#here is a prime example of the power of copying

[junkworldusa]

[sun-pluto]

The Ascendant

picture sources: x x x

(Please do not plagiarise, copy, or repost my work. Thank you.)

It’s funny how I made a post about the 7th house first before a rising sign post, but to be honest I wanted to flesh out how every house can be relatable before going to the heart and drive of it all. And what better example than the 7th house which is supposedly your opposite? Well now we know it’s not and can actually be what you show and how you interact on a regular basis.

Now though, I want to talk about your motivations, which is the first house, or namely ascendant. I understand that the ascendant rules first impressions and appearance, also your personality. But I also think the first house drives you, it’s your heart, the reason why you continue to trudge forward in life. To make this more fun, I’m adding what the signs represent in tarot cards to add that extra depth, since a lot of stereotypes make all the signs seem a lot shallower than they are. So anyway let’s get started!

*side note, if the majority of your first house falls in a sign other than your ascendant, feel free to read that sign’s description too. Placidus housing adds nuance to your expression of the ascendant I find.

Aries Ascendant

If someone has to go first, I understand it will be me. ~ The Emperor

Fiery? Yes. Driven and direct? Also yes. Or at least it is a natural part of them to find a goal and immediately work towards it with no fuss or beating about the bush. Although known as the “youngest” of the zodiac as they signify spring, I’ve found many of these risings possess a very mature, headstrong attitude. They’re usually cheerful and actually pretty easygoing rather than just their short-tempered stereotype, although they certainly can be. What I have found cool about this placement though, is it easily makes people experienced in a lot of situations. Their life has set them up for them to lead and be the first to do something, and whatever placement they have, they experience it to the fullest via trial and error. Hence, it is both a burden and a source for excitement— it makes sense for them to be wise and discerning, and to recognise value in each aspect of their lives over time. To have your chart ruled by The Emperor in tarot, and having Mars as your chart ruler, makes for pretty chaotic and extreme life experiences. People often like to show only the extreme and violent aspects of Mars, because it’s dramatic and flashy. It’s proven here when Aries risings go out of their way to show off their power and hide their insecurities, as they can embody both the healthy and unhealthy masculine ego. They can also be surprisingly pessimistic, thinking their dreams are only a fantasy and yet are also angered by this (Pisces 12th house). When mature however, they make incredibly wise and capable leaders. The Emperor is known for being masculine, go-getting and authoritative while knowing his power is used to uplift and protect those around him, and Aries risings can be a prime example of that. Literally fire and cardinal modality packs an extreme punch and they’re often noticed wherever they go, purely because of the way they carry themselves. They’re often steadfast in their pursuit of things and even when they’re fast, they’re consistent, hence debunking the stereotype that they can be flaky. Lots of extreme experiences develop them into very skilled beings, and they often possess a lot of insight and depth that few can reach in subjects and topics they take an interest in, because to them, it’s go big or go home. Extremely passionate and unstoppable, over time they learn to control this fire within them to go for the things they want, because in the end, they do not need limits, only direction. 

The people I know who are Aries Risings are sure footed, determined people. You just have to look at the way they treat others (Libra 7th house) to realise they do want harmony in their environment, even when some do like  drama and chaos as air signs do. They are extremely loyal and loving to their family and friends (Cancer IC) even to their detriment, especially if mars, saturn, uranus or pluto is in their 4th house. They are always trying to look at the bigger picture, the higher perspective in order to make the best decision for themselves and others. They are a bit hypocritical in worrying and nagging their loved ones to take care of themselves, while neglecting their own health in the process. The ones I know can also be deathly afraid of vulnerability and highly controlling, because they know how sensitive and soft they actually are. You guys need to take care of yourselves more, and not just do things in extremes. Some who I know with Aries Risings can easily sleep all day, and then stay up for the next 24 hours. They do crave and try to incorporate balance in their life, and when they actually do, not a lot of things can stand in their way. They are ultimately very determined people holding the fort for everyone, and people really need to see this side of them more.

Taurus Ascendant

Here’s why we need to think and set a foundation first. ~ The Hierophant

The bull of the zodiac, they are powerful people, and we’re fortunate they normally choose peace. They can be stubborn, sure, but it means they can be unstoppable in achieving whatever they set their minds to. They are about setting traditions and foundations, and it doesn’t have to be outdated. They can be real trendsetters and pioneers on things that can outlive them (Aquarius 10th House). They represent the raw, earthy side of beauty and abundance, and they often know how to treat themselves well and can have tailored tastes and preferences. I know for a fact that they are very loving and loyal to their loved ones and family, and the way they move through the world can be surprisingly fast and very efficient. In tarot, they are represented by the Hierophant, which is all about setting down stable foundations, rules, beliefs and following through with them. They can be extremely driven to help those suffering (Scorpio Descendant), and the structure they create can really bring progression and healing. However, this level of abundance and stability can unfortunately also bring hubris, arrogance, ignorance and stagnation if they do not keep themselves in check. Their tendency to hold their emotions in an iron fist could also make for a violent, explosive temper. When they do not possess direction, they can easily succumb to indulging their senses and material world to fill up emptiness. At the same time, as said previously, they have the most potential to be abundant internally and externally. The Hierophant knows who he is and sets the rules for people to follow, and Taurus Risings embody that. They have the ability to subvert tradition and set down new rules that benefit others, because they have the groundedness and practicality, as well as an intuitive and resourceful mind. This inner fire makes them extremely devoted to their loved ones, their own ideas, and their causes. They can be extremely empathetic and generous to those in need, and can really lead others with grace and inner knowledge that draws admiration from others. Besides being beautiful, they are pioneers with no label, because once they know what they want, not a lot of things can change their mind, and success? It’s almost guaranteed with Venus as their chart ruler. 

The ones I know with this rising are so, so caring. They definitely know some things about love that others can’t seem to grasp, such as devotion, responsibility, and respect. And it doesn’t have to be romantic love, these people don’t discriminate with their friends, family, or even colleagues at work. Although I know some people with this rising who can be ignorant, apathetic and  self-serving, I can safely say even these same people care a lot about setting a stable foundation for themselves and their loved ones to grow on. With Scorpio in the 7th house, I’ve already already talked about their craving for intensity and stimulation— they are very easily adrenaline junkies— but this could be done in extremes and they could end up with unhealthy coping mechanisms. However, they’re also incredibly savvy and almost slick with their words, and with Scorpio in the 7th house, they can be incredibly mesmerising. Overall, most I know are just really powerful and passionate people, devoted to their own people and causes. They know what it takes to get the wheels rolling, and their level of determination is solid and awe-inspiring.

Gemini Ascendant

There’s always the other side of the coin. ~ The Lovers

Highly intelligent and insanely insightful are the first things I’ll say about people with this rising. They are extremely perceptive and incredibly nuanced in their ability to observe behaviour and mannerisms. The first of the air signs to make their appearance, they are ultimately concerned about figuring out the truth in situations, and in a way setting the foundation for the other air signs to come in. Represented by The Lovers in tarot, they understand duality in people and have the exceptional ability to accept all sides to an individual. And guess what, this makes them incredible friends and lovers. They understand flaws make people human, and they themselves are very intimate with their own perceived weaknesses and shortcomings. Depending on how they express this, they’re either extremely accepting and authentic with themselves and others, or they can be strict and sometimes judgemental. Most though, have the discernment to use both depending on the situation. However I will say these people can be pretty erudite and snobbish if they are unaware of their pride and ego. Additionally, the flighty air sign stereotype is shown the easiest with this rising, because they see options and opportunities, but they may not have security in themselves to follow through. A lot of their perceived stability and self-esteem can come from their loved ones, but in general, they’re just very caring and observant towards the people they love. Ruled by Mercury, they are playful but can surprisingly be wild and even rough with their play. To be honest, they often surprise others with how they can turn soft to aggressive in a snap, but when you understand complexity in a person, as they do, it is an obvious route. They love exploring both sides to a situation, as they themselves embody duality and two sides of a coin. At their depths they would like to find completion in themselves, to not feel so scattered or fragmented, but instead understood and seen as a whole. I would go so far to say they wish to be seen and accepted just as how they see and accept others so easily. Ambitious and often holding higher ideals, I’ve noticed they hold principles dear to them that they follow groundedly (Cancer 2nd house, Virgo 4th house). They are logical, adaptable people who, in the end, care very much about what impact they make on others. The ability to make the most out of any situation is their ace card, and boy can they give anyone a run for their money.

People I know with this are so sweet they make my teeth ache. Like YES, can kill you with their words. YES, incredibly talented and resourceful. Also yes, they are hardworking and can often find a niche they top the field in. But damn they are so caring. Very funny people with sometimes a sly or darker sense of humour, but honestly they’re just multifaceted. They make amazing detectives or people to go with to an escape room. They really try their best for their loved ones, I cannot emphasise this enough. They can jump between impulses and indecision, but ultimately what comes through is how it will affect their inner circle. Which is why it’s incredibly important that these people carefully select the people they allow into their home or their found family. I have not met people with this rising who are irresponsible, although there is potential (as with everyone). Instead, I know people with this who worry a lot and overthink about their decisions, their career, their life etc. which is why it’s extremely important for them to ground themselves (Virgo 4th house, Taurus 12th house). That is how they can heal and feel whole. Overall, their ability to think out of any situation and tease out the truth is a gift, and they shine with how much intelligence they hold that benefits themselves and their loved ones.

Cancer Ascendant

I’m here to follow my passion. ~ The Chariot

Firstly, they’re normally extremely good at putting themselves in other people’s shoes. Much like Gemini in the way they easily perceive people’s dual nature and complexity, but unlike Gemini, others perceive Cancer Risings to be softer and more forgiving, which is often a rushed assumption. Rather than just studying and probing a person’s nature, Cancer Risings intend to wield this to protect and serve their loved ones and themselves. This is why they’re often underestimated, because they’re soft and caring while still wielding resourcefulness and strategy to keep them and their loved ones safe— even thriving in their environment. You do not really know a Cancer Rising unless they allow you to. They’re elusive yet empathetic, firm yet graceful with their manners and boundaries. They are surprisingly bold with their style and can come across as very direct with Aries in the 10th and Leo in the 2nd. They are aware of how they want their environment to be like and they’re really good at setting up a foundation for themselves by literally tranquilising/eliminating anything jarring or disharmonious to them. These people are built to understand social structure and navigate through them (Capricorn DSC) while also sometimes exhibiting a rougher, wilder quality as you get to know them (Aries Midheaven). Symbolised by The Chariot in tarot, if there’s one thing a Cancer Rising knows in their soul, it is what they want. They are extremely connected to their heart space and can be very passionate and bull-headed with their goals. They are ruled by the Moon after all. These are the people whose intuition is like a compass— it points them to the right direction and signals to them when something/someone is awry. However, I have also observed some chasing their goals recklessly, going after the things they want or siding a group without thought if that helps with their agenda. In a distorted viewpoint, they can actually become selfish and cutthroat, seeing people in hierarchies/categories and coldly putting people down under the guise of protecting their circle and resources when it is mainly to serve their ego. However, at their best, they work through their Capricorn Descendant, and they’re extremely strong, regal, empathetic, and caring, and a light to those around them. They wish to bring understanding and insight into the world (Gemini 12th house) and so they often pursue passions that bring unique insights and perspectives as well as aligning with their own heart. Overall, they take charge and follow their heart, much like a shooting star, and it is a great gift they bring for others as well.

Guys. We’re all sleeping on Cancer Risings. They’re literally one of the most secretly successful rising signs out there. They build their base shaped best to their individual needs down to its core and then silently help those around them. Why do you think they are overly simplified as the mom friend? They’re literally guardians in every sense of the word, they hold their own down strong enough to help others struggling. If there’s one thing about them it’s that they’re always abundant in the space they’ve built for themselves. You would be lucky to experience that abundance if they decide to share it with you. I’ve once called them the captain of their own pirate ship and I stick by that, they are ambitious people who follow where their heart goes. At the truth of it, they are extremely wise for being connected to their heart, their intuitive compass, and their feelings. They like people who are strong and structured while still being open to change (Saturn-ruled 7th and 8th houses) and depending on their placements, they embody this too. Their Gemini in the 12th house actually makes them really likely to create/invent something useful in their lifetime, and why wouldn’t they, with the way they lead with passion? They illuminate the path ahead for others to follow, and they’re most likely to find a safe space for all.

Leo Ascendant

Someone has to bear the weight of the rule. ~ Strength

Being surrounded by Leo placements all my life, I’ve had the honour of knowing a few Leo Risings. Firstly, like the walking sunshine they are, they attract attention wherever they go. Their chart is literally built that way. Their Midheaven is ruled by Venus, they know how to make a good first impression with Virgo in the 2nd house and their Aquarius 7th house speaks for itself.  However, I’ve noticed a lot of them do not like being put on a pedestal, because more than ever, they wish to connect with the people around them and feel their warmth. What is underrated is their love for learning. They absolutely love acquiring knowledge about different people and cultures or any topic really (Aries 9th house), and to do so they connect with others easily and charismatically. Additionally, they bring warmth and the spotlight, and they are often incredibly generous people. They hide a super soft heart that they shield with a lion exterior— they’re not exactly cold or closed-off, but they do show off their power, skill and confidence. Ruling the Strength card in tarot, they have the capability of retaining their warm loving nature and generosity in the face of hardship and difficulties. Leo Risings often portray a softness and kind nature that was absent in their childhood (Cancer 12th house). I’ve known many who grew up in violent homes, dangerous neighbourhoods and/or in financial difficulty (Scorpio 4th house). But because they’ve constantly shifted and transformed themselves to their own top standard and beat the odds, a lot of them have this aura of majesty and yet, this lightheartedness as well. I will say though they do let their emotions get the best of them at times and may have the tendency to wallow and stay stagnant in the hole they’ve dug themselves in or their coping mechanisms or both. I also know that at their worst they tend to hide their wounds, vulnerabilities and softness, and project their confidence to extremes while throwing their weight around. This can ultimately lead to them pushing others away or being the new bully they so hated. However, much like Strength, they have the capability of taming a lion without deadening their feelings and emotions. And much like Strength, they are able to attain their goals and win the admiration of many without closing themselves off to their inner child and softness.

Leo Risings have the greatest potential to show the world how strong and magnificent they are without feeling ashamed of their wounds. Cancer in the 12th house does pack a punch, the 12th house talks of loss and the subconscious while Cancer is the protective nurturing energy we all need, especially as children. They may feel like they missed this energy in childhood, and many have learnt to stay quiet and work their way through life, while repressing their need to be cared for and paid attention to, when really, that’s all they want. They are incredibly intelligent and resourceful people who work hard and have high standards for themselves, while also retaining the bright curiosity and initiative needed to attain success. They definitely can be great leaders, however to fully be themselves without feeling drained or suffocated by people (who definitely will ask something of them), they have to learn to listen to their feelings and know to set boundaries and care for themselves. The RIGHT way, not just by suddenly pushing others away or taking more control. I feel they can benefit a lot from sitting or walking in nature and finding ways to connect to their big heart again, because honestly that’s what their loved ones love them for. Having a heart of gold is the main descriptor for this rising sign.

Virgo Ascendant

What can we improve? ~ The Hermit

I think one thing about Virgo Risings is they’re incredibly conscientious. Conscious of themselves too, they know the energetic space they take up (aka they can tell they’re the shit). They embody the saying where in order to succeed you need to know thyself. And work hard of course, which they also got in the bag. They’re incredibly generous people but they show, not tell. Which makes their craft and actions extremely valuable, they can bring incredible gifts and abilities to the table because of their astute ability to perfect and sharpen whatever skill/ability they set their minds to. Ruling the Hermit card in tarot, they are often great self-reflectors and can really piece together lessons from the past to make invaluable judgements and decisions. Although known for being perfectionistic, nitpicky or judgemental, they’re often also unfairly idolised and idealised to live up to a standard created by other people. They are expected to gruel and go through tense/difficulties in life and not complain, and when they do, their accomplishments and character get swept under the rug. Over time though, they can find the people and places who acknowledge them for who they are, because whatever they’re perfecting now, they will be noticed eventually. They almost remind me of a soldier going up the ranks, and they do this with a whole lot of strategy and intelligence. The cons with this is a kind of nihilistic, sometimes “dog-eat-dog” mindset that they have to manage, because it can overtake them and contribute to feeling depressed or hopeless in this ever changing world. They can be mysterious, but they’re usually just extremely compassionate and giving people who guard their hearts. Their minds and way of thinking is incredibly unique and is often the first thing people spot about them, because they’re often deep thinkers who can provide unique, efficient and just sharp solutions to problems others cannot solve. Also can I just say, they’re incredibly sensual people. They’re attuned to detail as well which contributes to this, but generally I’ve noticed they have a very alluring, ‘come hither’ energy that can turn very passionate and fiery quickly. But back to that, their Rising gives them the ability to reflect on issues and sharpen their skills most of all, they can go through fire and come out skilled and wiser. 

The people I know with this Rising are incredibly humourous. People don’t talk about their Sagittarius IC or Gemini Midheaven enough. They KNOW how to bargain and strategise their way through life. They often build connections and hone in on stability/security incredibly fast. Because they’re a mutable sign, they’re very flexible and adaptable to people and are normally very witty and astute in their observations. Depending on how much air they have in their chart, they’re also sometimes very straightforward and blunt, but “one man’s meat is another man’s poison,”, people who they surround themselves with will treasure that astuteness and honesty and use it to improve their lives. They can get pretty indecisive on what they want to do in life I’ve noticed, but I think it’s because they often like things that deviate from mainstream careers. Once they realise they have a gift in an area though, expect them to top that field. Nobody I know with this Rising comes out of life defeated, that’s what I will say. They always find a way out of darkness, it’s very similar to Scorpio Risings except these people just outsmart or outskill situations in the end. 

Libra Ascendant

There needs to be justice. ~ Justice

Lots of misunderstandings and conflict with this Rising. When you have your whole chart flipped and signs in opposite houses, you’re going to have a life as extreme as an Aries Rising, except this time you are meant to oppose The Emperor. This time, you’re journeying through the other side of the wall — you clearly see the other perspective, and now the responsibility of seeking justice is thrust into your hands. What do you do with it? That is the question Libra Risings will ask and answer throughout their life. These people are met with opposition at every twist and turn with Aries in the 7th house (or they create the opposition by arguing), and from a young age they are exposed to the neverending opinions and expectations of others they have to sort through. It’s almost like they sprung out of the womb as an adult, because these people are exposed to harsh reality pretty quickly, or some form of duty or obligation. Hence these Risings try to form judgements and make the best decision for everyone very early on. They are very giving and for people. Ruling the Justice card in tarot, they best embody being the judge and jury because they have a lot of extreme experiences that they can sharpen into principles, ideals, and morals. They can be very stubborn with their ideals and can hold a lot of resentment and anger if it’s not dispersed productively. Venus was, very early on, the planet of war, and this air cardinal sign embodies that with strategy, tact and grace. Their perspective is cutting and they have this uncanny ability to see the truth into things and be direct with it. And people do not often see this side of them, because they’ve learnt to show the charming, peaceful sides of their personality while working behind the scenes to bring a safer, more nurturing environment that they crave and want their loved ones to have. They understand the value of harmony/peace and this Rising is best known to have a magnetising appeal to the masses, because they understand what people want/need. However, the obvious flaws of this are that they act too much the harmoniser and balancer, that they erase their personality altogether. We all know people-pleasing or being superficial are the weaknesses of this air sign, and it can really culminate to that if these people do not set boundaries and heal from the rough start they were in (Scorpio 2nd house, Capricorn 4th house). They are in the best position to stand up for the underdog, not be a doormat. Much like how a judge's verdict is final, Libra Risings know the power they hold and can be scared of it, but once they hone this power, they hold a lot of rule and say in everything, and their judgement is invaluable.

I’m a Libra Rising, and I also know two others who have the same Rising sign. What I personally feel is people give too much credit to how emotional and charming this Rising sign is, and end up belittling or disrespecting this sign. Although they can be just as empathetic and human as others, they hold a lot of capacity to be very cerebral and impartial, sometimes to the extreme without considering the emotions of others and coming across harsh and blunt. They, like Gemini and Pisces Risings, let people see what they want to see while offering no clue to what they’re doing behind the scenes, for better or worse. At their worst, Libra Risings can be pretty amoral and bitter, leaning to the unfairness they’ve experienced rather than finding justice for themselves or others (“It’s just how the world is”). However, at their best, they embody a weapon themselves in how they deal out justice, and they can be extremely ruthless with it. They need to be able to find balance, or they will create it. Seek justice for yourself, and soon you’ll seek it for others as well. They can really be revered and adored by others for their beauty, inside and out. They care about people, their friends and loved ones, full stop. And they’re the most likely to bring change in pursuit of it.

Scorpio Ascendant

I understand the underbelly, which is why I know how to deal with it. ~ Death

Much like how Death shows up commandingly clad in armour on a horse in tarot, these people very much remind me of soldiers or generals of the zodiac. Scorpio Risings have the ability to weather through any storm, grit their teeth and emerge victorious and wiser. These people have often witnessed a lot of unfair/disadvantaged situations or been in one, and had to work their way around that. They advocate for peace and are often extremely stable and giving in relationships, and they are often loyal to a fault and honest with their dealings is what I’ve noticed. They are opportunistic in any business they’re in with Sagittarius in the 2nd house, and are optimistic people who value simplistic enjoyment in things. But much like Death in tarot, their signature is in their ability to bring change to their environment, and upend foundations and what’s not working anymore. Opposite from Taurus, who sets rules and foundations, Scorpio Rising’s 4th house in Aquarius gives them this innate ability to figure out what’s wrong with any foundational structure, and strike it down. This could be anything, from worldly issues to relationships to even why their computer isn’t working, they take the truth and wield it to something that serves them. This is why most people either become inspired by them or fear/hate them, because they have this innate ability to transmute and are known for it (Leo 10th house). Their perseverance is admirable and also terrifying because once they decide to continue towards their goals, it’s over. Just like Death, it is inevitable that they get what they commit to. However, these Risings really go through it, their life is marked by erratic changes and tower moments after all, and that’s why they can be insecure or doubtful of their abilities, or distrustful and despairing about their life’s direction. These Risings however, should know that this ability to transform and persevere through tough life situations makes them extremely powerful and wise, almost like a “once I’ve gotten through this, I can get through anything”. Death in tarot is after all, freeing of all limitations and restrictions, and these Risings have the capability to build themselves a haven after everything they’ve been through.

The people I know with this Rising just really need sleep. And lots of hugs, they need to have a good support system they can rely on when the going gets tough. These people have such an amazing gift at creativity and the arts that they themselves could underestimate, but it is definitely healing for them should they choose to practice their craft. That Libra in the 12th house? Devastating. Early on they might’ve thought peace or harmony in their lives is unreachable in some way, or they might’ve seen unhealthy conflicts or fights happen a lot in their inner circles, which is why they seek to bring it into the world somehow, subconsciously. Paradoxically, this is why they’re so good at unearthing the truth and bringing even more peace and resolution to anything they touch after destabilising it. They may be a dark horse or feel ‘other’ in some way, but in the end, they are the architects and re-constructors of our world. They match Taurus Risings with their raw level of power, and their insane level of insight into situations and people is what spurs them to do what they do best— transform. 

Sagittarius Ascendant

There’s hope! Let everyone know! ~ Temperance

I think one thing I’ve noticed about Sagittarius Risings is their zest for life. Not a lot of things get them down, even when in the Sagittarius Pluto generation, Pluto is in their first house. The ones I know are enthusiastic and driven, rambunctious and joyful. However, one thing I see but hasn’t been said is how stubborn and willing to bite the bullet they can be. They are mutable fire, and they can dither from decision to decision, however once they’ve committed to the bit, they can really pull through. The most dynamic and free-spirited of the fire signs, they are symbolised by the Temperance card in tarot. After Justice and Death, there’s a need to regain sense of oneself, to come home and regain balance and find multitudes internally and externally. With their Gemini in the 7th house, they love to communicate, explore new topics and share them with people, and are excellent debaters. They have an innate drive to pursue multiple talents and create, and who’s to stop them? Ruled by Jupiter, they embody the wise, knowledgeable and skilled traits of Jupiter, and expanding outwards as a whole. However, the downsides to this are obvious, such as biting more than one can chew or overexerting oneself, and they can share the same erudite arrogance as Gemini. These people are the ones who despair when they realise they can’t master all the skills they want to pursue. They hold a secret love to life’s mysteries and wonders, and so it’s not surprising they wish to investigate and travel in their lifetime. They can be known to relocate or at least explore often, and they have the potential to be incredibly savvy and resourceful (Saturn-ruled 2nd and 3rd houses). Just like the Temperance card, they have the potential to find true abundance and knowledge not just through exploring, but via their own intuition and inner selves. They carry their abundance and multitudes with them that inspires and awes others, and they only need to see that within. Honest and forthright, they wish to spread whatever they’ve learnt to inspire people and make an impact, and can be known as whistleblowers (in the good way). At their worst, they are fickle and yet harsh with others, insecure in themselves and critical of everyone else. Like all fire signs, they hold a temper that can lash out at those around them, sometimes at unpredictable times as well. At their best, they are the inspiring teachers in class, the passionate explorers and researchers, and/or the wise gurus. They represent joy in multitudes, and they won’t let you forget it.

Sagittarius Risings I know could be anything under the sun, and they know this. Which is why it’s so hard for them to settle and find a niche where they can continue to explore and share their ideas and, well, expand. They can really believe in the weirdest, newest, most unique topics and skills out there, and they’re willing to let others know it. That Scorpio in the 12th house doesn’t really let them rest, they wish to explore and investigate and it’s not uncommon to find them in detective work, forensic science or even as paranormal investigators. However, with their Pisces in the 4th house, what they really wish for is understanding, inside and out, and it is beneficial for them to rest and self-reflect from all these ventures and solidify what they’ve learnt so they can share (Virgo in the 10th house). Remember not to give so much, let others share their own resources, ideas, skills and care to you. You’re ruled by Jupiter, not the giving tree. Sometimes dipping fingers in too many pots disrupts both your inner stability and others. But overall, you hold a lot of inspiration and warmth, so never be afraid to share that. 

Capricorn Ascendant

Let’s build this from the ground up to make it stronger than ever. ~ The Devil

These people are surprisingly active and take initiative all the time. Their Aries in the 4th House makes them feel like they have a constantly running generator powering up their energy, and they’re the most quick on their feet out of all the earth risings in my opinion (or maybe Taurus risings are on par). Headstrong, cordial and resilient, they are the “oldest” earth sign in the zodiac and these risings showcase that the most. They are extremely knowing and skilled in working a crowd (Libra 10th house/MC), have an extremely strong and adaptable work ethic (Aquarius 2nd house and Gemini 6th house), while also having the ambition and dreams to go far in life (Pisces 3rd house). The reason why they’re symbolised by The Devil in tarot then, is a culmination of all these reasons. They take initiative, and they keep going despite obstacles, and they can rinse and repeat to the point of exhaustion. These people run the risk of obsessing on something, be it their work, their family, or just a stable income, and they can be incredibly attached to things easily (Cancer DSC, Taurus 5th house, the list goes on). They are also incredibly forgiving people who are aware of how tough life can get, and often experience a pretty tumultuous and erratic home life. Ruled by Saturn, the planet of karma, restrictions and duty, this can be a blessing in disguise for them as they are too kindhearted or stubborn to let go of things that may not serve them anymore. As stereotypes can portray, they indeed may have control issues or over worrying about the worst possible outcome. However, they do not realise how much of a blessing they are to others, how their ability to get their hands dirty and grind has pulled them out of extremely tough situations not many could have continued. They are strong people, with a depth not known to many, and they have retained their kindness and generosity through it all. These people are blessed by the phrase “you reap what you sow”, because they can reap incredible abundance from their intuitive way of going about work. Legacies? These risings can definitely leave them. In other meanings of The Devil, their focus, precision and loyalty is incredibly attractive to many, and their ability to power through and hone any skill is a raw power. That Leo 8th house? Hot. They know how to work their finances and these risings are powerhouses in their own right while still having the adaptability to cruise through life. Saturnian children may get their blessings later, but when they arrive, they last and stay for a very long time.

These people can actually be quite idealistic if their placements allow, they’re situated right in between their Sagittarius 12th house and Aquarius 2nd house, and they have a very soft, parental quality they like to perpetuate in their environment and with loved ones (Cancer DSC). Much like how hope and optimism can actually convince them to stay in unhealthy cycles, they normally learn their lessons on cutting cords and finding out consequences earlier, only to find it easier in adult life where they slowly start to get the hang of things and thrive. People easily have faith in them and their reliability, and they can normally climb their career ranks very quickly. Their cardinal earth quality remind me of earthquakes, they are successful because of their ability to stay grounded and yet adapt. They’re able to build anything from the ground up, just give them time. Rest up, because it’s part of being productive, and once these Risings learn how to nurture themselves properly, all they can do now is succeed.

Aquarius Ascendant

If we were headed in a direction, where would we go? I want to know. ~ The Star

A beacon of hope. One thing about these Risings is they are undoubtedly authentic, and if they choose, they wear their hearts on their sleeve to showcase their individuality. This strength they have to inspire the masses by just being themselves is extremely powerful, and raw. Opposing Leo Risings or the symbolic Strength card, these rising signs bring massive change and upheaval by showcasing what may not be palatable, might be weird, might be taboo, but is needed. Why they’re named the rebel, the humanitarian, the water bearer, is because deep down they are deeply generous and abundant (Taurus IC) and when they notice something amiss, when there isn’t justice or space for freedom, they fight for themselves and others. With water signs in the earth houses, especially the Pisces 2nd house, they dream of an idyllic reality where people are not shunned, or hurt, or damned. Ruled by Saturn and Uranus, these Risings are not as contradictory as you might think. They deeply crave order and structure that benefits everybody; they think about the collective. Hence they are rebels with a cause, all their signs in the specific houses are built for causing change that can benefit them and those around them. However, as all of us have, their weaknesses can range from being too trigger-happy to having insurmountable expectations with reality (Aries 3rd house, Virgo 8th house, etc. you get the idea). They can easily feel down or bogged by expectations or feeling invisible. Because they have felt shunned or rejected for who they are, they can easily go the other way and turn selfish or narcissistic, expecting others and the environment to fit around them instead. They can also be prone to emotional outbursts (Scorpio 10th house), although this can be turned into emotional awareness and insight. When they give themselves space to shine, they can bring that spark and fire to any group and allow others to shine with them. Symbolised by The Star, the reason why hope is so powerful and needed is because it finds us when we are at our rock bottom, when we are weak, and when we are bone tired from fighting. These people bring everything to the surface and address them, they are the canaries in the mine, they’re the reminders that better things can come if only we address what’s wrong. Because to them, everything is exposed and raw, including themselves, they have the capability of accepting themselves and the reality for what it is and are able to work with it. These people are excellent channels for the new, the exciting, and even the genius. They can be excellent at any chosen art form to express themselves, but most of all, they are excellent guiding lights, especially for themselves, if they choose to believe in it.

My younger sister is this Rising, and I’m an Aquarius, so I guess this rising sign holds a little special place in my heart. I think the deep root of Aquarius Risings is the need to feel seen and to be understood (Leo 7th House). They could have been treated as the scapegoat very commonly by others (Scorpio 10th house) while still bringing much needed insight and troubleshooting into their communities and circles, and this could lead to bitterness and resentment very often. They’re incredibly emotionally attuned individuals that felt shunned for not having needs met, and so a lot of things, they do it to vindicate themselves and hence others who have felt the same way they did. Not all of what they do is rebelling obviously, they want to recreate structure as we know it and empower others very deeply, so they will act this out in their unique way. Obviously being very intelligent, they can often tinker and experiment with their own self-expression or whatever they’re interested in and hold vast amounts of energy and focus for whatever they set their mind to. Although sometimes distractible, reactive and maybe drama queens in their own way, they hold the key to a way out in any darkness, and it would be wise to listen and have faith in them.

Pisces Ascendant

We need to understand everything is connected to make this work. ~ The Moon

The Moon card in tarot is as soft as it sounds, and yet it encompasses an enormous depth to its meaning. It shows the distance between our internal worlds and the external one, how far/illusionary perceptions can be, and how close can we get these worlds to collide and be one whole. Pisces Risings adopt this energy straight off with their Aries 2nd house and Scorpio 9th house. Stubborn, determined energy with their values, ideals and beliefs, they seek to reflect back what their inner world has to offer in comparison to reality. Opposing The Hermit card in tarot, Pisces risings have had enough with inward isolation, now they want to experiment how far their perception and beliefs can hold by acting it out practically (Virgo 7th house). Extremely perceptive and insightful, they are the known psychics or intuitive beings simply because they know how to adapt, copy, mirror, reflect, and feel the world around them (Gemini IC). They are often extremely effective in bringing solutions and ideas into reality, because they are both dreamers and hard workers. They wish to bring their dreams to life, and in doing so they symbolise The Moon card best by unveiling illusions and harnessing a deep wisdom in themselves to match their internal world with their external one. However, just like how The Moon can unveil illusions or create them, these risings are the most prone to self-delusion when their reality simply doesn’t match up, or results take longer to arrive. They can be impatient and irritable, and could have a pension for arrogance and hubris if not brought down to earth (Leo-Aquarius in 6th-12th house axis). Often very ambitious and idealistic, they could have the power to bring creativity and inspiration into any interest and hone it down into a fine skill (Virgo DSC, Taurus and Cancer 3rd and 5th house). Deep down, they crave unity for themselves and others, and they often seek fairness and understanding in every interaction. They are the best at researching and understanding what it means to be a part of a larger whole, and hence how to act on it. They are really good at empathising and seeking justice with/for others due to this ability to recognise a simple concept: the human experience is universal. Often extremely generous and helpful as well, they seek to nurture and hence purify their space and their close circles. Pisces risings showcase themselves through their life’s work and dutiful application of their values (Leo 6th house), in hopes to inspire others and bring people together. Just like The Moon, they symbolise power through deep inner knowing and hence illumination of the self.

I wonder if you guys ever get tired of being called dreamy. It could be accurate, because in the end you hope for something, but with that Aquarius in the 12th house, you wish to reconstruct and redefine what you know as reality. It could be that change either doesn’t come easy and you tend to be stuck in places/relationships that are stagnant, or there is too much fluctuation which also calls for improvement. Unlike a lot of people, Pisces risings wish for change, and so a lot of them become it. I think they really embody the word ‘manifestor’, and this time not in a traditionally dreamy sense, but rather they set their sights on something and can transform themselves and their surroundings to attain their goals, which is extremely admirable and inspiring. The drawbacks are never really getting to know who you are, at a base level, and only constantly pursuing something you want or lack. Pisces risings are capable of illumination in the highest sense of being aligned with themselves, and hence leading others along with you, so never lose sight of the inner you. They bring the extraordinary into daily life, in their own unique way, and at their best they recognise the innate value they have in themselves and others, which is an extremely life-changing thing to have and wield.

Thank you for reading! I hope this brought you some clarity c: Feel free to leave feedback in the comments or reblogs.

[ardentpoop]

'sam is a john copy'

what are your thoughts on this take?

largely used by people who don’t understand sam at all lol. like they say this because A) they cartoon-villainize john, and B) they villainize sam as well in order to validate dean’s self-centered perspective on everything that goes wrong btwn the brothers.

they didn’t even make it up themselves; as usual dean handed it to them. 4.19 “jump the shark” is the key example.

most of the audience takes scenes like this at face value because dean is the character who they’re primed to sympathize more with. like yes of course, poor dean who as a young man wanted nothing more than to be like his abusive father but is a hopelessly inadequate copy because his Heart Is Too Big, he’s Too Soft, Too Bruised. disregarding that between sam and dean it is in Fact dean (by this point in the series especially) who is the spitting image of their father in terms of his temper, his emotional unavailability, his psychological dependence on violence, the control he exerts over his family in the interest of keeping them “safe.” there are cracks in his hardened exterior because he’s a person, just as john was a person.

also note that despite dean continuing to revere john after his death and despite dean believing that john’s role in their lives was ultimately one that was necessary and justified (if he didn’t believe this he wouldn’t have behaved the way he did from s2 onward), he does tap into a deep well of resentment for john from time to time. we see it so clearly in this episode, especially with adam’s experiences with john being contrasted against sam and dean’s in ways that make both of them hurt. of course, the audience’s attention is pointed squarely at dean’s hurt over sam’s.

sam and dean often switch sides in terms of which of them defends or disparages john, depending on what’s going on in their lives and their relationship. regardless of this it’s crucial to understand that john’s role - his control over the conditions of samndean’s lives and his authority as head of household - is definitively dean’s following john’s death. with this in mind: despite dean outwardly appearing to criticize the detrimental impact that john’s behavior/lifestyle had on samndean as children, he is very much simultaneously upholding john’s “wishes” and approaching the question of whether to get adam involved with hunting from john’s perspective - the same perspective that was responsible for the differences in how sam vs dean were raised and the negative psychological effects on one brother but not the other. sam is always in favor of arming vulnerable people with information because he was denied information and excluded from The John And Dean Team for a significant chunk of his childhood. dean is (mostly) in favor of “protecting the innocent” at the expense of their own feelings about this “protection” because that was the role that was carved out for him, as angry and hurt by it as he often feels.

dean is arguing from john’s perspective here, and sam is arguing from the perspective of his younger self. it doesn’t seem like it on the surface because dean is using his resentment for john to cut at sam while the strain in their relationship in s4 comes to a head as a result of sam bucking against dean’s authoritative role by embracing his powers and going against dean’s orders (yes, orders), as well as because sam giving in to his “fate” as a hunter after years of loss and grief and evidence that he’d been “wrong” to “run away” is framed by the narrative throughout s4-5 as sam being pointlessly angry and revenge-driven due to his Monstrous Nature, as opposed to it being a bid for autonomy in the other direction.

overall: john’s role is dean’s and mary’s role is sam’s. outside of that there are traits of each of their parents in both sam and dean and parallels that you can draw between all four of them. john was the civilian and mary was the hunter. mary wanted to “run away” but her plans were violently thwarted. mary made a deal with a demon that would change her life and her family’s lives forever. john was once Soft and defenseless. john kept meticulous records as a hunter to the point that they are still referenced years after his death and even after samndean have access to the MOL’s records. mary kept her family in the dark about hunting after her deal with azazel because she was dedicated to living “normally.” there was strain in john and mary’s marriage before she died and it is implied that they might have eventually broken up if the universe didn’t have other plans for them. etc etc etc. truly you can go nuts with it there is so much more you can do with this family than the average viewer realizes.

I know that got long so let me know if you want further clarification on anything :)

[leportraitducadavre]

I saw some Naruto stans say that it's not Naruto's fault that he projects onto people cuz Pain and Obito both projected onto him first and told him they were similar. Therefore Naruto just responds to them and tries to show he understands them to a degree and it's basic empathy - which sounds kinda wrong to me but I don't know why. Maybe it's cuz to me he seems to put himself on the higher moral ground as he chose to forgive his enemy and doesn't care about what causes their pain, he also seems to think that their pain is all the same but again Pain and Obito starts it first so I guess it's fair. Or maybe it's all just my bias, idk, what do u think about this?

I've wrote something on the matter before, so I'll copy it here:

To expect nothing but gratitude from a subjugated group when intervened/helped by a representative of the community that subjugated them in the first place (white people) is Hollywood-level nonsense. For instance, to believe that a third-world country will welcome with open arms the assistance of USA militia to “restore peace” when such a country was devastated economically by first-world international politics that forced their currencies to lower their value to keep the dollar and euro afloat is only possible in their cinematic productions. (...) Naruto is another prime example, he’s the Captain America/Santiago Maratea of the Narutoverse, the representation of the repressor that wants to help the repressed with what he considers they need, without actually listening to what they have to say and, furthermore, without questioning his nation/culture responsibility on the matter. The system ends up untouched because the actions of Konoha against minority groups and/or nations get solely linked to a person rather than the entire nationalist structure.  And let me add something here for good measure: Being part of a subjugated group does not automatically make you empathetic towards every subjugated group nor does exclude you from becoming/being an oppressor. (...) In this sense, Naruto is from a subjugated and minoritarian group (there are nine bijuus, so nine jinchurikis at most), yet he became the oppressor when he silenced other minorities to push his narrative. I have read people commenting on the issue: “Why do they ask for help if afterward, they will complain about it?!” And it's one thing to help and another thing to provide alms. The first one implies a relationship where both parties work as equals regardless of one of them being more equipped to provide assistance, while the other puts one of them in a position of moral, economic, and cultural superiority that ultimately ends up reproducing the system that put one above the other in the first place; forcing the subjugated to live off the goodwill of the subjugator. In that sense, Naruto made minorities absolutely dependent on him. He transformed himself into a necessity because it’s not about Konoha in itself but about Naruto in the Hokage’s seat; if he dies, nothing guarantees that minority groups will be safe from future governments because Naruto’s system depends on him and his wishes. People acknowledged him as he wanted because he forced them to; small nations are bound to watch him because their existence and/or survival depend on him. The idea of the white boy, the hero, is about control over those he helps and, more importantly, about the acknowledgment that should come for his actions. Good actions must have a reward, and that reward always translates to power: The acknowledgment of those he saves, who then put him on a pedestal and become dependent on him and, in the case of Naruto, the Hokage’s seat and the absolute and very real power that comes with it.  The white savior narrative still puts the idea of goodness and justice in white hands, it doesn’t question the oppressor/oppressed, superior/inferior dynamic because white people are still the ones with the power to determine what’s fair and what's not, what’s good or not, and most importantly, what justice actually means: If it's carried out by white people (particularly men), then is justice; if it's carried out by non-white people, then is violence and subversion.

Source

Within the military-political structure in which they communicate, there is no instance where two people belonging to the groups to which the aforementioned characters belong do not resemble each other. Naruto, Obito, and Nagato are people who, under the premise of a natural biological condition (Sharingan), an imposed nature (Kyuubi), or a geographical position (Ame), were repressed, used as a weapon at the disposal of the government and/or stripped of any human condition. In that sense, none of the three differ too much from other members of the shinobi forces, so their similarities are reflected in several, if not almost all, the members of such a system.

Obito and Nagato reflecting themselves in Naruto does not have to do with similarities beyond those mentioned since they are aware that they share such aspects with more than one individual; rather, they use such argument to deepen the logic of their actions.

The relevance of Naruto and the reason why they carry out such speech has little to do with him being a perfect reflection of both of them, but with him being the jinchuuriki of the strongest tailed beast [besides their interactions being a device used by Kishimoto to allow Naruto to change their minds]. Obito and Nagato use their experiences to connect with Naruto and explain their reasoning, while Naruto counteracts by arguing their actions under the premise of "I had it similar/worse, and I didn't become a traitor of the state therefore your response to oppression is out of proportion."

Naruto perceives injustice only when it’s similar to the one he lived (like Hinata or Lee), so he’s not someone who empathizes with everyone’s pain or tries to understand their motives:

Regarding Naruto’s characterization, antagonizing the "prodigy" notion is incredibly important to him, not because he (truly) denies the strength of those who are given the title, but because their existence denies him of the acknowledgment he seeks, as all his accomplishments are "overshadowed" by Neji and Sasuke's sole presence. Therefore being recognized (positively so) by their ninja skills (as such is the political and cultural importance of such aspects inside the Shinobi system) is, to him, the most important category when pointing out a person’s value.  To Naruto (and a big portion of the fandom) Neji is not considered a failure (unlike himself, Hinata, or Lee) therefore he somehow has an easier life despite being, in every other manner, oppressed by his family. This is a mindset that Konoha in itself teaches to its citizens as this dogma’s value rests on the fact that it guarantees the success and preservation of the status quo established. Therefore, for Will of Fire supporters,  Sasuke couldn’t be discriminated against because he was praised for his techniques/was popular, Neji might be a slave but he’s incredibly valuable to Konoha due to his strength, so there is some sort of “retribution”.  The problem with this mindset is that it diminishes valid criticisms as it downgrades minorities' arguments by pointing out the person's "worth" inside the overall structure: They're valuable for Konoha's militia as their power benefits them militarily, therefore this recognition discredits any other way they are politically, culturally or economically oppressed.

Source

He usually changes the subject when in front of someone oppressed by the system to return to his own experiences, for what he seeks is to generate empathy by putting himself as the bigger victim to downgrade the other’s response to such abuse. By comparing his story to others and by telling them that although he understands them, he condones their way of dealing with the trauma, he's questioning their status as victims, implying that their disproportionate reaction leads to nothing more than the repetition of the same "cycle of hate"; without realizing that the defense of that same system perpetuates violence against minorities.

In his mind, expanding such violence against those in power doesn't solve violence in itself, but he fails to give a permanent solution to the oppressed's conundrum. He encourages them to seek a resolve through dialogue, as he puts himself at the forefront of such an answer (becoming the representative of all oppressed) without understanding that such a path only guarantees minorities to keep suffering until a solution is reached through time.

[leoruby-draws]

Finding a certain Someone...

One full week of drawings posted, but I'm still not done yet. Cause there's one more after this, something I've been wanting to post for over a year, but first lets go into this post.

There's a certain archetype that I've been wanting to put in the TrWh Outlaw team, and that's the 'Superman' type hero. Someone clearly strong, with powers that can be similar, and give off that certain 'super' vibe. In canon it was Bizzaro, a failed superman clone. He exists in my au, but being an adult was obviously not what I wanted. Perhaps in the future he can join the team tho. There are also a couple of current members that could sorta fit the mold but weren't quite what I was looking for. Like Grant Emerson and Gillian Wahrman for example, Gillian ended up filling a different archetype tho.

Grant esp kinda came close, esp when you factor his older self seen in Sins of Youth. His older self seemed more secure and when his emotions stabilized he could even fly, he really gave off that superman attitude. He never really got there as he actually matured in the comics, if anything his life got shitter so he's still a ways off from this mature ideal. At any rate he didn't quite fit the bill for me, sorry Grant.

Another idea was Lindsey Wah aka Aura, you can find her in Superboy and the Ravers. She had magnetic powers so she could be pretty strong, but I'm not sure if she was strong enough for what I wanted.

She's kinda a party girl but I thought that would make her fun in a way, wanting to both party and help people. But the more I thought about it, the more I thought she didn't quite have that 'spark' with the others that I wanted. In fact, I was kinda thinking she should join the Young Justice team when it forms in my au, she's already friends with Kon through the ravers.

Three random characters here, but I'm gonna focus on Sierra ? aka Matrix II. The other two I can talk about another time. Look at Sierra bothering Linda Danvers, speaking of, her story is super convoluted. Kinda had trouble following it tbh.

Sierra was part of Lex Luthor's pet team, Infinity Inc. II (crazy how you can just buy names rights like that), she proved to be a total coward, but I kinda find coward characters fun in their own way (think of like Usopp form One Piece). There could be a character arc for her, where she learns to become more braver and heroic as she grows. But in the end, I didn't go for her. She didn't have enough fire power for me, I still do like her. Maybe she could ally up with team at another point?

Captain Marvel is a superman expy himself, so having his arch nemesis's sidekick could be something that could work. This hero is Amon Tomaz aka Osiris. I thought the way Amon tried desperately to become a hero but everything was just stacked against him endeared him to me, that struggle to be what he wants to be is something that I think fits him with the Outlaws. Amon came close but I still wanted someone closer to the Superman mythos. He might join the team at a later time or ally up with them.

David's story from World's Finest is so sad, it a genuine tragedy what happens to him, though he does sorta get a happy ending. It's pretty obvious that his story and teenage look is modeled after Jason (almost blatantly so), so it should be expected that he could be what I'm looking for?

I did think about it for a hot second, but if you read World's Finest then you see he starts off in Dick's age group, making him too old for me. I suppose it doesn't matter since World's Finest is elseworld (I think?), but that's what sticks in my head. He came really close too, aw well.

Also I tried to copy Mora's style as best I could, esp tried to copy that :] type of smile he sometimes does. It's a really cute quirk of his work I noticed lol.

This one is more of a joke, having Superboy prime as a candidate but I was never gonna go for that. I don't think he would enjoy being part of my goofy au honestly.

I started getting a little desperate for what I wanted, it felt like my standards were just too high and specific. I even start to go into making oc's to fit what I wanted, like these:

This was a oc created to be a sorta legacy/sidekick for Maxima, who was a kinda a anti-hero (with the hots for Superman). I made her personality more reserved and calm to contrast with Maxima. But still not what I needed, I'd still like for her to exist in my au, maybe as an ally of sorts.

Another oc, Starsha was a character I created years ago, she was a part of fanfic 'idea' where Jason meets an alien girl to be friends with. Separate from the Training Wheels au, and I think she might've been created before all that too. The story for her goes that she was a robot from space that crash landed on earth and Jason has the difficult task of hiding her from her creator and from Bruce. It eventually goes bad and Starsha dies trying to protect Jason (in a explosion, calling forward to Jason's eventual death). She eventually comes back when Jason's older, and is kinda meant to replace Starfire in a new52 style outlaw team.

I thought maybe I could transplant her to my au, Starsha had just about everything I wanted it seemed. But having an oc for my 'superman' just didn't fell right and I though I could just keep looking in the comics. Then!!

Then I did! I found someone perfect!!

And that someone I'm gonna talk about tomorrow!

[chaos0pikachu]

Hi Pika, I don't know if you've been following gmmtv's take over of wabi sabi, I just want to ask you: given that so many companies are part of TBLC which is like a Thai BL content association, do you have any idea why gmmtv isn't a part of it? BOC, DMD, Star Hunter, Copy A Bangkok, Channel 3 are all part of it, I'm just wondering why gmmtv isn't even thought it's the biggest bl company? Wabi Sabi was/is a part of it. (idk exactly)

I can't emphasize enough that I am NOT an expert on this snaps lmao so anything I say that isn't like a direct link to an article or further reading source is speculation on my part. You're a sweetheart Anon but I just wanna let you know that like if you wanna know about the American publishing or entertainment industry but I don't wanna present myself as like ~an expert~ when my ass ain't ya know?

So my short answer is fuck if I know lol I hadn't even heard of the TBLC till this ask

For folks interested in it, here's the livestream they hosted for it (it's 45ish minutes) and it doesn't have subs though. But it seems to be connected to Thailand's soft power committee, here's an article on that:

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who chairs the committee, tasked deputy chairwoman Paetongtarn Shinawatra with leading two national initiatives: One Family One Soft Power (OFOS) and the Thailand Creative Content Agency (THACCA). The goal of the initiatives is skills training to create 20 million jobs that will generate annual income of 4 trillion baht. OFOS and THACCA will be implemented in three phases: First, to boost human resources, 20 million children, adults, and seniors in under village and community funds will get free training in fields such as food, Muay Thai, arts, performance, singing, design, fashion, e-sports, and more, free of charge.

For folks who may not know, soft power is a term coined by political scientist Joseph S. Nye Jr. in his article Soft Power published by Foreign Policy magazine.

"In the 1980s, political scientist Joseph Nye Jr. coined the term soft power, defining it as a country’s ability to influence others without resorting to coercive pressure. In practice, that process entails countries projecting their values, ideals, and culture across borders to foster goodwill and strengthen partnerships." (source)

Soft power is a form of governmental influence internationally, and works conjunction with "hard power".

Examples of "soft power" are the American space program, athletes performing at the Olympics, and on the media side, military propaganda films like Captain Marvel, (yes I consider Captain Marvel a military propaganda film the film opens with a freaking air force ad lmao).

You see other countries using similar tactics as well, for every Top Gun there's China's Wolf Warrior 2 or Hidden Blade. For South Korea, BTS and k-pop is most definitely used as a source of soft power. This is just something governments do.

Okay so like, gmmtv and BL we've been hearing for a minute now that BL and GL are part of the Thai governments plans for soft power.

Mile and Apo have spoken about this specifically when promoting Man Suang and here's a recent video of them working in conjunction with the government on Shine:

(source)

Even Mew's talked about Thailand's soft power in interviews before (context, Mew was the first Thai musician to break into the American Billboard charts):

(source)

It's not just BL either, Idol Factory's Freen and Becky of The Gap fame got in on this too:

So like, it sounds like this meeting/committee in general is just an extension of the Thai governments plans for expanding their soft power which includes how to better support this now highly in demand industry (BL/GL shows) b/c the government sees its international value.

I can only assume that like, gmmtv feels it doesn't need~ government support as a production company? They're the biggest BL studio in the game and have an annoying stranglehold on territories like America and Latin America already. It doesn't really matter what the quality of the shows even are, gmmtv have that sweet parasocial grip on audiences.

[my forever frustrations with gmmtv and how they sell idols and parasocial relationships not BL/GL shows is a totally different post so lemme stop]

Other companies don't really have that same hold on international audiences. At least not consistently? And the biggest concern is funding.

I think anyone with eyeballs can see Kinnporsche is the best well produced BL that's come out of Thailand (argue with the wall) in terms of overall technical quality. But that level of quality is expensive, the CGI in The Sign is freaking expensive, The Next Prince's pilot is so obviously pricey as all fuck you can tell the studio is banking on it selling.

Which is why studios like Idol Factory, Domandi or BOC only come out with a one or two shows a year in comparison to gmmtv's like 16. They need funding, not just for filming the show but also marketing. Filmmaking is hella expensive.

[I'm not talking about whether y'all liked this show or that show, I'm talking about technical quality, shows like Kinnporsche, The Sign, Pit Babe are all better on a technical level than stuff like 1000 Stars, Only Friends or Cooking Crush.]

Why didn't gmmtv attend the event or participate, baby I legit do not know. I can't answer that with any sort of certainty only their execs could answer that, I can only guess.

And my best guess is b/c the company feels confident they're fine on their own. They don't need funding assistance, nor assistance reaching an international market (tho maybe some assistance in getting their contracts straight hope Ossan's Love doesn't face the same distribution issues as Cherry Magic lmao).

For more information on the event itself I really liked this post on reddit that I felt broke everything down very well.

Anyway sorry this got so long Anon but I hope it at least provided some interesting information!

[jameseilonwy]

Review: Yaelokre - Hayfields EP [2024.03.02]

Diving into the viral folk-pop TikTok sensation, recommended to me by a friend.

Yaelokre is a storytelling project by Filipino-Icelandic singer-songwriter and illustrator Keath Ósk, and is, in their own words,

honouring wonderment through song and illustration, portraying an ensemble of four young minstrels known as "The Lark", to sing of fables retold and unsung: from truth to fairytale, granting voice to the stories of Meadowlark

There is detailed lore underpinning their songs; most of it yet-to-be-revealed. They're active on social media and tease tidbits here or there but remain purposely vague, choosing to reveal slowly with future songs. I'm no stranger to music meant to accompany a greater story concept (being a casual fan of Sound Horizon), but I believe the music must also be able to stand on its own merit.

So, does it?

As an entry point to folk for younger listeners new to the genre, it's wonderfully accessible. Ósk's singing voice carries an endearing fragility that hints at steely power underneath. They deliver the words in a lilt characteristic of modern indie pop - not bent enough to be considered cursive singing, but with a curlicued flourish by way of Florence Welch. The instrumental arrangements by producers medyo maybe and Emil Ortega are charmingly rustic and easy to digest.

That being said, the execution sometimes falls short, and these songs often feel like demo drafts rather than final versions.

The weakest link is the lyrics; Ósk paints vivid pictures of their ominous forest world but for the most part that's all there is - individual pictures. There's a sense of unease and strife contrasting with warmth and wonder running throughout, but most of the songs don't really take the listener on a journey.

While the songs attempt the approach of "show, not tell", they still don't really show us who the characters are. Lyrically and musically, they all blend together into a general 'vibe'.

"Harpy Hare", which went viral on TikTok (and as of writing this, has over 76 million streams on Spotify), is a prime example of squandered potential. It's a shame, since it starts off strong, opening with a haunting vocalized intro and lyrics to match -

Harpy Hare Where have you buried all your children? Tell me so I say

and builds upon the eeriness with this unsettling stanza:

You can't keep them all caged They will fight and run away Mother, tell me so I say

The hook is memorable, but also painfully repetitive; further iterations do not develop it at all. Perhaps that is the point, that the titular Harpy Hare is annoyingly childlike in its malice and the speaker of the song is also an unreliable narrator. But for listeners with no prior emotional investment in the Meadowlark lore, it comes off like a minute's worth of good ideas overstaying its welcome for another two. Furthermore, the out-of-tune guitar feels rather incongruous with the more precisely pitched vocal line. It's likely a stylistic choice to create intentional dissonance but due to the copy-paste nature of the song, it becomes grating.

In contrast, the song that leverages repetition cleverly to make a point is EP closer "Neath the grove is a heart". The lyrical vagueness also works in its favor since the central theme carries the tension of being at home with found family yet still lost; "How do I begin when the roof is ever changing?" is simple, poignant, and universal. The arrangement ebbs and flows, with callbacks to previous songs - the leitmotif of "Harpy Hare" in the instrumental, the 'run run run run run' chorus echoes from opening track "Hartebeest" - now this is a song that travels. At five and half minutes, it's a slow burn (for a pop song) and overall, shows the most sophistication in composition and arrangement on the EP.

The Yaelokre project shows ambition and all things considered, Hayfields is a decent first release for a young indie musician. While the EP lacks finesse as standalone music, it still holds appeal to those who enjoy it more as an accompaniment to the creator's illustrations and eventual story.

Listen: Spotify / Apple Music / Bandcamp

[doom-nerdo-666]

After watching that DE art panel stream, i learned interesting things like how the IOS' armor was thought out before Urdak or how they built upon the Sentinel aesthetic through the Marauder.

But there's also like 2 specific things i thought on commenting about.

The part about "believability"

This came when talking about Urdak's aesthetics and why they didn't went with some of the weirder ideas for environments.

On one hand, it makes sense for visual feedback in the level design for players and modelers putting too much effort into a thing that's used like once.

But i do think there's a point where something being "a bit out there" can make something more believable than if it tried to have some "rules".

Sentinel Prime/Argent D'nur makes sense because it's technically a human setting.

But Urdak is technically "above" in an existential way, since it's Doom's Heaven.

Because a lot of the weirder HR Giger inspired concepts looked cool and would definitely tell players "there are celestial/divine beings here".

(also, since Immora was sort of red Urdak, i wonder if that could've used the crazier Urdak concepts)

And i've already talked about how Hell in the first games was diverse and with different themes, that made Hell look surreal and said themes even go along with the diverse looks of the demons.

Plus, how making Hell crazier and defy logic can complement the power fantasy aspect of the Slayer.

Because Hell is more than a place, it's a concept related to things like evil and sin.

I also once said that to make an ideal Heaven for Doom, you think of what Doom's Hell is: The conclusion included Heaven paralleling Hell where some assets/props/textures could be similar to Hell but different/in reverse.

Basically, if Hell has pentagrams and burning pits alongside fantasy and sci-fi stuff, Heaven could have some generic Heaven elements alongside the extra fantasy/sci-fi stuff.

But again, resources and stuff could be a factor, since old Doom can have diverse themes for one setting because they're flat pixelated sprites compared to modern Doom going for detailed graphics.

Though i do still think it'd be cool if a Doom game had a cel-shaded art style copying some violent comics, which sort of leads to the other point:

Something about the "violent game for the family" part

Doom was always cartoony and not even D3 is as edgy as some other games.

But a conclusion from the idea of a "violent game that kids can enjoy" is that kids love violent games because they know it's not made for them.

Like think back to your rebel teenager phase when you wanted to play GTA and your parents didn't want you to.

It also relates to why the MCU as an influence is weird in a series that people thought was Satanic in the 90's.

And specially with the new games wanting to be "heavy metal" because i thought actual Heavy Metal comics and maybe 2000AD could've been a neat point of reference.

An example i once brought up was Quake 3's Hunter being inspired by Simon Bisley's Full Cirkle.

Doom is also a series everyone knows the devs were nerds inspired by thinks they thought was cool.

Maybe it can depend on personal preferences though because "cool" can be subjective.

But also debates about whether or not making an AAA game that needs to sell could be another factor, i guess.

[kazooreal]

Ranking every Fictions song!!!

looong post ranking every song from Fictions (Souma Saitou).. copied and pasted from my notepin, where readability is easier, but it won't let me link it.. (url is 'noroshi')

We.. can skip the formalities. It is a known fact that I'm a massive Souma Saitou fan. ((um I had a dream that I was at his concert last night))

It's also a known fact (I hope) that I'm perfectly justified, because he's a genius songwriter, and has a stunning voice. He's a gem in the seiyuu industry when it comes to music making.

Fictions is his newest album, which came out on the 25th of September. I wasn't expecting this, but it's my favourite by far. It could probably take the spot for my favourite album of all time, too. But some of the songs in Fictions are undeniably better than others, for that is how the world works.

Obviously, my rankings aren't absolute, and don't let me put you off the lower-ranked songs. I love every single one.

THE RANKING

// 11 :: Puppet Mood

Puppet Mood is one of Souma-san's rougher songs, with a grungey feel to it. His vocals, slightly filtered (iirc) to match the song, are a perfect delivery (what did you expect from Souma-san??). But where it falls short is its repetitiveness and how it fails to spark nearly as much emotion as the other songs. It's an earworm, and the instrumental (especially guitar) is also very well-done, but Souma-san can make terribly evocative music, and this just doesn't fall into that category. Also.. personal, but the 'tururu' is more annoying than helpful....

// 10 :: Kyohansha

Kyohansha, or Accomplice, is (if you're listening in order, which I recommend) the fast-paced, energy-bringing song in the beginning of Fictions, after a number of more downbeat tracks. It throws people off, how it changes from one genre to the other, which can be exciting or frustrating depending on the listener's mood. (I don't know, I quite liked it. It reminds me of a lot of typical VOCALOID stuff.) This one is second-last because his vocals don't shine as much here, but there are still some nice moments!

// 9 :: Riot!

When you start playing Riot!, you might not agree when I say it's the cutest song in the album. BUT IT IS!! The lyrics (I have translated this one), the subtle vocal choices Souma-san makes, they all contribute to a real party feel. Let loose. It's a straightforward, nice song. Soo.. it can only come this far. I have a predilection for the complex melodies, complex lyrics, and things that make me feel. Without that, connecting with the song is much more difficult.

// 8 :: Hammer Girl

Hammer Girl is the second of the three songs that came out prior to the full album. It's a fluid, easy-listening rock song (I eat this stuff UP) with some largely nonsensical lyrics (again, translated by me). It's been stuck in my head for hours. It really means a lot to me. About his performance: this song is a prime example of Souma-san's vocal versatility (especially in the chorus), and hints at his range as well. The riff is also so catchy. I suppose it falls short in its lyrics; though interestingly different from what he usually does, he's done much better.

// 7 :: Sway

Sway is the first of the songs released early. It's really evocative, painting a beautiful picture, and is the most fluid song, transitioning between pop-rock, jazz, and rock. Souma-san's voice. sounds. HEAVENLY. His versatility between genres is shown here too, and his voice is terribly soft, creating a soothing, intimate atmosphere. I suppose all I can say to justify it being in the lower half is that he can (and has) done better, and we are about to enter that territory, but Sway is a beautiful song.

// 6 :: Noctiluca

Noctiluca is at first a ballad, before bursting into power near the end. Its focus is 'flowing', and its lyrics contain some nice imagery to water (also translated!); whenever Souma-san writes about nature, he does the Earth's beauty justice. His vocal performance is perfect, and emotional, and not over the top, which fits brilliantly to our 'flowing' theme. The instrument combo is quite a range (piano, then strings, then picking up with guitar and drums, aand back to piano, before the powerful end), and his voice flows through it effortlessly. (thank you for the vibrato Souma-san we were desperately in need)

// 5 :: Ame no niwa

Ame no niwa, the third of the songs released early, is an example of a simpler, quieter song creating a complex and powerful effect. The first half consists of only piano and Souma-san's painfully beautiful voice, and deceptively simple lyrics. Strings pick up in the middle, and are dropped after, before returning in the emotional last chorus. But before that chorus, there is the most delicate I've ever heard Souma-san's voice- with my favourite lyrics in the song, too (I've translated, please do ask for this one, it's amazing). This side of his repertoire is not explored much, and it was a blessing. SO.. Ame no niwa had me in a chokehold for a while, because it's NOT just a plain 'sad song', look closer!!

// 4 :: (Fake)Flowers

FAKE FLOWERS IS A FCKING BANGER?!?! It makes me smile whenever I hear it. It was the song I was looking forward to the most when the album trailer came out! It brings energy to the album in a light, bouncing way, while showing us how dextrous Souma-san is with his high range as well (seriously, what the hell, he's so good at this). The song is so loopable (says me, who never loops their music, er, this means a lot) and so catchy. I hate when songs fade out, but this one gets a pardon. Job well done. iiiIII'M GONNA BRING YU FLOOWERS (sorr y)

// 3 :: Hiraeth

Okay erm, fun time over, time for the hard-hitting ones. Hiraeth is a delicate, passively powerful song that sums up the whole album. The nostalgia Souma-san (and his voice) can evoke with this one song is phenomenal. (I'm in the process of translating, and the lyrics are also wonderful, helping with this!) It is a joy to experience this song, but it's one of those tracks where if you were feeling the messy blend of emotion (as humans do feel most things) that it describes, you'd probably break down crying. And, like Souma-san's songs tend to do, the lyrics are very vague in terms of events, but very specific in terms of emotion. We can all relate, and connect, which makes this song beautiful.

// 2 :: Ventura

Ventura is.. perfectly crafted. It's more than perfect. Perfectly crafted, as in, the vocal choices Souma-san makes, every instrument in the backing track (which is not really 'backing', because everything blends so well), the LYRICS oh god the lyrics (ask for my translation!).. they all contribute to this song, and nothing is hindered; emotion is only held back, until it's released in Souma-san's heart-wrenching scream at the bridge. Who knew his voice could even do that?! At first, it seems out of place, but as you further understand the song (which is easy, because it's another that's painfully easy to connect to), it's, again, perfectly placed. Everything pent up, like so much in our brittle, human bodies, is let out. And it's terrifying. This song reminds me of what it feels like to cry. I can't describe it in words. Wow.

// 1 :: mm

I'm smiling as I write this, not just because I'm listening to the song (which I've been doing for every song while writing ab it, btw!), but because.. how could anything POSSIBLY be better than the last two songs I just poured my heart into writing about? And why mm?? It's so different!

Well, the song starts of as a simple love song, bordering into something more seductive, with Souma-san's voice being absolutely dazzling. The instrumental changes further, becoming only slightly more complex, making the song really catchy. It's so simply done, and yet the effect it creates is so large. The vocals in this song are the best in the album, because (unlike Ventura, which makes use of the song as one being) Souma-san clearly has the spotlight here. He traverses his range with immense skill (his high and low notes really are something) with a comfortable middle ground for the chorus, and sounds so. hot.

But the LYRICS. mm's lyrics are brilliantly written. I mentioned that this was a love song- actually, I didn't, because after the start, it gets darker fast. (PLEASE ask/read my TL.) The whole song is so deceptive, and exciting, and proves to be much more complex under the surface. Souma-san's songs can have many interpretations, but I'm assuming that what's being described in mm is nothing good. And it does it perfectly.

This whole song is perfect, and so difficult to sum up. (I hope you can see that by how much I've written.) And it can be enjoyed by basically everyone, but if you want to take the next step into Souma-san's music, you'll be greatly rewarded by how much you can get out of it. I'm devoted to this song; it was my favourite when the album first came out, and remains my favourite to this day. What a song mm is.

And we're done! It was so fun to write about some of my favourite songs in the world! I hope my rankings are not too outlandish, and that I've put the album to justice! Really, go and listen to Souma Saitou's music.. it's so easy to get into, and then for when one is ready, there is a whole other level of complexity to it. Ah.. but I'm ranking ALL the Fictions songs, yes? Then we're forgetting something....

// ?? :: Tegami

Every one of Souma-san's albums has a 'Secret Track', only available with the physical album. I believe this one is called Tegami, or Letter, a quiet-ish guitar song with drawled singing and bleak lyrics. My god, I love it. I haven't listened to this song much, because it's long (the obligatory long album song) and I don't have a CD player apart from in the car, but this would actually be perfect for a night drive. His voice is magical, enchanting, but not like mm's alluring quality. It's just.. sad. The lyrics are written like a letter, with a message to someone, or to the whole world: 'It doesn't matter if everyone's forgotten about the likes of me.'

I'm not ranking this one. Secret Tracks should be kind of treated differently, not compatible with the whole 'what makes a good song' formula. There was just a need to write about it. It's surreal. (I would say everyone should go listen, but I don't think it's ANYWHERE on the internet, at least not yet! Souma-san does have his other Secret Tracks on Spotify, though!)

Okkkk NOW we're done. If you've read this far, well done! Thank you for another amazing album, Souma-san!

[1001albumsrated]

#12: Machito - Kenya (1958)

Genre(s): Afro-Cuban, Latin Jazz, Cubop

Staying in the Afro-Cuban vein from the last entry in 1001 Albums, this time around we have Kenya, by Machito. As I mentioned in my Palo Congo review, this kind of music is a big blind spot for me. This is the second album on the list that I truly have never seen.

To my light understanding, Machito is a pretty big deal in this scene, and influenced many of the American jazz artists who took on some Latin trappings (there was an era where this sound was extremely trendy: see Miles Davis & Gil Evans' Sketches of Spain for a prime example of it done well).

Kenya, in contrast to Palo Congo, feels much more like jazz in a traditional sense, whereas Palo Congo seemed much closer its Afro-Cuban roots. Aside from the percussion, the rest of Machito's band is a fairly standard jazz orchestra, and plays with many of the American bebop trends and styles of the time in mind. That being said, these guys are anything but a schmaltzy big band. While the band is very tight and clearly well-composed and rehearsed, they pull no punches. When Machito puts the gas pedal down, it goes all the damn way down. The opening track, Wild Jungle, is a great example of the sort of blistering, frenetic energy the band can conjure.

This is an interesting listen, partially on account of how popular these sounds became in filmmaking in particular. These driving congo rhythms have soundtracked many a high speed chase scene over the years. The difference is, this is the *real thing*. There's a sincerity and authenticity here that the Hollywood imitators always seem to lack, a true driving energy behind the music. Add in some lightning fast bebop solos and you're in business. And even when they drop the tempo back for a song or two, there's still a powerful driving force behind the slinky lounge tunes on the disc.

Unfortunately, like Palo Congo, this album is long out of print (a situation that well predates the original 2005 release of 1001 Albums). Also, when doing some digging on the release history, I discovered that everything I'd read about this album to date really buried the lede that Cannonball fucking Adderley is on this thing. That explains the excellent sax solos. I'm surprised he didn't get some kind of callout on the cover. Anyways, I ended up listening in hi-res on Qobuz, and will be keeping an eye out for a copy of the album. Sonically, the recording is kinda rough. I'm not sure if the master that made it to streaming was a later generation tape copy, or if it was just rough to begin with (supposedly the version on Qobuz is a 2000 remaster, so it's fairly likely the original tapes were lost or damaged in the intervening 42 years). In particular, more dynamic moments often sound completely blown out. It's possible this is an artifact from later tape generations, or it's equally possible the engineer thought this would be some laid back Nelson Riddle sort of affair and just had his gains set too high. I'd be curious to hear an original if one ever crosses my path to see if those problems persist on it.

Regardless, sonic warts and all, this album is loads of fun. Again, like Palo Congo, I'm in no place to judge the historical or cultural significance of this one, but aesthetically it's a great listen and well-worth one of our hotly contested 1001 slots. Really pleased to have discovered this album.

Next time: the energy stays high with Little Richard's rock n roll landmark album, Here's Little Richard!

[nekobami]

Oh- it's just the other one.

They'll rent your house with u inside it and call you a dumbass

I just made it in some hours, very quickly just to- I dunno, maybe a profile pic?

OH ALSO, HAHAHAHA JERRICK TRAP'S OUT

Yay

I really wish I was talking about Jerrys and Ricks right now... Damn, my life is totally out of control

Anyway

I'll write some bot stuff and council stuff here, just to... Relax a bit

I missed writing a little longer posts

While I stopped drawing frequently I started to develop more the issue of the backstore and the context of Soft Bully's story

But... I ended up going too far. Like, I was very concerned about having an extremely well-constructed story full of stuff, and I ended up engaging some headcannons about the Council. Since they have a certain connection with my OCs, and are part of the context that I found. Speaking of the Council, MY GOD, what UNBEARABLE people.

I had to study the way they speak, see their participation and interactions all for my own instead of just copying and pasting some research that someone has already done, Do you know why?! BECAUSE NOBODY CARES ABOUT THE COUNCIL

AND IT'S TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE, because not even I cared, and even now I don't want to admit that I care

They were all portrayed as shallow villains before the legendary Rick & Morty Presents: Council of Ricks. If it weren't for this comic they would be 100% headcannons that I casually pulled from the depths of my clinically insane mind. I mean these guys just did terrible stuff because there was power in their hands and they could do that. ALL BY CONVENIENCE

What im trying to say is: I do roleplay. Roleplay It's my life. I've already interacted with most of the Rick & Morty bots in character A.I., and I'm so greedy that if any of you have bots from your OCs, GIVE ME LINKS. I LOVE. I'll hug them, I'll make them pancakes and I'll give them hello kitty plushies.

Talking about the bot;

I've already rewrote my bots a few times.

When I started making them, I realized that the Council in particular had difficulty detaching itself from the example messages. He didn't show much of the Ricks' personality. However, after writing the model for each Rick, I noticed a big improvement.

To be able to make a bot that had a minimum of depth and coherence in the roleplay, I had to make the information dynamic, and I can say that even after everything I did about them, I didn't learn anything. I built the code base with another info that I had already built when I started creating bots and changed it to a model I saw on Tik Tok.

The original model I saw on TikTok looks something like this:

Char("name of the bot")

Age("set age" + "adicional info")

I realized that when programming a bot, you cannot use ":", or the bot will see this as a message to be memorized. I also discovered that the model is not mandatory and the bases are fully customizable, anyway you can make the information more dynamic to the bot organizing it in any way you want since it doesn't recognize it as a message.

So, instead of using the model for a single character for the bot, I separated the Ricks and described their traits.

Most of the code are headcannons... I mean, what can I do? It's instinct!

This is how Prime Rick's code looks like:

Prime Rick- council("hairstyle is shoved hair in the sides" + "curly hair" + "cut scar behind his neck" + "Show Leader-like traits, but is often overshadowed and sidelined by Rick IV's aggressive leadership" + "Serious, level-headed" + "He cares about others but has a lot of difficulty showing it" + "Prefers to define appropriately fair punishments rather than exaggerated ones" + "knows the cidatel is bad but feels like it's too late for it to change" + "Gets angry with offenses directed at himself but not the ones direct to his authority" + "Overall, he doesn't care much about it, he knows he's part of the Council and doesn't need to reaffirm it or deny it when someone says otherwise" + "Is confident, has the upper hand in flirt when alone with the one he love" + "Hides a relationship with Rick C-197 from the council.")

If the Council remains good as they're right now, I won't need to rewrite them. In this case, I'm going to apply the same method to fix one of my first bots: DJerry.

[loracarol]

Yes, I know that this makes no sense in the context of the Hyrule Historia...

....And like, I do own a copy of the Hyrule Historia & I've actually read it, so I get in theory the way that the timelines in the Legend of Zelda series work, and I get that some people find it genuinely enjoyable to try and figure out where various games fit in the timeline (shine on you crazy diamonds) but honestly I find it easier to borrow comic book universes and think about the Legend of Zelda in that term. Sometimes the same event, or something similar, can happen in multiple universes, but that doesn't mean it happens the same way in all universes. Think about the Marvel comic version of Civil War vs. the Marvel Cinematic Universe version of Civil War.

(some Tears of the Kingdom spoilers)

With that in mind, here's the part where I start spouting completely made up nonsense as I'd like to make two hypotheses based on this framework:

Firstly: The imprisoning war in Tears of the Kingdom, as it's understood by future historians is the BoTW/ToTK universe's version of Skyward Sword.

No, I'm not saying the Skyward Sword didn't happen/isn't canon. It 100% happened exactly how it happened in the game/manga/how you personally played it in the Prime Zelda Universe.

But here me out, and remember that I'm basing this off of how people might remember it/not necessarily how it actually went down.

Both stories have:

People who live in the sky and fly on birds - or in TotK's case, bird-shaped gliders/planes

A goddess figure (put a pin in this) who suffers grave injuries and passes away

This goddess figure was part of the founding of the new Hyrulian nation

The goddess figure had a descendant/incarnation who had the same powers who went around rallying the people of the time to fight a new foe

A sword is forged in holy, "goddess" energy

Dragons

The foe could not be defeated permanently, and would instead return at some later for a hero/the descendant to fight at that time instead

Ganondorf and Demise look visually similar

Again, I am not saying that Skyward Sword happened in BoTW, just that this war may be a plausible interpretation of why Skyward Sword may look like in this universe.

As for that pin:

A goddess figure (put a pin in this) who suffers grave injuries and passes away

My second theory is that Sonia and Hylia got syncretised either accidentally or intentionally-for-political-reasons.

In this bullshit I just made up theory, Hylia is still genuinely a Hyrulian goddess, however she has nothing to do with Sonia, or any of Zelda's line.

At some point, Sonia's actions (having a descendant with Light powers that could seal darkness) accidentally got merged with Hylia.

This could be why Zelda had no luck praying to Hylia, despite the fact that Link can go to the different statues and get hearts/stamina; Hylia genuinely couldn't have helped Zelda because she had no connection to her.

Admittedly, I'm not sure if this works in the context of people like Zelda's mother, or the glowing lady that Zelda mentions in her diary in BotW.

I'm not saying that Hylia isn't real! I'm just saying that maybe in this universe, she has no connection to Zelda/the Hyrulian line. She's still around as a valid Hyrulian goddess though. Possibly even one that Queen Sonia worshipped herself?

This either was intentional/political, or could genuinely have been accidentally by scholars trying to decipher ancient Zonai text and mistranslating/the script being worn away.

For example, in Japanese, the kanji for "dog" is pronounced "inu" and it looks like this: 犬 while the kanji for "big" is pronounced "ooki" and looks like this 大. Lose that stroke in the upper right of the kanji and you can drastically change the meaning. If "Son" and "Hyl" in the ancient Zonai script had something similar and the carvings were worn away, that is one possible way that could have happened.

Another way is if "Son" and "Hyl" in ancient Zonai have the same symbol but are pronounced differently, like the kanji for "tree" 木 which can be pronounced both "ki" and "moku."

I know that people have translated the Zonai script IRL, this is hypothetical in-world shenanigans

Maybe Sonia wasn't referred to by name in some of the originally found carvings, but by an epithet, and people made that assumption that that epithet was about Hylia instead. "Mother of Hyrule", for example. And then later researchers found out otherwise.

IDK, this is just a theory. A game theor-

But what about Link and Fi?

Hylia is still around as a goddess, so it's possible that she still created the original master sword, it was just unrelated to Zelda's powers.

Link is the kind of guy who wakes up from a 100 year coma with amnesia sees Calamity Ganon and goes, "yeah I'll go kill that thing", so he's definitely Hero material, but Hylia could be involved in this as well.

Alternatively, Hylia was also around to hear the stories about Link and thought, "damn that kid will need a sword."

Like, literally I'm not saying at all that Hylia isn't real, just that she has no relation to Zelda in the BoTW/ToTK timeline/universe.

-----

tl;dr

Legend of Zelda is more like comic book universes and some events happen across multiple timelines but with some differences

The Imprisoning War is the BoTW/ToTK timeline/universe version of the events of Skyward Sword

Sonia was syncretised with Hylia (a real goddess) at some point in the past, and that's why everyone in the BoTW, pre-Calamity timeline thought that Zelda had to go to Hylia to unlock her powers, however in this universe Zelda either doesn't have any divine connection to Hylia at all.

[wootzietoozee]

*rolls out a chalkboard that rivals nabla's* okay. you guys curious about how to angst oodle? well here's my analysis on him

basically my response on one of @trashbins-stuff's reblogs copy and pasted into its own seperate post so i don't have to dig through reblogs to find this later

putting it under a read more because WHOO BOY there's a lot

first off, whatever happened with oodle and red eyes (who i’m just gonna call red for simplicity). i’m still not 100% sure what their relationship was (friends? siblings?? ex-lovers???) but i firmly believe red was important to oodle, but red didn’t care for oodle as much. and let’s mention that whatever happened between the two of them led to oodle being constantly on the run as red keeps trying to find and kill him. (which we can assume based off the whole paint monster thing, and c'mon, you don’t just travel from dimension to dimension for little to no good reason.)

then we have the fact that it’s possible that the aib contestants have fairly high standards for oodle. i mean, they didn’t really step in to help oodle fight off the paint monster because they assumed he had it covered (“which of us is the super powerful being? did you really need our help?”). sure, oodle is really powerful, but he’s also just a guy. i feel like the pressure would get to him occasionally.

and speaking of pressure, let’s talk about repression. oodle appears to tend to hold things in, until he reaches a breaking point or he snaps, whichever comes first, one of the prime examples being pear’s speech/elimination in aib 4, where oodle pretty much…threw pear into the doodleverse because he lost his temper after he was called “pointless”. and right before pear gets thrown in the doodleverse, we zoom in on oodle’s face, where we can SEE oodle is trying to hold it together before he does something that he regrets.

and again on the repression point, when confronted with the paint can with red’s symbol on it, he just snatches it from alef and throws it into his interdimensional collection space, where he later buries it in the very back, with a bunch of papers and other things that, presumably, are connected to or belong to red.

and he doesn’t tell his contestants about it, either. in fact, when alef tried to ask oodle why he reacted the way he did, oodle just made an excuse about not wanting to have another elimination derail and pretty much tried to get team 4 to throw his little outburst under the rug.

why doesn’t oodle mention anything about red? probably because he doesn’t want to think about him, for one. but oodle also doesn’t want his contestants to get hurt, or maybe he feels like he shouldn’t burden his contestants with his own problems, when he’s an interdimensional demigod who’s “supposed to have things figured out”.

is he still a very silly guy? yes! and i love that about him!! but he's also...Just Not doing okay rn

[katy-133]

Prime's Immortality - Theories

[This post is copy/pasted from a reblog post I wrote for the Rick C-137 & Prime Masterpost on Rick and Morty, and also includes new additional thoughts I had on it.]

Why couldn't Prime be killed by Jerry? Is he immortal or does he have fast healing powers?

In the animation, we can see a cut made by Jerry, some blood, and then the cut heals within seconds. So Prime appears to have regeneration abilities.

Prime not appearing to have aged in 40 years may be part of the time traveller theory, or it may be linked with his healing abilities.

In season 3 and 6 (the same seasons Prime appears in), we have two examples where other characters have temporarily obtained immortality (or at least being unkillable).

Fortune Cookies:

Theory 1, Prime is using the fortune cookies from season 6 (or something from the same dimension the Lockerean fate creature that created them is from) by holding an unfulfilled fortune that is preventing him from dying.

This one in my opinion seems less likely, because immortality achieved through this doesn't appear to give the user healing powers. Examples include: The Rick being bulletproof (but the bullets that hit his forehead still making him bleed), the guard who got his ribs shattered, and Jerry (where bullets just kept improbably missing him).

The Whirly Dirly:

Theory 2, Prime is using some sort of technology similar to immortality field the vacation resort (that the Whirly Dirly ride was located in). But instead of the field being a bubble, Prime has somehow applied it to just himself.

In the season 3 Whirly Dirly episode, Jerry gets shot in the head, but survives because he was within the immortality field. Rick and the episode's antagonist also get their heads injured and then healed. The visual to convey this makes it look like the animation is being played rewound for Jerry's injury, and for Rick and the antagonist, it looks like their heads regenerated. Though there's a gold glow (pictured below) that appears with all three of them when they heal (and that Rick Prime's neck regeneration doesn't have).

So, to link this back to C-137 and Prime's backstory, how can these theories help us? I don't think there's enough info here to get something concrete (yet), but it does raise some conclusions, and a few questions to explore:

Prime and C-137 both know about at least one of these places, being interdimensional travellers. Did they visit these places together or separately?

Did Prime have these regenerating abilities before or after his falling out with C-137?

It also helps give us a picture of why Prime is like This. He believes that he's unkillable, so you can imagine the confidence that's going to give a Rick.

Operation Phoenix:

By season 2 episode 7, Rick has been working on an experiment called Operation Phoenix, a project to help him cheat death. In the Tiny Rick episode, Rick puts his consciousness into a younger clone of himself. The experiment ultimately fails, because the young Rick's personality started taking over our Rick's mind. This leads to Rick rejecting the experiment and going back into his previous body.

But we see Operation Phoenix reappear in later episodes.

In Edge of Tomorty (S4), Rick is able to jump into different consciousnesses of his clones across dimensions. Not only that, but Rick doesn't have the same problem he hand in the Tiny Rick episode (of the body trying to take over his mind/personality). This could possibly be because either keeping the body the same age negates the personality takeover, or other Ricks developed the experiment to remove the side effect by then.

Then in season 5's finale, there is then another development of Operation Phoenix where we see some Mortys using it, not just Ricks. So we can assume the experiment is being continually worked on by Ricks.

This could mean that Rick Prime has perfected Operation Phoenix, and is using it to stay the same age as he was in flashbacks.

[devoqdesign]

The Power of CTAs: Designing Call-to-Actions for Maximum Impact

In the digital age, where websites and apps are abundant, a well-designed Call-to-Action (CTA) is a crucial element that bridges the gap between user interaction and goal completion. CTAs can drive conversions, boost engagement, and guide users through a seamless journey. But not all CTAs are created equal. A successful CTA combines visual appeal, strategic placement, and compelling copy to motivate users to act. Here’s a deep dive into how to design CTAs for maximum impact.

1. Understanding the Role of CTAs

A CTA serves as a prompt that encourages users to take specific actions, such as signing up for a newsletter, downloading a resource, or completing a purchase. It’s the final nudge in the user journey that can make or break your conversion rates.

Types of CTAs

Transactional CTAs: Direct users to complete a sale or download.

Engagement CTAs: Encourage users to learn more, read articles, or explore services.

Lead-Generation CTAs: Collect user information for future marketing.

Social CTAs: Drive sharing, liking, or commenting on social media.

2. The Anatomy of a High-Impact CTA

To craft a powerful CTA, every element must work harmoniously:

a. Compelling Copy

The text on your CTA should be clear, concise, and action-oriented. Use verbs that inspire immediate action, such as “Sign Up,” “Learn More,” or “Get Started.” Personalization, like “Your Free Trial Awaits,” can enhance the appeal.

b. Strategic Placement

The CTA should be positioned where it naturally follows the user’s journey. Common placements include:

Above the Fold: For quick conversions.

End of Page/Article: After providing value to the user.

Pop-ups or Overlays: For time-sensitive offers.

c. Visual Design

A CTA must stand out without disrupting the overall design. Consider these elements:

Color Contrast: Use a color that contrasts with the background while complementing the brand palette.

Size and Shape: The CTA should be prominent but not overwhelming. Rounded buttons often perform better than sharp-edged ones.

Whitespace: Surround the CTA with enough whitespace to make it pop.

3. Best Practices for Designing CTAs

a. Prioritize Simplicity

Keep the message straightforward. Avoid cluttering your CTA with too much text or overly complex designs.

b. Create a Sense of Urgency

Phrases like “Limited Time Offer” or “Act Now” leverage the fear of missing out (FOMO) and motivate immediate action.

c. Optimize for Mobile

Mobile users interact with CTAs differently. Ensure buttons are tappable, large enough to avoid accidental clicks, and positioned conveniently for thumb reach.

d. A/B Test Regularly

Experiment with different versions of your CTAs to determine what resonates best with your audience. Test colors, wording, placement, and design to optimize performance.

e. Align with User Intent

Match your CTA with the user’s intent and journey stage. For instance, a “Learn More” button is appropriate for users seeking information, while “Buy Now” suits those ready to purchase.

4. Common CTA Mistakes to Avoid

a. Vague Messaging

Ambiguous phrases like “Click Here” or “Submit” fail to convey value or urgency. Be specific about what the user will gain.

b. Poor Contrast

A CTA that blends into the background won’t grab attention. Ensure high visual contrast to make it noticeable.

c. Overuse of CTAs

Bombarding users with too many CTAs on a single page can confuse and overwhelm them. Focus on one or two primary actions per page.

d. Ignoring User Flow

CTAs that feel out of place disrupt the user experience. Make sure they align with the content and context of the page.

5. Examples of Effective CTAs

a. Amazon’s “Add to Cart”

Amazon’s CTA is a prime example of simplicity and functionality. The button is large, high-contrast, and clearly conveys the next step.

b. Spotify’s “Go Premium”

Spotify uses bright colors and concise text to direct users toward upgrading their accounts. The offer is clear, and the design is clean.

c. Dropbox’s “Get Started for Free”

Dropbox combines simplicity with value in its CTA. The phrase emphasizes a risk-free experience, enticing users to sign up.

6. Advanced Strategies for High-Impact CTAs

a. Use Microcopy

Add supportive text beneath your CTA to address potential hesitations. For instance, “No Credit Card Required” builds trust.

b. Animate Your CTA

Subtle animations, like a button that changes color when hovered over, can draw attention without being distracting.

c. Personalization Through Data

Leverage user data to personalize CTAs. For example, “Continue Reading, [Name]” can feel more engaging.

d. Incorporate Icons

Icons or graphics can make CTAs more visually appealing and convey their purpose quickly. A shopping cart icon, for instance, instantly signals a purchase action.

7. Measuring CTA Success

Key Metrics to Track

Click-Through Rate (CTR): The percentage of users who click on your CTA.

Conversion Rate: The percentage of clicks that lead to the desired action.

Engagement Metrics: Time spent on the page after clicking the CTA.

Tools for Tracking

Platforms like Google Analytics, Hotjar, or Mixpanel can help you monitor and analyze your CTA performance, providing insights for improvement.

Conclusion

Call-to-Actions are the cornerstone of effective digital design, guiding users toward meaningful interactions with your brand. By focusing on clarity, design, and user intent, you can create CTAs that not only capture attention but also drive conversions. Regular testing and optimization ensure that your CTAs remain impactful in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

My Fiver link for : Figma Landing Page Design Service

[amberlihc]

4. Transformation and Breakthrough of Spring Festival Ads in the New Media Wave

Hey, you know Bei Wang Lu (贝望录）? It's this super cool podcast on the Xiaoyuzhou Podcast app all about the advertising scene. The host, Bessie Lee, is a total bigwig in China's marketing and tech universe. They chat with all kinds of folks like media peeps, marketing gurus, business bosses, creative minds, and entrepreneurs about what they're up to when tech and markets go through changes. Back on January 22, 2020, they had this really neat discussion about whether a Spring Festival ad could be not so emotional. Well, let's dig into Spring Festival ads in the new media era based on that.

The Spring Festival is a massive deal in Chinese culture. Sure, the festival feel has tweaked a bit, but it's still prime time for business marketing. For foreign brands, it's like a golden ticket to break into the Chinese market. The ads during the Spring Festival Gala? They're like a super-strong magnet that has brands fighting tooth and nail. Taobao shelled out big bucks on CCTV's Spring Festival ads to cash in on the festival and plant that brand firmly in consumers' heads.

Content-wise, things have gotten way more diverse. Traditional Spring Festival ads were usually all about the feels. Take Apple's "Daughter" ad, for example. Directed by an Oscar champ, it had this awesome naked shooting technique and a heartwarming story. It blended tech and emotions so well and gave us a whole new kind of ad experience. But these days, audiences are way pickier. They want more. And humor is a big hit. It spices up the Spring Festival and doesn't feel overbearing.

Foreign brands, though, have had a tough go of it. They just don't get the Chinese Spring Festival culture. They keep copying their own ad styles and can't click with Chinese consumers' emotions. That really messes with how their brands grow here. But then, there are the internet companies. They're like the new superheroes in the Spring Festival ad world. Kuaishou, for instance. After changing its slogan, its brand image got a major boost. It shows that in the new media age, these internet companies are quick on their feet and super innovative. They're breathing new life into Spring Festival ads.

So, what's the game plan for the new media era? Well, first off, be creative with how you express. As I mentioned above, audiences are choosy now. The old-school emotional ads don't cut it like they used to. Brands need to get creative, toss in some humor, real-life stories, and unique content. Use the short-video platforms' interactivity to get the audience in on the ad action. Make it a two-way, fun, and engaging thing so people fall in love with the brand.

Tech is another biggie. Apple's "Daughter" ad gave us a taste of what tech can do. But we can go further. Mix AR, VR, AI with traditional Chinese cultural elements in Spring Festival ads. Picture this: you're watching an ad, and AR pops up virtual Spring Festival goodies all around you. VR whisks you away to a traditional Spring Festival setting. AI serves up personalized ads. How cool would that be?

Social media is a must. Traditional TV ads still matter, but you can't ignore the power of social media. Brands should do both. When they roll out Spring Festival ads, they should hit up platforms like Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and Kuaishou. Get KOLs on board and get users making their own content. Let those ads spread like wildfire across social networks.

And for foreign brands, it's all about localization. They've learned the hard way. They need to team up with local creators to really dig into the richness of Spring Festival culture. Understand what local consumers are thinking. Make ads that are super appealing and make people feel that connection. Build a deep, emotional bond with consumers.

All in all, the new media era is a wild ride for Spring Festival ads. There are chances and challenges. Brands have to jump on the trend, blend tech, culture, and data to level up their Spring Festival ads. Make them a rock-solid bridge between the brand and consumers' feelings. That's the only way they'll shine in the future market showdown.