SPOILER!!: You lovelies! <3

SPOILER!!: Aurora!

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhittyBitty

As Aurora made her way up the ladder to the Divination classroom, she was feeling excited. Not only was it now spring, but tomorrow was her birthday! And not only that, she would be turning 17, meaning that she was practically of age. While she didn't think that it would make her feel any different, it was still exciting.

She smiled at the faint scent of incense and was a fan of the floral table clothes. They were pretty. "Hello, Professor!" she greeted cheerfully before taking her seat. Now she just needed to wait for the others to start arriving. As she did so, she glanced at the rather large book that was on the table. Oooh, so they were going to do stuff related to names. That sounded rather interesting!

Since they weren't being told not to look, Aurora decided that it was okay to take a glance at it while she waited.

The sound of the first student approaching drew Professor Curious’ attention, though she didn’t look up immediately as she was busily scribbling some information in the margin of the book. This didn’t take her too long, however, and soon enough her attention was on Aurora. Was it just her or did the Hufflepuff seem to have an extra amount of glow to her today? “Lovely to see you, Aurora.” And yes, it was perfectly okay to look at the book, or even flick through a few pages.

SPOILER!!: Diego!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

Diego walked his way over to Divination with his usual group of friends. The warmth and pleasant smell of the classroom comforted him per usual, as he emerged from the ladder leading to the room. "Hello, Professor!" He smiled. She looked fairly busy, but not too busy from greeting them.

Diego then dropped his bag into his usual seat, he could see Aurora and gave her a friendly wave and smile while waiting for lesson to begin.

The footsteps that lightly pounded the floor told Sarika that this was a group. Therefore, this is what she looked up expecting, this is what she looked up to see. Included in the group was Diego, who the woman was delighted to see. Naturally, she loved seeing all her students but there was something about the Gryffindor. “It’s great that you’re here, Diego.”

SPOILER!!: Mirabelle!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch

Mira walked up the ladder and into the Divination classroom with the hope that she wouldn't doze off because of strong incense smells like she had done earlier in the term. It had been embarrassing to say the least. "Hello Professor!" Mira greeted with a small smile, and a wave as she chose a seat at one of the tables. She noted that Diego and Aurora was also there as she peeked at the book lying on the table. A lexicon of names and hidden meanings..interesting.

Sarika couldn’t help it: she grinned as she recalled the times that Mirabelle had fallen asleep. There hadn’t been any judgements on her part, and instead had suggested that the Ravenclaw take a seat close to one of the windows. On her end, Professor Curious had toned down the incense level a bit. “I hope you’re wide awake today, Mirsabelle,’’ she remarked goodnaturedly.

SPOILER!!: Tiffany!

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

Any day that held a Divination class was a good day and it helped that Professor Joshi Curious wasn't as aloof as she imagined divination professors might be. Taking a seat at Aurora's desk, she glanced around to see who else was present, recognizing Diego from Gobstones and now a fierce Quidditch opponent.

The Professor seemed engrossed in the hefty book that was on each of their desks, but did greet her upon entering, to which Tiffany returned the greeting, "Hello hello," she glanced at the title of the book and an ancient quote came to mind, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet." She always loved the quote because of its reference to 'Rose', but now that she was older ... nearing 17, the quote seemed to have different meaning. What was a name? What meanings did it hold for who they were to become? Their essence was rooted in the names they were given

“Are you a Shakespeare fan, Tiffany?” Professor Curious asked curiously after returning the greeting. She herself didn’t know much beyond Romeo and Juliet, which in her opinion, was not quite the romantic story some made it out to be. But Sarika did love learning about her students, hence the question. The reference to Tiffany’s surname? Sarika picked that up quite easily, understanding why girl may not necessarily be a fan of the writer, but rather just the quote.

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹


Engrossed with greeting the students and conducting her own research, Sarika was not unaware that the time to commence the lesson was fastly approaching. A minute before 2PM, she closed her book shut with a soft thud then got to her feet. With a quick wave of her wand, the trapdoor closed smartly with a louder thud.

“A wonderful good afternoon to you, my Oracles-in-Training,’’ the short woman said, idly flicking her ponytail over her shoulder. “I hope you’re wide awake and ready to add some Divination knowledge to your brains.” At the word ‘awake’, she cast a subtle glance at Mirabelle. “As you’ve noticed, there is a book before you, it is one that will be quite useful later on in the lesson. You are free to peruse it if you may, provided that you do not get completely lost in its contents that you forget to take notes or participate in the activities.”

There was a brief pause, in which a wave of her wand revealed the topic on the board in bright bold letters. “For what is a name, if not the first prophecy spoken over us? Today’s lesson explores Onomancy, which is the ancient practice of divining insight from a person’s name. Long before crystal balls and tea leaves, seers studied the vibration, structure, and symbolism hidden within names, believing that identity leaves traces in language itself. With that in mind, do you believe your name influences who you become, or do you shape the meaning of your name over time?”


OOC: the lesson has now started! Latecomers are welcome, but there will be IC consequences if this lateness is announced Simply pretend your character has been there all along.

We will move on in about 24 hours!

SPOILER!!: Diego!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

Diego was happy to be here. His own thoughts wandered to where he nearly missed what was at the center of the table.

The question, though was pretty deep, unsurprisingly. Diego thought about it, he considered how his name was and his new last name before responding. "I think, when you have a name you like, it empowers you, like part of my last name, Dreamer, we tend to outreach our possibilities in our dreams, so I want the same to happen." As for a name one didn't like, "If you don't like your name, then it can always be changed later in life, so I think when you choose your own name, you really are putting more thought into the meaning." Which in a way... he kind of did so.

One of the first hands in the air was Diego. “That is true,’’ Sarika replied to the thoughtful insight. "I love the idea that a name can empower someone and reflect the kind of person they hope to be. 'Dreamer' especially feels very fitting for that. And you’re right about choosing a name later in life too. When people pick their own name, it often comes with a personal meaning behind it."



After determining that there were no more raised hands, and waiting a beat in case those who had not provided one changed their minds, Sarika moved to stand beside the board. “There are three types of Onomancy: Numerological Onomancy, which is the most common method practised; Etymological Onomancy which is practised by studying a name’s origin; and finally, Intuitive or Ritual Onomancy. This involves writing the name down three times & saying it out loud to garner emotional and physical reactions.” This information appeared magically on the board, allowing Professor Curious to now make her way amongst the tables.

“Due to time constraints, we will be focusing on two of the three today. The third will be our focus in a subsequent lesson. For now, we begin with Numerological Onomancy. This method utilises Pythagorean Numerology, which a few of you will be familiar with through your study of Arithmancy.” Sarika smiled at the class in general. “Not to worry, I’ll dive into an example before we go any further. If you will give your attention to the board again…

“The first step is to assign numbers to each letter of your name using Pythagorean Numerology. We shall start with my first name, which tells you about your outer personality, or the traits you portray to others.”

Quote:

Originally Posted by Board

Onomancy: The art of interpreting meaning, personality, or destiny through a person’s name.

Types:

1. Numerological Onomancy: utilises Pythagorean Numerology, and is the most practised method.
   
   Numbers and their meanings:
   1 – Leadership, independence
   2 – Sensitivity, diplomacy
   3 – Creativity, expression
   4 – Stability, discipline
   5 – Change, adaptability
   6 – Responsibility, harmony
   7 – Introspection, spirituality
   8 – Ambition, power
   9 – Compassion, completion
   
   
2. Etymological Onomancy: practised by studying a name’s origin.
3. Intuitive or Ritual Onomancy: involves writing the name down three times & saying it out loud to garner emotional and physical reactions.

Example:
Numerological Onomancy using first name only {Outer Personality traits}
S A R I K A
1+1+9+9+1
= 21
= 2+1
= 3

“It is important that you reduce your numbers until you have a single digit. When reduced, my number becomes three. Based on the meanings provided, it signifies I portray creativity and expression.” She tapped her chin thoughtfully. “I would say this is true to an extent. I usually am creative when it comes to anything to do with plants, for example,’’ Sarika said, without giving any deep insight into her personal life. “And I make my thoughts known, especially the good ones.” As it should be, since she aimed to pass positivity on to everyone she met.

“Enough of my ramblings,’’ the woman said with a chuckle. “It is your turn to complete some calculations of your own. Following my example, please work on determining your Outer Personality traits - using your first name only; Inner Self traits - using vowels only; and Perceived traits, which is how others see you - using consonants only. Be sure to complete this on a separate parchment labelled with your name, House and year as it is to be submitted at the end of the lesson.”


OOC: Hey, gang! This activity will run for three days {until Thursday 12th March, sometime in the evening}. Sarika and I will be around for questions and for providing help. In addition, catch up is allowed!

SPOILER!!: Aurora!

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhittyBitty

Both Diego and Mira got friendly waves, and Professor Curious got a big smile. It was lovely to see her too! Aurora really liked Professor Curious because she was really friendly.

She glanced up from the book when she noticed that someone had joined her. ”Hey, Tiffany!” Her friend got another smile as she took her seat at the table. And of course she recognized the quote from Romeo and Juliet. Aurora had read some of Shakespeare’s plays, and that was one of them.

The lesson began, and she listened carefully. As usual, Aurora began taking her notes. The first question was an interesting one, and she raised her hand to answer. ”I think you shape it over time; it’s a reflection of who you are, you aren’t a reflection of your name.” Nod. ”And that works with someone’s name changing over time.” Through marriage, or just by wanting a different name for a personal reason.

More thorough notes were made as the lesson continued, and then it was time for the activity. Of course Aurora was familiar with Pythagorean Numerology, and she wasted no time in beginning to make calculations using her first name. She had done this kind of thing many times in Arithmancy, so it was very easy.

A U R O R A
1+3+9+6+9+1
=29
2+9
=11
1+1
=2

Aurora looked at the textbook and saw that her number related to sensitivity and diplomacy. That made sense to her.

There was no right answer, nor any wrong one to the question. So, she nodded after Aurora gave her answer. “Your name becomes your legacy, is what I believe you’re getting at. It can be something that you leave behind long after you have departed the physical world.”

While the students worked, as usual, Professor Curious spent her time observing her students and their work. She took care not to hover too much in case she made them nervous, so she luckily stopped at Aurora’s seat just as the Hufflepuff was finishing the calculations for her Outer Personality traits. Sarika did a quick check of those calculations. “Nicely done, Aurora,’’ she complimented once determining two was indeed the correct digit. “Onto your calculations for your Inner Self traits and Perceived traits.”

To the class, Sarika announced, "You have ten minutes remaining, everyone."


OOC:
Just a recap for the first activity! Calculate your character’s:

• Outer Personality traits {using your first name only}
• Inner Self traits {using vowels only}
• Perceived traits {using consonants only}

There’s still a little over 48 hours left for this to be done

SPOILER!!: Replies!

SPOILER!!: Diego!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charely Potter

With that all settled, Diego went straight to work with jotting down for his notes, flipping through the book to get the right details for attaching to his name.

D I E G O
4 + 9 + 5 + 7 + 6
= 31
3 + 1
= 4

Diego read the number 4 to mean, Stability and discipline. He pondered for how that applied to him. Stability did bring back memories to him settling in with his new forever home, which made him feel warm. Discipline, Diego always was well-behaved in lessons and did his best to make his parents proud and help out with his little brothers. So it did make sense, he decided. Now for inner traits.. using only the vowels, I, E, and O.

9 + 5 + 6
= 20
2 + 0
= 2

Sensitivity and diplomacy... Yes. This rang true for Diego, who felt a little embarassed sometimes from the past when he would get a little emotional enough to need to leave class to regulate his feelings. And then wanting to keep the peace. Lastly, the consonants... would that be D and G alone? He began to write down the next calculation.

4 + 7
= 11
1 + 1
= 2

So it was about the same. Afterward, Diego raised his hand so Professor Curious could check his work. "Professor, is this correct?" He hoped that he had completed the first part as expected.

Sarika had silently paused at Diego’s table as he and his friends worked. After some time, she had moved on to another group after making no comment as there hadn’t been the need to. Especially since she hadn’t been keen on breaking their concentration. However, she was close by when Diego raised his hand and called to her. “Give me one minute and I’ll let you know, Diego,” Professor Curious remarked in that warm, husky voice of hers. And so she began her check, nodding occasionally as well as muttering calculations. “Mhmm! Excellently done.” As usual, the woman felt pride for her student.

SPOILER!!: Aurora!

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhittyBitty

Nod. That basic,ly was what Aurora was saying, yes. She was more a believer of people building and shaping things around them, than of them having to fit into something. That was just the way that she saw things, though she knew that there were people who felt differently.

She grinned as Professor Curious said that she had done a good job working out her outer personality traits. Then she was ready to work on the other calculations. That would be even simpler, since one used vowels and the other consonants. After making sure to write Outer Personality Traits over the first calculation, she started on the rest of the assignment:

Inner Self Traits

1+3+6+1
=11
1+1
=2

Perceived Traits

9+9
=18
1+8
=9

That done, she added her information to the top of the page:

Aurora Bay
Hufflepuff
Sixth Year

While Aurora continued her work, Sarika had detoured to other students but in no time she was back. “Hmmm.’’ she mused goodnaturedly, her keen hazel eyes scanning the work on the parchment. “Quite correct, Aurora! Once again, well done.”

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹


The ten minutes elapsed before Sarika knew it. “Hopefully, you’ve finished your calculations by now, everyone.” She stood in the middle of the classroom, surveying her precious Oracles. “Now we will move onto the second and last aspect of our activity - Etymological Onomancy.” Like before, the latter two words appeared on the board magically in bold letters. “This is where the book on your table comes into play. Using it, you will research your first name’s origin - is it Greek, Latin etcetera, along with its literal meaning. Using the meaning, reflect on how that corresponds with your Outer Personality, Inner Self traits and Perceived traits. Do the traits and your name’s meaning match up? Don’t they? Regardless, do you see yourself adopting traits to live up to your name? Do you see yourself falling away from those traits, in turn perhaps diverting from the meaning of your name? These are the questions that you should ponder on before writing your thoughts down on the parchment which is to be turned in after class. You have fifteen minutes to complete this.”


OOC: Thank you for your posts! <3 The second activity will come to an end on Sunday 15th March {in the evening, EST}. Basically, your character has to analyse the meaning of their first name and make a comparison of it to the three types of Traits.

Reminder: Catch up is allowed!