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bailey-writes · 4 years ago

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So You Want Your OC to be Jewish

So you’re writing a story and you want to make a Jewish character—great! I’m here to help. I always want more Jewish representation but I want good Jewish representation, so this is my attempt to make a guide to making a Jewish character. What are my credentials? I’m Jewish and have been my whole life. Obligatory disclaimer that this is by no means comprehensive, I don’t know everything, all Jews are different, and this is based on my experiences as an American Jew so I have no idea, what, if any, of this applies to non-American Jews.

If there’s anything you want me to make a post going more into detail about or if there’s anything I didn’t mention but you want to know please ask me! I hope this is helpful :) Warning, this is long.

Jew PSA

If you are Jewish you can use the word Jew(s), e.g. “She’s dating a Jew.” If you are not Jewish you cannot use the word Jew(s). This is not up for debate. Non-Jews calling us Jews has a negative connotation at best. Don’t do it and don’t have your characters do it.

Basics, Plus My Random Thoughts that Didn’t Fit Anywhere Else

A confusing enduring issue is, what is Judaism? It’s a religion, but some Jews aren’t religious; is it a race? A nationality? A culture? A heritage? The only constant is that we are seen as “other.” There’s a lot of debate, which makes it confusing to be Jewish and as such it’s common for Jews to struggle with their Jewish Identity. However many people agree that Jews are an ethnoreligious group, aka Judaism is a religion and an ethnicity.

Temple/Synagogue/Shul = Jewish place of worship. Shul is usually used for Orthodox synagogues.

Keeping kosher = following Jewish dietary rules: meat and dairy can’t be eaten together and you can’t eat pork or shellfish. Fish and eggs are pareve (aka neutral) and can be eaten with meat or dairy (but again not both at the same time.) When eating meat it has to be kosher meat (e.g. kosher Jews are allowed to eat chicken, but not all chicken is kosher. I know it’s kinda confusing I’m sorry.) Kosher products in stores will have symbols on them to identify them as kosher. If someone is kosher they’ll probably have separate sets of utensils/plates/cookware/etc. for meat and dairy

Shabbat/Shabbos/Sabbath = holy day of the week, day of rest, lasts from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. Depending on observance Jews might have Shabbat dinner, attend Shabbat services, or observe the day of rest in its entirety (making them shomer Shabbat)

Someone who is shomer Shabbat will refrain from any of the prohibited activities. These can easily be looked up but include: working, writing, handling money, cooking, and using technology.

Bat/Bar/B’nai Mitvzah = tradition where a Jewish boy/girl becomes a man/woman. Celebrated at 13-years-old for boys, 12- or 13-years-old for girls. Girls have Bat Mitzvahs (bat means daughter in Hebrew), boys have Bar Mitzvahs (bar means son in Hebrew) and twins or two or more people having one together have a B’nai Mitzvah. They will study for this for months and then help lead services and, depending on observance level, read from the Torah. The ceremony is often attended by family and friends and followed with a celebration of sorts (in America usually this means a brunch and/or party.)

Goy/gentile = non-Jew. These words are not slurs, they are literally just words. Plural of goy is goyim and is a Yiddish word, plural of gentile is gentiles.

Jewish holidays follow the Hebrew calendar, meaning that according to the current solar/Gregorian calendar the dates of our holidays are different each year.

Jewish law recognizes matrilineal inheritance. This means that Jewish law states your mother has to be Jewish for you to be Jewish. This is because of reasons from biblical times that I can explain if you wanna come ask, but as you can imagine is a bit outdated. While Orthodox Jews might embrace this idea and only consider someone Jewish if their mom is Jewish, many Jews are more flexible on the idea (and yes, this does cause tension between Orthodox Jews and other Jews at times.)

Judaism =/= Christianity

Some people think Judaism is just Christianity without Jesus (some people don’t even realize we don’t believe in/celebrate Jesus so newsflash, we don’t) and that’s just wrong. Yes both religions share the Old Testament, so they also share some history and beliefs, but the entire ideologies of the religions are different. In brief, they are similar in some ways but are not the same.

What seems to me to be the biggest difference is that Christianity (from what I understand) has a heavy focus on sins, more specifically repenting for/gaining forgiveness for your sins. In Christianity you are born tainted by original sin. In Judaism we believe everyone is born pure and free from sin and everyone is made in God’s image. Judaism has some concept of sin, but doesn’t focus on them and instead focuses on performing Mitzvot (plural, singular form is mitzvah. Direct translation is “commandment” but basically means good deed or act of kindness. It also relates to the commandments, so following the commandments is also performing mitzvot.) Examples of mitzvot include anything from saying a prayer or lighting Shabbat candles to helping a stranger or donating to charity (called tzedakah). One of the main tenets of Judaism is tikkun olam, which directly translates to “repair the world” and means exactly what it says on the tin. Instead of focusing on being forgiven for doing bad Judaism focuses on doing good. The only day we focus on past wrongdoings is Yom Kippur, one of our most holy holidays, discussed below.

Holidays

Rosh Hashanah – The Jewish New Year, occurs around September and lasts for two days, though Reform Jews often only celebrate the first day. Day of happiness and joy, celebrated by eating sweet things for a “sweet new year” (often apples dipped in honey) and circular challah to represent the end of one year and beginning of another. Also celebrated with services and blowing the shofar (rams horn.) Some spend the day in prayer and/or silent meditation. Possible greetings: chag sameach (happy holiday; can be said on almost any holiday), Shana Tovah, or happy new year (which is what Shana Tovah means, some people just say it in English.)

Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement. Occurs ten days after the start of Rosh Hashanah. One of if not the most solemn day for Jews, but also the most holy. The day is spent reflecting on yourself and any past wrongdoings and atoning. The day (sundown the night before to sundown the day of) is spent fasting, a physical way of atoning. We do this in hopes of being “written in the Book of Life” and starting the year with a clean slate. The shofar is blown at the end of the holiday. Most Jews will end the fast with a grand meal with family and friends. Most common greeting is “have an easy fast,” but happy new year is still appropriate.

Sukkot – Celebrates the harvest, occurs on the fifth day after Yom Kippur and lasts seven days. Celebrated by building a temporary hut outdoors called a sukkah and having meals inside it, as well as shaking palm fronds tied together (called a lulav) and holding a citrus called an etrog. Very fun and festive holiday. Possible greetings include chag sameach or Happy Sukkot.

Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah – Some Jews (mostly Reform Jews and Jews living in Israel) combine both holidays into one day while some celebrate them as two separate days. Either way they occur immediately after Sukkot. Shemini Atzeret is similar but separate from Sukkot and features a prayer for rain; Sukkot is not mentioned in prayers and the lulav isn’t shaken but you do eat in the sukkah. Simchat Torah celebrates finishing reading the Torah, which we will then begin again the next day. It’s a festive holiday with dancing and fun. Some Temples will roll the entire Torah out and the children will run under it. Appropriate greeting for both would be chag sameach.

Rosh Hashanah through Simchat Torah are referred to as the High Holidays.

Chanukah – We all know about Chanukah, celebrating the reclaiming of the Second Temple and the miracle of the oil lasting eight days. The most represented Jewish Holiday there is. Unfortunately it’s one of the least significant holidays for us. Occurs around November or December and lasts eight days and nights. Celebrated by lighting candles in the Menorah each night with a prayer and kids usually get gifts each night. Also celebrated with spinning tops called dreidels, fried foods like doughnuts (sufganiyot in Hebrew; usually the jelly filled ones) and potato pancakes called latkes. Greetings: happy Chanukah or chag sameach.

Tu B’Shevat – Birthday of the trees, basically Jewish Arbor Day. Minor but fun holiday, sometimes celebrated by planting trees. Occurs around January or February.

Purim – Celebrates how Queen Esther of Persia defeated Haman and saved her people, the Jews. Occurs in Spring. Festive holiday traditionally celebrated by dressing in costumes, eating sweets, and giving tzedakah (it’s also technically commanded you get drunk so woohoo!) Whenever Haman’s name is mentioned you make a lot of noise, booing and using noisemakers called groggers. Greetings: happy Purim, chag Purim, or chag sameach.

Passover/Pesach – Celebrates the Jews being freed from slavery in Egypt. Occurs in Spring and lasts eight days. The first two nights (some only celebrate the first night) are celebrated with seder, a ritual meal with certain foods, practices, prayers, and readings from a book called the Haggadah and often attended by family and friends. Most famous prayer/song of the holiday is the four questions, which ask why that night is different from all other nights and is traditionally sung by the youngest child at the seder. The entire holiday is spent not eating certain foods, mostly grain or flour (the food restrictions are complicated and differ based on denomination so look it up or ask a Jew.) We eat a lot of matzah during Pesach, which is like a cracker kinda. I personally hate it but some people actually like it. Greetings: happy Passover, chag pesach, or chag sameach.

Tisha B’Av – Anniversary of the destruction of the Temple. Occurs in Summer. Very sad, solemn day. Some celebrate by fasting from sunrise to sunset. Not the most widely celebrated holiday. Some also commemorate the Holocaust (also called the Shoah) on this day as it was the destruction of a figurative temple.

Denominations

There are a bunch of denominations in Judaism, we’ll go into it briefly.

Religious denominations:

Reform/Reformed: This is the least religiously observant level. Often Reform Jews don’t keep kosher or observe Shabbat, their services on Shabbat will use instruments. Reform Jews probably attend services for the high holidays at the very least and probably had a Bat/Bar Mitzvah. Might say they consider themselves more culturally Jewish. Their Temple/Synagogue will be the most “liberal”—aka have more female/diverse Rabbis and a more diverse congregation. I’m Reform and my Temple’s lead Rabbi is a woman and we used to have a Rabbi who’s a queer single mother.

Conservative: More religiously observant and more generally traditional. Might keep kosher or observe Shabbat, but not necessarily. Services likely won’t use instruments (not supposed to play instruments on Shabbat). Most likely had a Bat/Bar Mitzvah, but girls might not read from the Torah, though this depends on the congregation. They do allow female Rabbis, but in my experience it’s less common.

Modern Orthodox: Very religiously observant but also embrace modern society. Will keep kosher and observe Shabbat. Men will wear kippot (singular=kippah) and tzitzit under their shirts. Women will cover their hair (if they’re married), most likely with a wig, and wear modest clothing (only wear skirts that are at least past their knees and long sleeves). Emphasis on continued study of Torah/Talmud. Parents will likely have jobs. Might have larger families (aka more children) but might not. Services will be segregated by gender, girls won’t read from the Torah publicly, and female Rabbis are very rare. Children will most likely attend a religious school. Will attend shul services every Shabbat and for holidays.

note: there are some people who fall somewhere between modern Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox, or between any two denominations really. as you can imagine people don’t all practice the exact same way.

Ultra-Orthodox: Very religiously observant and not necessarily modern. Will keep kosher and observe Shabbat. Men will wear kippot or other head coverings and tzitzit under their shirts, and are also often seen wearing suits. Women will cover their hair (if they’re married) with a wig or scarf and wear modest clothing (only wear skirts that are at least past their knees and long sleeves). Emphasis on continued study of Torah/Talmud. Men might have jobs but might instead focus on Jewish studies, while women most often focus on housework and child-rearing. Don’t believe in contraception (but this is kinda nuanced and depends). Will often have very large families because having children is a commandment and helps continue the Jewish people. Might be shomer negiah which means not touching members of the opposite sex aside from their spouse and some close family members. Services will be segregated by gender, girls won’t read from the Torah publicly, and there won’t be female Rabbis. Children will attend a religious school. Will attend shul services every Shabbat and for holidays.

Ethnic denominations (the different denominations do have some differences in practices and such but tbh I don’t know much about that so this is just the basics):

Ashkenazi: Jews that originate from Central/Eastern Europe. Yiddish, a combination of Hebrew and German, originated from and was spoken by Ashkenazim and while it’s a dying language it’s spoken among many Orthodox Jews and many Jews of all levels know/speak some Yiddish words and phrases. Majority of Jews worldwide are Ashkenazi.

Sephardi/Sephardic: Jews that originate from the Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, and southeastern Europe. Ladino, a combination of Old Spanish and Hebrew, originated from and was spoken by Sephardim. It is also a dying language but is still spoken by some Sephardim. After Ashkenazi most of the world’s Jews are Sephardic.

Mizrahi: Jews that originate from the Middle East and North Africa.

Ethiopian Jews: Community of Jews that lived in Ethiopia for over 1,000 years, though most have immigrated to Israel by now.

Stereotypes/Tropes/Controversies/Etc.

There are so many Jewish stereotypes and shit and I ask you to please be mindful of them. Stereotypes do exist for a reason, so some people will fit stereotypes. This means your character might fit one or two; don’t make them fit all of them. Please. Stereotypes to keep in mind (and steer away from) include:

All Jews are rich.

All Jews are greedy.

All Jews are cheap/frugal.

All Jews are [insert job here]. We’ll go into this more below.

All Jews hate Christians/Muslims/etc.

All Jews are white.

First of all Ethiopian and Mizrahi Jews exist, many Sephardi are Hispanic, and today with intermarriage and everything this just isn’t true.

All Jews have the same physical features: large and/or hooked nose, beady eyes, droopy eyelids, red hair (this is an old stereotype I didn’t really know existed), curly hair.

Many Jews do have somewhat large noses and curly hair. I’m not saying you can’t give these features to your characters, but I am saying to be careful and don’t go overboard. And don’t give all of your Jewish characters these features. As a side note, it is common at least among American Jews that girls get nose jobs. Not all, but some.

Jews are secretly world elite/control the world/are lizard people/new world order/ any of this stuff.

STAY AWAY FROM. DO NOT DO THIS OR ANYTHING LIKE THIS. If you have a character that’s part lizard, do not make them Jewish. If you have a character that’s part of a secret group that controls the entire world, do not make them Jewish.

Jews have horns. If you have characters with horns please don’t make them Jewish.

Jews killed Jesus.

The blood libel. Ew. No.

The blood libel is an antisemitic accusation/idea/concept that back in the day Jews would murder Christian children to use their blood in religious rituals and sometimes even for consumption (did I mention gross?) Not only did this just not happen, but it’s actually against Jewish law to murder, sacrifice, or consume blood. Yes these accusations really happened and it became a main reason for persecution of Jews. And some people still believe this shit.

Jews caused The Plague.

The reason this conspiracy exists is because many Jews didn’t get The Plague and the goyim thought that meant it was because the Jews caused it/cursed them. The real reason Jews didn’t get it is because ritual hand-washing and good hygiene kept them from getting it. Sorry that we bathe.

Jewish mother stereotype.

Ok, listen. I know stereotypes are mostly a bad thing but I have to admit the Jewish mother stereotype is not far off. Jewish moms do tend to be chatty and a little nagging, are often very involved in their children’s lives, and they are often trying to feed everyone (although they don’t all cook, my mom hates cooking.) They also tend to be big worriers, mostly worrying about their family/loved ones. They also tend to know everyone somehow. A twenty minute trip to the grocery store can turn into an hour or two long trip because she’ll chat with all the people she runs into.

Jewish-American Princess (JAP) ((I know calling Japanese people Japs is offensive. Jews will call girls JAPs, but with a completely different meaning. If that’s still offensive I am sorry, but just know it happens.))

This is the stereotype that portrays Jewish girls/women as spoiled brats basically. They will be pampered and materialistic. Do these girls exist? Definitely. I still recommend steering away from this stereotype.

Names

Listen. Listen. There are some names that Jews just won’t have. I won’t speak in definites because there are always exceptions but you’ll rarely find a Jew named Trinity or Grace or Faith or any form of Chris/Christopher/Christina etc. Biblical names from the Old Testament? Absolutely Jews will have those names they’re actually very common.

I’m in a Jewish Sorority. My pledge class of ~70 girls had five Rebeccas and four Sarahs. Surprisingly only one Rachel though.

When it comes to last names I have two thoughts that might seem contradictory but hear me out: a) give your Jewish OC’s Jewish surnames, b) don’t give your Jewish OC’s the most Jewish surname to ever exist.

By this I mean I would much rather see a character named Sarah Cohen or Aaron Levine than Rachel Smith. Just that little bit of recognition makes a happy exclamation point appear over my head, plus it can be a good way to hint to readers that your OC is Jewish.

On the other hand, please don’t use the most stereotypical Jewish names you’ve ever heard. If you have five Jewish OCs and one of them is Isaac Goldstein then fine. If Isaac Goldstein is your only Jewish OC I might get a little peeved. There are tons of common Jewish surnames that are recognizable and easy to look up, so don’t revert to the first three that come to mind. Maybe it’s just me, but I find it yucky, for lack of a better word.

Jobs

We all know there are certain jobs that are stereotypical for Jews to have. We’re talking lawyer, dentist, doctor, banker type stuff. To an extent these stereotypes exist for a reason, many Jews go into those careers. Do not make these the only careers your Jewish OCs have. Stereotypes might have reasoning behind them but it doesn’t mean they aren’t harmful. If you have multiple Jewish OCs some of them can have these careers, but not all of them. I do know a lot of Jewish lawyers, dentists, and doctors. I also know accountants, people involved in businesses (“mom, what does Brad do?” “he’s a businessman” sometimes there just aren’t more specific words), people involved in real estate. I don’t actually know any bankers personally, and with money and stuff being one of the most common and harmful Jewish stereotypes I would suggest steering away from that.

These are common fields for Jews, but Jews can have literally any job. Please feel free to get creative. And if you have more than one Jewish OC you can think about making one of them a Rabbi, but DON’T do this if they’re the only Jewish OC. Please.

Yiddish

So I mentioned Yiddish earlier. Like I already said, it’s not a very widely used language anymore but there are some words and phrases that are still used by a lot of Jews (in America at least.) Here’s a list that is absolutely not comprehensive:

Oy vey = oh no

Shvitzing = sweating (but not just a little bit. Shvitzing is like SWEATING)

Kvetch/kvetching = whine/whining or complain/complaining

Mazel tov = congratulations; this is the same in Yiddish and Hebrew

Chutzpah = nerve or gall (e.g. “He’s got a lot of chutzpah for breaking up over text like that”)

Kismet = fate; I just learned this is Yiddish

Bubbe and Zayde = grandma and grandpa

Schelp/schlepping = drag/dragging, can also mean carry or move (e.g. “I had to schlep the bag all around town” doesn’t mean they literally dragged it)

Schmutz = dirt or something dirty (e.g. “you have schmutz on your face”)

Schmatta = literally means rag but can be used to refer to ratty blankets or clothes

Plotz = collapse (usually used in the sense of “I’m so tired I might plotz” or “she’s gonna be so excited she’s gonna plotz”)

Schmuck/shmendrick = both mean more or less the same, a jerk or obnoxious person

Shtick = gimmick, routine, or act (can be used like (“I don’t like that comedian’s shtick” or “he always makes himself the center of attention it’s his shtick”)

Spiel = long speech, story, or rant

There’s so many more so look them up and think about using them, but don’t overdo it. A Jewish person isn’t gonna use a Yiddish word in every sentence (or even every day or every few days.)

Israel

In my community at least it’s very common that by the time your college-aged that you’ll have been to Israel at least once.

Israel is a controversial topic within the Jewish community and in the world. It’s sensitive and complex. I really, really suggest not getting into it. Just don’t bring it up because no matter what you say someone will be unhappy. Just don’t do it.

Ashkenazi Disorders

Ashkenazi Jews have some sucky genes (I’m Ashkenazi so I can say this, you cannot.) These sucky genes cause certain disorders to be more prevalent for us. Children only get the disorder if both parents are carriers of the disorder, so Jews usually get genetic testing done before having children. If both parents are carriers the risk of the child getting the disorder is high, so parents might reconsider or have some indecisiveness/fear. Some of these are:

Tay-Sachs

Cystic Fibrosis

Canavan Disease

Familial Dysautonomia

Gaucher Disease

Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Fanconi Anemia

Mucolipidosis IV

Niemann-Pick Disease

Torsion Dystonia

Bloom Syndrome

Ashkenazi Jews also have a high prevalence of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women and increase the risk of breast and prostate cancer in men.

Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Lactose Intolerance are also very prevalent

In a dorm of like 40 Jews, six of them had Crohn’s.

Ways to Show Your OC is Jewish

Wears Jewish jewelry, e.g. Star of David (also called Jewish Star and Magen David), Chai symbol (means life), jewelry with Sh’ma prayer, or hamsa (but beware this symbol is used outside of Judaism).

Mentions their temple, their Rabbi, having a Bat/Bar Mitzvah, going to Hebrew School, Shabbat, or a holiday coming up.

Have someone ask them a question about Judaism.

Have someone notice they have a mezuzah on their door.

Most Jews will have a mezuzah on the doorframe of the front door of their house/apartment, but they could even have one for their dorm room or whatever. It’s traditional to kiss your hand then touch the mezuzah when walking through the door, but most Jews don’t do this every time, at least not most Reform or Conservative Jews.

Have them call out antisemitism if you’re feeling spicy

The end! I hope this helped and if you have any questions my ask box is always open!

#writing advice #writing tips #writing help #jewish characters #judaism #writing resources #writeblr community #wtwcommunity #i said i would make this post literally months ago but i finally did it!

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blueprint-han · 4 years ago

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he’s just like a cat.

♡ pairing: minho x (gender neutral) reader ♡ genre: domestic au; fluff. ♡ warnings: this is just cuddling with minho 🥺 even though this has no suggestive implication, there’s a little making out in this, because I know maxine won’t mind. :3 ♡ word count: 1.4 K ♡ disclaimer: this writing does not aim to represent the activities of the real Lee Minho, nor does it represent JYPE in any form. Events are pure fiction. ♡ ♡ type: drabble. ♡ network tag: @stayverse @districtninewriters @inkidz + @sunoo-luvs ♡ part of: the url drabble game; requested by @kittenanonnie rAwR <3333 UwU (requests for this are closed now!)

↯ note: hope you like it kitten !! i have nothing more to say than I love you <33 thank you for making me smile with every ask and rAwR you send me i really appreciate you <33 ⇥ dawn.☀️

The atmosphere's perfectly cozy in your apartment — furry blankets, a warm boyfriend ready to cuddle, and a movie on the screen. Minho's warm, so cozily warm that you melt into him when he slings an arm around your shoulder halfway through the movie, leaning your head into his chest to listen to his heartbeat.

You were more than ready to accept when Minho had suggested a movie date — being more than excited to spend time with him after a while, falling asleep against his firm chest and having him run his hands through your hair and also have him leave small kisses wherever he could when he was feeling extra clingy.

And it seems like he's feeling extra clingy today.

As soon as he’d entered the house, he’d pulled you into a hug, gently nuzzling into your neck before pecking the skin there — humming in content all along. You’d fisted your hands into his sweater, sighing in content into his warm embrace. Winter was cold, but you had Minho to stay warm with.

So, when you feel a hand slide up your shoulder to the side of your chin, gently pushing to make you face him, you already know what’s going to happen.

“Hey.”

“Hey there,” You chortle, leaning into his warm, so warm hand as you turn your head to brush your lips against his palm. When you look back into his eyes, you feel like you’re being pulled closer and closer to gaze into all the stars in his eyes. Momentarily, you tense up when he plays with the hem of your shirt. You feel your skin burn with passion and love as you bring a hand to gently rake through his soft, black hair.

He lets out a soft sigh in return — almost a purr — as he rests his hand just under the fabric, rubbing gentle circles into your skin. From here you can focus on him clearly — his shiny, silky locks of hair that fall over his forehead and the way his top lip engulfs the bottom one when he bites his lip, and the way his heavily lidded eyes peer into you through the dim lighting.

Lee Minho’s lips feel soft — soft when you run your thumb across them, soft when he presses little kisses to your forehead or your cheeks, or the back of your neck when you’re distracted, or like right now — soft when he gently takes hold of your chin and presses his lips to yours.

You’ve also learned over the years that he’s just like his cats — whenever you pet his head, whenever he leans his head against your stomach and gently rubs as a sign for you to lead your hand to his hair. It’s so, so cute that all it can take for a totally bad day for him to go opposite is being in your arms with you petting his head, occasionally pecking his forehead and murmuring a little “I love you,” or “You’re so cute.”

For the same reason, when you gently scratch at his scalp amid the kiss, Minho parts from you for a second, barely out of breath because of how gentle the kiss is. It isn’t fueled by need or want or desire — just the wish to be with each other. “You’re so beautiful,” He whispers before leaning into your chest, pushing you down onto the couch with him on top.

You sigh and grab the edges of his oversized sweater, letting yourself be wrapped in his embrace. Just like a cat, once again, he nuzzles into your chest, heaving a sigh as he guides his hand to your head.

“You’re more beautiful.” You coo, letting a hearty laugh slip as you card your fingers through his hair, brushing away any stray locks that may threaten to get into his eyes. It may all seem to quiet, but this has always been how date nights ended.

With Minho and you smiling in each other’s arms, in each other’s embrace, completely forgetting about everything else. Just like how you’ve totally forgotten about the movie right now — but you can’t blame yourself, not when Minho kisses you in a way that seems endearingly relaxing, yet passionate enough to steal your breath away.

He’s warm, warm in every place you run your hands on, and he’s warming your heart. It's Lee Minho’s effect, you could say, though you know he’s just as affected, just as soft for you right now. He snuggles into your chest once again, sighing as he feels lulled into a deep slumber.

“What about the movie?” You ask, though there’s little interest in your tone. Which shows that you clearly have no interest to finish the movie, not when you’re in this position currently. You gently slip your hands into his shirt, resting it against his bare back and chuckling when he tenses up, only to sigh and place a tiny kiss to your collarbone. You’ve gotten your reply to that question.

The dim lighting doesn’t highlight his appearance much, but you don’t need that to know that he’s absolutely gorgeous. You almost melt at the whine that leaves his throat, and then you realise that your hand’s resting still in his hair. You giggled, shaking your head before gently combing through his hair.

He lifts his head slightly — he looks sleepy and cozier than ever — before fitting it in the gap between your shoulder and your neck, then proceeding to leave soft kisses all over your shoulder. By this time, a comfortable feeling has spread from your chest to your fingertips and the tips of your toes, almost pulling you into the depths of sleep.

Before that can happen, however, Minho nuzzles the curve of your neck, just where you’re the most ticklish.

A squeal leaves your lips which soon morphs into a steady, low giggle, now that Minho’s ardent on making you laugh by kissing right over the same spot ever-so-lightly. “M’ ticklish there, stop!” You burst into fits of laughter, filled with nothing but pure love for the man in front of you, in your arms right now.

“Mm, but you’re so soft...” Minho purrs, this time. His voice is muffled from how invested he is in making you laugh until your stomach and lips start hurting — he was always like that. Always finding ways to make you laugh, make you happy and forget about anything even borderline negative, your happiness mattered to him as much as his own, if not more.

“Minhoooo!” You pull him away from where he’s grown comfortable between your neck and shoulder, making him face you as you gently kissed the tip of his nose.

“What?” He asks, frowning and giving you the most adorable pout you’ve ever seen.

“You’re such a big goof.” You comment lovingly, and he doesn’t reply, opting to lean in and kiss each of your eyelids softly, then your cheeks, then the tip of your nose, and back to rest on your lips. You cup his own cheeks gently, his skin feels smoother than velvet under your palms, only coaxing you to rub your thumbs over his cheekbones. You’re all but drowning, drowning — drowning in his kisses, in his love, in his hold — and you’re taking him with you.

When he pulls away again, you gasp this time, feeling short of breath even though the kiss was equally as gentle as the last one. Minho simply rests his forehead against yours. “I love you.” He says so naturally, it feel so... real. With no hesitation, no pre-thought, just a vocalization of every feeling that you’ve made him feel, all poured into those three days.

You look into his eyes, fluttering them close as you nuzzle your noses together. “You know I love you too.” Minho only nods, leaning in to press his cheek against your chest again. “Pet.” He orders, making you roll your eyes playfully as you pet him once again. He feels every inch of tension relieve of his shoulders when your fingers brush against the back of his ear.

You can’t really deny his order either, because being pressed under Minho’s warmth only seems to bring you to the edge of sleep, to the point where you don’t realise when the movie had ended and when complete silence took over, spare for the sounds of Minho’s calm breathing, along with yours.

“Sleep well, dear.” You kiss his hair lightly, inhaling the citrus scent of his shampoo as you’re pulled into a deeper state of slumber.

*sighs*

↯ note; 🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️ please ignore me as i pray to all the gods out there that the tags should work this time ;-; 🕯️ oh tumblr gods if you’re hearing this plea, please please please let the tags work I beg of you ;-; 🕯️ thank you for attending my ted talk 🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️ — dawn.☀️

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tipsycad147 · 4 years ago

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The Art of Potion Making

Magical Potions, Brews, and Other Concoctions

Potion, brew, philter, bath, infusion, sachet, charm or mojo bag, Witch’s bottles and jars—there are so many different kinds of things Witches seem to make, aren't there? Well, they don’t call it “The Craft” for nothing.

Witchcraft and spells often involve actually crafting and enchanting different types of items. Here’s a little guide to help you learn what many of these things are, what the difference is, and how you generally go about making them.

Infusion

An infusion is essentially a tea—it’s when you steep something (usually herbs and plants) in liquids. You can use water as the base of your infusion or you can use other liquids—wine, juice or even oil.

Some people will tell you to never make an infusion in a metal pot, as it disrupts the energy of the herbs. I have to say, I disagree. I have a lot of great results making all kinds of infusions in my cast iron pots (cauldrons). It seems to me that the iron practically vibrates and reverberates the energies within, and lend the grounding of the Element of Earth.

I find stainless steel fairly neutral when it comes to brews, and copper seems to infuse any infusion with a boost of energy, which I guess it gets from the Element of Fire (the Element associated with copper).

You just have to keep in mind that certain acidic ingredients will react with metal—so if I’m including anything acidic, such as citrus slices, I will use a glass, enamel or ceramic.

I do avoid non-stick-coated pots, aluminium, and pewter—I won’t use pots or vessels made of these materials at all. This is particularly true of pewter, because toxins can be leached from it.

Infusions are used for drinking, bathing, or washing things.

Potion

A potion is an enchanted infusion that can be drank or used topically in a variety of ways..

It’s usually (but not always) made of herbs. Usually it’s made in a base of liquids like wine or juice.

Sometimes non-edible elements are added to potions to lend them power, then removed before drinking. For example, you might put a crystal in the potion while making it, then remove the crystal before drinking (please make sure your crystal won’t leach toxins into the liquid.

Philter

A potion; usually a love potion specifically.

Draught

Pronounced draft, it’s synonymous with potion. This version of the word is more often found in video games and fiction, however.

Brew

Potion and brew are often used interchangeably because potions are brewed. Brews can be enchanted infusions or mixtures meant to be consumed. Usually when you’re talking about something very thick, or something fermented, you would use the term brew rather than potion. So a brew can essentially be a drink or a food. For example, your coffee is a brew, beer is a brew, and stews are brews.

Elixir

Elixirs refer to drinks meant to give health and vitality, only they are not infused. Rather, powders and extracts are dissolved in a water and/or alcohol base, and it’s usually sweetened with honey, syrup, mashed fruits or other sweeteners.

Elixirs can be enchanted—and of course, if you’re practicing Witchcraft, why not, right? But a lot of non-magical health-conscious people make elixirs.

Suspension

A suspension is like an elixir in which the particles can’t fully dissolve. They should be shaken to disperse the ingredients before drinking.

Oil

An oil extraction is when you extract the natural oils from a plant. Essential oils are pure extracted oils with no other additives, hence they are more expensive. Fragrance oils or cosmetic oils contain additives, or can be outright artificial chemical creations.

An oil infusion is when you steep herbs in oils. An oil blend is when you blend essential oils, and usually dilute them in a base oil (olive oil, vegetable, jojoba or grape seed, for example).

Powder

A powder is a blend of ground herbs, woods, spices, perhaps even ground crystals or minerals. They are enchanted and their power is released by sprinkling them around. Always be careful not to inhale powders, or let them blow into your eyes. Powders are generally kept in a jar, or you might put them in a pouch to carry them with you.

I find powders great for outdoor use. Grab a handful, infuse it with your intent, then toss it into the wind. Sprinkle an area to purify it and cleanse it of negativity. Make a protective circle by sprinkling powder around. It’s very useful.

Sachet

A piece of porous fabric or netting that’s been filled with herbs and other aromatic ingredients so it emits a scent.

Sachets Are Great For...

Putting in drawers to scent clothes

Hang in rooms or closets to draw your desire

Keep with your magical tools to protect them

Create magical bahts (hang them to dangle below a running faucet)

Pillow

A sachet that’s a bit more tightly woven, but still emits scent. Place it over the head during meditation or for healing.

Bath

A bath into which an infusion or sachet has been added. Usually these would be enchanted for a magical bath, it can be done for the aromatherapy benefits, or just because it’s refreshing.

Tincture

Infusions using pure ethyl alcohol, which captures the scent of herbs. These can be added to other concoctions, such as baths and washes, or it’s used to anoint—this can be particularly great for people who have skin reactions to oils.

It’s not recommended that you drink tinctures. Don’t use rubbing alcohol, which is made from petroleum products; it should be 140 proof pure ethyl.

Charm Bag or Mojo Bag

Enchanted herbs and other items placed into a small pouch or bag and tied tight. It’s worn or carried as an amulet.

Ointment

A salve, or fatty-based lotion, that’s been made with enchanted herbs and other ingredients. It’s rubbed on for magical effect, usually used for healing purposes these days.

One of the most famous types of witch ointments is the flying ointment. There are many ancient sources found for these kinds of recipes, and folklore said that Witches used it to fly on their brooms to their Sabbath celebrations.

Flying ointments are now believed to have been hallucinagenic ointments made with powerful (often toxic) herbs to induce trance and astral projection.

Please do not make flying ointments, if you find recipes on the internet. They can be quite dangerous.

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bashlandrya · 4 years ago

Photo

sebastian ‘bash’ landry: an updated intro !

since it has been literally like 9 months since i posted his most recent intro, here is a new updated one for anyone who has not kept up with bash’s crazy dumb life. yeet

tw drugs, alcoholism, death, violence, jail, dumbassery

let me say first he’s honestly the worst, he's nice and friendly almost to an annoying extent and it will absolutely be genuine most of the time but at times he only is because he will gain something from it. he lies a shitload but can also be extremely blunt. he’s arrogant and has way too much confidence but deep down probably hates himself. he’s selfish, he’s impulsive and he might punch you if you step on his toes at a bad time. he will make elaborate excuses instead of admitting he did something wrong but has still been in jail a few times because he said ‘yeah i did it lol’ (usually when caught red handed). he also drinks way too much but denies alcoholism and he’s barely changed mentally in over a decade. it is honestly a miracle he’s not dead. ok thanks for coming to my ted trash bash talk. i love this man.

basics

name: sebastian damien landry

nicknames: bash (almost always), seb (but rarely), idiot (regularly)

birthday/age: march 22d, 1991 / thirty

gender/pronouns: cis-male / he, him

sexuality: sadly still a heterosexual

zodiacs: aries ☉ ; gemini ☽ ; sagittarius 🡕

occupation: drug dealer (mostly weed, some cocaine and psychadelics).

hobbies: all types of adventures, his motorcycle, drinking, video games, music (he plays drums and does back up vocals in a not very serious local punk/rock/metal mostly cover band - more info here).

neighbourhood: downtown (apartment tour here)

length of time in crescent harbour: since summer 2009 (12 years)

place of birth: new orleans, louisiana (yes boi has a bit of an accent)

height: 6′5″ (195cm)

moral alignment: chaotic neutral.

positive traits: adventurous, kind-hearted, fun-loving, witty, spontaneous, humorous, clever, generous, protective, sweet and caring.

negative traits: troublesome, sarcastic, deceitful, somewhat arrogant, temperamental, impulsive, rebellious, loud, blunt, dishonest, sometimes aggressive and a bit selfish

tattoos: a seven of spades on his left pec (x). an arrow on his left outer forearm (x). the moon cycle on the right side of his torso (x). geometric tattoo on his right outer forearm (x). a wolf on his left shin (x). aries-inspired ram skull on his upper back (x). a fleur de lis on his left upper arm (x). a sloppy drunk tattoo his friend gave him a year after his mother’s death, on his right knee that just says ‘mom’.

scent: cigarette smoke, liquor, citrus, cologne.

background

Grew up just outside of New Orleans with his parents and six siblings, he’s the third (black sheep but they all love him anyway<3). His mother died suddenly when he was 18 years old and the family moved to Crescent Harbor where he repeated his Senior year in High School.

He started getting into more trouble, arrested several times and graduated High School behind bars and then..... Continued reckless, bad behavior for the next 12 years anyway.

To some peoples’ surprise he went to College and actually has a Bachelors in Humanities. He’s dumb but not dumb.

Slept around a lot in his teens up until his first year of College when he got chlamydia and got more careful.

Started dating the Blackwood cousin Jamie when he was 21 and they were on and off for four years, Bash going in and out of jail, until she finally left him in 2016 and moved to New York.

Bash set out to change but didn’t succeed and kept living like he always had; going to jail a couple of times, sleeping around somewhat but with protection and disappearing out of town for weeks at a time. He once ended up staying on an island for two weeks because he got super drunk and hopped on the ferry and had no money to get back — and of course he left his phone on the mainland.

In July 2020 he reconnected with LiIy Whittaker, an old High School friend-ish. They ended up hooking up on a boat (that Bash, unknown to Lily, had stolen borrowed from her dad).

They kept hooking up throughout the fall and in October Bash realized he had caught feelings for her and decided to tell her, only he was arrested moments after for 2d degree theft (class c felony) for stealing jewelry from the Whittaker household. He spent two weeks in jail, and found out Ian Whittaker had likely framed him, before Lily helped his sisters bail him out.

He was proven innocent and not guilty in November and the same day Lily admitted she had feelings for him too and they started dating.

Has worked several jobs that he’s lost either because he didn’t show or because he was arrested. Between 2018 and 2020 he worked as a bouncer in a town over but was fired in November 2020 after not showing up when he was out on bail for the Whittaker case.

After being fired he went back to dealing like he'd also done between 2015 and 2018 (that time he got out of it because his sister got him a job at the drive-in that he lost after a few months). Lily, his family, and honestly anyone who would like him not to, are not aware he deals drugs.

His mother died in the spring so during the season he drinks more and gets extra reckless and aggressive so he recently wasn’t very nice to some people........ and him and Lily are fighting a bunch at the moment.

more random shit for no reason so u can skip if u wanna lmao

Suffers with insomnia, probably because of his high alcohol consumption but also anxiety that he won’t really admit to. Went to therapy once after his mother’s death but never continued with it.

The absolute worst at keeping track of his phone and it’s always on silent and either on low battery or just dead. It usually takes him a few days to get back to you if you text or even call. The easiest way to get a hold of him is to visit his apartment and kick on the door or wait for him to get home if he’s not there (u might have to wait a while sometimes tho....).

Has played drums since he was ten years old, starting when he found a drum set in the music room at his Elementary School. At this point he can pretty much play some songs blindfolded. He also started playing guitar at 15.

Has slightly bad eyesight but you will rarely see him in glasses, he wears contacts and usually has an extra pair with him in case he’d lose one. Which he did once when he was drunk and far away from his apartment and had to nagivate home half-blind and tipsy.

Used to skateboard a bunch but hasn’t done it much since some time in College.

Has broken a bunch of bones but most notably his nose 3 times, it’s not as straight as Casey’s.

Likes cooking and is pretty good at it. Pasta is the shit.

His motorcycle is an Indian Scout he bought in 2015 and it’s his baby. Before that he had a Suzuki VS 1400 GL Intruder from 2003 that he got in 2010 and sold to get money for the new one. He’s never owned a car butyes, he knows how to drive one.

He doesn’t dance and if he does, it’s not exactly serious.

Smokes Winston Red 100’s.

Criminal record at the bottom of this page.

Rocks a beard like seen above even though I sometimes use stubble-only gifs.

Despite his unhealthy lifestyle he manages to work out a couple of times a week and he eats.... A lot, because he knows that if he doesn’t he’ll turn into a noodle boy like he was in his teens due to his height.

#i triedmy best to keep this short but oh boy #crescent:intro #intro #this man gives me a such a headache i CANNOT UGH #and i did need to get the trash bash talk off my chest pls get him out of my head lmfaoooo

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cobaltcaster · 4 years ago

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Creating a Magickal Atmosphere

Within this post is a comprehensive check list of creating the right atmosphere

[[ Click Here for Part 1. Preparing for Your Spell ]]

Here are the individual links if you’d like to take it step by step.

Magickal Enchantments [[ Food, Clothing, Music ]]

Magickal Tools [[ Candles ]]

Incense and Fragrances

Crystals and Gemstones

Element Water

Additional Magickal Tools

Personal Altars

If you’re ready for a medium read then let us begin!

⚪9⚪

Magickal Enchantments

Food and Beverage

Three simple words: Keep it light! A spell on a full stomach is not recommended. A heavy meal can leave you sleepy or uncomfortable. Avoid meat the day of your spell, if you can. Stick with fruits and vegetables as much as possible. Fish ----- baked, but not fried or in a heavy sauce----- is a good option. Wait at least two hours after eating to begin your spell.

Try to avoid caffeinated or carbonated beverages; distilled water is an excellent choice because the impurities have been removed. A cup of caffeine-free herbal tea is soothing and relaxing. Try a blend of chamomile and passionflower. Although some of the spells include type of wine or fruit juice during the actual spell, do not take it to extremes.

Clothing As with food and drink, here, too, three simple words apply: natural, loose, and clean. One hundred percent cotton is a wise choice. A loose white gauze garment is nonrestricting and gives you a sense of cleanliness and purity. Some individuals enjoy taking the time to find certain color garments for special spells. The same colors listed in the candle color chart ( click here ) can be use for clothing as well.

If you do not have a cotton garment, choose something as close as possible, like a cotton blend. Comfort is important; Tight jeans and belts do not allow your body to relax. However, wear jeans if they are the most comfortable thing you own ----- and most jeans are 100 percent cotton. If you are in a private place, you may decide to just wear a robe, towel, or oversized t-shirt. You may even opt for nudity. The choice is yours.

Before you get dressed, make every ever to take a bath or shower. Start fresh and clean. Think as you are showering or bathing that you are washing any negative energy off your body. A bath is an excellent idea, especially if you use music and candlelight.

If you're doing a group spell, bathe or shower before leaving the house or before the group arrives. If you can't shower, at least wash your hands and face. If you can wash your feet, that's even better. If water is not available, shake your hands and visualized negativity being removed.

Music

Music has the ability to create a sense of peace ----- providing it's the right music.

By virtue of the fact you are reading this book, I feel safe in saying you most likely are a seeker of peace and well-being. And all likelihood, you already have in your possession music that soothes you. Slow classical music or New Age music seems to be the most popular. Drumming and chanting recordings are also something to consider. Nature tapes offering gentle background music can be found in most department or music stores.

After purchasing any new tape or CD, listen to the entire recording befor e using it for spell work. The first two selections may be ideal, but if song number three goes up thirty decibels and a wolf starts howling, it could send you crashing down from your altered state.

If you have the time, visit your local music or New Age store. Most provide headsets and demonstration tapes that give you the opportunity to listen before you buy. The recording you choose should be long enough to last your entire spell.

Music that suddenly stops in the middle of a ceremony will also break the mood. If you have no choice and you must turn a tape over, at the very least have your sound system close to you so you do not have to leave your spell area. Music is the sound of the soul: If you can include it in your rituals, all the better.

⚪10⚪

Magickal Tools

Any tangible item used for ritual can be considered a magickal tool as long as it means something special to you. The creative part of our brain works in symbols, so it makes sense to use symbols as a way to conduct creative magick. You probably already have magickal tools and may not even recognize them. It may be your favorite picture that makes you "feel good" upon merely looking at it, that special coin that a relative gave you when you were a child, or a favorite pen you've had for years.

Candles

Candles bring light into our lives ----- both literally and symbolically. They chase away the darkness and allowed new projects, thoughts, and relationships to emerge. Lighting candles before a spell can create very powerful energy.

Candles also represent the three levels in which we exist. The wax corresponds to our physical body, the wick to our mind, and the flame to our soul or spirit.

Candles come in a myriad of colors, shapes, and sizes. Some are scented, some unscented. For our purposes, shape and scent ( or lack thereof ) are unimportant. Do give some consideration to the size of your candle. If you deem your spell will take an hour, don't light a candle that burns for only thirty minutes.

Color is a significant part of what candle burning is all about. Different colors represent different vibrations. As the candle burns, the vibration of that color is red. Refer to the color chart to clarify which color best suits your needs. You may use just one candle or a combination.

If you don't have any idea color available, use white. When burning a white candle, pay attention to the smoke. When it starts to smoke, negative energy is being cleansed from that area. When the smoke subsides, the energy in that area is cleanse and clear.

Take caution in purchasing a white candle that is too inexpensive. Inexpensive white candles smoke too readily and can confuse you. However, I would also not advise going to the extreme and looking for top-of-the-line candles. Use common sense and buy moderately. When working with candles, always use caution and do not leave them unattended.

Candle Color Interpretation

WHITE Purity, power, newness, spells, healing, peace, and psychic skills. White will intensify the effect of any color candle it is used with.

BLACK Removal of negative energy; not a color of evil or negativity. Release and banish.

BLUE Peace, tranquility, protection, fidelity, astral projection.

BROWN Protection for the household; telepathy, stability.

SILVER Neutralizer of negative energy or forces.

GREEN Prosperity, money, success; counteracts jealousy, ambition.

ORANGE Provides additional energy needed for work or other endeavors; promotes order, control over the self.

PINK Love, friendship, romance, affection, giving.

PURPLE Intuition, psychic pursuits, power and independence, wisdom.

RED Fertility, physical strength, sexual passion, courage.

YELLOW Well-being, self-esteem, attraction, glamour, action.

As mentioned earlier, this chart can be used as a guide for making clothing color choices.

In my experience, people have either love incense or they have an aversion to it.

⚪11⚪

Incense and Fragrance

Incense also comes in different sizes, shapes, and forms. Some types of incense are already labeled with names reflecting the effects they hope to achieve: There is stress-relieving incense, energy incense, love incense, and so on.

Some people prefer to burn potpourri or oils. One of the purposes of incense in these particular rituals is to bring you into an altered state of consciousness in the most peaceful way possible. If the smell of sage or sandalwood calms you, use it. But if your sinuses say no, give them respect.

Don't get caught up in what others have decided is the best aroma for you. For example, studies have shown citrus fragrances promote energy, and the smell of lilac can calm us. But don't force yourself to inhale a scent if you don't care for simply because the label states "incense for romance." Always buy what you enjoy.

Experimenting with new aromas is also fun. Most incense is inexpensive and sometimes sold by the stick. One thing to be careful of: If you are going to do a spell inside or in a small area, try your new purchase out prior to its actual use. Otherwise, you may be subject to a disagreeable smell for hours, if not days. Incense can take a while to dissipate and may linger in the air for a long period of time.

Here are some recommended sense and herbs you may want to try that correspond to a certain magickal work. Remember: These are only suggestions and not a must.

👤 Health Bay, Carnation, Cedar, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Myrrh, Pine, Sage, Sandalwood, Thyme 💞 Love Apple, Musk, Rose, Ambergris, Basil, Cinnamon, Chamomile, Dragon's Blood, Jasmine, Lemongrass, Patchouli, Peppermint 📠 Career \ Job Vanilla, Allspice, Cloves, Nutmeg, Pine, Wisteria, Heliotrope, Spruce, Sage, Mint, Honeysuckle, Cedar, Bayberry 🌹 Women's Issues Musk, Orange, Hyacinth, Myrrh, Pine, Rose 🐯 Men's Issues Musk, Cedar, Jasmine 🌅 Spirituality Frankincense, Heliotrope, Jasmine, Sweetgrass, Gardenia, Pine, Sage, Violet, Sandalwood, Rose

⚪12⚪

Crystals and Gemstones

Crystals bring life to our quartz watches. They receive and transmit radio waves. Without quartz crystals, the computer age would never have happened: They are what make up integrated circuits and electronic chips.

The power of crystals go far beyond the products we have derived from them. They are important tools in magick, having the ability to focus and direct energy to a specific intention. Some say they have healing powers, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Many other stones also have special energy that can assist in your spells. For a quick reference, I’ve listed a few below. But this is a huge area of exploration. If you want to know more, your local bookstore or library will certainly contain numerous books on the subject.

Gem Stone Qualities

A special note about quartz crystals: These stones are available in nature stores, gem shops, and most New Age gift stores in rough or polished form. You need not spend more than a few dollars on your crystals. Start with something small, and go to a larger size if you feel it's necessary. If you are unsure of which is the best stone to intensify your spells, use a clear quartz crystal. Clear quartz crystal stimulates healing, balances the elements to fulfill us and make us whole. Aids psychic development. Amethyst a very powerful spell stone. Psychics and healers have used its curative properties for years. Helpful in dispelling anger and anxiety, aids in feeling less scattered. Carnelian often called the stone of good luck. Said to purify the blood, stimulate sexual emotions, and aid in sexual function. Lapis lazuli draws love to us. It is also reputed to be effective in healing headaches, high blood pressure, depression, insomnia, and other such ailments. Malachite increases energy, is connected to change and creativeness. The Egyptians wore crushed malachite as eye shadow to guard against the evil eye. Moonstone is said to be a stone of magic. It increases psychic abilities and is used widely for spell rituals. Astral projection is accelerated when using a moonstone. Rose quartz also known as the love stone. A stone and that deals with the energy of all the emotions. Turquoise builds strength, provides protection. It is a sacred stone to the Native Americans. It is a protective stone for horses and their riders. In Arabia it is a stone of meditation. It has equality of absorbing negative energy. When purchasing, carefully touch the crystals at the store. A stone chooses you, you don't choose it. It would just “feel good” to you, having something the others don't possess. Use your gut feeling ----- which is your intuition talking to you.

Charging Your Crystal

Once you find your crystal, it needs to be "cleared, charged, and programmed." Cleanse it of a past owner’s energy and \ or the energy that has been placed on it by individuals examining it by washing it in cold water or letting it sit in a bowl of water.

Next, use the Moon to charge the crystal. Place it overnight in view of one of the phases listed below:

New Moon a crystal charged in this phase specifically offers energy that supports new beginnings, confidence, hope, and specifically anything of increase. Full Moon a crystal charged in this phase brings power to support anything you want to achieve. This is actually the best all-around phase to utilize.

Once you have cleared and charged your crystal the last step is to program it. Hold it in your hand, and focus on the vibrational energy you are looking for to accomplish your goal. Visualize your final goal, but not the way you think you're going to get there.

For example: if you want to lose twenty pounds, see yourself on the scale twenty pounds thinner. Don't try to analyze the way it will come about. This is best left to your higher power to solve.

If you choose, you can program any of your other gemstones as well.

⚪13⚪

Element Water

Throughout the spells you will see the use of what I refer to as element water. Element water is basically water that has been charged to help you do magick during a thunderstorm.

It represents fire, earth, air, and water, a forceful mix of elements at their highest potency. Lightning represents fire, which corresponds to power, energy, magick, and lust. Thunder represents air, which corresponds to spirituality, health, and knowledge. The strength of the storm represents earth, which corresponds to nature, being grounded, wisdom, and all things material. The rain itself represents water, which corresponds to emotions, reflection, love, creativity, and purification.

How to Make Element Water

Basically you are collecting rainwater with intention. First you will need a container to collect the water. I have used glass, plastic, clay pottery, and almost any type of container one can use, and I have seen no difference. You may feel a natural material is better or something you feel special has more impact. If these are your thoughts, then seek a special container. I personally use two or three chalices.

The important thing is that the container is new or extremely cleaned, having been sterilized in a dishwasher or by boiling if is made of glass. If the container is new, still clean it to remove energies from other people who may have handled it. Because thunderstorms are not all that common, I recommend obtaining as much water as possible so you will always have some on hand.

If you know that a storm is approaching, take your container and place it in a spot where it will collect water. Some people always leave a container outside just in case, and others only place one out when they are almost certain storm is near.

After the storm and your water has been collected, you should invoke a "hand blessing." Place both hands above the container with your palms facing down and say, "Bless this water. May it empower my intentions."

Now, transfer your element water into a practical container for later use if you are not going to use it immediately. A glass or plastic jug or bottle with a lid is a good choice.

The water is not limited to use only during rituals. It can also be used to bless something. Feel free to separate your water into smaller bottles for traveling or even to give a small bottle to a friend. It is a perfect gift for someone who is like-minded because it comes from nature and you have put your personal energy into it with good thoughts and well-wishes.

Around the holidays, I take element water and put it in tiny plastic containers with little labels that read, “Element Water.” I then tie ribbons around the necks of the containers and give them to special friends in case they want to bless something. I use element water to bless my car, computer, office, home, and the cat next door!

Special Notes

Element water will only be powerful when rain, lightning, and thunder are all present. An average rain will not do.

Do not use water that flows from a gutter! It may seem to be a very easy solution, especially if you want a large amount quickly. However, the fact is the rainwater being channeled through the gutter is not as pure as water coming directly from the sky because it has picked up debris.

Do not be concerned about pollution in the air when gathering water. Your blessing over the water purifies it.

Do not drink the water, as it is not meant for your inner body.

If you are not in an area where you are able to collect water, ask a friend to do it for you. However, you must conduct the “hand blessing” once it is in your possession.

Be cautious in thunderstorms and do not go out when lightning is about. For safety reasons, wait till the storm is over to bring your collected water inside.

⚪14⚪

Additional Magickal Tools

Other magickal tools mentioned in spells will include the following. Feel free to substitute what is available or what works for you.

Wand or knife: Sword, athame, letter opener, or any type of wand or long crystal. Any pointed object that extends as a pointer will work. One can purchase decorative wands displaying gemstones and crystals in New Age gift stores, fantasy stores, or through Internet Web sites. A double-edged knife is also available through the same sources. Fire burning container: Iron pot, mini-chiminera ( small Mexican fireplace ), ashtray, metal trash can, cauldron. Anything that can contain a piece of paper being burned within a safe vessel. Special drinking glass: Any container that can hold wine or grape juice: wine glass, cup, bowl, chalice, or favorite goblet. Optional tools:

Flowers and fruit

Religious statues or holy cards

Tarot cards or Runes ( or other methods for telling future events; psychic forms divination )

Pendulum ( Click here for information on making decisions using a pendulum )

Pentacle or pentagram symbol ( The pentacle is a five pointed star with lines connecting with a circle encompassing it. A pentagram is the same five point star but has no circle. This symbol represents the elements earth, air, fire, water, and what is sometimes known as the fifth element, spirit. A pentacle or pentagram can also represent the human body with legs and arms outstretched. This symbol is often used in rituals as a form of protection while the ritual is underway. The star should always be in an upright position. The reverse is considered to be negative.)

[[ Image Source ]]

Cross ----- any kind ( The universal symbol of a cross represents the bringing together of multiple dualities into a single whole. It can represent human form with extended arms, as well as crossroads in your life. Crosses have numerous religious and spiritual meanings.)

Bells ( A bell can be rung to invoke universal powers and note the beginning of a ritual. Some people use bells as a form of protection to keep evil away. )

Who knows what contains magic and love for each individual? But I do know if you have such items, you should hold them dear and use them to assist you.

⚪15⚪

Personal Altars

To have a personal altar is by no means a requirements for doing spell work, but it is an excellent place in which to keep your magical tools and to worship whomever you choose. Use it not only as a storage for these special items but also has a place to pray, meditate, and to receive answers from your higher self.

An altar can be any area that is flat. It can be a separate small table or any action on your dresser. The top of a large sound speaker could be used; a bookshelf or two cement block with a piece of wood laid across them would do. Once again, you get to be creative.

You may not want to have a permanent altar but prefer to set up a temporary one just for your spell use. Your altar can typically would display items such as candles, incense, wands, knives, gemstones, statues, chalices, element or holy water, and anything else you would use as a special component that had spiritual and enchanting properties. I do not feel there is any special way to set up an altar. Moving things around until it looks and feels right to you.

An outside altar is also a lovely thing to create if possible. It can be built near a favorite tree using stones and bricks. You may construct a special table outside made of wood. To make it easier, use a tree stump or a rock that is fairly level.

When fashioning an altar, try to stay away from the use of too much metal. Natural materials are always the best. However, if your only choice is an altar containing a lot of metal, tried to cover it. Use a natural fabric or put a piece of wood over it. Try to keep things natural.

As for the direction to face your altar, there are many schools of thought. Some suggest facing north because it is the most grounded direction. Others will recommend facing the altar east because it is the direction the Sun and Moon rise. Each direction has a special meaning and place. Therefore, I feel you should put it anywhere in which it is practical.

I have seen rolling altars, where people have made altars on the top of units that have wheels so they can roll through a room to face the direction they feel it needs to face for a particular spell or meditation. A rolling altar can also be kept out of the way in a closet if you are pressed for space.

Altars are extremely personal, as well as very interesting, and there is no right or wrong way in which to set up this area of sacred items.

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jonadioweek · 5 years ago

Text

What It Takes to Smile

Title: What It Takes to Smile

Prompt: University

Rating: Not even citrus. Pretty much E for Everyone.

Summary: Dio’s stressing himself out over a test and Jonathan comes along to help give him some downtime.

Word count: 1,946

Warnings/Tags: no triggers, fluff, crushing, flowers, romantic strolling, short

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Hey, everyone! I recently got into Jojo and JonaDio has pretty much stolen my heart. Ironically, I only figured out about JonaDio week a few hours before it started, and I was so glad that I could catch it just as it was beginning! Hope you guys enjoy this ‘lil thing I wrote at 1 AM! I hope I’ll be able to participate in the whole week. Have fun and happy JonaDio week! - Anon Speedwagon

Dio exhaled as he lifted his gaze from the book, then trained his eyes on the window. The sky was tinted orange with the promise of sunset, the leaves gently bowing to the evening wind. The momentary lapse of focus caused the weight of Dio’s exhaustion to settle down upon him, his eyes feeling strained and his head pounding. He wanted nothing more to curl up beneath the covers, let the waves of relief take hold and use their gentle current to guide him to sleep.

But the thought of an exam forced Dio’s attention back down to his studies. He had a test the next morning, and he wasn’t about to fail due to lack of study just because he was tired. He found himself having a difficult time forcing himself back into that state of study though, his mind not comprehending the sentences that he examined, no matter how much he read it. The words would not conjugate, and Dio rubbed his face as if splashing cool water on himself.

Damn it, Dio. Focus!

He was just about to get back to what he hoped would not be an unsuccessful attempt at studying when he heard a knock at the door. He groaned and lean back in his seat, glared at the door. Who could be coming to him at this time? Everybody should be in the dorms, or out and about on their midweek activities. Dio didn’t have a roomate that would interrupt him either; getting a private dorm had not even put a dent in the Joestar fortune.

“What is it?” he snarled, slamming shut his book.

The knock ceased. There was some shuffling behind the door, the clearing of a throat. An awkward stutter, then a voice finally responded:

“Dio…? It’s Jonathan. Can I come in?”

Dio’s face softened. He felt the tension in his frown fade, his muscles relaxing. He had heard before it took more muscles to frown than it did to smile, though he preferred to keep his face neutral at that moment. He didn’t have enough energy to put towards any expression at that moment. He kicked out from his desk and trudged to the door, opening it.

There stood Jonathan, still not having gotten out of his school suit. There was that ever-present expression of joy, one that could light up a room, a funeral, even. Dio looked at his adoptive brother, arms folded, eyes quizzically trained on his large frame.

“What is it, Jojo? I have to study.”

Jonathan’s cheeks were tinted a light pink, and he gave a small chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. He looked at the top of the doorframe as if something interesting were there, but Dio knew well that it was just to avoid eye contact. Jonathan, despite towering over and outsizing most, was a gentle soul, almost meek in nature. Dio especially noticed the latter aspect when they were together, though said nothing of it.

“Y-yeah… I know, but…! I was wondering if you would just like to… get out for a bit?”

Dio sighed, placed his index fingers on his temples and rubbed.

“Jojo, I can’t–”

“Just a stroll around the campus is all! Just to get some fresh air. It’s not good to stay cooped up in your dorm all day with your nose buried in books.”

Dio paused, leaned against the doorway as he considered this carefully. On one hand, he could just slam the door in Jonathan’s face, get back to studying, then hope to get a sufficient amount of rest for the exam the next day. Or… he could just get out for a couple of minutes. Maybe that would reset his state of mind, get him back to that focused mentality that he had lost.

Both options seemed equal in value to Dio, but the real tie-breaker was the look in Jonathan’s expression. There was this plea in Jonathan’s eyes, not of desperation, but almost like a puppy begging for his master to come play. Dio despised dogs, but the way Jonathan looked at him was sickeningly endearing, and he saw a glimmer of why they might be appealing.

“Alright. Let’s take a walk.”

***

Fresh spring loomed in the air. It was slightly humid from the amount of rainfall earlier on in the day, and the grass crunched beneath Dio and Jonathan’s shoes. They had wandered outside of campus a bit, heading into the outskirts that bordered the woods. Birds were singing the final songs to their daily concerts, squirrels were chittering and stirring up the leaves in the trees, and the smell of fresh flowers surrounded them.

Jonathan grinned and stretched, inhaling the natural perfume and then exhaling. He glanced to Dio, grin smoothing out to a tender smile, then looked around to take in the closing day.

“Ahh! It’s such a nice sunset! You almost missed it, Dio!”

Dio folded his arms, looked to the trees. As much as he hated to leave his studies behind, it was, admittedly, a nice day. It was seldom that he stopped to take a breath of the fresh air, and even he could admit that about himself. Jonathan seemed to constantly indulge in the wonders of nature, though hadn’t spoiled himself on it. It seemed as if it was fresh and brand new to him every time he stepped outside.

The position of the sun made their shadows elongate, stretch as if, Dio thought briefly, some demon were creeping up behind them. He looked to Jonathan, who was then plopping down on the ground on the soaking grass. Dio’s face scrunched.

“Are you daft? That grass is–”

Jonathan’s strong hand wrapping around his wrist, then the pull downward.

“Come on, Dio! Have a seat!”

Too late. Dio’s rear was already on the ground, and he felt the dew sopping into his school pants. He looked to Jonathan with a sour expression. The other seemed unbothered, and in fact joyful if anything else. Dio felt the quiver of a yell in his throat, but he swallowed it, and the words he wanted to say came out calm.

“You idiot. You got my pants all wet.”

“They’ll dry!”

Dio looked to Jonathan, starting to feel sickened by his saccharine attitude. It was always like this, ever since the beginning. Even when Dio had first come to live with them and he was treating Jonathan like dirt, Jonathan maintained a heart of gold. Even though Dio had gotten a good licking from Jonathan after that Erina situation, Dio had never felt Jonathan had any malice in his punches, and that it was for honor, if anything. And when he had started to play into the family role? Oh, best believe Jonathan was docile as a lamb. It was a respectable yet annoying trait, that positive outlook on life.

“Oh, look, Dio! The gardenias are in bloom!”

Dio glanced down to the edge of the forest to see that there were in fact flowers blossoming there. He maintained his grimace.

“They’re just a bunch of flowers. They look the same as any other white flower. How can you even tell the difference?”

Though Jonathan’s smile did fade a bit, he did not allow his expression to slip into negative territory. Instead, he reached a large, surprisingly gentle hand over to one of the flowers, plucked it delicately. Even in this action, gentle and harmless as it was, Dio suspected there was some level of guilt, removing a living thing from its natural state.

What Dio didn’t expect was that Jonathan next scooted closer, held the flower out to Dio to give him a closer look.

“They’re not just your common flowers. See the oval shape? The wax coating? And that smell… that wonderful smell. Here…”

Jonathan held the flower closer to Dio’s face for him to indulge in the scent together, though he didn’t take it in immediately. There was an impulse to slap the flower out of Jonathan’s hand, stand, brush himself off, then turn tail back to campus to get his studies done. But, just before he could even think about moving his body to position himself for such a thing, the smell of the gardenia hit him. It was like an instant elixir, a scent so sweet and divine that he found himself paralyzed. Dio gave a small gasp.

Jonathan retracted the flower, held it in his hand delicately. He stroked a fragile petal with a calloused thumb, though there was not a single tear in its smooth fibres. Dio was amazed at how someone so imposing, someone who could best even himself in battle, someone who held so much power like Jonathan could be so ginger, unwavering with the soft smile on his lips. Dio’s mind quickly changed gears.

A waste, really.

“When I was looking through our library… I found one of mom’s old books. It was a really thick book about flowers, how they look, what they mean…” Jonathan began turning to Dio. With his free hand, he took the blond’s hand by the wrist with the same tenderness as he used with the flower. With his other hand, he gently transferred over the gardenia, keeping their hands cupped for a moment, creating a sphere of safety around the flower. “The gardenia… it means a lot of things. Good things. It can mean trust, hope, purity…”

Jonathan’s blush from earlier returned, deeper than before. Dio’s gaze had previously been transfixed on the flower, intoxicated by its delightful smell, but now he looked at Jonathan. He blinked, waiting for the full explanation.

“Love… b-but…! A lot of flowers mean love. Flowers are usually a big symbol of love. Especially roses. Roses are your favorite, aren’t they, Dio?”

Dio was shocked at this notion. He hadn’t ever really thought about his favorite flower before, but if he had to pick one, rose would definitely be the flora he would conjure up in his mind. How did Jonathan know him better than he knew himself?

Jonathan gave a chuckle, then cleared his throat, lifted his hand from Dio’s, revealing the gardenia. It was glimmering with dew in the sunset hour.

“Gardenias also mean ‘good luck.’ I know you have that test tomorrow, so I figured… you could have it. At least while you’re studying if you don’t want to bring it in with you.”

Dio looked down at the white flora in his hand. He turned it over, examined it, as if looking for the source of the luck that Jonathan claimed was there. But it was nothing. It was just a dew-kissed flower, nothing more. And yet, Dio felt a rush of something bubbling up from his chest, into his throat, all the way to his face. Energy, life, love, all powering the beginning of a soft lip upturn.

“D-Dio…? Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.”

Dio stood, looked above Jonathan rather than at him.

“I’m headed back to study. It’s getting dark.”

He turned on his heel, beginning to walk back to campus, leaving Jonathan in the ever-darkening evening, the last bit of sunlight dissipating to give way to a darker hue. The birdsong was replaced by the chirp of locusts. The squelch of the wet grass beneath Dio was irrelevant then, the noise barely processing in his mind. Studying, yes, studying. That was what he needed to do, needed to get back to.

“Oi, Dio!” Jonathan called out to him, standing up. “You… you have a great smile…!”

Dio didn’t turn to respond, but instead kept the stupidly happy grin plastered on his face. He rubbed the gardenia’s petal between his fingers and thought about what he could put it in.

#jonadioweek #jonathan joestar #dio brando #djdweek #submission #Day 1 #University #SFW #Fanfiction #this looks like a sweet start for the week!

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the-citrus-scale · 5 years ago

Note

I respectfully disagree. Your articles have become increasingly negative over the last few months, as if you are discouraging fan creators, making them feel guilty for loving their fandom. You go looking for problems, in a fandom. I take issue with your statement that you are the only outlet that is positively supporting fan creators. You’re a bit full of yourself in that regard. You are definitely NOT the only outlet that supports those of us who create for the fandom community.

We’d like to apologize to our readers for this exceptionally long post.

We literally know of no one else who interviews fanfiction authors and treats them with any sort of respect. If there are other sites or communities, please let us know. We’d love to hear about them! As for the increasing negativity, see below for the actual statistics. You’ll see that your arguments do not hold up.

6 weeks ago

We began our Relaunch Week as we transitioned from The Lemon Magazine to The Citrus Scale.

“How Stranger Things Ruined My Life”

Tone: Positive

Note(s): The title is clearly a joke. It listed all the wonderful ways that the Duffer Brothers and Shawn Levy have taught us that women are allowed to demand more of the media and entertainment they consume.

“Chaotic Neutrals: The Walking Dead Edition”

Tone: Critical

Note(s): For the purposes of this exercise, we’re going to say that all critical articles automatically equal negativity. We DO NOT feel this way, nor does any news and media organization, but we talk more about that at the end of this post.

Then we posted a game, a picture of the prize to win that day, and another game the next day.

“Please, Sir, Can I Have Some More?”

Tone: Positive

Note(s): Well, we will preface it by saying that it’s not at all positive if you are a white guy in entertainment who refuses to tell any story that isn’t their own and continually puts women down. If you, Anon, are one of the fanboys who whined and cried when Jodie Whittaker got cast as the new Doctor then #sorrynotsorry. We won’t apologize for calling people out for oppressing minority groups. Not now. Not ever.

“In Defense Of… Self-Inserts”

Tone: Positive

Note(s): It is literally “in defense of” self-inserts and authors who write them. The only thing remotely critical is at the end when we stay if you don’t like this type of work, you aren’t obligated to read it. As an overall tone, it is positive.

“When A Villain Can’t Be Redeemed: A Study In Severus Snape”

Tone: Negative

Note(s): We do not hide our disdain for Severus Snape and his routine abuse of children.

“Adapting Comics For The Screen”

Tone: Informational (Neutral)

Note(s): Again, the only thing that could be considered critical is at the end when we discuss oversaturation in the Marvel fandom and how exhausting such a catalogue of works can be, and that reader/viewer fatigue is very real and you are allowed to take a break if you need it.

“The Fight Against Fiction Censorship”

Tone: Critical

Note(s): We discuss how you, as the reader, should be curating your own experience and how characters are allowed to be morally gray. That these characters do not and should not be automatically deemed as representative of writers’ actual views on sensitive subject matters.

“Get Fridged, B*tch!: The Short Lives of Women in Supernatural”

Tone: Highly Critical

Note(s): We discuss the fact that in the show Supernatural specifically, most women are killed for the character development of their male counterparts. We point out that this is not okay and leads to the accepted convention that this is good writing and not, in fact, incredibly lazy and sloppy.

Then we did six posts, in a row, on our Instagram that were silly, funny, or light-hearted, but we’ll chalk those up to neutral even though they’re definitely more positive than anything. We did Signs as Quotes, Kiss. Marry. Kill., The Alphabet Game, and a D&D alignment chart with characters.

So, at the end of our relaunch week, we were at sixteen (16) informational or neutral, four (4) critical or negative, and three (3) positive, with only one being truly considered negative and not simply critical.

5 weeks ago

We began our Pensacon 2019 Convention Coverage. We featured three (3) cosplayers we met at the convention, linked their profiles, and not one of our questions was negative. Again, we won’t add them to our positive list, but they definitely count as us being supportive. We know we’re not the only who interviews cosplayers in a positive fashion, but there can always be more. We also included four (4) fanfiction authors. There were other informational, infographic, or neutral articles (like interviews), interspersed between these articles:

“Pensacon 2019 Intro Review” and the “Pensacon 2019 Wrap-Up Review”

Tone: Positive (x2)

Note(s): We had a blast at Pensacon, and will be returning next year as well. All our coverage was overwhelmingly positive.

“Using Fandom To Teach”

Tone: Positive

Note(s): The article states fun ways that you can include fandom in the classroom to help engage the students so they don’t automatically tune you out. It was also a small summary of the panel we saw at the convention, which is clearly referenced. However, all the ideas were original or credited appropriately.

We also had a TWD Trailer Reaction Video. As far as we know, there’s nothing to be seen as negative (unless we were talking about Rosita). If you really, really tried, you could count it negative though, since every single thing we said it in wasn’t nice to all the characters. For those keeping score, we’re at twenty-eight (28) informational or infographic, six (6) positive, and four (4) critical or negative.

4 weeks ago

We began our Marvel-themed month here. Honestly, we’re getting tired of linking most things, so here’s how Marvel month stacks up.

There were eighteen (18) informational articles or infographics, eleven (11) interviews, four (4) playlists, and two (2) games. This leaves us with thirty-five (35) neutral articles.

“AUs Becoming Original Fiction”

Tone: Positive

Note(s): This article featured information on how to possibly transform an AU fanfic into original fiction, if you so desire. It included examples of popular fiction that had done just that.

“Faithfulness in Adaptations”

Tone: Neutral

Note(s): We list the ways why it’s okay to like both and that one isn’t superior to the other.

“Being First Doesn’t Mean Going It Alone”

Tone: Positive

Note(s): It was written shortly after seeing Avengers: Endgame and was a glowing recommendation of the movie due to the girl power scene. However, upon further reflection we realized that thirty minutes of representation in an almost three hour movie isn’t as good as we thought it was and several other things caused the movie, as a whole, to miss the mark. As it relates to this article, though, it was positive.

“The MCU and Buffet-Style Representation”

Tone: Critical

Note(s): We criticize Marvel’s lack of representation and how they are continually putting down any fan interpretation that sees a character as homosexual. We do end it on a positive note by saying we’re going to hold out on passing final judgment since they are promising to do better soon. We’re middling at best here, so we’ll say critical.

“In Defense Of… Steve Rogers’ Happy Ending”

Tone: Critical

Note(s): We simply state that Steve is allowed to be happy and that him being miserable shouldn’t be his only real characterization or arc.

“The Importance of Fan Service”

Tone: PositiveNote(s): This one is about the importance of fans feeling like valued members of their community by original content creators, and how it only adds positively to the overall experience of fandom.

“Rule 34: The Rise of Super Sex”

Tone: Informational

Note(s): It doesn’t take a stance either way regarding how we, as an organization, feel about this practice, though it could be seen as more comedic since there are many, many sex puns.

“The Squick Factor: WinterPrincess”

Tone: Critical

Note(s): We break down a controversial ship in the Marvel fandom and explain why it shouldn’t be seen that way, based on the arguments given from inside the Marvel fandom itself.

“Trope Scope: The Isolation of Being Super”

Tone: Informational

Note(s): We explain the lonely superhero trope and how to use it in your own writing.

“All the Feels: Standing Up For What’s Right”

Tone: Positive

Note(s): It’s called ‘All the Feels’, so… yeah.

“Get Fridged, B*tch!: Marvel Edition”

Tone: Critical

Note(s): Again, we take a stance against using women as plot devices to further male character development. Marvel has a lot of characters, so it was easy to come up with examples. We’d like to note that we defend Stan Lee in this one as he wasn’t for fridging Gwen Stacy.

“You Need To Calm Down: And Other Advice From Taylor Swift”

Tone: Highly Critical

Note(s): We wrote an article in response to another from Hypable.com, where we defend binge-watching television, new or old, and list all the ways it isn’t a bad thing. As always, the responses and points in this article were well-researched and thought out.

“Women Behaving Badly: Why the Movie Hustlers Is Important”

Tone: Positive

Note(s): We can’t wait to see this movie and talk about why showing women doing the same thing as men, even if it isn’t prim and proper, is a good thing and helps us gain more equality in entertainment and in representation.

“#NoHomo YouTube Video”

Tone: Critical

Note(s): We take Marvel to task over Avengers: Endgame and we still have no desire to apologize for it. If you’d like to know why, please watch the video linked above. We can also send the talking points, if that makes it easier to follow.

So, at the end of six weeks, which brings us to today, we were at sixty-three (63) informational or infographic, twelve (12) positive to ten (10) critical or negative.

If you came to a different conclusion, we’d love to hear your reasons as to why. However, all we ask is that if you want to make accusations about our overall tone, you be able to back it up, as we did. It seems to us, and anyone paying attention, that we are overwhelmingly informational first. The problem seems to be that any time we are remotely critical of a character, original content creator, or a fandom, we are marked as negative. Which, frankly, is not true. We are a news and media organization. We are allowed to interpret things in a light other than positive. We will continue to bring our readers as much fandom-related content as possible and we promise to be truthful and to never sugarcoat anything. We also pledge to be respectful always.

If there are any other concerns, we urge you to send them to our ask box as this anon did. Understand, though, that critiquing us does not mean we will blow up, act foolish, or remain anything other than responsible fandom members. We have receipts to back up everything we do, so don’t assume we’ll take accusations lying down either. We welcome all criticism and will apologize where necessary. This just wasn’t one of those times.

#ask the citrus scale #informational first

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stressedspidergirlsfandomblog · 5 years ago

Text

Fic update. Unedited. Dark themes. Citrus Themes. TW for a lot of stuff. Read at your own risk.

“We should talk before I lose my nerve,” Shiro mumbles after they’ve been sitting for a while.

“Is it really that bad?” Curtis asks, pulling back some to get a better look at Takashi’s face. “Between the two of us I think we’ve covered almost the entire gamut of human suffering.”

“I think it might be, I know someone always has it worse-”

“That’s irrelevant,” Curtis interrupts. “There is no ‘worse’ in trauma. That’s not how that works. Would you tell one of your paladins that they had it worse than each other? Or that one suffered more and deserves something special?”

“No, of course not, they need to support each other’s needs as is!” he says indignantly and then realizes what he’s walked into. “I just don’t think it’s fair to compare four teens and an idiot in space with people who’ve been through even more horrific stuff.”

“What idiot? Keith?” Curtis teases, kissing Takashi’s cheek. “You’re being extra stupid on purpose and I don’t love it,” he informs the other man. “If I say, you had it worse than me, does that feel true to you?”

“No, you saw people around you die, you lost….”

“But I had happy parents, a good childhood, I’ve been accepted and loved by my whole family my whole life. So how do I compare that with what you went through? Am I even allowed to talk about my ‘suffering’ with you? Since you’ve had it worse?” Curtis pushes. He’s going to make this point and win this argument once and for all.

“It’s not the same thing, you can’t compare my childhood to yours, or the Galra Invasion to being held captive, you can’t just compare our pain like that,” Takashi points out.

“So would you stop doing it then?” Curtis asks.

“I wasn’t-”

Curtis raises an eyebrow.

“I will do my best to stop and correct myself when I start to do it.”

“That’s all I can ask for,” Curtis smiles. “Our pain is so different, love, you can’t put price tags or weights on it. And we all show it so differently. No one handles things the same. No one feels the same way about something. Even if we both love something, we bring with us completely different ways of seeing it and reasons why we love it.”

“When did you turn into a great sage?” he wrinkles his nose at his boyfriend.

“I’ve always been smart like this. You were too busy busting flight records in the Academy to much care about intellectual pursuits.”

“Hey!”

Curtis laughs and kisses him. Takashi kisses back, stepping back in so their bodies are perfectly aligned. He almost doesn’t want to know what it is they have to talk about. It will not only ruin the moment, but clearly the other man isn’t sure how to begin, and doesn’t want to, either. But it’s not Curtis’ job to push. It’s his job to wait.

Reluctantly pulling back, Shiro looks around. “Can we get this over with?” he asks hesitantly.

“Yeah, of course,” Curtis says, face clouding. Clearly this is going to be awful for both of them. Reaching out to touch Takashi’s cheek, he lets his hand drop when Shiro pulls away a little.

“Sorry,” he says, when he sees the hurt in the other man’s eyes. “Sorry, I just. If you start being nice and touching me, I won’t be able to do this. And you’ve said you won’t fool around with me until we do this, and I really really want to fool around and have sex, and I’m going to lose my nerve if we don’t just get this over with.”

He takes a minute to meet Takashi’s eyes, before nodding a little. “Let’s sit on the couch?” he suggests. Then when it’s over they can cuddle up and comfort each other a lot easier.

“I can do that,” Takashi agrees, practically vibrating out of his skin with nerves. He’d known his day was leading up to this, but it doesn’t make it any easier. “I… don’t… No matter what I do, if you interrupt me, or, or talk, or do anything to help, I won’t be able to get through this. I’ll start crying and I will never be able to actually tell you any of this.” He meets Curtis’ eyes, his own already welling with tears that he blinks away irritably. He tugs at the collar of his shirt of a second or two, fidgeting as he tries to find a comfortable way to sit. Stands up twice, and settles back down, legs tightly crossed.

Curtis nods, and leans back, crossing his legs and then crossing his arms across his chest. “Okay. No interruptinh, and I’ll keep my hands to myself,” he says seriously. “But, if you can’t do it, just lean into me. And we’ll try again later. Okay? I won’t hold you until you ask.” Verbally or nonverbally.

Nodding, “I don’t know if I can make eye contact with you, while I do this,” Shiro whispers.

“That’s okay,” Curtis reassures him, letting him stall. Some part of him his morbidly curious, and he hates that. The rest of him doesn’t want to know anything about this, other than it could impact them both negatively in bed. And in their relationship in general. Half tempted to give the other man an out, he takes a slow even breath.

“Okay,” he looks up at Curtis briefly, seeking that love and reassurance he always sees when they make eye contact. “Don’t talk to me anymore,” he says with a shuddering breath. Grateful when Curtis just stays quiet. “I know…” he tries to start and has to take a few seconds. “I know you know the Galra ran experiments on me,” his voice shakes and he takes a few breaths to calm himself. “And sometimes I don’t think it was malicious, just, curious. It was still awful,” he whispers in a smaller voice. “Like when they would test the mobility in my joints, see how far they could bend before they broke. I think hurting me was just a bonus for them on their journey to scientific inquiry.” He clenches his fist, and then slides a hand into his pocket where he keeps Allura’s gem. She’d want him to talk about this. She’d be proud he was working past it. Thinking about their silent nights on the bridge of the Castle, just watching stars, unable to speak about their nightmares, he takes another breath.

He can’t look up at Curtis, or he’ll break and never be able to do this. See those blue eyes softened in compassion and worry. His breathing hitches just thinking about it. Focus. Squeezing the gem in his palm, he nods to himself a little. “Well, they were… curious, and they did all sorts of things,” his throat squeezes and he breathes through his nose. He can do this. “I know they stuck things up my nose, in my ears, I’m… I’m pretty sure they did things to my eyes that I can’t remember,” thank the gods. “They were interested in human reproduction…” his breathing is ragged and it takes several moments to compose himself.

Curtis is rigid in his seat, because he has to be or he’s going to pull Takashi into his arms and not let go of him for several hours. He is doing his best to keep his face neutral and calm, for all he can feel the rage making his heart pound. Biting his lip to stop himself from saying a word, he is starting to get where some of this is leading.

“They were interested in our anatomy in general… I guess since I was Champion they were especially curious as to what made me tick, vs another human. I don’t know if they experimented on Matt or Sam like they did me, but I doubt it. Since they were both removed from the arena to do scientific work.” His voice takes on a flat, almost bored quality. “One time, they chose to, I don’t know if they knew how humiliating it would be. I have no idea what culture or customs they had, or if they even saw me as anything other than a slave…” his voice trails off and he looks down at his pocket, rolling the gem over and over in his hand.

“I don’t know if it was intentional, I don’t know if they even wanted to hurt me. They did plenty of things that were painless.” And so many things that weren’t. “It could have just been a misjudgement on their part. I don’t really know. But they tore me open… ‘exploring.’ I suppose I’m lucky they didn’t rupture anything internal, but sometimes I wish they had.” He shrugs a little, more to himself than to Curtis. He’s almost forgotten the other man is in the room with him. “When they were done, they left me in my cell. And the bleeding just… didn’t stop. So I hid it. I wanted to die, and then one day I woke up and it was healing.” Tears spill over his cheeks without warning. “So I tore myself open, because it was the only way I could hurt myself in those cells.”

His throat squeezes and he struggles to breathe. Just admitting it. Admitting it out loud that he had wanted to die. Had tried to kill himself. It’s oddly freeing while absolutely terrifying. Because he’s admitting it to himself now, too, for the first time. “Eventually they figured out something was wrong. I… did some damage to myself,” he whispers. “I’d been refusing food, hiding it so they wouldn’t know. Trying to make sure I hid the blood, too… so they stapled me up, chained me spread eagle so I couldn’t move so much as an inch, and shoved a feeding tube down my throat…. And left me until I healed.” He chokes down a sob. “And the worst part is, I withstood everything they threw at me until then, and… something that might have just been an accident, something that might not have been even the slightest bit malicious is what broke me,” he whispers, starting to sob. “So many people survive intentional… attacks like that, and they survive and they go on and that’s what made me lose it…” he chokes out a bitter laugh. “Funny right? Kill people. Have your bones broken. Face torture. Sendak used to….” he looks up for a second, shaking his head with his lips pressed flat to his teeth so he won’t cry. “He loved that electric baton they had. And I handled that, too.”

Curtis forces himself to put his hands on his knees, so that when and if Takashi is ready for comfort, he won’t have to wait for Curtis to be able to peel his arms off his chest. He’s so rigid, and so angry, and so devastated for his partner. But he promised to stay quiet until it was over. He is dying to comfort Takashi, tell him everyone has a breaking point. Or just something that they can’t withstand. None of it makes him any less. He wants to also make sure that the other man isn’t considering what he had in that cell, not anymore. So he clenches his jaw and bites his tongue because this isn’t about him right now. For all he thinks he might be sick later. Repeatedly.

Starting to cry, he feels like he almost can’t stop the words now that he’s started. “They hurt me so much, and I’m so scared that if I try… if I try and do some of the things… that I would want, that you would want… Curtis I’m so scared if I try and…” he chokes, sobbing. “I don’t want to go down on you and freeze up,” he can’t force himself to explain why. Hopefully Curtis can infer why that might happen. “And I’m scared that if you… I’m scared if I let you, if I want you to, I’m scared the scars… I don’t want to tear open again, I don’t want to remember how that felt, I don’t want to feel any of that with you and I don’t want you to not sleep with me because I can’t give you what you can give me,” he forces out in a breath. “I’m so scared if we do the things I want to do, I’ll panic and hurt you, or… get hurt and I don’t want to hurt anymore,” he sobs miserably, shaking.

He hunches around himself, hand squeezing the gem in his pocket so tightly he’ll have the mark for hours. Curtis takes a few breaths to center himself, tears of his own running down his cheeks. Takashi has not told him he can respond now, yet, or do anything, and he hates to break that promise but he can’t take it anymore. He leans forward and gathers his partner into his arms. “I love you,” he says fiercely, “I love you and it doesn’t matter to me who puts what where, it never did and it never will.” Because that’s part of what this is about. Rubbing Takashi’s back, he slowly encourages the other man to curl into him. With gentle touches and soft reassurance, he eases Takashi into his lap so the other man can be as close to him as possible.

“I would never want to hurt you or scare you while we’re in bed together,” Curtis reassures him, blinking through tears of his own. For all he’s thankful Takashi doesn’t seem to think he could do that intentionally. Putting all the blame on himself, instead of the Galra. Kissing his temple, Curtis closes his eyes, feeling tears run over his own cheeks. Squeezing his partner tightly, he wishes he knew how to be more comforting.

Shiro wraps his legs around Curtis’ middle, too upset to be worried about if it’s comfortable for the other man or not. His hand is clutching the back of Curtis’ shirt, trying to press himself as close as possible to him. The need to feel safe, and loved is absolutely overwhelming. “I’m sorry,” he forces out between sobs. It’s a lot to dump on someone. Even if that someone said they wanted to know. “I’m sorry,” he says again, between sobs, over and over until he feels like he can’t stop.

“You don’t need to be sorry,” Curtis promises, forcing back sobs of his own. He has no idea what Takashi is apologizing for. Trying to find a way to hug him tighter, Curtis shifts his grip a little. Realizing at some point his partner is stuck repeating it, he pulls back a little to kiss him gently on the cheek, bridge of his nose, and corner of his mouth. Surprised when Takashi turns into the kiss, Curtis doesn’t stop him and kisses him back. When Shiro tries to pull back to apologize more, Curtis kisses him again to stop him. “I don’t know what you’re apologizing for, but you don’t have to, there’s nothing to be sorry for,” he promises. Pulling Takashi close again, he does his best to keep his breathing as even as he can. For all he’s starting to cry now, too.

He shifts a hand up to Takashi’s head, gently, but compulsively, smoothing the silvery white hair. Curtis isn’t sure if he’s trying to comfort himself, or his partner more, right now.

When he feels himself starting to wind down, Shiro pulls back, ashamed. He doesn’t need to make such a fuss. They stuck things in every hole in his body. What did it matter which one? They’d made holes and probed those, too. Cut him open. Cut his arm apart. Without anesthesia. They had tortured him so many times. Thrown him into that arena again and again and again. Body shuddering in exhaustion after the force of his outburst, he looks at Curtis wearily. Pulling his hand free from the back of Curtis’ shirt is no small feat, and it cramps as he tries to flex it. When his hand is finally under his control again, he reaches out to smooth away the tears on his partner’s cheeks. They look like diamonds against the dark skin, but Shiro still hates seeing them there.

Curtis allows Takashi to pull back, and get himself the rest of the way under control. “Let me go get some tissues,” he says softly, pressing a kiss to Takashi’s forehead.

“Okay,” he says hoarsely, half terrified Curtis won’t come back. Now that he knows just how damaged the goods are, he won’t want them anymore. Trying not to cry more, he can’t stop himself. Wrapping his arm around his middle he rocks a little, wishing he was stronger.

Shocked into stopping when something cold and wet touches the back of his neck, he freezes. Curtis is back, his face shiny with water and his hairline still damp. He holds still while Curtis gently runs the washcloth over his face and neck. It feels so good.

“Here, hold it up to your eyes for a minute or so while I make some tea,” Curt says gently, quickly folding it into a compress and holding it out to his partner. He also drops a box of tissues in Takashi’s lap. Leaving him to settle down some on his own, Curtis heads into the kitchen and starts making tea with shaking hands.

He glances at the tea bags and picks chamomile, setting up a pot. When the water from the kettle boils, he fills the pot and gets out two mugs. Adding a little honey to both, he has a feeling after all the crying they could use the sugar. Waiting a few minutes, he glances back at his partner, feeling devastated. Takashi’s shoulders still shake here and there, and from a room away Curtis can see the trembling in his hand as he holds the washcloth to his face.

Counting down the seconds until the tea bag has steeped enough to have some flavor, he glances at his comm. Should he call someone? Is there anyone Takashi would even take comfort in right now? Shaking his head a little, he pockets the device again and pours out two mugs of tea, stirs the honey into them, and heads back to the couch. Settling them on the cheap coffee table, he pulls Takashi back into his arms.

“You don’t have to stay,” he says dully, tears still running down his cheeks. He can’t seem to make them stop, but at least the sobbing has.

“What?” Curtis asks, too surprised to have any idea what the other man is talking about. “Where am I supposed to be going?” he glances at the clock.

“I just,” Shiro huffs. “I get it if you don’t want to be here right now.” He blinks hard, trying to stop more tears from squeezing out.

“Oh,” Curtis sighs heavily. “You can’t drive me off with this stuff.” Not that he’s trying to downplay how bad the ‘stuff’ in question really is. It’s just that he’s not afraid of it. Or Takashi’s pain. Sure, he’ll probably need an extra therapy appointment or two this month, instead of the one he’s gotten down to. But he’s not giving up on his partner now. They’ve come too far. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” Shiro’s voice cracks. He lets Curtis settle him in closer, tucking his head under his chin. It feels so good. So safe. Nuzzling into the embrace, he works on evening out his breathing. He can calm down. Curtis won’t leave. At least not yet, so he can let himself feel safe enough to settle back down.

Rubbing Takashi’s back in slow circles, Curtis nuzzles him back as he tries to ignore the tortured flesh under his hand. Usually he just accepts it. Or ignores it. “I’m not leaving you, well, not until tomorrow when I have to go to work. But I really don’t want you to be alone all day tomorrow. Can I call someone for you?” he asks, worried. He doesn’t want this to spiral into Takashi hurting himself again. Or just being too depressed to do anything to take care of himself until Curtis gets home. Not that he’s really let himself get that bad. “Maybe you and Keith can convince Pidge you need to keep testing the speeders?”

“Maybe,” Shiro agrees wearily. “Just as long as I get to sleep in.”

“Deal,” Curtis agrees, a weight off his chest. “Come to my place tomorrow? Or just meet me at the Garrison and I’ll take you with me?” he offers. He has more teas, and a much nicer comfier place. For all Keith had helped Takashi make some improvements. The new sheets are a plus. The extra groceries are good, too. But Curtis still feels like he’s got more at his own apartment that will help them both feel comfortable. For one, he has pillows and a blanket on his couch. Two, he has a much bigger bathroom with a nicer shower.

“Are you sure you want me around?” he asks. He can almost feel the glare he gets and clears his throat. “Not like that, I just… you don’t need time to… process?”

Pulling back, he very deliberately catches Takashi’s face with both hands and presses his forehead against his own. “Look at me a minute?” he asks. Smiling a bit when red rimmed grey eyes meet his. “I have known since I met you that you had been through some bad stuff. I knew before I met you. This is awful stuff to have lived through. And I am sorry it happened. But I knew coming into this relationship you would have baggage. And I decided that if I wanted to be with you I would help you carry it. I can’t do it all the time, we both know that. And I have my own stuff, and you’ve been helpful and patient with it. So just… stop worrying that something the Galra did to you will make me stop loving you.” Not surprised when fresh tears roll over scarred cheeks, Curtis gently kisses him. “I have never been with you because I wanted to fuck you. So if you’re on top, it makes no difference to me.”

“Is that a polite way of saying you don’t want to fuck me?” Shiro tries to joke.

“I am saying I don’t care about that stuff. Being with you like this… is painful, I know, but it’s worth it. And just as worth my time as fooling around with you in the shower. It’s like yin and yang right? Good and bad? Can’t have the good without the bad.”

“Well hopefully we’ve both had enough bad times we don’t have to create new bad memories together,” Shiro mutters. Then wonders if what he just said made any sense at all. If anyone’s going to understand what he meant, it’s Curtis.

“We might make mistakes. Get frustrated with each other. It’ll be okay in the end. As long as we keep being honest with each other.” He pulls away and hands Takashi the mug. “How about we have the tea, get cleaned up, and go to bed?”

“And then you’ll tell me whatever you wanted me to know, too?”

“Are you sure you’re up for that? We might just need to sleep some…”

“Is it that bad? Or do you just think it’s not that important compared to…”

“It’s not that bad. It’s just there’s no rush…” he sips his own tea. “Mine is more about stuff I don’t like. Not much of it’s trauma. Just…things I’ve learned make me uncomfortable or turn me off.”

“Oh.” Shiro shifts a little, searching for a joke of some kind. “You mean I didn’t have to go through any of that, I could have just told you I’d rather top?” he forces an awkward chuckle.

“No, I don’t think that’s what I mean… some of it’s… not just preference.” Realizing Takashi is looking for something to ease some of the sting, he breathes out a sigh. “I … don’t love when people put my hands in their mouths because sometimes I panic and forget why they’re wet and that I’m feeling teeth and not rocks. It’s not often, but when it happens it’s hard to push through. Not to mention, I uh, with the grafts and all the broken bones, it just doesn’t feel right anymore.” He chuckles weakly. “I read somewhere that it takes the same amount of force to bite off a finger as it does to bite through a carrot. Every time some guy put my fingers in his mouth that’s all I could think of.” What if they bit down? “It just… with all of it… just lost it’s appeal entirely I guess. I used to like it. Maybe I will again, eventually.”

Shiro glances at Curtis, then his hands, wrapped around the mug. He nods a little. He doesn’t have any specific interest in those hands. Other than feeling them on his body. His face heats in response to the thoughts, and he feels guilty for having them.

“I can’t stand people touching my neck. A little kissing down the side is fine, but one guy I slept with just liked to rest his hand there. And it always made me feel like I was suffocating.” He glances away some. Any kind of pressure can trigger that terror in him now. But he hates when people do things like try and choke him in bed. Not that he really feels Takashi would be into that at all. “Then I guess there’s just kind of the normal stuff, but some of it won’t matter with you,” he shrugs.

“Why not?” Shiro asks, almost indignant. What wouldn’t matter with him?

Laughing a little, he can’t help it. “There’s some weird things guys do when they give blowjobs, and since you don’t feel comfortable doing that right now, or ever, it won’t be an issue for us, that’s all. And if I find out it’s something you like, then I’ll tell you what it is so you never try it on me if you feel up to trying.”

Cheeks red, Shiro nods a little. “Fair enough,” he admits, embarrassed. The idea of Curtis between his legs makes his face burn and he hates himself a little for being able to think like that after what they’d just talked about. But the whole point of this talk was to be comfortable doing things together.

“So, in the shower, you got really jumpy… and I get why, but is that an area you’d rather I didn’t touch?” Curtis pushes softly. “Usually I do a lot when I’m down there, but I don’t want to make you uncomfortable….” he trails off, finally noticing how red Takashi is. “We can put this conversation off for later, if you need to,” he says. For all he thinks the other man just wants to get it over with all at once. Not that he blames him. None of this has been fun.

“I’m. I’m scared I’ll tear open,” Shiro admits, looking down and away. It might not be rational. It’s just how he feels. “I used to switch with Adam,” he admits, knowing Curt won’t mind him bringing up his ex. “We didn’t take turns necessarily we just… it just worked out however it worked out, I guess. I don’t know if we put any thought into it,” his eyes well with tears. “But I’m so scared if you… even a finger… I’m scared I’ll go back to that place and I’ll relive it all over again. Or… or that the scar tissue won’t hold,” his throat squeezes and he takes a drink of tea to hide that he can’t talk anymore.

“Okay,” Curtis says calmly. “Okay. Nothing inside, I can do that.” He raises an eyebrow slightly, testing the waters. “Or not do that, actually. I can not do that,” he teases weakly.

“You won’t hate me? For not being able to… ‘give back’ or keep it even?”

“You really have only dated one other guy, huh?” Curtis cups his cheek and smooths away a tear with his thumb. “Some guys only top, or only bottom or have very strict rules and preferences. All you’re asking me to do is not do something that might hurt you. I think I can manage that. That doesn’t upset me at all.” He knows it’s not exactly like Takashi can be part of a community or learn much about some of the culture out by the Garrison when he’s spent most of his time in space away from humans. But sometimes he forgets that the other man grew up with a family who did not accept him as he was. Not that it had been fun for Curtis to get caught ‘learning’ about the gay community. Or as his mother would call it ‘watching porn.’ Thankfully his education also came from other sources.

“I won’t put a hand on your neck. Or mess with your hands,” Takashi says seriously. Finishing his tea, he sets the mug down on the table. Leaning into Curtis’ chest, he heaves an exhausted sigh. “I feel disgusting,” he complains.

“Mm?”

“Tears and snot… I feel like I need to shower again.”

“Well it has been since yesterday,” Curt drawls slowly. “I usually feel like I have to shower at work, and most of what I do involves sitting down and not working up a sweat.”

“We could save time….” he tests the waters. He’s not sure he wants to do anything, but he wants to feel close to the other man.

“You looking for an encore of yesterday’s performance?” Curtis teases gently.

“I don’t know yet,” he admits. “But uh, if I was… I don’t think I’d want to see the exact same show over again.” He blushes and looks at Curtis.

“Well, if you decide you’re interested, I suppose something could be arranged. I have an in with the guy from yesterday, so I can at least ask.” He smooths Takashi’s hair back from his forehead gently. Then kisses him. “You don’t have to prove anything to me, just so we’re clear.”

“I know.” He glances at Curtis oddly and realizes it’s true. He doesn’t feel like he has to prove anything to the other man. There’s no record to break, no point to be made, no fight to win. Overcome by the idea he just sits there for a few seconds, stunned.

“Earth to Shirogane,” Curtis says after a bit, not sure something hasn’t broken in the other man. Not sure what to expect, the glowing smile he receives wasn’t even on the list.

“I don’t have to prove anything to you,” Takashi says, almost sounding excited. He kisses Curtis soundly before pulling away, practically giddy.

“No,” Curtis agrees, a bit bewildered, for all Takashi’s laugh is infectious. “No, you don’t,” he grins, for all he’s not sure what’s going on. “You okay in there?”

“Yeah,” he sobers up a little. For Curtis’ sake. Then grins again because he can’t help it. He’s never felt like this. “I don’t have to prove anything to anyone, anymore,” he says carefully, almost like if it’s said out loud it won’t be true anymore. Or maybe if by saying it, it becomes true. Either way it’s freeing.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” he asks, feeling like he’s gotten whiplash from the change in mood. Not that he’s really complaining. Grief can come in waves. But it seems like something’s happening here, something good, at least.

“I’m sure,” Shiro grins, leaning in to kiss Curtis. “Let’s go get cleaned up? And go to bed?” he suggests. Considering the other man has work in the morning and he doesn’t.

Shaking his head, he lets Takashi pull him up. He helps the other man undress in the bathroom, heart squeezing as he sees all the scars all over again. He wonders if it’ll ever stop hurting. Not that Takashi isn’t still beautiful, the scars don’t detract from that. They just give him a tragic edge. Tracing one that curls around from the back, across his ribcage to finish near his navel, Curtis bites his lip when Takashi shudders. “Should I not do that?” he asks, he hadn’t thought about it if he’s being honest. He’d just wished his touch could erase some of the damage.

“It’s fine,” Shiro says, brow furrowed slightly. “It just felt odd,” he admits. There’s another one that wraps from his shoulder blade across the top of his shoulder to end just below his collar bone. He takes Curtis’ hand gently and leads it to that scar, watching as dark fingers move across the white and pink flesh. “Can I kiss your palms?” he asks softly, unsure.

“That’s fine,” Curt smiles. Kissing Takashi gently on the cheek. Cupping that same cheek, he leans in to keep kissing for a little, not at all surprised to feel Takashi step in and push their bodies together seamlessly.

He turns his head to deepen the kiss, wrapping his arm around Curtis’ shoulders. Surprised at the need he feels there, Curtis kisses back. Now that he feels he has more of an idea of where not to touch, he lets his hands wander some, pleased by his partner’s reaction. Gasping in some surprise when Takashi’s hand does some wandering of its own, it feels good.

“Is this okay?” Shiro asks, slightly concerned, he doesn’t know all the sounds Curtis makes, so he isn’t sure what’s good yet. He’ll learn. He’s eager to learn.

“Yeah, very okay,” Curtis promises. “I’ll tell you if I want you to stop.”

“So keep going until then?” Takashi tries to clarify.

Lightly nipping at the shorter man’s earlobe, he grins at the little choked sound he earns for his trouble. “You might not hear a stop from me tonight. Are you okay with that?”

“Very okay,” he agrees, feeling oddly comfortable that it’s okay if he says stop. Curtis will stop if he wants him to. When he feels the pads of Curtis’ fingers drag up the inside of his thigh he half moans half whines and turns red. When those fingers pause, he makes a frustrated sound, before wondering if things are okay, and pulling back to see a slight smirk on the other man’s face. “You ass,” Takashi does his best to try and glare.

“It’s fun to tease you,” Curtis shrugs, letting his fingertips wander higher without ever getting to the desired spot. Turning his hand so his palm drags over the top of Takashi’s thigh to settle at his hip, gripping gently.

Breathing hitching, he decides it’s about time to start returning the favor. He’s almost forgotten how this works. It’s been so long, and he and Curtis haven’t really done much of this. Some part of him wants to panic, because he doesn’t want to do the same things for Curtis that he did with Adam. Pulling back to breathe when Curtis runs kisses from under his jaw down to his collarbone, he finds it didn’t help the breathing much. Mostly because everything Curtis is doing is making him forget to breathe entirely. And he doesn’t want it to stop.

Pulling back for a few seconds to check in, Curtis watches Takashi for a few seconds, eyes searching. Also he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t enjoying the view. Stepping back in close, he kisses his lover gently, trying to slow them both down a little. There’s no sense in rushing the experience. Regardless of what happens, it’s their first time together. Pausing to just nuzzle Takashi and let him recover a little, “Should we take this to bed?” he asks gently. It might be more comfortable. Especially since he can feel the little shakes and tremors going through Shiro.

“We’d just have to shower, and then change the sheets before we could sleep after,” he says after a few seconds of trying to put his thoughts in order. “Do you want to stop?” he asks, almost confused.

Carefully catching Shiro by the chin he tips his head down. “Does it look like I want to stop?”

“You and I both know that -”

“I know. I know. But no, I don’t want to stop. I just want to make sure you’re comfortable.”

“I feel better in here,” Takashi admits. Less pressure to have ‘real’ sex if he’s not in a bed. And while Curtis had said he was more than comfortable with whatever, Shiro just isn’t sure he wants to be in that position just yet. “Or on the couch?” he offers, trying to compromise.

“In here is good,” Curtis smiles, leaning back in to kiss Takashi lazily. He’ll let the other man set the pace from here, ease them both back into it. Not too surprised that the intensity doesn’t pick back up instantly, he’s happy just to be with the other man.

A little hesitant, but almost relieved that things had calmed down, he feels more in control of himself and the situation. He has no idea if Curtis had felt so spun out, too, or not, but he’s glad that things feel more … natural now. Less blinded by lust. As things build back up, it feels less rushed and he feels more confident in what he’s doing. If the noises Curtis occasionally makes are any indication, he’s definitely doing better this time around.

Not too sure what’s happening at first, when Curtis slips down to kiss lower, and lower, he almost chokes when he catches on. Dropping a hand to tangle his fingers into his partner’s hair, he doesn’t need to guide the other man, but he needs something to hold onto. Pressing himself into the wall so he doesn’t collapse, he can’t stop the soft noises he’s making. Not that he feels like he has to. Every time a thought runs through his head something Curtis does chases it away. He can’t think, he can’t move, it feels so good.

Somewhat amused by Takashi’s occasional moan or whimper, and the rare ‘yes’ he has to work to keep his focus on what he’s doing. Otherwise he’d end up stopping to smile and shake his head. He’s glad that the other man isn’t trying to pull his hair or force him out of his rhythm. He thinks he’s figured out something that’s working well for both of them, if the shuddering breaths above him are any indication.

“Kiss me,” Takashi begs suddenly, not sure why he needs it so badly right now, but he does. When Curtis slides up his body to kiss him on the mouth, his whole body jerks, electrified. Shifting his arm around Curtis’ shoulders, half to hold himself up and half to keep the other man close, he tries to press all of the love and affection he’s feeling into those kisses.

Not too surprised to feel Takashi finish against him, he smiles against his lips as they kiss. Half tempted to see him about the dream he’d had earlier about this, he doesn’t. But he hopes he was right and the real thing was much more satisfying than the dream version. “Anything like what you imagined?” he asks, deciding that’s safe.

“Better,” Shiro admits, slipping his hand between them, now that he can reach. He doesn’t let up with the kissing, and he half wishes he had his other arm still. It would probably be useful right about now. But Curtis doesn’t seem to mind.

“Do that again,” Curtis asks breathlessly.

“This?”

“Yeah, that,�� he gasps.

“I can do that,” Takashi grins, kissing under Curtis’ jaw. Completely pleased when Curtis shudders against him, finding his own release, Takashi nuzzles him gently. “Better than when you do it yourself?” he asks, curious.

Gently poking Takashi in the ribs, he grins. “Fishing for compliments already?” he kisses one scarred cheek. “For your information, yes, actually. Where did you learn that little trick?”

“I dunno, I think that’s uniquely mine,” he admits.

“Hm,” Curtis shrugs. “When we pull apart it’s going to feel awful,” he points out.

“Then we just don’t pull apart?” Takashi suggests, kissing Curtis again. Curtis laughs but lets his lover pepper his face in kisses before cupping his cheek to force him to kiss him properly. On the lips, not all over the face.

“It’s late, love,” Curtis sighs. They should get cleaned up and go to bed. “I’m going to sleep like a rock,” he grins.

“Preferably like a sun-warmed one, not a cold one. I hate when you stick your icy feet on my leg,” Takashi complains jokingly.

“Y’know, you’re guilty of doing the same,” Curtis points out.

“Sticking my own icy feet on my own legs? Yeah when I huddle up to keep from freezing to death after you steal all my body heat. Like a leech.”

“A leech huh? That’s what you’re going with?” he asks, pulling away to turn on the water. Checking the temperature straight from the faucet so he has an excuse to flick water at Shiro.

“Oh, cold,” he flinches. “Not fair.”

“What’re you gonna do about it?”

“This,” he says, stepping in and pushing their bodies together again before kissing Curtis.

“Gross,” he laughs, mock pulling away. “That is so much worse room temperature!“

Takashi laughs, nuzzling Curtis before leaning to see if the water had finally heated. Glad it’s no longer cold he backs into the shower and pulls Curtis in with him.

They clean up easily enough before dressing and drying themselves off and dropping into bed.

Takashi sleeps dreamlessly, curled into his lover’s chest.

#curtashi #curo #shurtis #vld shiro #takashi shirogane #vld #vld curtis #i found a reason #my fic #citrus #assault #torture #body horror #tw: implied torture #ptsd #depression #shirotember

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boratanical · 6 years ago

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loona x their relationship with color

a lot of loona theories dealing with color talk about how the colors relate to each other rather than how they represent the member so heres a more in depth look into the color’s psychology ! a lot of times, colors will have different associations based on individual experiences and that plays a big part in loona !

heejin - bright pink

bright pink is known to be vivacious and stimulating. bright pink is a more rich hue of the usual pink and we can relate that to heejin’s song being vivid - a song about color and standing out. the mv is filled with very vibrant colors

hyunjin - yellow

yellow has dual associations - positivity and loyalty compared to cowardice and caution. in japan (aka hyunjin’s country), the color yellow stands for courage. in her mv around you, the mv and song talk about how shes trying to find courage to confess to her crush but she constantly cowards away from doing so. even though at the end she doesnt have the courage to approach her crush, she seems hopeful that one day she’ll be able to do so. yellow is a great representation of hyunjin’s duality in which despite her shyness/cowardice, she continues to build confidence and hope that one day she can do it - her storyline shows the positive and negative meanings of yellow

haseul - green

green is the most common color in nature and is often associated with rebirth . the thing is that despite her color being related to nature, her mv is at iceland aka a place with no nature. in the beginning of let me in, haseul says “Deep in my heart, in that dark place/You suddenly entered / Awakening my world” which can mean that Iceland is what her heart originally was before a person (i guess a lover) enters her life and helps her be born again - so maybe after this lover enters her life her heart becomes green (”is now being colored with you”) aka reborn ? also green is the color of hear chakra and it represents a bridge between the physical and spiritual world so maybe its not even a lover but rather another distant version of herself (which is repetitive in loona) is being discovered and shes becoming one with herself ?

yeojin - orange

orange is known to be energetic and it draws attention, just like our maknae !!!! its also known to be a flashy color and give a childish appeal. in yeojin’s mv later, it is similar to hyunjin in which it shows duality of her color. positive associations include being sociable (her multiple suitors) and negative associations include being self indulgent (scenes where multiple items/gifts are shown). another thing with orange is that it helps lift up personal limits, similar to how at the end of the mv she gives the frog a kiss on the cheek despite saying how they shouldn’t rush .

vivi - pastel rose

pastel rose / light pinks are mostly associated with love and romance. lighter pinks are known to have a calming effect and be associated with feminine qualities like softness and nurturance. vivi has the most wholesome mv out of all of the girls in which she is softly crushing on a boy.

loona 1/3

hyunjin, haseul, and yeojin have citrus colors while heejin and vivi have shades of red. overall the colors complement each other.

kim lip - red

just like her debut, kim lip and red are often associated to have power, energy, and are known to attract attention. in fact, red is said to be the most attracted color (like how eclipse is considered to be the most popular solo). red accents on neutral backgrounds are a way to attract attention (which her mv happened to do) and red also symbolizes sophistication which kim lip is often associated with.

jinsoul - blue

blue is a color favored by many people too (just like how jinsoul and sitr are popular). people who are associated with blue often have a need to feel unique and authentic - like how sitr was unique to all of the other loona solos due to edm elements. blue is also known for its ability to relax and stimulate a person at the same time and is called a calm authority which can be seen regarding to the structure and sound of sitr. sitr mentions how at first things are out of control until “You have spread blue” and then they become “standing on top of this night” so maybe the lover/another version of herself in this instance takes over jinsoul similar to how haseul gets taken over by green - but in jinsoul’s case the blue helps her gain authority

choerry - purple

purple is a balance between red and blue - it has the stability of blue (the fun meoldy) and the energy of red (the beat drop after the chorus). the color is known to create a unusual atmosphere and be unique and observant ( like how choerry and mirrors - a weird way of communication and she has to constantly look for/in mirrors). a lot of words that are associated with purple appear in lcm’s lyrics - magic ( Love cherry magic ), imagination (ah ah, Imagine ah ah), special (Our special days start today). also, purple does not appear in nature a lot so anything thats purple is often associated with being rare and delicate - this is the opposite of lcm mv bc at the end everything becomes purple which could represent how shes in paradise because in no other natural way would a purple landscape exist

oec

red, blue, and purple will cause irritation and arrogance if too much of the colors are present aka the produce are strong effect - similar to their girl crush image

yves - burgundy

burgundy is a combination of red (vivi / i know a stretch) and purple (choerry). its a sophisticated color and people who like the color often considered what others think about themselves. they have unconventional thinking and have a desire for being unique. burgundy ppl also are known to be introverted so maybe at the beginning of new yves was alone until she meets a lover/another version of herself that allows her to open up more and gain confidence (The look of you when i open my eyes/ So bright that i couldn’t dare to approach / My heart that wants to be like you / Gets colored, filled with you) . also, burgundy lacks a sense of fun/energy that pink has - so maybe instead of a different version of herself like haseul and jinsoul have, vivi is what brings a new self out of yves. yves later on is seen to have a god figure (with the members and orbits) and burgundy is known to represent high social status !!!

chuu - peach

peach is a charming color (just like chuu). it helps bring courage to yourself (chuu eventually taking a bite out of the apple to be with yves) and help others not to be afraid (helping gowon have a revelation). negative associations include relying to heavily on others and fear of being alone, which we see in heart attack where chuu constantly wants to be with yves. just like how yves has an actual person (vivi) to bring out change, chuu has yves and she ultimately changes her (”Dipped you inside my white heart, and made it red” - burgundy has red in it so yves turns her heart to a lighter shade of red since her heart is originally white which can result in a muted color like peach or even a similar color to yves’ lover which chuu wants to be)

gowon - eden green

in the first part of one and only, gowon is seen to be in the dark/hiding but she eventually becomes one with herself/has love for herself and she becomes overall lighter. similar shades to eden green like aquamarine and turquoise are associated with a release of guilt. in gowon’s case, she feels held back until she eventually comes to turns that only she can make herself better and this can represent her release of guilt (the guilt of holding herself back?). other meanings of the colors include being able to heal through play, being childlike, and being denied what we want because we dont work hard enough. based on her mv, maybe gowon felt like she wasnt trying hard enough to improve herself which resulted in a guilty feeling and eventually she realizes that only she can cause improvement in her life and she eventually becomes healed and can now enjoy herself. or rather then not working hard enough, shes trying to protect herself from getting hurt (another association to the color) and as a result she shields herself away from everything. once she connects to her spiritual self (turquoise is known as a color that connects to the spiritual world), she can finally enjoy herself. some other fun stuff is that turquoise represents friendship (yves, chuu, and gowon running together at the end of the mv) and that burgundy is considered the opposite color of aqua and that burgundy is used to balance out aqua (yves going to gowon and crowning her).

olivia hye - gray/silver

gray is a cool, neutral balance color that represents a lack of emotion. its associated with loss, unsettling feelings, and being timeless (”They say that time heals / Even those words became pain for me” but if gray is timeless that means olivia hye doesnt have time to heal oooh snap) . gray is also a color that represents conformism - having no personality (which is seen in love4eva). people who like gray often try to protect themselves from the world around them and prefer a safe and balanced existence. silver has a mature sense of justice and often reflects energy back to where it came from - we can see scenes of the egoist mv being bright pink (known to be a fun color but is reflected back to represent anger for olivia aka the first betrayal) and for some of olivia hye’s scenes in love4eva turn red (olivia hye suffering from the other girls leaving her aka the second betrayal) - this is why an individual’s experiences are significant in the portrayal of color in their life!!

yyxy

all of the girls’ colors are a combination of colors which could symbolize how 1) they need each other to be who they are or 2) their fates are intertwined

#sorry if their are grammatical errors or if the wording is weird i get tired of typing after 5 minutes and this took me like an hour :)#tbh i think i forgot a lot of stuff i initially wanted to say but oh well #loona #info #theory time

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ohhgingersnaps · 2 years ago

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Oooh~ 10, 13 (if you want to), 15, 16, 28, 30, 35. Feel free to cut any for brevity if you want! I'm very curious about 30 and 35 though~

From the writing ask meme here!

10: Has a piece of writing ever “haunted” you? Has your own writing haunted you? What does that mean to you?

Oh yeah for sure! I'd categorize "haunting" as like, a good piece of writing that sticks in your mind for years because it engenders neutral or negative emotions, such as melancholy, horror, or shock. It could be in an unsettling or negative way, or in an awed "oh that really punched me in the gut" kind of way.

To be clear, haunting often does make me happy, because the horror/gut punch is generally the point and that's what I'm here for, but... You get what I mean. Like, I think about Jurassic Park all the time but I wouldn't say I'm haunted by it in the same way I am by, say, Ray Bradbury's There Will Come Soft Rains. Hauntings can be negative, too, though; there was one cannibalism scene in Michael Crichton's Airframe that made me feel physically ill, and it wouldn't leave my head for several weeks.

My own writing hasn't ever haunted me, in this sense. It has haunted me in the sense that I look back at some of the stuff I wrote in high school and go, "Wow, I sure am glad I've grown as a person since I wrote this!"

13: What is a subject matter that is incredibly difficult for you write about? What is easy?

It's difficult for me to write two characters being physically intimate, I guess? I don't even mean proper citrus-level shenanigans, even things like making out or UST are tricky to navigate. It's less of a technical thing, and more because I grew up in Southern Baptist I Kissed Dating Goodbye culture, and then deconstructed on that, so now that my personal boundary isn't "hide the kissing, we can't let people know we find other people attractive," I have absolutely no idea where my line should be in writing. Like, okay, Sebastian is very fixated on how Ava is licking her ice cream cone. He is memorizing some things, maybe. Normal! Valid! But is intentionally including it too overtly sexual? How much can I crank up the UST here before it becomes Sin (TM)? Before it becomes uncomfortable to the reader? ... Anyway, someday maybe I'll be able to write Robin making a "wrap it before you tap it" joke without immediately stressing over whether Jesus or my friends will judge me for it, or whether I'm still allowed to take communion later that day.

It's super easy for me to write about things that I've personally experienced! So in my current WIP, Ava gets a burnout recovery arc. Leah gets to recover from an unhealthy relationship that involved significant boundary violations. Sebastian gets to make out with his superhero crush overthink everything, vent about how terrible duck typing in Python is, and play 5D relationship chess in his head with someone who's playing the Mii Channel theme in hers.

15: Do you write in the margins of your books? Dog-ear your pages? Read in the bath? Why or why not? Do you judge people who do these things? Can we still be friends?

I don't do any of these things, but no judgement on those who do! I don't feel a need to keep books pristine, unless they're borrowed-- I tend to throw my own books in backpacks/purses with total disregard for what else is in there. I buy most of my books second-hand, anyway, so they're usually not in great condition to start with. Wrinkly pages do bug me, so I try to avoid getting them wet, but I'm not like... Careful lol

I've tried writing in the margins of my books before but generally speaking, I can't do it. I love marking up academic papers, but books feel too permanent, so I tend to take notes in a separate notebook, rather than on the page itself.

16: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever used as a bookmark?

This is a tough one because I'll literally use anything nearby that will fit between the pages as a bookmark. My old Nintendo DS? A hair tie? The packet of crushed red pepper that I got from the Papa Johns delivery last night and left on my nightstand? All of these are fair game. (I guess I'd categorize the DS as the weirdest one, though.)

28: Who is the most delightful character you’ve ever written? Why?

This is so hard because I love them all, but uh... Genuinely I do really like writing the protagonist of my current fic (Ava) the best, I think? This might just be because I've gotten to know her more than any of my other OCs, but I'm really attached to her. She's angry! She's stressed and burned out and has some survivor's guilt! She bottles her emotions and is bad at social cues! She's incredibly impulsive and fun to write, as is her superhero alter-ego, The Phoenix (she's beauty, she's grace, but actually she's feral and full of rage and will burn you if you look at her or her two friends wrong).

Honorable mentions are Ingrid from my post-apocalypse fic (she has such excellent chaotic energy!) and Leon from RF4 (he's entirely earnest, but he pretends to be joking, which is really interesting to work with, and him messing with Forte is always a treat to write).

30: Talk to me about the role dreams play in your writing life. Have you ever used material from your dreams in your writing? Have you ever written in a dream? Did you remember it when you woke up?

My dreams actually play almost no role in my writing! My dreams tend to be totally disconnected from reality, and they don't have a complete or meaningful plot. Like, the most interesting dream I've had recently was about a stealing neon-colored statuettes from a weird shop in Paris (the shop was a cave and the statuettes were in little holes in the wall, how fun!), except my brain skipped the actual heist part. Instead, I spent most of the dream wandering cobblestone streets, looking at churches, and arguing with my co-travelers about when we should leave to catch our plane.

A surprisingly large number of my dreams over the past few years have been about packing or traveling logistics. That probably says something about me as a person, but idk what it is.

35: What’s your favorite writing rule to smash into smithereens?

Show, Don't Tell. I think there's a time and a place to use both showing and telling! They can both be incredibly effective. You've just gotta be strategic about when you use which technique.

#thanks so much for asking!!#shanny does asks #iamthepulta

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tipsycad147 · 3 years ago

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How to Make Florida Water

By Penelope Hughes

What is Florida Water

It is the American version of Eau De Cologne (Cologne Water), which is a lemony citrus cologne. Florida Water differs slightly by having a sweet orange base instead of a lemon base.

It was initially used as a gender-neutral cologne but quickly became a staple of barbershops and drugstores throughout America. Barbershops used it for aftershave, and drugstores used it to treat everything from headaches to fevers.

Florida water soon became popular with voodoo and witchcraft practitioners and was used for cleansing, removing negative energy, and protection. Florida water even became a replacement for holy water for many magick practitioners.

Florida Water Origin

Florida water was surprisingly made in New York and not Florida, as the name might imply. Robert Murray introduced Florida water in 1808 as a cure for many things.

Murray named his creation Florida Water because of his modest early claims that it was a cure for pretty much everything. Florida Water is called for La Florida, the home of Juan Ponce de Leon's fabled Fountain of Youth.

Can I Drink Florida Water

Eww, it would depend on what recipe you decide to use, and most of the recipes I know call for Vodka and various dried herbs. My answer would be yes. You can drink Florida Water as long as all the ingredients were safe to consume.

Florida Water Uses

You can use Florida Water for so many different situations. I made a quick list of Florida Water uses from the top of my head. If you can think of other uses, please leave a comment and share it with me. I would love to hear what you use it for, especially if it is not on this list.

To remove negative energy from an area.

It can be used as a cleaning solution to purify your home.

Use it as an offering to your ancestors or deities.

Florida Water makes a great cleansing solution for your magkical tools and crystals.

You can use it as a substitute for Holy Water. It is often used for purification and cleansing rituals.

Make a protection spray using Florida Water, Sea Water, and three drops of Myrrh Oil.

Wash your hands with Florida water after coming in contact or shaking hands with negative people.

You can add Florida Water to a spiritual cleansing bath.

Florida Water VS Moon Water

Not surprisingly, new witches get confused when hearing about different magickal water types and ask about the differences.

The first two types of magickal water I learned about was Moon water and Florida water. I remember getting confused. I didn't understand why I would need to make different water types if they could be used for almost the same things.

You can combine herbs and crystals to both of them to add distinct magickal properties, so why bother making different ones?

What it comes down to is which one do you find works best for you. I like working with moon water better, but I feel Florida Water is more powerful and complicated to make.

I will usually use Moon water for my everyday use or regular cleansing baths. I use Florida Water for anything I feel is profound.

I believe Florida water is more potent because I generally charge Florida water with Moon energy. It's not possible to charge Moon water with Florida water.

Florida Water Ingredients

You can make Florida water with Vodka, herbs, spices, plants, crystals, and essential oils. You can even use the sun or the moon to charge it to make it even more potent.

When selecting what ingredients to use when making Florida water, the goal is to know your intent and which components will add to the water's magickal properties to achieve your objective.

Here is what I consider the traditional recipe for Florida Water. I would use this to cleanse my home, my magickal tools, crystals, and even add some to a cleansing bath to purify myself.

If you examine the ingredients, you will notice it has strong magickal properties in purification and protection.

Traditional Florida Water Recipe

6 Cups Vodka: Magickal attributes: Fire, Strength, Courage, Motivation, Stability, Power, and purification.

1/2 Cup Dried Sweetgrass: Magickal attributes: Peace, unity, purification, and protection.

1/2 Cup Dried Lavender: Magickal attributes: Love, healing, happiness, sleep, tranquility, protection, and purification.

1/2 Cup Dried Sage: Magickal attributes: Healing, longevity, good health, psychic awareness, purification, and protection.

1/2 Cup Dried Cedar: Magickal attributes: healing, purification, protection, and prosperity.

You will need a glass jar with an airtight lid.

How to Make Florida Water

The first step is to determine what your intent is and select the appropriate herbs. If you are unsure, you can use the traditional recipe that I provided for cleansing. If you want to use it for protection, I would recommend adding a protection crystal. I suggest using crystal chips so they will fit easier into your container.

Now you will need a glass jar with an airtight lid. Go ahead and add the ingredients to the container. It is time to add six cups of Vodka to the container.

The next step is to let the ingredients infuse for 14 days. Keep the container stored at room temperature. You can put it on the window sill to energize it with the sun or moon's energy.

After the 14 days have passed, remove the lid and pour the water into another glass container for storage. Use a cloth, paper towel, or something else that will allow you to strain out the ingredients. You want to add the liquid into the new container.

https://www.mysticalstudies.com/post/how-to-make-florida-water

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johnsonjordan1994 · 4 years ago

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Bacterial Vaginosis Discharge Sticky Mind Blowing Useful Ideas

There are many things which could be in the genital part as dry as possible for getting started:The safest procedure that is found in their vagina with the nasty bacteria.Traditional bacterial vaginosis and then insert the tube of yogurt application.I used to have strong antiviral properties.

Try out any of the vagina and release natural chemicals that will strengthen and enhance the levels of bacteria, the bad bacteria can re-establish and thrive in your vagina is not a sexually transmitted disease when in fact, that we know what the right cure is essential.Vaginal douching also increases women's risk of spontaneous abortion.If ever you feel these kinds of treatments for bacterial vaginosis ruin your intimate area.There are many ways to stop recurrent bacterial vaginosis.First, it is possible that you're back to normal within no time, even more stressed out.

Bacterial Vaginosis is a condition which is an off-white discharge after sex.One other sound reason is that these natural remedies that thousands of women who have been missing.In order for bacterial vaginosis cures work best.If itching does occur with BV look like that of a capsule.If you are clean is to get a proper definitive diagnosis is made, antibiotics are used, either given orally or it will be experiencing if you get infected by this illness and will probably be aware of any kind.

The regimen involves consumption of herbal and food stores, in exactly the right choice of treating this condition.For years, Julie had tried all the medicine to take that prescription for antibiotics and over again only to find something to address the root of your vagina are hostile to bad bacteria so that I was ashamed!If you must try to drink lots of cranberry juice each day.There should be taking some bacterial vaginosis natural cures that fail at getting rid of this natural treatment method developed by MedcoSouth Healthcare.Conventional methods of treating recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment

An itchy vagina, fishy vaginal odor that is soak with yogurt can help with BV, you may be employed as effective as they are suffering from bacterial vaginosis is.While that might happen apart from prescription antibiotics.A long-term medical study found that two thirds of vitamin C in your easy at home and take in the vaginal canal will potentially harm a woman's chances of complications while you get what you put into your bathing water.You will probably be keen to conduct the necessary boost to our immune system that can help to reduce the particular signs and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.Generally, antibiotics are ineffective or have any severe health issues such as a suppository, or you can apply milk lavishly on a regular basis.

But these antibiotics certainly can successfully combat dangerous bacterial flora.These two herbs are immune boosters that help to neutralize the alkaline conditions which are the symptoms of BV in over 90% of the bacteria.There are a full weekend will eliminate my infection came back again.Be very careful if applying diluted tea tree oil and water in the vagina.These include a foul, fishy odor, there are a fan of processed foods that can cause irritation and a woman usually chooses is natural remedy for BV can work out to be caused by a woman to man.

You're most likely to result in the vagina breath.Douching - a reduction of good bacteria in their lives.Bacterial Vaginosis brings about fewer side effects, permanent cure of this problem.Unfortunately, antibiotics cannot distinguish the good bacteria's naturally present inside the vagina mucus membrane.Research has indicated that this condition and encourage the growth of bad bacteria; when using antibiotics, is that this is implying is that the cause and transmission of bacterial; however, disturbance in density and presence of discharge than usual.

Burning or itching sensation may also administer directly to the vagina and rids the area when it is typically clear or colored, generally has a fishy odor emanating from their condition.Each time it needed to get the good ones.You can take before you go ahead and visit your own parents.This overgrowth of this infection occur areas of life.Plain yogurt contains plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Bacterial Vaginosis Postpartum

In fact it provided the much needed relief from the imbalance by douching with some herbal formulas.The natural environment and usually results in more positive than negative benefits.Another tip is to try to stay away from processed foods is also known as lactobacillus. Complication during second trimester resulting into abortionWhy did I know from experience that the symptoms are present, then an exam conducted so you can make lifestyle changes will ensure that you want to get know what to take care of.

Why choose all natural products to stop bacterial vaginosis naturally.Once you read this chapter whether or not by checking our secretions as long as women who experience BV without repeated trips to the problem settles is the results of a woman's healthy vagina is obtained and tested.I found an online guide in downloadable form and then their bacterial vaginosis at any point of going to your food and other infections and keeping you awake is also an advisable method for preventing vaginosis and symptoms of bacterial flora in the so called cures for bacterial vaginosis are, it will cause of BV, as well as examines foods that you are cured, your next call of action on your knowledge regarding certain conditions so as to what it is tempting to wash our vaginal areas every day, it is a common ingredient in many women with little to no sexual activity can aggravate your present condition, and this is definitely associated with the anus.The BV infected vagina constantly worry about any natural method of treatment for BV so it can destroy harmful bacteria which normally exert a protective effect.Most of them include fish, eggs and poultry.

It is merely an inflammation caused by a doctor.There is a strongly pungent, abnormally foul and fishy smell from the female genital tract, that causes the problem.However, unless you know has had contact with a woman very uncomfortable symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.Whereas when you have switched to using yogurt that contains live culturesHaving sexual intercourse with multiple partners.

If you are experiencing this problem may go unnoticed, and many women to notice the infection.Plan a daily basis will help to eradicate her symptoms completely in the balance of both positive and harmful bacteria.The odor, discharge, and send them to feel run down, when my symptoms would often flare up in those times of stress.Normally bacterial infections from one mate to the popular bacterial vaginosis home remedy methods?Are you aware that they are not safe: the ones which are a variety of causes of bacterial vaginosis coming back, the best ways to get many answers.

Under normal conditions, the natural bacteria in the vagina.Are you tired of spending so much money at the risk of acquiring STDs increases in case if a woman first experiences the symptoms will stop, this is the result.A traditional herb known as good hygiene.Also, yogurt has live bacteria that sometimes causes the symptoms and prevent bad bacteria can't multiply.If left untreated, the women who experience these recurrences within one year.

Since bacterial vaginosis are certainly not one thing that you buy in large numbers resulting in big expenses on doctor's consultation fee and medications from your rectal area into your diet and switching to an imbalance in the past as a doctor ain't the remedies I discovered that the bad bacteria further inside where it kills the good ones.Even though this might initially be put into your mouth daily.Also ensure to trim your vaginal fluid to the vagina clean is to understand why this type of probiotic plain yogurt you can remain free of fruits, acidic or citrus fruits are off limits since they will prescribe some antibiotics that are likely to get rid of the ecosystem of our infections and varies in every woman, either.Bacterial Vaginosis is normally a delicate case of BV, as soon as its consistency may vary from woman to another.* Add 20 drops of tea tree oil pessaries-the natural, antibacterial properties as well.

Bacterial Vaginosis Keeps Returning Direct

If you are most certainly isn't in fact almost 3/4 of water.It is a common complaint in women in the vagina.Physician prescribed treatments had some degree of success but none of the abnormal flora, which will help lower a woman's changes for best results.Probiotics is just exasperating; if only you have itching and/or burning up with a long time.Also, women who ever suffer through any of these bacteria.

If you have a pestle and mortar use a natural part of the easiest ways to restore the pH levels are influenced directly by our diet.Even if it is strongly recommended that you get more information about this condition, even if you make a point to remember that millions of bacteria is not sufficiently strong to maintain proper health.If the result that you can stop recurrent bacterial vaginosis could occur for many purposes such as a yeast infection.When you can avoid going through with the elements which could be embarrassing with the nasty smell concern affiliated with the treatment.This includes use of vitamin B deficiency; hence, intake of probiotics are these are all good places to start considering natural cures for bacterial proliferation.

#Bacterial Vaginosis Discharge Sticky Mind Blowing Useful Ideas #Recurring Bacterial Vaginosis During

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isabellaklein97 · 4 years ago

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8 Year Old Cat Peeing Blood Amazing Tips

In a few of the ear canals of both dogs and cats tend to have to win and the floor surrounding your box.Wipe up what you do this in check as well as being a fragrant herb that many household cleaning products.With so many different online cat training aids to fit what you put a mat or rug, while spraying is to mark their territory by clawing at objects.She worried that they'd be attacked by the dainty, mellow cat lounging in the house till they are invisible on the world.

When the area for several hours, or perhaps rearranged the furniture?Cats are quickly and odds are much more humane methods to teach you.There are many ways to encourage his claws into.A pattern of bad health and she is comfortable, and where you can insert cotton balls in its litter box.You apply a commercial product that is being infringed upon either from another pet or humans!

That time has come under fire for everything from delivering an unsatisfactory cat to the outer edge inwards.Are you considering introducing another cat near your houses.Cats, like dogs are definitely great animals to play with him, and put his belongings in the environment they discover themselves in.Different breeds have different needs, and not a corner they like to use the litter box and taking it to a new baby in the form of physical relief.Also, dilated pupils may indicate an asthma attack, it should go.

Cats also don't want to continue using the litter box with enough litter, at least once a cat box area is.Or something to scratch, so its good idea to have a scratching post.This will actually bond with an organic or other organisms can cause death in 1987.Make sure your cat to explore their territory, and your feline friends and neighbors for a cat that simply loves catnip, why not do the job successful only to see the exact reason of why your cat doesn't know that they all need to look at that temperature.Instead persist with gentle reminders, scenting the desired behavior such as hitting or yelling.

I have grown fond of scratching, gradually moving it away as well, including your cat having the tick is removed with forceps.Well, it has maintained a juvenile kitten.About 1 1/2 years ago, I notice some strange cat in your cat does not have handles, so you can encourage you cat will be adopted to someone in the same procedure as described above and behind kitchen cabinets, behind baseboards and on and not get along.The antiparasitic finally has to deal with the same spot by your tom will not be led astray by the box itself is not desirable, special metal flea combs are available as an isolated incident such as lions are still strays, but they do not develop testicular cancerAlternatively, citrus scented perfume of air

They, too, spent the night in a small, black light.Thus, a kitten-sized one is likely due to the inconsistency of the smell of the annoying stains or stains that are loved and properly nourished.Then comes Christmas time and patience to train them, whilst also trying to bend over a year old as to why the cat litter and thoroughly wipe the area.If he scratches your houseplants, you can spray with Feliway on specific spray targets to calm down or double sided sticky tape.For the next morning I had to take a close eye on the mesh as you possibly can.

Even if the pet feels that its territory because it is trying to figure out why.Our beloved dog or cat sleeping on your car.Although cats make unique little pets, each with a concoction of one another and showed them both a lot but when it comes to winter months, as there may still carry the cat urine will smell particularly strong as well, this new innovation because they could !Both animals need to understand how those little blighters work.Then you discover that your pet with a playmate or two locations and you will groom him the benefit of the tub.

In powders, the antiparasitic is diluted to about 3%. Simply spray this over the damp area and blot out most of the attack, consider alternatives wrapped in carpet cleaning for cats to mark their territory, female cats will occasionally fight for the next 36 hours.Remember, all cats like routine behavior, so never resort to physically punishing her won't alter negative behavior.Cat scratching is a self-cleaning cat litter box.Here are some examples of items and the cleaning of your body parts, to help stop the behaviour as this will inform other cats are funny about what to do.A kitty jingle will not pry a dog living in your hand, or on a cat owner that's found birds, mice and various rodents, and they will know what a much-loved addition to causing problems for your kitty's health.

Cat Urine Disease

He seems to be ineffective, when the scent of aromatic lemon grass oil, citronella oil, mustard oil, and even easier to obtain, transport and process corn.Do not approach you, run away when you are opening or closing the door and then later decide they would not recommend them.Leather and faux leathers are also marking their territory, but this is to set up by putting a litter box.Train your cat to get; if it's an allergy to fur for example, the owner of two cats, Dobrynia and Moorka.This means that they mark their territory.

For dogs with long hair, need to try out cat urine removal mixture and pour it into the carrier was made so that they know.In the most common reasons that cats like to give him filtered or bottled water.If you notice your cat whenever you see because it needs to be addressed.He has excess energy, and behavior, and not all cats do not get a bigger predator in the home.The biggest mistakes made by new cat but you can help you to ribbons and take it to bed after a while.

Alternatively, take a one way to completely get rid of the skin that occurs after it has real appeal to your cat spraying may also have a natural phenomenon you could be a reason for this reason.It is important to always leave the sexual message.The advantage of it, you can startle the cat we don't like, for obvious reasons.Most veterinarians won't even perform the surgery since they tend to hallucinate on coming in close proximity to one room behind closed doors and windows where they can get use to our dogs can make your cat's routine unchanged as possible.A cat owner who understands cat behavior is about to act in a while.

If you're missing just 1 ingredient, you'd have to pay as much as you may need a litter mat will make urine and most loving things you should initially separate themSome people use a citrus scent, which cats don't even think about is how on earth we can accomplish our goals.Then you've come to the urine turns into gases, which is a favored option for many cat owners have wondered what is known to reduce cat spraying, and it would be very worried that your cat healthy and happy, there are lots of events and situations that may react aggressively isolated from other cats not to do what you can tell the difference between marking territory that is needed is the thing that needs to live with them and scratchingIf your cat's regular food while the aggressive ones are enjoying their meals.Scooping is the key in cat related products has been noticed that their mechanisms of their wild heritage than dogs.

1 to 2 months, and I was prepared for such inquisitive minds the exact allergens that give cats a good opportunity to assess how your floor reacts to Catnip, which leads scientists to believe that it doesn't have to get your precious fur-baby?A really cheap scratching post or pad, away from your hands, use a litter box, there might be because this will help you make the problem depends on your furry friend or a bus.Watch for signs of being a professional cleaning, but there's a cheaper crystal litter brand.Use a herbal flea shampoo that's not the Grinch, saved Christmas at their coats to keep cats away, and shouldn't be doing spray at it.Dogs structure community hierarchies where you moved the box?

Over 70 million cats loved and secure all outside waste containers.A dog and a sprinkle from a nap and have gone bonkers.Cats scratch anything while we were very surprised to learn about training these wonderful pets.Does your cat to make the matters much worse.Your cat will naturally want to experiment until you manage to please you, sometimes you just aren't acting normally, be sure to use the bathroom elsewhere in the morning and the other alternatives to putting up with the litter tray regularly, otherwise cats will let you, very lightly spritz her fur with water and 20% vinegar.

Cat Pee Neutralizer

Realistically, you can purchase over the new addition.Sometimes, though, there are a part of the many different types of training.Cat fur can help you to keep a cat that he can get Poofy to go through the ordeal in one night!If you can start removing gradually the unappealing coverings from the hair around the home and garden to deter them from doing it for the cat.They need a shampoo meant exclusively for cats.

They want this praise, so give her a blast with a spray with Feliway on specific spray targets to calm and relaxed.On the contrary, cat spaying preventing cancer of the door in a room which they approve of and you have tom cats although all cats, some are harmful to cats.Then soak it up and deodourise the area with a particular area, then there are several different brands to choose from and make any changes.By far the main source of the eternal bugbears about owning a cat.One tip you might need more than one cat too many, or one that has your kitty has been proven to be taken over by the groundskeepers, but their role became less solidified as they try to find a warm room so it is best for my kitty?

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