~The Arcana: Julian Devorak X Listener SFW: Blessed Samhain~ {Patreon Exclusive}

Finally you've gotten some time away from the palace, and you're spending it with Julian, on this important Holiday....

Contains: Samhain Celebrations, Comfort, Advice, Confessions, Tarot, Magic, Spirituality

I feel like Julian is one of those characters that even though he's a scientist, he recognizes that science and magic and spiritualism can exist together in harmony, so I wanted to kind of hammer that home with this audio, while also perhaps introducing some people to some of the traditions and observances of Samhain! Now I will say that there are many many different possible iterations of these practices mentioned in the audio, so there's not one correct way to do it. The way that Julian and the listener observe Samhain is just some of those iterations. I hope you all enjoy, and maybe learn something!

~Audio Transcript Below~

Julian: *Forest Ambience*

The turning of the leaves.....the smell of the oncoming chill in the air.......the sounds of nature preparing for the winter.......truly a blessed Samhain......

Thank you.....for coming out with me......

I'm sure with how busy you've been at the palace.....you haven't had much time for reflection on the past year.....have you?

Well.......I'm glad that you were able to take time to do some.....celebrations with me.......

*chuckles softly* Well.....more observances than anything......

It's good to take time away.....to....ruminate about life.....and how it's changed.....how one has evolved......

See the seasons changing.....the spiritual year coming to a close....and then to a new beginning......how plants and animals and....people will die......but then how they will cycle to bring forward new life into the world......

The cycle of life and death and rebirth is as integral to the world as anything else.......more integral....if anything else.......

How people evolve and change over time can also be associated with the cycle of rebirth.......you could become.....an entirely different person........for better or for worse......

*long pause*

You....have helped me become better........

For a long while....I was hiding.......well....still am.....but less so.....and.....I was....jaded....to the world and the things in it......nothing gave me pleasure as it did before......I was going through the motions.....just......existing....I wasn't.....living.......until you came around.....

And I know that you probably don't feel any different.....but the....confidence you've gained since helping Nadia....it......it warms my heart to see you flourish.....to see you recognized for the person you truly are......

The kind, loving soul.......*chuckles* Who also doesn't take any bullshit......

You were....more timid....afraid before.....and for good reason.....you didn't have a lot of your memories....that would be frightening and would take the confidence out of anyone......

That's what I mean....to see you grow.....it has been a spectacular thing......

*long pause*

Ah....here we are.....

Another common practice.....is to light a small bonfire......and to write down a habit we wish to end.....or something we want to grow from in the new year......Then.....we will cast it into the Samhain flames as we imagine the release of those things into the universe......

Here.....let me get the fire going......

*Fade Out*

*Fade In*

Have you finished writing?

*pause*

It's alright.....you don't have to share if you don't want to.....it's up to you......sometimes....things like this are very personal......and that's alright.....that's between you....and the flames.......

I....personally.....want to be more.....open.....more truthful.......more brave with how I'm feeling.....and....who I am......

*pause*

I recognize that is a lot.....but.....I feel like I'm in a place....where I can work on those things.......

Partially thanks to you.....

Now......close your eyes.....and.....take a moment to contemplate what you've put on the paper.....and why......

*long pause*

Now....cast it into the fire........and once the papers have burned up.....we stand.....and we walk around the fire clockwise from where we're sitting........

*walking noises*

Cleansing....refreshing.....another instance of death and rebirth......a new start......a....fresh perspective.....

A lot of what Samhain is about revolves around these concepts......

*pause*

I've been to.....many many different places all around this world......I used to do it.....to....try to find where I belong.....to chase the feeling of being complete.....of being needed.......or having adventure......never needing to feel tied down to one place......of being free......

The longer I live.....the older I get......the more I realize I was chasing something that could not be obtained in a way that I thought it could.......

Reflection......contemplation....meditation......science.....spirituality.....these are all things that can and should coexist......it's what makes people.......people......

*chuckles* No better day to be contemplative than on Samhain, eh?

*pause*

It's alright.....no offense taken.......

*pause*

There is.....one more thing.....that I wanted to do with you.......

*pause*

Yes....tarot.....

If you wanted........we can also ask for guidance......for the year to come......

*hums happily*

Here.......I'll spread out the cards a little......

And we can put one of our hands together......and then feel where we want to pick.........

*pause*

Here? 

Alright.....

Ready?

*pause*

Ah.....

It's.......

The......the Tower..........

*deep inhale*

We.....we asked for guidance....didn't we.......I suppose we got it......

*pause*

You know....the tower is not always......bad.....

It....requests us to......take a step back.....to inspect ourselves and our.....conflicts.......and to take initiative to act....and to evolve......

When the tower levels.....not only do we uncover our own resilience, but we can also rebuild anew.....with greater insight.....

*chuckles ruefully*

Honestly I could not think of a more appropriate card.....for Samhain......

*sighs shakily*

*swallows*

Tarot.....it is never is as vague or as clear as it may initially seem.......we asked for guidance.....and it seems to have reinforced what we already know.....what we want to try to do......

*long pause*

*Deep inhale*

I apologize......there is one more thing that I wanted to do.......

For me......to.....set off into the new year.....into that cycle of death and rebirth that said new year brings.....I wanted.......*swallows* no....I think I need to do something......

*pause*

Remember.....how I said that what I wrote on my note was to.....be more open.....be more truthful......be more......brave.......

*pause*

*deep inhale*

Blessed Samhain.......

I love you........