#contributing to the growth and development of the community.

[sevenoakstransmissions]

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[jantanow]

इग्नू को नेचर पॉजिटिव यूनिवर्सिटी बनाने में योगदान देने पर अमन हुए सम्मानित

बड़ौत (Badaut), 01 सितंबर 2024 (September 1, 2024) — जब बात पर्यावरण संरक्षण (environmental conservation) की होती है, तो अक्सर हमें बड़े नामों और संगठनों (organizations) का ध्यान आकर्षित करना पड़ता है। लेकिन, बागपत (Baghpat) के एक युवा (youth) ने यह साबित कर दिया है कि छोटे कदम (small steps) भी बड़े बदलाव (big changes) ला सकते हैं। इंदिरा गांधी राष्ट्रीय मुक्त विश्वविद्यालय (Indira Gandhi…

[365momme]

Unleash Your Talents for Personal Growth

Introduction: In the quest to raise well-rounded and fulfilled children, parents often grapple with guiding them towards personal success and instilling a sense of purpose. Achieving personal success is crucial, but finding fulfillment and purpose extends beyond individual accomplishments. This blog post delves into how aligning our talents with greater purposes can lead to profound personal…

[spokaneasphaltpaving99]

Enhancing Spokane's Infrastructure: Spokane Asphalt Paving's Premier Services

Introduction

In the heart of Spokane, Washington, the landscape is dotted with properties that demand reliable and durable asphalt solutions. Enter Spokane Asphalt Paving, a distinguished industry leader with over two decades of spokane asphalt paving experience in delivering top-notch asphalt services. Specializing in both residential and commercial projects, this premier provider has become synonymous with precision, durability, and community enhancement.

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[nunyabznsbabes]

Katniss is like Lucy Gray this, Katniss is like Sejanus that, and yes fine that's all good and true and lovely but Katniss Everdeen is also a direct parallel to Coriolanus Snow and people NEED to start talking about this because it's driving me crazy.

Think about it: they both grew up poor and deeply vulnerable, losing parents at a very young age, with a matriarchal adult (Katniss' mother and Coriolanus' Grandma'am) who fails to provide for them emotionally and physically. They intimately understand the threat of starvation, even developing with stunted growth because of it, and their narrations in the books share a fixation on food. Throughout their childhoods, both experienced constant fear and suffered a fundamental lack of control over their circumstances. Because of this, they're inherently suspicious of the people around them. They resent feeling indebted to others, especially those who have saved their lives. They're motivated almost entirely by family and deeply connected to their communities. Both are used and manipulated by the Capitol, both are forced to perform to survive and despise every inch of it, both are thrown into the Arena and made to kill. Both have a self-sacrificial, genuinely sweet sister figure acting as their conscience. Peeta and Lucy Gray - performers and love interests with a fundamental kindness and sense of hope about them - fulfill markedly similar roles in their narrative. Both contribute to the development of the future Hunger Games, Snow throughout tbosas and Katniss towards the end of Mockingjay.

It's easy to ignore these similarities because, as mirrors of each other, they are exact opposites. Katniss is from District 12, viewed and treated as less than human; Snow is the cream of the Capitol crop, given the privilege of a name with social weight, an ancestral home, and the opportunity of the Academy despite having no more money than a miner from 12. Katniss has no agency over her life, and responds by being kind whenever she's able, while Snow justifies horrendous evils in order to continue his quest for complete control. Katniss does everything she can to protect her family; Snow does everything he can to protect his family's image as an extension of his own ego. Katniss loves her District and connects with its inhabitants on a meaningful level, but Snow is indifferent at best to his peers - the apparent "superior people" - and only engages with his community for personal gain. Katniss emerges from the Arena horrified at herself and the system, but Snow takes his trauma and turns it into an excuse to perpetuate the violence with himself at the top. Katniss cares for Prim until her death and then snaps at the loss of her little sister, while Snow survives on Tigris' blood, sweat, and tears and then torments and abandons her, presumably because she calls him out on his insanity. Snow actively adds to and popularizes the Hunger Games because of his vendetta against the Districts following his childhood wartime trauma - Katniss briefly agrees to a new Hunger Games in the pursuit of vengeance, but later stops them from happening by killing Coin and choosing a life of peace and privacy. Snow is obsessed with revenge, but Katniss empathizes with the Capitolites and does what she can to keep them from suffering. He exists in a cruel system and selfishly upholds it; she exists in a cruel system and works to dismantle it for the good of her family and community, at great personal cost. And Peeta and Lucy Gray are incredibly similar, but Katniss and Peeta forge a relationship of genuine love and understanding that shines in comparison to Coriolanus' obsessive projection onto Lucy Gray.

So, yeah, Katniss is Lucy Gray haunting Coriolanus. But I bet you anything that eighty-something year old President Snow looks at her, the girl on fire, bright and young and brilliant, emerging from a childhood of starvation with a relentless hunger for success, a talented and charming performer helping her win the Games, and he sees the ghost of his own past. And that's why he's so afraid of her! Because if he sees himself in her, then he's up against his own cunning, his own talent for manipulation, his own charisma, his own genius. He's up against the version of himself that he once wished to be, with the nightmare army of his childhood at her back and her star-crossed lover at her side, spewing Sejanus' truths in his own voice. This isn't to say that Katniss ever achieved the level of power and agency that Coriolanus did during her time with the rebellion, but it is to say that Snow was taken down by what truly terrified him - his own morality, come to finish the job.

[thesophistiicate]

the good life essentials: the ultimate guide to getting what you want 💭

for so long i always felt a sense of struggle when it came to my achievements. i could reach my goals but it always felt so hard, and it usually came paired with periods of burn out and malaise. then i found out why: i was often neglecting foundational needs, living in chaos and not taking proper care of myself, and trying to zoom straight to big-picture achievements.

below is my ultimate guide to 'the good life'. the more balance you can achieve in each category, the easier and more pleasurable it becomes to reach your goals. you will still have to stretch yourself and explore beyond your limits... but it should feel relatively nice because you are supported by a nourishing lifestyle.

you deserve a beautiful, healthy, passion-filled life. here's how you get it:

01. your foundation: the essentials

physical health: create nourishing routines for sleep, exercise, and nutrition. your literal energy starts here, so if you’re trying to bring positive energy to your life and achieve success, you need foundational energy.

mental and emotional health: build resilience and develop strategies for coping with pressure and stress. take care of your mental health always, not just when you’re already spinning out.

financial stability: learn to manage your money wisely. budgeting, saving, and debt management are a must.

02. your core: connections + fulfilment

your home: whether you have just a bed, a room, an apartment, or a whole house, create a safe, comforting space to recharge and feel grounded.

strong relationships: surround yourself with supportive and meaningful connections - so much about ourselves is defined by those we are close with so choose wisely.

meaningful work: follow your sense of purpose and find work or projects that bring a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction to your life. remember that it may not always be paid work. if you have no idea, just keep trying things and follow what interests you, while working on the next stage.

03. your growth: personal development

personal growth: invest into self improvement, developing new skills, growing your knowledge and learning as much as possible.

spiritual fulfilment: find purpose, whether through spirituality, self-reflection, or a connection to something bigger.

creativity & self-expression: explore creative outlets and express your true self to find a grounding sense of joy and authenticity.

04. your larger contribution: beyond the self

community & contribution: give back, volunteer, or participate in community initiatives to connect with a greater sense of purpose and life-giving connection.

legacy & impact: define the mark you want to leave on the world, through family, work, or contributions to society. think deeply about what you wish to leave behind and tailor your life to this goal.

05. your enrichment: quality of life enhancers

play & leisure: make time for joy, hobbies, and relaxation for rejuvenation, calm, and passion. if your day to day work isn't your passion, it's so essential to find passion here.

time in nature: regularly connect with the outdoors for grounding and mental clarity.

[sugarsprinklesoul]

Actions to Become Your Best Self

Cultivate Positive Habits Develop routines that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This includes regular exercise, healthy eating, mindfulness practices, and sufficient sleep.

Set Clear Goals Define what you want to achieve and create a plan to get there. Break down your goals into manageable steps and track your progress regularly.

Embrace Lifelong Learning Continuously seek knowledge and new skills. Read books, take courses, and stay curious about the world around you.

Practice Self-Compassion Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during difficult times. Recognize that everyone makes mistakes and that growth comes from learning from them.

Surround Yourself with Positive Influences Build a supportive network of friends, family, and mentors who encourage and inspire you. Distance yourself from negative influences that hinder your growth.

Maintain a Growth Mindset Believe in your ability to improve and adapt. View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than as insurmountable obstacles.

Prioritize Self-Care Make time for activities that rejuvenate and relax you. This can include hobbies, nature walks, meditation, or simply spending time alone.

Stay Organized Keep your environment and schedule organized. This reduces stress and allows you to focus more effectively on your goals.

Develop Emotional Intelligence Work on understanding and managing your emotions. This includes practicing empathy, effective communication, and conflict resolution skills.

Practice Gratitude Regularly reflect on the things you are grateful for. This can enhance your overall happiness and shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life.

Take Responsibility Own your actions and decisions. Recognize that you have the power to shape your life and take proactive steps towards your desired outcomes.

Give Back Contribute to your community or help others in need. Acts of kindness can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

[reasonsforhope]

"Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo has a lot to celebrate.

The park, which celebrated its 30th anniversary on December 31 of 2023, also shared an exciting conservation milestone: 2023 was the first year without any elephant poaching detected.

“We didn’t detect any elephants killed in the Park this year, a first for the Park since [we] began collecting data. This success comes after nearly a decade of concerted efforts to protect forest elephants from armed poaching in the Park,” Ben Evans, the Park’s management unit director, said in a press release.

Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park was developed by the government of Congo in 1993 to maintain biodiversity conservation in the region, and since 2014, has been cared for through a public-private partnership between Congo’s Ministry of Forest Economy and the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Pictured: Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park. Photo courtesy of Scott Ramsay/Wildlife Conservation Society

Evans credits the ongoing collaboration with this milestone, as the MEF and WCS have helped address escalating threats to wildlife in the region. 

This specifically includes investments in the ranger force, which has increased training and self-defense capabilities, making the force more effective in upholding the law — and the rights of humans and animals.

“Thanks to the strengthening of our anti-poaching teams and new communication technologies, we have been able to reduce poaching considerably,” Max Mviri, a park warden for the Congolese government, said in a video for the Park’s anniversary. 

“Today, we have more than 90 eco-guards, all of whom have received extensive training and undergo refresher courses,” Mviri continued. “What makes a difference is that 90% of our eco-guards come from villages close to the Park. This gives them extra motivation, as they are protecting their forest.”

As other threats such as logging and road infrastructure development impact the area’s wildlife, the Park’s partnerships with local communities and Indigenous populations in the neighboring villages of Bomassa and Makao are increasingly vital.

“We’ve seen great changes, great progress. We’ve seen the abundance of elephants, large mammals in the village,” Gabriel Mobolambi, chief of Bomassa village, said in the same video. “And also on our side, we benefit from conservation.”

Coinciding with the Park’s anniversary is the roll-out of a tourism-focused website, aiming to generate 15% of its revenue from visitors, which contributes significantly to the local economy...

Nouabalé-Ndoki also recently became the world’s first certified Gorilla Friendly National Park, ensuring best practices are in place for all gorilla-related operations, from tourism to research.

But gorillas and elephants — of which there are over 2,000 and 3,000, respectively — aren’t the only species visitors can admire in the 4,334-square-kilometer protected area.

The Park is also home to large populations of mammals such as chimpanzees and bongos, as well as a diverse range of reptiles, birds, and insects. For the flora fans, Nouabalé-Ndoki also boasts a century-old mahogany tree, and a massive forest of large-diameter trees.

Beyond the beauty of the Park, these tourism opportunities pave the way for major developments for local communities.

“The Park has created long-term jobs, which are rare in the region, and has brought substantial benefits to neighboring communities. Tourism is also emerging as a promising avenue for economic growth,” Mobolambi, the chief of Bomassa village, said in a press release.

The Park and its partners also work to provide education, health centers, agricultural opportunities, and access to clean water, as well, helping to create a safe environment for the people who share the land with these protected animals. 

In fact, the Makao and Bomassa health centers receive up to 250 patients a month, and Nouabalé-Ndoki provides continuous access to primary education for nearly 300 students in neighboring villages. 

It is this intersectional approach that maintains a mutual respect between humans and wildlife and encourages the investment in conservation programs, which lead to successes like 2023’s poaching-free milestone...

Evans, of the Park’s management, added in the anniversary video: “Thanks to the trust that has been built up between all those involved in conservation, we know that Nouabalé-Ndoki will remain a crucial refuge for wildlife for the generations to come.”"

-via Good Good Good, February 15, 2024

[songoftrillium]

Werewolf: the Apocalypse 5th Edition and the Anti-Indigeneity in the Gaming Industry

reosted with permission from J.F. Sambrano

Dagot’ee!

Shii J.F. Sambrano gonsēē. My nations are Chiricahua Apache (Ndeh) through my maternal grandmother and Cora Indian (Náayarite) through my maternal grandfather.  I am a mixed race Indigenous person, and through my father my heritage is English and Scottish. I am currently residing and doing work in my community on the lands of Lummi Nation. I use both gender non-binary and masculine pronouns, but prefer the former. I have several published works in the TTRPG industry, and am probably most known for my contributions to Mage: the Ascension 20th Edition, Werewolf: the Apocalypse 20th Edition, and the Transformers Roleplaying Game, as well as being part of the Essence 20 development team. Further, I also work in higher education at an Indian college, both advising and teaching Indigenous students across the United States. My passion is education, and I believe that we all learn through play, and that TTRPGs are a valuable source of learning, especially on personal, cultural, and social levels. This has always been what has drawn me to TTRPGs since I started playing M.E.R.P. with my brother in 1996 (and before that HeroQuest), through to my “graduation” into more story-driven games such as those presented in the Storyteller System, until now, where I author and produce my own roleplaying games.

I was also part of the First Team (in-joke intentional) hired by White Wolf Studios/Paradox Interactive via Hunters Entertainment to develop and author Werewolf: the Apocalypse 5th Edition. After several months of work, Paradox Interactive chose to go in another direction in early 2021 (I believe it was either March or April) and in fall of that year, it was announced that Werewolf would instead be taken in house, with Justin Achilli as the Brand Creative Lead and primary author of the book. Going forward I will be describing my experience while I worked with Paradox Interactive, primarily through Karim Muammar, White Wolf���s Brand Editor, as well as the developmental editor for Werewolf. Although I worked in a team, both with hired authors and in-house representatives at Hunters Entertainment, I will not be speaking for the experience of others, except when specifically noting unanimous consensuses, and specific interactions (which will go unnamed) that are particularly relevant. My hope is that by highlighting some of the anti-Indigenous attitudes that are central to the foundational members and leaders of the White Wolf brand, that I can provide opportunities for growth and healing within the World of Darkness TTRPG community, but also in the broader gaming community, where these behaviors and attitudes are rampant. I also want the community to have a better understanding of what this experience is like internally, and the challenges that Indigenous creators, as well as other marginalized creators, are met with when they try to make positive change within nerd and geek communities clinging to inherited white supremacist values, even if they don’t realize they are doing so.

What I do not want to be doing in this article is creating fuel for edition wars.  I believe that both legacy and Werewolf 5th are rife with anti-Indigenous attitudes, and appalling amounts of appropriation. Both versions deserve criticism, I am not defending one over the other, I am only sharing what my experience was like working on the 5th edition of the book. Further, please understand that I was originally going to wait until I had read the final copy of the book, because I wanted to know how much of my work was used (based on previews I already know some was, just not the extent) and whether or not they decided to credit me for that work, and how I was going to be credited.  My belief is that I likely will not be, but I am genuinely uncertain.  Knowing how they handled that would have reframed how I addressed this. But more importantly, I want it to be very clear that even before Paradox ultimately pulled the plug on the Hunters team, I was preparing to exit working on the project based on the experience I will describe below. Not only did I find it frustrating, and personally disparaging, but I ultimately decided I was uncomfortable with my name being attached to the product based on the direction they wanted to go. So while I wanted to know whether or not I would be credited, because it would teach me something about their internal practices, I do not want or need the credit.

Finally, the reason that I decided to speak about this now instead of after having a chance to inspect the final product, was because my personal experience dealing with anti-Indigeneity coming from Paradox was just that: personal.  But since then I have witnessed a throughline of hateful and xenophobic attitudes wielded against Indigenous people across the globe, and we do not deserve this treatment.  I was outraged over the events that led to the segregation of the Latin American fanbase, which culminated from bottom-up criticism about how poorly their people and countries were being defined through World of Darkness products, and ended up with the firing of their Latin American Brand Ambassador, Alessa Torres, because she chose to stand with her community in those criticisms.  I was further appalled when the likeness of Tāme Wairere Iti was shoehorned into the Werewolf book, a blatant example of cultural theft: not only in stealing the literal physical identity of an Indigenous person, but also his sacred tā moko.  When Paradox Interactive issued an apology for this, it felt incredibly hollow to me in the wake of these events, the hateful attitudes I had personally witnessed coming from the top.

Whether from North America, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, or Peru, or across the globe in New Zealand, not only do Indigenous people deserve better treatment from such a major company, but their Indigenous and Latino fanbases, who have twisted and worked themselves through difficult representation for decades at this point, deserve better.  Apologies are not enough, especially when they come with next to no real change.

Werewolf: the Apocalypse in Context

At the time that White Wolf Publishing began to produce its World of Darkness line, the TTRPG industry was dominated by white men, both as producers, developers, and authors, as well as the main characters in their settings. White Wolf's World of Darkness made an impact at the time, by defying these Eurocentric, patriarchal presentations, first by defaulting to feminine pronouns throughout Vampire: the Masquerade, and then by focusing on Indigenous representation and values in Werewolf: the Apocalypse, and as a young Indigenous nerd, it had a positive impact on me, as I know it has on some other Indigenous people who became fans of the World of Darkness at the time. This was because before opening the pages of Werewolf: the Apocalypse, I had never seen heroes that I could play who looked like me and my culture. It was off, and often offensive, but it was my first experience in which I could directly play a hero who shared my heritage--and I also had more than one option through two different Tribes to do so. This might sound a little like I was cheering for table scraps, but again, at the time, table scraps was more than I had ever seen before.

Werewolf: the Apocalypse 1st Edition was originally published in 1992 via then White Wolf Publishing (not to be confused with Paradox Interactive's White Wolf). From its inception, the premise was interwoven with what its then-authors believed to be Indigenous praxis and representation.  Like many pop-culture presentations of Indigeneity from this time period (see Fern Gully, Dances With Wolves, Disney’s Pocahontas, or in TTRPGs, the NAN from Shadowrun) it was rife with problematic and even offensive stereotyping. The most obvious examples thereof are within the two "Pure Tribes" Uktena, and W****** who I will henceforth refer to as Older and Younger Brother. However, Indigenous inspiration was at the core of the game's spiritual premise as well, where animism and "Totems" are central to the setting and gameplay. The way these concepts are presented is trivializing and dehumanizing, but it is important to acknowledge that the appropriation present in Werewolf: the Apocalypse goes a lot deeper than the two Brother Tribes (even the term "Tribe" was meant to invoke a vision of Indigeneity compared to the previous setting in the line's use of "Clan"). Additionally, there is art throughout every generation of these gaming books that represents humans, wolves, and human-wolf hybrid forms wearing Indigenous regalia, including sacred items such as headdresses, or engaged in sacred rituals such as the Sun Dance. The list of problematic representations goes deep, and my examples only scratch the surface, but it is also important for me to note the positive impact that this had, particularly in the 90's.

Even though the primary contributors to these narratives were non-Indigenous authors, or in one case, a Pretendian, and another, a culturally disconnected author, by the time the Revised (or Third Edition) era of the books came around, White Wolf Publishing was actively engaged in cultural consultation.  While I do not believe cultural consultation makes a big difference on its own, it matters that the attempt was made, to a degree: while these efforts fall short of what needs to be seen in cultural representation, this was still ahead of most other gaming companies at this time.

Hired by Hunters Entertainment

In February of 2020 I was approached by one of the co-owners of Hunters Entertainment to be one of the primary authors for Werewolf: 5th Edition due to my work on other World of Darkness projects, and let's be honest, because I was capable of bringing a much needed Indigenous perspective to a gameline that was rooted in Indigeneity and rotting with appropriation and racist stereotypes. I was overall receptive to the invitation, largely because I was very passionate about the World of Darkness setting overall, and Werewolf in particular, due to the impact that 90's representation had on me when I was a younger gamer. I also felt hopeful that with a really hard rewrite of Indigenous aspects of the game that I could shift a lot of really painful aspects of the game into something that was a net positive for Indigenous representation. I will tell you now, more than anything, I was excited to rewrite the Younger Brother Tribe, because when separated from racist authors, their message is very empowering and real to my lived experience.

That said, I did not agree to join the project without first asking for reassurances. I said that I was not willing to write negative Native stereotypes. I would not use appropriative language, or generally engage in appropriative writing (which meant at minimum that the names of the Pure Tribes would need to change), and most importantly, that I would not not engage in writing that contributed to erasure. While the person who recruited me to work on the project was eager to work with me, he acknowledged that he was not sure he could get everything I wanted to see approved, but also promised to fight for everything I suggested as hard as he could. Additionally, he shared with me that the original setting pitch for W5 involved all of Younger Brother being slaughtered en masse in a massacre. I made it clear that this was exactly the kind of thing that I would not write.  I cannot remember if this was something he suggested to be changed before or after I was invited onto the project, but with some pushback it was changed.  However, I point this out because I want you, the reader, to understand how eager Paradox Interactive was to start with mass genocide and erasure as a foundation to the setting.  All that said, I cannot stress enough that I have had nothing but positive experiences with Hunters Entertainment, and none of the following concerns fall upon them.

The Sword of Heimdall

The first encounter the Hunters Entertainment team as a whole had with problematic guidelines for the W5 draft was the direction that Paradox Interactive wanted to go with the Sword of Heimdall. At the time, the suggestions from Paradox and Karim Muammar were that the Sword of Heimdall was going to represent the new major villain of the Werewolf setting, and that they were to also represent the far-right, fascist direction that Werewolf society so often turned toward. They were meant to be representative of how far the new concept of Hauglosk could take entire communities. However, the Sword of Heimdall was discussed interchangeably with the Get of Fenris as a whole, and more than once Muammar seemed to suggest that every member of this Tribe was guilty of the same attitudes espoused in previous editions from the Sword of Heimdall. Now let's not beat around the bush: the Sword of Heimdall are literal Nazis. They believe directly in white supremacy and don't shy from it. They wanted to cleanse impure elements from the Get of Fenris, including BIPOC people, other non-white ethnicities, women, neurodivergent Garou, and other disabled Garou.

The writing team found this approach problematic for several reasons. The first, and most obvious, was that the direction seemed to want to turn one of the most popular Tribes into a horrific stereotype of its most abhorrent faction. Whether or not Muammar’s goal was to turn them into villains, we could not imagine a world where fans of previous editions would get their hands on this book, and not look for a way to play one of their previous favorite groups, thus creating the issue of making a guide to playing Nazi. Even beyond that, it’s not as if historically there were not players who used the tools of the setting to play Black Spiral Dancers, why wouldn’t this draw people who actually wanted to role-play through these toxic, harmful politics? Further, and while this is less important, it left a bad taste in my mouth, the justification for this major shift in Werewolf lore seemed to change over each pass. At first, Muammar suggested that all Fenrir were Nazis/SoH.  Then, when he was provided with evidence that it was a small faction that was eliminated in the early 2000’s, he started to shift toward the idea that we should not follow the lore. Finally, when every single member of the writer’s team flatly refused to provide what would essentially be “a player’s guide to being a Nazi werewolf” the writing was on the wall about the end of our involvement with this product. More than once, he suggested that we were cowardly social justice warriors for being unwilling to work with this concept, even though there were several attempts to write a heroic version of the Fenrir that were focused on undoing these ills of the past.

Indigenous Erasure in Werewolf: 5th Edition

While the entire Hunters Entertainment writing team was handling the major, glaring issue of Paradox’s fervor to include a major Nazi element in Werewolf, I was personally dealing with the problematic approach to the Indigenous issues in the setting. The largest problem, for me, was in addressing Younger Brother’s issues, the history of non-Indigenous writers creating horrifically racist stereotypes, and what was valuable in the Tribal identity that should be saved and recentered. However, my attempts to do so were thwarted with every approach. I rewrote this Tribe four times, and offered three different versions of it to try to earn approval for a final write-up, but each time there was a lot of negativity directed towards my attempts and all them boiled down to this: Muammar felt that having two Tribes (both Younger and Older Brother) representing the “Indigenous population” was too many, and wanted them to only be focused on Older Brother, and that Younger Brother’s connection to a central, Indigenous identity, was undesirable because “other sources wrote them as having Siberian and European connections” and that future writing on this Tribe would require a lot of sensitivity…suggesting that one, Muammar wasn’t interested in doing the work to handle that level of sensitivity, and further, that he wasn’t interested in including me in future work, since I was involved with doing that at the time.

I want to take a moment to remind you that the work that was put into recovering Younger Brother started with “Let’s Kill Them Off” and at this point, through a combination of convincing and pleading, had been walked back to “They can live, but now they’re not connected to being Indigenous anymore” which is just representative genocide of a different variety. “Kill the Indian in him, and save the man.” It was also explicitly something I said I would not write about going into this project. Ultimately, my efforts did not get much further than this, with some specific exceptions I will cite below.

Karim Muammar’s Anti-Indigenous Positions

Muammar consistently and repeatedly communicated to the team in ways that were condescending and dismissive of our collective accomplishments and capabilities, but from my perspective, no one suffered as much significant derision as I did while discussing the changes I wanted to make to Younger and Older Brother in order to make their representation empowering and exciting.

In the pulled quote from the previous paragraph, I want to point out to you that Muammar, who had the title of Lead Editor on this project, refused to capitalize Native American. Further, he would often redline my work with edits to decapitalize my own uses of Native American, as well as the word Indigenous when referring to Indigenous peoples. While there are plenty of people who might want to argue about this, I will point out that both the AP style guide as well as the Chicago style guide (the one which I am most familiar with in my academic historical work) both call for Indigenous to be capitalized when referring to a people. Further, I challenge anyone to defend the consistent decapitalization of Native American. More importantly, the reason that these are standards in respected style guides, is because the English language has been used historically to oppress and erase ethnic identities, including Indigenous identities. By transforming adjectives into proper nouns, we are declaring that Indigenous and Native aren’t descriptors that can be applied to animals, plants, and soil, but real lived identities and culture groups.

When I was explaining to the Paradox team (which was mostly just Muammar) why it was important to change the names of these two Tribes from the appropriative (and offensive) ones used in the past, Muammar pushed back by defending the previously used Younger Brother name, even after reading my extensive research and explanation about how this would harm Indigenous communities and fans.

While doing so, he also decided that it was appropriate to refer to this entirely Native American tribe by the word “savages” a slur that has been specifically used to dehumanize Native Americans, and then mocked my rewrite that focused on presenting them as stewards of the land using Indigenous methodologies and praxes, instead of the “savage” racist stereotypes they were presented as in previous editions. Further, as in the above quote, even after it was communicated that the use of this term was problematic, he kept doubling-down to use it to refer to the Tribe.

Even though I worked hard to redefine Younger Brother through Indigenous theory, such as place-based theory, relational theory, and communal theory, Muammar either refused to recognize this work, dismissing it as simple, or else simply could not understand the importance of these changes. Either way, the choice is that he didn’t want them to change, or couldn’t comprehend why the change was important because of how entrenched in white supremacist thinking he is. Further, after the massive effort that I put forward to attempt to educate him and the rest of the Paradox team on these issues, the insistence on using offensive terms and belittling my work felt intentional. So let’s talk about the work I did that was above and beyond my job description: free cultural consulting work.

“Sensitivity” and Consultation

I have seen several misunderstandings of my role working on this project going around, so I want to make something very clear. I was hired to work on this project as an author, and nothing else. I was not ever hired to be a cultural consultant. I do not do cultural consulting work. While I feel that there are many creators and companies who hire cultural consultants with the best intentions in mind, their responses often fall short of what is needed, as no one is ever obligated to actually follow the advice of cultural consultants. Further, I think there are also many companies who choose to hire cultural consultants only to say “we did this minimal step, and that is enough” in order to ward off naysayers.

However, anyone who hires me gets some level of cultural consulting for free, because it comes out in my writing–in both what I won’t write and what I choose to center my writing around. In the case of Werewolf 5th Edition, however, it was far more involved than this. I came with a plethora of “I will not write X” because I knew the setting was so problematic.  A short list of my demands besides not being willing to write Indigenous erasure, was that we needed to change the names of the Pure Tribes (and the term Pure Tribe itself), we needed to change the word Totem to Patron, and also the Patrons of the Pure Tribes. We needed to move away from the term Metis for obvious reasons, and we needed to move away from the term Skin Dancers. I also specifically noted that there was a lot of cultural theft happening from the beginning of Werewolf until now that I wanted to address. The only way these issues were going to be addressed was to convince Paradox they were actual issues on the level of PR concerns, because nothing else was likely going to be considered. So in order to achieve this, I put in weeks worth of research, writing, and meetings with top level administrators with Hunters Entertainment so that they could bring this information to Paradox.  I never documented my hours, but I would guess that I did approximately 80-100 hours of what I could only describe as cultural consultation work for free that was outside the contract work I was hired for. Let’s be clear: I did this willingly because I was passionate about the positive changes I wanted to see in this product, because I believed that Werewolf’s historic ills could be turned toward non-toxic representation.

Besides my actual words, such as naming the Ghost Council, and arguably the name Gale Stalkers came from a combination of names I pitched to Paradox after Winter’s Teeth was denied, and several sentences and paragraphs that I have seen so far that appear so close to what I originally wrote that you could imagine they were just edited versions, my largest contribution toward the final version of Werewolf: 5th Edition was this work. The only reason the offensive, appropriated names were changed were because of hours of my work to convince them it needed to happen. The reason that the Gale Stalkers aren’t just dead and gone: again, I pushed against this. The reason that Skin Dancers, Totem, and Metis will not appear as canonical titles? I pushed against their unwillingness to alter these things (see Karim’s defense of Wen**** Tribe name above).

Further, and this is the biggest reason I decided to write this article before seeing the final version of the book, I want to mention that I was also included in discussions with Hunters Entertainment to potentially be part of the art direction team, especially to oversee depictions of Indigenous characters, regalia, and art, to ensure that it would be represented either respectfully or not at all. I decided I needed to speak as soon as possible after the artistic portrayal of Tāme Iti appeared in the Glass Walkers preview without his permission. There are many arguments surrounding this issue and I am not going to address everything, but ultimately, I can tell you that had I remained as part of the art direction team, and saw that, I would have questioned it immediately. Even if I didn’t recognize Tāme Iti immediately, I would have asked what the source was on the depiction of moko in that piece, because I am aware that this is a sacred form of art–and I had already discussed wanting to make sure things like Crinos in headdresses didn’t appear in the book (as had often happened in previous editions, particularly on a certain white-skinned character whose name rhymes with Steals-the-Past).

As time working on this project went on, and I went through rounds and rounds of trying to convince Muammar and Paradox that it was important to not steal Indigenous identities, art, and stories, and that a greater effort needed to be put in powerful and empowering Indigenous representation, and I constantly ran into refusals and criticisms that were clearly hateful toward Indigenous identities and peoples, not to mention the push to represent Nazism as a major part of the game setting, I grew increasingly frustrated and restless with feeling like I was trying to work on a challenging project while also defending my right to exist as the person I am at every turn. Eventually I turned to another Indigenous TTRPG and game creator to ask for advice, and after a long and difficult discussion, I came to the conclusion that I was going to talk to the Hunters administration team and tell them that if Muammar kept using slurs and other anti-Indigenous language and attitudes, I was going to need to step off of this project, because it was harmful to me on a personal level. In furtherance of this point, I have been avoiding doing any contract work at all where I can tell that I am wanted for my specific cultural perspective ever since, because this situation was so harrowing for me.

Unfortunately, before I could have this conversation, after one final draft of Younger Brother and Bone Gnawers (which had its own issues, but that is not the point of this discussion), before we received any other specific feedback, the Hunters Entertainment administrators announced to the writing team that Paradox had decided to take the book in-house, and would no longer need our services.

The main point I would like to leave you with, besides these few specific quotes (out of dozens and dozens) that Muammar made that were anti-Indigenous, is that there is often a big call to have more BIPOC voices in various entertainment industries, so that both our stories, perspectives, and unique views on how the universe and life works, can be included; so that an industry that is historically, harmfully Eurocentric, might turn toward new, healthier, and inclusive directions. And I agree with this call for change, but I implore you to consider the conditions that BIPOC creators often have to work under: doing cultural/identity work and consultation for free as part of being present, being subject to vicious refusals of our experiences and perspectives, and straight-up having slurs lodged against our work. I want to see these changes in the industries we love, including the gaming industry, but currently the people who are in charge, who have the most power, are severely hostile to our work and our perspectives. This is why, for example, works like Coyote & Crow were done with an almost entirely Indigenous group of creators, and led by Indigenous creators, because trying to work for and with this ugly, hateful, and xenophobic group of people is so often exhausting, both mentally and spiritually, and because no good changes end up being made.

I am glad the harmful, appropriative terms were removed from the setting. I am glad I was part of the fight to make that real. I am not so glad that I was treated with hostility and racism by Muammar for the effort and love I put into this work, and I am not so glad that I will certainly be reviled by one of the two communities I did this work for–the gaming community, and certainly the people in power in this industry–and I am also not so glad that I didn’t have the opportunity to properly acknowledge how much of Werewolf’s base themes and setting are twisted and tied-up in Indigenous appropriation without giving the proper acknowledgments.

More than anything, I hope that this story will help you, the fans, realize that there is a lot of darkness in these communities, and they won’t change unless you hold their feet to the fire.

Ánaagodzįįhł

J.F. Sambrano

[kleopatra45]

Aspects of Mercury in the Natal Chart

☌ Mercury Conjunct Other Planets

Conjunctions can be both positive and negative. On the positive side, they combine the energies of the planets involved, enhancing their qualities and creating a powerful synergy. This can result in heightened strengths and abilities in the areas governed by the conjunct planets. On the negative side, conjunctions can amplify challenging traits, potentially leading to imbalances or conflicts if the combined energies are not well-integrated or harmonized.

Mercury Conjunct Sun: This conjunction blends intellect (Mercury) with identity (Sun), creating a sharp, articulate mind aligned with personal goals and self-expression. Individuals with this aspect excel in communication and decision-making, as their thoughts are closely tied to their sense of self. However, they may struggle with over-identification with their ideas or opinions.

Mercury Conjunct Moon: When Mercury is conjunct the Moon, thoughts and emotions are closely linked. This aspect enhances intuitive communication and emotional intelligence. Individuals can articulate their feelings with clarity and sensitivity, making them good at understanding and expressing both their own and others' emotions. There is a natural talent for nurturing conversations and connecting deeply through words. Mercury Conjunct Venus: This aspect enhances verbal charm and intellectual appreciation of beauty and relationships. It fosters eloquence in expressing feelings and a refined taste in arts. Yet, it might incline towards indecisiveness in choices and a tendency to prioritize harmony over truth in communication. Mercury Conjunct Mars: This conjunction combines mental agility with assertiveness and determination. It fuels quick thinking and decisive action, making individuals adept at strategic planning and debate. However, it can lead to impatience or a combative communication style when challenged. Mercury Conjunct Jupiter: This aspect expands mental horizons, promoting optimism, and philosophical thinking. It enhances verbal fluency and the ability to grasp complex concepts. Yet, it may lead to over-confidence or a tendency to exaggerate facts in communication. Mercury Conjunct Saturn: This conjunction blends intellectual rigor with discipline and practicality. It supports methodical thinking and long-term planning, but may also contribute to a cautious approach to new ideas or a tendency towards pessimism. Mercury Conjunct Uranus: This aspect sparks inventive thinking and originality. It enhances intellectual curiosity and unconventional ideas, but can also lead to mental restlessness or abrupt changes in thinking patterns. Mercury Conjunct Neptune: This conjunction blends logical thought with intuition and creativity. It enhances imaginative thinking and sensitivity to subtle nuances, but may also lead to confusion or impracticality in decision-making. Mercury Conjunct Pluto: This aspect intensifies mental focus and depth. It promotes investigative skills and a profound understanding of psychological motivations, but may also incline towards obsession or a desire to control through communication.

⚹ Mercury Sextile Other Planets

Sextiles are positive aspects that encourage cooperation and the easy flow of energies between the involved planets. This harmonious connection facilitates smooth interactions and enhances the beneficial qualities of each planet, leading to supportive and constructive outcomes. The ease of this aspect promotes opportunities for growth, creativity, and positive developments in the areas influenced by the sextile.

Mercury Sextile Sun: This harmonious aspect enhances clarity in self-expression and intellectual pursuits. It promotes effective communication and a balanced integration of thoughts with personal identity, fostering cooperative interactions. Mercury Sextile Moon: A Mercury-Moon sextile fosters a harmonious blend of mental and emotional faculties. This aspect encourages thoughtful emotional expression and effective communication. People with this sextile are adept at balancing logic and intuition, making them good listeners and empathetic speakers. They can easily convey their feelings and understand others, promoting clear and supportive interactions. Mercury Sextile Venus: This aspect fosters harmonious communication in relationships and an appreciation for artistry and beauty in expression. It enhances diplomatic skills and a refined, tactful approach to social interactions. Mercury Sextile Mars: This aspect enhances assertive communication and strategic thinking. It supports decisive action and effective problem-solving, fostering confidence in verbal exchanges and intellectual pursuits. Mercury Sextile Jupiter: This aspect expands mental horizons and promotes optimistic thinking. It enhances intellectual growth and philosophical insights, fostering articulate communication and a broad perspective on life. Mercury Sextile Saturn: This aspect combines practicality with disciplined thinking. It supports structured communication and methodical planning, fostering reliability and effective management of responsibilities. Mercury Sextile Uranus: This aspect promotes innovative thinking and adaptability. It enhances intellectual curiosity and original ideas, fostering progressive communication and a flexible approach to change. Mercury Sextile Neptune: This aspect enhances intuitive understanding and creative expression. It supports empathetic communication and artistic endeavors, fostering sensitivity to emotional nuances and imaginative thinking. Mercury Sextile Pluto: This aspect deepens analytical abilities and promotes transformative thinking. It enhances investigative skills and a profound understanding of underlying motivations, fostering strategic communication and psychological insight.

□ Mercury Square Other Planets

Squares are negative aspects that create tension and challenges between the involved planets, prompting growth through conflict. This dynamic aspect often leads to struggles and obstacles that need to be overcome, pushing individuals to address and resolve the underlying issues. The friction generated by squares can be difficult to navigate, but it ultimately encourages personal development and resilience as one learns to balance and harmonize the conflicting energies.

Mercury Square Sun: This challenging aspect creates tension between intellect and ego. It can lead to conflicts in communication or challenges in aligning thoughts with personal goals, necessitating conscious efforts to balance rationality with individuality. Mercury Square Moon: Mercury square the Moon can create tension between rational thoughts and emotional responses. This aspect often leads to internal conflict and misunderstandings in communication. There may be difficulty in expressing emotions clearly, resulting in potential misinterpretations or emotional frustration. Learning to navigate and integrate these contrasting energies is crucial for improving communication and emotional balance. Mercury Square Venus: This aspect can lead to misunderstandings or challenges in expressing affection and appreciation. It may create friction in relationships due to differing communication styles or values, prompting the need for compromise and clarity in emotional expression. Mercury Square Mars: This aspect intensifies mental agitation and impulsiveness. It can lead to arguments or hasty decisions driven by emotional reactions, necessitating mindfulness in communication to avoid conflicts and promote assertive yet diplomatic exchanges. Mercury Square Jupiter: This aspect can lead to over-optimism or exaggeration in communication. It may cause misunderstandings due to inflated ideas or a tendency to overlook details, prompting the need for grounded thinking and realistic expectations. Mercury Square Saturn: This aspect creates challenges in expressing thoughts with authority or adhering to conventional wisdom. It may lead to self-doubt or a cautious approach to new ideas, necessitating perseverance and clarity in communication to overcome mental blocks. Mercury Square Uranus: This aspect fosters mental restlessness and unpredictability. It can lead to sudden changes in thinking or unconventional ideas that disrupt communication, prompting the need for adaptability and open-mindedness to new perspectives. Mercury Square Neptune: This aspect can lead to confusion or deception in communication. It may create misunderstandings or unrealistic expectations, prompting the need for clarity and discernment in intellectual pursuits to avoid mental fog or emotional manipulation. Mercury Square Pluto: This aspect intensifies mental obsessions and power struggles. It can lead to manipulative communication or a fixation on control, prompting the need for transparency and ethical considerations in intellectual pursuits to avoid mental coercion or hidden agendas.

△ Mercury Trine Other Planets

Trines are positive aspects that create a smooth and beneficial connection between the involved planets, enhancing talents and creating a sense of ease. This harmonious aspect facilitates the natural flow of energy, making it easier to express and develop the qualities associated with the planets. Trines often lead to emotional balance, inner harmony, and an overall sense of well-being, as the supportive nature of this aspect encourages the effortless integration of strengths and abilities.

Mercury Trine Sun: This harmonious aspect promotes clarity in self-expression and alignment of thoughts with personal goals. It enhances intellectual confidence and effective communication, fostering cooperative interactions and mutual understanding. Mercury Trine Moon: With Mercury trine the Moon, there is a natural synergy between intellect and emotions. This aspect enhances emotional intelligence and ease in expressing feelings. Individuals with this trine are likely to be articulate and intuitive, able to communicate their emotions with clarity and sensitivity. They have a talent for understanding and conveying complex emotional nuances effortlessly. Mercury Trine Venus: This aspect fosters harmony in communication and appreciation for beauty and artistry. It enhances diplomatic skills and a refined, tactful approach to social interactions, promoting balanced exchanges and mutual respect. Mercury Trine Mars: This aspect enhances assertive communication and strategic thinking. It supports decisive action and effective problem-solving, fostering confidence in verbal exchanges and intellectual pursuits. Mercury Trine Jupiter: This aspect expands mental horizons and promotes optimistic thinking. It enhances intellectual growth and philosophical insights, fostering articulate communication and a broad perspective on life. Mercury Trine Saturn: This aspect combines practicality with disciplined thinking. It supports structured communication and methodical planning, fostering reliability and effective management of responsibilities. Mercury Trine Uranus: This aspect promotes innovative thinking and adaptability. It enhances intellectual curiosity and original ideas, fostering progressive communication and a flexible approach to change. Mercury Trine Neptune: This aspect enhances intuitive understanding and creative expression. It supports empathetic communication and artistic endeavors, fostering sensitivity to emotional nuances and imaginative thinking. Mercury Trine Pluto: This aspect deepens analytical abilities and promotes transformative thinking. It enhances investigative skills and a profound understanding of underlying motivations, fostering strategic communication and psychological insight.

☍ Mercury Opposition Other Planets

Oppositions in astrology create a dynamic of tension and awareness between the energies of the planets involved. This aspect often highlights contrasting needs and urges individuals to find a balance between them. While oppositions can create challenges, they also provide opportunities for growth and integration as one learns to navigate the tension between opposing forces.

Mercury Opposite Sun: This aspect creates tension between intellect and ego. It can lead to conflicts in communication or challenges in aligning thoughts with personal goals, necessitating conscious efforts to balance rationality with individuality. Mercury Opposite Moon: Mercury opposite the Moon can indicate a dynamic tension between thoughts and feelings. This aspect often brings challenges in aligning mental clarity with emotional depth. There may be a tendency to swing between overanalyzing emotions and emotional outbursts. Finding a balance between rationality and emotional expression is key to managing this aspect and fostering harmonious communication. Mercury Opposite Venus: This aspect can lead to misunderstandings or challenges in expressing affection and appreciation. It may create friction in relationships due to differing communication styles or values, prompting the need for compromise and clarity in emotional expression. Mercury Opposite Mars: This aspect intensifies mental agitation and impulsiveness. It can lead to arguments or hasty decisions driven by emotional reactions, necessitating mindfulness in communication to avoid conflicts and promote assertive yet diplomatic exchanges. Mercury Opposite Jupiter: This aspect can lead to over-optimism or exaggeration in communication. It may cause misunderstandings due to inflated ideas or a tendency to overlook details, prompting the need for grounded thinking and realistic expectations. Mercury Opposite Saturn: This aspect creates challenges in expressing thoughts with authority or adhering to conventional wisdom. It may lead to self-doubt or a cautious approach to new ideas, necessitating perseverance and clarity in communication to overcome mental blocks. Mercury Opposite Uranus: This aspect fosters mental restlessness and unpredictability. It can lead to sudden changes in thinking or unconventional ideas that disrupt communication, prompting the need for adaptability and open-mindedness to new perspectives. Mercury Opposite Neptune: This aspect can lead to confusion or deception in communication. It may create misunderstandings or unrealistic expectations, prompting the need for clarity and discernment in intellectual pursuits to avoid mental fog or emotional manipulation. Mercury Opposite Pluto: This aspect intensifies mental obsessions and power struggles. It can lead to manipulative communication or a fixation on control, prompting the need for transparency and ethical considerations in intellectual pursuits to avoid mental coercion or hidden agendas.

©️kleopatra45

[serpentface]

Two jaquinzi stallions duking it out over territory.

The jaquinzi is a wild equid in the clade broadly referred to as 'horses', though they are not closely related to the common domestic horse and cannot interbreed. They are of average size for a horse, being about 2 ft tall at the shoulder, 4 ft long, and weighing an average of 90 lbs. They are notable for their long tails and striking coat, which ranges from orange to a deep red-brown and is peppered with spots and stripes.

Jaquinzi stallions are highly territorial and routinely maintain their boundaries via dung marking. They rarely tolerate the presence of other adult males (though brothers sometimes form coalitions), and will get into aggressive, sometimes deadly fights with trespassers. Female jaquinzi and their young form hierarchical herds led by a lead mare, and move freely between territories. Stallions may develop close and longterm bonds with their mares, and herds may permanently settle within a stallion's territory so long as it contains ample resources and remains well-protected.

It is the only true wild horse endemic to the Imperial Wardi region, and has a very limited range. The vast majority are found in the far southern Pelenagal peninsula (Elumuqi to its predominantly Jazaiti inhabitants), with some scattered low density populations being found in and around the Red Hills. They are closely related to (but are geographically separated from) the Lowlands wild horse found south and east of the Blackmane mountains, a domestic variant of which is widely kept by the Yuroma people (and has been brought to Wardin by its sizable Yuroma-Wardi community).

The name 'jaquinzi' comes from the Jazaiti language. Most Jazaiti lands are on the Elumuqi peninsula, thus overlapping with most of the jaquinzi's range. The Jazait have a long history of relations with this horse. Most Jazait rely on the sea for the vast majority of their food, which is supplemented by foraging and farming. Much of their land is heavily susceptible to wildfires, which is mitigated with controlled burns. The jaquinzi horse indirectly assists with fire control by clearing away excess growth and preferentially feeds on many plants that are considered undesirable or outright noxious weeds to the Jazait.

As such, this horse has traditionally been encouraged to settle and proliferate within the territories of Jazaiti clans, and much of the peninsula jaquinzi population is semi-tame and heavily habituated to people. The relationship is largely mutualistic, as the horses receive protection from predators and are given access to otherwise unattainable high energy foods (they are actively fed harvest leftovers, seaweed, and fruits, which is the main contributor to their tameness). Jazait benefit from the horses clearing away unwanted growth, and these very tame, approachable wild animals can function as an emergency food source in times of famine.

The territoriality of the horses has partially integrated with the (substantially more complex cultural practice of) territoriality of Jazait clans. The boundaries of a clan's land are spiritually reinforced and physically marked by clanmothers on a yearly basis (via wrist scent gland), while its entrance points and boundary zones have shrines that are routinely anointed by clan members as they come and go. Jaquinzi learn to recognize the scent of their associated people, and stallions are known to align their territorial boundaries closely to the clan's boundary (as the people directly and indirectly contribute to keeping rival stallions out). A sense of home boundary and 'here and there' is fundamental to traditional Jazait identity and spiritual security, and the wild horse shares and reinforces this boundary, which elevates the animal's significance in the cultural schema.

The Jazait focus most collective cultural attention on sea life (and do not share their neighboring peoples' traditions of animal worship whatsoever), but the jaquinzi is a deeply appreciated wild beast, notable for its beauty and gentleness and association with Home.

This relationship to wild horses is, however, being increasingly replaced by keeping herds of domestic wooly horses, particularly in the past century. Domestic horses are attractive in that they provide most of the benefits of the wild ones (clearing brush, easy emergency meat) in addition to a continuous supply of textile sources and soap-making materials (though their dairy products are not consumed, as the gene for lactase persistence is highly uncommon among the Jazait). The adoption of domesticated horses has mostly occurred on the basis of individual clans (often in tandem with subsistence issues due to their fishing grounds being occupied by Imperial Wardi interests) and is not universal, but has still markedly fragmented parts of the jaquinzi's remaining range.

[beguines]

Today, strawberries have replaced much of the citrus and olive trees in the strip, and despite the relatively small area of farmland used for this sector, it enjoys high economic and social value. In all of the ways that citrus cultivation has been targeted, strawberries seem designed to survive Israel's eco-colonial practices. Strawberries are able to survive on partially saline water, they have faster production cycles, are easier to cultivate and replant after destruction and uprooting, are more mobile after moments of displacement, require less space and distance between each planted crop, and enable farmers in Gaza's northern peripheries and along the buffer zones to remain visible to the observing Israeli occupation forces. As a crop with limited historical roots in the country, it adapts well and is highly versatile. The use of compost for the cultivation of strawberries enables significant increase in fruit productivity, saving Gazan farmers the use of precious water supplies and decreasing its need for the use of fertilizers.

Despite this, the conditions of Gaza's ongoing colonial isolation and erasure make it increasingly impossible for farmers to sustain their livelihoods off of the land, even with strawberry production. In today's Gaza, as the agricultural export industry is fully reliant on the Israeli permit system, strawberries are slowly being replaced with other low-growing, fast-yielding, cost-effective and high-demand fruits and vegetables. Indeed, as a colleague at the Union of Agricultural Work Committees, the largest agricultural development institution in Palestine, told me during my time in Gaza, the most recent crop to slowly begin its replacement of strawberries in this line of forced colonial transition is pineapple—with the first pineapple farm planted in Khan Younes in 2017.

Examining the conditions that make strawberry production more practical and fuel the transition from citrus production requires examining the ongoing Israeli colonization of natural resources that supplant and suppress traditional modes of relating to nature. Witnesses of Israeli neo-colonial violence, the disappearing orchards in Gaza mark its new disconnected reality. The transition from the orange to the strawberry—and perhaps later to pineapple—is more than a shift in markets and produce. They affect the history and identity of Palestinians in Gaza. The links between cultivation and national or communal identity are well-known and documented in other contexts, including their intersection with colonial nation-branding. But in the context of aggressive climate change the instabilities, tensions, and erasures that come with transitions in vegetation are growing increasingly stark. For example, in the case of the Swiss canton of Valais, global heating has resulted in the growth of cacti, Opuntia, that are proliferating on the mountainsides of the canton, encroaching on natural reserves and causing a biodiversity threat. Used to "seeing their mountainsides covered with snow in winter and edelweiss flowers in summer" warmer and drier temperatures have given way to what is named in media coverage as an "invasive species colonizing the slopes." Launching an uprooting campaign in 2022, the press release stressed that "this invasive and non-native plant is not welcome in the perimeter of prairies and dry pastures of national importance." Evidently the discourse mobilized is dominated by aggressive language of aliens and invasion, which contributes to the use of violent and war-like metaphors to push for pre-emptive and combative control. In the Gazan case, the transition, as well as local responses to it, are less pronounced and weeded through long-term colonial policies imposed by the occupation. That said, the transition to strawberry cultivation nevertheless carries a similar ecological, cultural, and socio-political impact. In place of the orange, the strawberry is surfacing as the symbol of Gaza, redrawing the boundaries of the identity of its besieged inhabitants. Whereas in the past the orange was a continuous link between Gaza and the rest of historic Palestine, with deep generational roots and a symbol of steadfast and continuous presence, the abrupt transition from oranges to strawberries distances Gaza from the constructed identity and vegetal knowledge production of Palestinian farmers elsewhere. Put differently, this symbolic and political transition at the level of fruit production can be seen as another mechanism through which Israeli neo-colonial violence reifies Gaza as an enclave: divided and partitioned from the rest of Palestine.

Shourideh C. Molavi, Environmental Warfare in Gaza: Colonial Violence and New Landscapes of Resistance

[botanicalsword]

Relationship ✧ Sun Signs in Composite Chart

Planets in the Composite Chart

Sun – Personality Traits

In psychological astrology, the Sun represents our self-awareness and the identity we resonate with. It symbolizes what we deem important in life, as well as our relationship with father figures or male authority figures, reflecting our pursuits and values.

In a relationship chart, the Sun illustrates how partners influence each other through their respective Suns. Each individual is a unique entity with distinct growth experiences and thought patterns, and the Sun reveals their differing perspectives on one another.

Fire Signs

When the Sun is in a fire sign - generally positive and proactive The overall connection is favorable, and those around you are supportive, even your friends are shipping your relationship!

Leo - there may be instances of conflict where one or both parties can be quite proud

Aries - there might be issues with one or both individuals having a bad temper, leading to arguments.

Sagittarius - remains proactive, but there could be distance issues or infrequent meetings, leading to changes in the relationship; still a joyful and relaxed connection, discussing life and dreams

Water Signs

When the Sun in a water sign - a sense of tenderness and romance, along with feelings of dependency and warmth; the relationship may develop slowly, with emotional turbulence and confusion

Cancer - there’s a familial feeling and a sense of closeness, but it’s important to pay attention to emotional security

Scorpio - there’s a tendency to be persistent and passionate, but issues of control, jealousy, and mistrust may arise, leading to discomfort or conflicts

Pisces - the relationship may lack clarity or be ambiguous, with the possibility of other options or multiple connections. It may not be very supportive, and one party may be evasive or indecisive, leading to emotional turmoil and secrecy/ the relationship can be romantic and beautiful, filled with wonderful fantasies and expectations

Air Signs

When the Sun in an air sign - may be infrequent, and the relationship could feel lukewarm / distance issues / those around you may not be optimistic, and both parties might need personal space

Gemini - there may be good communication between both parties. However, distance issues could arise, possibly due to online connections or infrequent meetings / There might also be other options at the beginning or during the relationship, leading to changes, or external factors causing the two to spend less time together and rely on online communication

Libra - treating each other as partners, but the intimacy may not be sufficient. There may be a sense of mutual respect, but closeness might require companionship to deepen the relationship, which could have a cooperative aspect

Aquarius - favorable , the relationship won’t be too bad / there may be distance issues, possibly meeting through mutual friends or introductions / interactions may be limited, leading to a sense of intellectual connection / both parties may approach the relationship rationally, leading to instability

Earth Signs

When the Sun in an earth sign - the relationship may start through introductions or arranged meetings, focusing on practical conditions or being busy with work and finances / there are many real-life factors to consider, such as future development and career planning / the relationship tends to be stable and enduring, with both parties willing to compromise and make practical contributions

Taurus - Both parties can persist in the relationship, supported by the environment, making it resilient through challenges / one party may sometimes be too stubborn or overly focused on material aspects, particularly the male partner, which could slow down the relationship’s development, especially if one is preoccupied with making money

Virgo - leading to potential changes in the relationship / There may be good communication, with the male partner willing to contribute, and a strong sense of mutual care - there could be tendencies to be overly critical or nagging, and both parties may need to handle daily chores and work, leading to instability in the relationship, especially if the environment is not very supportive

Capricorn - The relationship may start through introductions or arranged meetings, aligning with societal expectations and considering material conditions / there’s a need to weigh pros and cons and consider various practical factors / once committed, the relationship tends to be stable and enduring, though one party may sometimes feel repressed, appearing cold and pragmatic

✧✧✧✧ >> Relationship ✧ What’s their love language in this connection? • Marks Chart >> Relationship • Tough feeling & Challenges • Marks Chart >> Relationship ✧ The focus of your connection • Composite Chart

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[nenelonomh]

the role of kindness in self-development

kindness plays a vital role in self-development for several reasons. first, it enhances mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety, and increasing happiness and self-esteem. when you practice kindness, you foster positive relationships and build trust, which can lead to a stronger support network and a sense of belonging.

additionally, kindness encourages empathy and understanding, helping you to see things from others’ perspectives and resolve conflicts more effectively. this not only improves your social interactions but also contributes to personal growth by making you more compassionate and resilient.

building relationships

building relationships is a powerful self-development strategy because it opens doors to new experiences, perspectives, and opportunities for personal growth. interacting with different individuals challenges you to grow, learn, and expand your horizons. through new connections, you can discover hidden talents, passions, and strengths that you might not have been aware of before.

relationships also provide a support network that can offer encouragement, advice, and assistance during challenging times. having a strong network of friends, mentors, and colleagues can boost your confidence and resilience, helping you navigate life’s ups and downs more effectively.

furthermore, building relationships enhances your communication and interpersonal skills. engaging with others requires active listening, empathy, and the ability to express yourself clearly. these skills are invaluable in both personal and professional settings.

❤️ nene

[breelandwalker]

Marks of growth as a person and practitioner in witchcraft spaces:

-not feeling the need to constantly correct others

-knowing when and how to offer a dissenting viewpoint

-being content to disagree without engaging in debate

-fact-checking information before passing it along or incorporating it into your practice

-questioning your assumptions and decolonizing your thinking

-understanding that no two practices are the same and that the experiences and opinions of others do not need to govern your path

-understanding that practices not your own or contrary to your own can still be valid

-being able to describe your current beliefs without putting down others or defaulting to discussions about religious trauma

-focusing on comprehension, learning, and exploration rather than consumption

-understanding that "witch" is a gender neutral term and that anyone can be a witch if they choose to

-understanding that safety is more important than visibility

-understanding that magical practice does not have to be constant

-Developing personal beliefs and practices that may align with existing traditions but may not match them precisely

-Developing a reliable bullshit detector and employing it regularly

-Diminished desire for constant validation from outside sources as to whether you're "doing it right"

-diminished desire to overshare or aestheticize your practices, instead focusing on what works for you rather than what looks pretty enough for social media

-diminished desire to Do All The Things At Once and instead focusing on the areas where you are comfortable / interested and taking things at a reasonable pace

-being aware of the problems in the community and doing your best to not contribute to them

-being aware of the New Age pipeline and staying out of it as much as possible

-embracing science and history and common sense alongside magical learning and spiritual beliefs (if you have them)

There are lots of others, but these are some of the ones I've noted in my own journey. Just some things to consider.

Happy Witching and Keep Growing!

[theambitiouswoman]

Core Stoic Principles ✨

Stoicism is a universal approach to ethics, personal growth, and resilience. The core teachings of Stoicism focus on the development of our personal virtue, the practice of reason, and the pursuit of wisdom to live a fulfilling and peaceful life.

Understanding What is Within Our Control: Recognizing the difference between what we can control (our thoughts, emotions, and actions) and what we cannot (external events, the actions of others) is central to Stoic philosophy. Focusing on our internal states rather than external circumstances which can lead you to a more peaceful and productive life.

Living Virtuously: Living according to virtue is the only good. Wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance are central to leading a good life.

Practicing Mindfulness and Self Reflection: This involves reflecting on your thoughts, emotions, and actions to understand them better and align them with rational thinking.

Acceptance: Accepting things as they come, without distress, and understanding the natural flow of life can lead to inner peace. This acceptance is not passive resignation but an emotionally balanced way.

Emotional Regulation: Stoics believe in facing challenges head on with a calm and composed mindset, learning from experiences, and not being overwhelmed by our emotions.

Community: Stoicism teaches the importance of living in harmony with others and contributing to the common good. Focusing on the idea that we are part of a larger community and as a result we should be advocating for actions that benefit society as a whole.