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timetrickster · 5 years ago

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Aloha Oe X Edith Nox Crossover Special Ep: The Wedding Of Edith Nox Part 2

Part 2! Let’s go!

TAG: @cometworks , @coloursintheblur

FADE IN:

Fear, the feeling had spread throughout the temple. The Warriors and The Hero looking on what had been unleashed. Shocked and worried, The MYSTERIOUS MAN had stretched finally free from his imprisonment in vaporous form. Trapped within the statues of each Fate.

MYSTERIOUS MAN

I am finally free...

His voice was deep and sophisticated, as he said his first words. His eyes had a bright red tint.

VIOLET stepped forward, with her magic of ice. She created a sword and held a stance. JUSTIN steps forward as well, moving the tail of his coat. He draws his laser revolver, aiming it toward the MYSTERIOUS MAN.

VIOLET

Who are you?!

MYSTERIOUS MAN

You little things, that live in the light! Clinging to your feeble suns and false gods for protection. The darkness and fire shall rise.

JUSTIN

Answer her question!

The MYSTERIOUS MAN looked at JUSTIN. EDITH looked toward him for a brief moment.

MYSTERIOUS MAN

Trickster!

JUSTIN

You know who I am?!

MYSTERIOUS MAN

I felt this very moment, the meeting of The Fate Defier and The Last Of The Time Walkers.

JUSTIN was clearly shocked by this.

MYSTERIOUS MAN

My strings were cut, a long time ago... my body trapped as vapor, my soul banished into the Downward.

VIOLET

Who are you?!

MYSTERIOUS MAN

So many questions asked... so many answers to give... but in due time they shall all be answered.

He vanished in a cloud of dark fiery smoke.

INT. THE THRONE ROOM.

A couple hours after the interruption of the wedding. The Warriors reconvened within the throne room of the castle. JUSTIN had walked in, catching their attention. Having come from an awkward meeting fueled by chaos. He smiles awkwardly,

JUSTIN

Long time no see.

EDITH immediately runs to him to give him the biggest hug. As well as VIOLET & NOEMI creating the biggest group hug.

EDITH

We missed you too!

She nestled her head on his shoulder, and he rested his chin on her head. Releasing him from his embrace.

VIOLET

As much as we missed you. What are you doing here?

JUSTIN

Well, first and foremost I didn’t get an invite to the wedding.

NOEMI

You live in another universe dude...

JUSTIN

I know, ( He chuckled) It’s alright but more seriously. I received a warning from The Fates.

They grew concern,

VIOLET

What warning?

JUSTIN

A forgotten being, his strings cut and... uh... “He walks in dreams of The Savior. He shall appear the days of strings intertwined.”

EDITH realizes he was the man in the dream.

I had a dream about him! Before the day of the wedding! But who is he?

JUSTIN

I don’t know but he’s clearly someone dangerous.

NOEMI

We have to talk to the Fates.

PERIWINKLE steps into the conversation.

PERIWINKLE

Ooh! I missed the feeling of a crossover!

The Warriors and Heroes walked side by side leaving the throne room.

INT. THE TEMPLE OF FATES.

They walked in and reached the altar slowly walking through the rubble of the destroyed Fates statues.

EDITH

Fates! We need to talk!

In a flash, they are transported into the Realm Of The Fates.

INT. REALM OF THE FATES.

The once divine paradise it once was, now in shattered ruins destroyed by hellish fire. The garden severely burned and the Fates nowhere to be seen. The sight of this had created even more worry and fear in them.

EDITH

What happened...

The distorted shadow of CAT appears EDITH concerned.

EDITH (cont’d)

Cat! What happened?!

She comforted her, holding her. OWL & FOX appears weak but still standing from what had happened.

FOX

Edith... Time Walker.

JUSTIN

What happened here?!

CAT

Liberius.

She finally got the word out.

They look at the standing Fates.

VIOLET

Who is?

OWL

Answers and questions, too many to say. Weak and hurt we cannot convey.

FOX

Liberius... is this universe’s devil. (Looking toward Justin) You know of the devil right, Time Walker?

JUSTIN

Yeah... he exists in many religions throughout the universe and including the multiverse.

FOX

Well... we made sure his legend did not come to fruition.

EDITH

Tell us about this “Devil”.

FOX had waved their shadowy hand in the air, the galaxy had turned back time to a moment.

FOX

Long after the cataclysm of this world... it was desolate and very little of humanity. We reworked tirelessly to reform the strings and set the path of magic on the evolution of humanity.

(FOX breathed heavy and hard as they faced great pain.)

Liberius was once a king, benevolent and kind. But a facade...

(FOX sneered at the thought,)

His curiosity knew no bounds and he attempted to become powerful as us.

OWL

His strings were severed, but he was unfettered, standing tall and proud. Now he.. was unbound.

FOX

Despite his strings being cut the essence of his soul darkened his broken string. It... it fixed itself in darkness... creating a devil... His fire magic had darkened... he had access to shadow magic....

EDITH

Then what happened?

OWL

Banished his soul and trapped his body. The plan was quick, simple, and shoddy.

FOX

Before we banished him, he stole a prophecy thread, to make his return through the Savior’s love.

EDITH

Why me?

FOX looked toward EDITH.

FOX

My dear, you are the only Savior in the long line of your predecessors to live long enough. The rest have died young but you, my dear you have lived long enough to fall in love.

JUSTIN

How do we stop him now?

FOX

Banished him once, banish him again... but we are weak, we need to heal.

VIOLET

Where is Neydolya?!

OWL

Went after him she did... find her you must.

EDITH looks at the rest of the team.

EDITH

Well, gang. It looks like we’re gonna be saving the world again. You ready?

NOEMI

Always ready with you dude.

VIOLET

With you my love? Ready.

EDITH looking toward JUSTIN.

JUSTIN

I’m a hero for god’s sake, always ready. (He smirked)

EDITH

Good.

JUSTIN

First things first, we need to come up with a plan and figure out how to take him down.

VIOLET

Agreed with the alien boy.

JUSTIN Aw, miss the nickname. (Looking to FOX) Where is he exactly?

FOX

A pocket dimension within the stars called The Downward

JUSTIN

Well, here we go again.

CUT TO: INT. THE ETERNITY.

After meeting with The Fates, and leaving them to heal. The Warriors and The Hero team up once again to save their universe. They aboard the time ship, The Eternity. ENOCH greets them properly,

ENOCH (V.O)

Welcome back, Captain.

JUSTIN

Hello Enoch! Guess who I’ve brought.

Immediately reacting, ENOCH allowed her physical form to develop. Her robotic body formed as it levitated down from the ceiling. In place, it connects and her holographic face project within her robotic body.

ENOCH

Hello again.

You see her smile on her digital face. EDITH smiles and immediately hugs ENOCH.

ENOCH (cont’d) Nice to see you again, Ms. Nox.

EDITH

You look so cool, Enoch! (She begins looking at the shiny white exterior of her robotic body)

ENOCH

Thank you, my dear.

JUSTIN

Well, we’ll have our little reunion later. Let’s prepare.

ENOCH

To the armory then.

INT. ARMORY

One by one, they suit up in their last armor from The Battle Of Abricot.

EDITH choosing to brandish her threads of the time-traveling look, which she borrowed clothes from JUSTIN. She wore a pastel green long coat, wearing a shirt of her favorite empath, Mantis from Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol.2. Now wearing jeans and boots to go with it. Her gauntlet with the gemstone to make her shield of light and a pauldron on her right shoulder.

EDITH

I never watched this movie yet... I really wanna see this empath!

JUSTIN

We will soon after we’re done with saving the world again.

NOEMI dons something new, a porcelain white, leather suit with black strips near his chest. Along with a black cloak and hood to go along with it. His weapon of choice was Ingram’s Scythe having practiced the weapon and his magic in the time skip. Now named as The Spirit.

JUSTIN

Dude! You look like the Grim Reaper!

NOEMI

Cool! Who is that?!

JUSTIN

The personification of death dude!

NOEMI excited by hearing it. He looks in the mirror and smiles at the sight.

NOEMI

AWESOME!

VIOLET dons on something new as well. A black slick, leathery suit with a silver snowflake symbol etched into the chest. With a sleeveless navy cloak that hugs the body and pauldrons on both shoulders. Near her belt was her silver dagger with a beautiful design on the handle. It was called The Icicle.

VIOLET

I love it, it really goes with my magic.

INT. THE BRIDGE

The team now ready for a fight, head to the bridge. EDITH walks next to JUSTIN

EDITH

Justin, I need my sword. I need to go home.

JUSTIN

Let’s go. Enoch?

ENOCH

Already on it, Captain.

CUT TO: EXT. EDITH’S HOUSE - EDEN

Landing back at Edith’s house, JUSTIN & EDITH run to her garden. Eden, Now having built an enormous greenhouse, there stood the gigantic tree in the middle. Running up to it she caresses it.

EDITH

Hey buddy! Berry, I need you!

BERRY... the once imaginary friend of EDITH. Now become real through a reality-warping wish. The King Of The Dryad had opened a door within himself. Edith’s Sword Of The Fates stood in the middle trapped in a wooden stump.

BERRY (V.O)

Edith is everything alright?

EDITH

Not really, Berry. I need my sword.

She ran to it and pulled the Sword Of Fates from the stump. Holding it high and pride.

EDITH (cont’d)

Hello old friend (She says to herself)

Meanwhile, JUSTIN talks to BERRY on the outside.

BERRY

Justin! It’s good to see you! (He hugged him)

JUSTIN

It’s nice to see you too Berry. I need you to do something for me.

BERRY

Anything, What is it?

JUSTIN holds three devices,

JUSTIN

These devices I’m giving you are distress beacons. You get one and give the others to Argento and Periwinkle. If we are in trouble, Enoch will follow protocol immediately coming back for you guys to come and save us. Be ready.

BERRY

Will do.

EDITH comes running out of BERRY’S tree home.

EDITH

Let’s go!

JUSTIN

Take care

He dashes off following EDITH back into the ship.

CUT TO: INT. SPACE

The Eternity had reached space.

ENOCH (V.O)

Captain. The entrance portal is right in front of us.

JUSTIN

Good, enter now.

INT. THE DOWNWARD - CAVE

The Eternity had slowly moved forward and they entered a new world. A fiery wasteland, desolated with nothingness except for destroyed foundations. They exit the ship and are hit with a heatwave.

JUSTIN

It’s hellish here...

Speaking his a comm device, he spoke to ENOCH

Enoch keep an eye on the ship.

ENOCH (V.O)

Yes, Captain.

EXT. THE DOWNWARD.

The dimension was small but it felt like a huge room. A throne had stood within the distance where they left The Eternity in a cave. The ground shook as soon as they left the cave, within the distance NEYDOLYA and the MYSTERIOUS MAN was still fighting. Despite their energy of going on had slowly depleted neither side wanted to give in.

NEYDOLYA was on one knee and breathing heavy.

NEYDOLYA

You just never give up? Do you? Liberius.

LIBERIUS also tired and hands on his knees.

LIBERIUS

Neydolya... my former goddess... I don’t.

Charging at each other once more, fire burning in his hands. Neydolya vanished in shadow, missing his attack. She reappeared behind him and with her magic blasted him with shadow blast.

The Warriors and The Hero rush in to help.

EDITH

Neydolya!

Distracted by their sudden appearance in The Downward.

NEYDOLYA

Children, how did you even get here?

JUSTIN waved his hand. Suddenly LIBERIUS stood back up and grabbed onto NEYDOLYA holding a weapon to her neck.

LIBERIUS

Children... you shouldn’t have come here.

Armed and ready, they all draw their weapons.

EDITH

Let her go, Liberius.

LIBERIUS

Finally... The Savior. I have to thank you for waking me.

JUSTIN Let her go.

LIBERIUS looked toward JUSTIN.

LIBERIUS

Yes, finally I get to talk to you. The Time Trickster, the Last of The Time Walkers. So many titles, so many meanings behind it.

JUSTIN

How do you know who I am?!

LIBERIUS

When my soul was trapped... in this infernal place! I saw the sky of your stories and the Savior’s! I walked in your dreams when I felt my return coming.

His voice was raspy.

VIOLET

We’ll take you down, one way or another.

LIBERIUS’ fiery eyes locked with VIOLET

LIBERIUS

You think... you can stop me, Princess? I am the Fate Defier!

NOEMI immediately charged his the Spirit, with necromantic energy. Charging instantly quicker than usual and striking at LIBERIUS. Quick enough to block, his sword of fire was locked with his scythe.

LIBERIUS (Cont’d)

I almost forgot about you, Dark Angel.

NOEMI pushed him back with force and swing and struck when he could. He equaled his speed, JUSTIN and VIOLET join the fight while EDITH quickly tended to NEYDOLYA.

EDITH

It’s gonna be okay.

She took a pouch from her coat containing water. Pouring the holy water over the goddess.

NEYDOYLA

Thank you, Edith... I have to return to the realm to heal.

She vanished quickly before collapsing again. EDITH summons her light shield and drew her Sword Of Fates from the sheath on her back. She charged into the battle.

The Fight:

NOEMI unfurled his wings and flew backward in the air to catch his breath.

VIOLET with the Icicle and JUSTIN with his katana. They strike at the same time, but LIBERIUS had blocked both. They both were strong enough to hold him where he stood. VIOLET summons what she could another dagger of ice, which she attempts to stab into his shoulder. But it melted quickly due to the heatwave leaving a small stab in his skin.

JUSTIN freezes times and as everything had slowed down. He attacked him quickly, slashing then moving on to slashing another part of his body. Finally kicking him from a midair jump, EDITH charged in with her light shield. Bashing his head face first. She swung the Sword Of Fates onto his shoulder, it was buried into his shoulder.

LIBERIUS has cried out in pain. Attempting to punch EDITH in the face, squeezing the gauntlet, the shield of light became a dome surrounding and protecting her. JUSTIN quickly switched to his laser revolver and stunning him with electricity. NOEMI & VIOLET with their respective weapons striking. VIOLET stabbing him in the left shoulder, then wrapping her arms over his and held onto the dagger.

Holding onto it, in order to hold him down. With his magic, NOEMI’S scythe had extended and curved over his body and tightened to hold him in place. EDITH lets go of the shield and stabbed the Sword Of Fates into LIBERIUS’S chest. Lights began to blare out of his eyes and he falls the ground.

Releasing their weapons, from his fallen corpse. They stood over him,

EDITH

I think we won.

A slow clap, the imminent sign that evil was still around. They all turned to find LIBERIUS unscathed and fine. Sitting upon the once empty throne.

LIBERIUS

That was rather amusing to see.

(No longer in armor, he had a distinguished suit. A polo without a tie and a blazer and slacks embellished with a bright red.)

Sorry, while you were fighting... I had to get dressed for these new times. Aliens, time travel, space... combine that with magic... it’s an interesting crossover.

Gripping their weapons and aiming their sights toward him.

LIBERIUS (Cont’d)

Children... as always. With your powers, you could help me take over this world. But you all of you... good to the core. You’d rather die than join me.

(They were silent but he knew their answers. A smile appeared on his face, grinning with such creepiness, it could send shivers down your spine.)

Anyways... I should tell you one thing before I came home... I stole some creation thread from the Fates.

(With a snap of his finger, a small roll of glowing yarn was in his hands.)

With this... and while you lot were busy. I created what you call in your universe, Time Walker.

(He plays coy...)

Hmm... what were they called again, Time Walker?

From the ground, had risen a small army of the newly created demons. Fiery and filled with stones, they arise and surround them.

JUSTIN

Demons...

Unseen, JUSTIN had pressed his communication device. Whispering one thing.

Distress Protocol

The Eternity had begun to float and reversed back through the entrance portal. Once returning in space, a time portal suddenly opens and flies through it. The Jump Ship had separated from the main ship, as it dove in first into the Chronal Zone.

LIBERIUS

Yes, Time Walker. Demons. Fire Demons. Ooh, I like the sound of that.

Now back to back they were surrounded by the rising army of fire demons. LIBERIUS begins to laugh with such evil and malevolent intent, as the Warriors and the Hero were now without a means to escape... they were trapped.

FADE TO BLACK

TO BE CONTINUED...

IN PART 3

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thesilverwitch · 7 years ago

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WICCA: ALTAR BASICS

AN ALTAR IS...

A Wiccan altar is a raised structure or place used for communing with the Divine or your own Spirit, upon which a Wiccan practitioner places several symbolic items for the purpose of Divine reverence, casting spells, and/or saying chants and prayers. An altar is an important aspect of the Wiccan religion for many practitioners — a value that goes way beyond having somewhere to put all your magical things.

A symbolic manifestation of your innermost self.

A reminder of your ideals.

An echo of your beliefs and wishes.

An expression of your heart’s longing and your soul’s potential.

A focal point and container for magical energies.

An amplifier for Divine interaction.

And, perhaps most importantly, an altar is like a magical conductor for your success and well-being.

We each have a temple in our inner hearts. And any spiritual process is about entering and worshiping there. But it's not easy to access something so abstract. So, like your symbols and tools and Gods and Goddesses, you create something that comes through the gate of your senses. Something you can see and smell and touch. Even hear and taste, if possible.

The more senses you engage, and the more you balance your sense perceptions, the more you can access the spiritual levels that you seek. In this context, altars are not some esoteric mystery, but the most natural expression of what has value to you.

So, in the broadest terms, an altar is any collection of items that are personally meaningful. Almost everyone has one--That collection of photographs on the bedside table. The mementos that gather on the mantelpiece. These are altars to your loves and your life.

When you want to make an altar dedicated to your spiritual life, you simply focus a little more. You put only items that uplift your spirit and remind you of your ideals.

SETTING UP YOUR ALTAR

An altar doesn't have to be complicated or costly. You don't really need anything other than what you have on hand, or can easily find for free. You don't even need a specially designed altar table. Many people set up altars in convenient places, like an end table, a dresser, a mantle, even on top of the tv. For a private altar, a hutch with closing doors, or a bedside table can work well. And don't forget your outdoor spaces that are also perfect for altars: old stumps, hollows or nooks in trees, on top of stones, beside creeks, small caves, etc. Anyplace you aren't likely to step or sit on it, you can set up a little altar.

BASIC ALTAR SETUP

Some people will try to tell you that you absolutely must have this or that on your altar. If so, smile politely, say thank you, and walk away. It's your altar. And it's your spiritual Path. There are no rules for what kind of items you put there - do what works for you. When making an altar, let your heart speak. Let your inner magical child express the wonder and delight in the world that you once had.This is your pure divine self expressing itself. And that's what spiritual practice is all about.

Altar tools don't have to be complicated or costly. You don't really need anything other than what you have on hand, but you might want the customary Tools of the Trade. Ritual tools are as individual as the practitioner who uses them. But it helps to know what the basic tools are and how to use them to get an idea of what you want on your altar and how you want to use the items.

Atar Setup Example:

Athame

(It is pronounced like this.) The ritual knife, or athame, is one of the prime altar tools. Traditionally black-handled, the athame lives in the East, the direction that represents mind, thought, and choice. An athame doesn't have to be metal. You can find ones made out of wood or carved stone, if you prefer. It's not used as a physical knife, anyway, but a symbolic one. Athames hold yang energy. Athames are used to direct energy, typically in casting ritual Circles and recalling them. They may also be used to cut energetic ties. Ordinarily, an athame is not used to cut anything on the physical plane.

Bell

Bells are like the 'Voice of the Goddess.' When you ring one, it brings the Divine's attention to you, and your attention to the Divine. A bell with a lovely tone will call beautiful, healing energy to you. Bells can also be used to clear energy. At the end of a ritual is a good time for this, but if unwanted energy crops up during a ritual, you can use the bell to disperse it.

Candles - Direction Candles

One candle for each of the directions, color coded, are often used on an altar. One would go in each appropriate direction. Candles are used to invoke and hold the Powers of each direction.

For North: black, green, or brown

For East: yellow or white

For South: red or orange

For West: blue or aqua

For Center, where you aren't using God and Goddess candles: white, silver, or gold.

Candles - God and Goddess Candles

Often large candles, such as pillar candles, are used to represent the God and the Goddess. They are often represented with a black and white candle. These are usually set on either side of the Pentacle, or somewhere in the center of the altar. These candles invoke the Energies of the Divine.

Other options are having just one large candle for the Great Goddess, or three (white, red, and black) for the Maiden, Mother, and Crone.

Chalice

The chalice could be considered one of the most important altar tools. It signifies the Mother Goddess. As such, it is a "yin" altar tool. Some people like very fancy bejeweled cups for their altar chalice, but this is not necessary. A cup or wine-type glass of any material will do, or even a bowl. Something that holds water and, ideally, is round or curvy is good. Silver is always nice for Goddess tools - a silver chalice is a perfect practitioner chalice. The altar chalice is placed in the West, the direction of Water and the yinnest of the yin. The chalice is used for ceremonial drink, offering libations to the Divine, or holding the salt-water solution.

Deities

Images or representations of any gods and goddesses who are special to you are always welcome on an altar. Though of course we could not respectfully consider them "altar tools." They are more than reminders of Divinity. Statues of the gods and goddesses can actually hold the vibrations of the Divine. So your altar becomes a living temple - a place where the Divine dwells.

Libation Dish

A small dish, bowl, or cup can go in the center ready to receive offerings for the Divine. You can also use your altar chalice or cauldron for this purpose. Later, pour or bury the offerings in the Earth, or into living water (rivers, lakes, etc) to carry them to the Divine.

Pentacle

The Pentacle, a 5-point star within a circle, usually is placed in the center of the altar. The pentacle is one of the most important altar tools, offering protection and power in magical work. You can use it to charge your magical items.

Salt Water

A small bowl of water with salt dissolved in it, for cleansing. This would be appropriate in the center Alternatively, the altar chalice may be used to hold the salt water. Water and salt are both purifying agents, not only in the physical realm but the energetic as well. Salt water also represents the energies of earth and water united, the ocean womb which gave birth to all life on the planet. So while this may seem an insignificant addition to your altar tools, it holds great power.

Scent or Feather

Some representation of air, commonly something scented like incense, essential oils, or smudges, or else a flying bird's feather goes in the East, to represent Air. Sacred scents are used to cleanse an area energetically, call in certain powers, or help practitioners shift consciousness. Feathers can also be used to cleanse energy fields, and to fan incense or smudge smoke.

Stones or Crystals

For the Earth element, in the North, stones and crystals are sometimes used. These bring in Earth energy, which helps with grounding (except perhaps for quartz crystals). Another option is to have elements of nature such as plants or animals represent Earth.

Wand

Wands can be used for divination and channeling magical energy. They can be used to cast and recall circles, in place of the athame. The magical wand goes in the South, for the power of will, magic, and transformation. It also represents yang, or god, energy.

The wand is like a portable, handy version of a broom. A wand can be made of any natural material. Wood is traditional. Since all woods have unique Powers, you may like to choose the wood to suit your particular needs.

Broom

A broom is not necessarily classified among altar tools, but it is indispensable for energetically cleansing sacred space. While handy to keep nearby, brooms are usually too unwieldy to put atop an altar.

Cauldron

Traditionally cast iron, a cauldron is like a 3-legged rounded cooking pot. You can get them in sizes from huge to tiny. Cauldrons are handy items for burning things, like incense and herbs. This is one of the reasons it is one of the most common altar tools. Put an incense charcoal in the bottom, and sprinkle the herbs and powders onto it for very pagan incense. (Caution is required when burning anything, of course. Cast iron on legs, if made properly, will keep the heat from the surface it's standing on, but check to make sure. Also be aware of anything flammable nearby or above the cauldron - particularly sleeves and hair!) Cauldrons can also be used to hold "brews," that is, magical spells in liquid form. These range from simple salt-water purifications to complex spells.

Working Knife

A knife you use to cut things, draw lines in the Earth or runes on candles, and other functions. Traditionally the working knife is white-handled. This knife usually distinct from the Athame, which is a symbolic knife only and not used for other purposes by most practitioners. Not all practitioners count the working knife as one of their altar tools, but just a functional implement.

Sword

Some people like to use a sword for casting in groups. (The difficulty may be emotional safety in addition to physical safety. The symbolic hostility inherent in swords is more than many sensitive people can cope with, especially in as intimate a situation as ritual.) Often awkward around an altar, swords may be kept near or under it to be held in the magical aura.

In the past, swords were the athame of the nobility, but this custom is obviously ridiculous from a spiritual standpoint. Blue blood does not equal spiritual nobility!

Unlike knives, however, swords have no practical use other than as weapons. This link with violence makes swords unacceptable as altar tools for most people.

Altar Cloth

An altar cloth is optional, but useful. By choosing one with an appropriate color design, you set the stage for the energy of your altar.

It's also handy on a pragmatic level. It keeps dripping wax from marring your altar top. And since dripping candles are a hazard common to all practitioners, you may want to choose a cloth that isn't too hard to remove wax from. Or so expensive you'll cry if it gets ruined.

Anything You Want Charged With Magical Energy.

When you want to charge something with magical force, you can put it on your altar for a time. A full cycle of the Moon is a standard time frame. This could be spells, new altar tools, crystals, deities, or symbols of something you would like to have more of in your lif--whatever would benefit from being infused with spiritual power.

Book of Shadows/Grimoire

If you have a Book of Shadows it should be kept on your altar, preferably. It is one of your most important altar tools. If your altar is not private enough, or you can't keep it there for another reason, then keeping it under your altar is best.

If you have other books that you use for reference for spells or rituals, it may be handy to keep nearby. It's better to remain within the cast circle than to leave it to look up something.

Song Books

If you have a collection of song books with chants you like to sing, it's useful keep it close to hand.

Tokens Of Helpers

Your altar is also an appropriate place for symbols of and offerings to any guides or special beings who help you.

The Classical Elements

In some way, you will probably want to represent the four classical elements on your altar. Typically, these are aligned with the four cardinal directions. The tools listed here can be used to represent the elements, but here are some examples of some other correlations: a bowl of dirt or sand in the north aspect of your altar to represent earth, a stick of incense in the east can symbolize air, a candle or charcoal in the south for fire, and water in the west. Get creative with it!

Offerings

When you would honor the Divine with a gift of thanks or prayer, you can bring them to the Altar as an offering. Often flowers are kept on the altar as an offering. Anything that is beautiful or special to you, or symbolic of the purpose for the offering, can be offered. Offerings are one of the most overlooked practices in Wicca today, yet one of increasing spiritual power and importance.

It is probably not necessary to point out that offerings should not be anything that could harm anything (but just in case, I'll point it out anyway).For one thing, since the Divine lives in all things, anything you harm is an injury to the Divine. And pragmatically, you'll be giving the offerings to the Earth later.

TENDING YOUR ALTAR

A Wiccan altar, just like a garden, needs at least occasional tending. Nurturing the plants, taking care of your tools, and seeing to the health of the soil will create a productive garden. With an altar, tending means feeding it energies, caring for the altar tools, keeping things clean - essentially freshening up your "soul garden" on a regular basis.

Tending an altar is a wonderful spiritual practice that anyone can do. It's very forgiving, as spiritual practices go. Which makes it perfect for those of us who are not yet particularly disciplined.

The benefits of tending your altar are not all in the spiritual realm. Your daily life will reflect what's happening on your altar. In other words, when you make changes on your altar, you will alter your life.

If you feel stuck at work, for example, alter things in the spiritual realm. Clean your altar thoroughly. Put on a fresh altar cloth in a bright color. Decorate it with some new things and give it a good energy cleanse. And then watch your life transform.

SUMMARY

If you don't enjoy it and find it meaningful, if it doesn't carry the energy you want, whether peaceful or stimulating or charged with power or anything else, the magical universe will not find it so either. Make it to please yourself, and you will please your divine as well. Altar tools are symbols, remember. It is the meaning we invest in them that gives them their power. So listen to your heart; it's the seat of your Power. If something else would be a better symbol for you than what's listed here, it is probably wise for you to use it.

Many practitioners use items that are especially important to them as their "athames." Starhawk, the writer, apparently uses a pen to cast her circles. Others I've seen use feathers, sticks, and crystals. Find what focuses the energy for you.

After all, the gods and goddesses speak to each of us in our own unique language. As in every aspect of Wicca Spirituality, it is what makes your heart sing that is the right thing for you.

TIPS

Your altar feeds your soul. Once you make your first conscious altar, and discover how beautiful and nourishing it can be, you may find yourself wanting to make altars everywhere. Go for it! How could you possibly go wrong, bringing the blessings of the Divine wherever you are. Your office, your car, your bedroom; all are perfect places for an altar.

You'll probably want to keep at least one altar private. Put it in a personal part of your house, or somewhere you can discretely close a door and keep it from sight.This can be your innermost Temple's altar. This is where you can put your most personal and meaningful items.

You can also decorate your altar to celebrate the Sabbats, which is a great way to stir up some awesome energy.

In all cases, it's inadvisable to use a tool that you have a negative association with. For instance, if knives make you think of violence first and foremost, then find an alternative for an athame.

If you can’t set up a full altar for whatever reason, you can start with a mini-altar. A popular method is to use an Altoids can or something similar to hold all of your tiny sacred items.

Cleanse your altars regularly!!! Some claim that their altars are self cleaning but even self cleaning stones need a good once over every once in awhile. You’ll notice a difference, promise!

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thephoenixfields · 8 years ago

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Session 11: Blood Bath

« SESSION 10 RECAP

Lysander heals the group as best he can, but the damage has been done. The Silver Jackal has been destroyed, the members of the Hand of Liberty have been scattered across Lower Soraya, and our party is at a loss. Confused, the group wonders how the iron golem knew to arrest Selene and Orion. Selene admits that she awoke the iron golem the night before on her journey to Grace Court.

Rowan and Aeleyn after regrouping with the rest of the party at the Raven Queen temple tell their friends about the magical eyes on them at the Trident in the middle of Lower Soraya. Sariel through her knowledge of arcana is able to deduce that only a very powerful arcane caster would be able to scry on their whereabouts, and manages to with Esther and Selene’s help, narrow it down to two people: Grand Vizier Viktor Graeme and Lady Salome Lessard, referred to as the right and left hands of Sin. They are King Karver’s chief advisors and very dangerous to anyone attempting to thrust him out of power.

Sariel asks Esther if Karver is different now than what he was like as a younger man. She says yes, he does seem to be acting strangely after his return from five years abroad. “He returned with her,” Esther says tightly. “With Lady Salome.”

The group spends the night in the Raven Queen’s temple to recuperate in preparation for infiltration former Royal Guard Captain Dimitry Raslin’s execution. Esther wants to go to the execution but the group tells her that she has to stay hidden and keep safe.

Rowan prays to Pelor for help once more before donning the hood of a Raven Queen disciple. Aeleyn, Sariel, and Fen also disguise themselves as Raven Queen disciples and all together, with Lysander in the lead, the whole party (the rest of whom sneak behind in the back) heads towards Cliffside Heights, the top tier of Soraya.

Executioner’s Row abuts the very edge of Cliffside Heights. Just like many things on this level of the city, the execution platform is all about spectacle. There are mezzanine seats for the nobility to sit and watch from, as well as an area in front of the platform for the common folk to peruse. The gates between the Merchant’s Ring and even Lower Soraya have been opened on this historic occasion. It’s clear that Karver wants everyone to see what comes of those who cross him.

The cliff Soraya sits on is more than one thousand feet above the rocky crags below. The sea, dark and churning, is visibly as far as the eye can see beyond the cliff itself. For some of the party, the sea is an ominous, terrifying entity. For some of them, it is home. Either way, the group is affected by the sight of it.

The nobles file in first: the party sees a trio of beautiful, dark-skinned women file in. One wears a large broach on her lapel. All wear black. “Those are the Sinclairs. Saskia, the Baroness,” Lysander points out at the woman with the broach. “Calypso. And Tabitha.” They get the best seats in the house, besides the iron throne embedded into the center of the dais clearly meant for the king.

“Lord Montague and Lawler,” Lysander nods at two frail looking men. “Tend to go whichever way the wind blows.”

The Osgoods and the Fellgards each attempt to scoot in beside the Sinclairs. There seems to be some kind of issue. Lady Osgood ends up next to Calypso, who looks less than impressed.

“I thought Lord and Lady Rothmore would be here,” Lysander muses. “Strange. Perhaps it's a sign of protest.”

Lady Salome sidles in between the throne and the Sinclairs. “They call her the Left Hand of Sin.” The party sees her hesitate in front of the Sinclairs, saying her hellos. Grand Vizier Graeme is accompanying her, taking his spot to the throne’s righthand side. Once they are all seated, a bugle plays and everyone stands up.

“All Hail the King!” “All Hail the King!”

King Karver the First takes his seat. He is decked out: a golden crown sits across his brow, his long black hair contrasting with the jewels. He has a long dark cape and a very complex set of leather armor on. Rings sit on nearly every finger, and a variety of weapons are harnessed onto his belt. Sariel notes a strange bottle filled with dark smoke attached to his belt that catches her eye. “Bring forth the prisoner!” the king commands. His voice is booming and low. It oozes command.

Dimitry Raslin, ravaged by months of torture and deprivation of every kind, is walked out to the stage. The crowd gets a little restless, like they recognize that this is a wrongful execution.

The bugler announces: “Dimitry Kiril Raslin, disgraced former captain of the royal guard of Soraya, defiler of the crown’s bed, and accomplice to the murder of Portia the Second, by the Grace of Pelor, Queen of the Royal City of Soraya and the Phoenix Fields, Crowned Protector, Defender of the Realm. You have been judged guilty and will now face your punishment: the Great Leap.”

Dimitry chokes out, “I ask for last rites!”

Lysander and the part of the group disguised as Raven Queen disciples approach the execution dais. Lysander and Rowan step forward to administer last rites, making sweeping hand gestures over Dimitry’s body. Rowan brushes her fingertips stealthily against Dimitry’s skin and casts Feign Death on him.

Dimitry’s body falls to the floor.

The crowd gasps, and Lysander cries out, “He is dying already! My Queen has her hands on his soul.” Murmurs flow throughout the crowd in awe and horror.

Lady Salome looks less convinced. She signals guards to take the body away, “To dispose of him.” It’s clear that she wants to use his body for her own purposes.

Lysander requests the body come to the Raven Queen temple, and with a good persuasion roll, he is able to convince most of the crowd that this is the right call. Lady Salome is forced to relent her attempt to retrieve the body, but she does approach the disciples as Dimitry’s body is carried away.

“I had no idea the Raven Queen had so many…disciples amongst the common folk,” Lady Salome says coldly. “She must have a wide array of influence in Lower Soraya.”

Aeleyn feels a strange tingle in her head that fades in about ten minutes.

It takes two hours to haul Dimitry’s body back to the temple, so Rowan casts Message to tell Dimitry to play dead once the spell fades (it stops working after an hour). He thanks her telepathically and manages to stay perfectly still even after the spell stops working.

Dimitry and Esther reunite at the Raven Queen temple in a rather emotional fashion, and the group is incredibly impressed with how successful their rescue mission went.

Dimitry explains to the group about how he saved Esther, using the tunnel that connects Grace Court to the castle itself, but that the tunnel only opens from the side of the castle. They’ll need a way to bypass that door.

A messenger appears at the door of the Raven Queen temple and Lysander greets him. The messenger hands over an invitation to the masquerade ball for Lysander. He has been invited by Lady Salome herself. The group considers disguising someone as Lysander or having Lysander go himself, but both options are met with heavy argument.

Aeleyn asks Fen how she knew Esther was Esther, and Fen finally tells the group about her prophetic dreams. Fen tells the group about her first dream of Tharizdun, the Chained One; the dream where the god had told her, “it has already begun,” the same dream where Fen had willingly walked forward into the gaping abyss.

Aeleyn points out something that’s been bothering her. “When we left the Thief’s Pocket, Dania told us to tell Selene that we were the Chainbreakers. Could that have something to do with Tharizdun??”

The party goes into panic spiral about whether or not to trust Dania and decides to ask her about it in the future.

The group, struggling for a plan and unsure about who is influenced by Tharizdun and who is not, is offered a chance to commune with the Raven Queen via Lysander’s spell Divination.

“Here’s how it works,” Lysander explains, sitting down next to a blood pool in the back of the Raven Queen’s temple. “You offer up a sacrifice. Doesn’t have to be a tangible thing. Just has to mean something. You ask her a question, and then enter the pool.”

Four people take him up on his offer of communion.

First, Sariel. She worries that she has nothing to offer, but Lysander quirks his head and asks Sariel to point her bed out to him from the barracks. He points out that a single black feather has been left on her pillow: a sign of the Raven Queen’s presence, perhaps?

Sariel carries the feather into the blood pool and asks about how best to save the city. When she enters the pool of blood, the Raven Queen appears.

“That is not your real question,” the goddess says calmly. “The answer to your real question is no. You’re not alone.” For months, ever since Sariel became a Fury, she has been wondering what she is. Now the Raven Queen is confirming that whatever she is, there are more than just her. “Find Micah,” the Raven Queen instructs.

Second is Julian.

He offers a pair of beautiful gold earrings into the pool and says quietly, “How do I fix it?” before entering the blood.

(reblog these beautiful pieces here!)

“To save her, you must travel to the Shadowfell,” the Raven Queen informs him. “And as far as he goes, he may be a lost cause.” When Julian hears that, his heart breaks. The Raven Queen kisses his brow.

Third is Mathilde, who unwraps most of her clothes and dressings off her body to reveal thousands of scarred cuts all over her body. She does not ask her question until she is totally submerged in the blood pool and facing the goddess herself. “I wish to find my father,” Mathilde asks after beseeching the Raven Queen.

“As a Pit Fiend, he spends most of his time in the Nine Hells,” the Raven Queen tells Mathilde. “He is very powerful there. But the last time he broke into this plane, he was felt in the city of Aramore. Start there.”

Last of all is Nemo, who holds out his eyeballs to the group. “I don’t need these anymore,” he says, dropping the minor illusion he’d been casting over his face since cursing himself with Blindness. The group is shocked and questions him for a while before Nemo finally cuts them off, saying, “Maybe She’ll like them. They seem like kind of her vibe.”

Rowan winces. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

Nemo shrugs and decides to try it.

Lysander uses Divination at a higher spell slot level, and his eyes go bright white as Nemo drops the eyeballs into the blood pool and asks about how best to save the city of Soraya.

He enters the pool and is met by the Raven Queen.

“Oh Nemo,” she starts. “You have sacrificed so much.” Nemo is quiet, as he has a bit of a fuzzy memory on what happened to him before he got his Umbramancy powers. “But this,” she continues, holding out her clenched fist and slowly revealing the two eyeballs in her palm, “this is not a sacrifice. They are useless to you, and they are therefore useless to me.”

Nemo gulps.

“What is your real offering?” the Raven Queen asks coldly.

“All I have is my magic and my brother,” Nemo says slowly.

“What is your brother’s name?” the Raven Queen commands.

“Linus,” Nemo says, and as he speaks the name, all memory of his older brother seeps out of Nemo, like a sponge being squeezed of water. The only thing left in Nemo’s mind is a strange scowl attached to a face he does not recognize. (Full comic by Jade of this moment here)

The Raven Queen nods, and two images appear on either side of her. On her right is King Karver. On her left is Lady Salome Lessard. “Karver first,” the Raven Queen tells him. “You will not be able to defeat them together. You may not be able to defeat her for a very long time.”

Nemo gasps, struggling for breath as he emerges at the top of the blood pool. Freaked out and confused, he turns into gas form and runs away.

Two eyeballs float to the top of the blood pool. Lysander scoops them up in the somber, quiet aftershock.

SESSION 12 RECAP »

#summaries #all art by Jade aka hydrae #session 11

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moongoddess1988 · 7 years ago

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Do You Need a Wiccan Altar? A Wicca altar is an important aspect of the Wiccan religion for many witches. A value that goes way beyond having someplace to put all your witchy stuff! A Wicca Altar Is . . . A focal point and container for magickal energies. A reminder of your ideals. An echo of your beliefs and wishes. A Home for the Divine. And, perhaps most importantly, a Wiccan altar is a magickal "spell" for your success and well-being. If you don't have one yet, you don't know what you're missing! Try it! An altar is a source of joy and a font of peace. And this section will tell you everything you need to know to get started. WITCH TIP: See recommended altar tools for beginners here. Everything You Need To Know About Your Wicca Altar What really is an altar? What goes on an altar? How do you create and tend an altar? And why would you want an altar in the first place? Fabulous questions! I'm glad you asked. Let's start at the beginning — the why — and work our way down to the details — the how. Why Is An Altar Important? Any altar is a symbolic manifestation of your innermost self. It is an expression of your heart's longing and your soul's potential. It is also a focal point for your devotion . . . A spiritual practice arena for devotion to the Divine. Temples Within And Without We each have a Temple in our inner hearts. And any spiritual process is about entering and worshiping there. But it's not easy to access something so abstract. So, like your symbols and tools and Gods and Goddesses, you create something that comes through the gate of your senses. Something you can see and smell and touch. Even hear and taste, if possible. The more senses you engage, and the more you balance your sense perceptions, the more you can access the spiritual levels that you seek. In this context, altars are not some esoteric mystery, but the most natural expression of what has value to you. Natural Altars So, in the broadest terms, an altar is any collection of items that are personally meaningful. Almost everyone has one . . . That collection of photographs on the bedside table. The mementoes that gather on the mantle place. These are altars to your loves and your life. When you want to make an altar dedicated to your spiritual life, you simply focus a little more. You put only items that uplift your spirit and remind you of your ideals. That's all any spiritual altar is - Wiccan or otherwise . . . A symbol to help you remember . . . Who you really Are, Where you really come from, and Where you are choosing to go! Your Altar Nourishes Your Soul Once you make your first conscious altar, and discover how beautiful and nourishing it can be, you may find yourself wanting to make altars everywhere. Go for it! How could you possibly go wrong, bringing the blessings of the Divine wherever you are. Your office, your car, your bedroom, . . . all are perfect places for an altar. . . . Because every altar becomes a home for what you enshrine there. When you create an altar to the Divine, She lives there. (So behave accordingly!) Your Inner Temple You'll probably want to keep at least one altar private. Put it in a personal part of your house, or somewhere you can discretely close a door and keep it from sight. This can be your innermost Temple's altar . . . the Heart of your witchy heart. This is where you can put your most personal and meaningful items. The Power Of Keeping Silent This privacy isn't about hiding. It's the Fourth Power of the Witch: holding silence. When something is very sacred, it's not easy to talk about it. The words don't exist, for one thing. Even more, the respect for Soul and Spirit isn't common in our culture. So to expose your innermost Temple to idle curiosity, disdain, or ill intent is to open your Heart to violation and disperse the Power gathered by your altar. Your Private Relationship With The Goddess You will want to give your Wicca altar the respect it deserves. Especially once you've experienced the Power that your altar can move, in your life. Only those to whom you could safely entrust your most tender feelings should see this . . . if anyone. Even then, think about it carefully. There is no reason why you should share this altar at all. Your spiritual life is between you and the Divine. Your Wicca altar is the outward manifestation of this relationship. It can be kept completely confidential. Sometimes the most sacred things need to be kept silent about. Your relationship with the Divine is the deepest of relationships. Just as you are unlikely to let people watch while you and your beloved are making love (or so I assume ), keep your most personal altar truly sacred. All your other altars can be as open as you (and they) like. It's Simple A Wicca altar doesn't have to be complicated or costly. You don't really need anything other than what you have on hand, or can easily find for free. You don't even need a specially designed altar table. Many people set up altars in convenient places, like an end table, a dresser, a mantle, even on top of the tv! For a private altar, a hutch with closing doors, or a bedside table can work well. And don't forget your outdoor spaces - perfect for Wicca altars! Old stumps, Hollows or nooks in trees, On top of stones, Beside creeks, Small caves . . . Anyplace you aren't likely to step or sit on it, you can set up a little altar. Tending Your Wicca Altar Tending an altar is a wonderful spiritual practice that anyone can do. It's very forgiving, as spiritual practices go. Which makes it perfect for those of us who are not yet particularly disciplined. The Magick In A Wicca Altar The benefits of tending your altar are not all in the spiritual realm. Your daily life will reflect what's happening on your altar. In other words, when you make changes on your altar, you will alter your life. If you feel stuck at work, for instance, alter things in the spiritual realm. Clean your altar thoroughly. Put on a fresh altar clothin a bright colour. Decorate it with some new Wiccan stuff. And then watch your life transform. This magickal benefit creates motivation to keep your altar devotion up. The Care And Feeding Of Your Altar has more on these topics. Summary Some people will try to tell you that you absolutely must have this or that on your Wicca altar. If so, smile politely, say thank you, and walk away. It's your altar. And it's your spiritual Path. There are no rules for what kind of Wiccan stuff you put there, except the Silver Rule - do what works for you. Be creative. When making a Wicca altar, let your heart speak. Let your inner magickal child express the wonder and delight in the world that you once had. This is your pure divine self expressing itself. And that's what spiritual practice is all about. With Bright Blessings, http://www.wicca-spirituality.com

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