http://a-phale.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] a-phale.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2006-12-15 09:23 am
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Good Omens...And Bad: Prophecy in Theory and Practice, Lab Thirteen

As the students enter the classroom, they may notice first of all that there’s a spread of scones, muffins, danishes, cinnamon rolls, and other breakfast pastries. Accompanied, of course, by coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and cider. The second thing they may notice is that the room has been decorated with twinkling lights, sparkly paper snowflakes, and fresh evergreen garland.

Aziraphale is sitting in his chair, looking very pleased to be back.


LECTURE: “First off, let me just tell all of you how much I missed being here for your last couple of classes, and especially how sorry I am for missing the pageant. James has videotaped it, however, and I want you to know how very proud I am of you all.” He eyed Marty slightly for a moment, then continued. “Now, today is our second-to-last lab. We’re going to do some rune-casting, and then I want you to take the remainder of the period to work on your final projects, which will be due next Friday. Also, since I myself have missed a class and a lab, I’m forgiving any absences during the time I was away. However, I do expect to see you all in both classes next week.

“Now, let’s move on today’s topic: runic divination.”

Aziraphale gave a brief lecture on the subject which I am too tired to write and passed around handouts for the lab exercise. “Please use this material to do a casting for yourself or your lab partner.”

Handout #1 (use to create your own reading)
Handout #2 (use to generate an automatic reading)

HOMEWORK: “Please remember that at the beginning of the term, you were all told that there would be a class project required as part of your grade. This project is due next week. There will be a drop box outside my office each day where you can hand your project in, or you can bring it with you to next Friday’s lab.

“I’ll be in my office briefly after class today if anyone needs to see me, or you can catch me here after class.”

Syllabus
Class Roster
Classes Linkdrop
Lab Partner List

[ooc: I'm back, yay! *glomps on class* Please wait for OCD is up. Begin.]
demonbelthazor: (Bel is confused)

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[personal profile] demonbelthazor 2006-12-15 02:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Bel gave the runes a try, asking if he would be able to save his father.

The left rune represents an important element of the past. Ansuz refers to a god or the spoken word of God. It is the voice of reason, law, prophecy and truth. It is the truth heard in the wind. This rune represents wisdom obtained or knowledge delivered. It is the rune of absolute good advice and true council - the message we all must strive to hear.

The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Perth is the rune of chance and gambling. Throw the dice, read your fate. Gaming is a fine way to pass the night...as long as one is careful. Games of chance have outcomes that are hidden from us, and as such Perth represents secrets unknown. Perth symbolizes enjoyment and wild abandon, but be watchful, for Perth is also the rune of mystery and the outcomes unexpected. You cannot lose if you do not play, but neither can you win...

The top rune represents a force that works for you. Berkana, the birch tree, is representative of rebirth, fertility, and a positive outcome to ventures undertaken. It is also the rune of families. Here the rune is reversed, warning you to be heedful of new beginnings, lest they sour. Rebirth is either delayed, or totally disrupted. There is also a warning of family troubles.

The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Tyr was the Norse god of war. It was through his sacrifice that the great force of chaos, the wolf Fenrir was bound. Here however, you have drawn the rune reversed. This could mean that a sacrifice made will not lead to the desired result. It could also mean a loss, or a victory overturned. This rune warns against entering into conflicts or negotiations, especially ones requiring that an offering or concession be made - the wolf might take your hand and yet remain unbound. Note also that Tyr was the god of law, so there is a suggestion of a wrongdoer who will avoid justice.

The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Hagalaz is the rune of hail. Hail is a destructive and elemental force, so one can expect this rune to represent the disruption of one's life. In the harsh northern winter there is a halt to activity, and so delay or hindrance is frequently associated with this rune. The opposite of chaos is yet more chaos, as illustrated by the fact that this rune cannot be reversed.


Well...that didn't look good.
demonbelthazor: (Bel is looking down)

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[personal profile] demonbelthazor 2006-12-15 03:01 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'll come by during third period," Bel said, ducking his head a little.

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[identity profile] lovechildblair.livejournal.com 2006-12-15 03:50 pm (UTC)(link)
"What'd you get?" Blair took a seat and peeked at Bel's runes.
demonbelthazor: (Hand on head)

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[personal profile] demonbelthazor 2006-12-15 04:03 pm (UTC)(link)
"Be heedful of new beginnings, lest they sour. Rebirth is either delayed, or totally disrupted. There is also a warning of family troubles," Bel recited glumly. "Doesn't sound good."

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[identity profile] lovechildblair.livejournal.com 2006-12-15 04:08 pm (UTC)(link)
"Not so much." Blair frowned and looked over the runes. "But maybe if you're forewarned it will go better. Being heedful might make sure the new beginning doesn't sour at all."
demonbelthazor: (Looking down)

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[personal profile] demonbelthazor 2006-12-15 04:13 pm (UTC)(link)
"Already sour," Bel said glumly.

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[identity profile] lovechildblair.livejournal.com 2006-12-15 04:47 pm (UTC)(link)
"You need to find the positives about this situation." Blair nodded. "That will make you feel better."

"Number one. You can't get stuck in demon form for days on end."
demonbelthazor: (Bel is looking to his left)

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[personal profile] demonbelthazor 2006-12-15 04:59 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'm cold," Bel complained. Seeing the bright side was a little difficult these days.

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[identity profile] lovechildblair.livejournal.com 2006-12-15 05:20 pm (UTC)(link)
"Uh...I'd bet you'd look really nice in a ski sweater." Blair grinned. "Or now you have a good reason for cuddling with Phoebe?"
demonbelthazor: (Bel is thinking)

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[personal profile] demonbelthazor 2006-12-15 05:23 pm (UTC)(link)
Bel had to smile a little. "Yeah, there is that," he said. "But I just feel so weird and hollow right now."

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[identity profile] lovechildblair.livejournal.com 2006-12-15 05:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Blair shook his head sadly. "I know, man. Maybe there's a way to fill that hollow space. Something you can do to make yourself feel more complete?"
demonbelthazor: (Belthazor)

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[personal profile] demonbelthazor 2006-12-15 05:43 pm (UTC)(link)
Bel eyed Blair dubiously. "With what?" he suggested, expecting "meditation" for an answer.

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[identity profile] lovechildblair.livejournal.com 2006-12-15 05:50 pm (UTC)(link)
"Have you thought about getting a job?" Blair asked.

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[identity profile] cantgetnorelief.livejournal.com 2006-12-15 04:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Bel miiiiiiiiiiight have noticed a raised eyebrow and the hint of a glare coming from Anders's direction. Maybe.
demonbelthazor: (Bel is confused)

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[personal profile] demonbelthazor 2006-12-15 04:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Bel stared back at Anders. "What?" he mouthed.

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[identity profile] cantgetnorelief.livejournal.com 2006-12-15 04:47 pm (UTC)(link)
"You've been gone for days," Anders mouthed back, somehow managing to put extra emphasis on the 'gone,' even silently. "Avoiding me now?"
demonbelthazor: (Crossed arms)

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[personal profile] demonbelthazor 2006-12-15 04:50 pm (UTC)(link)
"I just got back!" Bel protested. "We were saving Marie!"

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[identity profile] cantgetnorelief.livejournal.com 2006-12-15 04:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, like Anders had even noticed she'd been gone, much less knew anything about the rescue attempt. "Whatever," he muttered out loud. "You are so frakking avoiding me."
demonbelthazor: (Bel is looking to his left)

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[personal profile] demonbelthazor 2006-12-15 04:57 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh, come on!" Bel said. "Ask Marie. Ask Jamie, he was there. Or Willow or Peter. It's why I wasn't in class on Monday."

Okay, so actually avoiding Anders had been a bonus, but it hadn't been the purpose of the trip.

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[identity profile] cantgetnorelief.livejournal.com 2006-12-15 05:17 pm (UTC)(link)
"Right," Anders said, though he clearly still didn't buy it. "Well, it's a little more creative than 'I have to wash my hair,' at least."
demonbelthazor: (*glare*)

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[personal profile] demonbelthazor 2006-12-15 05:21 pm (UTC)(link)
"You're a demanding little bitch, aren't you?" Bel muttered, getting a little more angry than flaily at Anders for a change.

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[identity profile] cantgetnorelief.livejournal.com 2006-12-15 05:31 pm (UTC)(link)
"I can be." Anders shrugged, and opted to not go into any more detail at the moment.

He did opt for going into puppydog-face-of-doom mode for a split second, though.
demonbelthazor: (Facepalm)

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[personal profile] demonbelthazor 2006-12-15 05:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Eep.

Bel started to flail, then covered it with a coughing fit.

Re: Talk Amongst Yourselves

[identity profile] cantgetnorelief.livejournal.com 2006-12-15 05:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Anders just smirked. Because.