#They are celebrating the brightest night that's why there's so much moon symbolism in the decorations

[cinnamon-flame]

Starting off the new year with I think the most background heavy piece I've ever made! I think Rainwings and Nightwings would celebrate their traditional holidays together after the events of The brightest night. So this drawing is meant to show their cultures kind of blending together during a very joyful time. I remember talking about this concept with someone on tumblr a year ago but when I went back through my posts I couldn't for the life of me find it - so if your reading this, I remember you and this drawing stems from that conversation so thank you!

Close-ups:

#They are celebrating the brightest night that's why there's so much moon symbolism in the decorations #I hope I translated my thoughts well enough so you can get the vibe of their celebration #I was split between drawing a tree glows from the lights that were hung up upon it #or a night rave with neon lights #because I think those two situations would result from blending nightwing and rainwing cultures together #also I wanted to show this like organised chaos of the different decoration styles of both rainwings and nightwings on the tree #Moon and Kinkajou are there too! #also you don't see the spearmaster looking nightwing #it just kind of came out looking like them? by accident #continuing my weird obsession with drawing giant trees I have to draw one every year so I might as well just check that now #wings of fire #wof #nighwing #rainwing #moonwatcher wof #kinkajou wof #dragon #art #cinnamon's doodles

[laluvlidovezgal]

CHANCE.

TW! implications of death.

bittersweet! melancholic

t. muichiro x f. reader

graciously requested by @muuumuiiii ! thank you so much for requesting, you sweet lovely lad<3

who would have anticipated it? the mist hashira, of all individuals, displaying a concern that surpassed anyone else's for you—the spirit pillar; a warrior whose technique came at the steep cost of a gradual erosion of your life.

THE MOON; THE BRIGHTEST PEARL SUSPENDED IN OUR VELVET SKY THAT FLOODED THE INKY DARKNESS WITH ITS SILVER GLOW.

a radiant disc it was. casting its ethereal glow upon the shadows of the night, while also heralding the relentless onslaught of a few infamous entities—demons.

a symbol of hope, this pale sentinel embodied a goddess-like presence, standing as a timeless guardian, observing the earth with an unwavering gaze as warriors valiantly battled the monstrous creatures scattered throughout.

above, the luminous orb commanded the vast expanse of stars, illuminating them all. yet, even in this peaceful night, two particular slayers found themselves immersed in the serenity, although one seemed burdened by a more pressing concern, far beyond the tranquility itself.

in a world where such creatures roamed, the perfect harmony would remain elusive.

thus, what purpose did survival serve if death constantly loomed, a persistent visitor at one's very doorstep?

well, the purpose of life is to be happy. or at least, that's what this young man believed.

said boy possessed an acute understanding of this belief, as if it had become ingrained in the very fabric of his being—an awareness that, perhaps, bordered on the excessive.

the sheer ecstasy of savoring every moment of existence, embracing its essence in its entirety, was undeniably a remarkable achievement—a feat that deserved to be celebrated with fervor.

thus, he found himself utterly incapable of comprehending—indeed, he never had—how she could nonchalantly dismiss the imminent cessation of her own existence, as if it were a trifling matter. the weight of her disregard for her own life gnawed at him, like a persistent ache that defied understanding.

..then again, had he been any different?

"—and…now you’re spacing out, again.”

ah, the sound of that melodious voice; both longed for and dreaded, resonated within him and snapped him out of his reverie. even though he had incessantly poured out his thoughts to her since he awakened from his coma, with her faithfully by his side, deep in slumber—despite her own exhaustion—she had remained.

as your words echoed in his ears, he shifted his gaze to meet your own—and oh, those eyes.

he would give anything to forever witness his own reflection in the depths of your eyes.

in a mesmerizing dance, your gazes intertwined; an exquisite tapestry woven with delicate threads of connection.

he couldn't help but be entranced by the sheer magnificence of your irises—their majesty akin to rare crystalline treasures, gleaming beneath the majestic canopy of the nocturnal sky.

as a gentle zephyr whispered sweet nothings, its delicate touch caressed their beings, a tender embrace from the invisible hands of nature. he watched, his eyelids descending to a half-closed state, surrendering to the enchanting symphony of the night.

the breeze, like a playful sprite, felt as if it alone, could carry away his worries and sorrows, dispersing them into the velvety darkness.

yet, amidst this reposeful tranquility, a question lingered in the depths of his soul, an enigma that remained elusive and enigmatic.

it was one of the few riddles that continued to elude his grasp, an enigmatic puzzle that defied comprehension, regardless of whether he had regained his former self or not.

why, he pondered ever so deeply, did your well-being hold such profound significance to him?

why did his heart ache with an inexplicable yearning to protect you, to ensure the radiance within you remained untouched by the shadows of the world? it was as if his very purpose revolved around safeguarding your light, shielding it from the encroaching darkness threatening to dim its brilliance.

no, he never intended to diminish your worth in any way.

on the contrary—he understood, with a profound certainty, that you’re fully capable of caring for yourself alone.

yet, despite his awareness, a veil of mystery draped over his consciousness—that of a delicate wisp of mist teasing the boundaries of his understanding. it remained tantalizingly close, yet perpetually out of his reach, an enigma that eluded his grasp.

similarly elusive was the faint, almost imperceptible yet weighty pang in his heart each time his gaze flickered to your bandages that dressed your wounds.

he struggled to fathom its origins, to decipher the emotions that coursed through him with every glance. was it concern, fear, or something different altogether?

of course, he chastised himself for overreacting. after all, you were healing, weren't you?

...right?

at least, that was the relentless mantra he repeated to himself, like a haunting melody, a lullaby of self-deception.

perhaps it was a lie he constructed, a defense mechanism to shield himself from the harsh reality. deep down, he knew all too well that you were pushing yourself to the brink, sacrificing fragments of your own well-being to save countless others from the clutches of death.

how he yearned to tell you—to implore you—to cease using the very essence that slowly, yet inexorably, eroded your own vitality. the desire to shield you from the self-inflicted harm, consumed him.

yet, who was he to stand in your way?

who was he to dictate how you should pursue your purpose—your solemn vow? who had the right to demand that you discard the only technique you knew, as if acquiring a new skill were a trivial matter?

perhaps, for you, it had maybe once been a tangible option—a plausible alternative.

however, it clashed with the very reason why you chose to persist in wielding the power of spirit breathing, despite its unfortunate and devastating toll on your own being.

it was a conundrum that weighed heavily upon his soul, yet another conflict that tugged at the frayed edges of his limited understanding.

then, abruptly—his consciousness snapped back to reality, like a fragile dream shattered by the gentle sweep of a waving hand.

in that instant, the symphony of your voice, a sweet and melodious tune, graced his senses once more, stirring his spirit from its slumber.

"hello? earth to tokito?"

your words danced in the air, adorned with a delicate blend of amusement and genuine concern—whilst he, silently observed your actions. his gaze lingering for a fleeting moment, as if capturing the essence of your graceful movements.

soon enough, his eyes blinked, like a dormant star awakening to illuminate the night sky, as he finally stirred from his reverie.

with a subtle tilt of his head, he emitted a soft hum—a melodic expression that intertwined intrigue and acknowledgment in response to your beckoning. the notes of his hum danced through the air, a secretive melody that conveyed both his curiosity and the recognition of your presence.

meanwhile, you watched him with an internal sigh of relief.

the young man, whom you had believed to be forever lost in the bewitching realm of his perpetual daydreams, had returned to the realm of the present. the transformation within him, from introspective to effervescent, had you spellbound, never failing to leave you even in but a speck of awe, of these rare moments of clarity that graced his being.

"seems like someone's finally awake."

a faint smile blossoming upon your lips, akin to the first delicate bloom of a spring flower. lowering your hand with graceful grace,

you adjusted yourself to a more comfortable position beside him on the edge of the engawa outside the butterfly manor—a perch where you and him had been leisurely spending time together, without a care in the world, rambling on about. relishing in the comfort in one another’s presence—like a normal pair of souls basking in the way of life.

"you’ve been staring at me for quite a while.”

pausing for a breath, you tilted your head—the radiance of your irises blooming with an enchanting glow, as if the secrets of the universe were hidden within their depths.

"what's wrong?"

in the midst of an enchanting moment, a subtle hint of wounded innocence played across your seductive countenance, evoking a mysterious allure.

"do i look that bad?"

your voice, though as mellow and gentle as always, carried an underlying touch of vulnerability.

in an instant, he reacted, tilting his head with a subtle mixture of surprise and denial.

"what? no."

aa he blinked, his words slipped out absent-mindedly, like a whisper from a dreamer's lips.

"far from it, actually."

he confessed, his sincerity palpable.

with a gaze that held a painter's eye for detail, he saw your flaws not as imperfections, but as intricate brush strokes that added depth to the masterpiece of your being. inexplicably, he adored you, to the point where it practically pained him.

and who could blame him? for you were way more than a mere beauty that could be captured in words. you were a tapestry of emotions, a symphony of sensations that defied description.

to him, you are everything.

your brows raised slightly, captivated by his ever-unpredictable nature. truly, like the wind, he embraced the freedom to wander in any direction he pleased.

reminiscent of an owl, you blinked a plenty amount of times, momentarily stunned by the sheer audacity of his flattery. it seeped into the recesses of your heart, stirring a delicate blend of bashfulness and gratitude.

"then..."

unintentionally mimicking his gestures, as if dancing in synchrony with his spirit, you then asked, avidly yearning to explore the depths of his thoughts.

"mind sharing what's got you so..distant?"

although it was not deemed uncommon for him, of all individuals, to maintain a silent disposition, you possessed a deeper understanding—having witnessed something greater, something more.

despite the mere span of a few days, you stood as a crucial observer to the sudden shift in his demeanor. having been privy to a bewildering yet endearingly interactive side of the boy since his awakening, it became slightly disconcerting to witness him potentially regress into his characteristic, distant, and dazed state.

the memory of those extraordinary moments lingered, and it was disheartening to question whether they were mere illusions or if they held the promise of something genuine.

as of now, the male in question pressed his lips together, creating a slender line as his gaze wandered away from yours, as though searching for a brief respite from reality.

seeing this, you reassured him. carefully observing these subtle occurrences with your keen irises.

"you don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

responding with a weary shake of his head and a sigh escaping his lips, his gaze flickered back to you, and as his eyes connected with yours once more, a subtle softness overcame them.

truly breathtaking were his eyes. they possessed a hue reminiscent of emerald, yet they gleamed like the replesdent glow of the moon above.

however, what truly captured your attention was the way his brows furrowed just as the corner of his lips downturned, for internally—a cascade of emotions crashed upon him all at once. moreover, a despairing layer seemed to coat his eyes, a poignant sorrow that caught you off guard.

"i don't like it."

he stated firmly, his words hanging in the air, leaving you perplexed.

your head tilted slightly further, eyes widening as you regarded him with curiosity and intrigue.

in response, he raised a hand to the area where his heart resided, his gaze lowering and narrowing towards the ground beneath you both.

"this feeling..."

his voice carried a weight of uncertainty, gaze delicately shifted back to meet yours—and in that moment, you could have sworn you saw his frown deepen as the hint of sorrow on his features became even more pronounced.

"and knowing you could..."

he trailed off, unable to bring himself to complete his sentence. yet, the unfinished words were enough for you to grasp the essence of his meaning.

your brows upturned, sensing the profound depth of emotions he struggled to express fully through words. you had a hunch that it might be something like this, but witnessing his reaction with such intensity was, without a doubt, enough to evoke a painful ache in anyone's heart.

the desire to comfort him welled up within you, an overwhelming longing to ease his burdens. yet, you couldn't help but question how you could possibly offer reassurance.

would it be by telling a blatant lie about something that was inevitable?

now, that would be nothing short of cruelty, no?

to suggest that you would overcome it would only exacerbate the pain. moreover, you were uncertain how to approach the situation without inadvertently triggering a devastating chain of events in the unavoidable future.

truth be told, if he were anyone else, you might have dismissed the matter with a casual remark, wouldn't you?

but with him, it was different.

you couldn't bring yourself to say so.

unable to find the right words in that moment, your gaze somberly shifted away from his, fixating on a distant point ahead. yet, in a sudden and unexpected instant, you were taken aback as you felt the weight of something new but vaguely familiar resting upon your shoulder—soft strands of supple hair gently brushing against you. along with it came a delicate warmth, enveloping you in an oddly soothing sensation.

"you don't have to say anything."

he quietly uttered, his honeyed voice carrying a mix of vulnerability and reassurance. he simply needed to release his thoughts into the open, to let them be heard, even if it was just a single sentence.

there had been no intention to pressurize or burden you, but rather a desire to be the one offering reassurance while subtly seeking comfort himself.

in a silent plea to convince himself that he wasn't caught in a dream, he gingerly leaned his head against your shoulder, and though was making sure not to add any more damage to your wounds, he did so without a hint of regret.

your heart skipped a beat, overwhelmed by the depth of his actions. turning your attention back to him, you found solace in this unspoken gesture of support. that tender gesture conveyed a profound understanding, a connection that surpassed the boundaries of words. it was a silent reassurance; of ones comforting presence for the other, especially in the face of uncertainty.

a sentimental smile graced your features as you felt immense gratitude for his selfless deeds. even in this moment, he made sure you were as comfortable as possible, going above and beyond to provide solace. the warmth of his actions filled you with a deep sense of appreciation and reinforced the unmatched bond between you.

"..thank you,"

you whispered in a hushed breath, your voice carrying the weight of profound appreciation.

though the words seemed simple, they held within them an entire universe of gratitude—a universe that bloomed with vivid colors, dreamlike aspirations, and meaningful connections.

with a delicate grace, you lifted your hand and allowed your fingertips to dance upon the canvas of his raven tresses. each strand, like a silken thread, wove a tapestry of sensations beneath your touch.

the texture was soft and supple, akin to the gentle caress of a summer breeze. as your fingers glided through the ebony strands, you embarked on a journey of intricate care, smoothing out the knots that dared to disrupt the harmony.

in this intimate act, time seemed to suspend, creating a space where the world faded away, leaving only the two of you in a transcendent moment. your touch, as mindful as the brushstrokes of an artist, traced a path of tenderness and care. each movement held intention, a pledge to protect and cherish him, ensuring no harm would befall his vulnerable spirit.

It was a silent symphony, where the language of trust and gratitude flowed effortlessly through the whispers of your fingertips.

as you continued this tender ministration, a vibrant tapestry of emotions unfurled within the depths of your heart. gratitude, like a delicate fragrance, mingled with a sense of wonder, weaving a spellbinding combination.

the tenderness you shared painted a tableau, akin to a cherished memory, where hues of warmth, understanding, and appreciation blended harmoniously.

pleased by your touch, a contented hum escaped your companion's lips, his eyes finding solace in the comfortable embrace of closed lids.

a smile, brimming with emotions, blossomed upon his visage, a testament to the profound impact of your presence.

his heart fluttered with a bittersweet ache, caught between the beauty of the present and the uncertainty of the future.

yet, even in the face of daunting odds, a glimmer of hope persisted within him. it discreetly clung to his being, refusing to be extinguished.

it was undeniably a childlike hope, both fragile and resilient; to yearn for the possibility of a miraculous turn of events.

still, muichiro wanted to embrace that chance, to patiently wait for the magic of a future with you.

#demon slayer #kimetsu no yaiba #muichiro tokito #bittersweet #melancholic #comfort #kimetsu no yaiba muichiro #demon slayer muichiro #kny muichiro #muichiro x reader #muichiro tokito x you #muichiro tokito x y/n #muichiro tokito x reader #muichiro x you #muichiro x y/n #demon slayer x female reader #kny x female reader #kny x reader #kny x y/n #kny x you #tokito muichiro #muichiro #kimetsu muichiro #muichiro tokitou #requested #writers on tumblr #oneshot #short story #demon slayer x reader #demon slayer x you

[alberivh]

happy birthday, by the way

a headcannon of genshin men celebrating your most sincere birthday celebration at your last resting place

ilness, angst, slight fluff, comfort/hurt, implied death

kaeya, diluc x gn!reader

a/n ; @mikachuchu AS WE TOLD ONE ANOTHER ABOUT THIS IDEA, I DECIDED TO MAKE IT FOR MY OWN BIRTHDAY AND SO YEAH, ANYWAYS THANK YOU MIKA FOR HALF OD THE IDEAS AND BRAINROTS MUAH ILY

Kaeya

woohoo, it’s finally your birthday! It’s been a while since he prepared so much for his lover. Cakes, gifts, birthday card and many more! He was so excited!

he wasn’t so sure how many hours have passed when you weren’t with him, when you weren’t present in his arm or when you were unable to say i love you for the last time. Tonight was the same, you weren’t here. But your birthday..wouldn’t it still worth celebrating even if you’re not here? He wasn’t sure again.

anxiety crawls up to his tongue as soon as he realized how many pressure he had given to himself. Birthdays huh..a corpse birthday, would that bothered me..or would that make me an asshole for not letting go?…he thought about it once more. Kaeya doesn’t seem so bothered by the fact you weren’t here any longer, but the thing that scrolled through his lies and his fright the most is the fact he couldn’t see you smiling once more.

How last year, he prepared your candles, cakes, and those gifts which were made just for you. How you would smiled so brightly while thanking him and kissed his lips with an upmost adoration. How you shift yourself in your death bed, waiting for kaeya to feed you the cake he bakes just for you. It’s delicious, kaeya! You’re talented at this! Those words flustered his heart out. He was blushing, the colors are out of control; it makes the chuckle from your mouth sounds so bright at the moment he saw you again. you are the only one who could make him feel this way. he was so convinced to love you till the end..But Can he return to the time where it’s just you and him loving one another?

The taste of your warm was an addiction. A pure sincere affection. How you make his name special than ever, how you make the matching ring he bought seems perfect to fit into a sinner fingertips. He was so in love to ever let go, he wasn’t ready to found another person to bound. so when you finally closed your eyes atlas, those whimpers of ‘wake up’ would never make his dream came true. The ring you worn wouldn’t gloss in perfection. the owner have died, who are they to shine?

He likes that feeling where you were at least happy to bound together with him or with life itselves. You were enjoying it and you were in love with the idea of living for your own will; to made kaeya feel enough..and appreciated. It was selfish for kaeya to never let go of those will, although if some-day he would forget those statements. He’ll still be clinging into your tombstone again, to an only remembrance he had of you. He is not ready, he will never be. How could he been in love someone who wasn’t you..?

so here he is, under the moonlight, he ought your presence. The cecilias he bought yesterday were starting to dry out, the wind was so strong, it made the leaves which flew through your way disappear to thin dust. He prepared the candles and the cakes he bake just for you. A strawberry cake you ate when he still could linger through your warmth. To remember an innocent soul, Beloved partner of life, (Name) Alberich. The candles he light for you started to surround your name with peace, the small claps he make while humming the rhythm soothes into eclipse. The tears in his eyes were fond, the anxiety left him now. He was here to celebrate your birthday, your short age and his lost home.

“happy birthday to you…my love”

Diluc

diluc stares endlessly at the picture of you and him in his office. How’d you look so bright while his arm lingers to your waist, how your smile potrayed its emotion through your face. across his mind, he wasn’t thinking of nothing but you, beautiful he thought. The star was so beautiful tonight..it’s empathizing...and It’s your birthday, tonight. how can he forgot about your special ocassion? There’s no way isn’t it?

he hasn’t prepared any single shits for your birthday. Cakes? Not even a single crumble. Birthday card? The papers in his inventory, are all for his works. Present? None, there’s no such a thing as gift in his lonely-mansion. he was there thinking of you, the corridor was so quite when you’re not around, it chilled his bones. and the fact he wasn’t so sure if it’s right to celebrate someone’s birthday for his own sake, he felt as if he was holding his own grudge to be told.

he count the stars, every each of the stars that went through his sight. While the clock ticks through the timeline, he was focusing and counting how many pieces of you the star has left. He wanted to celebrate your birthday by remembering you. He doesn’t want to say goodbye, he wants to remembered. you are his star, diluc was once your moon. The brightest moon in disguise of the star; in love with the purity of the starlight.

there are 400 dust of you, beneath the star, he thought he found you again. One of them has the brightest light…one of them has the darkest cries. The wavering feel of numbness turned into a void of longing. He remembered so many thing…when you asked him to count the stars for you, how you asked him to blew the candle for you, how you hold his arm waiting for goodnight kisses to linger onto your flawless lips.

“you’re not going anywhere, would you..?” “t-that’s a..stupid question..” , he hold your palm to his chest. Making sure you could feel the beating of his heart. The melody which could only be heard by you, the warm that always search for you. Your hands were so cold, your eyes were too dull now. You weren’t blind, just dying. Although, he wasn’t ready to accept you were fading. Seeing diluc always hugging your hand as if he was trying to deny it was a harsh view in front of him, makes something inside you break. and truth to be told, you just want him to live up with the reality. I’m dying, please let go.

At the same night, you blew your candle. Your last candle. Thanking him in a hoarse tone, spoiling pecks of lovely kisses all over his face; making the once pale unbearable face look more alive than before. you were so weak now, and atlas the only thing you could do was to appreciate your last birthday, which was all prepared by diluc. The cake was so tasty..the candles are very pretty…even his face look more happier than usual. But..I think, it was almost the time to say goodbye.

he woke up to a certain alarm. it was an unfamiliar one. A hazy one at that. in your arms, he found himself to be in deep confusion..why is it so cold? Why is it so blurry..? And why don’t your instinct move to his movements. And why is it so quiet..? He asked himself. Waking you up was an option, but he never picked it up. Until he lost the option to wait..because why does your body letting diluc go? That have never happen. “…wake up..” , he whisper the cries. “sunshine…c’mon we promised to eat together again..” , he repeat. “…(name)..c’mon, aren’t we supposed to stay together..?”, he gave up.

he seek his palm once more. He remembers how bitter goodbye’s taste. But this time, that time…why is it so merciless? Cold body, warm memories of candles and cakes. The last thing you ought was to celebrate your birthday. The last thing you ought for diluc is for him to be freed from his expectation….so he did. He fractured that plea. Diluc once again found himself to crumbled in piece, 400 pieces of you he found, the candles which blew from the wind by the stars..here he is staring at your picture, kissing a small goodbye to a wander of the dead.

“goodbye..sunshine”

a/n ; the number 4 is a symbol of death in japanese culture. And thats the reason why i put (4)00 pieces of ‘you’ in diluc’s part.

TAGLIST : @mikachuchu , @zierx, @childeluv @urujiako , @chichikoi , @noirkkat , @aphrodicts-imagination , @icecappa , @abyssheart , @yeetmeoffjueyunkarst , @almondto-fu @shxnosuke

#kaeya alberich #kaeya #genshin kaeya #kaeya x reader #diluc ragnvindr #diluc #genshin diluc #diluc x reader #diluc ragnvindr x reader #kaeya alberich x reader #genshin diluc x reader #genshin kaeya x reader #diluc angst #kaeya angst #kaeya alberich angst #diluc ragnvindr angst #genshin diluc angst #genshin kaeya angst #diluc ragnvindr headcannons #kaeya alberich headcannons #genshin impact #genshin impact headcannons #genshin x reader

[hes-writer]

If I Could Fly

Summary: y/n wants harry to come home

Warnings: angst and a bit of fluff

Word Count: 3522 words

Based on: Harry being really busy all of the time, like hardly coming home or spending time with the reader and one night the reader is at home listening to ‘If I Could Fly’ and she’s just wishing the words he sang in the song were true 

____

“I can’t believe you’re leaving before you even get here,” Y/N remarked, a hint of dismay enveloping her voice at Harry’s statement. Her fingers gripped the phone tightly, almost as if the device was the only connection between her and Harry.

He was miles and miles away from her, somewhere where the sun rose while the moon adamantly plastered itself on the night sky where she was. She wished countless times that maybe one day he would surprise her by coming home unexpectedly, his arms in an open gesture, bags laying heavy on his feet beside his worn Vans with the brightest smile on his face. His clothes would reek of the airport and travelling and his tired face drooping where the eyebags lay underneath his lashes. Harry would release a quiet breath of relief when his girlfriend trudged down the stairs with the same loving arms that he comes home to every time he returns, legs peeking out from an oversized hoodie that he left for her and an equally happy yet worn-out face that would glimmer once she saw him. 

But that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon, and it hasn’t happened in months.

“I just need some time alone, Y/N,” He replied with a soft tone, fatigue was taking over his every limb and was seeping his throat. The thought of passing out in a dreamless sleep in his plush hotel bed was too tempting. “Please understand,”

“I do understand that you need time alone. But I don’t get how you can go so long without seeing me,” She dug her fingertips into her bare thighs, limbs folded beneath their shared bed. The lamp on her bedside table was switched on to dimly cover the room in an orange-yellow hue. She eyed the shadows on the wall with a sad stare, chest slowly deflating at the thought that maybe he didn’t miss her at all. 

Harry sighed through the speakers, his lashes weighing heavy on his lids as another wave of tiredness washed over him. “I do miss you and I do want to see you,”

“Then why don’t you?”

Harry’s first world tour was a global success. Millions of his fans saw him from all around the world and it made Y/N very proud of him. The endless joy and happiness he brought to peoples’ faces made her admire his caring nature more and more each day. Sometimes she felt as though their relationship was in the back burner of his mind, but he proved time and time again that that wasn’t the case. Until now, that is. 

His tour had ended in September. Usually, he would be on the first plane back home to celebrate his achievements with Y/N, but work commitments smothered him and he never got the chance to visit her. And she did try her best to take time off work, but her studies didn’t agree with what she wanted. School was becoming increasingly difficult with the upper-division requirements being thrown at her, to be finished in the four-year timeframe it took to finish her degree. Y/N just couldn’t find the time to drop everything and spend a few days in a rented hotel just to see him--no matter how much she wanted to. 

Y/N thought to herself that she could handle a few more weeks without Harry, choosing to focus on essays and research papers that needed to be read and written. However, a few weeks turned into months, and soon the holidays passed by without as much as a glimpse of his face showering her. She didn’t want to throw him under the bus, but it was clear that Harry didn’t bear the same weight as she did. His excuses built every time they shared a call, the disconnection between them was obvious in the sense that their calls lasted only a few minutes--nothing like the hours they shared, drunk on wine, talking about anything and everything. 

The couple didn’t spend the holidays together as Harry was stuck, unable to find a flight back home and Y/N forgave him because it wasn't like he promised to spend it with her. It was okay until she caught the pictures swirling on social media. A massive grin plastered on his face as he partied on a yacht with Kendall--- a slap to the face, a shot of reality. Whatever it was, it broke Y/N down on Christmas day where she walked down the living room alone. The Christmas decorations mocking her lonely festivity, the tree decored with red and green ornaments and presents stuffed at the base. All invitations to spend the day were rejected in favour of spending it with Harry, hopelessly hoping that he would open the door with an apologetic face and a present in his hand. She was stupid to even let her fantasies take over reality. 

“Y/N,” Harry’s gruff remark of her name brought her back to the present. “I’m heading to bed now,”

“O-okay,” She stuttered out a response, not having much in her to argue more about why* they needed to see each other. “I love you,”

“Love ya’too,” The ringer clicked shut, signifying that he had hung up. The receiver emitted a dull tone as Y/N took the time to press the end button on her screen. 

______

Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to play a playlist full of sad songs but Y/N was way past questioning her decisions when she was drunk on white wine and sadness. The dejection that floated in her lungs made it difficult to breathe--or maybe it was the heaving sobs she was about to release when the first few piano keys of If I Could Fly reverberated in the cold bedroom. The vinyl player that Y/N bought Harry added a sense of nostalgia to the record spinning continuously. A symbolism that Y/N couldn’t move on from ever-changing times and wavering discomfort that the world threw at her. She wasn’t able to adapt to his needs of having time for himself. At the same time, she wondered if he understood her apprehension--if her sense of abandonment was discernible in the way she practically begged him to come home. 

If I could fly, I'd be coming right back home to you I think I might give up everything, just ask me to

It hurt more to recall that Harry had written this song for her as a way to commemorate the same despondency he felt while he was away. The relentless urgency to drop everything and come home to her used to be something that laid all cards on the table and left no questions to be asked. Their actions were enough to show much they truly loved each other.  

Pay attention, I hope that you listen 'cause I let my guard down

Right now I'm completely defenceless

And when they were smothered with each other scents, legs tangling underneath the sheets as his strong arms wrapped around her waist like a taut bowtie did they see each other at their most vulnerable. It seemed as though Harry was drained from everything, having given his all to the fans, his everything to the ever-prying lenses of the media. His whole being to be extracted by questions and criticisms yet nothing could refill the void in his chest like Y/N did. Her love was powerful enough to have him addicted to the feeling. 

For your eyes only, I'll show you my heart

For when you're lonely and forget who you are

She reminisced their conversation on the blank wall in front of her, the flute of wine held by her unsteady fingers as she gulped another swallow of the burning liquid. The feeling of Harry’s soft palms draped over the expanse of her eyes, covering her sight even more so than her closed lids. His excited giggles tickling her ears as he directed her body in front of his, encouraging her to walk wherever he needed her to be. 

I'm missing half of me when we're apart

Now you know me, for your eyes only

Y/N could remember his words clearly; how he confessed his deepest desires for a love that only she could give, how he uttered the three words she longed to hear ever since she watched him flip a pancake on the pan, chin jutting over his shoulder when he heard a soft giggle after seeing the pancake fold on itself in a failed execution. He didn’t know who he was without her by his side, a piece of him seemingly swimming in a sea of the unknown when he failed to hear her voice on the daily. 

I've got scars even though they can't always be seen

And pain gets hard, but now you're here and I don't feel a thing

And when he opened up to her for the first time; about his past and the pain, he endured with previous relationships that left him with nothing but a reminder that most people only liked him because he was Harry Styles. Handsome, rich and a branch of connections; a mere business transaction to be stepped on to move up in the industry. 

I can feel your heart inside of mine, I feel it

I've been going out of my mind, I feel it

His hand grabbed her dainty wrists, lips puckering to press a gentle kiss at the crown of her head. Their chests faced against each other, his head ducking down to meet her eyes as he continued to place the flat of her hand against where hist heart lay. The hammering of his heart felt as though it would beat right out of his chest and Harry wondered if she could feel it through his thick skin, the layers of vulnerability being peeled back in a moment of openness and complete trust between the two of them. Y/N looked up at him with a confused face, brows quirking in a silent question until she felt it--the dull throb of his heart against her palm. 

You’ve got my heart in the palm of your hand, he admitted. 

Know that I'm just wasting time

And I hope that you don't run from me

The music drifted to silent background noise, Harry’s voice coming stronger with more emphasis on the words that meant the most to him. Y/N’s heart clenched; how could she run away when all she thought about was him? When all she needed was his figure beside her, warming her up when the morning breeze developed goosebumps on her skin? She thought about the times she relied heavily on him that her happiness didn’t exist without him; what a sad conclusion to her dumpster day. She didn’t want to flounder her brain with doubts, not when she could call Harry and get a direct answer from the source. 

Y/N shakily dialled his number, thumb drifting past the screen to see his profile pop up right before the keypad signalled that it was ringing.

And it rang until she got sent to voicemail. She tried again, hoping that he was too far away to hear the ringing of his phone and that he would answer soon before she deteriorated in on herself from overwhelming emotions of missing him and ruminating what this meant for their relationship. 

The dial tone screeched her ears, making Y/N want to throw the device across the room in frustration. Beep.

_____

Harry rested in his bed for the next few weeks, dizziness dissolving into thin air once his bum hit the soft mattress, instantly relaxing his tense muscles from the activities of the day. His face mask lay folded on the nightstand, his pink beanie crumpled from being stuffed in his coat pocket. He sighed softly as he was met with silence; the city was sleeping, the roads were empty with an odd couple of cars. The only thing running was his mind taking him to his last conversation with Y/N--the irritation they held for each other coupled with fatigue surely wasn’t the way he preferred to have ended the call before he left for Japan.

He wanted complete isolation from the outside world--as outside as it gets. No phones, no social media, no paparazzi following him to and fro his dinner to a restaurant. Living as a normal person even if it was only temporary. 

Still, he couldn’t help but eye his phone planted screen-down on the table. The lifeless device seeming odd when it wasn’t buzzing incessantly. 

“Fuck it,” Harry muttered, reaching over to press the power button for a few seconds, watching a bitten apple appear on the dark screen. “Come on,”

His breath got caught in his throat when his lock screen popped up; a picture of Y/N and him in their backyard. His face was scrunched in a smile while her pink lips pressed a chaste kiss on his skin, her hands squishing his cheeks as he jokingly tried to getaway. His arm was outstretched in a selfie pose, ending in teasing jokes about Harry’s inability to take such photos on his own. The phone buzzed in his hand, the tag of missed calls making Harry sit up straighter on the bed, followed by a line of “Voicemail(s)”.

Harry used his fingerprint to unlock the device, clicking on the green phone app to check out his messages. He rolled his eyes slightly at the automated machine instructing him to press whatever buttons until the keypad appeared and a message from Y/N started playing. 

“Why won’t you come home?” She wailed through the receiver, stuttered breaths muffling her words but still discernible. “Why won’t you come home to me, Harry?”

He clicked on the volume button, increasing the painful cries that Y/N released. The shakiness of her voice caused a chill to crawl up his spine; he couldn’t believe that she even thought of saying that to him. Of course, he wanted to come to see her. 

But not right now. 

“Don’t you want to come home anymore?” 

She sniffled a bit, ceasing her dry sobs as she tried to control her breaths. In the background, he could hear the piano chords of a special song that made the ache in his chest much more prominent. 

“I understand. I get it,” Her quiet confession caused him to strain his ears further, almost too quiet to hear. “But I miss you and it hurts,’

“It hurts too much and I’m not sure if I can take much more,” The pain in her voice was too much to bear for Harry, “I haven’t seen you in so long. It’s all my fault,”

Harry shook his head, curls catching his temples as he desperately tried to deny her words as if it would do anything. “No, no it’s not, Y/N”

“I should’ve flown out to see you. I should’ve tried harder to understand. I should’ve been more prepa--,” Beep.

He hurriedly tapped on the next message, his heart pounding against his ribcage. He had barely unpacked his items, his toiletries scattered in the bathroom but everything else was otherwise intact. 

“Remember this song?” 

He nodded, hearing the melody in the background. 

“Do you s-still feel the same?”

Harry nodded once again, cradling the phone between his neck and shoulder. His large hand shoved his electric toothbrush and toothpaste in his toiletries bag. He sheathed his head in the pink beanie, face mask elastically going around his head. He slipped on some socks and his black Vans. He made a quick conversation with his friend who had generously let him stay in his home, for the time being, informing him that he would be leaving earlier than planned. 

The ride from the house to the airport seemed like the slowest time he had ever experienced, his body itching to hold Y/N’s frail and pliant body in his arms. The taxicab made great headway for him to book the next flight home, his small amount of baggage making it easier to go through security and the checkpoint. He felt a couple of stares on him as he sat near the boarding gate, but the people kept a respectful distance from him, giving him shy smiles and timid waves to which he returned despite the turmoil in his heart building with each passing second that he spent away from Y/N, 

The next announcement informed him that his flight would be boarding soon, making him stand up and stretch his limbs, passport and boarding pass on hand for a breezy exchange. He walked the tunnel with a heavy heart, his duffel bag feeling denser on his shoulder. Harry greeted the flight attendant with a small smile before plopping on his designated seat. He sighed heavily watching the runway blink with various lights. 

His mind was dizzy with words to say to Y/N when he came home but he knew that there was only one thing that Y/N wanted; honesty. 

_____

His driver welcomed him with a polite nod and tired smile, the early hours of the morning paired with the unforeseen circumstance causing a pang of slight guilt on Harry’s part but he couldn’t quite focus on that when he was practically the closest he had ever been to Y/N for the first time in months. His jaw twitched as he refrained from clenching it at the thought. 

The car slowed down to a stop, his thoughts distracting him from the drive to the airport and to his home. “Thank you, James,”

The man nodded in appreciation, “Welcome home, sir. Been a long time, huh?”

Harry felt his eyes gloss over at the emphasis, “Yeah,”

He exited the vehicle, breathing in deeply as he took in the sight of his home where Y/N would be. His feet couldn’t take him to the door fast enough, tripping over the gravel a few times before eventually reaching the front door. 

The house was eerily silent, a blanket of coldness lapping at him when it would usually scorch him with comforting warmth and the scent of vanilla cookies. He toed off his sneakers, curling his toes from being confined for hours. He ascended their staircase where their bedroom was, noting the way the Christmas tree was still up, yet the presents remained unopened.

“Y/N?” He whispered, his timbre hesitant yet excited with building anticipation of seeing his love for the first time in quite some time. He found her curled up in their bed, dressed in his frequently worn ‘donuts’ hoodie, her feet clad in his black Nike socks. Y/N even had one of his basketball shorts draped over her waist, his red patterned bandana clutched between her small hands. 

Her cheeks were pink with dry tears staining the skin, lashes curled with exhaustion. Harry mirrored the frown on her lips, the crease between her brows deepening until her mouth choked on a sob. She was crying in her sleep. 

He dropped his bag softly on the ground, slippery socks causing him to fall by her side, barely catching his weight before it crushed her and jerked her awake. Tears cascaded from her closed lids, silently muttering his name.

“Shhh, I’m here,” He caressed her hair, pressing kisses on her temple. He laid against the headboard, pulling her pliant body closer until her head met his chest. “Don’t cry. ‘M home,”

Her chest rattled with a breath, lurching her body awake. She awoke with a gasp, frantically looking around to take in her surroundings, realizing that she was still where she drifted off last night. 

“Hey,” Harry quipped, watching Y/N with glazed eyes, catching salty liquid on his waterline.

Her head snapped upwards, seeing Harry’s face staring down at her. Y/N opened her mouth to speak but no words escaped. She fought against his grip, almost melting at his arms wrapped around her body. Her knees straddled his waist, burying her face against the junction of his neck and shoulder, smearing the skin with wet tears. Her hands enclosed his thin waist into a compact hug, pulling him as close as he could go to hers. She was afraid that he might disappear if she let go.

“You’re here,” Y/N sobbed, hauling back to press her palms against his wet cheeks, green eyes gazing back at her. “You’re home. With me,”

She leaned in for a heated kiss, whimpering at the touch of his soft lips on hers. Their mouths moulding in a searing act of love that relieved both of their chests in silent agreement that they were okay. 

Harry pulled away, knocking his head gently against the towering headboard, his breathing heavily from the passionate kiss, “I’m here. I’m home. With you,” 

________

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#harry styles #harry styles x reader #harry styles one shot #harry styles angst #harry styles imagine

[artanogon]

a list of Skandian festivals, as created by Val, featuring rough timeframes, pt. 1

the first four major festivals in the Skandian society and religion, in a vague semblance of order. festivals are somewhat historically inspired, but overall all of them are of my own design, except for the vague idea of the haymaking festival (in pt. 2) that I’ve since fleshed out. why did I make this? I don’t know. for the express purpose of doing the worldbuilding Flanagan couldn’t bother himself to do, I suppose. I’m salty. 

part two here! 

long post below the cut.

January: The Festival of Light

Centred around the aurora borealis (Northern lights)

The lights are said to be the magic of the gods flowing through the air, bringing light and beauty to the darkest hours

The Northern lights can be seen at night all through fall, winter and the beginning of spring

However, there are a few days in January (about 3 or 4 days) where the sun never rises-- it would be gloomy, but the lights are at their strongest and can be seen directly overhead all day

The moon is often full at the same time and the stars are very bright, so a lot of the time is spent stargazing

People generally don’t sleep a lot during the days of the festival

The festival lasts the duration of the dark days, then end once the sunrise comes back-- can last up to a week

There are massive celebrations, plenty of dancing, more bonfires and lots of light

The more religious people will pray to the gods and make offerings-- used to be animal sacrifices but not nearly as much anymore 

Healers will make a special “star water”, which is essentially like moon water

Any healing that pertains to magic/any magic medicines or talismans that need to be made are all done during this time

Seen as the perfect time for conceiving children

Magic spells work better during this time, ancient creatures rise from the mountains, angry ghosts lay to rest, magic pervades the air but many do not notice it

The Andomal, it is said, glows brightly on the longest night and those who hide and observe it can see the claw inside it stretch toward the sky like it’s trying to reach back to the light it once lived amongst.

April: Ostara

Almost like Easter in a way

Welcomes the coming of spring 

Also celebrates the return of rain and the calming of the sea, making it safe to sail their ships again

Full of light-tuned reels and dances in the village square, accompanied by drinking and feasts (as is the brand of Skandian festivals)

The square is decorated with budding and blooming flowers, symbols of the associated gods, fragrant herbs and bright colours

Celebrated as a time of craft-- painting, carving, metalworking, etc

Things made during this time are supposed to be stronger, more beautiful and imbued with spring’s fresh energy

Hares and rabbits are served (a symbol of spring and the gods they celebrate)

The Skandians light large fires built on fragrant wood on top of the hills

They also make smaller bonfires come evening

A tradition is for the Skandians to climb to the largest fire in the hills and burn figures/symbols that represent winter

Rites are often performed to purify the air and seal away the monsters that run wild in winter

Late April/May (changes each year): Walpurgis

Lasts 9 days

Signifies the end of the Fae’s Hunt-- it is once again safe to be out after dark

This period is a celebration of love and fertility, many marriages take place during this week

Blessings and prayers are made for relationships, girls will sleep with an object their beloved has given them under their pillow to make their relationship become fruitful 

The festivities are led by Skandian priestesses (or the closest that can be found, often holy-women and medicine women who have the gift of magic within them)

Also seen as a time of witchcraft, when witches and magic are both at their strongest

All magic ceremonies work better

Sometimes children with powers in their bloodline will manifest them during this time

Holy-women have the power to anoint blessings and drive away evil 

The centrepiece is a wooden pole decorated with flowers and silk and elaborately carved (similar to a modern maypole)

The pole, before it is set, is carried around in a procession and people add decorations to it along the way

Dances are done around the maypole, which is also a symbol for fertility

Songs of spring and healing are sung, people are up at first light to sing to and welcome the rising sun

Many large bonfires are lit all over the village, young men and women as well as children will collect green wood from the surrounding area at sunset the first day, which they then decorate their doorstep and outside of their house with 

Young men go out and collect flowers as well as green branches, they then decorate their beloveds’ windows with them 

Three large fires are lit in the hills to represent the 3 Vallas

Come sunset on the fifth day, everyone will stream up to the hills and gather for song, dance and revelry among the fires

The daredevils will take running leaps through the flames for luck

On the last day, the entire day is spent outside and the celebrations are at their strongest, magic is in a frenzy and the entire day is spent dancing

Loud, crazy and self-indulgent, but full of laughter-- the representation of what most other countries see as the “heathenism” of Skandian festivals

In the Skandian’s old religion, vast sacrifices would have been made on this day, but the religion has changed and that doesn’t happen anymore

June: Midsummer feast

Celebrates the summer solstice

During this time, Skandia is a hub of sailing, trade and activity, so the festival is one of power and activity

This is also the time when the most profits have come into Skandia, so everyone is wealthier and has more money to spend on festivals and frivolity

Flowers turn to fruit and fruit begins to ripen, so lots of crops and food from nature are available 

The sun is at its highest, so there’s a lot of emphasis on being out in the sun and enjoying the light

Most celebrations, however, take place on the eve of the solstice

As is on par, there is a giant feast in the centre of the village

There’s lots of song and dance, and often the Oberjarl will make a speech about the season, profits and what will happen going forward

People hang green wreaths that they’ve woven themselves as well as other greenery on their doorsteps

They’ll also sometimes hang them on barns

Smaller bunches of herbs and greenery are hung all around the town and sometimes over the hearth in houses

Similar to mistletoe, couples caught under them are supposed to kiss

Some people make the kisses extravagant in public (sweeping each other off their feet, etc) and passerby just chuckle and shake their heads

Small wooden effigies of wolfships are made, filled with herbs/small trinkets, put on the water and set on fire

Represents sailing out and conquest

Children will weave dolls out of hay and throw them into the bonfires

Burning things in fires is sacred for luck and driving away bad demons

Seen as the brightest, most active point of the year and most voyages are launched after the festivals are done

Festival grants luck for coming voyages

Skandians are big believers of superstition and luck, so this is a very important festival for them

#I spent so much time on this pls validate me #part two probably coming this weekend #i WILL put magic into this world and Flanagan can’t stop me #ranger’s apprentice #brotherband chronicles #brotherband #skandia #skandian festivals #ra worldbuilding #i’m looking forward to the next one it has all my favourites on it #like winternights and the haymaking festival #but that’s for later #warnings: some mentions of sex and animal sacrafice #but they’re very vague and barely noticeable

[the-starchariot]

Moon

Nouns / phrases: Moon, night, evening. Autumn, winter. Quiet, rest, respite. Sleep, dream. Darkness (literally and figuratively speaking); that of which we are only half-aware; the subconscious. Vague guesses, foreboding, inkling, intuition. Psyche, soul. Emotions, emotionality. Especially: fears, needs, sadness, melancholy. Emotional upheaval, trauma. Depth, profoundness, significance, importance. "Still waters run deep." For some people: attention, recognition/praise, popularity/fame, imagination, creativity, art, romance, attraction.   Activities: To spend an evening/a night with something or someone. To quieten down, rest, sleep, dream. To darken. To be only half aware; to only guess, have an inkling/foreboding/intuition. To feel something strongly; to fear, need, weep. To deepen, amplify, be immersed in something. Attributes: Moonlit, nightly, something that happens in the evening. Quiet, restful, restorative; resting. Tired, sleepy, sleeping. Dark (literally and figuratively speaking), obscure, half-aware, subconscious. Full of foreboding, intuitive. Emotional, soulful. Fearful, needy, sad, melancholic. Emotionally upset, traumatised. Deep, profound, significant, important. As a person: Person with the above attributes, esp.: someone intuitive, soulful, fearful, needy. Nocturnal person; person who is tired or asleep. Someone who appears in our dreams. A still water running deep. Someone who is traumatised. Someone who is very important to the querent. As advice: Take a nap; rest more! Listen to your intuition! It's important! Negatively: Don't get worked up emotionally!   Time factor *) : When it's quiet. After you've rested. Evening, night time; late autumn and winter.

Night, rest, intuition, emotion, depth 

About the meaning: Similar to the Stars the commonly used meanings I found for the Moon were quite diverse. A few of them seemed random to me. Some, because I didn't get their connection with the Moon as a symbol, others, because they seemed much more directly related to other Lenormand cards. But there were several dimensions of meanings which made a lot of sense to me, too. My interpretation below focuses on them. The others, I mention briefly in the last paragraph.   Moon / night / sleep / rest: Very obviously, the Moon can represent the moon itself, evenings, nights, and even times of the year in which the nights are long and dark (autumn, winter). But obvious as they are, these meanings might not all that often apply to actual readings. Fortunately they are easy enough to expand. For aside from working night shifts, certain celebrations, or sexual activities, the evenings are usually the time of day when things start to slow down for us humans, and nights are when humans most usually sleep. Thus, I often interpret the Moon as quiet, rest (or respite), and sleep. Along this line, the card can for example simply state that we are tired, in need of rest. But it could also suggest that we need to have a look at our sleeping hygiene because low quality sleep is actually aggravating a problem we have. Darkness / subconscious / intuition: Of course, the moon is often up in the sky during daytime, too. But because the day sky is so bright the Moon's gentle light doesn't stand out. Only at night, when the sky is black, only in contrast with the darkness around it, does the white moon become such a conspicuous feature. Then, its gentle shine becomes a pronounced source of light. Especially when the Moon is full its light is strong enough to make our surroundings half-visible. By the moon's light we can make a good guess at what is there. But the details remain obscure. All this is why I see the Moon as a representative not just for darkness - literally and figuratively speaking - but also for anything which we are not fully aware of (yet) but maybe have an inkling of, or forebodings. The Moon can represent anything which is (partly) obscure, especially our subconscious, unconscious processes, and our intuition. Psyche / emotions / fears and needs: Continuing from the last paragraph, the Moon may also stand for anything which has to do with our psyche, with our emotional life in general. It represents all that which we we feel. But because of the aforementioned association of the Moon with night and darkness, the card will often represent emotions with a "dark" component - our fears, and needs, for example, or sadness, melancholy. It can suggest emotionality both in a neutral and in a destructive sense. Depending on the context and surrounding cards, the Moon sometimes suggests emotional upheavals, and, in a rare cases, even emotional trauma. Depth / profoundness / significance: Because it is the darkness, the shadows, which give a painting, or an actual landscape or object - and arguable also our life and personality - depth, I often interpret the Moon as profoundness. Along that line the card can stand for anything which has depth, which is recondite, possibly enigmatic. The Moon can represent a person who is the proverbial still water running deep. And slightly different but very much related to profoundness is the issue of significance. Often, the Moon seems to suggest that a certain matter is very signficant. And sometimes it magnifies a neighbouring card's importance. Other: As I mentioned in the introduction, this last paragraph lists several more meanings of the Moon which I have seen other people use but don't use myself. In brackets, I state the cards I personally allocate them to. Attention (in the sense of focus on something: Anchor; in the sense of attention paid to the querent: Garden or Bouquet), recognition and praise (Bouquet), popularity (Sun), fame (Sun, Garden), imagination (Stars), creativity and art (Sensual Lily, Bouquet), romance (Heart), attraction (Snake, Sensual Lily), attractiveness (Bouquet). 

About the Image: My illustration of the Moon came about in a very trial-and-error kind of way. Fitting the card's meaning I wasn't trying for symbolism which the intellect can decipher. I was searching for an image which would eloquently impart a certain, complex mood. I wanted to convey very, very profound quiet, and deep peace, but infused with the tiniest hint of the possibility of something fearful or sad hidden in the depth. I wanted to convey a mood which speaks of rest and good sleep, but at the same time also of intense emotion. In order to find this mood I had to keep sketching and discarding, sketching again and discarding parts, keeping only small bits which I then rearranged and added to a knew concept - and so on. All the shreds I didn't use in the end could probably make up two whole other Moons. But the image which emerged in the end conveyed exactly the mood I had been looking for. Why, and how, I can't explain for the most part. I can only hope that it's palpable for you, too. Two details I would like to single out, though. Firstly, there are the two stairs leading down from the houses into the water and the one leading up and onto the hill (top left corner of the card, in case you've missed it). I added them just for the fun of it originally but then discovered that they magnified the sense of verticality, spacial (and thus also figurative) depth. Also, they aptly visualised the "totally unconscious" (the stairs enter the dark water) and "half-conscious" (the stair climbs up to where the moon's light is brightest) aspect of the card's meaning. And the second, even more impactful detail I added towards the end are the brightly lit windows of the houses. Originally I had painted the windows dark, unlit. But this made the illustration boring, the darkness bland. There was no living emotion in the image, because the houses didn't look as if everyone was sleeping, they looked as if they were uninhabited. So I added the lights in the windows, and their quivering mirror images, as an experiment. And immediately, those little isles of warmth and light gave the cool darkness of the rest of the illustration its profoundness. They spoke of living, breathing, feeling souls, who were peacefully resting or even sleeping - or trying to keep the darkness at bay.

Moon-Rider Emotionally unsettling news or changes. Profound change. Something or someone who brings fear with them; someone whose neediness is very importuning. Intrusive emotions. An emotional approach. Nightly activities. To act on one's emotions. Overwhelming intuition. Moon-Clover Untroubled by fears or needs. To make light of one's emotions. Advice: don't take this specific fear or need too seriously; don't give it too much importance. A little bit of depth. An opportunity to get in touch with one's emotions. "Nice" feelings only. Stroke of luck which is rather important. A lucky guess. To play with someone's emotions. Pleasant nights. To take the opportunity for a nap; an opportunity to rest. To take the necessity of rest/sleep not seriously enough. Moon-Ship Explorations or changes or departures that leave a deep mark on the psyche. To explore the unconscious. To explore something intuitively, without a conscious plan. Sadness because of a departure. Melancholic good-bye. Fear of the unexplored, fear of the unfamiliar. To explore something in depth. A restful journey. To leave so we can find rest. To meet our fears with courage. Strange emotions. Very profound need for a change of environment. To look into something in depth. Moon-House The influence which how we were raised, or our family now, have on our subconscious or on our prevalent emotional state. Nights at home; to stay in at night; to plan a night; rules regarding night time/sleep time. To find rest at home / in privacy. Something fearful goes on in the family. Familiar intuitions. To be familiar with and comfortable with acting according to intuition. Emotional family; depressed family member; a shadow lies on a home. Moon-Tree Emotional health; that which grounds us emotionally; emotional resilience. Deeply rooted fears or needs or melancholy. Very deep roots. Emotional health; that which grounds us emotionally; emotional resilience. Deeply rooted fears or needs or melancholy. Very deep roots. Instinct. Intuitions concerning our body. Natural intuition. Restful energy. To find rest in nature. A night in nature. Resting would be very healthy. Natural, healthy sleep patterns. Bio-rhythm. Strong but stable emotions. Pragmatic approach to our fears and needs. Physical trauma. Moon-Clouds Emotional confusion. Misunderstanding of emotion; or inability to understand emotions. Autism. Emotional disorder. To fog over our feelings. Someone is in dire need for a therapist! To hide away in order to find rest. Unclear intuition. Very vague inklings. Profound confusion; deep despair. Hidden darkness. Deceptive quiet. Tiredness so strong it clouds the mind. Things are so quiet we're bored. Deadheartedness; listlessness. Moon-Snake To strive for knowledge about the subconscious. To be drawn to the dark, to prefer nighttime. To be motivated by emotions/fears and needs. To follow one's intuition. To be good at directing other people's emotions; manipulation through playing on fears and needs. Profound cravings; deep wisdom. Conflict between our ambition and our need for rest. To seek out deep emotions. Moon-Coffin To put something to rest. To find rest after something has ended / someone has died. A loss casts a shadow on everything. Profound grief; grief which has turned to depression. To be unconsciously aware of something ending. The emotional trauma of being witness to death or sickness. The natural ups and downs one experiences after a loss. End of darkness; no more fears, or: to bury one's needs, to suppress one's fears or one's intuition. Loss of depth. To let go of an emotion. Moon-Bouquet Profound gratitude; very sincere compliments. Emotional visit; emotional compliments. Recognition causes deep emotions. To visit someone who is sad. Someone visits when all we want is to rest. To rest from social situations. Social phobias. A beautiful night. Exaggerated emotionality; to exaggerate a fear/need. Moon-Scythe To stop moaning. Interrupted sleep/rest/quiet. To wake up suddenly in a figurative sense: to become conscious of something suddenly and painfully. Deep hurt; emotional hurt. to reap neediness/fear. To stop being so needy. To take stock of one's emotional state. To make sleep more efficient (e.g. through proper sleep hygiene). Rest is urgently needed, now! To deserve rest. Something rips right down to the core. A rift which goes deep. Moon-Whip Confrontation with our fears/needs/emotions in general. Deep shame; profound remorse. To make someone deeply unhappy by shaming them or criticising them. Unconscious shame(ing). Conflicting needs or fears. Emotional violence. PTSD. Mental illnesses that have their root in abusive situations. Emotional injury; emotionally broken. To shame someone for their feelings. Discussion of fears/needs. Conflict about someone's (emotional) needs. Nightmares. A respite from conflict. Time out to lick our wounds. Moon-Birds Emotions all over the place; unstable emotions. Emotionally upset. Rest/respite from stress or chaos. Worries, or restlessness, disturb our sleep. Noisy, busy, or restless, night. Emotional reaction; intuitive reaction. Worries which are not conscious. Inability to let an emotion go. Profound anxiety; anxiety disorder. Moon-Child Sad child, child with nightmares. A child needs rest. To put a child to sleep. The beginning of a journey into the deepest self. The inner child needs more attention. Childhood traumata. Very little sleep / shallow sleep. The beginning of night; beginning of darkness. Childish emotions; immature emotions. What the inner child needs/fears. To belittle emotions or someone's needs/fears. Emotional vulnerability/suggestibility. Infantile emotions. Initial intuition. Intuition still needs to mature. Moon-Fox To withdraw into oneself. A deep look into who one really is, deep down. A respite from emotionality. One's vital needs. Distrust that goes very deep, and maybe goes back to some kind of trauma. Cautious handling of deep emotions. Deeply rooted suspicion. Self-care in the form of getting enough rest/sleep. When/because emotions are very strong it's important to practise proper self-care. Profound adaptation. To identify with darkness (figuratively speaking). Moon-Bear Strong emotions. Emotions dominate our life. Something or someone who has a dominant influence on the emotional life. Emotional/needy boss, parent, or teacher. Someone who can teach you how to deal with deep emotions, or with intuition. A therapist. To alternate between being too choleric and overly melancholic. To be dominated by a certain fear or need or by sadness in general. Very profound influence (impact). Fluctuating power/strength. Powerful intuition. Possessiveness out of fear/neediness. To try to protect oneself or someone else from the dark sides of life. A dearly needed respite from someone's dominance or a dominant influence. Moon-Stars To trust one's feelings, one's intuition. To find rest in escapism. Too many unfulfilled wishes, or daydreams, lead to melancholy. Daydreams and avoidance of reality. Profound spiritual experience. To find great depth and deep meaning in the emotional life. Emotional meaning. Idealisation of deep feelings. To be tired of hoping. Profound spiritual experience. A very profound illusion/delusion. Dark/sad fantasy. Very significant and meaningful connection. Intuition leads us to where we should be! Moon-Stork Very, very profound longing. A longing for profound experiences, for deep emotions. The slow process of moving into (or, depending on order of the cards, out of) a major depression. Emotional processes, emotional transformations. A transformation has led to more depth. To be a night person by nature. To feel a strong pull towards darkness (metaphorically speaking). Someone's transformation causes sadness. Very significant transition. Recurring sleepiness (during the day?). Recurring trauma. To be only half-aware or completely unconscious of a transformation or of a longing. Instinct (Stork) and intuition (Moon) are in some way relevant to the question. Moon-Dog Someone is extremely dependent in a needy sort of way. Sad or fearful or needy friend, follower, or employee. Emotional friend(ship). Emotional issues with a friend. Emotional support. Rest/a good night's sleep would help! A helper needs rest / a respite from helping. Loyalty to one's intuition - to always follow one's intuition. Tractable emotions. To abandon oneself to one's emotions. Profound worship. Moon-Tower Emotional isolation. Emotional cold. To let nobody in emotionally. To need solitude. The profound experience of solitude. To find rest in solitude. Very deep loneliness. To withdraw from others in order to look at one's own emotions. Lonely nights, to sleep alone; to withdraw for a nap. To exert control over one's emotions. Conflict between the rational and what we want/need unconsciously. To have a clear-headed look at one's needs/fears. Moon-Garden A respite from the public. Public places where we can rest. Fear of the public or of crowds or open spaces. Social phobias. A deep emotion that is very visible or should be owned up to publicly. To openly flaunt deep emotions or needs - to publicly revel in emotions. Mass panic and similar occurrences where the individual's emotion is swallowed by the instinct of the whole crowd. Traumata that concern whole cultures. Moon-Mountain Difficult emotions; something is emotionally challenging. To tackle emotional issues. Inability to connect with deep needs and fears; intuition is blocked. Emotional blockade. Obstacle that lies in the emotional area. Difficulties/problems which go very deep and/or are very relevant. To rest before tackling a challenge. Inability to sleep. Something keeps us from sleeping. Finding time to rest is a challenge. Profound silence. Quietness is weighing on us. To overcome fear. To not give in to someone's neediness. Moon-Crossroad Emotional choice. Emotional ambivalence. To deliberate on one's emotions (e.g. a fear, or need). Manifold fears, manifold needs. To fear making a decision. The emotional impact of having to make a decision. The emotional results of Choosing different options. Half-hearted (half-baked) intuition. A respite from complicated deliberations, or from a decision making process. Moon-Mice Unhealthy emotions; emotional neglect; lack of emotion. Emotions which have a "nagging" quality: doubts, worries, jealousy. Something is nibbling away at our emotional defences. Exhausting emotionality. To secretly harbour negative emotions. Destructive neediness. Sleep deprivation; bad sleep; nightmares. Bad sleep hygiene. "Fear eats away at the soul". Too little rest. Vague suspicion. Someone obscures something. Moon-Heart Soulful lover. To need love/tenderness/compassion. To fear love/tender feelings. Romanticisation of darkness/sadness. Romantic night. To spend a night with a loved one. To comfort someone who is sad. Very profound love that might also be mixed with sadness. Strong tender affections in general. Profound love. Empathy. Love helps us to quieten down. To help a loved one rest. Lover's grief. Moon-Ring Important relationship; significant connection. Shared sadness; shared fear. A very profound, emotionally important relationship. A connection with the unconscious. To react with deep fear when faced with having to commit. A commitment to resting more. To make a connection intuitively. Emotional coherence. The cause for an emotion. Emotional ties - inability to let go of a relationship because the feelings involved are very strong. Predictable emotions. Reliable sleep. Relationship or connection with a dark component (= it brings sadness, fear, makes us more needy etc.). To rest together. Moon-Book Sad facts. Profound truth. Psychology; to learn about the unconscious. Literature with a lot of depth. To study at night time. Knowledge about fears and needs. Hearing the truth results in emotional upheaval; confrontation with reality triggers fears. Rest from studying. To read books to rest. Reading before sleeping. A conflict between intellect and emotion. In-depth studies. Moon-Letter Emotional conversation. A fear of expressing something. Need to talk. To express what we feel. Expressions of fear or sadness. Communication with our subconscious. Unconscious signals; to communicate intuitively. Conversations with a lot of depth. Obscure information. To let other's know we are tired. Nightly conversations. Dreams are telling us something. Lull in conversation. A respite from a conversation. Moon-Man (a) Man who has a lot of depth. Man who is: quiet, restful, resting, tired, sleepy, sleeping, dark (literally and figuratively speaking), obscure, half-aware, unconscious (of something), full of foreboding, intuitive, emotional, soulful, fearful, needy, sad, melancholic, emotionally upset, traumatised. A man at night/in the evening. Man of great significant for the querent or for answering the querent's question. A lot of feelings (not necessarily romantic!) for a man. Traumatised by a man. To spend a night with a man. To rest in the company of a man. Moon-Woman (a) Woman who has a lot of depth. Woman who is: quiet, restful, resting, tired, sleepy, sleeping, dark (literally and figuratively speaking), obscure, half-aware, unconscious (of something), full of foreboding, intuitive, emotional, soulful, fearful, needy, sad, melancholic, emotionally upset, traumatised. A woman at night/in the evening. Woman of great significant for the querent or for answering the querent's question. A lot of feelings (not necessarily romantic!) for a woman. Traumatised by a woman. To spend a night with a woman. To rest in the company of a woman. Moon-Man (b) Man who has a lot of depth. Man who is: quiet, restful, resting, tired, sleepy, sleeping, dark (literally and figuratively speaking), obscure, half-aware, unconscious (of something), full of foreboding, intuitive, emotional, soulful, fearful, needy, sad, melancholic, emotionally upset, traumatised. A man at night/in the evening. Man of great significant for the querent or for answering the querent's question. A lot of feelings (not necessarily romantic!) for a man. Traumatised by a man. To spend a night with a man. To rest in the company of a man. Moon-Woman (b) Woman who has a lot of depth. Woman who is: quiet, restful, resting, tired, sleepy, sleeping, dark (literally and figuratively speaking), obscure, half-aware, unconscious (of something), full of foreboding, intuitive, emotional, soulful, fearful, needy, sad, melancholic, emotionally upset, traumatised. A woman at night/in the evening. Woman of great significant for the querent or for answering the querent's question. A lot of feelings (not necessarily romantic!) for a woman. Traumatised by a woman. To spend a night with a woman. To rest in the company of a woman. Moon-(Sensual)Lily Very profound sexual or sensual experiences (which touch very deeply, or, negatively, trigger something). Deeply meaningful artwork; to express profound feelings creatively; art therapy. Intense emotions. Mature emotions; mature handling of difficult emotions. Harmonious, peaceful nights. Deep, restful sleep. Too much rest - laziness. To sleep too much. Extreme intensity. Highest quality. Moon-(Virtuous)Lily Profound virtuousness. To deal with one's deepest needs and fears in a wise way. Or: To try and counter one's deeper needs and fears with self-discipline and renunciation instead of allowing them to be sated/eased. Virtue/purity is very important now. Even if you don't believe it of yourself, deep down you're a good person! A peaceful night, undisturbed sleep. Good sleep hygiene. Virtues which are relevant when dealing with strong emotions: e.g. compassion or equanimity. Moon-Sun Conflict between just wanting to be happy and having to confront something fearful. "They are like night and day!" Profound happiness. Shallow emotions. Warm, happy emotions. To spend day and night with something/someone. Happy dreams. Obvious emotions; to broadcast one's emotions very strongly. Happiness comes and goes. Obvious depth. To rest for a day. To sleep during the day. To stay awake a night. Awareness of one's emotions. Moon-Moon*)   Emotions we are not processing consciously. Emotional trauma. Very emotional. Profound fear/need/sadness. Important intuition; significant forebodings. Deep sleep. To rest in the evening, sleep at night. A respite from something fearful. Moon-Key Access to something that was hidden in the subconscious. Something which was not conscious comes into our awareness. An understanding of emotions, especially fears, needs, and sadness. To let others come close emotionally. An expert for the psyche. Finding something out has confronted us with something profound. An emotional discovery. A feeling of relief. Profound relief. Complete surrender/abandon. Moon-Fish Too many emotions; too emotional. To value emotions/intuition/depth. Someone or something means a whole lot to us emotionally. To profit from something emotionally. To gain depth. An emotional reaction to gainings (financial or otherwise). Fears and needs regarding our financial or job situation. To have fears concerning making a living. A respite from work. A night job. Quiet job. To profit from other people's fears, neediness, or sadness. Moon-Anchor A focus on emotions in general or on specific emotions. Fear and/or sadness have become normality. A terrible fear that things won't change. The deep need for someone or something one can hold on to. To stabilise one's emotions. Stable emotional life; boring emotional life. Mundane feelings. Sleeping routine, sleeping habits. Very profound sense of stability, or emotionally highly significant foothold. To take a break in order to rest. Boring night life. Moon-Cross Emotional suffering; emotional strain. Something weighs on our emotional wellbeing. Suffering which is very profound, goes down very deep. Painful needs. Fear of pain. The fear that something bad might happen. Acute feeling of responsibility; profound sense of duty. A respite from carrying a burden/responsibilities/suffering. Ideological/dogmatic views on emotions. To not tolerate emotionality. Needs feel like a burden. To bear dark emotions with dignity. Quiet suffering.

#moon #annak

[tipsycad147]

Aphrodite

Created by Aspen Willow

© All original material in this site is under copyright protection and is the intellectual property of the author

Birth of Venus: Sandro Botticelli http://www.goddess-gallery.com/

Who is Aphrodite?

Aphrodite rules all aspects of love, desire, sex and beauty. She is the Queen of laughter and the mistress of pleasure. This Goddess radiates the energy to give love and to receive love.

Aphrodite is erotic, beautiful, uninhibited, desirous, desirable, and love itself. She is the goddess who symbolises sex, passion, love and nudity without shame; passion in all aspects—art, music, dance, and celebration.

Possibly the most valuable gift that Aphrodite bestows is the ability to attract, to connect and to enter into a relationship. Once Aphrodite influences a relationship, her powers goes beyond the romantic and sexual love to include deep friendship, understanding, rapport and the connection of souls.

History of Aphrodite

Borrowed in part from

www.paleothea.com/SortaSingles/Aphrodite.html

Aphrodite’s birth is full of excitement! What do you expect from a Goddess of love? Isn’t there always a little excitement when love is born? Legend has it that Cronos castrated his father, Uranus, and threw his genitals into the sea. The agitation from the waves breaking against the genitals created foam. And out of the foam beautiful Aphrodite appeared riding in a scallop shell.

The gentle winds carried Aphrodite across the sea, to Cythera and then to Cyprus, by the god of the west wind, Zephyrus. There, Aphrodite was welcomed by the Graces who dressed her up, adorned her with precious jewels, and then took her to the Immortals, to Olympus.

As you can imagine Aphrodite’s arrival caused quite a stir! The gods were all clamoring to marry her and the goddesses were eager to get her married to anyone (well, anyone besides their own husbands). It was Hephaestus, the god of fire and precious metals, who won the lottery and took Aphrodite as his wife. According to legend, Hephaestus was not very attractive and was physically disabled (He broke his legs when his father threw him out of heaven because he was so repulsive). But he was very crafty and being the god of precious metals and the forge he was able to present Aphrodite with many beautiful gifts.

One of the gifts was a magical girdle that made Aphrodite irresistible to all mortals and immortals. What was he thinking? As predicted, Aphrodite strapped on the girdle, said see you later to Hephaestus, and took off to try out the powers.

Aphrodite did have many encounters with both mortal and immortals but remained devoted to each of her lovers with all her heart, while she ruthlessly used to punish those who angered her. This just goes to show that you cannot own love or resist its pull on your heart.

Things sacred to Her:

Aphrodite's symbols are the scallop shell, the dolphin, doves, lovebirds, swans, golden apples, pomegranates and roses. The colours for ritual candles for Aphrodite are red or orange. Other symbols are any objects that symbolise love. Scents associated with her are frankincense, vanilla and chamomile. However, in ritual, you can use your imagination. Think love, think fire, and think soft, slinky, silky, sensual, musky and you are invoking the spirit of Aphrodite. Aphrodite’s energy is empowered by the heart chakra and the throat chakra. According to Margie Lapanja’s The Goddess’ Guide to Love:

To stimulate the heart chakra on yourself or your lover, massage the area over the heart with rose oil, gently circling your fingertips in a counterclockwise motion, eyes closed. Envision the heart, strong and healthy, opening and radiating the earth’s richest, most vibrant hue of green. As the heart chakra opens, the throat chakra responds. The synergy between these two subtle energy centres creates expressive and compassionate communication between you and your lover. You are liberated from the inability to share your thoughts; you no longer feel self-conscious. The throat chakra vibrates in a hue of brightest blue and is activated by the scent of lavender and chamomile!

he Awakening of Adonis: John William Waterhouse Painted in: 1900

Why Aphrodite?

For most of my life I have been at odds with Aphrodite. We all know the type of woman: she walks into a room and heads turn because she is just oozing with sex appeal. She always gets the hottest guy or girl in the place. And how she manages to wear that shade of bright red lipstick and look magnificent has always mystified me. I have always hated, envied, feared and at the same time desperately wanted to be like this woman!

Learning to embrace Aphrodite was a slow process for me. I learned to make peace with my body and to even like it a little bit! Slowly I was able to see Aphrodite as the seat of self esteem. She became an ally who encouraged me to take better care and helped me to realise the self destructive habits that kept me from loving and being loved with the intensity and ferocity that I had always dreamed of.

In order to really walk with Aphrodite, a person needs to have a healthy dose of self esteem. What good is it to be the desirable, sensual and oh so lovely when you cannot even look at yourself in the mirror? After all I think Whitney Houston said it best when she sang “Learning to love your self; it is the greatest love of all.”

Self Esteem Ritual

Self esteem is not something that is either present or absent. Imagine a fuel gage in the sense that there are times when you are full of self esteem and there are times when you are low on self esteem. Like any good driver knows: it is best to fill up before running out completely!

Here is the ritual to give your self esteem a boost! It is best done when the moon is waxing (going from new to full) because your intent is to increase self esteem. Plan a time you will have a couple of hours alone. You will need the following:

• Smudging sticks • Scented bath salts, body washes or bath oils • Incense of rose, vanilla, chamomile, or jasmine • small pink and red candles, larger white and black candles • soothing music • bowl fill with sand or dirt • strips of papers and pen • new piece of jewellery

Start the music playing softly. Write down each negative message, image or memory you would like to release. Then take a long, luxurious shower or bath. Use your bath salts and body washes as much or a little as you desire. As you bathe, visualise all negativity, self hate and worries being washed away. When you are finished dry yourself. Then purify yourself with the smudge sticks by directing the smoke over your head, down toward your feet, across the soles of your feet, and up toward your shoulders.

Light the incense and the pink and red candles. Sit down, listen to the music and breathe in calm, healing energy and breathe out all negativity. Light the black candle and pick up one of the strips of paper. Read it out loud then carefully place the tip of the paper to the black candle’s flame. Place the burning strip of paper in the bowl of sand and as it burns says “I release ____.” Focus on the burning strip of paper and exhale slowly as the paper burns. Imagine the negative message flowing out of you with each time you exhale. Continue this process with each strip of paper until all negativity is released.

When you are finished, sit quietly and focus on the flame of the black candle and say “at this moment, I release all negativity and hurt. From this moment forward, I welcome only positive and supportive energy. As I will it, so must it be.” Light the white candle with the flame from the black candle and then extinguish the black candle.

Take the new piece of jewellery and charge it with strong healing, protective and positive energy. Wear the jewellery as a charm to protect against the attacks to your self esteem and as a reminder of your contract with yourself. Every so often reward yourself for doing things that build up your self esteem. Some women have purchased a charm bracelet and simply add a charm to the bracelet when it is time for a reward.

Love Spells

I can hear someone now saying, “Okay, I have released the negativity, wearing the bracelet proud, and now I want to know how to heat things up a bit. After all isn’t Aphrodite the goddess of love? There has to be a love spell or something that I can whip up.”

Usually I suggest focusing on the qualities you desire in a relationship rather than focusing on winning the favours of a particular person. However, there have been times that a certain someone just needs a gentle nudge. So here are two spells I have come across: one is a spell to draw people toward you and the other is a spell for a particular person to notice you.

Meeting Stones: A Socialising Spell

© 2001-2002 Catherine M. O'Brien

Sometimes the problem isn't finding Mr. or Ms. Right, but meeting anyone at all! The following short and simple spell is designed to bring more people into one's life. You will need:

• One stone* to represent yourself-a birthstone or carnelian for a male, rose quartz for a female •Six stones* to represent persons you would like to meet-again, carnelian for a male, rose quartz for a female. Six is a number sacred to Aphrodite.

*Smaller stones are better; in fact, natural crystal beads work very well for this charm. Do make sure they are real stones though, not imitation.

Cleanse and consecrate all of the stones, and charge each with the appropriate gender energy. Charge the "me" stone by carrying it with you for a day or two. To get generic male energy, set the stones in full sun for a day or two. For female energy, leave them out under a full moon for 3 nights.

Once the stones are all charged, find a place where they can be left undisturbed for several days. Place the "me" stone in the centre of the space and name it with your name. Then place the other around it in a circle, placing them clockwise, as far away as the space will allow, repeating one of the following invocations:

"I am surrounded by lovely ladies, gracious goddesses, and wonderful women. They all come to meet me!" "I am surrounded by handsome hunks, glorious gods, and marvellous men. They all come to meet me!" "I am surrounded by beautiful brains, fabulous folks, and provocative people. They all come to meet me!" Each day, at about the same time, move the stones into the centre a little bit and repeat the incantation. When the stones are all touching, put them in a small bag and carry them with you when you go out.

To Win the Heart of the One You Love

From

The Good Spell Book: Love Charms and Magical Cures

Write the name of the one you love on the base of an onion bulb. Plant it in earth in a new pot. Place the pot on a windowsill, preferably facing the direction in which your sweetheart lives. Over the bulb, repeat the name of the person you desire morning and night until the bulb takes root, begins to shoot, and finally blooms. Say the following incantation daily:

May its roots grow,

May its leaves grow,

May its flowers grow,

And as it does so

[Name of person]’s love grow

Words in closing

Be your fantasy—the woman you admire

And revere—but stay true to yourself.

--Brenda Venus,

Secrets of Seduction for Women

May you love and be loved with the fierce passion of Aphrodite!

Resources

Aphrodite’s History was borrowed with permission from

www.paleothea.com/SortaSingles/Aphrodite.html

Graphics and borders were borrowed with permission from

Pat's Web Graphics

Socialization Spell was borrowed with permission from Catherine M. O'Brien

Houston, Whitney. The Greatest Love of All

Kemp, Jillian.

The Good Spell Book: Love Charms and Magical Cures

Lapanja, Margie

The Goddess’ Guide to Love:

Chakra Opening Exercise.

Venus, Brenda.

Secrets of Seduction for Women

http://www.orderwhitemoon.org/goddess/aphrodite/Aphrodite.html