The curse of shadows and thrones is a tale that has been passed down through generations. It tells the story of two powerful forces that bring darkness and destruction to those who become entangled in their grip. The curse begins with the shadows, mysterious and elusive beings that thrive in the darkness. They are said to have the power to drain the life force of anyone who comes into contact with their dark presence. The shadows are believed to be a manifestation of evil, seeking to take control and bring chaos to the world. On the other hand, the thrones represent power and authority.
However, I do think that there’s something better than both those options. Go somewhere with people you care about. If that’s actually the people who you are related to, great! Find a Thanksgiving that will bring you happiness. Go somewhere you will laugh with actual humor and not that fake forced thing that happens when you do not feel loved or seen as a person. Or better yet, host a Friendsgiving. This is something my husband and I have done for years. We put out an offer for any friends who don’t have someplace to go and invite any relatives that would like to come. It makes for a fun and lively bunch of people with a weird mix of traditions and stories. One year there was a menorah made out of Legos. One year we had five stuffings. Let Thanksgiving be the time when you take the stranger into your house and show them hospitality, which is, after all, a druidic virtue.
I do think that means we need to be supportive and respectful of indigenous peoples, especially the ones native to this continent many of us call home. When they were younger I printed out copies of old photos on my printer and let the kids cut up the images and tape them up so we wouldn t ruin the originals.
On the other hand, the thrones represent power and authority. They are coveted by many, as they grant immense power and control over others. However, those who sit upon the thrones are said to be consumed by their greed and desire for more power.
Dandelion Seeds: Five Ways to Have a Pagan Thanksgiving
Samhain is for ancestors, right? Why bother with it at Thanksgiving? Well, as a pagan parent I have some news for you: Samhain has another name, and the name is CANDY. Trying to balance the deep seated childhood drive to wear costumes and collect the freely given sugar goods with genuine veneration of those who have come before us can be difficult at best. I’ve joked with a lot of pagans that Halloween is Pagan Christmas. It’s a busy time. In my community we almost always have big Halloween parties for the adults, as well as costumes for the kids, visits to the grandparents for trick or treating events throughout the month, the Zoo Boo, not to mention the actual religiosity of the season with big Samhain rituals to plan for both adults and kids. It doesn’t actually leave a lot of time for building an ancestor shrine or talking to my kids about their own personal dead relatives. So a couple of years ago I came up with an idea.
During October I focus on modern Halloween. We do costumes and candy, decorate the whole house with skulls and dead things. It’s awesome, and is it’s own version of Samhain. After the big candy-fest I switch gears like a pagan Martha Stewart Pro, tucking away the bats and glittery ravens decorating the house. You don’t have glittery cardboard ravens? You should. They’re awesome.
That’s when I set up my ancestors altar. I get out the photos and the tchotchkes: a teacup from Buckie Scotland and one from Poland, my great grandmother’s rolling pin and if I have room, my grandmother’s wedding dress. I let the kids look at all the things. When they were younger I printed out copies of old photos on my printer and let the kids cut up the images and tape them up so we wouldn’t ruin the originals. We give them daily offerings for the weeks between Samhain and Thanksgiving, allowing them some special, uninterrupted, family time.
On turkey day we make a plate up for the ancestors and give them a glass of wine too. It’s actually a really cool conversation starter with relatives because they often will tell stories I don’t remember anymore. Ancestors blend with a day that is supposed to be about family. After that, I allow the fat man and his green and red decorating scheme to sneak out of the basement and start to emerge into the household, but only after the ancestors get their time.
Photo courtesy of Melissa Hill
This insatiable hunger leads them down a path of destruction, as they will stop at nothing to maintain their position of authority. Legend has it that when the shadows and thrones collide, a curse is unleashed that affects all those involved. It is said that the shadows feed on the power and greed of those sitting on the thrones, driving them further into darkness. The curse manifests as a dark cloud that covers the land, bringing suffering and despair to all it touches. Once the curse takes hold, it becomes nearly impossible to break free from its grasp. Those under its influence are trapped in a never-ending cycle of power and destruction. They are consumed by their desire for control and will do anything to maintain their position, even if it means sacrificing everything – their honor, relationships, and even their own lives. Throughout history, there have been many tales of those who have fallen victim to the curse of shadows and thrones. Kings and queens, emperors and empresses, all have been lured in by the promise of power, only to be consumed by the darkness that surrounds them. The curse serves as a cautionary tale, a reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power. It teaches us that true strength lies in humility and compassion, not in the pursuit of power and control. In the end, the curse of shadows and thrones serves as a warning to those who seek power for power's sake. It reminds us that the pursuit of power can lead to our own downfall and the destruction of everything we hold dear. Only by resisting the temptations of power and embracing empathy and virtue can we hope to break free from the curse and find true happiness and fulfillment..
Reviews for "From Myth to Reality: Untangling the Curse of Shadows and Thorns"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I found "Curse of Shadows and Thronxs" to be extremely disappointing. The plot was convoluted and confusing, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. The writing style was also lackluster, with flat and one-dimensional characters that I couldn't connect with. Additionally, the pacing of the story was inconsistent, moving too quickly in some parts and dragging on in others. Overall, I felt that the book lacked the depth and originality that I was expecting, and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 1 star
I couldn't finish "Curse of Shadows and Thronxs" as the book failed to hold my interest. The storyline was incredibly cliché and predictable, with no unique twists or surprises. The characters felt like cardboard cutouts, lacking any depth or development. Furthermore, the writing was subpar, filled with grammatical errors and awkward sentence structure. The world-building was also underwhelming, failing to create a vivid and immersive environment. Overall, I found this book to be a complete letdown and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating fantasy read.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars
"Curse of Shadows and Thronxs" had the potential to be an exciting fantasy novel, but it fell short for me. The plot had some interesting elements but lacked cohesion, making it difficult for me to fully understand and invest in the story. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect with them emotionally. Additionally, the writing style was average, failing to create a compelling atmosphere or evoke any strong emotions. While I appreciate the effort put into this book, I ultimately found it to be a mediocre read that didn't leave a lasting impression.