#Eastern Philosophy Influence

[tmarshconnors]

“A high degree of intellect tends to make a man unsocial.”

Arthur Schopenhauer was a German philosopher. He is best known for his 1818 work The World as Will and Representation.

[turiyatitta]

Unveiling the African Essence in Eastern Philosophy

A Tribute during Black History MonthAs we embark on the celebration of Black History Month, it’s essential to recognize the myriad contributions of African descendants not just in shaping modern civilization but also in sculpting the contours of Eastern philosophy. The historical interweaving of African traditions with Eastern thought offers a rich narrative, highlighting a profound exchange of…

[nightfal1n]

1st division and 4th division are on the different end of a spectrum where the 1st focus on the individual strength, monster to fight monsters even if it mean to disregard of their own humanities while the 4th division will go out of their way to tell the soldier that they can't keep risking their life and sometimes it's okay to fall back. (Helped by their terrain having more wide-open mountain areas far from the central. I can see why 1 and 3 can't afford that amount of chill)

[sweetteaandpie]

i'm doing an x-files rewatch now and let me tell you... "all things" hits differently now at almost 43 than it did when i first watched it at 18. it's like it was specifically made for woo-believing, hippie, middle aged me. i was intrigued by it the first time i saw it and it became my favourite episode. it still holds up all these years later.

[ancientcharm]

The enigmatic emperor Caracalla. Lucius Septimius Bassianus, renamed Marcus Aurelius Antoninus at age 7, was born on April 4, 188 in Lugdunum, Gaul (Lyon, France). Like 'Caligula', he's known by a nickname rather than his name.

His father, Septimius Severus, became the first Roman emperor of North African origin in 192; His mother, Julia Domna, was a noble lady of Arab origin born in Emesa (Homs, Syria)

Publius Septimius Geta was born in Rome, 11 months after his brother 'Caracalla'. All historical sources claim that they never had a brotherly relationship. According to historians, Geta was more appreciated by the Senate and the people than his brother. Herodian wrote that they constantly fought for any reason and "it was impossible to hide the rivalry between the brothers, although the emperor Septimius tried in vain to keep this from being known".

"Geta and Caracalla" by Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema (detail). In this painting the Emperor Septimius and the Empress Julia Domna are shown seated. Geta is standing next to a woman, and Caracalla is pensive by a column; the painter depicts him as sad - perhaps jealous - of his brother's popularity.

An unusual empress

Busts of Julia Domna. Photos :Bibi Saint-Pol, and Daderot (CC)

Julia Domna always accompanied her husband in all the campaigns, the reign of Septimius Severus was extremely militarized. She received the title Mater Castrorum (Mother of the legionary camps). She made political decisions directly, something unprecedented in Rome for a woman. After the death of Septimius, Julia Domna was granted the titles: Mater Senatus and Mater Patriae (Mother of the Senate, Mother of the Nation). She was a scholar in Philosophy, and had a notable influence on that subject. She was involved in several architectural projects including the famous Caracalla Baths, enormous work planning by her husband and completed by her son. She was highly respected by the Senate throughout her reign (192-217).

"Let there be peace among you both, pay the army well and forget the rest". -Septimius Severus to his children on his deathbed

'Geta Dying in his Mother's Arms' by Jacques Pajou.

Britannia, February 4, 211: Septimius died of natural causes, accompanied by his family. Caracalla and Geta, aged 22 and 21, had been emperors with their father since childhood, but after the death of Septimius, as expected, such co-government would not last long.

According to contemporary historian of that period, Herodian : "The co-emperors constantly quarreled and feared that one of them would poison the other, so they did not eat at the same table."

Rome, December 27, 211: 'Caracalla' ordered the execution of Geta, claiming to have discovered that his brother was plotting to assassinate him. The execution carried out by two centurions was in the presence of Julia Domna. According to contemporary sources, Caracalla had tried to kill Geta a few days earlier, during the Saturnalia festival.

Following Geta death he ordered the execution of all Geta's supporters, among them Lucius Aurelius, the only grandson of Marcus Aurelius, son of Lucilla and Pompeianus.

The curious thing is that empress didn't leave her son Caracalla; This caused the Empress to lose popularity among the people, especially in the eastern provinces where, according to historians, Geta was very popular.

If you were born in Roman territory so you're a Roman.

In 212 he issued the Constitutio Antoniniana, also known as the Edict of Caracalla, which granted Roman citizenship to every free men and women living in Roman territory - although by then Roman citizenship had increased significantly throughout the empire - and from then on every free child born in the Empire was a Roman. This was criticised by contemporary historians but modern historians agree that he understood what certain elitist people in the city of Rome refused to understand. 'Caracalla' was Emperor of Rome but he was of Punic and Arab origin and born in Gaul; he was living proof that the city of Rome was the capital of a multi-ethnic world.

An awesome site

Baths of Caracalla. Reconstruction made by team of 'History in 3D'

The Caldarium (sauna) was built in the Pantheon style and the vestibule was in basilica style; Just two simple parts of a baths building were something magnificent in themselves. It was an immense complex that, in addition to the typical cold, warm, and hot baths, dressing room, massage and beauty salons, included two libraries, gym, impressive swimming pools, a stadium , vast gardens, a small museum with exhibitions of works of art, and a shopping center with a wide variety of businesses.

The Alexandria Massacre

'Caracalla' by Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema

After a trip through the eastern provinces, in December 215 he arrived in Alexandria. The Alexandrians, outraged by the death of emperor Geta, began to public perform plays of satire mocking Caracalla and in which they called empress mother "Jocasta." According to the famous legend, Jocasta was the mother of Oedipus who, after killing his father, had married his own mother. Upon discovering this his wrath was such that ordered a massive executions. Caracalla attacked the city with his troops for several days, in a kind of personal war against Alexandria.

Unexpected death

Gold medal bust of Caracalla with the shield of Alexander the Great. By Sailko /CC BY 3.0 /wikimedia commons.

In 216 he offered King Artabanus IV of Parthia to marry his daughter, but the king rejected the offer. Caracalla took advantage of this "snub" to start a campaign against the Parthian empire. He began attacking the countryside east of the Tigris. In early 217 he was in Edessa (modern Şanlıurfa,Turkey) preparing to restart the campaign.

On April 8, 217, four days after his 29th birthday, he was traveling to a temple near Carras (Harran, southern Turkey) and when he stopped to urinate, the praetorian soldier Martialis assassinated him with his sword. According to historical sources, the Prefect of the Praetorian Guard, Macrinus commissioned him to assassination. Martialis was executed immediately after Caracalla's death, and three days later Macrinus proclaimed himself emperor.

Empress Julia Domna was in Antioch, upon learning of the assassination decided to take her own life.

This seems like the end of The Severan dynasty, however it wasn't. Julia Maesa, older sister of Julia Domna, was a strong lady.

In her hometown, Emessa, where Macrino had forced her to return, she took advantage of the fact that it was a place with an important military base. She organized with the legions a war against the usurper Macrinus. She placed his grandson Elagabalus on the throne on May of 218. Macrinus, who had fled to Cappadocia, was executed two months later. After the death of Elagabalus, the other grandson of Julia Maesa, Alexander Severus, ruled until 235.

"I know that none of you like what I do, that's why I have weapons and troops: so that at no time do I have to worry about what you say about me." -Caracalla to the Senate

Emperor Caracalla. Marble. Acquired from Rome, Italy, in 1875. Altes Museum, Berlin. Photo: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP (Glasg) CC BY-SA 4.0- Wikimedia Commons

He is known as 'Caracalla' because that is what the Romans called a Gallic garment with a hood that they say this emperor didn't take off even to sleep.

[fadingclub]

I understand that Psychopomp was born out of necessity due to the policies put in place by Unity, but alot of the story and designs for environments and characters are incredibly thought out. Were these ideas retooled from previously scrapped projects or ones you worked on before the Unity debacle (Mechana/Dreamwild)? What are your influences on some of the more esoteric concepts/mystical oddities within the stories of your games? Also, why is the moon's design one of the main unifying factors in your games? (Atleast that i know of, I only played Dashbored, Dreamwild, and Psychopomp.)

I had the idea for Psychopomp a few months before the Unity policy debacle, so when that all happened, it ended up being more of an opportunity to revisit that character and idea again (though at that point it was really just the one character design and the idea of the helmet)

For the most part, the ideas from Psychopomp weren't borrowed from my other games. There are a few however. In the 2014 early development version of DashBored (Then called "Drive") the second level was a factory run by a giant severed head. You would have to mercy kill the head to continue on. This was removed pretty quickly from the game, but I wanted to revisit it, because it made one of my highschool friends really uncomfortable. The head came back ten years later for Psychopomp, and the design is even taken from Drive.

(The old sprites. I didn't really know how to make digital art at this point)

The King of Mercury and King of all Dogs were originally from an idea for a separate video game. However, I really liked them, and I didn't want to wait to have to wait for years to be able to potentially make something with them in it, so I worked them into the story of Psychopomp.

(The original drawings that would become the King of all Dogs and King of Mercury. The King of All Dogs inner face here is inspired by traditional Haida art. This influence was dropped for Psychopomp because it didn't fit the grimy artstyle, but I'd like to bring it back in the future.)

I grew up in a household surrounded by a lot of spiritualism and various eastern philosophies. A lot of my youth was spent in spiritual shops and various shrines of different denominations. I ended up with a lot of esoteric concepts in my head and came to really appreciate a lot of the various spiritual aesthetics of the world. It's hard to come to terms with a world that's brimming with so many concepts, many of which contradict and attack each other, and that spiritual anxiety makes up a lot of my feelings in Psychopomp.

As for the moon, all I can say is: Note who it appears to, and when and where it appears. The moon is watching.

Thanks for the ask! This is a really great question! I hope you enjoyed the games, and I hope you'll enjoy what I have in store for the future!

[nyaagolor]

Thinking about a Natsuhi-Beatrice concept. Some assorted notes under the cut

One of my hcs is that all the witches are the age when their irl counterparts "gave up". Beatrice is 19 because that's when Sayo decided for sure to commit the massacre, Eva-Beatrice is in middle school because that's when Eva gave up on becoming the family head, and so Natsutrice is 15, mentally stuck in her wedding day when she realized she would not longer be Natsuhi, but a borrowed womb and wife for the Ushiromiya family's successor and not much else

Her outfit is based off 1950s Italian wedding dresses with elements of Lolita fashion (the layers and roses, mostly) but also tinged with red both to show her sins as well as her Shinto background (red features on many shinto wedding kimonos underneath the white). I specifically wanted to have the darkest red on her hands (representing the whole baby cliff thing), her innermost layer of clothing around her legs (fertility issues / womanhood related trauma) and the trail of her dress (always dragging the past forward). Because blood is used as a representation for sin, I wanted to use the red to show both Natsuhi's own actions / philosophies as well as mix it through the western and eastern influences on this design to call back to the ideas of forced assimilation and conquest that Natsuhi represents within the broader narrative. Also bc it looks cool

As for how she would actually act within the narrative I have not thought about that much, but I think because of her obsession with cleanliness and her constantly requesting to cover the deceased's faces during the Episodes there would be at least some aspect of Shinto funeral customs involved. I like to think all the bodies would be laying down + facing north, their faces covered and with piles of salt by the door instead of the magic circles. It's less gory, but deeply unsettling either way

[cosmothealien358]

Lego Ninjago and Race: An Analysis for the Upcoming Live Action

I know there’s been a lot of discourse in the ninjago community since a live action movie has been announced, and there’s sure to be even more after the cast list is released. Many fans are afraid the cast will be all white, while others don’t care what race the ninja will be. Non-fans looking in from the outside might say, “Why does it matter? They’re legos, they’re yellow.” I’ve seen this argument more recently, especially revolving Arin in the soft reboot Dragons Rising.

The point of this longer post is to explain how race still exists in Ninjago despite the plastic, yellow nature of the characters, and why making the cast entirely or mostly white would be a disservice to the fans and the source material as a whole. So let’s ninja-go into this topic.

Part 1: Hair and Black-Coding

When people claim that legos don’t have race, they often claim it’s because they are yellow. However, they forget that legos still have humanoid characteristics, and one of the easiest ways to tell when a lego character is black-coded is to look at their hairpiece.

Here are some examples of hairpieces clearly meant to resemble black hair textures/hairstyles:

When characters have textured hair (i.e. Arin and Euphrasia from Ninjago) or locs/braids (i.e. Mateo and Zoey from Dreamzzz), it’s hard to argue they’re meant to be interpreted as anything other than black. And if that’s not obvious enough, there’s also:

Part 1b: Voice Actors and Black-Coding

People of color voice acting non-human characters doesn’t determine race, but it does add to character coding. This can be seen in characters from other shows, such as Darwin from The Amazing World of Gumball. Even though Darwin is a 2D animated goldfish, he has been voiced exclusively by black voice actors. Because of his voice (and other mannerisms/narrative elements), Darwin is generally accepted to be black-coded.

Being voiced by a person of color does not automatically make a character black-coded, but it can certainly add credence to characters who already have black characteristics, such as Arin and Euphrasia.

Part 2: Names

Another reason it’s hard for ninjago fans to interpret certain characters as white is because of their names. While many have stereotypical “American white boy names” (i.e. Jay, Cole, and Zane), other characters have names that are certainly not strictly American. Examples include Wu (a Chinese surname), Misako (a Japanese name), Chen (a Chinese surname), Okino (a Japanese surname) and Sora (Japanese given name). Ninjago may be set in a fictional world of animated, plastic people, but it’s still based on real-world names, and considering how a lot of the characters’ names come from East Asia, there is merit to declare that characters like Misako and Sora are meant to be interpreted as East Asian.

Part 3: Cultural Influences

Now, to the most obvious reason why it would be absurd to put an all-white cast on screen: the cultural influences. I am not Asian myself, but other ninjago fans have expressed frustration about the cultural melting pot that is Ninjago. It takes influence from both Eastern and Western cultures for its setting, worldbuilding, lore, and fantastical elements. Ninjago puts ninja, samurai, Kabuki, and Oni from Japanese history and culture, Djinn from Arabic regions, the yin/yang concept from Chinese philosophy, and dragons from various cultures into one narrative. There’s even a character named Ronin (which means a “wandering samurai”).

Additionally, the ninjago language seems to be inspired by Tategaki, an East Asian style of writing.

What this means is that Ninjago is brimming with real-life cultural influences. They rarely come from the same places and are not always faithful or accurate. In fact, they can sometimes seem borderline disrespectful and stereotypical in the earlier seasons- particularly with the portrayal of Chen and pilot Wu. However, it doesn’t take a genius to spot the East Asian cultural influences on ninjago. This is clear in the character designs, attire, and especially in the settings:

Part 4: What does this mean?

In summary, Ninjago is a fictional setting that takes inspiration from East Asian cultures, and has coded certain characters as certain races through more indirect means such as naming and designs. Even though none of the ninjago characters have 100% canon races, there is still evidence that some are meant to be interpreted as black or Asian. Therefore, making all the ninjago characters white would be a disservice to the fans AND the source material because it takes away subtle but essential parts of the characters and world.

Additionally: Representation matters. It could mean a lot for fans new and old to see the ninja becoming humanized and seeing themselves on screen. Not only would an all-white cast be unfaithful to the source material, but it would be disheartening to fans hoping for racial representation, especially in an age where “wokeness” is considered a touchy subject in some areas.

Part 5: Other Thoughts/Clarifications

The beautiful thing about Ninjago is that the Lego nature of the characters allows them to be interpreted in so many ways. The characters don’t have canon skin tones, eye color, body types, ages, heights, etc., so they can be whatever fans want. Whatever the fans interpret them to be or even what they feel like, they can be. And I think that’s beautiful.

TLDR: I don’t want the movie casting to limit the fan’s creativity or headcanons. Even if the cast isn’t entirely white, I hope people continue to make creations with their own interpretations of the characters.

Also: I urge fans to not harass the actors if they are white. I feel like the ninjago fandom is above that but I feel inclined to make this statement in advance regardless.

Finally: I’m leaving this post wide-open to discussion and discourse. I did surface-level research for the ninjago cultural influences, so if anyone wants to add on to or correct anything, feel free to do so. All I ask is that the conversations remain civil.

That is all :)

[nualaofthefaerie]

Hexquad Cambridge University AU! Moodboards/Headcanons ✨️

A/N: A fun Au, but I'm too lazy to write it so instead I made some moodboards for each of the four pookies and some headcanons. 🎓🏫

Viktor, 26, an honourable Eastern European mix (Czech/Polish mom, Serb/Bulgarian dad)

Position: PhD in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, minor in Philosophy

Last name too difficult for Westerns to pronounce, so he is known simply as Viktor with a k at the university

He has been a prodigy since he was a child, winning innovator competitions left, right and centre

The State supported his education up until university. When his scholarship got rejected, his long-term tutor, the Dean of the Physics department, Professor Doctor Cecil B. Heimerdinger in combination with a letter of recognition from Sky's father (a prominent academic) paid his tuition in full

He offered some lectures to the Master's students and that's where he met Jayce and took him on as a research assistant to his project - Hextech.

He has certain insecurities as a result of how people viewed his disability as a child (Eastern Europe is not for the weak of heart) but with time he comes to accept it was not his business to educate or accept other people's remarks in regards to himself

Is highly respected among his peers

Also often hit on by students (can be quite oblivious to flirtations unless he knows or is interested in the other parties. For example, he always knows when Sky and Jayce are hitting on him)

Still, that level of attention from strangers annoys him so he takes his breaks in the botanic garden, pestering Sky who often could do without her crush looking over her shoulder and asking "How do these species interacts?"

His hobbies include silence, reading and sewing, believe it or not (rare, only when he has the time to really focus on it)

Jayce Talis, 25, Latino as far as he cares (his mom is Mexican, his father was supposedly English, he wouldn't know)

Position: Master in Experimental Physics

Raised by a single mom

The guilty money of his deadbeat dad paid for his tuition

Was not the brightest student in Elementary school but something just shifted in middle school and since then has acquired the moniker "Golden Boy" - valedictorian of his high school and bachelor program

Has crippling ADHD (on and off meds)

Is a big fan (has a crush) of Viktor's theories so he followed him around until the latter agreed to take him on as a research assistant (even pays him a bit)

Needs to create with his hands when he is overwhelmed so he found the only blacksmiths in Cambridge and works there on the weekends (loves it, sometimes Viktor or Mell will show up to encourage him or pass him a warm tea in the winter)

Is taken on extravagant vacations with Mel, whenever brands allow her to get a plus one and as a result has traveled a great deal of the world

Likes glitz and glamour just as much as he likes physics and getting dirty in the forge

Finds Sky Young and her passion for the outdoors difficult to understand but also hides in the botanic garden whenever a panic attack knocks on the door (they butt heads a lot but their hatred for a lot of other people unites them into an unstoppable force)

Doesn't get hit on a lot because everyone is scared of Mel (rightfully so)

Mel Medarda, 26, American heiress (both of her parents are American)

Position: PhD in Politics and International studies

Has a substantial online following and likes to nurture it. Wouldn't call herself an influencer but people do gawk and stare at her at campus.

Has never in her life known what it means to fail. Excels in every exam, every picture and every schedule she sets her sights on.

Picky with people, but charming to strangers

Likes to spend time in the lab with the boys whenever she has the time. Absorbs knowledge like it's nobody's business. Often offers a different perspective to their problems.

Her parents sent her off to England when she was 10 to a boarding school so she wouldn't grow too attached to them (they have never been a strong presence in her life). That built up a level of insecurity and anxiety within her that whenever they DO show up they're always disappointed she is not hanging out with those that could elevate her status.

Is close with her brother however (he is an aspiring politician). He likes all of her lovers/friends.

Due to everyone's attention always being on her, she TOO hides in the botanic garden to spend time with the human version of lily flowers. Also has a crush on Sky Young as much as Jayce has a crush on Viktor (they are excelling at bisexuality). Sky put a Marigold behind her ear once and told her everything will be alright and Mel's heart never quite recovered from that.

Also enjoys spending time just with Viktor. Jayce can be overwhelming at times. Viktor provides a slower pace and a more structured conversation. Brings him to galas where her parents have some level of involvement. He provides her with a lot of emotional support due to his DNA's idgafism.

Any attempt to hit on her falls flat. It's the equivalent of "baby...we couldn't even get a drink together."

Sky Young, 25, Mixed (Eastern European mom, British dad. Her mother's genes didn't even put up a fight, they just resigned)

Position: Master in Biological Studies with a focus on Plant Science

Has a full scholarship from the university. Also chose to assists the dean of bio studies (makes good money out of it) as to not burden her parents

Sky's and Viktor's moms were close when they were young so Viktor and Sky grew up relatively close whenever Sky traveled "home" for "vacation". She'd throw stones at anyone who had something to say about Viktor's disability (she never understood how they could be so mean to someone so inspiring)

Her parents nurtured her love for anything she wants to be (she's very emotionally healthy)

A shy extrovert. Needs a minute to get going. She makes acquintances very easy and can't quite figure out when sweetness borders on flirtations with those she truly cares for. (Doesn't understand how counting the moles on your childhood friend's face while holding it, putting flowers in the hair of the most gorgeous woman and hugging someone through their dark episode, is not something anyone would do)

Assigns flowers names in the garden.

Collects old volumes of classical literature

Writes short stories in her free time and bakes from time to time (designated birthday baker)

Can't drive, always walks or takes the bus (Mel would pick her up from time to time)

The only one of the four with a proper, clean apartment (they all hang out there, she makes them keys at some point)

Gets hit on a lot (she genuinely thinks people are just being nice and polite to her because she is to them)

A/N: I actually love that Au so much, if anyone has more thoughts, I'd love to hear.

[sankofaspirit]

Why Non-Black People Fear Black Self-Help—and Why Black People Shouldn’t Care (A Garveyite Perspective)

From a Garveyite lens, rooted in the teachings of Marcus Garvey and Pan-Africanism, Black self-determination is not just a goal—it’s a necessity. Yet, throughout history, efforts by Black people to uplift and empower themselves have often been met with resistance, fear, and concern from non-Black groups. Why is this the case? And why, according to Garveyite philosophy, should Black people not concern themselves with these reactions?

Let’s break it down by demographic and dive into the root of these issues.

White People: Fear of Losing Power

Why They Fear Black Self-Help

1. Economic Dependency

The transatlantic slave trade, Jim Crow laws, and even modern capitalism have relied on Black labour and consumption to sustain white wealth. Black self-reliance disrupts these economic structures.

2. Challenge to White Supremacy

White supremacy thrives on the narrative of Black inferiority. When Black people organize and thrive independently, it threatens the foundation of this ideology.

3. Fear of Retaliation

Centuries of systemic oppression create a lingering fear that an empowered Black population may seek revenge or disrupt white-dominated institutions.

4. Guilt and Accountability

Black self-help forces white people to confront their role in historic and systemic oppression, creating discomfort and resistance.

Garveyite Response

Marcus Garvey famously said, “The Negro must be self-reliant.” White feelings are irrelevant when the goal is freedom. Black people cannot wait for white approval to act in their own best interests.

Asian Communities: Fear of Economic Disruption

Why They Fear Black Self-Help

1. Economic Competition

Many Asian immigrant businesses (e.g, Inidan/ Korean-owned beauty supply stores) profit from Black neighborhoods without reinvesting in them. Black-owned businesses threaten this status quo.

2. The "Model Minority" Myth

Anti-Blackness is baked into the "model minority" narrative, which positions Asians as "successful" by proximity to whiteness. Black empowerment disrupts this racial hierarchy.

3. Cultural Distance

Due to historical anti-Black stereotypes and a lack of solidarity, some Asian communities may view Black independence with scepticism or fear.

Garveyite Response

Garvey taught that “no one knows when the hour of Africa’s redemption cometh.” Black people must focus on rebuilding their communities without worrying about disrupting anyone else’s economic or cultural comfort.

Hispanic/Latino Communities: Fear of Marginalization

Why They Fear Black Self-Help

1. Resource Competition

Hispanic/Latino and Black communities often occupy the same socio-economic space. Black self-help is seen as competing for limited resources like housing, jobs, or political influence.

2. Internalized Anti-Blackness

Colonial histories of colourism and caste systems perpetuate anti-Black sentiment within Latino cultures, leading to mistrust of Black movements.

3. Political Power Dynamics

As Latino populations grow, there’s a fear that Black empowerment movements might outpace their own political or social progress.

Garveyite Response

Black people’s struggles and liberation are unique and cannot be conflated with others’. The focus must remain on the upliftment of the Black race without being derailed by concerns over perceived competition.

Arab and Middle Eastern Communities: Fear of Losing Economic Footing

Why They Fear Black Self-Help

1. Economic Dependence on Black Communities

Arab-owned corner stores and gas stations often dominate Black neighbourhoods. Black-owned businesses threaten this dynamic.

2. Anti-Black Cultural Attitudes

Some Arab cultures perpetuate anti-Blackness, often rooted in histories of the trans-Saharan slave trade and colonial racism. Black empowerment challenges these biases.

Garveyite Response

Garvey’s teachings remind us that no group has the right to profit off Black labour and communities without reciprocation. Black people must reclaim ownership of their economies, regardless of the discomfort it causes others.

Other oppressed Communities: Tensions Over Shared Struggles

Why They Fear Black Self-Help

1. Competing Oppression Narratives

Black and other oppressed people have faced colonial oppression, but there’s a fear that Black self-help movements might overshadow these oppressed people's struggles.

Garveyite Response

While solidarity with other oppressed groups is important, Garveyite philosophy emphasizes that Black liberation must come first. Black people can not carry the weight of others’ struggles while fighting their own.

The Bigger Picture: Why These Fears Exist

Across all demographics, the resistance to Black self-help stems from:

Economic Dependency: Many groups rely on Black labour and consumption.

White Supremacy: Anti-Blackness is a unifying force in global racial hierarchies.

Fear of Change: An empowered Black population threatens existing systems of privilege and oppression.

Why Black People Shouldn’t Care

1. Liberation Is Non-Negotiable

Garvey said it best: “Up, you mighty race, accomplish what you will.” Black liberation can not be compromised to appease the fears or discomfort of others.

2. Others Have Always Prioritized Themselves

No other group pauses their progress to accommodate Black people. It’s time for Black communities to unapologetically focus on themselves.

3. Historical Proof of Success

Movements like the UNIA, Black Wall Street, and Pan-Africanism have shown that Black self-reliance works—despite resistance from others.

4. White Supremacy Is the Root Cause

Many of these fears are rooted in white supremacy, which pits marginalized groups against one another. Black people must dismantle this system by prioritizing their own empowerment.

5. Self-Determination Is a Human Right

Every group has the right to organize for its own survival and success. Black people are no exception.

Conclusion

Black self-help and self-determination will always provoke fear and resistance from those who benefit from the current power dynamics. From a Garveyite perspective, these concerns are irrelevant. Black people must prioritize their own liberation, unity, and empowerment without apology.

As Garvey proclaimed, “Africa for the Africans, at home and abroad.” Let the discomfort of others be a testament to the power of Black progress. Stay focused, stay unified, and keep moving forward.

[spiralingthoughtpost]

Vedic Astrology Observations

Moon Dominant Men: “Deep and Mysterious”

🌖🌗🌘🌑🌒🌓🌔

(GIF context: Taken from Shadowhunters depicting a gay couple with Matt Daddario (left) who is Moon Dominant [Hasta sun and ketu with ketu as moon nakshatra ruler] and Harry Shum Jr. (right) who is Rahu Dominant [Ardra moon and Swati Jupiter with Sun in Jupiter ruled nakshatra]. Both actors identify as straight.)

In Vedic astrology, the Moon, or “Chandra”, occupies a position of profound significance. It is coveted as the very embodiment of the mind, a symbol resonant with clarity, reflection, instincts, and cycles, which when combined come to form what we know as perceptual consciousness. Like the Moon, which shines by reflecting the Sun's light, the mind similarly reflects its environment. It captures and reinterprets external stimuli, forming a consciousness that is, in essence, an image similar to that of a mirror of the surrounding world. In Vedic astrology, the Moon is a celestial body that stands as the fundamental indicator of one’s capacity for emotion and extends to one’s ability of cogitation, shaping the manner in which thoughts and emotions are processed and articulated. In contrast to Western philosophical perspectives, which tend to dichotomize emotions and logic, framing them as diametric to one another, Vedic astrology presents the Moon as a mediator that brings the two faculties together through upholding the position that our cognitive and decision-making processes are inextricably linked with emotional undercurrents. It echoes a sentiment that, even in endeavors that ostensibly try to prioritize objectivity, such as with epistemological pursuits, true objective knowledge is nothing but an elusive ideal. This stems from the notion that our perception forms our reality, encapsulated in the phrase, “I am my universe.” This is where the significance of the Moon in Vedic astrology becomes particularly relevant. It posits the idea that our subconscious greatly influences our conscious mind, thereby molding our individual perceptions of reality and shaping the way we experience the world. It recognizes the limitations in our control over our mental faculties and how emotions actively play a part in deciding our thoughts and life trajectories, whether we like it or not. This allows the symbolism of the Moon in Vedic astrology to effectively capture the human condition's amalgamation of thought and feeling, thereby speaking to the interaction of light and shadow in the psyche and the ongoing process of mental transformation.

Men with a pronounced lunar influence in their astrological charts, notably distinguished by those with primary placements (Sun, Moon, or Ascendant) in or aspects with Moon-ruled nakshatras such as Rohini, Hasta, and Shravana (planetary dominance can be determined in more subtle ways as well), present an intriguing study into the nuanced expressions of masculinity and relational dynamics. Examples of Public figures like Henry Cavill, with his Shravana Ascendant and Moon in the first house, or fictional characters like Flynn Ryder, voiced by an actor with a Hasta Sun and Rohini Moon, exemplify a unique blend of characteristics associated with lunar dominance that I will continue to explore further.

(GIF and image contexts: The first GIF shown depicts Henry Cavill as Clark Kent in Man of Steel. The second is an image showing the fictional character Flynn Ryder side by side with his voice actor Zachary Levi.)

The influence of the Moon on men can be understood through the influence of the mother and the lens of "Yin and Yang" in Eastern philosophy. In Vedic astrology, the Moon's connection with the mother can be said to link the development and characteristics of individuals to the amount of nurture and emotional sustenance they were provided with as a child. This nurturing shapes the robusticity of their intrinsic Yin qualities – receptivity, passivity, intuition, and a deep connection with the maternal aspects of life, often linked to the feminine. These qualities are further symbolized by the Moon and its cycles, traditionally associated with menstruation, highlighting the cyclical and nurturing features of femininity. In contrast, Yang represents the dynamic, assertive, and outward energy projection, typically linked to the masculine and more solar sattvic energies. Men with Moon-dominance in their astrological profiles embody this Yin energy, exemplifying a reflective masculinity and an inward understanding of femininity. This inward orientation of Yin, shaped significantly by the emotional and nurturing bond with mother figures, provides these men with a deeper understanding and connection to various feminine aspects of life. At the same time, the outward orientation of Yang allows for an external connection to the masculine, producing a self-identified masculinity that is introspective and emotionally/mentally attuned to the feminine while still being confident in its own nature. This ultimately does have a dampening effect on their exhibition of traditionally masculine behaviors, being that men as a whole are ruled by the Sun and are said to be more solar, while women as a whole are ruled by the Moon and are said to be more lunar. (The 24-hour circadian rhythm is based on the male hormone cycle and aligns with the Earth's orbit relative to the sun, while women have what is known as an infradian rhythm, which follows the 28-day lunar cycle, for reference). This internal emphasis on Yin but external reflection of Yang in Moon-dominant men's personalities makes them emotionally rich and empathetic, displaying a unique blend of masculine and feminine energies that is both introspective and in harmony with the external world. The Moon serves to harmonize the intense energy of the Sun, offering calming and nurturing attributes, ultimately leading to the formation of a kind of masculinity in these men that is fluid and can express strength in gentleness and assertiveness in sensitivity. However, this can also make them uniquely susceptible to certain challenges, which I will continue to discuss further in the following paragraphs.

The Moon is also tied with its nodes: Rahu and Ketu, the two mathematical points where the Moon's orbit meets the ecliptic (if you didn’t know, the Moon does not directly follow the ecliptic itself, which is the sun's path in the sky; it’s about 5° off approaching either node). The Moon's astrological significance is intricately linked to Rahu and Ketu, with all three governing distinct facets of consciousness. Rahu, often depicted as the head of a dragon or the head without a body, symbolizes material desires and is associated with the future, representing the qualities we need to develop and the experiences we must have to grow. Rahu is primarily concerned with the rational mind and the projection of consciousness into the material realm, epitomizing ambition, desire, and worldly aspirations. It represents the part of the psyche that is outwardly focused, engaging with the tangible aspects of life that are said to paradoxically represent the illusion of Maya. Conversely, Ketu, commonly depicted as the dragon’s tail or a headless body, represents detachment, spirituality, and the internal journey. It is associated with the past and karmic baggage, indicating the lessons we have learned and the experiences we must release to evolve through Samsara to achieve Moksha. Ketu is about letting go and achieving spiritual enlightenment. It is associated with intense spirituality, introspection, and the aspects of the psyche that delve into the depths of the subconscious and the ineffable. Ketu represents the part of the mind that seeks to understand and connect with the intangible, the mystical, and the existential. (In Vedic mythology, Rahu and Ketu are said to be the same demon killed by Vishnu)

The Moon acts as a mediating conduit between these two nodes, attempting to balance the rational, materialistic impulses of Rahu with the spiritual, introspective tendencies of Ketu. It symbolizes the emotional and perceptual aspects of consciousness, playing a supreme role in how feelings and intuition are integrated with rational thought and spiritual insight. The Moon's position in a chart thus reflects the ongoing dance between the material and spiritual dimensions of human existence, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them. And because the moon works with the energy of both nodes, we can gain knowledge into the expression of Moon-dominant individuals by looking at aspects of Rahu-dominant and Ketu-dominant natives.

Rahu-dominant men often exhibit a desire for control, particularly in their mental environments. Their creativity often manifests in unique, sometimes eccentric ways, setting them apart in their expression and thought processes. These individuals typically lean towards liberal ideologies, embracing progressive and forward-thinking concepts but is often against society as a whole. Rahu-dominant men are often driven by ambition and a desire to achieve success and recognition. They are inclined to be more outwardly assertive in their quest for control, sometimes pursuing their goals with a relentless, almost aggressive, determination. This pursuit often leads them to challenge established norms and push boundaries, both socially and professionally. And while Moon-dominant men share traits with Rahu-dominant men, they exhibit distinct differences in how these characteristics are expressed and integrated into their personalities. Moon-dominant men tend to internalize their need for control, focusing more on emotional and psychological self-mastery. They are more concerned with understanding and regulating emotions rather than exerting control over external circumstances for the sake of gaining power, and they are more satiated with what they have rather than desiring what they don't, making them less materially-orirented than Rahu. Rahu men often have an obsession with external appearances and how others perceive them, trying to enforce their own rules or standards on others in order to gain the upper hand, but Moon men just want to maintain their own sense of security. They may still try to subtly reshape situations though, not to become the dominant power, but as a means to maintain their personal well-being, even at times to the detriment to others. Additionally, their approach to creativity is more reflective and introspective than what you might expect to see from Rahu, often drawing from deep emotional reservoirs and personal memories. Moon-dominant men may too challenge conventional thinking like Rahu dominant men, but their methods are typically more subtle and under the radar. For example, if a Moon-dominant man wants to avoid an arranged marriage, he might subtly express concerns or sadness about the marriage in a manner that is meant to gently persuade his family to rethink their decision. Simultaneously, he might engage in covert actions to disrupt the arrangement, such as discreetly creating scheduling conflicts and other minor obstacles that prevent it from happening efficiently as if to send unconscious signals that it was not "meant to be." In more extreme instances, he may feign agreement, choosing instead to engage in extramarital affairs, all while maintaining a cloak of compliance to avoid direct confrontation. This is in stark contrast to a Rahu man who will openly question and criticize the tradition, speaking out against his family to say it is stupid, and he may even actively rebel against it by running away to marry someone else.

(Add-on: both Rahu and Moon men possess an acute awareness of the perils of straying too far from rationality and thus are inclined to maintain a strong connection with external reality. They may encounter challenges when they engage too much with the immaterial, like dreaming, drugs, alcohol, gambling, etc., leading to their connection with external reality becoming tenuous. This disconnection can lead to issues such as escapism, addiction, and emotional disturbances, so be wary and try not to get to the point of obsession where you lose sight of your life.)

Conversely, Ketu-dominant men often possess a deep internal focus and an inclination towards introspection. Ketu-dominant men are often characterized by their profound spiritual orientation and a tendency towards seeking inner peace and enlightenment. They may exhibit a strong interest in the metaphysical or the mystical, delving into areas that transcend the material world. This spiritual pursuit often leads them to detach from worldly ambitions and superficial desires, making them appear aloof or disinterested in material success, paradoxically leading them to attract immense power. They tend to absorb energy from their surroundings, revealing truths in impactful ways and arousing servitude in others due to their stilled, void-like nature that makes people want to give to these men tirelessly. Ketu-dominant men might display a more pronounced detachment from their emotions. While they are capable of deep feeling, they often approach their emotions from a place of observation and analysis, rather than immersion. This detachment can sometimes be misinterpreted as coldness or indifference, but it is more accurately a sign of their deep internal processing and preference for solitude. Moon-dominant men, while sharing certain introspective and internal qualities with Ketu-dominant individuals, exhibit these traits in distinctly different ways, shaped by the unique lunar influence. while Moon-dominant individuals also exhibit introspection and depth, their focus is more on the emotional and psychological features. They are keenly attuned to the nuances of their own emotions as well as those of others, and this emotional sensitivity often translates into a strong sense of empathy and an intuitive understanding of human nature. Unlike the Ketu-dominant detachment, Moon-dominant men are more engaged with their immediate environment, forming deep emotional connections and valuing interpersonal relationships more than Ketu men (note that this also depends on the placement of moon in the chart as a whole, like 12 house Moon in Jyeshtha will be more Ketu-like for example). Moreover, Moon-dominant individuals may exhibit a fluctuating nature, akin to the waxing and waning phases of the Moon. They can be adaptable and receptive, often reflecting the energies around them, which can lead to a rich, albeit sometimes confusing, emotional life. This contrasts with the more consistent, inward-focused nature of Ketu-dominant men, who may remain unfazed by external circumstances, steadfast in their introspective approach for better or worse. People are drawn to both Moon and Ketu dominant men due to their compelling allure of hiddenness, but unlike the Ketu man that will remain still and almost hollow, absorbing all of the energy and power they come in contact with through their tamasic nature, Moon men will reflect energy back. This reflection of energy, softer and more reciprocal, differentiates Moon-dominant men from their Ketu-dominant counterparts, in the way that it doesn’t illicit as much discomfort in others. What usually happens with Ketu men is that others sense their inherent “emptiness,” which causes them dis-ease to the point where they will shower these men with energy in hopes that doing so will change the Ketu man or stabilize him. But Ketu men don’t work like that; their purpose is to take and consume, so no matter how much energy people give them, it is never going to be enough to make that penetrating uneasiness they give off go away. This isn’t a bad thing though. In fact, it is beneficial to the energies whose purpose it is to give, like Jupiter. It just comes down to the role people are meant to serve in this life. The differences between Moon and Ketu men highlight the unique ways in which they connect with and respond to the world around them as it relates to their Dharma.

Connecting Rahu and Ketu, because of the Moon’s relationship with both of these astrological energies, Moon-dominant natives will not only resonate with the powerful spiritual and subconscious layers of Ketu, but also to the more tangible, worldly, and reasoned aspirations represented by Rahu. This connection with Rahu and Ketu instills Moon-dominant men with a magnetic charm, characteristic of Ketu men, that is less domineering and still grounded in the more rational world of Rahu, making their allure more accessible and relatable to others. Unlike the piercing, sometimes overwhelming and obsessive depth of Ketu and the overbearing frigidity and judgments associated with Rahu, the Moon's influence results in more of a balanced persuasive appeal, empowering them with an immensely vitalizing aura. Overall, while there is a resemblance between the effects of Rahu/Ketu and the Moon, the way they manifest and are perceived is distinct. I think it bears mentioning that since the Moon deals with the energies of both, its natives are also susceptible to accompanying pitfalls for either. Because despite their inter-relation, the Moon’s integration of these energies can be messy. Rahu and Ketu are the extremes, which can end up eclipsing the Moon and/or the Sun, “swallowing” their energies (light) to try and destroy them. This solidifies the nodes’ place as natural adversaries of the luminaries.

(Add-on: There’s a balance that must be struck when dealing with these energies, and sometimes they can just be too difficult to manage, leading to things like insanity. While the Moon, Rahu, and Ketu are similar, it is important to remember the differences, with the main takeaway being to exercise awareness and moderation, as these energies can be seriously harmful when experienced in excess. Intriguingly, individuals under the influence of the Moon, Rahu, or Ketu bodies often show the most fascination with understanding psychology, perhaps drawn to explore the very forces that make them uniquely susceptible to emotional and mental turbulence. And oh… isn’t that poetic?)

Alright, now let’s get into the juice of things. As alluded to before, men whose astrological charts are heavily influenced by the moon have the ability to understand emotions and empathize deeply with the feelings of those around them, allowing them to form powerful connections within their relationships. Their insight into the human mind and “heart,” much like the Moon's light that gently illuminates the night, shines on the more hidden aspects of those they interact with. They are known for their exceptional depth of emotional acuity as well as having an intuitive grasp of mental states, including their own. This is typically not overt, however, since there is a concealed nature to the Moon, being traditionally associated with obscurity and subtle aspects of the human psyche. In addition to this, since men perceived as being outwardly feminine have historically been subjects of abuse and harsh treatment from society, Moon-dominant men are more inclined to sheath the less hardened parts of themselves for fear of social scorn. This is important to keep in mind, since Shravana is the most refined and mature expression of the Moon.

Symbolized by an ear, this nakshatra signifies listening, learning, and connection. It is associated with the acquisition of knowledge and the understanding of the world. Men influenced by Shravana may possess a strong inclination towards gathering information, being attentive listeners, and showing a deep interest in the narratives and experiences of others. This attentive and perceptive nature is a personification of the Moon's influence, producing qualities like empathy and understanding, which can be seen as more feminine in nature. Being in Capricorn (the natural ruler of house ten: career and reputation), it is also deeply entwined with themes of reputation and public perception in addition to control. This comes into focus when we consider how Vishnu, the Deity ruling over Shravana for men, is the preserver, suggesting a proclivity of these men to maintain their public reputations and personas through discipline (Saturn deals with control and discipline and is the ruler of Capricorn, for reference). Interestingly, I’ve noticed that Rohini and Hasta men tend to be more openly receptive than Shravana. Hasta is a nakshatra that is linked with dexterity and skill, symbolized by a hand, and more specifically with the ability to manifest one’s desires into the hand. The influence of its ruling deity Savitar, an incarnation of the Sun (contradictory, I know), gives Hasta characteristics of vigor, intelligence, and the ability to dispel ignorance. However, this solar influence is juxtaposed with the Moon's governance over Hasta, which brings in a more calculative desire for energy exchange through things like conversations, meetings, sex, negotiations, fighting, etc., which is not carried out in quite the same way as Sun-dominant men, being that the Moon introduces a more emotionally intelligent approach to these interactions. While the Sun's influence might drive a person towards externally focused actions where they expend energy carelessly, the Moon's guidance in Hasta gives a deeper sensitivity and awareness in their engagements. This means that their approach to energy exchanges, whether in professional settings, personal relationships, or even in conflict, tends to be more reflective and considerate of the emotional context. Men influenced by Hasta may exhibit a strong, vibrant persona, often marked by a commanding yet undeniably soft presence (I’ll reference him again, but the best example of this I could find is Leonardo DiCaprio who is Hasta Moon and Ascendant). Rohini, the first nakshatra under the dominion of the Moon and co-ruled by Venus in Taurus, is emblematic of the chariot, an ancient symbol related with themes of progress, movement, and evolution. This nakshatra's associations with growth, creation, and fertility find their roots in the nurturing energies of the Moon, where it is in exaltation, and the artistic, sensual qualities of Venus. The deity overseeing Rohini, Brahma, is revered as the creator in the Hindu pantheon, further intensifying the nakshatra's intrinsic connection to creativity, nurture, the enjoyment of creation, and the genesis of life. Rohini men often exude natural charm, emphasized by a creative and nurturing disposition. These qualities, resonating with the creative and generative aspects of Brahma, can be seen as more feminine in nature. However, due to societal pressures to adhere to traditional masculine norms, Rohini men might feel compelled to mask these traits. The pressure to conform to traditional masculine norms might lead Rohini men to stifle or conceal these aspects of their personalities, as I've come to acknowledge can be a facet of all Moon men.

The Moon's dominance in a man's chart can influence his expression of gender and identity, modulated by whether he is accepting of his femininity, as observed in public figures like David Bowie (Shravana asc. and Rohini rahu), Prince (Rohini sun and mercury), Troye Sivan (Rohini sun and mercury), etc. These men, embracing their lunar qualities, often work to defy traditional gender norms, adopting androgynous styles that symbolize the fluidity of their gender identity. Their choices in fashion - long, flowing hairstyles, delicate fabrics, and makeup or nail polish - are external manifestations of their inner lunar essence. Some even go as far as dressing up like women! It is not done in a castigating manner where they make fun of the idea as a form of humiliation either; rather, it is more of an attempt to make a full embrace of what it would be like to genuinely exist as a woman, albeit a tad bit over-exaggerated in terms of femininity, but to be fair, that’s the same for Moon-dominant women as well. (This is a bit of a tangent, so skip if you aren't interested. Interestingly I think these men’s personas of women are closer to Ashlesha [in cancer rashi ruled by moon but nakshatra ruler Mercury] than of Moon nakshatra women, possibly being a result of these men having so much pent up female sexuality that yearns to be dominated in much the same way as Ashlesha women, who act outwardly dominant to test the virality of others – beckoning to be overpowered. I noticed this in the new movie Expendables, which stars Jason Statham and Megan Fox (Ashlesha moon). In one scene, they are fighting and Megan Fox comes out on top before again being overpowered, demonstrating that the man is virile enough to "have"/contain/satisfy her. And then she redirects his penetrative energy yet again, which is a common theme of Ashlesha. The "cutesy" fake innocence at the beginning is also something Ashlesha women are known for.)

(GIF context: It shows Troye Sivan dressed in drag for his latest music video and song "One of Your Girls". He is also openly gay and for the time being has not declared he is trans, nonbinary, etc. For fun, you can compare that with this music video with Megan Fox, who is an Ashlesha woman to see what I mean when I compare them: video.)

However, most Moon-dominant men are not as comfortable expressing this duality so openly. Many, in response to societal pressures that valorize hyper-masculine traits and often stigmatize femininity in men, adopt a façade of heightened contentment, stoicism, and control. This outward show, mirroring the characteristics of Sun and Saturn-dominant men, is an attempt to conceal their innate Yin nature. Yet, akin to the Moon which only reflects the Sun's light in a softer, cooler manner, their portrayal of hyper-masculine traits is not pure or without cracks. People can still very much pick up on their the fact that they are simply reflecting masculinity while still internally housing receptive feminine energies, since they reveal themselves in small but noticeable ways that make them stand out from other men. They usually carry with them an undercurrent of mystery, farce, and a general tendency to be overly, and dare I say even comically, brutish, while their emotionally expressive nature still peeks through. This divergence from the archetype they emulate within imparts an illusory, intriguing energy to their persona, attracting some while aggravating others who are less willing to accept the illusion. The struggle to mask their true nature often leads to complex interpretations of these men. It reflects the multifaceted nature of the Moon, continuously oscillating between visibility and concealment, constantly changing from clarity to mystery. This theater play of lunar influence in their lives makes these men seem as though they are impossible to understand fully, impressing, confusing, perplexing, and captivating all who come across them.

Celebrities like Theo James (Hasta moon and Shravana venus), Christian Bale (Shravana sun), Noah Centineo (Shravana moon and ketu), Joe Jonas (Shravana moon and Hasta asc.), etc. find their sexuality and morality subject to speculation and even denial by the general public. This scrutiny mimics the way women are often doubted and judged, suggesting a societal judgement of the feminine nature. The public's perception and scrutiny of the sexuality and morality of these men often reaches a point where rumors and allegations, ranging from them secretly being gay or abusive, become rampant. This perceived incongruence between their public persona and private self can trigger a sense of being "lied to" in observers, leading to a backlash or a desire to uncover the 'truth' about these men. The Moon's influence, thus, extends beyond the individual to affect public perceptions and reactions in this way. This phenomenon also offers insight into why Moon-dominant male celebrities (in addition to Rahu and Ketu-dominant men, I’ve noticed) often find themselves cast in roles as gay characters, even while being openly straight, such as in the case of Jake Gyllenhaal (Rohini moon, Hasta jupiter and saturn, and Shravana ketu [his second dominant]) in "Brokeback Mountain,” Harry Styles (Hasta moon & Shravana sun and venus) in “My Policeman,” Ewan Mcgregor (Hasta asc. and cancer rashi ketu in Ashlesha) in “The Pillow Book,” Nick Robinson (Hasta sun) in “Love, Simon,” the examples I gave in the caption at the very beginning for Shadowhunter, etc.

(GIF contexts: The first GIF shows Theo James in the TV series "Sanditon" as Sidney Parker giving a cheekish smile. The second shows Harry Styles in "My Policeman" getting his neck kissed by his male lover while he smiles with enjoyment.)

The Moon's association with fluidity, hidden depths, and possessing understanding of emotions and identity makes these actors particularly adept at portraying complex, non-traditional roles (they are great at portraying emotions at all levels of intensity in general, with a prime example being Leonardo DiCaprio [Hasta moon and Asc. moon in 1st house]), who is known to be a phenomenal actor, almost shapeshifting into whatever a movie expects of him and displaying deep, powerful emotions). However, that being the case, Ketu and Rahu might still be more prominent when it comes to this trope of casting straight men to play gay roles, possibly due to homosexuality often being seen merely as the act of having sex with other men, rather than an intimately personal aspect of identity that has an impact on all areas of an individual’s life. This has the effect of reducing gay characters to straight men more willing to engage with ideas seen as non-conventional or morally perverse (more commonly associated with Rahu and Ketu), while still maintaining their straight charm that appeals to mainstream audiences. It is easier to depict gay men as "devouring" or Ketu-like, as seen in associations with Mula Nakshatra, which is related to the act of excretion from the anus, but this narrow depiction overlooks the complexity of sexual orientation, reducing it to pure physicality of external behavior. It fails to acknowledge that being gay encompasses a broad array of emotions, experiences, and identities far beyond superficial characteristics. Moon-dominant mens’ ability to resonate with and express a wide spectrum of human experiences, including those that challenge conventional norms, is enhanced by their lunar characteristics, but these themes might also be more prone to attracting false representation due to widespread misunderstandings. I’d also like to make it known that I am aware that there are many gay and bi Moon, Rahu, and Ketu-dominant men as well; they just aren’t nearly as common and hardly, if ever, get casted in the kind of deeper gay roles I'm referring to.

Continuing this exploration, it's evident that the very qualities that lend Moon-dominant men their depth, intrigue, and warmth can also lead to significant challenges. The Moon's inherent receptivity endows these individuals with a remarkable adaptability, which, while often a strength, can manifest in less positive avenues. Their exceptional ability to influence perceptions and beliefs, a direct result of their emotional responsiveness and innate understanding of the mind's energies, can become problematic. In certain circumstances, this lunar influence may veer into darker territories with one major potential downside in particular being emotional manipulation, where their intuitive grasp of human emotions can be misused for personal gain or to sway others unduly. Their innate power over emotion and human psychology can lead them to engage in behaviors such as lying, espionage, cheating/betrayal, infidelity, illegal clandestine activities, and exploitation. The Moon's association with hidden aspects and the subconscious mind makes its natives highly skilled at navigating these activities, sometimes even leading them into antisocial or unethical paths, which can be seen in many different media portrayals I’ll cover later on. But for now, I will point to the personal life example of Ryan Philippe (Shravana asc. & Hasta mercury), who is notorious for his multiple instances of cheating on his wife and other subsequent partners, in addition to a history of drug misuse and allegations of domestic violence. An important thing to note when I speak about these things, however, is that while they can be masters of manipulation, Moon-nakshatra men do not possess complete control over the mind to the point where they always get people to do anything they want. Similar to the Moon relying on the Sun's light, their "power" actually depends on people willing to project onto and exchange energy with them, which can make Moon-dominant men extremely vulnerable, even more so than Moon women (people will instinctually try to defend moon women because they perceive them as being pure and innocent, unable to protect themselves; the same sentiment is not afforded to Moon men, who people think should be able to defend themselves with their physical power). In fact, Moon-dominant men often struggle to set boundaries due to a fear of direct confrontation as well as a desire to be what other people want of them, often worshipping the people they are closest to (they really want respect and attention from others and will endure harsh treatment or act untoward if it means getting that from someone they respect themselves, sometimes to an unhealthy extreme). That brings me to my next point of abuse... Whether inflicted or incurred, abuse (especially relating to domesticity and women) is another shadowy aspect of the Moon's influence in Vedic astrology, aligning with many of the experiences of Moon-dominant men in media and in real life. The frequent association of moon-dominant men with themes of abuse in media – be it as perpetrators, victims, or both – intertwines notions of vulnerability and aggression, showing the darker side that emotions can take, and subsequently, the darker side humanity can take as well. Overall, it makes sense why people often connect Moon men to ideas of abuse in media and in real life, such as with Evan Peters (Hasta moon and Shravana mercury) in “American Horror Story—Coven” where he was sexually abused by his mother (among other things; that show put him through it...), Christian Bale (Shravana sun) in American Psycho being abusive towards women, Tom Hardy (Hasta moon and Rahu) in “Peaky Blinders” being extremely violent and hedonistic, etc.

(Add-on: This is a bit of sensitive topic related to sexualization, so discretion is advised. Just as women traditionally face sexual objectification, Moon-dominant men may also encounter similar treatment due to their inherent passivity and receptive nature, leading to sexualization and other forms of scrutiny that stem from societal tendencies to view individuals who are more passive and receptive as feminine as being more accessible to take advantage of. This sexualization, particularly prevalent in the portrayal of these men in scenes of nudity [I've yet to find a Moon-dominant male actor who has not done a nude scene, even though many speak about how they did not want to do it at the time and felt uncomfortable] or in the adult film industry (an industry known for its connections with abuse) where I've found Moon men to be most over-represented in terms of planetary dominance, showcases a societal inclination to exploit those exhibiting traits diverging from traditional assertiveness.)

(GIF contexts: The first GIF shows Evan Peters in American Horror Story Crying. The second GIF is of Tom Hardy in Peaky Blinders smoking.)

In the film industry, the energies of Moon-dominant men, characterized by their complex emotions, adaptability, and concealed depths, are astutely recognized by directors. This insight informs casting decisions, often placing Moon-dominant actors in roles that mirror the multifaceted nature inherent in them. Christian Bale's (Shravana sun) portrayal of Jim Luther in "Harsh Times" exemplifies this, exploring the darker recesses of the human psyche, a reflection of the Moon's association with concealed motives and intricate emotional situations. Similarly, Denzel Washington's (Shravana moon, Hasta asc.) performances in "American Gangster" and "Training Day" depict a tough exterior masking a softer core, Michele Morrone (Hasta sun & venus and Shravana rahu) in "365 Days" intertwines criminal elements with deep emotional entanglement, and Tom Hiddleston's (this one is super interesting because, while he doesn't have any primary moon placements, he does have Hasta jupiter & saturn— the moon nakshatra ruler and subruler of his chart plus Shravana Venus and ketu, so I consider him moon-dominant) Loki across Marvel films embodies cunning coupled with hidden vulnerability. Matt Daddario (see top of post) and Matt Bomer (Hasta moon, mercury, and rahu), in "Shadowhunters" and "White Collar" respectively, delve into the realms of a secret society of demon hunting & then crime/subterfuge with personal attachments to it, personifying the Moon's nature.

(GIF contexts: The first GIF shows Michele Morrone in 365 days shirtless and talking while looking down. The second GIF is taken from White Collar showing Matt Bomer talking frantically.)

Zachary Levi as Flynn Ryder personifies this duality - mischievous yet sensitive, conniving yet protective, masculine yet feminine, seeking introspective depth yet maintaining material asperations, and so on. Followed by Henry Cavill's roles, particularly Superman and Geralt, further illustrate this theme of his invincible, hyper-masculine superhero persona of Superman veiling the sensitive, complex nature of Clark Kent that he must keep hidden through great discipline (The original actor for Superman Kirk Alyn was also moon dominant (Hasta sun and mars with a lot of his chart's energy tracing back to sun). One the other hand, Christoper Reeve– arguably one of the most popular actors to play Superman– has his Sun and Mercury less than one degree away from being in Hasta, but overall, his chart is still Sun-dominated with a lot of Uttara Phalguni and Krikita, which makes sense because one: it was old hollywood, and two: the reason people love him is for his portrayal as the hyper-masculine persona of Superman, which would have been closer to Reeve's true nature anyway. In my opinion, his portrayal as Clark Kent is kind of bad because he treats that like it is supposed to be his geeky alter-ego rather than the fact that he would have been raised as Clark Kent– the humble farm boy from Kansas, not as Superman. Anyway, rant over). And Geralt, who presents a facade of absolute masculine strength defeating monsters for a living and projecting a sense of detachment from others, all while concealing a deeper, more nurturing and intimate side of himself. These portrayals, necessitating depth and often grappling with themes of manipulation and other complex moral dynamics, go hand-in-hand with the Moon's influence on hidden emotional strata and ethical complexities. The performances of these actors align with the experiences of many Moon-dominant men, reflecting the nature of their personalities. (Thank you so much to anyone who read this entire thing! 🙂 I know it’s a ton of information to get through, so I do really appreciate any time and effort people put into reading this!)

[talonabraxas]

Solar Angels Eclipse Portal Talon Abraxas

Soul and Solar Angel

“Soul” or “higher self” mean different things to different people —or at least different philosophers. From one perspective, customarily identified with Plato, the soul is the eternal “real self,” the perfect archetype, of which the physical or personality life is but an imperfect shadow. From another perspective, often assigned to Aristotle, the soul emerges from the physical life; the soul is the ephemeral aspect of a human being or other living organism, but it is firmly rooted in physical existence. The Aristotelian model strongly influenced traditional Christian theology and, even more strongly, the soul-materialism of modern religious commentary. The two perspectives, at first sight conflicting, turn out to be complementary, and in their synthesis we can gain greater insight into what we loosely call “the soul.”

The Tibetan distinguishes the “human soul” from the Solar Angel. The former, approximated by the Aristotelian model, reflects the cumulative wisdom of many lifetimes and, particularly, growing awareness of a higher reality. Starting from almost imperceptible beginnings in primitive man, the human soul emerges from the life of the lower vehicles. As the consciousness expands, the soul begins to form around the mental unit, which is located on the 4th mental subplane. When the three lower vehicles are integrated into a functioning personality, under mental control, the human soul acquires definite coherence and permanence.

At some stage, as the opening quotation indicates, the human soul begins to recognize the existence of the Solar Angel that watches over it. In contrast with the emerging human soul, the Solar Angel already has the permanence and stability of the Platonic archetype. For millions of years, it has overshadowed our lower nature:

The great solar Angel, Who embodies the real man and is his expression on the plane of higher mind, is literally his divine ancestor, the “Watcher” Who, through long cycles of incarnation, has poured Himself out in sacrifice in order that man might BE.

During countless incarnations, the Solar Angel has served as “the meium of expression for the Monad or pure spirit, just as is the personality for the Ego on the lower level.” But its relationship to man had a beginning and will also have an end:

From the point of view of man in the three worlds, this Ego, or Solar Lord, is eternal; he persists throughout the entire cycle of incarnations, just as the personality persists during the tiny physical life cycle. Nevertheless, this period of existence is only relatively permanent, and the day dawns when the life which expresses itself through the medium of the Ego, the Thinker, the Solar Lord or Manasadeva, seeks to loose itself from even this limitation, and to return to the source from which it originally emanated.

The eventual departure of the Solar Angel, an event of profound significance for each human entity, will be discussed later. Meanwhile, it will be useful to step back and examine some other sources of information on the soul and Solar Angel.

Blavatsky’s teachings on the Solar Angel, or Manasaputra, received relatively little attention, even in the Theosophical Society, but traces can be found in the writings of the Society and its offshoots. Geoffrey Hodson describes “the threefold Spiritual Self, called by the Greeks the Augoeides and frequently referred to as the Ego.” Rudolf Steiner discusses the role of the angelic being that “leads the individual from one incarnation to the next.”

Blavatsky’s work, of course, built on the foundations of eastern philosophy, but the Solar Angel has its counterpart in the western mystery tradition. There it is referred to as the Holy Guardian Angel, the Higher Genius, the Silent Watcher, or the Great Person. References to the Holy Guardian Angel date back to the 14th century, but the Angel is discussed more fully in works by members of the Hermetic Society of the Golden Dawn, a contemporary of the early Theosophical Society. Examining the western tradition is important insofar as it provides similarities as well as contrasts with our own teachings.

The Solar Angel also has its counterpart in the ancient Hawaiian religion of Huna. In Huna philosophy everyone has two souls, the unihi-pili and the aumakua. The higher soul, the aumakua (literally "ghost of the ancestors") survives physical death to guide the deceased on his or her journey through the afterworld. “Ancestors” often refers to previous incarnations, rather than to family lineage. The Huna unihi-pili and aumakua may be compared with the Gnostic Anthropos (“the man”) and the Anthropos Son of Anthropos (“the man that is that son of the man”).

Today, awareness of the Solar Angel’s existence is growing, not only among serious esoteric students, but also among others in the New Age movement. For example, in the popular channeled book, Emanuel’s Book Three, we find: “(Y)ou are only part human. The other part of you is an Angel.” “When I say you are Angels, that is exactly what I mean. I am not using a metaphor. I am not using a pleasant word. I am stating what I know to be true. You are Beings of Light.” We also read: “These Angels are gathered to promise the soul that it will not be left alone, and at the same time, to bid Godspeed.” This book appeared at the height of the angel cult of the 1990s, but it presents truths of lasting value to a large audience.

One obstacle to understanding the nature and role of the Solar Angel —particularly under its alternative name, the Holy Guardian Angel— is confusion with the guardian angel of popular imagination. As the Tibetan points out, the latter is but a “dim reflection of the Angel of the Presence, the Solar Angel.

Our understanding of the Solar Angel was greatly facilitated by Torkum Saraydarian’s book, The Solar Angel, 20 a compilation of his earlier work on the subject. Saraydarian, a long-time student of the Tibetan’s teachings, boldly clarified some troublesome concepts, and his work largely inspired the present study.

[kaurwreck]

Kunikida Doppo and I are the same flavor of person, my capacity to love and cherish women aside.

I'm throwing myself into obsessively researching Kunikida Doppo because I love beautiful, dramatic men without any emotional regulation or respect for women. This also accounts for my affection for Natsume Soseki.

[sparklycharmy]

Neuvillette, Zhongli, and Yin-Yang.

zhongli is fairly complex and looks to be an equal blend of both (with more reverence to yang should his connections to the heavens prevail over earthly connections/symbolisms). earth in general symbolizes yin (with regard to solely the heavens vs earth context in chinese philosophy), however, his undeniable associations with the sun and his celestial origins introduce very potent yang elements in equal measure.

Zhongli

Yin characteristics:

1. stability and reliability: as an earth-associated figure, zhongli embodies stability, always presenting a dependable, supportive, and firm presence.

2. connection to the material: earth represents the tangible, material world, reflecting zhongli’s role as the god responsible for the creation of mora and economic stability in the earthly realm.

3. his geo element: he regularly controls an element associated with the earthly realm: yin!

4. philosophical and reflective: he often displays deep philosophical thought, engaging in teachings and reflections about order and the general world. he’s calm and gently supportive to those he looks after and is usually never the aggressor.

5. his other form is part qilin: the qilin represents yin! or at least leans more toward it.

Yang characteristics:

1. celestial authority: as a figure who came from the heavens (not earth) and is still a leading god (no longer an archon, but i say leader because 1) xiao wouldn't still have to go to him for permission to do certain things and 2) zhongli says he still as a duty to care for humanity), zhongli embodies celestial authority and control, which are hallmarks of yang energy.

2. guiding light: just like the sun, he serves as a guiding light for liyue, directing its people towards prosperity and self-sufficiency. his role as a celestial being involves watching over and actively protecting liyue. his prominent, guiding influence continues to preside over liyue, even in his absence (yang).

3. dynamic influence: his lines and lore in cn refer a lot more to the heavens, one example being the phrase "heavens move, earth follows", aligning with yang qualities of authority over the earth and guiding its element(s).

4. intimidating presence: even when disguised as a human, others are too intimidated to talk to him. despite that, his strong reputation has most of the people he interacts with regard him with reverence.

5. he represents the eastern dragon (and directly refers to himself as a dragon, even after retiring and no longer interacting with humans as a god): the eastern dragon is an embodiment of yang. they're gentle in nature yes, but embody yang according to sources (especially heavenly dragons).

6. power: zhongli is notoriously known for being a ruthless warrior of formidable strength and a daunting reputation. he is extremely assertive when it comes to contracts and impartially enforcing them (which he prioritizes over all else when involved).

- as a minor detail, adeptal energy is also more ethereal in nature than elemental (so yang affiliated), and zhongli is noted to be their ancestor on top of not being from the earthly realm.

In conclusion, he is a perfect blend of both, with a slight lean to yang.

Neuvillette:

neuvillette is similar to zhongli but remains oh so different. unlike zhongli, neuvillette’s element(s) are solely associated with yin; he does not hold heavenly (yang) ties in the same way zhongli does.

Yang characteristics

1. leadership: as a sovereign, his leadership and authority over fontaine demonstrate yang characteristics of control and assertiveness. his unwavering commitment to his role as chief justice, ensuring justice and order, is a yang trait.

2. opposition to the heavenly principles: his proactive stance against the usurpation of authority by the heavenly principles shows a decisive, yang-like purpose and he intends to go through with that purpose with action...we don’t know when, but soon.

3. he’s supposed to represent a western dragon. these dragons are more aggressive and arrogant in comparison to their eastern counterparts.

4. commanding presence: despite reaching out for amiable interactions, he holds a somewhat intimidating presence at first impressions.

Yin Characteristics

1. judicial purpose: as chief justice, neuvillette embodies the yin quality of receptivity by focusing on balance and fairness in the system.

2. care for the melusines: his protective and nurturing attitude towards the melusines aligns with the yin aspects of care and empathy. his soft nature is referred to several times.

3. contemplative nature: neuvillette holds an introspective approach to just about everything. his duties and his thoughtfulness are rooted in trying to understand humanity to better understand himself (a major yin trait, his foundational purpose is associated with introspection). this reasoning is highly reflective, aligning with yin.

4. preference for subtle simplicities and sensitivity: his taste. his sensitive nature is noted by sigewienne and himself.

5. emotional depth: the care he shows for fontainians and his role connect to his emotional depth and feelings for others, core yin qualities. emotional depth is shown to be an overarching part of his character again and again; his emotions have a direct influence over the entirety of fontaine and its weather for example.

6. his element. water represents depth, fluidity, intuition, and the capacity to flow and adapt, all of which align with yin characteristics. in most sources, water is solely referred to as a yin element.

- as a minor detail, his sq has yin written all over it! literally everything about it is sourced back to neuvillette’s own internal conflict/introspection (wriothesley helps in pointing this out, too). it is one of the only major quests/sqs that do not have us fighting a big bad, the main resolution ultimately lies in assuaging neuvillette’s internal conflict that paints his perspective of the world around him.

- the primordial sea, which he rules over and is of him, is referred to as “amniotic fluid” (the fluid that only exists to support a fetus) which undeniably connects to womb symbolism (supporting this is the fact the sea is the source of all terrestrial life on the planet!).

in conclusion, neuvillette embodies a nuanced mix of both yin and yang qualities, while leaning slightly more to yin.

PS: i almost forgot about his voiceline detailing the intimate connection himself and his vishaps have with the moon, a yin figure!

PPS: just a funny detail: he detests the sun.

[gattnk]

Working with Irene is a dream come true! Now Igor on the other hand... talk about a nightmare...!

This is it folks, the last of the Golden School teachers! We still have some other Eternals left to go, as well as the humans, but I feel like this is a good milestone to start the year with. Now, Irene and Igor are very particular: they only show up in what the fandom refers to as the "Russian saga", a self-contained story based on the show where Raf, Sulfus and friends briefly go to Russia for some lessons under these two. This context informed my design choices a lot, and they go as follows:

I chose Irene and Igor to be in charge of the Oneiric Compositing faculty, that is, dream-crafting. The concept came from Uriè's digi-dream camera: I thought it would be interesting if angels and devils also influenced humans in their sleep by either inspiring goodness or tormenting with fear respectively.

Irene's canon dress threw me off a bit: I could tell it was a Russian noblewoman's dress thanks to all the gold embroidery and red fabric, but I couldn't pinpoint its exact influence other than it was not a common sarafan. I scrapped the nobility aspect in favor of something more homely, inspired by traditional Eastern European clothes and the Matrioska doll (sorry, no detailed embroidery, I have to respect the design philosophy I've kept so far).

I chose the Matrioska doll as my key inspiration to homage the Russian saga, but also because of its ample symbolism. Some believe these dolls grant wishes and bring good omens; others find them to represent the layers of the mind and the self; they can also be seen as a mother figure, a symbol that embraces and protects generations to come. There's so many ways to look at Matrioska dolls and interpret them, just like dreams!

Igor also had to depart from his canon counterpart: I could tell the original design was inspired by Rasputin, and I see how his infamous reputation could enrich a devil character, but that same infamy could be brought into the picture in other ways. I kept the body complexion, the beard and the long coat as key elements so he would still be recognizable, but I fully departed from the real historical figure and instead focused on making him look like a nightmare that instilled fear and terror.

When I think "nightmare", I think boogeyman, bugbear, Krampus. A spindly, crooked old man that uses his walking cane to punish more than he does for walking, who will stuff you in a sack and take you away if you misbehave, his glowing eyes being the last thing you see before everything goes dark... His only mercy comes from his victims shuffling in the bag, thus ringing the bells tied on top, so now the other children know to beware! >:D

Irene's colors are the traditional primary colors: red, yellow and blue; red and yellow are warm colors and are naturally very eye-catching, so for contrast I used more shades of desaturated blue in her design. Her design is very curvy and full of semicircles, which inspired her halo's shape.

Igor instead has the traditional secondary colors: green, purple and orange; since green is very versatile in terms of warmth and coldness, I used it to highlight certain elements while keeping the rest of the palette more muted and dark (thus the orange became brown). His ram horns are very angular like the rest of his design, and they're the biggest devil horns yet, signifying his age.

If math serves me right I'm only missing three more Eternal designs for the central cast of characters (if you guess correctly which ones, you earn a cookie), but then again I was never great with numbers so I might surprise even myself down the line, hehe. We're done with the Golden School staff! Huzzah! :D

I'll Fly With You (rewrite fic) Art Masterpost

[firefistjaigio]

OP social media headcanons (only some lol)

thinked too hard about what some OP characters social media use would be like

The Strawhats:

Luffy: avid IG reels and Youtube shorts user, they do not let his ass on tik tok. He posts random shit he sees on his IG story and also makes reels about beetles. He begs Usopp to help him make a YouTube channel but Usopp will do most of the work for it so he's not fully on board yet

Chopper: Gen Alpha realness he is crazy about Roblox, they don't really let him have his own account but he look at reels and shorts with Luffy

Zoro: Literally nothing but youtube to watch workout, sword, martial art, fitness, and like some eastern philosophy motivational content. Nami also downloaded a locator app on his phone so the strawhats can find him and stop him from wandering to another country. Oh and he tried google maps, fucking hated it

Sanji: He is sharing flowery good morning gifs on whatsapp and facebook all the time. He runs the account for the baratie on Instagram and it's actually pretty savvy but also real. Oh and he's on Snapchat for loser reasons

Nami: Gen Z legend, she is PROLIFIC. Makes really cool tik toks about navigation and is lowkey an educational influencer. Also is on Instagram and is somewhat villainous on Twitter with Usopp. Scams people on Discord

Usopp: Lord he is on everything. He will demolish you on Twitter, Nami helps, he has doxxed evil bitches with her help. He's evil in IG reel comment sections but not like that bad. Oh and he posts pretty cool stuff on tik tok and Ig reels about all the stuff he makes, everyone always hypes his art. Oh and like he's probably always just looking for tips on Reddit and sharing answers too

Robin: Tumblr most definitely, archeology and history blog on tumblr

Franky: Runs a facebook account and instagram account for his mechanic? woodworking, robotics just whatever the fuck shop, we love him for it.

Jinbei: Facebook mom, also shares dumb stuff he sees on facebook to the others on whatsapp

Brook: Also just nefarious on Facebook but Usopp helped him open an account to post music, has a following from people who were fans of him back in the day and also just music fans.

This isn't a me post if I don't talk about the ASL brothers sighs

So the brothers overall have a childhood youtube channel with vlogs they would post of their shenanigans, has a lot of of fun and crazy stuff on there. They kept it all out of fondness for the memories.

Sabo: Lord... he is on political twiter bullying THE FUCK out of right wingers. He is practically everywhere, he runs a tik tok account for political organizing and education that Koala also runs with him. He has used tumblr, but not really much. He has an Instagram he mostly neglects for being crazy and discussing theory on Twitter. He goes on Discord sometimes but the modern au version of the revolutionary army shed that for Signal I guess. Sabo is also on bluesky, idk what goes on there though.

Ace: mostly offline, justs uses Whatsapp to chat with his people yeah.

I'm gonna add Law to this post too because bye

Law: LinkedIn... ew... and twitter but like in a stressed way like he just scrolls on it and just tweets about his life.