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sidrashakti · 9 days ago

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Pick A Card Reading from The Chausath Yoginis

The Yoginis are recorded to have emerged in the 10th century from the worship of local village goddesses, often depicted semi-nude and many possess animal heads and grant devotees special powers called siddhis. The tradition of the Yoginis was introduced to the world by Matsyendra-Pada, also known as Matsyendranatha, according to ancient tantric texts. The Yogini Pantheon appears all across India (later spreading throughout Asia) in hypaethral circular shrines with elaborate iconography. Yoginis are believed to be shakti, or the sacred feminine force, made incarnate as aspects of Mahadevi or as Ma Kali’s attendants. They are worshiped in groups of 42, 64, or 81, their names differing frequently.

Pile 1

Pile 1, you were drawn to Yogini number 9, Sri Kalambai Pada, who represents the targeted action. She is symbolized by the hunter, who deliberately pulls back the arrow before releasing it, which results in a successful action.

This pile seems extremely Martian, ie: impulsive, energetic, sexual, active. The witch’s forest is coming through strongly, so some in this pile may benefit from time in nature to recharge or meditate. For most of you, I’m being shown the story of Shiva and Parvati, in which Shiva would not be moved from his meditation because of his grief for thousands of years, ultimately neglecting his duty of destroying the universe to recreate it.

Sri Kalambai Pada is encouraging this pile to learn to properly harness their reckless, martian energy by deliberating before acting. You may be intense “all or nothing” people, having phases of extreme discipline or extreme recklessness. This energy needs to be balanced and properly channeled into healthy ways. Not using your energy properly may be causing you health issues, I’m seeing inflammation and joint pain. (For some of you STIs).

You may have extremely potent spiritual energy that you aren’t prioritizing, the Queen of Wands in tarot is also a witch/sorceress. Take time to really assess what you want for your future and develop a working list of priorities.

Pile 2

Pile 2, you were drawn to Yogini number 3, Sri Ida Pada, who represents the knowledge of the night. The owl is her talisman. This pile is very lunar, creative, feminine, spiritual, sensitive, and dreamy. A lot of Cancerian and Neptunian energy. The psyche and/or subconscious mind is coming through. This pile may be into psychology or work as therapists/social workers/in a nonprofit, interested in Jung, Freud, or Joseph Campbell. Butterflies and streams are coming through.

This pile is clinging too much to convention, possibly because of family. Your gifts are spiritual and thus out of alignment with the material, earthly realm. You have a spiritual inheritance/purpose. I’m also getting confidence issues (possibly due to a hypercritical family member). This pile is being encouraged to research the their sensitive nature/traits of highly sensitive people, and really use this knowledge to reduce friction in their lives. (Rick Owens is an example of a creative and sensitive person who orients his entire life around his need for solitude.) Your sensitive nature may also be negatively impacting your romantic life, especially if you choose partners who are not spiritual themselves. Essentially, the lunar energy of the ida pathway is a massive part of your life and who you are, and you are being forced to live in alignment with it. You may come from a spiritual family that denies their gifts or clings to the conventional way of living, but this will not bring you any success.

Pile 3

Pile 3, you were drawn to Yogini number 11, Sri Simhamukhi Pada, who represents the creative energy. Her talisman is the lion, leo energy, and reminds me of the strength card, blood, the beat of a heart. In her left hand she holds a damaru, in her right a shanka, symbolizing receiving vital energy and spiritual knowledge. (Research these items and contemplate what they mean for you personally.)

This pile is for feminines that are entrepreneurs or being called to live in their purpose boldly and in a public way. If you chose this pile, consider reading pile 6. Your purpose involves defending your ideals and beliefs by using money or business, specifically helping humanity wake up to the power of the Goddess/Divine Feminine. For example, Charlotte Tilbury is a makeup brand that has no spiritual ties outwardly but employs thousands of women globally, allowing them to be financial independent. You have big CEO or philanthropist energy.

Pile 4

Pile 4, you were drawn to Yogini number 15, Sri Kausidyaharam, who is the destroyer of laziness. She is a fearsome yogini that requires strong action. Her purpose is to kill the demons of apathy and laziness that poison us. The demon she sits on represents sloth and unhappiness.

This pile is for people that are lazy or neurodivergent/in ADHD paralysis. You may feel extremely stuck in life right now because you NEED to feel passion for a job/career path and/or currently don’t have a direction in life. Your guides are screaming USE YOUR INTUITION. You know the right direction or next step. You have to bite the bullet. You may be perfectionists and overworking yourselves and need to have more empathy and self compassion. Your purpose involves being a mirror, teaching people how to have empathy or compassion for themselves despite differences they might have. I’m getting the song “Mirrorball” by Taylor Swift.

Pile 5

Pile 5, you were drawn to Yogini number 31, Sri Hayi-Pada, who is the intuitive power. She is a horse headed yogini. She is associated with the horses that pull the sun’s chariot across the night sky in order to arrive in time for the appointment with the East. She sits on a lion that gives her infinite strength to accomplish any task. She represents darkness that brings light as she dances during the night within the Yogini chakra and embraces the sun’s rays at dawn. In one hand she has a japa mala for meditation and in the other a skull.

This pile may be relocating for career or school, and this endeavor will be successful. You’ll meet a new romantic partner when you relocate to this new place. This pile are healers of all kinds, such as alternative healers, medical doctors, etc. You may have a dual mission or be at a crossroads, between the past and future or two paths or people. Go left, says Sri Hayi-Pada.

Pile 6

Pile 6, you were drawn to Yogini number 30, Sri Nirmanaski-Pada, who is the intuitive action. Sri is the jumping frog, representing the siddhi of levitation. She is related to being mindless, in order to be filled with divine energy to take intuitive actions.

This pile are artists who are running from your calling, possibly by getting into vices and unhealthy relationships. The energy of pile is deeply Saturnian, you have extremely heavy burdens but you can bear them. You are approaching a phase where you are tired of running and ready to face your destiny. No one else can do this, but you. I am hearing “This is my burden and I have to carry it.” This will require your full devotion, all your inspiration, and almost monk like concentration. I’m hearing the song “As It Was” by Harry Styles, who is also Saturn ruled. I am hearing “The Last Showgirl/man,” which is giving me scorched earth, last days vibes. You guys may really be at the end of your current path and its time to face the music OR you are the last of a dying breed and needed to keep something alive. If you are confused, look to your lineage. Stop playing pretend.

Pile 7

Pile 7, you were drawn to Yogini number 29, Sri Shuki-Pada, who is the qualities of the heart. Sri Shuki-Pada symbolizes unconditional love, offering devotees comfort, protection, and happiness. She has the head of a bird, symbolizing freedom of movement in the sky and the freedom that comes from unconditional love.

This pile is giving me sympathetic villain vibes. I’m hearing “No one cares what happened to Cruella de Vil.” Pile 7, you may have been the black sheep in your family or had a really difficult upbringing or last couple years. It’s giving ego death or Saturn return or Sade Sati (consider praying to Ma Kali), and you may be prone to nostalgia or escapism to a different time. I’m hearing “living in a different dimension.” What you don’t see is that you are a starseed/chosen one, and this is the reason for the extreme difficulties you’ve faced thus far. Be kind to yourself pile 7. I’m getting there is a big choice you have to make, similar to pile 6, to really come into your identity. The immense pain/pressure you feel will go away. You are being transformed into something entirely new.

Songs: Wayamaya by Lana Del Rey, Flamenco By Beyonce

#pick a pile #pick a card #yogini

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tuliptic · 1 year ago

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My Way: Finding My Place in Adulthood

Don’t be afraid, dreams are everywhere, just keep going as I always have, this is my way.

Henlo adults here, this is another reading for y’all. This reading is specifically targeted to all adults: young adults to ease their minds; regular adults to get used to adulthood. Adulthood is really… Something… And this is coming from someone who’s turning 30 soon. I still have no grasp about what I’m doing, how I’m living my life, etc. Adulthood is still scary to me, though I have to say I’m seeing myself getting better and better day by day. Taking baby steps is important, as we all grow from what we experience.

Close your eyes, meditate on this topic and ask yourself the question: How am I supposed to move around in adulthood, being an adult? Breathe in and out, make sure your mind and heart is calm. Then, open your eyes to see which pile talks to you the most/draws you in the most. Once you’ve found your pile, scroll down to the respective parts to see what are the messages for you.

Pile 1 - Pile 2

Pile 3 - Pile 4

Disclaimer: This is solely for my entertainment purposes. Take only whatever you feel like it. If it doesn’t resonate, it’s okay to just drop it. Also, I do not consent to my work or images being used by third parties on this platform or other websites as well.

Decks used: Luna Cat Tarot Deck (Major Arcana), Linestrider Tarot Deck, Sweet Dreams Oracle Deck, Starcodes Astro Oracle Deck.

Pile 1: Don’t be afraid, dreams are everywhere

One card to represent you: The World

I feel like there’s some sort of fear and enlightenment here. Some of you have an idea of what you want to do or achieve in your life, some of you know your life purposes, most of you are content with how your life is right now and are just going with the flow. However, all have a certain discomfort in common, which is fear of uncertainty. Most here may have earth influence in your chart, where stability is needed, where you are able to hold certain control over your own life. What if I do this and I could no longer go back? What if I give up my job and pursue something else? You have the answers to these questions, but you’re not ready to take the first step because of how certain you are that things will not go as you planned and hence, you’re in a standstill. (PS: Some of you may be into spirituality as well, and you might be called to use this gift to achieve enlightenment for yourself and the people around you.)

1. What are the expectations I have for myself? - Four of Wands rx

For some reason, I feel that… You expect difficulties. You don’t expect or believe good things can come to you without lessons or pain. You believe in fairness and balance, that amazing things can only come to you if you put in the effort and work hard. Hence, you tend to not take certain opportunities either because you think you don’t deserve it or you don’t think you’re capable of it. In a sense, I’d say that this way of thinking has caused quite some conflict and tension, not allowing you to enjoy the peace and security you usually like. What has brought you comfort in the past is now hindering you to accept new happiness in.

2. Feasibility on achieving those expectations? - Seven of Cups rx

Seven of Cups is a card of illusion, but with it in reverse, it is a card of choice. This relates back to the first card pulled, the card to represent you. You know what to do, you are capable of doing it, but there’s fear holding you back. Or maybe, fears. To you, you’re not only jumping out of your comfort zone, but into a danger zone where you have no idea how to manage the risks. Accept your fears, let yourself fall, let yourself fail. Have courage, believe that you’ll still be able to stand up after the fall and grow better from it. You’ll be surprised with what you’re capable of.

3. What are my weaknesses and how do I compensate? - Death rx

This card here is very self-explanatory: You fear change. That’s it. You prefer stability over anything else, and you fear losing control over what you have. What is yours needs to remain yours. This may stem from insecurities that were caused by traumas when you were younger, may it be people leaving you, or being disappointed by others, or something else. It has definitely affected your thought process, your understanding of the world and your way around it. The first thing that came into my mind was therapy, because there are some deep-seated issues that you may have. You’ll need to identify your fear, the root cause of it, work it out, and step out to try something new, constantly regenerating yourself on the way.

4. What are my strengths and how do I get better at them? - Nine of Wands

You’re resilient. You may not think so, thinking that how you function is just the norm and everyone else does the same. No, you’re different. You have gone through a lot of things and those experiences help you manoeuvre yourself around the present issues, and you learn as you grind through the challenges presented. People may see you as an inspiration with how you manage to not dim your lights through the darkest nights. You need to know that you have a side like this, and that you’re able to encourage others through you being you. Shine. Accept yourself and shine brighter, be the inspiration you’ve wanted to be. You’ll be surprised with how things will fall in place and come to you.

5. What is it in adulthood that I should focus on? - Eight of Wands

I’d say building connections would help you in the long run. Eight of Wands is a card that talks about action, which is… Again, self-explanatory. But what sort of actions should you be taking? In what field? Connections and networking. I’d say most of you have a way with words, or some may even have 3H or 11H placements. By building a web of connections, you’re able to gather information and help from various parties that will help you to get on the right track. Some may even push you towards the direction that you want to head to. Be proactive in making friends, talking to people, and taking the first step. Once you throw yourself out, people will know you and will be able to provide the support you need. And then you can vroom your way.

6. What are the directions and advice that I need to know/hear? - Five of Pentacles rx

One comforting message here is that difficult times shall pass. You may think you overcame something but there’s more to work on, which you’ll realise that the issue you face is still affecting your decision making as of current. You’ve got to review your past and learn your lessons, know that you can’t afford to stay in this mindset for long. This card acts as a sign that it’s time for you to move from feeling insecure to a more adjusted mindset, which will be prompted when you see new perspectives. You will be receiving messages from your guides and higher selves in various forms. Trust your gut feeling, believe in every reason that makes you feel better.

Overall energy: The Tower, Five of Cups rx

The themes of lesson, growth and replacing things and values that no longer serve you. Liberation will come to you when you move past that phase that’s holding you back. Hmm… Lemme reword myself. This pile gives me the feeling of something promising is coming, but you’ll need to go through the lessons (aka accepting that good things can come to you without your expected cost, it’s alright to fail, the need to find out the root cause of insecurities, etc). Life will present opportunities to learn, and will bring in new people for you to grow together. You know you are loved. If you don’t know it, now you do. Believe it.

Pile 2: Finally we begin

One card to represent you: The Empress

I would say that you have a gentle energy, you’re the person others go to when they’re feeling down or when they need some advice. You radiate a warmth that’s calming, providing a space of comfort for the hurt and wounded to rest and heal. You are intuitive, tho I have to say that your wisdom outshines it. It’s not just wisdom, it’s not just gentleness, but also a sense of belonging, a place where one returns to. Your intuition is what gives you the ability to see through things, people as well as the unknown. Some of you may have clair abilities, especially claircognizance.

1. What are the expectations I have for myself? - Ten of Pentacles

I would say that you expect to build a life, build a family of your own, to be your own source of whatever you want. You do not want to rely on other people for things, especially financial abundance and happiness. You want to be your own provider so that you would feel secure with it, and that you’ll be able to contribute or give out what you have without needing to be conscious of how others look at you. There’s a hint of family themes among this, so it could also be you wanting to be the provider in your new found family without losing your own independence, if this makes sense.

2. Feasibility on achieving those expectations? - Ace of Swords rx

It’s doable, but it’s difficult. I feel that there’s quite some conflict between you and your family, resulting in you wanting to build a new family or to have your own found family. There’s this tension in you that is blocking a lot of blessings, I’d say. There’s a lack of clarity and undefined goals, preventing you from achieving success and happiness (depending on what you define them as). You will need to review your expectations, to set clear and measurable goals, only then you’ll be able to see your progress and further decide on how you want to proceed or to make changes along the way. Do not try to cover up facts or find excuses. You know that it’s not going to help you in the long run. Face it, accept it, work with it.

3. What are my weaknesses and how do I compensate? - The Sun

Optimism is great, but being overly optimistic is not good. You tend to see the good side of things and may end up beautifying them, exaggerating them, or even fabricating them unconsciously. For some reason, I’m also seeing that you may be beautifying self-sacrificial tendencies, or attempt to attract people with your pain. You want to shine, want others to pay attention to you. Some of you may be prideful, but some would use whatever they’re “lacking” to attract attention. Example: Your friends use iPhone, and you use Android. Instead of saying you want to be different, you probably will go with the approach of “people who use iPhones are just keeping up with the trend and thinking that’s the higher end”, when in reality you can’t afford an iPhone. This is just an exaggerated example illustrated here for you to have an idea.

4. What are my strengths and how do I get better at them? - Death

Change is your forte. Some of you may not know it, but some of you do (and perhaps do not accept it). It’s not flexibility that we’re talking about, but more of an open-mindedness along with acceptance. Once you’ve overcome your weakness, you will be more open to listening to what others have to say, and forming your own opinion based on whatever information you’ve gathered (from others, from your own research, as well as updating outdated data). The transitioning phase will be smoother during then, when you shift from the old to the new. Right now, I’d say that there’s still a part of you who’s unable to accept that you’re wrong, or incorrect at certain things. There’s no fault in having pride over your knowledge, but if it is hindering you from improving, then you may need to work on that.

5. What is it in adulthood that I should focus on? - The Emperor

Focus on your goals and what you want to achieve. For you, I’d say, one of your goals would probably be something that’s legacy related, may it be inheriting something (finance, career, skills, connections, etc.) or starting a new legacy (starting your own company, building network from scratch, starting to take up a very specific and niche role, etc.). I would also say that you’ll need to look straight ahead. The Emperor can’t afford to look around, only focusing on the path that’s in front of him where he tread carefully but boldly, carving the steps out for his people to follow (somewhat a legacy too). Do not be distracted, do not easily give in to temptation.

6. What are the directions and advice that I need to know/hear? - Eight of Cups rx

First thing I’d like to say is that your journey is going to be lonely. It’s not just going on that journey alone, but it’s something akin to a burden or a mission that you can’t tell anyone. You may have tried telling a family or a friend about it, and they don’t think it’s a big deal, resulting in you swallowing the pain alone, no longer willing to trust. The disappointment and disillusionment has uhhhh thicken around you. Think of them as fogs around you, and as they thicken, the more difficult it is for you to see your path. That. Communication with boundaries is very important for you right now, where you can put a balance between the socialisation and exposing yourself thoughtlessly. It’s difficult for some people, where you unknowingly overshare too much. Learn from it, find out a way that works for you. Open yourself to things, allow yourself to be open to inspirations from things and people around you.

Overall energy: Strength, Six of Swords rx

You’re strong, knowing where to go and how to reach your destination. Just that whatever that’s happening around you is preventing you from moving forward. You’re holding a lot of things back because whatever situations you’re in, but your passion and faith in life is strong enough to support you. You are doing your best with whatever you have right now, looking for opportunities in life’s challenges and learning the lessons. It is a difficult time, but have faith that things will turn for the better. Prepare your boat, and once the wind blows, set sail.

Pile 3: No matter what I’m going my way, to the place I’ve dreamed of every night

One card to represent you: The Chariot

I would say that you’re someone who’s goal oriented. You know what you want and you'll work towards it. I would also say that you may be impatient at times, wanting to achieve things in a short time. It feels like you feel that you're running out of time, especially when you compare yourself to your peers. For example, people your age have been talking about career advancement while you're still figuring out what to do, or your friends are married with kids and you're still single and feeling miserable. You know you're on the right path at your own pace, and you appreciate your days and blessings, but sometimes you just feel anxious about being “left out”.

1. What are the expectations I have for myself? - Three of Swords rx

You expect yourself to be healed from your wounds and traumas soon. You want it quick, you want it urgently, and you’re pushing yourself far more than you can deal with at the moment. You probably may have gone through some childhood traumas and you’ve left them as they are. It may be due to the society or environment you grew up thinking that whatever you experienced was normal (Asian families, perhaps?). You thought vulnerability was a fault until recent years, where you learn to accept and honour them, and from there you proceed to heal your inner wounds. You may have thought that once you’re done with Phase 1, you can immediately complete Phase 2 of your healing, and… Sorry to break it to you, it’s not gonna happen that way.

2. Feasibility on achieving those expectations? - Two of Swords

It feels like you’re asking yourself the question: Am I healed or not? And your answer to it is either yes or no. Which… Is not how healing works. Healing is a process; a journey, not a mathematical equation which is either right or wrong. You may think you’ve been healed but in reality, you may not have achieved that yet. You’re not seeing a lot of things yet, which is why you need to rely on your senses, especially hearing. You need to learn to listen to the whispers of others, may it be your friends or your guides. You are not alone, you have people accompanying you through this journey because you are loved. Healing is not linear, so take your time.

3. What are my weaknesses and how do I compensate? - The Fool rx, The Devil

I would say that you have expectations and you may think you’re living up to that, believing that you’re better and you live like it. … Lemme rephrase myself: You think you’re alright and that you’re living as how you expect yourself to be when you are not. It’s like you’re putting on a mask to deceive yourself and to show others that you’re doing fine. There’s this saying that you’ll need to fool yourself first if you want to fool your enemy. That’s you. You’re pretending and putting up an act, which will eventually cause your downfall to be greater than what you’ve experienced. Your insecurities are devils in disguise, which you probably know of. Now that you know of this side of yours, you will need to think and use your brain to figure out as you go.

4. What are my strengths and how do I get better at them? - Four of Swords rx, Eight of Pentacles rx

I would say that you’re very action based, and you think a lot. One thing that’s special about you is that you know when to stop thinking. Unlike most people, once they start thinking, they spiral into their thoughts and have no way out. You, however, know when to stop and how to pull yourself out from that headspace. From there, you then use that energy and time to focus on earth-themed items, such as career, work, fame, building something, etc. You’re basically the healthy combination of brain and physical energy, making sure both of these aspects are taken care of, working on them when others are still trapped in their heads. If you think that you do not have this trait, maybe you can try it out. I believe all can achieve this, but your pile is able to tap into it easily as compared to others.

5. What is it in adulthood that I should focus on? - Four of Pentacles

Learning to focus on yourself, to put yourself first before others. I’m not sure if you’ve been called selfish for putting your needs above others, but you’re not. You can only share when you have extra/excess, and that’s when sharing becomes something comfortable and meaningful. Remember, you are not supposed to burn yourself to warm others. Let yourself have your own time, build connections with yourself and with others. Collaboration is something that you can work on, may it be work related projects or personal projects. Passion projects are things that will help you redirect your energy, and for you to keep yourself occupied when you realise your thoughts are jumbled up again with the excess energy.

6. What are the directions and advice that I need to know/hear? - Three of Cups

I would say that you will need to build your own home with people you trust in, with people you’re comfortable with. You may have gone through quite some family trauma, and your safe space may no longer lie with it. Remember, home is where the heart lies. As long as you feel comfortable, comforted and safe, you are home. For some reason, you may have been seen as the black sheep of your family. You have been told that you have great communication skills (may also have 3H placements), and it would be great if you know how to use that skill to its full potential. There’s more you can do with it, may it be drawing people to you, or drawing people away from people who harmed you.

Overall energy: Judgement, Wheel of Fortune rx

I feel that you tend to judge yourself a lot, or people may have passed their biased judgement onto you when you’ve decided to not go their way. There are also some… Remnants? Of feelings of unjust? You have felt that life was unfair and things have not been going your way. Though you may have put that thought aside real quick cuz you believe in yourself more than what the stars or fate has said. You prefer to take things into your own hands instead of whatever higher beings there are out there, and I’d say that you’re doing a good job with it.

Pile 4: I admit it now life is a long marathon, the difference is that I set the course

One Two cards to represent you: The High Priestess, The Lovers rx

The first word that came to me is intuitive. You know you’re intuitive and you have used your intuition on a lot of things that came into your life, may it be making decisions or using it to discern those who come close to you with agendas. But still, you probably have some… Troubles with love? Not necessarily romantic ones, but platonic and love towards yourself as well. For some reason, I feel that you may feel called to be a lover. It can be self love, but personally, I feel that the energy here is more outwards, where you are supposed to love others, and yet there’s no one out there deserving of your love. Some of you may have 12H or Pisces placement as well, which may give others an impression of being dreamy or drunk in love. (My logical head thinks so, but for some reason I’m feeling that heart-clenching feel, as well as a sense of loss. Not sure how to phrase it well tbh.)

1. What are the expectations I have for myself? - The Moon rx

Weirdly, for some reason, I’d say that you expect yourself to be… Different? You know you’re different and that you may sometimes feel that you are unable to align with how this world functions. Hence, when you feel you’re becoming too “earthly”, you may feel torn, because you expect yourself to do or achieve “unearthly” things, eg: to be a spiritual guru, to do reiki healing, etc. You are definitely one pile that is more prone to the spiritual side of the world, where you’ll often have a nagging feeling at the back of your head when you’re not doing anything of that sort.

2. Feasibility on achieving those expectations? - The Empress

It is definitely something achievable, that is, if you focus on healing yourself as well as creating meaningful bonds with the people around you. One of the main themes of The Empress is to nurture, which you are called to not only nurture the people around you, but also to nurture yourself. You will also need to be with the right group of friends who will be able to help you flourish (and of course, you helping them as well, as this is a mutual relationship). I honestly don’t know what else to say about this because the message is repetitive, and I think you know it as well.

3. What are my weaknesses and how do I compensate? - Two of Cups rx

This card in this position talks about tension, deception or even lack of trust between you and your spiritual side. For some reason, I’m feeling that you are holding too strongly to a certain thought or a belief. It causes stress and fatigue, making you lose hope in the process. Instead of taking a forced “temporary” approach, it would be better for you to reflect on what it brings you, and to let go of past beliefs that no longer serve you. Two of Cups is supposed to be a card of joyful celebration, a union between two parties. You will need to turn the card upright. It’s time to release the old and embrace the new, only then you’ll be able to grow into your very best self.

4. What are my strengths and how do I get better at them? - Six of Swords rx

I would say that one of your strengths is special, because it is not so to a lot of people. You do not let your problems push you, but you work your way with it. See, most people’s first reaction is to solve the problem or to run away from it, but you choose to live with it and rebuild your life around it. There’s a part of you that is unwilling to make your life a mess by running and avoiding the problems. You surrender. Not in a negative way. You surrender the pain and stress, you abandon the old, limiting beliefs, and you live in the present. The best way I can describe it is… It’s like you’re a monk, where you live with whatever that is happening around you. Waves (troubles and challenges) are around you, and you’re on the boat, keeping yourself calm, not bothering with what the world is doing, keeping your calm. It's like you know there's a life after death and that you're working on it right now instead of being present in the current earthly life.

5. What is it in adulthood that I should focus on? - Ace of Wands

Ace of Wands is the first card in the Minor Arcana. What I’m picking up from here is that you’ll need to create a new beginning for yourself. I wouldn’t say it’s The Fool kinda journey, because The Fool’s journey is of meeting people and learning the lessons on the way. Your kind of journey is understanding what you want, seizing opportunities, and turning your enthusiasm into actions. You have an idea of where you want to go, when you want to reach there, how you’re going to move, with whom you will want to travel on this journey. I would also say that it would be a great time for you to filter your circle so that you’ll be able to go on this journey with the least distraction.

6. What are the directions and advice that I need to know/hear? - Four of Pentacles rx This is a time where you should consider relaxing your mind and remember that you cannot control what others are doing or holding. You know you have enough, and instead of focusing on the action of others, focus on yourself instead and how you can block out the noises. With this done, you will be able to move from a period of control and fear and anxiety to a stage of being more open (and blank). It’s like… Once you are able to clear your mind, those noises no longer mean a thing to you, and you’ll be able to focus on yourself and what you want to achieve. I’m also picking up words like “zen”, “calm” and “enlightenment”. … Yeah the word “monk” too.

Overall energy: The Devil, The Chariot

I am feeling some self-sabotaging themes here. It may sound difficult to accept but I do think The Devil here talks about you, where you’re embodying some traits, thoughts or beliefs that you’re unwilling to let go. Y’know how some things turn toxic when there’s excess or if you hold onto it for too long? That. It’s burdening you and you probably are actively trying to run away from it. I’m having the image of you being annoyed at how you’re not progressing, and you end up flipping the table, scattering all the plans you’ve made for yourself. Probably some big changes are bound. Clear up the space and welcome your spirit guides to show up in wondrous and unexpected ways.

#tuliptic #🌷#pick a card #pick a pile #pick a picture #tarot reading #general tarot reading #self related reading #aite another reading here #i finally finished deciphering the cards and have completed this reading #i'll be doing some proofreading (if i have the strength to do so)#hopefully this reading sheds some light or gives you a lightbulb moment to work things out #hopefully you guys had fun with this #cheers

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kayleightarot · 2 months ago

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The week of May 19-23 We start the week with Energy, Purpose, & Resolution The King of Wands is charismatic, confident, & inspiring. This worldly voice of knowledge gained through experience, resonates with adventurous, creative energy. The embodiment of natural leadership, gifted mediation, & masterful energetic focus.

Someone may bring these qualities to aid you in achieving or furthering your goals, or it speaks to a need to tap into these qualities in yourself.

💚 At work, be open to the advice of those you trust – even if they are a little rough around the edges. An idea or creative project you fostered may bring a windfall 💙 If you feel a wave of gratitude & protectiveness for loved ones, take the time to tell them what they mean to you 🧡 However the ambitious & goal -oriented energy of this King appears, you have the support & the wherewithal to use it to achieve, lead, or create. Think positively & dream big because fortune favours the bold

MIDWEEK we have Clarity, Happiness, & Financial Gain This Ace heralds a positive new beginning that brings a sense of luck & happiness. This will likely start with financial gain, & sometimes it can indicate gifts of money from unexpected sources.

Projects or plans in which you have invested time, energy, and/or money will all benefit from this serendipity, showing you that you have been on the right path. The gains you will receive will improve your life on all levels. 💚 At work, this Ace speaks to a new job, new position, or a new set of responsibilities coming to you – whether you were looking for that or not – & point to you being well compensated 💚 If you do receive an influx of cash, spend happily, share generously, & put some away for a rainy day 💙 Whether you are looking for love or already have it, expect a new phase in your relationship status. This is a very positive time to re-connect with your partner or, to meet new people. Share the positive energy & have fun 🧡 Your energy & effort manifested this luck, positive energy, & hope. Embrace it, &, wherever you can, share the wealth

We approach the WEEKEND with Renewal, Moderation, & Healing Temperance is a card about balance, & accepting human needs, desires, & drives, without judgement. 💚 At work, this card notes a need for patient & diligent work. Ensure you’re aiming at a realistic target & then keep working as you have been; your achievements will soon be noticed 💙 In relationships, it highlights a need to rebalance yourself. Find your inner peace, heal what needs healing, forgive others & yourself, and let go 🧡 Rein in the energy & channel it toward your highest good. The Universe supports your endeavours

Gus an ath thuras (Until next time), darlings Go, Do, Be Peace out

#tarot #kayleightarot #tarotreader #mystic #peaceout #godobe

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fawnbong · 3 months ago

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"Lovesick" - Ramshackle

Maroon x Reader

Romantic

Headcanons

---

Relationships tend to come secondary to her work. She has a lot on her plate and, although she can make time for a special somebody, she can't guarantee she'll be there often enough to fulfill the relationship, and that's what troubles her when she catches feelings for you.

She likes you, of course. A lot. And she can't help herself from wanting more, unfortunately. Her confession is likely bold and upfront and comes sometime after she's certain she loves you and can balance a relationship and work.

Smooth talker by nature and is really charismatic but being flirted with back definitely throws her off a bit. She may stammer a little and go red in the face before simply reciprocating the gesture with more confidence. She also makes it pretty obvious that she wants you fairly early. Not one to play around with relationships, and probably isn't one for flings or one night stands. Does the whole spiel when "courting" you; personally delivers little gifts and flowers ranging from handmade cards to baked goods, walks you home frequently, kisses the back of your hand before leaving, and asking before every single kiss, even if it's just a tiny peck on the cheek. It's rather endearing.

Is iffy on putting even slightly in harm's way. You'd begged her to show off her skills with a gun in her free time, and maybe even teach you how to handle one, to which she firmly declined the first five times. Eventually, she caves, and takes you to some secluded field to practice.

First, she stands just behind you, wrapping her hands over yours to show you how to hold it. After a lengthy list of instructions and fretting, she has you shoot on your own. It knocks you on your ass a few times, but she's quick to help you up and congratulate you on not totally missing the target.

Whenever she isn't busy, ie. Tre is at home and no longer requires her and everything else business related is taken care of, she heads over to your place, either via driving or walking. She shows up, sometimes with fancy flowers and still in her work clothes, and invites you to Dante's bar, where you drink and talk for hours. She treats it like some "teenager" date, insisting you're home by a certain time and walks you right up to your door, all so that you can get your beauty rest, as she puts it.

She does a lot of things to make you swoon; silly, flirty comments as you pass by, slipping innocent compliments into almost every conversation if she can, and making do with her tight schedule. Weekends are usually spent at your place, or Tre's family's, if they'll allow it. You most likely sit around in her room and talk, maybe snuggle up in bed together if one of you is especially tired.

She takes her job very seriously, of course. It supplies her not only a stable income, but a place to live and food to eat. Despite her crowded and often hectic schedule that just comes with being Tre's bodyguard, she always manages to make time for you, even if it's rather small. Maybe if she sees you out and about on the streets she'll tilt her sunglasses down and give you a wink and a charming smile, or she'll schedule a date weeks in advance on a day she knows she'll be totally free.

Doesn't half-ass kisses. Even those pressed to your temple, forehead, and cheeks are done with intention and passion. She'll cup your face with gloved hands and bring it close to hers, as if analyzing every detail and each hue of your irises before pressing her lips to yours, full of passion and genuine love. (Almost barfed GET A ROOM)

They typically end in her peppering your face in a few gentle kisses before she pulls away entirely. The lovesick smile on her face is prominent and doesn't leave until long after the kiss.

Definitely one for kinda cheesy nicknames that just the two of you share. Calls you by your name in public spaces but uses the more personal/intimate, lovey dovey ones every chance she gets in private.

Naturally, she's very protective. Not just of you, but really anyone- Tre, innocent civilians, kids in harm's way... It's her job, after all. She's good at de-escalating situations with a calm, steady voice and a slightly threatening glimpse of her gun, but she can absolutely hold her own in a fight and won't hesitate to if it endangers you or anyone else.

Likely plans an entire future in her head when she finds her person. May lie awake at night and think about silly milestones like anniversaries, marriage, honeymoons, and so on. They almost combat the thoughts of her past mistakes that tend to keep her up late instead.

Always up for a little play fighting or boxing if you so desire. Goes sorta easy on you and is more defensive than offensive (blocks your attacks rather than hits you back), for she knows your limits and would sooner die than hurt you badly in some way, intentional or not.

Very sentimental, keeps every little token from every single date and interaction. Maybe you gave her a quarter to buy a soda during summer? She kept it in her pocket instead and carries it around everywhere from now on. Roses from your first date? She kept them in a glass vase long after they began to wither and wilt.

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A/N: OUGGHHH I love maroon she's so cool I'm so happy she got half a second of screentime in the new opening omgggguhhhh

I actually think she'd have a lot more free time than I initially thought when writing these, I'm kinda just going off of some official art and tidbits of info, but I'm not rewriting allat bye

#ramshackle #maroon ramshackle #maroon x reader #x reader #headcanons #ramshackle x reader

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microcroft · 2 years ago

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WEEWOO WEEWOO! IMPORTANT REMINDER: If you got a gift card over the holidays go and register it online now!

Gift card draining is a pretty big scamming industry (1/4 people have given or received a gift card with stolen funds) spanning all over the U.S.. I wont go all into the hows and whys because I don't want this post to be a whole novel but all you gotta know is they steal the numbers. Back in September 2022, I decided to use a $100 Visa gift card that had just been sitting in my room still in the packaging since Christmas. I opened it up and went on the site to register it, I found that it only had about $5 left on it, up at a Target in California in January 2022, while I was all the way across the country in coastal Virginia probably playing Minecraft.

There's probably more stuff I'm missing here but these are the most important bits, there's plenty of info out there on how to avoid it when your buying a gift card but its hard to find a good list of what to do if you are given a gift card and I didn't know what to do other than just calling the number on the back of the card when it happened to me.

Note: This only really applies to physical gift cards and is probably American-centric, digital gift cards are far more protected against this kind of fraud.

(In no particular order)

Get the receipt and keep it with the card.

2. Check the balance on whatever site is on the package/card. If it has already been used call the customer service number on the back of the card or listed here ASAP, within 60 days if possible (listen, I know calling anywhere, especially when you have to sit on hold sucks but this is unfortunately the only way to get that money back)

3. Contact the store it was bought from because keeping the gift cards untampered with and if it happened to one of them, there's probably others that were messed with too.

4. VISA has this policy (found at the bottom of the page, the physical card holder agreement):

"Zero Liability: In accordance with the network rules, if you are able to register your Card with us and you do so, you will not be held responsible for unauthorized transactions if: (i) you have used reasonable care in protecting your Card from loss or theft and (ii) you promptly reported to us when you knew that your Card was lost or stolen. Please note this zero liability protection does not apply to unregistered Cards."

Meaning if you register it on the site ASAP, once you do and if you you notice a charge you did not make, report it within 60 days and you are basically guaranteed to get that money back. Otherwise, find a Karen to argue with whichever customer service manager or supervisor is on duty until they relent (I do not typically endorse Karen behavior but I do believe it is possible to be a White Hat Karen).

5. if you are a victim of any sort of fraud report it to the FTC here: reportfraud.ftc.gov probably wont do anything for you but it may help them stop it from happening again in the long run which is important.

#scams #fraud #life #idk what else to tag this as #if i forgot to finish sentences no i didnt

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cheswirls · 10 months ago

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here's another bc i like how it started <3

undercover op where ace sees Sabo behind the counter and immediately moves to play along

Sabo working as a barista in a fancy upscale cafe that businessmen in the area flock to in droves. He has register duty for the week and the screen system has already been wired so each card that's swiped gets the data pulled and saved to an external drive. When Ace walks through the front door Sabo does his best to smile through his teeth.

“Is cash okay?”

“Sorry, sir, all we take is card.”

“Ah, no problem. Got one saved to my phone.”

“I’m afraid it has to be a physical card.”

“That so? Let me see what i have here. Will a gift card do?”

“We are not accepting gift cards at the current time.”

“Just my luck. Oh!” Ace smiles wide and pulls a silver card from his wallet. “Good thing i have a prepaid credit card on me! There you go.”

Sabo takes it with more force than necessary and swipes it through the system without looking. “Very good, sir. Anything else for the day?”

“Well, actually-”

Sabo's eyes fall open and his pupils are narrowed to slits. “That was rhetorical,” he hisses between his teeth, leaning just slightly closer to Ace so he can't be overheard. “Take a seat, Ace,” he says, saying the name Ace had given him to write on the order with such disdain but disguising it with a well-intentioned smile.

Ace is having none of it, planting a palm heavy on the counter between them as a warning to keep Sabo close. “Don't be like that, sweetheart. I was only curious as to when a certain barista would be off for the night.”

Sabo sniffs and pointedly leans back, looking at his nails and perfectly playing the part of pretending to halt a customer's advances. “Shop closes at six,” he mumbles.

“So seven?” ace tries. “Or six-thirty?”

“Closer to seven,” he mutters, then turns to accept Ace's ready-made drink and slams it onto the counter so he just barely avoids crushing Ace's hand. “There you are!” he announces, overly fake and plastic smile perfectly intact. “Enjoy.”

Ace takes the card he now suspects has no balance remaining and his too-expensive coffee and chooses to be petty and take a seat at the back of the cafe instead of leaving outright. This spot gives him the perfect view of Sabo, which he knows has the other seething, but hey. It's been some time since they've seen each other. The least he can do is enjoy it before it's all over.

“I had no idea you were seeing someone, sabby! You’re so cute together, too! Hehe~”

Sabo grits his teeth behind closed lips and works hard to not snap the after-rush checklist clipboard between his suddenly-taut fingers. “Cute is not a word i want to be associated with, especially not in this setting. And no, i’m not seeing anyone.” He turns sharp on his heel and points a finger threateningly at his teen coworker. “Unless any other thirty-something in a suit asks after me, and then you say i am not single. Understood?”

Aisa laughs behind a poised hand and turns her eyes to very blatantly look in ace’s direction. “No? Well if he’s not taken, maybe i’ll try my chances.”

Sabo holds back most of his strength when he brings the clipboard down over her head. She still whines and brings both arms up to shield herself, the little drama queen. “Don’t, he’s too old for you. If i let you flirt with men while on the clock, your father would have my head.”

Aisa sticks out her tongue, but the act of defiance is tamed by the shudder that runs through her frame. “Yeah, yeah. You always gotta ruin my fun.”

It keeps him sane, most of the time: getting to put a brat in her place. He hadn’t planned on being stuck in shifts with the owner’s own daughter, but his luck had always been down in the dirt. Adding him suddenly showing up out of nowhere was just the cherry on top of this whole fiasco. At least he only had a week left. If he could–

Sabo raises a brow at aisa’s enthusiastic waving and looks over his shoulder to see her target.

Of course it’s ace, at the door with his empty to-go cup, waving one-handedly in sabo’s direction.

Sabo crosses his arms in response, wanting no part in this. He turns back to snap at aisa only to find she’d stopped on her own, now content with leering at him from up on high.

“Ohhh, i get it now,” she insists, making her voice extra bubbly for the added edge. “He’s your ex, isn’t he?”

The clipboard snaps in two before he can register the pressure he’d applied to it. Aisa frowns and grows quiet when she sees. She jumps off the counter and mutters an apology before hurrying into the back room.

Sabo can’t even blame her. He can’t even get mad. She’d been right, after all.

#experimental immortal piece #writing #saboace

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checktargetbalance · 1 year ago

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Need to Check Your Target Gift Card Balance? Here's How

How to Check Target Gift Card Balance Fastest? Gift cards are a convenient and adaptable method to purchase, and it's crucial to understand how to rapidly check the balance if you have a Target gift card. I'll walk you through the quickest method of checking your Target gift card balance in this article, which now includes the convenience of checking the balance over the phone.

How To Check Target Gift Card Balance

To check the balance of your Target gift card, you have a couple of simple options:

Online:

Visit the Target website.

Go to the "Gift Cards" section.

Select "Check Gift Card Balance."

Enter your gift card number and access code (if applicable).

Click "Check balance" to see your remaining balance.

By Phone:

Call Target's customer service at 1-800-544-2943.

Follow the automated prompts.

Provide your gift card number and access code (if applicable).

Listen for your balance, which will be provided over the phone.

Checking Your Balance Online: You may easily manage and view the balance of your gift card using Target's online platform. If you already possess an account with Target, Go to the account/name area of your Target account after logging in, then choose the gift card option. If you lack a target account, please take the following actions:

FAQs on How To Check Target Gift Card Balance

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about checking your Target gift card balance:

How can I check my Target gift card balance online?

Visit the Target website.

Navigate to the "Gift Cards" section.

Select "Check Gift Card Balance."

Enter your gift card number and access code (if applicable).

Click "Check balance" to view your remaining balance.

Can I check my Target gift card balance over the phone?

Yes, you can call Target's customer service at 1-800-544-2943.

Follow the automated prompts.

Provide your gift card number and access code (if applicable).

Listen for your balance, which will be provided over the phone.

Is there a fee to check my Target gift card balance?

No, there is no fee to check your Target gift card balance, whether online or over the phone.

Can I check my Target gift card balance in-store?

Yes, you can ask a cashier to check your Target gift card balance at any Target store location.

What should I do if my Target gift card balance is incorrect?

If you believe there is an error with your Target gift card balance, you should contact Target customer service for assistance.

Can I use my Target gift card to purchase other gift cards?

No, Target gift cards cannot be used to purchase other gift cards.

#check target gift card balance #target gift card balance

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occasionaltouhou · 2 years ago

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Touhou Fangame Concept:

Western Science Interrogating Wonder(title could be workshopped)

The bit is that a bunch of greek philosophers have washed up on this side of the Hakurei Barrier, after the Yama assigned to their collective case(which has gone on for thousands of years) decided that it wasn't worth trying to continue to argue with them kicked them out of the afterlife in frustration. And so you, local Hakurei Shrine Maiden, are set to clean up the mess. By Yukari.

Your first encounter is, after having been drawn to a ruckus going on in the Human Village, being interrogated by a short, grumpy woman in greek looking clothing, and a dunce cap with a sprig of hemlock pinned to it. After defeating her in a danmaku battle that mostly consists of her criticizing you and interrogating your faith, your justifications for your actions, your sense of personal morality, your fashion sense, and if you lose your skill in danmaku. After you beat her she then introduces herself as Socrates, clarifies she puts the dunce cap on herself, and follows Reimu around for the rest of the game to provide commentary.

Your next encounter is a slovenly doggirl with floppy ears in a dirty tunic, who gets out of her barrel to spit in your face after she identifies you as a local religious figure. Reimu then decides to beat the tar out of her. Her mid-battle dialogue consists of complaining about you in particular. After the fight, she gets stuffed back into her barrel and rolled out of town. You get her name from Socrates after the fact, that being Diogenes, who assures Reimu that she's always like this.

Interrogating a nearby villager points you in the direction of the next philosopher, Pythagoras. She's wearing a golden wreath, trousers, and the kind of smile that makes you want to wipe if off. She (flirtatiously)asks if Reimu wants to join her following, expounding upon both her own virtues and the virtue of her teachings. Her spell cards are themed around various legends from Pythagoras's life, like an arrow gifted by Apollo, a bear convinced to never again harm a living being, and that one time they supposedly descended to the underworld and came back. Her danmaku projectiles are specifically rotating triangles. Notably after you defeat her she's still trying to proposition Reimu, even if she's given up on recruitment.

Moving on you find a very tall, broad, woman with a great deal of jewelry(no idea on an appropriate hat) speaking with Keine, and then after having her identified as Plato(another philosopher) by Socrates Reimu proceeds to beat the tar out of her. Her Spell Cards are themed mostly around the Theory of Forms, and defeating her reveals that she was teaching Keine about platonic philosophy with the intent to integrate it into her school's curriculum.

There's this whole bit where Reimu explains how teaching humans to interrogate the world around them like that would just repeat the course of the outside world, and that that would lead to an escalation of conflict between humans and Yokai to maintain the existing balance and preserve Gensokyo. So, very dangerous and likely to lead to a lot of violence. Turning Keine away from all of Plato's ideas. Socrates is being her usual self during all of this and keeps interjecting with interrogative questions and asking why why why before getting a seal slapped over her mouth to shut her up. But not before mentioning that if you're trying to stop the spread of "logic" and "common sense" you should really be going after Aristotle.

So off the shrine maiden goes and indeed, she manages to track where her next target is by a seeming aura of sensibility and "reality". Reimu needs to float outside the boundaries of common sense to keep moving forward, and eventually she encounters a woman in noble ancient greek dress outside the village, talking to a crowd of villagers who were previously working the fields. After beating her in a fight and having it explained to them that they were being lied to by a malicious yokai, things start going back to normal and balance is preserved. Yukari pops in to scoop up the unconscious Aristotle and points you in the direction of the last remaining disruption, while Socrates laughs at and mocks her fellow philosopher for being so confident in her understanding of the world around her because of things like "logic" and "reasoning" and "observation".

The last boss of the Incident is a second fight with Diogenes, who's gotten group of villagers to listen to her about how being human is overrated, and that they'd do well to stop caring about pretense and belief and live like dogs. Effectively the opposite problem presented by Aristotle. It's shown that she originally wasn't even trying during the first fight, and now that Reimu is actually trying to stop her from speaking she actually fights back.

After the fight, you get an epilogue where Yukari asks Reimu about her impression of them all, and eventually decides that they can be permitted to stay now that they've all been shown to be mad, and Socrates' constant insistence that you truly know nothing is more helpful to the preservation of belief than it is harmful. So the lot of them are allowed to set up a school a ways outside the human village, which nobody seriously attends. Partly because of their bad reputation, partly because they're always arguing, and partly because none of them can deliver a straight answer to any question.

Mechanically it's part visual novel and part boss rush, as the setting of the human village doesn't really lend itself to stages full of mooks trying to stop you. And of course there are some design concepts that could be workshopped if this would ever be seriously made. As it stands it's just a fun idea to rotate in your head and laugh about.

really good idea but i especially love the idea that after you beat all these fucking transgenderised clowns they're allowed to stay because if there's two things that the ancient greek philosophers were it was completely wrong and completely deranged

#touhou game idea asks #[voice of the yama] yeah they can't stay in hell but a place full of women is basically hell for a dude from ancient greece #also archimedes should be the extra boss. no philosophy here but she's thrilled to find a place that her laser actually works

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starstwinkleplanetsshine · 10 months ago

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Daughter of the Sea

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Hold Fast (Read on Ao3 here)

I wandered around for a while, trying to make any sense of the conversation I had just had. But the more I thought about what Hestia had said, the more confused I felt. And the more angry I got. I had spent the last few weeks coming up with every possible way to take Percy’s place, made peace with the fact that dying was worth it if it meant I was saving him. But now I wasn’t sure.

In a way, hearing from Hestia affected me more than hearing from my father would have. I knew Poseidon had been watching over me my whole life, but it was Hestia who was protecting me day in and day out. It was Hestia who took up residence in the fireplace of our home and kept vigilant watch on me. Out of all the gods, she knew me the best. And hearing her say words I knew were true but I didn’t want to hear put me in a sour mood.

I eventually found myself on the archery range. It was empty, which was extremely odd. I had never seen it so quiet—Apollo had a lot of kids, and they were all talented archers. You could always count on someone practicing their gifts while the sun was still shining.

But not today. I guessed that a lot of the campers wanted to go back to their cabins or do something to take their mind off the funeral. I didn’t blame them.

I pulled out the throwing knives I always kept on my belt—four beautiful bronze blades with golden hilts that glinted in the light.

They had shown up on my doorstep last November with my name on the package, and Percy had been extremely jealous. I reminded him that he didn’t use throwing knives, but that didn’t seem to change his mind. The only thing accompanying the gift was a small piece of pristine white paper, no bigger than a business card, with a beautiful, golden and shimmering symbol of the sun on it, almost like the one in Tangled. I looked down the empty hallway, shrugged, and picked up the package. I waited a few days before opening them, just to make sure it wasn't some sort of trap, and found that they were perfectly balanced and fit in my hand exactly. I still hadn’t found out who sent them, but I had an inkling of an idea.

I still wasn’t fantastic at throwing knives—Percy and I were notoriously bad at ranged weapons—but I had gotten a lot better in the last year. I usually hit the target, and one out of every fifty or so times I would hit the bullseye. I considered that an impressive improvement.

Cady had insisted I train in the weapon in case my sword ever got knocked out of my hand, she said a demigod should never be caught defenseless. I didn’t need to worry about losing my weapon anymore, thanks to the gift from my dad, and even without a sword I had learned to wield my abilities enough to always be able to defend myself, but what started practical soon turned comforting. I usually gave up on anything that I wasn’t immediately good at, but I had decided to stick with this one, and it was nice to see my hard work was starting to pay off. It felt good to have something to work at, something I had to struggle in. Something I could see improvement in—it gave me a sense of control over my life. Which, as a demigod, didn’t come often.

I had just loosed my first knife when a rustling in the grass behind me made me whip around.

“Juniper!” I called when I saw the elfish face. “You’re lucky I didn't have that knife in my hand anymore.”

“I know!” she squeaked. “I’m sorry, Angie.” She stood up from where she was crouched in the grass. “I shouldn’t have been sneaking, but I need to talk to you.”

I gave her a curious look. Now that she was closer, I could see her eyes were tinged green—chlorophyll from crying, I told myself.

“Is this about Grover?” I tried to keep my voice gentle, but she let out a small sob at the mention of her boyfriend’s name.

“The naiads told me that you were going through Chiron’s reports this morning and there was a report from a protector in Canada and he mentioned Grover in it.” Her words came rushing out, getting closer to hyperventilating by the second.

No secrets here, I thought. Those naiads are the worst gossips.

“I did see a report, yes. It was talking about how—”

“Can you come with me, Angie?! I can’t be away from my tree for too long.” Even though she asked me a question, she didn’t wait for an answer. She grabbed my wrist and started dragging me towards the woods, and I gave up any hope I had of retrieving the golden knife stuck in the target.

She didn’t stop running until we had come to a small clearing near her tree. I could see Zeus’ Fist standing tall in the middle of it and the sight sent a shiver up my spine. It had been a full year since the Battle, a full year of tension and loss and war. The clearing was a reminder of my first few weeks at camp, and a reminder of how far I had come. But it was also a reminder of my failures.

“Now, what were you going to say about Grover?!” Juniper looked so hopeful, I didn’t know how to break the news to her.

“Well, the letter didn’t exactly say anything about him.”

“What?”

“It was from a protector, Gleeson Hedge, I think, asking for Grover’s help. It was addressed to him. I don’t know why it ended up here.”

“But—” Juniper looked like she was about to cry again when a voice startled both of us.

“Ah ha!�� I turned to see an old, fat satyr waddling towards us with surprising speed. He had a smug look on his goatish face. “It is obvious he has run away from his duties, abandoned us all. Trust me, nymph, you are better without that traitor.”

Juniper’s green skin took on a red hue, and I wondered what it would look like for a tree nymph to fly off the handle. I didn’t know Grover well, I had only spent a little time with him last summer, but I knew he was Percy’s best friend. I knew he was brave, and funny, and was there for my brother when no one else was. In short, I knew I wasn’t going to put up with this old goat talking about him like that.

“That’s not true, umm, whoever you are.” I snapped at him.

“Whoever I am?!” He sounded utterly offended. “And just who are you?”

“This is Angie Jackson!” Juniper announced proudly. “Percy’s sister.”

The satyr’s nose crinkled. “Of course I should’ve guessed by her impertinence.”

If I knew what that word meant I was sure I would’ve been offended.

“Nice to meet you…”

“Leneus! Lord of the Wild and Member of the Council of Cloven Elders!”

I only caught about half of what he said.

“Oh, alright. Sounds important.”

He let out an aggrieved huff and stuck his nose in the air. “It is important, thank you—”

His sentence was cut off by a small boy in black jeans and an aviator's jacket appearing out of nowhere. Leneus let out a scream.

“Whoa, am I interrupting?” The pale boy looked more tired than I had ever seen him, and the sight of him made my stomach drop. On one hand I was glad that the conversation with the angry satyr had come to an end, but on the other, I knew what him being here meant. I knew what was about to begin.

“Hey, Nico.”

He gave me a small smile. “Hi, Angie. Nice to see you again. Know where Percy is?”

I had gotten used to that question in the last year. “No, sorry.”

“Will someone explain to me what's going on?” the satyr asked in the most annoying voice possible. Juniper ran and hid behind her tree.

“Sorry, there’s usually no one here.” Nico said in a sheepish voice. “I came to see Percy.”

The satyr let out a huff and rolled his eyes. “I have heard far too much about that upstart today.”

I was about to tell the old goat off when a large hellhound came bounding through the trees and barrelling into the clearing. I reached for my necklace instinctively and was about to pull on it when I saw the glimmering collar around her neck. My hand relaxed as Mrs. O’Leary ran up to Nico and began to lick his face excitedly—which is quite the sight when the dog's tongue is almost as big as the boy. The son of Hades broke into a wide smile, but Leneus and Juniper weren’t as pleased.

I was too busy laughing at the sight to see the boy jogging behind the hellhound, but when Nico perked up and nodded to someone behind me, I spun around. My heart beat a little faster when I saw who it was. He cracked a smile when he saw me, but his expression was immediately replaced with confusion. I understood why—he was walking into a strange quartet.

"Will someone—what is this underworld creature doing in my forest!" Leneus began shouting, waving his arms and trotting on his hooves as if the grass were hot. "You there, Percy Jackson! Is this your beast?"

"Sorry, Leneus," Percy said. I swore I could hear the faintest hint of laughter in his words. "That's your name, right?"

The satyr rolled his eyes. "Well, of course I'm Leneus. Don't tell me you've forgotten a member of the Council so quickly. Now, call off your beast!"

Mrs. O’Leary let out another bark, shaking the ground a bit. Nico had found a tickle spot right behind her ear.

The old satyr gulped. "Make it go away! Juniper, I will not help you under these circumstances!"

Juniper turned toward my brother. "Percy," she sniffled. "I was just asking about Grover. I know something's happened. He wouldn't stay gone this long if he wasn't in trouble. I was hoping that Leneus—"

"I told you!" the satyr protested. "You are better off without that traitor."

Juniper stamped her foot. "He is not a traitor! He's the bravest satyr ever, and I want to know where he is!"

Percy had just opened his mouth, probably in protest, when the hellhound barked again. Leneus’ knees started knocking. "I . . . I won't answer questions with this hellhound sniffing my tail!"

Nico looked like he was trying to not crack up. "We'll walk the dog,” he volunteered, “Won’t we, Angie?" He turned towards me with an expression that told me he wasn’t asking. I pushed away the feeling of cold dread that crept up my spine whenever I was around him.

“Umm, sure!” Percy looked uneasy as he shot me a cautious glance. I nodded at him, and he looked back to Juniper. Percy and I were getting better at communicating without words, twin stuff, I guessed, and I knew what he was trying to tell me—be on your guard. It’s not that we didn’t trust Nico…but as children of Poseidon, we had to be a little more careful around the other kids of the Big Three. Especially since Hades didn’t like Percy all that much.

He whistled, and Mrs. O’Leary took off like a shot to the other end of the grove. Nico raced after her, and I took that as my cue to follow.

When we finally caught up to the hellhound, she was sniffing around some boulders the way she did when she was about to, uh, relieve herself, so Nico and I gave her plenty of space.

“You’re nervous about what comes next.” Nico spoke, his voice grim. It wasn’t a question.

“Yeah.” I couldn’t meet his eyes.

“It’s the only way, Angie. The only way Percy has a chance against Luke.”

I knew he was right. But that didn’t stop me from hoping. “What if there is another way? Maybe there’s something that I can do—”

“Angie, how many times do we have to go over this?”

I snapped my head towards him, desperation filling my eyes. “Everyone keeps telling me the same thing! But I won’t give up on him! Not until—” my voice broke and I took in a sharp breath. “Not until I can’t fight anymore.”

Nico’s eyes softened, and he looked more sad than usual. Which was saying something. “I understand wanting to hold on to him. Trust me, I do. but you have to let go. You have to believe when people tell you this is his fight. The things that are coming…” he got a faraway look in his eye, like he was looking through me into a scary future. “We’ll need you.” He focused on me again.

Nico was always saying strange things. Being a child of the underworld, he spent most of his time underground, talking to ghosts. And ghosts could see more than livings could, sometimes even into the future. Nico always knew more than other demigods, but he had learned quickly that most of the time, those things were for him alone. It was almost impossible to get information out of him.

“Everyone keeps saying that, too. But it doesn’t make me feel better.”

Nico cracked a small smile, and I noticed the way it made his dark eyes shine. When he didn’t have a permanent scowl on his face, he actually looked pretty kind. “I know. But give it time—sometimes the only way to understand something is by going through it.”

I considered the small boy, and decided he was much too wise for a twelve year old.

Mrs. O’Leary, finished with her business, bounded up to us and nearly knocked me over. We pet her for a little bit before Nico turned his head in a curious way before announcing, “Let’s head back.”

I didn’t question him.

We reached the clearing in time to hear my brother say, “I've got worse enemies than overweight satyrs."

"Good job, Percy.” Nico said as he walked up to him and Juniper. “Judging from the trail of goat pellets, I'd say you shook him up pretty well."

Percy gave him a weak smile, and I could tell he knew why the son of hades had come calling. "Welcome back. Did you come by just to see Juniper?"

Nico blushed. "Um, no. That was an accident. I kind of…dropped into the middle of their conversation."

"He scared us to death!" Juniper said. "Right out of the shadows. I heard that Angie got a note about Grover when she was going through Chiron’s reports, but it didn’t say anything helpful.” She sounded so dejected, but immediately perked back up. “But, Nico, you are the son of Hades and all. Are you sure you haven't heard anything about Grover?"

Nico shifted his weight. "Juniper, like I tried to tell you…even if Grover died, he would reincarnate into something else in nature. I can't sense things like that, only mortal souls."

"But if you do hear anything?" she pleaded, putting her hand on his arm. "Anything at all?"

Nico's cheeks got even brighter red. "Uh, you bet. I'll keep my ears open."

She nodded glumly. "I hate not being able to leave the forest. He could be anywhere, and I'm stuck here waiting. Oh, if that silly goat has gotten himself hurt—"

Mrs. O'Leary bounded back over and took an interest in Juniper's dress.

Juniper yelped. "Oh, no you don't! I know about dogs and trees. I'm gone!"

She went poof into green mist. Mrs. O'Leary looked disappointed, but she lumbered off to find another target, leaving Nico, me, and Percy alone. The atmosphere immediately shifted into something tense and dark. My brother turned to face me, putting a hand on my shoulder.

“I think I need to talk to Nico alone for a bit. Stay here?”

I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat. “Yeah, okay. Just…just don’t leave without saying goodbye.”

His eyes got sad. “I won’t.” He ruffled my hair a bit, and this time, I let him. Nico gave me a small smile, his face still a shade of red, before the two boys turned and walked deeper into the woods.

I sat in a small meadow that was on the edge of the clearing we had been standing in, passing the time making and unmaking small flower crowns. Katie Gardener had taught me how to make them, although mine were never as good as hers were. I knew I should be doing something more productive, like practicing my throwing knives, running sword drills, or even working on strengthening my abilities, but I couldn’t make myself do any of that. It all felt too heavy. Just as I was about to get up and walk back into camp, assuming Percy had forgotten about me, he came running back into the clearing.

“Angie?”

I made my way over to him quickly. “Are you leaving?”

I could tell by the look in his eyes that the answer was yes.

“It’s time.” He didn’t have to say more.

I threw my arms around his neck and didn’t try to stop my tears from soaking the shoulder of his orange Tshirt. He held me close, smoothing my hair and whispering some comforting words that I wasn’t paying attention to. Before long, he pulled away. His eyes were red and wet.

“Don’t go.”

I knew it was selfish of me to say. I knew it wasn’t fair. I knew he didn’t want to be anyone’s martyr just as much as I didn’t want him to die. He didn’t ask for any of this—and he didn’t need any more reminders of how close to the end he was.

“I have to, Angie.” Percy sounded exhausted. Now, just the two of us, he let his shoulders slump and there wasn’t a trace of a smile on his face.

“You know It’s the only way to stand a chance against Luke. If he’s invincible, then I have to be, too.” He continued. “We’re no match for the Titan army. You know that. This comes down to me and Kronos.” The words sounded like they were coming from someone else, his eyes faraway and distant. I recognized them as the ones Nico had told him, almost a year ago.

“But it’s not fair!” I sounded like a petulant child, but I didn’t care. “It’s not fair that it has to be you.”

Percy sighed like he was disappointed I was only now figuring this out. “It’s not.” He admitted. “But the life of a demigod isn’t fair. Especially for a child of the Big Three. It’s…it’s just our fate.”

He tried to tuck a stray piece of hair behind my ear, but I flinched away from him.

“But I don’t want to lose you! I can’t lose you! I don’t know how to—” the words caught in my throat, a sob taking their place. I dissolved into tears, and before I knew it, Percy’s arms were around me. I didn’t try to fight him.

“Can I tell you a story?”

It was such a strange thing to say that it caught me completely off guard.

“What?” My voice cracked.

“A story my mom, our mom, told me when I was very small.” He began. “And one I’m sure she would’ve told you. It’s the reason why she named me Perseus in the first place.”

“Because he was a hero?”

Percy chuckled. “That’s what I thought at first, too. But no. Because, against all odds, he is one of the few heroes who managed to find his way to a happy ending.” I thought about that for a moment. His happy ending was living a life with the person he loved, Andromeda. I wished that could be true for Percy and me, but the thought felt too far away to reach.

“When he was a very little boy,” Percy continued, “he and his mother were placed into a wooden chest and cast out into the sea by a very angry king. Alone. Afraid. And at night, his mother would whisper in his ear: ‘Hold fast, Perseus. Brave the storm that was made to break us, for we are unbreakable. As long as we have each other.’”

Percy whispered as he smoothed my hair. My breathing began to steady.

“As long as we have each other.” I echoed. “Don’t go where I can’t follow.”

Percy chuckled, probably remembering the time I forced him to watch all of the Lord of the Rings movies this past year. I had always loved that quote, and after he heard it, it had become our mantra.

“You’re such a nerd.” There was a smile in his voice. A comfortable silence fell over us as we held onto each other, not knowing when either of us would get to hug our sibling again. When he spoke again, his voice was low and gentle, but very sure.

“So…hold fast, Angie. That’s what mom said to me when I first came to Camp, when I was figuring all this out. Hold fast. Brave the storm.”

“Hold fast.” I echoed, wanting the words he was saying to sink into my heart and find a permanent place there.

I had only known Percy for about a year, but in that time, he had become a part of my soul. The thought of losing him tore me apart. Every fiber in my being was screaming at me to hold onto him forever, to never let go. I wanted to beg him to take me with him, plead to take his place.

But I knew it was no use. In that moment, I knew I wasn’t strong enough. But Percy was.

And more than that, I knew Percy would never let me. This was a journey he had to take on his own, and I would just have to find some other time to save him further down the road.

I let go of him and looked into his sparkling eyes, identical to mine.

“You can do this.” I put all the power I had into my words. “I’ve never believed in anyone more than I believe in you.”

He managed a smile. “I’ll see you again.”

“I know you will. We are unbreakable, as long as we have each other.”

I swore I saw tears begin to pool in his eyes, but I didn’t say anything. He pulled me into another hug, tight and quick, before letting go and messing up my hair. And this time, just this once, I let him.

Then he turned and disappeared into the darkness, only stopping to look back once.

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