#A Beginner's Guide to the Afterlife

[kissmypoets-hp]

Fanfic Classics Series ⏳🪐🌌 This batch of fanfiction deals with the multiverse!!! Time travel!!! Imminent thoughts about life and death!! Past lives and dreams of a future together — get ready to witness a love for the ages.

the earth from a distance by spqr

A Beginner’s Guide to the Afterlife by mcsyndrome

Us, infinite (unfortunately) by @thecouchsofa

"An Emerald In The Sky" by @corvuscrowned

In Every Universe by @skeptiquewrites

Our Little Life by @tackytigerfic

Dwelling by aideomai

there will be time, there will be time by @amywaterwings

Harry Potter and the Future He Doesn't Really Want, Thanks. by orphan_account

Everything is Relative to You by @thehoneybeet

The Star Splitter by @oflights

art credits + some cover commentary under the cut :)

I had a lot of fun finding/using artworks with circles, lines, and shapes to symbolize different worlds/universes and/or the passage of time...

Artworks used, in order:

"Several Circles" by Wassily Kandinsky (1926)

"To all appearances, it was a hand of flesh and blood just like my own" by Odilon Redon (1896) — A ghostly hand that fits the plot. The artwork's title goes with the fic so well too...

"(#2) (from series, Quantum)" by Garo Antreasian (1966)

"The story of the sun, moon, and stars (1898)" by Agnes Giberne — inspired by the summary "Somewhere along the way, Draco realizes he's been thinking in lines, when he should have been thinking in circles." The original artwork comes with a caption 'Stars whose distances are well-known'... I really feel that it fits since Draco was named after a constellation... Also, the star-circles have numbers on them, which could be interpreted as H/D through different ages...

Max Brückner’s Collection of Polyhedral Models (1900) — Exploring different parallel universe versions of yourself... the more things change, the more they stay the same.

"Construction (SM lg71)" by László Moholy-Nagy (1924) — some mild spoilers for the fic! inspired by the phrases "...plot a path through the many universes such that he would never die." / "flickering through timelines? Just getting glimpses, really" .

"Fish Magic" by Paul Klee (1925)

"The Terrace at Saint-Germain, Spring" by Alfred Sisley (1875)

"Arrival of the Normandy Train, Gare Saint-Lazare" by Claude Monet (1877)

"Charing Cross Bridge: Fog on the Thames" by Claude Monet (1903) — referenced in the fic. i try to pay attention!

"Boy with Kite" by Candido Portinari (1947) — Harry is a precious little lamb. more elaboration here

i’ve been making penguin classics-style covers for fics i have saved on my kindle, as inspired by zeziliazink and bubu0h’s works!

[aspeccharactersoftheday]

Gabe from A Beginner’s Guide to Mistakenly Summoned Demons and Other Misadventures is demisexual/reciprosexual!

[melaniem54]

Review: A Beginner's Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers (Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Book 8) by Shannon Mae

Rating: 4.25🌈 Cassius, the coffee shop running oracle and the wounded grey angel Kushiel get their romance and journey to HEA finally. It’s full of the other characters we’ve met, a terrifying, heartbreaking mystery, a lovely nosy family ghost, and a plot that is extremely complex in layers. The best part is the characters here. Cass is a great character, with his well defined personality and…

[furiousfinnstan]

HOW TO(KILL YOURSELF) PERFORM DIVINE FEMININITY-nina andrej

transcript:

HOW CAN I BE A GOOD TRAD WIFE?BECOME THAT GIRL A WOMAN WHO PRIORITIZE WELLNESS, PRODUCTIVITY, BEAUTY AND MINDFULNESS 20 WAYS TO LOSE TEN POUNDS!FACIAL HAIR REMOVAL GUIDE BEGINNER FRIENDLY 

WAYS TO TAP INTO YOUR DIVINE FEMININE AND YOUR TRUE GODDESS SELF WAYS TO KILL YOURSELF!HOW TO KILL YOURSELF HAVE YOU CONSIDER THAT THE ANSWER LIES IN THE AFTERLIFE?HOW TO KILL YOURSELF KILL HOW TO PERFORM DIVINE FEMININTY HOW TO PERFORM  FEMININTY FEMININTY?HOW TO PERFOM

how to perform blasphemous masculinity:

step 1)get a knife

step 2)realize you have your mother's teeth but your father's bite

step 3)patricide 

step 4)get a bigger knife

step 5)try to use it 

step 6)fail

step 7)try again

step 8)become friends with addicts they are your brothers in arms(not optional)

step 9)become an addict yourself(optional)

step 10)wear the stupidest thing you can find

step 11)don't shave

step 12)shave your head

step 13)find god

step 14)lose god

step 15)get heavy boots.you will never outrun them,you will never outfight but you can always break their fucking noses

step 16)fuck everything that moves

step 17)wear a mask 

step 18)wear a fucking condom

step 19)matricide(optional)

step 20)become lightweight

step 21)find salivation in her body 

step 22)give away your last dinar 

step 23)ask for someone's last cigarette 

step 24)always have a lighter on you

step 25)curse your grandfather's existence 

step 26)find a new god

step 27)build yourself new saints 

step 28)realize your father is all bark and no bite

step 29)kill yourself to build yourself

step 30)get an ax and with your shaky hands kill your father,kill your grandfather,kill your great grandfather,kill your bloodline,for we are not mere men we are writers we are faggots we are great whores we are cunts and bitches we are vultures we do not deal with fiction of fathers we deal with the naked truth we do not deal with honorable masculinity,we are all bite and no bark,

now take the hand that fed you nothing but scraps all your life and bite it off 

[salmonight]

Free Title Ideas Pt.2

And here is the second part with more mostly likely less titles but enjoy!

(I still cant categorize so take them with apinch of salt)

Low Mood:

Who Mourns an Adonis?

Sinking Sand (Castles)

I Carve(d) These Letters Across My Chest

Smoking Roses

Whispers of the Forgotten

Perfectly Tainted

I Like Dead Things (They Cannot Hurt Me)

A Melody of Misfortune

Echoes of Loss

Crack:

Fake It ‘till You Make It

Honk if You're Scared

Live Fast Die Hot

I Know What I’m Doing — and Other Lies I Tell Myself

True Tales of Bodies(Mostly Mine)

Pinatas are Jerks

Food: A Love Story

You Are Old: Sobering Affirmations for Your Rapidly Disappearing Life

Paranoid-in-Chief

Surviving Your Stupid Stupid Decision to [insert activity]

How to Defeat Your Own Clone and Other Survival Hacks

Learning to Outlive Your Friends and Other Tales of Immortality

Hey, Coffee

Smoking 101: A Beginner's Guide

From Starbucks to Hell: The Demonic Coffee Cravings of Everyday Joes

When Your Summoning Circle Turns Out to Be a DIY Project Disaster From Hell

From Door-to-Door Sales to Demon Summoning: Unexpected Career Paths for the Ambitious

Demonic DIY: Home Improvement Tips for the Dark Side

Delving into the Depths of Dorkness

The Great Demonic Cacophony: A Symphony of Summoning Shenanigans

A Demon Summoner's Guide to Mayhem: How to Summon Chaos and Confusion

Demonic Diversions: When Summoning Turns into Side-Quests

From Grounds to Gateway: How to Open a Portal to Hell with a Cup of Joe

Starbucks, Satan, and Specters: A Caffeine-Fueled Guide to Demonology

The Dark Side of Caffeine: How to Summon Demons and Make the Perfect Latte

Coffee and Demons: A Match Made in... Purgatory?

A Demonic Grind

Romance:

Words Getting Worthless (Love is Wordless)

Honey Without Time

Heartthrobs With A Cheeky Smile

Cause in a Sky Full of Stars, I Saw You

Out of All the Stars in the Sky, I Choose You to Light My Night

At Peace With Stars, in Love With Fireflies

The Love Triangle of Doom

Death:

Phantoms Of The Undead

Shelter In The Graves

Catacomb Without Flaws

Dancing With Your Ghost

Ecto-static

Death Sucks, but the Afterlife is a Blast!

Gods:

Deranged Divinity

Worshipper's Rue

Mystery:

Failing Of The Fog

Stranger Of The Past

Construction Of Twilight

Tree Of The Lost Ones

Rat In The Mist

Giggling Crypts

A Face By Any Other Name

Speak the Truth in Every Sense, Bury It With Innocence

Fantasy:

Forsaking The Elements

Heroes Of The Void

Song of Ice

Lightning in a Bottle

Adrift in the Realms

Fae-n-tastic

Gathering Magic

Three Lullabies of Extradimensional Guides

The Birthday Wish that Sparkled with Magic

Enchanting Birthday Rituals

The Wishing Star Ritual

Destruction /Unhinged:

Sleep as the World Burns

Life is Just a Game (and I'm Playing for the Win)

Inception Of Infinity

Feathers of Chaos

Wingspan of Terror

Burning Brighter Than Hell

Let This City Burn, Burn, Burn

Good Vibes

Shoot for the Moon

Starry Night Skies

Age of Wonders

Streaks Of Laughter

A Lady's Luck, A Robin's Flight

Pt. 1 |

[ancientcraftnoccultism]

Beginner Class - Moon Phases

Introduction to Moon Phases & Lunar Magic

___

By KB

Introduction

Welcome back to class everyone! Today we're going to have a small introduction to lunar magic & discuss the Moon phases! The Moon has been significant in myths and customs all around the world from the beginnings of human civilization. It has been used as a light source and a chronometer for ages. Similar to the Sun, it has been associated with a variety of deities all throughout the world. This heavenly body has always been connected to many fundamental aspects of human existence, including love, passion, fertility, mystery, death and rebirth, and the afterlife, in both myth and magic. The Moon continues to play a significant role in Wicca and other contemporary Witchcraft and Paganism practices.

Briefing of the Moon

The Earth has its own energy, which is separate from the energy it receives from the Sun, according to scientists. The Moon also gives off a faint yet distinct energy. The energy of the moon is feminine and receptive as opposed to the masculine, projective energy of the Sun. Anyone who has experienced the Moon's physical pull can understand why its power is frequently described as magnetic. At the Full or New Moon, some people who are especially sensitive really experience a physical tug in their bodies, while others merely have a heightened awareness of everything around them.

The feminine, receptive, and magnetic energy of our own intuition is perfectly suited to engage with lunar energy. This is the most important mode of perception when it comes to magic, often known as our sixth sense. Therefore, when we intentionally connect with Moon energy, we are creating a channel for that energy to help bring about the necessary changes in our life. And we can actually increase the power of our magical activity when we do this in conscious sync with the energetic rhythms of the Moon's cycle. This is so because each moon phase offers unique energies that can be tapped into for special magical purposes.

Working With The Moon

Moon magic is the practice of enhancing spellcraft by utilizing the power of the moon and its cycles. You undoubtedly already know that spellwork and rituals are frequently performed during the full moon by magical practitioners. It's simple to use the moon for your intended purpose because it is at the peak of its metaphysical potency. However, depending on the kind of spell work you wish to conduct, all phases of the moon offer strategic advantages.

Lunar magic is a type of sympathetic magic in which practitioners align their spells and witchcraft with the moon's cyclical phases. Lunar magic users interpret the moon's changing phases as having characteristics that are helpful for various purposes, sorts of spells, or rituals. Each phase, from waxing to waning, has a magical correlation that guides a witch's work. The connections come from humanity's long history of using the moon as a calendar, navigational aid, and fertility symbol. The moon has traditionally been associated with masculinity by many civilizations, but in the modern West, the moon is frequently associated with femininity and is connected to women, fertility, and feminine cycles.

Now, all of this may seem historically complex and even scientifically oriented (and it certainly can be! ), but working with the moon is a flexible sort of witchcraft that allows for "choose your own adventure" thinking. It can be as intricate and challenging as you wish, or it might just be about interacting with the natural rhythms' exquisite beauty. You can focus all of your magick on lunar living or you can just perform a ritual for the new or full moon whenever it is convenient for you. Don't be afraid; the moon is not erratic and is always present. Simply get in and give it a go however seems appropriate to you.

Moon Phases

Witchcraft practitioners frequently use the moon's phases and their corresponding rituals to give their spells and rituals a little extra strength or to just serve as a reminder to focus on different things throughout the month. Although I'm here to offer inspiration and suggestions for how to use the moon in your magical life, how you work with it is distinctly particular to you, so this post isn't the be-all and end-all of lunar magic.

Here are the fundamentals. In witchcraft, we frequently add a ninth phase before the new moon, which scientists would regard as the same. However, there are eight moon phases every month according to science. The lunar cycle begins with the dark/new moon, increases or waxes until it reaches the full moon, then shrinks or wane until it reaches the dark moon, when the cycle resumes.

9 Moon Phases

Dark Moon

New Moon

Waxing Crescent

First Quarter

Waxing Gibbous

Full Moon

Waning Gibbous

Last Quarter

Waning Crescent

The intents, spells, and rituals associated with each of these stages include banishing, abundance, shadow work, manifesting, times of release, and times that attract things toward you. It is claimed that aligning your magical activities with the moon's phases can help you tap into their energy and encourage the results you want.

Dark Moon

The moment has come for destructive magic. Not necessarily "harmful," but now would be the ideal moment to cast a curse or hex. The optimum time to perform magical work to eliminate or banish strong spirits, addictions, or illnesses is during the Dark Moon. Do not waste this opportunity. It is advisable to use this time for something that presents a real threat. Also a fantastic time for divination and soul-searching. The black moon phase is all about the unconscious mind and is most frequently employed as a period for dream work, ancestral remembrance, and divination. Take advantage of this stage to really explore your inner thoughts. Turn inward, meditate, and consider your course of action. Simmer your soul in a hot ritual bath, or have a deep-tissue massage to release accumulated trauma.

New Moon

Moon mapping practitioners assert that the new Moon is a good time to reflect on significant issues or make broad plans for the next lunar cycle and beyond. The new Moon is focused on concepts of attraction and invitation. As a result, the majority of new Moon rites focus on sowing seeds for the future, which makes sense given what's going on in the heavens.

Waxing Crescent

The waxing moon looks to be expanding. This period's magnetic energy aids in bringing things out. The optimum time to work with beneficial magic is during this full waxing phase. This is the ideal moment if you want to develop a more optimistic outlook or greater patience. This is the moment to cast spells for self-improvement, such as enhancing psychic talents or learning information about a new class.

First Quarter

The First Quarter Moon is all about appeal from the outside world, whereas the New Moon is all about going within and bringing out. It is the best moment to do any type of magic that involves luring something in—whether it's a person, success, money, or anything else. Additionally, now is a great opportunity to return lost items.

Waxing Gibbous

The Waxing Gibbous Moon's energies, which are still in the 'constructive' magic phase, are excellent for giving anything you've been working on that may have stalled that extra push. Use these energies to give you a boost and help you resist temptations if you are having trouble staying motivated to complete a task or maintain a routine.

Full Moon

The Full Moon phase is the most potent of the cycle, making it the best time to deal with any pressing problems or difficulties you may be experiencing. Concentrate your rituals and spells on issues that are most crucial to your life. Additionally, this is a perfect time for magic and meditations centered on psychic growth, spirituality, and divination. The Full Moon is the time you would use for increased power when you are confronting really challenging problems, even more so than the Dark Moon. Full Moon magic is designated for those significant aspects of your life that require significant changes or boosts; it is not only for small jobs. It is best to focus on priorities during this period.

Waning Gibbous

Working on spells to banish is an excellent idea at this time because waning energies repel rather than attract. During the fading phases, minor banishings can be carried out. The ideal time to clean everything in general, including your house, yard, office, personal items, magical instruments, etc. It is best to end everything during the Waning Gibbous period, whether it be a commercial endeavor or a romance. Self-reflection is also an excellent thing to do at this time. Think on your past and inwardly rather of focusing on the future. Perform spells and rituals during this phase that are intended to perform minor banishings and cleansings. Now is a great moment to reflect and identify anything that is no longer in line with your goals.

Last Quarter

This is the ideal time to go through any challenges you've had to face while working toward your objectives. Use charms to help you overcome obstacles that might encourage you to give up. The same is true for whatever transitions you may be going through; take advantage of these energy to iron out any kinks and make the procedure move more smoothly.

Waning Crescent

The energies are more suited for larger banishings, including getting rid of anything that has been depleting your energy and stealing your joy. Work with the energy of this time to eliminate anything from your life that you wish to just get rid of. Focus your spells and rituals on the intentional dumping of anything that you no longer desire, whether it be quitting a fruitless project or ending a damaging acquaintance or relationship.

[misseligon]

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY TO THE HELL TO PAY PILOT!!

God, a whole year just went by??? Doesn't feel real honestly... I didn't expect to jump from just 15 subscribers on youtube to 739 in just a year! A lot has happened over the year. I graduated from college and got my Bachelor's Degree, I got to see my mom's side of the family for the first time in my life. And my peepee brain was busy taking a half year hiatus whilst also hyper fixating on a lot of different crap.

I got to brainstorm more what I want for Hell to Pay. Ik you guys were asking for a full animated series but i'm gonna be honest here... the pilot was written and animated all by me, and I had my online and college friends help voice act the pilot for a final. I don't really intend to continue the series animated-wise because that requires a bigger team and a budget and I... don't have the latter.

I've always wanted to continue the story as a webcomic b/c I have an easier time getting the story out at a faster pace compared to another 40-minute animatic episode that'll take another half year to get done... and trust me if I continued at that pace I think Hell to Pay would be incomplete by the time I turn 80 years old and keel over.

Unfortunately for my little baby project's first birthday, I don't exactly have much to give here, since i've been extremely busy storyboarding and drawing concepts for the next episode. But for you guys I can give you the synopsis of the first 5-ish episodes!

BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO SUMMONING

In his second day in the afterlife, Profundus has to learn the ways of haunting in order to make a living not only from the three demons whom he met yesterday, but 10 more demons who Mollis brought in for extra help. Meeting new faces, witnessing more traumatic ways how to torture the living, Profundus finds out that being summoned by the living could bring him closer to finding his home universe and locate his wife Honey. But what happens if the first time he's summoned he gets trapped by a group of demon-worshipping college students?

CE N'EST PAS UN TRAVAIL

Profundus needs to find a job on top of his haunting duties in order to make a much more stable living, starting from rock bottom. After failing to find a suitable job from his "friends", he's offered a job as a still-life model from a self-proclaimed "Dadaist" named Clades. Upon hearing the demoness' name, Infortunii and co. warn of how infamous and dangerous Clades can be. Can Profundus quit his job on time before Clades and her followers lead Profundus into certain death?

PRISONER OF THE BODY

Attending classes on spells for newly deceased demons, Mollis teaches the easiest lesson for demons, possession. Concocting a plan to find a way into his universe and get a chance to speak to Honey one last time, Profundus plans to possess a mortal and meet up with Honey as said mortal. But plans go awry once Profundus accidentally kills the body of the man he was possessing and is trapped inside his body. Can the gang help pull Profundus out of this predicament?

BOX BITCH

Having no choice, Infortunii has to let an old acquaintance move in with her and Profundus after Box Bitch's landlord kicks them out (Fyi, their name is not actually Box Bitch, that's Infortunii's unaffectionate nickname for them). Times get tough when Box Bitch becomes an unbearable roommate and troubles both demons living under her roof, but tension rises once Box Bitch brings up that Infortunii used to be the life of a party, now she's a sanitized wet blanket, which easily ticks her off. What happened to Infortunii that soured her relationship with an old friend?

-SPOILER EPISODE, ONCE REVEALED POST BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO SUMMONING-

FALLEN

News riles up in the afterlife, an angel has been banished from Caelestia and has fallen down to Damnatio! Taken in by Mollis and into safety, the fallen angel introduces herself as Lapis. Seeing her as the closest thing to a holy being, Profundus tries to bond with Lapis, claiming both have common ground in this hellish afterlife. Selfish motives aside, could Profundus and co. help and protect a struggling Lapis adjust in the afterlife?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hell to Pay as a series is planned to have 4 seasons/books. The first season/book is planned to have 33 chapters, idk how long it'll take to finish the first book, but a few years is definitely the most realistic expectation.

Thank you guys so much again for all your support and dedication! I'd like to thank all my friends and partners who made this whole project become a reality, and I hope to see you guys again soon! Check back on my tumblr for more future news about Hell to Pay! See you guys real soon!

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

[losthomisexual]

Intro/beginners guide to paganism

This is a brief guide based on my personal experiences and research.

What is Paganism?

Now this is a big question with limited evidence but lets go through what we know and how people practice today. A lot of our sources for old religions were written by christians or romans where they could have skewed the original meanings for their own agendas. Christianity played a large role in the loss of these beliefs by ways of genocide, missionaries, renaming holidays and more. My ancestry being European i research more into Celtic, germanic, norse and Anglo-Saxon beliefs but everyone has roots and if traced back far enough we find similar beliefs across the globe. There are also a lot of neopagan religions and beliefs like Wicca and witchcraft with many subcategories.

Paganism for me is about a deeper connection to nature, myself, the spirits of the land and honouring those who’ve come before. Its being grateful for what we have, spending time with our family and friends, being kind and respectful of our surroundings and those within whether thats people, animals or plants. It gives me a bigger perspective, helping to see through hardships and take lessons from them rather than begging the gods for forgiveness or salvation. Even just walking through the bush i get a sense of how small i am in the world, we are all just small cogs in the wheel of time, passing on our lessons and stories through the generations. Norse paganism tends to have more stories than others so i tend to find myself drawn to them for guidance and symbolism. Everything around us has a spirit or a soul all the way from the sky, rain, and thunder to the grass, rocks and dirt beneath our feet, there is spiritual energy everywhere. When it comes to the afterlife i don’t really think about it much but it could be reincarnation, a realm for the dead although nothing like heaven and hell, just a resting place or even something else entirely. Living in the present is more important to me.

So how can you practice paganism?

Seasonal changes are important in paganism as well as the equinoxes and solstices.

Following the natural cycle and staying in tune with it is a simple way to get closer to nature, our ancestors and the spiritual realm. For me i also flip the holidays to suit my climate as i live in Australia so the seasons are inverted.

Many people have altars or sacred spaces in their homes but i also encourage people to go outside and create a space if they can. Whether its just a rock were you place meat or bread offerings or a tree or lake you visit you don’t need much to practice paganism.

If you cant do that thats okay too, light a candle and make an altar out of items you have found and felt a connection to.

Create an inviting, cozy atmosphere and keep it clean and cleansed to avoid unwanted spirits and energies. For holidays you could have a feast and drink beer and wine with friends and family around a fire for instance. Throughout the year theres lots of small ways to feel some magic like following the phases of the moon, cleaning, making things with intention, mindful walks, having a garden or house plants, meditation or working with charms for some examples.

There is no one way to practice and no one can be right, it is all interpretation and feeling.

You can follow a set of gods, pick and choose or none at all. You can perform rituals, spells or divination or not it is not a practice with rules unlike other big religions. Even just the term pagan or animism may be enough for you.

Whether it’s something more modern, a reconstruction or neither, you don’t have to choose a particular path or label just do what feels right to you.

Overall I believe paganism is a way of life, an open way of thinking rooted in nature, gratitude and respect.

[finishinglinepress]

NEW FROM FLP: Skipping Stones on the River Styx by Elizabeth Rae Bullmer

On SALE: https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/skipping-stones-on-the-river-styx-by-elizabeth-rae-bullmer/

Skipping Stones on the River Styx seeks to define the #human #experience of #loss, #grief and #death through a deeply personal lens. The #poems explore physical loss of loved ones, the energy of objects left behind and the desire to assign meaning to what remains. The speaker in this collection wants to heal and the journey skips from conversations with the dead to contemplation of one’s own death, which leads back to gratitude for #life, despite the pain that living can bring. Open, honest emotional vulnerability, combined with a playful and fantastic imagining of the #afterlife make this collection a unique exploration of what we all must face in our lives: Death.

Elizabeth Rae Bullmer received her B.A. in Theatre and English, with Emphasis in Creative Writing and Performance, from Alma College. She shares her home with four extremely demanding felines and her two phenomenal, adult children are her top role models. Elizabeth works as a self-employed, licensed massage and sound therapist in Portage, MI. Skipping Stones on the River Styx is her fifth chapbook.

PRAISE FOR Skipping Stones on the River Styx by Elizabeth Rae Bullmer

In Skipping Stones on the River Styx, Elizabeth Rae Bullmer bravely journeys through the challenging and often mysterious terrain of loss. “I have been a student of Death,” she writes. And we are in her adept hands, for each poem is a polished stone rippling across the skin of grief. This collection glistens with hard-won wisdom and is ultimately an invitation to fully embrace life.

–Jennifer Clark, author of A Beginner’s Guide to Heaven and Kissing the World Goodbye

Bullmer’s poetry explores grief exuberantly if that’s possible. The vitality of her writing never allows the depth and variety of grief to ignore itself. Images spill onto the page directly and obliquely, familiar in a way that’s shorthand for feelings difficult to explain. The title does that perfectly: Skipping Stones on the River Styx. She plays at the shore of mortality.

–Elizabeth Kerlikowske, author of The Vaudeville Horse and The Woodworker and The Witch

In Skipping Stones on the River Styx, Elizabeth Rae Bullmer explores the ubiquity and profundity of loss and grief. In doing so, she shows us how the endlessly rich, fertile territory of grief has a way of breaking, like light through a prism, into everything imaginable: all of the colors, all of the dark, mathematics, frequencies, the stars, what and who they point to and, “how similar the longing of love and loss.” This is authentic art of the enduring human spirit; all of us are better for the important work Bullmer has done in living and sharing this vision with us.

–Scott Bade, author of My Favorite Thing About Desire

Please share/repost #flpauthor #preorder #AwesomeCoverArt #read #poems #literature #poetry #life #death #loss #grief #journey #human #experience #afterlife

[nickssidewitch]

the way you never truly answer real questions because of the “spirits” 😂😂 guys, cmon please be so for real, do yall really think someone who has never even met them would be able to read their energies and contact their guides???? Im a medium and I do readings too (very well trained for) and i can almost guarantee that you have to have some sort of connections for readings like this. If this person has never met them or anyone of their relatives / close friends, chances are they probably made it all up. IF they did manage to do it, it was probably once or twice, not all the damn time like this. Things like these are hard and demand focus and attention and it is not always that we will receive an answer. And this goes to all of you who ask her anonymous questions. If she doesn’t even know who you are, she has no clue who’s reading shes doing ;)

Hello! I have done readings for people without ever meeting them for years, whether it’s someone well-known or just an every day person. 🥰

Other readers have done this as well, especially when the global pandemic hit, and a lot of people were learning about spirituality and practiced honing their skills the only way they could do it safely: online. Some readers were doing readings before the pandemic and learned how to do readings without the person directly in front of them when it impacted them. I was a part of that group.

I love being a spiritual person. Spirituality has saved me in dark times and in moments of uncertainty. Same with others, whether they practice or observe spiritually through aura or energy channeling, are part of a religion like Islam, Christianity, etc, or through mediumship and contacting loved ones who have passed in this physical plane.

Also shoutout to you for being a medium! 🫶🏾 I know that can be quite draining at times, so I commend you! 🤍But mediumship is quite different in its process, where you have to have a link to the loved one in order to connect to that loved one. In simple energy readings of people still existing in the physical plane, you don’t need that physical link UNLESS you’re a beginner and/or you need extra help and strength to channel something.

And regarding time, everyone has different energies, therefore I will take more time channeling some people and less time with others! I say this alllll the time!

Again, and I say this probably every single month now… If you don’t believe in what I do, if you don’t like what I do, and if you don’t care about what I do, get the fuck off of my account. It is very simple. Reread this paragraph again, but slowly this time and actually use your ✨reading comprehension✨ and ✨critical thinking skills✨.

And what I explained in the previous paragraph does not only apply to me. It applies to any account on any platform, and it also applies to real life. If you don’t like someone/thing, don’t care about someone/thing, or don’t care to know about someone/thing for whatever reason, get your minds off of them and/or walk away from them.

It is quite simple. Block me! Mute me! Do whatever is in your best interest! Shoo! 🤍✨ I wish you the best in life and in the afterlife, but DAYUM!!

[limboofdeath]

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO FAKING YOUR DEATH

A Story About Two Doomed Lovers, and the person trying to bring them together.

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE is heavily based on Jhariah’s music album of the same name, the songs directly correlating to events that occur within the story. This story is set up to be a mystery, but to be completely honest I am terrible at mysteries haha. It is a love story, first and foremost, with the genres of mystery and adventure helping to support that element.

This is an ask blog! Feel free to send in questions to the characters or about the characters. :)

In the future I do wish to animate full on music videos for these wackos.

MEET THE CHARACTERS!

The Jester - The Jester is the jester of Limbo, where our main story takes place. Tangent about Limbo is further down. He’s bright, mostly optimistic, and enjoys spending his time with his fans! He loves spending time with his best pal, the Clown, secretly pining after the other. He absolutely adores performing for others! Although recently, he’s received a major personality shift. I wonder why.

The Clown - The Clown is the clown of Limbo and stage partner to the Jester. He performs to make a fool of himself, and is often overshadowed by the much more likable Jester. He envies the fame and praise, and it’s no secret for how much he pines after the guy too. One day he disappeared, and the locals of Limbo never questioned why.

Lola Grayson - A recently dead 22 year old college dropout. She’s always been fond of diving into mysteries and the arts in general. She also has always been the peacemaker between any of her friends' conflicts. She landed in Limbo almost immediately after her death, confused but willing to figure out what this place is. She first meets The Jester during one of his performances for the new arrivals. Side note: She’s an egg! She is trans-masculine, but doesn’t figure it out until after the main story.

LIMBO

Limbo is a realm between Heaven and Hell, as most people know. Its skies are blood red, with almost everything within the realm looking red in color. The locals at first glance all look like walking and talking skeletons, bones rattling wherever they went. If a user wanted to, they could reveal what they want another soul to see, aka their true form and not just a skeleton. Limbo is one of the six realms that linger between Heaven and Hell, being the third created.

OTHER CHARACTERS

There are other characters that are worth mentioning if you want to ask about them!

He Who Grants Death - personification of death, he acts like that one gay uncle. Basically genderless, but the name was bestowed upon him as such.

She Who Bestows Life - personification of life, she acts like that sassy wine aunt who talks shit about everyone. Basically genderless, but the name was bestowed upon her as such.

The Ones With Divineness - over seekers who tend to the living realm. Their existence mostly ties in with different religions, a select few of them being head of a certain religion. They’ve been there since the beginning. They can be seen as gods, sure, but they prefer not to be called that. They are ones with divine power.

Louise Shaw - a local of Limbo who tends to the library. Having died around 45 years old, she’s determined to host every catalog of book to have ever existed. A daring task, but so far she’s been successful at it. She died on March 19th 1844, being crushed and killed in a factory accident.

Robert “Robbie” Fisher - a local of Limbo that hangs around. He died at age 25, and just spends his afterlife chilling out. He died on October 30th 1961, being hit by a car on his way to the store. A heavy smoker, he’s an overall easy guy to get with. Side note: he’s from Wales.

[lostdrarryfics]

Hi! Thank you so much for everything you do.

I can’t find this fic I read a long time ago, I know it was on AO3. It’s an outsider’s perspective I believe (“If you went to Hogwarts, you would see…” or “people who go to Hogwarts see…” type thing). In the fic, both Draco and Harry were Hogwarts ghosts and had been for decades. They had a friends-with-benefits relationship for a bunch of years, and then by the end they moved on to the next world (I believe this happened in the woods). Additional details: Nearly Headless Nick moved on at some point, and so did at least some of the other ghosts. I think Draco was the Slytherin ghost and Harry was the Gryffindor ghost, but that might be wrong. Draco was writing the first ever book about being a ghost, written by a ghost, and was basically a “so you’ve recently died. What now?” manual

We believe you are looking for A Beginner’s Guide to the Afterlife by mcsyndrome (14k, E)

Don’t forget to bookmark, leave kudos and comments!

[melaniem54]

Review: A Beginner's Guide to Demonic Possessions: A Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Novella by Shannon Mae

Rating: 4.75🌈 I’m so hooked on this universe and town of Paradise Falls where all sorts of paranormal shenanigans are happening, unusual soulmates are coming together, and author Shannon Mae gets to display her amazing talents for writing a heartfelt paranormal relationship, in all its weirdly beautiful moments. As a reader can glean from its title and description, A Beginner’s Guide to Demonic…

[silver-shadow]

Prompts for Beginners

1. Who are you?

2. What does shadow work mean to you?

3. What would you do if you weren’t afraid?

4. How important are you to yourself?

5. What do you wish more people knew about you? What do you hold yourself back from revealing your authenticity?

6. Is your inner voice kind or critical? List the 10 most common scripts it uses.

7. How do you self-soothe? How do you feel afterward?

8. What do you dislike most about yourself? How can you guide these parts toward self-acceptance?

9. How do you respond to constructive criticism?

10. What about yourself do you hide from others? What would happen if you no longer hide?

11. What triggers your fight or flight response? How can you stay calm and grounded during these times?

12. What’s the biggest lie you��ve ever told? Why do you think it happened?

13. Is there anything you’re afraid of messing up in your life?

14. Do you lie to people about how you feel? What is the feeling to feel you cover up most?

15. What’s something about yourself that you wish you could change?

16. When was the most hurt you’ve been by someone else?

Prompts for Manifestation

17. What is your dream life?

18. What does an average day in your dream life look like?

19. What are you drawn to and passionate about in life? What stops you from pursuing this?

20. What would you do if your biggest dream happened tomorrow? What would you feel?

21. What are the obstacles in your everyday life? Which of these can be transformed into opportunities?

22. What happens when you think of the future?

23. Does anything trouble you about the short-term future?

24. Recall the last time you were jealous of someone. What exactly is in their life that you desire?

25. Is making money in life important to you? What is your relationship to money?

26. What do you enjoy most in your life now? Do you ever feel the foreboding joy around this?

27. What would you like to be recognized for?

28. What brings you stress in life? Stress is an unavoidable part of the human experience; however, directing your energy toward its true purpose brings about ease and fulfillment.

29. What five long-term goals will lead you to your purpose?

30. How does finding your purpose make you feel?

Prompts for Spirituality

31. What stops you from spiritual self-discovery?

32. What does it mean to be completely free? When do you feel the freest?

33. Recall a big mistake you’ve made. What did you learn from it?

34. What makes you feel empty? How do you think your spirituality could help fill this void?

35. What gives your purpose in life?

36. What is your biggest regret in life?

37. What do you think happens when we die?

38. Have you ever felt guilt around spirituality? How do you feel about your spirituality now?

39. When have you felt least connected to your spiritual self?

40. Have you connected with your spirit guides? If so, who are they? If not, what are your beliefs about spirit guides?

41. Do you ever feel cursed?

42. Which people had the most influence in your spiritual life?

43. Do you believe you have a higher self?

44. Do you believe in an afterlife?

Prompts for Relationships

45. What do you judge your spouse for?

46. What traits do you admire in your partner that you wish you had in yourself?

47. How do you feel about confrontation?

48. What’s the most hurtful thing you’ve done in a relationship? Do you harbor any emotions still around this?

49. How do you feel about yourself as a romantic partner? How do you think your partner perceives you?

50. When was the last time you felt let down by your partner? How do you feel about it now?

51. When was the last time you let your partner down? How do you feel about it now?

52. Do you have healthy boundaries in your relationship?

53. What would you change about your relationship? How does that reflect on you?

54. Describe what an unhealthy relationship looks like to you.

55. Where do you feel you’re not pulling your weight in the relationship?

56. What can you do to show more love to your partner?

57. Do you argue fairly in a relationship?

Prompts for Sexuality

58. What are your fears around sex?

59. Do you feel the need to perform during sex? If so, explore why this is.

60. What from your cultural upbringing has negatively affected your relationship with sex?

61. What is your typical inner dialogue during sex? Is there anything you’d like to change about it?

62. What is your relationship to pornography addiction?

63. What was your first sexual experience like?

64. Describe a sexual fantasy you have.

65. Do you have healthy boundaries in your sex life?

66. How do you feel about your sexuality?

67. Do your sexual beliefs fit you, or have they been prescribed to you by someone else?

68. What might be holding you back from gaining sexual mastery?

69. What stops you from being fully creative in bed?

70. How do you feel about your body?

71. How do you feel about your genitals?

72. Write about your last sexual experience — how did it differ from your first?

73. What types of sex positions do you harshly dislike? Why is this?

74. What would you change about your sex life?

Prompts for the Inner Child

75. If you could tell your child-self one thing — what would it be?

76. Divide your inner child into 3 different ages — how do they differ?

77. What did you not receive in your childhood?

78. Write about when you felt betrayed as a child. How did you react? Hows does this affect you today?

79. What traits did you have as a child that you’ve “grown out” of? Why is this?

80. Where was your safe space as a child? Do you have or need one now as an adult?

81. What is an affirmation you wish to give your child self? Why is it meaningful for them to hear?

82. Were there emotions you were taught to suppress as a child? How can you work with your child self to welcome and feel all emotions?

83. What does the term “childish” activate in your system?

84. What situations trigger the inner child as an adult? Why is your child-self becoming activated? What can you do to make them feel seen, heard, and safe?

85. What’s something that scared you as a child? Does this fear persist today?

86. What was your worst childhood memory?

87. What does your child wish to communicate with you now?

88. Did you ever feel pressured to people-please as a child? Does this continue to this day?

Prompts for Healing

89. In what areas of your life do you feel inferior to others? And why?

90. What are your self-sabotaging behaviors and thoughts? How can you meet these with compassion?

91. What stops you from fully committing to your healing process?

92. What was I brought up to value in my family? How are my own values different?

93. When was the last time I felt time truly at peace?

94. Do I feel whole in my life?

95. What are the first signs that your mental health is dipping?

96. When was the last time I forgave myself?

97. How can I show more compassion to myself?

98. What would a life of self-acceptance look like?

99. If you could say one thing to your shadow, what would it be?

100. When you have been self-destructive in your life, what’s usually the reason?

101. What habits have you picked up over the years that no longer serve you?

[koreanthroughfiction]

끝없는 추락 - Endless Plummeting

해롤드 핌스는 항상 자신을 실용적인 사람이라고 여겼기 때문에, 지금 끝없는 공허 속으로 떨어지고 있다는 사실을 받아들이기가 너무나 힘들었다. 처음에는 아주 평범하게 시작됐다 - 처마 청소를 하다가 사다리 맨 위에서 발을 헛��딘 것뿐이었다. 하지만 완벽하게 손질된 잔디밭과 아프게 만날 거라는 예상과는 달리, 해롤드는 그저… 계속 떨어지고 있었다.

[Harold Pimms had always considered himself a practical man, which is why he was having such a hard time accepting the fact that he was currently falling through an endless void. It had started innocently enough – a misstep on the top rung of his ladder while cleaning the gutters. But instead of the expected painful meeting with his perfectly manicured lawn, Harold just… kept going.]

"음, 이거 참 불편하군," 그는 우주 공간에 떠 있는 것처럼 보이는 반쯤 먹다 만 샌드위치를 지나치며 중얼거렸다. 그는 사후 세계를 깨끗이 유지하는 책임을 맡은 우주의 존재에게 항의해야겠다고 마음속으로 메모했다.

["Well, this is inconvenient," he muttered to himself as he plummeted past what looked suspiciously like a half-eaten sandwich floating in space. He made a mental note to complain to whatever cosmic entity was in charge of keeping the afterlife tidy.]

떨어지면서 해롤드는 자신의 인생이 눈앞에 스쳐 지나가지 않는다는 것을 알아챘다. 대신, 그는 점점 더 기이해지는 일련의 광고들을 보게 되었는데, 이는 그가 한 번도 들어본 적 없는 제품들이었다. "양자 콧털 다듬는 기계- 당신의 대체 자아들도 깔끔한 콧구멍을 가질 자격이 있으니까요!"라고 한 특히 요란한 간판이 휙 지나가며 선전했다.

[As he fell, Harold couldn't help but notice that his life wasn't flashing before his eyes. Instead, he was treated to a series of increasingly bizarre advertisements for products he'd never heard of. "Quantum Nose Hair Trimmers – Because Even Your Alternate Selves Deserve Neat Nostrils!" one particularly garish sign proclaimed as it whizzed by]

해롤드는 한숨을 쉬며 매우 길고 기이한 여정이 될 것 같은 상황을 받아들였다. 그는 적어도 책이라도 가져왔기를 바라며 주머니를 뒤적거렸다. 놀랍게도 그는 "당신의 영원한 낙하가 시작되었습니다: 끝없는 추락을 위한 초보자 가이드"라는 제목의 팸플릿을 발견했다.

[Harold sighed, resigning himself to what was shaping up to be a very long and peculiar journey. He patted his pockets, hoping he'd at least remembered to bring a book. To his surprise, he found a pamphlet titled "So You've Started Your Eternal Fall: A Beginner's Guide to Endless Plummeting."]

"참 친절하군," 해롤드는 공허를 계속 돌진하며 팸플릿을 펼치면서 무덤덤하게 말했다. "첫 번째 단계: 당황하지 마세요. 음, 그 배는 이��� 떠났군요, 그렇죠?"

["How thoughtful," Harold deadpanned, opening the pamphlet as he continued to hurtle through the void. "Step one: Don't panic. Well, that ship has sailed, hasn't it?"]

해롤드가 계속 읽어 내려가면서, 그는 이 끝없는 낙하가 일종의 우주적인 농담 같다는 느낌을 떨칠 수 없었다 - 이 필멸의 육체를 벗어나는 특히 길게 늘어진 방식 말이다. 그는 그가 향하는 곳이 어디든 좋은 카이로프랙터가 있기를 바랐다. 영원히 떨어지는 것은 허리 아래쪽에 고문이나 다름없었다.

[As Harold read on, he couldn't shake the feeling that this endless fall was some sort of cosmic joke – a particularly drawn-out way of shuffling off this mortal coil. He just hoped that wherever he was heading, they had a good chiropractor. Falling for eternity was murder on the lower back]

해롤드가 계속해서 터무니없는 상황 속으로 빠져들면서, 그는 다른 추락자들이 공허 속에서 자신과 합류하고 있음을 알아차리기 시작했다. 두 집 건너에 사는 히긴스보텀 부인이 그녀가 아끼는 페튜니아를 여전히 꼭 쥐고 있었고, 우체국의 핑클스타인 노인은 설명할 수 없게도 바나나 의상을 입고 있었다.

[As Harold continued his descent into the absurd, he began to notice other fallers joining him in the void. There was Mrs. Higginbotham from two doors down, still clutching her prized petunias, and old Mr. Finklestein from the post office, inexplicably wearing a banana costume.]

"오늘같이 좋은 날 떨어지기 딱이죠, 그렇지 않나요?" 히긴스보텀 부인이 마치 우주를 통해 추락하는 게 아니라 이웃 바비큐 파티에서 만난 것처럼 명랑하게 외쳤다.

["Lovely day for a fall, isn't it?" Mrs. Higginbotham called out cheerfully, as if they were meeting at a neighborhood barbecue rather than plummeting through the cosmos.]

"그렇죠," 해롤드가 대답했다. 그의 어머니가 실존적 위기 앞에서도 예의 바르게 행동하도록 그를 키웠기 때문이었다. "혹시 우리가 어디로 향하고 있는지 아시는 분 계신가요?"

["Quite," Harold replied, because his mother had raised him to be polite, even in the face of existential crisis. "I don't suppose either of you knows where we're headed?"]

핑클스타인 씨가 바나나 모양 후드를 벗으며 말했다. "그곳이 아주 좋은 곳이라고 들었어요. 날씨도 좋고, 세금도 없고, 모든 사람의 양말이 항상 짝이 맞는다더군요."

[Mr. Finklestein peeled back his banana hood. "I hear it's a lovely place. Great weather, no taxes, and everyone's socks always match."]

해롤드가 마지막 부분의 비현실성을 지적하려던 찰나, 어디서 나는지 모를 우렁찬 목소리가 그의 말을 가로막았다.

[Harold was about to point out the improbability of that last bit when he was interrupted by a booming voice that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.]

"추락자 여러분 주목해 주십시오! 팔과 다리를 항상 공허 안에 두시기 바랍니다. 멀미를 느끼시는 분들은 제공된 토사물 봉투를 사용하세요. 아, 잠깐, 우리는 그런 걸 제공하지 않네요. 죄송합니다!"

["ATTENTION FALLERS! Please keep your arms and legs inside the void at all times. Those experiencing motion sickness should use the barf bags provided. Oh wait, we don't provide those. Sorry about that!"]

마치 신호라도 받은 듯, 얼굴이 초록색으로 변한 양복 차림의 남자가 몹시 아파 보이는 표정으로 휙 지나갔다.

[As if on cue, a green-faced man in a business suit went whizzing past, looking decidedly unwell]

해롤드는 팸플릿을 넘기며 답을 찾았다. "7장: 자유 낙하에서 친구 사귀기. 8장: 무중력 상태에서 뜨개질하기. 아, 여기 있군 - 9장: 낙하가 멈출 때… 예상되는 일들."

[Harold flipped through his pamphlet, searching for answers. "Chapter 7: Making Friends in Free Fall. Chapter 8: Knitting in Zero Gravity. Ah, here we go – Chapter 9: What to Expect When You're Expecting… to Stop Falling."]

그는 목을 가다듬고 소리내어 읽었다. "낙하의 끝은 갑작스러운 정지로 표시될 것입니다. 이 정지는 당신의 업보와 삶에서의 유머 감각에 따라 우스운 '철퍽' 소리를 동반할 수도, 그렇지 않을 수도 있습니다."

[He cleared his throat and read aloud: "The end of your fall will be marked by a sudden stop. This stop may or may not be accompanied by a comical 'splat' sound, depending on your karmic balance and sense of humor in life."]

히긴스보텀 부인은 걱정스러워 보였다. "오 이런, 부드러운 착지를 할 만큼 내가 충분히 선한 사람이었기를 바라요."

[Mrs. Higginbotham looked concerned. "Oh dear, I hope I've been good enough for a soft landing."]

핑클스타인 씨는 킥킥 웃었다. "난 쿠션 효과를 위해 바나나 옷에 베팅하고 있지. 항상 앞서 계획하는 게 내 모토라고."

[Mr. Finklestein chuckled. "I'm banking on the banana suit for cushioning. Always plan ahead, that's my motto."]

해롤드는 떨어지면서 이것이 우주적인 실수가 아닐까 하는 생각을 떨칠 수 없었다. 분명 죽음이 이렇게… 터무니없을 리가 없었다. 하지만 유령 소 떼가 음매 소리를 내며 지나가는 것을 보면서, 그는 인정할 수밖에 없었다 - 이것이 분명 땅에 묻혀 있는 것보다는 훨씬 더 흥미로웠다.

[As they fell, Harold couldn't help but wonder if this was some cosmic mix-up. Surely, death wasn't supposed to be this… ridiculous? But then again, as he watched a herd of spectral cows moo their way past, he had to admit – it was certainly more interesting than pushing up daisies.]

해롤드의 영원한 낙하가 계속되면서, 그는 놀랍도록 쉽게 새로운 현실에 적응하고 있었다. 그는 히긴스보텀 부인과 핑클스타인 씨와 함께 독서 모임을 시작했지만, 그들의 문학 토론은 종종 지나가는 혜성이나 가끔 비명을 지르며 그들의 수직 연옥에 합류하는 새로운 사람들로 인해 중단되곤 했다.

[As Harold's eternal fall stretched on, he found himself adapting to his new reality with surprising ease. He'd started a book club with Mrs. Higginbotham and Mr. Finklestein, though their literary discussions were often interrupted by passing comets or the occasional screaming newcomer to their vertical purgatory.]

"있잖아요," 해롤드가 그런 모임 중 하나에서 생각에 잠겨 말했다. "우리가 배고프거나 목마르지 않다는 걸 누구 눈치채셨나요?"

["I say," Harold mused during one such meeting, "has anyone else noticed we're not getting hungry or thirsty?"]

히긴스보텀 부인이 현명하게 고개를 끄덕였다. "오, 그럼요, 그건 죽은 사람의 특권 중 하나예요. 그리고 주차 자리 찾는 걱정을 더 이상 하지 않아도 된다는 것도요."

[Mrs. Higginbotham nodded sagely. "Oh yes, dear. It's one of the perks of being dead. That, and never having to worry about finding a parking spot again."]

해롤드가 그들의 사망 상태에 대해 더 자세히 물으려던 찰나, 그들 앞에 빛나는 표지판이 나타났다. "축하합니다! 당신은 낙하 1,000,000마일에 도달했습니다. 무료 실존적 위기를 즐기세요."라고 쓰여 있었다.

[Just as Harold was about to inquire further about the finer points of their deceased status, a glowing sign appeared before them. It read: "CONGRATULATIONS! You've reached the 1,000,000th mile of your fall. Please enjoy this complimentary existential crisis."]

갑자기 해롤드는 공황 상태에 빠졌다. "오 세상에," 그가 숨을 헐떡였다. "이게 끝나지 않으면 어쩌지? 우리가 그냥 영원히 떨어지기만 한다면? 이 모든 것의 의미는 뭐지?"

[Suddenly, Harold felt a wave of panic wash over him. "Oh god," he gasped, "what if this never ends? What if we just keep falling forever? What's the point of it all?"]

핑클스타인 씨는 여전히 바나나 옷을 입은 채로 해롤드의 어깨를 안심시키듯 토닥였다. "자, 자. 기분이 나아진다면 말씀드리는 건데, 삶도 그런 거였을 거예요. 우리가 세금이나 형편없는 TV 프로그램에 정신이 팔려서 그걸 못 알아챘을 뿐이죠."

[Mr. Finklestein, still in his banana suit, patted Harold's shoulder reassuringly. "There, there. If it makes you feel any better, I'm pretty sure that's what life was all about too. We just didn't notice because we were distracted by taxes and bad TV shows."]

마치 그들의 대화에 응답하듯, 또 다른 우렁찬 안내 방송이 공허를 울렸다:

"추락자 여러분 주목해 주십시오! 불편을 끼쳐 죄송합니다만, 사후 세계의 과밀로 인해 저희는 무한 낙하 정책을 시행할 수밖에 없게 되었습니다. 편안히 자리를 잡으시고 기내 엔터테인먼트를 즐겨주시기 바랍니다."

[As if responding to their conversation, another booming announcement echoed through the void:

"ATTENTION FALLERS! We apologize for the inconvenience, but due to overcrowding in the afterlife, we've been forced to implement an endless fall policy. Please make yourselves comfortable and enjoy the in-flight entertainment."]

작은 화면이 그들 각자 앞에 나타났고, 고양이 동영상의 무한 반복 재생처럼 보이는 것이 표시되었다.

[A small screen materialized in front of each of them, displaying what appeared to be an infinite loop of cat videos]

해롤드는 한숨을 쉬며 자신의 운명을 받아들였다. "음," 그가 말했다, "영원을 보내는 더 나쁜 방법들도 있겠죠. 적어도 같이 있는 사람들은 나쁘지 않네요."

[Harold sighed, resigning himself to his fate. "Well," he said, "I suppose there are worse ways to spend eternity. At least the company's not bad."]

히긴스보텀 부인이 환하게 웃었다. "그렇죠, 여러분! 자, '아이 스파이' 게임 한 판 신나게 할 사람? 제가 먼저 할게요. 제 작은 눈으로 'V'로 시작하는 뭔가를 봤어요."

[Mrs. Higginbotham beamed. "That's the spirit, dear! Now, who's up for a rousing game of 'I Spy'? I'll go first. I spy with my little eye, something beginning with 'V'."]

"공허?" 해롤드와 핑클스타인 씨가 동시에 말했다.

["Void?" Harold and Mr. Finklestein said in unison.]

"오, 당신들 정말 이 게임 잘하시네요!"

["Oh, you two are good at this!"]

그렇게 그들이 우주의 심연을 끝없이 추락하는 동안, 해롤드는 이것이 어쩌면 삶과 그리 다르지 않다는 것을 깨달았다. 터무니없고, 종종 무의미하며, 가끔은 두렵지만, 우리가 여정에서 만드는 인연들로 인해 견딜 만한 것이었다. 그는 단지 더 편한 신발을 가져왔더라면 하고 바랐다.

[And so, as they continued their never-ending plummet through the cosmic abyss, Harold realized that perhaps this wasn't so different from life after all. It was absurd, often pointless, occasionally terrifying, but made bearable by the connections we forge along the way. He just wished he'd brought a more comfortable pair of shoes.]

멀리서 초신성이 우주의 불꽃놀이처럼 눈부시게 폭발하는 가운데, 해롤드는 작은 미소를 지었다. 이것이 죽음이라면, 음, 그리 나쁘지 않았다. 적어도 이 낙하는 결코 지루하지 않을 테니까.

[As a distant supernova exploded in a dazzling display of cosmic fireworks, Harold allowed himself a small smile. If this was death, well, it wasn't half bad. At least the fall would never be boring]

[riwaq]

Understanding the Teachings of the Quran

The Quran is the central religious text for Muslims around the world, providing guidance on every aspect of life. It is considered the literal word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over 1,400 years ago. The teachings of the Quran serve as a foundation for how Muslims should live, act, and interact with others, offering wisdom that has stood the test of time.

So, what does the Quran teach? At its core, the Quran teaches about the oneness of God (Allah) and the importance of worshiping Him alone. It emphasizes the need for compassion, justice, and mercy in every action. The Quran provides clear guidance on how to lead a life of integrity, responsibility, and kindness.

The Importance of Belief in One God

The central message of the Quran is that there is only one God. This concept, known as Tawhid, is foundational to the teachings of Islam. It stresses the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty over all things, both in the heavens and on the earth. The Quran invites believers to reflect on the world around them, to appreciate the signs of God's presence in creation, and to submit to His will.

Moral and Ethical Conduct

Another key teaching of the Quran revolves around how Muslims should behave in their daily lives. It encourages believers to act with honesty, humility, and respect toward others. The Quran addresses various aspects of personal conduct, including how to deal with family members, friends, and even strangers.

For example, the Quran encourages believers to be kind to their parents, to speak the truth, and to show generosity toward those in need. It teaches that acts of kindness and charity have immense value, both in this life and the hereafter. In fact, helping others is considered one of the best ways to earn God's pleasure.

Justice and Fairness

Justice is another central theme in the Quran. It teaches that everyone should be treated fairly, regardless of their background, race, or social status. The Quran advocates for the protection of the weak and vulnerable, such as orphans, the poor, and women, and calls for the establishment of a just society.

One of the most powerful teachings of the Quran is its emphasis on standing up for justice, even when it may not be in one's personal interest. It teaches that upholding justice is a duty, regardless of the circumstances. The Quran also stresses that forgiveness and reconciliation are important aspects of justice and that one should avoid holding grudges.

The Afterlife and Accountability

The Quran also teaches about the afterlife, reminding believers that they will be held accountable for their actions on the Day of Judgment. Every individual is responsible for their deeds, and the consequences of those actions will be reflected in their eternal life. The Quran encourages believers to strive for goodness, avoid sin, and seek forgiveness from God when they fall short.

Muslims believe in both paradise (Jannah) and hell (Jahannam), and the Quran describes the rewards and punishments associated with each. The Quran's teachings about the afterlife serve as a reminder of the importance of living a righteous life in preparation for what comes after death.

Learning the Quran

If you're interested in delving deeper into the teachings of the Quran, there are numerous resources available to help you on your journey. One excellent platform is RiwaqalQuran.com, which offers a range of online courses and materials to help individuals learn the Quran at their own pace. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your knowledge, this website provides accessible resources that can guide you through the Quran's teachings and help you understand its message more clearly.

Conclusion

In summary, the Quran teaches believers to have a deep connection with God, to act with kindness and fairness, and to live a life of purpose and accountability. It offers timeless wisdom that addresses both the spiritual and practical aspects of life. By learning and reflecting on its teachings, Muslims are able to lead lives that are fulfilling and in line with their faith. So, what does the Quran teach? It teaches us how to be better people, how to live in harmony with others, and how to prepare for the life after this one.