http://bluewindbreaker.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] bluewindbreaker.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2007-01-15 12:13 am

D.A.M.M. - Monday 1/15 Period one - MANOS! HANDS OF FATE!

As soon as the class was settled the teacher appears in the requisite purple sparkling mushroom cloud of moaning skull shapes.

"Greetings students! I trust the intervening week has been a fruitful one! This week the knowledge I shall impart unto you is of the Somatic variety. I speak of course of mystical gesticulation!"

Tossing back his cloak and taking a dramatic stance, Orpheus throws the horns. Surprisingly, his hand does not glow some color or other.

"No doubt many of you are familiar with MANO CORNUTA! Also known as the horned hand. Also known as throwing the goat, eeeeevil fingers, Pommesgabel, peka evil or just... the horns! This gesture is used for warding off bad luck or the evil eye. Many use mano cornuta as you would knock on wood or touch iron. The gesture is considered to be vulgar, particularly by Mediterranean cultures, we will discuss the use of vulgar images in protection later in the term. If you have been cursed, or if you are trying to enter an area with some unsettling mojo set upon it, your first recourse is to make this gesture at the person or thing that is the source of said mojo."

Byron takes a moment to make sure anybody who's taking notes is able to finish. While he's waiting he folds his legs up under himself in the lotus position. He does this from a standing position, so he is now floating in the air.

"Next we will discuss the mudra. These gestures are symbolic. Usually made with the hand or fingers, there is also Kechari mudra. This is done with the tongue. But we are going to concentrate with manual forms. Each mudrā has a specific quality that is said to be imparted to the practitioner, and they are a central part of Hindu iconography. With the onset of Buddhism, many mudrā practices were absorbed into the culture. Common hand gestures are to be seen in both Hindu and Buddhist iconography. An example of a mudra done with the hands would be the outward-facing open palm known as Abhaya (without fear) mudrā, a gesture meant to dispel the fear of the devotee. Which would be an alternative to the chocolate we discussed last week."

Handouts with instructions and diagrams for mudra float over to the TAs to pass out.

Byron goes on to discuss other hand gestures such as the sign of the cross and Pinkie Respect.

"For today's exercise I would like you to pair up, practice some mudra, and discuss any gestures from your own cultures with mystical applications. If you can not find a partner, Mr. Dornez, Mr. Drake, or myself will assist you."

[[ooc: Please wait for OCD Open! Wooo! \m/ ]]

Re: DURING THE LECTURE

[personal profile] blessed_twice 2007-01-15 02:24 pm (UTC)(link)
"Hi, Aunt Phoebe," Wyatt said.
sensethevisions: (Default)

Re: DURING THE LECTURE

[personal profile] sensethevisions 2007-01-15 02:35 pm (UTC)(link)
"Hey, Wyatt."

Re: DURING THE LECTURE

[personal profile] blessed_twice 2007-01-15 02:41 pm (UTC)(link)
"How are you doing?" Wyatt asked.
sensethevisions: (Default)

Re: DURING THE LECTURE

[personal profile] sensethevisions 2007-01-15 06:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Phoebe smiled at him. "Doing a lot better, thanks. How are things with you?"
blessed_twice: (Wyatt is staring at you and thinking)

Re: DURING THE LECTURE

[personal profile] blessed_twice 2007-01-15 06:35 pm (UTC)(link)
"Still getting used to things here," Wyatt said. "And Hunting seems like it'll be a really cool class and will help us learn how to deal with demons."
sensethevisions: (Default)

Re: DURING THE LECTURE

[personal profile] sensethevisions 2007-01-15 06:43 pm (UTC)(link)
"Oh, Hunting was one of my favourite classes last semester and Mr. Winchester wasn't insulted or intimidated by Grams at all."

Re: DURING THE LECTURE

[personal profile] blessed_twice 2007-01-15 07:16 pm (UTC)(link)
Wyatt blinked. "Grandma Penny was here?"
sensethevisions: (Default)

Re: DURING THE LECTURE

[personal profile] sensethevisions 2007-01-15 07:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Phoebe nodded, looking a little wistful before her eyes darkened again and she sighed. "Grams comes every Parents Weekend and it's usually great to see her. Last year she had to explain to Piper, Paige and I who we were and why we had powers. This time, she and Prue wanted to check on me."

Phoebe did not add the terror of poor Blair.

Re: DURING THE LECTURE

[personal profile] blessed_twice 2007-01-15 07:29 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'd like to meet her some time," Wyatt said. His grandfather had told him many stories about the terrifying Penny Halliwell.
sensethevisions: (Default)

Re: DURING THE LECTURE

[personal profile] sensethevisions 2007-01-15 07:34 pm (UTC)(link)
"She'll definitely be here for my graduation in May."