#willow solar

[hxneyfaerie]

Pepper has the weekend off so she, Fern, and Willow take Julep and Kona to the park 🌳 Pepper takes opportunity to add to her collection too ⛏️

[willowshimmer]

The Taurus/Sun lovechild thing is killing me /pos

I'm literally writing a fiction on this rare pair and I'm frothing exploding gnawing on the walls. I want to know everythingggggg *grabby_hands.exe*

Alright well here's more info cause you guys are loving Asterix!

- Asterix trains a lot with his father (Taurus) and with Atlas. Since Asterix is basically made from both magic and star power.

- Dazzle and Asterix get along well and Dazzle loves her lil bro to bits. (Just wishes he would've hit her legs less when his horns were coming in)

- Asterix has white eyes like Sun and a sun ribbon on his tail.

- Asterix can feel emotions but hardly shows signs of sadness which he doesn't like...

- When he grows up he will be taller then Sun but still a bit shorter then Taurus.

- Earth was the second one to hold Asterix the night he was created as Sun was resting from the power exertion that took to create Asterix and Taurus was talking and explaining everything to Gemini, Moon and Solar who were worried.

Earth was showing Asterix to Dazzle who was confused at first but when she learned that was her little brother she was a ball of happiness

- Earth knitted a sweater for Asterix as for him not to get cold during training, he says it's okay but secretly loves it and it's his favorite thing to wear.

- This is not Asterix related but Sun and Taurus have wedding rings (They did not get married in a traditional sense. It was more like a betrothal and promise to love each other for eternity thing)

Taurus' has a sun carving on his ring while Sun has a bull carving on his ring.

That's all I have for now! I'll try to design the kid later but I'm dealing with school and tests so I'll try my best!

[petriorchard]

a tribute to the yellow-green duos i became obsessed with at some point in my life

(that’s a lie—i’m still obsessed with all three)

[willosword]

HE WAS REACHING OUT................ DESPITE EVERYTHING.......... HE JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE HIS DAD WAS OKAY................ AND WHAT DOES HE GET

[peachesfrompluto]

#SixFanarts Challenge ✨✨

[willow-does-art]

I'VE SEEN. TOO MUCH HECKING WELCOME HOME ANGST. I'M GOING TO MAKE AN AU WHERE NOTHING BAD HAPPENS AND EVERYONE IS HAPPY THE END.

also it may be in space. For the vine, yk?

... also also bad things may or may not still happen it's FINE.

[moonlight-alphafemale]

The sun just looks like a eye in the sky holy shit–

People popping fireworks too!?

[breelandwalker]

2024 Witches' Calendar

For all my witches out there, here's a handy list of the 2024 dates for the solstices, quarter days, full and new moons, and special events. I've listed my sources at the bottom.

Dates and times for all events are calculated for Eastern Standard Time, USA, Northern Hemisphere. Adjust for your location as needed and check the DarkSky Placefinder to see what special events will be visible in your area. Enjoy!

Solstices, Harvests, and Quarter Days

February 1-2 - Imbolc / Candlemas

March 19 - Spring Equinox / Ostara

April 30-May 1 - Beltane / May Day

June 20 - Summer Solstice / Midsummer / Litha

August 1 - Lughnasadh / Lammas / Summer Harvest

September 22 - Autumn Equinox / Mabon / Fall Harvest

October 31 - Samhain / Halloween / Final Harvest

December 21 - Winter Solstice / Yule

Full Moons

January 25 - Wolf Moon ♌

February 24 - Snow Moon ♍

March 25 - Worm Moon ♎

April 23 - Pink Moon ♏

May 23 - Flower Moon ♐

June 21 - Strawberry Moon ♑

July 21 - Thunder Moon (aka Buck Moon) ♑

August 19 - Sturgeon Moon* ♒

September 17 - Harvest Moon* ♓

October 17 - Hunter's Moon (aka Blood Moon)* ♈

November 15 - Frost Moon (or Beaver Moon)* ♉

December 15 - Cold Moon ♊

*- Supermoon

Fun Fact: The title of Harvest Moon is given to either the September or October full moon, whichever falls closest to the autumn equinox. Once again this year, that month will be September.

New Moons

January 11 ♑

February 9 ♒

March 10 ♓

April 8 ♈

May 7 ♉

June 6 ♊

July 5 ♋

August 4 ♌

September 2 ♍

October 2 ♎

November 1 ♏

December 1 ♐

December 30 (black moon) ♑

Special Celestial Events

January 3-4 - Quadrantids meteor shower peak

March 25 - Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

April 8 - Total solar eclipse

April 22-23 - Lyrids meteor shower peak

May 6-7 - Eta Aquarids meteor shower peak

August 11-13 - Perseids meteor shower peak

August 19 - Sturgeon Supermoon / Seasonal Blue Moon

September 17 - Harvest Supermoon / Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

October 2 - "Ring of Fire" solar eclipse

October 17 - Hunter's Supermoon

October 21-22 - Orionids meteor shower peak

November 15 - Frost Supermoon

November 16-17 - Leonids meteor shower peak

December 13-14 - Geminids meteor shower peak

December 30 - Black Moon

(Check the DarkSky Placefinder to see what will be visible in your area!)

Mercury Retrogrades (in case you need them)

April 1 - April 24

August 4 - August 27

November 25 - December 15

Happy Witching!

SOURCES & FURTHER READING:

Bree's Lunar Calendar Series

Bree's Secular Celebrations Series

Moon Info - Full Moon Dates for 2024

Calendar-12 - 2024 Moon Phases

Full Moonology - 2024 Full Moon Calendar

AstroStyle - All the 2024 Full Moons

Your Zodiac Sign - Astrology Calendar 2024

Old Farmer's Almanac - Mercury Retrograde Dates 2023-2024

Lonely Planet - Best Star-gazing Events of 2024

Sea and Sky - Astronomy Calendar of Celestial Events 2024

DarkSky International - Dark Sky Placefinder for Stargazing

Pagan Grimoire - Wheel of the Year: The 8 Festivals in the Wiccan Calendar (2024 Edition)

=

If you're enjoying my content, please feel free to drop a little something in the tip jar or check out my published works on Amazon or in the Willow Wings Witch Shop. 😊

EDIT: Mercury is stationed direct on Jan 1st, 2024. The source I used which stated it was in retrograde until the 18th had a typo.

EDIT: Fixed the zodiac signs for the full moons using a new source.

[lilianasgrimoire]

Herb Correspondences - S-Z

Sage - Used for self-purification and cleansing.  Helps grief and loss. Healing and protection also increase wisdom.   Element Air. 

Sandalwood - Burn during protection, healing, and exorcism spells.  Aids luck and success, meditation and divination. Raises a high spiritual vibration. Element Water. 

Skullcap - Aids in love, fidelity and peace.  Increases harmony. Element Water. 

Sea Salt - Use to cleanse crystals and tools.  For purification, grounding and protection.  Supports ritual work. Absorbs negativity and banishes evil.  Element Earth & Water.  

Sheep's Purse - Prosperity, protection and healing. Element Earth. 

Sheep Sorrel - Carry to protect against heart disease. Cleansing and increases luck.  Use in faery magic. Element Earth. 

St. John's Wort - Worn to prevent colds & fevers.  Induces prophetic and romantic dreams. Protects against hexes and black witchcraft.  Increases happiness. Use in Solar Magic. Element Fire. 

Star Anise - Consecration, purification, and happiness.  Use for curse breaking or increasing luck. Burn to increase psychic awareness.   Element Fire.  

Strawberry Leaf - Attracts success, good fortune, and favorable circumstances. Increases love and aids pregnancy. Element Water. 

Sunflower - Energy, protection, and power.  Aids wisdom and brings about wishes.  Use in fertility magic. Element Fire. 

Sweet Cicely - Use during rituals for the dead or dying.  It helps with divination and the contact of the spirit.  It is sacred to the Goddess’ of death. Element Earth. 

Sweetwood - See Cinnamon.   

Tansy - See Agrimony.  

Tarragon - Increases self-confidence.  Use in Dragon magic. Aids healing after abusive situations.   Element Fire. 

Tea Leaves - Use for courage or strength. In tea for increasing lust. Burn leaves to ensure future riches.  Element Air. 

Thistle - See Blessed Thistle.  

Thyme - Attracts loyalty, affection, and love. Increases good luck and psychic power.  Drink tea to aid sleep. Element Air.  

Valerian - Also called Graveyard dust. Aids sleep is calming and is a sedative.  Quietens emotions. Supports protection and love. Element Water. 

Vervain - Strengthen other herbs. Helps, peace, love and happiness.  Burn the leaves to attract wealth and keep your youth. Increases chastity also.  Element Water. 

Verbena - Psychic protection, peace and purification.  Healing and helps depression. Increases beauty and love.  Mind opening and clearing. Ideal use for exams. Element Earth.  

Violet - See Heart’s Ease.  

White Willow Bark - Use in lunar magic.  Reduces negativity and removes evil forces and hexes.  Used for healing spells. Element Water. 

Willow - Used for lunar magic, drawing or strengthening love, healing, and overcoming sadness.  Element Water. 

Witches Grass - Happiness, lust, love, and exorcism. Reverses hexes.  Element Earth.  

Wood Betony - Use for purification, protection, and the expulsion of evil spirits and nightmares.  Draws love in your direction. Element Fire. 

Woodruff - Victory, protection, and money.  Element Air. 

Wormwood - Used to remove anger, stop war, inhibit violent acts, and for protection. Use in clairvoyance, to summon spirits, or to enhance divinatory abilities. Element Earth. 

Yarrow - Healing, calming and increases love. Used in handfasting & weddings.  Increases psychic power and divination. Gives courage when needed. Element Air. 

[hxneyfaerie]

meal time is really family time in this save and i love it

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - September 15-21

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my new(ly repurposed) Patreon!

1. A beam of hope for North America’s most endangered sparrow

“Dozens of conservationists, gathered some distance away to avoid spooking the skittish sparrows, celebrated the [release of the 1000th captive-raised sparrow] in an unprecedented recovery program that in only a few years has doubled the bird’s wild population, from a mere 80 five years ago to some 200 today. […] “What we have achieved is the best case scenario.””

2. U.S. overdose deaths plummet, saving thousands of lives

“"In the states that have the most rapid data collection systems, we’re seeing declines of twenty percent, thirty percent," said Dr. Nabarun Dasgupta, an expert on street drugs at the University of North Carolina. […] According to Donaldson, many people using fentanyl now carry naloxone, a medication that reverses most opioid overdoses. He said his friends also use street drugs with others nearby, ready to offer aid and support when overdoses occur.”

3. Propagated corals reveal increased resistance to bleaching across the Caribbean during the fatal heat wave of 2023

“”[… Y]oung corals bred for restoration are a lot more resistant to bleaching under extreme levels of heat stress than the prevailing corals on the reef." [… Unlike with the previous propagation strategy, fragmentation, e]very time a population reproduces, new offspring receive newly mixed sets of genes through recombination, making them different from their parent colonies and thus enabling adaptation.”

4. Habitat Management Helps At-Risk Butterflies

“For a number of at-risk butterflies in the United States, habitat management can play an important role in keeping them from going extinct. [… “In] places where people are actively engaged with ways to manage the habitat, the butterflies are doing the best,” said Cheryl Schultz, a professor of conservation biology at Washington State University[….]”

5. Study: Protecting the ocean helps fight malnutrition

“[The study] found that fish catches in coral reefs could increase by up to 20 percent by expanding sustainable-use marine protected areas — that is, areas where some fishing is allowed with restrictions[, … and] that sustainable-use marine protected areas have on average 15 percent more fish biomass than non-protected areas. […] “Allowing regulated fishing in marine protected areas can support healthy fish populations, while also having a positive impact on the quality of life of surrounding communities.””

6. [FWS] Advances Effort to Create Urban Conservation Footprint in Tucson

““We want to continue to work together to create an urban footprint to improve access to nature, conserve habitats, and improve air and water quality.” […] The area provides habitat for several federally listed species, including southwestern willow flycatcher, western yellow-billed cuckoo, and Mexican garter snake. If protected, the area will also help connect critical habitat for jaguar and Chiracahua leopard frog.”

7. ‘Exciting’ solar breakthrough means energy can be kept in sustainable batteries that don’t overheat

“The technology is based on a specially designed molecule of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen that changes shape when it comes into contact with sunlight. These are common elements - providing an alternative to other technologies relying on scarce materials like lithium. […] A unique feature of the system is that the molecules also provide cooling in the photovoltaic cell[, which can store solar energy “for up to 18 years.”]”

8. Sea turtles make big comeback on sandy beaches at 2 British military bases in Cyprus

“[… The] number of nests surpass[ed] last year’s record count by nearly 25%, environmentalists said Tuesday. […] “The steep increase in turtle nests has been the result of a consistent, systematic ‘hands-off’ approach, together with enforcement efforts to minimize illegal, damaging activities on nesting beaches[….” D]aily patrols by volunteers ensure that aluminum cages set atop the nests remain in place to protect the turtles from predators like foxes and dogs.”

9. First ever photograph of rare bird species New Britain Goshawk

“The last documented scientific record of the bird is from 1969[….] Working closely with [“the Indigenous Mengen and Mamusi peoples”], WWF hopes to support local stewardship to safeguard the future of these incredible biodiversity hotspots through community-led conservation.”

10. Hospitals begin offering breakthrough radiation therapy for metastatic cancer tumors

“[First,] a patient is injected with a radioactive glucose (or sugar) tracer. The machine picks up the tracer in real time and in bright colors, [… then] reads a signal from the cancer cells breaking down the tracer. [… “The] machine is automatically and autonomously reacting and responding to those signals by shooting radiation back to their source[….]””

September 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[rwby-encrusted-blog]

Blake: *Ears Folded against her head* We're Being responsible. They're wearing condoms, and I take morning after pills every time. We haven't had a scare yet, but I'm being vigilant.

Blake: Everything we do is behind closed doors, and it hasn't been affecting Our G- *Glancing at Sun* Actually, because Sun's been around a lot more, his grades have improved.

Kali: Blake, Dear, it's not that we think you're being careless or unmindful ...

Ghira: What are you two's intentions with my Daughter?

Yang: I love her. I wouldn't hurt her, and if I did, I wouldn't stop until I made up for it, or ... Learned I couldn't. then I'd leave and let her grow and heal from whatever I did.

Ghira: You love her?

Yang: With all my heart.

Ghira: What about Marriage?

Kali: Ghira.

Blake: *panik*

Yang: *Blushing* I- That's-

Yang: *Swallow* We have only been dating for Seven Months, and Three days. We have a couple more years here at Beacon. I think Marriage is a possibility, but it's over the horizon Right now.

Ghira: You've put thought into it?

Yang: Of course I have. I plan for relationships by Milestone. One date plans for the Next. One month for the next six. One year for the Next two. If I plan it all out from the start I act like I know everything about a person, and like a I'm psychic and can tell the future or something.

Ghira: Good. I'm glad you've put as much forethought into this as you've had. I like you.

Ghira: Now, Sun-

Kali: Ghira!

Sun: No, Kali, It's fine. I didn't leave with the best of impressions, even if we did ... patch things up a little?

Ghira: Yes. I will be honest, I hated you at first. Now I just don't trust you completely.

Sun: Well ... We've all talked about our relationship and ... Uhm ... For now I'm just a Friend. A friend they "hang-out" with, but not too much more. I'm happy with this, and they say they are to.

Ghira: *looks to Blake and Yang*

Blake: We have. He's right.

Kali: What about that "For Now?"

Sun: Things Change. Things can Change. For now things are fine how they are.

Ghira: ... Fine. I believe you. Thank you for your Honesty. Both of you, Sun and Yang. And for making my daughter happy.

Blake: Is that ... All?

Ghira: That's all I have to talk about. Honey?

Kali: No marriage, no blonde babies?

Blake: No Mom.

Kali: Okay. Just wondering. That's all I have as well.

Blake: Great! I'll be back in a moment to just ... Talk! *Pulling out Gambol Shroud, sprinting across the hall* LIE REN YOU RATTING-OUT MOTHERFUCKING PIECE OF SHIT-

What were you THINKING???

(Sequel to THIS??? Maybe... Please Add... Co-Labs are too fun!)

Glynda: *Using her world famous Mt Doom Stare on the collected adults, all forced to sit at desks* NOW, I'm sure you are all wondering why you have been summoned here.

Raven: *trying to speak through her gag, while struggling to get free of the ropes keeping her tied to a chair.* mmmphph... mmmphuph

Tai: *Raising his hand* I'm assuming that it has something to do with our children?

Glynda: You are correct Mr. Xiao Long. It has come to my attention...

Jasmine: I'm going to be a GRANDMA! YES YES YES!

Glynda: Thankfully no. I have taken the appropriate steps to help prevent Jaune and Pyrrha from reproducing until AFTER they graduate...

Athena: Pyrrha has a BOTFRIEND?!? Yes Yes Yes!

Jasmine: You mean my baby boy landed a celebrity hottie? YES YES YES! Grandbabies...

Glynda: THERE WILL BE NO GRANDBABIES UNTIL AFTER GRADUATION!!!

Athena/Jasmine: Says you...

Glynda: What was that?

Athena/Jasmine: Nothing!

[sonic-fankid-showdown]

The Sonic Fankid Showdown 2: First Round.

We are so back!!! These are the match ups for the first round of the second edition of the Sonic Fankid Showdown! Everyone get your kids ready to fight other kids!!

The first round will start this Friday 12th of July! And will last one week. See you then!!

Image transcript under the cut.

Beryl (by @spoiledskullz) v/s Sky (by @m3tr0n0m333).

Thadius of the Night (by @thesummoners) v/s Sunny Rose (by @nodulemodule).

Geode the Hedgehog (by @oddogoblino) v/s Brutus the Hedgehog (by @susahnasomething).

Sirius the Starborn (by @aetherprism) v/s Mars (by @estellardreams).

Zayne the Chameleon (by @sapphanimates) v/s Scorn the Hybrid (by @transgender-battlekukku).

Zinnia (by @lethalbreadkills) v/s Sun the Cat (by @bymiar).

Moonlight the Hedgehog (by @aexonn) v/s Tiger the Thing (by @nonbinary-sticks-the-badger).

Ruby the Bat (by @peachvixen) v/s Spirit the Hedgehog (by @itz-pandora).

Gloom the Hedgehog (by @rosetintedjello) v/s Crystal the Hedgehog (by @mutatedleemon).

M.A.R.C.Y (by @time-of-your-life-au) v/s Soup the Singular Hedgetwin (by @honeyglazedcalamari).

Lily Prower (by @galacticghoste) v/s Wendy (by @maddestmewmew).

Maria the Hedgehog (by @averiesmiles) v/s Velocity "Vel" D'Coolette (by @sonicnewschannel).

Ghost the Cat (by @koreyeet) v/s Destiny Acorn (by @head---ache).

Ari the Hedgehog (by @pokeypoqi) v/s Aster (by @sushirolledghost).

Blake the Tenrec (by @st4rrzyy) v/s Matches the Badnik (by @nicoletheholo-lynx).

Willow Acorn (by @localsmallbeanidiot) v/s Roxy the Bee (by @somemismatchedsocks).

Blueberry the Hedgehog (by @the-gay-ghost-king) v/s Dream (by @lerenee).

Jellybean (by @kittyonakeyboard) v/s Marie (by @unholy-everlasting).

Aster Rose (by @t4tsurge) v/s Firecracker the Hedgehog (by @shadowandsonic96).

Asha the Tenrec (by @yourpalsalamander) v/s Silhouette the Needlemouse (by @kingprinceleo).

Mirage the Lizard (by @montydrawsstuff) v/s Sly the Chameleon (by @val-va2).

Emer the Hedgehog (by @ghost-with-headphones) v/s Star the Hedgehog (by @hibiishere).

Turnip (by @s0larsyst3mm) v/s Violet the Hedgehog (by @softichill).

Hoagie "Blade" Thornslash the Huskal (by @microwave-kid) v/s Mary the Hedgehog (by @veo-queenofcards).

Morganite (by @yu-melon) v/s Sakura the Hedgehog (by @ekaycheem).

Nova (by @pastelspindash) v/s Bean the Hedgehog (by @sonic-the-werehog).

Juniper the Cub (by @clonescubed) v/s Surprise (by @navy-the-tiger).

Soda the Hedgehog (by @ubtendo) v/s Solar the Darkling (by @chaospears).

Starlight the Hedgehog (by @shadows-coffeebeans) v/s C.I.R.C.U.I.T (by @mephiles-the-jester).

Maria the Hedgehog (by @6larosie9) v/s Mimi the Hedgehog (by @zeawesomeness).

Addison the Hedgehog (by @splatatsplatoon) v/s Wraith the Hedgechidna (by @sonic-polis).

Juno the Hedgehog (by @crow-withaphone) v/s Zap the Echidna (by @adaplayspiano).

I swear those images will get easier to read as we move forward njasncs

Good luck, everyone! And see you on Friday!!

[readychilledwine]

The First Hunt

Eris Week - Day 4 - Hounds And Traditions

Summary - Open season in Autumn always creates a fun game for you and your husband

Warnings - fingering, dirty talk, praise, signs of dumbification and pet play, signs of predator prey play, hunting.

A/n - Slowly reworking through @erisweekofficial things and getting them reformatted 🫠 Happy late day 4! Day 5 should be up this evening. 💕

🍂Eris Week Masterlist🍂Eris Masterlist🍂Master Masterlist🍂

Dividers by @tsunami-of-tears

You sighed as you walked through the fallen leaves and branches behind your husband's path. Autumn had fully fallen throughout Prythian. Leaves were changing in the solar courts, and coffee shops began to request goods from your home.

But none of that matter to Eris right now. What mattered to Eris is Prythian welcoming Autumn along all their borders meant one thing.

Open Hunting Season.

Every court had different laws regarding when hunting certain game was appropriate. With Mabon having past, Beron had opened deer and elk season. Your husband's favorite time of the year.

He spent weeks training the hounds for this, and they were as ready as their handler.

“Eris, this isn’t-”

“Now, now, my pretty bunny. Silence is the most important part of the hunt. The hounds can't find their prey if you sit here huffing.” Amber eyes stared at you, a pleased smirk on his face as you crossed your arms. “I warned you, little wife. I said this would bore you.”

“I wanted to come to the cabin, spend time with you,” you huffed again. The hounds were deep into searching. Their sensitive noses buried in the ground. They were stealthy, silent. It was as if they knew exactly what leaves and branches to avoid.

The smokehounds were one of your favorite things about Eris. It was a preview to how he'll treat your future children, a sign of the amount of love he truly had just waiting to emerge, and his patience. One of the hounds, Cyprus, came and brushed his hand before walking another direction, the others following him.

He wordlessly motioned for you to follow, bow strapped to wide shoulders again as he moved. Eris was such a graceful being. Even in his most lethal moments, Eris carried the signs of his love of dance.

You followed them, deeper into the woods, deeper into thick brush. There were no villages nearby. No fae for you to decide to leave and speak with.

You all finally stopped in a field, a cleared area in the woods with only a single ancient oak tree.

It would be the only witness to what he was about to do to you. Your back met soft ground before you could even respond and he stood above you, bent at the waist and smirking, “Little wife, on your back for me already?” His bow was carried away by Willow, weapons now long gone as the hounds began to surround the clearing, sitting in the grass to stay guard.

You pushed up to your elbows, “Huband, help me back up.” You held a hand out to him, only for him to remove his shirt. Inches of new skin was revealed before he ultimately got on top of you, caging you to the ground below, “This isn't hunting?”

“Oh but it is, sweet bunny. I ensnared you right where I wanted.”

“Did you now?”

A soft kiss found your lips, “I did.”

“What if it is I who ensnared you?”

Eris only chuckled in response, “Then maybe we are both getting what we want.” His lips found yours again, more heated and needy as he forced you to lay back again. Your own shirt was pulled of moments later before he moved to pull down the travel pants you had been allowed to wear.

His hands began to explore then, his eyes soft as he looked over your smooth skin. “This is is much better than sitting lonely and waiting for the hounds to find something,” he squeezed the plush skin of your thighs, groaning as he did.

Eris loved every inch of you. He loved the curves you carried. He loved the strong muscles of your legs. “You're already wet for me, I can smell it.”

“Eris, I'm always ready for you.”

He lifted his head at you words before glancing to where Oak had stood, “It appears we only have about 10 minutes. They've found something to chase.”

Your remaining clothing became heated, burning off to ash before a hand came to rest on the most sensitive part of you. Fingers danced through your folds, a sigh leaving your lips as you laid back. “That isn't long enough,” you whined as a nimble finger found your clit, circling it.

“Not for everything I'd like to do, no, but long enough for me to get you to finish on my hand, yes.” Eris slid a finger in while holding your eyes. “Did you really think I would not find the rabbit foot treats you hid?”

You could hardly respond as barely brushed your spot, teasing you, giving you a taste of what you craved without fulfilling the hunger.

“Did you think I wouldn't notice my hounds munching on their favorite snacks during their prehunt routine? Little wife, how silly of you to think I didn't know you were trying to get fucked against a tree.”

He began working his finger in and out, curling it just below where you needed him to touch. You continued to hold eye contact, soft moans coming from your lips as you slightly raised your hips for him.

“Gods, you're beautiful like this,” he murmured. “So responsive and soft. Who's my dumb little bunny?”

“Me,” your voice broke with pleasure. “I'm you're dumb bunny.” Eris smirked, adding a second finger and stretching you out more. His thumb grazed your clit with every movement of his hand.

Your mind shut off with every word whispered into your ear. Praising you, degrading you, the dirtiest things about how warm and wet you were, how greedy your pretty pussy was as it took his fingers so easily.

Eris began to focus on chasing your high as the hounds broke into a sprint, his fingers moving fast as the build of barking began to intimate their prey. His second hand grabbed yours, placing it on your bundle of nerves so he could focus on finding the exact angle he needed.

His free hand began to squeeze your breasts, pinching your nipples hardened from the chilly Autumn morning.

Your cries as you felt the wave approaching were drowned out to all but him. The barking now louder and insistent, indicating the hounds were closer to you and Eris, leading the prey straight to you both.

“Need you to come, bunny. Need you to a the best girl for me,” his voice had dropped, deeper as his own arousal began to grow. He kept working you, fingers pulling like a magnet and pushing you towards the sea of pleasure you wanted to bathe yourself in. “Come, bunny,” he commanded.

His spare hand forced you into a kiss, swallowing the scream of his name falling from your lips as your body found what he was working for. He kissed you through the high until he couldn't, grabbing a single bow and arrow and turning while you laid shaking on the ground to shoot whatever finally came into the clearing.

“Not bad,” he muttered as he looked between his trembling wife and the large stag. He handed you your clothing, helping you put it back on, before standing and offering all 12 hounds their individual praise.

You shook your head as Eris smiled at his first game for the season, “Good first hunt?”

“Absolutely.”

“Better than the game we played last year?”

Eris seemed to pause at that question, “Well, considering you picked the most obvious choice in distraction for the hounds this year, I would say the game of cat and mouse we played during the hunt last year was better.” Your mate, blunt and honest to a fault, looked you over. “Though, I do think you look incredibly sexy with leaves in your hair.”

Eris bent down, lifting the deer with ease, “Besides, you, my bunny, only made it 20 feet from the cabin.”

Your jaw dropped as your eyes grew wide, his laughter rang through the clearing, hounds turning in circles of excitement with him. “I swear I tried.”

He moved, kissing your forehead, “Try again later.” The invitation was soft as he whistled, rounding up 12 smokehounds. “Let's go take care of this and then I can fulfill your wishes.”

He turned and walked away, muttering to himself again, “Not bad at all.”

General Taglist:

@hnyclover @glitterypirateduck @slytherinindisguise @mischiefmanagers @bloodicka @starsinyourseyes @the-sweet-psycho @mariahoedt @rinalouu @sarawritestories @starryhiraeth @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @cumuluscranium @loneliestluvr @eternallyelvish @azrielsmate3 @daughterofthemoons-stuff @meritxellao @aria-chikage @hungryforbatboys @lilah-asteria @fandomrejects @sleepybesson @tayswhp @itsswritten @milswrites @littlest-w01f

[elenilag]

Plants and Stones Associated with the Moon and the Sun

Throughout history, various stones and plants have been revered for their unique energies and symbolic meanings, often associated with the celestial powers of the Moon and Sun.

By incorporating these stones and plants into rituals, meditation, or personal spaces, one can tap into the distinct energies of the Moon and Sun to enhance healing, protection, prosperity, and spiritual guidance.

Moonstone

Known as the "Goddess Stone," moonstone connects to the cycles of the Moon, fostering intuition, emotional depth, and inner clarity. It represents the Maiden, Mother, and Crone aspects of the Goddess and is ideal for rituals honoring the Goddess, particularly those tied to emotions, intuition, or new beginnings.

Rose Quartz

Rose quartz embodies the Mother aspect of the Goddess, encouraging love, nurturing, and healing. Use it in rituals for self-love, relationship harmony, and compassion, asking the Goddess to open the heart to her boundless love.

Amethyst

Amethyst aligns with the Crone, the wise elder. It protects, purifies, and enhances spiritual wisdom, making it ideal for meditation, divination, and deepening intuition. This sacred crystal is often used when seeking guidance or protection from the Goddess.

Lavender

Lavender is calming and purifying, drawing the gentle yet powerful energy of the Goddess into rituals. It’s ideal for soothing anxiety, promoting sleep, or creating a serene space. Dried lavender can be placed in sachets, baths, or used as an offering on the altar.

Rose

Roses symbolize the Goddess’s love, beauty, and compassion. Rose petals are used in spells for love, self-care, and emotional healing or scattered on the altar as an offering to the Goddess of love, beauty, and creation.

Willow

Sacred to the Goddess, especially in her Moon aspects, willow symbolizes intuition and emotional healing. Use willow wood in wands or ritual tools for protection and emotional release.

Sunstone

This crystal embodies the energy of the Sun, promoting joy, confidence, and motivation. It is a powerful tool for dispelling fears and enhancing creativity.

Citrine

Known as the "Merchant’s Stone," citrine is associated with prosperity, success, and the Sun's vibrant energy. It's used to attract abundance and encourage a positive mindset.

Tiger’s Eye

A stone of protection and courage, tiger's eye connects with the Sun's strength and is often used in empowerment spells to boost self-confidence and decision-making.

Sunflower

Symbolizing warmth, happiness, and abundance, sunflowers are often used in spells for prosperity and joy, capturing the Sun’s vibrant essence.

Marigold

Marigold is known for its protective and healing properties. Associated with the solar aspect of the divine, calendula is used to bring brightness and uplift the spirit.

St. John’s Wort

A solar herb, St. John’s Wort is used for its protective qualities and for promoting joy, energy, and vitality. It is also linked with enhancing self-esteem.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Ian McDonald's "The Wilding"

I'll be in TUCSON, AZ from November 8-10: I'm the GUEST OF HONOR at the TUSCON SCIENCE FICTION CONVENTION.

Ian McDonald is one of those absurdly brilliant novelists that just leave me wondering the actual fuck he manages it. How does he cover so much ground, think up so many compelling characters, find so many gracenotes, conjure up so many complicated emotions?

McDonald burst on the scene in the late 1980s, with the 1988 novel Desolation Road and then his 1989 Out On Blue Six, a slick, stylized cyberpunk-meets-Orwell tale that overflowed with beautiful prose, technomysticism, and sly jokes that hid sneaky truths that hid even more sly jokes:

https://memex.craphound.com/2014/01/20/out-on-blue-six-ian-mcdonalds-brilliant-novel-is-back/

By my count, McDonald has now published twenty books – mostly novels, but a couple short story collections (and the most amazingly demented, Tom-Waits-inflected teddybear murder comic imaginable, 1994's Kling Klang Klatch):

https://irishcomics.fandom.com/wiki/Kling_Klang_Klatch

McDonald's work is truly globespanning. While he's made his mark on the Martian soil, and overtaken the moon with the Luna trilogy (his definitive rebuttal to Heinlein's Moon Is a Harsh Mistress) he is widely adored and much-awarded for the glittering, futuristic versions of Brazil (Brasyl), Tanzania (the Chaga series), and India (River of Gods).

Indeed, McDonald's imagination has roamed so far over the Earth and the solar system that it's possible to overlook his fantastic reimaginings of Ireland, the land where he was raised. There's his Philip K Dick Award-winning 1991 novel King of Morning, Queen of Day, a swirling, mythopoeic novel of Celtic mysticism:

https://www.baen.com/king-of-morning-queen-of-day.html

And then there's 1992's Hearts, Hands and Voices, which is lowkey one of the best novels I have ever, ever read – a scorching science fictional allegory for The Troubles, but with the gnarliest biotech weirdness you can possibly imagine:

https://archive.org/details/heartshandsvoice0000ianm/mode/2up

McDonald's books cover so much goddamned ground, but one feature they all share is a prose styling wherein every sentence is at least 20% poetry, a fraction that somehow, impossibly, rises to as much as 150% in certain especially shiny passages.

Like this passage, which opens The Wilding, McDonald's new horror novel that marks his first return to Ireland since 1992:

Autumn lay on the great bog in silvers and tans, late purples and duns.

The sun rose above the tall ash saplings and feral sycamore. It called the birds into full voice. Stabbing shrills, tumbles of notes, the flutes of dove-call, frantic ticking hisses, song upon song. In hedgerows and copses, among the pale foliage of the birches, in the weave of deep willow and the bramble fastnesses, each bird called and was heard. In this season the peatland held the day's warmth through the night and on the bright, clear mornings rivers of mist formed, filling the subtle hollow places in the exposed cuttings, the bogs and fields. High sun would dispel it but at this hour half of Lough Carrow lay mist-bound. Each blade of grass hung heavy with dew, the clumps of sedges were already browning, the bracken curling and crisping.

A pair of horns lifted above the willow scrub and out-grown ash hedges of the Wilding. Polished tips caught the low sun and kindled as bright and keen as spears.

https://www.gollancz.co.uk/titles/ian-mcdonald/the-wilding/9781399611503/

Oof.

I would drop everything to read Ian McDonald's grocery lists but after that opening, I wasn't going to put this one down, and I didn't, reading the whole thing on yesterday's flight home from my gigs in Atlanta this week.

The Wilding is (I'm pretty sure?) McDonald's first horror novel, and it's fucking terrifying. It's set in a rural Irish peat bog that has been acquired by a conservation authority that is rewilding it after a century of industrial peat mining that stripped it back nearly to the bedrock. This rewilding process has been greatly accelerated by the covid lockdowns, which reduced the human footprint in the conservation area to nearly zero.

The story's protagonist is Lisa, a hard-case Dubliner who came to the bog to do community service after a career as a crime syndicate driver for hire, a woman who never met a car she couldn't boost and pilot in or out of any tight situation. After years in the bog, she's ready to start a new life, studying Yeats at university, indulging a late-discovered love of poetry that has as much to do with her redemption as her years in the wild.

Lisa's last duty before she leaves the bog and goes home to Dublin is leading a school group on a wild campout in one of the bog's deep clearings. It's a routine assignment, and while it's not her favorite duty, it's also not a serious hardship.

But as the group hikes out to the campsite, one of her fellow guides is killed, without warning, by a mysterious beast that moves so quickly they can barely make out its monstrous form. Thus begins a tense, mysterious, spooky as hell story of survival in a haunted woods, written in the kind of poesy that has defined McDonald's career, and which – when deployed in service of terror – has the power to raise literal goosebumps.

There's a lot of fantasy that deals with Celtic mythology, including McDonald's own King of Morning, Queen of Day, but the vibe of that stuff tends to the heroic and romantic – sure, there's the odd banshee, but in the main, it's mischievous wee people, pookas, and leprechauns. More fey than fear.

But Irish mythology in its raw form is terrifying. The monsters of Irish storytelling are grotesque, mean, remorseless, and come in every shape and size. Some authors have done well by going back to the bestiary for the deep cuts. When I was a kid, I must have read John Coyne's Hobgoblin fifty times (mostly because it was about D&D, which I was obsessed with). I haven't read this one since I was about 12, and I have no idea if it'd hold up today, but it left me with a deep appreciation of the spooky multifariousness of monsters who dwell in Ireland's bogs:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobgoblin_(novel)

The Wilding is a suspense novel, which means there's no way to really sum up the plot without spoiling a lot of the affect, but suffice to say that McDonald brings large swathes of deep Irish lore to the surface, and it had me reading as fast as I could and wanting to put the book down and hide.

What a writer McDonald is! The fact that this is the same guy who wrote last year's stunning secret-history/solarpunk/uncategorizable wonder that was Hopeland beggars belief:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/05/30/electromancy/#the-grace

Read you some Ian McDonald novels, is what I'm trying to say. This one is only available in the UK, if that's not where you are, consider mail-ordering it. Looks like they've got stock at Forbidden Planet for £19 plus £18 shipping to the US. Worth every penny:

https://forbiddenplanet.com/424306-the-wilding-hardcover/

Tor Books as just published two new, free LITTLE BROTHER stories: VIGILANT, about creepy surveillance in distance education; and SPILL, about oil pipelines and indigenous landback.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/10/25/bogman/#erin-go-aaaaaaargh