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greenwitchcrafts · 6 months ago

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October 2024 Witch Guide

New Moon: October 2nd

First Quarter: October 10th

Full moon: October 17th

Last Quarter: October 24th

Sabbats: Samhain- October 31st-November 1st

October Hunter's Moon

Also known as: Blood Moon, Drying Rice Moon, Falling leaf Moon, Freezing Moon, Harvest Moon, Migration Moon, Moon of the Changing Season, Sanguine Moon,, Shedding Moon, Ten Colds Moon, Winterfelleth & Windermanoth

Element: Air

Zodiac: Libra & Scorpio

Nature spirts: Frost Faeries & Plant Faeries

Deities: Apollo, Astarte, Belili, Cernunnos, Demeter, Hathor, Herne, Horned God, Ishtar, Lakshmi & Mercury

Animals: Elephant, jackal, ram, scorpion & stag

Birds: Crow, heron & robin

Trees: Acacia,apple, cypress & yew

Herbs: Angelica, burdock, catnip, pennyroyal, sweet Annie, thyme & uva ursi

Flowers: Apple blossom, calendula, cosmos & marigold

Scents: Apple blossom, cherry & strawberry

Stones: Amethyst, beryl, cat's eye, chrysoberyl, citrine, obsidian, opal, sapphire, tourmaline & turquoise

Colors: Black, blue, dark blue, blue-green & purple

Issues, intentions & powers: Cooperation, darkness, divination, healing & hope

Energy: Artistic works, creativity, harmony, inner cleansing, justice, karma, legal matters, mental stimulation, partnerships, reincarnation & uncovering mysteries or secrets

The Harvest Moon is the full Moon that occurs nearest to the autumnal equinox date (September 22, 2024). This means that either September or October’s full Moon may take on the name “Harvest Moon” instead of its traditional name. Similarly, the Hunter’s Moon is the first full Moon to follow the Harvest Moon, meaning it can occur in either October or November.

The Harvest Moon & the Hunter’s Moon are unique in that they are not directly related to this folklore or restricted to a single month. Instead, they are tied to an astronomical event: the autumnal equinox!

• October’s full Hunter Moon orbits closer to Earth than any of the other full Moons this year, making one of the four supermoons of 2024! As the Moon drifts over the horizon around sunset, it may appear larger & more orange—how perfect for the fall season!

It is believed that this name originates from the fact that it was a signal for hunters to prepare for the upcoming cold winter by going hunting. This is because animals were beginning to fatten up in preparation for the winter season. Moreover, since fields had recently been cleared out under the Harvest Moon, hunters could easily spot deer & other animals that had come out to search for remaining scraps. Additionally, foxes & wolves would also come out to prey on these animals.

Samhain

Known as: Ancestor's night, Feast of Apples, Feast of Sam-fuim, Feast of Souls, Feast of the Dead, Geimhreadh, Hallowmass, Martinmass, Old Hallowmass, Pagan New Year, Samana, Samhuinn, Samonios & Shadowfest

Season: Autumn

Element: Water

Symbols: Apples, bats, besom, black cats, cauldrons, ghosts, gourds, jack-o-lanterns, pumpkins, scarecrows & witches

Colors: Black, gold, orange, silver & white

Oils/Incense: Basil, cloves, copal, frankincense, gum mastic, heather, heliotrope, mint, myrrh & nutmeg

Animals: Bat, bear, boar, cat, cattle & dog

Stones: Amber, anatase, black calcite, black obsidian, black tourmaline, bras, carnelian, clear quartz, diamond, garnet, gold, granite, hematite, iron, jet, marble, onyx, pearl, pyrite, ruby, sandstone, sardonyx, smokey quartz, steel & tektite

Food: Apples, ale, beef, cider, corn, nuts, fruit, garlic, gourds, grains, hazelnuts, herbal teas, mushroom, nettle, nuts, pears, pomegranates, pork, poultry, pumpkin pie, sunflower seeds, thistle, turnips & wine (mulled)

Herbs/Plants: Acorn, allspice, angelica, besom, catnip, corn, deadly nightshades, dittany of Crete, fumitory, garlic, mandrake, mugwort, mullein, oak leaves, patchouli, reed, rosemary, rue, sage, straw, tarragon, thistle & wormwood

Flowers: Calendula, chrysanthemum & heather

Trees: Apple, beech, buckthorn, hazel, pine, locust, pomegranate, willow, witch hazel, yellow cedar & yew

Magical: Faeries

Goddesses: Al-Lat, Baba Yaga, Badb, Bast, Bebhionn, Bronach, Brunhilde, Cailleach, Carlin, Cassandra, Cerridwen, Copper Woman, Crobh Dearg, Devanyani, Dolya, Edda, Elli, Eris, Erishkigal, Fortuna, Frau Holde, Hecate, Hel, Mania, The Morrigan, Nemisis & Nicneven

Gods: Arawn, Baron Samede, Chronus,The Dagda, Dis, Hades, Nefertum, Osiris, Pluto, Woden & Xocatl

Spellwork: Divination, fire magick, night magick, shape-shifting, spirit calling & water magick

Issues, Intentions & Powers: Crossroads, darkness, death, divination, honor, introspection, otherworldly/underworld, release, visions & wisdom

Activities:

•Dedicate an altar to loved ones who have passed

• Boil a simmer pot to cleanse your space

• Have a silent dinner

• Light a candle for your loved ones & yourself

• Decorate your house and/or altar

• Release negative energy & cleanse yourself with a ritual bath

• Pull tarot cards to see what may be in store for you ahead

• Cleanse, clean & de-clutter your space

• Host or attend a bonfire

• Leave offerings for the Sídhe

• Journal & reflect on your accomplishments, challenges & everything you did this year

•Go on a nature walk

• Learn a new form of divination

• Have a bonfire with your friends and/or family

• Carve pumpkins, turnips or apples

• Express yourself creatively through art, music, ect

• Visit a cemetery & help clean off areas that need it or to visit a family member/ ancestor & leave an offering

• Hold a seance

• Bake spooky treats & bread as offerings

• Refresh your protection magicks, sigils & rituals

Samhain is about halfway between the autumnal equinox & winter solstice. It is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals along with Imbolc, Beltane, & Lughnasa. Historically it was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland, & the Isle of Man.

Samhain is believed to have Celtic pagan origins & some Neolithic passage tombs in Great Britain & Ireland are aligned with the sunrise at the time of Samhain. It is mentioned in the earliest Irish literature, from the 9th century & is associated with many important events in Irish mythology.

The early literature says great gatherings & feasts marked Samhain when the ancient burial mounds were open, which were seen as portals to the Otherworld. Some of the literature also associates Samhain with bonfires & sacrifices.

• According to Irish mythology, Samhain (like Beltane) was a time when the 'doorways' to the Otherworld opened, allowing supernatural beings and the souls of the dead to come into our world; while Beltane was a summer festival for the living, Samhain "was essentially a festival for the dead".

•The festival was not recorded in detail until the early modern era. It was when cattle were brought down from the summer pastures & livestock were slaughtered. Special bonfires were lit, which were deemed to have protective & cleansing powers.

At Samhain, the aos sí were appeased with offerings of food & drink to ensure the people & livestock survived the winter. The souls of dead kin were also thought to revisit their homes seeking hospitality & a place was set at the table for them during a meal. Divination was also a big part of the festival & often involved nuts & apples.

Mumming & guising were part of the festival from at least the early modern era, whereby people went door-to-door in costume, reciting verses in exchange for food. The costumes may have been a way of imitating & disguising oneself from the aos sí.

• In the late 19th century, John Rhys and James Frazer suggested it had been the "Celtic New Year", but that is disputed.

Some believe it is the time of The Goddess' mourning the death of The God until his rebirth at Yule. The Goddess' sadness can be seen in the shortening, darkening days & the arrival or cold weather.

Related festivals:

• Halloween( October 31st)-

In popular culture, the day has become a celebration of horror, being associated with the macabre and supernatural.

•One theory holds that many Halloween traditions were influenced by Celtic harvest festivals, particularly the Gaelic festival Samhain, which are believed to have pagan roots. Some go further & suggest that Samhain may have been Christianized as All Hallow's Day, along with its eve, by the early Church. Other academics believe Halloween began solely as a Christian holiday, being the vigil of All Hallow's Day.

Popular Halloween activities include trick-or-treating (or the related guising & ghouling), attending Halloween costume parties, carving pumpkins or turnips into jack-o'-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, divination games, playing pranks, visiting haunted attractions, telling scary stories, & watching horror or Halloween-themed films

• Day of the Dead(November 1st-2nd)-

el Día de Muertos or el Día de los Muertos

The multi-day holiday involves family & friends gathering to pay respects & to remember friends & family members who have died. These celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember amusing events & anecdotes about the departed. It is widely observed in Mexico, where it largely developed, and is also observed in other places, especially by people of Mexican heritage.

•The observance falls during the Christian period of Allhallowtide.

Traditions connected with the holiday include honoring the deceased using calaveras & marigold flowers known as cempazúchitl, building home altars called ofrendas with the favorite foods & beverages of the departed & visiting graves with these items as gifts for the deceased.

The celebration is not solely focused on the dead, as it is also common to give gifts to friends such as candy sugar skulls, to share traditional pan de muerto with family & friends, & to write light-hearted & often irreverent verses in the form of mock epitaphs dedicated to living friends & acquaintances, a literary form known as calaveras literarias.

Some argue that there are Indigenous Mexican or ancient Aztec influences that account for the custom & it has become a way to remember those forebears of Mexican culture.

• All Saint's Day(November 1st)-

Also known as All Hallows' Day or the Feast of All Saints is a Christian solemnity celebrated in honour of all the saints of the Church, whether they are known or unknown.

Sources:

Farmersalmanac .com

Llewellyn's Complete Book of Correspondences by Sandra Kines

Wikipedia

A Witch's Book of Correspondences by Viktorija Briggs

Encyclopedia britannica

Llewellyn 2024 magical almanac Practical magic for everyday living

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cinenerder · 5 months ago

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Agatha All Along spoilers below!

I love that his first thought was Tommy. I love that Tommy is what he needs from at the end of the road. Like ofc he's not going to try and get Wanda - literally everyone has told him she's dead!

But "Every witch with a beating heart can hear you now." Mmhmm. I sense a reunion in your future.

Bring on the samhain/samhuinn celebration where your mom and your lesbian aunt inevitably throw down at some point and need to be separated by your other lesbian aunts.

#agatha all along #agatha all along spoilers #family time #you know you're screwed #when her wife steps in #teen billy #billy kaplan #billy maximoff #tommy maximoff #wanda maximoff #agatha harkness

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emilystheories · 1 year ago

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The Dusk Court: A Gateway Between Worlds.

There is so much mystery and intrigue surrounding the Dusk Court. Why did it vanish? Where did its people go? I've mulled over many different theories, but I always come back to how dusk (or nightfall) is described in Throne of Glass:

"Nightfall. That was when Maeve had told Erawan to meet. That liminal space between light and dark, when one force yielded to another. When she would open the portal for Dorian from rooms away."

Light and dark. Opening portals.

As such, I believe the Dusk Court was home to a Wyrdgate (portal) of immense power, where the people of Midgard and Prythian once crossed over into each other's worlds.

[Spoilers for ACOTAR and CC ahead].

Autumnal Equinox.

To explain this theory, I first need to break down some observations I have noted about the workings of the ACOTAR and Crescent City worlds.

The first involves the Autumnal Equinox, as mentioned in HOSAB. In a conversation between Hypaxia and Ruhn, it is noted that the Autumnal Equinox is when the "veil between the realms is thinnest."

"Hypaxia nodded sagely. “There is a ritual I could perform … It’d need to be on the Autumnal Equinox, though.” “When the veil between realms is thinnest,” Ruhn said."

We know this is true, as on the night of the Autumnal Equinox, Apollion visits Bryce in her dreams, and is able to physically touch her:

"This night, I might appear to you—as more than a vision.” He reached out a hand, and Bryce flinched as it touched her. Truly touched her, ice so cold it ached."

However, the Autumnal Equinox is also known as Death's Day. Note how it is described here (as it becomes important for a later part of this theory):

"On the Autumnal Equinox, we shall have our mating ceremony here in Lunathion.” A month away. The holiday known as Death’s Day was a lively one, despite its name: it was a day of balance between the light and dark, when the veil between the living and dead was thinnest."

The Autumnal Equinox/Death's Day is celebrated by people dressing up in costumes (such as Danika and Bryce dressing up as trash one year, lol). Because of this, one can assume that SJM is referencing Halloween.

[art by Emilia Mildner]

This is further corroborated in the Throne of Glass books, as Aelin notes that on Samhuinn, again, the "veil between the worlds [is] thinnest" (and this is when she interacts with Elena, the dead queen).

"Until the previous kingdom, the previous city, the packed streets full of revellers out to celebrate Samhuinn, to honor the gods when the veil between worlds was thinnest."

Samhuinn is in reference to Samhain; the Celtic version (and origins of) Halloween.

To summarise; in Midgard, Death's Day (or what we know as Halloween) occurs on the Autumnal Equinox. It is a day to honour the dead. It takes place on the one night of the year when the veil between the realms/worlds is thinnest.

Starfall.

In Prythian (and more specifically, the Night Court), we have Starfall; the one night of the year when the spirits of the deceased (which manifest as stars) make their yearly migration across the sky.

However, as many have already pointed out, there seems to be a connection between Starfall, and Midgard. This is because Rhys notes that the number of stars participating in Starfall is dwindling:

“Thousands,” he said. “They’ll keep coming until dawn. Or, I hope they will. There were less and less of them the last time I witnessed Starfall.”

This aligns with what we know of the Asteri, who, instead of letting the souls of the dead pass onto the next life (and presumably, participate in Starfall), will consume these souls for food.

[Art by Clarywhy]

However, Rhys mentions that no one knows why the stars choose this particular date to make their journey across the sky. But, I have a theory about this.

I actually believe that Starfall is happening at all times - every single night. Instead, the only reason that they can see the stars (spirits) on Starfall... is because on that particular date, the veil between the realms is the thinnest. This makes sense, as again - the stars are the spirits of the deceased; you shouldn't be able to see them.

Essentially, it's the Prythian version of Death's Day... a celebration of the deceased (which is exactly what Starfall is...).

But this is where it gets interesting; Starfall occurs on the Spring Equinox (or what is known as the 'vernal' equinox).

In Midgard, as we just discussed, Death's Day occurs on the Autumnal Equinox.

So, if there is only one single date per year when the veil between the worlds is thinnest... for Prythian, this is occurring on the Spring Equinox, and for Midgard, this is occurring on the Autumnal Equinox.

This suggests that Prythian and Midgard are... mirror worlds (which perhaps explains why Bryce was yanked across into Prythian, as opposed to being pulled down?). Or, at the very least, it suggests that these two worlds are operating as opposites to each other. It may also help to explain why SJM stated that there was 6 months between the ACOTAR timeline and the CC timeline.

The Dusk Court.

Towards the end of HOSAB, Rigelus states that the Starborn fae originated from an island of "near permanent twilight," that was "a few miles from the mainland."

“Not your kind of Fae, of course—your breed dwelled in a lovely, verdant land, rich with magic. If it’s of any interest to you, your Starborn bloodline specifically hailed from a small isle a few miles from the mainland. And while the mainland had all manner of climes, the isle existed in beautiful, near-permanent twilight."

This all but confirms that the Starborn fae originated from the Dusk Court, and that this was situated on the Prison Island (which is a few miles away from the mainland of Prythian). Rhys corroborates this by suggesting that the Prison Island once used to be an "eighth court."

"Rhys told me once that this island might have even been an eighth court.”

And, as even more proof, Nesta witnesses the marking of an eight-pointed star on the floor of the Prison; the symbol of the Starborn fae.

However, there is one other location that ties into the narrative around the Dusk Court - Avallen Island (in Midgard).

Avallen Island.

The Prison Island isn't the only place that is jam-packed with hints of the Starborn fae. Instead, Avallen Island, in Midgard, is too. For example:

Avallen Island was where Ruhn found the Starsword (where he was surrounded by the sarcophagi/statues of the "sleeping" Starborn Princes...)

The Avallen fae (or some of them) are said to be Starborn themselves (Cormac says he has Starborn blood, but "not enough to be worthy of the blade"). However, instead of starlight, their powers typically manifest as shadows.

With this in mind, it's also noteworthy that Bryce's star glows for Cormac (and we know that her star glows for those who are connected to Prythian).

Additionally, there are a number of stark similarities between Avallen Island and the Prison Island. Most prominently, both islands are enshrouded in the same mysterious mist, and both are guarded by ancient magic. For example:

Avallen Island:

"I want you in Avallen because it is a safehold. Even the Asteri cannot pierce its mists without permission, so old is the magic that guards it.”

Prison Island:

“When you’re in there,” Rhys said, the words barely audible over the wind and silver streams running down the mountainside, “you won’t be able to reach me.” “Why?” I rubbed my already-freezing hands together before puffing a hot breath into the cradle of my palms. “Wards and spells far older than Prythian,” was all Rhys said."

In sum, the similarities between Avallen Island and the Prison Island are so stark, that I believe they were once connected (and perhaps still are). There are two ways this could be possible:

A Wyrdgate or portal that once existed between the two worlds (joining the two islands together).

They are literally the same place.

Option 1: Wyrdgate or portal.

Towards the end of HOSAB, Rigelus tells us that the Dusk Court existed in a "near permanent twilight," but, that doesn't make much sense -- you can't alter the sun like that (which is why it’s not permanently night-time in the Night Court, or not always day-time in the Day Court, etc). So, what else could this be referring to?

I believe that the Dusk Court used to be the place where there was a Wyrdgate (or a portal) between the ACOTAR world (on the Prison Island) and the Crescent City world (on Avallen Island). They are two separate worlds, but the people on both islands merged and interacted due to the Wyrdgate (portal).

And, as I mentioned at the start of this post, there is evidence to suggest that the ACOTAR and CC worlds are mirrors of each other - or opposites. Thus:

If it's nighttime on Avallen Island, it would be daytime on the Prison island.

If it was dawn on Avallen Island, it would be dusk on the Prison Island.

As such, there is a continual contrast between the light and the dark between the two islands. And that is what dusk is; the merging of the light and the dark. This is what Rigelus is referring to.

Thus, I believe that Dusk Court -- as it existed 15,000 (+) years ago -- didn't just involve the Prison Island... but it encompassed Avallen Island too.

I believe this also explains the powers of the Starborn:

Shadow wielders lived on Avallen Island (and they are represented by Truth-Teller; a knife that glows with a dark, BLACK light).

Starlight wielders lived on the Prison Island (and they are represented by the Starsword, which glows with a bright, WHITE light).

Both make up the two halves of the Dusk Court.

However, although they were separate worlds, evidently, they interacted. Because of this, I believe Queen Theia (who possessed starlight) married/mated and had children with whoever was the King of Avallen (who likely possessed shadow powers). I believe this was High King Fionn, given that the ruler of Avallen is also referred to as "High King"... but that's a theory for another day.

Yet most importantly, this is why their children, such as Helena, were said to have skin that glowed with "starlight AND shadows."

“So does Helena’s,” Ruhn shot back, then recited, “Night-haired Helena, from whose golden skin poured starlight and shadows.”

Eventually however, it is presumed that something happened to the Starborn who lived on the Prison Island (and Nesta senses that they were stuck in stone, or perhaps sent in time somewhere using the Harp?).

"Fae screamed, pounding on stone that hadn’t been there a moment before, pleading for their children’s sakes, begging to be let out let out let out— Nesta had the sensation of falling, tumbling through air and stars and time— It was a trap, and our people were too blind to see it—"

This is likely why the shadow wielders (such as Cormac, Ruhn) still exist on Avallen... but the starlight wielders (such as Bryce) are much more rare.

In the present day, Bryce (a starlight wielder) possesses the Starsword, but resides in Midgard (the Avallen side of the Dusk Court).

In comparison, Azriel (a shadow wielder), possesses Truth-teller, but lives in Prythian (the Prison Island side of the Dusk Court).

Just in reference to their power, it's almost like they're both stuck on the wrong side?

Option 2: Avallen Island and the Prison Island are the exact same place.

In ACOSF, readers are given a hypothesis about how the multiverse works; that the worlds are stacked on top of each other, perhaps even SHARING THE SAME SPACE, but are then separated by time.

"Merrill’s brilliant. Horrible, but brilliant. When she first came here, she was obsessed with theories regarding the existence of different realms—different worlds. Living on top of each other without even knowing it. Whether there is merely one existence, our existence, or if it might be possible for worlds to overlap, occupying the same space but separated by time and a whole bunch of other things I can’t even begin to explain to you because I barely understand them myself.”

But, given the mists and and the "ancient magic" involved in both the Prison Island and Avallen Island... what if the worlds are not separated in this one specific location? So, those in Midgard know of Avallen Island... those in Prythian know of the Prison Island... but, they're the same exact place.

This might seem insane, but there are two points of evidence that make me think it's possible.

The Avallen fae live and dress in the same way as the Prythian fae.

The Avallen fae are said to follow the "old ways." They don't have phones, and don't watch TV. Just like Prythian.

Then when Bryce lands in Prythian and meets the Inner Circle, she notes that they're all dressed the same as the Avallen fae.

"This female was … Fae. Clad in beautiful, yet thoroughly old-fashioned clothes. Like the stuff they wore on Avallen."

This is really damn suspicious. And it leads me to my second point:

2. The Avallen fae have the power to "veil the physical world."

As demonstrated in this passage here:

"[...] power to summon shadows or mist that could not only veil the physical world, but the mind as well.“

The Prison Island looks empty and barren... but is it? What if instead, everything is veiled?

If we entertain the thought that the Prison Island and Avallen Island are one and the same... then what if this has been hidden from the Prythian fae...?

Most of us agree that the Dusk Court is going to play a huge role in upcoming books. However, at present, the Prison Island is barren land. To re-establish the Dusk Court, they'll need to rebuild an entire court from the ground up... which seems rather implausible, given the timeline.

But if the Dusk Court is instead veiled, that's a different story...

Plot-wise, this makes perfect sense for CC3.

From the Midgard POV, exploring Avallen seems like the next logical step. It is the only place that the Asteri cannot enter, so if Ruhn, Hunt and Baxian manage to escape the Asteri's dungeons, it would make sense that they go there.

From the Prythian POV, it seems logical that Bryce will be finding the answers to 'Dusk's Truth,' and will end up exploring the Prison Island.

Both POV's are about exploring the Dusk Court.

As someone who is of the opinion that SJM is going full multiverse (and that CC3 won't be the end of Bryce's adventures in Prythian), my guess is at the end of CC3, when Bryce is at the Prison Island, and Ruhn, Hunt, Baxian are at Avallen Island... someone, on one side (likely the Avallen side), will be stepping through that gate.

Bryce's role in all of this.

It has been my mission over the past few months to emphasise just how important Bryce is to Prythian - that her returning home to Midgard at the end of CC3 (to then just pass the torch onto another character for a supposed spin-off novel) makes no sense.

Instead, Bryce has Queen Theia's exact starlight (to the point where I am pretty sure she is some sort of reincarnation). She is the heir to the Starborn fae, whose true home is the Dusk Court in Prythian (even her scent is of dusk!) And most of all, the star on her chest is a beacon for Prythian; she quite literally glows for the ACOTAR world.

Additionally, given how the Avallen fae tie into this narrative too, it's also worth mentioning that Bryce has been repeatedly foreshadowed to be the High Queen of Avallen.

"Cormac cut in, “One day, she’ll be Queen of Avallen. She’d be a fool to throw it away on a bastard angel.”

"Jesiba said, “I suppose I should consider it an honor, to be called a friend by the Starborn Princess daughter of the Autumn King.” A slight pause, and Bryce knew what was coming next. “And the future Queen of Avallen.”

In fact, Cormac's final words to Bryce were about leading their people forward.

But after today …” Cormac’s words grew heavy. Weary. “I think the choice about whether to lead our people forward will be up to you.”

Which, sounds an awful lot like the ancient fae prophecy connected to all of this:

"When knife and sword are reunited, so shall our people be."

[Art by wavyhues]

And, if Bryce is destined to become High Queen of Avallen, as well as High Lady of the Dusk Court... isn't it fitting that she possesses the Horn, which grants her the ability to enter other worlds?

The Queen who walked between worlds...

#sjm multiverse #acotar #crescent city #sjm theory #acotar theory #sjm crossover #bryce quinlan #azriel acotar #azriel #hofas #hunt athalar

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the-hermit-at-midnight · 5 months ago

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Celebrating Samhain

Samhain, also known as Samhuinn or Calan Gaeaf in Welsh, is a time of profound transformation and spiritual significance. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is said to be thinnest.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The origins of Samhain can be traced back to pre-Christian Celtic cultures. It was a time for honoring the ancestors, appeasing the spirits, and preparing for the harsh winter months ahead. Bonfires were lit to ward off evil spirits, and feasts were held to celebrate the abundance of the harvest.

Celtic Beliefs and Practices

The Celts were a polytheistic people who believed in a pantheon of gods and goddesses. They lived in close harmony with nature and had a deep respect for the cycles of the seasons. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time of darkness and death.

According to Celtic beliefs, the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead was believed to be thinnest on Samhain. This allowed spirits of the deceased to return to the earth and interact with the living. To appease the spirits and ward off evil influences, bonfires were lit, and offerings were made.

Celtic Festivals and Customs

Samhain was one of the two most important festivals in the Celtic calendar, along with Beltane. Both festivals were associated with fire, and it was believed that fire had the power to purify and protect.

Bonfires: Bonfires were a central feature of Samhain celebrations. They were believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and to provide warmth and light in the darkness of winter.

Offerings: Offerings of food, drink, and other items were made to the spirits of the dead. These offerings were often placed on the altar or thrown into the bonfire.

Costumes: It is believed that the tradition of wearing costumes on Halloween may have originated from Samhain. People would dress up as spirits and demons to scare away evil influences.

Divination: Divination practices were common on Samhain. People would use various methods, such as reading tea leaves or throwing bones, to predict the future.

In modern times, Samhain continues to be celebrated by many people, including Wiccans, Pagans, and those who simply appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the Celtic people.

The Symbolism of Samhain

Death and Rebirth: Samhain is a time of endings and beginnings. It symbolizes the death of the old year and the rebirth of the new.

The Thinning Veil: It is believed that on Samhain, the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is at its thinnest, allowing spirits to cross over.

The Wheel of the Year: Samhain is one of the eight major festivals in the Celtic Wheel of the Year, representing the turning of the seasons.

Celebrating Samhain

As druid, celebrating Samhain involves connecting with the natural world, honoring the ancestors, and reflecting on the cycle of life and death. Here are some in-depth ideas:

Create a Sacred Space: Decorate your home or a special outdoor area with autumnal symbols such as leaves, pumpkins, and candles. Consider incorporating elements from nature, such as stones, feathers, or pine cones.

Honor the Ancestors: Create a memorial altar to remember loved ones who have passed. Light candles, offer libations, or leave small gifts.

Connect with Nature: Spend time in nature, such as taking a walk in the woods, collecting autumn leaves, or meditating by a body of water. Pay attention to the changing of the seasons and the natural cycles around you.

Divination: Samhain is an excellent time for divination practices. Try scrying in a bowl of water, reading tarot cards, or casting runes.

Feast: Enjoy a feast of seasonal foods, such as apples, nuts, and pumpkin. Consider incorporating traditional Celtic foods into your meal.

Rituals and Ceremonies: Create your own Samhain ritual or participate in a group celebration. You might include elements such as lighting a bonfire, offering sacrifices, or performing sacred dances.

A Samhain Ritual

Materials:

A small altar or table

A white candle

A black candle

A bowl of water

A handful of autumn leaves

A piece of paper and a pen

A small offering (e.g., a piece of bread, a pinch of salt)

Instructions:

Set up the altar: Place the white and black candles on the altar, representing light and darkness, respectively. Place the bowl of water, leaves, and offering on the altar.

Meditation: Sit quietly and reflect on the past year. What have you learned? What do you want to release?

Offerings: Place the offering on the altar as a symbol of gratitude and respect.

Divination: Perform a divination ritual, such as scrying in the bowl of water or reading tarot cards.

Release: Write down anything you want to release or let go of on a piece of paper. Burn the paper in the black candle's flame.

Intentions: Write down your intentions for the coming year.

Blessing: Sprinkle yourself and your space with the blessed water.

By delving deeper into the symbolism and traditions of Samhain, you can create a more meaningful and personal celebration that connects you to the ancient wisdom of the Celtic people.

#witchcraft #witchblr #witch #magick #witchythings #witchy shit #pagan witch #paganism #spells

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thedreadvampy · 5 months ago

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didn't post my Samhuinn pics from Thursday but we all became Creatures and went to the Samhuinn fire festival in the park. The fire dancing was fun, the festival was disorganised, and me and Sam and our beloved friends were horrible creatures who sat on a blanket in the dark in our horns and drank wine and had a lovely not particularly pagan or wild time.

here's me and Tim doing our best horrible goblin poses

#red said #Tim arrived at our house dressed normally saw that Sam and i were both behorned and went IS IT TOO LATE TO RUN HOME AND GET MY HORNS #Eve came straight from work so is just Eve #we spent about 20 minutes repeating every beat of the character Tim played in TMA collectively trying to remember his name #then halfway through another conversation Tim yelled JORDAN!

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emabeesart · 1 year ago

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First Frost

Last night was the first frost. Winter is almost here. One of my favorite podcasts is “Fair Folk” by Danica Boyce, and her almanac episode is about the “liminal space” and “thin veil” people always talk about at Halloween / Samhuinn / Sauin. She says another way to think about the seasonal breakdown of the year is two seasons, winter and summer, with Beltane marking the start of Summer and Sauin…

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#wheeloftheyear #druid #druidry #earth #frost #halloween #marigold #marigolds #mother nature #nature #samhuinn #sauin

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cod-dump · 2 years ago

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Soap to ghost

You will marry me

Ghost: I think it is "will you marry

Soap, interrupting ghost, voice raised: did I stutter?

Soap planned their entire wedding out. He picked a venue, arrangements, who’s invited— All of it.

And he hadn’t even asked Ghost to marry him yet.

Hell, they were only just starting to use pet names when he booked the venue. He just knew he was going to marry this man. Ghost was just starting to ask Soap to spend the night with him when Soap was searching for a location that his family would like. Recently Ghost had held Soap down in bed and refused to let him get up when his alarm was going off.

Soap melted back into his arms, pressing a kiss to the man’s collarbone when he thought—

I can’t wait to marry this man.

Soap didn’t tell anyone about him planning the wedding. No one. Not even his mama knew. But after one long mission, Ghost and him showering together before collapsing in bed, Soap decided that maybe he should include Ghost. It was his wedding, too, after all. So Soap woke early and was looking through suits and dresses. He was doing that for a couple hours when Ghost stirred next to him.

“What are you doing?”

“Looking at suits.”

“Hmm.”

“And dresses.”

“… what?”

“Do you think I would look better in a dress or a suit?”

Ghost blinked in confusion, still half asleep. He groans before sitting up, trying to blink the sleep from his eyes.

“What are you talking about?”

“I want to know what you think I would look good in walking down the isle. I was thinking a suit but I have nice hips that a dress would compliment.”

Ghost stared in confusion. Soap turned his phone to show the boutique website he was looking at. The moment Ghost’s eyes adjusted to the brightness and he saw the wedding dresses, he snapped awake.

“Why are you looking at a wedding boutique?”

“For our wedding? Duh.”

Ghost stared, dumbfounded. He looked at his hands before looking at Soap’s. When he was unable to find a ring he pinched himself to see if he was dreaming. He wasn’t. Soap continued looking at the boutique website before he lit up.

“You would look amazing in this suit!”

Ghost ignores what Soap was trying to show him and just stares at the man.

“Since when are we getting married?”

“Well, I had booked for a autumn wedding, around Samhuinn.”

Ghost waves his hands around, “Booked- WHEN?!”

“Love, too early for shouting.”

Ghost makes noises, each sounding like the start of a sentence that Ghost immediately cut off. Soap silences him with a kiss.

“Go back to sleep, baby.”

Ghost stares, unable to form a sentence to express how he felt. Instead he dropped his arms to the side, stared at the wall, before deciding that is a problem for Future Simon. He then laid down and immediately fell back asleep.

#call of duty #cod mwii #modern warfare ii #john soap mactavish #simon ghost riley #soapghost #ghostsoap #ask #thanks for the ask <3

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cantodasfeiticeiras-blog · 1 year ago

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Origem do Dia das Bruxas

Por que dia 31 é comemorado o Dia das Bruxas? Evolução desde a cultura Celta e o Cristianismo, época em que o véu entre o reino dos espíritos e dos humanos era suspenso. Acerto de contas com a justiça e os espíritos malignos. Festival do Fogo e mais ...

Lanterna de Nabo Samhain (pronunciado “SOW-in ou “SAH-win”), era um festival celebrado pelos antigos Celtas a meio caminho entre o equinócio de outono e o solstício de inverno. Começava ao anoitecer por volta de 31 de outubro e provavelmente durava três dias. O Samhain marcava a transição entre a metade mais iluminada e a metade mais escura do ano e era celebrada entre as comunidades Celtas…

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#31 de outubro #dia das bruxas #Edinburgh #festa de halloween #origem do dia das bruxas #samhain #Samhuinn fire festival

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heycasper22 · 11 months ago

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Long Acotar theory (Elain)

Spoilers all SJM books.

Elain is possessed.

The more I re-read I truly see Elaine being possessed by Koschei, but I do not however, think that is where he intends to stay.

I think Koschei wants to inhabit Azriel.

We hear a little in CC about Hunt's body being 'equipped' to deal with his lightning, or as we later find out Apollion's Helfire.

Bryce feels like overcooked meat in HOSAB at one point after being hit with Hunt's power, her body cannot handle it the way Hunt's can.

Is Azriel 'equipped' to hold Koschei?

Is this the only way Koschei may escape his Lake prison? To have a body able to hold him long-term?

I feel like a lot of things would make sense if Azriel were another child of Apollion, perhaps even biologically unlike Hunt. There has been a mention in the other 2 series of there being a specific day in which the veil between worlds is thinnest.

Samhuinn in TOG

Death's Day in CC

Could Starfall be something similar?

If so, would it be possible for Apollion to have physically been with Azriels mother, in order to conceive him? He did touch Bryce on Death's day in CC, but that was in a dream.

It would however make sense of the different ways in which Cassian and Azriel were treated when they were young. They are both bastards, Azriel apparently being a local Lords bastard.

Cassian however was thrown into a camp like garbage when he could walk. Azriel on the other hand was contained.

Azriel's mother was a servant of this local Lord, was he perhaps the only male in the area that people would have believed could have had access to her, to make her with child? Perhaps, but let's imagine he knew that wasn't the case..

With the Illyrians being described as 'backward' and their superstitious culture, that we see when Nesta is being questioned about her cycle and burying weapons, would it be fair to think that these two bastard boys where treated so differently because this local Lord and his wife thought not to imprison Azriel out of cruelty (which of course it is) but to 'protect' everyone else?

Rhys notes his half brothers had not been forthcoming about Azriel's time with them when they'd met.

We do learn in Cresent City that Dragonfire is one of the only things that can harm a Prince of Hel.

Azriel being burned when he was a boy was again just portrayed as a evil mindless cruelty, but again if we look through the lens of his 'family' seeing him as sort of Demon, could they have actually thought of fire as way to kill him?

Bryce actually thinks of Azriel as a Demon when they first meet, because she was trying to get to Hel, true, but a possible nod to parentage as I believe Apollion is the only Prince we've seen so far with leathery wings.

If Apollion where to reproduce in the more physical sense might it be necessary for him to be with someone who might safely bare a child with wings, a horrid thought definitely, but with the way that the creation of Hunt is revealed in HOFAS, I don't think it likely that Azriels mother would have been forced or 'ill used' is the phrase Aidas uses, infact Apollion looks at Aidas with compassion he speaks of Theia, perhaps Apollion knows more of being in love than we've yet to see.

So, let's say Hunt got Apollion's Helfire and a body equipped to deal with it, perhaps Azriel got Apollion's Shadows/Darkness and a body equipped to deal with that.

Koschei is never described to us as having a true physical form, Cassian says they 'can make out nothing of him beyond the shadows of his form.'

Perhaps if the Weaver was tricked into diminishing her power, Koschei was outsmarted out of a body that could truly hold him?

It does remind me a lot of Harry Potter, with Voldemort probably being based off the myth of Koschei the deathless, Koschei removes his soul from himself and places it somewhere else and therefor he cannot be killed, in HP these were the horcruxes and Voldemort had 7 of them.

He also inhabitanted the bodies of snakes, until he happened upon a wizard, Quirrel, whom posseses but is still ill equipped to hold him, he required a true body.

Could this be what is happening to Elain?

Elain and Nesta had been put into the cauldron and Made High Fae, when Feyre returns from the spring court in Acowar, she goes to see her sisters, there's mentions of the connecting suite they have, and all the windows in there, Elain is stood by the window.

And the words: empty, hollow, void, vacancy and shell are used all in quite a small passage.

Of course they could easily be used to describe how Feyre perceives Elain coping, or not coping with her trauma.

But could they also be hints at what is happening at the window?

All 3 of SJMs series mention some sort of 'wind talking' usually the wind whispers things to people. Could this be literal? Vassa mentions Koschei planting words in courts through 'whispers on the wind'

Could the wind have been whispering to Elain by the window? Filling her with Koscheis sinister presence?

Maybe it has something to do with unknown bargain made by the Archeron Father for Vassa's temporary freedom. Possibly something that his bloodline could inherit after his death, unbeknownst to him. Rhys notes the spell on Vassa seems woven into her very blood. Perhaps the Acheron Father bargained to be a host of some sort, or something as open-ended just helping Koschei to get off his Lake. Magical bargains have to be quite specific, he may not have known this.

Of the three sisters though, Feyre is a daemati with a solid mental shield.

Nesta, was resistant to magic and Tamlin's glamour when she was human, so I'd say he'd have no chance with her.

But Elain... Feyre says, "she had no mental shields, no barriers."

Easier to inflitrate, possibly posses.

Then take a look at Elain's power 'a seer' Azriel says.

I don't believe she is, Elain begins to talk in these 'half riddles' as Nesta calls them weeks after coming out of the cauldron. It's actually specified that it started after Elain was found to have left her room, the morning after Nesta had left her alone for the longest time after being Made. She was found in front of the window in the HoW private library.

So far, most of Elain's visions have been Koschei related, Vassa the Firebird, his onyx box, and ones of Briallyn who was working with Koschei. Even Hyberns twin Ravens made mention of speaking to Briallyn.

They all tie back to Koschei.

Could the heartbeat Elain is hearing 'through the stone' while she sleeps, not actually be a heart at all, but something just as vital? A soul perhaps? In a stone box?

Again to go back to Harry Potter. Harry was a horcrux, a portion of Voldemorts soul was inside him and he could see for a time, when his mind was vulnerable into Voldemorts mind. It was unintentional at first, but later used against Harry by planting things in his mind. Ginny is also possessed by a horcrux and does things she doesn't remember doing.

This could be similar, I in no way believe that Elain is evil, perhaps being manipulated while she is vulnerable, from her trauma or while she's sleeping like HP, until Koschei is really able to sink his claws into her. We know SJM says that Elain has 'different kind of strength'

Feyre says this too in ACOWAR, "a different sort of strength, a better strength"

Elain has fight in her. Not a blade weilding warrior strength but maybe a strength to keep fighting something internally, something trying to control her, the strength to not give up.

There's an interview in ACOFAS in which SJM says:

"Elain's now going to have dreams about ripping ivy out and the ivy creeping through the windows to strangle her at night, because let me tell you that ivy does not want to go"

With this theory I find the wording of the ivy creeping in through the window rather interesting.

It's also quite like how Feyre describes her old bedroom in the Spring Court in ACOWAR. She says the bedroom has become a tomb.

What if Elain's own mind has become like a tomb for her, and it is there that she is 'ripping at the ivy' trying to get free? Using her considerable 'different' kind of strength to keep going, keep fighting.

Seer's powers can be useful to authors as a plot device, but they can also become a bit of a problem and authors find a way to temper their power. Sometimes using this 'talking in riddles' to make it interesting for readers, without actually revealing too much. Trelawny does this in HP, she also doesn't even realise she's making actual prophecies. Or take Alice in Twilight, it's a great power, but there comes a point in a story where it becomes a problem having a character that can see any outcome. So voilà she can't 'see' the werewolves!

I think with Elain, it's possible she just isn't a seer.

And Luicien, not Azriel, was the one who right about her, she needs sunshine. Sunshine to drive out the darkness.

Or perhaps Sunfire?

I like to think Luicien will have Sunfire powers. We've had literally every other kind of fire there is. Normal fire, Shadow fire, Dragonfire, Helfire, Moonfire, Starfire...and as Bryce said, the sun is a star.

Briallyn does make that weird comment to Nesta in ACOSF about Eris:

"His fire wouldn’t have withstood Koschei’s lake, I don’t think."

To me that really says there's someone out with with fire that can withstand it. And That someone is surely Lucien, perhaps mixing his Autumn Court power with his Day Court power.

He could have the type of power to stand up to Koschei, or simply just spending time with Elain would lead him to figure out something is wrong.

Which would make Elain's reluctance to entertain him one bit, explainable. (Of course not the only explanation possible)

SJM did after all write a scene with Aelin possessed in EoS, and the only thing able to stop her was her Mate.

Lucien's willingness to endanger himself by venturing out to help the person Elain is seeing in her 'visions' so that they were not happening to her in vain, whilst giving her space seems far more Mate like to me, than just pointing out an apparent power that she has then doing nothing about it.

I do hope Luicen has help from the Valkyries too.

Emyrs, resident story-keeper of TOG apparently told tales of "shield maidens and enchanted animals and cunning sorcerers"

Sounds very much like the Valkyries, and Koschei..

And we know Nesta would without a doubt come to Elain's aid if needed.

Koschei also enables people with power of winnowing, he winnows Cassian and Briallyn in ACOSF, without leaving his lake.

Have we been seeing Elain use this power? She may be powerful enough to winnow in her own right but she was untrained the time she stepped out of a shadow to kill the King of Hybern. She's mentioned to have become quite stealthy in the time since. People don't hear her approach, things like that.

Could Koschei have also used HIS power to find the Suriel?

I find it very interesting that when Elain does this for Feyre in ACOWAR, the following conversation between Feyre and the Suriel makes mention of the Suriel not expecting to see Elain's doe eyes peering at him from across the world, and immediately following, there's talk of the Bone Carver, and how the Suriel CANNOT see him? Because he is not of this world. It would follow suit then that the Suriel also could not see Koschei, even if it was his power used through Elain to find him?

Perhaps Koschei needs a body that is not entirely of this world, and Azriel has been described as other, different.

If Koschei has possessed Elain, he could be using her to get vital information on the IC, and Nesta for Briallyn, as well as using her to pursue Azriel.

She might be perhaps forced to see him, once a month when she's supposedly visiting her father's grave alone? Cassian also notes he doesn't quite believe her having to be up early to tend to an elderly faeries garden, but this was after they'd had a monthly court dinner and much wine was consumed... What was discussed? Did someone spill something important?

Something that also nagged at me but could be me reading too much into it is, the line where Briallyn tells Nesta her spies (plural) have told her who Nesta's friends are, 'The half-breed and the broken Illyrian'

True, Bellius does refer to Gwyn and Emerie similarly later on in the text. But at this point in the story, Gwyn hasn't left the HoW Library in 2 years. No one is going to be able to spy on that house from the outside without someone finding out. I doubt Emerie would have chatted with Bellius about her friendship with Nesta and Gwyn, or Gwyn's race. So perhaps a spy in the library that knows Gwyn and knows she's become friendly with Nesta?

Elain however was present, when Cassian was telling the rest of the IC about about Nesta becoming a Valkyrie, it would make sense to mention Gwyn and Emerie, maybe a few details about them? Possible stretch but still stood out to me, bolstered a little by Briallyn "There are others in your court as delusional as you are. They’ll get it for me one way or another, with the right incentive." Could this mean Elain? She would be the only one capable of summoning the trove to her I think?

There's also the wood carving of a rose Nesta places on the mantle, half hidden in shadow next to a female holding the moon, perhaps the mother.

Hinting at Elain spying on Nesta? Nesta does have a connection with the mother and we can make a connection between her fire and the moon fire wielded by Aelin in EoS, while possessed by Deanna.

I think a heartbreaking theme of Elain's storyline could be quite like the line where she says to Lucien:

"No one ever does. No one ever looked - not really." "He did. He saw me. He will not now."

She's refering to Grayson here but I think it will become true of everyone and it will be so sad, until Lucien sees what's happening, he doesn't know her at all yet, but they are mates and perhaps if he had the opportunity to really investigate what was on the other side of that mating bond without Elain jumping up, he could see what was potentially lurking in her.

People see what they want or expect to see with Elain, Rhys even states 'Elain is Elain.'

On my rereads I found it interesting how when reading ToD, specifically about Duva my mind compared her a lot to Elain.

Duva is lovely, gentle, kind, feminine, unthreatening, both loved the most by their fathers. But always watching.

She also had a brand new arranged marriage with a man who did not know her well enough to realise something was amiss.

Perhaps the real 'lightsinger' isn't a lightsinger at all, but is still a 'lovely, ethereal being who will lure you, appearing as friendly faces when you are lost. Only when you’re in their arms will you see their true faces, and they aren’t fair at all.'

Maybe Elain is luring Azriel, because he is lost now, both his brothers have their mates and he is adrift.

And when she finally gets a hold of him, it won't be Elain's grasp he is in, but Koschei's.

Interestingly, when Duva was healed by Yrene in ToD the Valg that was possessing her left her body in the form of a black shadow or mist coming out of her mouth.

Perhaps we could have seen something similar had Rhys not interrupted Elain and Az's near kiss at solstice in his BC, we know his shadows skittered back as she sucked in a breath. Just a thought.

Elain's solstice gifts to Az are interesting too. Especially because they include a powder that SJM makes a point of reminding us he hasn't actually taken it.

In theory it could be anything. Something incapacitating perhaps? And again SJM having actually written about a Mate pulling another out of possession it gives the earplugs an interesting slant.

It's possible however that there might something that is aware however primal, that is aware of the presence in Elain.

The Mask.

Its makes sense to think that Nesta's relationship with her sisters completely healed, it probably isn't, which is why the silver flame in Nesta's eyes flared in HOFAS. But flaring immediately after Elain's name is mentioned whilst wearing a death mask...

Maybe the mask has an awareness of such things, a deathless sorcerer might be an affront to such an powerful item.

I think it's so much more likely that Elain will have Life powers. Nesta took Death it makes sense for Elain to be gifted Life, probably in the form of earth magic, I could see her using it to bring the bog of Oorid back to it's former glory, before it died when Fionn was Killed.

As far as ships go I'm firmly Gwynriel and Elucien.

And if Azriel was a son of Apollion I think it would fit quite nicely in the way SJM likes to mirror mates/endgame pairings.

Az and Gwyn would fit a very interesting

'Holy/Unholy' vibe, a part Prince of Hel and a Priestess.

And potentially Earth goddess and Sun god magic, for Elain and Lucien.

Very Solas and Cthona.

If this is a route that SJM takes the next book it also kind of undos the "four books of build up" that Elain and Az apparently have, as Elain would have been stripped of choice, and Azriel manipulated.

I want to state that I in no way WANT Elain to have been struggling with something nobody even notices this whole time, especially with the violation she's already been through, but I think a storyline like this could really speak to the gift we already know for a fact she does have:

"To look at the hardness of the world and choose, over and over, to love, to be kind. She had been always so full of light."

#acotar #acosf #elain archeron #pro elucien #azriel shadowsinger #lucien vanserra #pro gwynriel #acotar theory #anti elriel

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greenwitchcrafts · 1 year ago

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October 2023 witch guide

Full moon: October 28th

New moon: October 14th

Sabbats: Samhain

October Hunter's Moon

Known as: Blood moon, drying rice moon, falling leaf moon, freezing moon, migrating moon, moon of the changing seasons, shedding moon, ten colds moon, winterfelleth & windermanoth

Element: Air

Zodiac: Libra & Scorpio

Nature spirits: Frost faeries & Plant faeries

Deities: Apollo, Astarte, Belili, Cernunnos, Demeter, Hathor, Herne, Horned God, Ishtar, Kore, Lakshmi & Mercury

Animals: Elephant, jackal, ram, scorpion & stag

Birds: Crow, heron & robin

Trees: Acacia, apple, cypress & yew

Herbs/Plants: Angelica, apple blossom, burdock, catnip, pennyroyal, sweet Annie, thyme & Uva ursi

Flowers: Calendula, cosmos & marigold

Scents: Apple blossom, cherry & strawberry

Stones: Amethyst, beryl, obsidian, opal, tourmaline & turquoise

Colors: Black, dark blue, Dark greens & purples

Energy: Artistic works, balance, creativity, harmony, inner cleansing, justice, karma, legal matters, mental stimulation, partnerships, reincarnation & uncovering mysteries or secrets

It is believed that this name originates from the fact that it was a signal for hunters to prepare for the upcoming cold winter by going hunting. This is because animals were beginning to fatten up in preparation for the winter season. Moreover, since fields had recently been cleared out under the Harvest Moon, hunters could easily spot deer and other animals that had come out to search for remaining scraps. Additionally, foxes and wolves would also come out to prey on these animals.

The earliest use of the term “Hunter’s Moon,” cited in the Oxford English Dictionary, is from 1710. Some sources suggest that other names for the Hunter’s Moon are the Sanguine or Blood Moon, either associated with the blood from hunting or the color of the changing autumn leaves.

Samhain

Also known as: All Hallow's Eve, Ancestor Night, Feast of Apples, Feast of Sam-fuim, Feast of Souls, Feast of the Dead, Geimhreadh, Hallowmass, Martinmass, Old Hallowmas, Pagan New Year, Samana, Samhuinn, Samonios, Shadowfest & Third Harvest

Season: Fall

Symbols: Apples, bats, besom(brooms), black cats, cauldrons, ghosts, gourds, jack-o-lanterns, pumpkins, scarecrows & witches

Colors: Black, gold, orange, silver & white

Oils/incense: Basil, cloves, copal, frankincense, gum mastic, heather, heliotrope, mint, myrrh & nutmeg

Animals: Bat, boar, cat cattle & dogs

Stones: Amber, anatase, black calcite, black obsidian, black tourmaline, brass, carnelian, clear quartz diamond, garnet, gold, granite, hematite, iron, jet, marble, pearl, pyrite, ruby, sandstone, sardonyx, smokey quartz, steel & tektite

Foods: Apples, ale, beef, cider, corm, fruits, garlic, gourds, grains, hazelnuts, herbal teas, mushroom, nettle, nuts, pears, pomegranates, pork, poultry, pumpkin pie, sunflower seeds, thistle, turnips & wine (mulled)

Herbs/plants: Acorn, Allspice, catnip, corn, dittany of Crete, hazel, mandrake, mugwort, mullien, oak leaves, pine, rosemary, sage, straw, tarragon, thistle, wormwood & yellow cedar

Flowers: Calendula, chrysanthemum, deadly nightshade, rue & fumitory

Goddesses: Al-lat, Baba Yaga, Badb, Banba, Bast, Bebhionn, Bronach, Brunhilde, Cailleach, Carlin, Cassandra, Cerridwen, Copper Woman, Crobh Dearg, Devanyani, Dolya, Edda, Elli, Eris, Erishkigal, Fortuna, Frau Holde, Hecate, Hel, Ishtar, Kali, Macha Mania, Morrigan, Nemesis, Nephthys, Nicneven & Rhiannon

Gods: Arawan, Baron Samede, Belenus, Coyote, Cronus, Dagda, Dis, Hades, Loki, Nefertum, Odin, Osiris, Pluto, Woden & Xocatl

Issues Intentions & Powers: Crossroads, darkness, death, divination, honoring ancestors, introspection, the otherworld/underworld, release, visions & wisdom (of the crone)

Spellwork: Divination, fire magick, night magick, shape-shifting, spirit calling & water magick

Related festivals:

• Day of the Dead- (Spanish: Día de Muertos or Día de los Muertos) is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, though other days, such as October 31 or November 6, may be included depending on the locality. It is widely observed in Mexico, where it largely developed & is also observed in other places, especially by people of Mexican heritage. Although related to the simultaneous Christian remembrances for Hallowtide, it has a much less solemn tone and is portrayed as a holiday of joyful celebration rather than mourning. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and to remember friends and family members who have died. These celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed.

• All Saints Day- is a Christian solemnity celebrated in honor of all the saints & martyrs of the Church, whether they are known or unknown

Activities:

• Dedicate an altar to loved ones who have passed

• Boil a simmer pot to cleanse your space

• Have a silent dinner

• Light a candle for your loved ones & yourself

• Decorate your house and/or altar

• Release negative energy & cleanse your with a ritual bath

• Pull tarot cards to see what may be in store for you ahead

• Cleanse, clean & de-clutter your space

• Leave offerings to the Fae

• Journal & reflect on your accomplishments, challenges & everything you did this year

•Go on a nature walk

• Learn a new form of divination

• Have a bonfire with your friends and/or family

• Carve pumpkins

• Express yourself creatively through art, music, ect

• Visit a cemetery & help clean off areas that need it or to visit a family member/ ancestor & leave an offering

• Hold a seance

• Bake spooky treats & bread as offerings

• Refresh your protection magicks, sigils & rituals

Samhain is a Gaelic festival on 1 November marking the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter or "darker half" of the year. Celebrations begin on the evening of 31 October, since the Celtic day began and ended at sunset.

This fire festival is celebrated on October 31st & is considered the Pagan New Year. It is the first Sabbat on the Wheel of the Year, a cross-quarter festival & the third (final) harvest festival of the mundane year. This is the time when the veil between the worlds of the living & those who have passed is the thinnest, which allows greater communication between the two

Some believe this is the time of the Goddess's mourning of the death of the God until his rebirth at Yule. The Goddess's sadness can be seen in the shortening, darkening days & the arrival of cold weather

Sources:

Farmersalmanac .com

Llewellyn's 2023 magical almanac: practical magic for everyday living

Wikipedia

Llewellyn's Complete Book of Correspondences by Sandra Kines

A Witch's Book of Correspondences by Viktorija Briggs

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