#sacred waters

[johnschneiderblog]

Sacred waters

Earlier this week Sharon and I took a saunter along the Ocqueoc River, starting where it cascades over rocks, forming the largest waterfall in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

(In truth, that's not saying much; we've got the big water here, but our topography is a little too flat for dramatic waterfalls).

Nonetheless, it's a beautiul spot and, by the way, the only universally accessible waterfall in the U.S., meaning there are no physical barriers. The beauty is available to all.

The park includes 6 miles of hiking/biking/skiing trails, a campground and an excellent swimming hole.

The natives named the river “waw-waugh-waugh-que-noc”, meaning "sacred waters".

[brown-eye-bandida]

Sacred Waters

More Rafa, cuz he’s a babe

[harmonyhealinghub]

The Enchanting Process of Making and Utilizing Moon Water

Shaina Tranquilino

August 12, 2023

Moon water, also known as lunar water or moon-infused water, is a fascinating and mystical practice that has been used by many cultures for centuries. The idea behind it is to harness the energy of the moon and infuse it into water, creating a potent elixir that can be used for various purposes. In this blog post, we will explore the process of making and using moon water.

To begin with, let's understand why the moon is believed to possess such powerful energy. The moon has long been associated with cycles, transformation, and feminine energy. Its phases are seen as symbolic representations of personal growth and change. By aligning ourselves with these lunar energies, we can tap into their power to manifest our desires and intentions.

Now, onto the process of making moon water. Firstly, you will need a clean glass jar or container that can hold water. It's important to use glass as it doesn't interact with the energetic properties of the water like plastic does. Fill your container with filtered or spring water - never use tap water as it may contain impurities or chemicals.

Next comes the crucial step: charging your water under the light of the moon. Different phases of the moon have different energies associated with them, so choose which phase aligns best with your intention for using the moon water. Here are some common associations:

1. New Moon: Represents new beginnings and setting intentions.

2. Waxing Moon: Symbolizes growth, abundance, and manifestation.

3. Full Moon: Signifies completion, heightened intuition, and releasing negative energy.

4. Waning Moon: Ideal for banishing negativity or bad habits.

Place your jar outside in a location where it will receive direct moonlight throughout the night. If you're concerned about debris or bugs getting into your water, cover it with a breathable cloth or lid.

In the morning after exposure to moonlight, retrieve your jar of charged water. You now have moon water! It's important to note that the energy of the moon is subtle, so don't expect your water to taste or look any different from regular water. Its power lies in its energetic properties.

Now that you have your moon water, how can you use it? The possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas:

1. Drinking: Moon water can be consumed as a way to imbibe lunar energy and enhance spiritual practices like meditation or ritual work.

2. Cleansing: Use moon water as a sacred tool for cleansing crystals, altar tools, or even your own aura by sprinkling or lightly misting them.

3. Bathing: Add moon water to your bath for a soothing and purifying experience. This can help release negative energies and promote relaxation.

4. Plant care: Watering your plants with moon-infused water can nourish their growth and bring positive energy into your gardening practice.

5. Rituals and spells: Incorporate moon water into rituals or spellwork related to manifesting intentions, releasing negativity, or connecting with higher realms.

Remember, when using moon water, it's essential to set clear intentions and visualize the desired outcome while working with this potent elixir. Treat it with reverence and respect, acknowledging the ancient knowledge and wisdom associated with lunar energies.

Making and using moon water is a beautiful way to connect with nature's cycles and tap into the mysterious powers of the moon. Whether you're seeking personal transformation, spiritual growth, or simply looking for a little extra magic in your life, incorporating moon water into your daily routine can be a powerful practice that brings intentionality and mindfulness into every sip or sprinkle.

So go ahead – embrace the cosmic dance of the moon, create your own moon water, and let its enchantment infuse every aspect of your being!

[ryanranney]

Ala Bathia

On the sacred mound of ages ago where man met the flames of burning bushes and feet of the holy tread   There alone the hammer fist surrounded the waters where leviathan sleeps until such time   Declare declare forevermore the sights and sounds of smoke it’s token memory not forgotten and cities no man remembers   There my home from east to west gather the southern wind bring forth the north flow…

[shisasan]

Daniel Rericha

[pointandshooter]

photo: David Castenson

[andy-clutterbuck]

Rick Grimes in The Ones Who Live | 1x04 - What We

[puppetmaster13u]

Prompt 204

Danny is on a bit of a roadtrip. An accidental roadtrip and might be getting chased by some sort of assassins or whatever they were. Look, it’s not his fault, he was injured and out of it! How was he supposed to know that the Pits or whatever the people were yelling about were important. Or sapient. 

Actually, he should like… “How do you even know how to drive if you’re like, thousands of years old??” That was not what he was going to ask his current roadtrip buddy, but maybe he had a concussion. 

Ectoplasm-green eyes turned towards him from the road, framed by a mixture of black and white hair that shifted like his own. “You most likely don’t want to know the answer to that, actually.” Okay, but what if he did, huh? 

“Okay, but where are we going, because I don’t think this is my dimension…”  

They shrugged, their clothing shifting with the motion. Ha, ninja clothing for a sapient pool of ecto, or whatever it had been. “I am, not exactly familiar to things that were not known to those thrown into my blood, so we’re, I believe the saying is going in blind?”

“Oh. Okay. Y’know you’re kind of nice for an ecto-death pit thing.”

“... I am going to pretend I didn’t hear that, child.”  

“Okay. I’m going to go to sleep because my head hurts.” 

[youre-no-good]

[brown-eye-bandida]

Sacred Waters: Dulce

More development for my graphic novel. The top left is giving grown-up Dora vibes lol

[skeletondeerart]

Sacred Waters, Sacred Hearts Chapter 1

A Male OC! Metkayina x Fem Human! Reader | Word Count: 1722

Masterlist & join the taglist

A/N : Both Rukan and reader are in their mid 20's

" " = direct speech | ' ' = Metkayina sign language | Bold = English

Another night approaches as multiple moons emerge from the waves. I adjust my mask, ensuring it's sealed to my cheeks, as I shuffle off my light shawl, leaving just my wetsuit and waterproof tablet. The morning winds nip at my exposed skin, and I make haste into the reef, gracefully submerging myself and diving down to the reef bed to escape the chill of the evening.

I was one of the last marine biologists left on Pandora after the fall of the Omatikaya's Hometree, yet by the grace of Eywa I was taken into her embrace and was allowed to live amongst the flora and fauna. I now reside on the coastline a couple hours from the Metkayina settlements; respecting the ocean-dwelling Navi immensely, I made sure to leave them alone and stay in my small corner of the ocean; content with just researching and documenting the underwater flora and fauna. Though I may seem isolated here on my lonesome I do make frequent calls to Norm and Max to update their data files, ordering human supplies or just for a chat yet sometimes I yearn for someone else to share my experiences with...

Weaving through bioluminescent kelp, flippers boost me through the currents I glide to a halt and unsheathe my switchblade to harvest some vegetation and check on the coral's health. Happy with the healthy flora and the harvest I document photos for my log and bask in the temperate waters. I smile at the stillness from the ocean bed, turning onto my back and gazing up through the water's surface, mesmerised by the reflection of light shimmering across the lapping waves from below.

Eventually, my lungs begin to burn yearning for oxygen, and I move to breach the surface, breaking the water tension my mask immediately intakes the Pandoran air and swiftly converts it to plain oxygen. As I catch my breath, I watch Ilu ride the waves and birds dive into the ocean to nab up small fish for their dinner. My stomach rumbles at the through and my mind drifts back to the edible vegetation in my pouch, I paddle back to shore and squeeze the water from my hair before I begin stoking a fire to roast my own dinner.

Time gets away from me as I continue to do tasks onshore like chopping wood and transferring files into the databank. My thoughts are disturbed by a shrill ring, Norm's contact blaring from my tablet. I quickly accept it as Norm appears on the screen; giving a curt wave before he started speaking.

"Hey (Y/n), how are you? Hope I didn't catch you at a bad time, but I have a favour to ask." He rambles, arms gesturing awkwardly.

"Uh, nah I'm not doing much; how can I help ya Norm?" I say absent-mindedly as I continue weaving a new blanket, preparing for the cooler weather.

"Mo'at needs some specific medicinal herbs, but they can only be found in the deeper parts of the reef bed. Considering you're now quite an adept diver I thought to ask you first before connecting with the Metkayina traders."

"Oh yeah no problem, I'll duck out in a moment and get that heading your way no problem" I smile as I stand to pull my wetsuit back on from its drying rack.

Norm rubs his nape and bows his head in gratitude "I can't thank you enough (Y/n) just text me when you're done so I can send someone out there to collect the goods"

"Easy, I'll get back to you soon, but if you don't hear back by tomorrow afternoon assume I drowned" I laugh in jest.

I watch as Norm scrunches his face in horror "Don't make me come over there for a welfare check buddy, because I will! I swear it." Norm sighs exasperated by my words wagging his finger to the camera.

"Oh, I'm just kidding Normie; have some faith in me will ya." I giggle as I slip the thick fabric up my torso, Navi stripes adorn the fabric, mimicking the Metkayina's camouflage.

"How many times have I asked you to quit it with the 'Normie'…" Norm scolds but it holds no venom at all. "Look, you better update me straight away ok! I got to go; Max needs some help in the lab, see ya (Y/n)." He waves and disconnects as I wave goodbye myself.

I release a sigh as I take a final note of all the things I need and make sure my mask is free from damage as I set out. I walk out of the airlock to the edge of the mangroves and leap into the deeper portion, my vision is hindered by a myriad of bubbles for a moment before settling down, I begin the descent into the sandbank, I had no need for a flashlight due to the high concentration of bioluminescence, I glide through the waters and corals with ease and gradually letting some oxygen in through my air tank, I only used it for longer expeditions as I like to train my lung capacity.

I swim further from my base, lowering my altitude as I dive into a stunning deep cave. I spotted the herbs; it looked like sea moss; excellent in curing skin ailments when ground into a salve. I push faster through the currents and into the jagged coral formation that the moss grew on, not seeing the signature Metkayina markers for a protected area... I peeled it from its roots and placed it into a leather pouch, deeming it enough I turned to make my way back out, but I was stunned into silence as a massive shadow passed by the gaps in the coral.

It was an Akula…a massive shark-like beast who not even the Navi deem as a friend. My lungs constricted as I limited agitating the water around me. I waited with bated breath as the Akula swam circles around the exit, I peered timidly out as I no longer detect its presence. So, I make the decision to slowly rise to the entrance of the cave. I make the dash, but the Akula notices the disruption and flings itself in my direction, a terrified gargle escapes my throat as I weave hastily through the outcrops narrowly avoiding its snapping jaws.

In my adrenaline-fueled state, I didn't notice another join the fray. Until a muffled roar is heard from the Akula as it flees back deeper into the cave system. I burrow myself into the coral hiding from my painful death as I go to release more oxygen into my mask, my hands fumble with a pierced tube and my eyes widen in realisation.

My oxygen supply is drained and I'm so far from the surface.

My panic only spikes further as piercing blue eyes peer down at me cuddled up in the coral like a child.

It was a Metkayina patroller, he was mounted on an Ilu as he scowled in my direction, his rapid signing not going unnoticed.

I gingerly raise my hand and sign 'I mean no harm. I'm with the Omaticaya, gathering medicinal herbs for our injured, but can you help me to the surface I need to breathe…'

He shook his head frustrated but for a moment I could see the disbelief in his eyes at my fluency. 'You do not belong here tawtute, let alone in a protected area, go back to the forest.' But his eyes soften when he sees me start to go blue, my eyes pleading as I point to the surface. He sighs exasperated as he snatches my arm and hauls me into his chest atop his Ilu, jetting to the surface. My vision gets splotchy as we break the water, my mask luckily taking in the air again with no issue.

As I fill my strained lungs again, I'm abruptly shoved off the Ilu and dunk under momentarily pouting as I surface and gazing up at the Navi with a smug look on his face. He points his finger at me.

"Do not touch tawtute, it is a protected site and you're too close to the village" he states, shaking his head. "Go" He states his finned arm pointing back to shore.

"Sorry I didn't see the marker, I'll stay away, promise." I put up my pinky finger momentarily before realising he wouldn't know what it meant. He leans back, a hairless brow raising in suspicion.

"Silly tawtute…" He mutters under his breath before urging again "I'll accompany you home just to make sure that Akula leaves you be. I don't want your pitiful death on my conscience." He states "But you're swimming yourself…"

I laugh "Fine by me" I say before setting back on course. I paddle on the water's surface beside the Metkayina on his Ilu, swimming in silence for most of the way. I'm broken out of my thoughts as his words pierce the silence.

"What are those on your feet…" He questioned, with an ounce of curiosity evident in his tone. I gaze back for a moment checking for any foreign matter.

"Flippers. Helps me swim faster and easier, kind of how your feet and tail help you through the water." I say casually, lifting one from the water to flaunt it with a smile, his face scrunching up as water flicks him in the face.

"I see…" His words were cut short as my home was spotted over the water. Nestled into the mangroves and covered in my hand-woven cloths and netting.

"Well, here's my stop" I sigh as I pull myself up into the mangroves and onto the net platforming.

A curious hum leaves his throat as he gazes at my abode. "Looks somewhat like our villages… yet so tawtute." He mumbles scratching at his nape.

Honestly, over the past hour, I have grown fondness for this Navi. I can't help but blurt out "(Y/n)." His eyes shoot to me confused. "My name… it's uh (Y/n)" I state my cheeks flushing.

"(Y/n)…" He takes a moment letting my name digest "Rukan…" he replies before abruptly diving on his Ilu and swimming off in the direction of the village.

"Rukan…. What a nice name" I smile before heading inside to preserve the moss and notifying Norm of a successful expedition.

Enjoy the next chapter in my Masterlist! & join the taglist

[thesilicontribesman]

Bullaun ('Bowl') Pre-Christian Stone, Newton Stewart Museum, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

Found in a field near Kirkcowan, south-west of Newton Stewart.

Bullaun stones are found in Ireland and Baltic countries and are thought to be pre-Christian, but are also seen outside churches. White quartz pebbles, incised with crosses, have been found in some examples.

The water in the bowl was considered to have healing properties. Some bullauns may have been used as grinding stones.

[moonchild-in-blue]

Lukewarm take: I hate breakfast in bed. No, not even coffee. No. Breakfast on the couch though? Big yes.

[ravensvalley]

#LegendOfTheFalls

You can read the legend here.

©BenAdrienProulx August 30th, 2023

[pointandshooter]

photo: David Castenson