#Fundamental Analysis in Depth

[esotericalchemist]

𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐢𝐨 + 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬

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Scorpio energy is intense, transformative, and deeply introspective, driven by the powerful influences of Mars and Pluto. Unlike signs that prefer the surface, Scorpio in each House dives into the depths, urging us to confront hidden truths and embrace transformation. By exploring its journey through the Houses, we uncover how this potent energy pushes us to confront fears, seek empowerment, and engage in profound change across various life areas. This journey reveals the unique ways Scorpio inspires resilience, depth, and the courage to face life’s mysteries, guiding us toward a life of authenticity, emotional strength, and profound self-awareness.

𝐀𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Aries rising, Scorpio governs the 8th house, the house of transformation, shared resources, intimacy, and emotional depth. With Scorpio ruling this house, Aries risings approach matters of intimacy, financial partnership, and emotional transformation with intensity and a desire for control. They may experience a profound need to explore life’s hidden aspects, often seeking relationships and experiences that offer deep emotional and psychological insights. Scorpio’s influence here suggests that Aries risings may encounter powerful transformative experiences in life, learning to balance their natural assertiveness with Scorpio’s demand for emotional depth and understanding. They may approach shared resources and intimate relationships with a cautious yet determined mindset, often seeking to understand and master the subtler forces that drive both themselves and others.

Mars through the Houses:

Mars in the 1st House: With Mars in the 1st house, the Scorpionic 8th-house energy of intensity and control flows directly into the self. The native has a strong, magnetic presence and projects a powerful, confident aura. They often confront life with courage and assertiveness, and they may exude an intensity that draws others to them. They are deeply driven to understand themselves and others on a fundamental level, and they approach life’s challenges head-on, unafraid of transformation.

Mars in the 2nd House: The Scorpionic 8th-house energy channels into finances and values. The native approaches money and resources with determination and control, often seeking financial independence and security. They are likely to have a passionate approach to material stability and may be drawn to financial endeavors that involve risk or deep analysis. They value resources that can contribute to their personal transformation and growth.

Mars in the 3rd House: With Mars in the 3rd house, the Scorpionic 8th-house energy is expressed through communication and close relationships. The native may have an intense, probing communication style, often seeking to understand others at a deep level. They may approach conversations with a directness that can be both compelling and challenging, and they are likely drawn to discussions that explore deeper, hidden aspects of life.

Mars in the 4th House: The Scorpionic 8th-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may have a powerful influence within their family or household, often bringing a strong sense of protection and intensity to family matters. They might experience transformative events in their family life, and they may seek emotional depth and security within their home.

Mars in the 5th House: The Scorpionic 8th-house energy channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native approaches romance and creativity with intensity, often seeking relationships and creative outlets that allow for personal transformation. They may be drawn to passionate, even turbulent, romantic connections and are likely to be highly driven in expressing themselves creatively and authentically.

Mars in the 6th House: The Scorpionic 8th-house energy flows into daily routines, work, and health. The native approaches work with a powerful, determined attitude, often excelling in roles that require precision, focus, and resilience. They may be drawn to professions involving psychology, research, or healing, and they bring a transformational approach to everyday tasks, valuing routines that support both physical and emotional strength.

Mars in the 7th House: The Scorpionic 8th-house energy of intensity and control flows into partnerships. The native may seek partners who are passionate and emotionally committed, often looking for relationships that allow for deep transformation and growth. They value loyalty and depth in partnerships, and they approach close relationships with a strong, protective attitude, often seeking partners who are as dedicated and resilient as they are.

Mars in the 8th House: With Mars in its own 8th house, the Scorpionic energy of transformation, passion, and control is intensely expressed in matters of intimacy and shared resources. The native has a powerful drive to explore the mysteries of life and to experience personal transformation through deep emotional bonds. They may be naturally drawn to the occult, psychology, or healing work, and they are likely to confront life’s challenges with resilience and a fearless attitude toward change.

Mars in the 9th House: The Scorpionic 8th-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may have an intense curiosity for subjects that involve life’s mysteries, philosophy, or metaphysics, often seeking knowledge that offers deep insight into human nature. They may approach learning and travel with passion and may seek transformative experiences through exploration and higher education.

Mars in the 10th House: The Scorpionic 8th-house energy flows into career and public life. The native is likely to have a powerful, determined approach to their career, often pursuing ambitious goals that allow for influence or transformation. They may be drawn to careers involving finance, psychology, law enforcement, or any field that allows them to explore depth and complexity, and they may be known for their resilience and strategic approach to achieving success.

Mars in the 11th House: The Scorpionic 8th-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may be drawn to friends or groups that share their interest in transformation, psychology, or social reform. They may bring intensity to group projects or social causes, often valuing friendships that allow for emotional honesty and shared purpose. They are likely to be influential within their social circles, bringing focus and determination to collective goals.

Mars in the 12th House: With Mars in the 12th house, the Scorpionic 8th-house energy of transformation and mystery takes on a more introspective, spiritual quality. The native may be drawn to solitary pursuits involving healing, meditation, or inner transformation. They may work behind the scenes or in spiritual settings, often seeking to understand and transform their inner world, and they may find strength and purpose through spiritual exploration.

𝐓𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐮𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Taurus rising, Scorpio governs the 7th house, the house of close relationships, marriage, and partnerships. With Scorpio ruling this house, Taurus risings approach committed relationships with a deep need for intimacy, loyalty, and emotional connection. They may be drawn to partners who are passionate, intense, and transformative, often seeking relationships that allow for profound emotional growth and depth. Scorpio’s influence suggests that Taurus risings view relationships as transformative experiences, ones that push them to explore the depths of emotional intimacy, vulnerability, and trust. They may be both protective and private in relationships, expecting loyalty and honesty from their partners, and they may tend to attract intense, magnetic individuals who bring a sense of purpose or change into their lives.

Mars through the Houses:

Mars in the 1st House: With Mars in the 1st house, the Scorpionic 7th-house energy of intensity and power flows directly into the self. The native presents themselves with a strong, magnetic presence and projects a natural authority and determination. They may approach relationships with passion and may be seen as both protective and deeply committed to their partners, often confronting relationship challenges head-on with courage and resilience.

Mars in the 2nd House: The Scorpionic 7th-house energy channels into finances and values. The native may approach shared finances in relationships with determination, seeking stability and control over financial matters. They value loyalty and honesty in their partnerships and are likely to work hard to build secure financial foundations, especially in marriage or business relationships where shared resources are involved.

Mars in the 3rd House: With Mars in the 3rd house, the Scorpionic 7th-house energy is expressed through communication and close relationships. The native may have a powerful communication style, often approaching conversations with directness and intensity. They bring depth to their words and may seek intellectual intimacy in their relationships, often bonding deeply through meaningful discussions or shared intellectual pursuits.

Mars in the 4th House: The Scorpionic 7th-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may be protective of their family and home life, bringing a sense of passion and intensity to family relationships. They may seek a partner who values emotional depth in the home, often building a household that feels secure, private, and transformative, a place for healing and shared growth.

Mars in the 5th House: The Scorpionic 7th-house energy of intensity channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may have a passionate approach to romance and self-expression, often seeking partners who appreciate loyalty and depth in love. They approach romantic relationships with intensity and authenticity, often preferring relationships that feel transformative and meaningful rather than casual.

Mars in the 6th House: The Scorpionic 7th-house energy flows into daily routines, work, and health. The native may seek out partnerships in the workplace, often bringing passion and determination to work relationships. They approach collaboration with a focus on shared goals and mutual support, valuing loyalty and reliability in colleagues and partners. They may be drawn to work in healing, therapy, or research fields that involve close, transformative partnerships.

Mars in the 7th House: With Mars in its own 7th house, the Scorpionic energy of passion, loyalty, and intensity is deeply expressed in partnerships. The native may be highly protective and committed in relationships, valuing trust and deep emotional bonds. They often seek transformative partnerships that push them to grow, and they may attract intense, magnetic partners who bring out their own inner strength and resilience.

Mars in the 8th House: The Scorpionic 7th-house energy of depth and transformation channels into shared resources, intimacy, and personal growth. The native may be deeply invested in understanding the mysteries of life and may seek partnerships that allow for shared spiritual or psychological exploration. They may approach intimacy with a sense of emotional courage and depth, often drawn to partners who help them transform or heal.

Mars in the 9th House: The Scorpionic 7th-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may be drawn to partners with whom they can explore philosophical or spiritual questions, often valuing deep, meaningful discussions and shared cultural or spiritual experiences. They approach relationships with an open mind, seeking transformation through shared exploration and intellectual discovery.

Mars in the 10th House: The Scorpionic 7th-house energy flows into career and public life. The native may be drawn to partnerships that support their ambitions and professional goals, often seeking business or life partners who help them achieve success. They may have a powerful presence in their career, bringing determination and strategic insight to their professional relationships.

Mars in the 11th House: The Scorpionic 7th-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may value friendships and social connections that are supportive and loyal, often seeking a sense of deep connection within their social circles. They approach friendships and group projects with a sense of purpose, drawn to causes that require courage and resilience and valuing allies who are as dedicated and passionate as they are.

Mars in the 12th House: With Mars in the 12th house, the Scorpionic 7th-house energy of depth and transformation takes on a more introspective, spiritual quality. The native may be drawn to relationships that allow for spiritual or emotional healing, often preferring partners who support their inner growth. They may value privacy in relationships, finding strength in quiet intimacy, and are likely to approach relationships with a depth that is both subtle and transformative.

𝐆𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Gemini rising, Scorpio governs the 6th house, the house of daily routines, health, work environment, and service. With Scorpio ruling this house, Gemini risings approach their daily routines, work, and health with an intense, focused, and sometimes transformative energy. They tend to put deep focus and commitment into their tasks, valuing work that allows for investigation, strategy, or healing. Scorpio’s influence here suggests that Gemini risings may experience powerful personal transformations through their daily habits or work environments. They may be naturally drawn to uncovering hidden aspects of health and wellness, or they might excel in careers that require depth and focus, such as research, psychology, or crisis management. Scorpio ruling the 6th house encourages them to find purpose and resilience in their daily routines, often pushing them to tackle challenges with dedication and an investigative mindset.

Mars through the Houses:

Mars in the 1st House: With Mars in the 1st house, the Scorpionic 6th-house energy of intensity and control flows directly into the self. The native projects a strong, focused presence and approaches daily life with a purposeful drive. They may tackle daily challenges with courage and are likely to be highly independent, often pushing themselves to master their work and health with resilience and self-discipline.

Mars in the 2nd House: The Scorpionic 6th-house energy channels into finances and values. The native may approach financial matters with a strategic and focused mindset, often valuing stability and control in their resources. They bring intensity and determination to their work, often seeing income as a reflection of their hard work and dedication. They value security and may be highly resourceful in managing finances.

Mars in the 3rd House: With Mars in the 3rd house, the Scorpionic 6th-house energy is expressed through communication and close relationships. The native may communicate with a direct, penetrating style and could be drawn to work that involves research, investigation, or analytical thinking. They bring intensity to their conversations and may value intellectual connections with colleagues, often working well in roles that involve strategy and precision.

Mars in the 4th House: The Scorpionic 6th-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may approach domestic responsibilities with a strong sense of purpose and protection, often valuing stability and control within the household. They may be intensely committed to family matters and could find transformative experiences within their home life or health routines.

Mars in the 5th House: The Scorpionic 6th-house energy of focus and transformation channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may approach creative projects and hobbies with intensity and a desire for depth, often choosing activities that allow them to explore their inner world. They might also be drawn to romantic relationships that feel transformative, valuing partners who share their passion and resilience.

Mars in the 6th House: With Mars in its own 6th house, the Scorpionic energy of discipline, resilience, and control is strongly expressed in daily routines, work, and health. The native may be highly motivated in their work, often taking on challenging tasks with a determined approach. They value routine and may approach health with an investigative attitude, often exploring alternative or transformative wellness practices.

Mars in the 7th House: The Scorpionic 6th-house energy of dedication and focus flows into partnerships. The native may be drawn to partnerships that support their work or daily routines. They may approach close relationships with a strong sense of commitment and are likely to seek a partner who values loyalty and mutual support, especially in everyday matters or shared goals.

Mars in the 8th House: The Scorpionic 6th-house energy of intensity and transformation channels into shared resources, intimacy, and personal growth. The native may approach work or health matters with a focus on depth and transformation, often delving into subjects related to psychology, healing, or crisis management. They might be drawn to professions that allow them to work with others’ resources or support others through times of change.

Mars in the 9th House: The Scorpionic 6th-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may find purpose in work that involves research, investigation, or the exploration of deep truths. They might be drawn to studying topics like psychology, spirituality, or transformative philosophies, often seeking ways to apply these insights to their work and daily life.

Mars in the 10th House: The Scorpionic 6th-house energy flows into career and public life. The native may be drawn to a profession that allows them to work with intensity and focus, often excelling in roles that require discipline and resilience. They may have a strong, determined approach to career advancement and may be known for their strategic thinking, particularly in fields that involve research, analysis, or managing crises.

Mars in the 11th House: The Scorpionic 6th-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may bring intensity and dedication to group work, often valuing friendships that support their professional and personal goals. They may be drawn to causes that promote transformation or social improvement and may value friends who share their depth and commitment to shared goals.

Mars in the 12th House: With Mars in the 12th house, the Scorpionic 6th-house energy of discipline and healing takes on a more introspective, spiritual quality. The native may be drawn to work that involves behind-the-scenes efforts or solitary practices, often valuing privacy in their routines. They may find fulfillment in exploring psychological or spiritual dimensions of health and may pursue transformative practices in solitude.

𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Cancer rising, Scorpio governs the 5th house, the house of romance, creativity, self-expression, and joy. With Scorpio ruling this house, Cancer risings approach romance and creativity with a deep need for emotional intensity, authenticity, and passion. They often seek love relationships that are transformative, loyal, and profoundly impactful. Scorpio’s influence suggests that Cancer risings may pour great energy into their creative pursuits, often using art, hobbies, or other forms of self-expression as a way to explore and process deep emotions. They may find joy in experiences that allow them to explore life’s mysteries, and they’re often drawn to passionate, meaningful romances rather than casual flings. Scorpio ruling the 5th house encourages Cancer risings to seek experiences that bring personal transformation, whether in love, art, or the pursuit of pleasure.

Mars through the Houses:

Mars in the 1st House: With Mars in the 1st house, the Scorpionic 5th-house energy of intensity and passion flows directly into the self. The native projects a strong, magnetic presence and may have an intense, determined approach to life. They approach love and creativity with raw authenticity and courage, often wearing their emotions openly. Their passion and charisma attract others, and they may approach life’s challenges head-on, seeking meaningful connections and experiences.

Mars in the 2nd House: The Scorpionic 5th-house energy channels into finances and values. The native may approach financial matters with a strong focus on building stability to support their creative and romantic life. They are likely to value meaningful possessions and may invest in items or experiences that reflect their deep passions and artistic pursuits. Financial security may allow them to explore their love for art, romance, or other fulfilling activities.

Mars in the 3rd House: With Mars in the 3rd house, the Scorpionic 5th-house energy is expressed through communication and close relationships. The native has a persuasive, intense communication style, often using words as a way to express their passions. They may enjoy writing or speaking about meaningful subjects, especially those that allow them to explore emotional or psychological depths. Their communication in romantic and creative endeavors is likely direct and impactful.

Mars in the 4th House: The Scorpionic 5th-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may channel their creative energy into their home, making it a place of emotional intensity and depth. They may approach family life with passion and may create a home that reflects their values, perhaps incorporating art or objects that carry personal significance. They may also nurture creative talents in family members or children, fostering an environment that values emotional authenticity.

Mars in the 5th House: With Mars in its own 5th house, the Scorpionic energy of passion, creativity, and intensity is strongly expressed in romance, self-expression, and creative pursuits. The native has a magnetic presence in love and is likely to be drawn to intense, transformative romantic experiences. They may pour great energy into their art or hobbies, often approaching creative projects with fierce dedication and a desire for deep personal expression.

Mars in the 6th House: The Scorpionic 5th-house energy flows into daily routines, work, and health. The native may approach creative work with discipline and commitment, often finding joy in careers that allow them to express their passions. They could also be drawn to service roles that have a transformative effect on others, bringing intensity and purpose to their work life. Health routines may support their active, driven approach to self-expression and pleasure.

Mars in the 7th House: The Scorpionic 5th-house energy of passion and transformation flows into partnerships. The native may seek romantic relationships that allow for emotional depth and growth, often valuing partners who bring both loyalty and intensity to the connection. They are drawn to romantic partners who appreciate honesty and emotional authenticity, and they may approach committed relationships with dedication and purpose.

Mars in the 8th House: The Scorpionic 5th-house energy channels into shared resources, intimacy, and personal growth. The native may explore the depths of intimacy and transformation within romantic relationships, often valuing partners with whom they can share both physical and emotional connection. They approach love and pleasure with intensity, often using romance as a path to explore and understand their own psyche.

Mars in the 9th House: The Scorpionic 5th-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may be drawn to creative or romantic pursuits that expand their understanding of the world, often seeking relationships or artistic experiences that provide personal growth. They may feel fulfilled by travel, philosophical study, or exploring cultures that allow them to express their passions in new and transformative ways.

Mars in the 10th House: The Scorpionic 5th-house energy flows into career and public life. The native may find a career in creative fields or in professions that involve intense passion, such as art, psychology, or performance. They may be known for their dedication to their creative or romantic pursuits, and their public image may reflect their commitment to meaningful, transformative work.

Mars in the 11th House: The Scorpionic 5th-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may bring creativity and passion into group settings, often seeking friends who share their intense interests or artistic pursuits. They are likely to feel fulfilled by group activities that involve creativity, and they may use their influence to inspire others within their social circles to explore deeper, transformative experiences.

Mars in the 12th House: With Mars in the 12th house, the Scorpionic 5th-house energy of creativity and romance takes on a more introspective, spiritual quality. The native may feel drawn to private creative pursuits, often finding solace in art or spirituality as a means of self-expression. They may experience quiet but powerful transformations through romance or art, often approaching these aspects of life with a sense of mystery and depth.

𝐋𝐞𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Leo rising, Scorpio governs the 4th house, the house of home, family, emotional security, and personal foundations. With Scorpio ruling this house, Leo risings tend to experience family and home life with deep emotional intensity and a strong need for privacy. They may be drawn to creating a home environment that feels safe and transformative, often treating their home as a sanctuary where they can retreat from the world. Scorpio’s influence suggests that family matters, roots, and emotional life may involve transformative experiences, sometimes involving secrets or complex emotional dynamics. Leo risings often approach family relationships with loyalty and protectiveness, and they may bring their powerful will and determination to create a secure, resilient foundation for themselves and their loved ones. Scorpio ruling the 4th house encourages Leo risings to understand and process their emotional depths within the privacy of their home and to use their inner life as a source of strength and regeneration.

Mars through the Houses:

Mars in the 1st House: With Mars in the 1st house, the Scorpionic 4th-house energy of intensity and control flows directly into the self. The native presents themselves with a strong, powerful aura, often projecting confidence and resilience. They approach family matters with determination and may be deeply protective of their loved ones. Their strong presence influences their home life, and they may be seen as the pillar of strength in family dynamics.

Mars in the 2nd House: The Scorpionic 4th-house energy channels into finances and values. The native may place great importance on building financial stability to support their family and home. They approach material security with focus and commitment, often working hard to ensure that they can provide a solid, protected foundation for themselves and their loved ones. They may value investments that offer both financial security and emotional comfort.

Mars in the 3rd House: With Mars in the 3rd house, the Scorpionic 4th-house energy is expressed through communication and close relationships. The native may communicate with intensity and assertiveness, especially when it comes to family matters or personal beliefs. They may feel deeply about their family roots and heritage and may bond closely with siblings, often playing a protective role in their relationships.

Mars in the 4th House: With Mars in its own 4th house, the Scorpionic energy of transformation, protection, and intensity is strongly expressed in home and family life. The native is likely to be deeply protective of their home and family, often approaching domestic matters with determination and resilience. They may create a private, transformative space at home and can be seen as a powerful, grounding force within their family dynamics.

Mars in the 5th House: The Scorpionic 4th-house energy of intensity channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may pour their passion into creative pursuits or projects related to home or family. They are likely to be dedicated to their children, if they have them, and may approach romantic relationships with a desire for emotional depth and authenticity, often seeking partners who appreciate their private, introspective side.

Mars in the 6th House: The Scorpionic 4th-house energy flows into daily routines, work, and health. The native may feel motivated to create a secure and harmonious environment at work, often bringing dedication and resilience to their professional life. They may also channel their passion for stability and security into routines that support both their emotional and physical health, valuing wellness practices that nurture their inner foundation.

Mars in the 7th House: The Scorpionic 4th-house energy of loyalty and emotional depth flows into partnerships. The native may seek committed, loyal partners who value emotional intimacy. They approach relationships with dedication and may view marriage or partnership as a means of creating a stable, transformative foundation. They are likely to value honesty and resilience in partners, often forming relationships that contribute to their inner security.

Mars in the 8th House: The Scorpionic 4th-house energy channels into shared resources, intimacy, and personal growth. The native may experience transformation through family matters or shared resources, often seeking a deep emotional connection with close family members. They are drawn to the mysteries of life, finding strength in exploring their roots and heritage, and may undergo inner transformation through family or inheritance matters.

Mars in the 9th House: The Scorpionic 4th-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may have a philosophical approach to family life, valuing deeper understanding and spiritual exploration. They may be drawn to studying topics related to family heritage, psychology, or even past-life beliefs, using knowledge as a foundation for emotional strength and growth.

Mars in the 10th House: The Scorpionic 4th-house energy flows into career and public life. The native may be drawn to careers that allow them to protect or transform others, and they may be known for their commitment and resilience. They bring a strong sense of purpose to their professional life, often striving to create a legacy that supports and benefits their family and community, and they may be seen as a leader in their field.

Mars in the 11th House: The Scorpionic 4th-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may feel a protective bond with friends or social causes that resonate with their values. They may be deeply involved in organizations that support family, emotional healing, or transformation, bringing their intensity and dedication to group projects and social causes that align with their desire for security and emotional growth.

Mars in the 12th House: With Mars in the 12th house, the Scorpionic 4th-house energy of protection and introspection takes on a more spiritual, private quality. The native may seek solitude or spiritual practices to strengthen their inner foundation, often using quiet time for reflection and emotional renewal. They may find comfort in spiritual exploration and may channel their desire for emotional security into helping others heal on a subtle, unseen level.

𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Virgo rising, Scorpio governs the 3rd house, the house of communication, intellect, siblings, and local environment. With Scorpio ruling this house, Virgo risings approach communication and learning with depth, focus, and a desire to uncover hidden truths. They may be naturally drawn to investigating complex subjects or exploring psychological and occult topics. In relationships with siblings or close friends, they value loyalty and honesty and are often seen as deeply supportive yet private. Scorpio’s influence suggests that Virgo risings may feel an urge to penetrate beneath the surface of things, often seeking profound insights in their everyday interactions. They may approach their local environment with a sense of protectiveness, valuing emotional depth in close relationships. Scorpio ruling the 3rd house encourages Virgo risings to cultivate their investigative and perceptive qualities, using these to develop both intellectual strength and emotional understanding.

Mars through the Houses:

Mars in the 1st House: With Mars in the 1st house, the Scorpionic 3rd-house energy of intensity and perception flows directly into the self. The native has a powerful presence and often communicates with directness and authority. They approach life with a sense of purpose, and their interactions carry a certain depth. Their approach to conversation is assertive, often probing, and they tend to make an impactful impression on others.

Mars in the 2nd House: The Scorpionic 3rd-house energy channels into finances and values. The native may be strategic and careful with their resources, valuing financial security and self-sufficiency. They may bring a strong sense of purpose to earning and managing resources, often viewing money as a means to support their intellectual pursuits and close relationships.

Mars in the 3rd House: With Mars in its own 3rd house, the Scorpionic energy of intensity, investigation, and curiosity is strongly expressed in communication and learning. The native has a powerful, penetrating communication style, often speaking with precision and depth. They may have a talent for research, psychology, or any field requiring investigative skills, and their relationships with siblings or neighbors may be intense and marked by loyalty.

Mars in the 4th House: The Scorpionic 3rd-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may have a strong desire to protect their home and family, often communicating assertively within family dynamics. They may have deep conversations with family members and are likely to create a household where intense emotional discussions are welcome. Their private life may be marked by a need for loyalty and emotional security.

Mars in the 5th House: The Scorpionic 3rd-house energy of depth channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may approach creative projects and romantic relationships with intensity and purpose, often expressing their ideas with passion. They value romantic partners and creative pursuits that challenge them intellectually, and they may enjoy hobbies that involve strategy, like games or puzzles, where their investigative nature can thrive.

Mars in the 6th House: The Scorpionic 3rd-house energy flows into daily routines, work, and health. The native may be intensely focused on their work and health routines, often valuing a disciplined and methodical approach to daily tasks. They are likely drawn to roles that involve problem-solving, analysis, or research and may enjoy contributing to meaningful, transformative work environments.

Mars in the 7th House: The Scorpionic 3rd-house energy of loyalty and depth flows into partnerships. The native may seek partnerships with individuals who share their intellectual passions, and they may be drawn to deep conversations in relationships. They value loyalty and emotional honesty in close partnerships, and they bring a probing, direct approach to resolving issues with others.

Mars in the 8th House: The Scorpionic 3rd-house energy channels into shared resources, intimacy, and personal growth. The native may use their communication skills to explore psychological or spiritual depths, often seeking transformative conversations with close friends or family members. They approach shared resources and deep relationships with an intense desire for trust, honesty, and mutual respect.

Mars in the 9th House: The Scorpionic 3rd-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may have a strong passion for learning about hidden truths, psychology, or metaphysics. They may seek out experiences that broaden their perspective and often enjoy exploring complex subjects with others. They approach learning with an intense curiosity and may use travel as a way to gain deeper insights.

Mars in the 10th House: The Scorpionic 3rd-house energy flows into career and public life. The native may pursue a career that allows them to communicate powerfully, such as law, psychology, or research. They bring a determined, strategic approach to their profession, often approaching their public image with depth and commitment. They are likely known for their dedication and focused work ethic.

Mars in the 11th House: The Scorpionic 3rd-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may bring intensity and depth to friendships and group activities, often valuing loyal, intellectually stimulating relationships. They may work well in groups focused on transformation, healing, or social change, and they often communicate with a sense of purpose, aiming to inspire or protect their community.

Mars in the 12th House: With Mars in the 12th house, the Scorpionic 3rd-house energy of intensity and insight takes on a more introspective, spiritual quality. The native may be drawn to exploring their subconscious through writing, meditation, or introspection. They may communicate in subtle, yet profound ways and may find comfort in private or solitary intellectual pursuits that allow them to process and transform their inner world.

𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Libra rising, Scorpio governs the 2nd house, the house of personal resources, values, income, and self-worth. With Scorpio ruling this house, Libra risings approach finances and material stability with intensity, focus, and a deep desire for security. They may see money and resources as a form of empowerment, using financial control as a way to feel safe and self-sufficient. Scorpio’s influence suggests that Libra risings often have strong values regarding financial loyalty and integrity and may be willing to go to great lengths to protect what is valuable to them. They may also approach self-worth with depth, seeking transformation and empowerment in their sense of value and often discovering hidden strengths and resilience through their relationship with money and resources. Scorpio ruling the 2nd house encourages Libra risings to cultivate inner and outer security, transforming their relationship with resources into one of strength and purpose.

Mars through the Houses:

Mars in the 1st House: With Mars in the 1st house, the Scorpionic 2nd-house energy of resilience and strength flows directly into the self. The native projects confidence and determination, often approaching life with intensity and purpose. They are likely protective of their values and have a strong sense of self-worth, often driven to achieve financial independence and personal empowerment.

Mars in the 2nd House: With Mars in its own 2nd house, the Scorpionic energy of control, power, and determination is strongly expressed in finances and self-worth. The native is likely to approach money matters with strategy and intensity, often building financial security through careful planning and resilience. They value financial independence and are deeply invested in securing resources that bring them both material stability and personal empowerment.

Mars in the 3rd House: The Scorpionic 2nd-house energy channels into communication and close relationships. The native may be persuasive and intense in their communication, often speaking with conviction about their values. They may be drawn to learning and discussing topics around wealth-building or personal empowerment and may be protective of their ideas and close relationships.

Mars in the 4th House: The Scorpionic 2nd-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may be highly invested in building a secure, stable home, often viewing family resources as essential to their emotional security. They may approach family matters with a protective, determined attitude, and they often strive to create a home life that reflects their deepest values.

Mars in the 5th House: The Scorpionic 2nd-house energy of depth and intensity channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may invest financially in creative projects or romantic pursuits that resonate with their values. They may bring a passionate approach to self-expression, often driven to channel their values through art, romance, or creative endeavors that feel transformative and meaningful.

Mars in the 6th House: The Scorpionic 2nd-house energy flows into daily routines, work, and health. The native may be strategic and disciplined about their work habits and health routines, often valuing work that supports their financial stability. They may approach their job or health with a deep sense of purpose, often seeking roles that allow them to build security while being of service to others.

Mars in the 7th House: The Scorpionic 2nd-house energy of loyalty and value flows into partnerships. The native may seek committed partners who share similar values around money, loyalty, and security. They often approach relationships with a deep sense of purpose, valuing partners who support and respect their financial goals and self-worth.

Mars in the 8th House: The Scorpionic 2nd-house energy channels into shared resources, intimacy, and personal growth. The native may value shared financial resources in relationships and approach intimate bonds with intensity and commitment. They are likely drawn to exploring the psychological depths of self-worth, often undergoing transformation in their approach to money, values, and trust.

Mars in the 9th House: The Scorpionic 2nd-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may approach their beliefs and philosophies with a strong, value-driven perspective, often valuing experiences that deepen their sense of self-worth and security. They might be drawn to studying subjects like psychology, finance, or philosophy, seeking to understand and transform their values on a deeper level.

Mars in the 10th House: The Scorpionic 2nd-house energy flows into career and public life. The native may be drawn to a career that involves finance, investigation, or roles where strategy and determination are essential. They may build a public reputation for being financially savvy or resilient and often work hard to ensure their career aligns with their values, seeking both public respect and material stability.

Mars in the 11th House: The Scorpionic 2nd-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may bring a strategic, purposeful approach to friendships and social causes, often valuing alliances that support their financial and personal growth. They may be involved in social projects related to wealth distribution, empowerment, or security, often working with others to achieve goals that benefit the group.

Mars in the 12th House: With Mars in the 12th house, the Scorpionic 2nd-house energy of strength and resourcefulness takes on a more introspective, spiritual quality. The native may explore self-worth and financial independence through quiet, private, or spiritual practices. They may value inner resilience and are likely drawn to developing a strong foundation of self-worth, often finding strength in solitude and contemplation.

𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐢𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Scorpio rising, Scorpio itself governs the 1st house, the house of self, identity, appearance, and life approach. With Scorpio ruling this house, Scorpio risings are known for their powerful presence, natural charisma, and intense, mysterious aura. They often approach life with a desire for transformation, seeking depth in their experiences and interactions. Scorpio’s influence gives them a strong, magnetic personality, often marked by resilience, intensity, and a keen ability to sense underlying truths in any situation. Scorpio risings may have a penetrating gaze, a sharp mind, and an intuitive understanding of others’ motives. They tend to approach life and self-expression with secrecy, control, and self-awareness, often valuing privacy and guarding their true nature until they feel a deep sense of trust. Scorpio ruling the 1st house encourages Scorpio risings to embrace their unique intensity and transformative spirit, using it as a source of strength and authenticity.

Mars through the Houses:

Mars in the 1st House: With Mars in the 1st house, the Scorpionic energy of intensity, strength, and resilience is amplified in the self. The native has a strong, assertive presence, often approaching life head-on with courage and purpose. They exude magnetism and are deeply self-motivated, embodying the archetype of the warrior. Their directness and power can be both alluring and intimidating, and they often channel their energy toward self-improvement and personal transformation.

Mars in the 2nd House: The Scorpionic 1st-house energy channels into finances and values. The native approaches money and resources with determination and is likely to work hard to achieve financial independence. They value security and self-sufficiency and may view material resources as a source of empowerment. They are drawn to investments or resources that hold long-term value, often managing their finances strategically.

Mars in the 3rd House: With Mars in the 3rd house, the Scorpionic 1st-house energy is expressed through communication and close relationships. The native communicates with intensity and purpose, often expressing themselves in a direct and persuasive manner. They may have strong opinions and are skilled at getting to the heart of any matter. Close relationships with siblings or neighbors can be intense, and they may value intellectual connections that feel deep and meaningful.

Mars in the 4th House: The Scorpionic 1st-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may be deeply protective of their family and home, often valuing privacy and security within their domestic life. They may approach family matters with intensity and determination, creating a home environment that reflects their desire for emotional depth and stability. They may also experience transformative experiences within the family setting.

Mars in the 5th House: The Scorpionic 1st-house energy of passion and depth channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native approaches love and creativity with intensity and authenticity, often seeking romantic relationships that feel transformative. They may invest great energy in creative projects, and their self-expression is often powerful and magnetic. They are drawn to romantic and artistic pursuits that offer emotional depth and connection.

Mars in the 6th House: The Scorpionic 1st-house energy flows into daily routines, work, and health. The native may approach work and health with focus and discipline, often valuing routines that support their physical and emotional resilience. They are likely drawn to professions that require dedication, such as research, healing, or service work, and they bring an unwavering commitment to both their health and work environments.

Mars in the 7th House: The Scorpionic 1st-house energy of loyalty and transformation flows into partnerships. The native may approach relationships with intensity and passion, valuing loyalty, honesty, and emotional depth in their connections. They are likely drawn to partners who can match their intensity and who value intimacy and growth. Their partnerships may be deeply transformative, often revealing hidden aspects of themselves and encouraging personal evolution.

Mars in the 8th House: With Mars in its own 8th house, the Scorpionic energy of transformation, power, and depth is intensely expressed in matters of intimacy, shared resources, and spiritual growth. The native has a natural affinity for exploring life’s mysteries and may be drawn to subjects like psychology, mysticism, or the occult. They approach intimacy with intensity, often seeking connections that offer both passion and personal transformation.

Mars in the 9th House: The Scorpionic 1st-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may approach philosophical questions with intensity and is likely drawn to exploring spiritual or transformative subjects. They value experiences that broaden their perspective, often finding meaning in travel, study, or philosophical pursuits. They may also bring their intensity into intellectual discussions, seeking truth and deeper understanding.

Mars in the 10th House: The Scorpionic 1st-house energy flows into career and public life. The native may pursue a career that allows them to express their resilience and strategic thinking. They are known for their dedication to their profession and may build a reputation as someone who is intense, determined, and capable of overcoming obstacles. They are often drawn to roles involving leadership, investigation, or crisis management.

Mars in the 11th House: The Scorpionic 1st-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may bring intensity and dedication to friendships and group activities, often valuing loyalty and deep connections within social circles. They may feel strongly about social causes and may work to influence or transform their community. They approach group goals with a sense of purpose and commitment, often playing a leadership role in social causes.

Mars in the 12th House: With Mars in the 12th house, the Scorpionic 1st-house energy of transformation and introspection takes on a more spiritual, introspective quality. The native may seek solitude to explore their inner world, often using time alone to understand their deeper motivations. They may be drawn to spiritual or psychological healing practices and may find fulfillment in helping others in unseen or behind-the-scenes ways.

𝐒𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Sagittarius rising, Scorpio governs the 12th house, the house of spirituality, solitude, dreams, subconscious fears, and transcendence. With Scorpio ruling this house, Sagittarius risings have a profound, sometimes hidden depth, often drawn to exploring the mysteries of the subconscious mind and spiritual transformation. They may be naturally introspective, with a need to understand life’s deeper, unseen layers, often seeking insight through spiritual practices or meditation. Scorpio’s influence suggests that Sagittarius risings may encounter inner transformation through solitude, deep self-exploration, and spiritual surrender, as Scorpio here calls for an acceptance of life’s mysteries and a willingness to face their own hidden emotions and fears. This placement can also signify powerful intuitive and healing abilities that come through embracing their inner world. Scorpio ruling the 12th house encourages Sagittarius risings to balance their outer expansiveness with a rich inner life, uncovering strength and healing through spiritual awareness and inner transformation.

Mars through the Houses:

Mars in the 1st House: With Mars in the 1st house, the Scorpionic 12th-house energy of mystery and depth flows directly into the self. The native has a magnetic, intense presence and often combines their adventurous Sagittarius spirit with Scorpio’s determination and resilience. They may have a deep well of inner strength and approach life with a boldness that’s supported by a quiet, spiritual confidence. Their personality can be both inspiring and enigmatic, reflecting a life path that encourages them to explore and understand their own inner world.

Mars in the 2nd House: The Scorpionic 12th-house energy channels into finances and values. The native may approach resources with a strategic, focused mindset, often valuing self-sufficiency. They may experience transformations in their financial life, possibly finding security through hidden resources, investments, or by using their intuition in financial matters. They might also value spiritual pursuits and view inner wealth as a source of power.

Mars in the 3rd House: With Mars in the 3rd house, the Scorpionic 12th-house energy is expressed through communication and close relationships. The native has a penetrating, insightful way of expressing themselves, often drawn to discussing deep or hidden subjects. They may be fascinated by psychology or mysticism and bring intensity to their interactions with siblings and close friends. They may also be protective and intuitive in their communication, often sensing what others are feeling before they speak.

Mars in the 4th House: The Scorpionic 12th-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may seek a private, emotionally intense home life, valuing family bonds that allow for depth and transformation. They may feel a profound connection to their roots or ancestry and may be deeply affected by their family environment, sometimes experiencing transformation through family dynamics.

Mars in the 5th House: The Scorpionic 12th-house energy channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native approaches romance and creativity with passion and depth, often seeking meaningful connections that allow for emotional transformation. They may have a hidden, private creative side and may express themselves artistically through introspective or mystical themes, possibly using art as a form of healing or emotional release.

Mars in the 6th House: The Scorpionic 12th-house energy flows into daily routines, work, and health. The native may find purpose in work that involves helping others in transformative ways, such as healing, counseling, or spiritual practices. They might also have a disciplined approach to health, seeking inner balance through wellness practices that support their physical and spiritual needs, possibly through introspective activities like meditation or yoga.

Mars in the 7th House: The Scorpionic 12th-house energy of loyalty and emotional depth flows into partnerships. The native may seek partners who value emotional intensity and transformation. They may be drawn to relationships that offer both emotional depth and spiritual growth. Their partnerships may help them confront hidden fears or past issues, often leading to personal growth through love and commitment.

Mars in the 8th House: The Scorpionic 12th-house energy channels into shared resources, intimacy, and transformation. The native may be naturally drawn to exploring the mysteries of life, often finding meaning in the unseen, such as psychology, healing, or spiritual work. They approach intimacy and shared resources with caution and depth, valuing trust and honesty and often undergoing inner transformation through these connections.

Mars in the 9th House: The Scorpionic 12th-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may find spiritual significance in travel or learning about foreign cultures. They approach philosophical questions with intensity and curiosity, often seeking truth in spiritual practices or studies that reveal life’s deeper mysteries. Their travel experiences or studies may offer profound insights and lead to transformative changes in their beliefs.

Mars in the 10th House: The Scorpionic 12th-house energy flows into career and public life. The native may be drawn to professions that allow them to work behind the scenes, possibly in healing, psychology, or spiritual practices. They bring depth and focus to their work, often taking on roles that require resilience and sensitivity. Their public image may reflect a quiet strength, and they may be known for their dedication and ability to support others in transformative ways.

Mars in the 11th House: The Scorpionic 12th-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may be drawn to friendships or social causes that are emotionally meaningful, often preferring friends who share their interests in spiritual growth or social transformation. They bring a depth of purpose to group activities and are likely to support causes that help others heal or overcome hidden struggles.

Mars in the 12th House: With Mars in the 12th house, the Scorpionic energy of spirituality, transformation, and healing is intensely expressed in the inner life. The native has a strong drive for spiritual exploration and may work on developing their intuitive abilities or exploring the subconscious. They may feel a calling to help others in quiet or hidden ways and may undergo significant personal transformations in solitude, often finding healing and strength in introspective practices like meditation, dreamwork, or healing arts.

𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Capricorn rising, Scorpio governs the 11th house, the house of friendships, social networks, and long-term goals. With Scorpio ruling this house, Capricorn risings often approach friendships and group affiliations with loyalty, depth, and selectiveness. They value friendships that offer emotional substance and may have a small but close-knit circle of friends they trust deeply. In group dynamics, they often play a behind-the-scenes or strategic role, preferring to focus on meaningful contributions rather than surface-level socializing. Scorpio’s influence here suggests that Capricorn risings seek transformative, impactful connections in their social life, and they are often drawn to ambitious, long-term goals that allow for personal or collective growth. They may have a powerful drive to achieve goals that bring profound changes or that contribute to society in some lasting way. Scorpio ruling the 11th house encourages Capricorn risings to approach friendships and aspirations with depth, loyalty, and a vision for meaningful impact.

Mars through the Houses:

Mars in the 1st House: With Mars in the 1st house, the Scorpionic 11th-house energy of loyalty and intensity flows directly into the self. The native has a powerful, driven personality and often takes a proactive role in group settings. They approach friendships with confidence and bring a strong sense of purpose to their social interactions. Their personal charisma and assertiveness can make them a natural leader or influencer within their social circles.

Mars in the 2nd House: The Scorpionic 11th-house energy channels into finances and values. The native may approach long-term financial goals with a strategic, transformative mindset. They may be drawn to investments or savings plans that support their long-term aspirations. They value financial independence as a means of achieving their goals, often working hard to build resources that allow them to contribute meaningfully to group causes or personal aspirations.

Mars in the 3rd House: With Mars in the 3rd house, the Scorpionic 11th-house energy is expressed through communication and close relationships. The native communicates with intensity and purpose, often drawn to networking or group projects that involve deep, meaningful discussions. They may have a persuasive way of speaking and tend to seek intellectual connection within their social circle, valuing friends who challenge them mentally.

Mars in the 4th House: The Scorpionic 11th-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may work toward long-term goals that create security for their family and may even view their family as a support network for their ambitions. They approach family connections with loyalty and may prefer family members as close friends. They value a stable home life that allows them to pursue transformative goals outside the home.

Mars in the 5th House: The Scorpionic 11th-house energy of intensity and loyalty channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may take an intense approach to creative projects and might work well in creative groups, particularly those focused on transformation or deep themes. They value friendships that allow for creative expression and may pursue romantic relationships that align with their long-term aspirations and ideals.

Mars in the 6th House: The Scorpionic 11th-house energy flows into daily routines, work, and health. The native may work hard toward social or humanitarian causes in a professional capacity, often drawn to roles that require resilience and dedication. They approach work with a sense of purpose and may be motivated by goals that benefit their community or fulfill long-term visions of change or improvement.

Mars in the 7th House: The Scorpionic 11th-house energy of loyalty and connection flows into partnerships. The native may seek committed partners who share their social ideals and aspirations. They value partnerships that offer both emotional depth and mutual goals and may approach close relationships with intensity and purpose, often choosing partners who are supportive of their long-term vision.

Mars in the 8th House: The Scorpionic 11th-house energy channels into shared resources, intimacy, and personal transformation. The native may be drawn to social or group work that involves transformative themes, such as psychology, healing, or financial planning. They approach shared resources with caution and may value friendships or alliances that allow for mutual growth and depth, often seeking friends who are reliable and trustworthy in times of change.

Mars in the 9th House: The Scorpionic 11th-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may work toward long-term educational or philosophical goals, often valuing friends and mentors who support their spiritual or intellectual growth. They are likely to bring intensity to their philosophical pursuits and may enjoy group travel or studies that involve transformative or cross-cultural experiences.

Mars in the 10th House: The Scorpionic 11th-house energy flows into career and public life. The native may pursue ambitious goals in their career, often working toward a professional role that allows them to influence or contribute to their community in a lasting way. They may be respected for their drive and resilience, and their public image may reflect their commitment to group causes or social progress.

Mars in the 11th House: With Mars in its own 11th house, the Scorpionic energy of loyalty, intensity, and transformation is strongly expressed in friendships, social networks, and long-term aspirations. The native may be a powerful influence within social circles and may pursue goals that allow them to make a meaningful impact. They are likely known for their commitment and loyalty within groups and are drawn to friends who share their deep sense of purpose.

Mars in the 12th House: The Scorpionic 11th-house energy of transformation and loyalty takes on a more introspective, spiritual quality. The native may pursue social or group causes quietly, often working behind the scenes to achieve long-term goals. They may be drawn to spiritual or healing practices that serve a collective purpose, and they might form friendships within spiritual or support communities. They are deeply motivated by a desire to contribute to society in unseen yet impactful ways.

𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Aquarius rising, Scorpio governs the 10th house, the house of career, public standing, and life direction. With Scorpio ruling this house, Aquarius risings approach their career with intensity, ambition, and a focus on making a lasting impact. They may be drawn to professions that allow them to transform or influence society, often feeling a sense of purpose in their work that goes beyond personal ambition. Scorpio’s influence here suggests that Aquarius risings are strategic in their career choices and tend to be deeply dedicated to their professional goals, often pursuing roles that allow them to engage in meaningful, impactful work. They may be drawn to careers in psychology, research, law, finance, or fields where depth, insight, and resilience are valuable. Scorpio ruling the 10th house encourages Aquarius risings to approach their public life with purpose and a sense of mission, often using their career as a platform for profound social change.

Mars through the Houses:

Mars in the 1st House: With Mars in the 1st house, the Scorpionic 10th-house energy of intensity and ambition flows directly into the self. The native projects confidence and a powerful presence, often pursuing life with boldness and determination. They approach their career with an independent spirit, often bringing a magnetic energy that others find compelling. Their drive for public success is evident in their personality, and they are likely to be seen as assertive and purposeful in their professional life.

Mars in the 2nd House: The Scorpionic 10th-house energy channels into finances and values. The native may view financial security as a foundation for achieving their career goals and may work strategically to build wealth. They approach money matters with a disciplined, determined mindset, often valuing resources that support their ambitions. They may be drawn to careers that offer both financial reward and a sense of purpose.

Mars in the 3rd House: With Mars in the 3rd house, the Scorpionic 10th-house energy is expressed through communication and close relationships. The native communicates with intensity and focus, often bringing strategic thinking into their career. They may excel in roles that involve research, persuasion, or investigation, and they approach professional interactions with directness. Their ability to communicate complex ideas clearly can be a powerful asset in their career.

Mars in the 4th House: The Scorpionic 10th-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may balance career with a strong commitment to family, often seeking to create a stable, protected home life that supports their ambitions. They may approach their professional life with a desire to create security for their family and are likely to bring resilience and loyalty to both home and work life.

Mars in the 5th House: The Scorpionic 10th-house energy of passion and ambition channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may pursue a career that involves creativity, risk-taking, or expression of their unique talents. They are likely to approach self-expression with intensity and may enjoy professions that allow them to engage deeply with their interests. They may also pursue romantic connections that align with their life goals.

Mars in the 6th House: The Scorpionic 10th-house energy flows into daily routines, work, and health. The native approaches work with dedication and a sense of purpose, often driven to perform at their best in their professional life. They may work in fields involving transformation, healing, or research and bring a resilient, strategic approach to their everyday responsibilities. Health routines are often disciplined, supporting their focus on long-term goals.

Mars in the 7th House: The Scorpionic 10th-house energy of ambition and transformation flows into partnerships. The native may seek partners who share or support their career aspirations, often valuing loyalty and dedication in relationships. They may form professional alliances that help them achieve their goals, and they often value romantic or business partners who encourage them to pursue their public ambitions with resilience and passion.

Mars in the 8th House: The Scorpionic 10th-house energy channels into shared resources, intimacy, and transformation. The native may be drawn to careers that involve finance, psychology, or transformational work, often finding purpose in roles where they can work deeply with others’ resources or help people through intense situations. They approach shared resources with caution and purpose, often viewing their professional life as a vehicle for transformation, both for themselves and others.

Mars in the 9th House: The Scorpionic 10th-house energy is expressed through philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may approach their career with a desire to influence or educate, often seeking roles that allow them to explore philosophical or ethical issues. They may be drawn to work that allows them to expand their worldview, whether through travel, higher learning, or cultural involvement, and they often approach their career with a purpose rooted in higher ideals.

Mars in the 10th House: With Mars in its own 10th house, the Scorpionic energy of intensity, strategy, and transformation is strongly expressed in career and public life. The native is likely to be highly driven and ambitious, often pursuing professional success with resilience and focus. They may excel in roles that allow them to lead or transform, and they bring an intense commitment to their work. They are likely to be respected for their dedication and may be known for their powerful presence in their field.

Mars in the 11th House: The Scorpionic 10th-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may approach social connections strategically, often forming alliances that support their career aspirations. They may be drawn to social causes or group activities that align with their public goals and often use their influence within groups to work toward meaningful change. They value friendships that are loyal and supportive of their professional ambitions.

Mars in the 12th House: With Mars in the 12th house, the Scorpionic 10th-house energy of ambition and transformation takes on a more introspective, spiritual quality. The native may work in a field that involves helping others in unseen or behind-the-scenes ways, such as counseling, healing, or spiritual guidance. They may prefer to work privately or in a more secluded setting, finding fulfillment in careers that allow them to make a quiet yet powerful impact on others.

𝐏𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Pisces rising, Scorpio governs the 9th house, the house of philosophy, spirituality, higher education, and long-distance travel. With Scorpio ruling this house, Pisces risings approach their search for truth with intensity, passion, and a profound need for transformation. They are drawn to exploring the mysteries of life and often seek spiritual or philosophical paths that offer depth and self-discovery. Scorpio’s influence here suggests that Pisces risings may be highly intuitive and may experience transformative insights while studying, traveling, or engaging with spiritual practices. They often prefer belief systems that encourage inner transformation and may gravitate toward teachings that explore life’s hidden or mystical aspects, such as psychology, metaphysics, or the occult. Scorpio ruling the 9th house encourages Pisces risings to seek experiences that deepen their understanding of the world, viewing life as a journey of inner growth and exploration.

Mars through the Houses:

Mars in the 1st House: With Mars in the 1st house, the Scorpionic 9th-house energy of depth and exploration flows directly into the self. The native presents themselves with a purposeful, magnetic presence and may be known for their spiritual curiosity and desire for personal growth. They approach life’s challenges with resilience and are likely to feel that their journey is both an inner and outer adventure, blending Pisces’ intuition with Scorpio’s focus and intensity.

Mars in the 2nd House: The Scorpionic 9th-house energy channels into finances and values. The native may view financial stability as essential to their ability to explore higher truths and experiences, and they approach money with a strategic mindset. They may invest in educational pursuits, travel, or spiritual growth, valuing experiences that enrich their understanding of life and contribute to personal transformation.

Mars in the 3rd House: With Mars in the 3rd house, the Scorpionic 9th-house energy is expressed through communication and close relationships. The native is likely to have an intense, persuasive communication style and may be drawn to discussing philosophical or spiritual topics with others. They seek intellectual depth in friendships and are likely to have meaningful conversations that inspire new perspectives or encourage self-reflection.

Mars in the 4th House: The Scorpionic 9th-house energy finds expression in the home and family environment. The native may create a home environment that is spiritually enriching or serves as a place of learning and exploration. They may seek to explore family heritage, perhaps drawn to ancestral wisdom or philosophies that deepen their sense of self. Home is both a retreat and a foundation for spiritual growth.

Mars in the 5th House: The Scorpionic 9th-house energy of passion and depth channels into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may approach creativity and love with intensity and may enjoy exploring philosophical or spiritual themes in art or relationships. They may be drawn to romantic partners who encourage their philosophical or spiritual growth, and they express themselves in ways that resonate with depth and meaning.

Mars in the 6th House: The Scorpionic 9th-house energy flows into daily routines, work, and health. The native may bring a purposeful, spiritual approach to their work, often valuing careers that allow for personal growth or transformation. They may approach daily life with a desire for meaningful contribution, often choosing health routines or work roles that align with their spiritual values or help others find healing.

Mars in the 7th House: The Scorpionic 9th-house energy of loyalty and depth flows into partnerships. The native may seek partners who support their quest for meaning and truth, often desiring a partner who shares or respects their spiritual or philosophical beliefs. They approach relationships with dedication and often value a partner who encourages them to explore life’s mysteries and grow through shared wisdom.

Mars in the 8th House: The Scorpionic 9th-house energy channels into shared resources, intimacy, and transformation. The native may be drawn to exploring deep spiritual or psychological truths, often seeking intimate relationships that encourage growth and self-discovery. They approach shared experiences and resources with caution and intensity, often finding themselves in transformative partnerships or bonds that change their worldview.

Mars in the 9th House: With Mars in its own 9th house, the Scorpionic energy of intensity, passion, and transformation is strongly expressed in philosophy, spirituality, and higher learning. The native is driven to explore life’s profound mysteries, often bringing an investigative approach to their studies. They may be passionate about philosophy, psychology, metaphysics, or travel and often feel compelled to share their knowledge and insights with others.

Mars in the 10th House: The Scorpionic 9th-house energy flows into career and public life. The native may be drawn to a career that allows them to influence others through teaching, counseling, or spiritual guidance. They approach their public life with purpose and intensity, often pursuing a career that aligns with their philosophical beliefs or allows them to bring transformation to society. They may be known for their dedication and commitment to their field.

Mars in the 11th House: The Scorpionic 9th-house energy channels into social networks and group involvement. The native may bring their philosophical or spiritual insights into group settings, often sharing knowledge or contributing to causes they believe in. They value friendships that inspire growth and change, often drawn to like-minded people who share their interest in transformation, spirituality, or deep intellectual pursuits.

Mars in the 12th House: With Mars in the 12th house, the Scorpionic 9th-house energy of spiritual growth and transformation takes on a more introspective, mystical quality. The native may pursue spiritual practices or studies in solitude, often finding wisdom through quiet reflection or meditation. They may feel drawn to the unseen dimensions of life, often exploring spiritual or mystical topics as a path to self-understanding and enlightenment.

[t00muchheart]

LITERALLY

Read this for @deancoded-deangirl and I made a visual for our emotions

Thanks for the pain @urne-buriall

[txttletale]

hey what DO you watch on youtube? seems like you'd have some neat recommendations :3

i really loathe the like super-highly edited sound effect post-mrbeast slop most of youtube is now so i mostly like stuff that's like... calm and sedate. stuff i've been watching lately in no particular order:

northernlion vods and clips. he's an OG. i especially like his react court series, i must have watched all of them like five times.

speaking of OGs i've been watching zero puncutation (now fully ramblomatic) for like ten years and if anything it's only gotten better. best game review content on the internet. been really enjoying his more recent, slightly longer and more thoughtful 'extra punctuation/semi-ramblomatic' series too.

any austin's skyrim unemployment rate videos. instant classics to me, it's just a guy going around in skyrim trying to figure out the unemployment rate in every town. it's a very dry kind of humour, he plays it admirably straight, and it's weirdly calming.

kitten arcader's foot the bill videos. in a kind of similar vein, he watches the saw movies and then produces an itemized bill for everything jigsaw needed to buy to make his traps. it's kind of like... if cinemasins was fundamentally curious instead of fundamentally incurious, it scratches a similar sort of nitpicky detail-oriented quantifying itch but without inimical to the concept of art.

shuffle up and play. it's a magic the gathering play series that has enough editing that the gamestate is actually legible but not enough editing (or at least, not enough obtrusive in-your-face editing) that its annoying. i also like that they reguilarly play non-edh formats like cube and pauper.

spice8rack. i'm pretty picky about video essays but spice8rack has very obviously actually read books and has interesting things to say about the topics it discusses (mostly magic: the gathering). sometimes it has a kind of grating Theater Kid Energy but the fact that it actually meaningfully structures essays and analysis to earn the silly long runtimes is a rare delight from a video essayist.

jenny nicholson is a long-time favourite and another permanent fixture in my rotation. she's just extremely, remarkably funny which makes her the only 'basically just summarizing a thing' youtuber i think is worth the time of day.

i watch some sketch comedy, mainly wizards with guns and aunty donna, who both consistently put out really funny stuff that's kind of ITYSL-adjacent in its barefaced absurdism and contenmpt for concepts like "stopping a joke at the logical punchline". i also really like alasdair beckett-king and binging the old clickhole backlog for short-form comedy on youtube.

wolfeyvgc is right on the edge of the level of editing i find tolerable but as a long-time fan of multiple esports he Has It, he's absolutelyt fantastic at t elling the narrative of a tournament, explaining plays clearly, and generally making competitive pokemon esports thrilling and interesting ti someone (me) who#s never played it and doesn't care about pkoemon that much

i religously watch every elliespectacular/dathings YTP, the absolute best in the game right now, top tier snetence mixing and really good at actually setting up and paying off jokes in a way it feels like a lot of ytp doesn't. verytallbart is also pretty good.

trapperdapper is a channel i recently binged, it's a really fucking funny parody of minecraft challenge content that veers slowly from obvious angles of parody into pure absurdism with tons of blink-and-you'll miss it subtle visual gags.

too much future is a great youtube series where the two guys from just king things/homestuck made this world play through every fallout game and analyze them in that context. extremely funny and also just top-tier very sharp analysis. really good

another one of the rare good video essayists is jan misali. they're really funny and will go into topics that kind of seem narrow or strange to begin with in such depth and make them so interesting that it's consistently astonishing.

oh and finally sarah z makes pretty good videos. 'the narcissist scare' is an absolutely brilliant deconstruction of one of the most annoying pop-psych phenomena of the last couple years. and remarkably well script supervised i think did anyone else watch it and think 'wow the script supervisor on this must have been, a mind geniuse'

ok i think that's all i've been watching lately. hope you like whcihever of these recs you check out :)

[sporesgalaxy]

me when the ship fic is not also an in-depth thesis with multiple cited sources proposing an analysis of one or both characters' psyches down to the most fundamental level

[grison-in-space]

look computational psychiatry is a concept with a certain amount of cursed energy trailing behind it, but I'm really getting my ass chapped about a fundamental flaw in large scale data analysis that I've been complaining about for years. Here's what's bugging me:

When you're trying to understand a system as complex as behavioral tendencies, you cannot substitute large amounts of "low quality" data (data correlating more weakly with a trait of interest, say, or data that only measures one of several potential interacting factors that combine to create outcomes) for "high quality" data that inquiries more deeply about the system.

The reason for that is this: when we're trying to analyze data as scientists, we leave things we're not directly interrogating as randomized as possible on the assumption that either there is no main effect of those things on our data, or that balancing and randomizing those things will drown out whatever those effects are.

But the problem is this: sometimes there are not only strong effects in the data you haven't considered, but also they correlate: either with one of the main effects you do know about, or simply with one another.

This means that there is structure in your data. And you can't see it, which means that you can't account for it. Which means whatever your findings are, they won't generalize the moment you switch to a new population structured differently. Worse, you are incredibly vulnerable to sampling bias because the moment your sample fails to reflect the structure of the population you're up shit creek without a paddle. Twin studies are notoriously prone to this because white and middle to upper class twins are vastly more likely to be identified and recruited for them, because those are the people who respond to study queries and are easy to get hold of. GWAS data, also extremely prone to this issue. Anything you train machine learning datasets like ChatGPT on, where you're compiling unbelievably big datasets to try to "train out" the noise.

These approaches presuppose that sampling depth is enough to "drown out" any other conflicting main effects or interactions. What it actually typically does is obscure the impact of meaningful causative agents (hidden behind conflicting correlation factors you can't control for) and overstate the value of whatever significant main effects do manage to survive and fall out, even if they explain a pitiably small proportion of the variation in the population.

It's a natural response to the wondrous power afforded by modern advances in computing, but it's not a great way to understand a complex natural world.

[raayllum]

Been also thinking about the line between "the text wasn't meant to be interpreted this way but it's a solid reading / line of critique (with caveats)" (#1) versus "the text wasn't meant to be interpreted this way and doing so actively worsens the story they're trying to tell" (#2).

Going to do some TDP specific examples.

But basically: When your in-depth reading takes away from the Surface Level reading rather than providing contribution, that's usually a good sign you're going into a story with 1) an expectation or reading that was never promised or 2) are weakening the story through a typically unfounded analysis.

A TDP specific example is the relationship between Viren and Harrow. Canonically, textually, they had a brotherly relationship, both in the dialogue that Viren conveys ("I think of you as my brother" / "You're my brother") and in their persistent parallel framing with Callum and Ezran.

However, that doesn't stop many fans (myself included) from reading a romantic and sexual attraction between Viren and Harrow, especially in their youth. Not only do they just have the vibes, parallels to other couples, and subtext, Viren very much places Harrow's importance in his life in a way that's usually reserved for lovers. Viren having been in love (or ongoing) just makes sense. That doesn't mean any of us are expecting TDP to ever make it Canon — like I said, it's canonically very much Not that — but it does add a layer to Viren always wanting to 1) matter to Harrow as much as he does, and 2) his frustration and severance with Harrow because he wasn't getting the acceptance and affection that he wanted.

This is what I would consider #1 avenue: it doesn't take away from their dynamic, and to me adds a layer, but it allows the text to stand as is. Viren wants Harrow's love and attention in the gradual and then sharp deterioration of their dynamic. All I'm changing is a little bit of the why per my personal reading.

Meanwhile, if I went the route of "Yeah I know canon shows Harrow appreciating, taking Viren into account, and smiling at / loving him, but I don't think Harrow cared at all and he was just a bad friend to Viren for years" then... Yeah I could read it that way — it's not as though Harrow or Viren were hardly perfect friends to each other, and Harrow's discard of Viren is harsh (even if it was a long time coming in a lot of ways) — but what does that leave me with? Frustration, maybe; a poor view of Harrow; immense sympathy towards Viren? At best, I'd maybe resent how Viren learns the lessons Harrow was trying to teach him by paying for it with his life; at worst, I'd think the narrative was being fundamentally unfair to Viren without recognizing that his previous modes of self sacrifice were always couched in ego, shirking the immediate consequences of being saved, or that he was routinely willing to sacrifice everyone around him first, including his own children.

This is where we get into area #2, and I see it happen all the time with TDP, whether it's from the series not portraying monarchies as a bad thing or the ever persistent "issue" of dark magic. Quite frankly, it's silly to walk into TDP post-S1 expecting dark magic to be anything beyond — given all the current textual evidence — "morally complicated" magic at best. Yes it can be used for good things, but that doesn't automatically make it good, and while we could spin logistical wheels for ages, the Point the story is Making with dark magic is about power, desperation, love, self-destruction, violation, and agency, and how all those things can overlap or counteract each other. Toting out "well I think dark magic is blanket statement Okay and Good actually" misses all of that, and actively makes your reading and experience with TDP worse. The surface level reading is important to take into account when examining a piece of media, otherwise it can lead to a very warped view and effect your ability to be well founded in your reading of the text.

That doesn't mean you can't desire a more morally neutral form of dark magic — plenty of fantasy series and stories have it, and some I adore (like "the legend of Zelda" — but it does mean accepting the story is never going to broadly speaking do that, and it's Okay that it won't. I'd be silly if I walked into LOZ expecting them to get into the ethics of its form of (non) dark magic of using monsters for spell parts because it's 1) a game mechanic and 2) it's not interested in the ethics of it, and no amount of me saying "well it should be" will change that, nor is it a Story Flaw that it doesn't.

This is all to say that I think asking "Why would the writers do this?" is one of the most useful, if basic, questions to ask when it comes to analysis and when figuring out whether your viewpoint is falling into avenue #1 of being grounded, or avenue #2 of veering towards warped territory.

For example, if I take Rayla not being by Callum's side when he's struggling over the pearl reveal in 6x06 as an indicator she doesn't care about him, I'm doing a deep dive that ignores all the very Surface Level emphasized scenes of Rayla caring about and supporting Callum a whole lot. I could make the claim she doesn't care based on that scene, but it wouldn't be well founded because it's ignoring miles of other much more prevalent, consistent scenes of her being there for him; it's not a well founded claim.

For something less obvious, let's look at 5x08. While Callum could've given Finnegrin the wrong spell on purpose, as some fans have thoughtfully proposed, as a sneaky wink for die hard fans... why would the authors do that? What does the story gain from that reading or intention? Well, it makes it seem like Callum was less desperate in his dealings with Finnegrin, which makes him doing dark magic afterwards come off worse. It also lessens the battle Callum has throughout that episode for feeling in control and recognizing that he can't always be. It's a reading that, in my opinion, not only strays away from the surface level reading, but is one removes elements from the text that the text would otherwise be stronger for having. In comparison, after all, if Callum gave his version of the right spell without thinking it through, he did so entirely out of desperation, which better affirms just how desperate and worn down he had to be to do dark magic, and is another instance in the episode of him feeling very much out of control (especially since we don't see the 3rd with dark magic on screen, so otherwise, we'd only have him punching Finnegrin as an example and nothing else).

Same thing with the old (now debunked) theory of Callum's bio dad being elven in nature. It's an interesting idea, exploring the implications and backstory and how'd grapple with it, but it'd weaken what canon is actively striving for, which is that Callum's magic use is special precisely because he's an ordinary human who's gained primal magic, and having elven ancestry would counteract that. It doesn't mean that the idea isn't a Good one or that it's not fun to explore in fanon, but there's a lot of reasons the story isn't (or decided not to) have it be canon, because it was stronger for the story they Wanted to tell for it not to be.

Sometimes, as fans this means acknowledging that what we want or prefer in a story is just blatantly not what's being set up, because the story is going to do things regardless of what we want or personally like. That doesn't mean those decisions are bad, and it also doesn't mean those elements or decisions or constructions are beyond critique, but it does mean to ask yourself some key questions:

Is there anything my reading is missing? (ie. if TDP shouldn't have monarchs and that's the critical focus, we lose the messages about leadership, family, and legacy that are engaged with through the vessel of hereditary monarchy)

Why might the story or scene go in certain directions? Are there story constraints (time, tone, etc) they have to abide by?

Am I expecting the story to ascribe to my worldview or preference, and am I open to things that don't do that? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Is my in-depth takeaway aligned with a surface level reading? Are both readings working together, or are they opposed? What other surface level readings might be plausible here for a casual viewer?

Even if this is not personally compelling and/or believable to me, does my personal takeaway match up with the characters' responses to it? Why or why not? (Think every Disney movie where they fall in love in 3 days. Realistic? No. Does it matter within the context of the story? Also no)

Again, this is not to say that 1) what the casual takeaway Is is an objective singular monolith (it isn't) or 2) if the casual takeaway and your interpretation is at odds that you're wrong. But through context clues, we can usually narrow it down as to what the story intends, and that if our interpretations do veer heavily to examine why and to manage expectations accordingly.

Anyways hopefully this all made sense Viren x Harrow forever

[gold-dust-angel]

Hmm so it turns out many people consider Ava a bad protagonist and find her annoying??? And that the show is slow??? And that it endorses disability erasure???

I hardly ever fall in love with main leads especially 'the chosen one' types and yet Ava was so easy to get behind and even relatable and I love her so much. And god I wish the show was even slower and it had more episodes like I wanted to see the dynamics between the sisters in depth, Ava and Bea's relationship progressing, little lost moments, their quiet times, their training sessions, them joking around and being normal idk. It still went by too fast?

And I might be wrong here but to me it wasn't disability erasure. Ava's disability is very much a part of her throughout. It's why she spends half the season running away because she hasn't lived yet. It's why she can't give up the halo either. It's why she can't drain the halo too much or can't fight as good as other warrior nuns (minus not being trained yet of course). It's her deepest fear. And it is so fundamental to her and Bea's relationship too like Bea touching her after that fight with Crimson, Bea reassuring her, Bea understanding her fears and hesitance....her disability is a very much constant presence throughout the narrative even though under the surface and ahhhhh I want to scream so bad rn.

I'm straight up not having a good day today and then finding out about these shitty opinions about this beloved sunshine of a character—

Are people allowed to have opinions I don't agree with? Yes.

Do I want to hit them on the head with a stick despite? Also Yes.

Now I'm wondering am I biased because I've read way too many fics and post analysis' and therefore see more depth than there was? Does it even matter?

[lakesbian]

i was pondering some Thoughts about how people sometimes refer to worm as a "found family" story (& how this is sometimes mocked), how in-text alec explicitly says that the undersiders are the closest thing rachel has to family, how taylor tells them "you're my family, in a way," how the found family trope works in general, etc.

access to financial support, housing, medical care, And So On, is primarily attached to the institution of the family. the material necessities provided by membership to a nuclear family are why it's so common for people to reconcile with or keep in touch with family members they wouldn't if there was no material value attached to that relationship. the cultural prioritization of the nuclear family is how we get people offering "well, they're family" as an explanation for remaining associated with someone they wouldn't otherwise care about (or would even actively be trying to escape from, but this post is more about just Social Incompatibility in families than the outright abuse that the structure enables), with the expectation that the explanation is considered to make inherent sense.

aside from the found family trope demonstrating a lack of imagination about non-familial ways important relationships can take shape/demonstrating an inability to see relationships as truly important or deep unless they mimic the nuclear family, i think a lot of what appeals about the found family trope is a character dynamic that provides the same support, security, and undying love/depth of connection that the idealized nuclear family is purported to--and that does so as an escape from and superior replacement to the original blood family.

and what's interesting about the undersiders is that they're extremely not that. they're terrible at communicating. many of them don't get on with each other very well. they're oftentimes even actively shitty to each other: everyone but taylor towards rachel, brian towards alec (and aisha, but she's actually related to him), taylor towards alec and aisha. but there's still repeated in-text acknowledgement of a supposed familial dynamic between them! i think they're a "found family" in the sense that their group imitates the general role of the nuclear family--a small unit of people who (are supposed to) function as each other's fundamental supports in a world that, at large, does not care about any individual member, and who (are supposed to) do so regardless of any internal conflicts or lack of compatibility.

like, this is not a particularly articulate analysis of the nuclear family Whatsoever, but i don't think it's inaccurate to say that the compelling thing about the undersiders is that they are a "found family," but specifically in the sense that a lot of their dysfunctions are reminiscent of those found in typical, real-life familial bonds--people who wouldn't necessarily be getting along otherwise, or are even actively sorta bad for each other, forming very deep & intimate connections simply because they're materially forced to spend a lot of time together and have each others backs when there's no guarantee anyone else will.

for example: alec and aisha call taylor + brian 'team mom and dad' in a mocking manner not to indicate that they're kind/caring, but to indicate that they're being condescending micro-managing assholes...who aisha and alec are going to unquestionably listen to anyway, because they're a team, right? and you have to listen to your team leaders. i am onto an Observation here i think. deeply compelled by the idea of a ""found family"" where all of the similarities to an actual nuclear family are, despite being what drives the intimacy, also blatantly fucking dysfunctional

[regulusrules]

Yo, I saw your post about orientalism in relation to the "hollywood middle-east" tiktok!

How can a rando and university dropout get into and learn more about? Any literature or other content to recommend?

Hi!! Wow, you have no idea how you just pressed a button. I'll unleash 5+ years on you. And I'll even add for you open-sourced works that you can access as much as I can!

1. Videos

I often find this is the best medium nowadays to learn anything! I'll share with you some of the best that deal with the topic in different frames

• This is a video of Edward Said talking about his book, Orientalism. Said is the Palestinian- American critic who first introduced the term Orientalism, and is the father of postcolonial studies as a critical literary theory. In this book, you’ll find an in-depth analysis of the concept and a deconstruction of western stereotypes. It’s very simple and he explains everything in a very easy manner.

• How Islam Saved Western Civilization. A more than brilliant lecture by Professor Roy Casagranda. This, in my opinion, is one of the best lectures that gives credit to this great civilization, and takes you on a journey to understand where did it all start from.

• What’s better than a well-researched, general overview Crash Course about Islam by John Green? This is not necessarily on orientalism but for people to know more about the fundamental basis of Islam and its pillars. I love the whole playlist that they have done about the religion, so definitely refer to it if you're looking to understand more about the historical background! Also, I can’t possibly mention this Crash Course series without mentioning ... ↓

• The Medieval Islamicate World. Arguably my favourite CC video of all times. Hank Green gives you a great thorough depiction of the Islamic civilization when it rose. He also discusses the scientific and literary advancements that happened in that age, which most people have no clue about! And honestly, just his excitement while explaining the astrolabe. These two truly enlightened so many people with the videos they've made. Thanks, @sizzlingsandwichperfection-blog

2. Documentaries

• This is an AMAZING documentary called Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Villifies A People by the genius American media critic Jack Shaheen. He literally analysed more than 1000 movies and handpicked some to showcase the terribly false stereotypes in western depiction of Arab/Muslim cultures. It's the best way to go into the subject, because you'll find him analysing works you're familiar with like Aladdin and all sorts.

• Spain’s Islamic Legacy. I cannot let this opportunity go to waste since one of my main scopes is studying feminist Andalusian history. There are literal gems to be known about this period of time, when religious coexistence is documented to have actually existed. This documentary offers a needed break from eurocentric perspectives, a great bird-view of the Islamic civilization in Europe and its remaining legacy (that western history tries so hard to erase).

• When the Moors Ruled in Europe. This is one of the richest documentaries that covers most of the veiled history of Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain). Bettany Hughes discusses some of the prominent rulers, the brilliance of architecture in the Arab Muslim world, their originality and contributions to poetry and music, their innovative inventions and scientific development, and lastly, La Reconquista; the eventual fall and erasure of this grand civilization by western rulers.

3. Books

• Rethinking Orientalism by Reina Lewis. Lewis brilliantly breaks the prevailing stereotype of the “Harem”, yk, this stupid thought westerns projected about arab women being shut inside one room, not allowed to go anywhere from it, enslaved and without liberty, just left there for the sexual desires of the male figures, subjugated and silenced. It's a great read because it also takes the account of five different women living in the middle east.

• Nocturnal Poetics by Ferial Ghazoul. A great comparative text to understand the influence and outreach of The Thousand and One Nights. She applies a modern critical methodology to explore this classic literary masterpiece.

• The Question of Palestine by Edward Said. Since it's absolutely relevant, this is a great book if you're looking to understand more about the Palestinian situation and a great way to actually see the perspective of Palestinians themselves, not what we think they think.

• Arab-American Women's Writing and Performance by S.S. Sabry. One of my favourite feminist dealings with the idea of the orient and how western depictions demeaned arab women by objectifying them and degrading them to objects of sexual desire, like Scheherazade's characterization: how she was made into a sensual seducer, but not the literate, brilliantly smart woman of wisdom she was in the eastern retellings. The book also discusses the idea of identity and people who live on the hyphen (between two cultures), which is a very crucial aspect to understand arabs who are born/living in western countries.

• The Story of the Moors in Spain by Stanley Lane-Poole. This is a great book if you're trying to understand the influence of Islamic culture on Europe. It debunks this idea that Muslims are senseless, barbaric people who needed "civilizing" and instead showcases their brilliant civilization that was much advanced than any of Europe in the time Europe was labelled by the Dark Ages. (btw, did you know that arabic was the language of knowledge at that time? Because anyone who was looking to study advanced sciences, maths, philosophy, astronomy etc, had to know arabic because arabic-speaking countries were the center of knowledge and scientific advancements. Insane, right!)

• Convivencia and Medieval Spain. This is a collection of essays that delve further into the idea of “Convivencia”, which is what we call for religious coexistence. There's one essay in particular that's great called Were Women Part of Convivencia? which debunks all false western stereotypical images of women being less in Islamic belief. It also highlights how arab women have always been extremely cultured and literate. (They practiced medicine, studied their desired subjects, were writers of poetry and prose when women in Europe couldn't even keep their surnames when they married.)

4. Novels / Epistolaries

• Granada by Radwa Ashour. This is one of my favourite novels of all time, because Ashour brilliantly showcases Andalusian history and documents the injustices and massacres that happened to Muslims then. It covers the cultural erasure of Granada, and is also a story of human connection and beautiful family dynamics that utterly touches your soul.

• Dreams of Trespass by Fatema Mernissi. This is wonderful short read written in autobiographical form. It deconstructs the idea of the Harem in a postcolonial feminist lens of the French colonization of Morocco.

• Scheherazade Goes West by Mernissi. Mernissi brilliantly showcases the sexualisation of female figures by western depictions. It's very telling, really, and a very important reference to understand how the west often depicts middle-eastern women by boxing them into either the erotic, sensual beings or the oppressed, black-veiled beings. It helps you understand the actual real image of arab women out there (who are not just muslims btw; christian, jew, atheist, etc women do exist, and they do count).

• Letters of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu. This is a feminist travel epistolary of a British woman which covers the misconceptions that western people, (specifically male travelers) had recorded and transmitted about the religion, traditions and treatment of women in Constantinople, Turkey. It is also a very insightful sapphic text that explores her own engagement with women there, which debunks the idea that there are no queer people in the middle east.

---------------------

With all of these, you'll get an insight about the real arab / islamic world. Not the one of fanaticism and barbarity that is often mediated, but the actual one that is based on the fundamental essences of peace, love, and acceptance.

[cheeekycharchar]

"Shame and guilt have followed humanity since Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden."

Good Omens; a story of an Angel that can't accept love because of shame and a Demon that can't accept forgiveness because of guilt.

"It'd be funny if we both got it wrong, eh? If I did the good thing and you did the bad one."

An in-depth analysis of an Angel suffering from shame and a Demon wracked with guilt.

Let's dive deeper below the cut!

[Now I'm going to lay down a lot of facts, definitions and minimal psychological babble and I want you, as the reader, to view this through your GO nerd glasses. Also, I want to express that I am not a therapist or religious in any way- this was all done as academic research for the fandom's sake cause I can't shut my brain up. I tried to organize it the best I could. ..sorry it's so long but I swear it's worth the read through! ;)]

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• Shame is the painful emotion you have when you perceive that you are not good enough in some way. Entirely self imposed and only known to you, shame can be an unpleasant self-conscious feeling often associated with negative self-evaluation. When shame is chronic, it makes you believe that you are fundamentally flawed, defective, dishonorable, immoral, or improper.

• Guilt is a negative feeling of worry or unhappiness that you get because you have done something wrong. It's a moral emotion that occurs when a person believes or realizes- accurately or not- that they have compromised their own standards of conduct or have violated universal moral standards and bear significant responsibility for it. When guilt is chronic, it can be a toxic emotion that could cause a person to take on unjust responsibility if things around them go wrong. They are quick to accept that everything is their fault even though it isn't.

While guilt is about wrong actions, shame is about being wrong as a person.

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In academic psychology, shame is associated with avoiding failure and its consequences while guilt is connected with forgiving and improving one's self, along with making amends.

Guilt and Shame are often confused for each other but there’s a big difference between the two. Guilt can help you understand how your actions impact others, but shame is an inward-facing emotion that reflects how you feel about yourself. (And I do realize that Aziraphale may, at times, feel guilt and Crowley can also feel a sense of shame. But the main motivation behind majority of their characterizations and actions throughout the series are both coming from these two different feelings.)

Guilt can help you move forward while shame keeps you stuck in the past. [such as the "We could have been.. us." and "You go too fast for me." scenes] And the only way to rid themselves of these negative emotions is through recovery with unconditional love and forgiveness.

-------=======-------

• How Aziraphale represents the concept of shame •

Shame tricks you into believing that you aren't good. That you are worthless. Not that you've done something bad, but that you are bad. Ever since Aziraphale gave away his flaming sword, he started to question himself. But it wasn't until he outright lies to his fellow Angel's about the true fate of Job's children that he truly believes he has fallen- that he violated God's word and lied (again). He believes there must be something truly wrong with who he is as an Angel. He's a flawed creation of God and he feels a dreaded sense of deep shame from this.

Feelings of shame can also present itself in different types such as, Chronic Shame (negative emotions all the time that you aren't good enough), Performance Shame (feeling as though you are inferior compared to others) and Shame from Unrequited Love (this is a feeling of not being good enough for another person T^T).

Shame is a harmful, negative emotion that when internalized enough can result in an overly harsh evaluation of oneself.

-------=======-------

Next, let's take a closer look at what defines shame and how it operates through Aziraphale:

• Being Defensive is a way to avoid taking responsibility for our behavior.

"I don't need you." "And the feeling is mutual!"

• Perfectionism is the unrealistic desire to be perfect and is often a defense against shame. If we’re perfect, no one can criticize us; no one can shame us. We keep up a front that looks good to the world. We may spend a lot of time attending to our dress and looks.

"I do have standards."

• Apologizing constantly. Shame can prompt us to be overly apologetic and compliant.

"I did the 'I was wrong' dance in…"

• Procrastination can occur from a deep hidden shame. If we consider pursuing something and it doesn’t turn out well, we might be paralyzed by that feeling. If we never try, then we don’t have to face possible failure and subsequent shame.

"You go too fast for me, Crowley.."

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Next are the four category behaviors resulting from shame:

• The Hot Response These are things you do when you feel ashamed and defensive, such as lashing out in anger or attacking the other person to deflect attention from yourself.

"I don't even like you!" [always resorts to being defensive in any argument]

• Behaviors to Cope With or Conceal the Shame These behaviors include doing things to make yourself feel small, trying to avoid being the center of attention, or not sharing your thoughts or feelings. Concealing yourself is a method of self-protection.

[always awkward and can't speak openly around other Angels]

• Safety Behaviors to Avoid Shame or Being Discovered This category of shame behaviors might be things like apologizing, crying, or avoiding conflict. People who have a tendency toward being emotional or avoiding conflict may be more likely to engage in safety behaviors.

"Why? What's wrong? I mean.. if there is something wrong.."

-------=======-------

The Impact of Feeling Shame:

• Makes you feel like you are flawed or there is something wrong with you

"I'm like you now. A demon. I'm a fallen angel.." • Can lead to social withdrawal

[spends most of his time in the bookshop alone] • May cause you to become defensive and shame others in return "I'm an angel! And you're a demon!" • May cause you to inflate your ego to hide the belief that you don’t have value

"Well, I am a great deal holier than thou. That's the whole point." • May leave you feeling empty, lonely, or worn out

"But I thought you said it wasn't [lonely]?" • May lead to lowered self-esteem

"I'm.. soft." • May make it harder for you to trust other people

"Obviously, you're lying. You're a demon. That's what you do." • May lead to perfectionism or overachievement to try and counteract your feelings of shame

"If I can just reach the right people and resolve all of this-" "That's not going to happen! How could somebody as clever as you be so stupid!?" • May cause you to engage in people pleasing

"Doing good again, Angel? "Oh, hardly counts. Purely for selfish reasons." • May cause you to avoid talking because you are afraid to say the wrong thing

[trying to explain to Metatron in S1 without revealing too much] • May cause compulsive or excessive behaviors like overworking, excessive cleaning, or having too high of standards in general

[non stop research all day and night to look for the antichrist by himself]

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• How Crowley represents the concept of guilt •

Guilt is what you feel after committing a specified or perceived offence/crime/bad action.  It's typically attached to a feeling you experience when you do something wrong on purpose or accidentally and can regret that action. Guilt can be morally ambiguous.

"Well, maybe there is something to be said for.. shades of grey?" "..Shades of dark grey."

Signs of guilt are unique but these are the most common (again there are many but these I thought related to Crowley the best):

• Low self-esteem

*sighs* "Don't bother..."

• Excessive attempts at reparation [Crowley always trying to secretly help humanity when he can]

• Being unable to meet someone’s gaze

[Covering his eyes not only hides his snake eyes but also his guilty feelings]

• Anxiety "We are fucked!" [and we all know TV!Crowley is 100% more anxiety ridden than Book!Crowley is lol]

• Trouble sleeping [Sleeps too long (100 year nap from book). Or can't get comfortable sleeping (from S1 deleted scene)]

• Depressed mood

"What's even the point.. everything seems.. pointless.."

• Avoidance of people, places, or events linked to the cause of guilt "I'm not going to be joining their team and neither should you!" [doesn't want to return to Heaven or Hell and is "on his own side" to avoid them further] • Shifts in energy levels [can be giddy/jumpy one second to morose/moody the next, etc]

• Emotional outbursts

"I'm just so angry!"

• Appetite changes

[took up drinking alcohol even though its unnatural to]

• Making amends [spends every moment since Eden trying to secretly do good despite the hellish consequences]

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Defense mechanisms against feeling guilty can become an overriding aspect of one's personality. (These are also related to trauma response.)

• Displacement is a defensive tool that may take the form of blaming the victim or taking your feelings out on others.

"You know what you've done. You've disappointed me."

• Projection is sharing the unacceptable feelings/qualities onto others, thereby being less alone with it.

"But that sounds.." "Lonely?"

• Self-harm may be used as an alternative to compensating from one's past transgression. Not just physical self-harm but not allowing yourself to enjoy opportunities or benefits as a result of uncompensated guilty feelings.

[always holding himself back for 6k years from saying what he truly feels and won't allow himself to be with Aziraphale the way he really wants]

• Repression is subconsciously blocking or forgetting harmful/traumatic memories. "Right.. looking at where the furniture isn't.." [doesn't remember his time in Heaven in detail- whether from trauma response or just had his memory wiped]

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Behavioral responses to guilt can be associated with the moral of their character. Feelings of guilt can prompt virtuous behavior.

"You shouldn't test them to destruction.."

People who feel guilty may be more likely to: • Exercise restraint [holds his true feelings back for Aziraphale for centuries]

• Avoid self-indulgence [only really has his car and plants in the end]

• Exhibit less prejudice [is more open and accepting of other's sins - such as helping during the Scottish bodysnatching scenes]

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Guilt can prompt reparatory behaviors (actions to make amends) to help alleviate these negative emotions. People tend to engage in these reparatory behaviors toward the persons they wronged. Some religions theorize that forgiveness of sin (even those committed by accident or ignorance) is exclusively through repentance.

Crowley, being the wily serpent that tempted Eve to eat the forbidden apple of knowledge and subsequently getting her and Adam kicked out of paradise on Earth- and thusly creating the first sin of humanity. Right away, Crowley feels guilt from this.

After all, he was just told to stir up some trouble and had no idea the consequences of his first temptation on the future generations of human existence. Ignorantly doing something considered wrong and getting exiled.. this mistake would forever haunt him. He knows the pain and trauma from unwittingly doing something insignificant and being punished severely for it (such as asking questions or eating an apple) yet he accidentally made the first of God's new creatures "fall" in their own way from Eden. It's because of this guilt that Crowley spends the next 6000 years secretly rebelling against Hell to help humanity in any way he can to redeem himself.

-------=======-------

That's why their first conversation (post Fall from Heaven) on the wall of Eden was SO important to their relationship with each other and themselves.

"Oh, I do hope I didn't do the wrong thing." "It'd be funny if we both got it wrong. If I did the good thing and you did the bad one." "No. No! It wouldn't be funny at all!"

I think the reason Crowley always seems to be one step ahead of Aziraphale (in more ways than one) is because, in a sense, guilt is easier to resolve from than shame.

If you acknowledge your mistake and the person chooses to take the steps to improve and change for the better, then they can recover from those negative feelings. They can work through the guilt by repairing the transgression or learning from it.

Whereas shame can only intensify inwardly and be harder to face because your mind is telling you that you are the bad thing, that you are the mistake. This makes it harder to overcome. And the only way to truly recover from shame is unconditional love and forgiveness- for yourself.

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“Instead of your shame, you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion, they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land, they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs.” (Isaiah 61:7)

And in S2.. we can see they both hold regret for their actions at the end of episode 6. If you look at every choice, ever misstep, every argument and their occasional confusion in understanding one another, you can see how Aziraphale was written with shame as a main part of his personality and Crowley written with guilt.

Two feelings that are often confused for one another but differ slightly in their own ways. The motivation behind every word they utter and every action they make throughout the series is built on the foundation of these two fundamentally negative and often traumatizing feelings.

There is a possibility to recover from shame and guilt and I have a feeling that S3's plot line will be all about recovery.

And that's what the concept of that Second Coming storyline might be all about. The New Testament says, "In Jesus Christ, God took upon Himself the sins of the world and died on the cross to pay mankind's debt" (Rom 6:23). "Those who repent and accept Christ's sacrifice for their sins, will be redeemed by God and thus not guilty before Him. They will be granted eternal life which will take effect after the Second Coming of Christ" (1 Thess 4:13–18).

A second chance. Forgiveness and Recovery from Sin.

And what is the story of Adam and Eve if not about humanity's Original Sin?

-------=======-------

Remember, after all is said and done, the antidote for shame is love, and guilt is cured through forgiveness.

Two things a certain Angel and Demon struggle with accepting from each other but are more than willing to give to one another.

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[…There! I made myself sad again, lol. Thank you for reading this far! Sorry it was crazy long but I really enjoyed putting this all together into semi-comprehensible words (though stupid tumblr made me delete a bunch of pictures I had as examples…). Also, on a final side note- if you are ever experiencing overwhelming shame or guilt in anyway (which can result in depression or worse if not dealt with) please make sure you reach out to someone or seek professional help in some way. Take care, everyone! ^-^]

[storytellerslense]

JJ Maybank Character Analysis

Why a pairing of Kiara and JJ would hardly work under real-life circumstances

Screenwriters love messy romantic storylines because drama sells and keeps us all on the edge of our seats. Complicated relationships filled with "OMG, did that just happen?" moments push characters to grow and show off their deeper sides, making them more relatable. Plus, they mirror our own love life dramas (or lack thereof) and give us an escape from reality. The whole "will they or won’t they" vibe keeps us binge-watching season after season, completely invested in their rollercoaster romance.

But let's get real for a sec—these chaotic love stories shouldn't be your blueprint for a real-life relationship.

That being said, it might not be the popular opinion, but Kiara would be the worst match for JJ. In real life, their relationship would quickly go downhill, and here's why:

JJ's been crushing on Kiara since Season 1. His feelings have been solid, even while she was off exploring things with John B. and Pope even though she often treated him badly, commenting on almost all of his actions with sarcasm and disregard.

There are a lot of examples, especially in the first two seasons, where Kiara is being disrespectful and sarcastic towards JJ. It actually seems like she doesn't care for him at all

That's why Kiara’s sudden interest in JJ, after her flings with the other guys, raises some eyebrows. Is she really into JJ, or is this about rebelling against her parents or wanting a “fixer-upper” project?

JJ and Kiara would make a perfect example for a toxic relationship

Kiara's and JJ's core personalities and backgrounds clash in fundamental ways. JJ, with his ADHD-like tendencies, impulsive nature, and carefree, rebellious attitude, often acts without thinking, seeking thrills and living in the moment. This behavior is in stark contrast to Kiara’s strong morals, rule-following disposition, and the disciplined upbringing she received from her wealthy household and good education. While JJ's spontaneity might seem exciting, it conflicts with Kiara’s structured approach to life.

Kiara is feeding into JJ's insecurities

She tends to be judgmental, especially towards behaviors that deviate from her values, which can make it hard for her to fully understand or accept JJ’s way of coping with his challenges.

JJ grew up in an abusive household with a neglectful and violent father. This messed up his self-esteem, emotional health, and understanding of relationships. He’s conditioned to accept unhealthy dynamics and put others first, often at his own expense.

Kiara, on the other hand, had a cushy, stable upbringing with overprotective parents. This gave her strong convictions and a clear sense of right and wrong but also left her with high expectations and a need to maintain a certain image.

Kiara’s strong will and idealism can sometimes make her judgmental and inflexible, especially toward those who don't see things her way.

Opposites attract: the more differences, the better the story

She might struggle to fully get the depth of JJ's trauma and how it shapes his behavior. His impulsiveness and reckless behavior, driven by a need to survive his trauma, often clash with Kiara's moral convictions. His actions aren't about seeking admiration but about finding safety and acceptance.

JJ's and Kiara's values are constantly clashing

JJ’s low self-esteem, need for validation, and history of emotional neglect make him vulnerable to falling into the same victim role he’s known all his life. Kiara’s strong personality and occasional self-righteous streak could unintentionally exploit JJ’s compulsive selflessness and lack of boundaries.

Is there really more to the chemistry between JJ and Kiara other than just physical attraction?

So, unless JJ takes some serious time for personal growth, gets to know himself and his boundaries, and learns what healthy relationships actually look like, jumping into a romance with Kiara too soon is basically setting himself up to fall right back into the emotional traps he’s trying to escape.

So, what do you think about all this? Would you disagree or do you have another constellation in mind that would suit a character like JJ better (Sarah?). Let me know your thoughts!

[murfpersonalblog]

IWTV Musings - LDPDL & Nosferatu 2024 (Pt9: Subverting Gothic Gender in Femme-Coded Gay Black Men)

Since S1 aired, a large portion of AMC's Interview with the Vampire 2022 fandom has resisted the notion of Louis de Pointe du Lac, a Black gay male vampire living during Jim Crow, as a female-coded character. Viewers (esp. cis straight white women--the antithesis of the gay Black man) have expressed how they either cannot or will not see Black!LDPDL aligning with feminine tropes, archetypes, aesthetics, sentiments, roles, norms, or social positions. Many cis straight white fans have made in depth analyses of IWTV's Gothic/Horror genre(s), and Gothic hero/heroine tropes through white male/female lenses, but I've yet to see any substantial analysis (or even acknowledgement) from this contingency about Black Horror, let alone the intersection of Black LGBT+ Horror and Gothic Horror. Meanwhile, their main defense/offense against Black & Bipoc fans has consistently been to either throw TERF accusations & media literacy snobbery at anyone who criticizes or counters their white-centric gender analyses of Black!LDPDL's place in Gothic Horror (others' experiences: x x x | my own experiences: x x x). And interestingly, a lot of IWTV Gothic aficionados have avoided engaging with the most recent iteration of the vampire in Gothic Horror that loosely inspired Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles series: Dracula, a la Nosferatu 2024.

So this post is largely in reponse to several of @pynkhues' anti-GothicHeroine!Lou etc analyses of Gothic characters, but I'm still sticking to the Louis/Ellen theme when relevant, just walk with me.

Louis as the Byronic Hero? 🤔

First let's look at @pynkhues' analysis of Gothic characters here:

YES, Louis is a Byronic hero. However, AR's own Alphabettery acknowledges that all Byronic heroes are NOT created equally.

Lestat is "THE embodiment a Byronic hero," while Louis SUBVERTS the archetype by regretting/rejecting his bad tendencies, rather than EMBRACING them, unlike Byron/Lestat/Lord Ruthven/etc.

Cuz going by the definition Pynkhues provided, when you actually break their characteristics down, you can easily see which one fits more than the other.

Louis has far LESS in common with the Byronic hero than Lestat. Lou's similarities to Byronic heroes are largely skin-deep (LOL). He's a tortured emo pretty boy, sure, but the points where he differs are what BREAKS the Byronic mold, not AFFIRMS it:

3) Louis does NOT rebel against "all fundamental values and moral codes of the society"--the whole point is that he CONFORMS to societal expectations, to the detriment of his own happiness!

5) often shows a GREAT DEAL of disrespect for ANY figure of authority. | 8a) arrogant

I've addressed this b4, cuz LouisAntis keep pointing to the RACIST Alderman Fenwick calling Lou arrogant, and Lou sassing him saying "MAYBE I am arrogant!" as CONFIRMATION BIAS for all the things these horrible white men said about that uppity Black N****r who dared to rise above his "PLACE in the world...flying too close to the sun." And we see the exact same nasty sentiments with Santiago & Lestat & Sam's script in 2x7 (written by three more white men to insult & vilify Louis). Cuz yes, Louis IS prideful/haughty, esp. in the context of the classic tragic hero where pride comes b4 a fall. But it is in direct response to his attempts to break FREE of the societal constrictions tryna keep him DOWN. The white racists in NOLA are busy tryna steal his property right under him with the Ordinances segregating Storyville; and the coven's busy tryna convert him into their satanic death cult where he'll never be allowed to have his own autonomy/independence again; a SLAVE; "you'll be our little birdie for the next 50 years~!" The point is that GAY Black men & women in general were both at very the bottom of the social pyramid (maligned in a patriarchal society that equated femininity with everything negative & weak & exploitable). LDPDL & Ellen Hutter resist the UNFAIR TREATMENT they received. That resistance is treated as disrespect to KEEP them in "their place;" abused & dehumanized.

Louis shows TOO MUCH respect to awful racist homophobes, from his hateful AF mother, who he deferred to until her dying effing day; to his racist white bosses Tom Anderson & Alderman Fenwick & Fenwick's lawyer; to the white cops who busted in his house threatening to put him in JAIL for being gay. Louis' monologue in 1x2 about "No, Sir; Yes, Sir" flew CLEAR over y'all heads; y'all have the nerve to take Louis STANDING UP FOR HIMSELF against insults & blatant racism as a sign of "disrespect," and then wonder why Black fans call y'all out as racists, I swear. 😂

6a) Neither Louis not Lestat stand against the dehumanized system of labor, as they both indulge in the benefits of human exploitation, from slavery to prostitution.

6b) WHERE does THE Catholic Guilt LDPDL stand against traditionally repressive religious??? 🤨 Jacob's most iconic scene is of Louis crying out to God in a confession booth! 🤣 Yes, in WWII he started losing his religion, scared that God didn't exist cuz of everything he saw during the war, but Armand pointed out that Lou was STILL holding onto Christian notions of good & evil. Yes, in Dubai he says he doesn't read the Bible much anymore because of it, but he STILL wondered if his mom was right that his nature was that of the Devil, and he tried to prove everyone wrong by not killing since 2000.

6c) WHERE does Domestic Thy Name Is LDPDL stand against social & familial institutions & traditional family values? 🤨 Lestat & Armand didn't even WANT any kids--Louis was the one constantly pushing to start a family with them; only for Lestat to tell him to his face that "I am your family, Louis;" eff them kids, eff Benni, we don't need sons or daughters to be a family so long as we have each other!

8d) WHERE is Louis "unrepentant for his faults"? 🤨 All he does is blame himself for ish that ain't even his fault! All he does is repent--he's eating human food every week that tastes like PASTE! CHALK! SOAP! as a form of self-mortification, to remind himself that he IS human, that he doesn't WANT to be a damned & undead killer.

Louis =/= Gothic Heroine? 🤔

From CLAUDIA'S POV, yes 100%, Loustat are BOTH the patriarchs from hell, her "taught to kill by her demon fathers," etc. She indeed follows the typical Gothic Heroine arc (putting aside her being a child, ofc), esp. since yes, Louis doesn't really rescue himself from his bad situations--Claudia is "my light, my salvation" who saves him in S1, and Daniel saves him in S2. But AMC!Louis has far more agency than book!Louis, in that he IS aware of the Murder Plot, and actively (albeit reluctantly) takes part in it; unlike book!Louis, totally blindsided by Claudia. He never wanted to leave Lestat--who represented FREEDOM & PASSION for him; "I was seen!" And just like Ellen/Mina, in the end Louis musters the willpower to slit Lestat's throat & "kill" his soulmate--not for his own sake, but for the sake of HIS DAUGHTER. He sacrifices his happiness for her, but still chooses Death, when he refuses to burn Lestat. He WANTS to hold hands with death, BUT ALSO sees purpose/worth in how he can weaponize his bond to Lestat to distract Les long enough to axe him.

The biggest difference with Louis & Mina/Ellen isn't GENDER, it's SPECIES--the other protags DIE, while he lives on as a vampire. (Ofc there's some iterations of Mina Harker AND Jonathan Harker/Thomas Hutter where they're permanently turned into vamps, too.)

Louis 100% wanted to leave Armand--how on earth was Louis able to leave "easily and definitively"?! 🤨 He tried to KILL HIMSELF in SanFran to get away from his boring AF life with Armand, but Armand wouldn't LET him die. He tries to do the interview in 1973 and Armand INTERRUPTS. He does the interview in 2022 and Armand INTERRUPTS. Over & over, Louis is trying to GET OUT, and he can't. This is what I mean by BLACK HORROR, cuz unlike y'all Gothic experts in the fandom, I actually have analyzed similarities between Black!Louis in IWTV, and THE Black Horror film, Get Out.

Rolin Jones constantly stresses the (over)emphasis he puts on psychological horror in IWTV, AND the effects of gaslighting and manipulation in abusive & traumatic relationships, particularly when there's already a power imbalance stemming from race & sexuality, and the withholding or resistance of knowledge in a teacher/student dynamic. The whole point is about POWER & CONTROL. It's not that one has all the power/control & the other one has none. It's about who has MORE than their FAIR share. That's what IMBALANCE means. 🤦🤦🤦 Yes, Louis allows Armand control over his life, and Armand takes ADVANTAGE of that trust and goes behind Louis' back & lies & schemes in ways that are a VIOLATION.

Just because Louis gains (temporary) socio-economic status/power as Lestat's lover does NOT mean that he is EQUAL to Lestat, and just because he loves Lestat & WANTS to be with him doesn't mean he NEVER recognizes the ways that he IS under Lestat's thrall--

"in the well with no bottom" | "We're not slaves. Maybe mindless accomplices." | "We were compelled to sleep in the same chamber together again. He would have it no other way. We would spend our hours enduring, with little pretense of getting along, locked together in hatred. He would have it no other way."

--and Daniel constantly called BS whenever Lou tried denying it:

"White master, Black student, but equal in the quiet dark." | "It's the abused-abuser psychological relationship I'm talking about. I mean, usually when you're a little too close to it, the abused still loves the abuser, but you flipped it completely on its head! Years later, you talk like he was your soul mate, like you were locked in some f**ked up gothic romance!" | "'He only beat me the one time, Officer. It's not his fault!' Classic Stockholm, eh, Doc?"

Here @pynkhues says they're not racist cuz they started reading two (2) papers on Black gender & sexuality--congrats. Thousands more to go, but you'll get there! 👍 Good news though: you don't have to read ANYTHING to see with your own 2 eyes what the show itself is messaging. The very fact that Black!Louis moves into LESTAT'S HOUSE the entire time they were together is a glaring red GAY flag. book!/film!Loustat lived in LOUIS' house, until Lou burned the plantation down and they purchased a home in NOLA together (with Lou's money). AMC!Louis doesn't TRULY embody Black masculinity, cuz it's a facade; he has a target on his back the entire time he's with Lestat; EVERYONE has something homophobic to say about Lou even associating with that flaming "queer, half queer" WHITE man (x x).

You know good & dang well that WOMEN were supposed to marry in & move in--NOT the men. Louis already had a mansion in his name--wtf is he doing moving into Lestat's townhouse on the white side of town like a WIFE? You know the whole DPDL family dynamic's further screwed up, cuz Levi's a mooch who ALSO MOVES IN, rather than doing what the man was expected to do and providing his bride with a home of HIS own.

I laughed up a storm when we found out Lestat gave Louis the deed--because it's ODD: interracial gay relationships were illegal, and Black people weren't allowed to own prime real estate in the segregated French Quarter where 1132 is. Lestat bought the house FOR Louis, but the Black people in Louis' life KNOW Louis' not embodying Black masculinity and TELL him so to his face: "Your white Daddy | The Housewife | etc." Louis tells Florence "it's half a mile BOTH ways, Mamawn," but Florence won't even set FOOT in 1132, which even the white folk know has "weird goings-on in that sodomite townhouse." The Alderman even tells Louis to put Lestat as "the public face of your operations" cuz he's white and he's the only one anyone's gonna listen to & respect, even though Louis allegedly gained REAL social status. 🙄

Lestat is the honeytrap BECAUSE white men listen to white men and are more receptive to them--on top of the fact that Lou'd already explained that the Azalea worked as a "revolving door of prey" so Loustat could EAT the Johns (mostly Lestat, cuz Lou'd already started hating killing people)--TOURISTS like the white man who asked them directions for the Fairplay. Les takes the man cuz he's going to EAT HIM. He asks him how long he's in town, to confirm if anyone would NOTICE when he goes MISSING. Pynkhues' post also conflates/ignores the timeline of events, as if Lou's a housewife DURING the time he owns the Azalea, which....NO. Claudia's housewife quote in 1x5 (c. 1925) and Louis owning the Azalea PRE-Claudia in 1x2-1x3 (c. 1910-1917) are 2 radically different contexts. 🤦 Yes, Lou IS revelling in his newfound high social status, and yes, he insists on paying Lestat back specifically so no one can throw the fact that he had to borrow the money to buy the Fairplay in his face. But this is NOT about Lestat as the "placating partner while Lou's king of the castle"--in front of all the most important white businessmen in the city, Lestat DISMISSES the Azalea as "Louis' HOBBY," just like rich husbands who keep their wives busy & happy buying them silly little nail salons & florist shops & dog grooming salons & fashion shops to run! (x x) 💀 Back then, male pimps/gangsters like IRL Tom Anderson owned brothels, but they sure AF didn't RUN them--that was the MADAME'S job, for women like IRL Bricktop Jackson. Louis was doing WOMEN'S WORK. By marrying Lestat, Louis' "civil death" was in full swing, it just took Storyville burning as the final nail in the coffin. After that, Lou's thoroughly domesticated and doesn't interact with businessmen like Tom Anderson for YEARS.

This applies not just to AMC!Loustat, but to book/film Loustat, too:

Louis is NOT the dominant one in Loustat's relationship--he's patently submissive, as he either willingly/reluctantly capitulates to the whims & demands of everyone around him--from society at large, to his biological family--to even his Blood family, yanked around by Lestat AND Claudia for his eating habits to his leaving NOLA. From Louis' conception by AR, the theme of SLAVERY was a main point--not just book!Lou's status as a slaveowner(par for the course for moneyed French white colonists in the 19th century American South), but also the power imbalance between Loustat that manifested as "need and control, with one vampire dominating another for companionship or slavery."

Lestat represents the man Anne wanted to be, as she was sick & tired of how victimized & depressed & submissive & CONTROLLED she (Louis) felt under her husband Stan (Lestat). Just because Louis mouths off does NOT mean he's the one in control--the stalemate at 1132 existed because Louis REFUSED TO ACT. His INACTION in the face of Lestat's domineering behavior was because he was afraid of the consequences of what would happen if he DID defend himself & stand up & exert kinetic resistance (a la the Alderman) or action (a la Grace's door): his power was in his submission, like I've said 1000x.

Mouthy Black people getting put in their place is the whole point of another Black Horror/psychological thriller with interracial dynamics, Antebellum (2020). Not giving away too much of the movie, cuz it has a major plot twist, but the visual motifs are all about covering/opening the mouth, cuz the story's about a bunch of people known for being vocal for Black empowerment, who're rounded up & sold into slavery to be tortured, raped & killed by their white masters. The mater of main character Eve (played by the GOAT Janelle Monae) claims to "love" her even as he rapes & beats her; traumatizing her so badly that she goes silent & is too scared to help the other slaves run away to freedom, for fear that she'll be BURNED again--her master burned an an iron brand on her, marking her as his property. The monsters are the white slaveowners. The film can be hard to watch cuz they don't shy away from graphic scenes; it's horrific.

Just like Louis all throughout S1, and Lou & Claudia at the Trial, they're forced into silence & punished for speaking up to defend themselves or exert any autonomy--which RACISTS see as "disrespect." 🙄😒 And Claudia's burned alive, her own words used against her to damn her to death. And Louis' memories are used against him, everyone from Lestat to Armand to even Daniel contradicting his words, till he can't be sure what's true or not, and just goes with whatever the white man says, he's been worn down so badly. UNLIKE Claudia, he CANNOT run away from Dubai--Armand wiped that impulse from him after his final "eff off and find me later" in 1973 SanFran. And we're just left with Armand's word that he was telling the truth about Louis "asking" him to.

Louis ENCOURAGES Claudia to leave & be free THRICE OVER:

1x5 when she runs away and Loustat BOTH let her leave--(Louis begs her not to go, but never actually STOPS her, cuz he KNOWS she's right to be mad at him. He spends the next 7 years sending out telepathic apologies, letting her know that he still loves & misses her and that she has a home to come back to--but that return is always on HER terms, NEVER his.)

1x6 when SHE asks him to come to Europe with her and HE tells her: "You don't need me. You think you do, but you don't. You're smarter now. You see trouble coming a mile away." LESTAT was the one who dragged her back home like a runaway slave!

ALL OF S2: "New Orleans, unhappy. Vampire homeland, unhappy. Paris, unhappy. Comes the coven, you're beaming like the whole world went technicolor. I didn't want to wreck that for you. You picked the coven! You left me! Go sit in your choice, Sister!" HE asks HER if they can go back home in 2x1; he follows HER lead, as he does from 1x6 all the way to 2x6 when he makes Madeleine for her so they can LEAVE Paris together--without him. ARMAND is the one who uses her family reunion with Louis as a trap to have them all hamstrung through the BONE so they cant escape when he puts them on Trial & kills Claudia, then spends the next 77 years covering up the details.

Coercing Emotionally leveraging her rebirth in 1x4 & physically assaulting her in 1x7 - Yes, agreed.

Lou's less concerned with "influencing Claudia's DIET" as he is about her SADISM/"extravagance" that LESTAT kept enabling/encouraging. His whole point about killing is that "you don't have to humiliate them;" then WHAT happens in 2x7? He outright tells Claudia when she's grossed out by him drinking fish blood that "it's not just what you eat. You can kill quick and painless." His open disgust over THEIR diet is no better or worse than THEIR open disgust for HIS. And they BOTH ganged up on him in 1x6 to force him to agree to Lestat rule about "when he hunt, we hunt HUMAN," rather than going by what Lou said: "I eat what I eat, she eats what she eats, we RESPECT our differences." But as soon as Lestat was back in the house & exerting more & more authority, the balance between Louis & Claudia evaporated. And even in 2x2 Paris, Armand noticed that "the male hunted to please HER."

WHEN does Louis guilt Claudia into staying? 🤨 LESTAT guilts Claudia into staying in his threats on the train.

Louis threw Lestat out of LOUIS' house; he got the deed baby! And Lestat had already BEEN gone--Lou just confirmed that Les could STAY that way--but NOTHING lil ole Claudia & crippled Lou could've done would've ACTUALLY stopped Les from waltzing back into that house, be serious. (As for Antoinette, who CARES?! 🤣 That's what that skank gets for sleeping with a married man!)

What does Louis being a former pimp have to do with how he treated Claudia? Did he pimp Claudia out to the public for money and have her walking the streets to promote his businesses and punish her when she refused? NO. But you know who DID treat her that way? ARMAND. And you know who told Armand that he didn't like it? LOUIS. (Please miss me with any & all pimp arguments.)

Louis definitely threatened Grace at the funeral, yes, but when did he strong arm his mother? 🤨 She was the one who refused to let him in his own house to see his sister & nieces (whom SHE was busy badmouthing to so they'd be afraid of him). Levi literally tried to FIGHT Louis to keep Louis off his own property, when LEVI'S useless arse never contributed one red cent to LOUIS' house! The door getting kicked in was an accident, but OH FRIKKIN WELL, it's HIS door. (Miss me with any & all talk about Florence & Levi, omg.)

Yes, Miss Lily was expendable. But her death was all wrapped up in Lestat's relentless barrage of Come to Me, leading to Lou's drunken suicidal death spiral running to the confession booth screaming about how he wanted to die cuz he was a dirty gay sinning pimp whose family hated him. He had no time to mourn Lily. He BARELY had time to mourn Paul. And once he was a newlywed getting his back blown out to the rings of Saturn every night, sorrynotsorry but chile ain't nobody thinking about the woman he paid to sit in a room and talk to him! 😅

If Louis had been literally any other pimp, and if the Alderman wasn't suffering from chronic Jungle Fever smitten with her, Bricktop would've been DEAD. It was illegal during Jim Crow for Black people to even look white folk in the eye without their permission--"get your hand off me, N****r!," let alone bash their skull in and cuss them out "You put a SIR on the end of that!" Be serious, and understand the gravity of the situation in that scene, and how remarkable it was that Bricktop was NOT tossed to the wolves, where the Alderman would've been able to do WAY worse than sodomize her. It's wild AF how modern white folk are more ignorant about the history of racism than Black people, like wtf.

Yes, Louis helped curse her into damnation as a vampire--in the book/film he drains her & almost kills her, and Lestat brings her back as a vamp; while AMC!Lou's actions killing the Alderman was the catalyst sparking the racist white people burning Storyville down--and Claudia's house with it. 😡 The "monstrousness" Pynkhues nastily accuses Louis of is willfully misdirected to absolve the white racists of blame in order to damn Louis. His killing that p.o.s. Alderman is NOT a Byronic act, its VIGILANTISM due to the RACISM he experienced at the Aldermand's hands, that he stood up against by killing him and then IMMEDIATELY REGRETTING IT as he saw the devastation that happened to Storyville--the Bryonic hero does not REGRET/REPENT his misdeeds--as you cited above! 🤦 Claudia is indeed "trapped in the body of a little girl," but Louis does NOT "imprison/trap" Claudia in that house--just like Paul, he was the one encouraging her to be free & LEAVE when he knew he wouldn't.

As such, misreadings like this totally miss the mark of Louis' character arc, and I'm mind boggled. "Defiance" had NOTHING to do with Louis leaving NOLA--he regretted leaving Lestat the entire time, and was constantly hallucinating Lestat cuz he just wanted to go back home--and the SECOND he got free of Armand's shenanigans, he was back on a plane and in a car driving WHERE? To NOLA. And WHY? "I came to see you," LESTAT. And any "defiance" against Armand would've amounted to EFF ALL if Daniel hadn't gotten the real script from the Talamasca.

Gothic Heroines - Female Gothic vs Male Gothic

And guess what? Queer Gothic sits in the middle of this venn diagram--or rather, it creates a brand new paradigm where vampiric Gothic Horror stories written by a white woman in the 1970s about a white bisexual man can now be adapted in the 2020s by a white male showrunner and his MULTICULTURAL TEAM of male AND female writers about a Black gay man who represents male AND female social anxieties & struggles alike.

Westengard, Laura. "Queer Gothic Literature and Culture." Twentieth Century Gothic (2022): 259-272.

Claudia & Louis often SHARE/SPLIT the role of the Gothic Heroine--deuteragonists are a thing after all. It does NOT "diminish Claudia's arc;" instead, it lends her a more nuanced characterization, BECAUSE there are ways that she CANNOT fulfill certain Gothic Heroine tropes on her own--she's A CHILD, ffs. Louis is Claudia's surrogate adult male/female the way Lestat is Gabrielle's surrogate adult male/female.

As I've said b4 (x x), Louis is the Mina Harker/Ellen Hutter to Lestat's Dracula/Orlock--there's no way on god's green earth that anyone can seriously claim that Lestat's the female-coded character in the Dracula/Nosferatu framework of vampiric gothic horror--or any of its incarnations, from Twilight to True Blood; Louis is the Bella/Sookie, NOT Lestat (or Armand). But Lou is ALSO the Jonathan Harker/Thomas Hutter--and SO IS CLAUDIA, who does double duty as the Lucy Westenra/Anna Harding, too.

In S1 Claudia assumes the "masculine" agency Louis is expected to have as the male protagonist, but fails to live up to due to all of those character traits (typically perceived as weak & "feminine"). He's not the damsel in distress, but CLAUDIA thinks he is ("the housewife;" "we're his slaves, and I will free us both!"), and acts accordingly. Claudia/Thomas/Jonathan has consulted the scholarly experts on vampires (her vampire books | Dr. Van Helsing/Prof. Von Franz) and returns from a long period of absence (ran away from home | traveled to Dracula/Orlok's castle) to warn her companion (Louis/Ellen/Mina) about the dangers of the Big Bad Vampire corrupting them ("His love is a small box he keeps you in, don't stay in it!" | "He seeks after Ellen, I know it!" | "I know where the bastard sleeps!"). C/T/J struggles to reconcile their desperation to save their loved one with the realization that said loved one is connected to the vampire by a bond stronger than they can understand or meddle with (Loustat's cord you cannot see | DracuMina's crossing oceans of time | Orllen's dream-possession). She's not the main heroine, but C/T/J still wins a significant victory by purging the world of the other threat/impediment lurking (Antoinette/Herr Knock/Renfield).

But S2!Claudia ultimately reifies the Gothic heroine format; "victimized, virginal and powerless while being pursued by villainous men." This isn't a return to the format, since she never left it--in S1 she also represents the Lucy/Anna; the main character's closest friend & confidante, who's viciously targeted by The Vampire--either as the bait to lure his primary love interest under his influence, or to demonstrate just how much control he has over everyone's lives. Bruce, Lestat, Santiago, Armand, and even Sam all participate in her murder; but LOUIS is also a victim of the Trial, powerless to help himself or either of his daughters--a la Anna/Friedrich Harding.

Anne Rice & Self-Inserts

Last part, cuz I've hit Tumblr's image limit, grrr! Something I almost never see anyone talk about wrt Anne Rice & LDPDL is how much alcoholism was a major inspo for her vampires. Sure, on the surface one can easily say: Lord Byron was an alcoholic bisexual depressed pretty boy drug addict etc etc too. But for AR, vamps are the Embodiment of Thirst (famously levied against book!Armand), and a large part of Louis' morose depression stems from his fighting his cravings for drink--alcohol as a human & blood as a vampire; following AR's experiences with her own alcoholic mother, whose "helplessness and need [for alcohol] echoed in Louis' mannerisms: guilt, insecurity, helplessness, a sense of isolation and secrecy, low self-esteem over-reaction to criticism, and intense sadness."

Everyone on the anti-Femme!Louis side is always quick to dismiss the AR evidence as irrelevant cuz Lestat was AR's self-insert, too~~! Sure, ALL characters that authors write are to some degree a self-insert, or based on different facets of themselves. But Louis is THE Titular Vampire, and the one she originally framed TVC's narrative around, to focus on Claudia's relationship/impact on him. His depression is HERS for losing her child and resenting her husband, and her MOTHER'S for her alcoholism. And I already discussed gendered Gothic Victorian depression/melancholy/mental illness wrt Louis/Ellen here.

Evidence has been provided from Jacob Anderson, the showrunners, and even Anne Rice herself about the femme-coded dynamics, motifs & influences used to create Black!LDPDL as AMC's racebent gay Black take on Anne Rice's originally bisexual Caucasian 19th century book/film character; but this is usually conveniently downplayed or outright dismissed by those who insist on seeing Louis as a perpetuation of the racist Black stereotype of the hyper-aggressive sexually dominant hyper-masculine threat to white/female innocence--a la his portrayal in the Theatre of Vampires' smear campaign of a Trial in 2x7, which was specifically designed to sentence him and his Black daughter Claudia to death for their "crimes" against the white male co-lead Lestat de Lioncourt.

As a femme!Louis Truther, I've been increasingly agitated by the gross inequity of the fandom's ready & willing acceptance of all the parts of Lestat that are femme-coded, and the otherwise blatant & willful ignorance of Louis' in kind. Lestat, the campy fan-favorite, is more popularly accepted in the feminine role, largely on account of his being their Maker, his aesthetic appeal to white feminine norms: his long-haired blondeness, and especially his exaggerated mannerisms; which are seen as feminine by modern audiences, but are actually a gender subversion in and of itself, as a hallmark of masculine ideals in 18th/19th century Europe--a historical fact that somehow never factors into how Lestat is analyzed by his fans (even the ones who hold media literacy and nuances about 19th century Gothic contexts oh-so-sacred). Instead, they fail to see past his epidermal layers to get to the substrata of his character/behavioral dynamics vis a vis that of his Black counterpart Louis.

It ticks me off something fierce, cuz I see it for what it is: RACISM--the inability of white people to see Black!Louis as a vehicle by which he can be related to on a (white)feminine level, let alone in classically heteronormative predominately white Gothic Horror or Gothic Romance that demonizes The Other: monsters, gays & Black people alike. AMC!Louis never stood a chance with y'all bigots; but y'all hide behind media literacy & white!feminism rather than just speaking your biases with your whole chest.

[stellar-mop]

The Coffin of Andy and Leyley has me thinking about gender and gender roles a lot. I know other people have done more in-depth analysis of this, but I'm just gonna throw my thoughts out into the void of tumblr (the void is welcome to yell back, just be nice please)

I think one of the things that makes these characters fascinating especially for me as a vaguely-agender nonbinary person is like the places I can see where their gender is impacting their interactions and choices. Like changing the gender of the characters would fundamentally change their story and personality (love y'all's genderswap AUs tho, this is not an objection).

Something I'm not sure how to articulate super well is how the game interacts with like neurodivergence gender stereotypes. On the surface level they line up with the "women are emotional and men aren't allowed to show feelings" set of gender stereotypes. But I think there's another layer if you look at it through the lens of how societal pressures around mental illness and gender intersect especially in like school-aged kids/teens. Like Andrew being the "easy child" and Ashley being... Ashley. In not-particularly-nuanced terms: "boy" neurodivergence shows as acting out and being a problem child (which Ashley does), and "girl" neurodivergence gets hidden via masking and passivity (which Andrew does). I think it's neat that this is contrary to societal expectations - like this would be a very different story if Andrew was a pushy chaotic mess and Ashley was apathetic but seething under the surface. Because gender! What's even up with that?

Less sfw thoughts under the cut, including some coffincest stuff. Warnings for unhealthy relationships and attitudes towards sex:

The way Ashley and the mom talk about sex is fascinating. I've read some really good analyses on here about Ashley thinking about sex as transactional and I think she gets that from her mom. In that one scene ("you fuck her") the mom asks Andrew something like "what does she give you to make it worth it?" Like, the only reason she can think of for why Andrew wants to spend time with Ashley is sex. That says a lot about the mom as a person (also wow she really does see zero value in Ashley as a person wtf), and probably the way Ashley was raised to think about sex. And that's a very gendered (like cishet women specifically) view of sex. Like sex in a relationship as something to be tolerated, and for Ashley "another way to keep him around".

But I'm also wondering about the flip side of that, like is the mom only tolerating the dad for sex? Because I don't really get the impression that she likes him very much, but they textually have a very active sex life. If so, this is also sort of counter to societal gender roles/expectations. I really don't like the parents but they're such fascinating characters too.

I guess my point with all this is like we got distracted by the cannibalism and murder and incest and demon summoning, but there's some really neat and subtle stuff about gender in here that I want to talk about too! It's just so well written there's so much depth

*slaps roof of game* this bad boy can fit so much dysfunction!

[edwardsissyhandsthtdanceslikeabb]

if azula needs redeeming, why wasnt she?

i read this analysis of Azuko? Zukla? idk but a critique of their sibling dynamic, particularly within the context of doomed siblings, and tho i don’t agree with it, it’s a testament to its writer that there’s innate value in carving out my thoughts from their own.

so a lot of my disagreement boils down to the fact that the way the analysis construed zuko & azula, from characterizing them as doomed siblings, to the way azula’s breakdown is framed, is a problem of taste and inferences, and how these interpretive elements can be incongruent with technical aspects like intent, convention, medium, or the functional mechanics of art overall.

firstly, i think its very important to highlight that while elite art is holistic and multifaceted, it is doubly focused and premeditated, and its constituents all occupy a purpose and position within it, as they are narrative elements first and foremost. which complicates things when creation and consumption are both such human, evocative processes, but i think looking at the rudimentary layers of a story are the north stars in subjective landscapes like this. and most salient of these, is the story’s anti-colonial roots, centering indigeneity explicitly, and the cultural, spiritual and earthly relationships therein, with the main conflict being restoring the dignity and autonomy of the subjugated, alongside the internal work and opposition that are necessitated in doing so. everything stems from that, and though there is complexity and nuance therein, and the story itself is immensely liberal in execution, it is also ultimately a good vs bad narrative, which it has every right to be, bc colonialism is bad, and colonialists are bad.

therefore, atla inherently adheres to convention, and has a preestablished idealistic framework. to illustrate this, it utilizes two central characters, both encapsulations of the dualistic nature of oppressor and the oppressed, and navigated thusly as foils to one another. zuko is thereby, the deuteragonist, and the depth or lack thereof, of his environment are equally conditioned by his position, as the confines of the kid’s tv medium, serialization as well as narrative structuring itself, craft him. kill your darlings and all that lol.

however, these positionalities, while abiding convention, are not binary, and while conclusive, they are not absolutist. zuko for example, is antithetical to a Madonna, stressed by him even having a redemption to realize, and azula too is done an injustice by any reduction to a whore / imperfect victim archetype. this compartmentalization, is luckily ill-fitting in accommodating their totality, and doesn’t incorporate the fact that consequence, in avatar, is not a condemnation of personhood, but a retaliation to action, and has mangled indiscriminately, with azula’s case actually, being the reclamation of principles and in-world intentionality.

to begin with, zuko, while most recognized for his redemption, is not functionally the redemptive character™, he’s an example of the sacrifice, sincerity and labor that are inherent to anti-colonial action facilitated by an absconding oppressor, of the inborn empathy and active resistance that are needed for a system to change, and how you don’t just get there through platitudes or amicability. those thematic niceties are ofc inherent to his story bc he’s fleshed out and the things that inspired him thusly are too, but that emotional and relational floweriness is a consequence of his actions, not their driving force (being embraced by imperial idolization, by his royal family, was not fulfilling), what drove him is a fundamental and intrinsic ideological disdain for the imperialist war machine — it was ultimately, an abstraction of self – by acting in service of others, which unlike letting imperialist standards (e.g. chauvinism and parasitism and “honor”) puppeteer him as an instrument of violence, is ironically, an act of true autonomy and discernment. deriving your value from mutualism and earning one’s stature, instead of asserting yourself on others and letting corrosive and paternalistic worldviews (and by extension the selfishness & self absorption i.e “honor” innate to that) rule your destiny.

azula, however, is meant to be an inversion of that, is meant to reflect what happens when you reject morality or connection, instead letting control and superiority entrap you. she is explicitly a cautionary tale, which also comes with its own oversights and inelegant implications, but she likewise, greatly exemplifies the internal decay and loneliness inherent to alienating yourself through cruelty and stratification. and is it not possible then that a girl who has valued herself by what she can inflict on others, would then have the very sanctity of existence warped at no longer being able to dominate, no longer deemed the ideal? is infection not a thing that savages, before it spreads? in this way, azula is poignant.

as the more intimate face of imperialism, she is humanized in her parasitism, but it is not used to soften her behavior, nor is it used to hand her redemption. it is not smth that she is owed for the very coincidence of her birth or blood, its earned, and she did not earn nor want it.

so when a character that suggested the utter evisceration of marginalized groups, and thereafter tried to murder a personification of colonial survivor’s guilt and endangered practices, is consequently left to mourn her superiority, just as her father before her, its smth we sympathize with within reasonable boundaries. when her brother, who she abused, doesn’t martyr himself to azula’s interiority, instead laboring towards his own destiny and happiness, rather than the genesis of azula’s redemption, that is not inconsistency, it’s peace. its making peace despite the fact that some would rather rot in the entrails of imperialism than afford its victims value, would rather hurt others, and in turn themselves, than embrace healing and progress

— (plus inflicting his values may not in fact heal, when healing is not inherently uniform, and growing is not innately moralistic).

now, there’s a whole nurture vs nature angle to this as well and these ontological arguments are often touchy, yes zuko had ursa and iroh. yes zuko was forced to challenge his preconceptions, but zuko wasn’t diametric to these things, and the supplementations he did receive were always compensatory. zuko was deemed genetically inferior by ozai and thusly ostracized, hence ursa’s gentle partiality, zuko was then mutilated and exiled, and naturally needed supervision, which was provided by an overseer who mirrored his disgrace. if denied these safeguards zuko would’ve been denied even palliative care, whereas azula was perceived as needing none when she was revered positionally and familialy.

yes being pit against zuko was toxic and destructive but its not at all equivocal to the outright abuse zuko suffered. ofc the threat of it was implicit but those who abet or orbit abusers are not inherently under threat, and i think azula is characterized similarly. it's not fear that colors her outburst against ozai, nor coerces her silence, its entitlement and a sanctifying of hierarchies: “i deserve to be by your side.” - it’s respect that earns her silence and it’s the promise of respect that goads her acquiescence, the prospect of accumulation. this is ofc not a healthy mindset to have bc azula hinges her value on perfection, performance and status, and it's evident how the pressure of that collapsed her, but it was a pressure she had embraced before. it was her adeptness that ozai latched onto, and before the inviolability of it was challenged, azula took advantage of her nature, she weaponized it, and it was that eagerness that ozai exploited.

as viewers we process this as the objectification it is, but its reality, is a systemic natured dehumanization, ingrained in any culture that seeks to mechanize its constituents (which is all societies actually. we are all complicit). ozai thinks he is honing her as did his father and his colonialist forefathers prior, and herein is not abuse in the conventional sense, but rather a tradition of commodification that extricates skill and hegemonizes personhood, it’s an existential death necessitated by imperialism. it’s the death of agency. azula embraced this necrotic philosophy until she was confronted with the consequences of her rot, and *that’s* what she got. consequences. of which she was spared throughout.

it was never personal.

sure we get glimpses of her humanity, her vulnerability, but they’re paltry and muddied too by an undercurrent of duplicitousness. azula flaunts zuko’s impending demise, yet later, includes him in her outings. azula relishes zuko’s mutilation, but also fetches him from the beach house. she falsely welcomes zuko back, then implores he join her sincerely. and azula shares her pain from ursa yet spurns softness still, from MaiKo’s juvenile fondness to ursa’s own guiding attempts. azula is ceaselessly cruel to zuko, then spontaneously benevolent to him once he has seemingly subsumed the apparatus of colonialism. and gives him credit for killing the avatar, yet shows a sly inclination of his revival. this isn’t to insinuate that azula is ontologically evil or that she’s an unnuanced, mono-faceted individual. and she was a child. yet zuko’s youth didn’t spare him from the grotesque terrors of death and alienation, and it didn’t temper her perpetual antagonism and bloodlust, she is demonstrably self-serving, and this is evidenced throughout.

this is not to shame her in her passivity, nor an expectation that she martyr herself or even commiserate with her brother. rather, her downfall is a reaping of autonomy, made subject to the tendency of one’s active leanings. in which the choice of her sibling abuse exacerbated her societal abuse, all festering, foremost, the abuse of her own soul.

so, relatedly, is it not possible that a character of her cunning, who emotionally degraded her own sibling while gleefully championing his attempted imprisonment, before graduating to attempted murder by preparing to electrocute him while he was enfeebled on the ship, then later tried to kill aang, tried to kill katara, gloated abt intending to kill zuko at the air temple, injured iroh while making her escape from the gaang + zuko. also endangered and coerced ty lee into joining her, imprisoned mai, nearly killed zuko as he tried to save katara (which was likely her intent, or at least meant to cripple zuko’s composure — dishonoring the agni kai) — need i go on. azula’s benevolence is conditional, and consistently transactional, and so is it not possible then that she gauged zuko’s swaying allegiances against her own armaments - when faced with iroh, a waterbending master, an earthbending master with groundbreaking abilities (>_-), and the literal avatar, after observing their – plus aang’s growth, and having been cornered before, then decided rather, that having another asset, puppet, contingency plan, in her pocket wouldn’t hurt.

maybe she was being benevolent, or maybe, azula, who too sat in liberated territory and was gifted a chance for growth and morality, rejected that chance over the value therein, tenderized for extraction, parasitizing instead. maybe azula too, was acting in the imperialist tradition of exploitation. maybe she holds the capacity for compassion and care — which we have gleaned regardless — but the tangentials and hypotheticals of the world are often not what is actualized, and they are not a thing that can be affected. empathy is an active pursuit, and it is mutualistic, provisional — and so there is not a ‘who’ of azula’s redemption, but a what, the ‘what’ that is to be influenced. the personalization of one’s own form, of an internal receptiveness to commiserate with. bc as is, azula is merely a husk of colonialism, and being a husk of colonialism is meant to be sad, its deliberately tragic, unflinchingly pitiable. disorienting. life shattering. that’s what you’re meant to feel, it is not an inadvertence of zuko’s arc, and it is not a coincidence of the narrative.

she is a trajectory within herself, and her fate is a whole within itself. just as zuko labors towards rectifying his nation bc he needs to, bc there is value in dismantling colonialism, not bc the imperialists are owed it, but bc everyone else is. zuko also watches, not with apathy or boredom as his sister implodes at this, but with pity, with grief, bc azula manipulated herself a bed of corpses, and it is not him who must choose not to lie in it. when healing is intentional, is active, and zuko has chosen to heal. when azula cannot be handheld and shielded from her war crimes and systemic violence bc she wasn’t hugged enough as a child. zuko too lost a core sense of support mournfully young, and moreover at many points in his development journey, but the inclination that told him to speak up in the war room is doubly the same inclination that told him to afford jin affection, or help the earth kingdom family, and save his crew member in the storm, despite this very vulnerability catalyzing his banishment.

azula had friends and she had adoration and she had paternalistic validation, but contentment is unattainable when accumulation is your driving force. and the only thing left to cannibalize is yourself. with this, azula’s downfall was not only inevitable, it was natural, foretold even. and just as iroh doesn’t adhere to whatever deficits were sewn unwittingly into ozai, nor is it demanded — it also isn’t azula’s fallibilities that now damn her. azula isn’t the “bad sibling”, devoid of nuance, she’s the bad person™. despite it all.

katara has ptsd and toph is blind, sokka is a non-bender and zuko was deemed handicapped then maimed thereafter, instability is not azula’s punishment, its an externalization of her decay, and its meant to be unrelenting and all-encompassing, because abstraction and objectification are totalitarian afflictions. likewise, her condemnation is not a consequence of gender marginalization, tho the undertones of spoilt brat tropes and somehow unconventional, inevitably crazed women sully our palates. we taste bias even where it perishes, even as the fire nation is seemingly meritocratic, and unabashed, imperfect girls are idealized story-wide. from toph to azula herself, who may be conflated for a sanist archetype, yet challenges gender roles and infantilization in her prowess and militancy, as she’s sterile and calculating and impassive, where zuko is feeble and undermined, aimless, emotional. she is far beyond any trope, contrivance or embellishment, and doesn’t flourish or encumber zuko’s arc, as he equally isn’t made to for her’s.

azula is a force beyond zuko, until she can no longer deny him, and azula haunts zuko until she doesn’t, until her own crossroads loom, her contrived dualism of failure or victor, aggressor and victim. and she is forced then to reckon with loss. azula’s end is not a reductionism at hands other than her own, her fall is not zuko’s win, nor does the show frame it gloriously, there is no joy in her misery, no minimization of her tragedy, from the score to the tone, in her chilling, animalistic pules, azula languishes in her self-destruction, and it is one entirely independent of zuko. with this, we are shown azula’s nuance, the unthinking allyship she inspired, yet the coercion and dereliction it veiled. the camaraderie and kindness she offered, to warn zuko against visiting iroh, to credit him unduly, yet the threat it masked, to stay unadulterated, to stay unctuous. the vilification she detested, and yet the love she scorned for its fragility and irrepressibility. ursa doesn’t confirm azula’s worst fears, ironically, sadistically, any love she may have held haunts her, is nearly derisory. impossible.

and while no debate exists that ursa neglected azula, or that she failed her duty to nurture and cater her parenting to azula’s needs and interiority, the factors that complicated that, such as ozai’s own domineering hold, alienated mother and child from any means of cultivating real love, and thusly the influences azula did ingest were brutality, unchallenged in nature, entirely singular. it’s a self-flagellation, a ritualistic and sustained self alienation, amputating any vulnerability, all perceived pluralities.

so azula, despite not consistently having her perspective expressed, still encompasses the products of colonial rearing, and its destructiveness isn’t meant to be contested, sugarcoated, not with others and not with the self. fascism has denied us azula the person, and that may be a consequence of format, but it isn’t a consequence of the narrative. nor realism. we are meant to acknowledge azula’s complexities in the intentionality of their artful crafting, while not undermining that architects of oppression still bleed. one can see themselves in azula’s struggles, in the humanity of her endeavors, while not decontextualizing the tenets of her positionality, while not undermining that every character that claimed their redemption, did so by choosing another, by loving.

and azula’s journey to love, to embracing her own humanity, is a journey solely her own. this isn’t to say that she doesn’t deserve support or guidance or love or care, but that’s not the point. that wasn’t the intent of her character, and that wasn’t the thematic priority of the show. it's an extrapolation. bc some ppl suck and that’s ok. and there are ppl you cannot help and that is ok. and sometimes the ppl you love will suffer, and that has to be ok. bc sometimes you choose yourself, sometimes you choose what you can, and that is ok. it is okay to grow, and it is ok to move on. that’s the point. it is ok to spit out the poison. forgive any tactlessness therein, but it’s a tough pill, and its meant to have an aftertaste.

however, it's not cynicism that one is meant to internalize, and it's not intended to inspire fatalism either, although the symbology of azula’s toxicity is excised, the human struggles she encapsulated remain, the intimacy of our empathy persists, and it will color the fire nation’s vices and pitfalls. bc when one can’t just will away indoctrination, as we saw with both azula and zuko, and even still with paku or toph’s parents, as hierarchies are intersectional and multifaceted, and in the trials of decolonization there will thusly be azulas’, but there will also be zukos’, and pakus’, and sokkas’. all with their very intimate, equally human complexes to confront, unravel and rectify. just as there sit your perspectives, as there too exist my own influences.

and while zuko may merely be a beneficiary of the prevailing zeitgeist (tho imperialism explicitly requires non-consent lol), where azula once functioned, and he may be no more ontologically owed redemption than azula, or deserving love over her, when in the forever-war of subjugation, it isn’t abt ontology or criteria, nor logicisms or hypotheticals, its abt action. so zuko tries. and that resistance, that anti-colonial praxis, is a good start, it’s the most meaningful start. zuko isn’t king, or redeemed, bc he’s genetically “good”, its bc he tries. that’s the point. not how efficient he is or how proficiently he embodies apparatus.

reparation. that’s. the point. the triumph of resistance juxtaposing the tragedy of complacency. bc nothing is immutable, and so nothing is too far gone.

.

.

Besides… it’s only a kid’s show heh.

[grey-sorcery]

Title: Shadow Work: First Steps

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

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

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

The Shadow

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

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

Techniques for Exploring and Integrating the Shadow

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

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

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

Magical Shadow Work

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

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

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

Anti-anxiety spell candle

Spell to remember dreams

Spell to make accessing sensitive memories easier

Binding your own trauma response (temporarily)

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

Glamour for self-love and acknowledgement 

Reveal truth spell

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

Mundane Shadow Work

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Similarities and Differences between Magical and Mundane Shadow Work

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

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

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

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

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

Choosing the Right Approach

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

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

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

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

How Shadow Work Enhances Magical Practice

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for Shadow Work

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

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

Practice regular meditation so that it becomes easier

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

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

Understand intersectionality and how it affects your life.

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

Cultivate emotional awareness, empathy, and self-regulation.

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

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

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

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

Understand your limits and maintain healthy boundaries in your practices.

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

Share your findings and thoughts with a professional for feedback.

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

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

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

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

Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or community.

Keeping a journal aids in tracking progress and thoughts.

Acknowledge your responsibility for your actions and beliefs.

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

Seek out primary sources when researching different traditions.

Utilize both logic and intuition in a balanced way.

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

Understand historical practices in their proper context without romanticizing them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Embrace a nuanced view that avoids rigid binary classifications.

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

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

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

Recognize and avoid superstitions that might influence rational thinking.

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

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

Recognize the multifaceted nature of human personality and experience.

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

Establish a consistent routine that supports your shadow work practice.

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

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From the person who brought you unhinged JJK S2 fish discourse, please accept my humble new offering: me holding up images whilst screaming ferally at you: did ya see?! did ya see what they did with the colour symbolism in episode 4 and what it Means?! Well dw cause I'm here to serve you a heinously long meta-analysis regardless. This episode has completely undone me and I need to give you a blow by blow account of why

I want to go in depth about the final scene of e4 bc that's really what set the cogs whirring in my mind, but let's start with the following image bc it exemplifies everything, not just in terms of the colour symbolism but of the heartbreaking changing relationship of stsg

Throughout the previous episodes and opening/credits of S2 we have been made to associate the colour blue + lightness with Gojo and the colour red + darkness with Geto. The sparkling blue eyes and stark white hair of Gojo, his Limitless: Blue technique, the white fish, the way he is often shown standing/walking in the light, turned to face Geto versus the black hair + dark eyes of Geto, the black fish, shown standing/walking in the shadows, turned away from Gojo (etc etc)

Yet the final scene of e4 flips this on its head and what this Means is, quite frankly, soul destroying

We join Geto as he walks along a dark, narrow corridor flooded with red light until he reaches heavy doors. He's confronted with his own image, reflecting back at him, before using both hands to prise open the door. When he steps into the bright white light of a high-ceilinged room, his face falls as Gojo emerges like a messianic figure from the applauding crowd, carrying the shrouded corpse of Riko (side note: god I have a lot of thoughts on Gojo as a messianic figure but I'll save that for another time)

Gojo approaches Geto with his head bowed (whereas usually he is always looking up at Geto) and the moment Geto lays eyes on Gojo he knows something is wrong (similarly to Toji earlier in the episode). He barely seems to recognise Gojo and though Gojo's eyes still sparkle with their bright blue infinity, his expression is dull and lifeless. Geto asks disbelievingly in a way that stabs me right through the heart: "Satoru. Is that you?"

At the start of the conversation, the camera pans from Gojo on the left to Geto on the right and is shot from below in a way that emphasises the growing cavernous expanse between them

But it's what happens in the following moments that's really the killer

Gojo states that he fucked up and that everything that has happened is therefore his fault. Geto tells Gojo "let's head back" (I read this both as: let's head back home and as an indication that Geto wants things to go back to how they were). The camera then cuts to Gojo's mouth as he asks flatly - "Suguru, should we kill these guys?" - and then zooms out as he continues - "The way I feel right now, I doubt I'd feel anything about it." The camera zooms out, showing Gojo standing in front of the applauding crowd, holding Riko's body and continues to draw back, making Gojo seem as if he's getting further and further away from Geto, as well as from us, whilst his eyes glow ethereally

I want to do a separate post about what happens with Geto, Gojo + their relationship in episode 5 but I do also want to point out here: this is the scene that Geto experiences invasive flashbacks of in the following ep. It's the moment that he realizes that he's lost Gojo, that Gojo is now fundamentally different in a way that Geto doesn't recognise or understand, that Gojo is far beyond his reach

As Gojo walks past a motionless Geto, away from the light and into the darkness, we cut to Geto's downcast eyes, pupils dilating wildly as though he's in shock/about to cry (this harkens back to the fish, the way that Geto can no longer bear to look at the white fish as it swims past). We are then left with Geto standing in the bright blue-white light telling Gojo that there's "no point" in killing them, whilst Gojo replies in the darkened, red corridor "does there really need to be any point to it?"

Gojo is a broken man, a complete shell of who he once was and this scene demonstrates Gojo's transition as he turns away from Geto. The colour symbolism, though, is present throughout the earlier parts of the episode and beautifully illustrates how we arrive at this exact moment (as well lays the foundations for what comes next)

Let's return to our blue/red colour theory bc there's a lot going on here during this episode!

E4 starts on a banger: we're cruelly given a recap of Toji telling Geto that he killed Gojo and then within the space of about 7 minutes, Geto too has been killed. It's tragic and sad and none of us want to be reminded of it but I'm going to (srysrysry) because hey, check out what's going on. Notice the cool blue tint of Geto's "death" versus the vivid red of Gojo's? (a horrible eg I know but you should've heard my scream when I caught onto it)

And here's another cool example that had me ajdjsksjdk bc ofc I clocked Gojo using his red technique, but look at the blue glow around Geto's hand?! I don't recall seeing it being used for Geto before (correct me if I'm wrong) so it's interesting to see it being used here, plus us seeing Gojo using Red properly for the first time

Let's just pause here for a moment bc this is a hugely important moment for Gojo's character arc and the fight with Toji gives us an incredible colour theory moment

In the previous episodes, we've seen Gojo being able to easily use his Limitless Blue technique but remember how, in E2 Gojo tried to use Red and hilariously fucks it up announcing "I failed" and resorts to punching the bad guy instead? It isn't until this episode, after Gojo has used reverse cursed technique whilst on the verge of death to heal himself (idk if heal is the right word) that he is able to learn to use Cursed Technique Reversal: Red

We have this really beautiful animation sequence during Gojo's fight with Toji. A blue and a red droplet swirl around each other and then splash together to reveal a swirling rotation of blue and red rippling water. The colours converge, red droplet slipping into blue water, blue droplet into red. The droplets come together to form the shining purple infinity plucked between Gojo's fingers, granting him the "Hollow Purple" technique that allows him to blow a hole through Toji.

Gojo explains:

"Reverse cursed technique uses negative energy. While it can enhance the body, it can't regenerate it. Multiply that negative energy against itself to create positive energy... Take the amplified and the reversal, then smash together those two different expressions of infinity to create and push out imaginary mass."

Gojo + Geto, amplified + reversal = two different expressions of infinity -> create / push out

Toji "killing" Gojo was the moment that set Gojo on a different path, which allowed him to evolve beyond belief and causes him to ascend to, what he believes is, divinity. He takes the basics of Blue and Red (primary colours; Gojo and Geto) and mixes them together to create something new, something transcendent, something that surpasses who he (and Geto) were before. He becomes an unstoppable power that far surpasses everyone else, and this is what Geto recognizes: that Gojo has evolved without him (which we know from E5 has huge consequences for Geto's thinking)

And so now, finally, let us return to Geto at the end of E4

After Gojo asks Geto "does there really need to be any point to it?" (killing), the camera flashes quickly between the applauding audience and Geto's empty hand, which he then clenches into a tight fist. He raises his downcast eyes to look forwards (resolutely, looking into the future) and responds: "it's very important there is..."

We're left with the image of Gojo standing on a blue floor, surrounded by the clapping crowd. The floor wavers as an all consuming darkness pulses beneath him, locating Geto as it's central point as it surges out towards the crowd "...especially for a jujutsu sorcerer."

We're reminded of the conversation where Geto and Gojo almost come to blows whilst playing basketball in E1. Geto's argument that jujutsu sorcerers exist to protect non-jujutsu sorcerers whilst Gojo complains about having to protect "the weak" + patronisingly tells Geto to get off of his moral high horse.

Now we witness the extent of Gojo's apathy in action, as he pulls away from everything and everyone, and the swinging of Geto's moral compass from protection to genocide as he's left behind in the ruins of all that once was, of everything and everyone that he loved