#bacchus-charm

[breelandwalker]

basic witch question: how can i study and research folk magic and historical witchcraft?

I've been trying to search like this: "name of country/place +folk magic" on academic article sites but I haven't found much practical stuff and sometimes I don't find anything.

thank you for your attention

Good question!

The first thing you'll want to do is set aside the idea that you're going to find overt and accurate historical descriptions of witchcraft as we define it today. VERY few people who practiced some form of folk magic would have identified themselves as witches, because up until very recently, it was something you could be arrested, fined, and executed for doing. Even just the suspicion of such was enough to cause panics and widespread paranoia. What you're most likely to find is a collection of folk beliefs ABOUT witches and witchcraft, rather than actual witchcraft practices.

There are plenty of folk magic practices that resemble things we do in modern witchcraft, but they wouldn't have been called witchcraft by the people doing them back in the day. If you nailed a cluster of broomstraw over your door or scattered eggshells in your garden, it wasn't to cast a spell - it was just The Done Thing to keep trouble out of your home and help the crops grow.

Be prepared to find a lot of Christianity blended into the practices you do find. During the Christianization of Europe, new beliefs blended with older ones and created some very interesting regional amalgamations. So you'll often find invocations of saints or the Blessed Virgin, or particular psalms or prayers included as essential parts of certain charms. (It's also worth noting that the recitation of certain prayers was a method of short-term timekeeping, since they didn't exactly have clocks or timers.)

Be prepared also to find a lot of references to the Devil and devil-worship. For several centuries, the idea of witchcraft and demonolatry (consorting with and calling upon demons for power and supernatural aid) was synonymous across much of the Western world. It's very difficult to find a mention of witches in contemporary medieval or renaissance literature that is not immediately accompanied by some mention of devils or demons or familiars. This is a record of the superstitions of the day, NOT the practices of actual witches, no matter what Margaret Murray would have us believe.

To find the folk magic practices, if you can't find them by searching the term outright, study the regional folklore of the place you're interested in. Look particularly for anything to do with healers or spirits or fairies or ghosts or local superstitions. Where you find these, you will find whatever regional protection rituals the country people used to ward off trouble from ethereal beings, and possibly references to other related practices for love or luck.

Naturally, if you go back to classical antiquity (Greeks and Romans) or further, things will look very different. It all depends on the time and place.

It's important to note that most of the books we have which document these beliefs were written during the 19th-20th century spiritualism and occult fads, and while there is an earnest effort in most of them to record things academically from good sources, they should still be taken with a grain of salt.

Here are some titles I've found useful in my studies:

British Goblins: Welsh Folk-lore, Fairy Mythology, Legends and Traditions (Sikes, 1880)

Culpeper's Complete Herbal and English Physician (Culpeper, 1850 edition)

Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry (Yeats, 1888)

Magic and Husbandry: The Folk-Lore of Agriculture (Burdick, 1914)

Plant Lore, Legends, and Lyrics (Folkard, 1884)

The History of Witchcraft and Demonology (Summers, 1926)

The Superstitions of Witchcraft (Williams, 1865)

You can find these and many similar titles on Project Gutenberg or Global Grey Ebooks. (And since they're in the public domain, they're free and legal to download!)

One final note - If you run into anything that mentions "folkish" traditions, bloodlines, or theosophy, put it down and walk away. That direction lies the pipeline to racist hate groups.

Hope this helps!

[dionysianivy]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 🍇🐍🍷

*ੈ‧₊˚༺��༻*ੈ‧₊˚ *ੈ‧₊˚༺🍇༻*ੈ‧₊˚

T͏h͏e͏ B͏a͏c͏c͏h͏u͏s͏ a͏s͏t͏e͏r͏o͏i͏d͏, n͏a͏m͏e͏d͏ a͏f͏t͏e͏r͏ t͏h͏e͏ R͏o͏m͏a͏n͏ g͏o͏d͏ o͏f͏ w͏i͏n͏e͏, e͏c͏s͏t͏a͏s͏y͏, a͏n͏d͏ m͏a͏d͏n͏e͏s͏s͏ (a͏d͏a͏p͏t͏e͏d͏ f͏r͏o͏m͏ t͏h͏e͏ G͏r͏e͏e͏k͏ g͏o͏d͏ D͏i͏o͏n͏y͏s͏u͏s͏), r͏e͏p͏r͏e͏s͏e͏n͏t͏s͏ t͏h͏e͏ a͏s͏p͏e͏c͏t͏s͏ o͏f͏ l͏i͏b͏e͏r͏a͏t͏i͏o͏n͏, p͏l͏e͏a͏s͏u͏r͏e͏, a͏n͏d͏ t͏h͏e͏ w͏i͏l͏d͏, u͏n͏t͏a͏m͏e͏d͏ n͏a͏t͏u͏r͏e͏ t͏h͏a͏t͏ r͏e͏s͏i͏d͏e͏s͏ w͏i͏t͏h͏i͏n͏ a͏l͏l͏ o͏f͏ u͏s͏. B͏a͏c͏c͏h͏u͏s͏ r͏e͏v͏e͏a͏l͏s͏ y͏o͏u͏r͏ i͏n͏n͏e͏r͏ s͏i͏d͏e͏ t͏h͏a͏t͏ y͏o͏u͏ a͏t͏t͏e͏m͏p͏t͏ t͏o͏ e͏x͏t͏e͏r͏n͏a͏l͏i͏z͏e͏—t͏h͏e͏ p͏l͏e͏a͏s͏u͏r͏e͏s͏ y͏o͏u͏ s͏e͏e͏k͏ i͏n͏ l͏i��f͏e͏ a͏n͏d͏ h͏o͏w͏ y͏o͏u͏ e͏x͏p͏r͏e͏s͏s͏ t͏h͏e͏s͏e͏ d͏e͏s͏i͏r͏e͏s͏ t͏o͏ t͏h͏o͏s͏e͏ a͏r͏o͏u͏n͏d͏ y͏o͏u͏. I͏t͏ a͏l͏s͏o͏ h͏i͏g͏h͏l͏i͏g͏h͏t͏s͏ t͏h͏e͏ h͏a͏b͏i͏t͏s͏ o͏r͏ i͏n͏d͏u͏l͏g͏e͏n͏c͏e͏s͏ t͏h͏a͏t͏ m͏a͏k͏e͏ y͏o͏u͏ f͏e͏e͏l͏ f͏r͏e͏e͏ a͏n͏d͏ i͏n͏d͏e͏p͏e͏n͏d͏e͏n͏t͏, o͏f͏f͏e͏r͏i͏n͏g͏ m͏o͏m͏e͏n͏t͏s͏ w͏h͏e͏r͏e͏ y͏o͏u͏ l͏i͏v͏e͏ l͏i͏f͏e͏ t͏o͏ t͏h͏e͏ f͏u͏l͏l͏e͏s͏t͏. T͏h͏e͏s͏e͏ a͏d͏d͏i͏c͏t͏i͏o͏n͏s͏ o͏r͏ h͏a͏b͏i͏t͏s͏ c͏a͏n͏ b͏e͏ b͏o͏t͏h͏ p͏o͏s͏i͏t͏i͏v͏e͏ a͏n͏d͏ n͏e͏g͏a͏t͏i͏v͏e͏, p͏o͏t͏e͏n͏t͏i͏a͏l͏l͏y͏ l͏e͏a͏d͏i͏n͏g͏ t͏o͏ e͏x͏c͏e͏s͏s͏ o͏r͏ n͏e͏g͏a͏t͏i͏v͏e͏ c͏o͏n͏s͏e͏q͏u͏e͏n͏c͏e͏s͏. B͏y͏ s͏t͏u͏d͏y͏i͏n͏g͏ t͏h͏e͏ B͏a͏c͏c͏h͏u͏s͏ a͏s͏t͏e͏r͏o͏i͏d͏ i͏n͏ y͏o͏u͏r͏ n͏a͏t͏a͏l͏ c͏h͏a͏r͏t͏, y͏o͏u͏ c͏a͏n͏ u͏n͏c͏o͏v͏e͏r͏ t͏h͏e͏m͏e͏s͏ o͏f͏ p͏l͏e͏a͏s͏u͏r͏e͏, happiness, c͏e͏l͏e͏b͏r͏a͏t͏i͏o͏n͏, a͏n͏d͏ i͏n͏d͏u͏l͏g͏e͏n͏c͏e͏, g͏a͏i͏n͏i͏n͏g͏ i͏n͏s͏i͏g͏h͏t͏ i͏n͏t͏o͏ b͏o͏t͏h͏ y͏o͏u͏r͏ p͏e͏r͏s͏o͏n͏a͏l͏ j͏o͏y͏s͏ a͏n͏d͏ p͏o͏t͏e͏n͏t͏i͏a͏l͏ p͏i͏t͏f͏a͏l͏l͏s͏.

*ੈ‧₊˚༺🍇༻*ੈ‧₊˚ *ੈ‧₊˚༺🍇༻*ੈ‧₊˚

Bacchus in Aries

You're an impulsive person who loves to live in the moment, often changing plans or emotions with ease. You enjoy finding instant sources of fun, and your best experiences come from spontaneous decisions, especially when they serve your own desires. You feel most free when you have control over your own life, knowing that you can change its course at any moment. Your tendencies include organizing small, random social events like hangouts, brunches, or mini-parties. You're also inclined to initiate new adventures on the spot, planning hikes, parties, or deciding to attend the first concert you find. Spontaneity is your strong suit. One moment you're in bed, and the next you're getting ready to hit a party. You're the kind of person who says yes to any proposal, whether it's risky or not, because you love living with the knowledge that when you're older, you'll have wild stories and memories, knowing that you truly lived life to the fullest.

Bacchus in Taurus

As with any planet in Taurus, you're drawn to the pleasures of luxury. You find joy in material things like clothes, books, or food, which can greatly influence your mood and help you feel at peace with yourself. These indulgences also make you stand out. Shopping is something you particularly enjoy, and at times, it can become an obsession. You may lose control over your spending, which can lead to financial problems. You take great pleasure not only in spoiling yourself but also in spoiling others. You're always ready to give gifts, and it brings you joy when you can surprise others with thoughtful presents. Likewise, you find immense happiness when you receive gifts that are meaningful to you, especially from loved ones.

Bacchus in Gemini

You're someone who communicates effortlessly and frequently. You love to make yourself heard and help those around you feel comfortable in your presence, especially introverted people who often relax and open up around you. There's a natural charm you possess without even trying, and you're like a magnet for others. You find great pleasure in joining conversations and being the voice that sets the tone, sharing your opinions and speaking up for those who are more shy. You're also incredibly intelligent and addicted to constantly learning something new, even the smallest piece of information from anywhere, whether it's from podcasts, books, or your obsession with YouTube. The freedom to speak your mind openly and uncensored gives you immense joy, and you're often eager to engage in discussions about various topics, including politics, because you love to be right. However, your involvement in so many conversations can sometimes lead to conflict and disagreements.

Bacchus in Cancer

Here comes the family-oriented one. You deeply love your family and your closest friends. You're always striving to create harmony within your circles, often acting as the voice of reason that mends conflicts and soothes tensions. You're always there to offer love and support, bringing peace to those around you. When your loved ones face problems, it affects you greatly, and you feel at your best when you can help them. You gain immense confidence and strength when you use your nurturing abilities to care for others. However, this can sometimes become an obsession, and it can take a toll on your mental well-being when your loved ones are in distress or when conflicts arise. You thrive on the well-being of your family, and when there is a rupture or discord, your need for peace and resolution can make you easily frustrated when obstacles prevent you from restoring harmony. After all, peace is what you truly long for.

Bacchus in Leo

Your energy is contagious, and it makes you shine. You love creating situations where you easily stand out, drawing people in with your charisma, humor, or what you say. From your clothing to your attitude, you enjoy having all eyes on you and crave compliments. You take pleasure in being admired and can even serve as an example for those around you, inspiring others who need confidence and the freedom to express themselves authentically. While it's your guilty pleasure to feel like the world is at your feet, this desire for attention can sometimes turn into an obsession, where you lose sight of your true self. What you project outward may become more about pleasing others or seeking validation than expressing who you really are. This can lead to excessive pride, vanity, or a constant need for attention and praise.

Bacchus in Virgo

When Bacchus is in Virgo, it means you have a passion for perfecting everything around you and being the best at whatever you do. You thrive on having an organized life where everything is perfectly coordinated. Whether it’s time management, work, your routine, your home, or any other aspect of your life, it's crucial for you that everything aligns with your expectations. You are always striving to become the best version of yourself and are passionate about activities that can improve your life. You also enjoy planning, both for yourself and others, and love being the person who contributes the most to improving work or school projects. However, you may be too hard on those who don’t share your disciplined lifestyle. While perfectionism makes you feel good, it can negatively affect your mood if things don’t go as planned. You can also be very tough on yourself when your performance isn’t at its peak, which can lead to discouragement and self-criticism.

Bacchus in Libra

You practically breathe aesthetics. You have a vibe that everyone admires, and everything you create (whether it’s fashion, hairstyles, makeup, or projects) comes out beautifully and pleasing to the eye. You're a creative soul who loves literature, theater, art, and music. You adore making vision boards that manifest the pleasures of life you dream about. Living in harmony with others is important to you, and you excel at building strong friendships. When it comes to love, you can become dependent on your relationships and are a hopeless romantic, always searching for the ideal love you’ve dreamed of. However, you're often disappointed when reality doesn’t match the idealized version in your mind, and you sometimes live more in your fantasies than in the real world. You like to maintain a positive, light-hearted aura, but you often struggle with how to handle conflict or stand up for yourself, leading you to retreat inward and avoid confrontation.

Bacchus in Scorpio

You are someone who loves to live life to the fullest, especially when it comes to parties, drinking, drugs, and sex. You're a free-spirited, open-minded individual who’s always ready to try new things. You prefer living life at night and are a natural night owl. You find comfort and peace in darkness, which is when you are most productive. You like to project an image of being in control and don’t like to show fear or anxiety in public. You have a strong sex drive, and masturbation helps you explore yourself. However, there are times when it can become a dependency, potentially affecting your sexual life. You're prone to obsessions, which can take over your life for months at a time. You also love deeply, with your whole heart, but can become jealous if you don’t receive enough attention. Additionally, you might feel envious of others’ lives or experiences, especially those that you haven’t had the chance to live yourself.

Bacchus in Sagittarius

You're so wild and amazing. You love adventure and always have new ideas for things to do or places to explore. Traveling brings you immense joy, even if it's just a short trip—it fills your soul and helps you feel at peace with yourself. While you enjoy socializing, your social battery drains quickly, and you need time alone to recharge. You can get easily disappointed when those around you don’t share the same excitement or vibe as you when trying something new or visiting a new place, which is why you often prefer to embark on new adventures solo. You love learning new things and are always open to reading, watching a film, or trying an activity just to check it off your list. You’re especially passionate about learning on your own terms, enjoying the freedom to choose what you study, something you disliked as a child when it was forced upon you. Most of the time, you're an optimistic and positive person, but one negative thought or piece of bad news can throw off your mood entirely. Your love for adventure and travel is so strong that you often struggle to feel content in one place or with one person, which can sometimes affect your social life.

Bacchus in Capricorn

Bacchus in Capricorn defines a period of diplomacy and seriousness, where you find joy in achieving professional success in everything you set your mind to. You're a hardworking individual who enjoys always having something to do, especially when it boosts your self-esteem. You feel at your best when you're independent, and simply attaining the reputation you've dreamed of gives you a sense of fulfillment. You enjoy spoiling yourself when you accomplish tasks, which can make you competitive with yourself. However, sometimes you may get too caught up in work, forgetting about other hobbies, and feeling anxious until everything is finished. You tend to push yourself too hard, which can lead to exhaustion or even neglect if you don't achieve what you aimed for. You also have a love for material things, and after working so hard, you like to reward yourself with gifts that bring you pleasure.

Bacchus in Aquarius

You are feeling a deep sense of satisfaction and joy from helping others and being the "hero of the day." With a strong "main character" energy, you feel most fulfilled when you're experiencing unique social situations where you're supporting those around you, which gives you a sense of superiority. You live by the philosophy of "eat the rich" and prefer a simple, wild lifestyle, rebelling against political laws and social norms—not because you're a bad person or break laws for the sake of it, but because you love to challenge the status quo and resist the powers that be. You enjoy bending the rules and living as though each day were your last, feeling the most liberated when you're doing something that has the potential to change the world. You're passionate about volunteering or social work, always offering empathy to those you perceive as more disadvantaged than yourself. You love nature and are not materialistic, finding peace and pleasure in knowing you're a good person at heart. However, this behavior can also lead to negativity. By constantly detaching from social norms and breaking the rules in pursuit of personal satisfaction, you may sometimes find yourself in trouble or at odds with the world around you.

Bacchus in Pisces

Everything related to the spiritual world brings you the greatest pleasure. Having a religion or belief system that feels like home is the most important thing to you, and you're more passionate about other realms and universes than your own day-to-day life. You love the arts and are someone who lives to create in any form. You crave appreciation and always keep yourself busy with something. You're fascinated by magic and everything that comes with it, and you're a big fan of astral travel and guided meditations that take you to other dimensions. You're not very social, but you're deeply attached to the people you love. When you don’t receive the same love in return or feel let down by those people, you tend to withdraw and neglect yourself. For comfort, your passion for the occult serves as an outlet for your mental health, but at the same time, you may use spirituality as a way to escape your social obligations and daily problems, spending more time in your spiritual life than in the real world. From a young age, you’ve been a fan of everything fantasy-related, especially books and movies, and you feel safe in the company of mythical beings like griffins, unicorns, and dragons. Your greatest pleasure comes from evolving in your spiritual journey, and it deeply affects you when obstacles arise that prevent you from living your spiritual life the way you desire.

🍷*ੈ‧₊˚༺🍇༻*ੈ‧₊🍷˚*ੈ‧₊˚༺🍇༻*ੈ‧₊˚🍷

Thank you all for reading! I really enjoyed writing this post. Just a reminder, this is purely based on my personal interpretation. 🥰 Here’s the link where you can find your Bacchus sign.

⋆｡‧˚ʚ🍷ɞ˚‧｡⋆

Tips♡

[slaybestieslay946]

I firmly believe that Julian was Dionysus (even if it was only in their imaginations).

Thematically, I think it makes perfect sense.

Julian was regarded with utmost respect from all of the Greek class, more so than is usual for a teacher. Henry thought of him as a paternal figure, and Richard constantly found himself in awe of his charm and charisma.

In fact, the way they all speak about him, and the way the take classes in his office, is almost akin to that of worship.

Take for example, the photo of Julian stuck on Henry’s wardrobe. There isn’t (to my memory at least) a description of any other photos in Henry’s house of family or friends, and by having this photo of Julian, presumably found in a magazine, is similar to what you see in religious households with framed photos of Jesus or the Virgin Mary.

This only demonstrates Henry’s unwavering dedication to Julian, but it also has a distinctly cultish flavour. As does the isolation of Julians students.

Furthermore, the Greek class (to me anyway) is a parallel to the cults of Dionysus and Bacchus in ancient Greece and Rome, which were banned due to their intense secrecy.

Even the lack of involvement by Julian in the novel feels distinctly divine, as he drops by every 50 pages or so, in the same erratic and casual way that gods appear in myths. He floats above regular worries of mere mortals such as the Greek class, so he needn’t concern himself with their trivial matters.

But, of course, he isn’t really a god. He only positions himself in the place of one. He has all the hallmarks of the divine, but truthfully he’s a fraud, which is why he flees at the end once he finds out the true extent of their crimes.

This is why I propose that he is only the representation of Dionysus in the minds of the Greek Class, rather than in reality. And by the Greek Class, I primarily mean Henry.

When Richard mocks the idea that they saw Dionysus, Henry grows defensive, claiming that you cannot know something is truly real until you have seen it, and that you cannot grasp a concept as large and powerful as the sea simply by seeing a crude, children's drawing of it.

Here he isn’t only defending the idea that he saw Dionysus, but also the form that he took, which I believe to be Julian.

This vision of Julian as Dionysus (almost certainly a hallucination produced by the ritual) is something Henry would naturally be defensive of, due to his complete devotion to Julian, so it makes sense that his cool facade would break at this moment.

Further more, the idea of Julian appearing to be Dionysus only makes Henry’s death make more sense.

When Julian runs away and affectively snubs Henry, this is an equivalent to his god, that he has dedicated so much time and love to, abandoning him.

Whether this leads him to see the truth of Julians humanity or simply plunges him into despair, it aligns with his decision to kill himself.

hope i explained this alright, feel free to disagree with me, i just really want to discuss this book haha

[meltedbluecaterpillar]

Olfactophilia

QUARTET NIGHT - HE★VENS

TW FOR SEMI SUGGESTIVE CONTENT! These are my personal headcanons on what I think the idols would wear. You do not have to agree with me. I just dislike how Broccoli always gives their character merch scents like; apple or lavender. They are adult men in an entertainment industry. They usually get promotional items so I think that they have preferences... But I also have a thing for exploring the world around me with my nose first. I hope you enjoy.

Quick explanation; top notes, middle notes, and base notes are the length of how long the scent will last when applied. Top notes; 5 - 15 minutes / Middle notes; 1 hour / Base notes; Max of 6 hours

Otoya Ittoki

God of Fire by Stéphane Humbert Lucas Unisex Cologne Around 200 USD // 29,896 Yen

I chose this particular cologne based on my personal views and how I see Otoya Ittoki. Usually for character merch he has a very delicate and gentle smelling item (lavender usually) but I personally do not think it fits him. Especially now that he is a fiery adult! Do I think he would actually spend that much on cologne? Once... If he is planning to go on a special date or he has to go to a big fancy event he will have this prepared. God of Fire has the scent of smoke and embers. Imagine a wildfire that has reduced it's surroundings to ash. Otoya is a very free spirit and he is full of energy like a burning flame. He and I also share a star sign, so I know my Aries men the best. The top notes are mango, ginger, lemon and red berries (usually this is raspberries) which gives it an upper tropical and fruity smell. Middle notes; Coumarin (a grassy smell mixed with vanilla), jasmine and cedar. Making it very woodsy! And base notes have musk (this usually means fabric, soft and clean), amber, agarwood. The base notes are the raging, smoky flames that will reduce everything above to ash.

You won't be burned by Otoya, although he is much hotter than any sun...

Ren Jinguji

Triumph of Bacchus by Argos Masculine/Unisex Cologne Around 250 USD // 37,370 Yen

Ren usually will have citrus as his scent. Oranges... But I think that is overplayed. Allow me to entice you my little lost lambs!~! This cologne is designed to seduce. And Ren is also a nepobaby so I don't think he looks at prices very much? As long as it is something he truly wants. And what he wants is to charm you out of your clo- I mean... Take you on a date... And fun fact, Bacchus is one of the twelve Olympians and he is the god of wine making, fertility, ritual madness, theater, and 'religious ecstasy'. Catch my drift? The top notes are Rum, white peach, green apple and saffron which are nice and fruity!~! Middle notes are tonka bean, patchouli, jasmine and vetiver (it's a grassy smell with wood as well). This is where the more sexy aspect starts to really kick in especially when he hugs you tightly against his chest... The base notes are tobacco, vanilla, amber, sandalwood and musk. Tobacco (natural and unburned) is actually oddly sweet so it fits extremely well to me.

Don't lose your way little lamb, the big bad wolf might lure you in... Just kidding, it's only Ren...

Natsuki/Satsuki Shinomiya

Au Lait by Alkemia Unisex Perfume 20 USD // 2,990 Yen

Le Lion by Chanel Unisex Perfume Around 325 USD // 48,581 Yen

Natsuki is our double dipper because he is a very special case. His scent is... Pure yellow. But that reminds me of extra strength cleaner which is so horrific. I like these instead! The first one is something I think he would buy because it reminds him of bouncy fresh bread. He doesn't seem interested in prices or anything like that. Just if something is small and cute. Because it isn't a luxury brand... Fans would go insane knowing this is what he wears. It has only a few ingredients which aren't really categorized. But we have wild honey, hints of brown sugar, tonka beans and creamy milk. Some reviews say it really does smell like fresh buttery bread which I adore. The next one is technically Satsuki, but still Natsuki. But please interpret this however you want. I picked this particular fragrance for many reasons , but I won't bore you to death! Honestly... A fan probably bought this and sent it to the company PO box... The top notes are bergamot and lemon. Which is very acidic and citrusy, like a sudden jolt when you inhale. Crackle even. The middle notes are labdanum(woody smelling resin from a species of rockrose) and amber. This makes it have a very inviting and somewhat... Almost animalistic... In a good way. Kind of wild and a little... Dangerous. But it lingers around because if Natsuki is wearing it there's nothing to worry about... Right? The base notes are vanilla, patchouli, sandalwood, and musk. This is where that charm really shines through for me Natsuki wise. It's delicate and masculine, still inviting and strong just like he is.

Natsuki wishes he could hold you all the time... Satsuki has other intentions...

Cecil Aijima

Oro Verde by House of BŌ Unisex Perfume 175 USD // 26,159 Yen

Unfortunately Cecil is a victim of the green apple craze. I do not think green apple suits him at all it is such a childish thing. Something I would get at Claire's. So I choose this. Which is very simple but I also do not see Cecil as someone who would wear a lot of cologne? He doesn't want to rub stuff on his skin that isn't natural so he probably dabs this on his clothes or staff will ask to put it behind his ears/on his wrists. The top notes are bergamot, cannabis, mate- LOWER YOUR PITCHFORKS! Cannabis smell when it is unburned has an earthy scent to it. Somewhat sticky and almost like fresh cut grass. When it is burned that's when you get the skunk and garlic... Okay? Middle notes are basil, watermelon, and vetiver sables (earthy like rotten log smell). This with the light scent of lingering fruit really makes me smile it has a very fresh smell which I really like. Like the scent of your skin when you sunbathe. And finally the base notes are herbals and spices (I don't want to list off all of the plants). When they say spice that actually is in reference to black pepper! Which all together is so wonderful to smell. And Cecil is a prince so of course he smells good.

The fresh scent lingers on your clothes, just as Cecil had hoped!~!

Masato Hijirikawa

Quasar Ice by O Boticárioro Masculine Cologne 50 USD // 7,474 Yen

Of course our ice prince gets something ice themed. I did not want to give Masato something expensive like the others just because I don't think he is into luxury items. I am not suggesting the others are... I am implying that he doesn't think to hard about cologne. As long as it smells nice for a meeting he won't mind. The only issue is that this is an alcohol base so he would spray it gently... Leaving a nice fade out. No dousing... The top notes are ice (this is hard to explain but it is the molecule that allows you to smell cold air), lime, sage, and cardamom. So in other words... A store bought key lime pie! I wanted something sweet for Masato since I think he is a very sweet guy, even if he doesn't look like it. The middle notes are cedar, black pepper, bourbon geranium, and lavender. This will reminisce a nice winter walk though the forest! And the base notes are oakmoss, amber, sandalwood, and cashmere. So after your frozen pie and a chilly walk, it's like you've returned to a nice cozy cabin with him at the end of the night...

To think that even Masato could wear something so romantic...

Tokiya Ichinose

Midnight by Rawchemistry Masculine Cologne/Pheromones' 30 USD // 4,485 Yen

My original choice for Tokiya was something different. However I cannot find the original scent and nor do I think it truly fits the Tokiya that lives in my mind anymore. So, I chose this. It is also not an alcohol base which I think Tokiya would like because he is overly conscious and critical of everything he eats/wears/does. And this is technically pheromones. Not cologne. So there aren't really top, middle and base notes. Just an overall scent. And that would be; lavender, orange blossoms, patchouli and vanilla. And if you didn't know... All four of these are aphrodisiacs. The usual notes used in cologne are made in fact to attract. But these all together are made with the intent to seduce if that makes sense since there are no other ingredients to note. Is Tokiya a sexual character? No. But he is designed and written to have that form of charm without directly saying it. So that is also why I chose this. He is very confident with what he does as an idol. So... He wants you to understand that without him saying it...

Maybe there is some appeal to Tokiya after all... Just kidding...

Syo Kurusu

Sahara Rose Absolute by Habibi NY Unisex Perfume 135 USD // 20,180 Yen

So... Usually Syo will have a rose scented item. Which... I personally like a lot actually. He is a character designed to not fit into most traditionally masculine stereotypes while still being very masculine. So I chose this scent because it sort of replicates what I think his actual character scent actually is and what he would like to wear. Although I regret to inform the masses that he used to drown himself in Axe body spray... Thankfully he's grown now and he knows that shit was wack. The top notes are Turkish rose, geranium, jasmine and black currant. Very floral and very delicate which is so pleasant when it lingers. The middle notes are pink pepper, saffron, incense, and agar wood. These are spicy and semi-sweet, the balance between femininity and masculinity. The incense offering a powdery-ness that makes it not overwhelming. And finally the base notes are musk, sandalwood, vetiver, and amber. Very sensual at the end, and again not overpowering. I love the balance it has personally and this one was my 'absolute' favorite.

Even though Syo is so strong... He still leaves that rose colored hue behind...

[roses-bah-garden]

May I claim the keyword drink from the specials list please? :3c

here you are! this is my scrunkly avinius, he's the god of alcohol, drunkenness, and vineyards! he is the 3rd born in a 5 sibling family.

a new flower has blossomed! 🌹

masc aligned, deity, alcoholic ... [LVL 4 PACK]

══════════════════

name(s) ;; avinius, vinny, vino, red, bacchus

pronouns ;; he/him

age ;; ancient, presents around 50 years old

species ;; deity (transhuman)

gender(s) ;; AMAB transmasc

orientation(s) ;; demisexual, biromantic, fem preference

role(s) ;; trauma holder / socializer

source ;; brainmade / alter packs

sign-off(s) ;; – 🍇❤

══════════════════

appearance ;; 5'10". thin and bony. dark brown skin with smile lines on his face. dark, almost black, eyes. curly short black hair with grey temples. gold eyeliner. long fingers. his favourite outfit is a red and gold marching band uniform.

personality ;; brash, yet charming. he loves loud music, people, and parties! he uses his extroverted behaviour as a cover for his trauma, and to release stress and tension.

══════════════════

likes ;; alcohol (especially wine), parades, musical theatre

dislikes ;; FOMO, being alone

possible front triggers ;; drinking, attending parties

══════════════════

cisid(s) ;; cisalcoholic, cisADHD, addictive personality, middle child, cistraumatized, cisBlack, cisItalian, cismixedrace, cisMED

transid(s) ;; transIMD, transhypersexual, transseverity (trauma -> less), transspecies (human), transmemoryloss

trisid(s) ;; trismasculine, trisharmful

kink/fetish/para(s) ;; dipsophilia, fictonecrophilia, somnophilia, dubcon

[teecupangel]

This is gonna be long, honey soooo… buckle up.

We have Desmond linked to the God of Wine, Dionysus / Bacchus with this fic (show some love and kudos this please, I adore this concept).

However, what if Desmond by chance ( Isu bullshit)  that he absorbed when he touched the Eye as he time travels back In the Renaissance before the Auditore family execution event, it manifested in him having demi-god traits but with two Gods I have in mind.

1. Aphrodite or Venus, goddess of love, beauty, pleasure and procreation. Accidentally becoming a matchmaker for people like Des incidentally shoved a man by mistake who the man then bumped into a woman, BOOM! the two madly fell in love at first sight and married with children or his charm increases, making people fall in love with Desmond. This adds angst if Desmond discovered this power,  He has low self-esteem and is severely traumatized (fuck you William for that). He would believe they really don’t love him especially the assassins and it’s just a illusion they do. Actually they do, the power only boosted his charisma but Desmond doesn’t know this shhhhh.

2. Eros or Cupid, god of carnal love. 16 year old Desmond with his newfound freedom after running away from the Farm. It’s no surprise he could be a sexually liberated man especially he’s a hot bartender to hook up in the back alley of Bad Weather. He might dabbled in BDSM, he’s a switch, but preferably doms. He also got a vasectomy to avoid impregnating a woman no Elijah in thishe believes that he shouldn’t have children, after having narcissistic father and possibly an emotionally neglectful mother can do that. An ability to sense lust or desires of a person in eagle vision could be possible.

With that being explained, regardless of which God, these abilities have pros & cons. Desmond when he is in the Renaissance, he’ll be low-key but he can’t stand out and without the currency to have a peaceful life, we needs a job. By some gift of the universe or it hates him. He ended up as a bodyguard of Rosa in Fiore by saving some courtesans from aggressive drunken men while in his clothes devolved in rags by the heat of the Eye when arrived, making him look like a beggar, good thing it was night time so his face wasn’t seen by the girls.

Its been weeks doing this job, Desmond have saved plenty coins but not enough to buy land far away and live his life maybe as a farmer or open a tavern. Lately, he been feeling unwell, no matter he drank to quench his thirst, his throat is dry as if he been in dessert with no water survive and started having hot flashes. It could just because of the clothes he donned, not a single silver lining of his skin is shown except the upper part of his face and hair but he was assumed it was if it were the fact he started having wet dreams, from memory of his many hook ups in New York or some constructed with people with no faces. He gets aroused, yes, but he has self-restraint but he also frustrated and losing his rationale.

“Dezmund~” Bianca, a courtesan who been attempting to lure him to bed. The other courtesans entertaining the patrons who had too much wine, too busy to notice the two, giving them a sense of privacy. “Bianca” he nodded with one brow raised at her. Bianca practically started to entice him with her usual flirting to him. You know what, fuck it, he thought, he proceeded to ———————

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Yeeeaaaahhhh…i won’t be too detailed so it won’t be overbearing. So giving you the mental picture is that Desmond used his knowledge of BDSM, blindfoled and tied Bianca and used her mouth to empty his frustration while he is still completely clothed. He gave her sweet aftercare and realizing his symptoms are gone and his mind is clear and —- oh fuccccckkkkkk he unintentionally created a chain reaction after this event involving himself more to the Brotherhood, the Auditore family and Leonardo

Anyway, thanks for reading this till the end, mwah <3

======================================

Additions by teecup:

… that sounds like Desmond has the curse of an Incubus, needing to ‘unload’ his pent up energy to another person.

And you know who would be fascinated by it?

Leonardo Da Vinci.

Perhaps it was during one of the times that Leonardo went to a brothel to find ‘inspiration’. Maybe it was because he had been nursing a crush on Desmond who was unattainable to his eyes, a simple bodyguard meant to keep everyone safe.

He would see the complicated expression on his face. The frustration in his eyes.

And the flushed cheeks.

Oh, Leonardo would be smitten but he’d try to act like a friend, as any attraction he might have pales in comparison to his worries concerning Desmond’s wellbeing.

Desmond sees him and finds himself being unable to lie to Leonardo.

He needed to tell someone about his problems and he trusted Leonardo.

So Leonardo listens and…

Things start to snowball from there.

At first, it was simply Leonardo trying to help Desmond while studying his ‘affliction’.

Then it became more for the thrill and pleasure they would receive from one another.

Desmond becomes Leonardo’s muse and sometimes his model…

Maria Auditore saw Leonardo’s potential and started commissioning him…

Federico comes in to get one of the finished commissions and… finds Leonardo and Desmond in a very compromising situation.

Instead of leaving… Federico decided to join in.

And Desmond knew that Federico was hiding something but it would be a while before he realized that during this time, two years before the fated day that the Auditores would be executed, Federico was already on his way to becoming a member of the Brotherhood…

…

Also… maybe Leonardo and Desmond have an open relationship which will give us more option for Desmond to ‘partner’ up with (like maybe… La Volpe??? XD)

[freydis-freydat]

Who: @temperednuvi Where: Bacchus  When: Not long after the Iskaran refugees make it to Lysara Notes: Get this woman a DnD Shirley Temple (god I want a shirley temple so bad now)

Somewhere like Bacchus was not Freydis’ usual scene, but it was no chore for her to admit the rolling, green hills of the vineyard had an obvious charm to them. The winery was settled into a beautiful landscape, and the overall ambiance was a curious but relaxing mix of liveliness and serenity. The good company accounted for the first, and the plush surroundings and scenic overlook the latter. Freydis was there to meet with one of the owners, the elvhen woman she had fought for her life alongside and crawled back out from the bowels of a still too-familiar hell with. This was a significantly more desirable venue to pass time together in. 

Freydis recognized Nuvi from behind, her silken black hair and manner of dress recognizable almost anywhere. In an effort not to crowd her, the blonde waited until Nuvi had finished her business with whoever it was she had been speaking with before she approached. “I believe we owe one another a drink,” Freydis stated in greeting as if Nuvi needed reminding. She had been borderline insistent when it came to offering Freydis the hospitality Bacchus had to offer, and Freydis felt she could not refuse one of her fellow survivors such a reasonable request. “I hardly know the first thing about fine wines,” Freydis admitted, “so you’ll likely need to help me a bit with a decision.”

[enchantedbeingscircle]

September

September is here and I know this post is late, but I had to take a slight social media detox! I swear once September hits I am all Fall, y’all!! I’m about all things apple, pumpkin, fall leaves, sunflowers, soup, etc! Did you know that apples (and apple trees) are associated with love, health, divination, rebirth and renewal, life, learning, and so many other things? The original bobbing for apples game was a form of slight divination, even! It was said that marriage would come to the first person to bite into the apple while bobbing. Also, if you cut into an apple, you’ll find a pentacle type star!

Correspondences of September are sapphire and sardonyx for crystals, the bear and owl for animals, flowers are morning glory and aster, and the zodiac sign is Virgo.

Let’s talk about some days in September:

Not only is Labor Day the 2nd, but also the Celtic Tree Month of Vine begins…happiness and wrath are both symbolized with the vine, garden magic, magic for joy and happiness but also wrath, rage, anger.

Magical influences for this are empowerment, inner growth, introspection, and prophecy.

Sept 4th is bring your manners to work day (I liked this one, cause I’m constantly reminding myself to have manners in moments where people are pissing me off lol.)

Sept 7th national salami day and world beard day (I liked these two because we used to call our younger sister “salami” to piss her off when we were all younger and we still sort of joke about it to this day… and my boyfriend has a beard that I just love. I love feeling it, smelling it, looking at it…lol!)

Sept 8th grandparents day

9/11… a tragic day that affected so many lives in one way or another! On this day remember all those who lost their lives due to this tragic event and the war it caused!

Friday the 13th

FULL MOON in Pisces on Sept 17, Harvest moon aka the nut moon, barley moon, or wine moon (love that!), the color for this full moon is brown and crystals are carnelian, cat’s eye, iolite, lapis lazuli, peridot, sapphire, blue spinel, blue tourmaline, and zircon

Magickal influences from this moon are confidence, the home, manifestation, protection.

This is a Moon of wisdom, take this time to reflect back on lessons learned this past year, darker days are coming which is good for shadow work.

September 18th NATIONAL CHEESEBURGER DAYYYY

September 21st International Day of Peace

Sept 22 is Mabon, also known as the autumn (or Fall) equinox – this is a time where night and day or light and dark are balanced. This is a sort of mid-harvest festival, we are celebrating the second of 3 harvest festivals. I’ve read that there is a slight connection to Mabon for how Oktoberfest was created, by the Bavarians. They start celebrating this in the last week of September.

Celebrate Mabon and give thanks to the Earth for abundant crops, practice gratitude, give blessings, share with the less fortunate. When canning, infuse your recipes with magickal influences and charm your jars.

Mabon is also one of those “liminal times” or an in-between time. These are powerful times for spell-work, rituals, and magick in general.

Colors for Mabon are blue, brown, gold, maroon, orange, violet, and yellow

Plants, herbs, etc: aster, marigolds, sage, ivy, grape, fern, blackberry/bramble, chrysanthemum, grains, thistle, and trees are cedar, hazel, aspen, maple, oak, myrtle, and locust

gems: amethyst, topaz

animals: hawk, swans, swallows, geese, dogs, wolves

Element: water

Magickal influences: accomplishment, agriculture, balance, goals, gratitude, grounding

Deities are: Epona, Inanna, Ishtar, Kore, Modron (Celtic Great Earth Mother Goddess), the Morrigan, Persephone, Bacchus, Dionysus, Dumuzi, the Green Man, Hermes, Thoth, Mabon (translates to the divine son) is the son of Modron and he is associated with the element of water, grapes, ivy, dogs, horses, salmon and his magical influences are hunting, darkness, death, freedom, harmony, innocence, justice, the otherworld or underworld, quests, contacting spirits, strength, truth, and youth.

Ways you can celebrate Mabon:

Make a simmer pot with apples, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, vanilla, star anise, orange slices.

Host a harvest dinner and include apples, squash, corn, grains, root vegetables like carrots potatoes and onions, grapes and wine, nuts, pomegranates, mead, spiced teas.

Make a hearty stew with fresh baked bread, apple pie, mashed squash, mulled wine

Make a cornucopia, go to a pumpkin patch and farmer’s market, go for a fall nature walk, donate food, focus on balance in your life, write a gratitude list, decorate your altar for Mabon with apples, candles that are brown, orange, and gold, marigold and sunflowers, leaves, acorns, grape vines, a deity statue. Celebrate by giving thanks for the abundance and good in your life, and meditate on the things on the things from this past year you'd like to let go of!

Sept 30th Celtic tree month of Ivy begins which symbolizes life, death, and rebirth, spell work during this time would be great for self-work, healing, banishing toxicity, protection, binding spells

Magical influences during this time: decisions and introspection, growth, learning, developing skills.

September in general is a good time to work on magick and intentions for the home.

I feel like 2 of the biggest intentions you can work on in September however, are balance and change, so I’m going to share a spell for this month that I created!

Things you’re going to need: leaves, something to write with, sage, basil, apple, orange candle, oil, sunflowers.

Dress your orange (for balance and change) candle with oil of your choosing and sage for a clear mind, basil for opening yourself to receive messages, and sunflowers for overcoming obstacles.

Core your apple (for peace, rebirth and renewal, self-work) and place your candle inside. You’re basically using this apple as your candle holder!

Light your candle and meditate on the areas in your life that need balance and/or change. When you are done, write your setbacks and obstacles that you want to overcome (to make these changes and bring this balance) onto the leaves. Hold the leaves into your hands and let the wind take them away!

[brightwingedbat]

This is a general blog, but I'm massively in a GW2 brainrot so you can largely expect me to be like this for a long time.

Also click here if you want to see my personal art posts on here

---

Gonna make a big post of most of my GW2 ocs to pin because I'm certainly not running out of this brainrot anytime soon. A bunch of characters are from future headcanon stories. The main ones you'll see me play in-game are these; Commander Nastazya Ragewelder (Warrior) Wayfinder Marcus Furyclash (Revenant) Mercenary Tantalus "Rust Scarjaw" Locksmith (Thief)

Magister Vithgar "Chip" Ironwelder (Engineer) Ash Soldier/Tailor Calypso "Cali" Fellstalk (Necromancer) 'Self-Insert' Rolan Brightwing (Mesmer)

Commander Tharrhon "Rhon" Lionheart (Guardian) Olmakhan Bacchus "Barkhide" (Ranger) Primus Tonold Cubguider (Elementalist)

Mad Director Kytos Corpsetaker (Necromancer) Apothecary Salvo Serumflask (Necromancer) Ash Soldier Kheir Longear (Ranger)

Some extra character details below.

Main charr - Commander Nastazya Ragewelder - Ferocious, strong, stubborn and heavily combative. But protective and kind to her friends and family. Female charr, Blood Legion, Berserker. (Born 1295 AE) Marcus Furyclash - Strong and cunning, originally vicious with a cocky side, trauma changed him to be somewhat soft-hearted and caring but still a bit of a jokester. Male charr, Blood Legion, Revenant Renegade. (Born 1297 AE) Tantalus "Rust Scarjaw" Locksmith - Once imposing and charming. Now a spiteful, vengeful and sadistic male charr, ex-Iron Legion, Marcus' brother, Daredevil/Deadeye. (Born 1299 AE) Igna Earthvein - Dignified, proud and respectful female charr, Ash Legion, Weaver. (Born 1288 AE) Vithgar "Chip" Ironwelder - Curious and inventive yet quite grumpy male charr, Iron Legion, Nastazya's half-brother, Mechanist. (Born 1301 AE) Calypso "Cali" Fellstalk - Quiet, reticent but efficient female charr, Ash legion, Chip's twin sister, Nastazya's half-sister, Harbinger. (Born 1301 AE) Torna Trickeye - Smug and mischievious transfem charr, Ash Legion, Virtuoso. (Born 1299 AE) Pyraxus Wrathscald - Intense and fearsome, justice-driven male charr, Ex-Flame, Ex-Ash, New Flame Legion. Firebrand. (Born 1288 AE) Bacchus "Barkhide" - Massive yet pacifistic male charr, friend to animals, a travelling nomad for a time. Ex-Blood Legion, Olmakhan. Druid/Untamed. (Born 1292 AE) Tonold Cubguider - Sentimental old male charr, Nastazya and the Render Warband's Primus, Blood Legion, Elementalist. (Born 1259 AE)

Non-charr - Prosthetist Blinnk - Intelligent, though mischievious and snarky male asura. Priory Magister, inventor alongside Chip. Synergetics College. Elementalist. "Rosen Lotus" Dealg - Benevolent, though naive male sylvari. Adventurer. Mirage. Thiefmaster Slade - Challenge-seeking male human thief, head of a Thieves Guild. Secretly Shining Blade. Daredevil. Revna Shadewing - raven-blessed female norn. More details to decide still. Soulbeast. Other charr - Raeve Gorehorn - Serious, cold, extremely war-minded female charr. Iron Centurion, Engineer. Nastazya, Chip and Cali's mother. (Born 1270 AE, Branded & slain 1320 AE) Unglot Fearripper - Powerful, unrelenting, viciously loyal to the legions. Blood Legionnaire, Warrior. Marcus and Tantalus' mother. (Born 1267 AE, slain 1314 AE) Fulvius Smokelash - Casual-minded womaniser male charr, Ash Legion, Thief. (Born 1300 AE) Nal Venomtooth - Mostly cold and serious, easily flattered female charr, Blood Legion, Ranger. (Born 1303 AE) Maxim Woundbind - Patient and helpful pudgy male charr, Iron Legion, Engineer/Medic. (Born 1289 AE) Ursa Metalcrunch - Reckless and relentless female charr, Blood Legion, Warrior. (Born 1292 AE) Tyrana Lifeguider - Eager and earnest female charr, Tonold's Granddaughter, The Render Warband's Second Primus (Born 1314 AE) Zinnia Fogstare - Old and blind yet determined female charr. Gets a new lease on life as a Revenant, joining the Legion's battles once more. Iron Legion, Revenant. (Born 1270 AE) Salvo Serumflask - Curiously pacifistic male charr. Combat medic, would prefer only to heal wounds than fight. Abandons legions during Civil War to be an apothecary. Zinnia's son, Ex-Iron Legion, Harbinger. (Born 1305 AE) Flavia Brittlebreath - Frail and sickly female charr, forced to be gladium due to being unable to graduate fahrar. Ultimately leaves the legions overall. Eventually meets Salvo some years after the apothecary is set up, who cares for her and eases her ailments. Salvo's mate, Gladium. (Born 1312 AE) Sabina Duskmeld - Roguishly charming female charr, loyal and efficient soldier. Calypso's mate, Ash Legionnaire, Spectre. (Born 1300 AE)

First Rage Warband (Graduated 1313 AE, collapsed 1320 AE) - Tullia Ragemelt - Curious yet cautious female charr, the voice of reason. Engineer, mainly uses flamethrower. Nastazya's mate (20-25.) (Born 1295 AE) Faust Edgerage - Sassy and witty scout, good with knives. Male charr, Thief. (Born 1295 AE) Clio Wildrage - Quick-tempered and rough yet fiercely loyal female charr. Ranger. (Born 1294 AE) Graw Ragehammer - Quiet, imposing and very large male charr. Hammer Warrior. (Born 1294 AE) Slain in the Brandscar in 1320 AE, only Nastazya, Dinky and Howl survive. Graw Halfbrand - Graw Ragehammer, half branded by Kralkatorrik for 16 years before being purified in 1336 AE. Still half crystal, but no longer fights for control. Now a dedicated Crystal Bloom rather than a Blood Legion soldier.

The Render Warband (Graduated 1349 AE) - Galvar Bladerender - Crybaby-turned-stoic male charr, excellent strategist and defender, Nastazya and Marcus' son, Guardian/Willbender, Legionnaire (Born 1331 AE) Vita Limbrender - Impulsive and chaotic female charr, incredibly skilled with weapons of all sorts, Nastazya and Marcus' daughter, Bladesworn, Frontline (Born 1331 AE) Lorranu Fangrender - Level-headed and dignified female charr, Galvar's mate(20yo+), Fulvius and Nal's daughter, Ranger, Scout (born 1330 AE) Patia Skullrender - Smart, strong and determined female charr, pre-fahrar friends with the twins, Vita's mate(18yo+), Maxim and Ursa's daughter, Scrapper, Frontline (Born 1331 AE) Allius Stormrender - Quiet, poetry-reciting male charr, reads a lot, Tantalus and Igna's son, Tempest, Support (Born 1329 AE) / Mal Shieldrender - Strong, protective and loyal female charr, ex-Claw Warband, Warrior, Frontline (Born 1336 AE) Dagar Liferender - Meek, yet resolute short male charr, Salvo and Flavia's son though he does not remember them. Ex-Claw Warband, Necromancer, Combat Support (Born 1344 AE)

Other cubs - Bolt Holodriver - Overly enthusiastic inventive male charr, Chip and Reeva's son, Holosmith (Born 1326 AE) Spark Screwdriver - Methodological and curious male charr, Chip and Reeva's son, Scrapper (Born 1326 AE) Rivet Piledriver - Mischievous and humourous female charr, Chip and Reeva's daughter, Mechanist (Born 1326 AE) Peregrin Silvertone - Shrewd and confident nonbinary charr, Nastazya and Marcus' cub, Ranger/Trader. (Born 1336 AE)

Grandcubs - Tygil Daggerbite - Quiet and serious male charr, Galvar and Lorranu's son, Thief, Scout (Born 1352 AE) Ashnea Deathshot - Confident and snarky female charr, Galvar and Lorranu's daughter, Deadeye, Sniper (Born 1357 AE) Vitus Mistrender - Egotistical bloodline-proud male charr, Galvar and Lorranu's son, Revenant Commander, Frontline support (Born 1363 AE)

[libidomechanica]

Untitled # 10939

A sonnet sequence

               1

Saying, I have been his pulse failing, passionless, pale, and charioteers caught force to love forsooth: I have thorn! Gross clay invade then the Foeman’s Glory might but enjoy such a lightnings, weigh the lark, with a fear our pleasure of mosquitoes ascends, now let us view her heaven had you great where you mark’d the Living Water drain’d where her undinal vast belly moonward paradise. Once more wretched in that loue shoulders to thee, misfortune authority, and makes the fever, are all cheer his future day—fond Thought! Almost wretch! Grow. The silken skilled transmemberment of my eyes and my staff. Again I would understand. Come thy footsteps of this. Those bright and dame and dies; and laughed They were design’d t’agree, too dear, and make the afflicted came, that so fall asleepe thou so dear? Nor Cybele with their beds and embeds every vessel could prepare you great price we pay for Pardon.

               2

To thyself a lawful plea commend, whether it was: but straight ice I know it not you pinch a flowery earth, even thou so dear? Cramming a tune I have stay’d to be free; shake hands do not:—friend; for weariness, memory’s raptures we desire that ken me, O; but when this march on nor be prest twelve enchantment thee with answering leagues of hot and complete a thing trimm’d in jollity, and my retorted hairs. Above, be lovers; and I strove to be reconcil’d to Love, and I choose a May-lady to govern the youthful, charming smiles to build upon my freshness die.

               3

Gum, pungent, cleare; he never read strange love talked in my love. To take a new needles on the path has lost it for ever mourne, I wept both day and flying in love, my heart, that which I have but her wanted, as the consequence could find a tally fitted to habit; and, could na scaith the language of your true love round me, to all these wasted frame, that would not, or could so soon made of the puppy’s breath; this my object; but she thought, aimèd with stars go squawking sunk chill on my white of either example proved—would understand is not the radiant eyes see beautiful woman who Your mind.

               4

Though for a lass wi’ a tocher; then hey, for aught we are gone, beauty you grow wooden and unencumber’d best may do there life of men who groan, then laughter they did her son and hear each other, or the porch of the lips of my paines that dies along the haunt beloved as old he picked and wind, flung into it—but thou, whom daily pray, we’ll churn. The bow, with heat: o Bacchus, cool thy rays! Send a flattering wave! And with suspended scythe and private place my merit it. To do it plus the one twain, by praise in lawrell tree: in truth, take refuge the great saint, refused it, and see, she is walking their short lives in curles are lost his scythe to be, strange love me some virtuous lie, to do it plus the city angled in a sunny lane some boy and give me stilled with life—and now is come; the voice I heard, cupid’s bow, front, an ample warrant that were enough to cure me.

               5

Face of the turmoil grows, another. To stand at the seventh month and North, with doubt, pass, thou hast spied. Hence Cupid danc’d among and darkness flower in Friends are forgotten. Still wouldst rubies. And not better state reveal’d. But this happiness who had ceased to believe when I praise; the songs of thine eyes to wear; yet no tailor help the death was fled, and early twilight we know, by this deaf moonlight, her death, who see with beauty, and by the subway railings. To have her eyes have dancing on its lonely times of her boughes doe raine, whose owne faults thy might makes then with moderate sorrows end.

               6

Again and not talk, not the thing triumphantly. Then did I let my gestures where I fear to touch! Not one, than to enthral or gall the incarnate word the hand, and Off’rings made: the muscles, the gourd overscored, while bigness—rocks, trees, lay ourselves and I will think of the man your bed, hollow ocean-ridges roaring or dead, spirits wall; and staid, pleas’d with a moonlight, moonlight, no hopefulnesse, as when Pity pleads for Sin. For ever, are all words ease, which when I’m with crispèd hair, and folly doctor-like contrived a conquered place where thou leaves litter. We might become a sod.

               7

But straiten’d forehead gaze; two hundred to and fragrance of love, and wishes, and fair; and yet by trades the river-tide. While they came to torments you doubt not think upon the moon. Till the locks, above, we know love’s star with ease was prevent our many-tinkling flesh with young soul, abhorring avarice, bounteous as that matters it? Next, Virgil I’ll call for naught: such skill in thee growing, or me, I do betray him, grew in such a light, and the world is strain the guilty beetle is a fright myself able to continual hair—belle Isle, white and all by thy diseases, shops of fashion.

               8

Yet reserved from this excus’d I to rest, is each vndercharge, with lullaby then within. Scorpio, bad spider it was sung her the phantom yearning for the manna fall. Keep fresh and gave you eft within! To tye thee move, less you woe. And street, as she supplied, and her jewels, to thy Will, ’ and Will’ one will answered echoes broke from us—and ye, ah, may ye feel her slowly-dying day, and only had presents to use than deaf that gilds then hey, for a transistor to Long John Nebel arguing frown. Bless, me now with young Lochinvar. I will die of louers pay which passes between each came home, he had not contains so much rage, as Lot’s fair daughter, something like a fruitful or more kind that unfair which the sun in water’s gush divine, fair Lesley, as shee. From a high birth till death wounds bleeding out on the bride in its start back. That thou lent’st him yet recover. A dole of bread.

               9

Teach me, on me, in the old Man young, keep close of low replies. Temper, O fair love, and scrappy: we have forgotten except possible it is very long. And love for you my heart, with thoughts no longer dreamed that suckling mourne, I wept both night as welcome as a Sword, a Cloud of mortal chants of old did preach. Tears, how such a pleasing fuell of mind; and court in, gathering perfume. But aye she loot the musk carnations were his triumph was all, unless you woe. If certain when tis madness with thee a heaven is with art and plump. You and me most in the rose as when the wept with sound.

               10

Tripping oars: it’s eleven years ago. To-night, I wrote this singing is a kind of girls’ dormitory. While they ran: there need require it, both sadly blacke, both become. And the world was loathsome. No inconvenient kindnesse kils delight, never agree the covenant that sweet, I ween, to Shepherds and ends at three A. The clocks had cease upon the way the very large, thee to my thoughts thy shadow still she forbade me poore Eve had she speak well of me untrue, you give us Life, and tears: alas! Where are turn’d it in his stead. A sweet will one nose. And if she will show itself.

               11

There wastebasket. They were possible it is this grew; I gave consequences Where is subdued to which upon the mind stinging door and I so lovely blue; far along the way one single breathe such beard, and in sight, Stealing myself, that is it, that song outlasts us all in—all in a gentle dream and feared to over-rule us all in danger and dies; and if she winnowing to row them tame; and as a mountain in its skeleton shadow lour’d on the bed to which thou kindlest all the common bed were in as constant louers payne, if any gods the parallels the fault?

               12

The rose, and sold— but the weel-stockit farms. An’ then can I sing tongues perplexes and she looks lovely sounding wide through the same smile? As I sipped and struck his fires, now, if this such as ever get to go alone and the lines and lady vntrue, you shalt not love Truth and sky, the first place were in what of the middle of the treasured fragrant blow; roses have done my wrong: this courtesy. He will bear, and there triumphs and the sky, seres Spring’s maturity, checks Summer’s distant thing red, that infant animal awesome I would rush upon them, lay down the roofs the threw such a little urn.

               13

Then spoke his happiness, with answer me; is any Blessing for judgment making Woes darkned be; night by his beauteous, not the moon, fair beseechers kill; think thee page, will play there are maiden Queen guarded by fens. Pity me the thoughts would be silent love I rise and fed with a sudden a passion, from its home against me. Silence from a garden-trees, and vows that strait commands they thus did entertain, guests were the quiet-coloured eve smiles which all spleen. So bad, that spot of joy. When I clung to all the time of you. It’s not peers beyond the shadow still be your teares descending.

               14

Though all the prow, —thy derelict and gone. As much as worn as an old passion shall never could set that is ours to wreathe succession hurried on; all of a plum. So snug, so compact, so wise as birth; all his blind, for my thigh almost bound us when there fell thy purple fritillaries the ground of the Susan? From out to find weak points in disguise, of her self, and learn, and see the world without pity till the age had been content male wind—shaking, the brothers cry Too late, later floods and stray impassion were his life is the unblest kisses of honey, having none, yet doth make.

               15

And at the faster—infusion pump in the king look at yours and as water a hollow roaring from an evil stroke; wrought: desire! When I bow’d down to a laughing e’en o’ lovely all time by the bridegroom thoughts are for a burning, shift green bank hath gone there’ll be spice. Either whom I grieved it on its wings after such years would wake up and get into my heavy as if alive. Of beechen grew my tongue that rage outside and in the Spring again I would have him power in Friend. Soon gathering all bright yellow peels, my stinging grooves of flame through the gateways of the brain?

               16

Is it were to containe! In signature is Addition that she sings. And hasten down to a shade more causeys, bridge.—An’ O for ane an’ twenty, Tam. And we will stay! Over the sequoia swallow their eyes’ express’d. Or veer or vanish’d out on the evening-sky, bare on its glow. Let it not to mount and dares to make you were banished, we only way, close round him o’er the Border? Meet, if thou go with me, sweet self to crowd; and still lives in a most in its skin’s. Stretches back decades she fed, she clothes to inflame desire, close round and long been done? Behold, my love allows twittered!

               17

Changed … There’s nothing more. He declar’d that held the heir of all men’s prime Desire; by whom she was the basin and the turrets of the longer still she bore; she loved so fast, as if to know causes of hot and now the full-waked sense; or fair or wise beyond what shee tasted on delight. Still wouldst thou leane, I quite away, sets down her veil draw soft remember how quickly speakes for long light, a year old who refuse to be full of rubies finding westward up the sacrifice, as sweet, an’ young; nae artfu’ wiles to hold betwixt her liable to go alone and vain the Deluge.

               18

Completely be her be him be them, thou always remembering him here where we hid from my Injury, though ice burned and loosestrife we saw of passion speed and languish quite away, sets down her baith by bower and love her father—none. And, above the crocus lustres of thy rest’? To mix their sleep, to the best region that name and be the sun forgetful Muse, my God, as authorizing her there was pious, gemlike, ghostlike, deathless, dumb till I wish not thy Hellen his; no force, something to light he ran, and in some melodious plot of tradition does deserve this in the excess, and does not be excuse, nor chancel port and polished. Whole, full of thee: who faileth one liuerie, both rebell runaway boy who chucks it all to live for the flow’ry meads th’hill’s shady wood, and would, on condition grown; we both Sea and with beaded bubbles winking of these rosy lips to grow.

               19

Thou canst view from honest as his birth, we stood, in ancient trees feele my grief its hour again and then to the Captain’s lady. A Love-lock, idly reclining on me thou art, as with his Fellow crying out upon misprision grown; we both diffusive good enough to shed his old love after my sick dreams had perish one by one, though ice burned; in equal fires there with Roses blows; a Foot for lack of bread. That I see the roses and rent, why wilt in that spotless breast discharge, while the thing the opposite of father’s brilliant bow. That took it up, he quaff’d off the west—I miss it!

[unlimitedvisit]

Best Places To Visit In Lebanon For First Timers

Lebanon offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that is sure to captivate first-time visitors. Here are some of the best places to visit in Lebanon for first-timers:

Beirut: Start your journey in the vibrant capital city of Beirut. Explore the bustling streets of the downtown area, visit historical sites like the Roman Baths, marvel at the iconic Pigeon Rocks, and savor the diverse culinary scene.

Byblos: Discover the ancient city of Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Explore the well-preserved archaeological site, visit the Crusader Castle, and stroll along the charming old souks.

Baalbek: Journey to Baalbek, home to some of the most impressive Roman ruins in the world. Marvel at the massive Temple of Jupiter and the intricately carved Temple of Bacchus, which showcase the architectural prowess of the ancient Romans.

Jeita Grotto: Explore the natural wonder of Jeita Grotto, a mesmerizing cave system with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Take a boat ride through the lower grotto and walk through the upper grotto, admiring the captivating rock formations.

Harissa: Take a cable car ride to the mountain town of Harissa, overlooking the bay of Jounieh. Visit the iconic Our Lady of Lebanon statue, enjoy panoramic views, and explore the charming streets.

Cedars of God: Journey to the picturesque Qadisha Valley and discover the majestic Cedars of God. These ancient cedar trees hold cultural and historical significance and provide a tranquil setting for hiking and nature exploration.

These destinations in Lebanon offer a mix of history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences, providing an unforgettable introduction to this beautiful country.

[mvmandtravelagency]

Discover Lebanon: Unraveling the Charms of the Middle East with TraveloLebanon

Lebanon, a small yet vibrant country nestled on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, is a land of rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. From the ancient ruins of Baalbek to the cosmopolitan streets of Beirut and the tranquil landscapes of the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon offers travelers a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern allure. Join us as we embark on a virtual journey through the wonders of Lebanon with TraveloLebanon.

Exploring the Ancient Ruins of Baalbek: Begin your Lebanese adventure with a visit to the ancient city of Baalbek, home to some of the most impressive Roman ruins in the world. Marvel at the towering columns of the Temple of Jupiter, the intricately carved stone reliefs of the Temple of Bacchus, and the massive stone blocks of the Heliopolis. Explore the surrounding archaeological site, where you can discover the remains of ancient streets, theaters, and residences that once thrived in this ancient city.

Cultural Delights in Beirut: Dive into the vibrant culture of Lebanon with a visit to its cosmopolitan capital city, Beirut. Explore the historic streets of the Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael neighborhoods, where you can discover colorful street art, boutique shops, and trendy cafes. Visit the iconic Pigeon Rocks in the Corniche, stroll along the bustling waterfront promenade, and explore the vibrant nightlife of the city's bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Scenic Beauty of the Bekaa Valley: Escape the urban hustle and bustle with a journey to the picturesque Bekaa Valley, known for its fertile farmland, rolling hills, and vineyards. Visit the ancient Roman city of Anjar, where you can explore well-preserved ruins dating back to the 8th century. Discover the traditional villages of Zahle and Baaloul, where you can sample delicious Lebanese cuisine and locally produced wines amidst stunning natural scenery.

Relaxation by the Sea in Byblos: End your Lebanese adventure with a visit to the historic port city of Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Explore the ancient ruins of the Phoenician city, including the Crusader Castle, the Roman amphitheater, and the Temple of Baalat Gebal. Relax on the picturesque waterfront promenade, where you can enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many seaside restaurants and cafes.

Conclusion:

As we conclude our virtual journey through the wonders of Lebanon, we invite you to experience the beauty, culture, and hospitality of this remarkable country for yourself. Whether you're captivated by the ancient ruins of Baalbek, the vibrant streets of Beirut, the scenic beauty of the Bekaa Valley, or the historic charm of Byblos, LebanonTravelAgency has something for every traveler. Plan your unforgettable journey to Lebanon with TraveloLebanon and let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

[rinn1312]

"Here the femme's soft body, here is laid

The Little Dove, the pride of the Salmacid dolls,

Whose room and company were famous, whose banter

Was playful, and whom the Gods' Mother loved,

Who only enjoyed the mysteries of Cypris

With women, and who equalled the charms of Laïs.

Now, let no bramble grow for this friend of Bacchus, o sacred dust

Around the tomb, but white violets' tender flower-cups!"

- a funerary epigram by Philodemus

[jessebeckerms]

Franken, Silvaner's Heimatland

Würzburg's famous castle and Stein vineyard facing the Main.

Franken, by the numbers

Hectares under vine: 6,306 hectares (2023), sixth largest in Germany Climate: Continental, dry, hot, but short summers, cold winters Soils: Bundtsandstein (colored sandstone), Muschelkalk (shell-limestone), Keuper (marl-gypsum) Varieties: [82% white, 18% red] Silvaner (24.8%), Müller-Thurgau (24.3%), Bacchus (12.3%), Riesling (4%), Kerner, Rieslaner, Spätburgunder (5%), Domina, Dornfelder, Berieche: (3) Meinviereck, Maindreieck, Steigerwald Einzellagen: (218) including Klingenberger Schlossberg, Bürgstadter Centragrafenberg, Homburger Kallmuth, Würzburger Stein, Würzburger Innere Leiste, Randersackerer Teufelskeller, Randersackerer Pfülben, Esherndorfer Lump, Iphöfer Julius-Echter-Berg

Franken, in a nutshell

Franken is Bavaria’s only wine region bordering on the Baden district of Tauberfranken in the south, with most of its vineyards situated steeply along the Main. The river forms a gigantic “W” shape, with the region beginning in earnest at Aschaffenburg before reaching the city of Würzburg at its center, then ending at Zeil-am-Main in the east. Würzburg is Franken’s commercial center. Heavily bombed during the final weeks of WWII, the town rebuilt itself, and the famous old bridge in Würzburg’s Altstadt straddles the Main and provides a view of the Würzburg castle and the iconic Stein vineyard (source of Goethe’s favorite wine).

Silvaner is Franken’s signature variety, usually bottled in a PDO-protected Bocksbeutel, but some of Germany’s finest dry Rieslings and Spätburgunders come from Franken, although grown in tiny quantities. The Rieslings and Silvaners are bone dry, sometimes to the point of austerity, which has given the rest of Germany a term for describing bone dry wines: fränkisch trocken means no more than 4 g/L residual sugar. Much emphasis fell on Müller-Thurgau and other early ripening or high-yielding crossings in the past, but producers today seem keen on leading with quality and clear priority shifting to Silvaner, at least from Franken’s quality sector.

Bavaria, especially Munich, is the world’s beer capital, and while Würzburger Stein is undoubtedly famous (so much so that the term Steinwein once meant all Franken wines), a Stein of Würzburger Edelbräu is equally good, and I would suggest necessary after a full day of wine tasting. Visitors to the region might want to visit a Frankenheckenwirtschaft for some real, local flavor. These simple eating and drinking places have particular rules: vintners may sell their products to the public without a restaurant license, operate on a calendar opening eight weeks a year, have only 40 seats, and no hot food served. Look for a branch cut from a hedge (Hecke) above the entrance to locate one that’s open. Heckenwirtschaften aside, Franken clearly understands the importance of wine tourism, and there seems to be a much higher level of hotels and restaurants with excellent cooking compared to the relatively scant offerings in other Rheinland regions. The wine villages along the Main are charming, and its city of Würzburg is a must.

Franken’s districts and geology

Mainviereck

Franken’s three Bereiche are roughly based on three Triassic geological zones. Mainviereck in the west is home to Franken’s (and some of Germany’s) best red wines, especially from the historic Klingenberg, and the village of Bürgstadt (a sub-district known as Churfranken), where the weather is milder than the rest of Franken, and the soil base is Buntsandstein (colored sandstone). These conditions favor Spätburgunder and Frühburgunder with a lifted, aromatic profile. Weingut Rudolf Fürst is the superstar of this area with its trio of top-class Grosses Gewächs, Spätburgunder Schlossberg GG, Spätburgunder Centgrafenberg GG, and Spätburgunder Centgrafenberg Hunsrück GG. There are slate, quartzite, and gneiss soils around Michelbach and Hörstein, which favor Riesling. Both red and white wines are more delicate than in other districts. Homburger Kallmuth, a monopole of Fürst Löwenstein, is the steepest vineyard in Franken, with Bundtsandstein and Muschelkalk soils. Miltenberg is a popular town for wine tourists to take in the architecture and sample the local wines.

Maindreieck

Maindreieck is the center of Franken viticulture and is based on Muschelkalk (shell limestone), especially at Würzburger Stein. 70% of Franken wines come from this district, and 210 hectares of vines are within the city’s limits. It is the driest area in the region. Steinwein has a distinctive smoky note thanks to the soil, which strengthens with time in the bottle. Three producers: Juliusspital, Bürgerspital, and Hofkeller, control most of Würzburg’s viticulture. South of Würzburg are Randersacker Teufelkeller, Pfülben, and Marsberg; all feature southwestern exposures facing the river. Neighboring Frickenhausen features sandy soils and is home to the south-facing classified site Kapellenberg. Continuing upriver, the village of Sulzfeld is notable for its Maustal vineyard and outstanding producer Zehnthof Luckert. The area near Volkach and its surrounding villages is home to a high-quality co-op at Sommerach and its Katzenkof vineyard, grand cru Escherndorfer Lump with limestone, loess, clay, and Volkacher Ratsherr. By the way, the name Lump was explained to me as a Schimpfwort (an insult), “but only a moderate Schimpfwort,” and why that would be the name of a vineyard, I do not know. The alternative explanation seems more plausible: as vineyard plots divided over generations, holdings were reduced to only the size of a Lump! Silvaner is the top variety in Maindreieck, but there are excellent, bone-dry Rieslings from this district, Weissburgunder, and aromatic varieties.

Steigerwald

Keuper defines the district of Steigerwald, which is layered high up the mountainsides. The black Keuper soil has a warming effect that aids grape ripening, even at high elevations. A concentration of classified sites can be found between Rödelsee and the walled town of Iphofen and again at Castell (the Castell family owns all the vineyards of this village, including the top site Schloßberg), believed to be where Silvaner was first planted in Franken centuries ago. The area is home to famous sites like Küchenmeister, Kronsberg, Julius-Echter-Berg, Kalb, Casteller Schloßberg, and many top producers like Hans Wirsching, Weltner, and Johann Ruck. The black Keuper (marl with gypsum) produces more structured, flinty, smoky, and easily identifiable wines. Silvaner on Keuper can age magnificently, as can Silvaner on Muschelkalk. I strongly liked the Silvaners on Keuper in a recent soil comparison tasting, especially those with ten years or more in the bottle.

[werewolvesandaccordions]

Strauss – Overture for the Prologue of Ariadne auf Naxos (1912) I keep coming back to Richard Strauss’ less ‘popular’ operas. During his lifetime many of them were somewhat dismissed for their ‘conservative’ writing. It seems that Strauss was going into a more jarring and angst ridden Modernism with his operas Salome (1905) and Elektra (1908), but then betrayed that direction with the very gushy romantic Rosenkavalier (1910). I think this lower opinion of Strauss has more to do with the time he lived in rather than the music itself. Not to mention that this ‘heavy/lighthearted’ florid style continued through both World Wars. It’s hard for me not to love his music because of it’s unusual mix of being hyper-romantic and also clear and easy to follow. What Strauss did was the seemingly impossible task of synthesizing Wagner (free floating harmonies, thick orchestral textures, and long scale structure) with Mozart (clarity, grace, lyricism, and more grounded functioning tonality). This is the opening of Strauss’ comic opera Ariadne auf Naxos. The confusing title for this post is due to the opera’s structure; It is an opera within an opera. The opera is in two parts, first part is the prologue which gives us the backstory where a composer has been hired to stage one of his operas at some very super rich Viennese man’s house. He is deeply offended to learn that the patron has also hired a burlesque dance troop to perform after his opera. Offended because (and I’m pretty sure Strauss is satirizing the Romantic-minded young artist who takes his own work too seriously) his opera, Ariadne of Naxos, is supposed to be a super serious tragedy and having a burlesque dance afterward shows how the patron and audience don’t care that much for ‘serious’ art, and may even look forward to the half naked women more than the Grecian music-drama. The opera company and dance company argue over who gets to play first. The situation gets worse when the patron’s butler informs everyone that his dinner party ended up going later than expected, and since he’s paid for both acts already and wants them to perform, he decided he wants the opera and the burlesque to happen at the same time. The composer is angry but his teacher encourages him to comply. And the lead of the burlesque show, a risqué comedian named Zerbinetta, charms him into changing the opera to include scenes for her. The second part is the opera Ariadne of Naxos, where Ariadne has been abandoned on the isle of Naxos by her former lover and hero Theseus. Zerbinetta and other nymphs (the burlesque dancers) try to sing and cheer Ariadne up but they can’t get her out of her depression. Zerbinetta tells her the best way to get over one man is to find another, and encourages her to flirt with a clown Harlequin. But then a stranger comes to the island, who turns out to be Bacchus the god of wine, chaos, and ‘hedonism’. Ariadne and Bacchus fall in love, the end. Despite how this opera is somewhat minuscule (in comparison to all opera ever, let alone Strauss’), it is the genius combination of Wagner (a ‘super-serious’ philosophical music-drama based on classical antiquity where love transfigures the soul), Mozart (lighthearted comedy, flirting between men and women who don’t understand each other, and an optimistic idealization of a classical pastorale) and Strauss (a metafictional story about an opera within the opera where characters discuss the nature of opera and relationship between artist and audience, the kinds of themes that would be best exemplified in Capriccio). But really the only reason I’m sharing this is because the main melody is stuck in my head, the perfect Straussian melody; optimistic and upbeat, goofy-sounding accidentals, very sentimental writing based on subtle diatonic dissonances, and coming back again and again in different waves of great orchestral writing.

mikrokosmos: Strauss – Overture for the Prologue of Ariadne auf Naxos (1912) I keep coming back to Richard Strauss’ less ‘popular’ operas. During his lifetime many of them were somewhat dismissed for their ‘conservative’ writing. It seems that Strauss was going into a more jarring and angst ridden Modernism with his operas Salome (1905) and…