#the hazel druid original content

[thehazeldruid]

Personal Protection Powder

This is my personal concoction. I use it for protection, and in my circle casting

Crushed eggshells (start by drying them. Clean them out and peel out the membrane if you like, then bake at 200*F for around 30 minutes until they are dry. Use a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle to crush them however fine you like.) -this is for protection and power Dried, chopped

Basil- this is for protection, peace in your workings and to keep evil or negativity away.

Coffee grounds- for grounding the work, and giving it energy

Thyme- for purification and prosperous outcomes to your workings

I use this powder in my circle castings, in some of my jar spells for warding, and for general protection use.

Happy crafting!

M.G.

/|\

The Hazel Druid

[y-rhywbeth2]

Oh boy, this is long. This may in fact be a small novel.

Are these getting longer? At least the wood elves will be short. And then its the fucking novel that will be the dark elves.

Technically there are two subsets of 'wood' elf, but they overlap a lot. Wood/copper elves are a subgroup of green elves, in a way, but the copper elves being the result of sun elves and moon elves (and others) intermarrying with green elves enough that they produced enough of a distinct philosophical/cultural and ethnic identity to stand out.

The terms: 'sylvan elves' or 'forest elves' can be applied to both. Technically, so can 'wood elves,' but since the Or'Tel'Quessir became their own distinct branch it pretty much just refers to them now.

Subraces categorised as 'wood elves' are still finer boned than humans, but more substantial than those classified as 'high elves.'

Average Weight Range: 80 lbs - 240 lbs

Starting with the original wood elves; the green elves, who got fucked over by the world hard and who reading about makes me want to start hitting the writers with the book. I tried to find a balance between exorcising the worst of it without getting rid of the content, but I don't know how much, or if, that's possible to do. Still, the lore is the lore and that's what I'm compiling.

The People of the Green - Sy'Tel'Quessir

Green elves*, Forest elves, Sylvan elves, 'Wild' elves**

* Green as in greenery and forest biomes.

** Despite that being what most of Faerûn and the writers calls them; don't.

Hair: Ranging from black through the shades of brown, including copper, through to blonde. Lightens 'til it's silver-white over the years.

Eyes: Green, brown and hazel

Skintone: Sharing the copper hues of the wood elves, but also dark brown, so dark copper hues.

Average Lifespan: 450 - 850 years. But there has been at least one elf who was 1000 years old.

Patron Deity: Rillifane Rallathil, god of nature.

Other quirks: While they share the human level height range of other elves, green elves apparently tend towards being tall.

'Well we tried the whole building cities and nations and then everybody else came along and burned it all down (again, and again and again and again and-). Clearly that was a waste of time; time to embrace a philosophy of impermanency and fuck off into the remote regions of Faerûn and never talk to anybody ever again.'

The Sy'Tel'Quessir are perfectly happy as they are right now and are not interested in whatever you're selling. Get out, and don't bother coming back with a warrant; they don't care. (Although they have been forced to play politics with the outside world every now and again.)

-

The Road of Life:

Green elves largely agree with moon elves that one's life is a personal thing, that life in general exists to be enjoyed, and that one must walk ones path in life for for oneself (while also supporting others in your community, creating a network that supports everybody in living their lives to the full).

The joy of life exists in new things and the acts of change and creation, but not in stagnation - the world is ever changing and cannot be made static or controlled (trying begets tragedy).

Green elven life is heavily tied up with their spirituality and faith. One is guided through life by visions gained through communing with the (very large) pantheon of various gods, and although green elves are also guided by their druids, one's worship and relationship with the gods is also a deeply personal and individualistic thing.

Origin:

In -27,000 DR, 2,600 years before the arrival of the Tintageer refugees, the fey of Toril opened a portal to the Feywild, summoning elves loyal to the fey gods to the plane in an effort to counter the dominion of dragonkind by displacing them with the rise of elvenkind. These elves - who revered the natural world and worshipped 'fey spirits' and the likes of Titania and Oberon in place of the Seldarine and were nicknamed the Faerie elves by Tintageer refugees - were the people whose descendants would be known as the dark elves and green elves (Also the avariel and lythari migrated with them, I suppose, but this isn't about them).

They set out to explore and established the first elven settlements, and later became key contributors to the development of elven High Magic.

Of all the nations over the course of elven history, green elven nations were the least likely to commit war crimes - they had them inflicted upon them, instead.

Over the course of the Crown Wars, every green elven homeland was destroyed and at the end was a dark age they spent as 'fugitives, slaves, or rootless vagabonds' called 'The Wandering.' In the process the green elves lost much of the ancient lore that burned with their homelands, losing more as they moved their focus to the skills of day-to-day survival.

The constant destruction of their people and the destruction of the natural beauty of the world they had made their home, at the hands of dragons, at the hands of other elves including their closest kin, and then from orcs and humans, repeatedly, led the green elves to abandon the world at large.

They created the islands that would become known as Evermeet to escape the violence of the Crown Wars: They got colonised by Aryvandaar.

After the crown wars they founded Yuirshanyaar with the star elves: That got ruined by an invasion of Untheric humans, though at the very least external forces forced that to get better.

They settled the Chondalwood: the humans of Jhaamdath kept destroying the safety of their woods, ignoring their set boundaries and over-foresting in the name of their dreams of conquest. (The elves of the Chondalwood do get along rather well with the local ghostwise halflings who have a similar desire to be left alone - which is to say, both groups politely avoid each other.)

They lived in the forests around Amn and Tethyr (the Wealdath and Shilimista), and then were colonised by the human Shoon Empire, who enslaved them and tortured them in dark magic experiments. Then later down the line of history the human kingdom of Tethyr started an attempted ethnic cleansing of the elves following a failed attempt at building good relations, believing the elves had conspired to assassinate the king who'd brought in a golden age (technically it was a handful of elves who assassinated him, fearing future human abuse, this was not an official plan nor anything the elves of the Wealdath at large had any knowledge or part of).

The basic sum of green elven history is 'we build things and then outsiders come along and burn it down, usually while trying to torture and kill us.' As such the modern green elf has absolutely zero desire to ever interact with an outsider. They will see to their own, and everybody else can stay the hells away from them.

After the star elves and green elves settled in the Yuirwood, something like 10,000 years ago, the Seldarine came into contact with the local Yuir pantheon. The culture that worshipped these gods was long gone, and merged with the elven gods to survive. The fusion of Rillifane Rallathil and the gods Magnar the Bear and Relkath of the Infinite Branches saw the Leaflord - who had been moving away from his roots to become a more 'urban' god as the elves developed in that direction - revert to a much more wilderness-focused deity, who contained many animal-formed nature spirits that serve as his aspects and were also adopted into the worship of the Sy'Tel'Quessir and their later half-elven descendants (the Cha'Tel'Quessir of the Yuirwood) as their faiths and culture shifted to a more druidic tradition.

The constant loss of everything they've ever built, as well as observation of a history full of nations that rose and fell to changing tides, has led the green elves to become disillusioned with the notion of permanency, including static ordered 'civilisation' that causes so much pride and destruction chasing illusions. Rilifane's dogma of the natural cycles of change and death and rebirth, along with change and the creation of the new being seen as one of the joys of life defines the green elven mindset: Green elves, as a whole, find meaning in their current culture and have no interest in recovering or preserving the civilisations of their ancestors - an attitude that baffles sun elves to no end.

While green elves have retreated to Evermeet (or were there already) many remained on the continent to defend the forests from the spread of human industry and settling.

-

Society:

Green elf culture is similar to the moon elves; usually nomadic, highly-social and gregarious, fun-loving and constantly looking for an excuse to party and play with new things. (Considering that moon elves are another branch on the green elf tree and the many iterations of dark elves are also party animals, it's probably safe to say that raging parties are just a staple of elves in general). Hunts are a cause for throwing a celebration - usually an excuse for a celebration. Everybody, whatever their ability; the young, the elderly, the disabled, is given a part to play within their abilities so that all may feel they've contributed and share in the joy of success, and then they party. (Elders in general tend to be respected, and when one cannot work their family or community will care for them until they pass on.)

A non-green elf, outside of the very closely related wood elves whose territories often overlap with theirs, will never know this about them. Outsiders mostly only know them through rumour as the mysterious and hostile 'wild' elves who have lost all their fancy elven culture. Green elves on their end minimise all contact with outsiders, usually expressing undisguised hostility when forced to endure it, and prefer to be entirely uncontacted if they can. One invited into their settlements will find the locals pretending they don't exist (while guards watch every their move). Green elven population numbers are so low that they don't feel they can afford the risk of trusting outsiders and inviting more destruction.

Normally green elves will hide their presence from outsiders, preferably in a non-violent manner that won't draw ire and further invasion. Usually they do this by retreating to/remaining in hidden settlements or 'elf paths' in the canopy while the intruders pass through without noticing, or by enchanting them and leaving them on the outskirts of the forest with no memory of where they've been. If it comes down to it though, green elves are ready to kill.

'The elves dare not trust humans or other outsiders if they are to survive. They will kill, and kill swiftly, to preserve the safety of this last stand of their people.'

It typically takes decades or centuries of interaction to build the evidence to make a green elf confident that an outsider won't bring harm on them (even by accident). Once a green elf's affection is earned they near enough adopt their new loved one, sometimes a bit literally; tattooing beloved friends is a common way of showing acceptance and broadcasting that the outsider is trustworthy (the sight of authentic green elven tattoos on a non-green elf thaws the icy reception enough that you can expect that most green elves will greet you as warmly as their kin.)

-

Due to their isolationist policies, as well as being scattered all over Faerûn developed under different histories and surroundings, there are few sweeping statements that can be made about the structures of green elven societies. Some are nomadic, others are semi-nomadic and move from settlement to settlement, while others are sedentary - usually living in treetop villages, out of view of passers-by.

Most practice gender segregation. Where those who don't fit into the binary fit has never been discussed, but I imagine that also varies from place to place. Men and women, to varying degrees, undergo their daily lives and spiritual traditions separately. Power structures vary, with some being matriarchal, some being patriarchal and others being egalitarian in leadership or having men and women wield power over different aspects of life.

The pecking order of a green elven society ('gently established,' compared to the way non-elves consider and enforce things) does not apply outside of ones own. A green elf matriarch from, say, Shilimista meeting a young green elf hunter from Evermeet outside of each of their homes are strangers and will not have any form of ranking governing interactions between them.

Many green elves refuse to engage with items created by outsiders (especially magical ones) and the disaster they're sure to bring and have already brought with their creation (like metal, which was created with the deforestation and pollution of mining). Others refrain from mining, on religious grounds, but don't hold outsiders to the same standards and are cautiously willing to engage in limited trade (usually with other elves) for metal and sometimes interesting luxury items from outside their culture like instruments or clothes. Hostility and degree of isolation is another thing that varies depending on local history.

Some shared points:

Green elven life is no less steeped in the arcane than any other elven culture (save wood elves, who have little interest in the arcane) but they ignore the static and structures of wizardry in favour of the creativity and natural spontaneous magic of sorcery. Green elves have similar runic magic traditions to moon elves, although their traditions are not linked to Angharradh and are not necessarily restricted to women. In some places they may not be gender restricted and in others they are restricted to specific genders. A unique form of green elven magic involves storing spells in the skin in the form of tattoos, and often has a similar effect to a magic garment. For example; tattooing a haste spell onto ones legs or feet would have a similar effect to boots of speed. (The effect of the spells in question must target the person bearing the tattoo). Said tattoos also fade once the magic activates.

Green elves don't build architecture or tools to last. Generations faced with the destruction of knowledge and the pressures of survival without infrastructure, coupled with their faith shifting to focus on a druidic coexistence with nature (minimising disruptions for personal gain) has developed a culture of using only what materials they can find around them - wood, bone, leather and raw mineral that doesn't require mining. A good tool is a practical one that can be easily repaired on the go.

What permanence is permitted is when living things are part of the structure, such as still-alive trees (able to change and grow) shaped into buildings like the Eight's Tree: a sometime court, manor and guesthouse (that also serves as a granary and armoury for the community) hollowed into a giant oak tree, belonging to the Duke of the Eastern Wealdath.

Art and creative hobbies are beloved, but the folly of trying to trap the beauty of art and life locked in place is shunned, with the sole exception being their religious tradition of tattooing (an artform embraced by all elves, except drow, but none more so than the green elves). Permanent art like sculpture and painting is avoided (or perhaps destroyed or left to rot after its making), they don't generally bother with the written word, at most maintaining the stories that need to be remembered in oral tradition if they must be recorded at all.

Green elves have a similar competitive streak to dark elves; they don't shy from combat and enjoy martial contest. Unlike mainstream dark elven culture this doesn't get bloody (it can't anyway; green elves are too endangered to throw away their population). Raiding and mock-battles are a sport and a form of politics.

Funerary customs usually involve tree burials. For noble/well-respected individuals the ceremony involves using magic to encase the body in a still-living tree.

Following their philosophy of not holding onto permanence, it's common for green elves to reject the concept of monogamy. Considering the ancestral ties and other points of similarity it's possible that green elven marriages operate like dark elven ones; a marriage lasts for a certain span of time, lasting years to decades before expiring, leaving the partners to decide whether to renew the marriage or go their separate ways.

Animals are generally viewed fondly, and relationships with animals that can serve as guardians or aid with hunts like wolves and birds of prey (usually as druid and ranger companions) are deliberately cultivated.

---

All elves cultivate the natural environment around them for agricultural and construction purposes while keeping disturbances to the ecosystem to a minimum, but the green elves are particularly adept at it. The Wealdath, for example, is cultivated into something of a fortress:

The 'walls' surrounding the forest, known as 'The Shield,' are formed by dense, borderline impenetrable trees (some of which are actually treants who are perfectly ready to rip you limb from limb) behind and around which are entire areas of natural traps made of entangling thorns, fungi that emit spores that make humans ill, and a deliberately encouraged population of dangerous animals - all geared to keep outsiders out of their realm and far away from the elves. (Outsiders can stay in the plentiful 'upsun' parts of the outer forest - 'There, the forest is expanding by itself, sunlight is plentiful, and birds and small forest beasts are numerous.')

A series of roads connects the forest, allowing the elves fast and safe travel from place to place, known (to outsiders) as 'elf trails.'

'Barely noticeable to human rangers and druids, they have no names and often combine ground level and “uppertree” travel, running along and leaping from branch to branch. Uppertree routes cross over bogs, thorn-thickets, and beast lairs that the ground routes lead into, only to fade out in the very heart of danger. Swing-log rams and deadfalls are favorite trail traps.'

The ground level faux-trails trespassers might come across are marked with neon 'keep out' signs in the form of human skeletons pinned to nearby trees by arrows, enchanted to glow blue in the darkness.

The paths are dotted with hidden caches and natural shelters (caves, particularly sheltering trees, abandoned structures built by others), holy sites, and safe peaceful parts of the forest that are ideal for camping or foraging (foraging spots are also deliberately located, placed and cultivated, encouraging health and spread of desired resources; 'several ponds of drinkable water, edible berries in profusion at the right time of year, and small game in plenty.').

The tree-city of Suldanessellar is the largest permanent settlement consisting of ancient still-living trees with hollowed out living spaces within their trunks at 50-300ft above the ground, the higher the better (green elven architecture is 'inextricably part of the healthy trees that support them—an engineering feat that would baffle the best gnome architect.') Most residents are not permanent; the elves travel in family units or other groups through the forest, often coming back to the city to socialise or rest. It also serves as a neutral ground for green elven politics.

Swanmay's Glade, at the foot of Suldanessellar serves as a sometime trading point, since apparently merchants simply won't stop trying to barter for 'exotic wild elf goods.' '...some elves have come to hold the view that if humans are going to blunder into the Wealdath attempting to trade, they might as well be met here. And if they come to steal or slay, the Glade is as good a place to kill them as any.'

The village of Talltrees is the other, smaller settlement, also far above ground in the canopy. Human mercenaries burned it down in an attempt to murder all the elves there in 1364 DR (you know the drill by this point, I'm sure) though there was mention during the 14th century that the elves planned to rejuvenate the forest and start a new one. It also serves as a peaceful meeting ground for external politics.

---

While green elves would rather live in total isolation, sometimes proximity forces diplomacy. Usually in the form of: 'these are our boundaries, which you do not cross; you can go logging and hunting here, here, and here but nowhere else; and we will agree to trade with you on these neutral grounds and you will respect every single boundary we place upon you while in our domain. Trespassers will be shot.'

Green elves and their leaders may be involved with local human politics, even if their people are not.

Some will begrudgingly reach out to the likes of adventurers during times of dire need, and others will trade for resources unavailable or less available in their lands.

Visitors like traders who are permitted near settlements are to wait at a designated camping point to wait until an elf shows up to guide them to the 'marketplace,' which will usually be as far away from their actual settlement as it can get without making moving goods back and forth impractical.

'[Merchants] report that the elves desire finely made metal needles, fastenings buckles and clasps, pans, bowls, and weapons; cheeses, and durable, fine-woven fabrics in hues found in nature. In return, they trade fresh and ground forest herbs; edible forest mushrooms; delectable sweet jellies made from certain plants and leaves; potent berry wines; and a flavorful paste or spread. This “Wealdathar” is made from certain crushed and ground roots and berries, the flesh’ of quail and other forest fowl, and smoked forest meats. [...] I know of no human coming to harm from eating it, but there are some folk who swear it contains some secret ingredient that elven mages can use to control the bodies of anyone who's ever eaten Wealdathar. If so, the mages seem to be waiting for some future occasion to wield such power.' - Volo's Guide to Baldur's Gate II

Diplomacy, as ever, changes by location:

On Evermeet they mostly shun their cousins unless required to band together for mutual defence, but are willing to mingle with them during festival times and are engage in trade with the moon elves for items like chainmail and musical instruments from other elven cultures. (Moon elves also tend to annoy green elves by trying their usual cultural thing of assimilating to and exploring other cultures without thinking things through, and in the process overstep the boundaries of the Sy'Tel'Quess and start appropriating their culture. Other elves in general tend to romanticise/fetishize the 'purity' of green elven culture, though the sun elves continue to be completely baffled by the notion of letting your ancestral culture fade into nothing without fighting for it, and may start trying to push it back onto them.)

The green elves of the Yuirwood made peace with the humans after banding together against mutual threats eventually formed a blended society. Their descendants are mostly of human and elven descent forming the half-green elven people known as the Cha'Tel'Quessir, who have made a place for themselves as members of Aglarondan society and their way of life is protected and respected.

Elves of the Wealdath have a long, long bad history with humans. In the late 14th century attempts on both sides to forge more peaceful relationships started up again, but they were still icy and probably still are.

'Anyone who thinks this is all “old dust history” is reminded of the Battle of the Burning, some twenty years ago, wherein an adventuring band decided to expand the valley they'd retired to by burning back the forest. All of them died, along with every local farmer and every last sheep, hog, and ox. Sorcerous rain clouds remained over the smoldering trees for months, and all of the human corpses and their livestock were left for others to find, bristling with arrows.'

Religion:

'The Great Oak draws energy from all the living creatures of the world and nourishes, sustains, and protects them from outside threats. Live in harmony with the natural world, allowing each living being the opportunity to serve out its natural purpose in life. As the Leaflord's countless branches, his faithful are to serve as his mortal agents in the natural world - Defend the great forests from those who would ravage their riches, leaving only destruction in their path. Contest both the quick and the slow death of Rillifane's bounty and hold strong like the great oaks in the face of those who can see only their own immediate needs' - Rillifane Rallathil's dogma

The green elven pantheon is a rather large one, compared to other elves'. A core part of the faith is that the world itself has its life energy, which is sacred, and gods representing that world (Rilifane, Silvanus, Mielikki) are worshipped alongside weaker powers that represent them, and - much in the spirit that the Seldarine are considered to be spirits of the world of Arvandor - local spirits are respected and made homage to - albeit not worshipped. The spirits of ancient trees are particularly venerated (though, again, not as deities) as sentient foci of 'good' natural energies. Elves may reverie beneath the shelter of the tree after asking a question of it and making an offering and can expect to see answering visions in their rest.

Individual elves tend to find specific spirits and divine servitors are more significant to their lives than others, and pay more attention to the omens and symbols associated with them.

While at least some of the green elves at some point rediscovered Sehanine after migrating to Toril, and have long since resumed the worship of the Seldarine, they continue to pay homage to the fey gods. While they recognise Corellon as head of the elven pantheon, they do not place the same import upon their creator that they do to Rilifane Ralathil, Solonor Thelandira (hunting) or Erevan Ilesere (fun, championing the underdog, and antiauthority - Erevan is noted to get dangerous when groups of sylvan elves are threatened). Those are near enough the only members of the elven pantheon they feel any connection to.

Druids serve as spiritual advisors to the community, sometimes leaders, but there's no calendar or set holidays or services, a green elf prays as and when the mood takes them.

Elven subraces

Link: Disclaimer regarding D&D "canon" & Index [tldr: D&D lore is a giant conflicting mess. Larian's lore is also a conflicting mess. There's a lot of lore; I don't know everything. You learn to take what you want and leave the rest. etc]

(Tel'Quessir only, we're not going into the non-Torillian stuff like snow elves or astral elves)

How many of these bastards could you possibly need, you ask? Well according to the writers there are never enough:

So lore dumps on Moon elves, Sun elves, Star elves, Wood elves, Green elves, Aquatic elves, Winged elves, Dark elves (and their infinite permutations), Lythari, Fey'ri, and Celadrin. And we're not going into the other tiny little pockets of culture like the Llewyrr or the Poscadari.

A brief talk about the mixing of subraces, and then starting the lore dumps off with the moon elves.

A note before going into it is that, obviously, elves can be descended from multiple subraces. Mechanically they will take after one parent, usually a mother. In appearance they usually favour one parent over the other, but they may have any mix of traits from their parents.

So a green elf (wood) and a moon elf (high) may produce a child whose 5e character sheet says either wood elf or high elf, with the appropriate stat bonus (3.5e would put them down as green or moon). It takes generations of mixing to produce a distinct subrace as the moon elves and wood elves have.

Canonically:

Shemmithil Maraphiir - better known as Ashemmi - is the daughter of a sun elven mother and a moon elven father. Mechanically she was a moon elf (and identified as one), and she had blonde hair and golden eyes from her mother.

Halanaestra, a tavern-master (barkeeper/pub landlord) on Evermeet is of mixed silver, green and sea elven heritage.

There's also an elven noble house (House Le'Quella) of mixed moon and green heritage.

As the offspring of an elf and a half-elf is mechanically classified as an elf in the Realms it's also possible for an elf to display human genes from a grandparent or more distant ancestor. (Or even a non-human non-elven ancestor).

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Elven aging, in DnD baseline canon, features a lifespan of aprox. 750 years. That said, sources have varied and different elven subraces have different average lifespans so I'll mention them. It's also worth noting that these are average lifespans, and even the shortest-lived elven subrace (drow) are known to live into four digit numbers.

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Obviously the lore presented is cultural norms and stereotypes, and individual elves may not fit the mould perfectly.

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High Elves are sometimes referred to as Eladrin, which also happens to be the name for the closely related celestials/fey who dwell in the Feywild and Arvandor. Generally people just call them elves.

Calling a moon or star elf a high elf may cause confusion, as while there are three subraces that fall into the category it's also one of the terms used to refer to sun elves.

All high elven subraces share the same average heights and weights, standing on average about the same heights as humans (in contrast to elves of other worlds, who tend to be shorter)

Height Range: 4'5" - 6'6", averaging the same heights as humans.

Weight Range: 70 lbs - 250 lbs, lighter than a human of the same height and build - likely due to the comparatively physical fragility and 'delicateness' high elves are known for.

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The People of the Moon - Teu'Tel'Quessir

Moon elves, Silver elves, Grey elves*

*A slur used by gold elves who consider them inferiors (and what an elf should not be).

By far the most likely to show ancestry from outside the moon elf gene pool. For example; while moon elven hair skews towards silver-white, they can be seen with hair of any colour.

Hair: silver, white, silver-white, white-blue, white-green, blue, midnight blue, black. Very, very early generations of moon elves had bright red hair, but that gene seems to have died out.

Eyes: Green, blue, grey, silver. A distinct trait of moon elves is that their eyes are always flecked with gold (which catches the light, giving the impression of literal gold or even stars).

Skintone: 'Bleached white' - also likened to ivory, alabaster and snow - with blue undertones, and an affect that's described as being like 'white marble' (which I assume is the blue pattern formed by veins under the skin where it's thin, but that's just my assumption.)

Average Lifespan: 500-900 years. Second longest lived of the elven subraces.

Patron deity: Sehanine Moonbow, deity of death, journeys, transcendence, dreams, mysticism, the night sky with the stars and moon. Moon elven religion is also the only one to officially include Angharradh in the pantheon.

Wandering party elves who may have to show up to work hungover. Individualistic, impulsive, flighty, fun-loving, hedonistic little bastards who tend to take risks and have a horrible ability to judge said risks: Do first, think later. Being alive is a delight, and the purpose of life is to enjoy it to the fullest (and to have the freedom to do so). If you visit Evermeet some of them will board your ship without warning on the way in and drink all your booze while singing bawdy songs. They tend to embrace change, delight in gambling, and see life as something to be enjoyed - other elves simply need to pull their heads out of their asses.

'Life is for the living and is best spent among the lively. Revel in variety and laughter, for all living things can learn and laugh with each other.'

Origin:

Moon elves are descended from the children of Sharlario Moonflower, an adventuring merchant from the Feywild (although his rival personally believed the man to be a pirate). He was staying in the city of Tintageer when it was destroyed by disaster and fled with the survivors to Toril. Said survivors became the gold elves, while he married a green elven priestess of Sehanine Moonbow. Their children inherited his white-blue skin and their mother's devout reverence for the Daughter of the Night Skies and were nicknamed moon elves as a result, they took to wandering as he did and served well as diplomats between the various elven people who had made their home on Toril.

(The Moonflower clan also went on to be the royal family as history progressed, and some sun elven reactionaries have never really forgiven the moon elves for that since that's their place.)

-

The Road of Life: 'The silver elves strongly believe than an individual must choose his or her path through life.' In the moon elven take on the core elven philosophy there is no one correct way to live life, and every individual must be free to find their own way and chose the path for themselves. It's not the destination that matters, but the journey.

Moon elves have a drive to seek excitement and new experiences; to see and do as much as they can within their lifespan, trying out new things and dropping them for the next as they go. They often spend the longest time in the first stage of the road, characterised by chasing impulse and entertainment, travelling and adventuring, focusing on themselves and their own interests rather than the community - and sometimes lapsing from the second stage (the mature stage where they focus on their society and their place in it) back to the first wanderlust stage in later life. There is no stigma against this however; it's their road to walk and they must walk it as they see fit.

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Society:

Moon elves found outside of elven lands are transients, usually travelling in extended family groups. Of course, being elves, their idea of a brief stay has them hanging around in one settlement for years, sometimes several decades. They're likely to own houses and have jobs and long-term friendships before they decide to wander off again.

Their nomadic lifestyle often leads moon elves to pick up multiple languages over the course of their lives.

Due to their history of wandering and mixing with the people they encounter, their culture encouraging a love of fun and new experiences, and the presence of Angharradh in their religious beliefs encouraging strength in diversity, moon elves are the most outgoing and amongst the most open-minded and friendly elves (the others are the copper elves, who share their open-minded outlook but are more settled and reclusive). They do have conflicts - some moon elves are embittered by historical losses at the hands of humans; Evereska has historically been barred to any non-elves save Harpers and elf friends. And sometimes the friction between the clashing ideals of moon and sun elves, as well as their bad history, turns to real enmity rather than their usual 'disapproving family members' treatment. But the philosophical outlook moon elves have drilled into their head from birth, favouring individuality, generally leads them to be willing to treat people as individuals rather than members of their group.

Moon elven houses are the most likely to adopt non-elves into house membership, and often frown upon refusing to legitimise mixed children born to their house.

They usually happily integrate with their neighbours in whatever society they're staying in, though if they feel persecuted or othered they're known to respond by becoming the most obnoxious elven stereotype in order to annoy said neighbours. An elven household in a human city isn't going to have a bedroom and is liable to be covered in plants like some kind of greenhouse (these plants are actually edible - to the elven digestive system, at least), but assuming they like their guest they'll put the plants away and prepare a guest room while hosting. Sometimes the plants are enchanted to levitate to the rafters on command.

Fighters aren't uncommon, but moon elves prefer to approach conflict with a stealth-first mentality; moon elven stories favour heroes who outwit and humiliate their opponents with quick thinking and cunning.

Literature, song and poetry favours light-hearted with a focus on humour - especially dirty humour. They have their share of more solemn and tragic historical tales, but these things have their time and place and don't get the focus.

They like to party and all night revels are a common thing. Gambling games are also a staple of moon elven social life and getting dragged into games of kholiast (a very complicated card game involving dice and a deck of 1000 cars) is to be expected.

Pets are common, especially hunting dogs and birds of prey. They don't seem to care for horses though, preferring their own two feet. On the less common selection are blink dogs, pegasi, unicorns and dragonnes (cat-dragon things).

Moon elven culture doesn't encourage hiding or repressing emotion and many wear their hearts on their sleeves. They have a reputation for mood swinging, going from exuberant joy and merriment to 'the pits of despair and melancholy' and back again at speeds that non-moon elves struggle to cope with. Hiding or repressing your emotions is frowned on, and the stoicism practiced by gold elves is derided as a 'colourless' existence.

Customisation and self-expression in fashion is big. Makeup, especially eyeliner and eyeshadow is well loved. Piercings made of metal are less common, and bone - especially from a deceased loved one or revered ancestor - is favoured. If they use metal it's likely to be silver. Most moon elves having such pale hair means that temporary dyes see a lot of use, and they like painting their nails.

They also enjoy fussing over their hairstyles, and braids, ponytails and hair decorations like beads and wrapped wire are popular.

Some - though not all - moon elves have a tradition of body paint and tattooing in 'mystic patterns,' some of which were appropriated from green elven culture while others were maintained from their mutual ancestors. Body paint and temporary tattoos are far more common as their impermanence makes them more appealing: what if you change your mind about the design later, after all? You can change temporary designs as much as you like when you get a new idea and then put the old one on again later.

Almost as if they're making up for their flighty hedonistic ways, moon elves do take their oaths and responsibilities very seriously: an oath from a moon elf should be a binding contract, and oathbreakers are reviled as the worst sorts.

Adopting the local N'Quess fashions aside, traditional moon elven clothing is relatively simple but favours the highest quality material and construction possible. They enjoy embroidery and customising their own clothes, featuring patterns and beadwork and intricately carved stones. Some even add feathers. Where moon elves feel safe they favour bolder colours - cultural wisdom says 'brighter is better' and your peers respect you more the more ostentatious you go - but in places where they feel threatened they dress conservatively and tone it down to more earthen colours to blend in and avoid notice.

While they have the usual elven love of magic, and delight in experimentation and pushing the boundaries of the Art, moon elves despise black necromancy and its creations - likely a combination of their reverence for Sehanine to whose doctrine undeath is an abomination, and their love of life and freedom (to which undeath, a form of slavery and mock existence, is also an abomination). It is not taught or studied in Evereska, which may actually put them at a disadvantage when faced with hostile necromantic spells. Want to be an elven necromancer? Be ready to live alone.

They don't tend to make very good enchanters though, as few have the patience to sit around for ages doing all the long repetitive work that goes into making and enchanting a powerful item ('Sun elves in particular find this trait somewhat embarrassing' and moon elves respond by saying that think the sun elves' taking decades to make a single object is 'obsessive'). They usually make a bunch simple, weaker enchantments to-go.

Evereska, 'the Fortress Home,' and last major elven civilisation on Faerûn, located in the far North-East of the Western Hinterlands is a moon elven state. It does host sun and wood elven residents, but the city is still founded by and mostly populated by the Teu'Tel'Quessir.

The moon elven reputation for open-mindedness may find itself faltering there thanks to an extremely xenophobic noble population; half-elves are barred from certain privileges, such as membership at the Academy, without the backing of a high ranking elven parent and during the spellplage a rise in xenophobia saw many Evereskan half-elves leave the city. They prefer never to let dwarves of half-orcs in under any circumstances whatsoever. Said noble houses are ancient lineages and think moon elves not part of these esteemed houses are second-class citizens. Non-moon elves and non-elves can get fucked. As ever, Toril's nobility are a deranged world unto themselves and you can't really judge what to expect of a people by their rulers, nor what to expect of the nobility by looking at the average citizen.

(The moon elven noble houses of Evermeet tend to be friendlier.)

-

Religion:

Silver elves are pious as a people, and their idea of worship is (can you guess?) partying. You start a ceremony with a few moments of solemn prayer, the elven equivalent of an 'amen,' and then immediately start the revel. Festivals end when the last elf collapses from exhaustion sometime in the early morning after.

Sehanine Moonbow features prominently in their worship, and moon elves account for 54% of the membership of her church.

They are also the only elven subrace to remember the triune goddess Agharradh: the queen of Arvandor and a fusion of the deities Sehanine, Hanali Celanil and Aerdrie Faenya. Other subraces may find themselves called to her service but 93% of her total followers are moon elves. Sun elves are the only other elves who know who Angharradh is, and they dismiss her as moon elves misinterpreting Sehanine and consider her worship heretical (though they largely leave the moon elves be).

[goblin-witch]

ꉔꏂ꒒꓄꒐ꉔ ꓄ꋪꏂꏂ ꋬꇙ꓄ꋪꄲ꒒ꄲꍌꌦ

Celtic Tree Astrology is the astrological system practiced by the ancient Irish. It is based on an ancient Celtic symbol system. The Celtic Zodiac is drawn from the beliefs of the Druids and is based on the cycles of the moon. The year is divided into 13 lunar months, with a tree (sacred to the druids) assigned to each month. Each tree has particular magical qualities whose secret mysteries come from the ancient Celtic alphabet, the Ogram.

The Celts envisioned the entire Universe in the form of a tree, whose roots grew deep below (in the ground) and whose branches reached up high (into the Heavens). In time, the Celtic people eventually designated a tree to each of the 13 Moon phases in their calendar, in accordance with its magical properties. As such the Celtic Zodiac is based upon the cycles of the Moon, with the year divided into the 13 lunar months established by the Druid religion.

The Druid religion was based mainly upon an awareness of natural and supernatural energies. These energies were identified with spirits and the Celtic Druids believed that trees were given these spirits, who dwelt within, and were perceived as attributes of the Supreme Being. Thus, trees were considered living entities, possessed with Infinite Knowledge and Wisdom, symbolically representative of the Cycle of Life, Death and Renewal, and symbolically connected with the three planes of existence: mind, body, and spirit.

Birch – The Achiever

December 24 – January 20

If you were born under the energy of the Birch you can be highly driven, and often motivate others they become easily caught in your zeal, drive and ambition. You are always reaching for more, seeking better horizons and obtaining higher aspirations. The Druids attributed this to your time of birth, which is a time of year shrouded by darkness, so consequently you are always stretching out to find the light. Birch signs (just like the tree) are tolerant, tough, and resilient. You are cool-headed and are natural-born rulers, often taking command when a situation calls for leadership. When in touch with your softer side, you also bring beauty in otherwise barren spaces, brightening up a room with your guile, and charming crowds with your quick wit. Celtic tree astrology Birch signs are compatible with Vine signs and Willow signs.

Rowan – The Thinker

January 21 – February 17

Celtic tree astrology recognizes Rowan signs as the philosophical minds within the zodiac. If you were born under the Rowan energy, you are likely a keen-minded visionary, with high ideals. Your thoughts are original and creative, so much so, that others often misunderstand from where you are coming. This sometimes makes you aloof when interacting with others as you feel they wouldn’t understand where you are coming from anyway. Nevertheless, although you may appear to have a cool exterior, you are burning within your passionate ideals. This inner passion provides inner motivation for you as you make your way through life. You have a natural ability to transform situations and people around you by your mere presence. You are highly influential in a quiet way and others look to you for your unique perspectives. Rowan pairs well with Ivy and Hawthorn signs.

Ash – The Enchanter

February 18 – March 17

Those born under the Celtic tree astrology sign of the Ash are free thinkers. Imaginative, intuitive, and naturally artistic, you see the world in water-color purity. You have a tendency to moody and withdrawn at times, but that’s only because your inner landscape is in constant motion. You are in touch with your muse, and you are easily inspired by nature. Likewise, you inspire all that you associate with and people seek you out for your enchanting personality. Art, writing (especially poetry), science, and theology (spiritual matters) are areas that strongly interest you. Others may think you are reclusive, but in all honesty, you are simply immersed in your own world of fantastic vision and design. You are in a constant state of self-renewal and you rarely place a value on what others think about you. Ash signs partners well with Willow and Reed signs.

Alder – The Trailblazer

March 18 – April 14

If you are an Alder sign within the Celtic tree astrology system, you are a natural-born pathfinder. You’re a mover and a shaker, and will blaze a trail with fiery passion often gaining loyal followers to your cause. You are charming, gregarious and mingle easily with a broad mix of personalities. In other words, Alder signs get along with everybody and everybody loves to hang around with you. This might be because Alder’s are easily confident and have a strong self-faith. This self-assurance is infectious and other people recognize this quality in you instantly. Alder Celtic tree astrology signs are very focused and dislike waste. Consequently, they can see through superficialities and will not tolerate fluff. Alder people place high value on their time, and feel that wasting time is insufferable. They are motivated by action and results. Alder’s pair well with Hawthorns, Oaks or even Birch signs.

Willow – The Observer

April 15 – May 12

If you are a Willow sign, you are ruled by the moon, and so your personality holds hands with many of the mystical aspects of the lunar realm. This means you are highly creative, intuitive (highly psychic people are born under the sign of the Willow) and intelligent. You have a keen understanding of cycles, and you inherently know that every situation has a season. This gives you a realistic perspective of things, and also causes you to be more patient than most tree signs. With your intelligence comes a natural ability to retain knowledge and you often impress your company with the ability to expound on subjects from memory. Willow Celtic tree astrology signs are bursting with potential, but have a tendency to hold themselves back for fear of appearing flamboyant or overindulgent. It is your powers of perception that ultimately allow your true nature to shine, and what leads you to success in life. Willow signs join well with the Birch and the Ivy.

Hawthorn – The Illusionist

May 13 – June 9

Hawthorn signs in Celtic tree astrology are not at all what they appear to be. Outwardly, they appear to be a certain persona, while on the inside Hawthorn’s are quite different. They put the term “never judge a book by its cover” to the test. They live seemingly average lives while on the inside they carry fiery passions and inexhaustible creative flame. They are well adjusted and can adapt to most life situations well – making themselves content and comforting others at the same time. You are naturally curious, and have an interest in a broad range of topics. You are an excellent listener, and people seek you out as an outlet to release their burdens. You have a healthy sense of humor, and have a clear understanding of irony. You tend to see the big picture, and have amazing insight – although you typically won’t give yourself enough credit for your observations. Hawthorn signs match up nicely with Ash and Rowan’s.

Oak – The Stabilizer

June 10 – July 7

Those born under the Celtic tree astrology sign of the Oak have a special gift of strength. They are protective people and often become a champion for those who do not have a voice. In other words, the Oak is the crusader and the spokesperson for the underdog. Nurturing, generous and helpful, you are a gentle giant among the Celtic zodiac signs. You exude an easy confidence and naturally assume everything will work out to a positive outcome. You have a deep respect for history and ancestry, and many people with this sign become teachers. You love to impart your knowledge of the past to others. Oak signs have a need for structure, and will often go to great lengths to gain the feeling of control in their lives. Healthy Oak signs live long, full, happy lives and enjoy large family settings and are likely to be involved with large social/community networks. Oak signs pair off well with the Ash and Reed, and are known to harmoniously join with Ivy signs too.

Holly – The Ruler

July 8 – August 4

Among the Celtic tree astrology signs the Holly is one of regal status. Noble, and high-minded, those born during the Holly era easily take on positions of leadership and power. If you are a Holly sign you take on challenges easily, and you overcome obstacles with rare skill and tact. When you encounter setbacks, you simply redouble your efforts and remain ever vigilant to obtain your end goals. Very seldom are you defeated. This is why many people look up to you and follow you as their leader. You are competitive and ambitious even in the most casual settings. You can appear to be arrogant but in actuality you’re just very confident in your abilities. Truth be known, you are quite generous, kind and affectionate (once people get to know you). Highly intelligent, you skate through academics where others may struggle. Because many things come to you so easily, you may have a tendency to rest on your laurels. In other words, if not kept active, you may slip into an unhealthy and lazy lifestyle. Holly signs may look to Ash and Elder signs for balance and partnership.

Hazel – The Knower

August 5 – September 1

If you are born under the energy of the Hazel, you are highly intelligent, organized and efficient. Like Holly, you are naturally gifted in academia, and excel in the classroom. You also have the ability to retain information and can recall, recite and expound on subjects you’ve memorized with amazing accuracy. You know your facts, and you are always well informed. This sometimes makes you appear like a know-it-all to others, but you can’t help that; you’re genuinely smart and usually know the right course of action because of your impressive knowledge base. You have an eye for detail, and like things to be “just so.” Sometimes this need for order and control can lead to compulsive behaviors if left unchecked. You have a knack for numbers, science and things that utilize your analytical skills. You like rules, although you are typically making them rather than playing by them. The Celtic tree astrology sign of Hazel joins harmoniously with Hawthorn and Rowan’s.

Vine – The Equalizer

September 2 – September 29

Vine signs are born within the autumnal equinox, which makes your personality changeable and unpredictable. You can be full of contradictions, and are often indecisive. But this is because you can see both sides of the story, and empathize with each equally. It is hard for you to pick sides because you can see the good points on each end. There are, however, areas in your life that you are quite sure about. These include the finer things of life like food, wine, music, and art. You have very distinctive taste, and are a connoisseur of refinement. Luxury agrees with you, and under good conditions you have a Midas touch for turning drab into dramatic beauty. You are charming, elegant, and maintain a level of class that wins you esteem from a large fan base. Indeed, you often find yourself in public places where others can admire your classic style and poise. Vine signs pair well with Willow and Hazel signs.

Ivy – The Survivor

September 30 – October 27

Among other cherished qualities of the Ivy Celtic tree astrology sign, most prized is your ability to overcome all odds. You have a sharp intellect, but more obvious is your compassion and loyalty to others. You have a giving nature, and are always there to lend a helping hand. You are born at a time of the waning sun so life can be difficult for you at times. This sometimes seems unfair because it appears that obstacles are coming at with no prompting on your part. Nevertheless, you endure troubling times with silent perseverance and soulful grace. Indeed, Ivy signs have a tendency to be deeply spiritual and cling to a deep-rooted faith that typically sees them trough adversity. You are soft spoken, but have a keen wit about you. You are charming, charismatic, and can effectively hold your own in most social settings. Ivy signs are attracted to the Celtic tree astrology sign of Oak and Ash signs.

Reed – The Inquisitor

October 28 – November 24

Reed signs among the Celtic tree astrology signs are the secret keepers. You dig deep inside to the real meaning of things and discover the truth hidden beneath layers of distraction. When there is a need to get to the heart of the matter, most certainly the Reed sign will find the core. You love a good story, and can be easily drawn in by gossip, scandals, legend and lore. These tendencies also make you an excellent historian, journalist, detective or archaeologist. You love people because they represent a diversity of meanings for you to interpret. You are adept at coaxing people to talk to you, and sometimes you can be a bit manipulative. However, you have a strong sense of truth and honor so most of your scheming is harmless. Reed people join well with other Reeds, Ash or Oak signs.

Elder – The Seeker

November 25 – December 23

Elder archetypes among Celtic tree astrology tend to be freedom-loving, and sometimes appear to be a bit wild to the other signs of the zodiac. In younger years you may have lived life in the fast lane, often identified as a “thrill seeker.” At the time of your birth the light of the sun was fast fleeting and so you took the same cue from nature. You are often misjudged as an outsider as you have a tendency to be withdrawn in spite of your extroverted nature. In actuality, you are deeply thoughtful with philosophical bent. You also tend to be very considerate of others and genuinely strive to be helpful. These acts of assistance are sometimes thwarted by your brutal honesty (which you openly share solicited or otherwise). Elder Celtic tree astrology signs fit well with Alder’s and Holly’s.

[dicebox]

Updated Character / Game Lists

It’s been awhile since a list was provided of what games the Dice Box crew play, and since there’s going to be a lot of new content upcoming (mostly reblogs from personal Tumblrs), it felt like time for a comprehensive list.

The Cupcake Coterie

Our regular fortnightly homebrew-world Dungeons and Dragons campaign. This one has the most players, rather than being largely populated by the Dice Box core group, but is no less loved for that: Mostly lives on @cupcakecoterie but brief summary of characters:

Hazel Hearthheart: Half-elven Life Domain Cleric of Pelor

Darvin Taylor: Human College of Valor Bard / Divine Soul Sorcerer

Froseth of Rimehook: Silver dragonborn Way of the Four Elements Monk

Clarity Meloreth: Tiefling Arcane Trickster Rogue / School of Evocation Wizard / Pact of the Archfey Warlock

Remi Crestwind: Human Paladin of Tritherion / Pact of the Celestial Warlock

Ava Vanedar: Human Monster Slayer Ranger

Barnabus Stumplefink: Minotaur Echo Knight Fighter

Alisaie Featherfall: Protector aasimar Path of the Storm Herald Barbarian / College of Swords Bard

Port Knowhere

A Star Wars: The Old Republic homebrew, originally played on the MMO itself, moved to Roll20 when most of the players stopped actually playing the MMO - the characters and story were too good to lose. While there are only four players counting the ones played by the person running it, there are a lot of characters because we all have alt-itis to one degree or another:

Nyomi Adastra: Human Jedi Master. War veteran, with the scars and moderate cybernetics to prove it.

Rilus Harridin: Human doctor; specialises in battlefield surgery and general medicine.

X’antho Verex: Zabrak smuggler. Still a little new at the Huge Heroics thing.

Maelana Greystorm: Sith Pureblood Jedi Knight. No, not a contradiction in terms. Former Marine.

Altaierna Greystorm: Human smuggler / pirate / bounty hunter / mad inventor

Ahrianna Greystorm: Human Jedi Master; a Shadow, specialises in hunting the Dark Side.

Aranar’aliit Atin: Human Mandalorian warrior. Sometimes bounty hunter, mostly regular hunter.

Jallira Greystorm-Harridin: Miraluka Jedi Master; specialises in Alter, particularly Force-healing (also a more standard medic). Strong empathy powers.

Mychae Qiin: Human smuggler / spy / underworld negotiator / technician. Avoids ‘mad inventor’ by inches. Also mildly Force-sensitive.

Telyt’srina’idash (Srina): Chiss spy / security circum / technician. Also kind of runs a Mandalorian clan now.

Tombstone Blues

A Deadlands homebrew made out of the useful bits of 5e so that the core Dice Box group didn’t have to learn an entirely new rule set.

Jillian Cain: “Gunslinger of God” (Paladin / Gunslinger hybrid homebrew)

Aloy O’Toole: Mad scientist (homebrew based on Arcanist)

Reba Stalks-the-Crossroads: Shaman (homebrew based on Druid)

Caleb Tarleton: Spirit hunter (homebrew based on Plane Walker Ranger; on potentially permanent hiatus)

Dunwall by Night

As we started homebrewing things, Dishonoured was a thing that we as a group wanted to explore, so I threw together some interesting variations on Warlock to give the group what of the Dishonoured experience I could with 5e.

Jerrica Reder: More of the Corvo style of Marked; former whaler

Delphine Crigh: Druid-themed animal-friend Marked; former rat-catcher

Viola deVere: Illusionist Marked; former artist

The Fixers

After that, we went a little esoteric. I put together a situation that was sort of a mash-up of The Old Guard and Scion, with a 5e rule set and a “heal very bloody fast and don’t die” mechanic to approximate the Old Guard thing.

Ketti Odinson: Literal son of Odin by a mortal woman; skald from the 400s AD. Built on a base of College of Lore Bard

Suyin Zhong: Former pirate queen from around about the 15th century. Built on a base of Swashbuckler Rogue

Raiford ‘Raif’ Ellison: Former farmer-turned-revolutionary from the early-19th century. Built on a base of Way of the Kensei Monk

Kyung-Soon ‘Kim’ Kyeong: Former secretary-of-sorts; recently activated. Built on a base of School of Abjuration Wizard

There are a couple of others that may or may not return, and more being planned, but these are the core of the Dice Box experience.

Coming up? A lot of writing and Q&A about a fair few of these characters, dragged from other souces for ease of reference and the entertainment of others.

[astro-meg]

Celtic Tree Astrology

by Avia Venefica

The Birch Birch - The Achiever

December 24 - January 20 If you were born under the energy of the Birch you can be highly driven, and often motivate others they become easily caught in your zeal, drive and ambition. You are always reaching for more, seeking better horizons and obtaining higher aspirations. The Druids attributed this to your time of birth, which is a time of year shrouded by darkness, so consequently you are always stretching out to find the light. Birch signs (just like the tree) are tolerant, tough, and resilient. You are cool-headed and are natural-born rulers, often taking command when a situation calls for leadership. When in touch with your softer side, you also bring beauty in otherwise barren spaces, brightening up a room with you guile, and charming crowds with you quick wit. Celtic tree astrology Birch signs are compatible with Vine signs and Willow signs. .

Celtic Tree Astrology: The Rowan Rowan - The Thinker January 21 - February 17 Celtic tree astrology recognizes Rowan signs as the philosophical minds within the zodiac. If you were born under the Rowan energy, you are likely a keen-minded visionary, with high ideals. Your thoughts are original and creative, so much so, that other's often misunderstand from where you are coming. This sometimes makes you aloof when interacting with others as you feel they wouldn't understand where you are coming from anyway. Nevertheless, although you may appear to have a cool exterior, you are burning within from your passionate ideals. This inner passion provides inner motivation for you as you make your way through life. You have a natural ability to transform situations and people around you by your mere presence. You are highly influential in a quiet way and others look to you for your unique perspectives. Rowan pairs well with Ivy and Hawthorn signs. .

Celtic Tree Astrology: The Ash Ash - The Enchanter February 18 - March 17 Those born under the Celtic tree astrology sign of the Ash are free thinkers. Imaginative, intuitive, and naturally artistic, you see the world in water-color purity. You have a tendency to moody and withdrawn at times, but that's only because your inner landscape is in constant motion. You are in touch with your muse, and you are easily inspired by nature. Likewise, you inspire all that you associate with and people seek you out for your enchanting personality. Art, writing (especially poetry), science, and theology (spiritual matters) are areas that strongly interest you. Others may think you are reclusive, but in all honesty, you are simply immersed in your own world of fantastic vision and design. You are in a constant state of self-renewal and you rarely place a value on what others think about you. Ash signs partner well with Willow and Reed signs. .

Celtic Tree Astrology: The Alder Alder - The Trailblazer March 18 - April 14 If you are an Alder sign within the Celtic tree astrology system, you are a natural-born pathfinder. You're a mover and a shaker, and will blaze a trail with fiery passion often gaining loyal followers to your cause. You are charming, gregarious and mingle easily with a broad mix of personalities. In other words, Alder signs get along with everybody and everybody loves to hang around with you. This might be because Alder's are easily confident and have a strong self-faith. This self-assurances is infectious and other people recognize this quality in you instantly. Alder Celtic tree astrology signs are very focused and dislike waste. Consequently, they can see through superficialities and will not tolerate fluff. Alder people place high value on their time, and feel that wasting time is insufferable. They are motivated by action and results. Alder's pair well with Hawthorns, Oaks or even Birch signs. .

Celtic Tree Astrology: The Willow Willow - The Observer April 15 - May 12 If you are a Willow sign, you are ruled by the moon, and so your personality holds hands with many of the mystical aspects of the lunar realm. This means you are highly creative, intuitive (highly psychic people are born under the sign of the Willow) and intelligent. You have a keen understanding of cycles, and you inherently know that every situation has a season. This gives you a realistic perspective of things, and also causes you to be more patient than most tree signs. With your intelligence comes a natural ability to retain knowledge and you often impress your company with the ability to expound on subjects from memory. Willow Celtic tree astrology signs are bursting with potential, but have a tendency to hold themselves back for fear of appearing flamboyant or overindulgent. It is your powers of perception that ultimately allow your true nature to shine, and what leads you to success in life. Willow signs join well with the Birch and the Ivy. .

Celtic Tree Astrology: The Hawthorn Hawthorn - The Illusionist May 13 - June 9 Hawthorn signs in Celtic tree astrology are not at all what they appear to be. Outwardly, they appear to be a certain persona, while on the inside Hawthorn's are quite different. They put the term “never judge a book by its cover” to the test. They live seemingly average lives while on the inside they carry fiery passions and inexhaustible creative flame. They are well adjusted and can adapt to most life situations well - making themselves content and comforting others at the same time. You are naturally curious, and have an interest in a broad range of topics. You are an excellent listener, and people seek you out as an outlet to release their burdens. You have a healthy sense of humor, and have a clear understanding of irony. You tend to see the big picture, and have amazing insight - although you typically won't give yourself enough credit for your observations. Hawthorn signs match up nicely with Ash and Rowan's. .

Celtic Tree Astrology: The Oak Oak - The Stabilizer June 10 - July 7 Those born under the Celtic tree astrology sign of the Oak have a special gift of strength. They are protective people and often become a champion for those who do not have a voice. In other words, the Oak is the crusader and the spokesperson for the underdog. Nurturing, generous and helpful, you are a gentle giant among the Celtic zodiac signs. You exude an easy confidence and naturally assume everything will work out to a positive outcome. You have a deep respect for history and ancestry, and many people with this sign become teachers. You love to impart your knowledge of the past to others. Oak signs have a need for structure, and will often go to great lengths to gain the feeling of control in their lives. Healthy Oak signs live long, full, happy lives and enjoy large family settings and are likely to be involved with large social/community networks. Oak signs pair off well with the Ash and Reed, and are known to harmoniously join with Ivy signs too. .

Celtic Tree Astrology: The Holly Holly - The Ruler July 8 - August 4 Among the Celtic tree astrology signs the Holly is one of regal status. Noble, and high-minded, those born during the Holly era easily take on positions of leadership and power. If you are a Holly sign you take on challenges easily, and you overcome obstacles with rare skill and tact. When you encounter setbacks, you simply redouble your efforts and remain ever vigilant to obtain your end goals. Very seldom are you defeated. This is why many people look up to you and follow you as their leader. You are competitive and ambitious even in the most casual settings. You can appear to be arrogant but in actuality you're just very confident in your abilities. Truth be known, you are quite generous, kind and affectionate (once people get to know you). Highly intelligent, you skate through academics where others may struggle. Because many things come to you so easily, you may have a tendency to rest on your laurels. In other words, if not kept active, you may slip into an unhealthy and lazy lifestyle. Holly signs may look to Ash and Elder signs for balance and partnership. .

Celtic Tree Astrology: The Hazel Hazel - The Knower August 5 - September 1 If you are born under the energy of the Hazel, you are highly intelligent, organized and efficient. Like the Holly, you are naturally gifted in academia, and excel in the classroom. You also have the ability to retain information and can recall, recite and expound on subjects you've memorized with amazing accuracy. You know your facts, and you are always well informed. This sometimes makes you appear like a know-it-all to others, but you can't help that; you're genuinely smart and usually know the right course of action because of your impressive knowledge base. You have an eye for detail, and like things to be “just so.” Sometimes this need for order and control can lead to compulsive behaviors if left unchecked. You have a knack for numbers, science and things that utilize your analytical skills. You like rules, although you are typically making them rather than playing by them. The Celtic tree astrology sign of Hazel joins harmoniously with Hawthorn and Rowan's. .

Celtic Tree Astrology: The Vine Vine - The Equalizer September 2 - September 29 Vine signs are born within the autumnal equinox, which makes your personality changeable and unpredictable. You can be full of contradictions, and are often indecisive. But this is because you can see both sides of the story, and empathize with each equally. It is hard for you to pick sides because you can see the good points on each end. There are, however, areas in your life that you are quite sure about. These include the finer things of life like food, wine, music, and art. You have very distinctive taste, and are a connoisseur of refinement. Luxury agrees with you, and under good conditions you have a Midas touch for turning drab into dramatic beauty. You are charming, elegant, and maintain a level of class that wins you esteem from a large fan base. Indeed, you often find yourself in public places where others can admire your classic style and poise. Vine signs pair well with Willow and Hazel signs. .

Celtic Tree Astrology: The Ivy Ivy - The Survivor September 30 - October 27 Among other cherished qualities of the Ivy Celtic tree astrology sign, most prized is your ability to overcome all odds. You have a sharp intellect, but more obvious is your compassion and loyalty to others. You have a giving nature, and are always there to lend a helping hand. You are born at a time of the waning sun so life can be difficult for you at times. This sometimes seems unfair because it appears that obstacles are coming at with no prompting on your part. Nevertheless, you endure troubling times with silent perseverance and soulful grace. Indeed, Ivy signs have a tendency to be deeply spiritual and cling to a deep-rooted faith that typically sees them trough adversity. You are soft spoken, but have a keen wit about you. You are charming, charismatic, and can effectively hold your own in most social settings. Ivy signs are attracted to the Celtic tree astology sign of Oak and Ash signs. .

Celtic Tree Astrology: The Reed Reed - The Inquisitor October 28 - November 24 Reed signs among the Celtic tree astrology signs are the secret keepers. You dig deep inside to the real meaning of things and discover the truth hidden beneath layers of distraction. When there is a need to get to the heart of the matter, most certainly the Reed sign will find the core. You love a good story, and can be easily drawn in by gossip, scandals, legend and lore. These tendencies also make you an excellent historian, journalist, detective or archeologist. You love people because they represent a diversity of meanings for you to interpret. You are adept at coaxing people to talking to you, and sometimes you can be a bit manipulative. However, you have a strong sense of truth and honor so most of your scheming is harmless. Reed people join well with other Reeds, Ash or Oak signs. .

Celtic Tree Astrology: The Elder Elder - The Seeker November 25 - December 23 Elder archetypes among Celtic tree astrology tend to be freedom-loving, and sometimes appear to be a bit wild to the other signs of the zodiac. In younger years you may have lived life in the fast lane, often identified as a “thrill seeker.” At the time of your birth the light of the sun was fast fleeting and so you take the same cue from nature. You are often misjudged as an outsider as you have a tendency to be withdrawn in spite of your extroverted nature. In actuality, you are deeply thoughtful with philosophical bent. You also tend to be very considerate of others and genuinely strive to be helpful. These acts of assistance are sometimes thwarted by your brutal honestly (which you openly share solicited or otherwise). Elder Celtic tree astrology signs fit well with Alder's and Holly's.

[nicolethewitch]

The Celtic Tree Zodiac is based on the ancient idea that the time of our births is pivotal to the formation of our personality and behavior. The spiritually savvy Celts, particularly the druids were expert observers. Over time, they recognized that a child born within a certain season would develop certain qualities. Further, the druids observed patterns in the color and shape of a persons life according to the motions of the moon (their calendar being based on a lunar year being 13 months) and the season in which we are born. Below is listed the Tree characteristics of each Tree.

Birch - The Achiever

December 24 - January 20

If you were born under the energy of the Birch you can be highly driven, and often motivate others they become easily caught in your zeal, drive and ambition. You are always reaching for more, seeking better horizons and obtaining higher aspirations. The Druids attributed this to your time of birth, which is a time of year shrouded by darkness, so consequently you are always stretching out to find the light. Birch signs (just like the tree) are tolerant, tough, and resilient. You are cool-headed and are natural-born rulers, often taking command when a situation calls for leadership. When in touch with your softer side, you also bring beauty in otherwise barren spaces, brightening up a room with you guile, and charming crowds with you quick wit. Celtic tree astrology Birch signs are compatible with Vine signs and Willow signs.

Rowan - The Thinker

January 21 - February 17

Celtic tree astrology recognizes Rowan signs as the philosophical minds within the zodiac. If you were born under the Rowan energy, you are likely a keen-minded visionary, with high ideals. Your thoughts are original and creative, so much so, that others often misunderstand from where you are coming. This sometimes makes you aloof when interacting with others as you feel they wouldnt understand where you are coming from anyway. Nevertheless, although you may appear to have a cool exterior, you are burning within from your passionate ideals. This inner passion provides inner motivation for you as you make your way through life. You have a natural ability to transform situations and people around you by your mere presence. You are highly influential in a quiet way and others look to you for your unique perspectives. Rowan pairs well with Ivy and Hawthorn signs.

Ash - The Enchanter

February 18 - March 17

Those born under the Celtic tree astrology sign of the Ash are free thinkers. Imaginative, intuitive, and naturally artistic, you see the world in water-color purity. You have a tendency to moody and withdrawn at times, but thats only because your inner landscape is in constant motion. You are in touch with your muse, and you are easily inspired by nature. Likewise, you inspire all that you associate with and people seek you out for your enchanting personality. Art, writing (especially poetry), science, and theology (spiritual matters) are areas that strongly interest you. Others may think you are reclusive, but in all honesty, you are simply immersed in your own world of fantastic vision and design. You are in a constant state of self-renewal and you rarely place a value on what others think about you. Ash signs partner well with Willow and Reed signs.

Alder - The Trailblazer

March 18 - April 14

If you are an Alder sign within the Celtic tree astrology system, you are a natural-born pathfinder. Youre a mover and a shaker, and will blaze a trail with fiery passion often gaining loyal followers to your cause. You are charming, gregarious and mingle easily with a broad mix of personalities. In other words, Alder signs get along with everybody and everybody loves to hang around with you. This might be because Alders are easily confident and have a strong self-faith. This self-assurances is infectious and other people recognize this quality in you instantly. Alder Celtic tree astrology signs are very focused and dislike waste. Consequently, they can see through superficialities and will not tolerate fluff. Alder people place high value on their time, and feel that wasting time is insufferable. They are motivated by action and results. Alders pair well with Hawthorns, Oaks or even Birch signs.

Willow - The Observer

April 15 - May 12

If you are a Willow sign, you are ruled by the moon, and so your personality holds hands with many of the mystical aspects of the lunar realm. This means you are highly creative, intuitive (highly psychic people are born under the sign of the Willow) and intelligent. You have a keen understanding of cycles, and you inherently know that every situation has a season. This gives you a realistic perspective of things, and also causes you to be more patient than most tree signs. With your intelligence comes a natural ability to retain knowledge and you often impress your company with the ability to expound on subjects from memory. Willow Celtic tree astrology signs are bursting with potential, but have a tendency to hold themselves back for fear of appearing flamboyant or overindulgent. It is your powers of perception that ultimately allow your true nature to shine, and what leads you to success in life. Willow signs join well with the Birch and the Ivy.

Hawthorn - The Illusionist

May 13 - June 9

Hawthorn signs in Celtic tree astrology are not at all what they appear to be. Outwardly, they appear to be a certain persona, while on the inside Hawthorns are quite different. They put the term never judge a book by its cover to the test. They live seemingly average lives while on the inside they carry fiery passions and inexhaustible creative flame. They are well adjusted and can adapt to most life situations well making themselves content and comforting others at the same time. You are naturally curious, and have an interest in a broad range of topics. You are an excellent listener, and people seek you out as an outlet to release their burdens. You have a healthy sense of humor, and have a clear understanding of irony. You tend to see the big picture, and have amazing insight although you typically wont give yourself enough credit for your observations. Hawthorn signs match up nicely with Ash and Rowans.

Oak - The Stabilizer

June 10 - July 7

Those born under the Celtic tree astrology sign of the Oak have a special gift of strength. They are protective people and often become a champion for those who do not have a voice. In other words, the Oak is the crusader and the spokesperson for the underdog. Nurturing, generous and helpful, you are a gentle giant among the Celtic zodiac signs. You exude an easy confidence and naturally assume everything will work out to a positive outcome. You have a deep respect for history and ancestry, and many people with this sign become teachers. You love to impart your knowledge of the past to others. Oak signs have a need for structure, and will often go to great lengths to gain the feeling of control in their lives. Healthy Oak signs live long, full, happy lives and enjoy large family settings and are likely to be involved with large social/community networks. Oak signs pair off well with the Ash and Reed, and are known to harmoniously join with Ivy signs too.

Holly - The Ruler

July 8 - August 4

Among the Celtic tree astrology signs the Holly is one of regal status. Noble, and high-minded, those born during the Holly era easily take on positions of leadership and power. If you are a Holly sign you take on challenges easily, and you overcome obstacles with rare skill and tact. When you encounter setbacks, you simply redouble your efforts and remain ever vigilant to obtain your end goals. Very seldom are you defeated. This is why many people look up to you and follow you as their leader. You are competitive and ambitious even in the most casual settings. You can appear to be arrogant but in actuality youre just very confident in your abilities. Truth be known, you are quite generous, kind and affectionate (once people get to know you). Highly intelligent, you skate through academics where others may struggle. Because many things come to you so easily, you may have a tendency to rest on your laurels. In other words, if not kept active, you may slip into an unhealthy and lazy lifestyle. Holly signs may look to Ash and Elder signs for balance and partnership.

Hazel - The Knower

August 5 - September 1

If you are born under the energy of the Hazel, you are highly intelligent, organized and efficient. Like the Holly, you are naturally gifted in academia, and excel in the classroom. You also have the ability to retain information and can recall, recite and expound on subjects youve memorized with amazing accuracy. You know your facts, and you are always well informed. This sometimes makes you appear like a know-it-all to others, but you cant help that; youre genuinely smart and usually know the right course of action because of your impressive knowledge base. You have an eye for detail, and like things to be just so. Sometimes this need for order and control can lead to compulsive behaviors if left unchecked. You have a knack for numbers, science and things that utilize your analytical skills. You like rules, although you are typically making them rather than playing by them. The Celtic tree astrology sign of Hazel joins harmoniously with Hawthorn and Rowans.

Vine - The Equalizer

September 2 - September 29

Vine signs are born within the autumnal equinox, which makes your personality changeable and unpredictable. You can be full of contradictions, and are often indecisive. But this is because you can see both sides of the story, and empathize with each equally. It is hard for you to pick sides because you can see the good points on each end. There are, however, areas in your life that you are quite sure about. These include the finer things of life like food, wine, music, and art. You have very distinctive taste, and are a connoisseur of refinement. Luxury agrees with you, and under good conditions you have a Midas touch for turning drab into dramatic beauty. You are charming, elegant, and maintain a level of class that wins you esteem from a large fan base. Indeed, you often find yourself in public places where others can admire your classic style and poise. Vine signs pair well with Willow and Hazel signs.

Ivy - The Survivor

September 30 - October 27

Among other cherished qualities of the Ivy Celtic tree astrology sign, most prized is your ability to overcome all odds. You have a sharp intellect, but more obvious is your compassion and loyalty to others. You have a giving nature, and are always there to lend a helping hand. You are born at a time of the waning sun so life can be difficult for you at times. This sometimes seems unfair because it appears that obstacles are coming at with no prompting on your part. Nevertheless, you endure troubling times with silent perseverance and soulful grace. Indeed, Ivy signs have a tendency to be deeply spiritual and cling to a deep-rooted faith that typically sees them trough adversity. You are soft spoken, but have a keen wit about you. You are charming, charismatic, and can effectively hold your own in most social settings. Ivy signs are attracted to the Celtic tree astology sign of Oak and Ash signs.

Reed - The Inquisitor

October 28 - November 24

Reed signs among the Celtic tree astrology signs are the secret keepers. You dig deep inside to the real meaning of things and discover the truth hidden beneath layers of distraction. When there is a need to get to the heart of the matter, most certainly the Reed sign will find the core. You love a good story, and can be easily drawn in by gossip, scandals, legend and lore. These tendencies also make you an excellent historian, journalist, detective or archeologist. You love people because they represent a diversity of meanings for you to interpret. You are adept at coaxing people to talking to you, and sometimes you can be a bit manipulative. However, you have a strong sense of truth and honor so most of your scheming is harmless. Reed people join well with other Reeds, Ash or Oak signs.

Elder - The Seeker

November 25 - December 23

Elder archetypes among Celtic tree astrology tend to be freedom-loving, and sometimes appear to be a bit wild to the other signs of the zodiac. In younger years you may have lived life in the fast lane, often identified as a thrill seeker. At the time of your birth the light of the sun was fast fleeting and so you take the same cue from nature. You are often misjudged as an outsider as you have a tendency to be withdrawn in spite of your extroverted nature. In actuality, you are deeply thoughtful with philosophical bent. You also tend to be very considerate of others and genuinely strive to be helpful. These acts of assistance are sometimes thwarted by your brutal honestly (which you openly share solicited or otherwise). Elder Celtic tree astrology signs fit well with Alders and Hollys.

The Mind Unleashed

www.TheMindUnleashed.org

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[moxy-fruitbat]

Destined for Great Things

I finally finished editing Laurene's backstory! It's a tale of how she came to Vesuiva and how she met Marcel, leading up to them becoming the Sibling Apprentices. It's long as fuck and I'm not sorry. Laurene is Fantasy Irish, and the story is full of bits of Irish mythology, and I encourage you to read some of the original stories, if you want! I love them.

"Fantasy Irish" is inspired by a lot of different Gaelic peoples, including (broadly) the Gaels and (more specifically) the Picts and a more mythological version of druids. Also influenced by my own experience as a practicing pagan.

Length: 3k words (I can't believe it either)

TW/CW: family death, fire, (mild) suicidal thoughts and PTSD, claustrophobia

Rating: PG-13 for depictions of tragedy. No explicit violence, gore, or sexual content

------------------------

Irish/Scottish Pronunciation Guide (written by an American with the internet, so it's not good):

Labhraín: LAW-reen

Muirne: MIR-ne

Bandruí: BAHN-droo

Tlachtga: TLAC-da

Uncail: UN-cuhl

Tadg: TAH-dg

Cumhall: COOL

Áillen: AH-lehn

M'iníon: M'een (Irish translation: My daughter)

Labhraín woke up on a chilly autumn morning, curled up with her cousin Muirne to stave away the cold. Careful not to wake her, Labhraín slowly crawled out of bed and dressed near the central hearth. How Muirne could sleep through everyone bustling about in the house was beyond her - there were fifteen people in here, almost entirely women and children, and half the building was dedicated to the sheep and goats, past the partition. It was always so loud.

Labhraín had just finished braiding her long hair when Muirne came and joined her.

"Morning cousin" Muirne smirked, a smile partially hidden behind her mess of dark blonde hair. "Are you ready for the day? We have a lot of work to do."

That they did. Tomorrow was New Year, one of two days where the veil between realms was at its thinnest, and the day to honor the dead and do readings for the coming year. There was still a lot to do to prepare for the feast of the ancestors and the bonfire atop Almu Hill, and Labhraín and Muirne were the two oldest cousins and eighteen and nineteen, so it was their job to do a lot of that work. Labhraín's mother, Bandruí Tlachtga, always said it was a blessing that there were so many girls. Her father chose some other words to describe it.

Muirne leaned in and whispered, so only Labhraín could hear her. "Hurry up and meet me in the hazel wood, I have something important to tell you!"

---

"What's so important that we had to rush out here?" Labhraín questioned as she focused her concentration to make a gust of wind appear from her hands and into the branches of the sacred trees, rattling the hazelnuts loose.

"I have to tell you a secret. And you promise you can't tell anyone. Especially not my Da. Promise?"

"I promise, what is it?" Not even Uncail Tadg? He was the chief magician - not telling him must mean it's something bad. And knowing her cousin, that should be expected anyway. She was usually getting into some kind of nonsense.

"I'm leaving. Tomorrow." A smile spread gleefully across Muirne's face as she picked up hazelnuts off the mossy forest floor.

"Leaving?! What do you mean, leaving?" She hissed. 

"I met man, a few weeks ago. Oh, Labhraín, I love him. He's getting me out of here and we're going to get married. My Da wants to keep me here until I'm an old crone, and I can't do it! I know I'm destined for great things!"

Labhraín just sighed and looked at her cousin. Muirne was in love and there was nothing she could do to change her mind. Once Uncail Tadg found out she was missing, he would send out a manhunt. In the past he had said something about an omen, that Muirne could never get married. She wasn't sure exactly what kind of omen that meant, but the soothsayers never lie.

"His name is Cumhall, Labhraín, you'd love him. He's the leader of a different tribe, I know he'll take care of me. We're leaving tomorrow night, right after the feast. With all the festivities, no one will notice I'm gone!"

Labhraín thought it was a terrible idea, and even if he was a king she still wouldn't like him because he was taking her dearest friend away. But how could she pull her from what she believed to be her destiny? Was it even her place to say?

Instead, she just sighed, clutching her apron full of hazelnuts and headed back to the blackhouse with her cousin. "I'm happy for you, Muirne. I wish you the best."

They spent the rest of the day preparing for the holiday - rehydrating the woad pigment, baking dried fruit bread, gathering eggs for divination and herbs for the fire, and washing turnips to carve the next day. Labhraín went off on her own for a bit, to practice her music one last time before the bonfire with the other musicians in the family. She bumped shoulders with her cousin, Áillen. He made her laugh and for a brief moment she forgot how unhappy she was.

Silent tears ran down Labhraín's face as she tried to sleep that night, surrounded by her other cousins but holding Muirne close. The words she said kept playing in Labhraín's head: I'm destined for great things. I'm destined for great things. I'm destined for great things.

I'm destined for great things.

Labhraín hoped to the spirits of the forest and the ancestors that it was true. And she hoped the same for herself.

---

The next day, after they had the feast of the ancestors in silence with the rest of the family, she tearfully waved her cousin off into the dusky forest.

"M'iníon, what is wrong?" Her mother asked, catching Labhraín by surprise. "Why are you crying? Is something upsetting you?"

"Oh...nothing. Thinking about grandfather is just making me sad." She lied, quickly wiping the tears from her eyes.

"Yes, we did lose a good man this year..." She placed a hand on her daughter's cheek, wiping away a stray tear. "But don't you worry, he's watching over us, especially tonight. The fire is starting soon, would you like me to help you with your facepaint so you can join the other musicians?"

A small smile came upon Labhraín's face and she nodded. She was a grown woman, but her mam always knew how to make her feel better when she was vulnerable.

"I'd like that a lot."

As her mother brushed patterns over her face in the traditional blue pigment, Labhraín kept telling herself the bonfire will make her feel better. Without fail, it always does.

---

At the top of Almu hill, she readied herself behind her dulcimer, her aunts, uncles, and cousins beside her on other instruments. This is where she felt most at home. One at the hand drum, one at the flute, one on the pipes, with Áillen on the harp. He was the best musician of them all, his warm smile always lighting up the room as he played.

But this time, no, she had to be imagining it? Áillen looked different than usual - like a man half dead, his eyes like burning coals. He caught her looking at him, and the smirk he gave her made her stomach turn.

Something was wrong.

The bonfire was never actually lit. Everything happened so fast... They were playing the music, but as Áillen started to sing, all the men began to move slower and slower until they fell unconscious. Her uncle dropped the pipes. And then the destruction began. 

Fire. So much fire. It began with Áillen? And the roof of the blackhouse, below them. What was happening? Where was her mam? It was chaos. The sound of screaming filled her ears. Her mother yelled for her. 

"Mam!" Where was she? Everything was a blur of smoke.. Her heart raced. Her eyes prickled.

Through the flames she saw her. 

"M'iníon! Labhraín! Run!"

It was all she could do. She snatched up her dulcimer and ran down the hill and into the forest, leaving everything behind her.

---

She ran until she couldn't feel her legs anymore, collapsing onto the forest floor. The hammers to her dulcimer were long gone, and she honestly didn't even know why she grabbed it in the first place. She knew she needed to pick herself up and keep moving, to get farther away from Áillen's destruction, but all she could do in the moment was sob into the dark earth.

She wanted her mam. She wanted Muirne. She wanted the hammers to her dulcimer. She wanted to be back in the blackhouse, waking up the next morning and none of this ever happening.

Something large crunched the dead leaves in front of her, and she almost didn't even look up. Whatever danger she was about to face, maybe it would actually kill her. Being dead was better off than her current situation, right?

But she slowly craned her head up, and her eyes grew wide as she looked directly into a pair of bright yellow ones. In front of her sat the biggest mountain lion she had ever seen.

Granted, she had never seen one before. She must have run farther than she thought, since these cats weren't usually found where her tribe lived. Maybe this one was lost like she was.

It cocked its head at her, whiskers twitching, and she heard it speak to her in her mind.

"Lost?"

"Ye-yes..." Her voice trembled. "I...there was a fire and..."

"Fire?"

"Yes... Everything is gone, my mother, she...she told me to run, but now...."

"Safe?"

"Me? No, I...I don't know..." It was the dead of night by now, in a part of the forest she wasn't familiar with. She could usually sense where the spirits of the forest wanted her to go, letting them guide her, but in her current state she wasn't sure she could muster up the strength.

As her voice trailed off, the large cat shook its head once and stood up, beginning to walk away, it's tail straight up in the air like a flag.

"Follow."

It led her to a crevice in some rocks, beneath the roots of a large tree. It was a den for rearing cubs, though she didn't see any. The cougar laid down on its side and curled up, looking up at Labhraín as if to question why she wasn't following in suit. Not knowing what else to do, she laid down beside it, the cat's tail wrapping around her. She heard one more word in her mind before exhaustion completely set in and she fell asleep.

"Safe."

-------

The cougar introduced itself as Philomena, and insisted on staying with Labhraín as she went through the forest, even though she really didn't have a place to go. She was physically and emotionally drained, her skin pale and her eyes heavy. What was the point of even going anywhere? She just wanted to lay down and sleep and never wake up.

Philomena headbutted her, urging her to keep going.

"Need to go. Safe"

She groaned, picking herself up. She gathered up her dulcimer and hugged it close to her chest, trying to pull whatever familiarity to home it had into her, as if it could fly away at any moment.

She walked out into the dewy morning, scattered sunlight filtering through the trees. She sighed - even at her worst, she couldn't deny that the forest was beautiful, and was still proud to call it her home.

Philomena nudged her again, and Labhraín closed her eyes, listening to the forest and feeling where its spirit pulled her.

"Slightly north to the setting sun." She said after a few moments of thought and gathering of her bearings. Her feet like lead and her heart still heavy, she trudged forward through the trees with the sun at her back.

They walked for days, stopping only for food or sleep, and the occasional rinse in a stream. Despite all of Philomena's pushing, Labhraín refused to eat meat, because that would mean she had to light a fire spell to cook it. She never wanted to look at fire again, or at least not any time soon. What if she accidentally lit the forest on fire? What if destruction is in her blood, like her cousin? She knew that didn't make much sense, but the fear was still there.

After five days, the deep forest she was familiar with began to thin. She went around a large mountain, and the trees changes species. Signs of other human life began to appear - she must be getting close to a village. The water from the falls was flowing down the path she was already walking. If she followed it, she would probably end up at the village, since they would be using the water. Is this where the spirits of the forest were guiding her? Her pace quickened - maybe she'll actually find a place to stay. 

As she continued, she passed the largest tree out of them all, roots exposed on top of a pile of crumbling rocks. She made a note of it, that if she ended up staying in the woods it wouldn't be hard to turn those stones into walls and make a house under that tree. She would be alone besides Philomena, though, and she was eager to see another human being. 

The trees finally cleared, and Labhraín came face to face with the entrance to the largest city she had ever seen. Over the walls was a large white building, with gold and spires and towers. She had never seen something so beautiful. Someone very important must live there.

Philomena nudged her back, causing Labhraín to turn around. The Mountain Lion was sitting up, a look of finality in its eyes.

"Safe." It said. This wasn't to urge her to keep moving, but a statement. This is where Labhraín was meant to be.

"Aren't you coming?"

"No. Stay out here. Home in forest."

That made sense. A large predator like Philomena wouldn't be welcome in her small village, and Labhraín couldn't imagine what a large city like this place would think.

"You're my family now, though, you know that?" She asked, scratching the cat's golden fur behind the ears before wrapping her arms around it in a hug. "I'll be back for you, I'll visit all the time. I promise."

"Familiar." Philomena purred. "With you. Always."

With that, they went their separate directions: Philomena jumped into the upper branches of the forest trees, and Labhraín made her way into the city. Her heart was heavy and she was scared, but Mierne's words echoed in her head, her mantra for her entire journey.

I am destined for great things. There was no turning back now.

---

Labhraín had never seen so many people in her entire life. This city was packed, everyone was pushing around one another and she felt trapped. She didn't really know how she got to this part of the city, the streets were twisted and confusing, but it was some kind of trade center. Everyone was buying or selling different foods, from the most delicious bread she'd ever smelled to piles of exotic fruits she had never seen before. One was dark red and leathery, and a perfect sphere - it had to be too tough to bite into. How would someone eat it? It wasn't until this moment that she realized how much she didn't know about the world. In the past hour she had seen more people of different skin tones, heard more languages spoken, and seen so many different foods than she had ever seen or heard before in her life. There were people who she couldn't tell what gender they were, or if they had a gender at all. She didn't realize that was an option. But most of all she noticed that up until now she had been relatively alone or in her small family group. She realized that all these people and all the noise made her very anxious.

There was so much going on. There were so many people…

The crowd jostled her to and fro through the streets, pushed her around. She found herself feeling smaller and smaller, her heart racing, her breath quickening. She ran to the edge of the street, her back against the stone wall of a building. She sunk to her knees and closed her eyes, hoping it would just go away. 

"Are you alright?"

She heard a voice and felt a hand on her shoulder. She opened her eyes, another face very close to her own, purple eyes looking into hers.

"Are you alright? Do you need help?" A person with tan skin and hair the color of woad knelt down in front of her, a concerned look on their face.

"I...I don't know. I..." Labhraín's voice trailed off.

"You're new here, yeah? I don't recognize you."

Labhraín nodded. Did this person know all these people in the city? How could they know so many faces?

"Here, come with me. The back roads are a lot more quiet. I can show you, if you want." They stood up and held out their hand for her. She took it, and they led her down some side streets away from the crowds They moved quite fast, twisting and turning through the alleys, and Labhraín almost had to run to keep up with their long legs. All the while, this person never seemed to stop talking.

"My name's Marcel, what's yours?"

"Labhraín."

"Law...reen?"

She nodded.

"Laurene. Okay, I think I got it! So you look pretty lost. You've never been to Vesuvia before, have you?"

She shook her head no.

"Yeah, it's a lot if you're not used to it. So welcome to Vesuvia! Are you staying or just visiting?"

"I… I think I'm staying."

"Oh, wicked. That thing you're holding, is that an instrument? It looks like a kanun?"

"It's a dulcimer. I'm missing the hammers, though."

"You play it with hammers? That's super cool! I play the oud."

Did they not know what a dulcimer was? To be fair, she didn't know what either of the instruments they mentioned were.

Marcel kept talking, asking a lot of questions that Laurene didn't think really meant much. What her favorite flower was ("We call it Lily of the Valley where I'm from"), or her favorite food ("fiddleheads". "Fiddleheads? I've never heard of that before. I like kousa mahshi." "I've never heard of that before."). They didn't mean much, but slowly they got Laurene talking, speaking to another human again. They reminded her of Muirne, and she smiled for the first time in almost a week.

By the time they got to wherever they were going, Laurene knew more about Marcel than she did anyone else. They described themself as "nonbinary" and didn't really go by any particular gender. They were nineteen, a year older than her, and was also a magician. Their facepaint helped attune their chakras, whatever those were, and they were really interested in the clothing of other cultures. 

Marcel also was uncomfortable showing skin, which explained the boots, long pants, knee-length tunic, and jacket they were wearing. They even wore a looped scarf around their neck, to cover their hair and mouth when they felt like being extra modest. ("Large crowds make me nervous, so it makes me feel better to cover my head.") Laurene didn't know how they could wear so much fabric when the city was still so hot in autumn, but she could make an assumption that it was something magical.

The two of them came out of an alley in front of a shop a ways away from the marketplace, the wooden sign emblazoned with a mortar and pestle that hung next to the doorway creaked in the autumn wind.

"This is the magic shop!" Marcel grinned as they unlocked the door. "My auntie and I, we run it, and live upstairs." They paused, halfway through the door with Laurene still standing on the street outside, unsure of what to do.

"What, aren't you coming in for tea? You're new in town, you're a guest! Come in!"

[fiannabled-blog]

lore.

source. content is under the cut.

Sadhbh was enchanted to take the form of a doe for refusing the love of Fer Doirich (or Fear Doirche), the dark druid of the Men of Dea (here meaning the Tuatha Dé Danann). She held this form for three years, until a serving man of the Dark Druid took pity on her and told her that if she set foot in the dún (fort or castle) of the Fianna of Ireland, the druid would no longer have any power over her. She then travelled straight to Almhuin (Fionn's house) and was found by Fionn while he was out hunting. Since Sadhbh was a human in animal form, she was not harmed by Fionn's hounds Bran and Sceolan, as they too had been transformed from their original human shape. On their return to Almhuin, Sadhbh became a beautiful girl once more and soon she and Fionn were married. Fionn loved her so much that he gave up hunting and all other pleasures but her, and she quickly became pregnant.

It was while Fionn was in battle against the Vikings that Sadhbh was taken from him. A false image of Fionn and of Bran and Sceolan appeared outside the dún and Sadhbh ran out to her husband, unaware of the danger. As soon as she reached the false image it changed to reveal the Fear Doirche, who took out a wand made of hazel and struck her, thus she became a deer once more.

Fionn spent seven years searching for Sadhbh, but to no avail. At the end of these seven long years, a wild boy was found in the forest while the Fianna hunted. Immediately, Fionn recognised in the boy's face some of Sadhbh's features and realised he was looking at their son. He was named Oisín and over time he became as famous as his father is in Irish mythology.

[thehazeldruid]

Strider's Cowl

~A Glamour/ Enchantment to conceal yourself from those who would wish you ill will~

What you will need

a hoodie, jacket, or sweatshirt (I used my favorite hoodie)

A white candle

your favorite incense

What to do

Wash your piece of clothing, to rid it of any lingering old energies, then cleanse it as well, if you feel it necessary.

Prepare yourself however necessary. Shower, meditate, ground, center etc. I personally waited for a storm to build up the energy I used for this enchantment.

Raise the energy however you wish, through calling the elements, crystals, your own energy. Once the energy is at your disposal, light the candle and incense and set the piece of clothing out in your workspace, either folded or unfolded, it’s up to you.

Channel the energy you’ve risen into the item. Visualize the energy flowing from your hands as you wave them over the clothing, flowing into and building within the clothing.

As you are filling it with your energy say “Like the lone rider through the storm, let me be kept safe from eyes that seek harm. Let me pass through shadows unseen, and pass by others with the greatest of ease.”

Hold the clothing up in the smoke of the incense, allowing the smoke to curl around it as the incense burns down. It is done.

Clean up, and wear the enchanted clothing whenever you need to stay out of sight or wish to go unnoticed by those who mean you harm. This enchantment can be re done as often as necessary. I also ended up stitching an “I am hidden” sigil inside my sweatshirt (which I actually no longer own, thinking back on the first time I did this one.) This can also be complimented by carrying gemstones for safety and protection in your pockets.

Happy Casting, and stay safe witches!

M.G.

/|\

The Hazel Druid

[thehazeldruid]

Toph's Sight

A truth charm/ spell to help you see through someone’s lies and to see the truth of their words based on the way Toph ‘sees’ image

What you need:

A stone or a piece of clear quartz

A scrap of foil (to wrap around the stone)

A piece of two of white string

A white candle- for truth

Frankincense Incense- For visions/ Clarity

What to do:

Prepare yourself and your work space as necessary. Ground, meditate, call the powers, cast a circle, whatever it is you do to prepare for spellwork.

Arrange the items above in front of you, the candle and incense farthest away.

Light them, and let your desire build. What is the lie you think you’ve been told? And the truth you want to find? Set the piece of foil out, and use it as a mirror of sorts. Stare into it, don’t focus on anything. Allow your vision to blur. Breathe deeply. Again think of the lie you’ve been told and the truth that you suspect. Focus on only those as you continue to stare into the foil.

Take the stone or crystal, either or, and focus solely on your desire for the truth. Visualize that stone only absorbing the truth. Imagine it as a magnet for those facts that only pertain to the truth. Place it on top of the foil. Wrap the foil around the stone, make sure it is entirely covered.

Tie it up with the string, visualizing that foil acting as a mirror and reflecting away the negativity and the lies, but allowing the truth through into the stone.

CAREFULLY hold the charm up, allowing the light of the flame to reflect off of it for a moment, then wave it through the incense smoke.

Allow the candle and incense to burn out. Carry the charm with you the next time you will be confronting the liar, or the source of the lie. When you suspect you are being outright lied to, focus on the charm, clutch it in your pocket.

In addition to carrying this, make sure to use logic. I kept a journal of the supposed lies and kept them for myself to sort out any inconsistencies in the lie. Also, don’t use this as an end all to discern the truth of any situation. Clear, concise communication is always the best way to get to the truth of any matter.

Happy Casting and Best of Luck Witches!

M.G.

/|\

TheHazel Druid

[thehazeldruid]

Luke's Isolation

~A meditation for when you need to be alone and clear your head~

Find a place you can be alone and with your thoughts to sort them out. Get comfortable, light candles or incense, whatever you need to do to get in the proper head space.

Step 1. Close your eyes, breathe deep and slow. Counting at the end of exhaling each breath. Do this to the count of ten, then keep your breathing slow and steady. Relax your muscles, you are safe.

Step 2. Visualize yourself slowly lifting up into the air, flying without wings, taking off into the sky, through the atmosphere and among the stars. You are safe, you can breathe, and you are going to a place where you can be alone.

Step 3. You find a planet that is perfect for you, and the purpose of this meditation. Be it like Kashyyyk, full of dense forests. Tatooine, sandy and rocky. Hoth, cold, windy and snowy. Naboo, with lush farmland and rolling plains. Or Coruscant, teeming with life, light and energy. Perhaps even Ahch-To, oceanic and dotted with islands. Whatever this planet is, it is perfect for you.

Step 4. You slowly descend onto this planet and find a place to be alone. On a rocky outcropping overlooking the ocean, in a cave in the desert of tundra, a grassy knoll on the plains or beneath a great ancient tree. You sit, and your thoughts are free to roam, to leave you, to appear before you in fleeting images.

Step 5. Don’t attach to any thought, feeling or memory. Simply let them flow, freely. As they pass, detach yourself from the negative ones, reaffirm the decisions you’ve made, or question them. Whatever you need to do to sort out the turmoil in your heart and mind. Ask yourself questions, hard ones. Are there things, people, places, I have neglected in my life? What is my station within my family? My workplace? My spirituality? Are there things I regret? Why do I regret them? What are the driving reasons behind my decisions? Why am I living life the way I am? Do I need to change? Do I want to change? What are some of my accomplishments? Did I really earn them? Did I deserve them? What are some of my goals? Are they within my grasp? What are my vices? Do I easily resist them? Do they control me? What forces control my life? How can I take back control of my life?

Step 6. Journal, if you feel necessary during this meditation, the answers to the above questions. Continue to let memories, thoughts and emotions flow freely, writing minute details about them in your journal as you go. Once you’ve gathered, organized, and successfully come to terms with whatever it is that you needed to sort out, close your eyes and again focus on your breathing.

Step 7. As before, count at the end of each exhalation, to ten. Slow, deep, steady breathes. When you open your eyes again, look up and feel yourself lifting back into space, flying back through the stars and returning home. You may return to that planet anytime you need to, in order to help you sort our your thoughts.

Best of luck and happy meditating!

M.G.

/|\

The Basil Druid

[thehazeldruid]

Chirrut's Faith

A spell to help you trust your intuition

What you’ll need

a candle of your favorite color (i used green)

your favorite incense

one of your favorite gems

one of your favorite herbs

pen and paper

What to do

Prepare yourself however you see fit. Meditate, shower, ground and center. Prepare your workspace, clean it and arrange your tools.

Play music if need be, open or close windows. Light the candle and incense and focus on yourself.

Hold the gem in one hand and the herb in the other

Continue to focus on yourself and any decisions you have had to make recently or decisions that lie ahead of you.

Close your mind to the voices and thoughts and input of others (though always do take those into consideration before or after the spell) What does your inner voice say? What is your gut telling you about the decision? Ask yourself about the pros and cons of whatever choices you have.

If it would help you remember more clearly, write the answers to the above questions down on the paper to make a list of what your gut is telling you. Until your inner voice is speaking to you clearly, continue to focus and ask yourself questions.

Once you feel you have enough answers from your inner voice, blow out the candle (or let it and the incense burn out, up to you)

Remember what your inner voice sounded like, the kind of tone it had, and remember that if you close your mind and focus, you can hear this voice any time.

Happy Casting and good luck witches!

May the Force be with you!

M.G.

/|\

The Basil Druid

[thehazeldruid]

Above the Trees

~A meditation to clear a distracted and cluttered mind based on Bilbo climbing above the Mirkwood for fresh air and to figure out which direction to travel~

This meditation is one to clear your mind, so clearing your mind before you begin isn’t entirely necessary, though you can if you wish. I used this meditation last week after a long, stressful and overbearing week at work.

Step 1:

Prepare yourself and your space for your meditation. I always tidy up the space in front of my altar and set down a blanket that I always sit on for meditations. I showered, lit a couple candles and incense, and then set out a cup of tea to drink after the meditation is done.

Step 2:

Center yourself. Close your eyes and draw yourself inward. Do not focus on any one thought, as we will do our best to sort them out later. Imagine yourself on the edge of a forest, the trees are tall, and the light from the sun is filtering down through the leafy boughs overhead, but only barely. The shadows are deep but not scary, there is nothing to fear in the forest, you are safe. Begin walking through the trees.

Step 3:

Each tree is a thought, simply pass by them as they go through your mind. Do not latch onto any one thought, not not follow any trail of thought, just let them go where they go. Your mind will organize them however it will, we are just here to travel through the thoughts, to find our path to a calmer mind. Keep walking, do not stop, though you will most likely feel tired due to the thoughts around you, that is alright. If in your visualization you need to sit and rest, that is fine. Do so. Open your eyes, take a breath, drink some water, then continue.

Step 4:

When you begin to feel overwhelmed by your thoughts and the energy they are taking from you, stop, Look up, find the nearest opening in the boughs of the trees where even the slightest sunlight is filtering down. Climb the tree nearest that break in the canopy.

Step 5:

As you break through the top of the canopy, take a few deep breaths. The sun is shining above you, the sky is blue, the air is clear and fresh, there is a breeze that stirs the top of the trees in a comforting whisper. Now we will begin to clear your thoughts.

Step 6:

As you are enjoying the fresh air, trickle back through your thoughts to the ones that flitted past in the woods below. This time, each one appears before you on the wings of a butterfly emerging from the treetops. For the most brief moment, focus on each of the thought-butterflies individually, and force the thought away. As you do so, the butterfly flies higher above the trees.

Step 7:

Once you’ve cleared your mind of all the unwarranted thoughts and distractions, the flock of butterflies above you soars off, dissipating as they do so, flying in a thousand different directions away from you. Take another deep breath before descending back down into the forest and continuing on through the trees. This half of the forest is more open, more clear, with more light. The air smells of a scent that is pleasing to you and soon the trees begin to have more space between them until you are finally out of the woods. image

This is one of my personal meditations! I do this at the end of a long and stressful week where too much has gone on for me to handle.

[thehazeldruid]

The Dawn Will Take You

~A spell to bind those wishing you harm in their tracks~

What you need

Quick drying clay, mod podge, glue (even play doh will work)

Representation of those wishing you ill will or harm (I used Lego figures) a friend used rocks with faces drawn on them.

Paper to work on (to minimize mess)

A white candle

Cleansing Incense

DO THIS SPELL IN THE MORNING IF POSSIBLE, BEST AT SUNRISE

What to do:

Prepare yourself and your work space as necessary. I had to clear my head with a long meditation before this one, as thinking about the people in question threw my emotions out of balance

Sit for a moment and (if you can see or feel the sunlight) take a moment to let its energy fill you. Feel the heat, the light, absorb it until you’re ready.

Now, light the candle, breathing deeply for a few more moments, continuing to gather energy. Set out the representations of the aggressors on the paper. Followed by the clay, glue or mod podge.

As you think about the actions against you slowing, then ceasing altogether, press the representations into the clay, cover them in glue or mod podge and say “The dawn will take you, from flesh and bone, to earth and stone, and from now on, leave me alone.”

Keep them on the paper until they dry. Keep the items on the paper somewhere where the sun (or any light) will reach them.

Continue with more layers as necessary until they are solidified.

Repeat the chant above every time you add a layer. When it comes to it, unbind the objects. If they start the actions again, repeat as necessary.

Afterwards, cleanse yourself and the space of any negative energy. Meditate, ground, center again if your emotions are out of whack.

Good Luck and Happy Casting Witches

M.G.

/|\

The Hazel Druid

[thehazeldruid]

Arwen's Grace

-A spell for aiding in someone’s healing-

You will Need:

A quartz crystal (a clear bead would work as well if you do not have a crystal)

a small bowl of water

a white candle (any size, even a tealight will do)

a white cloth

a single basil leaf or loose dried basil (i have a thing for basil, okay? it’s in the name. Powerful herb…. just go with it)

Either the person you are healing to be present, or some sort of representation of them

What to Do

Prepare yourself and your space however necessary, and if you have the person you are healing with you, have them wash beforehand. (a shower or bath or simply washing their hands or face will do. Any form of cleaning is helpful)

Set the person or representational item down in front of you in the prepared space. Have the person sit cross legged, palms down on their knees, with eyes closed if they are there with you.

Light the white candle, and breath for a moment. If the person is with you, sync your breathing with theirs before continuing.

Set the white cloth down, and place the crystal on top of it.

Dip your fingers in the water, gently rubbing your fingertips of the representation item or the person’s forehead and say: “A gift I will give to you which grace has given me Let it now pass to you and may you be renewed” -Repeat however many times you feel necessary, all while envisioning their sickness coming away from them in the wetness on your hands-.

Dry your hands on the cloth next to the crystal, visualizing the sickness being wiped onto the cloth from your hands*

Put the basil leaf or loose basil with the crystal and wrap them up in the cloth. Hold the cloth above the candle (high enough not to catch it on fire. Be safe!) and say “Let this sickness burn away begone your ills, and gone they will stay”

-The spell is done, dispose of materials, cleanse the crystal however you see fit, wash the cloth to be rid of the sickness and negative energies, and of course, do not use only magic if you or a loved one are sick. Rest, medicine and a good old fashioned doctor should always be first, then supplement that care with magic!-

this is one of my personal spells, from my personal grimoire

Happy Casting, and good health to you, Acorns!

M.G.

/|\

The Hazel Druid

[thehazeldruid]

Blue Space Milk

~A Potion for Strength and Happiness~

Recipe

2 cups vanilla ice cream (Substitute vegan ice cream if need be!)

2 cups of your preferred milk (or soy milk/ almond milk)

2 cups frozen blueberries

Honey to taste, whipped cream to garnish

Take the ice cream, put it in a blender with the milk and blueberries, run until blueberries and thoroughly blended, add honey, and whip cream to finish.

You can also add bananas to the smoothie if need be! Drink and enjoy!

M.G.

/|\

The Hazel Druid