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this is starting to get out of hand
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Putting my anthropology degree to good use and compiling a bunch of credible sources documenting real life Balkan folk magic traditions in one easy, convenient article!
I know so many sources about witchcraft are inaccessible and or culturally appropriative, so I did a lot of research and wrote this easy to digest article covering some basics of South Eastern European folk belief. I’m thinking of writing more articles about various European folk traditions (when I have time!) so this will be an ongoing project. I hope you learn something new and meaningful to incorporate into your craft 💗
An Introduction to Balkan Folk Magic
Like many old world practices, traditional Balkan magic has historically been carried out by cunning folk, healers and seers who were gifted in communicating with the “other world”. These community healers practiced generational family knowledge, remedies and prayers passed down from elders. It is important to note that most cunning folk did not view themselves as witches, rather they were seen as conduits for god’s miracles. Within a historical context, these practitioners very much considered themselves Christian, Muslim, or Jewish. Elements of paganism lingered in many rural regions, though they were absorbed into the social-religious fabric of the day. Rituals performed by cunning folk were typically protective, either preventative or as a treatment for supernatural maladies. Spells shielded people from harm, physically or spiritually.
Many of these traditional healers and diviners were women. They passed down knowledge to their daughters, granddaughters, and nieces. Men weren’t barred from practicing, it was just rarer for them to perform these rituals. These traditions are often tied to the family, home, or the community. Many magical rituals shared common themes, but were often specific to a singular family. The women who performed these rituals and divined their neighbors’ futures are known as bajalica, bajanje, basmara, bajarica, or bajaluša — or “conjurers that heal with words.” Bajalica and those they helped held the belief that spirits have the power to afflict illness, charms, and hexes. Bajalica are the mediators between the spirit and human worlds.
In Serbian folk belief, each family has their own protective spirit or slava. Families would celebrate them with dedicated rituals in which they made offerings of bread, sacred water, wine, and oil, as well as lighting incense and sacred candles. These spirits or saints are associated with the hearth, the heart of the home, which is considered the most sacred ritual space. During healing rituals bajalica call upon the slava, drawing and channeling their power to strengthen spells. These spells typically involve a verbal component, whispered incantations that call upon saints and spirits for help in casting evil away. These verbal formulas are highly specific to each bajalica, often times mumbling well remembered words to rid patients of their misfortune.
Spiritual afflictions are found through various means of divination, digging for the root cause. Divination has long been used to predict the fates of those who seek out the conjurers. These methods include reading tarot, casting beans and interpreting patterns (also known as favomancy), molybdomancy (casting and reading molten lead), reading tea leaves and coffee grounds, and gazing into copper bowls filled with water beneath the moonlight and interpreting patterns in the reflection. Divination was and is, the main way to discover the root of “spiritual sickness”, who hexed whom, if one was afflicted with the evil eye, the urok. Much of Balkan folk belief centers around protection from the evil eye, with the majority of spells dedicated to banishing or warding.
Various regions and countries have their own means of protecting oneself from the evil eye. In Albania people use dordolec, house dolls, that are elaborately dressed and displayed in gardens or atop homes to protect against the malicious urok. In modern times most dordolec are stylized scarecrows or stuffed animals, but the intent is the same. It is believed that the doll reflects the covetous gaze back on the perpetrator and shields the home’s inhabitants. Other amulets in Albania, Serbia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, and various Balkan countries are dried snake heads between two holy medals made of silver, objects made of iron, cloves of garlic, the hand of Fatima or hamsa, and the nazar.
Again, most rituals heavily focus on protection magic — not just from the evil eye, but malevolent spirits as well. Bajalica will employ the ritual use of knives, broom whisks, sickles, and axes in healing and warding spells. Though these are physical implements, they are tokenistic, a form of sympathetic magic. Knives and other sharp implements are used symbolically, cutting away illness and curses from the spiritual self by slashing bowls of water or the air around the afflicted person in increments of 3 or 9. These are considered sacred numbers. After the symbolic cuts are made, the water is spilled at a crossroads away from the home. This leads the evil away from the community.
Healing rituals have many intricate components. Conjurers often employ various herbs in healing and blessing water such as basil, thyme, oregano, Saint John’s-wort, sage, and mugwort. Other healers might cleanse spaces and energies with a smoke bath made of similar herbal blends. Not only do healers use ritual tools, they often perform physical acts, such as performing knot magic and binding spells using colorful yarn. The yarn is typically red, black, or white. White yarn is used in healing rituals, red in binding magic and love spells, and black is used in binding as well — though it is sometimes used for darker, malicious purposes.
The folk practices of South Eastern Europe are heavily entrenched in doing acts of good. Healers serve their communities, curing ailments and casting protective spells. Many of these traditions still exist in some capacity and are practiced equally among Muslim, Christian, and Jewish Balkans. Though many of the rituals have a religious faith based element, they can be adapted to secular, agnostic, or polytheistic belief systems. These practices date back hundreds of years and by choosing to incorporate them into your craft, you are helping keep rich and beautiful traditions alive.
(sources available at the end of linked article)
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Tasseomancy
I'm planning on also doing some kind of booklet that I can easily slip in and out of my grimoire of different tea leaf symbols and their meanings
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whatthefoucault · 6 months
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Day 31 of Stream Ink is Divine, and these two little loves are gazing into their tea to see what the future may hold.
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souptomatobasil · 21 days
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"Yikes!"
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apolloendymion · 1 month
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emergency divination readings!🃏🔮☕💎🕯️
tarot, runes, tea leaves, pendulum, and crystals!
(info on my situation here)
for $5, you may choose one of the following:
single card or rune (see deck options below)
tea leaf reading
crystal chip scattering (see crystal list below)
pendulum reading (see pendulum options below)
add-ons:
additional cards/runes [$1 each]
my cat will choose your card(s)/rune(s) (see cat pic & bio below) [$2]
my dog will choose your card(s)/rune(s) (see dog pic & bio below) [$2]
I'll recommend a deity/spiritual entity to guide you based on your query and results; you may ask for an entity from a specific culture if you'd like (open practices only!) [$5]
please dm me with proof of payment, your choice of divination method, any add-ons or preferences, and a clear, single-sentence query. you may provide extra context to assist with the reading. tips and dona.tions appreciated.
🕯️ vnm 🃏 cshpp 🔮 gfndme ☕
options and photos of my equipment (& cute pets!) beneath the cut:
deck options:
standard smith-waite: tiny (smaller than a US quarter), pocket size (comparable to a business card), and standard size
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nonstandard smith-waite: the somnia tarot by nicolas bruno (incredible photography project. eerie, dreamlike, liminal, yet the physical props give it a more grounded, tangible feel than your average deck.), the tattoo tarot (stunning art, if you like clean but complex designs, classic playing card artwork, or traditional western tattoo art, this deck will really resonate with you.), the literary tarot (each card depicts classic literary characters from around the world; deck sales benefited charity. my personal favorite. every detail is carefully crafted to appeal to book lovers. elaborate, shiny, magical. also they gave odysseus top surgery scars)
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specialty decks: the caretaker (@cryptotheism, formerly @normal-horoscopes)'s normal tarot deck (completely original oracle deck, feels liminal and dark, but somehow peaceful; great for someone pondering deep mysteries or looking for advice in hard times), moreno & quijada's sonoran tarot (smith-waite's major arcana only; stunning and vibrant watercolors of sonoran desert wildlife. really showcases the power and wonder of the natural world. local purchase from indie artists who I've personally met)
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if you'd like me to use a specific tarot spread template, please let me know. otherwise i will choose the best option for your query + number of cards. you can also pick a spread mat, if you like! you don't need to purchase enough cards to fill the mat; i can get creative with the placement. just let me know if you want the floral mat or the bunny mat:
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other options:
pendula: metal (this was a gift and i don't know what it's made of; brass maybe? gold in color.), howlite, glass beads with sea turtle scene
crystal chips: red jasper, various quartz, flourite, lapis lazuli, lace agate, tigers eye, sunstone, sodalite, bismuth. all stones can be thrown, or you/i can choose 5-10 specific stones that resonate with your query.
runes: elder futhark, white clay, handmade. wyrd optional.
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my kitty cat, nachtus:
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nacht came into my life through my current girlfriend, who has had him since he was born. every time she went into the room with his litter, he scrambled up her pant leg like he knew she would be his favorite person. he's about 2 years old now, and loves cuddles, belly rubs, q-tips, waking up our boyfriend in the middle of the night, bothering people while they're gaming, and sitting on my gf's shoulder like a parrot.
my puppy dog, misha:
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misha came into my life through my current boyfriend, who has had him since he was a puppy. he was a rescue, along with his brother oakley, who went with my boyfriend's sister. misha is a chug (chihuahua-pug mix) and is estimated to be around 8 years old. he loves cuddles, being swaddled in blankets, barking at strangers, lying on the softest pillows he can find, and zoomies!
thanks so much for taking the time to read this. it means more than you know.
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coffeenuts · 4 months
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river-in-the-woods · 6 days
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Tasseomancy examples
Here are some examples of images I’ve seen when reading tea leaves, and how I interpreted them.
A large hen, huddled up and brooding (not laying eggs). Then later, a large hen with its head perked up. – There will be/needs to be a period of rest and inactivity, before you will have the energy to resume your ventures.
A bee visiting a very long, elongated flower. – Certain flowers require bees to have specialised proboscis in order to reach the nectar (the biologist in me is coming through). Hence, this reading means that the nectar/reward is there, if one has the means to reach it.
A scarecrow, and a bouquet of flowers. – Investing in someone who doesn’t appreciate you. Metaphorically, giving a scarecrow a bouquet of flowers.
A mermaid – An instruction to work with water spirits, or to make use of magical waters and inks (which came up when asking how to craft sigils).
A bow, but with no arrow nocked – An instruction to do preparatory work for a project, but not to take any actions yet.
A witch, or, a person and a pointed hat as two consecutive visions – A representative of willpower in its embodied form; mundanely, it means the determination to see one’s goals realised. In occult terms, it’s an instruction to use magical methods.
A cow, especially one with horns – A lunar symbol, representing one’s mother, or any emotions relating to mother figures. It also indicates any work that requires steady, repeated effort over a long period.
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the-northern-oracle · 2 months
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°•✶•° Divination Services °•✶•°
I am an experienced reader offering divination services at reasonable prices. Including but not limited to:
°•☆•° Tarot Readings
°•☆•° Oracle Readings
°•☆•° Runes Casting
°•☆•° Tea Leaf Readings
°•☆•° Cartomancy
°•☆•° Osteomancy
°•☆•° Multi-Method Readings
°•☆•° Soul Readings
°•☆•° Comfort Readings
°•☆•° Chakra Readings
°•☆•° Deity Messages
°•☆•° Deity Confirmation
°•☆•° Godspouse Messages
❧ I guarantee thorough and detailed readings to your inquiries.
❧ I am comfortable reaching out to spirits and deities of many pantheons. Under no circumstances will I work with spirits of a closed practice.
❧ I will not read on matters relating to health, pregnancy, or death nor will I read on anyone who is not the individual requesting the reading.
❧ Please note that divination is not an exact science and readings should be considered to be for entertainment purposes only. Actions taken by the inquiring party as a result of a reading and the consequences of those actions are the sole responsibility of that individual.
My DMs are open to all who wish to request a reading.
You may also purchase through my Etsy shop listed below or by searching for TheNorthernOracleUS - I am currently running a 20% off "Grand Opening Sale" through March 16th and you can receive an extra 10% off until March 12th using the code TUMBLR.
°•♡•°☆°•♡•°☆°•♡•°☆°•♡•°
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dancyrilkingston · 10 months
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Tea Leaves by Alma Gogin (c. pre-1916)
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friend-crow · 2 years
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I'm trying to follow the instructions in this tasseography book, but it's surprisingly hard to get the right amount of leaves in my cup. Like it's either barely any or else a truly absurd amount. I need to perfect my teapot swirl.
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I would like a free tea reading, if available.😊 Thank you in advance!
I wanted to ask how this month will be for me physically and/or mentally.
I also have a general question for you. I was wondering how the cup affects the readings? You said that this is a cup you recently got, so I assume you have other cups you use for readings too. Is it like a tarot deck feeling where different cups are better suited to some questions/has a specific vibe or is it just the cup is shaped differently so you want to test it out? I’m very interested in learning this divination method. (I will eventually make my way into it once I start liking tea lol)
Parallel Lines (Yellow) -  In Geometry parallel lines run forever and never meet.  There’s something unchanging and interminable about them.  Truly parallel lines are rare to find in nature, but seemingly unchanging situations aren’t.  
Crocodile (Blue) - A lot of things come to mind with a Crocodile symbol, “Crocodile Tears,’ various crocodile associated entities from different cultures, but with it’s mouth open like this I mostly think of the symbiotic relationship between crocodiles and Egyptian Plovers.  How the plover can safely pick rotting food out from between the crocodile’s teeth, even going so far as sit inside the croc’c mouth.  
Rabbit (red)  - Most of my rabbit associations come from my love of Watership Down and traditional folk stories about trickster rabbits. So to me the rabbit is a symbol of running and running and never stopping, of safety in numbers, a symbol of trickery, of cleverness.  But above all it’s a symbol of survival, because all of that, the running, the numbers, the tricks and cleverness, they all come together to ensure the survival of the warren, of the species. 
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There’s a great deal of time to consider in this reading.  I know you asked about an upcoming month, but I feel like the scale being taken into account might actually much longer than that.  This may all apply to a single month, but I think it scales better when applied on a longer time span.  Things have been stagnant for a while haven’t they?  I don’t know if you have some sort of existing chronic issue, or if you’re waiting for a diagnosis, but the Parallel Lines make me think that you’ve been in some sort of holding pattern, waiting for things to get better - or at least change.  And here’s the thing, I think they are going to change, but I can’t necessarily say that they’re going to change for the better.  That’s not to say that things are going to get worse either.  I’m not seeing anything that really indicates one way or the other.  What I am seeing, and what in my opinion as a semi-professional patient myself is more important, is how you handle it.  You survive. Like the Rabbit you tackle whatever is coming towards you with cleverness, and you keep running.  And eventually you work out a balance, like the Crocodile and the Egyptian Plover.  If I can wax poetical about disability in this reading for a momment - isn’t that something that we’re all looking for, really?  Not to overcome our diagnosises, whatever they be, but to achieve a symbiotic relationship with them eventually that doesn’t break our stride?  I know that’s certainly something I’ve tried find. 
As for your question about cups:  I find that the cups don’t really factor into the readings in a magical or spiritual way, it’s not like I have a cup for love questions and a cup for health questions, or anything like that.  I do find that there are a lot of mundane features to take into consideration when choosing a cup for tasseography.  I like wider, shallower, bowls with open mouths.  One of my favorite teacups to drink from is actually terrible to use for readings, it’s slender and fluted in shape, so any leaves in the cup get caught in the flutes and don’t form good shapes.
You may have noticed that I switched cups after the first few readings. My new cup, though delightful to drink from, and full of a delightful energy, was not good for how I like to do my tasseography readings. When I do a reading I like to drink as much of the tea as I can, swirl the very last little bit of liquid around and then flip the cup upside down on its saucer to drain the last little bit of liquid away.  The placement of the handles on my new cup was very high so when I tried to flip it the rim of the cup didn’t actually touch the saucer.  Trying to flip it ended up being very messy, and it actually left less in the cup to read.  Also, there was a pattern on the inside of the cup, which was very pretty, but made it harder to discern the symbols in the leaves - which sort of negates the whole point.  So I’ve gone back to some of my old favorite cups for the remainder of these readings.  Lower placed handles, plain white inside in the cup, and good shapes.  All around easier to read.
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bloodwatermelon · 1 year
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The Ultimate Guide to Spellbook Writing: Crafting Magical Texts with a Digital Spellbook
Introduction: What is Spellbook Writing and What Makes it Special?
Spellbook Writing is a form of magical writing that uses words and symbols to create powerful spells. It is an ancient art that has been used for centuries to manifest desires and make dreams come true. Spellbook Writing has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its potential for personal transformation and spiritual growth.
Spellwriting requires focus, concentration, and the right words in order to be successful. It's important to understand the basics of spellwriting before attempting any spells or rituals. This guide will provide tips on how to write effective spells, as well as some helpful spellwriting resources. With the right knowledge and practice, anyone can become a master spellwriter!
Exploring the 4 Essential Elements to Crafting Powerful Spells & Rituals
Crafting powerful spells and rituals requires more than just the right words or ingredients. It requires a combination of knowledge, experience, and intuition. The four essential elements that are needed to create effective spells and rituals include potions, tasseography, candles, and rituals. Through the use of these four elements, practitioners can tap into the power of nature to create powerful magical experiences. By understanding how each element works and how they interact with each other, spellcasters can craft effective spells and rituals that will bring about positive results.
Potions are a powerful tool in any spellbook. They can be used to create magical effects, heal people and animals, and even bring about change in the physical world. Potions are a powerful form of magik that allow witches and wizards to cast spells with greater precision and accuracy.
Potions can be used to create anything from love potions to invisibility potions, depending on the type of spell being cast. Potions can also be used for healing purposes, as well as for protection from harm or danger. With the right ingredients and proper preparation, anyone can create their own unique potion recipe that is tailored to their needs.
Tasseography, also known as tea leaf reading, is an ancient form of divination that has been used for centuries to gain insight into the future. It involves interpreting patterns in tea leaves or coffee grounds to uncover hidden messages and symbols.
In a spellbook, tasseography can be used to interpret the symbols and patterns of a spell’s ingredients in order to gain insight into the magikal properties of those ingredients. By studying the shapes and forms of these ingredients, experienced witches and wizards can create powerful spells with specific effects. Tasseography thus provides a valuable tool for understanding how magik works and can be used to enhance one's practice of witchcraft or wizardry.
Spellbooks are a source of knowledge and wisdom for magicians and witches. They contain various rituals and spells that can be used for different purposes, from healing to protection.
Rituals in spellbooks have been around for centuries, but they have recently gained popularity due to the resurgence of interest in magic and witchcraft. They offer a way to connect with the spiritual world and can be used as a form of meditation or prayer.
From simple chants to complex rituals, spellbooks are filled with powerful magik that can help you achieve your goals. So if you’re looking for guidance on how to perform a ritual or cast a spell, look no further than your own spellbook!
Candles are an essential part of the spellbook. They help to channel energy and cast spells that can bring positive change in our lives. Candles come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes and each has its own unique purpose. Different colored candles are used for different purposes such as love spells, protection spells, healing spells, and more. Spellcasters use candles to focus their energy on the desired outcome when casting a spell. Candles also provide an atmosphere of calmness and relaxation which helps to focus the mind during spellcasting. With the right combination of candles and magik, we can create powerful spells that will bring about positive changes in our lives.
How to Create Your Own Digital Spellbook & Start Writing Magical Texts
Writing is a magical art, and with the help of digital spellbooks, writers can make their writing even more powerful and creative. A digital spellbook is a collection of tools, resources, and templates that help writers create better content faster.
Customizing your own digital spellbook is not as hard as it sounds. With the right tools and resources, you can easily create a comprehensive collection of writing aids that will help you write amazing texts quickly and efficiently.
Tools & Resources to Enhance Your Spellbook Writing Experience
Writing about magic and witchcraft can be a daunting task. There are so many nuances to the craft that it can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, there are tools and resources available to help you enhance your spellbook writing experience. From audiobooks on magic & witchcraft to online courses on magical writing, these resources will ensure you have all the information you need to write your best work. Additionally, forums dedicated to modern witchcraft offer a great way for writers to connect with other practitioners in order to gain insight into the craft and how it is practiced today. With these tools & resources at your disposal, you can be sure that your spellbook writing experience will be an enjoyable one!
The Pros & Cons of Using Technology
Technology has changed the way we write and store information. It has made our lives easier and more efficient. But is it the right choice when it comes to writing a spellbook?
In the digital age, technology can be used to create a spellbook that is both efficient and effective. However, there are pros and cons to using technology for creating a spellbook. On one hand, it can save time and money by automating certain tasks such as spell checking or formatting. On the other hand, it can also limit creativity or lead to errors if not used correctly.
Creating a physical spellbook is a great way to keep track of your magical work and progress, but it also has some drawbacks that need to be considered before taking the plunge. For example, physical spellbooks are more expensive and tend to be harder to take with you.
If you want to be traditional, it's physical spellbook all the way. A witch that wants to save and take their spellbook with them on the go should consider a digital spellbook. It's all about personal needs.
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manydeer · 7 months
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Almost 25 years reading Tarot, and every morning I see something special in an empty coffee cup.
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thefictioness · 7 months
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10. Fortune
This work is part of a Kuroshitsuji Fictober series. For more info, click here.
“Be careful. He’s a real troublemaker, this one is,” Abberline told the warden as he locked the door to a prison cell. The figure that just walked in there looked really intriguing with his sparkling purple hair and piercing blue eyes. “Don’t get fooled by his antics, Reginald. His name is Blavat Sky, and he’s as charming as he is dangerous,” Abberline nodded as he saw Reginald stare. Then, he left. Dangerous? Compared to his own size and posture, the prisoner seemed fairly harmless. Reginald resumed gazing at the man in the cell, albeit a bit wary. The young man, though, didn’t seem to mind, as he was staring at the wall, unfazed and humming to himself. Reginald raised an eyebrow. Seeing as there was no point trying to converse with someone who wasn’t even interested in making eye contact, he resumed reading his newspaper. Soon, it was tea time, and the catering lady served out tea. Reginald took a refreshing sip. “Ugh, she never knows how to properly strain the tea, does she?” “Was that tea made from tea leaves by any chance?” A voice suddenly called from the cell. Reginald nearly choked on his tea in surprise, soaking his mustache with the liquid. “And what is it to you?” He grumbled, while wiping himself clean with a handkerchief. Blavat seemed unimpressed by his snarky mood. “I can read fortunes, you know,” He shrugged. “As if I’d believe in such a load of codswallop,” Reginald replied, resuming his drink. “Then where’s the harm in trying? It’s not like you or I are going anywhere…” Blavat pouted. Reginald sighed. “And what are you planning on telling me?” Blavat chuckled. “I can’t tell anything until you’ve finished the tea. Reginald regarded him with caution, but then downed the rest of the liquid. “And what now?” He skeptically asked. “Drain the last drops on your saucer, then hand the cup to me.” Reginald shifted in his chair. “Sorry son, I’m not allowed to hand anything to the prisoners. "Aw, come on. What harm am I supposed to do with a teacup? Shatter it?” Reginald pondered for a while, but then handed the teacup to Blavat, the words from Abberline echoing in his head. “But you better not try anything suspicious,” he warned. “Don’t worry,” Blavat said absentmindedly while he twirled the cup around in his hands. “I see... An Axe. You have a wife, don’t you?” Blavat looked up at Reginald, who stared into his bright blue eyes with a mixture of disbelief and awe. “Y-Yes, Marigold. What about her?” Blavat smiled. “Don’t worry, it’s no bad news. The sickness she has will soon fade.” Reginald let out the breath he’d been holding in relief. Blavat continued as if he didn’t notice. “And this little bird tells me you might go on a trip soon.” Reginald now threw caution in the wind as he answered. “That might actually be true. Marigold has been so sick she hasn’t been able to visit her family in Liverpool for some time. Who knows when she’s better, we can go there together.” Blavat once again smiled all the while Reginald was talking. Then, he looked back at the cup and his expression fell. “Uh oh…” Reginald’s eyes opened wide in shock and fear. “I-Is there something wrong?” “Well, the last symbol is an arrow, a sign of bad news. The bad news usually comes from the direction the arrow points in.” Reginald leaned forward. “Well? where does it point to?” Blavat held the cup out to Reginald so he could see for himself. The arrow pointed directly behind him. With a snap, Reginald turned around to find two figures standing behind him. They must have snuck in while he was listening intently to Blavat and let his guard down. Before he could react, one of the figures struck him in the head, making his vision blur and his knees buckle. While laying there on the floor, he was still conscious just long enough to hear Blavat scold the figures for how late they were.
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ashandthorns · 1 year
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Time for tea 🔮
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