#will probably do this around lammas

[gefdreamsofthesea]

On the Wheel of the Year being a mess

I thought I would elaborate on this outside of a single reply.

Obviously if you find meaning in the holidays (and many do) then continue to celebrate. I'm not trying to be like "no one observe the WotY anymore, I just think it's important to be honest about its history and implications.

The Wheel of the Year is neither ancient nor Celtic, of the eight festivals, most have Irish names, but at least three are Germanic (Ostara, Midsummer, Yule, and Lammas if referred to as such and not Lughnasad) no single culture celebrated all of them, and yet they are often presented as "ancient Celtic festivals".

In addition, despite claims that these festivals are ancient, the ways that Wiccans and other Pagans celebrate often bear no resemblance to how the same festivals are celebrated in their home countries. Beltaine is not a wild sex party, it's a fire festival concerned with protecting people and livestock. Ostara is probably made up, it's based on bad etymology (from Grimm) based on a single reference from a monk (Bede) who was like "this month is named for a goddess" and there's absolutely no evidence this goddess ever existed. The other holiday I'm suspicious of is Mabon, if only because we know the name for the festival came from Aidan Kelly. Individual holidays often get mashed together simply because they occur around the same time (Beltaine/May Day and Lughnasad/Lammas for instance) and treated as basically the same thing despite....being different holidays.

So my one issue with the Wheel is that it's taken festivals from multiple characters and run them through a blender, but there are lots of posts written on this already. I think it's also important to discuss the implications when we act as if the WotY is a universal "Pagan" calendar.

The Wheel of the Year really only makes sense if you're in certain parts of Europe (okay, the U.K.) and bits of North America with four distinct seasons. If you live in an area with two seasons, if you live in a desert climate, if you think I'm making stuff up when I talk about snow, heck, if you live in an area that doesn't herd sheep or grow wheat, parts of the Wheel of the Year will just not have any relevance to you. I complain every year that Imbolc is the most nonsensical holiday because where I live everything is still under five feet of snow and I am not thinking about spring or lambing season (as I do not own sheep). Yes I know "Oh it's anticipating spring!" Anticipate the snow I am throwing at you.

I also feel like there's such a focus on the Wheel that people think they *have* to observe it instead of whatever's going on in their local area, or traditions their ancestors might have observed. This is something I can understand because who wants to be alone celebrating Mârtişor when you could wait and celebrate Ostara with everyone?

I think where this becomes especially annoying is when you have folks who get pissed because they're celebrating Samhain and how dare you eat candy and have fun on my sacred holiday! Your ancestors are probably annoyed with you because you aren't giving them sweets. You might be celebrating a holiday that is actually quite old but how dare you do something different than they do on their frankenfestival!

Some food for thought on the subject is the book Walking the Tides by Nigel G. Pearson. It is a very British book talking specifically about the year in that part of the world, so while it might not be relevant to you, it does make some good points about observing nature, how folklore ties into celebrations, and the like. As I said, it's specific, but it's still interesting.

[hillbillyoracle]

Old Lammas Honey

With the bees doing better, I was hoping the honey stand would be restocked and planned to buy some for possible ritual use on Sunday in Sun hour while the sun is in Leo. This aligned nicely with @graveyarddirt 's Old Lammas Weekend suggestions. While I'd originally planned to get it during the second sun hour as I normally sleep in, I crashed around midnight and couldn't get more sleep after 4am. So when the sun was up, so was I.

I anointed my hands with a solar perfume from Sphere + Sundry named Good Health and, as often happens for me with magical workings, spilled some extra as I was applying it. I scooped it up and used it to anoint my feet as well - why not?

Pulled the money to pay for the honey out of a ritual prosperity box I have, hoping it would bless the bee keeper and hopefully help him keep his bees.

It's a gorgeous morning here. Cloudy but the sun still piercing through. I was spacing out a little when I heard a loud crunch and was greeted by one of my parents' donkeys trying to debark an overturned log. Not mentioning because it's magical, just real cute.

Said hello to the bees who were already up and working hard at the bee food station. It'd been dragged closer to the driveway since I last saw it so I think the bee keeper had been by to refill it on his way to work.

I figured on my walk over that just attempting to get some honey could suffice as solar devotion even if there was none to buy. But as I got closer I saw it had been fully restocked! I grabbed their biggest size - a pint Mason jar. It was slightly lighter than the others in thr box so I'm interested to see how it tastes.

I paid for it and very excitedly walked it home for a photoshoot with the hops vines.

I anointed it and the candle with the solar perfume and set it up to burn down in consecration with my rosary (bought Mercury day, Mercury hour; for magical workings like these) and my grandmother's Mary statue. I found it in her old room when we were hiding out there from not one, but two simultaneously tornados that struck the county the day after we moved in. It brings me a lot of comfort. It's also sitting on the ledge under my grandparents giant sun mirror which I didn't realize until I stepped back to take a picture. I've loved that thing ever since I was little and it feels nice it's watching over the little honey jar now.

My hope it to use it mostly for general workings for good health but I also want to try making a solar scrub with it to use for purification around solar eclipses. I don't have a bathtub in the house (not sure what my family's beef wiyh bathtubs is lol) so I can't do the baths I was doing. Thought a scrub would be a good addition I could still rinse off in a shower.

Also plan to use it through the winter in teas and treats when I feel like I might be coming down with something or seasonal depression sets in a little too strong.

But we will see. I'll try to report back on it if I manage to use it for things.

But just getting it was a lovely experience. I don't do much solar work but it's always a treat when I get the chance.

ETA: we don't drink any more but I had some spiced rum I'd been keeping tucked away for an offering. Saw it as I was taking the dog out, realized it was narrowly still sun hour, so I poured it out by the lemonbalm patch and thanked the Sun. Didn't want to be a mooch you know?

Probably won't be buying any more alcohol for ritual use but I'm glad the last bit finally found a use after 2 years of sobriety.

#solar magic #witchblr #honey #suney #witch #magic #old lammas #old lammas honey

[averycanadianfilm]

You traveled around for over a decade, do you regret it? Do you miss 'the road'?

After I resigned from my tenurable academic position, for about a year and a half, I traveling in India, Nepal, Hong Kong (I highly recommend Lamma Island) and Ethiopia, I returned to Canada and intended to resume my academic career and write a book based on my travels, but I decided I didn't know enough about my own country so I decided to travel around Canada for a few years. I returned to the States during the summer of 2005 (teaching Calculus and Introduction to Probability&Statistics in a summer program at Barnard College/Columbia University). After that experience I decided to use the material for the books in film scripts instead, so I returned to Canada to continue my travels. I only intended to travel around Canada for about two more years, return to Manhattan to seek financing for 'A Very Canadian Film', and then return to academia. That didn't happen and I continued to travel in Canada and the Caribbean. When it was clear that I would have to find another way to get financing for these films, I stopped traveling and returned to academia (teaching physics at Trent University - Peterborough Campus). I don't regret it. We still might get financing for these feature length films. Currently, I'm working on three non-fiction books and will completely revise the script for the first film. Traveling for that extended period of time is unusual, I learned a lot about myself, other people, other cultures, and Canada. That said, no I don't miss the road and I don't intend to do anymore of that type of traveling. :-)

#averycanadianfilm #HubertHughBurke #Hubert Hugh Burke

[breelandwalker]

Secular Celebrations - Lughnasadh

From Midsummer, we move to Lughnasadh in early August. Also called Lammas, this is the first of the three harvest holidays. Much of what you’ll see associated with this holiday involves bread, bread, and for a change of pace, more bread and also corn. But there are also associations with field games, music, crafts, artistry, games of skill, self-expression, wishmaking, and the first fruits of the harvest. It’s another holiday for picnics and bonfires, so keep that in mind when you’re planning your festivities.

It’s probably easiest to talk about the food first, since that’s a big part of this holiday. Lots of witches bake bread of some sort for Lughnasadh, in observance of the grain harvest. This would be a great time to put that sourdough starter to use, if you made one. But don’t limit yourself to bread alone! Late summer fruits and vegetables are also coming into season and that gives you plenty of options for kitchen witchery. Check your local farmer’s market or produce stand for what’s available, or see what’s in season for your area, since this will vary from region to region.

You can make jams and preserves, try your hand at winemaking or brewing beer, make a vegetarian or fruit-based dish, or cook over an open fire, if you have the option. You should be able to harvest things from your garden as well, since it will be producing by this time, and this is another great holiday for visiting pick-your-own berry patches and orchards. If you can, share what you harvest or make with friends and neighbors. This is a time to remember your circle and your community as well. None of us stand alone, and we are stronger when we stand together and nurture those bonds.

Make decorations with wheat stalks and corn husks, and thank the fields and the sun for their bounty. Just like on Midsummer, you can hang ribbons and paper wishes from trees and shrubs if you like. I’m also partial to (very carefully) gathering brambles, rose thorns, and holly hedge cuttings for use later in the year around Lughnasadh. It’s a tricky, prickly business, but they come in very handy when you’re preparing magical protections for the home.

If you can have a small bonfire or have the opportunity to light up a cauldron or a burning bowl, you can throw incense or paper wishes into the fire. If you like, you can also throw paper packets containing your regrets into the fire, symbolically ridding them from your life and freeing you to move forward.

If the weather allows, have a field day! Play games, have a cookout or a barbecue, play music, and enjoy yourself. Celebrate the abundance that the first harvest brings into your life and all the hard work you’ve done so far in the year. Provided that your circle can gather, maybe have an informal tournament with games of skill and chance. For those of you who just went, “-gasp- Trivia contest!” you’re right on the mark. That carnival atmosphere comes into play again for Lughnasadh, so have a little fun with your near and dear.

Handicrafts and the arts are also celebrated at Lughnasadh. It’s a good time to start that new project you’ve been meaning to do, or to try your hand at a new skill.

This is also a time to begin reaping what you’ve sown and to examine your own progress since the beginning of the growing season. Meditate on how your personal projects are going. What progress have you made toward your goals? What have you learned so far this year? What promises have you kept, which ones could use more dedication, and which ones fell by the wayside?

How have your actions, for good or for ill, affected the direction of your path? What have you sown that is now coming to fruition? What is still budding? What has yet to manifest? What might require more of your attention?

Meditate also on self-expression. How well do you communicate with others? What would you like to improve? Are there boundaries that you need to clarify or reinforce? How much are you allowed or able to be your truest self? What do you long to be able to do or say or express differently?

Keep in mind that progress, education, and recovery do not happen in straight lines or have constant upward trajectories. Be patient with yourself. You may not be exactly where you thought you’d be, but you’re still further along than you were. Even a single step forward counts, and it’s okay to stop and rest if you need to.

- Hex Positive, Ep. 011 - Secular Celebrations (November 01, 2020)

Other Posts In This Series:

Imbolc

Spring Equinox

Beltane

Midsummer

Lughnasadh

Autumn Equinox

Samhain

Yule

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.

The Hex Positive podcast is a proud member of the Nerd and Tie Podcast Network.😊

#witchcraft #witchblr #pagan #secular witchcraft #Lughnasadh #baby witch #podcasts #podcast recs #Hex Positive #wheel of the year #Lammas #secular celebrations

[scarletravenswood]

🌾 3 Things You May Not Know About Lammas 🌾

1: THE MANY NAMES FOR THIS SABBAT There are many different names for this holiday. This makes it a bit confusing, but when you look into it the different names actually reveal a lot of fascinating aspects about the history of Paganism.  The oldest name for this holiday is Lughnasadh which is Gaelic and is the name used for the celebrations that occurred throughout Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Mann.  Lughnasadh is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and the festival itself is named after the Celtic god Lugh. 

The term Lammas, which is the name most current wiccans use, actually shows up after the Christian conversion in Europe.  The name Lammas is a contraction of the words loaf (as in bread-loaf) and mass (as in Christian Mass).  In the Christian tradition, people would bake a loaf made from the newly harvested wheat and take it to church where the bread would be blessed.  After the bread was blessed it might even be used in protective rituals. There's a book of Anglo-Saxon charms that states Lammas bread should be broken into four bits and placed at the four corners of the barn to protect the harvested grain. I find this all super interesting because it’s a great example of how Paganism & Christianity have intermixed over the centuries.  While we don’t know exactly when Christians started celebrating Lammas, it’s definitely possible the acts of harvesting & blessing bread and doing a barn protection spell on this particular day was inspired by earlier Pagan celebrations. I mean it sounds pretty pagan to me! There are two more lesser known names for this holiday as well. Gŵyl Awst which is the Welsh name for this holiday and August Eve which is the name early Wiccans used for this holiday. The switch to using the name Lammas among Wiccans came much later. 2: ATHLETIC GAMES ON THIS SABBAT Sports are probably not one of the things you associate with this holiday, but there are actually some interesting athletic aspects to Lammas. In The Every-Day Book of 1838 William Hone wrote of a Lammas day sport common among Scottish farmers near Edinburgh.  In this sport people would build towers out of peat and each team would put their flag at the center of the tower. The farmers would go to others' towers and attempt to "level them to the ground."  People were allowed to defend their towers and all the farmers were given a horn they could blow to alert nearby country folk of the impending attack and they would show up and it would turn into a big brawl.  There are also historic Pagan athletic games associated with Lughnassah called the Tailteann Games.  These were funeral games associated with the history of Pre-Christian Ireland. The games were held during the last fortnight of July and culminated with the celebration of Lughnasadh.  Modern folklore sources claim that the games started around 1600 BCE, with some sources claiming as far back as 1829 BCE.  The games included the long jump, high jump, running, spear throwing, boxing, sword fighting, archery, wrestling, and chariot racing.   3: A MODERN VERSION OF LUGHNASADH? The oldest Irish festival still going on today is called Puck’s Fair and it takes place annually for three days on the 10th, 11th and 12th of August.  Every year a group of people go up into the mountains and catch a wild goat for the fair.  The goat is brought back to the town and the "Queen of Puck", traditionally a young girl, crowns the goat "King Puck" which signifies that the festivities may begin. The goat is then put into a small cage on a high stand for three days, and on the 3rd day of the fair, he is brought down to be led back to the mountains. Most Scholars believe the fair's origins stem from the Celtic festival of Lughnasadh. As Lughnasadh symbolizes the beginning of the harvest season the goat acts like a pagan fertility symbol.  

#pagan #paganism #witch #witchcraft #wicca #wiccan #lughnasadh #wheel of the year #witchblr #baby witch #heathen #celtic mythology

[witchfinderblog]

Mabon- The Autumn Equinox

Time of Year

Mabon is traditionally celebrated between the 21st-25th September in the Northern Hemisphere, although it is typically celebrated on the 23rd. In the Southern Hemisphere, some witches will also celebrate Mabon to align with the calendar, and other witches celebrate Ostara, to align with the seasons. Those witches would celebrate Mabon from the 21st-25th March. This post focuses on the celebration of Mabon.

What do we celebrate?

Mabon celebrates a time of balance, where the days and nights are of equal length. Darker days are ahead, so we give thanks to the warmer days that have passed. In Wicca, this is when the Goddess begins her transformation from mother to crone, and the God prepares for death and rebirth. This is the second of the three harvest holidays (lammas, mabon and samhain), which celebrate the abundance of nature and the result of a fortunate harvest.

It is also a time to finish old business in order to stop and relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labour. It's a good time to finish projects and take a break from working hard all the time, whether that be at school, at work, or at home.

Name origins and history

Also known as the second harvest, the feast of Avalon, or cornucopia, the name Mabon is shared by a Welsh god, meaning "divine son", however, this name was only coined in 1970 by Aidan Kelly as a reference to the god Mabon, and it was probably not originally a celtic celebration.

In the 1700s, the Bavarians (in what is now modern day germany) began the tradition of a week-long festival called Oktoberfest, which is still celebrated today. It shares some traditions with Mabon, centering around themes of the harvest and giving thanks.

Correspondences

Mabon is a time to cast spells about balance and resolving issues from the past few months, and protection and security for the coming months. It is a good idea to cut ties with any energies that surround you but no longer serve you, and accepting the events of summer and moving on.

Colours: earthy colours like brown, red, orange, yellow, green and gold.

Symbols: wine, gourds, pine cones, acorns, grains, corn, apples, pomegranates, vines such as ivy, dried seeds, and horns of plenty (cornucopia).

Crystals: yellow agate, sapphire, quartz (particularly yellow and brown variations), amber, citrine, tiger's eye, aventurine, ruby, tourmaline.

Herbs: rue, yarrow, sage, chamomile, rosemary, hyssop, ivy, thistle.

Flowers: marigold, sunflowers, carnations, chrysanthemums.

Animals: blackbirds, butterfly, salmon, hawk, squirrel, horse, owl, stag, wolf, eagle.

Foods: apple, cinnamon, pears, berries, homegrown foods, bread, potatoes, carrots, courgettes, squash, onions, nuts, cakes, fruit juice, apple cider, homemade wine.

Gods and goddesses: Skadi, Modron, Morgan, Epona, Persephone, Pamona and the Muses, Mabon, Thoth, Thor, Hermes, the Green Man.

Activities and festivals

Altar decoration is probably the most obvious. You could decorate your altar with homegrown fruits and vegetables, or perhaps homemade bread. It is also a good time to remake or maintain your broom, as there are plenty of dry twigs to make brooms out of. The broom could also be decorated with corresponding items such as acorns, conkers, and coloured ribbons.

In terms of crafts, you could make a wreath out of seasonal decorations, leaves, twigs and ribbons, or enchant acorns and give them as gifts or keep them for spell work.

Go outside if you can! Take walks (maybe with a pet) in the woods or somewhere with trees, and observe nature in the middle of autumn. You could plant bulbs for the springtime or maintain your garden, if you have one.

However you celebrate,

Happy Mabon, everyone!

#mabon #autumn equinox #witch #sabbats #witchblr #autumn #pagan #wheel of the year #second harvest #mod Jamie

[smutty-ki113r]

loaf is an attractive word

if you can bake I will instantly date you, hands down, best person in the world

Movin on from that

Yk what I think is also super attractive? Just talents in general, saw some people playin basketball but they did it so well and looked genuinely happy (which u don't see a lot in sports, usually it's just 100% concerntration) and it was definitely the most attractive thing I saw that day.

But also the cute girs that doodle in the back of the class, the people who get rlly passionate when they talk about a subject they love, the guys who cheer and run around when their team scores in sports, the people who have a smile when they sing, TALENT IS AMAZING

I've been called a battery before (kinda weird but yk) cuz I compliment everyone but really how can I not I mean,, there's gifted people everywhere I go

Also I've been super busy the past few days cuz it's been LAMMAS AND ODNFIDBDIBF it was amazin this year, fun all around (which goes back to the start where I was talkin bout bread, cuz that's what I was makin today)

Throughout my years of bakin and cookin, bread is still one of the things that's the most satisfyin to make.

Anyway this has just been a lil note on my life lol cuz I didn't want u to think I'd died or anythin

I haven't had the time to read Ur Masky fic yet,,,, but when I do you will most certainly know cuz I'll probably send in somethin praisin you again.

Hope you're havin a good one dude, ciao.

–Kieran 🌿🕯️🌿

Hi kier, I wanted to actually appreciate your message so here is me actually reading through it again.

You are too kind kier. I bet you’re a lovely guy. And battery?! Its wonderful that you compliment people, I’m sure it makes their day like you make mine.

I’ve never made bread before, Im not very great at baking. Only thing I can make is a cheesecake. IM GLAD YOURE ALIVE. We have yet to see for me cause my acc is acting up and im trying to get that fixed. Love love love you!!!!

#💌

[aurorawest]

⭐️⭐️Hi! Can you give a commentary for anything at all you'd like to talk about? 😊

Thanks! I’ll talk about far away from here and closer to somewhere else. I wrote this fic for Froststrange Week 2021. This fic is about Loki and Strange running into each other in Hong Kong. I did a lot of Google Streetview-ing of Hong Kong, and just a lot of random googling to get some sense of what the place looks like. I’ve never been, clearly. And now I want to go! It looks really cool. I decided to set it on Lamma Island, which is right offshore and has regular ferries. There are two towns on the island and a hiking trail that goes between them.

I went through a couple different iterations of what I wanted the plot of this to be. I knew Loki and Stephen would get drunk and play truth or dare, because those were the prompts, but one of my ideas was that they actually went to a restaurant and ate dinner together. Then I was just going to have them go to a bar. In the end, I settled on them basically having a picnic and drinking the booze Loki had earlier bought to share with Thor.

Throughout this fic, Loki is real thirsty for Strange. There is a lot of innuendo (if you thought to yourself, ‘did she mean to word it that way...?’ the answer is almost certainly YES). As he gets drunker (on baijiu, which I also researched, and have never had), he keeps having these really vivid fantasies. This is kind of the first time, chronologically in my verse, that Loki really confronts that he has feelings for Stephen. He starts out the fic sort of reveling in his sexual attraction, but by the end it’s freaking him out, because he’s kind of realizing that it’s more than that.

This is the section where they play truth or dare to the end. Loki chooses dare. Stephen thinks really hard about it.

He breathed out slowly. “Are you thinking of something?” he asked.

“Yeah,” Strange said. “I don’t—” He swayed. “—don’t want it to be boring. Like, I could ask you to sing. I’ve never heard you sing.”

“You don’t want to,” Loki said. “‘S’not good. 

My head canon is that Loki has a truly terrible singing voice. He also hates singing.

Also!” Coup de grace—Strange couldn’t dare him to sing after this. “I am far too…too…too plastered to remember the words to any of the songs you like.”

Womp womp. Shouldn’t have admitted to that, Loki. I just wrote a bit in an upcoming fic where Loki actually thinks about the lyrics to a song Strange played a lot and about how they apply to his situation (that fic takes place shortly before this one).

“You know them?” Strange asked. There was surprise in his tone.

Stephen is a way better actor than Loki gives him credit for. Loki thinks that Strange doesn’t give away what he’s feeling. And while that’s true...it’s kind of more than that. This thrills Stephen. Absolutely thrills him. It’s a sign that Loki knows his favorite songs. It’s a sign that Loki is interested in music.

“Maybe,” Loki said, only realizing at the last second that he shouldn’t have admitted this. “Or maybe I’m lying,” he added. “That’s why I didn’t choose truth, you know. Because I’m a liar.”

I both love and hate writing drunk people. This line makes me laugh because Loki sounds like an idiot.

“Uh huh.” Strange’s hands were resting on top of his thighs, twitching now and then. “Okay. How about this. I dare you…to tell me the truth about something.”

At first, Loki laughed. But Strange just watched him, looking smug, and Loki’s smile faded. “That doesn’t really seem in the spirit of the game, Steph—St—Strange,” Loki slurred.

This was one of the first exchanges I thought of once I had the plot of the fic nailed down. Strange basically cheats, Loki lets him...and also nearly calls him Stephen.

With a sloppy looking shrug, Strange said, “That’s the dare.”

Loki stared at him in consternation. Then his eyes flicked down to Stephen’s mouth, set into a crooked smirk, and he couldn’t help thinking, The truth is that I want to kiss you right now, but even as drunk as he was, he wasn’t drunk enough to say that. Was it even true? Or was it just…alcohol? Probably just alcohol. He was sure, quite sure, that if he were sober, he wouldn’t want to kiss Stephen Strange. So what if his lips looked full and soft; so what if Loki had always had a weakness for the feel of a well-groomed beard against his face? Just alcohol. And heatstroke, probably.

Does Loki even believe himself here? That’s kind of the question throughout the entire slow burn. Does Loki actually, really believe the bullshit he keeps telling himself, that he’s not in love with Strange? The fun thing with Loki is that he’s perfectly capable of lying to himself. In fact, he often elevates his lies over the actual truth, because he would prefer the lie to be true. So even when he knows it’s a lie, he almost gets into this state where he thinks if he just repeats it enough, he can will it to be the truth. This is actually something that Loki thinks about Thor sometimes - that Thor can just mold reality to his will if he wants something enough. Loki sees himself as telling stories, and he desperately wants the stories he tells about himself to be true. The fairy tale that he isn’t in love with Stephen, though, that’s a losing battle.

His mind turned to the ‘dare.’ There were many things that Strange didn’t know the truth about, some innocuous, some much less so. Some, they had talked about haltingly, but never in great detail. 

This was me hedging—when I wrote this last November/December, I knew that I was going to have Loki and Strange talk about their respective tortures at the hands of the Black Order in an upcoming fic (I’d already written some of that dialogue, in fact).

He could say, I know what Ebony Maw did to you because it was done to me too; 

Somehow, despite shipping Loki and Strange for over a year and adoring both of them, it didn’t really occur to me that they have this in common until like, six months ago.

he could say I understand what it’s like to think you’re someone and find out the opposite. He could tell him about sneaking Jotuns into Asgard, about the fact that he had delighted in being wicked during the Battle of New York because it was exactly what everyone had always expected of him and he was giving them the performance of his life. He could tell him how he’d hated Thor so much, but loved him with an equal fierceness.

But Loki thought Strange might know that last one already.

Strange doesn’t know about sneaking Jotuns into Asgard, but he actually knows both of the other two things Loki lists here.

Taking a deep breath, Loki said, “I think you have a nice singing voice.”

Strange actually looked stunned. That was worth something. For a full thirty seconds, he stared at Loki, a comically befuddled expression on his face. Finally, he asked, “You do?”

Loki compliments Strange very rarely. This is one of the most uncomplicatedly nice things he’s ever said to him.

Loki rubbed at a smudge of dirt on his pants. “Yes.” Flicking his eyes to meet Strange’s, he said, “Nicer than mine. But actually just…nice.”

It would have been so much easier for him to stick with the comparative here. This is character growth, that he admits that Stephen has a good voice, full stop.

There was another long pause. Then, Strange said, “Thanks.”

With a shrug, Loki looked out over the sea. “You dared me to tell the truth about something.” Clearing his throat, he said, “Well then? What about you? Truth or dare?”

Strange rubbed at his beard and Loki wondered what internal debate he was having. What the pros and cons of each choice were. Because Loki knew Strange. 

You can really see the absurdity of Loki’s repeated assertion that Strange and he aren’t friends right here. Loki is absolutely right - he does know Strange; he knows him so well that he can guess what he’s thinking, even though Strange tries pretty hard to hide what he’s thinking from Loki.

He knew that was the reason for the hesitation. Strange was trying to guess how far Loki might needle him.

Another few seconds of silence passed, and then, Strange said slowly, “Truth.”

Oh.

Oh. No jk. Believe it or not, the Oh. Oh. trope doesn’t appear in this series, because Loki never really has that moment of realization about his feelings.

Loki had assumed he would choose dare. Dare was easy. Loki would have dared him to do something stupid, like create a barbershop quartet composed of himself and invite the Avengers and their new young acolytes to a special performance.

I really struggled to come up with a stupid thing that Loki might dare Strange to do, for some reason.

But truth? Oh, he wanted to ask, is that something you want to talk about? The truth? 

This was one of the prompts for the event.

Which he supposed would have been a question that Strange could have told the truth in response to, and Loki could call it done, but…even that felt like opening a box he didn’t want to open.

Questions flickered through his mind. Impossible questions. Does the way you look at me sometimes mean anything? Do you even like men? 

Loki still thinks Strange is straight at this point.

Do you find me attractive? Do you want to kiss me? Do you know what a spectacularly bad idea that is? Do you understand why I can’t?

Loki doesn’t even quite know why he can’t. This moment is almost like...please tell me why I can’t, because I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t quite come up with a good enough reason.

He was so drunk. Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck, he clearly couldn’t drink this much, ugh, no, not around Strange, not when it was so hot and it had been so long since he’d had—since he’d been with—since he’d had any kind of romantic partner except his own hand.

The last time Loki had fully consensual sex (where he reached climax) is at least decades in the past. Possibly longer. In The Real Asgardians of the Galaxy, Kalmsh goes down on him, but Loki stops him.

That thought made him giggle a little. He had made supremely poor choices today. He was just sensible enough not to make another one.

Strange was staring at him. There was an odd look on his face. Loki couldn’t identify it.

But if he had to, he’d call it…expectant. No.

Hopeful.

Loki knows and tells himself he doesn’t.

Loki’s fingers curled into fists and he asked, “How did you and Wong meet?”

@mareebird suggested this for the question.

The change on Strange’s face was subtle. Nearly imperceptible. Loki was surprised he was able to detect it, considering the state he was in. The hope, if that was even what it had been, dropped away, replaced by…resignation. “I wanted to borrow a book from the library,” Strange said. He smiled, though it seemed joyless. “In Kamar-Taj. He took it too seriously.”

I wanted this moment to be absolutely devastating. To be honest, I don’t think I really pulled it off. C’est la vie. I plan on rewriting this and adding it to my series, so maybe I can fix it then.

“As always,” Loki said. His voice felt like it was coming out far too heartily. As though some line had been crossed and they both needed to retreat, but Loki was acutely aware, horrifically aware, that he had done something wrong, or if not wrong, then something that had wounded Strange in some way, and that was…idiotic. It was stupid. Nonsensical. There was nothing Loki could do to emotionally wound Strange. The man had proved that time and time again. He didn’t take Loki seriously. If you didn’t take someone seriously, they couldn’t hurt your feelings.

It really, really bothers Loki that Strange doesn’t take him seriously. He’s wrong about that, of course, but it’s something that’s driven him absolutely insane from the moment they met. At first it’s more of a like, dick measuring contest, lol. But it becomes much more than that, and the anger turns to this kind of...desperate hurt. Loki wants Strange to take him seriously. His unhappiness over the perceived slight appears many times.

Which was why Strange had never hurt Loki’s feelings, incidentally, because Loki didn’t take him at all seriously, 

Uh huh yeah sure.

this human sorcerer with his lovely eyes, blue or green depending on the light, and his soft-looking lips and neat goatee.

Riiiiiiight.

The two of them lapsed into silence. The drunken buzz had gone out of Loki’s veins entirely. Alcohol—it was fun until it wasn’t. Now he just felt foggy and slow. The world was spinning unpleasantly. How the hel was he going to fly back to New Asgard like this? He couldn’t. Sourness sloshed in his stomach. He’d probably be lucky not to be sick.

Now, this, I felt I described pretty well. It’s such a distinct feeling when you’re drunk and having fun and suddenly you cross some line that you didn’t know was there...and you’re not having fun anymore. And there’s no way to get back.

Loki’s legs felt stiff and he extended them. That other buzz had gone from Loki’s veins, too. It had been stupid. Stupid fantasies. [...]

His mouth was starting to feel dry. The sourness in his stomach was gaining more bite. The humidity in the air wasn’t helping, either. Loki felt like he couldn’t get a breath. He wasn’t quite nauseated, but the possibility didn’t seem far off. If he could breathe some cool, crisp air, he was sure he’d feel better. Everything would probably be better if he could just do that.

Me, writing this: Think back to all the times you’ve felt like shit walking around Disney World!

Strange shifted. Their shoulders had been touching, Loki realized. And now they weren’t.

“I s’posp…s’posp…” Loki grit his teeth. “I…suppose you need to get back to Yew Nork. New York.”

Realistically there would be a lot more slurring in both of their speech, but who wants to read that, honestly. I use that sort of thing sparingly.

There was a silence, so Loki turned his head to look at Strange. He was staring out over the sea, his gaze faraway, like he wasn’t here at all. Not thinking about Loki at all, let alone what had just happened. 

IDIOT. Obviously, Loki is exactly wrong here. Stephen is absolutely thinking about Loki and absolutely thinking about what just happened. His heart is breaking.

Whatever had just happened. Stupid thought. Nothing had happened.

Since nothing had happened, the barren hollowness inside him was just an illusion. And Loki knew about illusions. He was good at them. So that made sense.

I wrote Loki’s internal monologue in a simpler, almost more childlike way here to try to capture his inebriation. And also his sadness. He’s sort of like a kicked puppy here.

“Guess so,” Strange finally said. Without looking at Loki, he laboriously climbed to his feet, swaying alarmingly. Norns. What if he stumbled right off the cliff into the sea below? Flashes of that played out in front of Loki’s eyes, intrusive and horrible, and something that felt awfully like panic clutched at his chest. The idea of Stephen dying suddenly seemed so terrible, so very terrible.

Foreshadowing. Stephen will die in about fifty-five years. Loki will be devastated and never get over it.

Loki got to his feet too, ready to grab Strange if he wobbled too close to the edge of the cliff. But Strange seemed steady enough on his feet, now that he was standing. Silently, Strange unhooked his sling ring from his belt, shakily slipping it onto his fingers, as Loki vanished the empty food containers into his pocket dimension. They were a problem for a future version of him.

Just like Future Emily often has to cover for freaking Present Emily. She’s the worst.

The empty bottle, though—he bent over to pick that up, sliding his fingers over it. He was seized by a sudden, violent urge to fling it into the sea. Except you couldn’t fling a bottle into the sea on Earth without putting a message into it. That was a cliché here. A message in a bottle. A message you couldn’t send any other way because you were stranded. A message that had no hope of actually reaching its intended recipient. What kind of message would he send?

I hate you. I hate this.

Even if it was the opposite.

They’re caught in this limbo where neither one of them has the guts to tell the other how he feels. They quite literally have to resort to games, but even then, they both chicken out. Loki can’t even imagine being able to be honest with Strange about this. He can’t even be honest with himself.

Loki closed his eyes, then vanished the bottle into his pocket dimension, as well. Where had he actually landed his ship? Would he be able to find the way back? Everything seemed murky in his mind. And—this thought hadn’t occurred to him until now—was the ferry even running anymore?

This is your author realizing at the same time that Loki took a freaking ferry to get here.

Perhaps he’d have to spend the night here, leaning against the rocks until he nodded off into fitful, drunken sleep.

As though Strange was reading his mind, he said, “Let me bring you back to your ship before I go back to the Sanctum.”

“Oh.” Right. Stupid. Strange could bring him anywhere, instantly. “I…” It felt as though his head was full of wool. “Yes, that would be…thank you. Don’t think—don’t think the ferries are running anymore.”

Strange finally looked at him. “You think I’d let you walk back to your ship like this? Even if they were?”

His ship is the same one from The Real Asgardians of the Galaxy, The Bifrost, but I don’t name it in oneshots because I don’t like to assume that people have read that fic.

“Like what?” Loki asked. Drunk off his arse, clearly. Why was he even asking? Just to hear Strange say it? Even an Asgardian could be taken advantage of in a compromised state.

Loki has been sexually assaulted many, many times. He’s not really too concerned about it here on Earth, but it’s certainly something that would occur to him. His most recent experience is with the Grandmaster.

But Strange didn’t answer this question. Instead, he asked, “Where is it?”

There had been ships. Big boxes. Loki knew the kind of place. He knew the word. “Um, docks,” he said. “Container ships.” He closed his eyes. “It was Container Terminal 8.” Complete sentences—look at that.

Yes, this involved more Google Streetviewing.

“Okay,” Strange said. He extended his arm and circled the other. The portal started to bloom in front of them, swelling a little before it shrank back down. Orange sparks sputtered weakly. Loki stared blearily. There was a joke here, but the idea of making it seemed devastating in a way that he couldn’t articulate.

I checked with @mareebird before I made this erectile dysfunction joke because quite honestly she’s the queen of sexual innuendo, and I needed to see if it passed muster.

But Strange tried again, and this time it worked. [...] Uninvited, Strange followed him on board, where he stood as Loki drifted to the bridge. Loki mostly just wanted to lie down. He didn’t know why Strange hadn’t left yet.

Clearing his throat, Strange asked, “You’re not going to fly home right now, are you?”

Part of him wanted to say yes, just to see the look of horror on Strange’s face. Would Strange go into Good Guy mode and tell him he couldn’t? There were signs on some of the roads in Norway admonishing people not to drive their cars while intoxicated. Imagine what they’d think about flying a spaceship when he could barely walk in a straight line! 

A stylistic note - I almost never use exclamation points in prose like this.

The thought amused him and he started to giggle.

The feeling faded quickly and he swayed on his feet, then took several unsteady steps to his berth. As he flopped down on it, he said, “I’ll stay here. I’ll sleep it off. That’s what you want me to say, right? You want me to be good. Good Loki, he’s so well-behaved, doesn’t put a toe out of line. Can’t really, can I? I’m a guest here on Earth. We’re all guests.”

This is also me vagueing, because I knew future plot points but didn’t have them totally nailed down. Now that I’ve almost finished with the fic that will directly precede this in the timeline, this was actually pretty spot on. It completely calls back to that, which I didn’t really do on purpose. Gonna pat myself on the back for that.

He stared up at the underside of the other berth. A hard, swollen feeling rose into his chest, a feeling of wanting. Just…wanting. He didn’t know what he wanted. All he knew was that as good as things were now, as much as Thor and he had repaired things, there was something gaping inside him. It would be easy to say it was New Asgard, stupid tiny ugly reeking fishing village New Asgard, but it would be a lie.

Then again, he liked lies. Well, he didn’t like them. They were just easier. Lies were so much easier. The truth was hard.

Lies are easier, which was why he just repeatedly lied to himself in the paragraph above. Doesn’t know what he wants? Right.

He turned away from the raw ache and rested a wrist on his forehead. “Well?”

There was a metallic scrape as Stephen’s feet shifted on the deck. “I don’t want you to crash into the ocean and never be seen again.”

Loki snorted. Suddenly, he felt as though he was going to cry. “I’m sure you’ll see me again, Stephen.”

Every time Loki thinks of Strange as Stephen or calls him Stephen, it’s very intentional.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Strange take a step closer. He looked unsteady, too, swaying, his gaze unfocused, his hands shaking. Mentally, he dared Strange to come closer. Truth or dare.

Why the hel had Strange chosen truth?

The truth was too much. The truth was difficult. The truth was impossible. It was vulnerability and pain and handing your heart and soul over to another person. The truth was something Loki had no interest in. Certainly not whatever truth Strange would tell.

Deep down, Loki knows how Strange feels about him.

Slowly, Strange nodded. He was starting to look a little wan, as though he wasn’t feeling well. Wouldn’t be much of a shock. Loki didn’t feel well and presumably he could hold his liquor better, even with the heat. “Hope so,” Strange mumbled.

Head canon: Stephen actually doesn’t hold his liquor well at all. He never has. Because he sometimes takes painkillers from his hands, he’s even worse at it (I have to thank @nonexistenz for that one). Presumably he hasn’t taken a painkiller in several days in this fic, since he’s still conscious after drinking half a bottle baijiu.

The two of them looked at each other. Loki’s vision kept fuzzing around the edges, but he concentrated on Strange, Strange in his t-shirt and his jeans, looking so human.

In earlier fics, Loki admires how Strange looks in his Master of the Mystic Arts get-up. That shifts over the course of the future fics and Loki begins to find Stephen’s everyday clothes much more endearing and attractive.

Terribly human. Stay, whispered a traitorous voice in his mind. It was a voice that would have him move over on the berth and hold out an arm. An invitation. An acknowledgement.

This is the closest Loki has ever come to an admission of his feelings.

Impossible. Loki closed his eyes and rolled over onto his side, facing the bulkhead. “Good-bye,” he said, knowing he sounded pitiful. He had officially reached the stage where he wondered why he’d ever touched any alcohol ever in his entire life.

It’s a cliché but it will never not be funny.

“Thanks for dinner,” Strange said.

“Welcome.”

“Thanks for…” But Strange trailed off.

Strange probably doesn’t even quite know what he’s going to say here. He’s just stalling, hoping Loki is going to make the move that he (Stephen) is too afraid to.

“Strange.” Loki’s head was starting to hurt. “Good-bye.”

There was silence, then the sound of a portal, which spit, hissed, and closed.

The truth. The truth could go to hel.

Loki hoped he didn’t remember any of this in the morning.

He does remember a lot of it, but he’ll pretend he doesn’t, or chalk it up to drunkenness.

Thank you for asking!! Hopefully you liked what I chose 😊 

Fanfic Writers: Director’s Cut

#Anonymous #froststrange #strangefrost #loki #stephen strange

[for-a-muse-of-fire]

and that kind of love

the wench and the witcher

“and that kind of love”

Fandom: The Witcher (2019)

Pairing: Geralt of Rivia x Fem!POC Reader

Summary: Geralt hits town in the middle of the Lammastide festival, Reader is a handsy, toppy drunk, and the witcher is here for it.

Warnings: NSFW/18+ ONLY - Reader is a slutty drunk with a dirty mouth. Subby!Geralt if you squint a little.

A/N: I love these two so muuuuuch, they are a blast and soft!Geralt is probably my new favorite thing to write. Getting him back to taciturn and grumpy is going to be a feat, I can tell you that much, but the bastard deserves to have something like real affection in his life. Fully written with Hozier’s “Dinner and Diatribes” on repeat. Have fun, y’all!

@c-s-stars; @pantrashtic; @onyour-right; @coconutxraikage; @gczanetti1​; @ly-canthrope​; @alwaysnatz​; @kianya-loves​; @kingniazx​

Honey I laugh when it sinks in

A pillar I am upright

Scarcely can speak for my thinking

What you’ll do to me tonight.

He hears the revelry before he sees it. Music drifts in clips and phrases from the town square, accompanied by shouts of mirth and rhythymed applause. He’s tempted to take the long way about, avoid stares and whispers, but curiosity gets the better of him. No harm in a look.

 “C’mon, Roach,” he mutters to the mare at his side.

 Garlands of wheat and autumn blooms decorate some of the archways over the homes he passes. He can smell cider, mulled wine, and roasting meat as he follows the noise. An alley cat sees him coming, hissing and darting away, but the first human he encounters actually waves in greeting. The next few people follow suit, and Geralt tries to respond normally – he’s been coming through for months, most folks seem to have gotten used to him, but the lack of bald-faced hostility still throws him for a loop.

 Witcher and horse round the corner and it’s quite a sight. The setting sun casts everything in warm, golden light and the music coming from the small troupe set up nearby is lively and loud. A knot of villagers have opted to dance, bobbing and weaving in swirling circles in tempo with the upbeat gavotte. Those who aren’t dancing clap along and shout encouragement. Tables have been dragged out from homes, festooned with woven stalks of wheat and piled high with the spoils of the harvest. The witcher hangs back from the vaguely organized chaos, content to be spectator while he searches the cheerful masses for a familiar – and much missed – face.

 “Geralt!”

 He hears the crow of your voice, sees a flash of wild curly hair dart through the crowd, and then you are actively leaping at him. You hit hard enough to rock him back a step, arms flung tight around his neck; Roach gives an irritated whinny of surprise, but the borderline violent affection makes Geralt grunt out a laugh. He wraps his free arm around your waist, lifting until your toes just dangle off the ground.

 “Hello,” he replies with only a slight wheeze. He takes a moment to bury his face in your hair and inhale the scent of honey and sweet herbs before you lunge in and kiss him, hard. Geralt’s eyes shoot wide open, then drift closed. You lick at his lower lip – he opens his mouth to you with a rumbling sigh, brain going a little fuzzy when he feels your fingers tangle in his hair.

 You taste like brandy. Good brandy.

 Ah, the enthusiastic greeting makes sense now.

 “You’re drunk,” he mumbles against your lips.

 You pull away with an actual giggle and he has to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. You’re very drunk – bright-eyed and slightly uncoordinated once he sets you down. It’s fucking adorable.

 “I am…” you start to argue, and immediately dissolve into giggles again. “Well, yes, yes I am drunk but it’s Lammas and I’m having fun and gods, you’re back!”

 He accepts another brutal show of affection laughing into your hair as you seem to be attempting to crush his ribs in. A snort from Roach draws you away – you give a delighted gasp, as if you’ve never seen his damned horse before and something around his heart squeezes tight. You take the bay mare’s lead from his hand and she nickers happily, nuzzling at your skirt for treats.

 “Hello, Roachie,” you coo sweetly. “How’s my favorite girl? Hello, gorgeous…”

 Geralt never imagined he would ever be jealous of a horse, but here he is.

 Roach gives you an insistent thump with her long head, making you squawk out a laugh before you finally pull an apple from your pocket. Your graceful brown fingers scratch the horse’s forelock as she munches happily on the fruit, and Geralt is certain that he looks like a bit of a fool, staring at you like he is. You manage to stop fawning over Roach long enough to catch the witcher looking; the smile that spreads over your face makes his slow heartbeat kick.

 “Let’s get you two home, hm?” you murmur. “You must be tired.”

 He clears his throat, nodding back to the festivities. “You don’t want to stay?”

 Something mischievous flashes behind your dark eyes. Your teeth catch at the fullness of your lower lip; Geralt finds he has to clear his throat again.

 “No,” you tell him softly. “I don’t think I do.”

 He takes Roach’s lead and follows you out of the square. Your stride is a bit loose, a bit meandering and he tries to listen when you talk, really, but you keep wandering ahead of him and the sway of your backside is distracting. Roach is settled in the small stable off of the tavern, and then you’re pulling him through the back door with a low laugh.

 The heavy door slams shut behind him and suddenly he’s pushed up against it with your mouth on his and your fingers in his hair. He grunts, startled, until those clever fingers of yours tug and make him shiver. With a low groan, he wraps his arms around your waist to crush you closer. You kiss him with a selfish kind of hunger that steals the very breath from his lungs. The hands in his hair start to wander, relieving him of his sword belts, and then his cloak – both end up on the floor somewhere – before you cup his face, thumbs running over his cheekbones. He licks the taste of brandy from your mouth, swallows down your breathless little noises and then you’re grabbing at his waist, pulling the shirt up from the waistband of his trousers.

 Your hands slip around his back before taking a firm grip on his ass – it makes him jump and laugh against your lips. “Never pictured you for a handsy drunk,” he mutters.

 You grope him again with a positively sinful giggle and Geralt feels the remaining blood in his brain rush due south. He nearly stumbles forward when you pull away, but you promptly grab at his hand, all but dragging him through the empty tavern and up the stairs. You manage to squirm away each time he gropes at you, much to his annoyance, but he doesn’t mind so much when you haul him into your bedroom and shove him back against the door. A few desperate tugs on his shirt and he gets the hint, pulls back just enough to whip the fabric over his head and toss it gods know where. You’re panting against mouth, grabbing at his waist and his ass before your hand finds its way into the front of his trousers.

 Geralt’s head thuds back against the door and you hum low in his ear. He squeezes his eyes shut, trying to remember how breathing works as you lay biting kisses from his neck to shoulder, then all the way down his torso. You scrape your teeth at his hip bone and he swears. He feels you pull at the laces of his trousers; there’s a rush of blessedly cool air over his cock, followed by heat and wet and –

 "Oh, fuck.”

 His eyes fly open and very nearly chokes on his own tongue. The sight of you on your knees, lips stretched around him is something he wants to burn into his memory forever. You stare up at him with wide, dark eyes; he feels the hot press of your tongue on the underside of his cock and grits out a moan. One shaking hand reaches down to tangle in your curls and you hum at the feeling. The noise buzzes over him and dear gods, he’s going to embarrass himself if you do that again.

 You start to move. He curses lowly. Heat flickers sharply up his spine and Geralt has to fight to keep from thrusting into the wet suction of your mouth, but then you push forward until your nose brushes his pelvis. His legs shake and you do it again, humming once more, and he swears he’s going to keel over. His hips arch towards you almost of their own accord.

 “Sweetheart,” he groans brokenly. “M’gonna – fuck me – you’re gonna want to stop before…”

 He looks down at you. You pull back, grip him in your hand, and meet him with a smile so sweet it makes his heart stop.

 “I want you to,” is all you tell him before you swallow him down.

 Geralt gives a shout and comes - hard - on your tongue. He’s grateful for the solid door at his back, because he can’t feel his legs. Panting, he forces his eyes open as you stand and back away. You hold his gaze, absolutely brazen as you strip out of your bodice, skirts, and slip before toeing off your boots. There’s just enough daylight left for him to stare, take in your glorious nakedness, and stare he does.

 You meet his gaze, biting at your spit-slick bottom lip and he’s half hard already. “I missed you, Geralt of Rivia,” you all but purr. “Did you miss me?”

 “Yes,” he growls out.

 “Then come here to me.”

 He does as he’s told.

 You are soft and warm, smelling of sweet, clean skin along with the heavy scent of your arousal. The last of his clothing is all but torn away, boots kicked across the room and then he presses you back until you’re spread out for him on the bed. He covers you with his weight, spreading your thighs open with his knees, but you only let him have the upper hand for a moment. You give him all of a heartbeat to be impressed by the way you push him onto his back, and then he feels the hot, slick press of your cunt against him.

 He watches breathlessly as you take hold of his cock, shift back, and sink down. The gripping heat makes him swear and clutch at your hips as you settle your weight. Your face is slack with pleasure, brow furrowed and beautiful mouth dropped open as you gasp. He feels you flutter hotly around him and it makes the breath catch in his throat; he squeezes at your hips. You stare down at him, pink tongue darting out to wet your lips before you take his hands, prying them away from you.

 You press his wrists down to either side of his head and roll your hips. Geralt grits out your name on a moan.

 The rhythm you find is slow, a steady grind of your hips against his and all he can do is watch as you take what you want. You’re hot, and wet and so gods damned tight around him, clenching and moaning when you find an angle that suits you. It would be so easy to take back control, but when you lean forward to bite your way along his jaw, he finds that that is the last thing he wants to do.

 When you finally kiss him again it’s filthy, all tongue and mingled breath. He bites at your lip before licking the sting away – it makes you grip around his cock with a gasp, and he groans in return. Your pace quickens.

 “Geralt,” you whine against his mouth – fuck, you’re going to be the death of him. “Gods, Geralt, you feel so good. Always feel so fucking good inside of me – fuck, yes.”

 In the growing twilight, your skin glistens with sweat. The grip on his wrists finally lets up when you move to cup his face instead; you push back hard against him and he chokes on a moan. He feels your thighs begin to tremble around his hips, the noises spilling from your mouth climb higher in both pitch and volume. He grips one hand at the back of your head, tugging sharply at your hair – the other hand slides between your sweat-slick bodies to find the swollen little bud at the top of your sex.

 “Come on, sweetheart,” he hears himself snarl. “Come on – give it to me, come on.”

 You crash your lips down onto his, muffling your scream as you come. The pulsing clutch of your cunt drags him along with you; Geralt gives a ragged shout, as his body goes taught and his eyes screw shut. His ears are fucking ringing.

 He definitely can’t feel his legs.

 It takes a good amount of time before he can breathe without gasping and actually pry his eyes open. You are sleepy-eyed and sated on top of him, curls limp with sweat. He gives a low, pleased hum when you stretch out over him, hands braced over his shoulders. The skin of your legs is wonderfully smooth under his palms.

 “Did I mention how much I missed you?” you whisper.

 “Hmm,” he chuckles roughly. “I think you might’ve, yes.”

 The smile you give him is… heart-stopping. Geralt finds himself staring outright, a little awestruck by how damned lovely you are. He lifts a hand, brushing his knuckles softly over your cheek before taking gentle hold of your chin.

 “Better show me again,” he rumbles against your lips.

#geralt x reader #geralt x you #geralt x woc reader #geralt x poc!reader #the witcher netfilx #geralt of rivia #the wench and the witcher #tutu scribbles #fanfic #fanfiction #henry cavill

[thewitchisinbish]

Lammas is Coming

Better known as the first harvest. For me. This day moves around depending on what kind of summer we are having and how much I care for my garden.

How do you prepare for this particular Sabbat? I've compiled some little things we do to celebrate (yes this is broom closet tested and approved).

Lughnasadh, or lammas, is traditionally celebrated on August 1st in the northern Hemisphere and February 1st in the Southern Hemisphere. People say it marks wheat harvest, but where I live wheat harvest starts July 1 and has been over for about 2 weeks by the time Lammas comes around. For myself, the sabbat is ment for us to be grateful and show our gratitude for the harvest since it will keep us alive through the winter.

ANYWAY, there are some things I have done with my family to celebrate the 1st harvest celebration of 3 for the year.

Make bread

Make beer or ginger beer

Make corn husk dolls (personally we don't do this very often because the sweet corn I plant is still growing and I dont want to damage the plant too much and ruin our little harvest. This year I have some stalks that didn't produce so we will be doing this for sure!)

Make a wheat wreath.

Have a BBQ

Go berry picking or apple picking if its available.

Go for a hike.

Go to a farmers market if able

As you can see and probably figured out from previous posts of mine most of my celebrations don't entail anything blatantly "witchy". My practice is very nature centered and subtle.

This is my garden. As you can see, it is small and very compact. It changes every year to suit my practice needs. At the beginning of the year I wanted to have some of my own materials for the harvest rituals. Like the corn, some of the stalks just have the amazing leaves. They won't produce because they are too close together, so they will be used for the corn husk dolls.

There's basil, sage, rosemary, and thyme on the left. I will wait to harvest the sage during a full moon or eclipse to give it more energy. The basil, rosemary and thyme I use during the winter for all my cooking. What you don't see is the Lavender next to my door in a better spot that has well drained soil. The Lavender smells wonderful and it keeps away the flies.

I have a mystery squash, cucumber, kale, carrots and potatoes on the right.

We have started to pick some cucumbers, but most of my harvest won't happen for another month or so.

What I am trying to say is witchcraft doesn't need all the things, all the crystals, all the candles or all the herbs. Each sabbat do your own thing. If you don't want to make bread for every one then don't make bread!

August 1st is a Saturday this year and you want to know what we will probably do to celebrate? I will most likely heat up a corn dog in the microwave for dinner and I will do some gardening before it gets really hot.

#witchblr #witchy #lammas #green witch #witch #witches #witches of tumblr

[walkingshcdow-a]

((Sorry for the weird disappearing act this weekend. My mom was in town for a visit. She is one of my favorite people in the whole world. She is so loving and patient with me, even when I am not patient or loving with myself. We had some deep talks about some very important things, but she also let me have my space to live my life - including attending a Lammas ritual with 2 of my friends, so that when one of them live-streamed it for our community, she didn’t have to be alone. Mom and I went out to eat a few times, ran around IKEA, and she taught me one of my favorite recipes. I showed her “Wooden Overcoats” and she showed me “Somebody Feed Phil”. She encouraged me to do things that I’ve wanted to do for a while.

Mom and I worked on (finally) making the apartment I’ve lived in for 2+ years into a real home. I’m probably going to force my group chat to do a Zoom chat just so I can show them my herb garden, framed posters, not-broken-coffee table that actually matches my other furniture. It feels more spacious here.

The only thing missing is a dog. 

I’m going to visit my parents this week so I can adopt a dog from the shelter in my hometown - specifically so the dog I adopt can meet my parents’ dogs. I applied last night and was pre-approved this morning. My appointment is on Wednesday and I am so excited, I can’t contain it. I’ve been dreaming of adopting a dog for over a year now. Anyone who has received rescue greyhound pics from me in the last 18 months can attest to that. I don’t think I’ll be getting a greyhound... I low-key have my heart set on a terrier/shepherd mix with Great Ears and heterochromia, but the shelter manager did tell me two other families are looking at him. I also spoke with the foster mom of one of the puppies I’m interested in and she knows both her little guy and the terrier and after reading my application, she’s rooting for me to get the terrier mix but open to having me meet her little fluffball... who won’t stay little for long, lol. My leasing office told me today that since I’ve paid the pet deposit once (for my dog, Dodger, who lives with Mom and Dad because he’s bonded to their other dog, Belle, and does not thrive as an only dog), I don’t have to pay it again. Today, I’m going to talk to my therapist about drawing up some emotional support animal paperwork, since a big reason I’m looking to get a dog is to have the emotional support to leave the house with my anxiety. 

If that wasn’t enough good news... Tomorrow I have my first in-person date with the woman I’ve been digitally dating for a month. I already know her and like her - the feeling is mutual. She’s so smart and funny and charismatic. We share a lot of interests and values. She read my mind from across town today because she asked me out and I asked if she wanted to go for lunch and as I was typing two of my favorite places she typed back “Do you want Asian or American?” I was typing my favorite Japanese place and the best Americana brunch spot in my neighborhood. We talk for hours and I really like her and can’t believe my good fortune that she wants to meet me.

Also, I spent the morning tackling work-related emails, taking donations that cluttered up my home to Goodwill, and making vehicle maintenance plans (tire rotation; oil change). I need to answer some correspondence on AO3. 

I spoke on Friday about a heartbreak - and I still won’t go into details - and I won’t deny that my heart aches from it, but I will say that I am optimistic about my life and future. Good things are on the horizon! I will celebrate those good things as they come. 

After therapy today, I’ll tackle my Wooden Overcoats starter call from last week and/or do some drafts. 

Peace and love! ))

#;;signifying nothing | {personal} #;;told by an idiot | {out of character}

[crossroadsdiner]

@mystic-muses replied (+)

Atticus leads Rowan through the woods, glancing around him as he does. “You know, I know this isn’t really your thing, but I’m glad you came with me.” He smiles at Rowan only for his eyes to light up as he spots a raspberry bush in the distance. “Come on.” He starts to grab Rowan’s hand but stops just short of doing so, letting Rowan choose whether to take his hand or not.

“I know Dad could technically grow these just as easily, but when we were kids, Arianna and I - Yashira and Zane too, once they joined us - made a game out of who could collect the most berries the day before Lammas.” Arianna still had a few weeks before she had to be back at school, so they’d decided to recreate the old tradition. Arianna had taken Celia somewhere in the woods while he had Rowan. The others were probably out somewhere too, but he and Arianna had fled with their respective teammate before they could find out so he wasn’t sure.

Rowan takes Atticus’ hand when its offered and lets Atticus drag him through the woods. He knows he’s supposed to be looking for raspberries, but its hard to take his eyes off Atticus. Atticus looks so happy and excited. Rowan would let him drag him anywhere.

“Do you do anything with the berries?” He asks. He doesn’t know anything about Lammas so he’s not sure what the traditions are. He’s sure Celia Rae would love to bake some pies with the raspberries. Rowan thinks he could make a really nice white chocolate raspberry ice cream if there’s any left over.

Rowan picks a couple of berries, dropping them into Atticus’ basket. He picks another and eats it. “Tell me about Lammas. What is it?”

#mystic muses #thread #Lammas

[rwt-mystic-corner]

~*Pagan Meme*~

Tagged (via proximity and desire to do it) by @stormwaterwitch​! And I tag: Anyone who sees this (as long as they’re okay with tags)!

Do you have a magical/Pagan name?

I do, but I prefer not to publicize it. The “RWT” in my url is the abbreviation, though!

How did you find Paganism?

It was less of a defined epiphany, and more of a gradual realization that led to a transition. I’ve always thought trees and wind and thunderstorms had “power”, and I always delighted in FEELING it!  But I didn’t appreciate that power reverently, in a dedicated worship fashion, until I was about 14, and started reading about Wicca. 

From the first book I picked up (”Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner” by Scott Cunningham), everything just felt right, and the exercises came naturally to me. I never understood why “pagan” was an insult, and I always secretly believed there was more than one God or force of nonphysical power in the universe, despite being raised Christian. I met with them, communed with them, prayed to them, asked them for guidance... All that book really gave me was a name, and the gateway to an identity I now proudly embrace. (And, well, more structure and definition for what I was feeling, and ways to more directly consult and praise them.)

How long have you been practicing?

Witchcraft: I learned that little “wishes” sent out to the world had an impact at a very young age. It was an intrinsic part of my worldview, even at age 8! So without knowing I was working magic, I’d been practicing it my entire life. Pagan-dedicated worship, though? 12 years. Same time for dedicated, focused actual witchcraft.

Are you out of the broom closet?

To most people, yes. I came out as pagan to some of my co-workers within like two months of knowing them. 8F (Though I don’t openly chat about actually practicing witchcraft unless I’m prompted, because I’m not a fan of attempted evangelism.)

Solitary or group practitioner?

Solitary, though I occasionally join forces with friends and spirits.

What is your path?

I call it eclectic paganism, wherein I’m definitely pagan, but I’ve gleaned elements of truth from Buddhism and Daoism as well. As for my path in witchcraft, I call it more of a “mystical” practice, because I’m all about understanding divine mysteries, harnessing forces in the universe, and introspection as a study of microcosm. “Witchcraft” generally indicates a lot more use of physical tools, words, and rituals than I’ve ever used. (At least, not since I was about 16.) 

D E I T Y

What’s your brand of deism?

Oh boy, this one’s fun. Technically speaking, I’m an agnostic theist. I believe there is definitely something out there, but I also believe it’s impossible for humans to understand and truly comprehend exactly what that divine power is. Hence, “agnostic” (”not knowing”) “theist” (believes in godlike power). The pantheon I’ve connected most to is the old Finnish crew.

Who is your patron God/ess?

Matrons Mielikki and, well, the second is a bit of a close-kept secret. ;}P (While she’s not nearly well enough known to be considered “pop culture”, she’s been a very powerful force in my life since inducting me as a follower.)

What Gods do you worship?

Regularly? None of them, oops;; But mostly the two aforementioned. I’ve also felt a connection to Hestia, , and a weird connection to the Egyptian pantheon that definitely was Not worshippy, probably mostly from a past life? (But I was so irreverent in that life, it would probably be an insult to worship them now, ehheh;;)

Do you fear darkly aspected Gods/Goddesses, or rather respect them?

They’re practically my guardian angels. (I’m a shadow witch; their domain is my source of power! My spirit guide is a creature of the darkness!) I deeply respect, and in moments revere them, though I don’t really worship any by name.

Do you worship the Christian God?

I didn’t even “get” him when I was taken to church every Sunday. Or when I spent a week at Missionettes camp. Or when I could feel every single other person in that big room being spiritually elevated, and it felt so positive, and yet, I couldn’t feel what they were connecting to. He has never made himself known to me, so I couldn’t if I tried.

Do you worship animals? Or plants?

I revere and respect their power, and I appreciate the messages they may carry from my matrons and local spirits. So in a sense, yes?

N A T U R E

Do you regularly commune with nature?

Not as often as I’d like to... but when I’m at work with the dogs outside, and the sky is clouded over with a strong, consistent breeze: I do reach out to the forest behind my workplace and gaze off into the sky.

Taken a camping trip just to talk to nature?

I wish! I’ve never really been alone on a camping trip. Someday I absolutely will, though~ (Even though the forest Mielikki connected to me is at a local metropark with no campgrounds, and no other forest has ever “opened its heart” to me that way... it’s still a powerful feeling.)

Describe the moment you felt closest to Mother Earth?

...It’s hard to pick just one, honestly. It must be moments in which I’ve talked to the trees, or sat in the river just to feel the ground beneath me, the water around me, to breathe and get lost in it until I became a part of it...

Do you have a familiar?

I might. I haven’t exactly been working with him lately, but my chinchilla Dusty came to me in a magical way. I dreamed about holding an off-white chinchilla with a singular spot. And then went into work the next day, and saw him there. A tiny white chinchilla, with one little gray spot, just like in my dream. I resisted, initially; I was still healing from the loss of my first chinchilla, and didn’t quite trust myself? But he stayed in that cage for awhile, maybe a month, and as I took care of them, he gradually started coming closer and closer, losing his nerves, growing braver, growing closer... and then grooming me! We bonded, but he would still avoid everyone else in the store. Then one day, as I was debating whether it would be the right time to take him home, I heard the lyrics played on the radio: “Dreams do come true, from out of the blue”. So I took it as a sign, and now? He’s so very highly attuned to my moods. He gets excited when I’m excited, even if I’m just sitting there smiling at my computer screen. He runs to hide when I’m feeling frightened. He sits at the cage door and watches me when I’m getting lost in contemplation, and he seems to “join me” in peaceful meditation, and will curl up and sleep. He followed me around my room when I was setting high-powered defensive wards around it in the apartment, and if I lowkey enchant his veggies, he’ll always go for the one I was holding first.

I haven’t figured out how to incorporate a chinchilla into meditations or spellwork yet... (buuut it’s hard to rework something you’re not really doing lately, yikes.)

Have you ever called upon the powers of an animal in ritual? Or a plant?

Plants, definitely-- just today, I stirred a little ginger into my soup (to help with my perpetual stomach trouble), and worked a little magic to pull out all its healing properties I could. During meditation, I often have animal guides coming to aid me, or direct me, or watch over me, or just stop by to see what I’m doing. And of course, there was my old familiar, a tangerine ring-neck dove named Fizzy, who used to sit with me in meditation, watch over me in rituals and lend his flight to my prayers and spells, and I used his feathers in travel and creativity spells. 

Do you hug trees?

Not traditionally. I do lean against them when communing, though.

Give them gifts?

Ooh, no, but that’s a good idea. (I have adopted other gifted plants that others didn’t want, though.)

What are your favorite plants to work with?

Ooh, that’s tricky! Peppermint, maybe? Meadowsweet and heal-all remind me of a very dear witchy friend. Sandalwood usually has great results for me, but incense tends to dilute them... Probably pine above all, actually! It’s special to Mielikki, it smells wonderful, the trees are resilient and never mind giving a few needles or boughs, and the softer, enduring energy blends really well with my gentle persevering nature.

What are your favorite trees to work with?

See above. c: Closely followed by willow and hawthorn.~

What is your favorite holiday?

Definitely Samhain/Halloween!

What is your least favorite holiday?

Beltane, Litha, and to a degree, Lammas. I can’t do the ~summer energy~ thing, it makes me feel like I’m burning up and overstimulated. Moonlight rituals aren’t as bad, but I still tend to pass out in the heat, so, you know... Very Hard to Get Witchy when you’re seeing spots and your head is swimming. (The energy overstimulation doesn’t hit me as hard as it used to, not on the front end, but I don’t have as much time to dedicate to meditation and cleansing anymore, so it builds up more quickly anyways.)

Have you ever held a ritual on a holiday?

Quite often! Well, assuming Esbats count. I used to do mini-rituals for every single Wiccan holiday that I wasn’t doing a full-blown prayer/meditation session for. But that only lasted a year or two, because the story behind them didn’t really connect with me anymore.

Ever taken a day off work to celebrate a Pagan holiday?

I did, one Samhain when I had requested off and my boss just forgot. I opened up about it, as long as he promised not to laugh, and told him it’s a spiritual day for me, and he gave me the day off. Nowadays I at least request Samhain off when I can afford to, but lately my finances don’t really allow me that luxury. lP

Do you celebrate Yule on the 21st rather than the 25th?

You know, sometimes it’s the 20th and sometimes it’s the 22nd, but yes~ Back when I was 16ish, I would wake up on the morning of the solstice and watch the sun rise, to feel out the new year and perform a ritual of “planting seeds” for the coming year... hmm. Considering all the big life goals I’ve been setting lately, maybe I should get back into that routine....

#meme #paganism #pagan #digital mirrorbooking #IRL canon #rwt personal posts #build the dream #it's getting my dreambuilding tag because dear GODS i need more free time and i need to realign myself with my SPIRITUAL self.... #and practice and energy and communing and worship and everything else i've sadly neglected in the pursuit of cold hard cash. #gods that feels gross to admit.

[wanderingalonelypath]

Pagan meme!!

Do you have a magical/Pagan name?

I switch a lot. It’s not ‘magical’ per se, but the name I currently use in pagan spaces is Rhaenys.

How did you find Paganism?

It’s hazy now but I got a Tumblr and started following standard supernatural blogs: ghosts, legends, those types of things because I was really interested in that stuff when I was 14. From there, I probably found a witches blog and the rest is history.

How long have you been practicing?

Around 4-5 years, on and off.

Are you out of the broom closet?

I mean...? I don’t hide my stuff but I also don’t talk about it during dinner, y’know? I don’t feel the need to tell many people in my life. The only person who knows knows is my brother, and that’s mainly because he’s a dabbling witch himself.

Solitary or group practitioner?

Solitary. I’d like the opportunity to practice with a group or coven but I think I prefer most of my workings to remain personal.

What is your path?

Good question. I am an eclectic witch and a tentative Wiccan who’s working on creating my own trad. But it changes a LOT.

D E I T Y

What’s your brand of deism?

Hard polytheist, but I subscribe to the idea that Gods were borne out of human need and belief.

Who is your patron God/ess?

That doesn’t really have a place in my practice.

What Gods do you worship?

The Horned God and The Triple Goddess.

Do you fear darkly aspected Gods/Goddesses, or rather respect them?

No, because I don’t think there is a deity in history that doesn’t have some sort of dark aspect.

Do you worship the Christian God?

No.

Do you worship animals? Or plants?

No, but I would like to work with nature energies and spirits in the future.

N A T U R E

Do you regularly commune with nature?

Not much at all, but I’d like to change that in the future.

Taken a camping trip just to talk to nature?

I’ve never been seriously camping, and to be honest, I don’t feel any need to.

Describe the moment you felt closest to Mother Earth?

I don’t think I have a deep moment like that? The closest I can think of is when I was little, my grandmother and father lived in a house next to the forest and they had this big backyard. On the very edge of the yard that bordered the forest, there was this big old tree. I felt something when I used to sit at the base of it during the summer and fall, so I guess that would be it.

Do you have a familiar?

No, but I would love to have one! When I get more serious about spirit work, I think.

Have you ever called upon the powers of an animal in ritual? Or a plant?

No.

Do you hug trees?

No. They’re usually too big and I get splinters.

Give them gifts?

Other than pretty leaves or sticks when I was little, no,

What are your favorite plants to work with?

I don’t work with herbs or plants much.

What are your favorite trees to work with?

N/A.

What is your favorite holiday?

Beltane or Samhain!

What is your least favorite holiday?

Lammas probably, because it isn’t as....dramatic? As the other sabbats. I don’t really know how to phrase it.

Have you ever held a ritual on a holiday?

Very small ones. Hoping to change that.

Ever taken a day off work to celebrate a Pagan holiday?

No.

Do you celebrate Yule on the 21st rather than the 25th?

The 21st, because I still secularly celebrate Christmas!

Tagging: Anyone who sees this and wants to do it!

#tag meme #pagan meme

[sablelab]

Covert Operations - Chapter 30

DISCLAIMER: This is a modern AU crossover story with Outlander and La Femme Nikita. LFN and its characters do not belong to me nor do those from Outlander.

SYNOPSIS:  When James Fraser finds out about Claire’s deep cover mission he high tails it to her apartment to reassure her that he will find a way to protect her. This chapter contains some angst before Jamie sets things right.

My sincere THANKS yet again, for reading and supporting my writing.  It is most appreciated. xox  Previous chapters can be found...  

https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations

  CHAPTER 30

As Jamie drove his Mercedes along the darkened streets, his heart raced with the anticipation of seeing Claire about what had transpired after the briefing at Section today. Whatever Madeline and Operations had asked of her would definitely be hanging over her head like an ominous black cloud, and if his suspicions were correct they had ordered her on a deep cover mission with Madame Cheung which he was not at all happy about.  

Were they testing her or him or both of them by their actions? Madeline and Operations often threw curved balls in their direction to test them all for the good of Section. Was this another of those times?

Nevertheless despite what their reasoning may be, Jamie wanted to reassure Claire that he would find a way to protect her and help her through the initial stages of the new mission until he was able to set an alternate plan into action. They had no guarantees of what tomorrow may hold for them but if Madeline and Operations had ordered Claire on a deep cover mission this would separate her from him and he wouldn’t be able to protect her.  Jamie knew that Claire was more than capable of handling any situations that arose in Hong Kong without him, unless that is ... Madame Cheung asked her to do something which she was vehemently opposed to.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A short time after entering into her neighbourhood Jamie pulled up outside Claire’s apartment building. Pulling into the curb, he parked his car and took a moment to survey the surroundings. The immediate area was devoid of traffic and was relatively dark and deserted.  As he stood across the street from Claire's apartment building Jamie looked up to her residence and could see lights on in the living area.  The balcony area was also illuminated and once realizing that she was outside, he stepped back into the shadows to observe her movements and try to gauge her mindset.  

Good, she’s home, Jamie thought as he watched.

He had chosen this apartment for her after her final training at Section knowing that Claire would love the French windows that opened onto the small, private courtyard overlooking the city lights.  He knew this light and airy apartment was perfect for her and she had loved it at first sight.  It was a haven away from Section One and a place where she could relax and feel normal.  As he watched her, he noticed that Claire appeared lost in her own thoughts. She was probably thinking about whatever Madeline and Operations had discussed today and the danger of the situation they may have placed her in.

Jamie continued to watch until Claire turned and went back inside her apartment. Grabbing the bottle of whisky he had taken from his cellar earlier, he scanned the area once more then walked the few paces to the entrance of Claire’s building.  With these thoughts in mind, he opened the security door and proceeded to her apartment on the fourth floor.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

She hated drinking alone, but feeling the need for something to take her mind off what had happened at Section One today, Claire planned to drown her sorrows in the bottle of red that she had been saving for a special occasion.  Taking the bottle of wine and glass from beneath the counter she placed them on the bench. Opening the top cupboard near her stove, she rummaged around in the cabinet looking for the corkscrew she had just bought the other day. Finding it, she set about opening the wine and poured some into a glass.  

Ambling into the living room, Claire placed her glass of wine on the coffee table then chose her favourite CD with haunting French melodies and placed it on her stereo.  Taking her wine glass from the table she sat in her comfy art deco chair listening to Françoise Hardy’s lilting tones surround her. She casually sipped the glass of wine in her hand as her thoughts centred on what Madeline and Operations had intonated today at their private meeting in the perch after the briefing.  

She closed her eyes and deep in thought reminisced about what would await her on this mission while at the same time lost to the melancholy of the music that filtered through her apartment.

Being separated from Jamie would be unbearable particularly now that they had become closer since their mission to Lamma Island.  Circumstances were cruel.  It was so unfair of Madeline and Operations to place her in this situation but she knew that their machinations were always veiled in some underlying motives that had little to do with the mission or Section One.  Had they suspected that Jamie and she had developed a closer relationship while searching for Tony Wong?  They had been totally discreet and had kept their distance from each other when at Section and had also been entirely circumspect in their contact.  What then were the real reasons for her deep cover to this Madame Cheung’s?  Was it purely for the sake of the mission or were they trying to circumvent a potential relationship between her and Jamie?

This mission would also be dangerous.  Her life would be in jeopardy if the Rising Dragons ever found out about her. Madame Cheung by all accounts was ruthless or she wouldn’t be in such an esteemed position within the triad. Given her role and business interests, what would she ask of her? ... Would she want her to replace the void left by Annalise de Marillac and all that it entailed, and if so could she do it?  

Claire worriedly bit her bottom lip as her thoughts took on these many tangents.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When the elevator came to a halt, James Fraser exited quietly with eyes fixed ahead and walked down the corridor towards Apartment 412.  His stride quickened and his footsteps echoed lightly on the floor as her apartment loomed just up ahead of him and a thrill of anticipation tinged with apprehension ran through him at the thought of seeing his Claire again. Jamie had been to her apartment on many occasions but this time was different. He knew he would have to get to the bottom of Madeline and Operations’ discussion with her after the briefing and that could only be done face to face.  Usually, Claire came to his office to discuss things, but he’d left Section early so they had not been able to talk about it. He needed to do this in privacy away from the prying eyes and ears of their Section One’s superiors.  Thankfully Murtagh had contacted him as to Claire’s state of mind this evening when she’d left, although he had not told him why she was feeling this way.  It had worried him ... worried him a lot knowing that whatever it was that had obviously been proposed to Claire other than what was on her panel was serious.  Something was afoot but he would soon know what it was and if his suspicions were correct.

As he approached her door, Jamie could hear the faint sounds of some of his favourite music being played. Raising his knuckles, he lightly rapped on the wooden door.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The soft knocking resonating on her door roused Claire from her thoughts. Placing her glass of wine on the coffee table she gingerly rose from the chair and made her way to the door.  Checking the security screen, Claire Beauchamp immediately saw just who her visitor was.

Jamie was here.

Standing on the threshold, James Fraser was holding a bottle of whisky in his hand.  Instinctively, he raised his head knowing that Claire had activated her security screen. Although her door separated them, his glance held hers as if he were facing her with nothing separating them. Claire caught her breath at the intensity of Jamie’s glance and she swallowed the lump that suddenly appeared in her throat. It was as if he could see her face and that he knew that she was troubled. Her hand touched the video screen caressing his face and noticing that Jamie, at that precise moment, closed his eyes.  

Did he feel the connection also?  

Seeing his wonderful image before her Claire touched the video screen once more.  Her fingertips lightly stroked the screen in a caressing manner as if she was indeed stroking Jamie’s face.  Her heart skipped a beat and began pounding in her chest. Her partner’s presence outside her apartment, away from the prying eyes of Section One, caused a sudden fluttering in the pit of her stomach as well. Claire bit her lip nervously, for although her heart was racing with the eagerness of seeing him, she felt some trepidation too.

With a slightly trembling hand she opened the door.

Feeling his body quicken James Fraser stood on the doorstep and inhaled the sight of his Sassenach. His eyes drank her in a heartbeat for he could see the relief cross her face knowing that he had come to her apartment to see her.  Their eyes met then held as they silently looked at one another while a tiny smile of anticipation bowed her mouth as her eyes were held captive. Jamie’s gaze was an intense stare which mesmerized her and Claire couldn’t sever from his glance. Eventually breaking the spell, she found her voice.  

“Hi,” she said breathlessly in a half whisper. Jamie said nothing, but his clear gaze swept her from head to toe in the space of a heartbeat devouring Claire’s form once more. His eyes lowered to her lips aware of that hesitant bite Claire often did when nervous. Lifting his penetrating gaze slowly back up to her eyes, James Fraser captured his Sassenach in a look that made her bones melt. “Hi ...” he answered softly, “May I come in?” Her heart skipped another beat. Claire could only nod her tacit approval and as if in a trance she pulled the heavy door back a little further. Jamie stepped inside closing the door behind him while narrowing the space between them. Reaching out, he touched her arm sliding his fingers down her limb to clasp her hand. Claire raised her head to look at him and saw the smile light his face as he handed her the bottle of whisky. “Here ... something for ye.” Clutching the bottle, Claire’s lips parted and her tongue peeped out, moistening her bottom lip in nervousness as she replied, “Thank you.” Before they had a chance to move further into the apartment Jamie cut to the chase. “Did they talk to ye?” “What do you mean?” “Did Madeline and Operations order a deep cover on the Cheung mission?” “Yes.”

What Madeline and Operations had asked of her today was out of the ordinary. They must have ulterior motives to her deep cover, other than gaining Intel about the Rising Dragons triad. Perhaps it was payback time for letting Tony Wong slip through their fingers and some doubt over his debrief when they were delayed on Lamma Island. It was obvious to Jamie that they sensed or perceived to see demons where there were none. Madeline and Operations were ruthless in their pursuit of something if they feel it justified in some small away a win for them or Section without whoever may be hurt along the way. Jamie vowed that he would however get to the bottom of whatever it was they wanted. He was resolute in his convictions that he would find a way to manipulate the mission profile once he knew where he stood and would under all circumstances protect Claire at all costs. As they talked, Claire walked to the bench placing the whisky bottle on the counter next to the opened bottle of wine that was already there. Noticing her nervous reactions, Jamie only exacerbated them further by his next actions. Closing the distance between them, he stood right behind her, and when Claire turned around, she collided with his rock hard chest. His predatory like actions made her go to water in front of him. Placing her hands out to brace herself she felt the rise and fall of Jamie’s chest and caught her breath. “And how did ye respond?” “I didn't.” “Good,” he stated as his lips gently placed a kiss to her forehead. Claire raised her eyes to Jamie’s in appeal. “I don’t know if I can do it,” she continued worriedly. “I’ll scan yer PDA. Something will present itself later and I’ll have a contingency strategy,” he replied reassuringly locking his gaze with hers. “I’ll make it happen mo ghràidh.” “Okay.” “They don't want us to be together.” “No they don't.” “What about ye?” Taken aback by Jamie’s question Claire didn’t know how to respond, so Jamie did it for her. Slipping his arms around her waist he pulled her closer captivated by the flame of desire he saw in her eyes. He leaned in for a kiss succinctly heralding his answer. Cupping her chin in his hand, Jamie turned Claire’s face up to his. Spellbound, she could only watch as he leaned down to place a chaste kiss to her lips. By the time his lips finally touched hers all coherent thoughts had fled her mind. Jamie pulled her closer to his warm, hard body and within a few seconds Claire was nestled against him with her arms wrapped around him. The kiss was gentle and Jamie savoured the sweet warmth of her mouth against his knowing that this may very well be the last opportunity for them to be together like this for a long time.

Claire’s heart leapt in her chest as Jamie’s fingertips rested against her throat feeling the beating of the vein under her skin. Their light touch made her close her eyes in blissful joy as his lips gently swept across her forehead then her eyelids. Trailing his lips down Claire’s cheek, Jamie lingered his caress at the corner of her inviting mouth. Then in delicious assault he placed fleeting, whisper light kisses across her cheek and face with caresses that made Claire’s pulse race. Thrilling shivers of pleasure danced along her spine as her soft moan of satisfaction echoed in Jamie’s ear and she swayed toward him. “Mmm,” she murmured with sudden yearning. Threading her fingers through Jamie’s unruly hair, Claire held his mouth to hers deepening their kiss. His lips tasted salty, his mouth soft yet hard at the same time. Warmth spread through her body and Claire wanted Jamie so desperately she felt as though she would burst. She could hardly breathe as it was. The taste of his mouth on hers, and the feel of him against her body was all she cared about. His first few kisses were tentative yet probing as lips joined softly, again and again. Aligning their heads, their mouths touched ... then separated ... only to connect once again. Soft lips caressed Claire’s gently, almost reverently until opening his mouth; his tongue sought entry to her mouth and claimed her with burning desire. Sighing audibly she reciprocated his potent caresses. “Cl-aire ...”

Breathing heavily against her mouth, his lips teased hers with each syllable of her name. A low groan quivered in his throat as he too felt the effects of Claire’s nearness. Their shared kiss at the consulate ball had been far too brief, but now he had time to make amends.

But how much time did he really have? Not nearly enough, Jamie thought, but they had this moment. It took all of his strength not to devour his Sassenach’s soft mouth all over again.  Grudgingly breaking the kiss his fixed gaze caressed her appearance with piercing blue eyes. Reaching up his hand Jamie caressed Claire’s eyebrow, as he trailed his fingertips to her cheeks, her lips and jaw in an all too familiar gesture. With half lidded eyes he swept her face again committing to memory the effect that his nearness had on her. His Claire was beautiful. Hurriedly, she began to take off his jacket lowering it from Jamie’s shoulders while frantically touching his body at the same time. However; without severing his gaze, he captured Claire’s hands as he finished the task tossing his leather jacket carelessly to the bench where the whisky bottle sat.  The piercing blue eyes of her partner caressed her face while the fire in his eyes caused an intense heat to radiate throughout her body.  His intentions were perfectly clear. Reaching down, he captured her hand in his. Claire Beauchamp could not look away.  She watched Jamie Fraser begin to pull her slowly towards him with a predatory look in his eyes that scorched her soul and made her shiver in anticipation.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ to be continued

Should you wish to access the other chapters of this story … go to 

https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations

#jamie and claire #outlander fanfic #james fraser #claire beauchamp #jamie x claire #covert operations #the lallybroch library #jamieandclairecrossover

[witchescompendium]

Sunday School Week 6 and 7 Sabbats, Esbats and The Wheel of The Year

SUNDAY SCHOOL WEEK 6 & 7

SABBATS, ESBATS AND THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR

               WHEEL OF THE YEAR:

The Wheel turns and so do we, changing as the forces of nature change, our powers ebb and flow, wax and wane, we move on a mystic cycle that we seldom realize. But take a moment if you will and look at yourself now, in this season. (As I am writing we are in late Spring) You may feel you are eager to be outside, to work in nature to start new projects or begin a new adventure, its natural in the Spring to feel this way  because nature is waking, it is in full bloom and plants are blooming, wildlife is giving birth and we are finally away from the winters cold dark hold.

As the season change so do we. Our minds, bodies and spirits acclimate to the changes, as the Winter comes we retreat within and often we get down, as we turn to the Spring we become more awake, and shaking off the gathered grime of the past season, and then we move to Summer, where we tend to be more active and free. As the Fall comes on we begin to settle down and start nesting, preparing for winter and repeat.

As the Wheel of the Year turns, it brings about more than the seasons, it brings opportunities, possibilities and magic, all we have to do is to be open to them. We are presented with so many chances and opportunities we just have to be willing to take them and be open to receive them.

As the Wheel Turns we go through the cycles of life and the seasons, but we also turn with the phases of the moon. This affect us just the same as the changing of the seasons, bring us to different awakenings, and pulls. The Moon affects our spiritual and emotional energies as the season do our physical and mental.

The Wheel of the year is divided into 4 quarters, each of these quarters contains two Sabbats and in a normal year 3 Esbats, per quarter there are 1 major and 1 minor Sabbat. The Wheel turning, as it is known, follows the path of the sun and the Sabbats and Esbats mark times of growth and enlightenment along the way.

SABBATS:

The Sabbats fall to the seasons, and a particular time of the year. They originally marked important dates or times in the cycle of life and nature, much of our ancstors survival depended on the timing of these particular festivals to begin planting, and harvesting, breeding live stock and other things. The Sabbats are divided into two groups, major and minor. The minor Sabbats mark the cross quarters, or the the two solstices and two equinoxes, while the Major Sabbats mark the midpoints between them. The Four Major Sabbats are:

Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas.

The Minor Sabbats are:

Ostara, Litha, Mabon and Yule.

The Sabbats are Solar festivals, each one representing a different  aspect or trait, and a cycle of life, depending upon its placement in the wheel. Depending upon the tradition and the practice of a particular wiccan, pagan, witch or coven, can also depend on when the wheel starts over and ends the old year. Some will say Samhain (as is generally a traditional approach) others say Yule, (this too is fitting do to the practice and celebration of the day)

               BREAK DOWN OF THE SABBATS:

I like to begin with Samhain, 1. Its my favorite sabbat, and 2. Because I practice that the Wheel turns to Samhain and begins again, it’s the witches new year. You can adjust to your own liking and preference as with anything you learn here. This is a bases a guide for you to discover your own path, or build off of this one.

SAMHAIN: Also known as, All Hallow's Eve, All Saints' Day, All Hallows, Day of All the Saints, Feast of All Saints, Solemnity of All Saints, All Souls Day, Ancestors Night, or Feast of the Dead and more commonly HALLOWEEN. One of the Major sabbats. Falls on October 31 or  the first full moon of Scorpio. Samhain is probably one of the most infamous witches holidays and is still seen in bad context among many groups and people. It is also seen as one of the Highest of holidays and most important among the practice. (Beltane being its equal) Samhain is the night of the thing veil, when the departed may cross to the land of the living once more, magic is said to be strongest and highest on this night. Samhain is the time to celebrate the harvest, to plan for the coming year, and to remember the ancestors and be thankful for their journey, that has paved the way for your footing now. It’s a time to reflect on the past year and honor our loved ones no longer with us. It begins the time of rest and the time of darkness upon the year as we begin to transcend into the Dark Half of the year. Samhain is also known as the Witches New Year. We honor the Great God who departs this world on this day and journeys to the afterlife. Many of the traditions of the modern Halloween are part of the customs of old, such as dressing in costumes, carving jack o lanterns and the spirits of our departed, can be reflected in the modern ghost.

YULE: Also known as, Alban Arthuan, Saturnalia, Winter Solstice, Mid Winter. Falls on the Winter Soltice, (Between Dec 21-23) The origins of many of the Christmas traditions. One of the Minor Sabbats. Yule is about rebirth, the return of hope and the return of the Sun God who brings the Light. From the Winter Solstice we know the days will get longer and warmer and as the sun is reborn we are offered a fresh start and a new day. Yule is when we celebrate the sun god who departed us at Samhain, returning, reborn to the Great Mother Goddess, now in the aspect of the Crone, and with his return we are reminded that nothing ever goes away forever, we are all reborn and return.

IMBOLC: Also known as, Bride's day, Candlemas, Candlemas Day,Brigantia, Groundhog Day, Festival of Lights. Falls on February 2 or the first Full Moon of Aquarius. This is one of the Major Sabbats, Imbolc is about brushing off the winter and setting ourselves to de-clutter and de-stress from the winter. At Imbolc we light candles and fires, it is a festival of light after all. We light the candles to drive away the shadow and welcome the sun back into the world as the sun slowly gains power and the God grows. We also do this to help light the spark of inspiration and creativity within and to prepare for the seaon of growing that is coming.

OSTARA: Also known as, Alban Eilir, Eostar, Eostre, Lady Day,Vernal Equinox, falls on March 20-23, (The Spring Equinox), one of the minor sabbats. Ever wonder why people dye eggs at Easter? Or how the Bunny fits into the Easter story? Well Ostara is a sabbat about rebirth, and awakening. Growth and renewal are the themes for this day. At Ostara the Day and Night are equal, and the male and female energies balanced. The Rabbit and the eggs are both signs of fertility, as this would be a time when the earth begins to stir and life begins to blossom and awaken all around us. A perfect time to begin to expand on those plans made and begin sewing the seeds for your future.

BELTANE: Also known as, Beltain, Beltainne, Beltaine, Bealtaine, Beltany, May Eve, Lady Day, May Day, Walpurgis Night (although some people consider Walpurgis Night to be April 29, the night before Beltane)Falls on  May 1st, or The First Full Moon in Taurus. A Major Sabbat. Beltane is the day of the Green Wood Wedding, or The Handfasting of the God and Goddess. By now the God has moved from his youth stage, to his Green man form, and the Goddess from her Maiden aspect to the Mother. In this time their union blesses the earth and makes the grounds fertile and ready for planting. This a joyous time to celebrate and rejoice that Winter is gone and that light and mirth are all around. Beltane is also Sister Sabbat to Samhain. On the wheel they are adjacent from one another. It is said that during Beltane, the strength and power that is felt at Samhain can also be felt. Beltane is another of the most commonly known of the Witches holidays. It’s a time of love and growth.

LITHA: Also known as, Alban Hefin, Gathering Day, Midsummer, Vestalia, Summer Solstice, Falls on The Summer Solstice (June 20-23) A Minor Sabbat. On Litha, the powers of the sun are at their highest and most powerful. Day light hours rule this day and is a pure Solar Sabbat. As the Sun and the God are at their peak, so to is nature at hers. The woods and forests are at their fullness, and life is spilling forth. The light triumphs over the dark and, the crops are busy growing and nature is alive and happy. We know however that from this day forth, the light shall dwindle and grow weaker. That we will have to face the darkness in mere months, but for now, we must embrace life at its fullest, and celebrate the bounty that is all around us. This is supposed to be after all, a joyous time.

LAMMAS: Also known as, Lughnasad, Lughnasadh Lunasa, Falls on August 1 or the first full moon of Leo, a Major Sabbat, Lammas is the first harvest, when the first of the crops are beginning to be cut down and brought in. This was an ancient festival of Hope and Fear. Hope being in that the harvest was coming in and that nature and hard work had provided what was needed for survival, Fear came in the same manner, it was feared that the harvest wouldn’t be enough and the cold of winter would win. At Lammas we are thankful for what we have and also it is a time for facing our fears, and creating protection. Defending ourselves and what we value and care for. If we allow the fear to out weigh our hope, then we will surely loose.

MABON: Also known as, Alban Elfed, Fall Equinox, Autumn Equinox, Harvest Home... A Minor sabbat and falls on the Fall Equinox (September 20-23) once more day and night are equal but ultimately the Night shall win out and the dark of the year will begin as days shorten. Mabon is the second harvest, and is a time for being thankful and grateful, a time to share with others what you have. It is a time to honor and thank the universe and the earth for what it has given you, but also to look back at what others have given you, nd what you have given yourself. Remember you reap what you sew. Mabon is the last sabbat before Samhain and the cycle begins again.

As you can see the turning of the Solar Wheel has effects on our physical as well as our mental and spiritual energies and beings.  This is a brief summary keep in mind, and more can be found online and in books. Regardless of what may be written about the sabbats, remember that as with anything in magic, it’s the feelings you get, and the purpose and message you take away from the ritual that matters.

Now for the moons.

FULL MOONS

As the Solar festivals (sabbats) deal with a more physical, the Moon Rituals (Esbats) deal with more of an emotional and magical aspect. The Moons have various names and each month contains a full moon. (For more on moons and phases see the lesson on Moon Phases)

Here we will delve into each moon and its meaning and purpose in the cycle of the moon.

Jan: Wolf Moon, also known as Moon of the First Circle, Wolf Moon, Chaste Moon, Ice Moon. During this moon we turn inward looking for inner strength and inner power. This is a time of looking inward to discover who we are, what our purpose may be. It is also a time of beginnings and rebirth, for protection and purification. It can also be a good time to prepare for the changes you wish to achieve in the coming year.                                              

Feb: Storm Moon, also known as Storm Moon, Moon of the Seer, Snow Moon, Quickening Moon. The moon of this month fights through the cold to shine enough light for us to see into our own darkness. The purpose is to see into our inner truths and overcome our inner demons. We all have them and we all have things we choose to leave in the darkness that we rather not deal with, however, burying them in the shadows does no good because eventually we return to the darkness and those demons come back to us. With the Storm Moon we are challenged to overcome and learn from our darkness.                                            

March: Chaste Moon, also known as Moon of the Wind, Quickening Moon, Hare Moon.  As the winds of change blow away the darkness of winter, we are granted the chance now to blow away those things we no longer need in our lives. This is the time of the “spring cleaning”. Strength is another symbol of this moon, discovering and embracing your own strength, as well as the evolving of ones spirit.

April: Seed Moon Also known as, Moon of Waters, See Moon, Grass Moon, Rain Moon. Can you guess what the theme is for the April Full Moon? Water is fundamental for survival. Its celebrating the life force of the universe. It is about continuing the evolution of the spirit, and growing and nurturing your soul. As nature unfolds and life comes into bloom, we open our souls and our minds, that they may grow and bloom, so we may open our minds, bodies and souls to the Gods and Goddesses and Universe that they may help us to continue to grow.                                                  

May: Hare Moon, also known as, Moon of the Faeries, Flower Moon, Milk Moon, and Merry Moon. Open your heart, reach out embrace the power around you but more importantly with in you. Now is the time of intuition and of balance, of healing and hope and pleasure. A time to connect to your spiritual energy, and to listen to that inner voice. It is a time of healing death, when you finaly put those things to rest that have caused you such strife, listening to the good and the bad of that inner voice, and growing from the bad, by turning it into something better. It is also the time of the faeries and is believed that at this time it is easy to feel the realms and the energies and magic of the realms and the faeries.                                

June: Lovers Moon, also known as, Moon of Life, Mead Moon, Dyad Moon, Honey Moon, and Strawberry Moon. A Time to balance your energies, your physical, mental, spiritual and emotional self, it is time to bask in the moonlight and to embrace your true self, to feel fully alive and connected, to the energies around you, but mostly to yourself, take pleasure in what is around you, in the things that have been given to you and gotten you this far. It is a time of hope and pleasure, strength and self.                              

July: Mead Moon, also known as, Moon of Fire, Blessing Moon, Wort Moon, Thunder Moon. Self confidence is a common theme as obviously is fire. The flame is to remind us of the spark within us all, that burns in our souls and spirits, that drives us and guides us. It is to remind us of the powers of fire, and its fundamental purpose, for warmth, to cook, to provide light and gives a since of protective energy and safety.

August: Wyrt Moon also known as, Moon of Delight, Herb Moon, Barley Moon, Corn Moon. Unity and memory are themes here. Remember the past because it has paved the road for your future. Only by seeing where you came from can you appreciate where you are now. Wisdom and preparing for the future, quiet yourself, silence your voice, quiet your mind and listen for the guidance of your guides.

Sept: Harvest Moon also known as Moon of Harvest, Grain Moon, Fruit Moon, Green Corn Moon, Truth, knowledge, and changing of life cycles. This is a time of preparing for the coming darkness, the harvest time, a time to gain the necessary energies to make it through the coming months. Time to realize the truths about ourselves and the coming months, the darkness is inevitable, a time of transformation, as the season begin to change and so do we.

October: Blood Moon also known as Moon Before The Dark, Blood Moon, Hunters Moon, Harvest Moon. We enter into the darkness of ourselves, and embrace the immortality that lies within us all. This is a magical time as October tends to be a magical month anyway, you can incorporate bits of Halloween, (Samhain) into your moon magic, so likewise, the moon reflects the dark mystery of the universe and our self. The life cycles of life death and rebirth.

Nov: Snow Moon also known as the Moon of Decent, Snow Moon, Mourning Moon, Frosty Moon. As we descend within we prepare and rest to regroup and turn our eyes inward. As winter approaches we tend to over indulge and become materialistic, so be warned of this. The moon reminds us once more of the truths and falsehoods we have come to know and wear as masks and shrouds.

Dec: Oak Moon also known as Moon of Completion, Cold Moon, Snow Moon. Take time to notice if you have met the goals for the last year that you set. Have you achieved the things you wished to or started in the direction you planned? This moon also asks you to look beyond  the surface of the situation and realize, things are never as bad as they seem. As the year closes, remember that things that have happened cannot be changed, but learned from and used to help plan your future, and start making new plans or building off the old ones for the new year.

 Much more information can be found in many amazing books, as well as online. Many usually will contain some form of ritual as well as to the celebration of the Sabbats and Esbats. There are of course generic rituals which serve as great outlines for your own writings, should you wish to try your hand at it. I advise looking over other rituals so that you can gain a better understanding of the sabbats, the ritual structure and activities that can take place during these festivals, as well as spells and magic designed to cater specifically to these rites.

You will discover though as you research more that many different views and practices will produce many different rituals and ways of celebrating. Do not think you are limited to just one. That’s the beauty of the craft, you can take from these the parts you like and build your own way, your own celebration. As with our coven, we tend to change up the rituals every time, our June Full moon for this year will be vastly different from the previous years, as will our Samhain rite. However, you may find passages or parts of a ritual which you love so much you want to included them year after year, or you may even be so lucky as to come across or create your own ritual that is so astounding that you need not change a thing. All of these are common.

And I cannot stress enough this point, READ, READ, READ. The more you read, the more knowledgeable you will become and the more understanding you will gain. Start a note book to keep notes, or designate a file on your computer where you wish to save things you have found. Just remember to give credit where it is do, don’t try to pass off someone else’s works as your own, not only can it be considered plagiarism, but it’s also rude (see future lesson on Witches Etiquette).

I hope this helps you to understand a bit more about the season, the cycles, the turning of the wheel and the Sabbats and esbats.

#sabbats #esbats #full moon #samhain #yule #ostara #lammas #litha #imbolc #mabon #beltane #wicca #witchcraft #wiccan ritual #witch ritual #wheel of the year