#process discovery tools

[theanmolkang]

How Forgiveness Can Heal Relationship Wounds and Strengthen Bonds

How Forgiveness Can Heal Relationship Wounds and Strengthen Bonds

Healing, Forgiving and Relationships Forgiveness Heals Relationships Have you ever felt the heavy weight of unresolved conflicts burdening your relationships, straining the bonds you once held dear? Imagine a scenario where forgiveness becomes the key to unlocking emotional wounds, paving the way for healing and strengthening connections. In a world where misunderstandings and hurts can sow seeds…

[keepingthepeaceinouterspace]

Nothing like a bad boss to give me a confidence boost.

[reasonsforhope]

"A team at Northwestern University has come up with the term “dancing molecules” to describe an invention of synthetic nanofibers which they say have the potential to quicken the regeneration of cartilage damage beyond what our body is capable of.

The moniker was coined back in November 2021, when the same team introduced an injection of these molecules to repair tissues and reverse paralysis after severe spinal cord injuries in mice.

Now they’ve applied the same therapeutic strategy to damaged human cartilage cells. In a new study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the treatment activated the gene expression necessary to regenerate cartilage within just four hours.

And, after only three days, the human cells produced protein components needed for cartilage regeneration, something humans can’t do in adulthood.

The conceptual mechanisms of the dancing molecules work through cellular receptors located on the exterior of the cell membrane. These receptors are the gateways for thousands of compounds that run a myriad of processes in biology, but they exist in dense crowds constantly moving about on the cell membrane.

The dancing molecules quickly form synthetic nanofibers that move according to their chemical structure. They mimic the extracellular matrix of the surrounding tissue, and by ‘dancing’ these fibers can keep up with the movement of the cell receptors. By adding biological signaling receptors, the whole assemblage can functionally move and communicate with cells like natural biology.

“Cellular receptors constantly move around,” said Northwestern Professor of Materials Sciences Samuel Stupp, who led the study. “By making our molecules move, ‘dance’ or even leap temporarily out of these structures, known as supramolecular polymers, they are able to connect more effectively with receptors.”

The target of their work is the nearly 530 million people around the globe living with osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease in which tissues in joints break down over time, resulting in one of the most common forms of morbidity and disability.

“Current treatments aim to slow disease progression or postpone inevitable joint replacement,” Stupp said. “There are no regenerative options because humans do not have an inherent capacity to regenerate cartilage in adulthood.”

In the new study, Stupp and his team looked to the receptors for a specific protein critical for cartilage formation and maintenance. To target this receptor, the team developed a new circular peptide that mimics the bioactive signal of the protein, which is called transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFb-1).

Northwestern U. Press then reported that the researchers incorporated this peptide into two different molecules that interact to form supramolecular polymers in water, each with the same ability to mimic TGFb-1...

“With the success of the study in human cartilage cells, we predict that cartilage regeneration will be greatly enhanced when used in highly translational pre-clinical models,” Stupp said. “It should develop into a novel bioactive material for regeneration of cartilage tissue in joints.”

“We are beginning to see the tremendous breadth of conditions that this fundamental discovery on ‘dancing molecules’ could apply to,” Stupp said. “Controlling supramolecular motion through chemical design appears to be a powerful tool to increase efficacy for a range of regenerative therapies.”"

-via Good News Network, August 5, 2024

[highblkfemsociety]

Finishing Strong: A Guide to Ending the Year with Intention

Hello Beautiful,

As we enter the final quarter of the year, it’s time to reassess, realign, and step into our power. For the high-achieving woman, Q4 is the perfect opportunity to manifest abundance, success, and peace. The last stretch of the year can be incredibly transformative if you take the time to focus on intentional growth and clarity. This guide will help you make the most of it.

Vision Boarding: Your Visual Blueprint for Success

A vision board is more than just a collection of inspiring images— it’s a visual roadmap to your goals. As the year draws to a close, this tool can help you stay aligned with your deepest desires and prevent distractions from trends that may not serve your higher purpose.

Why Vision Boarding Works:

Clarifies intentions: Visualizing your goals helps solidify them in your mind.

Amplifies focus: It’s easier to stay on track when you can see success every day.

Boosts motivation: A visual reminder reignites passion when the journey gets tough.

Tracks progress: As you achieve goals, you can reflect on how far you’ve come.

Encourages self-reflection: It’s a tool for assessing what truly matters to you, even as life shifts.

How to Create an Inspiring Vision Board:

Set your intentions: Before you begin, ask yourself what you truly want to manifest in the final months of the year. Be specific. Is it financial abundance? Career growth? Deeper self-love?

Gather visuals: Find images, quotes, and affirmations that align with your intentions. These can come from magazines, online, or even personal photographs that symbolize your goals.

Display with purpose: Place your vision board somewhere you’ll see it daily. It could be your workspace, bedroom, or even your phone wallpaper—wherever it can regularly inspire you.

Review regularly: As the quarter progresses, check in with your board. Adjust it as needed, whether adding new goals or removing old ones.

Vision boarding is not just about aesthetics; it’s a way to stay grounded in your purpose and connected to your inner desires. This practice empowers you to remain authentic and committed to meaningful objectives, ensuring you don’t stray from your path as the year winds down.

Journaling for Clarity: Unlocking Your True Potential

Along with vision boarding, journaling is an essential practice for self-discovery and personal growth. It allows you to access your innermost thoughts, uncover desires, and identify areas where you need to pivot or push harder.

The Benefits of Journaling for Clarity:

Fosters self-awareness: Writing helps you process emotions and ideas, leading to deeper understanding.

Refines your objectives: Journaling can reveal what’s most important to you, helping to prioritize goals.

Uncovers hidden strengths: Often, we don’t recognize our capabilities until we reflect on them through writing.

Helps you strategize: By identifying potential obstacles, you can develop plans to overcome them.

Enhances focus and motivation: Regular journaling keeps your objectives clear, making it easier to stay disciplined.

Journaling Prompts for a Powerful Q4:

What do I want to achieve by the end of this year?

What obstacles have held me back in the past, and how can I overcome them?

What are my strengths, and how can I leverage them to reach my goals?

How do I want to feel when I look back on this year in December?

What am I grateful for right now, and how can I use that energy to propel me forward?

When you make journaling a part of your daily routine, you create space for clarity and creativity. This practice is especially powerful for manifesting success and growth because it fosters a mindset of continuous self-improvement and reflection.

Mindset Shifts: The Power of Affirmations and Mental Resets

The final quarter is not just about working toward your goals but also about transforming your mindset to support your journey. Affirmations and mental resets are two key strategies for doing this.

Why Mindset Matters:

Success isn’t just about hard work; it’s about believing you are worthy of the results. Affirmations are a daily tool to remind yourself of your power and potential. Whether you say them in front of a mirror or write them in your journal, affirmations help shift limiting beliefs into empowering ones.

Examples of Affirmations for a Powerful Q4:

I am deserving of all the abundance that is coming my way.

I am capable of achieving everything I set my mind to.

I am worthy of success, love, and happiness.

I trust the process and know that everything is unfolding for my highest good.

I release any doubts and embrace my power fully.

Daily mental resets can also help you stay grounded when challenges arise. These can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, practicing meditation, or taking a short walk to clear your mind. By intentionally resetting, you can approach tasks with renewed energy and focus.

As the year draws to a close, the fourth quarter provides an opportunity for reflection, growth, and manifestation. Whether through vision boarding, journaling, or affirmations, reclaim your power and finish the year with intention.

How are you planning to end the year with intention? Share your goals and insights below!

Check out our Instagram & Facebook for more!

[astrolovecosmos]

Chiron in Aries as a spiritual warrior is confronting, impulsive, and strong. They embrace the bravery needed to navigate self-discovery, healing of the ego or identity, and empowerment overall. They fight for their soul. Despite this self-focus they can be good at getting others passionate about a cause or sense of justice.

Chiron in Taurus as a spiritual warrior embodies grounded healing, stability, and prosperity. They face issues of self-worth and material security with resilience. They can get stronger with a deep connection to nature, with self-acceptance, and seeing intrinsic value in things or people. Chiron in Taurus teaches that true healing arises from a strong sense of worthiness and connection to what you can create, nurture, or sustain.

Chiron in Gemini as a spiritual warrior is intellectually agile, communicative, and adaptable. They confront inner conflicts through dialogue, seeking understanding and integration. Embracing the power of words and ideas, they navigate the complexities of their psyche and relationships with curiosity and flexibility. They fight for clarity of thought and the liberation of the mind.

Chiron in Cancer as a spiritual warrior is the protector, guard, and natural healer. They address inner wounds with empathy and sensitivity, embracing vulnerability as a path to healing. Guided by intuition and the wisdom of the heart, they navigate the depths of their emotional landscape with compassion and courage. They fight for emotional security and the healing of ancestral patterns, fostering a sense of belonging and nurturing within themselves and others.

Chiron in Leo as a spiritual warrior is bold, creative, and fiercely authentic. They mend inner wounds related to self-expression and validation with heart and passion. Embracing their unique gifts and talents, they shine brightly as beacons of self-love and empowerment. They are guided by an inner fire and can inspire others to embrace their own sovereignty and creative potential. They fight for the liberation of the authentic self and the reigniting of a spiritual flame. They can also act as spiritual leaders at times.

Chiron in Virgo as a spiritual warrior is meticulous, analytical, and devoted to their causes or sense of justice. They must deal with inner wounds related to self-criticism and perfectionism with humility and acceptance. Embracing the power of self-care and service, they navigate the journey of self-improvement with precision and compassion. Guided by a desire for wholeness, they seek to heal themselves and others through practical, tangible means. They fight for inner purity and the integration of mind, body, and spirit.

Chiron in Libra as a spiritual warrior is guided by a desire for peace, they fight for inner equilibrium and harmonious connections. They fight and defend their inner peace and level-headedness. Logic and objectivity being tools for them on their healing journey. Embracing pros and cons of intimate or partnership-like dynamics, fighting for fairness, and seeking justice are all battles for this soul. Inner beauty, kindness, and grace are their weapons.

Chiron in Scorpio as a spiritual warrior delve into the shadows of the psyche, embracing the power of regeneration and healing. Guided by a profound understanding of the cycle of death and rebirth, they navigate the soul's journey with passion, intensity, and emotional strength. These are perceptive beings that must learn a lot about inner power and outer power dynamics. They fight for the integration of darkness and light, embracing the alchemical process.

Chiron in Sagittarius as a spiritual warrior seek a spiritual truth, they seek meaning and purpose. They are guided by a spirit of adventure and a thirst for higher knowledge, they navigate the terrain of their inner world with courage and optimism. They fight for liberation from limiting beliefs and dogma, embracing the transformative power of open-mindedness and philosophical exploration.

Chiron in Capricorn as a spiritual warrior navigates the rocky terrain of their inner world with patience and perseverance. They fight for self-reliance and the empowerment of their true potential, embracing the promise of hard work and follow the path to personal and spiritual growth. They are responsible, enduring, and ambitious spiritual leaders or followers. They have a deep sense of integrity and duty.

Chiron in Aquarius as a spiritual warrior breaks free from societal norms and embrace their authenticity. Guided by a spirit of innovation and a desire for social change, they navigate the complexities of their inner world with unconventional wisdom and radical self-acceptance. They fight for the freedom of the soul and the advancement of humanity, embracing collaboration and progressive thinking on the path to spiritual evolution. They inspire, rebel, argue, and shake things up.

Chiron in Pisces as a spiritual warrior transcends with profound empathy and spiritual insight. They are drawn to ideas and practices of enlightenment, seeking to dissolve boundaries and connect with the universal consciousness. They confront wounds related to vulnerability and sacrifice with a deep sense of compassion and selflessness. They fight to defend the sanctity of spiritual realms and to safeguard the well-being of all beings, embracing the archetype of a hero who fights out of love and devotion.

[hellsite-proteins]

AlphaFold Nobel Prize!

Hey everyone :) this isn't a structure, but there is some protein news that is pretty relevant to this blog that I felt I had to share. This article gives a nice overview of AI-predicted protein structures and what sorts of things they can do for research. It's not too long, and I recommend taking a look

If you've been seeing my posts for any amount of time, I've absolutely given you a flawed view of how useful AF can be. Experimentally determining protein structures is a demanding and difficult process (I've never done it, but I've learned the overview of how x ray crystallography works, and I can only imagine how much work it would take). AI-generated structures are not going to make structural biology obsolete, but they are massively helpful in making predictions that go on to guide further research.

While in many fields (especially creative areas like art and writing) AI has significant ethical concerns, I feel like this sort of use of AI in science is an overwhelmingly positive thing. The data used to train it is publicly available, and science works by building on the work done by those before us. Furthermore, while AI may not be great at generating new ideas or copying humans, it is very good at sorting large amounts of data and using it to make predictions. It's more akin to very complicated statistics than an attempt at the Turing test, and in this case it is a valuable tool to expand the ways we can do science!

[metamatar]

i listen to this podcast called song exploder by hrishikesh hirway sometimes. on the podcast he discusses with musicians how they composed and produced a particular song usually with some in progress samples. its great fun for me who loves hearing experts talk shop. in particular you can hear from all kinds of artists the frustration of trying to turn their vision into an actual song, and they tend have a love hate relationship with the process. but the part of the process or "work" they all seem to love is the discovery involved in it, for new tools or sounds or techniques because each has a particular quality. i really don't see why and how making it easier to try things would make art worse lol. the fact that you can hire a session musician to play a rare instrument or use a sample of it from a library instead of having to learn it yourself is a great thing. anyways that's how i feel about ai artists don't want to do the work themselves!!!

[obsidian-pages777]

Pick a Card: Message from Goddess Circe for Confidence and Shadow Work

Left top [Pile 1] Right top [Pile 2], Left Bottom [Pile 3], Right Bottom [Pile 4 ]

Goddess Circe, a mesmerizing figure from Greek mythology, captivates with her enchanting sorcery and transformative powers. Known for her mastery of potions and spells, Circe is a symbol of feminine mystique and empowerment. Often depicted as a sorceress living on the mystical island of Aeaea, she weaves magic to shape destinies and challenge the perceptions of mortals and gods alike. Her story embodies the complexities of power, desire, and the journey of self-discovery.

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Pile 1:

The Magician (I):

Circe's message is embodied in The Magician card. Like the Magician, she encourages you to harness your personal power and embrace your innate abilities for transformation. You have the tools at your disposal to manifest your desires and shape your reality. Trust in your intuition and tap into your inner wisdom to wield your magic wisely.

Special Message: Area [Friendships]: As you journey into the future, cherish the friendships that uplift and support you. Surround yourself with people who inspire you to be your best self and who celebrate your successes and stand by you during challenges. Cultivate meaningful connections based on shared values, interests, and mutual respect. Remember that friendships are a two-way street, so invest time and effort into nurturing these valuable relationships and be there for your friends as they are for you.

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Pile 2:

The High Priestess (II):

Circe's second message comes through The High Priestess card. She reminds you to listen to the whispers of your subconscious mind and honor your intuition. There are hidden depths within you waiting to be explored, and the High Priestess invites you to trust in the mysteries of the unseen realms. Embrace the unknown and allow your intuition to guide you on your journey of self-discovery.

Special Message: Area [Love]: As you navigate the path of love in the future, remember that authenticity is key. Embrace your true self and seek connections that honor and celebrate who you are. Be open to new experiences and allow yourself to be vulnerable, knowing that genuine connections are built on trust and mutual respect. Trust in the timing of the universe and have faith that love will find its way to you when the time is right.

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Pile 3:

Death (XIII):

Circe's third pile message is reflected in the Death card. While the image of Death may seem ominous, it symbolizes the inevitability of transformation and rebirth. Circe teaches that change is a natural part of life, and sometimes, old structures must fall away to make room for new growth. Embrace the process of shedding the old and embrace the opportunities for renewal and transformation that lie ahead.

Special Message: Area [Family]: Your family dynamics may undergo changes in the future, but remember that love and communication are the pillars that hold relationships together. Cultivate open and honest communication with your family members, even during challenging times. Embrace forgiveness and understanding, knowing that every family has its unique journey filled with ups and downs. Focus on nurturing the bonds that matter most and cherish the moments you share with your loved ones.

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Pile 4:

The Star (XVII):

Circe's fourth pile message is embodied in The Star card. Like the Star, she offers hope, healing, and guidance in times of darkness. No matter how challenging your journey may seem, there is always a guiding light to lead you forward. Trust in the universe's benevolent wisdom and have faith that brighter days are on the horizon. Allow Circe's magic to illuminate your path and inspire you to dream big.

Special Message: Area [Health]: Your health is your greatest asset, and investing in self-care and well-being will pay dividends in the future. Prioritize habits that nourish your body, mind, and spirit, such as regular exercise, nutritious eating, adequate rest, and stress management. Listen to your body's signals and seek professional guidance when needed. Remember that small, consistent steps toward wellness can lead to significant improvements in your overall health and vitality.

.........................................................................................................................

[writeblrcafe]

A Comprehensive Guide for Writing Advice

Sometimes, despite enjoying writing so much, something is not working for you. Maybe your well of ideas has run dry. Or your WIP has hit a corner and you can't find your way out to the end of the story. Or you need to go back to your finished draft and see if there are any kinks to clear up.

Fortunately, everyone at Writeblrcafé has experienced such, and to help you out, we have a bunch of links to helpful posts by fellow writers to help you along on your writing journey as well as some helpful links to other websites, resources and software.

General:

WHY IS WRITING IS SO FUCKING HARD? (@writers-hq)

Writer Block First Aid Kit (@isabellestone)

Websites for writers (masterpost @2soulscollide)

Writing advice (masterpost @theliteraryarchitect)

Writing resources (masterpost @stinastar)

One look thesaurus (a reverse dictionary where you can enter words or concepts)

Coming Up with Ideas:

97 Character Motivations (@theplottery)

Character Flaws (@fantasyfillsmysoul)

Character Profile (@mistblossomdesigns)

Characters Unflawed (@emptymanuscript)

Why Theme is More Important than Plot (@theplottery)

Weekly writing prompts on Reedsy

Drafting:

3 of the worst story beginnings (and how to fix them) (@theplottery)

Cheat Sheet for Writing Emotion (@myhoniahaka)

Creative Writing for Writers (@writerscreed)

Describing Physical Things (@wordsnstuff)

How to Craft a Natural Plot (@theplottery)

How to Write a Story? (masterpost @creativepromptsforwriting)

How to write: ethnicity & skin colour (@youneedsomeprompts)

What the F is Show Not Tell (@theplottery)

Writing advice from my uni teachers (@thewritingumbrellas)

First Draft: story outlining template meant to help with planning your next big writing project (@fauxriot)

The wonder/ discovery arc (@evelynmlewis)

How to structure a chapter (@theplottery)

How to pace your storytelling (@charlesoberonn)

How to write and research mental illness (@hayatheauthor)

Seven Blogs You Need To Read As An Author (@hayatheauthor)

Editing/Revising:

Eight steps in making the editing process of your book easier (@joaneunknown)

Kill Your Darlings (@tibodine)

Self editing tips (first pass) (@projecttreehouse)

Publishing:

Chill Subs: biggest database for literary magazines and small presses; track your submissions and get your writing published!

5 steps to get your novel ready to self-publish (by @nanowrimo)

Resources for finishing and publishing your novel (masterpost by @nanowrimo)

For self-publishing: this page gives you the exact pixel count of a book spine based on its page count, and/or a template you can use for the correct width/height ratio.

Software:

Scrivener: one time payment of $60 or 70€ (macOS/windows), $24 (iOS; no Euro listed for iOS); used by professionals, many tools to write and organize your novel

Bibisco: free and "pay what you want" version; multilingual, world building, character profiles, writing goals, story timeline, mind maps, notes and more templates to write a novel.

Manuskript: free open source-tool; outliner, novel assistant, distraction-free mode

Ghostwriter: a free and open alternative which has a decent interface with some interesting features, like Hemingway Mode, which disables one's backspace and delete keys, emulating a typewriter.

NaNoWriMo: an international contest to encourage writers to finish writing their novel with many events, groups for exchange with fellow writers, helpful writing advice and help for self-publishing and publishing traditionally.

Campfire Writing: website, desktop app, and mobile app, with tools built in to help manage characters, magic systems, research, etc. It has a great free option, plus monthly, annual, and lifetime purchase options. It also has built-in NaNoWriMo compatibility and a catalogue of tutorials and writing advice videos (suggestion by @harfblarf)

Websites And Writing Apps Every Author Needs In 2023 (@hayatheauthor)

Let us know in the comments if there are any links we could add to it! Reblog this post to help a fellow writer.

Support our work by buying a cup of coffee on KoFi.

[s-soulwriter]

Research Tips for Writing Your Book

Are you diving into the exciting world of writing and researching for your book project? Here's what you need to know to make your research journey a success:

Define Your Purpose: Before diving into research, have a clear understanding of your book's purpose and goals. Know the themes you want to explore and the message you wish to convey. This will give your research a focused direction.

Create a Research Plan: Outline the specific areas you need to research, set milestones, and establish deadlines. A well-structured research plan keeps you on track and helps you manage your time efficiently.

Use Multiple Sources: Diversify your sources. Books, academic papers, interviews, and digital resources each offer unique perspectives and insights. This diversity enriches your understanding and adds depth to your writing.

Organize Your Notes: Keep your research notes well-organized. Consider using digital tools like note-taking apps or physical notebooks with labeled sections for different topics. Efficient organization will save you time and effort later.

Fact-Check: Ensure the accuracy of your research. Verify any details that are crucial to your story or argument. Misinformation can erode your credibility and disrupt the reader's immersion.

Cite Sources Properly: Keep meticulous records of your sources and be diligent about citations. Use a recognized citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) to give credit to the authors and avoid plagiarism.

Interview Experts: Reach out to experts or people with firsthand knowledge relevant to your topic. Interviews can provide you with valuable insights, real-life experiences, and unique anecdotes to enhance your book.

Visit Relevant Places: If your book is set in a particular location, consider visiting it if possible. Experiencing the environment firsthand can help you capture its atmosphere, culture, and nuances more authentically.

Take Breaks: Research can be mentally taxing. Don't forget to take breaks to recharge and maintain a fresh perspective. Stepping away from your work can also lead to new insights and ideas.

Stay Open-Minded: Be open to unexpected discoveries during your research. Sometimes, the most profound insights come from unrelated sources or tangential information that you stumble upon while researching.

Keep a Journal: Maintain a research journal where you can jot down notes, ideas, and thoughts as they occur. This journal can serve as a valuable resource when you're writing your book.

Join Writing Communities: Connect with other writers in person or online. They can offer guidance, share their experiences, and provide emotional support when you face challenges during the research and writing process.

Revise and Refine: Don't think of research as a one-time activity. Continuously revisit and refine your research as your book evolves. New ideas or directions may emerge, and you may need to adjust your research accordingly.

Respect Copyright Laws: Understand the copyright laws applicable to your research. Ensure you have the rights to use specific materials, especially if you plan to incorporate them into your book. Obtaining permissions or licensing may be necessary.

Balance Research and Writing: While research is crucial, there comes a point where you must transition from research to writing. Avoid getting stuck in a perpetual research phase. Once you have enough information to start, begin writing and integrate research as needed in your work.

Remember that your research phase is an integral part of the creative process. It's where the foundation of your book is built, and it can be a fascinating journey in itself.But keep in mind, as you're writing your first draft, you can never know everything, never research everything. A second opinion is always good, and for that, you can ask friends, family, or even me on this blog.

[enchantedwitchling]

Unlocking the Mysteries: Divination for Beginner Witches🔮✨🖤

(GIF not mine!!)

Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown through various methods. It’s a way of connecting with your inner wisdom, the universe, or spiritual forces to gain insight and guidance. While some see it as predicting the future, many view it as a tool for introspection and understanding the present.

Why Do We Practice Divination?

Gain Clarity: Divination helps clarify confusing or difficult situations, providing insights that may not be immediately obvious.

Make Decisions: It can assist in making informed decisions by highlighting potential outcomes and factors to consider.

Connect Spiritually: It fosters a deeper connection with your intuition, spiritual guides, or higher self.

Self-Discovery: Divination often reveals inner thoughts and feelings, aiding in personal growth and self-awareness.

Prepare for the Future: While it doesn’t predict the future in absolute terms, divination can highlight trends and energies that might influence future events.

Popular Methods of Divination

Tarot Cards

What It Is: A deck of 78 cards, each with symbolic imagery and meanings, used to gain insights into various aspects of life.

How to Use: Shuffle the deck while focusing on your question, then draw cards and interpret their meanings based on their positions and your intuition.

Oracle Cards

What It Is: Similar to tarot, but typically with fewer cards and more flexible themes, often focusing on specific guidance or affirmations.

How to Use: Shuffle and draw cards as with tarot, focusing on the guidance you seek. The meanings are usually simpler and more direct.

Pendulum Dowsing

What It Is: A weighted object, often a crystal, suspended from a chain or string, used to answer yes/no questions based on its movements.

How to Use: Hold the pendulum steady and ask a question. Observe the direction it swings (e.g., clockwise for yes, counterclockwise for no).

Runes

What It Is: Small stones or pieces of wood inscribed with ancient symbols, each representing different energies or concepts.

How to Use: Draw runes from a bag while focusing on your question, then interpret their meanings and how they relate to your query.

Scrying

What It Is: Gazing into a reflective surface like a crystal ball, mirror, or bowl of water to receive visions or impressions.

How to Use: Sit quietly and gaze into the surface, letting your mind relax and observe any images, shapes, or messages that appear.

Tea Leaf Reading (Tasseography)

What It Is: Interpreting the patterns left by tea leaves in a cup to gain insights.

How to Use: Drink a cup of loose-leaf tea, leaving a small amount of liquid and leaves. Swirl the cup, then look at the patterns formed by the leaves and interpret their meanings.

How to Carry Out Divination Safely

1. Create a sacred space

Prepare Your Area: Ensure your divination space is quiet, clean, and free from distractions. Light a candle or some incense to set a calming atmosphere.

Protective Circle: Consider casting a protective circle or saying a protective prayer to safeguard your energy.

2. Set a Clear Intention

Focus Your Mind: Be clear about what you want to know or explore. State your intention or question aloud or silently before you begin.

3. Ground and Center Yourself

Stay Balanced: Take a few deep breaths, visualize roots growing from your feet into the earth, and feel grounded and centered.

4. Respect the Process

Be Open and Respectful: Approach divination with an open mind and respect for the process. Avoid trying to force specific answers.

5. Interpreting Responsibly

Use Intuition and Logic: Interpret messages using both your intuition and logical thinking. Remember that divination often highlights potentialities, not certainties.

Avoid Scary Predictions: Refrain from making alarming or ominous predictions. Divination should empower and guide, not frighten.

6. Conclude and Close the Session

Thank and Release: Once finished, thank any spiritual guides or energies you’ve called upon. Gently say, “Thank you for your guidance. This session is now closed.”

Put Away Tools: Store your divination tools in a safe and respectful place, and cleanse them occasionally to remove residual energy.

7. Ground Again

Rebalance Your Energy: After the session, ground yourself again by eating a small snack or holding a grounding stone like hematite.

8. Journal Your Insights

Record Your Experience: Write down your question, the divination method used, and the insights gained. This helps track patterns and deepen your understanding over time.

Final Thoughts

Divination is a wonderful practice that can enrich your witchcraft journey and provide valuable insights into your life and the world around you. As you explore different methods, you’ll discover what resonates with you the most and develop your unique approach to seeking wisdom and guidance.

Happy divining! 🌙✨🔮

[chososwifey24-7]

I saw an idea with this prompt, and I honestly couldn't help myself. So here is a story with nanami!

Clock maker nanami x fairy f!reader

Genre: fluff

❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁

A meticulous and hard-working man. Well known for the delicate designs in wood, the attention to detail, the pure skill.

Plenty came to purchase from nanami, knowing they were getting a good product, but many came with clocks to fix, or simply to get rid of. That was the case with this client.

"Look, I'm telling you right now. I haven't seen this thing work in 4 months. It was my late wife's. A family heirloom if you would. I thought a man like you would have better use of it."

The man in front of nanami held the clock in front of him with shaky hands. The wrinkles on the man's face speak his age.

"Of course, but wouldn't you like it back if I were able to fix it."

Nanami was humble. He knew he could fix it but preferred to be humble on that rare off chance that he couldn't fix it.

"No, you can keep it. What use will I have of it? Also, I don't have the money to pay you."

The man left as quickly as he came with no other words than those. Left with a limp in his step, and nanami with a broken clock in need of fixing.

❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁

Nanami sat at his work bench, absolutely stumped. He had replaced the batteries in the clock a few times, got it to work, and then it stopped.

He wanted to take it apart, but the screws were a bit tight. He tried to work them out none the less. To his surprise after he loosened them a bit they came out with no problems.

He peeled off the back, and to his discovery, a woman lay inside. No, not just a woman. A fairy.

Dormant and asleep soundly. Her knees hugged to her chest, her wings folded delicately on her back, and her hair done in a little bun.

It was rare to find fairies these days. Most gone into hiding because they were valuable on the market. The question was how this one ended up here.

Nanami shone the light into the clock to see if there was any way that he could take her out without hurting her.

Upon the light hitting the fairy, she woke up with a start. She coughed and sneezed a bit from the dust collected inside the clock, before her gaze met nanami's.

Nanami gave a small smile of reassurance before backing up slightly. He didn't want to startle the poor thing.

The woman shot up out of the clock after stretching her wings and looked for the nearest exit. Seeing a slit from the window in the small clock shack she zoomed for it.

"Wait!"

Nanami shouted, slowly putting his hands up in a defensive position.

"I won't hurt you, please."

He held out his palm gently and looked at her with a soft smile.

She looked at him slightly worried. Rightfully so. She had been sleeping and holed up in that clock for about 4 months.

She slowly flew over to nanami and landed in his palm. She couldn't have been taller than 4 inches.

Nanami smiled at her and leaned in, and examined her beautiful facial features. She leaned back a little, surprised by nanami's curiosity.

She reached a curious hand up of her own and touched his glasses tenderly. She tilted her head to the side and in her own voice. Which wasn't quiet at all, surprisingly, began to speak with nanami.

"What's your name?"

He smiled a little more.

"Nanami, and yours?"

She looked at him and repeated his name to herself a couple of times to get the hang of it. She then processed that he'd asked her a question.

"I'm y/n. It's nice to meet you."

Nanami nodded and returned the phrase. He watched her closely as she inspected around his clock shed. All of the tools and clocks.

She was simply fascinated. She stopped in front of one of the clocks, and her delicate hands ran over the design. The pretty flowers and leaves. It adorned the gorgeous gold outline of the clock.

She turned back to nanami with a smile and flew towards him timidly.

"You made that?"

She asked gently, landing on nanami's shoulder, and looked at him.

"I made the wood design and replaced the framing, but the clock itself was brought to me as a gift. From a very dear friend of mine."

She nodded at every word he said and smiled lightly.

She enjoyed nanami's warm presence. His soft smile, his tired eyes. She found it intriguing that he worked himself so much that he was tired, but it suited his facial features.

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The next few days were spent getting to know each other. Likes and dislikes, and she even ended up helping nanami around the shack.

Most of all, she enjoyed watching him work on the masterpieces of frames for clocks and how he could quickly and easily fix a clock.

Every now and then, she would grab a tool nanami asked for, or she would remind him to clean up his desk when she saw it getting slightly disheveled.

It became more light atmosphered with her around. It became more like a home than a workplace for nanami.

Their most recent project was slowly coming to a close. The clock that she was found in. Nanami was simply finishing up the frame for the beautiful clock.

He added a few touching details and his most favorite. A carving of her in the frame, along with her a few flowers and beautiful leaves.

He had fixed the clock itself fairly quickly. A few cogs needed replaced and the batteries. Now the finishing touch. The frame.

He slid the clock into place and eyed his work with pride. He dared to say it was his best one yet.

She let out a little gasp when she saw the frame and looked at nanami with wide, excited eyes. She loved it.

She flew to nanami absolutely ecstatic and hugged one of his fingers.

"It's perfect!"

She squealed as she turned back and forth between looking at him and at the frame. He only let out a light chuckle as he responded.

"Just like you."

[usafphantom2]

Paint it Black! Making one of the first titanium airplanes was difficult .

Titanium was corrugated to make room for expansion when the titanium heated up at top speed of 2200+ mph. The skin panels were fastened to the underlying structure with oblong holes which would allow the skin to expand and contract without the fasteners causing buckling. And the skin over the wing was also corrugated to prevent warping during expansion, this is actually quite noticeable, you can see the sections that are corrugated quite clearly here in this artistic photo.

Titanium makes up 93% of the SR 71 structure. It’s strength to weight ratio, or specific strength, is better than Aluminium. Yet today very little titanium is used in everyday objects. Planes primarily use aluminum, not titanium.. why is it not used?

The development of the A-12 the Skunk Works, a small division of Lockheed discovered that making the blackbird out of titanium was going to be anything but easy

Titanium is expensive because its refinement process is a nightmare. To make Titanium, we start with a feedstock in the form of Titanium Dioxide, with this chemical formula. This oxide ore called rutile can be found in high concentrations in dark sandy soils.

Build the SR-71 the US needed to buy vast quantities of the mineral from the Soviets. To do this they purchased the material through ghost organizations to hide the final destination of the material. One of the companies that were made up was a company to make pizza ovens supposedly… the Russians believed this story!

Had the Soviets known what they were helping build, they would not have sold the material. However, the US likely could have just purchased the material from mines in Australia. This is a relatively common raw material and is primarily used as a white pigment for paints and is even found in sunscreen lotion as ultraviolet radiation blocking pigment.

The primary titanium alloy used in the SR-71 was thirteen percent vanadium, eleven percent chromium, and three percent aluminum. Both Chromium and Aluminium form thermally stable oxide layers on the outer skin of the metal. Which prevents oxygen from diffusing further into the metal and causing it to become more brittle.

Which raises the max operating temperature of the metal!

Vanadium acts as a stabilizer for a crystal structure referred to as the beta phase. This leads to a material with higher tensile strength and better formability. Through trial and error and problems that were solved by the geniuses that worked at the Skunk Works. They discovered that their cadmium plated tools were leaving trace amounts of cadmium on bolts, which would cause galvanic corrosion and cause the bolts to fail. This discovery led to all cadmium tools to be removed from the workshop.

This article just proves what we already know today when people work together and work hard to solve problems. New ground was broken with the formulation of titanium that led to the success of the SR 71 and the tremendous heat and strength that this magnificent airplane needed.

As Ben Rich head engineer and later, he replaced Kelly Johnson as the head skunk said in his book called the Skunk Works. ‘’I volunteered some unsolicited advice about how we could use a softer titanium that began to lose its strength at 550° to paint the airplane black

From my college things I remember that good heat absorber was also a good heat emitter it would actually radiate away more heat then it would absorb through thick friction. I calculated the black paint would lowered the wing temperature 35° by radiation think of how much easier it will be to build an airplane using softer titanium.

It was my father Butch Sheffield’s boss Ben Rich, who saved the Blackbird program time and money, with his idea of painting it black.

wisconsinmetaltech.com/titanium-and-t… is my Source and SkunkWorks by Ben Rich

Linda Sheffield

@Habubrats71 via X

[autisticburnham]

I don't think it's entirely fair to lay the blame for Section 31 being divorced from its original purpose in the narrative at the feet of Disco. Like, yes Disco did heavily contribute to it, as evidenced by the "cool, sexy spy movie" starring a Discovery character. But, I think the problem starts in ds9.

My read of the original episode in which Section 31 was created, that I admittedly have not watched in a while, is that it is portrayed as a repugnant thing that is not only unnecessary, but actively undermines the existence of the Federation. And I think that that is still widely the fan perception of it- that's why people are upset that it's being turned into a James Bond movie. But Section 31's biological warfare being what ends the war- the war that if we choose to believe Julian and the Jack Pack, was otherwise unwinnable and would have resulted in countless deaths, fascism, and slavery spreading across the galaxy- does narratively justify its existence. It is still repugnant, but this ending communicates that it is necessary. I of course personally disagree with this message, especially when applied to real world politics, but it is nonetheless the message that I think is being conveyed.

And while I have not read the ds9 novels, my understanding of them is that they expand upon this and Julian joins and becomes the head of Section 31 because of this necessity.

And while again, it has been quite a while since I watched them, to my memory, Enterprise's Section 31 episodes do ultimately conclude that while Section 31 is unpleasant, it is ultimately a useful tool and that many of its operatives are well meaning.

Discovery obviously builds quite a lot on this, but its portrayl of Section 31, is in my opinion, the result of a gradual process in how the organization has been portrayed since its beginning, not something they decided out of the blue