#Artistic bath essentials

[azzalaart]

This exquisite collection blends Tantric and Lotus mandala techniques, adorned in soothing green and turquoise hues that evoke nature's beauty. Ideal for personal use or as a thoughtful gift, this durable set includes a spacious bath towel, a hand towel, and a washcloth, all featuring vibrant sublimation printing that lasts through countless washes.

Dimensions: includes 30" x 60" bath towel, 16" x 28" hand towel and 13" x 13" washcloth

Material: front is a polyester blend, back is 100% cotton

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[eowynstwin]

love love love how much research you put in peristalsis like the nerd(and seal lover) in me in so satisfied, from the places to the writing THANK YOUU for writing this fic

The research was so so so important to this fic I cannot stress enough like. Extremely important details (to me at least) would not have shown up if I didn't research the general history of the Outer Hebrides and ESPECIALLY grey seal breeding habits. I can't wait to share sources once it's done!!

[ivarenee]

(via "Sea of Imagination " Shower Curtain for Sale by IvaRenee)

[heartlilith]

Moon Sign & Manifestation

Manifestation is aligning your feelings, goals, and actions to bring your desires into reality. Based on your Moon sign, there are ways to manifest that can better align with who you are.

Aries Moon: Sound and frequency meditations (741 Hz), visualization, taking action towards desires, and letting go.

Why: Aries rules the head, making sounds & frequencies a natural highway to manifesting your desires, as well as visualization. Taking action either by pursuing your goals or asking upfront is what Aries is all about, considering it's the first sign and fire sign of the zodiac. For Aries Moon, letting go of expected outcomes is crucial, as frustration and disappointment can hinder your manifestation efforts.

Taurus Moon: Vision board collages, affirmations, and gratitude

Why: For Taurus Moons, creating something tangible in alignment with your goals and visions can satisfy your eye for beauty as well as your creativity. Since Taurus is the sign of stability and security, repeating affirmations in the mirror and practicing gratitude can increase your self esteem and overall happiness, making manifestation a lot easier and faster for you.

Gemini Moon: Getting specific, 369 method, scripting

Why: With a Gemini Moon, thoughts can get a little scattered, making specific goals and plans a little harder to focus on - but this is essential. Figure out exactly what you want and write it down. The 369 method can help you focus on your desires by writing them down morning, afternoon, and night. Scripting is also helpful for getting specific, while writing is a usual tool to channel your energy.

Cancer Moon: Moon rituals, crystals, mediations

Why: Cancer is naturally ruled by the Moon, making Moon rituals perfect for you. New Moons especially are great for manifesting and making Moon water, which you can use to wash your floors, wash your face, or simply dab on your wrists and neck like perfume every morning. (New) Moon water is great because you can use it throughout the month. Crystals and meditations are also amazing for calming the mind and in conjunction, are a super powerful way to manifest.

Leo Moon: Affirmations, vision board, and acts of faith

Why: Affirmations are so Leo-coded. Like Taurus, it's essential for you to raise your confidence and esteem in order to manifest, which is why acts of faith is also included on the list. Acts of faith, for example, is when you buy supplies to make candles because you know one day you'll have a candle store. Or, when you book a vacation a few months out because you know by then you'll reach your fitness goals. A vision board will satisfy your need for creativity, while serving a reminder to stay focused.

Virgo Moon: Letting go, trust the process, and scripting

Why: Since I'm a Virgo Moon myself, I know how this placement can overthink and scramble for a sense of control. You need to let go and trust the universe. Scripting, like Gemini Moon, can help organize your thoughts. As long as your clear about your goals and do every writing exercise you can think of to help it come to life, you'll be fine. You got it.

Libra Moon: Artistic rituals, law of attraction, visualization

Why: Using artistic rituals like drawing, painting, singing, or other creative outlets can help your desires come to life. For Law of Attraction, when you show the Universe and others generosity, kindness, and love, it will be returned 3-fold. Visualizing your goals in a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing way is sure to fast track turn your manifestations into reality.

Scorpio Moon: Energy alignment, water rituals, and meditation

Why: Channeling your intense energy to manifest your desires is a key way to get your dreams into your reality. Embodying your desires is crucial for Scorpio Moons. Do you want to be a CEO? Think, dress, and act like one. Water rituals like adding cinnamon and roses to your bath or enchanting your body soap through intention can help as well. Manifesting and uncovering your hidden desires can further put you into alignment with who you are and your higher self.

Sagittarius Moon: Visualization, taking action, believing in yourself

Why: For Sagittarius Moons, visualizing not only how it feels once you get you what you want but the adventure of getting it can be super helpful. Taking action and believing in yourself is super important as well, because who is Sagittarius without a little optimism and confidence?

Capricorn Moon: Detailed plan, crystals, setting intentions

Why: I feel as though detailed plan is pretty self explanatory for Capricorn Moons, as they thrive on structure and discipline. Crystals can help ground your energy and reconnect you with your element - Earth. For setting intentions, getting up every morning with a small goal can further manifest your dreams into reality.

Aquarius Moon: Meditation, journaling, acts of faith

Why: Meditation can help Aquarius Moon uncover what they truly want, even better if they listen to 741 Hz (the manifestation frequency). Journaling is also a great way to do this and can help you stay on track. Acts of faith can help put this process into motion, buying things, clearing out a space, and taking small steps like you've already attained your goal is super important.

Pisces Moon: Guided sleep meditations, solitude, shadow work

Why: A little different than just meditating, your power is most potent when asleep and in solitude. Guided sleep meditations can be most usual for you when your literally between dreams and reality. Doing shadow work and reflecting on yourself and who you are can throw away baggage that keeps you from manifesting your goals into your life.

MASTERLIST

[just-a-ghost00]

FS series : their profession & hobbies

Group 1 - Moonchild Ace of cups, 9 of pentacles, Ace of swords, 6 of wands, Page of swords

As for possible careers, I am picking up on the following elements. This person's career relies on two key factors : communication and sociability. With the two aces, it gives me the feeling of something either being very recent or very novel. So either this person has been doing this job since a short period of time or the job they are doing is something that has emerged within the recent times. So it's not something like being a doctor or a lawyer, as these professions have been existing for a while. With the page of swords, this person's work likely involves the use of technology, especially social media. The 9 of pentacles could show that they are working on their own. Either they are their own boss or their profession requires them to work alone most of the time. The 6 of wands denotes a sense of fame and support from people around them. So it is likely that your person is either well known in their community and appreciated for their work, or they have a huge following and interact with a lot of people. Based on all these information, I am deducting that your FS could work in either one of those positions :

community manager, freelance designer / artist

social media influencer, public speaker, spokesperson for a specific company

therapies that involve unconventional ways of healing (crystal healing, sound baths, ASMR, Reiki...)

being a celebrity of some kind, no matter their field of action (modeling, singing, acting, cooking...)

When it comes to hobbies, this person is definitely into creative activities. They could be into singing, writing, painting among other artistic centers of interest. This person may also enjoy spending time alone journaling, being in nature, exploring new places. They may be into horse riding. They could also enjoy learning and reading. This person may like to be the center of attention. In friend groups, they tend to be the one that makes everyone laugh. They could also enjoy competitive activities and combat sports. They are into self care. As communication seems to be very important to this person, they could also use social media as a way to creatively express themselves outside of their usual train of work. For instance, I'm picking up on someone doing Tiktok trends as a a hobby.

Group 2 - Angel The Sun, 4 of cups, knight of wands, 7 of swords, Hierophant

When it comes to your person's occupation, I get the feeling like their position is an important one within society. It is something that is viewed by society as essential to the community. It could be a profession that is very traditional or that was passed down to them from previous generations. With the Sun and the knight of wands, it feels like your person holds a position of authority or at least a strategical position within an institution that gives them a lot of power in terms of decision making and initiative. They could also have to move around a lot, whether on short or long distances. This is a profession that requires them to be flexible and confident but also to be comfortable with working on their own and thinking for themselves because I feel like this person doesn't get much help in their situation. There may be a lot of weight and responsibilities on their shoulders. With the 7 of swords, this gives me a feeling of secrecy surrounding this person's job. There are a lot of things that they cannot share about their work. Also, the 7 of swords talks about strategic planning. Their job requires a lot of thinking and anticipation. The Hierophant can represent big institutions such as religious groups, political groups, government, the army, the educational system, big companies and so on. Based on all the information provided by the cards, your FS could be working in either one of those fields :

medical field : any type of doctor, psychiatrists, forensics, working in a research lab

political/religious field : public figure working for the government, leader of a political group of any kind, spiritual guru, a person of authority within a religious group

teaching, working in the military, being an undercover agent, working for big companies that play an important role in a country's economy, baking and so on

As for hobbies, this person may enjoy traveling, running, horse riding, solving puzzles and riddles. Playing video games. Learning about other cultures and ethnicities. Learning about religious beliefs. Doing community work, praying. Spending time alone in nature away from civilisation. Camping. Trecking. Mountain climbing. Challenging activities. Being in sunny places overall. Going to exotic and remote places. Learning about History. Visiting museums and ruins. Stalking.

Group 3 - Maidens 6 of wands, Empress, 10 of wands, knight of cups, The World

Your person's occupation feels very busy and hectic. Their job is one that is very active and requires them to travel the world for some, or at least to move around within their country. For this group, it is clear that this person's job revolves around physical appearances, sensuality and promoting a positive image of life, of society, of health. This group has the most potential of having a FS that is famous to some extent. I see that your person has to work with a lot of people and is constantly on the go. They participate to various events, they take on many responsibilities and yet manage to be very successful despite the hectic and sometimes unpredictable conditions of their work. Beauty is a major theme here, as well as reputation. Thus, your FS could be working as an influencer, a model, an artist, a beauty aesthetician, a fashion designer, an event promoter, a journalist. Anything that would require them to be in the public eye and promote a certain life style or certain products. They could also be an entertainer, an athlete that is very present on social media, a personal trainer, a reporter. I'm also picking up on flight attendants, employees from big stores in airports or big hotels. Of course we can't omit everything revolving around the performing arts. Actors, comedians, dancers. We also have possibly strippers, dancers, show hosts and so on. Fitness instructors, yoga teachers. For some, your person could have a personal blog or website like a Patreon or an Only Fans account. They could also be a creator of some kind. Maybe they design their own clothes or jewelry for example. They may own a business revolving around cosmetics or a massage institute. The possibilities are endless. For some of you, I feel like your person could be having several occupations within the same field. For example, think of a model that could also be a fashion designer. Or an actor that could also be directing their own movies.

As for hobbies, again, beauty and physicality seem to be the key themes here. There's also traveling. This person is definitely a foody. They may also enjoy buying clothes, collecting objects. They may like to learn new languages or to cook specialities from various cultures. They could also enjoy doing DIYs. Knitting their own clothes, doing their home decor and so on. This person feels very venusian and earthy in their energy. So anything revolving around pleasure, the body, the earth. Gardening. Taking care of their body by doing gua sha, meditation, yoga. And so on.

[chinesehanfu]

[China History]How were “luxury toiletries” made and created in ancient China 1,250 years ago?［Eng Sub］

This episode is set in the second year of the Tang Dynasty Tianbao era (743 AD), during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty. It tells the story of a maidservant of the emperor's beloved concubine, Mei Fei 梅妃 (also known as Jiang Caiping/江采萍), who created the "Dendrobium Pearl Bath Bean/石斛珍珠澡豆" that Mei Fei/梅妃 had developed. According to the "Beiji Qianjin Yaofang《备急千金要方》" (Essential Formulas Worth a Thousand in Gold for Emergencies) by Tang-dynasty physician Sun Simiao:

洗面药：猪胰（五具切细）、毕豆面（一升）、皂角（三挺）、栝蒌实、葳蕤、白茯苓、土瓜根（各五两）；上七味捣筛，将猪胰拌和，更捣令匀，每但取洗手面，白日白净如素。

【Translation】：

"Facial wash medicine: pig pancreas (cut into fine pieces), beanstalk powder (one sheng/升), Gleditsia sinensis Lam(three pieces), Trichosanthes real, flourishing, white Poria cocos, and five taels each of soil melon roots; mix the seven ingredients, grind and sift, then mix with the pig pancreas, and grind together. Use the resulting powder for washing hands and face, making them as white and smooth as porcelain during the day"

(Note: The video also incorporates a segment on the tribute pearls from Hepu, filmed with the process of "opening oysters and harvesting pearls," though the historical accuracy of the video may have some artistic liberties, so viewers should be mindful of this).

The recipe for the "Dendrobium Pearl Bath Bean/石斛珍珠澡豆" was highly sought after by the imperial concubines and princesses of the time, who affectionately referred to Mei Fei as "Hu Zhu Fu Ren/斛珠夫人" (Lady of Pearls). Not only was she skilled in traditional Chinese medicine, but Mei Fei was also a talented dancer. She was one of the eight great female talents in the Tang Dynasty, having choreographed the famous Tang court dance "Jinghong Dance/惊鸿舞" (Dance of the Scared Swan).

————————

🧚🏻‍Production & Model/Makeup：@曾嚼子

🔗Xiaohongshu:https://www.xiaohongshu.com/discovery/item/66c5bca4000000001f038b85?

————————

[cariocasimmer]

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[seizurecubes-fakemon]

Bathybomb and Sudmarine for the Kohop Region

Earlier this year I joined @xeeble's Kohop Region project. Its original intent was to bring together fakemon artists to each make one or more monster designs based on an already existing set of prompts laid out by xeeble themselves, themed around the deep ocean. There was a vague idea that it would all get finished by the end of the year and would be published as a digital zine. Obviously this has not yet come to pass due to unfulfilled prompts, people leaving the project, and social media turning evil, amongst other reasons.

I've decided to post my designs here now because this is essentially my portfolio and I was planning to put them here anyway. I have no idea if/when the project will be made public but there are several great designs in there which you can look forward to seeing.

Bathybomb and Sudmarine were designed around the prompt of 'bathyspheres and submarines'. My early concept art had more to do with cats and fishbowls but a lot of people seemed to be drawing cats so I settled on the idea of bath bomb sauropod larvacean pokeball mimics instead. Naturally.

[maybe-boys-do-love]

What are some possibly significant queer associations with St. Bartholomew for Ticket to Heaven?

I'm glad you asked!

For those who don’t know, Bartholomew’s considered one of Jesus’s twelve disciples, but barely mentioned in the Bible. It's generally agreed that he is referred to also as Nathanael in the gospel of John, and as someone with the name Nathaniel, which means gift of God in Hebrew, I can tell you that’s a gay-ass name and will also def make me cry if I think too hard about Gem's character having that parallel during the show).

Bart’s often depicted holding his flayed skin (ew gross!) from when he got martyred, most famously in queer Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo’s "Last Judgment" painting in the Sistine chapel at the Vatican. The skin St. Bart’s holding there is actually a (skinned) self-portrait of the artist. Peek at Aof’s insta and you’ll see that he actually visited the work. It’s giving queer influence in (Catholic) Christianity and autobiographical reference, baby ✨

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Backaof Aof Noppharnach (@backaof)

Bartholomew and another disciple Philip, who was written to have introduced Bartie to the big JC party and to have traveled with him after JC’s post-post-mortem, are mentioned in a translation by Yale scholar John Boswell of a liturgy for an adelphopoeisis ceremony between two monks from the tenth century. Boswell argued that adelphopoeisis, or spiritual brotherhood unions in the pre-sodomy-law-era early church should be understood as same-sex unions. This, as most discussion of gay shit with the Church, has been controversial, although some of those controversies are issues with Boswell’s translation. There does seem to be some evidence that these spiritual brotherhoods were understood to have the potential to be sexual in nature. Either way, it seems likely Aof has come across Boswell’s ideas because it’s pretty prominent in discourse for anyone looking into gay Christian history.

THEN, although it might be unintentional, the Thai-ification of Bart is homophonic with Bath????!!!! If Bart can be short for Bartholomew, y'all are gonna have to let me stretch a little bit past Aof's official statement so Bath can be short for Bathsheba because...

Giving us another Biblical name reference but from the other gender who's THE example of coveting in the Bible/Torah is such a power move! King David sees Bathsheba bathing from his roof and has her over to sleep with him even though she's the wife of one of David's soldiers who's literally off fighting for his kingdom. Then he gets her pregnant. Then David has the poor guy over for dinner and doesn't admit to it, sends him back out and has him put in the front lines to get killed. He dies and Bathsheba mourns for a bit before becoming David's wife. It's heterosexual failure! It's the temptations of the flesh! It's one of the inspirations for Leonard Cohen's cold and broken Hallelujah! This connection reframes the queer temptations as something no less normal than heterosexual desire.

After all, David is the good guy. The celebrated little David who killed Goliath. It's essential to trace Jesus's lineage back to this most-celebrated king in the Bible for the messianic prophecies to be correct. So giving us a reference to this venerated and simultaneously deeply human figure really complicates the kind of Christianity that expects immaculate humans.

And, Bathsheba wasn't David's only paramour. Researching same-sex relationships in the Bible, David and Jonathan will be at the very top of the list. "The soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul...Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his girdle." That's coming from the book of Samuel in the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, which was the first in 1946 to have any reference to word ‘homosexuality,’ using it to replace in the King James Version "abusers of themselves with mankind" and "effeminate” (which at that time did not have the common association with gay men the way it does today) on the list of sinners barred from heaven. Would David have been far enough on the Kinsey scale to qualify? Well, David had some other wives on top of Jonny and Bath, too. Whatever happened to family values!?

Of course, Bath also gives us images of washing and purifying alongside the sacrament of baptism!

The Bartholomew connection deserves more legit emphasis with Aof's statements and actual evidence for his visit to the Vatican, but how fun that the translation gave us another queer part of Christianity even if it wasn't intentional!

Complicating all of this discussion further is Catholicism's very late switch away from Latin and its more emphatic focus on tradition, hagiography, and liturgy rather than the text of the Bible. My ex-Christian fixation is on issues in Reformed Christianities (and I still love me some iconophobia, a topic with which Aof loves to engage), so I know more about the books and interpretations. I'm looking forward to the Catholic and ex-Catholic contributions here as the show gets underway. Like, y'all have been doing the most for production values of a Sabbath!

And to all my ex-Christians who can get sucked into spirals about this stuff, just remember that the concept of God is chill and all if it's just the comforting sense of connection between things in the universe, but any concepts of Christology, sin, or puppet-master deities are literally the most whack things if they're being thought of as anything more than a kind of out-there overly-simplified metaphor for trying to live a life where you can be yourself and get along with other people.

*This info and a great deep dive into the induction of the language and discourse of homosexuality in the Bible and its progressive! roots and aftermath is Reforming Sodom: Protestants and the Rise of Gay Rights.

[uwmspeccoll]

Typography Tuesday

In March 2023, we posted about our friend, Wisconsin graphic designer, letterpress printer, stonecutter, radio personality, and collage and book artist Mike Koppa and his little adventure in type cleaning. He was engaged in bathing an entire case of 10 pt Franklin Gothic Condensed type, which led him to cleaning more cases of Franklin Gothic in different sizes, which led to him printing a book using every piece of type he had cleaned. The result is this book, Understanding This Book, or, Zen and the Art of Metal Type Maintenance, or, Let's See Your AI Do This by Augustine Maxwell Jones, a pseudonym Koppa has used in the past. The book was printed in 2023 at Koppa's Heavy Duty Press in Liberty Township, Wisconsin, in an edition of 18 copies. It is essentially a list of the 20 steps it took to the ultimate printing of this book. He writes:

When all my drawers of Franklin Gothic type needed to be cleaned, the mundane but necessary shop maintenance task turned into a book about the process. The result is a 20-page book featuring every last sort from nine California job cases of genuine ATF Franklin Gothic typefaces—maybe not older than the hills, but definitely older than me—in varying stages of wear, arranged according to a variety of strategies only likely to occur when composing individual metal types by hand. The final product of this very spontaneous and time-crunched project is a bold book conveying the frantic experience of creating it, while celebrating Franklin Gothic in a typographically jazzy manner.

We can attest to the great pleasure of exploring this typographic adventure. In the colophon Koppa states that the book is:

HanD seT In all soRTs of TRue ATF FRanklIn GoThIcs, In vaRyIng STaGeS of weaR buT SoakeD & ScRubbeD aS clean AS ThEy'RE GonnA GET, baREly pRoofED, AnD pRInTED on EnouGH HAhnEmuhlE BIbLIO, BuGRA, & InGRES TO yIELD 18 cOPIES.

A fine tribute to Morris Fuller Benton's Franklin Gothic!

View other posts featuring the work of Michael Koppa.

View more Typography Tuesday posts.

[lilacliquors]

Johnny Cage with a severely overworked animator or artist sounds kinda funny

Could be fluffy could get smutty who knowssss

Yes this incredibly self indulgent but finals are gonna slaughter me

pls feed me

bestie, gets some rest, drink some water, and good luck on those finals, we believe in you <3

johnny knows how hard you work, and he knows how demanding your job can be. he knows you put a lot of yourself into every piece you make, every project you work on, and he decides to take matters into his own hands

after he sees you practically half dead in the living room, he spends the rest of the night doting on you. he gets you your favorite take out, puts on your favorite show, and he squirrels your study items away, just for the night

he sees you start to essentially come back to life, the food making you feel better, and that makes him incredibly happy. you're more relaxed than you had been all week, though he knows some of the stress is still there

which is why he decided to run you a bath

he has the jets going, there's bubbles, an aromatherapy candle is lit, and soon enough, you're both relaxing in the tub, your back against his chest, and his arms around you

he can feel you relax against him, and that's when he decides you need to unwind just a little bit further ...

he starts to kiss along your neck while his one hand disappears between your thighs, and he grins when he hears your breath hitch in your throat

you feel his fingers dip between your folds, and you're quick to hold onto his wrist as he gently massages your clit

he groans quietly when he hears those little gasps and whimpers leave your lips, but his pace never changes. he goes slow and steady for you, not wanting to rush anything. and it's like heaven

he's whispering sweet nothings in your ear as he coaxes orgasm after orgasm from you, and you feel your worries melt away while you rest in his arms

when you're done, the water is cold, and you don't feel like moving. luckily for you, he's all set to carry you back to bed and finish out your night all cuddled up with your favorite movie on

[witchyintention]

The Practical Magic of Witchcraft Today

Forget the stereotypes of witches as cackling old crones or aloof, robe-wearing mystics chanting in candlelit rooms. Witchcraft in the modern era is as diverse as the people who practice it. Today’s witches are accountants, artists, baristas, engineers, parents, students, and everything in between. Some wear their witchy identity proudly on their sleeves, while others keep it quietly tucked into the corners of their lives, surfacing only when the moment calls for a touch of magic.

So, what does witchcraft look like today? Let’s dive into the practical, down-to-earth side of this ancient and evolving practice and explore how modern witches weave magic into their daily lives.

Everyday Magic: Spells for the Modern World

Witchcraft today isn’t about grand rituals (though those are still fabulous). Instead, it often takes the form of small, intentional acts that fit seamlessly into daily life. These acts of "everyday magic" can turn the mundane into the magical. Here are a few ways witches work their magic in practical ways:

Morning Rituals: Starting the day with an intention-setting spell, like charging your morning coffee or tea with energy for productivity, protection, or peace. Stir clockwise for positive vibes, counterclockwise to banish negativity. It’s like a magical espresso shot for your day.

Kitchen Witchcraft: Cooking isn’t just a chore; it’s an alchemical process. Modern kitchen witches infuse their meals with intention by using herbs and spices with magical correspondences. Basil for prosperity, cinnamon for love, and garlic to ward off negativity. Bonus: it also makes dinner extra tasty.

Green Witchcraft: Tending to plants becomes a spiritual practice for green witches, who see gardening as a way to connect with the earth. Houseplants are cared for not just for aesthetic reasons but also for their energetic properties—lavender for peace, aloe for healing, and ivy for resilience.

Charm Bags and Talismans: Many witches carry small charm bags filled with herbs, crystals, and symbols to attract luck, love, or protection. These little bundles can be tucked into a purse, pocket, or car for a magical boost on the go.

Everyday magic is about integrating spells and intentions into daily routines, reminding practitioners that magic isn’t confined to rituals—it’s everywhere, waiting to be tapped into.

Self-Care and Mental Health: The Magic of Mindfulness

Modern witchcraft has a strong focus on self-care, making it especially relevant in today’s fast-paced world. Rituals like cleansing baths, meditation, and journaling help witches stay grounded, centered, and emotionally balanced. Think of it as spiritual therapy, but with more candles and fewer awkward silences.

For instance:

Cleansing Baths: A warm bath infused with herbs, oils, and a sprinkle of salt can be a powerful way to wash away stress and negative energy. Lavender, chamomile, and rose are popular choices for relaxation.

Meditation with a Twist: Modern witches often incorporate visualization or mantra work into their meditations, focusing on specific goals or energies they want to bring into their lives. Instead of just "clearing your mind," you’re actively shaping your energy field.

Shadow Work: This modern buzzword is essentially self-reflection with a magical twist. Witches explore their subconscious, confront hidden fears or flaws, and embrace personal growth. Journals are often the tool of choice for documenting this journey, with prompts that delve into the dark and light sides of the psyche.

This blend of mindfulness and magic is one of the most transformative aspects of witchcraft today, offering practitioners tools to navigate life with clarity and purpose.

Eco-Witchcraft: Living in Harmony with Nature

Witches have long been associated with nature, and that connection is more important than ever in today’s world. With the growing focus on sustainability, eco-witchcraft has become a central theme for many modern practitioners.

Ethical Sourcing: Modern witches are becoming more conscious of where their tools come from. Crystals, for example, are a favorite magical tool, but many witches now prioritize ethically sourced stones to avoid contributing to environmental harm or exploitation.

Seasonal Living: Many witches align their lives with the rhythms of nature, celebrating the changing seasons through sabbats (seasonal festivals like Samhain, Yule, and Beltane). These festivals remind practitioners to honor the cycles of life, death, and renewal.

Activism as Magic: Today’s eco-witches combine their love of the environment with activism. Spellwork for environmental healing, rituals to protect endangered species, and even magical protests are all part of this growing movement.

Eco-witchcraft is about more than just practicing magic—it’s a lifestyle rooted in respect for the earth and a commitment to making the world a better place.

Crystals, Tarot, and Tools: The Staples of Modern Witchcraft

While traditional witches may have relied on cauldrons and broomsticks, today’s practitioners have an expanded toolkit of magical items. Here’s a glimpse into the modern witch’s arsenal:

Crystals: These sparkly stones are a staple in modern witchcraft. Amethyst for intuition, citrine for abundance, and black tourmaline for protection are some of the most popular choices. Whether used in grids, carried in pockets, or placed around the home, crystals are a go-to for channeling energy.

Tarot and Oracle Cards: Divination is a key practice for many witches. Tarot cards, with their rich symbolism and history, are a popular tool for gaining insight and clarity. Oracle cards, often more freeform and thematic, offer an alternative for those looking for a different vibe.

Candles: Candle magic is simple yet powerful. Each color corresponds to a specific intention—green for money, red for passion, white for cleansing. Lighting a candle becomes a sacred act, transforming a mundane flame into a beacon of magical energy.

Herbs and Oils: Modern witches still rely on nature’s pantry for their magic. Herbs like rosemary (protection), sage (cleansing), and chamomile (calm) are staples in many practices, while essential oils offer a more concentrated way to harness these properties.

These tools are often personalized to fit a witch’s unique path, proving that magic isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s as individual as the person practicing it.

Witchcraft as Empowerment: Embracing Your Inner Magic

Perhaps the most significant aspect of modern witchcraft is its focus on personal empowerment. At its core, witchcraft is about taking control of your life, channeling your energy, and manifesting your desires. It’s a practice that encourages self-discovery, self-expression, and self-love.

For many, witchcraft is also a way to reclaim power in a world that often feels overwhelming. It’s a reminder that we’re not helpless; we can shape our reality and influence the energies around us. Whether through spellwork, meditation, or activism, witchcraft gives practitioners the tools to take charge of their lives and embrace their inner magic.

Community and Connection: The New Witchcraft Renaissance

Modern witchcraft is thriving, thanks in part to the sense of community it fosters. Online or offline, witches are coming together to share knowledge, support each other, and celebrate their craft. From digital covens to local meetups, this sense of connection is one of the most powerful aspects of contemporary witchcraft.

In a world that often feels disconnected, witchcraft offers a way to reconnect—not just with others, but with nature, the universe, and oneself. It’s a practice that bridges the ancient and the modern, the mystical and the practical, proving that magic is alive and well in the 21st century.

[bluenoctuid]

ah perhaps some marina x reader post-termina fluff if you wouldn't mind

I’ll be honest and say that this took longer than necessary because i was overthinking every little detail….I hope you like it!

No content warnings as far as I’m aware. Gender is not specified

The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, bathing the small apartment room in a warm glow. Beautifully illuminating Marina‘s face especially.

You were struggling to keep your eyes open, rubbing your eyes with the back of your hands. She, on the other hand, was already seated in her little vanity desk, fully ready to get the day started. It was cluttered with an array of cosmetics - lipsticks in various shades of reds and pinks, various jars of creams, and all kinds of colors of eyeshadow - each an essential part of her daily ritual.

She delicately swept the blush across her cheeks, adding warmth to her pale skin. Her precision resembled that of an experienced artist - Or perhaps, more accurately, her careful sigil engravings she had doodled all over her schoolbooks.

She finished off with a beautiful red lipstick - A more bold choice than her usual choices, but it suited her perfectly.

“Hehe, what are you staring at?” Her giggling pulled you awake from your daydreams. She was fidgeting with the lipstick she was holding in her hands, but her eyes had a playful glint to them. “Do you want me to put some on you?”

Before you could process her question, you found yourself nodding. She sat up from her chair, patting it invitingly. The excitement was evident by the twinkle in her eye.

Quickly following her command, you crossed the room and took your place at the vanity desk. The chair was still warm from when she had been sitting, and the soft, floral scent of her perfume lingered in the air.

Marina carefully tucked a few loose strands of your hair behind your ears. You felt the warmth of her breath on your skin as she leaned closer to you - Although that might have also been your face going red. You didn't need any additional blush.

“Stay still!” She murmurs, twisting the lipstick tube to reveal a bold, dark red shade. Her touch was gentle and precise as she applied the cosmetics on your face, carefully tilting your head to get the angle just right.

„There we go…“ A prideful smile spreads on her face, stepping away from the mirror to reveal her work to you. “Voilà!”

As you see your reflection in the mirror, a smile spreads on your face. The red suited you surprisingly well, especially due to Marina’s practiced hand.

“Hmm, I think this needs one more thing actually.” You don’t catch her teasing tone before she presses her lips against your cheek, leaving a faint lipstick mark on it. “Now we’re done!”

[enchantedwitchling]

Embracing the First Signs of Spring: A Witch's Guide to Imbolc.

🌸🔥🕯️

As the chill of winter begins to recede and the first signs of spring emerge, we celebrate Imbolc, also known as Brigid’s Day. This sacred festival marks the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the stirring of new life. Let’s explore the essence of Imbolc, how witches honor this festival, and discover rituals, spells, and traditions to celebrate the awakening of the Earth.

What is Imbolc?

Imbolc, celebrated on February 1st or 2nd, is a time of purification, light, and rebirth. It honors the goddess Brigid, who is associated with fire, healing, poetry, and fertility. Imbolc signifies the first stirrings of spring, as the Earth begins to awaken from its winter slumber.

How Do Witches Celebrate Imbolc?

Witches celebrate Imbolc by lighting candles, performing purification rituals, and welcoming the returning light. It’s a time to set intentions, cleanse the home, and prepare for the new growth of spring.

Rituals and Spells for Imbolc:

🕯️ Candle Lighting Ceremony: Light candles throughout your home to honour the returning light. As you light each candle, set intentions for the coming months.

🌿 Brigid’s Cross: Craft a Brigid’s Cross from reeds, wheat, or straw. Hang it in your home for protection and blessings throughout the year.

🔥 Fire Rituals: Perform fire rituals to invoke the energy of Brigid. Safely light a fire in your hearth or a fireproof bowl, focusing on purification and renewal.

💧 Cleansing Bath: Take a ritual bath with herbs like rosemary, lavender, and thyme to cleanse your body and spirit. Visualize releasing old energies and welcoming new beginnings.

🌱 Planting Seeds: Plant seeds indoors to symbolize new growth. As you plant, focus on the intentions you wish to cultivate in the coming months.

Imbolc and Sacred Symbols

🔥 Fire and Light: Central symbols of Imbolc, representing purification, inspiration, and the returning light. Incorporate candles, lanterns, and fires into your celebrations.

🌸 Snowdrops and Early Blooms: Symbolizing hope and the first signs of spring. Use these flowers to decorate your altar or home.

🕯️ Brigid’s Cross: A powerful symbol of protection and blessings. Craft one to honor the goddess and invite her blessings into your home.

🌿 Milk and Dairy: Traditionally associated with Imbolc, representing nourishment and fertility. Include dairy products in your Imbolc feast or offerings.

Other Imbolc Traditions

🧹 Spring Cleaning: Cleanse your home of stagnant winter energy. Open windows, sweep out old dust, and cleanse your space with smoke or essential oils.

🎨 Creative Expression: Honor Brigid, the goddess of creativity, by engaging in artistic activities like writing, painting, or crafting.

🥣 Feasting: Share a meal with loved ones, featuring dairy products, seeds, and early spring greens. Celebrate the abundance and nourishment of the Earth.

Imbolc is a time to honor the stirring of life within the Earth and within ourselves. It’s a celebration of light, hope, and new beginnings. Whether through rituals, spells, or simply appreciating the subtle signs of spring, Imbolc offers a moment to connect deeply with the cycles of nature and the promise of renewal. As we celebrate Imbolc, may the light of Brigid guide you, may your intentions flourish, and may the awakening Earth inspire your spirit.

🌸🔥🕯️

[kinmokusei-stars]

🪻Beauty in the eye of the beholder🌹

I really have to say, at least to me, Kouko really has to be one of the most gorgeous OCs I've ever made in all honesty- I love drawing her muscles and scars, they're such underrated traits and they always end up being so pretty. (*´ヮ`*)

I've wanted to draw her back for a while, since I never showed off her scars there before! (And so I could practice the anatomy of backs!) So, I figured that this was a perfect chance to show off a lovely moment of vulnerability between Inuyasha and her. ( ´ ꒳ ` )

I mentioned in my 'OC x Canon TMI' I did a while ago, that one of Inuyasha's favorite features of hers, (Other than her eyes) are her muscles and the scars that only he's allowed to see, and her back is essentially the perfect mosaic of both of those traits!

Kouko doesn't bathe around others often, obviously much less just have her shirt off for other reasons, and a lot of that is because of the vulnerability of it all. Her back especially is sensitive to her, since turning away from someone is a risk in of itself. You don't know what could happen behind you when you're turned away, and it gives you less time to react and defend yourself if they intend to hurt you. With how combat focused and on edge she can get, she doesn't like to take that risk often.

However, once she trusts Inuyasha enough, he eventually becomes an exception! I imagine it'd be during a bath in a river, or possibly whenever she lets him dress her wounds after a battle, but I wanted to do something a bit more artistic with the backgrounds than that! So instead, flowers! ⸜(*ˊᗜˋ*)⸝ It adds a lot of softness to Inuyasha admiring her, these two are the absolute sweetest. ( ´ ꒳ ` ) I draw Inuyasha admiring Kouko a lot, (Though even then, most of those pieces are super mutual with it LMAO) but I plan to draw a similar piece focusing on Kouko blatantly admiring him next! She really finds him just as astonishing as he finds her, she's just a lot more discreet about it.

I might draw a more story-accurate version of him seeing her back someday, but for now, I really love how gentle and intimate this turned out! (ᵔ⩊ᵔ) Not entirely happy with the background's flowers, but I really love the ones bordering the last panel! The roses and his signature red camellia for love came out so pretty.

[nerdieforpedro]

Weekend Update 03/10/2024

Made it another week Nerdie.

That I did. I believe today is Sunday. Too much time in this chair. I think I slept in it before. Too many times.

Nerdie, don't you have a bed?

I do, I don't always make it there. I've usually zoned out and nodded off, the wake up when my neck hurts. 👀 I'm not always writing either, just thinking sometimes.

Couldn't you think in bed Nerdie?

I could, but I don't. That sounds like a good idea. My ideas aren't always great. But I did have a few this week.

My March Spring Prompts continue. I was able to do ten of them without repeating a character! 🤗 This upcoming week we'll see some Pedro peeps come back. Key words: gas station sushi, angst, oil and bath. Remember this is Nerdie 😎, it could be any and everything, but my prompts are mature and not explicit. I do write about some heavy subjects, fluff, a few giggles, and have some innuendos, but my main masterlist is 78% smut so just go there.

The WIP I’d been mentioning for the last few weeks or months (could be either) is finished and posted : Diddle your Dieter to Disco. My first Dieter smut actually which is hilarious at least to me. 🤣 The rest of his Masterlist is fairly fluffy. I would check the warnings on it, I put a lot in it. 👀

Part Two of my series The Lake Between Us is up. Make sure to read the warnings. Ezra introduction has a lot going on. It's an AU so he has both arms but that doesn't mean I didn't torture him other ways. 👀 I do love that ya'll love the taglist name "Taste-testers of Ezra's gumbo." 😆

I finally wrote the follow up to He told me his name called She made me feel. I think I enjoy mentally torturing Pedro characters at this point. Poor Din is so anxious and touch-starved. As always with Din = HANDS. A Nerdie staple. This is The Way.

Now for everyone's favorite (and mine): Fic recommendations!!! (Yes I did type and do a little yell, fanfics are serious. Pfft.) 😄

Confetti by @secretelephanttattoo (Marcus Pike x f reader) The Quiet Moments Collection

Adrift with you by @morallyinept (Frankie Morales x Jude OFC) The Prologue “I’m behind”’😭

A Real Man by @pedroshotwifey (Frankie Morales x female plus size reader) my request - stay self indulgent everyone! 🥰

Tick by @ramblers-lets-get-ramblin (Frankie Morales x wife reader) The Mistress of Angst!

A Bronx Tale: Part Deux - A Chicago Tale by @justabovewater20 (SydCarmy)

Love’s a weed:  just ripe by @tinytinymenace (Frankie Morales x ofc - Ruby) Fruits are essential.

Second Chances part 2 by @pedroscurls (Marcus Pike x fem reader) Such a cute series 💕

Cigarettes After Sex by @immarocketman (Awesome artist I follow. 💜)

Promise by @criticallyacclaimedstranger (Ezra - dragon x fem reader) The only Pedro character that can pull off being a dragon. 🐉

Please Mister Please by @grogusmum (Joel Miller x fem reader) The fluff 🥹💕

Unconventional Location by @winniethewife (Abel Morales x fem reader)

Personal Shopper by @huntingingoodwill (Dieter Bravo x reader)

Enjoy the Silence by @strang3lov3 (Joel Miller x fem reader)

Spicy Ask #68 by @kewwrites (Din Djarin x reader) Say it with me: HANDS 🙌🏼!!!!

Reminder by @criticallyacclaimedstranger (Tim Rockford x fem reader) Sometimes good things happen in Tim’s office.

Forever Starts With You Masterlist (Frankie Morales x chubby fem reader) @criticallyacclaimedstranger I loved all three parts I read 🥰🥰 (A Good Start, A Strong Finish and A New Beginning). It looks like there more to their story so much more reading for me. ❤️

some good friend by @covetyou (Tim Rockford x fem reader) TIM DESERVED THIS ❤️ That is all.

Sanctuary by @thefrogdalorian (Din Djarin x GN reader) Din fluff forever. 🤗

We got your back chapter 1 by @softpascalito (Javier Peña x fem reader)

The Sweetest Melody by @noisynaia (Din Djarin x afab reader)

Rise by @sp00kymulderr (Joel Miller x afab reader) ALL THE FEELS 😭

Falling for you by @fhatbhabie (Joel Miller x plus size reader) Part One - The drama!

Just look at You by @ramblers-lets-get-ramblin (Poe Dameron x fem reader) The Poe Dameron smut we deserve. 🍆

Chapter 3 - Here’s a health to the company… and one to my Boss… by @inept-the-magnificent (Tim Rockford x ofc Jane Nebbie) I just think about this series and I start giggling. Sunshine Nebbie and grump Tim - he is a super grump. But he is also me. 🤣

To the Flame chapter 6.5 by @pedroshotwifey (Dark Javier Peña x fem reader) So sweet out of context.

To the Flame chapter 9 by @pedroshotwifey (Dark Javier Peña x fem reader) The slow decent begins...we're just at the start of the ride. 😈

Between the Sheets by @saturn-rings-writes (William Tell x fem reader) Reminded me of an Isley Brothers song. I feel like we're headed toward that song. Please with this direction.

Hiccup by @morallyinept (Javier Gutierrez x fem reader) A whimpering Javi G. What an evening. 😘

A New Home by @charethcutestory02 (Frankie Morales x Benny Miller) Budding feelings. 🤗

Special shout out to Ms. Payday - Le Poet and lover of da words: @maggiemayhemnj They seek her out, have brunches and nightcaps. It's what all writers long for. She checked in on me along with @megamindsecretlair @angelofsmalldeath-codeine @magpiepills @ramblers-lets-get-ramblin and @lady-bess

I've been not as active - mainly due to work, school, and the insomnia. But still writing. 😄 priorities. lol

New appreciation for Javier Pena. well not new, re-newed. Maybe am working on a few things. None are good, none are final. Still need polishing. Also need to give Javi G's outline another look. I might...👀 have a chapter for him this week. I hope. @goodwithcheese was pleased with this. @undercoverpena was Luke-warm. I think she thought I was taking something, but if Javi P has shown us anything, sharing is caring. 😘

Stay well, sleep in your bed (unless you're planning not to) and be hydrated,

Love Nerdie 💕