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randomrosewrites · 3 years ago

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Bittersweet Dreams

Every night, your mind is plagued with visions of an old Liyue. She blesses your nights, like a guardian angel, but you never remember her face or name when the sun rises again.

Pairing: Ganyu X GN reader Words: ~5K Warnings/ tags: Memory loss, reincarnation, blood and injury, death, fluff and angst, happy ending, implied sexual content a/n: I never thought much of Ganyu, until I dreamt of her one night (which unspiringly inspired this fic) and now I'm hooked. Patiently awaiting her rerun.

She comes to you in a dream.

You can tell it’s her from the feeling of it. Warm. Comfortable. It loosens your muscles (if you even have muscles in dreams) and puts your mind at ease. It makes you sleepy, wanting to lie down on the soft hills of grass under the shade of a tree to take a nap.

You don’t know exactly where ‘this’ is, whether or not it’s in the fields of your home, Liyue, or some other place. It looks like Liyue, with the craggy mountains behind you, and the bubbling stream running down the hill. But it feels different.

Then, you see her.

You don’t know what – or who – she is exactly, because you can never get a clear view of her. Everything blurs around her body. But you know she’s there, know she’s waiting for you. Sitting in a pocket of empty grass, sounded by glaze lilies, feet tucked underneath her as she naps.

She starts when you approach, uncurling herself to sit up properly. She smiles. She says your name – at least you think it’s your name, it feels like your name – and pats the spot beside her.

You wade through the flowers and sit down, so close to her that your legs are touching. It’s rather close even for friends, but with her, it feels right. How it should be.

She never talks much. For a dream or a vision, she never has much to say. Only whispering in a soft voice about how pretty the flowers are, or how beautiful the day is. The silence is good. A brief period of peace.

(Peace from what? You always wonder when you wake, but no matter how many times you re-enter the dream, you always forget to ask.)

This dream always ends in the same way.

“You should get some rest,” she says.

“What about you?” you always respond, the words feel foreign in your mouth – like they’re not yours.

She shakes her head. “I’ll be alright. Rest, and have peaceful dreams.”

You rest your head in her lap, as you’ve done a thousand times before. Her hand cradles your head, brushing through your hair lovingly.

“Who are you?” “Why are you doing this?” “What is this?” – You always want to ask, but no matter what you try, the words never come out, tongue glued to the roof of your mouth.

Just like every time, your eyes grow heavy, your body grows weak, and you close your eyes, falling asleep once more.

…

When you wake, you’re never in the flowery fields anymore, but in bed staring at the ceiling. The hum of noise vibrates through the wall, employees at the Inn already getting up to do their daily tasks.

You sigh and rub your eyes, rolling around for another ten minutes before finally getting up.

By the time you dress and leave your room, you’ve forgotten all about the dream.

---

“Good morning, Mrs. Goldet,” you great sleepily, rubbing your eyes.

Verr Goldet looks up from the counter and nods. “Good morning, sleep well?”

You give the cat laying on the counter a few scratches. “As good as always. I had a nice dream.”

She blinks slowly. “What did you dream of?”

You turn away, heading out of the doorway to start your chores. “Her. As always.”

As you disappear, Verr Goldet’s brows furrow and she frowns. It dissolves the second a customer walks into the lobby, ready to check in.

---

You’ve been working and living at the Wangshu Inn for a while now. Free room and food for helping out every day, with Sundays off. It’s a good deal.

You do odd tasks around the Inn, helping out in the kitchen, moping the floors whenever travelers track in mud from the marsh – things like that.

Days are spent polishing the balconies, evenings are spent wiping down dinner tables, and you when the moon is high in the sky, you sleep.

And dream.

---

There are many people in the crowd, packed tight together under the hot midday sun. Guili plains is alive in celebration. Booths are set up on either side of the streets, the smell of delicious food wafts through the air, and colorful decorations hang everywhere. You push through them, scanning the sea of heads for a particular person. She’s not hard to miss, but everywhere you turn, she evades your sight. Anxiety begins to bubble in your stomach – the speech will start soon, and you want to be with her when it begins.

A cold hand falls on your shoulder. Turning around, you sigh with relief.

“There you are,” you yell over the noise of the crowd. “I thought I’d lost you.”

She smiles, showing off fresh Qingxin flowers in her hand. “Sorry, I was distracted by a stall. Would you like some?”

You take her free hand and kiss it. A red blush forms on the apples of her cheeks. “They’re all yours.”

Hand in hand, the two of you make your way towards an elaborate stage, raised high above the people, crafted out of rock and decorated with gold. Many people are gathered around, waiting patiently, holding umbrellas to protect from the sun or fanning themselves off with whatever they have. The two of you take your seats just as the theatrics begin.

There’s a cry, and a point of fingers as the audiences’ attention is turned towards the sky. Hailing in rays of light are two of the Adeptus, taking the form of cranes. One of them a gold and orange, the other blue and white.

Cloud Retainer, you’ve heard (?????) call her Adeptus.

They land on stage and spread their wings out in a flourish.

“People of Guili,” Cloud Retainer begins. Her voice ringing out like a crystal bell. “On behalf of all the Adepti we would like to welcome you here.”

“We hope you have all enjoyed the festivities,” the gold and orange bird speaks next. “Today’s celebration marks not only the anniversary of the creation of Guili, but to also pay homage to the warriors that have fought and are still fighting in the ongoing war. Because of the date’s significance, the Lord of Geo and Lady of Dust have decided to bless all of use with their presence.”

The two birds spread their wings once more. Cloud Retainer raises her head high in the air. “People of Guili, I now present to you, the Lord of Geo – Morax and the Lady of Dust – Guizhong.”

At the mention of their Gods, the people break into a round of applause, this only increases when a man and woman appear onstage, and everyone rises to show their respects. They’re both dressed beautifully, in fine silk-robes, adorned with smears of make-up around their eyes. Your goddess looks divine, accepting the praise with a warm smile. Morax, on the other hand, gazes out towards the crowd, sharp gold eyes piercing anything in his sight.

Morax – though you have nothing but respect for him – has always been a bit enigmatic to you. You can’t imagine what your Goddess sees in him. But their companionship has what lead you to become acquainted with her, so you’re not complaining.

Morax steps forth on stage, raising a hand. The crowd goes silent instantly.

“Thank you for the warm welcome,” Morax’s voice is rich and calm. Beside you, your companion is sitting at full attention, gnawing on her bottom lip in anxiety. She startles as you place a hand over hers. She smiles thankfully, some of the tension leaving her, before returning her full attention to the couple on stage.

“This land has seen many years of fighting,” your Lord’s words are wispy yet firm, just like dust being blown through the wind. “Many, many people have suffered at the bloody hands of war. Such heinous acts stain the land red, spreading sorrow on every inch of the earth.”

She gathers a breath, and when she speaks again, her voice is strong, that of a warrior who has fought in battle. “But not here. Guili will be – is – a place where there is respite. It’s the beginning of the future, a future where the monsters of today are nothing but a kids-bedtime story in the future.”

Guizhong touches her chest with one hand, the other extending out towards the crowd. “I make this vow to you now – my precious people – we will fight to protect the lives of each and every one of you. I promise you security, prosperity, and peace. One day, the bloodshed will end, and I promise you, when that time comes, when the dust has finally settled, we will lead you into the new age of Liyue. To this, I swear on the very ground I walk upon.”

There is nothing but pride, joy, and determination emanating from the crowd, applauding the Lady’s finest speech. Even Morax is smiling at her, the small corner of his mouth quirking upwards.

Cool fingers squeeze yours. Looking over, there are tears in your friend’s eyes. She blinks them away, the wind tousling her blue hair.

She’s beautiful. Your heart squeezes painfully as you fight the urge to lean over and kiss her.

You squeeze her hand back, letting all of your hopes, feelings, and things unsaid pool between the two of you.

---

There is an Adeptus at the Wangshu Inn.

You know little of the Adepti, but seeing the boy (being?) in front of you, there’s no doubt in your mind that he is one.

His sharp eyes slide over to meet yours, run up and down your person, before returning to your face, then back to staring at the marsh.

“Sir Xiao?” you ask. “I’ve brought you dinner.”

Xiao doesn’t say anything, he doesn’t even acknowledge your presence. You were warned he would be like this - bitterly stubborn and unresponsive.

You settle the plate down by your feet. “It’ll be here if you feel like eating.”

You wait a minute longer, but Xiao doesn’t make a peep. You sigh and turn to go back inside.

“Do you remember Guili?” he whispers suddenly, so quiet you nearly mistake it for being the wind.

You spin around. “Do I what?”

“Guili. Remember Guili.”

“…Remember? It’s an ancient ruin,” your brows furrow as you frown. “I’ve only been there maybe once or twice, passing by.”

A painful second goes by.

“Why, am I supposed to know something about it?”

From what you can see of his face, Xiao grimaces. “Nothing, just – just forget it.”

“You can’t just-”

“I said forget it,” he snaps, his voice cracking at the end of his words. “You don’t – I thought you – ” He rubs his face with his hand, breaths deeply. “It’s nothing. Please just leave.”

He gets up suddenly and leaps from the balcony before you can even speak. Leaving both the tofu and you alone on the balcony, a cold ache spreading through your heart.

---

She’s nervous, you think. Abnormally so.

Jueyun Karst is safe, kept watch over by Morax’s Adepti and the Qilin in the clouds. Only select few are allowed up where you are – (There was a smug steak of satisfaction when Cloud Retainer begrudgingly let you traverse her abode atop the mountains, Ganyu smiling gleefully as she held your hand.) – and even less are allowed to set foot on the sacred lands.

She’s been shifting for the past hour, unable to focus on conversation and jittery. Ever so often, she rubs her hands over her horns in a pacifying motion, then as if realizing what she’s doing, abruptly tears her hands away.

“Is the upcoming battle bothering you?” you ask, finally, not being able to stand her fidgeting much longer.

She stiffens, surprised that she’s been found out, and dips her head in embarrassment. “Oh. No, it’s not that…”

“…Ok. If not that, then what?”

She swallows thickly. She turns to you, taking both of your hands in hers, refusing to meet your eyes.

“I was wondering…I mean I hope,” she starts, nervously. “That after this is over…all of it…that maybe…you’d, um…”

You’re patient, gently prompting her, “I’d?”

“W-well, that we could…?” she trails off, squeezing your hands again. “That this…could be s-something more.”

Oh. Oh.

Your chest heats as you lean forwards, whispering her name to the wind. She squeaks raising her head.

“I like you,” you sigh, unable to stop the loving cadence in your tone when you say it. “A lot. So whatever concerns you have just know that…anything you want is…it’s all good.”

She’s silent for a moment as your heart pounds against your ribs. Slowly, she tilts her head towards yours, resting your foreheads together. Her cheeks are so hot, unlike the cryo vision strapped to her side.

“I like you a lot, too,” she says. “I don’t really have…any…experience with something like this but um…I’d like to try.”

Your heart soars, leaps, and does a flip twice over. You smile so hard your cheeks hurt. “Can I ask you a question, now?”

She blinks, nodding her head.

“May I kiss you?”

She wets her lips with her tongue and nods again, vigorously.

You close the distance, firmly kissing her lips. They’re soft and plush, warmer than you’d imagined. (Because you have imagined this, many, many nights before.) A mix between a gasp and a pleasured sigh escapes her, the noise only heating you up further.

When you pull back, she’s turned three different shades of pink and her eyes are glazed. You rest your head against hers and wrap your arms around her waist, feeling the curves and dips of her body, squeezing at the skin there.

“Good?” you ask.

She nods, tucking her head onto your shoulder. “Mhm.”

At some point, you lie down together, tangled in limbs, listening to the sounds of each other’s breathing and heart beats as Liyue’s night sky sparkles with constellations.

It’s only much later, when you hear the screams, that you realize peace is fleeting in this world.

---

You pant heavily, setting the last box down on the ground and flop on the stairs. Five in total, weighing gods know how much. Each one filled to the brim with legal documents from Liyue Harbor. You had suffered through carrying them one-by-one up the stairs as the elevator had conveniently decided to break this morning.

You push the box with your foot, sliding it with the others against the wall. If this is how much paperwork the Inn gets, you don’t even want to know how much paperwork the Qixing have to deal with. (Then again, it was the Qixing that dictated the laws, so perhaps it was well deserved.)

Verr Goldet had taken one look at them and called it an early day, leaving you to handle closing.

At least your day is done now. You hang the keys up in their proper place, pet the cat goodnight, and begin blowing out the lanterns.

“Um…excuse me?”

The sudden voice startles you, turning towards the entrance. A figure stands in the doorway, silhouetted by the moonlight. You can’t make their identity out.

“Could I speak to Mrs. Goldet? It’s about the recent delivery of paperwork.”

“Mrs. Goldet is away right now; I could take a message?”

The person nods, steps through the threshold, and your mouth goes dry.

She’s tall. Eloquently dressed with hair the color of Glaze Lilies. It frames her face, falling down her back in delicate curls. As you stare, stary eyes blink back at you in shock.

She seems familiar.

“I’m…sorry…” she says, turning away quickly. “I-I’ll just come back tomorrow-”

The tassel of her outfit swings as she does a complete 180. Her hair is furled out, exposing the smooth expanse of her back. The sight sends a throb to your temple, the scene feeling reminiscent of…something.

Your head is aching.

“W-wait!” you reach out and grab her arm, catching on the cuff of her sleeve. The motion rattles the necklace around her neck – no, not a necklace – a bell. The chime crisp like morning frost, soft like the way she feels, like the way she-

Pain bursts from your temples, piercing both sides of your head. You cry, loosing your grip in the process. There’s a muffled yell before the world blurs, spins, and sends you tumbling down, down, down, into the dark.

And then, there’s a hallow nothing.

---

She comes to you in a dream, but Liyue is not as it once was.

There is fire everywhere you look, the ground scorched by flames or destroyed in the aftermath of intense fights. The air is thick with smog, choking you with each gasp you take. One of your legs isn’t working and blood pools through your fingers pressed tightly against your side. You don’t know how much further you can make it.

You hobble through destroyed fields, corpses littering the ground, blood seeping into the earth. All of the glaze lilies are gone, wiped out in the destruction.

You cross the river on one leg. You slip on a rock and lose your footing, collapsing into the water. It’s freezing, the sensation colliding with the burn of your wound. You shiver and suck air through your chattering teeth, dragging yourself using your arms. Your side screams in pain at every pull, black spots dance in your vision. You grit your teeth and dig your fingers into the dirt, pushing forward.

Not yet, you can’t die just yet.

You exhaust yourself at the edge of what used to be the flower field, rolling onto your back and wheezing at the sky. This is as far as you’ll go. Mud soaks through your clothes. You dig your fingers into it, grounding yourself from the searing pain.

You hear the chime of her bell before you see her, crisp and pleasant, soothing your mind. She cries out your name, fear and desperation in her voice. You call back, a cracked, soft groan.

The bell draws closer and she rushes to your side, kneeling in the dirt. Her hair’s a mess, dirty and singed. Her sleeve is torn, blood dripping down her pale forearm. She pulls you onto her lap and rushes to tend to your wounds, pressing a hand to your side. She’s never been a healer, only a fighter. A strong fighter. Stronger than you could have ever hoped to be.

“You’ll be fine,” she says to herself more than you. She nudges you gently. “Please stay awake just a bit longer.”

You take her hand and squeeze it tight. Smiling takes all of the will you have, and even then, it’s weak. “It’s alright.”

She shakes her head. Her eyes – such pretty eyes – wide and filled with tears. “Please don’t go. I can’t…”

“Morax,” you croak. “There’s still him.” Your goddess, Guizhong might be gone, but he’s still alive. As enigmatic as he is, you know she’ll be safe in his care.

“I care about that!” she shouts, for the first time ever, her anger directed at you. “I’m not talking about a god to follow, I’m talking about you!”

She’s sobbing now, her eyes swollen red, teeth clenched tightly through her gasps. She curls around you, fingers grasping at your bloody clothes.

You lean your head into her, offering what little comfort someone dying can offer their partner.

“I’m sorry, Ganyu…” The life is fading from your body, your fingers and toes are so, so cold. “For leaving you like this…”

She gives up on the wound, wrapping her arms tightly around you, burying her head onto your chest, over her heart. Pitiful whimpers leave her mouth, awful sounds that make your heart ache.

“I love you,” she confesses, the words coming out as a sob. “I love you.”

Your heart squeezes. “I love you too, please…”

But the words don’t come. The ache in your side is almost unbearable, growing worse and worse with each shallow breath you manage. You fight to keep your eyelids open, but you’re so tired. And sleep has never been more appealing.

“Rest, now,” she coos, combing your matted hair from your face. You feel the small, delicate press of chapped lips on your forehead. “I’m not going anywhere.”

The void calls, gathering you into its arms, wrapping you in a warm bundle; warning you that your time’s up. You fight against it a bit longer, mustering up the last of your consciousness to tell Ganyu – you friend, partner, lover, one final thing.

“Forgive yourself.”

She bites her lip, fresh tears forming in her eyes. She nods. You’re relieved.

Her form wavers, and you know you can’t stay any longer. You let your eyelids close, your breathing slows, and you give yourself to eternal sleep.

…

“Sweet Dreams…” she whispers after a long while, in a soft, saddened voice.

---

You wake up alone, sweating in your bed, in tears, and remember.

---

The climb to Quicing Village is long and straining. You could have taken the path to the west, but stubborn as you were, wanted to save time by scaling the mountain.

You don’t know what drew you to this place, only a tugging at your heart forcing you forward. A firm belief that you’re heading where you need to go.

It’s easier the further up you go. You’ve done this before, in another life, as another person. You remember scaling mountains all the time, just to pick the freshest Qingxin petals for her. You used to eat them together, on the tops of Mount Azjong, legs dangling in midair, watching the birds go by, the wind nipping at your skin.

It’s not long before you reach the top, where the path dips to overlook the village. Fields of red, blue, and yellow stretching over the lands.

You let yourself wander, talking to the villagers as you go. Everyone is so nice, excited to talk to a new stranger in town. The air’s so fresh and the grass is so green, it reminds you of those days in the fields of glaze lilies.

You almost stop breathing when a familiar scent flows by on the wind. Sweet, fresh, cool. One you’re very well acquainted with. You rush forward, running towards the smell faster than your legs can carry you.

She’s sitting in a field of flowers. Just like the ones in your dreams, except there’s only one glaze lily, resting by her knees and cupped in her palms. You slow down and take the stone paths carefully, as to not to disturb the environment.

You stop just behind her, clearing your throat. She startles with a jump, turning around. Your face heats in embarrassment.

“Ah…I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

Her lips, which are slightly parted, close. She shakes her head. “It’s quite alright…I was just enjoying the day.”

“Do you mind if I join you?”

She pauses, then nods wordlessly. You settle down in the grass beside her, a visible gap between the two of you. There are many things you are unsure of. Does she even want you here anymore? Does she just want to forget what happened?

“[First] is your name, correct?” she says eventually.

“Oh – yes, it is.”

She nods, staring out over the river. Another silence befalls you.

“I’ve dreamt of you,” you blurt. “For a while. It comes back in chunks. The memories of my past.”

“That usually happens with reincarnation. The soul is the same but the body and mind doesn’t remember, plagued by shadows of a past life.”

You swallow down your nerves, trying not to focus on how your voice shakes. “In that past life, were we…were we…lovers?”

Her fists clench on her lap. She takes a shaky inhale and nods.

“Oh…” Is all you can say. You knew – know? But to heart it out loud is…

“You look just like you did all those years ago,” Ganyu murmurs sadly. “I’ve never forgotten your face.”

A heavy, hot weight settles in your chest. “How long has it been?”

“Thousands of years…since before the Arcon war,” Ganyu rubs her eyes with her palm. “I thought I’d never see you again.”

You wait until she composes herself before you speak again. “I remember in the past, you asked me to share a future with you.”

Ganyu turns to face you, and desire flares up inside your chest. Dark and powerful, urging you to pull her close and into your arms.

“I did.” She says.

“I’m not…the same person from the past. I don’t know who or how I was, and I don’t know if I’ll ever return to remembering anything. But…”

Cool fingers rest on your lap, you shudder at the touch. Ganyu smiles gently, and there’s a feeling of deja-vu when she says. “But…?”

“But if you’ll have me, I would like – I’d really like to – to try. With you.”

Ganyu scoots to the side, until your thighs are touching, and hums softly. “I think I’d like that, too.”

You let out a shaky, relieved breath and squeeze her fingers tightly. She smells sweet and floral, the scent overwhelming your body, making your head drift and spin. You’ve never smelled anything more right.

“I hope this isn’t rude, but you’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.”

She flushes deeply, smile spreading across her face. “You told me that before, thousands of years ago, when you first met me.”

You smile back, tucking a piece of stray hair from her face. “Well, it’s true.”

---

As much as two immortals (???) might have just rushed back into dating, neither of you wanted that.

You two talked. A lot. About your current lives and past. You talked about Wangshu, about your occupation, about Xiao. (“Don’t mind him,” Ganyu had said. “Xiao’s always a bit cold, even to the other Adepti.”) Ganyu talked about the harbor, about your past lives in Guili.

You might not ever get your memories fully back. But even if you don’t, you feel surprisingly calm and accepting of it.

At the end of the day, after both of your throats were hoarse from conversation and your eyes wet from emotion, you both decided to part ways.

She returns to Liyue Harbor. You return to the Wangshu Inn.

Temporarily, you promised, until you figured yourself out. Liyue Harbor is daunting, the populated streets reminding you too much of Guili, of memories you can’t remember, that make your head ache terribly.

You stay at Wangshu. In the mornings, you mop floors, dust paintings, and help fix the elevator. At evenings, you go to the top floor and eat plates of Almond Tofu with Xiao, staring longingly towards the Harbor.

And at night, when you go to bed, you don’t dream of the past, but of your future.

---

One day, when you return to an empty room, and your heart aches with loneliness and the desire to see her becomes too painful to bear, you decide it’s time to go.

---

Liyue is calm, today.

The clouds drift by idly, whisps of white against blue as birds soar on the random wind currents. The sun shines high in the sky, slowly making its way across the map.

“Stop moving,” you grumble, locking your arms tightly around her, burying your face into her chest.

Ganyu chuckles, carding her hands through your hair. “I’m sorry, did I disturb you?”

“Yes…I was having a good nap.” Which is true. Ever since your reunion, you’ve been sleeping more soundly than you ever have in years. Perhaps it’s because you don’t dream of the old anymore, don’t float through your memories like a puppet being pulled on a string.

“You’ve had enough time to rest, I think,” she says tartly. “Thousands of years’ worth.”

You lift your head and pout. “You’re so cruel,” But your words don’t hold any bite.

Ganyu smiles mischievously. Her hand trails down your spine, drawing a shiver from you. “Do you think it’s unfair? To not indulge me after I’ve waited for you all this time?”

You drag yourself up to be eye level with her. Your hand cups the back of her head, trailing up to the base of her horns. A gasp escapes her lips and her eyes flutter when you tenderly pet them.

“If you wanted my attention,” you whisper, lips an inch from hers. “You could have just asked.”

Ganyu pulls you down by the neck, sighs and gasps being lost to the wind.

---

Much later, when the two of you were sweating and grass was stuck in both of your hair, you lay together, dozing under the night sky. Ganyu lays curled to your side, feet tucked underneath her, a content purr vibrating from her throat. You wonder if all Qilin do that.

As you pet her hair, fingers rubbing curiously over her empty ring finger, a deep feeling of content seeps into your bones.

You’re home, at last.

You kiss her forehead, joining her into a peaceful dream.

#i cant beleive this is so long ganyu my love #ganyu x reader #ganyu x you #genshin impact #ganyu imagines #genshin impact imagines #my writing #genshin impact fanfiction

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cutesilyo · 3 years ago

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Notes and References for i know your eyes in the morning sun

Hi! These are notes and references for my IndoPhil fic i know your eyes in the morning sun, so please check it out before reading this!

Title: i know your eyes in the morning sun Summary: When a homesick Indonesia is unexpectedly taken out of his meeting for a day trip in Rome with Philippines, he isn't expecting much more than exhaustion ahead of him. Instead, what happens is a whirlwind of food, fun, and a surprising amount of reflection on their histories and differences as nations. And as he looks deeper and deeper in the other nation's bright eyes, he learns to come to terms with the feelings he's been ignoring for far, far too long. Alternatively: a nation who's too attached to the past goes on a date with a nation whose entire philosophy is built on trying to live in the moment. Yes, there is kissing involved. Read on: AO3 | FF.net

Scene 1: Pizza al taglio

As coincidence would have it, the G20 2021 Summit actually will be held in Rome, Italy. However, it’ll be on the end of October rather than the end of September like how its depicted in the fic. I’m also very much ignoring the COVID-19 pandemic. Pretend it never happened.

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, found in the island of Java, Indonesia. It was built way back in the 7th Century and it's probably Indonesia's top most visited site.

Terang bulan is basically like a really large, fluffy, folded pancake. It also has a variety of different names and is also eaten in Brunei, Malaysia, and Singapore.

If you could have a convenience store dedicated solely to pizza, that's what pizza al taglio establishments are like. Its literal translation is pizza by the cut, and since it's a lot more common to find in Rome than in other places in Italy, it's also called Roman-style pizza. The layout for the al taglio shop that Indonesia and Philippines go to is inspired from the shop that me and my family went to: a small family establishment just a short walk away from the Vatican.

You can actually find a recipe for Indonesia’s arugula and mozzarella pizza here: https://shared.publicmediaconnect.org/docs/atk/Pizza_Taglio_Cooks_Illustrated.pdf

Scene 2: Souvenir store + Bus stop

Indonesian rupiahs are notoriously hyperinflated, so the 15 euros that Philippines uses to buy the keychains convert to 250k+ rupiahs. That's around 50k short for actually being able to buy a local economy flight on Lion Air. For comparison, the same amount of euros convert to approximately 900 Philippine pesos. It’s also a few hundred pesos short of buying a local economy flight on Cebu Pacific.

There actually was a point when a G20 meeting was held in the Coliseum. It was the G20 culture ministers meeting just a few months ago, in July 2021.

Yes, on top of the thousands of festivals we already have, Filipinos also celebrate Oktoberfest! It's more of an excuse for local beer companies to shamelessly promote their product and encourage drinking fests on a massive scale, but a more legitimate Oktoberfest celebration is organized by the German Club in Manila. Lucky Philippines gets to celebrate it authentically in Munich with the German brothers, who historically aimed to conquer the Philippines before America managed to stake his claim. So if you sense that Germany is being oddly shy towards Philippines here, that's just Germany being embarrassed because of their history.

Italy's major international airport in Rome is Aeroporto Internazionale di Roma–Fiumicino "Leonardo da Vinci", so you generally just call it Fiumicino for short. A possible travel route for flying from the Philippines to Italy is Clark-Dubai-Rome, and another is Manila-Hong Kong-Rome.

Scene 3: Gianicolo

Bali, Boracay, and El Nido are beaches that serve as major tourist destinations.

Vietnam has already been mentioned to be a menace when she's drunk in her most recent character introduction. Laos is at the top of ASEAN when it comes to alcohol consumption, with the average Laotian drinking seven liters of pure alcohol every year.

Indonesia is sometimes known as the Invisible Nation. What this means to say is that there have not been many things that Indonesia has done that made massive waves on the global scale. From what I’ve read, this seems to have been an especially popular sentiment among Western analysts during the Cold War.

Australia's awkward attempt at an apology is a reference to when the Australian government had allegedly monitored and spied on the phone calls of several Indonesian officials. Indonesia and Australia have a history that goes far deeper than that though.

Monas is a common abbreviation for Indonesia's Monumen Nasional, proudly standing tall in the middle of Merdeka Square as a commemoration of the fight for Indonesian independence. Taman Surapati is a large, chill public park; it also has a monument dedicated to commemorating ASEAN there. Both are located in Jakarta, Indonesia's capital. Meanwhile, Philippines' mention of Luneta refers to Luneta Park. It's also known as Rizal Park, as it's the place where the national hero Jose Rizal was executed for the influence he had in encouraging the fight for Philippine independence.

In Rome, there are seven major hills: they formed the geographical heart of Ancient Rome, with Palatino and Campidoglio as the most significant given how connected they were to Rome's founding and Rome's religion. Gianicolo is outside the boundaries of Ancient Rome, and as such, it isn't counted among the seven hills. It is dedicated to the Roman god Janus and was a place for the augurs to divine the will of the gods — kind of like a prophecy, if a prophecy could be divined from bird entrails. Now it's a great spot for a scenic view of modern Rome which features, among other things, a large statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi. Garibaldi was a major figure in the Italian Reunification.

Nusantara means many different things, but in the era of the Majapahit empire, it referred to the vassal kingdoms in what is now modern-day Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Timor Leste, and the southern parts of modern-day Thailand and Philippines. Modern usage of the word in Indonesia generally refers to the Indonesian archipelago, but it can also be used to refer to the entirety of maritime Southeast Asia. Culturally and historically, Southeast Asia is divided into the mainland region (the countries connected to the Asian continent: Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar) and maritime (the countries that are islands and archipelagos: Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines).

Italy, together with the United Kingdom, is the largest European migration destination for Filipinos. The largest migration destination for Filipinos in general is America.

Shout-out to Ro-na for this wonderful headcanon of Philippines being sickly in his early days as a Spanish colony! The galleon ships used to facilitate trade between the Philippines and Mexico (perhaps the Philippines' most major contribution to the Spanish crown) would often be attacked by pirates or destroyed in typhoons, especially in the first few decades.

Majapahit and Srivijaya are only two of pre-colonial Indonesia's many powerful empires. A lot of the pre-colonial stuff has been simplified for brevity's sake, but a brief summary of it all basically goes like this: pre-colonial Indonesia was involved with everyone in maritime SEA, where everyone traded with each other; and mainland SEA was non-stop fighting where the major powers were the empires that would later become Vietnam and the Khmer empire that would influence everyone else in mainland SEA. You can find a more detailed look into mainland SEA history by Gemu in her posts here, who is my main influence for everything mainland SEA-related.

A young Brunei picking flowers for a young Philippines is a reference to all the marriages that had occurred between their nobility during the pre-colonial era.

Scene 4: Apartment

The turtle fountain in Rome is a real thing: Fontana delle Tartarughe was originally designed with dolphins in mind, but the dolphins were removed and replaced by turtles. In fandom, you usually see Philippines calling Indonesia kuya, which is Tagalog for older brother. In at least one Indonesian language (I can't remember which one at the moment, sorry!), kuya means turtle.

Tondo, Seludong, Butuan, Sulu, Sugbu, and Panay are all polities in pre-colonial Philippines, two for each of the main island groups in the country: Luzon in the north, Mindanao in the south, and Visayas in the middle. Unlike pre-colonial Indonesia, the societies in the Philippines were never united by a single kingdom or empire; the Philippine islands were only united through the efforts of Spanish and American colonization.

Filipinos tend to sing a lot. Many of us are really good at it. Karaoke is really popular here.

Philippines' PIN code of 8862 is a reference to when ASEAN was founded: August 8, 1962. The founding members were Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

This might be as good of a time as ever for me to mention that I am depicting Philippines and Indonesia as Catholic and Muslim respectively. Filipinos are predominantly Catholic and the Philippines is the largest Catholic country in Asia, while Indonesia has a number of official religions and is the largest Muslim nation in the world.

Special thanks to Desa for helping me with Indonesia's prayer times! Normally, Muslims pray five times a day, but when travelling Muslims are allowed to pray only three times. This is called Qasr salah, or Qasr sholat in Indonesia. What is usually Fajr (called Subuh in Indonesia), Zuhr, Asr, Magrib, and Isha becomes only Fajr, Zuhr-Asr, and Mahgrib-Isha; essentially, without getting into the specifics of time, a prayer for sunrise, afternoon, and night. The mosques will remind everyone when it's prayer time with adhan (called adzan in Indonesia), but in non-Muslim countries abroad, many Muslims have to use websites and apps to keep track. Something I didn't mention in the fic is that Rome actually has the largest mosque in the Western world, Moschea di Roma, so Indonesia could have potentially prayed there.

Scene 5: Apartment dinner table

Sholat wouldn’t take Indonesia more than a few minutes, so imagine that he did something else while waiting for Philippines to finish cooking.

Baked fish with sliced lemons is a meal that got served to me a lot in Italy. Chop suey is Chinese, but China has had a significant cultural influence for most of Southeast Asia throughout history; the Indonesian version is known as kap cay. Indomie Mi Goreng is a particularly tasty and famous kind of instant noodles from Indonesia. It's very popular in many Asian countries. Indonesia doesn’t drink, but Philippines is drinking white wine because that’s what you’re supposed to do when eating fish. Red wine goes with meat.

Admittedly, this is my own personal headcanon, but I like to think of Philippines living in Spain with the other Spanish colonies while everyone else in maritime SEA were left behind to live in their own countries. It's my own neat Hetalia universe explanation for how much Spanish influence there is in Filipino culture, and how isolated Filipinos can sometimes feel among their neighbors.

I do think that Philippines would have a Hispanic-sounding human name, but I've never really settled on what name actually would be: in fandom, Felipe, Lorenzo, and Jaime get thrown around a lot. In contrast, it seems like most people have settled on Dirga (short for Dirgantara) for Indonesia.

Philippines is sometimes called as la colonia abandonada in Spanish sources: the abandoned colony. Because the Philippines was so far away, Spain couldn't manage the colony directly and had to rely on Mexico/Nueva España to do the dirty work until Mexico became independent. This led to a more relaxed manner in how the country was managed for most of its Spanish colonial life; some scholars even go as far as saying that Spain's treatment of the Philippines was kinder than Spain's treatment of Latin America. I don't really agree — it was different, sure, but it wasn't kind in the least.

Contrast that with Indonesia as the largest and most important colony of the Dutch empire. Aside from all the money and economic prosperity that Indonesia gave to the empire, you'll also find many Dutch songs and hymns that are all praises to Indonesia. Much of the research in Indonesian history, ethnography, and archeology was made possible because of Dutch interest and support; until now, the Netherlands remains to be Europe's leader when it comes to Indonesian studies. This isn't to say that Netherlands treated Indonesia well, however.

After the Japanese occupation of Indonesia in WW2, Netherlands fought to keep power over the archipelago. Needless to say, the Netherlands failed. Indonesia was recognized as an independent country soon after.

Indië is the Dutch colonial name for Indonesia.

APEC is the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, of which Philippines and Indonesia (and Thailand!) are members.

Scene 6 + 7: Apartment bedroom

What was Philippines doing in the 1920s, you ask? Being an American colony and trying to lobby for laws that would hasten his independence. Indonesia was in the middle of what’s called the Indonesian National Awakening; all the different peoples under Indonesia were beginning to come together and unite to fight for a single independent nation.

As a tarsier, Pien is actually supposed to be nocturnal; he shouldn't be sleeping at night at all. Maybe he just got jet lagged? Who knows.

BL stands for the boy's love genre of TV series. For years, Thailand had been the lead when it came to BL production with shows like TharnType and SOTUS. Recently, the Philippines has also been developing BL series — Gameboys specifically had achieved worldwide acclaim and is distributed globally through Netflix.

Filipino languages tend to have more complex verb conjugation and sentence structure compared to Bahasa Melayu and Bahasa Indonesia. The linguistic explanation for this is that most of the Filipino languages are based on the older Proto-Malayo-Polynesian language while Bahasa Melayu and Bahasa Indonesia are based on the newer, more simplified descendants of Proto-Malayo-Polynesian.

Pramoedya Ananta Toer was an Indonesian author that focused a lot of his work on nationalistic sentiments. He has a quote on bravery that I really like: Dalam hidup kita, cuma satu yang kita punya, yaitu keberanian. Kalau tidak punya itu, lantas apa harga hidup kita ini? Loosely translated, this reads as: In our life, we only have one thing, which is bravery. If it’s not, what is the value of our life?

Indonesia, as a large archipelago in the Pacific Ring of Fire, has a lot of active volcanoes. In contrast, the Philippines is regularly hit by tens of typhoons annually.

There are an estimated 12 million Filipinos overseas, and this number consistently rises through the years. It's one of the largest diaspora populations: name a country, you'll probably find a Filipino working there somewhere. OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) account for 10% of the country's population and the remittances they send back to their families account for 10% of the country's GDP. Indonesia has a similar phenomenon with TKIs (Tenaga Kerja Indonesia), of which there are 4.5 million worldwide.

Post-independence, Indonesia was very paranoid over Western influence in Southeast Asia. In that same time period, Philippine delegates to international conferences would always speak of democracy and the looming threat of Communism; even though most of the Asian delegates would prefer to move past Western problems and disputes to focus on a united Asia.

Telenovelas are soap operas produced in Latin America. They became popular in Southeast Asia as they were distributed and remade here. The Indonesian equivalent is the sinetron, and the Filipino equivalent is the teleserye.

Additionally, I cannot stress enough how much this fic is built on the foundations laid by others. I’ve already mentioned how much I took inspiration from Gemu’s depiction of mainland SEA, but I also credit Indonesia’s thing for temples to Desa; the passive-aggressive energy between Thailand and Philippines to Hali; amnesiac Piri to Koko, Kopi, and Sopas (among the many). There are a dozen other things I can attribute to a huge assortment of writers and artists: that Singapore has trouble remembering his pre-colonial roots as well, that Piri might have had a good relationship with Romano, Piri’s general flirty and flighty attitude, Indonesia’s awkwardness and big brother aura, etcetera, etcetera. If you’re someone that has been contributing to the SEA fandom these past few months, thank you. Thank you so much.

#mine #indophil #hws indonesia #hws philippines #hws #PHEW THIS TOOK THE WHOLE MORNING TO WRITE

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shadlad24 · 4 years ago

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Tumblr Master Post

(Third Mensiversary)

Hey, guys! So, instead of the usual monthly post, I decided to consolidate everything. From now on, I will update the following list and reblog it every 22nd. Enjoy!

Please note that Tumblr either cannot or will not preserve my formatting. So, I have used Google Docs as well. Please click on this link if you’d prefer that. It’s open to all. Thanks!

My posts are almost XWP-related and can be categorized into eight main categories (The pic below is merely for record-keeping and visualization purposes; scroll down for the actual links):

Questions

Curious— Why does everyone think Gabrielle/Renée O’Connor has green eyes?

A Favor to the God of War?— What in the world was the favor Ares wanted from Gabrielle during “Sacrifice”?

Smoking Gun?— Why did Hope knowing Solan’s name give her away as his killer?

Good Luck, Kid!— Why was security so bad in “Maternal Instincts”?

The Love of Your Love— Wasn’t the second verse of this song frustrating and hurtful to Gabrielle?

The (Many) Problem(s) with Ares— Why does so little about Ares’s character make sense?

Hard Ask— Can I PLEASE get a willing, able, AND reliable beta-reader for my Xena fanfic???

The (Many) Problem(s) with Ares [Reblog]— Three more questions about the god of war

No Way— Is the titular image of “Xena: Warrior Princess” what it seems?

Episode Reflections

Random Thoughts While Watching XWP— funny moments from “A Family Affair,” “Them Bones, Them Bones,” “Married with Fishsticks,” and “Coming Home”

Observations from “Sins of the Past”— fifteen things I noticed while watching the episode for the second time (first after completing the series)

Running Commentary on “A Family Affair”— just what it sounds like XD

Concluding Thoughts on “A Family Affair”— a defense of Hope and Gabrielle

Echoes Across the Years— how Solan’s last conversation with his mother echoed Gabrielle’s first with the warrior princess

Redeeming “Fishsticks,” Part 1— how the adults and themes in Gabrielle’s dreamworld held great significance

Redeeming “Fishsticks,” Part 2— how Crustacea’s monstrous children were re-imaginations of Hope and The Destroyer

Fault— my thoughts on the series finale

Good Luck, Kid! [Reblog]— a fun little extension of the original post showing the impression Gabrielle made on Hope

Original Fanfic Excerpts

The Mother of Hope, a collection of one-shots exploring Gabrielle’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences with/about her daughter

Disparity— Hope’s and Gabrielle’s conversation during the final commercial break of “A Family Affair”

Somewhere— Gabrielle searching Tartarus for Hope while Ares was harassing Xena and Solan in “God Fearing Child”

Super Challenge— the entire Rift Arc summed up in a single conversation, the lines of dialogue coming from each of the twelve Rift episodes of season three

Aperture— Gabrielle’s thoughts the night of her wedding

The Daughter of Duality, Hope’s life story from her perspective

My Great Hope— Seraphin prepares her goddess for childbirth

Hope Rising— Baby Hope makes a terrible mistake

“Tears of a Goddess: Blood Rain,” a one-shot exploring “Motherhood” from the goddess of love’s perspective

Useless— Aphrodite agonizes over what to do when alone with Gabrielle and Eve

Tears of a Goddess, a story in which Aphrodite comes clean about the large part she played in Gabrielle’s life behind the scenes

Gabrielle Rages against Xena— the bard finds herself at Aphrodite’s temple, heartbroken and lost after the series finale

Aphrodite Ribs Gabrielle— Aphrodite complains about Gabrielle’s mishaps throughout the show

Rapprochement, a story about Xena and Gabrielle hashing out The Rift Arc before finally coming together as a couple

The Answer— Xena reminds Gabrielle of who she is

Divine Intervention— Aphrodite blesses Xena and Gabrielle’s union

Adventures in Moving Forward, a chronicle of Aphrodite’s and Gabrielle’s adventures together post-AFIN and all my other XWP stories

Stranger— Aphrodite protects Gabrielle from a mob in Brittania

The Betrayer, Gabrielle's untold experience during “The Deliverer.”

Disturbance— Xena makes an unexpected suggestion on how to stop Gabrielle’s recurring nightmare

Deception— Khrafstar fills multiple voids in Gabrielle’s heart

Defilement— Reality slips away from Gabrielle with the loss of her blood innocence

Desecration— Gabrielle becomes one with darkness

Dissolution— The return of Gabrielle’s hero brings about only more tragedy

Fan Theories

Soul Orbits and Psychic Echoes— how Xena and Gabrielle got their children through equal and opposite people and circumstances

Shazam!— how Xena might be able to come back after the series finale

Man-Killer— what really happened to Toris

An Unsung Hero— Aphrodite being Gabrielle’s guardian angel throughout the Rift Arc

Infamous, Infuriated— why Xena engaged in the GabDrag (and BardBraining)

Solving Some Problems with Ares— answering two of my own questions about the god of war

Odd, Sort of Beautiful Symmetry— how we ended up with Annie and Harry

Soul Orbits and Psychic Echoes [Reblog]— an extension of the original theory that focuses more on Solan and Hope themselves

Solving More Problems with Ares— answering my next questions about the god of war

Episode Cracksubs

The Comedy of Amphipolis— “The Haunting of Amphipolis”

What in the Gurkhan?— “Who’s Gurkhan?”

Them Bones and Boneheads— “Them Bones, Them Bones”

TL;DRs— cliff-notes version of longer posts

TL;DR #1: Soul Orbits and Psychic Echoes

TL;DR #2: Infamous, Infuriated

TL;DR #3: The (Many) Problem(s) with Ares

Funny Little Moments— (Five:) a series highlighting overlooked silly things from each episode, illustrated in pictures and cracksubs / (More:) summation posts showcasing additional funny moments from each episode, in half-season chunks

Five Funny Little Moments #1: “Sins of the Past”

Five Funny Little Moments #2: Chariots of War

Five Funny Little Moments #3: Dreamworker

Five Funny Little Moments #4: Cradle of Hope

Five Funny Little Moments #5: The Path Not Taken

Five Funny Little Moments #6: The Reckoning

Five Funny Little Moments #7: The Titans

Five Funny Little Moments #8: Prometheus

Five Funny Little Moments #9: Death in Chains

Five Funny Little Moments #10: Hooves and Harlots

Five Funny Little Moments #11: The Black Wolf

Five Funny Little Moments #12: Beware Greeks Bearing Gifts

Miscellaneous

Golden Ticket— Renee O’Connor’s initial responses to me on Instagram

Bath Time— a fun self-challenge involving making a story from recently downloaded/screenshot images in just a few minutes

Mensiversary— review of my first month on Tumblr

Confirmation/Affirmation— Steven L. Sears’s essay of support for my Furies theory

K.O.— Renée O’Connor liking my comment about ^

Hooray!— The Mother of Hope is finished (kinda)

Aww…— a quick picture post to try something new while I was bummed about the deadly tech bug that obliterated my posts for weeks

Second Mensiversary— review of my second month on Tumblr

NOOO!— a lamentation related to The Mother of Hope

The (Many) Problem(s) with Ares [Reblog/Response]— answering a reader

More Funny Little Moments #1: Season 1, Episodes 1-12

*Other

Black Hole— a poem about depression

It’s Nothing— a poem on invalidation

What the?— the beginning of the bug :(

#xwp #xena warrior princess #xena #xena and gabrielle #gabrielle #link post #fan theory #fanfic #fanfiction #xena fanfiction #gabrielle fanfiction #cracksubs

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inkwell1013 · 4 years ago

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Paint the Streets With Rainbows - Good Omens

Pairing: Aziraphale/Crowley, Aziraphale & OC, Crowley & OC

Genre: Fluff, Angst, Oneshot

Word count: 1.5k

Warnings: Homophobia, disownment

Summary: Crowley and Aziraphale accidentally end up at a pride parade after a rather nice dinner date, and meet a cheerful boy named Jordan. A week later, something terrible happens, and they step in to help out their new acquaintance.

- - - - -

Crowley and Aziraphale had chanced upon the parade quite by accident, taking a wrong turn on the way back to Aziraphale’s bookshop after spending the morning at a nearby café. Aziraphale would have assumed it was a mere coincidence, but his more fanciful belief in fate and the divine plan belayed this assumption. The way Aziraphale saw it, nothing happened without reason. Them arriving there when they did was fate, nothing more and nothing less.

There were rainbows everywhere. That was the first thing Aziraphale noticed. There were so many rainbows: hung from trees, worn on t-shirts, draped over shoulders like capes, waved from flagpoles, and even fashioned from balloons. He noticed that there were other flags too mixed in with all the rainbows, like flowers growing in a garden, all bright and beautiful and unique.

He wasn’t quite sure what was going on, but he assumed it was good as everyone seemed delightfully happy. And there were so many people, more than he could possibly count. He had never seen such an impossibly huge crowd before.

Glancing toward Crowley, he saw a content smile playing across his partner’s lips. “What is this?” asked Aziraphale, gesturing towards the raucous procession.

“It’s a pride parade. Have you never seen one before?”

“No, I haven’t.”

Crowley chuckled. “Wow. You don’t get out much, do you?”

Aziraphale huffed - secretly a little grumpy – mostly because he knew it was true. His significant aversion to socializing meant that he spent most of his time alone when he wasn’t with Crowley. Some might call that lifestyle sad, but Aziraphale preferred his quiet life to the alternative.

“Basically,” continued Crowley. “A pride parade is a celebration of the many differences of humanity – from sexual orientation to gender – as well as a way to protest inequality.”

“Well, that’s rather nifty, isn’t it?” said Aziraphale, adjusting his bowtie.

Crowley stifled a laugh. “I suppose it is.”

“Rather a lot of rainbows, don’t you think?” quirked Aziraphale. “I always liked rainbows. They’re a symbol of hope, and it never hurts to have a little hope these days.”

“I agree.”

It was at that moment that a boy pattered up to them. He was young – perhaps sixteen by Aziraphale’s best estimate, though he had never been good at guessing ages – and was tall for his age. He reminded Aziraphale rather a lot of a golden retriever, with his long, floppy blond hair and cheerful smile, which he leveled at them both, joy painted clearly on his features.

“Are you too here for the parade?” he beamed, cocking his head.

Crowley smiled back at him. “We are. Why do you ask?”

“That’s so cool!” exclaimed the boy. “I saw you and your boyfriend—”

“Husband,” interjected Crowley.

“Sorry, husband. And I just got super excited. You guys seem so happy together, and its nice, you know? Knowing its possible. That there’s a future for me, I guess. You know, you see all the sad stuff in the news, and it gets to you. It feels like there’s no hope left, but there’s always hope. I’m probably rambling. I’m sorry for bothering you two.” The boy turned to leave, but Crowley stopped him.

“Wait. Are you here with your parents?” he asked. “We could help you find them.”

“My Dad doesn’t know I’m here,” mumbled the boy. “He isn’t exactly cool with all this stuff, and I’m too scared to tell him. And my Mum… Well, she’s in heaven now.”

Crowley frowned rather instinctually, and the kid immediately backtracked. “It’s fine though. He’s not so bad. It could be worse.”

In a spur of the moment decision, Aziraphale pulled a newly miracled business card that hadn’t existed seconds ago from his jacket pocket and pushed it into the boy’s hands.

“What your name?” asked Aziraphale.

The boy gave him a quizzical look. “Jordan. Jordan Stewart.”

“It’s been nice to meet you Jordan,” beamed Aziraphale. “If you ever need help, call the number on this card.”

“Okay.”

“Good lad,” said Crowley. “Now go have fun. You’re at a pride parade after all.”

Jordan smiled, tucking the business card into his jacket pocket before sprinting away, throwing his arms around a boy with dark, curly hair. The boy stumbled back, only just catching his balance before he tumbled over.

“Ash! You made it,” exclaimed Jordan.

Ash laughed. “You thought I was going to miss your first pride? I’m not that bad of a friend,” he smirked. “Seriously though, how did you get away? I thought your dad was giving you trouble.”

Jordan shrugged. “I told him I was hanging out with some friends at the park.”

“And he bought that?”

“Yeah. I’m surprised too, to be honest. If he asks, tell him we were hanging out at the park with the others.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ve got it.”

Crowley and Aziraphale watched the boy leave with his friend, firmly believing that would be their last encounter. They were both equally surprised when they received a phone call from Jordan just one week later.

Aziraphale was doing a little late-night reading before bed, and Crowley had wrapped himself around his husband, rather like he was trying to constrict him. Neither of them expected the phone to ring.

Crowley had whined and grumbled but Aziraphale insisted on fetching the phone just in case it was something important – a call from a supplier or customer, perhaps.

Aziraphale answered the call and Crowley buried his face in his pillow, still grumpy that Aziraphale had pushed him off. He immediately shot up when he heard Jordan’s voice on the other end.

“I didn’t think you’d pick up,” mumbled the boy. His voice was cracking and coarse, and Crowley knew that he had been crying. “I’m really sorry to bother you so late. I just didn’t know who else to call.”

“Is everything okay?” asked Aziraphale. “You sound upset.”

“My father found out about everything, and he kicked me out. He said that he’d rather have no son than… than me. I can’t believe this happened,” choked out Jordan. “I never did anything wrong.”

Aziraphale cast a helpless look at Crowley who hastily took the phone from him. “Jordan, can you tell me where you are?” asked Crowley.

“The McDonald’s on Main Street. I didn’t know where else to go.”

“That’s okay,” said Crowley, scrambling out of bed and throwing on the first pair of trousers he could find, an effort that was made difficult by the fact that he only had one free hand to do it. “Stay right there. We’ll pick you up.”

“Thank you.”

Crowley’s trusty Bentley got them there quickly, and Aziraphale suspected that Crowley used some of his demonic influence to turn all the traffic lights on the way there green. He wasn’t complaining though. Anything that got them there faster was worth it, regardless of the possible consequences.

Jordan slipped silently into the car, eyes still puffy and red from crying. There was a short silence, before Jordan spoke. “Why doesn’t he love me?” he asked. “What did I do wrong?”

“This wasn’t your fault kid,” said Crowley. “It was never your fault. Some people are just trapped in the past. I understand how you feel. I do. Being disowned by the people who are meant to love you is shitty. It was shitty when it happened to me, and it’s still shitty now. There will always be shitty people in the world, but they’re becoming less common these days.”

“I agree,” said Aziraphale. “Barring the excessive swearing. Let’s try and limit the swear words in front of the young one, shall we dear?”

There was just the barest hint of a smile showing on Jordan’s face, and Aziraphale smiled a little to himself in turn.

“Do you have somewhere to stay?” asked Aziraphale.

Jordan shuffled in his seat. “Not really. Ash always said I could stay with him if something happened, but his parents are super strict, so I dunno if they’d be too pleased about that. I wouldn’t want to make things hard for him.”

“You can crash with us if you’d like,” said Crowley. “We have a spare room, don’t we Angel?” Crowley cast Aziraphale an expectant look, almost asking – begging – for permission.

Aziraphale hastily conjured an extra room in his bookshop, complete with fresh sheets and a newly vacuumed carpet, before nodding in agreement. They did now.

“Are you sure I won’t be an imposition?” asked Jordan.

“We’re certain,” said Aziraphale.

“Thank you, it means a lot.”

“It’s really no bother at all.”

They arrived at Aziraphale’s bookshop a little while later and Crowley and Aziraphale lead Jordan to the spare room. The moment he walked into the room, Jordan crumpled, tears streaming down his face.

“Are you alright?” asked Aziraphale. “Do you not like it?”

“No. Its perfect,” whispered Jordan, blinking through tears as he looked around his surroundings. The room was small but neat, with a single bed on one corner, adorned with bright blue sheets. There was a wardrobe in the other corner and a small bedside table as well.

But the thing that Jordan couldn’t stop staring at was the rainbow flag hung up on the wall.

He was safe here. For the first time in years, he knew he was safe.

#good omens fanfiction #pride month #inkwell writes #aziraphale x crowley #crowley x aziraphale #good omens fluff #Good Omens angst #original character

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mittiemoo · 4 years ago

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you guys... tos mckirk is actually Very Good, okay - hear me out.

imagine you are jim kirk.

you take command of the enterprise and find yourself drawn to the ship’s CMO - there’s something about his old southern charm that strikes a chord with you, it feels warm and familiar. you quickly find that this initial intuitive sense of this person has blossomed in to a real rapport between the two of you. his company is comfortable, and somehow unlike anyone else, he listens to you, and he tells you what he thinks of what you say with an earnestness that sometimes butts up against where you think the line should be, but it never feels like he tells you off out of any sort of defiance against your command - it’s from his heart, and that’s what makes this connection to him so unique.

you truly value this man for what he offers you, and over time you find yourself spending more and more time with him, until one night you’re in his quarters talking over some of the doctor’s choice whiskey, and he lets it slip that yes, he’s been married before and no, it didn’t end well, and why, it’s the reason he’s up here in the first place, he supposes, to try and find someplace in this goddamned universe where the pain can’t reach him.

and you’re not surprised to hear this - you’ve always known that there’s a deep melancholy in the doctor’s disposition, but what does surprise you is this sense of anger you feel, this disbelief that anyone could have hurt this man so much that he took to the stars to escape the pain of it. and in that moment, you understand something about yourself. this man’s not just your friend or your confidant to you. he’s something more than that.

but you don’t tell him then. the timing’s not right. besides, maybe you’ll enjoy feeling this out a bit more within yourself -- you don’t want to be too hasty when it comes to this, especially not with someone who’s still nursing a broken heart.

so you hold off. he doesn’t seem to notice anything’s amiss as you continue to keep his company. you find yourself... happier. he knows just how to put your mind at ease, how to make you laugh, what’s truly important. you decide your intuition was right again.

you tell him. he doesn’t believe you, which doesn’t surprise you. you’re patient with him as he grapples with the truth, and it comes to the point where you fear his stubborn, self-effacing nature might rob you of this opportunity. you kiss him. he’s shocked, but finally, he believes you.

he tries to tell you that you’re making a mistake. that he’s sorry you’ve fallen for his old country charm, but there’s more to him than he lets you see. his pain will hurt you, he says, and he would never forgive himself for giving you the opportunity to be disappointed in him.

you smile and tell him you know. you know his pain, and all you want to do is help to ease its burden, if he’d let you. you tell him that we all have our faults. why should his keep him from enjoying all that life has to offer him?

his stubbornness flares again. he says he’ll never believe why a man like you would settle for a man like him, and it will frustrate you until the end of time.

you kiss him again. trust me, you tell him. believe me. you won’t regret it, you promise him. you need him. you want to prove it to him.

and with that, he’s yours. it takes a while for his timidness to subside, but once it does, he’s everything you hoped he’d be. you’re both so enamored with each other. it’s beautiful. you wouldn’t trade it for anything.

time passes. eventually, the darkness of his heart finds a reason to show itself to you.

he’s noticed how devoted your first officer has become to you, and he can’t help but notice too that you don’t seem too interested in shying away from it. what did he tell you? he knew you’d eventually find someone better.

this pains you so much. your relationship with your first officer has been... evolving, yes, but not so much that it had bumped up against your sense of integrity. you ask him if he believes you’ve been untrue.

no, he tells you, but he’s not a fool. he knows where this path leads.

you are beside yourself. how could he think this way? haven’t you shown him how much he means to you? how much you need him? then you remember. he told you this would happen. he told you his pain would try and push you away.

with this understanding, you do all you can to reassure him of your intentions. you tell him how important he is to you. that you’d never disregard him in that way. that he has nothing to fear from you. you love him.

it’s difficult, but he slowly learns that his pain doesn’t always speak the gospel. he apologizes to you, he’s afraid he’s tarnished your affection for him. you assure him he hasn’t.

some more time passes, and you eventually feel another stroke of intuition. you’ve been keeping a careful eye on your first officer, and in doing so have noticed that the affection the doctor pointed out between the two of you also extends from your first officer to the doctor. it’s a different sort of connection, certainly, but to deny it would be foolish. it’s plain as day.

you decide to bring this up with the doctor over drinks in his quarters. he nearly spits up his drink when you point out how you’ve noticed the sorts of ways your first officer regards him. you’re not suggesting anything untoward, of course, but you can’t help but notice the shared glances, the playful smiles, the energy in the air between them. oh, and also, if the doctor wasn’t aware, a Vulcan’s touch, specifically of the hands, is very significant, very intimate - and, well, it’s no accident when spock reaches for the doctor’s hand in times of peril.

it takes mccoy many days to grapple with what you know is the truth. you are patient with him - it’s quite an extraordinary circumstance that you’ve found yourselves in. you know it won’t be easy for him, but you believe so strongly in this potential.

you ask him if he would like to approach spock with you. he hesitates, and asks if that’s what you want. you consider, and tell him the truth - yes, but only if you do it together. you see him contend with his jealousy, but you trust him, you believe in him. he tells you he doesn’t know what to think of it all, but he wants to try.

spock takes time. you’re not surprised to find that his first response is a distinctly professional refusal, citing the potential for risk in your working relationship as his superior officer. it stings, but you understand, and speak no more of it to him out of respect. you are surprised to find that is it is eventually mccoy who spock first allows to slip past his walls - one night, the doctor tells you in a hushed state of shock that he doesn’t know how it happened, but first they were just talking, and then they were kissing, and he didn’t mean to do it without you, it happened so quickly -

you put your hands on his arms and tell him to relax. he’s done no wrong. you’ll navigate this together.

and you do. spock is still reticent, but you tell him your intentions are to only take what spock is willing to give, and no more. mccoy assures spock that you are a man of your word, that he can trust you, just as he does during working hours. spock tells mccoy that he knows.

it is... indescribable, the beauty of the connection which flourishes between the three of you. there is an unspoken depth to spock that resonates deeply with you that your curiosity and your regard for him slowly allows you to experience with more and more directness as time passes. while spock takes his time to lower his walls to the both of you, once he bares himself to you, it is with alarming swiftness that you realize how deep and whole your adoration for him is.

to have them both - for each of you to have one another - it is a divine connection, it is fate, there is no other path but this - you have found where you belong.

it is indescribable, the pain you feel when spock tells you he must leave. you plead with him, you ask him why, you beg him to let you understand. he explains to you that it is because he is Vulcan, and that to make any other choice would be against his very nature.

it hurts you immeasurably to hear this, it hurts you to believe that he could feel this way after you’ve spent so long now knowing your truth, having this understanding between you, but you remember what you promised spock. you would not take more than spock was willing to give.

mccoy is inconsolable. he doesn’t understand, he can’t understand, he won’t understand. in what feels like a complete disintegration of their connection, mccoy begs spock, he rebukes spock, he pushes spock beyond where mccoy knows is safe, and spock reacts with walls so fierce that no goodwill remains between them. you are both heartbroken for, and furious with mccoy.

this is hell.

spock leaves. you try to comfort mccoy. you try to explain spock’s position to him, but he can’t accept it. his grief is so strong that he cannot bear to continue his career in starfleet. wherever he goes on this damned ship, all he can remember is the man he thought spock was, and how cruelly that man was taken away from him.

your sadness knows no bounds. your ship returns to starfleet command. any sense of celebration, or pride, or achievement at your return is marred with your sense of loss, but you do what you must for your crew.

you are not surprised that mccoy follows through with his threat of retirement. he begs you to stay. he tells you he knows your place is in the stars, but please, don’t abandon him too. please.

mccoy is correct, you know your place isn’t here, but equally correct is the truth that your place is with mccoy - how could you leave him after all the years he’s been at your side? how could you leave him with this heartbreak you both share? you remember what you promised him. you’d give him no cause for regret. you’d prove yourself to him.

you accept a promotion that otherwise you would not have taken in order to stay in san francisco. you do what you can to care for each other. it takes weeks for the grief you both feel to begin to lift. as you start to notice mccoy’s sorrow easing, you know this was the right choice. the only choice. it wasn’t just for mccoy’s sake you stayed. it was for your own as well.

you slowly adjust to this new life. your position as chief of starfleet operations gives you plenty to keep your mind occupied, and in the evenings, when otherwise you’d be tempted to sink back in to despondency, mccoy is there to give you everything you need from him - a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to cry on, a reminder that not everything in this life is miserable. you enjoy traveling the city with him. he even goes hiking with you, after he sees the glint in your eye at your suggestion. how could he say no, he tells you with a weary smile. anything for you.

a year passes. two. you start to feel restless. mccoy notices, and you ask him if he’s ready, if he could be ready to go back up there with you. he sighs and holds your hands and asks if you’d please give him just a little more time. of course, you say. anything for you.

a little more time, it comes to be, was all you had. in a whirlwind of fear and excitement you realize with all the certainty in the world that you are needed, now, to face a threat that only the enterprise is prepared to oppose. there is no choice. you hope to god mccoy will understand. in case he doesn’t, you submit for his reactivation in a little-used bit of bureaucracy that you’d been keeping tabs on for years. you need him.

of course he won’t board the ship. you go to the transporter room.

he appears. he’s mad as hell, and dumbfounded when he realizes it’s you that’s done this to him.

damnit, bones. i need you. badly.

you know what you’re asking him to do. you know it isn’t fair, but you need him, like you have all this time. you hold your hand out to him.

he only hesitates for a second. he doesn’t say it, but you know for all his protesting there’s no place he’d rather be than at your side. you smile, and know that whatever lies before you, you will face it together.

#mckirk #mcspirk #star trek tos #well this got out of hand #okay fine i admit it i am indeed Writing A Fic #and i have a lot of Feelings about it okay #the god damned DEVOTION these two have for each other #GOD

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aspiestvmusings · 4 years ago

Text

WV QUOTES by Ep

Best & Most relevant Quotes from WandaVision series

SUPERLONG POST

Quotes by episode [eps 1-8]

Ep 1

"A newlywed couple just moved to town / A regular husband and wife / Who left the big city To find a quiet life / WandaVision! She's a magical gal In a small town locale / He's hubby whose part machine / How will this duo fit in and fulfill all? / By sharing a love like youve never seen / WandaVision! " - Episode 1 opening credits theme song

"Forget your past. This is your future." - COMMERCIAL: Stark Industries Toast Mate 2000 toaster

"My wife and her flying saucers." - Vision / "My husband and his indestructible head." - Wanda, ep 1 #ohtheirony

"Aren't we a fine pair?" - Vision, ep 1

"Wanda, is there something special about today? There...on the calendar...someone's drawn a little heart right above todays date." - Vision / "Oh, yes, the heart... Well, don't tell me you've forgotten, Vis?!" - Wanda / "Forgotten? Oh, Wanda, I'm incapable of forgetfulness. I remember everything. And that's not an exaggeration. In fact I'm incapable of exaggeration" - Vision /"Well...then tell me what’s so important about todays date." - Wanda / "[PAUSE] What was the question again? Oh, well, perhaps you've forgotten yourself" - Vision / "Me? Heavens so. I've been so looking forward to it." - Wanda / "As have I." - Vision / "Today we are celebrating.." - Vision / "You bet we are...It's the first time we...have ever celebrted this occasion before..." - Wanda / "It's a special day --" - Vision / "Perhaps an evening --" - Wanda / "Of great significance --" - Vision / "To us both"" - Wanda / "Naturally!" - Vision / "Obviously" - Wanda / "Exactly!" - Vision / "Well done, us" - Vision, ep 1 #finishingeachotherssentences

"So what's your name? And where' you from" - Agnes / "I'm Wanda" - Wanda / "Wanda? Charmed." - Agnes, ep 1

"So what's a single girl like you doing rattling around this big house?" - Agnes / "Oh, no, I'm not single" - Wanda / "Oh... I don't see a ring." - Agnes / "Well, I assure you, I'm married. To a man. A human one. And tall." - Wanda, ep 1

"Well..it feels like we've always been together" - Wanda, ep 1 [answering the question "how many years have you been together?]

"Oh, this is gonna be a gas!" - Agnes, ep 1

"Would you be good as to tell me what it is that we do here exactly" - Vision / "...What is the purpose of this company?" - Vision / "All I know is (that) since you've gotten here productivity has gone up 300%" - Norm, ep 1

"You're like a walking computer!" - Norm / "What? I most certainly am not! I'm a regular carbon-based employee made entirely of organic matter. Much like yourself." - Vision

"No skeletons in your closet, eh, Vision" - Mr. Hart, ep 1

"I don't have a skeleton, sir" - Vision / "Glad to hear it. Your future in this company depends on it" - Mr. Hart, ep 1

"(You could point out that) The death rate of single men is twice that of married men." - Agnes, ep 1

"Now that's romantic." - Wanda, ep 1

"Don’t worry, dear, I have everything under control" - Wanda, ep 1

"I still get a little tongue-tied" - Vision, ep 1

"If tonight's not gonna go just so I think this could be the end." - Vision, ep 1

"I think the best course of action is to impress the wife" - Vision / "And I think think the best course of action is to impress the husband" - Wanda, ep 1

"Glad to know we're both on the same page" - Vision, ep 1

"The heart on the calendar was an abbreviation" - Vision, ep 1 [*heart* To grow old in. - V.]

"You move at the speed of sound & I can make a pen float through the air. Who needs to abbreviate?" - Wanda, ep 1

"Oh, darling, this is so romatic to do - the candles, the music, that stunning outfit..." - Vision, ep 1

"Oh, Agnes, you're a lifesaver" - Wanda, ep 1

"You're so naughty!" - Wanda, to Agnes, ep 1

"Should/Shall I just pre-heat-the over, dear?" - Agnes to Wanda, ep 1 #BunInTheOven

"I know you're in a pinch, so this menu can be done in a snap" - Agnes, ep 1

"Oh, no, too much!" - Wanda (chicken overdone) / "Oh, no, not enough!" - Wanda (turned to eggs), ep 1 #

"How can I be of assistance?" - Vision, ep 1

"For your upside-down cake" - Agnes [giving Wanda a pineapple], ep 1

"Whose that?" - Mr. Hart / "A salesman/A telegram" - Wanda & Vision [simultaneously] / "A man selling telegrams" - Vision / "Wouldn't you know it. Good news is more expensive." - Wanda, ep 1

"My head is spinning" - Mrs. Heart #WandasMagicAffectingPeople

"From what I've seen here tonight you can/could barely keep it together. I mean, look around, there's all this chaos going on in your household." - Mr. Hart, ep 1

"So...Where did you two move from? What brought you here? How long have you been married? And why don’t you have children yet?" - Mrs. Hart, ep 1

"Honestly...why did you come here? Why? Damit, why?!Why did you [come here] *chokes* - Mr. Hart, ep 1

"Oh, Arthur, Stop it. Stop it. Stop it. Stop it. Stop it. Stop it. Stop it. Stop it! Stop it! Stop. Stop it! Stop it." - Mrs. Hart, ep 1 #StopIt

"Vision, help him." - Wanda, ep 1

"We are an unusual couple, you know." - Wanda / "Oh, I don't think that was ever in question" - Vision, ep 1

"What I mean is: we don't have an anniversary. Or a song. Or even wedding rings." - Wanda / "Well, we could remedy that. Today could be our anniversaty" - Vision / "Of what? " - Wanda, ep 1

"And the rings?" - Wanda / "Well, could you make some for us?" - Vision, ep 1

"I do. Do you?" - Vision / "Yes, I do." - Wanda / "And they lived happily ever after..." - Vision, ep 1

Ep 2

"Strücker: He'll make time for you" - COMMERCIAL

"Are you using your night-vision, Vision?" - Wanda, ep 2

"Oh, this is getting ridiculous" - Wanda, ep 2

"...and look at how you seized on the opportunity to redecorate..:" - Vision, ep 2

"Fear not, Glamour, for I, Illusion, wow to bring you back exactly as you are." - Vision to Wanda, ep 2 #reversetheroles

"Wanda, are you not at all worried that the audience might just see through this little sharade?" - Vision / "Well, that's the whole point - in a real magic act everything is fake." - Wanda, ep 2

"This is our home now. I want us to...fit in" - Wanda, ep 2

"...and after last nights excitement I wanna make sure that this towns security is up-to snuff" - Vision, ep 2

"Would you look at us: Wanda & Vision, WestView fitter-inners" - Vision, ep 2

"So, are you ready to meet Queen Cul de Sac, and her merry homemakers?" - Agnes

"You'll notice that her roses bloom under the penalty of death." - Agatha, ep 2

"Dottie is the key to everything in this town. " - Agnes, ep 2

"Just mind your Ps & Qs, and you're gonna do just fine." - Agnes, ep 2

"Your roses are divine" - Agnes, to Dottie, ep 2

"The devil’s in the details, Bev." - Dottie / "That's not the only place he is" - Agnes, ep 2

"Those little boys & girls are counting on us. All of this is for the children." - Dottie, ep 2

"For the children" - group chant, ep 2

The only reason why I didn't clap is because I'm afraid to move" - Geraldine, ep 2

"I actually don't know what I'm doing here" - Geraldine / "I'm starting to feel that way myself."- Wanda, ep 2

"Now you can clap" *everyone claps* "And...stop" *everyone stops clapping* - Dottie, ep 2

"This is, sort of, a members-only type deal." - Norm, ep 2

"Got some top-secret intelligence for you" - Herb, ep 2

"I, too, have some top-secret gossip to share. [Norm here is a communist.] - Vision, ep 2

"Who knew you were such a funny guy?" - Norm ep 2

"And to think that you came (in) here a hot & bothered about protocols & nonsense" - Herb, ep 2

"I can't help but wonder if you & I haven't gotten off on the wrong foot. And I would like to correct that, if I can." - Wanda / "And how would you do that?" - Dottie, ep2

"I've heard things about you. You and your husband." - Dottie / "Well, I don't know what you've been told, but I assure you...I don't mean anyone any harm." - Wanda / “I don't believe you" - Dottie, ep 2

"Whose doing this to you, Wanda?" - Jimmy, ep 2

"Wanda, my little cabbage, you look smashing" - [drunk on gum] Vision, ep 2

"Listen...something strange happened with Dottie. [Actually] Something strange happened before that, too. It's hard to explain..." - Wanda, to Vision, ep 2

"What is going on?!?" - Wanda, to Vision / "You are!" - Geraldine, ep 2

"For the children" - group chant, ep 2

"I'm Glamour, and this is my delightful assistent Ilusion" - Vision / "I'm Glamour, and he’s Illusion" - Wanda / "Yeah, what she said” - Vision, ep 2

"Tonight we will lie to you, and yet you will believe our little deception. Because human beings are easily fooled due to their limited understanding of the inner workings of the universe! - Vision, ep 2 #ohtheforeshadowing

"Flourish!" - Vision as Illusion, the magician, ep 2

"Now my wife & I will delight in your dumbstruck little faces" - Vision, ep 2

"Oops, you weren't supposed to see how we did that trick" - Wanda, ep 2

"If only you all knew our secret" - Wanda, ep 2

"The Magnet of Crysteries" - Vision as Illusion, ep 2 #TheCabinetOfMysteries

"I will now make my wife... disappear." - Vision as Illusion, ep 2

"What's in the box?" - group chant, ep 2

"Vis, it's alright. It's okay. But what is going on with you?" - Wanda / "I have no idea. I've been feeling weird-y all day." - Vision, ep 2

"Well, you're back to yourself, and that's all I care about" - Wanda to Vision, ep 2

"A magician never reveals his secrets. He leaves that to his assistant" - Vision / "And she's not talking" - Wanda, ep 2

"I don't know what I was so worried about. It wasn't so hard to fit in after all" - Wanda / "And all we had to do was be ourselves". - Vision / "Well...with a few modifications" - Wanda, ep 2

"And it was all..for the children" - Wanda & Vision, ep 2

"Vision, is this really happening?" - Wanda / "Yes, my love, it's realy happening" - Vision, ep 2

Ep 3

"We got something cooking / And it's looking good / We got something cooking / And you knew we could / All great expecttions Lead to complications / But it's grovy and fun / It's me and it's you / Together one plus one is more than two / Some sudden surprises / Come in all shapes and sizes / But it's rainbows and sun / It's you and it's me / Together one plus one is family." - WV episode 1x03 opening credits intro song

"You read my mind" - COMMERCIAL, ep 3

"Come with me. Escape to world all your own, where your probllems float away. When you want to get away, but you don't want to go anywhere... Hydra Soak. Find the Goddess within" - COMMERCIAL, ep 3

"I have nerves of steel, so there goes your theory..." - Vision, ep 3

"Have you gotten bigger?" - Vision / "Have I? I can't tell from this angle" - Wanda, ep 3

"I can't wait to be a proud papa-ya." - Vision, ep 3 #dadjokes

"Oh, did I do that? I didn’t mean to" - Wanda, ep 3

“All the worlds a stage. And all the men & women marely players.“ - Vison, ep 3 #QuotingShakespeare #William #Billy #Thomas #Tommy

"Do you think they know it's my fault?" - Wanda, ep 3

"I think something's wrong here, Wanda" - Vision, ep 3

"I know what you mean. The truth is: We are in uncharted waters. And you know what? I'm anxious, too"- Vision, ep 3

"We just don't know what to expect" - Wanda, ep 3

"Will the baby be human, or synthezoid, a bit of both?" - Wanda, ep 3

"If he is anything like his ma' (mother), he (Billy) will be perfect" - Vision, ep 3

"What a mess." - Wanda, ep 3

"Well..in all fairness, darling, the baby is aproximately 9 months early" - Vision, ep 3

"Now's not really a good time.." - Wanda, ep 3

"I may be late to the party, but I imagine there's s logical explanation for this." - Geraldne, ep 3

"It's all perfectly natural" - Wanda, ep 3

"I can't do this" - Wanda / "Yes, you can." - Geraldine / "I can't. I cant." - Wanda / "You can do this." - Geraldine, ep 3

"I don't think we'll get away after all. Small towns, you know... So hard to escape...." - Dr. Nielsen, ep 3

"She came here because... She came here because we're all..." - Herb, ep 3

"Who are you?" - Wanda

Ep 4

"She came here because we're all...what?" - Vision, ep 4 ("previously on" part)

"I think you should leave" - Wanda, ep 4 ("previously on" part)

"I don't understand what's happening, but you need to listen to me". - Dr., to Monica, ep 4

"Director Tyler Hayward" - Monica / "Acting! Director." - Hayward, ep 4

"It's been three weeks [since the Blip] & you're the first to report." - Hayward, ep 4

"Sentient Weapons, like it says on the door" - Hayward / "It also says "Observation and Response" on that door. Not Creation." - Monica, ep 4

"The world's not the same as you left it." - Hayward, ep 4

"What's the story here, agent Woo?" - Monica / "I've got a witness set up down the road in WestView, and this morning it looked like he flew the coop." - Jimmy / "Your missing person is in the Witness Protection Program?" - Monica / "I have contacted known associates, relatives..." - Jimmy / "And let me guess: none of them have seen him either?" - Monica / "No. None of them have ever heard of him." - Jimmy, ep 4

"This isn't a missing persons case (anymore). This is missing town. Population 3892" - JImmy, ep 4

"Why havent you gone inside to investigate?" - Monica / "Cause it doesn't want me to. You can feel it too, can't you? Nobody is supposed to go in." - Jimmy, ep 4

"Why is it that you have an awareness of WestView? Or me...for that matter? Is it because we're outside of a certain radius? Or maybe because we don't have a personal connection?" - Monica, ep 4

"What is it?" - Jimmy / "Some sort of an energy field..." - Monica, ep 4

"We're not supposed to talk to each other" - "Boyscout Leader", to Darcy, ep 4

"We've got a full clown-car." - Darcy, ep 4

"Wow...[I'm getting] A colossal amount of CMBR [Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation]" - Darcy, ep 4

"Look, I know it's been a crazy few years on this planet, but he's dead, right? Not Blipped. Dead." - Darcy, about Vision, ep 4

"So you're saying the universe created a sitcom starring two Avengers?" - Jimmy, ep 4

"It's a working theory." - Darcy, ep 4

"So what, deep cover? Monica has to play along?" - Darcy / "With whom? Or else what?" - Jimmy, ep 4

"What are we looking at here? Is it an alternate reality, time travel, some cockamanie social experiment?" - Jimmy / "It's a sitcom. A 1950s sitcom." - Darcy, ep 4

"1950s, 1960s, and now the 70s. Why does it keep switching time period? Can’t be purely for my enjoyment, can it?" - Darcy, ep 4

"Twins. What a twist" - Darcy, ep 4

"Has this happened before? A reference to our reality?" - Jimmy, ep 4

"Someone is censoring the broadcast." - Darcy, ep 4

"You're not my neighbour. And youre definitely not my friend. You are a stranger. And an outsider. And right now you are trespassing here. And I want you...to leave" - Wanda, ep 4 #HexWandaSawAgathaInMonica (she came at Monica so hard, cause she sensed an outsider, but she gave the role to the wrong person...)

"We don't have to stay here. We could go wherever we want." - Vision / "No, we can't. This is our home." - Wanda / "Are you sure?" - Vision / "Don't worry, darling, I have everything under control." - Wanda, ep 4

"It's Wanda. It's all...Wanda" - Monica, ep 4

"What shoud we watch tonight?" - Wanda, ep 4

Ep 5

"You wander the world with a vision of what life could be / But then the years come and teach you to just wait & see / Forces may try to pull us apart / But nothing can phase me if you're in my heart / Crossing our fingers, singing a song / We're making it up as we go along / Through the highs & the lows / We'll be right, we'll be wrong / We're making it up as we go along / And there wiLl be days / We won't know which way to go / But we'll take it higher / You're all I desire / When the going gets tough / When push comes to shove / We're making it up / ' Cause we got love / We got love. We got love / Baby we got...WandaVision" - Episode 5 opening credits intro theme song

"Lagos (paper towels) - for when you make a mess you didn't mean to (make)" - COMMERCIAL

“I know parents aren’t supposed to take shortcuts, but I think this situation calls for one, don’t you?” - Wanda, ep 5

“Why won’t you do what I want?” - Wanda, to the twins, ep 5

"Vis, what are we doing wrong?" - Wanda, ep 5

"Don't worry, dear, we'll figure it out." - Vision, ep 5

“Do you want me to take that again?” - Agnes, ep 5

“Should we just take it from the top?” - Agnes, ep 5

"I dare you to stay awake" - Agnes, ep 5

"What was that about?" - Vision / "What was what?" - Wanda, ep 5

"Did you really not see what I saw?” - Vision, to Wanda, ep 5

“Kids. (You) Can’t control ‘ em. No matter how hard you try.” - Agnes, ep 5

[Whats the 1st thing you remember?] “Pain. And then Wanda’s voice in my head. There was this feeling...keeping me down. This...hopeless feeling. Like drowning. It was grief.” - Monica, ep 5

“Our initial theory had Wanda Maximoff as one of many victims. (But) We now know she’s the principal victimizer.” - Hayward, ep 5

“That’s an over-simplification of events, but... yeah.” - Jimmy, ep 5

"Does Maximoff have an alias?" - Hayward / "No, sir." - Jimmy / "No funny nickname?" - Hayward / "Not a one." - Jimmy, ep 5

"When was this?" - Monica / "9 days ago. Maximoff stormed our facillity, stole The Visions body, and resurrected him." - Hayward, ep 5 [a direct violation of the Sokovia Accord Section 36B & Vision's own living will, cause he didnt want to be anybodys weapon]

“Maximoff in her grief disregarded his [Vision’s living will] wishes” - Hayward, ep 5

“But how did she even do it? Bring him back without the Mind stone?” - Jimmy / “Who knows? But she has the worlds only known vibranium synthezoid playing father-knows-best in suburbia. What happens when he learns the truth?” - Darcy, ep 5

“Taking care of a living thing is a big responsibility.” - Wanda, ep 5

“I’m tired of hiding. (And maybe you don’t have to either)” - Wanda, ep 5

"Wanda, we are usually so much of the same Mind[stone], but right now...” (What aren't you telling me?) - Vision, ep 5

“What aren’t you telling me?” - Vision, to Wanda, ep 5

"Wanda’s twins are hers. Everything might look fake in TV, but everything in there is real.” - Monica, ep 5

"But Wanda manipulates peoples perceptions, makes them hallucinate..." - Jimmy, ep 5

"If all the sets, and props, and wardrobe are solid matter, that would mean she's wielding an insane amount of power." - Darcy / "By far exceeding anything she's desplayed in the past." - Jimmy, ep 5

“It’s not an illusion. Wanda is re-writing reality.”- Monica, ep 5

"If she can change things...as they go into the hex...what happens when we send something in that requires no change?" - Monica, ep 5

“Can’t you tell..none of it is real..” - Norm, ep 5

“You have to stop her. [Stop who?] She’s in my head. None of it is my own. It hurts. It hurts so much. Just make her stop.” - Norm, ep 5

“Sometimes your dad & I aren’t on the same page. But that’s just temporary.” - Wanda PS. She is literally saying that she & him aren’t always in scenes that are on the same page in the script, hence he (one of them) is away/somewhere else.

“Family is forever.” - Wanda, ep 5

"He's...far away from here. And that makes me...sad, sometimes." - Wanda, (about her twin-brother Pietro, who is buried in Sokovia) ep 5

"We can't see the drone on the broadcast. Wanda is framing it out." - Jimmy / "Just like all the jump-cuts. Wanda decides what makes it onto her show, and what doesn't." - Darcy, ep 5

“This will be your only warning. Stay out of my home. You don’t bother me, I won’t bother you.” - Wanda, ep 5

[What do you want?] “I have what I want. And no-one will ever take it from me...again” - Wanda PS. She seems to look at Hayward when she says the last past. This seems to be a message about them having Visions body & going against his will & trying to weaponize it...as much as it is about her having her perfect life with her Vision.

"The urge to run from this feeling [read: grief] is powerful. I know." - Wanda, ep 5

“You can fix anything, mom. Fix the dead.” - The Twins [Wanda: "What? No." / Agnes: "You can do that?"]

"I am trying to tell you that there are rules in life: We can’t reverse death...no matter how sad it makes us. Some things aren’t forever. ” - Wanda, ep 5 #AThingIsntBeautifulBecauseItLasts

"You said family is forever. He is family. Bring him back, mom" - Billy & Tommy, ep 5

“You can’t control me the way you do (control) them.” - Vision / “Can’t i?” - Wanda [as the end credits start to roll], ep 5

“I have to believe that this -- whatever this is -- was subconcious at first, and that you only recently became aware of it.” - Vision (about the Hex & WV), ep 5

"Stop lying to me! [angry]" - Vision / "This... All of this is for us. So let me handle it.” - Wanda, to Vision, ep 5

“What is outside of Westview” - Vision - /”You don’t want to know, I promise you.” - Wanda / “You don’t get to make that choice for me, Wanda” - Vision, ep 5

“Before what? I can’t remember my life before Westview. I don’t know who I am. I’m scared.” - Vision, ep 5 (proof that Vision 2.0 is evolving)

"You are my husband. You're Billy & Tommy’s father. Isn't that enough?" - Wanda, ep 5

"Wanda, why are there no other children [besides Billy & Tommy] in Westview?” - Vision, ep 5

"Why...tell me why..." - Vision / "Do you realy think that I am controlling everything? That I am somehow in charge of everybody in WestView? I'm walking their dogs, mowing their lawns, getting them to dentist appointments in time? I mean, I... I don't know how any of this started in the first place..." - Wanda, ep 5

“What you’re doing here...it’s wrong. It is wrong.” - Vision, ep 5

"I didn't do that. [pause] You don't believe me." - Wanda / "Wanda, I want to. But at this point I'm ignoring statistics entirely." - Vision, ep 5

"Whose the popsicle?" - Fietro [bout Vision], ep 5

Ep 6

"Don't try to fight the chaos / Don't question what you’ve done / The game can try to play us / Don't let it stop the fun / Some days it's all confusion / Easy come and easy go / But if it's all illusion / Sit back, enjoy the show / Let's keep it going x2 / Through each distorted day / Let's keep it going / Though there may be no way of knowing / Whose coming by to play" - Episode 6 opening credits intro song

"That's not exactly how I remember it" - Wanda / "You probably suppressed a lot of the trauma" - Fietro, ep 6

"I'm undercover!" - Vision, ep 6

"No, that's not what you're supposed to..." - Wanda / ”What?” - Vision, ep 6

“Mom & Dad have been... not fighting, just...like...different (lately/ever since Uncle P. arrived)” - Twins, to the camera, ep 6

“Wanda, be good” - Vision, ep 6

"If I see any funny business, I'm going to magic you into a pickled herring" - Wanda, to Fietro #RedHerring

“We take her out, this whole nightmare ends” - Hayward / "We don’t know that. We actually have no idea what will happen in there, or out here if Wanda dies”.- Monica, ep 6

"If Wanda is the problem, she has to be our solution.” - Monica, ep 6

"Is there something I can do for you, Wanda. Do you want something changed?” - Herb, ep 6

“I can’t believe what a bad influence you are” - Wanda, to Fietro, ep 6

“I’m just trying to do my part. Come to town unexpectedly, create tension with the brother-in-law, stir up trouble with the rugrats, and untimately give you grief. I mean...that’s what you wanted, isn’t it?” - Fietro, ep 6

"I got the old XY chromosome" - Fietro, ep 6 #Xmen #HeXmen

“Unleash hell, demon spawns” - Fietro, about/to the Twins, ep 6

“Dammit if Westview, New Jersey, isn’t charming as hell.” - Fietro, ep 6

"It's not like your dead husband can die twice." - Fietro, ep 6

“Where were you hiding all these kids up til now? I assume they were just sleeping peacefully in their beds.” - Fietro, ep 6

“You don’t think it’s... wrong”? - Wanda / “Are you kidding? I'm impressed.” - Fietro, ep 6

“Howd’d you even do all of this?” - Fietro, to Wanda, ep 6

"I don’t know how I did it. I only remember feeling...completely alone. Empty. Endless nothingness.” - Wanda, ep 6

“Am I dead” - Agnes / “No. Why would you think that?” - Vision / “Because you are”. - Agnes / “Because I am what?” - Vision / “Dead” - Agnes, ep 6

“No one leaves. Wanda won’t even let us think about it.”- Agnes, ep 6

“I will fix this, Agnes, I promise” - Vision, ep 6

"I know what Wanda’s feeling, and I won’t stop until I help her.” - Monica, ep 6

"How'd you even do (all) this?" - Fietro / "I don't know how I did it. I only remember feeling completely alone. Empty. Just...endless nothingness." - Wanda, ep 6

"He really does want out, doesn't he?" - Hayward, about Vision, ep 6

"I hear daddy. In my head. He's in trouble" - Billy, to Wand, ep 6

Ep 7

"Feeling depressed? Like the world goes on without you? Do you just want to be left alone? Ask your doctor about Nexus. A unique anti-depressant that works to anchor you back to your reality. Or the reality of your choice. Side effects include: feeling your feelings, confronting your truth, seizing your destiny, and possibly more depression. You should not take Nexus unless your doctor has cleared you to move on with your life. Nexus - because the world doesn’t revolve around you. Or does it?” - NEXUS COMMERCIAL, ep 7

"Letting our fear and anger get the best of us. Intentionally expanding the borders of the false world we created" - Wanta, to the director/camera PS. She uses plural form. Since nothing on this show is meaningless, and we know it was actually Agnes sitting behind the camera, maybe that was a hint at her saying THEY created it, not she alone?

"Mom, my head feels weird. It's like...really noisy. I don't like it." - Billy, ep 7

"As punishment for my reckless evening, I plan on taking a quarantine style stacation. A whole day. That'll show me." - Wanda

"Yeah, I'm not sure what's that about" (the glitches) - Wanda, ep 7

"If he doesn't want to be here, there's nothing I can do about it" - Wanda, ep 7

“I have no answers. Zero, Zip. Zilch. Nada. Niente." - Wanda, ep 7

"I'm starting to believe that everything is meaningless." - Wanda, ep 7

"You're welcome to draw your own conclusions, of course. But that's just where I'm at" - Wanda. ep 7

"Vision is made of vibranium, (so) they literally inherited tough skin" - Wanda, about the twins, ep 7

"Agnes, you are a life-saver. Is there anything I can do for you?" - Wanda, ep 7

"R&D reports, all on the same project. Code name: Cataract. [pause] Hayward wasn't de-commissioning Vision, he was trying to bring him back online. But nothing worked... ["until Wanda stole Visions body"]" - Jimmy, ep 7

"You know, part of me secretly wanted a guest spot on this show, but...seriously..that sucked." - Darcy, ep 7

"I have questions” - Vision / “I have answers” - Darcy, ep 7

"I don't understand why it's happening. Why it's all falling apart. And why I can't fix it." - Wanda, ep 7

"Do you think maybe this is what you deserve?" - Director's voice BTS/Agatha, to Wanda, ep 7

"So...Wanda killed me?" - Vision / "Yes. But it's not that simple. You asked her to do it." - Darcy / "Why would I have done that?" - Vision / "To save the universe. Well...half of it." - Darcy / "Did it work?" - Vision / "It did. [pause] Until the bad guy rewound time & killed you himself. There are a few extra steps, but...to set up the ocontext... " - Darcy / "I came back and died again." - Vision / "...and she had to watch." - Darcy

"Also..it never rains in WestView, right" - Darcy, ep 7 [Vision gives the camera THE LOOK]...as there are puddles on the road & the windowsglass is covered with raindroplets...

"I'm not amused" - Vision, ep 7

“What am I now?” - Vision, ep 7

“What I don’t get is why you can’t leave the hex.” - Darcy, to Vision, ep 7

"So..if I understand correctly...my original code dates back to an AI called JARVIS, but my corporal form was born from ULTRONs plan for global genocide?" - Vision / "Correct-o" - Darcy / "What am I now?" - Vision / "Honestly... I thought she just flipped a switch on your head and brought you back to life, but..what I dont get is why you can’t leave the hex.” - Darcy , ep 7

“What I do know is that I've been watching “WandaVision” for the past week, and the love you two have is real. You belong together.” - Darcy, to Vision, ep 7

"Don't let him make you the villain" - Monica /"Maybe I already am." - Wanda, ep 7

"I lost the person closest to me, too. The worst thing I can think of has already happened to me. And I can't change it, I can't undo it, I can't control this pain anymore. And I don't think I want to. Because it's my truth." - Monica, ep 7

"I had no idea how much Wanda had endured before coming to WestView. How much we both had, I guess. Though I can’t remember it. For me it feels like it happened to someone else, you know... But for her.. it's mere weeks ago." - Vision, ep 7

"What am I doing here? Sitting, talking to you...when I should... This is absurd. I need to get to my wife." - Vision, ep 7

Ep 8

"You have betrayed your coven. You stole knowledge above your age & station. You practiced the darkest of magic." - Evanora Harkness / "I know nothing of these crimes. I swear it!" - Agatha / "Enough. Deception.!" - Evanora / "I did not break your rules. They simply bent to my power." - Agatha, ep 8

"I cannot control it."- Agatha, ep 8

"If only you would teach me...! (Help me, please!)" - Agatha, ep 8

"Please...I can be good" - Agatha / "No, you cannot." - Evanora, ep 8

"Your magic's no good in here. Didn't you notice? Basic protection spell. One on each wall. ... No? Nothing? These are runes, Wanda. In a given space only the witch that cast the runes can use her magic. How do you not know the fundamentals?" - Agatha, to Wanda, ep 8

"Who are you?" - Wanda / "Who are you?" - Agatha, ep 8

"Who are you? All those costumes and hairstyles? Oh, I was so patient. Waiting for you to reveal your true self. I got close with Fake-Pietro...Fietro, if you will. But no dice." - Agatha/ "That was you?" - Wanda / "No, it wasn't literally me. Just my eyes & ears. A crystalline posession..if you will. Necromacy was a non-starter since your real brothers body is on another continent. Not to mention (also) full of holes. But you're so crippled by your own self-doubt that you believed it." - Agatha, ep 8

"When I sensed this place - the afterglow of so many spells cast all at once...I couldn't make heads or tails of it... Mind control. A classic. Quick incantation and a feeble psyche and you're good to go. With thousands of people under your thumb all interacting with each other according to complex storylines. Well, that's somethign special, baby. And of course there's transmutation. Years of study to achieve even the smallest convincing illusion. But WestView through your lense, Wanda... Every little detail in place...down to the crown molding. You're even running illusions miles away at the edge of town. Magic on autopilot. What's your secret, sister? Listen... I need you (to)...I need you to tell me how you did this." - Agatha / "I didn't do anything. I'm not..." - Wanda / "I tried to be gentle....to nudge you awake from this ridiculous fantasy, but you would rather fall apart than face your truth. You left me no choice... What was it (that) you said to your not-brother? Hmm? All you could recall was the feeling. You felt empty. Alone. Endless nothingness... Let's start there..." - Agatha, ep 8

"It's been fun playing pretend for a while, hasn't it, Wanda? But it's time to look at some reall re-runs. All right, let's go." - Agatha /"No" - Wanda, ep 8

"After you, superstar" - Agatha to Wanda, ep 8

“I know you don’t want [to go back there...to relive your painful memories]. But it’s good medicine, angel” - Agatha, ep 8

“The only way forward is back” - Agatha, ep 8

"I forgot. I put it in the special place. For extra safekeeping." - Wanda's dad, ep 8

Shenanigan [definition]: ... like mischief. But...a silly mischief, that always becomes fine.

"...and at the end of the episode... you realise it was all (just) a bad dream. None of it was real." - 10-y-o Wanda, ep 8 flashback

"You stop that. You'll hurt her feeling." - TV Character 1 / "She hasn't got any feelings. She's full of sawdust, or rags, or something." - TV character 2, ep 8

"So...little orphan Wanda got up close & personal with an Infinity Stone that amplified what otherwise would have died on the vine? The broken pieces of you are adding up, buttecup. I have a theory, but I need more..." - Agatha, ep 8

"So where are we know?" - Agatha / "The Avengers compound. It was the first home Vision & I ever shared. Pietro was dead, and I was in a new country... I was all alone..." - Wanda, ep 8

"Vision?" - Wanda [sensing him behind the wall/that he wants to enter her room] / "I apologize, I dont mean to intrude..:" - Vision / "You don't?" - Wanda / "Well, I suppose yes I did intend to come in here..." - Vision / "And now?" - Wanda / "Well...whatever is your preferance..." - Vision, ep 8

[Wanda & Vision watching sitcoms on TV] "Is it funny because of the grievious injury the man just suffered?" - Vision / "No, he's not really injured" - Wanda / "Ah. [But] How can you be certain?" - Vision / "It's not that kind of a show." - Wanda, ep 8

"Wanda, I don't presume to know what you're feeling, but I would like to know. Should you wish to tell me. Should that be of some comfort to you." - Vision / "What makes you think that talking about it would bring me comfort?" - Wanda / "Oh, see, I read that the..." - Vision / [interrupts him] "The only thing that would bring me comfort is seeing him again." - Wanda [SILENCE] "Sorry... I'm ..I'm so tired..." - Wanda

"Sorry... I'm ..I'm so tired... It's just like this wave washing over me, again and again. It knocks me down, and when I try to stand up, it just comes for me again. And I can't... It's just gonna drown me..." - Wanda / "No, no it won't." - Vision / "How do you know?" - Wanda / "Well...because it can't all be sorrow, can it? I've always been alone, so I don't feel the lack. It’s all I've ever known. I've never experienced loss because I have never had a loved one to lose. But what is grief, if not love persevering?" - Vision, to Wanda, ep 8 #foreshadowing

"But what is grief, if not love persevering?" - Vision, to Wanda, ep 8

"So, to recap: parents dead, brother dead, Vision dead." - Agatha, ep 8

"What happened when he wasn't there to pull you back from the darkness, Wanda?" - Agatha / "I can’t do this anymore..." - Wanda / "Come on, Wanda! You're on the precipice. You are right there! Tell me how you did it." - Agatha, ep 8

"Vision was gone. But you. wanted. him. back." - Agatha / "I wanted him back. [to herself: "I wanted him back"]" - Wanda, ep 8

"I know you have him" - Wanda

"Please...Please. When I came back, he was gone. His...body. And I know he's here. He deserves a funeral, at least. I deserve it." - Wanda

"I just wanna bury him. That's all I want" - Wanda, ep 8

"Are yo sure (that’s all you want)? Not everyone has that kind of power that can bring their soulmate back online. Forgive me...back to life." - Hayward, ep 8

"No, I can’t do that. Thats...That’s not why I'm here." - Wanda, ep 8

"I can't feel you.... [whisper] I can't feel you." - Wanda, ep 8

"To grow old in." - V. *hear shape* [Vision's note to Wanda, on the propery deed], ep 8

"Wanda, welcome home. Should we stay in tonight?" - (Hex) Vision, ep 8

"I know what you are. You have no idea how dangerous you are. You're supposed to be a myth - a being capable of spontaneous creation. BUt here you are...using it to make breakfast for dinner. ... This is chaos magic, Wanda. That makes you the Scarlett Witch" - Agatha to Wanda, ep 8

"Let go of my children" - Wanda / "Oh yes...your children, Vision, this whole little life you've made...this is chaos magic, Wanda." - Agatha, ep 8

TBC in ep 9

#QUOTE #QUOTES #WandaVisionSpoiers #Scarlett Witch #WandaVision #SPOILER #WandaVision spoilers #WandaVision spoiler #WandaVisionSpoilers #Wanda #Vision #The Vision #Wanda Maximoff #Wanda Vision #Wanda x Vision #MCU

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thetapestryoftime · 3 years ago

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Above is the chart for the moment of beginning this journal. How nice that Spica is in the 10th house. Does that portend some kind of success? Who knows? Who cares!

Mercury has been in a key position in my chart since yesterday… or about two days ago. With astrology it’s always hard to tell. When is a position not in a key position? No one day or one moment is more important than the rest… they’re all one and the same! Here! And! Now! Each holds something special - the boredom, the pain, the joy, the ecstasy, the separation or conuinctio. Every experience is unique and never to be repeated again.

Anyhow, Mercury truly is in a very important place in my chart. Here is the chart of the moment on top of my Natal chart.

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He is parting from a conjunction with Mars, yes… and over the past week I had predicted that this conjunction would lead to me finally taking action in expressing my self through writing, which I have not done for a long time. I have been in silence. And everything I have written so far, though much of it had been inspired, came from a different space than the one I currently embody. What’s curious about that statement is that… I could write it at any given moment and it would always be true. Language is tricky, but I will attempt at precision as I develop over the course of time.

Beyond the conjunction of Mars, there is a Grand Cross that exists between Mars, Chiron (not pictured above, I just realized… he rests at 10 degrees of Libra, conjunct NN), Jupiter, Saturn & the nodes. I actually have no real concept of how this chart pattern materializes in my life. This is partly the reason for these reflections. I would like to understand my self through a careful study of the divine timing of my life, tracked through the graces of the cosmic clock that is astrology. This journal, though I have no idea if it will ever come to fruition of any kind, is an attempt at profound self understanding… one of the things I’m finding comical as I type is that I get quite wordy in writing whereas the moments of illumination arrive quite spontaneously as a whole package of quantum information. Will this be digestible? Let’s see.

So, primarily, I’ll speak on Mercury today as he (I suppose she, in Cancer) has been endlessly nudging me today to write this entry. I will point out I am heavily predisposed towards fixity by nature of placements in my nativity & consistently find reasons not to start something that requires considerable shift from my habit loop. So I resisted Mercury until 6:50PM according to the time signature above :D

Here are several observations I’ve made…

First, since his approach towards Mars I started overthinking all of a sudden. I could not get out of my mind the upset I have towards certain family members who continuously question my way of life & make a point to mention things they find faulty every time I have a conversation with them (Mars in Cancer - separation with family, trauma with relatives, distance from my roots… more on this later. I am a very interesting case study for this Mars placement). I was processing tremendous amounts of rage. I was imagining situations where I am punishing them, where I point out their own glaring blindspots & make them angry or sad, finding every excuse to defend my identity over their criticisms. It’s not even an active thing - I generally avoid these family members & don’t spend much time thinking about them. But in this transit… oh boy. It’s notable primarily because I have cultivated deep sense of self & inner peace over the last months… feeling incredibly connected to the present moment, to my body, to the everlasting here and now, with rushes of bliss entering my reality each day as I sink into my self. But of course, the moment I open up to greater realities, darling universe only gives me so long to marinade in the sweetness before offering up the next challenge. I am grateful for that. I want to go all the way DAMMIT.

And so I started to understand this aspect of the Grand Cross… the Mercury side of it. And what was most poignant for me is that Mercury is by far the most accessible planet in terms of transits. As in - Mercury’s transits are easily perceptible due to the fact they deal with our thoughts, our conversations, communications, dealings & so on. Any interface with reality that requires mind will somehow be colored by Mercury. Therefore, his transits are the ones that offer greatest potential for self-comprehension. There’s a bit of a trick, however - there are all the other planets doing things at the same time, so who can say what’s what?

So I thought… or in fact, a thought thought it self into my viewfinder… as each planet transits key points in the chart, a very specific type of activation will present it self to reveal a perspective on that part of the nativity. Sun will be a spotlight, Mercury a set of thoughts, Mars a battle, Venus a success & so on. The slower the planets, the more meaningful the transit as it will reveal far more of the nature of that part of the chart.

Mercury-Mars in Cancer… mom and I had to leave the home and stay at my aunt’s today because mold is being cleared out from our current residence. Do you see the significance? Mars = separation, Mercury = trade, Cancer = home. I would say that mold has to do with Sun trining Neptune today - the less rosy & more disturbing, invisible aspects of life are spotlit.

Mercury-Mars in Cancer… mom and I went shopping & bought a ton of fruits & vegetables & juices from the farmer’s market & the bio store. Mars = activity, Mercury = buy/sell, Cancer = mom/provisions/abundance.

Mercury-Mars in Cancer approaching square to natal Saturn… I was HELLA moody today. I was unable to get into my body after waking up for a long while & thus did not communicate to my mom I did not actually want to go shopping at all… I just want to go home & lay and feel into my body slowly. Which led to a very long and powerful conversation. We spoke about our shared trauma, her lack of access to her emotions, the way we have the exact same trauma response to relationships (our charts have many eery similarities… more on this another time). We are basically carbon copies of each other in our own unique ways. I do not doubt most children have this kind of relationship with their parents. In any case, it was basically a battle except she shuts down while I ignite so it’s rather one sided… but we ended up on steady ground making some (or maybe none? who ever knows) progress together. Interestingly enough, the conversation lasted an hour and a half (or so) and the entire time Mercury was transiting the 8th house. Can’t make this shit up ! The conversation broadly addressed our individual belief systems & the Sun was in the 9th house for a good portion of it. Mmmmhmmmm.

Mercury in Cancer… At a collective level, I made on particular observation that I found quite peculiar. In the past few days, four people I follow & admire showed up in video format on Instagram quite… frazzled. All four of them were going through some shit. & I could sense they were really off their game which I had not seen in such sequence prior. Cancer is a cardinal water sign & to me signals part evolution part devolution… revisiting the past to move forward. Back to Earth. Water slowly dripping down to feed the roots. A moment of destabilization that actually initiates the next level of embodiment, or NOT! It’s an expression of vulnerability, a soft & tender communication that invited me to de-pedestal them (because I am apt to crown humans when I admire some quality of theirs… & thus feel less-than them) and see their lovely humanity. Maybe it’s pathetic but I celebrated seeing them weak. Because it reminded me that everybody falls, nobody is perfect, we are all simply human, and I can show up however I am. As much as I wish it were possible, I don’t think I can ever be quite “there.”

Mercury’s ingress into Cancer has also invited me into a cascade of speaking whereas before I was preferring silence (still do…) simply due to circumstance and changing tides of energy. As I’ve been studying transits nearly daily, I am absolved of any illusion that I have control over any aspect of Being in the world. I am, as we are all, at the behest of shifting sands of time that determine what exactly will be brought to attention on any given day. Astrology is the ‘divine timing’ we all speak of that gives us PROFOUND insight into the energetics of each moment, as well as the energetics of our own existence.

There’s so much more… but that’s it for today!

#astrology #cancer #mars #mercury #saturn #zodiac #journal

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thechembow · 4 years ago

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Message to People of LA and Everywhere, Fear is DOR

Dec. 24, 2020

No matter how hard a planetary healer works to flip the energy and bring back the rain, the Earth needs more fearless people who are actively staying above the frequency fence. You can look at the radar frame by frame and see how LA, Orange, and San Diego counties are repressing the incoming rain. This is not because the cell towers have not been gifted thoroughly. You can look back through years of blog entries to see how these places have been gridded top to bottom with orgonite. It is because of the relentless vibration of fear emanating from the people.

Fear is the energy the parasites are blasting you with from your cell phones. They couple deadly radiation with negative media messages to lower your vibration. Being in the mountains surrounded by trees, with no cell phone and very poor cell reception, we feel the love of everything around us, the divinity from all of the creation. Divinity emanates from God, and what better time than Christmas to celebrate our reunion with our Creator.

There is a chance of rain in the forecast out of nowhere for the mountains north of LA. The utility companies in Southern California are threatening to turn off the power on hundreds of thousands of people on Christmas eve, just like they did on Thanksgiving. They say we are in a drought and there is fire danger from winds. In reality, they are just trying to ruin people’s holiday, one of the few chances to get away from the madness of everyday life in 2020, and a chance to be together, as is natural for people.

If we could stop the cycle of fear (C0VID, drought, racism, riots, currency collapse, unemployment, fires, storms, etc.) and look around at the beauty and abundance that is real, we would stop worrying and depending on the parasitic infrastructure for everything. Here in the mountains most people don’t hide their faces from God. There is little fear, since we have already been living with the land and are somewhat more self-sufficient than people in the city. Down in LA, everyone’s face is hidden and the fear is so thick you can almost see it. In fact, you can see it. This is what people call “smog” or air pollution. Air pollution is dirty, stagnant air caused by electromagnetic pollution, which holds in particulate pollution. With a healthy OR rich atmosphere, the pollution is naturally lifted. This blog covers this result over years of field work. People themselves generate this electromagnetic pollution, not just our EMF emitting devices. This energy is the opposite of orgone energy. It is the energy of death, and it creates the very fear that causes it. It is a feedback loop of negativity.

Listen to the words of a master from another world who spoke to George Adamski in 1952, a time when there was significant contact between men of other worlds and Earth men. The master begins by explaining the law of elevation, that everything in the Universe is constantly moving up in consciousness, not disintegrating, as Earth men perceive it. We are too stuck in the idea of form, so we only see the disintegration of those forms, which are simply “a channel through which life, or intelligence, expresses,” according to the master. This is why men of other worlds don’t fear death and have overcome disease.

He goes on to say, “When this law is fully accepted and lived by your Earth men as it has been accepted and lived by inhabitants of other planets and systems, the atmospheric conditions of Earth will be sweetened. For every form will then give off joyous radiations from itself that will permeate the air within which mankind lives.”

Keep this in mind this holiday season, and let us start fresh in 2021! Do what you can to reduce deadly energy in your life, both from without and from within. We use orgonite to jump start this process, and avoid negative media. We don’t use cell phones or wireless internet, yet we’re very well connected.

Peace on Earth in 2021

Season’s Greetings

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cobaltcaster · 4 years ago

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Preparing for Your Spell

Within this post is a comprehensive check list of preparation.

[[ Click here for Part 2. Creating a Magickal Atmosphere ]]

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

When to Preform Your Spell

Lunar Calendar

Where to Conduct Your Spells

Why and How to Preform Spells

How to Cast Different Formations

Moon Spell Checklist

Finding Time and Overcoming Problems

Creating and Walking a Moon Circle

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

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When to Preform Your Spell

When conducting these spells, use the phases of the moon to set the pace. Be patient and wait for the proper phase or you may not get the results you seek. I include the best phase or phases of the moon in which to perform your spells along with the spell self for easy reference. However, here is additional data that will give you a better understanding of how I determined the best phase of the moon for each particular spell. This will also be of benefit to you and creating your own spells for any occasion. The Phases of the Moon 🌒 New Sometimes called the Crescent Moon, when you can see the very first sliver of light in the sky. This phase promotes new beginnings, new endeavors, and new relationships. It is a time for making positive changes, looking for fresh career opportunities, and planting seeds of ideas that will be harvested later. 🌔 Waxing In this phase, the Moon appears to be growing in size, shifting from new to full as though it's gaining strength. It makes sense, then, that this is a good time to focus on increasing things of your own your ---- knowledge, bank accounts, relationships. It's a time to think about pregnancy, to increase communications of all types, whether for business or pleasure. Deal with legal matters if you want financial gain. This phase promotes healing. 🌕 Full The Moon's most powerful phase, when we see her entire illuminated face. This is a time of fulfillment, activity, increase psychic ability, for protecting ideas, "getting your act together," celebrations, or renewing commitments to people or projects. The best time for spells of any kind. 🌘 Waning The Moon is decreasing in size as a Journeys from Full to dark. The waning moon is a time of decrease, release, letting go, and completion. An excellent time to begin dieting, breaking bad habits, breaking off relationships, or dealing with legal matters. 🌑 Dark The two or three days when the moon is not visible in the sky at all. The dark Moon and the new Moon are often considered the same phase, but for our purposes I have separated the two. On an average calendar, the dark Moon is usually indicated by a black spots on your calendar. However, a dark Moon occurs on the day it is marked as well as one day before and one day after. This is a good time for discarding things in your life you do not want, contemplating what you have already accomplished, and what you want to accomplish in the future. An excellent cycle to find time for yourself, or if you're so inclined, an ideal time for seclusion.

Moons of the Year Every month has one full Moon. When there are two full Moons in one month, this is called a blue Moon. Every calendar year has one blue moon. Ancient people assigned different names for the moons of each months. Different cultures give the Moon different titles to express what the Moon meant to them in a given month. Some of the Moon names make common sense, while others may make no sense at all unless you know the logic behind it. January Common Name: Wolf Moon Uncommon Name: Chaste Moon ---- Calls for cleansing and renewal as the new year begins; this is the time for starting over, washing away the past, and fresh beginnings. February Common Name: Ice Moon Uncommon Name: Hunger Moon ---- Winter supplies depleted, the yearning for spring is a hunger of the Soul as well as the belly. March Common Name: Storm Moon Uncommon Name: Worm Moon ---- The thawing of the earth begins a renewal of life as the earthworms break the soil and emerge from The Damp Earth in the Moonlight. April Common Name: Growing Moon Uncommon Name: Pink Moon ---- The spring fills the meadows with the pink heads of wildflowers and new grasses. May Common Name: Hare Moon Uncommon Name: Milk Moon ---- The birth of animals, domestic and wild, brings forth the mother's milk, the life-giver, and first food of man and Beast. June Common Name: Mead Moon. Uncommon Name: Dyad Moon ---- The moons of the month of Gemini, this. Honors Twins and the sacred marriage of the God and the goddess, bringing two into one. July Common Name: Hay Moon Uncommon Name: Wort Moon ---- Warts and being an ancient word for herbs, it is a Moon for gathering of herbs, replenishing the stores of medicinal plants, and drying them in the heat of summer for the long winter to come. August Common Name: Corn Moon Uncommon Name: Dispute Moon ---- The earth mother gives birth to bountiful harvest; with full bellies and hope for continuation, we settle our disputes and put away old anger as we look forward to the long, peaceful winter to come. September Common Name: Harvest Moon Uncommon Name: Vine Moon ---- The Celtic Moon of exhilaration, driven by forces by work to obtain completion ---- of the harvest, the winemaking, and in sight for the future.

October Common Name: Blood Moon ( a time of hunting ) Uncommon Name: Shedding Moon ---- The Moon where the deer shed their antlers and begin the rut ---- the compelling drive to create new life that supersedes the death of winter. November Common Name: Snow moon Uncommon Name Tree Moon ---- The Celtic tree months of the Reed and the Elder tree overlap with the Reed representing the Moon of silence, inner workings, and strength and the elder representing the Moon of completion; the days shortened as the end of the year draws near. December Common Name: Cold Moon Uncommon Name: Oak Moon ---- Sacred tree of the ancients, strong enough to withstand the harshest winter, renewal of the new year, straddling the old, dark year and the new light years two worlds, as the oak tree’s roots are in the dark verse and its branches are in the sky. Days of the Week to Conduct Rituals The day of the week on which you execute a spell can also have an impact on your ceremony. The day of the week is not as important as the phases of the Moon; however, if you are able to coordinate the right day with the right phase of the Moon, that makes it all the more powerful. For example, a spell for attracting a lover is best done on a Friday when the Moon is full, new, or waxing. But if the Moon is not in the right phase for relationships on Friday, do not be overly concerned. Proceed with the spell and do not worry about what day of the week it is. The weekdays equate to adding a pinch of salt in a stew. It may make it a bit tastier but will not make a significant difference. Do not wait for months till everything is in perfect order. If everything else in essence is perfect and a day of the week you're hoping for is not workable, there is a higher purpose at work. The day you perform your spell will be perfect for you. Days of the Week for Spells and Rituals Day: Monday Ruling Planet: Moon Best For: Psychic endeavors or impressions, invoking power, creative ideas, divine \ inspirational messages, healing. Day: Tuesday Ruling Planet: Mars Best For: Sexual encounters, protection, building strength of mind, body and confidence. Day: Wednesday Ruling Planet: Mercury Best For: Career \ job issues, intellectual pursuits, travel planning, research. Day: Thursday Ruling Planet: Jupiter Best For: Finances, legal matters, spirituality, development. Day: Friday Ruling Planet: Venus Best For: Romantic attraction, all relationships, reconciliation, physical makeovers, beautifying your environment. Day: Saturday Ruling Planet: Saturn Best For: Home-related issues, brainstorming future project, committing to personal goals, weight loss, releasing bad habits, endings of any kind ---- relationships, etc. Day: Sunday Ruling Planet: Sun Best For: Healing of the body, mind, soul, management \ decision making, insights to problem solving, divine intervention \ miracles, special friendships.

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Lunar Calendar

The Lunation of the Moon is approximately twenty-nine-and-a-half days starting from a full Moon and continuing until the next full Moon. To give you an idea of how the lunation occurs, I have included an approximation idea of the Moon phase process. For simplification, day twenty-nine-and-a-half will be considered day thirty.

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Where to Conduct Your Spells

Location is important, but you must be practical and do what’s best for you. There are pros and cons to everything, and where to cast a spell is no different. There are those who will say there is nothing like the outside to spin your magic. However, if you live in the middle of downtown Los Angeles, Detroit, Atlanta, or New York, that is not a very wise choice. As we live in modern times of condominium life, the noise of speeding cars and construction vehicles outside may be too chaotic. In medieval times, for example, things like ambulances , airplanes, railroad trains, an automobile horns were not a concern. Therefore, think in the now and not about what our ancestors situations' were. Consider your specific location and determine what alternatives you have available. Inside It is easier to conduct spells inside, due to the fact that wind will not keep blowing out your candles, you have electricity for music, there is privacy and also safety. As you are accessing the powers of the Moon, try to find a spot when you can see the Moon, if possible. But above all, be comfortable. If there is a room in your home where you can see the Moon but you are not relaxed in that area, do not use it. As you are accessing the powers of the Moon, try to find a spot when you can see the moon, if possible. But above all, be comfortable. If there is a room in your home where you can see the moon but you are not relaxed in that area, do not use it. If you're conducting your spell during the day or are someplace without windows or any of you of the sky, use a representation of the Moon. A picture of the Moon works well ( feel free to draw your own ) or any item that represents the Moon. You can purchase a terracotta Moon decoration at most garden centers or make one out of cardboard or anything you have available. A Moon pendant or pin would do. Be creative; anything you feel that represents the Moon is perfect for you. Keep in mind, your privacy is a must. There should be no one else in the room with you unless they are directly participating in this ritual. If you have a large family and have a difficult time finding a place to be alone, you can always opt for the bathroom. It may sound comical, but I performed one of my best spells in the bathroom at a Holiday Inn as I was sharing a room with a friend who was not like minded. Outside To do a spell outside is excellent as you are surrounded by nature. However, the majority of people do not have acres of land where they can be assured privacy. Even in a park or on a bench, there is a probability of you attracting onlookers and people passing by. A backyard is workable, but if you have noisy neighbors, barking dogs, or a delivery person that may show up unexpectedly, it is not a good idea. Remember that you should not be trying to gain attention. Be discreet, and the power is more effective. If you are one of the lucky ones who has a privacy fence or lots of land around you, you might give it a try. The use of candles may not work if it is a windy day. Whatever you do, make sure you always feel safe. If you cast your spell in the evening and are afraid someone will sneak up on you, it will defeat the purpose. Why add stress to your spell? Usually a group of people is better for outdoor spells. Weigh the positives and the negatives and make a choice. I have perform spells outside as well as inside, and the results have not been more successful one way or the other. I must admit, though, if you have the opportunity to perform magick amidst nature, do venture to do so. The experience is very enchanting. Tree Magick For those who are able to utilize the wonders of the outside world in area that has many trees, you may want to conduct your spell under or near a special tree. It could be a tree you just get a "Good Feeling" from or a specific tree you seek has a special quality. I conduct many spells under an orange tree in my own backyard. Many cultures feel trees have creative properties and can dispel negative energy from a person without harming the tree. This is why sometimes just a walk through national forest or the local park can calm you. If you perform a spell near a special tree, take a moment and feel the energy from that particular tree. Thank the tree for the vibration that is giving you. Native Americans and other cultures believe that a tree embodies a living spirit. Don't be surprised, but hugging trees is not as uncommon as one would think. Sometimes a tree has a specific quality that we need ----- something that has been depleted within our own bodies. Hence, we have a need to put back that vital force. These are the trees we are usually drawn to, as they can rejuvenate us without taking it away from themselves. Example: If your interest in romance has been virtually zero due to conditions in your life like overworking, traveling, or just being without a partner, you may have the need to put yourself near or even hug an oak tree. The oak is said to increase sexuality! "Nothing ventured nothing gained." Following is a small list of trees expressing qualities and essences that are said to be of their nature. Ash: Peace, protection, prosperity, strength Birch: New beginnings, healing of wounds and burns Ceder: Courage, longevity, wealth, self esteem, purification Coconut Palm: Purity, honor, relaxation Cypress: Past life issues, comfort, protection; eases the loss of anything Elder: Transformation and change, peaceful sleep, self confidence Elm: Protection and meditation, stops slander Eucalyptus: Healing, protection, moon affinity Lilac: Activate chakras ( energy centers ), healing of back pain Lime: Divination, development, cleansing Magnolia: Fidelity, changes, relaxation and calmness Maple: Longevity, love, money Myrtle: Fertility, balance, youth, riches Oak: Increasing sexuality, luck, strength Pear: Clarity, energy, confidence, reduction of stress Pecan: Career issues and job seeking, money, discipline Pine: Prosperity, purification, health, exorcism Plum: Love and healing, self-confidence Polar: Astral projection, wisdom, mental healing, starting over Walnut: Depression, healing, heals infertility Willow: Wishes coming true, seductiveness, protection, energy to the sick The magick in trees does not have to be activated only when carrying out Moon spells, but can be accessed anytime as a natural wealth of refreshment to your body, mind, and spirit. Always thank the tree in silence with a nod of your head for allowing you to receive its special essential qualities and for absorbing your negativity. For the record, the tree is not harmed by this process ---- it shakes your energy away via the elements and is refreshed within seconds.

Which Direction to Face

Another gift of nature and an important factor to consider when initiating a Moon spell is the direction in which to face. Compass directions North, South, East, and West are very significant and casting the spell. By facing the proper direction, you are utilizing the vibration or energy that it offers. The powers of the four directions are a free gift of nature that is often overlooked. You can also think of the four directions as the Four Winds. You can “bring up the winds” from the north, south, east, and west. This means you will still stand facing a compass point, but will invoke the energy to blow toward you in the form of a gust. By not bringing up the winds, the flow of the vital forces are far more gentle, which is often necessary. It depends on the type of spell whether you only face a specific direction or you face that direction and also bring up the winds. One might compare it to an electrical fan with two speeds. The flow of air is coming from the same source, but you control how quickly or slowly it reaches you. Also, bare in mind that you most likely will not actually feel the wind that you have summoned. However, the invisible activity through the air will make its way to your spell area and serve you far beyond your realm of thought. There is magick in the air! For each individual spell in this book ( blog ), I provide you with the direction in which to face. I also suggest whether to bring up the winds or not and provide you the invocations on how to do so. In addition, for spells you create on your own, as well as for your own general information, I have included the following details about the vibration that emanates from each Compass Direction. NORTH corresponds to the element of earth. Face north for health issues, healing of the body, spirituality, increasing or developing your intuition, using some type of divination, for transcending the physical and trying to communicate with someone telepathically, and in asking for guidance from whomever or whatever you call your higher power. This is the most powerful direction. SOUTH corresponds to the element of Fire. Face south for love issues, relationships of any kind, creative and artistic pursuits, anything of a romantic or emotional nature. EAST corresponds to the element of air. Face east for career issues, strength, clarity, new business opportunities, financial matters and any endeavor requiring extra energy, healing of the mind, new beginnings. WEST corresponds to the element of water. Face for letting go and moving on, increasing self-esteem, forgiving yourself or someone else, cleansing, unconditional love. Special Note: When in doubt as to which direction to turn, face north, because it is the foundation of all things. If the compass direction you're using does not put you in the view of the Moon, do not be concerned. The energy of the Moon enters from all around you even if your back is to her. Try to face the other direction that I suggest in the spells as opposed to face in the Moon itself. The energy coming down from the Moon is all you need to acknowledge. For the best of both worlds, conduct your spell outside when the Moon is directly overhead or almost overhead. That way, you can see the Moon from any direction. Another suggestion is what I often do: Sometimes when I am casting a spell inside, I peak my head out the door for a few seconds to get a glimpse of the Moon to feel the connection but then come back inside and perform my ritual. Relax .... Moon vibrations can permeate through rooftops, mountains, clouds, rain, snow, and even the apartment of the people above you.

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Why and How to Preform Spells

To cast a spell is to conduct a ritual. Do we need spells and rituals to get what we want in life or to make things go more smoothly? The answer is no. If you have strong faith and a forceful mind, you can create what you want by merely thinking it is. There is no need of magick tools, incantations, and all the things that accompany casting a spell. So why do it? There are many reasons. Conducting a ritual is an appeal to our subconscious mind. The act in itself slowly puts us in an alerted state or trance that places us in a frame of mine to concentrate better on what we are seeking. It eventually builds up to a crescendo of intention and willpower.

A ritual spell begins by gathering our magickal tools, such as candles, incense, and whatever else is required. The tools or enchantments are symbolic ----- they work with your subconscious and tell you when to go from the physical world to a world of magick. The moment I pick up my knife I use for rituals ( Wiccans would call it and anthem ), I can feel myself moving into a mystical environment. As I place my candles, I feel the energy of the room changing. You must be aware of every feeling and emotion from start to finish. Everything you do in these rituals must have intention behind it, and you must realize that you are creating an enchanted area in which to work your spells. When you cast a formation, you enter deeper into the subconscious. Each step takes you deeper and deeper, away from the mundane. By the time you recite the incantations for the spells, you are "powered up" to a point of generating great energy and are entirely focused on what you want. For example, a spell to land a wanted job is a far powerful choice than someone sitting at home thinking, "Gee, it would be nice if I got that job tomorrow." You are actually sending out vibrations that soar through the cosmos to bring the reality back to you. You are raising energy. Also, rituals give you something to do that is constructive instead of worrying about things. The lady I knew from Asheville, North Carolina, proved this point. She applied for a loan at a bank that to say the least was a “long shot.” It was Friday, and she had to wait until Monday before she would have an answer. She called me on Friday night and said she was pacing, eating too much, and feeling like a nervous wreck. I recommended a spell for her. It took her all day Saturday to gather up the items she needed, and on Sunday afternoon, she performed her spell. Before she knew it, the weekend was over.

Instead of agonizing over her situation, she felt like she was doing something to give her loan a better chance of being approved. She was not sure she really believe it would work, but felt it was worth the effort since she could not concentrate on anything else. That in itself was a good reason to conduct the ritual.

Monday afternoon, the phone call came from the loan officer telling her she did get the loan, but only because they decided to give her a special exception. Was it the spell or would it have happened anyway? She commented that whatever it was, the spell certainly did not hurt. Also, if you were too much and assume failure, you will create it. She rerouted her nervous energy to create what she wanted.

Some people conduct spells just because they're fun. If you are performing spells with a group, it is a great reason to come together and a way of socializing and using creative talents. It is a way for people to bond. Personally, I take spell casting very seriously and do it for more than just fun, but I do not conduct spells often. When you decide you are going to cast a Moon spell, it should be out of true necessity.

Do not cast spells too often. It should be done for special occasions and for special reasons if you really take it seriously. Learning when to conduct a Moon spell is of the utmost importance, as discussed earlier. Plan well ahead and give yourself all the advantages.

How to Conduct a Spell: The Advance Work

Decide which spell you will be using. If you're writing your own, do it well before the day execution in case you decide to change it after thinking about it for a day or two.

Check to make sure you have all the tools or enchantments available. You do not want to run out to store an hour before you conduct these rituals. You should be as relaxed as possible the day of your ceremony.

Locate the area in which you will be casting your formation in advance.

Choose your clothing and make sure is clean and ready to wear.

Clear your schedule so you are not rushed.

If the spell is to be conducted at home, clean it so you won't be nervous or concerned about chores later.

Moon Spell Day: The Basic Order

Shut off all telephones, pagers, and anything that will distract you.

Put pets that will disrupt you in another room.

Take children to the babysitter's if you have made that previous arrangement, or ask household members not to disturb you for the amount of time you think it will take. Allow a minimum of half an hour.

Take a shower or bath.

Take your tools and enchantments and go to your spell area. Make sure you have your spell.

If you're using music, you may want to start playing it while you are getting things together.

Move furniture around to give yourself the space you require.

Place all your tools within the space you will be using.

Cast your formation according to above directions and place your candles and gemstones according to the diagrams.

Relax and visualize your body bringing protected by a bright white light. See it flowing from your toes up to the top of your head. Not only does the formation protect you, but the white light is also a shield of additional protection from negative influences.

Sit, and when you feel appropriate, recite your spell. You may want to listen to the music for a while before actually reciting the spell, or you may want to sit in silence to prepare.

The specific directions of the spell will direct you from here. It may be writing something on paper, drinking wine or juice from a chalice, etc.

Once you have completed your spell, sit for as long as you feel is comfortable. Extinguish all candles and open up your formation, release it, and leave immediately. ( Click here for how to open up and release a formation.)

Remove all enchantments and put things back in order.

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How to Cast Different Formations

The reason we make formation of any kind is to center and ground the spell.

It protects and holds the energy in place. Most people choose to cast circles, as there is no beginning and no end, making it strong and effective. It is in and of itself, one.

However, I have found a casting a circle first and then a triangle or a square within its is also powerful and protective four different types of spells. Therefore, I suggest one of the three formations for each individual spell. If you are not at ease with using a triangle or square within a circle, stay with a circle only. Remember, never use a square or triangle alone. Always cast them within your circle.

As I have repeated, these are really your choices, and there is nothing you should force yourself to do if it does not feel right. If you are not sure of what formation is best suited to you, experiment. Let the higher self within guide you. Follow the direction that is given to you. In the spell section of this book, I suggest what formation to cast for each particular spell. However you can change this. Remember that it is your spell, so do what you will.

Material Items to Cast a Formation

Your objective is to create a circle, triangle, or square in which you alone or you and others can sit. Using material items is a visible way to cast a formation, some people like to physically define a space by the use of something one can see. Salt is an excellent choice as it represents preservation, purification, and enchantment. Nature's gifts like pebbles, seashells, stones, sticks, flowers, and sand make lovely items in which to figure a formation. I have also seen the use of tarot cards, crystals, and candles. If you are performing the ritual inside, you do not want anything that may stain a floor or carpet. When outside, it is helpful to use something that will not blow away. I have a permanent circle of bricks in my meditation garden that I use for ceremonies, and when I work magick, I just invoke the energy, which I will discuss later in this chapter.

Visualization to Cast a Formation

If you do not choose to use any visible materials, you can cast a formation by picturing it and drawing it with an invisible line.

To cast a formation in this manner, use something that extends from your body that you can point, such as a wand, Crystal, or knife. In essence you are using a type of mystical drawing pencil. If you use a knife, it must not be used to cut anything physical and may be used only for virtual reasons. If the thought of a knife, dagger, or sword of any kind is jarring, simply do not use one. Also remember the knife can be dull, as it is used to Direct Energy only.

I have a friend that uses a beautiful letter opener to cast formations for her spells. Some may laugh, but she does some great magickal work with that letter opener, and she wouldn't give it up for the sword of Sir Lancelot! Try a long crystal, or attach a crystal to the end of a stick or a piece of copper pipe ( copper is a conductor ) and make your own wand.

If you're not comfortable finding a tool ( such as a wand ) that can direct energy, then cast your formation with an extended arm. Point your first and second fingers to direct the energy and draw your imaginary formation.

You can also combine methods by casting your circle with visualization and your inside formation with a material elements like salt or stones. Or, cast your circle with a physical item and your inner formation with visualization.

There are many different kinds of tools available to help you cast your invisible boundaries. If you have decided to use a tool instead of an outstretched arm, that instrument should be kept in a safe place and a place of dignity. Before you use it, bless it with elements of water if you like, or let it sit under the light of a full Moon to absorb energy and to be cleanse.

How to Cast a Formation

When you decide what type of commodity you will use to create your formation, be it a circle, triangle, or square, you can begin. Have all of your tools and enchantments you'll need for your spell nearby. Be organized and think before you begin. Once you cast your formation, it is best not to have to leave because you forgot something. If you are sitting on a chair, it should be kept in place. If you are using tools or enchantments, they should be on the table or sitting on the floor in which the formation will eventually be cast. White Light Protection

Before casting your formation, apply “white light” protection by visualizing a white light of protection around you. The white light will protect you from negativity entering into your body. It may look like a cloud, a tower of light, an oval, or whatever you feel the image to be.

It should encompass your entire being for at least the size of the area that you will use to cast your formation. For example, if you are casting a square that will be approximately 6 feet x 6 feet, your white light shield of protection should be at least 6 feet around your entire body. If a circle is 9 feet and five people are included, your white light protection should emanate 9 feet from each person's body.

To bring forth a white light of protection, stand in your spell area, close your eyes, and visualize the white light coming from above you and flowing down and eventually encompassing you. It enters through the top of your head and streams slowly down to your toes and grows outward from there. It should come to the very edges of your formation. If with others, they should all protect themselves with the white light method.

Drawing the Formation

Next, stand in the direction in which you will be eventually facing to cast the spell. Turn in a clockwise manner, as you will always cast a circle first. Then, also in a clockwise direction, cast your triangle or square. Sprinkle your salt or place your stones or whatever item you have chosen until you have traced a complete formation and are back at the starting point. Do not be concerned if the formation is not perfect. It may have a wave or two, but that is of no concern. One person must be chosen as the castor ( person who casts the formation ), or facilitator, while the others take their places standing or sitting until the formation is complete. To indicate that the formation is cast and convey to everyone to bring up the energy in the space, an acknowledgement of the completion of the process is recited.

As you say the following words, remain standing and raise your arms with palms up as if lifting the energy up from the earth.

Say "This _______ ( fill in circle, triangle, or square ) cast with all-knowing eyes, bring forth the power, may the energy rise." If you prefer to shorten this, merely say “May the energy rise.”

At this point you can be seated and begin your spell as directed.

Opening and Closing Your Formation If You Need to Leave

If for some reason you must leave your formation before the spell is completed, you must create an invisible doorway in which to leave. Whether you used stones or a wand, you should not leave without the proper passage. If you are using a circle of seashells, for example, stand and take your right hand with your first and second fingers ( like a blessing ) and pass your hand over the shells at a height that is comfortable for you and large enough for you to fit through.

You have made an invisible door. Step over the shells and leave. Do not step on any item that has made up your formation ----- always step over it. Once on the other side, immediately close the circle in the same manner. When re-entering, open the circle in the same way and close it again when you are back inside.

This should only take seconds, as it is virtually done with the sweep of an arm.

Although it is not recommended that you leave, things do arise. Sometimes we forget a lighter to light candle or the spell itself. A doorbell can ring, and we have no choice but to answer it. If you are gone for more than ten minutes, however, your area will lose energy and you should start again. Remember that you are part of the energy within the formation, and without you there, it cannot breathe for long. No harm is done if this happens; it just dissipates naturally like wood in a fireplace. Just start a new fire.

Releasing Your Formation When Finished

Everything needs closure when something is completed, and that also applies to formations. When your spell is accomplished, you must release the energy of the formation. To do this, stand and hold your arms up with palms down angled above your shoulder ( as if ready to dive into the water ), and in a gentle pushing motion, lower your arms and visualize the energy going back down into the earth.

Say, "The energy is released," or other closing words, such as "Done," or "It is."

The Circle

The circle is the most important formation ----- this is why all other formations are cast within a circle. There is good reason for that ----- it works! It fulfills all the needs in any spell and achieves what is necessary in a beautiful and transcendent way. It shields and is a place to contact the God of your understanding, the gods / goddesses, the universal life force energy, spirit guides, angels, or any of the ascended masters. It can also be adapted solely for a place to balance and receive messages from spirits or your inner self, having no spells involved. Sometimes I cast a circle for no special reason. I simply sit and relax, not releasing any energy or take it in any energy. I do not give or receive ... I "just be." Note: When in doubt as to which formation to cast, cast a circle. The Circle is representative of: wholeness, universal life force, power, achievement, balance, and emotions. Solitary placement: Sit directly in the middle of the circle and face the direction suggested in the spell or the direction that is comfortable for you. Group Placement: All the ways face each other, inward. If only two, face each other. If three, form a triangle inside and decide amongst yourselves who will sit where. Four or more should have one person at each compass point and the rest fill in. Alternate males and females if the numbers allow. No one should sit in the center with his or her back to the others. The facilitator or the group leader should take his or her place with everyone else.

The Triangle

The pyramids are triangular; the body, mind, and spirits are a trinity. Christian religions recognized the “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” The three phases of the Moon in different belief systems are represented as the three faces of the goddess: “maiden, mother, crone.” The maiden is a waxing Moon, the mother a full Moon, and the Crone the waning Moon.

We see the power in threes through with symbology from ancient culture to Modern days. Three is a number of multiplication and abundance. The ancient Greek mathematician Pythagoras spoke of three as the perfect number a beginning, middle, and end.

In mythology, a group of three associated gods were referred to as a triad.

In daily conversation, we employ our own form of verbal triads using groups of words such as: animal, vegetable, mineral ... land, air, and sea ... width, depth, and height ... and the list goes on and on and on. Three is truly a magickal number and is powerful when working spells.

The Triangle is representative of: self-expression of creative and artistic pursuits, spirituality, power and high energy, psychic abilities, astral projection and divination. Solitary placement: Sit at the base of the triangle facing the direction suggested in the spell or the direction that is comfortable for you Group Placement: Always face each other, inward. If two people are present, each should sit at the left and right base of the triangle, leaving the point open and free. If there are three, each person should take a point of the triangle. If more than three, take the three points and fill in wherever the others are comfortable.

The Square

Buildings have four sides, a table has four legs, and there are four compass points on a map. All fours represent stability. To cast a spell using a square is not as powerful as a circle or triangle. However, when casting for reasons such as work and career, it is the very best. This is a very specific formation. I think of it as the "no nonsense" formation.

If it is love you want, DO NOT use a square. Although stability of a relationship could possibly fit in, for the most part, a square is all business. A square is an excellent foundation to build upon. For spells that have to do with homebuying or building, the square is the perfect choice. If you wants an idea to be set into solid form, this is the formation that should be chosen.

People drawn to a square formation can sometimes tend to be workaholics: very practical, productive, and very organized. So if you tend not to be too successful in life or you are a little on the lazy side, the energy from the square may help to balance you. If you are ambitious, energetic, and hard-working but financially void and “luck” has not been with you, the square is also a good choice.

The Square is representative of: stability, work and career, all business matters, legal issues, money affairs, and organization. Solitary placement: Sit directly in the middle of the square and face the direction suggested in the spell or the direction that is comfortable for you. Group Placement: Always face each other, inward. If only two, you should face each other, one facing the direction north and the other south. For three, form a triangle within the square. Two sit at the base and the third at the point. For four, each take a compass point, not a corner. For more than four, take the compass points and then fill in, alternating males and females if the numbers allowed.

Whether you cast a circle, triangle, square, or some formation of your own, if you have done it was belief, true intention, and seriousness, you should feel a difference in energy within that area. You have created a mystical place of your own, a place that is unique to you ----- a place that no one else can ever claim or copy. If you are with others, your synergistic efforts have created a place that is unrivaled by any other group. It is perfect for you.

⚪6⚪

Moon Spell Checklist

This checklist is provided to help you stay organized as you prepare to prepare to preform any of the spells provided. It will make the process go more smoothly.

Print this checklist or use it as a guide to write down what you will require. If you are printing or making copies, I suggest you make extras and keep them in the front or back of your book of shadows for future use.

⚪7⚪

Finding Time and Overcoming Problems

Busy work schedules, family commitments, and social activities can make it challenging to find the time to prepare for and perform spells. Sometimes a short amount of time to be alone is the most difficult. If you are single and have a living area to yourself, you should have no problem. However, for the mothers and fathers who have a house full of children and animals, it is quite a different story.

Nighttime is an excellent choice. Perhaps when family members have gone to sleep, you can make the extra effort to awake at a certain hour, so just two o’clock in the morning, to conduct your spell. In the very early morning hours, the energy of the planet is lower as a most people are sleeping and chaos is minimal. In fact, studies have shown that we are most psychic at approximately 4:00 a.m. for this very reason. If you tend to awaken from sleep with premonitions or intuitive thoughts in the middle of the night ... check your clock. There is a good chance it will be around 4:00 a.m.

If arising at an early hour of the morning is not a possibility, then you may have to sacrifice some appointment during the day or evening to perform you spell. For example, if every week you get together with special friend for lunch or go to your pottery class, you may have to sacrifice the meeting and use the time to spin your magick.

Instead of a half an hour it would take to prepare the family meal, order out or put a frozen dinner into the microwave. Your average spell takes thirty minutes to an hour, depending how elaborate you want to make it and the time you like to just sit and meditate or reflect after the spell is complete. Do not rush anything. Spinning a spell is not like rushing into a grocery store, buying groceries, and preparing the quickest meal possible just to put food in your stomach. It is a mystical, magickal, spiritual ceremony in which you may well receive a result far beyond what you ever thought possible. A blessing like this is nothing to rush.

I recently made arrangements to cast a spell with a friend of mine for the following week. Unexpectedly, he came over to my house to drop something off and ask, "While I'm here, can't we just take ten minutes and do that spell?" He did not understand the process at all. You must slowly build up to the day of the spell. The anticipation and the preparation are all part of the process of creating what you want and bring it to fruition.

Part of the power is the development of energy raising, what starts with the first decision about what type of spell you are going to work.

If you must, hire a baby-sitter or ask a friend to watch your pets or children for a pair of time ----- it is worth the effort. People have taken time off from work to cast a spell.

I am not promising if you miss work, the money lost will come back through the use of a spell; but if you are serious, you will find the time. I have seen people rent motel rooms just to get away by themselves and not be disturbed. Ask a friend if you could use his or her home for an hour or so while they are shopping if you have no other choice.

You will find a way to make the time.

You may not be in a position to shut off telephones and have total silence. If this is the case, you must use the right side of the brain a bit more and utilize your creativity. As mentioned earlier in the chapter “Where to Conduct Your Spells,” if the bathroom of your house is the only place in which to be alone, that is what you must do. It is not an insult to the Universe if this is all you have to work with. Sometimes a garage, basement, or attic may be used, unless someone attempts to start looking for you, wondering what you were doing.

There are two types of problems that may arise while casting a spell ----- one is mental the other is physical. The mental can stem from concerns about your religious beliefs or fear of what other people may think of you. In all religious beliefs, there is some types of ceremony or ritual that is involved. No one is suggesting you leave your religion in order to execute these rites. This is an act to enhance your life. You are neither hurting, nor cheating, nor being blasphemous in my opinion. If a clergyperson tells you this is not the case and you are going against the God of your understanding, it is up to you to make the choice. I believe you are merely venturing down a road that may lead to a process that appeals to your subconscious mind and make things happen.

I have good friends and clients that practice everything from Judaism, to Catholicism, to Buddhism, and they all use spell magick to better their lives. However, they do not stand up on a soapbox in the middle of town and let the world know of their personal practices. They have come to an understanding and theirs minds and have no guilt or regrets.

That being said, the idea of discussing this with others is up to you, but I do not suggest it if you live among individuals who would scorn such ideas. This is not because these ideas are wrong, but just because some people are afraid of what they do not understand.

The subject of metaphysics is controversial. One of the biggest dilemmas I hear from individuals who conduct spells is being with a partner or family member would not approve of such activities. Sometimes these people expect you to have the same thoughts that they have and do not want you to experiment or try something different. This is not an easy situation, and I have seen two divorces over the practice a metaphysical beliefs. Use common sense, and as they say, "let your conscience be your guide."

Belief systems and approaches to life are personal. No two roads to a destination are found by the same map. Therefore, respect other people's point of view and do not try to convince someone to rethink their convictions and consider your philosophies instead. Be quiet in your soul searching and expiration of different methods that are available to you for creating a successful and fulfilling life. Why make a show of things?

We all have the right to delve into new avenues of Interest. If someone around you does not agree, you may want to consider conducting your rituals elsewhere or stay very private in what you do. The important thing is that you do nothing to harm anyone physically, mentally, emotionally, or on a spiritual level.

While I was renting a house in Sedona, Arizona, I met a woman in her seventies who lived down the block. She was a lovely lady, and we became friends in a short time. I told her I was a writer and she asked what I wrote about. At the time I was writing about the power of prayer and spirituality. I summed up the subject by saying I was writing on spirituality, which, in fact, was the truth. I did not disclose that I was a third-generation psychic and believe in the philosophy of metaphysics.

As we drove past some of the vortexes in Sedona, she began talking about what she described as "New Ages," by which definition I would best be described. I liked her so much, I did not comment or try to defend New Age thought.

I felt it was for the best. What would it have proven and what would it have accomplished? I did not lie; I just chose to not commit one way or the other. One of my better strength is knowing when to discuss things with certain people and when not to. I do not want someone to attempt to convince me their beliefs are the best, and I do not discuss my beliefs with others unless they asked me and show an interest.

In all cases, be discreet about such sensitive subjects. If you live in a home in which the idea of spinning a spell is looked down upon, show discernment and respect for others. Rise above the situation with class, and show others you are not as judgmental as they may be about you.

If you should start to feel uneasy about spell making, it is not worth sacrificing your piece of mine, and I would recommend stopping it immediately. If you love the idea, the rituals, and the results, continue doing it. Be true to yourself as long as you never hurt or intentionally cause anyone harm. If these spells the work well for you, you may want to share them with others of like mind.

The other kind of challenge you may need to overcome when using magick is the physical aspect of making things work. If you are in a very small place and think you cannot cast a circle because a dresser or a bed is in the way, it is not a problem. Cast the formation right over any obstacles. Naturally, you must use the visualization technique of casting a formation as opposed to using material items such as salt. In some areas you may not be able to use candles or other items, but work around it and you will be surprised but what you can achieve. The weather is always a factor when casting spells outside. One question was addressed to me during a lecture I gave in Kansas City. Can a spell be spawned outside in the rain?

My answer? Why not, if there is no lightning about? If you want to sit outside with the gentle rain falling, you may regard it as the element of water entering into soul with a little extra force. Some may see rain as purification or a cleansing. For me, to be rained on as I sit in a chair or on the ground trying to concentrate is not conductive to tranquility, and I would rather go inside or reschedule the entire event. This is a personal preference. The rule of thumb you may want to remember is, if something is a distraction it takes away from your concentration, you are putting undo stress on yourself. So why do it?

Regarding pets: Not everyone has a separate room to put a pet into when doing a ritual. You may not feel it is right to lock your pet up while performing his actions. Sometimes the animal will protest with scratching or barking or whatever your pet does when upset. If you have a pet that is quiet and will sit calmly and you feel you want this peaceful creature to be a part of your ritual, then include her. For the most part, if it is easier to have the animal next to you than wandering back and forth, and in and out of your formation, have him in the formation.

Can you use your beloved animal to take the place of a person, hence having a group ritual? Not really, unless it understands what the ceremony is about and can also concentrate on the same intention.

⚪8⚪

Creating and Walking a Moon Circle

A Moon circle is a place to receive messages about your future. You can build one for yourself or with others. It is a circle created by the use of shells, rocks, stones, bricks, pinecones, or anything else you choose. The reason a circle is used is that the energy comes up faster within a circle and continues to turn, creating a vibration that will allow you to tap into your future more readily. The circle is divided into four major compass directions, each one having a specific meaning and insights.

The Moon circle provides a place sincere people can resolve problems and come to a better understanding of situations, as well as foreseeing future events. With a Moon circle, you can draw from the universal life force energy to receive messages and to prevent disharmony from coming into your life. It is a magick mirror that looks into the future.

Native American traditions show the use of a medicine wheel, which have some basic similarities but is far different. I have great respect for the medicine wheel and feel it is a powerful tool for healing and balance. However, these two should not be confused ----- the medicine wheel is more complex and requires much more understanding of Native American beliefs.

How to Make a Moon Circle You can style a temporary circle or make a permanent one if you live on a piece of land that is spacious. If you have the capability to make your circle outside among nature, you will receive the extra earth connection. However, if you do not have the opportunity, you can create one in your living room or another appropriate indoor space.

Choose the spot where you will create your circle. It can be an area that just “feels good” to you. You will mark off the four compass points ----- north, south, east, west ----- with some type of stone or indicator. Next, make a small circle in the center that will surround your crystal, stone, etc. The center circle is the highest point. You may opt to create a third, and largest, circle that encompasses the two inner circles. This provides a walkway around the inner circle, keeping the energy contained. As indicated in the illustration, remember to leave a gateway or opening from the east through which you enter and one in the west through which you exit. If forming the bare minimum temporary-style Moon circle, you will need five stones, crystals, shells, bricks, or whatever you have available to mark the designated spots.

First, place a stone at each compass point and one in the center. Although this may look kind of like a cross, you must visualize an etheric circle connecting the outer stones. Keep in mind the size of your circle. If you are working your magick alone, a small circle will do. If you intend to work with someone else or others, you will have to make the circle large enough to accommodate all those involved. Also consider how you will sit. Not all of us are able to bend or move freely. Be practical by placing chairs, stools, or pillows to sit on within the circle before you start your ceremony, if necessary. I use large logs on occasion when outdoors.

How to Walk the Moon Circle Once the circle is in place, enter the circle from the east, as this is where the Sun rises and is the direction that opens all passages. You will exit through the west, where the Sun sets. If using a three-circle layout, you have already created an entry point to pass through. Next you should cleanse yourself and the circle. You may want to use a smudge stick of white sage as a form of purification. You can buy a stick of white sage at most health food stores or New Age gift stores. Light the sage stick and then let it smother. When it starts to smoke, pass it back and forth in front of and around your own body as a form of purging. You are bathing yourself in the smoke. If others are involved, smudge them as well, passing the smoke around them.

Some people use loose sage and light it in a seashell, using a feather to spread the smoke. However, the sage stick is usually the easiest, as it requires no other tools. Next, smudge the circle in the same manner, spreading smoke throughout to release negativity.

If you do not have sage or prefer not to smudge, simply pass your hand in a sweeping motion over the circle and visualize any remaining negative energy leaving the circle. To cleanse yourself, shake your hands in front of yourself as if shooing the negativity away and out of your body. This is the quick and simple way. I do recommend the smudging if possible. Now you are ready to walk the circle. Start from the east and walk around clockwise at least three times. It will take a cycle of three to bring up the energy of the circle, as three is the number of multiplication. If, after three times around, you do not feel the energy in the circle shifting, continue to walk until you feel it is time to stop. If others are with you, they should follow. When you stop, stop in the direction you are led to and sit in that section of the circle.

When working with others, they may not choose the same direction to stop or they may want to continue to walk until they are led to their special place. Someone may choose to sit in the same direction with you, as this is where they are led and, others may sit in an opposite place. There is no right or wrong. Sharing a space with someone will not take away energy from you or deplete the messages you are receiving. You may sit with your hands in a receiving position with palms up, or you may decide to cross your hands and concentrate in a contained manner. Some people feel when meditating or becoming in tune with universal forces, it is not good to cross hands or legs. I have done both and think that your comfort is the most important issue because you need to be relaxed and comfortable for this particular ritual.

Always sit facing inward, toward the center power point. In other words, you may be sitting in section that is considered north, but once in the north area, you are actually turned and facing south. The message you will pick up will be of a southern nature with crossovers of energy from the north. It is not necessary to know the direction you have ended up in, as you can determine this later. Once you are seated in your direction or message point, calm your mind and relax. Allow the messages to come to you. Ask silent questions if you like, and see what answers you intuit. Once you feel you have received your messages or answers from the collective consciousness, take your time and slowly rise.

Give thanks to the energy of the circle by saying something to yourself or out loud such as “I give thanks to the earth and to the life force for guidance.” Make up what you like.You may just say a simple thank-you with a bow of the head. Acknowledge the power from above that has visited to help you and guide you. Leave the circle from the west, where the Sun goes down, as this gives closure to the ceremony.

Meanings of the Four Directions North From the north springs forth wisdom and completion. It is a time of delivery and freedom from things that may have been a challenge in our lives. It is a call for balance in all things. Its message is to find answers here and now using practical solutions and common sense.

As we travel upward, moving in a northerly direction, our journey may become more difficult as we are nearing the end of a cycle. It is this direction that instructs us that this is not the time to give up when we are close to completion. This direction can have difficulties attached to it, but the trip will be well worth the result.

Here is where things are concluded and you may feel the most equalized. North represents power, organizing, insight and justice. Whenever in doubt, turn north. South Everything emotional comes from the south. Symbolically, south is a time for preparing for the future. It is a place of emotion and affairs of the heart. This point represents passion and fullness and reminds us to learn to control our bodies. Here we learn self-control of our emotional selves and how to express feelings without hurting others. It is the south that we learn to release feelings of hurt and anger.

Creativity stems from the south as well, and we can make the connection to artistic pursuits and issues dealing with the imagination and inventiveness. East The day begins in the east. It is renewal, birth, and rebirth. It is with this direction that we find spontaneity, innocence, hope and trust. The first light enters from the east, providing leadership and guidance. We learn many lessons from the messages from the east. We learn to believe in what we cannot see, feel, or touch. We learn to be more open-minded to things we do not understand. This is a place where a new venture or a different path through life may be awakened.

It is also from this direction we must recognize that in order to proceed to the future, we must accept and deal with the present. Once we have accomplished this, we can move in a different direction. This is the conception of all things, including love, career, health, spirituality, and balance. You may have already been through many of life’s tests. But when spirit moves you to try yet again or venture out to do something new, you will find yourself in the direction of the east. West The Sun sets in the west and brings the night, mystery, and dreams; it is the gateway to the unknown. The direction of west signifies completion of a situation or goal.

It can suggest to you that it is time to complete something you have been procrastinating about. Power and strength generate in the west. This compass point prescribes determination and development. The west tells us to go within ourselves for guidance where the energy is calmer and your level of tension sets like the Sun. We find acceptance of who we are; and if we don’t like what we find, we must change it.

If you are not looking for a specific message or answer within a Moon circle but feel you need the connection to a specific direction, walk your circle and intentionally sit in the direction from which you feel you need to draw guidance and absorb its energy through meditation. Example: If you do not know whether to interview for a new job, sit in the east and concentrate.

Be careful meditating too often in the northern compass point, because like the winter, you may lose your warmth. Use all directions in moderation.

[[ Part 2. Creating a Magickal Atmosphere ]]

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jackcinephile · 4 years ago

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L'Inferno (1911) Movie Review!

As promised, we're gonna be celebrating this Spooky Season with a Devilman Crybaby headcanon! In order to fully express my HC, I will be reviewing icons of horror cinema and literature that helped contribute to many of the themes and ideas that are prevalent in Go Nagai's original manga. So, without further ado, let us descend into the Blind World. Put all fear and cowardice aside. I will be your guide through this eternal place, where you shall hear the shrieks and see the tormented spirits who all bewail the second death.

And how appropriate? Because our first film is the 1911 adaptation of The Inferno by Dante Alighieri. I suppose it's only right to begin this saga of horror films with one of the first horror films ever made. Okay, "first horror film" is actually debatable, so keep in mind that I said "ONE of the first." In any case, it remains one of the most important landmarks in horror cinema.

"Stopped, in the middle of what we call life,

I looked up and saw no sky, but rather a dense cage of leaf and tree and twig,

For I was lost."

The film opens as the iconic poem does. Dante Alighieri is a middle-aged man who finds himself lost in a dark, gloomy forest. This opening of the story always had a way of making me feel somewhat lonely and isolated. In my interpretation, I always saw this forest as being symbolic of how Dante felt after the death of Beatrice. Allow me to explain...

For those who don't know, Dante met a young girl named Beatrice when they were both nine years old. The young boy immediately fell in love with her, even though they hardly interacted. Despite their lives continuing in separate directions, Beatrice had always and forever held a special place in Dante's heart. When he received word that she had died, Dante was absolutely devastated. He felt that she deserved to be immortalized in what he intended to be his magnum opus; The Divine Comedy.

I believe that this opening to the Inferno is actually Dante going to a journey to find Beatrice so that he could say goodbye to her. Along the way, he got lost, both literally and spiritually. That, in my opinion, is what this forest symbolizes. In many ways, this opening kind of reminds of the opening to Silent Hill 2, just from how dismal it is.

Having said all that, I think the film does a very poor job of conveying those emotions. Sadly, I just don't feel any of the despair that was present in the original poem. He just wanders around for a few seconds, then steps out into a clearing. But don't worry! As soon as Dante steps into the clearing, the film IMMEDIATELY gets better. Upon entering this clearing, Dante finds himself at the base of, what I believe to be, Mount Purgatory. I can only assume that's where he is, because the gates of Hell are at its base, and Dante seems to suggest the gates of heaven are at its summit, just like Purgatory. Unfortunately, his path is blocked by three ravenous beasts: a leopard, a lion, and a she-wolf, all representing different Earthly sins. He runs back the way he came, before being rescued by a strange apparition. It's here that the film begins to remind us all of why the original poem is regarded as a self-insert fanfic...

Upon introducing himself to the apparition, Dante learns that it is the actually the ghost of Virgil, author of the Aeneid. The significance of Virgil being in the story is that he was Dante's favorite poet of all time, and Dante always longed to meet and interact with him. It's literally a self-insert fanfic of Dante meeting and interacting with all of his inspirations. It's honestly a mystery to me why I love The Inferno so much, because it's everything I hate! It's a Catholic's fanfic about why he sees himself and his friends as morally superior and why everyone he ever disagreed with is going to Hell. Somehow, in spite of all that, I still love it.

So why did Virgil even decide to help Dante in the first place? Well, remember when I talked about Beatrice dying? It turns out, she descended from Heaven into Hell to ask him for help, because she knew how important he was to Dante. She tasked Virgil with being Dante's guide, after seeing that he has gone astray.

This is where the film's innovation starts to take shape. Beatrice has often been drawn as having a halo around her head. The problem is, how do you show that in a film made in 1911? The effect was strikingly realized with, what I assume to be, spinning rods covered in reflective material. I can only guess this is how it was done, but it appears right to me, because that's how a similar effect was created for the lightsabers in the original Star Wars. It looks like the rods were placed behind the actress, so that the rig couldn't be seen, making it appear as if the light was emanating from her head. This scene also displays an early appearance of wire work on film. In those days, that shit wasn't easy. It was even harder to hide the effect, which this film does fairly well.

So, Virgil explains to Dante that he must take him on a pilgrimage through the three different stages of the afterlife. To be perfectly honest, I never understood why. Maybe I'm just an idiot with little to no reading comprehension. It's also a factor that I haven't read parts II and III of the Divine Comedy, so maybe it's elaborated better in there. From what I gathered, since Dante is going on a journey to find the literal Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin intensifies) Virgil needs to take him to Hell and Purgatory, so he can face his sins and better appreciate Paradise. And thus, Virgil's pilgrimage to lead Dante through the Afterlife begins!

"Through me, the way to the City of Woe

Through me, the way to everlasting pain

Through me, the way among the people lost

Divine Power made me

Eternal I endure

Abandon Hope, all ye who enter here"

That is the inscription above the Gates of Hell. It is here, that Dante is already planning on turning back. Virgil literally tells him to stop being a pussy, and I was satisfied. Once they enter the gates, it becomes apparent to the viewer, if it hasn't already, that this isn't just an adaptation of Dante's work. This film is actually a cinematic translation of the ICONIC illustrations by Gustave Dore that were created in the middle of the 19th century. So much care and detail was put into recreating his AMAZING artwork, that many consider to be his magnum opus. This film was basically the Zack Snyder's Watchmen of its day!

Those familiar with the story will recognize this iconic scene that is being recreated onscreen. Dante and Virgil have come to the shores of Acharon, where the souls of the damned board Charon's vessel to be taken before Judge Minos, who lives in Limbo.

Speaking of Limbo, that is the first spiral of Hell Dante visits. This is where good people who weren't Christians come to face eternity. Their punishment is meant to be the denial of Paradise, but if you ask me, it doesn't seem so bad. Apparently Dante felt the same way, because this is where he meets his other great inspirations, such as Homer and Ovid! The poets all enjoy their visit together before Virgil must take Dante on his way. This is honestly the part that makes me cringe the most. Nothing reeks of self-insert fanfic more than meeting your idols and being greatly respected by all them. This is exactly why I abandoned my Silent Hill fanfic.

Anyway, Minos's throne lies at the lower boarder of Limbo. The king himself appears as a giant naked bearded man with a snake tail. The tail is used to determine the punishment of sinners by wrapping around Minos's own neck multiple times. However many times the tail coils determines which spiral the sinner is sent to.

And here we get to my favorite scene in the whole film: Lust! This spiral perfectly displays the true innovation of special effects. In this spiral, sinners are punished by being caught in a tumultuous whirlwind. The wind symbolizes the tumultuous feelings that arise between lustful lovers. It's one of Dore's best illustrations, and it blows my mind that the filmmakers were able to recreate it so well!

Our two pilgrims move onward to the Spiral of Gluttony, where we come across Cerberus. He guards this spiral, but Virgil subdues him by throwing a clump of dirt in his face (still more respectful than Lore Olympus). Honestly, Gluttony is nothing to write home about. It's just a raining landscape with people laying in the mud. Still, I have to give credit for the meticulous recreation of Dore's art!

Down in Greed, who else do we find guarding this spiral, other than Plutus?

SIDE NOTE: I've read a very strange "translation" of his dialogue. The original line reads, "Pape Satan, Pape Satan, allepe!" Strangely, no one seems to agree on what exactly this means, so most translations are different. Particularly, in the case of Douglas Neff, he translates "Pape" to "Papa," which is strange because "Pape" means "Pope" in Itialian. Then, he changes "allepe" to "you are my king." Let's also not forget that Plutus was also occasionally used as an epithet for Hades and/or Pluto. This means Douglas Neff literally wrote Hades to say, "Daddy Satan, I worship you" (still more respectful than Lore Olympus)!

In the Spiral of Greed, the sinners are forced push heavy sacks of gold around for eternity. Once again, this scene is nothing special, but still an admirable recreation of the illustrations that inspired it.

The next scene, however, shows off more of the innovative talent that makes this film so amazing! Virgil and Dante move on to the Spiral of Anger, where the sinners are punished by being submerged in the black sludge of the River Styx. The only way across is by boat. This is where Phlegyas comes in. The two poets stand by a giant tower which they use to signal for passage to the City of Dis. Along the way, the boat is stopped by Dante's political and intellectual rival, Philipo Argenti. It's here that one realizes just how petty Dante truly was. "Oh, I disagree with you politically. Therefore, you deserve to drown in sludge for all eternity!" He sounds like people I used to know. Hell, he sounds like me in high school!

All while this is going on, we see an amazing special effect of a double exposure of Dis in the background. It's an amazing miniature of the city's outer wall, optically printed to take up the entire top half of the screen.

Finally, they make it to the other side of the river, where we actually get a cameo by Hades' and Persephone's children! No, not Zagareus, Makaria, and Melinoe. None of those people were Hades' and Persephone's children. I'm actually referring to the Erinyes (also known as, the Furies). They block Dante's entrance to the city's gates, so Virgil calls upon the aid of an Archangel to rid them of the Furies. It is here that Dante asserts the superiority of Christianity over the Hellenistic faith (still more respectful than Lore Olympus).

Within the City of Dis, Hell begins to look more like how we always imagined, with fire and brimstone. In the Spiral of Heresy, sinners are stuffed into eternally burning ovens embedded in the ground.

Beyond that is the only omitted sequence from the poem. In the original Divine Comedy, the Spiral of Violence is originally guarded by the Minotaur! Beyond that are sinners, stewed in a boiling river of blood (The Phlegethon). On the banks, we see a heard of Centaurs practicing their archery on them. These are the individuals who were violent towards other people. In order to cross the river of blood, Dante and Virgil must ride on the back of one of the centaurs. You know, having heard of centaurs' notorious reputation for being horrible rapists, it makes me concerned for the sake of our Pilgrims. Maybe they didn't include this in the film because they couldn't figure out how to make a centaur?

On the other side of the Phlegethon, Violence continues into the suicide forest (*Logan Paul reference here*). Here is where sinners, who were violent against themselves, are punished. Once judged to this spiral, they grow into trees. The symbolism being that trees are a symbol of life, of which these sinners have deprived themselves. I'm surprised this scene isn't more controversial. After all, seeing as how seriously mental health has been taken recently, it's fucking awful to tell someone they're going to Hell for committing suicide! As a peice of horrific imagery, I love this scene, but knowing that Dante actually believed this makes me despise it.

In addition to being a horrifying concept, this scene also includes one of the first instances of bloodshed in a horror film. Virgil explains to Dante that he can speak with the sinners if he breaks one of their branches. When he does, blood sprays out of the tree like a drinking fountain!

After a brief conversation with the sinners, Dante moves on to the final section of violence, where people were violent against God. Here the sinners are punished in a desert that perpetually rains fire.

Now, not every special effect in this film is good. Because when Dante rides down to the eighth spiral on Geryon's back, it is such a stiff, unnatural, badly puppeteered marrianet that they couldn't even keep stable for the shot!

"There is a place in Hell called the Malebolge..."

Now, we get to my favorite part of the whole poem: The Spiral of Fraud. Here the deceivers are punished in a myriad of ways, depending on how they lied to others.

In the first Spiral of the Malebolge, those who pander towards others are mercilessly whipped for all eternity. This marks the first appearance of the classic image of the winged demons that we all know and love.

In the second spiral, the flattererers bathe in a stagnant pond of their own feces and vomit. This symbolizes the value of the words that they spew at other people. I think this might be where the expression, "You're full of shit," came from. Think about it; you say that to people whom you think are lying to you, and this is in the Spiral of Fraud.

Incidentally, this punishment was referenced in a Turkish horror film called Baskin -- a film about a small group of off-duty police officers who crash their car and wake up in Hell. In that film, the main characters realize they're in Hell when they find demon raping someone, while shoving her face in a bowl of her own face and vomit. Baskin is not a part of this HC, so I'll have to talk about it later. For now, I'll just say it's one of the best horror films I've ever seen!

In the third spiral, those who joined the Catholic Church for their own personal gain are buried head first, with their feet sticking out in the air.

In the fourth spiral, fortune tellers have their heads turned backwards. This prevents them from looking forward, symbolizing their attempts to see into the future.

In the fifth spiral, the sinners are repeatedly dipped in boiling tar. This scene is especially interesting because it shows that the demons we see aren't actually monsters. They're just creatures doing their jobs, punishing sinners. In fact one of the demons named Malecoda assigns a group of demons to help escort Dante and Virgil through the rest of the Malebolge. That, unfortunately, doesn't work out, however, because the demons are distracted by a sinner trying to escape, so Dante and Virgil move on alone. What's also unfortunate, is that other demons, who assume that Virgil and Dante are also sinners trying to escape, chase them into the next spiral. Luckily, each demon is confined to their own spiral, so they can't keep chasing them.

In the sixth spiral, the hypocrites are forced to wear robes made of solid gold. They also find Caiaphas nailed to the ground. As someone who has Jesus Christ Superstar on his top three list of favorite albums, I was happy to see Caiaphas get referenced.

In the seventh spiral, the thieves are bound by snakes, whose venom causes them to burn to ashes. One thief in particular gets attacked by a giant lizard that makes him into a lizardman (someone tell Alex Jones).

In the eighth spiral, the false advisors are eternally engulfed in flames.

In the ninth spiral, the sowers of discord are viciously mutilated. My favorite part about this scene is that it's one of the first instances of gore in a horror movie. The prophet Muhammad has been cloven from his belly to his throat with his guts spilling out all over the place. That's right! Muhammad is depicted in the Inferno. Not only that, but Gustave Dore drew him. Damn. Dante has no chill. Hey, the founder of the most homophobic religion in the world rots in eternal Hell? I'm not complaining! This kinda makes up for the portrayal of suicide victims.

In the tenth spiral, the falsifiers are punished with enternal leprosy.

At last, we make it to the Spiral of Treachery, at the center of the earth. Here, the traitors are frozen within the Lake Cocytus.

"Lo! Dis Himself!

Emperor of the Kingdom of Woe"

Finally, at the climax of this horrific epic, we see Satan, and it's not what you're expecting! He is in the very center of the lake, frozen up to his waist in ice, and forced to eat the three greatest traitors of all. His body is covered in course fur, and he has three heads and six wings. Satan's appearance in this story is disarming and almost pathetic in a way. You'd imagine Satan to be this fearsome king, but he's just shown to be suffering like everyone else. It's kind of sad, really.

The film ends with Dante and Virgil climbing down Satan's leg fur and ending up at the base of Mount Purgatory.

L'Inferno is one of the first true masterpieces of horror! It's hard to believe that this movie is almost 110 years old! Just think of how it would have been to see it in theaters for the first time when it was new. We owe it to this film for proving the language of Cinema could be used to tell the most epic stories possibly conceived.

You can watch the film for yourself here:https://youtu.be/cMUPbPOGPdM

youtube

Now, you're probably thinking, "What the Sam Fuck does any of this have to do with Devilman Crybaby?" Well, for starters, in Go Nagai's original manga, the character Asuka Ryo implies that Dante's Divine Comedy might have been based on a true story. This is futher validated when the demon Xenon appears and bears a strong resemblance to Dante's description of Satan. But beyond the surface-level details, let's discuss some of the deeper implications of what Hell actually is. Within this headcanon, the Afterlife is an entirely separate dimension, occupying the same space as our Earth, but invisible to our eyes. There is a way, however, to see and explore this separate dimension. You see, when different dimensions intersect at certain angles, they sometimes leave gaps through which we can come through and cross over to the other dimension. It was through one of these gaps that Virgil was able to find Dante. These angles and gaps between dimensions will be further explored in a later film.

#dante's inferno #dante's divine comedy #l'inferno #devilman crybaby #devilman crybaby headcanon #Youtube

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