#where the divine intersects with the human

[scobbe]

I find it very interesting that people generally want one of two things from religion: they either want connection to the divine, or an ordered way of life. They either want to “feel spiritual” or “follow a wise teacher.”

Let me tell you: YOU GET BOTH!!! BOTH ARE INCLUDED!!

A truly spiritual life will align with a virtuous and ordered life in harmony with others. It’s actually when we begin to obsess over one or the other that we end up digging ourselves into holes.

This goes hand in hand with the two great modern misconceptions about religion: “the spiritual is a bunch of malarkey” and “religious morality is oppressive and harmful.” Absolutely true when we veer off into either extreme due to our own proclivities, but the inspired wisdom teachings will always tread the path of a life defined by goodness because it’s rooted in Goodness.

[personastrologyhub]

Degrees Series: The Hidden Power of Cancer Degrees: (4°, 16°, 28°)

In astrology, we often associate Cancer with emotions, home, family, and nurturing energy. It carries the archetype of the healer and the divine mother. But the degrees within Cancer hold even deeper, meanings, especially when specific planetary placements activate them.

﹙♡﹚ The Influence of 4° Cancer: People, Home, and National Identity =

At 4° Cancer, the theme of people—whether as individuals or in a collective—becomes paramount. This degree speaks to the human race, crowds, and gatherings of individuals. It connects to feelings of patriotism and loyalty to one’s nation or homeland.

Jackie Kennedy has Mars at 4° Cancer. Known for her grace, poise, and connection to the American people. Kennedy was driven by her connection to people, especially during her time as First Lady. The 4° Cancer degree ties deeply to national identity, patriotism, and the well-being of the collective.

If you have placements here, you may find a deep connection to your hometown, feeling rooted in your origins. This degree reflects the home, but not just the physical structure—it taps into where you feel safe and grounded. It’s a degree that nurtures national pride and family ties, creating a strong bond with the place you come from.

 4° Cancer is also connected to water in all its forms—lakes, swimming pools, even the tears we cry. It can indicate the emotional waters we swim through, as well as the literal fluids we consume like milk or beer.

16° Cancer: Patriotism, War, and National Tragedies 🇺🇸⚔️

The 16th degree of Cancer brings a sharp focus on national identity and the deep patriotism we hold for our country or homeland. This degree connects the nation with its people, often indicating leaders or public figures who carry the weight of their country’s identity.

However, it can also reveal the darker side of nationalism—leaders driven by a warped sense of patriotism, often leading to war and tragedy. We see this influence clearly in the charts of dictators and rulers whose actions brought great suffering to their people.

Adolf Hitler had Venus at 16° Taurus—a Cancer degree—conjunct Mars (war) in the 7th house (war and conquest). His nationalism drove him to conquer lands (Taurus/territory) and wage war in the name of his people (Cancer degree). The degree here shows not only his nationalist agenda but also how it manifested in destructive ways, leading to mass atrocities.

28° Cancer: Public Opinion, Family Legacy, and Collective Emotion 

Finally, 28° Cancer represents the power of public opinion, how collective emotions shape the world, and the legacies passed down through family. This degree governs how individuals and families fit into the larger narrative of society and public life.

With planets at 28° Cancer, you’re likely deeply influenced by your family’s emotional legacy and societal views. Your reputation may be closely tied to your family, your heritage, or how you’re perceived within the public eye. There’s a strong connection to collective emotions and how they influence both personal and national events.

This degree also rules stadiums, sports gear, and sportsmen—spaces where the collective gathers, whether it’s a family reunion or a crowded sports event. It’s where personal and public lives intersect, often on a large scale. 🏟️

Let me know if it resonates...

[anna-the-undertaker]

Hi Anna! I always love to read all of your writing because it's so interesting and amazing! especially "Rebirth" is one of my favorites, I like how you explained the environment and relationships with 7 demons that affected the MCs' bodies and changed their bodies or DNA to survive in the environment they live in. And I LOVE that you brought up Nephilim for your MCs. (I wanted to read about Nephilim for a long time🫠) so what I want to ask is if MCs bodies were fully evolved, with both angel and human blood and a pact with demons, would they have enough power to become a Chimera with a body similar to falin from (Dungeon Meshi) and with such great power, would they be able to maintain their sanity and have full control over their power? *I'm really sorry if my question is too long or some words may be wrong* I would love to see you write about this, but if you're not comfortable, that's okay🥹 I wish you good health, both physically and mentally, and get enough rest❤️

Hi! Thank you so much! I'm so happy you have enjoyed my writing. I am seriously psyched to write for this. As I am sure you noticed, I love science/biology/theoretical topics. Especially when combined with fantastical worlds like in Obey Me. Using the topic of human evolution and the influence a demonic and angelic presence would have on MC is just so much fun. This turned into more of an essay or rather a theoretical explanation so if you would like me to turn this into a fic like Rebirth please let me know :) And I wish all the same to you as well.

In the world of Obey Me!, MC's unique heritage as a descendant of Lilith—a former angel reborn as a human—offers a fascinating avenue to explore the intersection of angelic, human, and demonic biology. By integrating the supernatural and evolutionary principles, we can hypothesize the possibility of MC evolving into a Chimera-like being, similar to Falin from Dungeon Meshi, while considering the implications on their sanity and control over their newfound powers.

The Biological and Supernatural Foundation:

Human Evolution and Supernatural Influence Human evolution is defined by adaptability, which has allowed Homo sapiens to survive and thrive under diverse conditions. When considering MC, we must explore how the blending of human, angelic, and demonic elements could influence this adaptability. The human body, already highly malleable in response to environmental stressors, would be the perfect vessel for such an extraordinary transformation, especially if influenced by supernatural forces.

The key lies in the concept of atavism, where ancestral traits resurface due to dormant genes being reactivated. If we accept that some of Lilith’s angelic qualities were passed down genetically, then MC might possess latent angelic traits that could be triggered by their pact with demons, catalyzing a profound physical and metaphysical evolution.

Angelic and Demonic Biology Angelic biology, in this universe, is marked by purity, resilience, and a high affinity for light-based energies. Angels are beings of order and harmony, with their power fundamentally tied to divine will and cosmic balance. Demons, conversely, embody chaos, power, and a deep connection to darker energies. Their biology is designed for survival in hostile environments, and their power is linked to the seven deadly sins, each representing a fundamental aspect of their existence.

MC’s body, already an amalgamation of human and angelic traits, would undergo radical changes when exposed to demonic energy through their pacts. The combination of demonic chaos and angelic order within a human framework could lead to the emergence of a Chimera-like form—one that is not purely one thing or another but an amalgamation of all three.

The Evolution into a Chimera:

Physical Transformation MC’s transformation into a Chimera-like being would likely involve the activation of latent angelic genes combined with the influence of demonic power. This transformation would resemble a form that balances the traits of all three ancestries. Drawing from Dungeon Meshi’s Falin, whose body integrates features of multiple species, MC might develop a form that is both majestic and terrifying—an angelic aura fused with demonic strength and human adaptability.

The physical manifestation could include angelic wings, demonic horns, and a humanoid frame capable of withstanding extreme conditions. The human body’s adaptability would allow for the integration of these features without rejection, with the newfound form being a harmonious blend rather than a patchwork of mismatched parts.

Supernatural Abilities This new form would grant MC a host of abilities: enhanced strength and speed, unparalleled healing, and the ability to wield both light and dark magic with equal proficiency. The angelic heritage might grant powers of purification and protection, while the demonic influence could bestow abilities of destruction and domination. The human element would serve as the bridge, allowing MC to use their powers with a degree of versatility that neither angels nor demons possess.

The Psychological Implications:

Maintaining Sanity The question of whether MC could maintain their sanity hinges on the psychological stress of embodying such divergent forces. The human psyche, while resilient, is vulnerable to fragmentation when exposed to conflicting influences. Here, the role of MC’s human consciousness becomes crucial. Their connection to Lilith—a being who experienced both angelic and human life—may provide a stabilizing influence, enabling them to reconcile the chaotic nature of their powers.

Control Over Power To control such immense power, MC would need to integrate the disparate parts of their nature into a coherent identity. This might involve a deep psychological struggle, as the angelic and demonic aspects vie for dominance. However, if MC can achieve a balance—accepting both the light and dark within them—they could emerge as a being of unparalleled strength and wisdom. This synthesis of power could lead to a state of transcendence, where MC is no longer bound by the limitations of any single nature but instead exists as a new, hybrid entity with full control over their abilities.

The Role of Lilith’s Legacy:

Lilith’s angelic qualities, passed down through her bloodline, would serve as the foundation for MC’s transformation. Her resilience, compassion, and defiance against divine authority could manifest in MC as an indomitable will, allowing them to harness their powers without losing themselves. The presence of these traits suggests that Lilith’s influence has been subtly shaping MC’s evolution all along, preparing them for this moment of transformation.

If MC's body and mind could not adapt to their new Chimera-like form, the consequences would be catastrophic—both psychologically and physically. The delicate balance between their angelic, human, and demonic traits would unravel, leading to a terrifying descent into madness and a grotesque transformation that could make them a monster far worse than the demons themselves.

Psychological Descent into Madness:

The first sign of MC's inability to adapt would manifest in their psyche. The human mind, even one strengthened by supernatural resilience, is not designed to handle the constant clash of divine order and demonic chaos. The angelic part of MC would seek harmony, while the demonic influence would fuel destructive impulses. Trapped between these opposing forces, MC's consciousness would begin to fracture, leading to severe cognitive dissonance. They would experience horrifying hallucinations, hearing the voices of angels and demons screaming in their head, each demanding dominance.

As the pressure mounts, MC would lose their sense of self. The once clear boundaries between their human emotions, angelic virtues, and demonic urges would blur, leaving them in a state of perpetual confusion and torment. Their mind, overwhelmed by the conflicting energies, would spiral into insanity. Rational thought would give way to primal instincts, and MC would become increasingly erratic, lashing out in uncontrollable fits of rage and despair.

Physical Deterioration and Transformation

The failure to adapt would also trigger a nightmarish transformation in MC's body. The once harmonious blend of angelic, demonic, and human traits would turn into a grotesque amalgamation, as their body tries and fails to reconcile these conflicting energies.

Skin and Flesh MC's skin would begin to tear and split at the seams, unable to contain the volatile mix of divine and infernal energy. The angelic light within them would sear their flesh from the inside, while the demonic darkness would corrode it from without. Their skin would blister and crack, revealing raw, pulsating muscle beneath, with patches of radiant white light and inky blackness fighting for dominance. The resulting form would be a horrifying patchwork of angelic brilliance and demonic decay, neither fully one nor the other.

Limbs and Appendages Their limbs would elongate and contort in unnatural ways, as their body struggles to accommodate the conflicting energies. Angelic wings, meant to be symbols of purity and grace, would become twisted and malformed, with feathers falling out in clumps, leaving behind skeletal remains dripping with blood and ichor. Their hands and feet would morph into grotesque claws, sharp and jagged, as the demonic influence asserts itself. These claws would be capable of rending flesh and bone with terrifying ease, a testament to the destructive power coursing through their veins.

Eyes and Face MC’s eyes would change as well, losing any semblance of humanity. One eye might glow with an ethereal, almost blinding light, while the other would burn with a hellish fire, each representing the warring forces within them. Their gaze would become wild and unfocused, filled with a maddening mix of fear, rage, and despair. Their face, once familiar, would warp into something monstrous, with sharp, predatory features emerging as their demonic nature gains ground. Their mouth might elongate, teeth sharpening into fangs meant for tearing flesh, while their voice would become a distorted, guttural growl.

Becoming a Monster Worse Than Demons

With their mind shattered and their body twisted, MC would no longer be recognizable as the person they once were. The final stage of their transformation would be the loss of all human reasoning and morality. They would become a true abomination, a creature driven only by base instincts—hunger, rage, and a need to destroy. Their angelic and demonic traits would no longer be in conflict but would instead fuel a terrifying synergy, creating a being that is both holy and profane, yet utterly devoid of compassion or mercy.

This Chimera-like creature would surpass even the worst of demons in its monstrosity. Where demons are creatures of sin, motivated by vice, this new form would be a vessel of pure, unrestrained chaos. It would hunt and kill indiscriminately, driven by a need to satisfy the conflicting energies within it. The creature would feed on the life force of others, both to sustain itself and to ease the constant agony of its existence.

The Aftermath

The longer MC remained in this monstrous form, the more their body would deteriorate. The conflicting energies would continue to tear them apart from within, causing their flesh to rot and fall away, only to regenerate in a never-ending cycle of decay and renewal. Their body would become a grotesque shell, a prison for their fractured mind, with nothing left of the person they once were.

In the end, this monstrous being would be an embodiment of despair and suffering, a tragic testament to what happens when the balance between light and dark is lost. A creature of nightmares, worse than any demon, and beyond redemption.

In this state, MC would be feared by angels, demons, and humans alike, a cautionary tale of the dangers inherent in wielding power beyond one’s control.

[fefairys]

"The session always "knows" things about players. It knows Karkat has blood issues, so it gave him a planet full of bright red blood. It knows Dave has a thing about broken swords, which is tied up with his personal mythology related to the intersection between intense combat training for his destined role as a warrior, and deeply traumatizing abuse which causes him to resist the call to such heroism. He cites said abuse in the text above, in case there's any doubt this issue has been inseparably woven into the lore of his arc at an early stage. There's a lot to say about the broken sword as a symbol... First, there are two symbolic modes, an "Unbroken Sword" and a "Broken Sword," which have meaning in relation to each other. The simplest translation is that the unbroken sword is "The fully manifest, wholly embraced heroic arc. Suppressing reservations, answering the call, putting the tough training to use, despite the cost to oneself." Versus the broken sword, which is "The fractured heroic arc. An incomplete, broken self stemming from past trauma. A conflicted semi-refusal of the call, resulting in pursuit of combat and quest-fulfillment navigated through half-measure, wavering resolve, and compromised investment." Only one of these symbols can be fully embraced, and it means something to embrace one over the other. It becomes a statement Dave is making about himself, and the type of person he wants to be. But the statement has to be understood by him to be meaningful, and this understanding comes through his long-term inner reflections over his arc. The game also seems to provide frequent clues to help him understand these symbols and choices. It keeps offering up broken swords, or more specifically, a whole sword that can only be obtained by figuring out how to break it."

"So here's a spin on the Arthurian legend (Caledfwlch is another name for Arthur's Excalibur) where the sword, instead of being removed through strength or the divine touch of a chosen one, must be broken to be freed. There's no other way, since this is how this game challenge was designed to be solved. It says, "This is a symbol for your heroic journey, and to some extent, who you are as a person. Now, what will you do with it?" In the long run, this sword-based Sburb quest does appear to have a formal endpoint, which is Dave using this sword to have his denizen forge the Royal Deringer, a much fancier mythical sword. And in forging that sword, he "heals" it, converting it to an unbroken sword symbol. Heroic arc, back on track, right? Except to wield that sword, Dave has to break it too, simply by touching it, as if his identity being linked to a broken sword is inescapable."

"There are ways of reading into what this means. Maybe it's that making yourself whole as a person isn't so simple? Maybe it's that Dave embracing the broken sword as his heroic talisman corresponds with his embracing who he is as person, flaws and all? Those things aren't going away, and they contribute to making him who he is. Similar to Rose's arc, which is more about embracing her imperfect sense of humanity rather than satisfying an external sense of obligation that includes the false promise of repairing the flaws of a damaged person through a path of shallow narrative regimentation. There are echoes of "two people who can't be fixed, and that's okay" in each other's arcs, but a lot of differences in the way their respective roads are paved to reach the destination." -Andrew Hussie

[stanzavalens]

The Mystical Connection Between Bharani Nakshatra and Dante's Divine Comedy

As a Bharani Moon native with a deep fascination for Dante’s Divine Comedy, I’ve noticed striking parallels between the themes of Bharani Nakshatra and Dante’s literary masterpiece. This intriguing connection compelled me to share my insights with those who come across this post.

In this blog post, I will primarily explore the themes of Bharani Nakshatra, with a brief mention of Mrigashira themes as well. By examining the intersection of Bharani Nakshatra and The Divine Comedy, we uncover profound connections that resonate with universal aspects of the human experience.

The Journey Through Dante’s Divine Comedy

The Divine Comedy narrates Dante’s journey through the three spiritual realms of the afterlife: Inferno (Hell), Purgatorio (Purgatory), and Paradiso (Paradise). Guided by the poet Virgil and later by his beloved Beatrice, Dante’s journey serves as an allegory of the soul’s path toward God. The narrative delves into themes of sin, redemption, divine justice, and the ultimate quest for divine love and enlightenment.

Understanding Bharani Nakshatra

Bharani Nakshatra, the second lunar mansion in Vedic astrology, is ruled by Venus and is symbolized by the yoni, or female reproductive organ. Associated with life, death, and rebirth, this nakshatra embodies the cycle of creation and destruction. Governed by Yama, the god of death and judgment, Bharani is known for its intense energy that fosters profound personal and spiritual transformation. Individuals born under this nakshatra often face significant challenges that lead to deep growth and inner transformation.

Themes of Transformation and Renascence

The emphasis of Bharani Nakshatra on the cycle of life, death, and rebirth aligns closely with the overarching narrative of The Divine Comedy. Bharani, symbolized by the yoni, represents the transformative cycle of creation and destruction, guided by Yama, the god of death and judgment. This nakshatra’s focus is on intense personal and spiritual growth through confronting and overcoming challenges, leading to renewal and rebirth.

Dante’s journey in The Divine Comedy mirrors this progression. He begins in the dark woods of sin, symbolizing spiritual confusion and moral failings. He then traverses Hell, faces purification in Purgatory, and finally reaches the blissful realms of Paradise. This path reflects a similar transformative journey where confronting and overcoming trials leads to spiritual enlightenment and fulfillment.

It’s also interesting to consider how Mrigashira Nakshatra themes relate to Dante’s journey. Individuals associated with Mrigashira are often characterized by their adventurous spirit, their propensity to confront chaos, and their pursuit of knowledge and strength through various trials. This quest for personal growth closely parallels Dante’s epic voyage through Hell, Purgatory and Paradiso. It’s also worth noting that if Dante’s astrological birth data is accurate, he could have possibly had a Mrigashira Sun and Ascendant, which would align well with his exploration of sin, morality, and redemption in his work.

Intensity and Suffering: Parallels with Inferno

The intensity of Bharani Nakshatra is vividly reflected in Dante’s Inferno. Bharani’s energy often leads to profound and transformative experiences, similar to the torments and punishments described in Hell. In Inferno, Dante depicts a meticulously structured Hell where sinners suffer in ways that directly correspond to their earthly sins. Each circle of Hell is designed to reflect the nature and severity of the sinner’s transgressions, with punishments that are both symbolic and retributive.

This concept mirrors Bharani’s association with Yama, the god of death and judgment in Hinduism. Yama oversees the moral and karmic balance of souls, administering punishments that correspond to their past actions. In Hindu tradition, Yama is responsible for the judgment process, ensuring that each soul faces consequences fitting for their deeds. These consequences often involve laborious and severe punishments, serving as a form of karmic retribution.

Judgment and Consequences in Purgatorio

Purgatory, where souls undergo purification before entering Paradise, closely aligns with the themes of judgment and moral responsibility central to Bharani Nakshatra. In Dante’s Purgatorio, souls actively engage in penance for their sins, enduring various forms of suffering meant to cleanse them spiritually and prepare them for divine union. This process demands a deep confrontation with personal faults and a sincere effort toward atonement and growth.

Similarly, Bharani Nakshatra emphasizes understanding and accepting the consequences of one’s actions. It underscores the importance of moral integrity and the transformative nature of confronting one’s karmic debts. 

Venusian Influence: Love and Divine Union in Paradiso

Bharani Nakshatra, influenced by Venus, encompasses themes of love, desire, and sensuality. This Venusian energy finds a powerful reflection in Paradiso, where Dante delves into the nature of divine love and the soul’s ultimate union with God. The culmination of Dante’s journey in Paradise is not merely the end of his quest but the realization of a profound spiritual transformation, where the love he once knew in the earthly realm is elevated and perfected into divine love. 

Both Bharani and Dante’s work highlight love as a central force driving the quest for spiritual enlightenment and connection. Dante’s reunion with Beatrice in Paradiso symbolizes more than a personal fulfillment; it represents the culmination of his journey through trials and purification, once again mirroring the Mrigashira theme of the ardent pursuit of an ideal. Beatrice, as the embodiment of divine love, not only rewards Dante’s spiritual perseverance but also signifies the ultimate realization of his deepest desires and aspirations, reflecting the transformative power of both earthly and divine love.

The intersection of Bharani Nakshatra themes and Dante’s Divine Comedy reveals profound insights into the human experience. Both explore the transformative power of intense experiences, the importance of moral judgment, and the ultimate quest for divine union and enlightenment. This exploration highlights the universality of these themes, transcending cultural and temporal boundaries to offer a deeper understanding of the soul’s journey. 

[talonabraxas]

Yggdrasil:The Sacred World Tree Talon Abraxas

Yggdrasil: Unveiling Mysteries of The Sacred World Tree

Yggdrasil, also known as the Tree of Life, stands at the center of the Norse cosmos, serving as a conduit between the nine realms. Its immense branches extend across the heavens, and its roots delve deep into the great realms, tapping into legendary wells and streams for sustenance. This colossal ash tree serves as a cosmic axis, linking together the realms of gods, humans, giants, and various other beings.

Roots of Yggdrasil

Yggdrasil's roots draw power and sustenance from three different sources. The first root reaches up towards heavens and into Asgard, the realm of the gods, and taps into the well of Urd. Shielded by the root’s magic, by the well stands a beautiful hall that is home to three maidens – Urd, Verdandi, and Skuld – who shape the lives of men and are known as norns.

The second root extends to Jotunheim, the domain of the giants. Here, the root taps into the Mimir’s well, whose waters are coveted by many for containing boundless wisdom and which is guarded by its eternal guardian Mimir. Here, at Mimir’s well, Odin sacrificed his eye for a drink from the well to obtain supreme wisdom and solidify himself as the leader of the Aesir.

The third and final root travels to Niflheim, the icy realm of the dead. This root taps into the wellspring of Hvergelmir, a massive cauldron from which all rivers originate, symbolizing the primordial source of life and creation. This wellspring is a home to many snakes and serpents, with the great dragon Nidhoggr living among them.

Within the vast expanse of Yggdrasil, there exist nine interconnected realms. In addition to Asgard, Midgard, and Niflheim, the World Tree also links to realms such as Vanaheim (abode of the Vanir gods), Alfheim (dwelling of the light elves), Jotunheim (the land of giants), Svartalfheim (the domain of the dwarves), Muspelheim (the realm of fire) and Helheim (abode of the dead). Each realm has its own unique characteristics, inhabitants, and significance within Norse mythology.

Among the Branches of Yggdrasil

Asgard: Home of the Aesir Gods

Asgard, situated atop Yggdrasil's highest branches, is the realm inhabited by the Aesir gods. Ruled by the mighty Odin, Asgard is a place of divine splendor, where grand halls and palaces stand in golden brilliance. It is from Asgard that the gods oversee the mortal realm, engage in epic battles, and prepare for the final battle of Ragnarok.

Midgard: The Realm of Humans

Midgard, often referred to as Earth, is the realm of humankind. Suspended within Yggdrasil's middle branches, it is a world populated by mortals, their settlements, and their adventures. Midgard is constantly influenced by the gods and their actions, shaping the fate of both individuals and civilizations.

Jotunheim: The Land of Giants

Jotunheim, nestled within the roots of Yggdrasil, is a realm inhabited by the jotnar, or giants. These formidable beings range from mountainous brutes to cunning and deceptive creatures. Jotunheim serves as a land of challenges and conflicts, frequently intersecting with the affairs of gods and heroes.

Vanaheim: Abode of the Vanir Gods

Vanaheim is the realm of the Vanir gods, a pantheon associated with fertility, prosperity, and nature. Located within Yggdrasil's branches, Vanaheim is depicted as a lush and fertile land, where bountiful harvests and vibrant ecosystems flourish under the Vanir's watchful eye.

Alfheim: Dwelling of the Light Elves

Alfheim, situated above Midgard, is a realm inhabited by the ethereal and luminous light elves. Known for their beauty and connection to nature, the light elves possess great wisdom and magical abilities. Alfheim is often associated with light, joy, and enchantment.

Svartalfheim: Domain of the Dwarves

Svartalfheim, residing within the depths of Yggdrasil, is the realm of the industrious and skilled dwarves. Known for their craftsmanship and mining expertise, the dwarves forge powerful weapons, legendary artifacts, and intricate treasures. Svartalfheim is a realm of hidden caverns and wondrous craftsmanship.

Niflheim: The Frozen Underworld

Niflheim lies beneath the lowest roots of Yggdrasil, a cold and mist-shrouded realm associated with ice, frost, and darkness. It is home to Hel, the ruler of the dead, and the souls of evil men who passed into this ice realm after traversing Helheim.

Muspelheim: Realm of Fire

Opposite Niflheim, Muspelheim exists as a realm of searing flames and intense heat. Ruled by the fire giant Surtr, Muspelheim embodies the primal power of fire and is foretold to be instrumental in the apocalyptic event of Ragnarok.

Helheim: Abode of the Dead

Helheim is a realm of the dead, located beneath the roots of Yggdrasil. It is a somber and desolate place ruled by the goddess Hel, where souls who did not attain glory in battle or gain entrance to other afterlife realms reside. It represents the acceptance of mortality and the finality of death in Norse mythology.

Inhabitants of Yggdrasil

Yggdrasil is not only a physical entity but is also inhabited by various mythical creatures. Beneath its roots resides Nidhoggr, a colossal dragon who gnaws at the roots of the tree, representing decay and destruction. The eagle perched on Yggdrasil's highest branches looks down on Nidhoggr below, embodying knowledge and inaction. The squirrel Ratatoskr scurries up and down the tree, acting like a messenger between Nidhoggr and the unnamed eagle, fanning the flames of hate between them by spreading nasty rumors and ferrying insults that one has for another. These inhabitants further contribute to the vivid and complex tapestry of Norse mythology.

Symbolism of the World Tree

Yggdrasil is a profound symbol in Norse mythology, representing the interconnectedness of all things in the cosmos. It embodies the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, underscoring the idea of continuous renewal and regeneration. As a world tree, it also symbolizes the axis mundi, a universal concept found in many mythologies, where the physical and spiritual realms meet.

The image of the tree resonates deeply with human existence, reflecting the innate human desire to seek meaning and connectivity. It reminds us of the intricate web of relationships that bind us to the natural world and the forces beyond our comprehension.

Yggdrasil, the World Tree of Norse mythology, is a powerful symbol that encapsulates the cosmos and its profound interconnections. It serves as a gateway to the realms of gods, giants, and the dead, and its roots tap into the wellsprings of cosmic wisdom and primal creation. As we delve into the mysteries of Norse mythology, we unravel the layers of symbolism embedded in this awe-inspiring ancient tree, reminding us of our place in the grand tapestry of existence.

So, let us gaze upon Yggdrasil, this towering arboreal monument that stands as a testament to the enduring power and enduring fascination of Norse mythology. May its endless branches forever inspire us to explore the depths of our own roots and seek wisdom in sacrifice.

[musingmanor]

In "The Genesis Guardians: Ground Zero," the story explores the origins of humanity's ultimate protectors-beings who exist at the intersection of mankind and nature. These Genesis Guardians are young hybrids of human and angelic heritage, chosen as Earth's last line of defense. Initially, they are vulnerable, grappling with not only the challenges of adolescence but also with societal discrimination and the ever-present threat of demonic forces.

At the heart of the narrative, these young Guardians face immense trials. Their journey begins with their struggle to prove their worth while dealing with personal insecurities and societal prejudices. As they come to terms with their unique abilities and the heavy expectations placed upon them, they must navigate a world rife with dangers that threaten the very fabric of reality.

The story delves deeply into their internal and external battles. Each Guardian's path is marked by a quest for personal redemption and self-discovery. They confront their own flaws and past traumas, seeking to reconcile their human vulnerabilities with their divine responsibilities. Their growth is intertwined with their mission to safeguard Earth, which challenges them to harness their latent powers and work together as a unified force.

As they mature, their individual struggles become a crucial part of their collective mission. They face formidable demonic adversaries and confront the very nature of their existence. Their quest for self-healing and redemption becomes central to their ability to protect the world from encroaching darkness.

"The Genesis Guardians: Ground Zero" is a tale of transformation, resilience, and the enduring fight for a better world. It explores the complexities of adolescence and identity within the context of a larger, cosmic struggle. Through their trials, these Guardians not only seek to save humanity but also to find their place in a universe where their roles are both a burden and a beacon of hope.

[lgcmanager]

PART 2: ONCE A HUNDRED YEARS

every 100 years, in the middle of the continent, a door opens to a realm full of divine energy, unique treasures, and lost secrets. cultivators may only enter this realm once in their life and must not have surpassed the immortal enlightement stage. for 30 days and 30 nights, the five sects send their most promising young cultivators to this pocket realm as vast as a whole continent.

to help you with threads ideas here are notable places in this pocket realm:

poisoned gardens: a garden full of divine herbs and rare ingredients that may help grow one's power, however, the longer one remains in this place, the more poison accumulates in their body. those who manage to withstand the poisonous air for at least 20 days are rumored to be able to form a 'poison body' that makes them immune to any form of poison.

underwater city: a city situated in the depths of the ocean, many have died trying to reach this place. however, those who managed to reach it and come back speak of a grand city inhabited by tall humans holder of knowledge so advanced that one can only hope to glean some insight from tear teaching.

giant worm volcano cave: a cave that is said to descend to the core of this realm, though no one has ever reached so low. huge shifting tunnels created by giant worms hide various precious rocks, ore and metals. but be careful when meeting a worm as their strength and durability make them quasi impossible to defeat

ascension tower: a tower where one can hone their martial arts, with each level presenting a more difficult foe to battle

icy death plane: following a deadly battle between two nations, this plane has been permeated with death energy. however countless legendary weapons and armor lay under the ice that has formed over the land. should one manage to dispatch tormented and vengeful soul, they might find a weapon that'll forge their destiny

sandy ruins: ruins of a dominant sect lay dormant right under dunes and mountains. secret arts and precious treasures are up for grabs for those who know how to escavate them safely

following these 30 days, those who will survive this delve will then take part in an intersect competition against other cultivators of the same stage as them ! the winners will received several gifts and bring pride to their sects !

REQUIREMENTS

BACKSTORY: write a 250+ word solo or headcanon on your muse's backstory; their family, their wealth, their motivations, any special encounters, ect

POCKET REALM:   write a thread with a minimum of 3 posts (minimum 8 lines) per participants. threads may have up to 5 muses participating

please note that point rewards will not be revealed until after the deadline ! furthermore, the competition part doesn't have any requirements and will be revealed with the points reward !

make sure to use the hashtag lgc:gyeseung for the tasks. you have until SEPTEMBER 28, 2024 at 11:59PM EST to complete the requirements and validate your points. please submit the following form ONCE on the points blog.

MUSE NAME ∙ GYESEUNG - BACKSTORY [ LINK ] - POCKET REALM: [ LINK ]

[yamayuandadu]

The Cult of the Fox: Power, Gender, and Popular Religion in Late Imperial and Modern China by Xiaofei Kang (2006)

This book was originally recommended to me by my friend 9 while I was working on the Tsukasa post last year, and initially I only planned to take a cursory glance to perhaps find some fun trivia. However, it ended up unexpectedly engaging - much more than I expected from a dense monograph on a topic I actually didn’t have much interest in prior. I can safely say it deserves all the praise it got. The title honestly undersells what this study is - Kang covers earlier material too. A lot of space is devoted to the Tang period in particular due to its formative role. Despite its value as a scholarly source, it’s also not inaccessible - you probably could pretty much read it as if it was a collection of anecdotes with particularly dense introductions. Foxes were evidently seen as incredibly versatile literary characters. Divine splendor of foxes acting as attendants of deities or pursuing immortality intersects with anecdotes about beleaguered officials meeting with them in abandoned buildings to drink and discuss “historical beauties” (a subject foxes are experts in, as it turns out). Literary fiction isn't all, though. While distinct from gods, ancestors, ghosts and so on, foxes remained a fixture of religious life, especially on the folk level. Kang actually conducted a field study to showcase modern examples in addition to historical ones. However, she makes sure to highlight official attitudes were often ambivalent - the republican and communist governments’ perception of local fox customs as superstition was not without earlier historical precedent. What I found particularly interesting is that it would appear that the study of the perception of foxes tells us as much, if not more, about humans as it does about these animals themselves. Through history, foxes could be used to metaphorically represent virtually every possible group at the margins of society: immigrants (especially Sogdians), courtesans, officials with humble backgrounds trying to trick their way into marriage with daughters of noble families (some of them wrote stories where their fox self inserts fail at it), and more. They were the quintessential image of every type of The Other at once. 10 out of 10 stars or whatever.

[viperwhispered]

You what should be a crime? The fact that there's barely any au fics involving werewolf Jamil and a little-red-riding-hood-esque reader. Also I have just finished listening to Me & Mr Wolf by The Real Tuesday Weld and my imagination is bubbling.

Setting: classic medieval era for fairytales. We have an enormous forest rumored to house different spirits and supernatural creatures, so nobody really goes in there other than for wood and hunting and are quick to get out. In the outskirts of the dark dense forest, there is a small village. In the middle of said forest lives a cookey but friendly old lady who most people suspect is a witch.

Enter Jamil: he is a werewolf living in the forest with his family and pack. They reside in a secret village only accessable to those who know where to look. Human/Werewolf marriages aren't common but not entirely unheard of nor illegal. The only coniditon is that the human marrying into the pack is someone they can trust.

Enter the reader: the grandchild of the cookey witch of the woods who frequently travels there for tea, cakes, and witchcraft training. The reader is very familiar with all the magical stuff going on in the forest and knows how to move around curtesy of their grandmother. Most of the forest tend to leave them alone cause their grandmother is the only reliable witch in the region.

Onto the story: The reader and Jamil have known of each other for a long time but never really interacted. Their paths have never really intersected cause they got different schedules. This changes when the reader has to go into werewolf turf for some potion ingredients and Jamil is assigned to keep an eye on them.

They get to chatting and become friends. Since then, the two make a habit of walking to and from the reader's village. Overtime, they start falling for each other and their witty banter switches to flirty banter with a few kisses here and there.

Cue conflict: at this point the reader's mother has passed away from illness and the reader had been living alone for quite some time. This combined with their daily trips into the woods made them a bit of an outcast in the village.

Enter the son of the local lord who wants to turn the forest into his hunting ground. His men have already been causing trouble for the forest's inhabitants for a while but now he's decided to build a hunting lodge in the village.

After some shenanigans happen where the reader is the only one not interested, the lordling decides to make them his bride. As they have no living relative still in the village, the lordling offers the village an enormous amount of gold. As such, the villagers imprison the reader so that they can't say no.

Jamil becomes immediately suspicious that his crush/sort-of-lover didn't show up that day and sneaks into the village to investigate. He overhears the villagers and the lordling discussing the wedding and figures out what happened. Let me tell you, Jamil is PISSED!

Fun fact: wolves are a monogamous species and wolf packs are really just wolf families.

Back to the story, Jamil is oozing to maul this lordling and burn the entire village to the ground but he can't cause he doesn't know where the reader is being imprisoned. But he does overhear that the wedding procession will be taking a path through the forest.

Jamil goes back into the woods and informs the grandmother of the situation. The old witch is none too pleased of what the villagers have done to her grandchild and, through a divination ritual, tells Jamil the path their going to take and the best time to strike. The witch also gives him her blessing to steal the reader for himself. Cue very blushy Jamil.

Don't worry, the reader is just as unhingedly in love and would be fine with it. The reason the grandmother suggested it is because she's kinda tired of listening to their grandchild going on about how great Jamil is and how they want him to just "take them away from it all". Jamil's village/pack is very familiar with the witch and the reader and also approve of the relationship.

Anyways, the day of wedding arrives and Jamil stalks the procession through the woods. He is heartbroken by how miserable his darling looks, disgusted by how touchy the lordling is, and absolutely enraged at this whole situation.

When the procession starts going through the darkest parts of the forest, Jamil sneakily picks off the guards and servants one by one, hiding their corpses in the shrubbery. By the time the rest realize something is wrong, their numbers are down by more than half.

They fall into defensive positions but are helpless as Jamil swiftly pulls more and more people into the darkness without revealing himelf.

The reader recognizes the spicy scent and is overjoyed. The lordling notices and starts using his sceptor to beat them as he berates them for being happy. This makes Jamil go absolutely berserk, flying out the darkness to quickly murder the remaining guards before mauling the lordling and leaving him to a slow painful death.

Jamil quickly turns to his beloved, taking out a special healing salve he got from the witch and applying it to the bruises and rope burns. Afterwards, the pair share a searing kiss and reader cheekily states that it would be dissapointing to allow such a beautiful wedding outfit to go to waste.

Jamil smirks back and readily agrees, before picking them and running off with them.

The last thing the lordling sees is the reader in their bloodstained dress embracing the monstrous wolf at the end of their makeshift vows.

Sounds like you’re more than halfway through turning this into a thing, to be honest. So, you know, go for it.

And sheesh what a lovely bunch the rest of the village is 🙃

Makes me wonder what the reader’s thought process is through all this. Do they see no chance to resist, are they hoping for Jamil to turn up, or are they just hopelessly resigned to their fate (or making plans to get away later / at the earliest convenient opportunity)?

Though ngl, I can’t help but be just a smidge concerned just how fine the reader is with all this death and carnage. Makes me wonder just what’s going on in their head, too, and just what kind of a person they are. (I say as if at the same time I’m not kinda loving the ruthless determination on display here.)

I do kinda love this take on the whole little red riding hood, tho, keeping some of the elements while turning a lot of them around.

[jeanstapleton]

ok so personal feelings aside, I think the reason behind munch's genderism is because he is a consequence of humans trying to invoke god, and god is genderless. munch himself is not literally god, but he's had a piece of god awaken inside him. fargo's always positioned divinity (counting the ufos here) as a voyeuristic presence. it exists, but not as something humans can wrangle & then use as a shield when the consequences of their actions come for them. god is simply existence itself.

I see munch's possible longevity & clairvoyance as the result of having that piece of god poked at for decades (poking the bear?). it did awaken something, but mind you its a divine power that still very much exists in the body of a fragile human. the body doesn't turn into a cosmic entity but it does awaken to primordial ferocity. the same thing is happening to dot.

roy is a man of power. he touts the bible as the same kind of aforementioned shield, and, where women are concerned, a sword. she is beaten and raped and forced to stomach his evil, and her awakening won't come in the form of some kind of psychic power but as the ferocity necessary to tear roy apart for the sake of her freedom. this is why she & munch spiritually intersect. they are the tiger & the bear, the platypus & the echidna, the beasts of revelations, the living forms of consequence.

I also think this speaks to the other side of the divinity argument: god exists inside everything & is not meant to be stirred, but nurtured. family & love have always been at the core of fargo no matter how gruesome the main stories are. the point is that no one should try to achieve divinity, but it is absolutely necessary to achieve the loving, boring mundane. this is where scotty comes in. yes, wayne is dot's true love, but scotty symbolizes something so succinctly deep in dot's quest for freedom in that she is simply her daughter. she is thriving. she wants for nothing. she's free to explore & defy gender. she is the corporeal form of this argument. and what do dot, munch, and scotty desire? home. to love & be loved. pancakes.

side note: I also believe the reason why munch's inner beast is so much stronger than dot's is because of the time period he comes from, where there was literally nothing else for small communities to do but misinterpret & fear god, & because there were none of the contemporary sociopolitical filters for that to pass through, munch had a direct pipeline to it 24/7; while being hungry, while eating, & while waiting for the next meal.

[ka-tamingoftheshrew-ba]

I am fully convinced that humans were not made in God’s image, but rather Crowley’s. Everything Azir loves about humanity is only possible because Crowley was the blueprint. Azir loves humanity more than anything else. He just hasn’t realized that means he loved Crowley more than anything else. He knows his affection for Crowley runs deep, he just has not made the connection yet. But everyday, it’s a getting closer. Until it doesn’t.

Of course it had to be Crowley who tempted in the Garden of Eden (side note, the fruit of knowledge is totally a fig. Not an apple. Contextually and regionally, it makes so much more sense. Anyways.) . Crowley’s damnation, as well as humanity’s, is tied to their shared thirst for knowledge, for truth. Crowley was cast from the gates of Heaven because he asked too much, he challenged, he doubted.

And you know what? He preferred his lived reality of grey areas. He is so insistent that he was not, is not, Good. However, time and time again he has been proven to not be Bad. He just Is. He contains multitudes. He designed the cosmos and that multiplicity exists inside of him. He insists he is not Good, because to concede to being Good means that he lacks the very spark that makes humanity different than the Divine. If he is Good, he cannot Know. If Knowing is Bad, then he must not be Good. However, he never outright says he is Bad. He just denies his Goodness, as defined by the rigidity of the moral authorities of the divine.

Azir also thirsts for that Knowledge, he just has not realized that is what he has been doing for six thousand years. His collection of tomes, stories, novels, eclectics is him all but eating the Fruit of Knowledge. It is safer that way. He is having his Eccles cakes and eating them too. This is safer. He is letting humanity do the work, because they already have done it. He does not need to ask the Questions, to risk damnation, because the universe is at his fingertips. Why ask God when the people already have. His passive, secondhand learning has happened through humans and, as a result, through Crowley. His Knowledge is a loophole, but it’s incomplete. Because he has risked nothing to gain this knowledge, he has not gained the most critical part. And until he does, until he is the Supreme Archangel, he will not be thrust into the position where he has to confront his thirst for becoming more than an Angel. He had been able to exist in the grey, but not the Grey. Following in Gabriel’s footsteps and trying to make a difference is what is going to push him over the edge. His bookshop is gone, well not gone, but no longer his. His thirst is never going to be quenched in Heaven, and that is what he is going to learn. And when he learns that, he is going to finally Know. He is about to eat the Fruit, he is on the cusp. This move was necessary. And everyday, it’s a getting closer. He will realize his existence is parabolic. He has forever approaching Knowledge, and leaving earth, leaving humans, leaving Crowley, is going to be the only way he changes the course of his curve. He’ll finally intersect, and I feel that as a result, he will choose to leave the Heavens for the Humanity of it all, for the Crowley of it all. Everyday, it’s a getting closer.

[sisterdivinium]

It might appear somewhat essentialist at first if used to examine real, breathing human beings, but Carol Gilligan's "Images of relationship" can provide an interesting framework with which to understand certain facets of Warrior Nun. More so when coupled with David Hayter's comment on how the show's "women are always right and the men are always kind of screwing things up," for her article, dealing in systems of moral understanding, might point us towards the reasons behind this openly admitted narrative "bias".

In a nutshell, Gilligan observes the different strategies by which boys and girls seem to resolve moral dilemmas, deviating from traditional interpretation. This is because, Rosemarie Tong reminds us, "Gilligan challenged the Freudian notion that men have a well-developed sense of justice — a sense of morality — whereas women do not". By looking beyond these hurried and prejudiced conclusions of (male) researchers before her, she "argued instead that men and women have different conceptions of morality, each equally coherent and developed and equally valid". She bases this idea, then, on those resolution strategies that were found to consist of, for boys, a tendency to see the moral dilemma as "sort of like a math problem with humans", while the girls were more inclined to view it as "a narrative of relationships that extends over time" — so if boys seemed "logical" through their impersonal abstraction of a situation, invoking concepts similar to those of law and justice, the girls were more likely to follow a different, "personal" logic, through "an awareness of the connections between people", identifying "a web of relationships that is sustained by a process of communication".

Where this all intersects with Warrior Nun is that the male and female characters seemingly display these same propensities of moral judgment.

If we start with the men, we will quickly see that they are all caught up in their own abstract systems, prone to grand ideas and concepts while detached from the world and the valuable human bonds that make it up, just as Vincent sees the quest for a hypothetical "better world" as more important than the life of a very real, concrete woman he claims to love. Mr. Hayter himself, in the same interview conceded during the OCS Conclave of June 3rd, mentions how father Vincent and cardinal William are irresistibly attracted to the notion of power: "here's this guy who can do godlike things, so why wouldn't I follow him, you know? ... We gotta have some power ... that we bow down to or whatever". This is how he transmits a glimpse into these characters' psyches and we could safely argue that this behaviour and thought pattern extends to the rest of the men in the show, including Duretti, Kristian, Adriel and even Michael Salvius.

Whether these men mask their fascination with power through other words or not, theirs is a cause which easily calls for violence and a willingness to kill or die for it.

Earthly power inspires Francesco Duretti to have the current halo bearer killed if need be as he attempts to consolidate his bid on the Holy See; Kristian Schaefer would sacrifice the world as readily as he does his old acquaintance Duretti in the name of this power that lay entombed for a thousand years but communicated through the voice of a sick little boy; cardinal William Foster is inebriated with the idea of being a new god's right-hand man, so he brutally slaughters his colleagues to buy himself a place at Adriel's table, even if that means getting no more than his master's crumbs; father Vincent is so eager to find someone or something powerful enough to take the burden of "his darkness" from atop his shoulders that he convinces himself of there being divinity in the parlour tricks of a manipulator, killing a symbolic daughter in this trickster's name; Adriel would bleed humanity dry without a second thought all the while claiming to save it in draining its belief for the benefit of his own megalomania; finally, Michael subjects himself to the will and authority of Reya, whom he claims to be "unimaginably powerful".

Of course the women of Warrior Nun are mostly all ready to lay down their lives for their own cause as well, or else we wouldn't have their iconic motto of "in this life or the next", but the motivation behind it is what sets the men and the women wholly apart here. If the former are intoxicated by the concept of power, the latter are embedded in a family of sorts, in a dense network of relationships that they can identify with some ease, and which informs their decisions and actions more than just dogma or theory.

Most if not all of the female characters struggle between two different stances: one is an offshoot of the males' abstract organisation of the world, while the other is a more "hands-on", "organic" order; between "duty", or what is said to be their duty, and that which their own perception reveals, their "personal" logic by which the "self [is] delineated through connection", seeing one another as actual sisters instead of mere pieces upon the church's chess board. We see the dilemma take place within Beatrice, Camila, Lilith and Mother Superion, who are all faced with a choice of sticking to their place in a well-defined (artificial, abstract) structure or valuing instead the human connections all around them and that stand in opposition to this man-made categorisation of life.

And, one by one, they take the side of that one character who seems to have kept her lucidity and fidelity to her own understanding through it all: Mary.

Mary never lost sight of her priorities. Her focus on friends and sisters illustrates Gilligan's point rather well when she is the only one who insists on understanding what happened to Shannon all the while the OCS is made to concentrate its energies on the halo instead. Of course it blinds her to Vincent's betrayal, but that is his fault more than it is hers; her moral compass points at the right direction for the most part.

And, each at their turn, the nuns adopt (rediscover?) this same mode of thought. Beatrice's efficient, obedient soldier façade crumbles beneath the urgency of siding with Mary rather than following the arbitrary decision of some man invested with the power of an institution; Camila outright admits wanting to be kicked out of the church just so she can stay near to the people who represent her allegiance more than liturgy itself ever could; Lilith literally travels to hell and back to rejoin her sisters, regardless of how her subsequent mutations upset her loyalty later on; Mother Superion sheds her prominence within hierarchy, risking it all, by standing with "her girls". Even Ava, an outsider with no ties to the church but who so desperately wanted to "live", trades a vague, abstract notion of what "life" and "freedom" entail for the very definite, tangible reality of the family this group of women becomes for her.

Another outsider equally stuck between "bodiless" logic and the reality of human connection around her, Jillian Salvius, too, falters before choosing her side when faced with these two points of view: that of "pure" reasoning and that informed by the consciousness of surrounding relationships. Her quest for "knowledge" is not sufficiently strong so as to potentially sacrifice someone in her inner circle. Season one has her holding young Michael back from stepping into the machine she herself had created for this purpose when concern overrides calculation; season two gives us a powerful scene where she is tempted by Kristian into joining Adriel's ranks as he claims she is already a part of it all and dangles before her the forbidden fruit of the world's hidden laws, the elusive answers the scientist in her has always searched for. He tries to hook her in by simultaneously appealing to her intellectual interests as well as her understanding of the web of relationships when he claims she is another link in the chain that leads to Adriel...

And Jillian refuses him.

Kristian would never convince her of already being within this specific network of relationships because he was the one to rupture it first.

To these women, unlike the men, it's not about ideas — or, rather, about rationalisations, given how their interpretation of what is logical or reasonable is more than open to inquiry. To these women, it's not about loud, large but empty words vulnerable to tampering and shifting meanings; it's not about power.

It's about people.

Rosemarie Tong says "Gilligan believed that women's moral development takes her from an egocentric, or selfish position to an overly altruistic, or self-sacrificing position and, finally, to a self-with-others position in which her interests count as much as anyone else's" — and this seems to describe perfectly well the inner trajectory that these characters follow. We see traces of the selfish in Ava, Jillian and Lilith, as well as of the self-sacrificial in Beatrice or Suzanne, but they all appear to converge on this path towards constructing a "self-with-others" whereby they are all individuals inextricably tied to one another — and aware of it, acting accordingly. A sisterhood, a direct sisterhood that supersedes the very church structure which facilitated it to begin with.

Of course Warrior Nun is too intricately built to allow itself to be so smoothly explained; if Carol Gilligan provides a framework that helps us to identify what is so positive and deserving of attention in the female characters' attitudes as championed by one of the show's own writers, it also falls short on other points and her propositions can then be questioned by the show in turn.

We need but a few examples.

If Jillian Salvius values the significance of association with others more than she does a cold, distant overview of things (the latter being the stereotypical scientist attitude), then how is it that she seems so prepared to immolate Lilith at the altar of curiosity? One relationship takes precedence over the other, yes, and we cannot compare the love for a son to whatever affection or respect there is for anyone else, but the nature of Jillian's experimentation with Lilith, had it gone forward, is quite brutal even for the sake of a debilitated child. Jillian's stance is understandable, but this "self-with-others" thing isn't as clear-cut as we might think.

Lilith herself oscillates between those three positions of moral development described by Gilligan, going from selfish to "connected" by the end of season one, but ending season two in almost complete isolation, with only a hint towards her previous place in a web of sisters as she aids Beatrice in getting Ava to the ark... Shortly after having dug her claws into the warrior nun's flesh.

But perhaps Lilith is a more special case than we realise at first. Our early childhood experiences define much of our character, after all, and the words we use have a bearing on how we view and reconstruct the world in our discourse; Lilith's understanding of the relationships between people, of "family", probably doesn't reflect that of her sisters given the ill-treatment she must have received from her relatives. If one's primary web of relationships is so tainted, what model can it ultimately provide for later connections? Just as Ava's mistrust for nuns is justified by her previous, negative experiences at their hands, Lilith's experience with intimate or familial bonds surely affects her maturing sense of being linked to other people. If family is a positive value for Ava and Mary, for example, it cannot boast of the same meaning for Lilith, whose family is a source of stress and misunderstanding rather than a harbour of love.

The treatment she has received might have corrupted her grounds for moral judgment by communal lenses in a way Beatrice's rejection by her own parents did not, leaving Lilith adrift as long as she does not somehow attempt to re-signify what human connection ultimately means. To Lilith, as of yet, the web of relationships she necessarily belongs to mirrors the initial disposition she was brought up in, as a hierarchical structure where every link is tainted by the stench of power and domination — the OCS is a family much like her own... Where orders are given and meant to be obeyed.

We cannot know for certain what it is that she sees or feels after Adriel "unlocks" her wraith-vision, but there is something peculiar in how, reflecting this idea of abstract versus material views of the world we've been discussing, Lilith claims to see reality when she casts her eyes upon the nebulous demonic figures only few others can see. In her opposing traits are mixed, delivering a strange synthesis we cannot quite make out yet and making Lilith a hybrid both in body and in thought.

And while this fact alone seems to interrogate David Hayter's comment about how the women in the show tend to be correct, we can further complicate the statement by glancing at Reya.

There is frightfully little we know of her, but a lot of the information we do have is conflicting: Reya is unimaginably powerful, yet needs to manipulate two young people to do her bidding for her in fighting Adriel; her predictions are "meant to be" yet do not manifest in the way they were said to; she is described as some sort of benefactor by taking Michael in, but she sticks a bomb into his chest and the very sight of her sends him reeling; she is, as far as we know, a woman, yet she might very well be at odds with the other women we see in the show. How, then, are the women always right?

Perhaps they are so when following their conscience as guided by their understanding of community and sisterhood, when belonging to a network of relationships and acknowledging it. That would exclude a murderous sister Frances, a confused Lilith and a mysterious, distant Reya from the definition.

In this sense, then, even if the characters are not static or simple, even if they waver between the moral positions suggested by Gilligan and which do not seem all that definite to begin with, her text is still enlightening as relates to why the women are, "word of God", the moral touchstone of Warrior Nun.

Having been robbed of further development of the story and universe for the time being, however, precisely because of an abstracting, impersonal corporate logic that sees only numbers where there should be people and the wonderful effect this show has had on them, there is only so much we can conjecture on this subject...

[ellieellieoxenfree]

Favourite cheese? What you love about photography? How you feeling about Bleach after all these years?

oh my fucking god i wish i knew who this was

favorite cheese: i love all cheeses tbh. i am too midwestern not to love all of them. the sharper the cheddar, the better; i also love a good blue cheese. fontina is so soft and mild and creamy that i could eat it forever. goat cheese on crackers is a divine snack. i love a good thick-cut colby/monterey jack combo on everything. i prefer gouda to havarti, although both are excellent. i also love the satisfaction of peeling those little baby cheeses from their wax jackets. but honestly if it is a cheese or a cheese-adjacent product i will eat it.

what do i love about photography: preservation of an exact moment in time and the wrenching emotions it can evoke. patrick joust's photography is a great example of work that makes my fucking chest ache because it makes me miss the east coast so goddamn much; the nostalgia it awakens just knocks me on my ass. i also love street photographers -- alice teeple does NYC street and concert photography and her work is so vibrant and alive. i love the gentle beauty that a talented photographer can bring out with even the most basic equipment. there's something so special in the showcasing of everyday humanity and life. high fashion photography can be a masterpiece, but it's the man-on-the-street subjects and the suburban homes and the deserted intersections that get to me the most.

how do i feel about bleach: haha fuck KT for real

but seriously, bleach as a fandom was such a creatively fertile time and i had SO many good friendships that came out of that (...and so many people i've lost -- miss u 4fr darth_snuggles hope ur okay) that i always do get a little wistful for it just because that was sort of the last 'good' fandom where i felt like i was truly part of something and wasn't so goddamn self-conscious about writing. i look back on the sheer AMOUNT of fic i kicked out in those days and i'm like, what happened to you, girl? (what happened is that i was 19 and i still had some spark of life left in me.) i still think about some of my faves and get a little bitter about how poorly it all ended up. man! urahara/yoruichi! aizen/momo! the visoreds!!! there was so much good there that i can't say i necessarily regret the amount of time and effort i poured into it, but also fuck KT and his stupid lack of backgrounds and his stupid lack of wrapping that shit up way before it finally limped to whatever terrible finish it got. and fuck ichihime. terrible ship. boo and hiss.

[misstallulah]

The Great Celestial Game: Connections and Theories Between Good Omens, Lucifer, Supernatural, and Hazbin Hotel ⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻

In an era where popular culture increasingly intersects with biblical and mythological themes, some television series have distinguished themselves with their innovative and often ironic portrayals of angels, demons, heavens, and hells. Good Omens, Lucifer, Supernatural, and Hazbin Hotel are four such series that have captured the public's imagination, leading to fascinating speculations and theories that intertwine religion, pop culture, and storytelling. A recurring theme in these series is the concept of redemption, especially among demonic characters. Lucifer, played by Tom Ellis in Lucifer, is perhaps the most emblematic example. In this series, we see the devil abandoning his infernal throne to explore the human world, even becoming a consultant for the Los Angeles police. This portrayal of Lucifer seeking understanding and, in a sense, redemption, diverges from the traditional biblical image of an irredeemably evil fallen angel.

Love for Humans and the Paradox of Good and Evil In Supernatural, one of the most touching aspects is the love that angels and demons develop for humans. Castiel, the angel protector, rebels against Heaven itself out of love for humanity and to protect the Winchester brothers. This love is seen as a weakness, but it also makes him more "human." Castiel challenges celestial dogma and rules to follow what he believes is right, exemplifying how even divine entities can find a deeper humanity than one might expect.

Similarly, demons like Crowley also form complex bonds with humans. Crowley, in particular, is depicted as a demon with unexpected facets, connected to the Winchesters and Castiel more out of mutual respect than pure convenience. This humanization of demons and angels provides a powerful commentary on how human love and bonds can transcend even divine barriers.

Apocalypse as a Divine Game In Supernatural, the apocalypse is a central theme, treated almost as a "game" between heaven and hell. Angels, in particular, are portrayed as powerful yet detached beings, sometimes indifferent to human suffering. This is interestingly reflected in the portrayal of God, who appears as an author observing the unfolding plot he created without actively intervening, a concept reminiscent of the "Deus Absconditus" view of some theologians.

This theme of the divine game is also explored in Good Omens, where the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley work together to prevent the apocalypse, questioning their respective roles and the inevitability of fate. Their unusual friendship and choice not to blindly follow orders remind us that even in the cosmos, there may be a form of free will.

Heaven and Hell as Ambiguous Spaces Hazbin Hotel presents an intriguing representation of hell as a place with its own rules and hierarchies, similar in some aspects to Lucifer's portrayal in Lucifer. Hell is not just a place of punishment but also a space where demons can (or must) attempt to improve themselves, as seen with protagonist Charlie, who wants to open a hotel to rehabilitate lost souls. This view of an "inhabitable" hell, where there is room for growth and change, blurs the boundaries between good and evil, a theme that resonates with Supernatural and Good Omens. Hell is not merely a place of eternal suffering but also a reflection of each character's internal contradictions.

The Third Season of Good Omens: A Paradise in Peril The much-anticipated third season of Good Omens promises to delve deeper into these themes, exploring the uncertain fate of Aziraphale and Crowley. At the end of the second season, we saw Aziraphale being recalled to Heaven with the promise of a higher role, while Crowley remains on Earth, apparently disillusioned and upset. This separation creates a parallel with the very nature of faith and destiny in religion: the inevitable struggle between duty and feeling, between what is written and what one truly desires.

Humanization of Divine Figures Another common element in these series is the humanization of divine and demonic figures. In Lucifer, the devil is in love, vulnerable, and seeking understanding. In Good Omens, Aziraphale and Crowley care about the small pleasures of human life, like rare books and good wine; in Supernatural, angels have personal ambitions and conflicts that make them much more human than one might think.

This humanization serves to overturn audience expectations and present divine figures not as perfect beings, but as complex entities capable of errors and feelings, prompting reflection on the very nature of the divine and the evil.

Alternative Bibles: Narrative as a Tool of Power A fascinating element is how these series use biblical texts and myths as a basis but rewrite them to fit their plots. In Supernatural, the Bible becomes almost a manual that can be interpreted and rewritten. In Good Omens, God's "Ineffable Plan" is less clear and predetermined than one might think. Lucifer, on the other hand, challenges the entire biblical narrative, showing a Lucifer who rejects the role assigned to him.

This continuous rewriting of the biblical myth represents a way to explore the power of narratives: who tells the story controls the meaning of reality. The series offer commentary on how religion and mythology can be tools to explore themes of control, free will, and morality.

Similar Series: Expanding the Mythological Universe Beyond the mentioned series, there are other productions that explore similar themes with unique approaches. American Gods, based on Neil Gaiman's novel, offers a reflection on the struggle between ancient and new gods in a modern world, while The Sandman, also by Gaiman, explores the realm of dreams and its influence on reality. The Umbrella Academy presents a mix of supernatural powers and family conflicts with often ironic and dark tones, approaching divine and apocalyptic themes. These series further expand the narrative of the divine and the demonic, offering new perspectives on the complexity of these figures and their interactions with the human world.

Conclusion: A Mosaic of Morals and Myths In conclusion, Good Omens, Lucifer, Supernatural, and Hazbin Hotel not only provide entertainment but also a profound reflection on divine and demonic natures. They explore the conflict between fate and free will, good and evil, with a humanization of characters that makes them more accessible and understandable. This dialogue between the series not only enriches popular narrative but also invites deeper reflection on beliefs, myths, and their impact on our lives. The great celestial game continues, inviting us to explore and rewrite the stories that define our views of the divine and the demonic.

[talonabraxas]

Yggdrasil: The Sacred World Tree Talon Abraxas

Yggdrasil: Unveiling Mysteries of The Sacred World Tree

Yggdrasil, also known as the Tree of Life, stands at the center of the Norse cosmos, serving as a conduit between the nine realms. Its immense branches extend across the heavens, and its roots delve deep into the great realms, tapping into legendary wells and streams for sustenance. This colossal ash tree serves as a cosmic axis, linking together the realms of gods, humans, giants, and various other beings.

Roots of Yggdrasil

Yggdrasil's roots draw power and sustenance from three different sources. The first root reaches up towards heavens and into Asgard, the realm of the gods, and taps into the well of Urd. Shielded by the root’s magic, by the well stands a beautiful hall that is home to three maidens – Urd, Verdandi, and Skuld – who shape the lives of men and are known as norns.

The second root extends to Jotunheim, the domain of the giants. Here, the root taps into the Mimir’s well, whose waters are coveted by many for containing boundless wisdom and which is guarded by its eternal guardian Mimir. Here, at Mimir’s well, Odin sacrificed his eye for a drink from the well to obtain supreme wisdom and solidify himself as the leader of the Aesir.

The third and final root travels to Niflheim, the icy realm of the dead. This root taps into the wellspring of Hvergelmir, a massive cauldron from which all rivers originate, symbolizing the primordial source of life and creation. This wellspring is a home to many snakes and serpents, with the great dragon Nidhoggr living among them.

Within the vast expanse of Yggdrasil, there exist nine interconnected realms. In addition to Asgard, Midgard, and Niflheim, the World Tree also links to realms such as Vanaheim (abode of the Vanir gods), Alfheim (dwelling of the light elves), Jotunheim (the land of giants), Svartalfheim (the domain of the dwarves), Muspelheim (the realm of fire) and Helheim (abode of the dead). Each realm has its own unique characteristics, inhabitants, and significance within Norse mythology.

Among the Branches of Yggdrasil

Asgard: Home of the Aesir Gods

Asgard, situated atop Yggdrasil's highest branches, is the realm inhabited by the Aesir gods. Ruled by the mighty Odin, Asgard is a place of divine splendor, where grand halls and palaces stand in golden brilliance. It is from Asgard that the gods oversee the mortal realm, engage in epic battles, and prepare for the final battle of Ragnarok.

Midgard: The Realm of Humans

Midgard, often referred to as Earth, is the realm of humankind. Suspended within Yggdrasil's middle branches, it is a world populated by mortals, their settlements, and their adventures. Midgard is constantly influenced by the gods and their actions, shaping the fate of both individuals and civilizations.

Jotunheim: The Land of Giants

Jotunheim, nestled within the roots of Yggdrasil, is a realm inhabited by the jotnar, or giants. These formidable beings range from mountainous brutes to cunning and deceptive creatures. Jotunheim serves as a land of challenges and conflicts, frequently intersecting with the affairs of gods and heroes.

Vanaheim: Abode of the Vanir Gods

Vanaheim is the realm of the Vanir gods, a pantheon associated with fertility, prosperity, and nature. Located within Yggdrasil's branches, Vanaheim is depicted as a lush and fertile land, where bountiful harvests and vibrant ecosystems flourish under the Vanir's watchful eye.

Alfheim: Dwelling of the Light Elves

Alfheim, situated above Midgard, is a realm inhabited by the ethereal and luminous light elves. Known for their beauty and connection to nature, the light elves possess great wisdom and magical abilities. Alfheim is often associated with light, joy, and enchantment.

Svartalfheim: Domain of the Dwarves

Svartalfheim, residing within the depths of Yggdrasil, is the realm of the industrious and skilled dwarves. Known for their craftsmanship and mining expertise, the dwarves forge powerful weapons, legendary artifacts, and intricate treasures. Svartalfheim is a realm of hidden caverns and wondrous craftsmanship.

Niflheim: The Frozen Underworld

Niflheim lies beneath the lowest roots of Yggdrasil, a cold and mist-shrouded realm associated with ice, frost, and darkness. It is home to Hel, the ruler of the dead, and the souls of evil men who passed into this ice realm after traversing Helheim.

Muspelheim: Realm of Fire

Opposite Niflheim, Muspelheim exists as a realm of searing flames and intense heat. Ruled by the fire giant Surtr, Muspelheim embodies the primal power of fire and is foretold to be instrumental in the apocalyptic event of Ragnarok.

Helheim: Abode of the Dead

Helheim is a realm of the dead, located beneath the roots of Yggdrasil. It is a somber and desolate place ruled by the goddess Hel, where souls who did not attain glory in battle or gain entrance to other afterlife realms reside. It represents the acceptance of mortality and the finality of death in Norse mythology.

Inhabitants of Yggdrasil

Yggdrasil is not only a physical entity but is also inhabited by various mythical creatures. Beneath its roots resides Nidhoggr, a colossal dragon who gnaws at the roots of the tree, representing decay and destruction. The eagle perched on Yggdrasil's highest branches looks down on Nidhoggr below, embodying knowledge and inaction. The squirrel Ratatoskr scurries up and down the tree, acting like a messenger between Nidhoggr and the unnamed eagle, fanning the flames of hate between them by spreading nasty rumors and ferrying insults that one has for another. These inhabitants further contribute to the vivid and complex tapestry of Norse mythology.

Symbolism of the World Tree

Yggdrasil is a profound symbol in Norse mythology, representing the interconnectedness of all things in the cosmos. It embodies the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, underscoring the idea of continuous renewal and regeneration. As a world tree, it also symbolizes the axis mundi, a universal concept found in many mythologies, where the physical and spiritual realms meet.

The image of the tree resonates deeply with human existence, reflecting the innate human desire to seek meaning and connectivity. It reminds us of the intricate web of relationships that bind us to the natural world and the forces beyond our comprehension.

Yggdrasil, the World Tree of Norse mythology, is a powerful symbol that encapsulates the cosmos and its profound interconnections. It serves as a gateway to the realms of gods, giants, and the dead, and its roots tap into the wellsprings of cosmic wisdom and primal creation. As we delve into the mysteries of Norse mythology, we unravel the layers of symbolism embedded in this awe-inspiring ancient tree, reminding us of our place in the grand tapestry of existence.

So, let us gaze upon Yggdrasil, this towering arboreal monument that stands as a testament to the enduring power and enduring fascination of Norse mythology. May its endless branches forever inspire us to explore the depths of our own roots and seek wisdom in sacrifice.