#same with like tarot and flower symbolism

[inkspottie]

OOUUOUGHGHG the gem au..... I need to know more abt it grgegrff,, in my dms, in a post, anything Idc I love SU and Pressure and Confluence SO much ggrgrrgfff

Hehee

It’s a budding thing so I don’t have a LOT but the idea is Seb is just your average gem. See Sodalite is often called the Poor Man’s Lapis, so I like to think Sodalite gems also work with terraforming but they work more on the mechanical parts of things. Creating spires while the Lapis created new lands.

Only one day he finds himself walking into a crime scene, 9 gems shattered and he’s the only one seen nearby.

Which then leads to him being taken to the Diamond authority, and they of course want to shatter him. But, a gem of higher stature suggests something else.

Since it is canon that Yellow Diamond did experiment on gems…it would be no surprise they have a place just like Urbanshade. Deep within a planet that has gems that were meant to shatter, be experimented on to improve Homeworld.

So Seb’s experiment was fusion much like the ones on earth. Having shards of shattered being placed on his gem, to see what he could take, how much he could hold.

And he doesn’t corrupt, the shards distort his form, but they don’t make him an animal like corrupted gems.

He’s an enigma and is kept alive because of it.

And then comes Sadao. A gem made to learn and improve others, often seen as a Pearl but not quite. He’s placed in charge of Seb, and of course like the fic he gets too close.

And by too close…is they accidentally fuse.

Which is a big no no.

Soo Sadao gets poofed, and thus begins his own project. Only he is worked on with being forced inside his gem, instead of Sebastian having being conscious for it.

[shiningmystic]

Motivation for you (Timeless PAC)

Close your eyes and use your visualization skills; imagine 3 blank photos with the same golden frame. Whichever glows brighter or comes closer to your chest then that will be the one for you. It may visually be different in your mind on how it presents itself whatever feels correct follow that, you are your compass. May this reading find the one who need this message.

All messages are from your highest self, spirit guides, or spirit/the universe who only want/s to see helpful growth for whatever you have the potential to become/desire to become.

Ko-fi

.·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·.

Here are the piles:

.·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·.

Pile 1 🕊

The cards: crown chakra (crown center), 6 of cups, 2 of cups

Symbols of confirmation: Moths, love, swans and ducks (ugly duckling)

The mind is a powerful weapon and it can be a double edged sword. We get distracted and punish ourselves but we also triumph and overcome. I see you are reminiscing about times of love that have passed, let these memories fuel you or hold you back. Sometimes it all ends with a choice, make a choice instead of reaching for something that is gone. You have grown to radiate understanding and love; you are much more beyond then what you judge yourself to be. You attract kindness and opportunities that will make you shine because you do. You radiate light; Let your mind run free and create what may have been dormant for to long. I feel your energy to be a flower blooming so follow your bloom.

.·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·.

Pile 2 🐞

The cards: The devil, 6 of wands, the hanged man, death

Symbols of confirmation: Dragonfly, bugs, wings, trampoline, trumpets, keys

Oh wow, you guys are really going through it but you’re gonna win. Don’t hold back! I feel your guides are riding this wave with you. Powerful energy, you guys are giving up on addictive unhelpful habits. This could range from drugs to coffee, like seriously anything can be addictive and hard to let go. It could even be a role you have been playing for to long and your breaking free; fantastic! I’m really feeling this energy guys, it’s a sacrifice you’re making for something good and you are transforming into what you choose to become. Even if your resisting this change (which most are not) you should be proud of how far you have come and accomplished even if it hasn’t been smooth ride. I’m honestly honored to channel this message to you. Keep rising to your highest potential and good luck, your guides are cheering for your next victory.

.·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·.

Pile 3 👁️

The cards: 3 of pentacles, 3 of swords, base chakra (base energy center), 7 of cups, 7 of swords

Symbols of confirmation: Eyes, people, choices, reds and blues, masks

You could have chosen deception, manipulation and gone back to your old ways with yourself but you didn’t. You learned and stuck it out even from betrayal. You have been insecure and unappreciated a lot throughout your existence and you know what? You have the right to be angry at the people who have hurt you, the hand you were dealt and how you could continue the cycle of pain; but you didn’t choose that path. You have chosen one of renewal and moving on. Maybe not moving on completely but enough to change, to move in a different direction that is you. Have pride in that, maybe pride is a bad thing for some but sometimes we deserve recognition and you have earned it. True strength comes from within, you have endured deep sorrow, know that you are recognized and heard, stay true and you will be alright.

.·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·.

Tarot Cards used: The Psychic Tarot Oracle deck by John Holland

[felassan]

ancient meta from the dawn of time and by that I mean pre-DA:I's release in 2014 [edited for brevity] [the Hermit card].

"The Inquisitor’s Edition of DA: Inquisition comes with a deck of 72 tarot cards, both major and minor arcana, with custom artwork Solas - The Hermit The Hermit, set against a barren landscape, leans on his staff and holds a lamp in front of him to light the way in the darkness. Let’s start with the obvious: Solas is literally a hermit. The card speaks of retreat, wandering, distance, reclusion, solitude and (when reversed) loneliness. In the story of the Tarot, the Hermit heads out at night, peering at and examining whatever takes his fancy. In the same way, Solas walks the Fade while asleep, finding brilliant unimaginable lights, only to smile in delight and move in for a closer look. The Hermit’s lantern illuminates animals that only come out at night, flowers that only open in moonlight or starlight - Solas sees things in the Fade that can only be found if you go in without fear, without preconceptions, your way illuminated by the knowledge. The Hermit wants the truth at all costs - Solas values freedom of thought above all else. In readings, the Hermit can symbolize a wise person with a philosophical attitude. The person may also be someone older, like the old man the Hermit is usually portrayed as. The person may be someone the querent meets who will give them the insight, tools or training needed to overcome an obstacle - someone who can shine a light on things that were previously mysterious or confusing. This comes from an interpretation of the Hermit: he has internalized the lessons of life to the point that he is the lesson. Now he returns from isolation to bestow boons on his fellow man and share the knowledge he has gained. Now he is like his lantern, illuminated from within by all that he is, capable of penetrating the darkness. He helps, acts as a mentor and offers wise counsel. In the knowledge he offers the Inquisitor, Solas embodies one of the meanings of the card - guidance. The Hermit is ruled by Virgo. if anyone is going to take a lantern into a dark place to see what’s going on, it’s a Virgo. Solas reflects key themes of the card such as going on a personal, solitary quest." </end 2014 rambling>

[emphasis added rn]

Light is a super common metaphor for knowledge, wisdom, insight and guidance. Cole says "He wants to give wisdom, not orders". The riddles in Lateral Thinker, in which we have to light a series of braziers with Veilfire torches, go:

"The Dread Wolf keeps its gaze on the one light that illuminates the way forward. // Where the Dread Wolf's gaze blazes, paths are brought to light. // When the Dread Wolf's gaze is bright, light burns in a ring of the dead. // One sees the hunter, one flees from it, one hunts it in turn, one outwits them all."

A lighthouse is a tower-like structure designed to emit light and act as a beacon. The Game Informer article calls Solas' Lighthouse a "towering" structure. this magical realm in the Fade is his lair, his inner sanctum, his home base; it reflects him (and his hermitty isolation). the article kind of likens it to visiting your friend's bedroom, it's not a showy place like Skyhold or a fortress, it's something realer and more intimate than that. you could read it as, Solas' personal home in the magical Fade is called a lighthouse because Solas, like the Hermit with his lantern or little flame in his hand, is like a lighthouse, a beacon in the dark - as if the "flaming Rook" emblem on the front of the 'red book' isn't just a fiery rook as in the chess piece or Tower card with Fen'Harel above it, but a tower-like structure, a lighthouse, and at its top blazes a bright fire, a beacon of light like those atop a lighthouse, where Solas himself resides, lighting the way.

[meadowtwins]

Tips for broke witches with a budget of 10$/€:

As someone who started with their craft when they were younger, living in a poor household with little to not money for me available, I know how how it is with a budget so low, that being a "true witch" seems impossible.

Well, I just need to remind you all that for practicing witchcraft, you do NOT NEED everything expensive. In fact you only need so little. Sure, the whole witch aesthetic with all the decorations, the cauldrons etc. looks lovely and most of us would really like to achieve that level of perfectionism, but Witchcraft is much more than that. It is a predominately Pagan practice. Nature is one of the biggest, if not the biggest aspect in it. Sometimes you just aren't really knowledgeable about all the options you're available to.

Tip 1: Nature walks:

As mentioned above, Nature is a big aspect. Almost every ingredient and spell componement is seen outside. Take a walk, go into the woods, get off path, you'll find herbs, fruits, flowers, all kinds of decorations. You can find sticks, bind them in any shape and hang them onto your wall. You can cut off (with Natures permission!) Ivy wreaths and hang them up. Pinecones, pineneedles, treebarks, hazelnuts, feathers, wheats all kinds of grass, everything is out there! Take a look on the ground and maybe you'd be lucky to find a few gemstones (yes, they're just out there!) or if animal bones are something for you even that!

Tip 2: Grimoire/Book of Shadows:

Your witchy journal does NOT have to be that expensive leather bound, old journal that the old antique shop sells for 60 dollars because it has a "magical aura". Yes, how can someone pass on that aesthetic, but your book isn't magick by itself. YOU first put the energy into it and make it something magical to you. Without your journaling and time you've spent, it is JUST a book! Therefore a simple notebook that costs like 1.50 max works completely fine! Mine is a notebook if found in my drawer that has a rainbow reflecting surface, trust me, the aesthetic is the thing you should be least concerned about.

Tip 3: Divination Board:

Self-made is always the cheapest option! Again, like your Grimoire, the board isn't the one with with the magical attributes. It's all you! My first divination board was made out of cardboard paper. You have all the options open, it can just be paper or you could even print one out. The material does not devalue the magical properties.

Tip 4: Pendulum:

A pendulum itself is cheaper than you think, look in the right places and you'll see. But if that is too much you can always make one yourself. You have to keep in mind that the item doesn't come with the magic! You're the one making if something magical. Find a pretty stone on the ground (with luck a gemstone!), tie it to a string and wear it as necklace. There you have it!

Tip 5: Cauldron:

A fire bowl, a normal bowl, a plastic bowl etc.! You can use anything. It depends however on what you do with it. Make sure not to use fire irresponsibly if you plan on burning something in it. Keep a window open and don't burn something in a not substitutional material. There's a reason a fire bowl is differencated from a normal bowl.

Tip 6: Gold, Bronze, Silver etc.

This goes for jewelry, tableware, bowls etc. For example in spells/rituals or offerings to a deity. A plate to put your offerings on or to set the spell on. Look into your cupboards! A glass bowl is a popular one to use since it's neutral in it's symbolic and easy to clean. If you'd prefer something golden or any other other material, ask a grandparent or maybe even parent. They usually have some sort of old tableware that is golden or bronze or anything else. If asked (and you're a closet witch!) tell them it's for decoration or putting a candle on it. The same goes for jewerly. Grandparents (or aunts!) usually have old necklaces and earrings they don't need anymore. Or even brooches with imagery you can connect to a deity maybe.

Tip 7: Tarot Cards:

It depends if you believe in the rule that says you cannot buy yourself a tarot deck. I do! Therefore what I did, was make my own one. It took lots of days but in the end I had a full deck! It's lots of work so if you don't want all that from the start, make yourself only the major arcana. Again it can be made out of cardboard, paper etc. The material really doesn't matter. If you're not familiar with the rule, it says your first tarot deck has to be gifted to you, found, or made by yourself. Infact in my case, all three happened to me!

In conclusion, Nature has ALL kinds of componements. You can find so many things all around you if you just look close enough!

But don't forget, cleansing is important! If you take items off the ground out and about, cleanse them off any negative energy before putting them into your household. If anything you need to know I haven't mentioned, just ask.

Happy witching!

[cedarxwing]

My favorite details in Castle Lecter's set design

1. The Lecter family crest pays homage to the Hannibal book cover.

It references Milan's biscione, a snake devouring a man, which appears on the coat of arms of the Visconti and Sforza families (from which Hannibal is descended on his mother's side).

SIDE NOTE: One of Hannibal's favorite pastimes as the curator of the Palazzo Vecchio was reading about his ancestors:

Funnily enough, the Visconti-Sforza commissioned their own tarot decks in the 15th century, so Hannibal might've been studying those in the Palazzo library around the time he designed his Vitruvian Man tableau. Here's the original Visconti di Modrone Three of Swords vs an artist's reproduction:

2. Pheasant & Raven imagery

The Chiyoh/Abigail parallels are strong, but Chiyoh's symbolic prey animal is a pheasant instead of a deer! She uses pheasant quills as decoration for her dinner with Will, and there are some taxidermied pheasants in the hunting lodge we didn't get to see:

But my favorite detail is how she uses a pheasant bone to kill the Caged Man! Even a prey animal has sharp edges.

Meanwhile, ravens represent Hannibal's imposing presence haunting the estate. We see them on the Lecter family crest and taxidermied by the fireplace.

Doubled birds of prey motif... a nod to how Will is joining Hannibal as a predator?

All the hawk paintings could also just be referencing this single line in Hannibal Rising:

SIDE NOTE: Over in Florence, Hannibal is keeping in the bird theme with a feathered arm ham wing and a nest of green bean asps for his dinner with Sogliatto:

3. A Shrine for Mischa?

There's a deleted scene in the script where Will spots a Shinto shrine while snooping:

A small version of this shrine appears above the fireplace. It includes a pair of birds of paradise, the same flower Chiyoh leaves on Mischa's grave:

If you've read the books, Mischa's presence is also palpable in the deer heads watching over their dinner (not that we got to see them lol):

4. The way the painting above the fireplace is cut off makes it look like an oni glaring at them! Creepy!

Or maybe it's meant to look like Enma, the Buddhist King of Hell, who is depicted in the painting on the ceiling in the original production design (The Fever of Tairo no Kiyomori by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, 1883):

It's actually this Rorschach of a landscape based on Old Plum by Kano Sansetsu (1646):

5. Japanese family crests (mon) on the curtains

The Secondo scene uses the weeping wisteria family crest (sagari fuji mon):

The name Murasaki means wisteria, so I assume this crest represents her. It's doubly fitting, since in real life, this is the Fujiwara crest, and Lady Murasaki's namesake (Murasaki Shikibu, author of the Tale of Genji) was a Fujiwara.

The original production design uses a princess tree family crest (kiri mon). Not sure if there was any symbolism to that choice, but they didn't go with it in the end.

[luis-block]

loving the (specifically Heket) headcanons so far! uhh any headcanons for what kinds of dates the Bishops prefer/how dates would go?

Thank you! I thought that these asks were similar enough that I would have them be together. I also added Narinder, I just couldn't help it!

Warnings: Narinder's is angst at some points

The Bishops +Narinder date and wedding headcanons

Shamura

Dates would probably be spent looking for newly evolved species of bugs/spiders in Silk Cradle. I would like to think with their vast knowledge that they like to study how the creatures in their realm evolve over time. Other times you sit quietly in front of a fire and listen to them tell you tales from long ago times.

A wedding that they would likely have would be a moderately sized one. Both of your families and close friends would be in attendance. It would be an elegant affair at their temple. Isn’t picky as to what they wear, they can do a dress, suit, or dress their robes. But they would like to wear the same type of clothes as you. To them it symbolizes that you two are going to become one in a sense. You couldn’t have dreamed of a better day than this.

Kallamar

Dates will always be outside. Going out for a swim, finding tarot cards on the beach, or even counting how many skulls you guys found walking in Anchordeep. Being out in the water is always what makes you guys happy. There is an old wife’s tale that when you soak or bathe in the water, that it can wash away your negative emotions and make you happier. It has always proven true for you both.

The thoughts of weddings are a bit daunting to Kallamar. Worried about it being prefect and living up to the expected expectations of his siblings make him more nervous that he would like to admit. But once you assure him to will work out, and you want nothing more than to marry him, it works out. You both have a wedding on the beach that surrounds Anchordeep, letting whoever wishes to come attend. You both had the times of your lives.

Heket

Dates are often at home for you two. Heket is a home body at heart and would much prefer to make a calm dinner with you and watch the night stars pass by as you two cuddles. But quiet walks through the fall leaves are also nice. Finding snails has also become a fun pastime for you too, as you think that the little guys are the cutest.

The wedding you both have is, what’s the word, BIG. Not even in a gaudy way, but the amount of details and effort put into the whole thing is spectacular. You had assured her it doesn’t need to be so grand, but she insists. She has always wanted a wedding with all the bells and whistles, perhaps because most bishops don’t get married as their duties leave little time for romance. The wedding is awe inspiring, and you both look back on it with joy and happy memories.

Leshy

Dates usually involve doing something new, and maybe some mischief. Picking mushrooms from Heket realm to slip into a stew being made for the followers in Anchordeep was the latest date, and you guys didn’t even get caught! Other times laying in a tent made from camellia flowers and talking about whatever comes to mind is also a favorite for you both.

A wedding? He loves the idea of getting married to you, but he would rather do something like a quick courthouse wedding. But if you do wish for one, it would be a family event rather than a full crowd. He makes you a crown and veil combo that is made from flowers, with flowers decorating the room of the ceremony. As small and quickly it was put together, you wouldn’t have changed it for the world.

Narinder

He is a rather reserved person, so long walks in the unpopulated parts of the island are the go-to for you both. Exploring old, abandoned buildings from cults of the past always gets him excited. You both find old coins, relics, and other artifacts that you both then research to see the stories behind these items. Climbing to the top of one of the many mountains to watch the sunrise while he lays his head on your lap will forever be in his heart.

Would have no interest in having an actual wedding in the traditional sense. He sees it as a spectacle made to please others, a common gaudy ritual at best. He suggests you two make your own ‘ritual’ instead, in essence eloping to have it just be you two. Bringing a blanket, candles, wearing white and red robes with black veils on. You both go to your favorite mountain top to do your rebellious wedding ritual. This was very much against old faiths practices, the making of a ritual of your own. But his siblings didn’t have to know about this, and they would never know how much he loved you. You both say your own vows, holding hands with the bishop as your smile never faded. His own smile grew into a smirk as he kissed you. It was the best day of your lives, and it was supposed to last forever. He will never forgive them for locking him up and taking you from him.

He will make them pay, and you will be brought back to him, one way or another.

[turniparts]

So... Life series winners as Omori characters anyone? Individual ref sheets and more info under the cut :D

Okay SO, for starters I will just say that I am biased towards Scott Smajor and that is why I made him the main character. However, I do believe that in the end he does kind of make the most sense for Sunny considering that everyone else fits better as the other characters imo. Also I used tints of blue instead of black and white bc drawing Scott in black and white just simply feels incorrect.

Anyway, Scar and Pearl are just 100% Hero and Aubrey respectively. A lot of Hero's character revolves around his charming personality, which he uses in headspace to get people to do him favors. I feel like this matches up with Scar's "too charismatic for his own good" schtick that usually happens in the life series.

Aubrey reacts to a negative experience where she was abandoned by IMMEDIATELY lashing out at everyone and becoming a social outcast, hanging out with delinquents. I don't think it's rocket science to see that Pearl, who reacted to negative experiences where she was abandoned by going crazy and lashing out at everyone, matches her character really well.

Going from there, Scott as Sunny makes sense because of his abandonment of Pearl in double life mirroring Sunny's retreat from Aubrey and his friends in how the latter reacted.

Then Grian as Mari because 1) Desert Duo(not necessarily romantic, just in how they are inextricably linked), and 2) He was the first winner and with Watcher stuff I feel like his character is best suited to Mari's role in headspace.

That left Cleo and Martyn as Kel and Basil. These two were the ones I debated the longest, because I feel like they both suit both roles. I went with Cleo as Kel because she's the one who stuck with Scott throughout every life series, like how Kel never gave up on knocking on Sunny's door.

Martyn and Scott were of course the mean gills, and Martyn won through attacking Scott despite all they'd been through together. Basil experienced the trauma with Sunny but still ended up attacking him in his fear. Plus with listener lore I feel like Martyn being the only other person to know the truth makes sense.

Also, whether you look at it in the celestial bodies interpretation(Grian Sun, Scott Stars, Pearl Moon, Martyn Mars, Scar Earth, Cleo Pluto) or tarot cards interpretation(Grian Sun, Scott Stars, Pearl Moon, Martyn Tower, Scar World, Cleo Fool), the omori characters also match up to those.

Sorry that was a lot of explanation for why I linked the specific characters I did. Onto the flowers! Scott as a poppy actually makes a lot of sense even w/out flower husbands, as it's a flower that symbolizes sleep, due to its use in sleeping gas, as well as death, which both match up with how Sunny acted in game.

Pearl is a Datura becuase of its ties to the moon(Moonflowers) as well as its other name(Devil's Trumpet) referencing her Double life character. It is also a very spiritual flower for many cultures, which ties into Aubrey and how she attends church.

Cleo being a succulent feels self explanatory, much like Kel's cactus in game they are easy to take care of and grow under many conditions.

Scar is lavender because of its associations with calming and devotion. Hero acts as the group's peace-keeper, and Scar with this role would do the same. It also has some medicinal properties like soothing headaches and having anti-inflammatory effects, which I feel fits well.

Martyn is a water lily because the season he won was the mean gills season, which I wanted to tie in. Their meaning being rebirth(which also matches the poppy) fits the way that Sunny can only face the truth after Basil nearly kills him. They also symbolize enlightenment, which again aligns with how Basil/Martyn is the only character to know the truth other than Sunny himself.

Grian is the red zinnia because firstly, I wanted him to have a red flower, and secondly its symbolism matches pretty well. Familial love, of course, represents how Mari(Grian in this case) was not only Sunny's big sister, but also acted as a sisterly figure to the other kids. While they are tough flowers, they also symbolize remembrance, pointing towards the death of Mari/Grian. I probably could've kept everyone except Scott and Martyn's flowers the same, but I actually had a lot of fun looking into flower meanings and stuff(sorry if it's not al 100% accurate).

I was honestly surprised with how many parallels I was actually able to find here. This really started as a silly thing I played with in my head because I enjoy both of these medias, but the more I thought about it, the more I went "huh, that actually does make sense", so now here we are.

@easily-distracted-by-fandom , I hope you enjoy the ramble. I also hope that I find more people who know what the heck I'm talking about lmao

Edited in an attempt to make this easier to read instead of big blocks of text lmao

[cowboyinternist]

hello and welcome to the post where i finally talk about some of my favorite wtnv episode art, because it’s a thing they do that i absolutely adore.

and i think it’s severely under appreciated/untalked about

starting with this one because i think it’s really lovely both in concept and execution. i have the print of it :)

i enjoy this work a lot for a same reason that i love room scenes: story told through subtlety. using the fridge as a canvas, including esteban’s drawings and letter magnets, gives us a window into the lives of these characters that we don’t really see in the typical format of this show. it’s also just really cute??

the subtle references to the past, the constant, and the current really tie the themes of the episode (and the show as a whole) together.

other things of note:

the star tarot card is representative of hope and new beginning.

the exes on the community calendar match up to the day of the month (the 15th).

i really really really like the references to the wtnv novel, because i think the novels are neglected a lot when it comes to the podcast and merchandising.

it knows with a certainty that the people seeing it will understand the niche references on it, and thus does not feel a need to explain itself.

it works really great as episode art, but also wonderfully as a 10th anniversary piece. unlike the poster. which i hate.

like the above, i love this one for several reasons. the composition, the colors, the lettering.

but above all i am a big enjoyer of flower imagery and symbolism.

lavender is pretty well known to symbolize calm, and tranquility. i think most people know that. and i think that reflects the kind of levelheaded and methodical way that carlos finally deals with his problems in this episode.

and i’m hoping the it’s representative of carlos’ mindset in the year to come? representative of him finding peace with his past.

him having his back turned to the viewer gives a sense of withdrawal or running away, but the lavender and calm atmosphere portray an aura is resignation. he’s done running.

other things:

old woman josie says in an early episode that carlos smells like lavender chewing gum

lavender is drought resilient and does very well in desert climates :)

i love this one for the same reason that i have issues with the most recent arc.

the magnifying glass both casts a shadow over and a beaming light into the community that you see in the illustration. it can be assumed that it’s only a matter of time before it bursts into flames and is destroyed under the prying eye. symbolism that is pretty easy to dissect. it tells us exactly what the danger is and exactly what is in danger in a very easy to interpret way.

welcome to night vale has always had a very heavy emphasis on community, but for me that isn’t really shown in this arc.

allegorical meaning aside, it ended up being framed in this way that ended up m very cecil & carlos vs. the night vale community + the uowii. rather than it being cecil, carlos, and the night vale community vs. the uowii. which was so

i think both of those concepts exist within the arc, but the latter is less believable because there’s so much less community detail. characters motives are not described. characters reactions to certain events are brushed past, often with little emotion to them. oh josh is missing? that sucks. anyways. dana is completely innocent? woohoo! anyways. they don’t allow room to for us, and the characters, to just FEEL? which is a stark contrast to the writing of previous years.

night vale as a community is what was at stake at this arc. but the lack of focus on characters and the relationships between them really took the stakes and emotion out of the situation. and, for me, took some impact and comedic value out of the ending.

i remember being really excited upon seeing this episode art because this piece did a really good job at setting an expectation for what the themes of this year would be. the themes were still there, but the writing didn’t do them justice and didn’t give them enough push to make them feel as impactful as they should have been.

this is all that i have the energy to talk about for now, but if there’s other episode art you’d like me to talk about, send me an ask! i’m also happy to talk about my opinions on other merch pieces that they have in their store! :)

[once-in-a-blood-moon]

Jo Explains with Tarot : Solomon's Unforgettable Past

Incoming long winded explanation/analyzation about the Festival of Flowers from Solomon's "Unforgettable Past" Devilgram, but doing it with tarot cards. So, spoilers ahead and lots of nonsense beyond this point if this isn't your thing :) I broke this into sections so it'd be easier to read...hopefully.

Please note: these are my interpretations of the cards. Your interpretations may be different, and that's okay! That's great even. That just means there's more to learn from the cards than just one perspective. So neither of us are wrong, we just see things in different ways. Don't be afraid to expand with your own thoughts if you want!

So, I realized something recently. One of the days on the Obey Me calendar was the Devildom Flower Festival, held annually on June 20th. And I think it's safe to say it's the same festival you visit with Solomon in his card "Unforgettable Past."

In that, he explains the war the Devildom commemorates every year and the legend behind it. The timespan of the war was 7 days. So...from June 20th (not counting it) we'd see that the war started on June 13th.

Why does any of this matter? Well, it probably doesn't to anyone but me, but here I'm going to explain the significance of those dates with...tarot cards!

How this works is how you would calculate your personal birth cards. It's really simple. Just add up all the numbers in the date, but not before making each digit a single digit, to get your results. Usually you get two cards, though there are special instances where some might get three, but's not as common. (I'll use a random date as an example: 8/10/1983 - 8+1+0+1+9+8+3 = 30. There's only 21 major arcana cards that are applicable, so you'd break the 30 down as well to get 3 - the Empress. To get the second card from 3, you use what adds to make 3 which would be 1+2, put those together and you get 12 - the Hanged Man. It's kind of like the reversal of what we did to get the first card. I hope I explained that well enough.

---

June 13th

With that out of the way, let's start with June 13, 6/13. This would give us 10. The tenth card in the major arcana is the Wheel of Fortune. Break down 10, and we get 1. The first card of the major arcana (ignoring the Fool since it's the zeroth card) is, ironically, the Magician.

The Magician card focuses on what you already have and expanding on those skills. Pictured in the card, there is one of each suit from the minor arcana laying on a table (one wand, cup, sword, and pentacle). Those represent the ace cards of those suits, which usually indicate beginnings or starting points. Essentially, the Magician already has novice level skills to help him navigate through his journeys, and as he experiences more his knowledge will grow and he'll "collect" more of each suit. He's an innovator, a go-getter, and as long as he keeps his head on his shoulders and doesn't get ahead of himself, he'll progress just fine. Also pictured is the Magician holding a candle in the air while pointing downwards with his free hand. To me, this could represent a guiding light, a symbol of the fifth element: spirit (as above, so below), a eureka! moment (the lightbulb over someone's head), or that he's declaring his own start - like charging into something with vigor. He's also got an infinity sign above his head, but that'll come in later...

The Wheel of Fortune focuses on chance and opportunity. Sometimes it's an indication of reigning in a new future or era, whether it's within our personal lives or seeing it unfold through society. A few things to note in the illustration is the little red guy??, the sphinx, and the snake surrounding the wheel. To me, I see the red guy kind of fox-like, or even devilish. Regardless, he's sneaky, cunning, willing to take risks to see himself come out at the top in the end. The sphinx is holding a sword, reminding me of the Justice card, or the suit of swords. The sphinx is logical, wielding rationale as a weapon should taking the risk turn to be less than ideal or difficult. A sharp intellect, if you will. And the snake, to me, represents the temptation of wanting to go along with something for the sake of knowledge or curiosity. There's also the three animals and one angel in the corners of the card, but I won't go into detail on them for the sake of brevity. But to me, they represent higher wisdom, or that the fate of the wheel is divinely guided.

-

According to his Devilgram story, he'd spoken to a demon in the human realm, which sparked the brazen idea that he could convince the Demon King and his citizens to work under him. It was an opportunity, a risk he was willing to take if it meant a more favorable fate/outcome for the human realm. Obviously, Solomon thought that he had what it took to get the king to see reason, whether it be through charm and wit alone, or through more brutal means. By that point, he was already able to subjugate demons to his will, so why not go father when the opportunity presents itself? Perhaps even doing so to test his own strength and power.

So, he had the skill, he had the charisma, but he also had the arrogance of the Magician in reverse. All he had to do was take matters into his own hands for the sake of "furthering human kind's development," find an opening, show just how powerful humans could be, and strike. And he struck hard. Solomon took his risk and fought with everything he had in him. Alone. That day, he held the destiny of the human realm in his hands.

---

June 20th

Onto the eighth day, June 20, 6/20. Adding this gives us 8, which is the eighth card - Strength. And then 1+7 = 8, so put those together to get the number 17 - the Star.

The Strength card is just about that: strength. Strength doesn't have to be physical. More often than not, our inner courage defines our true strength. In this card, we see a woman who looks to be petting a lion. Whether she's attempting to befriend him or trying to soothe him, she's showing great bravery by approaching the situation with calmness and gentility. In the face of what could be a problematic situation, if not dealt with swiftly/correctly, this card reminds us that we have the option to fight with fearlessness, approach with a silent confidence, or we can choose to walk away altogether. Then that leads us to either being the bigger person or being cowardly, depending on the issue at hand. So, remember I mentioned the infinity symbol above the Magician's head? The lady in this card has one above her head as well. This, to me, is a call back that we have the skills to handle any problem that arises. We are equipped with strength and courage and any learned tricks we may have up our sleeve to give us the upper hand.

The Star is one of the more positive cards in the tarot deck (aside from the Sun of course). Maybe uplifting is a better way to describe it. This card holds hope for a brighter future, a better tomorrow. The Star reminds us that it's okay to heal, breathe, and wish upon hope that things can get better. The sky is the limit. In this illustration, there's a woman pouring water back into what looks to be a river with her foot hovering over it. It's almost like she'd lost hope to the cruelty of life, but she's ready try again and slowly dip her toes back in. She's allowing herself time to do so, reflecting on why she wants to and why she's ready, like affirmations. The ripples in the water remind me of both the ripple effect and of manifestations. By taking the initiative, good things may come her way or she may make change within the world around her. Also, in her other hand she's got another pitcher that's pouring out water onto the ground. We can take this either that she's unknowingly nurturing something in the midst of her finding herself, or that by enveloping herself in this new hope, she's actively pouring out the old.

-

On the eighth day, Solomon vanishes, ultimately putting a stop to the fighting. What led up to this decision, we don't know. Although, you can ask Solomon if "the sorcerer" just threw in the towel, to which he stills for a moment, almost as if he were offended or caught of guard by our question. He doesn't elaborate on that further, only responding with- "maybe. We'll never know for sure." It's telling that to him it obviously wasn't a matter of giving up. There was more at stake than just his pride or lust for power. And he made the decision to walk away when he probably could've went on for much longer.

And why would he leave a field of flowers as a "parting gift" if it meant nothing? He's a pretty cryptic guy, after all. But again, we don't know why exactly he did so. It could've been a promise that humanity would further on its own and they'd one day see he was right. Maybe it was the hope that the realms could coincide someday and that he recognized the Devildom's power. Or simply, it was his version of a "white flag." No matter what he originally meant by them, the flowers would go on to be the focus of the festival to commemorate the Devildom's victory. In Solomon's words, "it's a day to hope for peace and prosperity throughout the land."

[basedkikuenjoyer]

Let's take a day for the new one, Chapter 41's first half is live and it has a vibe with which I can jive. We don't have a whole lot in the way of funny panels this time but the atmosphere is just great. Everyone's hanging out at Cora's with the Donquixopticon Chamber that does have an equally corny name for realsies. Playing Daifugo and scheming for investigating Doffy's involvement with a Dark Bingo Tournament. No, it's not as much of a reference in Japanese. I got hopeful. These kind of moments are great though, lot of nice gags. I love how everything is interspersed with card plays, Daifugo is a fun game. Fruits Basket has it pop up and the old Tokyopop volume had the rules. Convinced a group of friends to play on a school trip once. Very fun memory. Get a load of Luffy cheating!

Where this gets cool is we do break up into teams based on the game. Worth mentioning it by the way, you could call it like "Tycoon" or "Millionaire." As a game it has a theme of wealth disparity and caste. So legitimately interesting to juxtapose with the Donquixote Brothers' origin story as well as what we potentially set up. Reminds me a little of both how we use Hawkins's tarot cards and the Go board in Wano. That's all the symbolic meaning for now, if it shows up again and terms are flummoxing someone gracious enough to translate, shoot me a DM. Moving on. New World parody, gotta split the party. One half will tail Doffy...and the other will investigate Onigashima Middle. Here's our groups:

Well how about that? Miss Nami who mentioned having Kiku's contact info, Miss Robin who pondered how much she'd know, and Miss Vivi who was part of actually saving the day around Yamato's trip to the carnival are all on the Onigashima team. The team notably without someone in that guide role Cora's in for the party crashers. So surely we're about to have some girl time with your new tol buddy. Does Kiku get a nice cardigan like y'all have? I bet she'd like it. Recall our theory is that based on established norms and uniforms, it seems Kiku might already be a New World Middle student like Izo.

Chopper can come too and honestly I'm down with Brook being a part of this. I uh, wouldn't mind checking off finding out how our girl reacts to being propositioned about seeing her underwear while we're at it. Seriously though, high chance our most precious flower of Wano's much more obviously foreshadowed return in this series feels quite imminent.

Since the other team is going to like, a gathering of something that sounds way too much like the Black-Black Club for this not actually ending up being a YYH reference I wonder if Big Mom will work her way in. Totally would make sense with what we have set up. Is a little weird to have Doffy rubbing elbows with her over Kaido but he was always the broker for everyone it seemed. Wouldn't mind seeing schoolboy Perospero, we know Pudding in a sailor suit will be cute, and if I get Katakuri & Corazon in the same panel I know I'mma break reaction records again. Not to mention Jinbei's absence has been a lil fishy. I love where this is all heading, seems like it'll be really fun.

[buriedpentacles]

Dropping back in to share more about rabbits!! I feel they’ve been more messengers in my case, they tend to be around after I’ve made an important decision. Seeing one always feels like a good thing though, that they try to point me in the right direction. For example, I quit a job this summer that had given me a lot of grief and as I pulled out of the parking lot one was sitting in the middle of the street. It moved to the side of the road as I drove forward, followed me for a few beats, and off it went. For as skittish as they are, I always take it as a good sign when they follow the same path I am before making their exit, as if I’m on the right path.

Even in the rural town I’m from they aren’t incredibly common, I always see more deer, raccoons, and possums around. They’re absolutely less common in the city, and yet I’ve managed to move to a school and a neighborhood that is bordering on infested with them. I could count on one hand the number of squirrels I’ve seen in the last few years, but I see at least three rabbits every day. Again, I’ve been taking it as a sign that that’s where I should be. If, as you said, prey animals feel that safe there, then I should as well.

Aside from their physical presence, I’ve found that rabbit imagery almost follows me around as well. Part of this is just my gravitation towards it, but even yesterday a family member played a song for me that I happened to like. Lo and behold, the album cover is a rabbit. Another instance is an ornament my great grandmother made for me, the only thing of her’s I have, which also happens to be a rabbit.

Overall, I tend to think of them as familiars or guides and always find them in the places where I feel conflicted or need reassurance. For as long as this has been going on, I’ve yet to really reach out to them directly because I feel they show themselves when they know they’re needed. In return, I try to show as much kindness and respect to them as I can. I just think they’re neat :)

If you’ve got any tips on reaching out to spirits and rabbits specifically I’d love to hear them!!

Oh wow!! That is so amazing to hear, they definitely seem super important to you and really connected. It's so cool to me to hear other's experiences and perspectives! I think Rabbit is likely a guide to you; a spirit presence that wants to help you and cares for you.

I have my rabbit skull sitting beside me now, actually, and it is honestly a very wonderful and fun spirit to work with (from what I've gathered so far).

In terms on working with and reaching out to rabbit I'd advise the same things I advise with any animal spirit:

Where possible, meet them on their turf (for Rabbit, this may be a field or some place you've seen many of them before)

Leave an offering for them - bonus points if it's something beneficial to their living counterparts (i.e. soem cat food for a fox or hedgehog, for Rabbit it may be clover or flowers)

Speak clearly and make your intention known. "Spirit of Rabbit, my name is [name] and I want to work with you. I wish to [insert major intention i.e. create abundance in my life, build confidence, learn from you, etc] and would be honoured to Know you."

Ask for a sign/confirmation from them - I like to ask for a specific sign and then confirm with tarot, but you can also just confirm using divination or just a specific sign. Personally, I ask that they leave a physical symbol (such as a bone) so that I may have something to focus on during communication. It helps if you set a timeline and be specific.

Don't overstay your welcome. Respect the spirit and it's answer. Communicate with them if they permit it and ensure that boundaries are set, intentions are made clear and an agreement is made.

It's pretty touch and go once you've established a relationship - it's up to you to figure out how you best work in spirit relationships and how to make that specific one work.

This isn't a super in depth guide, this is just some basic points on what I do when reaching out to spirits for btoh short and long term relationships.

[respectthepetty]

Midnight Museum Symbols & Theories

Listen up, mi gente! It's Midnight Museum theory time, so put on your tin foil hats and follow me down this rabbit hole of chaos and tarot cards.

The Waxing Moon

The waxing moon (or a crescent moon) shows up a lot. It is a symbol of life and death. The waxing moon is the Midnight Museum's logo on the card, but it is also the tattoo the kid who comes back to life has in episode four.

And the tattoo the mysterious woman has

And it's the symbol hanging over her door, and the same place the boy in episode four tries to run to.

The High Priestess

In the trailer, we see the mystery woman tell Khatha she will take everything from him, but before that we see someone holding the High Priestess card. The card features a crescent moon and deals with mystery, secrets, and hidden talents.

In the beginning of episode three, Dome mentioned seeing our life flash before our eyes as we die, then we saw flashes from his life. One of those looked like a high priestess. Could this be the mystery woman? Or someone else like the next door neighbor we saw praying at an altar with the red dressed bride in the first episode?

Tarot Cards

What if we are going through the deck with each episode? Have we seen the Lovers (Moth & Rin) and perhaps the Tower (the kids at school) up until now. Was Jib the Fool?

Could Bam, the cop, be Justice? Could Triphop be the Hierophant who acts as the counselor? Both talked about going against arranged marriages and tradition in the second episode. This is a key element in those cards. Could June, whose gown is filled with red flowers be the Empresses whose gown is decorated with red pomegranates?

More importantly, this is the description of the Emperor - he is depicted in red and holds a scepter in his right hand and a globe in his left. Who fits that description?

Khatha's office has a crown featured front and center on the table.

And when he went to Dome's room, he noticed the crown necklace

Also, his scepter holds a similar rock to the evil one we saw in episode four.

But what is the number one card? The Magician who stands between the spiritual and physical realms as well as symbolizes untapped potential. The Magician can do all things.

The Spiritual Realm

Is Dome an alien or tapping into another realm?

In the first episode, we saw him transport to a different plane when he was knocked out from the red dressed bride. In episode four, we saw his eyes look very similar to the keychain he has attached to his bag.

Which resembles a universe, and when the universe or someone on the spiritual plane speaks to him

It is something similar to what we hear in the trailer

But Dome can't decipher the entire message

Is his mission to usher in a new god or is HE the new god/ruler? The current ruler would be the Emperor, and if both of them are immortal, they will be of the same kind.

Immortality as a Curse

In episode three, when we see Dome's life flash before his eyes, we see him drowning (it's hard to see, but if you watch it on .25 speed, you can get a glimpse of it)

At the end of episode four, we see him arrive in the past in a boat on a lake full of dead bodies

And the hat he wears has the zodiac signs on it with a scale

If Dome is the Magician and has only tapped into some of his power, what if he died by drowning and was thrown back into time where he met Khatha, who we saw standing on the pier.

In the flashbacks of Dome's life in the beginning of episode three, we see these two memories

The first one seems to be from when he awakens on the boat, and the second appears to be when they begin to know each other. If this is the case, THIS is why Khatha asked Dome in the first episode if Dome remembered Khatha. Dome doesn't, perhaps because he is a time and space traveler since he can move between planes, which might explain him popping into other people's bodies?

June reminds Dome that immorality is a curse because immortals must watch those they love die. In the flashes of Dome's life, we see him near fire.

This is a similar shot to the one we got of Khatha looking horrified in front of a fire in the first episode when the cursed body reacted to the chaos.

If Dome drowned and was thrown into the past, then Dome dying in the past might have thrown him to a different time.

If that burnt cursed body was Dome's previous body, the mystery woman getting it could potentially tap into Dome's power OR control Dome himself since the body was snatched by her minions at the warehouse.

Because Khatha was somehow tethered to Dome in those dying moments, he, too became immortal aka cursed.

June was cursed. She tells Khatha they are the same. She says she, in a sense, cursed herself because she was a ghost haunted by her choices that ended with the love of her life dying. That made her immortal. She tells Khatha he is the same.

Khatha lectures Dome about not connecting to cursed objects because then Dome will become cursed himself.

As stated above, Khatha's specter holds a similar stone as the evil one in episode four. It even did something similar when Khatha touched it in episode two at the warehouse. During the moths episode, Khatha wears a shirt with moths on it.

What if Khatha, in an attempt to right his wrong (which ended in his lover, Dome, dying), searched for objects that would help him 1) bring back memories of his loved one like the moths do, and 2) bring back the dead like the evil stone does? Those are only two of the objects HE collected, so in his search for redemption, did he curse himself?

Stray Thoughts

What's behind that wall in the real Dome's room?

Why was the real Dome snatched on his 23rd birthday 202 years AFTER the time traveling Dome ended up in the past (May 1820)? Is the real Dome stuck on a spiritual plane?

And finally, Dome's shirt had a black heart on it.

Either Khatha and Dome were/are in love or I am losing my mind.

Thanks to @slayerkitty for spoiling all the scary parts for me, so I can keep watching this show!

[rilannon]

Prompt: Skye keeps finding tarot cards from a very unusual deck. Julia looks shaken when she finally shows them to her.

The first card shows up in Skye's gear bag, tucked underneath her ring boots. She almost misses it, but the glint of gold catches her eye. She picks up the card, turning it to see the way the golden accents catch the light. The rest of the card is black and white, a stylised figure of a man carrying a bundle of possessions on a stick, walking towards the edge of a cliff. Skye recognises it as a tarot card, although she has no idea which one it is or what it means. There’s no words written on the card to help her, and the back is plain black with golden edging. For now she tucks it away in her bag and continues to get ready for her match, making a mental note to ask around about it after the show.

That night she encounters Julia Hart and the Black Mist, and the tarot card is the last thing on her mind. 

The second card shows up in her locker a few shows later. Skye is tired and aching after her match, despite the relatively hot shower to try and soothe the aching muscles in her upper back. She doesn’t see the card at first, propped up against the locker itself, but when she grabs her clothes it flutters to the floor. She bends over to pick it up, noting that the back is the same as the previous card. When she turns it over, this time it shows a man, one arm pointing up and the other pointing down, a golden infinity sign above his head. There’s a table with some items laid out on it, a sword and a goblet, but Skye still doesn’t recognise which card it is. She puts it with the other one, leaving the mystery of who was leaving the cards for her to find until later. 

Skye finds the third card in her jacket pocket, on her way out of the arena a week or so after the second. She reaches in for her phone, and instead pulls out the card, the black and white and gold quickly becoming familiar. This time the card shows a woman sitting between two pillars, her golden hair spilling down from her moon shaped headdress. Skye could almost be convinced that the woman looks like Julia, but maybe she’s just got Julia on her mind at the moment. She can feel something dark twisting inside her, ever since she was misted. She knows Willow was misted too, but the other woman seems to be shrugging it off. That or she’s hiding it really, really well, Skye isn’t sure. She’s not sure of a lot of things these days. Her phone chiming with a notification that her Uber was here breaks her out of her thoughts, and she tucks the card away safely and decides to deal with it another time. 

The next week, Skye opens her suitcase in her hotel to find two cards, neatly lying on top of her clothes. One shows a woman, sitting on a throne surrounded by golden flowers, golden stars sparkling in her hair. The other shows a man also on a throne, holding an orb and rod, a golden edged mountain behind him. Skye knows she should be more worried about their appearance in her suitcase than she is, but as she holds them she gets the weirdest feeling that they belong exactly where they are. As she turns one over, this time the light seems to catch on an image, faintly embossed on the card. It takes some time to find the right angle in the light, but Skye can make out the symbol of the House of Black on the back of the card. She checks first the other card from her suitcase, and then the previous cards that she had found, and they all have the symbol embossed. She’s not sure why she didn’t spot it before. Eventually she decides that the lighting wasn’t good enough to see the symbol the previous times, and she tucks them away in her bag to take to the arena with her, hoping to find Julia and ask about them. 

Julia isn’t there that night, but Skye keeps the cards close. She knows they’re important, somehow, even if the details escape her. 

The cards stop coming, for a little while, and Skye almost forgets all about them. She’s got plenty of other things on her mind, the darkness that has twisted inside her ever since she was misted finally consuming her, and through the rush of dark power she can see Julia smiling, approving, an almost golden glow around her. It’s not until they’re preparing for their match the following week that Skye finds another card. This time it’s tucked into her makeup bag, falling out as she gets everything out to get ready for the show. Both her and Julia reach for it at the same time, but Julia freezes as she touches the card. Skye picks it up carefully, wary of the way Julia is staring at the card. This one shows a man holding a golden scepter, a man that definitely looks like Malakai Black. Skye looks to Julia in confusion, but there is none of the calm, confident poise that she’s come to expect. Instead Julia looks shaken, eyes wide as she looks from the card to Skye. Skye pulls out the other cards and explains how they started just showing up, but it doesn’t seem to help Julia’s mood. She takes the cards when Skye offers them, fingers tracing the designs. Skye notices that the House of Black symbol is far more clear on the backs of all the cards now, but she doesn’t think too hard on why that might be. Eventually they have to return to getting ready for the show, and Julia packs the cards carefully away in her bag. She doesn’t explain, but Skye gets the strangest feeling that she isn’t going to be finding any more cards. At least, not for a while. 

[khaire-traveler]

Hi! Sorry, if it's not in your field, you can ignore it otherwise.

Do you have any advice for someone, who is got interested in very unpopular God to worship? Like, there is no temples, no hymns, no prayers, and, in my cases, even no myths. I would say the God is semi popular, like, people know Him, but don't worship. I already checked most popular websites. In my case it's Erebos, but, really, a lot of God's I want to worship and work with in future fall under this problem.

Hey, Nonny, thank you for the question!

Most deities I worship have myths of some kind that feature them, but some are simply mentioned by name, and that's about it. It can be frustrating and confusing to not find any information about a deity at all.

When it comes to this problem, the best thing to do, in my opinion, is look at general historical offerings for Chthonic (or Ouranic, but I believe Erebos would be considered Chthonic) deities. Most of what was offered to them was buried to return it to the earth, and when praying to Chthonic deities, ancient Greeks would sometimes knock or pound on the ground to "get their attention", as it was believed they lived below the surface of the earth. Burning offerings are more for Ouranic deities, as the smoke would travel up to Olympus, but I would say that if that's common for you, you're still welcome to do that. You obviously don't have to do things the exact same way as in history, but if you want to, the option is at least somewhat there. If you're going to throw away an offering because it's not safe for the environment to bury, just let the deity know that you're not doing it out of disrespect; that's typically what I do, and that seems to work fine.

Some common general offerings in ancient Greece include (but are not limited to): incense, honey, olive oil, water, flowers, herbs, fruits, grains, wine, and milk. You're more than welcome to give other offerings based on your own personal feelings and experiences (UPG)! For example, I like to give Loki (I know he's not a Hellenic god, but the example still applies) butterfly-related things as offerings because I have a UPG association of butterflies, despite the fact that's not historically verified. Your religion is your own, and especially with deities who are not mentioned often, you will have to base a lot on your own personal gut feelings.

As stated above, a lot of what you'll end up practicing will likely be rooted in UPG. Unfortunately, there aren't many sources for Erebos, so a lot of your practice may be based on general Chthonic deity worship in the past. My advice - and what has done me a lot of good personally - is establishing a reliable means of communication with Erebos. When you have a question or concern related to his worship, you can communicate with him directly and ask him what he'd like you to do! You can even ask him what symbols he would like you to associate him with, which he might express externally through signs and omens or through your dreams (that's based on my experience of asking the same of other deities). I personally find communication to be essential when it comes to worshipping lesser known or "unpopular" deities, as it has helped me countless times.

Deity communication doesn't have to be anything fancy, by the way; it can literally just be you praying or generally asking for a sign from the deity. I personally tend to pray and use tarot decks the most, but I've also found pendulum, ancient Greek runes, self-made runes, and shufflomancy to be helpful! Meditation is helpful, too, but I don't do much of that anymore because it's very difficult for me. There are endless ways to communicate with your deities, so just experiment, see what forms of communication work best for you, and utilize them however you see fit. Deity communication can be somewhat trial and error, so please don't feel discouraged if you don't immediately understand every single thing your deity is trying to communicate. It often takes some time and practice, and that's both entirely natural and completely ok.

When creating an altar for Erebos, I would stick to the typical way you'd make an altar for any other deity (if you want/are able to have a physical altar at all). For me, that looks like this: a candle to burn as a means of communication and offering in honor of the deity, imagery/statues of the deity, imagery/trinkets/etc of the deity's symbols (if any), imagery/trinkets/etc of symbols I personally associate with the deity, poetry/writings/drawings I made for the deity, devotional jewelry, and anything else that I see fit. Since he doesn't really have much you can associate him with historically, I would focus on creating your own associations with him. What are symbols you notice throughout your day that, for whatever reason, just remind you of Erebos? What are symbols he's sent to you in dreams or communications with him? What immediately comes to mind whenever you think of Erebos? These are some good questions to consider if you're having trouble finding things to associate him with!

Something else that can be helpful is finding or reaching out to others who worship the same deities. This can be really difficult, especially since the whole point of a "lesser known deity" is that they're lesser known, but sometimes you can get lucky and find other worshippers or even stumble across another worshipper's UPG/experiences with the deity. I would say that isn't super common, so I wouldn't stress it if you're unable to find others who worship Erebos; it can just be sometimes helpful to have that sense of community if you are able to find others. Even if you are the first to post or talk about a deity, I think that could still be helpful to you or others in the future because other interested people may reach out to or follow you, and that can be a great way to connect. That's entirely up to you and your comfort level, though, as it can honestly be really difficult to post about deities sometimes, even ones that are more well-known.

That's all the information I can think of off the top of my head. I hope that you find this all to be helpful in some way and that it can maybe help you get started. Thank you for the interesting question, and I hope you have a great day/night. 🧡☺️

[wilted-violets]

I have @infamous-if brainrot SO. meet Lottie Morgan, lead singer and ((occasional)) guitarist of Violet Hours. She's definitely, absolutely, completely, over her ex-boyfriend, and keeping her tattoo doesn't mean anything. at all. i can't draw even a little, so i figured i'd make her social media as some kind of introduction.

more facts under the cut !! insta template • twitter template

moved to the states at age 11, her parents were assholes, distant, and moved around a lot. she was born in england, and still has the accent most of the time

total emo loser

seven was the only one to see her songwriting, now she hides it from everyone and her journal is hidden well from rowan's prying hands

covered her 'SD' tattoo with concealer for the first 4 months after the breakup, now doesn't bother

she and seven were known for sneaking out of parties early to hang out by themselves or just go home

loves video games, spends a lot of time on the tour bus playing them and reading when she can

is a taurus

her favourite superhero is spiderman

has a full journal of songs about seven that no one will ever see

made every member of the band watch the extended editions of lord of the rings

any alternative music is her thing, but her guilty pleasure is boybands.

voice wise i kinda imagine like ?? disney era demi lovato ?? but that is subject to change

~ looks ~

5'9

plus-sized, hourglass shaped.

very pale,, translucent even

big blue eyes, slightly upturned nose, round face

strawberry blonde/ginger hair with a pink streak where her ear is ((hc is that seven had the same pink in his hair,,,,))

a few scars from the Trauma

light freckles in summer

tattoos: - SD on her wrist - a butterfly on each shin - 'the fool' tarot card on the back of her upper right arm - skull holding flowers on her inner left arm - lil taurus symbol behind her ear

septum, nose + ear piercings

~personality~

very sarcastic, but still very nice

anxiety central

reserved, very quiet and shy. loves being on stage but also hates it?

hates the outdoors

hates confrontation, her favourite thing about her and seven was that they never argued when they dated

feels all of her emotions to a heightened degree, cries at everything she feels

very insecure, plays it off with jokes

~playlist~

the one from scott pilgrim is sort of a joke but it was funny

[jussst-lurking]

In honour of Max sealing his third championship I made this celebratory art piece inspired by tarot cards ✨

Copic markers, metallic gold pen and brush pen, A3 (for better quality click on the picture)

Explanation of symbolism under the cut (yes, I actually thought this through)

Alright, colours first:

Gold: represents victory and success (feel like that one’s pretty obvious)

Purple: represents power, strength and royalty (this goes back to antiquity, where rulers often wore purple robes, the Roman emperors among others)

Grey-scale: I won’t lie, this is partially an aesthetic choice because I didn’t want any other colours to compete with purple and gold, but it also reminded me of marble/stone statues of gods and rulers and other figures deemed important so I thought it fits

Now onto the symbols themselves:

The 3 stars: rather obviously, they represent Max’s 3 championships, the one in his hands being his third and the newest addition, which is also why I gave it golden rays

The clouds: clinging to the lower edges of the picture they’re supposed to represent achievement, kind of like the clouds parting once you reach the summit of a mountain

The number 1: as champion he’s obviously entitled to claim it as his racing number, so making the ‘champion card’ in this imaginary tarot deck number 1 is again meant to show victory, achievement, being the best

The laurels: a popular and traditional (thanks Roman Empire) symbol of victory, success and power (it’s also on the Pirelli caps, so)

Chrysanthemums (upper border): so, according to this website chrysanthemums are often given as gifts for congratulations and recognition for achievements

Dahlias (lower border): according to that same website (yes, I got all my research from there) Dahlias represent achieving great things through hard work and determination, which I thought was very fitting. It’s apparently also often included in congratulatory flower arrangements

Peonies (left border): peonies are associated with success, prosperity and good fortune. They also represent perseverance and determination because apparently it’s difficult to grow peonies but when they do grow they have a long blooming season and can withstand adverse conditions

Sunflowers (right border): a symbol of vitality, growth, success and happiness. Sunflowers can also grow in poor conditions and withstand heat and drought, making them quite hardy, which I think you have to be to win a championship, let alone three

Yup, that’s it, thank you for coming to my ted talk, I hope you liked it!