#lycantrophy

In Vedic astrology, constellations are known as ‘nakshatras.’ One particular nakshatra that bears symbolism to the Eye is that of Ardra, which literally translates to ‘green’ and ‘moist.’ In western astrology, this sign corresponds to the right part of the Gemini constellation, which appears as the twins Castor and Pollux. However, this part of Gemini is perceived differently in Vedic astrology. Traditionally, Ardra appears in the form of a teardrop but at times has instead been interpreted as an eye. Its ruling deity is the storm god Rudra, who was the predecessor to the later Hindu god Shiva. This red-skinned god has a third eye in his forehead that is perpetually half-awake, lest it fully open and annihilate everything in the universe. He appears in many forms with many different names, and one of these is Pashupati, in where he adorns a horned headdress whilst sitting in a yogi posture, surrounded by wild beasts. This form of his was the earliest known form of the later horned Celtic god Cernunnos, who, whilst also seated in a yogi posture surrounded by wild animals, holds a serpent in his left hand. This creature was also associated with Rudra, along with the bull, wolf, dog, and various large cats as well as domesticated ones. Among his myriads of worshippers were a band of archaic berserker-warriors known as the Vrātyas (dog-priests) who were believed to be literal werewolves by donning wolf pelts over their heads and charged into battle. In this way, Rudra was seen as the proverbial Lord of Werewolves. These depictions of this entity were also extended to the familiar Norse god Odin who is one-eyed and dons a horned headdress whilst being surrounded and worshipped by wolf-men that howl, shriek, and scream in the throes of a raging storm. Several of Rudra’s other titles are ‘Supreme Ruler and Lord of the World’ and ‘Lord of Spirits.’ His dwelling abode is atop Mount Meru, where he awaits the eventual destruction of not only the world but the entire universe. When it finally comes, his third eye awakens and from a distance we may see a massive mountain with a large eye hovering above it, emanating nothing but destruction…in order to recreate.

(⁠｡⁠•̀⁠ᴗ⁠-⁠)⁠✧

But this changes, and it changes because of Sirius Black.

Suddenly, Remus loves the full moon. Every time he sees it and starts transforming, he shuts his eyes and thinks back to deep, grey eyes to forget the pain. Eyes grey and beautiful like the moon itself.

Remus had forgotten how beautiful the moon truly was, until Sirius Black came along.

And when he’s lost in himself, when he’s fully transformed… the thought of Sirius is what brings him back down to Earth. And there they are, every time since Sirius became an Animagus. The very eyes that Remus has learnt to love, no longer grey or even human, but still the same eyes. And they still belong to the person Remus loves the most.

Every time, Padfoot greets him, and they spend a whole night together. Suddenly, the nights Remus spends in his werewolf form are easier to handle. They’re rather pleasant, even. They’re worth the excruciating pain when he transforms, they’re worth the scars and the tears, because Remus has someone he knows will kiss the new scars afterwards until they feel better, and wipe away his tears in a soft, loving gesture.

Remus isn’t the moon. He’s the tides, and Sirius is the moon that guides him through hard times and happiness. Always there.

He’s proud to be Sirius’s Moony. It makes him feel like a part of Sirius’s strength has latched onto him. It always makes him feel better. Perhaps he’s not the moon, but he’s not a helpless droplet. He’s a mighty ocean, wild and strong and free even though he’s trapped between land.

He is himself and he is strong. But some times he needs Sirius to remind him of his strength. Sometimes he needs to be weak in Sirius’s strong arms. Sometimes they’re weak together, sometimes they’re both strong.

Commission reference for the wonderful @sl4ndered on discord! Drawing this guy was so, so fun.