#the importance of learning from experience and strong support system

[rabidline]

2023 WORLD CHAMPIONS: KAORI SAKAMOTO + SHOMA UNO First Japanese Singles Skaters to Defend their World Titles in Figure Skating ”My strength for this season was my experience up until today. Before the Grand Prix Final I struggled a lot but the week into Nationals I was able to bring my condition back up because of the experiences I had before, I remembered how to overcome that, so I was able to do that. Today in my free skate I was nervous but I was able to minimize my mistakes because of all the struggles and tough experiences I had, so I can say my strength is from my experiences.” - Kaori Sakamoto

“Looking back at my career, I’ve had several similar experiences and there’s always people around and close to me to support me through the hard times. I had this with injuries, bad condition, in the past it was my family that was there for me but now there’s Marin, Stephane and coach Demi, all the managers and everyone involved, I’m really grateful for the support and presence to my team.” - Shoma Uno

[amememightywarrior]

Food in Dawntrail

Gonna go ahead and share my thoughts on it as posted on twitter, excuse the format!

I found the prevalence of food in DT's MSQ very interesting. In a lot of cultures, food and food-sharing are acts of love both familial and neighborly. It also symbolized a desire to reach out and understand one another, from xibruq pibil to tacos to ice cream to weird grapes.

Our first encounter with food in DT is when Wuk Lamat wants to give us some tacos, but then BJJ smashes them carelessly, a sign that he is rejecting sharing and love

During the lay of repast, which is ALL about food, we learn a lot about the symbolism of meals and food and culture. It's great. 

Zoraal Ja and Bakool Ja Ja are teamed up and shown to not understand or care about food and sharing despite the BLATANT emphasis on it in the trial.

More subtle stuff that isn't called out is the way food is raised - like the Crystarium, where wandering around can reveal the importance, if you wander around DT you can find an example of what's called the three sisters method of farming.

For those unfamiliar with this system, it's actually a very culturally important method of farming in the americas where 3 staple crops, maize, squash, and beans, are grown together in a harmonious fashion. and i mean TOGETHER.

The maize, which grows tall and strong, provides support for the beanstalks which curl around it and provide stabilization both physically and nutritionally. At their feet grows the ground-covering squash which shades the soil, keeping it moist and preventing weeds.

The next major time we learn of food and agriculture is in heritage found, where we see people preserving real food as an act of culture more than anything else, showing the resilience of culture and the spirit of sharing in even the most lightning riddled situations.

After that it gets interesting. The concept of food in S9 is abstracted into the absurd (the grapes??? help), but they still share the food. More than that, it's a SPECTATOR sport, seeing WoL and Wuk Lamat eat. If you've ever been to a dinner with a family of a different culture, you will know the experience of tasting a new cuisine for the first time, and people asking you what you think of it. They share their culture with you and hope you approve. It's the sharing of joy, and it's the same as when you eat in S9.

Then we're REALLY challenged. We enter living memory and find the inhabitants feasting on the mere idea of food. They share with us as well, giving us popcorn. Did you lie and say it was great? Did you speak the truth of your tastebuds and reject the popcorn?

The food in living memory is tasteless to us, the only real ones in the place. But the act of sharing, that was the real important part. And so perhaps if WoL lied, it was not to spare feelings, but to show that yes, they were sharing in joy and culture.

Thus introduced, we are hit with that ice cream. We know it tastes of nothing, but we give it to Krile and her parents to share. Krile knows it doesn't taste like anything, and she struggles. But G'raha zips in with his own, to make her laugh and help her understand the joy.

The way each character reacts to food within DT is symbolic and shows a bit of their own perspectives. Someone who's very out on the edges, Estinien, is also someone who has embraced food very heavily after being freed from Nidhogg. He runs around eating everything in sight now.

And of course we also have the cornservant, who wants to feed everyone. I haven't actually done that quest line yet but I can already tell you what's at the heart of it XD

A lot of this we all know, I'm just calling it out specifically because it was beautifully done in DT.

Oh, before I forget: Otis and Gulool Ja

Otis, despite being, er...mechanical, has been feeding Gulool Ja. It is a familial act, feeding and helping this child grow despite zero relation.

is it just another fetch quest? Another shared meal of many shared meals in the field? Or is it asking us to look at this meal in the context of all that came before it?

What does it mean to love and care for one another? Otis shows it by being there and feeding Gulool Ja.

It contrasts with two other parties: Cahciuna's group, and Zoraal Ja.

Zoraal Ja does nothing. He does not feed his child. Abandoned him outright. ZJ rejects family, love, and sharing.

Cahciuna's group is trying really hard to take care of him, and he does allow it because they keep finding and taking him home. But why does he run away to eat with Otis? Cahciuna's response to realizing he WANTS to leave is to allow it instead of insisting.

I find that rather mysterious but I think it shows Gulool Ja prefers organic sharing, not S9 where everything is simply handed to him. Hopefully we see more of him in the future so we can learn wtf is up with this little blue-scaled cutie.

Food takes a background role in a lot of stories but DT took it, explained it, and then challenged our understanding by taking away the most talked about component, stripping away flavor to ask us what the point of food-sharing really is and how it reflects ourselves & our culture.

We've seen a lot of these themes before - ARR used to have a whole thing about feeding the soldiers before the assault on the garlean strongholds, SHB had the infamous rhon ron food stand scene, etc

we just got it called out repeatedly and the concept gently deconstructed for us in DT. 

So. what does the act of food-sharing mean to you? What does it mean to your WoL? How did you see the Lay of Repast? What did you think of the popcorn?

[astropookie]

Sun houses and fathers 🌞

Yoshitomi Nara

✨first post of 2024✨

take what resonates, leave what don’t 🎀 you don’t have to necessarily identify with it.

*I use whole sign system -house system- for more certainty

9H: you’re learning constantly from your dad. he teaches you what he’ve learned through his life. he’s teaching you about his mindset, the origin of his beliefs, why he stands for them. he could be someone very religious or faithful, and through that faith he could have teach you things he know now. also, he could be really philosophical and probably has a fixation with politics, investing. he could seem very patient or is constantly worried trying to understand how he can help you.

10H: your dad could be someone really hardworking, who you could have seen work really hard through all this years, making sure you’re satisfied in the economic and study aspect. he could have not been present too much when you were growing up and when he showed up he was too strict, he probably wasn’t conscious or didn’t know how to approach you -could be bc they thought him to bottle up his emotions-. you could end up studying/working on the same career/field your dad’s in.

11H: your dad it’s okay with who you are, or what side you show to them🧐. you’re their fav or they left you. you could feel like the only child/you are. he could seem too disperse, take it how you want to. idk why but mostly of dads of sun 11H are younger than what’s expected. he’s permissive. you were a spoiled kid, that has to do with your dad. “dreams” that word is important, he had a lot of influence and power over yours, he could have destroyed them or making sure you have all the resources -depending on the aspects-.

12H: your dad won’t judge your decisions or you. he’ll be a support. he could have difficulties to put limits in a father-son relationship, you could have felt stressed when you’re seeing how your dad is being bullied by your siblings bc of that attitude. you could have being the one who is protecting them or you’re the more serious/introverted one in the dynamic. or the total opposite: he’s too strict and you had to be careful on how to act. there’s something that happened there… you two could share something obvious, an interest, physical appearance, an adjective, etc. something everyone can point out. also, you could feel a strong or subconscious connection with your dad’s sight of the family.

5H: idk why I have the feeling you didn’t saw your dad for a long time and then you saw him, I’m trying to express that your relationship with him it’s not constant. he could be explosive or impulsive. he could contradict himself so much. he could have had you without planning it/unexpected -you were a surprise for him 🤩-. could be that your parents were young when they had you and etc. that’s why you’re like an experiment 😭 your dad doesn’t know how to approach you and he has a temperament. emotions here are fiery, when each other express their emotions they don’t take a seat and have a chat with a cup of tea, they’ll say how they feel crying and screaming.

6H: your dad could have OCD, no, I’m lying, but he could be really fucked up about order. “thinks have to be like this, why you didn’t let me this at this time?” Or the total opposite, not in the middle. he could get sticker in his routine and if things are not how he planned he get stressed. a perfectionist. he could be strict or conservative. he’s sarcastic, that’s why you could be sarcastic too. he’s hardworking and also could help on campaigns and etc. at some point you could have helped him on working on his health. and you could be the one who end up taking care of him/being the sibling who spends more time with him.

♡ Based on personal experience and what I’ve analyzed in my surroundings.

♡ English is not my first language.

♡ I’m not a profesional astrologer.

Thank youu. baibaiii🫣🫶🏼💋

Do not copy. Please give me credits.

[lavenderlacedquill]

An Autistic reader x Will would be perfect!!

˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚ 𝐎𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬 ˚ ༘ ⋆｡˚

Pairing: Will Graham x AuDHD! Reader

Will Graham Masterlist <3

Navigation Page <3

I have AuDHD, so this one will be heavily based off of my own experience on the spectrum :) A headcanon also felt the most appropriate for this one!

✧˖°

You were open with the fact that you live with Autism when you and Will began seeing each other, and he took it seriously from day one. Judgement would be nonexistent with him, and he will make it his mission to learn your quirks and preferences.

As it pertains to sensory issues, he will ask about your most common triggers and help you both come up with systems to avoid them.

Will has many dogs, and their barking can be a huge trigger to auditory sensory issues. If you get home from work before Will everyday, he will make sure to let you know when he is close to the house. This way, you can retreat upstairs before the dogs get excited at his arrival, and have a barrier for the noise. Once they're calm, he'll come upstairs and find you before you begin your nightly routines.

Safe foods for the both of you are always in the kitchen. This way, your newfound hyperfixation meals and your old reliables will always be available if dinner doesn't turn out how you expected.

Will welcomes your stims, as long as they are not harmful to you. He will smile with your verbal stim of the week, will become used to your usually swaying stance, and won't question if you begin walking around while you have a conversation.

If you're into fidget toys, he will have them at the ready.

Strong smells can be a huge sensory struggle, so he will always let you know before he cooks anything that is especially smelly. This way you can spend time outside with the dogs or retreat upstairs and have minimal interaction with it.

He will find ways to make the chores you struggle with the most seem doable. If you need a body double, he's there. If you work better with a partner, he'll be ready to help.

In moments of emotional dysregulation, he will be there to support you. If you need a separate activity to distract your brain, he'll give you something to untangle. If you need to be physically removed from a stressful environment, he'll lead you to a quiet room to help you cool down.

Being on time is important and often a huge stressor for you, and Will shares a similar sentiment. Late is never something you two are.

Will lives for your hyperfixations because he loves seeing you passionate about something. This being said, he will never shame you for your abandoned hobbies. He knows that is part of the deal. But he will welcome the ones that ebb and flow, like his own love of fly fishing.

Bottom line, Will knows you can take care of yourself. He will never infantalize you or make you feel less than because your brain works in different ways. But he will be there to support you in times of struggle, and advocate for you when you are unable to advocate for yourself.

✧˖°

The gif I used is from a set made by @hughdancybabyface. They make the most beautiful gifs I have ever seen. I am very new to using Gifs on Tumblr and crediting their creators, so any advice is welcome :)

My requests are currently open! Leave me all of your Will Graham fantasies, just please look over my guidelines first :)

[obsidian-pages777]

God of Heatbreak, Avenger of Unrequited Love: Anteros [ Asteroid] in your chart.

Anteros, the god of requited love and the avenger of unrequited love in Greek mythology, represents themes of mutual affection, balance in relationships, and the quest for reciprocal love. When placed in various astrological houses in a natal chart, Anteros can highlight different areas of life where these themes are most prominent. Here's a detailed look at Anteros in each of the twelve astrological houses:

First House (House of Self):

Emphasis on personal identity being closely tied to experiences of mutual love and affection.

A strong need for balanced relationships to feel self-assured and confident.

May seek partners who mirror their own qualities and values.

Second House (House of Values and Possessions):

Value systems heavily influenced by the concept of mutual respect and shared affection.

Financial decisions and material possessions might be impacted by relationships and partnerships.

Potential for finding self-worth through balanced and reciprocal relationships.

Third House (House of Communication):

Communication style may focus on fairness and equality in interactions.

Sibling relationships and early education experiences shaped by themes of reciprocation and balance.

The importance of mutual understanding in daily communications.

Fourth House (House of Home and Family):

Family dynamics and childhood experiences emphasize the need for reciprocal love and emotional balance.

Creating a home environment where mutual respect and affection are paramount.

Emotional security tied to the quality of familial relationships.

Fifth House (House of Pleasure and Creativity):

Romantic relationships and creative expressions are driven by the need for mutual affection and validation.

Pleasure derived from activities that involve shared love and balanced interactions.

Relationships with children might focus on fostering mutual respect and love.

Sixth House (House of Health and Service):

Work and daily routines are influenced by the desire for fair and balanced relationships with coworkers.

A focus on mutual support in health and wellness practices.

Service to others is seen through the lens of reciprocation and equality.

Seventh House (House of Partnerships):

This is a significant placement for Anteros, emphasizing the need for balanced and mutually fulfilling partnerships.

Marriage and close relationships thrive on reciprocal love and respect.

Conflicts in relationships often stem from imbalances or unreciprocated efforts.

Eighth House (House of Transformation and Shared Resources):

Intense focus on the deep, transformative power of mutual love and shared resources.

Relationships often involve themes of power balance and the fair sharing of intimate and financial resources.

Potential for transformative experiences through deeply reciprocal connections.

Ninth House (House of Philosophy and Higher Learning):

Beliefs and philosophical outlooks are shaped by experiences of mutual respect and reciprocal love.

Educational pursuits and long-distance travel may be influenced by partnerships and shared goals.

The search for meaning often involves exploring the balance in relationships.

Tenth House (House of Career and Public Life):

Career ambitions and public reputation are influenced by the need for balanced and mutually beneficial professional relationships.

Success in career often involves partnerships and collaborations built on mutual respect.

Public image may be tied to how one is perceived in relationships and partnerships.

Eleventh House (House of Friendships and Groups):

Friendships and group affiliations are centered on themes of mutual respect and shared goals.

Success in social circles depends on fair and balanced relationships.

Idealism in group efforts and social causes driven by the concept of reciprocity.

Twelfth House (House of the Unconscious and Mysticism):

Hidden or unconscious drives around the need for reciprocal love and balanced relationships.

Potential for experiencing unrequited love or addressing imbalances in relationships on a subconscious level.

Spiritual growth through understanding and balancing the dynamics of give-and-take in relationships.

In each house, Anteros highlights where the need for mutual affection and balanced relationships manifests in one's life, guiding individuals toward greater harmony and reciprocation in these areas.

[marvelstars]

Does it bothers you when people are like "Leia is so Anakin coded" or "Leia is so alike both Ani and Padme" while completely reducing Luke to "Padme in a boy's body". I have seen a few edits of the twins on tik tok lately and always when the video is about the parallels between Anakin and Luke the comments go "No. That is wrong. Luke is like Padme and Leia is like Anakin", or "you get the twins right, anakin-Leia, luke-padme".

And I have tbh, that pisses me off a bit, mostly on Luke's behalf since he is my fave, cause while I totally agree Luke has a lot of similarities with Padme, he also is alike Anakin in so many ways. And it upsets me a little people just trying to erase everything they have in common just to support this narrative. (Main reason why I don't like the reverse AU, or Senator Luke fics. The ones I have read just straigh up pushed this narrative, putting his love to fly, his passion, and many things that makes Luke be Luke to the side only to make him be a version of Padme)

It is also upsetting for Leia, since she is far away from being 100% like Anakin. They are both passionate and determined people, yes, but this doesn't make her be "Ani 2.0". And this narrative also completely dismiss the existence of Bail and Breha on her upbringing.

Both twins share a lot of similarities with both of their parents in different and intricated ways, with a lot of their own personality on the mix, what makes them unique. It baffles me see them being reduced to charicatures of their parents.

I agree with you, I understand fandom wants to have fun with memes but sometimes they go too far, Leia and Luke ultimately are their own persons and tbh those takes also do a big disservice to Anakin and Padme characters´reducing their arc and personality terribly and ignoring Owen, Beru, Bail and Breha influence on the twins emotional development.

But I will focus on Luke and his relationship to Anakin here.

Luke is a strong force sensitive with a good aptitude towards mechanical work, he is passionate, short tempered, idealist, has big dreams for the future, excellent pilot and soldier who cares more than anything for friends and family and causes he considers just, he is also kind and compassionate even if this doesn´t come easily to him, just like Anakin was at his age.

That said, he is also down to earth, pragmatic and has a no non-sense actitude when it comes to other people, see his reaction to Han trying to scam them on their travel to Alderaan, he doesn´t suffer people trying to make him feel inferior because he knows his own personal value, those are characteristics he got for being raised by his uncle and aunt, sure they lived on a desert planet full of Hutts, slavers, criminals and bounty hunters but they lived an honest way of life and didn´t believe they owned either group an ounce of their honest work, they only ever owned it to their family.

Anakin´s experiences shaped him differently on this matter, given his life as slave his mother teached him the art of bend,dont break by keeping his identity intact, this made him more susceptible to be ordered around by the Chancellor, the Jedi Council, the Republic sometimes even Padme even if this meant sacrificing his original hopes of freeing his mother, the slaves of tatooine and having a family.

Anakin developed low self esteem issues when he got separated from his mother because he no longer had her unconditional support and knew the reason why he was trained by the Jedi was contingent to his habilities and what he could do for the Order, not because he as a person, was important or would have been chosen for himself as a Jedi if he wasn´t so strong in the force but he learned to keep his real self buried and protected from outside forces while using the systems controlling him to his advantage. Palpatine managed to break him but even Vader was able to keep part of his real self alive despite the Emperor´s many efforts to turn him completely to the darkside ,which Luke noticed thanks to his bond to his father.

Those characteristics Luke got from his Uncle and Aunt served Luke well when he confronted the Emperor, Obi-Wan and Yoda, he already was interested in being a Jedi because of his father but this didn´t mean he was going to blindly follow whatever order Yoda and Obi-Wan gave him as much as he personaly appreciated and loved them as people and masters in the force and he certainly wasn´t going to act as if the Emperor wasn´t trying to destroy his familiar bond to his father when he didn´t even know the guy, took his father from him before he was born and was the rebellion´s main adversary, all Palpatine was for Luke was an objetive to kill on sight and Palpatine knew this, that´s why he temped him to the darkside by giving him the oportunity to kill him. Luke is also of the mind that if he doesn´t agree with something and that something is the source of great pain for others he is 100% justified in destroying it, see Jabba´s palace, the death star, the Empire. Anakin´s style is more "I know the system doesn´t work, it sucks but I will be damned if I don´t try to fix it or work around it" because he often feel as if he had no other choice.

Many fans take for granted the fact Luke forgave his father as his main personality trait when the opposite is the truth, Luke wasn´t a stranger to violence because he lived on a planet in which if you didn´t learn to take care of yourself you could die and as part of the rebellion he wasn´t a stranger to killing imperials and losing loved ones to the cause, the interesting thing about Luke´s CHOICE of saving his father isn´t that it was part of his nature all along, it´s the fact that´s pretty much agaisn´t his natural temperament, saving Vader went agaisn´t his natural care for family, Vader may be his father but he hurt his friends and Leia, saving Vader was the least pragmatic choice acording to his identity as a rebel and Jedi, saving Vader went agaisn´t his own feelings of abandoment and yearning for a father feeling betrayed by Anakin´s turn to the darkside.

Still Luke made this choice because he felt how utterly isolated and broken Vader was and he cared enough for the image of the father he never knew, a father he knew could still be there, to show him some uncomplicated, familiar love once again, the kind his aunt and uncle showed him, if only for Luke´s own peace of mind that he truly tried everything to make his father feel better, while his pragmatic side took care of things by letting Leia know about his mission and telling her they had to attack the DSII anyway even if he was there because the cause of freeing the galaxy from the Empire was still more important than his personal feelings and issues with his father.

The narrative gives Luke the victory, saving his father from the darkside which lead to the destruction of the Emperor and the Empire, for being loving and compassionate despite this not coming natural to him but as part of his personal grow and maybe, as the legacy of the two women who shaped his family without him meeting them, Shmi and Padme and the person his father used to be.

Luke and the Skywalker family in general are waaay more than some fans give them credit.

Thanks for the question anon

[luvevee]

So Carmine is honestly really sweet to watch develop! She seems like she's an older teenager, maybe a junior or senior, so her coping mechanisms for her instabilities like her anger are interesting to watch.

Hands clenching and being brought to her chest because they're shaking with anger. This seems to imply she's fighting to urge to hit whatever's making her angry.

Huge firework outbursts in response to slightest pushback. It's afterwards she explains what she really meant to get across by them.

She does not like change at all + is very vocal about how much she hates outsiders in her town.

Very very loud, and very vocal with her presence.

Incredibly remorseful and emotional when apologizing for mistakes she makes.

I think the most important thing to look at in the background is that Carmine understands she has a support system, and that's what makes the hugest difference in how she copes with everything.

When we get the mask, her first thought is "take it to grandpa" with no intention of withholding information. She's not scared she'll get in trouble or thinking of hiding things from them, she knows she has to be completely transparent and she can do that with her grandparents. She trusts them, she knows they'll help even if it's something so bizarre that most people would dismiss her experience.

Adding to that is when she learns the true story of the Loyal Three and Ogerpon. Her first impulse is to run into town to shout the truth. It isn't even a "we need to avenge our family lineage" thing, it's the misinformation that destroyed the lives of her ancestor, a man who wanted to live a new and quiet life, and a pokemon that was just reacting to the death of her trainer/parent. She's angry at the town for what they did to Ogerpon and she wants them to listen. Carmine's thinking of what she wants and what should happen. Her fiery personality paired with impulsivity leads to a lot of possibilities of problems.

But then her grandpa stops her. He doesn't scold her, he just asks "what would happen if they found out the truth after so long" and lets Carmine realize the answer is most likely "get angry" without putting down her impulsive, though valiant, urge to tell everyone the truth. He understands that Carmine just wants to make history right and that she's an honest young lady, but that she's very impulsive and very aggressive with how she goes about things. And the thing is Carmine listens to him, because she knows her grandpa is trying to help her understand the situation.

Her grandparents very obviously love her and understand that she needs some extra nudging/coaching with things. They understand she has problems regulating herself, and they work with her. Carmine doesn't feel the need to lash out against them because she understands they're trying to help her, and that's helped shape how a lot of her current coping mechanisms work.

Carmine can think of the practical sides of things if she's stopped for a moment. She can redirect her anger from physically lashing out, because even though her first instinct is to hit since it's a very simple and impulsive movement she knows it's bad. She can trust that she has people to catch her if she falls, namely her grandparents.

Then the whole other ballpark of how she's very protective of Kieran. It seems like that Carmine wants him not to be her, but to feel like her. She wants her little brother to feel confident, safe, strong, but her emotional instability and typical big sibling feelings really strain the gap between them.

When Kieran pushes back, she struggles with responding appropriately and gets furious because "I'm just trying to be a good big sister" and "I'm the big sister he should listen to me" clash in her head alongside her pride. She's trying really hard to make him feel the way she does, but it ends up just making him shrink down further because of how aggressive she is. It's a cycle she accidentally perpetuates without realizing what she's doing.

And Carmine loves him so much! She wants what's best for him, she wants to be the model big sister. She cares so much about his feelings that she convinces us to stay quiet about meeting Ogerpon because she knows he'll be crushed that he wasn't there. Even though she teases him, Carmine's clearly trying to be a good big sister/trusted figure in his life. That's what hurts the most, is that she's trying.

But in her excessive worrying and outbursts about his feelings, she ends up doing more damage. She ends up yelling things that she feels on the surface level and has to explain that what came out was completely different than what she meant, but she doesn't tell Kieran that because it's the "he should understand I'm doing what's best for him" mindreading aspect.

By the end of the arc, Carmine does the one things she really can: give him space. She doesn't force him out of his room before they go back to Blueberry Academy, she just tells everyone he isn't feeling well. She's trying to protect his privacy and processing, still trying to be the wall between the turbulent world and Kieran's need for time, and it's obvious she feels adrift in this situation. Usually she can just apologize and things calm down, but it's such a huge situation that changed so much that the usual routine won't work. It's something that obviously troubles her, but she ultimately realizes all she can do is wait for Kieran to reach out to her when he's ready.

She wants so badly to help Kieran, but she's on the other side of the same wall that's making it so hard for her to truly look at him and understand what she needs to shift to be the good big sister she strives to be in his life.

Carmine's character is so amazing to watch develop as she learns to trust someone other than the people around her and how she takes in everything that happens around her, she really deserves a big hug for how hard she tries ��

[mywitchyblog]

Interviewing Hekate About Reality Shifting Part 2

The Awaited second part of the interview with hekate abour shifting i will ask her 6 Questions regarding Shifting.

The third part will be done by you ! As in, you ask her questions (in the comments of this post) and i will select 5 to 8 of yours to ask her !

To Celebrate my 300 followers i offer for the next two weeks 50% off on all my readings so the price written on the post divide it by 2 and you have the price you will have to pay to purchase them.

Booking me :

Masterlist :

Part 1 of the Interview :

The Interview :

"Hekate, what advice do you have for someone who is new to the practice of reality shifting?" (page of cups reversed, knight of cups, strength reversed)

"Ah, newcomers to reality shifting. They often arrive with hearts full of excitement but must navigate some challenges. Let me share some insights for those just beginning this journey.

First, be prepared for some initial emotional turbulence. As a beginner, you might find your feelings about shifting are somewhat immature or unrealistic. There's often a tendency to romanticize the process or expect immediate, dramatic results. It's important to temper these expectations and approach shifting with a more grounded perspective.

That said, don't let this dampen your enthusiasm entirely. Embrace the idealism and passion you bring to this practice. Like a knight embarking on a quest, allow your imagination and sense of adventure to guide you. This emotional engagement is a powerful tool in shifting, so nurture it, but balance it with realism.

Now, here's a crucial point: don't be discouraged if you feel you lack the inner strength or confidence at first. Many newcomers struggle with self-doubt or fear. This is normal. Reality shifting can be intimidating, and it's okay to feel vulnerable or uncertain.

My advice? Start small. Don't push yourself too hard too fast. Begin with simple visualization exercises or meditation practices to build your mental focus. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories.

Also, seek support from experienced shifters or supportive communities. Their guidance can be invaluable, especially when you're feeling unsure.

Remember, shifting is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Embrace the learning process, be kind to yourself when facing obstacles, and allow your passion to fuel your progress.

Lastly, trust in your own unique path. Everyone's experience with shifting is different. What works for others may not work for you, and that's perfectly fine. Stay open, stay curious, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of discovery that lies ahead."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Hekate, how does one's belief system influence their ability to shift realities?" (lovers reversed, hanged man, seven of cups reversed, queen of cups reversed)

"Ah, the interplay between belief and shifting… it's a complex dance, filled with both challenges and profound insights.

First, understand that conflicting beliefs can significantly hinder one's ability to shift. Many find themselves torn between their desire to shift and their ingrained beliefs about what's possible or 'real'. This internal conflict can create a formidable barrier.

However, here's where it gets interesting: sometimes, the key to breakthrough lies in suspending your current belief system entirely. Like the Hanged Man, you must be willing to view the world from a completely different perspective. This isn't about replacing one rigid belief with another, but about cultivating a state of openness and surrender.

Now, it's crucial to address the role of fantasies and illusions in this process. A strong belief system can help ground you, preventing you from getting lost in unrealistic expectations or scattered visions of what shifting should be. It's about finding clarity amidst the myriad possibilities.

But be cautious. There's a risk of becoming emotionally detached or overly analytical about the whole process. Your beliefs shouldn't create an emotional barrier between you and the experience of shifting. Remember, shifting often involves deeply personal, emotional journeys.

So, how do you navigate this? Start by examining your core beliefs about reality, consciousness, and possibility. Be honest with yourself about what you truly believe, not just what you want to believe. Then, practice flexibility in your thinking. Cultivate a belief system that allows for expansion and new experiences, rather than one that limits you.

Importantly, understand that belief is not just intellectual assent. It's a deep, often subconscious acceptance that permeates your entire being. Work on aligning your conscious thoughts, subconscious beliefs, and emotional responses.

Ultimately, the most conducive belief system for shifting is one that acknowledges the vastness of possibility while remaining grounded in personal truth. It's a delicate balance of openness, discernment, and trust in your own experience.

Remember, shifting isn't about forcing yourself to believe something. It's about expanding your understanding of what's possible and allowing yourself to explore beyond the boundaries of your current perception."

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"Hekate, what are the most common challenges people face when attempting to shift realities?" (three of wands, page of cups reversed, ace of swords reversed)

"Ah, the challenges of reality shifting. It's a journey filled with both promise and pitfalls. Let me illuminate some of the most common obstacles seekers encounter.

First and foremost, many approach shifting with grand expectations and eagerness for immediate results. Like an adventurer gazing at distant horizons, they're filled with anticipation. This enthusiasm is beautiful, but it can also be a double-edged sword. The excitement often leads to impatience, causing frustration when results don't manifest as quickly as hoped.

Another significant challenge lies in the emotional realm. Many, especially those new to shifting, struggle with immature or unrealistic emotional responses to the process. They might become easily discouraged, overly attached to specific outcomes, or have difficulty processing the intense emotions that can arise during shifting attempts. It's like a young artist facing their first critique - the emotional vulnerability can be overwhelming.

Perhaps one of the most pervasive challenges is mental clarity, or rather, the lack thereof. Many find it difficult to maintain a clear, focused mindset during their attempts. Doubts creep in, clouding their thoughts. They might struggle to visualize their desired reality clearly or battle with intrusive thoughts that undermine their efforts. It's as if they're trying to cut through a fog with a dull blade - the intention is there, but the execution is hindered.

Additionally, many face the challenge of integrating their shifting experiences with their everyday lives. They might have difficulty reconciling what they experience during shifts with their normal reality, leading to confusion or cognitive dissonance.

Lastly, there's the challenge of consistency and persistence. Shifting often requires regular practice and unwavering commitment, even in the face of seeming failure. Many give up too soon, not realizing that progress in shifting can be subtle and cumulative.

To overcome these challenges, I advise cultivating patience, emotional maturity, and mental discipline. Approach shifting as a long-term journey of self-discovery rather than a quick fix. Work on developing a clear, focused mind through meditation or other mindfulness practices. And above all, be gentle with yourself. Every attempt, every 'failure', is a step forward in your understanding and ability.

Remember, the path of shifting is as much about personal growth as it is about experiencing alternate realities. Embrace the challenges as opportunities for deeper self-knowledge and spiritual development."

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"Hekate, what role does intention play in successful reality shifting?" (three of wands reversed, seven of pentacles, page of pentacles reversed)

"Intention in reality shifting… ah, it's a crucial element, but its role might surprise you.

First, let's address a common misconception. Many believe that strong intention alone is enough to propel them into their desired reality. They set their sights on a distant goal, expecting their sheer will to make it happen. However, this approach often leads to frustration and disappointment. Intention is important, yes, but it's not a magic wand.

The true power of intention in shifting lies in its ability to guide your focus and efforts over time. Think of it like tending a garden. You plant the seeds of your intention, but then comes the patient work of nurturing and waiting. Results don't manifest overnight, but with consistent care and attention, your efforts will bear fruit.

Now, here's where many stumble: they approach intention with an immature or unrealistic mindset. They might set intentions that are too vague, too grandiose, or disconnected from their true desires. It's like a novice gardener dreaming of an instant orchard without understanding the intricacies of cultivation.

So, how can you harness intention effectively for shifting?

Start by grounding your intentions in reality. Be specific about what you want to experience, but also be open to how it might manifest. Your intention should be a guiding star, not a rigid demand.

Next, align your actions with your intentions. Shifting isn't just about what you want, but about who you become in the process. Let your intention influence your daily choices and habits. This alignment creates a powerful resonance that supports your shifting practice.

Also, be patient and observant. Like a farmer watching for the first sprouts, pay attention to subtle changes and small successes. These are signs that your intention is taking root.

Remember, the most powerful intentions come from a place of inner knowing and authenticity. They're not about escaping your current reality, but about expanding into new possibilities.

Lastly, hold your intentions with a balance of focus and flexibility. Be clear about what you want, but open to how the universe might deliver it. Sometimes, the reality you shift to might not look exactly as you imagined, but it could be exactly what you need.

In essence, intention in shifting is like a compass on a journey. It points the way, but you still need to walk the path. Use it to guide your efforts, maintain your focus, and stay connected to your deepest desires. With time and practice, you'll find that your ability to shift realities grows alongside your skill in setting and holding powerful intentions."

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"Hekate, how can someone prepare themselves mentally and spiritually for reality shifting?" (five of pentacles reversed, page of pentacles, queen of wands reversed)

"Preparing oneself for reality shifting is a journey of both inner and outer work. Let me share some insights on this process.

Firstly, it's crucial to address any lingering feelings of lack or unworthiness. Many approach shifting from a place of desperation, feeling that their current reality is somehow insufficient. This mindset can be a significant obstacle. Instead, work on healing these wounds and recognizing the abundance already present in your life. This shift in perspective can open doors you didn't even know existed.

Now, here's an interesting aspect: while you're working on your inner state, it's equally important to engage in practical, grounded learning about shifting. Approach it with the curiosity and openness of a student. Read, research, and practice basic techniques. This combination of inner healing and outer learning creates a solid foundation for your shifting journey.

However, be cautious of falling into the trap of overconfidence or impatience. Many, especially those with a naturally bold or fiery temperament, might rush into advanced techniques before they're ready. This can lead to frustration or burnout. Remember, preparation is a process, not a race.

So, how can you effectively prepare?

Start with self-reflection. Understand your motivations for shifting. Are they coming from a place of curiosity and growth, or from a desire to escape? Addressing this can help align your intentions more powerfully.

Practice mindfulness and meditation. These skills are invaluable in shifting, as they help you maintain focus and awareness during the process.

Work on your visualization skills. Start with simple exercises and gradually build up to more complex scenarios. This trains your mind to hold and manipulate detailed images, which is crucial in shifting.

Explore energy work or other spiritual practices that resonate with you. This can help you become more attuned to subtle energies and states of consciousness.

Cultivate a balanced lifestyle. A healthy body and mind create a more conducive environment for shifting. This includes proper sleep, nutrition, and stress management.

Build a supportive community or find a mentor. Having others to share experiences with can provide encouragement and valuable insights.

Lastly, cultivate patience and self-compassion. Preparation is an ongoing process, and everyone's journey is unique. Celebrate small progress and be kind to yourself during challenges.

Remember, preparing for shifting is as much about personal growth as it is about achieving a specific goal. Embrace the journey of self-discovery that comes with it. As you prepare, you may find that you're not just getting ready to shift realities – you're already shifting your current reality in profound ways."

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"Hekate, can people shift to any reality they desire, or are there limitations?" (ten of swords reversed, seven of swords, four of wands)

"Ah, the boundaries of shifting… it's a topic that sparks much debate and contemplation. Let me share some insights on this complex matter.

First, it's important to understand that the concept of 'limitation' in shifting isn't as clear-cut as many might think. There's a tendency to believe that all limitations are simply mental constructs that can be overcome with enough will or skill. While there's some truth to this, it's not the whole picture.

The good news is that many perceived limitations are indeed self-imposed. Often, what holds people back isn't an actual barrier, but their own fears, doubts, or subconscious beliefs. Recognizing and working through these internal obstacles can significantly expand one's shifting capabilities.

However, here's where it gets tricky: there's an element of unpredictability and mystery in the shifting process. Sometimes, the realities we access aren't exactly what we intended or expected. It's as if there's a hidden hand guiding the process, leading us to realities that may be more aligned with our deeper needs or overall growth, rather than our surface desires.

This doesn't mean deception or failure, though. In fact, many shifters find joy and fulfillment in realities they hadn't initially aimed for. It's like planning a journey to a specific destination but discovering an even more beautiful place along the way.

So, can people shift to any reality they desire? In theory, the possibilities are vast, perhaps limitless. But in practice, it's more nuanced. Your ability to shift is influenced by various factors: your belief systems, your energetic alignment, your spiritual development, and even factors we might not fully understand yet.

My advice? Approach shifting with an open mind and heart. Set your intentions for the realities you wish to experience, but also remain open to unexpected possibilities. Sometimes, the universe (or your higher self) might have plans that surpass your current understanding or desires.

Remember, the joy of shifting isn't just in reaching a specific reality, but in the growth and discoveries you make along the way. Each attempt, each experience, contributes to your overall journey.

Ultimately, while the potential for shifting seems boundless, it's wise to approach it with a balance of ambition and humility. Push your boundaries, explore new possibilities, but also respect the mystery and wisdom inherent in the process. The most rewarding shifts often come when we're open to both our desires and the greater flow of existence."

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[ed-recovery-affirmations]

Since feedism has lately become kinda controversial (people vehemently pro and vehemently anti ever since I made that post) I'm going to try to keep the conversation open in a positive, non-judgmental way. I do want to do my best to make this a safe space for all experiences to be heard. There are people who have had EXTREMELY predatory experiences being drawn into feedism. There are, as I've learned, also people who feel they've been able to establish a gentle, positive, and consent-based experience around the practice. I'm not taking either side, just reflecting on the initial reason I made that post and felt so anti-feedism there.

We know that diet culture, starvation, and the ana/mia constant of setting lower and lower goal weights does irreparable harm to the human body. Restricting as a teen, during a crucial developmental period, definitely damaged mine.

But so did bingeing. When I came out of anorexia, I cycled back and forth between that and binge eating disorder. And bingeing was at least as destructive and damaging to my GI system as starving. I'm not kidding. There was more than one time in college that I had to lie on my side on my dorm room floor because I'd eaten so much that I was in too much pain to get up, my stomach all round and hard like a basketball from being so stuffed. And I still felt the compulsion to try and eat more. I was miserable and I hated myself for hurting myself like that, but I couldn't stop. The only thing that I found to be supportive of my health was practicing intuitive eating - letting my own body dictate exactly what I needed, exactly how much, and when - no more, and no less. And it took a VERY long time for me to settle into that pattern and lessen instances of compulsive binge eating.

Just because this was my experience doesn't mean I'm saying no one's allowed to have a different one. But I will say, it definitely makes me feel somewhat concerned, as someone who is a strong proponent of intuitive eating, that a lot of the feeder content I have seen does hold a deliberate emphasis on consistent weight gain. Not specifically the eating part - the way that a feeder can encourage a feedee to keep gaining. The way recovery has looked for me is this: I let my hunger cues dictate my needs. My body can settle into whatever size it needs to be as I follow these hunger cues. I do not make a practice of ignoring my body's needs in order to deliberately change the size it naturally wants to be - whether that be smaller, or larger. That's what I have always been a proponent of, and I have always made a point to emphasize that intuitive eating absolutely applies to people who are naturally fat, that they have no obligation to starve their bodies in an attempt to stop being fat. "Just let your body be what it needs to be" has been the mantra that has best supported my relationship with food.

I think that's specifically what made me find feedism suspect - the emphasis on pushing continuous gain for kink purposes rather than any specific health need. (This is not me dunking on people who do get off on that relationship - just talking about my perspective as someone who absolutely HAD to learn how to put my own body behind the wheel and nobody else when it comes to what I eat, and how much.)

That being said, if anybody in this community wants to talk to me about specific ways they feel the experience has benefited them. And while it's okay to talk to me about kink (I'll make sure to tag appropriately) as kink is an important part of some peoples' lives, I am curious to hear if people feel they've experienced benefits outside of the kink sphere too, and what that looks like for them. Hoping to keep this an open, and respectful, conversation.

[eatmangoesnekkid]

The Hidden Eros in Oral Care

Heart health is directly related to the quality of one’s oral hygiene.

Oral care and professional dental hygiene such as deep cleanings (especially as you get older) and brushing your tongue and the roof of your mouth daily favorably impact your heart health and the spiritual energetic emanation of your heart energy and body scent. That, coupled with pelvic circulation, the divine capacity to shake any fibroids and other toxic debris out of your own body, is also important to your quality of scent. Now your energy can flow better.

Increasing the health of our heart is important because it pumps and pulses our blood to other organs and provides our body with cleaner oxygen. Our heart is important for many less-than-obvious reasons as well. It is the only organ that supports us in radiating more peace, love and joy out into the world. So if you care about your heart, you must also care about your teeth and gum tissue, something I wish I would have learned when I was younger. But quality teeth and gum care are not about having perfect teeth as marketed in Western society, but about healthy teeth and gum tissues and thus healthy circulation of our heart energy.

Well-sourced meat (especially for more athletic people who *enjoy* meat) is okay as long as they regulate and stay aligned with healthy digestion which of course impacts quality of scent. If f you eat meat, you must be more meticulous with self-care which needs to stated and taught more I find.

I am a Scent Priestess among many other roles. Healthy scent/pheromones are part of my core values.

I believe as women, as female-bodies people, scent has to become one of our strongest senses and personal allies because of its ability to support us in drawing precise conclusions or making clear decisions through scent-tracking. How someone or something smells provides us with deeper intelligence and wisdom about a person or an environment, who and what is good for us and working in our favor.

Also, the quality of one’s health and the quality of one’s scent, are all inextricably linked to their quality of sex. If you love openhearted high-quality sex, if you love creativity and creative energy, creating new body and life narratives, meeting your goals and dreams, you must also adore self-care and spending time tending to your body, not putting yourself last. You must also embark on a journey of finding pleasure in opening up your lymphatic pathways and sweating regularly as well as touching and massaging aloe/oil/body butters into your whole body.

The ability to experience enthusiasm, ecstasy, natural bliss, instrinsic beauty, prophecy, and the like occur with more ease when you feel good, and smell good because your energy is unlocked and flowing. The flow of energy also keeps your signal for deliberate creation strong and available.

The quality of your flow of energy is the only thing that truly creates your reality.

The systems of oppression and repression we live in that de-magnetize and de-sacralize the feminine inhibit us from discovering real pleasure and erotic energy in most things we do, like in our oral care. Opening up your mouth wide and caring for your teeth and gum tissue, doing hip circles as you slow-brush your tongue, knowing how this care also contributes greatly to your confidence and sexual wellbeing, may start to feel delicious and even a bit erotic overtime to you with more tending, conscious opening like undressing slowly while soft gazing at your lover, and getting your mouth healthier, happier, or more sensitive to pleasure. If we want to cultivate the big chi needed to create the world we desire to see, we have to be willing to show up more creatively and erotically in nearly everything we do.

We have to become women again, Gods, dripping with big desire, even while brushing and flossing our teeth sometimes. We must become women, Goddesses who wear little to no chemicals, make high-quality oil tinctures by hand and beating heart, smelling like love, tasting like love, emanating more love and beauty into the electromagnetic field. This is how we create projects, art, or other dreams that have a heartbeat, where we don’t have to beg consumers to buy or purchase, but the work is so valuable and rooted that its own pulse will circulate it around in the world and into the global marketplace on our behalf.

Yes even inanimate objects, gestated properly, can carry a circulatory system. Mm. Amen.

—-

When you are ready to cross the threshold of waking up from the amnesia and egoic dream state you were groomed to live in, please know it is not all pleasure all the time which can lead to spiritual bypassing and hedonistic insatiable parasitic energy, like attracting a lover who doesn't really care about you and lowkey only really wants to fuck. None of this melody of love work is about getting stuck in pleasure because some of the transformative emotions are not pleasurable to experience.

The Feminine

The light is expanding which means that we too have to expand in order to hold more light. This is what awakening looks like. But a true awakening to light and wisdom in this dimension actually is a great descent into the human body--moving us out of head and down into our pussy, sex/creative energy center, and psyche on Earth which will bring up and out anything that is not true like vomiting in a ceremony, including the ugly, the uncomfortable, and the hard, which may likely bring heartbreak, pain, loss loneliness, etc. and reveal other blind spots and shadows one has been numbing or hiding from. But it will be also illuminate profound unmet layers of beauty because what's also true is that waking up is an ongoing internal work of resensitizing ourselves to experience real pleasure -from the subtlest, softest, benevolent, whispering touch of the wind to the firmest most passionate hand-full-of-pure-ass-grip under a moonlit sky and allow our range for pleasure to widen and expand on all levels like the universe, even in our oral health and oral...care. These are also ways the body naturally regenerates and create more meaningful experiences.

“Scent Priestess” is one of my favorite chapters in The Melody of Love series. 🫀🫀🫀

[many-but-one]

hello! i am a minor who has DID and figured out that i am a ramcoa survivor. i just want to ask: does it get better? i saw that you post recovery stories about healing from ramcoa and they have inspired me, however eventually living with total access to the memories is daunting to think about. so like, does it actually get better? will i be able to make peace with the higher ups and my system?

have a lovely day btw :)

Yes, it does get better!

The access to memories and integration is incredibly daunting. As a part who once knew absolutely nothing (I was once the ANP “non knowing host part”) I now have immense access to an immense amount of memories that have been integrated over the time we have been healing and processing our horrific traumas.

I’m still very emotionally disconnected from these memories. Some of them have been integrated into collective memory via flashbacks, and others have been integrated because parts have processed their memories, and others have been integrated via memory sharing as amnesia barriers began to lower between us and we improved system communication and cooperation.

With improving communication and cooperation came horrible memories, that’s just part of it. I used to freak the absolute fuck out every time I learned something new and awful. Now, it’s something I’m fairly used to. I’m rarely surprised by anything anymore. Moreso I feel incredible anguish and grief for what my parts went through for me and other lesser knowing parts to be able to go on with everyday life. I grieve knowing we experienced immense betrayal from people we trusted. That’s far more difficult than the memories, in my opinion. But then again, I’m still fairly emotionally disconnected. When I get access to emotions attached to the memories, it bodies the fuck out of me.

However, working on processing those memories and the emotions associated with them has made this process easier.

I will not lie. Healing from all of this is the second hardest thing we’ve ever done—the hardest thing was surviving it in the first place. The good thing is, the hardest part (surviving) is out of the way. Now we get to heal. It’s hard, but it’s so worth it. Parts of my life that I was extremely avoidant and averse to (like being close with friends, experiencing romantic/platonic/sexual intimacy) is finally possible.

Perhaps TMI, but us being able to take back our body and experience sexual freedom without programs running the show is such an incredible experience. I would have never been able to do that if I hadn’t healed so much and I didn’t have an incredibly patient partner willing to understand our situation and work with us to be able to heal and experience this freedom. This extends to the freedom to trust and experience romantic and platonic love and intimacy too. We were incredibly avoidant of these things prior to us starting our healing journey. Now, here we are! It’s a beautiful thing.

My advice to you, one of the most important tools in my healing tool box is Hope. Something my therapist used to say when I felt my hope waning was “I have enough hope for the both of us. I’ll carry your hope for you, I’m able to hold this for you until you can hold it yourself” and we used to pass hope back and forth like a hot potato. But I always knew she held out hope for me. Knowing someone held that hope for my healing and a future free of these burdens helped me eventually learn to carry my hope for myself. I’m also now strong enough to hold hope for others in their healing journey, and support them as best I can.

It will get better. It will be hard, but it’s worth it.

Take care, OP.

-Many

[markantonys]

parsing through my thoughts on the TOM gawene conflicts as i've been rereading some of their scenes while working on my fic! as always, my interpretations are colored by my role as gawyn's defense attorney lmao

the core of these conflicts really is so good to me. because we have egwene, who has a complex about needing to do everything herself and thinking she can't rely on other people to do things on her behalf (due to her experiences of needing to strong-arm into supporting her aes sedai who only raised her because they wanted to use her as a puppet). and we have gawyn, who has a complex about needing to be useful to a more important person at all times (due to his upbringing as "a living sword for elayne's/andor's use"). and so OF COURSE they run into a problem of gawyn trying too hard to be useful to egwene, egwene getting mad that he's interfering and presuming she needs his help, and then gawyn getting upset that egwene is rejecting his help and not letting him be useful. tasty, delicious, organic, and in character if you ask me! and throughout, we see that they both care about each other and both ultimately want the same thing (gawyn becoming egwene's warder), but just can't quite understand each other well enough to get onto the same page about making that happen.

now, sanderson's spin on it of "oh, gawyn's too used to being a prince so he struggles to follow orders and play second fiddle" isn't the correct read to me. imo it's based on real-world, patriarchy-rooted assumptions of what being raised as a prince would be like, but in andor's matriarchal monarchy, gawyn has always been raised to play second fiddle rather than hold the spotlight himself and he never had a problem with it prior to TOM (in fact, he was actively miserable being a large-scale military leader), so transitioning from being elayne's first prince to egwene's warder shouldn't be too big a shock to his system. and he's usually shown to be pretty willing to follow orders - UNLESS those orders are to do nothing, which most (all?) of egwene's orders to him in TOM are. because he Needs To Be Useful and can't accept that sometimes he can help somebody best by Not Doing Anything (encapsulated perfectly by the "gawyn i need you to do something for me" "yes anything" "stop guarding my door" "what no!" exchange). so in that sense i think gawyn behaves pretty in-character in TOM, but sanderson just picked out the wrong reason for what's making him behave that way.

thus, the resolution of the conflict does stumble a bit. egwene being put in a situation where she would've died if gawyn hadn't helped her works for her end of it (learning to lean on others), but on gawyn's end it's kinda clunky. the lesson he Truly needed to learn is that sometimes the best thing he can do is nothing, but sanderson was under the impression that the lesson he needed to learn was that his place is in egwene's shadow and he must come to her as a warder rather than as a prince. hence, the resolution on his end is him accepting his own death as the price to pay to keep egwene alive. which is........kinda the opposite of what he needed to learn and basically contributes to his actual death in AMOL.........wait a minute, WAS this a mishandling by sanderson or was he deliberately making gawyn learn the wrong lesson to set up his death? lmao

anyway, at the end of the day the whole bloodknife sequence is SO goddamn romantic that i don't even care about some of the details of gawyn's motivations feeling off to me. literally a top 5 most romantic WOT moment from which i will never recover!!!!

[starsworldd]

𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓰𝓾𝔂𝓼! 𝓼𝓸𝓻𝓻𝔂 𝓲𝓽’𝓼 𝓫𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓪 𝓵𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓵𝓮 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮’𝓼 𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽 2 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓾𝓶𝓼 <3

**only take what resonates don’t take this too seriously hehe**

stellium in the 7th house:

People who have stelliums in the 7th house have a focus on the other. Maybe it’s not so much them as it is their life often revolves around others or other people supporting them and getting them to the top. There may be a lot of lessons learned around all kinds of relationship (platonic, romantic, the public, etc..) but these people may also just be really good with people too! it depends on the sign but some of these people could just have a knack for meeting people at the right time, place, and person. This house could also rule over business partners/contracts so maybe your life themes could revolve around things like that too. This house also rules over open enemies. Though there is a focus on the other (7th house) you need to develop your independence and your own identity (1st house).

stellium in the 8th house:

oh boy….this is a crazy house. People who have stelliums in this house have. been. through. it. (the rumors are true lol). They’ve been through the ringer. And if you haven’t, maybe you’re really into finance, stock markets, astrology, stuff like that (maren altman type shit :p) but to be more specific with going through the ringer stuff, there’s often a crisis or some sort of life changing event (that often involves other people like a partner, family, but sometimes not) that deters the native’s life permanently. Your life themes could constantly revolve around change and being destroyed (8th house) in order to build yourself back up stronger than before (2nd house).

stellium in the 9th house:

Natives with a stellium in this house are often really curious and love science and exploring the world beyond their local environment. Religion or higher beliefs may play a significant role in their life or can be something they really value. Along with this, foreign people or places could also be important to them and their life. Expansion in terms of learning and actual experiences that they have is predominant in their life. These people love adventure and getting philosophical about life. maybe college/university is something important to their life themes too, something significant about that possibly. 9th house stelliums focus on the broader topics of life (9th house) but they should not forget that there is value in local learning within their school, towns, neighbors, etc… (3rd house)

stellium in 10th house:

This stellium placement may have a large focus on their image to others (on social media, the workplace as examples), their destiny/calling, and overall attention from others. I’ve noticed that a lot of people who have these stelliums often receive a lot of attention from others whether that be on social media or in person, or that they care a lot about how they appear in person and/or on social media. These people often have a pronounced reputation amongst their peers depending on the sign the stellium is in. These people may also be very driven for success and most of their energy revolves around their career or their calling in life. While a lot of their major life themes/events happen around others and in the public (10th house) it is important that these people establish a strong sense of foundation in their emotional comforts and home life before going after their goals and being in the public eye (4th house)

stellium in 11th house:

This house speaks to community, friends, and gains. Some say that people with a stellium in this house care a lot about humanitarian issues and may have a knack for gathering people or just being in/forming communities. Natives may also be very goal oriented much like a 10th house stellium. Friends and having a support system of people may be very important to these people. Because this house also deals with large groups of people, these people may enjoy success on social media or have a naturally gravitate towards it. This native’s life may often involve being able to integrate with different groups of people or doing things with friends and other communities. Philanthropy could play a big part of this person’s life, similarly said in the beginning of this explanation. While a native’s life may be very dependent on friends and/or having an audience of some sort (11th house) it is equally important to develop one’s creativity and self-expression (5th house)

12th house stellium:

Another really interesting house…okay so a lot of astrologers say that people with this house may have felt “invisible” or not really seen throughout their life. Maybe for a lot of people who have this stellium placement, their life events/themes may tend to happen internally, things to do with mental health, sprirituality or one’s imagination as examples. Rarer manifestation, but this person’s life could also have to do with secret enemies/haters or even admirers maybe. This house rules over hospitals and prisons so maybe something to do with that too. While the 11th house deals with gains, this house deals with loss, consequentially this may play out to be a large theme in their life too. A lot of the things i’m saying here may be perceived as negative but of course these things depend on context; sometimes loss can be good, sometimes loss can be bad. Sometimes mental health can be good, sometimes bad. This house is very flexible, as it is naturally ruled by pisces and neptune/jupiter. While people with this stellium tend to have a focus on the internal (12th house) it’s important that they also work out their daily routines + productivity (6th house).

**for part 1: i may have mentioned for the 6th house stellium that there may be something to do with open enemies but i personally believe this is more of a 7th house theme sense the 7th house opposes the first house of self**

☆ thank you so much for reading and i hope you all have a lovely day/night! lemme know down below what other posts i should i do or what you guys wanna know about ☆

[dreamytine]

INTENSE • Metamorphosis

As transformation can be sure to differ and vary from person to person based on their circumstances, mindset & experiences, there are also common occurrences during this process of metamorphosis as well. Many of these periods can seem intense, letting go of familiar routines, environments, or relationships can be emotionally challenging. Especially when forced to release it all at once. It can seem as though you are navigating a “Dark night of the soul”, and not sure where to turn. When we venture into uncharted territory, fear and anxiety pertaining to the future can arise. It can bring up insecurities, causing you to question your abilities and worthiness of achieving new goals or adapting to new circumstances. Navigating these intensities of transformation requires support systems, coping strategies, and a strong belief in the importance and potential benefits of change within self, to begin with. Identify what you want to change or achieve and set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound goals. Reflect on your values, beliefs, and what you truly want regularly, to assure you’re aligning with your authentic self. Practice stress reduction and grounding techniques to maintain your mental health, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Acknowledge and celebrate progress to help maintain motivation and momentum. Meaningful change takes time and it will not always feel so intense, so stay committed even when progress seems slow. Rather than fearing the uncertainty and unknowns, try to see it as an opportunity for learning. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks, look at them as chances to strengthen your resolve. Throughout this metamorphosis, remain authentic to who you are and who you aspire to be. Your unique qualities are your greatest strengths. On this deeply personal journey, stay grounded and remember to give yourself grace to navigate this map in your own way, at your own pace. There is no rush.

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom.” -Anaïs Nin

[multiplicity-positivity]

hi do you have any resources or advice for an introject missing their sourcemates?

Hello - unfortunately, we couldn’t find many resources for introjects when it comes to specifically missing sourcemates. Our apologies.

We have members of our own system who really struggle with this. Losing sourcemates can feel like losing beloved friends and family, especially if you have strong exomemories regarding your source.

Some accounts might do source calls? We aren’t so interested in that sort of thing, but you might be able to find community in sourcemates from other systems. If you’re interested in putting out a source call, @sourcecall-central seems to be an active blog that does that sort of thing. We’re not sure about any others, though.

As far as advice for coping with those painful feelings and memories… we definitely do not have all the answers, but we can share what has worked for our parts in the past.

For us, reassuring each other, allowing ourselves to feel our emotions, to grieve, to mourn, has all been quite useful. Our introjects with strong ties to their sources are encouraged to cry, to fume, to express themselves. They journal, they write angsty poetry and draw vent art, they talk to our therapist, spouse, other members of our system, and generally reach out for support when they need it. We’re still learning how to be there for each other, and this is one way in which we accomplish that.

We try to remind each other that there are no wrong emotions. It’s okay to miss sourcemates, to long for how things used to be. But it’s also important to remember that things change, and hope and a happy life are still possible and attainable now, in this life, outside of our sources. Remembering and honoring the past does not mean we are doomed to always feel stuck in it. And processing our emotions in healthy ways can be beneficial for coping with the loss of people, places, and good times from our sources.

We hope this is useful, although it’s not comprehensive and really is just our system’s experience with this sort of thing. If anyone reads this and has any further advice or resources, you are more than welcome to share. We could benefit from those sorts of resources as well.

[askagamedev]

Evening, Dev! An Advance Wars YouTuber I follow, Mangs, put up an interview of an ex WayForward contractor on the topic of the underperforming Advance Wars ReBoot Camp. I was wondering if you'd like to view it and give any thoughts. I'm always curious about your opinion on these things given your history and experience.

I watched the video. The opinion of the former employee gels with more junior employees I've worked with in the past - typically the perspective of devs who aren't privy to the decision-making process and lack the kind of context that's needed to understand the costs and benefits to the choices made. Here are a few specific thoughts I had on the various topics mentioned in the video.

Contract workers are often treated quite badly in our industry, especially those in QA. Contractors are the first to be let go, get little or no benefits for working, and are generally hired on through shell companies in order to protect the actual employers from liability. It's an unfortunate situation that's arisen from our legal system and extends far beyond the game industry.

Disagreeing with a major design decision like art direction is not at all uncommon. Leadership takes the responsibility on that one. I will be the first to admit that I've had my share of times where I disagreed with leadership and was right, as well as my share of times where I was dead wrong. I look back at the latter as valuable learning experiences.

I can tell that the person being interviewed doesn't really understand business because they'll say something vague about "record breaking profits" at the corporate level, but no solid information at any level below that. It doesn't matter that the overall company is profitable or not - each product that is developed still needs to justify its own existence via its accounting.

The pandemic, work from home, and return to office policies have affected the industry as a whole in many large ways. Publishing leadership sets the policy for the publisher, and studio leadership sets policy for the studio. My own publisher had different studios enact wildly different policies for work from home and return to office - one studio required all employees return to the office full time, while another only required two days per week.

It sounds like WayForward's engineering team and workflow faced a lot of challenges they had a hard time overcoming. I don't know whether this is because their team was shorthanded, lacked strong leadership, or just was always on the back foot and never able to stabilize due to a never-ending series fires that needed putting out. When everything is constantly on fire, it's extraordinarily difficult to get ahead. Remember, all tasks get prioritized. Fixing crashes is more important than adding new features like multiplayer or new units - crashes stop other dev team members from working, so the effect is multiplicative. I suspect that this was the root problem that caused the rest of the development to get caught in the development hell it sounds like.

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