#who and how they relate to others/each other

[esotericalchemist]

𝐋𝐞𝐨 + 𝐒𝐮𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬

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Leo energy radiates confidence, creativity, and a desire for self-expression, fueled by the vibrant influence of the Sun. Unlike signs that operate quietly, Leo in each House brings a bold, illuminating presence, inviting us to step into the spotlight and embrace our individuality. Exploring its journey through the Houses, we see how this passionate energy inspires us to lead, create, and share our gifts with the world. This journey reveals the ways Leo encourages us to celebrate life, pursue joy, and cultivate a sense of pride, guiding us toward a life filled with purpose, warmth, and authentic self-expression.

𝐀𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Aries rising, Leo governs the 5th house, the house of self-expression, creativity, romance, and joy. With Leo here, Aries rising individuals approach their creative pursuits and relationships with enthusiasm, boldness, and a desire to stand out. They find joy in expressing their unique individuality and are likely to seek out experiences that allow them to shine, whether in romance, creative projects, or recreational activities. Leo’s influence in the 5th house suggests that Aries risings have a warm, charismatic approach to love and enjoy dramatic, passionate relationships. They may feel most alive when pursuing hobbies or creative work that allows them to express their dynamic personality.

Sun through the Houses:

Sun in the 1st House: With the Sun in the 1st house, the Leo 5th-house energy of self-expression and confidence flows directly into the self. The native has a strong, magnetic personality and a natural charisma that draws others in. They are likely to be highly expressive and proud of their individuality, making a memorable impact wherever they go.

Sun in the 2nd House: The Sun in the 2nd house directs the 5th-house Leo energy into values, resources, and self-worth. The native may find confidence in building financial security and may feel joy in investing in possessions or hobbies that reflect their individuality. They seek material stability as a foundation for expressing themselves creatively.

Sun in the 3rd House: With the Sun in the 3rd house, the Leo 5th-house energy is expressed through communication, learning, and social connections. The native may have a warm, engaging communication style and enjoy sharing their thoughts and ideas with enthusiasm. They are likely to shine in areas of writing, teaching, or any form of communication that allows for creative expression.

Sun in the 4th House: The Sun in the 4th house connects the 5th-house Leo energy to home and family. The native finds pride in their home environment and may express their creativity through family traditions or by creating a warm, vibrant household. They are protective and proud of their family, often creating a home that reflects their personal style.

Sun in the 5th House: With the Sun in its own 5th house, the Leo energy of creativity, confidence, and joy is fully expressed in romance, self-expression, and hobbies. The native is likely to be passionate about their creative pursuits and may excel in artistic or performance-related fields. They are playful, charismatic, and find fulfillment in activities that let them shine.

Sun in the 6th House: The Sun in the 6th house directs the 5th-house Leo energy into work, health, and service. The native brings creativity and enthusiasm into their work, often excelling in roles that allow them to express their ideas. They take pride in their daily routines and are likely to shine in their work environment, bringing warmth and positivity to their tasks.

Sun in the 7th House: The Sun in the 7th brings the 5th-house Leo energy into partnerships. The native may seek a partner who appreciates their creative side and with whom they can share joyful experiences. They take pride in relationships and may be drawn to partners who inspire them to express themselves fully.

Sun in the 8th House: The Sun in the 8th house channels the 5th-house Leo energy into transformation, shared resources, and intimacy. The native may experience deep joy in transformative experiences and is likely to express themselves passionately in intimate relationships. They are drawn to creative pursuits that explore psychological or mystical depths.

Sun in the 9th House: The Sun in the 9th house directs the 5th-house Leo energy into philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native finds joy in exploring new cultures, philosophies, or spiritual practices, and they may express their creativity through teaching or travel. They seek experiences that expand their horizons and inspire self-expression.

Sun in the 10th House: The Sun in the 10th house brings the 5th-house Leo energy into career and public life. The native takes pride in their professional achievements and seeks to express themselves publicly. They are likely to be recognized for their charisma, often pursuing a career that allows them to shine and showcase their talents.

Sun in the 11th House: The Sun in the 11th house brings the 5th-house Leo energy into social networks and group causes. The native may find joy in community involvement, often taking a leadership role within social groups or organizations. They are likely to be well-regarded by friends and enjoy expressing their individuality within group settings.

Sun in the 12th House: With the Sun in the 12th house, the 5th-house Leo energy takes on a more introspective, private quality. The native may find fulfillment in creative pursuits that offer a sense of solitude or spiritual exploration. They may express themselves through art, meditation, or other activities that connect them to their inner world.

𝐓𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐮𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Taurus rising, Leo governs the 4th house, the house of home, family, and inner security. With Leo here, Taurus rising individuals bring a sense of pride, warmth, and perhaps a bit of theatrical flair into their home life. They may be protective and proud of their family, often treating their home as a place of joy and self-expression. Leo’s influence suggests that they have a deep connection to their roots and take pride in creating a space that feels comfortable, secure, and uniquely theirs. Taurus risings with this placement may view home as a place to recharge and showcase aspects of their personality, and they might invest energy into creating a beautiful, vibrant domestic environment that reflects their personal style.

Sun through the Houses:

Sun in the 1st House: With the Sun in the 1st house, the Leo 4th-house energy of warmth and pride flows directly into the self. The native has a naturally radiant and charismatic personality, often seen as a strong and confident individual. They may feel a close connection to their family and roots, embodying a blend of self-assuredness and groundedness.

Sun in the 2nd House: The Sun in the 2nd house directs the 4th-house Leo energy into values, resources, and material security. The native may take pride in building a comfortable, stable home and is likely to invest in property, family, or possessions that hold emotional value. They are often generous with loved ones and find security in material stability that supports their family.

Sun in the 3rd House: With the Sun in the 3rd house, the Leo 4th-house energy is expressed in communication and close relationships. The native may have a strong sense of loyalty and pride in their family connections, often expressing their heritage or personal stories with enthusiasm. They bring warmth to interactions with siblings or close friends, seeing these bonds as extensions of family.

Sun in the 4th House: With the Sun in its own 4th house, the Leo energy of warmth, pride, and love of self-expression is fully expressed in the home and family life. The native takes pride in their roots and may enjoy creating a vibrant, welcoming home. They may also play a central role within their family, providing a sense of stability and strength for loved ones.

Sun in the 5th House: The Sun in the 5th house channels the 4th-house Leo energy into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may take pride in their family’s creative pursuits or heritage and enjoy spending time with family in fun, playful activities. They bring joy and warmth into family life, often creating a nurturing environment for self-expression.

Sun in the 6th House: The Sun in the 6th house directs the 4th-house energy toward work, health, and service. The native may work in roles that involve caring for others or contributing to a family business. They may bring a sense of pride and dedication to their work, often feeling emotionally fulfilled when they can serve or support their family or community.

Sun in the 7th House: The Sun in the 7th brings the 4th-house Leo energy into partnerships. The native may seek a partner who shares or supports their love for home and family. They may value partners who appreciate their roots or family traditions, and they bring warmth and pride to their closest relationships, seeing partnerships as extensions of their personal foundation.

Sun in the 8th House: The Sun in the 8th house channels the 4th-house Leo energy into transformation, shared resources, and emotional depth. The native may be drawn to exploring family history or legacy, often seeking to understand deeper family patterns. They bring an intense loyalty and dedication to family, with an interest in transforming and healing inherited emotional dynamics.

Sun in the 9th House: The Sun in the 9th house directs the 4th-house energy into philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may take pride in family traditions or cultural heritage and may feel emotionally fulfilled through exploring their roots or family values. They may find joy in sharing family stories, beliefs, or cultural perspectives with others.

Sun in the 10th House: The Sun in the 10th house brings the 4th-house Leo energy into career and public life. The native may work in fields that involve family, real estate, or public service, often recognized for their dedication to home or family values. They take pride in their public image and may seek to bring warmth and care into their professional roles.

Sun in the 11th House: The Sun in the 11th house brings the 4th-house energy into social networks and group causes. The native may treat friends like family, often bringing warmth and loyalty to friendships. They may feel emotionally connected to causes that align with their family values and are likely to have a strong sense of belonging within social groups.

Sun in the 12th House: With the Sun in the 12th house, the 4th-house Leo energy takes on a more introspective, private quality. The native may find fulfillment through quiet reflection on family or heritage, often valuing solitude or spiritual practices that connect them to their roots. They may express their creativity or pride in family through private or contemplative pursuits.

𝐆𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Gemini rising, Leo governs the 3rd house, the house of communication, learning, siblings, and the immediate environment. With Leo ruling this house, Gemini rising individuals bring a charismatic, expressive, and sometimes theatrical flair to their interactions. They approach communication with enthusiasm, often possessing a natural talent for storytelling and a powerful way with words. Leo’s influence suggests that they may take pride in their ideas and enjoy being in the spotlight during conversations, often shining in roles that involve teaching, public speaking, or writing. These individuals likely have strong bonds with siblings and close friends, treating them with loyalty and warmth. Leo in the 3rd house inspires Gemini risings to share their knowledge in a way that engages and entertains, adding charm and creativity to their communication style.

Sun through the Houses:

Sun in the 1st House: With the Sun in the 1st house, the Leo 3rd-house energy of charisma and self-expression flows directly into the self. The native is likely to be very communicative and magnetic, attracting attention in social settings. They present their ideas with confidence, making an impression wherever they go and naturally enjoying being in the spotlight.

Sun in the 2nd House: The Sun in the 2nd house directs the 3rd-house Leo energy into values, resources, and material security. The native takes pride in their ideas and may seek financial security through writing, speaking, or other communicative endeavors. They value intelligence and are likely to invest in learning materials or resources that support their self-expression.

Sun in the 3rd House: With the Sun in its own 3rd house, the Leo energy of confidence, charisma, and self-expression is fully expressed in communication and learning. The native is likely a gifted communicator who enjoys sharing knowledge, often excelling in writing, public speaking, or teaching. They are highly expressive, bringing warmth and enthusiasm to every conversation.

Sun in the 4th House: The Sun in the 4th house connects the 3rd-house Leo energy to home and family. The native may feel a deep connection to family traditions and values communication within the home. They may bring warmth to family gatherings and take pride in their family history, often valuing family discussions and storytelling.

Sun in the 5th House: The Sun in the 5th house channels the 3rd-house Leo energy into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native finds joy in sharing their thoughts and may use creative writing or artistic pursuits to express themselves. They take pride in their ideas and may enjoy discussing their interests within romantic relationships or friendships.

Sun in the 6th House: The Sun in the 6th house directs the 3rd-house energy toward work, health, and service. The native may bring their natural charisma and enthusiasm into their daily work environment, often enjoying roles that involve communication or teaching. They take pride in their work and may be drawn to service-oriented professions that involve conveying ideas.

Sun in the 7th House: The Sun in the 7th brings the 3rd-house Leo energy into partnerships. The native may be attracted to partners who appreciate their intellect and communication style. They bring a sense of warmth, loyalty, and confidence into relationships, often seeing communication as a key aspect of bonding with their partner.

Sun in the 8th House: The Sun in the 8th house channels the 3rd-house Leo energy into transformation, shared resources, and emotional depth. The native may be drawn to discussing profound or hidden subjects, often exploring psychology, spirituality, or life’s mysteries. They have a deep, confident way of expressing their ideas, often delving into transformative topics with others.

Sun in the 9th House: The Sun in the 9th house directs the 3rd-house energy into philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native is likely to find joy in exploring different cultures, philosophies, or spiritual ideas, often seeking knowledge that broadens their horizons. They may take pride in sharing these insights and could be drawn to teaching or traveling as part of their journey.

Sun in the 10th House: The Sun in the 10th house brings the 3rd-house Leo energy into career and public life. The native may pursue a career in communication, media, or public relations, where they can express themselves with confidence. They are likely to be recognized for their charismatic, articulate nature and may take pride in their public achievements.

Sun in the 11th House: The Sun in the 11th house brings the 3rd-house energy into social networks and group causes. The native enjoys socializing, often seen as a leader or central figure in groups. They may take pride in connecting with like-minded people and may use their communication skills to support causes or promote ideas within their community.

Sun in the 12th House: With the Sun in the 12th house, the 3rd-house Leo energy takes on a more introspective, private quality. The native may find fulfillment in quiet, reflective writing or inner contemplation. They may express themselves through private journaling, poetry, or spiritual exploration, often finding meaning in creative solitude.

𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Cancer rising, Leo governs the 2nd house, the house of finances, values, self-worth, and material security. With Leo here, Cancer rising individuals have a generous and proud approach to their resources, often viewing money and possessions as an extension of their identity. They may take pride in their ability to create security and comfort for themselves and their loved ones. Leo’s influence in the 2nd house suggests that they find joy in spending on things that reflect their personal style or that they deeply care about. They are likely to be generous with their resources, especially with family and close friends, valuing gifts and gestures that bring happiness to others. Cancer risings with this placement may also view financial stability as essential for maintaining a sense of personal pride and security.

Sun through the Houses:

Sun in the 1st House: With the Sun in the 1st house, the Leo 2nd-house energy of pride and generosity flows directly into the self. The native has a confident, warm presence and often projects self-assurance in public settings. They may feel a strong drive to achieve personal security, using their resources as a way to enhance their own identity and present themselves confidently to others.

Sun in the 2nd House: With the Sun in its own 2nd house, the Leo energy of confidence, pride, and generosity is fully expressed in finances, values, and material security. The native takes great pride in their financial stability and values possessions that enhance their sense of self-worth. They are likely to be generous, valuing both giving and receiving, especially with those they care about.

Sun in the 3rd House: The Sun in the 3rd house directs the 2nd-house Leo energy into communication and close relationships. The native may find value in knowledge and enjoy sharing ideas confidently. They may also be generous in their interactions, taking pride in expressing themselves and supporting siblings, close friends, or neighbors.

Sun in the 4th House: The Sun in the 4th house connects the 2nd-house Leo energy to home and family. The native takes pride in creating a secure, comfortable home, often investing in property or possessions that bring warmth to their domestic life. They may feel a strong connection to family and heritage, treating home life as a source of emotional and financial security.

Sun in the 5th House: The Sun in the 5th house channels the 2nd-house Leo energy into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native finds joy in expressing themselves through creative outlets or romantic pursuits. They may spend on hobbies or activities that allow them to shine and often value personal experiences over material possessions.

Sun in the 6th House: The Sun in the 6th house directs the 2nd-house Leo energy toward work, health, and service. The native brings pride and dedication into their work life, finding value in routines that provide both financial and emotional security. They may excel in service roles and take pride in supporting others through their daily work.

Sun in the 7th House: The Sun in the 7th house brings the 2nd-house Leo energy into partnerships. The native may seek a partner who shares similar values and appreciates generosity in relationships. They are likely to invest in partnerships emotionally and materially, viewing relationships as an important part of their sense of self-worth and security.

Sun in the 8th House: The Sun in the 8th house channels the 2nd-house Leo energy into transformation, shared resources, and deeper emotional connections. The native values emotional depth in relationships and may focus on shared resources with a partner. They find pride in handling joint finances or exploring the mysteries of life, often feeling fulfilled by profound connections and experiences.

Sun in the 9th House: The Sun in the 9th house directs the 2nd-house Leo energy into philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native values knowledge, personal growth, and cultural exploration, often spending on travel or education. They take pride in expanding their worldview, viewing experiences as valuable resources that enhance their self-worth.

Sun in the 10th House: The Sun in the 10th house brings the 2nd-house Leo energy into career and public life. The native may feel strongly driven to achieve professional success and stability, viewing career accomplishments as essential to their self-worth. They are often recognized for their confidence and leadership, aiming to build a public image that reflects their values.

Sun in the 11th House: The Sun in the 11th house brings the 2nd-house energy into social networks and group causes. The native may invest in friendships and group activities, often generous within their social circles. They value friendships and community engagement, and they feel fulfilled by contributing to collective goals that align with their ideals.

Sun in the 12th House: With the Sun in the 12th house, the 2nd-house Leo energy takes on a more introspective, spiritual quality. The native may value solitude and inner exploration, often viewing personal growth as a source of self-worth. They may be generous in private ways, offering support or resources to others behind the scenes, finding fulfillment through quiet, reflective pursuits.

𝐋𝐞𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Leo rising, Leo governs the 1st house, the house of self, appearance, and how they present to the world. With Leo as the rising sign, Leo risings naturally exude confidence, charisma, and warmth. They tend to have a magnetic presence, attracting attention effortlessly and often becoming the center of attention in social settings. Leo’s influence here makes them expressive, creative, and self-assured, and they’re likely to approach life with enthusiasm and a desire to stand out. Leo risings are often generous, loyal, and courageous, with a love for authentic self-expression. Personal pride and self-respect are very important to them, and they thrive when they have a platform to showcase their talents and personality.

Sun through the Houses:

Sun in the 1st House: With the Sun in its own 1st house, the Leo energy of confidence, charisma, and leadership is intensified in the self. The native has a powerful presence, often seen as highly magnetic and self-assured. They project warmth and confidence and are likely to make a strong first impression, exuding natural leadership qualities.

Sun in the 2nd House: The Sun in the 2nd house directs the 1st-house Leo energy into values, resources, and material security. The native feels confident in building financial stability and often seeks self-worth through material accomplishments. They may take pride in their possessions and have a generous nature when it comes to sharing resources, viewing material security as a foundation for their self-expression.

Sun in the 3rd House: With the Sun in the 3rd house, the Leo 1st-house energy is expressed through communication and social connections. The native is likely to be an engaging and articulate communicator who enjoys sharing their ideas with confidence. They have a strong presence in their immediate environment and may take pride in relationships with siblings, neighbors, or local communities.

Sun in the 4th House: The Sun in the 4th house connects the 1st-house Leo energy to home and family. The native finds pride in their family roots and takes their role within the family seriously. They may shine in a domestic setting, bringing warmth and a sense of stability to their home life and taking pride in creating a welcoming, comfortable space for loved ones.

Sun in the 5th House: With the Sun in its natural 5th house, the Leo energy of self-expression, joy, and creativity is fully expressed. The native has a natural flair for creativity, often excelling in artistic or performance-related fields. They take pride in their creative pursuits, romances, or children, and are drawn to joyful activities that allow them to showcase their talents.

Sun in the 6th House: The Sun in the 6th house directs the 1st-house energy toward work, health, and service. The native takes pride in their work ethic and may approach daily routines with dedication and enthusiasm. They enjoy helping others, often excelling in service-oriented professions, and take pride in contributing positively to their work environment.

Sun in the 7th House: The Sun in the 7th house brings the 1st-house Leo energy into partnerships. The native is likely to seek a partner who complements their need for self-expression and who respects their individuality. They take pride in their relationships, often shining within partnerships and viewing significant others as mirrors of their own strength and vitality.

Sun in the 8th House: The Sun in the 8th house channels the 1st-house Leo energy into transformation, shared resources, and deep emotional bonds. The native may experience growth through profound, transformative experiences, often exploring themes of self-discovery and personal evolution. They take pride in their inner strength and may be drawn to uncovering the mysteries of life.

Sun in the 9th House: The Sun in the 9th house directs the 1st-house energy into philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native finds fulfillment in exploring new ideas, cultures, or philosophies, often seeking knowledge that expands their worldview. They may take pride in sharing their beliefs and experiences, viewing life as a grand adventure filled with opportunities for self-growth.

Sun in the 10th House: The Sun in the 10th house brings the 1st-house Leo energy into career and public life. The native is driven to achieve recognition in their profession and often desires a role where they can lead or inspire others. They take pride in their public image and may achieve respect for their dedication, often pursuing careers that allow them to shine publicly.

Sun in the 11th House: The Sun in the 11th house brings the 1st-house Leo energy into social networks and group causes. The native enjoys connecting with like-minded individuals and may take a leadership role within groups or organizations. They find fulfillment in contributing to collective goals and often seek to make a positive impact on their community or social network.

Sun in the 12th House: With the Sun in the 12th house, the 1st-house Leo energy takes on a more introspective, spiritual quality. The native may seek personal growth through self-reflection, often finding pride in their spiritual or inner journey. They may express themselves in quiet or private ways, and may feel fulfilled by helping others from behind the scenes.

𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Virgo rising, Leo governs the 12th house, the house of solitude, spirituality, dreams, and the subconscious. With Leo here, Virgo rising individuals may feel a strong pull toward creativity, spirituality, and self-reflection in private moments. They might have a rich inner life that they don’t often share with others, and their true passions or talents might reveal themselves in solitude or through quiet spiritual practices. Leo’s influence in the 12th house suggests that they take pride in their inner journey and may shine through selfless acts, often supporting others behind the scenes or through quiet acts of generosity. These individuals are likely to find personal growth through introspection, creativity, and spiritual practices that connect them with their higher self.

Sun through the Houses:

Sun in the 1st House: With the Sun in the 1st house, the Leo 12th-house energy of introspection and spirituality flows directly into the self. The native has a naturally confident and radiant personality, though they may have a quiet side or hidden depth. They are likely to come across as compassionate, carrying a unique blend of self-assurance and humility.

Sun in the 2nd House: The Sun in the 2nd house directs the 12th-house Leo energy into values, resources, and material security. The native may find value in possessions or resources that bring inner peace or spiritual meaning. They feel fulfilled through financial stability and may enjoy supporting others behind the scenes with their resources.

Sun in the 3rd House: With the Sun in the 3rd house, the Leo 12th-house energy is expressed through communication and learning. The native may bring warmth and empathy into their conversations and may be interested in exploring deeper or spiritual subjects with those close to them. They may feel drawn to journaling, meditation, or creative writing as forms of self-expression.

Sun in the 4th House: The Sun in the 4th house connects the 12th-house Leo energy to home and family. The native finds fulfillment in creating a peaceful, comforting home environment and may enjoy spending time alone in the privacy of their own space. They may also seek to understand family history or subconscious influences from their early environment.

Sun in the 5th House: The Sun in the 5th house channels the 12th-house Leo energy into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may find joy in exploring creativity in solitude, perhaps through private hobbies or spiritual art forms. They are likely to have a passionate, heartfelt approach to love but may keep their romantic life private or deeply meaningful.

Sun in the 6th House: The Sun in the 6th house directs the 12th-house energy toward work, health, and service. The native may feel drawn to work in healing professions, often approaching work with empathy and dedication. They find fulfillment in serving others and may work well behind the scenes, bringing a quiet sense of pride and purpose to their daily routines.

Sun in the 7th House: The Sun in the 7th house brings the 12th-house Leo energy into partnerships. The native seeks emotional depth and spiritual connection in their closest relationships, often finding fulfillment in deeply committed partnerships. They may express their inner self most fully through relationships, seeing their partner as a source of personal and spiritual growth.

Sun in the 8th House: The Sun in the 8th house channels the 12th-house Leo energy into transformation, shared resources, and emotional depth. The native is drawn to explore life’s mysteries and may feel fulfilled by transformative experiences or deep psychological insight. They may have a private but powerful spiritual practice or interest in esoteric subjects.

Sun in the 9th House: The Sun in the 9th house directs the 12th-house energy into philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may find fulfillment in spiritual studies, meditation, or learning about different cultural beliefs. They often seek higher understanding through quiet reflection and may feel spiritually enriched by exploring new perspectives.

Sun in the 10th House: The Sun in the 10th house brings the 12th-house Leo energy into career and public life. The native may be drawn to careers that involve spirituality, healing, or behind-the-scenes work. They often find fulfillment in roles that allow them to support others quietly but effectively and may be known for their compassionate and selfless contributions.

Sun in the 11th House: The Sun in the 11th house brings the 12th-house energy into social networks and group causes. The native feels connected to friends and groups with shared spiritual or humanitarian goals. They may take pride in supporting others quietly within their social circles and often contribute to causes that bring healing or understanding to others.

Sun in the 12th House: With the Sun in its own 12th house, the Leo energy of warmth, generosity, and creativity is deeply introspective and spiritual. The native is likely to have a private, introspective side and may feel a calling to explore their spirituality or creative talents in solitude. They may be drawn to meditation, art, or other practices that connect them with their inner self and find fulfillment through quiet, self-reflective pursuits.

𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Libra rising, Leo governs the 11th house, the house of social connections, group involvement, and aspirations. With Leo ruling this house, Libra rising individuals bring warmth, creativity, and enthusiasm into their friendships and social networks. They are likely to be charismatic and well-liked within groups, often taking on a leadership role or being seen as a central figure. Leo’s influence suggests that they find joy and personal pride in contributing to group causes, often choosing friends and social circles that align with their values and ideals. Libra risings with this placement feel fulfilled by participating in organizations or community activities that allow them to express themselves and inspire others, especially in ways that promote harmony, creativity, and mutual support.

Sun through the Houses:

Sun in the 1st House: With the Sun in the 1st house, the Leo 11th-house energy of charisma and social connection flows directly into the self. The native has a magnetic personality and naturally draws people to them. They take pride in their individuality and often act as an inspiration to friends and social groups, exuding a sense of warmth and self-assurance that others admire.

Sun in the 2nd House: The Sun in the 2nd house directs the 11th-house Leo energy into values, resources, and material security. The native may feel motivated to use their resources or finances to support causes or organizations they believe in. They take pride in using their values to contribute to social goals, and they often find that their self-worth is tied to their role within their community.

Sun in the 3rd House: With the Sun in the 3rd house, the Leo 11th-house energy is expressed in communication and social connections. The native may be known for their engaging communication style and enjoy connecting with like-minded individuals. They take pride in sharing ideas and may be drawn to group causes related to education, media, or communication.

Sun in the 4th House: The Sun in the 4th house connects the 11th-house Leo energy to home and family. The native may find fulfillment in family-centered groups or community initiatives, often becoming involved in local organizations that support families or neighborhoods. They feel a sense of pride in creating a harmonious family environment that aligns with their social ideals.

Sun in the 5th House: The Sun in the 5th house channels the 11th-house Leo energy into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native brings enthusiasm to social activities and may enjoy creative group projects, such as community art or theater. They take pride in self-expression and enjoy socializing in circles that allow them to showcase their talents.

Sun in the 6th House: The Sun in the 6th house directs the 11th-house energy toward work, health, and service. The native may find fulfillment in work or service roles within groups or organizations. They are likely to take on leadership roles within their work environment, feeling pride in supporting their community through practical, service-oriented contributions.

Sun in the 7th House: The Sun in the 7th house brings the 11th-house Leo energy into partnerships. The native seeks a partner who shares their social ideals or is involved in community work. They take pride in building partnerships that extend beyond the personal to support wider social or humanitarian causes, and they may enjoy shared aspirations with their partner.

Sun in the 8th House: The Sun in the 8th house channels the 11th-house Leo energy into transformation, shared resources, and emotional depth. The native may be drawn to social groups that focus on deep, transformative experiences or psychological growth. They take pride in exploring life’s mysteries within their social circles and may be involved in group causes that focus on healing or transformation.

Sun in the 9th House: The Sun in the 9th house directs the 11th-house energy into philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may find fulfillment in social circles that allow them to explore cultural or philosophical topics. They take pride in sharing knowledge and ideas and may be drawn to humanitarian or educational organizations that promote a broader worldview.

Sun in the 10th House: The Sun in the 10th house brings the 11th-house Leo energy into career and public life. The native may be recognized for their involvement in community or social organizations, often taking pride in public achievements that benefit others. They may have a strong sense of responsibility to society and are likely to shine in public or leadership roles within groups.

Sun in the 11th House: With the Sun in its own 11th house, the Leo energy of self-expression, generosity, and leadership is fully expressed in social networks and group affiliations. The native feels a natural connection to groups and often takes pride in their role within their social circles. They may be a central, inspiring figure in their community, enjoying friendships and group activities that allow them to be their true selves.

Sun in the 12th House: With the Sun in the 12th house, the 11th-house Leo energy takes on a more introspective, spiritual quality. The native may be drawn to humanitarian work done quietly or behind the scenes. They may feel connected to larger, spiritual causes or compassionate service, finding pride in supporting social efforts that aren’t necessarily public but still meaningful.

𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐢𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Scorpio rising, Leo governs the 10th house, the house of career, status, public reputation, and life path. With Leo ruling this house, Scorpio rising individuals are likely to have a confident, bold approach to their professional life and seek to be seen, respected, and appreciated for their unique contributions. They may have a natural inclination toward leadership roles or public positions where they can shine. Leo’s influence in the 10th house suggests that Scorpio risings want to be known for their creative talents, charisma, or the transformative impact they have in their field. They are ambitious and may approach career matters with a powerful sense of purpose, driven by a desire to leave a lasting legacy or to inspire others through their work.

Sun through the Houses:

Sun in the 1st House: With the Sun in the 1st house, the Leo 10th-house energy of ambition and self-expression flows directly into the self. The native projects confidence and charisma, making a strong impression on others. They are likely to approach their career with enthusiasm, often perceived as a leader or authority figure. Their presence commands respect, both professionally and personally.

Sun in the 2nd House: The Sun in the 2nd house directs the 10th-house Leo energy into values, finances, and material security. The native takes pride in building financial stability and may seek career roles that offer both security and recognition. They are motivated to succeed and may feel personally fulfilled when their work contributes to their material and emotional security.

Sun in the 3rd House: With the Sun in the 3rd house, the Leo 10th-house energy is expressed through communication, learning, and social connections. The native may have a career in fields involving writing, teaching, media, or public speaking. They shine in their ability to express ideas confidently and are likely to be admired for their intellect and communication skills in their professional life.

Sun in the 4th House: The Sun in the 4th house connects the 10th-house Leo energy to home and family. The native may feel called to work in fields that impact families or communities, or they may achieve public success in ways that reflect their family values. They take pride in both their professional life and their home, striving for balance between career and personal foundations.

Sun in the 5th House: The Sun in the 5th house channels the 10th-house Leo energy into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may pursue a career in the arts, entertainment, education, or any field that allows them to express their creativity. They find joy in public recognition of their talents, often thriving in professions that allow them to showcase their individuality.

Sun in the 6th House: The Sun in the 6th house directs the 10th-house energy toward work, health, and service. The native is dedicated to their work and may choose a career that involves helping others or supporting wellness. They take pride in their contributions to their field, often rising to respected positions within work environments due to their hard work and dedication.

Sun in the 7th House: The Sun in the 7th house brings the 10th-house Leo energy into partnerships. The native may achieve public recognition through partnerships or work well in collaborative roles. They are likely to seek a partner who respects their career ambitions and are known for their ability to lead within their relationships and public life alike.

Sun in the 8th House: The Sun in the 8th house channels the 10th-house Leo energy into transformation, shared resources, and deeper connections. The native may work in fields related to psychology, finance, research, or healing, bringing light to hidden aspects of life. They take pride in helping others transform and may seek a career that allows them to uncover profound truths.

Sun in the 9th House: The Sun in the 9th house directs the 10th-house energy into philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may feel drawn to careers that involve teaching, travel, or promoting broader worldviews. They take pride in sharing their knowledge and may achieve recognition for their contributions to education, culture, or spiritual fields.

Sun in the 10th House: With the Sun in its own 10th house, the Leo energy of ambition, authority, and leadership is strongly expressed in the career. The native is likely to be recognized for their accomplishments and seeks a position of respect and influence. They take great pride in their public image and often rise to high positions in their chosen field, where they can lead and inspire others.

Sun in the 11th House: The Sun in the 11th house brings the 10th-house energy into social networks and group causes. The native finds fulfillment in working within social organizations or humanitarian groups. They may achieve recognition within their community, often leading group initiatives or supporting causes that align with their career aspirations.

Sun in the 12th House: With the Sun in the 12th house, the 10th-house Leo energy takes on a more introspective, spiritual quality. The native may be drawn to behind-the-scenes work, achieving success in fields like healing, psychology, or spiritual guidance. They may find fulfillment in supporting others from a quiet place, often taking pride in the unseen impact they have on their community or field.

𝐒𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Sagittarius rising, Leo governs the 9th house, the house of higher knowledge, spirituality, exploration, and one’s belief systems. With Leo ruling this house, Sagittarius rising individuals approach philosophy, spirituality, and travel with enthusiasm, a sense of adventure, and a desire to stand out. They take pride in their beliefs, often expressing their worldview with charisma and passion. Leo’s influence suggests that they are drawn to experiences that expand their understanding, seeking paths that allow them to express their wisdom and inspire others. Whether through teaching, travel, or creative projects, they are likely to leave an impact on those they meet along their journey. They may feel a calling to share what they’ve learned with others, especially through roles that allow them to shine as a teacher, speaker, or spiritual guide.

Sun through the Houses:

Sun in the 1st House: With the Sun in the 1st house, the Leo 9th-house energy of confidence and adventure flows directly into the self. The native embodies a radiant and optimistic personality, often inspiring others with their zest for life and exploration. They present their beliefs with charisma and are likely to be seen as a natural leader or teacher.

Sun in the 2nd House: The Sun in the 2nd house directs the 9th-house Leo energy into values, resources, and material security. The native may find personal value in philosophical pursuits or education and may invest in travel or learning. They feel fulfilled when they use their resources to expand their knowledge or support causes that align with their beliefs.

Sun in the 3rd House: With the Sun in the 3rd house, the Leo 9th-house energy is expressed through communication, writing, and social connections. The native may have a natural talent for sharing ideas and is likely drawn to teaching, writing, or speaking on topics related to philosophy or culture. They bring enthusiasm and creativity to conversations and may inspire others with their thoughts.

Sun in the 4th House: The Sun in the 4th house connects the 9th-house Leo energy to home and family. The native may seek to instill strong beliefs, values, or cultural pride within their family. They may take great pride in their heritage or family traditions and create a home environment that reflects their spiritual beliefs or love for learning.

Sun in the 5th House: The Sun in the 5th house channels the 9th-house Leo energy into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may find joy in creative pursuits that explore philosophical or cultural themes. They enjoy teaching or guiding others, often taking on a mentor role, and bring a sense of adventure and inspiration into their romantic and social lives.

Sun in the 6th House: The Sun in the 6th house directs the 9th-house energy toward work, health, and service. The native is likely to bring their beliefs into their daily routines and may pursue work that allows them to express their values. They take pride in serving others, often in roles that allow them to share wisdom or support others in expanding their understanding of life.

Sun in the 7th House: The Sun in the 7th house brings the 9th-house Leo energy into partnerships. The native seeks a partner who shares or supports their worldview, and they are drawn to relationships that expand their perspectives. They often view relationships as a journey of mutual growth and may attract partners who inspire them spiritually or intellectually.

Sun in the 8th House: The Sun in the 8th house channels the 9th-house Leo energy into transformation, shared resources, and deeper understanding. The native may be drawn to exploring spiritual or philosophical beliefs that offer transformative insights. They find fulfillment in uncovering the hidden dimensions of life and often feel inspired to help others on their journey of self-discovery.

Sun in the 9th House: With the Sun in its own 9th house, the Leo energy of confidence, wisdom, and exploration is fully expressed in philosophy, travel, and spiritual pursuits. The native has a natural affinity for teaching, inspiring, and sharing their beliefs, and may feel a calling to lead others toward greater understanding. They are deeply fulfilled by travel, learning, and sharing their worldview with others.

Sun in the 10th House: The Sun in the 10th house brings the 9th-house energy into career and public life. The native may be drawn to careers in education, philosophy, publishing, or public speaking, where they can share their ideas on a larger stage. They seek to make a meaningful impact through their work and often take pride in being seen as a thought leader or visionary.

Sun in the 11th House: The Sun in the 11th house brings the 9th-house energy into social networks and group causes. The native may feel connected to groups or communities with shared spiritual or philosophical goals. They are likely to take a leadership role in social causes or humanitarian organizations, bringing a sense of inspiration and purpose to their social circles.

Sun in the 12th House: With the Sun in the 12th house, the 9th-house Leo energy takes on a more introspective, spiritual quality. The native may be drawn to private or mystical studies, often seeking wisdom through solitude and contemplation. They may feel called to explore spirituality in quiet ways, finding fulfillment in self-reflective or meditative practices that connect them to a higher understanding.

𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Capricorn rising, Leo governs the 8th house, the house of shared resources, transformation, intimacy, and the unseen depths of life. With Leo ruling this house, Capricorn rising individuals often approach intense experiences, intimate connections, and matters of transformation with a strong, dignified presence. They may experience life’s more profound aspects with courage and self-assurance, and they often bring warmth, loyalty, and generosity into close relationships. Leo’s influence in the 8th house suggests that they feel drawn to uncovering life’s deeper meanings, often experiencing growth through transformative events or crises. Capricorn risings with this placement may also have a natural charisma or leadership role in handling joint finances or shared responsibilities. They may leave a powerful impression on others, particularly in intimate or deeply emotional situations.

Sun through the Houses:

Sun in the 1st House: With the Sun in the 1st house, the Leo 8th-house energy of intensity and transformation flows directly into the self. The native has a powerful, magnetic presence, often exuding confidence and strength. They may go through personal transformations in life, which shape their identity and help them develop a deep understanding of themselves and others.

Sun in the 2nd House: The Sun in the 2nd house directs the 8th-house Leo energy into values, finances, and material security. The native may take pride in managing shared resources or joint finances, often treating money with respect and importance. They are likely to use resources for meaningful purposes, finding value in what provides emotional or spiritual depth.

Sun in the 3rd House: With the Sun in the 3rd house, the Leo 8th-house energy is expressed through communication, learning, and close connections. The native may have a strong interest in discussing profound topics like psychology, spirituality, or life’s mysteries. They bring intensity and charisma to conversations, often leaving others inspired or moved by their ideas.

Sun in the 4th House: The Sun in the 4th house connects the 8th-house Leo energy to home and family. The native may experience transformative family experiences or feel deeply connected to their family roots. They may take on a protective role within the family, valuing emotional security at home and possibly exploring ancestral history or family secrets with pride.

Sun in the 5th House: The Sun in the 5th house channels the 8th-house Leo energy into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may express their depth through art or creativity, often creating work that has an intense emotional impact. They may find fulfillment in passionate relationships and seek romance that goes beyond the superficial, desiring deep emotional connections.

Sun in the 6th House: The Sun in the 6th house directs the 8th-house energy toward work, health, and service. The native may bring intensity and dedication to their work life and may work in fields that involve psychology, healing, or finance. They find pride in serving others, often excelling in roles that allow them to support or guide people through transformative experiences.

Sun in the 7th House: The Sun in the 7th house brings the 8th-house Leo energy into partnerships. The native seeks a partner who values depth and intensity in relationships, often desiring a strong, transformative bond. They take pride in their partnerships and are drawn to those who help them grow, whether in personal or professional relationships.

Sun in the 8th House: With the Sun in its own 8th house, the Leo energy of courage, intensity, and transformation is strongly expressed in the realm of intimacy and shared resources. The native is drawn to life’s mysteries and is likely to experience significant personal transformations. They may have a strong, almost magnetic energy and are often drawn to explore the psychological and spiritual dimensions of life.

Sun in the 9th House: The Sun in the 9th house directs the 8th-house energy into philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may explore spiritual or philosophical subjects with depth and intensity, often seeking transformative experiences through travel or study. They take pride in exploring the mysteries of life and may share their insights with others, guiding them on their journeys.

Sun in the 10th House: The Sun in the 10th house brings the 8th-house energy into career and public life. The native may work in fields that involve finance, psychology, or transformation, such as counseling or healing. They may be seen as a powerful figure in their profession, known for their ability to handle complex issues and bring light to hidden matters.

Sun in the 11th House: The Sun in the 11th house brings the 8th-house energy into social networks and group causes. The native may be drawn to groups that focus on transformation or healing, often taking on a leadership role. They seek to make a meaningful impact within their social circles, supporting causes that align with their deep values and desire for change.

Sun in the 12th House: With the Sun in the 12th house, the 8th-house Leo energy takes on a more introspective, spiritual quality. The native may feel called to explore spirituality in private or may find fulfillment in self-reflective practices. They often deal with inner transformation and healing, valuing solitude as a way to explore their subconscious and connect to a higher purpose.

𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

For Aquarius rising, Leo governs the 7th house, the house of partnerships, marriage, and significant one-on-one connections. With Leo ruling this house, Aquarius rising individuals are drawn to relationships that are warm, loyal, and supportive. They may seek partners who are expressive, confident, and generous, bringing a sense of vibrancy and positivity to their lives. Leo’s influence in the 7th house suggests that they often view relationships as spaces to shine and grow, where mutual admiration and respect are paramount. These individuals may naturally take on a unique approach to partnerships, valuing loyalty, creativity, and self-expression, and often gravitating toward partners who appreciate their unconventional side. Leo in the 7th encourages Aquarius rising to form partnerships based on mutual inspiration, where both parties feel uplifted and celebrated.

Sun through the Houses:

Sun in the 1st House: With the Sun in the 1st house, the Leo 7th-house energy of charisma and loyalty flows directly into the self. The native has a warm, magnetic presence and tends to make a strong first impression. They are confident and expressive, often attracting partners who admire their individuality and creative spark.

Sun in the 2nd House: The Sun in the 2nd house directs the 7th-house Leo energy into values, finances, and material security. The native may seek a partner who shares or complements their values and goals for security. They may find fulfillment in relationships that provide emotional and financial stability, often bringing generosity and loyalty to their partnerships.

Sun in the 3rd House: With the Sun in the 3rd house, the Leo 7th-house energy is expressed through communication, learning, and close connections. The native seeks intellectually stimulating partners who share their love for ideas. They value open and engaging communication in relationships, often bringing warmth and expressiveness into their interactions.

Sun in the 4th House: The Sun in the 4th house connects the 7th-house Leo energy to home and family. The native may view partnerships as extensions of their personal roots, desiring a partner who shares or respects family values. They bring a nurturing, protective quality to their relationships, often feeling most fulfilled in partnerships that feel like “home.”

Sun in the 5th House: The Sun in the 5th house channels the 7th-house Leo energy into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may be drawn to passionate, romantic relationships that allow both partners to express themselves freely. They seek joy and fun in partnerships and are likely to approach relationships with enthusiasm and playfulness.

Sun in the 6th House: The Sun in the 6th house directs the 7th-house energy toward work, health, and service. The native may find fulfillment in partnerships that support their daily routines or work life. They seek practical, supportive relationships and often feel pride in building a harmonious, service-oriented bond with their partner.

Sun in the 7th House: With the Sun in its own 7th house, the Leo energy of loyalty, warmth, and self-expression is deeply focused on partnerships. The native has a strong need for connection and takes pride in relationships. They seek partners who inspire them to grow, and they bring warmth, confidence, and generosity to their closest connections.

Sun in the 8th House: The Sun in the 8th house channels the 7th-house Leo energy into transformation, shared resources, and deeper emotional connections. The native may be drawn to intense, transformative relationships where emotional depth is central. They value loyalty and trust, often desiring deep, intimate bonds that challenge and inspire both partners to grow.

Sun in the 9th House: The Sun in the 9th house directs the 7th-house energy into philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may seek a partner who shares their love for travel, philosophy, or adventure. They find fulfillment in relationships that expand their horizons and deepen their understanding of life, often viewing partnerships as spiritual or intellectual journeys.

Sun in the 10th House: The Sun in the 10th house brings the 7th-house energy into career and public life. The native may be drawn to partnerships that support their professional ambitions, often attracted to partners who encourage their career goals. They value relationships that boost their public image, finding fulfillment in partnerships that help them achieve their aspirations.

Sun in the 11th House: The Sun in the 11th house brings the 7th-house energy into social networks and group causes. The native may be drawn to partners who share similar ideals or social causes. They find fulfillment in partnerships that support their larger goals or community involvement, and they may see their partner as both a friend and an ally in shared dreams.

Sun in the 12th House: With the Sun in the 12th house, the 7th-house Leo energy takes on a more introspective, spiritual quality. The native may be drawn to private, introspective relationships or to partners who encourage self-reflection. They may find fulfillment in partnerships that support their inner growth, often seeking a soulful connection with their partner.

𝐏𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠

Pisces Rising: Leo Ruling the 6th House

For Pisces rising, Leo governs the 6th house, the house of work, daily routines, health, and service. With Leo ruling this house, Pisces rising individuals bring pride, creativity, and a sense of loyalty into their daily lives and work environments. They may approach their work with warmth and dedication, often inspiring those around them with a positive attitude and a strong sense of responsibility. Leo’s influence in the 6th house suggests that Pisces risings may gravitate toward work that allows them to express themselves or that involves helping others in a generous, uplifting way. They are likely to take pride in their health and daily routines and may be drawn to wellness practices that bring joy and creativity. This placement also suggests they may shine in service-oriented roles, often standing out for their dedication and unique contributions to their teams or communities.

Sun through the Houses:

Sun in the 1st House: With the Sun in the 1st house, the Leo 6th-house energy of pride and service flows directly into the self. The native has a naturally radiant and engaging presence and may take pride in caring for others. They bring confidence and warmth into their daily routines and are likely to be seen as charismatic and inspiring.

Sun in the 2nd House: The Sun in the 2nd house directs the 6th-house Leo energy into values, resources, and financial security. The native may approach work with a strong drive for financial stability and may find fulfillment in roles that align with their values. They are generous with their resources, often finding joy in supporting others or investing in meaningful pursuits.

Sun in the 3rd House: With the Sun in the 3rd house, the Leo 6th-house energy is expressed through communication and close connections. The native may take pride in helping others through teaching, writing, or mentoring. They often bring warmth to their interactions, valuing clear communication and sharing knowledge in their work or daily life.

Sun in the 4th House: The Sun in the 4th house connects the 6th-house Leo energy to home and family. The native may find purpose in caring for family members and may approach home life with a sense of duty and pride. They may also enjoy creating a comfortable, joyful home environment that reflects their desire to nurture and serve.

Sun in the 5th House: The Sun in the 5th house channels the 6th-house Leo energy into creativity, romance, and self-expression. The native may find joy in creative projects that involve helping or teaching others. They may approach their daily work with a sense of playfulness and enthusiasm, excelling in roles that allow them to express their creativity and leadership.

Sun in the 6th House: With the Sun in its own 6th house, the Leo energy of dedication, service, and pride is strongly expressed in work, health, and daily routines. The native is likely to be hardworking, taking great pride in their role and their ability to support others. They shine in service-oriented or leadership roles, bringing warmth and commitment to their work environment.

Sun in the 7th House: The Sun in the 7th house brings the 6th-house Leo energy into partnerships. The native seeks balance between work and relationships, often looking for a partner who respects their dedication. They may bring their sense of duty and loyalty into partnerships, finding fulfillment in relationships where mutual support and appreciation are valued.

Sun in the 8th House: The Sun in the 8th house channels the 6th-house Leo energy into transformation, shared resources, and deeper emotional bonds. The native may find work fulfilling if it involves psychology, healing, or finance, where they can contribute to meaningful transformations. They approach shared responsibilities with loyalty and pride, taking their roles seriously.

Sun in the 9th House: The Sun in the 9th house directs the 6th-house energy into philosophy, travel, and higher learning. The native may be drawn to careers in education, health, or spiritual guidance, finding purpose in helping others expand their horizons. They take pride in sharing their wisdom and supporting others on their paths of growth and self-discovery.

Sun in the 10th House: The Sun in the 10th house brings the 6th-house energy into career and public life. The native may be recognized for their dedication and hard work, often rising to respected positions within their field. They bring commitment and pride into their profession, often earning a reputation as a reliable and inspiring leader.

Sun in the 11th House: The Sun in the 11th house brings the 6th-house energy into social networks and group causes. The native may find fulfillment in group work or community service, often leading or supporting causes that align with their values. They are likely to be appreciated in social circles for their loyalty, dedication, and contributions to the common good.

Sun in the 12th House: With the Sun in the 12th house, the 6th-house Leo energy takes on a more introspective, spiritual quality. The native may feel called to serve others in quiet, behind-the-scenes ways, often working in healing or compassionate professions. They take pride in helping others through selfless acts, often seeking meaning and fulfillment through service.

[murfpersonalblog]

I think OP's question also kinda depends on WHO's holding a character accountable?

the people in-universe (who've interacted with said character, and whose lives are (in)directly impacted by that characters' actions). The canon plot will show/tell you who it wants you to take more sympathetically or not; how the characters treat each other, and what the ending implies about the story's overall message they want to convey. The trick is if the story sticks the landing. And that's where we the audience comes in.

us in the external audience (who consume whatever media the character is from, and decide whether we like a character/story or not, BASED ON how that character's treated in-universe). We hold fictional characters accountable all the time, which is how "the villain" and "the hero" are even a thing. The court of public opinion is judge jury & executioner of all media content--if a story's written where general consensus is that the ending was satisfying (or not); or a character was treated unfairly, or got off easy; or if plot contrivances spiraled to the point that the story's not worth following anymore, etc--we hold characters accountable 24/7. And we hold writers accountable by saying their story's mid & we don't like the messages being projected to us. Look at The Last Jedi, or Game of Thrones Season 8, or Joker 2. Look at how many Disney remakes were blasted for tryna give villains tragic backstories. People who pretend they don't care about IRL morality/ethics/politics/etc in fiction are lying their arses off. They DO care; we all align ourselves with characters we relate to, cuz it says something about the moral standards people hold (or not). Look at how DnD's Alignment Chart permeated pop culture. Look at the Bloody Baron questline in The Witcher 3, or all the Yaegerist discourse from Attack on Titan, or Light Yagami's Death Note; or Joker 1. Art imitates life, and life is a constant push/pull of people being held to certain standards or codes of conduct that society expects people to be held accountable for--even if it's just as simple as saying I don't like that character/story/ending.

(Side note: if only the Hays Code was established by a society that actually took its own moral pronouncements seriously; and didn't instead turn around and perpetuate some of the most racist, sexist, capitalist, homophobic treatment of human people in modern American history. But I digress.)

[sharoo]

Self-knowledge as a theme in STP messes me up so bad, bros.

This all starts with how little the Princess can tell you if you ask her about herself. How little you can say about yourself, more often than not. Most of the time Quiet doesn't even know what they look like!

The Narrator makes it a point to make the Princess' cluelessness, her lack of self-knowledge, into deception, but really, both the protagonists don't know themselves. How could they?

The concepts of bounds, of something that isn't you, the distinction of "self" and "other", "you" and "I", the concept of something being not like yourself... this is the first time this deity which is now two has ever experienced it.

The Shifting Mound and the Long Quiet did not exist until the Narrator tore a whole into parts.

Now, this deity in twain has to reorient. It has only begun existing, it's not yet known itself. A toddler has to develop a self-concept, and the concepts of others.

Now imagine, for the first time in your solitary existence, that there is something that you are not. Unknowable, foreign.

What are they like, you think? Are they a friend? Should I get to know them? Are they a foe? I do not know them, I cannot trust them... Or can I?

This brings to mind, of all things, Contrapoints' video on Twilight, where she speaks about the concepts of Union and Division in relation to love. And while she speaks of it in terms of eros, it can apply here just as easily, romantically and platonically.

Love is the union of two beings. We love because something outside of us allows us to be more than ourself. In others, many seek that which they lack. We seek out people so that we may develop through our similarities and contrasts with them, to change an be changed.

We seek out people because there can be no I without a You. To exist in a void is not a fulfilling experience.

We cannot discover ourself if he have nothing that allows us to compare ourself. The mirrors elude us throughout the game, always leading to the princess - she is the only way we may know ourselves, the mirrors tease as they disappear. And at the end of the route, only then, can you see yourself, now that you have a complete knowledge of yourself in a given scenario, with a given persona.

Was the princess someone you decided to trust? Or to betray? Was she a foe? A friend? A nightmare? A victim?

You both try to find out who you are through your relationship.

The princess assumes many faces and attitudes in response to you, you assume voices and attitudes in response to her. You're two batches of clay shaping each other at the same time. It's almost like knowing someone your entire life, seeing them go through different phases as they try to find out their identity in the world, their place. The 5 routes, whatever they be, are your "adolescence".

And growing means you will hurt each other, intentionally or not. There will be fights, disagreements, there will be heartache, and comfort and love.

And everything will pass.

Shifty, before she's complete, before she discovers her godhood, makes this point so clear.

How could she not be kind to you? You are the only thing in this place that is not her. What reason could she have to hate you? To make the only friend she could have into an enemy?

That's why, at the end of every route, all hurts are forgiven. All the heartache is acknowledged, understood, and then she moves on. So that you may continue being together, so that she may see what else you do.

Even godhood can become a phase. The Shifting Mound recognises what you both were, but it need not be you unless you accept it. Because self-knowledge is unending. You are always changing, and you can always change.

You can accept being a god, and that becomes you.

You can reject being a god, and that becomes you.

You are by that point an "adult". The figure trying to dictate who both of you are is gone, and you can decide for yourself.

I think this is partially why I love the Leave with Stranger ending the best of all the endings. You begin it by avoiding knowledge of yourself and of another. The self can only exist as far as it is not like the others.

And you meet the Stranger, this being who knows so little about herself, because she too has been deprived of another. The route is quick. It really cannot amount to much, because if you don't know yourself, it's so hard to build a relationship.

But at the end, they've matured. You gave each other time to become fuller beings. You met this person again and they seem so much happier with themself than they were in youth.

I love how they say "We're just a stranger.", and the voices point out how it needn't be sad that you don't know her, unless you make it out to be. You can get to know them, the real them, and they can do that with you.

The way the Stranger speaks if the position of a God only underlines how much the heart of the Shifting Mound can understand self-knowledge.

They speak of how they feel themself be pulled towards taking the position of godhood, of being everything, yet find it confining. Restricting.

"We want more. We want whatever might be on the other side of this door. Something new, that we'll experience together. With someone who exists outside of us. Someone who can see us in a way we can never see ourself."

Self-knowledge through relationships and reflection on how you impact other people.

[vatelixx]

The enormity of my desire (disgusts me),

Very very early seasons (1 — start of 2) Spencer Reid x afab!BAU!reader

SMUT!! (and fluff, some angst in relation to Spencer’s past because it can never be too happy, we’re not allowed nice things here). first times & explorations of intimacy.

──── autistic spencer (it’s a central theme to the plot), reader is actually morally good (for once).

Warnings: sub spencer (what did u even expect?), heavy corruption kink, first time for Spencer (all i do is sit around and think about how i’d like to devirgin that genius), HEAAVY praise kink, very very inexperienced Spencer, slight? oral fixation, they’re both just rlly down bad (i told u i would write something light, i delivered), Reader is whipped, Spencer is sooo much worse. Biblical references, Religious imagery, i think i talk about math equations???? And random metaphors/complexes.

w.c: 4k

a/n: i rlly wanted to explore aspects of spencer that criminal minds swept under the rug (cough cough his undiagnosed autism, cough cough his social exclusion, cough cough his crippling fear of forever being alone). Next upload will prob be heavy angst/no smut post-prison spencer (god help me please, i must be a masochist for the way i make myself suffer)

───────────────

There’s a lot Spencer hasn’t done.

He knows he’s behind, that he never quite caught up when it came to the taboo of sex and intimacy. Everything, everything, he’s ever had has been centred around exclusion, alienation, he feels like he’s lived on pause. Frozen, never advancing, stuck on ‘go’. Touch isn’t easy for him, interpersonal relationships are worse. He’s different, god he’s heard that his entire life. ‘You’re not weird, you’re just… different’, but maybe he is weird. Maybe his whole existence is just one big cosmic fuck you, because he’s missed out on so much, so much that he can’t understand, comprehend, act out against. Falling behind; this is the only area of life where he continuously comes up short, inexperienced, naive, he’s not used to being incompetent.

He’s never experienced want the way others do. He could never just hook up, fall into the body of another, expose them to the vulnerable elements of his stature. Open himself up to scrutiny. He might be a genius, he might be intellectually advanced, accepted into a multitude of ivy leagues before he was old enough to vote, but there’s drawbacks to his success. Social awkwardness, an inability to blend, mould, be one of the crowd. Sometimes he wishes he was average, something grey and mundane, so far reduced from the person he is now— it would all be plainly simple.

But he’s not, he’s not. So, this is the weight he has to bare for the brain he never asked for.

Pyrrhic victory, he’ll always be renowned for his intelligence. ‘You’re going to change the world kid,’ maybe, but simultaneously, he’ll never get to experience said world. There’s a chance he’ll always be on the outside, watching normal people gravitate towards each other. Live dreary lives of domesticated simplicity. Stacked bills, arguments over money and parenting techniques. Going to bed angry, only to turn around, mid-night, and resolve it, to not sleep on bad blood. To take them off the couch, to settle into predestined sides of the mattress.

There’s not enough possessions in the world he’d sacrifice just to experience love.

Hedgehog dilemma, the challenges of human intimacy. The hedgehogs want to move closer, to preserve heat during cold. But, they are forced, biologically cursed to remain apart, in order to prevent themselves from harming each other. Spencer doesn’t want to be hurt, to hurt, it’s a morbid byproduct of his upbringing; all he ever endured was mockery.

He thought he’d never get to experience the physical, carnal aspects of existence. And sure, he made peace with the notion, accepted the consequences of being born atypical. Learnt to live without.

But then, oh then there was you. Pretty, intellectual you who quite literally tipped his world on it’s axis. Upheaved the most stable of routines. New to the BAU, he wanted you to last. To stay around, endure the worst of the job. If only for his selfish benefit of orbiting in your presence.

He remembers how it all started: Detroit, another case, more budget cuts, forced proximity that sent you spiralling into a shared bed for the night.

“You’re my favourite person in the team.” you admitted, “And I know that’s dumb, because we’ve spoken the least, but… you’re just, so you. That’s a good thing by the way, a really really good thing.”

He couldn’t quite believe you were talking about him. Spencer, who spilt coffee, and slipped into ceaseless tangents about obscure information. Spencer, who walked into walls when you were around, stumbling over his sentences before deftly, very astutely, giving up, walking away mid-conversation. He wore sweater-vests and colourful mismatched socks, it’s not like he was going to be crowned ‘white boy of the month’.

“Not dumb.” Spencer had responded, shifting closer to tangle further into the warm mess of this accidental situation. “That’s good. I like being me.” he mumbled. “Sometimes…. sometimes it sucks. But that’s okay. I think it’s okay?”

He moved to press his face into the crook of your neck, but you were faster, gathering him by tousled hair, forcing him to look you in the eye.

Oh.

“Please. Please.” he whispered, breaking apart, fracturing, “Please like me. And more than in a weird, ‘just friends or coworkers’ way.”

You did. You do. He should’ve kissed you then, but maybe he was scared, maybe he couldn’t quite discern his feelings, separate the logic from the emotional. So he waited, waited, waited until now. Your third date, you take him to an exhibition within a science centre: replica models of the solar system, filling rooms up, papier-mâché sculptures illuminated by light.

Best date ever. You listen, even when he’s rambling about planets, when he’s pointing out that yes, Jupiter’s density is less than water. That, technically, it would float in a bathtub, if one was built to accommodate its size. You don’t care that he’s not exactly the staple-piece for conventionally attractive males. That he’s nerdish, and awkward, and so so inexperienced when it comes to this.

In his apartment, later, much later, he looks at you, looks at you like you’re the one who just solved the fucking Riemann hypothesis.

“What do you want the most? Like,… if you could ask for one thing.” you say, and god, Spencer loves when you pose these deep, hypothetical questions. When you make him think, because you, you are the biggest challenge to his intellect yet.

You. He wants to say. But he settles for ‘Being remembered,’ instead. He works to untangle layers of fabric, your scarf, your jacket, letting out an exasperated laugh when he meets your amused gaze. “Right now though? I think I’d settle for kissing you.”

You cup his jaw, tracing your fingers along the sharp curve, and god he has perfect anatomy. “Settle huh? You should be more appreciative.”

He leans forward to press a chaste kiss against your lips. Drawing away for a moment, just to return because he’s never had this before. Because for the first time in his life, he gets it. He gets physical attraction, even if it took time. He’s kissed, been kissed, yes. But he could count those moments on one hand, and if you asked how many he truly enjoyed, he’d be left with no fingers raised.

“Believe me, i’m very appreciative…”

This isn’t like before, what he felt in the past; he expected something monotone, flighty, a brief fleeting moment of satisfaction. Means to an end. No, it’s actually the best thing he’s ever experienced, and he’s going to become so insufferable after this, because he’s just found out he is very very into kissing.

Correction: he’s very into kissing you.

In the moment between parting, and touching again, he assumes you to be divinity personified. Spencer has never been religious, but something of this magnitude should be canonised. He wants to ask you. Ask you when you became this beautiful. When you became the person he needs to kiss a second time, kiss a third time, kiss until his lips go numb.

A shaky inhale, a pause. “I hope… I hope that it was okay - I mean, it was good for me. Really, really good. Um—“ to be honest, he’s just glad he didn’t say thankyou.

“Yeah, Spence. That was… wow.” you draw your bottom lip between teeth, press into tissued flesh. Jesus Christ. “Wanna try again?”

Yes yes yes yes. He looks at you, pupils blown obscenely out of proportion. Part of him wants to say, ‘why didn’t we do this sooner?’ But that’s not fair; he’s only ready now. Now that he feels, now that he might be a little in love with you.

“Please,” is his answer, and then he’s catching your face in the palms of his hand, tugging your lips back to his, because admittedly, they have ached in the long, extensive period you were apart (53 seconds).

This time it deepens and Spencer sees stars. It’s an astronomical phenomenon, something interstellar— and god, he’s relating kissing to space. They should just tape the word ‘virgin’ to his back and call it a day.

There’s soft little breathy sighs escaping his mouth now, bleeding into yours. And yeah, spontaneous combustion might be a real threat. Actually no, it would hardly be spontaneous; there’s a clear, clear cause, and it just so happens to be your ruinous lips.

This is an entirely new facet of the human experience. The kiss is electric; he’s always been partial toward physics, and right now his veins carry an alternating current.

You know, he could probably write a thesis based on this.

You both stumble back back back until he’s hitting a wall, and yes, thankyou. He’s making all sorts of sounds he can’t justify, and it’s a supernova, an infinite black pool of— oh, he thinks he might die, ascend, transcend, when you press your thumb against his chin, hold your lips at just a little slant from his. Force him to wait there.

“Please,” he’s never been above begging. A worthy sacrifice, one he’ll certainly repeat again because you return to the kiss, and the world around him dissolves.

You’ve got one hand tangled in his hair. Tousled auburn, fingers sinking into strands, pushing all the way down to the root. The other is still cupping his face, keeping him close, keeping him selfishly close actually.

“Spence,” you murmur. And yes. Yes. He likes that. The way his name sounds rolling off your tongue, like it was destined to be there. Like he was destined to be yours.

His world is ending. So is yours. Fuck it, he presses himself against your thigh, and ohmygodohmygod. He’s being loud, he’s actually being so criminally loud right now because apparently he’s the most whorish virgin to ever exist.

“I lied, I lied,” he admits between messy kisses, “When you asked what I wanted the most? It’s not to be remembered, well it is, its on the list. But—“ he groans, kisses you again because talking interrupts matters that are more important. Like your lips.

“I wanna cum.”

Eloquent.

Spencer Reid being dirty? Oh, it’s hot, it’s so hot to reduce someone to such an obscene state. To reduce him, the boyish fumbling nerd (who just so happens to be the most beautiful person in existence) to such a degrading mess.

Still, there’s shock. Not because he said it (you greatly appreciate the indecent things falling from those pretty lips right now), but because—

“You’ve never? Haven’t even experienced it once? By yourself?”

He should be embarrassed, but his lips are red, his eyes are glassy, and the bulge in his pants is straining to be touched. “Never,” he sighs shakilly. “Never, and i��m— i’m starting to understand why it’s so popular.”

He whimpers, pushes himself against your thigh, because the friction, yes. “Is that weird? Please don’t think i’m weird. Because I’m really, really weird. Just maybe… not in that way?”

It’s never been enough. His body sometimes feels numb to the touch, and yet still so very overstimulated. Like he manually blocks himself from feeling, already prepared for the flinch. How does he explain that life hasn’t been kind to him? That he hates his body because of what people made it out to be when he was a child. Stripping him naked, tying him to a goalpost, always the underdog. The one to be targeted, tormented.

“It’s actually kinda hot,” you interrupt his thoughts, and just because you’re evil, corrupt, the worst, you press your thigh harder against his clothed cock, palm covering his mouth when a plethora of whiny sounds escape his mouth.

It’s performative, really. Alone in his apartment, there’s no need for noise control. So when your thumb slips between parted, swollen lips, he knows to suck. The average human hand has between 10,000 and 10 million bacteria, and Spencer does not actually give a fuck anymore.

“To think that you’ve never even felt what it’s like. That you’re gonna feel it with me for the first time. I get to see that shit— god, you’re going to look so fucking pretty for me.”

You draw your thumb out of his mouth, and he has the audacity to whine.

He’s never wanted anything more in his entire life. It’s all tertiary now. Only this matters.

“Please don’t praise me—“ he protests, “I’ll probably finish in my pants.”

“Praise kink, noted.”

You laugh, and he can only groan, curse existence for being this cruel to his overworked, undervalued body. “Don’t— don’t laugh. You’re not supposed to laugh, that can heighten performance anxiety. Increase insecurity, and…” he sighs, “You do not care. Sadistic tendencies, noted.”

“Shut up. Wanna see you.” you say, and he’s just muttering breathless mhm’s, too delirious to function; his body is betraying the last iota of self-control like the little whore it apparently is.

His sweater comes off first, then his top. Discarded fabric, his raised arms when you mutter a candid ‘up’, giving way to exposed skin. In response? Your pupils dilate. Spencer knows because he’s analysing, profiling. If you hate him like this, he’s fairly certain he’ll drag himself into a self-dug early grave. He wishes he was being melodramatic. That your approval didn’t have such a substantial impact on his carefully-constructed ego. But, oh, it does. It does.

Thin, with a long, defined torso, he blushes, rose blemished skin, when your hands drag across his stomach. He’d love to say he reacts sanely, suavely. Urbane to your touch. But that would be a total, discreditable lie. Instead, his back arches, seeking contact, following the path of your fingertips with pitiful desperation. He feels malleable, willing to bend and contort, if only to feel more.

“How can you not think you’re pretty, Spence?” His pants are gone next, then his stained boxers, fabric borderline sheer now, soaked through with pre-cum.

Spencer feels betrayed. His body never responds, not to his own hands, not to his own thoughts. And yet, the moment you’re on him, he’s a live-wire. It’s sick, heinous, double-crossing. Maybe it’s purposeful, done just to spite him. Figures.

“Holy shit, look at you. Look at how perfect you are.” Spencer wants to object, because he distinctly told you not to praise him. However,.. right now, the lights are on but nobody is home. Brain-death, he’s certainly in a vegetative state.

“Ohmygodohmygod,” he whimpers, because no amount of knowledge about human anatomy and physiology could prepare him for how he feels under your touch. No amount of education in the psychology of relationships could inform him of how viscerally wrong the way you look at him feels.

Because it’s not wrong, not all. It’s the most right he’s ever felt, and he’ll tell you that if you’ll just keep it up.

The sounds he’s making are phonographic, lewd, you’ve given up on trying to stifle them now. Where have you been hiding? Your eyes fall, and he wants to blush away from the exhibiting gaze, but he’s just…. too far gone; the thought of your touch outweighs any previous reticence. Then, oh then, you drop to your knees, and shit. He expected your thigh, maybe your hand if he was lucky, not—

This. Your mouth, your tongue, your pretty lips; god, god, is this a sin? Because if it is, he’ll take it.

“Please,” he whines, and he can’t look anymore because the sight alone is going to send him over the edge. He’s gripping the wall, scrambling scrambling for purchase, because he’s trying not to grip you, but how exactly does he keep this respectful?

He’s pretty sure they’re past that, considering your mouth is currently wrapped around his cock, and he’s debauched.

You want this, you want him, he feels like he’s transcended humanity, like he’s become someone, anyone and anything, that deserves the way you’re taking him apart, piece by piece. In the aftermath, he hopes you don’t leave a single ounce of him intact.

“Wanna kiss you. Oh— oh oh,” he’s sobbing now, “Come back here. Miss your mouth— even if it’s,” he looks down and that’s a mistake. “Please.”

Of course it would be Spencer to disrupt the best (and admittedly only) head of his life because he needs you closer.

You oblige, raising from your knees, and Spencer thinks it might be sacrilegious. But then again, he feels religion in your touch so it can’t be too profane. Maybe? He’s not sure, he’s not sure and it doesn’t matter. Ethics and morality have long since disintegrated, sins are engrained into humankind. He almost wants to thank Eve for tearing into the apple, because it’s allowed this irreverence to occur.

Spencer blindly follows you through the apartment, stumbling and muttering until he can collapse against the bed. Baring his pretty neck as his head hits the bedframe. Tangled in sheets, draped over his lap, his deft fingers run across your waist, mapping out the structure of your frame. If only to remember, recite this act of blasphemy.

“Spence,” you whisper, and then his lips are crashing into yours, stealing breath, stealing sanity. He whimpers, murmurs a protest when you draw back, and you can only laugh. “Lets get you off, yeah? You wanna feel an orgasm, pretty boy?”

“Yes, yes please. That would uh— yes.” he’s not even sure how he’s conscious right now. His body, god his body, has endured more pleasure in the last hour than it has for the majority of his life. Your hands scathe, and Spencer is willing to indefinitely burn, if just to feel them one more time.

You only stop to take off your clothes, and surely there needs to be prep? To reaffirm, he knows anatomy, the correct procedure, how the transgression is supposed to occur. And yet, that’s from a clinical, objective mindset. Do this, do that, etc etc. Nothing works out like that in practice.

You’re so wet, panties stained through, he spares a moment to run his fingers across your thighs, hand slipping beneath fabric to graze your clit. The moan that follows has him distracted, thumb tracing circlets, over and over until you’re pulling back to return the balance. The balance, which admittedly is skewed, tipped scales, you’re on top. He falls to the weight of your influence.

And yeah, he’s more than fine with that. Jesus, you drag your panties down, down your thighs, your legs, then they’re reaching your ankles, pooling there for a moment before they’re being discarded, tossed somewhere on his floor — leaving behind a souvenir that yes, yes this happened.

“I can’t,” he says, burying his face into your shoulder when you take him. It’s slow, sinking onto his cock like every inch of warmth will destroy him. Maybe it will. Maybe he doesn’t care, because he deserves this. He deserves to feel after so much repression.

Or maybe, maybe he’s just become the biggest slut known to mankind. Likely.

Your body presses against his, and he thinks he’s going to disintegrate, because he feels so good. He understands now, he understands why people do this. Why it’s integral to the function of most. This is the best day of his life. This. Is. The. Best. Day. Of. His. Life.

There’s this noise, this pathetically loud whimper when you start to roll your hips— and oh your body is wet against him, and you’re so tight, and it’s perfect because he doesn’t have to do anything.

He can just sit here, look pretty, and cry.

He knows he’s a giver, that he’d bleed himself dry for you. It’s a curse, he supposes: so willing to bend backwards for the satisfaction of the people he trusts. But, this is foreign, and he wants to watch you, aimlessly stare, dumb and empty-headed as you wield his body like a weapon. Turn him into something perniciously yours.

Spencer has no reference for what an orgasm is supposed to feel like, and yeah, he’s really good at guessing in these type of situations. Because he’s rolling his thumb over your clit again, and he wants to draw it into his mouth, to see you laid out across bedsheets, writhing, unable to do anything but suffocate him with your thighs.

You clench around him, back arched, releasing a series of strained moans. With one hand tangled in his dishevelled hair, the other pressed against his chest, your face contorts, your body stiffens. There’s no way his incessant whimpering just got you off?

Okay. So you like him desperate. Point taken.

“Please— please, wanna cum. Wanna feel it so bad,” he’s slurring over his words, sentences punctured by devastating whimpers. And look at him, asking for permission, waiting even though his body has been teetering on the edge for so long now.

“Shh, shh..” you press your forehead against his, and he melts. Reoccurring theme. His hand grips your jaw, thumb pushed firmly against your chin, keeping you close. “You wanna cum for me, baby? Gonna give me your first?”

“Mhm— mhm…” is all he can say. When you pick up your pace, he has to burrow his face into the crook of your neck, whimpers messy and broken off, suppressed against your warm skin.

“Oh. Oh…” he repeats, again. Like there’s anything else he could utter, because this is earth-shattering.

It’s the sun, and all eight planets combined, and the universe collapsing in on itself, and he’s bucking, squirming, releasing into you, spilling deep.

He sobs. Breaks down. Because it’s so so good, and he can’t believe he ever deprived his body of this.

Neediest whore to ever exist, apparently.

It takes him a while to come back. Longer to regain motor function, to sink into present day. Life, and expectations, and everything, everything, your touch eradicated.

“Just… just stay like this?” he asks, collapsing against your body after he’s drawn out of you. There’s mess, evidence of your ministrations, but cleanliness seems futile when he’s blissed out, caught in a post-orgasmic haze that yes yes yes he needed so badly.

You card your hands through his hair, watch the way he stares up at you, large, widened eyes, chin resting against your chest. “Hi,” he mutters dumbly.

“Spence,” Spence, Spence, Spence. He could drown himself in that nickname.

“Yeah?” he breathes out.

“You we’re so good—“

He rolls away from you, finding a home for his face in the pillow. “Stop. Stop.” he groans, ��Don’t do that. You’re going to destroy me. I’m not… equipped for this, for you. Someone should just sedate me, put me out of my misery, a coma sounds like—“

He tilts his head to the side, relinquishing, “Okay. Sorry. Meltdown over. Can we shower? Then maybe do this again? Which will make the shower inconsequential, I suppose. There’s a new documentary I want to watch, and oh, you still haven’t seen the third Star Wars—“

He’s happy, content, over the fucking moon, to be silenced with your lips. “Yeah,” he murmurs, hand interlocking with yours as you both fall back against the mattress, “Let’s do this again.”

[veganthranduil]

(This is a slightly re-worked version of my 2021 Terror Camp talk on the subject. You can request access to past recordings via the TC email.)

In a show full of unapologetic imperialists, Harry Goodsir, beautiful cinnamon roll (too good for this world, too pure), is often exempted from the scrutiny that other characters are subjected to, based on his ‘innocent’ nature and his good intentions. I argue that precisely these characteristics that are most formative for his imperialism, but that his imperialism is not legible to us because it is the same form of imperialism we* still practise today. As the character who seems most modern to us because he is, in many ways, quite liberal, he serves as a prime audience surrogate to excuse, and to question our excuses of this imperialism.

We may think of empire as an unapologetic entity, too large to deny its own existence. The fact of its violence is all-encompassing. In the eyes of those who suffer from under it, the empire cannot be ignored—but there are also those who depend on its invisibility for the functioning of their world. This is a story about how the empire hides itself from itself, through the story it tells about itself.

The origins of empires fall together with the historical emergence of liberalism in the 18th century. Mehta (1999, p. 194) writes on this co-emergence:

“It is tempting to see the triumph of liberalism and the concurrent extension of the empire as either discontinuous facts that do not relate to each other or as plainly contradicting each other, and therefore casting doubt on the authenticity of the former. The thesis of discontinuity misunderstands the role of liberalism generally, and especially in this period. From its very inception in the seventeenth century, liberalism had been much more than a mere political doctrine with a local reach. By the early nineteenth century and with added vigor through the course of it, it was a robust mindset with a confidence in its global vision. This liberalism did not mysteriously get transformed into some demonic urge to rule the world the instant the British ventured beyond their shores. [...] liberalism and empire were tightly braided threads such that their separation would have resulted in the fraying of a well-woven mental and political tapestry.”

At the same time, liberalism, in its elaborations as a theory, is at odds with many aspects of empire. Liberalism, on the one hand, relies on the resources and globalisation provided through colonisation. On the other hand, the liberal tradition purports that its values—individual self-determination, basic rights, democracy, or tolerance—hold the world over. These liberal values extend rights that the empire violates and denies. This is not to say that liberalism has not also served as the argument in struggles of liberation and for rights. The language of liberalism can be used to challenge liberalism and demand inclusion, just as the language of liberalism can be used to dismantle it. Suffragists successfully did the former. The globally resurgent radical right is succeeding in a strategy of normalisation that is achieving the latter. What I am saying is that within liberalism, which is caught between needing the empire for its political survival and being at odds with the fact of empire in its moral system, there is a particular rhetorical trick that hides the empire from liberal eyes. Even today, we western liberal subjects deflect when it comes to the existence of this connection.

I use Jeanne Morefield’s concept of “imperial deflections” (Morefield, 2014). She defines an imperial deflection as “drawing critical attention away from the liberal empire’s illiberalism by insisting upon its fundamental character.” It’s a bit like a magic trick: showing you the card by acknowledging the empire’s illiberal acts, and then drawing the attention away from it. Morefield examines British liberal thinkers around WWI and US liberal thinkers post 9/11 to show how the liberal justifications of empire are surprisingly similar in both instances. In both pre-WWI Britain and post 9/11 America, liberals insist it is impossible for them to act illiberally—because they have always been liberal, because they are at heart liberal, or because the long arc of history bends towards a liberal society in both cases. It is these deflections we can see Goodsir employ in the show, at different times, and with different degrees of success.

Goodsir as an Audience Surrogate

At numerous junctures in the show, we are encouraged to view the world we are presented with through Goodsir’s eyes. He, like the viewer, has never been to the Arctic, and approaches it with a sense of wonder. The audience is encouraged to empathise with him through small moments that endear him to us (such as when he insists that he, too, can haul the boat-sledge in 1x02 and promptly falls over, inexperienced at hauling as he is.) In episode 1x02 Goodsir as a viewpoint character also becomes explicit when we hear his testimony after what happened to Lieutenant Gore. Although all members of the sledge party are interviewed offscreen, it is his point of view that we hear and believe, and that helps us makes sense of what we just saw happen. The fact that the captains interviewing him are sceptical of his account just solidifies putting the audience in his corner.

What most solidifies Goodsir as an audience surrogate, however, is his ideology and therefore his position in the show as a “modern” character. My argument is that it’s precisely Goodsir’s liberalism that allows us to identify with him.

Goodsir as a Liberal Subject

Goodsir’s role as a scientist (an anatomist first, and then also a doctor) position him closest to Post-Enlightenment liberal ideas about scientific progress, rationality, and also a new form of masculinity. Goodsir is a decidedly “modern” character, especially when contrasted with other characters: Goodsir is less set in his ways than most of them. While describing the bear prints, for example, the captains are dismissive of his description while Goodsir is sceptical but not dismissive of the idea that the bear could have tracked them to the ship. (He is, of course, very set in other ways, for example in his total embrace of class hierarchies.) He is also positioned in contrast to Stanley’s overt racism when Stanley refuses to perform surgery on Silna’s father.**

Goodsir’s approach to life is informed by his belief in science. We are given little hints throughout the show that approaching things from a detached, scientific angle gives him comfort. When David Young dies, Goodsir is distressed, but the first thing he does is check Young’s pulse. Similarly, he can perform Young’s autopsy only after covering his face, reducing him from “person” to “body.” His account of Gore’s killing, likewise, is focussed on the observable details and reads more like a scientific report than a report from a man who witnessed a traumatic event.

This rationality and distance from emotion is also indicative of an alternative masculinity. The show contrasts Goodsir’s liberal masculinity with the more familiar “male warrior” masculinity of the sailors that surround him. In episode 1x03, Goodsir’s demand of an escort back to the ships is played for a laugh, though immediately undercut when the Tuunbaq does attack the hunting blind, leaving him the character with the more realistic risk assessment. Goodsir embodies an alternative hegemonic masculinity: a liberal masculinity that expresses itself not in outbursts of aggression but in a distancing from emotion. When Goodsir seeks to test his lead poisoning theory, for example, he entices Jacko with gentle words to eat from the food he suspects to be poisonous. He is aware that—should his theory be correct—he is killing the monkey. We are reminded of his gentle words to David Young and realise, perhaps, that his gentleness is not backed up with a deep concern for the person/animal he speaks to. In both cases, the knowledge that can be extracted from dead bodies supersedes sentimentality. Neither masculinity, one might extrapolate from that, offers a way out of the predicament these men find themselves in. Neither can serve as the basis of a new kind of living with each other.

Goodsir’s Liberal Deflections of Empire

Goodsir’s character is an interesting case of nominative determinism. There obviously was a historical Harry Goodsir, but this is not the man we are looking at. We are looking at the fictional “good sir” who was, at first glance, written as the only good man among imperialists. At second glance, however, his name itself becomes an imperial deflection. While other characters make their investment in empire clear from the beginning, Goodsir’s is perhaps harder to spot. Sir John has already failed at one imperial endeavour and is adamant to prove himself. Fitzjames’s stories illustrate that he has no qualms with the mission of empire. But at various points in the show, Goodsir is seen to express discomfort with the logic of action that imperialism dictates. He wants to save Silna’s father (even though he ends up making things worse for him and the crew in the long run.) He expresses discomfort at the treatment of the body of Silna’s father, while he himself tries to be respectful of Inuit customs (though, once again, making things worse by burying his charms with him.) When Francis wants to ask Silna how to kill the Tuunbaq, Goodsir does not translate the question, perhaps out of a sense that “these matters are quite private in her culture.” It is because of this discomfort that Goodsir becomes the prime apologist of empire. The other characters do not feel like they have anything to be sorry for, and therefore do not need to invent justifications. Goodsir employs these justifications at various moments in the show, but two instances stand out for their similarity in phrasing and context, and the differing extent to which Goodsir believes them.

The first instance of an imperial deflection is when Goodsir brings supper to Silna. She has just been kidnapped by Hickey, Hartnell and Manson. When Goodsir introduces himself to Silna, he has a first moment of realization of the meaning and scope of empire and his place in it. He explains their purpose (“For our economy. For trade.”) and seems to have a moment of self-awareness that those are neither good reasons for dying nor for killing. A moment later he points at himself, hoping to introduce himself. “Goodsir,” he says, which is both his name and also an insistence that while the policies that brought him here may be flawed, the men sent to die were good men, not deserving of the scorn we direct at them for the imperial policy they carry out. “This is not how Englishmen act,” he says, despite evidence to the contrary that Englishmen have, in fact, just acted this way. This is the first instance of a textbook liberal deflection: insisting on the character over the actions of empire. What does it matter for Silna that he means well? The helplessness is emphasised by the abrupt ending of the episode after Goodsir’s desperate introduction.

The second time Goodsir insists on the character of Empire over its actions is in quite a different context. A hunting party has just massacred an Inuit family, people that Silna knew, and now Silna is being exiled from Terror Camp. Goodsir knows that it’s safer for her to go, but selfishly wants her to stay. He feels for her, and perhaps feels he must offer some sort of apology for the behaviour of his co-nationals. Then he tells her: “I wish you could come to England and see for yourself. It’s not like we are here. People there are good.” Once again, he insists on the fundamental character—the “English” character—of the empire that exculpates them from the crimes they commit abroad. But even in the speaking, he appears to realise the futility of this deflection. This second deflection is followed by a word spoken in Inuktitut for which no translation is provided.*** Silna reacts with a small smile and a nod of her head. The choice not to subtitle or translate Goodsir’s last word to Silna can be read in various ways, but it remains first and foremost a place to which we—the liberal audience at home—cannot follow Goodsir, who has been our surrogate up to this point, implying perhaps that he has taken a step that we have yet to take in confronting our own imperialism.

Both of Goodsir’s deflections follow violence done to Silna (or threatened against her.) In the first instance, it’s her kidnapping by Hickey and his associates for which Goodsir first apologises, then makes excuses; in the second instance it’s the violence that will be done to her should she return to Terror Camp, as well as the violence done to other Inuit. In both cases, it’s Goodsir’s job to draw attention away from the liberal empire’s illiberal actions by insisting on its liberal character. The extent to which he succeeds—or fails—opens up these liberal deflections of empire for us. Goodsir is not an uncritical liberal audience surrogate. I watched The Terror for the first time during the March 2020 lockdown, and hearing “For our economy. For trade.” hit hard for me as a person living under a capitalist system where economic necessity is continuously valued over human life. Goodsir realises, in justifying, the hollowness of some of his justifications, even as he fervently holds on to others.

Goodsir stays alive long enough to witness all the ways that Englishmen may act, and is made to participate in them. His disillusionment with his co-nationals at the end is nearly complete. But his commitment to liberalism, I would argue, remains.

In the end, Goodsir returns to science. His final vision is that of the beauty that no doubt inspired his career, the wonder that he told Crozier he still feels. But it’s also a vision that remains within the ordered boundaries of the liberal empire: the specimens are foreground on a white background, they are separated from nature, standing contextless and only for themselves. Goodsir’s final vision is that of the liberal imperial project, realised.

* When I write “we,” I am, of course, aware that not everyone reading this falls under the umbrella of Western liberal subjects that this “we” assumes. Like Goodsir as an audience surrogate, this “we” hopes to function as a mirror of reflection for our own deflections of empire. I do not understand myself as a “liberal,” certainly not in the sense that most US-Americans use the term. I see liberalism as the bedrock of how we do politics in the 21st century. In that sense, we are all “liberals.” From the position of someone who is a “liberal,” as a subject of a liberal democracy, I do not exempt myself from the category of people that has, at various points in their lives, made excuses for empire, knowingly or unknowingly. These rhetorical strategies, so ingrained in how we talk about who we are, make it all-too-easy to fall into the trap of convincing ourselves that there is something redeemable at the heart of our empires. We must make these strategies explicit to recognise their falsity.

** Stanley’s refusal did not come out of an assessment of the futility of the procedure, which might have spared Silna’s father further suffering. In that sense, both Goodsir (in his belief that his knowledge can save the man) and Stanley (in his racist refusal of medical aid) fail Silna and her father, because neither of them centre the well-being of the man.

*** I am aware that you can find this translation in many metas written about it. Do not come into my comments to tell me what it means. I looked it up.

Bibliography

Bell, D., 2014. What is Liberalism. Political Theory 42, 682–715.

Hooper, C., 2001. Masculinities in International Relations, in: Manly States: Masculinities, International Relations, and Gender Politics. Columbia University Press, New York, pp. 79–116.

Mehta, U.S., 1999. Liberalism and Empire. A Study in Nineteenth-Century British Liberal Thought. University of Chicago Press, Chicago and London.

Morefield, J., 2014. Empires Without Imperialism: Anglo-American Decline and the Politics of Deflection. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

[brujamala-aka-gigi]

₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ mini pac ｡⋆｡ ﾟ

˖ ݁random things about your next lover ౨ৎ ˚

this is a small light hearted pick a pile reading, made for fun. there's a good mix of random, quirky, and deep stuff in each pile. so yeah, pick one and take what resonates or take it as a sign if it makes sense to you. {this reading is written in a non-hetero centric way}

dividers by @cafekitsune & @jimzittos images found in @saizun 's blog.

pile one pile two pile three

pile four pile five pile six

.‧͙˚ *༓ scroll down for the readings ⋆ִ ‧͙⁺˚

.

masterpost ✶ pac readings ✶ ko-fi page

⋆bookings for personal readings are open ཐིཋྀ ˚₊‧⁺

˚˖𓍢ִ✧˚𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒏𝒆.⋆༘˚⋆

They have way too many hobbies, and they’re all kinda niche but related to creativity.

Very playful with almost everything, quirky or bizarre sense of humor. 

Always looking for new things to do, seeks enjoyment and/or entertainment.

Humble, they don’t like bragging or being too loud about whatever they achieve. 

They are open minded because being judgemental goes against their logic. 

Amazing at teamwork. 

Deep down they are actually quite structured and disciplined, despite giving off the opposite impression. 

Unexpectedly responsible in their own way. 

Very curious, wants to know everything about you. 

Is quick to smell bullshit. Impossible for them to be lied to.

˚˖𓍢ִ✧˚𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒘𝒐.⋆༘˚⋆

They love anything that has a darker, spooky, mysterious tone. But they are quite chill about it actually, they love scary things but they are not annoying about it. 

Easily misunderstood and badly judged by others tho.

They try really hard to be good at communicating with others despite being kinda shy and almost awkward. 

Always overthinking and over analyzing. 

They are nerdy, but in a history or philosophy way. Probably unable to do math. 

Amazing emotional intelligence, especially when it comes to dealing with difficult moments from their past. 

Worried about the future: they are not too concerned about traditional success, but they are concerned about leaving some sort of impact in the world, no matter how small. 

˚˖𓍢ִ✧˚𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆.⋆༘˚⋆

Hardworking, dedicated, passionate… maybe a workaholic. 

Actually quite handy and always willing to help or solve anything.

They love their routines, they swear by them.

If they love you, after you ask them “what's going on?” they won’t reply “nothing”, they will go on about an overly specific topic that they were reminded of by something random. 

Charismatic, but in a pretty eccentric way. 

Black cat looks, yellow cat personality. 

They are attractive because they are truly confident in themselves, and maybe quite uninterested in looking exactly like the conventional beauty ideals.

Detail oriented, borderline obsessive. 

They are always doing something, always on the go, always close to burn out… because the moment they chill they accidentally begin feeling unmotivated.

. ˚˖𓍢ִ✧˚𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒓.⋆༘˚⋆

Party animal but in a golden retriever way. 

So friendly and nice it's almost scary. But in reality they really enjoy meeting people, hanging out, and chatting. 

Also, quite altruistic and willing to help out anyone with anything, they don’t care who or why. 

They have a lot of friends, and acquaintances, but they have a very small inner circle who they are extremely loyal to. 

Very strong sense of hope for the future. They never lose the conviction that everything will eventually turn out just fine. 

Their will is sometimes too strong, they don’t let anything go easily. 

Either on the spotlight or in a leadership position most times. They don’t look for it, it just happens. 

Sometimes overly protective, but they have quirky ways of showing that.

Not good at flirting, they're quite dorky about it, but somehow it works for them

˚˖𓍢ִ✧˚𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒊𝒗𝒆.⋆༘˚⋆

HOT as fuck. As in sensual and captivating.

Highly perceptive about the people around them, they like to wonder how the mind works.

They might look off standish, cold or uninterested, and yes, they might be most times but that doesn't make them bad people.

In reality they are trying to look cool while being shy and afraid of intimacy.

Highly intuitive.

Many times their expectations for themselves are insane, but their expectations for others are low.

Probably super into classic literature. Dante's Inferno specifically.

Quite romantic, but also kinda pretentious about it. Don't expect average gifs, expect something that is a reference to an obscure experimental new wave french film or something.

They don't joke about their spotify playlists.

. ˚˖𓍢ִ✧˚𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒏𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒊𝒙.⋆༘˚⋆

Highly sensitive and creative but in a Lana del Rey kind of way.

They really have a sort of "old soul" vibe.

Too empathetic for their own good, but they are always working on it.

Staying at home is their favourite thing to do, specially if there's sweets involved.

Incredibly patient. They actually prefer slow-paced everything. Books, movies, shows, hobbies, everything.

Probably into crafty hobbies and podcasts.

They have a very low social battery, but they are always willing to put the effort if it is because of someone they appreciate.

Very proud of their roots and overall life journey.

Not very talkative, unless they have something they deem important and necessary to share.

masterpost ✶ pac readings ✶ personal readings

✶ ko-fi page ✶

⁺‧₊˚ ཐི⋆ available for personal readings ⋆ཋྀ ˚₊‧⁺

[sheep-from-rad]

breathes, I need to make a masterlist for DC. Writing Batfam is becoming too fun 

*I don't own DC also reader is gender neutral. this could be applied to yandere batfam as well, i think*

Bruce, Batfam and baby! Reader would be fun to watch. This man raised children but apparently having a baby in the house made him realize that he still has a lot to learn. Reader arrives at the estate as a baby after their mom (ex fling) decides that it will be better if they will be with Bruce instead.  

If this man’s sleep schedule was bad before, now it's abysmal. It was so bad that Batfam had to step in. Baby! Reader cries at 3 a.m. and before Bruce can even stand up he sees Jason at the dark corner of the room telling him to go back to sleep because Dick already has it handled. I love the idea of baby reader’s crib being in Bruce’s room because it will be easier to reach the crying baby reader at night that way. 

There’s no such thing as too much clothes. Batfam sees something cute or a baby clothing, they are buying it. Damian is partial towards stuffed animals and he will deny it but Bruce had seen him bonding with by reading animal related baby books. I also see Damian as a possessive brother in the sense that once they have their hands on  baby! reader, they will never let anyone else hold them. Not even Bruce. 

Batfamily had to now pack another shirt whenever they go outside with baby!reader or else they’ll be coming home wet with baby drool. Every Batsibling has their alarm clocks and they’ll always fight each other on who gets to feed the baby reader. Alfred wins most of the time because the siblings get too caught up in the fighting; they just forget about feeding the baby. 

Jason will nonstop troll Bruce for sure. Bruce will be entering the dining hall all tired with baby reader in his arms and Jason will be singing, ‘A single mom who works two jobs’ meme until Bruce glares at him or tells him to stop. Coffee supply on the estate doubles because Tim is not the only one addicted now, Bruce too. 

Superhero themed onesies are banned inside the house because it became a mini competition between the batfam but don’t let anyone know that Bruce kept a Batman bib. Every bedroom is baby proofed because each sibling just loves to monopolize baby readers. 

Galas are now fun. The batfam who previously avoids galas like it’s a plague now from time to time pops in to say that Bruce is gonna be late because either baby reader got into a teeny tiny accident and needed to be changed or baby reader got into Stephanie’s make up kit and needed to be wiped clean. 

The idea of a baby!reader learning how to crawl and walk is funny too. Bruce just constantly stressed out because his little baby just disappears and then comes back in the arms of a sibling who told him that they crawled to their room. Baby reader sees older siblings training and they’ll be trying to replicate it (with the siblings making sure it won’t be dangerous of course). Just imagine Dick’s social media with a picture of him stretching and baby reader (face covered for privacy) next to him replicating it. 

Batfam was overprotective before and it became more protective now. Tim will always be quick to cover baby!reader’s face when the siblings  are out in public say for ice cream or a little shopping trip. Securities are doubled too. If one sibling is taking baby reader out, another one will be following behind and the others are on the roof.  No baby photos because let’s face it, one quick photo can land on a random newspaper and some villains might get their hands on a copy. 

Damian will always be quick to pull away baby!reader on galas especially when Bruce is surrounded by women who try flirting with him using their ‘maternal’ skills. Passing baby!reader around the gala are not allowed unless Bruce himself lets the person hold the baby!reader. 

Imagine one day Batman goes to a Justice League meeting with the baby! Reader trapped on their chest because apparently the batfam is busy and Alfred is on vacation. If Bruce only knew that the batfam lied because the JL wants to meet the baby reader. Did Justice League got overboard with the Christmas gifts the next year? Shhh… we don’t talk about that, the impromptu storage room is still full.

[shantechni]

Related to your post about Mikey "accidentally delivering low blows when stressed" (Aug 2023) would you hc that it's related to his emotional awareness of his family? Like when he blamed Splinter for letting them go up to the surface, he would know Splinter was already questioning his decision to let them do that, or he calls Splinter out on not being affected by his mutated appearance (when Splinter looks uncomfortable being seen by humans/Shredder)? Basically, what are your further thoughts on it? Has he done this elsewhere?

The post in question for the curious cats

This compilation video as well because my big brain remembered me doing that and it's related to this topic and I meant to do a part 2

Oh, that behavior is 100% related to Mikey's emotional awareness. I'd hardly even call it a headcanon, it's just canon lol.

After not only botching their first fight above ground but failing to stop two kidnappings on their watch, the boys immediately start playing the blame game by pointing out each other's rash decisions and dumb mistakes that led to such an outcome. Obviously, the idea of Splinter's decision being yet another mistake of the sorts was hanging somewhere in the air waiting to be grabbed at, but no one readily went for it as something that needed to be acknowledged as mistake. That's why it's so fascinating to see the writers establish Mikey right out of the gate as someone who isn't afraid to comment on Splinter's decisions and his emotional state when he's making those decisions.

He was certainly aware of their father's doubts concerning them going above ground for the first time because a comment like that doesn't just come out of nowhere.

Granted, this instance was him speaking his mind in the heat of the moment and only realizing how much his words would sting after the fact (especially since they're the ones who convinced Splinter to send them off with their begging), but this becoming a continuous trend of his throughout the series further proves the fact of him being more aware of things than a lot of people pegged him to be.

In Mikey Gets Shellacne, his remark about Splinter telling him not to fret about his appearance when he could hardly bring himself to do the same can be interpreted as a more apparent example of him knowing more than he lets on. It's made rather obvious from the start of the series that Splinter wasn't keen on roaming the streets looking like a giant rat, but that's more of a show and tell deal where both the audience and the characters are left on their own to pick up on such an important yet minor detail. Splinter never tells anyone about his insecurity, nor does anyone in the series talk about it amongst each other, so a moment like this can be a bit jarring when it's framed as Mikey calling out Splinter's opinion on his own appearance.

Though the intent of his comment was to simply call Splinter old, the underlying insult is there and Mikey regrets saying something like that to their father of all people.

Other than letting his frustrations get the better of him and unintentionally plucking at Splinter's insecurities, Mikey is greatly in tuned with the emotions of those around him and will usually pick up on any changes rather quickly. Take these two moments with, funnily enough, him and Splinter near the start of Serpent Hunt.

I previously posted the first clip as a funny little observation, but the scene is more intriguing than my jestful sentence made it out to be. Mikey's attention is split between hanging his goofy pieces of artwork on the wooden boards and listening to April as she announces how the restaurant is starting to look like a makeshift home. It's not until he turns around to joke with her about his drawings that he finally has Splinter in his sights, and his attention evidently begins to drift to Splinter as April is responding to his question (you can literally see his head following Splinter's movements while April is speaking to him😭). And just look at how taken aback he is by Splinter's melancholic expression being on full display:

While Splinter answers Mikey by stating that he's concerned for Casey, Leo and Raph because they've been gone for a while, it's pretty obvious that's not all he's bothered by, and him not being subtle about his troubled mind like usual had enough flags raising in Mikey's mind for him to hop up from his spot. Once the scene transitions to the second clip, Mikey lingers with Splinter in the front of the restaurant while April ventures to the back in search of Donnie to check on his progress with the retro-mutagen, as well as to see if the others made it back yet. Mikey and Splinter decide to follow April as soon as Donnie utters Karai's name, and Mikey is visibly bracing himself for another look of heartbreak on their father's visage:

Splinter moments aside, Mikey recognizes when something is up with his brothers and friends, as well as whether or not he should step in. Of course the prominent moments of him demonstrating his ability to calm Leatherhead and Raph down count among the times when he steps in, but the times when he chooses not to step in shouldn't be understated either.

Take the pre-intro scene in The Cosmic Ocean for example, when April breaks the silence and questions where Leo ran off to. We understand where Raph is coming from when he says that it can't be healthy for Leo to confide in a simulated version of Splinter since it could just make him miss their father more than ever, but Mikey suddenly pops from his laid back position off-screen and joins the conversation:

He's knows as well as Raph that speaking with a simulation of their father isn't exactly ideal, but he also knows that Leo is used to coming home to confide in Splinter for advice whenever he feels his confidence as a leader beginning to waver. The whole gang knows all of this, but once again, Mikey's the only one to verbalize it. Sometimes people need to hear something so obvious outloud to really understand or remember its importance, and Mikey seems to know that best.

I don't really need to mention how his emotional awareness extends far beyond simply knowing when someone is down, or when he is or isn't in a position to help them, but it makes for a decent epilogue to this analysis so-

Him being the least (read: least) temperamental of his brothers automatically puts him in the position of a mediator when there's tension in the group, and it's common knowledge that he'd often go out of his way to ease that tension in his own ways. He sometimes makes jokes, both corny and intelligent, just to get everyone's minds off of the heaviness of a situation, even if that moment of reprieve only lasts for a minute. He attempts to break up fights before they get too far, which sometimes doesn't work because they're a stubborn bunch of turtles (literally the entire first five minutes of New Girl in Town lol), but his efforts are commendable and genuine.

He's exceptionally conscious of changes in the atmosphere and a swing in someone's mood, which could go hand in hand with his sixth sense for weird Kraang stuff if you think about it. But all of this comes together to paint an undeniably clear image of Mikey having a great amount of emotional awareness, and just all around being one of the most emotionally intelligent characters of the series.

[saltnsugarbear]

hey....its freakbob...

carmy's head lying over the edge of the bed, moaning around lip's cock as you ride him. lip likes pressing in deep, feeling carmen choke on him as he leans in to kiss you EVERYBODY CLAPPED!!!

or perhaps you and carmy in a 69 position, but instead lip is plowing into you from the back while carmen cranes his neck, alternating sucking your clit and lip's balls...or you and carmy making out with lip's cock between your lips WH000.00 SAID THAT???? ARREST THEM!!!!!

sigh

i fucking love you, by the way

word count: 1.2k whoopsies

content warnings: MDNI!! afab reader genitalia, vaginal penetration, oral (m receiving), cowpoke position, grinding,

To your surprise, Lip is the one that needs more convincing. Not that you are entirely surprised, but Carmy was more agreeable to the idea than you thought he would be.

You and Lip met Carmy through Richie.

Richie had made a scene when he first met Lip about him being Carmy. It was one of those bizarre moments you only saw online with celebrities that you could swear were the same person. Like Natalie Portman and Kiera Knightley, where they look so similar, you convince yourself they could be related.

Thankfully, the Gallagher and Berzatto family lines don't overlap at all. The three of you had been incredibly thorough in your search to ensure there were no relations. It took two outside opinions to convince Lip and four to convince Carmy. The original three look overs were enough for you, but the boys weren't as trusting as you were.

You knew Richie through Tiff, who you knew from high school. Tiffany had never mentioned Carmy when she met Lip the few times she had, and maybe she didn't think it was noteworthy. Maybe she didn't see it or didn't want to talk about her ex's family.

Nevertheless, Carmy was possibly the best introduction to your and Lip's lives.

The sharing took some getting used to for the both of them, surprising given neither one of them was an only child. But everyone has a learning curve.

At first, it was just petty bickering and possessive movements. Eventually, it all culminated into a snap of tension that was incredibly aggressive. What had originally started as a first fight somehow ended with you between both of them, hot mouths biting and kissing at your skin.

That was one of the few times you got to share a bed with them in that context. Which... Was fine. But you wanted more.

Not to say you didn't like when one of them would watch, either waiting for his turn or getting off by himself. But you wanted them to enjoy each other too. It didn't seem fair that only you got to enjoy both of them in a one-way transaction of all the affection.

You had noticed the more obvious lingering looks Carmy gave Lip after giving you a kiss goodbye or when Lip kissed your forehead when he said hello. Lip was a bit better at hiding his yearning, keeping lingering looks and touches to sporadic moments, always hiding it when no one's watching.

Maybe you shouldn't have been surprised Carmy agreed so easily....

Carmy was not only eager to please you, but to please Lip as well. You saw how he flourished under Lip's praise, preening for it whenever he could. Almost asking for it whenever he did something he thought Lip would like.

So, being used as a personal fleshlight seemed like the obvious thing for him to agree to. That and the fact you would be riding him, so he had some form of gratification.

Lip was a little more hesitant to the idea. He blew you off before coming back later and asking questions. Once you clearly explained and helped him figure out what he would be comfortable with, Lip agreed happily.

Which is how you ended up sitting on Carmy's lap, grinding like two teenagers in the middle of the bed. Lip waited by the doorway, watching you rub your bare cunt over the bulge of Carmy's boxer briefs. The stain of both your arousal is dark in the middle of the fabric. The moans and whines being made by both of you are being traded in your mouths like smoke.

When you reach down to the waistband of Carmy's underwear, Lip removes his own boxers. Carmy helps you shuffle his boxers down his thighs so his cock can fall back against his stomach. Settling yourself against his hips, letting him rest against you as you coax him to lie back.

Carmy is quick to listen, laying down until his head falls back against the edge of the bed. You can't help but watch as Lip walks to Carmy's side, bringing his hand to cradle his face. Carmy needs no prompting when Lip brushes his thumb over his lips and takes Lip's thumb into his mouth.

With Carmy distracted, you slip your hand around his length and lift your hips up before slowly sinking down. Carmy groans around Lip's thumb once you're fully seated on his cock, bucking up a little into you.

"Alright, bear.." Lip whispers, slipping his thumb out of his mouth. Carmy is eager to listen, opening his mouth wide as Lip positions himself in front of his mouth.

The sight of Lip slowly thrusting into Carmy's mouth makes you clench around Carmy. This results in a chain of Carmy groaning around Lip's length, his throat contracting around him and making Lip swear under his breath. One of Carmy's legs comes up, jostling you on his lap, so you have to rest your hands flat against his chest for support. The new angle is deep and has your clit drag delightfully against his happy trail.

The star of your show is watching Lip pull back out before thrusting in, watching the imprint in his throat each time. You almost forget your role in this agreement until Carmy is grabbing for your waist. At first, you think it's his way of telling you it's too much, but the three taps never come. Instead, he weakly lifts you up before sitting you back down.

When you don't get the hint the first time, you hear Carmy huff before lifting his other leg, planting his feet on the mattress so he can thrust up into you. Whatever noises you could have made are swallowed by Lip as he kisses you roughly, snapping his hips into Carmy's mouth.

The room is filled with the sound of whining and skin against skin. Carmy sneaks his hand between both of you, rubbing gently at your clit. You can tell Carmy is near his own end, the way his thrusting has become more sporadic, his length twitching inside of you.

You're panting heavily against Lip's mouth when you feel Carmy come inside you. With a few more tight circles of his thumb, you feel the tension in your stomach snap, walls clenching tightly around Carmy. With both of you satisfied, Lip wastes no time chasing his own release, bringing his hands to hold Carmy's head still as he thrusts into his mouth. Carmy's whining and groaning are audible even around Lip, making him grunt softly until he stills. You watch, catching your breath, as Lip grinds softly into Carmy's mouth before pulling out.

Carmy inhales sharply, chest rising and falling as he tries to catch his breath. Lip is just as disheveled, breathing heavily as he sits down on the edge of the bed, turning to kiss you quickly before settling back down.

What Carmy does next shocks you.

With Lip sitting on the edge of the bed, he's easier for Carmy to reach. His movements are jarring as he sits up and reaches for Lip's cheek. Carmy is quick to bring his mouth to Lip's, licking into his mouth. Lip grunts out of surprise before he groans at the taste on Carmy's tongue, quickly taking over the kiss. You watch, mouth agape, as Lip licks at Carmy's mouth as if he can't get enough.

It feels like they go on for hours before Carmy pulls away to catch his breath. Carmy looks dazed as he pants softly, turning back to look at you instead of Lip.

Lip pants heavily before he turns to face you with a cocky grin.

"You were right.. Was great.."

[tiredandoptimistic]

I am forever haunted by Nate and Tessa's fucked up and terrible sibling dynamic. Maybe it's just because I related to Tessa too hard when I was twelve and heard "this is her older sibling who's the coolest person in the world and reuniting with him is her number one priority" and went "yup, makes sense!" but his betrayal is genuinely one of the defining aspects of TID to me.

Sibling relationships are such an underexplored way to fuck somebody up in fiction, in my opinion. Nate has been the one constant in Tessa's life, and no matter how aware she was of his flaws that could never overrule the fact that he's her person. She trusts him on a fundamental level that she just can't experience with anyone else, and part of it is because of how fleeting all her other relationships have been, but a lot of it is just the fact that he's her brother and she's loved him for as long as she's been alive. More than that, she idolizes him. Her entire life crumbles around her when Aunt Harriet dies and she ends up held hostage by the Dark Sisters, but Nate is still there and perfect in her mind. He's her anchor when everything else goes insane; if she can just find her brother then things will be okay again. She's more able to handle her world being shattered by learning about the supernatural because all that magic shit is secondary to the fact that she needs to save Nate.

And then of course she does save him and he turns around to betray her. And again, it hits harder than any other betrayal possibly could because he's more important to her than anyone else could possibly be. By this point she's built up bonds with Will and Jem and the other people at the Institute, and eventually they all become woven into her being, but not when she's sixteen and has known them for a week.

Looking at it from Nate's perspective, the thing that's always fucks me up is the way he tries to convince himself that he sees Tessa as a monster. He's genuinely just a shitty enough person that he set his sister up to be a child bride for a mass murderer because of the payout, but he can't handle thinking of it that way so he clings to this idea that Tessa isn't really his sister, isn't really human. And while yes, that's biologically true (they're not even technically related to each other), it doesn't change the fact that they're siblings in every way that matters. She'll always be his little Tessie, even if he doesn't want to admit it, doesn't want to let himself be the villain in this situation. He does the same thing with Harriet, arguing that she deserved to die because of all her lies because otherwise he would need to admit that he killed his mother out of pure selfishness.

Nate isn't the most evil guy in the world, but he is greedy and allergic to principles. It's so much worse than if he never loved Tessa, because he does love her till the very end and that love just isn't enough to override the allure of wealth and power. That's always the most painful type of relationship to me; the one where a person has just enough good to make it impossible to unequivicobly hate them.

Maybe Will could just write Nate off as a terrible person, but Tessa will always know every detail of his best and kindest moments. I have to believe that he haunts Tessa for the rest of her immortal existence, this knowledge that the person who made her life worth living for the first sixteen years was the one to sell her out. All the pain in the world isn't enough to erase that bond; she'll always have to live with the memory of him dying in her arms, the knowledge that his goodness and love was just as genuine as his duplicity.

Yeah this ended up being a lot longer than I intended, I just have a lot of feelings about the Gray siblings. Nate wasn't a part of the world where Tessa eventually found a home, she'll never have anyone else who understands the knot of emotions surrounding him. She can get sympathy but never empathy. Yes the rest of the TID crew are aware of him, but they barely met him and she outlived all of them too. Nate's so lost in her past, I bet that most people don't even realize that she used to have a brother, that she grew up as a sister, as half of a set. She carries the Gray name forward through her immortal life, and nobody else knows about the family that used to share it. She's still got Jem and Magnus who have been her friends since she was a teenager, who keep the memory of Will and the others alive; but no one else was there for her childhood.

I'm not quite sure how to end this, I'm just feeling emotions about Tessa Gray on this fine Tuesday and felt like sharing them.

[euphorix-moon]

Lyricist

Musician!Ellie x Fem!Reader

Synopsis: You and Ellie longing for each other after your breakup

Warning: Just an angsty fic

A/n: It's definitely been a while since i've posted here but i've missed writing here so i'm just tryna get back into the groove of things, this work might be a lil rusty

It's been a year since you and Ellie had broken up and went separate ways. You were devastated when Ellie came to up to you one day saying that it would be better if you two broke up. Her music career was just starting to blow up and she thought that it would be the best for both if you guys ended things so she could focus more on her career.

Although you were upset Ellie thought that her career was more important than the relationship you two had developed you wouldn't try and fight her. What would even be the point of trying to get her to stay. You didn't want to carry the guilt of potentially holding her career back

The breakup had gone way smoother than Ellie had expected,and it had hurt Ellie more than she expected. Although she had prepared herself for this, it still hurt to see things end. She had wanted and hoped you'd fight for the relationship just a little more. It hurt Ellie a lot to end things right here especially after how much you have helped her, but it wasn't really her choice. Ellie had worked so hard to get where she is in the music industry, once one of her songs started blowing up her company had not wasted time in trying to promote her. Ellie was extremely grateful for this opportunity but, the only problem was that her agency was really working her hard to the point where she didn't really have much time to spend with you anymore. You didn't mind Ellie not being around as much because you knew this was her dream and you wanted to support her through every step of the way but, Ellie thought you deserved way more than the treatment you were getting from her and her hectic work schedule. It put Ellie in a tight corner but eventually she called it quits with you.

Since that day Ellie has worked hard and she had finally became a mainstream artist. You would walk around your city and see pictures of her plastered around almost every corner. There was a very bittersweet feeling within you, one half of you couldn't help but be proud of her but another part of you couldn't help but loathe seeing her after that day she left you high and dry. Although you do resent her for what she did, you can't help but still miss her. You'd think about the days where Ellie would show you the drafts of her songs or the days where she would ask you to help her come up with new lyrics to her song. Once in a while you do take the time to listen to her music and every time you do it gives you a wave of nostalgia when everything was good for you.

Ellie had always loved writing her songs about her experiences in life and had built a fanbase around people who could relate to her or just liked the vibe of her music. Her most popular songs and the songs she wrote the most about were about you, deep down she missed you a lot and whenever she was in a mood (which was pretty often) she started writing about you two and the time spent together. Wether it be bad or good she found herself cherishing all these moments she had with you. She found herself regretting leaving you and wishes she could get you back.

After getting more mainstream, Ellie had tried to get back into the dating scene to at least gain some,a sort of normalcy that she craved for. Recently Ellie has found herself getting more lonely and just wanted the feeling of having someone by her side, these feelings reminded her a lot about you and the comfort that you gave her but she doubted that you would want her back after how she left you. She had tried but there are little to no people who are actually genuine with her. She felt as if nobody could get past the fact that she famous and it seemed as if they just wanted to get near her just for the sake of it. After long days, she just wanted someone to lean on but after she had left you she found herself alone. With all these feelings sitting in her system she finds herself writing them all out into her songbook. She never expected these songs to get out in the first place but after her manger found her songbook it was over for her.

You spend time working in your cafe, the radio is always playing throughout the restaurant just to give the customers something to listen to. On numerous occasions you have heard Ellie's songs playing on the radio but you usually just tune it out, Until one day when the cafe was running pretty slow, you just happen to catch the lyrics of her song and wonder if there is still hope that she may come back to you.

A/n: Hopefully yall enjoyed and maybe i may make a part 2 where they reunite

[crystallizedtwilight]

🎃 LSBC Questions: Part 21! 🎃

Lock, Shock, Barrel, and Calliope questions that call for quick answers will be under the cut in batches of 10-15 🧡

Previous bulk questions batch

The tomb portals lead all over the world! I imagine some monsters might learn additional languages over time, perhaps the more ancient ones already have! Shock always tries to learn just enough of a language to order them food at festivals. [1] [2] [3] [4]

He still mixes up their names!

The Town Trio are side characters in this AU so I won't be going into their lives too much.

No. Sally IS queen in this AU, though! As such, she helps plan Halloweens (Jack eagerly listens to her excellent suggestions) and she also acts as a great source of advice for any townsfolk who need her wisdom (they all adore her). She also pursues her dream of being the town seamstress and finds her new roles of wife, queen, and fashion artist everything she ever dreamed of 🧡

You're telling us we get to run wild? And scare humans? For CANDY? It was a magical night and it wasn't long before they became known as Halloween Town's Finest Trick-Or-Treaters!

Heights are here! I purposefully made Shock and Lock the exact same height (because of course they'd turn it into a competition) and the most hilarious option is that it's a perfect tie!

Red is Lock's favorite color so he thinks humans got lucky with that one. Still, having grown up in Halloween Town, the trio are used to all different types of anatomies and differences being the norm, so humans are just another species with their own quirks!

Probably not. They know each other as the names that make them happiest now and that's all they need. And they both probably think it's too sappy to admit but...since their names are a play on a merism that embodies the concept of "completeness" it helps them feel like they're a part of something and that they'll always have each other.

The trio enjoy being called by their full names by friends and partners!

Shock and Lock reacted with skepticism that Shock eventually surmounted and Lock still hasn't fully. Barrel was just excited for a new area for him and his friends to have fun in.

Snack: Honey butter toast Dog: ALL (though Zero is a top contender) Time of Day: Night Weather: Clear skies so she can see the stars Color: Blue Place: With Shock

Before and after the upgrade Layout Each of their rooms

Halloween Town is incredibly diverse in all aspects, where there is no standard way to be, nor pressure to be anything other than yourself. Shock always knew she liked women, Lock always knew he liked men, and Barrel always knew he liked all.

Calliope knows Shock's childhood was rocky mostly through "I know how you feel" comments relating sadness, and has the general understanding that the trio weren't always on the best terms with the town, but Shock will tell her when the time is right.

I always imagined the trio were the only ones with up-to-date technology but the idea of Jack getting a phone that he can't use just to be up to speed sounds hilarious. Like it rings and he's just like "Magnificent! 😄" and puts it back in his pocket.

[aventurineswife]

im under the assumption that requests are open, so uhmmmm

ahem-

can i request Aventurine giving Reader a hug or whatever physical affection, and Reader starts crying because of that? (Reader is crying because it's been a long time since they were last touched/held, and the thought of someone wanting to touch/hold them is very scary. even the sensation behind being touched/held is almost overstimulating, despite how badly they want to be held)

i know my request is, uh, oddly specific ?? hope that's ok with you tho 🧍‍♂️ im one of the few dorks out there that is so touch-starved that i cry when it happens lol,,, it's not that i hate touch, my brain just can't register it.

“If you hold me without hurting me, you'll be the first who ever did”

Summary: After a long time without any physical affection, you’re overwhelmed when Aventurine gives you a comforting hug. The sensation is almost too much, and you break down, finally allowing yourself to be vulnerable. Aventurine reassures you with gentle words and a steady presence, letting you know he’s there for you whenever you need.

Tags: Aventurine x Reader, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Emotional Vulnerability, Reassurance, Established Relationship.

Warnings: Emotional Overwhelm, Touch Starvation, Reader Crying.

A/N: Don’t worry, Rose! My requests are open, so feel free to drop yours whenever you like! ;) And don’t worry, your requests aren’t weird or anything—actually, they’re cute and wholesome. 🤧🥺 I can also relate to the touch-starved feeling, though I’m uncomfortable with people touching me without consent (trauma). I’d be fine with holding hands or arms, though. :') Hope you enjoy this! And remember, you're valid! 💖🌹🫂 *Sending virtual hugs <33*

Sorry this uh rushed and I didn't edit it properly and got to your request late :')

The room was quiet, save for the soft murmur of the city outside. Aventurine led you in, his gentle hand resting on your back. You felt your pulse race as he guided you to sit on the sofa, his easy confidence steadying you as you took a shaky breath. Tonight, he’d traded his playful banter for a quieter presence. His usual grin softened, and his eyes were filled with something far more tender.

You sat beside him, hands twisting nervously in your lap, feeling that comforting warmth radiating off him. Despite how close he was, you couldn’t shake the distance you felt from it, as if an invisible wall held you back. It was as though you were tethered to a feeling you couldn’t escape—something that had kept you from letting anyone close for so long.

“Are you alright?” Aventurine’s voice was low and gentle, his words laced with concern. He reached out, brushing a lock of hair behind your ear, the gesture simple, yet it felt like a landslide of emotion.

And then, without another word, he drew you into his arms, pulling you close against his chest. The sudden warmth, his touch, the feeling of his heart beating steadily—it was too much. A wave of sensation hit you, so foreign yet so needed, and before you could stop yourself, tears blurred your vision.

You hadn’t been held like this in so long, hadn’t felt this kind of closeness. It scared you, left you trembling in his embrace as the ache in your chest spilled over into silent sobs. Every part of you was screaming that this was wrong, that you couldn’t trust it, that you shouldn’t let yourself need it so badly. Yet Aventurine held you tightly, his presence unwavering, silently urging you to let go.

“Hey… you’re safe here,” he whispered, a hand rubbing slow circles along your back. “I’ve got you.”

You felt his hand press against your back, steady and comforting, grounding you with each small touch. His other hand cupped the back of your head, cradling you as though you were the most fragile thing in the world. His words, low and close to your ear, were soft promises that left no room for doubt.

The tears came harder, and you pressed your face into his shoulder, feeling the fabric of his coat against your cheek. You clung to him, fingers clutching the back of his shirt as though he might disappear if you let go. Every part of you felt exposed, vulnerable in a way that was terrifying, yet liberating.

“I’m sorry...” you managed, voice muffled against him.

“For what?” He shifted slightly, pulling back just enough to look at you. His eyes, usually playful and glinting with mischief, were filled with nothing but understanding and warmth. “There’s nothing to apologize for.”

Your words choked up, and you simply shook your head, a fresh wave of tears welling up. You couldn’t explain it; it was too raw, too deeply ingrained in every wall you’d ever built around yourself. But Aventurine seemed to understand. He stayed, hands gently brushing up and down your back, thumb tracing soothing circles along your shoulder.

And in that moment, for the first time in ages, you felt safe. The warmth, the steadiness of his heartbeat, the quiet strength in his hold—it reminded you that maybe it was okay to let yourself be held, to be cared for, even if it was overwhelming. His hand found yours, fingers entwining, grounding you in the here and now.

“Whenever you need this,” he murmured, his voice steady and filled with reassurance, “I’m here. And I’m not going anywhere.”

The promise lingered in the quiet, like a lifeline you hadn’t realized you’d been waiting for. You let yourself lean into him, allowing the tears to finally fall as he held you, the world slipping away until it was just the two of you, wrapped in warmth, safety, and an unspoken promise of more moments like this—of a love that was patient enough to wait.

This is so Aventurine 😪💛

[castingspellsanddaisies]

Sexy time with Jude Bellingham - BONUS QUESTION | Tarot Reading

DISCLAIMER: Take everything with a grain of salt and enjoy!

*This post has 18+ content, so if you don't want to read it, beat it.

His fans are claiming for a better outcome this time!!!

So we found out little... problems with Jude in the current moment relating to his physical activities with women (look at me, all prudish with words hahaha)

But what about when he is with someone he loves? Is he any different?

the chariot + 8 of pentacles + the lovers + judgement + temperance + queen of swords reversed + the world reversed + the wheel of fortune + 4 of cups

There it is. What a romantic man, huh?

I see a dominant and submissive roleplay here. And I see this happening with both partners, so sometimes Jude likes to be the dominant, and sometimes he like his partner to dominate him. There's physical strength here, like a size kink (he loves to admire how petite his partner is compared to him) and... he'll slap her a lot - but because he loves her :)He'll love to get really close to her, to hold her really close to him all the time. I see him taking his time to learn how to pleasure his partner properly this time, yes. He wants to become ''perfect'' in satisfying his partner (and I see him achieving that). Another kink of his is this ''deep souls connection'' during sex (I think I've seen this before in another reading about him, right?). Is this idea of being ''reformed'' by his partner during sex, being saved. He'd like to explore certain ''taboos'' with his partner. There's an urgency in doing extremes with him. He'll be doing ''the dirtiest'' but then he will be calling her the sweetest of names; a minute later both will be doing the most romantic love-making, then he grabs her mouth, opens it and spits in it (an example).

He can be a bit of a brat during it, again about edging his partner and when she's desperate for release he makes fun of her. Jude has a mouth of his own, alright? ''Dirty talking'' who? I see him liking restraint practice: like pretending to not care about his partner and she has to ''prove'' to him how much she wants him and vice-versa. Also, keep stirring his partner while they're away from each other until they meet again. Lots and lots of role-plays. It's funny, I see all of it done by both of them. When Jude loves his partner, everything that he does and likes to do, he wants his partner do do it to him as well. The perfect balance.

Ps: I looked in the back of the deck and there it was: 6 of cups. *sigh*

Call him a good boy and he will melt in your hands.

That's it, folks. i hope you enjoyed the reading! Take care <3

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: The Fool's Journey

The Fool’s Journey is the archetypal story told by the Major Arcana of the Tarot.

Use the Fool’s Journey for inspiration and brainstorming, rather than for developing a plot or outlining.

It’s far more powerful for suggesting solutions than for suggesting structure (as is true for Tarot in general).

As a writer, the Fool’s Journey can help you:

Pinpoint the emotions your character should be feeling at each story stage,

Find the next step for a character stuck at a particular stage,

Create conflict appropriate to each story stage,

Access archetypal images and symbols to add depth to your story,

Troubleshoot problems caused by your character skipping a vital story stage,

Assess your own progress as a writer.

The ‘Fool’s Journey’ is the term coined by Eden Gray to describe the story of the Major Arcana of the Tarot.

USING THE FOOL'S JOURNEY

Possible pitfalls - useful for adding conflict to your story;

Feelings in life - the things that might be going through your character’s head,

Outward signs - external events of objects that can represent that stage of the story.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If your story is lacking conflict, find the card which best represents your character and use the “pitfalls” list as a starting point.

If you aren’t sure what your character is thinking at a certain point in the story, find their corresponding card and explore the “feelings” list.

If you need more events in your story that relate to the current stage it’s in, find the corresponding card and brainstorm ideas using the “signs” list.

If you don’t know what your character should do next, find which card their current state corresponds to, and use the exercises to brainstorm scenes for the next card.

If you need the influence of a particular card in your story, consider creating a character who fulfills those functions and makes use of similar symbols.

THE FOOL'S JOURNEY: 22 Cards

0. The Wandering Fool

The hero of the Major Arcana

How is your hero a wise fool?

How will this symbol gain new meaning when the hero returns home after their long journey?

1. The Magician

The Magician uses the way of the intellect to uncover spiritual secrets; he is an active seeker of knowledge and clarity. 

Who is the initiator of your character’s current way of life?

Does your character tend more towards the empirical or the mystical? What conflict does this dichotomy cause them?

Outward signs: A juggler, conjurer or magician, an adept, a bookworm.

Possible pitfalls: Megalomania, being a charlatan, omnipotence.

Feeling in life: Tapping into huge reserves of power, feeling in charge, confidence, a Faustian thirst for knowledge.

2. The High Priestess

The feminine counterpart of the Magician; she represents the mystical path to spirituality as opposed to the intellectual.

Her approach is passive, inwardly-directed, and in no way inferior or less effective to that of the Magician.

What is the character open to and expectant of?

Outward signs: Loss of consciousness, waiting, turning the other cheek, taking part in a ritual, allowing oneself to be guided blindly.

Possible pitfalls: Escapism, doubt, indecisiveness.

Feeling in life: Letting go, trust in the universe, inspiration, feeling loved, peace, going with the flow.

3. The Empress

The power of nature, as opposed to the Emperor, who represents the man-made or artificial.

She can be a source of abundance, creativity, nourishment, and life but at the same time, she can bring about the destructive forces of natural disasters.

How does your character embrace life?

Are they in tune with nature?

Outward signs: A feast, a mother, an artist, going shopping.

Possible pitfalls: Uncontrolled growth, changeableness, inconsistency.

Feeling in life: Creative flow, feeling alive, understanding the cycles of life, belief in abundance.

4. The Emperor

As the Father figure, he is the source of authority and responsibility.

While he may at times seem overbearing or critical, he provides the disciplining influence which is the essence of all learning and spirituality.

How does your character approach their responsibilities?

How do they struggle with discipline or authority?

Outward signs: An authority figure, being told to try harder, being given a routine or schedule, being drafted, a (verbal or physical) beating.

Possible pitfalls: Obstinacy, perfectionism, strictness, hard heartedness.

Feeling in life: To be aware of responsibilities, being cruel to be kind, a realistic outlook, seriousness, being given constructive criticism.

5. The Hierophant

The teacher of religious mysteries and the first suggestion of the underworld of adventure.

The hero must travel through both the (conscious) visible world, and the (unconscious) hidden world to find what is essential.

What character might work as a Hierophant to urge your character to discover the world that they’re ignoring?

What is visible in the character’s world? What is hidden?

Outward signs: A truth-teller, a blunder, an invitation.

Possible pitfalls: Hyposcrisy, world-weariness, “guru-ism”.

Feeling in life: Faith in the divine, profound experiences.

6. The Lovers

Having realised that there is a world beyond that which they had conceived, the hero must now decide whether or not to leave home and hearth and search for it (in the visible or invisible world).

The hero makes this decision with a light, pure heart, and with the best intentions.

This card depicts a pair of lovers because even after the teachings of the Hierophant, love is the ultimate driving force that allows us to make a change.

How does the experience of love force the character to make a choice between their current life and the life they might have?

How do they describe the choice to themselves? Are they accurate?

What are they afraid of leaving behind? How does their desire outweigh this fear?

Outward signs: An object of desire, arguments with parents or guardians.

Possible pitfalls: Intemperance, excessive joy.

Feeling in life: Butterflies, fearless decisiveness.

7. The Chariot

The decision made in the Lovers card has spurred the hero on to leave his home and set off in search of adventure.

Represents the pull of opposites.

What are some signs or symbols that the character has been chosen as the hero of the story?

How does the character set off on the adventure? What spurs them on?

How does the character struggle to keep their two steeds in check?

Outward signs: A new form, or clothing symbolic of a new function; provision of a vehicle; setting out on a journey.

Possible pitfalls: Arrogance, impulsiveness, intemperance.

Feeling in life: Optimism; desire for motion; being poised; increasing awareness; maturity; the first, intoxicating phase of the road trip, before reality begins to leak back in.

8. Justice

Marks the point of separation with the ordinary world.

This is when the hero reaches the first crossing.

The figure of Justice represents the old laws the hero is leaving behind and the new laws (of the new world) that are drawing them into their power.

The character must be ready and willing to take on responsibility, but unlike the choice of the Lovers card, Justice, with her prominent right foot, represents a more considered, rational approach.

What are the rules of the old/ordinary world that the character is leaving behind?

What are the rules of the new/adventure world? How do they differ? How do these differences cause problems for the character?

What responsibilities must the character take on? How do they feel about it?

Outward signs: Lifting the sword of power, training montage, a schedule/roster/plan of action.

Possible pitfalls: Being a know-it-all, prejudice, slyness, overconfidence.

Feeling in life: Fairness to others, making intelligent decisions, just rewards.

9. The Hermit

With the single digit cards ends the Fool’s sojourn in the realms of light.

From now on they are in the dark underworld of adventure.

This is the beginning of the inward journey, and for this reason requires some solitary reflection.

They’ve travelled a long way from The Fool card, where the mountains on the summit of which the Hermit now stands, were far in the distance.

Can also appear as another person, often a Helper, who provides the character with a protective talisman for their crossing.

This is also where the character learns their true name. It may be part of the revelation of the heavenly parents, who are often kept secret from the hero. 

How and where does the character seek peace and quiet?

How are they provided with a talisman for the journey ahead?

How does the character discover their true name? What does it mean to them?

What does this period of solitary reflection reveal to the character?

Outward signs: A hideaway/den/nook, a protective figure, a symbolic gift.

Possible pitfalls: Strangeness, feeling like an outsider, being too concerned with the other world, disenchantment.

Feeling in life: Clarity, inner peace, standing up for yourself, finding yourself.

10. The Wheel of Fortune

The card that clarifies the character’s goal.

What is the character seeking?

What are the weaknesses they must improve before they can reach a resolution?

What figure symbolises this weakness in the character? How does their interaction highlight this weakness?

Outward signs: Missing treasure, a nemesis/enemy/shapeshifter.

Possible pitfalls: Fatalism, misunderstanding your life’s purpose.

Feeling in life: Unpleasant learning experiences, resistance.

11. Strength

Brings the character face to face with their first true test of inner strength.

It follows on from the Wheel of Fortune by applying pressure to the character’s weak points.

The character must “tame the beast within”, accept their shadow side, and welcome their anima or animus.

What happens to try the character’s weakness and test their strength?

What is the shadow side that they need to accept? Why is it difficult for them to do so?

Outward signs: A spirit animal, a wild animal needing to be tamed, another character who is in some respects the hero’s opposite.

Possible pitfalls: Pride, a hardened heart, mercilessness.

Feeling in life: Living life to the full, a passionate attachment to life, showing your claws when necessary.

12. The Hanged Man

This card represents an existential crisis.

This is when the character questions the purpose they took on in the Wheel of Fortune, and in fact, the whole journey up to this point.

While unity lies at the motionless centre of the wheel, and the struggle of daily life on the outside, the character stuck in this stage is the hamster running along the inner surface of the wheel. 

Their whole experience of life is turned upside down, and until their perspective shifts to match their experience, they will be kept suspended.

What causes the character to question their purpose or their way of life?

What mistakes does the character keep repeating?

Outward signs: Something or someone hung, or held upside down, a revolution.

Possible pitfalls: Being caught in a vicious cycle, getting “hung up”.

Feeling in life: Repeating experiences like a broken record, mid-life crisis, inability to get out of your own way, having your patience tested.

13. Death

Death is a card that engenders fear, and the sooner the character learns to accept that fear instead of spending all of their energies trying to avoid the inevitable, the better (at least for them, perhaps not for story tension).

Death requires something to be left behind.

While this will feel like a hard sacrifice for the character, they will never make it while they’re carrying around “dead weight.”

What is the sacrifice the character must make?

Why is it impossible for the story to continue until this sacrifice is made?

How does the character try to avoid this sacrifice?

What are the consequences of the transformation brought by Death?

Outward signs: Bones, corpses, a wasteland, katabasis.

Possible pitfalls: Dying of fear, collapse.

Feeling in life: Ending, the search for peace and renewal, leave taking.

14. Temperance

Between the violence of Death and the Devil, stands the serene figure of Temperance. 

The challenge of Temperance is to find a middle ground between being dead to physical existence (Death) and being chained to it (Devil) by our vices or excessive passions.

This is the key to making it out of the underworld alive.

Who or what guides the character through the (real or imagined) underworld?

How does the character tread the middle path after the loss they suffered in Death?

Outward signs: A guide, a light in darkness, unnatural stillness.

Possible pitfalls: Following false influences, ordinariness.

Feeling in life: Being forcibly dragged along, conformity, level-headedness, health.

15. The Devil

Represents the dark side of the anima/animus, as depicted by the chained lovers.

Often this manifests in a way that entices the character to act in complete contradiction to their deepest values.

For example, killing to save lives, lying to appear honest, torturing people into believing in a merciful deity, etc.

What aspects of their shadow self has the character been suppressing?

What enslaves the character?

How does the character betray all that they have been striving for?

Outward signs: Taking up arms to keep the peace, using the people you love for base gains, a scandal, a seducer.

Possible pitfalls: Being enslaved by the shadow side, leaving the true path, intemperance, lust, power struggles.

Feeling in life: Slavery, addiction, being taken captive, being seduced, doing things you don’t want to do, betraying yourself.

16. The Tower

The destruction of the Tower is the sign that the old world has become too confining. 

The stage at which the character can show a side of themselves that no one would have suspected existed.

It is the sign that you can achieve the unthinkable.

What ideas are limiting the character’s view of the whole?

How can the character destroy these ideas in the most sudden, violent way possible?

How do others react to seeing the character’s hidden (and unsuspected) side?

Outward signs: An explosion, a breakthrough, the revelation of a new self, becoming visible.

Possible pitfalls: Defeat, collapse.

Feeling in life: Chaos, insecurity, surprise changes, escape.

17. The Star

Now we come to the 3 cards that represent a gradual lightening and emergence from the underworld: the Star, the Moon and the Sun.

The worst is now behind our hero, although their work isn’t done.

The Star is there to guide them to the next stage.

How does the character rejuvenate after their hard work in the Tower?

What abundant provisions do they enjoy?

How do they adjust to their new freedom of the world-view that was destroyed in the Tower?

Outward signs: A guiding light in the dark, a safe place to make camp, finding fresh provisions after a long journey.

Possible pitfalls: Forgetting the present while focusing on the future, being lost in daydreams, becoming complacent.

Feeling in life: Trust for the future, rejuvenation, youth.

18. The Moon

Represents a strange, changeable landscape that can easily confuse and trap the hero. 

Although the character has triumphed, they must still navigate the dangerous return journey back to the ordinary world.

The hero must extricate themselves from the temptations of the underworld, return to the world of the living and bring with them the elixir of life, if they are to succeed fully.

The Moon is the greatest threat to losing their true name, but to characters who are prepared and who are adept at traversing their inner landscape, it is also the greatest opportunity.

This is the test of whether a character is truly the master of two worlds, and can cross and recross the treacherous threshold.

How is the return journey different to the outward journey?

How do past landmarks take on new meaning and new danger?

What are the temptations that make the character want to stay instead of returning home?

Outward signs: A changing landscape, a narrow gateway, a difficult crossing.

Possible pitfalls: Being lost in the enchanted forest, losing sight of the destination, becoming enslaved by fear.

Feeling in life: Anger, frustration, mistrust, nightmares, fears, longing.

19. The Sun

The stage at which the character finally leaves the underworld of adventure and returns to the light, ordinary world. 

Looking back from this vantage point, the character realises that the enormous difficulties they just wrestled with actually boil down to a simple solution; that they would have triumphed much sooner had they not complicated the problem.

Now their task is to begin readjusting to the ordinary world, and reconciling the change in their inner world to the lack of change in the outer world.

How does the character re-emerge into the ordinary world?

How has the character changed, and how has the world stayed the same?

How does this cause conflict for the character and their allies?

Outward signs: Blinking against the light, waking up, watching the sun rise.

Possible pitfalls: Clichés.

Feeling in life: Feeling carefree, freedom, joie de vivre, lightness, fun, enjoyment.

20. Judgement

The Judgement card represents a final test of the character’s worthiness to be the bearer of the elixir of life.

If, by some chance, a false hero has managed to come this far, this is the stage at which they will be discovered and sent back to the underworld.

On the other hand, for the true hero, Judgement brings resurrection; a revitalising influence that is the final, freeing reward of their long journey.

What is the final test the character must undergo to prove their worthiness?

Why is the test easy for worthy characters to pass?

How can unworthy characters be discovered and punished?

Outward signs: Being reunited with loved ones, a return to life and vitality, verdure returning to a barren land, an arrest, a trial, a condemnation, an execution.

Possible pitfalls: To fail at cheating (for the unworthy hero).

Feeling in life: Feeling free and at peace.

21. The World

Is the resolution of the readjustment brought about in the crisis of the Hanged Man.

Brings unity to the opposites that have been battling for supremacy over the hero throughout their journey: dark & light, good & bad, action & inaction, male & female.

This isn’t because the world is suddenly free of strife, but because the character has accepted and dealt with both sides of the duality and thus earned freedom from them.

However temporary this freedom might be…

How does the World give the character the ability to disseminate their wisdom (or the “elixir of life”) far and wide?

What makes the unity of the World fragile? What might urge the character into another Fool’s Journey (and give you an opportunity for a sequel)?

Outward signs: A coronation, a homecoming, something in perfect balance.

Possible pitfalls: None.

Feeling in life: Joy, profound satisfaction, a feeling of finally being home.

NOTES

One final revelation about The Fool’s Journey, and indeed about any archetypal journey, is that their writers insist that certain stages of the story need to be taken in the prescribed order.

A character can’t skip building the ego during the “daytime” arc without facing the later consequences: material lack in the ordinary world and possibly ostracism.

Furthermore, an underdeveloped ego is not as great a challenge to abandon in the underworld, and whenever the sacrifice is small, so is the subsequent reward.

Sources: 1 2 3 ⚜ More Writing Notes: On Tarot ⚜ Notes & References

[tkwrites]

Okay I'm done now and heading to bed, one last question.

Can you name a favourite fic for each of the boys?

Hi my Lovely,

There are quite a few of your asks I haven't answered, but please know I'm not ignoring them. They'll just take a little more time to respond to.

I can tell you my favorite fics, though:

Matthew Tkachuk - Back To You because it's such a complete story. I love the way he and Jessie meet, lose each other, and then are thrown together by fate again. I also feel like I really captured that sassy side of Matthew's personality in this fic, which I was really worried about at the time I was writing it. This is also the story that I think would be easiest to flesh out into a full length novel.

Nico Hischier - I love all the parts of his story for different reasons, but I think It Doesn't Matter Part II is my favorite. I had actually written the whole sequence of nude sketches for another character, but ended up scrapping the whole story because I couldn't find any real conflict for them to resolve. When I realized I could use it for Nico and Lena if she was an artist, I was thrilled and got to work rewriting it for them. In the end, the only things that stayed the same were 5 of the 6 poses. Getting into and out of them changed, as did the characters relating to each other during them. I love all the longing and awkward tension between them in this piece, as well as how they finally end up confessing their love for each other. Finally, the culmination of all of their longing into the final sex scene? Chefs kiss.

Quinn Hughes - This one is so hard. I've written so much about Quinn and Sarah and I love all of the pieces for one reason or another. If I had to pick three favorites, they would be:

1). Five Days of Joy because I'm so proud of this fic. It took SO long to write, but I love the way it turned out. I love that we go through so many consecutive days and such a gamut of emotions with Sarah and Quinn.

2). The Second Time is Better because I love the portrayal of a more real first time. One of the things that drives me batty about romance novels is how the characters get together and always seem to have this instantly amazing sexual connection. No room for human failing or first time jitters. In reality, it takes time to build sexual chemistry and connection, and I went into this piece wanting to show at least some of that.

and 3). Second Nature because I think it has the prettiest prose. I still think this passage is some of the best writing I've ever done:

This was ultimate flirting in Quinn’s book. Something he knew he could do. When someone wanted to talk about music, or art or classic cars, he was a fish out of water. But talking hockey? He could do that all day long. Convincing someone to like the sport he loved so much? There wasn't a more ideal situation. 

“Oh, good,” she said, leaning forward to kiss him. 

This was a perfect evening. Casual and comfortable. Cooking for someone he - liked, and kissing her whenever he wanted, taking no worry of who might be watching. 

Letting himself get swept up in the kiss, he slid his hands over her hips and tried to commit her scent to memory. No matter what happened - though he was pretty sure nothing bad was ever going to happen with Sarah - he wanted to remember this. She smelled like a dream he’d had as a boy. Like vanilla and warm skin and fireside, summer nights. It was an outlandish notion, but he couldn’t shake it. 

All her life, Sarah had read stories about star-crossed, fated lovers thrown together by chance and circumstance and serendipity. But those were all just stories. Even when her grandpa talked about meeting her grandma - like they were always meant to be together, and just had to find each other to make it happen - it seemed like folklore. A tall tale he spun to make their love story seem more epic. 

After writing all this out, I realized perhaps you meant favorite writing from other authors. Let me know if that's something you'd like me to answer.