#valar-valuvar

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Excerpt from The Subliminal Ruminations

The brilliance of the lightning, the gentle caress of the zephyr; the word that shakes the skies, the whisper that moves the heart to joy; I hear the voice of the King of Kings: his feet stand in the west, and his voice reaches to the East; his sight seeth into the dark places, and his hearing discerneth the voice of the supplicant. Oh Breather, Mighty of the Mighty, Holy of the Holy, your rod is over my house, and your mantle draped across my shoulders. Yours is the word, yours is the thunder, yours is the cloud, the lightning, and the wind. Valar Valuvar.

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Manwë Súlimo “The Blessed One, The Breather”

Manwë is the leader of the Ainur of Arda, and he rules over the wide earth. He is the Elder King, and is the figure of Ilúvatar in Arda. His domain is the airs and winds of Arda, and when Varda is with him he can see further than all others, and perceives the deepest regions of Arda. He is the noblest of the Valar and greatest in authority, if not in power. He was the leader of the second Theme in the Music of the Ainur which the Allfather raised up against the Discord of Melkor. He is stern but kind, with the aspect of a loving father who watches over his children. He is often moved to mercy, and he takes thought for the tribulations of Middle-Earth. Ilúvatar gave to him the power of direct communication, and he speaks with the Allfather about the dooms and decisions of difficult matters.

Names: Q. Manwë Súlimo, The Elder King, The Lord of the Breath of Arda, Taimo, The Sky, The Breather, Lord of the West, The Voice of Ilúvatar, Holy One of Light, Calamando, S. Aran Einior, The Elder King, V. Mânawenûz

Colors: White, All Shades of Blue, Silver

Associations: Poetry, Air, Wind, Fatherhood, Just Rule, Snow, Authority, Justice, Mercy

Element: Air

Stones: Apatite, White Aventurine, Celestine, Hawk’s Eye, Quartz, Scolecite, Seraphinite, Blue Topaz. Sapphires are gems closely associated with him, and are sacred to him.

Animals: Eagles are sacred to Manwë, and are his servants and messengers. In addition, hawks, falcons, and other birds of prey

Plants and Herbs: Alder, Almond, Aspen, Bracken, Irish Broom, Chicory, Citron, Clover, Dandelion, Marjoram, Parsley, Pine, Sage

Maiar: The Mánir

Manwë dwells in Ilmarin atop Oiolossë, the ever-snowy peak of Taniquetil, the highest mountain in Arda. His spouse is Varda, and they govern Arda from their lofty seats. He loves best the Vanyar of all the Elves, and they have ever dwelt close to him. He is the ruler of the Mánir, the sylphs of the airs, who breeze across the lands of Arda, and delight in the winds of the Breath of Manwë. Of these, two are known. Eönwë Urion is the Herald of Manwë, and is his regent and messenger. He delivers the words of the Valar to the peoples of Middle-Earth, and his voice is as loud as the call of a trumpet. He is swift and valiant in battle, but his voice is his glory, and he sings the praises of the Allfather and the Elder King. Ilinsor, The Great Eagle, is the winged watcher of Manwë, and he flies over Middle-Earth bringing news of the world to the Elder King. Manwë carries a scepter with a sapphire, and his delight is in the making of words and poetry. He is the patron of language, and is someone to turn to when one is in need of inspiration, justice, and courage.

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Niënna Núri “She Who Weeps, The Sighing One”

Niënna Núri is the sister of the Fëanaturi, the twin brothers Námo and Irmo, and she dwells alone. She is the Lady of Shadows and Mistress of Sorrow, and the sadness of the world moves her to tears. In the Music of the Ainur, her grief at the Discord of Melkor became so great that she could not endure until the end, and so she has not seen the full future of all things. However, she takes pity on those who suffer and are wronged, and she gives the gift of courage to those who seek her out. She is moved to mercy, and she pities even the greatest of sinners. She it was who advocated for Melkor when he was tried after his ages of imprisonment, and she it was who watered the grounds of Ezellohar twice with her tears, bringing forth the Two Trees and the Sun and Moon. She is the last hope of the unfortunate, and the Mother of Mercy. She goes not often to Valimar the Blessed of Many Bells, and goes instead to the Halls of Mandos, and offers consolation to the souls in waiting there.

Names: Q. Niënna Núri, Lady of Tears, The Sighing One, Lady of Night, Heskil, She Who Breeds Winter, Qualmë-Tári, Mistress of Death, Fui, Night, V. Niðulâz

Colors: Grey, Purple, Black, Deep Blue

Associations: Mental Healing, Supplication, Comfort, Sorrow, Wisdom, Courage, Hope, Perseverance, Grief, Pity, Purification,

Element: Phantasm

Stones: Amethyst, Chalcedony, Jasper, Moonstone, Obsidian, Onyx

Animals: Doves, Elephants

Plants and Herbs: Amaranth, Arabic Gum, Borage, Celandine, Elder, Fennel, Heather, Pansy, Rue, Toadstool, Willow

Maiar: The Tiutali

Niënna dwells alone in Fui, her halls in the Westernmost part of Valinor, beside the Chasm of Ilmen and the Sea of Ekkaia. From there she gazes out towards the Door of Night and the Outer Dark, past the vast spaces and wheeling fires of Eä. She moves most in twilight, and in darkness, she brings comfort and knowledge. Her people are the Tiutali, who are the spirits of consolation and guardians of the Children. They watch over the peoples of Middle-earth, and offer hope in despair, courage in weakness, and comfort in grief. Among these is Olórin, whose name means the Dreamer, and who has moved many to courage and the correction of injustice, and is the patron of interpreting dreams. Their chief is Nornorë, the Sprinter, who summons and guides the souls of the unwilling dead to their rest in Mandos. He is the swiftest of the Maiar, and darts about Arda with his summons and guidance. He is the arbiter of exorcisms, and of dispelling spirits. Niënna is the mistress of the healing of the mind, and she calms the hurts of Melkor which cloud the minds and souls of those he afflicts. Her servants often cure the mentally ill, and she is the patron of those who suffer such things. She is also the Purifier, and her tears cleanse the earth of the hurts of Melkor. She is mighty among the Valar, and she is the patron of all who need her.

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Námo Nurufantur “The Judge, Lord of Death-Form”

Námo Nurufëantur is the brother of Niënna, and the twin brother of Irmo. He is the Doomsman of the Valar, pronouncing judgements and prophecies, and he knows much of what will and has happened, and second to Manwë, he knows most closely the will of Ilúvatar in all things. He is the guardian of the souls of the dead, and gathers them together in his Halls of Mandos in the north of Valinor. He appoints judgement of the souls in his keeping, for the Elves determining if they may be given a new body and sent into Valinor, or if they must linger in waiting longer, reflecting on their lives and the ways in which they lived. Dwarves he holds until they are reborn into their children Many, however, choose not to do this and wait until the remaking of the world, in which they will have great part. For Men, he decides if they are ready to be sent onward beyond the Circles of the World to join Ilúvatar in the Timeless Halls, or if they instead need to wait longer, or to be sent back into the world in another form.

Names: Q. Námo Nurufantur, The Judge, The Lord of Death-Form, The Doomsman of the Valar, Mandos, Morimando, Lord of the Dead, S. Bannos, V. Nâchamôz

Colors: Black, Brown, Grey

Associations: Death, Judgement, Prophecy, Pronouncements, Justice, Patience, Darkness, Divination

Element: Phantasm

Stones: Black Jadeite, Bloodstone, Jet, Onyx, Obsidian, Sardonyx, Sapphire, All Black stones

Animals: Bats

Plants and Herbs: Angelica, Broom, Camphor, Cherry, Dandelion, Dodder, Ebony, Fig, Hibiscus, Lettuce, Orange, Orris Root, Rosemary, Sage, Sweetgrass, Thistle, Wormwood, Yucca

Maiar: The Mandini

       Námo dwells in the Halls of Mandos, by which name he is most often known. He seldom comes to Valimar, save for the councils of the Valar, and tends to the souls in his charge with his spouse Vairë and his hound Gorgumoth. He is stern, and has only once been moved to pity, and he is a fearsome Vala, with a terrifying aspect. His Dooms are final, and not even Manwë contradicts his words when they are spoken with his full authority as the Lawmaker. He is the arbiter of justice, and he seeks to ordain the right rule of the will of Ilúvatar. He commands the Mandini, the guardians of the dead, and the keepers of prophecy. These spirits have the clearest knowledge of what was and what is, and often reveal these truths to Men through Divination. Among these are Amnon, The Just, who is the most high Prophet and Herald of Námo. He it was who gave the Doom of the Ñoldor, and he is the keeper of Divination and the patron and guardian of that magick. Also among the Mandini is Pallando, the Distant Dungeon, who is the keeper of the souls of the dead, and the Watchman of the Halls of Mandos. He is the Keeper of the Keys and the Watcher in the Night. He is the patron of Patience and sealing magick.

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Oromë Aldaron “Sound of Horns, The Lord of Forests”

Oromë Aldaron is the spouse of Vána, and the Huntsman of the Valar. He is the horned hunter, delighting in the slaying of monsters, and the exploration of the wide world. He had a hand in creating the beasts of the earth, along with Yavanna his kindred spirit, and delights in their many forms. In the Dark Ages before the sun and moon, he often ventured about Middle-Earth on his hunts, alone or with his host, and would drive away the demons of Melkor which lurked in the night. On one of these journeys he discovered the newly awakened Elves, and led three of them to the light of Aman, who in turn convinced their peoples to follow Oromë westward to the Blessed Realm. He protected them and guided them on their journey, and brought most of them to the light of Aman. He is the master of the wide and wild wood, and the hunt of the beast.

Names: Q. Oromë Aldaron, Sound of Horns, The Lord of Forests, The Forester, The Huntsman of the Valar, The Wild, The Great Rider, S. Araw, Tauron, V. Arômêz

Colors: Deep Green, Brown, Gold, Maroon

Associations: Beasts, Hunting, Forests, Exploration, Nature, Wildness, Jubilation, Guidance, Protection

Element: Earth

Stones: Agate, Amber, Bloodstone, Cat’s Eye, Emerald, Tiger’s Eye

Animals: Dogs, Horses, any animal really

Plants and Herbs: Alfalfa, Caper, Cloth of Gold, Eryngo, Fern, Fuzzy Weed, Hawthorn, Hazel, Mint, Mistletoe, Date Palm, Parosela, Pine, Rowan, Woodruff, Yellow Evening Primrose

Maiar: The Kelvëalar, The Roimi

       Oromë dwells in Valinor, and the Halls of Oromë are in Valimar, and are wide and wooden, with trees for pillars and with the skins of his conquests all around. He also keeps the Woods of Oromë in the south, wherein he hunts with his following, and therein lives some of every creature in Arda, and some that live nowhere else. He along with Yavanna commands the Kelvëalar, the Maiar who take on the forms of beasts, and these follow him in great number. He rides upon Nahar, the father of horses, and he blows his great horn: The Valaróma, at the sound of which evil flees, and monsters quake in fear. He also commands the Roimi, the hunters of the Valar, chief of whom is Alatar, the Father of Growth, who is the patron of familiars. He was sent to Middle-Earth as an Istar in later days with his friend Pallando. Also, there is Tilion, the Horned, who is a lover of silver, and who was chosen to guard the island of the moon. Oromë is a lover of the Elves, and of all the wild and mystic powers of nature, and he commands the spirits of the warriors of the hunt. The sound of his horn is like the blowing of thunder, and all have heard his host as they thunder through the land in pursuit of evil. He is the patron of guidance, protection, and jubilation, for he is always merry in his hunts, and delights in the light of Aman.

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Estë Moicallë “Rest, The Gentle”

Estë Moicallë is the spouse of Irmo, and the Queen of Rest. She is the gentlest of the Valar, and has the skill to heal all physical wounds. She is the mother of medicine, and her hands could cure all sickness. Grey is her raiment, and rest s her gift. She gives the gift of sleep to those who seek her, and spends much of her day asleep in quiet contemplation and meditation. She and her husband called for the moon to reign over a time of night, for she is a lover of the gloaming and the twilight, and the silver darkness of the midnight sun. She offers knowledge and travel beyond the confines of our own plane, and she is the gateway to the vast spaces of Eä, which she traverses through her sleep. She dwells in truth amongst the stars, and leaves her form asleep in Arda.

Names: Q. Estë Moicallë, The Rester, The Gentle, The Healer, Mother of Medicine, The Sleeper, The Pale, S. Îdh, V. Ešeštêz

Colors: Grey, Lavender, White, Pale Blue

Associations: Rest, Healing, Sleep, Meditation, Peace, Tranquility, Silence, Contemplation, Medicine

Element: Phantasm

Stones: Angelite, Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Moonstone, Opal, Turquoise

Animals: Sloth, Turtle

Plants and Herbs: Bay, Belladonna, Buchu, Chamomile, Cinquefoil, Dittany of Crete, Elder, Heliotrope, Hemp, Hops, Lavender, Mugwort, Peppermint, Poppy, Rosemary, Thyme

Maiar: The Séri

         Estë dwells in the Gardens of Lóriën with Irmo, and her pools stretch throughout its heart: still silent mirrors of cool reflection which soothe the hurts of the body. She dwells upon an island in the lake of Lórellin, and sleeps through the days, while her maidens tend to those who seek her help. She traverses the spaces of Eä, and thus has seen many sights both beautiful and terrible, and yet is the gentlest of all, seeking to heal the hurts of all peoples, no matter where they are. She is the Queen of the Séri, the Maiar of rest and healing, who traverse Arda and the realms beyond with words and gifts of rest, sleep, and healing for all those troubled in body. They have taught many of the Children their arts, and thus medicine is known to us. The chief of these is Melyanna, the lady of twilight, whom songbirds love. She taught nightingales to sing, and they follow her wherever she goes. She came to Middle-Earth often, and cares deeply for the Children. Her name means Dear Gift, and she is the patron of healing magick. Tethil is another of the Séri, and her name means Their Moon, for she emulates her mistress, traveling in spirit to other realms of Eä whilst her body sleeps, and seeing wondrous sights afar. She takes the form of a poppy, the flower of sleep, and grows by the pools of Estë while her spirit travels the heavens. She is the patron of astral travel, and is given dominion over that magick. Estë The Gentle is the queen of rest, and the seer of far sights, and will always answer those who call upon her.

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Irmo Olofëantur “Master of Desire, Lord of Dream-Form”

Irmo Olofëantur is the twin brother of Námo Mandos, and the brother of Niënna. He is the Master of Dreams and Visions, and he weaves illusions and visions for the Children and the Ainur. He it was along with Niënna and Estë who asked Varda for night after the making of the sun and moon, for he wished for time of darkness and mystery to reign over Arda. He is the maker of dreams, and sends them out into the world for the Children, and he made the Olórë Mallë, the Path of Dreams, whereby the young of the Children may come to Valinor in their dreams, and know the blessedness of the Valar and their own innocence. He is the master of inner thought, and the patron of self-knowledge, and of LGBTQ+ people, to whom he shows their truth. He is a mysterious Vala, and is often hidden in his gardens. He is kind, and loves all the Children, although he does not reveal himself to them unless they seek after him.

Names: Q. Irmo Olofëantur, The Desirer, Master of Dreams and Visions, The Lord of Dream-Form, Fulmur, The Unconscious, Lord of Sleep, Lóriën, S. Lúrin, Glurim, V. Irubôz 

Colors: Lavender, Purple, Grey, Pink, White

Associations: Dreams, Visions, Magick, Astral Projection, Mysteries, Hidden Knowledge, Obscurity, Unusuality, Moonlight, Twilight

Element: Phantasm

Stones: Amethyst, Angelite, Chalcedony, Malachite, Moonstone, Jade, Opal, Pearl, Selenite

Animals: Moths, Butterflies, Glowworms, Lightning Bugs, Cats, Peacocks, Frogs

Plants and Herbs: Angelica, Belladonna, Buchu, Cedar, Cinnamon, Cinquefoil, Heliotrope, Holly, Huckleberry, Jasmine, Lavender, Marigold, Mugwort, Onion, Persimmon, Poppy

Maiar: The Olóssi

         Irmo dwells in the Gardens of Lóriën, by which name he is often known. He dwells in Murmuran, his hall made of mists and pearls, beside the lake of Lórellin. He gazes into Silindrin often, and therein he sees many visions and hidden knowledge. Varda set stars within the depths of Lóriën, and glowworms crept about the hemlock and groves, and fumellar, the poppies of sleep grew everywhere, which Irmo used for his enchantments. He loved the silver light of Telperion, and he used it for many hidden things, and secret rites. All the Valar and Eldar came to Lóriën for rest and healing, and many linger there for refreshment and contemplation. The Gardens are vast, and the roots of the trees come nigh even to Telperion on Ezellohar. Irmo, along with Niënna and Yavanna, was responsible for bringing the flower of the moon to life from the husk of Telperion. He is the lord of the Olóssi, the spirits of dreams and visions, who wander the world spreading inner wisdom, and hidden knowledge, and who pass from the heights of heaven to the depths of the earth and sea. Chief of these is Silmo, whose name means Starlight, so named for his love of the silver light of Telperion, which he watered from the dews of Silindrin, in whose surface he saw visions. He is given the province of scrying. Tuvon is another, whose name means The Receiver, who is the master of glamors and illusions, and is the arbiter of that magick. Irmo is a lord of mystery, and invoked for inner knowledge.

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Yavanna Kementári “Giver of Fruits, Queen of the Earth”

Yavanna Kementári is the Mother of the Wide Earth, and she created the life that blossoms on it with her sister Vána, and she has cared for the kelvar and the olvar throughout history. She is the originator of all things that grow and roam the wilds of the earth, and she brings fruit to its ripeness, and the grains to their golden perfection. She loves Middle-Earth, and has ever watched over the outer lands, taking thought for the peoples of the world in their distress. She is the governor of the seasons, as she appoints the due time of all things to grow and give fruit. Melkor has made cold to rein over the earth, but the Sun which is the fruit of the Two Trees of Yavanna keeps half of Ambar warm and bright. When her spouse Aulë made the Dwarves, she begged of Manwë to have protectors of her forests, as she feared that the Children would lay waste to them. Ilúvatar heard her distress and sent forth fëar which took on the form of Ents, and have walked the earth protecting the forests since the beginning.

Names: Q. Yavanna Kementári, Giver of Fruits, Queen of the Earth, Mother of Beasts, The Grower, The Wide Earth, Palúrien, S. Ivon, Ivann, V. Yathânâz

Colors: All Shades of Green, Brown, Gold

Associations: Earth, Animals, Plants, Trees, Crops, Fertility, Seasons, Motherhood, Harvest,

Element: Earth

Stones: Amber, Flint, Green Agate, Moonstone, Jade

Animals: All animals are sacred to her, Oxen

Plants and Herbs: Agaric, Bistort, Daffodil, Fig, Geranium, Grape, Hazel, Mandrake, Mistletoe, Mustard, Oak, Olive, Patchouli, Peach, Pine, Rice, Sunflower

Maiar: The Kelvëalar, The Nandini, The Nermir, The Orossi, The Tavari

Yavanna dwells with Aulë in his Halls, and about them she has caused to grow one type of every tree upon the earth, and many found nowhere else. She also watches over the Pastures of Yavanna in the south of Valinor. She rules over many Maiar, especially the furtive smaller spirits of the hidden dells and hills. She along with Oromë govern the Kelvëalar, who are those Maiar who take the forms of animals, and may father races of intelligent creatures. These are of all types of spirits, earth, air, fire, water, and phantasm, but answer to them in their forms. She also commands the Nandini, the Pixies of the valleys, who dwell amid the hidden dells of the river vales and countries of Arda. Of these Aiwendil, Friend of Birds, is the chief. She is the queen of the Nermir, the Brownies of the meads and fields, who chant amid the standing corn at eve, and watch over the crops of the Children. Of these Tinfanga, Bearded Piper, is the chief. She rules the Orossi, the Leprawns of the mountains, who hide amid the heights and hidden clefts of the hills. Of these Anyárin, the Eldest, is the chief. She is foremost the lady of the Tavari, the Dryads of the forests, who dwell among and within the great trees of her delight. Among these is Tasaryárë, Ancient Willow. She is generous to all the Children.