#I’ve never celebrated a sabbat with anyone before!

[sunwitching]

I’m celebrating Yule with a witchy friend tonight and I’m so excited

[ikingsley]

Ina x MC: Another Woman

Ina x MC: Another Woman

Summary: Ina has a secret admirer.

Warnings: Fluff!

Tag: @samanthadalton @domakir @kulaykape @hellyeah90sbaby @dopeyouth @kwaj05 @thedaft1​ @swimmingshoebakerydreamer​

Author’s Notes: A little fic for Valentine’s Day! Thank you to my friend @kwaj05, the “Prompt-Giver” and my personal editor LOL.

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Belvoire’s campus buzzed with anticipation. It was only a few days before Valentine’s Day, but students already made plans to woo their classmates or planned grand gestures for the people they were with. Even the quietest of students absorbed the campus’s lively energy, acting more extroverted than ever. Maybe it was just being overtly friendly or being flirtatious, but everyone felt the effects of the holiday spirit.

Luna was no exception. As an intelligent, witty, attractive young woman, she was often hit on by both male and female classmates. But the stunner only had eyes on one particular woman, a certain stuffy professor. So when people flirted with her, she often nodded politely, or smiled and turned away. The lack of interest she expressed was received by her admirers, who disappointedly backed off.

~

It was the day before Valentine’s Day, and students piled into Professor Kingsley’s ample classroom. They came in pairs, chatting lively with their lovers. 

The class started quite uneventfully. Ina watched as Luna took her seat, flashing a knowing smile as Luna nodded back at her. Then Ina began her lecture, which very suitably was about the power dynamics between couples. Ina knew that some of her students had tuned her out, but every time she looked on at Luna, she was met with a piercing pair of eyes. And this was satisfactory enough to her. Each time, she would smile to herself, motivated to continue lecturing. 

And right before she was going to let the class work on their own, a soft knock at the door was heard.

“Professor Kingsley? I have a package for you,” a voice rang out.

“Hmm,” Ina hummed. She hadn’t been expecting a delivery. Maybe it was a romantic gesture from Luna.

Ina got up and opened the door. Nosey students stretched their necks out to see what was the mysterious package, Luna included. Luna had absolutely no idea what Ina could have gotten. She was more lowkey, a person who wanted to keep her private life, private. She’d celebrate with Ina on their own terms, and found no need to plan huge public gestures.

It was much to Luna’s surprise when the delivery man presented her with a teddy bear, chocolates and a bouquet of red roses. The gift was left anonymous and Ina thought she knew who had given it to her.

What... Luna thought. Red roses? That was her and Ina’s flower to each other. It carried a heavy weight, especially after the sabbatical ordeal.

Luna was uncharacteristically not having it. But a wolf-whistle from several of the frat boys in her class brought her out of her stupor. Is this was jealousy feels like? she thought. But I’m not a jealous person!

“Damn Prof! I see you,” Ford commented.

Luna did a quick glance around the room. Everyone around her was smiling, and to not look like an outlier, Luna put on her best fake smile. Meanwhile, Ina smiled sheepishly at the boys’ wolf-whistle and Ford’s comment. She gave Luna a quick glance, one that lasted merely a quarter of a second. Had she really given Luna a good look, she would have been able to tell something was wrong. But Ina’s quick glimpse at Luna’s faux demeanor made her assume that the sender was in fact her girlfriend. 

Ina smiled to herself and subsequently wrapped up class. Today she was teaching back-to-back classes, and Ina made sure that Luna was well-aware she wouldn’t be able to lag behind to avoid them being caught. Quickly, Ina was left with an empty classroom. Everyone had places to go and people to see. Though she found it odd that Luna hadn’t even acknowledged her on her way out, Ina didn’t think much of it.

~

“Baby, I’m home!” Ina called out.

Night had fallen quickly. Ina had a faculty meeting that seemed to last hours. Dean Steinhelm had droned on again, and many of the professors fought to stay awake. Despite a relatively boring meeting, Ina had noticed that Professor Alvarez was looking at her every so often. As the newest addition to the sociology department, Professor Alvarez had worked closely with Ina. Ina once was the new teacher in Belvoire’s human science school, and she knew how isolating the experience could be. Ina took Alvarez under her wing, like a sort of mentor, despite their age difference of only a few years.

Ina walked into the office, and put down her work bags. She then strolled into the bedroom, where she found Luna sprawled on the bed doing homework. Ina stood leaning in the doorway, drinking Luna up. 

“Are you gonna greet me or just stand in the doorway like a brooding loner?” Luna said, without looking up from her laptop.

“I do not brood,” Ina said, finally shuffling towards the bed.

“You so do,” Luna replied coldly.

Brr! Ina thought. Luna’s tone was slightly reprimanding, leaving Ina concerned. She seemed fine during class...“Lu, are you okay?”

“Hmm. Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just tired,” Luna sighed. 

The hours that passed between the class and now had calmed Luna down. Sometimes it would cross her mind and she’d feel a sense of jealousy wash over her. Luna hadn’t considered herself a jealous person, but with Ina it was different. There was just something about her. But then Luna realized that she was being unreasonably jealous. Ina was by far the most popular professor, and one of those stupid frat boys probably sent her that gift. And then she’d laugh because she knew the frat boys would never have a chance with Ina. This vigorous cycle repeated itself, but eventually she’d felt relieved. Ina was hers.

Ina crawled into bed, wrapping Luna in her arms. “Hey, thanks for the gift today in class,” Ina whispered into Luna’s ear.

And again, Luna felt jealousy course through her, “Ina, that wasn’t-”

“The mysterious aspect of it was quite hot. But it was also swee-” Ina said letting out a hot breath. 

“Ina! That wasn’t me!” Luna exclaimed.

“Oh. So...who was that then?” Ina asked quizzically. 

“I have absolutely no idea.”

“Does my secret admirer bother you?”

“Not really. I know you’re mine and I’m yours.” Luna’s jealousy fluctuated often, but she didn’t want Ina to feel bad about the present. Ina had no control over who found her attractive. I mean, come on. Ina was just drop dead gorgeous.

“I’m glad. A couple of my relationships...have deteriorated because of jealousy. I don’t need that extra drama in my life,” Ina said. 

Now Luna really didn’t want to bring up her varying jealousy. She turned away from Ina, and Ina fell asleep holding Luna.

~

Hours passed by. It was almost four in the morning, and Luna was still wide-awake. She tried so hard to not feel jealous - that was so unlike her - but something wasn’t sitting right with this whole secret admirer thing. Ina shifted in her sleep, pulling away from Luna. 

“Ina?” Luna asked.

“Sorry, did I wake you?” Ina turned to Luna.

“No, I’ve been up.”

“Why?” Ina shifted to check the time “Jesus Lu, it’s almost four!”

“I...” Luna began.

“What is it?”

“I know you didn’t want me to be jealous and normally I’m not but I don’t know, something feels off. I know it’s not your fault, but the red roses are our thing and I-”

Luna’s rambling was cut off by a forehead kiss. 

“It’s okay. I know I’d feel jealous,” Ina admitted. “It’s cute that you’re a little jealous. But I’m yours. And yours only.”

Luna sighed in relief. 

“Is this why you’ve been acting weird?” Ina asked.

“I guess. Sometimes I feel jealous, but other times I know that it’s always been us. Not anyone else. My feelings have changed every couple moments.”

Ina gave her another forehead kiss. 

“It’s only you,” Ina smiled while Luna leaned in for a kiss. The jealousy she felt dissipated. Their relationship had only been strengthened by the secret admirer. The two broke out into raucous laughter. It was a weird situation, but they had gotten through another hurdle together.

“Who do you think sent it? ‘Cause I think we need to have a little chat,” Luna said, cracking her knuckles in a fake overprotective nature.

Ina laughed, but racked her brain.

“Do you think it was a frat boy?” Luna hummed.

Ina shook her head. “Gifts from those students tend to be more...flamboyant and never anonymous.” Ina recalled getting serenaded by the football team on various occasions.

Finally, Ina gasped. “Oh my god...it’s Professor Alvarez!”

“The new professor of sociology?!” Luna laughed.

“Yes! Just because I was being nice to her doesn’t mean I was hitting on her!” Ina followed. “Wait...she’s married...to a man. Hold on! She mentioned she was going to send me a gift for helping her adjust to Belvoire. That’s why she was looking at me in the faculty meeting. She wanted to see if I figured out it was her! The cheap ass! I guess that’s what was on sale because of Valentine’s Day.”

“What’s your definition of nice to her? Because being nice to a friend is different than being nice to your girlfriend.” Luna whispered in Ina’s ear, her hot breath hitching Ina’s own breath. 

“Come here so I can show you what nice is,” Ina said, straddling Luna’s hips.

~

Luna woke up to the smell of something pleasant. That can’t be Ina, she thought. She threw on a satin robe and walked to the kitchen. Her jaw dropped.

“Ina! You didn’t burn your apartment down?” Luna snickered.

Ina rolled her eyes, but didn’t turn around. “I have to focus!” she said, pointing at the iPad next to her. It was playing a very detailed video about cooking eggs and bacon. “Go back to bed.”

“Aww, breakfast in bed?” Luna smiled.

“Mhm,” Ina hummed back. “Now go before I actually burn my place down.”

“Simp,” Luna said under her breath, turning to return to the bedroom.

“I heard that!” Ina laughed.

Ina came with two plates of bacon and eggs in her hands. 

“I know you felt off after yesterday, but Happy Valentine’s Day, my love,” Ina said. “I’m yours, and yours only. Also, I didn’t want to buy anything because Valentine’s Day is the epitome of a capitalism-”

She was cut off by Luna reaching up and kissing her forehead.

“Babe, I’ve heard this rant before. You’re such a nerd, but I love you,” she said pointing at her lips. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

Ina put the plates down, kissing Luna with everything in her. 

[b1ackcat3nergy]

I saw this and thought it would be fun 🖤

1. Are you solitary or in a coven?

I am solitary.

2. Do you consider yourself Wiccan, Pagan, witch, or other?

I just consider myself a witch. There are aspects of Paganism I follow and enjoy but if I had to choose a title I'd say "Witch".

3. What is your zodiac sign?

Sagittarius ♐

4. Do you have a Patron God/dess?

I don't currently.

5. Do you work with a Pantheon?

I do not.

6. Do you use tarot, palmistry, or 
any other kind of divination?

I enjoy tarot, pendulums, and reading tea leafs.

7. What are some of your favorite herbs to use in your practice? (if any)

Rose petals, elderberry, hibiscus, juniper, lilac and sage are my go tos.

8. How would you define your craft?to.

Oh that's a good one. I would define in as simply witchcraft. I practice my own gifts woth the gifts the Earth and God's provide.

9. Do you curse? If not, do you accept others who do?

I strongly believe in the rule of 3 so I try not to, and if I do I make sure I am putting out good to others. If others do that is their business, I am in no place to judge how other practice.

10. How long have you been practicing?

Since I was about 14.

11. Do you currently or have you ever had any familiars?

I do not currently no.

12. Do you believe in Karma or
Reincarnation?

I believe in karma, I believe in the rule of 3, I believe reincarnation can happen, but I do not believe it is the default for most beings after death.

13. Do you have a magical name?

Nope!

14. Are you “out of the broom closet”?

In-plain-sight yes.

15. What was the last spell you performed?

A spell to rekindle love that's gone cold.

16. Would you consider yourself knowledgeable?

Yes, but always learning!

17. Do you write your own spells?

On occasion.

18. Do you have a book of shadows?
If so, how is it written and/or set up?

I do as well as a hroloir. Both are pretty free form.

19. Do you worship nature?

I wouldn't say I worship it, I am thankful for it and make sure the Earth knows that.

20. What is your favorite gemstone?

Opal.

21. Do you use feathers, claws, fur, pelt, skeletons/bones, or any other animal body part for magical work?

I don't but I wouldn't say I would be opposed to it.

22. Do you have an altar?

Not a proper one at the moment (small apartment) but I have a shelf of my oddities

23. What is your preferred element?

Fire (it's my own). I like how it embodies both beauty and uncontrollable chaos depending on how you treat it.

24. Do you consider yourself an Alchemist?

I guess I've never thought about it. No?

25. Are you any other type of magical practitioner besides a witch?

Nope!

26. What got you interested in witchcraft?

My mother is a witch, as are many of my family members

27. Have you ever performed a spell or ritual with the company of anyone who was not a witch?

I have not no.

28. Have you ever used ouija?

Nope.

29. Do you consider yourself a psychic?

Psychic? No. Aware and ability to see potential outcomes better than most? Yes.

30. Do you have a spirit guide? If so, what is it?

I do not.

31. What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started?

There is no "right way" to do it.

32. Do you celebrate the Sabbats? If so which one is your favorite?

Yes! Beltane because ya boy likes to bone 😅

33. Would you ever teach witchcraft to your children?

Of course, it's in our blood

34. Do you meditate?

Often!

35. What is your favorite season?

Autumn.

36. What is your favorite type of magick to preform?

Anything consumable.

37. How do you incorporate your spirituality into your daily life?

Devotions, prayers, using sachets and stones.

38. What is your favorite witchy movie?

Hocus Pocus (I'm a basic witch I know 🤣)

39. What is your favorite witchy book, both fiction and non-fiction. Why?

Funnily enough I haven't read that many.

40. What is the first spell you ever preformed? Successful or not.

Oh I could never choose just one!

41. What’s the craziest witchcraft-related thing that’s happened to you?

Accidentally setting something a blaze and it reacting as if it was untouched.

42. What is your favourite type of candle to use?

Taper.

43. What is your favorite witchy tool?

Wand! I love my platinum and clear quartz wand I use it daily.

44. Do you or have you ever made your own witchy tools?

I have not!

45. Have you ever worked with any magical creatures such as the fea or spirits?

Yes.

46. Do you practice color magic?

I incorporate it.

47. Do you or have you ever had a witchy teacher or mentor of any kind?

My mother and aunt.

48. What is your preferred way of shopping for witchcraft supplies?

Local shops when I can, personally owned online shops if I cat find stuff in person.

49. Do you believe in predestination or fate?

Fate, yes, predestination, no.

50. What do you do to reconnect when you are feeling out of touch with your practice?

Write in my grimoir.

51. Have you ever had any supernatural experiences?

Too many to count.

52. What is your biggest witchy pet peeve?

People who try to push their own rules, gate keep, or scare others.

53. Do you like incense? If so what’s your favorite scent?

Yes! Bergamot!

54. Do you keep a dream journal of any kind?

Nope!

55. What has been your biggest witchcraft disaster?

Using none organic roses to make rose water and poisoning myself with pesticides.

56. What has been your biggest witchcraft success?

I consider them all to be success because even if they don't go according to plan I learned something.

57. What in your practice do you do that you may feel silly or embarrassed about?

I always feel a bit silly speaking out loud 🤣

58. Do you believe that you can be an atheist, Christian, Muslim or some other faith and still be a witch too?

Of course. Gate keeping is fucking gross. You do you babe.

59. Do you ever feel insecure, unsure or even scared of spell work?baby.

Haven't we all?

60. Do you ever hold yourself to a standard in your witchcraft that you feel you may never obtain?

Nope.

61. What is something witch related that you want right now?

A unakite geode!

62. What is your rune of choice?

I don't have one.

63. What is your tarot card of choice?

Death because every good reader knows he is never literal

64. Do you use essential oils? If so what is your favorite?

Yes! I love grapefruit.

65. Have you ever taken any kind of witchcraft or pagan courses?

Nope.

66. Do you wear pagan jewelry in public?

Sometimes a pentacle or pentagram.

67. Have you ever been discriminated against because of your faith or being a witch?

Haven't we all?

68. Do you read or subscribe to any pagan magazines?

Nope.

69. Do you think it’s important to know the history of paganism and witchcraft?

Having an understanding of anything you are apart of or want to partake in is important but being a walking text book isn't helpful.

70. What are your favorite things about being a witch?

The connection with so many things normal people will never see or know.

71. What are your least favorite things about being a witch?

Being an empath can be so painful. Seeing the auras of evil people always hurt me too.

72. Do you listen to any pagan music? If so who is your favorite singer/band?

I have a Playlist, I wouldn't say I listen to any Pagab bands, more so Celtic stuff and creepy compositions.

73. Do you celebrate the Esbbats? If so, how?

Nope.

74. Do you ever work skyclad?

Yes. I prefer to meditate nude and do most things in just my underwear (hot wax/embers/sharp tools + my pens = no thanks)

75. Do you think witchcraft has improved your life? If so, how?

Of course. I have been exposed to so much most people will never enjoy.

76. Where do you draw inspiration from for your practice?

Call me basic but it's true: The Earth and Mother Nature.

77. Do you believe in ‘fantasy’ creatures? (Unicorns, fairies, elves, gnomes, ghosts, etc)

Can you call them fantasy if they're real?

78. What’s your favorite sigil/symbol?

One I created for impulse control.

79. Do you use blood magick in your practice? Why or why not?

Only my own to create magical ties.

80. Could you ever be in a relationship with someone who doesn’t support your practice?

I don't think so no.

81. In what area or subject would you most like your craft to grow?

Healing.

82. What’s your favorite candle scent? Do you use it in your practice?

Vanilla reminds me of my Nana baking in the kitchen. She's Chrustian but she inspires me to be a good person.

83. Do you have a pre-ritual ritual? (I.e. Something you do before rituals to prepare yourself for them). If so what is it?

Yes! I meditate naked, burn some blue sage and wash my hands.

84. What real life witch most inspires your practice?

My mother.

85. What is your favorite method of communicating with deity?

Offerings.

86. How do you like to organize all your witchy items and ingredients?

Alphabetically.

87. Do you have any witches in your family that you know of?

My mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great aunt, great grandmother, and probably everyone in that line of sucession. I also have a great uncle who was gay so I assume he was too being that I am one of the few males witches in my family and I am gay.

88. How have you created your path? What is unique about it?

I always put intention into things, you can carve a path through a mountain of you acknowledge the fact that as a magical being you can do it. Our biggest hurdles are ourselves.

89. Do you feel you have any natural gifts or affinities (premonitions, hearing spirits, etc.) that led you toward the craft? If so what are they?

Seeing auras, being an exceptionally heightened empath, seeing super natural creatures, and premonitions.

90. Do you believe you can initiate yourself or do you have to be initiated by another witch or coven?

I am a solitary witch my blood you tell me.

91. When you first started out in your path what was the first thing or things you bought?

Tarot cards! I still have them almost 10 years later.

92. What is the most spiritual or magickal place you’ve been?

Hmmmm. The house I lived in when I was in Kansas. But not in a good way.

93. What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who is searching for their matron and patron deities?

Seek out what feels right. Do not listen to anyone who tells you that you "have to" praise anyone.

94. What techniques do you use to ‘get in the zone’ for meditation?

A bit if wine, some good meditation and honestly some good sex. Not mesacriky in that order.

95. Did visualization come easily to you or did you have to practice at it?

Practice practice practice.

96. Do you prefer day or night? Why?

Evening because I like times of transition.

97. What do you think is the best time and place to do spell work?

Depends on what you're doing.

98. How did you feel when you cast your first circle? Did you stumble or did it go smoothly?

I was young and stumbled. Don't give up though.

99. Do you believe witchcraft gets easier with time and practice?

Yes and no?

100. Do you believe in many gods or one God with many faces?

I am polytheistic.

101. Do you eat meat, eggs and dairy?polytheism.

Yes.

102. What is your favorite color and why?

Baby pink because it's my aura colour.

103. What is the one question you get asked most by non-practitioners or non-pagans? How do you usually respond?

"How does it work???" and "Oh so you're evil?"

104. Which of your five senses would you say is your strongest?

Taste.

105. What is a pagan or witchcraft rule that you preach but don’t practice?

Don't drink and cast. Ya boy likes mead sorry not sorry (that being said I don't ever do anything woth chemicals or fire while drinking).

[fangirlxwritesx67]

Samhain

Christmas Tea (3000 words) NYE Bubbly (1500 words) Valentine’s Day Chocolate (2100 words) Happy Birthday Sam (2000 words)  Samhain (3600 words) 

Sam X Rowena A/N: did anyone ask for 3600 words of Samwitch Witch!Sam? No? Well, I still wrote it. Also managed to delete the first posting, so trying again. 

Tags: sex, so much consensual sex, oral sex, finger banging, discussion of edging, some language, mild dirty talk, fisting, magic sex and/or sex pollen, alcohol, Rowena being irresistible, size kink, hand kink 

It had been almost a year since the first time that an invitation to Rowena’s apartment turned into a sizzling night of sex for her and Sam. Since then, they had celebrated several holidays and spent many more visits just enjoying one another. 

While their relationship grew, Sam’s understanding and practice of magic had grown, too. Before, he had assisted Rowena with a few spells when needed, but had never studied spellwork for any purpose other than undoing the results. Now, he was gradually learning the rhythms of magic, the phases of the moon, and the cycle of a witch’s calendar. 

He might light an occasional candle, or burn some herbs - really, nothing he hadn’t been doing as a hunter for years. Although Dean teased him about being Rowena’s protege, he certainly wouldn’t consider himself a witch. 

He did notice, from time to time, that he felt increasingly aware of Rowena’s power. At first, he brushed it off as just the intense physical attraction between them, or his interested attention to her every word and move. But there were moments, he could swear, where he actually saw her manipulate the forces of magic, like light around her body. 

He understood more than ever how important Samhain was to Rowena. He knew that it was the most powerful Sabbat for a witch, the starting point for the Wheel of the Year. Still he was surprised when she told him she wanted - no, needed - to join her that night.  He couldn’t imagine what she had in mind. But she had called, so he went to her. 

He didn’t know what she was planning, but he also didn’t want to come unprepared. He found a bottle of wine called Witches’ Brew, so he bought it. Rowena had very specific tastes, so she might hate it, but at least he wouldn’t arrive empty handed. 

On October 31, Sam knocked at Rowena’s door. She greeted him wearing black from head to toe, sheer black, some kind of shimmery thin robe that clung to her curves and swirled around her every motion.   

She took the wine and led him to the kitchen. He watched her hips sway as she walked, taking in the fact that her underwear was little more than bits of lace and lacing across the cleft of her ass. The room was aglow with banks of white candles casting a warm light over everything. 

She uncorked the bottle and then turned to face him. “This wine is better heated.” He watched as swirls of light coiled upwards from her hand around the bottle, and was not surprised when the glass she poured him was hot. He took a sip. It reminded him of her kisses, that spicy sweetness that he could never get enough of.

She seemed to know it, too, as she met his gaze with a smirk. She raised her glass and he followed suit. For a long moment, the two of them sat and sipped in comfortable silence. Finally, she spoke again.

“There is a spell a witch can only perform when she has another witch for a lover, one who is true of heart and same of soul.” 

She reached for a wide shallow bowl at the other end of the table, one Sam had not noticed before. 

“What-” She silenced him with the press of her fingers on his lips. Without thinking, he kissed them. She smiled to herself and dipped those fingertips into the water that filled the bowl. 

“Look,” she commanded. 

He watched as the water rippled and clouded, and then faded into a scene of the woods. Between the trees he could just barely make out - Rowena, walking on and on. At first it was almost too dark to see, but the moon rose, growing and grew full and heavy as she continued her journey onward.

The moon in the scrying bowl was pearly bright when the image of Rowena reached a broad slab of stone, an altar, he supposed. She was not alone, there was a taller figure there, and as he peered more closely, he saw that it was him. He watched in the water as they joined hands before it rippled again, a glow covering the water, and the scene disappeared.

“I need you, Samuel. For days now, since the new moon, I have been - denying myself the pleasure of sexual release. Saving, so to speak, for tonight, for you. “My power will increase immeasurably if you will complete this cycle with me.”

“So you want me to -?”

“Perform this spell with me. Pleasure me, satisfy me, make love to me all night long.” 

Her green eyes were wide and bright, the words spilling like stars from her glossy lips. 

He didn’t have to think twice before nodding. “For you, yes, whatever you ask.” 

The smile that crossed her face was smug, as if she had no doubt that he would agree. She stood and gathered a few things before taking a seat again.  

“Oh, and one more thing. Once the spell is cast, it must be satisfied. I am trusting you with this.” 

He nodded again, unsure how to answer. 

Rowena sprinkled herbs over the surface of the water before reaching out. Sam took her hand in his and allowed her to weave a broad ribbon between their joined fingers and then around their wrists. He helped her tie it in a knot, binding his intention with hers. She murmured words in a voice too low for him to hear and the ribbon dissolved into a ring of light, tiny sparks sizzling downward.

She stood up, and he stood with her. Their lips met as she sank into his arms with a sigh, and he savored the flavor of dark wine and spices in her mouth. More than ever, her kisses felt magical, lips pressing, sucking, tasting, exploring, all hot and slippery and close.

Sam was so lost in her, in the warmth of her body in his hands, that it took him a little while to realize that she was whimpering, grinding against him shamelessly like a cat in heat. She was always open with her desire, but this was something new. 

“What do you want?” he murmured as his lips pressed down the column of her neck. “Tell me, my queen, tell me exactly what you want.”

“Take me to bed, my love.” she begged. 

He raised one eyebrow and looked around. The couch, the table - plenty of times in the past, they hadn’t made it to the bedroom. 

She followed his gaze and shook her head, her eyes wide and imploring, “Bed, now.” As if to make her point, she pulled away, tugging on his hand, nearly dragging him down the hall. 

The bedroom, like the kitchen, was arrayed with candles on every side. Sam drew in a deep breath of the air, heavy with incense. In the flickering flames, he saw goddesses, crystals, and cards, the shadowy light making everything seem more arcane and fantastic. 

Rowena lay back against the bank of pillows on the bed, her hair like coiled vines against the silky dark sheets. She reached for him, hands curling with need. He stripped off his clothes before kneeling on the bed at her feet. 

Instead of leaning into her grasp, he sat back, sliding his hands along her pale legs, pushing the sheer cloth of her gown up in voluminous folds. His hands settled around her waist, thumbs stroking the dip of her hip bones. He pulled down, fingers spreading to cup the swell of her ass as he slipped off the bits of lace and ribbon that made up her panties.

She was bare before him but still he took his time, pressing kisses to her creamy thighs as she whimpered and sighed. 

“Don’t tease,” she murmured.

There was nothing he loved more than to tease her, to hear her beg. But he had promised to do whatever she asked. He lowered his face into the copper curls over her sex. The taste of her was better than the best wine, warm and wet. 

He had barely begun with his lips and tongue before she bucked up against his face, the softest sighs falling from her lip as her legs shook around him. He paused, took a breath, and then pressed in again. He slipped one finger, then another into her. Her entire body drew up, quaking under his attention, before she let go with a cry. 

“Samuel,” she panted. “I’ve waited long enough. I need you, inside me, now.” 

It was the easiest command he had ever obeyed. He slid up, over her, meeting her mouth with the taste of her still on his lips. She was whimpering again, begging, her hips rising up to grind against him. 

He looked at her and saw her eyes were glazed with desire. “Are you sure-?” 

“Please,” she cried, her fingers scrambling for purchase on his shoulders. 

Sliding into her was like coming home, the tight wet heat of her so close and perfect. Sam heard himself moaning, unexpected and needy.

“Yes,” Rowena panted. “Please, I need you to, goddess, fuck, Sam, I- you-” 

It was nonsense, the broken curses falling from her lips, but watching her mouth was enough, the contrast between her beauty and the profanities. Sam trailed his lips and tongue down around her breasts as she tilted her head back, gasping and panting. 

He felt her clench around him and he groaned her name. For one long moment, he was lost- in the woods, under the light of the moon - and then he slammed back into his body. He came hot and helpless inside of Rowena as she cried and tightened and let loose underneath him. 

For one long breathless moment they clung to one another, sweaty and shattered. Sam could just see stray sparks of magic trailing off Rowena’s skin, into the dim light around them. Finally he rolled onto his side. Rowena made a soft sound of loss before he turned her into his embrace. He trailed his fingers softly over her hair, feeling her racing heart next to his. Finally her breath slowed and settled. 

“Shower?” Sam asked gently. She nodded in response. Sam stood up and held out both hands, pulling her to her feet. He helped her out of her gown and guided her to the bathroom, where he turned on the water steaming hot, the way he knew she liked it, as she twisted up her hair. They stepped into the shower together, bodies pressed together, slippery wet in the close space. 

Sam took Rowena’s body wash and lathered it over her shoulders, caressing her skin with open palms. He rubbed her back in broad circles before she spun to face him. He took his time, fingers following the trail of the water over her body, across her collarbones and down her ribs before he pressed up, farther, cupping her small high breasts in both hands. He circled her nipples, watching them rise and harden under the creamy bubbles of body wash. 

Her mouth dropped open, lips curving as her hands groped for his waist, tugging him against her. She shifted, pressing her thighs together. “You can’t just- I need- more, please.”

“Ok, hang on.” He murmured, “Let me, we’ve gotta take care of the soap.” He spun until she was under the shower, spray bouncing off her shoulders as the water sluiced down her skin. Once the last bubble swirled down the drain, he turned again so her back was pressed against the end of the shower. 

He knelt in front of her and looked up to meet her gaze. Her face was expectant, her chest rising and falling with quick breaths. He lifted one of her legs, hooking her knee over his shoulder. He steadied her with his hands around her waist as he dipped between her thighs. Her soft whines and panting moans echoed off the walls of the shower as he pleasured her until she came again, going limp in his grasp, trusting his grip to hold her up and not let her fall. 

Once she could stand on her own two feet again, Sam turned off the water. He grabbed one of the luxurious fluffy towels and patted her dry from head to toe. Her pale skin was already pink from water and pleasure. The shower had washed off her makeup, leaving her face bare. She looked younger like this, softer. He covered the freckles on her cheeks with whisper-light kisses, and her eyes widened, pools of green framed by her wet red lashes. 

“Come back to bed with me,” she murmured, holding out one hand. He reached for her, let her lead him, following her every wish. Back in the bedroom, in the wash of candlelight, her skin seemed luminous, lit with a glow from within.

They lay on the bed together, facing one another, lips meeting and parting and meeting again. Sam’s hands roamed her bare body, over every curve and angle. He knew her, this was familiar, but he never tired of touching her, holding her. As his hand strayed lower, pressing into the dip of her hips, she whimpered. 

Her fingers closed around his, drawing his hand up to cup her face, nuzzling her cheek into his palm.

“Your hands, goddess,” she murmured. “I think about them all the time, think about all the things you can do. I want you so much, want your hand inside me.”

“I know you love my fingers, love how you come on them for me,” he whispered with a kiss. 

“No.” She pulled back and looked at him, green eyes wide and hot with lust. “Your hand, your whole hand.”

He sat up, running one hand through his tangled chestnut hair. She followed his movement with a glance, unable to stop the whimper that fell from her lips, watching the way his fingers slipped through the silky strands. 

“Are you sure?” His brow furrowed with doubt. 

“Have I ever lied to you or been anything other than completely honest with my desires?” Her voice was low, breathy and utterly convincing. 

She was, as always, right. He slicked his hand with lube before slipping two fingers into her, working her over with his thumb as he pumped his fingers in and out. This was familiar for them, from their very first time. 

“More,” she gasped, and he obeyed, adding a third finger, curling up against her as she clenched down around him. He kept up his pace, whispering endearments and encouragement until she came with a high whine. 

“You still want this?” he stopped to check. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You won’t, I know you won’t. Please, do as I ask.” 

He nodded and tucked his thumb against his palm, pressing into her slow and steady, giving her time to stretch around him. When his knuckles slipped into her, she hissed sharply. He paused, waiting, until she drew a deep breath and nodded. 

He rocked his hand, taking his cues from her increasingly frantic groans of pleasure. Her head tipped back, slim fingers fisting handfuls of the sheets. 

When he heard her first low curse, he knew she was close to letting go. He smiled as he lowered his mouth to her, lips ghosting over her clit with the lightest of kisses as he turned his knuckles again inside her. 

Her back bowed up, arching off the bed, hips tipping toward him, her entire body taut and quivering. Her breath tore into ragged moans and her thighs shook around his ears. This time he was waiting, watching, and saw light envelop her entire body in a wash of iridescent color. She cried his name in ecstasy as she came. 

He eased his hand out slowly, stroking her through the aftershocks that left her trembling and flushed, little bursts of magic still sparkling off her skin. When her body was fully relaxed, he stretched out next to her and pressed his lips to hers. Her cheeks were blushed pink, little curls sticking damply to her temples. 

The sheer amount of pleasure they had enjoyed together was incredible, to say nothing of the magical power she had revealed. He could’ve kept going, was aroused and wanted so much more. But he could see that, for now, she was done. He would wait. 

He went to the bathroom to wash up and returned with a damp cloth and a towel. Her eyes were closed, heavy lashes fluttering open under his touch. She watched lazily as he wiped her skin with strong sure strokes. 

Then he slid into bed behind her, pulling the covers up over her and tugging her back against his chest. She nuzzled against him, her movements slow and sated. He slipped one arm around her, holding her, keeping her close. He didn’t quite catch her words as she drifted off to sleep, but it sounded like she called him, “...my witch, Sam.” 

The full moon shined through the bedroom window, casting a pale beam over Rowena’s alabaster skin. He watched her for a long moment, wondering not for the first time at her reckless vulnerable beauty. 

He didn’t feel worthy of being her lover, much less her partner in magic. He didn’t deserve to work a spell with her, not even one as wonderful as this one. But she had chosen him. And with that thought in his mind, he fell asleep too. 

That night, Sam dreamed of the scene Rowena had shown him in the scrying bowl, picking up where the vision had left off. He saw himself with her on the broad stone altar, naked in the glow of the moon. He caught glimpses of some of the things they had done together. As the moon grew low just before dawn, Rowena lay back in his arms. Her magic was visible in bands of light circling her body, weaving between them, sigils sparking off into the trees. 

“Samuel,” he heard her whisper his name softly, and his eyes slowly opened. He saw Rowena in his arms, just as he had dreamed, but without the forest or the magic. Just holding her, loving her, was magic enough for him. As their lips met, he let his hands slowly roam her body, her beautiful generous body that had given him so much pleasure. 

He could tell the spell had been satisfied by her response, by the way she hummed lazily, without the desperate desire that had driven their sex the night before. Still he had to ask-

“Did it work? Are you so much more powerful now?”

She threw back her head and laughed, full throated and free, before fixing him with an intense stare. “You saw it, didn’t you, in your dreams?” 

He knew better than to ask how she had seen it too, and instead just nodded. 

“You did so well, took such good care of me.” Her hand cupped his face, thumb easing across his bottom lip. “Thank you, my love.”

“Not like it was difficult, not with you.” Their lips met again and again, slow and seeking and deep. Rowena pressed closer to him, movements languid, pulling his body towards hers. He followed her lead, caressing her with strong sure hands, even as the touch of her fingertips left shivers on his skin. 

She pushed his shoulder back, not that she could move him, but showing him wordlessly what she wanted. He rolled back, tugging her with him. She sat up, shaking her hair back from her face as she straddled him. She planted both hands on his chest and ground down, drawing a sigh from his lips. 

His hands circled her waist as she took him in one hand and guided him into her. He saw her bite her lip as she sank down around him slowly. He let her set the pace, content to watch the way she moved, her endless sensual grace. 

Finally he tugged her shoulders down, so she lay atop him. One of his arms slipped around her back, embracing her, while the other settled over the small of her back, fingers splaying over the curve of her ass. She moved in a slow sinuous wave, rolling against him until a groan punched from his lips. 

“Come for me, one more time.” His voice was low and ragged, his hands sliding down over her thighs to pull her knees up around his waist. She rocked from side to side as he went deeper, hitting that perfect spot inside of her. 

Her mouth dropped open in a long moan, her hands curling into fists against his chest, and he felt her clamp tight around him. He gripped her waist, swiveling her down, grinding their bodies together as he thrust up over and over until finally she cried out, high and breathless. Only then did he let himself go, too. His vision went dark as his release hit him, and he glimpsed stars out of the corners of his eyes. 

For a long moment the two of them just lay like that, as close as two people could get to becoming one. The moment stretched, curved around them, the only sound the beating of their hearts. 

Sam didn’t want to break the silence, but when he glanced down, Rowena was looking up at him, her gaze bright and hopeful. 

“I’ll always do whatever you ask,” he promised softly. She nodded just once before their lips met again, sealing his words with a kiss. 

Thanks to @mskathywriteswords​ for the preread. @songofthecagedmoose​ made the graphic of Rowena in the sheer gown. 

SPN First Last and Always: @boondoctorwho​ @dawnie1988​ @deanwanddamons​ @defenderrosetyler​ @divadinag​ @emoryhemsworth​ @fookinghelljensensthighs​ @idreamofplaid​ @kalesrebellion​ @kickingitwithkirk​ @maddiepants​ @magssteenkamp​ @onethirstyunicorn​   @there-must-be-a-lock​ @tloveswriting​

Sam Girl For Life: @awesomesusiebstuff​ @lilsylvia​ @winchesterxfamilybusiness​

Rowena My Queen: @delightfullykrispypeach​ @lilsylvia​ @marril96​ @pansexualdarling @songofthecagedmoose​

Dean Curious:@adoptdontshoppets​ @awesomesusiebstuff​ @deangirl7695​ @deans-baby-momma​  @mrsjenniferwinchester​ @stoneyggirl​ @wayward-gypsy​ @winchesterxfamilybusiness​

[uraniaswrld]

answering witchy questions

(from @theclosetedwitch​)

1. What type of witch are you? - i hate the whole trendy “witch types” thing, but i work with both high and low magick and i work with the Fair Folk and deities and a lot of herbalism.

2. Do you  believe it is wrong to hex? - very little is inherently wrong or right. you need context to decide if it’s moral or not. i don’t do hexes for no reason and i don’t initiate conflict, however if someone has fucked with my friends at all or tried to magickly harm me, you bet your ass that i’m gonna return-to-sender that bitch at the very least. TL;DR i believe in revenge as long as it’s proportionate :)

3. Have you ever hexed anyone? - depends on what you consider a hex. i’ve certainly cast return to sender spells and tripwire spells, but i’ve never done baneful work to someone without them doing something to me first.

4. Which deities do you worship, if any? - i’m a devotee of Aphrodite, and i follow Rhiannon and Morpheus as well. i used to follow Apollo also but the time in my life that he was present for has ended. i work with a few other deities very casually on and off, but those three are the ones i’m worshipping right now.

5. What got you into witchcraft? - the pastor at a church i had to go to was doing a slideshow on “bad religions” and he pointed to a pentacle and said “this is a pentagram, a symbol used by wiccans. and you know what the call themselves? witches. and wizards. or warlocks, actually. witches and warlocks.” obviously, he didn’t know much about wicca or witchcraft but the sheer fact that there were people calling themselves “witches” was enough to pique my interest and i started my research. 

basically a christian pastor turned me pagan.

6. What is your favorite moon phase? - i love any time when i can see the moon, but i’m connected to the waning moon for Rhiannon, and the full moon because, idk, it’s pretty? i’m a dyke? unknown.

7.What is your favorite season? - beltane or samhain season

8.Which pagan celebration do you like most? - beltane for me is super happy and rich and beautiful, samhain is the time of year when i’m most connected to my craft, and imbolc season sucks ass but the rituals are really nice.

9.Are you in the broom closet? - to my family, somewhat. i talk about astrology to fuck with them because they’re christians, but i don’t talk about witchcraft or paganism because i’d surely get kicked out or at least punished super heavily.

10. What is your favorite herb to work with? - i’m gonna interpret this as favourite herb/spice, so nutmeg, cloves, juniper berries and chamomile

11. What are your favorite crystals, and why? - to be honest, most crystals i just use for the colour correspondances. i’m not super connected to most crystals but i do love black tourmaline for protection, and then i have some specific crystals that have a lot of meaning for me, like an amethyst point i got from a coven sister for my first imbolc, or a half of a geode that i share with my best friend, or my obsidian worrystone that shows up when i need it.

12. Have you ever had a spell backfire? - i’ve had spells not work, but outright backfire i don’t think so.

13. Do you work skyclad? - no, because of *body image issues* and also i’m cold all the time

14. Are you in a coven? - yes! it’s pretty casual and informal, and there’s not hp/ hps so it’s more of a working group, but coven sounds way better. our coven blog is @circleofpyxis​ and our instagram is circleofpyxiscoven

15. Do you believe in good and evil? - in individuals, yes. i know that there are inherently evil people. i don’t think that there are any inherently good people, and i think we’re all born neutral, but our actions define where we lie as far as morality. 

16.What is the most successful spell you have ever performed? - either a very stupid surface-y spell to get a part i wanted in a play, or a spell to get rid of unwanted romantic feelings.

17. Do you do any divination? - yes!

18. If you do do divination, what kind? - i read futhark runes, dabble in tarot, and scry using fire or water

19. Do you read tarot? - a little

20. If you do, what is your favorite card? - i can’t remember them all off the top of my head but i love the hierophant in my deck

21. Have you ever had any dreams that came true? - i don’t have prophetic dreams, but i have a different sort of brand of metaphysical dream. i’m not sure how to describe it, but i think it’s my spirit guide just watching out for me. for example, i once needed to wake up at 6:30 but forgot to set an alarm, and i had this experience-- it must’ve been a dream-- but it felt like i was awake but my eyes were still closed, and then i heard my mom’s voice saying “it’s time to wake up, you have to go to your meeting” and i opened my eyes (in the dream) and saw my mom. then i woke up for real and no one was there, but the clock read 6:30 exactly.

another time i had a dream where my dad told me that distrokid had updated and i could see how much money i’d made, and then i woke up and distrokid really had updated, which only happens every month at most.

22. Are you in a religion? - i’m still trying to figure out exactly my denomination, but i’m a pagan of celtic and hellenic traditions.

23. Which do you like better: new moon or full moon? - i adore all of the new moon goddesses but i’m sorry, the full moon has my heart.

24. What was the first spell you have ever performed? - it was this really little simple spell for happiness. it was really just an incantation actually, i didn’t use any tools or anything, but it worked so i’m not complaining.

25.Do you believe it is wrong to cast love spells? - if you don’t have the consent of the other individual(s) then yes. otherwise, if you’re just attracting “a good match” or self-love, there’s nothing wrong with that.

26.Have you ever cast a love spell? - self love spells and romance-banishing spells yes.

27. What is your favorite magickal tool? - my peach wood wand that i made myself!

28. Do you like to work during the witching hour (3am ) ? - i do 90% of my workings at midnight or later, so yeah :)

29. Are you a hereditary witch? - nope, it’s just me and my suspiciously-invested-in-crystals-and-astrology sister ;)

30.Do you believe it is possible to be born  witch? - you can be born into a family of witches but it’s not like some people are born witches and no one else can practice. everyone has magick, everyone has power. some people have different intuitive strengths, but everyone has strengths.

31. Do you believe initiation is essential to be a witch? - no. in some religious traditions you need to be initiated (like wicca), but witchcraft is for everyone.

32. Do you have a  familiar? - no

33.What is your spirit animal? - i’m not indigenous so i don’t have one.

34. Which deity or god are you closest to? - my patroness is Aphrodite

35. Thoughts on reincarnation? - i believe in reincarnation but i also want to die and have it be over so it’s complicated jdfhjhfd

36. Current altar setup? - my mabon altar is still up since it’s still technically mabon season but i’m putting up my samhain altar tonight. i also have shrines to Aphrodite and Morpheus on my altar year-round.

37. Feelings and thoughts on Wicca? - i don’t practice, and there are a lot of issues with gardner, but there are issues with people in every religion. i don’t see a problem with wicca or wiccans, it just isn’t my religion.

38. What is your favorite element to work with? - water

39. Do you have a book of shadows? - i have both a BoS and a grimoire

40. Have you ever tried reading runes? - yes! that’s my best method of divination.

41. If so, what is your favorite rune, and why? - THIS IS SO HARD! i have a few. eiwaz, peorth, and ehwaz are some of my faves.

42. Do you believe in casting circles before every spell? - no, i do it for my rituals and sabbat workings, but at least for my practice, with the frequency that i do workings, i simply don’t have time to cast before spells.

43. If so, how do you cast your circles? - i might do a post on this later, but i close/ cast the circle deosil and then open it at the end of a ritual widdershins.

44. Ever tried knot magick? - yes! i use knot magick for a protection anklet i always wear.

45. Have you ever participated in, or watched the Great Rite (ritual sex)? - no. i’m underage and not interested in sex magick anyway. 

46. What is your favorite color to work with, in magick? - red and black

46. Which deities do you have altars for? - Aphrodite and Rhiannon.

47. What is your favorite setting which you prefer to practice in? - i only do rituals after dark and i like practicing solitary but i also love practicing with my friends/ covenmates.

48. Do you know how to read palms? - no

49. If so, have you ever read palms, either yourself or others? - no

50. Are you more connected with the masculine, or the feminine? - feminine, but i try to work with a balance

51. Favorite day of the week to practice in? do you even care? - friday but not for any metaphysical reason, just because i’m least stressed then and have the most time.

52. How long have you been practicing? - over two years

53. Which  witchy traditions do you observe? - i celebrate the wheel of the year sabbats, and the esbats, and Rhiannon’s day on march 1st

54. Favorite planet to work with? - Venus

55. Favorite direction  ( est, west, north, south) to work with? - west

56. Favorite number to work with * numerology *? - 64 and 11

57. Do you have a magick wand, and if so, what is it made of? - yes, it’s made from peach wood.

58. Do you prefer the sun or the moon? - moon

59. Pointy hat or no pointy hat? - absoLUTELY pointy hat

60. What is it that you LOVE about witchcraft - i love my deities and i love how comforting my craft is when i feel alone

[captainkirkk]

✩ WEEKLY FIC ROUND-UP ✩

A collection of fics I’ve read (/reread) and thoroughly enjoyed in the past week-ish from all kinds of fandoms and genres.

BNHA

✩ rise up and hear the bells by redrobin1989 (Note: possibly the only time I’ll ever rec a quirkless Deku fic. Brilliant.)

‘... and in other news, this year’s Heroes Gala JP will be this upcoming Saturday night, celebrating those who made the Top 100. Explosion maintained his number one title for the third year in a row but the real surprise is Deku, everyone’s favorite, and only, Quirkless hero snagging the coveted Symbol of Peace title. It’s a controversial decision which we will be discussing in the days leading up to the event. After the break, our next guest…’

Izuku had promised All Might that he would carry on his legacy as his successor, even after his mentor’s death. It had been more difficult without a quirk but Deku had decided long ago that nothing so small would stop him from achieving his dreams. Now that he had actually made it though, he thought he’d have a better idea of what to write for his acceptance speech...

helping hands by PitViperOfDoom

Class 1-A's second day ends with a bang.

Area Man Always Has Backup Problem Just In Case by pepperfield (Note: I’ve recced this before but it just updated, so now it’s finished and has a de-aging chapter!)

Even when you're the best, being a hero can be trying at times, especially since there's a whole world of wacky quirks out there to complicate things. Like body-switching. Or spontaneous de-aging.

The course of true rivalry never did run smooth.

[Three times Bakugou and Midoriya got entangled in some manner of bullshit at work, and one time things actually went pretty okay.]

Clothes Make The Man by PotterheadAvengerDemigod

Fuck, of all the shoots his classmates had to see, it had to be that one. It couldn’t have been an older one, where he could have brushed it off as something he’d used to do in the past, or one where he didn’t look like he actually cared.

No, it had to be this fucking print.

Katsuki stands, and tries to leave the room.

/OR/ The one where Baku models for his parents' fashion company and his classmates find out.

Stage Left! (Uh, your other left) by dormantchrysalis

Having Midoriya and Todoroki starring as romantic leads in their 2nd year school play wasn't planned, that just happened.

But since the boys are in this situation anyway, why not meddle, just a little, to get the oblivious idiots to admit their feelings to each other?

Good Omens

✩ it's a new craze by attheborder (+podfic!)

CROWLEY: I try not to make a habit of gratitude, but I must give our appreciation to everyone out there who’s been listening and subscribing to The Ineffable Plan. AZIRAPHALE: Ooh, yes, we’ve become quite popular, haven’t we? CROWLEY: Yeah, just hit number eight on the advice charts … No advertising at all. AZIRAPHALE: Mm. How … miraculous. CROWLEY: … Aziraphale. You did not.

***

Crowley and Aziraphale are very possibly the people least qualified, on the entire planet, to start up an advice podcast.But what else is there to do when the world isn’t ending anytime soon, you’re technically on indefinite sabbatical from your lifelong careers, and you need a plausible excuse to spend more time with your best friend who you’re definitely not, absolutely not, maybe just a little, actually maybe overwhelmingly in love with?

Star Trek

I Will Have This by orphan_account

Just as she finished adding a small box of sweets to her items, she felt a tug on the sleeve of her robe. Turning, she had a smile prepared, and a praise on the tip of her tongue for whatever item her son had chosen. That turned into a sharp gasp when she realized that carefully ensconced in her son’s arms was not any item for sale in the shop, but a very human baby.

“Mother, I will have this.”

DC

Obedience by Sohotthateveryonedied

Something is seriously wrong with Tim—Jason just knows it. Ever since the Mad Hatter incident, Tim has been acting completely different, and the worst part is that no one believes Jason when he tells them so.

But when the truth is eventually revealed, the whole family comes to realize that the situation is far worse than anyone could have ever predicted.

Merlin

Catching Bees with Honey by CaffeinatedFlumadiddle

“So let me get this straight,” Arthur said, folding his fingers together as the man in front him awkwardly shifted. “You are under the impression if you win the favor of my servant that you will then win my favor?” He asked and the nobleman shifted again.

“Well, sire.” He said “That is the common consensus among… The chatter.”

“The chatter.” Arthur repeated and his mind flashed to all the kindness Merlin had received from other nobles. Dear God.

Or

Merlin has all of Camelot (and neighboring kingdoms) wrapped around his finger and Arthur is beginning to resign himself to the fact his servant somehow has more power than he does.

ATLA

heart of a dragon by discordiansamba

Fate turns a little differently, and Zuko ends up being raised far away from the royal palace- and with dragons. But no matter how things change, one thing remains the same- that it's his destiny to teach the Avatar firebending, and to fight against the Fire Lord. That's the easy part. The hard part? Literally everything else.

(or, local feral firebender does his best)

[one-leaf-grimoire]

“hellfire”

A little one shot based on a throwaway line in “Dyad” that I felt like expanding on. I realized I only showed the titular dyad at full power once in the story so this should be a special treat! Enjoy.

synopsis: Julius prepares a plan for the final battle against an invading kingdom. Takes place shortly before BC canon. Also my OC Lisa is there and they kick ass.

“ About a month before my 26th birthday, the Diamond Kingdom attempted yet another invasion. This time, they were serious, and much better prepared. Luckily they went through the town of Kiten first, instead of my hometown to the North. Still, they gained a valuable foothold and prepared to make a rush to the capital. We didn't have much time to mobilize, and really didn't have a plan of attack. But we attacked... and Julius lead the magic knights into the most important battle of his term so far. I was lucky enough to fight beside him, and all the other Magic Knights; people who were old friends, and people who became new friends. Fortunately, we emerged victorious. The Capital roared with celebration as we arrived back, showering Julius and the others with praise. Everyone wanted to be a magic knight now, and everyone wanted to become the Wizard King. They would be telling stories about his spell for years to come... White Hell. “

Dyad, chapter 53

(Six months before the beginning of Black Clover)

“A push towards the Capitol? Right now?”

“Yes, sir,” Marx stammered, his hands shaking as he held the report. Yami stood behind him, beaten and battered but with a neutral expression on his face and a cigarette hanging between his teeth. The smoke dissipated quickly in the cool night air blowing in through Julius’s open bedroom window. He usually didn’t like to be bothered at this time of night, but when at war, a ruler must be ready to act at any time. 

“What about the defenses in Kiten?” Julius asked, reaching up and rubbing the last of his sleep out of his eyes. “Weren’t you stationed there, Yami?”

“Yep. I beat a bunch of them up,” the younger man replied gruffly. “If I were by myself, it would be easy, but it’s harder to fight when ya got a squad full of idiots to protect.”

Despite the situation, Julius let out a huff of laughter. Nervous laughter, but laughter all the same. “I see, so you fell back… well…” His gaze moved to the window, his wise, old mind starting to work hard. Every solution, every possibility, ran circles between his ears. It’ll take too long to mobilize everyone to defend the city… not to mention that, if we aren’t prepared, civilians are going to get hurt… His brow furrowed as his fingers pinched his chin once, his eyes closing briefly. Our best bet is to catch them on the way… but how am I going to gather enough knights, tell them the plan, then get them into position in time? Ah, this is bad…

Why on earth did Lisa have to be gone now-

Lisa. That was it. She was the answer… like always.

Julius’s eyes popped back open. “Yami, Marx, gather anyone in the capitol right now. All the captains if you can.”

Marx frowned. “Sir, will that be enough?”

“Yes… I think. If Lisa can get here in time-” Julius let out a groan. It’s bad enough that she left to visit Mereoleona for a whole month, but of course war broke out while she’s gone. Not that she would have known… 

“Lisa? Oh no…” Yami took out his cigarette to glare disapprovingly at Julius. “Don’t tell me you two are gonna do that creepy link thing again?”

Marx raised an eyebrow, but Julius couldn’t help but smile.

“That’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

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

Two hours later, the group they managed to throw together headed out by broom to the calculated interception point. The night wind rippled Julius’s golden locks as he flew, this time on a carpet that Marx procured. They hung towards the back of the group, which consisted of only the magic knights captains and a few of the knights already stationed in the capitol. Everyone was tense, glancing back at their King who had told them a worryingly little amount of details about this plan. Even Marx, who had inside information, was a little worried. “Lord Julius, if she doesn’t show up-”

“She will.” Julius cut him off, glancing back at the blue-haired man. “She’s on her way now…” his mouth twitched into a smile. “I can feel it.”

Marx gulped nervously, his hold tightening on the edge of the carpet. “How can you say that? I’ve been with you this whole time, and you never called her-”

“When you left to let me get dressed-” Julius cut in once again, his eyes focused up ahead. “I took a moment to clear my head… and sure enough, I could hear her.”

Marx blinked, starting to understand. So… they can talk to each other like that? Miles and miles apart, and yet, he just needs to clear his head. He knew about Lisa’s strange Dyad power, and how she and Julius shared magic as a result. They complimented each other perfectly, and he had always suspected that there was something more than love behind that synchrony. Well… maybe that synchrony was a result of love after all. But that wasn’t his main worry right now.

“So… you’re telling me you don’t have a backup plan?”

Julius was still for a moment, but then he shook his head.

“No. We don’t need one.” His gaze hardened, and his smile widened. “We will win.”

“THERE THEY ARE!”

Fuegoleon Vermillion’s loud voice boomed out into the darkness. He was at the head of the group, tagging a ride on Nozel’s Mercury Eagle spell, and was the first to spot the enemy. “Remember the plan! Engage!”

“KEH KEH! Don’t think you can order me around.” Jack suddenly zoomed past him on his broom, the scythes on his arms glowing green in the night. “I don’t need you to tell me how to slice up my prey!”

He swung his arms forward, and two huge slashes ripped through the night. The opposing army scattered, more than two hundred strong, and then converged on the magic knights like a swarm of bees.

Before chaos erupted, Yami glanced back at his mentor one last time. Julius nodded, then he and Marx descended out of sight below the treeline a moment before impact.

Spells were everywhere, people were yelling, and bursts of light shattered the otherwise peaceful slumber of the earth. Julius stepped off his broom and peered upwards, his eyes widened exponentially and sparkling like a kid in a candy shop. “Amazing… all the captains fighting at once-”

“T-There’s too many of them…” Julius looked over at the sound of Marx’s hoarse voice. He was staring up in the sky too, but with less wonder in his eyes. “We’ll never win…”

Julius’s laugh surprised him. “Marx, I know I couldn’t even take on that many people… not alone, not with all the Captains at my back. But you saw Lisa and I fight together before, remember?”

Of course Marx remembered. No one present that day could ever forget what happened. He witnessed something… indescribable.

Lost in the memory, Marx did not notice the attacker from behind until it was too late. Something slashed down, hitting him in the back. Blood flew crimson against the black sky.

“J-Juli-” 

Marx’s mouth opened, but he couldn’t even finish the name before he hit the ground. Julius started to turn around, almost in slow motion, his gaze landing on his fallen friend first. For one brief moment, shock froze him in place and he was helpless to the mage now leveling another attack at his head. 

Marx…

Before Julius could do anything, the tree trunks around him lit up. A bright blue streak of light, sparking and snapping with power, struck the assassin through the back. His body jerked, then fell down limply at the Wizard King’s feet.

That spell…

Flame Magic: Solar Bolt.

Julius knew it well. It was one of his favorites. 

“Lisa?”

Sure enough, a woman stepped out from behind the trees. She was short, petite, even with her traveling cloak thrown over her shoulders, but you couldn’t take your eyes off of her as she walked with such… purpose. At least, Julius couldn’t.

“There you are-” Her eyes caught his, moonlight reflecting off of her irises like mirrors. She smiled. “-Julius.”

With a sigh of relief, Julius let a grin burst forth on his own face. Forgetting about the battle for the moment, he stepped over the assassin’s body on the ground and bounded towards her. With one swoop, he grabbed her into his arms in a tight hug. She was as warm as always, his little space heater that he missed dearly when she was away. Lisa let out a momentary protest, but he couldn’t hear it over the joy in his heart.

“Julius! Isn’t there, like, a super important battle happening right now? We don’t have time for hugs!” Lisa contradicted herself by letting her arms wrap around his middle and hug him back.

Julius chuckled before pulling back to look at her face. “So? We have time, I say so.” He gave her a wink before reality set in once again. “Ah, but we’ll have time later.”

Lisa nodded before peering around his shoulder. “You okay, Marx?”

“Thanks for asking.” Marx had sat up, still wincing from the pain on the wound on his back. “Luckily it just knocked me over, and it’s not deep.”

“Oh! Well-” Julius was already running over. “Let me close it up-”

“NO! Julius, Lisa, do your… thing. If this can be over as quickly as you say it will, get on with it.” Marx’s annoyance broke for a moment to give Julius a confident smile. “We have a plan, remember? I’m still able to complete my part. You can heal me after you do yours.”

Julius gave him a nod before standing up again. “Right…” He looked down at the fallen assassin. “Is he going to wake up?”

“No.” Lisa walked over and craned her neck to look up at the battle. “Yikes… that’s not good. Are our people still mixed in with all the enemies?”

“For the time being. That’s where Marx comes in. Now, Darling…” Lisa looked back down to see Julius extend his hand to her. “Are you ready?”

With a deep breath, Lisa nodded. “Yes.”

She took his hand and the two of them ran out of the forest to the field underneath the battle.

In a way, it was lucky that Lisa had just been on sabbatical in the grand magic zone. She retreated there about once a year to train with Mereoleona, and learned how to channel large amounts of magic through a body that wasn’t necessarily built to do so. All of that training, all that pain, all this development, she did it because she knew a decisive moment like this would come. 

I have to be strong enough… not just for the Kingdom.

She looked up at the back of Julius’s head as he led them ahead.

But for him, above all else.

Finally, the two of them slowed to a stop in a good central area. Magic was still whizzing above, the tables not yet turned but close to getting there. There were just too many of the enemy, but soon that would all change. Julius sucked in one last breath before grabbing Lisa’s other hand and turning to face her. “Are you sure you can do this?”

She nodded, but Julius could feel her hands trembling. With a calm smile, he leaned down a bit to look into her eyes. “We’ll be together the whole time, remember? I won’t let you get hurt. Remember what you said to me the first time?”

Slowly, Lisa nodded once again, more sure this time. 

“As if I would let you kill me.”

Her grimoire started to glow white, the pages flipping to one emblazoned with a symbol; the same symbol that marked Lisa as Simulcian, as someone who could form a Dyad. Lisa could already feel her mark pulsing, glowing brighter and brighter in the darkness. It was working, as if it had done this a million times instead of just a handful. Julius winced slightly as an identical mark suddenly burst to life on his own head, right next to his swallowtail mark. “Ah… it’s working.”

Lisa nodded, her hands tightening in his. Magic was cycling now, between the two of them, faster and faster and faster and-

I- I can’t do it-

Every time the mana moved through her, Lisa felt the familiar sensation of her very soul breaking.

It’s going to hurt… it’s going to be scary…

She squeezed her eyes shut in an attempt to ground herself again. Images were flashing through her mind, both her thoughts and Julius. Each flash brighter and bigger than the last, building up, amplifying, getting so massive that she wouldn’t be able to hold on much longer-

But this is what it’s supposed to do…

Slowly, she opened her eyes to look back up into Julius’s. His eyes were starting to glow like hers, but he was still smiling.

In order to become all-powerful… I must destroy myself. I must destroy both of us.

It’s alright, Lisa. I’ll be here. I’ll always be here.

I won’t be alone.

Without closing her eyes, Lisa leaned up, and Julius bent down to meet her. Their foreheads touched, and their souls shattered.

For one brief moment, neither of them existed. The Ego, the very shape of the Self, was gone, destroyed by the sheer force of their combined mana. But then, it reformed. One new Ego… one new Self.

A Dyad.

Marx watched from the treeline, leaned up against a trunk, his eyes widened as he watched the two of them glowing violently. They’re doing it… are they- He sucked in a breath as Lisa stepped back. They were still hand-in-hand, but it wasn’t them. The being that stood there appeared to have two bodies, but when they turned to look at Marx, he knew he was looking at just one thing. It worked.

Marx stuck to the plan. He raised his hand to the sky and fired off a bright, loud mana blast, which exploded like a firework a couple meters up.

Yami caught sight of the light, his heart skipping an anxious beat. “Everyone! Get out of the sky!” he yelled, swinging his sword once to dispel his enemy before diving down. The other 8 captains and their crew followed, zipping away from the cloud of the enemy as fast as they could. Yami glanced down to see Lisa and Julius standing there, glowing eyes locked on the sky. “Shit, they’re about to blow this place to high heaven.”

Just as Yami predicted, the Dyad made their move. Their movements were eerie, yet perfectly in sync. They were extensions of each other’s bodies, one mind and one soul shared in order to perform a feat of magic. 

This is going to be difficult to explain to the others.

Their hands clasped together, pulling closer together as if they were performing some strange waltz. But then they pointed towards the sky towards the swarm of attackers who were just now realizing that they had fallen into a trap.

At the very tip of their fingers, pressed together with intimacy and precision, a pure white ball of fire started to form. It was only the size of a marble… but it caused the very earth to shake.

Finally, their lips moved to utter the spell.

“Instant Fire Magic: White Hell.”

In that moment, the night ceased to exist. A second sun burst to life in the sky, engulfing the attacking army in its entirety. Light bathed the land, as bright as noon, and more than two hundred people screamed their life out into the abyss. 

As quickly as it started, it was over. Darkness fell over the landscape, as is if it had never been lit up in the first place. Two hundred soldiers of brooms and carpets were suspended in the air, then went limp and started to fall to earth. 

The Dyad did not notice.

They stood there together, inside the recess of their shared mind. It was warm and cozy, like the sanctuary of a bed or even the safety of a mother’s womb. They stood there together, their palms pressed against the other’s. Lisa smiled up at Julius, and he smiled right back. There was so much he wanted to say to her in this moment, but he didn’t have to utter a single word. She knew. 

Because, to be a Dyad is to destroy yourself… to destroy yourself and become something beautiful. It is the only way to truly be known. 

Julius blinked, and it was over. Smoke and dust filled the air, dirt kicked up from the force of many bodies hitting the ground around him. He looked up into the sky and grinned when he saw that not a single mage managed to avoid the attack. “Look at that! We did it, Lisa, you did it-”

He looked down, and realized that she had collapsed at his feet in a puddle of her own blood.

“LISA!” 

Julius fell to his knees with a strangled cry, quickly turning his lover over into his lap. The sight made him as queasy as it did all those years ago; there was blood coming from her nose and ears, and her eyes were shut. Panic beat itself into his chest at the sight and his hands trembled.

Oh god… oh no… I- I actually killed her this time- I should have never-

But then, Lisa cracked open an eye, her lips twitching into a ghost of a smile.

“Boo.”

Julius groaned, his shoulders slumping with relief. “Lisa! Don’t scare me like that!” he admonished lightly, his heart still pounding slightly. “Jesus... I’m gonna have to spank you.” Despite the situation, he threw in a little joke to make her smile.

“Hmm, you can try.” Lisa winked before wincing again. Julius winced as well, feeling a phantom pain through his own head. “Are you ok?”

“Yeah, mostly.” Lisa sat up with some help from Julius, leaning into his chest while she caught her breath. “It hurt a lot, but not as much as last time for sure!”

“Good, good.” Julius pulled out his handkerchief and started to tenderly wipe away the blood on her face. So, she’s grown a lot since last time… To be able to share magic, both members of a Dyad have to be able to withstand the full force of their combined mana. Back in the beginning, Lisa almost died with every attempt. But by working hard and honing the magic Julius shared with her, she was able to do so much better. Pride swelled in his heart, and he couldn’t help himself; he leaned down and gave her a kiss. Her lips were still tinted with the metallic taste of blood, but they were warm.

“Lord Julius!”

Julius quickly broke away (reluctantly) as the other captains ran over. Most of them had stunned looks on their faces, but Fuegoleon and Yami were pensive. The two of them saw the first Dyad on that day long ago, but they were still surprised to see how it had developed. 

This power… Fuegoleon gulped, his eyes flickering between Julius and Lisa on the ground. So easily… they decimated the entire Diamond army. 

Both of them are scary enough by themselves, but when they’re together… Yami shook his head to himself. It’s unreal. I guess I should be grateful.

“What was that?” Rill piped up, his eyes as wide as saucers.

Julius bit his lip, exchanging a glance with Lisa. She was too drained to even move except for a small shrug. They had agreed to keep her power secret, so this was going to be difficult to explain. “Er- a combo spell we’ve been working on. I’ll explain later.”

There was a murmur of agreement among the others. William narrowed his eyes slightly underneath his mask.

Interesting…

“Now!” Julius quickly grabbed Lisa bridal style and rose to his feet. “I better get her home, and get Marx healed as well. The rest of you should contain all the prisoners then drop them off at the border. The reinforcements should make short work of the force at Kiten.”

“Prisoners?” Nozel repeated, glancing back at the bodies strewn everywhere. “But sir, aren’t they… dead?”

Julius let out a hearty laugh. “Of course not! How would that look if we just killed 200 people like that? Anyway, I want witnesses so they know never to come back again.”

“Amazing…” Charlotte’s eyes widened. “How did you save them from the fall?”

“Oh, that…” Julius shrugged before turning away to rejoin Marx. Lisa peeked over his shoulder to smirk back at the other captains before finishing his sentence.

“They are alive because we decided it was so.”

The two of them soon disappeared into the night, leaving 7 of the 9 captains very confused… and awestruck.

The Capital roared with celebration as we arrived back, showering Julius and the others with praise. 

Everyone wanted to be a magic knight now, and everyone wanted to become the Wizard King. 

They would be telling stories about his spell for years to come... White Hell.

Well… our spell.

[nancypullen]

Still Here

There’s been absolutely nothing noteworthy happening here on the Pullen spread, hence the lack of notes.  My days have been filled with making silly cards, cooking...so much cooking...and betting on trees. Yep,  I’ve been checking our tree line daily and waiting for the first one to unfurl its leaves and turn green.  We have a winner and spring has officially sprung.  I say that with full knowledge that tomorrow night we’re supposed to dip back down to 28.  Spring is temperamental, but she’s still here.  We’ll be in the 70′s on Easter Sunday.  So, parkas and sandals, right?  We were lucky to escape the flooding that damaged so many homes and businesses in Wilson County last week, and the tornadoes missed us too, so I won’t complain about a few chilly nights. In  more cheerful news, the mister has a few free days so we’re going to zip down to Florida and visit my mom.  Yippee!  Now that we’re all vaccinated we can visit and have fun without worrying about making anyone sick.  It’s long overdue.   It will be a quick visit but I think we all need it. The mister has a paid sabbatical during the month of October and we have been working up itineraries for a worthy trip, and trying to plan for all scenarios.  Best case is that by October life has mostly returned to pre-covid status and we’re free to travel to Europe, Mickey is more hopeful than I am about that.  Plan B is Iceland, right now they’re open with some restrictions and we could accommodate those.  It would, however, be a shorter trip because we’d be traveling around in a camper van rental and it would be a whole deal. Iceland is also pricey. That trip sounds like an absolute blast to me, but Mickey says it wouldn’t be as relaxing for him.  Pretty sure I’m the one that would be cooking on a camper stove, but whatever.  It’s his sabbatical, he earned it, and I want him to be happy. If there’s another surge and international travel is out, he’s talking about going back to Acadia and running around Maine again.  We all know that these trips are planned around his photography and if it’s Maine he wants, then Maine he gets. I have no objection to Maine in October, it’s beautiful...and full of lobster.  I’m hoping that by mid-summer we’ll know where we’re headed and can make solid plans.  Other than watching trees (it’s more fun than watching paint dry) and dragging out our suitcases to head out of town, we’re just marking days.  Each day takes us a step closer to normal, so hallelujah!  Since a picture us supposedly worth a thousand words, I’ll sum up our recent days with photos. Spring color!

Cooking, always cooking.  We eat a TON of vegetables.  If I can substitute a veggie to make a dish healthier, I do. This super quick and easy dinner is the mister’s current favorite.

I’m not kidding when I say it’s quick, you can have this on the table in 15 minutes.  I use frozen riced cauliflower and start that in one skillet.  A little salt and pepper, and a scoop of frozen peas make it tasty.  I cook it just long enough to get most of the moisture out and then toss some shrimp into a second skillet. I cook the shrimp for a couple minutes on one side, then flip them and add about a quarter cup of Bulgogi or Korean BBQ sauce.

It’s so yummy and you’ll swear you’re eating rice. I also roast a lot of spaghetti squash.  It’s tasty in a variety of ways, but a good ol’ pasta sauce with meat never fails.  This sauce was chunky with veggies and I used very lean ground turkey. A little grated Romano cheese on top makes it just right.

 My current favorite also uses lean ground turkey.  I use taco seasoning when browning the meat, and while it cooks I drain and rinse a can of black beans and simmer them in a little sauce pan with diced onion, cumin, and water. Mmmm.  Then I pull out another bag of frozen riced cauliflower and throw it in a skillet.  A little chili powder and salt, and some fresh cilantro if you have it (I didn’t this time) and you’re in business.  Dice up some tomato, scallions, whatever you’ve got (avocado!) and make yourself a burrito bowl.  Not only does this bowl offer big flavor, it’s healthy and so filling.

 Have I shared these dishes before?  It feels like I have.  The days are a blur. If I’m not cooking I can usually be found at my desk making silly cards. This may be the one that best reflects my soul.

I say it to these knuckleheads several times a day.

They keep me entertained. I sent this one out in celebration of spring.

Spring also brings out all of the door-to-door salesmen.  I hung this on the door but it doesn’t stop them. 

I think the best photo of the week is actually just a screen capture from my phone.  Mickey had done a home sleep study to see if perhaps his window rattling snores could be a problem...I mean, other than for me.  He strapped everything on and the data was sent to a doctor who then called him in for a consultation.  He sent me a text as he left the appointment and I wanted to know the diagnosis.

Imagine my relief that he just needs a cpap machine.  The new models are small and nearly silent, so I may have peaceful nights ahead. 

And on that note, I do believe I’ll take myself off to soak in the tub and get ready for bed.  Sweet dreams to you. Stay safe, stay well. XOXO, Nancy

[emospritelet]

Festive prompt : Fragile verse - 54 “You look - festive”

I’m still trying to finish up my festive prompts, so this is chapter 2 of 3 of this teacher/student Rushbelle. Last time, Belle wanted to talk about the night of passion they shared before the start of the school year, and Rush wanted her to forget the entire thing. It’s Christmas Eve, and a knock on Rush’s door brings an unexpected visitor. Please check AO3 for tags - Belle is 18.

[AO3 link] [Chapter 1]

x

Rush realised he was staring, and blinked twice.

“Miss French,” he said coolly. “What are you doing here?”

Belle pulled a face, glancing around uncomfortably.

“It’s Christmas Eve,” she said. “I couldn’t bear sitting in the house watching my dad drink until he passes out. Again.”

“Yes, but why come here?” he asked. “Surely your friends are all out celebrating.”

She sighed, mouth flattening.

“Yeah, they are,” she said. “That’s kind of the problem. They’re all out dancing and singing Christmas songs and having the time of their lives.”

“And?”

“And I don’t think I can put on an act for the whole evening,” she said. “I figured you were probably as lonely and miserable as I was, and you wouldn’t care if I wasn’t smiling and happy and full of the festive spirit. You gonna let me in?”

Rush sighed heavily.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Yeah, well, neither is drinking alone, brooding over shit you can’t fix and letting yet another Christmas pass you by while you dwell on the past and wonder when the hell your life went down the toilet.”

His mouth twitched.

“Have you been looking through my window, or something?”

“Didn’t need to,” she said, and put her head to the side. “Am I wrong?”

“No,” he admitted.

“Well then.”

He ran a hand through his hair, feeling awkward.

“You know, my neighbour is having a party,” he said. “Why don’t you go and knock on his door? He’d welcome you in with open arms, I’m sure.”

“The guy with the top hat?” She smiled ruefully. “He yelled out of the window that I was gorgeous and offered me a drink.”

“Well then.”

“Like I said, not really in the party mood.” Belle shifted from foot to foot. “Look, I know I’m probably the last person you want to see, but we kind of left things on a - weird - note, and I wanted to fix it. You’re the only person I know that can understand how I’m feeling about everything. Sorry if that means I make you uncomfortable.”

Rush let out a sigh. It’s not her fault. None of this is her fault. None of it’s anyone’s fault, really. A mistake, that’s all.

“You don’t,” he said. “It’s - it’s not your fault I’m uncomfortable, is it? It’s the situation.”

“I guess.”

She looked thoroughly miserable, and Rush could feel himself wanting to do something about it, wanting to help her. He stepped back, holding open the door.

“Alright,” he said. “Come on in.”

Belle smiled briefly, and stepped past him into the apartment. He closed the door behind her, wondering what the hell he was doing. She was shrugging out of her coat, and beneath it she wore a knitted red dress trimmed with white faux fur to match the hat on her head.

“You look - festive,” he remarked, and she shrugged, looking around the apartment.

“More than can be said for this place,” she said. “Don’t you celebrate?”

“Not if I can help it.”

“Fair enough.” Belle draped her coat over the arm of the couch and sat down, looking up at him expectantly. “You got anything to drink?”

“Your fake I.D. isn’t gonna work on me this time,” he said, in a dry tone, and she rolled her eyes.

“Come on, it’s Christmas, give me a break.”

“I’ve only got whisky.”

“That’ll do.”

Rush shrugged, and went to pour her a glass, topping up his own. Belle took the glass with a smile of thanks, taking a sip and wrinkling her nose a little at the taste. Perhaps she didn’t like it. Perhaps she would decide that Jefferson’s party would yield more in the way of distractions, and leave. He wasn’t sure whether it would be a relief or not. She slumped onto the couch, whisky sloshing in the glass, and after a moment of debating whether he should take the chair, he sat down next to her.

“So,” she said. “This is your Christmas Eve, huh?”

“Beats last year,” he said.

“What did you do last year?”

“Drank myself into oblivion, mostly.”

“Oh.” She raised a brow, followed by her glass. “Well, the night is young.”

Rush barked a laugh at that, and took a sip of his drink.

“I’m not gonna repeat it, don’t worry.”

“Don’t care if you do,” she said. “I’ll just put you in the recovery position and bugger off home.”

“Good to know.”

“Just don’t expect me to clean up after you,” she added. “Get enough of that at home, thanks.”

Rush wasn’t sure whether their conversation was amusing or depressing, and decided to change the subject.

“Have you made any decisions on college yet?” he asked, and her mouth twisted. She took another drink.

“I’m staying in Boston.”

“Oh, well, Boston’s a good university,” he said. “What are you gonna study?”

Belle was silent for a moment. She took a drink of her whisky and sat back, not quite looking at him.

“I’m not,” she said. “At least - at least not just yet. I’m gonna look for work. Things have been pretty tight lately, and I can’t really afford college on top of that, you know?”

“Oh.” He took a sip of whisky. “Any idea what job you want?”

“One that pays actual Earth money, for sure,” she said. “Internships may be the way to a bright future, but they’re only for people who’ve never stressed over making rent or putting food in the cupboards. So I guess I’ll be learning how to make coffee and serve up burgers and fries real soon.”

That was a shame. He knew how daunting the thought of a large student loan must be, but it seemed a pity to let such a bright young mind wither under the strain of holding down whatever minimum wage job she managed to get.

“What does your father say about it?” he asked, and she sighed. 

“Given the terrible state of the college fund he was supposed to be keeping for me, I doubt he’s given it much thought.”

“I’m sorry,” he said, wishing it didn’t sound so trite.

“Well, I wouldn’t be the first person who had to make their own way in this world,” she said, with what seemed to be an attempt at positivity. “Isn’t this supposed to be the land where anyone can make it if they try hard enough? Or is that just what it used to be?”

“I’m not sure it ever was,” he said, taking a drink. “Not if you start with nothing, anyway.”

“Yeah.” 

Belle lapsed into silence, gazing into her drink. The muffled sound of Christmas music was coming through the walls from Jefferson’s party, punctuated with shrieks of laughter. It made a strange contrast to the heavy atmosphere in the apartment.

“Will you celebrate tomorrow?” he asked, and she pulled a face.

“I’ll cook a turkey and trimmings, and Dad’ll eat it,” she said. “He might even do the washing up, if his hangover isn’t too bad. Then I guess he’ll drink his way down another bottle of cheap bourbon while he watches terrible television and falls asleep in his chair.”

“Sounds like a difficult situation for you to deal with.”

Belle sighed, sitting back.

“He’s not a bad person,” she said. “Just - kind of lost. Broken. I guess it’s hard to see a way out when you’re looking at a wall the whole time.”

“Doesn’t help you though, does it?”

“Why do you think I’m here, and not there?” she asked wryly.

Why are you here? Why are you really here?

“Has your father considered getting any professional help for his grief?” he asked, and she took a sip of whisky, sending him a long look.

“Have you?”

Rush pulled a face, and she gave him a knowing smile.

“I’m guessing that’s a no.”

“Not sure whether talking would help,” he admitted.

“Talking almost always helps,” she said. “Better form of therapy than drinking.”

“Or casual sex with strangers?”

Belle’s mouth flattened.

“That wasn’t therapy,” she said. “It was - solace, I suppose.”

“Yes,” he said quietly. “I suppose it was.”

Silence fell again. He finished his whisky, and debated whether to pour another. A pleasant warmth had settled in his body, a light-headed looseness as he began to relax. Belle drained her glass, licking her lips.

“If you’re having another, I wouldn’t say no,” she said.

Fuck it. What harm can it do?

He got up to fetch the bottle, pouring a measure for each of them, and sat down next to her again. Belle stretched out her legs with a sigh, sinking further back into the cushions.

“You said you moved up here from California,” she said. “Do you miss it?”

“The weather here matches my mood more,” he said, and she chuckled.

“Well, I guess there’s that,” she said. “Will you go back?”

“Eventually,” he said. “It’s only a sabbatical.”

“Has it helped?”

He thought about that for a moment.

“Yes,” he said eventually. “But it’s still too early to go back. Maybe I’ll stay another year, if I’m needed.”

“You could always try somewhere else,” she suggested. “Another university, I mean, not a school. Total change of scene. You could go back to Scotland.”

“Maybe.”

He rolled the glass between his fingers, watching the light gleam in the amber depths of the whisky. Jefferson’s guests were now singing Happy Holiday, loud and off-key but cheerfully, and it was making him feel even more morose. He curled his lip a little, lifting his glass to take a drink. Belle glanced across at him.

“Do you want to go to bed?” she asked, and Rush almost choked on his whisky.

“What?” he spluttered, eyes watering.

“Never mind.”

She settled back against the cushions, chewing her lip, and Rush put down his glass, wiping a few stray droplets of whisky from his shirt. There was a moment of silence before she turned to look at him again.

“Well?”

“Well what?”

“Do you want to go to bed?”

Rush stared at her, and she met his gaze, raising her chin a little as though preparing to counter whatever argument he could come with. 

“Is this you seeking more solace?” he asked, and she wrinkled her nose.

“Maybe. Is that bad?”

“I’m not sure you should be seeking it with me, that’s all,” he said. “Why don’t you find someone your own age?”

“Because I know with you it’ll be good, that’s why.”

Rush grumbled under his breath.

“We can’t keep doing this,” he said quietly.

“Two times in four months isn’t exactly a habit, is it?”

“Belle…” He let out a heavy sigh, running a hand over his face.

“Is that a no?”

Rush slumped back, turning his head to gaze at her. She had put down her glass and turned onto her side a little, nestled on the couch with her knees drawn up, big-eyed and sad. He felt a powerful urge to protect her, to wrap his arms around her and pull her close. There was a less altruistic urge there too, an urge to kiss her sweet mouth, to pull her into his bed and lose himself in her soft heat again. Belle reached up, one warm hand cupping his cheek, her thumb stroking over the stubble with a soft, rasping sound.

“If you don’t want me, just tell me to go,” she whispered, and he shook his head.

“I can’t do that,” he said softly.

“Then can I stay?”

Rush swallowed hard, his heart thumping. She licked her lips a little nervously, and his eyes followed the pass of her tongue, watching the gleam of saliva on her plump lower lip. He badly wanted to kiss her, and she seemed to sense it, her breath coming harder, her eyes growing dark. He reached up to stroke a stray hair back from her cheek, feeling the soft warmth of her skin beneath his fingers, and Belle leaned into his touch, nuzzling his palm as her eyes locked on his.

“Kiss me,” she whispered.

He leaned in, fingers sliding into her hair as his mouth found hers, his tongue gently sliding between her soft lips. The taste of her sparked a memory of having her in his bed, of being deep inside her, feeling her clench around him as she came. He let out a low groan, deepening the kiss, and Belle ran her hands up his chest and shoulders to sink into his hair as her tongue stroked against his. She moaned, shifting to press herself against him, and the kiss grew messy and frantic, his lips sliding against hers as his cock hardened in his jeans. Belle pulled her mouth free with a gasp, and he tried to catch his breath, hands cradling her head and his forehead pressed to hers. He could feel her breath, cool against his wet lips, and her eyes flicked up to meet his.

“Take me to bed,” she breathed. “Take me to bed and fuck me hard.”

[scmyr]

luka sabbat. cis male. he/him. ／  samyr delcine just pulled up james joint by rihanna  — that song is so them ! you know, for a(n) twenty-four (24) year old retired actor / singer and rapper, i’ve heard they’re really -temperamental, but that they make up for it by being so +creative. if i had to choose three things to describe them, i’d probably say smoke filled recording studios, messy handwriting, tattoos. here’s to hoping they don’t cause too much trouble ! ( LJ, 20, est, they/them )

career claim: roddy ricch, dababy, the weeknd

hey y’all! guess who’s back at it again with a new muse? it’s LJ, @kcia​‘s mun, and this is my second baby, samyr. i’ve actually had this idea in mind for a while, and i’m finally bringing him into fruition. if you’d like to plot with him, just drop a like on this post! 

basics.

NAME: samyr delcine. PRONOUNS: he/him AGE: twenty-four. BIRTH DATE: july 16th, 1995. BIRTH PLACE: port-au-prince, haiti. HOMETOWN: compton, california. CURRENT RESIDENCE: los angeles, california. NATIONALITY: haitian-american. ETHNICITY: afro-haitian, unidentified white side. RELIGION: non practicing christian. OCCUPATION: singer, rapper, songwriter, producer, retired actor. LANGUAGES: haitian-creole (native), haitian-french (native), english (fluent). SEXUAL ORIENTATION: confused. ROMANTIC ORIENTATION: confused.

visual.

FACECLAIM: luka sabbat. EYE COLOR: dark brown. HAIR COLOR: dark brown. HEIGHT: 6 feet, 1 inch. WEIGHT: 149 pounds. TATTOOS: here, here, here. PIERCINGS: ears. NOTABLE TRAITS: lips, height, hair.

background.

he was born in port-au-prince, haiti to a single mother. he never met his father because his father was someone that his mother hooked up with while she was studying in the states. it was her last year in college and she didn’t know she was pregnant until she was about three months along. she took a year off and went back home so she could have him. she considered putting him up for adoption, but as soon as he was born and she looked into his eyes, she “fell in love with him and couldn’t part from him”, or that’s what she always tells samyr. 

when he was six years old and his mother was twenty-seven, she decided to go back to school and get her degree. she spent the first six years of his life working two full time jobs and a part time job just so she could provide for him and save money at the same time. after she saved enough money, she packed up their things and moved them to america, california to be exact, so she could graduate and get a better paying job. she finished up her criminal justice degree and got a job working as a law clerk while she put herself through law school. she finally graduated, passed the bar exam, and now she’s a highly sought after criminal attorney in the states. 

his childhood was a hard, yet happy time for him. hard because he and his mother lived in california while his mother worked for a very low salary. it was difficult for them to make ends meet, especially when she was still in school. even though she eventually became an extremely wealthy lawyer (she started making money around the time samyr was fifteen, but by then he was already making money from his show), things were hard at first. he was still a happy kid though. his mother gave him a lot of love, and he had friends and a cute puppy named chichi (she’s still alive, with her old ass ;-;) 

samyr’s first taste of the spot light was at a young age. he did a little bit of modeling for stores and brands, but didn’t really get his big break until he was 12 and landed one of the lead roles of a children’s sitcom. he loved acting when he first started doing it, and worked hard for the several seasons that he was apart of the show before it ended. he was nineteen when the show ended. he did cameos on other shows, and acted in a few movies during the course of the show too. 

he’s a very passionate and dedicated person, but once he’s finished with something and wipes his hands clean of it, he’s finished indefinitely. he felt as though after several years of acting on one show and doing other acting jobs, that he was ready to bring to a close the chapter of acting in his life. he enjoyed it, still does, but he wanted to pour all of his time and effort into the next aspect of his life - music.

he had actually started getting into music around the middle of his show’s run. he had been in the industry for a while and started making friends with musicians who had introduced him to the art of music. he quickly fell in love with it, not just singing and rapping, but the technical aspects of the music industry as well - producing, sound mixing, composition, e.t.c. 

he released his first music project while he was still acting. it was in 2011, and it was a mixtape that he dropped out of the blue. people didn’t know who it was at first because he just dropped it on soundcloud and his account wasn’t under his own name. but some fans ended up doing some digging and made the connection.

after that, he would occasionally drop music projects here and there (i’ll eventually make a little timeline of his music releases, more so for my own means of keeping track, but to also give you guys an idea of what he’s released so far!) 

now he focuses primarily on music. overall, his sound and lyrics are explicit, but there are still two sides to him - the ‘hard’ side (dababy, roddy ricch) and his softer side (the weeknd). he likes having that kind of duality, because it gives him the freedom to explore himself as a musician. 

personality

he’s a very hard worker, and extremely prideful. he doesn’t like accepting help from others, especially if he thinks they’re pitying him. he and his mother used to get a lot of “offers” of help, which were honestly just people feeling sorry for them, which he absolutely hated. he doesn’t even like asking for help when he knows he needs it. if you ever catch him asking for help, you best believe it’s because it’s his very last resort. 

if samyr’s face and name weren’t connected to his music, no one would even think that he was the one rapping and singing on his tracks. a lot of his music has explicit sexual innuendos and undertones, and holds a little aggression from time to time. it’s a complete contrast to samyr’s lowkey personality. what most people don’t know is that writing music is his outlet. he doesn’t get frustrated or angry (most of the time) because when he feels those things, he channels it into his writing. 

that being said, he does have a little bit of a temper. it’s something that his mother says he gets from his grandfather, a man he had never met because he passed away before his birth. he has a high tolerance for things, but if he’s pushed over the edge, he gets black out angry. he hates that though, which is why he stays ‘medicated’ most of the time (lmao he stays high) 

he’s so deep in the closet that he’s finding christimas presents. he knows that there’s nothing wrong with being gay, he’s an avid supporter of the lgbtq+ on social media platforms and such, but it’s just something that he struggles to accept about himself. his mother is very open minded, but he has a lot of family members who aren’t, and he doesn’t want them to disown him. 

kinda gets angry/upset if his own sexuality is brought up? maybe not really angry or upset, but just really defensive? again, finding christmas presents lol

very particular with and protective of his hair lol has definitely smacked a few people’s hands for trying to touch it

wanted connections

girl(s) that he’s dated in the past to as a way to somehow force himself to be straight. most of them ended due to him not being able to fully invest himself emotionally. we can discuss if they’re on good/bad terms! 

a few best friends, he definitely needs those 

if anyone has a muse that has songs with a male rapper featured, samyr’s your guy

the first guy he’s ever kissed 

relatives on his father’s side (he just recently started searching for his father, so it’d be interesting if he had cousins or half siblings around!)

someone that he confides in about his sexuality 

a guy who helps him explore his sexuality 

pr relationship(s) 

pr friendship(s) 

media fueled rivalry 

enemies

frenemies 

celebrity friends that are always seen out together (events, award shows, sports games, out shopping, e.t.c) 

literally anything?? i’m open to anything and everything!

[tabithalovesstuff]

Witchcraft Asks #1-105

I hardly ever get asks so I'm going to do this all at once, I'll also repub the original after this too, tag you're it!

1. Are you solitary or in a coven? Solitary

2. Do you consider yourself Wiccan, Pagan, witch, or other? Witch, I kind of consider myself pagan too but not as much since I don't consider my practice a religion

3. What is your zodiac sign? Libra sun sign, Sagittarius moon, Virgo Rising

4. Do you have a Patron God/dess? Nope, I don't really believe in any of the Gods lol

5. Do you work with a Pantheon? Nope

6. Do you use tarot, palmistry, or 
any other kind of divination? Tarot, and I want to get into pendulum too but I've been too broke to buy one

7. What are some of your favorite herbs to use in your practice? (if any) I don't practice with herbs 🤭 mostly cause they are hard for me to get lol

8. How would you define your craft? I generalize it by saying I'm a Eclectic Secular Witch that specializes in energy work and tarot

9. Do you curse? If not, do you accept others who do? I don't really do curses, how ever that is because I haven't had the need to do one, I think its fine to do them as long as you know what you are doing

10. How long have you been practicing? Technically I started in Middle school, but I've only truly started to get into it and truly practice for the last 2 years (but if you count when I started then 8 years)

11. Do you currently or have you ever had any familiars? I do not, i have pets they just aren't attracted to magic enough to be a familiar lol

12. Do you believe in Karma or Reincarnation? Yes to both

13. Do you have a magical name? No I don't, I feel like my real name is enough

14. Are you “out of the broom closet”? Technically, I don't try to hide it but I don't talk about it a lot so not a lot of people know I'm a witch.

15. What was the last spell you performed? I know some witches don't count these but I did an emoji spell for the coronavirus

16. Would you consider yourself knowledgeable? More or less, I feel like I'm decently knowledgeable but not enough to be a teacher or leader

17. Do you write your own spells? Yes I do

18. Do you have a book of shadows? If so, how is it written and/or set up? I do have one, its a very personal one that includes more than just magic almost like a journal. I write down information I want to be able to look back at as well as any spells and rituals I write myself and tarot readings for myself, and sometimes dreams.

19. Do you worship nature? I do

20. What is your favorite gemstone? Opal

21. Do you use feathers, claws, fur, pelt, skeletons/bones, or any other animal body part for magical work? No I don't, I wouldn't be against it though

22. Do you have an altar? Yes, kind of. Its really messy rn and doesn't really look like an altar

23. What is your preferred element? Either Earth or Air, I'm always stuck between those two

24. Do you consider yourself an Alchemist? Not at all lol I've never made any sort of potion

25. Are you any other type of magical practitioner besides a witch? Nope, though I do have an interest in cryptozoology but I don't know if that counts

26. What got you interested in witchcraft? Tbh I wanted to turn myself into a mermaid or a wolf (which is why I started in middle school lmao)

27. Have you ever performed a spell or ritual with the company of anyone who was not a witch? No I haven't, just cause I focus so much on energy work, sometime I find other people's energy distracting

28. Have you ever used ouija? Yep, nothing really happened though

29. Do you consider yourself a psychic? Not really, maybe to a certain extent.

30. Do you have a spirit guide? If so, what is it? I feel like a Deer is my spirit guide

31. What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started? I need to lower my expectations and I need to focus on feeling the magic over going through the motions

32. Do you celebrate the Sabbats? If so which one is your favorite? I try to! Doesn't always work out for me lol, I really like both Litha and Samhain

33. Would you ever teach witchcraft to your children? Yes I plan too

34. Do you meditate? Yes, but not as often as I should

35. What is your favorite season? Winter, I feel like all seasons have their perks though and living somewhere with one season would suck ass

36. What is your favorite type of magick to preform? Energy magic, as a witch that doesn't have good access to supplies (and space) it is the easiest for me (I have a post all about energy magic on my profile too)

37. How do you incorporate your spirituality into your daily life? Energy magic makes it really easy, like brushing my teeth or hair, taking a shower, even making food can all have a magical element to it

38. What is your favorite witchy movie? Honestly? Casper Meets Wendy lol, or the Halloweentown movies, or the Twitches movie

39. What is your favorite witchy book, both fiction and non-fiction. Why? I haven't really read very many witchy books ngl

40. What is the first spell you ever preformed? Successful or not. Again, this was back in middle school, I did a spell on the full moon to turn into a werewolf. Obviously not successful

41. What’s the craziest witchcraft-related thing that’s happened to you? I did a cleansing spell on my dorm room my freshman year of college once a week cause I had a toxic ass roommate and she requested a room change before the end of the semester because of a "bad smell" that no one else could smell but her.

42. What is your favourite type of candle to use? I don't use candles, because I'm not allowed to have them in my school dorms, I want to get into candles more though

43. What is your favorite witchy tool? My tarot cards lol

44. Do you or have you ever made your own witchy tools? Nope, I want to though

45. Have you ever worked with any magical creatures such as the fea or spirits? Not really, I dabble in it here and there though. I would love to work with the fae more though

46. Do you practice color magic? Yes, all the time

47. Do you or have you ever had a witchy teacher or mentor of any kind? Nope

48. What is your preferred way of shopping for witchcraft supplies? Online, I mostly use stuff I find around my house or on the ground outside though

49. Do you believe in predestination or fate? Not fully, I think every person is born with a long list of possible fates and the paths you choose in life determines where you end up

50. What do you do to reconnect when you are feeling out of touch with your practice? I try to do free tarot reading on here or meditate more, sometimes looking through my book of shadows helps too

51. Have you ever had any supernatural experiences? Yeah I've had a few

52. What is your biggest witchy pet peeve? When people try to say there is a certain way you have to practice and some forms of witchcraft "aren't real witchcraft" just cause they don't practice in that way

53. Do you like incense? If so what’s your favorite scent? I do, I don't really have a favorite, I like trying a bunch of different kinds at once

54. Do you keep a dream journal of any kind? I kind of write my dreams down in my book of shadows, I don't keep up with it very well though

55. What has been your biggest witchcraft disaster? I can't say if I've ever really had one. I did a job spell and even though I got an interview I didn't get the job, and then was unemployed for a few months until after college semester, then I got hired at my old job. In the spell I said I wanted to be hired somewhere that was as good as my old job so my spell brought me right back to it

56. What has been your biggest witchcraft success? The cleansing ritual story I mentioned above. Once that roommate was out of my life I was so much happier lol.

57. What in your practice do you do that you may feel silly or embarrassed about? Speaking incantations, sometimes I feel like I'm talking to myself lol

58. Do you believe that you can be an atheist, Christian, Muslim or some other faith and still be a witch too? Yes I do, especially because I am an atheist

59. Do you ever feel insecure, unsure or even scared of spell work? Not scared, but definitely unsure and insecure. Spell work is tricky, especially writing my own spells, I feel like I'm not doing them well enough

60. Do you ever hold yourself to a standard in your witchcraft that you feel you may never obtain? Yeah sometimes, I get so bad about actually practicing and I want to get to the point where I practice every day and I always celebrate the Sabbaths and have a wide variety of crystals and learn astrology and so much more

61. What is something witch related that you want right now? I still need to do the money spell I wrote awhile ago, but it has to do with enchanting work uniform and I'm kinda unemployed rn

62. What is your rune of choice? I don't have any experience with runes, sorry lol

63. What is your tarot card of choice? The Star

64. Do you use essential oils? If so what is your favorite? No I dont

65. Have you ever taken any kind of witchcraft or pagan courses? Nope

66. Do you wear pagan jewelry in public? I would if I had any, but I don't lol

67. Have you ever been discriminated against because of your faith or being a witch? Not really, but that's because not a lot of people know about it, I definitely feel like the people that do know don't take it seriously

68. Do you read or subscribe to any pagan magazines? Nope

69. Do you think it’s important to know the history of paganism and witchcraft? I don't think it is. I suggest it definitely but it isn't required. Its a lot if history to break down and you don't need to know the history to practice

70. What are your favorite things about being a witch? I like the feeling of all the things in the world around me, which I feel like you only get from the training you go through when learning witchcraft. I also enjoy the ability to cleanse my environment and myself

71. What are your least favorite things about being a witch? No one really takes you or your craft seriously, and because of some people taking parts of the craft, I feel like being a witch is almost seen as some joke

72. Do you listen to any pagan music? If so who is your favorite singer/band? No I don't, unless you count instrumentals that raise your vibration

73. Do you celebrate the Esbbats? If so, how? I honestly am not sure if I do or not, I don't think I've heard any of the holidays I celebrate called that? I celebrate the pagan wheel of the year holidays so if those are apart of that then yes 😂

74. Do you ever work skyclad? I do sometimes

75. Do you think witchcraft has improved your life? If so, how? Very much so, even though I still struggle with depression and anxiety, witchcraft has made it so much better than it use to be and I feel like I'm happier since I started practicing, my view of life has become more wholesome

76. Where do you draw inspiration from for your practice? Nature mostly

77. Do you believe in ‘fantasy’ creatures? (Unicorns, fairies, elves, gnomes, ghosts, etc) honestly yeah I do, for sure

78. What’s your favorite sigil/symbol? Don't have one

79. Do you use blood magick in your practice? Why or why not? I would, but I haven't in anything so far but that's just cause I haven't felt like a spell needed blood magic

80. Could you ever be in a relationship with someone who doesn’t support your practice? No I couldn't be, I don't want to hide parts of myself from someone that should know me better than anyone else

81. In what area or subject would you most like your craft to grow? I want to explore astrology more and include that more. I also want to do more spell work and ritual work

82. What’s your favorite candle scent? Do you use it in your practice? Again I don't use candles, I do have a air scenter from Bath and Body works and I had a Pumpkin Spice Cupcake scent that was soooo good

83. Do you have a pre-ritual ritual? (I.e. Something you do before rituals to prepare yourself for them). If so what is it? I don't, but that's because I don't really do rituals, I want to get more into them though

84. What real life witch most inspires your practice? I don't know any real life witches tbh

85. What is your favorite method of communicating with deity? I don't work with them so...

86. How do you like to organize all your witchy items and ingredients? I keep them all on the shelf below my altar, my organization skills lack a lot though

87. Do you have any witches in your family that you know of? Not that I know of, my family does come from Ireland though (within the last 3 generations too) so it could be possible

88. How have you created your path? What is unique about it? I created my path through growing up and becoming more aware of my surroundings, and as I matured I understand more and more what witchcraft is really about. And I did it all on my own which is what I think is unique about it

89. Do you feel you have any natural gifts or affinities (premonitions, hearing spirits, etc.) that led you toward the craft? If so what are they? I feel like I am clairvoyant to a certain degree, and I've always had above average visualization skills

90. Do you believe you can initiate yourself or do you have to be initiated by another witch or coven? I feel like you can initiate yourself

91. When you first started out in your path what was the first thing or things you bought? Nothing because I was a child with no money lol

92. What is the most spiritual or magickal place you’ve been? I live in Colorado when I'm not away at school and the entirety of the mountains are pretty magical

93. What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who is searching for their matron and patron deities? I am definitely not the person for this question lol

94. What techniques do you use to ‘get in the zone’ for meditation? I like to sometimes put on gentle music or nature sounds, quiet every thought that comes into my head

95. Did visualization come easily to you or did you have to practice at it? It came really easily for me, I think its cause I use to read SOOOO much as a kid

96. Do you prefer day or night? Why? Night, idk why I just feel more at peace at Night

97. What do you think is the best time and place to do spell work? This depends on what the spell is, but generally sometime in the evening in my room is the best 😂

98. How did you feel when you cast your first circle? Did you stumble or did it go smoothly? I definitely stumble, I still struggle with casting circles

99. Do you believe witchcraft gets easier with time and practice? I think it does, at least I feel like it comes more naturally with time and practice

100. Do you believe in many gods or one God with many faces? None of the above

101. Do you eat meat, eggs and dairy? Yeah I do, all the time

102. What is your favorite color and why? Green, I've just always loved green since I was a kid idk why

103. What is the one question you get asked most by non-practitioners or non-pagans? How do you usually respond? "What do witches even do?" I usually just say its complicated, because it is complicated lol

104. Which of your five senses would you say is your strongest? I want to say my hearing but I feel like my taste is pretty good too

105. What is a pagan or witchcraft rule that you preach but don’t practice? Always cast a circle and ground yourself before a spell. I am really bad at it lol

[banquishedtotheglasshill]

Beltane Films

It’s a bit shit we can’t go frolic with the fae in the fields this Beltane and your one allocated government walk a day isn’t exactly the same as sitting, saturated by the sun all day on the Heath getting melted and eating strawberries. So I’ve made a list of my favourite films to help magically transform our inside lives into one that suitably reflects the mood of a fertility and love festival. Freya forbid it rains on friday but if it does dampen our witchy festivities at least we can get cosy and escape into nature through our imagination. 

1. Practical Magic (1998); 90s dreamy scene scape, botanical witches, cute vintage dresses, midnight margaritas, chocolate cake for breakfast and a true love story, is there anything more worth watching on the Witches valentines? It ends on Samhain it’s a perfect witchy Beltane extravaganza- I mean that greenhouse tho

https://ww2.123movie.cc/movies/practical-magic/

2. The Love Witch (2016)

Beltane is about LOVE and WITCHES duh. There’s a Beltane ritual, the visuals are everything I want and need, it’s a smart, aesthetically appealing deep dive into the subversion of the male gaze. Anna Biller made all the costumes (!!) herself, she wrote, directed, produced it and personally I believe it to be one of the best horror flicks to have emerged in the past decade. Reminisce on all those terrible, tragic and non-consentual love spells I know you cast long long ago and indulge in some glamourous murder. 

https://ww7.123moviesfree.sc/mov/the-love-witch-2016/

3. Tuck Everlasting (2002)

   A film about a family that lives forever after drinking some magical spring water in the woods? Very Beltane. It has that 00s dreamy sheen, edwardian costume, a love story, a coming of age story and it’s all set in New England right at the end of the turn of the last century. In the original story our protagonist Winnie Foster was 10 years old and it was originally written as a children’s book which honestly is a bit creepy. Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful story about finding yourself, acknowledging the wheel of time and appreciating life death life cycles. Also whatshername from Gilmore Girls is in it. Cute. Perfect for a spring festival. There’s also a musical that flopped massively but some of the songs are worth a lil listen. 

https://www.putlockers.cr/movie/tuck-everlasting-4736.html

3. FairyTale: A True Story (1997)

It’s Beltane we must have fairies! I was obsessed with this film as a child, particularly with the teeny tiny furniture they make for the fairy dolls house. I also spent a lot of time trying to untie myself from ropes like Houdini.This is the fictional retelling of the true story of the Cottingley girls who were caught up in the popular mysticism craze in the early 1900s and accidentally became celebrities after photographing the ‘fairies’ at the bottom of the garden. The story was a national sensation but after further investigation it was discovered that the photos had in fact been faked. No shit. The truly shocking thing is that the Cottingley girls seem to have escaped unharmed by the fae. It’s a great heartwarming film and features an interesting depiction of the British obsession with fairies and mysticism following rapid industrialisation. It also celebrates the beauty of Yorkshire and the British countryside in a very understated manner and honestly it might have been this film that launched my deep desire to run away into some woods and never look back. 

https://ww2.123movie.cc/movies/fairytale-a-true-story

4. The Last Leprechaun (1998) 

Ok this one is a bit mad. Another childhood favourite of mine, this film was given to me on a tape by my Scorpio Sun Gemini Moon Scottish grandad and within that context this film makes a lot of sense to me. It’s set in Ireland, this American family move into this huge house and discover the land is populated by the fae, quel surprise. There are banshees, there are fairies in a mine, there’s leprechauns looking for gold, it’s batshit and nowhere near as visually appealing as the films listed above but it’s a really fun watch. A good reminder at this time of year- don’t mess with the little people. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFd63gzYamw

5. Globe Theatre productions/ Online Theatre

This time of year would normally herald the start of outdoor concerts, festivals, garden parties and theatre out in the open air. Nothing compares to the magic of experiencing theatre outdoors, combining my two favourite lasting loves, theatre and nature in one. Naturally I’m devastated to be missing an entire season of outdoor theatre but thankfully the Globe has made loads of productions available online for FREE. Unfortunately, one of my favourite plays to watch at this time of year, As You Like It, is not part of the Globe’s free offerings https://globeplayer.tv/videos/as-you-like-it but if you’re looking for love and romance set in a forest with a good smattering of witty repartee and cross dressing look no further. Shakespeare’s birth and death day just passed us by (23rd) and if you haven’t yet celebrated this Taurean by indulging in a bit o cultchah I’m gently suggesting that you’d enjoy it. Equally, I’d recommend Emma Rice’s production of Midsummer Night’s Dream from the Globe, it’s literally the best production I’ve ever seen and at this point I’ve likely seen over 20 different productions of Dream so take me up on it. The cabaret artist Meow Meow plays Titania and I can’t think of anyone playing the Fairy Queen better.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p08b015k/culture-in-quarantine-shakespeare-a-midsummer-nights-dream

FREE ON BBC IPLAYER!!!

The customs in the play are somewhat a mixture of Beltane and Litha practices so tbh it’s good sabbat to sabbat. I guess you could also watch the Tempest if you really wanted but I kind of hate it ngl. 

Angela Carter’s ‘Wise Children’, dir. Emma Rice

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0892kf6/wise-children

Free on BBC iPlayer, I was lucky enough to see this show in person while it was at the Old Vic and yes, I’m a massive Emma Rice fan and if you watch it you’ll understand why. The show has nothing to do with the fae or Beltane but it is from modern myth maker Angela Carter (who wrote the Bloody Chamber) so there’s lots of folklore and mythical elements woven in. It’s just a bloody good time, it’s colourful, queer and musical whilst unconventionally exploring family trauma. 

A Winter’s Tale, Royal Ballet

The Royal Opera House/Royal Ballet is screening their production of A Winter’s Tale on Friday at 7pm, it’s very magical, it’ll be available for a week, wahey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-byR-6p-qA

6. Anne with an E: Season 3, Episode 5, Netflix

https://www.netflix.com/watch/81025449?trackId=13752289&tctx=0%2C4%2Cf5cee1ae-463c-468c-90ac-6ccae34b01ad-31458487%2C%2C

 I wasn’t too keen on Anne of Green Gables before Netflix made it dark and hashtag real. I particularly love this episode which features a Beltane ritual at the end, I know I wish I could meet you all round a bonfire waving ribbon wands in my nightgown. The last season in particular really solidifies Anne as symbolic of wild woman in tune with nature and the rhythms of her own soul and I could probably deep dive into this ad infinitum. 

Skip to 40:14 minutes if you wish to only see the ritual. 

7. Honorable mentions:

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) because fairies 

https://www4.123movies.gr/movie/pans-labyrinth-2006/

Midsommar (2019) because although I know this film is really more for Litha, they have a Maypole so I think we can make it work

Far from the Madding Crowd ( 2015) Carey mulligan and countryside and terrible life decisions, the soundtrack is also very soothing on its own. You can watch it free (legally, shocker) on the BBC website. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfilms/film/far_from_the_madding_crowd

Tess of the D’urbervilles (2008) the TV series!! with Gemma Arteton (?) as Tess; pastoral life, nature pagan goddess allusions and a finale at Stonehenge very Beltane. Once you get past all the religion stuff Hardy’s aight. 

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2739yo

Happy Beltane Witches!!! 

[lunerbean]

Witch Tips 5 +announcement

Hello new friends! Wow, I never expected this series to get so much attention. When I first started my witch tips series, I had had this blog for about a month before it got to 10 followers. I have 3 other tumblr blogs, the oldest one being about 6 years old (I think?) And that one only has about 200 followers. Because of these two facts, I figured I would maaaaybe get 10 followers on this blog every month and the Witch Tips series would come out about once a month or so. While I am extremely grateful and ecstatic about how quickly I'm gaining followers... I no longer think "10 tips for every 10 followers" is realistic for me. I went to a dinner party the other night and woke up almost 3 posts behind. I don't ever want to disappoint my followers or not do what I promise. With all that in mind, I have an announcement: for the sake of not wanting to sacrifice quality for quantity, I've decided that from this point on, it will be "10 tips for every 50 followers" I really hope this doesn't upset anyone or make anyone feel cheated. I just feel this is better for me, because I won't feel stressed trying to keep up with it and better for you because I'll have more time to deliver quality, helpful tips for your craft. It will still be tagged as #10tips.

Thank you for your understanding and without further wait, here are the next 10 tips in my witch tips series.

1. Don't be afraid to try new forms of divination... or stick with just one.

Especially when you're first starting out, you're going to get so excited about the vast array of different forms of divination there are. It can also be incredibly overwhelming. Maybe you'll try tarot first, but maybe tarot isn't the best one for you. You can try tea leaves, runes, oracle cards, etc. But you don't have to be totally proficient in every form to be a good witch! So don't be afraid to learn them all, or to just stick with whichever called to you first! Either way, happy divination.

2. Your intent is the most important thing.

Ask yourself before you perform a spell, "Why am I doing this?" Be honest with yourself, no one is going to judge your answers. Make sure your true reasoning is matching your spells. For example, maybe you want to perform a spell to bring love your way. Well, what kind of love are you really searching for? Maybe you don't need to find your soulmate or your twin flame, maybe you just need to find a movie buddy or a best friend. Maybe you need to love yourself more. Whatever the reason, make sure the spell you're performing is the best one for your needs. Otherwise, it just might not work.

3. Make a love potion and drink it yourself.

I can't speak for everyone, but I certainly know a lot of people who need to love themselves more. I'm personally against slipping love potions to unsuspecting victims or using love potions/spells to get what you want. The best person to make fall in love with you... is you.

4. Try performing spells for the earth before yourself.

I like to start every ritual with giving back to the earth, or sending aid to places in the world that need it most. It helps remind me that witchcraft is not just about myself, but about a connection to the universe. So give it a try! Start your next ritual with a spell to help heal burning forests, or bring a peaceful nights rest to a child in a war stricken nation. Then you can go on to help your own needs, no problem! It's just a nice idea to give back to the world before you ask something of it.

5. Being a solitary witch doesn't have to mean celebrating the sabbats alone.

I don't condone pushing witchcraft onto anyone or revealing your craft to those who may not be welcoming or understanding. That being said, there are ways to celebrate the sabbats with your non-witch friends. Preferably, you'll have know you're a witch and are comfortable with it. But even if you're completely in the broom closet, you can invite them to the festivities. Have a "pre Christmas" party for your friends during Yule to celebrate. There are 3 days that fall under Yule, you can dedicate one of them to celebrating your friendships and loved ones with feasts and gifts, and then the others to more solitary practices. It's totally fine to celebrate holidays alone, I just know it can be hard for some people. So find a way to include your friends, if you want to.

6. Don't try to force astral projection

I know a lot of books and websites on the subject make it sound so easy and like if you want to do it, all you have to do is push yourself! That's totally not how I've found success. Personally, I find that when you're in the right headspace, astral projection comes extremely easily. I've mentioned before about accidentally doing it and getting stuck. I've had times when I tried and tried for hours to do it, but nothing happened. Then there were times when I was sitting in a bathtub, felt it coming on and just went with it. I've heard a lot of people say, and this is also my experience with it, that right before you blast off, you'll get a weird tingle in the back of your neck. That's completely the case for me. Once you identify the tingle, just relax and let it happen. Don't push for it or focus too hard on doing it. Just let it happen when you're ready.

7. Aura reading tips

I'm not going to give a full tutorial right now, because so many already exist and it's really not something I'm a complete expert on. However, I do want to share a few things that might help when you're first starting out.

Don't strain your eyes - that shit hurts

Do have decent lighting, not too dim & not too harsh

Resist the temptation to follow the path of the lights with your eyes. I struggle with this, honestly. Its just so pretty.

Practice often and it will be easier.

It's okay if you don't get it on the first try, just try again in a day or a few hours.

8. Here's a spread to help get to know your new tarot deck

Once you've done the proper rituals to break in your new deck, I think it's important that the first questions you ask your deck are about itself. Before you start asking questions about your own life and goals, let the deck tell you about itself first.

Ask the following questions and then pull three cards, placing them like so:

[1] [2] [3]

1. What can I expect from working with you?

2. How would you describe yourself?

3. Who am I to you?

Write down the questions and the decks answers in your grimoire or LBW to look back on later as your relationship with your deck strengthens.

9. Make a playlist of background music for atmosphere

Personally, I feel the music should be all instrumental with no or very few words. This can help you get into a good headspace and to set the mood for whatever you're doing. Maybe even have multiple playlists for different things, such a meditation, divination, and spell work.

10. You can use shower spells during a rain storm to help the earth

I recently posted a shower spell that I made for self healing and it got me thinking. I like to use my craft to help the earth. What is rain but a shower for the part of the planet you're on? Now, don't go rubbing essential oils or soaps into the ground, but you can take the words of a shower spell and adapt them to help the planet. Even if it's just a small area or it only helps a little bit, it's something, right? Give the planet a little kiss on the cheek by performing shower spells for it while it rains.

Thanks for reading my latest #10tips. I really hope they can be of use to you and that you've enjoyed reading them. Again, thank you for your understanding about these posts coming less frequently. I got overwhelmed Haha. So at my next 50 mark, expect another 10 witchy tips and tricks 💜

[urban-witch-tales]

✨ - 🐱- 👩‍🏫 - 🤔

✨ - Favorite Type of spell?

I love protection spells and self love spells

🐱 - Have you Found a familiar?

I have not. I’m not actively looking either. If it happens it happens.

Although sometimes I like to think that I already had a familiar even before my journey on this path. My fur baby has passed but sometimes I think maybe she was my familiar. She definitely had the qualities of one.

👩‍🏫  - What Type of magick are you currently learning about? 

Currently I’ve been looking into protective magick. Specifically protective charms and amulets

🤔 - Thoughts on Wicca? 

I like Wicca and feel very connect to it. It resonates in me greatly. And I totally get that it’s not for everyone. But I like the idea of working with deities and celebrating the sabbaths and having rituals. But I’m also very open to other things as well.

Don’t hesitate to ask more!

✨ Witchy asks ✨

Send an emoji! Or a bunch! 

-

What:

❕ - Got you interested in magick?

👆 -Type of witch are you? 

🔁 - Is your craft centered around?

💰 - Does magick do for you personally?

🙏 - Deities do you work with? If any? 

⚡ - Kind(s) of divination do you do?

💫 - Is your zodiac sign? 

❌ - Type of spell or magick will you never do?

🏆 - Was your most successful spell? 

👎 - Was the worst way a spell backfired? 

😱 - Experience did you have that convinced you magick is real? 

👩‍🏫  - Type of magick are you currently learning about? 

📖 - Is in your grimoire? 

🌈 - Is the most unique thing on your altar? 

❓ - Is the weirdest question you’ve gotten as a witch? Even from other witches?

🔥 - Element do you relate to/work with the most? 

-

Have you:

👻 - Ever had an experience with a spirit/been haunted?

🧚‍♀️ - Ever had an experience with the fae? 

🌌 Ever tried astral projection? 

☠ - Cursed someone?

💗 - Done a love spell?

🎁 - Done a spell for someone else?

💭 - Told anyone you’re a witch?

🐱 - Found a familiar?

🤝 - Found a friend who’s also into witchcraft?

🙋‍♀️ - Gotten someone you know interested in magick?

📞 - Ever had direct contact with a spirit or deity?

✍ - Written your own spell? 

🌠- Enchanted something? 

-

Do you:

👭 - Practice in a coven?

🔪 - Use traditional tools? Like an athame?

⭕ - Celebrate the wheel of the year?

🚪 - Like doing magick outside? 

💖 - Practice magick that is culturally significant to you? 

🔮 - Have any psychic abilities? 

-

Favorite:

✨ - Type of spell?

🌿- Herb?

💎- Crystal?

➕ -Spell ingredient?

🌺 - Essential oil?

🃏 - Tarot/Oracle deck?/Card?

🕯 - Candle color?

🌷 - Flower?

🌲 Tree type? 

🍵 - Tea flavor?

🍁 - Season?

🎉 - Sabbat?

📃 - Page of your grimoire?

🎵 - Witchy song/album? 

📚 - Witchy book? 

🎥 - Witchy movie? 

-

This Or That:

🎴 - Tarot or Oracle cards?

🔣 - Jar spells or Sigils?

🥤 - Coffee or Tea? 

💧- Sun or Moon water?

🌱 - Lavender or Sage?

🌕 - Magick at night? Or during the day? 

🌳 - Forests or Oceans? 

-

Opinions:

💀- Jinxes/Hexes/Curses?

♥ - Love Spells?

⛅- Weather magick?

😕 - Something popular in witchcraft you dislike/don’t do?

🐣 - Do you think it’s possible to be born a witch? 

🤔 - Thoughts on Wicca? 

[witchcraftwonders]

105 Things About Me 💞

1. Are you solitary or in a coven?

I am solitary, because I’m still young so I don’t have the funds or time to work in a coven. I also find being solitary gives me more freedom in my craft.

2. Do you consider yourself Wiccan, Pagan, witch, or other?

I would probably say that I’m a witch, but this label is ever-changing as I’m still on the path to discovering the right path for me.

3. What is your zodiac sign?

Aries ♈️

4. Do you have a Patron God/dess?

I don’t, but I’d really really love one.

5. Do you work with a Pantheon?

I work with/worship the Greek Pantheon.

6. Do you use tarot, palmistry, or 
any other kind of divination?

I use tarot and my pendulum but I’m very new to divination so I’m still learning.

7. What are some of your favorite herbs to use in your practice? (if any)

Cinnamon. It smells gorgeous and reminds me of Athena.

8. How would you define your craft?

I’m not sure. I’m still defining it 😂

9. Do you curse? If not, do you accept others who do?

I haven’t cursed yet, but I accept all types of practice. Witchcraft is a very personal thing, and I don’t have the right to judge and/or try to change the way anyone practices.

10. How long have you been practicing?

Only half a year - I’m very new!

11. Do you currently or have you ever had any familiars?

No, but I’d love to have one.

12. Do you believe in Karma or
Reincarnation?

I think I believe in karma, but not reincarnation.

13. Do you have a magical name?

I don’t, sadly.

14. Are you “out of the broom closet”?

To some people I am, but my school is predominantly Christian and I get a lot of hate when I tell people, so I usually tend to keep my practice to myself.

15. What was the last spell you performed?

I can’t actually remember - I’ve been out of practice lately 😞

16. Would you consider yourself knowledgeable?

Not at all. I understand that knowledge is something that we should actively seek out all the time.

17. Do you write your own spells?

I haven’t yet, but I’d love to give it a try!

18. Do you have a book of shadows?
If so, how is it written and/or set up?

I do. It’s in a leather bound journal and it isn’t very structured - I just jot down things I need to remember or new things I learn.

19. Do you worship nature?

I don’t “worship” nature, but I think nature is sacred to many of the Gods and that it should be respected by all.

20. What is your favorite gemstone?

Sapphire. It’s such a beautiful colour.

21. Do you use feathers, claws, fur, pelt, skeletons/bones, or any other animal body part for magical work?

I don’t, but as soon as I get my parents permission, I’m going to start building a collection of animal bones that I find when I’m out.

22. Do you have an altar?

Not really. I have a small corner of my desk where I keep offerings, my book of shadows, things like that. I might be moving into a bigger room soon though, so I can set up a proper altar!

23. What is your preferred element?

Water. I love it so much. And fire. I can’t choose 😂

24. Do you consider yourself an Alchemist?

Not at all. I’d love to look into it though.

25. Are you any other type of magical practitioner besides a witch?

No.

26. What got you interested in witchcraft?

I went to a “myths and magic fair” near me where there were a lot of witches. I didn’t know they were witches at the time, but I was speaking to a lady when I was buying runes and she told me that there was something different about me, and that I should look into witchcraft.

27. Have you ever performed a spell or ritual with the company of anyone who was not a witch?

Never. Not only is my craft really personal, I’m also terrified of a non-witch making fun of me.

28. Have you ever used ouija?

I haven’t. I’ve heard lots of bad things about it from friends. It still intrigues me though.

29. Do you consider yourself a psychic?

No.

30. Do you have a spirit guide? If so, what is it?

I don’t, because I don’t really believe in spirit guides.

31. What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started?

You don’t have to be Wiccan to be a witch. I spent a while trying to squeeze myself into a rigid box before I realised there was more to witchcraft than Wicca.

32. Do you celebrate the Sabbats? If so which one is your favorite?

I don’t really celebrate the Sabbats.

33. Would you ever teach witchcraft to your children?

I think I would teach them the basics - herbs, crystals, meditation, but I wouldn’t want them to feel forced into my way of thinking. They are their own people, and they can make the decision of what to believe in when they’re ready.

34. Do you meditate?

I do, but not as often as I’d like to. My life is super busy at the moment, and it’s difficult to find time to meditate by myself.

35. What is your favorite season?

Autumn. Most definitely. Halloween, pretty leaves, warm jumpers. It’s got it all.

36. What is your favorite type of magick to preform?

I don’t know yet. I have so much more I want to explore.

37. How do you incorporate your spirituality into your daily life?

I carry round crystals and herbs when I need energy boosts/help with certain aspects of my life. I try to pray to the Gods at least once a day and I incorporate a lot of little things that remind me of them into my meals.

38. What is your favorite witchy movie?

Hocus Pocus. One of the best halloween films ever!

39. What is your favorite witchy book, both fiction and non-fiction. Why?

I haven’t really read any fiction witchy books, but my favourite non-fiction witch book is The Green Witch. It provides you with lots of useful information - crystal and herb correlations, recipies, etc.

40. What is the first spell you ever preformed? Successful or not.

A knowledge boosting spell for an exam I had. It made me feel a lot more confident, and though I can’t remember the exact score, I think it was a bit higher than usual.

41. What’s the craziest witchcraft-related thing that’s happened to you?

One night, I was praying to Athena before bed, thanking her for being there with me throughout the school day, and I felt a hand on my shoulder. There was no one there, but I wasn’t scared. I just felt a rush of happiness, and a thought of “You’re here with me”. I don’t really think it’s that crazy, but it still fills me with so much happiness when I think about it.

42. What is your favourite type of candle to use?

Anything that smells like clean cotton. It’s my favourite scent 😂

43. What is your favorite witchy tool?

My trusty pendulum.

44. Do you or have you ever made your own witchy tools?

I haven’t.

45. Have you ever worked with any magical creatures such as the fea or spirits?

I haven’t, but I’m considering it.

46. Do you practice color magic?

I do.

47. Do you or have you ever had a witchy teacher or mentor of any kind?

No, sadly. I’d love to have one. Please message me!

48. What is your preferred way of shopping for witchcraft supplies?

Amazon.co.uk. I don’t have any metaphysical shops near me, but if we go out and I spot one, I’ll always go in.

49. Do you believe in predestination or fate?

Not exactly. I think we are born with a certain fate, but every tiny decision we make changes that fate slightly until it’s nothing like what we started with. The butterfly effect, if you will.

50. What do you do to reconnect when you are feeling out of touch with your practice?

Tumblr is a big reconnector for me, because my whole dash is witchcraft related posts. I also pray to the Gods for guidance, and reread my favourite witchy books for inspiration.

51. Have you ever had any supernatural experiences?

I’ve had a few, nothing spectacular. I hear a lot of whispers and music that no one else can hear. I’m not sure if that’s supernatural.

52. What is your biggest witchy pet peeve?

People trying to control how other people practice. Just because it’s how you practice doesn’t mean it’s the only way!

53. Do you like incense? If so what’s your favorite scent?

I’ve never burnt incense. I’d like to though.

54. Do you keep a dream journal of any kind?

I don’t. I probably should, I have the weirdest dreams 😂

55. What has been your biggest witchcraft disaster?

Telling my friends I was a witch. That did not go down well. I sat on my own at lunch for at least a week. Most of them still think I’m either crazy or worshipping the Devil.

56. What has been your biggest witchcraft success?

Connecting with the Theoi. I’d tried praying to the Christian God and never felt a connection, so I was expecting the same experience with the Gods. I was so excited and happy when I finally felt those bonds. I’ll cherish them forever.

57. What in your practice do you do that you may feel silly or embarrassed about?

Praying/saying spells out loud still make me feel really silly. Growing up with family and friends that are either christian or atheist makes you feel embarrassed whenever your religion does something out of the ordinary.

58. Do you believe that you can be an atheist, Christian, Muslim or some other faith and still be a witch too?

Of course! Your religion is your choice.

59. Do you ever feel insecure, unsure or even scared of spell work?

Definitely. But I know that the Gods are with me, and I can always rely on them for support and advice.

60. Do you ever hold yourself to a standard in your witchcraft that you feel you may never obtain?

No. I started exploring my craft before people started telling me what I could and couldn’t do as a witch.

61. What is something witch related that you want right now?

A small statue of each of my Gods for my room. But I’m broke, and my parents would never allow it.

62. What is your rune of choice?

Not sure. I still have a lot of learning to do around runes.

63. What is your tarot card of choice?

Same as the last question.

64. Do you use essential oils? If so what is your favorite?

I don’t use them, but I’ve heard that lavender essential oils smell gorgeous!

65. Have you ever taken any kind of witchcraft or pagan courses?

No, but if anyone has any recommendations for me, let me know!

66. Do you wear pagan jewelry in public?

Nothing more than my crystal necklace. I’m paranoid that I’ll be made fun of.

67. Have you ever been discriminated against because of your faith or being a witch?

Yes. I once found out that my friends created a whole group chat to y’all about how fake witchcraft is and how I was making it all up because I wanted attention. And most people only know of the Theoi through old mythology or Percy Jackson, so I’ve seen a lot of hate surrounding the Gods I worship. It’s really hard.

68. Do you read or subscribe to any pagan magazines?

I don’t, but please recommend some!

69. Do you think it’s important to know the history of paganism and witchcraft?

I don’t believe you have to know anything about it, but knowing your past can shape your future.

70. What are your favorite things about being a witch?

I know if I’m having a bad day, I can rely on the positivity of this community to keep me afloat. Also crystals. 😂

71. What are your least favorite things about being a witch?

The discrimination, and the stigma around it. I can never talk freely about my Gods, or my craft. It makes me sad sometimes.

72. Do you listen to any pagan music? If so who is your favorite singer/band?

I listen to quite a bit. I really like S. J. Tucker.

73. Do you celebrate the Esbbats? If so, how?

I don’t.

74. Do you ever work skyclad?

No, but I wish I could sometimes.

75. Do you think witchcraft has improved your life? If so, how?

It has improved my mental health so much. I am never truly alone, never truly forgotten and hopeless, because there are other witches and, most importantly, the Gods, who are with me every step of the way.

76. Where do you draw inspiration from for your practice?

All over the place. Everything I see shapes my craft.

77. Do you believe in ‘fantasy’ creatures? (Unicorns, fairies, elves, gnomes, ghosts, etc)

I believe in ghosts, but that’s it.

78. What’s your favorite sigil/symbol?

It’s a sigil that I like to write on my wrist, as a little reminder. It means “My Gods Are With Me”.

79. Do you use blood magick in your practice? Why or why not?

No. My parents would force me to stop if they found out blood magic existed. They’d think it was too dangerous.

80. Could you ever be in a relationship with someone who doesn’t support your practice?

No. They don’t have to believe what I believe, but a basic foundation of a relationship is support. If I was being teased or mocked because of my beliefs, I couldn’t live with that.

81. In what area or subject would you most like your craft to grow?

I’m not too sure yet.

82. What’s your favorite candle scent? Do you use it in your practice?

Clean cotton. I burn it whilst I pray sometimes because it’s very relaxing.

83. Do you have a pre-ritual ritual? (I.e. Something you do before rituals to prepare yourself for them). If so what is it?

I don’t.

84. What real life witch most inspires your practice?

I don’t know many real life witches to draw inspiration from.

85. What is your favorite method of communicating with deity?

Prayer, but sometimes divination (tarot).

86. How do you like to organize all your witchy items and ingredients?

At the moment, they’re not organised at all. I’ll be doing something about that shortly 😂

87. Do you have any witches in your family that you know of?

No. My family are all either christian and atheist. I think one of my cousins may be developing an interest though, but I’m not sure.

88. How have you created your path? What is unique about it?

I’m still creating it 😂

89. Do you feel you have any natural gifts or affinities (premonitions, hearing spirits, etc.) that led you toward the craft? If so what are they?

I always had a massive thirst for knowledge. I want to know as much about as many things as possible. My curiosity and a comment from another witch (mentioned earlier) led me down my path, and I couldn’t be more grateful .

90. Do you believe you can initiate yourself or do you have to be initiated by another witch or coven?

I don’t really believe in initiation at all. Anyone is welcome to the craft.

91. When you first started out in your path what was the first thing or things you bought?

A black onyx necklace. I still wear it most days.

92. What is the most spiritual or magickal place you’ve been?

The witchcraft fair that started me of this journey. You could feel magic and something ancient hanging in the air. It was beautiful.

93. What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who is searching for their matron and patron deities?

Don’t rush it. You aren’t being ignored, or abandoned. They will make themselves known to you.

94. What techniques do you use to ‘get in the zone’ for meditation?

I use relaxing music and rain/storm sounds.

95. Did visualization come easily to you or did you have to practice at it?

I still have trouble with it. I practice as much as I can.

96. Do you prefer day or night? Why?

Night. It makes me feel very close to Hades and Artemis, and something about it seems so magical. It’s my favourite time.

97. What do you think is the best time and place to do spell work?

I think it depends on the spell. Aligning your intentions with the moon can give your spell that bit extra magic (especially if you pray to Artemis and leave her offerings).

98. How did you feel when you cast your first circle? Did you stumble or did it go smoothly?

I haven’t cast a circle yet.

99. Do you believe witchcraft gets easier with time and practice?

Most definitely. Like everything else, it requires time and patience.

100. Do you believe in many gods or one God with many faces?

Many Gods. I worship the Theoi, and I worship each God and Goddess as a separate being.

101. Do you eat meat, eggs and dairy?

Yes. Although I’m not fond of red meat.

102. What is your favorite color and why?

Black. Black clothing suits me and the colour always reminds me of halloween and scary things.

103. What is the one question you get asked most by non-practitioners or non-pagans? How do you usually respond?

“So you’ve joined a cult?” If this is asked genuinely, I explain that witchcraft isn’t a cult, and that it’s only portrayed that way due to negative stereotypes. If it’s said nastily or sarcastically, I usually just say yes and walk away 😂

104. Which of your five senses would you say is your strongest?

My ears. Maybe not on the physical plane, but I definitely hear a lot of things that other people can’t hear.

105. What is a pagan or witchcraft rule that you preach but don’t practice?

Karma. I have very little patience and I’m working very hard on controlling my reactions. Hopefully I’ll get better.

[thepatchworkcrow]

Witchcraft Asks #1-105

So, just for @dearpenumbra and because I’m wide awake and bored and want to answer them: Here is the list of the 105 witchcraft questions I just finished answering. I answered one each day but feel free to answer them all at once or however you want to do it. Tag your it!

1. Are you solitary or in a coven? I am technically a solitary, though I have friends with whom I occasionally celebrate the sabbats and do other witchy things with.

2. Do you consider yourself Wiccan, Pagan, witch, or other? I use ‘Pagan’, ‘witch’, and ‘Druid’ to describe myself. My path of Druidry is inherently pagan because of its reverence of the earth and all life, and it contains practices that are part of witchcraft.

3. What is your zodiac sign? I am a Cancer!

4. Do you have a Patron God/dess? I do, for sake of Tumblr, I call them The Hunter and The Lady of the Lantern. They’re deities I’ve not found in any mythology- sort of my own unique perspective / interaction with the divine forces of the universe, and so I keep the names I call to them in ritual private.

5. Do you work with a Pantheon? I do work with other deities beyond my patron god and goddess. A lot of them are from the various Celtic pantheons and include: Brighid, Gofannon the Smith, Cerridwen, Mannanan Mac Lir, and Gwyn ap Nudd.

6. Do you use tarot, palmistry, or any other kind of divination? I read tarot, runes, and ogham. I own an agate scrying mirror, but it’s very finnicky and I’d love to learn palmistry some day.

7. What are some of your favorite herbs to use in your practice? (if any) I use sage for cleansing, mugwort for a couple of blends of incense for divination, and lavender to cleansing, peace, intuition, etc.

8. How would you define your craft? It’s a path of Druidry dedicated to the Wylde Hunt.

9. Do you curse? If not, do you accept others who do? I have cursed- only in extreme situations, and the curse I used was aimed more at making the target realize how negative and toxic the bullshit they’ve been spewing/causing is. Sort of a “You’re going to realize the full horror of your actions” kind of a thing.

10. How long have you been practicing? The summer solstice will mark my 13th year.

11. Do you currently or have you ever had any familiars? I have familiar spirits: a black dog that goes by the name Yew, and a raven with a gold stripe on its beak named Gildenbeck. I’ve never had a familiar in the sense of a pet who does witchy stuff with me though.

12. Do you believe in Karma or Reincarnation? I believe in reincarnation and that our cations in one life affect the next. I’ve done  a past life regression before, but that’s a story for a post that isn’t QUITE this long.

13. Do you have a magical name? I used to. I’ve got through a number of them over the years, changing them out as I see fit. My most recent one was actually the name I started this blog under: Brenna Adaira, but I’ve since outgrown it, and don’t really feel the need for one.

14. Are you “out of the broom closet”? Yes. I have been from the very beginning.

15. What was the last spell you performed? Shit. I don’t even remember. I’m not super big on spells. Anything more complex than carving a candle and charging it with intention to leave burn on my altar is usually not something I bother with.

16. Would you consider yourself knowledgeable? This is a silly question. As I’ve been practicing 13 years, and as someone with a bachelor’s degree, I’d say yes. I am knowledgeable about a number of things. However, I recognize there are many things I’m not knowledgeable about and there is always room for growth and learning.

17. Do you write your own spells? Since they’re very slapdash? Yes. They get written as I’m throwing spell components together to just DO THE THING.

18. Do you have a book of shadows? If so, how is it written and/or set up? I have recently started compiling a more formal grimoire of my path and all of its integral components. My working book of shadows however is always a sketchbook that gets carried around with me literally everywhere. It’s got drawings, scribbled poetry, journal entries, cut and pasted pictures, ritual outlines, musings, research notes, etc. and it’s all pretty out of order and chaotic. But I love the freedom of not having to be too careful with how I structure things and just let everything happen organically.

19. Do you worship nature? I do not worship nature. I honor the forces of nature; I treat them with respect and work to do my best to live in harmony with them. We are part of nature, not separate beings.

20. What is your favorite gemstone? Oof. This is a tough one. Moss Agate or Moonstone... but also Citrine and Opal. xD

21. Do you use feathers, claws, fur, pelt, skeletons/bones, or any other animal body part for magical work? I have a pheasant wing fan I use for smoke cleansing. I also have a small set of antlers that I’m still meaning to make into a proper headdress for ritual wear. Right now, they sit with my statute of The Hunter and the rest of my Wylde Hunt stuff.

22. Do you have an altar? Usually, yes. At the moment I don’t because I’ve been sort of in-transit for months. I’m moving back home at the end of the week though, and setting up an altar is the FIRST thing I intend to do.

23. What is your preferred element? Air. I love wind, stars, storms, gentle breezes through the forest, music, singing, the power of words.

24. Do you consider yourself an Alchemist? Not even in the slightest. XD

25. Are you any other type of magical practitioner besides a witch? Already answered above, but I’m a Druid! ^_^

26. What got you interested in witchcraft? I answered this in my previous post.

27. Have you ever performed a spell or ritual with the company of anyone who was not a witch? Yes! We used to frequently invite non-pagan friends to celebrate sabbats with us. One year, we actually erected a Maypole in my backyard and did a maypole dance.

28. Have you ever used ouija? Nope, and I would never. I don’t need it to speak with my guides, I don’t wanna poke at the dead, and I don’t trust them as reliable tools.

29. Do you consider yourself a psychic? I have strong intuition, but I wouldn’t call myself a psychic.

30. Do you have a spirit guide? If so, what is it? I have a couple, but the main one appears to me as a sort of elven / druidic entity (kinda Tolkien elf-ish with the blonde hair and all that). He goes by the name of Brannan and has been sort of my Druid guide both before and during my OBOD studies.

31. What is something you wish someone had told you when you first started? I wish someone had taught me really basic grounding and centering exercises and energy work first. Instead, I jumped right into gods and spells and rituals and all sorts of silliness early on in my path.

32. Do you celebrate the Sabbats? If so which one is your favorite? I haven’t this past year or so because I’ve been trying to get my bearings post-college again. But my favorite is Midsummer. It’s closest to my birthday, marks the anniversary of my dedication to studying witchcraft, and is just always a super heightened time for me spiritually speaking.

33. Would you ever teach witchcraft to your children? Yes. There’s another, longer blog post coming about my thoughts on this, but the short version of it is that I would rather give them some manner of religious context and collection of traditions and heritage than leave them completely on their own to consider the big universal questions religion is supposed to answer.

34. Do you meditate? Not nearly as often as I would like, but at least a couple of times a month.

35. What is your favorite season? Autumn. I love the gloom and the smell of the leaves, and the rain and how windy it gets, and the colors, and of course all of the things like pumpkin spice and Halloween. It’s another time of deep spiritual work for me. This is when the Wylde Hunt rides, and I mark my progress on my path in devotion to them.

36. What is your favorite type of magick to preform? I don’t actually like doing magick other than charging and burning candles. I’m sort of a lazy witch and usually find it more necessary to do inner work to get through a problem than to try and effect change in the world around me.

37. How do you incorporate your spirituality into your daily life? I take actions that align with my spiritual goals: living in harmony with the natural world, creating beautiful things, never stopping my own growth and learning, and compassion for others. I recycle where I can, try to reduce waste and reuse things. I take walks in nature and spend time in the woods. I stay informed so I can vote in ways that put people in power who care about our world. I take time to notice beauty in small places: a bird flying over head, stars in the winter sky, the way the sun is coming in through a window. When all of life is sacred, the spiritual path is not separate from the rest of your life. It becomes the lens through which you frame your life.

38. What is your favorite witchy movie? If I had to choose.... damn. I really can’t. The triad of Hocus Pocus, The Craft, and Practical Magic kinda take that place. I love them all in different ways.

39. What is your favorite witchy book, both fiction and non-fiction. Why? My favorite witchy books... Non-fiction: Living Druidry by Emma Restall-Orr, because it’s a look at Druidry through a Druid’s eyes. It introduces Druid concepts without the formal textbook layout, and I love reading about her experiences. Fiction: The Tree Shepherd’s Daughter and the associated series by Gillian Summers because who wouldn’t love a book about an elf who talks to trees whose day job to hide among humans is to make furniture to sell at Renaissance Festivals? Like... It’s just good, okay?

40. What is the first spell you ever preformed? Successful or not. This got answered in my last post. 

41. What’s the craziest witchcraft-related thing that’s happened to you? And so did this one!

42. What is your favourite type of candle to use? I typically use those cheap chime candles or tealights. They burn down quickly and are easy to get ahold of.

43. What is your favorite witchy tool? I would have to say my drum. I love love love love raising energy with it or doing trance work while drumming.

44. Do you or have you ever made your own witchy tools? All of my wands have been handmade and my altar statues are all sculpted by hand. My ogham staves are handmade, and I’ve made a set of runes in the past, but they weren’t fond of me. XD

45. Have you ever worked with any magical creatures such as the fea or spirits? Ohhhh yes. Lots! The Wylde Hunt is one such example, but I’ve also worked with goblins and other various fae.

46. Do you practice color magic? I use color associations loosely, but don’t adhere to them too much.

47. Do you or have you ever had a witchy teacher or mentor of any kind? I did, sort of. My mom’s best friend was the one who bought me my first tarot deck, taught me how to read, etc. She gave me witchy homework now and then, but it wasn’t really a formal mentorship. She’s like another mother to me though, and I love her lots. <3

48. What is your preferred way of shopping for witchcraft supplies? Unfortunately, my preferred way is no longer possible. My local shop closed down in Feb of 2017 and I have been super sad ever since. I’m still trying to find a suitable alternative.

49. Do you believe in predestination or fate? I believe that we have free will and that the Universe sort of fills in the gaps. I think somethings are sort of “meant” to happen, but I don’t think everything is set in stone.

50. What do you do to reconnect when you are feeling out of touch with your practice? I light candles at my altar and just open myself to the energies, or I go on a walk with my friend, Mark. We always get into super deep conversations that get me back in the vibe.

51. Have you ever had any supernatural experiences? I could fill an ENTIRE post just on this alone, but yes. Plenty.

52. What is your biggest witchy pet peeve? Answered!

53. Do you like incense? If so what’s your favorite scent? I love incense! I tend to burn a lot of Dragon’s Blood, though I’ve recently discovered one called Mountain Heather that I am ALSO in love with.

54. Do you keep a dream journal of any kind? I keep weirdly vivid dreams in the notepad function on my phone. It’s usually right near my pillow and I just tap what I remember in there and try to go back to sleep.

55. What has been your biggest witchcraft disaster? Man, I can’t really think of a time things went horribly wrong to be honest.

56. What has been your biggest witchcraft success? Maintaining my practice and developing it into something uniquely my own.

57. What in your practice do you do that you may feel silly or embarrassed about? I know some people would say having spirit guides and such is silly. There are others who would say that energy work and psychic vampirism and the like are kinda woo-y and weird too.

58. Do you believe that you can be an atheist, Christian, Muslim or some other faith and still be a witch too? Anyone from any religion can be a witch. Witchcraft is a practice, not a religious path. Anyone can learn to raise and manipulate energy regardless of which deity they do/n’t worship.

59. Do you ever feel insecure, unsure or even scared of spell work? I just don’t usually feel a need for it. It’s usually able to be solved by mundane means or by doing inner personal work.

60. Do you ever hold yourself to a standard in your witchcraft that you feel you may never obtain? Don’t we all have perfectly aesthetic rituals that leave us feeling profound as a standard which we don’t ever quite meet? Aren’t we all secretly pining for Tumblr/Instagram worthy altars?

61. What is something witch related that you want right now? I actually really want to get a Tarokka deck, which is a tarot-esque oracle used in the D&D Curse of Strahd campaign. I want them for the campaign, but also to use for actual divination because it sounds like fun to try.

62. What is your rune of choice? I’m very partial to Kenaz (light, illumination, guidance), and Laguz (movement, water travel, magic, intuition).

63. What is your tarot card of choice? The 8 of Cups, The Star, and the 3 of Swords are all sort of cards I look at to determine if I’ll love or hate a deck.

64. Do you use essential oils? If so what is your favorite? I do use some, albeit sparingly. I’m rather fond of patchouli, sage, and a heather one I found.

65. Have you ever taken any kind of witchcraft or pagan courses? I’m currently wrapping up the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids’ Bardic Grade Course.

66. Do you wear pagan jewelry in public? Right now, my everyday necklace is a nine-pointed star which is supposed to represent the 9 sisters of Avalon, of whom Morgan le Fay was one.

67. Have you ever been discriminated against because of your faith or being a witch? Yes. Once, in early high school by a teacher. And once in college by some preppy sorority girl who wandered over to the LGBT clubs’ table at a Campus Life event looking to cause an argument.

68. Do you read or subscribe to any pagan magazines? Not magazines, but I follow a number of blogs both on Tumblr, Patheos, and Wordpress.

69. Do you think it’s important to know the history of paganism and witchcraft? Yes. Absolutely. The Burning Times weren’t about real witches. Modern paganism is not ancient paganism, and the context of myth, traditional practices, etc. are important.

70. What are your favorite things about being a witch? The language and tools I have with which to describe my experiences and think about and interact with the rest of the universe.

71. What are your least favorite things about being a witch? Being a conscious being and co-creator with spirit is freaking hard, yo.

72. Do you listen to any pagan music? If so who is your favorite singer/band? My absolute fave is Damh the Bard, but also give S.J. Tucker and OMNIA a listen. <3

73. Do you celebrate the Esbbats? If so, how? I used to do Dark Moon tea and meditation time with the Dark Goddess. Usually if I do something for any of the moon phases it’s sort of spur of the moment these days.

74. Do you ever work skyclad? I don’t, because I currently lack private space to do so.

75. Do you think witchcraft has improved your life? If so, how? Well, I am an empowered being with knowledge and love of the Universe and the divine connections between us all. I’m also equipped with various techniques for performing inner transformative work as well as affecting change in the world around me. What’s not to love?

76. Where do you draw inspiration from for your practice? My practice is a lot of “Solitary Wicca” meets OBOD druidry, meets a sort of Dragonheart ‘knights of the Old Code’ sort of feel. It’s about nature, creativity, and living honorably.

77. Do you believe in ‘fantasy’ creatures? (Unicorns, fairies, elves, gnomes, ghosts, etc) I do. I don’t believe they exist corporeally in this plane of existence though.

78. What’s your favorite sigil/symbol? I’m not sure I could pick one... but if I had to, I’d say the symbol for Awen.

79. Do you use blood magick in your practice? Why or why not? I’ve used blood in magic exactly twice. Once was in a dedication rite to The Hunter, and the other was to the Wylde Hunt. Both times it was blood from something like a paper cut or popped blister, whatever that was already available. I used it as a potent source of energy but also as a sympathetic tie to myself. Since I was dedicating myself to said entity, using it as a taglock made sense.

80. Could you ever be in a relationship with someone who doesn’t support your practice? Absolutely not. Thank you, next.

81. In what area or subject would you most like your craft to grow? I’m looking to pursue the OBOD’s further courses. I want to become a celebrant for the order and perform marriage, death, etc. rites for others within the order as well as those in the pagan community.

82. What’s your favorite candle scent? Do you use it in your practice? I love candles that smell like mulled spices or coffee or pumpkin. I don’t use them for magic, just for ambiance.

83. Do you have a pre-ritual ritual? (I.e. Something you do before rituals to prepare yourself for them). If so what is it? I ground and center before every ritual. Beyond that, I’m usually doing magic on the fly.

84. What real life witch most inspires your practice? Emma Restall-Orr, whom I’m not sure would identify as a witch. She’s technically a druid and author of various books and I love how gritty and honest and earthy what she shares is.

85. What is your favorite method of communicating with deity? I like to get somewhere quiet, and channel them through sort of automatic writing. I also frequently use visualization / meditation techniques to go to my sacred grove and speak with them there.

86. How do you like to organize all your witchy items and ingredients? What is this... organize you speak of? All spell components are in wee jars in a drawer. xD

87. Do you have any witches in your family that you know of? My mom was a practicing Wiccan when I was little, and my sister has interest in witchcraft.

88. How have you created your path? What is unique about it? Answered in my last post. 

89. Do you feel you have any natural gifts or affinities (premonitions, hearing spirits, etc.) that led you toward the craft? If so what are they? I have a strange knack for vibing with plants/crystals/etc. and just knowing what they can be used for. I’ve also always had the ability to sort of see/hear things not there: spirits, fae, etc.

90. Do you believe you can initiate yourself or do you have to be initiated by another witch or coven? To be initiated implies you are entering into a group. The OBOD gives you the opportunity to initiate yourself if you aren’t close enough to a grove, but the point stands that it’s a ritual given to you by someone else. You can dedicate yourself to a specific path, but initiation implies you’re being included in something you once were not included in.

91. When you first started out in your path what was the first thing or things you bought? I’m pretty sure it was a new tarot deck, tbh. It’s been too long. I don’t remember.

92. What is the most spiritual or magickal place you’ve been? Answered in the last post: but Avebury, England.

93. What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone who is searching for their matron and patron deities? They aren’t necessary for a balanced and successful path. I know it can be weird not having a specific god/ddess but it’s really really really not necessary to find one right away  to be able to have a successful practice.

94. What techniques do you use to ‘get in the zone’ for meditation? I dim the lights, drink some coffee or wine, get somewhere comfy, and put on some quiet music.

95. Did visualization come easily to you or did you have to practice at it? It used to come a lot more easily to me. I realized I was using it as sort of escapism and stopped, and have been building it back again.

96. Do you prefer day or night? Why? I prefer night. Everyone else is asleep and it gives me time and space to think and work on things without being disturbed.

97. What do you think is the best time and place to do spell work? The best time and place is when and where you need it most.

98. How did you feel when you cast your first circle? Did you stumble or did it go smoothly? We forgot to include a means of opening the circle in our first ritual’s notes. So... sort of a stumble.

99. Do you believe witchcraft gets easier with time and practice? Yes... and no. Because with time and practice, you come to find deeper things, and bigger truths. It builds upon itself.

100. Do you believe in many gods or one God with many faces? In my belief system, all gods are separate beings, but all a part of the Great Song of Creation that gives life to the universe.

101. Do you eat meat, eggs and dairy? I do! No restrictive diets here.

102. What is your favorite color and why? I can’t truthfully pick one. I’m fond of burgundy lately.

103. What is the one question you get asked most by non-practitioners or non-pagans? How do you usually respond? “I really like your necklace; what does that symbol mean?” To which I say “I got it at a renaissance festival; it’s supposed to represent the nine sisters of Morgen LeFay.” which seems to be an acceptable response.

104. Which of your five senses would you say is your strongest? Probably my sight.

105. What is a pagan or witchcraft rule that you preach but don’t practice? “Always cast a circle.” I recommend it for new folks, but I rarely ever actually cast one myself.