#Tribal Symbols Flag

[culturesfinest]

Native taino symbols printed flags | house garden banners light - Taino Boricua - Puerto Rico - Puerto rican pride - Boricua Orgullo Help anyone transform their homestead or garden with a simple addition - the personalized banner. Made with lightweight yet highly durable poly poplin-canvas fabric, these banners feel premium to the touch and will oversee your home for years on end. .: 100% Poly poplin-canvas fabric .: Two sizes (12'' × 18'' and 24.5'' × 32'') .: Same design printed on both sides, flag flipped over long edge .: Black inside lining .: Features sleeve at top .: Pole not included Native Taino Symbols Printed Flags Native Taino Symbols Printed Flags are a beautiful and meaningful way to bring a touch of indigenous culture to your home and garden. These flags feature traditional Taino symbols that hold deep significance within indigenous Caribbean communities. Each flag is thoughtfully designed and meticulously printed to capture the essence of these powerful symbols. The Taino people were the original inhabitants of the Caribbean islands before the arrival of European colonizers. They had a rich cultural and spiritual tradition, which is still celebrated by their descendants today. The symbols showcased on these flags represent various aspects of Taino life, including their connection to nature, spirituality, and community. One of the symbols featured on these flags is the Coqui, a small frog that is native to the Caribbean. In Taino culture, the Coqui represents rebirth and regeneration. Its distinct chirping sound was believed to be a call for rain, which was essential for the survival of crops and the overall prosperity of the community. Displaying the Coqui symbol in your garden or home is a way to honor the Taino heritage and celebrate the importance of our ecological interconnectedness. Another symbol that can be found on these flags is the Sun, which holds deep spiritual meaning for the Taino people. The Sun represents enlightenment, vitality, and rejuvenation. It is believed to be the source of all life and energy. Hanging the Sun symbol in your living space can serve as a reminder of the power and limitless potential within yourself and the world around you. The Arawak, another symbol featured on these flags, represents unity and community. The Taino people valued cooperation and lived in harmony with one another. The Arawak symbol serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, mutual support, and respect for others. By displaying this symbol, you are not only honoring the Taino culture but also promoting a sense of inclusivity and unity within your home or garden. Each flag is made from premium-quality materials to ensure durability and longevity. The vibrant and fade-resistant printing captures the intricate details of the symbols, allowing them to truly shine. The flags are available in various sizes, making them suitable for different spaces and occasions. Whether you choose to hang them in your garden, balcony, or living room, they will add an element of beauty and cultural significance to any setting. Moreover, these flags can also be used for special events or gatherings. Whether you are hosting a Caribbean-themed party or celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day, these flags will create a vibrant and authentic atmosphere. They are also a thoughtful gift option for anyone interested in native cultures, history, or simply appreciating unique and meaningful decor. By purchasing these Native Taino Symbols Printed Flags, you are not only supporting indigenous artisans and promoting cultural appreciation but also becoming a part of a larger movement toward recognizing and honoring the rich heritage of the Taino people. Whether you are of Caribbean descent, have an affinity for indigenous cultures, or simply appreciate beautiful and meaningful décor, these flags are an excellent addition to your collection. In conclusion, Native Taino Symbols Printed Flags offer a unique and captivating way to bring a piece of Taino culture into your home and garden. With their vibrant colors and intricate designs, these flags are sure to catch the eye and spark conversations. By displaying these symbols, you are not only embracing the beauty of indigenous Caribbean culture but also promoting unity, connection to nature, and spiritual enlightenment. Get your Native Taino Symbols Printed Flag today and let your space be filled with the rich heritage and energy of the Taino people.

[angstics]

on my chemical romance's history of racism:

(edit: i wont rewrite anything since that will create discrepancies in reblogs. however, i will include these important additions: post 1 and post 2)

cultural appropriation is a neutral term that turns negative when people co-opt a culture without consideration to its people and history, or their prejudices and privileges. the rising sun japanese flag is an imperialist symbol used during japan's occupation of other countries from 1870 to 1945 (the guardian 2019). unlike other symbols of terror, the rising sun is normalized because of the japanese government's refusal to acknowledge its history. the symbol's meaning was popularized a few years ago when people from south korea protested its legality in the 2020 tokyo olympics (bbc 2020). aware or unaware of its history, americans have long appropriated the rising sun. in part because of their fascination with japanese art, in part because of orientalism -- a fixation on asian cultures that centers "exoticism".

my chemical romance has been associated with the rising sun symbol a couple of times. frank iero used to have a tattoo of it. gerard way designed frank's killjoys outfit to include it (seen in concept art and music videos). it is often used in mcr fanart.

tokenism is when something contains limited diversity to divert criticisms for the lack of it. my chemical romance has had a very white cast of characters in their music videos and stories. in the "i dont love you" music video, a main character is in black body paint. in the casting call, they specifically asked for a white man (there is 100% an online source -- please let me know if you have it). even casting a black person for this role would place him in a video that appropriated his skin color to mark his "difference" from the light-skin female character.

the female character points to the band's main problem with tokenism. if they arent casting a white woman, theyre casting a light-skin asian woman. the woman in the "i dont love you" mv is fetishized for physical traits stereotypically attributed to east asian women: big eyes, daintiness. east asian women feature most prominently aside from the band and main characters in the "welcome to the black parade" music video and photo shoot. the photoshoot is the only place where an ashy-faced black man and ambiguously tribal? brown man are seen (brought in by photographer chris anthony per the "making of the black parade" book). the director antagonist of the danger days music videos (shown in "sing") is a japanese woman. she is the only main character of color in the music videos and the killjoys: california comics. the focus of this post is on my chemical romance, but the comics are important to showcase that the reality is never "color-blind casting" or "limited roles". it's mostly white creatives (band members and directors and artists) who ignore non-white people when they cant use them, reflected as much by gerard way years later (nyt 2019).

"japan takes over the world" is a media trope that is built on the late 20th century fear of the return of imperial japan. this trope frames japanese people as unique aggressors, feeding into "yellow peril" fears of asian people "taking over" the white race. this trope is suggested all over the danger days universe, where the corporation BL/ind overthrows the US government. the appropriation of the japanese modern flag and lettering on the killjoys outfits, the primary BL/ind villain being a japanese person who only speaks japanese in videos, the official BL/ind website having a ".jp" domain and english-japanese translations. japanese people and culture only exist in this universe to decorate and threaten.

the point of this post is not to punish my chemical romance. in the decade+ since, they have made meaningful changes -- the sing it for japan project to aid japan during the 2011 earthquake-tsunami, developing diversity in gerard's comics / tv show, a mexican-american main character in the 2020 summoning video. people of color treated as real goddamn people.

however. all these faults exist in frozen time. there is no discussion attached to the work. so anyone, fan or casual, may come across it and not notice or care for these important issues. i know all this shit and i still fail to see instances of what i highlighted. it's difficult locating not only your own prejudices but those of others. those you look up to.

"my chemical romance" is the product of many people from 2001 to 2013. many of these people were male, white, american, and/or, most radically, liberal. clearly laying out what they did wrong is important. being careful with history and culture and personhood is important. prioritizing growth is important. constantly. forever.

[girlactionfigure]

Druze and Judaism, a thread 🧵(remastered)

🟥The Druze venerate many Jewish figures as sages, including Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Reuben, Benjamin, David, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel... Solomon and Jethro are highlighted as manifestations of the Universal Mind.

🟥 The Hexagram or six pointed star is very significant to Druze as well, and is often portrayed in books of Exegesis. It is understood as the Seal of Solomon, but also for its pre-Judaic ancient symbolism, as a symbol of the Union of Opposites.

🟥Druze shrines in Carmel and Galilee echo the ancient Jewish shrine tradition, i.e. natural stone mound. Some are architecturally Jewish tombs, with descending staircases into caves.  A Sheikh's striped cloak and the multicolored flag are said to resemble the coat of Joseph.

🟥Esoteric Judaism, or Kabballah, is most similar to Druze esotericism. Especially in its Neoplatonism, Gematria, Belief in Reincarnation(gilgul), Ein Sof. The Hasidic sect also stresses on Ascetism. Their highest soul Yechidah is akin to Tawheed. Batin Al Batin, their Chassidut.

🟥Druze and Jews have lived relatively harmoniously with circumstantial conflicts like the Safed Rebellion being exceptions.  Jews in Druze areas were among the nobles in Prince Fakhreddin's entourage. Their Synagogues thrived in Bhamdoun and Aleyh without persecution.

🟥 Jewish communities in Deir al Qamar and Barouk were also rich land owners.  The "blood bond" between Jews and Druze of Israel is one of the strongest the Druze have done with any another sect. Has been strong for 80 years. Agreed to regardless if one is Zionist or not.

🟥 Druze Sheikh Daoud Bessis who was imprisoned with the British Army while fighting the Nazis and sent to Germany, would smuggle food to Jewish prisoners during the Holocaust with his fellow Druze Prisoners.

🟥 During the recent Anti-Jewish pogroms in Amsterdam. A Druze man tried his best to save the Jews and conceal them from their pursuers. Highlighting the willingness of both communities to protect each other.

🟥 Druze have no occupied territory in Israel, or any encroached on Holy Land or Site. Therefore enmity to the Jews is not justified except on Islamist grounds or leftist brainwashing. Israeli Druze are much better off socially and economically than their peers in Arab countries

🟥 Druze ultimately derive their idea of the Messiah from the Jews and also the Messianic Era. Psalm 37's "The meek will inherit the Earth". Therefore they've avoided belief in Heaven and Hell and Rapture, and taken a reward/punishment in this realm approach, similar to Jews.

🟥 Druze Founder Imam Hamza Ibn Ali, had written in the Epistle to the Israelites, that 2 and a half of the 12 Jewish tribes(Asbat Al Haq) had accepted the Druze faith. This explains the genetic similarity, as Druze tend to cluster next to Ashkenazi and Persian/Kurdish Jews.

🟥 The Return of the Jews is foretold in Druze Scripture as one of the first signs of the end times. Druze 15th century scholar Al Amir Al Sayyed Al Tanukhi expounds that ownership would return to the children of Israel. Thus the creation of Israel lies within Druze Prophecy.

🟥 In the Druze description of Judgment Day in the Epistles of Wisdom, it is said the Druze Five Bound Army will be joined by the lost tribes of Israel. The named tribes are the "Pure of Al Benjamin and Al Naphtali". 

🟥 Druze grievances with the State of Israel are bureaucratic, such as the Kaminitz law in civil development, or the nation state law which lacks a Druze exception. Which we hope are settled. Unlike with other central states, like Lebanon & Syria where grievances are existential.

🟥 The current violent tapestry of the Middle East presents Druze and Jews as natural allies. With Political Armed Islam being the common enemy of both. To come out of manufactured Arabist identity, is to embrace the tribal nature of the Middle East. And the need to save oneself

Druze Founder Baha'ldeen Al Muqtana** 

Link

[ausetkmt]

Benin grants citizenship to slave descendants as it faces its own role in the trade

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — When Nadege Anelka first came to the West African country of Benin from her home island of Martinique, a French overseas territory in the Caribbean, the 57-year-old travel agent said she had a feeling of deja vu.

Nate Debos, known by his stage name NaTRILL Dizaster, left, who said he would apply for Benin citizenship, poses with Ay.Yon Michaels, right, of the rap duo Ayakashi Krewe inside an old school bus in New Orleans, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Feeling at home in Benin, Anelka decided to settle there last July and open a travel agency. She hopes to become a citizen by taking advantage of a law passed in September that grants citizenship to those who can trace their lineage to the slave trade.

The new law, which was initiated by President Patrice Talon, who has been in office since 2016, is part of a broader effort by Benin to reckon with its own historical role in the slave trade.

The law is open to all over 18 who do not already hold other African citizenship and can provide proof that an ancestor was deported via the slave trade from anywhere in sub-Saharan Africa. Beninese authorities accept DNA tests, authenticated testimonies and family records.

In this Jan. 29, 2019 file photo, the flags of the nations of Benin and Togo, the west African homes of the survivors of the slave ship Clotilda, remain on display on a monument at what was the Africatown Welcome Center in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Julie Bennett, File)

Benin is not the first country to grant citizenship to descendants of slaves. Earlier this month, Ghana naturalized 524 African Americans after the West African country’s president, Nana Akufo-Addo, invited them to “come home” in 2019, as part of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in North America in 1619.

But Benin’s citizenship law carries added significance, in part because of the role it played in the slave trade as one of the main points of departure.

European merchants deported an estimated 1.5 million slaves from the Bight of Benin, a territory that includes modern-day Benin and Togo and part of modern-day Nigeria, said Ana Lucia Araujo, a professor of history at Howard University who has spent years researching Benin’s role.

In this Nov. 17, 2011 file photo, a fisherman stands amidst city trash brought in by the tide, as he prepares to launch his fishing boat, in Cotonou, Benin. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)

Benin has struggled to resolve its legacy of complicity. For over 200 years, powerful kings captured and sold slaves to Portuguese, French and British merchants.

The kingdoms still exist today as tribal networks, and so do the groups that were raided. Rumors that President Patrice Talon is a descendant of slave merchants sparked much debate while he was running for office in 2016. Talon has never publicly addressed the rumors.

Benin has openly acknowledged its role in the slave trade, a stance not shared by many other African nations that participated. In the 1990s, Benin hosted an international conference, sponsored by UNESCO, to examine how and where slaves were sold.

And in 1999, President Mathieu Kérékou fell to his knees whiling visiting a church in Baltimore and issued an apology to African Americans for Africa’s involvement in the slave trade.

FILE- A man paddles a canoe near a Voodoo sacred forest in Adjarra, Benin, on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba, File)

Memorial sites are mostly in Ouidah. They include the “Door of No Return,” which marks the point from which many enslaved people were shipped across the Atlantic, as well as the town’s history museum.

At the “Tree of Forgetfulness,” enslaved people were said to be symbolically forced to forget their past lives.

“Memories of the slave trade are present on both sides of the Atlantic, but only one of these sides is well known,” said Sindé Cheketé, the head of Benin’s state-run tourism agency.

Nate Debos, 37, an American musician living in New Orleans, learned about Benin’s citizenship law while visiting for the Porto Novo mask festival. He had never been to West Africa before, but his interest in the Vodun religion led him there.

Debos is the president of an association called New Orleans National Vodou Day. It mirrors Benin’s Vodun Day, a national holiday on Jan. 10 with a festival in Ouidah celebrating Vodun, an official religion in Benin, practiced by at least a million people in the country.

It originated in the kingdom of Dahomey — in the south of present-day Benin — and revolves around the worship of spirits and ancestors through rituals and offerings. Slavery brought Vodun to the Americas and the Caribbean, where it became Vodou, a blend with Catholicism.

“Vodou is one of the chains that connects Africa to the Americas,” said Araujo, the professor. “For enslaved Africans, it was a way of resisting slavery.”

European colonial powers and slave owners sought to suppress African cultural and religious practices. Vodun was preserved through syncretism, as African deities and spirits were merged with or disguised as Catholic saints.

“Our African ancestors were not tribal savages, they had sophisticated cultures with very noble and beautiful spiritual practices,” Debos said.

He now seeks to establish more partnerships with collectives practicing Vodun in Benin, which would require him to stay in the country for longer periods. He will apply for citizenship, but not with an intention to move there permanently.

“At the end of the day, I am an American, even when I am dressed in the wonderful fabrics and suits they have in Benin,” Debos said.

Anelka, the travel agent now living in Benin, said her motivations behind getting Beninese citizenship are mostly symbolic.

“I know I will never be completely Beninese. I will always be considered a foreigner” she said. “But I am doing this for my ancestors. It’s a way to reclaim my heritage, a way of getting reparation.”

[rabbitcruiser]

National Bison Day 

You see them everywhere — on coins, on sports team logos, and a couple of state flags. No, we’re not talking about the bald eagle. This honor is reserved for North American bison. On National Bison Day, November 2, an annual event that falls on the first Saturday in November, all Americans should reflect on the impact bison have as a part of our environmental and cultural heritage. Bison are especially revered by Native people — central to their survival as both food and spiritual inspiration.

National Bison Day timeline

1900s ​Bison herds severely reduced due to excessive hunting and abuses

Hunting dramatically reduced the population — leaving a mere 700 in private herds; even Yellowstone was left with only 23 bison by 1902.

1992 ​​Native American tribes formed new group to share resources and help bison

The InterTribal Indian Council formed not only to return bison to tribal lands,  but also to create culturally-sensitive educational programs and provide both technical resources and help to 56 tribes.

​1997 Groups signed Bison Memorandum of Understanding

​The  first conservation agreement between an environmental organization and a diverse collective of Native American tribes agreed to combine efforts to return wild bison to tribal land.

​2012 ​The U.S. Senate passed first National Bison Day Resolution

The Senate passed its first resolution honoring National Bison Day, which was also supported by various tribal groups and  the Wildlife Conservation Society.

How to Observe National Bison Day

Sign a petition

Visit a national park

Wear your National Bison Day T-shirt

Stand in support of returning wild bison to their original tribal lands on thousands of acres of Native American reservations. Collaborations among certain groups are working to remind Americans about the important role bison play in the lives of native peoples. Bison are considered sacred and they are even featured in certain tribal creation stories. Bison have also been a source of food and clothing — providing hides for tents, robes, shoes, and tools so that people could survive in harsh climates.

You may not be able to get to a large national park like Yellowstone, but there are a vast number of smaller parks from which to choose. Imagine what it must have been like to see thousands of bison freely roaming the plains. Give your children a chance to experience the wonder of our latest national icon — the bison.

Many groups use this day to raise funds in support of bison. It won’t be hard to find a T-shirt showing your love of bison. Wear it proudly because it’s for a great, patriotic cause.

5 Reasons We Love Our Bison

​Watch that tail

​They've got skills

​They're oldies but goodies

​Throw a stone — hit a bison

Bison as symbols

​If a bison’s tail is hanging down and moves naturally from side to side, the animal is relaxed. But when the tail stands straight up, it's a signal the bison is getting ready to charge.

​Given their size as the largest mammals in North America, bison are surprisingly agile with an ability to  swim well, jump up to six feet, and run between 35 and 40 mph.

Bison have always roamed in Yellowstone National Park as evidenced by prehistoric fossils found in modern times.

​Herds of bison can be found in all 50 states.

​The American bison is not only the country's official mammal; the bison is also the state mammal of Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

Why National Bison Day is Important

It's our national mammal

They're different from buffalo

They were almost extinct

President Obama, with the support of a broad coalition of Native American tribes, wildlife support groups, and concerned members of the Senate, signed a 2015  law making the proud and majestic bison our  national mammal. This law helps to protect bison from extinction and encourages a return back to their native tribal lands.

We know you have been wondering about this so we're going to set you straight. Bison and buffalo are not the same.  Bison are native to North and South America and Europe, while the traditional home of the buffalo is in Africa and Asia. At the height of their magnificence, there were between 30 and 60 million bison in the New World circa the 16th century. Today, there are currently half a million bison roaming happily across North America.     .

Native peoples once lived their lives around the vast herds of bison that swirled around areas of the west and northwest, the central plains, and the southeastern U.S. Once pioneers started their westward trek, both the Native American tribes and the bison herds were seen as obstacles to progress. As the native peoples were systematically forced off their lands by either poachers or fake government treaties, the bison herds began to disappear; by the early part of last century, bison were on the way to extinction. Today, through the collective efforts of Indian tribes, wildlife associations, the national park system and others, bison have re-emerged as a protected species.

Source

[arthurdrakoni]

Flag of the Cherokee Confederacy

This is the flag of the Cherokee Confederacy. It comes from a world where the Spanish Armada successfully conquered England in 1588. While England did eventually regain its independence, the Spanish conquest severely stunted England’s growth as a world power, and lead to greater political instability. As a result, England never became a demographic juggernaut during the colonization of North America. The lands that would have become the Thirteen Colonies are a patchwork of nations and colonies founded by numerous European nations. There are also several independent indigenous nations, such as the Cherokee Confederacy. 

The Cherokee Confederacy also includes the Muskogee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw tribes. The Cherokee, as reflected by the name, were the founding tribe of the confederacy. The Cherokee Confederacy was one of the first indigenous nations of North America to implement westernization and industrialization programs. Today, most Cherokee dress in European-style clothing, but do wear traditional clothing on special occasions. Like most southern nations in eastern North America, the Cherokee historically practiced slavery. Slavery was formally abolished in 1885 as part of the modernization efforts. Racial divides and tensions still remain, but the Cherokee government has, in recent years, implement programs to help blacks integrate into Cherokee society. 

The Cherokee legislature, known as the Tribal Council, is organized into a semi-parliamentary democracy, with a prime minister as the Head of Government, and a president as Head of State. The Cherokee Tribal Council is closer in style to the French National Assmbly, rather than to the English Parliament. The Cherokee Confederacy is centered around what would be western North Carolina, Tennessee, and the northern bits of Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. The indigenous republics of North America, being sovereign nations, did not suffer an equivalent of the Indian Removal Act. 

Historically, the Cherokee Confederacy has been rivals with the Haudenosaunee Federation. However, in recent times the two nations have been putting their rivalries behind them. In terms of good relations, the Cherokee Confederacy has historically been an ally of New Neatherlands, which in located in Virginia. The various nations of North America have formed a European Union-style economic union, and there are hopes that this will eventually leads to a federation. There is a general spirit of good will and optimism. That said, North America still has a ways to go before its nation states become united. 

The flag contains seven gold stars in the shape of the Big Dipper, or Ursa Major, on an orange field with a green border. Ursa Major is an important constellation to several tribes within the Cherokee Confederacy. It also symbolizes how the same night sky shine over the entire Cherokee Confederacy. Blue would seem a natural color choice, but the Cherokee picked orange instead. There is some debate about why this is. Popular belief says that it symbolizes the Cherokee Confederacy’s ties to New Netherlands. However, the Cherokee actually picked orange to contrast with the blue flags several other North American nations use. The green border is to offset the orange.

Link to the original flag on my blog: https://drakoniandgriffalco.blogspot.com/2022/05/flag-of-cherokee-confederacy.html?m=1

[tears-that-heal]

Last day of January 2024……

Red Flag Symbols for Christians #4 1/2

I thought it'll be good to extend on this topic for one more post. 😊

Astrology is an unspoken trend that is only building up in popularity. At grocery stores, you can easy spot booklets next cash registers along side many other magazines. Bookstores have an official section titled "New Age" with shelves fulled with books of Astrology, Zodiac Signs, Horoscopes and the list goes on. The way of thinking and living has been unconsciously woven into the modern day American.

As you can see in the image (above), the classic symbols or sign for the astrology zodiac are based on ancient ruins. Most likely Greek, as do to the illustrations on the image (below) of each zodiac sign. Theses symbols are connect to star constellations that were originally created to map out the sky. Sailors is ancient does days didn't have Google Maps to navigate, some didn't have a compass either. They used the stars to guide their way around the world.

The North Star, or also known as Polaris, aided sailors in knowing what direction was north. "Polaris is a star in the northern circumpolar constellation of Ursa Minor. It is designated α Ursae Minoris and is commonly called the North Star or Pole Star. With an apparent magnitude that fluctuates around 1.98, it is the brightest star in the constellation and is readily visible to the naked eye at night." (wikipedia)

So as you can tell, these symbols were ingrain the lifestyle of the ancient geeks and other civilizations of the time. Now common man doesn't really rely so heavily on such knowledge, of course it would depend on one's occupation. Still speaking of the cosmos, the greeks known for their desire to gain knowledge and understanding on the world around them, were aware of our solar system. Greek mythology has gods and goddess tired to a specific planets in our system. EX: Apollo is the Sun god, Aries is of Mars, Aphrodite to Venus and etc. The same concept is applied to the zodiac signs, as well.

I'd to share some insight the Lord has revealed to me through my own personal experience after dabbling in new age, witchcraft and divination as young adult. Horoscopes are just another tool invented by man to make individuals feel they're in control of their lives. Yep, not sugar-coating here! Of course, this isn't a conscious deception on man's part. It's just one idea apart of a numerous amount others to explain our existence on this earth and everything the dwells around us. It's both spiritual and tribal in nature. Humanity knows we are spiritual (part-spirit/soul) and everything around us is spiritual as well. With man's vivid imagination, we created our own reasons to how things in our human lives were and are. All this "reasoning" doesn't include God. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The Great "I AM".

Basically, horoscopes influence the human mind on a psychological level. In our human nature to be "in control", we gravity to the possibility of learning our futures. With horoscopes and other fortune-telling means, we receive a possible upcoming outcome. If the fortune is "positive" or "in our favor", we main not realize that we that good fortune out and see it to fulfillment. The same effect happens when we may get a "negative" or "undesirable" fortune, we actually go out of our way to make sure it doesn't come to pass. So yeah, it's all a major illusion of control. 😕

As Christians, we need to see this truth for ourselves because it's just another trending distraction for us to forget in trusting our lives with our God. I highly recommend if you have anything in your life related to zodiac symbols or divination/fortune-telling items, please remove and cut ties with them. They have no place your lives as a Christ-Followers. I ask the Lord to grant my brothers and sisters in your Son's name; your strength, wisdom and protection. Everywhere these tools of deception are flooding our cities and towns. So easy to take up and become addicted to feeding our sinful-natures. May your wisdom and understanding be shared with your children. God, You are Truth, and truth prevails all! The Truth sets us Free from spiritual bondage! Continue to grant us your knowledge and discernment, dear Lord. You are so Good to Us, your church!!! In Jesus name, AMEN.

[revenant-coining]

Supernaturalsongic

[ID: a rectangular flag of 6 centered and evenly-spaced concentric circles, with colors in this order, outermost to innermost: yellow, light orange, darkish red-orange, dark red, dark pink, black-purple. in the center of the middle circle is a symbol of two connected eighth notes. the symbol is the color yellow. End ID]

requested by anon

Supernaturalsongic: a gender connected to the song Supernatural by Tribal Blood.

Etymology: supernatural, “songic” a suffix for song genders

Pronounced: sup-er-na-tural song-ick (supernatural songic)

@radiomogai

[ID: an orange line divider with a star covered in flame in the middle. End ID]

[noseblxxd]

[ in addition to the million other things i'm working on, i did some thinking about the NCR's med corp. there's quite a bit of lore for other branches (ie; first recon, rangers) but there's virtually nothing for the medical division. so here's what i got- ]

[ the design comes from the caduceus used by different medical and humanitarian organizations, but to fit with the aesthetic the NCR flag (two-headed bear) the med corp caduceus has a two-headed rattlesnake.

[ the design comes from the caduceus used by different medical and humanitarian organizations, but to fit with the aesthetic the NCR flag (two-headed bear) the med corp caduceus has a two-headed rattlesnake.

"tending the flame" is in homage to the Indigenous and tribal peoples throughout the Mojave, and comes from the importance of firekeepers. cross-culturally this role differs from nation to nation, but typically firekeepers are community members who tend to sacred fires, and support and facilitate health, growth, and wellbeing curing ceremony. fire can also be symbolic of protection (ie; fire providing warmth), so it felt like a fitting motto for this particular group. also credit where credit is due, @that-kid-from-vault-101 totally came up with the phrase so ty ty for the help

the official insignia is primarily used for documentation and labeling of spaces and materials (offices and facilities, armour and uniform), while the modified version can be found on beret patches.

on the topic of berets, major branches have specific colours for identification purposes (green for generals, red for first recon, etc.) so i'm headcanon-ing that medical staff wear navy blue.

last bit of lore has to do with the roles and responsibilities of the medical branch. when the Followers of the Apocalypse cut ties with the NCR, med corp stepped in to fill the gap and are the primary humanitarian branch of the Republic. while this is a good faith effort, compared to other divisions, med corp is relatively small and stretched extremely thin. having to juggle aiding NCR military personnel and civilians with limited resources is going as well as it could under those conditions.

[prairie-tales]

Arapaho Ghost-Dance dress.

Region: Great Plains.

The Ghost Dance religious cult surfaced briefly in the nineteenth century as a direct response by the indigenous peoples of North America to the incursions of the white man, the resultant decimation of many native peoples and the impact on tribal tradition and culture. The Ghost Dance dress was made entirely of traditional materials, thus demonstrating a rejection of the incomers’ goods. This garment is made of deerskin, which was essential in Arapaho lore and is painted with Arapaho directional symbols as well as celestial symbols of the moon and stars, eagles, magpies and dragonflies. These creatures symbolize the realm of the sky. Incongruously, this garment also seems to represent the American flag. It was believed that the new Ghost Dances and songs would cause a disappearance of the white man and the misfortunes he had brought and there would be a return to the old days. Each tribe developed its own Ghost Dance according to its own culture and some even incorporated the Christian idea of a Messiah.

Source: ‘Folk Art’, Susann Linn-Williams, pp. 224-25.

[hetrosjistin]

So on the one hand, I absolutely get where OP is coming from.

That you shouldn't be using a symbol as your entire personality.

In a way, a fursona is still bad if you make it EVERYTHING about how you present yourself outwardsly and obsess over, even if it's still marginally better cause at least it's not based off of a corporate-capitalist property. And a lot of people bringing up OTHER BOXES in the notes on this are kinda missing the point. It is not growth to make a narrative symbol your entire personality, it is, in fact, unhealthy.

I have a FAVORITE lightsaber color, I have a FAVORITE fursona, I have a Favorite bender tribe.

But I'm not a sith with a white saber, I'm not a bat-anthro, I'm not an earth tribe member.

They're lovely little things that I like, but who I am is vaster than that and it's also true of literally everybody, even the folks who hyperfocus on this one aspect of their favorite story.

But I think OP is kinda missing the forest for the trees here, about WHY people latch onto these things.

Sometimes people latch onto a symbol because they have had a gaping hole in their whole life and the relief of finding that thing that defines even some small part of themselves and is capable of communicating that clearly to others.

It's easier to put on an easily communicated mask and judge others by their masks in a vastly complicated, and largely anonymized world of digital access.

It becomes a shortcut to finding a community.

Pride Flags are even more so because they are explicitly about a part of yourself that for many of us in living memory and even many of us TODAY, define parts of ourselves we had to keep buried.

Or that were part of ourselves and we never had the -word- for before being introduced to that thing.

Like I can't explain the euphoria of discovering the word "Biromantic" to define myself because other men physically repulsed me sexually but I was romantically obsessed with a few guys.

So in the case of pride flags, it's that. It's that euphoria of being identified and having an avenue to display and communicate it to others in a shorthand that won't be misunderstood as we so often feel our own words might be.

And the reason people get WEIRD about pride flag discourse is that it's all tribalism, it's all about being able to communicate -properly- to these people. It's about the mask being a universal symbol even when that's patently impossible, and so those who deviate from what these people think is the "CORRECT THING" is heresy and must be attacked because humans are programmed to attack minor social deviance as a method of increasing social cohesion in small tribal groups to enhance survival for the group through insuring a shared communication channel. That becomes much harder today, and we get weird feedback loops of awful from it.

do you think that a certain genre of queer person is so obsessively weird about pride flag discourse becuase their flags fill the gaping hole in their personality where a hogwarts house used to be

[werindialive]

Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Mohan Bhagwat’s Remarks on Independence 

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has strongly criticized Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), for his recent remarks about India’s Independence. Gandhi accused Bhagwat of committing treason with his statements and claimed that the BJP and RSS had taken control of all major institutions in India. 

Bhagwat had said that India did not truly gain independence in 1947. He argued that true independence was achieved when the Ram Mandir was built in Ayodhya, and this moment should be celebrated as the real "Independence Day." According to Bhagwat, India faced foreign invasions for centuries, and it was only with the consecration of the Ram Temple that the nation experienced true freedom. 

Gandhi reacted strongly to Bhagwat’s comments. Speaking at the inauguration of the new Congress headquarters in Delhi, he said that Bhagwat’s remarks were an insult to India’s freedom struggle and the Constitution. He pointed out that the building where the Congress party was holding its event was a symbol of India’s diversity and the sacrifices made by millions of people for the nation’s freedom. 

According to Gandhi, if Bhagwat made such remarks in any other country, he would have been charged with treason. Gandhi emphasized that the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality and freedom for all citizens, was being attacked by the RSS chief when he undermined the 1947 Independence movement and the Constitution itself. 

Gandhi further explained that the country was now facing a battle between two conflicting visions. On one side, there is the Congress vision of India as a union of states, where all languages, cultures, and communities are treated equally. On the other side, he said, there is the RSS vision of a centralized, single-culture nation. 

He accused the current government of trying to suppress the voices of Dalits, minorities, backward castes, and tribals, while promoting an agenda that favors a single, powerful leader and a hidden, secret society. 

Gandhi concluded by calling out the current government’s disregard for the national flag and the Constitution, stating that their vision of India was vastly different from what the Congress party believes in. He urged people not to accept what he described as the “nonsense” being promoted by the BJP and RSS. To read political news in Hindi, subscribe to our newsletter! 

[sourcesandsignificance]

8. The Role of Game Art in Enhancing Gaming Experiences

With all the competition in the gaming industry, game art has become the first thing gamers notice about a game. When browsing for new games on Steam, art is one of the main things I look for. But it doesn't necessarily have to have beautiful graphics or AAA-level artwork for me to be willing to buy a game. So, I started thinking about how game art affects the gaming experience. What's the role of game art in a game? After reading articles on the subject, I came up with three things.

1. Environment Art: Creating a Believable Visual World

When you put aside the game's mechanics, the most interesting part is the world the game has created. It doesn't matter if the world is fantasy or realistic; the goal is to let the player enter a world the game designer made. And that's where game art shines. After all, we're visual creatures, right? Even if the story is about a beautiful and fascinating world, most people will have difficulty imagining what it's like if they don't see the images.

That's why environmental art is so important in-game art. Good environment art isn't about how realistic or beautiful it is. It's about understanding the game's worldview and creating an environment that makes the players feel like they're there. It also helps players quickly understand the game's worldview visually.

Example:

The Last of Us is a great example of environmental art that feels like part of the game. The crumbling cities, moss-covered buildings, and quiet natural landscapes don't just make the post-apocalyptic world feel real. They also let players feel the oppression and loneliness that's everywhere. These details aren't just for show — they're part of the game's story, making you feel like a post-apocalyptic world.

The main goal of environmental art in games is to blend the virtual and realistic elements of the game, finding the right balance so that players can feel immersed in the visual and spatial aspects of the game.

2. Character Design: Building Emotional Connections

Another thing to remember is that character design is meant to help the player build an emotional connection with the game character.

Most games let you take on the role of a character and adventure through the game world. But how to let players from all over the world play the same character and successfully build an emotional connection with that character is a very important task of character design in game art. It's not just about drawing a character's appearance but also creating a convincing look based on their personality and world.

Example:

In Horizon Zero Dawn, the main character, Eloi, has a costume that mixes primitive tribal style with high-tech elements. This expresses the contradiction between humans and machines in the game world. This design helps the player appreciate her appearance and understand her identity and spirit of adventure, making them more invested in her journey.

3. Symbols and Colors: Conveying Messages and Emotions

The third thing to remember is that the game art should carefully handle the message and emotion conveyed by every symbol and color in the game.

Every symbol and color in the game can influence how the player understands it as they play. Good symbols and colors can help players understand an unfamiliar worldview more easily and immerse themselves in the game more quickly.

Example:

Take The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, for example. The flags and architectural patterns of different regions show different cultures and histories. The use of cool colors in the game gives the player a sense of the harshness of the northern kingdoms, while the warmth of candlelight and the texture of wood create an atmosphere of safety and comfort, helping the player to adapt to the environment and experience the plot quickly.

Conclusion

Overall, the game's art does a good job of getting the players to feel like they're there in the game world. After reading the articles, good game art is to understand the game's worldview and core mechanics and then create a visual world unique to the game through environments, characters, symbols, and colors.

Reference

Inventive Studio (n.d.) 'How game art style can enhance your project,' Inventive Studio. Available at: https://www.inventivestudio.co.uk/how-game-art-style-can-enhance-your-project/ (Accessed: [6 Jan 2025]).

Ixie Gaming (n.d.) 'The impact of game art on player experience,' Ixie Gaming. Available at: https://www.ixiegaming.com/blog/the-impact-of-game-art-on-player-experience/ (Accessed: [6 Jan 2025]).

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) (n.d.) 'Game art and virtual reality: Creating immersive experiences,' RMCAD. Available at: https://www.rmcad.edu/blog/game-art-and-virtual-reality-creating-immersive-experiences/ (Accessed: [6 Jan 2025]).

[surroundedbytheworld]

When people use the word "Jesus", then, it's important for us to ask who they're talking about. Are they referring to a token of tribal membership, a tamed, domesticated Jesus who waves the flag and promotes whatever values they have decided their nation needs to return to? Are they referring to the supposed source of the imperial impulse of their group, which wants to conquer other groups "in the name of Jesus"? Are they referring to the logo or slogan of their political, economic, or military system through which they sanctify their greed and lust for power? Or are they referring to the very life source of the universe who has walked among us and continues to sustain everything with his life and power and grace and energy? Jesus is both near and intimate and personal, and big and wide and transcendent. One of the many things people in a church do, then, is name, honor, and orient themselves around this mystery. A church is a community of people who enact specific rituals and create specific experiences to keep this word alive in their own hearts, a gathering of believers who help provide language and symbols and experiences for this mystery.

–Rob Bell, Love Wins. At the Heart of Life's Big Questions (2011)

[ed. 2012, p. 156]

[the-jersey-design-maker-blog]

Unveiling the Best of Philippine Sublimation Jerseys

In the heart of the Philippines, where passion for sports runs deep and creativity knows no bounds, a revolution is underway in the world of athletic apparel. Enter Philippine sublimation jerseys – a fusion of artistic expression and high-performance design that is redefining the way athletes compete and fans cheer. In this blog post, we embark on a journey to uncover the best of Philippine sublimation jerseys, exploring the craftsmanship, innovation, and cultural significance that sets them apart on the global stage.

Celebrating Artistry and Craftsmanship:

At the heart of Philippine sublimation jerseys lies a rich tapestry of artistic heritage and craftsmanship. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant colors, patterns, and symbols of Filipino culture, designers infuse each jersey with a unique sense of identity and pride. From intricate tribal motifs to bold geometric patterns, every design tells a story – a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of Filipino artisans who bring them to life with meticulous attention to detail and unparalleled craftsmanship.

Embracing Innovation and Technology:

Beyond aesthetics, jersey design makers are at the forefront of innovation and technology, leveraging cutting-edge printing techniques and performance fabrics to elevate athletic performance to new heights. Through the process of sublimation, designs are seamlessly integrated into the fabric, ensuring vibrant colors and unmatched durability that withstand the rigors of training and competition. Moisture-wicking fabrics keep athletes cool and dry, while ergonomic cuts and breathable materials provide the comfort and mobility they need to excel on the field.

Cultural Significance and Identity:

What sets jersey design maker apart is their deep-rooted cultural significance and identity. Each design reflects the unique heritage and traditions of the Philippines, paying homage to indigenous tribes, historical landmarks, and national symbols. Whether it's the sun and stars of the Philippine flag or the iconic jeepneys that ply the streets of Manila, these jerseys serve as a powerful expression of national pride and unity, bringing communities together in celebration of sport and culture.

Customization and Personalization:

In the world of Philippine sublimation jerseys, customization is king. From grassroots teams to professional leagues, athletes and fans alike have the opportunity to create their own unique designs, tailored to their individual preferences and style. Whether it's adding team logos, player names, or sponsor logos, the possibilities are endless, allowing teams to stand out on the field and fans to show their unwavering support in style.

Supporting Local Talent and Industry:

By choosing jersey design maker, athletes and teams not only elevate their game but also support local talent and industry. From designers and manufacturers to printers and seamstresses, the production of sublimation jerseys creates jobs and opportunities for Filipino artisans, contributing to the growth and development of the local economy. Moreover, by showcasing Filipino craftsmanship and creativity on the global stage, these jerseys help promote Philippine culture and heritage to a worldwide audience.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Philippine sublimation jerseys represent the perfect marriage of artistry, athleticism, and cultural pride. From the intricately designed patterns to the advanced performance fabrics, these jerseys embody the spirit and essence of the Philippines, celebrating its rich cultural heritage and embracing the limitless potential of its athletes. As the demand for personalized, high-performance athletic apparel continues to grow, Philippine sublimation jerseys stand ready to take center stage, representing the best of Filipino craftsmanship and innovation in the world of sports.

[tears-that-heal]

NEW Blog Post Series…. 🚩

Red Flag Symbols for Christians #2

My vacation to California had me get a little behind on my posts for this series. Lol Actually my time in Cali reminded me of another symbol used by many modern artists. This post will focus on the spiritual meanings of the Moth. Both the Chinese Lunar moth and the Death’s Head Hawk moth are two types of moths being used and seen in current witchcraft-related, pagan and gothic art.

From wikiHow: moth symbolism

Moths can represent change, transformation, and growth. Many cultures see moths as symbols of death and believe they bring messages from the afterlife. Others believe that moths symbolize your intuition and encourage you to trust your inner wisdom.

The Chinese lunar moth is used heavily along side the moon phases image and specific plants like mushroom and other herbal plants. Simply with the name of the moth makes sense why wiccans love them so much. Lunar equal “luna” is spanish for “moon”. These specific types of moth artwork are mainly for nature worshipers, pagans, witches and wiccans Other symbols to be aware of like in the second image is the “third eye” at the bottom, the snakes (x2), crystals and of course, the moon on top. The “third eye” usually represents the ability to see beyond/what’s ahead/foreseeing. Crystals are believed to posses the power to heal, a trend that’s been building in popularity in our society. This believe has already been debunck by science; future blog post to come.

Just to point out in the image above, many artists who use moths and etc. symbols in their artwork are sometimes feminists and naturalists as well. Which is why the witch girl in the image above has slightly hairy arms and legs; they choose not to shave. I personally don’t see anything wrong with this choice, but I have noticed the pattern in women who choose to do this are making a conscous statement towards society.

Now onto the Death’s Head Hawk moth which symbolizes as an omen of death. This believe isn’t limited to this specific and rarely seen moth, but moths in many cultures have this similar folklore that foreshadows death. We knew moth follow the moon light at night and dwells is dark corners during the day. In many tribal cultures moths, and sometimes butteries, are able to cross into the spirit realm and return with messages for their ancestors. As Christians, we know this doesn’t match with our beliefs and what’s written in God’s Word.

Hope this blog post was helpful to you, my brothers in sisters in Christ! I continue to strive and post on this blog series every Wednesday. Bless You All, and have a Wonderful Merry Christmas!!!! 🎄💖 ✝️