The conclusion of the ‘Black Boys Bloom Thorns First” Book Series. Volume 4 finds Erik N’Jadaka Stevens-Udaku back in the land of his father where revenge is fleeting, but justice and redemption eventually prevail. Erik’s past catches up to him, and with the help of his cousin, Princess Shuri, he finds life in Wakanda more complicated even after a return from death…
Learn How to Make Self Rising Flour Learn How to Make Self Rising Flour and stop paying extra at the grocery store. Three ingredients are needed and you probably have them in your pantry.
So this is the first fic I’m doing that I wrote a summary for! I just had sudden inspiration for this today and wrote it out. It will definitely be two parts.
Summary: An American space mission lands on Mars; Erik Stevens, the mission commander, collects soil samples. However, a substance in the sample thaws out on the ship, proceeding to infect the astronauts, causing a 7-minute gap in radio contact between Earth. Nonetheless, the mission is still considered a success and the crew safely returns to Earth. Only Dr. Hugo Cromwell, an institutionalized former scientist, reacts violently to their return. Upon return, Stevens, as well as Halle Gamble and John Smith, are examined by the space agency doctor, Dr. Orinsky and quarantined to prevent them from engaging in sexual activity for ten days. Despite the quarantine, Erik, when attending a fundraiser honoring the astronauts, quickly disregards this advice.
Warnings: smut, breeding, sci-fi
This mission required a whole lot of money and the smartest people. Engineers, scientists, and of course, the best astronauts in the USA. Erik Stevens, the mission commander and his team had just come back from a routine mission when another voyage would be happening in less than 24 hours. The new mission consists of going to Mars to collect soil samples. It’s been over three months since Erik Stevens and his usual crew became a part of the Space Station Freedom project that finally saw success after its collapse in 1990.
Apple Tree Love Of slight build, lots of charm, appeal, attraction, pleasant aura, flirtatious, adventurous, sensitive, always in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, scientific talents, lives for today, a carefree philosopher with imagination.
Ash Tree Ambition Uncommonly attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be egotistic, very reliable and trustworthy, faithful and prudent lover, sometimes brains rule over the heart, but takes partnership very seriously.
Beech Tree Creative Has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.)
Birch Tree Inspiration Vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.
Cedar Tree Confidence Of rare beauty, knows how to adapt, likes luxury, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, determined, impatient, likes to impress others, many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waiting for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.
Chestnut Tree Honesty Of unusual beauty, does not want to impress, well-developed sense of justice, vivacious, interested, a born diplomat, but irritates easily and sensitive in company, often due to a lack of self confidence, acts sometimes superior, feels not understood loves only once, has difficulties in finding a partner.
Cypress Tree Faithfulness Strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what life has to give, content, optimistic, craves money and acknowledgment, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered, unruly, pedantic, and careless.
Elm Tree Noble-mindedness Pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.
Fig Tree Sensibility Very strong, a bit self-willed, independent, does not allow contradiction or arguments, loves life, its family, children and animals, a bit of a social butterfly, good sense of humor, likes idleness and laziness, of practical talent and intelligence.
Fir Tree Mysterious Extraordinary taste, dignity, sophisticated, loves anything beautiful, moody, stubborn, tends to egoism but cares for those close to them, rather modest, very ambitious, talented, industrious, discontented lover, many friends, many foes, very reliable.
Hazelnut Tree Extraordinary Charming, undemanding, very understanding, knows how to make an impression, active fighter for social cause, popular, moody, and capricious lover, honest, and tolerant partner, precise sense of judgment.
Hornbeam Tree Good Taste Of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgement in an emotional partner, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very conscientious.
Lime Tree Doubt Accepts what life dishes out in a composed way, hates fighting, stress, and labor, dislikes laziness and idleness, soft and relenting, makes sacrifices for friends, many talents but not tenacious enough to make them blossom, often wailing and complaining, very jealous but loyal.
Maple Tree Independence of Mind No ordinary person, full of imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.
Oak Tree Brave Robust nature, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.
Olive Tree Wisdom Loves sun, warmth and kind feelings, reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.
Pine Tree Particular Loves agreeable company, very robust, knows how to make life comfortable, very active, natural, good companion, but seldom friendly, falls easily in love but its passion burns out quickly, gives up easily, everything disappointments until it finds its ideal, trustworthy, practical.
Poplar Tree Uncertainty Looks very decorative, not very self-confident, only courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.
Rowan Tree Sensitivity Full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.
Walnut Tree Passion Unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise.
Weeping Willow Melancholy Beautiful but full of melancholy, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful and tasteful, loves to travel, dreamer, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with, demanding, good intuition, suffers in love but finds sometimes an anchoring partner.
I have a hard time doing something that involves magic every day, even though I’ve been on this path for quite some time.
Practicing magic a lot is by no means mandatory but it does help (in my opinion) to get better at it and it just helps with everyday problems. So here are some low effort activities you can do everyday that will hopefully help those of you with similar problems!
Write words like “protection”, “healing” or whatever you want into your drink with a straw or spoon before you drink it. Or draw sigils in it.
If you feel super exhausted for no apparent reason, open a window and scream or, if you like it, put on some angry punk or metal music to banish whatever is feeding on your energy. While you’re doing that, keep in mind that you want to banish. Otherwise you’re just playing angry music. Yelling “Fuck off” also does the trick.
When you eat or drink something, try to pinpoint at least one magical property of each ingredient in your drink/food. It can also be one that has no historical evidence but is personal to you. That will help keep you in the magic mindset and also helps you to get all if that info into your long-term memory.
Open the window, stand in front of it and breathe in the air deeply with your eyes closed while you remind yourself that tge wind is part of nature and that you’re connected to it. It doesn’t have to be a half hour meditation, 5 seconds get the job done as well.
Offer everyday activities to your deities. For example: cooking for Hestia, standing up for yourself for Loki, practicing magic or **self care time** for Freyja, disposing of trash the correct way to your local nature spirits, etc
Take a shower or a bath, or just wash your face or brush your teeth with the intent of cleansing yourself from all that negative energy that has built up over the day.
That’s all for this time. If you like it I’ll do another one. :)
When performing the Celtic Cross, there are three positions that can reveal when the event will happen: The Advice, The Ultimate Outcome, and The Underworld. Acknowledge all these possibilities. But your intuition will tell you which is most likely.
THE MAJOR ARCANA
The Fool – Whenever you are ready
The Magician – It has already begun
The High Priestess – You know exactly when
The Empress – During harvest season
The Emperor – It is almost done
The Hierophant – It is finished
The Lovers – As soon as you make the choice
The Chariot – In just a few moments
Strength – The minute you accept it
The Hermit – Only after you meditate on it
The Wheel of Fortune – During your first or next Saturn Return
Justice – When you least expect it
The Hanged Man – When the circumstances change
Death – Whenever it is ready
Temperance – After the storm
The Devil – It is happening right now
The Tower – Soon, unexpectedly and suddenly
The Star – The more you believe, the sooner it will happen
The Moon – It cannot be determined at the moment
The Sun – In the summer or by sunrise
Judgement – Soon and inevitably
The World – In divine timing
THE MINOR ARCANA
THE SUIT OF WANDS
Ace of Wands – One day
Two of Wands – Two days
Three of Wands – Three days
Four of Wands – Four days
Five of Wands – Five days
Six of Wands – Six days
Seven of Wands – Seven days
Eight of Wands – Eight days
Nine of Wands – Nine days
Ten of Wands – Ten days
Page of Wands – As we speak
Knight of Wands – End of November to most of December
Queen of Wands – End of March to most of April
King of Wands – End of July to most of August
THE SUIT OF CUPS
Ace of Cups – One month
Two of Cups – Two months
Three of Cups – Three months
Four of Cups – Four months
Five of Cups – Five months
Six of Cups – Six months
Seven of Cups – Seven months
Eight of Cups – Eight months
Nine of Cups – Nine months
Ten of Cups – Ten months
Page of Cups – Very soon
Knight of Cups – End of February to most of March
Queen of Cups – End of June to most of July
King of Cups – End of October to most of November
THE SUIT OF SWORDS
Ace of Swords – One week
Two of Swords – Two weeks
Three of Swords – Three weeks
Four of Swords – Four weeks
Five of Swords – Five weeks
Six of Swords – Six weeks
Seven of Swords – Seven weeks
Eight of Swords – Eight weeks
Nine of Swords – Nine weeks
Ten of Swords – Ten weeks
Page of Swords – Now, behind the scenes
Knight of Swords – End of May to most of June
Queen of Swords – End of September to most of October
King of Swords – End of January to most of February
THE SUIT OF PENTACLES
Ace of Pentacles – One year or one season (3 months)
Two of Pentacles – Two years or two seasons (6 months)
Three of Pentacles – Three years or three seasons (9 months)
Four of Pentacles – Four years or four seasons (one year)
Five of Pentacles – Five years or five seasons (15 months)
Six of Pentacles – Six years or six seasons (18 months)
Seven of Pentacles – Seven years or seven seasons (21 months)
Eight of Pentacles – Eight years or eight seasons (2 years)
Nine of Pentacles – Nine years or nine seasons (2 years and 3 months)
Ten of Pentacles – Ten years or ten seasons (2 years and 6 months)
Page of Pentacles – It will take quite a while
Knight of Pentacles – End of August to most of September
Queen of Pentacles – End of December to most of January
King of Pentacles – End of April to most of May
To Help You Remember:
Wands are days, because they are fire, and fire moves fast.
Swords are weeks, because while a sword is quick to cut, it first requires some thinking on the warrior’s part.
Cups are months, because they are water, and water flows with the moon, which completes a cycle in roughly a month.
Pentacles are seasons to years, because they are seeds, and some seeds only require a season to grow while others need a year.
The timings for the Major Arcana and the Pages are related to the cards’ meanings. Once you know the meanings, you know the timings.
The Kings, Queens and Knights are the Zodiac signs’ birthdays:
Witchcraft is a practice, and whilst some disciplines and paths have set rules, you never have to do things you agree with. Listen to yourself, and if something doesn’t resonate with you, skip past it. The beauty of the craft is that it’s yours, which means following a textbook style Tumblr post may give you guidance, but it’s highly likely something will come up that you disagree with.
Furthermore, people can be wrong! The person who wrote that post about spell crafting might not have checked all their sources, or adopted a practice that’s closed. Humans are fallible, so checking your sources against each other, and getting guidance from a variety of places is useful. (By that I don’t mean just a variety of blogs, but books, podcasts, and interaction with your local witch community too!)
You choose your path, and whether you want one at all. For some newcomers, a path is useful in giving them a focus when the content seems overwhelming, but for others a path can be stifling. You don’t need to limit yourself.
If it doesn’t help you, drop it.
For the love of god, be mindful of closed practices. Investigate the roots of what you know, doubt yourself and come back stronger. Be respectful of other communities.
When researching, don’t just look at the content, but also any criticisms that may exist. If you’re interested in empathy, or working with deities, be aware of the criticisms that exist and take them into account. Hiding away from this criticism will just end up in more pain for everyone involved.
Know the warning signs when interacting with people online, not only generally but also in a witchcraft-related context. People asking for you to teach them about how to contact Satan, or who encourage you to contact magical entities without any form of protection should be regarded with caution.
Learn how to disagree with one another. Going back to the notion of choosing your beliefs, accept others will have different believes to yours. I’ve had many conversations with people who have vastly different experiences and my beliefs to my own and it made me reflect on my own beliefs as a result.
And lastly:
There is no sin here. Failure is not the end you believe it to be. If you make a mistake, it’ll be okay.
Healing is a constant state. You don’t have to be “fully healed” to give or receive love, to chase after that dream, or to get yourself to that next level.
Witchcraft is a practice, and whilst some disciplines and paths have set rules, you never have to do things you agree with. Listen to yourself, and if something doesn’t resonate with you, skip past it. The beauty of the craft is that it’s yours, which means following a textbook style Tumblr post may give you guidance, but it’s highly likely something will come up that you disagree with.
Furthermore, people can be wrong! The person who wrote that post about spell crafting might not have checked all their sources, or adopted a practice that’s closed. Humans are fallible, so checking your sources against each other, and getting guidance from a variety of places is useful. (By that I don’t mean just a variety of blogs, but books, podcasts, and interaction with your local witch community too!)
You choose your path, and whether you want one at all. For some newcomers, a path is useful in giving them a focus when the content seems overwhelming, but for others a path can be stifling. You don’t need to limit yourself.
If it doesn’t help you, drop it.
For the love of god, be mindful of closed practices. Investigate the roots of what you know, doubt yourself and come back stronger. Be respectful of other communities.
When researching, don’t just look at the content, but also any criticisms that may exist. If you’re interested in empathy, or working with deities, be aware of the criticisms that exist and take them into account. Hiding away from this criticism will just end up in more pain for everyone involved.
Know the warning signs when interacting with people online, not only generally but also in a witchcraft-related context. People asking for you to teach them about how to contact Satan, or who encourage you to contact magical entities without any form of protection should be regarded with caution.
Learn how to disagree with one another. Going back to the notion of choosing your beliefs, accept others will have different believes to yours. I’ve had many conversations with people who have vastly different experiences and my beliefs to my own and it made me reflect on my own beliefs as a result.
And lastly:
There is no sin here. Failure is not the end you believe it to be. If you make a mistake, it’ll be okay.
