fandomhigh | Prophecy in Theory and Practice, Tuesday Second Period (11/27)

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Prophecy in Theory and Practice, Tuesday Second Period (11/27)

The usual arrangement of breakfast food and hot drinks was laid out, and as soon as all were present, Aziraphale began his lecture.

"Today's topic is on the ethics of prophecy. Specifically, the difference between 'knowing' and 'telling'. Some people believe that a seer is obligated to share his or her information, especially with the subject of a prophecy, or when the outcome of the prophecy is negative. Others feel that knowledge of the future is like any other kind of knowledge, and is the property of the seer to do with as he or she desires.

"What I want all of you to discuss is this: Are seers obligated to inform the subjects of their prophecies? Are they ethically responsible for the outcome of a subject's actions, once informed? Or, are they ethically responsible for the outcome if a subject is not informed?"

Once the discussion was finished, Aziraphale handed around a set of runes to each student, along with a handout on rune casting. "Your hands-on activity today is to practice rune casting, either for yourself or for a partner."

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

Class Roster
Syllabus
Class Requirements
Linkdrop for previous classes

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"You know what I mean," Lana said blushing. "I'll probably go for a run or walk down by the beach this afternoon."

Chris nodded. "I can swing by later this afternoon."

"Whenever you want. If I'm not there I'll be along shortly. So... are you going to read my runes?"

"Sure," Chris said with a grin. "What's your question?"

[ooc: I'll have to do that after lunch.]

"Hmmm... I think I'd like to know about my love life," she said teasingly.

[OOC:No worries.]

"Okay, I used the spirit stones and the cross spread," Chris said, consulting the handout.

"The Cross spread is used to plot the arc of your life and the forces acting on it. It is the most popular spread, giving a very complete view of the situation. Spirit Runes are most commonly used for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion.

The left rune represents an important element of the past. Othila is the homeland. Land was the purest form of immovable wealth in Norse civilization, distinct from the movable wealth represented by Fehu. This rune speaks of stability and safety stemming from inheritance, both material and genetic. With respect to the question asked, consider the background of the people and families involved...

The middle rune represents a deciding element of the present. Fehu is the rune of cattle, the symbol of wealth in the old Norse civilization. Since Fehu is the first rune in Frey's aett, it is a rune of fertility as well. As seen here reversed, it can represent barrenness or the loss of wealth. Some interpret Fehu as representing children, in which case the reversal may portend the distancing of a child from her or his parents.

The top rune represents a force that works for you. Man refers to Mankind and your interaction with the whole of human population. This rune is reversed, suggesting a separation from your fellow man. There is a lack of harmony in your interaction with others, either because you do not accept society or society does not accept you. Alternatively, this rune may also represent your separation from nature, and your ability to rise above the base level of being. As the rune is reversed, this may suggest an incomplete level of spiritual attainment or an intellectual block.

The bottom Rune represents a force that works against you. Inguz is the rune of completion and fertility. The presence of this rune suggests that tasks which have been initiated will come to fruition. This rune is associated with Ing and Frey, it is this connection that explains its connotations of both fertility and sexuality. The variant of this rune shown here is reminiscent of the twin strands of life, and of the challenge and rewards of bringing together things complimentary.

The right rune represents the critical element of the future, at the core of the final outcome. Nyd is frequently seen as a powerfully negative rune. You have drawn the rune reversed, which will lessen some of its effects. Generally Nyd represents loss, sorrow, and a hard journey with lessons learned. Nyd reversed here might be cautioning that the lessons might go unheeded representing repeated mistakes. The rune here might also be representing a minor loss or a nearly avoided catastrophe. Be careful, things are tricky and require strong attentiveness. "

Chris considered all that. "So I hope that you won't hold the whole Thanksgiving debacle against me if you're supposed to consider the background and family of the people involved in your love life."

Lana was quiet for a moment, thinking about what he'd said. The top rune - the loss of her parents and aunt leaving her without family. The middle rune - her constant separation from and loss of everyone close to her. The right rune, the final outcome - suggesting she hadn't learned from her mistakes and having to be careful to avoid loss yet again.

At least the bottom rune suggested that things might work out.

All things considered, the left rune was the least of her worries.

She smiled up at him, still looking mostly thoughtful. "I'd never hold that against you. Besides, I love or care about almost everyone there. They just don't all seem to get along all that well with each other."

"Good," Chris said, with a relieved smile.

"You don't seriously think I'd judge you based on anyone else's behavior, do you?" she said. "If that was the case I never would have even talked to you!"

"Oh, good point," Chris said. "But, then again, I'm also related to Phoebe."

"Phoebe - your aunt, far away in another place. Wyatt - brother, right here and seemingly out to make my life miserable. Though... after what he did when I was sick... I really can't say anything bad about him ever again."

Chris looked down. "Yeah, he was really good to you while you were sick."

Lana nodded. "I really need to find a way to thank him for that. Does he have a favorite kind of cookie or baked good or something? I could make it for him and bring it over with a card, maybe?"

"I don't think you really need to do anything special," Chris said.

Lana shook her head. "No, I do. We haven't gotten along since we met and after all he did I need to find a way to thank him. Especially since you and I are together and he is your brother."

"Yeah, but he was a total jackass to you," Chris pointed out. "So he owed you."

"Nobody owes anyone so much that they have to risk their own life for them," she said quietly. "Besides, even if it's true, then shouldn't I be the bigger person? Or is there some reason you don't want me talking to him?"

Chris shrugged. "I just don't think you need to make any over the top gestures to thank him."

"Cookies aren't exactly over the top," Lana said. "And besides, I'd make sure there were enough for you to have some too."

"Whatever you think is best," Chris said. He wasn't exactly sure why he was so uneasy about the idea, but it probably had something to do with the fact that his brother had once slept with his girlfriend, even if neither of them were exactly in their right mind when it happened.

"All right," Lana said, looking a little concerned. She, of course, had no memory of that fateful event and honestly mostly was able to put it right out of her head - as long as Wyatt wasn't there in her face.

"So... any movies you want to watch later?" Chris asked, looking to change the subject.

"Maybe you could bring one that hasn't been made yet here?" she suggested with a smile.

"Isn't that kind of cheating?" he teased.

"That kind of cheating is totally allowed," Lana said with a smile.

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Prophecy in Theory and Practice, Tuesday Second Period (11/27)

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