http://a-phale.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] a-phale.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2007-10-23 10:02 am
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Prophecy in Theory and Practice, Tuesday 2nd Period (10/23)

Tuesday, October 23, Second Period

The usual snacks and drinks were laid out for the class, and Aziraphale gave everyone a little time to chatter before calling for their attention. He figured they had a lot to talk about, after all.

"Today we're discussing the concept of the 'Chosen' prophecy. Nearly every culture has stories about 'Chosen Ones', people who will perform some great action, carry out some vital task, that will benefit the culture. Sometimes this 'Chosen One' is prophecied to be a leader, to accomplish some heroic task that will result in an improvement in the lives of his or her people. Sometimes, he or she is seen as a villain, who will bring about the ruin of a leader or a social group through his or her actions. Or both even, depending on your point of view. These sorts of prophecies can also be more personal, affecting a small group of people rather than an entire society. Perhaps the 'Chosen One' is prophecied to act in a way that will bring some great benefit or change to only members of a certain religious group, or even a single family.

"The question I want you to consider today is whether or not this prophecied 'Chosen One' has an obligation to carry out their supposed destiny. Or whether he or she is even able to make that decision. Discuss prophecies you're familiar with that fit this model, and tell the class whether you think 'Chosen Ones' are honor-bound to accept their position, or if it's a matter of personal choice."

After the discussion, Aziraphale passed around some handouts on I Ching. "This is today's exercise, a specialized form of bibliomancy called I Ching. Work alone or with a partner, choose a casting method, and try a few passes to see what you come up with.

"There'll be no homework today, as you'll be having a quiz next week."

[ooc: Please wait for the OCD is up and class is in session.]

Class Roster
Syllabus
Class Requirements
Linkdrop for previous classes

Re: Sign In

[identity profile] wannabe-pan.livejournal.com 2007-10-23 02:22 pm (UTC)(link)
Andrew Wells

Re: Talk to the TAs

[identity profile] wannabe-pan.livejournal.com 2007-10-23 02:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Andrew was there!

Re: Sign In

[identity profile] lovelylana.livejournal.com 2007-10-23 02:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Lana Lang

Re: Sign In

[identity profile] misshargrove.livejournal.com 2007-10-23 02:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Annette Hargrove

Re: Class Discussion

[identity profile] lovelylana.livejournal.com 2007-10-23 02:38 pm (UTC)(link)
"There's a prophecy about me being a Chosen One," Lana said softly. "And when I tried to learn more about it in the spring I ended up becoming possessed and hurting a lot of people."

Re: Activity: I Ching

[identity profile] lovelylana.livejournal.com 2007-10-23 02:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Lana looked around for a partner, wondering if Chris wanted to work with her.

Re: Class Discussion

[identity profile] wannabe-pan.livejournal.com 2007-10-23 03:10 pm (UTC)(link)
"Possessed by what?" Andrew asked, genuinely interested.

Re: Class Discussion

[identity profile] lovelylana.livejournal.com 2007-10-23 03:13 pm (UTC)(link)
"An evil witch," Lana said quietly.

Re: Sign In

[identity profile] neurotic-witch.livejournal.com 2007-10-23 03:17 pm (UTC)(link)
Chris Halliwell

Re: Activity: I Ching

[identity profile] neurotic-witch.livejournal.com 2007-10-23 03:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Of course Chris wanted to work with her. Especially given that today's topic was hitting a little uncomfortably close to home.

"Hey."

Re: Class Discussion

[identity profile] neurotic-witch.livejournal.com 2007-10-23 03:19 pm (UTC)(link)
Chris gave an uneasy glance in his brother's direction. He wasn't sure he was up for this discussion topic after the events of the weekend.

Re: Talk to the TAs

[identity profile] neurotic-witch.livejournal.com 2007-10-23 03:19 pm (UTC)(link)
Chris was there, too. Looking a little troubled.

Re: Class Discussion

[identity profile] misshargrove.livejournal.com 2007-10-23 03:22 pm (UTC)(link)
"I was possessed once. But I think the person doing the possession was not a Chosen One. And I don't think it was their destiny. I think they were just evil."

Pause.

"That really didn't have anything to do with the question did it? Sorry. I just got chills and had to say that. Kind of freaky, you know? Prophetic people. I mean, in a good way." Of course she meant in a good way.

Re: Activity: I Ching

[identity profile] lovelylana.livejournal.com 2007-10-23 03:23 pm (UTC)(link)
"Hey," she said, looking more than a little unsettled herself.

Re: Activity: I Ching

[identity profile] neurotic-witch.livejournal.com 2007-10-23 03:25 pm (UTC)(link)
"You okay?" Chris asked. He had known about her possession, but he hadn't realized the reasons behind it.

Re: Activity: I Ching

[identity profile] lovelylana.livejournal.com 2007-10-23 03:29 pm (UTC)(link)
"Just... makes me think about all the people I hurt and the friendships I lost," Lana said. "Well, only one,lost but others damaged."

She swallowed hard, chest feeling tight.

Re: Class Discussion

[identity profile] wannabe-pan.livejournal.com 2007-10-23 03:30 pm (UTC)(link)
"Really?" Andrew had done some studies on possession, but nothing serious. "Was it like her soul taking over or just her mind controlling yours? Oh! Or was it a complete mystical embodiment by a carbon copy of her being?"

Re: Activity: I Ching

[identity profile] neurotic-witch.livejournal.com 2007-10-23 03:33 pm (UTC)(link)
Chris took her hand and squeezed it gently. "It wasn't your fault," he reminded her.

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