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tipsycad147 · 3 years ago

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Sage advice: An illustrated guide to smudging herbs

by Michelle Gruben

Once upon a time, there were only three kinds of smudge sticks in most witchy shops: Small, medium, and large. These days, you can choose from a vast array of smudging herbs, each with a different energy, aroma, and cultural history.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the plants that are most commonly used for smudging. (We’ll limit it to smudges that are derived from woods and leaves. Resin incenses are divine—but that’s a topic for another article.)

The variety of smudging herbs is incredible. But you’ll also notice some similarities. First, most of them come from the leaf and stem parts of bushes and small trees. (Fruits and flowers make wonderful sachets, baths, and teas, but lose all their charm when burned.) Second, most smudging plants grow in desert and mountain regions, where the soil is poor. Plants in these climates tend to be short and shrubby, and they rely on fragrant oils as a way to keep insects and other animals from munching on them to get to their water and nutrients.

You’ll also notice that many excellent smudging plants come from the genus Salvia (true sages). There are several hundred distinct species of Salvia, but only the most aromatic varieties are used for smudging. Many other varieties grow wild, or are cultivated as hardy ornamentals. Sage’s reputation as a beneficial plant is ancient and well-deserved. The Romans named the plant Salvia after the Latin verb meaning to save, redeem, or heal.

So where can you find these delicious-smelling plants? Well, just about any New Age store will have smudges for sale. (White Sage, at least—you may have to search online for some of the more exotic varieties.) Also try health food grocers, yoga studios, artisan and farmer’s markets. You may even want to consider growing smudging plants in your garden, or gathering them in the wild.

A quick warning: The plants listed below are not harmful or dangerous under normal circumstances. Still, they can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some people. If you have asthma or respiratory problems, burning anything may not be great for your health. (Consult a doctor or herbalist if you have concerns.) Burn smudges in a well-ventilated area—coughing and choking on the smoke will not enhance their effects! Always be mindful of fire safety, especially indoors and in dry climates.

Finally, please don’t rely on herbal remedies as a substitute for medical treatment. When I describe an herb as healing, I mean only that it will contribute to your general well-being—not that it will cure cancer, toenail fungus, or anything in between. I always recommend that you store herbs in labeled packages, out of the reach of children and pets.

White Sage (Salvia apiana—also known as Bee Sage, California Sage, Sacred Sage)

For many people, “smudging” means one thing only—White Sage. (Its Latin name refers to its main pollinator, the honeybee.) White Sage is the bread and butter of any smudging kit. Versatile and effective, it’s suitable for most any smudging ritual—cleansing, healing, protection, meditation, and so on. When mixed with other herbs, it makes a wonderful base for a custom smudging blend.

White Sage grows wild across the American Southwest in bushy clumps. (The strongest-smelling product comes from the western fringes of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.) The plant has been gathered for thousands of years by Native Americans, particularly the Chumash. It is regarded as a sacred plant—an important source of food, medicine, and benevolent Spirit.

White Sage is herbaceous, sweet, and slightly astringent. It's rather similar to Eucalyptus, but more complex. Some people say it smells like Marijuana when burned. (To me, burning White Sage just smells like burning White Sage—but the similarity is something to keep in mind if you’re going to use it in public.) The smell of White Sage is so strong that just rubbing its fuzzy leaves between your fingers is enough to release the scent.

Almost all of the White Sage on the market comes from California. Most of it is wild-gathered and hand-tied by producers large and small. There really isn’t much difference in quality between brands. However, if it matters to you, you may want to seek out a producer who gathers Sage with the proper prayers and observances. It’s even possible to buy White Sage that is harvested by American Indians according to traditional practices, just as they have done for centuries.

Because it is the most widely available smudge, you can buy White Sage in many sizes and formats. Small Sage wands (3-4 inches) are ideal for small spaces, solitary practice, or to keep handy in a ritual kit. The big boys (8 inches and up) are best reserved for outdoor use and large group rituals—unless a wailing smoke detector is part of your space-clearing strategy! You can also buy the loose leaves and stems by the ounce or pound. This lets you control the amount you use, and allows for blending with other herbs.

White Sage is affected by periodic droughts, meaning it has years in which the harvest is smaller. The price and quality fluctuate accordingly. Still, there’s no need to pester your local New Age emporium about the vintage year of their stock. Freshness isn’t a huge consideration, either. The volatile oils in dried Sage will dissipate somewhat over time—but I’ve used Sage sticks that were hiding in my altar cupboard for years and no one was the wiser. Buy it, it’ll burn just fine.

Common Sage (Salvia officianalis—also known as Garden Sage, Common Sage, Green Sage, or Kitchen Sage)

Many a hard-up Witch has wondered if it’s okay to use culinary Sage—the kind that goes in turkey stuffing and breakfast sausage—for smudging. The answer is yes! Common Sage is a close relative of White Sage, and has many of the same beneficial properties as its superstar cousin, White Sage. Common Sage originates in Europe, and its medicinal and folkloric uses date back to the Middle Ages. For those involved in the European traditions of Witchcraft, it may make more sense to smudge with Common Sage than one of the North American varieties.

Besides, not everybody has a metaphysical store that they can rush to for supplies, and a good Witch knows how to improvise. The main advantage of Common Sage is that it grows in many climates, and is readily available in fresh and dried form at most supermarkets. Will Sage ward off bad vibes when used in food? I don’t know, but I’ll take another slice of Sage Derby while I mull it over.

Not everyone agrees that the smell of burning Common Sage is pleasant. A little goes a long way. Also, the herb must be quite dry to smolder effectively. If burning Sage doesn't work for you, remember that you can still use the plant to cleanse and bless your space. Add the essential oil to sprays and washes, or put the leaves in sachets, witch bottles, or mojo bags.

Blue Sage (Salvia clevelandii or Artemisia tridentata—also known as New Mexico Sage, Desert Sage, Grandmother Sage)

Blue Sage is a hardy bush found in the deserts of the Southwest. It’s named for its abundant blue flowers, but the leaves also have a blue-ish cast. It has thin leaves and a fragrance that is both herbaceous and floral, similar to Lavender.

A close relative of White Sage, Blue Sage is also good for healing and cleansing rituals. Its soothing, relaxing smell can be used to aid meditation, or burned simply for enjoyment. It’s not as pungent as White Sage, and is more agreeable to some folks who find the strong, bracing scent of White Sage overpowering. You can find Blue Sage in smudge sticks and in loose-leaf form.

Another pale sagebrush, Artemisia tridentata, is pictured above. It goes by the trade name "Blue Sage," but is not a member of the Salvia clan.

Lavender Sage (Salvia leucophylla or Salvia mellifera)—also know as Gray Sage, Purple Sage, Wild Lavender)

Yet another far-flung member of the Salvia family, Lavender Sage is a sun-loving plant that grows in southern coastal California. It’s named for its clusters of purple flowers—the leaves are rounded, green, and fuzzy like Common Sage. (They darken to gray when dried.) Lavender Sage is unrelated to the flower Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). However, it physically resembles Lavender (especially when in bloom) and has a similar clean, flowery fragrance. As if that wasn’t screwy enough, some artisan producers do use true Lavender as an ingredient in smudges, and they don’t always make it clear which plant is meant. Lavender Sage is known for its calming, peaceful, and sedating effects. It inspires love and relieves anxiety. Because of its irresistible scent and natural beauty, a Lavender Sage smudge is a great choice for your spells of attraction. Lavender Sage is often combined with White Sage for a killer duo. Like a 2-in-1 shampoo, this pair will cleanse and condition in a single step! Black Sage (Salvia mellifera, Artemisia nova, Artemisia douglasiana and others—also known as Mugwort, Magical Sage, Black Sagebrush, Dream Weed)

Used to encourage dreams and visions, Black Sage is an herb of introspection and inner healing. When burned before bedtime, it aids in restful sleep and pleasant dreams. Black Sage is used for astral travel, shamanic journeying, and for protection during such excursions. One Pagan priest I know begins group trance workings by smudging the participants with Black Sage. Black Sage is like the mystical, shifty-acting cousin of the Sage clan—so shifty, in fact, that people can’t even agree on what plant it is! There are a few different products sold under the name “Black Sage.” I found this out when I noticed that the Black Sage I ordered for the store looked different from month to month. I called my supplier, and he confessed that the exact composition of the smudge changes based on availability. A true Sage, Salvia mellifera has long leaves that are dark green on top and silver underneath. It is found in the mountains of the West Coast from California north through British Columbia. The plant can be difficult to identify because it resembles other species. The leaves only darken dramatically in times of drought. To add to the confusion, there are several cultivars, and Black Sage readily hybridizes with Purple Sage and Blue Sage plants. Other Black Sage products come from shrubs in the genus Artemisia. They are commonly called sagebrushes, but these dark-green plants are more closely related to the Daisy than to true Sage. When dried, Artemisia tridentata has a lighter, straw-brown color, and may also have small crowded blossoms on its stalks. But Artemisia douglasiana (shown in the photo above) is leafier and easy to mistake for dark Sage such as Salvia mellifera. Why does it matter? The metaphysical properties of both plants are similar, but Artemisia-based smudges may also contain small amounts of thujone. This mildly trance-inducing compound is best-known as the active ingredient in traditional absinthe liqueur. Black Sage contains less thujone than the common herbs Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) and Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). Black Sage won’t cause you to “trip” or wildly hallucinate. At most, it may intensify your efforts at visualization and vivify your dreams. Even so, some people (like pregnant women and straight-edgers) should avoid using Black Sage. Desert Sage (Artemisia tridentata or Artemisia californica [pictured]—Desert Magic, Mountain Sage, Grey Sage, New Mexico Sage, Sagebrush Smudge)

This aromatic shrub thrives in the windswept deserts of the Santa Fe/Taos area. It has skinny, branched leaves and a light brown color. Desert Sage shares some common nicknames with Blue Sage, and the two plants are sometimes sold interchangeably. (Are you noticing a pattern here?) Desert Sage has a warm herbaceous aroma that is a bit peppery (think Bay leaves or Mint tea). It is used for cleansing and purifying, protection, and inner strength. It is said to bring pleasant thoughts and relieve headaches and anxiety. Desert Sage is available both loose and in smudge sticks. It blends well with most other smudging herbs. Desert Sage produces a dense, straw-like bundle that is sometimes sprinkled with resin incenses for an especially rich combination. Desert Sage laced with Dragon’s Blood or Copal is just delicious! Dakota Sage (Artemisia ludoviciana—Badlands Sage, Silver Wormwood, Old Man Sage, Silver King, Western Mugwort, Dakota White Sage)

Another Artemisia smudge, this one grows all over the badlands of South Dakota stretching all the way south to Louisiana. Dakota Sage is rarely found in commercial Sage products, but I’ve included it because it’s easily gathered in many places across the United States. The aroma and appearance of Dakota Sage is very similar to that of Desert Sage. However, the fragrance is usually less intense. Piñon Pine (Pinus edulis and others—also known as Pinyon Pine)

The Piñon Pine is a generous evergreen tree from the foothills of the American Southwest. The nuts were an important food source for early Americans--these days, the tree is best known for stocking chimineas (Southwestern patio stoves). Piñon has a smooth, woodsy scent that's especially powerful, thanks to its high concentration of pine resin. Piñon is an excellent all-purpose smudge, and a capable stand-in for White Sage, if you prefer to avoid the latter. Its energy is cleansing, healing, and strengthening. Oh, and it repels insects, too. Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens [California Incense Cedar], and many other species)

Cedar is an ancient tree, one of the oldest beings still thriving on the Earth. Cedar trees look much the same as they did when dinosaurs roamed the land. Back when other trees were trying out those newfangled “leaves,” Cedar said “I’m good” and stayed with the tried and true. The smell of Cedar is woodsy and fresh. It recalls ancient forests, and invokes their protection and wisdom. Both the wood (in the form of chips or shavings) and the foliage make effective smudges.

Cedar smudges carry a medicine of protection. Cedar is often used to cleanse a home or apartment when first moving in, inviting unwanted spirits to leave and protecting a person, place or object from unwanted influences. Along with Rosemary and White Sage, Cedar is one of the most aggressively cleansing smudges you can choose. Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Juniper has a sweet and spicy "Christmas tree" fragrance and abundant blue berries. Like Cedar, Juniper is probably one of the most ancient plants. Juniper is said to have a masculine, protective energy, and is used in spells of cleansing and prosperity. Juniper berries are popular in good luck charms, while the leaves are often used for smudging. Juniper is best used for blessing a new venture or dwelling, and inviting in abundance. Bearberry (Uva ursi)

Bearberry is a low-growing North American shrub in the Heather family. As its name suggests, it is a favorite of foraging bears. It is used for smudging, animal magic, shape-shifting, and other shamanic work. Native Americans traditionally mix it with Tobacco leaf to create a ritual smoke blend (called kinnikinnick), said to carry prayers and bring visions. Sometimes the leaves come mixed with peppercorn-sized berries. Don't throw these out—the Bear spirit is said to appreciate the offering. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalus)

A culinary herb with an assertive fragrance, this woody perennial may also be used for smudging. It clears negativity, inspires confidence, and invigorates the mind and body.

Some people prefer to avoid herbs associated with Native American cultures out of concerns about cultural appropriation. Rosemary is an Old World herb with a long history of use in incenses, and so makes a guilt-free alternative for Western practitioners. Sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata or Anthoxanthum nitens—also known as Seneca Grass, Holy Grass, Vanilla Grass, Mary’s Grass, Bison Grass)

Sweetgrass is a long, fragrant grass that grows wild across portions of the American Great Plains. It's frequently braided or tied in bundles, then dried.

Sweetgrass is sacred to several Plains tribes. They have traditionally burned it to drive out evil and harm, and allow benevolent spirits to approach. Ancient lore states that Sweetgrass is the hair of the Earth Mother, and invokes love, kindness, and honesty.

A relative of American Sweetgrass was known in medieval Europe. Sheaves of the sweet-smelling grass were strewn across thresholds, especially of churches, where it would release a gentle aroma when trod upon.

Sweetgrass smells of fresh hay with hints of warm vanilla. It induces a mellow, almost soporific state when burned. (It contains coumarin, which is thought to be mildly psychoactive.) Some say the proper way to burn Sweetgrass braids is to shave small portions off with a knife, allowing them to fall on hot coals. Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon glutinosum and Eriodictyon californicum—also known as Holy Herb, Mountain Balm, Consumptive’s Weed, Bear Weed)

Yerba Santa ("holy herb") is a sweet-smelling plant that grows in the arid hills of the Southwest. It got its common name from Spanish monks who were impressed with its healing properties. Yerba Santa is burned to honor ancestors, increase psychic powers, and bring healing and protection. It is also a traditional remedy against coughing and many other ailments. Yerba Santa grows wild only in certain areas of California and Northern Mexico—a true regional treasure. Tobacco (Genus Nicotiana)

The health hazards of Tobacco are well-known, so much that its sacred uses have fallen by the wayside. Wild-growing and cultivated Tobacco had a place in the rituals of many Native American tribes. Aleister Crowley considered Tobacco a consummate herb of Mars. And it is said that Faeries particularly enjoy offerings of the stuff. (Along with other human vices, like whiskey and sweets!) Commercially packaged cigarettes are full of reconstituted crud, chemicals and additives that make them unsuitable for magickal use. If you’re going to burn tobacco ritually, the best option is loose tobacco leaves, but they aren’t easy to find. The next best thing might be a shredded pipe tobacco that is additive-free. Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens—also known as Holy Wood)

Palo Santo (or “Holy Wood”) is a sweet-smelling tropical wood that is a natural incense. Palo Santo is said to clear out negative spirits and energies, increase relaxation, and bring joy and harmony to the home. It is in the family of trees that produces Frankincense and Myrrh, but is native only to Ecuador, Peru, and the Galapagos Islands. Its aroma is smooth, aromatic and spicy. (I think it smells a bit like gingerbread!) The holy reputation of Palo Santo dates back to the time of the Incas, who used it in their ceremonies of healing and cleansing. When the Spaniards arrived in South America, they couldn’t easily obtain their preferred church incenses, so they substituted the local equivalent. To this day, Palo Santo is used there for Catholic holy days and processions. Palo Santo comes from a slow-growing tree that is in danger of over-harvesting. Both Ecuador and Peru have laws on the books designed to protect this rare species. Reputable importers use only fallen limbs and strive to minimize waste. Sticks, chips and even sawdust are sold by the ounce, with the scraps being compressed into incense cones or distilled for their essential oil. Sticks of Palo Santo can be lit on one end and burned just like any other smudge stick, but in humid conditions charcoal may be required. The chips and powder are best burned over charcoal.

Mixed smudges

Sometimes you may want to use a smudge with multiple ingredients, combining the aromas and properties of two or more plants. Mixed smudges come in a huge array of combinations, some laced with resins or flowers—far too many to list. A Black and White Sage smudge (pictured) combines the psychic openness granted by Black Sage with the protective qualities of White Sage. However, it's worth noting that in some Native American traditions, the Four Sacred Medicines (White Sage, Cedar, Tobacco, and Sweetgrass) are never mixed.

Hope you've found this tour of smudging herbs useful and enlightening. Happy smudging—and for godsakes, open a window!

https://www.groveandgrotto.com/blogs/articles/100896071-sage-advice-an-illustrated-guide-to-smudging-herbs

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kaidans-alenko · 4 years ago

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so @maskydoolovesmasseffect made a post about a Kaidan doll and mentioned the possibility of renegade shep using it as a voodoo doll and I play as a renegade shep so naturally I opened my mouth in the tags and as a result they encouraged me to write this and I aim to please lol so here ya go, I hope you like it I know I enjoyed writing it.

You could easily call this a crack fic, probably wouldn’t be far off also Shepard and Kaidan are married because I said so <3

“Did you see spectre Alenko on the news last night?” Her husband’s name coming out of the mouth of another woman piqued her curiosity almost immediately. She wasn’t going to deny her jealous streak and even if it was just his last name it was enough to get her to walk inside to see what all the fuss was about and why some random woman was saying his name to begin with.

“I did! He’s so dreamy.” Her friend swooned as she gazed up at the promotional poster they had hung up.

“Isn’t he? I wonder if he’s single.” That set Lily off and she charged over, fully prepared to tear into them but the sight in front of her stopped her in her tracks.

"What the hell…?" A display full of new 'spectre Alenko' merchandise was displayed right next to the very similar display her and Aiden shared. It was absurd, there had to be better ways to raise money than to sell souvenirs with her husband's face on them right?

Lily pushed past them coming face to face with dolls, posters and even a goddamn cardboard cut out. Now, she was well aware of just how gorgeous her husband was and couldn't blame the Alliance for exploiting it but the thought of random men or women walking home with and doing who knows what to a doll of him made her blood boil. She glanced at her own display, notably even more creeped out that most of the plush dolls of her were also almost gone.

Lily pulled the last one off the shelf and plopped it down right next to one of the many Kaidan dolls "No, no he isn't single." She said loud enough for the women behind her to hear as she snatched up one of everything, glaring at them before grabbing the damned cardboard cut out and dragging it along with her.

She was most definitely shoving all this in Aiden's swanky new apartment, there was no way it would fit in the Normandy and if Kaidan saw it he'd more than likely make her return everything.

After setting up her own personal shrine in one of the spare closets, complete with a flameless candle, seeing as Aiden didn't trust her with fire. She took a step back, admiring her handy work, Kaidan and her brother would both find it incredibly creepy but at the end of the day the credits all went to the war effort so if anything she had done a public service.

Lily picked up the admittedly incredibly cute doll and hugged it, it in no way compared to a hug from the man himself but it would do. She looked down at it "Hmmmm…" setting the doll back down she climbed up on the step stool Aiden kept around for her a dug in her emergency sewing kit looking for a pin or a needle, either would do she just needed something sharp and a knife or scissors would do more damage than she needs, they also fell on Aiden's list of 'things Lily isn't allowed to play with' but that's besides the point. It was a wonder he let her have knitting needles.

Hopping off the stool she picked the doll back up and examined it "Now...if it is a voodoo doll poking it's cute little plush head would be far too cruel." Lily looked between the pin and the doll's hand, with a shrug she gave it a quick prick not wanting to jab it in all the way if it actually did cause real damage to him. She doubted it though.

-------------

Out of nowhere Kaidan felt a sharp pain in his hand resulting in the coffee mug he was holding to shatter onto the ground, the hot cinnamon flavored liquid spilling onto the cold metal floor of the Normandy. Sighing, he bent down to clean it up. "I thought my sister was the clumsy one between you two." Aiden said as he grabbed some paper towels to sop up the coffee while Kaidan picked up the shattered bits of the mug, his favorite mug.

"Yeah I don't know what happened, all of a sudden I had this weird pain in my hand."

"Pain?"

Kaidan nodded "Like someone stabbed me, it's gone now though." He said as he stood up to toss the broken ceramic pieces into the garbage.

"Good but do you know what caused it?"

"No idea." Kaidan chuckled "maybe Lily put a curse on me or something."

Aiden laughed "If she's bored enough I wouldn't put it past her to learn witchcraft." They both shuddered at the thought "But let's not give her ideas."

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“Lily! Are you in here?” Aiden called as he walked in, she had some errands to run which was fine, he hadn’t really needed her for today’s mission anyway but he had expected her to be on the ship when he returned but she was nowhere in sight.

“Uh yeah! In here!” she called back as she frantically tried to hide everything, she didn’t think he’d be mad but he would definitely find her crazier than he already did.

“You had me worried, you’ve been gone all day so I-what are you doing?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Wha-what ever are you talking about Ai?” Lily tried to appear nonchalant as her back was pressed tight against the closet door, guarding it best she could.

He narrowed his eyes at her “You’re hiding something.”

Lily scoffed “What? Aiden, I'm appalled, I've never hidden anything from you ever in my entire life.”

“Fine, then move.”

Lily blinked in surprise “Huh?”

“I forgot my hoodie and it’s cold, move.”

“No.”

“No?”

“I’ll grab it for you.” She said, turning around to open it but Aiden lifted her up by her underarms, placing her off to the side like she was a small child and with her height she might as well have been.

“Lil, what the actual hell is this?” His eyes didn’t know where to look. He knew she was a tad bit obsessed with him but they were married so that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, he just never expected her to make a shrine.

“Aiden listen I-”

“Where did you even get this stuff?” He asked, staring at the life size cutout, wondering how she was even able to get it home when it was a whole foot taller than her.

“One of the gift shops was selling it for the war effort.”

“So you bought out the whole store?!”

“No!” she looked down awkwardly “I only bought one of everything…”

“And set up a shrine in my apartment for a man you’re already married to?”

“We’re twins Aiden, we share everything so it’s not just your apartment.”

“Not true also that’s not my point.”

“Are you gonna tell Kaidan?” She looked up at him with puppy eyes, Aiden’s one weakness.

Aiden stared at her, he knew the right thing to do was dismantle it and tell Kaidan but his sister was too cute and he found himself unwilling to punish her like that. “No…keep your creepy shrine.” he said with a sigh.

“Yay!” she hugged him “you’re the best brother ever.”

“No, I'm an enabler, I enable you.” He said despite the small blush that krept on his cheeks, glancing back at the shrine, maybe he and Kaidan weren’t far off about the witchcraft thing.

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Lily lounged on the bed in the captain's quarters, humming to herself as she poked various parts of the doll, Kaidan walking in as she stuck the pin in his back “Ow, shit!” he exclaimed, arching his back slightly and instinctively placing a hand on the area.

Lily froze, looking at the doll then back at him “What’s wrong?”

Kaidan shook his head “I don’t know, I just suddenly had this sharp pain in my back.”

“O-oh, I’m sorry babe, do you want a massage?”

“I probably just pinched a nerve or something,” he said as he walked over to her “I felt the same pain in my hand earlier too but it went away almost instantly.”

“How weird.” she played along as she hastily shoved the doll behind a pillow.

“I know, I should probably go see Chakwas later.” He sat down next to her against the very same pillow she shoved the doll under and she broke out in a cold sweat “is there something under the pillow? It feels like it’s propped up.”

Lily quickly snatched the mako figuring that sat above the bed “The mako is missing it probably just fell.”

“No...this feels softer.” He pushed the pillow to the side and found the plush doll of him laying face down with a pin in its back. Lily closed her eyes, lips pressed together, her head hung low “Hey Lil?”

“Yeah what’s up babe?” she asked, her voice slightly high pitched.

“What am I looking at right now?”

“A doll of you…”

Kaidan nodded “Uh huh, follow up question.” he took the pin out “why was this stuck in its back?”

“I was pretending it was a voodoo doll…”

“Excuse me?”

“I didn’t think it actually was! I was just poking it for fun.” She said defensively, though the more she thought about it the more she realized how demented it probably seemed.

“Right, well I’m getting rid of this before you accidentally cripple me.” Kaidan set the pin on the bed stand, grabbing the doll by it’s small plush arm and walking over to the door with it.

Lily hopped up, discarding the mako toy as she hurried after him, wrapping her arms around his waist to stop him, for as small as she was she had some incredible strength “I’m sorry, I won’t do it anymore but don’t throw him away he didn’t do anything wrong!”

“Lily, it's still creepy voodoo or not.”

“No he’s not he’s adorable!”

“I broke my favorite mug because of this thing!”” He exclaimed.

“That wasn’t his fault!” She looked up at him, eyes glistening with tears “please Kaidan…”

The rational part of his brain knew she was without a doubt faking but if she wasn’t and really was this attached to a doll she only had for barely a day he’d look like a pretty heartless husband for tossing it.

“Fine...take it.” Lily detached herself from him immediately, a huge grin on her face as she took the doll back.

“I promise no more voodoo!” She said as she held it protectively against her chest.

“Where did you even get that anyway?”

“One of the souvenir shops had a whole display. I wanted to buy them all but had no place to put them.”

“A display?”

“Yeah, apparently you’re a spectre and a marketing tool.”

“That’s….great.” He was definitely gonna have to talk to Hackett about that.

“Now I can add you to my plush collection, maybe i’ll knit him a pink sweater so he fits in.”

“Sounds wonderful honey.” He said, running a hand down his face.

She looked at him “Do you want one too?”

“I’m good, thanks.” He didn’t have a headache when he walked into the cabin but he certainly did now, Lily had a way of doing that to a person.

#kaidan alenko #lilyshep #f!shenko #sorta lol #mass effect fanfiction #mass effect

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somerpmemes · 4 years ago

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Carmilla S3 Starters

Change as needed

“How do you breach a wall? Not with a battering ram, you give them a helpless girl and let them invite their doom right in.”

“Low grade telekinesis is pretty much how it communicates.”

“None of us will be free until she’s dead.”

“But since when do you have a problem with me choosing handcrafts over mortal danger?”

“There’s a difference between learning from your past and letting it rule you.”

“Maybe if we back off, play it safe, we can find ourselves some leverage.”

“Let the mind-numbing boredom begin.”

“We’re not going in there. That is a bad room!”

“Sorry cutie, safety’s never really been a good look on me.”

“As far as defense mechanisms go, it’s been pretty effective.”

“So you think I’m too much of a coward to go in there?”

“My feelings are not squishy.”

“Look, if you’re not ready, you’re not ready.”

“She who jumps into death traps does not get to whine about her butthurt.”

“It is a very well-known fact that I made up just now.”

“It is so disappointing to offer an olive branch only to have one’s efforts rejected.”

“Whatever little plans you’re currently hatching, they’re already doomed.”

“Maybe it’ll make more sense after a good night’s insomniac staring at the ceiling.”

“I’m not doing this to punish you.”

“I’m gonna kill something to eat.”

“Seems healthier than the whole doomed relationship thing.”

“There’s only so much of space and time to hide in.”

“You’ve gone and forgotten who can rip out who’s spleen in this equation.”

“Ugh, can the business speak.”

“Are you feeling sorry for me? That’s the funniest thing I’ve heard in ages.”

“You used to be terrifying.”

“Well, the blood loss was minor…”

“I’m sure it’s more complicated than what I’ve seen.”

“For a complete paranoid he is pretty cool.”

“The only thing my getting involved ever did was make it worse.”

“You’re scared, and you’re allowed to be. But no one’s coming to save us.”

“You’ll need to bring me something more substantial than excuses.”

“What good would you do anyways?”

“Guess I just never really imagined it ending this way.”

“You wanna keep me safe, and I get that, but this isn’t your decision.”

“No more gallivanting off on dangerous missions.”

“I am not wearing a biohazard suit again!”

“So I’ll just be anywhere but here.”

“Oh god, this is what an aneurysm feels like.”

“I don’t know what you’re getting all pink and huffy about.”

“Well, sorry my post-traumatic revelation was inconveniently timed for you.”

“Was becoming an expert in extinct languages supposed to be hard?”

“I carefully, stealthily, eviscerate anyone stupid enough to get in my way.”

“You never wanna admit how you feel.”

“You think nobody’s ever kissed me to make themselves feel better?”

“Hi! So glad you found time to care.”

“I can’t believe I thought this was gonna be an actual rescue.”

“Wham bam, totally a plan!”

“Shouldn’t we have known if gods were real?”

“Wow. So I guess that’s been happening.”

“Simpler and less prone to mid-air collision is definitely more our speed.”

“Is there gonna be a lot more of this gloating? Because I’m starting to miss unconsciousness.”

“That place is a cultural Chernobyl!”

“Do you think about what you did? How close you came to hurting yourself?”

“I don’t want you to be so scared for me all the time.”

“Sometimes there is no safe unless you fight back.”

“You really wanna feed that ego any more than you already have?”

“I can talk about being a realist all I want but I have no idea how to do this.”

“Time is shorter than we think.”

“I’m thinking the reason that we’re always in over our heads is that we keep on picking fights that are over our heads.”

“Alright. Here goes some witchcraft.”

“The dead are so many.”

“You’re not gambling your life twice in one night.”

“Ever consider switching sides?”

“I know it probably doesn’t matter but I’m sorry.”

“And when in doubt, aim for the eyes.”

“Okay, do you know how sick I am of this “you’re too young and innocent” spiel?”

“That is turning out to be habit forming.”

“Well, that was about as much fun as dental surgery.”

“You’d be amazed at what you can accomplish with a few elephant tranqs.”

“It’s been a while for me but I’m pretty sure it’s like riding a really violent bicycle.”

“You know, I’d say we’d regret this, but I don’t think any of us are going to live long enough for that.”

“It’d be easier getting a straight answer out of a snake.”

“The universe is huge and it’s arbitrary and uncaring.”

“I love you. Why shouldn’t that be something good?”

“Corporeality suits you.”

“You can keep talking, I'm just gonna be over here imagining your face in one of those masks from Silence of the Lambs.”

“Has love ever sold anything for anyone?”

“You get all set to snap a neck and then nothing? It’s like having the last page of your book ripped out.”

“We can’t afford to be squeamish.”

“Since murdering you might be counter-productive, let’s move on.”

“Alright, let’s get started before I get irrational.”

“One broken thing can’t save another.”

“You know, in general research goes better when the books remain landbound.”

“You’ve got nothing to lose when your heart is buried.”

“Sounds like it’s getting pretty rough for everyone.”

“The end is starting to look pretty nigh.”

“Look, I’m sorry you haven’t figured out a way to science yourself a happy ending.”

“You? You couldn’t stab a swimming pool if your body was the knife.”

“I’m fine with a viable plan A, because I can always go back on the violence.”

“No matter what mistakes you made I’m always gonna think of you as a hero.”

“That involved a lot less bloodshed than I expected.”

“It doesn’t matter how safe I try to make myself, there’s always gonna be disappointment and loss.”

“There’s no sense hiding in the shadows. You might as well come out.”

“Was that call not close enough? Be QUIET.”

“Do you remember that time I hunted you for sport? Good times.”

“I am so sick of everybody speechifying like the enlightenment never happened.”

“Science killed God once already. Let’s see about a sequel!”

“Somewhere in all that anger and darkness you lost all your hope, didn’t you?”

“You don’t get to call dibs on all the self-sacrifice.”

“There are no miracles without sacrifice.”

“Don’t let grief make you hard and cold.”

“We should go get some help. Or at the very least a first aid kit.”

“Tonight I’ll kill a god if I have to.”

#carmilla #rp #rp starters #starters #sentence starters #sentence starter meme

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riathenowheregirl · 5 years ago

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Gold Dust Women: My Favorite Witchy Singers

Okay, before you burn me alive with “Where’s this certain artist?!” or “Why is this certain artist not here?!” or “Who even uses Tumblr these days?”, uhmmm me bish?? It’s my safe zone. Okay, the last question was a joke.

Can I just say that the amazing women on this list are artists I listen to all the time. They’re my favorites, so chill (I’m open for suggestions tho). This is not Rolling Stone or Billboard magazine, it’s just ya girl’s good ol’ tumblr blog. Also, I’m not saying that all of them are literal w i t c h e s, it’s just that they portray the same aesthetic through their art and music.

Alright, now that’s settled, let’s start.

1. STEVIE NICKS

Do I even need to explain this? Stevie is undoubtedly the Etheral Queen of them all, the Pioneer, the O.G. Supreme whose lyrical soul and spellbinding voice echoes from the distant past to the inevitable future. Everything about her oozes with witchcraft and magic starting from her iconic top hat, to her millions of intricately made shawls, down to her platform boots. Only Stevie Nicks could pull off such Not-of-this-Era outfits and she has been doing it CONSISTENTLY. She’s in a timeline of her OWN. If you listen to her music, you would notice that every song of hers is poetry, like she’s telling a story or conjuring the unknown. She’s every witchy woman’s icon and that’s a fact.

Stevie is an untouchable yet gracious legend, we’ll always be a part of her sisterhood until the day of earth’s decay. Forever the Queen of Rock N’ Roll.

Current Favorite Stevie Lyrics: “ You can fly swinging from your trapeze, scaring all the people...but you'll never scare me.” | “Once in a million years a lady like her rises. Oh no, Rhiannon, you cry, but she's gone and your life knows no answer.”

Notice how I used the word “current”? Because it always changes depending on the state my life. Here’s a more detailed post on why I love her.

2. KATE BUSH

“Heathcliff, it's me, I'm Cathy, I've come home, I'm so cold! Let me in through your window!”

The eccentric beauty, Kate Bush made a genius, artistic move by writing a song about the book, Wuthering Heights, written by Emily Brontë in the 1800′s. Mind you, she was only 18 when she wrote and was the first song written by a female artist that landed on top the charts. Her voice is almost as distinctive as Stevie Nicks. While Stevie’s more nasal, commanding, wailing rock n’ roll goddess, Kate’s voice was high-pitched, alarming, ghostly, queer, and fairy-like. Everything about her is Performance Art. This is a woman who is not afraid to express herself.

For starters, you might think her music is strange and weird. Trust me, I felt the same way when I first heard her songs. But then, it began to grow on me leaving floral patterns on its path.

Favorite Kate Bush Lyrics: “Do you want to feel how it feels? Do you want to know that it doesn't hurt me? Do you want to hear about the deal that I'm making? You, it's you and me.”

3. FLORENCE WELCH

This one is as obvious as Stevie Nicks. Florence Welch from the band, Florence + the Machine, is a poetess, a screaming banshee, and a full-pledged Sister of the Moon. She even started a witch coven during middle school. From her red carpet looks to her everyday outfits on Instagram, Florence vibrates powerful witch energy. Not to mention she has a song called “Which Witch” and that haunting music video for Big God with levitating women. Flo is not a woman to trifle with, I’ll tell you that.

Photos courtesy of @lillieeiger

In all her songs, Florence will bind you with magic and it’ll leave you breathless. If Stevie’s songs are poetry, hers are spells you could sing out loud. Also, if you haven’t seen her house tour, go check it now!

Favorite Florence Welch Lyrics: “'Cause I am done with my graceless heart so tonight I'm gonna cut it out and then restart.” | “And in a moment of joy and fury I threw myself in the balcony like my grandmother so many years before me.”

4. LANA DEL REY

Remember when Lana used witchcraft to hex Donald Trump? It was all over the news and Twitter went wild. She was later quoted saying, “I really do believe that words are one of the last forms of magic and I’m a bit of a mystic at heart.” Oh, and she also did a collab with Stevie.

We. Stan. Forever.

There was even a time that I MEMORIZED the monologue in the music video for Ride. ALL OF IT, HUNNY.

Lana’s hypnotizing vocals together with her sixties baby doll dresses and Priscilla Presley hair is enough to convince me that she’s not of this era. She has a deep understanding of the beauty of past generation and the looming sadness and nostalgia that comes with it. Whenever I listen to her music, I imagine myself as a rockstar’s muse who is involved with the mafia but then I decided to leave him while taking his gun and convertible. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Favorite Lana Del Rey Lyrics: “Well, my boyfriend's in the band. He plays guitar while I sing Lou Reed. I've got feathers in my hair, I get down to Beat poetry. And my jazz collection's rare, I can play most anything.”

5. LORDE

David Bowie didn’t call her the “future of music” for nothing. Just two albums under her belt, Lorde already proved that she will one day become a legend herself. Her music narrates an unparalleled interpretation of the anguish and fleeting charm of our youth. She knows what we’re feeling because she’s been there herself and is on the road to healing just like us.

I think the message she’s trying to say is that we’re constantly losing grip on our innocence, and that life is often wicked so we need to accept that, grit our teeth, get on with it, and make art. She can also see color when she hears music.

In my opinion, Lorde is one of the greatest artists of my generation.

Favorite Lorde Lyrics: “The truth is I am a toy that people enjoy till all of the tricks don't work anymore, and then they are bored of me.” | “That slow burn wait while it gets dark, bruising the sun, I feel grown up with you in your car. I know it's dumb.”

6. FKA TWIGS

Honestly, FKA Twigs is literally art in living form, a celestial angel that nobody can easily decipher. This woman has more talent in her fingertips than I could ever have in a lifetime. She somehow reminds me of a young Kate Bush; fearless, experimental, with an intoxicating voice. She never stops reinventing herself and it’s beautiful.

In FKA Twigs’ world, there are no limits, just endless galaxies. She pours her whole being in all of her songs and it shows. She’s not for the faint of heart, let me tell you that.

Favorite FKA Twigs Lyrics: “And I don't want to have to share our love. I try but I get overwhelmed. All wrapped in cellophane, the feelings that we had.”

7. SKOTT

I say this all the time, but I cannot write without Skott’s music blasting on my earphones. She grew up in a “forest commune run by outcast folk musicians” and was not exposed to contemporary music until her teen years. You would notice it in her songs.

It’s hard to explain why, but listen to Skott’s music when there’s thunder and rain outside, then you’ll know why this woman is witchy. I kind of want her to be more popular and known, but then again, I also want to keep her to myself. Scratch that, LISTEN TO SKOTT’S MUSIC NOW.

Start with Glitter & Gloss.

Favorite Skott Lyrics: “Like an empty canvas, hear me cry. Like a masterpiece, I'm in your eyes. Now your colors are in front of me, we're a picture-perfect oddity.”

8. FIRST AID KIT

I fell in love with this sister duo when I first heard their song, Emmylou, while browsing YouTube. It’s one of those moments of instant magic. Klara and Johanna Söderberg are a coven of their own. I would describe their music as “Woodland Folk laced with runes and wild flowers”.

Their voices compliment each other so much that it reminded me of Simon & Garfunkel (they even performed their own version of America in front of Paul Simon!!!). First Aid Kit has this Woodstock seventies vibe, and you know me, I live for that sh*t.

Favorite First Aid Kit Lyrics: “ When I run through the deep dark forest long, after this begun, where the sun would set, the trees were dead and the rivers were none. And I hope for a trace to lead me back home from this place, but there was no sound there was only me, and my disgrace.”

9. ZOLA JESUS

Zola Jesus’ music deserves to be played with an orchestra inside an abandoned castle in Transylvania while it gently rains and you’re wearing a white nightgown as you roam its empty halls. Is that too much?

Not at all.

Like Skott, I listen to Zola whenever I’m having writer’s block. If I ever finish my book, I’m gonna have to thank them.

Favorite Zola Jesus Lyrics: “I'm on my bed, my bed of stones, but in the end of the night we'll rest our bones, so don't you worry. Just rest your head cause in the end of the night we'll be together again.”

10. ZELLA DAY

Photo Credits to Harper Smith

I LOVE ZELLA DAY’S MUSIC OH MY GOODNESS. My favorite songs of her are Sweet Ophelia, Hypnotic, Man on the Moon, and Hunnie Pie. ESPECIALLY HUNNIE PIE. I cry whenever I hear that song. It’s just so pure, calming, and beautiful.

Her music belong in the psychedelic era.

People labeled her as the “happier version of Lana Del Rey” but I think she’s in a league of her own. She deserves more recognition, honestly!

Favorite Zella Day Lyrics: “The older we get there's an ocean of people in places we've chosen and you know how mama keeps saying “we've gotta stop the games we're playing””.

Hope you guys approve of my list! I really like sharing stuff that I love! Feel free to message me for more suggestions, I’d really appreciate to know more witchy artists out there. We’re all in a huge coven of sisterhood.

Thanks for reading!

Love,

Ria 🌙

P.S.

Please follow my blog!!! THANK YOU 🔮

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anthonybrxdgerton · 6 years ago

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Shadow of Night reread

A few days ago I re-read Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness. It took me very little time to do it (which was surprising, considering the fact that i re-read the first book for almost 2 months). I will be doing my reactions about episodes as well (as soon as I re-watch them) and comparing the show to the first book.

My reactions, notes and everything under the cut. There are some trivia I forgot about, things i hope to see in season 2 of A Discovery of Witches, some stuff referencing the next & previous books and what not.

BEWARE OF SPOILERS FOR THE BOOKS. IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE BOOKS, DON’T READ THIS POST. Enjoy!

[ a discovery of witches | shadow of night | the book of life | time’s convert ]

the book takes place in 1590 & 1591 (matthew & diana scenes) and 2009 & 2010 (present day scenes) in the span of 7 months

diana's hair change colors when she timewalked into 1590 - they're long, red and curly, and they change - not exactly back - when they return to the present - they're straight, silky strands that were brighter redish gold - just like my mother's hair. it does't say anything about the length though (probably in the next book);

2 of my favorite quotes describing Matthew in this book: The man was as tall as a giraffe. | Bloodred stockings would do more than capture a wandering eye, given that the man who proposed to wear them was a six-foot-three vampire, and most of his height was leg..

“Surely you’ll let me kill him now, de Clermont. I’ve wanted to do so for ages,” Hancock said, cracking his knuckles”. “No. You can’t kill him.” Matthew rubbed a hand over his tired face. “There would be too many questions, and I don’t have the patience to come up with convincing answers at present. - Hancock never liked Kit, I also love Matthew's reasoning lol

- AT THE SIGHT OF PHILIPPE'S LETTER MATTHEW CRIED VAMPIRE TEARS ESPECIALLY THAT THE LAST TIME MATTHEW SAW PHILIPPE HE COULD BARELY HOLD A PEN IN HIS HANDS AND PHILIPPE LOVED WRITING I AM NOT OKAY

“Then who . . . ?” I trailed off. “Ysabeau? Baldwin? Surely not Marcus!” I couldn’t believe that Matthew’s mother, his brother, or his son could be involved [in the Congregation] without someone letting it slip. - oh, diana... Question: did Deb knew it was Baldwin when she was writing it? In A Discovery of Witches Matthew acted like he didn't know who was on the Congregation "And Marcus? Find out who besides Peter Knox and Domenico Michele are members of the Congregation."

- Until I have made peace with the past, I will not set foot in France. - we know Gallowglass showed up in Sept-Tours in 1945 when Philippe was dying. Did he go there before too?

“Explain yourself.” The words were quiet, but they didn't conceal Philippe's fury. - he is nor just mad because Matthew has a wife now. He is furious because he can sense that BOTH Diana and Matthew are from the future - this is what Philippe wants Matthew to explain.

Also, interestingly, reading A Discovery of Witches I've noticed that Baldwin called Philippe "dad" while Matthew calls him "father". Coincidence? But then in the Book of Life Baldwin calls Philippe “father” so... Idk anymore. That being said, verin calls him “Atta”;

“The twelfth century was not good for you, and we allowed you to read entirely too much poetry." - I need to know more now! What exactly did Matthew read in 12th century?

"It is regrettable that you are not going to Florence, then. But it will be a long time before you will be welcomed back to that city, after your latest escapades there." - Matthew, what the heck did you do there? Please tell me you were NOT behind the siege of Florence, i beg you... But then again, Ysabeau did say that Matthew caused wars in Italy when he was bored...

Tamen mea lingua graeca est peior.” “Then we shall not converse in that language either,” murmured Philippe in a pained tone. - HE JUST WANTS TO SPEAK IN GREEK, THAT'S HIS NATIVE LANGUAGE, WHY DOES NOBODY BUT YSABEAU SPEAK IT. BUT that explains why he made sure greeg was still taught in schools later - he wasn’t only looking for Diana, he wanted people to speak his native language too

“Philippe doesn’t seem to think so.” “Then bed him. - lol, if only

"He is my son. I will not fail him.” Philippe’s mouth tightened." PHILIPPE I LOVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE SAYS

“For someone wedded to a witch you are quick to judge the passions of others, Matthaios. Louis is your brother.” Goddess bless us, another brother. - Diana is not happy having huge family lol

I had been wrong. Philippe had not been trying to break Matthew, but only his guilt. Philippe had not failed his son after all. - MY FEELS

“I forgive you,” his father repeated, throwing his arms around his son in a fierce embrace. “I forgive you.” - IT KILLS ME EVERY TIME, THEY BETTER KEEP THIS IN THE SHOW

i love how Philippe just makes Diana his blood daughter without a second thought lol

“Think—and stay alive.” Philippe clapped his hands. - one of my favorite quotes

Alcides Leontothymos beseeches you to hold this child Diana in your hand. - i am right to think Philippe is in fact Heracles, right?

Philippe trying his hand at engineering and failing every time will always make me laugh. You may be thousands years old vampire, but some things you will never learn

Philippe, Diana and Matthew's goodbye always kills me SEASON 2 BETTER DO IT JUSTICE

“Anomalies,” Ysabeau murmured. “Philippe was always looking for anomalies in the world. It is why I still read all the newspapers. It became our habit to look through them each morning.” - Phiippe knew he would not be alive by the time Matthew and Diana were together, but he was always hoping he could see her again. he hoped that Diana would be at least born while he was still alive and he always knew that when Diana and Matthew came back to their times, there would be anomalies throughout history. That's why he told Gallowglass and Verin to search for them too, to keep Diana safe.;

“That’s what Philippe says about Granny,” Gallowglass muttered under his breath. “Just before all hell breaks loose.” Give me more Ysabeau and Philippe you cowards;

“Matthew knows the book, for his brother gave it to me.- So Mary Sydney knows Godfrey too. Does she know the rest of his siblings?;

[Marcus] made a muffled oath. “Tell your intuition to take a break, for God’s sake.” I need to see Marcus and Ysabeau interacting in season 2, their banter will be amazing

Every time I read Marcus seeing miniatures for the first time and missing Matthew so much kills me too - the show did them dirty, i need more of them together too;

I forgot how much I ship Marcus & Phoebe;

I wish we could see the requests for magic Diana has received in season 2 and her not being able to do anything about that, i need this conflict SO MUCH. Does she help? What is she doesn’t and her neighbors will out her as a witch? This could be SO GOOD please show, deliver;

Diana’s symbol is rowan tree;

“Baldwin’s never lost a million of anything in his life.” - just throwing this out there because I love Baldwin with all my heart;

917 is the Knight's of Lazarus telephone number. it belonged to Philippe, then to Matthew and now to Marcus. Philippe chose it to honor Ysabeu's birthday (September 17th). What i wanna know - is it her birthday or re-birth. ALTHOUGH it should be 179 - In Europe (and Philippe was Greek after all) we, unlike Americans, write the day first and the month later;

When Gallowglass learned that Baldwin had been called to Sept-Tours at Ysabeau’s behest for some unspecified emergency involving Matthew, the Gael knew it was only a matter of time before the historical anomalies appeared. i think it was when Diana was kidnapped by Satu, right? Just want to be sure;

Gallowglass is smoking, i completely forgot about it;

Rudolph is flirting with Diana so much (ughhhh) because his source in Congregation told him that Matthew only married her to save her life a.k.a. charges of witchcraft;

Matthew helping Jack with his nightmares is the sweetest thing he's done so far;

One of Philippe's names is Ariel, what are the others?;

Abraham (Jewish weaver in Prague) comes from Chełm. Is this why Benjamin moved there?;

I need to KNOW the story about Baldwin and Dracula, Deb. Come on.;

“He did. I swear it. Baldwin ordered him to leave or face the same fate as the Impaler. You should have seen Baldwin’s face. The devil himself wouldn’t have disobeyed your brother.” i want to see it too lol;

apparently, Gerbert told Ysabeau about the prophecy about a witch with the blood of the lion and the wolf. I wonder if this was one more reason she was anti-Diana at the beginning or did she dismiss it as something not important;

And speaking of colleagues: How, after years of buying you Harvard bibs and mittens, did I end up with a daughter who teaches at Yale?” good question lol I WANNA KNOW TOO;

Bennu, Stephen's familiar, is a bird.;

#saveEm2k19;

Matthew nearly had a heart attack when he discovered that his beloved Range Rover was not waiting for him in the underground garage. Instead we found a navy sports car with a soft top. hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha it always cracks me up;

Edward Kelley sent the first page to Rabbi Loew, the second to Hubbard. Who gt the third and who sent it to Diana’s parents?;

Annie stayed with Shakespeare after Matthew and Diana left and Jack was with Hubbard.;

Also, Matthew made Diana a diplomatic passport for easier traveling;

Overall, I loved this book. There were some boring moment that didn’t move the plot forward at all (like most of Prague, especially the hunting or the play, making the philosopher’s stone with Mary Sydney) that I hope the show will cut it out completely or shorten it. Hopefully, they give us at least 2 episodes of Philippe at Sept-Tours - now that they got 10 episodes, they have a chance to do it properly. I also love the magic lessons from Goody Alsop and other witches, though I suspect, season 2 will only give us 1 witch (but I hope we will see Sophie’s ancestor too. My favorite characters are Philippe, Pierre and Jack and I hope we will get plenty of them (please include Pierre, show!)

#all souls #shadow of night #deborah harkness #ysabeau de clermont

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growing-yet-into-magic · 6 years ago

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I have a lot of thoughts about the Sephora, Pinrose, whatever-what-it-was-called Debacle. Since I know most of y’all (including myself) are tired of the bullshit surrounding it, I’m tagging this as “Sephora discourse” and telling y’all to skip over this now if it’s just going to be too much.

Now then.

My first, immediate gut reaction to seeing the kit was instantaneous dislike. I knew I didn’t like this thing, I didn’t want to see it anymore, the tarot deck looked as if it would be cheaply made, the rose quartz seemed cliche to me, and the sage stick made me worry that it was going to promote further appropriation of “smudging”, something I (and most of us) see whenever we enter a metaphysical shop more interested in good vibes than in social awareness. I tried to ignore it, however, because the bundle had been unlabeled in the box and nothing more than tumblr speculation had come out about it. There was a little bit of conversation about it on witchcraft.cafe and after that I considered it over. I did, however (and the post is still somewhere on my blog) jump on the “boycott Sephora” bandwagon when the tarot deck art had been presumed as stolen. I don’t like Sephora (for a number of reasons), the tarot deck art was “stolen”, and people were very quick to point out that white sage on the whole is either (and I’m still not 100% on the ball here but I’m trying) a) is always appropriative and we shouldn’t use it at all or b) probably poorly sourced and contributing to both the depletion of it as a resource for the cultures who rely on it for spiritual reasons or just good ‘ol losing-plants-destroys-the-ecological-cycle-of-a-local-area reasons.

So positioning myself against this $42 dollar pastel box seemed like the right idea, not knowing more, and I don’t really regret doing that with the amount I knew. But it was a mistake, and it cost the Native businesses that supplied the white sage potentially huge amounts of money. That is something I regret, and something we should all regret as a community.

Something I think a lot of witches on this site gloss over is that a huge amount of popular “witchcraft” in the U.S. is rooted in stealing spiritual practices and “”””aesthetics”””” from the Native peoples. This is extremely obvious if you ever go to a generic/eclectic Wiccan circle and listen to some of the older members wax on about their “spirit animals” and ask you to “tap into the ancient people of this land and their power”. [That was something I was actually asked to do by a very white lady at a esbat.] On a site populated by “SJWs” and all sorts of witches of color, I was hoping that we could all at least be semi-united by the idea that, yes, cultural appropriation is bad, but racism is worse.

But I got to watch two Native bloggers, @tainbo and @spellsinsugar, get slurs and nazis in their inbox. What the actual fuck.

We can make discourse all day and all night about how we should have looked into the company better, asked for more details, did more research, but I feel like none of that matters when there are people throwing around slurs and sending death threats on this site to the peoples and cultures who have been victimized by the witchcraft, “spiritual-but-not-religious”, “new age” communities in one way or another. There is clearly a deeper issue we should be addressing, one that isn’t dependent on a unreleased pastel box. We should be listening to the entire spectrum of diverse voices in this community- those who participate and those who’ve been disenfranchised by us- not hiding and sheltering people who spit slurs into people’s inbox.

here’s a final post from @tainbo on this issue. It’s a correct post. Read it. Felt bad? So did I. We should all fucking feel bad. We can all fucking do better.

I don’t know how we can unfuck ourselves from this. I’m a half-black college student in NJ who does her best to exclude dangerous people in our communities, whether they be fucking neonazis or general racists or terfs or homophobes or whatever strand of evil they may carry. I don’t have any strong calls to action or a plan to deal with this disaster. But something needs to get done. Something needs to change.

Hold yourselves to a higher standard. Don’t be so willing to speak over the people that deserve the loudest presences in this hellspace. Do more research. Protect the peoples who fucking deserve to speak, even if you’re mad about what they say. Expel those who make this community a destructive one.

I’ll work on this, and I expect everyone who read this far to do so too.

Now go send @spellsinsugar some kindness. I’ve heard it’s their birthday today and it’s been an awful week.

#sephora discourse #witchblr

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tanthamoretober · 1 year ago

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Our round up of the fics posted in the Tanthamoretober collection for week 2 of the horror prompts

Don’t forget to leave a comment if you liked a fic!

Day 8: Witchcraft/magic

Festival Ideas by Anarik Rating: Teen and up Summary: “Where have you been?” Kit retorts, crossing her arms. “Come on. It’ll be fun. And you’re the only person I know with the necessary balls to do it.”

“You don’t really know me, though.”

“True. But I’ve heard and seen things.”

Now that takes Jade by surprise. (also appears under the prompts ‘harvest’ and 'voyeurism’)

petrichor- the smell exuded by plants during dry periods by Geek_and_Nina Rating: Teen and up Summary: pumpkin picking! (also appears under the tags 'voyeurism (mildly) and ‘harvest’)

Part 8 of Show Don't Tell

Day 9: The Wyrm

love of mine by Geek_and_Nina Rating: Teen and up Summary: i have decided to give them all of the quiet and soft moments that I would want on my fall break

Lili is the wyrm and she is the WORM

you have full permission to hate this version

Part 9 of Show Don't Tell

Day 10: Help isn’t coming

One Night in October, Chapter 2: The Woman on the Hood by TheLateNightStoryTeller Rating: Teen and up Summary: On their way back from a family visit, a turn of events leaves Kit and Jade stranded in the wild. As night falls and the weather grows colder, the pair soon realize that someone in the woods is hunting them.

perfect by Geek_and_Nina Rating: Explicit Summary: jade and kit are gathering leaves to stuff their scarecrows with and kit sees a mugging! (also appears under the prompts 'scarecrow’ and ‘mirror sex’) Part 10 of Show Don't Tell

Day 11: Cursed

cold steel, warm wax by Geek_and_Nina Rating: Explicit Summary: Jade has another one of those nightmares and as always, kit is there

(also appears under the prompts ‘haunted’ and ‘knifeplay’ Part 11 of Show Don't Tell

Day 12: Locked in/Dungeon

the cellar door is an open throat by spybrarian Rating: Mature Summary: Kit and Jade find themselves locked in a dungeon, hurt, terrified, and not alone.

One Night in October, Chapter 3: The Pair in the Pit, by TheLateNightStoryTeller Rating: Teen and up Summary: On their way back from a family visit, a turn of events leaves Kit and Jade stranded in the wild. As night falls and the weather grows colder, the pair soon realize that someone in the woods is hunting them.

inside by Geek_and_Nina Rating: Explicit Summary: kit is feeling particularly needy and wants jade to spend the day with her in bed 'watching movies' (also appears under the prompts ‘orgasm denial’ and ‘horror movie marathon’) Part 12 of Show Don't Tell

Day 13: Abduction

rolling in the leaves by Geek_and_Nina Rating: Explicit Summary: so i did this as a kid with trash bags, where we filled them with fallen leaves and set them up to look like a huge spider and spray painted a face on it. i think the idea would come across kit's tiktok or interest and she would feel the deep need to do this at airk's house and just... not tell him (also appears under the prompts ‘impact play’ and ‘jumping in leaves’ Part 13 of Show Don't Tell

Day 14: Prank gone wrong

lace and silk and mesh by Geek_and_Nina Rating: Explicit Summary: kit winds down from a day out with elora and airk and texts her girlfriend whom she misses A LOT (also appears under the prompt ‘warm drinks’ and ‘dirty talk’)

Part 14 of Show Don't Tell

Finally, here’s the link to Horror, Week One

Want to join in? See this post for the complete list of horror prompts for the rest of October.

#tanthamore #willow #willow 2022 #kit tanthalos #jade claymore #tanthamoretober #horror prompts #fanfic roundup

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mobandy644-blog · 6 years ago

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Witchcraft and Cultural Appropriation? Help me.

So this whole witch kit thing has me thinking all the things.

At first I was like well that’s kind of dumb because the witch aesthetic thing is kind of annoying to me for OTHER people who have been doing this for a long time. But it’s always kind of been that way so eh I don’t know. I mean I actually got interested in this because I started watching charmed and then talked to a friend who is a Wiccan. So there you go.

But then I see all these people saying white people have no business being upset about it because the entirety of white witchcraft is cultural appropriation?

I don’t get that. I absolutely will not deny there is an appropriation problem in modern witchcraft, mostly centered around social media right? But white European witches have been around for centuries, way before Christianity, and this is another group that was totally margianalized and forced to stop or hide practicing.

Edit: so what I’m saying here is that not ALL white witchcraft is appropriated because European witchcraft and paganism are ancient too. I am not at all saying that there is not a problem with appropriation in some white witchcraft. So I’m just saying how can you say he ENTIRETY of white witchcraft is appropriated when there is an entire ancient pagan and witchcraft culture in Europe.

Now I speaking specifically of American “white” witches because that’s what I am. We don’t fucking have a culture. Like anything we do is “stealing” from other cultures. Or someone says it is at least. My moms ancestors are all European, honestly I have no idea from specifically where because it’s been so long. It’s been said a lot in my family that we had an ancestor on the mayflower. Who knows. My dad’s dad was from Mexico and his mom was part Native American. I don’t know much about them because I never met my dad, he divorced my mom before I was born. But I’m technically European and Mexican and Native American. But I feel like if I try to learn about those cultures and incorporate them in my practice POC and white witches trying to help will scream at me. Like what am I supposed to do? And many witches just like me because that’s basically what America is.

Edit: I am not saying “oh woah is me what shall I do” just honestly saying hey, I have this blood in me but since I wasn’t raised in it would feel weird trying to incorporate it and also feel like it would offend people, what do I do since besides that I am white and have no culture except wherever my European ancenstors came from which I don’t actually know.

And I am NOT talking about blatant appropriation. Like Native American practices, Voodoo, Hoodoo, anything you are explicitly not a part of. Like I absolutely have no African blood in me I’m sure. I’m not going to try to steal practices from those cultures and if you see me do that please just let me know and I’ll stop.

So this is all something that I’m confused about and I don’t want to make POC mad I really don’t but what is ok for me to incorporate and not ok for me to? Like seriously please help.

But also why are people acting like witchcraft is only from Indigenous, Latinx (is that the right term), and African cultures? People had been practicing witchcraft forever in European white areas and just all over the world. So don’t all us white people that do try not to apropriate closed cultures have a right to be annoyed at even just the term of witch kit? Since so many white pagans and witches were forced to stop and persecuted?

But also a huge problem with the kit is the white sage, I get that. And if people are upset about the kit but also blatantly apropriate other cultures I understand being like ok, that’s pretty hipocritical.

This who debaucle is making me very much more aware of these problems and I need help. So please educate me and help me out. I feel like there is nowhere I can belong without people screaming that I’m stealing A culture.

Edit: if you don’t have advice to offer could you possibly reblog so maybe I can find some people with advice?

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fan-clan-fun · 7 years ago

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Fanclans Masterpost

Unlike some writers, I have a tendency to focus on the culture and worldbuilding of a particular idea, which means I often get caught up in the nitty gritty details and never write stories about them. So here is a simple masterpost of all the many fanclans which i have developed over time, which anyone can ask questions about.

Clans for my Oracle Project, set in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains:

Ashclan: The most diverse clan, which believes fire as their deity. Ashes are a main component of clan ceremonies, and they have a unique rank who dedicate their lives to tending the living flame of their clan. They are adaptable, and admire and appreciate someone who can overcome their shortcomings to become a better cat. They live in a forest often wracked by fires.

Coveclan: Their spirituality is tied to water, but they also have a firm belief in a Great cat, whose two eyes are always watching, the Night eye, and the Day eye. Most of their beliefs and culture center around dualities, thee are always two sides to a story, two forces at work, good or evil. They live on the edge of a lake with their camp in a cove.

Ridgeclan: The martial clan, they are very heavily tied to earth, and their spiritual place is a spire of quartz which reaches into the sky, a perfect example of how the earth connects to the sky and Starclan. They are very no nonsense and have rules for everything, and despite having the largest amount of territory spreading across a ridge, they also deal most frequently with predators and prey shortages.

Bloomclan: Almost a matriarchy, this clan is heavily centered on familial interaction, particularly between a mother and her kits. As such this is the only clan where the requirements for deputy are either mentor an apprentice/or raise a litter. In many ways, they are the most flexible or lax when it comes to traditional clan ways, particularly about mates and mating. They are firmly connected to nature and plants, and always bury their dead with seeds and seedlings so that a new thing may grow from the remains of an old. They live in a meadow which supports many species of trees, shrubs and flowers.

Clans for my old roleplay site, Ancient as the Sea, set on the coast of North Carolina:

Rootclan: The most traditional clan, they split from Waveclan due to disputes on the warrior code and Starclan. They are exclusive to the point of beginning to have issues with severe inbreeding. Like one of my previous clans they are more strict and martial, but they focus around aspects of the code and staying traditional to the original ways. One might call them the extremist clan, where they pursue everything with passion and fervor, including their belief in Starclan. Rootclan is a clan of competition, of honing skills through activities, they have tournaments and hunting challenges as part of their holidays, a chance to earn rewards in prey and prestige. They live in a heavily forested area and are expert tree climbers.

Waveclan: The clan of water and ocean, this clan is deeply in tune with the tides and the changing of the weather. Half of their territory is waterside, briny water with water foul and the coast, the other half is open windy fields. They have the rank of Skywatcher, who works to predict the weather and help protect the clan from the violent storms which once flooded the clan and nearly drove it to extinction. Waveclan has a higher amount of prey and as such have more free time than the other clan to enjoy their territory and cultivate relationships. They consider themselves to be a huge family, and nothing goes on in the clan without everyone knowing. They are generally a peaceful clan, especially after an event which only the elders remember where a warmongering leader led an attack on Rootclan which ended up killing the medicine cat. Leaders have been encouraged since then to avoid war and aggression, which leads the younger generation to feel like the other clans walk all over them.

Ferryclan: This clan is an urban clan, living in a town which holds a ferry to the Outer Banks. The clan is an odd mix of kittypets, rogues, and clan cats. They are the most open of outsiders, but before a cat become a warrior and full member, they must take a journey and make a specific oath, at this point, the least dedicated are often simply encouraged to seek another lifestyle. As part of being an urban clan, they are far more lax when it comes to certain parts of the code, particularly involving humans. Since there is less prey to hunt, particularly during the winter, Ferryclan makes use of every resource available, and thus will accept food from humans, or steal it, in order to survive. Their contact with humans has allowed human vocabulary/ knowledge or certain items to make their way into clan knowledge, and certain prefixes exist in the clan, like pepper, salt, oil, gravel, which dont exist in any other clan.

Other info of note: These clans share a very similar religious structure, in that their dead are all buried in a specific burial place, in order that their spirits may ascend to Starclan. If their bodies are not buried there, they become trapped as spirits on earth. This is why the greatest punishment on a clan cat is to be refused to be buried there, either by exile or other methods. Since spiritual energy is far more active in these clans, certain ranks have very specific spiritual energy attached to them, thse are leaders, medicine cats, and the guardians. Each of these ranks have special abilities, but also consequences. Leaders gain nine lives, but these lives are the spirits of past cats which become fused to their own bodies, which means leaders sometimes have cats speaking to them in their head, or can lose their own sanity and identity. Leadership is not for just anyone. Medicine cats bond with a significant cat of their past, often a medicine cat or their mentor, and thus gain a line of access to Starclan for spiritual advice. And Guardians are the protectors of the burial grounds, and fight off scavengers, predators, and malevolent spirits. They gain enhanced abilities, endurance and a second sight which allows them to see spirits and spiritual energy. Any cat of these ranks who has become connected to Starclan through spiritual energy is forbidden to bear or sire kits, with the understanding that that spiritual energy would be both physically, mentally, and spiritually harmful to any resulting kits, if they even managed to survive. Of course there is more to this religious system, and is possibly the most complicated I have ever created…. Yet.

And my most recent project, my medieval scottish clans. I intend to make them a roleplay if anyone is interested!

Quick Note: My medieval clans are still somewhat under construction, particularly their religion and pacts with the Faerie. If anyone has any suggestions or knows a lot about the mythology of Faeries, send me a message, I need all the help I can get! That said I do have a few things figured out. First of all, In ancient times, the first clan cats made a pact with one of the most powerful of the faerie. In return for service in the afterlife (and essentially guarantee of an after life), some cats, those who became heroes and legends in their lives, could essentially become faeries themselves. Unfortunately because it was a faerie deal, it did not go too much as planned, yes the cats would go to the stars, but very few became actual faeries. As such there is gratitude but also great distrust. However, some faeries offer better terms, certain deas to certain cats which improve the lives of cats and increase the chances of becoming a faerie in the afterlife. Each clan and rank has a pact with different faeries. Also, in Scottish folklore, Cat Sith are black cats who are associated with faeries or witchcraft, but are untrustworthy and thought to steal souls. For the clans, having a solid black pelt is considered at least unlucky, and at most the dangerous possibility that they are not true cats at all but faeries in cat skin. Black cats outside the clans are vehemently driven away, and never welcomed into the clans. Names are also considered sacred, and some mothers give their kits secret names, under the hope that this means they cant be replaced as changelings. A lot of what I want to do with these clans is take certain superstitions in medieval times, and play with them, as well as give a completely different context and time period for a warriors world.

Moorclan: The clan of the high moors, descended from actual Scottish Wildcats, who were pushed out of their territory by human villages and the domestic cats within them. Some would say this clan is the most broken and hurt. Their decisions, made in terms of survival, are often considered barbaric in the eyes of others. Yet they are quite structured in their own way, with certain specific roles which attempt to maximize the abilities and potentials of the cats they have. They have two unique aspects, the rank of counselor, who serves as a repository for the knowledge of clan history and law, and the herbalist, who serves as the main healer for the clan. Because of the counselor’s importance, they have a bodyguard which happens to be their apprentice, who protects the teachings in order that they may be passed on, and since one healer for an entire clan is not enough, the healer has three assistants, who specialize in specific areas, but who may or may not succeed them as full healer. What sets them apart from the other clans however, is their stance on faeries. While they are a part of the original pact, they became immediately displeased with faeries, and sought a way to cut themselves off from them in any way. They found one faerie, who offered to essentially cut their territory off from the fae world, but asked a terrible cost. Any kit born with a solid black pelt must be sacrificed to them, in the possibility that they might be a faerie kit, who could disrupt and destroy that isolation from the faerie realm. Of course the clan does not directly murder the kit, but simply leaves it out in the open, exposes it to the elements. This more than anything has isolated it from the other clans and most other outside cats. This also means that neither their leader nor their healer have any faerie bond, and so are as mortal as any warrior.

Pineclan: Pineclan lives in a predominantly pine and evergreen forest, which runs to the coast and some cliffs. The closest to human settlement, but remaining separate from them, Pineclan has the widest range of pelt colors and genes, with accents like silver, and amber, and chocolate. Perhaps they have been influenced by humans, as they follow a fairly linear hierarchy. Their leader is the Monarch, chosen from amongst the kits of the previous monarch as the one with most potential and insight to lead the clan. The deputy/second of this clan, is the chosen Consort of the monarch, their pair and counterpart who compliments the skills of the monarch and fills the gaps in the leadership. Often they share two separate skill sets, where one specializes in the matters within camp, social interactions and mentor/apprentice pairings, while the other specializes in matters outside of camp, such as organizing hunting, and territory patrols. Although it is encouraged that the consort and Monarch also be mates and produce kits, it is not required, in the case that they are both of the same gender. In this case, what is preferred is a strong bond and ability to work and lead together. For this clan, the faerie pact which was made to benefit the clan was made to extend to the specific royal line, so if a leader must be chosen, they must be chosen from the royal line to accept the blessing. This blessing involves longer life, but also the benefit that they cannot get sick (in this case are also immune to cancer). Eventually there are things which the blessing cannot cure or suppress, and the cat will die, after a longer than average life, or in battle. Healers also have a pact with a faerie, but it is one which must be earned. The healer has 2-4 apprentices when the time comes to choose, and they learn the arts of healing, but also of good counsel and wisdom, and of cunning. They are trained with how to deal with faeries, of the dangers. Then they go to the faerie ring within their territory and pass into the faerie realm. There they must make their way to the faerie which issued this challenge. If they survive, and do not get lost or flee from fear, they gain the ability to walk between the real world and the faerie realm. With this ability they can protect their clan from certain faerie interference, and save cats on the verge of death. But it is dangerous, and they must choose who to save, because they only have a certain amount of energy to use in saving others, lest they risk being stuck in the faerie realm forever. This clan, although it interacts with faeries, is still quite wary of them, and cunning and word games are encouraged or taught to kits, because words and names are quite powerful, and faeries although they never lie never tell the full truth.

Firthclan: The clan of the pure mountain waters, and the mysterious bogs and fens. This is by far the most spiritual of the clans, and the one most open to faerie influence. Firthclan cats are very respectful of faeries, and very tolerant of them, even of the smallest variety, and interact almost daily with them. This means that there are more benevolent faeries to grant them even small gifts, but many of the most heinous villains, under the promise and pact of a malevolent faerie, originated from this clan. They are somewhat removed from the other clans, and there has been debate if they should just give up the territory on the other side of the firth to the other two, but there is significant benefit to what they do have, and so they still maintain their borders, although not as aggressively or strictly as the others. Their relationship with faeries has made them bitter enemies to Moorclan, and some of the more precocious Firthclanners have been known to sneak into Moorclan territory and save black kits left out to die. They have the traditional leader deputy structure, and the faerie pact which saves the leader is one which is similar to the traditional understanding of nine lives. If some injury or sickness would take a cats life, faerie energy heals them. As for the healer, the pact is one in which the healer communes with benevolent water spirits, and urges them to heal and soothe an afflicted cat, especially in times where herbs may not be enough, like in an infection where the water may cleanse it, or a fungal or viral sickness. Firthclan focuses greatly on an understanding of purity, and greatly values honesty and truth, and perceives kindness and caring of others in the clan to be high value.

Anyway these are my main clans that I have contributed to and devoted significant time to developing. I can always create more detail, and give more unique aspects which is why i enjoy worldbuilding so much!

Also if anyone likes an aspect or two from my clans, and would like to borrow it for their own (in combination with other unique aspects to make it new and unique) feel free to let me know. Or if you want to brainstorm for your own clans send me a message!

#Warriors #Warrior Cats #warriorscats #warriorsocs #warriorsworldbuilding #oracleclans

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omophagias · 4 years ago

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bookposting #11 (shelf clearout 11/69)

title: contesting orthodoxy in medieval and early modern europe: heresy, magic and witchcraft

editors: louise nyholm kallestrup, raisa maria toivo

series: palgrave historical studies in witchcraft and magic

rating: ★★★★

opinions: an interesting collection! it focused largely on northern europe (nordic countries with some excursions to germany and the netherlands) when the chapters had a regional focus, which i realized i should have expected from a collection edited by people with the names kallestrup (university of southern denmark) and toivo (university of tampere). the book is divided into three parts, those being “heresy,” “magic,” and “witchcraft”; the witchcraft section is the longest and contains the highest volume of chapters i thought were interesting. the heresy section does kick off with a chapter by nancy mandeville caciola (author of one of my favorite books, afterlives: the return of the dead in the middle ages) on “revenant congregations,” groups of ghosts, often the community’s dead, that appear in churches or other places of worship (there is a brief mention that, in some medieval german jewish communities, it was customary for the first person entering the synagogue in the morning to knock in order to give any spirits inside fair warning). she’s mostly focused on the accounts of thietmar of merseburg, and on the meaning of revenant congregations in recently/debatably christianized areas of 11th-century central europe. in the magic section, i enjoyed richard kieckhefer’s chapter on angel-summoning and johannes dillinger’s overview of the medieval and early modern history of the divining rod, both of which had some very funny moments. of the witchcraft section, my favorites were matteo duni’s chapter on an italian treatise, ponzinibio’s de lamiis, which argued, against the inquisition, that witchcraft was a purely spiritual phenomenon with no corporeal effects, willem de blécourt’s chapter arguing against johan huizinga’s interpretation, in the waning of the middle ages, of medieval french and dutch perceptions of witchcraft (a line: “…to scorn an author for writing the ‘wrong’ book is hardly helpful for a constructive debate. Nevertheless…” relatable!), and finally rune blix hagen’s chapter on perceptions of sami shamans and stereotypes of the peoples of the arctic north within europe more broadly and the early modern kingdom of denmark-norway most notably. this chapter, i think, pointed in a lot of interesting directions for discussions about “witchcraft,” indigeneity, and early modern colonialism-capitalism. overall i was very satisfied with this collection, although i wasn’t super interested in every chapter.

verdict: keep

miscellanea:

there was a great line in dillinger’s chapter on divining rods about how in the 1700s johann gottfried ziedler had concluded that since, in his opinion, they “worked” because the position one was supposed to hold them in caused involuntary muscle tremors, one could just as well use a sausage: “‘[Ziedler:] If you hold a knockwurst the right way it makes a perfect divining rod and moves so strongly in your hand that it might break.’ In which case the diviner could celebrate his lucky find with a snack provided he had some bread and mustard with him.”

the most recent bookmark i finished making (visible in the picture) is extremely good at its job, i think because unlike the other cross-stitch bookmarks i have, a huge amount of the pattern is backstitch with 2 strands of thread and so is much less bulky, and the backing felt that came in the kit was actually the right size.

i have never and probably will never read huizinga (i read tuchman’s a distant mirror once and that probably is about the same, and barbara tuchman is undoubtedly funnier) but i was still having a lot of fun reading him getting dunked on

call number: BF1584 .E9C658 2017

the cover image is one of multiple pictures of the witch of endor discussed in a chapter on…pictures of the witch of endor (summoning the ghost of samuel for king saul), which wasn’t my favorite chapter but did have a lot of funny pictures of people standing around looking vaguely concerned. this specific one is very ‘now you’re thinking with portals!’ to me.

#.txt #book review #.bookposting

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resinatingbeauty · 3 years ago

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A 'Witch Shop' Owner's Plea Before Casting That Love Spell

I don't personally offer many spell kits, mojo bags, etc. In my shop and avoid selling my 'Craft', as in, I don't advertise or list spell casting among my offerings, though I have had a couple of customers specifically ask if I could perform a spell I offered as a kit on their behalf for whatever reason. This is because I personally believe that the journey is just as important as the destination in witchcraft and many of the spell kits / spells I do offer are designed in such a way to soothe, relax, release, and heal throughout the process. Honestly, in addition, I really don't want the responsibility associated with performing magick on someone else's behalf for many reasons. The strength of my intent is not going to be as strong as yours, for example. Even if I effectively channel your energy, creating that personal connection between the beneficiary and the intent or purpose of the spell work is incredibly difficult at a distance. I'm always wary of other shops advertising this type of service- the sad truth of the matter is our little niche has been permeated by scammers, con artists, and frauds looking to take advantage of anyone looking for a solution to whatever it is that has them at this low point in life. I will tell you, more often than not it's love spells that the customer is after, and they are apt to find many options on Etsy, the platform I primarily do business on, and beyond.

I distinctly think of one potential customer who had contacted me one night obviously very upset. My heart went out to her immediately - I could just tell by what she was saying and how quickly she responded to me that she was in a state of panic and extreme emotional distress. She isn't the only one, but she stands out from the others as her desire to win back her ex lover was so strong it was evident that she would do anything and (potentially) pay anything for a chance to get things back to the way they were in her love life.

I am a human being. I have been given this amazing opportunity to pursue my passion to share my creations and spiritual / metaphysical knowledge with the world through my work. I understood a long time ago that this also meant I had a responsibility to do my best to help those in need and never knowingly harm, much like a doctor commuting to the Hippocratic oath. This may make me a flat out horrible business woman, but I would rather not sell someone on something I don't believe is going to help their situation. In fact, love spells usually make things worse. I'll get to that momentarily.

"Is there a spell to make her see what she has done wrong and to make her love and want me again?"

I allowed this customer to explain to me the situation and took the time to hear her out after telling her that I'm sure that she could find something like that elsewhere and someone else willing to sell her a spell kit or cast that spell, but I urged her to take a deep breath and talk to me before she did something that she would regret.

Thankfully, she spent the next hour or so explaining her situation and elaborating on everything that has happened in her relationship. It was one of those on again / off again things that so many of us get trapped in. Understandable, considering once you establish that strong bond of love, whether one sided or not, it's incredibly hard to cut that cord and move on especially if you're so emotionally invested (and maybe even financially invested) in this other individual who has had your heart for so long you can't imagine giving it to anyone else.

This PSA goes out to the broken hearted of all walks, as this is a universal experience for anyone who has been in love. There may not be someone to stop you from pursuing what you think will fix everything as I did for her, but I'm hoping if you read this, you'll think twice about acquiring and performing love spells or any magick in hopes that it will provide a quick fix to any situation.

•Beware the Opportunistic Con / Scam

Our field is flooded with scammers, con artists, and frauds that exclusively cater to those in this sweet girl's position and anyone who is vulnerable due to emotional distress or panic. Whether you need a love spell like she did to win back her ex or a quick fix to get more money in the bank or what have you, beware those that have used spiritual advisory and witchcraft as a means to peddle you their high priced garbaged. This is a tough one, as you may have a hard time deciphering what is 'legit' and what isn't, but there are some signs and facts you can look for when browsing these shops / websites.

-They promise / guarantee results within a specific or unrealistic time frame

Magick takes time to manifest and the true story is that nobody has a 100% satisfaction guaranteed spell book. More often than not, when spells come to fruition, it often isn't quite the way you would expect it to, either. Anyone promising a quick fix to anything is most likely just trying to take advantage of you when you are vulnerable and you better believe there will be no money back guarantee if said garbage doesn't work for you. OR, they like to do one of these:

-"Oh, your situation is worse than I thought. You're going to need this and this, with a huge $$$$ price tag."

This starts a never ending cycle of you pouring money into this scammer who will make you believe that it is necessary to do so. That maybe if you did throw them an extra $500 for their thingamajig that you will get what you want. This is only the beginning, as when THAT doesn't do it for you the way you would like, they will claim some other interference, maybe you're cursed or under psychic attack, and need something else even more expensive and elaborate to take care of that before you can even get to what you went to them for in the first place. Anytime someone proposes this type of thing, stop while you're ahead and don't provide them with a guaranteed cash flow that you aren't benefitting from at all. Also, be wary of ANY seller who makes outrageous claims- overnight changes, curing cancer, etc. Are unrealistic expectations.

•Understand What You Truly Need

Maybe it's time to consider an alternative path. The customer I spoke about DID ultimately purchase a tarot spread, which I was much more inclined to do for her than some love spell to win back this girl who has repeatedly broken her heart over the past few years and obviously got a kick out of it, the way she told it, as it was ALWAYS her doing the breaking up and blocking, starting all the drama. I told her I would much rather give her a spell to find her twin flame / soul mate than to win this person back who has perpetually been hurting her and taking advantage of her kindness.

Sometimes it's time to cut the cord before more damage is done. I understand it isn't easy to move on from someone you have loved and cultivated a relationship with over a long period of time, regardless of the negative energy that has invaded the relationship, we DO tend to focus on the positives, which leaves us a bit biased and blind to what we could have and deserve to have.

Take a moment if you are in a relationship situation like this, are beginning to question your current relationship, or are considering taking the next step in any relationship. Sit down with a pen and paper. On one side of the paper, write down all the things you love about that person. All the ways you think they have been the light in your life (be honest and give credit where credit is due!). Now on the other side, list the negatives or cons in your relationship. If one list is noticeably longer than the other, depending on which side it is, it may be time to consider breaking it off, giving things another shot, or taking things to the next level. Ask yourself;

-Do they support me in what I do, even if they don't understand or necessarily agree with it? (So long as it is something healthy -obviously if they're supportive of a bad habit or detrimental behavior, this is more like enabling and not a good thing)

-Do they have my best interests at heart more often than not?

-Do they show that they care? Even in the smallest of ways?

-Could I call them my "best friend?" Am I honest with them?

-Are they honest with me?

-Do they lift me up more than they put me down?

-Do you want the same things in life / have similar priorities?

-Is our relationship valuable to them the same way it is to me?

•LOVE SPELLS NEVER WORK THE WAY YOU WANT

This is the cold hard truth about love spells. Forget the warnings in movies and books, as it is hard to believe them or even take them as a legitimate warning when you haven't had the displeasure of experiencing what a love spell can do for yourself. I have, so you don't have to. This is MY story:

Of course love spells are very appealing when you're a young and naive teenager. I had a strong crush on this guy I had low key been stalking since middle school. I don't know why I liked him so much. Part of it I'm sure was the way he looked (hey, I'm being totally honest!) And how he came across to me. We had absolutely no interaction with each other outside of passing each other in the hallway. He had no idea who I was.

I had just borrowed a copy of Silver Ravenwolf's 'Teen Witch' (which is honestly a fantastic book for teens and young adults just starting to delve into Wiccan practices, which she follows exclusively) from a friend of mine and thought I would try the super simple love spell in the book figuring I had nothing to lose. All it consisted of was focusing on the subject, your intentions, writing their name on a piece of paper, folding it up and placing it under your pillow. I would sleep on that paper for months. I was in middle school just about to go into my freshman year of high school when I performed the spell and would forget about it up until the day it worked, a few months into my freshman year of highschool, when my crush was in the graduating class of that year- literally my last chance to make an impression.

I had gone to a local band's concert that was performing at the school's auditorium one day after classes and was just about to leave when my crush randomly approached me and started talking to me. It was like the whole world just stopped right there. I couldn't believe it. The thought of that spell crossed my mind briefly as we exchanged phone numbers.

Over time and getting to know him, he admittedly wasn't exactly my type. He was still someone whose friendship I valued, but not someone I could really put any effort into dating. About the time I realized this, his personality took a complete 180° turn for the worst. He was stalking me. Blowing up my cell phone (which was a prepaid piece of junk at that time I really couldn't talk on for more than a minute without paying a fortune), so much so one evening when I was at Jukido Jujitsu practice that I came home to something like 32 missed calls and 17 voicemails from him, each one showing gradual frustration and anger. This scared me. I knew I had to confront him about it and break this off before it got worse.

I caught him in a populated area of the school the next day before homeroom- more like he came up to me out of nowhere like he knew I would be passing through that part of the school that day- and I confronted him about the calls,attempting to gently explain to him that I wasn't interested in a relationship and I would like to continue being friends. He blew up at me and threw me against the brick wall of the school, trying to kiss and touch me in front of every single person that walked by. I wish I was making this up.

Thankfully a teacher came and pulled him off. Nothing much else was done. I did my best to avoid him and cut him out of my life entirely from that point on.

I don't know if it was the love spell or if this would have occurred anyways. All I knew was that what had been originally a very sweet, big hearted guy that was soft spoken with low self esteem became a monster in a matter of weeks. The take away from this and what I have personally seen with other's experiences with love spells is that they tend to bring out the worst characteristics of the person they are cast on and you have to be really careful what you are actually asking for when thinking about 'desire' and 'passion.' This intent can quickly lead to stalking, obsession, and not in a good way. Another customer of mine who originally came to me for my Forgiveness Spell Kit and had the desired results also, unbeknownst to me, had someone else perform a love and desire spell in addition to it. The guy that she was reverted into an obsessed jerk who decided to spread rumors about her on social media and beyond, blocked her on all platforms, and would get her friends involved in his quest to make her life miserable. Her story reflects and embodies so many I have heard over the years from others who have dabbled in such spells. When they work, it's just never quite what you had in mind.

So if you came to this blog post in search of a love spell for your personal situation or came across it when you have maybe considered one in the past or know someone who has, please take a deep breath, consider your options, and don't do anything that you may regret down the line. Remember that you are deserving of all the love, respect, support, and happiness one could give another. Do not settle on someone who offers you less and expects more, no matter how much you have invested in them, no matter how many years you have spent with them, as they do not appreciate you for the amazing person you are. I can promise you, however, given some time to heal, you WILL find someone who does.

-Samantha

(Owner /Chaos Witch/Designer)

Blursedbaubles.etsy.com

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corruptedspacecore · 7 years ago

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Mind-Blowing Things About the Cosmos, Brain Droppings, Skepticism, and Infinity.

This will be an extremely long, rambling post. Feel free to skip past it as quickly as possible if you’re not interested in my brain droppings. And there’s a possibility you might not like some bits if you believe in certain things, but please stick with me here. I don’t mean to cause offense, this is just a collection of not only amazing things about the universe but drippings from my own mind, so don’t mind me...

You see, I spend a lot of time thinking about stuff. The universe, space, existence. I’m fascinated by the sciences, physics, all that good stuff. My mind goes all over. Sometimes I just stand here thinking about things. I do that a lot. Usually, my thoughts have nowhere to go, so why not put some of them here? Read ahead to see some of the crap that goes through my mind now and then...

First, I have to say that, yeah, I’m kind of a huge skeptic. Not in the “this thing is absolutely not real” sort of way, but in the “there’s no reliable scientific evidence that this extraordinary claim is real, or it’s been debunked to some extent already, so I think it would be weird to believe in it until it’s been substantiated.”

As a result, I don’t believe in gods, religion in general, magic, astrology, witchcraft, paganism, psychics, angels, prayer, voodoo, healing powers of various sorts, new-age and alternative medicine beliefs of various kinds involving various energies and crystals, UFOs, any pick of conspiracy theories, or about a thousand other things.

However, that skepticism is perfectly compatible with certain speculations.

When it comes to such skepticism, I’ve been inspired by a number of skeptical thinkers, but none so more than Carl Sagan. In Cosmos, he told the story of science and the universe in a matter-of-fact way, but mixed it with fantastic speculation. As said in the show, he was careful to separate speculation from hard science. In his book, The Demon-Haunted World, Sagan lays out a great tool for sifting through the nonsense that floats all over in the media and in religion and pseudoscience. It’s called the Baloney Detection Kit. I’ll spare the details, but it’s basically along the lines of:

Are there any independent confirmations? Is the claim falsifiable? Is it peer-reviewed science? What’s the evidence? What might my bias be for believing the claim? Does the claim butt against better-established science? Has anybody else tried to disprove or debunk it? What’s the evidence for it? Against it? If reported in the media, what’s the source? Is the source reliable? And so on.

However, while the Baloney Detection Kit (along with a heavy dose of a critical and skeptical mindset) renders many of the more fantastical beliefs and claims moot, that by no means takes the wonder out of the cosmos. In fact, even if you just stick by science, both what we know, or what’s possible according to it, the cosmos is a most amazing place.

In Sagan’s series, Cosmos, he explored all of that and other questions beyond current understanding. In fact, while skeptical figures have often been derided for having a limited mindset, I would argue that is by no means true. I’m as skeptical as they come, but the universe as we know it provides more than enough wonder, and the mere possibilities can blow your mind. And then there are things in actual science that are stranger than the strangest claims of various spiritualities, but all-too-real. And I spend a lot of time thinking about them. So let me dump some of those things on the table now...

Space is fucking huge. Like, damn huge. Most of it is empty, of course, but the extent of that emptiness is staggering. The space between the stars in our galaxy is so vast, the stars so small in comparison, that a collision between ours and another galaxy would result in very, very few collisions between stars. Pretty much all of them would fly past each other with more than enough space to spare, most never even having a chance of colliding. This very thing will happen between our Milky Way Galaxy and the Andromeda Galaxy in a few billion years.

By the time that all happens, Earth will be no more. Well before the sun winks out, its brightness will increase to the point that Earth will become too hot for all but the most rugged forms of life (like Tardigrades). If we’re lucky, humanity will have moved to other planets by then, if we’re still around and don’t destroy ourselves over stupid things like politics and money. And when the Sun finally does burn off its hydrogen supply and begin to expand, it’ll in all likelihood engulf Earth, obliterating it entirely. Everything that was ever known to humans, on Earth at least, will be gone.

Provided nothing happens to it, though, the Voyager spacecraft will still be flying through space, eroded from billions of years of fine cosmic weathering, but still there, carrying the handiwork of a group of humans from the 1970′s, even though their home planet is gone. That is, of course, assuming humans go extinct early on and/or never expand beyond Earth.

But Earth is by no means the only planet like it.

Humans used to think their own continents or islands were the only ones. Then they found others. We used to think our planet was the only one, then we discovered others in our own solar system. At one point we didn’t know what the other points of light in the sky were. Then we found out they are stars, suns, just like our own sun. Our sun is a star, but up close. Even that little thought, to me, is pretty cool. And our galaxy has hundreds of billions of stars.

We didn’t know other planets had moons, until we found them around our neighbors. We looked at the universe in terms of the galactic scale, because we thought ours was the only galaxy. Until we realized that many points and splotches of light in the sky were, in fact, other galaxies. Each one having numerous stars, some with only millions, or as many as ours, or far larger with far more stars.

We discovered all of these galaxies are connected by tendrils of material through the entire universe. We discovered our universe is expanding, and that meant it had a beginning.

But what of those other planets? Until fairly recently, we did not have proof of them, of planets outside our solar system. But we knew they had to be there. And they are. All over. Far, far, far more numerous than the stars. Many stars have planets. Many of them have many planets. Many of those planets likely have moons. Many planets will have many moons.

A great number of those planets will be in their stars’ habitable zones, and will be the right size, the right chemical makeup, to be similar to ours. Somewhere out there, in space, in our galaxy or in any of the others, are almost certainly planets that look just like Earth. They’ll be blue and pretty, with oceans and continents. They’ll have nitrogen and oxygen atmospheres with churning cores enveloping them in an envelope of protective magnetism.

If the chemistry is right, those planets might have life. At the end of the day, life is nothing more than the result of a conjunction of physics and chemistry. Certain chemicals bonded and reacted in certain ways. Physics drove them to do certain things. Over time, life became more complex as colonies of life-forms grew. That’s all we really are. We’re collections of millions of little cells and organisms all working together to keep us going. Over time, DNA came to be the primary way to transfer information, telling them how to clump together to make us.

The evolution of life itself is guided by fairly simple rules, like natural selection, but the actual path from a tiny collection of organic material to a human is so immensely complex that most people can’t wrap their heads about it. Some to the point that they’d rather believe in fairy tales.

You have entire populations of organisms, numbering in the hundreds, thousands, millions. They’re all mostly the same, only with the tiniest variations. But some variations among a generation of organisms vary more than others. Some benefit them above others, letting them reproduce more, or at all, carrying on to the next generation. These variations, these mutations, help some organisms in the population and their children to better adapat to their environments and threats. Over hundreds, thousands, even millions of generations, this happens. With each generation, there are only the tiniest of differences, really not noticeable between them at all. But compare the earliest generation to a much later one, and you’ll see a drastic change.

And new species tend to be formed when a population is split. One portion goes one way, another portion a different way. They may just split up, or be split by natural events or obstacles. Given enough time, enough generations passing while they’re apart, they’ll eventually each a point where the two groups are so different that they cannot reproduce with each other, should they meet again. Some continue to evolve fairly parallel, not looking too different, while others change drastically over time from their ancestors. Humans are an example of this. And it all happens so gradually as to never be noticed between adjacent generations.

This is why there are no missing links. There simply is no such thing. If it were possible to have the fossils of every single human and human ancestor who ever lived lined up - not just one for each “step”, but all of them, all the many millions, billions of them who lived before, after, or alongside each other - it would be like one of those digital color palettes where you have a gradual change from red to violet. The red-to-violet progression would represent both the different species of humans/apes leading up to us, the time from the earliest human ancestors to us, and the fine gradient being the gradual change. The palette would be billions upon billions of megapixels, and each pixel would be a skull of an individual human or human ancestor. Your mom, great great great great great great great great great great grandfather, an extremely distant cousin, or even you.

Each skull would be different in a finite way, but adjacent skulls would look the same. Only when to compare red and violet ones next to each other will the difference be apparent; skulls separated by millions of years, or in this case, millions of pixels. The same can be applied to all of life. Not just to humans, or current species, but to all life, from the earliest clumps of organic material to all species today. Except now it’s a great branching tree of colors, with each branch being millions of pixels wide, each pixel being a single organism in a given generation/time, the changing colors representing different species.

That’s how life got to where it is now. That’s how evolution works. In fact, if humans had stayed on their own continents and never left or intermingled, it’s possible that, given enough time, we all would have broken up into different species, or some would have gone extinct. It’s a scary thought.

But how did life begin, exactly? Who the hell knows. What I think, however, is that it’s inevitable. Given the right conditions, the right environment, the right chemicals, it can and does happen. It happened in our case, on our planet. It must happen on others. It’s just physics.

That’s why I think there’s probably life elsewhere. Not in the dumb UFO, little green-grey men sense. No, not like that at all. For most of the time on Earth, there were no large organisms, only tiny ones, and early on only microscopic ones. For most of that time, there were large organisms, but there were no humans. For most of the time there have been humans, we did not have technology more advanced than that of the last couple thousand years or so. Our industrial technology only came about around 150-200 years ago. We’ve only had electricity in common use for around 120 years. We didn’t start sending out signals until the 1930s or so. We didn’t start beaming our most powerful signals up until decades later.

The same with our spacecraft. We’re extremely limited even now with our craft. We don’t even know if things like warp drive are fully possible. Other forms of propulsion are pure science-fiction. It’ll likely be centuries before we have any kind of ultra-advanced propulsion, if ever. IF we even make it that far.

That’s why, in my opinion, most life in the universe, if it’s out there, is primitive. It’s mostly microscopic. If it’s on the larger side, it’s probably not that intelligent for the most part. In the few cases where life is more intelligent, it’s probably not advanced anywhere near Industrial-Age or even ancient human levels. And even if there is somewhat advanced life, they may be so far away that their signals are too weak to reach us, or have not reached us yet. Not to mention the fact that we’d probably have to be looking at their part of the sky to even hear them.

The universe has been around for around 14 billion years or so, though. Our Earth has been around for 4 billion. Life as we know it has been around for half that time. Humans for only the tiniest fraction. It’s possible that many forms of life on many planets have risen, only to go extinct for any number of reasons, natural or made by the life-forms themselves. Will the same happen to us?

What of time, anyway, or the true distance between the stars?

Lightspeed isn’t just a vague term, it’s specific. Light travels a finite and measurable speed through the vacuum of space. It travels slightly slower in various mediums like transparent solids, water, and gasses. Consequently, it takes time for it to get from point A to point B. How long does light take to reach earth from various places, you ask?

It takes light 1.3 seconds from the moon to Earth. It takes 8 full minutes for the light from the sun to get to us. We only ever see how the sun looked 8 minutes in the past, never as it does now. It takes over 5 hours to get to Pluto. Even the light reflected from a person standing a few feet in front of you takes several nanoseconds to reach your eyes. You never see people as they truly are i nthe moment. But that’s just chump time. A light year is the distance light travels in a year. That means for something 10 light years away, it takes 10 years for its light to get to us. The center of our galaxy is around 25,000 light years away. The Andromeda Galaxy is over 2.5 million years away. And that’s still short compared to other times.

Galaxy NGC 4845 is 65 million light years away. Look at a picture of it. You’re seeing it as it looked when there were still dinosaurs on Earth. When we look at the most distance objects in the universe with our advanced telescopes, we’re seeing things as they appeared before there was even an Earth, or a Sun. Everything we see in the sky appears as it looked in the past, and everything else we see at a distance is not seen as it really is in that precise moment.

Okay, so that’s fast, but also slow. Surely we can go as fast as light... but nope! Leaving side speculations about warp drive or fictional Faster Than Light travel, what about conventional travel? Oh, there’s nothing to stop us from going nearly as fast as light. 5%, 20%, 50%, 75%, 90%, or even 99.9% the speed of light. Nothing, that is, except for the amount of fuel we’d need. The faster you go, the more power you need to accelerate. Why? Because the faster you go, the more massive you get. When I say more massive, I don’t mean bigger, I mean heavier. As you go faster, you get heavier, and as you get heavier, you need more power, thus more fuel, to continue accelerating. In any case, and leaving out a host of other issues you’d need to solve, it’s technically possible to go *nearly* as fast as light.

If you did that, things would look really fucking weird. Everything in your field of view would be squeezed into a small area in your field of vision. Things that should be to your side or perhaps even almost behind you would appear in front of you in that spot. Everything coming towards you at that speed would be shifted towards blue in color, while things receding from you would be shifted towards red. (This is one of the ways we know the universe is expanding, because the further away things are from us, the more red-shifted they are, which means they’re moving away from us faster and faster.)

That’s not the weirdest thing, though. Time also slows down for you if you’re going that fast. Clocks on board your super fast ship will tick more slowly than those still on earth. The faster you go, the slower your mechanical and biological clocks tick. This is useful because it means a journey of, say, 10,000 light years would not need to take 10,000 years. If you go fast enough, only a few years, or at most a few decades (or a century or two at slower speeds) would pass on board your ship over the course of the trip.

Just how big of a difference in time, though? Well, if you were to go fast enough for long enough, then turn around and come back to Earth, you’ll find that only a few years will have passed on board your ship, but you’ll arrive on an Earth that’s many thousands of years in the future. If you’re lucky, humans will have advanced very nicely and you can have fun in the future. If not, you’ll arrive at a dead planet. Either way, you won’t be able to go back to the past.

This also applies to slower speeds. Basically, any difference in speed yields a slight difference in the passage of time, but it’s more noticeable and a bigger issue at speeds such as that of satellites or aircraft. Experiments have been done with atomic clocks on the ground and on planes. In such precise experiments, they find the clocks on the planes end up ticking ever so slightly slower. The effect is even greater in satellites (which go way faster), to such an extent that we actually have to correct for time dilation in order for things like GPS to work correctly. So if you ever travel in a plane, you’re also traveling into the future by the tiniest of amounts.

It’s not just limited to speed. Gravity doesn’t just pucker the fabric of space so that bodies will orbit other bodies as if circling a funnel, but it alters the passage of time, too. The higher your gravity, the slower time goes for you. On the surface of the Sun, time runs a few minutes slower over the course of a year. The closer you get to a black hole, the slower clocks tick. Distance from the gravitational source also makes a difference. If you stand at the top of a mountain, or a hill, time will pass by slightly faster for you than for those at sea level. In fact, while standing, time passes slightly faster for your head than it does for your feet.

But what if you wanted to stop time entirely? In that case, you would need to go the speed of light in a vacuum. At that speed, time stops completely. Indeed, while it takes a photon of light 25,000 years to get from the center of the galaxy to us from our perspective, the journey is instantaneous for that photon. But remember I said that we can’t go the speed of light. That’s because we have mass. As I said, the faster we go, the more massive we become. At light speed, we would have infinite mass, which means we’d need infinite energy to reach full light speed. That’s obviously not gonna happen, so we’re never going to get to light speed. It’s not a problem for a photon, however, since a photon does not have mass.

Speaking of photons and gravity, what about those black holes, huh? They’re pretty damn great. And also absolutely terrifying and mind-boggling. What the hell are they? Well, they’re insurmountably massive objects that have collapsed in on themselves to become mere points of gravity in space-time. How can that happen? First you need to know how a star generally forms and dies.

Stars are in a constant battle between the heat of their fusion causing the star to expand and the gravitational pull of its own mass trying to shrink it. The formation of stars generally involves gravity drawing together gaseous interstellar material (in a nebula, say), usually hydrogen and perhaps other trace elements, until it comes together into a sphere. Its mass, and thus gravity, increases as it pulls more material in. At first it just gets really hot as the pressure in the new interstellar body increases. Sometimes it stops too early and it’s just a gas giant body, or it continues but still falls short, and so it exists as a brown dwarf star, which is a collection of gasses that’s not massive or hot enough to trigger fusion to become a full-fledged star. However, if the body gains enough mass, it gets hot enough and the hydrogen atoms inside it are compressed enough to begin fusing those atoms into atoms of helium. Once this happens, it becomes a star.

The fusion of hydrogen into helium generates a great amount of energy and the star shines brightly. Meanwhile, the star sooner or later reaches a stable balance between gravity pulling it in and its heat making it expand. Our own sun is currently in such a balance. There comes a time, though, when the star runs out of hydrogen to fuse and things go wrong. A star can end in a number of ways...

If they’re not that massive, like our own Sun, their cores will contract until they get hot and dense enough to start fusing helium, while the outer layers will expand. In our case, the Sun will expand to such a size as to possibly engulf the Earth. Because the sun’s mass, thus gravity, isn’t high enough, this is enough that it will not collapse in on itself. After a time, the outer layers will shed and leave behind the core to become a white dwarf star, which will burn for a long time before cooling.

More massive stars will not be able to overcome their own gravitational pull. Once they’ve exhausted their supply of hydrogen, they’ll begin to lose the battle to gravity. As more material is pulled into the star’s core, the core will become unable to cope and explode, blowing the star apart in a supernova. Whatever remains of the core will become a neutron star; small, city-sized stars composed of tightly-packed neutrons that spin incredibly fast.

Yet more massive stars, however, won’t just stop at leaving behind a neutron star. It will still go supernova, and the core will still collapse, but if it has enough mass, the core will keep collapsing until it’s not just city-sized, basketball-sized, or marble-sized. It will collapse until it’s no size at all. An infinitely small point of mass in space. A singularity. A black hole.

As we all know, the gravity of the singularity is so great that even photons of light cannot escape, hence the “black” in black hole. While the singularity is infinitely tiny, the black hole’s event horizon does have a finite size. The event horizon is the large black portion of a black hole, an area around the singularity of finite size. Outside the event horizon, you’re mostly fine. Inside it, there is no escape. The event horizon can be huge, the size of entire solar systems. Of course, its size depends on the mass of the singularity. The more massive the singularity, the bigger the event horizon.

Approaching the event horizon would in itself be a strange thing for an outside observer. Because time slows down near intense sources of gravity, and because the gravity is so great at the event horizon, what would happen as you watch, say, the robot TARS (from Interstellar) approach the event horizon? TARS would become more and more red-shifted as he approaches the event horizon, and time would slow down from his perspective. In fact, you’ll never really see TARS enter the black hole. Instead, he’ll just get really red and slow down more and more and more until it appears as if he’s just sort of there, but never really entering the event horizon. From TARS’ perspective, time would pass normally, leaving him to face the consequences of entering the black hole. What those consequences are, we’re not absolutely certain. Visually, TARS would see the rest of the universe shrink into a tiny point as the blackness and gravitational lensing of the event horizon takes over.

On the subject of Interstellar, yes, a hole in space-time would be a sphere, not a 3D hole. You could enter and exit it at any point on its surface, and you would see whatever’s on the other side on its surface. Whether wormholes exist, could exist, or could ever be stable or safe enough to travel through is a whole other story. It’s all theoretical. Black holes, however, are not theoretical anymore. They were predicted to exist by mathematics. The physics essentially demanded black holes exist, and what do you know, we finally started finding them. Neat, huh?

It’s not just collapsing stars that form black holes, though. The collisions of neutron stars or other incredibly massive bodies also create black holes. You can even turn regular masses into black holes by compacting them small enough. If you wanted to turn the Earth into a black hole, you’ve have to compress the entire planet and everything on it into a ball with a radius of about 9mm.

By the way, the heavier elements of the universe came about mostly because of supernovae. The universe started out as mostly hydrogen with some helium. Stars converted hydrogen into more helium and possibly a couple heavier elements, but their explosive deaths fused that helium into heavier and heavier elements. Carob, gold, oxygen, and so on. We exist today because of the stars that exploded in earlier stellar generations. “We are made of stardust” isn’t some vague inspirational slogan, it’s literally, scientifically true.

Our planet exists because the heavy material was there in the disc of the early solar system to condense into our planet. The condensation of that material, by the way, is what led to the orbits of the planets and the rotation of the Sun and planets. As the material condensed into the Sun, it rotated faster and faster. Some of that material stayed in orbit around the early sun due to its speed. There it condensed into planets, with those smaller bodies rotating faster and faster as they condensed. It’s similar to how a skater spins faster when they draw their arms in. The more mass you have at your center (your arms drawn in or the more material you collect in your core), the faster you rotate, with the initial rotation and direction decided by those first collisions between particles.

As for matter, how can it be compressed so much? Well, it’s not solid. This is elementary stuff, but: Your average person or object is composed of molecules. Molecules are made of atoms. Atoms are made of electrons orbiting nuclei made of protons and neutrons. Electrons are made of leptons, while the protons and neutrons are made of quarks and gluons (the latter acts as an exchange particle for the strong nuclear force holding quarks together). But the most important thing to note for the compression of atoms is how much space is inside them...

Atoms are mostly empty space. Blow an atom up to the size of a concert hall and the neutron will still be no larger than a small speck of dust, while the electrons would still be too small to really see. The space inside an atom, between the particles that make it up, is as vast and empty as the space between stars. Yet, despite its small size, the nucleus contains most of the mass of an atom. The space between and within atoms under normal circumstances means that matter can be compressed to ridiculously tiny sizes.

The other implication of that fact is that we are all made of mostly empty space. The most solid objects in our lives are mostly empty space. We’re practically nothing at all. The only reason we feel each other is because of the interaction of forces when our atoms come close to each other. The only reason we can see things as if they’re solid is because of the way photons of light are reflected, adsorbed, or refracted by matter. In the case of things that emit light, it’s because those things create energy at least partly in the form of photons of light through various processes. So we can see, feel, and “touch” each other, and we can crash into things but not phase through them, but we’re essentially just fluff.

We never truly touch, either. If I touch you, my atoms will come very close to yours, but the nuclear forces to cause them to push away from one another, meaning the atoms of our bodies never truly make contact. The only reason we feel touch is because of the force exerted on our nerve endings and the signals those nerves send to our brains to be interpreted.

Speaking of brains, who the hell are we all? Are we spirits, souls, special beings? Not quite, and this is where we get into more speculation (my own thoughts) mixed with science...

We’re brains! In my view, that’s all we are. Our brains are made of neurons. Information, memory, is stored as clusters of neurons in various areas of the brain that fire when stimulated by certain experiences or other signals. All we are as people, everything we know, everything we feel, is in our brains. All our experiences - touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing - are sent to, processed, and experienced through our brains. Of course I could speculate that we’re just brains in vats, but that’s stupid and there’s no reason to believe that.

As it is, or as it seems, we’re our brains. We don’t love with our hearts, we don’t feel with our guts, and we don’t think in our anuses, even if it seems like some people do. If someone is sent to the guillotine, technically they’re getting their body cut off, not their head. If parts of our brains are damaged or removed, it could vastly change us in sometimes unpredictable ways, and sometimes not much at all. It just depends on the physical locations the information is stored.

Memories themselves are somewhat abstract. We don’t record things in our brains like a photograph or a tape does. There’s a lot of association, a lot of fragments. When we remember things, we pull fragments together, sometimes recreating things almost from scratch, to recall the memory. This is why human memory and eyewitness accounts is so fallible, so unreliable.

For example, witnesses were interviewed right after 9/11 to recall what they remembered about the events of that day. Even within the few days after, their memories weren’t perfect. When interview months later, their memories were far worse. When interviews years later, they memories were wholly unreliable. Events were omitted, changed, details different. Was it ISIS who used Learjets to bring down the Sears Tower in Chicago on November the 10th, 2002? Obviously it wasn’t, but there’s probably someone out there whose memories of 9/11 are so bad that they might as well believe that. Some people believe weird things about 9/11 anyway (crackpots).

So why not souls or spirits? Simple. In my view, and in science, those are practically useless concepts with no evidence to support them scientifically or empirically. What about love, what’s love? Love is just electro-chemical interactions in the brain. Emotion. Thoughts. That’s it. Other than how it makes some of us feel and the emotional bonds it can create, there’s nothing special about it. Love isn’t a force, an energy, an entity, or god. What about beauty? That’s also am emotional reaction, as well as a matter of opinion. Beauty doesn’t prove anything.

That does not mean, however, that everything is all despair or nothing. Love or beauty don’t need to be special for us to enjoy it. I love people and things, and I find beauty in many things, not the least of which is almost everything in this post so far. In fact, I think it’s amazing what evolution has led to. The things we can feel, the things we think, the things we can do. All these amazing minds brought about by the simple consequences of physics, chemistry, and biology. That’s pretty fucking beautiful if you ask me.

But who are we? What’s consciousness? Again, in my view, consciousness is nothing particularly special, either. I think it’s pretty subjective, and how aware you are of the world and yourself just depends on your capacity for intelligence. If a fish had a brain like ours, they’d probably be pretty damn self-aware, too, and pescatarians wouldn’t be a thing. But still, WHO are we?

I think who we are is both simple and complex: We’re one. We’re the universe experiencing itself from a multitude of perspectives, separated into our individual selves by the simple fact that our brains are not connected. If we could all wire our brains together in such a way as to perfectly transfer information between them, it would probably be pretty weird, to say the least, and make us one huge mind.

We’re not our bodies, we’re our brains, as I said. If I put my brain inside somone else’s body, he would become me, while his brain being placed inside my body would make my body his. We would experience the world through the sensory organs of the other’s body. That’s how we see the world, after all. As I said, everything we experience in life is done so through the meager tools provided by our bodies. Those tools are stimulated, sending electrical impulses to our brains, and those impulses are interpreted by our brains and formed into pictures and feelings, where we then process them further with our own thoughts.

Again, that’s why the human brain can be tricked so easily. That’s why we can be tricked by illusions, why some people see demons and ghosts, why some people think they hear things, why some people think they see missiles or demonic faces in 9/11 footage (also partly because of the limitations of the technology used to record it), and why we can be so severely affected by issues with the brain. It’s why we see patterns in things when there’s nothing there to see. Our brains’ foibles can be used against us if we’re not careful, and can lead us down incorrect paths of thought if we’re not wise to our fallibility. Even myself and many of the things I’ve just said could be subject to such issues.

What about when we die? Is there an afterlife? In my view, no, there is no afterlife, at least not in the way certain groups of people think. Anybody who’s ever been born has experienced death. To use the oft-quoted statement that may or may not have been said by Mark Twain: I had been dead for billions of years before I was born and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it.

I have absolutely no evidence to back up this speculation, and no real science to point to, but I kind of think along these lines: The universe is filled with life. Certainly on earth, with already untold numbers of organisms occupying its lands and oceans. Many of them with brains. Who knows how many other life forms there are out there. Entire planets with entire populations of beings, be it small and dumb or big and intelligent. Every single one has what one might call a “consciousness.” Some are more aware than others. All of them, all of us, are experiencing the same universe through many bodies at all times. Before we’re born and after we die, and before and after any and all life exists in this universe, the universe is still here.

For that reason, I think it’s possible that we may experience what some may call “reincarnation.” Not in the hippy-dippy or Hindu/Buddhist sort of way, exactly, but in a more practical way. Our memories are not carried on, nor a sense of “we” or “me” because of course those are contained in our brains, which ultimately die. Rather, because all of us experience the universe at once, and our individuality may be an illusion created by our brains/perspectives being separated, there’s always some form of “consciousness.”

Take Joe Average for example. Joe’s here now. He sees the world from his perspective. He thinks he’s him, he’s special because he’s himself. Before he was born, however, perhaps quite a long time before, there was another human who thought the same thing. After Joe dies, maybe at some point later on, or perhaps even almost immediately, another organism will be born, the latest of many, who will see the universe from a perspective that’s solely theirs. They’re special. They’re them.

I say organism because why should it be limited to humans? It could be any and all organisms. Anything with a brain, or even anything living at all. And not just on Earth. If there’s life on an untold number of planets, a “you” or a Joe Average could come into existence, be born, anywhere in the universe. We like to think we’re special, that earth is special, but we’re just one type of organism, and this is just one planet of trillions.

I think that’s an amazing though, but also scary. After all, I like it here. I like being human. I love my fiancee and think she’s amazing and that she, a human, is sexy as fuck. I enjoy the taste and fizziness of Pepsi and the deliciousness of waffles and hamburgers. I enjoy the sensations of sex and the sound of human music. But in saying there, there are billions of other people who love different things, or who don’t enjoy sex. Some of them might love inanimate objects. Cats, dogs, dolphins, and other animals also enjoy things and like certain foods. My own cats are spoiled on wet food and crunchy treats. We once had a cat who loved Cheetos. And animals definitely also enjoy sex. Somewhere out there, on another planet in another galaxy, there are probably beings, intelligent or not, who enjoy their own things. Still, being human is great and it’s hard and scary to imagine being anything else.

But what of the universe, anyway? We used to think there was one continent, planet, sun, galaxy and so on until we found we were not alone. Could it be that there’s more than one universe? How did ours come about with the properties it has to allow life, anyway?

Well, there’s no reason in science, and in fact, it’s a notion heavily studied by science, that is against a multitude of universes existing. Maybe even infinite universes. There may be a big bang every second. Our own universe is finite in its observable portion. Beyond 14 billion or so years out, we can’t see anything. There may be a little bit beyond, but it can’t go on forever if it originated from one point a finite amount of time ago, as far as we know. What’s outside of our bubble, if it’s a bubble at all? There could be practically infinite universes, each one with slightly different laws of physics, ways of working.

Some people argue that our universe was specially created for us because the laws of physics had to be fine-tuned. Even if it’s true that the universe appears to be “tuned”, who’s to say it was special for us? What if ours is just one of an infinite set of universes, and we’re only here because this one happened to allow it? Douglas Adams posed this interesting thought:

“[Believing the universe was made for us] is rather as if you imagine a puddle waking up one morning and thinking, 'This is an interesting world I find myself in — an interesting hole I find myself in — fits me rather neatly, doesn't it? In fact, it fits me staggeringly well, must have been made to have me in it!' This is such a powerful idea that as the sun rises in the sky and the air heats up and as, gradually, the puddle gets smaller and smaller, frantically hanging on to the notion that everything's going to be alright, because this world was meant to have him in it, was built to have him in it; so the moment he disappears catches him rather by surprise. I think this may be something we need to be on the watch out for.”

The point is, the puddle thinks that the pothole was made because of him. But in reality, the puddle was made because of the pothole, taking the shape he did, because the pothole was just there and shaped that way. There is a multitude of other potholes with differently-shaped puddles thinking the same thing, not realizing that any moment the sun will come out and evaporate them like nothing.

The same applies to the way everything else is. Each of us is here because of a series of events affected by myriad other events, but those events did not conspire to make us. The Titanic didn’t hit the iceberg because it was supposed to, it hit the iceberg because a chunk of ice thousands of years old broke free of Greenland due to warm weather, and both the iceberg and ship happened to crossed paths at the wrong time. If it wasn’t that iceberg, it could have been another. If not Titanic, maybe another ship. In fact Titanic probably wouldn’t have even hit the iceberg had it not been for the near-collision it had while leaving port, delaying it for an hour. But it happened the way it did, and that’s that. The person who survived the collapse of the North Tower of the World Trade Center didn’t do so because of a miracle, they survived through a combination of being in the tower’s core and an extremely complex interplay of collapsing debris and forces exerted on and around that person, causing them not to be crushed and obliterated like everyone else.

Snowflakes aren’t constructed by an intelligence, they come about due to the structure of water molecules. Their formation is triggered by cold temperatures and a point of nucleation, and their destruction by warming temperatures. Beautiful geodes and crystals take their shape because of the structures of the molecules that make them up, not because someone wanted them to look that way. Humans take their forms based on the chemical patterns in their DNA and how that affects the many tiny cells making up their bodies. We’re not made by a god overseeing the whole process, in my view. There’s no reason to believe any of these things were made in such a way.

Order out of chaos is as much a universal standard as chaos out of order, and it isn’t incompatible with thermodynamics. Stars, crystals, snowflakes, and people all form on their own in an orderly way according to laws of physics, but as long as stars eventually collapse or explode, crystals are re-melted, snowflakes melt, and humans die and decay, nothing about it is in violation of the Second Law of Thermodynamics.

The fact is, as far as we can tell, everything does happen for a reason, but not in the vague spiritual sense. Rather, everything that happens, including order in the universe, happens due to how matter in the universe interacts and the inherent forces that govern those interactions. Properties of materials are governed by their chemical makeup. Naturally ordered structures are determined by their molecular structure or other physical events. Trees grow towards sunlight. Water conforms to its surroundings. Clouds conform to air masses of different temperatures. Sunset colors are determined by the atmospheric makeup. And so on.

What about probability? What are the chances we humans are here? What are the chances a particular person survives a disaster? What are the chances someone can get hit by lighting several times in life and again while in the grave? Or the chances that a universe can arise that allows us to exist? Or that someone out there looks exactly like me? The chances are staggering!

Yes, that’s true, the chances are indeed staggering, but only if you put the result first. Again, it’s the puddle. The unlikely event didn’t happen because the chances were ordered in its favor, it happened because of the sheer number of chances given. There were many potential paths to humans. We just happen to be the ones who made it to this point. There were hundreds of people in the World Trade Center and dozens in the cores, which were partly standing after the initial collapses, someone had to have survived somewhere, and one did. There have been billions of people who have lived and lightning strikes constantly, while some people may have spent more time out in storms than others. It’s inevitable that a few people will fare worse than others in getting hit by lightning. And yes, the chances that a universe that has just the right set of circumstances for us to exist is staggeringly small if you assume there was only one chance. But if there are near-infinite universes out there, then the chances are almost 100% that one would allow us to exist. And with 7 billion people out there, one of them must look like me.

To put it another way, the chances of a specific person winning the lottery are insurmountable, one in tens of millions, some tiny fraction of a fraction of a percent. The chances of a there being a winner for the lottery, on the other hand, are 100%. Whoever that winner is, I’m sure they’ll feel like someone was smiling down on them, or maybe their lucky socks helped. The simple fact of the matter is that someone had to win it, and it just happened to be them.

Some people say they don’t believe in coincidence, but the simple fact is coincidence rules our lives. It’s everywhere. From the little things like thinking of a TV show, then walking into a room to find that show on TV, or thinking a word at the same time someone else says it, to big things like numeric or factual coincidences between various historic events. With so many things happening, so many facts, so many possibilities, amazing coincidences are inevitable. In fact, a day where there aren’t any coincidences would, ironically, not be a coincidence.

But no, when it comes to our universe, there may well have been infinite possibilities. How big is infinity, you ask? I don’t think some people realize just big big infinity is. It’s not just big. It’s not just staggeringly gigantic, nor is it even really so large that it can’t be contemplated. It’s.... it just is. It’s forever. It goes on and on. It never stops. Take a Googolplex. It’s not just the headquarters of Google (Googleplex), but one of the largest numbers we’ve named. A Googol is a 1 followed by 100 zeroes. A Googolplex is a 1 follwoed by a Googol zeroes. You could never write out such a number, you wouldn’t fit the paper into this universe. It’s bigger than any numbers in reality. Bigger than the number of atoms in the universe. Far bigger. If you multiplied a Googolplex by a Googol Googolplexes, you would still be no closer to infinity than if you were still standing at the number 1.

So where did the universe come from, anyway? If chance isn’t an issue due to there being a multiverse, where did that come from? We know there was a “bang” at the beginning of our own universe, the evidence for that is all over, quite literally, in the microwave background radiation. But what about before it? How about after? What started it all? Or who? When did time begin?

The simple answer is: We don’t really know. Not yet, and maybe not ever as there aren’t a lot of big bangs happening nearby to study directly. The thing is, I’m not even sure we can apply concepts like a “beginning” to existence. Why is there something rather than nothing? I don’t know. Neither does anybody else. Who even says there’s such a thing as something or nothing? Maybe IS just is (and no, I don’t mean that in the Bill Clinton sense). Time has meaning to us because we measure it with clocks, we notice things changing, and there’s a difference in the rate of events between observers at different speeds and gravitational potentials. Outside of or before our universe, however, it may be meaningless.

Faced with such unimaginable questions, the default conclusion of many is that a god or gods started everything in motion. Personally, I don’t think that’s necessary, nor is it substantiated in any way. There’s simply no good reason to believe it. Plus, it raises far more questions than it answers. Where would a god come from? If we want to say god was always there, why not just say the cosmos or existence has always been? And that’s assuming such terms as “existence” or “been” are applicable. To me, defaulting to a god is just a means to not have to think too hard about things, while at the same time offering some a sense of comfort, both in not having to strain their brains too much, and having some sense of control over the ultimate indifference of the cosmos.

That brings me to the supernatural. What about the supernatural? Other than being a TV show, does it have any bearing on reality? In my opinion, no. In fact, I hate that term because I think it’s a cop-out, a way to avoid having to explain things, a handy-dandy sheet under which to hide any number of ill-supported beliefs. An umbrella term for nonsense. But why do I think this, and does that close the door on all things considered supernatural?

I hold that view because, frankly, I don’t think it makes sense as a concept. People use that term to differentiate certain beliefs from the natural, the scientifically knowable. The problem is that it makes no sense. If there really are ghosts, that would involve physical processes, real things in reality. Things we could see, things we could measure. The Ghostbusters used science to catch ghosts. Self-described “ghost hunters” claim to use science in real life to detect ghosts. Of course, in my opinion, they just jump to conclusions which not actually following the techniques of science and sufficiently ruling out other possibilities, if at all. In any case, if ghosts were real, there’d be nothing supernatural about them. I apply the same thinking to things like magic, witchcraft, psychics, and astrology.

Is magic real? Does it work? Well if it does, that, too, would not be supernatural. If you’re doing something that physically affects the world, it will need to do so through a physical process and have a physical cause. Calling it supernatural and saying it’s somehow special is a cop-out and, in my opinion, cheapens the nature of reality. If you actually could affect reality by burning and mixing things together, that would be pretty damn cool, and I’d want it studied. As it is, I think that if any aspect of witchcraft did work, it would only be in the practical sense. For example, I once saw someone ask for “witchy” ways to ward off insects. My first reaction was “just get some Off from the store, at least that’ll work.” But witchcraft does involve burning things, and it’s known that insects stay away from things like that, depending on what it is. After all, we have torches you can buy that put fumes into the air that keep insects away. But even so, I don’t think there’s anything magical or mystical about it. We used to think many things were magic, then we figured them out. I think it’s just a mental practice, just as with psychics and astrology.

I think supposed successes in such things can be chalked up to the fallibility of the human mind. Confirmation bias, selection bias, and the like. When prayer was put to the test by the Templeton Foundation, it was found to be no more effective than random chance, which is to say you might as well not be doing it at all. When astrological horoscopes are tested, they’re no more effective than vague guesses. In fact, you could switch around the signs, giving the wrong horoscopes to the wrong people without them knowing, and they’ll still think it’s accurate. They’re mentally primed to believe it’s accurate by being told it’s their sign, while the horoscope is intentionally vague as to apply to nearly anybody. This experiment has been done numerous times with the same results: It’s no better than just guessing.

How would astrology work, anyway? It’s not just planets that have gravity, but everything else with mass, too. The doctors standing next to you when you’re born have a far greater gravitational influence on you than Mars does. Would they not affect your life? The stars are always moving, albeit slowly on human timescales. The constellations we know now have not always been and won’t always be. Some of those stars will blow up. Some may have already blown up, but the light of those events has yet to reach us. What about twins, or people born close to each other at the same time? Does a milisecond make a difference? If not gravity, light or other known forces, what possible force could determine people’s lives?

No, the fact is that astrology was once a wide practice, taken seriously by royalty and the influential until humans finally began to practice science as we know it. Once it was tested, astrology was tossed in the bin along with anything else that didn’t work. Except it still lives on in the general populace through crappy tabloids and people who know how to be vague in their predictions to make more money. Does Mercury being in retrograde actually affect relationships in November? Or could it be that November’s just a bad time for relationships in general and it’s just a coincidence, a correlation? I suspect the latter is the case, as it is the case with everything else people think can be attributed to the “supernatural.”

Psychics have been tested again and again. People claiming to be able to do faith healing, mind-reading, energy healing, psychic surgery, spoon-bending, telekinesis, and dowsing have all been tested over the decades, all with no success, all with no better results than random chance. Nobody’s ever been able to prove they can do these things. Some of them have been outright debunked. Others have had their tricks recreated by experienced magicians like James Randi and Darren Brown. Randi has spent decades exposing fakery from these people. While we can and should continue testing such claims, the time to believe them is when there’s convincing, reliable, scientific evidence. If these things are real, if any of them work, be it astrology, magic, or woo healing, they will work via some real physical process, and that can be tested. If and when that happens, I’ll start believing.

The ultimate point of all this is simple: Despite my skepticism, I still find beauty and wonder in the cosmos. Likewise, there are people who do believe such things, but still, find beauty in science and other areas contemplation. I don’t mind that as much, but I do mind when people replace reality with their own pet beliefs in the face of all evidence to the contrary. There are people who think the world is flat, that the moon isn’t real, that all life and the universe was created 6,000 years ago, that the astronomical bodies predict the future and our lives, that space is too scary to think about, that we’ll all go to hell when we die, that the Earth is the center of everything, or that everything is controlled by some cosmic entity. I prefer not to abide that, but I suppose I can’t stop it. All I can say is that the cosmos, both the cosmos as we know it through science, and as we know it through scientifically-plausible or logical and unfettered contemplation, is as interesting, astounding, and wondrous a place as any theology or spirituality has ever painted it as, if not more so.

We’re a species that’s the result of billions of years of biological evolution spurred by a fantastic chemical/physical event in the earliest days of our planet. A planet formed from the material that was produced in the exploded cores of stars, in a galaxy at whose center sits a supermassive black hole with an infinitely small singularity. A planet that orbits its parent star at over 60,000 miles per hour, rotating at 1,000 miles per hour at the equator. A star that’s moving through a fluid galaxy, which in turn is moving through the vastness of space. Space as vast as the space in the atoms that make us all up, we bits of sentient fluff, the cosmos contemplating itself. Contemplating these things on Earth, one of trillions of planets in a universe that’s expanding. A universe that may be one of infinite universes in a reality that’s far beyond anything we can comprehend with our little brains and limited ideas.

A universe where there are stars spinning at 700 times per second, black holes larger than solar systems, stars so huge that our own sun is invisible next to them, white dwarfs made of diamond, nuggets of gold the size of cities, time that flows at different rates, space that’s curved, and other wondrous things yet to be discovered. But when they are discovered, be it out in space or here on Earth, we will understand them scientifically, and that understanding will enrich our lives, as has our understanding of the world so far. An understanding that brings us modern medicine, ever-more-powerful technology, and increasingly deeper knowledge of the universe, the human mind, and the very fabric of reality.

We humans, already one species among many on our own planet, but potentially one of incalculably more intelligent (or otherwise) species in the universe, or the multiverse. In an infinite timeline, we exist now. All of us following each other on Tumblr, our friends, our family, our loved ones, everyone who’s alive now, was alive recently or will be alive soon. Even if “we” do have other “chances” at life, we have the pleasure of knowing each other now, here on Earth, the only versions of us that will ever be or have ever been, existing together in a space of time that’s so short, we might as well not even exist. But that’s exactly what makes it so special. That’s what keeps me and others going, wakes us up in the morning. When we have the energy, anyway. What will we discover tomorrow? Who knows! All I know is that when I look up at the night sky, I’m looking into the distant, ancient, prehistoric past, and that’s not only a fact, it’s pretty amazing.

#personal #space #science

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