#dispel myths and scare-stories

[saganssorcery]

It's the final day of Navaratri, a 10 day, or 9 night, Hindu festival celebrating the 9 forms of the Goddess Durga. ✨Jai Durga Maa✨

Today though I figured I would post each of these forms here in one big post that celebrates each of her forms and victories over the past 10 days. I hope you enjoy.

Keep in mind there are many different traditions and versions of these myths, and I am not a Hindu, so your own research is always advised.

✨Shailputri✨

✨Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah✨

The first day of Navaratri celebrates Durga as Shailaputri, considered the absolute form of mother nature.

The colour of the day is yellow and she connects us to the root chakra, the foundation of Shakti.

She teaches patience, strength and grounding, keeping us firm in our beliefs. Meditating on her here represents the beginning stage of the journey to awakening, the first chakra activated when working with Kundalini. It is also said that the worship of Shailaputri on this day will ward off ill effects of the moon.

Her story goes as follows: Sati, also known as the daughter of the mountain, against her father's wishes becomes the wife of Lord Shiva. Not agreeing with Satis choice of partner, her father arranges a great party in which he invites all the gods, goddesses and holy men, everyone except Shiva and Sati. Upset and angry at this insult Sati crashes the party then throws herself into a fire, killing herself, later incarning as Parvati.

✨Brahmacharini✨

✨Om Braam Breem Broom Brahmcharinyai Namah✨

The second day of Navaratri celebrates Durga as Brahmacharini.

The colour of the day is green and she connects us to the Sacral Chakra.

She teaches perseverance, devotion, peace of mind, love and harmony. Meditating on her this day is said to bring the devotee victory in all their endeavors and the ability to persevere and stay balanced mentally in order to tackle any obstacles or duties that one faces.

Her story goes as follows: After Sati's death, Shiva goes into deep meditation that lasts for many many years, abstaining from all desires. Shiva, so deep in meditation, doesn't realise that Sati has reincarnated as Parvati. Parvati, wanting to marry Shiva once again in this life, is told that the only way she can marry him is if she undergoes a severe penance. Parvati then spends thousands of years in meditation, eventually eating, drinking and breathing nothing in devotion to Lord Shiva, in the hopes that he notices her and recognises her once more.

���Chandraghanta✨

✨Om Hreem Kleem Shreem Chandraghantayai Namah✨

The third day of Navaratri celebrates Durga as Chandraghanta.

The colour of the day is grey and she connects us to the Solar Plexus.

She teaches justice, discipline, strength and power. Worship of her on this day is said to remove all evil spirits and obstacles, dispel sorrow and negativity and bring peace, grace and serenity to her devotees. She will also bless her devotees with a warrior spirit imbued with courage and might, so, like Chandraghanta, we are always confident and ready to fight for our own and others well-being.

Her story goes as follows: When Shiva is finally brought out of meditation and notices Parvati, he is happy with her devotion to him and agrees to marry her again. On the day of the wedding Shiva appears in his terrifying form, shocking and scaring the wedding guests. In response, and to ease the minds of the wedding guests, Parvati also changes herself into her terrifying form, Chandraghanta, and the two are wed.

✨Kushmanda✨

✨Om Hreem Kushmandayai Jagatprasootyai Namah✨

The fourth day of Navaratri celebrates Durga as Kushmanda, considered the creator of the universe.

The colour of the day is orange and she connects us to the Heart Chakra.

She teaches purification, clarity and creative energy. Worship of her on this day is said to remove planetary flaws and imbalances, purifies the darkness from bad actions or karmas, removes evil or negative energy, brings in good energy and a positive aura, sheds light on our path, promotes business which brings about success and opportunities, boosts creativity and concentration, builds harmonious relationships with others, and promotes good physical, mental and spiritual health.

Her story goes as follows: When the universe didn't yet exist and all was darkness, Kushmanda created the universe with her smile, filling the universe with light. She is believed to reside in the centre of the sun and embodies the source of all life. She created all the other gods, who go on to create other universes, beings and life forms.

✨Skandamata✨

✨Om Hreem Saha Skandmatryai Namah✨

The fifth day of Navaratri celebrates Durga as Skandamata, the mother of Skanda (also commonly known as Kartikeya), the commander-in-chief of the gods.

The colour of the day is white and she connects us to the Throat Chakra.

When we connect to Skandamata by proxy we also connect to Skanda, receiving both of their blessings.

Skandamata teaches us to nurture and protect children, have purity of intent and find ways to grow our knowledge. Worship of her on this day is said to promote fertility, prosperity, courage and wisdom. She blesses her devotees with a clear mind and a feeling of tranquility, she can pacify the heart and bring a life filled with contentment, prosperity and achievement for those with pure and selfless intentions, bringing many rewards. She will protect her devotees with a mothers love, giving them strength and power. It's also said that she can lead her devotees down the path of salvation, liberating them from the cycles of birth and death.

Her story goes as follows: When Shiva detached himself from all worldly affairs and went into deep meditation after the death of Sati, the demon Tarakasura was given a boon which only allowed the son of Shiva to kill him, and as such was free to wreak havoc. Parvati, after her severe penance was able to marry Shiva, and together they created an incredibly hot and fiery seed. Agni, the god of fire, was tasked with delivering the seed but the seed was far to hot. So Durga takes the form of water and carries the seed to a lake where Skanda is born. Skanda then goes on to become the commander-in-chief of the gods and fulfils his destiny, killing the demon Tarakasura.

✨Katyayani✨

✨Om Hreem Shreem Katyayanyai Namah✨

The sixth day of Navaratri celebrates Durga as Katyayani.

The colour of the day is red and she connects us to the Third Eye.

She teaches strength, protection and solutions to issues of love and marriage. Worship of Katyayani on this day is said to bring protection, remove evil spirits, triumph over obstacles, promote success and fame, bring love to those seeking, lead the way to a happy marriage, resolve problems in marriages and protect families. It is also said she will remove the negative powers of aspects in her devotees natal charts, as well as protect from malific planetary transits, remove sins and struggles that one faces, facilitating all round happiness and fulfilment.

Her story goes as follows: The trinity of the gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, among other gods, were so angry that the demon Mahishasura was wreaking havoc that their anger combined created Katyayani. They each gave her weapons and powers and tasked Katyayani to kill the demon. On her way to do this, Mahishasura was so captivated by her beauty he asked her to marry him, but Katyayani told him that she can only be won in a fight. Mahishasura, determined to win Katyayani's hand in marriage, changed into his bull form ready to fight, Katyayani on the other hand, jumped from her mount with such force she knocked him to the ground, killing him.

✨Kaalratri✨

✨Om Aim Hreem Shreem Kaalratryai Namah✨

The seventh day of Navaratri celebrates Durga as Kaalratri, also known as Kali.

The colour of the day is royal blue and she connects us to the Crown Chakra.

Kaalratri is commonly known as the fiercest form of Durga, her mere image invokes fear in all those who do evil, she displays no mercy for the wicked. She teaches how to be bold, powerful and destroy ignorance and replace it with knowledge. Worship of her on this day is said to remove black magick and malevolent spirits of all kinds, they flee in terror when she is present. She removes fears, negativity and obstacles giving us the power to be bold, courageous and successful. She destroys ignorance and blesses her devotees with knowledge, wealth, power and good health. It is also said she will remove negative aspects in her devotees natal charts that relate to career, troubles with success or aspects that indicate health issues.

Her story goes as follows: The demon Raktabeej had a doon where every drop of blood would spawn yet another version of him, infuriating Parvati. As a result of her anger, Parvati changed into her Kaalratri form, turning her as dark as the night. Filled with rage she slaughters each of the forms of Raktabeej, collecting his blood in a bowl, and drinking it to stop him from multiplying. She did this until only the real Raktabeej was left, whereupon she chopped off his head and drank his blood until he was no more.

✨Mahagauri✨

✨Om Hreem Shreem Glaum Gam Gauri Geem Namah✨

The eighth day of Navaratri celebrates Durga as Mahagauri.

The colour of the day is pink and she connects us to the Soul Star chakra, located just above the Crown Chakra.

Mahagauri teaches compassion, morality, and emotional stability. Worship of her on this day is said to remove impurities, dispel confusion, bring peace, facilitate compassion, lead the way to enlightenment, expand spiritual growth and fulfill desires. She blesses her devotees with a peaceful life, home and family, bringing a good partner to those who are seeking and bless marriages. She will also remove obstacles, negativity and the sins of her devotees, lead to self realisation and promote virtue and emotional stability.

Her story goes as follows: Parvati, after her battles as Kaalratri, was stuck looking as dark as the night, to regain her original form she was told to bathe in the river Ganges. Doing as recommended, she re-emerges from the river more beautiful than ever, as the glowing form of Mahagauri.

✨Siddhidatri✨

✨Om Hreem Shri Siddhidatri Durgaaye Namaha✨

The ninth day of Navaratri celebrates Durga as Siddhidatri, the supreme goddess.

The colour of the day is purple and she connects us to the Universal Chakra, located above the Soul Star Chakra above the Crown.

She teaches divine knowledge, spiritual attainment and bestows all manner of siddhis (powers) to her devotees. Worship of her on this day is said to help one focus on higher attainment in all pursuits, whether those pursuits are physical or spiritual. She grants boons to mortals and spirits alike fulfilling the desires of her devotees. She promotes a mediative mindset, brings peace and helps one with devotional practices that take perseverance. She will even remove obstacles and fears, facilitate balance and perfection in all things, and bring success.

Her story goes as follows: When the universe was void and there was nothing at all to behold, a celestial light spread amongst the universe filling every part of the void. This light started to take shape into the form of Mahashakti. She brought into existence the trinity of gods; Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The Trinity of gods were then assigned their roles and obligations by the goddess. They then sat in meditation for a very long time performing many atonements, pleased with this the goddess appeared to them in her most divine form, Siddhidatri. She granted each of the Trinity all manner of siddhis, also gifting the trinity with their three wives, who all represent divine aspects of herself; Brahma with Saraswati, Vishnu with Lakshmi, and Shiva with Parvati, who are to help them with their tasks. She then goes on to create other deities, demons, universes, galaxies, worlds and life, and grants all manner of siddhis to anyone who dedicates their devotion to her.

✨Durga✨

✨Om Dum Durgayei Namaha✨

The tenth day of Navaratri celebrates all of Durga's victories over the past nine nights. Jai Durga Maa!

It is a tradition in some parts to commemorate the weapons and tools that brought Durga victory and triumph over all she faced, and too, pay homage to our own weapons, magickal or otherwise, and tools of trade that bring us victory in our own lives.

©️Sagans Sorcery 🔥🖋️

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I have been posting each of her forms for each day during the festival on my Facebook page: facebook.com/SaganOakes

When I don't post on here I'm always posting there if you want to check it out 💙☄️

Thank you so much for reading ✨🙏✨ Much love.

While this article and the very last image I have used is written and created by myself @saganssorcery, the rest of the images I have found on the web. If you are the original creator(s) and wish for me to remove an image please send me a DM and I will remove it as soon as I see the message. Thank you 💙☄️

[diaryofaphilosopher]

Why am I compelled to write? Because the writing saves me from this complacency I fear. Because I have no choice. Because I must keep the spirit of my revolt and myself alive. Because the world I create in the writing compensates for what the real world does not give me. By writing I put order in the world, give it a handle so I can grasp it. I write because life does not appease my appetites and hunger. I write to record what others erase when I speak, to rewrite the stories others have miswritten about me, about you. To become more intimate with myself and you. To discover myself, to preserve myself, to make myself, to achieve self-autonomy. To dispell the myths that I am a mad prophet or a poor suffering soul. To convince myself that I am worthy and that what I have to say is not a pile of shit. To show that I can and that I will write, never mind their admonitions to the contrary. And I will write about the unmentionables, never mind the outraged gasp of the censor and the audience. Finally I write because I'm scared of writing but I'm more scared of not writing.

— Gloria Anzaldúa, “Speaking In Tongues: A Letter To 3rd World Women Writers."

Follow Diary of a Philosopher for more quotes!

[scareclownnation]

Our Story

Hello Tumblr! My name is Clownly! I got my degree in veterinary courlogy from Howard University, and had been studying clowns for a few years. But recently I ran away to Montana to start my own clown ranch/rehab, specifically for scare clowns (but we don't discriminate). Scare clowns are some of the most misunderstood species of clown, and we're here to dispell some of those myths.

[Hi, irl I'm just a 19 yro film student with a need for escapism. This blog is meant to read like a small business's social media. I'm new to tumblr so please be nice! Thank you!]

[arzuera]

💌

Hmmmmmmm this is a toughy.

I want to talk about the Invisobang fic but I literally can't. Because the rules say I can't and my partner would kill me. But I can talk about that! For this fic, I'm teaming up with @tathartiel creator of Phantom's Fables, Wayne's Haunted Mansion, and Batcat Spectre! I have been having a lot of fun with it so far. Tathy is a sweet bean <3

But since I can't really talk about that... I guess the next thing would be Rehoming or 'Safe' house and You aren't alone (and now you never will be).

I have received a lot of asks about when Rehoming chapter 2 will be done and it's going to be soon! This is something that was supposed to be done months ago but I have a habit of biting off more than I can chew and then have to force myself to decide what is a higher priority or not. Since Robin's Egg came out first, that story is the top of my list. I wanna say I will have chapter 2 for this done within the next couple of months. It also might gain another couple of chapters if I can't find the resolution in chapter 2.

As for You Aren't Alone (and now you never will be) I'm going to hype this story up a bit because it is not as popular as the other 2. This one will probably become my next long fic once Robin's Egg is done(which will be awhile. I have to many shenanigans for Damian). there needs to be more Duke x Danny content out there and its taking a while because I want to give it justice. I'm working with my brother who worked as a suicide hotline operative so that the conversations they have are 1 accurate and 2 will serve as a way to show people what happens when someone calls.

People often don't call when they should because they are scared of what that conversation would entail and I want to help dispell those myths and maybe it'll help someone down the line. The entire fic is full of delicate subject matter and I want to do it right. And I'm super excited about it because of that alone.

[lgbtqiahistoricalromance]

LGBTQIA+ Historical Romances for Winter 2022

A Christmas Engagement by Ellie Thomas

In 1805, Charles Denham’s comfortable life in Regency London with his long-term partner Avery Mallory is disrupted by the sudden death of his father. As the heir to a modest country estate in Gloucestershire, Charles returns home to care for his bereaved family and take up his new responsibilities.

Overwhelmed with grief, rather than leaning on Avery, Charles rejects his love and becomes fixed on the idea of taking a wife for reasons of family duty alone. With this plan in mind, during early winter, he travels the short distance to Bath only to find that Avery and his family have already arrived at the resort.

Will Charles follow through with his ill-conceived plan for a hasty betrothal by Christmas? Or will he come to his senses and resume his relationship with the nicest man in England?

When the Glow Lights the Woods by Eule Grey (dystopian fantasy)

A snowy story of healing, birds, and the magic of connection.

The Wall? Who gives a snowman’s kiss about when the wars ended, or who built the divide that goes all the way around the planet? Whatever!

All anyone cares about is Christmas, when one lucky person gets to date someone from the other side. Who will it be this year?

Eighteen-year-old Kite Ripples loves birds, animals, and gazing at stars. He’s a good brother to leader, Mal. Mostly. As teacher, it’s Kite’s responsibility to dispel the rumours about people on the other side being robots—just a myth, right? Deep down, he understands no human is better, or worse, than any other. And, if he dreams of meeting a guy like him—who wants to kiss—it doesn’t mean Kite’s a rebel. Not he!

Manu Feathers, also eighteen, lives on the other side. Gets into trouble. Likes boys. Breaks laws and wants more. Like everyone, he’s fixated on those over the divide—simultaneously scared and excited by rumours of too much sex. It’s a lot to get your head round.

Kite is selected to climb under the Wall, and it’s the best Christmas present ever. But nothing goes to plan. Instead of picking the perfect boy, all he notices is the guy on the end, acting out. Who’d choose a nuisance like him?

Can the highest Wall prevent first love? Can a kiss heal a baby bird?

A Chaperoned Christmas by Meg Mardell (FFM - v triad poly)

Candida Damerell avoids two things at all costs: her former hometown, Salcombe Bay, and her former lover, Broderick Carlyle. She’s worked too hard to shake off her sad family history in Devonshire and become a premier London hostess. To think she nearly threw it all away for a bohemian charmer like Broderick! He never understood Candida’s need to keep their secret romance, well, secret. Unfortunately, this holiday season, the fates seem determined to thwart her best efforts at self-preservation.

Broderick Carlyle is not surprised to see his estranged lover on the same coastal railway platform a fortnight before Christmas. Who else could tempt him into such a backwater at this dangerously jolly time of year? Not the country rustic whose need for Society chaperones is the alleged reason for the visit. What Broderick is not prepared to learn is that this windswept bit of coast is where Candida grew up. Even more alarming? The “country rustic” is none other than an earl’s daughter from the neighbouring estate.

Lady Sophia Luscombe has no intention of leaving her beloved Devonshire and her new horse breeding business for smelly, snobby London, especially not under the guidance of two Society chaperones. What if they managed to get Sophie married at last? No, she will distract her sophisticated visitors by making them fall in love with each other. The intimate entertainments of a West Country Christmas will make it easy to force the two together. It would be the perfect plan—or it would be if only the too-perfect Candida were not Sophie’s secret first love.

Just as the web of cross purposes frays to breaking point, a masquerade ball arrives to give these fierce spirits one last opportunity to tell the truth in time for Christmas. Is it too late for a second or even a third chance at love?

The Nutcracker Princess by Courtney Milnestein (f/f fantasy)

In the city of Holmgarðr, in the nation of Garðaríki, on Christmas Eve, there is magic in the air, as Uncle Drosselmeyer presents his gifts before the young children of the ambassador of Gloriana, Clara and Fitz. Yet for all the magic and festivities of Christmas, there is a sense also of danger, the shadow of war growing longer from the neighboring nations of the Hanseatic League.

Caught on the cusp of the peaceful life she has always known and the threat of impending war, Clara finds herself alone in a magical realm save for the company of her cat, embroiled in dangers hitherto unimagined as she finds herself increasingly drawn to a handsome Nutcracker Princess and faced with a choice that will impact both her own fate and that of the world around her.

Sixpenny Octavo by Annick Trent (f/f)

Clockmender Hannah Croft's friend Molly has been arrested for her connections to a Jacobin club. In the tumultuous political climate of 1790s Britain, being in the wrong place at the wrong time is enough to land Molly in gaol. Hannah's one hope to free her lies in the testimony of housemaid Lucy Boone. Lucy has spent her entire life moving from one household to another, never forming a true connection with her fellow servants—nor with her occasional lovers. She prefers it that way. When you can rely on yourself, why would you need anyone else? But when Hannah Croft asks for help, she cannot say no. Working together to free Molly, the two women don't try to ignore their growing attraction. For Hannah, Lucy is a beacon of hope at a difficult time. And Lucy finds herself loving her new life, made welcome by Hannah and her friends. But their situation is fraught with danger. Rumours abound of an informant in their midst, and a sinister man from the magistrate's office dogs Lucy's steps. One wrong move could land them in gaol—or splinter their new relationship from within.

Hen Fever: A Sapphic Victorian Romance by Olivia Waite (f/f)

Lydia Wraxhall is on her best behavior every day of the year—except one: the annual Bickerton Christmas Poultry Show. On that day she brushes her birds, sharpens her tongue, and engages in the closest thing the village knows to war. Harriet Boyne is a soldier’s widow reeling from the worst years of her life. She and her friends have inherited a manor on the village outskirts, and Harriet is looking forward to a quiet holiday far from the anguish of the battlefield. But a dispute over a flock of loose chickens — a rare local breed, which Lydia thinks could be champions and Harriet thinks could be delicious — draws Harriet into the competition under Lydia’s grudging guidance. Harriet’s frozen heart is thawed by Lydia’s gentleness, and lonely Lydia blossoms under Harriet’s keen regard. But the day of the poultry show is fast approaching, and everyone’s drawing up battle lines. And in the contest between secret love and public glory, there can only be one winner.

[starseedfxofficial]

RSI and Rising Wedge: The Insider's Guide to Spotting and Surviving the Chart Trap Imagine this: You're deep in the Forex jungle, and you see a rising wedge formation. Your heart pounds, not because you're scared, but because you know something others don’t—and that’s where the RSI (Relative Strength Index) steps in to save the day. Welcome to a guide that’s part comedy, part strategy, and fully dedicated to helping you beat those chart pitfalls while keeping a smile on your face. The RSI and Rising Wedge Combo: A Match Made in Forex Heaven Before we get into ninja tactics, let’s break down the basics for those still getting a grasp on things. If you’re wondering what RSI is, think of it like the friend who tells you when you're being "extra" at a party—in trading, RSI signals when the market is overbought or oversold. Now, combine that with a rising wedge (which is basically the sneaky uncle who shows up unannounced, usually before things take a downturn), and you have an indicator dynamic duo that can really up your trading game. Rising Wedge 101: More Like Rising Headaches A rising wedge is a bearish pattern that looks deceptively like an upward trend, but beware! It usually indicates an impending downturn. It forms when the price makes higher highs and higher lows, but the trend is losing momentum—like when you keep running up the treadmill but forget that you need to get off eventually. The market can't sustain that upward grind forever, and that's where the cracks start to appear. Tip for Traders: Use RSI to confirm your suspicion when you see a rising wedge. Is RSI above 70? The market might be overbought. Picture that like a toddler full of sugar—it’s bound to crash soon! The Subtle Art of RSI and How It Plays with Wedges The Relative Strength Index measures the strength of price movements. A high RSI (above 70) often signals that an asset is overbought, while a low RSI (below 30) means it might be oversold. But wait—before you dive into overbought/oversold setups, let’s dispel a common myth. Myth Busted: High RSI Doesn’t Always Mean Sell! A lot of traders see RSI go above 70 and immediately think, "SELL, SELL, SELL!" as if the market is about to implode. But here's where it pays to be savvy—an RSI above 70 can also indicate strong momentum, not just that the market's about to collapse. The key? Look for divergences and, you guessed it, that rising wedge pattern to know when the trend is really about to turn. Ninja Tactic: Keep your eye on the divergence between RSI and price movement within a rising wedge. If RSI is trending down while the price is still grinding upwards, that's like your GPS warning you about an upcoming cliff—time to pay attention! How to Predict Market Moves Using the RSI + Rising Wedge Strategy You know that one friend who always knows when it’s time to leave the party before it turns awkward? That’s what RSI divergence with a rising wedge can do for your trades. Here’s a step-by-step approach to stay ahead: - Identify the Rising Wedge: Look for narrowing price action with higher highs and higher lows. - Check RSI Levels: Is it above 70? Time to start wondering if we’re approaching the top. - Spot Divergence: If RSI begins trending lower while the price keeps pushing upwards, this is the subtle hint you need—it’s time to prepare. - Set Your Stop Loss Orders: And yes, we’re setting those stop losses, folks! Think of it like an exit strategy for that awkward dinner party—you need it ready for when things go south. - Enter Your Trade with Precision: Wait for price confirmation—like a bearish candle breaking below the wedge—before pulling the trigger. Trading Tales: How I Learned to Trust the RSI Warnings One of my favorite trading stories involves missing a rising wedge—because I was too confident (translation: too lazy) to double-check the RSI. It was a classic setup on GBP/USD, and I ignored RSI signals telling me momentum was about as strong as my enthusiasm for cleaning my apartment. Spoiler: The market took a nosedive. My stop loss saved me, but it was like watching a bad sitcom where you know the plot twist a mile away—painful but inevitable. Lesson Learned: RSI isn't just an indicator—it’s like the friend who always has your back, telling you to leave before it gets ugly. When Markets Get Sneaky: Hidden Opportunities in Rising Wedges Here’s something that might surprise you—the rising wedge doesn’t always end in doom and gloom. Sometimes, price breaks upwards, trapping all those traders who prematurely went short. That’s what we call a "bear trap." The secret here? Look for RSI behaving out of the ordinary. The Contrarian Angle If RSI stays high but keeps diverging, consider reducing your position size or keeping your stop tight. The Forex market loves to play tricks, and sometimes going against the obvious can give you a strategic advantage. It’s like betting against your friend who always brags about their poker skills—they might be bluffing more often than you think! Bringing It All Together: A Game Plan for RSI + Rising Wedge Success Let’s break it down to the essentials. When dealing with RSI and a rising wedge: - Patience Is Key: A rising wedge can take time to develop, so let the price show its cards. Don’t jump the gun! - Confirm with RSI Divergence: No RSI divergence? It’s like guessing the ending of a movie without watching half of it—make sure you’ve got confirmation. - Risk Management: Always set a stop loss. Treat it like wearing a seatbelt—you may not need it every day, but it’s life-saving when things go wrong. Elite Tactics Summary - Rising Wedge + RSI = Potential Reversal: Look for that divergence, and don’t be swayed by the upward momentum alone. - Spot Divergence Early: Watch out for RSI trending lower as the price pushes higher—that’s your hint to start planning your exit. - Be Cautious of Bear Traps: Markets love to fake you out. Stay nimble and keep an open mind—sometimes it’s not a downturn but a continuation. Final Thoughts: Learn to Trust Your Indicators (But Add a Dash of Humor) Trading isn’t just about patterns, lines, and numbers—it’s about intuition, emotions, and avoiding the pitfalls that come from overconfidence or ignoring the signals. RSI and the rising wedge are just tools, but the real magic comes from your ability to put them together, interpret them, and not get sucked into the hype. So, next time you see a rising wedge forming, don’t panic! Pull up RSI, double-check for divergence, and decide whether it’s time to hit the exit or to hang in there for a bit. And most importantly, remember: a bad trade doesn’t define you. Just like buying shoes on sale you’ll never wear, it’s something you learn from and laugh about later—hopefully with fewer regrets next time. Want More Exclusive Tips? For the latest market insights, Forex courses, and live trading tips, check out our services at StarseedFX. From community membership to a smart trading tool, we've got you covered for all things Forex! —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated   Read the full article

[alexmeng]

Supernatural Power Leading Film and Character

Surreal elements are important in dark fairy tales because they allow the story to transcend the boundaries of reality and give it more possibilities to explore the characters. In Beetlejuice, the surreal elements are not only reflected in the afterworld setting but also in the magical spell that says name three times and builds the foundations of characters.

God’s watching the evilness

In the movie Beetlejuice, there is a classic scene where someone has to say the name "Beetlejuice" three times in a row to release dangerous Beetlejucie（please look at this video above). This element is obviously supernatural, but its meaning is still somewhat confusing. The spell appears at the beginning of the story and is repeated over and over again. Its biggest limitation is that Beetlejuice himself cannot say his name, and must do so three times in a row. Some viewers have commented on the movie, suggesting that Beetlejuice may be a principled evil person. However, the truth is that Beetlejuice turns out to be a completely unprincipled villain by the end of the story. This situation of not being able to control one's destiny is obviously not unusual for powerful wizard like Beetlejuice; is there a new concept outside of the Office of the Dead?

The honesty displayed by Beetlejuice may stem from the Japanese belief in speech spirits, where specific words or incantations hold magical power. This concept, rooted in ancient Japanese myths, suggests a supernatural force governing the natural world, capable of dispelling evil or bringing fortune. In fact, Japanese journalists have systematized speech spirits, stating that "in ancient times, incantations and spells for kami (deities in Shinto) were considered to have some sort of divine power, especially when they were spelled in a certain way." This observation underscores the profound belief in the potency of language. Similar to the Chinese proverb stating that spoken promises are unchangeable, language holds an immutable power. This specific supernatural power seals characters like Beetlejuice, compelling honesty, even momentarily.

Is exorcist An Abrupt Mentioning?

Furthermore, supernatural elements can enhance a character's impact. Beetlejuice's remark, "I've seen The Exorcist one hundred and sixty-seven times and it's funnier every time I see it," serves as both a foreshadowing and a nod to the movie's inspirations. In "The Exorcist," a young priest battles demonic possession, a theme echoed in Beetlejuice's storyline. At the end of the story, Lydia's family finally learns that their house is being haunted. They don't feel scared and are even ready to transform the place into a haunted house. They even hire an exorcist to see the ghost. Because of these rash human decisions, the two main characters, Barabra and Adam, suffer. To end this suffering, miserable Lydia called Beetlejuice three times and finally released him. Many viewers get confused about this additional world setting.

Beetlejuice's screenwriter has already mentioned that a large part of his inspiration came from movies like exorcists. After recording three screen writer’s writing pathways, Mason Kupiainen, a movie reporter concludes that, "Before going through countless rewrites, the original idea for Beetlejuice was to make it straight horror with the movie being more graphic and disturbing. The movie would have been more along the lines of something like The Exorcist instead of being the goofy comedy it became. (Mason). "Indeed, two-thirds of the viewers who see the movie will think that it is a black humor comedy film that is mainly funny. This is because Beetlejuice haven’t reveal himself Until this point of the story. The audience needs an opportunity to discover the horrors of beetlejuice. The addition of this exorcist setting allow viewers familiar with horror movies a better understanding of the power of beetleiuice —stronger than the priest in The Exorcist.

The fact that ghosts can also die puts Barabra and Adam in a crisis. After searching for many possibilities of salvation, Mr. and Mrs. Adam are still on the verge of death of their souls. This is when one more person is needed to save the people from their current situation, pushing the supernatural elements of this movie over the top. Beetlejuice's affinity for The Exorcist underscores his power and contributes to his enigmatic allure. These supernatural elements add depth to his character—not only a clown—balancing humor with horror and maintaining his formidable status.

[shanie]

You know, I've seen your posts about Cyrus Drake and I plan to have a similar interpretation of him the Wizard101 Novelization fanfic I plan to write. Specifically, my version of the Wizard, Cassidy Wyrmwood, is Cyrus's only new student the year Cassidy comes to the spiral. Since she's the last person who saw Malistaire, Cyrus is uneasy towards her from the bounce and comes to straight up dislike her thanks to her personality being that of a confident, irreverent nerd who feels entitled to a fantasy adventure since she's in a magical world. Actually, the reason I plan to have Cyrus try to expel Cassidy is different than in canon, as the day before the chaos in the three streets breaks out, Cassidy, bored in class and wanting to try some 'cool' magic tries to summon a minotaur. This goes poorly and she summons a bull-human hybrid with all the wrong parts in all the wrong places. Cyrus tries to intervene but Cassidy tries to dispel the abomination of nature herself. Naturally, it explodes into a shower of blood and viscera which ruins Cyrus's robes. Cyrus claims that Cassidy was reckless and, if there were other students there, she could have gotten them hurt, while Cass claims that Cyrus is making a big deal out of nothing. Cyrus making Cass pick up his dry cleaning and then giving her a letter for her expulsion is essentially him giving her the middle finger. Essentially, their dynamic starts as them being jerks to one another, with Cyrus usually having some kind of point to his criticisms, while Cass is rightfully annoyed that Cyrus is trying to get her kicked out or get her to drop out via the spell quests he gives her. They do later build a better relationship after Cass realizes she's being a tool and becomes more mature and Cyrus realizes that Cass is a child and he should be the be the bigger person.

That actually sounds really interesting, although my heart goes out to that poor minotaur. He was probably in so much pain. And then he exploded.

I haven't looked into Wizzy fanfic much, just a few pieces on here. But like most people I have my own stories for things that departs from the official canon. My myth wizard actually got scared off by Cyrus and never got past arc one. She was a neglected middle child who only joined Ravenwood because her siblings did. She chose myth because she wanted to summon minions as friends and now primarily keeps to herself in her big house full of monstrology guests. She has no interest in being the chosen one. Leave that to someone else.

... she's my only myth.

[gingerpookie]

This will be a long post about how I got sterilized in my home country, Denmark. If you have any questions about the process, send me a message.

I asked my doctor about sterilization a year before my IUD was set to ‘expire’. She explained it briefly but promised we could discuss it in detail when I needed the IUD removed.

When the IUD was nearing its end-of-life, I brought it up again. We discussed the procedure, why I wanted it, and what alternatives were out there. I made it as clear as possible that I was not interested in a non-permanent alternative and that I had no intention of ever bearing children. She agreed to refer me to the gynecologist at the hospital.

I got a consultation/examination two weeks later.

I traveled by bus for an hour to see the specialist at the hospital where the procedure is carried out.

The gynecologist spent the first half hour going over the procedure (Her: ”You know it is permanent, right? Some people think it can be reversed...” Me: “The permanence is the point.”) and the alternatives she thought I should consider instead (Her, ignoring what I just said about hormonal birth control and how I don’t jive with that: “Have you thought about the hormone IUD instead?”). She really wanted me to go another five years with the IUD, but I told her it would simply be a postponement of the sterilization and that I would rather do it now when I’m younger and will recover more quickly.

The gynecologist did ask me what my partner thought. I almost lost my temper, but I knew she was the gatekeeper and I needed her on my side. (Me: “I told my BF on our second date that if he wanted to be a father some day, we shouldn’t waste each other’s time.” Her: “What if you two split and your next BF wants kids?” Me, trying to smile: “He will get the same warning.”)

I did tell her that should I ever change my mind and want children, I would be happy to adopt; childbirth is a goddamn nightmare anyways. Her nurse actually laughed a little.

The gynecologist finally said, “Thankfully we still live in a free country so of course you will get the procedure. I hope you understand that I have to have this conversation with you to ensure you make an informed decision.” So, I guess I respect her for that.

The gynecologist performed a pelvic exam on me. I had no idea this was going to happen. It involved a transvaginal ultrasound. My only regret is that I let the nurse’s questions distract me from asking the gynecologist to tilt the computer screen so I could see the images. Opportunity wasted.

Next I immediately met with an anesthetist to provide the hospital with some basic info.

I was then sent to the administration to book a time for the surgery. I got to pick which day. (Advice: pick the first available Friday - you’ll need to take, at least, a couple of days off anyway.)

The hospital sent me reminders via text message one week and one day before the appointment.

I showed up for the appointment and was seen by the receiving nurse who was kind, confirmed my info without judgement, and guided me through the initial stuff. She also made sure to include my request to the gynecologist to remove my IUD after the surgery.

They gave me clothes to change into and I was left in a nice little waiting room with other people up for surgery.

Another nurse came for me when the operation suite was ready. She was also kind and attentive. She introduced me to all of the supporting staff in the room which made me feel 100x better about being unconscious and totally reliant on their care (not sure how that works, but it did).

When the gynecologist (a male doctor, not the woman who performed the consultation/examination) came in, I was all prepped and the anesthetist was basically waiting for the word. The gynecologist was jovial and relaxed; he made a sort of off-colour joke by mentioning to me that since I am a slim person, the procedure would be an easy one for him to perform.

It is protocol for the doctor to confirm which surgery is being done with the patient and ask them to give their name and CPR number. He looked at me and stated, more than asked, ‘So you have decided to get sterilized.” I replied in the affirmative and braced myself for the usual follow-up, “Are you sure?” But he just nodded once, smiled, and said, “Alright, and what is your name and CPR number.” I appreciated that more than I probably should have.

I asked the gynecologist if he had gotten the memo from the nurse about my IUD and whether he could remove it while I was out. He said, “Of course, might as well while we’re at it.” I told him my period had started a couple of days before and I hoped it wouldn’t complicate matters. He shrugged and said it would actually make the job easier.

The nurse gave me some kind of painkiller via the oxygen-mask while the anesthetist injected the drugs; they don’t tell you it feels like fire running through your veins.

They didn’t make me count backwards but the nurse kept talking to me and I tried to respond until I was totally gone.

I woke up in a recovery room and felt better rested than I have since I started my master’s thesis. A nurse came over and asked me how I was doing. I told her I was awesome but HUNGRY. I wasn’t in pain but my stomach felt a little tight from the tiny incisions. The nurse happily provided lunch, juice, and tea. From the sounds in the rest of the room, I figured I was probably the patient with the least problems.

A little later (I basically inhaled the sandwich) the nurse unhooked me from the machines and said I was welcome to change back into my own clothes in the other room. I was able to get up on my own and change without difficulty. Obviously I moved carefully since I knew I was on painkillers and lack of pain didn’t mean much. The gas from the surgery moved into my right shoulder as soon as I stood up but didn’t hurt as much as people had warned me about.

The nurse asked me if I had any questions for the surgeon and if so she could go get him for me. I just asked her if the surgery went as expected and if he had removed my IUD. She said it did and that he had.

Luckily, I had brought some thesis-related work and could tinker with that until my BF found the recovery room. Our ride back home showed up a half hour later, and the nurse removed the needle in my hand before we went on our merry way.

Day 2: I’m taking the amount of over-the-counter painkillers that the doctor recommended and I’m not in significant pain. The incisions were not stitched since they are so small (EDIT: of course there are stitches, but what I should have written was that the stitches will dissolve on their own), so they are covered in steristrips. I showered this morning and then removed the water-proof bandage covering the strips. There was no additional leakage overnight, so I did not need to replace the bandage. Any movement requiring core strength is uncomfortable so my mobility is a little impeded. The gas in my shoulder is almost gone, but I think some of it has lodged right under my diaphragm and it is making me nauseous.

I figure I should be back in the lab on Monday to thaw out some cells for experiments later in the week.

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

Hi there! It's me again, I wanted to say thank you, because your blog became like a safe zone to me, I live in Poland and in here many People are really religious, you can even see that now when you read about abortion ban law. Anyway while I was reading your blog i remembered one of my memories. In Poland we have religion lessons, we mostly talk about God and all, and I remember when I was 13-14 we had religion and priest decided to show us a movie, it was movie about this one girl from Germany who was possesed by 6 demons. To this day i remember how scared i was in the night, I couldnt sleep because i was afraid something would posess me, he even told us later a story about how he wittnesed exorcisim in which young girl was hold by 8 men and was talking in deep man voice. Another time when I was 15 i remeber how during one mass priest started talking how he wants to vomit everytime he is in local mall, because of all this christmas decorations (it was in the end of Novmeber) he started talking how we should be preparing for second coming of Christ, and near me some little kids were sitting and one girl was terrified, like she wanted to cry, I remeber another kid telling their mom that he doesnt want to die. Now when I am older i look on those things and I think how we as kids are told from being that either we will be good or we will die in hell. Kids should not be thinking about death, they should not be thinking "I won't do that because if I do it I won't go to heaven" they should think "I won't do it because it is not right". Like now me and my parents are atheist but I still see people my age hearing something, for example possibilty of war with Belarus, and they already go like "THE END IS NEAR, THE APOCALYPSE IS SOON" Like People please chill out, nothing will happen. Anyway ending my rant i wanted to ask what is your opinion on indoctrinating kids from birth in to religion? How should People fight with it?

Hope you have a great day/night!

Holy shit, that's really terrible, I’m sorry that happened to you. I agree with Hitch, 100%:

“Not until gentle Jesus, meek and mild, are you told if you don’t make the right propitiations you can depart into everlasting fire.

One of the most wicked ideas ever preached and one that has ruined the lives and peace of mind of many, many children preached to them by vicious, child-hating old men and women in the name of this ghasty cult.”

-- Christopher Hitchens

It is an astonishing evil that the Church commits in propagating these threats of undeserved eternal horrors, to deliberately terrorize, exploit and betray the trust of children who have the fleeting capacity for unlimited wonder and openness.

Which of course, is the point of this villainy. Without child indoctrination - and state-mandated indoctrination of any religion or any ideology is profoundly unethical - religions would struggle to recruit believers. Those who are sufficiently damaged and vulnerable as adults to be susceptible to this nonsense are not so common as the guileness of the child.

It's this unethical manipulation, not to mention the outright lies and deceit such as nonsense about exorcisms, which keeps them afloat with customers for their imaginary product.

The main thing to do, as in most things, is to talk about it.

Say what happened. What it did to you. What it's doing to others. Reject admonishments to be silent for the comfort of others or out of misplaced "respect." Dispel the myth of the moral virtues of the church they’ve worked so hard to fabricate. There are others who are thinking the same thing.

[rainbowsky]

About your anal sex post: it may be different for women who do it with straight men. I've heard many RL stories that go like: guy sees seasoned porn star do it, asks his gf for it, gf agrees (either because she wants it or for the cool points), guy goes in with minimal info other than het porn videos, treats the area like it's vagina no2, only it isn't. Bad pain ensues and a terrible first experience and you bet no one is going to be relaxed next time without extensive prep. Just a thought...

(cont) I mean your posts assumes that people know how to do anal sex, which many straight men may not.

This is in reference to a previous post.

I think I was saying pretty much the exact opposite of that, Anon. I was saying (or implying) that a lot of authors don’t seem to have a lot of practical experience with anal, which is why it tends to be imperfectly written about in fan fiction. Which is totally fine, was my main message. Realism is overrated. Unless they are saying something that could scare people off - hence my attempt to educate and dispel some of the myths.

Like I said in my post - there shouldn’t be pain. Hopefully women who hear that message will be able to benefit from that awareness, too, and stop anyone who tries to treat it like vagina #2. The best prep is being relaxed, and any guy who pressures or rushes things is doing himself a disservice because that partner is not going to be into it anymore if they have a bad experience.

For those who are wondering about how to approach it to avoid that type of situation, I wrote a bit about that before:

Really all anyone needs is good lube and the right partner, and to go about it the best way they feel comfortable. People will find their comfort zone with it if they have a spirit of experimentation.

Position can be a big part of that. The whole ‘bend over’ trope isn’t really the best approach for first timers. They would likely be much better off starting on top and backing down onto their partner. It puts them in control of the entire situation and will be more relaxing for them. It’s also much more intimate to be face-to-face, which often relaxes people.

Rimming is also a huge part of that, which never gets discussed and seldom is written in fic. It relaxes people, gets them into the whole experience and is really the best ‘prep’ in some ways.

A first time anal sex experience might look like this: Partners are making out, they decide they want to try it out. Experienced person spends some time going down on the inexperienced person, rimming for a while, then they lay back and get their partner to straddle them. Lube up a lot, then the bottom gradually lowers themself down onto their partner’s penis. The inexperienced person sets the angle, the depth and the pace. They have complete control over the situation.

Like my previous post, this was written as part of a discussion about fictional sex, but this approach does work well IRL.

[fatemareads]

Why am I compelled to write? Because the writing saves me from this complacency I fear. Because I have no choice. Because I must keep the spirit of my revolt and myself alive. Because the world I create in the writing compensates for what the real world does not give me. By writing I put order in the world, give it a handle so I can grasp it. I write because life does not appease my appetites and hunger. I write to record what others erase when I speak, to rewrite the stories others have miswritten about me, about you. To become more intimate with myself and you. To discover myself, to preserve myself, to make myself, to achieve self-autonomy. To dispell the myths that I am a mad prophet or a poor suffering soul. To convince myself that I am worthy and that what I have to say is not a pile of shit. To show that I can and that I will write, never mind their admonitions to the contrary. And I will write about the unmentionables, never mind the outraged gasp of the censor and the audience. Finally I write because I'm scared of writing but I'm more scared of not writing.

Gloria Anzaldua in “Speaking in Tongues”

[redbeardace]

August TAAAP Chat Notes:  Sex Ed

This is a scattered bunch of thoughts and notes on some of the things that were discussed about sex ed in the August TAAAP Pride Chats.  There’s no solid thesis here, but maybe a few conversation starters.  Some of what’s here is a post-chat thought and wasn’t even discussed at all.  This should also be taken as incomplete and not a full overview of what was discussed.  (Notably, it doesn’t include much of what went on in the voice chats.) 

[Cross-posted from Pillowfort.]

Include aces and aros.  Unsurprisingly, one of the main things was that aces and aros should be included in sex ed courses.

Sex ed has gone backwards since the early 90s?  Either I had a wildly advanced program in my schools (in a deeply conservative rural area), or the fallout of Jocelyn Elders and the “abstinence-only” nonsense of the Bush years completely obliterated the usefulness of sex ed.  We had a program that spanned multiple years, starting with a single day vocabulary lesson and “puberty is coming!” warnings in the 5th or 6th grade, through a two week lesson about all sorts of things in 9th or 10th grade health class.  We were told that masturbation and gay people and condoms and oral sex existed, although there were no details about how any of those things worked.  It wasn’t perfect, but it was a start.  But a lot of the people in the chats were talking about their sex ed, and it sounded woefully, frighteningly inadequate.

What is “sex ed”, anyway?  School, teaching the basics?  Information for adults?  Training courses for professionals?

Cover the basics.  The basics are important.  Anatomy, menstruation, common medical issues down there.  Cover what’s “normal” and what should be taken to a doctor.

What about other classes?  How can a math teacher express support?  Hang a flag.  Tackle amatonormativity in story problems.  Discuss it in the staff room.  Point the sex ed teachers at aro/ace resources.  Be out.   Stories about aromantic people read in English class.  Asexual people talked about in history.  GSAs/Pride groups in school that are aro and ace inclusive.

Desire for sex or romance are not universals.  Stop with the “Everyone wants it eventually”, and switch to something more like “a lot of people do, but not everyone, and it’s okay if you don’t.”

Reframe the discussion of “No”.  Too often, in sex ed, it’s all about when you’re “ready”, with the implication that you will be “ready” one day.  And when you’re “ready”, there’s the implication that you’re ready and willing for everything from that point forward.  Like if you say “yes” to a date and you’ve opted in to all the romancey things, say “yes” to sex and you’ve opted in to all the sexy things.  That’s not right.  It should be more focused on what you want to do, and empower people to say “no” to things they don’t want.  Discuss reasons for saying no, include “I just don’t wanna”.  Normalize the permanent “no”.

Look for backdoor opportunities for inclusion.  For example, the new Washington State Comprehensive Sex Ed law requires teaching of sexual orientations and gender identities as listed in the definition used by another section of state law.  So if that other section gets updated to include aros and aces, the sex ed curriculum will also have to be updated.

Connect with the people doing the work.  There are groups who build sex ed programs and lobby for them.  Work with them to include ace and aro topics.

Beware the head-in-the-sand crowd.  There is a very loud, very active anti-sex-ed lobby out there.  In WA, they got the sex ed law put up for a vote. Some of their objections are that affirmative consent goes against their religious teachings, and that although they can opt out their kids from the lesson, they can’t opt out their kids from schoolyard talk, so your kids have to remain ignorant, too.

Fuck you, Kemper Freeman.  Seriously.  Fuck that guy.

How do you accommodate varying levels of interest and aversion, while still providing necessary levels of detail?  The topic of sex ed is a bit of a minefield.  Some people want to know all the things, some people want to know very very little.  Some topics are dysphoria triggers, some topics are aversion triggers, some topics are just not interesting or of any practical use.  There’s a baseline of information that everyone should know, and there’s a level of detail that the interested people should get.  But how do you do that in a classroom setting?  One suggestion was to allow people to freely step outside for certain topics.  Another was to have an interactive lesson, where the student is able to adjust the detail based on their comfort level and interest.  It would start out with a “default” level of detail, but would allow the student to request less detail or more detail for each topic.  The less detail level would still have all of the baseline level information that everyone should know, while the more detail would go beyond a surface level summary.  Likewise, images could be switched between text description, line art diagrams, and actual photos.  

Resources!  Scarleteen, Sexplanations, etc.

Discuss healthy relationships and consent.  Provide practical examples.  Not just how/when to say yes or no, but how to bring up things you want to do or are curious about.  Include queer relationships.   How to ask for what you want.  How to know what you want.  How to say no to what you don’t want.  All relationships, not just sexual or romantic.

Reconsider segregation by gender.  A lot of sex ed is done with a gender split, but does it need to be?  If there is a value to such a split, how can it be made trans and intersex supportive?

Bring up body variations.  There’s a wide variety of genital configurations, so mention them.  Discuss intersex bodies.  Discuss small parts, large parts, asymmetrical parts.  This would likely be an appropriate place to include actual photos, because so many people said that actual photos were only used in the STD scare tactics.

Elaborate on “sex”.  Too often, it’s discussed as just PIV to orgasm and that’s that.  But what about things that don’t involve Ps or Vs or do involve Ps and Vs, but not the I?  What about stuff before and after?  What alternatives are there if you don’t like certain aspects but are fine with others?

Cover everyone.  If there is a separation, each group should cover the same things, at least at some level.  Everyone should come out of sex ed knowing about their own body and its processes, as well as about bodies they don’t have, and their processes.

Don’t “teach” through fear.  STDs are bad, but they’re preventable with caution and mostly treatable in some form or another.  Pregnancy typically isn’t desirable for high schoolers, but here’s a dozen ways to avoid it.  Give direct information, don’t try to terrify people.

Mention pleasure.  Mention the basics of obtaining pleasure, whether alone or with others.  If anyone walks out of a sex ed course of any kind without knowing about the clitoris, it’s a failure.  People should know that most clitoris owners can masturbate, and can experience pleasure from sexual acts, if done the right way..

Dispel myths and lies.  Not everybody wants it.  Vaginal penetration isn’t necessarily going to lead to orgasm.  It’s not supposed to hurt the first time.  You don’t have to have an orgasm.  It’s okay not to know what to do.  “Girls don’t want it.”  “Boys will be boys.”

Toys.  AFAB people don’t have to only use vibrators to masturbate.  AMAB people can use toys.

What is “Attraction”?  And along those lines, what is “Libido”?  What do these things feel like?  How do you know what you’re feeling?  What are these experiences like for different people?

Hygiene.  Give information about keeping various zones clean.  Talk about the results of various activities, partnered or not, and what steps might need to be taken.

Porn is fake.  Watching porn to pick up information about how to do sex is roughly equivalent to watching a crime procedural to learn how to become a cop.  You’ll get a very skewed view of things.  Pleasure isn’t always visible or audible.

Destigmatize it all.  Sex is seen as taboo and secret, and not to be spoken of, and that attitude harms people.  It prevents them from feeling comfortable to bring up important things or ask important questions.  It prevents them from learning things they need to learn.  It forces people into bad situations and mediocre encounters because they don’t know it doesn’t have to be like that.

Teach people how to learn.  Sex is currently a subject fraught with misinformation.  Porn or Cosmo are main sources of information, yet aren’t super accurate.  People should be given tools to know how to find and evaluate the information.

Consent is bigger than the bedroom.  Consent includes touch, jokes, conversations, etc.  It’s anywhere boundaries exist.

More than just cis white male voices.  So much of sex ed is heteronormative, amatonormative, tailored for specific cases, and mired in the ignorance of the past.  Sex ed needs more perspectives.

[holy-fate-worse-than-death]

Okay, hear me out

The Outlaws re-form but it's just Jason Todd and Harley Quinn running around like chaotic bisexual messes working on their unresolved trauma and identity issues, while Poison Ivy is the Tired Lesbian Mom Friend™ trying to keep them all together.

So here's the set-up:

Via Roy's connection to Killer Croc (and yes Roy is definitely alive in this one, fuck you Tom King) Roy and Jason end up working with Harley and Pam.

It's supposed to be a one-time thing, but when Roy hangs up his quiver to be a Hot Single Dad™, Jason finds himself in need of some help, and he doesn't really have anyone else to ask.

This ties into the idea that Jason combats his social isolation by somewhat accidentally forming teams (eg Outlaws 1.0 and 2.0) that are meant to be short-term alliances but inadvertently become like family.

Ideas I have about this AU:

- Harley and Pam are absolutely canon. Not just queerbaiting where they're a bit too close to be friends. They kiss, they call each other "girlfriends" and Jason is absolutely beating the shit out of anyone who says anything remotely homophobic

- Harley and Pam definitely encourage Jason to admit his feelings for Roy (which they know about before Jason does), and eventually there's a lot of Jason and Roy being perfect gay dads

- Harley and Pam definitely babysit Lian at some point when Jason needs Roy to come out of retirement for a mission that only he can do (which also doubles as an excuse for a whole lot of sexual tension, e.g. "I miss spending time with you"-type stuff), and although Roy is incredibly skeptical, it actually works out really well

- Not only are Harley and Pam great babysitters, Roy feels empowered to start working on tech for the new Outlaws and he works as their own version of Oracle; gathering intel, sending them on missions, etc. This is kinda similar to the role he took on in Red Hood/Arsenal (2013), and it allows him to feel a sense of purpose and connection to his superhero days without feeling like he's neglecting Lian. (It's also a great excuse to spend a lot more time around Jason, if you catch my meaning)

- I know some people really don't fuck with the idea of Harley and Jason interacting, but I actually think it would work really well. We already saw somewhat of a precedent in Red Hood/Arsenal (2013) when Jason was trying to connect with Duela Dent (AKA Joker's Daughter). He's able to be compassionate towards her and connect with her despite the fact that she's literally wearing the Joker's rotting skin as a mask

- I think a similar relationship between Harley and Jason would be really healing for both of them, because it allows them to be people who form relationships that aren't necessarily decided by their trauma. I think there were absolutely points in Jason's life where he couldn't have been friends with Harley, and points in Harley's life where she couldn't have been friends with Jason, because of how much they remind each other of Joker. But Jay and Harley being able to have that friendship, and find common ground in other aspects of their identity (in the case of this AU the fact that they're both LGBT+ and don't adhere to Batman or the Justice League's moral standards), means that they've moved beyond their trauma and don't always see the Joker in everyone

- Obviously there'll still be initial growing pains, but I don't think the focus of this story should be on the Joker or any clown-related trauma. At a certain point, trauma just isn't a personality trait and it certainly shouldn't make up the majority of either Harley or Jason's personalities. They're both so much more than that

- At some point later in the story, however, there would be a situation were Harley and Jason come across the Joker and have to fight him. There's an unspoken tension because Jason is worried that Harley is worried that Jason can't handle it; and Harley is worried that Jason is worried that she's going to go back to the Joker. But they're in such an intense situation that they have no choice but to trust each other and trust the friendship they've built, and in the end they save the day because they were able to do that, which strengthens their friendship even further

- Pam routinely makes good points about radical environmentalism, and there are throwaway gags about how -- while the Outlaws primarily do the vigilante work that's too dirty for the Justice League -- they also occasionally break into animal testing facilities or sabotage coal mines/big businesses/other environmentally-damaging institutions

- There are regular cameos from other grey-area vigilantes (e.g. other former Suicide Squad members) and this story really tries to delve into the complexities of morality and why people do things that appear "criminal". It's mainly about dispelling myths and reducing stigma surrounding things like criminal behaviour, mental illness and addiction

- There's a cameo appearance from Killer Croc that deals with addiction and redemption, especially through Roy and KC's friendship

- KC is just so fucking proud that Roy is a dad, and there's probably a cute moment at some point along the lines of, "I may be a croc, but these sure aren't crocodile tears"

- Because this is my AU and I can do anything I want, I'd also like to see this story involve Dr Victoria October. I love her so much, she's one of the most underrated characters in all of DC, and I feel like a snarky, middle-aged trans woman would really round out the gigantic queer mess that this story is

- They come to Dr October for advice in a case that involves biomedical science of some kind, and it's meant to be a one-off. But then Jason gets injured a couple weeks later and Harley and Pam don't know where else to take him

- Victoria and Basil (Clayface) are definitely still dating in this one, and occasionally the Outlaws will team up with Basil for a case (although he's mostly in retirement while Victoria tries to figure out how to stop his powers from causing his brain to deteriorate like in Detective Comics (2016))

- Between Roy and Dr October the Outlaws end up with better tech than Batman a lot of the time

- Victoria is absolutely horrendous with kids but regularly finds herself having to discuss plans and gadgets in person with Roy, so she ends up sitting in his living room surrounded by children's toys, sipping tea and resisting the urge to glare at the adorable, gurgling baby in front of her

- She gets left with Lian at one point while Roy runs off to save Jason's ass, and it basically goes down like this:

- Croc loves babies and the first time Lian sees him she cries (Croc probably sneaks up from the sewers to talk to Roy about something while he's out for a walk with Lian in one of those cute chest harnesses you use to carry babies). Croc is so hurt that she's scared of him

- As she grows older she stops being scared and ends up fascinated by his shiny scales and big pointy teeth

- I'd also like Lex Luthor to be involved in this at some point. I'm thinking that maybe this could slot into the New 52 canon pretty well. Maybe the Roy in this story is the "real" Roy and the one that died at Sanctuary was a LexCorp clone. I'm also just really into this idea because I like Roy's robot arm and I think portraying those types of disabilities is really important and cool. Plus, it separates him from the other archers in DC and kinda epitomises the fact that he's the "tech" guy

Okay that's all I can think of right now, but this AU is basically my OTP + my other OTP + my other favourite characters

... Guess this is another fanfiction I gotta write lol

[ficsandcatsandficsandcats]

Here’s an idea for Punk!AU! How about Sam is on her first proper date with Nic, and Daddy Jaskier with the help of Uncle Geralt and Uncle Valdo follow them to spy on them (as Jaskier is feral that Sam and Nic might do more than just kissing), and Jaskier sees them kissing passionately, and overthinks that they’re going to get it on, in which Sam gets angry at her for treating her like a child, and Jaskier feels guilty thinking his daughter hates him and they hug and say sorry in the end.

Fandom: The WitcherPairing: Punk!Jaskier x Fatherhood, Punk!Uncle SquadWord Count: 2,176Rating: TTaglist: @heroics-and-heartbreak @whatevermonkey @mynamesoundslikesherlock @magic-multicolored-miracle @writingstudent @mlleecrivaine @coffee-and-stories @ultracolorfulnerdcollection @astouract@your-not-invisible-to-me @kemmastan  a/n: Bless these sweet babies and bless the Uncle Squad + Dad!Jaskier’s hearts and most of all bless you for the prompt, nonners

Jaskier had actually allowed himself to believe that maybe Sam and Nic wouldn’t ever date. Valdo shot that down every time he voiced it, citing his own longtime feelings for Aevryn that he didn’t act on until much later. Geralt never really told Jaskier he was wrong but he grew suspiciously quiet and distracted by something whenever Jaskier asked him to back him up. The pair had been crushing on each other a bit since they’d met in middle school and now they were in high school and still nothing.

Until today.

Sam had announced casually that Nic was taking her on a date to the aquarium that Friday evening and when Jaskier protested that he hadn’t asked his permission she’d wrinkled her nose and reminded him that it wasn’t the 19th century. Jaskier had looked to you for support but again was left on his own as you gave him a look.

“Nic is a good kid,” you told him later, “They’ve known each other forever. Yennefer is friends with his mom. There couldn’t be a better first boyfriend for her.”

But Jaskier wasn’t convinced and finally he got the support he was looking for when he told the guys about the date.

“He’s making his move,” Valdo said, leaning against the pool table he’d been practicing on like some sort of mafioso. Geralt’s brows furrowed and he clutched his tumbler of scotch a bit tighter.

“I like Nic, don’t get me wrong. I trust Sam and I trust him as two separate individuals but put them together and it just feels….” Jaskier trailed off, trying to find a word to describe his roiling emotions.

“Off,” Valdo finished for him, “As well it should be. We’ve all been young kids before. Some of us are still old in fact.”

He preened as Geralt and Jaskier rolled their eyes.

“She’s your daughter too so we have to be careful of that,” Valdo remarked. Jaskier’s eyes shot daggers as he pulled himself up to his full height.

“What the hell does that mean?” he demanded.

“Oh calm down we know exactly what that means. The kid is a charmer and she’s got an appetite for romance. It isn’t bad, god knows I’m not judging or shaming, but she’s still only 16 and doesn’t understand the emotional toll of being intimate,” Valdo explained. Jaskier paled. He hadn’t even considered… intimacy. He and Y/N had talked with her about sex a long time ago, emphasizing matters of consent and dispelling the virginity as purity myth. You tried to raise her with a healthy knowledge of sex but that didn’t make the idea of you engaging in it any better. When Jaskier looked at you he could still feel the weight of you in his arms, the clutch of your tiny fist around his finger.

“What do I do?” Jaskier exclaimed, feeling utterly at a loss.

“You said it’s this Friday? As in tomorrow?” Valdo asked. Jaskier nodded in agreement.

“Valdo…” Geralt said, his voice warning.

“Hey! Listen! I mean no ill will to the kids but there was a time not long ago when chaperones were a thing. I’m just wondering if perhaps it may behoove us to bring that tradition back,” Valdo said.

“I don’t know…” Jaskier said, though Geralt could see the wheels turning in his mind.

“Alright well how about this… It’s been awhile since I went to the aquarium, a very public space which people have every right to go to. And it’s been awhile since the three of us went out for a guy’s trip,” Valdo suggested. Geralt swirled the scotch in his glass and thought for a moment. He could feel Jaskier waiting for his response, gauging how he felt and trying to be patient.

“I do like the otters,” Geralt said simply.

—–

“Oh my god they’re so cute!” Sam exclaimed, watching a sleek river otter work at opening a clam. Nic watched her, his long, brown curls brushed out of his face so he could watch her face light up with delight. He’d wanted to do this for some time but he was always scared, worrying that asking out his best friend would lead to losing her. His mom had advised him to go for it, ultimately. And he was so glad. They’d had some seafood for lunch and he’d impressed her with his octopus facts. In truth he could have told her anything about any creature and she would’ve been impressed, happy to hear him speak and that his hand kept brushing against hers, as they were right now. She reached out and took his hand in hers and pointed with the other one to a fluff otter baby but Nic’s eyes were on their entwined hands, heart pounding with excitement.

“Ah bless,” Valdo sighed, watching the young couple from around a hall corner.

“She looks so happy,” Jaskier whispered, brushing a tear away.

“Hmm,” Geralt replied, but there was a mistiness in his eyes too. Ciri hadn’t begun dating yet (as far as he knew), too focused on school and her activism, but he knew the day would come before he was ready. This was a bit of a test run for him, except Sam felt just as much like a daughter as Ciri.

“Shit they’re on the move,” Valdo hissed and the three men nearly fell over themselves running out of the way. They successfully followed at a distance, each wearing an attempted disguise to not bring attention to themselves from fans or Sam, and they followed them into a circular room where fish swam around the sides and above them. Though it was a popular attraction there weren’t as many people and Sam and Nic seated themselves in the middle, staring up as beautiful varieties of fish swam around.

“You know, the Pacific Northwest has over 40 subspecies of Sculpin alone?” Nic said, his deep brown eyes finding Sam’s pale blue ones as he recited the fact.

“How do you know so much about fish? You’re a baker, not a fisherman,” Sam asked with a laugh.

“Hey, I can be both! Don’t put me in a box, Pankratz,” Nic teased, a glint in his eyes. She quirked her an eyebrow at him and pretended to tap her foot, waiting for the answer. He finally relented, dropping his gaze sheepishly.

“I, uh, may have done some googling ahead of time to try and impress you,” he admitted.

“Nic Merigold, that may be the cutest thing I have ever heard,” Sam said. Nic’s eyes met hers again and she leaned in a bit closer. He swallowed hard, eyes falling to her lips, and he moved in as well until their lips gently touched.

“That’s alright, that’s fairly painless,” Valdo said, though he whispered through gritted teeth. Geralt clutched Jaskier’s arm, both to comfort him and because he needed to wrap his fist around something, the primal protective urge he wasn’t proud of bubbling up in his chest.

Sam slid a hand into Nic’s curls and moved to deepen the kiss, tongue sliding across braces a little clumsily. They pulled apart suddenly as someone fell over by the entrance.

“Uncle Valdo?” Sam exclaimed, rising and walking over to the man who carefully righted himself. He tried to gesture subtly for someone behind him to move away but she ran up too swiftly and caught Jaskier and Geralt who were frozen mid-stride, their faces turning guilty.

“What… the… fuck?” Sam muttered, staring incredulously as Nic walked up beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. He was a shy boy but when someone he cared for was upset that became his focus and Sam was definitely upset.

“Sam!” Jaskier exclaimed, “Fancy seeing you here!”

“Don’t,” she snapped, tone and voice becoming an echo of her mother’s, “Were you spying on us?”

“Spying is a harsh word,” Valdo began but he stopped as Sam shot him a dirty side-glare that reminded him oddly of his own wife. It seemed Sam had taken a bit of all of the Vicious Mockery ladies. The way she held herself and the anger that emanated from her was all Yennefer, though she remained in command of her actions, much like her Aunt.

“Nic thank you for a wonderful day but I think I need to go,” Sam said. Nic reluctantly pulled his arm away and she gave him an apologetic look that cut through all three men’s hearts, as did the mournful look in Nic’s face as well.

“Until next time?” Nic asked. Sam turned to him and planted a brisk kiss on his lips, squeezing his hand and summoning a smile as she nodded. He smiled back and lamely waved at the three men before moving off towards the exit. Sam turned back to face the three of them and to their mutual horror there were tears in her eyes.

“Mitka, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to-”

“I’m not a little kid anymore. How can any of you tell me that I’m independent and can take what I want from the world and then turn around and spy on me when I go on a date. With Nic! Nic who you all know and love! Nic who’s been by my side since I was a kid! Why would you do this to me?”

She didn’t wait for their answer, spinning to run away towards a different exit than the one Nic had gone through. Jaskier moved to go after her but Geralt stilled him with a hand on his shoulder.

“Let her go,” Geralt said. The words struck terror into Jaskier as he considered the weight of all they could mean, but he relented.

Jaskier talked with Y/N about the day, confessing his role in what had happened and after a long conversation with a lot of similar expressions as the one he’d gotten from his daughter earlier that day, the two of you waited for Sam to return. You heard the door open and close downstairs five minutes before Sam’s curfew and Jaskier sat up.

“Do you want me to go with you?” you offered. Jaskier shook his head.

“I need to make this right on my own,” he said. You nodded, giving his hand a comforting squeeze, and texted Yennefer and Aevryn to thank them for dropping her back home, knowing that they’re who she would have gone to while upset.

Jaskier found Sam sitting in the kitchen, drumming her fingers against the granite countertop of the island. She glanced up when he walked in but looked away again.

“Uncle Valdo has offered me a car if I stop being mad at him. What’s your best offer?” she asked. Jaskier swore internally and made a note to talk with Valdo – yet again – about extravagant presents, much less bribes.

“What’s the going rate on a sincere apology?” Jaskier asked. She raised a hand and gave a “so-so” gesture which was all of the encouragement he needed.

“I shouldn’t have betrayed your trust,” he began, leaning against the counter to face her though her eyes stayed on the counter, “It wasn’t right. You’re smart and responsible and vastly wiser than I ever was at your age. And I do trust Nic, he’s a good kid. It’s… hard to watch your kids grow up. And that’s not on you, that’s something I need to deal with myself, but I want you to know that I see you as the young woman you are and I’m proud of you. And I won’t butt in again. Unless you want me to.”

“I won’t,” she said, eyes rising to meet his.

“I know,” he said a little sadly. She caught the sadness and sighed.

“Daddy I know you mean well and I know it’s hard. But it’s not like that much has changed. I still need you, just in different ways. Like, I may not need you to tie my shoes but I need you to trust me. And I may not need you to fight my battles for me but I do need you to be there for me when things go wrong,” she said. Jaskier smiled softly and nodded.

“I can do that,” he said.

“Good. Also, you’re totally paying for our makeup date,” she insisted.

“That seems fair,” Jaskier agreed.

“And you’ll let Uncle Valdo buy me the car,” she said, a sly look in her eyes.

“Nice try, Mitka,” Jaskier said, crossing over to her and pulling her into a hug.

“Eh, can’t blame a girl for trying,” she muttered, wrapping her arms around his waist and returning the hug. “I love you, daddy.”

“I love you too,” he replied, murmuring into her hair and trying to blink back the tears. When she pulled back there were some in her eyes as well.

“I gotta text Uncle Geralt. He’s been sending me memes all day so he must be real upset,” Sam said, reaching for her phone again. Jaskier shook his head and went back to the room where you were waiting for an update.

[mylokabrennauniverse]

About Nórdic Mythology, Marvel and me

Why did I become a Marvel fan?

I think I've told this story before but I will do it again.

I have always loved Norse mythology, I have always felt that love for its history. When I was a child my father told me stories before bedtime and one of my favorites was "Thunder and Lightning" told the story of the God of thunder, angry and wrathful that hit his hammer against the ground and the sky roared and men were scared and where Loki, protector of those men, put a light in the sky that alerted them to the noise that would come soon and so men could prepare for that sound that frightened them.

I was fond of the idea of ​​that angry, strong and inpulsive Thor and that Loki, compassionate and protective who followed in his footsteps.

I grew up loving the rain and the wind, the gray days were my favorites.

But it wasn't until long after I realized that Loki and Thor had always been by my side.

I dedicated myself to study mythologies and found in the Nordic Gods my place in the Universe.

But over time I realized that something was wrong, the story they told us was perhaps not the true story.

There was a clear Christian influence in each story, and these stories contradicted each other.

Odin had been interpreted as the benevolent God and Loki with Satan.

But the world of these "Gods" was not divided between Good and Evil, but between Order and Chaos! Something was wrong there.

When I learned the stories that Marvel was telling about Thor, I was very skeptical, I must admit, Nordic myths among superheroes ... that didn't sound very good.

Even so, I trusted Kenneth Branagh, because he was one of my favorite directors and I agreed to watch the first Marvel movie that came into my life, "Thor."

He did not disappoint me.

I loved this idea of ​​showing an impulsive and often immature Thor, ruled by physical strength and a mysterious, intelligent and enigmatic Loki, ruled by wisdom and passions, a discriminated and confused Loki with his origins wrapped in oblivion, and betwen them a liar and cruel Odin, who would use all the resources to achieve his purposes.

I fell in love with this story that looked so much like my own version of a badly told story.

Even in later films, specifically in "The Dark World" there is a conversation between Loki and Odin where Odin recognizes that they were not really gods and this made me cry, because that was the truth, they were called Gods by men but they were definitely mortals.

Marvel had captured a part of the right story, even the fact that in the first movie the story is told by Odin.

This is wonderful because that is the origin of all evils, stories must be told by all parties or we will be ignoring a voice that will confuse the truth.

Today, I have fun watching these movies (not always, but I keep my hope that someone so perceptive to capture such a hidden truth cannot be so stupid at the same time)

This is why I love these movies and I respect them.

On the other hand, I still try to understand and discover the truth about this story, try to dispel the darkness, try to decipher the riddles, to clarify the contradictions.

I have learned to love and believe in my own version of this story and I have come to the conclusion that there is no other way to know it except through love and I really love it.