#There is nothing that gets me more than exploring the positives of negative emotions

[sammy8d257]

You know the idea where a closed off mean character becomes more open and nicer when they become close to someone?

That's King with Purple

But for Purple, its the opposite

Like here me out,

Purple is closed off but they're nice, (or at least highly respectful of King)

But they're only like that with King at the beginning because Purple doesn't know him. Purple is nice and caring to King because King is a powerful, older authority figure in their life. In their mind, they are not equals. So Purple is nice to him to a fault.

(contrasted by Purple and the Color Gang, where Purple has no qualms with being a bastard (affectionate AND derogatory) to them because the level of respect shared between them is more equal)

So when Purple and King start bonding and start opening up more. There are moments where Purple gets mean. They get rude and will fight King on stuff.

And that's a good thing

Because it means that Purple trusts King enough to drop the placating, kind, and happy default, and actually show and communicate when they're upset and hurting.

And goddamn have they been hurting for a while

The idea that becoming closer brings both the positives and the negatives,

The idea that you know someone trusts you because they feel comfortable enough to have a breakdown in your presence,

The idea that they believe in your ability to help them when they're at their worst,

is so SO good to me

[olis-inkwell-symposium]

5 Occult Concepts That Explain the World Better Than Science

Throughout my extensive research into occult philosophy, I’ve been fortunate to gain a ton of knowledge that has truly enriched my understanding of the world. This journey has been deeply personal, as it has allowed me to explore the hidden corners of my mind and connect with a broader spiritual and philosophical landscape.

What I’ve come to realize during this time is profound: if the world weren’t so rigid and complex, we could all live and practice our lives in such diverse and meaningful ways that are truly personalized to our unique needs and desires. This realization has inspired me to seek out a more balanced and harmonious existence, one that embraces the individuality and creativity that lie within each of us. It’s also motivated me to share this knowledge with you all, hoping to spark a similar sense of wonder and empowerment in your own lives!

Now don’t get me wrong; science is brilliant at breaking things down—atoms, ecosystems, the expansion of the universe. It gives us answers, solutions, and a framework to navigate the physical world. But let’s be honest: science often trips over itself when trying to explain the messy, intangible, and deeply human parts of existence.

The cracks where logic doesn’t fit? That’s where the occult slips in. Occult philosophy thrives on the edges of understanding. It doesn’t just ask “how”—it asks “why,” “what if,” and “what does this mean for me?” While science maps reality in clean, objective terms, the occult dives into the subjective, the mysterious, and the uncomfortable truths that can’t be measured in a lab.

Here are five esoteric concepts that, in their raw and provocative nature, offer a far more compelling explanation of the world than science ever could:

1. As Above, So Below: The Reflective Nature of Reality

This phrase is a cornerstone of hermetic philosophy, a cryptic little mantra that implies the micro mirrors the macro, and vice versa. In simpler terms: the structure of the universe can be seen in the structure of a single human life.

Science has its own version of this idea in fractals and self-similarity across scales—patterns that replicate endlessly from the molecular level to the cosmic. But where science stops at structure, the occult digs deeper.

As above, so below isn’t just a reflection of patterns; it’s a commentary on how everything—your struggles, desires, and choices—ties into larger systems. Your internal chaos mirrors societal chaos. A broken relationship might reflect a deeper imbalance in your worldview. It’s not just poetic metaphor; it’s a map for self-awareness.

When science shrugs at the meaning of human patterns, the occult says, Look closer. What’s happening out there is happening in here, too.

2. The Law of Correspondence: Connection Beyond Logic

Occult philosophy insists that nothing exists in isolation. Every force, event, or idea has a counterpart. Correspondence suggests that unrelated things—symbols, objects, emotions—are part of an invisible web of connection. You lose something important, and suddenly, you’re flooded with strange coincidences that feel almost intentional.

What science brushes off as statistical anomalies, the occult embraces as part of the design. For example, synchronicity—the idea that unrelated events can feel meaningfully connected—is often dismissed by science as cognitive bias.

Yet, anyone who’s experienced these “coincidences” knows they carry a weight science can’t quantify. Correspondence doesn’t just explain why these events happen; it dares to ask what they mean. It argues that your personal reality is shaped not just by physical actions but by symbols, metaphors, and the unseen forces tying them all together.

3. The Hermetic Principle of Polarity: Duality Without Simplicity

In science, opposites are defined by contrast: positive and negative, light and dark, heat and cold. The occult, however, sees polarity not as opposition but as two ends of the same spectrum. Hot and cold, for instance, are both expressions of temperature; they’re not enemies, just different manifestations of the same underlying force.

The principle of polarity teaches that extremes are always interconnected. Love and hate, joy and grief—they aren’t separate forces battling for dominance. They’re two expressions of the same energy. This doesn’t just help explain emotional complexity; it’s a tool for navigating life. Feeling overwhelmed by fear?

Polarity suggests that courage isn’t its opposite—it’s a reframing of the same energy. Science is great at measuring extremes, but it struggles with the liminal space between them. The occult lives in that in-between, showing how the line between opposites is much thinner than it seems.

4. The Rule of Threefold Return: Consequence Beyond Physics

Karma often gets watered down into a pop-culture idea of “what goes around comes around.” But the occult’s threefold law takes it further, suggesting that every action—good, bad, or indifferent—comes back with amplified force.

Cast harm into the world, and harm returns not as punishment but as a natural ripple of that consequence. Put good into the world, and its return carries exponential weight. Science traditionally examines phenomena through straightforward cause-and-effect relationships, often focusing on linear progressions where one event leads directly to another.

However, it often struggles to capture the complex and layered nature of our decisions, which can produce effects that multiply and interact in unexpected ways. Our actions as humans don't just create simple, predictable outcomes; they can initiate chains of events that grow in complexity and impact over time, creating a web of consequences that are difficult to predict or quantify using standard scientific methods.

Why does a single act of kindness resonate so deeply? Why does unchecked anger spiral into unforeseen consequences? The occult’s perspective on consequences isn’t moralistic; it’s mechanical. This concept is as much about accountability as it is about empowerment. It forces you to think beyond the immediate result of your actions, asking: What are the ripples I’m setting in motion?

5. The Alchemical Process: Transformation as a Cycle

Alchemy is often reduced to the pursuit of turning lead into gold—a quaint historical footnote in science’s evolution. But true alchemy was never just about metal. It was—and still is—a philosophy of transformation. Lead and gold are metaphors for the self. The base material (lead) represents the parts of you that are raw, unformed, and heavy. Gold is the refined self—lighter, brighter, and forged through struggle.

Science can tell you how cells regenerate, how the brain processes trauma, how habits form. But alchemy explains the why behind transformation. It frames struggle not as a problem to be solved but as an integral part of growth.

Calcination, dissolution, and coagulation form the stages of a chemical journey that mirrors the human experience of transformation and self-discovery. The process begins with calcination, a fiery purification that strips away the unnecessary, burning away the dross to reveal the essential core beneath. This is a time of intense reflection, where one begins to cast aside the illusions and impurities accumulated over time.

Next comes dissolution, a stage of deep introspection where old structures and beliefs are broken down. It is a time for letting go of outdated habits and ideas, much like dissolving bonds that once seemed unbreakable. This phase requires courage, as it involves dismantling one's protective barriers, leaving behind comfort zones to explore the unfamiliar.

Finally, there's coagulation, the phase of reconstruction. Here, from the remnants of the past, something new and robust is forged. It's the alchemical rebirth, where a person emerges transformed, having integrated the lessons learned from the previous stages. This rebuilding is not simply a return to the original state, but an evolution into an entity more aligned with one’s true self.

Through each stage, the journey can be deeply personal, reflecting a unique path of self-awareness and growth. Calcination, dissolution, and coagulation are not merely chemical stages but serve as a profound blueprint for personal evolution, guiding one towards a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

This transformative cycle encourages embracing change, fostering resilience, and celebrating the unfolding of a renewed identity. Where science provides explanations, alchemy offers profound meaning. It asserts that transformation isn’t merely possible—it’s inevitable, provided you’re willing to endure the transformative fire.

Why the Occult Makes You Ask Better Questions

Science excels at answers. It gives us the tools, cures, and frameworks to navigate the tangible. But answers, for all their value, are useless without the right questions. This is where the occult shines. It doesn’t care about tidy conclusions; it cares about pulling you deeper into the unknown, daring you to challenge what you think you understand.

Occult principles don’t aim to replace science—they simply just… fill in its gaps. They explain not just the mechanics of life but the meaning, the purpose, the strange and chaotic connections that defy logic.

They don’t seek to fix the world; they ask what the world is asking of you. And sometimes, just by asking the right question; life is far more enjoyable than always trying to find the answers.

taglist ; dm or reply to be added 🫶🏾

@slenders1ckn3ss @lucistarsfire @mai2themai @fond-illusion @p00lverinecentral @ambidextrousarcher

[study-diaries]

How To Better Your Overall High School Experience From A Recently Passed Out Student

No drama, absolutely no drama. Don't get into trouble, it stirs negative emotions which is a waste of time.

It's not high school musical. I seriously am saying this, you won't just have "problems" that can be solved by just working together. Not everyone would be willing to be your friend/solve problems etc. Be okay with that.

Catch up on homework/assignments/tests/projects. Everything is so much easier when you actually are doing the work on time. Don't pile your work up until it becomes a mountain you can't climb without breaking down.

Don't take everything as "I'll manage" or "it's easy". Newsflash? The really important topic that you thought you'd wing it by studying the day before is actually way more complex and harder. So, take your books and do sit and study.

Stay with positive people. Your friends determine your energy. The people you surround yourself with represent your energy and mindset. So, choose friends wisely. Have a good friend circle.

Sleep on time. This is honestly one of the things i had difficulty in following because sometimes there's too much to do and absolutely no time. But is still say this because it's not impossible. I made sure to sleep before 11 or 12. Max would be 12:30.

Do courses! Lots and lots of them. The reason why i suggest this is because it literally enhanced my experience and my learning journey. It also gives you better opportunities during college admissions and for job interviews.

Have an idea of what you want to do in college and choose subjects accordingly. If you just entered High School and are in a position where you have to choose your subjects. Sit back and think "What am i going to do in college?" (I live in a place where what subjects you pick in high school would only open up opportunities in those fields.)

Choose subjects wisely and make sure to have a variety of subjects. Like languages, practical based and memorization based so you have options and won't get easily bored.

Build career paths. How? I again recommend courses. Even online courses like Coursera and Edx can highly make you experienced in your desired field. It's a roadway for more opportunities.

Save! Even if it is a dollar. Save money for things that you don't know you need in the future. It might help you. More than you think it would.

Build habits. Good habits. Waking up early, reading, exercising. Anything really. And be consistent with it.

Read! When i say this. I mean it. Read Everything. Self help books, business books, finance, romance, fantasy, dystopian, fiction, biographies. You don't know how this makes you develop into a another category of improvement. If you don't like reading, listen to audiobooks and podcasts.

Explore. Seriously. Be open minded. Everything is interesting but you must make it interesting.

Extra curriculars are a must. I seriously mean it, i don't remember much about academic achievements but i do remember all the main events and awards from clubs and competitions. That also doesn't mean you join everything under the sun, something interests you. Join it. If it doesn't, then don't.

Even if your friends aren't passionate about improvement etc, you can be friends with them. It doesn't mean they're bad, it just means that your goals differ. You can still be friends with them.

Don't drag out fights between friends or anyone. There's nothing wrong with cutting off from fights, it saves a lot of energy

Always lend an ear to others, friend or not. People remember others who are good to them so be nice. It doesn't hurt much. If someone needs help. help them.

Have some network beyond school (from other schools if you go for extra competitions or anything) I found it extremely helpful

Don't party (not too much). Personally, i don't believe too much in FOMO. Like, everyone around me participates in every small event, parties and what not. The trick is to join things you actually want and not just because you think you'll miss out. If you join every party/event, you'll likely won't be able to differentiate between the things that actually matter because everything looks the same.

Don't drink. That's what I'll always say. It's actually pretty bad for you, not only can you result in a bad hangover on a Monday morning but also actually mess up your body from the inside.

Don't do relationships. (at least in my opinion, it's an invitation for unwanted drama from what I've seen with my friends. it's messy)

Speak up in class (It can be difficult, but you must do it from time to time, it will boost confidence). You don't have to answer every time really. I spent my entire life sitting silently knowing the answers to every question but I chose not to say it.

Explore your aesthetic. Literally.

Cut your hair, wear rings, go emo or goth or cheerleader style. Hell, mix them. No one cares. Even if they do, does it really matter?

Take mental health days. I literally had 3-4 days a month for just resting. My sister and I would take days off together to watch tv shows and movies.

Talk to freshers, sophomores, juniors and seniors. (Honestly, I really love when my juniors come and talk to me, it feels nice, and you'll actually help them. we seniors aren't that bad)

There's no such thing as not cool (except when you disrespect somebody).

Don't start fights, if you find yourself in one, apologize and move on. Unnecessary drama really.

And don't gossip/talk bad about anyone. Once, my friend literally asked me, "Don't you freaking hate anyone from the class?" and i just said, "Hating someone requires energy, i don't want to waste my time and energy on that. Even if i hate them, i don't really have to advertise it."

Get familiar with your circle.. Honestly, i am a very quiet person, I didn't start getting comfortable with my group until like 3 months into senior year. It took me 1 and a half years to get comfortable with them.

It is totally fine to have a small circle of friends. It's also okay to have a large circle of friends. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Don't back answer a teacher. Teachers have impressions and if you back answer. That definitely leaves a bad impression. And you don't want that.

Have a memory book or anything for the last day of high school (I didn't want to keep a book because you had to spend weeks giving it to everyone so when we had a high school party, I took one of my scarfs and made people sign it and write a short message)

Don't give in to peer pressure. Honestly, it's fine if you don't do or like something.

__________________

Additional Posts:

Mistakes I made in my junior year that i don't want anyone else to repeat.

Mistakes I made in my senior year that I don't want anyone else to repeat

__________________

Hope This Helps! :))

[satanfemme]

I....I think I might have some of the anger you used to have. How did you grow? How do you become so positive but it doesn't feel fake anymore?

a combination of a shift in perspective + the kind of healing that just takes a lot of time and practice.

on my shift in perspective:

understanding political theory better has helped (communism, anarchism, and transfeminism are the schools of thought I study the most. the abolition of prisons/punitive justice is also especially important to me). it sounds silly, but when you don't understand truthful and reality-based political theory it's very easy to feel like there's fundamentally "good people" and fundamentally "evil people", if not feeling that it's human nature as a whole to be evil, and this worldview can taint every part of your life. studying theory has helped me understand HOW and WHY horrible things happen in the world on both large and small scales, and that it's more complicated (and also more solvable) than just paranoid and misanthropic "people are bad" fears. this has helped me a lot.

on a more personal and esoteric note, I've also come to see people as inherently interconnected. I believe we're all part of the same macroorganism and there's no fundamental differences between us other than circumstances. everyone in the world is traumatized and doing their best to respond to what's happening to them as it's happening, and learning as they go. it's a lot harder to hate someone once you understand whatever they're doing to wrong you is out of fear/trauma. it's also a lot harder to hate someone once you understand that you could've been them if only your life went a different way. (in other words, as I like to point out: everyone is capable of being abusive, and people who are abusive are still people). it also probably helps through all these beliefs that I don't believe in genuine free will, but I understand that thought probably isn't comforting to most people the way it's comforting to me.

on my healing:

living away from my abusive parents for five years and counting helps. trying to find ways to treat my mental disabilities with patience and grace (and with an increasingly anti-psych viewpoint) has helped. getting an emotional support dog has helped.

maybe the BIGGEST help has been meeting and befriending more people in real life, and doing new and novel things all the time. socially speaking I consider myself raised by social media, and although my feelings towards that fact aren't wholly negative, let me tell you that the real adult world is SO much better and healthier than any website. I like meeting people who are different than me, and have different thoughts than me, and I like exploring, and going to shows, and experimenting with things. nothing makes me feel as alive as when I'm out there in the world Doing A Thing, In A Location, Dressed In An Outfit, and With Other People.

I also think age has helped to an extent, but not because of any pseudoscience "your brain matures at X age" stuff. I think I just have a lot more practice at being a person than I did in the past. and I hope to have more practice in the future. this is the first year I've felt like an "adult" and it feels fucking GREAT! I feel emotionally mature, I feel autonomous, I feel really good.

AND ALSO. my last piece of wisdom for you: stop worrying about how other's see you, stop worrying about your interests being cringe, stop worrying about being the most perfect morally pure person in the world. letting go of these fears doesn't happen over night, it takes time. but the more I become openly & proudly freakish and weird, the happier and nicer I become. I love being a cringy furry pervert so much. it's awesome. can't recommend that kind of thing enough.

[mamadarama]

Just curious on your opinion here do you have any thoughts on the way Madara is being written? Recently I came to the realization that enstars writers aren't all that great,, and I notice that Madara at least in my opinion has had very little development and progression as a character but I'm genuinely hoping I'm wrong but I don't see much difference. And I do hope I'm wrong cuz I definitely haven't read every single story ever in Enstars and it could just really be Madara's character but it feels like he hasn't budged an inch and when DF rolled around it seems like he's gonna progress only for the writers to make him wanna split up literal months after (SS) and it was fine the first time since we explored that part of his character but right after that we got the Spring event and he's?? Back on his bullshit as if whatever happened during Secret Service didn't have much impact. And I do understand his character and all but I often wonder how much of that is just his character (immovable mountain with deep roots that will take years of continuous effort to move) or just the writers half assing because they can't think of a more compelling narrative for double face other than Madara wanting a breakup. It's especially sad to me with Last Mission because as much as I can understand DF being temporary and meant to end, it feels like nothing has changed in Madara during !! Era. I'm hoping that new gen Madara can change that since he's already featured in the new shuffle and scout story, and it does look like he's changing the vibes a little. Idk what are your thoughts and genuinely no hate here I love Madara and I'd love to hear your opinion :)

i think the writers do a pretty good job with the story actually !! i ended up spending a few hours writing like 3 pages of stuff so this one gets a readmore ^^;

theres a tldr at the end though if you dont wanna hear me talk in circles like some kind of maniac (understandable i dont either)

at this point madaras story is a tragedy and hes not really supposed to be a satisfying character . youre supposed to be some degree of frustrated with him like all the other characters are. the story isnt over yet though and maybe he will get a satisfying happy ending someday , but this is all buildup. having madara go through negative character development while the rest of the 3rd years have significant positive character development puts emphasis on one of the main points of his character: you cant help someone who doesnt want to be helped . shu wanted to become more empathetic. eichi wanted to unlearn his bitterness. kaoru wanted to leave his playboy reputation behind. izumi wanted to learn to control his emotions . madara has two sides to him that refuse to coexist— anger and misery. the angry side of him has given up on himself and leans into his perceived role as a villain because he believes alienating his friends is the only way to save them and for once be the hero. the miserable side of him is the sad and "selfish" part that keeps him returning to his friends again and again despite believing hes a bad influence on them, because he still seeks acknowledgment and praise from others and doesnt want to believe its too late for him. he bounces between these like a metronome . (maybe thats another layer of reasoning behind double faces name, idk) so, he doesnt know if he wants to be helped. he thinks he doesnt deserve it. pulling someone out of a ditch that deep requires some legwork on their part too, and if they wont put in that legwork, well... then there's nothing you can do. madara isnt quite a rooted mountain that takes a long time to move... hes more like an injured tiger pacing in its pit , so fixated on looking for a way out that it wont look up and see the entire top is open where its keepers are waiting to take it out and treat its wounds . now suppose this tiger is sentient enough to worry it might hurt someone on impulse when the disinfectant stings its wounds. additionally, lets say the tigers wounds came from falling and cutting itself on something in its habitat while making a risky jump , and it believes it deserves to be hurt for such a stupid misjudgment. so even when it notices the top of the pit is open, it will continue pacing pretending like it didnt. thats where madara is at right now .

madara broke up double face partly out of self sabotage, and partly out of a twisted attempt to "save" kohaku from him. kohaku and madara are an interesting contrast because their characters are set up in a very similar way. the difference between them is that kohaku doesnt hate himself even close to as much as madara does, and as a result he IS getting better. kohaku believes hes always going to be part of the underbelly of society doing dirty work and hes resolved to that like madara is, but he doesnt believe that means he has to do it alone . he acknowledges that hes not alone, he has the rest of alkakurei, the sweets club, jun, his sisters and tsukasa.... and madara. the first part of beating loneliness is recognizing youre not alone. madara thinks no one understands him (which in itself is its own kind of loneliness) and that if his friends understood "what he really is", they wouldnt love him. so in a way their presence eases one kind of loneliness and reinforces another. in his mind the only person who understands him is himself and therefore the only one who can save people from himself is also him.

theres a scene in last mission where madara says his reason for disbanding double face is something along the lines of wanting kohaku to live where he can feel the sun on him , and kohaku asks "what about my feelings?" . that pretty much sums up madaras entire thought process and why he isnt making any positive progress .

tldr; madara does have character development between es! and es!! , but its not positive. to have such a stubborn self loathing character make positive progress without a slow burn of warring with themself and dragging their feet would soften those traits. they want him to stand out and make you to go "ohh ok so this guy is MISERABLE miserable" .

so anyways i dont think its lazy writing its just character loyalty. but the fact that you noticed all that means youre reading him the way hes intended to be read. so congratulations!! you now understand what its like to be kohaku oukawa :) if he does get positive character development i hope its really slow though cuz if its too fast it would feel kinda abrupt. it needs to feel like hes fighting the writers for it to truly be madara

[livelaughghoul]

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg Relationship Tarot Reading

Disclaimer: This is for entertainment purposes only, nothing observed or taken away from this should be considered fact. As a reminder, I know fuck all about Formula 1, I just like fast cars and have a dumb amount of knowledge of astrology and tarot. 

Hey besties. Thank you for being patient with me while dealing with my husband’s medical issues. To be completely upfront and honest, we don’t have any resolution, and there may continue to be some sporadic posting and breaks taken if he has another episode. I was hoping that only one of us in this marriage would have a chronic illness or long-term medical issues, but turns out, that both my husband and I are trying to outdo each other in terms of our medical complications (I’m still winning, because like my neurological issues absolutely body his blood clot, and yes, I am using humor to cope with the anxiety this caused). 

I’ve done some more research and explored the lore, but I am still nowhere near knowledgeable about any of these men. What I will say is that the older ones (Lewis, Jenson, Kimi, and Mark) are the ones that have me the most feral. I won’t lie, I watched like, one video on Lewis and Nico, and guys, I am so emotional over them. I think that there is a lot of history there, and I think that history can be really hard to move on from or heal from. I made wanted to see what the cards had to say about the current and future relationship, so here is the reading for Lewis and Nico! 

Current relationship - Six of Cups 

The Six of Cups is this nostalgic card, it’s remembering what was shared between friends. It’s one of those cards that is really difficult in terms of relationship readings, at least in my opinion. The way that I look at the Six of Cups when thinking about someone's current relationship, especially if that relationship is strained, tells me that someone is still holding onto the past in a way that prevents forward movement. I think that either Lewis or Nico is unable to move on from what happened between them, that pain and hurt run deeper than what is known. They may be able to act somewhat civil when near each other, but I don’t think that there is a way to get back to what the friendship was. 

Future relationship - Strength, reversed 

I think that any friendship between the two of them, beyond the sparse interactions now, is going to be plagued with a lot of negative emotions, insecurities, and general doubts. I imagine that no matter how much healing and work goes into it, there is always going to be that rawness that is there. When I see Strength in the reversal position it’s more internal than anything, so I think that in the future if they were to really rebuild a friendship, it would be plagued with a lot of internal doubts and insecutirties. I don’t see a way that the friendship ever returns to what it was, I think that there is just too much hurt there. It’s possible though that slowly over time an olive branch is extended, but I think that there is always going to be some distance to a degree. 

[skylinesnsunshines]

treasure reading: haruto ideal type + as a boyfriend

hi everyone <3 long time no chat, im actually back and happy new year! :'). i apologise for not being consistent and absent this last year, my life has made a 360 and i had a lot going on which caused me to stop focusing on tarot. however, i've been slowly getting into it and i feel like i now have a better grasp on my life so i am now doing readings again. i'll be pickier on who i do readings for but still feel free to send your requests. hope you enjoy! <3

DISCLAIMER: this is all speculative and for entertainment purposes only, so take it with a grain of salt :)

decks used: ethereal visions tarot, archetype cards by caroline myss, heavenly bodies astrology, the wild unknown animal by kim krans

(italicised is the card on the bottom of the tarot deck which is meant to represent the subconscious/blind spot of the situation + rx means reversed)

IDEAL TYPE

6 of swords, queen of wands, 6 of cups rx, ace of swords rx | phoenix | house nine: spiritual growth | servant

honestly, interpreting these cards made me laugh so hard because I feel like I don't even need to go fully in-depth for you all to know what his ideal type is like. 6 of swords tells me that haruto looks for someone who doesn't necessarily show interest in him initially. as an aries, i can envision him really loving the chase and that even in a relationship, he still feels like he continuously chase his partner. the archetype that i feel he falls for is the attractive, independent, go-getter that doesn't settle for less. queen of wands describes someone who is physically attractive and is fiery, someone who isn't afraid to stand out or express their opinions. i think haruto wants someone who is as if not more outspoken than he is. 6 of cups rx tells me that he wants someone more mature than him, wether that would be in age or in mindset. subconsciously, i feel haruto likes someone a bit random, or scattered mentally. i think he finds it endearing that his person has many ideas and wants to explore it with him.

the phoenix tells me that haruto wants someone who can always reinvent themselves after hardships and can turn the negatives into positives. house nine is known as Sagittarius, a fire sign that trines haruto's Aries sun. haruto could look for someone who he has a spiritual connection with, or someone who is well-travelled and is constantly on the pursuit of knowledge. i think haruto could possibly want someone religious, as the servant details someone who lives to serve others which could also include a higher being. with the Sagittarius + servant card, haruto could want someone who shares the same faith or belief systems as him. i feel like this card also indicates a person who serves others, but is happy with not taking the spotlight as they are doing it out of the goodness of their own heart not for recognition.

AS A BOYFRIEND

king of cups, king of swords, the world, temperance rx | cobra | capricorn: ambition, realism and methodical steps | artist

i can definitely see that haruto will take on the provider role with the two king cards coming out. i feel that haruto is very much into traditional relationship roles. king of cups + swords tells me that haruto acts as an emotional rock and focuses on communication with his s/o. in a relationship, haruto seems to be mature and understands the importance of emotional fulfilment as well as being able to communicate and discuss many different topics. he could also be someone who starts random conversations or debates cause he loves hearing and exchanging ideas with his significant other. the world card is interesting to see, because i feel like this represents haruto as a well-balanced boyfriend, could even indicate some sort of husband material as this card is the end of the major arcana. the temperance card in reverse does tell me that haruto has a tendency to have an all or nothing mindset. so once he loves his person, it's gonna be very hard for him to move on, and that applies for so many other things as well such as jealousy, giving gifts, spending time, etc.

the cobra represents a teacher or a spiritual guardian, so again as i reiterated i feel haruto wants someone who he has a spiritual connection with. haruto could be said as someone who is ever-present and ever-loving, just like the cobra. the Capricorn reminds me again of the traditional gender roles, but it also tells me that haruto values tradition and that when he is with a partner, he loves focusing on building tangible things that helps him and his partner grow in the relationship. haruto could be a grounding figure for his partner, as he also loves to continuously work towards something when in the relationship. the artist tells me that haruto aims to express a dimension of life that is just beyond the five senses, and that he loves to inspire his partner to see life symbolically. haruto could also be the type to use music to express his feelings, so I feel like this boy would use music and lyrics to detail how he really feels towards his person.

[coffeeandbatboys]

👀👀👀

Ollo, I am scootin' in for the matchmaker!

First of all, to dear Coffee...CONGRATS AGAIN! And second of all, Helena, please help me find the bestest trooper for me 🙇

let's see how short I can make this...

I am an essentric individual! I have a ridiculous number of hobbies and activities that I like to do, ranging from crafts (drawing, painting, knitting, crochet) to studying (Mythology, history, metaphysical topics) to indulging (fandoms, tv/movies, music). I went to school for Early Childhood Education, as I love kids...but my mobility changed and now I can't safely be in that profession. And I have music (or movie noises, or ambiance) on literally 24/7 as I cannot stand silence.

Positive traits: Very good memory (I remember most conversations I am part of), protective of my peoples, empathetic, and smart (analytical brain). I have been told I'm self-sacrificing, kind, quirky, funny and a good listener by loved ones

Negative traits: Forgetful of the strangest things (if I have fed the pets, holidays), protectiveness can be coddling, emotional, and distrustful of others. I am a bit lazy and have been called a defeatist.

I tend to use a wheelchair when I leave the house as a mobilty aid (sometimes in the house too, but i am stubborn and hate it) and tend to have an over-active mind so I rarely get any sleep. I also tend to go through depressive spells sooo... you'll have to warn them about *gestures vaguely to myself* that

If you need more information than that...👀

*slides over a datapad with @moonlightwarriorqueen on it*

You can find me here!

Thank you for reading all this and I wish you the best of luck with your event

😘💜💜💜

AAAAAAAAA MOONIEEEEEEEE TYYYYY oh...ok Helena is grabbing the phone....oh she looks serious...ttyl I guess...

Helena: *slams fist on countertop* Do. I. Have. A. Match. For. You.

I have been eying him in your favor for a while but your application has solidified my choice...

...which is why I have decided to pair you with ARC Trooper Jesse!

Jesse is loyal, caring, and an overall good man. He may not know much about mythology or metaphysical topics (maker, force osik is enough to make his head spin) but he will be willing to listen and learn from you!

He is interested by many different kinds of art, and he'll love to watch watch the way you craft. (Also, expect him to ask sheepishly if you'll make him something; perhaps a small crocheted plush or a drawing that he can tuck in one of his armor's pouches)

And domesticity? Whether it's just the two of you or starting a family, he loves it. The two of you will probably cuddle up and watch movies together when he's on leave, and he loves exploring your playlists and hearing new music! (New to him at least; he's got some catching up to do)

He may have a hard time with being overprotective when it comes to your mobility issues. He knows that you are capable but that doesn't stop him from wanting to help you. He'll most likely go to Kix and ask about ways he can assist you or make you more comfortable. Many cuddles will ensue.

If you're feeling down or out of touch, he'll gauge the situation and adapt to your mood, whether that means cheering you up or making sure you know he loves you.

Here's Jesse's comm code! Thanks for stopping by!

.....Thanks again Moonlight!! I wish you and your new trooper nothing but the best! 🩵🩵🩵

Coffee's 400 follower celebration at Midnight Oil caf house

[gemharvest]

I think it's beautiful how humans pull from those around them. Product of your environment type shit. And yeah, this can lead to negatives, but idk. When it leads to positives, the positives are fucking beautiful. It's beautiful to be touched by everything around you.

There is nothing truly original in the act of creation. You are constantly pulling from your interests, what intrigues you, what you want to play with yourself, what you wish would be explored better. What mediums are fun to play around with, what stories do you want to tell. Some might piss and shit themselves over not being able to be "original", but you're aiming for an unachievable goal with that.

I respect OC guys. I see myself as an OC guy, in a sense. Kinda hard not to when I have, like, hundreds of them. And yet I have gravitated towards Beef for months. Made him his own thing. Yet no desire to truly divorce him from his source. He is derivative, the product of the tar in my mind and a Newgrounds homage rhythm game, and yet he is everything to me. He has grown as important to me as my fursona, Karl, and that's weird. I do not normally do this with characters, I usually stomp them out before they turn into proper reinterpretations. There were many times I wanted to do that with wyd!RGB, as they drifted further from being "canon with headcanons for flavor" and more into their own things.

I haven't shut up about Beef being like an OC to me, but he is. He really is. Even if I never sand him off from FNF, even if he stays an AU version of a canon character for as long as he's around, he will be my son. As derivative as he is, as much as another self-proclaimed OC guy may not get it, he is the same to me. He is not canon BF, he does not have a fanbase. It's easier to get people to see him, because I can still fandom tag, but that doesn't mean everyone inherently Gets him. Sees him as something other than a weird Boyfriend redesign. Part of this is on me for not really laying out the AU for people to get into, but idk. This is the OC experience to me. Having so much in my head I just never get around to putting out there.

Like Beef is the product of multiple things- of a fixation, of projected mental illness, of what I find interesting to explore in character dynamics -I am the product of everything around me. A tapestry of experiences I have lived and friends I have made. Maybe sometimes I feel like there isn't a real person at my core, but even then. At least I have the comfort of what those that have passed through my life have given to me.

I see it when I speak, sometimes. the wording i use or the emotes i add. The memes I reference because of a specific moment and inside jokes I think about. Many times now I have said something and seen it after and recognized my friends in my words. The way I say things sounding like this friend or that friend. I feel like my Truest voice is when I'm getting like this, detached and faux-deep sounding. An observer to it all. But that doesn't mean I don't like channeling my friends. It's natural to do that, I think. Maybe natural to notice it more as a neurodivergent person or something, though I'm starting to frame it less as being Fake and more as just. Being human.

I really don't know how to end this I already used my fucking . Tapestry metaphor. I really do just find it beautiful. Find it comforting. I just wanted to ramble about it I think. Let myself Observe in a way more tangible than just the endless rambling in my mind.

[raniaelalaoui]

Fanfiction & Criticism

I’m not sure if this is going to blow up or if anyone will even see it, but this is my first post tackling a topic that definitely needs some discussion. 

I know this topic has a bit of a negative angle, which might rub some people the wrong way—and hey, I get it. I’m not here to judge anyone. I’m just going to share some facts and opinions, and I want to start with respect and end with respect, too. 

Because, let’s be honest, when you dive into something objectively, it’s tough not to let a bit of personal perspective slip through—unless you’re writing an academic essay!  So if I come across as amused at any point, it’s not about judging anyone; it’s just me reacting to the absurdity of the topic itself (all my subjective take, of course). 

Anyway, the first topic I’m diving into is...

Fanfics.

FANFICTIONS—just hearing that word gives me goosebumps. I’ve been reading fics for a long time; they’ve been with me through every stage of my life. It’s wild how they became a part of my existence, especially during those lonely teenage years when I dove deep into that world. Honestly, I never want to leave it, because I truly believe fanfiction holds a hidden power—a power that not everyone recognizes, but it’s there, right between the lines. This hidden power is remarkable, and that’s why I see fanfiction as a unique art form. It’s where someone pours their entire essence, their feelings, and emotions into a narrative we don’t usually get to hear from people.

Fanfiction creates an incredible universe that expands on another one, letting us see different perspectives, plot twists, and character developments. It’s like stepping into a life we crave, seeing everything we yearn for. I won’t get too deep here, but you know what I mean. I’m talking to those who understand the magic of reading a fanfic—exploring a world you wish so desperately to be a part of, finding hope in those pages to dream, explore, and experience so much more.

I want to share that I’ve been around since the early days. I remember when fanfiction.net came online back in, what was it, 1998? Maybe 2001? After some years, that’s where I started discovering fics. Then I moved on to AO3, Quotav, Tumblr, and FictionPress. I never really got into Wattpad much, though, because when Gen Z started discovering it—no disrespect to them—their mentality and writing style just didn’t fit with mine. You know, the whole cringey trope of the shy girl falling for the bad boy? That wasn’t really a thing in the early 2000s, (not entirely). 

No shade to the writers of those fics; I’m just saying there’s good, and then there’s better.

Honestly, I think I’ve read more fanfics than actual books—probably three to four hundred of them. My parents used to "ground" me for the amount of time I spent consuming content on those sites. So yeah, I’ve had my share of experiences in this world. 

But the main reason for this topic is about one PARTICULAR fanfic in a SPECIFIC fandom. 

When I say “this fanfic,” I mean one that’s insanely well-known and famous within that fandom for a particular ship. Which, by the way, is NOT canon, so keep that in mind.

This fic is everywhere. 

If you look up that particular ship, or if you’re into reading about it, you’ll find it. It has a massive amount of fan art, audiobooks, even some AI content. People treat it like it’s a published book because they think it’s so amazing—which, hey, that’s their opinion, not mine. 

And the reactions? Nothing but positive. 

People call it heartbreaking and dark. Sure, it’s dark, but I wouldn’t really say it’s heartbreaking. That’s just their feeling, and the “darkness” is part of the author’s intent.

People are constantly saying they cried, that they felt numb after reading it, that they couldn’t think about any other fic or anything else for a while. 

I’ve read this fic six times, seriously—word for word—and... I just didn’t have that reaction. 

I’m not judging anyone; I’m just emphasizing the impact this fic has over its fandom. I’m not going to name the fic or the fandom (which, by the way, is super toxic yet somehow comforting, since I grew up with it). But out of respect, I won’t dive into that or analyze it. I’m just here to highlight the issues in it, in the fandom, and in some people within it.

So, the other HUGE part of this topic is focusing on—well, actually, it’s hard to focus on that one part because it’s tied into the fic. So I’m going to bring up some personal issues I have with it (and I think others might, too). But the main topic here is: 

CRITICISM. 

Yes, that’s the word; that’s the topic—Fanfictions and Criticism.

Recently, I had the pleasure of reading an article called “On Fanfiction, Fandom, and Why Criticism is Healthy” by Stitch. Here’s a bit of the introduction to give you a general idea of what I’m about to discuss (what follows is the article’s perspective, summarized—my own thoughts will come later).

On January 15th, Twitter user @Benedict_RS sparked major backlash with a lengthy thread about fanfiction. “It’s incredibly bleak how many contemporary aspiring writers cut their teeth on fanfiction, a form that actively teaches you to write worse,” they wrote. 

Clearly, this clearly struck a nerve—it now has over 8,000 quote retweets and hundreds of comments, sparking passionate defenses of fanfic and fandom from various outlets and writers.

While Benedict’s thread was obviously meant to provoke discourse and drama, the argument itself wasn’t new or groundbreaking. What proved most interesting were the responses. Most people who reacted did so in defense of the fanfiction they wrote or read—stories that actually helped them improve as writers or even led to becoming published authors. Many also argued that fanfiction was simply “just for fun,” and that criticism didn’t need to be part of the equation at all.

So here we are—there’s fanfiction and there’s criticism. Criticism is, by definition, the analysis and judgment of a literary or artistic work, while fanfiction refers to stories written about TV, film, or book characters by their fans—people who admire them. For example, fanfiction is booming on websites where amateur writers continue their favorite stories. 

Okay, this is an issue, though; it’s intricate and should be detailed bit by bit.

Fanfiction can evoke powerful emotions in readers because, let me tell you, people can get so passionate about these stories they read and write—like it’s their whole life. And I get it; it’s a powerful world. Some fics have this incredible ability to hit you right in the gut and leave you feeling all kinds of things, like joy or heartbreak or just pure numbness. Then you have folks who are out here crying about a particular fic, saying it changed their whole perspective on writing and life, which is intense—and I respect that. But then you have the flip side, where some people argue that fanfiction isn’t real writingand that it teaches bad habits, sparking a whole debate. Because let’s be real: everyone has their own opinions and experiences with it.

So let’s dive into this whole idea about fanfiction and criticism, because there’s this ongoing belief in fandom that if something is beloved, it shouldn’t be critiqued—as if loving something means you have to accept all of it without question. And that’s a bit, unfortunately, just wrong. 

I know, I know—it’s fanfiction, I know it shouldn’t be criticized, but there’s a reason why sometimes it must be, not just that it should be. And the article claims that’s just not how art works. There’s this space where we can absolutely enjoy fanfiction while also acknowledging that some stories have serious issues, and those issues deserve to be talked about.

Yes, I’m talking about THAT particular fanfic that has THAT serious issue, that particular theme that deserves to be discussed because fandom isn’t just about fun and escapism. This brings us to critical thinking, which is insanely crucial to our lives—literally in every aspect. Because honestly, if you grew up with fics and you want to move to books, you’ll see a whole lot of different worlds, different writing styles, different plots. So you actually need that power of critical thinking when reading fics. It’s also a community where critical thinking can flourish, and honestly, it should, because when we ignore the problematic elements in our favorite fics—and guys, seriously, this is the reality—there are fics that are harmful, and there are fics that are unharmful. And the fics that are harmful are harmful for a reason.

When we ignore the problematic elements in fanfics, we’re letting harmful ideologies slip by unchecked, and that’s where things get really problematic. Let’s be clear: it’s not about censorship or trying to ruin someone’s enjoyment of a story; it’s about fostering a space where all voices can be heard, and that includes the voices pointing out that certain themes can perpetuate bigotry or reinforce harmful stereotypes. When fans just shrug off transmisogyny, ableism, or, even worse, rape, as just part of the narrative, it becomes this dangerous cycle where these issues get normalized and accepted as part of the fandom culture. 

And that’s not okay, because saying “don’t like, don’t read” or “your kink is not my kink” is a way to deflect responsibility from engaging with the content meaningfully.

So while I totally get the impulse to protect what you love, there’s also this responsibility to engage thoughtfully with the stories we’re creating and sharing. And that means recognizing when a fanfic crosses a line or promotes harmful ideas, because at the end of the day, we can love fanfiction and still demand better from it and from ourselves as a community. It’s about striking that balance between enjoyment and accountability because both can coexist, and that’s a powerful space to be in as a fan and a writer.

So, let’s consider what Chelsea Steiner points out in her essay for The Mary Sue, where she says, “LET PEOPLE LIKE THE THINGS THEY LIKE.” She writes, “I would like to propose something radical in 2021: LET PEOPLE LIKE THE THINGS THEY LIKE. Unless those things are nazism or animal cruelty or a violent insurrection to overthrow the government...” And honestly, I’m not sure why she didn’t mention rape or the romanticization of it or normalizing it. But the point here is that people should be free to enjoy what they like without guilt or judgment. Steiner goes on to say, “I can’t stand gory horror films, but I don’t begrudge those who do. Let people live their damn lives.”

But here’s the twist—what if you enjoy critical analysis and don’t want to be labeled a “hater”? 

What if you want to engage deeply with the media you consume, recognizing its flaws without it meaning you hate it? 

This is where the conversation really gets interesting. If I’m critical of a problematic pairing, a popular idol group, or even fandom dynamics in general, it doesn’t mean I’m coming from a place of hate. It just means I’m trying to navigate the complexities of what it means to be a fan and to create in a space that can be both joyful and troubling.

And that’s the crux of the issue, isn’t it? There’s this underlying belief that you can’t critique something you love without being seen as a hater. But that’s a false dichotomy because engaging critically actually allows for growth, improvement, and accountability within the community. When we let the notion that love means silence dominate our discussions, we’re doing a disservice to the very art we cherish. It’s entirely possible to love fanfiction while also demanding better from it. And that’s what makes the community vibrant and rich—when we’re willing to dive into those messy conversations and not just brush aside the problematic aspects as if they don’t exist.

In 2021, it seems like criticism is just not in vogue anymore. No one really wants to engage with it, no matter who’s saying it or how it’s delivered. Sure, it doesn’t exactly provide that instant serotonin hit we crave in our online interactions, but that doesn’t mean it’s not vital to the conversation we’re having as fans and creators. 

The phrase “let people enjoy things” has become this sort of shield people raise to deflect even the gentlest critiques about everything from politics to pop culture to that certain British author who claims she’s being “canceled” for her outright bigoted views while really she’s just not facing any real consequences.

It’s baffling how this mindset permeates through stan culture, where any critical opinion about a beloved artist or anything related to them is met with hostility. A slight critique of Taylor Swift’s Folkloreor a thoughtful discussion about the instances of antiblackness within certain fandoms can spark outrage and even threats of violence from stans who feel their love is under attack.

But, it’s not just stan Twitter where criticism is treated like some sort of taboo.

In many fandoms where fanfiction thrives, criticism of fictional relationships or the troubling aspects of certain narratives gets equated with a sort of anti-fandom sentiment or even censorship—like it’s the Hays Code of old shaping what can be written and read. That’s such a harmful mindset because it stifles growth and accountability within the community. If we can’t talk about the problematic themes or harmful narratives that exist in fanworks, we’re doing ourselves a disservice as creators and fans. That silence allows those issues to persist unchallenged, and that’s just not conducive to a healthy fandom.

I get it: we’re all wired to take criticism of the things we love personally. It feels like an attack on our very identity when someone points out flaws in the stories or artists we hold dear. If someone calls out a Korean artist for cultural appropriation, fans often feel like they’re being labeled as racist by association. Similarly, when someone critiques a celebrity’s past actions, their fans often think they’re being insulted as well. But good criticism isn’t personal, even when it’s directed at a person or a work; it’s about recognizing the complexities of what we consume and how it affects us and the communities we’re part of. Fans need to understand that we have the power to choose how to respond to critiques—whether that’s engaging thoughtfully or just dismissing them out of hand. Every conversation about the art we love should be allowed to include critique alongside the joy we find in it, and that’s what makes fandom such a rich and dynamic space to inhabit.

Within fandom, critical analysis often gets lumped under this umbrella term called meta, which is basically fans writing non-fiction about any aspect of fandom, fanworks, or the source material. But here’s the thing I’ve noticed: a lot of folks will refer to any criticism of fandom, especially when it touches on issues like racism in fanworks, as censorship and even liken it to book burning. That’s just not accurate because criticism is not censorship; it’s a necessary part of dialogue that allows us to explore the very issues that might be holding us back from fully enjoying what we love.

When the article’s writer discusses topics like cultural appropriation and the ways Blackness is commodified in Korean pop music, they’re not coming from a place of hatred or negativity but rather from a deep disappointment about how their culture can sometimes feel like it’s being reduced to a mere costume for others to wear. It’s frustrating and disheartening, and what many fans are doing when they critique platforms like Archive of Our Own for not removing blatantly racist fanworks isn’t an attempt to shut down the space; it’s an effort to push for deeper reflection about what we’ve accepted as “okay” within our fandom communities. Engaging with these issues doesn’t mean we’re trying to tear fandom apart; it means we’re hoping to make it stronger and more inclusive.

You don’t have to engage with bad faith criticism of the things you love because that can be draining and unproductive. But taking a closer look at what you read or create is such a healthy practice; it encourages growth and helps us understand the nuances of the art we consume and create. That kind of thoughtful engagement doesn’t just elevate individual works; it elevates the entire community and fosters a more welcoming and understanding environment for everyone involved.

When we open the door to critique within fandom spaces, we’re actually enriching our experiences and creating a culture where all voices can be heard and valued. That’s the kind of fandom we should all strive for: a space where we can love what we love while also having the courage to discuss its flaws and work towards improvement together.

But let’s talk about some particular fics that engage in harmful content, specifically those that use rape as a plot device. 

When we look at the use of rape as a plot device in popular fiction and specifically in fanfiction, it’s crucial to recognize just how deeply problematic this trend is. The notion of using rape as a mechanical plot device to drive a male character’s narrative journey really highlights the issue at hand. It often reduces a horrific act to mere background noise for a hero’s arc, framing it as something that either turns a character into a villain or positions them as a savior when they intervene to “rescue” the victim.

That’s not just an irresponsible portrayal; it’s a dangerous narrative that perpetuates harmful tropes about violence and gender dynamics.

By allowing these narratives to exist unchallenged, we risk normalizing harmful attitudes towards consent, trauma, and victimhood. It’s vital that we engage critically with these themes, pushing for more thoughtful storytelling that respects the complexities of these experiences rather than reducing them to mere plot points. This is part of the accountability we owe to ourselves and to the communities we inhabit as fans and creators.

In many fanfics, this trope can manifest as a way to generate drama or emotional conflict without truly engaging with the trauma that comes from such an experience. While some might argue that it’s just fiction and shouldn’t be taken too seriously, we have to acknowledge the real-world implications of normalizing this kind of storytelling. It can desensitize readers to the severity of sexual violence and create a false narrative that frames rape as an acceptable plot twist rather than the devastating reality it is. This becomes even more concerning in fandom spaces where younger audiences often consume these stories and might not fully grasp the complexities and consequences of such portrayals.

When we allow rape to serve as a plot device, we risk trivializing the experiences of survivors and reducing their trauma to a mere storyline. That’s a disservice not only to those who have endured such violence but also to the broader conversation about consent and agency in both fiction and real life. It’s essential for creators to approach sensitive topics with the care and nuance they deserve rather than using them as easy shortcuts for conflict. Every narrative choice has the potential to reinforce harmful ideologies or challenge them, and in a space where we’re already grappling with issues of representation and accountability, we have to be vigilant about how we depict violence and trauma.

Engaging critically with these narratives doesn’t just elevate our understanding of the art we consume; it also cultivates a healthier dialogue within the community that honors the complexities of these experiences and fosters a deeper connection to the stories we love.

This isn’t to say that difficult subjects shouldn’t be explored in fiction; rather, it’s about how they’re handled and the messages they convey. When rape becomes a tool for character development rather than a serious subject worthy of thoughtful exploration, it reflects a broader cultural issue where violence against women is downplayed and marginalized. 

So let’s encourage a more responsible approach to storytelling in fanfiction and popular media—one that respects the gravity of these experiences and fosters meaningful discussions rather than perpetuating harmful tropes that only serve to trivialize such an important issue.

When it comes to fanfiction, there’s this troubling trend where authors engage with sensitive topics like violence and trauma, but instead of treating these subjects with the seriousness they deserve, they end up romanticizing them in ways that are not only problematic but also dangerous. 

Often, we see the female lead portrayed as weak and vulnerable, a damsel in distress whose entire narrative arc hinges on her victimization. 

The male antagonist, meanwhile, is often depicted as misunderstood or even forced into his villainy, as if his actions are justifiable because of his tragic backstory. This kind of portrayal does a serious disservice to both characters and readers alike.

By normalizing these narratives, we risk reinforcing harmful stereotypes and diminishing the voices of those who have experienced trauma. It’s crucial to create space for stories that engage with these themes thoughtfully and respectfully, allowing for a nuanced exploration of the complexities surrounding consent, agency, and the impact of violence. When we advocate for better storytelling practices, we contribute to a healthier dialogue in fandoms that honors the experiences of all individuals involved.

What’s especially frustrating is that these narratives can perpetuate the idea that a woman’s value lies in her suffering and that a man’s villainy can be excused or softened by his circumstances. This isn’t just bad storytelling; it’s an insidious trope that reinforces harmful stereotypes about gender dynamics in relationships and power imbalances. While it might seem like a compelling narrative device, it fails to recognize the complexities of real human experiences and the serious implications of portraying violence as a means of character development or romantic entanglement.

In fanfiction, we should strive to create stories that avoid these pitfalls. Instead of glorifying toxic relationships or minimizing the severity of abuse, we could explore healthier dynamics that prioritize mutual respect and agency for all characters. Yet, it feels like this romanticized view of violence and vulnerability is present in nearly every fanfic I come across. The idea that a woman must be saved or that her worth is only validated through her trauma is so prevalent that it’s hard to escape.

This is concerning because these narratives can shape how readers view relationships in their own lives, reinforcing damaging beliefs that can lead to real-world consequences. It’s vital for writers and readers alike to challenge these tropes and advocate for more responsible storytelling that uplifts rather than diminishes the experiences of individuals, particularly those who have faced violence or trauma. We need to foster a narrative landscape that reflects the richness of human relationships—one that values individuals for their strength, resilience, and capacity for agency, rather than their suffering.

We need to critically examine these patterns within fanfiction and challenge how we approach storytelling about violence and villainy. It’s absolutely possible to tell complex stories that include flawed characters and difficult situations, but we should do so without romanticizing the harm inflicted upon others or simplifying the realities of trauma into a plot device or a love story.

Creators must acknowledge the weight of the subjects they’re tackling and represent their characters in a way that respects their agency and humanity, rather than reducing them to mere archetypes of victim and villain.

Let’s advocate for a shift in how we write and engage with these narratives in fanfiction—a movement toward stories that prioritize healthy relationships, personal growth, and the nuanced realities of human experiences. We need to move away from recycling tired tropes that perpetuate harmful narratives.

Every story we tell has the power to shape perspectives, and we should aim to use that power responsibly and thoughtfully. By doing so, we can create a richer, more inclusive narrative landscape that reflects the complexity of real life and promotes understanding rather than misunderstanding.

When we talk about fanfiction that tackles serious themes like violence and trauma, it’s crucial to emphasize that these stories need to be approached with care and depth. They shouldn’t be treated as mere entertainment or escapism. It’s simply not enough to throw in elements of trauma or abuse for shock value or to create drama without thoughtfully engaging with the implications of those narratives. This is where criticism becomes vital.

While fanfiction is a space for creativity and personal expression, that doesn’t mean every choice made in writing should go unquestioned—especially when certain themes are treated flippantly or romanticized in harmful ways. We should hold these works to a standard that respects the gravity of the topics they engage with and encourages authors to think critically about their portrayals of characters and relationships.

Unfortunately, there’s a segment of the fandom that falls into this trap, believing that any critique of their beloved fics is an attack on their enjoyment or even their identity as fans. These are the same readers who cling to the idea that “if you don’t like it, don’t read it” as a way to deflect any discussion about the flaws in the narratives they love. While it’s true that not every piece of fiction will resonate with everyone, using this phrase to shut down meaningful critique stifles growth and understanding within the community.

This mindset creates an environment where harmful narratives can flourish unchecked, allowing readers to overlook serious issues simply because they’re too invested in the story to confront the uncomfortable truths lurking beneath the surface. We need to foster an atmosphere where critique is not only welcomed but encouraged, so we can enrich our storytelling and elevate the conversations we have within fandom.

These readers often avoid grappling with the flaws in the things they love, whether out of fear that it will tarnish their enjoyment or a belief that acknowledging these issues somehow diminishes their experience. But that’s a narrow perspective. Loving something doesn’t mean ignoring its problems. In fact, being a thoughtful consumer means being willing to engage with the complexities and imperfections of the stories we cherish.

It’s through this critical lens that we can foster a healthier, more inclusive fandom—one where stories can be enjoyed while also being subject to thoughtful discussion and critique. Acknowledging the flaws and limitations in our favorite works doesn’t lessen our love for them; it enriches our understanding and appreciation of the narratives we consume.

By embracing both the joy and the critique, we create a space where all voices are heard, where we can celebrate what we love while striving for improvement. 

Then, when we look at authors who write fanfiction and then transition to publishing original works, it raises some serious questions about how they engage with criticism, especially when they’ve shown a clear reluctance to accept feedback on their narratives. Many of these authors create stories that incorporate troubling themes, like using rape as a plot device, and yet when critiques come their way, they often respond defensively rather than reflectively. It’s baffling because if you’re taking the step to publish something that originated in a fanfic, you’re essentially opening yourself up to the same level of scrutiny and critique you’ve faced in the fandom.

So why not take the time to acknowledge the harmful elements in your work before it reaches a broader audience?

Subjectively speaking, the idea of using rape as a plot device is not just problematic; it’s downright insane.

It’s a horrifying approach that trivializes the experiences of survivors and reduces an act of violence to a mere storytelling mechanism. This kind of portrayal perpetuates damaging stereotypes about trauma and can desensitize readers to the severity of sexual violence, making it seem like just another plot twist instead of the life-altering experience it truly is. When authors choose to employ such a tactic without fully understanding its implications, they’re failing to respect the gravity of the subject matter and the real-world consequences it can have on how people perceive and react to sexual violence.

And then there’s the added layer of these authors stepping into the realm of published works, often without addressing the issues that permeated their fanfiction. It’s a missed opportunity to engage with their audience in a more responsible way. 

If they continue to ignore the critiques they’ve received in their fanfiction, how can they expect to create something meaningful in their original writing? 

It feels like a reckless disregard for the responsibility that comes with being a storyteller, especially when dealing with sensitive subjects that can deeply affect readers.

The backlash they face as published authors won’t just vanish; it will follow them, and it should serve as a wake-up call to engage thoughtfully with the themes they choose to explore. 

Their work has the potential to shape perspectives, and by not reflecting on their choices, they risk perpetuating harmful narratives that could impact countless readers. So it’s crucial for these authors to confront the realities of their storytelling decisions and understand that criticism isn’t an attack; it’s a necessary part of growth as a writer and a human being who engages with complex and often painful subjects.

It’s truly disheartening to see how some people defend the use of harmful narratives in fanfiction,especially those that trivialize serious issues like sexual violence or depict toxic relationships as romantic. It’s even more frustrating when these stories receive praise and recognition that feels utterly undeserved, because at the end of the day, the writing might be technically sound, but that doesn’t excuse the content that reinforces dangerous stereotypes or normalizes abusive dynamics. This creates a bizarre environment where the craft of writing is celebrated while the underlying messages are deeply flawed, leaving many readers to grapple with a distorted view of love and relationships.

What’s particularly alarming is how media consumption can warp our perceptions of what’s acceptable or even desirable in storytelling. Many fans become so immersed in these narratives that they start to see toxic behavior as part of a “tragic love story,” mistaking manipulation and violence for passion and intensity. 

It’s a dangerous trap, one that romanticizes suffering and paints a skewed picture of what relationships should look like. The idea that pain and trauma can somehow equate to love is not just misleading; it’s harmful. 

And it’s sad to realize that so many people are consuming this media without recognizing the implications, believing that it’s normal or even cute when, in reality, it’s anything but.

This manipulation by media feeds into a larger culture that often glorifies unhealthy dynamics, leading readers to overlook the flaws in these stories and prop up narratives that should be critiqued instead of celebrated. It’s disheartening to see how these works can escape scrutiny while more thoughtful, engaging narratives that tackle similar themes in a more responsible manner often go unnoticed or unappreciated. That’s a shame because those stories—ones that challenge harmful tropes and explore the complexities of love and trauma—deserve to be highlighted and celebrated rather than overshadowed by narratives that prioritize sensationalism over sensitivity.

The reality is that when we fail to criticize these troubling portrayals, we’re complicit in allowing harmful ideologies to thrive in our storytelling landscapes. And that’s not just a disservice to readers; it’s a disservice to the very real experiences of those affected by the issues being depicted in these fanfics. So we need to foster a culture that values thoughtful engagement and meaningful critique, pushing back against the tide of glorified toxicity and making space for narratives that genuinely respect the complexities of human relationships and the weight of trauma.

One of the most frustrating aspects of fanfiction is how it can take beloved characters from established universes and reshape them into versions that bear little resemblance to their canon selves. 

This phenomenon is especially disheartening for fans who have invested time and emotion into these characters, only to encounter fanfics that seem to disregard their established personalities, values, and motivations entirely. It can feel like a betrayal when a character you adore is portrayed in a way that’s completely out of line with who they are in the original narrative, and this can be a human disgrace, particularly when the character’s essence is compromised for the sake of a plot twist or sensationalism.

The impact of this alteration goes beyond personal disappointment; it risks damaging the character’s canon reputation and creating a skewed perception of them among readers who might encounter these fanfics without any prior knowledge of the source material. This is particularly concerning when these fics gain traction and accumulate thousands of hits, leading new fans to mistakenly believe that these interpretations are valid representations of the characters when, in reality, they are far removed from what was originally intended by the creators. It fosters a distorted understanding of the character and their story, making it harder for fans to engage with the original material without being influenced by these out-of-canon portrayals.

Objectively speaking, fanfiction is often seen as a space for creativity and exploration, allowing writers to take liberties with characters and plotlines in ways that may not be possible within the constraints of canon. But this doesn’t mean that all interpretations should disregard the core of what makes a character who they are. In fact, incorporating canonical elements into fanfiction can make stories more engaging and relatable for readers, as it allows them to connect with the characters they already know and love while also exploring new scenarios and relationships. It creates a sense of familiarity that enhances the storytelling experience and provides a richer context for the narrative.

When fanfic writers choose to honor the essence of a character while adding new dimensions or scenarios, it can lead to compelling stories that resonate with both long-time fans and newcomers alike. This approach not only respects the original material but also enriches the fanfiction landscape, demonstrating that it’s possible to be creative and innovative without sacrificing the integrity of beloved characters. It’s about finding a balance between imagination and respect for the source material, ultimately creating narratives that enhance the overall experience for everyone involved while still allowing for the freedom that fanfiction inherently offers.

Okay, recently I read a comment on TikTok about fanfiction which had me in stitches.

Someone said, “Think of a fanfic like a friend bringing you a pie; they made it out of love and for free. Publicly saying that you didn’t like the pie is poor etiquette. Same with fanfic; it’s all done out of love.” 

Now, I’m not judging—everyone’s entitled to their perspective on fanfiction—but that was a really terrible analogy. 😂

It’s like saying if your friend brings you a pie that’s burnt and tastes like cardboard and shit, you should just smile and nod because they made it with love. 

I mean, come on.

Come. On.

We’re talking about a dessert that could seriously ruin your day and maybe even your trust in their baking skills, lol.

So why should fanfiction be any different? If someone hands you a story filled with harmful tropes or problematic portrayals, you absolutely have the right to say, “Hey, this pie needs some work!”

If we don’t offer that honest feedback, how will they ever improve and stop serving up these metaphorical burnt pies of storytelling? 

It’s kind of absurd to think we should accept everything with a smile just because it’s made out of love. Love doesn’t magically erase the fact that the pie is inedible or that the fanfic is damaging. Honestly, it’s a disservice to both the writer and the readers to just gloss over the flaws. We’re all here trying to enjoy the deliciousness of good stories, not choking down a slice of someone’s misguided attempts at creativity. So sure, fanfic can be a labor of love, but it doesn’t mean we should just eat whatever they throw at us without comment, because that’s how we end up with stories that glorify harmful behaviors or misrepresent characters we love.

So let’s just picture it: you take a bite of that burnt pie, and it’s all crunchy and sad. You’re thinking about how this friend might really need some baking lessons. Instead of pretending to enjoy it, you’re like, “Hey friend, I appreciate the effort, but maybe next time try not to set the oven to incinerate, because that’s not going to win you any baking contests.” 

And really, that’s the same energy we need to bring to fanfiction. 

If someone serves up a story that’s full of problematic elements, we should be able to give constructive criticism, not just for their sake but for all the readers who might stumble upon that pie and think it’s the best thing since sliced bread.

It’s about nurturing growth and improvement because, ultimately, the goal is to create better stories and make the fandom a more enjoyable place. 

So let’s not just eat the burnt pie in silence; let’s offer some suggestions so that next time we’re treated to a delicious slice of storytelling that doesn’t leave a bad taste in our mouths. That’s the only way we can ensure that the art of fanfiction evolves and flourishes, and we all end up with something that’s truly worth celebrating instead of just another questionable dessert disaster.

In the end: if we’re going to keep munching on the endless buffet of fanfiction, we might as well sharpen our forks and dig in with some honest feedback. Nobody wants to end up choking on a slice of burnt pie or a cringe-worthy plot twist. Who knows? Maybe with a little constructive criticism, we can help our favorite writers whip up some five-star stories instead of serving up those "burnt pies". 😂

Because in the world of fanfic, it’s all about finding that sweet spot between love and honest reviews, so let’s keep our storytelling standards on point.

[hellsdogs]

  headcanon:  sen and various hcs.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS. Sen cares. Deeply. If he is silent and often appears uninterested in the situatiosn before his eyes, it is actually quite the opposite. He is a watcher and under that empty facial expression of his, he pays attention. It isn't truly out of mischieviousness that he does nor to collect information but simply how he interacts with the environment that surrounds him, the interactions and actions that takes place within it. He cares about the connections as well, even few, that link him to the rest of the world. Him being secluded, an associal, made him more aware of details, he finds reassurance in them. The places he enjoys the more his solitude at isn't locked in a room alone but are in the middle of a crowd. I'm surrounded yet I feel on my own - isn't a negative statement to him. He finds solace is being allowed to evolve on his own, to watch.

AN IMPORTANT HEADCANON. Anything ugly, damaged, crooked is absolutely beautiful to him. As a photographer, his career started quite normally, however he quickly enough realizes he's bored from pretty models for these fashion magazines calling him. The only life changing event to him was realize how ugly inside most of these models were, often capturing the moments between the shoots, to seize the exact moments where the masks fall : opportunism, narcissim, vanity, consumerism - there was nothing pretty in this industry. This attraction to anything damaged, inside or out, lead him to snap unconventional types of faces, beauties and bodies more, which surprisingly got him attention as an artist on a completely different scene than fashion. The only pictures he doesn't share however is the ones he takes when going a little futhur, taking a night job as a crime scene clearner : in his contemplation of the disfigured, he snaps the macabre and bloody scenes on that one camera he keeps to himself and himself only.

A USELESS HEADCANON. By the end of the night, after a job, his ritual is to sit in a konbini and eat instant ramen from the store. He passes time while reading whatever magazines he gets his hands on and only goes home when the sun finally rises.

POTENTIAL TRIGGERS. Emotional intimacy. If Sen is someone who enjoys having conversations that can go as deep as they can, dig into someone's core through words, face to face or behind his screen, he is not so comfortable anymore if any form of emotional intimacy starts developping between him and someone of interest : feelings. He is aware he finds beauty in the macabre, the dead, the unanimated and thinks to himself : if he finds someone so beautiful inside and out to the point he falls for them, will he start picturing them out of breath in order to immortalize their beauty with his lens? Which is as psychotic as it does scare him, he is aware.

SOMETHING YOU ENJOY ABOUT (WRITING) THEM. Sen is different from all the characters I usually write. Yes there is my usual sociopathic print all over the character however, his personality is new to me : someone who spends more time silent than talking, lack of confidence, not so social, secluded, submissive and almost passive. Instead of being the master of his own pleasure and entertainment and life, he often positions himself as a watcher, a follwer.

SOMETHING YOU WANT OTHERS TO KNOW BEFORE WRITING WITH THEM. I can picture writing this character in many slice of life situations. Sen is someone you can find alone in cafés, bars, at the konbinis, perfect places for every day interactions. Even through his daily job, as a photographer and as an artist. However, the other side of the character is unsettling, a little fucked up and deranged, this side I would love to explore with ones who want to match this darkness.

tagged by : @velvetineblue (Thank youu)

[thefudge]

hi dr. fudge! i hope you're doing well.

firstly, i want to express how much i love your writing. your fics helped me discover, explore, and better understand my appeal for darker fiction. i started reading your work in my teens and having your fic as this counter to the puritan takes on tumblr about "immoral fiction" really helped me avoid experiencing a lot of shame and general misunderstanding about dark fiction that i'm sure would've plagued my younger years otherwise. so thank you immensely for that.

that brings me to my next point and question: how do you just write shamelessly and stop caring whether people "approve" of your ship and taste? i know it is SO silly to care and that you can't appease everyone, but i'm writing my first "dark" ship - which isn't even dark, it's just pretty disliked bc one half of the ship is the show's Asshole Sexist Guy and he's paired with a more lovable female character - but i'm still oddly nervous about it? it's just a different pairing than what i usually write for.

but my needless anticipation about a possibly negative reception bc it's out of my norm and, again, bc it's for a ship where the guy is "problematic" are affecting my ability to write and souring my excitement about this fic. i know there's literally nothing wrong with this, the stakes are so low, and people will likely not care that much but if they do, who cares, yet i can't shake these nagging thoughts! i was wondering if you had any insight you could lend about Letting It Go and just enjoying writing again without these concerns getting in the way.

my apologies for dumping this ridiculously long ask on your doorstep. i always look forward to hearing your thoughts about anything and you're so kind to your anons, which is why i sent this to you. thank you for all that you do! i hope you have a nice day. :-)

omgosh, getting emotional about that first paragraph and you reading my work in your teens! :'''') thank you <3 i'm really glad i could be a good influence.

as for your qualms about writing your own darker ship, i get your anxieties, but the right ppl will find and engage with your story, because there's a hunger for bolder content that tackles darker themes in a genuine fashion. think of it this way, some ppl are just as anxious about asking for this content, as you are about writing it. so you guys will find each other.

the negative comments/reactions usually fall into two categories: 1. Spanish inquisition trolls who did not even read the story but want to berate you for tackling anything they consider improper (and you just ignore/delete/block those), 2. genuine criticism about the way you tackled the ship/themes, which may sometimes come from a good place, but which can still be a dick move if it's too aggressive or not at all constructive. The second kind of criticism may sometimes happen if the author writes dark fic that's very OOC and lacking in substance, where it's impossible to imagine the characters doing the actions in the fic, and the author doesn't even try to make it believable. and for what it's worth, though i understand the criticism in those cases, there should be room for those kinds of fics too, where ppl just wanna have fun and not think too much about it, because the right ppl will find those fics too. from your message, i get the impression that you put a lot of thought into this and you want to write a dark fic where you want the pairing to be believable and make sense, which means you'll be careful about characters and storytelling, and i think that will come through in the writing, which is why i also think you'll get positive reactions. just the fact that you care so much will seep into your writing and make the readers appreciate it.

even if you're anxious about this process, your brain already knows the answer, because you seem like you really want to write this, so let that feeling guide you, let it be bigger than your worries, because it IS bigger than your worries. ultimately, you want to make smth you enjoy, and that feeling is infectious, so your readers will feel the same. and even if they don't, i'll be here, cheering you on! so drop a link when you've posted it!

[bluehawkdustorm]

To be serious for a sec, I think it's important to understand (and fun to explore through tropes like Evil Wizards) that, when we think of "the shadow" - the dark parts of ourselves we repress and avoid acknowledging - that "positive traits" like kindness and empathy can just as easily become part of our shadow as "negative ones" like rage, resentment, grief, and selfish ambitions. "Positive" and "negative" have literally nothing to do with it.

I worry when you read that, that what y'all take away from it is "positive and negative are not that important", or "it's a little more complicated than that".

What I said was,

it has NOTHING to do with it.

Because "positive" and "negative" traits DO NOT EXIST.

The deciding factor is CONVENIENCE, whether or not you're willing to recognise the needs that those parts of you try to fulfil. Whether or not you're repressing things, whether or not you view parts of yourself as "in the way".

If you view the best parts of you as your defenses ("I get things done", "tears are for the weak", "well I guess they don't deserve food or housing and they're trying to trick me into giving away mine"), if you view anger as a non-emotion and a show of strength, or even just if you view the world through the lens that if you earn strength, then you want the right to do what you want with that strength (at others' expense), then yeah, kindness and empathy are as likely as anything to become part of your shadow. They're "negative" traits, right? Friendship, family, empathy, these are the demons you must slay to succeed and defend your success.

To be clear, this is why we have so many stories about heroes facing direct reflections of their negative traits, a literal shadow-self (e.g. Scott Pilgrim, Naruto) and having to accept and absorb it to win, usually not long before facing the True antagonist. The reason it's VERY IMPORTANT that positive and negative actually have nothing to do with it, is that whenever you consign to the shadow realm a part of you that you think is "bad", you're actually repressing something you need to know about yourself. You're creating your own blind spots and you're basically doing it on purpose. The bill will come due, and it will not be at a convenient time.

So I guess what I'm saying is, an Evil Wizard whose "dark reflection" / other-side-of-the-mystic-meditation-waterfall self is made of of things like their kindness, their empathy, a bunch of prosocial values and feelings, as well as their moral outrage and a bunch of other things that get in the way of blood sacrifices and abuses of power? Yeah, I absolutely fuck with that story.

I want to be an evil wizard. but I keep choosing kindness

[thevemlife]

I can't be bothered to write a title.

There is nothing more ironic than being unable to find the drive needed to write about motivation. This took an almost embarrassing amount of time for me to sit down and begin.

My spectrum of motivation seems to have only two settings, on polar opposite ends. Often I find myself flipping between these extremes; from pure drive, where anything and everything feels possible and nothing is insurmountable - to a complete standstill, with even the smallest of tasks suspended in purgatory as I await the return of my impulse to 'get up and go'.

There are certainly positives to this way of life, provided I'm at the right end of the scale I can endlessly tick items from the to-do list and feel as though I'm legitimately making progress. I can run for hours or cycle for miles or scale mountains and even cook a meal once I'm back home in the van.

Annoyingly however, any sense of accomplishment from such days feels muted - if my motivations are already running high. Sure I may impress myself with how much I am able to do, or how far I am able to go, but when you already have the wind at your back these challenges feel almost easy. True elation comes after digging myself out from the pit of despair, when I feel firmly stuck in place and unable to convince myself to get out of bed, let alone leave the van and explore the world around me. Breaking that cycle, even just to complete a few menial tasks, grows my confidence of what I'm capable of achieving more than any hike ever could.

As for the negatives of this 'all or nothing' system, they are all too obvious; I will either overdo everything until exhaustion, or underdo everything until boredom has hollowed me out. During low periods I simply won't move until life demands it and it can take days for these feelings to pass, effectively halting my journey and causing disquiet to creep in, with concerns of wasting precious time echoing around my head.

A life cannot be comfortably lived at only 0% or 200% output, thus I have spent years striving to find a middle ground and have been yet unsuccessful. It's human nature for this internal fire to freely swing between roaring inferno and smouldering embers, though I find the frequency and severity of my swings to be more disruptive than what I would consider typical. This raises the question, at what point does the relentless movement between peaks and valleys of motivation classify as a symptom of depression and not simply something that everyone deals with? Personally I believe it's usually around the second day of not leaving your bed.

In a cruel cosmic joke, seeking motivation requires at least a base amount. You cannot easily convince yourself to do something productive when the thought of doing anything at all seems inconceivable. Suffering from a complete motivational drought can feel impossible to break free from - in times like these I have toyed with different possibilities, perhaps I could use other present emotions and transform them into motivation - like some form of internalised anger equivalent exchange? Or alternatively just lean into it, knowing that the low will pass and the high will return? No solution I've found yet is completely bulletproof or dependable. Although I believe my emotions are beholden to me, rather than vice-versa, this in one aspect of self vs psyche which challenges that belief on a regular basis.

Given my over-analysing tendencies, I frequently find myself seeking a 'source' answer, rather than a direct solution to my nature. Is motivation a limitless well that some have free and open access to whenever they desire? Is it a finite resource that a few will gulp quickly and run dry in later life, others will pace accordingly and sip when needed, whilst a tortured few crawl through life dehydrated having never known the well to even exist? Admittedly these are pointless questions, as even if I had the answer, I would be no closer to changing my behaviours.

I regularly feel mentally motivated, that is, I have short and long term desires to achieve or accomplish and wish to act upon, but far too often physically acting on these inclinations is a gargantuan task. If I can overcome this initial hurdle and convince myself to do something, I will either drop into motivational gear and continue at an unprecedented rate or will quickly falter, being unable to find the energy needed to achieve anything beneficial. Is this simply because being internally or mentally motivated requires little to no labor - allowing me to deceive myself into the belief that I want to make progress, safe in the subconscious knowledge that I won't actually exert any effort? I can pretend to be motivated for change, progress, greatness... but none of it is meaningful if I don't act.

Though, I am not the first to cross this philosophical bridge. German polymath Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is quoted;

“Handeln ist leicht, Denken schwer; nach dem Gedanken handeln unbequem." (To act is easy, to think is hard; to act according to our thought is troublesome.)

Learning what does, and should, motivate me is part of this journey. Understanding this more intimately feels like an important step in my mission of self actualisation and I should not be disheartened to find the path to be non-linear, as I have learnt this to be true for many of my other long term goals.

If change requires direction, direction requires understanding, understanding requires pursuit and pursuit requires motivation. Without motivation, the cycle fails before it has begun.

[redxpranger]

"The invisible must be understood by the visible." – Saint Paul

Lately, I’ve been reading multiple books and trying to understand Carl Jung’s psychology. But I find myself in a creative drought—a phase where nothing flows, where even the books I pick up seem incomprehensible. Even music, something that usually grounds me, feels too loud, too distracting. I want to break free from this sense of disconnection, so I thought: why not dive deeper into Jung’s ideas, especially since I’m currently reading The Undiscovered Self? Maybe understanding him better will spark something within me.

To grasp where his mind was, I’ve been studying his theories while reading his book, taking down notes as I go. Writing helps me process things that feel just out of reach. So far, I’ve gathered that Jung divides the psyche into three main realms:

Consciousness – The field of awareness, with the “ego” at its center. It represents the personality as we knowingly experience it.

Personal Unconscious – A repository of forgotten or repressed memories and experiences that still shape our behavior and attitudes.

Collective Unconscious – A deeper, shared reservoir of inherited knowledge and experiences, expressed through universal symbols and archetypes across cultures. These resurface in dreams, visions, and feelings, finding their way into art, religion, and storytelling.

What intrigues me most, though, is his concept of Individuation—the process of becoming self-aware, of recognizing one’s thoughts, emotions, and desires as separate from societal expectations. It’s about balancing the conscious and the unconscious, integrating all aspects of the self rather than suppressing them, ultimately leading to a more whole and self-aware individual.

Then there are the four key personality archetypes Jung discusses: The Persona, The Shadow, The Anima/Animus, and The Self. Right now, I’m particularly drawn to The Shadow.

The Shadow is the first step in exploring the unconscious. It represents the aspects of ourselves we repress—the traits we deem undesirable or socially unacceptable. As Jung put it, it is “the thing a person has no wish to be.” In other words, it is the hidden weaknesses, faults, and darker impulses we’d rather not acknowledge.

Jung further distinguishes between:

The Personal Shadow – The unknown, darker side of an individual’s personality.

The Collective Shadow – The suppressed darkness within society as a whole.

But despite its negative connotations, The Shadow isn’t inherently bad. Jung argued that it also contains positive qualities—latent strengths waiting to be integrated. His close associate, M.L. von Franz, once said:

"The Shadow is not necessarily always an opponent. In fact, he is exactly like any human being with whom one has to get along, sometimes by giving in, sometimes by resisting, sometimes by giving love—whatever the situation requires. The Shadow becomes hostile only when he is ignored or misunderstood."

I’m still in the process of exploring Jung’s psychology, so there’s much more to uncover. But what excites me most is his approach to dream interpretation. I hope that in the coming days, I’ll be able to learn more and put my thoughts into writing—maybe even find a way out of this creative drought. 🤓

[quiettime3]

Anomaly Agent

Anomaly Agent appears to be a first (and so far, only) outing from developer Phew Phew Games on Xbox consoles, but it plays like a mastercraft made by true professionals. I snapped this one up due to the striking visuals shown off in the trailer, the excellent concept, and yes, I’ll admit, a reasonably simple looking 1000g to add to my gamertag, and wasn’t disappointed in any way.

Players take control of Agent 70, a soon-to-be-promoted operative working for a government agency that hunts for and takes down anomalies. This is demonstrated in fantastic style with the short prologue, which throws you right into your most recent operation, taking down a gravity anomaly that will shift the levels in brilliantly over-the-top action movie fashion. The gameplay itself is a mix of beat-em-up combat and fluid platforming that allows you to upgrade your favourite tools as you go. However, not all upgrades are purchased with money!

At regular intervals players can pick how they want Agent 70 to act, earning points of positive or negative emotion from key characters throughout the story. These points can be spent to gain extra health or coins, adding a cool new level to your character choices and encouraging engagement with the quirky cast of characters around you. Every person you meet, from enemies to allies and all the NPCs in between, has their own charm to them, and the devs have done a fantastic job at making the world of Anomaly Agent feel alive. The pixel art style doesn’t feel like a limitation, but instead a purposeful choice, with flashes of key character art really helping to fill in the uncertainties of people’s appearances (and assist in a couple of my favourite gags in the game!) - overall, it’s a pleasure to explore and take in the sights.

Another high point is the music that accompanies your mission. A funky blend of bass guitar and groovy synth combines with Agent 70’s distinctive dress sense to create a fabulously retro vibe, despite the cyberpunk setting. Whilst the music does loop for a while if you get stuck on a tricky section, it never got old to me personally, and I really appreciated the effort put into the soundtrack.

Difficulty is customisable, and with no achievements tied to harder modes, you can feel free to change it around at your leisure. Hardcore players can turn off indicators that show when enemies are about to perform a parryable attack and rely on their own senses, though it’s recommended to keep this on. I played through on normal, and finished up a run in about 5 hours. Some bosses did require a bit of focus, but nothing felt unfair, aside from a little frustration at my low health near the early sections. The controls are responsive and clear, and the combat feels great to get right, dodging and parrying enemies all over to string together combos with style.

If the way I’ve been singing its praises hasn’t made it obvious enough, I definitely recommend that you check Anomaly Agent out. Watching the trailer should make it clear whether or not the gameplay is for you, and the story can appeal to anyone - I certainly got drawn in. The visuals are appealing too, and the characters really grew on me as time went on. It’s a little more expensive that some others on this list, but I think it’s worth the money. Alter the difficulty to whatever you find the most fun, turn up the funky beats, and enjoy the ride.

Pros:

• Satisfying combat system controls well and feels great to master

• Emotion points make for a fun and unique dialogue system

• Amazing soundtrack boosts the fun factor up to eleven

Cons:

• A little more expensive than other games of this length

• Rare moments of lag can really mess up your flow