#Manifestation Magic Reviews

[yuurei20]

Sorry if this was asked/addressed before, but do you consider the Twisted Wonderland Novels to be canon compliant, canon divergent, or maybe a little bit of both? Thank you so much!

Hello hello! ^^ Thank you for this question!

The Twst novels are fascinating, and seem to be accomplishing a multitude of things at once: we get insight into things that are barely hinted at in the game, like the scorn Riddle suffers post-overblot, the respect he holds for Leona and how he wants to learn from Malleus.

・Riddle and the consequences of overblot ・Riddle's confession ・Riddle on Malleus

We also get complete changes to things established in the game, such as the retconning of our introductions to Leona, Vil and Azul. ・Meeting Leona ・Meeting Pomefiore (pt1)) ・Meeting Azul (pt1)

And, most interesting of all, we get a lot more detail into things that also might be happening in the game, but we were just not told about it due to the limitations of the visual novel medium:

・Yuuya's First Class The prefect is not exactly welcomed by the students of NRC, with no one but Ace and Deuce willing to acknowledge them. ・Yuuya Fails After being supported by Ace, the prefect fails to support him in return ・The Classroom Tensions between Savanaclaw and Diasomnia students ・Riddle and Unique Magics Information on how unique magics manifest. ・The Overblot Battle Ruggie and Jack work together to defeat Leona ・Post-Overblot Leona (the flashback monologue) Leona's fear of giving up. ・Trusting Riddle Ace and Deuce's relationship to Riddle.

Due to how some things are being completely changed I think it is safer to consider the novels as a different canon unto themselves, but they are also a great frame of reference to apply to the game!

→ What language is being spoken in Twst? It is never specified in the game, but we know the language at novel-NRC is not Japanese!

→ What is the roommate situation at NRC? While we have a few hints in the game, the novel has explicitly explained the rooming situations!

→ How many students are there at NRC? Again we have a few hints here and there in the game, but the novel has given us a solid number :>

While things like the above three points might not apply to the game at all they are a useful reference for fanfic purposes, for example, until such a time that they are confirmed or denied by game canon.

And there might be times when the novels are even making corrections to in-game oversights 👀

In Book 1, for example, Ace is unable to repeat Chenya's full name after hearing it for the first time.

The problem: Ace is well known for being talented at mimicry, imitating tongue-click sounds he learns from Rook on his first try in order to communicate with hedgehogs.

The solution: Both the novel and the manga corrected this scene by having Deuce, not Ace, be the one who struggles to repeat Chenya's name.

Did they realize at some point that Ace not being able to mimic Chenya goes against an important character point, which they then corrected in the other two mediums? 👀

As the novels are coming out after the game, this could mean that there is a possibility that they are actually more accurate to the characters in some ways, as the creators have had a chance to review previously established points and make adjustments accordingly ^^

(The author for the novels, Hioki Jun, is both one of the original writers of the game's events and vignettes along with Yana, and a member of Yana's personal studio, D-6th!)

While maybe not canon to each other, both the novels and the game are most enjoyable, and I highly recommend them both!

English-language translation of the first novel coming out this August! 🥳

[saintsenara]

THE AUDIENCE CLAMOURS FOR YOUR VOLMIONE TAKE!!!!!!!!! In all seriousness the curiously is piqued tenfold by the fact that you go hard to bat for the other two voldemort/golden trio ships

i've definitely been putting this one off, anon, but it's hermione's birthday, and since the requests have kept coming...

maybe i have to grit my teeth and get through it.

i am, like my good pal @yorickofyore, broadly a tomione/volmione disliker - which is a spoiler for what follows. there are - obviously - huge numbers of people who are not, and they may sit happily in their ecosystem while i flop around photosynthesising in mine.

and the reason why i don't like tomione/volmione is right there in the last three screenshots: it relies - like several other hermione pairings, snamione and sirimione chief among them - on a portrayal of hermione's intellectual expression which bears absolutely no relation to how this is written in canon.

across all seven books in the series, hermione's intellect primarily manifests itself in a sincerely impressive ability to retain and repeat information [very usually verbatim from the source she got it from]. she is able to use this ability to retain information to understand the theoretical components of magic in a way neither harry nor ron ever manage, and she is then able to apply this retention - that is, to repeat the information she has acquired - of knowledge to the performance of magic which is [often considerably] ahead of her expected level both in terms of the hogwarts curriculum and in terms of what would be seen as the median ability of an adult witch or wizard.

but hermione is never shown - at any point in canon - to be a particularly radical, creative, or experimental thinker.

she places an enormous amount of intellectual trust in disciplinary authority - not only in the respect she has for following textbooks and teachers to the letter [hence why she won't attempt any of the modifications in the half-blood prince's textbook, she thinks it's offensive that they contradict the "official" peer-reviewed and sanctioned instructions] but also in her agreement with the gatekeeping imposed by the state and/or its authorities on academic inquiry.

[hence her disliking the invented spells in the half-blood prince's textbook because they're not ministry approved, or her easing her discomfort at having read the books from which voldemort learned to make a horcrux by insisting - undoubtedly correctly - that dumbledore wanted her to do it and she therefore has the permission of an intellectual authority].

she's immediately mistrustful of anything she can't find [something she regards as] an empirical source for - which is why harry's mental connection with voldemort frightens her so much, or why she thinks that harry's lost his mind when he begins to insist the deathly hallows are real and important, or, most famously, why she thinks divination is bullshit.

she's never shown to be able to synthesise her knowledge [she never answers questions in class in her own words, she always goes massively over word limits], or to use it in ways which are considerably removed from its typical application.

[the protean charm on the da coins, for example - the magic she's using is sophisticated, and is being applied in a way which wouldn't necessarily be classroom-sanctioned, since she's using it to defy umbridge, but the evidence of canon is that it's not magic which is being used in a way which is removed from the spell's original purpose. terry boot is impressed because he's looking at a flawless execution of newt-level magic by a sixteen-year-old, rather than because hermione is using that magic in an unusual way. the same is true of the polyjuice potion - it's impressive because she brews it flawlessly aged thirteen.]

this is a very logical, rational, and scientific approach to learning - and one which the series, which tends to take a dim view of anything which deviates too far from the status quo, views extremely positively - and it is intelligence. i know some people think that when i say this about hermione i'm saying that she isn't clever - or that i'm saying she's less clever than the characters [all of whom are male] that the series permits to be "brilliant" - but that's not the case. hermione is clearly extremely clever - and her logical, empirical, careful approach comes in clutch for the trio throughout the series, right from philosopher's stone. her intellectual expression just isn't the only way intelligence can manifest itself - and it isn't an intellectual expression which will automatically mesh with another very clever person's approach.

which is to say... lord voldemort, both as a teen and an adult, is - intellectually - the complete opposite of hermione.

he is someone - as he tells us - who thinks of magic as a creative force he has every right to shape as he sees fit, something whose boundaries he has the inherent right to smash through. he rejects disciplinary authority [his loathing of dumbledore - as an adult, at least - is because he thinks that dumbledore is a petty-minded gatekeeper who attempts to repress the dark arts - magic, snape tells us, which is inherently ever-changing, unfixed, mutating - because he's afraid of them and their refusal to be neatly contained in disciplinary boxes; his appeal to slughorn's authority is purely a manipulation technique]. he is an adaptor and inventor, and he uses magic in ways which radically deviate from its intended purpose.

and so the common "teen tom riddle and hermione are at school together" trope that they'd both get off on being academic rivals is, in my view, impossible to justify while keeping either of them remotely canon-coherent. she's going to think he's a cunt. he's going to think she's irrelevant.

indeed, i genuinely think the most likely scenario if the two are at school together is that the teen voldemort wouldn't be able to pick hermione out of a line-up - not least because she has very little to offer him when it comes to his plans for world domination.

when it comes to those he's "nice" to, the teenage tom riddle targets the socially prominent, rich, and influential, whom he can use parasitically to his own ends.

he's happy, undoubtedly, to have minions who are less useful to him from a social-advancement perspective, but who come in handy as pawns in his schemes - as dumbledore puts it, "the weak seeking protection, the ambitious seeking some shared glory, and the thuggish gravitating toward a leader who could show them more refined forms of cruelty" - but this is the only thing he sees them as. hermione has a capacity for cruelty he would undoubtedly see potential in [even if he would probably be wary of her "run and tell teacher" vibe], but as someone who does his bidding only, rather than anyone for whom he's willing to fake [or, indeed, to actually feel] any degree of mutual affection.

and i do think this - in and of itself - is interesting. hermione is someone - as i've said elsewhere - who has a tendency towards blind loyalty, which often causes her to accept people she likes and/or respects treating her cruelly [something we see in canon particularly in how she reacts to snape's behaviour towards her]. she's also someone who is incredibly deferential to authority, fairly naive, convinced she's always right, convinced she's not irrational, superstitious, or emotionally-driven, and capable of pretty egregious cruelty in pursuit of being rational and correct.

or, in other words, she's very easy for a flesh-and-blood voldemort to manipulate.

[she's not at risk from a horcrux because she's possessed of the empirical fact that they can't hurt you if you don't let them get emotionally close to you, which impacts how she behaves around the locket.]

on the rare occasions when i've enjoyed fics with this pairing, then, they've tended to be ones which actually acknowledge this - and which have hermione completely destroyed by a voldemort [usually in adult form] who has never cared one iota about her, all because she was convinced she'd be far too clever to fall for his tricks.

[my rec: enigma by devdevlin.]

and this is the main way my view of tomione/volmione deviates from my view of tomarrymort or ronmort - i don't think there's any circumstance where it can ever work as something mutual, whereas the entire point of tomarrymort is that the relationship is something voldemort perceives as equal, and ronmort sees the dark lord running headfirst into ron's ability to disarm and confuse him by possessing a crumb of emotional intelligence. i don't think voldemort would hate hermione - or even be particularly irritated by her - but nor do i think he'd find anything about her interesting enough to make him want to keep her around for any longer than she was useful.

but - like so many hermione pairings - the default in tomione/volmione tends to be "omg, hermione is so hot, brilliant, and fascinating that [insert man here] becomes completely obsessed with her". whether the story leads to voldemort becoming a better person or hermione going over to the dark side, the way the pairing is written always assumes that hermione is someone voldemort would consider [often very quickly] important to him [even in circumstances where she is a prisoner]. only very rarely do fics ever explore the much more canon-justifiable - and, in my view, much more interesting - idea that voldemort is somebody hermione could and would consider important, while he wouldn't give a single fuck about her.

[neither of them give a shit about dead rabbits though. it's the only thing they have in common.]

[heart2beom]

open the door, mr. choi!

synopsis: going up to yeonjun's dorm, the man you believe to be a complete tool, and asking to use his shower isn't very fun.

genre: one sided enemies to lovers, fluff, angst??

pairing: yeonjun x f!reader

warning: very unrealistic writing of living on campus (i'm manifesting here..), a curse word here and there

author notes: this is so incredibly short but i like writing banter so..lol this really is just banter. reblogging is appreciated!

Transferring to a different college mid semester for better opportunities proved to be that mistake. The mistake you realize is going to be hard to top, the biggest one you've made in your entire life.

In addition to losing daily contact with your friends, you were in a complete foreign city, practically stranded. You had zero relationship with your professors, there were completely different material you had to learn to pass exams, and you had no time to make any friends. even after you decided to go through the on-campus housing route, You were only on friendly speaking terms with your roommate.

You wished you reviewed the dormitories, but you hadn't which then cost you to learn that the girls dormitory had constant complaints about water supply; it was either the sink, the toilet, or the shower — it would just decide to stop working.

Thankfully, the time you've spent living with your roommate, you only experienced one — the sink. There were problems with it practically every other day, ten times more constant than everybody else. Which caused you to naively believe it canceled out all the other occuring problems everyone else had.

So, imagine your surprise when you walk in under the shower head, butt naked, with not one drop coming out on your hair.

"Yunjin!" you yell out, panicking as you adjust the diverter still with no sign of water. "Yunjin is the water out!?"

You sigh when you can't hear a response through the door, and opted to step out the shower, and carefully walk towards the door. You slightly open it, making sure to only poke your head out as your eyes wandered around the dorm.

Great, there's no sign of her.

When you get dressed again, you throw yourself on your bed, staring at the time on your phone. 8:39PM.

Your roommate had helped you out with getting a blind date, in hopes of "putting yourself out there". Though at the time you didn't meet her with much excitement, pretending to despise the idea—Currently, you were practically a few seconds away from pulling out your hair at the thought of missing it.

For god sake, you haven't been on a date since, what, two years? And even worse, when you finally got a chance, you weren't ditching the date on your own accord, but because you couldn't shower!

"I'm gonna fucking sue them!" you shout, directing your pit of rage at your ceiling. Though, right after, you bury your face in your pillow, groaning like a little child, knowing that no matter how many complaints you submit, there would be zero response. So, at the moment, it felt like the best thing to do was give up.

Give up and ...reschedule.

No, you can't—you won't. You have to go on the date—today. An adrenaline-like surge of determination motivates you to shoot up from your bed, and quickly head to your bathroom again. You will go on this date, you owe it to Yunjin—and also, to yourself.

When you look at the counter, you immediately spot the magic wand practically ogling at you, begging you to use it. Your deodorant.

What other option did you have? When you pick up the deodorant stick, you shut your eyes, praying that the combination between deodorant and perfume could manage to make you smell good enough. You exhale, the gross thought making it hard for you to even lift your shirt.

You hear a ping of your phone, quickly opening your eyes, dropping your hand, which in turn also gets your hand off the piece of fabric you were holding.

When you look at the notification, you exhaustedly exhale, your shoulders dropping. It wasn't surprising to see it was him. Yeonjun—the guy you've been working on a project with for the past few months.

And also, the guy you've been trying to avoid ever since you got assigned the project. He was practically a mosquito, buzzing near your ears every waking moment of the day. It was easier for him when he got your number, as per your professor's request. According to her, it would be easier for you two to communicate with each other's contact numbers.

But you begged to differ, especially after these tortuous days of having your phone go off randomly throughout the day. All it did was tear away your focus from more important matters.

You opt to ignore the text, like you always do— and focus on your preparation for your date. That is, until a light bulb lights up above your head, halting your movement, as you furrow your brows in thought.

The boy's dormitory never had an issue with water, it was a usual complaint you'd overhear girls around you say in your morning classes. Their issue was odor. Which you would bet a few cents that that was specifically the consequence of the herd of men living in one space, but you digress.

Sure, you aren't very fond of the idea to go up to the man you find pretty repulsive—in terms of personality, repulsive. He was the walking definition of a douche, but you just got a date, in two years! Who knows the next time you'll get the golden opportunity again? So, you grab your towel and head out the bathroom.

You only hope that your lack of answering back texts wouldn't backfire on you.

Though it took him a few knocks, Yeonjun finally opens his door. His jaw slacks a little and brows raised, clearly taken back by your sudden visit. You wait for him to say something—or rather, you take the time to study his figure for a good second; your eyes instinctually taking in how...good he looks. His dyed hair subtly spiking his eyes, his lips looking a little more pink than usual, and the flowy dress shirt being down two button, exposing his chest—

"Y/N checking out Yeonjun part, what, a hundred?" he stupidly grins, leaning on his door frame with his arms crossed.

"Part zero." you deadpan, he was back to getting on your nerves.

"Right..." he purses his lip, which earns an audible scoff from you, his confidence was astoundingly high. Normally, you'd think it was a praiseworthy trait, confident people are cool, but Yeonjun was something else.

"Okay—look, I have no time to waste. I need your help." you say, cutting to the chase.

"Clearly..." Yeonjun says, his gaze falling to the towel hanging on one arm, and a plastic bag tight in your hand.

"First, sorry for coming here so unexpectedly—"

"Hold on," he raises up a hand to stop you, which is an annoying thing he's been doing to you lately. "Did you just apologize? To me?" he then puts a hand on his heart, pouting like a child.

When you try to open your mouth again, his finger was on your lips in attempt to shut you up — he was getting dangerously confident. You glare at him, which sends the message loud and clear as he drops his hand immediately.

"Look, if you're here for the project, I can't. I actually have a bedtime I have to follow through."

You furrow your eyebrows in disbelief. "A bedtime? What are you? Twelve?"

He clicks his tongue, shaking his head in disapproval. "Damn it Y/N, this was the part where you were supposed to prove to me that you're worthy of me letting you in my dorm."

"I'm not here for the project, Yeonjun." you sigh, your energy drained from all his talking.

"Then what? It's like—" he raises his wrist to take a look at his watch. And to your dismay, his smug smile prepares you for some more teasing. "My, my, my. Coming to my dorm at nine? So I see it you changed your mind about, you know..." he puckers his lips in attempt to make smooching noises, which only earned a judgemental stare from your side.

"We're never going to have sex—ugh, I just came to use your shower, the one at my dorm stopped working." you've learned to stop yourself from engaging with his antics, it only cost you more social battery after all.

"Ah." he says, biting his lip as he appears to think more of your request. "I'm sorry, can't." he concludes.

"Huh? Why?" you ask then immediately groan at a thought, "God, do you have a girl naked in there?"

"You don't realize it sometimes Y/N, but you are a slut shamer."

You deadpan, letting out a long sigh. "Are you calling yourself a slut?"

"Frankly, for your information, I don't have a girl in there. She actually left a few minutes ago." he says ignoring your question, though he couldn't be happier from the annoyed reaction he got out of you— which he was quick to love and appreciate the more he got it.

You roll your eyes, "So, why can't you?"

"Glad you asked," he says, reaching in his pockets to dig out something. He faces his phone to you, your messages open, only blue texts being on the screen. "You've been ghosting me for like, two weeks."

So your lack of replying back is biting you in the ass.

You didn't have time, dropping the plastic bag full of your date clothes, reaching out to your pocket to get your phone.

You quickly type up an 'okay' without reading the text, and hit send. When you hear the sound of a notification from his phone, you put up a tight lipped smile as you shove your phone in your pockets, picking up your clothes and pushing yourself in his dorm.

Yeonjun broke into a smile you don't catch, as he looks back to you. "Breaking and entering is a felony Y/N!" he yells out.

You ignore him, your attention more focused on how weirdly neat his place was. Was he a fast cleaner? Tidying up the place this fast after sex?

You guessed that was what a long duration of experience gives you — the ability to clean up in minutes. But then you noticed a computer open, with the desk it's on being surrounded with crumbled paper.

Odd.

You hear the door shut, guessing it was Yeonjun, which snaps you out of your thoughts as you immediately head to the bathroom. If you stayed a second later, there was a 50% chance he would've stopped you to ask questions.

When you enter the bathroom, and lock the door behind you, you're pleasantly caught by surprise.

The smell—the smell wasn't foul. You hate to admit, in the back of your mind, you'd always have this image of Yeonjun—a player who was gross.

You don't exactly know why you held onto it for so long since there were multiple, multiple times you got close enough, that your nose could pick up his cologne—it smelled really good, not too strong, just enough.

And when you stand there in his bathroom, weirdly finding yourself inhaling the scent of the air—it smelled pretty fucking good.

A loud knock on the door your back is leaning on startles you, making you jump. "Hey, hurry up! I'm giving you fifteen minutes."

Fifteen minutes? What a psycho.

You shake your head at your own ungratefulness—he was letting you borrow his shower, which you genuinely appreciated, so you undressed quickly in hopes of showering forty minutes max.

You didn't pick up your hair brush with you, so consequently you were spending a great deal of time untangling your hair with your towel—which wasn't very..effecitve.

You already changed, obviously, but your makeup was undone. Just lipgloss was all you had time to do, you thought in your head, disappointed.

Not to forget—Yeonjun has been talking to you through the door the moment you shut the running water—not proving the mosquito reincarnation theories you've been holding onto, to be wrong. He was driving you very close to the edge of insanity.

"You're taking so long." he whines for the hundredth time. "I have to show you something."

You groan, walking towards the door. You were clothed now anyway, if opening the door would finally fix Yeonjun's mouth being a broken record, you would happily do it.

He shuffles away from the door when you push it open, flustered as he clears his throat.

Was he leaning on the door?

"What do you want?"

You think you see his eyes scanning your outfit for a second, a hint of confusion overtaking his expression but he turns away to walk towards the computer—the one that was previously surrounded with balled up paper, so you ignore it. "You look hot but I'll decide to ignore that. I have to show you something."

You exhale, your hair still pretty untamed. "Alright, I don't have that much time though."

He let himself fall on his spinning office chair, as he gestures his hand for you to sit at the edge of his bed.

You clear your throat, waiting for him to stop stalling through his spinning.

And he does.

"Okay." he exhaled, a little shakily. Which was weird. "So, remember the text you sent okay too?"

"Yeonjun...that just happened. Like an hour ago."

"Yep, yeah. Cool, cool, cool." he repeats, opting to spin once more. You raise an eyebrow, is he trolling you?

"I didn't like—you know, read the text. I mean, I can."

"You didn't read it? You should. Actually—nope, no. You shouldn't. You should. Yeah, you should."

You knit your eyebrows together at his odd speaking patterns. Reaching for your phone, you click on the message icon—until a number pops up, calling you.

All of a sudden, you get nervous. Your hand getting all clammy as you swiped right on the call.

"Hi." you breath out, biting your lip in eagerness to hear your date's voice.

Yeonjun only watches you, cocking his head at the sudden mood change. No—he was tilting his head because of all of that. Your dress, the matching bag, your lipgloss.

He furrows his brows, still watching you stutter on the phone, and practically making a fool of yourself with the way you were stupidly, prettily smiling ear to ear.

You never did that with him. Okay, sure, he likes seeing you roll your eyes or scoff at his antics— it brings him pure joy! But god, thinking now, he would appreciate it a hundred times more if your reaction to him was a smile—that smile instead. Or a laugh. Or a hug, maybe a kiss—

Time didn't wait for anyone—connecting the dots unfortunately only happened the moment you hung up the phone.

"Sorry, that was my date. I really have to go. What do you want to show me?"

"Um—uh...gross!"

You scrunch up your face, taken aback. "What?"

"You—you have, like, spinach stuck between your teeth."

Your eyes widen in shock immediately getting off the bed, but then you halt, turning to look at Yeonjun. "But I didn't eat spinach today. Or yesterday." you mumble.

"Well, I'm sorry I'm not a professional chef that can tell what that nasty piece of green leaf is in between your teeth."

"God, is it that bad?" you ask in horror, not waiting for his reply as you burst into the bathroom.

Meanwhile as you check your teeth in the mirror, Yeonjun immediately grabs the phone you left on his bed, which was still open—letting him breath in relief.

He immediately went on to his name on your phone to open the messages between you two—it was ridiculous but a smile still tugged on his lips for a split second when he noticed his contact name was the one he typed in a few months ago, still 'hottest man alive'—he took it a sign you didn't disagree... or it could be that you were too lazy to change it.

But he immediately shook his head out of the thought — doing his job of deleting the message that you sent an okay to.

"What the fuck are you doing?" you say with wide eyes, snatching your phone away from the boys hand.

"Just checking the time." he says with an awkward smile, a little startled of your sudden presence.

"On my phone? You literally have a watch." you say, your tone laced with confusion. Which signaled Yeonjun to shoot up from his bed, pushing you out towards the door—there was no way out of this but to push you out, and hopefully the date being horrible enough for you to forget about confronting him about this tomorrow. And the day after tomorrow. Preferably, for the rest of his life on Earth.

"Time for you to leave!" he yells, finally getting you out of his dorm, and now out in the hallway.

Before you could say anything—for example, reminding him that 90% of the stuff you brought was still in the bathroom—he slammed the door right in your face.

When you recollect your shock, you scoff, your annoyance through the roof.

What was he looking at in your phone?

You open it, hoping to find the answer.

But you're only confused as you only see your chat with Yeonjun open.

And even more confused when the text length of the message before your 'okay' was way shorter than what you remember.

Meanwhile, Yeonjun was sitting on his desk chair, biting his lip as he hesitantly hit the delete button on the music project he's been working on.

ending a/n: i think i'm allergic to ending a fic with the two pairings getting together cz tell me why this was deadass just enemies to ????? T_T

[deconstructivesurgery]

listen i haven't posted seriously in long-form about bg3 in a hot minute but i've been getting back into it bit by bit and i'm still on my gale and astarion shit.

not the "they hate each other but they love each other" stuff or the "toxic yaoi" (although it is funny to me sometimes) dynamic people seem to typically slap onto them, but rather just- whether you wish to see it in a romantic light or not- the pure potential for a true bitchy wine aunt relationship that lies there.

not only do i think they genuinely like each other in a surprisingly uncomplicated way at times despite how complicated both of them are personally, i will die on the hill of them just being... a bit snobbish together. bitching about wine or food that astarion can't even taste (won't stop him from insulting something based on look alone), reading and reviewing books together, perpetually remaining pretentious about architecture and style in distinctly different ways (grand and gothic versus the absolute hullabaloo of softer maximalism that i can see gale enjoying).

i can see in their good endings an outcome where once in a blue moon a vaguely irritable Newly Minted Adventurer/Locally Morally Dubious Hero Astarion Ancunin occasionally manifests his merry little self at one Prof. Gale Dekarios' door because what IS he there for if not to serve as a free-to-access resource of magical aid anytime he encounters some sort of odd curse or magical foe or what-have-you that he isn't well-versed in. who else is going to gleefully and without question provide him with enchanted weapons that most people would look at with concern. to boot, who else is going to provide said things while also being a good conversation partner.

if he happens to dredge up odd magical shit once in a while while he's romping around the country and drops it off at gale's doorstep (chance of spontaneous combustion, mad howling emanating from a haunted amulet, etc. be damned) every so often, it's only fair.

people love the drama that comes with a less stable outcome to their relationship, and that's entirely fair if that's the dynamic that you prefer out of these characters, but i think the potential for just genuine non-spiteful banter and connection is often overlooked. i think, at very least, that they could and should be good lasting friends. send tweet

[grey-sorcery]

[Title]: Magical Theory: A Critical Approach to Witchcraft

Suggested Reading

Threshold Theory Researching Witchcraft Energy Work Foundations Divination: First Steps Intro to Gnosis Path of Least Resistance Conceptualization Vs. Visualization Nature Vs. NatureBias in Witchcraft Finding Balance Duality Magical Potency

What is Magical Theory?

Witchcraft, occultism, mysticism, and other esoteric practices all share one thing in common: they can be communicated about. Due to the physical and spiritual experiences of these practices, this implies that there must be an underlying framework for the mechanics of magic and mystical experiences to follow. Furthermore, practices can be given from one practitioner to another successfully. While individual interpretations of the experience of these practices may vary widely, the practices themselves remain communicable. For this to occur, there must be underlying mechanics. Discovering or understanding these mechanics, however, is a complex task due to the inherently subjective, experiential, and often non-empirical nature of these practices. So how do we find them? 

Definitions:

Magic:

The practice of influencing oneself, others, or the environment through rituals, symbols, gestures, energies, spirits, and spoken or written words. These practices to tap into unseen forces or energies. Magic is a means to manifest change, guided by the will and intent of the practitioner.

Theory:

The set of ideas, principles, philosophies, mechanics, and logic systems that explain how and why magic works, which is verified through multiple means including: experimentation, reproduction, peer review, and divination. It encompasses various conceptual frameworks that practitioners use to understand the nature of magic, its relationship with the practitioner, and its interaction with the world. Magical theory often includes discussions on the nature of energy, the power of intention, the symbolism of magical tools, and the structure of rituals.

Mechanics:

Specific methods, processes, or techniques used in magical practices. This can include the steps of casting a spell, the use of specific tools or ingredients, the timing of magical workings (such as phases of the moon), and the physical actions or words used. The mechanics are the practical aspects that make the theory of magic operational.

Models of Magic:

Frameworks or paradigms through which magical practice is understood and explained. Examples include the psychological model (viewing magic as a means of influencing the unconscious mind), the energy model (seeing magic as manipulation of energies), and the spirit model (interpreting magic as interaction with spiritual entities). These models provide different lenses through which the practice and effects of magic can be interpreted.

Metaphysics:

A branch of philosophy that deals with the fundamental nature of reality and existence. It explores questions about what exists beyond the physical world, the nature of being and the universe, the existence of a spiritual dimension, and the relationship between mind and matter. In esoteric contexts, metaphysics often involves exploring the nature of the soul, the concept of universal consciousness, and the principles underlying the unseen aspects of reality.

Logic:

The study of reasoning and argument. It involves the principles and criteria of valid inference and demonstration. It's the framework within which arguments are constructed and assessed, focusing on the form of reasoning used to arrive at conclusions. Logic is essential in both philosophical discourse and scientific investigation, providing the structure for coherent and rational argumentation.

Unverified Personal Gnosis (UPG): 

Knowledge or insights a person gains through personal spiritual experiences that are not corroborated by traditional sources or shared by others. In the context of witchcraft and esotericism, UPG is the personal revelation or understanding a practitioner might have about their practice, deities, the spiritual world, etc., which is not part of established doctrine or commonly agreed upon belief. UPG is often recognized as valid in an individual's practice but is acknowledged as subjective and personal.

Mechanics

The mechanics of magic, a subject in which, historically, information has been intentionally obscured. Understanding these mechanics requires a deep dive into various aspects, from the immutable physical laws to the nuanced spiritual experiences, cultural and linguistic anthropology, and the subtle ways in which magic manifests and interacts with the world around us.

At the heart of understanding the mechanics of magic is the acknowledgment that physical laws cannot be superseded. This fundamental premise establishes that magic does not contradict or override the laws of physics, chemistry, or biology as we understand them. Instead, it must incorporate these laws, working in harmony rather than in opposition. This integration suggests that magic, rather than being a means to bypass natural laws, works within their bounds, perhaps tapping into aspects of these laws that are not yet fully understood or recognized by contemporary science.

The spiritual experience of magic is deeply personal and subjective, yet it follows certain patterns or principles. The intention in magical practices is often discussed not merely as a desire but as a personal truth, a deep-seated understanding or alignment with a specific outcome or path. This intention is less about wanting and more about being in a state of congruence with the intended result. Alongside intention, passion plays a crucial role. Here, passion is not just emotional excitement but an aligned emotional state that resonates with the nature of the magical work being undertaken. This emotional resonance is believed to amplify the effectiveness of the magical practice.

Gnosis, or knowledge, in the context of magic, refers to a specific state of being. It involves a focused mindset, a specific headspace where the practitioner is deeply immersed in the process and purpose of the magical work. This state of gnosis is often achieved through various practices like meditation, chanting, or the use of specific ritualistic elements that aid in achieving this focused state. Furthermore, a sense of spiritual connection and the development of energetic senses are considered pivotal. Practitioners often speak of sensing energies, of feeling a connection to something greater than themselves - a connection that guides and informs their magical practices.

The path of least resistance is a key concept in understanding how magic travels from its source (the practitioner) to its destination or intended effect. This concept aligns with the idea that magic, much like physical phenomena, follows the path where it encounters the least opposition. In practical terms, this means that magical practices often work in ways that are subtly aligned with the probabilities and natural tendencies of the world. It involves an understanding and utilization of the natural flow of events, energies, and probabilities.

Working with, rather than against, the principles of physics, chemistry, and other sciences is a foundational aspect of magical practices. This approach includes an awareness of how the standard model plays into the manifestation of magical intentions. The understanding here is that magic may increase the likelihood of certain outcomes rather than directly causing them. This awareness extends to an understanding of cognitive and confirmation biases - recognizing that one’s perception and interpretation of events are influenced by their beliefs and expectations. 

The means of manifestation of magic, how it causes effects upon reaching its destination, is diverse. Common means include psychological influences, where the magic might influence thoughts, feelings, or perceptions by influencing the brain’s chemistry or its plastic nature. Opportunistic changes refer to magic creating conditions favorable for certain events or outcomes by influencing entropy or minute physical interactions. Environmental changes encompass the idea that magic can influence the physical surroundings or conditions. Probabilistic manipulation is the subtle nudging of probabilities, making certain outcomes more likely. Lastly, spirit intervention suggests that spiritual entities might play a role in the manifestation of magical intentions.

Energy work is often described as a fundamental force in magical practices. This perspective views energy as underlying all matter, as a pervasive force that interacts and influences at inconceivably minute levels. Energy’s peripheral effects include the influence on emotions, thoughts, or physical conditions potentially through minor propagations of virtual particles. The concept of the subtle body in many esoteric traditions speaks to how our non-physical essence engages with environmental factors and energies. Energetic interactions with spiritual entities are another aspect, where the exchange or manipulation of energies forms a core part of the interaction. It is important to note that energy is present in all magical practices, even if it's not explicitly stated or performed intentionally.

Correspondence and threshold theory are central concepts in many magical practices. Thresholds are seen as a means of projection or transition, allowing for the movement or manifestation of intentions or energies from one state or place to another. These thresholds are composed of a constellation of correspondences. Correspondence refers to the symbolic connection between various elements of the universe, where one thing can represent or influence another due to their inherent connection. In this system, everything is interconnected, and understanding these connections allows practitioners to use them to affect change. Concepts themselves can act as nodes in this network of correspondence, linking ideas, symbols, and energies together.

Thresholds are not only means of projection but also points of transformation. They are where change occurs, where energy shifts from one form or place to another. The creation and function of thresholds are vital in many magical practices, as they are the points at which the practitioner works to enact change. Their ubiquitous presence is acknowledged in the way that many rituals or spells are designed to open, cross, or close these thresholds.

Spirits in magical practice are often conceptualized as multi, extra, hyper, or hypo-dimensional entities. They are described as non-observable through normal means and capable of causing effects that appear non-localized from a physical standpoint. Communion and offerings to these spirits form a significant part of many traditions, where the exchange between the practitioner and the spirit is based on respect, exchange, or alignment of wills. Syncretism in religious practices, where different spiritual traditions blend and merge, provides examples of how various cultures understand and interact with these entities, though it's more an illustration of human cultural interaction than a direct practice of engaging with spirits.

The concept of dimensions as foldings of space-time introduces another layer to the mechanics of magic. According to some esoteric theories, dimensions beyond the observable three-dimensional space and time continuum exist and can be interacted with under certain conditions. These dimensions are where different rules may apply or where different entities or energies exist. The energetic interactions with these spatial dimensions are a topic of great interest, with some practices designed to navigate or utilize these other dimensions for various magical purposes.

Entropy and half-lives bring concepts from physics into the realm of magic. Entropy, the measure of disorder in a system, is considered a force to be understood and potentially utilized in magical practice. The half-life of spells or energy refers to the idea that the presence, potency, or effect of a magical working or energy diminishes over time. Understanding these concepts allows practitioners to time their work appropriately and maximize the potential effects of their magical operations.

Finally, the psyche and perception are critical in understanding and practicing magic. The psychological interplay with magical operations is significant, as belief, intention, and emotional state can profoundly affect the outcomes of magical work. Perceptions of magic, both by the practitioner and those around them, shape the context in which magic is practiced and experienced. Critical thinking and an understanding of one's own perception can greatly enhance the practice of magic. Moreover, magical practices often aim to alter the psyche and perception, facilitating personal transformation, deepened understanding, or altered states of consciousness.

Magical Models

In both contemporary and historical contexts, models of magic provide frameworks through which practitioners and scholars understand and explain the workings and effects of magical practices. These models offer conceptual structures that shape how magic is perceived, interpreted, and practiced.

Definition in Contemporary Contexts

In contemporary esoteric and magical practices, a "magical model" refers to a paradigm or conceptual framework that explains how magic operates and interacts with the practitioner and the world. These models are generalizations of the methodology and approach of practitioners. Models can be used to aid in communication about magic, but they often lose the nuance necessary to maintain the fidelity of practice.

Contemporary models of magic often reflect a synthesis of traditional knowledge, personal experience, and sometimes integrate aspects of modern science and psychology. Common contemporary models include:

The Energy Model: This model posits that magic works through the manipulation of energies, which may be personal, environmental, or universal. It often involves the perception and alteration of these energies to achieve desired outcomes.

The Psychological Model: Here, magic is understood as a means of influencing the unconscious mind. Rituals and symbols are seen as tools for accessing and reprogramming the subconscious to bring about change in the practitioner's internal and external worlds.

The Information Model: A more modern interpretation, this model views magic as a system of information and symbols. It posits that by manipulating symbolic representations, one can influence the underlying information of a situation or system.

The Spirit Model: This model focuses on interactions with spiritual entities. It sees magic as the process of communing with, invoking, or evoking spirits to achieve certain effects.

Each model provides a different lens through which magic is understood and practiced, and practitioners may subscribe to one or multiple models depending on their personal beliefs and experiences.

Magical Models in Historical Contexts

Historically, models of magic were often less explicitly defined but were deeply embedded in the cultural, religious, and philosophical understanding of the time. These models were typically more intertwined with the cosmologies and worldviews of their respective cultures.

The Animistic Model: Prevalent in many ancient and indigenous cultures, this model viewed the world as infused with spirits or animating forces. Magic, in this context, involves interactions with these spirits or forces to bring about change.

The Theurgical Model: Found in various religious and mystical traditions, such as certain branches of Gnosticism and Neoplatonism, this model viewed magic as a means of communing with divine entities or ascending towards spiritual enlightenment.

The Natural Magic Model: During the Renaissance and early modern period, natural magic was seen as part of the natural order. It was based on the idea that objects and symbols had inherent powers or virtues that could be harnessed by the knowledgeable practitioner.

Classical Models, Their Shortcomings, and Their Usage

Psychological Model

The Psychological Model of magic views the psyche as the primary means of manifestation. It posits that by influencing the subconscious mind through symbols, rituals, and intentions, one can bring about changes in their internal and external world. Typical applications of this model include self-improvement, behavioral change, and altering one's perception or emotional state. It is often used in practices focusing on personal development, mental health, and manifestation techniques.

However, one of the primary shortcomings of the Psychological Model is whether it constitutes "magic" in the traditional sense or is merely a form of subconscious suggestion. Critics argue that by attributing all magical effects to the mind, this model strips magic of its mystical and spiritual aspects, reducing it to psychological tricks or self-help techniques at best and a means of manipulating or subverting consent at worst.

Spiritual Model

The Spiritual Model emphasizes spirits as the primary means of manifestation. This model is based on the belief that the world is populated with spirits, deities, ancestors, or other non-physical entities that can be interacted with and influenced. Practitioners may seek to commune with, petition, or command these spirits to achieve various ends. Applications of this model are vast, including divination, healing, protection, and cursing.

The Spiritual Model can be magical, focusing on personal power and the manipulation of spirits for various purposes, or theological, emphasizing worship, reverence, and the ethical aspects of interacting with the spiritual world. While this model is deeply embedded in many traditional and contemporary practices, it's not without its challenges. One issue is the inherently unverifiable nature of spirits and spiritual experiences, leading to skepticism and difficulty in validating personal experiences. Additionally, navigating the ethics and responsibilities of working with spirits can be complex and is subject to personal and cultural interpretation.

Energetic Model

The Energetic Model views energy as the means of manifestation. According to this model, the universe is filled with different forms of energy that practitioners can sense, manipulate, and direct to achieve specific outcomes. This model is pervasive and applies to all types of working, including healing, protection, and magical operations. Practitioners might work with personal energy, environmental energies, or universal forces, often using techniques like visualization, chanting, or tool use to direct these energies.

While the Energetic Model is one of the most widely used and versatile models, it can be difficult to understand and communicate about, especially in terms that align with scientific understandings of energy. The concept of "energy" in magic often encompasses more than just the physical definition, extending into spiritual or metaphysical realms. This broad and sometimes vague definition can lead to misunderstandings or dismissals of the model's validity. Additionally, as experiences of energy are highly subjective and personal, it can be challenging to create a standardized or objective framework for understanding and working with energy in magical practices. Furthermore, various New Age movements have influenced the conceptualization of energy within contemporary contexts, propagating a campaign of misinformation. Despite these challenges, the Energetic Model remains a fundamental aspect of many magical traditions and practices, offering a dynamic and intuitive way of interacting with the world.

Potential for New Models

The evolving landscape of magical practices and the ever-expanding understanding of the world necessitate the development of new models of magic. As practitioners explore different cultural contexts, incorporate modern scientific insights, and encounter new spiritual experiences, existing models may become limiting or fail to encapsulate these diverse perspectives. New models can offer fresh lenses through which to understand and practice magic, potentially leading to more inclusive, nuanced, and effective magical work.

Models' Accomplishments vs. Current Functionality

Ideally, new models of magic should bridge the gap between traditional understandings and contemporary realities. They should accommodate the diversity of practitioners' experiences while grounding magical practices in a framework that is coherent, ethically sound, and adaptable to the changing world. Current models often focus on specific aspects of magical practice, such as psychology, spirituality, or energy, but may not fully account for the interplay between these elements or the broader socio-cultural and mechanical contexts. New models should aim to integrate these various dimensions, offering a more holistic understanding of magic.

Trepidations in Creating New Models

Creating new models involves several shortcomings. There's a risk of oversimplifying or misrepresenting complex mechanical, spiritual, and metaphysical concepts. New models must be developed with sensitivity to cultural and historical contexts to avoid cultural appropriation or misappropriation of traditional practices. There is also the challenge of ensuring that these models are inclusive and do not exclude or marginalize different practitioners’ interpretations, experiences, and beliefs. Furthermore, new models must be careful not to fall into the trap of pseudoscience, ensuring that any integration of scientific concepts is done accurately.

Community Consensus

Achieving community consensus on new models of magic can be challenging due to the diverse and individualistic nature of magical practices. Different traditions, cultures, and personal beliefs all contribute to how magic is understood and practiced. New models should be proposed with an awareness of this diversity, aiming for inclusivity and respect for different perspectives. The acceptance of new models often requires dialogue, experimentation, and a period of adjustment as practitioners explore and validate these new approaches within their practices.

How Magical Models Affect the Perception and Application of Commonplace Magical Practices

The Psychological Model’s Impact on Cultural Appropriation

The Psychological Model's impact on cultural appropriation in magical practices is a subject of significant concern. This model, which interprets magical practices primarily through the lens of their effects on the subconscious mind, can inadvertently encourage a form of cultural appropriation. This occurs in several ways:

Firstly, the Psychological Model often emphasizes the individual's mental and emotional processes in magical workings, potentially downplaying the cultural and historical contexts of specific practices. When practitioners adopt rituals, symbols, or practices from other cultures under this model, they might focus solely on their personal psychological impact, neglecting the deeper cultural significance and heritage attached to these practices. This selective approach can lead to a superficial understanding and application of culturally significant practices, stripping them of their original meaning and disrespecting their origins.

Secondly, the model's focus on personal psychological experience can lead practitioners to believe that any practice, regardless of its cultural origin, is universally applicable and detachable from its cultural roots. This perspective can encourage a kind of "spiritual consumerism," where practices are taken out of context and used without a proper understanding of or respect for the culture they come from. Such an approach often ignores the complexities and nuances inherent in these practices and can be seen as a form of cultural erasure.

Moreover, the Psychological Model's interpretation of magic can lead to a homogenization of diverse cultural practices. By reducing all magical workings to psychological processes, the unique cultural, spiritual, and historical aspects that differentiate one practice from another can be overlooked. This can result in a loss of diversity within magical practices and an undermining of the rich tapestry of cultural traditions that exist in the field of esotericism.

The Spiritual Model’s Impact on Magical Guides and Information

The Spiritual Model's impact on magical guides and misinformation involves several key aspects. Firstly, the model's emphasis on spirits and spiritual entities can significantly influence the content and direction of magical guides. Guides based on the Spiritual Model often focus on how to interact with, invoke, or communicate with spirits, which can be challenging for practitioners who are either new to the concept or skeptical of the existence of such entities. This can lead to a division among practitioners, where some may fully embrace the spiritual aspects while others may find them less credible or relevant. The inherently personal and subjective nature of experiences with spirits means that guides based on this model can be highly individualized. What works for one practitioner in terms of spirit communication or ritual might not be effective for another. This variability can create confusion among practitioners, particularly if they are unable to replicate the experiences or results described in these guides.

Another significant issue is the potential for misinformation. Since interactions with spirits are subjective and not easily verifiable, there's a risk that some guides might contain ungrounded or misleading information. Without a way to objectively verify the experiences or the effectiveness of the practices described, beginners or uninformed practitioners might be led astray by claims or teachings that are not based on sound practice.

Furthermore, the Spiritual Model can sometimes overshadow other aspects of magical practice. If guides focus too heavily on spirit work, they might neglect other important elements such as energy manipulation, psychological work, or herbal lore. This imbalance can lead to an incomplete understanding of magic as a holistic practice.

Finally, the Spiritual Model can sometimes lead to cultural appropriation issues, especially when guides borrow from or mimic practices from specific spiritual or religious traditions without proper understanding or respect. This not only dilutes the authenticity and efficacy of the practices but also disrespects the cultural origins they come from.

The Energy Model’s Entwinement with New Age and Misinformation

The Energy Model, a cornerstone in various magical and spiritual practices, posits that manipulating unseen energies can influence the physical and spiritual world. However, its association with New Age, New Thought, Reiki, and certain interpretations within Evangelical Christianity has led to a high degree of misinformation, commodification, and oversimplification.

In the New Age movement, the Energy Model often becomes intertwined with a broad spectrum of spiritual and pseudoscientific concepts. The model is sometimes presented in overly simplistic terms, focusing on the idea that one can easily manipulate universal energy through positive thinking or intention alone. This approach can dilute the complexities and nuances of traditional energy practices, reducing them to generic concepts devoid of their original depth and cultural context. 

Similarly, within the New Thought movement, which merges Christian principles with metaphysical beliefs, the Energy Model is sometimes co-opted into a framework that emphasizes the power of positive thinking and faith. Such a viewpoint is inherently ableist, as it overlooks or minimizes the complex, multifaceted nature of disabilities, both visible and invisible. It suggests that any lack of healing or improvement is a result of insufficient faith or positive thinking, placing an unrealistic and unfair burden of responsibility on individuals with disabilities.

Reiki, a form of energy healing, while rooted in specific Japanese spiritual practices, has been widely adopted in Western New Age contexts. This intentional adoption has led to oversimplified interpretations of how energy healing works, often stripped of its original cultural and spiritual nuances. While Reiki practitioners undergo specific, often predatory, training, the nuances of this practice can be lost when melded with broader, less defined New Age energy concepts. It is important to note that the adoption of Reiki into New Age thought was intentional by the practice's creators through a process of Christianization that pulled heavily from evangelical mysticism and New Thought; furthermore, it's predatory nature of initiation has been in practice since its original inception.

To address this issue, there's a growing need for education and dialogue that respects and acknowledges the rich diversity and depth of traditional energy practices. By returning to these roots and exploring the Energy Model in its original complexity, practitioners and those interested in these concepts can gain a more authentic and nuanced understanding of how energy works within the realm of magical and spiritual practices.

Collaboration & Experimentation

Effective communication is crucial in the collaborative and experimental aspects of magical practice. It involves several key elements. In the diverse field of magic and esoteric practices, establishing a shared language is vital. Common terminology allows practitioners from different backgrounds to discuss and compare their experiences and theories effectively. This shared language should be clear, inclusive, and sensitive to the various traditions and cultures involved in these practices. Recognizing and accounting for personal and cultural biases is essential in the study and practice of magic. Practitioners should strive to be aware of their own perspectives and how these might color their interpretations of magical experiences and practices. Similarly, they should be mindful of biases in others' interpretations and teachings, approaching them with critical thinking and open-mindedness. Developing methods to verify and validate magical experiences and theories is a complex but important task. This could involve creating frameworks for experimentation, documentation, and peer review that respect the subjective nature of these practices while striving for some level of objectivity and repeatability.

Surveys

Surveys can be a valuable tool in understanding and mapping the landscape of magical practices. Conducting surveys among practitioners can gather data on how different people practice, perceive, and experience magic. Publishing these findings can contribute to a broader understanding of the field and highlight areas for further research and exploration. Analyzing survey results can help in identifying common themes and practices, as well as the diversity within the field. It can also aid in distinguishing the mechanics of magical practices from personal interpretations and experiences, providing a more nuanced understanding of how magic operates.

Publications

Engagement with a wide range of publications is key to deepening understanding. Exploring a variety of texts, from historical grimoires to contemporary writings, can provide a breadth of perspectives. This helps in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the different theories, practices, and experiences within the field. Critical reading skills are crucial. Practitioners should learn to discern between information that discusses the mechanics of magic in a grounded and reasoned manner and content that primarily reflects personal experiences or interpretations. Historical texts are also often written within a contemporary language which codifies information in obscure terminology, analogies, and cultural or religious lenses. Because of this, a thorough understanding of history, cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology is of the utmost importance.

Reviews

Review and critique play significant roles in maintaining the integrity and development of magical knowledge:

Holding Other Content Creators Responsible: Practitioners can contribute to the field by reviewing and critiquing content created by others. This involves analyzing the accuracy, coherence, and ethical considerations of the content, providing constructive feedback where necessary.

Critique vs. Attacks: It's important to differentiate between constructive critique and personal attacks. Critiques should be focused on the content and its merits, offering thoughtful insights and suggestions for improvement. They should avoid personal attacks or derogatory comments, fostering a respectful and constructive discourse in the community.

Spell Logs & Accountability

A spell log is a crucial tool for practitioners to record their magical practices and experiences. It should include detailed entries for each spell or ritual performed. Essential elements to note in a spell log include the date and time of the spell, the phase of the moon, the specific intentions and goals, materials and symbols used, the exact procedure followed, any immediate sensations or experiences during the spell, and subsequent outcomes observed. The spell log serves as a personal accountability tool. By meticulously recording each aspect of a spell, a practitioner can track their progress, observe patterns over time, and make connections between their practices and the outcomes. This detailed record-keeping facilitates a deeper understanding of one’s practices and helps in identifying areas for improvement or further exploration.

The Magical Experimental Method

Developing a Hypothesis

The magical experimental method starts with a hypothesis. This is an educated guess or prediction about the outcome of a magical working. For example, a hypothesis might be that performing a specific ritual will lead to getting a raise at work.

Defining Variables

Identify the variables in your experiment. These include independent variables (factors you will change or manipulate, such as the type of incense used in a ritual) and dependent variables (factors you will measure, such as observable events).

Establishing a Control Variable

Establishing a control in magical practices can be challenging but is necessary for comparison. A control could be:

Non-Intervention Period: Designate a period where no magical work is performed to observe natural outcomes as a baseline.

Placebo Ritual: Perform a ritual that mimics the structure of the actual magical working but without the specific intent or key components.

Alternative Practice: Use a different but related magical practice as a control to compare specific effects.

Historical Comparison: Compare current outcomes with historical records or personal logs from before the practice was undertaken.

Environmental Consistency: Keep environmental conditions (location, time, weather) consistent while changing only the magical elements.

Neutral Observer: Have an observer who is not informed about the specific intent or details of the working to monitor and report results.

Self Comparison: If the experiment involves personal change, compare against personal baseline measurements like mood, energy levels, etc.

Randomized Assignment: In group settings, randomly assign participants to either the experimental group or the control group.

Temporal Control: Perform the same ritual at different times (e.g., different phases of the moon) to compare effects.

Variable Isolation: Change only one variable in the magical working while keeping all others constant, the unchanged elements serving as controls.

Counter-Ritual: Perform a ritual designed to counteract or nullify the effects of the experimental working.

Cultural Baseline: Compare the effects of the magical working against established cultural or traditional understandings of the expected outcomes.

Intensity Levels: Vary the intensity or concentration of a key component of the ritual (like using different amounts of an herb) while keeping a standard measurement as control.

Psychological Baseline: Use psychological tools like questionnaires or mood scales to establish a baseline of mental and emotional states pre- and post-ritual.

Double-Blind Method: Neither the participants nor the experiment conductors know who is receiving the actual magical working and who is receiving the control until after the data is collected.

Accounting for Outside or Environmental Factors

Consider and document any outside or environmental factors that could influence the outcome of the spell, such as weather, emotional state, or external events. This helps in understanding the context of the working. Here are five different possible variables to consider:

Ambient Environment: The physical surroundings where the magical experiment is conducted can have a profound impact. This includes factors like the cleanliness and organization of the space, the presence of natural elements (like being outdoors vs. indoors), and the general atmosphere (quiet vs. noisy, urban vs. rural). Environmental energies, whether serene or chaotic, can affect the practitioner’s focus and the flow of energies involved in the ritual or spell.

Time and Date: The timing of a magical experiment can be a critical variable. This includes not only the time of day but also the date, which might encompass considerations of lunar phases, astrological conditions, and specific days of spiritual or cultural significance. Different times and dates are believed to hold different energies and can be more or less conducive to certain types of magical work.

Weather Conditions: Weather can play a significant role in magical practices. Elements like rain, wind, thunderstorms, or sunshine can influence the energy of the environment and, in turn, the experiment. For example, a spell for growth or fertility might be more potent during a gentle rain, while a banishing spell might be more effective on a windy day.

Emotional and Psychological State: The emotional and psychological state of the practitioner(s) is an essential external variable. Feelings of stress, excitement, calmness, or anger can influence the practitioner's energy and focus. The mental and emotional preparedness of the person conducting the experiment can greatly impact the effectiveness of the magical working.

Presence of Others: The presence and energy of other people, animals, or even plants in or near the experimental space can affect the outcome. This could be due to their physical presence alone or their emotional and psychic energies. For instance, performing a ritual in a secluded area might yield different results compared to conducting the same ritual in a crowded public space.

Measuring and Observing While Avoiding Bias

Carefully observe and measure the outcomes of the spell, striving to remain objective. Employ techniques to avoid bias, such as waiting to interpret results until after the spell has completed its course, or using blind or double-blind methods if applicable.

Acknowledging Limitations

Be aware of and openly acknowledge the limitations of your method. This could include the subjective nature of the experience, the influence of personal belief, or external variables that cannot be controlled.

Peer Reviews

If possible, share your findings with other practitioners for peer review. This can provide valuable feedback and insights, helping to validate or refine your approach. Peer reviews can be informal, through discussions with fellow practitioners, or more formal, such as presenting your findings in a community forum or publication.

Using Theories of Mechanics to Dissuade Misinformation

The goal is to align common magical practices with the underlying mechanics as described by various theories. This involves examining popular rituals, spells, or techniques and assessing how they align with, or diverge from, the theoretical frameworks of magic. For instance, a common practice might be the casting of a protection spell. By analyzing this through the lens of different models - like the energetic model or the psychological model - one can discern whether the practice is consistent with the theoretical mechanics proposed by these models. This exercise helps in demystifying practices, clarifying their basis, and possibly dispelling misconceptions.

This involves a respectful and careful examination of traditional and indigenous magical practices through the frameworks of established magical theories. It's crucial to approach this comparison with cultural sensitivity and an understanding that indigenous practices may have their unique theoretical underpinnings that don't always align neatly with Western magical models. This comparison can highlight the diversity of magical understanding and practice worldwide and can help in acknowledging and respecting the depth and validity of indigenous magical systems.

Engagement with misinformative content requires a balanced approach. It involves identifying and addressing misconceptions or misinterpretations in these publications. This could be done through writing informed critiques, providing educational content, or engaging in discussions that offer correctives to these misunderstandings. The key is to provide clear, well-researched, and respectful counterpoints that educate rather than alienate those who may be inadvertently spreading misinformation.

Cultural appropriation in magical practices can lead to the dilution of their efficacy and meaning. This occurs when practices are removed from their cultural and historical contexts and used superficially or without understanding their deeper significance. Highlighting how the mechanics of magic are intertwined with cultural, historical, and spiritual contexts can help in illustrating the importance of respecting the origins and integrity of these practices. Educating new and existing practitioners about the significance of cultural context in magical work is key to addressing this issue.

Creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for new practitioners is essential for the healthy growth and evolution of magical communities. This involves providing accessible and accurate information, mentoring, and support. New practitioners should be encouraged to learn not only about the practical aspects of magic but also about the underlying theories and mechanics. This comprehensive understanding can help them develop their practices responsibly and thoughtfully. Furthermore, fostering a community culture that values continuous learning, critical thinking, and respectful exchange can help in integrating new practitioners in a way that enriches the entire community.

Merging Theory with Practice

Merging theory with practice in magic begins with understanding the spiritual experience as a cornerstone of effective magical work. This involves recognizing and valuing the deeply personal, often transcendent nature of these experiences. Practitioners are encouraged to explore and integrate their spiritual experiences with the theoretical frameworks of magic, allowing these experiences to inform and enhance their understanding of magical mechanics. This symbiosis between experience and theory can lead to a more profound and authentic practice.

Repetition is a vital aspect of merging theory with practice. Regularly engaging in rituals, spells, or meditative practices helps in internalizing the theoretical aspects of magic. Repetition allows for the refinement of techniques, the strengthening of intentions, and a deeper understanding of the subtle nuances of magical work. It also aids in building discipline and focus, essential components for effective magical practice.

The process of conceptualization involves translating the abstract ideas and theories of magic into tangible practices. This means taking the principles and models of magic and figuring out how they can be practically applied in rituals, spells, and everyday life. It requires creativity, experimentation, and an understanding of how theoretical principles can manifest in the physical world. Practitioners might find that their methods evolve as their understanding deepens, leading to more personalized and effective practices.

Personal accountability is crucial in merging theory with practice. Practitioners should hold themselves responsible for their actions, intentions, and the outcomes of their magical work. This involves honest self-reflection, acknowledging both successes and failures, and learning from them. Being accountable also means being mindful of the ethical implications of one's practices and their impact on oneself, others, and the environment.

Effective communication with both individuals and the broader magical community plays a significant role. Sharing experiences, insights, and challenges helps in building a collective understanding and in refining individual practices. Community engagement can provide support, diverse perspectives, and a sense of belonging. It also fosters an environment where knowledge is exchanged, and collaborative learning is encouraged.

Expanding one's theological practices involves exploring and integrating various spiritual and religious beliefs into one's magical practice. This can lead to a richer, more diverse approach to magic. It might involve studying different mythologies, spiritual traditions, or philosophical texts and finding ways to incorporate these into practice. Respectful and informed engagement with different theological perspectives can broaden a practitioner's understanding and deepen their spiritual connections.

Philosophy and knowledge profoundly impact magical practice. A practitioner’s philosophical outlook can shape their approach to magic, the types of practices they engage in, and their interpretation of magical experiences. An understanding of different philosophical concepts can provide deeper insights into the nature of reality, the self, and the universe, which are often central themes in magical work. Continuous learning, both theoretical and practical, is essential for a well-rounded and effective magical practice.

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Cosmicaquamarie

To learn more about me or view my Masterpost, click here.

This post was reviewed and edited for easier reading by ChatGPT.

[exhelluvafan]

“Well, FUCK you, Stolas! You spring this ‘feelings’ bullshit onto me, are you kidding me right now?!” Like a bolt of lightning, the imp shot into the air, shattering the doors as it closed in on Stolas with a menacing growl. “Can I get a goddamn minute to think after everything you put me through, you pompous, rich, ASSHOLE?!” Stolas froze as Blitzø’s words reverberated in the empty room, his body stiffening. A year’s worth of pent-up rage erupted from Blitzø like molten magma as he paced frantically. "Treat me like one of your little BUTLER imps, you royals think you can manipulate us whenever you want. You toy with our emotions because you believe yourselves superior. And I'm sorry Your Highness, but I won't drop everything for you. That sexy cowboy was one thing, but I have a life beyond fucking you, EVERY MONTH. Do you think I owe you a rescue? Fuck no. This appointment is important. My father Cash was a royal fuck-up who only cared about himself. And I swore to be different. I adopted Loona five years ago, and she's my pride and joy. I've made mistakes, this is Hell after all, but I'm not your toy, I'm not your 'hero' and I'm certainly not going to fit into this sick fantasy you made, only a coward would hide away like that! Why dump this on me NOW?! Well, I'm not letting you, bitch...L̴̨̨̩̃͗̔͌͑E̴̢͍͈̩̳̋̓͒͘T̵͉͖͛'̴̡͚̞̐̃̆͝͝Ș̴̔̓͊͛̿ ̵̢̛̹͝G̵͕̲̋̓̈́̑O̴̧̺̫̞͗͑!̷͉̥͆" Blitzø landed behind Stolas with a thunderous roar, towering over him. His teeth were bared, wings flared, and red and black electricity crackled between his knuckles, a potent manifestation of his hatred for the pathetic demon. He waited for whatever came next. “Blitzø…” Stolas glanced over his shoulder, and Blitzø was met with an intensity of rage. But as quickly as it flared, it was gone, replaced by... wait, what? This motherfucker was crying.  "I thought so very highly of you," Stolas' voice cracked as tears welled up in his many eyes. His lip trembled. "I never imagined you could think so low of me... after everything I've done, everything I've given up for you." Despite the red-hot hostility coursing his veins, Blitzø grimaced as guilt began to bubble up in his gut. For a second too long, he thought about what he’d just said. “Stolas, I—“ He stopped himself, God, what was he on about?! The bird really did groom him. "So," he said, “You seriously think I'd ever think highly of you? After everything you put me through? What you forced me to do for the past year?!" Stolas remained motionless as a statue in the spacious room, bathed in the indigo light streaming through the stained-glass windows. “WELL?!” The imp’s voice cleaved the tense silence, sharp as a knife cutting through the fog. “Blitzø…” Stolas glanced at him, still with his “broken face”. The boss imp glowered at him. “Keep your shitty book, I’m done. Goodbye, Stolas.” Nonchalantly, Blitzø approached a nearby window. With a sharp blow from his gun, he shattered the glass. As he tumbled out, he flipped both middle fingers at Stolas, who glared back with eyes burning like hot coals. Ignoring his opponent's fury, Blitzø caught himself mid-air before gracefully descending to his van below. Sliding into the driver’s seat, Blitzø sat in stunned silence as he felt an immediate lightness in his chest. Tears welled up in his eyes, but he didn’t bother to wipe them away. He was free, the loss of the grimoire didn’t matter—this was what he truly needed. And God, was this the second happiest day of his life… the first, well, that’s another story.

Just a snippet from my Full Moon rewrite ^^! Feel free to comment, review, or ask questions! And yes, if you got the hint, Blitz knows some magic...

This rewrite is truly beautiful, this should've happened on the Full Moon episode, not the victim blaming and consequent gaslighting fest we got, both in Full Moon and Apology Tour.

Reading this was truly cathartic, thank you.

[midwestbramble]

Thirteen Pathways of Occult Herbalism Book Review

This is a book that I’ve noticed often cited or recommended recently in traditional witchcraft spaces, among other books by this author. I wanted to see what all the hubbub was about

⸙༄𓆤𓆩𓆪❁𓇢𓆸🏵

Content:

Synopsis

What I Liked

What I Didn’t Like

Overall Thoughts

Conclusion

⸙༄𓆤𓆩𓆪❁𓇢𓆸🏵

Published in 2017

“The discipline of Occult Herbalism encompasses the knowledge and use of the magical, spiritual, and folkloric dimensions of plants. This perennial wisdom animates many global spiritual traditions, especially those which have maintained their integrity of transmission when in the face of industrial development and cultural destruction. Often concealed within the deepest strata of the Western Esoteric Traditions, the green strand of wisdom, though obscured, is a potent legacy of all magic, sorcery, and occult science. In addition to the hard sciences of botany, ethnology, agriculture, and ethnopharmacology, a number of pathways can assist the magical herbalist in furthering the depth of understanding and integrity of personal approach. Thirteen Pathways of Occult Herbalism circumscribes the metaparadigm of herbal magical practice, providing useful examples of its manifestation, as well as demonstrating its time-honored routes of inquiry.”

—from the back of the book

⸙༄𓆤𓆩𓆪❁𓇢𓆸🏵

What I Liked

This book clearly reveres and respects plants. Schulke talks about the affinities of plants and looking at what natural bonds you have between them, so basically what attracts you to specific ones. Possibly having that bond can create a strong spirit ally. He also talks about the importance of paying attention to the life cycles of plants and how that can give you more information on the best way to work with them, this plus his discussion of the importance of the location the plant is found in (which can change the way in which it grows) is connected to an older belief about identifying plant medicines.

The first half of the book he talks about different paths to learning about plants and their affinities. I was impressed that he included what he calls "The Pathway of the Steward." This is basically growing the plant yourself. Being able to care for it and learn it's little idiosyncrasies can teach you a lot about what the plants talents are, as I like to call them. He also suggests a Hieros-Gamos for a year with a plant to really learn about it and foster relationship with it. I generally spend a month learning about a plant and then watching it out for it for the rest of the year and looking for it again the next season. But this is an entire year with JUST that plant.

Near the end he has a section called Praxis, talking about the importance of respect and why following plant taboos is a good idea. Another section talks about spirit marriage and how this is not something that happens overnight but takes having a relationship with the spirit over time, and just like flesh marriages (as he called it), it takes work and understanding. What he had to say was very educational.

Lastly the author discusses his experience actually ingesting Belladonna (do not do this! He had years of experience with the plant before attempting) which was very eye opening. I'd like to get to the point where I'm experienced enough to attempt but I just know I am no where near ready for ingestion of such highly toxic plants as Atropa belladonna. That said, stay safe kids. Don't ingest toxic plants.

⸙༄𓆤𓆩𓆪❁𓇢𓆸🏵

What I Didn't Like

Schulke uses very academic language. I thought I had a large vocabulary until I read this book. I had to look up so many words. At first I thought he had gone to school for botany and that would account for his language choices, however rereading his biography on the book (and what I can find online) he has a "working background" in ethnobotany. Anyway, if you have ADHD or are dyslexic this may be a hard book for you to get through in a timely manner.

There are a few times in which Schulke refers to the work of Aleister Crowley. I'm just not a fan of this man. He was demonized for all the wrong reasons in the Victorian era, and not the ones he should have been. But this shouldn't be surprising as the book mixes a lot of Hellenism, Jewish folklore and non-canonical works (such as the Book of Enoch), and Christianity while also showing disdain for the god of the last two. He is an initiate of the Cultus Sabbati which accounts for some of this, however I feel like if you're going to take from something you should at least respect the cultural practices and beliefs. Which he even says at another point in the book when talking about plant taboos and yet... anyway.

He uses the word shaman a lot, taking it from what would now be considered older historical works on witchcraft such as Emma Wilby's. He also talks about "Native American shamans." I've talked about in other book reviews how there are no Native American shamans. Shamans are a part of a specific culture, the Tungus, and has been appropriated by academics and lay people. Native Americans have their own words for the people who fill a sort of similar role in their culture. The two are not the same however.

There's also some odd sexualizing of the paths with words like "virgin" and "whore" to describe two of them. I just don't find these words necessary to describe beginners and those with experience. The general sex talk kind of confuses me anyway, but I'm on the ace spectrum so maybe that's where my hang up is. It doesn't make sense to me.

Lastly, he goes on a tangent about fallen angel lore specifically from the Book of Enoch. He's talking about the different ways plant knowledge can be transferred and the Jewish lore around it with the fallen angels, and then just goes off into the origins of them and how people see them a denigrating the earth. He also gets who's in the garden with Eve wrong. It was never said it was Samael, it's just a snake.

⸙༄𓆤𓆩𓆪❁𓇢𓆸🏵

Overall Thoughts

I probably wouldn't necessarily recommend this book, but I also wouldn't stop someone from reading it. It's hard to understand at some points due to the language use and talking in circles. I don't think it actually teaches you anything about working with plants. It's more of a book about the theory of teaching occult plant knowledge than it is actually teaching. This also seems to be a book for a specific kind of traditional practitioner as well.

EDIT: I will say that this book DOES make me want to read more of Schulkes work. I think he has some unique experiences to share and practices we don’t hear about a lot in the overall witchcraft community.

⸙༄𓆤𓆩𓆪❁𓇢𓆸🏵

Conclusion

Sometimes we find books we love, sometimes they're just ok. If this one sounded interesting to you it can be found on Amazon, Lake Forest Book Store, Microcosm Publishing, Barns and Nobles, Penguin Bookshop, Half Price Books, RitualCravt, and it's publisher Three Hands Press.

[thevirginwitch]

Current Reads + Book Reviews

To stay more up-to-date with what I'm reading, and to see my book notes, be sure to check out my Patreon!

last updated October 25, 2024

Current Reads

Weather Magic: Witchery, Science, Lore by Debra L. Burris

Inside the Mirror Box: Spells and Theory for All Practitioners by Ray Baker

Queer Chaos Magick & LGBT Witchcraft Covens by Justin H. Guess

Queering Your Craft: Witchcraft from the Margins by Cassandra Snow

Queer Magic: Power Beyond Boundaries edited by Lee Harrington and Tai Fenix Kulystin

Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick and Manifestation by Mat Auryn

The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft by Ronald Hutton

A History of Witchcraft: Sorcerers, Heretics, and Pagans by Jeffrey Burton Russell

Elemental Witchcraft: A Guide to Living a Magickal Life Through the Elements by Michelle Heron

The Black Arts: A Concise History of Witchcraft, Demonology, Astrology, Alchemy, and Other Mystical Practices Throughout the Ages by Richard Cavendish

Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America by Margot Adler

New World Witchery: A Trove of North American Folk Magic by Cory Thomas Hutcheson

Weather or Not: Two Books About the Magic of Timing & the Timing of Magic by Katrina Rasbold

Coven Craft: Witchcraft for Three or More by Amber K

Read Recently + Reviews

The Everyday Witch's Coven: Rituals and Magic for Two or More by Deborah Blake

Traditional Witchcraft for Urban Living by Melusine Draco

Urban Magick: A Guide for the City Witch by Diana Rajchel

Postmodern Magic: The Art of Magic in the Information Age by Patrick Dunn

The Crooked Path: An Introduction to Traditional Witchcraft by Keldon

Condensed Chaos: An Introduction to Chaos Magic by Phil Hine

By Rust of Nail & Prick of Thorn: The Theory & Practice of Effective Home Warding by Althaea Sebastianti

[rom-e-o]

Okay, so you know how there's kinda, like, this universe where all the Scoobies team up with everyone from Batman and Robin to Don Knotts to freaking KISS? Okay, well, by that logic, they've also teamed up with the Pack too. For what particular mystery, I can't say.😂

Omg, they DO team up with everyone across universes, so that is totally plausible that they team up with the Pack. But for what mystery? Hm ... there are some pretty disturbing things happening 1800s London, if we're talking realism, haha. Modern London as well is hardly exempt, like any major city.

Perhaps they manifest through the same dimension-bending magic as the spirits, and their mystery is not only getting home, but also assisting them in a case with a disgruntled client in a haunted house. The Scrooges need to collect (the man in question has been embezzling donation funds, and they're there to bust him), and they go to this large English manor, and shenanigans ensure. The Scrooges seem oddly paranoid that it's the happenings of a REAL ghost, but is it true? SO, Fun ThingTM: There IS a Christmas Carol-esque Scooby special, BUT it's not the actual Dickens characters. It's called "A Nutcracker Scoob" and the girl in named Tiny Tina? There's a guy that's definitely SUPOOSED to by Scrooge (his name is Mr. Nickelby, so ... another Dickens character that actually has a life that parallels 2022 Scrooge quite a bit) but it's definitely supposed to be ACC Scrooge, lmao. And he has a cat named Snowball. I refreshed my memory of it by watching a YT review and imagine my surprise when suddenly:

"Y-YOU!!!"

[tecnestheim962]

A Rating & Scathing Review of RWBY Characters:

Done by: Me (surprise!)

This is a serious review where I seriously analyze each character and rate them all seriously!!

If I hurt anyone in this, I’m sorry, it’s not you, it’s me. It’s nothing personal.

That being said, let’s get on to the ratings!

Ruby Rose:

Can I just say:

I really just love Ruby. Isn’t she awesome? Like. Man. What a lovable, strong, caring, amazing person! Had the weight of the world thrown onto her, and she didn’t care, she just kept doing what she thought was the right thing. And when she broke? It was still selfless. She thought she was doing the world a favor after all her mistakes. Then she came back because she knew she could do and had to do more for everyone. She needs a hug and all the love.

Rating:

Infinity/10

Weiss Schnee:

Weiss??? The way she opens up and goes from being all, “friendship? Who needs it.” To, “I! Love! My! Friends! Friendship is magic! I will fight tooth and nail for them! They are the most important people in the world!” And the way she became so open minded after learning from different perspectives? Gotta love her.

Rating:

Infinity/10

Blake Belladonna:

Oh my gosh and another of my favorites: Blake! She learns to let herself be loved by those around her! She learns that letting people in isn’t a weakness, but a great strength! She is a fierce protector and a whole civil rights activist taking the world by storm! She finds a way to show love now in any scenario when beforehand she didn’t because she was scared to get hurt. Gosh. Spectacular.

Rating:

Infinity/10

Yang Xiao-Long:

Don’t even get me started on Yang. Protector Supreme. The way she used to let her emotions control her to controlling her emotions??? I’m in shambles. From learning how to live for herself and not just her sister??? It’s important even though she missed rubys pain she’s only human and she’s beautiful!! The way she loves through her actions and defends through her words??? Just kill me now.

Rating:

Infinity/10

Jaune Arc:

Oh yeah and Jaune??? The character development??? Wowza. The way he’s always there for those he cares about??? Fantastic. The way he would throw everything away just to be there for his friends?? I am deceased. His fortitude and determination to keep pushing through?? Ugh.

Rating:

Infinity/10

Nora Valkyrie:

Nora??????? My Queen????? With her heart a beautiful storm that she projects to all those around her??? Her protective nature over everyone??? How she learns that she needs to love herself and know herself before she can truly dedicate herself to another???? Literally puts me 6 feet under.

Rating:

Infinity/10

Pyrrha Nikos:

Pyrrha??? Don’t think I’m leaving her out of this! Her heart was so strong with her convictions and her love for her friends that she literally did everything she thought she could to protect them. She wanted to define her destiny and save the world in the way she thought only she could. I will literally never recover.

Rating:

Infinity/10

Oscar Pine:

Oscar???????????????? My baby???? My precious little prince??? Innocent farm boy who keeps getting slapped in the face by literally everyone (seriously crwby this poor boy needs a break and a hug) literally losing his soul but wants to spend every second he has doing everything he can for remnant???? He didn’t ask for this???? And yet here he is??? I haven’t stopped crying since V5 thank you very much!

Rating:

Infinity/10

Lie Ren:

Ren????? My boy??? Who feels like he always has to be the strong one emotionally??? Who always has to mask his own emotions to take care of others???? Who literally developed a semblance, a manifestation of his SOUL that is empathy??????? Like what???? Who would literally rather be dead than without Nora?? Who tried to take up the mantle of Jaunes emotional support humanness???? Orkcmekwkqo.

Rating:

Infinity/10

I could go on for the rest of my life for these people and literally every other character.

Also, how come tumblr doesn’t have more colors available??? Truly a tragedy and quite rude if I might say! Hmph!

I really hope someone gets some giggles out of this like I did!

Let me know if anyone wants me to do another HIGHLY critical review (ahem) and rating of these characters.

Gonna go cry now bye-

[avokaidoll]

So you're new to this ?

Hey there, doll. Welcome to the wildest ride of high school. If I could go back in time, here's the advice I'd give lil me – the ultimate guide to crushing sophomore year and making it look effortless ! (I think)

Oh this can apply if you're just a new student, or after a break starting a new term or wtv idk !

1. Uniform vs. Home Clothes Chic:

- Whether you're rocking a uniform or strutting in your own home fits, confidence is the key.

>For uniforms, play with accessories ! – a killer watch, cool socks, or a personalized pin for your clothes or hair. Be sure to iron your uniform, I promise it'll elevate your look !

>Home clothes? Find a signature style – be it graphic tees, funky jeans, classic leather jacket, pink pilates princess vibes or athleisure vibes. You do you, and let your uniqueness shine.

- For the schools that do both try to plan carefully when you get the chance to wear home clothes and give your alllllllll; my school had us wear school uniform from Monday to Wednesday, then on Thursdays we get to wear home fits then Friday school tracksuits and on wknds boarders were permitted to wear home fits (the school was so mfing stingy just for those 3 days smh 🙄) and best believe we took advantage of our creativity 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾.

2. Study Smart, Not Hard:

- Let's talk about one study method !!!

Ever tried the Feynman Technique? Teach what you're learning in simple terms, as if explaining it to someone else who's having difficulty understanding or to a younger much annoyingly curious version of yourself :D. Like think to yourself 'how would I explain this to a 10 year old ?'.

This exposes gaps in your understanding and helps you grasp concepts more deeply. It's like being the professor of your own academic empire. Ouh fancy right, I know.

If you're not sure on how to go about it you can ask Chatgpt to explain as if you're 10, here Chatgpt demonstrates by talking about Quantum entanglement;

God I just love that 😌 Aye now don't go to Chatgpt everytime you need something Feynman-ied, it's important to try to practice this and train yourself, don't be so reliant ok :) ?

3. Extracurricular Juggling Act:

- Extracurriculars are the spice of high school life.

The key is balance. Pick activities aligned with your passions. If you're into sports, make sure it complements your academic schedule. Remember, you're crafting a well-rounded high school story, not a chaotic drama.

This adds to your credits, imagine how easy if would be for you to get you uni with all these great stuff on your record. A plus if you get ok to good grades as it shows that not only did you do well but you were active in other stuff. Good impressions go bbbrrr 📈📈📈

I wish I had a friend that pushed me to go for extracurriculars, my record looks so stale except for the usual, nothing fancy to add. Take this as a sign to sign up for the stuff right up your alley !

4. Note-Taking Magic:

- Your notes are your secret weapon.

Try the Cornell Method – divide your page into two sections, one for main notes and the other for summarizing. After class, jot down questions based on your notes; it's like creating your personalized study guide. Like so :

5. Decoding The Testing Maze:

- When it comes to studying for tests, don't just memorize; understand.

The SQ3R method is your ally – Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review. It turns passive reading into an active engagement with the material. Ahhh good stuff !

Remember our talk of quantum entanglement, well, I'll try to demonstrate the SQ3R method if you're studying Q.E

Example Question:

Explain the concept of quantum entanglement and how it manifests between two particles. Provide an example scenario to illustrate your understanding.

SQ3R Breakdown:

Survey:

- Glance over the entire question. Identify key terms: "quantum entanglement," "manifestation," and "example scenario." This gives you a roadmap for what to look for in the material.

Question:

- Formulate specific questions based on the content:

- What is the fundamental concept of quantum entanglement?

- How does entanglement occur between two particles?

- Can you provide a real-world scenario to illustrate this?

Read:

- Dive into your physics materials. Focus on sections explaining quantum entanglement, the mechanics of entanglement between particles, and any examples or scenarios provided.

Recite:

- Close your book and explain what you've learned:

- Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon where particles become interconnected, with changes in one particle affecting the other.

- Entanglement occurs through a process called quantum superposition, where particles exist in multiple states simultaneously.

- Example scenario: Imagine two entangled electrons. If one electron's spin is measured and found to be "up," the other electron's spin will instantly be determined as "up," regardless of distance.

---Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon where two or more particles become interconnected, regardless of the distance between them. This entanglement influences their properties, meaning the state of one particle instantly affects the state of the other. For example, if we have two entangled electrons, measuring the spin of one electron will instantaneously determine the spin of the other, even if they are light-years apart. This interconnectedness challenges our classical understanding of particle behavior, introducing a fascinating aspect of quantum physics.

Review:

- Go back over your notes, ensuring you've covered the fundamental concept, mechanics, and the example scenario. Check your understanding of terms like quantum superposition and the implications of measurements on entangled particles.

Applying SQ3R helps break down complex questions, ensuring a solid grasp of wtv question/topic you plan to study.

6. Time Management Mastery:

- Mastering time is mastering high school.

Ever heard of the Eisenhower Matrix? It categorizes tasks into urgent and important, helping you prioritize efficiently.

1. Urgent and Important (Do First):

- Example: Your final exams are in two days, and you haven't started studying. This is urgent and important, requiring immediate attention to ensure academic success. Drop everything else and hit the books.

2. Important, Not Urgent (Schedule):

- Example: You've been thinking about starting a blog to share your art and connect with other creative minds. While it's important for personal growth, it's not urgent. Schedule specific times during the week to work on your blog and gradually turn this passion project into a reality.

3. Urgent, Not Important (Delegate):

- Example: Your friend needs help choosing an outfit for an event tonight, and you're in the middle of studying for a crucial test. It's urgent for your friend, but not as important for your academic success. Politely delegate the task to another friend who has a bit more time.

4. Not Urgent and Not Important (Eliminate)

- Example: Spending hours scrolling through social media, binge-watching TV shows, or playing video games without any specific purpose. While these activities might be entertaining, they don't contribute significantly to your personal or academic growth. Consider eliminating or reducing the time spent on these non-productive tasks.

Using the Eisenhower Matrix in daily decision-making helps maintain focus on priorities and ensures that time is allocated effectively, especially for a student juggling school, social life, and personal interests!

7. The Success Mindset:

- Approach challenges with a growth mindset. View setbacks as stepping stones to success. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and cultivate resilience. Remember, every stumble is a chance to dance better in the next act of your school journey.

Now, let's dip into the classic realms of friendship and crushes, because at this point you should already know the gist of things. Building genuine connections is like painting your own social masterpiece. Be yourself, laugh often, and approach crushes (and potential friends) with authenticity don't try to change who you are !!!

Confidence, respect, and kindness go a long way. You're not just a sophomore; you're a role model in the making if you try hard enough. Strut through those halls with purpose and make every moment count!

And for those silly cliques, be sure to get in the right ones. The ones that morph you to the bad and influence you to hate yourself or others, ignore them, they're so not worth your time and they're soooo yesterday, and we are living for now and the future .

Keep shining doll !

xoxo signing off,

Angela ꒰⁠⑅⁠ᵕ⁠༚⁠ᵕ⁠꒱⁠˖⁠♡

ps: oh em gee, thanks alot for 360+ likes on my first post, that was really quick it caught me off guard lol, thanks alotttttttt mwahhhh xx

[gozine-translate]

Terminally-ill Genius Dark Knight - 156

156: The Third Main Episode [1]

[Retrieving information about the player-bound artifact, 'Dragon Heart'.]

[Basic Info]

Name: Dragon Heart Type: Special Equipment (Bound) Grade: High Attributes: - Stats: All stats +1 Equip Requirements: [Genius of Mana Sensitivity] and Mana, Willpower stat of 10 or more.

Special Effects:

Increases the grade of magic auto-correction by 1.

Greatly improves proficiency with magic that uses Dfragon Language and significantly reduces magic calculation time.

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

Shocking effects. The effects were so overwhelming that I nearly lost myself, but I managed to hold myself. Even though I'm lying in a hospital bed, if I didn’t feel proud of the rapid increase in my stats, I'd have to look back if I have qualification as a gamer.

I don’t know for sure, but if I looked in the mirror, my grin would probably be stretching to the ear.

But right now, that's not important.

"Let's take a look slowly"

The most straightforward displayed part is the stats.

All stats, excluding luck and charm, have increased by 1. You can say this is shocking.

Naturally, not all high-grade artifacts boast this kind of performance. Sometimes there are high-grade artifacts comparable to highest-grade artifacts, and it's safe to say that the [Dragon Heart] belongs in that category.

'A permanent increase in stats is something you can immediately feel, especially when it comes to physical strength and the replenishment of frequently used mana. Willpower is no different.'

Physical strength will contribute to swordsmanship, while magic will have a direct influence on both swordsmanship and magic. This will be a solid foundation for my future growth.

Since I’m already checking, I decided to review all my stats and the status screen.

With my thoughts organized, the status screen appeared in midair.

[Basic Info] Name: Nox von Reinhaver Gender: Male Age: 15 Race: Human Primary Element: Darkness Achievements: None

[Traits] Positive: [Genius of Swordsmanship and Combat] / [Genius of Mana Sensitivity] / [Insight] / [Master of Memorization] / [Iron Mentality] / [Genius of Acting] Neutral: [Manifestation of Darkness] Negative: [Terminal Illness] / [Prone to Minor Illnesses] / [Cold Limbs] / [Possession]

[Stats] Physical strength: 9.1 (+2) Mana: 14.3 (+2) Luck: 10 Willpower: 14.8 (+1) Charm: 27.1

[Skills] Active Skills: [Genius Time+] / [Advanced Dark Family Swordsmanship] / [Southern Swordsmanship] / [Ignition] / [Basic Arkheim Empire Swordsmanship] / [Material Transformation] / [Dark Spear] / [Limit Break] / [Mana Conversion] / [Basic Moonlight Sword] / [Light’s Step]

*Due to the [Terminal Illness] trait, the player’s remaining lifespan is 91 days.

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

Seeing my steadily growing stats stirs up some emotions. Though my physical strength hasn’t surpassed 10 yet, the other stats are at a satisfying level. I can say that I’ve never grown this quickly in any previous playthrough.

"Especially mana and willpower are at absurd levels… Over 14 ? I’ve had to use my strength a lot recently, so my lifespan has shortened, but that’s inevitable… High risk, high reward. That's the Nox von Reinhaver I'm developing"

Anyway. Looking at my stats, which before I realize are getting closer to 15, my heart can’t help but race. One of the key turning points in base stats is when each stat reaches 15. Every time a stat hits increments of 5, the character experiences a period of rapid growth, and I’m just about to hit that. I look forward to my future growth.

"huu… Not bad."

Sure enough, acquiring good artifacts always brings joy to a gamer.

I shifted my gaze to the next screen. This time, it was the enhanced skill.

'Next is the improvement in magic proficiency using Dragon Language and the permanent rank-up in [Magic Auto-Correction].'

This is another absurd boost as well. I’ll have a chance to explain the improvement in magic proficiency with Dragon Language later, but even just the fact that I can properly learn Dragon Magic, I can say it's already perfect. However, there was an unexpected gain elsewhere.

"[Magic Auto-Correction] permanently ranked up by 1 grade… This is a special effect I’ve never seen in the game."

It’s a trait that turned out to be a good variable. I quickly called out the traits window.

[Displaying detailed info on the passive skill 'Magic Auto-Correction']

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

[Passive Skill] Name: Magic Auto-Correction Grade: High Attribute: None Effect: Automatically boosts the power and effectiveness of all magic-related skills up to advanced level.

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

Ranked up by 1 grade, the automatic adjustment, which only applied to intermediate and lower skills before, also works on advanced skills now. This fact is a very big deal.

Previously, it was more beneficial to use multiple intermediate skills, but now the efficiency of using advanced magic has greatly improved. In the long term, there will definitely be moments where intermediate magic alone won’t be enough to overcome the situation. When that happens, this skill will be a huge help.

"The main episode is coming soon too…"

Chapter 3. The main episode, where the future of the Merchants Faction will be decided, we have to win them to our side. I don’t know if it will go according to my plan, but just like always, thinking it over while organizing my mind will make the situation better, even if it’s just a little.

'I’m so screwed.'

In the end, the conclusion always circles back to this. Still, as expected. I think.

Well, I’ve got to figure it out somehow. What else can I do?

If I’ve got the Dragon Heart?

Then the next step is to master the Dragon’s Breathing Technique. The first step is opening the three pathways and raising my realm.

Astrid was standing in the academy’s secret training hall, staring straight at me.

Her usual lazy expression, but when it comes to magic, her ruthlessness is carved more clearly in my mind than ever.

Astrid looked at my body and said,

"You’re not dead, huh?" "Fortunately, yes."

I shrugged and calmly said. Astrid didn’t even take a glance at me and immediately prepared for the next step. Completely changing my breathing from the root.

"You know about the three magic organs, right? The pathways for circulating magic."

"Yes, I know."

"Spin them all at once. Try circulating them simultaneously."

"…Right now? I only just got the Dragon Heart yesterday. There’s no way I can do something like that this quickly."

I was so taken aback that I asked again. Even in the game, they didn’t throw the breathing technique lessons at you the very next day. Why do things never go the way I imagined…?

"Can’t do it? Then I won’t teach you."

At Astrid’s words, I quickly corrected myself.

"…I’ll do it. In return, please show me a demonstration, and I’ll follow along."

Learning comes first, no matter what. Astrid is more reckless than I expected, but I didn’t have a choice. I told her I’d do it, and asked her to show me how. No matter how you look at it, does it make sense to master a training method that's just a script, all by yourself?

Step, step.

Astrid von Kaliud dragged her feet and approached me as if it was tiresome. Then she extended her hand to me while slightly tilting her head. Next, she waved her hand once.

"What are you doing? Not gonna take it?"

"What do you mean?"

"You wanted a demonstration, right? This is the fastest way."

Still half dubious, I took Astrid’s hand. Then, suddenly, she pulled me into her chest and hugged me. I felt her warm, unique scent, mixed with the scent of baked madeleines. Maybe it was her fire attribute? I even found it comforting.

'I wondered if dragons smell like reptiles, but it seems not'

As I satisfy one of my curiosity, I focused on what she was doing.

A few minutes passed.

I quietly traced the flow of magic I could feel moving from her.

As I thought, she had a plan all along.

'Astrid pulled me close for this. The best way to feel magic circulation is through physical contact after all.'

Astrid’s method was right. The reason she told me to take off my shirt earlier, you can say it was for this as well. As expected from a dragon, her circulation technique was very unique.

'Basically, most dull or average mages can only circulate magic up to the upper dantian in the head. Next is the middle dantian, located in the heart area, which can only be controlled by mid-level mages or more'

Where’s the last one?

Naturally, it’s the lower dantian. Located about two fingers below the belly button.

When this opens, the door to the mental world will be open. This world is different depending on the individuality of knight or mage. If I follow her lessons properly, I should be able to open this lower dantian soon. It’ll also pave the way for a new path.

'Besides, I wonder what Nox’s mental world looks like?'

Condition to open the lower dantian. It's by moving to the mental world. A virtual space that manifests according to one’s will.

So, if the lower dantian opens in Nox’s current body? Will it be a manifestation of my will or an ignition of Nox’s talent as a character? This made me curious, but unfortunately, it wasn't possible to immediately solve it.

"You haven’t opened the lower dantian yet."

"… Who wouldn't? Have you ever seen anyone master the Dragon’s Breath technique in a day?"

"Nope."

"…"

To Astrid's confident reply, I let out a small sigh and stepped away from her embrace. Then, looking directly into her calm eyes, I said

"There’s a faint flow of magic in the lower dantian, though."

"Barely, like a rat’s tail."

"In any case, it’s just a matter of time."

I added with some emphasis,

"I’ll master the Dragon’s Breath, so please formally accept me as Astrid-nim disciple. There’s still a lot I want to learn from you."

"Emmmm… There's no other choice, Noah did ask me after all. It’s annoying, but I’ll help a little. In return, there’s one condition you have to keep it."

This time, Astrid looked at me with a serious expression. Her voice had a gloomy tone as she spoke. Somehow, I could sense a fraction of Astrid’s past from her words.

"Never lie to me. As long as you keep that promise, I’ll accept you as my disciple."

Why was she asking that. In fact I already know.

But I’ll save that explanation for later. There will definitely be a time to talk about it someday.

Therefore.

"Of course."

I just shrugged as I continued calmly

"I have no reason to lie to you."

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

It’s been about a month since Astrid started teaching me. And as my lifespan steadily dwindled, finally the beginning of the main episode was approaching. It all started with Professor Fritzel from the [Joint Martial Arts] class.

“Eee… so, you’ll be participating in a martial arts practical session in a few days. Eee… safety is the top priority, and Eldain's also consider this event extremely important, so any rash actions or decisions will be forb… eee.. be careful of any rash actions or decisions."

"Oh my, it’s already that time, huh?"

Eleanor, sitting next to me, rested her chin on her hand as she spoke. I replied nonchalantly, "It seems so” but In fact, internally, my thoughts were completely different.

'The [Joint Martial Arts] practical session. Main Episode 3 is finally here. This one won’t be easy either.'

After surviving the Paimon episode, also known as the Newbie Crusher, and the Gambling House episode, we’ve now reached the third Merchant Group Collapse episode. To put it simply, it’s famous for its hellish difficulty.

The previous episodes weren’t easy, and this one won’t be either. Even so, we've had a lot of time to prepare, I guess you could say that's fortunate. It's true that there are plenty of variables to worry about, but it's fine if we manage them well. Maybe, things will go smoothly without any major incidents. Either way, hunting demons is the element you can't omit in Inner Lunatic, and should I call it luck that there are fewer concerns from relationship-building major points in this episode?

…Or so I thought, until about two hours after class ended. That hopeful expectation that I wouldn’t need to build any more relationships was quickly shattered. Thanks to none other than Eleanor, the main heroine of Chapter 3.

Eleanor De Rivalin. It was because she summoned me.

Some might ask,

No, if it's Eleanor's request, Wouldn't it be fine even if you don't go?

But I’d have to ask in return. Because…

'the one she summoned wasn’t me, but Shane.'

Shane. My alter ego, the one Eleanor de Rivalin bound to herself by giving him her mother’s keepsake. For some reason, Eleanor called for Shane. And the reason was…

"Please protect me during the [Joint Martial Arts] practical session."

She wanted me to protect her.

In the corner of a cafe run by the Rivalin Merchant Group. For a brief moment, I couldn’t help but look surprised.

Why? Eleanor shouldn’t know that there’s a force planning to attack her.

'That wasn’t in the original story. So why?'

Why What exactly tipped her off to the danger she’s in?

I need to review it quickly. before the apple mint tea on the table went cold. Inner Lunatic’s Chapter 3. The main episode’s upcoming flows and its plot.

[mikuni14]

Jazz For Two - Ep 7-8

I was very into this series from episodes 1-6, but regarding episodes 7-8: wtf lmao.

First of all, I'll honestly admit that after Tae Yi's reaction to the kiss and his werid, sexual attack on Se Heon, I wasn't able to enjoy this series as much as I used to 🤷‍♀️ I don't know if it's because of that or in general, but the tone of the show changed for me from previous episodes.

It seems to me that the series wasted its potential, that it had some intentions that it was unable to implement, either due to lack of time, lack of willingness, or lack of opportunity to delve into the topic of homophobia and abuse. In my review of episodes 1-6, I wrote that the series has a The Eight Sense vibe, but that's what it was- just the vibe. Because The Eight Sense didn't leave issues behind, they didn't deal with them half-heartedly, barely touched upon (well, maybe apart from the issue of "friends", but that was at the end anyway and it wasn't something important for MLs). Unfortunately, JFT touched, skipped over and completely ignored literally every topic: domestic violence, homophobia manifested in violence, including sexual one, depression, internalized homophobia, fear…

Personally, I prefer BL series that take place in a "bubble of acceptance" where homophobia doesn't exist. For many reasons, one of them is how homophobia is most of the times treated and "cured" in the series. I think that homophobia in JFT had the potential to be a very good main theme of the series, but unfortunately the series failed to meet the challenge: homophobia exists, is very unpleasant and is not resolved in any logical way. People affected by it just magically "heal" themselves, or after a while… it stops being an issue. Seriously.

The story is there, they just had to delve into it and not be afraid of difficult, heavy topics. I have the impression that I know what the creators wanted to convey, but they chose the wrong scenes and the wrong "means of communication". For example, why Se Heon's agony when he realizes that his brother indirectly caused the suicide of his boyfriend's brother was not shown. How he struggles with it, how he thinks that breaking up with his boyfriend is the right thing to do. Instead, he is shown as someone who knows that his brother rejected Tae Yi's brother's love, resulting in tragedy, and he does the EXACT SAME THING. I thought about this connection immediately, didn't it occur to the creators?

The second couple: a tough, harsh babygirl and his "love nemesis": they simply ceases to exist. WHY. Again - the potential was right there.

This series had incredible potential, killer couples, a great story and a theme that could have turned this series into another The Eight Sense or Love For a Love's Sake. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. (So I decided to focus only on nice scenes and ignore the rest 😚)

[wingedblooms]

Like a moth to a flame

Maasverse spoilers below. Proceed with caution.

When Feyre and Elain visit the weaver near solstice, we learn that there is a very specific kind of light that not only withstands the darkness, but cuts through it like a blade.

"The silver thread," Elain asked. "What is that called?" The weaver paused the loom again, the colorful strings vibrating. She held my sister's gaze. No attempt at a smile this time. "I call it Hope." My throat became unbearably tight, my eyes stinging enough that I had to turn away, to walk back toward that extraordinary tapestry. The weave explained to my sister, "I made it after I mastered Void." I stared and stared at the black fabric that was like peering into a pit of hell. And then stared at the iridescent, living silver thread that cut through it, bright despite the darkness that devoured all other light and color. (acofas)

That light is Hope. It is a living thread of iridescent light like the healing light that flows from Nesta:

Iridescent light began flowing from Nesta's body. Into Feyre. [...] Tendrils of light drifted between the sisters. And one, delicate and loving, floated toward Mor. (acosf)

I’ve always wondered if the tendrils of iridescent light between the sisters is a hint of what lies between them: raw magic.

“Once, the High Fae were more elemental, more given to reading the stars and crafting masterpieces of art and jewelry and weaponry. Their gifts were rawer, more connected to nature, and they could imbue objects with that power.” (acosf)

We hear about the raw magic of High Fae when the inner circle learns about Nesta’s Made swords. And Sarah just happens to drop art, jewelry, and weaponry as objects that can be imbued with raw magic. Objects that make us think of the sisters: Feyre creates art, Nesta is compared to and actually forges swords, and Elain is gifted art and jewelry that embody nature. She is a blooming flower compared to Nesta’s freshly forged sword (acowar). And the two sisters who have had their stories told have used raw magic to heal (Cauldron; Feyre, Nyx), to create, like the High Fae once did. We will likely see the third sister exhibit rawer magic as well.

We're led to believe that the Mother shows Nesta how to heal Feyre with iridescent light when she agrees to return her magic. We also see a luminous hand (presumably the Mother's) prevent the Cauldron from taking all of Nesta's power, which may be connected to the hand on the mural in Spring that pours the contents of the Cauldron into the void to create Prythian's world. In Herbs she planted, I discussed Elain’s connections to witches and healers (and these categories often overlap, like witches and seers; since the sisters may all possess raw magic, it is not far fetched that Elain could weave sight and healing together as a mystical forest witch would). In that post, I also review how the being we call the Mother behaves a lot like the Other who appears to Yrene in Tower of Dawn. This Other is believed to be Silba, the goddess of healing and gentle deaths. Like the Mother, Silba is also associated with a dark womb, and her healing magic is referred to as world-making power, which brings to mind the hands of creation in Spring.

Yrene, the healer Silba appears to, possesses raw healing magic and it manifests as white light. She uses it to battle Valg magic, which is compared to darkness, void, and hell.

He’d roared around it. His bellowing had been almost as bad as the magic itself. It was a void. It was a new, dark hell. […] She’d hurled her magic against the wall, letting its swarm of burning white lights attack in wave after wave, but—nothing. (tod)

Like water, it seeps into Chaol's legs, and acts like a swarm of fireflies.

Closing her eyes, Yrene let her power seep into his legs like a swarm of white fireflies, finding those damaged pathways and congregating, surrounding the frayed bits that went silent during these exercises, when they should have been lit up like the rest of him. (tod)

Healers' lights are also compared to blooms, and together, they are a field of white flowers.

Blooming lights, along that broken interior. And where they shone... Flesh knitted. Bone smoothed. Light after light after light. [...] Yrene brushed herself along them, waded through them like a field of white flowers, the lights bobbing and swaying in this quiet place of pain. Not lights...but healers. She knew their lights, their essences. (tod)

Her power can also cut through the dark like a weapon, like Hope.

No way to stop Yrene as she plunged into his body, her magic a white swarming light around them, inside them. […] Yrene did not hesitate. She soared through him, down the ladder of his spine, down the corridors of his bones and blood. She was a spear of light, fired straight into the dark, aiming for that hovering shadow that had stretched out once more. That had tried to reclaim him. Yrene slammed into the darkness and screamed. (tod)

Healing magic is repeatedly compared to living things, and we often see Yrene’s raw gift swarm when it attacks the darkness. The term swarm is associated with flying insects, and in particular, honeybees. They swarm protectively when they leave the hive with new life.

“Fire is cleansing. Purifying. But amongst the healing arts, it’s not often used. Too unwieldy. Water is better-tuned to the healing. But then there are raw healing gifts. Like mine.”

“Light,” Chaol said. “It looked like swarming lights, against their darkness.” (tod)

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Elain rose early to accompany Feyre and asked the weaver about the living thread of Hope, especially since this thread resembles the way raw healing magic—living light—behaves in the darkness. We learn that life, in the form of living light, not only pierces the void, but travels through it. Elain is consistently linked to rebirth and the dawn through imagery and her daily routine, rising with the dawn to tend to gardens or help the twins in the kitchen. Dawn is connected to healing magic, and ahappyhermit theorized that Elain may have even healed Cassian’s wounds as Nesta beheaded Hybern in acowar. @silverlinedeyes and @offtorivendell also theorized that Elain might be a Lifesinger, calling to living things around her as she creates. She is often (if not constantly) creating. Whatever happens in canon, it’s clear Elain is the epitome of living light, of Hope:

Beautiful - she'd always been the most beautiful of us. Soft and lovely, like a summer dawn. (acomaf)

She was a rose bloom in a mud field.(acowar)

Even in the middle of winter, she was a bloom of color and sunshine. (acofas)

Her sister's delicate scent of jasmine and honey lingered in the red-stoned hall like a promise of spring, a sparkling river that she followed to the open doors of the chamber. [...] Her sister turned toward her, glowing with health. Elain's smile was as bright as the setting sun beyond the windows. (acosf)

Her brown eyes were bright with tears, but she kept her chin high. (acosf)

Even on the longest night of the year, she glows like the dawn, when light pierces the darkness.

But even the silence weighed too heavily, and though the shadows kept him company, as they always had, as they always would, he found himself leaving the room. Entering the foyer. Soft steps padded from under the stair archway, and there she was. The Fanlights gilded Elain's unbound hair, making her glow like the sun at dawn. She halted, her breath catching in her throat. (Azriel's bonus chapter)

Nesta placed her symbol, a bloom made in the icy darkness of winter, next to the Mother's figurine on the mantle. The Mother who showed Nesta how to use her raw magic to heal. We learn in tod that healers sense Death nearby when they are called upon to heal someone’s wounds or ease their passing (hence the reference to gentle deaths). And as @psychologynerd reminded me, Elain uses her hands to bring joy and beauty to others, even in death.

Elain quietly washed his face. Combed out his hair and beard. Straightened his clothes.

She found flowers—somewhere. She laid them at his head, on his chest.

We stared down at him in silence. “I love you,” Elain whispered, voice breaking.

Nesta said nothing, face unreadable. There were such shadows in her eyes. I had not told her what I’d seen—had let them tell me what they wanted.

Elain breathed, “Should we—say a prayer?”

We did not have such things in the human world, I remembered. My sisters had no prayers to offer him. But in Prythian …

“Mother hold you,” I whispered, reciting words I had not heard since that day Under the Mountain. “May you pass through the gates; may you smell that immortal land of milk and honey.” Flame ignited at my fingertips. All I could muster. All that was left. “Fear no evil. Feel no pain.” My mouth trembled as I breathed, “May you enter eternity.”

Tears slid down Elain’s pallid cheeks as she adjusted an errant flower on our father’s chest, white-petaled and delicate, and then backed away to my side with a nod. (acowar)

I can’t help but wonder where she might’ve found those white flowers on a blood-stained battlefield. Did she actually find them, or did she will them from the soil with her own magic? I love that she does not balk from death and finds a way to nurture life amid bloodshed.

And like a moth to a flame, Azriel—Death incarnate—is repeatedly drawn to Elain, whose light seems to be able to cut through his shadows. A match in power for the darkness.

Elain looked up at Azriel, their eyes meeting, his hands still lingering on the hilt of the blade. I saw the painting in my mind: the lovely fawn, blooming spring vibrant behind her. Standing before Death, shadows and terrors lurking over his shoulder. Light and dark, the space between their bodies a blend of the two. The only bridge of connection...that knife. (acowar)

Truth-Teller, a Starborn heirloom, is the bridge between them. It is a bridge of power, where dark and light blend together, creating the harmonious contrast of dawn and dusk. Dark light. @offtorivendell wrote beautifully about how this scene hints at their future, and @psychologynerd suggested it represents an alchemical marriage. I have also wondered what might happen if their powers are joined like their hands in this scene. In one hand, Elain creates joy and life, and in the other hand, Azriel inflicts pain and death. They have also traded roles when called upon, usually in response to the other. This might explain why Azriel’s power also behaves like a dark counterpart to Elain’s, shadows gathering information as her Sight does, twining like her prophetic vine of flowers. They also swarm like the living light of healing when Azriel—or someone he cares about—is threatened.

"Because of the shit with Elain?" Azriel stilled. "What happened to Elain?" Cassian waved a hand. "A fight with Nesta. Don't bring it up," he warned when Azriel's eyes darkened. Cassian blew out a breath. "I take that as a no regarding the meeting topic, then." "It's about what I discovered. Rhys said he requires you both there." "It's bad, then." Cassian surveyed the shadows gathered around Az. "You all right?" His brother nodded. "Fine." But the shadows still swarmed him. Cassian knew it was a lie, but didn't push it. Az would speak when he was ready, and Cassian would have better success convincing a mountain to move than getting Az to open up. (acosf)

Elain had a mere fight with her sister and cold-as-death Azriel nearly lost his shit. His eyes darkened and his shadows swarmed him, promising pain. He wasn’t even there to witness the fight, he just heard about it after the fact. Death clearly has it bad for the lovely fawn. And I fully expect to see her living light bring him to his knees. Like a moth to a flame.

[maggiekwest]

Pre-Release Readers Wanted!!

Greetings dear readers!! I’m looking for ARC readers for my upcoming book, Son of Lightning.

The bonus is, I’m giving you the first two books in the series for free ;)

What is an ARC reader?

ARCS (Advance Reader Copies) are unpublished copies of a book that go out to a select group of readers to read and review before the book launches to the public.

This is a super important step in the successful launch of a book, because it allows authors to gather early reviews and spread the word about their upcoming release!

Son of Lightning is book 3 in the Descendants of Robin Hood trilogy.

In order to review it, you probably want to read the first two in the series first. But, you don’t have to! In the ARC (advance reader copy) application, I’ve included the option to just receive a synopsis of each book.

So, you can choose whether you’d like to download the other books as ebooks, or just download a synopsis!

Click Here for the ARC Application!

But what’s the series about?

Eight hundred years ago, a powerful sorcerer laid a trap for Robin Hood. But the curse backfired, releasing a burst of pure magic. Robin Hood’s descendants carry this magic as elemental powers.

The two nations of descendants are on the brink of war. Jack’s North Wind power is about to manifest when the rival nation attacks. Now Jack is on the run from the Sheriff, sorcerers, and a mysterious girl of the shadows as he struggles to contain his chaotic power.

As the war deepens, a villain out of legend rises to crush any opposition and claim his immortal throne. But the Sorcerer Gisborne’s plans run much deeper than first believed, and Dark sorcery spreads like a plague.

Follow Jack’s adventure along with a swing-first-ask-questions-later Fire bender, a Lightning bender with a dark secret, and a talking baby panther who is maybe more than meets the eye.

In Book 3…

There’s two sides to every story.

Jack’s victory over Sorcerer Gisborne is bittersweet as he struggles with the grief of Nick’s death to the all-consuming Sorcerer. Nick, buried in his own mind, struggles desperately to maintain his identity as he is pushed deeper and deeper under Gisborne’s control.

Determined that no one else will die, Jack sets off to rescue Natanian from the monsters who kidnapped him. But what he discovers will set off a chain of events far worse than he could dream. As the Ealdra weave corruption through the world, Jack faces a choice between saving his nation, and saving his friends.

View Content Warnings

Sign me up!

If this series sounds like the perfect read for you, or you’ve read the first two books and can’t wait to see how the story concludes, click the button below to fill out the short Google Form. ;)

Google Form Sign Up

I don’t have any restrictions on who can ARC read for me. As long as you love fantasy, or you’re willing to take a chance on a young adult elemental fantasy, go for it!

If you’d like to review the book before it launches, it comes out on June 25th, which is 7 weeks away. 

But, it’s important to know that if it takes you a couple weeks after launch, or a couple months after launch, you’re not going to hurt my feelings! I know life happens, so just get to it when you can.

I hope you dive into this adventure with me, and see you over at the sign up form!

[alaezasmystery235]

✼ Messages you need to hear right now ✼ 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀

It's been some time , I've released a PAC , how have you guys been ? Choose a pile using your intuition and take what resonates, claim for yourself 🤍

Pile 1 Pile 2 Pile 3

քɨʟɛ 1

It's the right time to begin new projects! If you had any doubts about your ability to manifest your dreams, leave them behind. In fact, the more self-confidence you have, the more success you experience! Fortunately, the angels can boost your inner strength if you’ll call upon them for help. Although you may not feel ready to move forward upon your path, you’re actually more prepared than you realize. Your life experiences have trained you for this moment, and the opportunities available to you at this time are magical. It’s not necessary to take any more classes or read any more books, which would only delay you from walking through the door that’s presently open for you. Take focused action upon any plans you may have been preparing for.

Additional messages for the pile = No more procrastination! Magical occurrences. Concentrated efforts. Unexpected resources.

・──・──・୨୧・──・──・⁣⁣

քɨʟɛ 2

Positive thinking is essential right now. Your own obsessive, negative thoughts are the true culprits behind the trouble you fear. Release your guilt, and realize that regret is a wasted emotion. Turn your attention to the amazing possibilities for the future and leave the past behind. If you’re having unpleasant dreams at this time, write them in a journal, bless them for their desire to inform you, and then send them to the angels. If depression is an issue, encourage those affected to seek professional counseling.

Additional messages for the pile = Sleeplessness. Racing thoughts. Expecting the worst. Self-fulfilling prophecies. Worry. Stress-related illness.

・──・──・୨୧・──・──・⁣⁣

քɨʟɛ 3

It’s time to review your plans, according to this card, and look at things from a new perspective. Ask yourself: is it possible that a different approach would work better? Although it may feel like events have come to a standstill, this is temporary. So, make use of the extra time you’ve been given to rethink your strategies. You may need to step outside of the norm and the mainstream right now and embrace your unique and eclectic beliefs or attitudes. It’s also a good moment to be generous with your time, attention, and gifts.

Additional messages for the pile = Epiphanies. Selflessness. Unexpected life changes. The need for patience. The power that lies in being oneself. Unusual solutions.