#diving into our folklore today <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[nikatyler]

distinctive features (6/12): squishy nose

Čenda (he/they), fancy fella from the pond

[kylieswift31]

Tick tock! Tick tock!

It's a clock!

In yesterday’s post I explained the background behind how I created this interpretation of Taylor's vault. That isn’t necessary to understand this post, but feel free to check it out if you want to learn more. Today we're going to explore how we could connect the vault to the clocks seen throughout Taylor's music videos.

My intention behind these deep dives is to provide an alternative point of view to to the more well known interpretations of Easter eggs in the hope of uncovering something we've missed along the way. If any of this sparks an idea, feel free to explore it.

The layers

With the chart above we can see that the inner ring contains the two double albums, the tortured poets department and folkmore, combining to represent the contrasting properties of colour. There's the light of summer, dark of winter, warm of spring and cool of fall/autumn. This is echoed in the second ring too, with the contrast between tint and tone of each quadrant. The colours associated with this ring also form a rainbow. And then combine both rings together in order of album release and you get the outer rings that line up with the segments of a clock.

The clocks

There are many clocks used throughout Taylor's music videos. For the purpose of this exploration I'll skip over the clocks that are in the background, like the one in the cardigan music video where the hands point to 1 and 3.

You need to calm down

The Benji clock shows the numbers 3 - 13 and is missing numbers 1 and 2. The time is showing that it's 7 o'clock which matches up with the lover era this music video is from. The 1 and 2 being missing is a little suspicious, but might just be drawing our eye to the 13 instead.

Bejewelled beginning

For the shell shaped clock we see that the golden writing reveals that exile ends in 03, 02. The clock is also missing the 3, 6 and 9. If we compare this to the outer ring of the vault door we can see that these line up with speak now, reputation and evermore. The way the words exile ends covers the 3 and 9 hint at those eras playing an important part in Taylor's story. This is interesting if you consider folklore and evermore were bonus albums added during the pandemic. If that's the case, the tortured poets department would have been the ninth era. And then the 3 and 2 seems to be counting down to the debut era.

Now we need to consider that Taylor's Easter eggs might contain bait and switch scenarios to increase the difficulty level of the ones hinting at events further into the future. The count down of the 3 and 2 is the more obvious answer, but the clock hands pointing to 12 o'clock might be the main number we need to pay attention to. Or it’s the connection between 3, 6 and 9.

Bejewelled ending

The clock at the ending of the bejewelled music video is pointing towards the 3, but we can't see the small hand of the clock. Taylor's body is pointing towards the 6 and 12 with her hands raising to stretch out to the side. The time on the clock is similar to the time on Big Ben in the Peter Pan movie.

Karma

The karma coffee cup is one of the most talked about easer eggs, second to the man wall. Here we can see a black nail lined up with the 2 and a blue nail lined up with the 8. At the very end the clock begins moving as it ticks over to midnight.

Miss Americana

In a previous post I had flipped and mirrored the man wall picture to create a clock, similar to the faces on the king and queen playing cards. Through doing this I discovered that the black nail might actually be for the lover era, and not for reputation. Taylor's aesthetic changed to black when she was prevented from coming out and the cover of the Miss Americana documentary mirrored that. Taylor has shown us that she sees herself as the male character at times. This duality reflects the public and private versions of Taylor. The 1989 era nail guided the layout of the middle ring of the vault that creates a rainbow, but we can also see it also represents the divide between both sides of Taylor.

Eras tour

These two karma cup nails also line up to the pattern on the eras tour clock as well. This too appears to be flipped and mirrored. It is possible the mismatched symmetry was on purpose to draw your attention to the clock before the show starts.

The vaults

The first time we see a vault in Taylor's music videos begins in the reputation era. We know that Taylor was aware that her first six albums would get sold at some point after she left her first record label, but wasn't sure when it would happen.

Look what you made me do

This vault is being robbed by five versions of Taylor wearing cat masks, who are said to represent different eras. It's interesting that there's yellow for fearless but not purple for speak now. The colours also remind me of power rangers, where the pink and yellow power rangers were girls. I'm curious to know if the back door of the vault was just a stylistic choice or if the cats are a diversion for what's being taken or left in the vault. The handcuffs and briefcases also could be a hint towards the briefcase from the man music video.

I bet you think about me

The stained glass window in this music video has 13 quadrants and almost looks like a halo too.

I can see you

This vault intrigues me the most, but more specifically the Taylor that's left inside of it. We can see on the walls that she has been keeping a tally of how long she's been exiled for. The supporting characters from the mean music video being in this one too suggests Taylor has been in the vault since the original era. Speak now is linked to the 3 on the outer ring, but on the middle ring it's linked to the time just before midnight.

The man wall

And this connection to midnight brings us back to the man wall. If we flip it upside down, the man lines up with the clock hands on the karma coffee cup.

The vault clock

Now if we combine both the clocks and the vaults together, we can see how each ring represents a deeper layer of Taylor the further towards the middle we get.

The clock hands

Both the Taylor and the Man can be seen as clock hands for each layer of the vault door. The man is at midnight, and Taylor is at dawn. Another interpretation is that they represent two versions of Taylor stuck inside the vault.

Outer ring

This layer represents the pop star persona of Taylor. All albums are present here. This vault clock is slightly different to the one at the start of this post to more accurately represent the changing of the hour, and the first one is to highlight the album numbers.

The black nail between fearless and speak now links to the Taylor in the vault between reputation and lover. And the blue nail near evermore connects to the man with one foot between TS12 and debut. This reflects both the times when Taylor has had to pull back and stay closeted and the times when she had plans to come out.

Each half of this outer ring also represents Taylor’s journey starting her career and restarting with a new recording contract. The albums opposite each other could be worth comparing. Speak now and evermore keep standing out to me.

Middle ring

The next layer seems to represent the inner feelings of Taylor during these eras, or a glimpse at the underside of her experiences. Just like the daisy is said to represent the straight presenting and queer side. Comparing these albums to the colours used on the man wall might reveal their dark side. The connection between the wheel of the year and speak now ties into my previous theories around Taylor's use of the colour purple as a queer symbol. The painted nails here line up with the lover and 1989 era.

The inner ring

Lastly, these eras are devoid of colour compared to the previous ring and reveal the truest version of Taylor underneath. Or in other words, the effects closeting has had on her life.

Two graves, one gun

As we can see in the midnights music videos, the count down to midnight ends at the end of the karma music videos. The first music video we get after that includes Taylor escaping from the vault and then the fortnight video shows another Taylor escaping from the asylum.

Are there only two Taylor’s stuck within the vaults?

If so, who's been holding the gun?

The briefcase

It seems like there's a possibility that there is one person responsible for both Taylor's in the grave or vault. It's hard to tell if this is someone in her life or another version of Taylor. Either way, I think the contents of the briefcase might contain the karma that Taylor has been hinting at since reputation. This look is really giving "try and come for my job" energy.

The trap

I still keep coming back to the storyline of the parent trap with the two halves of the photo. I believe this is what the moon and Saturn in the karma music video represent. The light, dark, warm and cool contrasting colours is heavily used in the movie to represent the relationships with their parents living seperate lives on opposite sides of the world with one child each. Initially, Hallie and Annie despise each other when they meet at summer camp, until they realise they're twins. They spend the rest of camp planning to trade places so they can spend time with their other parent, before teaming up to scare off their future step mother with the hopes of their parents getting back together.

This battle of wills between two pairs of two leads me back to the connection between the four quadrants of the tortured poets department and folkmore. Just like the midnights clock is made up of four album covers, the inner ring of the vault might be the first step towards reuniting all versions of Taylor.

If rescuing the two Taylor’s completes the middle ring, what completes the next two rings? Perhaps the set list changes are leading towards the next big change. Or maybe TS12 in the form of an album, documentary or book completes the final layer?

Regardless of what happens next, it’s been empowering watching Taylor reclaim her past.

A tortured poet,

Kylie x

[mindclassic]

The Sea Serpent - Tales of a Legendary Creature

The sea serpent or a sea monster is a legendary creature often described as a large and mysterious marine animal. It has captivated the imagination of sailors, writers, and scientists for centuries. With tales of sightings dating back to medieval times, the sea monster has become an enduring myth. It continues to fascinate people today. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the sea serpent remains a topic of interest and speculation. We will take a closer look at modern-day sightings and theories surrounding this elusive and fascinating legend. 1. The Myth of the Sea Serpent The sea monster, a legendary creature of the deep, has been the subject of fascination and fear for centuries. With its long, winding body and fierce appearance, tales of the sea monster pass down through generations and across cultures. But is there any truth to these stories, or are they simply myths? In this article, we will explore the history of sea serpent sightings, and examine scientific explanations for the creature's existence. Also, we dive into the sea serpent's cultural significance in folklore and popular culture. 2. Sea Serpent Sightings Throughout History The first recorded sea serpent sighting dates back to the year 1080. The Bishop Erik of Greenland wrote of a "sea monster" seen off the coast. Since then, we can witness reports of sea serpents in medieval literature, sailors' logs, and newspaper accounts. Medieval Sea Monsters During the Middle Ages, sea monsters were a common subject of art and literature. These creatures were often depicted as having serpentine bodies, with fins and scales. It is unclear whether these depictions were based on actual sightings or were purely the stuff of imagination. 19th Century Sea Serpents The 19th century saw a surge in sea serpent sightings, with reports coming from all around the world. Some of the most famous sightings occurred in North America. The witnesses claimed to have seen long, snake-like creatures swimming in the oceans. Modern Sightings Even in modern times, reports of sea serpent sightings continue. While many of these sightings can have explanations of natural phenomena or misidentification, some remain a mystery. 3. Scientific Explanations Many sea serpent sightings have explanations of optical illusions or misidentifications of known creatures. For example, a group of swimming otters may appear to be a long, winding sea monster from a distance. Natural Phenomena Other sea serpent sightings can be attributed to natural phenomena. These can be floating logs or waves causing disturbances in the water. These disturbances can create the appearance of a creature moving through the water. Hoaxes and Fabrications Some sea monster sightings later turned out as hoaxes or fabrications. For example, in the 1840s, PT Barnum exhibited a "Feejee Mermaid" made from a monkey's head and the body of a fish. The creature became a sensation but ultimately revealed later a hoax. 4. The Sea Serpent in Folklore and Popular Culture The sea serpent has been a part of mythology and legend in many cultures. In Norse mythology, the sea serpent Jörmungandr encircles the world. It is destined to fight the god Thor during Ragnarok. In Chinese folklore, they believe that the dragon-like Liqiuqiao is the protector of the sea. Art and Literature The sea serpent has also been a popular subject in art and literature. From the sea monster illustrations of medieval manuscripts to the works of Jules Verne and Herman Melville, the creature has inspired countless artists and writers. Modern Pop Culture References The sea serpent continues to make appearances in modern pop culture. From the Loch Ness Monster to the sea serpent in the Disney movie "The Little Mermaid," the creature has become a part of our collective imagination. Whether real or imagined, the sea monster will continue to captivate and intrigue us for generations to come. 5. Recent Reports of Sea Serpent Encounters For centuries, stories about sea serpents have been circulating among sailors and fishermen around the world. However, sightings of the legendary creature have remained rare and often dismissed as mere legends. But in recent years, there have been an increasing number of reports of sea serpent sightings, accompanied by photographic and video evidence. Stories and Accounts In 2018, a group of friends out fishing in the Sea of Cortez in Mexico captured footage of what appears to be a sea serpent swimming alongside their boat. The video shows a long, serpentine creature with distinct humps undulating through the water. In 2013, a group of fishermen off the coast of Maine reported seeing a 15-foot-long creature with the head of a serpent and the body of an eel. The fishermen described it as being dark green with a white underbelly. Video and Photographic Evidence One of the most famous and compelling images of a sea serpent comes from Canada's Lake Okanagan. A monster nicknamed Ogopogo was reported since the late 19th century. In 1968, a tourist named Art Folden took a photograph that shows what appears to be a long, serpentine creature with a small head and humps along the body. In 2015, a group of tourists in Alaska captured video footage of a long, dark creature swimming near their boat. The video shows what appears to be a serpentine body with a small head and humps along its back. Expert Analysis Despite the growing number of sightings and evidence, experts remain skeptical of the existence of sea serpents. Biologists argue that there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of such a creature. They believe that what people are seeing is likely a known species, such as giant eels or oarfish. 6. Theories on What People Might Be Seeing Some experts suggest that what people are seeing could be giant eels or oarfish. These are often mistaken for sea serpents due to their long, serpentine bodies. Giant eels can grow up to 13 feet long and are famous to inhabit deep waters. Meanwhile, oarfish are popular for their long, flat bodies and can grow up to 36 feet long. Undiscovered Speciesfamous Others argue that the sea serpent sightings could be evidence of an undiscovered species. While unlikely, there have been instances in the past where new species have been discovered in the deep sea. Environmental Changes and Anomalies Finally, some experts speculate that environmental changes and anomalies could be responsible for the sea serpent sightings. Climate change has led to the warming of ocean waters, which could be causing known species to migrate to new areas or behave differently than they have in the past. 7. The Enduring Mystique of the Sea Serpent Despite the lack of scientific evidence, the legend of the sea monster continues to capture our imaginations. Whether they are real-life creatures or just a product of our imaginations, the sea monster remains an enduring mystery of the deep. As technology advances and more people explore remote areas of the ocean, there may yet be discoveries that shed light on this legendary creature. Until then, sea serpent sightings will continue to be the stuff of legends. Summary Although the legend of the sea serpent continues to mystify and intrigue, current evidence suggests that the creature may be nothing more than a product of folkloric imagination and natural phenomena. However, the sea monster remains a captivating figure in popular culture and folklore, inspiring new adventures and stories with each passing year. Perhaps one day, a real sea monster will emerge from the depths and prove the skeptics wrong. Until then, the legend of the sea serpent will continue to live on in our imaginations and in the annals of history. Image by Barroa from Pixabay Read the full article

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Top 5 Bigfoot Sightings

Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, is a creature that has captured the imagination of adventurers, storytellers, and cryptid hunters for decades. Alleged sightings of this mysterious, ape-like being have been reported across North America, with stories spanning from dense forests to remote mountain ranges. But with so many reports, which ones stand out? Let’s dive into the Top 5 Bigfoot Sightings and uncover the stories behind them.

1. The Patterson-Gimlin Film (1967) – Bluff Creek, California

2. The Paul Freeman Encounter (1994) – Blue Mountains, Washington

Paul Freeman, a forest patrolman, reported seeing not only a Bigfoot but also its footprints deep in Washington’s Blue Mountains. Freeman’s encounter reignited the Bigfoot craze with photographs and video evidence that many believe are credible. His detailed documentation is still referenced in cryptid research circles today.

3. Bigfoot Sighting on Mount Hood (2000s) – Oregon

There have been numerous sightings around Mount Hood, Oregon—an area known for its wilderness and mysterious allure. Local hikers have reported large footprints and strange noises in the night, with some even claiming to catch glimpses of a massive, shadowy figure. Mount Hood has become a popular destination for Bigfoot enthusiasts hoping to experience their own encounter.

4. The Ohio Grassman (1978) – Minerva, Ohio

In 1978, residents of Minerva, Ohio, reported seeing a large, hairy creature in their backyard. Known locally as the "Ohio Grassman," this Bigfoot-like being reportedly raided garbage cans and was spotted multiple times near wooded areas. The story captivated Ohio residents, and reports of sightings continue to trickle to this day.

5. The Beast of Whitehall (1976) – New York

A group of teenagers in Whitehall, New York, claimed to encounter a large, bipedal creature while driving at night. Several police officers investigated the area and later confirmed seeing the same beast. Known as the Beast of Whitehall, this encounter became one of the most documented Bigfoot sightings in the northeastern United States.

Bonus: Celebrate Bigfoot Adventures with Us!

Why Are We So Fascinated by Bigfoot?

Bigfoot sightings often represent more than just folklore—they symbolize the mystery and allure of the unknown. From campfire tales to TV shows, the search for Bigfoot reflects our desire to connect with untamed wilderness and explore what lies beyond modern understanding.

Join the Bigfoot Community These sightings may leave us with more questions than answers, but one thing is for sure—Bigfoot stories aren't going away anytime soon. Whether you believe in Bigfoot or not, the hunt for this elusive creature continues to inspire curiosity, exploration, and creativity.

Want to read more about Bigfoot and other amazing designs? Head to our main article on Heart Sticker and discover how we bring these stories to life through stickers and accessories!

Explore your wild side and show off your passion for adventure with Heart Sticker’s exclusive Bigfoot-themed designs! Who knows—maybe your next hike will lead to the next great Bigfoot sighting!

[digitaltravelexpert]

100 Fun Travel Riddles With Answers For Adults and Kids

Are you ready to embark on a journey of wit and wonder? Get ready to pack your bags and sharpen your mind, because today we're diving into the world of fun travel riddles! Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a curious traveler, these riddles are sure to add an extra dash of excitement to your next journey. From mysterious landmarks to legendary destinations, we've got riddles for adults and kids alike that will sharpen your mind and knowledge on diverse travel topics. So, buckle up and join us on this thrilling quest as we unravel some of the coolest travel riddles and answers that will keep you guessing and grinning from ear to ear! Let's dive in! 🎒🔍

20 Travel Riddles With Answers For Adults

Travel riddles for adults on various destinations are like mental passports, unlocking curiosity and knowledge about diverse cultures and places. They ignite a sense of adventure, transforming mundane moments into exciting quests for exploration. By challenging the mind with tantalizing puzzles, they inspire wanderlust and deepen appreciation for the vast tapestry of our world.

Here are 20 travel riddles with answers tailored to Adults, each accompanied by a brief context. 1. Riddle: I'm a desert where the sand sings and the stars shine bright. Where am I? Context: This desert is renowned for its mesmerizing sand dunes and clear night skies, perfect for stargazing. Answer: Sahara Desert 2. Riddle: I'm a city of ancient wonders where the past whispers in every stone. Where am I? Context: This city is a treasure trove of archaeological marvels, showcasing the remnants of ancient civilizations. Answer: Rome 3. Riddle: I'm a country of fiery dances and colorful festivals. Where am I? Context: This vibrant country is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, lively music, and spirited dance forms. Answer: Brazil 4. Riddle: I'm a land of fjords, trolls, and breathtaking vistas. Where am I? Context: This Scandinavian country is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, with towering fjords and mythical folklore. Answer: Norway 5. Riddle: I'm a city where East meets West in a whirlwind of spices and bazaars. Where am I? Context: This bustling metropolis is a melting pot of cultures, offering a sensory feast of aromas, flavors, and vibrant markets. Answer: Istanbul 6. Riddle: I'm a tropical paradise with azure waters and swaying palms. Where am I? Context: This idyllic destination is synonymous with pristine beaches, lush jungles, and a laid-back island vibe. Answer: Maldives 7. Riddle: I'm a country where ancient ruins stand testament to a glorious past. Where am I? Context: This historic nation boasts a wealth of archaeological wonders, preserving the legacy of mighty empires and civilizations. Answer: Greece 8. Riddle: I'm a city of skyscrapers and dreams that never sleep. Where am I? Context: This iconic urban jungle is synonymous with towering skyscrapers, Broadway shows, and non-stop excitement. Answer: New York City 9. Riddle: I'm an island where dragons roam and volcanoes roar. Where am I? Context: This exotic destination is home to unique wildlife, including Komodo dragons, and awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes. Answer: Indonesia (specifically Komodo Island) 10. Riddle: I'm a land of ancient temples and serene spirituality. Where am I? Context: This Southeast Asian country is renowned for its stunning temples, tranquil monasteries, and deeply rooted Buddhist traditions. Answer: Thailand 11. Riddle: I'm a city where art, history, and romance intertwine on every cobblestone street. Where am I? Context: This enchanting city is synonymous with Renaissance art, historic landmarks, and a timeless allure that captivates visitors. Answer: Florence 12. Riddle: I'm a country where the rhythm of salsa fills the streets and the aroma of coffee lingers in the air. Where am I? Context: This lively nation is celebrated for its passionate dance culture, rich coffee heritage, and warm hospitality. Answer: Colombia

13. Riddle: I'm an archipelago of a thousand smiles, where paradise awaits at every turn. Where am I? Context: This tropical haven is famed for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and welcoming locals known for their hospitality. Answer: Philippines 14. Riddle: I'm a city where futuristic skyscrapers tower over ancient traditions. Where am I? Context: This dynamic city-state seamlessly blends modernity with tradition, offering a glimpse into the future while honoring its storied past. Answer: Singapore 15. Riddle: I'm a country where rugged mountains meet pristine lakes, creating a landscape straight out of a postcard. Where am I? Context: This European gem is renowned for its breathtaking Alpine scenery, charming villages, and outdoor adventure opportunities. Answer: Switzerland 16. Riddle: I'm a city where the echoes of history resound in every street corner and ancient walls. Where am I? Context: This city is a living museum, preserving centuries of history within its cobblestone alleys, majestic cathedrals, and imposing fortifications. Answer: Jerusalem 17. Riddle: I'm a country where ancient ruins hide amidst lush jungles, waiting to be discovered. Where am I? Context: This Central American nation is home to mysterious Mayan ruins, enveloped by dense rainforests teeming with biodiversity. Answer: Guatemala 18. Riddle: I'm a land of misty moors, medieval castles, and mythical legends. Where am I? Context: This country is steeped in folklore and history, with its rugged landscapes and ancient landmarks inspiring tales of knights and dragons. Answer: Scotland 19. Riddle: I'm a city where the sound of flamenco fills the air and the aroma of tapas tantalizes the senses. Where am I? Context: This vibrant city is the heart of Spanish culture, renowned for its passionate flamenco performances, delicious cuisine, and lively atmosphere. Answer: Seville 20. Riddle: I'm a city known for canals, bikes, and tulips bright. Where am I? Context: Nestled in the Netherlands, this city is famous for its picturesque canals, vibrant tulip fields, and bicycle-friendly streets. Answer: Amsterdam

20 Travel Riddles with Answers For Kids

Travel riddles for kids inject an element of excitement into learning about global destinations, igniting a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world. While it comes naturally for kids to look for English riddles with answers, by unraveling these playful mysteries, children not only absorb geographical knowledge but also cultivate a passion for exploration and cultural understanding. Ethical travel bloggers can leverage these riddles with answers to craft engaging content, promoting responsible tourism and fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures while captivating their audience with interactive and educational experiences.

20 travel-themed riddles with answers for kids along with their answers and a short context: 1. Riddle: I'm a tower in France, tall and grand, with a famous tilt, you'll understand. What am I? Answer: The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Context: In Italy, there stands a tower that leans to the side, attracting visitors from around the world who marvel at its unique architecture. 2. Riddle: I'm red and big, like a giant's shoe, in a city where bulls run too. What am I? Answer: The Red Square in Moscow, Russia. Context: In Moscow, there's a square where the buildings are red and grand, and nearby, you might see brave souls running with bulls. 3. Riddle: I'm a wall so long, made of stone, in a country where dragons are known. What am I? Answer: The Great Wall of China. Context: China boasts a wall that stretches for miles, protecting its land, and in ancient legends, dragons once roamed the skies. 4. Riddle: I'm a palace made of gold, fit for kings, in a city where elephants spread their wings. What am I? Answer: The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. Context: In Bangkok, there's a palace shining bright with gold, where kings once ruled and elephants were seen as symbols of might. 5. Riddle: I'm a desert so vast, with sands that sing, in a land where camels are king. What am I? Answer: The Sahara Desert in Africa. Context: In Africa lies a desert so immense, where sands dance in the wind, and camels traverse the land, a true adventure to find. 6. Riddle: I'm a tower so high, touching the sky, in a city where pizzas fly. What am I? Answer: The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Context: Paris boasts a tower reaching for the clouds, where people come to gaze at the view, and nearby, you'll find pizzas made just for you. 7. Riddle: I'm a temple serene, hidden in trees, in a country known for its spices and teas. What am I? Answer: The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Context: In Sri Lanka, there's a temple nestled among greenery, where a sacred tooth resides, and the aroma of spices fills the air with mystery. 8. Riddle: I'm a statue so grand, with a torch held high, in a city where dreams reach the sky. What am I? Answer: The Statue of Liberty in New York City, USA. Context: In New York City stands a lady with a torch, welcoming all who seek freedom's light, where dreams take flight and aspirations soar. 9. Riddle: I'm a pyramid old, with secrets untold, in a land where pharaohs ruled bold. What am I? Answer: The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Context: Egypt holds pyramids of ancient design, where pharaohs rest and mysteries abound, standing as testaments to a civilization divine. 10. Riddle: I'm a castle on a hill, with tales to tell, in a country where fairies dwell. What am I? Answer: Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany. Context: In Germany, atop a hill, there's a castle fairytale-like and grand, where stories unfold and imagination takes command. 11. Riddle: I'm a bridge so bright, with colors that ignite, in a city where opera takes flight. What am I? Answer: The Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia. Context: In Sydney, there's a bridge spanning the bay, adorned with lights that shine by night, where opera singers enchant with voices pure and bright. 12. Riddle: I'm a tower of clocks, ticking away, in a city where chocolate holds sway. What am I? Answer: The Clock Tower in Bern, Switzerland. Context: In Switzerland, there's a tower with clocks that chime, marking the time in a city where chocolate is prime. 13. Riddle: I'm a temple high, carved in stone, in a city where monkeys roam. What am I? Answer: The Temple of Hanuman in Hampi, India. Context: In India, there's a temple carved in rock, where monkeys play and legends talk, a sacred site where spirituality unlocks. 14. Riddle: I'm a tower so old, made of bricks, in a city where canals are like liquid tricks. What am I? Answer: The Leaning Tower of Bologna in Italy. Context: In Bologna, Italy, there stands a tower with a lean, beside canals where gondolas glide serene. 15. Riddle: I'm a mountain so high, with snow on top, in a country where yaks love to hop. What am I? Answer: Mount Everest in Nepal. Context: In Nepal, there's a mountain touching the sky, where snow caps glisten and yaks wander by, a place where adventurers dare to fly. 16. Riddle: I'm a castle on a rock, with walls so thick, in a country where kilts and bagpipes click. What am I? Answer: Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. Context: In Scotland, atop a rocky knoll, there's a castle standing tall and bold, where history whispers tales of old. 17. Riddle: I'm a palace so grand, with gardens vast, in a city where flamenco dances last. What am I? Answer: The Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. Context: In Spain, there's a palace with gardens fair, where fountains flow and the air is filled with flair, a place where flamenco echoes through the night air. 18. Riddle: I'm a canyon deep, carved by time's hand, in a country where cowboys once manned. What am I? Answer: The Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA. Context: In the USA lies a canyon so wide, where rivers run and cliffs abide, a testament to nature's enduring stride. 19. Riddle: I'm a ruin old, with stories to tell, in a land where emperors once dwelled. What am I? Answer: The Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Context: In Greece, atop a hill, there's a ruin standing still, where ancient tales of gods and emperors fulfill. 20. Riddle: I'm a colosseum grand, with stories of the past, in a city where gladiators clashed. What am I? Answer: The Colosseum in Rome, Italy. Context: In Rome stands a structure of ancient might, where crowds once cheered as gladiators fought, a symbol of strength and Roman pride.

20 Hard Riddles with Answers About Wildlife

These hard riddles for adults about Wildlife offer a delightful blend of entertainment and education, challenging travelers and wildlife enthusiasts alike with intriguing puzzles while imparting knowledge about various species and habitats. Its engaging format not only entertains but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for wildlife, making it a valuable resource for those eager to learn about the natural world. For travel bloggers, infusing imagination into their content adds a layer of ethical engagement, inspiring readers to explore with curiosity and respect, thus promoting responsible tourism and conservation efforts worldwide. Travel riddles could inspire you if you are looking for content ideas for your new travel blog.

Here are 20 travel riddles with answers about wildlife, along with a short context for each: 1. Riddle: I soar high, yet touch the earth. My beak is sharp, my feathers bright. What am I? Answer: Eagle Context: Majestic and fierce, I rule the skies and command respect from all who behold my graceful flight. 2. Riddle: I'm spotted in the grasslands, a graceful giant in disguise. What am I? Answer: Cheetah Context: Stealth and speed are my allies as I navigate the savannah, hunting with precision and grace. 3. Riddle: I'm striped and fierce, yet elusive in the night. What am I? Answer: Tiger Context: In the shadows of the jungle, I prowl with silent grace, my stripes a testament to my royal lineage. 4. Riddle: I'm armored and slow, with a shell on my back. Who am I? Answer: Tortoise Context: Patient and wise, I wander the earth with the weight of centuries upon my ancient shell, a symbol of resilience. 5. Riddle: I'm gentle and wise, with a trunk for a nose. What am I? Answer: Elephant Context: In the heart of the African plains, I roam with my family, my trunk a versatile tool for communication and survival. 6. Riddle: I'm sleek and slippery, at home in the depths. What am I? Answer: Dolphin Context: In the vast expanse of the ocean, I dance through the waves with playful abandon, a creature of joy and wonder. 7. Riddle: I'm striped and fierce, with a roar that shakes the ground. What am I? Answer: Lion Context: With a mane like a crown and a roar that echoes through the plains, I am the king of beasts, ruling over my pride with strength and pride. 8. Riddle: I'm black and white, a symbol of peace in the icy lands. Who am I? Answer: Penguin Context: In the frigid landscapes of the Antarctic, I waddle with determination, my tuxedo-like attire a shield against the cold. 9. Riddle: I'm small and furry, with a bushy tail and nimble feet. What am I? Answer: Squirrel Context: In the heart of the forest, I dart among the trees with speed and agility, gathering nuts for the winter ahead. 10. Riddle: I'm long and slithery, with a forked tongue and scales. Who am I? Answer: Snake Context: In the depths of the jungle, I slither silently through the undergrowth, a creature of mystery and intrigue. 11. Riddle: I'm colorful and delicate, fluttering on the breeze. What am I? Answer: Butterfly Context: Born from a humble caterpillar, I emerge to dance among the flowers, my wings a canvas of nature's artistry. 12. Riddle: I'm majestic and elusive, with antlers like branches. Who am I? Answer: Deer Context: In the quiet of the forest, I graze among the trees, my antlers a symbol of strength and grace. 13. Riddle: I'm fierce and toothy, ruling the rivers with power. What am I? Answer: Crocodile Context: In the murky waters of the swamp, I lurk with patience, my jaws ready to snap shut with deadly precision. 14. Riddle: I'm colorful and chatty, with a beak for cracking nuts. Who am I? Answer: Parrot Context: Amidst the canopy of the rainforest, I squawk and sing with exuberance, my feathers a riot of vibrant hues. 15. Riddle: I'm sleek and slippery, with a fin slicing through the waves. What am I? Answer: Shark Context: In the depths of the ocean, I patrol with silent menace, my presence striking fear into the hearts of all who dare to swim. 16. Riddle: I'm wise and nocturnal, with eyes that glow in the dark. Who am I? Answer: Owl Context: Under the moonlit sky, I soar with silent wings, my hoot echoing through the night as I hunt for prey. 17. Riddle: I'm striped and agile, with a tail for balance. What am I? Answer: Zebra Context: In the golden savannah, I roam with my herd, my stripes a dazzling display of nature's beauty. 18. Riddle: I'm big and burly, with a mane like a mane. Who am I? Answer: Buffalo Context: In the grassy plains, I graze with my kin, my massive form a testament to the power of the wild. 19. Riddle: I'm small and scaly, with a tongue that flicks for insects. What am I? Answer: Lizard Context: Basking in the warmth of the desert sun, I scuttle across the sand with agility, a creature of the arid lands. 20. Read the full article

[mirandamckenni1]

Spontaneous Human Combustion | Debunking Historic Mysteries Head to https://ift.tt/ADioqUG to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code ladyofthelibrary In today's video, we dive into the fascinating and mysterious topic of spontaneous human combustion. I look at the historical accounts, explore the science, and debunk the myths surrounding this eerie phenomenon. Was it ever real, or just a figment of our imagination? Tune in to discover the truth behind the legends and uncover the facts that science reveals. GET MORE FROM ME: ✨ Support me on Patreon: https://ift.tt/Jsaw5yc 💌 Sign up for my newsletter: https://ift.tt/p5CNDJr 🎥 Life Philosophy Channel: @SelfHelpShelf 🏺Academic Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ScholarsShelf 📩 Episode Request form: https://ift.tt/KFwyYpz 🌍 My website/blog: https://ift.tt/0tvfgz9 SOCIALS: 📚 Goodreads: https://ift.tt/IaXn7Gu WHO AM I? Hey there, I’m Cinzia DuBois On this channel, I talk about dark and ancient history, literature and folklore. ❗️DISCLAIMER I'm very dyslexic, so I apologise for any mispronunciations that occur when I'm reading scripts for videos. Additionally, whilst flattered, I'm only a PhD student and not a professional educator. As such, I would advise against ever citing my videos or using them as an academic resource: please instead cite references for papers I list in the description box. Resources: Christensen AM. 2002. Experiments in the combustibility of the human body. J Forensic Sci. 47:466–70.Ford, Brian, J. 2012, Critical Focus column No 10: Solving the mystery of Spontaneous Human Combustion, The Microscope, 60 (2): 63-72. Ensor J. 2016. Irish pensioner ‘died of spontaneous human combustion’. https://ift.tt/gXnr2cJ. Koljonen V, Kluger N. 2012. Spontaneous human combustion in the light of the 21st century. J Burn Care Res. 33(3):e101-7. doi: 10.1097/BCR.0b013e318239c5d7. PMID: 22269823. Byard, R.W. 2016. The mythology of “spontaneous” human combustion. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 12, 350–352. https://ift.tt/mXfDRKU Gamble JG. Death by spontaneous combustion: Charles Dickens and the strange case of Mr. Krook. Pharos. 1999;62:11–5. Gromb S, Lavigne X, Kerautret G, Grosleron-Gros N, Dabadie P. 2000. Spontaneous human combustion: a sometimes incomprehensible phenomenon. J Clin Forensic Med. 7:29–31. #SpontaneousHumanCombustion #SHC #HistoryMysteries #DebunkingMyths #ScienceExplained #CinziaDuBois via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEUxT1OZIr4

[familyagrestefanblog]

Theory on the guardian Temple: Mount Kailash

Every since "The Collector" I was convinced that the guardian mountain in Miraculous is most likely inspired by a real life counterpart. Then "Feast" came around and confirmed it to me. So I started to do some research and here we are with my answer and a new theory: Mount Kailash.

This mountain is surrounded by mysteries GALORE and its was such an interesting research to do! The more I read up on it the more I was convinced that this is indeed the inspiration of the guardian mountain in Tibet (and its entire society) we see in the show.

So let's not waste any more time and let's dive in. As always, I have alot to say ^^

As always, starting with the basics:

Just like in the show, Mount Kailash is located in Tibet and is part of the Himalaya. Its shape is a bit tricky to compare but even if it wouldn’t add up I think it wouldn’t matter that much. As long as the Ml mountains shape isn’t completely off and unrecognizable let a mountain be a mountain, the shape is not what’s most important about it anyway (not in this theory at least). The height on the other hand adds up very nicely. As we see in the flashbacks the guardian mountain may have been up high but also wasn't the highest mountain in the region by far.

This also applies to Mount Kailash. It is “only” 6,638 m (21,778 ft) high, which is small in comparison to several other mountains that go up to 8,850 metres (29,035 ft). So just like in the show, its not the highest mountain but definitely high enough to sometimes be above a cloud layer.

Next is the lake. Just like we saw in Fu’s flashback, mount Kailash also has a lake. Two to be correct. Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal.

The lake seen in the flashback I believe to be Lake Manasarovar (right)

The lake is located right by Mount Kailash and is believed to be the most sacred one in Tibet and has the most transparent water among all the lakes in China. In Hinduism, Lake Manasarovar is a personification of purity and bathing in it and drinking its water is believed to cleanse all sins. That sounds definitely like a perfect fit for the ancient, mystical guardian mountain lake we are looking for here.

Of course, the show hasn’t given us any indications yet that the mountain lake has such a high status (how could it? We saw it in one picture) and for all it is, the one in the show doesn’t have to. If the lake(s) end up having such qualities as well (which I believe and I’m also convinced the second lake will be of great importance as well but all of this is an extended theory for a very different day) than that’s wonderful and I’m more than happy, but if not then I’m convinced as well that it was not just a random lake they put in there but one with a mighty cultural significance.

Beside that, the lake happens to be a fresh water lake. This would also explain how a squid or kraken was shown to us to have been there, since those are freshwater animals.

Next is the whole temple thing in general. In real life there is of course no temple on Mount Kailash, but this doesn't mean that the concept of a temple for this mountain is anything new. In fact, it's really, totally, utterly not. There may be no temple on our mountain but we still do have a Kailasa temple and MY is this one important as well!

Comparing these two makes it quite obvious right away, they do have big differences. The material, the design etc. But once again, inspiration doesn't mean copy paste.

What caught my attention here were for example the big stone circle in the middle that mirrors the guardian symbol and the big tower right beside it reminds of the biggest building from the guardian temple. While the Kailasa temple is not built on Kailash, it's shape is supposed to reflect and honor the mountain because the temple was built for the greatest of the hindu gods, lord Shiva (the main God who is supposed to life on top of kailash's peak) and therefore it was supposed to resemble his home.

Meaning what Miraculous did here in my opinion, is that they simply combined Mount kailash and the Kailasa temple to make their own version for the show that is unique enough to stand on its own but also stays close enough to its roots to properly honor and portray them.

I LOVE this.

(Okay I'm gonna take this little section to gush a little about this temple because my GOSH this temple is a beauty to behold!

You are not just looking at any temple here, all of this was CARVED out of the stonewall in ONE PIECE! This is one of the greatest architectural masterpieces in human history and today no one can actually tell how the ancient local people even DID this.

I mean LOOK at this! This is of pure stone, all in one piece and there is even a gigantic underground section!

And each and every wall is full of smaller carvings from the bottom to the top, telling the stories of their culture, their mythology and believes. And even those are little pieces of art for themselves! This is marvellous! I hope that one day I will be able to see this place in person because... wow!)

Alright, leaving the materialistic basics behind us, lets take a look at its religious and cultural significance and its mystical reputation because those are *chef kiss* just beautiful.

Here is an important thing to keep in mind that since the Miraculous mountain is not going to be straight up real life Kailash, only inspired by it, this also means the show would be able to include some of its myths and folklores a lot more directly. Therefore I’m also including them here in my theory.

Coming back to what I said earlier, that apparently Mount Kailash is the holiest mountain on earth. And well, that's no exaggeration of mine. Mount Kailash is the center point of 4(!) religions, Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and Tibetan Bön. These religions also make the fact that the guardians are portrayed as monks a perfect fit. The fact that Mount Kailash has such an immense significance for the regional religions also led to one of the greatest check points for this theory:

Mount Kailash is to this day unclimbed. For several reasons I will cut down to the 3 most important for my theory:

1. As Mount Kailash is believed by 4 religions to be the center point/or a place of great significance, it is also a place that people hold in alot of honor, respect and fear as well. It's peak is believed to be place were their gods rest and/or where basically the divine energies of Existence are residing and therefore you don't just CLIMB that mountain.

Regional people and believers go an incredibly long way to honor it even to this day and therefore, no, regional people never dared to claim this mountain for themselves and its forbidden by the law to dishonor this sacred place by doing so. Bringing this back to miraculous I’m sure you already see why this fits like a glove.

If there is any real life mystical mountain the guardians of the miraculous would be located on, it's this one! The Miraculous are the origins of the in-universe world and as we know from Fu it is an unspeakable honor to be chosen as one of their guardians. The guardian society was/is located off of the normal society and at least the local people from Fu's childhood knew of their existence. Meaning here again, the miraculous mountain as well holds a great cultural significance and only the chosen guardians were allowed to climb it but for that they also had to dedicate their lives to the miraculous and life in isolation from the rest of the world.

This in combination with:

2. When I say it is forbidden to climb that mountain I mean FORBIDDEN. Not only by regionals and believers because of religion reasons. No. Between the 50s and the 70s Chinese authorities have officially managed to declare this sacred mountain as off limits, keeping it unclimbed and under protection with all means needed. Meaning no climbing by foot (beyond the free area that has always been allowed) or by any machine. It's peak is to be remained untouched. And this also means any footage taken from the mountain needs to be done from far away, no matter how ouf of the world the happening on the mountain may be. And that's precisely what we saw in "Feast"

One would think that the reappearance of a long-lost temple on a fuck high mountain would get the immediate reaction of storming and exploring it like hell. But that's not what's happening here and I don't think it's just for plot convenience at all. If we are indeed talking about a mountain in miraculous here that is just as protected by the law as mount Kailash in real life, then THIS reporting here is as close as anyone can officially/legally get in that moment without serious consequences with the law and Chinese government.

They didn't NOT storm the temple because of plot reasons, they didn't because they are legally aren't allowed to set foot on a sacred unclimbed mountain that is supposed to stay that way. What a great and subtle way of telling us more and more about the significance of the guardian mountain. Wonderful Miraculous, I applause you ^^

But there is still another reason why Mount kailash's unclimbed status convinced me that this is indeed the mountain we are (at least in an inspired way) being presented with in the show.

My point 3. is the reason why Kailash remained unclimbed by (the native) people in the first place which highly influenced its immense religious status although history to the point where it is believed to be the center place of GODS, THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE and ALL OF EXISTENCE.

Cause its not like no one ever tried to climb it. Naturally people did, just like with any other mountain on earth. But here is the thing: somehow no one was able to actually DO it. Odd how humans were and are able to reach the peak of freaking Mount Everest even though it's ALOT higher and objectively deadlier by a long shot but "small" and "easy" Kailash is the one still unclimbed.

Kailash didn't get its godly, mystical and fear-striking reputation for no reason. We are now officially stepping into folklore and myth terrain which is actually exactly what we are looking for because a show called "Miraculous" is going to REGALE in the supernatural stories of its influences. And when I say supernatural, I do indeed mean SUPERNATURAL. The climbers who survived their trip reported of unearthly happenings and situations that made claiming Kailash simply impossible. I'm not sure if saying Kailash seems to have a mind on its own is appropriate but it surely seems to try to defend itself from people who aren't worthy or not supposed to be there with means from another layer of existence.

Sudden weather extremes that come out of nowhere to stop the mountaineering and a seemingly changing environment that leads the climbers into confusion, the wrong direction (away from the peak) and even their end are two of the greatest examples and they fit perfectly into the nature of the Miraculous.

Another myth I’ve read quite a lot about is that on Mount Kailash time works… differently.

This also goes back to its defence mechanism of intruders because it is said that trying to climb it will let hair, nails etc grow a lot faster or fasten up the aging process all together to the point were relatively young climbers died the very next year of freaking OLD AGE! This is not only interesting for the miraculous mountain because it’s a supernatural coping mechanism of the Miraculous origin place using a power we are already familiar with (Bunnix time powers) but also because Kailash’s very same time anomalies are also said to grand a longer life (to those who are worthy if I’m not wrong). And do tell, what’s Fu’s age again? That’s right, a very impossible 186.

BUT, when the Miraculous guardian mountain does grand those who are chosen to be guardian (probably through a ritual or something like that to ultimately seal their “decision” to dedicate their lives to the Miraculous) a much longer life through its magical nature, that would definitely make Fu’s age much more plausible.

And yet still, even after everything I brought up one can still raises the questions “Yes but why THIS mountain? What’s so special about it that all of the miraculous things would happen there? Real-life and Miraculous. For all it is, is it just a coincidence?”

You all know me well enough by now that NOPE, I’m sure as heck not done yet :D Lets get to my last point and this one is what sold this entire idea to me 100%, without a single doubt left behind. This is the HEART of this theory.

Let me explain to you Mount Kailash’s status as Axis Mundi.

Trying to keep this as easy as possible, I do think its concept is comparable to the medieval believe that the earth is the centre of the universe. That everything from the sun to every known planet circles around us and we were the first and most important thing created. Axis Mundi is somewhat like this.

Axis Mundi means “earth axis” in latin and is basically the center point of the earth. It has several ways to approach its meaning from religion, astrology to geography. Good thing for us, Mount Kailash is a complete jackpot in this regard, so this makes it easy! (This is probably the reason why Kailash is seen as THE Axis Mundi for many people, even if there are several others that fit under certain categories as well)

Astrologically Mount Kailash is an Axis Mundi because of its location between the two celestial poles. Its distance to the north pole is 6666km and to the south pole LITERALLY the double: 13332km. Its wild, but it gets even better!

The geographical point of view only supports the astrological because Mount Kailash is said to be part of a several-linked-monuments-line with the exact same km-count of 6666km in between all of them.

And maybe this is the right time to remind you that the height of Mount Kailash that I have mentioned in the beginning is 6638m.

Although this is a point, I wouldn’t bet my hand on for 100% legitimacy, since when I double checked the Kailash to Stonehenge UK distance on Google Earth, I ended up with a distance of 6.900-something km. But at the same time the measurement system there can get quite off in such mountainy terrains so that doesn’t mean its officially wrong. Just in question. Luckily it isn’t even that important if this is true or not in real-life, because even if it isn’t, then Miraculous as a TV show can still incorporate and work with this myth/conspiracy(?) no problem.

Another geographical but more local reason for why Kailash is seen as Axis Mundi in China is because there 4 main Asian rivers find their source: Shiquan (Lion!) river, Maquan (Horse!!) river, Xiangquan (Elephant) river and Kongqu (Peacock!!!) river. now that’s something to keep in mind in future. Each on one of the 4 sides of the mountain, making it indeed a source of life for all of China and therefore a “center point” as well.

And last but definitely not least and my, this one if my favourite!

As I explained earlier, Mount Kailash is seen by 4 religions as the center place of their gods, the entire universe and all of creation. But not only that. Because since it is the place where literal gods can manifest, it is also the place where our material world meets the spiritual one and they overlap (Hence the supernatural nature and abilities of the mountain).

Do you see what this means for Miraculous?

It means that the guardians didn’t chose their mountain by sheer coincidence. It means that this very mountain peak is the place where humans where/ARE able to get access to the Kwamis!

A while ago Thomas Astruc posted this on Twitter

He describes the nature of the Kwamis as not actual living creatures per se but more like the embodiments of abstract concepts found in this universe’s existence. Humans can only interact with them through the ml jewelleries but even if these get destroyed (bee miraculous in “Queen Wasp”) the Kwami doesn’t “die”, it just goes back to its original abstract (bodyless) form and can be brought back with their Miraculous because, logically, destroying the bee miraculous for example didn’t wipe out the entire concept of Submission. Duh. Therefore, Pollen was still “there”.

So if the Kwamis are more embodiments of abstract concepts which need a specific item to physically materialize in the, well, MATERIAL world then this means there needed to be a place of transition between these two layers of reality to seal the Kwamis to the Miraculous’ in the first place. And BOY, this is it!

I’m so convinced that the guardian mountain is the Miraculous inequivalent of our Mount Kailash, everything fits like a glove and explains so many questions I haven’t even considered to ask before now!

Especially the last part about the origins and nature of the Kwamis and how their transition into the real world happened is such a gigantic lore aspect! There is so much to be discovered and connected here and I’m already reworking everything about the lore I have so far and MAN I’m glad I picked up on theorizing about Ml again! I am EXCITED!

But for now, this is it :D

[luc3]

dear psychiatric suitcase, info-point at the end of the... route ? -_- #almost

Then, what to say ?

We are Good Friday.

But above all : It's SPRING ! Birds, cats and plants everywhere, I'm crazy! 👻

~

I'm trying to compose mentally a little glamorous ointment which has nothing to do with "today". I don't really know why. I have the impression that it's my Mandrake who nudges me. Difficult to resist to Her call...

I think mixing Datura, Mandrake leaves, red rose petals (collected in a specific place), Spider web. That kind... I would like it to be an ointment that can both create the caesura, and at the same time make the bridge between one and the other side - of this caesura -

I also slowly plan a new flying ointment test / recipe.

~

About Lent? Observation of a failure, in a way. Sometimes I hate this imperfection of flesh that I am and that I drag (often) like a bag of bones behind me. (This image is by Antonin Artaud.)

- I struggled a lot with some little things. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to remove all the sugar. I nevertheless managed to remove the one from my coffees / tea / herbal teas which for me is kind a miracle.

- Fat, I did my best but it's not "that" yet.

- The meat was not bad, no more red, still a little white but I was not very creative in the kitchen, I was too stressed by the new job.

~

I managed to remove all witchcraft, all alcohol, all "home made" alcohol, to practice silent meditation / prayer 3 times a day (excluding working days) (2 times when I work) but it's really a constant struggle against myself, I have the impression of being an addict who struggles not to dive back while on the contrary, I would have to dive. (gn.?)

~

I also tidied up / cleaned / rearranged my "herbalist" cupboard.

~

I worked in the small garden and do some seedlings / cuttings here. So far the only ones that are going well are black basil, mint, rosemary cutting and marijuana! I relocated and re.potted most of my plants, pulled up some Datura (there were too many), then the Great Mother replanted her babies discreetly as many times !!

~

I thought a lot on Jacob's Struggle with The Angel, as well as on the Sacrifice of Isaac and this kind of "stupor" in which these two "stories" put me.

So I read Caïn by José Saramago, and it consoled me.

Currently, I try not to think too much about the death of Christ, I understand his death very well but it is difficult to accept all this resurrection thing, I am more in a Gnostic approach of Christ made MAN. The Snake-Heart, something like that...

Tonight I'll pray with Stabat Mater by Pergolesi.

~

I read a looot of very high quality novels. I can't get over the one with the shaman, Appaaluttok the Red.

Also, I reread an old gothic tale with a spider woman (by H. E. Ewers), I don't think I will spare you, it is so perfect. I will try to post excerpts here soon.

Actually I read old classical literature (Madame de La Fayette) just for the pleasure of stroking myself with this magnificent language.

:p

I also unearthed a thesis on Hecate as a vector of the "in between" which makes me salivate in advance. But I try not to dive back into the Grannies "right away", I promised Amandragore something.

~

I read earlier also, that @appleandelder felt that our summer would be very difficult, I know we are not in the same corner of the planet at all, but I have the same feeling.

So I think about how to collaborate with the two rivers that cross my city. Last year I had the help of the First River, the one folks here represent by a Snake (eh yes, these humans are sooo imaginative!), and we managed to maintain the correct level of rain / water all summer long... until they curb the river in September by opening / closing a dam. Anyway, assholes.

I will be enlisting the help of both this year (the other is represented in folklore by a Dragon, there is potential, isn't there?).

It's quite complicated for me to curry favor with a water point, well let's say it requires a lot of commitment and that I'm going to pull something from the bottom of me that I don't like going to pull . My fear. Black water, current speed, etc. (I almost drowned myself a number of times.) I will have to pull this fear out, otherwise the Spirit will not listen ; and to come completely naked, fear, love, the joy of being there and having gifts that count! That's a lot, I hope to be up to it (roughly) again this year.

~

I had two consecutive dreams with Mother Arachne. Thanks to her. The omens were very good. Thanks again to her.

~

The new job?

I am in Oncology department. (That's why I allow myself to compare with Afghanistan, for me it's a bit the same kind) I treat / heal a lot of people who are my age (and younger). Finally, "heal" ... Sighs ;) I'm getting started on the most "difficult" sector, my boss understood how I work am, so it suits me very well.

There are many more people who have brain cancer (Glioblastoma) than I imagined. This is the first observation I would make.

For the rest, frankly I don't think I would tell you too much about it, it's too hard and you don't want to hear that. (and I understand you.)

I am very happy to be here.

~

Annnnnd as it is spring, I try to start learning the birdsong again. I am very very bad. It's a good start ;)

~

Here is my Spring Blessings for You 💜

[rpgsandbox]

Welcome to Britannia and Beyond!

A regional guide for the Cthulhu Invictus™ setting detailing the province of Britannia, and the barbarian lands of Caledonia and Hibernia

‘Britannia is the border, the furthest outpost of Empire, bounded by cruel Oceania on all sides… what lies beyond that border, what crosses and passes unseen… those things concern me more than any barbarian tribe, more than any army of men… yes, you are right to worry about approaching that border, for what waits in Britannia and beyond… is said to be the doom of Rome.’ – Vatia of Rhodes, 54 AD

The earliest accounts of Briton the Romans saw were from Greek writers, such as Horace, who wrote ‘the shores of the distant Britons’ lay where ‘the real world came to an end and the world of unknown peoples and mythical creatures began.’ To even approach those shores, Horace writes, the Romans would have to cross ‘the stream of Oceanus, filled with large numbers of sea-monsters.’ And so, the island remained a complete mystery, shrouded in shadow and fog.

But eventually the expanding Roman Empire crossed that ocean, and through hard battles and bitter campaigns enveloped Britannia into its borders. Today (96 CE to 180 CE) the province of Britannia is a place of contradictions, a clash of peoples, cultures, and ideologies. It is a land marked by conquest and brutal oppression, but also by peace, productivity, and great progress. Its citizens enjoy prosperity and health, but to most Romans Britons are still seen as unwashed and uncivilized barbarians, the ‘Britunculli’ or ‘nasty little Britons.’ It is a land, and a people, who are slowly forming a new identity, often at odds with themselves.  

But there is another truth, another history: one that predates human existence which is unseen by all except a chosen few. The Shadow War. Humanity’s battle against alien gods, their servitor monsters, and the depraved humans who serve them both or exploited them for personal gain, has raged on for millennia. For centuries, this war in Britannia was mostly contained, the dark forces kept dormant through a combination of rituals, ancient magics, and powerful seals erected over the doors of various mystical prisons.

But the coming of the Romans and their Empire changed all that. With the destruction of the druids and their faith, a darkness long kept at bay is now returning. Spells and rituals are no longer performed, protective groves have been burned, sacred stones toppled, and the prison doors to many dark gods now stand open. These entities seek to spread their dark influence, from the new “colony” cities and wealthy villas to the simplest villages of thatch roof huts and century old farms, from the most powerful elite to the lowliest of slaves. Nowhere and no one is safe from their vile machinations.

This misty, mysterious island is the latest front line of the Shadow War. At the edge of the Empire, a new history waits to be written: one of adventure, but also madness, of glory, but also unspeakable horror. Welcome to Britannia and Beyond.

Three years and five Kickstarters ago we were lucky enough to bring Cthulhu Invictus back to the world of Call of Cthulhu, updating it for 7th Edition. That book proved to be quite difficult and time consuming, but the end result proved worth all the effort. We are deeply proud and grateful that it was honored with the 2019 Silver ENnie for Best Supplement at Gencon.

We caught our breath to play with some cats (Tails of Valor), make a stand for justice (An Inner Darkness), and remember our childhood (The Lovecraft Country Holiday Collection), but through it all, we planned our return to the setting we hold so dear. That time has come at last. The Shadow War never ends, and dark things stir on this rainy island on the edge of the known world. It’s time to set sail for Britannia and Beyond!

The scholar Zosimos, Lady Dexia of the Vestal Virgins, and the centurion Galarius Rufus along with his loyal hound Brita sail towards Portus Dubris, and the misty, mysterious province of Britannia. For Brita, the war dog, this is a homecoming of sorts.

For our first setting book for Cthulhu Invictus, Britannia was an obvious choice. With the rich, often tragic, history of the Roman conquest and colonization of Britannia, the fascinating cultural and social results of the blending of so many diverse cultures, and the enchanting folklore of the ancient Celts… one might ask, how could we NOT start with Britannia? From the Roman baths at, well, Bath, to the Antonine (and yes, Hadrian’s) Wall(s) in the north, from Stonehenge, to London (or is that Londinium?), Tír na nÓg and the Sidhe, the savage Picts of Caledonia in the north and bloodthirsty Hibernian raiders from across the western sea, to the dark tapestry of Great Old Ones connected with Britain (especially its Severn Valley). The attraction to delve into these things and create a version of what Britannia is like in the world of Cthulhu Invictus was completely irresistible. So, here we are!

This well researched and comprehensive guide will provide keepers everything they need to take their Cthulhu Invictus campaign to the province of Britannia, and possibly beyond. The book covers:

1. A detailed history of Britannia, from pre-history to the end of the Antonine Period of the Roman Empire (180 CE).

2. Details on Britannia’s climate, geography, natural resources, and economy.  

Today, the streets of a rebuilt Londinium look much like any other provincial capital in the Empire, maybe a bit cloudier than most.

3. Information on the Roman government, including the military legions stationed there, including both past and current client kingdoms.

4. Tips for creating characters living in Britannia, from Roman settlers, to Romano-Celtic natives (Latinized natives), and native Celts, with a list of Celtic names and gender-naming conventions.

Our heroes and heroines arrive at the home of Veldicius, an old friend of Galarius Rufus from their days serving with the Legio XX, many years ago.

5. A guide to the province of Britannia by region, describing its distinct cultural outlook, the tribes native to the region (and their attitudes towards Rome), important cities and towns, notable sites, sinister seeds, mythos threats, and more.

Paying a courtesy visit to (and seeking advice from) Queen Caratacae of the Dobunni, ruler of one of the few remaining client kingdoms of Britannia.

6. Information on the religion, folklore, myths, magic, temples, and sacred sites associated with Britannia, including Druidism and new rules for creating Druid characters.

7. A collection of patrons, investigator organizations, and sinister cults located across Britannia.

8. The Britannia Bestiary, a listing of the native plants and animals, as well as mythos entities drawn from traditional folklore viewed through cosmic horror colored glasses.

The wilds of Britannia can be a dangerous place, with forests old and dark, where older and darker things lurk.

9. The Dark Gods of Britannia, a discussion of the most iconic Great Old Ones and Outer Gods found across the province, including Eihort, Gla'aki, Y’golonac, Byatis, Yegg-Ha, The Keeper of the Moon Lens, and more.  

Britannia is home to many dark and dangerous gods, and since the coming of the Romans, the powers of those gods are not only growing, but spreading.

10. A discussion of The Dreamlands, Tír na nÓg, and the mysterious Sidhe.

11. A listing of new mythos tomes, magical artifacts, and spells.  

New Roman roads are only a good idea if they avoid places no one should ever go. Getting the engineers and bureaucrats to change their "well laid out plans" is seldom an easy task.

12. Beyond the Wall and Across the Sea: the barbarian lands of Caledonia (Scotland) and Hibernia (Ireland), detailing their people, the conditions there, and the rules for creating characters from these far off lands.  

Walls alone won't protect the Empire from its enemies, human and otherwise. Sometimes, it take courage, steel, arrows, and a fair amount of blood!

13. A pair of scenarios set in Britannia, allowing Keepers and players to dive right into daring and horrifying adventures in this misty land on the edge of the empire.

A Mortal Harvest by Oscar Rios - Shortly before harvest, three villages of the Ordovices suddenly abandon their homes and head towards the city of Viroconium. The investigators must delve into this refugee crisis and get the Ordovices to return to their homes and bring in their crops, lest they face starvation come winter. The Ordovices are too terrified to do so because of a mysterious figure singing haunting ballads under the cover of night. He strums upon a harp, singing a tale of an army of the dead serving a dark god, and warning of their impending doom should they remain.

The Long Dark by Oscar Rios - Just south of the Antonine Wall, in the village of Trimontium, an old friend needs help. An old army buddy, Caito Lupis, retired from the legions and settled down. He's gotten married and begun farming on the land given to him in return for his 25 years of service. At least, that's what he's trying to do. For the Romans, it is time to harvest, but for the natives it's a sacred time, the start of their New Year, a time when ghoulies and ghosties and long legged beasties are free to enter our world. It seems that some of these creatures are set on ruining your friend's harvest and driving him off his land.

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Kickstarter campaign ends: Mon, April 13 2020 5:00 AM BST

Website: [Golden Goblin Press] [facebook] [twitter]

[lostinphases]

31 Days of Witchcraft Challenge

It's January! This month, I’ll be kicking off the year with a huge dose of witchcraft, a daily witchcraft challenge, and I’d love for you to join me! Each day there will be a new task. Try to complete as many of them as possible and share you progress! Below you will find descriptions for each day. If you share your 31 days to your own witchblr, tag it #31daysofwitchcraft so I can see it!

1. New year, New Altar - Clean up your altar. Get it fresh for the new year ahead, and share a picture! Show off your witchy workspace. 2. Set Intentions for 2019 - What are you goals and desires as a witch in 2019? Who do you want to be? What do you want to work on? Write them down (#grimoirepageidea!) and share them. 3. Anoint a Candle for Positivity - Take spell candle (color is up to you!) and go through the motions of charging it for positivity. Anoint it with you favorite oil, moon water, or even just your intentions, and light it! Burn it all the way down and let that positivity surround you. 4. Find a Magical Space - Go outside near your home and find somewhere magical where you can connect with the world around you. It doesn’t have to be an enchanted forest or a mystical meadow. It just needs to be somewhere you can access when you need that extra connection. Share it! 5. Favorite Witchy Quote - Share a witchy quote that is making your day extra magical. 6. Show off your Witchy books - Time to take a #shelfie! Books and witches go together like stars and the sky. Take a picture of your personal library of magic tomes. 7. Get Witchy in the Kitchen - Pull out your favorite recipe and make something. You can make your favorite ritual food, an offering for a deity, or just something delicious that uses your favorite magical ingredients. Get in there and make a mess! (Don’t forget to share the recipe!) 8. Sweep Your Space - Grab a besom or even just your hand and sweep out your space. Guide those negativity dust bunnies still lurking around and shoo them out of your life. You can also do some smoke cleansing while you’re at it! (If you’re needing to do some actual sweeping, now would be a good time for that, too.) 9. Do a Pendulum Reading - Grab your pendulum (or make one!), and do some simple divination. If you’re new to pendulums, just take the time to get to know your tool. If not, ask it something! (Remember, pendulums love yes/no questions.) 10. Listen to a Magical Podcast - Sit back, relax, and grab your headphones. It’s time to get someone else’s opinions on magic. Whether you learn something, get to hear someone speak passionately about something you already know, or just expose yourself to a new perspective, it’s worth it. 11. Find your Aesthetic - Of course, witchcraft is never about the aesthetic. That doesn’t mean we don’t love to look at it! Gather some mood boards, your own matching tools, anything that matches your witchy aesthetic. Share it! 12. Connect with a Plant Friend - Even if you’re a witch with a black thumb, you’re probably in love with plants. Pay special attention to the plants you own, get a new one, or go outside and convene with a tree. Today is the day to connect with all things green and leafy. 13. Daily Tarot Reading - If you don’t already do daily tarot readings (or any kind of cartomancy!), pull a card. What does it say? Where does it guide you? 14. Share your Favorite Crystal - Alright, all my magpie witches. I know you’re as obsessed with pretty rocks as I am. Dive into your collection and show off your favorite stone. 15. Create a Self Care Bottle Spell - Bottles, jars, whatever vessels you have lying around, are great for containing spells with long-lasting effects. It’s time to turn one into a hub for pushing out that positive energy you need when self-care is most important. Share your spell and put it somewhere where you know you typically do your self-care rituals.

16. Share Your Favorite Grimoire Page - Whether you have a book of shadows, a grimoire, a collection of scribbles, or even something digital, I know you’re proud of all of your notes and recipes! Show off your favorite page or pages!

17. Monthly Book - This month’s book is Written in the Stars: Constellations, Facts, and Folklore by Alison Davies. Check-in and show us where you’re at! (Confused about this challenge? It’s meant for members of my witchy book club, Liber Coven! You can join us for our monthly read here: https://discord.gg/YPqCtds) 18. Create a Sigil - Sigils can be useful, small performances of magic with an endless array of possibilities. Create a sigil for something you need right now and activate it! 19. Watch a Magical Movie - Alright, we all have one, that one movie full of fantasy magic that makes us feel all powerful and witchy. Time to turn it on and immerse yourself in that movie magic. 20. Make a Cup of Tea - Tea is the perfect excuse for keeping those enormous stashes of dried and herbs and flowers and spending too much time at your local metaphysical store. Put them to good use and make yourself a cup of tea. Don’t forget to share the recipe!

21. Celebrate the Wolf Moon - January 21st is the day when the Wolf Moon rises. This year, January’s moon will be a full moon, Wolf Moon, Supermoon, and a total lunar eclipse! You’re going to want to celebrate and definitely make some moon water. 22. Study Something New - Witchcraft is a practice, an eternal process of learning and exploring. Put down all of your favorite things for today and explore a new aspect of the craft. 23. Visit a Witchy Store and Treat Yourself - So, we’ve explored a lot of the things we love: books, crystals, tea, tarot. Now, go to your favorite store for all your witchy supplies and get something new! It can be as small as a $2 piece of tumbled rose quartz. Just make sure it makes you happy. It’s your treat after all! 24.  DIY Something - You’ve bought something. Now, let’s make something! Put your crafting (the other kind of craft, silly witch) skill to use and make a piece of altar decor, a clever way to store your crystals, or even a piece of gorgeous jewelry. 25. Share Your Favorite Tool of the Craft - What is your favorite magical tool? Is it a spell candle? A cauldron? Tarot cards? Crystals? Whatever it is, share it! Show off the thing that makes your practice even more magical and rewarding. 26. Charm Something for Good Luck - Take something small, a coin, a pebble, an actual charm, and turn it into a magical good luck charm in whatever way you see fit. Now keep that charm on you! You’re going to want to put that luck to use. 27. Connect with Something Beyond Yourself (the moon, a deity, etc.) - It’s time to open yourself up and get to know something big. If you’re a religious witch, this might be a deity. It might also be the moon, an old tree, or even the earth itself. Whatever it is, connect with it, make an offering, and be grateful for the opportunity. 28. Write and Cast a Calming Spell - The month is almost over! Don’t panic. In fact, let’s prevent panic. Write or find a calming spell in whatever form you want (tea spell, bath spell, candle spell, etc.) and cast it. There’s no need to walk into February feeling antsy! 29. Explore Your Birth Chart - Even if you aren’t into astrology, looking at your birth chart can be a fun way to say “oh my gosh, me”. Take a trip through your birth chart (and look at some fun zodiac memes after)! 30. Bring Something in from Outside - A feather, a rock, a branch, find something outside and bring it in. Add it to your altar or turn it into a charm. Keep that natural energy with you for a while. 31. Cleanse - January is officially drawing to a close! Let’s head into February feeling brand new all over again. Cleanse whatever you feel is getting a bit musty (your altar, your room, yourself, etc.), and get ready.

[whenthisstoryendsarchive]

Meta #3: Water, Magic, & Healing

“Water is a part of me, I guess... Part of us all.” Poppy Drayton as Elizabeth, The Little Mermaid 2018

Obviously, when we look at The Little Mermaid, water plays a huge role in the film. Elizabeth is a creature of the sea. Elle has, as Thora calls it, ‘a spirit of the ocean’. Even Locke was a terrible under sea wizard before he became the circus ringleader. The tides play a huge part in the plot, and the very first time we even see Elizabeth, she is in her tank. Her hair is even wet or damp throughout most of the movie. Only one scene has it totally dry, if I remember correctly, and that’s when she comes across Elle and Cam in the woods. In this meta, we’re going to dive into- pun utterly intended- the basic elemental, magical, and healing properties of water to try and see how Elizabeth is more powerful in the sea with her healing versus in the tank. At least, consider this from the perspective of the water itself, and not factoring her mermaid abilities and her powers being drained into it.

Needless to say, we all know that water is made up of 2 parts hydrogen and 1 part oxygen; but as we’ll see, such a simple thing is actually quite complex both in its makeup, its influence, and its uses. So to start of with, science lesson. Then we can get to the fun stuff.

Water is, first an foremost, the essence of all life on our planet, and the major component of the biological makeup of all organisms. It’s also the only substance on the planet to be found as a solid, liquid, and gas. This means that, obviously, water can evaporate, freeze, melt, heat up, sublimate, and combine with other things. 

There are many ways water gives life to the earth. And in our case, especially to aquatic biomes. This is due to water’s thermal density, high specific heat, viscosity, and liquid-solid characteristics. These particular aspects are what prevent lakes from freezing completely and killing every trace of life inside them during the winter. They also allow bodies of water across the world to provide nutrients through mixing and stratifying. It can dissolve other substances like salt or sugar, transports nutrients and other objects through its natural currents, and is cohesive the best with non-metallic liquids. 

Strangely enough, unlike other compounds, water becomes denser when it’s cooled, thus expanding instead of contracting. It also boils at a higher temperature than other compounds of similar weight. Water is also known for packing and storing heat and energy, which has a sizable impact on the global climate, as it helps to moderate temperature. This is especially so in Great Lakes and the oceans. Another interesting fact stemming from this is that heat is absorbed and released more for every degree the temperature of the water is changed. 

Water also has a high surface tension due to the bonding to other water molecules. This is what allows heavier and denser objects to float, like icebergs. The wind and an energy transfer also work with water to create waves and give way to oxygen diffusion in lakes and the oceans. But water is also highly impacted by the environment around it, as magnetic shifts in the earth itself and explosions from the sun can influence it. It also intensifies the flow of frequencies which can lead to healing. But we’ll talk more about that later.

It is also interesting to note that every 90 minutes, the Gulf Stream releases as much energy into the air around us as we would burning a year’s worth of coal. We must also acknowledge that the direction in which water freezes is also very important. It has been noted that if ice sank and rivers and lakes froze in an upward manner instead of downward, no aquatic life would survive the winter months. 

Now, oceans are noted to cover roughly 71% of the earth. They’re usually 6 kilometers deep, and contain over 97% of our planet’s water. We should also note that the majority of fresh water is to be found in ice caps and glaciers, leaving only 0.6% in our rivers, lakes, and below the surface. 

But, of course, we can’t forget about how water impacts us on a more personal level biologically. Nearly 70% of our bodies are made up of water. Our brain and muscle tissues hold the most of it, while bone and fat tend to contain the least. Also within our every day lives, which we often don’t consider and take for granted, the water in our systems becomes both a solvent and a conductor that allows our metabolic functions to take place at all. Furthermore, without our ability to sweat and cool our bodies down, our temperatures would reach up to 26°C.

“Water Swallows up the earth, extinguishes the flame, ascends on high, and by stretching forth as clouds challenges the heavens for their own, and the same falling down, becomes the cause of all things that grow in the earth.” Pliny

Now we’re getting to the fun part. In this section, we’ll look into the magical properties of water, and it associations in both ancient and modern magic and folklore. 

Water has, of course, been connected to folklore around the world and has even crossed religious barriers because of its importance to life, thus making it crucial to both mono and polytheistic religions. In our modern era, water has been linked to feminine energy, aspects of ‘The Goddess’, and is used for healing, cleansing, and purifying. It’s also closely connected to the moon because of the tides. This is so much so that lunar tides during the full and new moons create very high and very low tides. 

One might assume that you would need to live near water if you were to be a practitioner of water magic. But this isn’t so. It can be practiced anywhere, because there is water everywhere, not just by the seas, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. It is used in magic of all types, like scrying, collection, ritual baths and drinks, anointing, potions and healing elixirs, and is known to produce hag stones. Water holds the essence of whatever is placed into it, and is noted for its paradoxical nature; being that it both gives and takes life, and can be calming and beautiful but also unforgiving and vengeful.

“If there is magic on this planet it is contained in water.” Loren Eiseley

Water is heavily associated with the West, and is made up of a receptive energy; one that flows, purifies, heals, soothes, and loves. Water’s energy can be felt in many ways. The biggest include through consumption, swimming, touch, and within ourselves. In short, spiritual regeneration cannot take place without water.

Cultures and religions throughout the world have been noted, as we’ve said, to place a key importance on water. For example, Hindu beliefs and Sanskrit language link God to water. In Sanskrit, the word ‘Narayan’ is the name of God in the infinite and all-pervading way. It also means ‘the one who moves in infinite waters and is also the water itself’. Hindu sacred texts, on the other hand, name God as Vishnu Narayan, and call him a universal form beyond our human perception that sits in and is apart of water. Christianity uses water, especially holy water, to bless, cleanse, and baptize. Judaism also has the Mikvah, a ritual that includes an immersion bath in rain or spring water for purifying purposes.

At its core, water in magic is associated with and deeply connected to

Passion and emotion

The psychic, love, life, the subconscious, intuition, compassion, family, and the mysteries of the self

“I believe there’s magic in a lot of things. Water being one of them.” Poppy Drayton as Elizabeth, The Little Mermaid 2018

From all eras of human history, water has played a major part in healing and medicine. In Ancient Egypt, bathing rituals were used to try and cure ailments. The Old Testament tells of people soaking in mineral water to heal themselves. The Ancient Greeks used water in their medicine. Native Americans used sweat lodges to purify themselves. Then, in 19th century Europe, Hydrotherapy was used as a treatment for anxiety, pneumonia, and back pain.

Even today, we still see water-based treatments or therapies being used in conjunction with a more hands on approach, like physical therapy. This is especially helpful in certain situations like some cases of back pain, because the water makes the patient feel weightless but gives resistance to movement. This kind of treatment is used to tone muscles, increase range of motion, ease arthritic pain, improve flexibility in joints, relieve muscle spasms, lower inflammation, support weight loss in low impact aerobic exercise, and to help speed recovery from injuries.

But as we can see, even emotional or mental health can be aided by use of water, like swimming. Water here can improve mood, lower anxiety, and decrease depression. It can even be used to help ease mental and emotional burdens of pregnant women as well as be beneficial to their unborn babies.

Human beings, as a whole, can only survive about a week without water. But even milder cases of dehydration can have devastating effects on the body. This condition can lead to headaches, constipation, fatigue, muscle cramps, dry skin, irregular blood pressure, and kidney dysfunction. Humans face risk of death from dehydration when their levels drop to 20%, yet, most people wait until they feel thirsty to drink water. However, many do not realize that if they allow themselves to reach this stage, they are already 12% dehydrated.

But if we were to increase the amount of water we take in, we would find several benefits. These would include reduced fluid retention and bloating, aid in weight loss, decreased appetite, improved immune function and complexion, and diminished risk of bladder and colon cancer.  

Furthermore, most people feel comforted by water on some level. To these people, and surely, all of us, water not only cleanses, but relieves negativity, reduces stress, and clears and recharges chakras. This spiritual cleansing of the chakras can also help to ease negative energy left behind by trauma. We must also note that humans find relief in or near water because moving air and water release negative ions that have been shown to improve moods.

Though any form of water can give these benefits, even a shower, there can be no doubt that the deeper the water, the stronger the impacts. Saltwater is noted as being especially potent for healing; due to the combined healing powers of salt and water. Naturally, sea water is not meant to be consumed, but the favorite activity of many beach goers thankfully offers aid. Just a 20-minute swim in the ocean is said to cleanse, rejuvenate, and remove low level negative energy.

But even when it comes to the sea, some water is better than the rest. From a depth of 200 meters below and deeper, we find what is known as DSW, or Deep-Sea Water. This water’s healing properties have been the subject of several research studies, and results show it to have lower temperature, higher purity, and more nutrients than the salt water at the surface. The reason for these benefits stem from less photosynthesis of plankton, nutrient consumption, and organic decomposition. These studies have shown that DSW can aid with health problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and skin problems.

Due to its depth, the water’s exposure to solar radiation is diminished, thus leaving bacterial levels at a minimum and placing the levels of minerals higher than the water at the surface. This water, after being treated, can even be consumed; thus turning it into DSDW, or Deep-Sea Drinking water. DSDW has a noted lack of carbs, fat, protein, and many other components that can be found in the water we buy and find in our homes, and is higher in beneficial nutrients.

The studies done on DSW and DSDW have found many health benefits, including improved cholesterol, a better protected cardiovascular system, prevention of atherogenic plaque build up in arteries, reduced blood pressure, better protection from obesity, aid in treating diabetes and skin problems, hepatic system protection, aid in addressing fatigue, treatment for stomach ulcers, cancer prevention, improved activity of antibacterial elements, cataract treatment, and recovery from osteoporosis.

“Deep water is magic, just like her love. Whenever she can’t breathe, all she need do is swim.” Poppy Drayton as Elizabeth, The Little Mermaid 2018

So what does this all mean for Elizabeth and her powers?

We see in the movie that Locke is able to sell the water from her tank as a healing elixir, but the effects fade. Whether Locke knows about this or not is debatable. But I doubt he would care otherwise, since people would have to keep buying the water to keep the results they want, thus making him richer. Elizabeth also tells Cam that Locke’s water would not heal Elle. However, by the time they get to the ocean after defeating Locke and returning her soul, when Elle begins to cough again, Elizabeth takes her and brings her under the water, telling Cam the final quote above. 

Of course, the strength of her powers and having her soul vs not having it could play a major part in this all as well. As it seems that when Elizabeth is at her full potential and in the ideal circumstances, she is able to make effects last, even if there are things that have to be done to ensure it. 

We have to consider that the tank is barely big enough to even fit Elizabeth, so it is akin to a kiddie wading pool compared to an Olympic size pool where swim teams train and compete. On top of that, the water is not moving; so not only is she literally trapped and drowning due to lack current and oxygen distribution, but it is so shallow that it likely doesn’t contain any kind of healing elements like minerals. Rivers are better for her because they’re deeper and have that air flow that she needs to breathe. Then, naturally, the ocean is the ideal. 

It’s the difference between a band aid and surgery to fix a problem. 

And just to reiterate, this is a meta meant for my headcanons only. You should always talk to a professional before you try any kind of treatment like the ones I described. 

Sources: 

Section 1 (Paragraphs 3-7): https://themeaningofwater.com/2014/12/01/water-is-magic/

Section 2 (Paragraphs 8-10): https://newint.org/features/1990/05/05/simply

Section 3 (Paragraphs 13-): https://www.thoughtco.com/water-element-folklore-and-legends-2561689

Section 4 (Paragraph 14): https://www.patheos.com/blogs/waterwitch/2017/01/water-magic.html

Section 5 (Paragraph 16): http://www.thewhitegoddess.co.uk/the_elements/water.asp

Section 6 & Section 8 (Paragraph 17 & Paragraphs 20-22): https://www.sonima.com/fitness/healing-water/

Section 7 (The final sentence in the magic section/Paragraph 18): https://www.thoughtco.com/water-element-folklore-and-legends-2561689 & http://www.thewhitegoddess.co.uk/the_elements/water.asp

Section 9 (Paragraphs 23-24): https://anniesrx.com/health-news/the-healing-power-of-water

Section 10 (Paragraphs 25-26): https://deborahking.com/an-elemental-force-of-healing-3-ways-water-heals/

Section 11 (Paragraph 27-29): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5221345/

[mindclassic]

The Sea Serpent - Tales of a Legendary Creature

The sea serpent or a sea monster is a legendary creature often described as a large and mysterious marine animal. It has captivated the imagination of sailors, writers, and scientists for centuries. With tales of sightings dating back to medieval times, the sea monster has become an enduring myth. It continues to fascinate people today. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the sea serpent remains a topic of interest and speculation. We will take a closer look at modern-day sightings and theories surrounding this elusive and fascinating legend. 1. The Myth of the Sea Serpent The sea monster, a legendary creature of the deep, has been the subject of fascination and fear for centuries. With its long, winding body and fierce appearance, tales of the sea monster pass down through generations and across cultures. But is there any truth to these stories, or are they simply myths? In this article, we will explore the history of sea serpent sightings, and examine scientific explanations for the creature's existence. Also, we dive into the sea serpent's cultural significance in folklore and popular culture. 2. Sea Serpent Sightings Throughout History The first recorded sea serpent sighting dates back to the year 1080. The Bishop Erik of Greenland wrote of a "sea monster" seen off the coast. Since then, we can witness reports of sea serpents in medieval literature, sailors' logs, and newspaper accounts. Medieval Sea Monsters During the Middle Ages, sea monsters were a common subject of art and literature. These creatures were often depicted as having serpentine bodies, with fins and scales. It is unclear whether these depictions were based on actual sightings or were purely the stuff of imagination. 19th Century Sea Serpents The 19th century saw a surge in sea serpent sightings, with reports coming from all around the world. Some of the most famous sightings occurred in North America. The witnesses claimed to have seen long, snake-like creatures swimming in the oceans. Modern Sightings Even in modern times, reports of sea serpent sightings continue. While many of these sightings can have explanations of natural phenomena or misidentification, some remain a mystery. 3. Scientific Explanations Many sea serpent sightings have explanations of optical illusions or misidentifications of known creatures. For example, a group of swimming otters may appear to be a long, winding sea monster from a distance. Natural Phenomena Other sea serpent sightings can be attributed to natural phenomena. These can be floating logs or waves causing disturbances in the water. These disturbances can create the appearance of a creature moving through the water. Hoaxes and Fabrications Some sea monster sightings later turned out as hoaxes or fabrications. For example, in the 1840s, PT Barnum exhibited a "Feejee Mermaid" made from a monkey's head and the body of a fish. The creature became a sensation but ultimately revealed later a hoax. 4. The Sea Serpent in Folklore and Popular Culture The sea serpent has been a part of mythology and legend in many cultures. In Norse mythology, the sea serpent Jörmungandr encircles the world. It is destined to fight the god Thor during Ragnarok. In Chinese folklore, they believe that the dragon-like Liqiuqiao is the protector of the sea. Art and Literature The sea serpent has also been a popular subject in art and literature. From the sea monster illustrations of medieval manuscripts to the works of Jules Verne and Herman Melville, the creature has inspired countless artists and writers. Modern Pop Culture References The sea serpent continues to make appearances in modern pop culture. From the Loch Ness Monster to the sea serpent in the Disney movie "The Little Mermaid," the creature has become a part of our collective imagination. Whether real or imagined, the sea monster will continue to captivate and intrigue us for generations to come. 5. Recent Reports of Sea Serpent Encounters For centuries, stories about sea serpents have been circulating among sailors and fishermen around the world. However, sightings of the legendary creature have remained rare and often dismissed as mere legends. But in recent years, there have been an increasing number of reports of sea serpent sightings, accompanied by photographic and video evidence. Stories and Accounts In 2018, a group of friends out fishing in the Sea of Cortez in Mexico captured footage of what appears to be a sea serpent swimming alongside their boat. The video shows a long, serpentine creature with distinct humps undulating through the water. In 2013, a group of fishermen off the coast of Maine reported seeing a 15-foot-long creature with the head of a serpent and the body of an eel. The fishermen described it as being dark green with a white underbelly. Video and Photographic Evidence One of the most famous and compelling images of a sea serpent comes from Canada's Lake Okanagan. A monster nicknamed Ogopogo was reported since the late 19th century. In 1968, a tourist named Art Folden took a photograph that shows what appears to be a long, serpentine creature with a small head and humps along the body. In 2015, a group of tourists in Alaska captured video footage of a long, dark creature swimming near their boat. The video shows what appears to be a serpentine body with a small head and humps along its back. Expert Analysis Despite the growing number of sightings and evidence, experts remain skeptical of the existence of sea serpents. Biologists argue that there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of such a creature. They believe that what people are seeing is likely a known species, such as giant eels or oarfish. 6. Theories on What People Might Be Seeing Some experts suggest that what people are seeing could be giant eels or oarfish. These are often mistaken for sea serpents due to their long, serpentine bodies. Giant eels can grow up to 13 feet long and are famous to inhabit deep waters. Meanwhile, oarfish are popular for their long, flat bodies and can grow up to 36 feet long. Undiscovered Speciesfamous Others argue that the sea serpent sightings could be evidence of an undiscovered species. While unlikely, there have been instances in the past where new species have been discovered in the deep sea. Environmental Changes and Anomalies Finally, some experts speculate that environmental changes and anomalies could be responsible for the sea serpent sightings. Climate change has led to the warming of ocean waters, which could be causing known species to migrate to new areas or behave differently than they have in the past. 7. The Enduring Mystique of the Sea Serpent Despite the lack of scientific evidence, the legend of the sea monster continues to capture our imaginations. Whether they are real-life creatures or just a product of our imaginations, the sea monster remains an enduring mystery of the deep. As technology advances and more people explore remote areas of the ocean, there may yet be discoveries that shed light on this legendary creature. Until then, sea serpent sightings will continue to be the stuff of legends. Summary Although the legend of the sea serpent continues to mystify and intrigue, current evidence suggests that the creature may be nothing more than a product of folkloric imagination and natural phenomena. However, the sea monster remains a captivating figure in popular culture and folklore, inspiring new adventures and stories with each passing year. Perhaps one day, a real sea monster will emerge from the depths and prove the skeptics wrong. Until then, the legend of the sea serpent will continue to live on in our imaginations and in the annals of history. Image by Barroa from Pixabay Read the full article

[criticsofcolour]

Leave Taking, Bush Theatre [Jude Yawson]

Leave Taking is yet another piece to add to a diasporic puzzle, a picture that stems from 1987. Written by a young Winsome Pinnock (who is hailed as the Godmother of Black British playwrights), Leave Taking at the Bush Theatre was my second theatre show viewing in over 14 years.

Such a title is immense though I have never been entitled to offer my two pence until now. I have always felt at a loss not being rocked by the motivation preceding Black British creatives could inspire. The break in the lineage of Black work, the interests curbed by my upbringing and an insidious lack of insight to Blackness shed by our education system. Emotive fires that burned within Winsome when she created Leave Taking is only outmoded by time. The relevance within Leave Taking as a result is sublime, grasping at the concepts of soul sick cries and purely reasoning why – why the dullness of this grand land overrides the passions of home and a sown identity.

Having returned from a 30-year absence from theatres Leave Taking still holds a worrying though comforting relevance. It is worrying due to a lack of recognition, half way into the play I imagined this should be immortalised. It starts with a worried Jamaican family from the estate of Deptford attempting to use the spiritual prowess of an Obeah called Mai (played by Adjoa Andoh). Her peculiar fashion and mystical trinkets cast a familiar sense of wonder that elders respect yet 2ndgeneration question the reality of such procedures. Enid (played by Sarah Niles) is a Mother of two, Del (Seraphina Beh) & Viv (Nicholle Cherrie), visiting Mai for her understanding via palm readings. Mai is eccentric, sharp and displaying a fearsome tenacity for her job which appeared weird to the sunken Del and Viv, who stick to slick British gums. I imagined Enid & Mai’s accents were too thick to understand for many of the audience, but its this unfiltered display which is a necessity that should not be intimidating – but normalised via representation. It also highlighted a break in-between culture, where patterns of behaviour and perception clashed. Enid’s worry for Del’s outwardly self-destructive behaviour causes her to reach out to Mai for spiritual guidance. From the beginning, the clash between the generations causes a constant reflective dialogue that depicts the harshness of a checkered reality diaspora live.

When Brod, a family friend (Will Johnson), enters the scenery is built when he alludes to the totality of this livelihood. He carries a swagger and coolness many Jamaican men are hailed for, though his character depicts many cold and warm notions. He is profoundly vocal, offering a perception on the state of things in this Britain when they travelled here. How Caledonian Road was supposed to be painted in Gold. The work ethic of a selfless Enid immensely hard working from the glorious old days. Jamaican tales and folklore, describing the powers that rest within these children’s Black skin. Such talk invigorated Viv, the book smart daughter who can recite the marvels of Shakespeare. She glows with anticipation of home, having been sold a life long dream of being merely British. Her work did not represent herself, yet her self is even foreign to the territory she would consider home. Brod’s wonder had grown on her, with Enid’s fear amounting to serious doubts for her own being. Del’s behaviour peaks and it leaks through disrespectful actions, as a result she receives a fraction of the anger Enid has stored. The falling out boils this compilation of ideals many within the diaspora can relate to. The contrasts are brilliantly chilling, amounted in such a story it allowed me to perceive my own journey better.

The religiousness of Enid in contrast to her faith in Mai is an interesting dynamic. As if at a loss, the older ways pave way to comfort over simple prayer. The perception of work by generations as well as what it means to have a good life. The understanding and meaning behind the journey, from “home” to the opportune England. Though in summary, soul sickness is the main concept of Leave Taking. How Enid’s purpose is challenged by the altering livelihoods of her children, despite working so hard to maintain a good lifestyle for them. How Brod’s battle with alcoholism belittles his wisdom which masks revealing truths. How Del’s extravagance and longingness for freedom overrides empathy. How Viv’s cultivated mind only shines on English soil, foiling her urge for a stronger sense of identity. Mai is gradually demystified but also catches the disease of self-reflection, growing an affection for this troubled family. Key moments within the play instilled a heartfelt empathy within me. The brilliant display of these characters and insightful story was backed by a lack of representation, or rather understanding. This phenomenon of Black representation, often overshadowed by an African American weight, lays waste to the norms of our own stories. Hence Leave Taking was felt tremendous and rightly timed, for it presents its audience with a perception of 80s worries and infiltrates patterns exacted in recent times.

An aspect I admire born from this dearth of representation is the importance such actors and creators exemplify through their work. A Q&A after the show solidified by adoration for Leave Taking, chaired by the director Madani Younis, as it managed to inject the feelings and views of the actors and Winsome herself. Winsome spoke of her humbleness regarding the response to the project, the fantastic cast offered their understanding of Leave Taking. Will Johnson who played Brod spoke on the workings of his character stemming from his own experiences. He stated it had been a while since he purely acted on a project that was entirely Black, with notes taken from remembering family and their attitudes toward life. He describes his character as pieced together from 3 influential Uncles, the hilarity fused with a woke Afrocentric take on life topped off by the hindrances he demonstrates. Hence acting felt natural opposed to performative, despite his tremendous skills which captivated me. Earnest moments in the play such as Brod unfolding behaviours which caused the state of things offered a tremendous insight to how people perceived things then. The pride in which they left Jamaica for a “better life” to be presented with soul sickness, racism and belittlement at existing. Enid is a commanding character, Sarah Niles portrayed her with fantastic quirks adopted by her recognition of her Black Heroes. She pointed toward Black Panther and the incredible reaction it received, happy though grieved the romanticised idea of us. Sarah stated the every day heroes, such as her character Enid, deserve gratitude for their sacrifices. Her portrayal gave me shades of my Mother, as Enid is a cleaner and my Mother came to this country as one. Sacrificing years to bring up children, diving back into a career and education to provide for her family more. Drawn back to home but tied to a new state, to help pave a way to a greater life.

Seraphina Beh is a wonderful actress, igniting life into Del smoothly without a care in the World. Her comments in the Q&A highlighted how she didn’t even know who Winsome Pinnock was – shamefully but gratefully managed to work on this wonderful tale. Her performance hails the relation Black Britishness shares, diaspora fairly have a similar account. Hence, she announced the importance if such a work, how it is a necessity to show our realities. The fact Leave Taking holds excessive relevance today shows this. Similar stories of wantaway children, who suffer from the demand of their parents who came almost from nothing. Nicholle Cherie who plays Viv also relates, her educational expertise praised but grounded on an identity she doesn’t find to be her own. She also felt right for this character as it spoke volumes for her own path. Another demand most Parents make of their children from the diaspora, educational success or at least the capacity of it. Though it doesn’t allow one to explore life with the freedom someone “native” to Britain has, with ages of generational wealth building comfort and providing space for different ambitions. Del’s growth is built on empathising through other experiences, triggered by time spent with Mai and a sobering Brod. Viv’s growth is more subtle, reasonable and about the changes everyone around her makes – in a sense the youngest is at the brunt of everyone’s behaviours. Nicholle champions this very well, displaying an innocence and eagerness to break the duck. Lastly, Adjoa Andoh’s act as Mai was trancing. A prodigious accent and sweet tonality made me hang on every word. Her role felt a therapist, an interesting idea for mental health within such communities tend to be downplayed. In need of spiritual healing, religiousness as well as divine techniques like Mai’s palm reading offer a solace in madness’ midst.

Leave Taking is a must see play. It displays a Jamaican home and the roles the family play in their bid for soul searching and healing.

[tipsycad147]

Meet The Plants | The Food & Medicinal Uses Of Rosemary

Written by Sass Ayres

Rosemary is as much at home at a summertime backyard barbecue as it is in a medley of roasted winter squash and root vegetables. Its perky and invigorating smell earns it a place in many a fall or winter wreath, in energizing essential oil blends, and even in pest control applications. As an evergreen shrub, it’s the herb that keeps on sharing its food and medicine all year long, and the nutritional and medicinal uses of rosemary as a well-known culinary herb, digestive aid, circulatory tonic, and memory enhancer date back several millennia.

say hello to rosemary

Rosemary is a woody evergreen, perennial shrub native to the dry, rocky coastal regions of the Mediterranean.

As a native to the Mediterranean, rosemary loves full sun, warmth, and misty, moist air.

Rosemary shrubs can grow as high as 6 feet! Although, more commonly, we see them at 3-4 feet.

Rosemary gets its name from latin words meaning dew of the sea.

As a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), rosemary has square stems, opposite leaves, and 2-lipped flowers. Rosemary is closely related to sage, oregano, marjoram, and basil.

Rosemary’s blue or white flowers typically make an appearance in late spring. Christian folklore tells of a story when Mary placed her blue cloak over a rosemary bush and turned its flowers from white to blue.

In folklore from all over the world, rosemary has a reputation as an herb of remembrance, loyalty, and friendship.

rosemary as a food

Rosemary is an herb widely used for flavoring in both sweet and savory recipes. Its bittersweet, lemony, and slightly piney flavor is distinct and entirely reminiscent of all things Mediterranean. Without rosemary, Italian food wouldn’t be the same. It compliments garlic, tomatoes, citrus, and olives, and pairs well with pumpkin, potatoes, and other root vegetables. It’s also a common herb companion for lamb, poultry, and fish.

Perhaps one of the oldest uses for rosemary as pertains to food is as a preservative. Its powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity has been used to protect meats and oils from going rancid for a very long time.

In the modern food science industry, the strong smell and taste of rosemary extract and essential oil has been a deterrent in using it more widely as a real food alternative to synthetic and chemical preservatives. Accordingly, scientists have been able to develop a colorless and odorless rosemary extract that would have broader applications.

rosemary as a medicine

Traditionally, rosemary was used as a carminative, antispasmodic, vulnerary (painkiller), and circulatory tonic, as well as to stimulate hair growth and improve memory. And many of these traditional medicinal uses of rosemary continue today.

as a powerful antioxidant

One of rosemary’s most revered medicinal actions is its antioxidant capacity. In fact, rosemary has a solid reputation as one of the strongest herbal antioxidants on the planet. Its potent antioxidant capacity can be attributed largely to 3 phytochemicals:

rosmarinic acid

carnosic acid

carnosol

Carnosic acid has demonstrated a special affinity for the brain and may help protect the brain from stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown rosemary to have greater antioxidant abilities than even man-made antioxidants used in the industrial food industry to keep fats like butter and lard from going rancid. Imagine its effect on our immune systems!

As a powerful antioxidant, rosemary can help with radiation sickness and skin damage, as well as decreasing the risk of skin cancer due to sun exposure, the risk of neurological damage due to pesticide exposure, and premature aging,

as a memory enhancer

Ancient Greeks thought of rosemary as a memory aid and students would often wear garlands of it around their heads during examinations. Modern science has over and over again proven rosemary as an effective memory enhancer. As a circulatory stimulant, rosemary helps to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow to the brain. Keep a fresh sprig of rosemary on your desk while you work or study!

as a gentle stimulating nervine

Unlike mildly sedative herbs like lavender, lemon balm, and chamomile, rosemary is gently stimulating. While other nerve stimulants like coffee, tea, and cacao can be jolting in a sense, rosemary is gentle, but enlivening. It can be a great pick-me-up!

Several studies have looks at the stimulating effects of rosemary and its essential oil. One study confirmed the stimulatory effects of rosemary by evidence of increased brain wave and autonomic nervous system activity, as well as elevated mood after inhalation. People were found to have become more active and stated that they felt fresher.

Drinking a cup of rosemary tea, while perhaps not as stimulating as coffee, can be a gentle good morning wake-up or an afternoon pick-me-up. As evidenced by the study referenced above, its aromatherapeutic effects alone are enough to give you a second wind.

as digestive support

As a carminative, rosemary also supports our digestion. It helps to tone our gastric tissues, serving to calm our digestive processes and prevent digestive ailments such as indigestion, bloat, flatulence, painful stomach cramping, and nausea. And in doing so, rosemary also helps us absorb more of the nutrients from the food we eat.

the external medicinal uses of rosemary

Rosemary can be infused into vinegar and used as a rinse for healthy, shiny hair. It also has a history of use as a scalp treatment to stimulate hair growth, as well as a preventative treatment for lice. You’ll also often see rosemary essential oil added to preparations for arthritic joints in that it can help to increase circulation and thereby decrease arthritic pain.

I hope this brief dive into the food and medicinal uses of rosemary here gives a gentle nudge of encouragement to include a little more of it in your every day. There are so many ways to enjoy rosemary, whether it’s in food, as a medicine, or as a gently stimulating aromatherapeutic.

The information given in this article is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns at all, it’s always a good idea to check with your health practitioner before consuming certain herbs & medicinal foods, especially if taking any prescription medications.

Resources:

Nieto, G., Ros, G., and Castillo, J. (2018) Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, L.): a review. Medicines. 5(3): 98. https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6320/5/3/98/htm

Sayorwan, W., Ruangrungsi, N., Piriyapunyporn, T., Hongratanaworakit, T., Kotchabhakdi, N., & Siripornpanich, V. (2013). Effects of inhaled rosemary oil on subjective feelings and activities of the nervous system. Scientia pharmaceutica. 81(2), 531–542. https://doi.org/10.3797/scipharm.1209-05

Ahmed, HM., Babakir-Mina, M., (2020) Investigation of rosemary herbal extracts (Rosmarinus officinalis) and their potential effects on immunity. Phytotherapy Research. 34(8): 1829-1837. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6648

https://www.botanyculture.com/the-food-medicinal-uses-of-rosemary/

[mkzmerryfriend]

Welcome back to I Am Going To Write An Essay For You, You're Welcome.

I will put a readmore so you don't have to suffer if you don't care <3

I've been thinking about Taylor Swift recently, specifically why it is so hard for me to listen to her music sometimes, and I think I've cracked the code. Her music is so sincere and honest that it feels uncomfortable to listen to it because I've been raised not to be that sincere and honest with my feelings.

Let's dive deep, lmao.

I think it's the norm at this point that whoever you are, you were probably raised not to feel or outwardly express your feelings in certain ways. I was raised to fix my feelings rather than feel them. My parents both grew up similarly, my father grew up in a family that did not express their feelings and my mother grew up in a family that ignored their feelings in order to help other people. When my sister and I came along, that somehow morphed into "let's find a way to fix that negative feeling so you don't have to feel it anymore." No idea how it happened, really, maybe it was just coincidental. Anyway, I was never someone who just let my feelings be what they are, and I still struggle with that.

Where Taylor Swift comes in is in 2006, when I was 8. My sister got her CD and listened to it all the time, and back then I was a fan (and I still listened to country music). But as I got older, I realize now that the fixing of my feelings directly worked against her musical style. I thought it was bad, but really it was just sincere, and subconsciously to me that was bad or uncomfortable. It's kind of shitty, but I always wondered why she was so famous, how she had gamed that system. Now I realize that she actually is an incredible singer, an incredible songwriter, and an astonishing storyteller. I'm not being dramatic either, I really truly see that now.

So, I'm 23 now, I've just listened to Folklore and a little bit of Evermore and the rerecording or Fearless and I've realized that all I ever do is listen to songs by emotionally repressed people singing about how they're emotionally repressed and how suffocating that is (okay maybe not ALL I listen to, but that's what emo music is at the bare bones level). Listening back to Fearless reminded me of how pure those childhood feelings were, how completely unconfined and unrepressed they were. Listening to Exile and My Tears Recochet and This Is Me Trying and probably many others has unlocked that part of my heart again.

I guess what I'm trying to say with this is that, if you have feelings, feel them. They are FEELings for a reason. It's normal, it's human, please don't stop yourself from feeling those things. I know it can be hard, it's still hard for me, but we all should teach ourselves how to sit in our feelings. It's okay to be sincere, it's okay to be scared that someone will take advantage of that, but that should never stop you from being sincere. I'm sorry this is suddenly a super serious post, I just feel like it is important to say. Especially right now. There's a lot of grief that I haven't dealt with that has been happening since the start of the pandemic, there're a lot of things that still sting, and I assume there are those things for you too.

Today's lesson is: listen to something that you can cry to, cry, and pick yourself back up. Also, drink some water.

[flyingcarpettours]

Egypt Short Breaks

If you have a limited travel schedule in Egypt and looking for a short organized tour, Flying Carpet Tours offering Egypt Short Breaks where you can get unforgettable tours to discover the flourishing city of Cairo with its countless attractions, drive to Alexandria and explore the mysterious history of the city, get a journey back in time to the days of Ancient Thebes, the old capital during the Pharaonic Period, feast your eyes by the beauty of Sharm El Sheikh and more. Discover the charm of Egypt Tour Packages, Flying Carpet Tours give you the chance to enjoy Egypt Short Breaks, You can go in various group packages like individual tours, Group tours, Family Tours, couple tour etc. choose one of spectacular Egypt Short Breaks Tours and sightseeing to explore Cairo attractions in Short Tours, Luxor Temples, Sharm El sheikh activities with its marvelous beaches, A dive at the Red Sea off the coast of Egypt is one of the most beautiful experiences that you can get when you enjoy Red Sea Short Tours. Try Cairo Short breaks, one of the best tours but not the last or the only tour that we offer and will give you the chance to get intimate with the pharaohs culture, habits and the ancient history, In this offer Flying Carpet Tours  will take you from your landing spot in Egypt to a nice calm hotel to have a relaxing delicious breakfast with the Egyptian taste which  will give you an opportunity to relax a bit from your long travel to Egypt, after that we have a huge pressed program made especially for you to be able to visit the most famous historical places as much as you can during your short trip and limited time because  our logo is nothing impossible which leads us to satisfy all the different requests of people from all around the world  who wants to visit Egypt, Moreover all of that we still offer the cheapest prices and the best quality. Get ready to be blown away by the magnificence of Cairo through memorable Short Breaks in Cairo where you will visit the main attractions in the city. Discover the most famous attraction in the world with Short Egypt Tours and visit Giza Pyramids which considered one of the most famous and attractive archaeological sites in the world. Get to know more about the mysterious Egyptian history with and scout around the pyramids that were built from 2550 to 2490 B.C as massive tombs for the Pharaonic Kings. Stare at the amazement of Sphinx, the huge sitting statues as it consists of about 2,000 limestone blocks, until now no one knows for what purpose the statue was built or whom it’s belonging to. Get excited and visit the Egyptian Museum; the biggest museum in the world which contains more than 120.000 masterpieces and rare collection of 5000 years of Pharaonic antiquities. Moreover, Egypt City Breaks offers you variety of tours in Cairo to explore the other famous destinations in the city. With our Short Breaks in Cairo you will be able to visit the oldest structure in the world Sakkara Pyramid, visit Salah El Din Citadel, get a spiritual journey to the heart of the city and visit Khan El Khalili, the Hanging Church and more.

https://www.flyingcarpettours.com/Egypt/Tour-Packages/Egypt-Short-Breaks/Cairo-Sharm-El-Sheikh-Short-Breakshttps://www.flyingcarpettours.com/Egypt/Tour-Packages/Egypt-Short-Breaks/Short-Breaks-to-Cairo-AlexandriaExplore the old religious capital of the Middle and New Kingdom during the Ancient Egypt with its astonishing vast temple and royal cemeteries through unforgettable Cairo and Luxor Short Breaks which covers all the famous destinations in Luxor. Get the chance and visit the most famous temples in the world known as Karnak and Luxor Temple. Karnak temple was the main cult center in the city, in addition to its religious importance, the complex also served as administrative center, and palace for the New Kingdom pharaohs while Luxor Temple is among the most beautiful temples in the world and is located right in the middle of modern day Luxor. Egypt Short Tours allows you to explore the West Bank of Luxor which contains outstanding collection of amazing monuments such as the impressively decorated tombs of Valley of the Kings and the stunning Temple of Hatshepsut.

Alexandria has always been one of the most recognizable cities on the Mediterranean’s coast. Explore the majestic nature of the city while visiting its amazing sightseeing as Short Breaks in Egypt offering Short Breaks to Cairo and Alexandria where you will visit the main attractions in Cairo and then move to Alexandria to explore the Roman and Greek monuments. Feast your eyes by visiting Cata Combs of Kom El-Shokafa which is a necropolis of 3 sub-levels dating from the 2nd century AD and considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval Ages, the Cata Combs was originally built as a burial chamber for only one family but then it was expanded to allow for many other people. Next excursion will be Qaitbay Citadel which is considered one of the most important defensive strongholds also along the Mediterranean Sea coast; it was built on the ruins of the amazing Lighthouse of Alexandria which was considered to be one of the famous Seven Wonders in the ancient world. You will also visit Alexandria Library and Montazah Palace. Enjoy Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh Short Breaks Day 01: Arrive Cairo At the time your flight touching Cairo Land, one delegate from Flying Carpet Tours will be holding a sign with your name, transfer to hotel, relax from the inconvenience of your travel, overnight in Cairo.

Day 02: Cairo Tours, Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian Museum Taste the flavor of your breakfast at hotel, then Flying Carpet Tours guide will lead you to a ravishing tour to Pyramids of Giza, feast your eyes by visiting Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinus, then your guide will take you to panoramic view of the pyramids, memorable photos available to the three pyramids together, next move to the Sphinx, scout the valley temple, relax by having lunch at local restaurant, after Lunch your tour guide will escort you to the Egyptian Museum which contains amazing treasures of King Tut Ankh Amun, finally back to hotel, night at leisure, or choose from variety of optional tours, Either to try Dinner Cruise on the Nile River with Folklore show, Belly Dancer, surprises are waiting for you, or try optional to the sound & light show at the pyramids, overnight in Cairo.

Day 03: Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh by Flight Taste the flavor of your breakfast at hotel, Flying Carpet Tours delegate will escort you to Cairo Airport, fly to Sharm, arrive Sharm, transfer to hotel, overnight in Sharm.

Day 04: Sharm El-Sheikh at Leisure Taste the flavor of your breakfast at hotel, it is your leisure day in Sharm, try a lot of Water sports, Swimming, Snorkeling, Diving, bask under the gleaming Sun, beguile your eyes with the awesome Red Sea, Or choose between the splendid Excursions in Sharm, overnight in Sharm,

Day 05: Sharm EL-Sheikh to Cairo, Final Departure Today is the valediction day, once you taste the flavor of your breakfast at hotel, one of Flying Carpet Tours delegates will escort you to Sharm Airport, fly back to Cairo, at the time you arrive Cairo domestic airport, transfer to Cairo International Airport for final departure. Included • 02 Nights accommodation in Cairo including Breakfast and all taxes • 02 Night accommodation in Sharm including Breakfast and all taxes • 01 Day tour in Cairo as mentioned at the above program including Entrance fees and English Speaking guide • One Bottle of Mineral Water at the Day Tour in Cairo • One Lunch at local restaurant in Cairo • All Transfers in Cairo and Sharm by air-conditioned Van • All service charges and taxes • Meet and assist at Cairo Airport upon arrival • Assist and transfer to Cairo Airport on final departure Excluded • Egypt Visa • International flight • Domestic Flight Cairo / Sharm / Cairo • Optional tours • Tipping. For more info about Egypt short breaks: Tel.: +201099906242 E-mail: sales@flyingcarpettours.com Website: www.flyingcarpettours.com