into the biochemical properties of raspberry leaves, focusing on their potential mechanisms of action within the female reproductive system. We explore the active compounds, their pharmacodynamics, optimal timing for consumption during the menstrual cycle, recommended dosages, and duration of use.

Introduction

Raspberry leaf tea is widely regarded in herbal medicine for its benefits on the female reproductive system. The leaves are rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, which are believed to positively influence uterine function, hormone regulation, and menstrual health.

Biochemical composition of raspberry leaves

The leaves of Rubus idaeus contain a variety of active compounds:

Flavonoids: including quercetin and kaempferol, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and estrogenic properties.

Tannins: primarily ellagitannins, contributing to the astringent and tonifying effects on the uterus.

Alkaloids: fragrine, known for enhancing uterine muscle tone.

Vitamins and minerals: Rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex, along with minerals like calcium and magnesium that are crucial for reproductive health.

Mechanisms of action

Uterine tonification

Fragrine, an alkaloid found in raspberry leaves, enhances uterine muscle tone by modulating calcium channels in the myometrium. This action promotes mild contractions, which may prepare the uterus for labor and potentially reduce postpartum hemorrhage by improving uterine strength.

Hormonal regulation

The flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol exhibit estrogenic activity by interacting with estrogen receptors. These compounds may modulate the menstrual cycle and alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) by balancing estrogen levels. Additionally, their antioxidant effects help reduce oxidative stress, a contributor to reproductive disorders.

Menstrual cycle modulation

Tannins in raspberry leaves provide astringent effects that can regulate heavy menstrual bleeding by promoting vascular constriction and reducing capillary permeability. The anti-inflammatory properties of flavonoids also help alleviate dysmenorrhea by reducing prostaglandin synthesis, which is responsible for menstrual pain.

Antioxidant protection

Raspberry leaves are rich in antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, which protect reproductive tissues from oxidative damage, potentially mitigating conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Optimal timing and dosage

Phase of the menstrual cycle

Raspberry leaf tea is most beneficial when consumed during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (from ovulation to the start of menstruation). During this phase, the uterine lining is preparing for potential pregnancy, and the tonifying effects of raspberry leaves can support uterine strength and reduce PMS symptoms.

Additionally, raspberry leaf tea is commonly recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy to help prepare the uterus for labor.

Recommended dosage

The typical dosage is 1-2 cups of raspberry leaf tea per day. Each cup is made by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried raspberry leaves in 250 ml (about 8 ounces) of boiling water for 10-15 minutes.

Duration of use

For menstrual health: begin drinking raspberry leaf tea from the day of ovulation and continue until the start of menstruation. This typically lasts for about 10-14 days per cycle.

For pregnancy: start drinking 1 cup daily from the 32nd week of pregnancy, gradually increasing to 2-3 cups daily as the due date approaches. Continue until childbirth.

Potential clinical applications

Pregnancy support

Raspberry leaf tea is recommended during the later stages of pregnancy to strengthen uterine muscles, potentially leading to more efficient contractions and shorter labor.

Menstrual regulation

For women experiencing irregular or heavy menstrual cycles, raspberry leaf tea can help regulate the cycle, reduce menstrual flow, and alleviate PMS symptoms.

Postpartum recovery

The tea can support postpartum recovery by promoting uterine involution and reducing the risk of hemorrhage. Its nutrient content also aids in replenishing vitamins and minerals lost during childbirth.

🌿🌸Article requested by @gracefulchristiangirl🌸🌿

[photos from Pinterest]

[thesorceresstemple]

[arcane-trail]

🔮 Witchy Shop 🔮

Use code "TUMBLR" for a discount

[river-in-the-woods]

A Tasseomancy Divination Guide

Greetings! Here are my notes for a two-part tasseomancy reading. Tasseomancy is a form of divination that uses loose tea or herbs immersed in water. The first part is an insight reading using leaves immersed in water, and the second part is an advice reading where the water is removed. May it serve.

Materials

Cup/bowl

A white or otherwise pale-coloured material will allow the tea leaves to be most visible.

I find that a cup or bowl with flat base (at least 8cm wide at the bottom) works well and allows the leaves to spread out.

Leaves

Any loose leaf tea will do.

Different leaf shapes and sizes will favour the formation of certain shapes during the reading.

Therefore, go for a variety of leaf shapes, sizes and textures and see what works best.

Herbal correspondences can be used, as certain plants resonate with certain domains of life. Doing plant spirit interviews via this method can be a fun learning exercise.

Experimenting with different blends of teas and herbs is encouraged.

Ideal amount of leaves will vary with cup size. A level teaspoon is usually fine. Use enough to obscure no more than two thirds of the reading surface (after brewing). It is fine to scoop some leaves out during the reading.

Water

Drinking the brew is optional.

Hot water is recommended as this helps to immerse the leaves in water and cause them to soften and unfurl (leaves will tend to float and remain rigid in cold water).

Process

Prepare for divination - the ‘tool’ here refers to the leaves.

Ask your question or state the topic of divination and speak over the leaves. Alternatively, hold the question/topic in your mind for a few moments, then blow gently into the leaves.

Add the leaves to your cup/bowl and pour over hot water.

Drink the brew if you wish - leave about 2cm depth of water for the first part of the reading.

1. Insight Reading

This part of the reading is about gaining insight into the situation, and uses leaves immersed in water. This is because the leaves can move and rearrange themselves freely, and information can be continuously gathered until the reader is satisfied. Aim to see at least 5-10 images in the leaves. Essentially, the brew is swirled and then examined for shapes and impressions, before being swirled and examined again.

2. Advice Reading

For the second part of the reading, pour out the majority of the water, swirl the leaves around, then slowly turn over the cup entirely. There’s a bit of an art to this part, but you’ll want some of your leaves to fall out so that the reading surface is less crowded. The water is removed because this part of the reading presents actionable advice, and we want this to be a decisive and clear-cut answer. Aim to see 1-3 images in the leaves, and interpret this as the best course of action.

Interpretation

A lot of guides will tell you to look at what simple shapes are objectively being formed by the leaves (e.g. triangle, heart, circle, waves). But in my own practice, I tend to see detailed and colourful scenery triggered by the shapes and textures within the leaves.

Personally, I think it matters less what the shapes objectively look like, and more about what they remind you of. As when scrying with any other medium, allow yourself to ‘daydream’ a little for details to come through. My advice is to always note down whatever imagery first comes to mind, without judgement or comparison, and interpret afterwards.

Instead of making a list, which can be found in many other resources on tasseomancy, I think it’s more helpful to provide a set of guidelines and things to consider when interpreting the images.

The meaning of the image will always be filtered through one’s own experiences and biases, so when reading for oneself, one should favour their instincts over an external guide. However, if the reading is for someone else, their input should be welcomed.

Interpretations to consider:

If you see an object, symbol or animal, consider its symbolism and traditional associations.

Elemental and planetary associations may help.

If an object, consider its function, and what it is doing. Is it still, or in action? Is it brand new, or old and worn? What is it paired with, who is using it?

If a creature or person, look at their behaviour - what they are doing, what state of mentality or health they are in.

The mood and emotional quality of the image, and any colours that come through.

For any perceived colours, darker/murkier tones may have more negative connotations, whereas bright and clear tones may be more positive.

If you see a landscape or scenery, look at the weather and time of day. Early mornings can mean a fresh start, night can be a time for revelry or rest. Bright, sunny weather may be positive, but desert heat is overbearing and unpleasant. Light rain brings lush growth, but a downpour can be quite miserable. Fog/clouds indicate confusion and concealment. Snow and ice can be a thing of beauty, or indicate blockages and stagnation.

Sometimes an image will change as you look at it. First it looks like one thing, then it looks like something else. This can represent something that is subject to change, or has a multi-layered nature.

For the insight reading, an image can appear more than once.

Images reappearing exactly the same, can mean a situation is stable and will not change.

Images reappearing differently can mean that something will undergo a change, either immediately or over time.

If you struggle to interpret an image, don’t worry. It may make sense at a later date, or it may not, but don’t force it to mean something.

[kirstydreaming]

Josie Lane

[coven-of-genesis]

Types of divination

Divination refers to the practice of seeking knowledge or insight about the future or hidden information through supernatural or mystical means. There are numerous types of divination found across cultures and traditions.

Here are some of the commonly known ones:

Astrology: Astrology involves interpreting the positions and movements of celestial bodies to gain insight into human affairs and predict future events.

Tarot Reading: Tarot cards are used to gain insight into the past, present, and future events or to explore various aspects of a person's life.

Palmistry: Palmistry, also known as chiromancy, involves analyzing the lines, shapes, and markings on a person's hand to make predictions about their life, personality, and future.

Numerology: Numerology is based on the belief that numbers hold symbolic meanings and can be used to gain insight into a person's character, talents, and future events.

Runes: Runes are ancient Germanic alphabet symbols that are used for divination. They are typically engraved on small stones or wooden tiles, and the reader interprets their meanings based on their arrangement.

Scrying: Scrying involves gazing into a reflective surface, such as a crystal ball, a mirror, or water, to receive visions or insights about the past, present, or future.

Tea Leaf Reading: Also known as tasseography, this method involves interpreting patterns and symbols formed by tea leaves in a cup to gain insights or make predictions.

Pendulum Dowsing: Pendulum dowsing uses a weighted object, often a crystal or metal pendant, suspended from a string or chain. The movement of the pendulum is interpreted to answer yes or no questions or to provide guidance.

Ouija Board: Ouija boards are flat boards marked with letters, numbers, and symbols. Participants place their hands on a small planchette and ask questions, believing that spirits will guide the movement of the planchette to spell out answers.

These are just a few examples of divination practices. It's important to note that the effectiveness and interpretation of divination methods vary widely, and their validity is often a matter of personal belief or cultural tradition.

[tygerland]

𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘁𝘁 1994

[book--brackets]

The Wicked + the Divine by Kieron Gillan (2014-2019)

Every ninety years, twelve gods incarnate as humans. They are loved. They are hated. In two years, they are dead. The team behind critical tongue-attractors like Young Avengers and PHONOGRAM reunite to create a world where gods are the ultimate pop stars and pop stars are the ultimate gods. But remember: just because you’re immortal, doesn’t mean you’re going to live forever.

The Checquy Files by Daniel O'Malley (2012-2022)

"The body you are wearing used to be mine." So begins the letter Myfanwy Thomas is holding when she awakes in a London park surrounded by bodies all wearing latex gloves. With no recollection of who she is, Myfanwy must follow the instructions her former self left behind to discover her identity and track down the agents who want to destroy her.

She soon learns that she is a Rook, a high-ranking member of a secret organization called the Chequy that battles the many supernatural forces at work in Britain. She also discovers that she possesses a rare, potentially deadly supernatural ability of her own.

In her quest to uncover which member of the Chequy betrayed her and why, Myfanwy encounters a person with four bodies, an aristocratic woman who can enter her dreams, a secret training facility where children are transformed into deadly fighters, and a conspiracy more vast than she ever could have imagined.

Tea Dragon by K. O'Neill (2017-2021)

From the award-winning author of Princess Princess Ever After comes THE TEA DRAGON SOCIETY, the beloved and charming all-ages book that follows the story of Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in the enchanting world of tea dragons. After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik. As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives--and eventually her own. 

The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper (1965-1977)

When the Dark comes rising, six shall turn it back, three from the circle, three from the track; wood, bronze, iron; water, fire, stone; five will return, and one go alone.” 

With these mysterious words, Will Stanton discovers on his 11th birthday that he is no mere boy. He is the Sign-Seeker, last of the immortal Old Ones, destined to battle the powers of evil that trouble the land. His task is monumental: he must find and guard the six great Signs of the Light, which, when joined, will create a force strong enough to match and perhaps overcome that of the Dark. Embarking on this endeavor is dangerous as well as deeply rewarding; Will must work within a continuum of time and space much broader than he ever imagined.

The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories by Angela Carter (1979)

In The Bloody Chamber - which includes the story that is the basis of Neil Jordan's 1984 movie The Company of Wolves - Carter spins subversively dark and sensual versions of familiar fairy tales and legends like "Little Red Riding Hood," "Bluebeard," "Puss in Boots," and "Beauty and the Beast," giving them exhilarating new life in a style steeped in the romantic trappings of the gothic tradition.

Innkeeper Chronicles by Ilona Andrews (2013-2022)

On the outside, Dina Demille is the epitome of normal. She runs a quaint Victorian Bed and Breakfast in a small Texas town, owns a Shih Tzu named Beast, and is a perfect neighbor, whose biggest problem should be what to serve her guests for breakfast. But Dina is...different: Her broom is a deadly weapon; her Inn is magic and thinks for itself. Meant to be a lodging for otherworldly visitors, the only permanent guest is a retired Galactic aristocrat who can’t leave the grounds because she’s responsible for the deaths of millions and someone might shoot her on sight. Under the circumstances, "normal" is a bit of a stretch for Dina.

And now, something with wicked claws and deepwater teeth has begun to hunt at night...Feeling responsible for her neighbors, Dina decides to get involved. Before long, she has to juggle dealing with the annoyingly attractive, ex-military, new neighbor, Sean Evans—an alpha-strain werewolf—and the equally arresting cosmic vampire soldier, Arland, while trying to keep her inn and its guests safe. But the enemy she’s facing is unlike anything she’s ever encountered before. It’s smart, vicious, and lethal, and putting herself between this creature and her neighbors might just cost her everything.

The Sisters Grimm by Michael Buckley (2005-2012)

For Sabrina and Daphne Grimm, life has not been a fairy tale. After the mysterious disappearance of their parents, the sisters are sent to live with their grandmother--a woman they believed was dead! Granny Relda reveals that the girls have two famous ancestors, the Brothers Grimm, whose classic book of fairy tales is actually a collection of case files of magical mischief. Now the girls must take on the family responsibility of being fairy tale detectives.

Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta (2008-2012)

Finnikin of the Rock and his guardian, Sir Topher, have not been home to their beloved Lumatere for ten years. Not since the dark days when the royal family was murdered and the kingdom put under a terrible curse. But then Finnikin is summoned to meet Evanjalin, a young woman with an incredible claim: the heir to the throne of Lumatere, Prince Balthazar, is alive.

Evanjalin is determined to return home and she is the only one who can lead them to the heir. As they journey together, Finnikin is affected by her arrogance . . . and her hope. He begins to believe he will see his childhood friend, Prince Balthazar, again. And that their cursed people will be able to enter Lumatere and be reunited with those trapped inside. He even believes he will find his imprisoned father.

But Evanjalin is not what she seems. And the truth will test not only Finnikin's faith in her . . . but in himself.

Damar by Robin McKinley (1982-1984)

Harry Crewe is an orphan girl who comes to live in Damar, the desert country shared by the Homelanders and the secretive, magical Hillfolk. Her life is quiet and ordinary-until the night she is kidnapped by Corlath, the Hillfolk King, who takes her deep into the desert. She does not know the Hillfolk language; she does not know why she has been chosen. But Corlath does. Harry is to be trained in the arts of war until she is a match for any of his men. Does she have the courage to accept her true fate?

The Chronicles of the Black Company by Glen Cook (1984-2000)

Some feel the Lady, newly risen from centuries in thrall, stands between humankind and evil. Some feel she is evil itself. The hard-bitten men of the Black Company take their pay and do what they must, burying their doubts with their dead. 

Until the prophesy: The White Rose has been reborn, somewhere, to embody good once more. There must be a way for the Black Company to find her... 

[kagoutiss]

rly rough sketchies…..ft impa