#knowing the the symbol of the wild is the deer's antlers

[driftwithme]

Fantasy au Chuck my beloved.

He doesn't know that his name means "free man" and that his title as the rightful Prince of the Wild holds more power than he thinks so. He's slowly but surely falling in love with the most unruly and unpredictable man on the whole alliance of kingdoms and he just doesn't. That the name of the man he is in love with marks him as his home. That they are perfect for each other. That he shouldn't be scared of loving wild things.

(The symbol of the Wild House is the deer, with the crown being like a pair of antlers. Raleigh's name means "deers' meadow"...)

That his mother watches over him even in her eternal slumber, the Queen of the Wild but also the messenger of the Goddess of the True Aim, the Goddess of Discovery.

I love Chuck such much because he's just so like his mom and he doesn't even know!!!!!!

[lifesteal-headcanons]

More Abt Minute being a Corrupted Deer Hybrid;

He does experience the mating cycle of a buck. BUT ITS NOT LIKE THAT, trust me. It's just that he gets a lot more aggressive, and Blindsided or unpredictable. Which is surprisingly a bad thing on the Lifesteal SMP seeing as how it makes him go head forward into a battle.

He does well in both hot & cold climates since white tailed deer are basically everywhere.

He has hooves instead of feet and his legs to backwards like an actual bucks would. Also He has headbutt - killed someone before, it was very hard to separate the dead corpse from his antlers. When they did THEN it vanished.

That's why Minute tries to desperately avoid having his antlers out. He can use his decay magic from being curropted to get rid of his antlers & regrow them when he pleases. Granted in times when he goes into a mating cycle they're visible regardless.

Since most white tailed deer mate during fall / autumn that's when his mating cycle is. Typically from September - November. Seeing as how all Deer hybrids don't act as wild as actual deer, that's why it's extended to give a more open window for any chance of mating granted while yes most do mate, Minute & the other Deer hybrids of other SMPs (or simulations to them) choose to take medication that basically works the same as birth control but it just turns off their l*b*do. (I HATE THAT WORD SO MUCH)

- 👾🪻 Anon (sorry for rambling to much Abt probably inappropriate things, as a Midwestern guy that knows a lot about how deer work & their symbolism it took a hold of me.)

.

[tyrantchimera]

Root of Evil symbol

Watched Helluva Boss recently and decide to look into the symbol of the "Root of Evil" a bit. It appears in episode 1 and episode 3 ("Murder Family" and "Spring Broken" respectively). Was just wanting to draw it at first but then I started wondering about the symbolism. So I've broken it down a bit below:

The whole symbol kind of resembles trees or antlers but some parts seem mildly different than others stylistically, which can be hard to see when the symbol is combined (or doodled over like I did lol).

The centre of the symbol seems to resembles an upside-down cross or sword. Knowing this as an evil symbol I want to say it's supposed to be the cross, but both iterations of this symbol show a clear gradient in the thickness of the line so the sword imagery cannot be entirely dismissed. Or maybe it's a dagger? Backstabbing/betrayal is definitely a theme that goes well with evil in general.

The lowest tier of 'branches' on the symbol is different from the other because the 'tines' of the antler-like structure are very rectangular. It's like they've been filed down, or perhaps they aren't meant to resemble spiky horns/branches at all. The more I look at it the more I wonder if they're supposed to represent feathers or something. Upside-down angel wings would certainly be thematic with the upside-down cross/sword imagery from earlier.

The middle tier of 'antlers' is the smallest, but also most central. It perhaps represents hands pushing outwards, but personally it looks a lot more like deer horns to me, though the one line that goes out both sides is oddly notable since all other spiky bits on this symbol are only on one side of their respective 'branches'. Honestly kind of reminds me of a radio antennae mixed with antlers. (I may be obsessed with Alastor of course, so I am definitely biased lol)

At first glance the top 'branch' also looks like antlers, but the curve of the base, combined with the curve of the spikes, makes me think of bug legs more than anything. You ever seen a grasshopper leg? Or seen too much Hollow Knight art? You probably know what I mean.

I know Helluva Boss and Hazbin Hotel take place in the same universe, so as a chiefly Hazbin fan I can't help but make connections here that might not actually exist. But that's probably just me making wild, whacky, unfounded theories. After all, it's not like we know of a group where at least one of them has something to do with bugs, another has wings, and the central character has both antlers, a radio theme, and/or an upside-down cross in their outfit somewhere...

Wait. Oh. Yeah we do.

So I'm pretty convinced that these guys have something to do with the "Root of Evil" that the one crazy family in Helluva Boss episode 1 intended to honour. Even if Alastor is the only one who really knows what is going on, and is dragging the others along for the ride...

On that note, there sure is a lot of red eye symbolism in both Helluva Boss and Hazbin Hotel when this subject comes up. Helluva boss correlates these two concepts with a decent amount of certainty too imho. Have a couple images to prove my point. Need I say more?

Actually I'm not saying more because I'm just lazy. lol. Anyways, I hope you all had fun with this concept. Build on it as you will...

[alchemical-astrology]

♠︎ Animal Symbolism In Dreams | Deer 🦌

Inspired by a dream I had with a deer (which looked a lot like the one in the gif, complete with antlers). Kurt Cobain from Nirvana was also there, for some reason, so I might have to do a follow up post from this about celebrities.

Deer symbolism | possible meanings

• freedom

• peace

• pursuit or hunting (medieval meaning, nowadays more likely to indicate a symbolic search or can indicate a feeling of being prey)

• purity

• an untouched nature, the return to a true and uncorrupted state

• sensitivity

• guardianship (of old growth forests, woodlands, and glades)

• royalty (another medieval meaning, may have different meanings to you based on which country you are in and it's history)

Location of deer in dreams

• deer in the woods or forests - natural habitat, wildness, but also balance. harmony with inner nature

• deer in human environments or on the fringes of wilderness - meeting of two parts of your nature, the ephemeral, something tantalising, something difficult or out of reach

• deer close up - kinship with nature, gentleness. or can mean passivity, lack of awareness, loss of natural instinct

• deer from a distance - disconnection, a fleeting glimpse, the meeting point where life could have taken a different direction

This is just what I managed to dig up, I can't vouch for how true any of it may be but take what resonates as with all my posts...

Ngl, I am interested to know how common it is to dream about deer because I haven't actually heard anyone talk about it much. It may be because I live in the actual countryside so I do see them regularly and am exposed to the symbolism more

[gardeniashellfire]

Moodboard #3: Changbin (AGoLC:LMH)

Changbin– God of Wildlife and Nature.

•If you ever get lost in the woods or ever hear it call, it's probably Changbin wanting you to be part of his hunt or maybe to admire what he has done, he is one of the most mysterious gods out there, acting more like a crazy mad man you would encounter in the woods then a god that rules it all, he is the one responsible for all of nature's wonders, from beautiful butterflies and deers to creatures of you most wild nightmares, it was expected when he is the son of the god of night.

–He is, undeniably, crazy. In the good way at least, always saying things that might scare most gods away, this due to climate change and nature been evicted, many say he is two steps away from snapping, but he is a sweet little deer to do so, usually seen dancing or humming, they say it's both dark and alluring.

–He has the ability to communicate with all type of animals and understand their customs, posses the ability to make people go inside while they reside in his woods (gif from his momma), is a mix a several animals, having the antlers of a deer and the teeth and eyes of a wolf and the claws of a dear, when he is really mad he grows in size, his face turning into the skull of a dear (people rumor he insured the Wendigo).

–Not usually seen in the Heavenly Courtz likes to spend more time in the Mortal Realm, bitter to the fact that humans destroy his gift, but still has hope for them.

•Sacred animals: Deers, bunny, pigs.

•Sacred symbols: A deers skull, windpipes, and bells.

Other titles: The Northern Star favorite child, Guide of the Mad.

—The Northern Star is his grandpa, the one that shows people the way in their darkest time, he adores Changbin, giving him a similar gift the day he was born under the eclipse.

–Guide of the Mad: Nature can do many things to your brain once you are lost by everything, scared of alm the noises, but if you hear a deep soft humming and fireflies appear just know, your not crazy, it just Changbin showing you the way.

Binnie baby! Here is our dear dark sunshine, consider him our local and friend crazy person, he is going to be... Something.

[sergeantsporks]

Do you think Belos likes deer? All of his various masks have antlers.

I know I saw a post somewhere comparing the horns on his mask to the horns of a stag beetle rather than an actual stag, but! I'm not sure if Phillip actually likes deer or not. Because the mask is a disguise, right, a way for him to trick witches. Deer are pretty symbolic of forests and woods, and while they're generally seen as sort of gentle and peaceful creatures, they are ultimately wild creatures. So, the deer antlers might be more in a "witches are wild, deer are symbolic of the wild, ergo, I wear deer horns to trick the witches into thinking I'm something familiar and similarly depraved and wild."

Alternately, since deer are pretty good for sustenance (especially if you're a starving little farmboy), and they are considered all gentle and whatnot, one could consider the similarity to lamb/sacrifice religious imagery, albeit with a wilder connotation. Which loops back to the "the witches will trust me now" point, but from a different view, or could put a lens of Phillip seeing himself as a Jesus-like figure here to save humanity from the sin of witchcraft (although I doubt that was the intent when he was younger).

[hastalavistabyebye]

I was wondering, why do we use deer iconography so often to depict cryptids and gods and monsters of the wilderness ?

Well first of, it's based on western imagination, culture and lore of course. This plays obviously a major part of it but why ? Why a deer ?

By the way, deer presence in folklore and everything is old, like very old, and common to lots of cultures. Its antlers renewal is associated with rebirth and life and death cycle. And globally deers are seen as a link with the supernatural. What I'm trying to theorise is why, and maybe why still today.

So let's start.

First, the wilderness pictured is the one of nature. The nature untouched, undomesticable by humans. The savage nature, the wild nature. And what is a wild nature in western biome ? The forest. It's the wild element of the western landscape. It's a huge part of folklore because its darkness and density is home of so many creatures and dangers. You can get lost in it, easily. You hold no power in the Forest, etc, etc. The forest is the best way to start a tale isn't it ? Anyway, that's the first point : magic and secrecy, everything cryptid and other fairies and land monsters, are linked to the Forest. 

And what do we find in a forest ? Well lots of things (and I'm only speaking about wildlife here, so not vegetation). Bears, wild boars, lots of different birds with a lot of variety, rabbits, wolfs and foxes... And of course deers.

So why deers and deer-particularities specifically are so much used and appreciated ? There is so many other animals to use ! So here is what I think, and it's really is just an idea, a simple take on the matter :

Deers are beautiful creatures. They are majestic, mighty. They're also skittish and fast. Finding a deer is hard. This two points put them in two cases of common imagination. 

They are regal : it puts them in a "king of the Forest" sort of position. Especially since their antlers are associated with royalty. It's the symbol of a good hunter and who liked to hunt ? Kings. So yeah, they're heavily associated with royalty and power, must it be as a symbol or because of their appearance and grace.

They are hard to meet and good at hiding : it put them in the "supernatural" case, the fantastic aspect of the Forest. Here and not here. Watching you but impossible to see. As if they were at two places at once. Present but never where you look. 

So that's already two aspects in their favour for being associated to a godlike creature of the Forest.

But there is also something else. Because a bear or a wolf could have similarities in a way or the other. So deers have something else.

They are dangerous but not carnivorous. They are a prey, not a danger for the Forest. Not a danger for the Forest inhabitants. A danger for us. And where does this come from ? Easy : the deer's slab. You hear them from far away, they are noisy like all hell. And it is kind of terrifying. Plus they're also fighting. And it will be dangerous if you get too close because they will attack. Not to eat. Not because they're hurt or because of their instincts specifically. It practically feels like they are angry at you (because it does sound like they are angry at something or each other or well you know anything and everything really, deer's slabs are impressive as hell). And so they can be seen as forces you should not mess with. Forces that will only attack each other or invaders of their territory, protectors.

Mighty, very hard to find, protectors living in the Forest. Oh and very easily identified thanks to their unmistakable antlers.

It's in fact no wonder why deer iconography is so used to depict the Forest (and wilderness at large) dangers, secrets and power.

[parabelllvm]

the other two get hcs about how wild they can be and all i do for brodi is go "oh i love them. oh they're so strong. oh my baby" even though they're a grown ass ??? person??? being. grown ass being.

anyway, lets talk about brodi's tattoos/markings!

Crùin Ddroighin

Translates to Crown of Thorns in Cadayllean. whatever imagery you got in your head... and throw it out. it does not represent humility or sacrifice or suffering. it's not a mockery of a crown either.

it's what it says on the tin — a dark crown of "thorns" wraps around their left upper arm. it extends into other runes and tattoos and what not, but it's clear that it was there first and before all the others. it symbolizes what brodiaea truly is, which is something many have speculated on in Eokke. They most commonly resemble a fae but they do not feel fae, they've lived too long to be human, they're not dracnae, either, and no one has ever seen them shift into any sort of creature, it's something that has a lot of Cadaylleans wondering — especially those that live near Ailm.

however, it's this last point that is the most important.. because they are an animal shifter. the general term is mystlae and anyone that knew them from their "birth" would know that they're a male deer. Brodi will always default to calling themself a stag on the extremely rare occasions that they identify what they are by name. it isn't something they are comfortable sharing with people they aren't like... ride or die with, as the anonymity allows them some form of control over how they are perceived. they have heavy glamours and blocks in place to prevent anyone discovering that as well, making their energy a little murky for anyone that would normally know. i'll get into that more another time.

in any case, the crown displayed on their arm is not one made of roots or actual thorns, but one made to resemble their antlers when not maintaining a fae-like/human-like form. it is their crown and it is a symbol of their authority, in a way. their presence in Cadaylle is seen as a physical blessing, as they are the only one that has gotten to the level of knowledge that they currently wield at their literal fingertips. while they could do some real damage with that power, they don't and have never once considered it.

they instead chose to watch over Ailmtinne'eadhe, the Wrucilese, and anyone that needs their eye for eternity. it's their devotion, their passion — all wrapped in a neat little marking that most would see and not think twice about. though, it's not for the gods — not for their grace, not for their favor, not even for their attention — but for the denizens of the realm and the ones that matter more.

Snàthlainn gu Fàid

Translates directly to Thread of Fate. This one, coincidentally, wraps around their arm on the same side — the left.

this one is also pretty straightforward. it's a winding strand that winds down their arm starting at their wrist and then branches out in six different directions in a somewhat spiral pattern. it is the visual representation of the soul link they have to six other beings they've taken under their umbrella of protection. it's designed to be one-way, so Brodiaea can tell where they are, if they're in distress or in danger or viscerally angry, can get to them in an instant if needed, and can pull them out of whatever situation they're in via teleportation.

because it's a visual representation of that connection, strain on it is also very visible. the strands are relatively thin-looking, so one has to be standing very close to Brodi to effectively pick them out against their skin and recognize when one seems fainter than the others. Brodi knows each strand by name so... there's never any confusion on their end as to who needs their help.

like the first, it is a symbol of their passion and of their devotion. they chose to do this, and they chose to be among the first that wanted to protect these six beings and help them navigate something they couldn't possibly comprehend on their own. Brodi knows that they've broken a cardinal law of the realm — "tampering" with souls — but they don't regret it a second of it. the longer they live, the more clear it is to them that... this realm that they live in is very fractured. it and nearly every individual that dwells in it honestly can't do much if the gods above or whatever lurks below elects to use it for another "proxy war", such is the case for these six beings. the gods did nothing as these individuals were taken advantage of and continue to do nothing even as they suffer.

so what does it matter if they break a law. or two. or three. they, at the very least, are doing something.

[nitewrighter]

I know you don’t have any ask games currently posted but just for fun: what has been the favorite bit of symbolism you’ve ever put into one of your stories? Or at least a bit of symbolism that you particularly liked.

Well I think the tough part about this ask is, like, I don't usually set out to have symbolism in my stories, it's more like it kind of crops up in there as I ask the question of "Hmm how can I visually reinforce what's going on here?" And that just kind of gradually folds more and more into the overarching theme of the story as I go along. Which... okay maybe that's kind of how symbolism works? But for me it's more like, visual than really ascribing to any hard schools of "X is in here to represent Y." I would say my most self indulgent case of symbolic writing is definitely in my Reidan fic, "The Stag Prince," and even then I'm not entirely sure if it's actual symbolism or if it's just a matter of being couched in the language and imagery of fairy tales, Irish folklore, and the Child Ballads. So like, throughout the story you have a lot of prevalence of the colors white, red, and black. In Irish folklore, red is considered the most magical color, because it's a pretty rare color in nature, and it's the color of fire and blood! White can also be pretty rare in nature as albinism usually makes animals more vulnerable to predators and whatnot. Red kind of naturally made its way in there because Aedan's a ginger, so it made sense that most of the animals he would turn into would be red. Of course, the stag being his favored form is because we consider stags both cthonic animals and symbols of virility. But like... I don't know if this was on purpose or if I just wanted to create a visual callback to Aedan's freckles, but I write the stag as being dappled--first a red stag dappled with white at the beginning, then a white stag dappled with red for the Wild Hunt. And like, we all know deer/elk only have spots when they're babies, so I was kind of leaning into the concept of neoteny as also a sort of indicator of magic--that Aedan, as an adult stag, shouldn't have spots, so his spots are an indicator that he's a ~magic deer!~ The White Stag bit is also meant to be a callback to English folklore and heraldry with the White Hart. There's a lot of nature-as-magic in the story, and you also see this in the mushrooms/spiders/Snow White scene which, clearly uses a lot of white. Lowkey I wish I knew more about Mycelium at the time I wrote that part, because god, the visual overlap between cobwebs and mycelium is RIGHT THERE.

Basically looking back on this story, it's basically soft romantic fairy tail fluff as a thin rice paper wrapping around me with a megaphone yelling "FAIRY TALES ARE SEX AND DEATH." And like, it's not like I wasn't aware of that at the time I was writing it--after all, another major inspiration of that was the Child Ballads, which have a significant amount of sex in them, so there's a noticeable amount of innuendo in it--Rei doing the Action Skirt Rip, the silly "You have to ride me" exchange, Rei taking hold of Aedan's antlers, Aedan feeling Rei's bare legs tighten at his flanks--and they're doing this to join the wild hunt, which is like... this terrifying procession of ghosts and fairies and monsters, lead by the Dullahan, an omen of death, the fact that they're both doing this because Aedan sought to give up his immortality for love. So... sex and death.

There are also several song callbacks in that fic--Rei's Action Skirt Rip is kind of an homage to Child Ballad 39: Tam Lin's "Janet has kilted her green kirtle aboon her knee" but the white dress she's wearing in the wild hunt is inspired by the Decemberists' Hazards of Love, "My true love went riding out in white and green and gray." Also the witch knots and the spiders webs in the Snow White scene are a callback to the spellbreaking tasks in Child Ballad 6: Willie's Lady (Who was it who undid the 9 witch-knots tangled in amongst his lady's locks?/Who was it split the silken thread the spider stretched all beneath his Lady's bed?)

So like... I don't know how much of it was symbolism and how much of it was just being its own visual and narrative language, but it's mostly me throwing myself into these historic storytelling genres and tropes to tell a story with my beloved kids, and I had an absolute blast doing it, and looking back I still have a soft spot for the story. Even now I can tell it was something I very much wrote for myself, and I'm like "Aw, thank you, Me."

[mouthsfullofsharpteeth]

I am here to add onto your mh animal headcannons because I love that kinda stuff. I think they are all pretty spot on, but consider this:

I really like your hawk idea for Brian but I have always seen him as a Coyote. Kind of a scraggly animal but they are known tricksters in media almost like a fox but more gruff and wild. He also just has dog energy. Like bro was probably a golden retriever kinda man before shit went down. Him as a cackling Coyote just mmmm. Makes sense.

Tim is hard, but i always stray away from bears for him. It just doesn't fit to me or make sense. He would be either a Black Wolf, a Wild Boar, or something along the lines of a Badger. Black Wolf because he is predatory and mysterious and all that jazz. Also if he was a Wolf it would make the main totheark guys a nice pack of dogs to tie it together. Boar or Badger because of his aggressiveness and his tackle everything mindset as Masky and his leave me alone demeanor. I could go on and on but I won't.

Jay is so much a little slinky rodent but also a blue Jay because uhh. Jay. BLUE JAY. GET IT AHAHAH. But like legitimately because it just fits him. Especially the curiosity they have. Also since blue Jays are in the corvid family it makes sense since those birds usually are known to follow wolves.

Alex as a buck is great. Love it. Same with Amy.

Mouse Jessica is on par with Mousely. We love it.

Sarah I can also see as a rabbit but honestly owl is great.

Seth as a white wolf is great but for him I imagine a smaller dog such as a fox. If we are to all agree on the seth is the third totheark member then its fitting because He's very intelligent and misleading and also a trickster. Also foxes are in many legends and stories so it just adds to the mystery.

And buh buh buh buh

New animal headcannon

The Operator!

This one is not at all well thought out in my head and I really want to see what other people think for it.

My first thought is a bald eagle just because they are bid symbols and because of the white face. But something along the lines of a vulture could make sense as well. Or even a big ass snake. Idk. Some sort of large predator that seems like the rest but is just wrong. Trying to think of animals that are tall and blend in with the woods. Deer come to mind cause the antlers look like branches but we already have two deer. Maybe an elk? Too bulky tho. And then the obvious answer. A swarm of white hornets. That would be a cool way to tie in the name. Idk. Help me out here.

If you read this then kudos to you. Thank you for listening to my ramblings. Enjoy. :)

OHHHH YES i love these. now that you mention it, coyote brian is such a good idea, i do really like that. I also like your idea of totheark being a little dog trio lolol, tho idk i just love tim being a bear so much i cant help it. big and fluffy, looks so cute and huggable. but could kill and maim. And jay as a blue jay is also one i considered lolol. but omggg i love your idea for the operator being a vulture, but i also get what you mean about something that just doesnt fit with the others. hmmm. I know @mersei47 had the idea of the operator being a hunter which is FUN and i do love, but if we're making them all animals.... hm. i also considered a moose or an elk because i really like the antler imagery. maybe a moose? or vulture? unsure...

but yes, i definitely enjoyed!!! loved reading this

[cuhulain8]

CERNUNNOS ESUS

Cernunnos (pronounced as Karnunnos) in numerology is a 6

He is a god found in a Cauldron. Cauldrons resembles a chalice and the womb. The cauldron is a symbol of the creative forces of transformation, commonly associated with the Water and Fire Elements. One must be reborn in Spirit (fire) and water. This requires and involves sexual energy.

So imagine Cernunnos on a cauldron

Gundestrap Cauldron

One of the more famous interpretations of Cernunnos is from the Gundestrup cauldron of Denmark. With his signature antlers, the god has his legs crossed beneath himself. He appears to lack a beard, though the torques for which he is known to have stayed. On all sides, Cernunnos is flanked by male animals.

He is a god of male energy, virility,raw masculinity, a type of male sexuality unadulterated. Basically when I refer to male or masculinity I'm not talking about a physical gender per se. But deity, or Divinity that is in all of creation. He is though most notable in certain types of men. He is the god of the animal self and mediator between man and Nature. Nature is the union of animal self, ego and higher self.

Once again, Cernunnos is accompanied by a ram-horned serpent. Alongside the animals is decorative foliage, further emphasizing Cernunnos’ relationship with fertility indeed.

That makes Cernunnos the god of beasts, fertility, hunting, animals. As said and nature. In Neo-Pagan traditions, Cernunnos is a dual deity: a god of death and a god of life and rebirth. As a Gaelic god, Cernunnos possibly had a larger commerce role as a god of wealth, abundance, and prosperity. His unique role within the Gallic Empire has led to the horned god being equated with other chthonic wealth gods, such as the Roman Plutus.

Cernunnos had complete influence over fertility, death, and the natural world. He could give life as much as he could take it away. Since he had a specific power over male animals, it wouldn’t be too far off to say he had a role in animal husbandry as well.

Just know that originally, the god Cernunnos was a fairly benevolent dude that played a central role in the lives of ancient peoples across the British Isles. There’s even a belief that Cernunnos sings to the souls of the dead, which – on top of everything else we know – makes it difficult to cast this Celtic horned god in a villainous light.

Cernunnos is not known as a member of the Tuath Dé Danann, let alone as a father or son of any notable deities. He is simply the Lord of Wild Places, who acts as a mediator between man and beast. There is no knowledge that he communicates with other deities, except for his equally enigmatic wife.

Dang – what is it with chthonic gods having an air of mystery about them?!

Now, there are some context clues we can follow to find out more about Cernunnos. In just about all of his depictions, Cernunnos appears to be wearing deer antlers. His appearance alone mixes man and beast since he has aspects of both. Though, he is also wearing a torque and holding one.

The torque in Celtic mythology usually could tell a few things about its wearer. Notably, people who wore torques were of the elite, heroes, or the divine. Cernunnos holding a torque could suggest that he could grant wealth and status, which would make sense since other symbols of his include a cornucopia and a sack of coins. Though, there is the chance that Cernunnos could be the judge of heroes, especially when comparing the god to the Green Knight of Arthurian legend.

How was he worshipped?

Cernunnos was primarily worshiped in the British Isles and across ancient Gaul. Archaeological evidence suggests the presence of a central cult in Britain and other predominantly Celtic regions. Unfortunately, no written record survives detailing the way Cernunnos would have been worshiped in history. What is known about the Celtic horned god comes from inscriptions and depictions on select artifacts.

More or less, early Christians took one look at the horned god and went “nope, none for us, thanks.” So intense was the detest of pagan deities, that Christianity went ahead and demonized most (if not all) of them. Cernunnos was among the long, long list of gods that didn’t make the cut into the up-and-coming monotheistic religion.

In modern Wiccan, Druidism, and Neo-Pagan practices, Cernunnos has been closely associated with oaks; offerings are nearly all naturally occurring items. On that note, there are no exact instructions for how to worship Cernunnos and what are considered appropriate sacrifices.

Cernunnos, the Seasons, and Sacrificial Death

One of the biggest aspects of Cernunnos is his representation of the natural cycle. A part of the natural cycle is death, rebirth, and life. According to popular myth, Cernunnos dies and decays in the fall; his body is soon swallowed by the earth. In dying and being returned to the earth, Cernunnos impregnates a fertility deity, one assumed to be his wife so that a new life could be born.

Coincidentally, the death of Cernunnos is a sacrificial one. He must die for a new life to even have a chance. This is the natural order of things. Overall, Cernunnos’ death marks the stagnation of crops throughout the autumn and winter, while his rebirth heralds spring.

This puts him with deities like Osiris and Dionysus. While these are greek and Egyptian and have a much more extensive role in these cultures. I won't be writing about. Instead I'm focused on Celtic origins of Cernunnos.

While He is recognized most often through his connection to animals and our own deeply buried, dimly recalled, instinctual animal natures, Cernnunos is also a tree, forest, and vegetation god in his foliate aspect of The Green Man, Guardian of the Green World. His branching antlers symbolize the spreading treetops of the forest as well as his animal nature. As Master of the Sacrificial Hunt, His is the life that is given in service of new life. His wisdom is that the old must pass away to make way for the new.

In his Underworld aspect Cernnunos is The Dark Man, the god who dwells in the House Beneath the Hill, the Underworld. He is the one who comforts and sings the souls of the dead to their rest in the Summerlands of the Otherworld. Cernnunos, as Master of the Wild Hunt, who pursues the souls of evil doers, is not associated with a biblical or even modern morality, but with the protection and continuance of the Land and Nature and the spirits that dwell therein.

As Herne the Hunter and the Merry Wives

The Herne the Hunter character of English folklore is a bit more debatable of a myth. He’s a spirit exclusive to Windsor Park and is likely just a local interpretation of the horned god Cernunnos if even that. Herne too has horns, though he’s known for his rebel-rousing more than anything. He first appears in William Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor (1597). Sounds like an echo of Robin Hood and the merry men in Sherwood. I'm not surprised if that's one of his names either.

From Elizabethan times onwards, Herne has had many identities. He has been considered everything from a forest keeper that once committed a terrible crime to a spiteful forest god. According to interpretation of whoever wrote down the tales. Whoever Herne the Hunter was, he was historically used as a boogeyman to keep children from romping in the woods. Apparently, he could even take the form of a huge stag!

Also I want to point out a particular myth concerning as a Guardian of the Realm he was to also appear in Elizabethan times of a National Crisis or emergency.

Finally HESUS

from The Flaming Door: Mission of the Celtic Fold Soul

by Eleanor C. Merry, 1936

"And that which came to meet the soul (as light and sound come to meet our outer eyes and ears) was called HU, the spiritual world." (p. 137)

"The God HU was the all-ruling Divinity of Western Celtic mythology. He represented the power and the glory of the spiritual world." (p. 153)

"The Mysteries of HU revealed the other pole of human life: the ascent out of the body into the 'glorified' state of expansion of the consciousness in the spiritual world." (p. 153)

"And HU could bring music to the consciousness of waking man and teach it to him, because he himself could hear in sleep the harmonies of the spheres, and his passage from waking to sleeping to waking was unbroken by any obliteration of consciousness. This was always the summit of initiation experience." (p. 165)

Remember he is known to sing to the souls of the dead. This makes sense when you consider spirits with unfinished business who hasn't found peace/rest.

from The Book of Druidry

by Ross Nichols

"HU or Heu'c', who is also Hu Gadarn and Hesus or Esus. The Heu'c sound seems to identify with the name or sound for spirit, identified with breath, very general and coming from very far in time and space." (p. 124)

"HU or He was the seed or essence, the form of deity that like littel Gwion is transformed from least to greatest: HU, the unpronounced either with a light i-sound as he or heu'h, is the creative word, the seed of fire, the first sound." (p. 128)

from The secret teachings of all ages:

an encycklopedic outline of Masonic, Hermetic,

Cabbalistic and Rosicrucian Symbolic Philosophy

by Manly P. Hall

"Their temples wherein the sacred fire was preserved were generally situate on eminences and in dense groves of oak, because a circle was the emblem of the universe; oval, in allusion to the mundane egg, from which issued, according to the traditions of many nations, the universe, or, according to others our first parents; serpentine, because a serpent was the symbol of HU, the Druidic Osiris; cruciform because a cross is an emblem of regeneration; or winged, to represent the motion of the divine spirit.*** Their chief deities were reducible to two - a male and a female, the great father and mother - HU and Cridwen, distinguished by the same characteristics as belong to Osiris and Isis, Bacchus and Ceres, or any other supreme goddess representing the two principles of all Being."

"Godfrey Higgins states that HU, the Mighty, regarded as the first settler of Britain, came from a place which the Welsh Triads call the summer country, the present site of Constantinople. Albert Pike says that the Lost Word of Masonry is concealed in the name of the Druid god HU. The meager information extant concerning the secret initiations of the Druids indicates a decided similarity between their Mystery school and the schools of Greece and Egypt. HU, the sun God, was murdered and, after a number of ordeals and mystic rituals, was restored to life."

Unfortunately the Romans described Esus as barbaric sacrificed victims hanging upside down on a tree and among various of other descriptions. Anything written by the victors or enemies of the Celts I'm pretty sure had something negative to say or twisting information.

CONCLUSION:

Well I looked up a few names here I found Cernunnos is Hesus.. Cernunnos Esus is a 7

Cernunnos HESUS IS 6.

For me my birthday in numerology life path is a SEVEN.

Life Path Number 7. It's kinda odd how we tend to choose certain names that describes us.

Cernunnos as Herne the Hunter... If I think about it for a moment I like to observe, think, explore, I love nature. I'm "secluded" like Cernunnos is away from the conundrum of cities and others. I prefer to spend time with animals and nature. So I suppose in a way I resemble Cernunnos or Herne. Which I am proud of to be an "avatar" of such a mysterious god.

I am a manifestaton, avatar, incarnation, etc of Cernunnos in many ways as organic Nature is.

[gmbdm]

All About Antler Wedding Rings

Antler wedding rings have become a popular choice for couples looking for unique and meaningful wedding bands. These rings, made from naturally shed antlers, offer a distinctive look and symbolize a deep connection to nature. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about antler wedding rings, from their origins to their care and maintenance.

What Are Antler Wedding Rings?

Antler wedding rings are rings crafted from the antlers of deer, elk, or moose. These antlers are naturally shed by the animals each year, making them a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for jewelry. The antlers are then collected, cleaned, and carefully shaped into rings. Some rings are made entirely from antlers, while others combine antlers with metals like titanium or wood for added durability and style.

Why Choose an Antler Wedding Ring?

Choosing an antler wedding ring can be a meaningful decision for several reasons:

Unique Appearance: No two antler wedding rings are exactly alike. The natural patterns and colors of the antler ensure that each ring is one-of-a-kind.

Connection to Nature: Antler wedding rings are perfect for nature lovers or those who enjoy outdoor activities like hunting and hiking.

Symbolism: Antlers symbolize strength, renewal, and growth, making them a fitting symbol for a marriage.

Sustainability: Since the antlers are naturally shed and not harvested from living animals, antler rings are an eco-friendly choice.

Types of Antler Wedding Rings

There are several types of antler wedding rings to choose from, each offering a unique style:

Full Antler Rings

Full antler rings are made entirely from antler material. These rings showcase the natural beauty of the antler and can come in various shades of brown, white, and even gray. They are lightweight and comfortable, making them an excellent choice for everyday wear.

Antler and Metal Rings

Some antler wedding bands combine antlers with metals like titanium, tungsten, or silver. This combination adds strength to the ring and can create a striking contrast between the natural texture of the antler and the sleek finish of the metal. These rings are often chosen for their durability and modern look.

Antler and Wood Rings

Antler and wood rings are an excellent option for a rustic and earthy appearance. These rings pair the natural grain of the wood with the unique patterns of the antler, creating a harmonious blend of materials. They are perfect for those who appreciate a more organic aesthetic.

How Antler Wedding Rings Are Made

The process of creating an antler wedding band involves several steps:

Collection: The first step is collecting naturally shed antlers. These are found in the wild or sourced from antler farms.

Cleaning and Preparing: The antlers are thoroughly cleaned to remove any dirt and debris. They are then cut into manageable pieces.

Shaping: The antler fragments are carefully shaped into rings using specialized tools. This step requires precision to ensure a comfortable fit and a smooth finish.

Polishing: The rings are polished to enhance their natural beauty and to provide a smooth, glossy surface.

Customization: Some rings may be further customized with inlays of metal, wood, or gemstones to add a personal touch.

Caring for Your Antler Wedding Ring

Antler wedding rings require some special care to maintain their beauty and longevity:

Avoid Water: Prolonged exposure to water can weaken the antler material. Remove your ring before swimming, bathing, or washing dishes.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Chemicals found in cleaning products, perfumes, and lotions can damage the antler. It's best to take off your ring when using these substances.

Regular Cleaning: Clean your antler ring with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface.

Storage: Store your ring in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A jewelry box or a soft pouch is ideal for keeping it safe.

Customizing Your Antler Wedding Band

One of the great things about antler wedding bands is their potential for customization. Here are a few ideas to make your ring truly unique:

Inlays

Inlays of different materials can be added to your antler ring for a personalized touch. Popular inlay options include:

Wood: Adds a rustic, earthy feel to the ring.

Metal: Provides a modern, sleek contrast.

Gemstones: Adds a touch of sparkle and color.

Engravings

Personalize your ring with an engraving on the inside or outside of the band. This could be your wedding date, initials, or a meaningful phrase.

Finish

Choose a finish that suits your style. Antler rings can be polished to a high shine or left with a more matte, natural look.

Antler Wedding Rings: A Perfect Choice for Nature Lovers

An antler wedding band is an excellent choice for couples who love the great outdoors and want a ring that reflects their lifestyle. Here are some reasons why nature lovers might choose an antler ring:

Connection to Wildlife: Wearing an antler ring can be a reminder of your favorite outdoor adventures and your respect for wildlife.

Eco-Friendly: Since antler rings use a natural resource that is shed annually, they are a sustainable jewelry option.

Symbolism: Antlers represent growth and renewal, making them a meaningful symbol for your marriage journey.

Where to Buy Antler Wedding Rings

When purchasing an antler wedding ring, choosing a reputable jeweler is essential. Here are a few tips for finding the perfect ring:

Research: Look for jewelers who specialize in antler rings and have good reviews from previous customers.

Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask the jeweler about the sourcing of their antlers, the crafting process, and the care instructions.

Customization Options: Choose a jeweler who offers customization options so you can create a ring that truly reflects your style.

Conclusion

Antler wedding rings offer a unique and meaningful alternative to traditional wedding bands. With their natural beauty, connection to nature, and sustainable origins, these rings are perfect for couples who want a distinctive symbol of their love. Whether you choose a full antler ring, an antler and metal band, or an antler and wood combination, your antler wedding band will be a one-of-a-kind piece that tells your unique story. By following proper care and maintenance guidelines, your antler wedding ring will remain a beautiful reminder of your special day for years to come.

[unlimited-sciuridae]

Finally working on 'The Age of the Deer' book and interestingly deer were almost hunted to extinction in North America.

"Kansas was declared deer-free in the 1930s. Ohio's herd had been extripated for three decades by then. Vermonters hadn't seen a deer for two generations."

"[...] in at least thirty states from Flordia to Vermont and from Montana to Texas, game managers deliberately restocked whitetails"

It sounds like the early 1900s was wild time to be a deer. Because they'd capture the deer in one state and ship them off to another. Imagine getting drugged and ending up in Montana when you've lived in like, North Carolina your whole life.

Anyway deer as symbols of death, deer as symbols of spiritual protection and guides to the afterlife, deer as transit beings between urban and rural- life and death- wild and tamed. Good stuff. Deer (to my suprise) carry their own duality with them throughout history as beings of opposites. But more importantly, they survive. As a species they just keep going and going.

So you know, the assumed canon of Alastor being a deer because he was mistaken for one caused his death is cool but also is he not a character designed of opposites?

Gentlemen- killer, he bleats like a fawn with Rosie - will eat people alive, Fluffy- will kill. Any play into deer duality was an accident but I was delighted just the same.

P.S. "Biologists estimate that Louisiana’s deer population dropped from several hundred thousand in 1700 to an estimated 70,000 by the early 1900s. In some areas, the deer disappeared altogether."

"Louisiana climbed on the Progressive band wagon in 1912 when it created the Department of Conservation and gave it the authority to regulate all activities regarding the state’s wildlife. In setting the deer season that year, the Department outlawed the killing of does for the first time, required bucks to have antlers at least 3 inches long, and limited hunters to 5 bucks per season. The selling of venison was also prohibited (another first), but, oddly, spotlighting was allowed."

Whoever shot Alastor probably wasn't even legally allowed to hunt deer (depending on season). Now isn't that just the sugar on the cream.

[marvelmusing]

The Three of Us

Pairing: Aleksander Morozova x Fem!Reader x Alina Starkov

Summary: You’ve managed to locate the mythical Morozova’s stag and have arrived at the Little Palace to share the news. You’re eager to meet the infamous Black General, and to hopefully see your childhood friend Alina.

My Masterlist

You bounce your leg nervously as your eyes scan over the room. It’s all so large and ornate. The General’s War Room. It’s hard to believe that the entire war effort is managed from this table. Tofin picks up a wooden horse from the map that covers the table. You’re far too tense to let his fiddling slide.

“Tofin. Put it down.” You remark quietly. Noting how tense you look, he indulges you. After months of trekking through the woods, you can’t believe how close you are to Alina. That you’re finally at the Little Palace. The door opens and the Black General strides in. You straighten, taking in the sight of him. His eyes skim over you both before asking,

“These are the two who claim they found the stag?” His voice is smoother than you expected, but his tone demands respect.

“No sir. She did.” Tofin says with a nod towards you.

“And you are?” The General asks, sparing you a glance as he steps forward. You recount your name before adding,

“Tracker with the 36th, sir.” He looks at you intently before repeating your name with what looks like recognition.

“What a surprise.” He says softly. “Leave us.” Tofin glances over at you, and you nod with a brief smile. The door opens and he leaves, accompanied by the General’s guard. Once the door closes the General turns his attention back to you, his eyes moving to the bloodstain over your right shoulder. “Are you alright?” He asks, in the same soft tone. Your eyes flicker down to the wound and you shrug lightly.

“It’s fine, thank you sir.” You assure him, hoping he doesn’t notice how you clench your jaw slightly with the shrug. Aleksander notices of course, but doesn’t comment. He smiles gently.

“So, there are a lot of deer in the wild.” He moves towards the other side of the table, away from you. “How do you know you found the right stag?” You reach into your pocket and pull out Alina’s drawing. There’s bloodstains at the corners from your finger marks, where you had held onto the paper as if Alina herself was helping you through the snow. You place the page down on his desk.

“It was this one.” He stares down at the drawing of the stag.

“You’re certain.”

“Absolutely.” You nod. “Twice as big as any other. All white. When it looked at me head on, it’s antlers…” you falter as an open book catches your eye. He watches you struggle for words.

“What?”

“I think I saw that.” You point to the symbol lying on the page in front of him. The General looks over at the book, before turning his gaze back to you. He leans forward, his attention on you increasing by the second.

“Was it alone? With a herd?”

“It had travelled with a small herd. But it was alone when I found it.” He turns, pushing some papers out of his way as he grasps hold of a map. He places it down in front of you.

“Show me where.” He instructs.

“North of Chernast.” He picks up a pencil,

“No, precisely.” He turns to you, leaning in close as he holds it out to you. “Mark it for me.” You falter for a moment, wondering whether now is the right time. He looks down at the map, but when he senses your hesitation his eyes flicker up to meet your own.

“I don’t mean to be insubordinate sir, but…” you swallow hard, strengthening your resolve. “I want to see Alina.” He straightens, staring down at you.

“I beg your pardon?”

“I know her. We grew up together. Please, I just want to know if she’s alright.” He looks across the room, before explaining,

“Do you know how many claim to know the sun summoner? Try to get a meeting with her, just to be in her presence?” You lower your gaze, nodding in agreement. Then you realise something.

“You recognised me.” His brows deepen as he frowns. “Earlier, when I told you my name, you recognised me.” You frown slightly. “I’m just a tracker in the First Army. The General of the Second Army shouldn’t know who I am, unless, unless Alina mentioned me.” He looks at you intently with what seems like annoyance, and you’re tempted to back away. Then you catch something in his eyes that almost seems like approval.

“You’re rather quick witted, Corporal.” A flicker of a smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth.

“I try my hardest, sir.” You reply with a brief smile. The two of you stare at one another for a long moment, before he speaks,

“Wait here.” He orders. “Assuming that Alina confirms your relationship, I shall return with her.” He steps closer to you. “Fair?” He holds your gaze for a moment, and you take the pencil still in his hand.

“Yes sir.” He nods slightly before leaving, his kefta flowing behind him. You lean over the map and begin to pencil in the direction of the herd and where you sighted the stag. It isn’t long before you hear voices approaching, two familiar voices.

“I don’t recall this being a part of the schedule.” Alina. It’s her. The door isn’t open, but you can hear her voice - and you’d know her anywhere.

“I have a surprise for you.” The General opens the door and you look up from the map. Alina walks through the door, her steps faltering when her eyes land on you. It’s like the breath has been knocked out of you.

“Alina.” You whisper and she rushes to you. The two of you collide, and can’t help the sharp cry of pain from the wound in your shoulder. But you don’t care. You’d hold her even if it killed you. You hear her sniffle slightly, and you tighten your grip on her. “Alinochka.”

“You’re here.” She mumbles into your embrace. Aleksander watches the two of you. Whilst he was planning on bringing Alina to the War Room tonight, it was for an entirely different purpose. He hadn’t expected you. His plan had been to separate the two of you, in order to encourage Alina to finally be at home in the Little Palace. But now he also needed you. You were clearly a talented tracker, and rather intelligent. You were the key to the stag and he didn’t want you out of his sight for a moment. So why not bring his most two most precious people together?

You continue to hold tightly onto Alina, mumbling a few words in old Ravkan, which attracts Aleksander’s attention. You take a deep breath, and you’re welcomed by a soft floral scent - some kind of perfume - that suits Alina so well that you find yourself wanting to bury yourself in it. Her fingers grasp into your jacket, and you press your nose against her hair, your cheek brushing hers for a moment before you both pull back slightly. Her expression shifts, from delight to annoyance. She swats your arm - luckily not your injured one - and you pout.

“Ow! What was that for?”

“You didn’t answer my letters!” You frown at her. Aleksander stiffens internally, but you unknowingly cover for him.

“Alina, I wrote to you every day. I’ve been in the wilderness for the last few weeks. I haven’t seen a living human - let alone a postal point.”

“What happened?” She asks softly, opening your jacket to reveal the worst of your injury. You wave your hand slightly,

“It’s nothing.”

“I know that voice.” You raise your brows at her, before sighing.

“It will be nothing. I’m alright. Especially now that I’ve seen you.” Her smile widens and she ducks her head bashfully. “You look incredible.” You whisper. She bites her lip, looking down at the floor. “A fancy black kefta and everything.” You tease, drawing a laugh from her. “Being the Sun Summoner must have its perks.” She nods,

“It makes up for the people who want to kill me.” She jokes, and you squeeze her hand in yours.

“Can you show me?” You ask tentatively, gesturing to her hands. She cups her palms in front of her, her face masked in concentration and then a bright ball of light sparks into existence. Alina watches as your eyes widen,

“Don’t be scared.” Her voice is small, and you meet her dark eyes despite the glow of light.

“You’d never scare me.” A wonder-filled smile grows on your face as you admire the tiny ball of sun in her hands.

“I thought you were scared of Grisha.” You shake your head.

“Maybe when we were kids, but Ana Kuya wasn’t exactly fond of those Grisha witches.” The two of you laugh softly. She catches your gaze as it lingers on her face.

“What is it?”

“I just can’t get over how different you look.” Her face drops slightly, her old insecurities creeping back suddenly.

“You don’t like it do you? I-“

“Alinochka, I love every…” You break off, suddenly very aware of your pounding heart as you nearly admit it. I love every inch of you. “You look beautiful.”

Two of the General’s guards trail behind you as Alina tugs on your hand, leading you through the corridors. You know that the Little Palace hosts the annual Winter Fete, that the King and Queen were likely somewhere nearby. So when Alina began to lead you towards her rooms you faltered.

“Don’t you want to go back to the party?” You ask her. She frowns a little shaking her head.

“I want to be with you.” You smile widely at that, but she doesn’t see it as she opens her door. The two guards remain posted outside, and Alina gives you a small tour of her rooms. You’re wide eyed for the most of it. It’s all so beautiful. The perfect room for Alina - the Sun Saint. The two of you sit down on her bed and begin to talk.

You ask her all sorts of questions about life at the Little Palace. She tells you about the people, the food, her training sessions, the library. Her face is alight with excitement, as if she’s been waiting to tell you everything.

At some point, a servant appears with a tray of food. Alina had likely already eaten at the Fete, which leads you to believe the tray is actually for you. You hadn’t realised how long it had been since you’d had something other than rations to eat. Alina watches with a small smile as you tuck into the food, and she continues with her stories.

The Little Palace slowly winds down - the partygoers leave in their carriages and the Grisha head back to their rooms. Alina illuminates the room with her light as she rummages through her cabinets before she finds something that you can wear to sleep in. A soft nightgown, very similar to the one she’s wearing when she emerges from behind the screen. You wash and change before sliding into bed beside her.

You thought you would fall asleep straight away. The exhaustion weighed on your eyes, and most of your body continued to ache. The sheets beneath you were soft, nicer than anything you’d ever slept in before. The last time you slept in a real bed was as a child, even then, the sheets there were scratchy and threadbare. You glance over at Alina. She’s sound asleep, a peaceful expression on her face that you’ve never seen before. Guilt flashes in your chest. She’d sacrificed all this, to stay with you. Her power. Her happiness. Her health. You swallow hard, feeling suddenly overwhelmed by it all. You breathe slowly, trying your hardest to relax. Alina’s soft breathing lulls you into a state of drowsiness, but sleep continues to allude you. The room is dark, there’s no light from the corridor, but you can’t shake the feeling that there’s been a light left on. That there’s a beacon calling out you.

You slip out of bed, careful not to disturb Alina. The door opens smoothly, and you close it with little sound. There’s only one other room you’ve been in at the Little Palace - the General’s War Room. Part of you discourages you from going, he could be asleep and you didn’t want to rouse a Shadow Summoner from his sleep for the sake of your own life. But, despite your reservations, you make your way down the corridor.

Aleksander is staring into the fire, a glass of kvat in his hand as he wanders through his thoughts. He doesn’t know why he’s so captivated by you. When he intercepted your letters to Alina he had viewed you as a threat - a tether to tie her to her old life and prevent her from settling into the Little Palace with him. Now that you’re here, things have changed. Alina’s letters had been full of longing for you, and yours had been a little more reserved but just as earnest. He’d assumed that the two of you were simply childhood friends - desperate to restore some familiarity - and that with time you would outgrow one another. But now that he’s seen you - you and Alina together - he can’t get the image out of his head. Of Alina running into your arms. Of you burying your face into her hair, wincing at the pain in your shoulder that you concealed for the chance to hold her. Seeing you both like that had shifted his perspective. He didn’t want to tear you apart. He wanted to hold you both in his arms, and protect you both from the world.

Then you appear at his door, just as Alina did some nights ago. He calls your name softly before encouraging you to enter.

“Can’t sleep?” You shake your head.

“I think I’m too used to sleeping outside.” You offer in justification. He hums in agreement.

“The Little Palace is quite the upgrade. Alina was rather impressed by the concept of warming stones.” He tells you with a smile that looks fond.

“Warming stones?” Your smile widens. “Those sound like heaven.” He laughs softly,

“Sit down, please.” He gestures to the chair in front of him by the fire. You sit, pulling the robe closer around your body as you attempt to get comfortable. He offers you his glass of kvat and you take a sip before placing it on the small table beside him.

“I marked the stag’s tracks on your map.” He nods,

“I noticed, thank you.” He doesn’t need to thank you, you were only doing your job, but it feels nice to be thanked. It must be the firelight that’s making your eyes feel so heavy, and allowing your thoughts to linger on the General.

“What are you reading?” You ask, gesturing to the book he discarded when you walked in. He offers a small smile before showing you the book. You take it from his hand, turning the book over to reveal the title. The Language of Thorns. A fond memory settles in your mind, of Alina curled up at your side whilst you read her the stories: the too clever fox, the soldier prince, and the magical stag. The cover is smooth, and you turn the pages with care - it’s nothing like the battered copy that you and Alina used to look through as children. A soft smile comes to your face - you know he’s likely been reading it for information about the stag - but you can’t help but enjoy the idea of the Black General curled up by the fire reading fairy tales. You also can’t help but think of how soft his voice would be, if he read aloud. And how nice it would be to rest your head on his shoulder as he recites the words on the page. You could even rest your head on the cushion next to him, and he could run his hand through your hair.

You yank yourself out of your thoughts rather suddenly. You must be more sleep deprived than you realised. Either that or the cold has finally messed with your mind and you’re beginning to lose your sanity. You notice he’s been watching you and you shift slightly,

“My apologies, it’s been a long day.” He nods in understanding.

“Where had you ridden from?”

“The First Army post at Chernast. I’d ended up there after my trek into Fjerda.”

“When was this?”

“This morning. I was in the medic tent when I heard the Captain was sending a messenger to the Little Palace. So I requested to join him.”

“And your Captain allowed you to travel in your condition?”

“I think he knew I would have gone with or without his permission.”

“To see Alina.” You nod slightly, before adding,

“Perhaps I also wanted to give the news personally to my General.” His lips curl into an approving smile but he shakes his head.

“General of the Second Army, Corporal.” He reminds you. “You’re not my soldier.”

“You lead the one of the Ravkan Armies. I’m Ravkan. As far as I’m concerned, you’re my General.” He considers your words quietly for a moment.

“If only others were so accommodating.” He stares into the fire for a moment before his eyes return to you. You nod slightly in agreement, eyes following the flickering movement of the flames at his side. He recognises the look on your face, even if you don’t. You’re in an unfamiliar place, after weeks of living in constant cold and danger. You don’t know what to do with yourself. You’re itching for some sense of security. Warmth blooms in Aleksander’s chest when he realises you sought him out, even subconsciously. “You should get some rest.” He insists softly. You nod as you begin to finally feel the tug of sleep. “Would you like me to walk you back to Alina’s room?” It’s only down the hallway, he really doesn’t need to, but you find yourself answering without thinking.

“Please.” He wishes he could bring you the sense of relief that his touch provides Grisha. He could trail his fingers over the nape of your neck and rub comforting circles into your scalp. Instead, he places a hand at the small of your back as the two of you walk to Alina’s room. You seem to relax a little with his presence so close. He stops by the door, offering you a small bow which makes you smile.

“Goodnight Corporal.”

“Goodnight General.”

[doc-avalon]

The Horned God

From Pashupati to Cernunnos to Pachacamac

NAME: Horned God: some of whose names are Cernunnos, Pashupati, Pan, Puck, Pachacamac, Lord of the Winter, Hu Gadarn, and Belatucadros, among who knows how many others.

SYMBOLS: Horns ether set like Pan or Puck, or antlers like Cernunnos or Pashupati. For Pan, the syrinx or reed pipes. Cernunnos the Torc (female symbol) & Ram-headed snake (male symbol.)

USUAL IMAGE: A well-formed human male figure whose head bears antlers, or in the case of Pan, fixed horns and the legs of a goat.

HOLY BOOKS: N/A

HOLY DAYS: The Winter Solstice (his birth), Spring (his marriage), Summer Solstice (his death). Though this does differ from other versions and traditions

PLACE OF WORSHIP: The Wild.

RELATIVES: The Goddess.

DETAILS: Referring to the Horned God in the singular is perhaps a silly thing to do. Many male deities have as one of their aspects the possession of horns.

They can be found worldwide under dozens, if not hundreds, of names. Though all are separate entities from different and diverse people, there is, I think, enough in common to look at them as a whole. Some of these Horned Gods are:

Pashupati: This was the deer-horned god and Lord of the Animals of Northern India some 6000 years ago in what is now Pakistan. Little is known about the civilization that gave rise to the city of Magenjo Daro, and even less about the God of the region other than some images found in the area.

Pan: Here, we find not an antlered god but one with permanently fixed horns. Son of Hermes and Penelope (at least in some of the myths), Pan was never really much like the other Greek deities. The god of flocks, woods, shepherds, and the sources of the unreasoning fear that overtakes some people when confronted with the Wild that was given his name and called panic.

He would, in later years, be turned, in part, into the Christian god Satan, a character whom at no point in the Bible is ever described as being horned. Poor Pan, for once being the kidnapped one here, had this role fostered on him by monks familiar not with the panic of the wildwoods but with a different fear, that of the seriously and unhealthy sexually repressed.

Cernunnos: While many today think of this God as THE Horned God, that may be a misnomer, as it is doubtful that there was ever a group of people who referred to him by this name.

Cernunnos, by whatever names he was called, was the antlered God of the people now known as France. And there was, by no means, only one Horned God in the area! His image has also been found as far away as Denmark.

Cernunnos, which comes from the Latin horn, is the God who stands at the gateway of life and death and alternates with the Goddess in ruling over life and death. Seen as the God of fertility, life, animal wealth, and the Underworld, he is continually born and dies returning year after year.

Puck & Others: In the British Isles, home of the Druid’s horned Hu Gadarn and the horned warrior god Belatucadros the Shining One, the Horned God eventually came to be known as Puck or Robin Goodfellow, as well as the legend of Herne the Hunter and the Green Man.

No longer a god but not a being that could be gotten rid of ether. An echo of the Horned God is also perhaps found in the Arthurian legends in the figure of the Green Knight and in Caer Bannuac or Castle of Carbonek, the “Horned Castle” that was found to be the abode of the Holy Grail.

Pachacamac: However, it is not only in Asia and Europe that the Horned God is found. In Pre-Colombian Peru, we see the horned son of the Sun Pachacamac, the God of life and death. He is the deity of light, and volcanic fires and, like his far removed brothers, was said to stand at the gateway between life and death.

Further North in the land that would one day be the American Southeast, the Indians have tales, not of a horned God but a tremendous horned snake. Large enough to swallow a human whole, they also possess deer antlers and sometimes a great gem with healing properties that was lodged between these antlers.

Modern: There are still new versions of the Horned God today, such as Philip Jose Farmer’s John Stagg in the novel Flesh or the Forrest King in Princess Mononoke. As in the past examples, to name only a few.

These are only a few of the Horned Gods that are found worldwide. A personification of early man’s reverence, fear, or perhaps envy of the far mightier beasts that were a part of his daily life? Or maybe a powerful part of our Universal Unconscious that has come through in many different forms and is still being expressed anew is still as powerful as it ever was.

Wrote this years ago as something called the God/dess of the Month Club (pre-internet) and thought it was long past time I fixed it up.