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Ways to rejuvenate spiritual & physical energy levels
Here are some herbs, plants, teas, foods, and recipes that will help rejuvenate energy:
Ginseng: This is a traditional Chinese herb that has been used for centuries to increase energy levels, reduce stress and fatigue.
Matcha Tea: This tea is a form of green tea that is high in antioxidants and caffeine, which can help improve mental alertness and physical energy.
Maca Root: This herb has been traditionally used in Peru to enhance stamina, endurance and energy levels.
Ashwagandha: This adaptogenic herb is used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue.
Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are packed with nutrients and can help provide a slow release of energy throughout the day.
Dark Chocolate: This treat is high in flavonoids which can help improve mental alertness and focus.
Spinach: This leafy green vegetable is high in iron, which is essential for maintaining energy levels.
Quinoa: This grain is rich in protein and complex carbohydrates, which can provide sustained energy.
Lemon & Ginger Tea: This tea is a great way to boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and increase energy levels.
Berry Smoothie: Blend together a handful of mixed berries, a banana, a tablespoon of honey, and some almond milk for a delicious and energizing smoothie.
Avocado Toast: Mash half an avocado and spread it onto a slice of whole-grain bread for a healthy and energizing breakfast.
Grilled Chicken Salad: Toss together some grilled chicken, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette for a light and energizing lunch.
Sweet Potato & Lentil Curry: This hearty and delicious dish is packed with nutrients and is a great source of sustained energy.
Baked Salmon: This fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids which can help improve mental focus and reduce fatigue.
Golden Milk: This warm and soothing drink is made with turmeric, ginger, honey, and coconut milk, and is believed to help reduce inflammation and increase energy levels.
#spiritual ways to increase energy levels#physical ways to increase energy#kitchen witch#kitchen witchcraft#witchblr#witchcore#witchcraft#witchlife#white witch#beginner witch#witch tips#grimoire#herb magick#green witch#spirituality#book of shadows
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Hello, my beautiful and brilliant sunshine!
Could you please do an interpretation of Jupiter in 12H. I have this placement. Thank you.
Have a lovely day! ❤️
Hello love! Sure, I can tell you about that placement. Lovely day ahead for you too. ❤️
Jupiter in the 12th house
These natives find a lot of relief, growth and healing by being alone, which is precisely why they choose to isolate themselves when there is a lot on their shoulders or a lot of stress going on in their lives. They have this old mind in young shoulders vibe, a mix of joviality and charm with hints of wisdom and compassion. They are not only very empathetic people but receptive to the energies of those around them. They have that quality of changing the vibe of a room by entering it, as well as reading between the lines of the other's small comments or behaviors. Throughout their lives, the most important journey they immerse themselves in is the journey within themselves, exploring themselves at a deep level, questioning deep and not so superficial matters. They are kind people with a very generous heart, especially with those they call friends. Their altruism and empathy can lead them to be very successful. They tend to care more about the common good, sometimes even before their own good [especially with tense aspects]. They have the tendency to give a lot of themselves in a selfless way, which can attract people who take advantage or intend to take advantage.
Many of these people are very focused and devoted to their beliefs, whether religious, spiritual or any other nature. Sticking to their ideals, they dream big and can be introverted and creative since childhood. They are very tolerant of people and, even without meaning to, they make others feel very good, either by listening to them or simply not judging them. People can get attached to them quickly and tell them those things that they don't talk about easily. They usually play the role of teacher, mentor or guide for many people around them, as people rely on them when they need support or advice. Jupiter in this house plays a protective role in the lives of the natives, since being the house of enemies, it will ensure that the natives always emerge victorious from any situation, whether they are aware of it or not. They may have a tendency to attract people who want to absorb their good energy, so it is crucial that they cleanse their energy and environments. The truth is always presented to them in one way or another and they are highly protected.
This is one of the places of resilience par excellence, because in the face of the various problems or difficulties they experience at the beginning of their lives, these natives are reborn and re-emerge stronger than ever. They know how to get ahead both with others at their side and on their own. Being in its domicile, Jupiter can present its best qualities, from the previously mentioned wisdom, to psychic, artistic or social abilities. They usually attract a lot of luck, recognition and appreciation easily. This astrological position favors foreign travel, increasing the chances that natives will explore distant lands or feel attracted to them. There is likely a specific culture or country that they feel connected to. These natives have a lot of positive karma from other lives and will be gifted with gifts, skills that they worked on in other lives or simply with that feeling of having luck on their side.
-> Go back to the masterlist
#jupiter#astrology#astro#astro content#natal chart#jupiter in the 12th house#jupiter in the 12th#birth chart#astro note#jupiter in the 12h#12th house#astro observations
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Jupiter in Gemini (May 25- June 9 2025) ALL RISING SIGNS
Accuracy influenced by ENTIRE chart. Take it as entertainment.
Starting with general predictions for everyone and then specifics for ALL RISING SIGNS below.
GENERAL INFO:
Jupiter in gemini is in detriment. This means the planet is uncomfortable when it visits Gemini. Why?
Think of Jupiter as the teacher. Gemini as the student. Jupiter wishes to expand and educate to create prosperity for Gemini. However, Jupiter’s lectures are long. Gemini can get bored.
When bored, Gemini can become mischievous. You may notice during this transit, there is an increase in false information & gossip being spread.
Gemini is curious as well. This is great because Jupiter is knowledgable. The problem is Gemini can lose interest fast. As soon as Jupiter begins to create a plan for Gemini to reach their goal, Gemini is onto the next idea. This may manifest as:
You become interested in Jupiter related topics - faith/religion/spirituality, foreign travel, law, higher education. You may begin to plan goals such as moving abroad or going to Law school. However, you may lose interest and never fully create the plan.
Jupiter naturally rules Sag and traditionally it rules Pisces as well. This energy is care-free, go with the flow. Jupiter sees the bigger picture and doesn’t concern itself with details. It just has faith and dreams big.
But Gemini & Virgo are the opposite signs of sag & pisces. Gemini & Virgo can’t “just have faith and dream”. They can be the most anxious of the signs. They need to know the details.
For example, for some Jupiter is dreaming up these plans for foreign travel and higher education. Gemini is asking Jupiter a lot of questions about the details. “How exactly will you manifest this into reality?” This makes Jupiter uncomfortable. He’s used to the dreamy and adventurous spirits of sag & pisces. “Why do we need a plan? just have faith in me and let’s go”
This can result in high levels of anxiety & frustration during Jupiter in Gemini transit. Jupiter might accidentally expand that anxious nature of Gemini.
And now to be more specific, here is how Jupiter in Gemini will influence all rising signs. Keep in mind entire natal chart influences accuracy.
ARIES RISING:
Jupiter is transitting your 3rd house. Possible ways this may manifest:
Opportunities to travel/move neighbourhoods. Your local neighbourhood or community expanding. Finding a new social activity that brings you in contact with the community.
Opportunities & motivation to communicate. Learning languages, writing with long term goals of publishing. Ideal transit for writers. Teaching and learning possibly online.
Birth of sibling or cousin. Having an important teaching moment with a sibling or cousin. A younger sibling may bring a small blessing to you.
Learning to drive. Learning about a new form of transportation.
Thinking becomes more anxious than normal. Jupiter naturally rules your 12th and 9th house. Topics of isolation, foreign travel may leave you feeling anxious. For example, you move and now feel isolated. Or Applying to universities. Anxious about whether you’ll get in or is it the right choice for you.
Pluto in Aqua will trine Jupiter in Gemini. This brings for a positive flow between 11th and 3rd house. This is positive for friendships, sibling relationships, long term goals, humanitarian goals.
TAURUS RISING:
Jupiter is transitting your 2nd House. This can manifest as:
Becoming focused on making more money. Learning a new skill, getting higher education (degree, certificate, diploma, etc.), working harder to make more money.
Expanding possessions. Jupiter rules your 8th and 11th house. You may inherit or be gifted a little something during this transit. An older sibling may be very helpful. Could be by physically giving you something or giving you advice.
Pluto in Aqua will trine Jupiter in Gemini. This brings a positive flow between your 10th and 2nd house. A change in career and status could help make you more money. You may seem more knowledgable on your career field. 10th house can be father or masculine authoritative figure in your life. They may help you in career.
GEMINI RISING:
This is transit is in your first house. This can manifest as:
You could feel very lucky and joyful during this transit. You could find a partner as Jupiter naturally rules your 7th. This could result in relationship weight gain or getting pregnant as jupiter expands and 1st house is your body. However, since jupiter is in detriment, you could feel unhappy and end relationships especially when jupiter transit will opppsite your natal sag pluto (only applies to people born 1995-2008). However for some, this could result in marriage. 7th can be business partners and clients as well. A career change or advancement may occur. All depends on entire chart. You likely know what is likely and what isn’t.
Pluto in Aqua will trine Jupiter in Gemini. This is a positive flow between your 9th and 1st house. You may appear better educated. You may travel or love far away where you are better perceived.
Jupiter naturally rules your 10th house. You could find advancement in your career or reputation. However, some may need to watch out for petty gossip influencing their reputation.
CANCER RISING:
Jupiter transits your 12th house. This can manifest as:
Spending time alone. Physically or mentally isolated. Jupiter naturally rules your 9th and 6th. You could slowly focus on fixing your mental or physical healthy by creating a healthier daily routine. You could be moved far from home resulting in more alone time as you don’t know the people around you yet. You could move for education.
You could learn more about religion and having faith as this is a 12th and 9th house topic.
Pluto in Aqua will trine Jupiter in Gemini. This is a flow between your 8th and 12th house. Something may occur that will result in needed alone time. These can be difficult houses. Dealing with death, depression, and isolation. Doesn’t mean something bad will happen though. It may simply be that you need that mental reset and take time to yourself.
LEO RISING:
This is your 11th house. This can manifest as:
Making new friends. Friends that could be like mentors to you. Expanding your network circle. Watch out for letting in bad people. Gossip is likely to become intense at some point during this transit. Some of you may find you are the target. This wouldn’t be anything too serious. Gemini is ruled by a fast moving planet. Any gossip that rises would quickly die down as people move onto the next topic.
Pluto in Aqua will trine Jupiter in Gemini. This is a positive flow in your 7th and 11th house. This can result in a positive transformation in your relationships. Marriage could occur. Either for you or friends. You may date a friend. All depends on your entire chart and what else is activated.
For those born 1995-2008, jupiter in gemini will at some point oppose your natal pluto. For leo rising this is opposition between 11th and 5th house. This could mean eventually hearing gossip about afraid or children, pregnancy. Or being involved in those scenarios. You may feel the need to advocate for what’s right. Speak against any toxic people.
VIRGO RISING:
This is your 10th house. This can manifest as:
Opportunities to change career. Maybe change jobs, or receive advancement.
Jupiter naturally rules your 4th and 7th. Changes in home and marriage/relationship may affect your reputation. For virgos, saturn has been testing your relationships as it is in the 7th. Some may realize the relationship is bad, and breakup or divorce. Others may see their person is supportive and helpful in tough situations and decide to level up the relationship - marriage, moving in.
Jupiter in gemini will opppsite your natal pluto if you were born 1995-2008. The exact opposition depends on your natal. Around the time it occurs, it could bring big changes in family and home. This could change your career. Or how people see you.
LIBRA RISING:
This is your 9th house. This could manifest as:
Taking a trip abroad. Seeking higher education. Faith being tested. Educating yourself on a religion.
For those born 1995-2008, at some point jupiter will opppsite your natal pluto. When this happens, there is tension between 3rd and 9th house topics. You could change communities. You could have transportation troubles. You could have issues in communication especially with siblings/cousins/childhood friends.
Pluto in Aqua will trine Jupiter in Gemini. This can result in a positive flow between 5th and 9th house. You could feel more creative. You may write more. You could publish your work during this transit.
SCORPIO RISING:
This is your 8th house. This can manifest as:
Receiving help from someone else’s resources. Loans, inheritance or gifts. Unfortunately, this may also mean higher stress when it comes to finances. Watch out for debt or needing to repay people.
If you are born between 1995-2008, jupiter will at some point opppsite your natal sag pluto. This creates tension between 2nd and 8th house. You may inherit money. Or you may struggle with debt and saving.
Pluto in Aqua will trine Jupiter in Gemini. This is your 4th and 8th house. Making it likely someone in the home or family may help you at some point during this transit. This could be mentally, or financially.
SAG RISING:
This is your 7th. This can manifest as:
Entering a relationship is very likely. Meeting new friends or clients is likely. Becoming balanced and cooperative is likely. Some may get married but this depends on entire chart ofc.
If you are born 1995-2008, jupiter in gemini will opppsite your natal pluto. This creates tension between 7th and 1st house. You may go through phases of feeling bad about your body or yourself in general.
Pluto in Aqua will trine your Jupiter in gemini. This is a positive flow between 3rd and 7th house. This gives improved relationships with siblings, friends, partners and clients. Communication will feel easier. Conversations of closure are likely.
CAP RISING:
This is your 6th House. This can manifest as:
Getting a pet. If you are born between 1995-2008, at some point natal pluto will opppsite jupiter. This can result in tension between 12th and 6th house. Could be a death of a pet. You may feel lonely and isolated. This may be due to more responsibilities in daily life. Or health troubles.
You may feel motivated to improve your health and daily life. Slowly finding ways to improve life in general. This may result in more money as Pluto in Aqua will trine Jupiter in Gemini. A positive flow in 2nd and 6th. Some may find jobs, receive promotion or bonuses for their hard work.
AQUA RISING:
This is your 5th house. This can manifest as:
Having a child. I know an aqua rising who is expecting a child during this transit.
Increase in creativity. You could feel the urge to create. Poems, song, stories, etc. Likely communication related as gemini is the sign.
if your are born between 1995-2008, your natal sag pluto will at some point oppose jupiter in gemini. This is tension between the 11th house and 5th house. Rumours or gossip may cause friction in your social network. 5th house can be love affairs and pregnancy. Watch out for becoming involved in petty drama.
Pluto in Aqua will trine Jupiter in Gemini. This is a positive flow between 1st and 5th. You could make changes to your appearance this year. You could just simply feel better about yourself life direction. Likely due to the creative boost you will receive. Just very joyful transit.
PISCES RISING:
This is your 4th House. This can manifest as
Expansion to your home or family. Birth of new family member. Or moving to a bigger place. Renovations to make the house better or bigger. Getting a roommate.
If you are born between 1995-2008, at some point your natal pluto will oppose jupiter. This creates tension between 10th and 4th. Both your career or home/family life may become demanding.
Pluto in Aqua will trine Jupiter in Gemini. This a positive flow between 4th and 12th house. Changes made could result in needed peace of mind. Happily finding alone time.
——
#scorpio ascendant#astrology observations#solar return observations#aries rising#taurus rising#gemini rising#cancer rising#leo rising#virgo rising#libra rising#sagittarius rising#capricorn rising#pisces rising#aquarius rising#tarot pac
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✧ Solar Return Chart Observation ⋆⑅˚₊
Take this with a grain of salt.
✦ sagittarius Rising
Having a Sagittarius rising in your solar return chart indicates that the upcoming year will be filled with excitement, abundance, and a sense of adventure. You'll have a strong desire to explore, expand your horizons, and seek new experiences. Optimism and enthusiasm will be your driving forces, attracting opportunities and blessings into your life. Embrace a thirst for knowledge, engage in educational pursuits, and be open to broadening your social circle. With a positive mindset and a willingness to embrace adventure, this year promises to be an exciting and abundant chapter of personal and professional growth.
In addition to the exciting and abundant experiences, having Sagittarius rising in your solar return chart suggests that you'll be guided by a strong sense of purpose and a desire for meaning in your endeavors. You may feel a calling to align your actions with your values, seeking experiences that contribute to personal and collective growth. This spiritual and philosophical inclination will add depth and fulfillment to your year, allowing you to explore the greater purpose behind your adventures and harness the wisdom gained along the way.
✦ Pluto in the 2nd House
Pluto in the 2nd house of your solar return chart indicates a transformative and potentially powerful year in terms of finances, resources, and self-worth. You may experience significant changes and shifts in your approach to money, possessions, and material security. This placement suggests that you have the potential to delve deeply into your relationship with wealth and value, uncovering hidden patterns or subconscious beliefs that may be influencing your financial situation. Embracing these transformative energies can lead to profound personal growth, increased self-empowerment, and a redefinition of what truly matters to you in terms of material abundance.
✦ Saturn in the 3rd House
Saturn in the 3rd house of your solar return chart signifies a year focused on communication, learning, and self-expression. This placement suggests that you may encounter challenges or responsibilities in these areas, requiring discipline, patience, and perseverance to overcome. You may find yourself taking on additional responsibilities related to your intellectual pursuits, such as studying, writing, or teaching. It's a time to hone your communication skills, establish clear boundaries, and develop a structured approach to your thoughts and ideas. While it may feel restrictive at times, embracing Saturn's influence can lead to long-term growth, a solid foundation of knowledge, and the development of effective communication strategies that will serve you well in the future.
✦ Neptune in the 3rd House
Neptune in the 3rd house of your solar return chart suggests a year of heightened imagination, intuition, and creativity in the realm of communication and learning. This placement indicates that your mind may be more receptive to subtle energies, symbolism, and spiritual insights. You may find yourself drawn to artistic and mystical pursuits, such as writing poetry, exploring spiritual philosophies, or engaging in dreamwork. However, it's important to remain mindful of potential challenges, such as confusion or illusions in your thinking or difficulties with clear communication. By harnessing the ethereal energies of Neptune, you can tap into a deeper level of understanding, foster compassionate communication, and infuse your learning experiences with a sense of wonder and inspiration. Embrace the creative flow and trust your intuition as you navigate this dreamy and introspective year.
Neptune in the 3rd house of your solar return chart also has its potential challenges and drawbacks. This placement can indicate a tendency towards mental fog, confusion, and a lack of clarity in communication. You may find it challenging to express your thoughts and ideas in a concise and straightforward manner. There is a risk of miscommunication, misunderstandings, and even deception or self-deception. It's important to be vigilant about setting clear boundaries and discerning between reality and illusion. Beware of being overly idealistic or gullible, as Neptune's influence can sometimes blur the lines between truth and fantasy. Strive for clarity, seek practical information, and practice critical thinking to navigate the potential pitfalls and harness the positive potential of Neptune in the 3rd house.
✦ Venus in the 12th House
While Venus in the 12th house of your solar return chart is generally associated with the themes of introspection and spiritual exploration, it can also bring gains and blessings in certain areas of your life. In this context, the gains associated with Venus in the 12th house may be more subtle or hidden, but nonetheless meaningful. One potential area of gains is through inner fulfillment and a deep sense of inner peace. You may find that during this year, you have an increased ability to tap into your own inner resources, finding joy, contentment, and a strong connection to your own spirituality. This inner fulfillment can be a valuable source of happiness and satisfaction, regardless of external circumstances.
Additionally, Venus in the 12th house can signify gains through artistic or creative expression. This placement can enhance your intuition and imaginative abilities, allowing you to tap into a deeper well of inspiration. Exploring your artistic talents or engaging in creative endeavors can bring joy, fulfillment, and even potential recognition or appreciation from others.
✦ Moon Square Neptune
The Moon square Neptune aspect in a natal chart signifies a complex interplay between emotional sensitivity and the influence of Neptune's illusions. This aspect can manifest as heightened empathy and psychic abilities, but it also brings challenges such as emotional confusion, idealistic tendencies, and susceptibility to disillusionment. Nurturing creativity, developing discernment, and setting healthy emotional boundaries are essential for navigating this aspect and finding a balanced approach to emotions, intuition, and reality.
✦ Sun in 11th House
When the Sun is in the 11th house of your solar return chart, it suggests that the upcoming year will be focused on social connections, friendships, and involvement in group activities. The 11th house represents your social network, community, and your aspirations for the future. The presence of the Sun in this house indicates that your personal identity and self-expression will be strongly linked to your interactions with others and your involvement in collective endeavors.
During this year, you may find yourself seeking out like-minded individuals who share your goals and aspirations. Your social circle may expand, and you may have opportunities to connect with influential or prominent people who can support your endeavors. Your presence and leadership qualities may be well-received in group settings, making you a natural fit for collaborative efforts and team projects.
With the Sun in the 11th house, it's important to embrace opportunities for networking and participating in group activities. Your involvement in social causes or community organizations may be particularly fulfilling. This is also a time to focus on your future aspirations and set goals that align with your authentic self-expression. Overall, the presence of the Sun in the 11th house of your solar return chart suggests that the upcoming year will be socially oriented, offering you opportunities to shine your light and make a positive impact within your community. By embracing collaborative endeavors and nurturing your social connections, you can enhance your sense of purpose, fulfillment, and contribute to the collective goals that resonate with you.
༯, liliomme.
#pluto#2nd house#second house#saggitarius#saggitarius ascendant#saturn in 3rd house#saturn#3rd house#4th house#neptune#venus#12th house#moon#square#aspect#astrology#astrology observation#astro observation#sun#11th house
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tarot cards and their key phrases: pentacles
this is just a beginners guide to the pentacles suit - i won't go into imagery, color use, etc. these are key phrases that come to mind when i think of the cards - NOT how they should be directly applied. they needs to be thought about situationally and the cards / when they are in combos they can change or alter their meanings of any reading.
ace of pentacles (1)
astrological equivalent: taurus venus
upright: opportunity, gifts, new job, unexpected money gains, beginnings, increased prosperity, abundance, unlimited potential, new love, moving in together, and stability
reversed: not seeing the opportunities you have around you, trying too hard to make something work, working too hard, going in the wrong direction, controlling energy, and something is different than what you imagined
two of pentacles (2)
astrological equivalent: virgo mars
upright: work-life balance, flow with emotions, a level up, momentary disruption, only take on what you can handle, and feeling overwhelmed
reversed: tension in life, destabilization, irresponsibility with your finances, spending unnecessarily, needing moderation, and off track
three of pentacles (3)
astrological equivalent: capricorn mercury
upright: share your ideas, work you are passionate about, passion project, new opportunities, being well received by others, prosperity, and paving the way to your future
reversed: lack of confidence, overwhelming fears, needing to take your work to the next level, needing to step out of your comfort zone, feeling burnt out, needing to taking a break, and needing to be more generous with yourself
four of pentacles (4)
astrological equivalent: virgo moon
upright: financial stability, a new level of comfort, losing sight of potential growth, safe and stable, having what you need, clinging to what you have, being closed off to new things, in the process of establishing stability, and needing to give yourself some credit
reversed: focusing too much on materialism, seeing intangible results, work on insecurities, focus inwardly rather than outwardly, being too controlling, needing to relax, and needing to listen to intuition
five of pentacles (5)
astrological equivalent: capricorn moon
upright: lack or loss, scarcity, job loss, lack of resources, focused on what you lack, not seeing helping hands, and feeling unworthy
reversed: moving away from financial struggle, lingering fears, spiritual practices, needing faith, and needing to release feelings of lack/loss
six of pentacles (6)
astrological equivalent: taurus mercury
upright: giving and receiving, being generous, feeling unworthy/undeserving, and needing to realize that you have to give without expecting to receive something in return
reversed: generosity with strings attached, warning about intentions behind actions, and being disappointed by what you receive
seven of pentacles (7)
astrological equivalent: capricorn mars
upright: close to your goal, needing to take a closer look at all the progress you've made, gratitude, and adventure towards achievement
reversed: not working towards goals with enough conviction, frustrated, impatience, procrastination, not seeing results, and internal resistance
eight of pentacles (8)
astrological equivalent: taurus mars
upright: do what love / love what you do, financial success, financial security, hard work, dedication, success, learning something new, advancing in you field, and rewarded for your efforts
reversed: feeling burnt out, leaving your job, feeling uncertain about your chosen field, and worrying that you aren't achieving anything
nine of pentacles (9)
astrological equivalent: capricorn venus
upright: enjoyment, feeling safe, working hard, wise investment, charity, shared abundance, enjoying life, having everything you need, vacationing, and buying something meaningful
reversed: overspending, materialism, unsustainable financial behavior, being overworked, not enjoying life, and not taking time for oneself
ten of pentacles (10)
astrological equivalent: taurus moon
upright: love within the family, support, spending time with the people you love, giving to those in need, prosperity, giving generously, what you inherit, setting aside funds, and planning for the future
reversed: challenging time for the family, feeling controlled by the expectations of others, home related conflict, and fear of moving on
page of pentacles
astrological equivalent: earth
upright: novice, establishing yourself in a new place/profession, working in beginning stages of a project, lasting abundance, steady focus, and learning more
reversed: procrastinating on goals, refocus/readjust your approach, frustration around results or lack of results, and it might be time to move on
knight of pentacles
astrological equivalent: earth and air
upright: starting from ground zero, wanting lasting results, showing up fully, enthusiasm for life, s.m.a.r.t. goal setting, and transforming your routine
reversed: hesitation, complacency, feeling stagnant, positive change, and needing to change your energy
queen of pentacles
astrological equivalent: earth and water
upright: nurturing, dependable, connection with nature, supportiveness, relationship with your body, and connecting with abundance
reversed: materialism, needing to reconnect with spirituality, unreliability, needing to have a conversation about expectations, someone influencing your decisions, people pleasing, and picking other people's happiness over your own
king of pentacles
astrological equivalent: earth and fire
upright: financial stability, generosity, leadership role, financial decisions, take action when striving to meet goals, financially supporting others, and using resources to benefit others
reversed: greediness, focusing solely on material wealth, father figure, being hard on yourself, butting heads with others, superficial people, selfish people, and struggling with generosity
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heyy baee can u please talk more about Jupiter entering Gemini for each ASC 💙💙
hey hey loves! I'm definitely looking forward to this transit especially as a gemini sun ✨ so much to consider! jupiter's entrance into gemini brings with it a profound shift in astrological energies, really spotlighting the tension between order & chaos, coherence & incoherence, faith & doubt. jupiter, symbolizing cosmic order and coherence, now finds itself navigating the realm of mercury-ruled gemini, a sign associated with chaos, change, and life's unpredictable facets. this juxtaposition sets the stage for a dynamic interplay between these two archetypes, really challenging our perceptions of universal workings and how we maneuver through its intricacies.
ancient astrologers considered planets in signs opposite their domiciles as being in exile, not as negative but as highlighting the tension between their natural tendencies. jupiter's sojourn in gemini heightens the tension between zeus (jupiter) and hermes (mercury), accentuating the contrast between the longing for order and the reality of chaos.
throughout jupiter's transit in gemini, from late may 2024 to early june 2025, we are encouraged to embrace the dialectic between these opposing forces. this period may test our beliefs and understanding of the world, potentially leading to breakthroughs in our thinking and perception. it's a time to welcome new ideas and perspectives, even if they challenge our existing beliefs.
on a personal level, jupiter in gemini may evoke restlessness or a thirst for change. there might be an inclination to explore new ideas, undertake new challenges, or seek fresh experiences.
jupiter's transit through gemini really beckons us to embrace life's fluidity, recognizing that coherence is not static but is achieved through the dynamic interplay of opposites. this transit encourages us to strike a balance between order and chaos, faith and doubt, acknowledging that true wisdom lies in understanding and integrating these opposing forces.
~RISING SIGNS~
aries rising (gemini in the 3rd house): with jupiter transiting your 3rd house of communication, learning, and local travel, you may find yourself eager to expand your mental horizons. this is an excellent time to take up new studies or projects that stimulate your intellect. your communication skills may be particularly persuasive now, making it a good time to share your ideas with others. short trips or interactions with siblings and neighbors could also bring opportunities for growth and learning.
taurus rising (gemini in the 2nd house): jupiter's transit through your 2nd house of finances, values, and self-worth may bring opportunities to increase your income or expand your financial resources. you may feel more optimistic about your financial future and more willing to take risks to improve your financial situation. this is a good time to reassess your values and priorities and make changes that align more closely with your true self.
gemini rising (gemini in the 1st house): jupiter in your 1st house of self-expression, identity, and appearance can bring a sense of optimism and confidence to your personality. you may feel more outgoing and enthusiastic about life, and others are likely to be drawn to your positive energy. this is a great time to focus on personal growth and development, as you may be more open to new experiences and ways of thinking about yourself.
cancer rising (gemini in the 12th house): jupiter's transit through your 12th house of spirituality, hidden strengths, and subconscious mind may bring opportunities for inner growth and spiritual development. you may find yourself more interested in exploring your inner world through meditation, dream work, or other spiritual practices. this is a good time to release any old patterns or beliefs that no longer serve you and to embrace a more compassionate and forgiving attitude towards yourself and others.
leo rising (gemini in the 11th house): with jupiter in your 11th house of friends, groups, and social causes, you may find yourself expanding your social circle and getting involved in new group activities. this is a great time to connect with like-minded people who share your interests and ideals. your social life may be particularly active now, and you may find that your friends are a source of support and inspiration.
virgo rising (gemini in the 10th house): jupiter's transit through your 10th house of career, goals, and reputation may bring opportunities for advancement and success in your professional life. you may feel more optimistic about your career path and more willing to take risks to achieve your goals. this is a good time to focus on long-term goals and to take steps towards achieving them.
libra rising (gemini in the 9th house): with jupiter transiting your 9th house of higher education, travel, and philosophy, you may find yourself drawn to exploring new ideas and philosophies. this is a great time to expand your knowledge through study or travel, as you are likely to be more open to new experiences and ways of thinking. your worldview may undergo a positive transformation, leading you to adopt a more optimistic and expansive perspective on life.
scorpio rising (gemini in the 8th house): jupiter's transit through your 8th house of transformation, intimacy, and shared resources may bring opportunities for deep emotional growth and transformation. you may find yourself delving into your innermost desires and fears, and confronting them with courage and openness. this is a good time to let go of any emotional baggage that is holding you back, and to embrace a more authentic and empowered way of being.
sagittarius rising (gemini in the 7th house): with jupiter in your 7th house of partnerships, relationships, and marriage, you may find yourself attracting new and beneficial relationships into your life. this is a great time to strengthen existing partnerships or to form new ones that are based on mutual respect and understanding. your relationships, both personal and professional, may bring you opportunities for growth and expansion.
capricorn rising (gemini in the 6th house): jupiter's transit through your 6th house of health, work, and service may bring opportunities for improvement in these areas of your life. you may find that your health improves, or that you are able to find more fulfilling work. this is a good time to focus on self-care and to make positive changes to your daily routine that support your overall well-being.
aquarius rising (gemini in the 5th house): with jupiter in your 5th house of creativity, romance, and children, you may feel a surge of creative energy and a desire to express yourself more freely. this is an excellent time to pursue creative projects or hobbies that bring you joy. you may also find that your romantic life is particularly fulfilling now, and that you are more open to new romantic opportunities.
pisces rising (gemini in the 4th house): jupiter's transit through your 4th house of home, family, and roots may bring opportunities for growth and expansion in these areas of your life. you may feel a strong desire to create a more nurturing and supportive home environment, or to strengthen your bonds with your family members. this is a good time to focus on building a solid foundation for your future and to create a sense of security and stability in your life.
#jupiter#gemini#mercury#zeus#hermes#astro#astrology#astro blog#astrology signs#astro notes#astro community#astrologer#astro observations#astro posts#astroblr#astrology fyp#astrology chart#astrology notes#astro placements#astrology readings#astrology observations#sensualnoiree#astronotes#spirituality#astro questions
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Something that you might have discussed that I just missed for AEIWAM - if Hell is basically Soul Rehab for souls that aren't Contributing Properly, then why does having high spiritual energy mean that you're more likely to go to Hell? Are they basically bleeding off excess energy from those souls, or?
Yes and no?
1. Hell is rehab for Souls that would damage the cycle of reincarnation*specifically*. People only go to hell for two* reasons: they do a lot of harm to others (aka Bad Karma), or when reincarnating them would throw the balance between worlds off (High power)
Basically, there needs to be... Approximately the same amount of spiritual energy in the living world, spirit world and Hell. So when an exceptionally powerful spirit like say, a Captain, dies and moves onto the next plane, there sort of needs to be 'room' for the incoming powerful soul. There usually isn't, and also the Life Machine that generates reality needs to eat, so Hell solves both problems by having really powerful souls come to hell and vent power for a while until they are only about as strong as a regular soul, and then send them back to the living world.
2. So, yes, the more powerful a soul, the more likely they are to go to Hell, no matter how they behave in the living or spirit world.
For people on the level of Gotei-13 captains, it's pretty much guaranteed, unless they manage to do something bizarre like drain all of their spiritual energy into a magical barrier or leave it stored in the Family Cursed Artifact (looking at you, Tsunyashiro clan). Lieutenants stand an estimated 50/50 chance (unless they learn Bankai in which case, again, guaranteed), and all seated officers are at some increased risk.
3. How they behave while alive still makes a difference though.
See, Hell in AEIWAM isn't *necessarily" The Bad Place. Souls cause harm to other souls for TONS of reasons that aren't evil: mental illness, getting caught in terrible circumstances, genuinely trying to make the world a better place and severely fucking up, and sometimes it's just bad luck. Hell isn't there to punish, it's there to figure out what went wrong that this soul hurt so many people, and try to fix it.
Sometimes that's things like "magically removing the ego and putting a different sized one in", sometimes it's "cognitive behavioral therapy" sometimes it's "you're not a bad person but you did fuck up so you gotta do a really boring and gross task that helps restore the ambient vibes of the universe for 400 years to balance out the damage" sometimes it's "actually, we can trust you to do good deeds, here's a visa to the living world to dole out minor miracles to anyone who needs it".
In AEIWAM, the only difference between a devil and an angel is that the angel does field work and the devil does back office.
So sure, all the captains are going to Hell at some point. But if they did their best while alive, they more or less get to skip rehab and have Free Time until they're weak enough to leave. It fun, actually! Captains and the like get assigned a Demonic Personal Assistant and told to go have fun, don't break anything, and are turned lose to go adventuring, get married, take up farming and/or stamp collecting or whatever they desire.
*note from above: there is a third "legitimate" way to enter Hell: Superlative Karma.
It's RARE, but once in a while a soul so vastly improves life for everyone else they end up with such extremely good karma that they run the risk of unbalancing the planes just by sheer vibes clash. Superlatives are plucked out of the cycle of reincarnation by Hell to help the spend some of that karma having a very literal HELL OF A GOOD TIME.
4. And so, all the planes of the wheel lived in harmony, UNTIL THE BOURGEOISIE ATTACKED.
Problem is, about... 1500ish years ago, a bunch of the noble houses got together, tricked The Monk Who Speaks The Name into letting them into the house of the guy that maintains The Life Machine, they very literally butchered The Divine Tech Support, and used parts of his body to jam up the wheel of life, because they thought they could be God better than God.
Dumbasses.
One of the things they jammed was the Exit from Hell, so now only a few people can leave at a time and the backup is threatening to unbalance the entire wheel now, so Hell is also being VERY VERY CAREFUL to not let any of the Captains die until they've gotten enough souls out that there is effectively 'room' for the Captain.
So yes. Higher spiritual power means a soul is guaranteed to go to Hell, at least for a while-but it also means they won't be going there for a long, LONG time.
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Greetings Darling Folx
For the week of October 21, 2024
💙The beginning of the week brings unconditional love, creative ideas, and supports beginnings. Each suit has its Page; its news-bringer and this one brings announcements of shifting energies and playfulness. You have likely been taking yourself too seriously or feeling weighed down or even victimised by the seriousness of a situation.
This card tells you it’s time to take control of your approach. Change the way you see and react to the situation and you’ll find things will begin to shift. Don’t let small details get you down. Relax, be open to happiness, love unconditionally, and know the difference between taking yourself seriously and taking a situation seriously.
Mid-week, brings clarity, happiness, and financial gain. 💚The Ace of Pentacles heralds a very positive beginning that will further your efforts in many aspects of your life. This will give you a sense of luck and happiness that will increase your health, finances, and outlook. This will likely start with financial gain, and sometimes it can even indicate gifts of money from unexpected sources.
Projects or plans in which you have invested time, energy, and/or money will all benefit from this serendipity, showing you that you have been on the right path. The gains you will receive will improve your life on all levels.
The weekend is all about wisdom, intuition, and creativity. 🧡The High Priestess is a spiritually intuitive woman, full of wisdom and mystery. She represents magical, mystical, and desirable womanhood. She birthed the moon, spirituality, and intuition, and is a symbol of the things yet discovered in our lives; a new path that will take us outside our comfort zone.
She appears when reliance on your intuition or on that of someone you know with developed intuitive skills, is needed. Allow your creativity to flow and to rely more on your intuition. Ignore gossip or intrigue and focus on the creative and the spiritual. Expect messages and serendipity; talk to others who have different beliefs and experiences than yours - you'll find it inspiring. Gus an ath thuras (Until next time) Peace Out
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THE YEAR OF SATURN : 2024
2024 is the year of 8= Saturn, in this year the main themes are slowness and hard work, when it comes to working with saturn it's always better to focus on the process and the current moment due to how slow results may manifest, it's the year of the people and workers as they're ruled by saturn and with saturn being in Aquarius we will see the people losing patience with many figures, alot of figures will fall and be humiliated in front of the public eye. 2024 is a karmic year so it's time to pay ! any thing from the past that wasn't complete will be in this year, any action you did in the past you will see the fruit of it this year but you need to be patience. Celebrity culture will starts to die greatly because alot will be busy with their own suffering and look to change into figures that represents them rather than high stars, the public demand similar images. With saturn year being 8, closer to the end of the numerical cycle and saturn cycle in the zodiac also coming closer to an end we will witness many endings, losses and separation with Saturn everything eventually dies in time. this year is no better than ketu year (2023), ketu wanted to teach you how to detach so that you are ready to the lack and dryness in saturn nature.
One of the important things we learn through Saturn is sitting boundaries, sometimes Saturn limitations especially with others become a perfect time to reflect on our own personal limits, where we draw the line, so it's also a good time to reflect on your personal boundaries.
Topics like ancestors, elderly and servants, old traditions/skills, old events, matters of time comes to light. General feeling of isolation and loneliness, limitations in relation to social connections and organizations, people starts to go into deep isolation and depression, emotional coldness is everywhere. Increase in the working load and stress levels especially in professional environments. possibility of something happening and causing covid like situation where people are being restricted.
this year alot might suffer from the loss of truth and the righteous path, saturn has it in him to drive the collective away from truth and into darkness, sometimes suffering can cause people to detach from each other and by centered around their pain to a level of losing the concept of society and seeking to relieve oneself in any possible way even if it means to hurt others, saturn energy can be this destructive and brings misery to the collective, we are being tested to keep our own righteous beliefs and conscience alive in a time where darkness is all we see and feel, we're tested to choose peace and move forward with faith in the divine justice instead of destruction. this year we see a great affliction to the collective consciousness, society has to move beyond these ill beliefs and limitations so that we all as a collective can heal and transform into a higher level, spiritual practices are very recommended because there's no better way to deal with suffering than a stable mind. Everything you learnt in Ketu year will help you greatly now because through ketu one achieves freedom from limitations, fears and suffering through detachment, ketu teach us to be free from Saturn cycle of suffering.
new rules or limitations related to technology and AI, crisis related to water bodies, ends of royal and political figures, alot of fear and despair in the public, the test is your faith !
Personal year
How to find your personal year number ?
You simply need to calculate your birth date + month + the year For example you are born in 23rd October your personal number for 2024 :2+3+1+0+2+0+2+4 = 14 = 5 mercury
**** now from my observations i noticed looking into your personal chart also gives insight of the year predictions, so in your chart if the year planet is in a weak situation you might experience some hardships and events connected to the house, planet might manifest itself on the negative side, it's recommended to check the year planet in your chart, if it's a slow planet ( rahu/ketu/saturn/jupiter) i also recommend checking where's the planet transiting through the year because you will feel the planet energy strongly.
Insight for each personal number
1- Sun
The year of beginnings, many new starts will flourish for you but put your eyes on Where's the sun placed in your chart, in sun year you might feel more extroverted and out going, a desire to share yourself and what you have to offer with the world. Possibilities of rise in status, alot of involvement with authority figures and the government. Dealing with the father, spirituality and religions are matters of interest this year, the desire to create and start a project or hobby or anything is good because you have enough energy to do so. Vitality and health are in check, in sun year you feel the sunshine that guides you to invest the energy in areas that you want to grow and develop, in sun year it's good to have a fixed routine to keep the energy going in a certain direction that sustain the starts you will choose. Truth/righteousness/law are important things to live by this year, it's a good time to learn how you can be honest and truthful with yourself and the world, listen to your spirit voice it will guide you on how and where to start the beginnings that will eventually help you in your developing path. Before you start reflect on the last 9 years cycle how did starts and how it ended, let go of all the destructed ways and techniques it's time for you to start fresh and the light is here to guide you, be truthful with yourself first and you will get the answer from the universe because it's always listening. don't be very egoistic because the sun might make you too confident and it will go unnoticed that you in fact are destroying yourself and burning all your starts, sometimes the sun give us a feeling of superiority because it looks like we have enough so making your own limits is not a bad idea either, so keep yourself in check or saturn will teach you this lesson the hard way… yk?
2- Moon
its time for comfort, slow down a little, comfort and nurturing is what you seek. Going inward to reflect and rethink yet it's good to not spend much times in the mental space because the moon nature is sensitive and unstable, change might happen too fast for you to process and your nature tend to be more moody and sensitive your perspective and reactions to things can be seen as exaggeration, grounding activities, meditation, yoga are all recommended because in this year the mind try to take control of things and look from emotional or a stressful angel, just like rahu the moon also can give illusion by giving things a bigger space which cause us to overreact or give the wrong judgment, the moon give us reflection of sun light it's a projection so be careful from projecting or being projected on from others, create a boundaries to separate between what's real and what's just an emotional state, our minds aren't always the friendliest place to be in so give yourself a break here, give yourself the time to absorb and understand life, good time to build a community that nurture and support you with women and mother/figures around you, call the feminine energy comfort and love you will receive it for sure. A good year to heal and connect with your emotions as they are not on how the mind judge them. Important to be involved with others and society, sharing your emotions with the right people will help you alot to manage all the challenges and sensitivity you might feel. As much as you need to be cared for you should do the same for others because in society it all depends on the harmony, possibility of starting a relationship here or even marriage as number 2 is the number of union and harmony.
3- Jupiter
year of bless, Jupiter year has alot to do with happiness and fortune, so it's to no surprise that 2024 will be good for you but because of the nature of the year being ruled by saturn some delays and obstacles might show yet good results are still coming. Interest in religious matters, spirituality and knowledge. Possibility of marriage for women, having children. Dealing or finding a teacher. Learning holy books & scripts, going into a new religious path, you tend to be more optimistic and hopeful about things around you, you dream to go beyond the limitations you had and it might be the right time to do so. jupiter helps you to see the real worth of things and with the year nature it's possible to let go of somethings because you don't see worth in them anymore, you start to search and look for something beyond the usual understanding, you seek purpose and just like the sun, jupiter too seek righteousness and truth in things. you might find it hard to ignore the things you ignore usually because jupiter hate ignorance and seek light. Jupiter will be in Aries and Taurus so you will seek to expand yourself and your saving, looking to gain more wealth or starting to collect things is very possible, you might feel like you are experiencing the material aspect of Jupiter more, seeking comfort and stability is an important desire for you this year, spending time with family. Jupiter will be squaring Saturn in Aqua so it's to normal for some delays to occur for you still you will have a positive mindset while facing these events.
4- Rahu
Rahu year brings a lot of confusion and weak to the mind, it keeps you restless and overstimulated to a level where it's hard to process everything which can eventually goes mental breakdowns. with Rahu in pisces there's a lot of questions and suspicious toward the general approach to the spirit like the religions and practices, rahu can give you enough creativity to create a new beliefs and practices for yourself also for artists it's a very inspiring year, one might feel like the creative part of the mind is pouring endlessly so it's a good time to start any kind of creative projects. Rahu in pisces can bring a lot of fake religious and spiritual figures/practices to light so when you decided to follow something this year be sure that it's original, rightous and not harmful. It's better to stay away from any alcohol and substance use because your mind will get confused easily and it's easy to overuse things, you need to stay sober and in charge, falling to the trap of addiction to anything is possible with rahu giving intense drive. Definitely a good time to learn more about occults and divination techniques if you're interested, also astrology but again be careful and don't do much because you might have obsessive tendencies toward your interests and make sure to check your resources. You might feel like you are forgetting things or mixing things so keeping a journal will be helpful. Make sure to consume good things for your body and soul !
Rahu gives a strong desire/ obsession to achieve something, even with Saturn energy your obsession will fuel you enough to seek for along time
5- Mercury
Mercury is even more unstable than moon so his year is all about changes, mercury is all about management, planning & processing so this year you pay more attention to these things, you start to plan your goals and make progress through that especially in your mercury house. Mercury is also connected to business, there might be some ideas about starting a business or starting to work independently. With mercury nature being childish and curious you feel really driven to experience and learn a lot of things, being around children can benefit you because they channel this energy easily, be careful though and don't be careless because you might act on somethings without thinking about the consequences. You feel more open to communicating and sharing your thoughts with the world, even if you have doubts it's ok let yourself be open and flexible to sharing and recieving sometimes it's needed to live and enjoy without thinking too much and calculating everything, to keep existing we need to feel the free childish side of us, let your inner child be loud and proud yet moniter it from behind the scenes without much restrictions. You might feel like you're seeing and understanding things from a very new perspective because mercury support our mental processing, be careful with overstimulating yourself by everything you take in this year. Have a good environment to experience and express so you won't be under mental pressure. Possiblity of enrolling in a course or university.
6- Venus
Venus year deals with social relationships mainly, in this year you feel more open to go back in society to socialize but due to Saturn this won't be very possible for you which can make things hard, you might not find the answers you are looking for from the external world, feminine energy is very prominent around you. You tend to pay more attention to self care and work on self love through that. material abundance and security are also important for you, you might feel like spending money on luxurious items and things that help you. İncrease in feeling sensual and sexy because you're putting the efforts. Venus rules desires too so it's to no surprise that you feel like there's many goals and things you want this year but Saturn can give a lot of delays and not like Rahu, Venus might just choose to give up on things. You might feel like you're being suffocated when it comes to your sexuality, creativity and enjoyment.
7- Ketu
In the year of ketu be ready to leave things behind, this headless energy has no real interest in anything other than the feeling of liberation and actual liberation. With ketu we actually become quite intense and sharp to a level where nothing can stay attached to us, the sharpness cause cutting the ties we have with things and eventually we become way lighter when reaching higher levels of enlightenment. In this year submit to the universe because if you try to do things your own way the extreme energy will only increase, ketu doesn't let things pass he will seek to destroy all attachments, the harder the tie the sharper the knife so let things go and master detachment in this year. Ketu energy can also bring things from the past but it's just temporary, only when you are truly detached from something ketu will allow it to be yours, only when you are free from the desire ketu will allow you to enjoy, with ketu gains comes when you are not expecting things, this detached planet has a lot in his dark shadows and it will come to light when you are not paying attention so again just go with the flow. Ketu will be in virgo so this might cause detachment from anything pure or clean so actually keeping routine here is recommended especially for health, be careful of destructive healthy habits and be careful of EDs, remember to keep balance. A big detachment from mental processes you might start to be random and start to take not very calculated decisions without caring about how bad or destructive the results are so be careful. Practices like yoga are recommended also try a form of dancing this year, take this as a new hobby !
Move your body to help it channel the intense energy.
8- Saturn
If you are going through Saturn year you will feel it's effect the most. Saturn just like ketu also seek separation and withdrawal but in a very different way, he's the patient Azrael, as everything dies in time with energy withdrawaling from living beings, Saturn doesn't destruct things aggressively and immediately, he's the angel of slow death, he works by slowly but surely drying the sources you use to nurture things by making you lose hope in the blooming possibility, by making you doubting and fear the result. This year you will feel a lot of worry and fear, self sabotaging is the destructive tool you choose.
Why aren't things happening ?
Why there's a lot of obstacles in my path ? Will the efforts I'm putting ever pay off ?
Is it better to just give up ?
You will ask yourself these questions along the year, along your path because it seems to you that things aren't really manifesting how you want them, there's nothing in your view but that's only temporary, have faith because things grow in time not in just a simple action. Be disciplined and have a fixed routine to keep channeling the energy in the certain areas you want to grow, enjoy the process because you will be in it for a long time, make the process your beautiful space, don't pay a lot of attention to your final far destination.
You might suffer from stress and a lot of fears, you will have a lot of doubts and limitations toward yourself and your actions don't fall for these traps, you're doing well as long as you're putting the efforts. Feeling of isolation from groups and others, you will outgrow many people in this year so be ready to let them go with ease. Don't forget that growth comes with the price of expanding which's something Saturn suffer with, so when you want to expand you will find limitations it's normal so do you really want to expand ?
9- Mars
It's the end of a the cycle, are you ready to leave things behind and move forward?
With mars things can move fast in a very destructive manner the best way to keep up with mars is to move your body in the same flow, be careful from any injuries to your body especially where you have Mars & where mars transit through the year. Mars has no interest in talking or discussing so a lot of misunderstanding can happen be careful with your speech and try to avoid conflicts. Don't be very quick in making decisions think before acting because with mars there's no comeback, mars give you enough courage and force to take action but not all actions are beneficial some are destructive and other is just a waste of your energy, be wise in what you want to invest your energies in this year. Working out and physical activities are good to add in your routine.
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Heart and Alchemical Womb-Centered Grounded Spirituality and Leadership From The Melody of Love, Pre-View
We are in the middle of an incredibly important shift in consciousness, a real transformative time and turning of the Ages. In this new era, we either ascend or face the consequences—this is grown woman speech here.
Humanity gets to decide whether we journey towards truth, meaning increase our value so that we can ascend with Mother Earth and create what is termed “The New Earth” or stay on the path of violence, pillaging, materialism, domination, individualism, competition, sex trafficking, and senseless destruction. This world needs its Mother. Bring love, but also bring her a machete, meaning—some level of destruction and death are always necessary, but the senseless destruction, death, and complete disregard for human life are harmful to the bodies and psyches us all.
This paradigm shift requires a certain type of woman, female bodied person, or feminine soul; one who recognises the isolation, pain and destructiveness of the old ways, is ready to carve out paths to the new ways, and acknowledges the sacredness of being on this incredibly loving and rigorous journey of full aliveness within our body. If you are reading my work, I believe this woman is you and you deserve a vibrant body and lively life because you need to be in a space of full power in order to release your unique gifts. More than ever, we need courageous way showers like you who are not afraid to do their own internal and external ‘work’ in order to remain steady and grounded in the face of present and future chaos and who will continue to shine the brightest wettest light and hold space for others, no matter what. I call this archetypal frequency in female form the lover-warrior. We deeply need to love. But also need to remember how to fight..spiritually. Because when we understand who we really are, then we can favorably shift the reality, our own individual reality and the collective one. That's how powerful the feminine is.
As womb holders, even if our wombs have been surgically removed, energetically our wombs are still present and available which means that we have access to the grandest intelligence: the ability to feel… deeply. We can intuit next step directions and solutions that do not look like those same old archaic solutions. That’s because we are natural born leaders and if you study human behavior and psychology objectively, you will realize how women have always been leaders. Males are generally and wonderfully physically stronger but females are mentally, psychically, and spiritually superior which makes us natural leaders. I do want to be clear— I’m not talking about status quo women. I am talking about awakened women. We are experiencing the results of a world built and run by men--and we have to be honest about that without ego. And men, especially, have to be more honest about what's happening. We are not to be at odds with one other or we all lose this game.
We live this robotic, unnatural, anti-nature, anti-care system that was designed by males for the wellbeing of men. . We may be female but our bodies are living in a male energy system and the result of it has been exhaustion, lack of fulfillment, burnout, heavy monthly bleed times, an increase in infertility and other female reproductive chronic issues, and the like. Everything about life, including the structure of marriage, how a typical work week is organized, the 9-5 Monday-Friday toxicity, exhausts women but gives men more energy, status, and power. As a woman of African ancestry who feels deeply connected to many parts of the global world, I always found it fascinating that even though men were out front acting as "leaders," it was the African wives behind the scenes giving direction and counsel to their husbands while holding a baby in one arm and stirring a homemade pot of stew with the other one. Any African woman knows this to be true. But the continent of Africa has massive issues and shadows, as does the rest of the entire world. The lack of true feminine energy present on the planet is making us all unwell and the earth will kick us out of here if we don’t discover better ways to align. I know women want to hear that men are the saviors just like what we read in Disney books. We fall asleep then are magically awakened by our Prince Charming who awakens us from our ignorant sleepy frequency. But, my love, these were all deliberate programs planted into the psyches of little girls that bankrupted us of our real power. Primal power.
We were lied to and all must deprogram from the scarcity, greed, and lack neurology we learned as little girls so that we can have full access to our intelligent alchemical natures and female resources to live more as magical women, divine beings, fulfilled wives/spouses, daughters, nieces, and mothers and less needy, victims, or prey. We must get to know our feet, our calves, our legs, our hips, our pelvises, our asses, our spines, our bellies, breasts, throats, mouths, etc. Women/female bodied people are leaders (and the first teachers and healers as well) who will always give birth to new leaders no matter what. We are the ones divinely designed to midwife the New Earth through the magic of our frequency, vibration, thoughts, beliefs, and habits/action terrestrially and cosmically, and sometimes while in the embrace of a mature lover which can beautifully be a man (or not). But having a man, being with a man, in the way it is being falsely taught in male-centered women spaces online is never required and easily can separate you from the truth of your full aliveness -mainly because you are living through the programming and script and not fully conscious and accessing your entire body and its potential. And when you do, you can easily trigger a male’s fragile ego.
Ma’am, I’m going deep and wide in this book series—no tip-toeing around. A book series of love that isn't fluffy and is willing to tell the whole truth.
India Ame'ye, Author mmm-inbreath!
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HERBS OF MARS: Action, Strength, The Muscular System, Adrenaline
Mars represents primal energy, the fuel in which we bring ideas, dreams, and desires into manifestation. Mars yields and fuels us with power, strength, courage and physical activity. Within astrological charts, Mars is a key element noting aspects to one’s drive, desire, agility and the nature of one’s physical energy.
S A C R E D A N A T O M Y
Anatomically this energy corresponds with the muscular system, the motor nerves, and the production of adrenalin. Astrologers look to Mars’ placement in the natal chart to describe how we pursue many aspects of sexual fulfillment, along with how we source energy within the body and mind. Medical astrologers include the external sexual organs in correspondence to Mars.
Diseases which induce a fever are sometimes associated with Mars. Other inflammation based outbreaks, like herpes, cirrhosis, candida, are often connected to Mars. Due to the sexual nature of Mars, a lot of medical astrologers have also associated sexually transmitted diseases with this planet. Accidents due to “spacey-ness”, or a lack of coordination, are directly associated to Mars and its transits. Other conditions in relation to Mars include fatigue, energy levels (high or low), hyperactivity, living in “fight-or-flight mode.”
E N E R G E T I C S
By nature, the herbs of Mars are energetically yang and considered hot, energetic, and dry. They frequently cause an increase in energy or heat, even if only energetically. These herbs need to be used mindfully, as using them extensively can overthrow the adrenals for example, along with emotions. As you might relate, an excess of Mars energy can lead to behavior patterns generally perceived as aggressive, egotistic, argumentative, confrontational, etc. Or, a deficiency of Mars energy can lead to behavior patterns where we lack libdio, general desire, motivation, or even enough energy to act on something we love. Many of the herbs that fall under Mars’ umbrella are often protecting, strengthening, warming and energizing.
H E R B A L C O R R E S P O N D A N C E S
There’s a broad spectrum of herbs that fall under Mars’ category, encompassing mineralizing tonics, like Nettle, to highly protective plants that help purge, like Rue, to energizing powerhouses that stimulate our system like Guarana. Mars’ herbs are activating one way or another, therefore they must be used wisely since they tend to activate all facets of one’s being; energetically and spiritually. It’s important to note, that if you’re engine is already running hot, and there is a prominence of Mars energy, don’t over consume plants that might make your engine overheat.
“A classic herb, like Rue, is an aromatic and stimulant whose energizing qualities have been known to relieve nervous heart problems such as arrhythmia and palpitation. Rue also relieves colic, eliminates worms and can bring on menstruation.” Paul Beyerl
Nettle, another classic that greatly embodies Mars, in its physicality and medicinal action, possesses thorns that act as hypodermics, injecting subcutaneous doses of stinging fluid. It is this same irritating juice, that when properly prepared becomes a powerful internal astringent, that through it’s heating action it relieves arthritic and rheumatic conditions, helps eliminate infections, regulate blood pressure, reduce susceptibility to colds and much more.
A combination of Solar Herbs with those of Mars add strength and forcefulness to the formulas’ personality, hence our personality. On an emotional level, they can increase a feeling of purposefulness and independence, enhancing our natural ability to not just to survive, but to thrive with our internal reservoirs as resources. An example of this combination would be pairing turmeric (sun) with pine pollen (mars).
Combining with Herbs of the Moon, for example, it can trigger deep emotional healing. This pairing can also be excellent for detoxification and combat gut issues. On an emotional/spiritual level diving deep into the emotional world can be pairing blue lotus (moon) with nettle root (mars).
For generating abundance, or being a better provider of resources, herbs of Mars can be combined with those of Jupiter. This increases a sense of abundance, self-confidence, delight, and spontaneity. A pairing that could reflect this would be: Meadowsweet and Maca.
HERBS of MARS
STIMULANTS + ENERGIZERS:
Coffee (+Uranus), Catuaba, Guarana, Maca, Prickly Ash, Pine (+ pine pollen), Ginkgo (+Mercury), Ephedra.
MUSCLES + JOINTS (Herbs that assist rheumatism + arthritis):
Chuchuhuasi, Cat’s Claw, Sarsaparilla, Nettle, Rheumatism weed (Chimapila), Hemp (CBD), Kratom (+ Saturn).
BITTERS + IMMUNE STIMULANTS:
Blessed Thistle, Milk Thistle, Cinchona (+Pluto), Pau D’Arco (+Pluto), Nettles, Rue (+Pluto), Plantain leaf, Quassia, Gentian, Indigo.
CULINARY:
Aloe, Basil, Black Pepper, Bay Laurel, Cashew, Chives, Cumin, Cayenne, Coriander, Garlic, Onions, Paprika, Parsley, Mustard, Marjoram, Radish.
RESINS + OILS:
Benzoin, Dragons Blood, Castor Bean, Palo Santo
VISIONARY:
Anemone, Juniper (+Jupiter), Palo Santo (+Pluto), Wormwood (+Pluto), Indigo
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Pluto transits in the Natal Chart
~ Pluto in the Houses
1ST HOUSE
You have the power to take control of your life and not let anyone else dictate it anymore. During this transit, things you've kept hidden may come to the surface, and you might find yourself throwing some tantrums without really knowing why. But don't worry, you'll also be able to see people for who they really are and understand what drives them. This is a great time for personal transformation, where you can change your image and yourself at a deeper level. However, you might experience some intense situations or people that could be a bit overwhelming. So, it's best to avoid anyone or anything that seems subtle and embrace the positive changes in your life..
When Pluto crosses your Ascendant, it's time to break free from traditional thought patterns and be a role model for others. To make the most of this, try to connect with the forces that shaped you and made you who you are, based on the sign that was on your first house at birth, and your Pluto sign at birth. This will help you to have more control over your unconscious motives that might have caused compulsions or irrational obsessions in the past..
You might feel a strong urge to control everything and everyone, which could create difficulties in your relationships. But remember, the key is to learn to control yourself and see yourself in a positive light. This is an opportunity to discover new resources and values within yourself. You might feel like you have too much power, which could push people away from you. But don't worry, this transit will bring about a huge change in your image and the way you express yourself..
2ND HOUSE
The key to success during this time is to be completely honest with yourself about what you want. If you know what you want, you'll be more likely to accomplish your goals. However, explanations will be necessary under certain circumstances, so don't be afraid to speak your mind. Your opinions and behavior regarding what you value and what matters to you will be influenced by outside forces. It's important to understand that nothing really belongs to you and everything you give or receive will come back to you in some way..
But let's be real, living in a materialistic society can make it hard to let go of the anxiety about social status and the benefits that come with wealth. During this period, you might be focused on increasing your income and raising your social and professional status. However, it's important to remember the philosophical lesson of this transit: understanding the place that money and position have in your life..
This transit marks the beginning of a metamorphosis that started when Pluto was in your first house. You might be going through a stage of collapse because what you once valued and appreciated about yourself and life no longer serves you. It's a time to learn to move forward with fewer resources and not hold on to any possessions or forms of income that you were once accustomed to..
It's important to efficiently manage all your possessions, including your ideas, principles, inherited values, and the money you earn. It's a challenge to review how you use these possessions or energies to achieve a spiritual ideal. If transiting Pluto makes oppositions or squares to personal planets, there might be economic and material losses. So, avoid any dishonest business practices. But don't worry, soon you will find a priceless inner wealth..
3RD HOUSE
When transiting Pluto is in your third house, you'll have a strong intuition that will make it hard for others to keep secrets from you. You might even go to extreme lengths to get the information you need, like snooping around or invading someone's privacy. Be careful though, because even if you succeed in getting the info you want, it could really damage your relationships with those people. During this time, it's important to take care of the small stuff, because neglecting even minor details could have serious consequences. Your ideas and way of communicating will become more serious and confident, and you'll start paying more attention to your immediate surroundings and the people you interact with on a daily basis. This is a time for personal growth and self-reflection, and you may find yourself questioning things that used to seem trivial or unimportant. Don't be afraid to speak your mind, even if it means offending people you see every day. It's also important to use your intelligence and really think through any important decisions or contracts before signing anything. If Pluto makes difficult aspects to other planets while it's transiting your third house, be extra careful during short trips or when you're on the road, as there could be a higher risk of accidents..
4TH HOUSE
Over the next few years, you're going to go through some major changes in your relationship with your parents. It might be time for you to break away from them if you've been relying on them too much. Don't be scared, because in the long run, you'll have the opportunity to express your individuality in new and exciting ways that you may not have even considered before. But let's be real, it's going to be tough. It might feel like the ground is shifting beneath your feet and everything you thought was stable is starting to crumble. This can be pretty daunting, especially if you're not someone who loves change. But on the flip side, this is an opportunity for growth and transformation..
During this period, you'll likely be experiencing a lot of intensity and excitement when it comes to your family and home life. Your family members might be going through some major changes, or you might even move house. It's important to take a deep dive into your personal life and be open to change on a deep level. You might not feel like the same person by the end of this period, but that's okay!.
It will bring up a lot of personal issues from your childhood, so get ready to do some self-reflection. This is the time to make sure you're staying true to yourself and being self-sufficient. You'll be faced with power struggles with your parents, and might feel like they're treating you like a kid when you're trying to be independent. But ultimately, this period will bring significant change that will help you grow and transform..
5TH HOUSE
This time can really mess with your gambling impulses, so don't go crazy with it or you'll risk losing big. Same goes for stocks – keep most of your retirement funds safe, especially if Pluto's making any stressful aspects while it's in this house. You might get obsessed with sports, games, or hobbies too, so have fun, but don't go overboard.If you're into art or something creative, you can make some amazing stuff during this transit. And when it comes to your relationships, they can be super therapeutic for you. Your connection with your kids will be intense, and everything you do with them will have a big impact on their future.Just be careful not to pressure your kids too much, or let them pressure you into doing things you're not comfortable with. And make sure to take care of their health..
When it comes to love, you might find yourself totally infatuated with someone who's totally wrong for you. It's like your subconscious is pushing you to do something you don't really want to do. Even if you're already in a relationship, things will get super intense and you'll go through a major transformation. If you and your partner can get through all the drama during this transit, your love will last forever!.
One thing to watch out for is letting your emotions run wild, especially in love, social life, or career. And if Pluto's making tough aspects to other planets, you might experience some occasional losses due to speculation..
6TH HOUSE
During this time, you might feel like improving your physical health and trying out some new ways of taking care of your body. Maybe you'll be interested in some alternative health methods, but don't go overboard and end up doing more harm than good. Your daily routine might go through some changes, whether it's something you initiate or others around you. If you've been thinking about getting a checkup, now might be a good time. You could also start a new diet or exercise routine if you want..
When Pluto transits your sixth house, it's time to focus on serving a noble cause and developing your endurance in the face of pain, disappointment, and personal failures. Be careful not to lose yourself in excessive self-sacrifice, though. Instead, aim for total dedication to a cause that helps you grow beyond just seeking ego gratification. Make sure to take care of yourself and your personal relationships along the way..
This is a good time for regenerative therapies, both physical and psychological. If you start taking care of your body now, you can regenerate it even if you haven't been paying attention to it in recent years. Just make sure to keep up with your diet too. And watch out - if Pluto makes difficult aspects, you might encounter some health problems..
7TH HOUSE
During this period you gotta be totally honest about what you want from others and what you expect from them. It's all or nothing! When Pluto is cruising through your seventh house, you might try to control or manipulate those around you, or someone more powerful might try to do that to you. The good news is that you can also build strong alliances that benefit everyone involved. There might even be some karmic connections happening, where you work together with others and let them work with you equally. But, you'll need to revise all your social connections, and some of them might crumble while new ones emerge. This isn't always easy and can be accompanied by some painful relationship revelations..
Pluto in your seventh house is a big deal when it comes to relationships. You'll need to release any hidden tensions and transform the way you approach relationships, whether they're intimate or professional. This period is all about finding balance in love and any connection between two people. You might even meet someone who will change your life forever, or lead to marriage. Keep in mind that whoever you meet during this time will have a strong impact on you, but it's because they're reflecting your innermost desires. So, don't blame others for what's going on inside you..
If Pluto is making some tough aspects, you might face conflicts over finances, alimony, or even sexual problems. But, with a positive attitude and an open mind, you can handle anything that comes your way..
8TH HOUSE
During this period, you'll be dealing with some pretty heavy transformation-related stuff. It could mean a major change in your life, like someone close to you passing away, or you facing a deeper aspect of your true self. When Pluto comes into play, it stirs up some intense emotions, and past issues might resurface. But hey, being honest and intense is where it's at! Just be aware that you might have to make some sacrifices to reach your goals, especially if Pluto is in your eighth house. It's like a death and rebirth kinda deal. You might find yourself getting into psychology, magic, or occult sciences during this time. Oh, and some secrets might be revealed too. If you're into that kind of stuff, you could even get an initiation in occult circles. The eighth house is all about new beginnings, and getting rid of the old. So, some outdated aspects of your life might disappear to make way for new things. But be careful with joint possessions and resources, you don't want to get into debt or let someone else control you. And watch out, if Pluto is making difficult aspects to other planets, it could put your life or someone close to you in danger. Natural disasters or big forces like politics, economics, or the military could also shake things up. But on the upside, this time could also stimulate some latent clairvoyant powers or sexual impulses, if that's your thing..
9TH HOUSE
When Pluto moves into your ninth house, things are going to get pretty interesting. You're going to feel the urge to expand your horizons and gain more knowledge, which will empower you like never before. You'll start taking a deeper interest in other cultures and if you travel abroad, you'll be totally transformed by the experience. You'll become much more interested in higher education, culture, and spiritual growth. If you weren't interested before, you'll definitely start feeling the urge to learn more and get some self-education. And if you're a communicator, your ideas will be taken much more seriously and you'll learn how to present them in a more compelling way..
But watch out, because there's a downside. You could become obsessed with gathering information and using it as a weapon to manipulate or control people. And if Pluto is in a difficult aspect with other planets, you might become fanatical about your beliefs and even get involved in foreign wars. So be careful and remember that everyone has their own beliefs that deserve respect..
If you're lucky, you might also get some financial aid or government scholarships for higher education, or get opportunities to travel for business or scientific purposes. And you might even have some mind-blowing experiences that cause you to rethink your entire worldview. So get ready for an exciting ride!.
10TH HOUSE
If you wanna make it big and succeed in life, you gotta have purpose and determination. Ain't nobody gonna control your future, so don't let 'em. Trust me, you'll regret it if you do. When transiting Pluto is in your 10th house, it's time to get serious about your life path. You can't just float along and expect things to fall into place. Nope, life will throw you some curveballs that will force you to make important decisions. Don't be scared though, this is your chance to transform yourself and your perspective on the future. Pluto in your 10th house makes you super ambitious and determined to succeed. But be careful, 'cause you might end up wanting to control and dominate everything and everyone. That's why you gotta be aware of authority figures trying to hold you back. Pluto challenges you to reach your life goals, so figure out what they are and go for it! Just make sure you stay true to yourself and don't get caught up in power struggles or political schemes. Remember, the key to success is honesty and integrity..
11TH HOUSE
This is a time when you gotta be real with yourself. No BS allowed. You need to figure out what makes you truly happy and go after it. As time goes on, you'll start taking your work and relationships more seriously. And let me tell you, when Pluto is in your 11th house, it's all about serving others and making connections with your homies and organizations. You might even form a strong bond with a kiddo who's not even related to you! Happiness during this phase is gonna come from the people around you and how you contribute to their lives. You might even start hanging out with a whole new group of peeps with similar interests. And who knows? You could even cross paths with someone pretty influential or powerful! (Maybe even a secret agent or a member of a secret society. Ooh la la!) Now, I gotta warn you, this is a time for transformation and change. You might end up saying bye-bye to old friends and groups that just don't vibe with you anymore. But don't worry, the new connections you make are gonna have a HUGE impact on your life. And hey, if you're lucky, you might even score a sweet scholarship or government grant for your scientific, artistic, or spiritual pursuits. Your beliefs and values are gonna shift too, and that's totally cool. But be careful not to get swept up in any impulses that don't align with your true desires. On the bright side, you could come across someone who'll be your mentor and show you the way to grow and flourish. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!.
12TH HOUSE
During this period, you'll be working on clearing out old and subconscious habits that might have been holding you back. It might feel like a psychological journey, as you'll be facing aspects of your psyche that you might have buried deep down. Be careful though, because sometimes your actions might be unconsciously motivated and could cause you problems, even if you had good intentions. If this happens, it's important to understand what's really going on inside and what parts of you might be in denial or disapproval. You might want to consider counseling to help you understand yourself better and overcome any obstacles that come up..
During this period, you'll have the opportunity to regenerate your subconscious and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. If Pluto is in sync with other aspects, this is a great time for intuitive exploration, meditation, and even discovering your clairvoyant abilities. The most important aspect of this Pluto transit is the psychological part, as it will bring up buried parts of your psyche that you'll need to confront..
It's important to note that you won't be able to hide any hidden characteristics during this time, as they'll come to the surface in destructive ways. You might also notice patterns of childish behavior that need to be corrected for you to become a mature adult. The key is to deal with these aspects of your life and past honestly and without guilt. You might even be surprised to find that when you're honest, your adversaries can change their opinion about you.
-> Back to the Pluto Transits
#astrojulia#astrology#astroblr#all about astrology#astro community#astro observations#astrology notes#witch community#witchblr#pluto#pluto transit#pluto transiting the houses
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Low-Energy Thoughtform Tips
Heavy UPG Warning: All of the information shown below is based on personal opinion.
I love thoughtforms. IMO they're a great starting point for beginners who want a spirit familiar but are inexperienced with vetting and have not yet developed their spiritual perception, or for someone more experienced who wants a spirit companion for the sole purpose of completing tasks. There is less guesswork involved with this spirit type and the only agreement required is to be sure they have enough energy to sustain themselves.
That being said, some treat thoughtform creation and management as if it needs to be this daunting and exhausting process. I believe that thoughtforms can be an accessible and low-stakes experience for a variety of practitioners.
In this post, I will not be acknowledging a difference between a servitor and a thoughtform based on certain characteristics and level of sentience, as some chaos magicians would. I am not a chaos magician and therefore do not practice like one. Instead, the term thoughtform will define any and all spirits artificially created by a practitioner in order to serve a purpose.
Let's crack into it.
Common Misconceptions
When reading beginner's guides to thoughtform creation, there are some things I see that I personally just don't like.
The first is the idea that you have to be constantly thinking about your thoughtform in order for it to properly manifest and continue to function.
I suffer from extreme fatigue. I am also prone to compulsive thoughts. I think it's unhealthy to believe that you have to continually think about anything. I also don't have the energy to perform intense visualization or concentration over a long period of time.
It's true that the creation process can take a good chunk of thought and focus. But in my opinion it requires no more energy than a moderately complicated spell.
The second and arguably most frustrating is the concept of a thoughtform going rogue and harming the practitioner physically and psychologically. There are a few reasons why they are said to do this, ranging from improper programming to increased and uncontrolled levels of sentience.
If you treat spirits as real, you acknowledge some level of risk associated with them. But thoughtforms are designed to be predictable and don't often deviate from their usual behavior. There are only a few circumstances where I think they would:
1. The practitioner is cruel or disrespectful toward their thoughtform.
2. The practitioner neglects feedings to a point where an unpleasant experience is the only way to get their attention. (This isn't spiteful in nature and is usually a last resort ime.)
3. The thoughtform is so complex that it's practically a full-fledged spirit (uncommon).
Furthermore, throughtforms are an extension of the self and have allegiance to you. Why would they go out of their way to cause you harm?
Thougntform Design: Less is More
With thoughtforms, there are near endless possibilities. You may be compelled to construct many different spirits for a variety of uses, but this will become overwhelming. My advice is to start with one and heavily consider your plans before beginning. This will prevent you from needing to dismiss a poorly constructed or rushed spirit or feel pressured to continue working with a spirit that you created but don't have use for.
Personally, I like to let ideas for a new thoughtform cook in my brain for a couple weeks before even getting to preliminaries. Some things to consider are the purpose of your thoughtform and how often you'll actually be working with them. Is the goal in question simple enough to complete by casting a quick spell or is it something so complex or ongoing that you would need to petition the help of a spirit familiar?
Starting Small
By small, I don't mean physical size. I'm talking about the tasks you want the thoughtform to complete. A small spirit created for the purpose of information gathering is going to be more complex and require more energy than, say, a spirit designed to look like a guard dog and tasked with protecting you during certain rituals.
The difference between these two spirit types imo is that the first would require a lot of training and active engagement while the other can be worked with passively by simply feeding them and calling them during rituals or workings, or whenever they're needed.
I've seen some beginner guides suggest alarm clocks, or a spirit created to wake you up at a specific time every morning. This isn't a bad suggestion, but one challenge I find is that I'm not going to be working with an alarm clock in my regular practice so engaging with the spirit would become an extra chore. This means that at some point I would likely dismiss them and have to start a new one with a different purpose from scratch.
This isn't exactly a bad thing as it can be a learning experience, but I personally find it taxing. My preference is working with a long-term thoughtform and making subtle changes to it over time to suit my needs. I'm also an advocate for treating spirits with respect, including thoughtforms, which means I don't think creation and destruction should be done on a whim.
My suggestion for beginners would be a guardian spirit. This can be a guardian for a specific place such as a home or garden, or it can be a personal shield for things such as travel, spirit work, and hedge-crossing.
Choosing an Anchor
An anchor is a physical vessel which you will use to call the thoughtform when needed. The object you choose should have some connection to the thoughtform and its purpose. It should also be placed near the area where it will be working. For example, a vessel for a guardian spirit could be a small statue kept by the front door.
Some ideas for this include:
Sculptures, figurines, and poppets
Stuffed animals, plastic animal toys
Garden ornaments for spirits who work outdoors
Jewelry that is worn while working with the thoughtform
Objects found outside: A pinecone, acorn, stone, shell, etc.
Miniature houses, like those little "fairy houses" people put in their gardens.
Feeding Methods and Offerings
While other spirit types only require offerings or some form of energy when they are completing a task or have an agreement with the practitioner, thoughtforms require a steady flow of energy and attention.
To prevent this from becoming overwhelming, I like to work them into my weekly offering schedule. There are several feeding methods that require minimal energy and engagement. Some suggestions include:
Water - There are many options with this one. You can provide a glass of fresh water as an offering or keep a vial of hallowed/blessed water on the altar and use it to annoit the thoughtform's anchor on feeding days. There is also the option of light-infused water such as sunlight or moonlight, or water infused with fruit or botanicals.
Light or Darkness - This one is extremely low energy. You can leave the anchor on a windowsill to absorb sunlight or moonlight. If you feed with darkness, you can place the anchor in a box or dark cupboard for a specific period of time.
Fire - Tealight candles can be bought in bulk and used for this purpose. You can also choose a large jar candle in the color and scent of your choice.
Smoke - Smoke as an offering can include incense or dried herbs. If you have time, you can make an herb bundle composed of corresponding plants used exclusively for making offerings to the thoughtform.
Sound - Some suggestions are bells, chimes, singing or humming, or simply turning on music and letting it play. If you really want to get creative you can curate a playlist specifically for this purpose.
Scent - This would include spraying perfume or body spray, scented candles and wax melts, simmer pots, incense, etc.
I would choose no more than two types of feeding methods or offerings. They should also make sense for the type of spirit and how they operate. For example, a plant-type thoughtform would benefit from offerings of water and sunlight. Try to stay away from feeding with your own energy or with active attention/engagement as this can be quickly become draining.
Creation Methods
So you've designed your thoughtform, selected a feeding method, and chosen an anchor. Now comes the final step of bringing the spirit "to life".
There are countless methods available, but here are some of my personal favorites which require relatively low energy:
"Birth" from a cauldron or lidded pot: The anchor is stored for a period of time and is activated or created upon removal.
Dipping the anchor into a bowl of charged water.
Passing the thoughtform's vessel through smoke or flame.
Breathing on the anchor to "breath life" into the thoughtform.
Burying the anchor to charge and digging it up to activate the spirit. This can be done outdoors or indoors using a pot of soil.
Sound: ringing a bell or chime, clapping or snapping.
Annoiting with a charged or infused ritual oil.
Wrapping the object in cloth and unraveling upon creation.
#thoughtforms#spirit work#beginner witchcraft#witchblr#witchcraft#witchcraft community#beginner witch
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Cheap and easy to find crystals
We all know crystals can be expensive and take a while to save for. But if you want to use crystals in your craft, you don't need overly fancy crystals. You can just get the basics! Many crystals have multiple uses to them and can be used for a good variety of things. Especially if you stick to tumbled stones, they are easy to carry and a lot cheaper to get! So here is a small list of crystals and stones that can be brought online or even from a local metaphysical store!
Amethyst-
help with anxiety, depression, clear the mind, wash away toxic thinking, encourage solid sleep patterns, and ease tension and headaches.
or
you can use it to do the opposite of what it does if you plan on using it in a baneful way!
they come in a range of shades of purple too.
Citrine-
highly protective stone, promoting spiritual growth and cleansing the aura. It is believed to absorb negative energies and transmute them into positive vibrations.. It's also known as the sunstone and is associated with personal power and abundance.
Clear Quartz-
cleanse all the chakras, protect against negative energies, and connect with higher levels of consciousness. This powerful crystal is truly a gift from the Earth, providing healing, clarity, and light to all who embrace it.
this is a good crystal to use in replacement of others too! So if you dont have a certain one, clear quartz will be perfect to use instead!
Sodalite-
It's believed to have the ability to unite logic with intuition and the drive for truth with the rise of idealism. Practitioners have used sodalite to organize the mind, as it's said to promote rational thought, objectivity and perception.
Carnelian-
enhance self-esteem and creativity, to combat feelings of inadequacy, to increase physical energy and overcome insomnia. In the home, carnelian is believed to increase motivation towards action.
Red Jasper-
sustains and supports through times of stress, and brings tranquility and wholeness. Jasper provides protection and absorbs negative energy. It balances yin and yang. offers physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits such as balancing energy, reducing inflammation & anxiety, improving focus & relationships.
Howlite-
promote harmony, peace, and calmness in the wearer or those who come into contact with it. Howlite has also been said to be helpful for people who are grieving because it helps them release their emotions. help reduce stress, anxiety, and physical pain. It can also stimulate creativity, enhance communication and understanding, and foster spiritual growth. Additionally, howlite stone can help with insomnia as well as increase focus and clarity of thought.
Green adventurine-
releases old patterns, habits, and disappointments so new growth can take place. It brings optimism and a zest for life and allows us to move forward with confidence and embrace change. It enhances creativity and motivation and encourages perseverance in maneuvering life's obstacles. ostering compassion, empathy, and forgiveness. In addition to its prosperity and emotional healing properties, green aventurine enhances one's sense of optimism, self-confidence, and motivation.
Snowflake obsidian-
a deep, abiding sense of protection and reverence. It is thought to drive out demons and to embody both yin and yang principles. release emotional, physical, and spiritual blockages, drawing out stress and tension. Obsidian is also known for clearing ancient traumas, detoxification, and encouraging personal growth. It's also good for reversing negative self-talk, actions, and beliefs.
Rose Quartz-
the stone of universal love. It restores trust and harmony in relationships, encouraging unconditional love. Rose Quartz purifies and opens the heart at all levels to promote love, self-love, friendship, deep inner healing and feelings of peace. promote feelings of self-love. “Rose quartz may be used to balance emotional health, release emotional blockages
Hematite-
stimulates concentration and focus, enhancing memory and original thought. Hematite serves as reliable protection against an evil eye. Hematite was also used as a protective amulet from wounds during fight. It grants to its wearer invulnerability, but also constrains bouts of anger. focuses energy and emotions for balance between the body, mind and spirit. Hematite dissolves negativity and prevents you from absorbing the negativity of others. Haematite is strong, supporting timidity, boosting self-esteem and survivability, enhancing willpower and reliability, and imparting confidence.
These can all be used in baneful magic too! Just give them the intention of doing the opposite of what they do while doing a spell!
And remember tumbled stones are going to be your best friend if you are on a budget! Most metalphysical stores will sell tumbles from 0.50p - £4 (depending on the stone) But the ones that are considered basic (like the ones listed) are usually no less than £2. (thats in the uk anyways)
#pagan witch#witch#witchblr#witchcore#witchcraft#beginner witch#beginner witch friendly#crystals#basic crystals#gemstone
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Warhammer Gaslamp: Peoples of the Old World
(For Introduction, see here; for Imperial Society, see here; for Geopolitics, see here.)
While the Old World of 2725 IC is dominated by the nations of Men, the non-human species of the world are by no means vanished - although all have seen enormous amounts of change over the last two hundred years.
Although they still maintain their traditional alliance with the Empire of Man, the Dawi of the Old World suffered badly from their pyrrhic victories in the Skaven and Greenskin Wars, to the point where they have begun a slow, inexorable demographic decline - not helped by increasing assimilation into the Empire. Increasingly, the Dawi have begun to coalesce around the master plan of the Great Reckoning, an effort to avenge every single Grudge in the Dammaz Kron in one fell swoop through the creation of an army of 100,000 Slayers. When the last of the Grudges has been satisfied, the sages of Dwarfkind believe that the Ancestor Gods will return and restore their people to their former glory.
Proving that it is truly an ill wind that blows no one any good, the shift in the Aethyr mentioned earlier had a profound influence on the Asur. With the increase in the concentration of Aethyric energy around, Asur born since 2594 have universally developed psykic abilities seemingly independent of their access to the Winds of Khaos, such that the younger generation now primarily speak mind-to-mind, can move themselves and objects with a thought, and much more that was once the exclusive ability of magi. Among many of the Asur, this is seen as a sign of the gods' continual favor, but these new abilities will need to be pressed into service sooner rather than later, as the blessed isle of Ulthuan is gradually sliding beneath the waves....
While their territories in Laurelorn have shrunken dramatically, the territories of the Asrai in Athel Loren remain quite strong in Bretonnia thanks in no small part to their political influence on Forest Law in L'Ancien Régime. As part of an increased level of caution (or paranoia), the Spellsingers embarked in a campaign of educating the entirety of their population in how to magically transport themselves between the remaining forests of the Old World and the spiritual dimension of Underhill, where magic remains strong and the verdant world untouched by hands of men, and to use the Glamour to move undetected in the human world.
[From the 9th Edition Imperial Encyclopedia]: Halflings (noun). A malevolent subspecies of mutant, destroyed in the Great Gene-Purge of 2614.
Life for the Vampire Counts has become increasingly more dangerous and complex. Driven from their seat of power in a vicious war that left much of Sylvania a faintly glowing wasteland of bomb craters and barbed wire, the survivors live on the run from the Imperial Plasmic Survey and the Schwarzmänner, although some vampires and thralls alike can manage to stay one step ahead via falsified blood samples and living in masquerade in the teeming throngs of urban society. Many of the surviving vampires have developed wealthy clients from among the nobility and the haut bourgeoisie, who are willing to risk the attentions of the state in exchange for infusions that extend their lifespans by decades. At the same time, the Vampire Counts are learning how to play politics by Imperial rules...
The Old World has changed, but the Greenskins have not. Although banished beyond the World's Edge Mountains, they still practice their traditional ways of WAAAGH! and generally making a mess of things. However, they have adapted to the age of gunpowder by trading with the Ogres of the East for the 'splody stuff, from the Orkish love of really big shootas and the Goblin fascination with bombs. The Greenskins might wear top hats and call their warleaders Nobz now, but they are still the mad, anarchic bastards who refuse to die.
Despite their defeat in the wars with the dwarfs and the mysterious explosion that engulfed Skavenblight in 2573 IC, the Underempire of the Skaven has adapted to their new circumstances in new and strange ways. While increasing urbanization has allowed the Skaven to spread through the sewers and subway systems of the Empire, they face new competition from the "Untervolk" and the increasingly impressive efforts of the human Technomancers. So instead the Skaven have allied with the Slaaneshi to sell warpstone dust drugs to the stupid stupid man-things, using the financial proceeds and the insidious long-term effects of warpstone dust to weaken humanity from within.
#warhammer fantasy#warhammer gaslamp#the old world#dwarfs#high elves#wood elves#vampire counts#skaven#greenskins
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The Other Mountain - ao3 - Chapter 11
Pairing: Lan Qiren/Wen Ruohan
Warning Tags on Ao3
———————————————————————-
Lan Qiren had done something while he was gone, Wen Ruohan thought to himself, observing the other man as they meandered down the paths of the Nightless City. More than likely he’d gone to confront his demons in the Crescent Moon Courtyard – he’d largely hidden it by the time Wen Ruohan had found him being harassed by Lu Qipei and Shen Mingbi, but his eyes were still a little reddened in a way that suggested he had been crying earlier.
Also, his cultivation had increased. A lot.
Irritatingly, it didn’t seem that Lan Qiren had even noticed it yet. He had a remarkably solid foundation, the sort that you built up over years of effort focused on the basics, and that meant he could amass a rather large amount of spiritual energy without feeling the strain. Presumably, he’d done just that – though it was impossible to tell whether the extent of the sudden increase was from having removed the emotional entanglement that had been tripping him up, a breakthrough on account of enlightenment, or simply, denials aside, having gotten closer to a qi deviation than was strictly healthy.
(Personally, Wen Ruohan suspected that the technique of getting stronger by going a little too close to qi deviations without dying was how the Nie sect had started out, with their wild tempers and vicious sabers that were so intertwined that it was impossible to tell which one had come first. Of course, only someone who subscribed to the Nie sect’s insane belief that fighting evil was more important than living well, or who was already inclined to die of rage, would be willing to deal with the way the technique later backfired. But as a matter of pure efficiency, it was probably second only to outright demonic cultivation as a means of building power…)
The cultivation style of Gusu generally didn’t lend itself to those sorts of sudden increases. Their tradition was the orthodox of the orthodox, all hard work and good living, very focused on slow and steady accumulation, and Lan Qiren was no exception to the rule. As Wen Ruohan had personally observed, Lan Qiren really did meditate and practice his swordsmanship or music every day and, knowing his ridiculous addiction to his sect rules, probably also genuinely tried to honestly love all beings, not be unreasonable, all those sorts of things. In fact, Wen Ruohan had also noticed that his golden core had an unusual purity, shining brighter than others of the same level of power. He hadn’t yet figured out why that might be, though, or if it had any particular effects – perhaps that would be something to look into, eventually?
Wen Ruohan hadn’t bothered with anything medical in literal decades, his sect’s fame in that regard aside. He far preferred arrays, which let him play with power directly, with talismans as a second choice, and only then physical weapons, such as the sword, every cultivator’s standby, or the spear, his long-ago lost brother’s preference; in comparison, needles, medicines, and the finicky human body, at least in its healthy and intact form, were much less interesting to him. He’d only ever bothered to learn medicine in the first place because he distrusted others’ motives in tending to him and wanted to be able to verify that they were doing what they said they were doing, and these days he only exercised that part of his brain when he was keeping people alive to better torment them.
Still, he’d found to his amusement that everything about Lan Qiren interested him these days, even to the point of picking up long-unused skills. For someone like him, who had been bored by everything for so long, that glimmer of interest far outweighed the boredom of medicine…
It was a pity he couldn’t explore Lan Qiren’s fascinating core through dual cultivation instead – which wasn’t a thought Wen Ruohan had ever thought he’d have. Dual cultivation required significant vulnerability from both sides, especially for the weaker party, but unfortunately the benefits usually went to the weaker party, too. Wen Ruohan was much more powerful than his partners, and his cultivation style was too orthodox to use another person as a furnace, so it was inevitable that it would be his partner who got most of the benefits rather than him. And Wen Ruohan was not inclined towards generosity, nor to vulnerability.
With Lan Qiren, though…it could be fun.
Wen Ruohan would be willing to bet that Lan Qiren had never noticed any increase in his cultivation, much less learned to enjoy the rush of power filling your body and going to your head that came with it – it might be enjoyable to give him a bit of a shock. Or at least knock him off balance a little, as Lan Qiren’s ability to keep his composure in bed was one of his most charming and also most irritating traits…
Unfortunately, it was highly unlikely Lan Qiren would ever agree to dual cultivate with him, given how much it would leave him at Wen Ruohan’s mercy. Oh, well.
Wen Ruohan indulged himself by reaching out to put his hand on the back of Lan Qiren’s neck so that his fingertips just rested on the pulse point by his jaw. Perhaps he could satisfy the urge if he evaluated the exact extent of the increased power…
“– are you even listening to me?!”
“Not at all,” Wen Ruohan said cheerfully, not removing his hand. “Were you saying something important?”
Outraged, Lan Qiren opened his mouth.
“Important to me.”
“…well, it should be.” Lan Qiren rolled his eyes at him. “They are your wives, Sect Leader Wen.”
Wen Ruohan attempted to review the last few moments of the conversation, without success. He hadn’t bothered to pay attention to anything about his wives since Shen Mingbi had survived birthing Wen Chao, not even when they were scheming against him. They were predictable to the extreme, and exceptionally boring as a result.
For instance, Lu Qipei was, in his opinion, a vicious backstabbing harridan whose sole weakness was her fondness for being fawned over and admired. He’d married her for her family’s then-notable influence and she’d never once hesitated to lord it over everyone else, even though he’d long since swallowed that family into his own sect. She’d always treated him as if he was a fool, simultaneously scheming to try to make him fall in love with her in order to secure her status as mistress of the Nightless City and yet unable to resist sneaking some of her former admirers into his household as servants, presumably to more efficiently cuckold him after he’d given her the son he’d promised her.
She could mercilessly manipulate people better than half his spies, a trait that Wen Ruohan thoroughly approved of, but despite all her cleverness, it had seemingly never crossed her mind that the reason he didn’t continue to favor her after he’d fulfilled his obligations under their marriage was because he simply didn’t like her, just as she didn’t very much like him. He didn’t mind that she had other lovers – in truth, he’d expected as much, and was unsurprised to have his expectations fulfilled – but he was considerably annoyed by the fact that she continuously tried to hide them from him, as if she thought him stupid enough to remain ignorant despite how obvious she was. She had the position he’d promised her, yet she persisted in feeling as though she were entitled to his affection, and even that she only wanted to better control him; worst of all, she tended to blame her inability to obtain it on the scheming of others and acted accordingly.
Shen Mingbi, in contrast, was a fundamentally stupid woman who could only not be called vicious because it would imply a level of cunning she lacked. To her general misfortune, she was not an especially strong personality, so she followed Lu Qipei’s lead in most things, and never seemed to learn her lesson no matter how many times it blew up in her face. Her primary virtue was her persistence and fearlessness; she’d been the one to crawl into his bed, back when she’d been nothing but an overlooked middle daughter sent to serve as a maid in a greater sect than her own, hoping to improve her personal lot in life even if it meant the eventual downfall of her family. Wen Ruohan could appreciate that level of ruthlessness, and he had – in both of them, really.
They were each of them in their own ways perfectly suited for their positions as his wives, the two of them together keeping a tight grip on the social scene of the Nightless City, queen bees reigning in their hive. They kept the place lively, made the Nightless City a sparkling gem that attracted talent to his side, and ensured that Wen Ruohan didn’t have to worry about being outmatched by other sects. He appreciated them for that.
But that didn’t make them interesting.
As far as he was concerned, their behavior was as inevitable as the dawn: Lu Qipei, bitter at having been formally demoted from the position of first Madam Wen even though he’d explicitly ensured that she retain all the power of the position and personally reassured her of it to boot, would refuse to believe that Lan Qiren wasn’t out to get the rest of her power, and so first try to bully Lan Qiren; when that failed, she’d probably turn to subversion and then sabotage, neither of which would win her his favor or get Lan Qiren to go away. For her part, Shen Mingbi, who would probably have been content to remain focused on herself and her son if not incited by Lu Qipei, would mock and insult Lan Qiren simply for existing in her vicinity, throwing pointless temper tantrums when he was around as if she inexplicably hoped to be indulged in them, and later would invariably allow herself to be used in one of Lu Qipei’s schemes.
In any event, absolutely nothing of any use would be accomplished.
Wen Ruohan rarely even bothered to undermine their plots anymore. He didn’t even think Lan Qiren would notice most of them…
No, his attention had more or less shut off entirely after they’d finished with the subject of what Lan Qiren was going to call him –
(Feeling contrary, he’d refused to grant Lan Qiren permission to use his name. This had led to a long lecture about inappropriate behavior and quite a few invocations of the fact that they were married, but hilariously enough it turned out that Lan Qiren was too polite to just go ahead and call him by name when explicitly denied the privilege. So they were still at “Sect Leader Wen,” just…notably more sarcastically.)
“Intolerable,” Lan Qiren grumbled, stepping away so that Wen Ruohan’s hand fell back down to his side. “Absolutely intolerable. You were not listening at all, were you? I was saying that I should move out of your courtyard – ”
“Absolutely not.”
Lan Qiren glared. “Then how exactly do you propose to satisfy your duty to your wives? You certainly are not going to be doing it with them whilst I am in the room.”
Wen Ruohan smirked. “Well – ”
His words cut off despite himself. Lan Qiren, ears gone red again, had just used the Lan sect’s silencing spell on him, even though he knew it was the work of only a moment for Wen Ruohan to break it.
The silencing spell. On him. In his own city!
Shen Mingbi wasn’t the only one who was fearless. Only Lan Qiren had every bit of cleverness that she lacked; he knew exactly what he was risking by confronting Wen Ruohan the way he did, and yet he did it anyway, wholly naturally and without hesitation. It was as if he really, truly wasn’t afraid of him…
How novel.
“What is your alternative suggestion, then?” Lan Qiren asked. “Without the innuendo.”
Chuckling, Wen Ruohan shook his head and snapped the spell.
“As a start, if I wanted to,” he said dryly, tucking his hands behind his back as he walked, “I could always go and visit them in their courtyards before returning to you in mine – ”
“The same evening?! That would be unsanitary – ”
“– but I wouldn’t, and it’s irrelevant anyway,” Wen Ruohan continued, overriding Lan Qiren easily. “On account of the fact that I don’t sleep with them.”
Lan Qiren seemed completely taken aback by this statement.
“I agreed with each of them in advance of our marriage that I would give her the power of a position as my wife and a son of her own,” Wen Ruohan explained. “In each case, I’ve done so. The only reason I would have to sleep with them now is if I wanted to, and I don’t want to.”
Certainly any actual interest he’d had in either of his wives hadn’t survived their other lovers.
It wasn’t that he objected to them having other lovers. Wen Ruohan’s ambitions made him a busy man who didn’t have time to lavish attention on others, and that meant he was not the type of man to properly keep a wife. That had been a lesson he’d learned from his first wife, the one who’d died many years ago along with his first family and whose name he had since declared taboo even to himself; she had been the first one to explain to him that wives had high requirements for affection and indulgence and that they would invariably turn elsewhere when he grew too busy for them, no matter what he might try. When he, at the time still young and stupid, had offered to try to do better by her, to slow or divert his plans to make more time for her, she had merely laughed in his face and informed him that she’d already found others that suited her taste more than him, presenting them to him as a fait accompli. At the time, caught up in the battle for succession, he hadn’t had time or energy to fight her on it or divorce her over it – which was, he supposed, her point.
Still…at least she’d had taste. He’d encouraged all his wives to take lovers if they so wished, yes, and was unsurprised when they did, but at the same time, the sort of people his current wives allowed into their beds was simply depressing. If Wen Ruohan ever started feeling inclined towards one or another of them, usually after they’d impressed him with some profoundly wicked bit of scheming, he need only remember that they categorized him with those other idiots and his interest tended to melt away faster than morning dew in midsummer.
“But – ”
“They have other lovers,” Wen Ruohan said, mostly for the pleasure of seeing Lan Qiren shocked and appalled all over again, which he was. “Although we live separate lives, they’re both kept quite satisfied, I assure you.”
Lan Qiren scowled.
They walked together a little longer, Wen Ruohan thinking idly of what else he could say to shock Lan Qiren’s easily troubled sensibilities, and then Lan Qiren managed to shock him by grumbling, “All for the best, I suppose. Scheduling was always my least favorite part of being sect leader.”
Wen Ruohan disguised his bark of amusement as a cough. “Is that your objection? The scheduling?”
“I cannot say that I enjoy the concept of sharing,” Lan Qiren said – he just said it! flat out! and without so much as missing a beat. How utterly shameless of him. “But on the other hand, as I am married to the second most obnoxious man in the world, I assume that at some point I would be likely to enjoy a reprieve.”
What sort of Lan are you? Wen Ruohan thought, finding it harder and harder to keep from outright cackling. As ruthless with your own heart as with anything else – I like it.
“The second most obnoxious man in the world?” he asked, smirking. “I’m offended. Who’s the first?”
“Pretending to be ignorant does not suit you. Your lover, of course.”
“You?”
“Sect Leader Nie.”
And that, too, came as a surprise. Wen Ruohan twisted his head to stare at Lan Qiren: “You know about that?”
Lan Qiren scoffed. “Were you under the impression that the two of you were being subtle? You were so blatant that even I noticed, and everyone knows that understanding social situations is hardly my forte.”
That was true, everyone did know that about Lan Qiren. But what they didn’t know, though, was that Wen Ruohan had been sleeping with Lao Nie for years, almost invariably on account of the fact that anything they saw that suggested it was immediately dismissed out of hand as implausible. Two men who weren’t particularly known for cutting their sleeves, each of whom was powerful enough to find and marry a beautiful female cultivator if they wanted, coming together without any plausible political motivation…no one believed it. Why would they bother with each other when there were other options, easier options? So even when other people saw evidence of it, they assumed it was all a convenient fiction to cover up something else or, at most, a joke being played deliberately, meant to provoke.
Presumably the doubt hadn’t even crossed Lan Qiren’s mind. Of course he would be the one to notice, with his tendency to deduce social situations as if they were logic puzzles and the clear-sightedness that that approach gave him. And just as typical, even though he’d noticed, even though noticing had meant that he’d had tremendous leverage he could have employed over two other Great Sects, he hadn’t done a single thing about it in all these years.
Of course he didn’t. Lan Qiren, a blackmailer? Never!
Wen Ruohan was now grinning outright. Even his bone-deep paranoia was having trouble believing that Lan Qiren would ever genuinely try to manipulate him.
After all, that was just who Lan Qiren was, wasn’t he? It was the same thing as all the rest of him: he really believed in those stupid rules of his and tried to live up to them, no matter how ridiculous. He had morals and principles and he genuinely cared about them for their own sake, for his own sake, regardless of the outside circumstances. He wasn’t going to turn himself into an extortionist, not for anything, no matter what it might get him. The possibility had probably never crossed his mind.
Just as it probably had never occurred to him to scheme for Wen Ruohan’s favor, the way Lu Qipei and Shen Mingbi did, and then immediately turn and throw it away…
“Do you actually call Lao Nie ‘Sect Leader Nie’?” he asked, side-stepping Lan Qiren’s question. “No one does that, not even me.”
“I thought it appropriate, since apparently you are so devoted to sticking with formalities – ”
Wen Ruohan cracked, giving in and starting to laugh. “All right, all right,” he said, feeling refreshed. “Have it your way.”
“It is not a matter of my way or your way,” Lan Qiren said, sounding long-suffering. “It is not about winning. It is about establishing a relationship – ”
“You have my permission to call me by name,” Wen Ruohan interrupted. Personally, he thought it was entirely about winning, and also that Lan Qiren was very clearly signaling that he wasn’t prepared to lose.
“Thank you.”
Wen Ruohan sent a pointed look at Lan Qiren. “Thank you, what?”
Lan Qiren choked on his words again, and that made Wen Ruohan laugh once more. That was the most ridiculous part of this little argument, of course: that this was the thing Lan Qiren was choosing to put his foot down on, his hill to die on, given that it was pretty obviously something he didn’t even especially want.
Wen Ruohan decided, somewhat uncharacteristically, to have mercy. “While you can use my name if you want,” he said generously (and in as pointedly condescending a tone as he could manage), “you can also continue to address me as you always have.”
Lan Qiren looked relieved.
“I merely wished to have the option,” he said stiffly. “Your wives pointed out to me that there are certain circumstances where I might wish to exercise the use of a – ah – a greater level of intimacy – ”
“No, no, that’s not part of the agreement, you definitely have to keep calling me Sect Leader Wen in bed,” Wen Ruohan said, smirking when Lan Qiren gave him an exasperated look. He raised his eyebrows in return, making clear that he wasn’t going to bend on this one – and he really wasn’t, either. There was a certain piquancy to the way Lan Qiren used what ought to be a term of respect when they were in bed together that he was loath to give up. It wasn’t disrespectful, exactly, he’d never tolerate that, but Lan Qiren did have a tendency to invoke it when he was being especially mean. Absolutely delicious, absolutely unexpected of him, and all the more enjoyable for being unexpected.
“…at other times, then,” Lan Qiren conceded with bad grace. “As appropriate.”
“We must certainly always take care to abide by propriety,” Wen Ruohan agreed, ignoring Lan Qiren’s annoyance at his sarcasm. “Isn’t that one of your rules?”
“You are thinking of ‘propriety suggests reciprocity,’” Lan Qiren said in a way that suggested that Wen Ruohan deserved exactly none at the moment. “Although, on that note…”
Rather uncharacteristically, he trailed off.
Wen Ruohan waited for him to complete his thought. There was no point in even bothering to formulate a guess as to what it might be, he thought, quite pleased by the notion. With Lan Qiren, it might be a reversion to his usual type, with more lecturing and invocation of rules, or it could be something completely unexpectedly, completely off the wall –
“I think it would be only right to inform you that I have developed the intention to use you.”
Wen Ruohan blinked.
Somehow, even when he’d braced himself, Lan Qiren found a way to be weirder than he’d anticipated.
“Use me?” he asked, bemused. “How so?”
If it had been Lao Nie, Wen Ruohan would have assumed that he was referring to something sexual, but with Lan Qiren that was highly unlikely. Yet the only other alternative that came to mind was political, and that seemed if anything even more unlikely –
“I haven’t decided yet.” Lan Qiren was looking straight ahead, and his ears had gone red again. “However, propriety demands reciprocity. You have been upfront – well, relatively – with the fact that you intend to use me and my talents to advance your schemes for power. I am informing you that I intend the same.”
Wen Ruohan had no idea what to do with that.
“You,” he said blankly. “You want to scheme for more power?”
Lan Qiren finally turned to look at him, glaring. “Don’t be ridiculous,” he snapped. “I intend to use the fact that you have power in order to find a way to help my nephews.”
That made much more sense. Wen Ruohan relaxed, the world that had threatened to teeter off its axis resuming its regular spin. Lan Qiren was still Lan Qiren.
In fact, now that Wen Ruohan was no longer distracted by shock, his primary feeling on the subject turned out to be…glee.
Incredible, overwhelming, profusive glee.
I did that, Wen Ruohan thought to himself, delighted. That was all me.
Hadn’t he just been thinking earlier that Lan Qiren would never condescend to scheme for his favor? And he wouldn’t, either, because he’d just come out and told Wen Ruohan about his intentions – just as it had never occurred to him to become a blackmailer, it had just as obviously never occurred to Lan Qiren that he could try to manipulate Wen Ruohan into doing what he wanted without telling him in advance. Based on how he’d phrased what he’d just said, he probably thought that merely intending to personally benefit from Wen Ruohan was already some sort of betrayal of the innate concept of marriage that existed only in his head, or maybe in his sect rules.
But he had.
Despite his rules, despite his ideals, I have developed the intention to use you.
That was Qishan Wen ambition, not Gusu Lan restraint.
The rigid and unimpeachable Lan Qiren, whose morals everyone trusted to remain forever pristine…it was almost like watching a fawn take its first few steps, shaky and uncertain.
Wen Ruohan was so proud.
Mostly of himself, of course. Who else could say that they had made inroads into corrupting the incorruptible? Amazing, really; at times, he impressed even himself. Now this was a power rush…
“I know that expression,” Lan Qiren sighed. “The desk again, I assume?”
Wen Ruohan wouldn’t mind getting fucked over his desk some more; it was one of his favorite places for it. But no, this was a personal triumph, not a political one. The bed would do just fine…or maybe he could finally enact that plan he’d made early on and never acted upon.
“I have other plans,” he said. Lan Qiren looked at him suspiciously. “How about a bath before dinner?”
“I mistrust the tone in which you said that, but I also cannot think of how you could pervert the purpose of a bath,” Lan Qiren said, revealing the limits of his experience and imagination. “At any rate, I have been overly active this morning, so I could use one. Very well, lead the way…and in the meantime, you should tell me what it was that you wanted from me when you called me away from your wives. I assume it was not for this.”
It had better not have been for sex, Lan Qiren’s tone suggested, or else Wen Ruohan wasn’t going to be getting any.
“I had a real purpose,” Wen Ruohan protested mildly, still too gleeful and full of himself to mind. “Upon my arrival, my head disciple reminded me that it was time to organize the trip to Yunmeng for the discussion conference. I’ve decided to put you to work.”
Lan Qiren visibly brightened.
The good mood carried him through dinner with Lu Qipei and Shen Mingbi that evening, even though his attempt to use a high collar to conceal the bite marks Wen Ruohan had purposefully littered his neck with was completely unsuccessful – in classic form, the women had conspired to deliberately not bring their sons to the table as an insult, only to be so appalled by the obvious marks of Wen Ruohan’s favor that they could barely bring themselves to speak at all, much less point out the insult to him, and so Lan Qiren blissfully floated through the dinner completely unaware of the snub. Lan Qiren even voluntarily stayed awake past his usual bedtime in order to read up on all the things he felt he needed to know before he spoke with the sect quartermaster about logistics, full of excitement and anticipation.
Really, Wen Ruohan hadn’t even noticed how listless and depressed the man had been until he suddenly wasn’t. It was almost funny – but what was really funny was how, with his improved mood and something useful to do with himself, Lan Qiren’s notoriously finicky temper finally returned in full force.
“You will have to forgive me,” he overheard Lan Qiren saying in a tone that suggested he meant it as an insult. “I have been trying to manage the transportation, feeding, and upkeep of the completely unnecessary full delegation we are apparently sending to Yunmeng at Sect Leader Wen’s insistence and which Wen sect tradition apparently mandates to be at least one and a half times larger and three times fancier than a full delegation from any other sect would be. As you can imagine, I have been quite pressed with everything I have to do. And you want to waste my time by telling me about protocol?”
Wen Ruohan choked back laughter, listening from around the corner as his poor disciple stammered and stuttered in response.
“I – that is – it’s traditional – ”
“I would be more than willing to pause the four urgent tasks I need to accomplish within the next shichen to listen to you, but only if you can explain to me exactly what new information about proper protocol you, a member of the Wen sect, quite possibly the rudest and most arrogant sect in the cultivation world, are going to impart to me, who served Gusu Lan as its sect leader for ten years.”
His disciple looked like he maybe wanted to cry, which was quite notable in a man of at least forty who’d been trained for years to deal with Wen Ruohan’s own very particular temperament.
Wen Ruohan’s ribs were starting to hurt with the effort of keeping silent.
“Is there some unique aspect to protocol in the Wen sect that I am unaware of, perhaps? I must admit I have not observed any in the last few discussion conferences that I personally attended, but if you insist...” Lan Qiren paused, then turned and scowled at where Wen Ruohan was standing. “Do you think I cannot hear you snickering over there? Stop skulking in the shadows. It’s unbecoming of a sect leader.”
“I was not skulking,” Wen Ruohan said, though he did start walking again, turning the corner. “I just happened to overhear you. Have you spoken with the armory yet about which sect flags we’re taking?”
“You have multiple – what am I saying, of course you do.” Lan Qiren huffed. “I’ll go there now.”
Wen Ruohan watched the other man storm off in amusement, then glanced at the disciple next to him. It was a kinsman of his, though he couldn’t remember his name; there were too many of them for that.
“Really,” he said, drawing out the word, and watched the man go pale gratifyingly fast. “He does have a point, you know. Instructing a son of Gusu Lan on propriety? Do you also teach fish to swim in your seemingly plentiful spare time?”
“But it’s traditional!” the man bleated, and Wen Ruohan had to at least give him credit for standing his ground. “There’s always an introduction to protocol before the first public event involving someone who’s just married into the sect, especially if they’re acting in any sort of important position.”
Wen Ruohan was just about to point out that the circumstances were surely materially different if the other person involved was formerly a sect leader of a Great Sect in his own right and therefore painfully familiar with all matters of inane discussion conference protocol when the most beautiful revelation abruptly struck him.
Lan Qiren might know all the protocol, yes, and probably ten times better than Wen Ruohan ever had – but everything he knew was applicable to him in his role as a sect leader or, at most, sect disciple. Only…he wasn’t attending the conference as either sect leader or sect disciple.
He was attending as Wen Ruohan’s wife.
And as far as Wen Ruohan had determined, Lan Qiren had yet to realize that.
“What are we introducing him as?” he asked, thinking it through himself in sudden delight: wives often helped host discussion conferences held at their homes but rarely traveled to the ones hosted by another sect, although it wasn’t unheard of – for instance, Jiang Fengmian often brought his wife, although everyone not-so-secretly speculated that that was because Yu Ziyuan was afraid that her husband would make a stupid concession if she wasn’t there to help. But that was the exception: sect leaders’ wives would generally not attend the actual conference, politely withdrawing while the sect leaders were talking and rejoining them only later on for the banquets held each evening. “I’ve given instructions that no one leak any information about him until we’re there, of course, but – for the first banquet, they’ll have to introduce us. What will they call him?”
“I…I would imagine they would address him as Madam Wen, Sect Leader? It isn’t as though he has a personal title to use instead, the way Madam Yu – ah, that is, the way Madam Jiang might be called the Violet Spider…”
Wen Ruohan grinned.
(His smile made the other man’s soul seem to flee his body.)
“Don’t tell him,” he instructed. “I want absolutely no one to address him by his title until we’re there, all right? I want it to be a surprise.”
“A – surprise, Sect Leader?”
“I want that banquet to be the first time he’s formally addressed as Madam Wen,” Wen Ruohan clarified, still grinning and entirely unable to stop. “Until then, all the servants and disciples are to address him only as Senior Lan. Pass the word around to everyone, and make sure they know that anyone who errs will be facing my personal displeasure. Is that understood?”
“Yes, Sect Leader! I’ll go at once!”
Wen Ruohan nodded his consent and then resumed his initial path. This discussion conference was going to be hilarious, he thought to himself, still gleeful. Between the other sects finding out about Lan Qiren’s new status and Lan Qiren himself finally figuring out his proper role in their relationship, it was going to be absolutely hilarious. Lao Nie was going to find it hard to stop laughing…assuming he didn’t lose his temper at Wen Ruohan first, of course.
Hmm. It belatedly occurred to Wen Ruohan that Lao Nie might not be as pleased with his brilliant plan as he was – for whatever reason, Lao Nie had always been quite fond of Lan Qiren, and even genuinely, not in the outwardly affable but inwardly scornful way he was with most of his fellow sect leaders. That was quite odd in and of itself, really, since Lao Nie tended to only like people who he thought were dangerous…which was an interesting thought. Maybe there really had always been more to Lan Qiren all along and he’d just missed it.
Annoying, to find an oversight like that. Still, Wen Ruohan had repaired it now, hadn’t he? Lan Qiren was his, and he wasn’t giving him back.
Not even if Lao Nie wanted him to.
Come to think of it, Lao Nie had mentioned Lan Qiren a few times in the rare letter or two he sent to the Nightless City. Complaints that Lan Qiren hadn’t responded to his letters, at first, and later expressing some concern about the notion of Lan Qiren going into seclusion, as if he couldn’t figure out or possibly admit to himself that it had obviously been involuntary. Wen Ruohan hadn’t written back, which wasn’t uncommon, but now that he thought about it, there was in fact a chance that Lao Nie might object, and strenuously, to what he might perceive (not incorrectly) as something being forced onto Lan Qiren against his will…
Anyway, it didn’t matter. Even if Wen Ruohan were inclined to give something up for Lao Nie’s sake, which he didn’t, he couldn’t. A marriage was a marriage. Wen Ruohan wasn’t going to just up and divorce Lan Qiren, giving up all his plans and embarrassing Lan Qiren in the process. Anyway, if he did, that awful brother of his would almost certainly find a far worse fate for him once Lan Qiren was back in his clutches, and Wen Ruohan very much did not appreciate being considered the lesser evil.
Actually, come to think of it, that was another pleasure to be found in the upcoming discussion conference: Qingheng-jun was undoubtedly going to be hideously disappointed to find Lan Qiren whole and intact and even thriving. Maybe Wen Ruohan could find a way to arrange a way for them to meet right after they’d fucked – Lan Qiren didn’t ever really look properly fucked out, or at least Wen Ruohan hadn’t gotten him there yet despite a few half-hearted attempts, but after a particularly enthusiastic session he did have a sort of relaxed glow to him that was rather distinctive. If Qingheng-jun saw it…
Hah!
Wen Ruohan felt, for the first time in a very long while, the distinct urge to hum as he walked. Maybe even whistle, though of course you couldn’t whistle around a Lan, they got jittery with that.
He didn’t give into the unexpectedly childish urge – but he wanted to.
And then, soon enough, the time to set out for the discussion conference was upon them.
Wen Ruohan spent about half the time involved in getting out the door being pleasantly surprised at how smoothly and efficiently everything was working, finding that Lan Qiren was every bit as good at organizing things as Wen Ruohan had expected him to be. Unfortunately, he spent the other half of the time thoroughly appalled that the morning’s work was such an improvement from his sect’s usual efforts, which he’d already considered to be quite efficient. They made it out of the gate of the Nightless City before noon on the first day, which had never happened before even once.
“I can’t believe it took us until midmorning to set out,” Lan Qiren complained when Wen Ruohan finally managed to pull him away from scolding people and back into the carriage they would be sharing for the duration of the trip. “The exit time was set for dawn, yet no one seemed prepared. Some of the disciples weren’t even awake!”
“The exit time is set for dawn because my ancestor said that all important delegations leave at dawn, and we obey it about the same as we do all of his other teachings – which is to say not at all,” Wen Ruohan informed him. Sadly, Lan Qiren did not seem to appreciate that wisdom. When he instead looked inclined to continue to complain, Wen Ruohan opted to distract him by offering him his choice of a blowjob or paperwork on next year’s tax collection.
(Predictably, Lan Qiren picked the paperwork. Wen Ruohan wasn’t even offended by it. He knew Lan Qiren would make it up to him later, and he also had the sneaking suspicion that when Lan Qiren had finished going over their taxes, he’d find that his sect’s income for this year was going to be a significant improvement over the last without anyone being able to pinpoint exactly how.)
“Oh, lest I forget, I overturned one of your decisions yesterday,” Lan Qiren said at one point, finally rousing himself out of his number-induced daze long enough to eat something and interact with another living being. “You are not permitted to torture the seamstresses. They got the robes done in time.”
“In time for our trip, not in time for me to see you in them in advance,” Wen Ruohan groused. “You should be dressed in my colors.”
“White is one of the Wen sect’s colors. I am wearing white.”
“You look like you’re in mourning.”
“No one mourns in this much embroidery,” Lan Qiren said, voice dry as dust. “I shall change when we get there and no sooner.”
Wen Ruohan supposed he’d have to be content with that. But he wasn’t happy about it.
“Are you bored? Is that the problem?” Lan Qiren inquired, then put aside the paperwork with only a mild grumble. “I can return the offer you gave me, if you like.”
“I most certainly would,” Wen Ruohan said, because he wasn’t an idiot. And then, because he was sometimes maybe a bit of an idiot, he added snidely, “Though I thought you intended to finish reviewing the tax collection regulations before evening.”
Lan Qiren looked strangely thoughtful at that.
“…what?”
“It occurs to me,” Lan Qiren said, “that if you can stay still, I can likely multitask.”
And then he did.
Wen Ruohan had a new appreciation for the intricacy of the tax code his ancestors had implemented.
Less so for Lan Qiren’s fastidiousness – change clothing after bathing was a rule, apparently, and bathing after sex was less a rule than an obvious practice – but either way it did pass the time extraordinarily well, and soon enough they were arriving in Yunmeng.
Running late, of course, but that was always Wen Ruohan’s preference. He rarely had any patience for the social mingling that typically preceded the first day’s official meeting. The regular crowd would be gathering and showing off to each other, while the sect leaders would gather for a late morning meeting in order to reach a formal agreement on rules for the conference – the usual sort of reassurances that violence would not be tolerated, no acts of retribution, that sort of thing, always the same every year. It wasn’t until the second day that the discussion conference would be formally opened, with events for the disciples to compete in and time reserved for the important political negotiations.
Arriving late would give Wen Ruohan the perfect opportunity for an impressive entrance, which he always made – and this time, he had something special to show off.
As expected, Lan Qiren looked absolutely splendid in his new robes.
Wen Ruohan had ordered him several new sets, but had agreed, mostly for his own amusement, that the one he would wear for the first day would be the most conservative one, something not entirely dissimilar to Lan Qiren’s old robes, mostly white with a touch of color at the hems and on the inside layer. Except, of course, that the color was red, not blue, and the white was subtly embroidered with suns rather than clouds. Wen Ruohan was sure it would take a little while for people to notice, as most of them didn’t bother to look more closely once they saw the telltale forehead ribbon that denoted a Lan.
Sure enough, when they first walked into the already crowded pavilion at the Lotus Pier, the Jiang sect disciple at the door greeted them with a proper welcome to Wen Ruohan and a somewhat more sincere but significantly more confused “Welcome, Sect Leader Lan! The rest of the Gusu Lan delegation arrived a little earlier – ”
“I am no longer acting as sect leader,” Lan Qiren gently corrected him. “That term of address is no longer appropriate.”
“Oh, right.” The Jiang sect disciple looked embarrassed. “Sorry about that, Teacher Lan. Please come in.”
“One of your former students?” Wen Ruohan asked in a low voice as they went in, and was pleased to see Lan Qiren suppress a sigh and nod. “I see.”
“You act as though you are successfully making some sort of point. I regret to inform you that you are most assuredly not.”
They’d see about that.
Just as they’d see how long it took for anyone to notice that –
“Qiren! There you are!”
It was said that the shout of one of the Qinghe Nie could be heard halfway across the country. Whoever had come up with the saying had known what they were talking about, Wen Ruohan thought as he resisted the urge to rub his ears. That had been deafening.
Lao Nie cheerfully shouldered his way through the stunned and pained-looking crowd, many of whom were now staring at them – specifically at Lan Qiren, standing at Wen Ruohan’s side.
“There you are,” Lao Nie said again, stopping in front of them. “What kept you? I was starting to get worried, I didn’t know what to think when I didn’t see you with the Cloud Recesses delegation earlier. And now you’re coming in with Hanhan – nice to see you too, Hanhan – ”
Wen Ruohan was going to kill Lao Nie if he didn’t stop using that dreadful nickname.
“ – but Qiren, you’re never late. Did something happen? Were you delayed on the road?”
“It is good to see you as well,” Lan Qiren said, greeting the other man with a nod. “And no, I was not delayed. I am not part of the Cloud Recesses’ delegation this time, I am here with the Nightless City.”
The room, already mostly quiet as people blatantly eavesdropped, abruptly went completely silent.
“With…Qishan Wen?” Lao Nie echoed, then stared at him as if actually looking at him for the first time. Taking in the new robes, no doubt, and all the small details that had taken the seamstresses the better part of two months to finalize. Not the sort of thing that could be done overnight. “You’re with Qishan Wen this time? Is that what you said?”
“That’s right,” Wen Ruohan interjected. This was going to be so good. “I married him.”
Silence. Lao Nie looked at Lan Qiren, who nodded in confirmation –
And then the room exploded.
Everyone was talking at once, at exceptionally loud volumes. Shouts, yells, cries, and Wen Ruohan’s name were in everyone’s mouths, including the normally reserved delegation of Gusu Lan, which abandoned their usual grim-faced rectitude to huddle up and hiss at each other like a flock of angry geese. It seemed like Qingheng-jun had successfully hidden Lan Qiren’s marriage even from them.
Wen Ruohan was having such a good time right now.
For his part, Lao Nie just kept staring at the two of them, head revolving back and forth between them. But there was a storm brewing between his brows, that famous Nie temper clearly starting to rear its head, and he was just opening his mouth to say something when a very loud crack silenced the entire hall.
“Honorable guests,” Madam Yu said calmly, as if she hadn’t just cast out that lightning whip of hers in a sizzling arc right over everyone’s heads. “The time for the morning meeting has begun. For those of you who will be attending, please find your seats. The rest of you: kindly leave.”
“We will talk about this later,” Lao Nie said to them in a low voice, then stalked back towards his own sect.
Lan Qiren looked after him with a frown, clearly not sure what the problem was, and glanced back at Wen Ruohan, who responded with a very faint shrug. He knew what Lao Nie’s problem was, of course, even if he didn’t know exactly how the other man would end up expressing it, but at any event now wasn’t the time to talk about it.
Somehow Lan Qiren seemed to understand all of that from the shrug, and he nodded in acknowledgment, the frown disappearing in favor of the more studied neutral expression he usually had at sect conferences. He stepped back and let Wen Ruohan lead the way, settling down in the seat Wen Ruohan indicated for him, immediately to Wen Ruohan’s right. Normally that would be the place for whoever Wen Ruohan had picked to play the role of his head disciple, but there was still space for Wen Yingjiu to sit to his left, and that was sufficient for his purposes. Unlike some other sect leaders, Wen Ruohan rarely resorted to his nominal head disciple for anything other than taking notes, and putting Lan Qiren to his right meant that he could more efficiently look at the rest of the room and Lan Qiren at the same time, which best maximized his view of both everyone’s horrified glances at Lan Qiren and Lan Qiren’s completely unperturbed expression of calm.
Fantastic.
Wen Ruohan was just settling himself in for a gloriously entertaining meeting when someone suddenly said, very loudly, “Senior Lan, is this entirely appropriate?”
The room abruptly went silent.
The speaker was the sect leader of Wangdu Pei – not quite an official subsidiary sect of Lanling Jin, but not far from it. One of Jin Guangshan’s useful idiots, someone he could use to feel out a situation without risking a sect as valuable to him as the likes of Laoling Qin.
If this was going where he thought it was, Wen Ruohan was going to kill Jin Guangshan for daring to question his arrangements in public. Unfortunately, the query had been directed at Lan Qiren, not him, and that meant Lan Qiren had to be the one to respond to it.
Lan Qiren turned his head slowly and met Sect Leader Pei’s gaze.
“What do you mean?” he asked, voice stiff and extremely even, dull as dishwater. Really, it was no wonder that Wen Ruohan had overlooked him for so long, if this was the persona he adopted in public.
Sect Leader Pei looked a little uncomfortable, having presumably assumed that Lan Qiren would understand his implication without him having to make it explicit – more fool he, given that Lan Qiren had never taken a hint once in ten years – but then forged on. “I mean…where you’re sitting.”
“What is wrong with where I am sitting?” Lan Qiren asked. His hands were folded in his lap and his posture was picture-perfect. He couldn’t have looked more like a good proper Lan if he’d tried. “I am here on behalf of Qishan Wen. Naturally I should sit with them. It is not inappropriate.”
“Perhaps it wouldn’t be inappropriate later at the banquet, but now?” Sect Leader Pei said, a sneer twisting his lips. “I’m not sure you’ve noticed, Senior Lan, but this meeting is reserved for sect leaders and their chief advisors only. Wives are not invited.”
Wen Ruohan’s fists clenched on his knees, his nails digging into flesh. How dare this man? He would slaughter this man the first moment he had the chance – he’d slaughter the man’s whole sect, he would eradicate it from the world for daring to insult him like this. For daring to mess with his plans like this! He’d wanted to embarrass Lan Qiren by calling him Madam Wen later, to be sure, but that would be when it would be purely funny and not lose anyone any face. But just as importantly, this discussion conference wouldn’t be any fun without Lan Qiren at his side. He hadn’t expected this to happen – he hadn’t thought anyone would dare to challenge him. Not directly, not like this…
Unexpectedly, Lan Qiren didn’t react to the taunt.
Instead, he just frowned.
“I am not sure what you mean,” he said, seeming genuinely confused, his voice still mild as before. “Wen Ruohan is the sect leader. Surely it would be by far more inappropriate for me to dismiss him from this gathering just for being my wife.”
Silence.
A beat.
And then the room erupted into utter pandemonium.
As for Wen Ruohan…
Wen Ruohan had to bite his lower lip to keep from bursting out laughing.
Before had been good, but this?
This was perfect.
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