#because i really do value the connection here

[911n234]

Why do we believe Katniss was bad?

Okay, the title might feel a little misleading — and I did that on purpose ;)

Let’s be real: no one outright thinks Katniss was evil or a bad person. But not everyone fully understands her personality, and this often leads to unfair comparisons, especially with Peeta. Why is Peeta placed on a pedestal while Katniss gets labeled as “unworthy”?

1. Katniss is an unreliable narrator

We all know Katniss is her own harshest critic. She relentlessly picks at her flaws, second-guesses her decisions, and downplays her achievements. And let’s not forget: she’s a teenager. Who on Earth actually likes themselves at sixteen? That age is a messy cocktail of insecurity, identity crises, and, for Katniss, literal survival.

Her narration reflects her tendency to diminish herself. She assumes her bravery, self-sacrifice, and quick thinking are things anyone would do in her position. This self-effacing perspective shapes how readers perceive her — because we see her through the lens of her own insecurities.

2. Haymitch’s role in the misconception

Let’s talk about Haymitch. He’s a big factor in how people interpret Katniss. His straightforwardness and willingness to call her out, while often helpful, also feed into this narrative of her supposed unworthiness.

The infamous line — “You could live a hundred lifetimes and never deserve that boy” — is a prime example. Many fans took it at face value, interpreting it as a comparison: Peeta is a saint, and Katniss just isn’t good enough. But hold on — what’s Haymitch really saying here?

Haymitch and Katniss are deeply similar, and Katniss acknowledges this herself. Both are survivors shaped by trauma, guilt, and a desperate need to protect the people they love. Haymitch likely projects his own feelings of unworthiness onto Katniss. Maybe he’s reflecting on someone he thought he didn’t deserve. His comment isn’t about Peeta being a perfect angel and Katniss being “less than” — it’s about his own baggage, and Katniss internalizes it the same way she internalizes everything else critical of her (can’t wait for Sunrise on the Reaping!!)

I can’t emphasise enough how much Haymitch affected our perception of Katniss and probably will never find words to describe how perfect it is. I think it was a beautiful way (in the literal sense) to show how deeply they are connected.

3. Katniss puts Peeta on the pedestal first

It’s worth remembering that Katniss is the one who idealizes Peeta before anyone else does. She sees him as her dandelion — a symbol of hope and light. She’s constantly comparing his warmth and kindness to her own pragmatic, survivalist nature.

And, again, she’s a teenager. While Katniss doesn’t seem overly preoccupied with her self-esteem (she has more pressing concerns, like not dying), it’s clear in the way she thinks about herself that she doesn’t feel “enough.” Of course she buys into Haymitch’s comment — it aligns with the narrative she already believes about herself and about Peeta.

4. Neither Katniss nor Peeta are perfect — and that’s why they’re perfect together

Here’s the thing: neither Katniss nor Peeta are saints. They’re flawed, traumatized, and deeply human. And that’s what makes their relationship so compelling.

Katniss is resourceful, fiercely loyal, and willing to do what needs to be done — qualities Peeta admires and needs. Peeta, in turn, is empathetic, kind, and an anchor for Katniss when she’s consumed by fear, despair or anger. Together, they balance each other. They’re partners in every sense, not because one is inherently better or more deserving, but because they make everything work — either it’s their flaws that make them human, demons that haunt them or their best qualities.

So, no, Katniss isn’t “bad,” and she isn’t “unworthy.” She’s just a girl trying to survive, navigate an impossible situation, and protect the people she loves. And for that, we owe her a lot more credit.

[theredhairedmonkey]

Don’t you think that when Callum says “Rayla loves me, this version of myself,” and then conversation gets reframed around Rayla as the reason Callum is doing dark magic, this hints as to why he ultimately does dark magic in the finale?

I think this is honestly a great example of how confirmation bias works in practice. It’s really more of a Hail Mary for the “Callum does everything for Rayla” crowd.

Here’s the conversation Callum has - Dark Callum presents a utilitarian argument: "Only I can save them all... but only if you give up your sense of right and wrong." When Callum responds by bringing up Rayla's love for his moral self, he's using this as evidence for why he shouldn't compromise his principles - not as his primary motivation.

Think about it like this: If someone says "I won't rob a bank because my spouse loves me for being honest," they're not saying "I only stay honest because of my spouse." They're saying their spouse's love affirms and supports their existing moral principles. It's evidence for why their principles are worth maintaining, not the source of those principles.

Dark Callum then tries to twist this by suggesting Callum should compromise his values for love. But Callum's final response is telling - he explicitly rejects this frame and broadens the scope: "There is a way out of this, with good people doing courageous things. Humans, elves, dragons, doing what's right!" This isn't about saving Rayla; it's about believing in collective moral action.

We can’t ignore this explicit rejection and the actual content of Callum's final statement. It's like reading someone saying "I won't compromise my principles, even for love" and interpreting it as "Everything I do is motivated by love."

And in the end, Rayla isn’t the reason Callum changes course. Once Akiyu is killed and Viren’s staff is left behind, there’s only one way to stop Aaravos and save the world, and Callum is forced to take it, but he ONLY takes it knowing that he’ll die in the end. Thats how important his principles are, he’ll break them - because it’s a matter of his death or everyone else’s.

Bear in mind, Runaan is there with Callum for all of it, and sees Callum formulate this plan and concludes “he has a good heart. He would do anything to save this world.” Coming from someone who was skeptical of Callum, and of humans, and dark magic, seeing him come all the way back around to this conclusion speaks volumes.

Granted, I’m sure there are people who will read this and think “but Rayla’s love shouldn’t have been a factor at all.” To them, it seems like nothing short of Callum being a spectral force comparable to the First Elves who commits to abstract moral principles solely for their own sake and not any personal reasons would permit them to say that Callum is in any way being “good.”.

In reality, moral decisions rarely come from pure abstract principles alone. What makes someone "good" isn't the complete absence of personal motivations, but rather how they integrate their personal connections and moral principles.

In Callum's case, his love for Rayla reinforces rather than compromises his moral principles. When he cites her love for his moral self, he's acknowledging that their relationship is built on shared values. It's not that he's good only because Rayla loves him - rather, Rayla loves him in part because of his goodness, and this helps strengthen his resolve to maintain those principles.

[halitis]

first of all, thanks simu for asking!!! (idk if i should @ ??? whats tumblr etiquette for this). everyone should go check out their hal jordon stuff NAOW its so good <3

BUT YES. im gonna talk about jewish hal first, and transgenderism later :3 because ooogh.... thoughts baby. ima bout to project so hard.

so. disclaimer. this is all has some vague basis on my complex relationship with being jewish. im not goyim but im also not not goyim. so yknow take everything i say wirh a grain of salt.

hal i think, is non-practicing and i don't think he ever was. i don't think martin would have converted and i don't think jessica would have been very observant, though after martin died i think she would have started up again. but either way he never really felt that connection that she did. like he would have joined in on shabbat and shavuot and all that but it would have more been to appease his mum than out of a genuine belief.

when he gains the green lantern ring, he definitely stops practicing. all of what hes been taught, compared to what hes seeing is just. conflicting. he goes through a loooooong crisis over it.

it takes a while before he comes to the conclusion that sure, maybe g-d isn't real and it's all just made up. but also what if he is? and that it's comforting to him to have faith that there is. it also helps that he has a genuine agreement with a lot of the values in judaism, and agrees with what they practice.

i still don't think that hal would practice very publicly, like i can't picture him going to a synagogue or anything like that. maybe due to shame maybe something else, but i think he would be observant at home. would he follow every law? no probably not. but he would follow them in a way that both fit his morals and in-keeping with doing the ethical thing in g-d's eyes.

i have headcannons and stuff, but i'm not gonna put them here because idk. doesn't feel like the right place? ill probably post more abt it later :p

thanks for reading MWAAAH MWAH!!

[thyras]

→ of sauron's regret (bonus part)

PAIRING → mairon | sauron x female!elf!reader

WORD COUNT → 2.9k words

SERIES → of sauron & the moriquendi

WARNINGS → 18+ mdni - smut (oral), character death? if you squint

SUMMARY → after the fall of laureandor, sauron spends a moment with his past life but not before getting retribution for his past self. for he regrets many things, but that day he regrets still lingers in the very core of his being.

AUTHORS NOTE → idk i had this really buckwild thought since part two about during the fall of laureandor calandil stays behind and sauron gets revenge for mairon and was like; "bro look I helped you because you were too pathetically nice and wouldn't do it all cause you thought you'd scare her, but she'll never know now man so I just took care it for ya". like mairon does not forget, but sauron acts. so here we are, this is just a bonus part that did not make the final cut, but I wanted to share.

PARTS → one // two // three // four // five

The ash fell thick and heavy around his boots, muffling the sound of his steps and blotting out the soft, golden rays of sunlight that once bathed these streets. What had once been a bustling market square, filled with the vibrant hum of life, was now a desolate ruin. Orcs roamed the area, their guttural voices blending with the distant crackle of flames as they ransacked what little remained.

Sauron felt the weight of the destruction settle deep in his chest. This wasn’t simply ruin—it was disorder, chaos, an affront to the precision and beauty he had once valued so deeply. With a breath, he shifted back into his fairer form, his presence commanding even in this broken place. His gaze fell upon a familiar sight, and his steps carried him to the place where he had spent countless days and nights.

His fingers brushed lightly across the damaged workbench, the wood splintered and scarred yet still standing. It seemed untouched by time, as though no one had dared use it since his departure. Dust and ash blanketed the surface, but beneath the decay, the faint echoes of his craft lingered.

The tools hung neatly on the wall, most still in their place save for a few that had fallen during the siege. His footsteps echoed softly as he walked around the table, the anvil, and the furnace, each object holding an essence of the past. And then he saw it—the small, plush lounger tucked into the corner by the furnace, the one that had always been yours.

A rare smile touched his lips as he took it in, the sight pulling memories to the forefront of his mind. You would sit there for hours, book in hand, your presence a quiet comfort as he worked. He could almost see you there now, your head tilted slightly, a knowing smile playing on your lips as you glanced at him from over the brim of your book. You always claimed you loved watching him at work, that there was something calming in the precision of his movements.

“If you’re not rutting deeply in me, my love,” you had once teased, “forging is the only other place you truly seem at ease.”

The memory wrapped around him, bittersweet and vivid. He reached out and touched the arm of the chair gently, the warmth of the furnace long gone, but its echoes lingering. You were everywhere in this place—woven into its very essence, into every tool, every mark on the workbench, every shadow cast by the forge’s light. It was a sanctuary you had built together, a place of creation and connection.

Now, it was little more than a ruin. Yet even in its decay, it held fragments of you, of a time when the world was not yet cloaked in shadow. And for a moment, amid the ashes, he let himself remember.

Sauron paused mid-step, his sharp eyes catching a faint glimmer beneath one of the wall workbenches. Intrigued, he moved closer, crouching to inspect the source. With deliberate care, he swept away the layers of dust and soot, his movements slow, almost reverent, as the delicate object came into view.

It was the hairpiece you had worn on your wedding night.

For a moment, he simply stared at it, his thumb brushing over the intricate finery. The shimmering jewels embedded within still sparkled as brightly as the silver-glinting stars that had adorned the sky that night. He had planned to replace the stones, to craft something even more magnificent for you, one that would match the vibrant blue of the jewel in your necklace. But that night, the night he had planned to do so, was also the night everything had changed—for you, for him, for both of your intertwined fëar.

Still holding the hairpiece, Sauron moved to the plush lounger in the corner and sat, his posture unusually relaxed yet heavy with thought. His fingers traced the delicate design as if trying to absorb the essence of that moment long past.

Then, like a wave breaking against the shore, a memory surged through his mind. He could see you clearly, your beauty radiant beneath the light of countless stars, a soft smile on your lips as you looked at him with the kind of love that had unraveled the very threads of his being. He had taken your hand that night, guiding you to a place beyond the boundaries of Arda itself—a plane of existence where only the two of you could dwell, unmarked by time, by shadow, by anything that might tear you apart.

And where he wished you had both stayed.

“And what do you wish to show me, that requires my eyes to be covered?” you teased, your voice light and playful as he carefully guided you forward, his hand firm yet gentle on yours. A mischievous smile curved your lips. “Because if you ruin my dress, I do believe you’ll have a very upset seamstress to contend with.”

Mairon chuckled, a low, warm sound that sent a shiver up your spine. He leaned in close, his breath brushing against your ear as he murmured, “Then I shall have Vairë herself weave you a new one—with even more splendor.”

You felt his fingers gently push a strand of hair behind your ear, his touch lingering as his lips skimmed the shell of it. “The very stars themselves, sewn into the fabric, so that you gleam like the night sky.”

You couldn’t help but smile, even as a warmth began to rise in your cheeks. With your eyes still closed, you turned your head toward him, sensing his presence near. His lips hovered just above yours, the proximity making your breath hitch.

“That tongue of yours,” you whispered, your voice laced with mock admonishment, “gets you into so much trouble.”

A soft chuckle rumbled from him, his amusement unrestrained. Only with you did Mairon smile so freely, so purely, his sharp edges softened into something entirely different.

“It is not the only thing my tongue can do,” he murmured, his voice laced with playful wickedness. His lips claimed yours then, teasingly capturing your bottom lip in a slow, deliberate kiss. The faintest pull of his mouth sent a rush of heat through you, your heart quickening as his words hung in the air.

“And you know that, divine,” he added, his voice like silk against your skin. Your face warmed further, and you bit back a giggle, both exasperated and utterly enchanted by him.

With a steady hand, he began to guide you once more toward your destination, the mystery of his intentions heightening the anticipation with every step. 

Once inside the forge he asked you to open your eyes, there in replacement of the wooden chair that you usually sat in was a plush lounger. Something completely out of place for this kind of setting. 

“For you,” he said, motioning to the chair. “So you can be comfortable while you read and—” he trailed of fingers tracing across your shoulders. “I may take my fill of you more comfortabely now.” You swallowed hard and turned to him, lips moving to caress his as your arms around his neck. You did not need to say a single thing to him for him to know you approved of your give. 

Mairon’s fingers ran down your back, untying the strings of your gown until it fell to the stone floor. You whimpered against his lips in distaste as his hands caressed every inch of you, pulling off the jewels and pearls until nothing but that silvery chain and your ring was the only thing adorning your body. 

He broke away and gazed into your eyes, sparkling and filled with lust just as his were. “Before you say it, divine, I will get you another.” You nod and he continued. “I want my wife in all her splendor right now,” He captured your lips once more and guided you to lay down on the lounger as he shucked his robes to lay with your gown. Until he to was only adorned by the golden chain around his neck.

His body lay tangled with yours as his lips and hands explored his beautiful elven-wife. Each caress was acompanied by a tug on his scalp or a moan of satisfaction. Mairon reached the point where he knew would bring the most sinful noises from your lips. You arched your hips to him so you could drape your legs over his shoulders. He moved to swipe a finger through the opening to see if he could get you to react to the stimulating touch, and he was reward.

“Mairon…” You moaned as he smiled devilishly before moving inches away from your clit. He had been painfully hard before this moment but now he was aching to fill you.

“Are you going to sing for me, my sweet Mori?” he asked, swiping his tongue through your lips with a painfully slow motion that drove your toes to curl in ecstacy. 

“Yes…always yes…” you panted and he gave you another lick before drawing away. “Please…” you whimpered now. “I…I…need…”

“Come now, divine, what happened to my oh so articulate wife?” He chuckled against you and sent your thighs tightening. Mairon then dropped your legs and moved to hover over your lips. “Tell me what you need,”

“You…all of you…for all my immortality.”

The words echoed endlessly through his mind, each one a hammer blow to his resolve as he clutched the delicate hairpiece in his hands. Regret clawed at him, sharp and unrelenting, for the ruin he had wrought, the choices that had led to this desolation. But in all the pain, in all the sorrow, there was one thing he never regretted—you. Never the love you had given him, pure and unwavering. Never the devotion you continued to show him, even when he had fallen so far, even after all he had done.

He had taken personal charge of this campaign, ensuring it would be executed perfectly, for his hands were steady, his will unshakable. And yet, he had harbored a singular, desperate hope: that he might buy you the time to escape. He had convinced himself it was his last gift to you, a fleeting redemption wrapped in an act of devastation.

A tear slipped free, unnoticed at first, until it struck one of the shimmering jewels on the hairpiece. The delicate stone dimmed as his darkness touched it, as though recoiling from the stain of his sorrow. More tears followed, unbidden, splashing onto the jewels like a mournful rain. Each one seemed to sap a little more of their light, until the once brilliant ornament felt like a reflection of himself—tarnished, shadowed, broken.

What had he done?

The question stabbed into his heart, the pain sharper than any blade. Why had he let himself become this? Why had he allowed fear and pride to chain him to the abyss?

Why was he such a coward?

He clutched the hairpiece tighter, as though it might anchor him, as though it might hold together the pieces of a heart that had long since shattered. But it didn’t. It couldn’t. The regret only deepened, the weight of his failures crushing down upon him, leaving nothing but the hollow ache of what could have been.

“My lord,” a disgrunted Orc’s voice said, Sauron looked up and in an instant threw one of the tools with a wave of his fingers at the Orc for seeing him as such, dealing a killing blow. He stood slowly, his movements deliberate, and tucked the hairpiece beneath the folds of his robes, hiding it from view. Straightening, his gaze fell coldly on the fallen Orc at his feet, then shifted to the two others standing a few paces away. The weight of his presence pressed down on them, and they flinched as he stepped forward, his voice a low, menacing growl.

“Speak,” Sauron snarled, his piercing gaze locking onto them.

The Orcs bowed their heads hastily, shuffling forward under his scrutiny. One finally mustered the courage to speak, his voice trembling despite his effort to sound composed.

“Adar wishes to send word,” the Orc began, his tone deferential, “that the city has been completely overrun, and we are clearing out the last of the elves.”

Sauron tilted his head slightly, his sharp instincts picking up the hesitation in the creature’s voice. His brow arched, a silent command for the Orc to continue. The pause stretched uncomfortably before the Orc finally blurted out the rest.

“He has requested to see you,” the Orc admitted quickly, “as one of the High Officials has… requested to see you.”

Sauron’s eyes narrowed, his mind already racing through possibilities. “I thought all the officials had fled,” he said, his voice colder now, each word a blade that cut through the air.

The Orc swallowed hard, his eyes darting to his fallen companion sprawled across the stone street as though seeking some kind of silent support, though he would never recieve it. “That is what we believed, my lord,” he stammered, his voice faltering under the weight of Sauron’s gaze. “But… one has been found. They insisted on speaking with you directly.”

Sauron’s lips curved into the faintest trace of a smile, though there was no warmth in it, only a dark amusement. “Very well,” he said, his tone a mixture of disdain and curiosity. “Take me to them. Let us see what this official believes they can accomplish.”

He stepped forward, his robes brushing the blood-streaked stones as the Orcs bowed low and scurried ahead to lead the way. The hairpiece pressed against his side, a constant, silent reminder of the light he had lost—and the shadow he now wielded.

As they entered the city square, Sauron’s sharp eyes scanned the scene. Amid the ruin and ash, Adar sat on a crumbling stone bench, his sword resting between his legs, its tip embedded in the scorched ground. His posture was calm, almost contemplative, but his dark eyes flicked upward the moment Sauron approached. Orcs flanked him, two holding tightly to a fair-haired elf clad in high elven armor, their grips unrelenting despite the elf’s obvious defiance.

When Adar caught Sauron’s gaze, he rose smoothly to his feet, his movements measured and deliberate. He inclined his head in a deep bow, his voice deep and resonant as he greeted, “My lord.”

Sauron’s eyes narrowed, a faint smirk curving his lips as he took in the sight before him. “What do we have here?” he asked, his voice low and edged with curiosity.

At his words, the Orcs jerked the elf around to face him, forcing the captive upright. The elf’s armor, though tarnished and dented, gleamed faintly in the dim light. His fair hair fell in loose strands around his face, his piercing eyes blazing with defiance even as his captors tightened their hold. A face he knew to well, one he had wanted to meet on the battlefield and smite him into the ground.

Sauron stepped closer, his gaze appraising, and the faint smirk on his lips deepened as he studied Calandil. “Well,” he murmured, his tone almost amused, “this should prove interesting.” Calandil’s piercing eyes locked onto Sauron, and for a fleeting moment, there was recognition—a flicker of understanding that quickly twisted into seething anger. His body tensed, and he strained against the Orcs’ iron grip, his movements frantic and wild as though sheer will alone could break their hold.

“Where is she?” he spat through gritted teeth, his voice raw and trembling with both fury and desperation.

Sauron tilted his head slightly, his eyes gleaming with amusement as a wicked smile spread across his lips. The expression was mocking, calculated, designed to provoke.

“Where is who?” he drawled, his tone smooth and taunting, as if he truly had no idea what Calandil was demanding. Yet the glint in his eyes betrayed him; he knew exactly what the elf was asking—and he savored every second of the Calandil’s torment.

“You better not have—” Calandil began, his voice rising in fury, but Sauron moved swiftly, cutting him off as he stepped closer, now standing directly before him.

“Or you will do what?” Sauron’s voice was a low, dangerous murmur, his eyes glinting with cruel amusement. He leaned in slightly, his presence towering and oppressive. “As I see it, you are at my mercy now, elf,” he continued, his tone sharp as a blade. “Which is far more favorable than that of my masters.”

The smirk on his lips deepened, a predator savoring his prey’s helplessness. The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, an unspoken reminder of what Calandil already knew—he had no power here, not against Sauron, not in the heart of ruin.

But Calandil, he knew, always was famed for his rebellious temper and rash behavior. Mairon had been on the end of that, and now Sauron was not going to let that happen.

“You lied to her,” Calandil said, his voice cutting through the stillness like a blade, heavy with accusation.

Sauron paused, his expression unreadable, before slowly turning his head to Adar and the Orcs restraining the elf. With a dismissive wave of his hand, he said coldly, “Leave us.”

And in that moment, Sauron resolved to give Mairon the satisfaction and retribution he so deeply craved. Calandil would meet his end, a calculated punishment for his insolence and defiance.

But not without cost.

[oswlld]

i hope you will spend the best of birthdays jessi, love you and miss you lots 💜💜💜✨

🥺vish!!! ty it’s been a great weekend leading up and so grateful to begin the birthday replies with u 💕 ILYYY here’s to more choco pie walls and noodle free incidences!

[cervinae-canine]

is it fair to call people like this "hack writers" if the only way they find a relationship interesting is when it involves pedophilia, incest, cannibalism or necrophilia?

[meowmedusa]

looking at the clock and going "oh. i didn't. even realize it was past 8pm." and its not funny or cool its just unbelievably concerning

[musical-chick-13]

Regarding the previous post, I think the way I approach trying to evaluate a piece of art is asking "Do I think the positive things I get out of it outweigh the parts of it that I don't like?" And when I call something a "guilty pleasure" song/show/book/piece of media/etc. it's really more in the sense of, "Given who I am as a person, the flaws I've found in this should be complete dealbreakers for me, but somehow they aren't, and it makes me feel like I'm having an identity crisis."

[whentherewerebicycles]

question: when you're starting a new job, what do you most want out of your first week of onboarding? what's most helpful for you to know/understand upfront? also... what's not helpful? tell me your onboarding nightmare stories too lol

[wild-at-mind]

People: we're boycotting Starbucks because of Palestine.

Someone else: it's not on the BDS list

A 3rd person: yeah but they are firing people because of Palestine. And union busting.

?????? Goalpost moved. I am tired.

[jewishvitya]

A pro-Palestine Jew on tiktok asked those of us who were raised pro-Israel, what got us to change our minds on Palestine. I made a video to answer (with my voice, not my face), and a few people watched it and found some value in it. I'm putting this here too. I communicate through text better than voice.

So I feel repetitive for saying this at this point, but I grew up in the West Bank settlements. I wrote this post to give an example of the extent to which Palestinians are dehumanized there.

Where I live now, I meet Palestinians in day to day life. Israeli Arab citizens living their lives. In the West Bank, it was nothing like that. Over there, I only saw them through the electric fence, and the hostility between us and Palestinians was tangible.

When you're a child being brought into the situation, you don't experience the context, you don't experience the history, you don't know why they're hostile to you. You just feel "these people hate me, they don't want me to exist." And that bubble was my reality. So when I was taught in school that everything we did was in self defense, that our military is special and uniquely ethical because it's the only defensive military in the world - that made sense to me. It slotted neatly into the reality I knew.

One of the first things to burst the bubble for me was when I spoke to an old Israeli man and he was talking about his trauma from battle. I don't remember what he said, but it hit me wrong. It conflicted with the history as I understood it. So I was a bit desperate to make it make sense again, and I said, "But everything we did was in self defense, right?"

He kinda looked at me, couldn't understand at all why I was upset, and he went, "We destroyed whole villages. Of course we did. It was war, that's what you do."

And that casual "of course" stuck with me. I had to look into it more.

I couldn't look at more accurate history, and not at accounts by Palestinians, I was too primed against these sources to trust them. The community I grew up in had an anti-intellectual element to it where scholars weren't trusted about things like this.

So what really solidified this for me, was seeing Palestinian culture.

Because part of the story that Israel tells us to justify everything, is that Palestinians are not a distinct group of people, they're just Arabs. They belong to the nations around us. They insist on being here because they want to deny us a homeland. The Palestinian identity exists to hurt us. This, because the idea of displacing them and taking over their lands doesn't sound like stealing, if this was never theirs and they're only pretending because they want to deprive us.

But then foods, dances, clothing, embroidery, the Palestinian dialect. These things are history. They don't pop into existence just because you hate Jews and they're trying to move here. How gorgeous is the Palestinian thobe? How stunning is tatreez in general? And when I saw specific patterns belonging to different regions of Palestine?

All of these painted for me a rich shared life of a group of people, and countered the narrative that the Palestininian identity was fabricated to hurt us. It taught me that, whatever we call them, whatever they call themselves, they have a history in this land, they have a right to it, they have a connection to it that we can't override with our own.

I started having conversations with leftist friends. Confronting the fact that the borders of the occupied territories are arbitrary and every Israeli city was taken from them. In one of those conversations, I was encouraged to rethink how I imagine peace.

This also goes back to schooling. Because they drilled into us, we're the ones who want peace, they're the ones who keep fighting, they're just so dedicated to death and killing and they won't leave us alone.

In high school, we had a stadium event with a speaker who was telling us about a person who defected from Hamas, converted to Christianity and became a Shin Bet agent. Pretty sure you can read this in the book "Son of Hamas." A lot of my friends read the book, I didn't read it, I only know what I was told in that lecture. I guess they couldn't risk us missing out on the indoctrination if we chose not to read it.

One of the things they told us was how he thought, we've been fighting with them for so long, Israelis must have a culture around the glorification of violence. And he looked for that in music. He looked for songs about war. And for a while he just couldn't find any, but when he did, he translated it more fully, and he found out the song was about an end to wars. And this, according to the story as I was told it, was one of the things that convinced him. If you know know the current trending Israeli "war anthem," you know this flimsy reasoning doesn't work.

Back then, my friend encouraged me to think more critically about how we as Israelis envision peace, as the absence of resistance. And how self-centered it is. They can be suffering under our occupation, but as long as it doesn't reach us, that's called peace. So of course we want it and they don't.

Unless we're willing to work to change the situation entirely, our calls for peace are just "please stop fighting back against the harm we cause you."

In this video, Shlomo Yitzchak shares how he changed his mind. His story is much more interesting than mine, and he's much more eloquent telling it. He mentions how he was taught to fear Palestinians. An automatic thought, "If I go with you, you'll kill me." I was taught this too. I was taught that, if I'm in a taxi, I should be looking at the driver's name. And if that name is Arab, I should watch the road and the route he's taking, to be prepared in case he wants to take me somewhere to kill me. Just a random person trying to work. For years it stayed a habit, I'd automatically look at the driver's name. Even after knowing that I want to align myself with liberation, justice, and equality. It was a process of unlearning.

On October, not long after the current escalation of violence, I had to take a taxi again. A Jewish driver stopped and told me he'll take me, "so an Arab doesn't get you." Israeli Jews are so comfortable saying things like this to each other. My neighbors discussed a Palestinian employee, with one saying "We should tell him not to come anymore, that we want to hire a Jew." The second answered, "No, he'll say it's discrimination," like it would be so ridiculous of him. And the first just shrugged, "So we don't have to tell him why." They didn't go through with it, but they were so casual about this conversation.

In the Torah, we're told to treat those who are foreign to us well, because we know what it's like to be the foreigner. Fighting back against oppression is the natural human thing to do. We know it because we lived it. And as soon as I looked at things from this angle, it wasn't really a choice of what to support.

[theoccultz]

How will your future spouse pursue you ?

Ok you guys the series is finally here

All of my pacs are queer friendly

Since not everyone wants to get married , you could read for your s/o as well

Pics and dividers not mine , credits to their rightful owners @/saradika

Apologies for any mistakes

Let me know which pile you picked and don't be afraid to express your thoughts (:

Pile l . Pile ll. Pile lll.

🫀 Pile l.

For this series if you have any topic suggestion let me know I'll include it

>>> | Queen of swords , 4of wands , 5 of cups |

This person is gonna be competitive for your attention , they dont fall in love easily and when they do its ride or die , they are your typical bad boy stereotype that you see in the movies , they are someone who knows they are the best in the room this person's self esteem & self concept is amazing, their confidence speak for itself, they are someone who has seen a lot of things in life and their way of getting to you is very simple and straightforward, maybe in the past people weren't as actively pursuing you as you would love them too but this person is not like this , they are on your face they know they want you and they're gonna be sincere & upfront about it , this person is generally very quiet and people have a lot of ridiculous assumptions about them like they're a player etc etc but best believe me they're really not what others think of him , this person is hot asf , you could be a very stubborn person who takes decision carefully about their life and this will stress them out n,ot in a way to deceit anyone but they know they have to prove everyone wrong so that you see them truly for who they are awww:(

Anyways this person is very masculine in nature , they are gonna act as a mentor and a caregiver, you want this ? I got it , you need this ? Its on me ....and you're like wtf i can do that myself but its just their way to make you feel special , this person does not do that for everyone if they are doing 50% for you then they are gonna do 20% for their friends its like they value your connection a lot and they don't want you to feel like you're just like everyone else in their life , this person is gonna defend you in every situation be it with their family or friends they dont give a shit , this person is also very keen on you they notice everything about you , how you care for people what you like to wear so their another hobby will be gift giving they are very thoughtful and they'd love to make you smile . The four of wands with the five of cups rx is very much i don't want to see them sad , i don't want them to doubt our connection, i want to put efforts for them , i want to do SO much that this person never feel less about themselves, i feel like being with this person , one of the best things about them ...that you're gonna like is they are deadly whatever they do its 100% efforts they dont like to tease their partner even in a slightest way because they know words can stick with a person forever so they're very mindful ,people can envy this the most about you guys its like no one can say anything bad abt my partner if you're gonna be passive then i might play this game as well , they could have a scorpio mercury or virgo so whatever they say is gonna hurt the other person because scorpions and virgos are known for their details , they study people very deeply , whatever they say hold meaning.

This person is definately that cold hearted girl/ guy or you are because i'm picking up on this black cat energy from you and cats do not chose their owners instantly neither do they love everyone. I Also picked up on a very rockstar appearance like long hairs , leather jacket, ripped jeans , its so cool , they remind me of early 2000's era

How will they pursue you : competitively , your friends post you every week ?? ...i'm gonna post you everyday its that kind of person lol , the back of the deck I usually take that as an overall energy is ace of pentacle which is a very stable and set energy in its own so whatever they do , they do it to achieve victory , to be recognised, to show you that they are the shit (;

Channelled song :

Thank you for reading!!

🫀Pile ll .

For this series if you have any topic suggestion let me know I'll include it

| 10 of cups , strength, four of swords |

Ok so this is our cool guy /girl lmao

Even though they will be putting in efforts to pursue you , you shouldn't know that they are doing that , i feel like they will be pursuing you from the get go like this person on a random monday evening will just accept i have feelings for this person and i want them , now this person will try to make it seem like its all a coincidence, this could be a leo mercury or gemini they try to entertain people with their words but their words hold honesty which people cant always catch so they will try to make you feel comfortable like you should feel happy in their presence and it will satisfy them and they will replay this in their mind at night like oh this person laughed at my joke they touched me i made them happy and it brings a smile on their face , they might say or do things which will make you laugh take a scenario like OH ...and you're like what happened and this person is like deja vu darling i think we belong together the universe knows and its so cheesy but its also so cute , they like to break this barrier between you guys , this person will be friendly towards you , they will flirt with you , they're also very spontaneous and a little bit tricky they love to play with you , lets say you guys have a dinner plan and you're excited you're dressed up you have already reached the venue but they will purposefully show up late and when you text them they're like WHAT...? We had plans ? but they are just joking they are alrdy at the venue waiting for you to see them , they might even joke with you like oh i have 5 kids to feed ofcourse i'm late & its a very playfully banter , you play along like YOU match their freak ... its ridiculous you wanna be mad at them but you can't but i understand your feelings pile 2 and i validate 🙂‍↔️✋🏽

I really think this person is gonna steal your parents love like 😭✋🏽they are the favourite child now , this person has a tendency to play cool like they dont wanna give in first..... they want you to give in first its kind of a cute ego idk , let's take a scenario they say "love you " and you're like where's my " I LOVE YOU " and they're like yes "I LOVE YOU TOO" so petty 😭 they have this natural ability to piss you off , this is the type of person when someone would ask you guys ..."so who confessed first ??...they're gonna jump in like ofcourse it was them , they were crazy about me like you dont know i had to give in but its not true its the opposite. So as you can already guess their ass ? Dramatic ...but you cant say they are dramatic because they are gonna be MORE dramatic about it .

How will they pursue you ? With fear because i feel like they will mask their desire to make you theirs with humour you could start off as friends or colleagues so they cant be very open about their feelings because they feel like you are not focused on love and you might reject them so it's their little cute tactics to get to your heart yeah but they are gonna be very anxious about it they could even suffer from inferiority complex.

Channelled song:

Thank you for reading!!

🫀Pile lll.

For this series if you have any topic suggestion let me know I'll include it

• 3ofcoins, wheel of fortune rx , seven of swords rx •

This person will absolutely be focused on providing comfort to you whether it be emotional or sexual , they love to do things with you they love to hang out with you , they creatively express themselves, they are someone who's gonna listen to your rants they are gonna embrace every flaw & every good thing about you , you are gonna feel exposed in their presence there's something about this person knowing you more than you know them , they really love to spend time with you , i'm seeing this person pushing you towards better goals like your life is gonna improve being with them ,this person will be very happy for your success, they are gonna put you on pedestal they think you are more lovable than them and you deserve more than them and i can confidently say they'll always love you more than you love them its very sweet but also sad , they have insecurities yet they are here trying to soothe your heart, they are gonna apologise first its like they dont wanna lose you they know how to keep a connection you wouldn't need to worry this is a connection where you can let yourself just be you aint gonna walk on eggshells, they are mature , i feel like this person cannot express themselves through words so they prefer to write to you , take you to places with them , praise you infornt of others , make you something, i feel like this persons love is comforting and sweet , you are their equal and they want you to feel like that.

This person will definately engage more in your life , they are gonna be supportive towards you like a best friend, they will overgive to you , they can even say stuff like ...." as long as i'm here i'm gonna be there for you ".....they will hold your hand while you walk they will listen to your problems, they will embrace your silly nature , take you out , spend time with you " i'm getting this line you came and the other one is like you called " it went viral on tiktok i think its from a movie but yeah the energy is very much sweet

Oh you guys this is so sweet , you guys dont speak the same language? They're gonna learn for you we have that kind of person here , you know when they are in love they get hearty eyes it shows on their face and in their behaviour, those sneaky eye contacts , those blush when you are mentioned, the sincerity in their words ,its all there .

How they're gonna pursue you ? Its very passionate and being Passionate does not mean always having hots for each other and that is exactly how they will make you feel , you feel this wholeness i'm having a hard time describing it...its so divine...you know just so grateful and lucky to have a connection like this in this day n age , Yeah 😭this is sooooooo damnnn cuteee i'm scared of this person's energy its very intense , i mean your partner is into worshipping & if you like this then this is definitely your pile (:

Channelled song:

Thanks for reading!!

[no-144444]

guilt tripping- o.piastri

summary: oscar asks something of you that you know you can't do. you do it anyway and it ends in you two almost breaking up. almost.

pairing: oscar piastri x fem! chronic illness! reader

a/n: hey yall, I just broke two ribs (lol) and got diagnosed with a chronic illness (lmao) so I might not be posting as frequently- just dealing with it physically and mentally so yah 😹

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“I don’t know if I can go,” you sighed, feeling even worse. 

“That’s alright,” he assured you, but you could hear the way his excitement depleted and his mood lowered. 

“M-maybe I can work something out, I don’t want to leave you alone,” your guilt grew everyday, this wasn’t healthy for either of you. 

“I don’t want you over-exerting yourself,” he spoke softly into the phone. “I’ll just ask mum if she has any friends that want to go or something. She always brings a million people with her.”

“I don’t want to leave you hanging Oscar. Melbourne is a big race. I’d be happy to come over like a week before, and then come to the race once I’ve had a few days to heal,” you bargained. A 22 hour connecting flight was not something you’d ever wanted to do. You couldn’t do it. You knew the pain would be too bad, yet you still stood there, offering it anyway. “And then I’d come for the race on Sunday, or just small bits on all the days.”

“Really?” his voice picked up, excited now. “You’re sure?”

“I’m sure Osc, I love seeing you race,” your smile was more of a grimace than anything, but still, the guilt in your chest lessened as you listened to Oscar speak animatedly about the race weekend, while your anxiety ran through the roof. You couldn’t do all the things he wanted you to do, you never could. This had been a problem at the beginning of your relationship, every time he’d plan a date that wasn’t dinner or a movie, you’d have to break the news that a 15 kilometre hike wasn’t something you’d be able to do on a whim. Things like that took planning, physio, and preparation. Your chronic illness was no joke, and had limited you since you were a teenager. In the past few years he’d gotten much better at everything, from helping you with your physio exercises, attending pilates classes with you, knowing what to do on bad pain days, and always looking out for you in public. You knew he was just getting away with himself, and you didn't want to disappoint, so you agreed to it all, hoping against hope that it wouldn’t be a bad week of pain or flare-ups wise. 

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You got into Melbourne and sobbed when you got in the car. Thankfully, it was Hattie picking you up, so she just held your hand as you silently cried, the joint and too much to bear. You went straight to bed as Hattie explained to the rest of the house that you were exhausted, and Oscar took it at face value. You usually get extremely tired after long days, and you’d just had a 22-hour day of travel. 

“I’ll go check on her-” he started, desperate to see you but Hattie cut him off. 

“NO!” she squeaked, trying to not sound suspicious. Oscar raised an eyebrow. “She’s really tired and she’s already gone to sleep.”

“Yeah, well I’m tired so I’m going to bed,” he explained, stretching then yawning. 

“Osc,” Hattie sighed, knowing she had to tell him. “She’s not… alright. She can’t do 22 hour travel days like you or I can. She has Lupus and she’s still trying to figure out her medication, so it hurts all the time. She cried from the airport to here, all to support you because you asked her to, and she feels guilty every single time she can’t say yes. She’s done real damage to herself by coming here. I want you to understand that, do you understand that?” 

Oscar nodded, because the other option was breaking down into tears. Yes, he’d felt guilty that he couldn’t be there to take care of you while travelling, and he knew he was asking a lot of you when he asked. The guilt settled deep in his stomach and made him nauseous, but still he continued on to his bedroom where you were sleeping peacefully. He could see the puffy eyes, the red nose, the open bottles of medication on the nightstand. He wrapped an arm around your waist, another in your hair and pulled you as close as possible, whispering teary sorrys into your ear. 

When you woke up the next morning, you knew what you had to do. This wasn’t fair on either of you, and you needed to make a change. You quickly (but silently) got up, and started to leave the room, but Oscar grabbed ahold of your hand before you could leave. 

“Please don’t sneak out on me,” he begged, sitting up. He looked wrecked, puffy eyes, red rose- had he been crying? God, had you made him cry? 

“Osc, what’s wrong?” you asked, concern clear as day on your face as you cupped his face with your hands.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “I knew I was asking too much when I asked you to come here, I’m so sorry.”

Your heart tightened in your chest. “Osc, I’m alright, I was just tired last night and-”

“Hattie told me,” his voice was deep, deeper than usual, and he pressed a gentle kiss to your hand. “And I’m so sorry.”

“Osc, I could’ve said no if I didn’t think I was able for it,” you tried to reassure him but he shook his head. 

“Y/n, you did say no and I didn’t take it as an answer,” he scoffed. 

You were stunned into silence. “I think we need to have a talk about us, Osc.”

He nodded, taking your hands in his. 

“This isn’t fair on you. I know I can't control my illness, and neither can you. It sucks, but it’s a fact. I wish I could be there for every single race and cheer you on with the other girls, but I can’t. It’s not in the cards for me right now, and I don’t know when it will be. Oscar, I love you so much, and you’ve been with me through everything and I know you deserve someone who can always be there for you, and I’m not that person right now. I love you but I know it’s not enough,” You finally looked at him and he was biting his lip as tears streamed down his cheeks. “I’m sorry.”

He shook his head and stood up, dropping your hands as he paced his bedroom. “You know how much I love you, don’t you?” he asked and you nodded as you held back more tears. “So you know that I still feel your support even when we’re in different time zones or on different continents, right? You know that I value you being in as little pain as possible more than being at the barricade after a race, right? You know that I fucking love you more than I love racing, right? Y/n, I’ve been here the entire time, since we were 14 years old. You’re the reason I get in the car, you make me better, all the time it’s just you. I plan on being with you for my whole life, Y/n. I want to be there for everything. I plan to sit there through every appointment about medication until you find the one that actually helps you, I plan on being there for every day where you don’t feel up to it, I plan on being there for you, always. I never want to let go of you, and yeah, it is nice to be able to see you after a race, and I know that because fucking facetime exists. If you still want to break up because I fucked up by asking you to come here, go ahead, but don’t ever think that I’m without because I’m with you. I am so in love with you, Y/n. I mean it. I want to marry you one day, I want a family with you, I want to be old with you so we get to reminisce on the good ol’ days and make some more while we have time. ‘The good ol’ days’ will be the days I spend with you. More than any race win, more than any trophy, or than anything. My favourite part about a race weekend is coming home because I know no matter what my result was, you’ll be there with open arms, loving me anyways. You’re more than enough for me.”

You crossed the room and wrapped your arms around him, crying into his hoodie as he held you. “I love you too.”

After a few moments of both of you calming down, he finally spoke. “Can you forgive me for being such an asshole?” he asked, wiping his eyes. 

You nodded, a small smile on your face. “I can, can you forgive me for being such an idiot?”

He chuckled. “You’re no idiot,” he picked you up and gently placed you back on the bed lying beside you. “I love you.” 

“I love you too.”

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navigation for my blog :) (masterlist)

[celestialtarot11]

Future Spouse PAC—

Hi friends! Highly requested—a future pick a spouse reading. I appreciate all of you for being here <3 please like, comment and reblog to help this blog grow! Your presence means the world. It’s also 11:11 as I type this so for anyone who needs this here you go.

Pile 1: Hi there pile 1! Hope all is well in your world. For you I see a lot of prominence in your future spouse. They are physically well dressed, put together and appear luxurious. They can invest in quality brands and wear clothing that makes them feel good. I’m seeing someone wear a long tail coat and it emphasizes their height, because it’s slender and yet angular. This person has a great sense of fashion! I heard fashion icon. Some people may look to your future spouse for inspiration, and I heard designer. So perhaps they work closely with others in a artistic sense! They could be a Leo, Taurus or Capricorn. This is also someone who is generous with their energy and resources so if someone needs help they will offer it! Humble, has humility and carries themselves well. I have a feeling this is someone slightly older than you! They could have a pet as well, maybe a parrot for someone or a budgie. Cute! But back to their generosity I feel they give back to their community a lot, and may donate, raise funds for charity! There’s this soothing angelicness to them which people are drawn to, and their smile is also soft and beautiful! It’s something you’ll really like! I also see boyish rugged features for those who are interested in men. And for women I see chubby cheeks, fuller lips and lighter eyes! Your person can be on the taller side :) As for their hobbies may include hiking, skiing, camping! They may go with family as well. They could also be into religious studies like studying different religions, cultures and traditions. They may not necessarily be religious, but study the bible or Quran for example. They just love to learn. Thank you pile 1 for being here! Means a lot to me. Hope you like comment and reblog <3

Pile 2: Hi there pile 2! Haha for you I got a very elusive slippery energy from your future spouse. I feel as though in their younger years they were really hot. They were a know it all. They were charming, devious and funny. And they still are! They’ve certainly still got it going. I do feel as though when you meet them you might pick up on those traits from their past and stay away—but this person has identified that they want a deeper commitment here with you. They have grown a lot and instead of chasing cat and mouse, they are confident in attracting the right person. They don’t want games anymore, I’m hearing they don’t have time for it. So your person could be very busy and on the go often, like traveling to other states or places for work. It requires them to constantly be moving. I feel as though there is an element of long distance here but not necessarily forever! They can be foreign, as well. Different culture, values, traditions. But I think this’ll draw them in even more to you and vice versa. I feel this person has worked their way up to developing self respect and esteem, so they may be a bit intimidating at first. I see honey blonde hair, fair to tan skin, and tall figure. They can have toned figures and look as if they work out. They may be into sports of some kind that challenges their body. They need to get that energy out, i feel as though they’re like electricity, constantly sparking and looking to connect to a source. They can be scattered and flighty because their job is demanding of them, but they mean well. They’re funny, confident, boisterous, and charming! Very smooth with their word so expect them to charm your pants off ;) They may have black hair and keep it neatly trimmed! For men I see a neat beard and it isn’t long, it’s not a stubble either. It defines their face very well and I feel they have intense eyes. For women I see brown hair, thinner lips and green eyes! Or just lighter eyes in general. I feel they’re known as muscle mommy 😭 because their body is toned. Thank you pile 2 for being here! Any likes comments and reblogs are appreciated.

Pile 3: Okay right away pile 3 Electric by Alina Baraz began to play! Lol hope your day has been well. I feel as though this person is intense, stern and firm at first. I heard CEO. What kind of wattpad love story is this? Lmfao im hooked. Anyway, this person could have a higher position in your job and I do feel how you meet is they help you out. They may offer you a position, or talk to you, and somehow it slips out that you’re struggling. Im seeing two people meet for coffee in the lounge room and hitting it off, and its unexpected. I feel you two may expect a purely professional relationship but no—this is something deeper. There’s this feeling of intimacy and closeness with you two, like you two saw each other a long time ago and now you’re meeting again. Very familiar and comforting. Feels like 4h synastry! I love that. I do feel as though your future spouse is a provider and doesn’t mind if you want to take the reigns in bed too ;) they are skilled I should mention. I also feel they are someone who tries to understand what their emotions are and what its telling them. So you can help them, maybe you understand emotional processing better and can guide them. They’ll guide you through the material world and offer insights, and help you feel stable financially. I almost feel as though you’re the spiritual one and they are in touch with the material realm. So they are stunned when they hear of your spiritual journey and not only that but attracted. They feel tempted by what they don’t understand. Speaking of temptation—theres a lot. Psychologically it’s tempting to fall into old patterns and I feel as though this connection is helping you release that, but also intimately the temptation is there! Very strong. “Darker than the ocean, deeper than the sea.” I keep hearing that from the song and it describes the depth of your connection when you two meet. I also hear, “touch me, your electric baby.” So you two will definitely feel it. Its unmistakable! A little work romance never hurt anyone LOL that’s what I heard. Someone is saying it like a hushed whisper so I feel ya’ll will physically get closer to talk to one another—it’s an unconscious action yet so intimate. There’s a lot of unspoken tension here between you two. Anyways pile 3 enjoy <3 I hope this helped you! And please don’t forget to like comment and reblog to share the love.

Extra

Paid readings 🤍

[monstrousmuse]

Some of my favourite excerpts from the second part of the interview:

“We know psychologically that Ford is not travelling this path alone. He’s travelling it with his Muse, who he has a very complex and fucked up relationship with. And even in Ford’s private thoughts, he would not say ‘I’m alone’, he would say ‘oh, I have a very important relationship in my life with Bill, but I don’t have a friend. (…) Ford is not alone in his mind, even though he is extraordinarily alone.”

…

“The things that Ford said as McGucket left weren't "I value you and I'm sorry we have a difference of opinion," it was "get the hell out of here you hillbilly, you don't understand science!" (…) He was really cruel to McGucket. He was cold to him, and they did not talk for thirty more years after that.(…) But we knew that if McGucket created the memory gun after their break up, there could be no explanation of it in the journal. (…) And he so wants to please Ford. (…) McGucket doesn't really know what's going on, but he's internalizing and thinking, "I just need to be a better partner.’”

…

“To me, the greatest compliment that I can receive as a creator is somebody saying "this resonated with me." Our goal is to make characters that have a human truth in them (…) My feeling is that the customer is always right. Like, if the character is gay to you, they're gay. (…) That's sort of the magic of fiction.. (…) That's the hope. My feeling is that if we do our job, people feel a truth and they connect to it.”

…

“Ford was a very challenging character to conceive. (…) We knew his job narratively was to give Stan the biggest chip on his shoulder that we could think of. (…) He has to be smarter than Stan. He has to be fitter, and better at fighting than Stan too. He's not gonna be some little shrinking nerd. It would be a pretty fair fight between him and Stan (…) Ford has the formal training, and Stan just has the madness.”

“You know the damage someone's family has done to them by all of their weird tics and behaviors. (….) Who is the character who would result in Stan being this hurt and needy and mad and also longing?”

“We came up with this guy who kinda seemed too perfect. He's aloof, and distant, and he's too perfect. And it's like, "oh, I think he's also aloof and distant from himself." (…) I think he is deeply, deeply hiding from his real feelings about things, because at some point early on, he decided that he could run from hurt by achievement and by creation, and has dug that hole so deep that he has no relationships. He doesn't have friendships, he doesn't have romantic relationships, he is someone trapped in a tower of his own mind and estranged.”

“Ford shows none of that. He has sublimated himself romantically so, so deeply. (…) I really thought of Ford kind of like Tesla in that realm.”

-Alex Hirsch, 2023

…

part one

[taurusvenusian]

common synastry aspects for romance and marriage 💍🤍

disclaimer: this is in no particular order and only what i noticed in my synastry readings + my personal relationship experiences. my explanations here are still quite general so you can book a reading with me if you want a specific and accurate analysis of your chart specifically and want to know about challenges and strengths of your relationship.

Sun conjunct/trine/sextile Moon

♡ there is almost an instant emotional understanding and find it easier than others to see eye to eye emotionally. please do not take this for granted! ♡ sometimes without even speaking, you guys already know what the other is feeling.

♡ you find that the Moon person naturally has the capability to offer the Sun person the space to express themselves or may even suggest effective ways for you to do so, could be vice versa.

♡ when you think about each other, there is just a softness that you feel inside. you are very dear to each other.

Ascendant conjunct Descendant

♡ you two are LITERALLY MADE FOR EACH OTHER.

♡ you have the qualities that they need in a partner and vice versa. if challenges present themselves, it may be due to other planets and aspects in individual natal charts.

♡ you balance each other really well. it may be challenging to decide on your own when the other is not around (co-dependency and feeling like your other half is gone)

♡ I have this with my current boyfriend and we just naturally fit into each other's lives like puzzle pieces. it feels like there was no adjustment stage and we just naturally knew what each other wanted by just being ourselves.

Venus conjunct/trine/sextile Mars

♡ very sexy and powerful aspect due to physical chemistry. Venus person balances out the somewhat aggressive or too energetic tendencies of Mars person.

♡ Mars person is captivated by Venus person's beauty and way of doing things, while Venus person is amused by Mars person's masculine energy.

♡ you naturally gravitate towards each other and make each other feel desired and loved.

Moon conjunct/trine/sextile Venus

♡ so much emotional assurance and safety. i envy you :"( hihi

♡ your connection feels meaningful and unlike any other connection you've experienced before. you feel safe to open up towards each other and have the capability to make each other feel seen and heard

♡ you may even entrust them with secrets you haven't told anybody else yet ♡ you express your love and care towards each other through many consistent ways

Sun conjunct/trine/sextile Venus

♡ mutual admiration, warmth, and affection

♡ Venus person gives sweetness and charm while Sun person adores that and makes the Venus person feel appreciated, sometimes it could be the other way around ♡ you both just genuinely enjoy spending time with each other and feel a sense of comfort together. you can be doing nothing but still feel happy and fulfilled together

Moon conjunct/trine/sextile Moon

♡ no explanations needed, they know what you feel just by looking at your reaction or even just listening to your tone when you speak.

♡ emotional compatibility and safety are so good as you have a similar way of processing your emotions.

♡ you are less likely to feel invalidated by them. they may make it a point to prioritize your emotions ♡ for Moon conjunct Moon ... because you have the same way of feeling your emotions, you may have the tendency to be stuck in old ways because no one is facilitating or sparking some change or sense of growth within your relationship, so just be cautious of that.

Juno conjunct or trine the Sun/Moon/Venus/Mars

♡ Juno is the asteroid of marriage and partnership and so, aspects to this show that the Juno person wants to pursue you/sees a chance for partnership or long-term commitment with you, or it could very much be mutual. ♡ you both value loyalty and may easily find the strength to work through any challenges together.

Venus or Sun conjunct/trine/sextile Saturn

♡ you may not be fully conscious of it, but you are deeply devoted and committed to one another. very good aspect for long-term partnerships.

♡ this is the kind of love that grows, matures, and deepens over time (ofc not without its delays/challenges in the early stages)

♡ it's giving the "grow old together" type of love. the notebook vibe!

North Node conjunct or trine Sun/Moon/Venus/Mars

♡ north node gives a fated quality to the partnership. feels like you were meant to meet and impact each other in that way. ♡ lots of growth!! and the feeling of being destined to meet doesn't really go away and adds to the lovey-dovey feeling. ♡ personal and spiritual goals may feel easier to reach when together.

Venus conjunct/trine/sextile Pluto

♡ this might be a hot take, but for me this often manifests as deep emotional bond and transformation (if relationship is taken care of consciously and both are aware of and can handle the power dynamics).

♡ very deep intimacy and emotional healing may be felt because of the partnership.