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ni4lovesu · 26 days ago

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school events to script ₊˚⊹ᰔ

⊹ ࣪ student hosted ˖ ʚɞ.

— back to school party : each year an epic party is thrown 1 week before school starts at a student’s house

— halloween party : weekend before halloween, everyone dresses up in their costumes and it’s extremely chaotic and hype

⊹ ࣪ faculty hosted ˖ ʚɞ.

— spring festival : takes place on spring equinox, right before the start of the spring break. essentially a day for students to cut class, destress and have fun! rose petals littered everywhere, flower mazes, bouncy castles, school wide egg hunt, picnics while watching the sunset, school wide bonfire after sunset, school dance in the evening, large picnic area with seasonal foods and drinks, flower crown making etc.

— summer solstice picnic : students relax on blankets, playing a ton of fun board and card games. buffet section with snacks and drinks

— summer festival : outdoor games include watermelon eating contest, slip and slides, bouncy castles, basketball shootout, ring toss, orbeeze fun shootout, and DIY bracelets etc. and refreshments include cotton candy machines, ice creams, popsicles, slushies served in frozen fruit, juice stalls, fruit stalls, bbq chicken skewers, pizza, tacos, frozen yoghurt cup, wraps, hotdogs, corn on a cob, doughnuts, churros, french fries, fried carrot cake etc.

— fall festival : takes place annually on the fall equinox and includes activities such as apple and pumpkin picking, apple bobbing, pumpkin carving, outdoor harvest feast, pie eating contest, cornmaze, in season food and beverages, bake off etc.

— christmas festival : a day where we do a bunch of christmas activities such as gingerbread house contest, ice skating, snowman building competition, making diy ornaments and going to fun christmas booths selling small goodies, at night there is a christmas concert consisting of songs, dances, plays by students and one performance by some teachers

— winter festival : a day where we do a bunch of winter activities such as ice skating, ice fishing, snowboarding, building snowmen, building igloos, snowball fights, stargazing. in between these activités we can go to nearby towns and drink hot choco and eat chocolate muffins, pancakes etc.

— new years gala : held annually on new years eve. guests gather out in the school square to celebrate the final hours of the year, culminating in a stunning fireworks display and light show as the new year begins. the evening is simple yet elegant, featuring champagne or sparkling cider, an array of delicious finger foods to start, followed by a buffet dinner with exquisite dishes. guests can enjoy dancing, warm company and festive touches like sparklers, small safe firecrackers, party poppers etc. for added fun. attire is unofficially cocktail attire, and music goes from smooth jazz to upbeat and lively tunes as the night progresses

— valentine’s ball : masquerade ball held annually in february in celebration of this romantic month. the venue is adorned with roses, hearts, and soft lighting, creating a dreamy atmosphere. tables are filled with themed foods and sweets with secret messages hidden within its wrappers. waiters also double as letter carriers, allowing students to send anonymous messages to one another throughout the event

— halloween ball : held annually on halloween day, the venue is transformed into a spook show, adorned with eery decoration fitting the season. students can dance, mingle, enjoy themed foods lining the tables, and explore adjoining rooms and hallways designed as haunted corridors filled with jumpscares, riddles, and puzzles to go through in exchange for candy. scare actors also roam the school, ready to give unsuspecting students a great fright.

— lantern festival : the celebration begins with a school wide picnic but as night falls, the focus shifts to designing lanterns and releasing them into the sky. other activities include lion and dragon dances, fireworks display, and rice ball eating competitions

— ice cream socials : buffet full of a wide array of ice cream flavors, a toppings bar, cookies and brownies for crafting personalized ice cream sandwiches, a float station, as well as specialty gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt stations. people can relax on provided picnic blankets spread out on a field while partaking in a myriad of activities like slip 'n slides, live band performances, photobooths, ice cream eating contests and even water balloon fights

— storybook carnival : making the school a magical world of stories by decorating the classrooms as different books, having haunted houses, cosy hangout areas around the school, book sale + donations, special book-themed foods etc.

— basket auction : people place bids on baskets filled with food to win the opportunity to have a picnic with the basket owner and its contents

— workshop day : students can learn skills such as woodwork, sewing, gardening, or cooking from local experts

— creations week : art exhibitions, fashion show, game development club’s game exhibition, robotics club’s robots, ceramic crafts, music student’s musical artworks, poetry by literature students

— bonfire : late night bonfire by the beach roasting marshmallows, stargazing and talking

— prom : fun dresses, great music, dancing all night, hype band, air conditioned room, good food, cute date

— overseas trips : ski trips in switzerland, london, greece, hawaii, italy, tokyo, bali, etc.

— learning journeys : science museum, zoo, aquarium, butterfly sanctuary, national gallery, art gallery, farm, planterium, petting zoo, historical landmarks, theatre, industry tours, adventure park, laser tag, bowling, amusement parks, escape rooms etc.

— school wide sleepover : games, movie, pizza, endless amount of beverages and snacks, etc.

— arcade night : the school rents arcade games and puts it all around the gym

— school assemblies : w/ school performances that are hype asf, some even by teachers

— school wide paintball fight, annual barbecue day, founders day, volunteer day, sports festival, pyjama day, no bag day, picture day, talent show, cultural fair, science fair, school play, book fair, movie night, trivia night

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writers-potion · 9 months ago

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𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫

Like many other fields, magic comes from a combianation of natural talent, determination, study and practice. Here are some ways that your character can learn, either to develop throughout the story or as a part of their backstory.

School of Magic

It may ba a school of magic for children, a college of magic, a mage academy, or even a university offering postgraduate degrees in comparative magic and magical anthropology.

Students sign up for full-time study, often on tuition-bed-and-board basis.

Depending on the type of school and level of education, students will be taught subjects that address various aspects of their magic system, sometimes even non-magical subjects.

Apprenticeship

This is where a senior magician takes one or several trainees to lern under them. The terms of the contract would vary, but the basics of it would be that the student is indentured for certain years of service in return for an education.

There may or may not be payment involved, and the appentices may live with the master.

Self-Study

A magician can plausibly teach themselves through research, reading, trial and error.

This is reclusive, organized, studious characters who have self-discipline and intense curiosity.

Part-Time Study

It is also practical to study magic as a hobby, and to devote only a few hours every week to training.

Many organizations offer part-time courses: community colleges, pagan religious groups, New Age societies. There may or may not be an examination/certification requirement.

Informal Learning

Non-professional magicians can pick up some skills that are passed down from mother to daughter, or a few lines of magic that goes viral among teenagers.

Candidate Selection

A magical academy's entrance exam or a master choosing an apprentice may look at the following: ability to concentrate, memory, creativity and imagination, motivation moral integrity, ability to control thoughts, patience, health, sensory awareness, natural affinity for magic, existing skills in related fields, faith and piety, etc.

Initiation

When the student has passed the probationary period, he is initiated into the craft. This ritual often takes place during a solstice or equinox, or an annual event like a festival.

Some systems of magic may have several levels of initiations or degrees.

Some systems may have lethal consequences for candidates who fail to pass the test.

If you like my blog, buy me a coffee☕ and find me on instagram! 📸

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lavendermoonlove · 8 days ago

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Imbolc as a Hellenic (longread)

Many of you might know that the Wheel of the Year is an annual cycle with eight sabbats (two solstices, two equinoxes and four fire festivals marking the midpoints between the solar events). This annual cycle was constructed by Wicca and took from older pagan celebrations. Many modern witches, regardless of whether they’re Wiccan, follow the Wheel of the Year, myself included. However, as I am a Hellenic witch, my religion often doesn’t align with the Wheel of the Year. In this blogpost I would like to go into why I celebrate the Wheel of the Year and how sabbats that have strong Celtic roots, like Imbolc, could still be celebrated as a Hellenic.

Why I celebrate the Wheel of the Year As a Hellenic witch it can be hard to try to fit the Wheel of the Year to my deities and practice. For some sabbats, like Ostara and Mabon, it’s easier. I’ve celebrated and perceived the autumn and spring equinoxes way before I became a witch through honouring Persephone, Hades and Demeter. However, Imbolc remains a hard one for me to celebrate through a Hellenic lens. Many might ask themselves, “Why celebrate it all then? Why go through the effort if it isn’t working out for you?”. There are multiple reasons why I try to celebrate every sabbat:

I do feel the energy shifts. For Imbolc for example, I am experiencing the energy shifting towards that of new beginnings, and thus it goes against my natural instincts and senses to not celebrate these energy shifts.

The Wheel of the Year connects me to other (non-Hellenic) witches and makes me feel part of the witchcraft and pagan community. As a solitary witch, my path can feel quite lonely sometimes. However through perceiving and celebrating the sabbats I feel connected to other practitioners of the craft. Therefore it’s worthwhile for me to celebrate the Wheel of the Year as a Hellenic.

The Wheel of the Year aligns with the natural world in my region and the solar and lunar events. My practice goes beyond Hellenism and these aspects of my craft align well with the Wheel of the Year.

How to celebrate Imbolc as a Hellenic🌼 Imbolc is also known as Brigid’s day and thus centred around the Celtic goddess Brigid. If you are like me and you do celebrate the sabbats while also being Hellenic, there are a few adjustments you can make to celebrate Imbolc.

The return of spring🐑 Even though it’s not the spring equinox, Imbolc’s vocal point is the coming of spring. Therefore you can choose to focus on this aspect of Imbolc. This is paired with workings for renewal, new beginnings, protection and cleansing. If you’d like to honour a Hellenic deity for this aspect, you might want to look into honouring Gaia or build an altar for her. She is the Goddess of the earth after all.

Honouring Hestia🕯️ You might want to choose to honour Hestia within this period. Hestia as the Goddess of the hearth shares this aspect with Brigid. Furthermore, Imbolc is one of the four fire festivals. That fire aspect can be embraced through the honour and worship of Hestia. You might also choose to take this a step further and work with Hestia for protections for the home and your loved ones.

Solar aspect☀️ Imbolc also marks the midpoint between Yule and Ostara, proofing to also be a solar event. Therefore you might choose to work with this solar energy embracing those brighter days ahead. This is an excellent time to also honour the Gods Apollôn and Hêlios. Even though most books on Imbolc will not mention them as deities for this time period, they are still Gods who govern over the sun. Whenever there is a sabbat with a solar aspect to it, I choose to incorporate Apollôn. He is a God who has been central to my life since I’ve been a Hellenic and therefore it feels wrong to leave him out of it.

I hope you have a blessed day tomorrow, however you choose to celebrate Imbolc🩵🤎

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witchynyx · 1 month ago

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2025 Witches Calendar

Seasonal Festivals: Southern Hemisphere

❤️ Lammas/Reflection: Feb 1 (traditional) / Feb 3 (astrological)

🩷 Autumn Equinox: March 20

💜 Samhain/ShadowFest: April 30 (traditional) / May 5 (astrological)

💙 Winter Solstice: June 21

💚 Imbolc/Quickening: August 1 (traditional) / August 7 (astrological)

🌿 Spring Equinox: September 23

💛 Beltane/Floralia: Nov 1 (traditional) / Nov 7 (astrological)

🧡 Summer Solstice: Dec 21

(Dates given are based on GMT+8 - Check the dates/times of the seasonal festivals in 15 different timezones)

...

Seasonal Festivals: Northern Hemisphere

💚 Imbolc: Feb 1 (traditional) / Feb 3 (astrological)

🌿 Spring Equinox: March 20

💛 Beltane: May 1 (traditional) / May 5 (astrological)

🧡 Summer Solstice: June 21

❤️ Lammas: August 1 (traditional) / August 7 (astrological)

🩷 Autumn Equinox: September 22

💜 Samhain: Oct 31 (traditional) / Nov 7 (astrological)

💙 Winter Solstice: Dec 21

(Dates given are based on GMT - Check the dates/times of the seasonal festivals in 15 different timezones)

...

New & Full Moons

🌑 December 31

🌕 January 14

🌑 January 29

🌕 February 12

🌑 February 28

🌕 March 14

🌑 March 29 - Super new moon

🌕 April 13 - Micro full moon

🌑 April 28 - Super new moon

🌕 May 13 - Micro full moon

🌑 May 27

🌕 June 11

🌑 June 25

🌕 July 11

🌑 July 25

🌕 August 9

🌑 August 23 - Black moon

🌕 September 8 - Total lunar eclipse

🌑 September 22

🌕 October 7

🌑 October 21

🌕 November 5 - Super full moon

🌑 November 20 - Micro new moon

🌕 December 5 - Super full moon

🌑 December 20

(Dates given are based on GMT+8 - Check the dates/times in your local timezone)

...

About the Calendar Wheel

The image on this post is the calendar I made for 2025, based on my location in Boorloo (so-called Perth, Western Australia), on Wadjuk Noongar boodjar.

From the centre, outwards, you'll see:

The 6 Noongar seasons

The 8 seasonal festivals (I've used the common names for the cross-quarters, since I'll probably use this on my business socials)

The 12 months of the year

The 52-ish weeks of the year

The 365 days of the year

The new, full, and quarter moons for 2025

Depending where in the world you're from, you might also notice some things look a little different than you expect...

The wheel is arranged Southern Hemisphere sunwise. Because the sun skewing towards the equator at midday take it to the north, the sun's path over the course of each day appears to move counter-clockwise (because clocks were made based off northern hemisphere sundials).

The quarter-moon icons seem inverted, because we're viewing the moon from a different vantage point. Southern hemisphere moon phases look like:

🌘🌗🌖🌕🌔🌓🌒

Likewise some dates might seem a little off - Astrological events occur at the same instant, regardless of where in the world we are, but how we mark that instant on our calendar will depend on what timezone we're located in (and which side of midnight that timezone places us).

I'm located ~12hrs ahead of the Eastern United States, so a lot of the events above might be the date before for folks in earlier timezones (likewise for folks in Eastern Australia and New Zealand, a handful of events might be the date after if they're in the early a.m.)

#witchcraft #witchblr #calendar 2025 #full moon #new moon #seasonal celebrations #wheel of the year #witches calendar #calendar wheel #southern hemisphere witch #aussie witchcraft #australian witchcraft #witchynyx #original content

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onebadassunicorn · 18 days ago

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The Spy Who Loved Me

pairing: Azriel x Reader

content warnings:

word count: 4.2K

Taglist: @motheroffae

If you would like to be added to the taglist, please leave me a comment!

Image owned by Velocity Visual Media.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

********

Chapter 3

The shimmering spires of the Summer Court rose into the horizon, their golden tips glinting against the backdrop of a cerulean sea. As your small vessel glided toward the palace’s white marble docks, you felt the familiar warmth of the Summer Court's breeze brush against your skin. The salty air carried a sense of calm, but you couldn’t shake the heaviness in your chest. The mission at the Autumn Court had gone well—almost too well—but the implications of your progress sat uneasily in your mind.

Tarquin was waiting for you in his private study, the sun streaming through the open windows, casting golden light across the polished floor. The High Lord stood by a table scattered with maps and reports, his turquoise eyes lifting to meet yours as you entered. He offered a small smile, but his expression was somber, a reflection of the gravity of your mission.

“Welcome back,” he said, gesturing for you to sit in one of the chairs near the table. His voice was warm but tinged with an undertone of urgency. “I’ve been waiting to hear how it went.”

You inclined your head, taking your seat as you began to recount the events of the Autumnal Equinox. You detailed everything—the festivities, the nobles, the way Eris had latched onto you as though you were a prize he was determined to flaunt. You told him about the attention you’d drawn from others, the calculated glances, and, finally, the moments you spent alone with Eris.

“He’s infatuated,” you said, keeping your voice steady. “It didn’t take much to keep his attention. He paraded me around the festival like I was a treasure he wanted everyone to envy.”

Tarquin leaned back in his chair, his brows furrowing. “Eris is predictable in that way. He thrives on status and appearances. If he believes having you by his side elevates him, he’ll cling to you.”

You nodded. “It’s working for now. But he’s still guarded. He speaks easily of politics, of power plays among the Autumn Court nobles, but when it comes to Beron… he shuts down. I’ve tried to steer the conversation that way, but he’s careful.”

Tarquin sighed, his gaze drifting to the open window. “Beron is no fool, and neither is Eris. If they suspect you’re anything other than what you claim to be, it will end badly—not just for you, but for the alliance we’ve built with the Night Court and the others.”

“I understand the risks,” you said firmly. “But if I can gain Eris’s trust, if I can make him believe I’m on his side, he might let something slip.”

Tarquin’s gaze sharpened as he looked back at you. “And how far are you willing to go to gain that trust?”

The question hung in the air like a blade poised to drop. You knew what he was asking—what he wasn’t saying outright. The thought had crossed your mind during the equinox, during those moments alone with Eris when his hands had wandered, when his kisses had pressed closer to the line you were unwilling to cross.

You hesitated, your heart pounding. “If that’s what it takes,” you said finally, your voice quieter now. “I’ll do what’s necessary.”

Tarquin’s expression softened, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—guilt, perhaps. “You shouldn’t have to go that far,” he said. “But Beron’s plans are too dangerous to ignore. If the rumors of an uprising are true, if he’s aligning with other courts or rogue forces, we need to know. Eris is our best way in.”

You nodded, understanding the weight of his words even as your stomach twisted. “What’s the next step?”

“The Autumn Court will be hosting another gathering in two weeks—a formal banquet for Beron’s closest allies and nobles,” Tarquin said. “Eris will be expected to attend, and so will you. If you’ve already gained his favor, he’ll want you by his side. Use that opportunity to get closer to him. Press him, subtly, about his father’s plans. If he doesn’t open up immediately, plant the seeds. Make him believe you’re someone he can trust—someone who might share his ambitions.”

You swallowed hard, the thought of spending more time under Eris’s scrutinizing gaze both daunting and distasteful. But you pushed the unease aside. You’d taken this mission knowing it wouldn’t be easy, knowing it might require sacrifices you’d rather not make.

“And if he does open up?” you asked.

“Then you’ll need to report back immediately,” Tarquin said. “If Beron is plotting against the other courts, we need to move quickly. I will need time to prepare a response and notify Rhysand and the other high lords.”

You nodded, standing as Tarquin rose from his chair. His gaze softened as he stepped closer, his voice lowering. “I don’t ask this of you lightly. I know what it takes to do what you’re doing, the toll it takes.”

“I can handle it,” you said, your voice steady despite the weight of his words. “I’ll do whatever is necessary.”

Tarquin’s eyes searched yours for a moment before he nodded. “I know you will. Just… be careful. Eris is dangerous, and Beron even more so. If they suspect you, they won’t hesitate to eliminate you.”

As you left Tarquin’s study, the weight of your mission pressed heavily on your chest. But there was another matter you couldn’t ignore, another presence that had haunted you since the equinox festival: Azriel. The Shadowsinger had unsettled you in ways you hadn’t anticipated, his piercing gaze and relentless questions shaking the carefully crafted facade you and Tarquin had constructed. If anyone could see through you, it was him—and that made him a risk you couldn’t afford to ignore.

You turned back, knocking lightly on the door to Tarquin’s study before stepping inside again. He looked up from the map he was studying, his brows lifting slightly. “Something else?”

“Yes,” you said, closing the door behind you. “There’s something I didn’t mention before.”

Tarquin’s gaze sharpened, his posture straightening. “Go on.”

You hesitated, choosing your words carefully. “Azriel. The spymaster of the Night Court. He was at the equinox festival.”

Tarquin’s expression darkened slightly, his hands stilling on the edge of the table. “What was he doing there?”

“I don’t know for certain,” you admitted. “He said he was there to observe, but I think he was watching Eris—and me.”

Tarquin’s jaw tightened, his turquoise eyes narrowing. “Did he speak to you?”

You nodded. “More than once. He confronted me during the festival, pressed me about who I was and why I was there. He doesn’t believe the story we crafted, Tarquin. He called me a liar more than once.”

Tarquin cursed softly under his breath, his expression hardening. “What did you tell him?”

“I stuck to the story,” you said firmly. “I told him I’m Kaela, from a lesser court tied to the Summer Court, and that you sent me to build connections in Autumn. He didn’t believe me, but he couldn’t prove otherwise.”

Tarquin was silent for a moment, his fingers drumming against the table as he processed your words. Finally, he asked, “How much does he suspect?”

“Enough,” you said quietly. “He knows I’m hiding something, but he hasn’t figured out what. And… he’s angry. At Eris, at me. He doesn’t understand why I would associate with someone like Eris, why I would let him…” You trailed off, your throat tightening.

Tarquin’s eyes softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. “Did he threaten you?”

“No,” you said quickly. “But he… He was persistent. Aggressive, even. He pulled me aside, demanded answers. He even—” You stopped, unsure if you should tell Tarquin the full extent of what had happened.

“What?” Tarquin pressed, his tone sharper now. “What did he do?”

You exhaled, your voice quieter now. “He kissed me. I think he was trying to prove a point—that I wasn’t as invested in Eris as I pretended to be.”

Tarquin’s expression darkened further, his hands curling into fists at his sides. “That’s crossing a line.”

“I handled it,” you said quickly. “I didn’t let it go further, and I maintained the facade. But Azriel… he’s dangerous, Tarquin. If he keeps watching me, he could ruin everything.”

Tarquin was quiet for a long moment, his jaw tight as he stared out the window. When he finally spoke, his voice was calm but cold. “Azriel’s loyalty is to the Night Court, to Rhysand. If he thinks you’re a threat, he’ll report it to his High Lord. And if Rhysand starts asking questions, it could jeopardize not only your mission but the alliance we’ve built with the Night Court.”

“I know,” you said softly. “That’s why I’m telling you. I don’t think Azriel will let this go.”

Tarquin’s gaze returned to you, his expression calculating. “If he confronts you again, stick to the story. Don’t give him a reason to dig deeper. And if he pushes too hard, deflect. Make him question his own instincts.”

You hesitated. “And if that doesn’t work?”

Tarquin’s eyes hardened. “Then we’ll deal with it. But for now, focus on Eris. He’s the key to Beron’s plans, and we can’t afford to lose the progress you’ve made.”

You nodded, though the knot in your chest remained. As you left the study, Azriel’s voice echoed in your mind, the way he had demanded answers, the way his kiss had left you shaken. You couldn’t afford to let him distract you—not when so much was at stake.

But no matter how hard you tried to push him from your thoughts, you knew the truth: Azriel wasn’t done with you.

You could still feel the heat of his gaze, the intensity of his presence, the way his lips had pressed against yours with a desperation that had stolen your breath. He had seen through your facade, had called you a liar, but he hadn’t exposed you.

Why?

As much as you tried to focus on Eris and the task ahead, you couldn’t shake the feeling that Azriel would be waiting for you at the next gathering.

Watching.

Questioning.

And, perhaps, ready to shatter the fragile illusion you’d worked so hard to maintain.

********

The Autumn Court was ablaze with elegance and fire as the dinner unfolded in the grand hall of Beron’s estate. The long tables gleamed under the golden glow of countless chandeliers, each one dripping with amber and ruby crystals that caught the light. Every detail of the room, from the intricately carved chairs to the sprawling floral arrangements, spoke of opulence. The nobles of the court, dressed in rich hues of red, gold, and orange, sat at the tables, their laughter and conversation filling the air as servants moved seamlessly around them, offering trays of fine food and wine.

You sat beside Eris at the head of the table, his chosen guest for the evening. Your gown, a flowing masterpiece of deep crimson and gold, hugged your figure like liquid fire, the neckline daring yet elegant. Your honey-colored eyes shimmered under the light, framed by the soft waves of your dark hair, which spilled over your shoulders. Eris had insisted on matching attire, his finely tailored suit accented with the same shades of red and gold, making the two of you look like a perfect pair—a vision of power and beauty.

Beron, seated at the far end of the table, watched you with a calculating gaze. Despite his cruelty and arrogance, even he seemed charmed by your presence, as did the rest of the court. Nobles leaned toward you during conversation, eager to bask in your radiance, while Beron’s other sons exchanged whispers and glances, their envy barely concealed.

Eris, for his part, reveled in the attention, his arm draped casually over the back of your chair, his smirk growing wider each time another male’s gaze lingered too long on you.

When the final course was served and the wine flowed freely, Beron raised a toast, his voice booming through the hall. “To the future of the Autumn Court,” he declared, his amber eyes lingering on you for a moment too long.

The nobles echoed his words, but you caught the edge in his tone—a veiled warning, a reminder that even admiration in this court could be dangerous.

As the dinner concluded, Eris leaned close, his breath warm against your ear. “Let’s get out of here,” he murmured, his hand brushing over your thigh under the table.

You nodded, rising gracefully as he took your hand and led you through the winding halls of the estate and out into the gardens. The crisp night air was a welcome contrast to the stifling heat of the dining hall, the scent of autumn blooms mingling with the faint tang of smoke from the distant bonfires.

Eris turned to you as soon as you reached a secluded corner of the gardens, his amber eyes burning with desire. He pulled you close, his lips crashing against yours in a kiss that was hungry and insistent. His hands roamed your body, his touch possessive as he pressed you against a marble pillar.

“Come back with me,” he murmured against your lips, his voice rough. “I want you.”

You hesitated for the briefest moment, but the mission demanded this. So you nodded, letting him lead you back into the estate. The walk to his chambers was a blur of heated kisses and wandering hands, your breaths mingling as he pushed open the door to his room and pulled you inside. Clothes were shed piece by piece, your gown pooling on the floor like spilled wine as Eris pressed you onto the bed.

What followed was a careful balance of passion and calculation, your body responding to him as required, your mind focused on the goal. You knew it was going to physical hurt, but you pushed past the pain and played the role of an eager lover. Eris was fervent but not cruel, his movements deliberate as he took you, his whispered praises filling the darkened room. When it was over, you lay entangled in the sheets, his arm draped over your waist as he pressed a kiss to your shoulder.

It was then that Eris began to speak, his voice quiet and unguarded. “My father…” he started, his words faltering. “He’s a monster. You know that, don’t you?”

You turned your head to look at him, feigning surprise. “What do you mean?”

Eris’s gaze darkened, his jaw tightening. “He’s aligning with Hybern. He doesn’t care what it will cost—how many lives it will destroy. He’s so blinded by his hunger for power that he doesn’t see the court crumbling under him.”

You reached out, brushing a hand over his chest in a gesture of comfort. “And what do you want, Eris?”

His eyes softened, a vulnerability surfacing that you hadn’t seen before. “I want him gone. I want to stop him before he drags us all into ruin.”

You nodded, your fingers tracing small circles against his skin. “You’re not alone in this,” you murmured.

Eris kissed you again, this time slower, almost tenderly, and the night unfolded once more in tangled sheets and whispered promises. When he finally left to return to his duties, you slipped out of bed, pulling on his discarded shirt. The cool fabric hung loosely on your frame as you stepped onto the balcony, the night air soothing against your heated skin.

But you weren’t alone.

Azriel emerged from the shadows like a predator, his hazel eyes blazing with fury. His wings flared slightly behind him, the sharp tension in his body unmistakable as he stepped closer.

“You bedded him,” he said, his voice low and dangerous.

You froze, your heart racing. “Azriel—”

“Don’t,” he snapped, his tone sharper now. “Don’t deny it. I can scent him all over you.”

You crossed your arms over your chest, your voice defensive. “What I do with Eris is none of your concern.”

Azriel’s jaw clenched, and he closed the distance between you in a single stride, his hands gripping your arms as he pulled you close. “It is when I know you don’t want him,” he growled. “Your body doesn’t lie.”

You glared at him, trying to pull away. “What are you talking about?”

His gaze dropped to your lips before trailing lower, his voice dropping to a whisper. “You’re different with him. I can smell it, feel it. Your body doesn’t react to him the way it does to me. You’re playing a very dangerous game. And your body gives away your true feelings every single time.”

Your breath hitched, and he used the moment to press his lips to yours. The kiss was demanding, raw, and utterly consuming. His hands slid down your back, pulling you against him as his tongue parted your lips, his touch igniting a fire you couldn’t suppress.

A soft moan escaped you, and Azriel groaned in response, his grip tightening. He broke away just enough to whisper, his breath hot against your skin. “You’re driving me fucking crazy.”

Before you could respond, a knock at the door broke the moment. A handmaid’s voice called from the other side. “My lady, Lord Eris has requested your presence for breakfast.”

Azriel’s hands dropped to his sides, his chest heaving as he stepped back, his eyes never leaving yours. “This isn’t over,” he said, his voice low and firm, before disappearing into the shadows once more, leaving you breathless and shaken on the balcony.

********

Azriel sat alone in the quiet of the House of Wind, the sprawling view of Velaris glittering far below him, though he hardly noticed it. His wings were tucked tight against his back, his scarred hands resting on his thighs, clenching and unclenching with a tension he couldn’t seem to release. The room was bathed in moonlight, but even the peace of the starlit night couldn’t calm the storm raging within him.

You.

Your face haunted him, as vivid and untouchable as a phantom. The honeyed warmth of your eyes, the way your lips had parted beneath his, the soft sounds you’d made when he kissed you—it all replayed in his mind like a cruel trick, a memory he couldn’t shake no matter how hard he tried.

And he had tried.

You were a liar.

A manipulator.

You had walked into the Autumn Court with a purpose you refused to share, and Azriel couldn’t trust you.

Every interaction, every carefully chosen word you uttered, only solidified the certainty that you were hiding something. The story you told about being sent by Tarquin was too polished, too convenient. He’d spent centuries unraveling lies, and yours was no different—except for the way you made him feel.

The information in front of him didn’t add up.

He had sent his spies into every corner of Prythian, instructed them to uncover everything they could about you: your origins, your connections, your true identity.

Yet every report had come back the same—empty.

No court claimed you.

No one recognized your name or your face.

Even Tarquin’s own records of your arrival in the Summer Court were vague, your history a carefully constructed mystery.

You were a ghost, a shadow cloaked in layers of deception.

Azriel leaned back in his chair, his wings shifting slightly as his mind churned. He thought of the moments he had seen you, the glimpses of your carefully curated persona.

You were sharp and clever, always quick with a smile or a deflection, your confidence unshakable.

It had made you good at your role—too good.

He couldn’t trust you.

His shadows swirled more agitatedly, their whispers brushing against his ears like warnings.

Who were you, really?

And what game were you playing?

The doubt gnawed at him. He’d seen enough spies in his lifetime to know the signs, the subtle ways someone could manipulate a room, redirect attention, weave a story so seamlessly that it felt real. You had played your part perfectly in Autumn, gaining Eris’s trust, slipping into his bed as part of your mission.

But if that was all a ruse, what else might you be hiding?

Azriel couldn’t shake the unease that had settled in his chest from the moment he first saw you.

And that was the problem.

The way your presence lingered like smoke in his mind, intoxicating and suffocating all at once.

He could still feel the heat of your body against his, the way you had melted into his touch despite your protests. It had driven him to madness, knowing that even as you shared Eris’s bed, your body had responded to him in ways it never would to the Autumn heir.

Azriel’s hands curled into fists as he thought of Eris, the memory of the male’s hands on you, his lips claiming yours. The thought alone was enough to make his shadows churn restlessly, his jaw tightening.

He hated it—hated the idea of you tangled in Eris’s sheets, hated the smug satisfaction he’d seen on Eris’s face at the festival, hated that Eris had touched what wasn’t his to touch.

What isn’t his to touch?

The thought struck Azriel like a blow, and he exhaled sharply, his wings shifting as he leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees.

What the -

You didn’t belong to him.

You were free to make your choices, to pursue your mission in whatever way you deemed necessary.

He had no claim to you, no right to feel this way.

And yet…

He couldn’t stop wanting you.

It wasn’t just desire, though that alone was enough to torment him. It was the way you had gotten under his skin, the way you defied him with those sharp, clever retorts, the way you carried yourself with grace and fire even in the face of his scrutiny. You weren’t like anyone he’d ever met, and it unnerved him. You were a mystery he couldn’t solve, a puzzle with pieces that refused to fit neatly into place.

And your body—cauldron help him, your body.

The way it responded to his touch drove him to the brink of madness. He’d felt it when he kissed you, the way you leaned into him, your breath hitching as his hands roamed over you. He could scent your arousal, feel the heat of your desire despite your words. It had taken every ounce of his control to stop himself that night on the balcony, to pull away before he crossed a line neither of you could return from.

But even that control was slipping.

He wanted you with a desperation that scared him, a raw, consuming need that burned through his veins every time he thought of you.

And worse, he wanted more than your body.

He wanted your truths, your secrets.

He wanted to unravel the walls you kept so carefully built, to see the real you hiding beneath the mask you wore so well.

He wanted to understand you, even as every instinct warned him to keep his distance.

You were too perfect.

Too polished.

Every word you spoke was deliberate, calculated, as though you were playing a role even when no one was watching.

It was the hallmark of a skilled liar, someone who could wrap truth and fiction into an unbreakable web.

And it made you dangerous.

The reports only reinforced his suspicions. If no one in Prythian could place you, if no one could verify the identity you claimed, then it was clear you were hiding something. And Azriel had spent too many years in the shadows to ignore a threat like that.

His shadows whispered to him, urging him to dig deeper, to uncover the truth.

If you were lying about your past, then what else might you be lying about?

And how much of a risk did you pose to the Night Court—and to Prythian as a whole?

Azriel exhaled sharply, his gaze darkening as he pushed back from the desk. He didn’t like being in the dark, didn’t like the feeling of being outmaneuvered.

And right now, that was exactly how you made him feel.

Azriel’s shadows curled tighter around him, whispering faintly in his ears.

They urged him to act, to confront you, to demand answers.

But he didn’t trust himself around you.

Not when his emotions ran so high, not when his desire for you clouded his judgment.

You were dangerous, not just because of the secrets you kept, but because of the way you made him feel.

And that made you a threat he couldn’t ignore.

He leaned back, his head tilting toward the ceiling as he closed his eyes. Your face lingered in his mind, your scent, your voice.

He didn’t trust you.

He couldn’t trust you.

But even as he told himself that, he knew the truth: it didn’t matter.

You had already claimed a part of him, whether he liked it or not.

He would find out who you really were.

No matter how many layers of deception he had to strip away, no matter how many secrets he had to uncover, he would get to the truth.

Because if you were a threat, he needed to know.

And if you weren’t, then you needed to prove it.

Until then, Azriel would watch, wait, and prepare for the moment you slipped.

And when you did, he would be ready.

Chapter 4

#acotar #acotar fanfiction #azriel acotar #azriel shadowsinger #azriel spymaster #azriel x reader #azriel fanfic #azriel fanfiction #azriel #azriel fic #azriel x y/n #azriel x you #azriel x female!reader

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the-slumberparty · 5 months ago

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🍂Winds of Autumn Challenge🍂

We're excited to welcome the fall with all of you lovely people!

For this challenge, you will choose a prompt + a theme (or two) and create piece, written or visual. Each creator may submit up to three works.

Good luck!

Prompt

Candle wick🕯️an old flame rekindled

Pumpkin spice 🎃 a bustling cafe scene

Hay ride 🌾 a day at the harvest festival

Chai latte ☕ caught in the cold rain

Crispy leaves 🍁 walking home alone

Candy corn 🍬 a sweet surprise

Apple cider 🍎 cozy by the fire

Harvest moon 🌕 night time walks

Knitted scarves 🧣 picnic in the park

Fallen acorns 🌳 a cabin getaway

Theme

Maturity ⏳ as the harvest ripens, so do we. Write about a coming of age or a lesson learned.

Change ✨ the leaves change and so does the world around us. Write about a change, good or bad.

Preservation 🫙 in preparation for the coming winter, we try to hold onto the last bit of warmth. Write about letting go, or not wanting to.

Balance ⚖️ as the equinox approaches, the day and night balance out. Write about finding peace.

Melancholy ☁️ as the trees shed and the flowers wilt, we feel a sense of loss. Write a tragic tale.

Abundance 🧺 As the harvest is reaped, we come into abundance. Write a story about excess and luxury.

Refuge 🏠 as the sun shines less hot, we retreat indoors. Write about seeking refuge.

Earthiness 🌍 the smell of leaves, footsteps in mud, and the damp air. Write a story with an earthy atmosphere.

Rules:

This challenge is open to all fandoms and characters.

🍂Dark creations are accepted but we will not accept underage, incest, or bestiality. Please don’t forget to add warnings to your works appropriately.

🍂For written pieces, there are no word count limits, but we do ask that you add a “read more” beyond 500 words.

🍂We hope that creators can create an inclusive work and encourage writers and creators to use appropriate tagging, ie, f!reader, etc..

🍂 For this challenge, we will accept sequels or continuations to previous works. Please be sure to link the original work in your submission.

🍂Be kind to yourself and to others. We are here to support and include each other.

🍂This is an event for the autumn, with a final due date of November 30 for late submissions.

!Tag this blog in your submission so we see it!

#navy and roo's sleepover #sleepover challenge #writing challenge #creator challenge #autumn #fall

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ranticore · 2 months ago

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Is there Christmas in MVF? I recall the first book starting with a new years celebration and I imagine Inver proper doesn’t care about Christ much since only the Suzette priests are Christian- but do they have some sort of equivalent? Suzettemas?

they do use the Gregorian calendar so their new year is in the same place as it would be in our world, but they do not celebrate christmas in Inver because like you said they're mostly not Christians with a few exceptions. the Suzettes & any immigrant from Aquitan would celebrate Christmas but since it's not such a huge cultural Thing, their celebration is mostly just a day of extra prayers and observances, without any gift-giving or the rest, and it can often be considered a time of quiet, solitude, and peace rather than a huge celebration with the family (JC is not the Suzette's Main Guy so he's not especially important to them compared to certain other saints) they also celebrate Nollaig na mBan on the 6th day of the new year.

outside the few Christians/Suzettes in Inver, there is obviously a Yule tradition which coincides with the solstice. Solstices and equinoxes are very important in Inver, especially for followers of the Immortal Hound, and it's considered extra Eventful if that date happens to coincide with a full moon (or at least a waxing moon - solstice occurs on a waxing moon? good luck for the next quarter year. if the moon is waning, that's a bad omen). Mostly Yule-tide lasts from the 21st of Yule (December) to the 1st of Eanair (January) and consists of long-night festivities like bonfires and lantern-lighting. The most quintessential Yule-tide tradition is story-telling based, especially during the Long Night itself - you're supposed to sit around a fire in the dark and listen to retellings of old myths and legends. Sometimes a professional storyteller will do the job for a whole hall of people but mostly it'll be one person in the family/group/etc who tells the story (usually the only literate one in the 1800s anyway, who can read from a book/has read the story from a book/etc) while the others listen. there tends to be a lot of audience participation at these events.

#setting: inver #mvf #saw your other ask and. lmao

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koboldfactory · 5 months ago

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Is there a special event or holiday uniquely in your world that you could share with us? I wonder how your characters would react when confronted with a vastly different culture than theirs...

I keep wanting to draw the big Equinox Festival in Isaac's hometown but I never have the time or energy to figure it all out. The whole town gets covered in decorations and bright colorful star shaped lights are placed everywhere. There's ceremonial dances and offerings given symbolically to a statue of their guardian deity. There's also fun carnival type games and attractions!

I actually made a song almost 4 years ago for the exact scenario you described, when Isaac takes Branlin to his hometown during the festival and it's rather hectic and overwhelming for her (warning, it's old so it's kinda rough all over):

#koboldasks #koboldfactory music #oc: isaac #oc: branlin #vgm #koboldfactory lore

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talonabraxas · 5 months ago

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Mabon 2024

Mabon 2024 will occur on Sunday, September 22, at 8:44 AM EDT, aligning with the Autumn Equinox. While this marks the official date, celebrations can vary, with some extending the festivities throughout the weekend to fully embrace the season's themes of balance and gratitude.

Astrological Insights – Mabon

Mabon 2024 promises a lively celestial atmosphere, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon. Key astrological events include a Sun trine Pluto at 2:12 AM and a Venus square Pluto at 5:15 PM. Both planets are in the final degrees of their signs, with Pluto continuing its retrograde motion. This configuration suggests a time of revealing hidden truths and leveraging deep, transformative energies.

The Sun-Pluto trine brings a potent opportunity for constructive change. XIX-The Sun by Talon Abraxas

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weathertheraine · 2 years ago

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So happy to finally make something for this au !!

Most of the cast are spirits - the AU started out with me getting emo about name meanings. It turned out so well and I have so many thoughts, so I’ll put the broad strokes of the plot under the ‘read more’.

Song: ‘The Woods’ by Cosmo Sheldrake

Edit: still frames

The roles:

(Humans)

Asahi: The morning

Nishinoya: The evening

Hinata: The sun

Kageyama: The shadow

Tsukishima: The moon

Yamaguchi: The mountain

Kiyoko: The river

Tanaka: The dragon

Daichi: The traveler

Suga: The student

Takeda: The teacher

Ukai: The listener

The plot:

- We open with Daichi, a wandering-knight-type who has been badly injured travelling on a mountain path. At the peak, at night, in the rain, he stumbles upon a long-abandoned shrine

- At sunrise, he wakes, and finds he’s not alone. Asahi tends to his wounds, and gives him some of the little food he has, and sends him on his way. Daichi makes the rest of the journey to the village safely

- In the village, at an inn, he meets Suga and Takeda, who he tells about his journey. To his confusion, they insist that the mountain shrine hasn’t been tended to in decades. The ‘priest’ Daichi remembers does not exist.

- A clue appears when Daichi sees the statue in the centre of the town: two men in a loving embrace. One of them is Asahi.

- Takeda is knowledgable about the spirits and mythology that surround the town - the mountain on one side, and the valley on the other. He tells Daichi the legend associated with the statue. Two spirit lovers, the morning at the evening, the peak and the valley. On the equinox, the pair would meet in the middle of the town, and the city began throwing a festival to honour the event, which is still held to this day.

- Suga, Takeda’s student, returns with Daichi to the shrine to investigate. When they wait for sunrise, Asahi appears again - delighted to have visitors.

- From him, they learn: he is indeed the spirit from the legend. Over decades, as the mountain pass became more dangerous, fewer and fewer travellers visited his shrine. Asahi grew weaker, and was no longer able to protect the travellers - making the journey more dangerous in turn. Now, he is so weak that he can only manifest at sunrise, and has lost his connection with the other sprits on the mountain. He can’t reach out to Nishinoya anymore, and it’s been decades since they were able to meet.

- Suga and Daichi resolve to help Asahi, and to help him find Nishinoya again. To do so, they must find and help the other spirit pairs on the mountain, who are weakened and fading thanks to Asahi’s disappearance.

- Hinata and Kageyama are phasing out into sunlight and shadow respectively, and cannot see each other.

- Tsukishima and Yamaguchi’s ages fluctuate with the phases of the moon, but they have been knocked out of sync.

- Ryuu is stuck in dragon form. Kiyoko is trapped behind her waterfall.

- No one can find Nishinoya at all.

- And… we go from there! With the help of Daichi, Suga, Takeda, and Ukai (a man who speaks to spirits without realising and assumes weird teenagers just keep hanging around his workshop), the spirits are brought back together and of course Noya will be found :>

- There are more scenes in my head but that’s the jist of it. If you read this far I love you

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tanuki-kimono · 1 year ago

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Hi! First off your blog is such an important resource for me in kimono patterns, thank you for keeping it! Secondly, a question. What patterns are associated with death? I know of spider lilies, and pure black kimono accessories for funeral wear, but otherwise not much else. I suspect that kind of pattern would be more of a novelty item print than an estabilished and used pattern.

Hi and thanks for your kinds words! Off the top of my head, they are several patterns associated with death, mostly linked to Buddhism.

Tbh, mourning attire for women are for me more an affair of colors (black/muted) and discreet not-celebratory patterns (it also depends of ones means). Novelty "death-themed"patterns are more and more present in modern kimono, yet you can also find "traditional" ones - even if they are on the rarer side.

Formal mourning garb, as you note, asks for mofuku (black kimono and obi with a few white accessories). Obi usually have very traditional woven ground patterns - for example ryuusui (running water) which kinda symbolize "the flow of life".

For the Buddhist anniversary of one's death and rememberance services, ladies would (when they can afford it) go from all black to half-mourning dress in muted colors like dull greys or ashen purple. For such occasions, you can find Buddhist patterns like sutra (Heart sutra especially), lotus flowers, gorintô (stylized stupa), etc.

More seasonal items could reference Buddhist Obon (festival of the dead) or Higan (more especially autumn equinox Shûbun), but such patterns for very specific events are on the rarer side, and more a matter of taste and style.

Patterns can include higanbana (spider lilies) for Higan, and for Obon: lanterns, cucumber or eggplant "spirit horse", hozuki (ground cherry), nod to Kyoto’s Daimonji kanji, or memento mori-themed motifs (like skeletons, nozarashi or graveplates).

As a step further into morbid imagery, another pattern which can sometimes be found, especially on men juban or haori lining, are decaying corpses (referencing Buddhist meditation on kusôzu or "nine stages of decay"). This was a subject in Japanese art, you can find an example here (cw: corpse depiction).

Hinting at Buddhist concept of impermanence and search for enlightment, Hell courtesan (jigoku dayû) with uchikake coats depicting hellish torments could also enter the death patterns category. Same goes for Buddhist hell imagery of Hell king Enma, or Hell guardians Gozu and Mezu (I believe I saw them on men juban/haori linings + on netsuke).

Finally, because we are talking of death, have a look at this super unsual and puzzling kimono depicting butsunehan (death of Buddha). Becky Mitsui's article is a wild ride xD

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wianes · 5 months ago

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My take on Griffith and the Solar symbol

Introduction and Overview of Symbolism

I acknowledge that Griffith is typically associated with the moon as a key symbol, and its role is evident. Nonetheless, in my interpretation, it is not the moon but rather the sun and solar principles that primarily and inherently represent his character. The lunar motif seems to have emerged with Griffith, particularly due to the presence of Moonchild, and is primarily linked to transformation. In this text, I will explain why this is the case. Similarly, in future works, I intend to explore how the sun connects with his other symbols, such as the hawk and the falcon. Those who have seen Ladyhawke will understand what I mean. In any case, I believe that qualities also associated with yang, such as solar, active, and masculine principles, fit his character very well.

Moving on to the specifics:

As most 'normal' readers probably know, Griffith embodies a complex nature, woven into a rich tapestry of allegories and motifs. His persona resonates with numerous spiritual and philosophical layers that are intricately tied to symbolism and mythology, transcending conventional concepts. By exploring how the sun symbolizes Griffith, I will analyze various authors' interpretations alongside my personal viewpoint. It is essential to note that while he may embody a singular principle, this does not exclude the presence of contrasting elements. A deliberate acknowledgment of these opposing forces is also important. His character is intricately crafted and transcends boundaries, encompassing all aspects of the universe.

The sun is arguably the most prominent feature of the natural world. Without it, life as we know it would cease to exist. Its radiance defines not only its appearance but also its symbolic essence. Mythical narratives often depict the sun’s movement as a luminous chariot crossing the celestial expanse. Gold, known for its resistance to tarnish and corrosion, symbolizes immortality. Even under intense heat, it retains its color and luster, further enhancing its symbolism of endurance.

Diverse cultures regard the sun as the essential cosmic force, key to life’s preservation and growth. It embodies vitality, passion, and enlightenment, while also serving as an emblem of royalty and empire. In some traditions, the sun is revered as the Universal Father.

The sun’s daily journey of rising and setting symbolizes profound concepts such as birth, death, and resurrection. The sun’s daily journey, from rising to setting, symbolizes profound concepts such as birth, death, and resurrection. The winter and summer solstices mark significant celestial events, inspiring myths and festivals worldwide. The solstice, in particular, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and marks the transition between cycles of light and growth.

For millennia, sun worshippers have attributed magical properties to solar rays, including fertility, creativity, prophecy, and healing. Alchemists even saw in the sun the potential for wholeness and spiritual enlightenment. As a result, this symbol has attained a revered status, reflecting celestial prestige and authority, similar to that of rulers with sun-like crowns. The sun stands as the symbolic heart of the cosmos, shining brightly as a celestial entity, embodying majestic qualities and imperial splendor.

Solar cycles and rituals

Daily cycle- From sunrise to sunset, the sun's path marks both the everyday passage of a day and its deeper spiritual significance. In sacred rituals, the sunrise symbolizes creation and renewal, while the sunset signifies death and transition.

Annual cycle-Through the solstices and the equinoxes, the sun's cycles symbolize the cyclical nature of life. They also represent the eternal dance of light and darkness. The summer solstice heralds the peak of vitality, whereas the winter solstice represents a time of introspection and renewal.

Symbol of regeneration

Ancient cultures revered the sun’s daily rise and set as symbols of eternal rejuvenation. This reverence mirrors the cycles of birth, death, and rebirth in life. The sun's daily journey—rising, setting, and rising again—embodies this cyclical nature. It symbolizes the concept of the eternal return, prevalent in religious, mythological, and primordial narratives. Its cycle reflects a belief in the continuous revitalization of the cosmos and human existence.

Examples Across Cultures:

Native American Traditions: The Sun Dance ritual celebrates the sun’s power to regenerate life and maintain cosmic order.

East Asian Traditions: The sun is associated with the emperor and the state's revival. It symbolizes harmony between the heavens and the earth.

Christian Symbolism: Christian symbolism connects Christ's resurrection to the sun's rising, symbolizing ultimate rebirth and triumph over death.

Egyptian Mythology: The sun god Ra's daily journey across the sky symbolizes rebirth and regeneration. Each morning, Ra's rising represents the rejuvenation of life and energy.

Hinduism: The Sun god Surya is associated with health and vitality. The daily practice of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) in yoga represents revitalization and physical regeneration.

Ancient Greek Religion: The sun god Apollo is connected with healing and revitalization. His daily journey across the sky symbolizes restoration and the constant renewal of life.

Griffith’s journey symbolizes a profound connection between the celestial realm, the earthly realm, and the underworld. He starts as a mortal leader and descends into a state of brokenness. Nonetheless, he emerges as a transcendent being. This transformation parallels a metaphorical ascent along a celestial path, linking the human and divine realms, and deeply altering the narrative’s spiritual landscape.

Griffith's journey begins with the evening, which represents the end of a cycle and the uncertainty of night. His quest can be interpreted as emerging from chaos or darkness, focusing on overcoming a state of despair and the struggle against nightfall. This descent into darkness shifts the narrative from one of renewal and hopeful ascent to one of redemption or recovery from a fall. Starting in the evening alters the metaphorical resonance of Griffith’s odyssey, aligning it more with themes of overcoming nightfall and emerging into a new dawn.

This signifies the start of a transformative phase. The cycle mirrors themes of renewal and regeneration, illustrating pivotal shifts in the entire storyline. Griffith casts off his former self and ascends to a higher plane of existence. By doing so, he reshapes the world according to his vision. In essence, his quest embodies the cyclical nature of life's challenges and triumphs. It illustrates the potential for profound transformation and spiritual evolution.

Cosmic Order, Axis Mundi, and harmony

People perceive the sun's predictable movements as a manifestation of the cosmic order. This contrasts with the chaos and unpredictability of profane time. The sun's consistent path across the sky signifies the universe's stability. Ancient rituals and myths sought to align human actions with the sun's cosmic order. This alignment was meant to ensure harmony with the rhythms of nature.

The sun’s regularity, embodied in its daily journey, instills a sense of security and predictability. It reflects the structured nature of the universe. The cycle reaffirms this cosmic stability. It represents the supreme harmony of the cosmos and illustrates the natural laws that govern existence. Thus, it ensures a harmonious life.

Quite literally, the Axis Mundi translates as the 'World Axis.' It is the axis around which the world revolves. It links the heavens to the earth and the dominions below. This concept is universal and is symbolically represented by a tree, a standing stone, a mountain, the omphalos, the lingam, the Vajra, or the Pole Star.

The sun's "light," its active influence and emanation, functions as "information" to the Earth. This light guides reactions and changes. By consciously sharing this information, one can affect all aspects of the solar system.

The concept of the Axis Mundi, or the world's center, often aligns with the sun's path. As the sun rises and sets at specific points on the horizon, it establishes the cardinal directions. It also serves as markers for sacred geography. Temples, altars, and religious buildings align with the sun’s path. This alignment symbolizes the synchronization of human actions with the cosmic order.

Represented by mountains, trees, poles, temples, pyramids, and altars, the Axis Mundi connects the heavens, the earth, and the underworld. It reinforces the sacred structure of the world. The daily movement of the sun embodies order and stability. It highlights its function in sustaining harmony and continuity in the universe.

In the Context of Berserk

Guts is the main character through whom readers engage with the story. Nevertheless, Griffith remains the focal point of the narrative, symbolizing the most conscious cosmic entity. He symbolizes the most conscious cosmic entity. This mirrors the heliocentric model of our solar system, with the Sun at its center. All the planets, satellites, asteroids, and comets orbit around it. The cosmos, connected by endless energy links, organizes itself around his existence. The series' plot actively incorporates his meticulously crafted destiny, ensuring that it fulfills a specific role within the narrative.

Griffith's significance within this grand design is evident. We understand the tasks he must perform to maintain the balance of the universe. As the executor of the shaping will, he realizes his own desires. The character restores order to the chaotic world around him. His leadership of the Band of the Hawk initially brings unity, purpose, and stability to his followers. This exemplifies his role as a catalyst for establishing order in turbulent times.

His deep awareness of others' situations prompts him to expand his horizons. Wherever he goes, a sense of solid attachment and connection follows. Griffith acknowledges his responsibility for all lives and events, including those he has taken and humanity’s fate. The broad spectrum of responsibilities he must fulfill is fully comprehended. With unwavering resolve, he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders.

He could not afford to neglect his responsibility to those who chose to fight alongside him. Having given all he had, he reached an irreversible point. Sacrificing everything, he went too far to turn back. He specifies the sacrifices he is ready to make for success and what has already been relinquished to achieve his goal. The sole remaining task is to defend his prize with every ounce of might left.

Solar deities and hero myths

Ancient myths often highlight solar deities or heroes associated with the sun. These myths frequently emphasize qualities such as courage, strength, and transformative power. By regularly reenacting these narratives, people sought to ensure the perpetuation of life and the prosperity of their communities. Solar myths, therefore, functioned as archetypal models for how to live. By aligning themselves with the myths of sun heroes, individuals and communities endeavored to partake in the divine saga of creation and reactivation.

Heroes in mythological narratives often undertake quests for greatness, spiritual enlightenment, or divine favor. Griffith’s journey parallels this archetype as he navigates personal and astral challenges to achieve his goal. This journey culminates in his transformation into Femto and his subsequent ascent to a higher plane of existence. Griffith embodies a complex blend of solar deity motifs and hero myth archetypes. This challenges conventional interpretations of heroism and divine aspiration. Griffith’s journey from mortal leader to transcendent being underscores themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the pursuit of cosmic significance. This transformation takes place within a narrative marked by its dark and introspective themes.

Divine kingship

Solar deities play a central role in many mythologies. They are often linked to kingship, with rulers perceived as their earthly representatives. In both mythological and psychological narratives of heroism, the sun holds paramount significance. It symbolizes authority and power. Throughout history, rulers have often been seen as chosen by divine will. Many have traced their lineage to solar gods. Freud might interpret this as humanity’s unconscious desire for dominion and power.

The sun, with its dominant presence and life-sustaining energy, frequently serves as a symbolic representation of masculine vitality and power. Its daily journey—from rising to setting and then rising again—captivates the imagination. Freud might interpret these symbols as manifestations of the unconscious life force that propels human behavior and personal motives.

In the context of dreams, the sun’s appearance may symbolize a renewed sense of energy, motivation, and determination.

Jungian psychology connects this life force with libido. Libido is defined as a core energy driving human behavior that extends far beyond its sexual connotations. Thus, the Sun’s daily cycle represents transformation, renewal, and the continual regeneration of vitality

In alchemical and esoteric thought, the sun represents spiritual growth and transformation. This parallels the concept of masculine generative energy. This interpretation aligns with esoteric traditions that view the sun as a source of profound transformative power. Its daily journey through the sky illustrates a perpetual cycle of ascent and descent, mirroring the dynamic yet eternal nature of cosmic consciousness.

In ancient Rome, emperors were often linked to Apollo, the sun god. This connection continued into later eras with mentions of "golden ages" and "solar kings." The sun, as the ruler among stars, has long been considered sovereign over all beneath its light.

Ancient Egypt: Pharaohs were believed to be descendants of Ra, the sun god, ruling as living gods on Earth with divine authority to maintain societal order.

Japan: The Japanese emperors trace their lineage back to the Sun goddess Amaterasu, a divine symbol of authority.

Hindu Tradition: Kingship is often associated with Surya, the Sun god. Rulers derive their authority and righteousness from his divine light.

Christian Tradition: The divine right of kings linked rulers with Christ, who played a role in legitimizing their reign through miracles and empowerment by the Holy Spirit.

France (Louis XIV): The "Sun King" embraced the solar symbol to assert his absolute monarchy, reshaping his kingdom in accordance with his authority.

Griffith exhibits extraordinary conviction and self-confidence. He seems born with a natural capacity to lead, as if he embodies the universe’s fundamental laws. He is not a despot; people follow him willingly, inspired by his innate ability to lead. The character embodies a reformative spirit. He is fully aware of his responsibilities and willing to make sacrifices for his vision. Divine kingship often involves a sacred pact or sacrifice for the greater good, and Griffith embodies this through his actions. He seeks to change the existing order, creating a new world based on his ideals.

The The Eastern perspective emphasizes virtuous leadership and inspiration through example, aligning with Griffith’s pursuit of creating a new world order.

The sun’s role as a radiant celestial body is metaphorically associated with themes of power, conviction, and assertiveness. This broader interpretation links the sun to leadership and influence, often tied to masculine imagery. Its presence symbolizes an indomitable spirit, resonating with the idea of a visionary leader who persists in the face of adversity, embodying determination and fortitude.

Griffith exemplifies unparalleled dedication to a singular cause, reflecting a passion reminiscent of ancient deities. Driven by a singular focus, he propels events toward his vision, never needing guidance to grasp his purpose or direction.

Light and Illumination

The symbol's resplendence captures the essence of enlightenment. It illustrates the intellectual and spiritual awakening of both mind and soul. It dispels darkness, signifying the pursuit of truth and insight by revealing the essence of existence. Just like the sun’s ascent, enlightenment heralds the dawn of intellectual awakening. This marks a shift from old beliefs to new ones in favor of deeper truths. It represents a divine presence, fostering a spiritual connection with the universe and transcending boundaries to achieve higher states of consciousness.

Veritably, sunlight frequently represents clarity and awareness. It breaks through the obscurity of ignorance or the unconscious mind. In dreams, sunlight illuminating a previously shadowed area can signify the dreamer's journey toward self-awareness and understanding. Freud, although he did not specifically use the golden orb as a dream symbol, explored light-related symbols. These symbols metaphorically align with the attributes associated with the sun. He interpreted dreams as expressions of unconscious desires, fears, and conflicts. Symbols in dreams mask deeper psychological content.

The sun's rhythmic cycle of illumination and shadow embodies a profound duality rich in symbolic significance. Light, in this context, represents vitality, clarity, and sacredness. Darkness signifies mortality, chaos, and the secular. The transition from night to day signifies the triumph of order over chaos and life over death. This dualistic framework underpins many religious rituals and myths. Here, the rising sun signifies renewal, hope, and divine intervention.

These instances illustrate the celestial fire's role as a global symbol of light. It bridges cultures and becomes deeply embedded in spiritual and philosophical beliefs worldwide.

Griffith’s nomenclature in reference to light is deliberate. This applies both cosmologically and in the minds of people and apostles. He is effulgent and lucent in silver and white. He reveals himself at night and within the minds of people. Spiritually, in religions such as Christianity and Buddhism, the concept of true light refers to an authentic source of enlightenment or understanding. This phrase signifies the divine or transcendent reality. It represents love, salvation, or communion with the absolute.

Light and darkness dynamics

In psychoanalytic theory, light symbolizes consciousness and awareness. Darkness represents the unconscious and the unknown. The interplay between these elements in dreams reflects the dynamic tension between the conscious mind and the repressed aspects of the psyche. Jung emphatically stressed the significance of integrating the shadow. The shadow represents the unconscious aspect of the personality. The duality of light and darkness, symbolized by the presence and absence of the sun, illustrates this process of integration. Embracing both the light (conscious) and the dark (unconscious) facets of the psyche is crucial for attaining inner completeness and holistic equilibrium.

In alchemical philosophy, the sun (Sol) embodies a blend of energies akin to its physical counterpart. It represents the radiant "day" aspect of the psyche and also symbolizes the sulfurous "active substance" that directs consciousness toward specific objectives. As a royal figure, the sun signifies the authority of guiding principles that shape consciousness. The sun also symbolizes "gold," the "yellow balsam," and the truth behind consciousness's capacity for self-healing and rejuvenation. This rejuvenation occurs through immersion in moist, lunar-like feelings and moods, manifesting the magical and mercurial aspects. The regenerated "Sun of the Philosophers" is paradoxically both transparent and opaque. It embodies both light and shadow and endures perpetually.

Even as it sets, the sun carries away the light—never dying—and is always everlasting. This epitomizes eternal renewal.

Across various cultures, the sun serves as a potent symbol for illuminating the unconscious. In alchemy, a field deeply influential to Jung, the sun symbolizes the Philosopher’s Stone, representing an aspiration to transform base materials (the unconscious) into gold (conscious awareness). Likewise, in many religious traditions, the sun embodies a divine presence that reveals spiritual truths. The sun’s journey aims to illuminate everything that remains in the shadows and gradually diminishes the pursuit of discretion. Its character underscores the theme that light and darkness are not merely opposites; they are interdependent and essential to understanding the nature of existence and the human condition. Through this lens, Berserk invites readers to contemplate the complexities of morality, the cyclical nature of life, and the eternal dance between light and dark.

The Self in solar representation

In sacred symbolism, the sun embodies the divine presence. It highlights the relationship between light and darkness. Griffith’s portrayal provides a profound exploration of these themes. This ancient motif, characterized by its radiance and resplendence, reflects themes deeply resonant with the psychological exploration of duality. Jung perceived this duality as pivotal in human psychology. The sun embodies the quest for equilibrium and integration.

The sun, with its radiant and all-encompassing nature, functions as a metaphor for the self. It embodies qualities of wholeness, integration, and the realization of one’s full potential. The sun’s warmth and light symbolize the nurturing aspects of the psyche. They foster growth, enlightenment, and balance. Its glowing and opalescent nature symbolizes the cosmic light that nurtures the self’s evolution.

Griffith’s character exudes mystery. The trepidation in his depiction conceals much of his inner emotions and thoughts. It is observed that Griffith attempts to maintain a hermetic, closed state, except for a few strategic moments designed to create an impression of being larger than life. The character’s role as an archetypal figure is both a symbol of societal shifts and an embodiment of cosmic significance.

It's probably obvious that during the during the Millennium Falcon arc, Griffith unified light and shadow, the conscious and unconscious, as represented by the apostles and humans, through his own person.

Miura highlighted that Griffith’s narrative complexity stems from his role as a symbol for entire communities. He advocates for collective and cosmological interests. This portrayal showcases his transformations and expressions as manifestations of broader societal and global vices. Griffith's actions traverse various segments of society, reflecting both his personal evolution and the ongoing upheaval of collective consciousness.

These cultural examples illustrate how different societies, throughout time and across various mythologies, have interpreted the sun as a symbol of enlightenment and the integrated self. In each tradition, the sun serves as a metaphorical representation of spiritual awakening, inner harmony, and the universal principles guiding human existence.

Griffith embraced a philosophy of dualism, believing it could be immanently unified as the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. This unification would be achieved through the absolute realization of self-consciousness and human freedom. He developed a concept of the absolute that both creates and opposes itself, embodying its essence and its contrary. In this framework, Griffith's role was to act as a steady vector, assimilating disharmony and facilitating the flow of ideas. He represented both the external substance and the universal essence of the mind. The divine presence manifests not through miracles but through transformative epochs, leading to something new and more joyful, akin to dawn.

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