#cultural gems

[dgspeaks]

Seattle Splendor: Exploring the Emerald City’s Iconic Landmarks and Lively Neighborhoods

Nestled in the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle, known as the Emerald City, is a vibrant metropolis brimming with culture, creativity, and natural beauty. From its iconic Space Needle to its bustling Pike Place Market, Seattle offers visitors a wealth of iconic landmarks and lively neighborhoods to explore. Join us as we delve into the splendor of Seattle and uncover the…

[kaustubh-wankhede]

Escape to paradise with our curated list of the 23 best places to visit in the Maldives. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and luxurious resorts. From the vibrant marine life of Hanifaru Bay to the tranquil shores of Vaadhoo Island, each destination offers a unique slice of Maldivian paradise. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or romance, these handpicked locations guarantee an unforgettable experience. Dive into the azure waters, explore cultural gems, and discover the Maldives like never before.

[aarchimedes]

for context: I read the hobbit first over the course of two years when I was like 13, but I'm only now starting to read lotr. having a blast tho!

anyways, reblog if you feel like it 🙌🏻

[alwaysbewoke]

nah nah nah. y'all wanted to be white so bad, stay there with them and EAT THAT RACISM smfh

[blueiscoool]

1,800-Year-Old Roman Carved Head and Gem Discovered at Hadrian's Wall

Archaeologists excavating a site near Hadrian's Wall have discovered a wealth of Roman artefacts including carved heads, gems and mysterious ritual platforms.

Archaeologists have found several exciting millennia-old Roman artefacts near Hadrian’s Wall in Scotland.

The findings, which are estimated as being around 1,800 years old, include an exquisite gem that depicts Silvanus, God of the countryside, and a meticulously crafted ring with an inset gem depicting a rat munching merrily on a poppy seed.

A team of volunteer archaeologists in England have unearthed the intricately carved head of a statue believed to depict an ancient Roman empress. The discovery was made at the site of a Roman bathhouse, the largest known building on Hadrian’s Wall, located near Carlisle Cricket Club.

The head, measuring 18cm by 13cm, is remarkably detailed and finely crafted, surpassing the quality of two larger monument heads discovered at the same site earlier this year. Experts believe the head, which depicts a woman wearing a headdress resembling those favored by Empress Julia Domna, dates back to the same period as the bathhouse.

“It refers more to the Classical Roman style of sculpture,” said lead archaeologist Frank Giecco. While the identity of the woman depicted remains unconfirmed, the headdress offers a tantalizing clue. Julia Domna, wife of Emperor Septimius Severus, popularized this particular style of headdress during her reign.

This latest find adds to the impressive collection of over 4,000 artifacts recovered since excavations began in 2021. The site, initially thought to be solely a bathhouse, has revealed itself to be a multifaceted complex.

“It looks like thermal baths, a collection of disparate offices, religious and social spaces, recreational spaces and administrative spaces,” said Giecco, who expressed amazement at the volume and value of the discoveries.

[globalriseofblackpeople]

Black history

[whatismylacreating]

stellar, 2024

color pencil, marker, puffy paint, pen, and gems on paper

[yebreed]

Christmas-mood coexistence of jade and tourmaline, made a trend by the court jewelers of the Qing dynasty.

Photo: ©十相自在灵生

[majokkid]

An Introduction to Creating and Enchanting Magical Tools

Most, if not all, magical paradigms refer to the use of tools for certain tasks and the world of magical heroes is no different! Whether it’s a pen or brooch for a transformation sequence or a key to unlocking arcane magics, we can find many examples of magical items in mahō shōjo media that can be utilized in your own practice.

Please note that this is a non-exhaustive and non-canonical discussion of the creation and use of magical tools. If you’d like a deeper dive into a particular canon, feel free to send me a message and I’ll see what I can do!

It may seem obvious but the first step in creating a magical tool is determining what its use is. This not only contextualizes the tool within your practice but it can also help determine what is necessary for your needs. Ask yourself questions like:

What is this tool’s function?

Is this tool physical or purely aetheric?

What materials should it be made of?

Should this tool remain on my person at all times? If so, how do I carry it? If not, how should it be stored?

When working with mahō shōjo influences it is especially tempting to purchase detailed, manufactured replicas of your favorite characters’ items and while you can certainly go out and find something along those lines, I always recommend taking the time and energy to make your own tools. I find items that I have created myself are more powerful and reliable. (I’ve noticed this particularly so for objects that can be used for divination, such as cards and pendulums.)

And you do not need to be an experienced prop maker to create a potent magical object! While I do stress the importance of doing the creating yourself, don’t ever be ashamed to ask for help or assistance! As long as you have given it careful consideration and genuine energy, you’ll find that something that may look simple to others can carry immense power when you wield it.

Note: I would say the only caveats to creating your own magical tools outright would be if you were gifted a magical item or if you divined characteristics of an item and are yet to piece together all of its properties. If you were gifted a magical tool, or you are repurposing something that you already own, try to get as much information as you can about its creation and what energies it is imbued with (including any emotional or psychic attachments); if there are things about it that you do not deem necessary or appropriate for your work, I highly recommend cleansing it magically before use and find ways to reroot it to your practice or avoid using it all together.

After you have finished your creation, I recommend enchanting it to further connect it to you and your practice. This can be done in any number of ways but I think it is always best to do something that makes sense in context; for example:

Consecrate the item with water, oils, incense, etc. that is imbued with the energies you want it to carry. Consider associations such as celestial or elemental correspondences, if they apply. Just make sure it makes sense to you!

Is your work in dedication to a certain entity? Consider opening communication with it and get its input on how you should store and charge your new tool. They might also have opinions on how you should use it and if there are any voces magicae, or magic words, you might invoke.

If this is an item you associate with dreams or the astral, sleep with the tool placed under your pillow, under your bed, or somewhere close at hand like a nightstand. You can also consider charging it under moonlight after each use.

If you have an altar dedicated to this part of your practice, place your new tool on it and consecrate it as you see fit. By enchanting and/or storing it the proximity of other items that you have already associated with your work, you can easily establish it as part of your canon.

This post is part of my Magi Praxis series. If you have any suggestions for future topics, or you have attempted anything I have shared and want you share your experiences, please send me a message! I am always happy to go back and provide further explanation as well. ☆

[uncleclaudius]

Sardonyx cameo of Cleopatra VII depicted as Isis and Mark Antony as Osiris.

The image and description comes from the book called Engraved Gems which can be read for free here.

[evilsment]

🦚 Phoenix Crown (Fengguan) | 鳳冠 🦚

A type of Chinese crown worn by noble women for official ceremonies. It’s made out of kingfisher feather, gold, pearls, and precious gems like rubies, sapphires, and more.

2+3+4 drama title: Palace of Devotion 大宋宫词

[insomnious-illustrations]

Finally finished Steven Universe Future!

[kaustubh-wankhede]

Embark on a soul-soothing journey through Thailand's hidden havens. Discover 16 enchanting places that promise unparalleled rejuvenation. From pristine beaches to serene temples, each locale invites you to unwind and embrace tranquillity. Dive into crystal-clear waters, explore lush jungles, and indulge in cultural gems. This guide unveils the perfect blend of nature and culture, ensuring a revitalizing escape. Let the vibrant landscapes and rich heritage of Thailand transform your senses. Immerse yourself in serenity and create unforgettable moments in these idyllic retreats.

[falmerbrook]

“A teslore post about falmer! This should be interesting and-“

[proffbon]

Every time I think about Lords of Fortune and their cultural sensitivity I have to go 'Don't think about it' like that Portal 2 scene, because I get too invested trying to understand the logic behind it and eventually short circuit.

[ascorian]

akatsuki arrival sketch :33 i have no intention to finish it tho