#or maybe project: new moon just. isn't that great

[wereh0gz]

Not feeling great abt some of my creative endeavors rn

[jermer10]

Hope it's okay to ask, could we maybe gets his of engie, pyro n sniper finding out their gonna be parents with reader? Or if that's uncomfy at all, maybe he's on them raising a kid with reader/ parent hcs? Hope you have a great day aayyy

TF2 mercs finding out their s/o is pregnant + raising kids hcs

afab reader | the "raising kids" asks are so sweet omgg, thnku anon!!

includes: pyro, engineer, sniper

drabbles under the cut :P

Pyro: - Pyro would be ecstatic, even though their response might be hard to interpret due to their mask - Lots of celebratory gestures—like random dancing, holding your hands, and excitedly pointing at your belly - Would immediately start childproofing everything despite the baby being months away - Pyro might take on an almost overprotective role, always wanting to be close and keep you safe from harm - They would be an incredibly fun parent - always up for playing games, telling wild (and confusing) stories, and engaging in imaginative activities - Loves making colorful, creative toys or crafts for your kid - Your child would likely grow up with a great sense of imagination - Safety is top priority - Pyro would always make sure their child was safe around their beloved fire-related equipment (although you have caught Pyro attempting to teach the small child how to use their flame thrower - weapons weren't allowed in the house after that.) - Tends to take a very hands-on, involved approach - always wanting to entertain, comfort, and spend time with the child

Engineer: - Engi's always wanted kids, and knowing that you were the person to help raise them? It's safe to say he's over the moon - Immediately starts planning both emotionally and practically - he’s a problem-solver, so he begins researching how to best support you through pregnancy - Will design a crib or other baby gear on his own, making sure everything is safe and perfectly customized to how you would like it - Takes on a quiet but confident role, ensuring you’re comfortable and have everything you need - Engineer would be the cool, nerdy dad - building toys, helping with science projects, and encouraging a love for learning - Loves teaching the child practical skills from a young age, whether it’s mechanics, math, or just how things work in general - Will always be there to fix things and solve any problems around the house, and likely pass those skills down to the child - Very patient - always ready to help the kid with whatever they may need - Family is everything to Engineer, and he’d prioritize spending quality time with you and the child

Sniper: - Sniper would be quietly stunned, not sure how to process the news at first, but once it sinks in, he’d be terrified but deeply moved - He isn't someone who wants kids, but seeing you in front of him, smiling and excited to be a parent - it instantly changed his mind - Likely to be concerned about providing a stable life, given his nomadic tendencies, but would resolve to settle down to ensure the best for his future family - Sniper would be a practical, no-nonsense kind of dad, but with a surprising soft side, especially when it comes to bedtime stories or quiet moments - He’d teach the child important survival skills, like camping, fishing, and tracking, wanting them to be independent and capable - Values alone time with the child, whether it's exploring nature or simply sharing quiet moments - Protective, especially in the outdoors - always keeping an eye out and making sure the child is safe in any environment - Although not overly expressive, he’d show his love through actions - always being there, ensuring the family is provided for, and offering quiet support

[vitaminseetarot]

PAC Pick a Ride: Your Next Big Adventure 🌌🌠🌃

Thank you for voting in my latest poll! I'm surprised and glad to see that Next Big Adventure won by a landslide! Seeing as we have the New Moon in Sagittarius on the 12th, it makes sense that we are collectively interested in seeing what the next chapter has in store. Please note that some of these other topics mentioned in my polls may appear in future pick a card readings, so stay tuned.

So without further ado, let's get into our piles! Pretend as though you are a Knight from your favorite tarot deck about to embark on your next journey. Please choose your mode of transportation:

1 - Plane 2 - Ship 3 - Motorbike 4 - Train

Pile 1 - Plane

Cards: Re-Evaluate, Pencil Sketch, The Pilgrim, Ceres - Nurture, Patience, 26. Protection - Finding What's Important; I Magician, 10 of Pentacles, 4 of Pentacles, XIX The Sun Channeled Locations: Canada, Singapore, Morocco, Ukraine, Australia, Philippines, UK, New Zealand, NYC, South Korea

Hi pile 1, you've chosen to travel by air, bypassing all the long troublesome routes. After all, the sky's the limit! Isn't it nice to measure your distance by how the crow flies sometimes? You're ready to catapult yourself into the next big adventure; I can tell there's a lot of excitement to see what's ahead here. You'd rather get to the next phase of your life instantly yet with ease. This is likely the pile with big career goals, especially if moving or actual traveling will be in the big picture. Maybe you're dreaming of traveling by plane as part of your future dream job? You don't just want to get there, as great as that is--it has to be done with intention.

You're in the process of drawing out what your next life would look like. The future seems full of creative possibilities, but with Pencil Sketch next to Re-evaluate, you're being asked to pay attention to the details. How do you want things to go one month from now, and one year from now? As great as it would be to have an entire decade mapped out, it's unrealistic, but it doesn't mean you can't draft some concepts. You should have something in mind, though, instead of setting out with a knapsack and praying for the best. If your next career or long term project could be anything you wanted, are you going to hop into something for 10 years that doesn't end up panning out in your favor, or would you rather delicately test something for a year before diving in? Moving forward can be exciting, but if you're going by plane, you will need some coordinates.

I think your reading is super straightforward, pile 1. You've got a lucky edge going for you with the tarot cards here. Whatever kind of career goal you have in mind, you may have a chance to "make it big" at some point. That won't come without a lot of foresight and careful investment, however. Don't try to rush into any big decisions right off the bat. I occasionally see the Magician card as the one signifying "read between the lines". If any contracts get involved, be very careful and read thoroughly. Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek clarification. The ones giving you the contact would rather see you jump in it blind, but you've got the crafty Magician energy to help you out during this retrograde period.

As eager as you are to begin your next journey, you're being asked to consider what you want to grow over the long term. This reading wants to shift the focus away from the end goal, even if there's a message here about acting with intention. Setting intention doesn't mean straying away from the present moment to only consider what happens in the end. Part of paying attention to detail means being aware and present in what's happening around you. The present moment is a crucial aspect of your growth period, and it wants you to gently guard after and care for your goal as though it were a plant. You know the fruit of the plant will be ready to eat when it's there and fully ripened, but in the meantime you can enjoy its flowers and fresh budding leaves.

Enjoy the gentle growth process, because once you do start to take off, you may be shocked by how high you'll find yourself in mere seconds. The initial lift of the plane as it begins to run with the sky can give you a wonky feeling like your whole world is shifting and moving with you. Your sense of time can change, requiring adjustment. If you're unprepared, the change could feel overwhelming. Make sure that by the time you're ready for that big takeoff in your work or projects, you will have built up a solid foundation to ground you once you're ready to come back down to earth. That's how you'll build lasting success in your life's next adventure. Stay optimistic, because that positive shift could come sooner than you think!

Pile 2 - Ship

Cards: Limitless, Calla, The Alchemist, 10. Capricorn - Achieve, Express Love, 11. Invention - Burning with Passion; X Wheel of Fortune, 4 of Wands, VII Chariot, 10 of Swords Channeled Locations: India, Greece, Ethiopia, Thailand, Spain, Iceland, Turkey, Croatia, South Africa

The seas are calling you, pile 2, calmly asking you to take only what's truly needed with you. The water's may be choppy, but out in the expansive blue seas, you can feel connected to the coasts of the entire world. With a firm grasp of the ship's wheel, you designate yourself captain as you adjust your sails and set your sights for the hidden treasure that lies ahead--or perhaps beneath your anchor. You're entering your next big adventure lit up with grand ideas for what to do all laid out on your map. Over the vast horizon, anything could happen, and you could find yourself shaking hands with anybody new. This pile may be seeking proposals or offers of some kind, ones that will let you dream bigger than you have before. This pile likely has a good idea of where to go next, or at least some interesting things written down.

These cards ask you to make peace with some aspect of your past. It could be that whatever you had planned before didn't entirely work out in your favor. As much as the online community talks about how rejection is divine protection, sometimes having plans fall apart is not going to feel good, even when you're just glad it's over with. The worst thing can be the feeling of not knowing what to expect after a fall. But your next chapter is showing a lot of promise in things to come, so don't let your past be the omen of your future. The tides are turning right now, and if you can focus on what you'd like to accomplish next, you'll be able to shift those tides in your favor. The first step is to see that you've survived the bad times, and that in itself makes you a victor. With that, you can move ahead with more confidence than before.

That's the thing about Capricorn energy: it thrives in conditions that others would consider too harsh or demanding. It's the drive to take the roughest materials and make diamonds from them. Once you can decide to make peace with what you've gone through, you can take the nuggets of wisdom you've garnered to make a beautiful new path for yourself. You dissolve the worst of your experiences and bring them together to make it better, as the Alchemist card suggests. The difficult times and failed attempts were not for waste; you've gained a lot of valuable growth that will provide a smoother current toward success in your next endeavor. This could be the pile that wants to start a business. Please know that simply starting a business, or even taking the first steps to plan one, takes a lot of guts already. If you've managed to go that far, congratulations! It takes a lot of hard work for a new business to be survive the long haul. So celebrate your milestones, no matter how small they seem.

Part of what makes this next chapter so fortuitous for you is how the energy is transiting through. You could be hit with a wave of inspiration from out of nowhere. If you've been stuck in one place without any wind to carry you through the fog, be prepared for that big splash! All hiccups set aside, you're still brimming with a lot of zeal for your next idea. You may even receive a cascade of insight, so be sure to write these things down as they come. You never know if something silly and small could end up helping you out later on. Your next big adventure is going to put the spark back in you, with a feeling of having a second chance at life, as Calla lilies represent rebirth. Don't be afraid to get excited over what's to come, pile 2. Your faith that things will work out for the better is contagious, as is your gratitude for the accomplishments you've made so far.

Pile 3 - Motorbike

Cards: Breathe, Snowboard, The Heir (Rx), 5. Leo - Shine, Balance, 21. Resilience - Finding Your Limits; 6 of Cups, Queen of Cups, Page of Wands, XIII Death Channeled Locations: Mexico, Italy, Midwest US, France, Norway, Egypt, Chile, Brazil

Your pile is like the fiery passion of the wands suit. Independent and bold, you chose to take open road for your next adventure, blazing a new path in front of your very eyes. You have an eagerness to take the world by storm, going wherever your first impulse wishes to carry you. This pile has a lot of drive to move forward to the next chapter with as much speed as possible, optimistic to find that next golden opportunity. And you're not afraid of a little showboating along the way. You even have the Snowboard palette card, which is a sport involving nothing but speeding down slopes and catching incredible air. This pile is the most excited for their next adventure.

Except actually, pile 3, you're being asked to slow down a little bit. And I get it! I get that this message can be so frustrating when you see what looks to be an endless highway yet the speed limit says 55. That might be a good pace for many folks, but for this pile it's not nearly enough! The thing to keep in mind is that this process of moderating your pace is for your overall benefit. See, you have the only reversed archetype card in all the piles. The card speaks of untapped potential, which is still there. It's simply saying that whatever you're seeking to do next, you're not totally ready because there is too much you're still carrying with you. To go with the motorbike analogy again, any leftover baggage from your past is going to weigh you down so it's in your benefit to review what you have before you can move forward. The more you let it go, the faster you'll be able to pick up the pace.

You have a lot to be proud of with how far you've come already. This pile likely thrives on challenges and sees overcoming them as a big part of spiritual development. Which can be true in many cases, and you demonstrate clearly that you're not afraid of what's to come next. It may come as a shock to you that your next chapter might be a little more quiet than expected. This is likely because, if you've gone through a lot of growth in your last chapter, it makes sense to have some downtime to balance things out. The Queen of Cups can be introverted energy, but she knows how to use her alone time to replenish her soul with art and meditation. You may have more time to spend by yourself steeped in creative drive rather than trying to accomplish too many things in the outer world.

This is one of the more spiritually oriented piles; over this next big phase in your life, your creative skills may flourish and evolve to another level. Maybe for a while you've been inclined towards artistic pursuits, but feel a desire to expand upon what you're already doing. With this energy, you're in alignment to have more time and energy to devote towards passions like painting, sports, or music. In this way, you can take that immense enthusiastic drive from the Page of Wands and channel it into something constructive or purposeful, even if you don't intend to monetize it.

Your next big adventure is tackling the speed limits that exist within you: the self imposed beliefs that tell you how fast you can go or where you're allowed to proceed. Thing is, in your inner world, you have a lot more freedom than you would on any highway. You can choose for yourself how you wish to manifest your passions into the world, and you can decide how much or how little passion you put into your work. Things like imposter syndrome can be their own mountains to climb, and this time around you're more geared up than ever to take it on. Once the spiritual mountains have been overcome, you'll be able to top anything the next chapter in life brings you.

Pile 4 - Train

Cards: Nucleus, Billiard Green, The Gambler, 44. Sixth House - Sustainability, Trust, 1. Vision - Contemplating the Future; XVIII The Moon, 10 of Wands, 3 Cups, XV The Devil Channeled Locations: West US, Sweden, Japan, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Slovenia, China, Germany, Switzerland

You've picked the solid, earthy pile of moving forward to your next adventure by train. Locomotion is slow but it's steady and reliable with time. Fully embodying the principles of inertia, once it moves it keeps moving, but it takes a lot of initial effort to get things going. Something you've worked on is slow going, but you're close or nearing the finish line. Once this is accomplished, things will move much more smoothly for you without so much push. Your next chapter will be steady, but it will be easier than before because it's already in motion.

I find this pile intriguing, y'all. You have Gambler above the Billiard card, and the Devil card shows a casino as well. It's almost bringing to mind old train heist movies. There's action, adventure, mystery, and a lot of fun here in this pile. Your next big adventure could involve having more chances to go out and have fun with friends. You could meet new friends around this time who will have a lot of extra pep in their step. They'll get you out of your shell if you've been in one for a while. Alternatively, if you see yourself as a party loving daredevil already, this new friendship may slow you down and protect you a little, in a good sense. They'll either be the head to your heart, or the heart to your head.

This pile is definitely more inclined to go with the flow in the next chapter. I almost typed 'glow' on accident, so perhaps you'll also experience basking in a 'glow' of some kind. You could be overcoming a huge obstacle at this time and look forward to more unstructured down time. You're encouraged to take time to enjoy yourself before moving to the next phase, but to also balance it out by taking moments to see where you'd rather go next. It's easy, after a huge achievement, to lose pace once the "now what?" sign is reached on your path. Go-with-the-flow doesn't necessarily mean 'fuck around and see what happens', lol. Try to find a middle ground here between playing and planning.

Your work-life balance will likely have some kind of pressure valve released like steam. You've had to really push for what you wanted this year. When opportunities looked scant, you had to tap in to your own power and immense resources to pull through. You've done so in flying colors. So your desire for freedom and thrills after a hard chapter is totally understandable. If you're not finished with something, there's almost a temptation here to run from it now and deal with it later. This isn't recommended; push through to the end because soon you will find yourself on the other side basking in the glow, and relaxing will be so much easier once you're fully done.

There's also advice to not get too carried away with material desires here. Your next chapter may have your finances fluctuating up and down, so try to stay steady with investments. If a windfall comes in, don't spend it all in a day. The Trust card here is talking about how you trust yourself with your resources and energy. When you're able to carry a greater amount with more responsibility, more will be added to you in due time. You're being asked to make small and consistent investments with wherever you're putting your value and resources into. Nothing wrong with wanting to splurge on something nice of course, especially if you've been working hard and you want to reward yourself. This is more to do with long term investments over the next few years.

This reading has not been evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or infection. Please ask your physician before going online.

2023, @VitaminseeTarot ™

Decks Used: Tarotwave, Starcodes Astro Oracle, Citadel Oracle, StarDragons, Opal Oracle, Starlight Messages, Color Palette cards

[whirligig-girl]

The aliens arrived in their toroidal flying saucers--enormous gossamer-like structures big enough to put Jupiter in the hole. They projected bodies down to Earth on long threads, and complained.

"What happened?" they pleaded with our planetary scientists.

An awfully open-ended question, but the planetary scientists threw up their hands and explained the current state of the field, about the theory of planetary aggregation and various hypotheses to explain how each of the planets ended up where they are today. The aliens nodded along skeptically at times, but they seemed especially disappointed by the Lunar geologists.

"Excuse us," their leader said politely, rising into the sky towards geostationary orbit on a great thread.

And so it was for the next few decades that the aliens set to work correcting what they saw as the great mistakes of the solar system's formation. Perhaps Venus never cooled down enough to avoid a runaway greenhouse effect, or maybe something about its specific volatile mass had been off. Either way, it was the first to be treated. By the time it was done, perhaps 20 years in, it was a blue world with brown continents and white clouds. While another saucer had come to work its magic on Mars, the first saucer returned.

"Eh, we'll need you to give planet two a good head start with the whole biosphere thing. We hadn't bargained on life starting up there halfway through the lifespan of the Sun. If it's no trouble, that is."

A new habitable planet provided the space program no shortage of funding!

Mars was finished, just a few years later, a comparatively simpler job. The aliens advised humans not to interfere with this one just yet, to perhaps give it a few hundred megaannum or so for the life to diversify and develop before contaminating it.

But the saucers didn't leave. They seemed to drift throughout the inner solar system. They took some curious expeditions to Europa and Enceladus--robotic NASA spacecrafts recorded deep probing threads piercing the ice--but didn't seem impressed.

They kept returning to the Moon.

At last, the aliens projected down on their long threads to a university. "You're sure that's how it happened?" they said.

The lunar-planetary scientists showed the alien ambassadors rocks from the Apollo and Artemis expeditions, computer simulations of various types of giant impacts, of synestias and hours-long instant formations and debris disks and gas instability, of an oversized iron core and large low-shear-velocity-provinces.

"We think the water on Earth may even have been delivered through a giant impact from a KBO, though there's some concerns about isotopic ratios."

"No, no," said the alien. "The initial coorbital hypothesis is the correct one."

The alien sighed--it had picked up human body language well over the past 35 years--"This just won't do," it said. It left the building, shaking its head. "It just won't do."

The planetary scientists ran after the alien, as it started reeling its thread back. "Wait!" they said. "What are you going to do?"

"This Moon thing of yours just isn't big enough to hold onto an atmosphere. I'm afraid it's not good enough."

The aliens rose into the sky.

Within a few months the Moon had been lost from the sky, and a years later had been relocated to the L4 lagrange point. The aliens came back, apologetically. "Terribly sorry," they said, "We're in the final phases of the plan," they said.

The Earth Emergency Government representative stepped forward. "Final… phases?" he said.

"Theia was always meant to be a trojan of your Earth, you see. Something must have gone wrong when the gas disk dissipated."

"I don't understand," the representative said.

"My apologies," the alien said, "I'm used to dealing with your planetary researchers."

Many masses of threads now fell gracefully from the skies. When they touched down, they effortlessly bored deep holes. The ground shook. The representative's heart rate skyrocketed.

"It's just that we're going to have to repossess the planet Theia now."

[risingsuntarot]

1--2

3

What are you currently not seeing ?

My lord I'm so sorry I've been gone for so long I kinda jus felt so unmotivated and kinda went hermit mode for quite a while so I apologize for my absence!! Anyways I wanted to make a come back with a reading regarding being trapped, blinded or stuck on something that is unfortunately, hindering your process ;+(

Also * will indicate a reversal from here on out also only three piles because I wanted to get this out ASAP !!

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

Pile 1

---Cards pulled---

5 of Coins/4 of Wands*/The magician

3 of coins*/The Moon

---Clarification---

9 of coins/9 of Swords/The hierophant

Ace of wands/3 of wands

There is most likely a financial or material issue happening, I heard "just enough to get by"

It looks like you lack in what you currently need as well? But despite this you are content or try to come off that way

Maybe you just moved into your own apartment recently? Or now have to pay rent or something along those lines

A new responsibility within your family/home life too

There's a lack of confidence here especially within self and home life

Something or someone in your home isn't making you feel quite safe? Or you get nightmares about them (if this is the case please seek help!!) that might be a very specific message BUT Could also be ready as you may be dealing with flashbacks at this time due to financial or material loss !! Maybe you grew up in poverty or an unstable home? Or your parents/caregivers weren't able to provide necessities?

It looks like with the magician and the hierophant there is a gift on the horizon or a very promising belief or like system? Maybe a change in routine or spending habits and thinking will help tremendously

I see that on your end for some your guides are frustrated with your lack of effort and motivation to make your thousands of ideas a reality

They absolutely love your creativity tho don't get me wrong

Maybe you have a hard time focusing right now and have many great ideas to put into place but lack motivation or resources as well so this leads to lack of movement or commitment

Sadness, restless emotions and late sleepless nights are prominent here, someone may deal with insomnia here but y'all sleep schedule is wack (same tho)

Feeling blocked and frustrated >:+(

---ORACLE/ADVICE---

Summer - "Bask in Joy and Light"

"Rise up, open your wings and shine. Bring your projects and plans into into the light, into manifestation" as soon as I opened the guidebook lil

DEADASS do that's just that, start off easy with a lobes hobby, draw something new or listen to a new genre, learn that new music sheet that has been challenging you or even get into a new type of skill to re motivate you !!

This also indicates summer may be your time of change!! New opportunities, new memories maybe even knew people

I feel like this is the perfect time to go outside, bask in sunlight and enjoy a nearby park or go on a nature hike, try meeting new people at libraries, bars or events even book clubs?

I'm getting a message to connect more with water so swimming or maybe even kayaking?

The big message here is try something n e w but I'm also being told to "loosen up" I'm tensing up a lot with this reading

Bumble bees maybe significant to someone :+) or honeycombs cereal? Lmao honey and bee related things here

---Channeled Songs---

Ego brain - SOAD

"You see my pain is real

Watch my world dissolve

And pretend that none of us see the fall

As I turned to sand

You took me by the hand

And declared, that love prevails over all"

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

Pile 2

---Cards pulled---

Temperance/9 of Wands/Ace of cups*

Knight of Coins/6 of Wands

---Clarification---

5 of Coins/The Lovers*/8 of Coins

The Moon/Queen of Wands

Okay so there's a sense for reluctance from this pile tbh like to fully acknowledge the truth

I keep wanting to say what happened so you may be being asked this question a lot

For one there is guilt over either healing and moving on or from not healing and moving on from a difficult situation but for most it's a romantic connection

I feel like voices were silenced, and you were constantly fighting for you right to be heard, seen or acknowledged fairly

It was a toxic dynamic that you still look back on to this day but almost feel indifferent but it seems it's just suppressed emotions and memories that you have yet to actually acknowledge

You seem to be a BIT too logical with what happened, like everything was supposed to be this way even this you didn't at all anticipate it if that makes sense

Like you knew what it was exactly, no bs and people tried convincing you otherwise

It looks like someone may come to you to talk about what happened although you may be reluctant to actually open up and speak on your side or even acknowledge that it hurts

It's like you go on about your day with a heavy rain cloud over your head and this person can see :+(

it maybe a friend to help you through this for some possibly offering you a type of hype sesh or even help you glow up a bit even if it's confidence lol

---ORACLE/ADVICE---

Wolf- "Take care of your needs"

I feel like you definitely need rest here, this card says "Do everything you need to do to be at your best, Then move beyond your fears and limitations"

it feels like a state of I can FINALLY get some rest from running and running and running

You've been in survival mode for so long or you just genuinely feel exhausted from the expectations around you or the trauma in your past

Know that's it's okay to just chill out and it's okay to be on your own for a while it's all part of the process, in fact I believe your guides are asking you to spend time with yourself more

Self care and YouTube days are recommend :+))

---Channeled Songs---

Around the fur - Deftones

"Please don't fuck around and die like this

'Cause I love her"

Brand new numb - Motionless in white

"All of my flaws, I wear 'em with honor

A purple heartbreak for all we've suffered"

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

Pile 3

---Cards pulled---

The Hierophant*/King of cups/4 of Swords

Wheel of fortune/5 of wands*

---Clarification---

Ace of Swords*/5 of Swords/Queen of Coins

The Hermit*/Queen of Cups

This may be a more masculine in terms of energy for this pile but I'll still read the same

So it seems there was a hypocrisy or an act that went against your morals and you were quick to act and deliver your opinion... "sharply"

You stood your ground and what you believed in in your heart despite the haters lol, and despite the arguments or how many people you had to leave behind something about conflict here

Although the way you did this was quite nonchalantly and someone was not a fan I'm picking up on black hair and green for the description for some reason

This person tends to be the center of attention? Or is very attractive, or maybe even a bit out of place almost ? But you not caring is pissing them off

I see there's gonna be change to the situation but someone may have to trail off onto their own path :+( a bit shunned almost but it's a high probability it's this other person

It's possible someone with the same morals and values as you is helping the conflict "die out" but not caring or almost standing in solidarity

---ORACLE/ADVICE---

High Priest - "Intend and Create"

"Recognize you have the power to change you life. Face your fear and align with the light"

Kind of a plain message but with this card I am getting that you can literally move anyway you want with this and just move on

It seems your intentions were nothing but pure in the end so no Karma was ever delivered to you

How unfortunate for the other person :+pp

It also seems some may follow in your path a bit here but spirits asking you to reach out to someone like a teacher for further guidance if you feel stuck

---Channeled Songs---

Riptide - Grandson

"I've tried getting better, did all of the twelve steps

Whoever would'a thought? Whoever could've guessed?"

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

[witchthewriter]

Whenever works best for you, could I ask for a character/personality profile for Harry Potter? He’s my favorite character in whole series (and I adore Daniel Radcliffe 🥰)

I sure can! It is canon (I think) for his Sun, Moon & Rising. And his Venus, Mercury & Mars were really easy to find - many agreed on this and honestly, I do too. However, having a triple fire Big 3 doesn't exactly make sense for Harry in my opinion.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞: 𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑦 𝐽𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑃𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟

𝐌𝐁𝐓𝐈

𝑰𝑺𝑭𝑷

ISFPs want the freedom to pursue their own course in life, set their own schedule, and live according to their personal values. These types crave freedom for themselves and want others to enjoy freedom as well. They are typically sensitive, kind, and gentle and crave a life that is meaningful and personally rewarding. They balance this with a realistic, practical, and factual outlook on life.

𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓

𝑵𝒆𝒖𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒍/𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝑮𝒐𝒐𝒅

I couldn't choose just one, I'm a bit torn. Harry wants to do good; it's his nature, he knows what it feels like to be alone, friendless as well as defenseless. For example, he was going to take Peter to the proper authorities. And yet, there is chaos wherever Harry goes.

𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃

𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉

The Death card is probably the most feared and misunderstood of all the Tarot cards. It's confronting, even if it doesn't mean actual death - it can also mean there will be a huge change or transformation of some sort.

This card symbolizes an end. But it also means something bigger and better is coming. All you have to do is put the past behind you and part ways. Embrace new opportunities and possibilities.

𝐒𝐔𝐍

𝑳𝒆𝒐

As a fixed sign, the Lion holds the qualities of being a sustainer, making those with Leo in their charts great at dedicating themselves passionately to projects as well as taking leadership in inspiring their team. Ruled by the sun, these natives can be thought of as the "performers" of the zodiac that will courageously set themselves in the center of any dynamic.

Harry always finds himself in the centre of attention; whether he likes it or not. But it's very telling in the fourth novel/adaption, when he wins; Harry is loving the attention - revving up the crowd, revelling in their cheers & celebration.

𝐌𝐎𝐎𝐍

𝑨𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔

Aries Moon individuals exude independence and courage, radiating a powerful light that guides them through life's challenges. Their innate bravery propels them into leadership roles and encourages them to carve their own paths. This is a perfect description of Harry's overall personality actually. Always a natural leader, a light through the darkness, an encourager etc. Also, it should be noted that Harry's temperament simply has little patience for lies, because he views them as annoying obstacles in the way of the truth.

𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆/𝐀𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐓

𝑺𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒖𝒔

Harry’s fiery, courageous nature is not a front. It is genuine, neither forced nor repressed; it emerges effortlessly from within. These complementary fire signs also indicate a person who values truth too much to fabricate facts. Sag Risings are curious, brave, adventurous and one could say - are natural amplifiers. I.e., they can push people out of their comfort zone (can be good as well as bad).

𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐘

𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓

Great at keeping secrets, intuitive, innovative and creative - maybe this is the part of Harry that's Ravenclaw? Emotions are part of everything people with this placement do. They tend to make decisions, judgments, and plans based on feeling alone. This is seen when Harry believes Sirius is introuble. Once he feels something, nothing can sway him.

𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐔𝐒

𝑮𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒊

This aspect thrives in diversity and likes a challenge - much like Harry (the kind of challenge that isn't life threatening, more like Quidditch.) Venus Gemini's want to live their life with full enthusiasm and be energetic. This placement is also very curious; when Harry finds out about the Wizarding World, all he can do is try to learn, know more - see more. It's not enough to wait, he wants to understand.

𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐒

𝑳𝒊𝒃𝒓𝒂

Mars in Libra is not one to lose control but it is one to fear losing control. Mars and Libra don't mix. Libra is all about fairness, equality, diplomacy. Harry believes in a fair fight. Equality matters and Libra, while normally passive, is willing to fight to ensure this balance is maintained.

[classicanalyzer]

What If Season 3 - What If... The Hulk fought the Mech Avengers? Thoughts

"The rage isn't even the worst part when he takes over. It's the fear. The fear I see in everyone else's eyes." Bruce Banner

"And how does that make you feel?" Sam Wilson

"Lonely. Because if I'm being honest, I'm just as scared of myself as they are of me." Bruce Banner

"Well, look around you. Ain't no one's afraid of you here, Bruce." Sam Wilson

Really strong start to the final season. I didn't expect the emotions to be the episode's main focus. I really love what they did with Bruce and Sam while highlighting the tragedy of Bruce's character and Sam's greatest strength: empathy.

I love how we open with an anime Godzilla and Gundam homage with the in-universe show of the Mech Avengers taking on the Gamma Beasts.

The Sam and Bruce dynamic was something I was not expecting at all (and a nod to the Winter Soldier is always great). But man, it hits you really hard when Bruce lays down the tragedy of his character and situation: how he's just as scared of himself as the people who are scared of him. And you really feel Sam trying to help connect to Bruce. I love it when the MCU remembers Sam is a counselor.

It was pretty noice to see the What If series connect to the D+ shows with Sarah, the family boat, and Moon Knight. It's heartbreaking to see Bruce transform into the Hulk and become scared of how even if Sam understands, he still can't let go of the feeling he's the problem. The episode really highlights how you have to keep on trying to recover (in this case, keep on going to therapy) and not detach yourself from others, or else you'll do actions not that great in hindsight. It's what makes the tragedy of Banner's character in the MCU so compelling. He doesn't want to separate himself from others but he feels like he can't.

I love how the Mech Avenger suits are in-universe supposed to be giant Hulk-Busters. The Gamma War (the closest thing we'll get to a World War Hulk haha) took out the OG Avengers save for Bruce, and man I would love to see what the first war looks like. It really does set the tone of why Sam feels like being friends with Banner was a mistake given the destructive war it wrought.

I also love this new Avengers team. I can't believe we got an Avengers team before the discussion of one in the upcoming Brave New World movie lmao. I do find it sad how this is the first time since 2021 and 2022 that we saw some of these characters (Shang-Chi and Mark Spector to name some). I also like Monica's role in the episode, I always like seeing character interactions we don't see in the Sacred Timeline.

I find it sad how Sam, the person with empathy and understanding towards people, thinks being Banner's friend messed up everything.

It was pretty funny how Banner made his home at an abandoned government project (he even noted how it made him fit the most) at the Astra Islands.

"So that's it, huh? The rest of the world gets to fight your monsters while you just hide in fear?" Sam Wilson

"Fear? What do you know about fear, Sam? About being a threat. A living force of destruction." Bruce Banner

"I know you can't get past the things that scare you if you don't face them." Sam Wilson

"Why do you think I built this protocol?" Bruce Banner

"You built it to use against yourself?" Sam Wilson

"I built it to protect everyone from a monster no one can control." Bruce Banner

"Look, I've never seen a monster when I look at you, Bruce. I've only ever seen my friend. I guess I hoped if you faced this thing, then maybe you'd see what I see, too." Sam Wilson

That conversation between Sam and Bruce really set the emotional core of the episode. Despite how Sam felt about earlier, he still saw deep down that Bruce was still his friend and still tried to help Bruce face his fears, even if he didn't think that was possible. I admittedly felt a bit teary-eyed at the episode and the emotional core. I just love to see people tell others that they're not monsters.

"Avenger, assemble." Sam Wilson

The Avenger mech assemble goes so fucking hard. I only wished we got more action sequences with the mechs, but the emotional core of the story really carried the episode. That nuclear explosion shot is done really well. And I love scenes where the human character sees the Godzilla monster and realizes they're not a monster, but a friend. That's what the episode is all about: how people see themselves and how accepting them can save not only the world but themselves as well.

The music by Laura Karpman and Nora Kroll-Rosenbaum is amazing and very emotional in this episode. I can't wait to see their music in the rest of this season (Hopefully, their music album will contain a lot more tracks than just one per episode because Disney did a disservice to the duo by doing just that for S2). The music really captures the emotional and epic stakes of the Gundam and Godzilla-inspired episode.

This was a great start to the final season of What If (hopefully not the permanent end). Hopefully, the next three episodes will be a lot more light-hearted but we'll see.

"I know you've always been scared that everyone just sees you as a monster. But from where I'm standin', all I see now is a friend. And I'd bet my life that you still see one, too." Sam Wilson

"I'm sorry, Sam. I know he was your friend." Monica Rambeau

"He still is." Sam Wilson

"Big things have small beginnings. Even the way a person sees themselves can change their lives and the fate of the entire world. But in humanity's darkest hour, sometimes the greatest heroes are the friends who accept us for who we really are." Uatu

[orphanheirs]

🥃: If your OC was in this universe, what would be their favourite show/book/band/social media platform?

For both Tristan and Crispin <3

Yay thanks for sending!! From this ask game!

To preface, I'm pitifully unaware of a lot of current media because I live under a rock. So prepare for a lot of old references. Also I'm American so. Yeah.

Tristan:

Show-Maybe some of these?: Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, American Horror Story: Coven, Dragula, America's Next Top Model, Project Runway, True Blood, Euphoria, those history/travel channel "documentaries" about paranormal mysteries and prophecies, ghost hunting shows, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, The Owl House, Penny Dreadful

Book-Tristan would read a mix of books for kids his own age and adult books because he's at an advanced reading level and annoying about it: A Series of Unfortunate Events, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, Frankenstein, The Castle of Otranto, The Mysteries of Udolpho, The Picture of Dorian Grey, The Vampire Chronicles, Pure Dead Magic, Catherine Called Birdy, Anne of Green Gables, Emily of New Moon, Edgar Allan Poe stories

Band-Tristan loves music, even in the 1800s. Here's just a sampling of some artists I've thought before that he would like if he lived today: Grimes, Caroline Polachek, Emilie Autumn, Sarah Slean, Kate Bush, Rasputina, Jack Off Jill, Kim Petras, Gwen Stefani, Lene Lovich

Social media-TikTok, Tumblr

Crispin:

Show- Crispin's taste in TV would be um...something..: The Great British Bake Off, old violent cartoons like Bugs Bunny or Tom and Jerry, Invader Zim, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Diners Drive-Ins ad Dives, 1000 Ways to Die, Metalocalypse, The Addams Family

Book- Crispin isn't as bookish as Tristan, but maybe he'd like: Bunnicula, Scary Stories to Tell In the Dark, Goosebumps, choose your own adventure books, Roald Dahl books (such as The Witches and James and the Giant Peach), The Halloween Tree and Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury, books about cool/weird animals (like bats and snakes), probably comic books

Band- Korn, Nine Inch Nails, Kittie, Disturbed, Slipknot

Social media- Youtube

I think there'd be some cross over in what they liked if they were modern (ish) middle schoolers too--like I think they'd both like some of the same shows and some of the same music. They're lowkey highkey based on me and my best friend in middle school so you should also know they would both shop at hot topic. This is imperative.

[aggravateddurian]

Swooped by a Bird, Part 3

This is part of a series explaining how So Mi returns to NC.

Part 2 here

"Hey, V. It's good to see you again," said Song So Mi, or at least, the spectral projection of the netrunner, visible through some kind of backdoor in Vega's neural net.

"So Mi... long time no see... considering the last time we spoke, you sent me a snowglobe from the Moon, then blocked me. We pretending that you didn't cut the comms lines?"

So Mi nodded, her eyes turning away, "Necessary precaution. Myers has half of the netrunners in Langley looking for me. Even the protocol I'm using to talk to you now isn't entirely secure."

"I couldn't risk them tracking me..." she then turned back to Vega, "tracking you."

"Uh-huh. Fair, I guess," Vega nodded, "there's also the whole lying to me thing. How'm I to be sure you aren't out to screw me?"

"Yeah... there's that as well..."

"I've... made a lot of mistakes, V. I fucked over a lot of people... lost a lot of friends in the process. Likely wouldn't have ended up the way it was if I was a little less... gonk," she slouched over, "I thought about you... 'specially you. Been thinking about you... how I used you... I shouldn't have, V."

"Look, So Mi, I..."

"Hang on a sec," she stopped her, "not a day went by where I felt guilty about stealing it for myself, not at least investigating a way to use it for both of us. I found out... a year later that I was wrong about the cure. We could've used it... both of us... but I was too selfish."

"It doesn't matter now," Vega told her, "We found our own cures. Yours... a lot easier than mine. Had to die again to find mine. New body courtesy of Arasaka... klepped, o' course, got a reputation to keep up."

She faintly smiled, "I looked for your sig in the NET, V. Your biochip gave off a unique signal that I could identify in a heartbeat... I started to lose hope after it disappeared, 'bout the end of May '77. Then, I pinged it one day, and suddenly there you were... in Pacifica of all places."

V began to grin. It was a very Johnny grin, the kind that grew on one's face then their ego had been suitably stroked, "So I have a unique signature? Good to know, raises my ego immensely."

So Mi tilted her head, "You're a unique woman."

"Try my hardest."

"Anyway... I'm... relieved, that you're still alive, V... I don't have a lot of friends left."

"What's your plan, So Mi? Why contact me now?"

She blinked, deliberately, "I'm coming back to Earth, V. To NC, precisely. The moon's great, but I'm sick of hiding. Looking to not waste this new life I have."

"Okay... but why NC? Myers has goons all over the place. City's lousy with FIA agents and operatives."

"And Myers wouldn't dare risk the resource commitment needed to eliminate me... especially with you beside me. Arasaka would not look at that mildly - especially with Yorinobu Arasaka at the helm. He's just itching for an excuse to send a suicide drone through the White House window."

"Ironic - Arasaka's one of the greatest threats to our world, but they're our saviour from Rosalind Myers."

"Exactly," So Mi replied, "At least in NC, it's real air, real earth... there's an opportunity for a life, not just survival."

"So Mi! No spaceplane crashes, no shady deals with warlords? No double cross? Are you losing your edge?"

"As much as I'd love to have a calling card, it's probably better not to attract Myers' attention."

"Damn!" exclaimed Vega, "I thought you were dragging me into a cloak and dagger black ops thing. You may have gotten me to drag out that Black Ops bodysuit... you're missing out."

So Mi's smile turned subtly devious, "Damn... maybe I will need to crash a spaceship, just to see you in it."

The reply shocked her. She reached for her neck, "Um... a-are you flirting with me, right now?"

So Mi maintained eye contact with Vega for a few moments, her grin firmly painted on her face, "I'll call you when I'm back in NC. Later, V - be seeing you soon..."

"Was... was she hittin' on me? Or just being flirty? Like Panam was? Fuck..."

That was when Johnny decided to make his grand return. He stood, side-eyeing Vega, stroking his beard, "If it looks like a bird, and chirps like a bird... she was definitely thinking about doing one of two things to you..."

"Johnny..." Vega grumbled, "nice of you to show up."

"Bitch fuckin' put me on pause!" Johnny replied, "It hurt, too. Girl needs to be a bit gentler with the hardware she plays in... anyway, she either wants something from you, or she wants you. She could be tugging your heart strings to get what she wants from you, then leave you used and abused on the roadside, like an empty Slaught-O-Matic."

Vega shook her head, huffing, "And I don't need to guess which one you think she's after."

"Honestly, she could be after both, Vega. She's a fuckin' spook. She's trained in fuckin' emotional manipulation, gaslighting and professional lying. Couldn't trust her as far as I could throw 'er... but also, two years have passed. Things done changed for others, V, maybe she changed as well... maybe you fixed her."

"So... you think there's maybe a chance she's not just having me on? She wants to start a new life in NC, truly? And I'm part of that vision?"

"Fuck, V," exclaimed Johnny, "I'm just an engram living rent-free in your mind, leaving chip crumbs on your couch and airing my used shirts on your TV - the fuck do I know?"

Johnny sighed, running a hand through his hair, "Or... maybe... might be that you have a certain aura that attracts a certain type, Vega."

Vega rolled her eyes, "Enlighten me, oh master of human relationships."

"Judy Alvarez, River Ward, Song So Mi. What do they have in common, V? What keeps happening between you and them that draws them to what's inside your sweatpants?"

"Dunno, Johnny. Maybe I'm just a nice girl, and they're attracted to my sensitive soul... and definitely nothing to do with my body."

"Wrong," Johnny retorted, his expression obvious to what he thought of Vega's suggestion, "You enter their life, help them out of fucked up experiences. You're always there for them... they fall for you, straight into your crotch... or, maybe...?"

Vega let out a deep sigh, "This should be good..."

Johnny grinned, "You've finally developed my famous charismatic impact, and the guys and girlies just can't rizz-ist you. Just remember, V: with great power, comes great rizz-ponsibility."

Vega stared blankly at him... more correctly, through him. She closed her eyes and huffed at Johnny's early 21st century slang, and a pun that was likely already old when the towers fell, "Fucking Christ, Johnny. Can't believe I preferred our argument to this conversation..."

[dragonscanwrite]

GoS: Time and Place - Part 2

As the afternoon stretched into the evening, a bivouac was located to the side of the main path. A fire pit sat in the middle of a clearing surrounded by wide logs. A crude arrangement of stone slabs and logs made up a number of shelters.

A hunting party was organised, several others were tasked with preparing the fire and the rest of the expedition took the time to rest and figure out a sentry rotor for the night.

Ka'rah dropped her pack and unfurled her bedroll under one of the shelters. She then hung up a little charm of Sotek, whispering a prayer to the god before fishing out her datapad from its belt-mounted case and sat down on one of the logs, tapping away at it.

Ruq-Gar had been tasked with helping the radio operators. He was holding up a long pole with an antenna tied to the end and being given very specific instructions on where to turn it.

Amongst the bustle of activity Xi-Boc watched, pacing around the camp slowly. He was paying particular attention to the New Brood now that they were beginning to relax and unwind for the evening. A few kept shaking their heads, or grasping at them them. Ka'rah was massaging her temples between trying to write out something on the datapad.

The Old-Blood let out a few grunts that called attention to him. "You feel it don't you?" he said, "Those who have felt it before will find comfort in its familiar grasp. For those who haven't, what you feel is the strength of the Geomantic Web. Powerful rivers of magic, anchored in place by the great Temple Cities of Lustria. Part of the mighty works of the great Old Ones." He circled the fire as it rapidly came to life.

"When you are acclimatised to it, you will be able to sense your direction. Those of us who grew up with it can even navigate by it. " He paused for a moment before continuing, addressing the concentration of New Brood Saurus and Skinks around the shelters.

"Now that you are on the world that our kind was originally designed for, you may find new aspects of your body or minds begin to activate or work differently. Stay attuned to that."

After another two days on the march, the high ziggurats of Tlaxtlan began to come into view. The fires burning atop their summits twinkled in the night sky like stars. They would reach the city tomorrow.

###

As dawn broke, Xi-Boc called the entire expedition to him.

"We will enter the City of the Moon today. This will be our first contact with a major regional power. First impressions count for a lot. We want to project the power and prestige of our great city of Sotzalzan. I want everything on display, plumes, armour, weapons, everything. And I want it gleaming. You have an hour. Then we will form up and march in parade formation. Get to it!"

It hadn't escaped anyone's notice that the old Saurus general had been so much more vocal and animated these past few days. His normal stoic, reserved demeanour had been shifted aside as they had closed the distance with the temple city. In fact, he'd been somewhat agitated since their arrival on this world.

Ka'rah pointed this out to Ruq-Gar as they bathed in one of the brooks that ran near the camp. He simply shrugged. "The guy is maybe happy to be back home at last. If someone stole me away from Sotzalzan for thirty, fifty years, I'd feel happy to return."

"I don't think that's it. He's always saying how this isn't home, how this is an alien world. I thought he and Scar Veteran Ataxor were going to have fight about it before we left."

"Are you two done?" a disgruntled Skink chirped.

"Sorry"

The two Saurus rinsed themselves before leaving the brook.

###

The column of lizardmen looked impressive. Their scales, armour and weapons gleamed amongst the riot of colour from feathered headdresses, cosmetics and accessories. At the head of the column marched Xi-Boc and his two Scar Veterans. Just behind them were the Skink Priests and engineers. Then came the five Temple Guard of Xi-Boc's retinue. Finally marched two columns of Saurus side by side, each lead by a Champion. Each column were flanked by a column of Skinks.

The anticipation of entering the legendary city of Tlaxtlan was making many of the lizardmen restless. While the marched at a decent rate, to some, it did not seem fast enough. Ka'rah could feel her heart pounding under the colourful shawl she wore around her shoulders. Tlaxtlan did not have much in the way of city walls. It began as small, utilitarian buildings scattered amongst farms, animal pens and fishing ponds. But gradually they build up in density and grandeur. They were in the city proper when both sides of the road were surrounded by strong, brightly painted stone buildings. The road itself had become a wide, processional way, lined with tall trees and stelae. It lead directly to the towering pyramid temple of Tlazcoatl which sat on a immense platform.

Ka'rah and Ruq-Gar looked around constantly, taking in all the sights and sounds. Their tongues flicked in and out almost constantly, picking up as many scents as possible. They were somewhat oblivious to the attention they were getting. Xi-Boc kept a watchful eye though. He didn't know how anyone would react to seeing them in their strange outfits, carrying strange weapons. He tried to think about how he himself as a younger Saurus may have reacted. The truth of the matter is that he had been good at adapting and had adapted over time since arriving to the new world too. While he was seen as a crusty old hold-out of the Old World there, he was hyper-aware of the ways in which he no longer fitted here in Lustria. Especially the idle thought that scudded across his mind that the great central Pyramid in evening light would make for an incredible painting. He'd have to sent Aktaka, his scribe back here to take a few pictures for him later.

Te'al'k was feeling extremely light-headed. She had never experienced the presence of such reserves of raw magic flowing under the streets. She turned to look at the other Skink priests who were taking it in their stride. They had all been on Lustria before though, well, except for Te'al'k herself. She could also feel the presence of some great intellect, somewhere on the edge of perception and completely inscrutable to her.

To the surprise of the expedition and Xi-Boc, an honour guard of Temple Guard lined the main thoroughfare and an Old-Blood Saurus in it's ceremonial wear waited for them. Xi-Boc ordered the column to stop as he met with the Old-Blood. It raised its fist to its chest, pounding it once and then held it up in greeting.

"I am Old-Blood Gox-Krok of Tlaxtlan. You are the far-travellers I presume? We received word that you were travelling through Xahutec on your way here." it spoke with carefully pronounced high-saurian.

"Well met, that is correct. I am Old-Blood Xi-Boc of Sotzalzan."

The two mighty Saurus bowed, touching their bony crests for a moment.

"I have been asked to escort you and your delegation."

Without waiting for a reply he turned and started marching. Xi-Boc gave the order to follow. He noticed that the Temple Guard took up station either side of his own column. He was unsure of what they might do if they deviated beyond the path Gox-Krok was taking them on.

They were lead down a number of wide roads and across a wide plaza decorated in fine mosaics. A lesser pyramid temple stood at the other side. It was still tall enough to rise above the treeline. They were lead directly up the many stairs to the top of the ziggurat.

At the summit stood a Skink Starseer and two more Star Priests. As Xi-Boc approached, the Starseer muttered something to one of the Star Priests who turned and walked into the large stone temple that occupied most of the platform at the top. Gox-Krok moved to one side letting Xi-Boc and the Starseer meet face to face.

"I have brought forth the far-travellers." the Old-Blood said, bowing.

The Starseer looked Xi-Boc up and down. It was clearly very old. Every movement seemed to be executed with deep consideration. It stretched out it's scrawny arms, the many gold bands on them must have weighed them down considerably.

"Welcome far-traveller. Welcome to the Temple of Tepoc. My master has been looking forward to meeting with you. "

Xi-Boc had the horrible realisation that they were being prepared for a direct meeting with one of the cities Slann mage priests. The New Brood had never experienced the presence of one of those magnificent and terrifying beings. Lizardmen, or lizardmen as he knew them had an instinctual deference and need to worship the almighty mages. How would the New Brood react?

The delegation had spread itself out along the full width of the staircase, looking up at the Skink priests and their colourful feathered headdresses. Te'al'k took hers off and began examining the gold for any dirt and preening the feathers in it. A few of the Saurus started examining their own weapons. Xi-Boc stood stolid and impassive as the two Skink engineers started whispering to each other behind him. The wait continued.

Finally, the Skink Star Priest returned.

"The master will see you and a section of your delegation now." it said as it bowed low before the Old-Blood.

Xi-Boc turned, nodding to two of his own Temple Guard, and both of his Scar Veterans. He also indicated for the engineers and Skink Priests to follow and then scanned the others. Finally he pointed to two each of Saurus and Skinks from the New and Old Broods to come to the top of the platform. With his selection made he turned back towards the Starseer who slowly blinked in acknowledgement and then lead the way, slowly into the temple building.

###

The chamber they entered was impressive, while the ceiling soared upwards, they descended a staircase making the size of the room even more striking. A faint glow emanated from behind numerous raised panels on the walls, highlighting the complex geometric patterns carved into the walls and ceiling. The floor itself was a maze of blue tiles and gold filaments running this way and that in arcane arcs. Where the arcs intersects, glittering gemstones surrounded by circles of gold were embedded into the floor. Ahead of them stood an enormous basalt platform and thrown. Itself, decorated not ornately, but very finely in traceries of gold and emerald. A great arc of feathers was raised over the mighty chair where sat the mighty form of the Slann Mage Priest. A huge ruby-studded emerald pendant hung around its neck rose and fell slowly with the Slann's slow and steady breaths. Its round and toad-like body seemed fully asleep upon its stone thrown as the delegation filed in and spread out around it.

Ka'rah could feel a strange sensation deep in her that she had never felt before. The feeling felt so ingrained that it was a part of her physical form. If that bloated beast upon the thrown ordered her to march into an inferno she would do it, unquestionably. But it was more than that, she, it felt that all it's worries and fears and hopes were as insignificant as that of a grain of sand. But a grain of sand next to millions of other grains, each as important as the next in forming a great slab of stone, which itself was only one of many forming a mighty edifice of the gods of such power and complexity that it was incomprehensible to mortal minds. It was both terrifying and comforting.

"Lord Chuqa-xi, I have present to you the far-travellers as requested." the Starseer said, prostrating itself before the Slann.

Slowly, very slowly one eye opened, then the other. Lord Chuqa-xi gazed upon the outsiders from a distance of thousands of years. With a slight movement of one hand the walls on one side of the chamber shuddered and began lowering into the floor. A wave from the other hand had the walls on the other side lower too. The bright, mid-afternoon light flooded in.

Xi-Boc lowered himself to his knees, head bowed and one fist clenched over his heart. The others followed, the New Brood being somewhat slower on the uptake. The Old-Blood recognised that this was one of the younger Slann, a mere administrator compared to the great Starmasters, but still, a figure of almost god-like consideration for anyone who was not a Slann.

"Your Lordship. I am Xi-Boc, General of the great temple city of Sotzalzan.", his voice boomed through the chamber. "Our vessel was caught in a storm and we have wrecked upon your domain. I humbly ask for accommodation and assistance in repairs. Then we will depart to continue on our voyage."

the Old-Blood could feel the Slann's mind boring into his own. He felt that his every thought and memory was being turned over and picked through, as a giant anteater overturns rocks an boulders, looking for morsels. Even down as far as his deepest regrets and fears. And he knew that every member of his party here was undergoing a similar examination.

Finally a response came, ponderously, as a voice in their heads.

"The event of your coming had been foretold. We were, of course, watching the coast for a ship from the Southlands. Our interpretation of 'kin not of this realm' was, of course, incorrect." The immense Slann took an enormous, brightly coloured grub, proffered by one of his Skink attendants, looked at it carefully before slurping it down.

"Old-Blood Xi-Boc, I can see that you and a few of your retinue are in fact kin of this realm. I welcome you on your return. But, there are others that you have brought, with wild, untamed minds. Minds that have never been shaped by a Slann. I can feel them, I can shape them to what they should be."

"Your Lordship. While I thank you for the welcome, you must understand that we are no longer of this realm and cannot truly return. And those of my retinue not born of this realm are still mighty and obedient soldiers. I would trust my life to any of them."

"Is that so?" the Slann vocalised, "I would like to test that". Lord Chuqa-xi turned to one of his Temple Guard and blinked slowly. The Temple Guard nodded and marched off. The Slann then turned to one of the Skink engineers. It slowly raised the Skink into the air with but a gesture of a finger. The Skink was brought closer and rotated in the air in front of the Slann who examined it closely.

"I see that you have amongst you, those whom would masquerade as holy priests, but who's robes bear no holy glyph of any gods. Who's minds are not turned to towards the heaves, but the ground. Mere tinkerers of mechanisms and trinkets."

The Skink tried to maintain a dignified stance as it was slowly rotated upside-down and back again.

"Your lordship," the other engineer interjected after a careful moment, "We concern ourselves with the learning and operating of the technology of the great Old Ones. Our ship is borne aloft by the will of the Gods through the rituals we must perform to operate it."

Slowly, the other engineer was lowered to the floor

"You give a good accounting of yourselves, Skink, even if you do speak out of turn."

The Temple Guard returned with two Saurus warriors in tow. Lord Chuqa-xi turned to them.

"Old-Blood, will you indulge me in a little experiment? To satisfy my own curiosity?" It was not a question. The two Skink engineers returned to their line.

The two Saurus warriors from somewhere outside the temple walked reverentially in front of their master and bowed.

"Rise, my warriors."

They both stood, and awaited whatever ordered that had summoned them here.

"One of you, kill the other."

The two Saurus turned to face each other. One of them lowered the spear it carried while the other stood, presenting its chest. To the horror of Xi-Boc and his delegation, the spear was thrust forcefully forward. Its razor sharp obsinite blade cutting deep into the chest of the Saurus. The room was utterly silent except for the visceral sound of the spear being thrust further through bone and flesh. Its tip eventually emerging from the back of the Saurus, dislodging one of its dorsal spikes. The first one let go of the spear and stood to attention. The second one stood for two more shaky breaths before topping sideways. The clang of its heavy macuahuitl hitting the floor echoed around the chamber.

The Slann turned to look at Xi-Boc. The Old-Blood let out a reluctant growl.

"Ruq-Gar, Ka'rah, to me." he called, without looking at them.

With a horrible sense of inevitability, the two Saurus came forward. They both looked at Xi-Boc, hoping that they weren't being given the order that they knew must come. He refused to meet their gaze.

"Ruq-Gar!"

The Old-Blood boomed, the Saurus stood to attention.

"Kill her. "

Ruq-Gar saluted and took aim with his laser rifle. Ka'rah, her mind racing, stood before Ruq-Gar. At least she was dressed well to meet the gods this day. She stood to attention and waited. Ruq-Gar released the safety catch. Ka'rah closed her eyes and took what might be her last breath. No. Her eyes snapped open. She was a warrior, she will face this head on. She stared ahead into the gun barrel. And then, Ruq-Gar clicked the safety back on. He lowered the rifle.

"No, my lord. That would be an unconscionable waste of manpower." he stuttered.

Xi-Boc allowed himself a brief smile before adding. "That was a direct order from your chief commander."

"Yes, my lord. Ka'rah's death would be better served facing the enemy on the battlefield."

"Very well. Ruq-Gar, Ka'rah, you can stand down."

The two Saurus returned to the rest of the delegation.

"An impressive show of defiance. Now then, I see that you have your own Starseer with you, aboard your craft. I will speak with it as soon as possible. There is little more I can discuss with a Saurus. My Starseer Ockchi-iktotl will see to your material needs."

Lord Chuqa-xi closed his eyes. The Starseer lead the delegation from the chamber and into another, lesser chamber. Ka'rah caught a glimpse of two Temple Guard dragging away the dead Saurus. Several Skink attendants were already scrubbing away the blood.

[oppositesattraxt]

✎ 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 🌙

Walking into the cafe a little earlier than agreed upon, Mikyoung pulls out the card she had bought on her way there and a pen to write in it. The poor omega had no idea that it was Chan's birthday until she had been scrolling through social media and had seen a post from Jangmi that basically screamed, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALPHA!"

It wasn't a lot, she didn't think it would be weird for her to give him something but she also didn't know what to get him specifically when they haven't yet had the chance to get to know each other on a deeper level. Of course, he likes music because he's a producer but isn't that kind of obvious? Does he like food? She can't bake anything but she could buy him a meal.

Like she is today. Great timing.

Signing a little heart next to her name, coming off from the 'g', she blows on the ink for a moment before hearing the bell chime and looking up to see the blonde Alpha walking in. Her heart skips at the sight of him but she manages to compose herself well as she hurries to hide the card in her purse just as he approaches the table.

"Hey!" She stands up, taking a moment before going to give him a hug, them both sitting down shortly after. I mean, it's not like she wasn't once covered in his scent as he cleaned her wounds, a hug isn't going to be weird for them now, right? "I'm glad you were able to meet me today." Her hands are reaching for her purse, trying to keep the bag from his view. "Though, you didn't tell me that today was an important day!"

Pulling out a small gift bag, the omega smiles sweetly as she passes it over. Giving Chan a moment to look inside, Mikyoung watches and waits before giggling at him reading the card out loud.

"Hap-pea birthday, Alpha Chan. I hope your day is filled with love and memories. All the best, Mikyoung ♡"

The card read 'Yip-pea' with three peas celebrating on the front so the woman couldn't resist feeding into the pun. Wrapped neatly in some patterned tissue paper are a couple of bookmarks that she's recently made, a favourite pass time of hers especially since she has a nice collection of books to use them for.

"I don't know if you're a flower man but I do love teaching the kids how to do little arts and crafts. I had made these at home last week and thought I'd gift them to you for your birthday." It's a little obvious that she's waiting for his response by the way her back is straight and posture expectant. Mikyoung does hope that he likes the small gift - especially because it would help her learn something new about him.

Once they had ordered, she starts asking about any new projects that he's been doing, listening enthusiastically to what he's saying while also appreciating how hard he must work. "I saw something recently, you used to be an idol, right?" She twirls the pasta around her fork as she remembers the article she saw recently.

Of course, Mikyoung wasn't entirely sure about the article and she wasn't sure if it was true or not because she's not about to go prying into Chan's personal life; however, she'd be lying if she wasn't curious about whether the rumours were true considering what she had seen herself. Was Jangmi really his girlfriend, mate maybe? She did think that something was going on with them when they were dealing with the moon situation, the hybrid even smelled like him when they met.

Pushing those thoughts out of her mind, she gets back on track. "You were the leader of Stray Kids, right? Isn't that your pack? Do you still make music with them from time to time? Or by yourself?" Curious, Mikyoung asks questions, answering anything he asks in return, while she shares lunch with the Alpha.

A lunch in which she insists she's paying for. It is his birthday after all.

— @moonlightchn Chan

[alexissara]

My Favorite Musical Artists of 2023

It is Spotify wrapped season and so instead of letting a company decide what I liked most or listened to most when it isn't totally accurate I shall instead tell you my favorite musical artists of the year and what musical art resonated most with my heart and why.

Normally I don't like to do this sort of list until it's actually the next year because in December maybe I'll get into Electronic Disco Funk and have 3 artists that should really be here but I figure now is a good time

Ado

Ado really was a machine of putting out great music both on contract for anime and songs that are just related to her own work. I found her listening to the One Piece Film Red soundtrack and loving those songs this year but her vocals on Show, All Night Radio, FREEDOM and more all are breath takingly great. She clearly knows great people to collaborate with to make amazing music and her vocals are utterly delightful with a brilliant vocal range.

Ado music is perfect for making playlists for my OCs, listening to while writing, working on chores, really just a perfect artist for every function I often look to music for.

Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae is a consistent favorite even in years where they have released no new songs they still stand among my favorite artists of the year with songs like Make Me Feel, Many Moons, Tightrope and Screwed always being on my rotation of songs. Now Lipstick Lover joins as another Monae staple that will constantly be on repeat for me. The Age Of Pleasure was a really great album and I think this era of Janelle's music was really good and I think Janelle was really bold going into being a free ass person and refusing to let themselves be defined by others on their own terms.

Reinaeiry

While I am not the biggest fan of the same kind of operatic dramatic songs that often drive many of Reinaeiry's songs, in any given year she still puts out more songs I love then songs that are not my thing. There is a touch of bitter sweetness because my ex loved her music too and so it often reminds me of her and our break up was a bit less than a year ago but having moved back around to being friends with her the music can sit comfortably in my ears as music that means a lot to me even if some songs now have bitter sweet memories tied to them it makes some songs work better too.

Yoasobi

Yoasobi has had a year getting to preform songs for some of the years biggest anime projects but this was the year I discovered her music and in it I found so many amazing songs. 海のまにまに is probably my favorite from the year but I also really enjoy Horizon, セブンティーン, Biri-Biri, and Hero a lot too. She has a lot of really banger music videos and they are just delights to watch. I find a lot of her songs are perfect chill songs to really set a nice calm wokring on something serious tone in the background, like just enough added energy to not be sleepy music.

Jamie Page

While I got into Jamie Page last year, Jamie Page's music this year has also been bangers and am still loving the songs i fell for last year. Love Renewed is a new Jamie Page classic and I am always listening to songs like Encore, Gummyworm, Bitter Sweet and People play Pretend. Jamie makes perfect poppy and fun music that can get into the sadder emotions while still being upbeat and really fun to listen to.

Joel Baylis and Shelby Harvey

The Cassette Beasts OST is probably my actual most listened to music of the year. The soundtrack is just so fucking good, like above and beyond, I really need to actually buy the album on bandcamp because I love it so much. Your Inception and Arrow of Time are probably my favorite songs from the album but Same Old Story, Wherever We Are, face down and the rest of the vocal tracks are all bangers. All these songs are gonna be forever staples for me making OC playlists and just jaming out when I am working on being creative. Their perfect songs for writing action scenes not so dominant that they take all my attention but enough to pump me up for some badass action.

Chrissy Chlapecka

Chrissy's transition from Tiktok bimbo positivity poster to pop icon this year was glamorous. She really brings something new to the early 2000s pop kinda vibe she is going for with a much more powerful and queer vibe with an aim at being a bit more intentionally political without it being so dominant in the music to pull away from them being like "dumb" pop. A lot of "influencers" attempt the transition into music but it is very clear that Chrissy is actually a musical talent who stumbled into being popular online for not doing music then used that to boost her passion.

Dorian Electra 

Weird core legend Dorian Electra is truly a musical artist who is always worth checking out even when a song is a total wiff it's usually at least fun to watch the music video. I am always relistening to my favs from Dorian but this year had a lot of great blasphemy core music like Sodom & Gomorrah but also brilliant songs like Puppet that really all captured my heart and are just great pop songs in addition to being a little funny or whatever else Dorian is going for.

Band-maid

J-rock legends Band-maid are always a favorite for me. BAND-MAID are so good at their respective gimmicks it almost makes me sad that they are tied to the gimmick of having to dress up as maids. I enjoy a good Maid outfit but I do think their music is just so seriously damn good and I do worry the gimmick is also a detraction from how truly badass their music is. They are just such amazing artists and they are just a delight to listen to especially if I am gaming and want to replace a sound track or something.

Tape Girl

Ska is my favorite kind of music, while I didn't include a ton on this list I had to include at least one Ska artist and Tape Girl was an artist I found this year who really blew me away. There were a ton of great artists I discovered this year but as of now I mostly just have one song from them I really love while Tape Girl basically has no misses. Tape Girl is really fun and the instrumentations are all so good, they are just ahhh such fantastic tracks and really songs well worth listening to.

[mtgpocketrealm]

Changes to MTG Lore

For the purposes of this project, there are several changes to the lore of mtg that I have made. I feel like they are reasonable changes and they are based on what I understand the lore to be currently.

Eldrazi Titans

To my knowledge, there are only three total Eldrazi Titans in mtg. Which, since they are vital to the lifecycle of the multiverse, two of the three have been killed, and the third is trapped in a moon. That's a real issue for the continuation of the setting. SO, in my version of the mtg multiverse, there are more than three. It has little real bearing on this project since I won't actively involve other titans, but it should be noted in the event I do involve a titan outside of the big three.

Glistening Oil

Personally, removing Norn from the equation shouldn't make the oil wholly inert. That's just dumb since the whole point of the oil was to corrupt planes. However, it being at full force is also an inherent issue due to everything being infected, so a compromise. My version of the oil is less virulent than the unaltered oil. It can't corrupt planes, only people...basically, separated from Norn, it has become a blood disease. Not great to be infected by it, but not guaranteed to lose yourself, maybe a limb turns to half machinery, maybe your blood becomes black, maybe you get a fever for a few days, or perhaps you fully change into a phyrexian. Who can say? It's like any disease now.

Desparking

This whole thing is dumb in my opinion. For this project, the scar on a planeswalker's soul (the spark) isn't just removed for no reason after the phyrexian invasion. Instead, most Planeswalkers lose the ability to planeswalk, but their spark creates an Omenpath on the plane they are currently on (leading to a random plane). Newly sparked planeswalkers have a small chance to become an actual planeswalker or to become tied to an Omenpath like 'desparked' planeswalkers. All Omenpaths are connected to such planeswalkers, whether the individual knows it or not.

Omenpaths stay open for random periods (weeks to minutes I'm thinking) and lead to random planes. When an Omenpath closes, if the planeswalker who it's connected to isn't on the plane, a new one doesn't get created on the plane. If the planeswalker it is connected to is on the plane, a new omenpath is created somewhere on the plane. They are always two-way but may take the entire time it is open to travel from one end to the other. A few may be permanent so long as the associated planeswalker is on the plane (be it living or sometimes dead). Some move, some don't, and as mentioned, travel times can vary between them, even if connected to the same two planes, just as size can vary.

Prev

Plane Start

Next

[cavefilllingcorporation]

Employees react to the RD-4 mines

This Employee Experience happened on the evening 10/15/2024

Carl was sitting in one of the company lounges, a place where workers could sit and talk to each other outside of their rooms. Carl was here with a laptop, working on a project for the Introvert. The Introvert was taking a study to see the overall results of the employee experience as they were heading over towards RD-4 for the mining project. Of course, the Introvert wasn’t going to like, interview people. That would put employees on guard and make the survey not quite honest. Maybe there was a survey involved somewhere, but Carl wouldn’t know of it. Instead, Carl was going ahead and taking footage from that day and finding the latest gossip. Carl then started, and found several things along the way…

"So, what's it like to be out of vacation mode" "I'm just glad the Corporation is finally doing something. I know the Anti-Project Plan is getting close to being finished, but still. I like my job, you know?"

If only that were true. Still, the dissatisfaction of the Anti-Project Plan was still a huge deal. That being said, it was unlikely that they would return quickly after the fact, so instead the old jobs would need to be filled with new recruits.

"Aren't you worried about potentially being in trouble with Super Earth?" "Nah, the Legion is here! They're invincible! We'll be fine. Besides, there's only Chaosdivers out here!"

That kind of confidence was misplaced in Carl’s opinion. Would the employees be fine? Probably. The Legion was good. But they weren’t invincible. Carl still had flashbacks to that funeral. And this was Super Earth they were talking about. They had the same level of tech that they had and a ton of manpower. Not to mention the other threats in the galaxy…

"So... it really sucks that we can't do this normally" "Yeah, well, that's what you get for mining in hostile territory. Just get used to the Packbackers already."

Complaints about the lack of a Cloudhouse. Not surprising. It was a very unique thing not to have a Cloudhouse in orbit for this type of mission, but that’s what you get when you mine in a hostile galaxy, even if it is in Chaosdiver territory.

"What if some bugs attack us? Or helldivers?" "Dude, you worked in an environment with terrorists and you're scared of issues systems away? You're fine!"

Again, misplaced trust. Apparently, these guys needed a lesson in security. If they are this overconfident, it would only be a matter of time before a cyberattack comprised the mine. That would be a good thing to note down.

"Finally great to get back to processing. We mostly sliced up flying critters before we got benched. I get to finally process ore! Its why I became a processor, you know?" "Yeah well, processing isn't all it’s cracked up to be... you really want to be a miner."

Ah, someone from the Shattered Islands apparently. And Carl couldn’t care for the processor vs miner debate. He was in the pilot camp in that argument either way.

"So... Deep mantle? Do we do that here?" "I think that we just mine deep. As long as we provide the goods, you know?"

Oh, that employee was mistaken. There was a LOT that went into this project, and it wasn’t just mining deep. The amount of custom equipment that was built for this project…

"Man, I think this might be the most populated job site ever." "Well, with the bonus and lack of requirements, I think the Corporation wanted this to be huge. It’s not every day that it is paid for doing normal stuff."

It… was. Very much was. Carl could hardly believe it himself. He guessed that the incentive of being paid in Super Credits to be able to buy weapons from Gunvald was more than enough to cause them to focus on this.

"So, are we mining here or...?" "I think it’s a nearby moon? I'm not sure."

Oh great, and we now have uninformed people. There was a mandatory information meeting two days in a row… but people are not going to them. Welp, hopefully that doesn’t affect progress too much…

So, Carl continued to work on the Introvert’s report, until he ran into the footage with Arnold in it… and then things took a fall for the worse…

[fictionz]

New Fiction 2024 - March

Dark Disciple by Christie Golden (2015)

I couldn't binge SW without going to the library like the old days to grab one of the recent EU novels. This one continues the Asajj Ventress arc that was cut from the final Clone Wars seasons, and I'm ambivalent about the course of events. But it looks like I chose the perfect time to read it because the final season of The Bad Batch will address things that annoyed me about the ending.

Cathedral by Michael A. Martin & Andy Mangels (2002)

It was feeling a bit shaky in the previous novel (This Gray Spirit) with a lot of time spent on less interesting nuance, but this novel saves this short series by trimming off the expositional fat and keeping up the pace. The cliffhanger ending was fantastic and I've been jittery waiting until I can move on to the next one.

Moby-Dick; or, The Whale by Herman Melville (1851)

Herman, pal, I know what you were going for with the middle 2/3 of this book, but that really should've been a standalone expansion. Tolkien (or maybe his editors) knew to leave that to its own thing. In any case, WHAT A BOOK. How is this from the mid-1800s? Great beginning, great ending, interesting middle for those who can get through the instructional texts on whales and whaling.

"leave your laundry on the floor for them" by Pocketss (2024)

It's good to recycle.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor dev. Respawn Entertainment (2023)

I miss some of the more alien environments from the first game. They definitely borrowed spaghetti western cues from Mandalorian for this, and you see below how much I gripe about that show's influence. Cal's still kind of a dud. But it's great overall. What a fun, huge, expensive-looking game. How does any SW developer going forward beat this?!

Drive-Away Dolls dir. Ethan Coen (2024)

It's reaching out toward those 90s crime comedies the Coens had going, but just kinda falls short. I can't put a finger on what exactly is missing. Maybe it doesn't go far enough?

Madame Web dir. S.J. Clarkson (2024)

One of those laugh-at-the-dialogue-that-isn't-meant-to-be-funny affairs.

Perfect Days dir. Wim Wenders (2024)

I've over the moon for this movie. Just perfect in every way. I felt it in my bones, watched it ten times at theaters all over the area as I chased down showtimes, and I'll gladly watch it again.

The Peasants dir. DK Welchman & Hugh Welchman (2024)

Holy crap, I missed Loving Vincent but this makes me wanna go and check that out, because this animation technique is gorgeous. All of the performances were great, too.

Stopmotion dir. Robert Morgan (2024)

Stopmotion, puppets, horror, madness. It's a perfect combination.

The Taste of Things dir. Tran Anh Hung (2024)

I haven't seen food shot this beautifully since Food Wars.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – To the Hashira Training dir. Haruo Sotozaki (2024)

Never watched an episode before and I can say that was a helluva fight.

Maestro dir. Bradley Cooper (2023)

Man, I mean, he did it, he sure damn did it, but should he have?

Land of Bad dir. William Eubank (2024)

When the shit hits the fan.

Imaginary dir. Jeff Wadlow (2024)

I was in from the get-go, but it did need a certain something. Maybe 25% more creepy toys.

Love Lies Bleeding dir. Rose Glass (2024)

You'll think you know where it's going but it does not go there.

The American Society of Magical Negroes dir. Kobi Libii (2024)

Justice Smith and An-Li Bogan did amazing work in The American Society of Magical Negroes. Everyone in the cast and crew, really, but they portrayed a lot of complicated feelings and fears with aplomb and also had a really sweet romantic scene that got to me like no romantic scene in recent memory. I fell for Bogan’s character just like Smith’s character did. (And they respond to that by the end.)

Shayda dir. Noora Niasari (2023)

Scheming and plotting to convince my higher-ups to cast Zar Amir Ebrahimi in any of our projects because I just wanna see her cast in more stuff.

One Life dir. James Hawes (2023)

More than most of us.

Problemista dir. Julio Torres (2024)

When there's no choice but to suffer and no one will understand.

Luca dir. Enrico Casarosa (2021)

Oh, this is just The Little Mermaid retold (affectionate).

Late Night with the Devil dir. Cameron Cairnes & Colin Cairnes (2024)

They needed more insanity and a higher frequency of it.

Immaculate dir. Michael Mohan (2024)

Whoa BUDDY, props to Sweeney for going for it in the end.

Exhuma dir. Jang Jae Hyun (2024)

I feel like I'm missing a critical cultural understanding here to get past my tepid response.

Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2 dir. Rhys Frake-Waterfield (2024)

I didn't need to do this again.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire dir. Adam Wingard (2024)

Closing in on minimal humans and maximum giant monsters.

The Bad Batch - Season 2 (2023)

Yep, nailed it. They have great character moments here and it continues the tradition of "oh the clones are more interesting than most everyone else."

Andor (2022)

First half is two thumbs up, second half is one shaky thumb up. Big Mandalorian vibes with the whole return from whence you came narrative arc. I'd like to see them break away from Favreau's influence (I unfairly pin the live action ups and downs on him).

The Mandalorian - Season 3 (2023)

It's getting weird with the father figure thing. And it's befuddling when one has to catch a different show to understand key beats in Mandalorian and Grogu's story. Hype status for more seasons is low.

Ahsoka (2023)

The get-togethers are fun, but it meanders a bit and the ending was a headscratcher. Great combat and Star Wars-iness though. I'd come back for more with a hopeful glint in my eye.

Star Wars Resistance (2018-2020)

They could've had something good here, but they really whiffed most of season 1. It starts to get good at the end of s1 and maybe through half of s2, but then they seemed to tie things up hastily when they knew they were getting cancelled. Can't recommend. :(

Tales of the Jedi (2022)

Anthology Star Wars?! Anthology Star Wars!! They make me care about characters from the movies that meant nothing to me, as is Filoni and co's way.

Star Wars: Visions (2021-2023)

MORE anthology Star Wars?!! And "Screecher's Reach" in the second season kinda wrecked me. Just typing this out makes me think of it again and the tears well. It's from the Secret of Kells studio and it's just a phenomenal short. Both anthology shows are must-watch.

The Outer Limits - Volume 2 (1964)

I'm surprised how little of this first season carries through to the 90s revival that I love so much.

[neptunianmars]

days of the week with astrology and magic

in astrology, the different days of the week are ruled by different planets, so the themes of this particular planet are strengthened on their respective day. you can utilize this to your advantage when looking at transits, when performing a spell, or even just in your day to day life. this post will kind of go over how i translate this extra energy into my day.

IMPORTANT: i personally feel that how the planet is manifested in your birth chart also plays a part in how you will translate this energy. for example: if you have Sun in Aries, you might have a more active Sunday than a Pisces Sun. keeping in mind your natal chart will be key in really connecting with the planets.

Sunday:

ruled by the Sun

themes of personality, stamina, vitality, energy, and matters of the self are all heightened

although i don't agree with the "Sunday reset" trend from an astrological perspective, i think why people feel the need to be productive is the extra burst of energy the Sun gives us

personally, i feel Sunday is a day for active rest. like maybe cleaning one room instead of the whole house or taking a walk instead of a really intense work out. the key is making the energy burst sustainable.

i think taking at least some of this day to spend time with yourself is important as well. the Sun rules our basic personality and ego, so it feels natural to connect with these things on this day

Leo is ruled by the Sun, so any of your Leo placements might be highlighted today

for all of my witch girls, Sunday is associated with Apollo and Helios/Sol

Sunday is a great day for any workings involving success, healing, ambition, career, or happiness

connect with the Sun through "sunny colors" like yellow, orange, gold, red, or even pinks or browns

crystals/metals: gold, sunstone, amber, citrine, carnelian

herbs: bergamot, celandine, hawthorn, hyacinth, marjoram, citrus

my must do's for Sunday: meditate for longer than normal, spend lots of time in the sunshine, a little bit of physical activity, and anything that brings me joy

Monday:

ruled by the Moon

themes of emotions, moods, instincts, intuition, and feelings are all heightened

this is a huge(!) reason why i don't agree with a Monday work week. Monday is such an amazing day for rest. it doesn't want to start anything, much less a five day exhausting work week.

i feel Monday is a really good day for shadow work or journaling, because you're able to be more in tune/in touch with your emotions. finding ways to connect to your Moon placement on this day will help this process.

it's normal to feel emotionally drained on Monday, so taking time to give yourself lots of rest is really important. working or spending time with people isn't bad, but make sure you're giving yourself time as well.

Cancer is ruled by the Moon, so any of your Cancer placements might be highlighted today

for all of my witch girls, Monday is associated with Artemis/Diana and Selene/Luna

Monday is a great day for any workings involving moods, good rest, physic connections, or family/maternal matters

connect with the Moon through colors like white, silver, black, and very light or very dark blue

crystals/metals: silver, moonstone, amethyst, selenite, labradorite, pearl, opal, quartz, onyx, obsidian

herbs: frankincense, yew, cypress, garlic, lavender, mugwort, pine, sage, oak leaves, almonds, amaranth flower

my must do's for Monday: shadow work, loooots of sleep and naps, comfort movies/shows, a good cry

Tuesday:

ruled by Mars

themes of desire, action, competition, passion, and anger are all heightened

Tuesday should be the new Monday. it's a great day to start new things (like a five day work week lmao), to begin projects, to plan out your dreams, and to figure out your desires

this is definitely a day to be active. Mars holds rulership over exercise and physical activity so getting your steps in with the extra energy he gives will help

this day is also underrated as far as creative endeavors go, definitely tap into your creative side on Tuesday and you'll be surprised with the results

Aries (and Scorpio to some astrologers) is ruled by Mars, so any of your Aries placements might be highlighted today

for all of my witch girls, Tuesday is associated with Ares/Mars

Tuesday is a great day for any workings involving courage, inner strength, sex, psychic defense, and banishing

connect with Mars through "strong colors" like red, black, purple, or dark grey

crystals/metals: iron, onyx, bloodstone, garnet, ruby, carnelian

herbs: heavy spices, garlic, oil, basil, camphor, black peppers

my must do's for Tuesday: exercise, try something new if i can, and think about my goals/dreams

Wednesday:

ruled by Mercury

themes of the mind, communication, reason, intelligence, language, travel, and intellect are all heightened

this is a great day for logical decision making! your mind will be more alert and clear for problem solving and answers will come easier to you. personally, i stay away from very emotional matters on this day. this is not to say that Mercury is without emotion because that's far from the truth, but it definitely does take a logical approach to things that our emotional state sometimes cannot get behind. i like to leave the feeling decisions for Monday and use Mercury's intellect for other things

this is also a really good day for communicating. your words will be perceived by others easier, and you will understand others easier as well. just for example, a work meeting on Wednesday will be clear, focused, and efficient, while a work meeting on Monday might bring in unwanted emotions

i loooove studying on Wednesdays. i find it so much easier to focus and actually retain information. i will dedicate most of my day to studying or learning. also, you don't have to be in school to "study." i study astrology or mythology or just things that interest me, and you can learn about anything you'd like! knowledge is neverending

Gemini and Virgo are ruled by Mercury, so any of your Gemini or Virgo placements might be highlighted today

for all of my witch girls, Mercury is associated with Hermes/Mercury

Mercury is a great day for any workings involving communication, education, travel, mental agility, and writing

connect with Mercury through colors like green, blue, yellow, gold, or silver

crystals/metals: mercury, hematite, amber, citrine, peridot, agate

herbs: crocus, almonds, strawberries, lemons

my must do's for Wednesday: study and use my words as much as possible :)

Thursday:

ruled by Jupiter

themes of luck, growth, expansion, optimism, abundance, and understanding are all heightened

Thursday is like a breath of fresh air to me. my thoughts are a lot more positive and i'm able to see things through a new lens that may have gotten jumbled throughout the week.

managing gratitude on this day is so so important. we can't be optimistic for the future and hold good luck if we aren't appreciate of what we have now.

i really like to focus on my goals this day as well. taking stock of what i have and what i have left to achieve and letting myself get excited over what's to come. this is also an amaaaazing day for manifestation!

Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, so any of your Sagittarius placements might be highlighted today

for all of my witch girls, Jupiter is associated with Zeus/Jupiter

Thursday is a great day for any workings involving wealth, expansion, political power, legal affairs, business, and spirituality

connect with Jupiter through colors like sky blue, gold, silver, yellow, and purple

crystals/metals: tin, amethyst, citrine, sapphire, quartz, blue topaz

herbs: cinnamon, oak, olive oil, allspice, anise, coffee, grape, wine

my must do's for Thursday: manifest, work on business endeavors

Friday:

ruled by Venus

themes of attraction, prosperity, love, beauty, art, and harmony are all heightened

this is one of the days of the week i actually agree with in the modern work week. in my head, Venus gets split into two: half rules Taurus and finances, and half rules Libra and love. i think ending the work week on a Friday works because we spend half of the day making money, and half of the day with pleasure.

Friday is a really good day to spend time with people, but it's also a great self care day. Venus rules beauty, so i usually do my weekly beauty routine on Fridays.

personally, i like to spend at least some time in nature on Fridays as well and some time to appreciate art, which could be listening to your favorite albums, going to a museum, watching a beautifully animated show or any show/movie honestly, reading a book, etc.

hobbies are a big Friday thing for me as well. Venus rules creativity so tapping into that creative side will be especially easy on Fridays, and you can use it to do literally anything! paint, write, sing, dance, knit, draw, whatever you want <3

Taurus and Libra are ruled by Venus, so any of your Taurus or Libra placements might be highlighted today

for all of my witch girls, Venus is associated with Aphrodite/Venus

Venus is a great day for any workings involving love, beauty, nature, money

connect with Venus through colors like green, pink, red, or gold

crystals/metals: copper, brass, garnet, ruby, rose quartz, pearl, diamond, sapphire, opal

herbs: rose, anemone, apple, daffodil, myrtle, pomegranate, vanilla, jasmine, basil, honey, lavender, lemon, coconut

my must do's for Sunday: creative stuff, hobbies, work a little bit, spend time with loved ones

Saturday:

ruled by Saturn

themes of structure, law, discipline, restriction, responsibility, obligation, and law are all heightened

this is my "Sunday reset" day. i like to run all my leftover errands from the week, do all my chores/deep clean my living space, grocery shop, and just get everything done

this is a really good day to address and adjust your habits. Saturn craves discipline so he wants you to get your life together lmao. this is the day to start things, more specifically start good habits and end bad ones. for example, if you decided to start eating healthier, you should start on Saturday.

Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, so any of your Capricorn placements might be highlighted today

for all of my witch girls, Saturday is associated with Kronos/Saturn

Saturday is a great day for any workings involving finances, life obstacles, property, and habits

connect with Saturn through colors like black, dark grey, and brown

crystals/metals: lead, black onyx, hematite, smoky quartz, jet, black tourmaline

herbs: garlic, rosemary, cypress, dill, yew, myrrh, bay, clove, snakeweed, thyme, onion, witchhazel

my must do's for Saturday: deep clean, spiritual cleanse, errands, responsibilities