#A Step-By-Step Process to Fundamental Analysis

[truedatafinancialpvtltd]

How Do You Do a Fundamental Stock Market Analysis for Beginners

Fundamental stock market analysis is one of the key pillars of the investment journey. It provides investors with a solid framework to assess the long-term potential and financial health of companies. While it requires time and skill to master, fundamental analysis helps investors build a solid foundation for making strategic investment choices aligned with their financial goals. 

How do you do a fundamental stock market analysis?

[glowettee]

hi there! im a fan of your page 💕

can you give me the best studying techniques?

hi angel!! @mythicalmarion tysm for asking about study techniques 🤍 i'm so excited to share my secret methods that helped me maintain perfect grades while still having a dreamy lifestyle + time for self-care!! and thank you for being a fan of my blog, it means everything to me. <3

~ ♡ my non-basic study secrets that actually work ♡ ~

(don't mind the number formatting)

the neural bridging technique this is literally my favorite discovery!! instead of traditional note-taking, i create what i call "neural bridges" between different subjects. for example, when studying both literature + history, i connect historical events with the literature written during that time. i use a special notebook divided into sections where each page has two columns - one for each subject. the connections help you understand both subjects deeper + create stronger memory patterns!!

here's how i do it:

example:

left column: historical event

right column: literary connection

middle: draw connecting lines + add small insights

bottom: write how they influenced each other

the shadow expert method this changed everything for me!! i pretend i'm going to be interviewed as an expert on the topic i'm studying. i create potential interview questions + prepare detailed answers. but here's the twist - i record myself answering these questions in three different ways:

basic explanation (like i'm talking to a friend)

detailed analysis (like i'm teaching a class)

complex discussion (like i'm at a conference)

this forces you to understand the topic from multiple angles + helps you explain concepts in different ways!!

the reverse engineering study system instead of starting with the basics, i begin with the most complex example i can find and work backwards to understand the fundamentals. for example, in calculus, i start with a complicated equation + break it down into smaller parts until i reach the basic concepts.

my process looks like:

find the hardest example in the textbook

list every concept needed to understand it

create a concept map working backwards

study each component separately

rebuild the complex example step by step

the sensory anchoring technique this is seriously game-changing!! i associate different types of information with specific sensory experiences:

theoretical concepts - study while standing

factual information - sitting at my desk

problem-solving - walking slowly

memorization - gentle swaying

review - lying down

your body literally creates muscle memory associated with different types of learning!!

the metacognition mapping strategy i created this method where i track my understanding using what i call "clarity scores":

level 1: can recognize it

level 2: can explain it simply

level 3: can teach it

level 4: can apply it to new situations

level 5: can connect it to other topics

i keep a spreadsheet tracking my clarity levels for each topic + focus my study time on moving everything to level 5!!

the information architecture method instead of linear notes, i create what i call "knowledge buildings":

foundation: basic principles

first floor: key concepts

second floor: applications

top floor: advanced ideas

roof: real-world connections

each "floor" must be solid before moving up + i review from top to bottom weekly!!

the cognitive stamina training this is my absolute secret weapon!! i use a special interval system based on brain wave patterns:

32 minutes of focused study

8 minutes of active recall

16 minutes of teaching the material to my plushies

4 minutes of complete rest

the specific timing helps maintain peak mental performance + prevents study fatigue!!

the synthesis spiral evolution this method literally transformed how i retain information:

create main concept spirals

add branch spirals for subtopics

connect related concepts with colored lines

review by tracing the spiral paths

add new connections each study session

your notes evolve into a beautiful web of knowledge that grows with your understanding!!

these methods might seem different from typical study advice, but they're based on how our brains actually process + store information!! i developed these through lots of research + personal experimentation, and they've helped me maintain perfect grades while still having time for self-care, hobbies + fun!!

sending you the biggest hug + all my good study vibes!! remember that effective studying is about working with your brain, not against it <3

p.s. if you try any of these methods, please let me know how they work for you!! i love hearing about your study journeys!!

xoxo, mindy 🤍

glowettee hotline is still open, drop your dilemmas before the next advice post 💌: https://bit.ly/glowetteehotline

[novlr]

Any tips for terrible case of writeblock that occurs without any real reason?

Writer’s block is often misunderstood. You’ll hear lots of people say it doesn’t exist, and that it’s all just a state of mind. While this is true, it’s fundamentally an oversimplification. It’s not a cause. But it is an effect.

What we call writer’s block isn’t the cause of your inability to be creative. It’s a symptom of something else happening beneath the surface. When writing becomes difficult or impossible, or you lose the desire to write, it can be frustrating when it feels like it’s come without warning or apparent cause. But while writer’s block can happen unexpectedly and its effects are very real, it is almost always a symptom of something else.

Understanding sudden writer’s block

When writer’s block appears without any apparent reason, it’s usually because we’re looking for the cause in the wrong places. While external factors like stress or lack of time can certainly block creativity, they’re easy to spot and find strategies to deal with. But it’s the internal barriers that can be harder to define. So what do we mean by internal barriers?

Perfectionism paralysis

One of the most common internal barriers we face is the fear of not meeting our own high standards. This paralysis happens when we become so focused on creating the perfect opening, scene, or character that we can’t write anything at all.

The fear of producing something that’s subpar can be debilitating, leading to a complete creative shutdown. Many writers find themselves stuck in an endless cycle of self-criticism rather than allowing themselves to write freely. In this sense, writer’s block can serve as a convenient scapegoat. It puts the onus on something external, rather than empowering you to look at the root cause.

Analysis paralysis

Another common internal barrier is getting caught up in overthinking every detail of your writing. This happens when you spend too much time analysing plot points, character motivations, or story structure instead of actually writing. The more you analyse, the harder it becomes to put words on the page.

I’m incredibly guilty of this myself. I spend so long analysing the original idea that I often lose love for it, or start to question if it’s actually any good. I constantly second-guess decisions or get lost in research, ultimately using these activities as a way to avoid the actual job of writing.

Fear of starting

The biggest internal barrier that most of us will face is the blank page. It’s there, and it’s intimidating. It represents infinite possibilities but also requires a commitment. And when combines with something like analysis paralysis, it can stop you in your tracks completely.

When you fear starting, you’ll procrastinate or find other tasks to occupy your time. And you’ll look for any excuse or something to blame for why you can’t (or won’t) start writing. Writer’s block is an easy scapegoat.

Practical strategies to break through writer’s block

Find the root cause

Take time to reflect on what’s really holding you back. Are you afraid of failure? Are you comparing yourself to others? Are you putting too much pressure on yourself to create something perfect? Understanding the underlying cause of your creative block is the first step to overcoming it.

Change your environment

Sometimes, a simple change of scenery can get you writing. Try writing in a different location, whether it’s a local cafe, park, or just a different room in your house. The new environment can help break patterns of thought that might be contributing to your writer’s block. For instance, if I have the fear of actually starting the writing process, I’ll go somewhere public to write. Being in an environment where I might be observed gives me the push to start.

Lower the stakes

Because writer’s block often manifests when we’re under pressure, try your best to remove that pressure. Take away the idea of writing something “important” and just do some writing for the joy of it. Don’t work on your projects. Write something completely unrelated or even silly. Write yourself a letter, create a ridiculous story, write a a love scene between two of your favourite characters in fiction.

Lowering the stakes will help you rebuild your confidence in your own creativity without any of the expectations you’ve been putting on yourself. Make writing fun again!

Trick yourself or make a deal

This is my go-to technique for when I just can’t bring myself to write. I put myself in a situation where I have to write. I make a commitment with a friend or a group so that I have to have something written by a deadline (writing groups where you share works in progress are great for this), or promise myself a reward if I write for just five minutes. I also combine this with a change of environment. So, if I go to a cafe to write, for instance, I use the imagined judgement of strangers who might see me staring at a blank page to just force myself to begin. Sometimes you just have to trick yourself into action.

Once I start, I’m usually over the first hurdle which gives me the push I need to just keep going. Tricks and bargains can work wonders if you have the kind of brain that thrives on deadlines.

When to push through and when to pause

Sometimes, writer’s block is telling us something important. While it’s good to develop strategies to work through it, it’s equally important to know when your brain is telling you it’s time to take a break. Burnout is very real, and sometimes writer’s block is just your mind and body telling you that you’re doing to much. To know whether to push through or take a break, ask yourself:

Am I putting too much pressure on myself?

When was the last time I took a real break?

Am I trying to force a story that isn’t working?

Could I (or my project) benefit from some distance?

If you’ve got too much going on in your life, don’t be in denial about that. Be honest with yourself about your available brainpower and and mental bandwidth. Don’t force yourself to write if you have very real internal or external pressures that need to be dealt with first.

Moving forward

Remember that writer’s block isn’t permanent, even though it can feel that way. It’s a symptom of something else. Sometimes all you need is a little push to get you over the initial hurdles, but sometimes you’ll need to tackle some other things in your life to give yourself the space to be creative.

Stay flexible in your approach and be gentle with yourself. Some days, the best solution might be to push through with small, manageable writing goals. Other days, taking a complete break to recharge might be exactly what you need.

Most importantly, don’t wait for inspiration to strike. Writing is a practice, and sometimes simply showing up to the page, even when it feels difficult, is enough to get the words flowing again. The goal isn’t to write perfectly—it’s to keep writing, one word at a time.

[anthurak]

"Ozpin isn't evil, he just keeps having REALLY BAD IDEAS"

THANK YOU!!!

You have no idea how tired I am of Ozpin demonization.

Like, if he wanted to rule over Remnant as its god emperor like a lot of people seem to think he does, he would NOT have abdicated the throne to establish democracy across the globe at the end of the Great War. Nor would he take SEVERAL steps to limit his own power (as much of a control freak as Ozpin can be, it's worth noting that he ALSO doesn't trust HIMSELF with absolute power either). I've seen a LOT of great RWBY analysis posts RUINED by a completely unnecessary dig at Ozpin's "god complex" which doesn't exist in canon at all.

Even the ONE story about him accidentally starting a cult has him repeatedly telling his followers to stop worshiping him, and blaming himself for everything that went wrong.

I feel like Ozpin represents an excellent case-study on how parts of a fandom that are fixated on black-and-white-morality simply CANNOT wrap their heads around a genuinely morally-gray character.

Like Ozpin is frankly an AMAZING example of how to write a character who has done a massive amount of truly TERRIBLE things that have impacted our heroines and the world at large, to the point where he could even be reasonably considered to be one of the main antagonists of the story, all WITHOUT being an actual villain or even just a bad guy.

Oz is, at his heart a good man driven by a desperate desire to help others and save the world, who is nonetheless HORRIBLY misguided as to how he might accomplish these things. Owing to a combination of thousands of years of built up trauma and guilt, as well as a fundamental misunderstanding of his enemy that he has yet to even consider even after all this time. Which has led to Oz making COUNTLESS terrible mistakes over and over again across the millennia causing no end of hardship to many.

RWBY has a number of these sorts of characters, and Oz is one of the best cases of a character who simply CANNOT fit into a binary black-and-white ‘good guy or bad guy?’ mold.

So when fans who are wholly fixated on this idea that a character can only be either a ‘good guy’ or ‘bad guy’ try to awkwardly and violently crowbar Oz into this mold, you get either one of two results:

It’s either the ‘Oz did nothing wrong’ claim that tries to ignore literally ALL of the terrible mistakes he’s made and all the people he’s hurt in the process, and generally ends up vilifying everyone around him.

Or it’s the ‘Oz is the Ultimate Nasty Evil Big Bad of Everything’ example you listed. Which tries to ignore the very motivations that have been at the core of Oz’s character from the beginning and often tries to just tack on generic villainous traits to him just to force the mold to fit.

RWBY is a complex and nuanced show with likewise complex and nuanced characters that very deliberately do not fit into simplistic and well-known tropes and archetypes. And a sizeable chunk of ‘fans’ who are either unable or more likely simply unwilling to recognize that.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

How much/quickly do you think AI is going to expand and improve materials science? It feels like a scientific field which is already benefiting tremendously.

My initial instinct was yes, MSE is already benefiting tremendously as you said. At least in terms of the fundamental science and research, AI is huge in materials science. So how quickly? I'd say it's already doing so, and it's only going to move quicker from here. But I'm coming at this from the perspective of a metallurgist who works in/around academia at the moment, with the bias that probably more than half of my research group does computational work. So let's take a step back.

So, first, AI. It's... not a great term. So here's what I, specifically, am referring to when I talk about AI in materials science:

Most of the people I know in AI would refer to what they do as machine learning or deep learning, so machine learning tends to be what I use as a preferred term. And as you can see from the above image, it can do a lot. The thing is, on a fundamental level, materials science is all about how our 118 elements (~90, if you want to ignore everything past uranium and a few others that aren't practical to use) interact. That's a lot of combinations. (Yes, yes, we're not getting into the distinction between materials science, chemistry, and physics right now.) If you're trying to make a new alloy that has X properties and Y price, computers are so much better at running through all the options than a human would be. Or if you have 100 images you want to analyze to get grain size—we're getting to the point where computers can do it faster. (The question is, can they do it better? And this question can get complicated fast. What is better? What is the size of the grain? We're not going to get into 'ground truth' debates here though.) Plenty of other examples exist.

Even beyond the science of it all, machine learning can help collect knowledge in one place. That's what the text/literature bubble above means: there are so many old articles that don't have data attached to them, and I know people personally who are working on the problem of training systems to pull data from pdfs (mainly tables and graphs) so that that information can be collated.

I won't ramble too long about the usage of machine learning in MSE because that could get long quickly, and the two sources I'm linking here cover that far better than I could. But I'll give you this plot from research in 2019 (so already 6 years out of date!) about the growth of machine learning in materials science:

I will leave everyone with the caveat though, that when I say machine learning is huge in MSE, I am, as I said in the beginning, referring to fundamental research in the field. From my perspective, in terms of commercial applications we've still got a ways to go before we trust computers to churn out parts for us. Machine learning can tell researchers the five best element combinations to make a new high entropy alloy—but no company is going to commit to making that product until the predictions of the computer (properties, best processing routes, etc.) have been physically demonstrated with actual parts and tested in traditional ways.

Certain computational materials science techniques, like finite element analysis (which is not AI, though might incorporate it in the future) are trusted by industry, but machine learning techniques are not there yet, and still have a ways to go, as far as I'm aware.

So as for how much? Fundamental research for now only. New materials and high-throughput materials testing/characterization. But I do think, at some point, maybe ten years, maybe twenty years down the line, we'll start to see parts made whose processing was entirely informed by machine learning, possibly with feedback and feedforward control so that the finished parts don't need to be tested to know how they'll perform (see: Digital twins (Wikipedia) (Phys.org) (2022 article)). At that point, it's not a matter of whether the technology will be ready for it, it'll be a matter of how much we want to trust the technology. I don't think we'll do away with physical testing anytime soon.

But hey, that's just one perspective. If anyone's got any thoughts about AI in materials science, please, share them!

Source of image 1, 2022 article.

Source of image 2, 2019 article.

[grey-sorcery]

Title: Shadow Work: First Steps

Related Articles

Shadow Work Concepts Emanations of The Subconscious Dualities Biases in Witchcraft Finding Balance Divination Basics of Spellcasting Basics of Astral Projection Fundamentals of Energy Work Spell Design What is Witchcraft?

Important: Shadow work is in no way necessary for witchcraft. Nor should magical applications of shadow work be the crux of your self-reflection.

The concept of the shadow holds a lot of significance to most witches today. The shadow, as elucidated by Carl Jung, represents the concealed and often repressed aspects of an individual's psyche. It encompasses the less desirable qualities, such as fears, insecurities, and suppressed emotions, which are typically kept hidden from conscious awareness. Engaging in magical shadow work entails embarking upon a journey of self-discovery and self-integration, allowing individuals to explore these hidden depths in order to achieve greater personal understanding and growth. And while Jung may not have been the most savory character, his contributions were and continue to be very useful! I highly recommend looking into his ideas and how you can potentially modify them to better fit your own life.

The Shadow

The shadow, as defined and utilized in shadow work, refers to the concealed and often repressed aspects of an individual's psyche. The shadow represents the repository of thoughts, emotions, and impulses that are deemed unacceptable or incompatible with one's conscious self-image. A lot of the shadow’s characteristics are forged through traumatic experiences and manifest themselves as trauma responses. These hidden aspects of the self reside in the unconscious mind, remaining largely inaccessible to conscious awareness.

Shadow work involves a deliberate and introspective exploration of these suppressed elements. It is a process of bringing to light the aspects of ourselves that we may disown or deny, aiming to integrate them into our conscious selfhood. By engaging with the shadow, individuals gain insight into their fears, insecurities, and unresolved conflicts, shedding light on the hidden motivations behind their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This exploration of the shadow is not limited to psychological analysis alone. It encompasses various practices and techniques, such as magic, divination, self-reflection, journaling, therapy, and emotional intelligence development. Shadow work allows individuals to confront and confront their shadows in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner, promoting personal growth, self-acceptance, and authenticity.

Techniques for Exploring and Integrating the Shadow

One approach to delving into the depths of the shadow is through the practice of meditation. By cultivating a focused and contemplative state of mind, individuals can delve into their subconscious and uncover suppressed emotions, memories, and beliefs. Through consistent meditation practice, one can gradually bring these shadows into conscious awareness, allowing for a deeper understanding of oneself.

Rituals and spellwork can serve as transformative tools in shadow work. Rituals provide a structured framework within which individuals can confront and engage with their shadows. By employing symbolic gestures, such as the use of correspondences or ritual objects, or the implementation of astral projections and energy work, practitioners can externalize their inner struggles and navigate the complexities of their shadows in a controlled and intentional manner. Through spellwork, it is possible to influence the psyche, open up self awareness, make it easier to gain access to repressed memories, aid in inducing relaxed states, and form energetic representations of emotional states. 

Archetypes and symbolism serve as potent vehicles for exploring the shadow within magical practice. Archetypes represent universal patterns and primordial images that exist within the collective unconscious. By working with archetypal energies, individuals can gain insight into their own shadows and access the transformative potential residing within them. Symbolism, too, can play a central role in shadow work, as it allows practitioners to express and explore complex emotions and experiences that may be difficult to articulate directly. By utilizing symbols, such as colors, animals, or mythological motifs, individuals can unlock the safety, self-awareness, and confidence contained within their shadows.

Magical Shadow Work

One of the primary benefits of engaging in magical shadow work is the revelation of hidden aspects of the self. By courageously diving into the shadow, individuals can shed light on the suppressed emotions, desires, and beliefs that have influenced their thoughts and behaviors. This process of self-exploration enables individuals to develop a more comprehensive understanding of their true nature, promoting authenticity and self-acceptance.

Magical shadow work also holds the potential for healing past wounds and traumas. By addressing the suppressed emotions and traumas stored within the shadow, individuals can initiate a process of emotional and psychological healing. Confronting and processing these experiences in a supportive and intentional manner allows for the release of stagnant energy and the restoration of emotional well-being. Engaging with the shadow can lead to personal transformation and empowerment. As individuals become aware of and integrate their shadows, they gain the ability to reclaim the aspects of themselves that were once repressed or denied. By embracing the full spectrum of their being, individuals unlock their true potential and experience a greater sense of wholeness and authenticity.

Before engaging in magical shadow work, It would be wise to approach it mundanely first. At the very least, mundane shadow work will give you an idea of what your shadow is, the shape of it, its reactionary patterns, its roots. Without mundane shadow work, or a very experienced healer, you’ll be flying blind. Shadow work is an intimate process of getting refamiliarized with the sum total of your being, your life. If you’re ready for magical shadow work, here are some spells that can help. (Be sure that they’re of your design for best results.)

Anti-anxiety spell candle

Spell to remember dreams

Spell to make accessing sensitive memories easier

Binding your own trauma response (temporarily)

Cord cutting (Actual cord cutting, not that candle & string tiktok bs)

Glamour for self-love and acknowledgement 

Reveal truth spell

I may write some spells for this purpose, If I do, I will link them here in this section.

Mundane Shadow Work

Mundane shadow work refers to the process of exploring and integrating the hidden aspects of the self from a psychological and self-care perspective, without invoking supernatural or metaphysical beliefs. It involves delving into the unconscious patterns, beliefs, and behaviors that shape an individual's thoughts and actions; as well as taking the time to care for yourself, even when the cost required to do so means draining yourself. Unlike magical or mystical approaches, mundane shadow work focuses on psychological principles and practices to uncover and address these hidden aspects.

From a psychological standpoint, mundane shadow work involves examining the unconscious patterns and behaviors that influence an individual's life. The unconscious mind plays a vital role in shaping thoughts, emotions, and actions, often driven by deep-seated fears, unresolved conflicts, and unacknowledged desires. By exploring and understanding these unconscious elements, individuals can gain insight into the underlying motivations and dynamics that affect their daily lives. Mundane shadow work also involves exploring the impact of childhood conditioning and societal influences on one's personality and behavior. Early experiences and societal norms can shape beliefs, values, and attitudes that may be limiting or detrimental. Through introspection and analysis, individuals can identify and challenge ingrained patterns and beliefs that no longer serve their personal growth and well-being.

Self-reflection and journaling are effective practices for mundane shadow work. Taking time to reflect on thoughts, emotions, and experiences can help uncover hidden patterns and gain insight into one's motivations and reactions. Writing in a journal allows for a deeper exploration of thoughts and feelings, enabling individuals to recognize recurring themes, triggers, and patterns in their lives.

Self-care can serve as a valuable tool for shadow work, facilitating the exploration and integration of hidden aspects of the self. By engaging in self-care practices, individuals create a nurturing and supportive environment that allows for deep introspection and personal growth.

Examples of self-care as a form of shadow work include:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness cultivates awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, and sensations, creating a space for acknowledging and exploring the shadow. Meditation provides an opportunity to observe and process unconscious patterns and emotions that may arise during the practice.

2. Journaling and Reflection: Writing in a journal encourages self-reflection and can help uncover hidden aspects of the self. By expressing thoughts, emotions, and experiences on paper, individuals gain insights into their shadows and can identify recurring patterns or triggers.

3. Self-Compassion and Self-Acceptance: Embracing self-compassion and self-acceptance involves acknowledging and accepting all aspects of the self, including the shadow. By practicing self-compassion, individuals can foster a non-judgmental and nurturing attitude towards themselves, creating space for healing and growth.

4. Emotional Regulation and Boundaries: Developing emotional regulation skills allows individuals to navigate and process challenging emotions that may arise during shadow work. Setting boundaries helps establish a safe and supportive environment, protecting one's well-being and allowing for focused introspection.

5. Rest and Relaxation: Prioritizing rest and relaxation is essential for replenishing energy and fostering emotional well-being. Taking breaks, engaging in hobbies, and practicing self-care rituals such as baths or massages create a conducive environment for self-exploration and introspection.

By incorporating self-care practices into one's routine, individuals can enhance their well-being while simultaneously engaging in shadow work. These practices create a nurturing space for deep reflection, emotional processing, and personal growth. Self-care as a form of shadow work enables individuals to develop a deeper understanding and acceptance of their shadows, leading to greater self-awareness and integration.

Engaging in therapy or counseling is a valuable approach to mundane shadow work. Mental health professionals provide a supportive and objective environment where individuals can explore their unconscious patterns, childhood conditioning, and societal influences. Therapeutic techniques, such as psychodynamic therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy, can aid in uncovering and addressing underlying issues, facilitating personal growth and transformation.

Developing emotional intelligence is another crucial aspect of mundane shadow work. Emotional intelligence encompasses the ability to identify, understand, and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. By enhancing emotional awareness and regulation, individuals can gain insight into their unconscious emotional reactions and learn healthier ways of expressing and processing emotions. Practices such as mindfulness meditation, emotional regulation exercises, and empathy-building activities contribute to the development of emotional intelligence.

Mundane shadow work is an integral part of personal growth and self-actualization. By exploring and integrating the hidden aspects of the self, individuals can achieve a deeper understanding of their motivations, desires, and fears. This process fosters self-acceptance, self-compassion, and a greater sense of authenticity. Through mundane shadow work, individuals gain the opportunity to transform limiting beliefs, heal emotional wounds, and cultivate healthier relationships with themselves and others.

Similarities and Differences between Magical and Mundane Shadow Work

Magical and mundane shadow work share common goals and principles despite their different approaches. Both seek to explore and integrate the hidden aspects of the self, acknowledging the existence of unconscious patterns and behaviors that influence thoughts and actions. The shared goal is to achieve personal growth, self-awareness, and transformation. Both approaches recognize the importance of addressing suppressed emotions, traumas, and limiting beliefs for healing and achieving a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Magical shadow work often involves metaphysical or spiritual practices and rituals, whereas mundane shadow work focuses on psychological principles. In magical shadow work, practitioners may utilize meditation, visualization, energy work, rituals, and working with archetypes and symbolism.

In contrast, mundane shadow work primarily relies on psychological approaches supported by scientific research. It emphasizes self-reflection, introspection, therapy, and emotional intelligence development. Techniques such as journaling, therapy, and emotional regulation exercises are used to explore and understand unconscious patterns, childhood conditioning, and societal influences. Mundane shadow work seeks to integrate psychological principles and evidence-based practices for personal growth and transformation. Mundane shadow work can also use symbolism and work with archetypes. The shadow is an archetype, a subcategorization of the psyche. 

While magical and mundane shadow work have contrasting approaches, they also have complementary aspects that can be integrated for an approach to self-discovery and growth. Practitioners can incorporate psychological techniques into magical shadow work. For instance, individuals can use self-reflection and journaling to deepen their understanding of the symbolism and archetypes encountered in magical practices. This integration can provide a psychological framework for exploring and processing the experiences and insights gained from themagical, mystical, and metaphysical practices, enhancing self-awareness and personal growth. In mundane shadow work, practitioners can draw inspiration from the use of symbolism and archetypes in magical practices. Symbolism and archetypes provide a rich language for exploring and expressing complex emotions, experiences, and unconscious patterns. By incorporating these symbolic elements into therapy or counseling, individuals can tap into a deeper layer of self-understanding and facilitate transformative healing processes.

Both magical and mundane shadow work recognize the importance of the mind-body connection in personal growth. Engaging in practices such as meditation, mindfulness, or breathwork can foster a deeper connection with the self and facilitate emotional and psychological healing. This mind-body integration can bridge the gap between magical and mundane approaches, emphasizing the interplay of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the process of shadow work. Both require a level of intimacy and honesty that may be uncomfortable for those who are just starting. They both often involve reflecting on past traumas and how they are reacted to.  

Choosing the Right Approach

When it comes to shadow work, it is crucial to choose an approach that aligns with individual preferences, needs, and goals. While both magical and mundane methods offer unique perspectives, it is essential to consider personal inclinations and strike a balance between the two. However, prioritizing mundane approaches for mental health considerations is of utmost importance. Without professional guidance, a practitioner may end up hurting themselves more than healing. Especially for younger practitioners. 

Each individual has their own preferences and inclinations when it comes to self-exploration and personal growth. Some may resonate more with the mystical and metaphysical aspects of magical shadow work, while others may find solace and effectiveness in the practical and evidence-based approaches of mundane shadow work. It is essential to honor these individual preferences and inclinations when selecting an approach to shadow work.

Before starting shadow work, it is vital to identify personal needs, goals, traumas, boundaries, and influences. What aspects of the self do you wish to explore? Are you seeking healing from past traumas or a deeper understanding of your unconscious patterns? Understanding your specific needs and goals can help determine the most suitable approach for your shadow work journey. Finding a balance between magical and mundane approaches can provide a well-rounded and comprehensive experience. The metaphysical aspects of magical shadow work can offer a sense of awe, wonder, and connection to something greater than oneself. On the other hand, the psychological grounding of mundane shadow work can provide a practical framework for understanding and integrating the shadow. By incorporating elements from both approaches, individuals can tap into their intuition while also utilizing evidence-based practices for self-discovery and personal growth.

While both magical and mundane approaches have their merits, prioritizing mundane approaches to mental health is crucial. Mundane shadow work is rooted in psychological principles and has a strong evidence base. Engaging in therapy or counseling, utilizing psychological techniques, and focusing on emotional well-being are essential components of addressing mental health concerns. It is important to recognize that while magical shadow work may provide spiritual or mystical insights, it should not be relied upon as a sole solution for mental health challenges. By prioritizing mundane approaches to mental health, individuals can ensure they receive the necessary support and guidance from qualified professionals. Therapeutic interventions provide a safe and structured environment for exploring the depths of the shadow, addressing past traumas, and developing healthier coping mechanisms. Taking care of one's mental well-being is paramount and should not be overshadowed by the allure of magical or mystical practices alone.

How Shadow Work Enhances Magical Practice

Shadow work, with its focus on exploring and integrating the hidden aspects of the self, can significantly improve magical practice in various ways. By delving into the depths of the shadow, practitioners can enhance magical potency, deepen their connection to their own practice, and develop self-awareness regarding potential negative influences on their spellwork, metaphysics, and magical praxis.

Shadow work can enhance magical potency by addressing and transforming the unconscious patterns, fears, and limiting beliefs that may hinder the effectiveness of magical practice. When practitioners engage in shadow work, they uncover and work through these hidden aspects, allowing them to reclaim personal power and align their intentions and energies more effectively. By integrating the shadow, practitioners can cultivate a greater sense of authenticity, clarity, and focus, thereby magnifying the potency of their magical endeavors.

Shadow work offers a unique opportunity to deepen the connection one has to their own magical practice. By exploring the depths of the shadow, practitioners gain insights into their motivations, desires, and fears that may unconsciously influence their magical workings. This self-exploration allows practitioners to align their magical practice with their true selves, fostering a deeper sense of connection, purpose, and resonance. By integrating the shadow, practitioners can cultivate a more authentic and fulfilling magical journey.

Engaging in shadow work helps practitioners become self-aware of potential negative influences on their spellwork, metaphysics, and magical praxis. The shadow, with its hidden and repressed aspects, can manifest in unintended ways within magical practice. By exploring the shadow, practitioners can bring these influences into conscious awareness, thereby minimizing their detrimental effects. This self-awareness enables practitioners to identify and address biases, unresolved traumas, and unacknowledged emotions that may impact their magical workings. By integrating the shadow, practitioners can ensure that their spellwork and metaphysical understanding align with their authentic selves, promoting ethical, balanced, and effective magical praxis.

To become self-aware of the shadow's potential negative influence, practitioners can engage in regular self-reflection, journaling, and introspection. They can analyze their magical experiences, observe recurring patterns or emotional reactions, and critically evaluate their intentions and motivations. Seeking feedback from trusted peers or mentors can also provide valuable insights and help uncover blind spots or unconscious biases. By developing this self-awareness, practitioners can actively work towards minimizing negative influences and ensuring their magical practice aligns with their true values and intentions.

Tips for Shadow Work

Prepare by gathering comforting items and keeping them close by so they can be used afterwards.

Bathe afterwards (This may not be helpful if you suffer from dysphoria)

Practice regular meditation so that it becomes easier

Take notes during solo shadow work practices in order to discuss the points with a therapist.

Analyze personal biases and preconceptions to prevent them from influencing your exploration.

Understand intersectionality and how it affects your life.

Utilize symbols and archetypes without ascribing unnecessary magical attributes to them.

Cultivate emotional awareness, empathy, and self-regulation.

Seek information from various disciplines, including psychology, history, and ethics, and apply critical thinking to what you read.

Stay open to different viewpoints and be willing to modify your beliefs as you learn.

Dedicate time to reflection and self-assessment to facilitate growth.

Strive for authenticity rather than attempting to conform to any particular spiritual or magical tradition.

Understand your limits and maintain healthy boundaries in your practices.

Recognize that tools and accessories can aid practice but are not inherently magical. They only serve to support headspace.

Share your findings and thoughts with a professional for feedback.

Recognize the cultural origins of various practices and treat them with respect.

Distinguish between metaphorical and literal interpretations to prevent falling into delusions, especially for those with a mental illness.

Extend compassion to yourself and others, recognizing that shadow work can be a challenging process.

Understand that shadow work leads to change, and be willing to embrace it.

Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or community.

Keeping a journal aids in tracking progress and thoughts.

Acknowledge your responsibility for your actions and beliefs.

Understand that complex phenomena cannot be reduced to overly simplistic explanations.

Seek out primary sources when researching different traditions.

Utilize both logic and intuition in a balanced way.

Recognize how language shapes thought and be mindful of your word choices.

Understand historical practices in their proper context without romanticizing them.

Recognize the metaphorical nature of certain concepts without taking them literally.

If using substances to aid in exploration, do so responsibly and with awareness of potential risks. It is unwise to employ alcohol consumption for shadow work.

Establish a physical and emotional environment that feels safe and conducive to exploration.

Stay clear of pseudoscientific explanations and theories. Especially those originating from New Age “Spirituality”.

Understand that shadow work can be taxing and prioritize self-care.

Recognize the limits of personal understanding and be humble in your approach.

Embrace a nuanced view that avoids rigid binary classifications.

Familiarize yourself with psychological theories that pertain to consciousness and the unconscious.

Be aware of the tendency to seek information that confirms pre-existing beliefs.

Recognize the connection between body and mind and engage in physical activities that promote well-being.

Recognize and avoid superstitions that might influence rational thinking.

Understand how societal norms and constructs can shape personal beliefs and behaviors.

If using visualization, do so with an understanding of its psychological basis rather than mystical.

Recognize the multifaceted nature of human personality and experience.

Be willing to change directions in your practice if something is not working, regardless of the time and effort invested.

Establish a consistent routine that supports your shadow work practice.

Maintain a strong connection to reality, recognizing the symbolic or metaphorical nature of many spiritual or magical concepts

See if this post updated

Interested in my other articles? You can find my masterpost here.

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[writing-for-life]

Nuance in (The Sandman) Fandom

Send me asks about everything Sandman-related!

I thought a lot over the past few days, partly prompted by discourse on here, partly due to a couple of “interesting” asks and messages I received (the type you don’t answer). I *think* they might have been prompted by engaging in discourse on topics like anti-blackness/racism, misogyny/sexism, TERF characters etc in The Sandman.

Fandoms are always getting super sensitive if someone shines a critical lens on their favourite works, authors and characters. So to make this clear (in case it isn’t already obvious from my brain-rot blog):

I love The Sandman. I love Neil Gaiman. I have an extremely soft spot for Dream (and Desire btw, who deserves a lot more character analysis than just being summed up as “villainous, sexy bitch”. One day, perhaps ;)).

I can read The Sandman and just get lost in the story, even after decades and many rereads. 

But I can also view it through a critical lens—these things aren’t mutually exclusive.

Not critical enough or too critical?

As fans, we can get trapped in certain thinking patterns, like:

“My blorbo can do no wrong”-syndrome 

“Characters with flaws are inherently problematic and imply authorial endorsement of those actions” 

“Characterisation and problematic subtext are one and the same” (aka overanalysing and looking for problems where there are none is the death of every story, but failing to see problematic patterns where they are clearly visible is a problem, too).

Don't say anything bad about my favourite character

I think this doesn’t need much further exploration. It’s not my personal way of looking at stories through permanently rose-tinted glasses (I always feel it stalls my experience, but my experience is not everyone else's). Some people prefer that type of escapism, and I’m good with that (although the downside is of course that by not willing to engage with issues, we can unwillingly perpetuate them). Live and let live, ship and let sail. But please, for the love of god: Don’t insult people via their inboxes or messages just because their opinions and preferences don’t align with yours. I’m not going to sugarcoat it or phrase it “nicely”: It’s infantile (and a form of bullying btw), end of.

How can you even like a character who's so horrible? And that author must be equally horrible, too

We have to separate flawed characters, even those who are written to be really problematic, from real-life endorsement of these actions. 

Author, narrator and character are three fundamentally different things, and don’t overlap as much as some people seem to think. 

We can write vile, despicable characters to make a point (for me, Thessaly was always a prime example for this, and I explained why here). We probably hate them as we write them. I don’t know what else to say, but this facet of writing seems to get more and more lost on people, and it’s a worry. Crying for sanitised characterisation is one step away from censorship. We explore what is problematic about people and humanity through story. That’s how we process and learn. It’s nothing new, but it becomes impossible if we can’t write flawed and even disgusting characters. 

Face value…

Since I’m mostly in The Sandman fandom, I often read that its ending is hopeless, and that’s supposedly the entire message. 

It is agonisingly sad, yes. But is it truly hopeless? I personally see it as quite the opposite, but of course that’s my opinion, coloured by my life experiences.

I also get that show-only fans often haven’t read the comics, or at least not the whole arc. And as such, their outlook from what they’ve seen so far (and choose to focus on) has to be different by default. I also understand that many people are quite new to the comics, even if they have read them in their entirety. I’ve sat with them for 30 years, and I still find new things on every reread (and I read it more times than anyone should 🙈), and I still don’t feel like I’ve understood it all. Perhaps because I still haven’t fully understood myself (and it’s unlikely I ever will). If there’s one thing The Sandman isn’t, it’s one-dimensional and easy to grasp in its whole depth.

I just wrote a ginormous meta on it, if you’re interested, it’s here:

Subtext, (not so) glorious subtext

This is where it gets complicated:

We shouldn’t mix up characterisation and story subtext. Overanalysing every line to death will always make us find something that’s “problematic”, when it really isn’t in the wider context of the story.

Zooming in is NOT always a good thing. Sometimes, we actually need to zoom out. 

But subtext *can be* (accidentally) problematic. Even in stories we love. And none of this negates what I previously wrote.

Stories have real-life implications of sorts, and we need to be able to talk about it. That’s where those slightly flabbergasting, hostile inbox messages come in, and I want to expand on that "topic of contention" a bit:

Neil himself confirmed that the Endless basically warp reality, and that this is why, after Dream’s failed relationship with Nada, many black women in his vicinity suffer terrible fates (Ruby and Carla in particular). And that this spell is only broken when he dies, and that it is the reason why Gwen doesn’t suffer the same fate. And said Gwen then gets used as a plot device to basically absolve Hob (who canonically really is a problematic character, whether show-only fans like it or not) from his slaver past. Once again, very clearly: No one is making this up. Neil confirmed it (for the comics, and that was over 20 years ago. It remains to be seen if his stance has changed as we move into that arc in the TV show).

I don't think it is correct to imply that Dream as a character is racist (I've read that, too) because he logically can’t be. He holds *all* the collective unconscious. He is also, strictly speaking, not white. He is everything and nothing, and he shows up in many different ethnicities throughout the whole arc, depending on who looks at him. But Neil played with a subtext here (reality warping due to a bad relationship which then affects everyone with similar physical traits) that will read very differently to a black person than it reads to a white person, and we have to understand why that is an *extremely* slippery slope.

Plus, we are supposed to see Hob, who *was* a racist at some point (you can’t not be if you’re a slave-trader—it’s impossible by default) as redeemed. And yes, he *does* regret deeply, good for him (and if I were saying this aloud, you would hear the sarcasm in my voice, because it is indeed all about him. We are to sympathise/empathise with him and his character growth while there isn’t much mention of the people he maltreated). But also: it was a black woman who basically forgave him (with dialogue that personally makes me cringe). And that black woman who offers forgiveness is not truly a black woman—she is a character written by a white man. And as much as author and character are not the same (see above), there is an inherent sensitivity in that power imbalance that we can't brush under the carpet.

I don’t think Neil is racist. Probably quite the opposite, and I can even see that his intentions were good from a storytelling point of view. BUT intention and impact are two fundamentally different things, and telling the story this way (comic version) betrays blindspots only white people have. Just like women have blindspots when they tell stories about men, and men have blindspots when they tell stories about women (and there are a few of those in The Sandman, too). And and and…

As storytellers, we can’t always speak from lived experience. It’s impossible. And that also means we occasionally make mistakes that look bad in hindsight, even if our intentions were good.

I guess the proof is in the pudding: What do we do when people who *have* that lived experience tell us it looks bad? If they inform us why it is hurtful, plays into old stereotypes etc?

Are we willing to listen and yield (both are the foundations of allyship btw), or are we insisting that our viewpoint as someone *without* lived experience is right? That lived experience extends to all lived experiences (sex/gender, sexual orientation, age...), and from all we’ve heard from Neil so far, it seems important to him to rewrite what he sees differently today. Whether they’ll always get it right for the show—we’ll see. At the moment, it looks a lot better than in the comics, and certain issues are already being handled with a lot more sensitivity, but a few problems remain.

Pushing back on criticism that comes from people with lived experience is problematic—I’d encourage us to think about what it looks like if a white majority in the fandom is basically saying that the opinions of POC are essentially “overreactions” (and yes, that happened).

It’s complicated. The Sandman was written in a different time, and I think we have to distinguish between things that weren’t really problematic at the time but have aged poorly (again, Thessaly springs to mind, and I have lived experience as a queer person during that time, so I can see it in context while at the same time acknowledging that I would make changes to bring it to the present day), and things that were always a problem due to blindspots. They were a problem in 1990, and if they don’t get changed, they are still a problem today.

This fandom is generally so much more open and nicer than others I know. But that doesn’t mean it’s infallible, because it’s full of humans. 

Nuance is sorely needed, in both story interpretation and interaction between said humans.

[galacticlamps]

Three: The Themes & 6b

[Context] // <<previous bit // next bit>>

[[Here I'm just gonna copy that final paragraph from the last part bc like I said, the thought process wasn't really intended to be broken up like this but I don't wanna make it longer writing a better transition]]

For all the more superficial similarities, for all the analysis on how the narrative structures of each serve to bolster the most interesting aspects of these characters where another might have compressed them or just neglected to turn them into something so striking and developed - actually, at the end of the day, the real reason Two & Jamie and Edwin & Charles resonate so strongly is because they are, ultimately, alone together (and always both at once) in a way that sets them apart from other characters in the same or even more visibly-similar fictional scenarios.

And of course that's so deeply related to the rules of their universes, and the very particular niche they each inhabit there, even though it seemed like none of that mattered too much at the start. Why should it have? They aren't royalty in some high-fantasy epic or major players in a hard-science fictional satire - for all the ways that they're ultimately revealed to be Different, unique, changed by their experiences or else just misfits and outsiders of a kind to begin with (and sometimes all of the above) - they are also very crucially just normal guys, who want most of all to be left alone to get on with their (after)lives - together. It's right that we meet them & grow accustomed to them first on their own terms - traveling randomly through time and space, or taking cases in London's supernatural community - before we learn about the Time Lords or the Afterlife's Lost & Found Department, and the degree to which their way of existing is so deeply condemned in-universe.

For Two & Jamie, the fullness of this realization comes rather late in the day, but - again, connected to the way television was made in their era - the reveal of the Time Lords & their strict non-interference policy was a direct by-product of and natural next-step for the Doctor's story as it had been taking shape throughout the 60s already, so I have no issues with retroactively taking it into consideration when viewing the Second Doctor's entire tenure. (For what it's worth, I think it's also significant that most people viewing 60s Who these days aren't picking it up at random either - it's safe to assume some familiarity with the modern show's premise, which includes a general sense of taboo surrounding the Time Lords & altering history to begin with - but I digress).

By the time Two shows up on the scene, we already know life on the Tardis is inherently transitory - it's a travel story, first and foremost, but it's also significant for having no set or even proposed end destination. Companions have been coming & going for years, and we've just learned that even the Doctor can fully reinvent himself, even if he won't literally disappear (looking at you, Celestial Toymaker). We know it's itinerant, and not meant to last. Still, in the form of Jamie joining in his second-ever story and remaining longer than any other companion ever had or will more than 50 years (& counting) later, we begin to see a really clear stability emerge from that setup - a change so constant, it becomes its own kind of permanence. Tardis life already has a certain liminal, not-quite-normal - even allowing for the scifi of it it all - quality to it, which these characters seem to be wrangling into the shape of a home against all odds, well before we meet the Time Lords.

Once we do, the rest slides into place straightforwardly enough: the image of the Doctor as a fugitive of this all-powerful but distant, cold, unfeeling culture. The fact that no one great event (a war had often been speculated, before) led to his flight, since all he cites to his companions & while on trial are disagreements over their fundamental philosophy of Not Getting Involved. And what could make more sense? If there's one thing we know about the Doctor - any Doctor, but certainly this Doctor - it's that he meddles. He gets involved, he gets attached to people, he brings them out of their assigned place in space and time, often willingly now, and has come to care about them and feel at home among them in a way that we're not surprised to hear is definitely not sanctioned by the world he comes from.

The change we've watched the character undergo since 1963 is much larger than the change between William Hartnell & Patrick Troughton. Instead, it's an arc both of them have been playing all along - the only sensible conclusion to reach, really, considering the shape of a show that opened with Ian & Barbara joining him: companions make us better people, change the way we look at the world, turn us into fuller versions of ourselves. Getting involved is messy - comes with all kinds of complications, ranging from keeping history on-track to watching out for all the tricky human emotions that come into play once people begin becoming important to one another - but at the end of the day, is also worth all the bother in the world.

Doctor Who the show has been so pro-getting-involved since the instant it started with two concerned but nosy schoolteachers poking around a junkyard - and the Second Doctor exemplifies this so well in his character, more madcap and undignified than his predecessor, flying by the seat of his pants a bit more, it's true, but also freer and happier with himself and his companions - of course the greatest threat to him, and the thing that both created him and sent him running, is a society where meddling is anathema, and permanently cut-off erasure (of the War Lord, of your own memories, of the person you are right now, even) is at once the most serious punishment they have, and the preferred method by which they set things "right."

It's large part of why The War Games feels like a deeply queer story, casting a queer light both backwards & forwards over the rest of the series, before we even go anywhere near considering if the two guys at its center, fighting to remain part of each other's lives in a world insistent there is no room for something as simple and harmless as that, would ever do anything we'd categorize as "actually" gay.

It's also why I think 6b is as attractive a concept as it has proven to be in the years since, as a subject for fanwork & official spinoff material alike. We've gotten more 'canon' stories detailing it in some pretty recent years, but even before that, the bones of the idea were clear enough, and it never just existed as a theory because anybody was really desperate to have more gaps in which to set potential Two & Jamie stories - including the one the show itself had given us in 1985 (Simon Guerrier took a shot at making that actually work within the confines of Season 5 in an audio drama in 2015; it did nothing to detract from the appeal of 6b, which is currently the setting of Big Finish's ongoing Second Doctor range). It's because putting a figure like Two - the misfit, outsider, sympathetic meddling 'cosmic hobo' - into conjunction with the Time Lords at their most all-powerful and controlling, is a recipe for a very particular kind of drama. Positioning him there with Jamie only adds to the layers in which they're both bound.

It's a way for this Doctor to be more in control of his travels than he ever was (we can't forget that the tv Tardis of the 60s was 100% unpredictable), but also to give him Serious Boundaries in a way he never had to deal with before, either. The two of them are freer, in some ways, and absolutely trapped in others. They're 'doing good' in the sense that, by definition, we know missions the Time Lords send them on would be carried out with or without their (ironically now state-approved) involvement, but with them & their hard-won more human approach, we can hope they'll be handled with a compassion and care that would otherwise be absent. It lends totally new aspects to their characters, simply having that kind of responsibility, that stamp officialness but lack of authority, new situations they can be forced to deal with - and yet it does so while just reiterating and reinforcing that central premise we loved about them before - two constants in a world of danger and adversity, making an impact and caring (about the worlds they visit, and about each other) under conditions they're really not supposed to be okay with. They are always generally presumed to be happy that they're together in this situation, because that must be one of the few bright sides to being stuck under the thumb of the people most dangerous to them, and likely why they submit to it in the first place.

Do I even need to type out the words "they should want to move on but don't, because they have each other" for it to become clear why this setup was what came to mind while watching the ghost boys struggle to carry out their business?

[Context] // <<previous bit // next bit>>

[h-doodles]

BREAKING MY SILENCE!!!

sorry im late but i was spamming one bestie with some more analysis thoughts on the borb while half scrolling through my fyp bc i do curate my experience ya know. BUT YOU GUYS. EVERYONE TAKE SEVERAL STEPS BACK AND A DEEP BREATH.

@oneginn I get your point and your post and I respect that, and I personally apologize for the boundaries that were set off with regards to some of my reblogs! I do recognize romanticizing toxic behaviors is BAD and a point of extreme concern, especially in real life! HOWEVER, at the same time, like you said! exploring and liking the darker themes are a thing, and fundamentally, people expressing their thoughts about it is part of the process, especially when writing about it in fiction. I believe that as long we do recognize the proper warnings AND DO give warnings, it's perfectly sane for people to post whatever in our personal blogs. Not to mention that while fiction has the ability to influence reality, some times fiction IS just fiction, and saying this from a place of love: IT'S NOT ALWAYS THAT DEEP. Sometimes the girlies just want some unhinged absolute gratitious smut, some girlies want the most heart wrenching traumatizing angst, some people want the most rancid and unhealthy parts to see how worse they can go, and some girlies want the soft slice of life absolute peaceful fluff AND that's why fiction is great, it can contain ANYTHING! Of course, it is still important to keep a critical lens on everything we read, but it's also important to keep in mind that it's a space where people can explore their boundaries SAFELY.

@shortstrawberry GIRL. when you said that i couldn't help but agree for a hot moment, bc EVERYONE needs a chill pill. But at the same time the arguement that it's just fiction isn't gonna cut it, bc there are too many flavors of fiction for people NOT to react. Thus, my earlier statements: that Fiction is a safe place to explore one's thoughts, no matter how dark it gets, but at the same time we have the responsibility in learning to recognize that there are still certain critical thinking we MUST do in order to properly handle such things. Not everyone is comfortable in what we create, and thus warnings need be applied. But otherwise, it's free real estate!!!

ALSO ough what anyone writes OR creates doesn't reflect their mental health or mental state!!!!!!!!! please you guys. sometimes exploring the possibilities is just that. EXPLORING. it doesn't mean the creator is a monster or a freak for making it. all content is a piece of artistic rendition, and just because the message is unpalatable to your senses doesnt mean it's garbage, nor of need to be censored. If you don't like it, simply click block and go!!!!!

As for the rest of the reblogs in the respective posts. Y'ALL. you dont WANT to start the kinkshaming discourse. But i'm on the side of NO kink shaming. As long as it's safe, sane, and consensual, who are YOU to judge the people involved? ... Don't forget the roots of the queer community. Our lifestyle was just kink to the majority then, and still is perceived by many conservatives as such. LEARN.

[dogsliampaynedoesntinstagram]

Do you have any thoughts on makeup and its connection to femininity and people who say makeup isn’t meant to satisfy men, it’s for enjoyment/fun etc? Not sure if I’m clear

I have so many thoughts about makeup anon. I've been really distressed to watch both the amount of beauty work expected of women and the gap between the beauty work expected of women and the beauty work expected of men grow over the last couple of decades. To make it worse there has been a really active effort to deploy rhetoric that sounds feminist to mystify what is actually going on.

Your ask is a really good place to start - because you are asking about an idea that is part of that process of mystification. The idea that motivation for why someone is participating in beauty culture is important is fundamentally individualistic. It suggests that both the problem and the solution with beauty culture is individual - and actively shuts down structural analysis.

In our culture, make-up is both an expense and a form of labour that falls disproportionately on women. In a lot of circumstances make-up isn't optional for women, and in many, many more it doesn't feel optional. That's political problem that needs to be solved - the compulsory nature of beauty work and disproportionate burden on women. Individual motivation isn't important politically and doesn't change that underlying dynamic.

Part of the problem is that it is very hard to find places to collectively fight the rising demands of beauty culture. I really like Jessica DeFino's work - and strongly recommend it - but her solutions are often focused on individuals disinvesting from beauty culture. It's really important that there are voices doing this - particularly in a world where people will with all seriousness suggest that skincare is feminism.

But I don't know what the political solution would be. I don't know how to fight the uneven and compulsory burden of beauty on women in a collective way. I maybe have some ideas for first steps, but the problem is obviously much bigger than these ideas

Fight where beauty work is actually compulsory. Usually the compulsory nature of femininity is a bit of a metaphor - there are consequences for not performing femininity - rather than explicit power structures. But there are plenty of places, particularly workplaces, where beauty work is compulsory. Seeing fights against compulsory make-up and unequal dress-codes as important political fights - and mobilising solidarity when they happen - is an important first step.

Build a feminist movement that cannot be co-opted by the beauty industry - and actively work against that co-option. A large part of that is rejecting individualism (a great start is reading the actual personal is political essay and grappling with how distorted those ideas have come). Feminism isn't about what we do as individuals (or even worse what other people do as individuals) - but about how we collectively build a better world.

Take the question of how to challenge beauty culture seriously and collectively. Acknowledge that we don't know how to change it at the moment and form groups that discuss that question.

But the most important starting point is that it doesn't matter how women personally engage in beauty culture as individuals, or why. What matters is the fact that beauty work is both compulsory and an uneven burden.

[thefieldgroup]

Angel Investing 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Startup Funding

Introduction

In the dynamic world of startups, securing funding is often a pivotal challenge. Angel investing has emerged as a crucial avenue for early-stage companies seeking capital to fuel their growth. This guide delves into the fundamentals of angel investing, its role in the startup ecosystem, and how organizations like The Field Group facilitate connections between investors and promising startups.

What Is Angel Investing?

Angel investing involves individuals, known as angel investors, providing capital to startups in exchange for equity ownership or convertible debt. These investors typically step in during the early stages of a company's development, often when traditional funding avenues are inaccessible. The primary motivation for angel investors is the potential for high returns on investment, coupled with the opportunity to mentor and support innovative entrepreneurs.

The Role of Angel Investors in the Startup Ecosystem

Angel investors play a multifaceted role beyond merely providing capital. They often bring valuable industry experience, strategic guidance, and a network of contacts that can be instrumental for startups. Their involvement can significantly enhance a startup's credibility and attractiveness to future investors.

How The Field Group Facilitates Angel Investing

The Field Group serves as a bridge between angel investors and startups, streamlining the investment process. By leveraging their extensive network and industry expertise, The Field Group identifies high-potential startups and connects them with suitable investors. This partnership ensures that both parties can navigate the complexities of early-stage investments with confidence.

Understanding Angel Investment

Angel investment is characterized by its focus on early-stage companies with high growth potential. Unlike venture capital, which often involves larger sums and later-stage investments, angel investing is more accessible to individual investors and can be tailored to specific industries or sectors.

Ready to Explore Angel Investing?

If you're interested in supporting innovative startups and potentially earning high returns, The Field Group can help you get started. Our team connects investors with promising early-stage companies, providing guidance throughout the investment process.

Connect with The Field Group Today

Business Angel Investment Strategies

Successful angel investors employ various strategies to maximize returns and minimize risks:

Diversification: Investing in a range of startups across different industries to spread risk.

Active Involvement: Offering mentorship and strategic advice to portfolio companies.

Due Diligence: Conducting thorough research and analysis before committing capital.

Exit Planning: Planning for potential exit strategies, such as acquisitions or public offerings.

Business Angel Investment Trends

The landscape of angel investing is continually evolving. Key trends shaping the industry include:

Sector Specialization: An increasing number of angel investors are focusing on specific industries where they have expertise. 

Diversity and Inclusion: There's a growing emphasis on supporting underrepresented founders and promoting diversity within the startup ecosystem.

Impact Investing: Investors are increasingly interested in startups that align with their values, focusing on social and environmental impact.

Angel Investing Strategies

Effective angel investing requires a strategic approach:

Networking: Building relationships with other investors and industry professionals.

Continuous Learning: Staying informed about market trends and emerging technologies.

Risk Management: Implementing strategies to mitigate potential losses, such as co-investing with others.

The Future of Angel Investing

Looking ahead, angel investing is poised for continued growth:

Global Expansion: Increased access to international markets and startups.

Technological Integration: Utilization of digital platforms and tools to streamline the investment process.

Regulatory Developments: Evolving laws and regulations that impact angel investing activities.

Conclusion

Angel investing offers a unique opportunity for individuals to support innovation and entrepreneurship while potentially achieving significant financial returns. Organizations like The Field Group play a vital role in connecting angel investors with startups, facilitating a mutually beneficial relationship that drives economic growth and innovation.

Faqs:

1. What Is Angel Investing?

Angel investing involves high-net-worth individuals, known as angel investors, providing capital to early-stage startups in exchange for equity or convertible debt. These investors typically seek high-growth potential companies and often offer mentorship alongside funding.

2. What Are the Main Benefits of Angel Investing?

Capital Access: Provides startups with necessary funds during early stages when other financing options may be limited.

Expert Guidance: Offers entrepreneurs valuable industry insights and strategic advice.

Networking Opportunities: Connects startups with a broader network of potential partners, customers, and future investors.

3. What Are the Risks Associated with Angel Investing?

Angel investing is inherently risky, with many startups failing to achieve profitability. Investors should be prepared for the possibility of losing their entire investment. It's recommended that angel investors allocate no more than 5-8% of their portfolio to this asset class.

[networkbloger]

Getting Started with Network Design 🧠🌐

#coding#programming#orhanergun#webdev

Are you building a scalable and secure network for the first time? Here's a beginner-friendly guide to get you started with network design fundamentals.

🧩 What Is Network Design? Network design is the process of planning the structure of a computer network—whether it's for a small office, a campus, or a global enterprise. It involves identifying business needs, selecting hardware/software, and defining how devices will communicate.

Think of it as an architect’s blueprint—only for data, not buildings.

🧱 Core Components of a Network Before diving into design, it’s important to know what makes up a network:

Routers: Connect different networks together.

Switches: Connect devices within the same network.

Firewalls: Protect your network from unauthorized access.

Access Points: Allow wireless devices to connect to the network.

Cabling or Wireless Links: Physical or radio-based communication paths.

🗺️ Step-by-Step: Designing a Basic Network Here’s a simplified roadmap to start designing a small to medium-sized network:

Define Requirements Ask:

How many users or devices will connect?

What are the performance needs? (e.g., speed, uptime)

Are there remote or mobile users?

What applications will run on this network?

Create a Network Topology Choose a logical layout:

Star topology: Common and simple (e.g., one central switch).

Mesh topology: High redundancy (used in critical systems).

Hybrid: A mix of both, which is common in larger setups.

Tip: Use tools like draw.io or Cisco Packet Tracer to visualize your design.

Select Hardware and IP Schema Choose devices based on your budget and needs:

Cisco, Juniper, MikroTik (enterprise)

TP-Link, Ubiquiti (SMBs)

Plan IP addressing:

Use private IP ranges (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24)

Avoid IP conflicts using DHCP or static planning.

Add Security Layers Firewalls, VLANs, and ACLs (Access Control Lists)

Enable port security on switches

Use VPNs for remote access

Plan for Scalability and Redundancy Design with future growth in mind

Consider redundant links and failover strategies (e.g., dual routers)

🧪 Test Your Design Use simulation tools:

Cisco Packet Tracer

GNS3

EVE-NG

Before deploying a real network, simulate traffic, check for bottlenecks, and validate security.

🛠️ Tools to Help You Design Tool Purpose Cisco Packet Tracer Network simulation SolarWinds IPAM IP address management Wireshark Network traffic analysis draw.io Network diagrams

📌 Final Thoughts Network design is more than just connecting wires—it's about planning for performance, security, and growth. Whether you’re building a home lab or laying out an enterprise infrastructure, starting with a solid design can save you from major headaches later.

If you're just getting started, experiment, document everything, and stay curious. 💡

[boldlycyberdimension]

Fashion Designing: Your Creative Journey Into Style

Fashion designing is not just about drawing beautiful clothes – it is the art of bringing imagination to life through fabric, color, and form. Whether you dream of starting your own clothing line or simply want to understand the creative process behind your favorite outfits, the world of fashion design offers endless possibilities for artistic expression. What Does a Fashion Designer Actually Do? Fashion designers are visual storytellers who transform ideas into wearable art. They research trends, sketch concepts, select fabrics, and oversee the entire creation process from the initial idea to the finished garment. A typical day might involve sketching new designs, meeting with manufacturers, choosing color palettes, or fitting garments on models. This role is broader than creativity – designers must understand business aspects such as cost analysis, market research, and consumer preferences. They work closely with pattern makers, seamstresses, and marketing teams to bring their vision to market.

Essential Skills for Every Fashion Designer Creative Vision: The ability to visualize concepts and translate them into tangible designs is fundamental. This includes an understanding of proportion, color theory, and aesthetic balance. Technical Drawing: Fashion illustration and technical plane drawing are essential to clearly communicate ideas to designers and pattern makers. Textile Knowledge: An understanding of different fabrics, their properties, and the way they hang and move is essential to successful design creation. Sewing Skills: Although not all designers sew their own pieces, an understanding of construction techniques is helpful in creating realistic, manufacturable designs. Trend Awareness: Staying up to date with fashion trends, cultural movements, and consumer behavior helps designers create relevant, marketable pieces. Business Acumen: An understanding of the commercial side, including pricing, production costs, and market positioning, is vital to career success. Getting Started: Your First Steps Build your foundation: Start with basic drawing classes and fashion illustration courses. Practice shapes and garment details daily to develop your visual communication skills. Learn the basics: Take sewing classes or online tutorials to understand garment construction. Even basic skills will significantly improve your design process. Study fashion history: Understanding how fashion has evolved helps inform your design decisions and provides inspiration for future creations. Build a portfolio: Document your ideas, sketches, and any completed projects. A strong portfolio is a must for fashion school applications or job interviews. Experiment with materials: Visit fabric stores, feel different textures, and understand how various materials behave. This practical experience is invaluable. Academic path Although formal education isn't always necessary, fashion design programs provide structured education and valuable networking opportunities. Many successful designers hold degrees from fashion institutes, while others are self-taught or learned through apprenticeships.

Fashion schools provide access to professional tools, experienced instructors, and industry contacts. However, online courses, workshops, and mentoring programs can also provide quality education at a lower cost.

Building Your Career The fashion industry offers a variety of career paths beyond designing for major fashion houses. You can work for retail brands, start your own label, become a freelance designer, or specialize in areas like apparel design, sustainable fashion, or technical wear.

Networking is extremely important in fashion. Attend industry events, connect with other designers, and build relationships with suppliers and manufacturers. Social media platforms like Instagram have also become powerful tools for showcasing work and building a following.

The Future of Fashion Design Today's fashion landscape emphasizes sustainability, inclusivity, and technology integration. Modern designers must consider environmental impact, diverse body types, and innovative materials such as smart clothing or recycled textiles.

Three-dimensional design software and virtual fitting technology are revolutionizing the design process, while direct-to-consumer sales models are transforming the way designers reach customers.

Fashion designing combines artistic creativity with practical problem-solving, providing a career path that is both personally satisfying and potentially lucrative. Whether you're sketching your first design or planning your fashion empire, remember that every successful designer started with a single creative spark and the determination to bring their vision to life.

[bettsfic]

When analyzing work(television, novels, short stories, maybe even songs), do you have a system in how you do it?

generally you use some kind of lens (in the form of a specific literary theory) through which to view the media. so you could do, say, a marxist analysis of a tv show using marxist theory. the process can look something like:

step one: learn a theory.

step two: identify the fundamental aspects of that theory in some sort of media.

step three: ask yourself, "to what end?" as in, now that you've identified the key aspects of a theory in a text, why is it important?

step four: make a Point about it

for example, let's say you're doing a rhetorical analysis of a pet adoption commercial. you'd probably quickly identify pathos (an appeal to emotions) in the barrage of images of sad animals in cages. you can then make some assertion about why that particular appeal works, and then extend it outward to the idea that these PSAs are so effective that they've become iconic, particularly the one with "i will remember you" playing over it.

for another example, let's say you're writing a meta of a film you like. you may have some sort of pepe-silvia-wall Point to make about it, and maybe without consciously realizing it, you've viewed it through a theory, even if it's a theory you only know by osmosis from having read other metas or headcanons. when you go to make your Point, you usually lay out your evidence in support of it in the hope of convincing other people of your interpretation. and that's analysis, babey.

in short:

theory > identification > analysis > assertion

that is a very simple deconstruction of the analytical process, but hopefully it can help get you started!

[lostsoulaltair]

The Seraph Trait and How it Came to be

Hello everyone, it sure has been so long since I updated theories, analysis and the sort. A lot happened.

Anyways, as mentioned before, I'll discuss about the seraph trait and how the confirmation was given in the latest chapter.

P.S: Everything is held within a neutral view

Long ago, we used to question about this mysterious trait that appeared within children, their rate was so small but not impossible. Along this, the Mikaela trait was also prominent to appear as well.

But, how can I say the chapter 129 gave an answer?

Let's take it step by step.

First:

After Shikama did the taboos enlisted by the angel of punishment sent by God:

Indeed, those angels who followed Shikama, would be chained to hell, they would never reach the light they craved for. Earth was long punished after Shikama's sin.

Second:

Once Shikama rotted forever, he eventually embraced the darkness, he had to wait for eternity to finally think with a cold mind to set a new plan into motion.

Such plan was creating humans; humans born from mud just like the different myths that exist in different cultures:

Given that Shikama could no longer use "light", he was bound to channel "darkness". And the best creatures for that were humans; humans capable of creating "sin"

Third:

Once the dolls were created, these dolls did harbor a sense of curiosity, but they lacked something fundamental, something that even the bible does imply and that is the sense of self awareness.

-Before

-After:

Once the souls of the angels in hell were channeled, they were set into the dolls of mud created by Shikama and Yu:

These fallen angels that rotted in hell, they didn't display awareness of who they were given that they rotted for a millenia, they had a new chance but now, the main question starts.

How did the seraph trait and the Mikaela trait began?

This very trait began the very moment the dolls and the souls of the angels were merged together.

What do I mean?

The angels that once walked Earth with Sika Madu, began walking as mortals, but even so, even if they carried or inherited their souls, only few would carry the same traits as who they were in their former selves.

Sika Madu made sure these humans or dolls he created imbued with the souls of the fallen angels would breed, giving as a result the history of humankind within the ONS story.

Furthermore, just like the souls of the fallen angels allowed humans to gain the sense of self awareness, it also allowed one human to interact with the angel Mikaela's corpse, a bridge, a channel of communication was created on which the angel Mikaela was allowed to move his soul in one of those dolls, that of course, being Yuu.

A soul is not merely an aspect of energy but rather, it register traits of one's self, something that gives characteristic or definition to give us shape of who we are; in that regard, it is way visible as to why the angel Mikaela and Yuu's personality were so akin.

And as I stated before, given that souls carry on information, this whole memory set we got in the chapters, is a process called "regression".

A "regression" is not just like remembering the past through normal ways; it is going way beyond, whenever it allows people in real life to remember their former selves or not, is is unknown but there exists a book about a man that was able to do such feat.

The reason why Yuu had no memories of his past is due to something that I might bring as repetitive but:

"A soul can find a matching vessel, but a vessel can't gather pieces of a mind"

It means that a vessel would need to endure a lot to remember each exact detail of their former past selves. But given that in Owari, Mikaela Shindo/Hyakuya had to use a lot of power to open all the doors that led to Yuu's distant past, this feat of regression allowed Yuu to finally discover who he was.

It could be said that Mika was the key needed to unlock the door to the mystery, to Pandora's box.

As a side note, the current vampires along the black demons are shadows of those who walked with Sika Madu long ago.

Still,

[sapphire-weapon]

Hi! Looking to get into character analysis’s but I am not really sure where to start. What’s your process? As in, where do you usually start and then branch out from?

Well, you don't start with the character. you start with the story. The very first step is to identify the themes of the story overall.

So, what is a theme?

A theme is a central concept that binds the characters, the conflict, the plot, and the story’s progression together. It’s something that all of the major characters have in common and also exists as an undercurrent to the plot.

You don't have to do anything with that just yet. Just put it to the side. But it's important you do that first.

Then you look at the character and decide:

Is this a static character or a dynamic character?

A static character does not change at any point over the course of the story. They end the story the same person they went in.

A dynamic character undergoes a change in their perspective/worldview and comes out of the story different from how they went in.

If they're a static character, are they important enough to the story that they have a flat arc? A flat arc character does not change over the course of the story (because they're static), but they are so powerful in their presence that they cause other people in the story to change around them.

If they're a dynamic character, was their change positive or negative? Did they end the story in a better state mentally/emotionally from how they started, or did they end the story in a worse state mentally/emotionally from how they started?

Let's use a flowchart for simplicity's sake.

And let's use RE4make and Leon, since we talk about him so often.

RE4make's major themes are: + can people change? + the power/importance of being part of a team (or not) + storybooks, folklore, and fairy tales (and how they're not real)

Leon is a dynamic character who undergoes a positive change arc throughout the course of RE4make.

He starts the story closed off, cold, distant, and cynical.

He ends the story as a warmer, more trusting, more open character who's last seen on the screen with a smile.

Once we reach this point, what the flowchart is asking us to do for the next three bubbles is to map out his character arc.

So how do you map a character arc?

A change arc deals with a fundamental shift in worldview that causes real, lasting change in the character. The character starts off the story believing in some lie either about themselves or the world around them. This lie gets challenged throughout the course of the story until the character reaches a point where they can identify that it's a lie/that their thinking is flawed, and then they change as a result of that realization.

This change should align with at least one of the major themes of the story. If it does not, you have not identified the correct lie.

So, what is the lie that Leon believes going into RE4make? Or, conversely, what about his perspective changes during the course of the game?

The lie that Leon believes at the start of RE4make is: People are inherently selfish and my personal judgment cannot be trusted, so I need to rely strictly on my combat training in order to be successful, because if I act as myself, I will fail and people around me will die.

The story challenges this lie over and over and over again, but Leon's change moment finally occurs during the boss fight with Krauser. A change moment happens when a character is forced by the narrative to look their lie in the face and can no longer deny the truth to themselves.

For Leon, Krauser is that moment. Leon commits to his personal change in three distinct moments during that fight.

1: "I'd be dead if I kept listening to people like you!" 2: "Nah, time for the teacher to be taught." 3: "That you did, Major. That you did."

1: Leon acknowledges that his combat training wasn't some flawless solution to fixing what he thought was wrong with him. 2: Leon affirms to himself that his own personal judgment can be trusted over the judgment of the people he'd been relying on up to this point. 3: Leon acknowledges that he was trained well while showing emotion true to his own heart. This ties into the major theme of "can people change" -- Leon acknowledges that his training changed him while paradoxically acknowledging that he's still the same person he's always been. His abilities have changed and his judgment has changed -- the two traits of his that he distrusted. But his heart is still the same. So, he's still himself, and he can still be himself. But now he sees that he's just a better version of himself -- one that can be trusted.

For a more in-depth look at Leon's character arc, click here.

So, now that you have all of the themes and you have the character's arc mapped out, now you can go back through individual conversations and scenes and moments and analyze how those conversations, scenes, and moments inform the character's development and reflect their personality. Now you can look at the character's individual relationships and analyze what that relationship is and the effect it had on the character.

And all of this always should be done with the story's themes in mind.

This is how I reached the conclusion of Ada being an antagonist for Leon. This is how I reached the conclusion of Leon and Ashley's relationship being romantic in nature.

I started with the characters and their arcs and how they relate to the themes of the story. Not with the relationships themselves.