#li's thoughts on perfectionism

[lis-anxiety-writing]

okay so i have an incredibly low-stakes job interview today (know i have too little experience to be hired + already have another job offer) so WHY PRAY TELL am i on the train feeling like a need to puke my guts out from anxiety??

[lis-anxiety-writing]

You can't bully yourself into productivity and perfection.

Even if it works for a little while, self-hatred can only motivate you for so long, and then suddenly one day it doesn't. And then you're just left there with just the self-hate. No coping-mechanisms, no self-discipline, no joy, just a deep deep hatred for everything you've become and everything you could never be.

You can't bully yourself into the best version of you.

Don't let your regrets make you so angry that you keep self-hating in hopes of that it will somehow help your self-improvement.

[appendectomy]

the ocd fairy has visited me with visions of james wilson. i am not projecting he just definitely has it.

[plutonianeris]

CHIRON

Blood on my shirt, rose in my hand

You're looking at me like you don't know who I am

🖤 Chiron in the 1st House: From the beginning, life has left its mark on you, both inside and out. There’s a constant feeling of being seen, but not always in the way you’d like sometimes, it feels like others are looking right at your scars. This awareness of not quite fitting, of always being “too much” or “not enough,” can make it feel like you’re on display, even when you’d rather hide. Self-doubt is a frequent visitor, leading you to question your worth or think you’ll never be as confident as others seem to be. The journey of healing here means stepping out of the shadows and realizing that your uniqueness is your strength, regardless of what others think.

🖤 Chiron in the 2nd House: Your relationship with security, especially around money and self-worth, has been rocky. It often feels like you’re striving for something you can never fully attain. You may have experienced financial instability or felt as though you lacked the foundation others seemed to have. Even when you do achieve success or accumulate wealth, the feeling of “not enough” lingers, and no amount of material gain seems to fill the void. Your journey to healing involves learning to value yourself independently of external measures and understanding that your worth is inherent, not tied to what you have or earn.

🖤 Chiron in the 3rd House: Communication has never felt easy or natural. You might have grown up feeling like no one truly listened, or perhaps you were criticized for what you said, leading you to hold back. Sometimes, it feels like your thoughts get stuck, unable to be fully expressed. This can make interactions exhausting and even painful, as you’re left feeling invisible or overlooked. The healing process here is about realizing that your voice has worth, whether or not others understand or agree. Your words matter, and you don’t have to prove or justify your thoughts for them to be valuable.

🖤 Chiron in the 4th House: Home and family may feel like sources of deep pain rather than comfort. You might have grown up in an environment that lacked warmth or safety, leaving you with a sense of instability. No matter where you go or how much you try to build a safe space, it can feel haunted by old memories and unresolved emotions. This sense of never truly “belonging” can follow you, leading to a feeling of isolation. True healing lies in creating a sanctuary within yourself and letting go of the past, finding peace in a space that is yours, even if it’s just a quiet corner of your mind.

🖤 Chiron in the 5th House: Joy, romance, and creativity feel like distant concepts. While others seem to enjoy life with ease, you may struggle to let go, fearing judgment or disappointment. You might push people away to avoid the potential of being hurt, or find yourself critiquing every creative effort, never allowing yourself to fully enjoy it. There’s an ache here, a longing for the freedom to simply be yourself without overthinking. Healing means allowing yourself the grace to be imperfect, to embrace joy, creativity, and romance without fear of failure or rejection.

🖤 Chiron in the 6th House: Everyday life often feels like a grind, and you may experience constant anxiety about your health, routine, or responsibilities. This can lead to a cycle of burnout, where you push yourself relentlessly, hoping that if you work hard enough, you’ll finally feel “good enough.” Instead, exhaustion becomes a constant companion, and the inner emptiness remains unfilled. Healing for you involves letting go of perfectionism and understanding that your value is not in how much you do or how well you do it. True self-care is more than a concept it’s a necessity for survival.

🖤 Chiron in the 7th House: Relationships bring out some of your deepest wounds. Being alone can feel unbearable, yet being with others brings a different kind of pain often because you’re reminded of past disappointments or fears of abandonment. You might attract people who mirror these insecurities, leaving you feeling incomplete or unworthy. It’s a struggle to find balance, to give without losing yourself and to receive without feeling indebted. Healing here means realizing that no relationship will complete you; only by accepting yourself fully can you find peace in connection.

🖤 Chiron in the 8th House: Intimacy and trust are difficult for you, often tied to painful memories or past betrayals. You may want closeness but fear the vulnerability it demands, keeping others at a distance to protect yourself from potential harm. There’s a deep wound here, a sense that life’s darker sides loss, betrayal, suffering are unavoidable. Until you allow yourself to confront this pain and the protective walls you’ve built, true intimacy will always feel just out of reach. Healing means embracing the idea that vulnerability can coexist with strength and that trusting others doesn’t diminish your power.

🖤 Chiron in the 9th House: You search for meaning in a world that often feels unsteady, leaving you questioning beliefs that others find comforting. This can lead to a sense of isolation, feeling as though the spiritual or philosophical answers you seek are never quite within reach. Traditional beliefs may feel inadequate or insincere, and this constant quest can leave you feeling lost. Healing means accepting that your journey is uniquely yours and finding peace in a path that doesn’t need to align with anyone else’s truth. Embrace the unknown, trusting that not every question needs an answer.

🖤 Chiron in the 10th House: Career and public image are areas where you feel the weight of expectation, often putting immense pressure on yourself to achieve. No matter how much you accomplish, there’s a lingering fear that you’re still not good enough or that others will see through your achievements. You may feel driven to overcompensate, working tirelessly to fill the emptiness left by self-doubt. True healing lies in redefining success according to your own standards, letting go of the need for external applause, and finding fulfillment in growth rather than recognition.

🖤 Chiron in the 11th House: Finding your place in the world often feels like a challenge. You may feel like an outsider, longing for a sense of community but often feeling let down by friendships or social connections. There’s an ache here, a wish to belong while fearing that no one will truly understand or appreciate who you are. Healing means realizing that your path is different, that your uniqueness isn’t a flaw but a strength. You’re here to create a tribe that values the real you, even if it’s only a small circle of genuine connections.

🖤 Chiron in the 12th House: You carry a deep, often unspoken pain, a sense of loneliness that feels beyond words. It’s as if you’re bearing the weight of the world’s sorrow, and while people may recognize your empathy, they rarely understand how heavy it is to carry. You may find it difficult to separate your own pain from that of others, leading to exhaustion and emotional overwhelm. Healing for you is about setting boundaries and learning to distinguish your own emotions from the collective pain around you. Embrace solitude as a place of healing, not isolation, where you can nurture your soul without being consumed by the world’s suffering.

[loveemagicpeace]

🦋Chiron & Healing🦋

Chiron in Aries-brings up themes around identity, self-worth, courage, and individuality. This placement often indicates a wound or challenge related to feeling fully confident in oneself, asserting one's needs, or establishing a sense of personal power. Chiron in Aries feel a deep-seated wound around self-worth. They may struggle with self-doubt, a sense of being "not enough," or even feel that they’re not worthy of love and success. U can havw fear of taking actions. A big part of the healing process is accepting and valuing yourself as you are. Instead of suppressing weaknesses or being overly critical, acknowledge your struggles with compassion.

Chiron in Taurus- brings up themes around security, self-worth, stability, and material abundance. This placement suggests a wound related to feeling safe, worthy, and comfortable in the physical and material world. U can feel an internal wound around self-worth, which may manifest as doubts about deserving love, success, or material comfort. There may be a fear of loss, abandonment, or scarcity that drives a need for constant reassurance or control over one’s environment. Taurus is very sensual, so healing can come through practices that ground you in your body, such as yoga, mindfulness, or spending time in nature.

Chiron in Gemini- with this placement may feel that they have struggled to be understood, heard, or able to express their thoughts clearly. They may carry insecurities around their intelligence, learning, or social interactions. Chiron here may create wounds in relationships or group dynamics. Those with this placement might feel socially awkward or self-conscious, finding it hard to connect with others comfortably. Recognizing that your words, thoughts, and ideas are valuable is central to healing.

Chiron in Cancer- is connected to wounds surrounding home, family, emotional security, and nurturing. Those with this placement may feel that they lack emotional safety or fear vulnerability in relationships, often due to experiences from early family dynamics. Chiron in Cancer often feel a deep need for emotional safety, yet they may fear that showing vulnerability will lead to rejection or hurt. People with this placement may feel that they’re not worthy of unconditional love and care. Chiron in Cancer often brings a feeling of “not belonging,” even with family or loved ones. Healing Chiron in Cancer is about learning to find emotional safety within yourself, creating nurturing environments, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable with trusted others.

Chiron in Leo- is associated with wounds related to self-expression, creativity, recognition, and personal worth. Individuals with this placement often feel a deep sense of vulnerability around their ability to be seen, appreciated, or valued for who they truly are. This wound can stem from early experiences where they felt overshadowed, ignored, or made to feel unworthy of attention, often by authority figures or family. They may feel uncertain about expressing themselves creatively or worry that their gifts won’t be accepted. Allow yourself to express your true thoughts, feelings, and creativity, even if it feels vulnerable. A major part of healing for Chiron in Leo is learning that self-worth isn’t dependent on outside validation.

Chiron in Virgo- is associated with wounds related to perfectionism, self-criticism, and a sense of inadequacy in service or usefulness. People with this placement may have an inner wound tied to feeling "never good enough," often stemming from high standards placed on themselves or by others. Virgo is associated with being of service and helping others. Individuals with Chiron in Virgo may feel a profound sense of inadequacy or failure around their ability to help or make a difference. Sometimes, this placement manifests as a sensitivity or wound around physical health or body image. The lesson for Chiron in Virgo is learning to accept imperfection as a natural part of life. Healing involves releasing the need to be flawless and instead appreciating the beauty of growth and learning through mistakes.

Chiron in Libra- This placement often points to past or early-life experiences where there may have been rejection, betrayal, or challenges in forming harmonious connections. People with this placement often seek approval from others to feel worthy. Part of healing involves realizing that they are enough on their own. Learning to set healthy boundaries and recognize personal needs is essential for healing. This also allows for a healthier give-and-take in relationships. Healing can involve working through discomfort around conflict and allowing space for disagreements without it threatening their sense of peace or identity. Chiron in Libra individuals often have a strong ideal of what love and relationships “should” be, which can lead to disappointment. Chiron in Libra's ultimate lesson is that wholeness doesn’t come from external relationships but from within. By healing themselves, individuals with this placement can finally approach relationships from a place of harmony and mutual respect, finding joy in genuine connection.

Chiron in Scorpio-Those with this placement often experience a profound fear of betrayal or abandonment, which may lead them to struggle with vulnerability and opening up to others. Scorpio's energy is about facing the dark, hidden parts of ourselves, so Chiron in Scorpio individuals often deal with issues around power, sexuality, and emotional intensity. This wound can make them guarded in relationships and wary of opening up fully. Due to past experiences of betrayal or abandonment, they may have difficulty fully sharing themselves with others. These individuals might struggle with either taking too much control or feeling powerless. They might avoid situations where they feel vulnerable, or they may attempt to control others to prevent getting hurt. This wound can affect their sense of worth and comfort with their own sexuality. Healing involves recognizing that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Learning to open up, even if it feels risky, allows them to experience true intimacy and trust in relationships. Part of healing is diving into the subconscious fears and traumas that keep them from embracing life fully. Therapy, journaling, or shadow work can help them bring these fears to the surface and release them.

Chiron in Sagittarius- People with this placement may struggle with feeling disconnected from their own ideals, doubting their life path, or feeling misunderstood in their quest for meaning. This wound often originates from experiences where they felt suppressed or invalidated for their worldview, whether in family, culture, or education. This can lead to self-doubt, making them hesitant to openly express their ideas or beliefs. This could show up in fears around being “tied down” or in a reluctance to commit fully to one path or belief system.Sometimes, they may swing to the opposite extreme and feel an intense need to prove their knowledge or beliefs. This can stem from a subconscious fear of being invalidated, and part of healing involves letting go of this need to be “right.” Part of healing involves learning to trust their own intuition and inner guidance without seeking constant external validation. They are often wiser than they realize, and trusting their own voice is key. Chiron in Sagittarius individuals heal by understanding that purpose is a feeling that comes from within.

Chiron in Aquarius-They may experience feelings of alienation, misunderstanding, or being “different” from others, especially in terms of their ideals or unique personality traits. Chiron in Aquarius individuals often have unconventional ideas or unique ways of seeing the world, which may have been criticized or misunderstood. This creates a wound around expressing their true selves, leading them to feel like they must hide their uniqueness to avoid judgment. They may feel like outsiders, struggling to find groups that truly resonate with them. They may feel deeply disturbed by social issues, but this can also trigger feelings of helplessness or guilt for not being able to “fix” these problems. Healing involves learning to love and embrace what makes them different. Rather than conforming to gain approval, they heal by understanding that their uniqueness is their gift to the world.

Chiron in Pisces- Those with this placement often experience deep emotional pain or feel connected to the suffering of others, which can lead to confusion about where their feelings end and others' feelings begin. This can make it difficult for them to feel grounded, especially if they don’t have strong boundaries. This placement may indicate early-life experiences where one’s faith or connection to a higher power was challenged. They may carry a deep sense of existential sadness or feel disconnected from the divine, leading to a sense of purposelessness. Because of their intense sensitivity, people with Chiron in Pisces may turn to escapist tendencies—whether through daydreaming, fantasy, or substance use—to avoid emotional pain. Healing involves learning to set boundaries while still remaining compassionate. This placement’s journey often involves distinguishing between their emotions and others’ and learning to say “no” without feeling guilty. Learning to see their sensitivity as a gift, rather than a burden, is an important step in healing. Once they accept their compassionate nature, they can use it to support others in a balanced, healthy way.

-Rebekah🧸🦋💫

[gorey-gorella]

People who say Ozai is Azula's parallel and Iroh is Zuko's only look at the surface level.

Both Azula and Ozai are younger siblings and big bad and a little crazy.

Iroh and Zuko are the older brothers and the good guys who wish they could help there younger siblings.

Yes, this is true, but obvious and surface level.

Ozai is literally meant to be a Zuko of a different generation. He was drawn to look like an older, scarless Zuko.

Ozai is insecure and has a little brother complex, yes, but he is the least favourite. He probably thinks Iroh has it all. He clearly isn't liked by Azulon, he, like Zuko, keeps trying to prove himself and take the throne.

When I learned that Azula actually never really wanted the throne, was content as a Princess, and simply was doing what her father wished, it made me realise more similarities to Iroh. Iroh didn't seem obsessed with being the Firelord and was content in his place, even when he was a War Lord.

A younger Ozai won't go Azula crazy. Azulon has high expectations for him, yes, but not as high as Iroh and Azulon was never proud of him anyways, so why would Ozai go Azula crazy?

Ozai, while stoic and manipulative, he never came across as the actor type of manipulator. Iroh and Azula are good actors though.

Ozai, like Zuko, is desperate for approval, not as much scared of losing their lack of approval as say, Azula. Like yes, they would worry about that too, but not as much as Azula.

If Iroh was more determined to make his father happy and didn't fall into depression and apathy, he would be like Azula, and he would continue the seige.

Ozai and Zuko want to hear, 'Yes, you are worthy, and you are worthy enough to sir on the throne and be the Firelord.'

Azula and Iroh just don't want their fathers to second guess and still want to be in there fathers graces.

Iroh could have easily become almost exactly Azula if he came back from cancelling the seige, and Azulon showed doubt in him subtlety and started letting someone else do some of Iroh's duties. Or, if in Ba Sing Se, he thought of how his father would feel and burnt down the city anyway. But Iroh doesn't have the obsession and stuff Azula has, and he most likely had more emotional support in his life.

Azula was pushed to the breaking point when her father said she would look after the Fire Nation as he will burn Ba Sing Se. While not obvious, Ozai probably felt a distrust when she lied to him about Zuko finishing off the Avatar.

In an age down AU where they are around the same age, Iroh would probably be more likely to go Azula crazy than Ozai, especially if he was just as obsessed with making his own father proud and be in his good grace, because the whole point of Azula's mental breakdown was the role of perfectionism being placed on her and everyone betraying her.

[kleopatra45]

Neptune in the Signs

Neptune in astrology symbolizes intuition, dreams, and spirituality. It governs imagination, illusion, and the subconscious. Often associated with compassion and empathy, it can also bring confusion and deception. Its influence encourages transcendence and connection to the divine, making it a planet of mysticism and idealism.

Neptune in Aries

When Neptune is in Aries, there's a drive to pioneer new spiritual and imaginative frontiers. Individuals may feel a strong desire to initiate change and bring their dreams to reality. However, this placement can also lead to impulsive decisions and unrealistic expectations. The challenge lies in balancing inspiration with practical action.

Neptune in Taurus

Neptune in Taurus blends spirituality with a love for beauty and material comforts. There is a deep appreciation for art, nature, and physical pleasures, which can foster creativity. However, this can also lead to overindulgence or escapism through materialism. The lesson here is to find spiritual fulfillment in the physical world without becoming overly attached.

Neptune in Gemini

In Gemini, Neptune influences communication, learning, and social interactions. People with this placement often have a vivid imagination and can excel in writing, speaking, or teaching. They may struggle with scattered thoughts or unrealistic ideas, making it essential to ground their mental energy and focus on clear, truthful communication.

Neptune in Cancer

Neptune in Cancer heightens emotional sensitivity and empathy, fostering a nurturing and compassionate nature. There is a strong connection to family and home, with a desire to create a harmonious and supportive environment. However, this can also lead to emotional dependency or escapism through domestic comfort. Balancing emotional needs with realistic boundaries is crucial.

Neptune in Leo

With Neptune in Leo, creativity and self-expression are infused with a touch of the mystical. Individuals may pursue artistic or dramatic endeavors with a visionary flair. This placement encourages a romantic and idealistic approach to love and life but can also lead to self-deception or a need for validation. Finding authentic self-expression is key.

Neptune in Virgo

Neptune in Virgo merges practicality with spirituality, inspiring a desire to serve and heal. This placement often brings a keen intuition for health and wellness, making individuals drawn to holistic practices. However, they may struggle with perfectionism or a tendency to be overly critical. Learning to embrace imperfection and trust their inner guidance is essential.

Neptune in Libra

In Libra, Neptune enhances the longing for harmonious relationships and aesthetic beauty. There is a dreamy quality to partnerships, with a focus on ideal love and balance. This can lead to unrealistic expectations in relationships or a tendency to avoid conflict. Developing clear boundaries and realistic perspectives in partnerships is vital.

Neptune in Scorpio

Neptune in Scorpio delves into the depths of the psyche, exploring themes of transformation, power, and the occult. There is a profound capacity for healing and regeneration, but also a risk of getting lost in obsession or secrecy. Embracing the transformative power of vulnerability and facing inner shadows can lead to profound spiritual growth.

Neptune in Sagittarius

With Neptune in Sagittarius, there is an expansive quest for truth, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment. Individuals are drawn to philosophy, travel, and higher learning, seeking a deeper understanding of the world. However, they may struggle with disillusionment or escapism through idealistic pursuits. Grounding their vision in practical experience is important.

Neptune in Capricorn

Neptune in Capricorn blends dreams with discipline, inspiring the pursuit of spiritual goals with practical strategies. There is a focus on achieving long-term visions and bringing spiritual ideals into tangible form. However, this can also lead to rigid thinking or overemphasis on material success. Balancing ambition with spiritual values is crucial.

Neptune in Aquarius

In Aquarius, Neptune fosters a visionary and humanitarian spirit, with a focus on collective ideals and innovation. Individuals may be drawn to progressive causes, technology, and unconventional ideas. However, they can also become detached or overly idealistic. Integrating their vision with emotional intelligence and empathy enhances their ability to effect positive change.

Neptune in Pisces

Neptune in its home sign of Pisces amplifies intuition, compassion, and spiritual connection. There is a natural affinity for the mystical and artistic realms, with a deep sense of empathy for others. However, this placement can also lead to escapism or confusion. Grounding their spiritual insights in reality and setting healthy boundaries is key.

©️kleopatra45

[sirenalpha]

I'm not gonna get into it on the actual post because I don't want to start shit after how Aang posts have gone down and it's not like I saw it cuz it was tagged wrong or something

but it is wild to see someone say Azula's downfall was well written in atla and then also say what Zuko should have done and implying he was morally obligated to do so was not fight her and instead offer her love and support so he's in the wrong for accepting the agni kai challenge and fighting her

this blatantly ignores that Azula has manipulated and abused Zuko since childhood even though they also admit that Azula tried to kill him twice recently as a defense of Zuko's actions which is definitely some cognitive dissonance, but it's another instance I've seen of someone acting as if Zuko is incorrect or blinded by his father or otherwise mistaken when he says things like 'Azula always lies' despite the show demonstrating that actually Zuko is seeing her extremely clearly as she can even successfully manipulate him using the truth

Zuko does not owe Azula love and support just because they are blood relatives anymore than he owes Ozai especially not any time before the war has ended and she is still a threat to his personal safety and also to his goal of achieving peace seeing as she tried to kill Zuko twice leading up to the finale and she also came up with the plan to raze the Earth Kingdom

Giving her a hug isn't gonna fix that situation exactly the same as it wouldn't with Aang when it comes to Ozai

except this person thought Aang v Ozai was ultimately a triumph of pacifism over imperialism whereas the love and support vs fear and isolation of Zuko vs Azula is only pure tragedy not a victory of one ideology over another and I really have to wonder how this person came to that conclusion

Aang v Ozai is also a man to man battle same as Zuko v Azula and Katara v Azula which is not exactly pacifism

Aang doesn't kill Ozai in the end, and neither does Zuko or Katara kill Azula (instead she nearly kills Zuko) so again no different on the pacifism front

The major differences between these battles are that Zuko and Katara earned their abilities to defeat Azula whereas Aang relies on two deus ex machina and Zuko and Katara leave Azula upset but a pretty physically healthy state whereas Aang spiritually mutilates Ozai by removing his bending

in order for this interpretation to work that Aang v Ozai is a triumph of one ideology over another and Zuko v Azula is not, you have to ignore the massive narrative flaws in the Aang and Ozai fight that do not exist in the Zuko v Azula fight

There is a reason people still argue about whether or not Aang should have killed Ozai but even this person who argues Zuko did the wrong thing by Azula doesn't actually disagree with the text of the show, they still seem to want this agni kai to have happened exactly as it did where Zuko did show that love and support worked better than fear and isolation as he had Katara to tag in to finish the fight as well as other concepts like continuing to improve and learn after failure which eventually gave Zuko stability working better than genius perfectionism which caused Azula to spiral

another major facet this person relied on to argue for this position that Zuko was wrong to accept the agni kai was that Zuko could not see beyond the narrow worldview his father imposed on him through the golden child/scape goat dynamic he put upon Azula and Zuko

but the whole point of the show and having Zuko confront his father and leave to join the Avatar was to show exactly that, Zuko is the one character whose horizons broaden the most over the course of the show and only because Iroh's happens pre-series, it is insane to argue that Zuko cannot see past the abuse he suffered or outside the Fire Nation worldview after he has left the Fire Nation for the gaang

This person also claims that Zuko is so single minded about his goals that he even forgets empathy for others despite in season one somehow managing not to burn off Zhao's face in an agni kai and he even tries to rescue him from the ocean spirit despite fighting him literally the moment before so what character are you talking about because it's not Zuko

and then from this, they claim he cannot understand the tragedy of having to fight his own sister

this part is obviously up to more reader interpretation but you can take Zuko suggesting to Iroh in s2 that he forgive Azula is actually stemming from his genuine desire to not have to fight Azula given how quickly and vehemently Iroh shoots this down and that he does express genuine concern for Azula's fall in the southern raiders before she gets herself to the cliffside

I personally would say between the two of them, Zuko is more aware of the tragedy and genuinely sad about it, he is not portrayed as happy or gleeful when it's over whereas Azula has only been expecting this fight so she can secure her position on the thrown because she's second born and female and outright gloats after she's shot him with lightning

I see Zuko as resigned to this fight and trying to keep Katara safely out of it when he notices that Azula is slipping and takes the agni kai

what is not reader interpretation is to claim Zuko is being unfair and cruel to Azula to accept her agni kai challenge, Azula has always been the aggressor in their relationship and Zuko always the loser until the southern raiders where they have drawn even with each other, and as it has already been pointed out, Azula has recently tried to kill him twice!!

where is Azula's moral obligation to not try to mortally wound or manipulate her older brother? how is she not cruel and unfair for treating him this way and following in the footsteps of their father?

then there's an insane bit where they claim Zuko and Katara have a more simplistic view of morality than Aang who lost his shit on Katara in southern raiders who in the end didn't forgive Yon Rha and also didn't kill him and Zuko was there supporting her for the whole thing for her emotional benefit and closure regarding her mother like he had in his confrontation against Ozai whom he also didn't kill and Aang wasn't involved, Katara even tells him he was wrong

this part is just objectively untrue, Aang has the far more simplistic view on morality 

this person also goes on to a lot of reader interpretation for Azula's motives for bringing Zuko back to the Fire Nation, and I do agree I think that on some level Azula does care for Zuko, where I don't agree is that if the result is still harm for Zuko which is what returning to the Fire Nation was for him as it puts him back under the thumb of their abuser, it's still ultiamtely not good or kind to Zuko

Azula's actions are not made better by presuming she had good intentions born out of care for Zuko

The thing that really got me though was this quote:

"he allows himself to stoop to her level, and in fact only redeems himself through his sacrifice for katara"

again, Azula is the aggressor in their relationship and the one who issues the challenge in this instance

Zuko does not stoop to her level trying to stop her via agni kai because a hug is not gonna work, and it is arguably noble of him to try to protect Katara by accepting the challenge and trying to remove her as a target

But it doesn't work because Azula breaks the agni kai by attacking Katara who is a bystander and not a combatant which is never a level Zuko stoops to, it's a rat move Azula takes when she's put on her back foot and realizes she can't win a fair fight and can't goad Zuko into an emotional outburst

But the worst part is reframing Zuko's sacrifice as redemptive in terms of his relationship to Azula or as if he has done something wrong in accepting the agni kai or while fighting it

He hasn't, the poster argues that Zuko betrayed Azula in leaving the Fire Nation which I think you can argue for, but I do not believe that the show has Azula react as if she has been harmed by this action when she is shown as far more offended by Mai and Ty Lee's betrayal and again seems gleeful to be able to attack Zuko in the boiling rock, southern raiders, and finale and therefore could reasonably be interpreted to have expected this

His redemption isn't towards Azula or anything she represents like Fire Nation imperialism, Ozai's abuse, perfectionism 

It's a heroic sacrifice for Katara as a person he harmed personally in the s2 finale and as a victim of the Fire Nation's war by the Fire Nation's prince 

It's an utter and blatant misread of the show to demonize Zuko to uplift Azula and replace Katara as a victim of Fire Nation imperialism which Azula is straightforwardly not and removes those themes from the Zuko v Azula fight which this person praised in the more flawed Aang v Ozai fight

I am with and agree with anyone claiming Azula is a victim of abuse, she is, it is the direct cause of her breakdown

but it's straight up cognitive dissonance to act as if Zuko has done something grossly wrong in terms of ending the cycle of violence by participating in the agni kai with Azula but Aang v Ozai is a narrative master stroke for pacifism and ending violence when they both use the exact same amount of violence to achieve their ends: man to man combat, and Aang actually delivers the worse punishment to Ozai

and you strip away half of Azula's character if you ignore the real and blatant harm she caused Zuko and the rest of the gaang and try to pretend they are all equally victims of the same man because they are not

[journalofanoldsoul]

Movie Recommendations (Rising Sign Edition)

Here's my movie recommendations based on the main character traits of each rising sign of the zodiac!

Aries Rising: "Rocky" - Aries risings are known for their courage, determination, and passion. "Rocky" is a classic movie that embodies these traits, as it follows the journey of an underdog boxer who refuses to give up on his dreams.

Taurus Rising: "Eat Pray Love" - Taurus risings are known for their love of comfort, beauty, and pleasure. "Eat Pray Love" is a perfect movie for them, as it follows a woman's journey of self-discovery through food, travel, and romance.

Gemini Rising: "The Social Network" - Gemini risings are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and communication skills. "The Social Network" is a great movie for them, as it explores the creation of Facebook and the intricate web of relationships and communication involved.

Cancer Rising: "Moonlight" - Cancer risings are known for their emotional depth, sensitivity, and empathy. "Moonlight" is a beautiful movie that explores these traits through the coming-of-age story of a young black man growing up in Miami.

Leo Rising: "La La Land" - Leo risings are known for their creativity, confidence, and love of attention. "La La Land" is a perfect movie for them, as it follows the journey of two artists in Hollywood pursuing their dreams and finding love.

Virgo Rising: "The Devil Wears Prada" - Virgo risings are known for their perfectionism, attention to detail, and love of order. "The Devil Wears Prada" is a great movie for them, as it explores the fast-paced, high-pressure world of fashion and the struggle to maintain balance and control.

Libra Rising: "Crazy Rich Asians" - Libra risings are known for their charm, diplomacy, and love of beauty. "Crazy Rich Asians" is a perfect movie for them, as it follows a woman's journey to meet her boyfriend's ultra-rich family in Singapore, and the intricate web of relationships and social dynamics involved.

Scorpio Rising: "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" - Scorpio risings are known for their intensity, passion, and love of mystery. "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is a great movie for them, as it follows the investigation of a journalist and a hacker into a decades-old murder case, uncovering a web of secrets and lies.

Sagittarius Rising: "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" - Sagittarius risings are known for their love of adventure, freedom, and exploration. "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" is a perfect movie for them, as it follows the journey of a daydreamer who embarks on a global adventure to find a missing photograph.

Capricorn Rising: "The Pursuit of Happyness" - Capricorn risings are known for their ambition, determination, and love of success. "The Pursuit of Happyness" is a great movie for them, as it follows the true story of a struggling salesman who overcomes immense obstacles to become a successful stockbroker.

Aquarius Rising: "Her" - Aquarius risings are known for their unconventional thinking, innovation, and love of technology. "Her" is a perfect movie for them, as it follows the relationship between a man and his artificially intelligent operating system.

Pisces Rising: "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" - Pisces risings are known for their creativity, imagination, and love of escapism. "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" is a great movie for them, as it explores the complexities of memory, love, and identity through a surreal and dreamlike narrative.

I hope these recommendations provide some enjoyable viewing for each rising sign! Of course, astrology is complex and nuanced, and not every individual with a particular rising sign will identify with every trait associated with that sign. Still, I hope these movies capture some of the essence of each sign and provide some entertaining and thought-provoking viewing.

I hope you have enjoyed this selection.

Stay tune for more astro posts.

xoxo

J.

[lis-anxiety-writing]

need to vent into the void again cause whoops guess who has a deadline and nothing written

should i feel stressed about this? probably, but i'm too damn exhausted to care and still i care so fucking much, and i swear if i cared less this report would have been at least half-written

but no, it still has to be good

can i even call myself a perfectionist if all i can truly feel is apathy?

i'm just so tired and every word i write is a bad one and oh lord how am i supposed to write so many of them?

done is better than perfect, but i never learned how to deal with the shame of feeling mediocre

[animeyanderelover]

Anonymous asked: Can I request the Sakamaki and Mukami brothers with an older brother?

Tw: Yandere themes, unhealthy mindset, unhealthy relationship, possessive behavior, obsession, clinginess, delusions, manipulation, mental unstableness, abuse, self harm, murder

Older brother

Shu Sakamaki

🎵All responsibility lies with you since you’re the oldest in the house and whoever your mother is will put you under a lot of pressure. If Shu thought that Beatrix is strict with him, it’s nothing in comparison to his older brother. You’re pushed to know everything and be strong and punished if you don’t fulfill the expectations your mother has on you. You have to be perfect after all, you’re the next heir of Karlheinz! Shu is always told to be like you since you’re smart, strong and master everything yet he rarely bothers since he senses that you’re not happy with the life you lead. Instead he likes hanging around you and you enjoy it just as much.

🎵Shu is laid-back and chilled so you can relax just so well when he’s around. Considering that his brother has unpleasant things going on he doesn’t like to talk about since he doesn’t want to worry his younger siblings, Shu often converses with him about other things. Or both just listen to music together. If his brother isn’t the type to talk about his problems, Shu doesn’t want to either since he fears his brother might view him as weak. Shu isn’t exactly overbearing but he spends a lot of time with his brother since he’s the only one he actually views as his real sibling or just silently waits for you to notice him. As the second oldest, Shu also likes to call himself more experienced and mature, gives you advice when you need it.

Reiji Sakamaki

☕️He tries to gain his mother’s attention yet his mother can only focus on you, the oldest boy in the house. You’re the next heir and Reiji realizes soon that you’re the reason he’s never enough for Beatrix. Because you’re always better. Initially Reiji is bitter about that and sees you as his rival. He’s rude and cold around you. That is until you catch a glimpse at his studies and praise him, ruffle his hair in a acknowledging way. It leaves Reiji stunned since he’s never been praised before and is the beginning of his change of heart. He runs from there on to you whenever he studies, shows you his knowledge and loves the compliment and praises you always give him.

☕️There’s a sense of insecurity though since he realizes that you’re still better and that’s why he never asks you for help in cases he doesn’t understand something. He’s too ashamed of his brother seeing his stupid mistakes and never allows him to see anything that isn’t hardcore perfect. His brother becomes his role model, someone Reiji strives to be like so he ends up copying everything his sibling does. Reiji sees his brother as the ideal vampire, plays the assistant to continue this perfectionism too, so he’s pretty shaken up the moment he witnesses a moment of weakness from him. Also extremely picky when it comes to potential partners since no one passes in his eyes.

Ayato Sakamaki

🥇Cordelia hates you and initially Ayato despises you too. He has developed a complex under her care that he always has to be the best yet you are even better than him. Cornelia punishes him for it ruthlessly and he blames you for all the pain he has to endure. Ayato comes constantly running through you, challenges you in hopes of beating you yet you always win, humiliating him in the process. He rejects your friendly approaches after every loss of his and your comments how he’s quite good. He runs away, views your compliments as honeyed mocking since he lost and no one compliments the loser.

🥇It isn’t until he learns that his older brother has threatened Cordelia so she stops hurting her children since he noticed Ayato’s bruises. Ayato is confused why he’d do that for him, ends up acting tsunderish and refuses to thank his brother yet inwardly he is grateful. The challenges continue over the years where Ayato learns to have fun even if he still loses a majority of the time. The few times he manages to win, he runs it under your nose without fail so you never forget it. He often uses the excuse that besides you no one can beat him so he gets to have more time with you. He’s very close to his brother, constantly bickers playfully with him and playfully fights with him.

Kanato Sakamaki

🧸Kanato is in his childhood very obsessed with his mother and realizes how she constantly gets mad and aggressive because of the oldest Sakamaki boy. He’s talented, handsome and strong and she lets her frustration out on her children. They will never reach the potential of you, how will Karlheinz notice her?! Her mood affects Kanato badly and he turns his hatred against you since you make his mother unhappy even if she abuses his brothers and him for it. Chances are that he tries to attack you yet you stop him. You notice his unstable condition and instantly suspect Cornelia since you’ve heard of her abuse.

🧸So you confront her about it and she’s scared of you since you’re strong, stronger than her. She ignores Kanato, silently loathing him for getting her in this mess. The young boy throws a tantrum, tries to harm himself so Cornelia pays attention to him yet you stop him and take him under your wings. No matter how bratty Kanato is, you handle everything calmly. You read to him, you teach him and you play with him too even if tea parties and plushies might not be your thing. At one point Kanato turns his obsessive antics towards you, views you as his big brother who always has to protect him. He’s a walking time bomb and turns paranoid around the people who like you since he views them as threats who might steal you away from him and so he kills them.

Laito Sakamaki

🎹He’s the ignored one from the trio, doesn’t care much for you in the beginning. To Laito his brother is just another person in the household, he wants the attention from Cordelia. Yet his brother notices how the boy is abandoned and instead decides to pay more attention to him. Laito rejects those first few attempts, walks nonchalantly away but his older brother doesn’t give up so easily. You tell him interesting stories, teach him things in regards of education and attempt to be a good big brother. You know that you get through him when he starts listening to you even if he’s not saying much. When Laito finally opens up his heart, he’s very chipper and teasing around you.

🎹Likes to play pranks on you or with you if he knows you’ll be up to assist him. Laito definitely has a lot of time he spends with you, something other brothers are jealous about and Laito likes to remind them a bit too often about it. Chances are that Cordelia tries to do the same thing with Laito’s brother that she tries to do with Laito, convincing him to sleep with her. Laito is disgusted and shocked when he hears it, his brother yanks Cordelia out of sheer anger away from himself and goes even more aggressive when she tries to do the same trick on Laito. His older brother definitely reacts protective and Laito enjoys that. With him growing up, he’s going to talk openly about certain things with his brother though.

Subaru Sakamaki

⬜️Subaru is probably the hardest to approach since he lives in his own world with his mother and doesn’t think that he needs anyone else. You’re aware of Christa’s condition and fear for the youngest brother, especially when you notice the mental damage he receives. He’s aggressive when his older brother tries to interfere since he hates everyone, knows that his oldest brother is the pride of Karlheinz since he’s the next heir and despises him for it. Sometimes he even tries to attack you but your strength is superior so you stop him every time. You catch him sometimes watching you from a window when you play with one of the other boys.

⬜️You’re sure you see slight envy in those eyes of his when you clown around with the other boys. Subaru needs long until he ends up stalking his brother a bit as he kind of wishes to be part of the fun when he sees how the oldest plays with his younger siblings. He’s insecure though, thinks that after his previous behavior his brother won’t accept him anymore. He’s flustered and shocked when you do, still acts tsunderish but tries to express his gratitude as good as he can. He always comes to you when his mother has a psychotic fit and begs you with tears in his eyes to help her. Subaru listens well to his brother from a early point on, is also really protective though. He throws hands with anyone who says something bad about him.

Ruki Mukami

📘You’ve been with all of them since human years and as the oldest one you took the role of the protector and the emotional support. Those were tough years so all the boys grew attached to the oldest one since he was always there for them. When all of them were turned into half-blooded vampires, this all intensified. For Ruki for example his oldest brother is his personal idol and he believes that he can learn so much from him. He’s always had this admiration even during his human years for his charisma and courage. Chances are that he’s better educated due to his noble upbringing so he’s very proud of the fact that he can teach his older brother something too.

📘When they’re turned into vampires he doesn’t really care for the whole Adam and Eve thing but just wants to stay together with his older brother. An eternal life might be difficult but he’s convinced as long as he has you and his brothers and vice versa, all of you can live a happy life. He takes sort of an assistant role for his older brother too since he’s the most knowledgeable one. Ruki grows with time paranoid that his older brother will fall in love with someone and will start paying more attention to his partner so he’s doing his best to manipulate everyone he views as a threat. He won’t let his family fall apart again before his own eyes.

Kou Mukami

🎤Kou is very clingy around his oldest brother and a little attention-seeker too. He’s been used and abused during his life so it is new for him to have someone who is so fiercely protecting him, someone just like his oldest brother. It’s one of the main reasons Kou admires you so much though, you’re someone he can run too without having to fear for anything. You’re even there for him when he has his nightmares, comfort him and promise him to stay with him so nothing will hurt him, even in his dreams. When they’re nearly beaten to death, Kou is crying for his older brother to do something.

🎤He doesn’t want to die, he doesn’t want to be alone again and is in that moment willing to do anything to stay with all of his brothers. Karlheinz is the saving grace even if he just uses the dying boys. After that traumatic experience, Kou seemingly follows his oldest brother anywhere for a while as if that is his way of coping with the near-death experience. He doesn’t even have to talk with you, it’s enough for him if he’s just sitting near you even if you’re currently busy with something else. The nightmares stay with him and sometimes he still asks his brother if he can stay a bit with him in his room. Kou is quite popular because he’s a little Popstar but gets nasty and mean behind the scenes when one of his fans tries to get to know his brother.

Yuma Mukami

🌱Yuma is more rough at the beginning and seems to have the least respect for you despite you being the oldest boy under the five. She doesn’t matter to him though, if you want his respect you have to earn it through your actions. When the boy proves to Yuma with time that he’s loyal and ready to defend the other boys even if it means sustaining injuries, he earns Yuma’s respect. At one point Yuma finally starts calling him the oldest brother too, even if he’s a bit late in comparison to Ruki, Kou and Azusa. Yuma is most likely still the strongest though even if the oldest boy has his own tricks and skills, not to mention the most experience how to survive on the streets.

🌱His brother often steals food and seeks together with Ruki out hideouts where they can rest and sleep. Yuma most likely feels immense guilt after they nearly died and have become vampires, apologizes to his oldest brother for not having been able to save all of them back then. Even if his brother forgives him, Yuma needs a lot longer until he’s gotten somewhat over it. He starts seeking out to be stronger so something like that will never happen again. His garden is important to him and he feels pride bubbling up in his chest when his brother compliments the garden of his. Both brothers most likely end up spending a lot of time in the garden together.

Azusa Mukami

🔪Azusa is more shy and quiet yet one of the biggest problems for you as the oldest one is his masochistic and self-harming tendency. Azusa views pain as some sign of love and when he feels brotherly love for you, he wants you to hurt him. It’s strange that someone as young as you have to deal with such a problem yet you’ve faced more threatening situations than this one and Azusa is family to you. So you try to teach him, explain to him how love is supposed to work. The youngest boy is often protected and accompanied by his oldest sibling out of sheer protectiveness and worries that he might harm himself if his brother isn’t around.

🔪His shy nature is another thing to keep in mind, his oldest brother often has to ask him for his opinions on certain topics since Azusa is so quiet and just agrees with everyone else since he doesn’t want to risk any arguments. He becomes terribly pliant, always agrees with everything his oldest brother says and follows him around. At one point he even threatens and hurts others just to protect you like you always do with him. He sobs silently when he thinks that all of you are about to die, at the very least he doesn’t want you to die but also doesn’t want to be left alone either. He accepts Karlheinz’s offer in that moment without thinking much. Definitely the most clingy one from the brothers, Azusa has troubles being alone.

[cienie-isengardu]

Lo and Li and their (not) looking after Azula and Zuko in "The Beach"

I have talked a lot about Zuko and Azula lately because “The Beach” episode gives a lot of context for their relationship, but it would be a crime to omit the most funny detail (implication) coming from this episode: the presence of Lo and Li.

Those two older women were introduced into the series as Azula’s teachers (that definitely fueled her unhealthy sense of perfectionism) and some sort of advisors before the princess recruited Ty Lee and Mai on the hunt for Zuko, Iroh and later, the Avatar. The story alone gives little about Lo and Li, but considering their relationship and influences on the princess, we can assume they had, if not outright trust, then at least Ozai’s approval to keep an eye on his “precious”, prodigy daughter. As they were the only adults connected to Fire Lord and at whose house the Royal Siblings and their friends stayed in "The Beach" episode, I thought of them as not really nannies, but more like chaperones.

Zuko and Azula faced Avatar and survived, Mai and Ty Lee proved to be capable of beating down full grown men one on one (or more precisely, one vs many). So fine, ok, Ozai may trust his kids to be able to defend themselves - if the thought about their safety even occurred to him at all. But Zuko and Azula are, and I can’t stress it enough, teenagers sent on vacation and teenagers may do stupid stuff for fun just to taste the little freedom granted them. So it makes sense to me that Lo and Li should supervise the Royal Siblings, because vacation or not, they are still prince and princess, the precious heirs to the throne. And like, Zuko is with his girlfriend (official fiancee?) and you can never be sure what teenagers in love and with buzzing hormones will do, right? Same with Azula, who as we learn through the episode, will happily grab the occasion to flirt with a  handsome, popular boy and the innocent kiss turned out quickly into her passionate rant: “Together, you and I will be the strongest couple in the entire world! We will dominate the Earth!”. 

Azula’s mind really jumped from casual fun (no harm done if Ozai won’t learn about it) to the conclusion that boy she knew for what? a few hours at best will be her boyfriend and part of the future (military?) plans and understandable Chen freaked out and ran away. The taste of freedom affected even Azula, our so emotionally composed, clever girl, because again, a teenager, adolescent curiosity, lack of supervision and buzzing hormones are a dangerous mix. 

(I suspect Zuko getting Mai pregnant would be less scandalous than if Azula - the princess - ended with a bastard child at the age of 14/15. If Ozai would even allow the kid to be born.)

And what Lo and Li were doing the whole episode? Either giving some cryptic speech about how Ember Island is a magical place or encourage kids.

“Time to hit the beach!“ they said

while never bothering going with kids there

(or did Lo and Li have fun on their own ignoring the bunch of their temporary wards?).

And when Azula, Zuko and Ty Lee talked about Chen and why Azula didn’t betray their Royal Family status (and presumably of going to the night party)? Again, the two old women did nothing besides giving some more cryptic advice and saying “to the party!”.

Like, they were totally okay that Fire Royal Siblings (in range of age from 14 to 16) planned to stay at house of unknown boy(s) for the whole night. Again, Zuko is 16, at best almost 17, but Azula is 14 (at best 15) and I don’t think this is an appropriate age to let a girl - especially the princess you are responsible for - go to a party with presumably much older boys. 

(Unless this is why Azula demanded Zuko, her older brother, to be invited alongside her? Not like he checked out if she is alright before he was kicked out for the fight with Mai over some guy but I guess, with a sister like Azula it is easy to assume she doesn’t need babysitting, because Azula could and would kick Chen or anyone else’s ass if they pissed her off). 

My point is, Lo and Li could give the girls and Zuko some serious talk or at least ask to be careful or anything the supposed chaperons should say (or like,  outright demand from Zuko to keep an eye on his younger sister and the noble girls as the oldest and you know, the guy). Because Azula is first and foremost a princess, the same as Zuko is the prince and like, the Royal Family does not need any teenage drama and scandal (and from the previous episode we know Azula and Zuko are now the public figures at the capital).

I’m not sure if perceiving Lo and Li as some sort chaperons to the “banished for a weekend” Royal Siblings was author’s intention or not, but there is something incredible funny how those old women introduced as strict teachers criticizing Azula for not perfect hairstyle while she is working on her lighting technique - a skill absolutely amazing to have at the age of 14 - won’t even bother to keep an eye on the same girl and just let the whole bunch of emotionally stunted and traumatized teenagers freely roam on the “magical” beach and go to night party to total strangers. It is pretty hilarious if not a bit sad. Because wow, Ozai did not give much fuck about any of his kids one way or another. 

Aaand this is what I get when rewatching ATLA as an adult lol.

I know this is animations for kids/teenagers, but what if Chen didn’t freak out? Would Azula be curious enough to experience something more than just a kiss? And well, we assume Chen and Ruon-Jian are in age close to Zuko & Azula (as if they were adults they would be enrolled into army, I think?) But there is still a room for them being older than Zuko who himself is two years older than Azula. Also, them inviting Ty Lee & Mai specifically for how they look without bothering to ask for their name and the way a group of boys cornered Ty Lee to the point she needed to chi-blocking all of them kinda gives me the feeling the party was an occasion for them to pick up girl for night or something along the way. Dunno if I read the scene/intention right but it gives that vibe I guess…?

[the-wip-project]

SloMo WriNo: Don't Quit Before You Begin

As the new year draws closer the writing goals I’ve set for myself start to feel pretty intimidating. It’s easy to psych myself out and freeze up. After all, if I can’t do it well why bother at all?

When I feel my thoughts going in that direction I slam on the brakes. Because that’s the perfectionism talking.

Perfectionism is an evil task master and it lies, telling me that if I can’t do something perfectly I’m better off not doing it at all. But like I said, LIAR.

The truth is that anything worth doing is still worth doing badly, half-assedly, and slowly.

Giving myself permission to half-ass things is the only way I get anything done at all. So I've officially given myself permission to half-ass my writing. And now I’m giving you permission to do it too.

Are we all going to fall short and fail?

Yes.

Are we going to achieve anything at all if we don’t make the attempt?

No.

And that’s the attitude I want you to approach the challenge with. Setting the goal of writing a novel, or writing every single day, or even every single week is something that you’re probably going to fall short at in one way or another. But making a sincere attempt will mean that you write a lot more, hopefully finish a writing project, and also improve your skills as a writer.

All of that is an incredible win, even if you ‘fail’.

But what if you don’t feel like you’re ready?

What if you haven’t finished preparing? What if your world isn’t built and your characters aren’t fleshed out and your plot isn’t planned?

What if you don’t even know exactly what you want to write?

Don’t stress!

For the month of January my focus is going to be on finding your writing groove, and that involves not only getting the mechanics of how and when to write sorted out, but also figuring out exactly what you’re writing.

Can you start writing The Novel January 1? Definitely! Do you need to? Definitely Not! In fact, even if you have a novel or project planned, you might find it easier to get your rhythm while working on lower pressure work, character studies, satellite short fiction (ie stories set in your world or about your characters, but not part of the main plot) or even completely unrelated stuff.

And full disclosure: I am 100% a Discovery Writer (as in I generally start my projects with almost nothing planned, and just make it up as I go.) If you are like me, you’ll get plenty of support for your process. But if you’re a outliner, don’t worry, you’re welcome too. The process of getting your writing done is the same for everyone, and that’s my goal.

Getting the writing done in 2024. So don't quit before you start.

—Maree

Subscribe to my substack to make sure you don't miss a post, chat with me on the WIP Project discord, and tag any posts you make about the challenge with #slomowrino if you want me to see them!

[mistamystic555]

Virgo Energy

Virgo energy analytical, detailed, and meticulous

Virgo stands as a mutable Earth sign ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication and intellect. Individuals born under the influence of Virgo embody a unique blend of analytical prowess, practicality, and a keen eye for detail. Let us delve into the essence of Virgo energy and explore the distinctive qualities that make Virgos the diligent perfectionists and caring nurturers of the zodiac.

The Grounded Essence of Virgo

As a mutable Earth sign, Virgo is firmly rooted in the tangible world, grounded in practicality, and guided by a deep sense of duty and service. Just as the Earth provides a stable foundation for growth and sustenance, Virgos offer a steady hand and a reliable presence to those around them. Their energy is characterized by a methodical approach, attention to detail, and a desire to improve and refine everything they touch.

Ruled by Mercury

Mercury, the planet of communication and intellect, governs Virgo and bestows upon them a sharp mind, analytical skills, and a thirst for knowledge. Like the swift messenger of the gods, Virgos excel in critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. They have a natural curiosity and a keen ability to dissect information, making them adept at organizing and categorizing the world around them with precision.

The Perfectionist Nature

One of the defining traits of Virgo energy is their inclination towards perfectionism. Driven by a desire for excellence and a high standard of quality, Virgos hold themselves and others to a meticulous level of scrutiny. They have a keen eye for detail, a strong sense of order, and a relentless pursuit of perfection in all aspects of their lives, from work to relationships to personal endeavors.

Hardworking and Diligent

Like their Earth counterparts, Virgos are known for their strong work ethic, dedication, and commitment to excellence. They approach tasks with a methodical mindset, breaking down complex problems into manageable steps and working tirelessly towards achieving their goals. Their ability to focus on the finer details and their willingness to put in the hard work set them apart as reliable and conscientious individuals.

Focus on Health and Wellness

Virgos are particularly attuned to matters of health, hygiene, and overall well-being. They have a keen interest in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, paying attention to diet, exercise, and self-care routines. Virgos are meticulous about cleanliness and organization, finding comfort and peace in a well-ordered environment that supports their physical and mental health.

The Art of Service

At the core of Virgo energy lies a deep sense of service and a genuine desire to help others. Virgos are natural caregivers, always ready to lend a helping hand, offer practical advice, and support those in need. They derive fulfillment from making a positive impact on the lives of others, whether through acts of kindness, thoughtful gestures, or practical assistance.

Challenges and Growth

While Virgo energy is characterized by its precision, practicality, and attention to detail, it can also manifest as perfectionism, criticism, and a tendency towards self-criticism. Learning to balance their high standards with self-compassion, flexibility, and acceptance of imperfection can help Virgos cultivate a sense of inner peace and harmony.

Virgo energy invites us to embrace the art of precision, perfection, and practicality in our lives, while also nurturing a sense of service, care, and attention to detail. By embodying the qualities of Virgo – diligence, analytical skills, perfectionism, and a focus on well-being – we can cultivate a sense of order, purpose, and fulfillment in our daily lives.

For More info:

https://siteid-2167310.univer.se/blog-post/mar-1-2024-frgnx-urtuh-nuscq-lccmn-xhpvr

[pentacass]

ohhhh boy this gave me lots of Thoughts and simply giffing it isn't gonna purge them from my system so. time to talk about my sith clown

A lot of Vestra's character is about wearing masks, spinning lies, whatever is needed to build her reputation as a Sith Lord who can't be slowed down, can't be stopped, can't be hurt in a way that means something. Her vanity plays a huge part in this, encouraging rumours and basking in praises/flattery that she weaves into an image of invulnerability.

Darth Avriss is the product of all this, and it turns into a nigh-impossible ideal that Ves has to live up to every day - something she is capable of, of course, but it also hurts her in turn. She is only mortal, despite the immortal's mantle she drapes over her shoulders. What sacrifices must one make to seem as a god?

By the time of the Alliance, Ves is pretty much burning out quickly, hanging by a very short thread. Post-Zakuul, she burns out completely and withdraws from the public eye to recuperate. No expectations, no reputation to live up to, self-inflicted or not. When she returns, she's a little better. Not carrying that baggage but still feeling the ghost of its weight on her shoulders, the gazes from others who only knew her as Darth Avriss.

Lana knows all of this, knows better than to bullshit her with empty reassurances or compliments. But she also knows Ves sometimes pushes all her strengths and achievements onto Avriss; onto the Sith, instead of accepting them as the woman who had become that Sith. Somehow believing herself to be magnificent and wretched as the same time; strong and broken, beautiful and repulsive.

So she makes Ves acknowledge praise for herself. Not Darth Avriss, but herself. Because who is Avriss, if not Vestra becoming who she needed to be to survive, to thrive? Even if Ves doesn't like all she had done as Avriss, the strength needed to be that Sith was herculean. In fact, it took everything she had - and to make it look like nothing, easy as breathing, is only testament to her grace and willpower.

And Lana will hammer that fact into Vestra's skull with a comically oversized mallet until it takes.

(also blahblah, ves needing to let go of perfectionism and stop seeing mistakes and flaws as an indictment of her abilities and self-worth, but mygod this is long enough as it is. holy shit.)

[merichita]

(Goddamn I was finally able to write at least my character's personality and more, buaa. Btw this was translated so any mistakes are not my fault!)

Dr. Harlow

Personality:

Kind and calm at first sight but inside he is just someone empty who needs to use everything in his favor to survive and cure himself of the parasite that consumes him. Harlow is the type of person who will always be kind to manipulate others for their own good, he resorts to this only when it is new information about a possible cure for his parasite or also for other personal reasons, you never know...He has the perfectionism syndrome, where you want to achieve impossible goals and have everything perfect at the same time, which can be understandable due to where you work and what you specialize in, nuclear physics and radiation. He is a little "dishonest" with his own things, in fact almost all of his sanity has worsened since he became home to the parasite or rather: part of it. Even so, his morality is based on the fact that death is not the solution to diseases, that there may be something far beyond where we can find a cure for everything. Basically someone very ambitious for the common "good", he is such an excellent persuader that you will not realize the consequences of the actions required by Harlow's request. He still tries to be useful and help, understand and seek cures, these thoughts originated in his childhood.

He has a fear of getting sick, since his body does not have the best defenses like others. This fear originated as a child and continued until he was an adult, but now with the parasite he no longer gets sick as often, according to his words...Something that not even he admits is that he has hysteria, influenced by his family, specifically his mother's family, deep down he lies to himself that everything is fine with his mentality and health, although not be true.

Family and childhood:

Mother, father and a younger brother! (I will talk about him later since they are both united in each other) childhood is considered the helplessness of not being able to have done anything to cure his mother of her madness. When Harlow was born she was occasionally mistaken for being delicate because she got sick quickly, which her mother associated with her being a "delicate child" and was given the name "Lily" whenever her mother was awake or quiet...Her mother suffered from schizophrenia and was also influenced by family hysteria, which is why she often had violent attacks on her own children. Harlow's father was not present at all, probably sleeping with other women because his wife did not satisfy him for being "crazy." And lastly, to his brother, when he was born, Harlow always protected him from his mother's outbursts so they were always together like this, although their relationship is too complicated at the moment, they are both on thin ice and if they make a bad step everything will crumbles. (I will talk about this when I upload information about the brother since he is another of my ocs that I want to talk about :3!)

SCP Foundation:

He discovered the SCP foundation by persuading a co-worker about where he worked, successfully getting his co-worker to take his recommendation to the SCP foundation, which worked well, and he was admitted and joined the research department, specializing in nuclear physics and radiation, thus over time raising the security level with a lot of effort. He has too much grudge against 05 because they did nothing regarding the parasite case, yet he refrained from doing anything foolish knowing that he is on thin ice with them so he continued to be cooperative with the SCP Foundation to have more trust from his superiors and make the most of it. He mostly isn't so hard on the newbies because he somehow feels some empathy because he reminds him of his brother. So if you see a man waving at you from a distance, get closer, he's just the one wanting to start a conversation with you and get to know you better.

Personal data and details!!

(his clothes, his open eyes and how his hair works)

• Has nosophobia and hysteria

• The brooch that he wears around his neck was a gift from his mother, his brother also wears one of his but the jewel is a different color than his.

• During a containment breach he met SCP-706, where they had a small talk where they became friends, since that day Harlow occasionally visits SCP-706's containment cell as he sees her as a younger sister.

• The four little moles under each eye is something unique among his family that was inherited from his mother

• His favorite animals are owls and seals

• he is a person who can convince anyone of anything

• His favorite flower is hydrangeas and the ones he hates the most are lilies.

• he calls himself with his last name but never with his first name, since he has never mentioned it.

• One of the employees who has never gone to therapy and does not even attend the monthly psychological evaluations, ignoring that, no matter how much he needs it.