#spiritual guardianship

[ryanranney]

Riddle of Orion

Transfer of rite of 2005 While the world looked on at storms Seeing none of what awaited Sleeping to the constructed facade He that arose did so to prepare Alter sun and moon phase energy light Chase the land and sea as they cried Set seal upon mans thoughts and works Full transfer revelation of 2006 While the world looked on to new moons Seeing not where all did wake now Lulled into the norm of…

[compassionmattersmost]

Spirals of Harmony: A Deeper Look into the Crop Circle of August 29th

There’s something undeniably captivating about the crop circle that appeared on August 29th. As I gaze upon its intricate design, I’m drawn into a world where geometry and spirituality converge, where the mysteries of the universe seem to be woven into the very fabric of the earth itself. This particular formation, with its flowing spirals and perfectly balanced symmetry, speaks to something deep…

[science-lings]

I love that Phoenix is so father figure coded in the main trilogy with Pearl. Like the official art where she's napping on his thigh or being held up by him to put up Christmas tree ornaments, and the whole vibe of him bringing her along to crime scenes, and in the stage play where she gets scared and freezes in place so he just picks her up like a stack of firewood. Even from the second game when he's only like 25 he's been irrefutably dad-shaped. It should've been the least surprising thing to happen when AJ first came out that Phoenix had become a dad. That's been an important part of his personality, he probably was born to be a girldad more than an attorney.

anyway it's also really funny to think about him lowkey adopting the half-sister of the woman who tried to kill him and her twin sister who tricked him into thinking that she was his girlfriend.

[deepwoundsandfadedscars]

Sat down to have a chat with my cousin before he flies home tomorrow to his wife, just cause I was anxious that she would try to twist it against me if she talked to him first, I explained my side of what the interaction was and the blatant lies she claimed, and he's not at all surprised and in fact is already planning on getting a paralegal when he gets home to start getting her the fuck out of his life

Me last night: hmm maybe I want another tattoo, I'm going to start talking to this artist *sends message*

My cousins wife: *sends an incredibly hostile message about how I've been ignoring her and she's gone above and beyond for me trying to be supportive of me, when in reality she hasn't texted me first since November and when I text her, she's very short with me and makes no effort to continue a conversation with me*

"Yeah hi, artist? Make that three tattoos"

[serpentface]

Here's what Brakul's abandoned son looks like in the present day. His name is Síldebrai, he's 14 years old and already almost 6', and he just graduated to his very first responsibility of impending manhood (tending cattle up at the summer pastures). He has a notably shitty deer tattoo given to him by a friend, which remains indefinitely unfinished due to them being caught in the process.

Síldebrai does not have full ancestral tattoos (arms) yet, as these are only given when a child comes of age and is initiated into adulthood. His parental ancestry tattoos are atypical in only representing his mother and maternal grandparents, as his blood father abandoned him and is a known oathbreaker, and has thus been struck from his lineage. Ancestry is measured based upon direct parent to child blood relations (divided by gender into unbroken male and female lines), so his adoptive father Vrailedh cannot be directly represented. However, due to Vrailedh being Síldebrai's biological uncle (Brakul's brother), Síldebrai will still be able to claim his male ancestral line upon adulthood.

Remarriages in cases of death, exile, and abandonment tend to be kept within the family of the absent parent when possible. This is in large part a pragmatic matter of maintaining clan ties, but additionally to ensure full and unbroken ancestral guardianship for any children who have not yet come of age (and thus have not yet secured a place in their lineage). An adoptive parent completely unrelated to a child may be able to persuade their ancestors to offer guardianship, but the child cannot formally claim a place in their line. This is not socially damning, as they will still have a firm place in their clan, but it can be spiritually fraught and isolating. Being the progenitor of an entirely new lineage is a heavy burden both in life and especially in the afterlife, in which you will initially be the only member of your gendered line tasked with watching over your descendents.

[imharnaannesta]

I’ve seen a lot of conversation about Anakin Skywalker and grooming and whether if someone just did something differently would Anakin have fallen. And they’ve sparked a thought of my own that I haven’t been able to put into words.

Which is that regardless of whether it would have changed anything I believe that the Jedi Order failed in their duty of care to Anakin.

Firstly, I believe that the second Qui-Gon, being a Jedi Master on a mission as a representative of the Jedi Order, takes Anakin from his mother the Order has a duty of care to Anakin. Like if Qui-Gon had taken Anakin and immediately gotten into a speeder crash that was his fault and killed them both I think the Jedi would have been liable in a wrongful death suit. Qui-Gon may have been acting outside of his mandate but I don’t believe that changes that the Order bears some responsibility for his actions. Being a Jedi Master gives him a level of authority and if he abused that authority or uses it for actions outside his mandate then the Order is responsible for responding appropriately.

When the Council decides he shouldn’t be trained the next steps should not have been letting Qui-Gon take him into an actual war zone. Whether they’re training him or not he’s a child and until they’ve made other arrangements they are responsible for his care. If Anakin had died on Naboo it would have been due to the negligence of the Order.

The responsible choice would have been to find Anakin a place to stay in the temple until arrangements could be made for him to either be returned to his mother or entrusted to a guardian. In either case it would be the responsibility of the Jedi to ensure to the best of their knowledge and ability that Anakin was being placed in a safe and stable environment. A member of their order took Anakin from one home, if they do not care for him they cannot just wash their hands of him without doing their due diligence.

Secondly, once Anakin is a member of the Order it is the responsibility of the Order to ensure that children in their care are safe. That is the responsibility of any person or organization with guardianship of children. And I cannot fathom a world in which it is responsible to allow an adult outside the order, who has taken a special interest in a specific child, to have enough access to that child to be considered the child’s friend. The only legitimate interest Palpatine could possibly have in Anakin is in his role liberating Naboo (a thing he shouldn’t have been involved in anyway) and that’s certainly not enough. And frankly even if Palpatine was interacting with Anakin under supervision it clearly wasn’t enough. Even later, they shouldn’t be sending a nineteen year old to have solo meetings with the Chancellor. Especially if the Chancellor has taken interest in that nineteen year old.

And before anyone argued that Palpatine made them… I don’t care. If they suspected Palpatine’s interest in Anakin was anything less than pure (and they should have because aging politicians have no legitimate reason to be getting close with random children) then they should have been fighting tooth and nail every step of the way. And the fact that they send him into the viper’s den more than once suggests they aren’t making that effort.

If Palpatine was abusing Anakin in ways other than emotional and arguably spiritual then would you still say the Jedi had to let Palpatine have access to him? Because what he does to Anakin is arguably worse in some ways given how it turns out.

Thirdly, Anakin returns from fighting in the outer rim, is ordered to begin spying on the Chancellor (who the Jedi Order allowed him to have enough contact with in his childhood to consider him a friend), and then shows the signs of struggling emotionally. They do not push him on this, Yoda asks him about it and gives very surface level advice. And then they allow the armed and very powerful veteran of a large scale interplanetary conflict to continue his spying mission and go on his merry way.

This is not to say I think Anakin’s fall is anyone’s fault but Palpatine’s and Anakin’s. But Anakin is coming out of a psychologically damaging environment and being put into an extremely difficult position emotionally by being asked to spy on Palpatine. He’s already emotionally volatile and he is extremely well trained, armed at all times, and capable of being extremely dangerous. As is any Jedi. And given those factors I think not pushing when he appears less stable than usual and potentially not forcing medical intervention is negligence.

This is also not to say that the Jedi somehow brought their fate onto themselves. The destruction of the Jedi Order is Palpatine’s doing and very little they could do outside of successfully killing him would have prevented it by the time it came to pass. Anakin’s involvement in it is also not ultimately the fault of the Jedi Order. But that doesn’t mean that they didn’t fail Anakin.

It might not have changed anything. It doesn’t mean that they are responsible for Anakin’s actions once he swears his allegiance to Palpatine. It doesn’t mean the Jedi are bad as a whole. Or even that any of them are bad people. But I do think they had a duty of care. And I do think they fell short.

And now I kind of want to write a fic where Padme successfully finds and frees Shmi and brings her to Naboo and Shmi sues the fuck out of the Jedi Order for the way Qui-Gon went about acquiring her son. And for allowing him to go with Qui-Gon to Naboo.

[portraitsofsaints]

Happy Feast Day

Saint Samantha of Clonbroney

Died: 739 AD

Feast Day: December 18

Patronage: spiritualness

Saint Samantha (Samthann or Samthana), a maiden of Ulster, Ireland was entrusted by her family to the guardianship of the Irish king Cridan. The king wanted her to marry and arranged for her marriage but after a miraculous event when a heavenly light emitted from her face as she was sleeping, he relented. She was then allowed to enter a convent to become a nun, eventually becoming abbess of the convent of Clonbroney, that was founded by St. Patrick. Many miracles are attributed to her, but mostly she was known for her wisdom in teaching and being a spiritual advisor to others.

Prints, plaques & holy cards available for purchase. (website)

[heavenboundhotel]

✨VARIEL✨


Alias: Vera

Species/Origin: Fallen Angel

Gender/Pronouns: Female, She/Her

Sexuality: Lesbian


Appearance:

Personality:

Vera is a soldier, first and foremost. At least, that's how she views herself. She does genuinely love Lithop, but she can't help but see herself as indebted to her in a way. All Vera knows is violence, she's never been more than a weapon, a part of a machine. She is happier no longer being an exorcist, even if she is now stuck in Hell, but is struggling to acclimate to its environment, and her newfound freedom. She has a habit of sticking to a strict schedule, even if its usually unnecessary, out of pure familiarity and comfort. She's very protective of Lithop, deeply admiring her compassion and enthusiasm but fearing that her naivety and stubborness will get her hurt, and she'll lose the only person who has ever cared about her. Vera can come off as very standoffish and doesn't easily get comfortable with others, but is extremely loyal once she does.

Backstory:

Variel was created after Heaven’s shift from guardianship to militant exorcism - her true purpose as a guardian angel trained out of her to be replaced with violence, trained from the beginning to view demons and sinners as irredeemable threats. As one of the younger angels molded exclusively in this hardened role, Variel had a reputation as a skilled and relentless exorcist. She was among the most efficient of her peers despite her young age, partially due to her ability to channel her buried guardian instincts into an intense focus on “protecting” Heaven from Hell’s sinners, even if it’s through destruction.

Variel's guardian origins occasionally stirred beneath her disciplined exterior, though, surfacing in ways that troubled her. She tried to suppress these feelings as "weakness," not wanting to disappoint her superiors or her comrades. Over time, she became skilled at ignoring her guardian instincts, even as they subtly influenced her. She showed mercy by giving swift ends to her targets.

The defining moment came during an extermination one year when Variel encountered a young sinner, a child. She'd never questioned her orders before, but the innocence and fear in the child’s eyes ignited her buried guardian nature, triggering a powerful urge to protect rather than destroy. Despite the risks, Variel defied her mission, taking a protective stance in front of the child. This act of compassion went against everything she’s been trained for, but her instinctual need to shield the helpless overrode her loyalty to her duty.

After her defiance, Variel faced judgment at the hands of her fellow exorcist, Lute. Seeing Vera’s betrayal as intolerable, she decided to mete out “divine punishment” herself. She violently gouged out Variel's eye, and cut her wings off - marking her as fallen and trapping her in Hell. The brutal act was both physically and spiritually devastating for Variel. The pain of her injuries solidified the gravity of her decision, as she was officially exiled from Heaven.

Severely injured, Variel was found by Lithop, who brought her back from the brink. Variel's initial instincts were to distrust Lithop, even as she was too weakened to resist. As Lithop tended to her wounds and protected her from being discovered, Variel's guarded heart began to soften, not used to someone so caring in Hell. Over time, she found herself inexplicably drawn to Lithop’s innocence and fierce belief in redemption, emotions she struggles to reconcile with her hardened worldview.

Knowing she couldn't return to her old life, Variel embraced her fall by shedding her old name, adopting “Vera” as a symbol of her new identity. While the change is largely practical (hiding her status as a fallen angel), it also reflects her internal shift. Vera is no longer tied to Heaven’s mission; she’s forging her own path, albeit skeptically. She agrees to support Lithop’s goal, not out of faith in the plan but because she believes Lithop’s heart is in the right place. Her love for Lithop becomes her new guiding force, though she remains wary of Hell’s dangers and the naivety of Lithop’s vision.

[seeker-ophelia]

Hallelujah

(There are no Veilguard spoilers in this content, it was all created in early September, I’m only posting it now).

So I found this old Bioware article from 2014…

Its about what the writers listened to when they wrote their characters.

I was immediately struck by Weekes’ (writer of Bull, Cole, & Solas) comment that he wrote whole swaths of Solas dialogue listening to K.D. Langs cover of Hallelujah.

Because when I was playing Origins, way back in 2009, as soon as I heard the words “The Chant of Andraste” I thought of Hallelujah.

No better parallel could exist for me. Hallelujah, if you listen to the lyrics, is not really church related, yet it got absorbed into the church as a hymn. Its fucking sad, and yet we’re praising god or some shit?

Kinda like how I feel The Chantry has changed their religion, their original purpose, Andraste and the Maker and all that, into something horrible (subjugation/lobotomization of mages, feeding templars crack, you know, nOrMal StUfF).

I love the parallels there. And I love that Weekes used this sad-ass fucking dirge for our sad-ass fucking egg, especially considering what KD Lang said about it:

Canadian singer k.d. lang said in an interview shortly after Cohen's death that she considered the song to be about "the struggle between having human desire and searching for spiritual wisdom. It's being caught between those two places."       (Be still, my heart.)

And I thought about how Legends Shouldn’t Be Given The Weight of History, and how The Chantry’s purpose has been twisted, and how Hallelujah’s purpose has been twisted, and at the time, I was completing The Temple of the Emerald Knights in DA:I. I was thinking about how the Elvhen temple is littered with statues of Andraste and Mythal (dragon), how there’s a Knight, Andale (which is so obviously Andraste, prob Flemythal reincarnate of some sort).

The blending and melding and mushing of cultures and religions as time drags on, how originally good or pure purposes are changed or shifted, or corrupted.

And I thought of Andraste again.

I have been unhealthily obsessed with this artist named Aly, who is a Bard in Thedas and sings at The Dread Halla Tavern (you can find them on spotify here);  

(for clarification, this human is not me, I am not a singer, she is very good, you should go listen to all her songs-after you read this).

Anyways, I got to thinking…

What would Andraste’s Hallelujah sound like?

I had to write it.

Its sad and beautiful and tells the story of a woman flighting against forces she has no hope of defeating (But we still have to try).

[Andraste’s Lament]

And I got immediately transported to a smoky, dimly lit tavern in Southern Thedas. Aly has just sung Andraste’s Lament, and is approached by Neria, a lone Dalish Elf who clutches a scrap of paper tightly in her hand.

Aly listens to this elf tell her a story of a sad song her mother used to sing her when she was young, before she got killed by bandits. And could she sing this song for her, please, she even has a few coppers.

And Aly sits down, scans the paper, and realizes it’s a different version of Andraste’s Hallelujah.

Written in small looping script at the top, in Common, is Dirge of the Dread Wolf.

And she sings it softly to Neria, a strange story of mothers and gods and tricksters and wolves, and Neria’s eyes well.

[Dirge of the Dread Wolf]

She ends the song, the last beautiful Hallelujah trembling through the thickness of the tavern air.

Neria sniffs once, and then begins a new story. Aly listens to this Elf speak of a crumbling Dalish temple deep in the middle of nowhere, where she found a piece of paper beside a four legged statue that has since eroded to expressionless guardianship, of words crossed out and changed and smudged.

Then she shakily hands Aly a different piece of paper.

This velumm is significantly older than the first, thicker, almost crumbling around the edges.

And its Hallelujah again, but its spelled wrong, and some strange name with too many n’s in it is written at the top.

And Neria asks Aly if she can sing this.

But it’s written in Elvhen, and Aly shakes her head, she doesn’t think she can stumble through all the strange Dalish a’s and ash’s and am’s (there's so many damn vowels in Dalish…).

But, Aly halts the elfs falling face, she is more than willing to sing this in Common, if Neria will stay to act as translator.

So the two bend their heads close over the bar, and Aly pulls out her small precious notebook where she writes down the lyrics to her own tunes, and they quickly make work of the Elvhen words, Aly humming and hawing as she changes some words to better match the pattern of the song.

And soon they have a brand-new Hallelujah, and Aly asks Neria to pronounce the name at the top.

Ghil-an’nain, Neria says, and make sure you spell the hallelujah right.

H, a, l, l, a, l, i, e, u, y, a.

What does that mean in Dalish? Aly asks the elf.

And Neria shrugs. Halla is like a halla, she assumes. But this word lieu, she doesn’t know.

Aly assumes in the context of this song it must mean birth, but Neria shakes her head. Shena is the verb for born.

Well, what about victory? But Neria shakes her head again. Ena’sal’in is the word for victory, or triumph.

Aly blows out a breath. She’s a lyricist. What would make this poetic.

What about truth?

The elf thinks, and a small smile grows on her lips.

She can’t think of a Dalish word for truth.

Ghilan’nain’s Truth of the Halla?

Aly’s beautiful soprano soon fills the room, and her eyes widen when a soft Alto joins her, singing along in the original Elvhen.

[Ghilan’nain’s Truth of the Halla]   

A haunting melody, completely changed by the understanding of the root of halla lieu’ya, not a praise to The Maker, or the curse of a trickster, but the story of a young god, beaten and battered and blinded, and her creations, and her destruction of them.

[Ghilan’nan’es Halla’lieu’ya]

The tavern erupts when they finish, and poor Neria blushes furiously as her back is slapped, and her hair is tousled, by the patrons of the establishment.

Aly and her new friend make their way to the bar, where foaming tankards await them.

They cheers, and as they tip the beer back, a city elf approaches them, dressed like a Dalish, but he has no vallaslin. He pushes his cowl down to reveal a bald head and shocking purple eyes. His voice is quiet, with a deep, romantic lilt.

“Where did you find that song?”

…

Please be gentle with any constructive criticism on my voice, I am absolutely NOT a singer, I know I don’t have a superstar voice but I’m also not tone deaf, so just… don’t be shitty to me, internet. Listen to the lyrics, not the delivery.

If anyone’s actually interested, I'll message you the lyrics. I also did record all four songs (Andraste, Dread Wolf, Ghilly (English), and Ghilly (Elvhen),) but can only put one video per post. Maybe I'll link them later if people are interested.

*It did not even occur to me until after writing Andraste’s Hallalujah that someone might have had this idea already. I did a little googling afterwards, and someone has put solas’ dialogue to the tune of Hallalujah, but no ones “re-written” it yet in this context (that I could find). My query to you is, why would Solas speak in Leonard Cohen's hallelujah/iambic pentameter if he had never heard it before?

---

Obviously, this can never be turned into a real song, because Sony owns the rights to the OG Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. But the romanticism of this song, changing through the ages, was too good to pass up. I hope you enjoy it, sincerely, and if you are a better singer than I, by all means, use my lyrics and record it, and please send me the link so that I can listen to it!  

Thanks to Weekes, Leonard Cohen, & The Dread Halla Tavern for inspiring this.

Bare your blade, and raise it high.

[ymirgel]

Reading more into Nevarran lore & their cultural practices to answer those flower rook asks, but then I discovered how a Mourn Watcher warrior could feasibly be established into the faction. I will be adopting this headcanon that I’ll eventually adhere to her overall backstory;

Mourn Watcher warriors, aka “Reapers” or “Spirit Warriors”, is an order designed to act as bodyguards to protect their fellow mages as they delve deeper into the Necropolis to quell discontent spirits, or to solve spiritual disturbances in the surrounding Fade.

Each Reaper is assigned their own mage to guard them from these potential threats. Ymir was assigned to a mage (who will be my bat-handler) before partaking The War of the Banners. And thereafter the events of said war, the senior Watchers who condemned Ymir for causing tension between themselves and the undead nobility, her guardianship over said mage is transferred to another Reaper.

[imthepunchlord]

Thinking about those fox powers also reminded me of my ideas for the peacock. The first is how I could alter the canon power. So, along with the basics of removing the sentient life aspect, I would also make it more summoner-like. So, the user would use their own emotions, the emotions of those around them, and even the emotions that have seeped into the places they are in to create sentimonsters (no amok or item). The sentimonsters would generally be more animal-like, and the powers they have are more minor and depend on the creature. The user can control the creatures mentally and with hand movements. The user can probably make multiple at a time (both the same creature and different ones), but making too many can overwhelm the user and split their focus too far. Basically, it would be like what Maria Renard from Castlevania: Nocturne can do (https://youtu.be/xCFvixsZFhc?si=4OnHNv7A5taaOuKo)

Some other ideas for alternative powers are: stunning people with their beauty, delving into the mind of a target to discover their secrets by making direct eye contact with a target, absorbing negative energy to empower themself, scrying, seeing into the future (and if paired with the snake the snake could see into the past), and wind manpulation

Man, Peafowl and Rabbit really are the top two I want changed power wise.

On the topic of Peafowl's canon power, changed or not, I really should've been a power tied to Ladybug. Whether making sentient life to animated puppets, that's heavily ted to Creation.

Peafowl I stand should've had something different, something that should've changed up the status quo as it felt too similar/an extension of Butterfly. And it is a little funny that you have Mayura moving about when when she's a little more designed to be hidden away than even HM himself.

But yeah, a lot you brought up would work. They are iconic symbols of beauty and I also thought of a power of charming with their appearance, maybe even able to charm people to do as they ask. Mind reading, scrying, and foresight all make sense given the major eye motif peacocks have, Vision is one of their more iconic aspects and would've made more sense for Duusu's concept. Air/wind manipulation I'm the most iffy on, there is the fan to work off of, but that power may better work for a more aerodynamic bird like Falcon or Eagle. Peacocks I don't really associate with flight, and I don't know how good a flyer they are, especially with those long tails.

Other possibilities to add:

Healing/purification/rejuvenation, as the latter is an iconic symbol of it, as well as rebirth. Peacocks are associated with taking in evil/corruption and purifying it into beauty, eating venomous snakes to bring out the color of their feathers.

Peacocks also could've had a time power, even Snake's time resetting power could've worked. Mayura is a peacock that stands upon a snake and represents a cycle of time.

Peacocks are also tied to truth, and there's the idiom True Blue to work off of.

They're also tied to guardianship, royalty, luxury, and invulnerability. So they could've been related to fortune and wealth or being more defense.

They're tied to spirituality so could've done something related to spirits, or astral projection.

It's one of those animals that has a lot of possibilities in terms of powers, so the route they went is disappointing, kinda lazy, and convoluted a lot. It's also a little funny as I have read up that peacocks are tied to absolute goodness, being incorruptible; yet it's Miraculous is broken and misused (and maybe still? Idk if Felix is a good guy or not).

Also, idk about you guys, but since I've done various research on other animals and their myth, folklore, symbolism, and idioms, Ladybug I found to be kinda boring as a major lead animal to focus on and set up to be important. Why couldn't it follow a more interesting animals, we could've had Peafowl!Marinette instead. That also could've better worked off her interest in fashion too.

[marvelshifter111]

Could you make a Powers (second sphere) and Seraphim (first sphere) abilities? Angelology is one of my favorite things to learn about.

thank you for requesting! sorry it took me so long

Powers and Seraphim abilities

Second sphere: Powers

Role: Guardians of the cosmos, maintaining order and protecting the world from demonic forces. They are considered warriors of God who ensure divine justice.

Abilities of Powers:

Cosmic guardianship - Powers are responsible for maintaining the balance of the universe, ensuring stars and celestial bodies remain in their divine order.

Protection against evil - They are tasked with defending humanity and the world from the influence of dark forces, including demons and malevolent spirits.

Judgment and justice - They carry out God’s justice by punishing evil spirits and enforcing divine law.

Inspiration of strength and courage - Powers can instill divine strength and courage in mortals, particularly in times of spiritual or physical conflict.

Weaving spiritual energies - They manage the flow of spiritual energies, ensuring that divine blessings are channeled to where they are most needed.

Guidance of leaders and warriors - Powers often guide rulers, warriors, and those in positions of authority to act righteously.

Dispelling chaos - Powers have the unique ability to restore order in chaotic situations, whether in the natural world or the spiritual realm. They can calm storms, end conflicts, and bring stability where there is discord.

Sealing boundaries - Powers can create or reinforce spiritual barriers to prevent the intrusion of malevolent forces into sacred spaces, people, or objects. They are the architects of divine wards and protective seals.

First sphere: Seraphim

Role: The closest beings to God, existing in perpetual worship and adoration of the Divine. They embody pure love and illuminate the heavenly hierarchy.

Abilities of Seraphim:

Perpetual worship and praise - Their primary purpose is to sing praises to God, endlessly proclaiming His holiness. ("Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts.")

Bearer of divine love - Seraphim are embodiments of divine love, radiating pure and perfect love throughout creation.

Illumination and Enlightenment - They illuminate the minds of lower angels and humans, helping them understand God’s will and nature.

Purification by fire - Seraphim wield the holy fire of God, capable of purifying souls and removing sin. Their name literally means "burning ones."

Eternal radiance - They shine with an intense, unearthly light, reflecting the glory of God. This radiance can inspire awe or purify those in their presence.

Channeling divine will - As the closest beings to God, Seraphim serve as conduits of His will, passing divine knowledge and commands to the lower spheres.

Guardians of divine secrets - They protect and maintain the sacred mysteries of heaven, ensuring that only those deemed worthy can access them.

Transformation through love - The Seraphim's love has the power to spiritually transform those they touch, bringing them closer to God’s divine essence.

Key contrast between powers and seraphim:

Powers focus on protecting and enforcing divine order within creation, often acting as warriors and guardians.

Seraphim are devoted entirely to God’s presence, serving as beacons of divine love and enlightenment. They interact less with the material world and more with the celestial hierarchy.

[compassionmattersmost]

Patterns of Wonder: A Connection to the Cosmos

As I gaze upon yet another crop circle formation, I am struck by the sheer complexity and precision of its design. The intricate patterns woven into the fields are more than just a visual spectacle—they are a doorway into the profound mysteries of the universe. Each curve and line seems to pulse with an energy that is both ancient and timeless, stirring within me a deep sense of amazement and…

[kazumahashimoto]

Xan, important question. As #1 Angeal enjoyer, what bird fits him best? I need to know for reasons.

EHEHEHEH :3 OKAYY!!!!! honestly i don't know much about birds so i got my friend to help ^_^ BUT he suggested some sort of owl!!! so i looked into the symbolism of owls and then specifically white owls and it was saying they can represent guardianship, protection, wisdom, death and REBIRTH😱?!?! crazy. and specifically like the shedding of feathers represents transformation and self discovery. or so the spiritualism blogs tell me. cool stuff anyhow i think that all fits angeal (and his connection to zack) really well :D!!! so YEAH thinking some sort of white owl.. snowy owl perhaps....

[tanoraqui]

Trick or Treat! Something Silmarillion?

In the early Third Age when Turgon has returned to life and he and Elenwë and Finrod & Amarië are finally fulfilling their long-held plan of having children at the same time, that they might grow up close as siblings like Finrod and Turgon had, Idril and Tuor say, "Hey, we could also do that! We always meant to have more than one child, and there's nothing actually stopping us!"

So they do. Now, there actually is something stopping them a little - the bearing of Elvish or half-Elvish children is more...metaphysically participatory? than that of Men (or Dwarves, etc). For both parents. Tuor had done it once and been fine, but that was in his native land, and even with Ulmo's guardianship and life on Tol Eressëa, which was fairly mild in terms of blessing-intensity, at roughly 3,500 years of age, his fëa is now worn a little thin.

But their daughter is born hearty and whole, and if Tuor is abed for a few weeks with weariness, well, he's back on his feet soon, and Idril is more than strong enough to bear a single mother's spiritual burden now that the babe is born. Indeed, she insists. Unequivocally.

Moriwen ("dark-crowned maiden") is named for her grandmother Rian and the dark brown hair she inherited from her (to no small amusement to many, given that her parents were both very blond). Her hair never quite achieves the natural luster of Elvish locks - instead, it easily gets tangled, bedraggled, and encrusted with sea-salt like her father's.

She grows up on Tol Eressëa at a nearly Elvish pace, because that feels most natural to her, and chooses to live and die (or not) as an Elf. All her friends and family are Elves (or as close as one semi-retired prophet of the sea can be) so why should she wish to be otherwise?

(The Choice is natural to all first-generation half-bloods, though after that, majority-genetics determines it unequivocally, and mortality wins in a coincidentally 50/50 balance...unless complicated by Maiaran blood, see: the heirs of Lúthien. That extends the Choice for a couple more generations, though mortality is still a heavy draw. Usually. Several Valar very quietly wish those guys would stop reproducing because tbh it's freaking them out.)

But the Mannish half of her heritage did enrapture her as well, and even more eagerly than Tuor, she sought tales of mortal Arda from every newcomer to the immortal shores. What were her distant cousins up to now? How was their mastery of metallurgy going? Were Elrond's youngest (her great-niece!) walking yet? Was that cathedral in Osgiliath still under construction?

She started recording accounts, new and old, and copying any books people brought with them when they Sailed. She blinked and she'd founded a library, soon the greatest in Aman for records of mortal lands. She was called Moriwen Peradan ("half-Man"), and for at least half of the Third Age had a thriving covert correspondence with Elrond via specially bred seabirds. (If you combine the migratory endurance of the arctic tern with the seagull's ability to get everywhere, and you're very patient, long-lived, determined, and by a precise intersection of Ainu blood and favor have a particular knack with seabirds, you can create an all-new species that can travel back and forth along the Straight Road, and discreetly share them with family!)

Moriwen ends up marrying Maeglin about a century after his re-embodiment, after he awkwardly shyly sidles into the Great Library of Tol Eressëa to find out (without, god forbid, talking to anyone involved) what happened to Idril's descendants after they survived, y'know, Stuff; and some rom-com mistaken identity shenanigans ensue.

[tabutesakina]

Guardians of Faith: How the Symbol of the Open Hand Finds Fulfilment in the Ahl al-Bayt

Throughout history, humanity has been drawn to symbols, images charged with meaning that seem to reach beyond the visible world and into the realm of the sacred. Among these, one symbol stands apart: the open hand, five fingers extended, quietly radiating an aura of protection, strength, and divine guardianship. This symbol — enduring for thousands of years — is found in art, ritual, and sacred artifacts from cultures as diverse as ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Japan, and beyond.

What is it about this open hand that resonates so deeply across time and place? Why did so many civilizations revere it as a source of safety, purity, healing, and spiritual power? This hand, revered across the world, seems to carry a subtle but universal message — one that has long pointed toward a hidden truth, a divine reality awaiting full revelation.

The Journey of the Open Hand Across Civilizations

1. Mesopotamia and Egypt: Divine Guardianship and Protection

In the ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian cultures, the open hand was believed to channel divine protection. Mesopotamians crafted amulets and carved the hand symbol into tablets, seeing it as a sacred shield against unseen forces. In Egypt, hand-shaped charms were buried with the dead, signifying a protective presence that extended beyond mortal life.

For these cultures, the hand represented a promise of guardianship — an invisible protector watching over humanity, a powerful force that would remain long after the physical world faded.

2. Jewish and Islamic Traditions: The Hand as a Blessing and Defender

In Jewish culture, the open hand became known as the Hamsa, or “Hand of Miriam.” It represented divine blessing and defense, associated with the protection of the soul. Its five fingers often represented the Five Books of the Torah, underscoring a connection between the sacred law and the hand’s protective power.

In Islamic tradition, this symbol evolved into the Khamsa, or “Hand of Fatima,” a beloved talisman worn for protection against harm. In the hands of both Muslims and Jews, the open hand served as a tangible reminder of divine blessing and strength — a reassurance that, even in times of danger, a higher power was at work.

3. Japan: Purity, Protection, and Fearlessness in Spiritual Practice

In Japanese Buddhism, the hand finds expression in sacred mudras, or gestures, used to channel spiritual power. The Abhaya Mudra, an open hand raised in blessing, represents protection, fearlessness, and compassion. This gesture, seen in statues of the Buddha and bodhisattvas, reminds practitioners of divine guidance and shelter, dispelling fear and reassuring the faithful.

Shinto Rituals: In Japan’s indigenous Shinto beliefs, the raised hand symbolizes purity and openness to the kami (spiritual deities). Hands are lifted during prayers as a way to receive blessings, uniting humanity with the sacred.

Martial Arts and the Open Hand: In Japan’s martial arts, the open hand symbolizes strength tempered by restraint. In Aikido and other practices, it represents control, peace, and protection without aggression. Here, the hand conveys an ideal of disciplined strength that is dedicated to defence, not harm.

4. China: The Hand as a Channel for Vital Energy and Balance

Taoist Beliefs in Energy and Harmony: In Taoism, the hand plays a central role in channeling qi, the life energy believed to flow through all things. Certain hand gestures, like mudras or yin-yang positions, are used in meditation and healing to balance internal energies and foster wellbeing, a form of self-protection and harmony.

The Abhaya Mudra in Chinese Buddhism: Much like in Japan, the Abhaya Mudra in Chinese Buddhist art symbolizes reassurance and protection. Often depicted with Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin in Chinese), the Bodhisattva of Compassion, the open hand promises safety to those in need, embodying a commitment to mercy and spiritual guardianship.

Confucian Values and the Open Hand: Though Confucianism does not directly focus on hand symbolism, it emphasizes virtues like benevolence (ren) and justice (yi), conveyed through gestures of open hands in greetings and offerings. Here, the open hand represents peace, respect, and harmony — values essential to Confucian ethics and society.

5. Other Ancient Traditions: Christianity and Native Cultures

Christian Symbolism and the Hand of God: In early Christian art, the open hand often symbolized God’s blessing, reaching down to humanity. It represented the divine promise of protection, strength, and grace — concepts embodied in the ��hand of God” extending to guide believers.

Native American Handprints as Sacred Protection: Native American tribes painted open handprints on sacred objects and cave walls, viewing the hand as a mark of spiritual guardianship and ancestral power. The hand was believed to serve as a bridge to the spirit world, offering strength and connection to those who sought divine guidance.

The Universal Qualities of the Open Hand

Across cultures, the open hand has consistently symbolized:

Protection: A shield against harm, a sign of divine guardianship that reassures and defends.

Purity: An emblem of the unblemished soul, purity of intention, and devotion to the sacred.

Healing and Balance: A connection to vital energies that sustain, heal, and bring harmony to life.

Fearlessness and Strength: The power to overcome fear, the courage to stand firm, and the strength to protect others.

These qualities reflect a universal human longing for divine care, protection, and wisdom — for figures who would embody these virtues in their lives.

The Grand Revelation: Fulfilment in the Ahl al-Bayt

Over the centuries, the open hand remained a symbol, its true meaning glimpsed but not fully known. But in the seventh century, on the sands of Arabia, this symbol found its ultimate expression in the lives of five figures, beloved to God and revered by many for embodying the virtues humanity had long seen in the open hand.

These figures, known as the Ahl al-Bayt, or “People of the House,” are revered in Shia Islam as the family of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. They embody the virtues that the hand has always symbolized: protection, purity, healing, and fearless strength.

The Ahl al-Bayt represent the fulfilment of the hand’s message:

The Prophet Muhammad: As the messenger of divine guidance, his wisdom brought unity, compassion, and strength to humanity.

Imam Ali: Known for his courage and justice, Imam Ali’s hand defended the oppressed and upheld the truth, embodying fearless strength.

Lady Fatima: The daughter of the Prophet and a figure of purity and compassion, she represents the nurturing spirit of the faith.

Imam Hasan: His dedication to peace and unity, even at personal cost, is the hand that sought to heal divisions within the community.

Imam Husayn: His ultimate stand against tyranny at Karbala symbolizes undying faith and the courage to defend truth, a testament to the hand’s promise of protection for the righteous.

For Shia Muslims, the Ahl al-Bayt are more than historical figures; they are a living legacy, embodying what the open hand had always symbolized. In their lives and sacrifices, the Ahl al-Bayt offer the ultimate expression of divine care and guidance.

Conclusion: A Symbol Fulfilled

The open hand — which once served as a distant emblem of protection, purity, healing, and strength — finds its fulfilment in the Ahl al-Bayt. This symbol, spanning millennia and cultures, is not just an ancient motif but a promise fulfilled in the lives of those who became the guardians of faith, truth, and humanity.

In the Ahl al-Bayt, the open hand transcends symbolism and becomes a legacy of divine guardianship, guiding those who seek a life rooted in faith, compassion, and strength. Through them, the ancient human desire for divine protection and guidance becomes a living reality, inviting followers to recognise in the open hand the virtues that have long united the human spirit.