Order of the Sphere and Scythe/Tales of Divination/Tales of Divination - 2019-11-09 - Sands (log)

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This log is from the Order of the Sphere and Scythe lecture series entitled Tales of Divination. This lecture, held on November 9, 2019, was on divination sands and the speaker was the Esteemed Jastalyn Dragorth, Chairwoman of Twilight Hall and Fenog's Regulars.

Event

2019-11-09 6:51pm

[Sphere and Scythe, Cholen's Pub]
Music and laughter filter throughout the pub which is lit by glowing crystal globes hanging from the ceiling.  Leather club chairs and small cafe tables ring a stage to the south.  Behind the stage is a large curtain with the embroidered image of a smiling Cholen.  An expansive polished mahogany bar is centered in the room.  Above the bar is a silver-gilded mirror that reflects distorted, comical images of nearby patrons.  A clown face dart board hangs on the pockmarked west wall.  You also see a slender aromatic cigar, a white chair colorfully painted with whimsical leaf-shaped sweets, the Knickolas disk, a sturdy dark green auction table emblazoned with a silver-scaled dragon with some stuff on it, a circular ebonwood cart with some stuff on it and a polished spittoon set at the corner of the pub.


Mikalmas exclaims, "We will begin just past the hour!"

Jastalyn softly says, "I've set up a raffle table but the tickets are only 1 silver each.  I'll be raffling off some various divination tools after the demonstration."

Jastalyn softly says, "I brought a few extra divination things."

Mikalmas exclaims, "Everyone buy your tickets!"

Jastalyn softly says, "I've set up a raffle table but the tickets are only 1 silver each.  I'll be raffling off some various divination tools after the demonstration."

Jastalyn softly says, "1 silver."

Mikalmas exclaims, "We will begin in about five minutes!"

Mikalmas says, "There are refreshments on the bar."

Mikalmas taps a polished mahogany bar.


Mikalmas exclaims, "Well then, welcome one and all to The Sphere And Scythe's eight installment of our Tales of Divination series!"

Mikalmas says, "Tonight, the Esteemed Jastalyn Dragorth, Chairwoman of Twilight Hall and Fenog's Regulars, has graciously agreed to demonstrate the sand method of divination."

Mikalmas says, "The Sands are preferred by the Shakat, exiled members of the Tehir tribe.  Either way, this method is distinctly human in practice."

Mikalmas says, "The Sphere and Scythe would like to thank Jastalyn for her expertise and knowledge this evening and open the floor to her at this time."

Mikalmas applauds Jastalyn.

Jastalyn recites softly:
    "Some of you know me, but for those who don't, I'm Jastalyn Dragorth.  I wear a few hats but today I'm Chairwoman of Fenog's Regulars."

Jastalyn recites softly:
    "Fenog's Regulars is based in Icemule, but Rovvigen and I have been friends for a few years outside of groups."

Jastalyn recites softly:
    "I know there's some great refreshments here, but I always bring some with me so help yourselves."

Jastalyn reaches out and touches a circular ebonwood cart.

Jastalyn recites softly:
    "I've set up a raffle table but the tickets are only 1 silver each.  I'll be raffling off some various divination tools after the demonstration."

Jastalyn recites softly:
    "After I give some information, I've brought some extra sand pouches so everyone can try it out for themselves. Alright, let's get this started."
.
Jastalyn recites softly:
    "So, a quick history lesson, the Shakat, which means "Those Who Fled", found their way to the Solhaven area after a war at home, being enslaved, and most of them being murdered."

Jastalyn recites softly:
    "Eventually, the practice of divination and prophecy cropped up, a belief in the ability to more greatly influence life by calling upon the spirits.  Maybe they should have called upon the spirits during their war and enslavement era, but no one's perfect."
.
Jastalyn recites softly:
    "Carrying with them small trappings from their home, meaning their desert sand, the Shakat's scrying method is that of a cone-shaped pouch of some kind of leather that has a cap at the end of it fashioned of metal. The round top is closed by a flap and then it is suspended from a long cord."


Jastalyn removes a small rune-embossed pouch from in her leather sack.

Jastalyn points at her rune-embossed pouch.

Jastalyn recites softly:
    "You fill the pouch with sand, and when the cap is removed, it is swung from the cord like a pendulum. As the grains of sand fall they create certain patterns, and a huge mess on the floor.  But hey, all in the name of divination right?"


Jastalyn grins.


Jastalyn recites softly:
    "When you toss the sand to the ground it forms a unique pattern of circles, lines, and dots that are then interpreted by the seer.  I set out to learn the meanings of these designs and apply them to my divination practices."


Jastalyn recites softly:
    "One would think they've looked at enough sand, but then they carry it around with them throwing it on the floor and call it divination.  Though, after a few moments and barely enough time to see the pattern, the sand blows away in a little wisp of magic wind.  So, there's that."

Dhragorn says, "That is alot of sand."

Jastalyn grins.

Jastalyn nods at Dhragorn.

Ashreilynn adopts an agreeable expression.

Jastalyn recites softly:
    "Very little else is written about about the Shakat divination method of using sand to divine one's future.  I remember when the sand pouches first came out and I rushed to buy my own from the newly opened shop in Mist Harbor."

Jastalyn softly says, "Which are available to everyone that can access Mist harbor."

Jastalyn softly says, "It's one step east of the knitting shop."

Jastalyn grins.


Jastalyn recites softly:
    "Considering the pouch is small and the amount of sand the pouch holds is minimal, it's an easy tool to carry on your person daily.  After some practice, it should become second nature and you'll be reading sand lines like you were born in the desert too."

Dhragorn asks, "What is so speacial that makes this sand special to divine ones future?"

Speaking to Jastalyn, Xanlin objects, "Where's the knitting shop?"

Speaking softly to Dhragorn, Jastalyn says, "You will soon find out."

Xanlin squints.

Jastalyn grins at Xanlin.

Jastalyn recites softly:
    "I've brought some pouches of sand so you can try it out for yourself.  If we don't have enough pouches, give it a whirl and share with your neighbor."

Mikalmas asks, "One west of the sand shop?"

Mikalmas winks at Xanlin.

Jastalyn grins at Mikalmas.

Jastalyn softly asks, "I'm going to give a few examples, who would like a reading first?"

Knickolas raises his hand.

Speaking softly to Dhragorn, Jastalyn asks, "Do you have a specific question or would you like a general reading?"


Dhragorn says, "A general reading."

Jastalyn nods.

Jastalyn indicates her rune-embossed pouch with a smile.

Removing the slender cap at the end of her pouch, Jastalyn holds the piece aloft by its long, suede strap and prods into motion.
Sand begins to trickle from the bottom of the pouch, which starts to sway back and forth as it creates a sandy pattern of a circle with a triangle overlapping its perimeter on the floor.
As the pattern finishes, Jastalyn quickly put the slender cap back on the end of the pouch.

Jastalyn softly says, "Hm."

Jastalyn softly says, "The Cobra."

The sands forming a sandy pattern of a circle with a triangle overlapping its perimeter scatters.

Peppery smoke curls up from the cigar in Knickolas's hand.

Dhragorn says, "Oooh."

Speaking softly to Dhragorn, Jastalyn says, "It signifies an exit, or a way out.  It could also mean bad luck in general, a downward path or an ending.  Though, it is normally associate with evil."
The raven circles lazily above.
Speaking softly to Dhragorn, Jastalyn says, "So I believe that means you should be watchful in general."

Speaking softly to Dhragorn, Jastalyn says, "Stay alert, it could come from anywhere around you."

Jastalyn smiles.

Jastalyn softly says, "I have written some notes on using the sands."

Rovvigen softly asks, "Anyone care to guess how many symbols the sands can create?"

Ashreilynn asks, "Hundreds?"

Rovvigen softly says, "16."

Speaking to Rovvigen, Ashreilynn says, "That makes remembering them a little easier."

Jastalyn softly says, "To use the pouch you just give it a prod."

Knickolas softly says, "Do mine for me Jastalyn."

Speaking softly to Knickolas, Jastalyn asks, "Do you have a question?"

Knickolas softly says, "Shall i find a lady and find true love."

Removing the slender cap at the end of her pouch, Jastalyn holds the piece aloft by its long, suede strap and prods into motion.
Sand begins to trickle from the bottom of the pouch, which starts to sway back and forth as it creates a sandy pattern of a close-knit series of dots radiating outward on the floor.
As the pattern finishes, Jastalyn quickly put the slender cap back on the end of the pouch.

Jastalyn softly says, "Oh good news."

Ashreilynn ducks her head.

The sands forming a sandy pattern of a close-knit series of dots radiating outward scatters.

Dhragorn asks, "Good news?"

Speaking softly to Knickolas, Jastalyn says, "The spiral signifies growth and harmony, patience thoughtfulness and the ability to balance all areas of life."

Exhaling slowly, Knickolas sends a stream of smoke into the air to pool around him in a heady cloud.

Ashreilynn asks, "What does the slender circle with four dots beneath it mean?"

Speaking softly to Knickolas, Jastalyn says, "I believe that to mean if you are patient and balance the areas of your life, what you seek will come to you."

Jastalyn offers Knickolas a small rune-embossed pouch.

Jastalyn softly says, "If you wolud like to read my notes regarding how to read the sands please gather close."

Jastalyn softly says, "I believe there is only a handful of sand in the pouch.  After a few uses, you'll have to refill it.  I forget exactly how many times the sand will last."

Jastalyn softly says, "But it is a small number, about five or so."

Rovvigen softly says, "Three."

Soliere smiles.

Jastalyn softly says, "And the sands come in different colors."

Jastalyn softly asks, "Should we draw our first raffle winner?"

Speaking to Jastalyn, Khylynnia exclaims, "Sure!"

Rovvigen softly says, "Normally people use the use the pouches and the sands to give three readings per person this includes past, present and future."

Jastalyn grins.

Rovvigen smiles.

Speaking to Jastalyn, Tolida says, "Thank you."

Speaking to Jastalyn, Soliere asks, "Do sands from Mist Harbor, as well as other sands from merchants elsewhere, all work with these pouches?"

Tocsine put a small rune-embossed pouch in her black leather jacket.

Speaking softly to Rovvigen, Jastalyn says, "That's a wonderful idea."

Speaking softly to Jastalyn, Rovvigen says, "Very kind of you thanks."

Jastalyn softly says, "The sands and sand pouches are interchangeable."

Leafiara surprisedly says, "Wouldn't have expected that."

Jastalyn softly says, "Let's draw a winner."

Jastalyn gives the barrel a few good cranks, getting it up to a fast spin!

Jastalyn reaches in and draws out a ticket.  After glancing down, she reads out the name.... Leafiara!

Jastalyn softly exclaims, "Ok!"


Jastalyn recites softly:
    "Thank you Sphere and Scythe for inviting me here to speak this evening."

Jastalyn grins.

Speaking to Jastalyn, Mikalmas exclaims, "We thank you so much for your time!"

Rovvigen smiles.

Jastalyn holds the sides of her grey wool skirt outward and performs a graceful curtsy.

Speaking to Jastalyn, Soliere says, "It was a good time.. ya done well an' we had fun."

Mikalmas says, "If anyone has any additional questions, we will be around a few moments.  Or if anyone who has not seen the full structure, we're happy to provide a tour."

Speaking to Rovvigen, Khylynnia says, "Thanks so much for hosting this."

Rovvigen softly says, "Thanks everyone for coming safe travels."

Jastalyn beams!