#Inner Flame Analysis

[spiritmander13]

Warning! This contains spoilers for III18! If you have not watched it yet, go ahead! IT BROKE ME.

Wait. Waitwaitwaitwaitwaitwaitwait.

Going back to the Inner Flame BS for a moment-

Okay. So, in The Overthinkers, it is revealed that Candle has telekinesis and uses it throughout the season (I mean, look at that fight scene in the latest episode), as well as telepathy and flight.

In A Jury Of Your Own Fears, Silver gains flight and telepathy as well, however... he doesn't have telekinesis. He has super strength instead, as seen in the previous episode, The Show Must Go On. What's even weirder is the fact that Candle has a third eye that she uses to see people's auras (*pointing hard at her EXIT Interview*) and Silver does NOT have this eye in the latest episode.

It is also true that everyone pretty much has an Inner Flame; they just haven't awakened it yet. While I have no questions about the eye, I have a few interesting questions.

Question 1: Does the power you get when you awaken your Inner Flame depend on your aura color?

And if so, Question 2: What are the other powers that you can get depending on the aura?

We know the flame color is not going to be the exact color as your aura. Candle's aura is blue, yet her flame color is purple in Inner-Flame form. Silver Spoon's aura is purple, however his flame color is green in Inner-Flame form.

So, Question 3: Is your flame color decided by anything such as personality, actions, views, or some psychological or mental thing? Silver's flame is green, and my mind immediately thought of the sin of Greed. And... yeah, I can see if this is correct. Silver's greedy for winning and taking the lead.

And following up the psychological question is Question 4, the most concerning question: How aggressive can your Inner Flame get? Because if it can literally CANCEL OUT ANOTHER INNER FLAME, then it might be more dangerous than Candle implied.

Finally, I'm still holding out on this question, Question 5: How exactly do you even find your Inner Flame? Do you meditate, do you have to befriend someone who's already awakened their Inner Flame? Do you just... have to be a better person? I'd assume that if EVERYONE has an Inner Flame that there have been evil people in the past using it for evil duties.

I am gonna point to @infinite-ticking-clock37's theory on how eyes work, and that I pretty much agree that, in order to gain a third eye you have to learn to control your Inner Flame. So I have no questions on the third eye.

WE SHOULD REALLY BE DISCUSSING THIS MORE.

[theweeklydiscourse]

What Makes Feyre’s Pregnancy Plotline in A Court of Silver Flames so Upsetting?

The answer is that the events and outcome concerning Feyre’s pregnancy speak to a fear of one’s loss of autonomy, specifically one’s reproductive autonomy. Furthermore, this plotline demonstrates Maas' consistent prioritization of her male characters at the expense of her female characters. Multiple factors make this subplot feel particularly uncomfortable and upsetting, but I can condense them into three main points that converge to create one frustrating scenario.

1. Rhysand and the Question of Choice

From ACOMAF onwards, the reader is made aware of Rhysand’s unusually progressive politics and his attention to the autonomous choices of women. This is demonstrated through his selection of counsel, appointing Mor and Amren in roles of authority, and eventually crowing Feyre as High Lady of the Night Court. In addition to this, we are shown his emphasis on choice through his interactions with Feyre. Rhysand repeatedly reminds Feyre that she can choose, that she can make an autonomous decision that he will respect. So, it is these positive features of Rhysand that make the pregnancy subplot of ACOSF so disturbing.

He, and the Inner Circle by extension, purposefully omit the information that Feyre’s pregnancy will turn deadly and never volunteer the information to her. During Cassian’s meeting with Rhysand and Amren, we are shown their thought process behind withholding information from Nesta (and Feyre by extension) According to Amren, it is not lying because they are technically not telling lies in the traditional sense, only withholding information.

While this is about Nesta, the reader can see the parallels between both cases. The choice to lie by omission reveals that both Amren and Rhysand are aware of the dishonesty of their actions, choosing to mitigate it slightly on a technicality. It feels distinctly like a loophole in Rhysand’s previous promises to Feyre, making this act feel more deceitful while demonstrating Rhysand’s willingness to undermine Feyre’s authority as High Lady. If Rhysand had a condition or illness that would eventually kill him, informing him of it would be certain, you wouldn’t even consider the possibility of not telling him. However, because Feyre is pregnant, she is not afforded the same autonomy.

Wanting to keep Feyre in blissful ignorance is not a sufficient reason, especially when Feyre is still of sound mind and can advocate for herself. Rhysand’s reasoning sounds noble, but in reality, it is just benevolent sexism. It doesn’t matter if he thinks it will cause Feyre stress, she NEEDS to be aware of what’s going on and the fact that the news will ruin her peaceful pregnancy is of little consequence when her life is on the line. Rhysand prioritizes his feelings and implicitly gives himself executive authority over Feyre’s pregnancy, demonstrating his disregard for her autonomy and choices. This action directly contradicts the progressive beliefs Rhysand stated in previous books and is a betrayal for the reader as well as Feyre.

2. The Infantilization of Feyre

The omission of this critical information, good intentions or not, is based on a belief that Feyre would not be competent enough to handle such a pressing situation in her pregnant state. Amren claims that the stress and fear could have physically harmed Feyre, but such a claim assumes that Feyre would not have the fortitude or ability to handle the situation.

Amren's explanation demonstrates a belief that Feyre's input on the matter would be irrelevant and pointless because it prevents Feyre from offering any. It is a plan that assumes Feyre will not be able to add anything meaningful to the solution and that it would be less harmful to her if she was kept out of it. This is infantilizing and paternalistic because Feyre has proven herself to be capable of coping under pressure and happens to be an unprecedented magical anomaly. Feyre’s access to pertinent medical information should not be revoked and it is insane that Madja her physician, actively misleads her with Rhysand’s consent.

This infantilization of a pregnant character echoes how pregnant women have been infantilized throughout history. It is a terrifying thought to imagine that your bodily autonomy could be stripped from you in the name of serving your supposed best interest. Rosemary’s Baby is one of the most famous horror movies of all time and it explores this exact topic, the same is true for the short story The Yellow Wallpaper, both stories capture the horror of reproductive/medical abuse that still happens to women today.

3. The Aftermath & Prioritizing Male Rage

Lastly, one of the most disturbing elements of this subplot is the way the text consistently prioritizes and coddles the violent rage of male characters at the expense of female characters. This is on full display when Rhysand flies into an intense rage after Nesta reveals the truth to Feyre. Although Nesta can be faulted for her harsh phrasing, let it be known that even Feyre felt that she did the right thing and was expressing her anger at the paternalistic and unjust practices of the Inner Circle. However, Nesta is still subjected to severe physical and emotional punishment in the form of a grueling hike where she is left to stew in her guilt and suicidal ideation despite Feyre ultimately not faulting her.

Feyre admits that Rhysand “majorly overreacted” and that she wanted Nesta back in Velaris. And yet, Nesta is still punished. But why? Will Rhysand or any of the Inner Circle be punished for betraying Feyre? Why, if Feyre agreed that Nesta was right to tell her, would she ever need to be subjected to a severe punishment when she was justified in what she did?

This is a particularly telling detail that compels me to ask: is this punishment about Feyre’s feelings or Rhysand’s? Why is it that Rhysand’s “overreaction” needs to be assuaged by punishing Nesta? What I observe from this passage is the characters prioritizing the feelings of a male character and placating him with the suffering of a female character, even when he wasn’t the one who was hurt in that situation. Feyre asks Cassian to tell Rhysand that the hike will be Nesta's punishment as though it isn't truly a punishment, but it undoubtedly is.

Throughout the hike, Nesta is in a silent spiral of guilt and self-hatred, Cassian never tells her that Feyre is alright and that Rhysand overreacted, letting her dwell in it alone. He hardly speaks to her, he pushes her to the point of exhaustion and is somehow surprised that Nesta shows signs of suicidal ideation.

This isn't constructive at all, it is not evidence that Cassian cares about Nesta's well-being, and the scenes of Nesta internally repeating that she deserves to die and that everyone hates her are nothing but gratuitous and disgustingly self-indulgent. The text basks in Nesta's suffering, even when she was in the right and this hike only happened to placate Rhysand who wronged Feyre in the first place.

Hindsight am I right? Fuck off. A more productive resolution to this matter would be for Feyre and Nesta to talk it out ALONE. Feyre could express her feelings to Nesta directly and they could find a solution together, that way Feyre’s situation could be centered on the two sisters working together. Cassian can see that Feyre is alright, she’s obviously upset, but she didn’t crumble like he expected and that makes it completely baffling that he would punish Nesta anyway. It’s a solution that prioritizes his and Rhysand’s feelings as opposed to Feyre’s, making it not about a perceived transgression against Feyre, but against Rhysand.

In Conclusion

This topic has already been discussed at length by many people in the fandom, but it is a topic that still stays on my mind with how upsetting it is. It is a stunning example of the misogynistic undertones in Sarah J Maas’s writing and makes reading a very straining experience due to her obvious bias towards certain male characters. Not even her main character matters when Rhysand is factored into the situation, his emotions are always centred by other characters and is permitted to betray his wife and get off scot free.

Feyre’s reproductive autonomy is violated, and Maas doesn’t bat an eye. But when Nesta rightfully reveals the truth to Feyre, everyone loses their mind. Both Nesta and Feyre have their autonomy stripped away from the, by way of the Inner Circle’s paternalism, and when Nesta advocates for herself and Feyre, she is punished severely. Being put in her place as the hierarchy is strengthened.

[forestwitchontheroad]

Billford Analysis!

Chapter one: Ford and his blind adoration before the portal incident, or abusive slowburn.

warning! this is a very open and incoherent form of my thoughts, where I do not mention many canonical details but only consider the attitude of the characters towards them.

so, I want to analyze as clearly as possible the interactions of Stanford Pines and Bill Cipher at different stages of their, I'm not afraid to say, very complex relationship, which bordered on both blind near-religious chthonic adoration and abusive violence as from a typical psychological manual.

to begin with, I want to look specifically at Stanford's notes from his Third Journal in order to create a general portrait of how his idea of Bill has changed over the years (later a retelling of the same events will be presented, but from Bill's point of view). most often, the long periods of their interactions before betrayal and finding out the truth about the portal are ignored, but they are especially important in the context of forming a long-term and strong attachment.

Stanford immediately begins to cherish his new acquaintance with Bill - he calls their meeting a secret that no one can find out. his low self-esteem also flashes here, depending not only on what people he knows say about him but also on society as a whole in the form of a scientific community. he keeps his acquaintance with bill secret out of inner shame and anxiety that he will not be trusted, he will expose the external environment as crazy, and all acquaintance with the supreme being, in the eyes of Stanford, will turn out to be a fiction of a lonely mind.

after all, isolation in a small town led Stanford to label their first meeting as a miracle on the decrepit pages of his diary. it was really a godsend for Bill, such a combination of mental genius and naive emotional trauma, but this will be discussed, again, in the next chapter.

calling Bill his muse, he sees his silhouette in the firmament, drawing the outlines of the constellation “William” in his diary on a par with the constellations we are familiar with. for me, this also means treating Bill not as a separate independent being on the level of Ford himself, no. at this moment, he perceives him more as an idea, as something inspiring, as a path to knowledge that can be read in the web of snow-white stars. he addresses his muse as a higher consciousness, which rarely visits him in dreams, and he listens to his every word. It seems to me that Ford's former religious upbringing also plays a role here, as well as the most persistent belief in the paranormal, which was based only on science fiction stories before moving to gravity falls. Ford's egocentricity, his belief in his own exclusivity, perfectionism combined with arrogance, also play here, which led to the fact that he really, without a doubt, believed that he was chosen as the greatest genius of our time. but really, why not believe if he was so successful in finding and justifying the existence of the supernatural in the first place?

and then - even more. all Ford's pages that relate to Bill at this point in time look fabulous, magical, and unreal. as if torn from a dream, depicting cosmic, unattainable expanses of consciousness and flying chess are symbols of knowledge and business cooperation for him. in such a hazy haze of consciousness, Ford very naively and dangerously agrees to give Bill permission to control his body as he pleases. and for Ford, it makes sense - how can a near-divine being, who does not have his own selfish desires and emotions, do something bad to him? even in the cold flame, when shaking hands, he finds an exquisite and mesmerizing moment.

torn pages from Bill's book complement this period in Ford's life - he depicts himself turning to heaven, which also shows his vision of Cipher as an extraterrestrial being that is incomprehensible to his human mind. he treats their relationship as the creation of an important chapter in the whole story, so all his words show excitement - he does not know how to address Bill correctly, is not sure what he should do. after all, it was the first time he found someone who did not turn away from him but found him even in dreams - he could not then lose such a truly fateful chance.

hence, religious servility, and this is it, in its purest form, begins to intertwine with Ford's own emotions, as well as fill a huge hole in his life in the form of the appearance of a friend. reverence begins to mix with respect and the desire to just be friends.

after all, Cipher's flattery is aimed not only at Ford's ambitions - it concerns all his insecurities and questionable life choices. where he speaks almost directly about how Ford is always right, and everyone else is either stupid or envious of Pines and his boundless special mind. Also, these empty compliments are aimed at Ford's main fear - being rejected by society or anyone at all. Bill promises him not power, not money, but his faces on all scientific journals - that is, fame.

the exchange of mutual jokes and thoughts leads to the emergence of friendship from Ford's point of view. he gets used to Bill's extraordinary statements and finds them native in his own way, some unusual feature of his communication style. Stanford is unusual himself, so he is happy to meet not only manifestations of paranormal activity but also sometimes creepy statements by Cipher, finding them exciting, making Bill's recruitment work even easier.

Bill helps Ford with anxiety, constantly advises something, even improved his eyesight - all these countless gifts began to change Bill's title in Ford's head from a friend to a best friend who was with him not only for the sake of transferring some kind of supreme knowledge - but also just like that, in seemingly mortal matters and problems. he was even ready to get a tattoo on himself at the request of his muse, but at the last moment, nevertheless, refused.

it should be understood that Stanford, due to limited experience of communication and socialization, had no idea what was normal and what was abnormal. Now and beyond, Cipher's demands will begin to grow in their seriousness, and Ford will really stop asking questions about them. maybe he justified it by saying that this is what friendship between beings of different kinds looks like, maybe a slight infatuation mixed with adoration with pink glasses closed any logical conclusions.

Ford's birthday is an indicator of a complete departure from Bill's perception of a divine being. Ford received a rather dubious gift in the form of dead rats laid out in his name, but it didn't matter at all to him - the main thing was that his birthday was remembered. the attention paid to the lonely Ford completely killed any rational thinking, so at the moment of drunken singing within the boundaries of reason with his muse, he was happy. He found someone who understood him, worked side by side with him, and was just there for him.

maybe there would not have been this blind infatuation of any character, Ford would have asked more questions about such strange and very disturbing signs of attention, like a tattoo or dead animals, but the emotional nature that he so desperately hid from himself won out again.

the moment Bill listened to him about Stanley, told him, and showed him the last atoms of his destroyed dimension, was the peak of their relationship. the very intimacy of such a conversation, its irreplaceability, when Ford saw not his exalted muse - he saw another being who had lost his home. he is ready to help at the same moment because he cares, and he will do everything to help with the pain, not knowing the whole truth.

later, on the pages about Krampus, Ford puts Bill on the level of Fiddleford's wife and asks in his diary when his muse will appear when his assistant left him. Ford does this unconsciously, which only confirms a young and even innocent love, which Pines himself does not notice out of inexperience.

and that's why he gets angry when Bill doesn't show up to fight the monster on his conversion. he bitterly thinks that Bill inspires another scientist, that is, he is jealous, and that maybe they are absolutely not partners at all, that is, he is afraid of losing Cipher. all these thoughts are recorded in the diary as a single whirlwind of emotions, which again confirms this indifference to Bill.

and when Bill pointed out to Ford his inattention, he immediately wilted, came to his senses, and was ashamed. he really regarded Bill's words as the truth. sometimes returning again to the near-religious servility that had gone away, but in tense moments made itself reappear.

let's end this chapter with a page from the website about the axolotl, which Ford was forced to release at the request of Cipher. Because of Bill's clever mockery of leaving Ford for another scientist, he, in a panic, agrees to everything. he just seems to point out their difference in positions in the relationship a little sadly, no matter what - because Bill always knows better than Ford, and it's better not to argue once again.

In conclusion, we can briefly summarize that Ford went from religious anxious adoration to friendly relaxation and again to loving blind anxiety.

stay tuned for the next chapter about Bill's perspective on this period of time!

[starredforlife]

ok top five scenes from the kung fu panda universe (any of the movies, shorts, shows, etc). could be fight scenes, character moments, etc etc so on and so forth

FERN THIS IS SO HARD. FOR ME. UHM !!!!

ESCAPE FROM GONGMEN TOWER please watch it right now please please it's such an underrated scene musically and visually. this is the scene where tigress catches a flaming arrow and that's the exact moment i became a homosexual. vic history. it's also the scene where we see her chops as a leader of the five and the way she's fit into this role to balance out Po so well. and also all her potential as who she could've been, if she'd been chosen to be the dragon warrior herself. but she's not.

MUSICIAN'S VILLAGE I LOVE this scene the way it introduces, to the audience, that the score is going to play a part in the fight scenes of this movie is absolutely magnificent. and the way we get reintroduced to the furious five's + po's fighting style, and it reminds us immediately that they are formidable--and then sets up the inciting incident of the plot with so much mystery (and we see the 2d animation style again too, which has always represented po's inner subconscious. WHY DIDN'T THEY DO THAT FOR THE FOURTH MOVIE. whatever)

i would say the bridge fight (kfp1) and i adore that scene but i have to say, i really love the performances, the ambience, the color boards, the sound effects, and the emotional impact of shifu and tai lung's fight in the 3rd act more. i love when kfp actually invested time in its non-main protag characters. tai lung was an absolutely fascinating villain and this scene just rounds out his character so well

The entirety of the secrets of the scroll short film oh my god i love that one so much. teenage tigress. my baby girl.

FUCK okay and then the fireworks factory (2nd movie) where Po confronts Shen about his past. And he gets shot with a cannon and Tigress doesn't get to him in time. breaks my heart every time. i'm going to include the scene where Tigress and Po fight right before that in the jail too bc the musical score called "Fireworks Factory" starts with THEIR HUG. AND IT ENDS WITH HER RUNNING TO CATCH HIM. AND FAILING. MY BAKA LIFE !!!!! i don't even ship them anymore like i did when i was 14 i mostly just love tigress but their platonic relationship is v important to me. i have to include their hug bc that did irreparable damage to me as a tween. sorry the quality of the first vid is so ass. their relationship in the entire 2nd movie is so good i could write a whole analysis on it probably. it's paining me physically to not include their earlier boat scene talk.

this is also the scene where tigress snarls at the gorilla and that changed my brain chemistry forever.

i love the entire second movie this is so hard for me AUGHHHGHGH okay quick honorary mention: i also love the scene where we see shen fight the three masters (rhino, croc, ox). that quick fight scene is SO well executed. the dialogue and the performances are incredible. i used to have every line of dialogue of this movie memorized and especially loved reciting this scene (skip to 1:10)

and then if i had to pick a moment from the third one it's the one where oogway's statue gets wrecked at the jade palace. it lands emotionally very well for a scene that could have easily been mishandled too comedically or too quickly. like it still gives me chills. and i'm not even gonna touch on the character animation/acting of tigress and shifu here bc GOD. kai's theme does rock also!!! AND i LOVE the colors in this movie SO MUCH holy fuck

and then a minor detail from the first one is i love how the characters act with each other, namely the five and shifu. they clearly have a history and/or comradery with each other. shifu undoing the nerve damage tai lung did in a way specific to each of his students stands out to me in particular.

1 and 2 are masterpieces to me and i have my Things about the 3rd one but overall, a beautiful trilogy. i wish the 4th one didn't exist im killing it with my bare hands. vic hate movie? vic murder it. 5th rule of the streets.

[justxtalking]

the shooting star

I'm sure this observation was pointed out before, but I can't find it anywhere to quote it. Original post, you take all the credit. I just needed to express my thoughts because I can't stop thinking about it.

I feel like it's been a hot minute since the last time I've made one of these, but here I go.

the scenes

In chapter 64, Gon and Killua promise to stay together under the stars and they have a heart-to-heart. When the scene ends, we see a shooting star in the sky.

English Translation: VIZ Media

In chapter 286, Killua talks about commiting "shinjū" with Gon (translated as "I'll go down with flames with him") to Meleoron, tries to make it seem like a joke and Meleoron's inner monologue makes us understand there's more to the story than what Killua is saying out loud. When the scene ends, we again see a shooting star in the sky (and move to Gon and Pitou's scene.)

English Translation: VIZ Media

side-note

Do I really think that this detail has a bigger meaning than it has? No, Togashi most probably just likes shooting stars and thought this was a good transition between scenes. However, I think it would make a nice analysis if I connect the concept of the shooting star with certain aspects that are present in both scenes and the story in general. I just couldn't help myself, I find it so interesting and beautiful.

my brief and informal analysis

To begin with, what does it mean to see a shooting star? There's three popular and mostly global beliefs I would like to point out.

1) Wishes: Shooting stars have always been associated with dreams, wishes and promises. Many believe that if you make a wish on the shooting star, it will come true.

2) Positive Change: They are typically considered to be signs or messages from the Universe. They tend to symbolize new beginnings, transformations, and spiritual development.

In relation to these two, I believe it would be also connected to the meaning of encouragement. It can serve as encouragement to take risks or make important life decisions.

3) A Sign of Love: Seeing a shooting star can represent the love and connection between two people.

Then, which of these meanings are actually related to these scenes? The three of them, but let me explain a bit more.

In the first scene, Gon and Killua promise to stay together and continue their journey. As shooting stars are often associated with wishes or promises, in this context, it could symbolize the sincerity and earnestness of their promise to each other. By including the shooting star at the end of the scene, it seals their promise and it also marks a new beginning for them. At that moment, they are making an important decision in their lives, it's a new and positive change for them.

For the next meaning, I would like to point out first what scenes with two people under the stars at night usually mean. As we probably know, those type of scenes are ideal for characters to share their feelings and even secrets. The darkness and the soft lighting of the stars allow this space of intimacy to just talk to someone, which is what Gon and Killua do. They are already friends, but it's at that moment that they talk about what they are going to do and speak about topics such as Mito. The shooting star marks a significant bond between Gon and Killua. It represents their connection and love (platonic or not) for each other, as shooting stars can also symbolize a new love. This is related to the hope we have when seeing a shooting star, which is connected to that hope (and excitement) we feel when we start a new relationship. Using the shooting star could work as a narrative device to highlight the importance of this moment and the bond between Gon and Killua.

In the second scene, Killua discusses the possibility of a double suicide if something were to happen. Again, the shooting star appears at the end before transitioning to the next scene.

As I said before, shooting stars commonly symbolize wishes and promises. In this context, it could symbolize Killua's inner turmoil and/or even his determination to protect Gon (and be with him), possibly hinting at a resolution or decision he has made internally. Because of his words, we can guess he made the decision to die with Gon if that's what is needed. What he says can even foreshadow significant events or intense emotions, such as the ones that follow in the story. For example, Killua running to reach Gon and save him. It could even be related to other characters, such as Meruem and Komugi committing double suicide.

Killua's statement about a double suicide is a serious and intense moment, and the shooting star might emphasize the gravity of the situation. In this case, I wouldn't say this is a "positive change," though we could argue that for Killua maybe it would have been because Gon would have included him.

However, it is a moment in which Killua makes a big decision, one that would take to risk practically his life just to stay with Gon or protect him.

In addition to this, it could also bring us back to the first scene, in which they promise to stay together, symbolizing their strong bond. This is emphasized by the fact that the next scene is about Gon and Pitou. However, in this case, both Gon and Killua seem to be in different head-spaces. On one hand, Killua is worried he could lose Gon to the darkness, as he feels their bond is wavering and he can't reach him no matter how much he tries. On the other hand, Gon is too focused on his goal to save Kite. He is in too much pain and despair while trying to control the situation on his own terms.

In both instances, the shooting stars seem to add a layer of emotional depth and narrative emphasis to the scenes. They highlight the sincerity of promises, the intensity of emotions, and the transient nature of crucial moments in Gon and Killua's lives.

side-note

Something that adds to my delusional mind to all of these and I think it's really interesting is the following:

The fourth ending Nagareboshi Kirari seems to mean "sparkling shooting star". The song is an exploration of longing and hope, entrusting wishes to the stars, unanswered thoughts and unspoken feelings. It delves into the theme of connection, particularly the emotional bond between the narrator and a distant loved one. There's a lot to say about this song and its lyrics, but that should be a whole new post.

I think the song speaks perfectly about Gon and Killua's situation in general (not only about what I mention here, of course) and I think it's a good way to finish this post.

Thank you so much for reading! Have a good day or night, whichever the time is when you're seeing this.

[talonabraxas]

Green Ray - Green Flame and Archangel Raphael Talon Abraxas

The green Ray of light represents concretization, crystallization of substance, knowledge and science. The green Flame is the Flame of balance and Truth. It leads to analysis and development of ideas, especially Divine ideas and impulses that have been conceived in the First Ray of the Blue Flame. Those ideas ultimately and inevitably produce wisdom and light. The fifth Ray of light brings the energy of exploration which might eventually produce separation and crystallization. The discernment and thoroughness with which the green Ray operates produce in the mind of man an act of final understanding and revelation of the Truth. This is the Ray of concentration, as a manifestation of the undisturbed sustained attention, which is attained by consecration. In the green Flame we recognize the seat of the physical healing and perfection.

The Green Flame Invocation is performed on Thursday when the fifth green Ray especially strongly manifests its energies.

Archangel Raphael is an Angel of healing and consecration. A physician, minister, student and every devotee, who out of his/her free will consecrates his/her strength to serve life, stand under the special blessing and protection. Archangel Raphael forms the heart of every single individual who is supposed to take a new incarnation. Marry, the Mother of God, a being full of mercy, grace, compassion and motherly love is the Divine complement of Archangel Raphael. Mother Marry is the Hierarch of the "Temple of Resurrection", together with Jesus. The Temple is filled with the Green Flame of healing. It combines many different healing places that possess healing streams of energy, like for instance, Lourdes, the water of Saint Petka, and many others. Those are the places where a constant prayer ascends to heaven, towards God.

Archangel Raphael represents the power of sight and vision - vision of the Truth. He can help you develop your third eye - the inner vision, or Divine vision - and the resort to the power of creation by visualization. Archangel Raphael can improve your concentration and extrasensory perception. Archangel Raphael is a guardian of the blind; He brings healing in every respect, supports the healers, helps the physician and all spiritual therapists. Archangel Raphael supports all people on their Divine path.

Archangel Raphael will bring you healing, health and wealth, if you just ask Him for help. He will help you develop intuition and improve your vision, he will bestow upon you the Divine energy of self-healing. Surround yourself with the green light of the fifth Ray and pray for whatever is necessary. You know that honest and pure prayer will always be heard and fulfilled. You can rely on Archangel Raphael while traveling, as He is the guardian of those on the road.

Archangel Raphael will teach you to consecrate yourself every day when your eyes look at something which is less than perfect. In that case you can utter the following prayer: "Beloved Father, forgive me for disrespecting Your law of love. Beloved Archangel Raphael, once again consecrate my eyes, so that I can see only perfection! "

When you hear something negative, when your hands are impatient in some move, when you demonstrate indignation, when your tongue and lips utter only one wrong word, then, say to yourself: "Beloved Father, forgive me for the misuse of Your energy." You should repeat this sentence often, until you have understood and corrected everything.

Your individual life stream is found in grave danger only if you do not rise up again, clean up the dust from your knees, and make another step once again. Archangel Raphael will alway enlighten your four lower bodies once again, whenever you need this and whenever you ask Him to. Do not hesitate, ask Him again and again. Ask Archangel Raphael to become aware of nothing less than the perfection, so that you can see perfection, hear perfection, and speak perfection, for now, and for always.

The representatives from the world of crystals for the Green Ray (Green Golden Flame) are blue sapphire, indigolite, sugilite and sodalite. These crystals are connected to the sixth chakra - the ajna chakra.

[bsd-fan]

Chuuya´s analysis part 2: Humanity and contradictions

Stormbringer is by far the most important piece if we want to understand chuuya because this is the moment his view of life is challenged. We follow chuuya through stormbringer, we get to see how doubtful, scared and confused he is about his humanity and we also see a side of him that he constantly hides.

“I told you, Chuuya”

He looked up in the direction of the sudden voice. It was a familiar voice, one that belonged to the person he hated most in this world.

“Your birth itself was a mistake. We´re the same. Is there really a point to suffering through all that pain for a life that isn´t even real?” - Hallucination of Dazai. Stormbringer

Dazai and Chuuya constantly claim the hate they have for each other. A lot of that hate is because their history of them being assholes with each other, a lot of it is just posturing but a lot of it is because of this. They share the same problem but the way they face it is incompatible. Especially on chuuya´s side. During sb we learn that Chuuya /understands/ Dazai, not because he tries to but because deep down he thinks the same. But he /never/ lets himself think about this, because if he does he will drown and he can´t do that.

You can ignore most of this analysis because the only real important thing to understand is that chuuya is a figher.

That´s his core as a character.

Chuuya fights every godamn hour of every day. He fights with himself, he fights against his ability, he fights for his humanity, he fights for the people he loves, he fights when everyone already gave up. He has lost /so much/ through his life and never complains about it, he keeps going on because that´s what he was taught to do. He has gave up so many things. He can´t say that he is tired, he can´t be afraid, he can´t stop because he was conditioned to be the last man standing not matter what and that´s what he does. Because he has people he cares about and that depend on him so he can´t fall, he can´t ask for help and damn sure he can´t let himself sulk and think about the futility of all, he can´t go with dazai´s nihilistic mentality not matter how much of it he secretly shares because he can´t stop fighting. That would ultimately break him. Chuuya´s outwordly drive to keep advancing despite all the horrible things that happen to him is only possible because he never stops to think about this.

So in a lot of ways, Dazai is like a punch in the face. it´s his worse fears and hidden thoughts in a human form. Dazai, especially 15-18 year old Dazai represents everything he fights about himself. So yes, when I say that chuuya makes a constant, conscious effort to avoid understanding Dazai I´m talking about this (and that´s like half of it, because Dazai´s coping mechanisms also directly clash with chuuya´s whole ideology. Honestly is kinda impressive how Dazai manages to trigger chuuya to that degree)

Now, going back to the analysis I want to say that Stormbringer doesn´t really bring anything new to chuuya´s character, it just consolidates what was already there. It´s when chuuya finally realized something we´ve known all along and it´s because of this that he can finally solve his inner conflict.

“I can feel their lives burning right here, inside me, and till those flames die down. I can´t just do whatever I want. I´m gonna do what I need to. That´s who I am”- Chuuya, stormbringer

“-Why don´t you get it? There isn´t anything you need to do! Live how you want to live! Destroy what you want to destroy! Because there´s only one thing we needed to do, and that was to not be born!(...)

-Just shup up- Chuuya´s eyes burned with fierce determination. -Maybe that´s what you wanna do, but don´t shove your belief down my throat. Cause that ain´t ´t how I feel at all.

Several shadow ran thorugh the light in his eyes.

His friends in the sheep.

His friends in the Port Mafia.

The light in his eyes was determination. It was the powerful brilliance of humankind, something gaines only through encounters and partings with other people.

-You´ve been completely wrong from the very start- Chuuya spat in disgust- “Being born was a mistake”? Sounds like the kind of garbage Dazai would spew, and no way in hell am I ever gonna think the way he does!”- Verlaine and chuuya, stormbringer.

This scene is so important to chuuya´s development as a character because this is the first time he defines himself as an individual in his own terms and  independently of his origin. He is a person, and he is the kind of person that will do what it needs to be done and he will do it for the people that is important to him. That´s simply who he is. That´s his identity as a human being. That´s why I get mad when people are fighting about chuuya´s humanity. Yes, at the end is really hinted that he is the original one but that´s not important. Because the whole point of the novel is that humanity is more than origin. It doesn´t matter if chuuya was born as a human being or created in a lab because at the end of the day he is human because of the ties he has with the people around him.

Different from Dazai, Chuuya gets this solution from existentialism. Existentialism is a form of philosophy that explores the issue of human existence. Existencialism basically says that purpose and meaning in life doesn´t come from external forces such as God, fate or a bigger power but instead is entirely determined by ourselves and that´s exactly what chuuya does. It doesn´t matter that life in senseless, it doesn´t matter if he was created only as a weapon, it doesn´t matter if he shouldn´t have existed in the first place. None of it matters. Because he is already here and he will give himself a purpose. And God, I´m gonna stop here to say that this is such a chuuya thing to do. He fights what everyone around him is telling him and he fights himself, yes, he may understand Dazai and verlaine´s nihilistic mentality but he ultimately decides to reject it. Chuuya will fight even the absurdity of life, in a way is fucking hilarious and as a Dazai kinnie I can wholeheartedly understand how this is so annoying for him. Because here we are needing sense, getting paralyzed because of the ucertainty of the world and just trying to keep living despite being constantly overwhelmed because the aburdity of all and then there are people like chuuya that realized the same thing but they keep going, people like chuuya that just push their way through life like it´s not a big deal, people like chuuya that never  give up even when is the logical thing to do. And as maddening as it is, maybe this is the real reason why Chuuya is my favorite character, he can do something I don´t. His will to fight despite everyting? How he gets up every single time? is not something I can do.

Okay so sorry for the projection in the middle of it. Let´s continue with the analysis.

The whole point is that Chuuya doesn´t care if his reason to keep going is not trascendental, he doesn´t care if it´s illogical, he doesn´t care if in the great scheme of things it doesn´t mean anything. Because it´s important to him, it´s enough to him and that´s all that matters. Chuuya has people he loves, he has emotional ties with them and Chuuya clings to them with desperation because it is  what impulses him to keep going. I need you to understand this, every single character is bsd have people they love and appreciate but for chuuya? it´s a whole different deal. They are so much more than that. They are not only people he loves, they are the direct representation of his humanity (which I remind you is the most important aspect of his characterization) he finds a purpose and a sense in this bonds, he finds an /identity/ thanks to this bonds. And that´s why he will do absolutely everything to preserve them. Yes, the biggest difference between Chuuya and kunikida is that when chuuya says that he will do what needs to be done, he is not talking about ideals, he´s saying that he will give everything of him for the people he loves.

Now, everything should be fine, right? Chuuya learns to accept his humanity to a certain extent, he gives himself a purpose, everything is /fine/ except it´s not and this lead us to the second and biggest contradiction about chuuya and this is which ultimately brings another thousand contradiction in his character: Nowadays his biggest conflict is not the original problem anymore, it´s the solution he gave to that problem.

And it´s the most tragic contradiction in earth because his relationships with people is what makes him keep going but at the same time it´s also what keeps him stuck (I´m discussing that later). And it hurts so much because yes, they give them an identity, a purpose but he also sacrifices /too much/ of himself in the name of this relationships.

He is conventionally brave, he is not like atsushi, he never hesitates, he never doubts but it´s not in a healthy way. Chuuya is not brave for the sake of being brave. He is brave because there was never another option to him, he doesn´t let himself feel afraid. During stormbringer he experimented more suffering than most of the characters in the story, he went against a giant beast, he was tortured, freakingg hell, his biggest fear all along was to discover that he wasn´t human but he decides to know because the flags investigated his past. He was terrified but he forced himself to ask because “I have an obligation to know for their sake” not for him, for the flags.

And let´s not talk about how corruption is his worst fear turned true, let´s not talk about how it represents the lack of humanity and how that may affect the character whose whole main arc revolves around seeking humanity, let´s not talk about how he goes against his worse fear once and once again to protect the city and the organization he loves. There is only one thing that chuuya wanted, all this time he only wanted to know if he was a human or if he wasn´t and in stormbringer he gave up even that. He decides to use corruption fully knowing that he will lose his opportunity to know and he doesn´t care if by doing it, he can save people.

He has a moral compass but he sacrifices it in the name of the people he loves. He  cares about people but he also mass murder if that benefits his organization. He appreciates life, but he´s so ready to die and destroy himself if by doing that he can be useful for the people he cares about. His pathological loyalty is also explained by this, it doesn´t matter if they betrayed him or hurt him, he will still be there for them because he puts this relationships over everything. He even sacrifices his emotions, I´ve said it before but chuuya didn´t even let himself cry after he saw his friends in pieces because he put albatross needs over his own pain. He got into an organization he didn´t even wanted to be in because by doing it he could save the people that  stabbed him in the back. To this day I´m haunted by the fact that in the entirety of stormbringer, chuuya only let himself be vulnerable once, he only screamed once. When he was being tortured, and in agony, he let himself scream but he only did it because no one there cared. If a person he loves had been there, then chuuya would´ve hold it in, he would never let himself cry because he will never let himself be a worry for the people he cares about. His whole ability is a reminder of everything he went through, of everything that makes him different, of all his pain but he doesn´t resent his ability because he can protect the people he loves with it, that powerful ability is just another responsibility he needs to carry. He is powerful so he needs to protect those that aren´t.

Chuuya is so selfless that it actually is a fucking flaw. From all the characters in bsd, he is the one who sacrifices the most and the craziest thing about it? He doesn´t even notice because in his mind he´s doing what needs to be done. In the CD drama he says to akutagawa that self sacrifice is a pathetic excuse for weak people but he does it all the time, except that he doesn´t think about what he does as self sacrifice, for him is just the natural thing to do. Chuuya constantly makes pyramids and he puts himself at the bottom of them. He is ready to give everything for the people he loves but he never expects the same of them. He loves unconditionally, but he doesn´t think that he can be loved in the same way. He needs to push himself, he needs to be useful.

“-Why- A flash of uneasiness briefly colored chuuya´s expression- Why would you go through all this (...)

-It´s nothing particularly serious- Said Lippmann. Baffled by chuuya´s reaction, he eyed the rest of the group- If we had to come up with a reason, though...it´s because you´re our friend. Were things different in the sheep?

They had been. That was what Chuuya flustered expression was saying. Everyone in the sheep depended on him. The contrary was unthinkable”- The flags and Chuuya, stormbringer.

Chuuya doesn´t know how to accept kindness, he doesn´t know how to react to people caring about him. Because that´s his job. He is never in the opposite side of it. And when he finally was, he lost it and even then he never thinks about all the shitty things that happen to him, he never complains about the unfairness of it. He just keeps going, he takes every single blow and he never let himself make a sound.

Do you see the contradictions now? The love he has for his people may be the foundation of his identity, but he also sacrifices a thousand of things about himself  to protect them. No one can live like that. He lives in a perpetual state of contradiction. What he believes in, what he feels and what he does never fucking allign. And honestly this is part of what makes his character so fucking good, because this contradictions narratively speaking make perfect sense. Is not that he is lying, is not lack of self awareness, is not a hole in his characterization. if you stop to analyze the character this contradictions make perfect sense for him. And this trait is why chuuya gives this impression of being predictably unpredictable.

During the first light novel Dazai describes kunikida like this:

“I´ve got a good idea of who you are now, so nothing you do will ever surprise me. I mean, compared with me, you´re just a simple man with a simple mind, after all (...) See? You wear your heart in your sleeve. You don´t hide how you´re really feeling”- Dazai, Osamu Dazai´s entrance exam

And you´ve probably noticed by now, but a lot of this description somewhat applies for chuuya too. But Dazai´s reaction to chuuya is usually this one:

Even knowing Chuuya better than anyone else, Dazai has consistently been surprised or doubting chuuya´s actions. During stormbringer he didn´t know if chuuya was going to use corruption, because a normal person don´t go through life sacrificing their most wanted thing. During fifteen, he was extermely curious about his relationship with the sheep, because chuuya´s arrogance doesn´t make sense with the way he lets himself be used. He thought that Chuuya was going to kill N because that would´ve been the normal reaction to have but he didn´t. At  22, he hoped that chuuya was going to use corruption to save him but the whole point was that he could never be 100% sure because a normal person won´t go through life facing their worst fear just because of trust. And Dazai is not the only one unbalanced by chuuya, the flags were constantly surprised by him, rimbaud didn´t know what to do of him. Verlaine thought that after all the suffering, chuuya would grow up to hate the world just like he did, but chuuya didn´t. There is this whole scene in which Adam and shirase are facing verlaine and he knows that they will die, he goes through all the possibilities but there´s no way they make it but then chuuya appears

“The 169 outcome. An unthinkable possibility

-Unbelievable- I instinctively muttered”- Adam, stormbringer

Adam is an AI, he was made to think about all the logical options and he never thought of that one. Because no normal person will go and fight when all logic is saying that they will lose. But Chuuya does it, he goes and fight expeting to win, giving his all because he will not let his friends die.

Kunikida is relatively easy to predict because he will stick to his ideals as much as possible and because of that is easy to read his actions and the way he will act (to a certain extent, of course) Chuuya is as easy to manipulate as kunikida is but he is far more difficult to accurately predict. Chuuya may be as genuine and honest as kunikida is but he doesn´t stick to anything. He will go against the very basis of himself for the people he loves. Worse than that a lot of his actions and decisions are incredibly complicated because he does a thousand of mental mallabarisms that somehow make sense for him. He will kill, steal and blackmail but outside of job? He respects the traffic laws, he thinks that kids shouldn´t drink alcohol and help grandmothers cross the street. Does that make any sense to you? He will die and kill a stranger no doubt if by doing that he can protect the mafia but sacrificing a friend? Yeah, that´s not gonna happen. He simply can´t do it. So chuuya is fine with killing but only under specific conditions and that applies to everything he does. He lives in constant contradiction and that´s a problem because he won´t be able to keep it eternally. Every single time he goes against something he believes in, is a hit, even if he doesn´t let himself see it.  And is fucking terrifying because we all talk about what´s gonna happen when Dazai breaks down, but I´m asking what´s gonna happen if chuuya is the one who breaks down? Because it´s gonna be fucking catastrophic, Chuuya doesn´t know how to bend, he will just keep going until he breaks. He will just keep going until he completely destroys himself.

Now I feel like this is a good time to answer the first question. If chuuya has so many hero-like qualities then why is he in the sides that kill people? why is he a morally grey character? By now I think is pretty evident that Chuuya is not a violence oriented character, he may be agressive and blunt, he is bad tempered but almost every single time he attacks is because he is trying to protect his people or in benefit of them. Yes, he is impulsive and he enjoys a good fight but he never attacks just for the sake of it. He may be arrogant and powerful but none of that is the answer. The real reason Chuuya is a morally grey character is because he chooses.

For him, some people are more important than others.

And just like I´ve been saying in all this analysis, chuuya is ready to do /everything/ for the group of people he chooses. He will kill and die for them. He will go against his moral code a thousand times for them. This certainly doesn´t excuse chuuya´s behavior though. The reality is that no matter his motivation, his actions are still bad by the moral code but just like Dazai, Chuuya is not a moral oriented character. And honestly I will forever find fascinating, that Dazai have all the attributes that we would expect of a bad person but he is in the side that saves people, he is doing his best to protect. Meanwhile, chuuya is an almost text book definition of a hero and still is in the side that kills people. The most fascinating thing though, is that they´re both morally grey characters just in completely different ways. Dazai still does a lot of bad things, it just happens that the ultimate result is a “good” one. Chuuya is constantly doing horrible things, but he also sacrifices himself constantly for the city he loves, and he has saves lots of lives by doing it.

Now going back to topic, yes chuuya chooses but that this is not a mafia-only thing. People in the light does it as well.

Tanizaki is the most obvious one, it has never been a secret that he would burn the world for Naomi and he is the only ADA character that actively has risked (and potentially killed) a complete innocent person in the name of saving Naomi. Ranpo did it as well, during the cannibalism arc he is the first one to suggest killing Mori because he priorized Fukuzawa not only over Mori´s life (which is natural) but also over the whole moral code of the ADA. And later in the story, he is the only one who wants to refuse the job that we now know that ruined the agency. The whole point of it, is not that the ADA didn´t believe in ranpo, is that if they didn´t took the job innocent people were gonna die and that goes against everything the ADA believes in, but not for Ranpo. He was perfectly fine with letting those people die if he could save his family, if he could save the ADA by refusing the job. Tecchou is a hunting dog, his whole character revolves around justice but he was ready to go against that because Jouno was lost, and that was more important for him than the fucking world. Yes, chuuya actively kills but all of this characters have proved that they would do it too under the right circumstances.

And with this I can finally write the last part of this analysis: Chuuya nakahara shouldn´t be in the mafia, his coping mechanisms and how his character is stuck.

[lunarlianna]

Asteroid Hekate in signs

Hecate, the goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts, and necromancy, was the daughter of the Titans Perses and Asteria, inheriting dominion over heaven, earth, and sea. She played a pivotal role in guiding Demeter during her search for Persephone, using her flaming torches to illuminate the night, and later became Persephone’s minister in the Underworld.

The asteroid Hekate in a natal chart often reflects themes associated with the goddess of crossroads, highlighting key decision points and transitions in life. It may indicate heightened intuitive abilities, a connection to the spiritual realm, or a fascination with occult practices and rituals. This placement can also suggest an affinity for feminine wisdom, empowerment, and embracing inner strength, as well as a strong sense of justice and empathy for the marginalized. Additionally, the presence of Hekate’s asteroid might reveal an individual's aptitude for navigating life’s challenges, making crucial decisions, and embracing transformative life paths.

The asteroid Hekate gains notable significance in a natal chart when it closely conjoins (within 2-3 degrees) key points like the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, the Ascendant, the Midheaven (MC), or the ruler of the 1st house. Its influence is also heightened if Hekate is at 29 degrees, part of a stellium, or in close proximity to the lunar nodes (North Node or South Node). You can find it on astro.com, extended chart selection, type 100.

Asteroid Hekate in signs

With Hekate in Aries, your drive for bold action and innovation leads to transformative moments through daring choices and new ventures. This placement often draws you to unconventional or esoteric practices, pushing boundaries and challenging norms. You may seek guidance from leaders who have faced similar issues and rely heavily on your intuition, though you might be sensitive to negative energy, potentially experiencing migraines. Be aware of shadow aspects such as impulsiveness, a tendency to be overly aggressive, or a reluctance to consider the consequences of your actions. You might also struggle with impatience or a need for instant results.

With Hekate in Taurus, you combine a focus on stability and material security with transformative experiences, often gaining spiritual insights through your pursuit of comfort and financial stability. You may find clarity in nature and your interactions with plants, and should trust your senses while avoiding over analysis. However, be mindful of shadow aspects such as becoming overly materialistic, resistant to change, or complacent in your comfort zone. You might also struggle with stubbornness or difficulty adapting to new ideas. Sensitivity to throat issues and smells can be a signal to listen to your body and emotions. Embrace the pleasures of the senses while ensuring you remain open to growth and flexibility in your decision-making.

With Hekate in Gemini, your sharp, intuitive mind excels in communication and learning, guiding you through key decisions and sparking transformative insights into mystical subjects like magic, witchcraft, and astrology. Your skillful communication on these topics may attract both admiration and criticism. While you might seek guidance from siblings or relatives and feel a strong urge to explore esoteric arts, be mindful of shadow aspects such as becoming scattered, overly skeptical, or prone to gossip. You may also struggle with inconsistency or over-intellectualizing your spiritual insights. Pay attention to sensations like tingling in your hands when around negative energy and approach your quest for knowledge with both curiosity and discernment.

With Hekate in Cancer, emotional intuition and family connections are central to your spiritual path, with significant changes often linked to your home and loved ones. Your empathy and spiritual insight help you navigate emotional challenges, and your nurturing nature drives you to support others in need. Trusting your intuition and emotional guidance is key, but be aware of shadow aspects such as becoming overly dependent on others for validation or allowing emotional sensitivity to overwhelm your decision-making. You might also struggle with moodiness or difficulty letting go of past hurts. Pay attention to unexplained stomachaches or sensations around your heart, which may indicate unresolved emotional issues that need attention.

With Hekate in Leo, creativity and self-expression are central to your spiritual journey, guiding you through important decisions related to leadership and personal projects. Your intuitive abilities enhance your creative efforts and empower you to address issues of justice and support those in need. However, be mindful of shadow aspects such as becoming overly self-centered, egotistical, or seeking validation through external approval. You might also struggle with arrogance or an inability to accept constructive criticism. While it’s important to embrace your unique qualities and trust your instincts, ensure that your self-expression remains balanced and considerate of others.

With Hekate in Virgo, your mystical approach is practical and detail-oriented, leading to transformative experiences through service and organization. You may find empowerment in adhering to spiritual rituals and daily routines, using your intuitive insights to guide your work and health practices. However, be aware of shadow aspects such as becoming overly critical, perfectionistic, or excessively focused on minutiae at the expense of broader perspectives. You might also struggle with excessive self-judgment or the tendency to impose your standards on others. Balancing your meticulous nature with compassion and flexibility is key to effectively supporting others and addressing your own needs.

With Hekate in Libra, you prioritize balance and harmony in your spiritual and mystical practices, often facing key decisions in partnerships and collaborations. Your heightened sense of justice and empathy guide you to support others and address issues of fairness. While seeking advice from partners, close friends, or family is valuable, it’s important to trust your own instincts and judgments. However, be mindful of shadow aspects such as becoming overly reliant on others for validation, struggling with indecision, or avoiding conflict at the expense of your own needs. Ensuring that your pursuit of balance does not lead to self-neglect or the suppression of your authentic voice is crucial.

With Hekate in Scorpio, your mystical connection is profound and transformative, guiding you through significant crossroads related to power and deep change. Your psychic abilities and understanding of hidden truths help you navigate these transformations, and your commitment to justice drives you to address underlying issues. You prefer to seek answers on your own, often delving into deep, introspective journeys rather than relying on others. However, be mindful of shadow aspects such as becoming overly secretive, intense, or fixated on hidden motives. While solitary exploration is valuable, avoiding external feedback may limit your perspective. Embrace the process of exploring your inner depths while remaining open to outside insights.

With Hekate in Sagittarius, you’re drawn to exploration and philosophical inquiry in your spiritual journey. Transformative experiences often arise through travel and higher learning, leading you to uncover broader spiritual truths. Your intuitive insights guide you toward global and humanitarian causes, and you may seek advice from spiritual leaders, teachers, or professors, placing great trust in those with higher knowledge. Your path may be illuminated through religion, philosophy, and exposure to different cultures. However, be mindful of shadow aspects such as becoming overly idealistic, dogmatic, or dismissive of practical details.

With Hekate in Capricorn, your spiritual journey is marked by structure and discipline, often leading to transformative moments in your career or public life. Your practical approach to mystical practices and strong sense of responsibility enables you to navigate challenges and support marginalized communities through organized efforts. You’re likely to seek guidance from a father figure or someone with similar qualities and may, in turn, become a mentor or fatherly figure to others. Your direction in life is found through hard work and dedication, but be mindful of potential shadow aspects, such as becoming overly rigid or critical. Embrace your maturity and wisdom to guide both yourself and others effectively.

With Hekate in Aquarius, your spirituality is driven by innovation and unconventional ideas. You may face important decisions involving technology and humanitarian efforts, and your intuitive insights can lead to breakthroughs in progressive causes. You likely rely on a carefully chosen inner circle for advice and offer compassionate, objective guidance in return. Trusting your intuition is key, as you use it to provide visionary and altruistic support to others. However, be cautious of potential shadow aspects, such as being overly detached or idealistic. Embrace your unique approach to guide yourself and others toward a clearer, more meaningful path.

With Hekate in Pisces, your spiritual connection is deep and intuitive, often manifesting through dreams, artistic expression, or spiritual practices. You may experience transformative moments and feel a strong empathy and sense of justice, guiding you to support marginalized individuals. Your psychic abilities are likely heightened, and you might turn to astrology, tarot, or other spiritual tools for advice. Be cautious of getting lost in “what if” scenarios; instead, trust your intuition and maintain a grounding practice, such as therapy. Ultimately, your direction in life involves being compassionate and using your unconscious gifts to navigate a higher path, while avoiding the pitfalls of escapism and confusion.

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[roachymochi]

The Red Queen and the One True Flame : an analysis

Preamble

The Gloam-Eyed Queen might be the most discussed mystery of Elden Ring, almost always with a bottom-up approach. "What other lore element can I link to her to flesh her out" is an enticing approach, but considering the lack of result, it may be misguided.

In this post, I will reach for understanding from a top-down view, by describing the inner working of the world and the more general context were the GEQ comes from.

This analysis goes way beyond the scope of a GEQ lore post. The character I will describe here may or may not be the Gloam-eyed Queen. She will be referred to has the Red Queen to avoid confusion.

long post ahead

The Holy Trinity

The Lands Between are built around the principles of alchemy, and the adventures of the Tarnished might be reminiscent of the Magnum Opus. Has such, many core aspects of the world are threefold. Each part of these trifecta can also be linked to parts of other trifecta. The connections will be highlighted with 🟡, ⚪ and 🔴.

Gold and its alloy : Gold🟡 and Silver⚪ are central to the game lore. Gold take various forms, with the simple gold of the Golden Order, Miquella's unalloyed, gold, and the reddish gold of the Crucible. this red tint comes from the Gold being alloyed with Copper🔴, unnamed but as important to the games world as gold and silver. IRL, silver and copper are the two metals that can alloy harmoniously with gold (other alloys exist, giving the gold a blue, green or purple color, but they are brittle and impossible to work with). In game, the main attribute of Copper is its red color and its ability to rust/become verdigris. While this is not scientifically accurate, iron🔴 will be considered interchangeable with copper in this post for thematic purposes.

The three queens : Each of these metals is connected to a mystical queen. Gold is Marika🟡, Silver is Rellana⚪, and Copper is the unknown Red Queen🔴 this analysis is about. It may be the Gloam eyed Queen, but it is uncertain.

The three mothers : Motherhood is a mystical thing in ER, with the three mothers seemingly being the single progenitor of an entire lineage. Marika🟡's kingdom is one of fertility and abundance after all, and the silver mother⚪ is said of having birthed both the albinaurics and the blue silver of their armor. The red mother🔴 is the mother of monsters. she has no identity but she is present, in spirit, all through the Lands Between. I'll come back to it later.

The parts of a day : the day is divided in three parts - day🟡, dusk🔴, and night⚪. The day is obviously linked to the Erdtree and the night is the time of the moon and the stars, therefor linked to Caria/the eternal city. Dusk is the time of the GEQ, but most importantly it is deep red and quickly changing.

The three stars : there are three finger ruins in the Land of Shadow. Each of them is speculated to be the crash site of a meteorite bearing an envoy of the Greater Will. There is the Elden Beast🟡, Metyr⚪ (prominently linked to Caria and sorceries), and a third unknown star🔴. This third star is most likely the blood star, but there is nothing to confirm it.

The three mystical attributes : Intelligence⚪, Faith🟡, and Arcane 🔴. It's noteworthy that Incantations, linked to Faith, are often themed more around 🔴 than gold mostly the Crucible and all the flames.

The structure of the Cosmos

The stars, the moon(s) and the sky are were all destiny is written. There is no proper sky map to look at, but we have something close

picture taken by user Alphagravy

Astel is a fallen star, and his body seems to be made of many stars. Each part of it correspond to a known important part of the cosmos. Starting from the tip of the tail :

The long cluster of small blue pebble is the primordial current

The two dark conjoined sphere are the two moons, confirmed to be twins in the dlc.

The three amber sphere are the three stars mentioned earlier. Amber stars are said to bear the fate of the gods, so it would make sense for them to be the Elden Beast, Metyr, and the third one (the color trifecta doesn't apply here, for clarity reasons).

The two rings of light are the Elden Rings, old and new. IRL, many alchemical texts described god as a circle with the entire creation at its center. This could be used to interpret the many outer gods as the parts of creation that was rejected by the Elden Ring : they are literally out of God's circle.

The outer gods, the flame, and the Red Queen

Here is what we can deduce from the above context : Since the Gods are born of divine amber stars, three such stars fell to earth, and outer gods are parts of creation rejected by the Elden Ring (or in other words the Greater Will scriptures), then it means all gods and demi-gods got their godhood from one of those three stars.

As such, this means every single outer gods are envoys of the forsaken red star🔴. This would explain why so many of these sinful powers have so many similarities. Especially the flames, who seems like broken fragment of an original whole.

Here i will explain what i understand to be the original, core myth surrounding the red star, the flame and the red queen, using emojis to identify each of their aspects. Then i will list all red themed thing from the game and see how many of these aspects they bear.

Their is a primordial red 🔴 power of fire 🔥 constantly reshaping the world and its lifeforms through death 💀, birth 🌱, and transformation 🦋. Its great work took place in a primordial crucible 🏺, heating and purifying all its material in a bloody🩸, violent way. Its vassal was the Red Queen, the mother 👶 of many monsters 👹, often snake-like🐍, conceived in sin 😈.

and now the list :

the Gloam-Eyed Queen : 🔴🔥💀🌱🩸👶👹🐍😈. Gloam is Red🔴, she had the flame🔥 of Destined Death, motherhood🌱👶 is a significant part of her character (Godskin swaddling cloth). Her children have snake-like qualities 👹🐍, are swaddled in the flayed skin of demigods 😈, and are made to bring death to the gods 🩸.

The Formless Mother : 🔴🔥💀🦋🏺🩸👶👹😈. Most likely linked to the blood star🔴, her blessing make the heat of the blood so extreme that it catch fire when spilled🔥. Her cult is incredibly violent and is centered about draining as much blood as possible💀 and drenching an entire region in endless blood🩸🏺. She is called a mother 👶, and her blessing help the Omens👹 reject the Grace of Gold😈.

The Scarlet Rot : 🔴🔥💀🌱🦋🏺🩸👶👹😈. Scarlet's in the name🔴. It's not technically fire, but the alchemical fire can also take the form of a stomach acid, a womb, or compost, so the Rot is thematically a fire🔥. It is deadly💀, but it also create many new lifeforms🌱🦋 in the vast lakes where it pools 🏺. The process of transformation is however definitely gory🩸. The Rod Goddess is called a mother👶 in all her forms (Malenia, Romina, the foraging brood mother too), but their children are not human👹, and this life cycle goes against the golden order😈.

The fell god of the flame : 🔴🔥🦋🏺🩸😈 (not gonna do every single flames). The giants hair and his eyes are orange-red🔴, he is THE fire god🔥 in the Lands Between. His domain is the forge🏺, a place where metals are purified and refined🦋 through the heat of the flame and the beating of the hammer🩸. Forging these raw materials into items🌱 was considered sacred by the giants. Visions of the flame is considered a cardinal sin 😈.

Mount Gelmir's serpents : 🔴🔥🌱🏺🩸👶👹🐍😈. This one is a bit all over the place. the volcano manor, the manserpents, and Daedicar's woe all have a coppery reddish hue to them🔴. the serpents come from the volcano and are immune to fire 🔥. The Serpents Crucible of transformation seems to be the primordial serpent itself, transforming the flesh of the soldiers he devour into more of himself🏺🩸. Daedicar (and to a lesser extent Tanith) were the mother👶 to monstrous children 👹🐍. Tanith opposed the Erdtree, Daedicar indulged in every form of wicked pleasure😈.

Dragon Communion : 🔥💀🌱🦋🏺🩸👶 👹🐍😈. The power of dragon communion is acquired by killing💀 and devouring🩸 the hearts of dragons. Has stated earlier, digestion is an alchemical fire 🔥 and a stomach is a sort of crucible 🏺. the dragon communion transforms 🦋 its adepts. Greyoll, the mother👶 of all🌱 dragons, gave birth to children that were considered monstrous👹 and against the order of Placidusax😈.

Conclusion

I could continue on and on but you probably get the idea. The numerous foes of the Golden Order are actually incredibly similar and seem to all work under the same core principles. Since they are outer gods, that is to say gods that were rejected by a remade Elden Ring, they must still exist under the power of one of the three divine star. Therefore they most likely were part of the ancient Elden Ring, before it was remade into an order of Gold.

Since SotE, we know that aspects of divinity can be scrapped and abandoned. Therefore, when Marika created the Golden Order, she killed the Red Queen and broke apart her divinity, scattering all her aspects outside of the Elden Ring.

This means all the flames and outer Gods we meet are just scattered remnant of this Red Queen and the powers she wielded. She may have been the Gloam Eyed Queen, But the GEQ may also just be the what was left of the RQ after her divinity was shattered. It is said, after all, that the flame of the Godskin is a mere shadow of what it used to be.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

GOD I AM NOT YOUR STRONGEST WARRIOR/j

***Glorious Masquerade spoilers beneath the cut!!***

ROLLO LORE ROLLO LORE ROLLO LORE 👀

ROLLO FLAMME UNIQUE MAGIC REVEAL, I REPEAT: ROLLO FLAMME UNIQUE MAGIC REVEAL>>>?!?!?!??!?!??>!>@@ WE GET THE INCANTATION FOR ITR TOO?????

“Crimson flower, scorch my soul and guide me. Dark Fire!” (Translation generously provided by @mysteryshoptls, who is currently on hiatus)

Note that the line itself says “身”, which more closely translates to “physical body/myself”. “Scorch my soul” is a phrase lifted from the lyrics of Hellfire, the Disney song, and fits with the “salvation” tone and theming.

Please also note that the “crimson flower” he’s referring to in the incantation is NOT literally referencing the crimson flowers (the magic sucking plant he cultivated in the waterways); he’s not controlling or influencing the flowers in any way (other than having grown them). The “crimson flower” of the incantation is metaphorical and likely refers to the fire that covers his body afterwards (as the actual flowers are described to closely resemble real fire).

“くすぶる欲望”, the name for Rollo’s unique magic is spoken aloud as “Dark Fire”, but it is written as “Burning Desire”. Again, this is a lyric lifted from the lyrics of Hellfire.

Rollo’s UM literally engulfs his body in flames, which he can freely control firebending lol. The magical fire is fueled by others’ fear and uneasiness.

ROLLO’S IN HIS RIDDLE ROSEHEARTS ERA, HE’S FINALLY EMBRACING HIS INNER ARSONIST I KNEW HE COULD DO IT I KNEW HE COULD LOSE HIS SHIT 

ALSO, WE WERE SUPER CLOSE WITH THE DEAD LITTLE BROTHER THEORY 😭 Apparently Rollo’s little brother died very young. He unlocked his magic before Rollo did; he played around with his magical abilities and acted recklessly with them. He performed a fire spell he couldn’t control… which ended up claiming his life. Rollo wasn’t able to help him, as he unlocked his magic AFTER his little brother was already dead (and he claims that he is absolved of fault because he didn’t have magic at the time but come on, I think we all realize he probably has internalized guilt over it). Because of this, he resents magicians for not doing anything to help moderate or to restrain his brother’s magic use.

HE’S CRYING, ROLLO IS CRYING

BRUH 😔 YOU REALLY GOT TA HIT US IN THE FEELS LIEK THIS????????????? I FEEL MY HEART BREAKING I’M NOT MADE OF STONE I’M NOT MADE OF SOMETHING STRONGER I’M LITERALLY GLASS RIGHT NOW

(THIS PART IS THEORIZING + ANALYSIS but there’s a flashback to Rollo’s past… and when his little brother calls out to him for help, there are rising flames in the background. This implies that his little brother died burning alive because he couldn’t control a fire spell… and Rollo couldn’t help even if he wanted to because he hadn’t gotten his own magic yet. As Azul points out, he must have been so conflicted when his own magical abilities awakened. THEN ROLLO LEARNS THE MAGIC THAT MAKES HIM “UNIQUE” IS ASSOCIATED WITH FIRE 🤡

Imagine how fucking traumatic that must be if his little brother was lost in the flames… And if that’s true, then it explains why Rollo has dialogue which implies he’s unhappy with himself, that he views his own magic as being “cursed”, on top of forming a disdain for magic (and particularly those who overindulge in it as his brother once did). Losing his brother would have made such a big impact on Rollo that it literally SHAPED what his unique magic would be… That death was an extremely traumatic formative experience. Then, in a cruel twist of fate, Rollo sees his own magical abilities are a constant reminder that he could not save his loved one, and the form it has taken is like a sin and the guilt he cannot scrub from himself. Rollo’s body literally sets on fire when he uses his unique magic—a horrifyingly reminder of his little brother’s body burning to a crisp before his eyes.

What must Rollo be thinking in that moment when he discovered his unique magic and every time he uses it after that? I can control the fire that my brother couldn’t. I survive when this fire consumes me, and my brother didn’t. Uh, no wonder why he describes his magic as “repulsive” 😔 and no wonder why he’s not scared to lose his own magic. He, in fact, believes it will be liberating.

And the fact that his Dark Fire is powered by negative emotions????? That’s… such a scary manifestation of Rollo’s own dark thoughts and emotions. The worse people feel, the worse the flames become… the stronger Rollo’s internalized guilt, the more hateful he became, until it ultimately culminated in this plot to steal all the magic from Twisted Wonderland. In his eyes, any amount of magic is dangerous—too little, and mages becomes jealous. Too much, and they become arrogant. Magic is that evil, the unease and the fear, that propels Rollo and his unique soul-defining spell.

Dark Fire fittingly defines him, his obsession, and his ambition. Most importantly, it gives him drive, and a cause to work toward. It is Rollo’s guiding light in an otherwise dark, sin-drenched world. This is reflected even in the incantation: “Scorch my soul and guide me.” Rollo’s “sin” is also, very ironically, the hope that propels him toward is own brand of “salvation” at the expense of all other magic users. Like Idia says, Rollo tries ro justify his actions by claiming it is for the good of all when, in reality, Rollo is just seeking salvation for himself. He wants to come to terms with all the guilt he has been burdened with: seeing his brother burn, coming down with the curse of magic, the blight of his unique magic… GOD HE’S. SO AWFUL OTL BUT ALSO SO DARK AND COMPLEX)

asgk dihasbioasbiadfbiadfbafds Anyway, back to canon!!

SO THEY BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF ROLLO AND. His punishment for all of this is… Well, none of his crimes are shared with people outside of NRC (like how they try to contain news of Jamil and Vil’s OBs in the main story) 😂 so Rollo still remains “pure” in the eyes of the NBC mobs that adore him, BUT he has to deal with the internal moral dilemma and turmoil.

Truly fitting for a villain who has already internalized so much self-hatred and guilt… Oh yeah, and he dances with Malleus at the end 😂 Happily ever after, I guess??

[sunshinesmebdy]

Unleash Your Inner Warrior: Embracing the Power of the Moon in Aries

The vibrant energy of the Moon in Aries brings a dynamic shift to the world of business and finance. It’s a period characterized by bold initiatives, decisive action, and a surge of entrepreneurial spirit. As an astrologer and business consultant, I’m here to guide you through this potent transit and maximize its potential for your success.

Understanding the Moon in Aries Influence:

Fiery Leadership: This transit amplifies leadership qualities, encouraging assertiveness, initiative, and a willingness to take calculated risks. It’s an ideal time to step up, present your ideas confidently, and lead projects with courage and conviction.

The Moon in Aries ignites the inner CEO within! This fiery transit throws open the curtains on your leadership potential, boosting your assertiveness, initiative, and appetite for calculated risks. It’s prime time to shed self-doubt, step onto center stage, and confidently pitch your ideas. Lead projects with the conviction of a lion, unafraid to break new ground. But remember, true leadership isn’t a solo act — leverage your team’s strengths, delegate wisely, and inspire others with your fiery vision. Now go forth and conquer, leader!

Innovation & Creativity: The fiery energy sparks creative thinking and encourages out-of-the-box solutions. Businesses can leverage this time to brainstorm new products, explore niche markets, and implement innovative marketing strategies.

The Moon in Aries is creativity’s jet fuel! Unleash your inner inventor and ignite a brainstorming inferno. Dive deep into niche markets, explore unconventional possibilities, and let your ideas dance outside the lines. This is the perfect time to launch new products that disrupt the status quo, experiment with bold marketing campaigns, and implement innovative solutions that leave your competitors gasping for air. Remember, innovation thrives on a healthy dose of risk, so don’t be afraid to color outside the lines and ignite the spark of change!

Competitive Drive: Aries thrives on friendly competition. Utilize this energy to engage in healthy market competition, negotiate favorable deals, and strive for excellence in your industry. However, remember to stay ethical and respectful, avoiding aggressive tactics that could damage your reputation.

The Moon in Aries throws down the gauntlet, igniting a healthy competitive spirit within! Channel this fire to excel in your market, but remember, it’s a friendly duel, not a scorched-earth battle. Leverage this energy to secure favorable deals, negotiate with confidence, and push your industry boundaries. Remember, sportsmanship matters — compete fiercely, but ethically and respectfully. Think of it as a collaborative climb to the top, not a ruthless push to the bottom. By striking the right balance between ambition and integrity, you’ll emerge victorious, reputation intact and fire still burning bright. So, ready, set, go (with grace)!

Impulsive Decisions: The downside of Aries’ impulsive nature is the potential for hasty decisions and reckless investments. Before making significant financial moves, ensure thorough research, careful analysis, and a balanced perspective.

While the Moon in Aries fuels your fire, remember, impulse control is your armor! This transit can tempt you to dive headfirst into risky investments or hastily close deals. Don’t let the flames cloud your judgment. Before venturing into financial territory, douse the inferno with thorough research, careful analysis, and a healthy dose of skepticism. Seek diverse perspectives, consult trusted advisors, and prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term thrills. Remember, calculated risks are one thing, but reckless gambles can leave you singed. So, channel your fiery spirit wisely, and remember, slow and steady wins the financial race under this potent transit.

Tips for Harnessing the Moon in Aries Power:

Initiate New Ventures: This period favors launching new businesses, products, or marketing campaigns. Channel your creative spirit and develop strategies that stand out from the crowd.

With the Moon in Aries’ spotlight shining bright, it’s go time for bold initiatives! This is the astrological green light to launch that business you’ve been dreaming of, unveil that innovative product you’ve been tinkering with, or unleash a marketing campaign that blazes a trail unlike any other. Tap into your boundless creativity, ignite the spark of differentiation, and develop strategies that make your brand stand out like a supernova in a crowded galaxy. Don’t be afraid to break the mold — remember, Aries thrives on trailblazing and the world awaits your unique brand of brilliance. So, unleash your inner entrepreneur, channel your fiery spirit, and get ready to launch into the stratosphere of success!

Negotiate with Confidence: Don’t be afraid to express your value and negotiate assertively, ensuring you secure fair deals and partnerships. Remember, confidence is key, but stay respectful and collaborative in your approach.

Under the Moon in Aries, your negotiation game levels up! Don’t shy away from expressing your worth and confidently advocating for your goals. It’s okay to bring the fire, but remember, it’s a negotiation, not a battle. Assert your value with respect, collaborate to find win-win solutions, and remember, confidence is key to securing fair deals and partnerships. Think of it as a dance, not a duel — move with grace, power, and a clear understanding of your worth, and you’ll emerge victorious, leaving behind a trail of satisfied collaborators, not scorched earth. So, channel your inner diplomat warrior, and go forth and negotiate with confidence!

Invest Strategically: The Moon in Aries can be a good time for calculated investments, especially in innovative sectors or emerging markets. However, conduct thorough research, avoid impulsive decisions, and prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains.

While the Moon in Aries ignites the fire of investment fervor, remember — it’s a calculated burn, not a reckless inferno! This transit can offer fertile ground for strategic investments, especially in groundbreaking sectors or burgeoning markets. However, don’t let the fiery energy cloud your judgment. Conduct meticulous research, analyze trends with a cool head, and prioritize long-term stability over fleeting gains. Think of it as planting a financial seed — nurture it with knowledge, patience, and a sprinkle of calculated risk, and watch it blossom into a sustainable garden of success. Remember, impulsive bets might bring quick thrills, but informed decisions fueled by Aries’ fire will be the true key to unlocking long-term financial prosperity. So, invest wisely, fellow warriors, and let the Moon in Aries guide you towards a future as bright as your ambition!

Delegate Tasks Wisely: Delegate tasks wisely to capitalize on the team’s diverse strengths and prevent burnout. Encourage initiative and creativity within your team, fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Under the Moon in Aries, delegation becomes your secret weapon! Instead of trying to be a one-person whirlwind, tap into the diverse strengths of your team. Delegate tasks strategically, matching talents with workloads, and watch the collective fire ignite. Don’t micromanage, instead, encourage initiative and creative solutions. Foster a collaborative spirit where ideas flow freely, fueled by the shared energy of the transit. Remember, a united team with individual flames burning bright is a force to be reckoned with! By delegating wisely, you’ll not only empower your team but also avoid burnout and ignite a dynamic engine of productivity that propels everyone towards shared success. So, step back, empower your warriors, and let the collective fire of Aries work its magic!

Maintain Balance: While embracing the impulsive drive is important, remember to maintain a healthy balance. Take time for reflection, consult with trusted advisors, and avoid letting your enthusiasm cloud your judgment.

The Moon in Aries is a potent brew of impulsiveness and drive, but remember, even the fiercest warrior needs moments of calm! Don’t get swept away by the whirlwind of action. Breathe, reflect, and consult trusted advisors to ground your ideas and avoid rash decisions fueled by pure enthusiasm. Think of it as adding water to the Aries fire — it tempers the flames, allowing them to burn brighter, stronger, and for longer. Prioritize sleep, healthy habits, and moments of introspection to maintain balance. Remember, true success under this transit demands not just fiery drive, but also the wisdom to channel it strategically. So, embrace the passion, but fuel it with balance, and watch your Aries-fueled endeavors burn a path to lasting success!

Remember, the Moon in Aries transit is a fleeting opportunity to inject your business with dynamic energy and entrepreneurial spirit. By understanding its influence, employing strategic planning, and maintaining a balanced approach, you can turn this fiery transit into a catalyst for success and propel your business to new heights.

[spiritmander13]

CAN Y'ALL HELP ME WITH SOMETHING

I remember a post having a chart of every contestant featured in III7 and their auras and what it means.

I have been scrolling through the tags for a long time (and even went past my own post about super saiyen divorce) and I NEED to find this post.

Can you help me find this post? If you do, I will thank you.

[whipedcream]

got tired of people getting the inner flame arc wrong and took the matter upon my own hands. plus analysis on silver and candle. feel free to ask me about the inner flame arc btw.... i love rambling about it...

[stcpidcupid]

in  april,  the  pre-release  single  MANIAC  set  the  stage  for  STUPID  CUPID's  highly  anticipated  mini  album.  the  company  teased  the  comeback  with  a  brief  snippet  of  the  song,  reassuring  fans  that  all  members  were  in  top  form  and  ready  to  deliver  a  flawless  performance.  over  the  course  of  four  weeks,  the  song  was  promoted  extensively,  building  excitement  for  the  upcoming  album  release.

MANIAC  was  produced  entirely  by  H.EUI,  also  known  as  MIGHTY  DEVIL's  HERO.  its  release  was  met  with  great  enthusiasm,  quickly  accumulating  millions  of  views  and  garnering  widespread  acclaim.  despite  facing  tough  competition,  the  song  managed  to  secure  four  wins  during  its  promotional  period,  maintaining  the  group's  strong  track  record.  while  it  fell  short  of  surpassing  their  previous  pre-released  single,  which  accumulated  eight  music  show  wins  in  total,  MANIAC  nonetheless  solidified  the group's  position  as  a  powerhouse  in  the  industry.

tracklist.

MANIAC ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ — ( written by H.EUI, prod. by H.EUI )

the music video analysis.

the  music  video  opens  with  a  dark,  atmospheric  scene  where  shadows  dance  against  a  backdrop  of  flickering  candlelight.  we  then  see  the  members  of  STUPID  CUPID,  each  embodying  a  different  facet  of  obsession,  surrounded  by  lavish  surroundings.

as  the  music  begins,  the  scene  transitions  to  a  house surrounded by vines,  where  the  members  are  depicted  in  various  scenarios  that  illustrate  different  forms  of  obsession.  one  member,  JEANNE,  is  seen  meticulously  arranging  photographs  of  her  love  interest,  while  another  —VIVA—  stares  longingly  at  a  locked  door,  symbolising  the  desire  to  possess  what  lies  beyond.  TOMIE  is  shown  lost  in  a  reverie,  surrounded  by  scattered  photographs  and  mementoes  of  her  love  interest.  her  gaze  is  distant  and  unfocused  as  she  retreats  further  into  her  own  world,  oblivious  to  the  outside  surroundings. 

in  CHESKA's  scene,  she's  shown  in  a  dimly  lit  room  adorned  with  flickering  candles  and  scattered  with  handwritten  notes  and  crumpled  papers.  she's  shown  engaging  in  repetitive  rituals,  such  as  writing  love  letters  or  composing  messages  on  her  phone,  only  to  delete  them  and  start  over  again  in  a  desperate  quest  for  perfection. 

AIMEE's  seems  to  be  the  most  heartbreaking  one,  as  broken  objects  are  scattered  around  her  room.  these  represent  the  aftermath  of  a  heated  argument,  with  shadows  cast  against  the  walls  mimicking  the  silhouette  of  a  looming  rival.  most  of  the  broken  things  are  on  the  other  side  of  the  room,  signalling  that  it  was  she  who  started  the  fight. 

interwoven  with  these  scenes  are  shots  of  the  group  performing  the  song  in  a  dimly  lit  room,  their  intense  gazes  and  dynamic  choreography  adding  to  the  sense  of  urgency  and  desire.

as  the  song  reaches  its  climax,  the  scenes  escalate  in  intensity,  with  flashes  of  the  members  obsessively  counting  down  the  moments  until  they  can  be  reunited  with  their  object  of  desire.  the  house  becomes  a  maze  of  mirrors,  reflecting  their  fragmented  psyche  and  inner  turmoil.

finally,  as  the  music  fades  out,  we  see  the  members  standing  in  front of the house,  their  expressions  a  mix  of  longing  and  determination.  the  camera  pans  out,  revealing  it's  engulfed  in  flames,  a  visual  representation  of  the  destructive  power  of  obsession.

the  music  video  shows  a  lingering  shot  of  the  house  burning  against  the  night  sky,  leaving  viewers  with  a  sense  of  unease  and  the  haunting  melody  of  MANIAC  echoing  in  their  minds. the last couple of seconds of the music video is silent, with the sound of fire slightly heard in the background, when suddenly a melodic whistle is heard before the scene shows members turning around when the video cuts off.

[reunionatdawn]

My Analysis of the Best Paired Endings in 3H (Part 1: Edelgard/Byleth)

Edelgard: I'm simply having trouble putting this feeling into words. I just felt…I don't know. As if something was drawing me to the Ashen Demon. I wonder… Could it be the influence of my Crest?

The story of 3H pushes Byleth with the lord of each route so hard that it almost felt pointless to add the self-insert dating-sim elements with the other students. In Persona 5, you could date whatever girl you wanted with no effect on the main story. But in 3H, it felt more like Final Fantasy X where there the love story was the main story.

This pairing absolutely felt "canon", at least in CF. As both of them bore the Crest of Flames, I strongly suspect that their relationship was meant to represent the concept of "twin flames". A twin flame is a deep soul connection between two people. They are actually thought to be twin souls inhabiting two bodies. Twin flames seem to mirror one another, have shared similar life paths, history, and sometimes trauma. They are naturally drawn to each other. This description certainly applied to Byleth.

Byleth: Who was your first true love? Edelgard: Hmm. For some reason, I feel compelled to tell you all of these things I have kept hidden. I can't say the name, but it was a noble who I met in the Kingdom, a lifetime ago.

But interestingly, it could apply to Dimitri as well. It is said that one twin flame is supposed to represent the divine masculine half of the soul and the other the divine feminine half. When the masculine and feminine energies of the twins harmonize, the two souls merge and become one.

The "divine feminine" principle is more about charting inner emotional space, while the "divine masculine" principle represents conquering the outer physical world. The characteristics of the divine masculine are logic, rationality, discipline, and assertiveness. The divine feminine is associated with goddess energy. Some of its attributes are intuition, nurturing, loving, and supporting their counterpart.

Edelgard: Professor... You've been crying. So even you cry sometimes. Oh... I suppose that was thoughtless of me to say. Byleth: Yes, it was. Edelgard: Long ago, someone said the same thing to me.

Traditionally, the moon represents divine feminine energy (yin) as opposed to the sun which represents divine masculine energy (yang). Edelgard is cool and collected. She is the active force of the story who wishes to bring about the new dawn. Dimitri is emotional. He is the reactive force whose storyline is symbolized by the moon. You'd expect Edelgard to be a natural yang personality and Dimitri a yin.

But Edelgard was born on the summer solstice as opposed to Dimitri being born on the winter solstice. Edelgard is a Cancer, which is a water sign ruled by the moon. Astrologically, Cancers are associated with yin energy. They are said to have a hard outer shell like a crab but are very soft underneath. Often called the mother of the zodiac, they are known for their deeply emotional and nurturing nature. They form strong attachments to their loved ones and often have a hard time letting go. It is implied that "El" cried when she learned that she'd have to leave the Kingdom. Dimitri was surprised seeing this reaction from her, but it likely influenced his choice of parting gift: a dagger symbolizing the philosophy of the patriarchal Faerghus.

I found it interesting how much Edelgard was displeased by Dimitri's gift. Even at the academy, she prefers if Byleth giver her more traditionally feminine gifts like flowers, a book, or a bear stuffy and she will be unhappy if she is given a weapon. Using a dagger to cut a path has very violent implications, although Dimitri was too young to realize that at the time. He had grown up around blades his whole life and only viewed them as tools of destiny. He wanted to reassure her that they had a future together, as long as she never lost heart. It was meant as a symbol of inner strength, nothing more.

Edelgard: Heh, so you consider me strong, do you? Even if one clings to their faith, the goddess will never answer them. Countless souls will be lost that way. Living without purpose. And I can be counted among those who have died that way as well. But that's why I must change this world, on behalf of the silent and weak! Dimitri: And do you intend to become a goddess yourself? Will you steal the power to take action from the broken-hearted masses you claim to defend?

Cancer's greatest fear is abandonment which can cause them to be clingy. It is implied that El "died" after praying and not receiving any hand reaching out to help her. During her imprisonment, she felt totally alone and forsaken by the goddess. That's when she began to see faith as a sign of inner weakness.

Edelgard was reborn bearing the Crest of Flames. She no longer shed tears and looked to the dagger for strength. Dimitri accused her of trying to supplant the goddess. And while that may not literally be true, perhaps it was true in a figurative sense. CF is about standing firm in your principles and cutting your own path no matter who stands in your way, even the goddess herself.

Dorothea: Is there someone you have your eye on? Edelgard: (Normal): To be honest, there's nothing resembling romance in my life at present. (Has reached Support Rank A with a male): A certain face comes to mind at the thought...though I'm not sure you could call what we have a romance just yet. It's not that I'm disinterested. I'm simply too busy with other endeavors. I have no time to spare for such things.

Ideologically, CF represents the most traditionally masculine path for Byleth to take. Edelgard is drawn to them regardless of gender, what route you choose, and even in Hopes. But she is drawn to their stoic masculine energy and even seemed somewhat disappointed that they were crying after Jeralt's death. Women can certainly embody divine masculine energy and vice versa. Twin flames are not based on biological sex. Overall, the fandom understandably prefers Edeleth with female Byleth for the less stereotypical aspects.

But I found it interesting that even though this very Support conversation implies that Edelgard is bisexual, the dialogue only changes (I tested this myself) if she has A-Support with a male. Edelgard has paired endings with a few other male characters, but not a single one of them has the level of emotional intimacy she has with Byleth. They read like political marriages, while Edelgard truly wanted a passionate romance.

Shez asks about memories of the past. Edelgard: Have I told you about the boy who gave me the dagger? I called him "Dee," which is all I really remember about him.

The tagline for FE3H was, "Sweet memories twisted by time's cruel hand". Dimitri said the day he gifted her the dagger was a sweet memory with a bitter ending. It's unclear why she couldn't recall that Dimitri was her first love. Perhaps when she realized her "fated path" would force her to go to war with someone so special to her, the pain caused her psyche to block out the memories of him and his identity. Who knows.

Edelgard: There was nothing I could do to save him. And so, the very least I could do was— Byleth: Are you crying? Edelgard: No. The Edelgard who shed tears died many years ago. Everything that's happened...it's all just part of the ebb and flow of history.

After Dimitri cursed "El" at the Tailtean Plains, she may have finally realized he was "Dee". In their A-Support, Edelgard admitted that she was actually relieved that Byleth could feel some human emotions like jealousy, but she tells them that they are both "detached" (actually "inhuman" in the JP version). Because of this, Byleth was someone she could relate to. And she does come across as rather inhuman at times. She finally does cry when she thinks Byleth dies, indicating her old self had come back to life in some way. But she was unable to cry when she killed anyone else. Even her old flame.

Edelgard: You called me El. That's... I... That means more than I can say. And this ring... It's lovely. Thank you, my dearest friend. I will happily accept it. I must admit, I feared my feelings would be unrequited. So long as I had you by my side, it never mattered how many enemies I amassed. You were all I needed.

Byleth's Crest and Edelgard's second Crest is the Crest of Flames, which is associated with The World arcana in Tarot. The World represents a successful conclusion after all aspects have been accounted for. Things have come full circle. A journey has been completed. Edelgard believed that the one leading the people of the world should be someone with humanity rather than an inhuman creature like Rhea. But there are two meanings for the word "humanity". One is "the human species" which is obviously what Edelgard meant. But the other meaning is "benevolence".

Byleth & Edelgard Byleth and Edelgard ended the tyranny of a godlike being. Byleth was wounded and lost the power of the progenitor god, but it mattered not, as he/she and Edelgard had each other. To ensure lasting peace, the two fought against those who slither in the dark, and to ensure a society where people can rise and fall by their own merits, they spent their lives reforming the antiquated class system. They achieved much in their time together, and it is said that they were sometimes spotted leaving the palace to privately enjoy the world they had created. How they spent those precious moments, none but the two of them will ever know.

Byleth cuts down Rhea with the sword made from the remains of her dead mother. Upon doing so, they lose the power of the progenitor god. The Crest Stone in their heart is destroyed. Their soul was once merged with the goddess Sothis, but symbolically Edelgard now fills that spot as their twin flame. Byleth's heartbeat returns, and their color goes back to normal.

But their hair color was actually the origin of the nickname "Ashen Demon". So, it leaves you to wonder: Did Byleth truly maintain their humanity until the end? I'm not so sure, but I still really enjoyed how the traditionally masculine aspects of Edelgard's conquest contrasted with the little glimpses of her feminine side that only Byleth could bring out. It is certainly unique romance among JRPGs and one that I won't ever forget.

[bluecolourworker]

"A very interesting evening, detective."

The lieutenant is not talking just about Mazovian analysis.

Somehow you missed it earlier, amidst the revolutionary fervor: the way Kim's words rolled off his tongue, the lack of an answer off your mouth, how quickly the students's eyes darted between the two of you. But the wind gives you a second chance, caressing your cheeks pink again.

Under the dim lights, you slow down. Waves crash, salt against chestnut, and you see the curve in Kim's lips as he lets smoke out; in front of the students, it was subtler, the malice just in his tone. Again, no comeback: your own lips are parted, breath condensing as you follow the line of the lieutenant's mouth, the cigarette burning, his fingers steady under the leather. Is it soft?

The blush reaches your chest. It must be, well cared for like Kim's other possessions — there are no cracks visible, only smooth grain. What does it feel like against skin? From the inner pocket of your jacket, an Astra finds its way from the beaten-up pack to your chapped lips; the ease of this movement surprises you more than the familiarity of the taste burning your lungs, but not more than the look Kim gives you.

(Somewhere in Revachol, a man smokes a cigarette. His outfit is entirely black leather: heavy boots, tight pants, jacket and cap — in spite of the cold, the open jacket displays a bare chest. Another man, dressed similarly, leans on a motorcycle. Dark gloves shine near the flame of a lighter, leather brushing against skin. A rough sort of tenderness.)

A shudder takes your body for an instant, only to leave you back to that warmth, all the way down your stomach. It all comes together now: the suggestion in Kim's words, how those boys looked as if they were lost in a house of mirrors, your turn in this game. A detective always figures out.

"Yeah."

You take another drag as you look to the light behind the metal grille door, like a smoke could make the warmth last longer.

It can.

"I bet the infra-materialism stuff is even better." You say, looking back at the lieutenant with mischief. Something glints in his eyes and you see the beginning of a laugh being shaken off in amused disbelief.

"By the way, I have big news, Kim…"

It is a late Friday night in Revachol and tired workers look forward to the weekend. Two police officers go through their clues after hours, two communist students have a breakthrough in their discussion, pairs of lovers meet in dark streets — the city looks out for all.