#wiccan alter

[iridescent-witch-life]

Apothecarymagic

[embers-of-darkness]

🖤Witch’s Whimsical House 🖤

[gyspy-moon-rose]

[datura-ad]

UNGULATE, acrylic, 14" x 14" daturaad.bigcartel.com

[tsubaki94]

Ectober 10

Occultism

[visiongoddess]

Bastet Alter!

Here is the start of my Bastet alter. Let me know if there is anything I should add.

[emo-with-headphones]

I'm confused about deity work! (I'm forgetful and have some religious trauma)

I'm new to paganism and I've seen deity work mentioned and I've taken a look at it and find it's something I wanna do at least eventually.

I have seen it said many times in places that there is stuff to do daily and there is a lot to go with it but I'm really forgetful and I don't know if I should even go with it, partially because I have some religious trauma and partly because I'm scared I'll make some Gods angry if I forget something important or do something wrong on accident, So I'm a little confused as to what to do. And do i have to stick to one pantheon? I find both greek and norce deitys as well as som other ones i feel a connection to. (Side question, would my meladaptive daydreaming affect this at all, because sometimes it involves the gods as characters)

If I do deity work I have to keep it hidden because I live in (other that 4 people 2 being toddlers) a conservative Cristian household. And what would happen if one of the 2 toddlers messed with my alter? And how would I hide it? I am also in a relatively poor household and am scared I can't get all the needed things for my alter.

[la-bruhaha]

[krockyoriginal]

A pendulum made with gold colored cards and a brass key.

$10 USD

[whore-of-stolas]

Truly I'm appropriating the SHIT out of Catholicism (just not local practices of course). And honestly? I am not a baptized Catholic or a Christian. I would describe my views in a weird and unacceptable way for people to which no one has the right to know. But honestly?

Why do we NOT accept that we can "cherry pick" the Bible? How can we be critical of a religious text if we can't say objectively "this is racist, this is homophobic, this is anti-Semitic" and thus, we should archive and treat those verses as outdated and teach why. What is stopping us besides our own constraining views on the sacred? I understand the history of how we got to this point, but I do not understand why we can not recognize the history and actively change the future.

And it's not just Christians who do this. Many atheists/anti-theists and non-Christians who speak on it treat it the same way. And what I see is that both of those groups will often cherry pick to debunk, support, or whatever any view they have on Christianity and God. So often, progressive Christians must use the tools of their detractors to provide a reason for the progressive takes on the religion. They must become Biblical scholars who can accurately read the older texts to say "this has been mistranslated/out of context/changed for political reasons." And while I appreciate that approach and the work it takes it can not be the only approach to it. And also, we typically try and frame a historical Jesus in a way that may very well be contradictory as well as a modernized casting.

We can also similarly recognize the colonialism while saying that it is a cultural aspect and experience many do not want to lose. Why force abandoning it when we can reform it to be healthier? (One way I think the Catholic church can do this is by officially recognizing and supporting cultural Saints created due to it.)

Idk. I just do not understand why we can not reform the church when it has been reformed many many times before (and no, not just during the reformation). Why can we not accept and uplift the voices of churches who are supportive and recognize the faults without dunking on them for still being Christian? It's mind boggling to me how we always go "this is how it is, this is how it will always be" because it is the exact way evangelicals think.

[iridescent-witch-life]

📷wildtalisman

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for correcting harmless misinformation?

I'm 20, my friends in this story are in their 30's-50's, genders irrelevant. Occasionally one of them will post something neat they saw on social media (facebook usually) and about half the time it'll be relatively harmlessly, but inaccurately, captioned. Examples include:

- that one picture of river outflow meeting the sea [captioned as "the line where the pacific and atlantic oceans meet"],

-some silly unsourced posts about X holiday being Secretly Wiccan Until The Christians Stole It (it wasn't. lot more complicated and nuanced than that!)

- very well done digital art of "rainbow galaxy visible from earth"

I don't want my friends to be tricked! They're all very smart people, just a little credulous sometimes when they're online (aren't we all?). I try to gently correct the information (ex. "this is actually art by [artist]!") and end it by giving a reason I'm still glad they brought it up (ex: "It's SO well done, though - absolutely gorgeous and really sparks my imagination!").

Thing is, none of the stuff they've posted is, like... particularly harmful misinfo so far? It's just people being Wrong, albeit sometimes intentionally, on the Internet. People are allowed to be Wrong on the internet.

Am I being a buzzkill for not just keeping my mouth shut? Am I letting my urge to be Correct overpower me? Should I just let people enjoy things? I'm scared I'm being rude to my friends, when all they want is to show the groupchat something cool they saw and thought we'd like! I'm not really sure what the social Rules are for something like this, and so I ask the jury:

Am I an asshole, folks?

(if mod's ok with it) please hit me in the comments with your favorite fake social media post. i really like the digitally altered red peacock footage

What are these acronyms?

Okay I was gonna leave mine in the tags--it's the blue watermelon photoshop that resurfaces every so often, claiming to be real and with some esoteric description about its flavor--but then I googled it to make sure I was remembering it right and found this absolute gem of an amazon listing:

Look at these extremely real and extant fruits that definitely aren't the same image over and over

[gyspy-moon-rose]

Mother Earth

Enlighten what's dark in me,

Strengthen what's weak in me,

Mend what's broken in me,

Heal what's sick in me,

And lastly, Revive whatever peace and love has died in me.

[bones-of-a-rabbit]

king of day Sun and lord of nights Moon, bonding with Cursed-AU Y/N,,,,,, bc they are simps in every au i make sorry i dont make the rules (BONUS: AU LORE/INFO BELOW, ALONG WITH ANOTHER [story-relevant] DOODLE!)

Some lore about the curse au, copy and pasted from the discord bc im lazy and im very very sorrys fjfkhdskjh:

Okay so. Casting magic takes energy, bc this is an angsty au

The bigger-more complex-more powerful the spell is, the more energy it takes. The most powerful spells can take as much energy as in multiple human lives. There’s legends of spells cast during wars or battles that fell entire armies at once purely just by being cast

NORMALLY, when casting a spell, the magic comes from the world/plant life/living things around the caster

A curse is a kind of Forbidden Magic that can span generations. If one casts a curse that the cursed one will never quench their thirst, or they will never have enough sleep (simple curses for example), the curse could be passed down to their children, sometimes for multiple generations

A curse is ALSO a kind of spell that goes out of its way to deliberately alter the future and continues to- it’s basically a spell that’s constantly working when most spells are more like they last for a few seconds or maybe a minute or two then they’re done and the magic is used up and gone

So if you’re cursed to never feel warmth, there’s magic around you or in you that is constantly sapping the warmth from you or putting chills into you. You can’t see it, but it’s always there, even if just in small amounts

So when a curse is cast, it takes a lot of energy. Like, multiple human lives’ worth

There are ways to circumvent the possibility of killing the people around you (or yourself), like having some animals recently sacrificed, which is the most commonly heard of version

But. Sometimes, very rarely. One might cast a curse on a whim, without planning on it or really considering the series of events leading up to it or following

Cursed AU Reader did that once. Cursed someone in a fit of rage or passion

They were standing in a field, ready for a harvest festival, at the time

The fields withered and died and it’ll take years for them to get back to being fit enough to grow anything in

The mark of a cursed witch, which is a sign from Wiccan culture meant for containing(?), basically keeps the Marked Person from taking any magic from the world around them

The only energy they can use is the energy their physical body contains- and if they use too much or too frequently, they’ll kill themselves in the process

Basically it’s a way of making sure the caster can never use enough magic to really do much of anything sjdgdhdhd

and,,,,, the concept art for a moment i might write abt at some point,,

[watchnrant]

Agatha All Along Episode 8: Easter Eggs & References

Rio’s Green Crown – Secrets and Symbolism of the Witches’ Crowns

The introduction of Rio’s green crown in Agatha All Along takes us deeper into the hidden, intricate language of magic in the MCU. Crowns aren’t just fancy accessories here; they’re like a magical badge of honor, whispering of power, hierarchy, and elemental essence. So far, we’ve seen three colors that definitely mean something more than just fashion-forward witchcraft:

Green for Earth (Rio): With its verdant shade, Rio’s crown could signify an intimate connection to earth magic—a form of power rooted in the physical world, healing, and the natural balance. This aligns with Rio’s characterization as both a guiding and exacting force, wielding a magic that’s as restorative as it is relentless. Her role as an enforcer of life’s cycles suggests she’s grounded in sustaining the magical world’s natural order, holding life and death in delicate balance.

Red for Chaos (Wanda/Scarlet Witch): The red crown embodies chaos, a force that defies predictability and wields the raw power to alter reality itself. Wanda’s crown reinforces her as a disruptor—a rare breed of magic user who shapes and bends existence. This chaotic energy contrasts with Rio’s steadying earth magic, placing Wanda in a realm of unpredictability that other witches may fear, envy, or even revere. Hers is a magic that’s volatile, the element that unhinges the ordered universe.

Blue for Spirit/Reality (Evanora, now Billy): Evanora’s blue crown, which has passed to Wiccan (Billy Maximoff), hints at an ethereal and introspective power. Blue suggests a connection to spirit and the intangible, reaching into realms of consciousness and transcendence. For Billy, this could symbolize his potential to wield reality-bending powers in ways that are cerebral, meditative, and spiritual. As his journey continues, the blue crown might signal his path toward becoming the Demiurge—a being with the power to mold reality but tempered by insight and wisdom.

Crowns as Magical Hierarchy and Balance

Could it be that each of these crowns actually holds a critical piece of the magical puzzle? Here’s the theory: these crowns symbolize fundamental forces—earth, chaos, spirit—striking a delicate cosmic balance. Witchcraft, in this view, isn’t some hodgepodge of spells and power struggles; it’s an intricate system where each crown designates an essential role. Think of these magical headpieces as more than just bedazzled adornments; they’re the hidden blueprint of the power structure. Who wears what crown may reveal how power flows in their world, shaping everything from who holds sway to how magic itself manifests.

Agatha Was the Culprit Behind Binding Jennifer’s Magic

The Past Always Comes Back Around

In Episode 8 of Agatha All Along, we’re hit with a twist that’s been brewing for centuries: Agatha herself unknowingly set the stage for Jennifer’s magical binding. Turns out, a century ago, Agatha struck a deal with a Boston doctor, selling a binding spell that’s kept Jennifer’s powers locked away for decades. This revelation taps into Agatha’s past as a “witch-for-hire,” exposing how her morally grey business choices ripple across time in ways even she couldn’t foresee. Jennifer reclaiming her power isn’t just a personal victory—it’s a stark reminder that Agatha’s past, with all its transactions and compromises, holds lasting consequences that won’t stay buried.

The whole setup mirrors Agatha’s role in WandaVision, where her meddling led to facing her own share of fallout. But in Agatha All Along, Jennifer’s journey digs into themes of autonomy and freedom from old bonds, marking a transformative path to reclaim her magic. Here’s a closer look at what this scene unpacks:

Themes of Power, Binding, and Liberation

The Binding Spell as a Metaphor: Jennifer’s binding isn’t just some ancient spell—it’s a metaphor for societal chains, especially those placed on women who dared to stand out. Agatha’s stint as a “witch-for-hire” feeds into this narrative, framing Jennifer’s journey to break free as a powerful statement on autonomy and resilience.

Redemption and Reclamation: Haunted by past losses, Jennifer sees breaking the binding as a form of redemption, a way to honor those she couldn’t save. Her unbinding ritual symbolizes a deeper mission to reclaim herself and the memories of her past.

Symbolism of the Road

The Road as Transformation: The phrase “The Road gave her what she was missing” goes beyond a physical journey; it represents Jennifer’s personal transformation. In storytelling, roads often signify self-discovery, and here, “The Road” becomes Jennifer’s path to inner freedom.

Character Dynamics and Conflicted Relationships

Jennifer and Agatha’s Complex Bond: The tension between Jennifer and Agatha runs deep, charged with betrayal and a shared struggle against societal pressures. Agatha’s remarks about the 1920s and “the patriarchy’s orders” hint at her own complicated relationship with these systems, adding layers to their dynamic.

Identity, Self-Worth, and Jennifer’s Stand

Identity Crisis and Empowerment: Realizing her life has been governed by a binding spell, Jennifer faces a profound crisis. Her line, “if that’s true, that means I’ve wasted the last century of my life,” hits home for anyone who’s built their self-worth around something they couldn’t control.

Empowerment Through Affirmation: Jennifer’s mantra, “You hold nothing,” is more than just words—it’s a spell of self-liberation, a purging of years of external control. With every chant, she sheds layers of doubt and fear, culminating in a powerful release of her true self.

Existential and Mystical Undertones

Cosmic Design of Her Journey: The line “The Road gave her what she was missing” suggests a cosmic resonance to Jennifer’s path, as if her struggles were always leading her to this moment. It adds an existential weight to her journey, framing her transformation as part of a greater design.

Liberation Beyond Reality: Jennifer’s disappearance at the end hints at something beyond mere escape—it feels like transcendence. Her repeated line, “You hold nothing,” serves as a final act of self-definition, freeing her from the bonds of the physical world.

Historical and Cultural Subtext

Critique of Historical Oppression: Agatha’s role in binding Jennifer a century ago resonates with the cultural pressures of the time. Her complicity in such oppressive mechanisms highlights the complexity of navigating power within a patriarchal system, giving historical weight to her conflict with Jennifer.

This scene serves as a reminder of how deeply ingrained societal structures can limit and define people, often without their awareness. Jennifer’s evolution from a bound figure to a liberated individual encapsulates a powerful journey of reclaiming identity and autonomy, leaving us with lingering questions about freedom, self-worth, and the cost of liberation. Through this complex relationship, the episode critiques systems of control, celebrates resilience, and explores the transformative power of self-empowerment.

Lights Out: The Countdown Intensifies

Every Flicker Signals the Clock is Ticking

Another trial, another ticking clock—but this time, it’s overhead grow lights doing the countdown work. In Agatha All Along Episode 8, the stakes are dialed up with each panel of ceiling lights flickering off as time slips away. It’s a fresh spin on the series’ signature countdown devices, building on past episodes where we’ve seen a kitchen timer, a metronome, a retro Casio G-Shock, and an hourglass. This time, instead of hearing the seconds slip away, we see it—making the tension even more visceral.

The grow lights add an eerie atmosphere that ramps up the suspense with each flicker, reminding us that in Agatha’s realm, time is as powerful as any spell. Every dimming panel adds another layer of urgency, tying the trials together and adding to the overall sense of looming danger. This creative approach to a countdown isn’t just functional—it’s a reminder that, in this world of magic and mystery, every second matters. It’s sharp, immersive, and keeps us right on the edge of our seats.

White & Blue Shoes For Tommy

A Nod to Speed’s Color Scheme

In a chilling, gut-punch of a scene, Agatha walks Billy down memory lane, taking him back to those final, innocent moments with Tommy in Westview when they were just ten. It’s a quiet memory—a heartbeat in time before everything spiraled out of control. Billy clings to the rhythm of Tommy’s breath as they drifted to sleep, a memory so raw and real that Agatha taps into it to help Billy focus his power, channeling enough energy to bring Tommy back.

As the memory intensifies, Agatha pushes Billy to drown out the present noise, guiding him back to a world already in ruins. She whispers about lost souls—kids stuck in their own kind of purgatory, barely hanging on. Billy, caught in this emotional storm, senses a young boy—abandoned and drifting—shoved into a pool in a cruel prank, clinging to life. The boy’s loneliness pierces Billy, and he mutters, “He has no one to love him.” It’s a line that cuts deep, a nod to Tommy’s comic origins as Tommy Shepherd, who grew up with abandonment and the harsh reality of juvie life.

And here’s the twist: Billy, feeling the weight of his choice, turns to Agatha, asking, “Am I killing this boy so my brother can live?” Agatha’s response is as haunting as it gets: “No, Billy. Sometimes, boys die.”

For the eagle-eyed fans, the boy’s gray and blue shoes are a hidden gem—a visual nod to Tommy’s future as Speed, echoing his Young Avengers colors. It’s a subtle, spine-tingling homage to Tommy’s destiny, a reminder that every choice in this world carries a price, especially when it’s between two brothers separated by fate. This moment is layered with intensity, honoring Tommy’s journey while underscoring the brutal stakes that hang over every decision.

Agatha’s Dandelion Seed in the Locket

Episode 8 Plants the Seeds of Resilience and Renewal

In Episode 8 of Agatha All Along, there’s a deeply moving moment where Agatha finds a hidden dandelion seed nestled behind a lock of her son’s hair in her locket. It’s more than just a sentimental token—the seed represents hope, resilience, and a quiet determination that’s become Agatha’s core. With a single tear, she plants it in a crack in the floor, embracing themes of survival and transformation that define her journey.

Throughout the series, the dandelion has been Agatha’s quiet symbol, embodying the beauty of life’s small, unbreakable moments. By planting the seed, she’s making a choice to nurture and protect what she loves, even in the face of grief and loss. This act marks a turning point for her character, showing that she’s ready to grow beyond past pain while holding onto the memories that shaped her. In Episode 9, we’ll see Agatha and her son Nicky blowing dandelions together—a poignant reminder of wishes, innocence, and the fleeting yet powerful nature of memory.

This scene nails Agatha’s journey, loaded with layers of symbolism that cut straight to the heart of her character:

Memory and Nostalgia: Agatha’s locket, hiding that tiny dandelion seed, holds memories of love and loss. It’s her link to the past—a fragile reminder of moments she can’t release and a nod to the delicate, lasting impact of memories.

Isolation and Desperation: Agatha’s dim, solitary surroundings heighten the contrast between her despair and the life symbolized by the dandelion seed, amplifying her yearning for renewal.

Loss and Mourning: Her single tear as she plants the seed isn’t just emotional release—it’s her grief given form, a moment of vulnerability that feels as raw as it is transformative. It’s that crucial step in her journey, showing she’s ready to face the past to make way for a future.

Resilience and Survival: The dandelion isn’t your average flower; it’s a symbol of grit and survival in the toughest places. Just like Agatha, it embodies endurance, showing that even in the harshest environments, there’s strength to be found.

Transformation and Growth: As the seed takes root, it mirrors Agatha’s journey from darkness to a spark of light. It’s her emotional rebirth, an embodiment of her evolution, and a sign of the hope she’s starting to feel for what’s ahead.

This scene says it all about Agatha’s path, showing us that even in the bleakest times, there’s always a spark of resilience that can lead to growth, proving the strength in simplicity.

Billy Maximoff’s Wiccan Debut: Stepping Into His Destiny

A Moment of Power, Legacy, and Transformation

In the intense final moments of Agatha All Along Episode 8, Agatha finds herself face-to-face with Rio, the embodiment of Death, on her own rooftop. Just when it looks like the scales are tipping against her, Billy makes his entrance, fully suited up in the red-and-blue Wiccan attire that fans know from the comics. Gone is the Halloween costume from WandaVision—this is Billy in his true form, embracing every ounce of his power and legacy as Wiccan.

This isn’t just a costume reveal; it’s a rite of passage. Billy stepping into his Wiccan gear marks his transformation from a young sorcerer under Agatha’s wing to a powerful, self-assured figure, ready to stand as her equal. His costume is the final touch in his journey along the Witches’ Road, embodying the power, legacy, and independence he’s claimed for himself. For fans, this moment is electric—it’s the Wiccan we’ve been waiting for, fully realized and finally stepping into his place in the mystical world.

Agatha’s Return to Her Witchy Wardrobe: Power, Sacrifice, and Redemption

A Look That Defines Her Evolution

Just as Billy channels his power into Agatha, we see her snap back into her full magical form, complete with that dark, layered costume from the WandaVision finale—the outfit that embodies Agatha Harkness at peak strength. But let’s be clear, this isn’t just any wardrobe change; it’s Agatha reclaiming her identity as a witch, embracing the legacy and raw power that have defined her.

This return to her witch’s robes goes deeper than just the look; it’s a full-circle moment and a symbol of the stakes she’s ready to face. Dressed in her signature dark attire, Agatha makes the ultimate sacrifice, putting herself between Billy and Rio, the embodiment of Death, who demands a soul to restore balance. In stepping back into this costume, Agatha accepts everything she’s been and the consequences of her choices. Her final act, dressed as the powerful, unapologetic Agatha we met before, closes out her arc from self-serving sorceress to a mentor willing to sacrifice it all for Wiccan’s future. This visual is loaded with meaning, showing us just how far she’s come and leaving a lasting impact for fans who’ve been rooting for her transformation all along.

Kiss of Death… Literally

A Defiant Goodbye That Redefines Sacrifice

In a jaw-dropping turn, Agatha’s “Kiss of Death” with Rio flips the classic phrase into something far more powerful. When Billy brings up her son, Nicholas, it reignites Agatha’s maternal instinct, and she decides in that moment to sacrifice herself for Billy, defying Rio—Death itself—to keep him safe. With a fierce resolve, Agatha turns and plants a kiss on Rio, accepting her fate while bending it to her will. This isn’t just a goodbye; it’s an ultimate act of rebellion, transforming the “Kiss of Death” from a fatal end into a bittersweet choice powered by the love she once had for Nicholas, now directed at Billy.

This moment nails the episode’s themes of sacrifice and the complexities of motherhood, showing how deeply loss and love are woven into Agatha’s journey. Her decision to face Death head-on for another harks back to the tragic hero’s redemptive sacrifice, and she leaves her locket with Billy as a final “mother’s kiss”—a symbolic parting gift that ties him to her legacy. It’s an emotional, layered move that packs a punch, leaving fans with a lasting image of Agatha’s transformation and what she’s willing to give for those she loves.

Billy’s Departure from Westview Mirrors Wanda’s Farewell

The Legacy of Power and Loss Passed from Mother to Son

Billy’s departure from Westview is a visual callback to Wanda’s own emotional farewell in WandaVision. With hoods pulled up as they walk away, both Maximoffs embody the weight of loss and the heavy responsibility that comes with their powers. This isn’t just a stylistic echo; it’s a powerful symbol of the connection between mother and son, showing how Wanda’s legacy is woven into Billy’s journey. For both, Westview represents a place they tried to protect, yet had to leave behind. Their hoods become symbols of both protection and solitude as they step into unknown futures, fully aware of the isolation that comes with wielding great power.

Earlier, we see another callback as Billy descends to aid Agatha against Rio, paralleling Wanda’s descent after her battle with Agatha in WandaVision. Both hover mid-air, showcasing their mastery over magic and shared instinct to protect. Wanda’s descent was her acceptance of her identity as the Scarlet Witch, while Billy’s descent marks his first steps as Wiccan, driven by duty and love. This mirrored descent emphasizes their command over chaos magic and commitment to wield it responsibly.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Billy mirror Wanda. Back in Episode 5, Billy first donned his Wiccan headband, a visual echo of Wanda’s Scarlet Witch crown. While Wanda’s crown marked her acceptance of her full powers, Billy’s headband signifies his own step into his magical destiny. These visual callbacks draw a clear line between mother and son, building a narrative of loss, resilience, and the weight of inherited power. Billy’s path becomes a natural extension of Wanda’s, linking their journeys through blood and the shared burden of chaos magic, uniting them in a legacy of strength, sacrifice, and the delicate balance of power and responsibility.

Billy’s Imagination Brought the Witches’ Road to Life

A Journey Inspired by Childhood Symbols

Billy uncovers a game-changing revelation: he unknowingly created the Witches’ Road using his own powers, crafting a mystical path that’s even “better than he pictured it.” Looking around his room, he spots the familiar elements that inspired this creation—the yellow brick road from The Wizard of Oz, the multicolored trees and leaves, and even a painting of the ocean house from earlier in the series. These seemingly innocent details from his childhood have seeped into his magic, transforming the Witches’ Road into a space that’s both deeply personal and fantastical.

This moment also confirms Lilia’s earlier tarot reading, which hinted at Billy’s power of creation—the ability to “turn his goals into reality.” Her reading foreshadowed Billy’s untapped potential, revealing just how much influence he holds over the world around him. By connecting to the Witches’ Road, Billy isn’t just tapping into his potential as Wiccan; he’s showing a rare power to turn imagination into reality, weaving his inner world into existence in a way that would impress even the most seasoned witches. This journey along the Witches’ Road is more than just a path—it’s a living, breathing reflection of Billy’s creativity, ambition, and immense potential.

[foursthemagicknumber]

Essay on erasure under cut

@roze-realm @kis5ki5skai

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has a very big problem: the erasure of minorities in their characters. They continuously change parts of characters in order to appeal to a larger demographic of audiences. When in reality- the Marvel comics were never about that. In comics we have characters that aren’t even subtle about being minorities. There’s even an entire franchise based around the idea of superpowers creating a minority that faces major discrimination. All whilst telling a cohesive story. In the movies however, the characters that are portrayed as a minority like in comics don’t get a good story.

This is most present in a certain family. The Maximoff’s are a jewish-romani family. However in age of ultron where the scarlet witch and her brother were introduced they are cast as white. As well as had them work with literal nazis. Not only that but the movie immediately killed off one half of the twins. Peitro despite at least keeping his name unlike his X-Movies counterpart, was somehow shot to death by bullet’s he is meant to be faster than. 

In the new show Agatha all along they cast Joe Locke as Billy Kaplan. Many may argue that Agatha all along is playing the representation game well, having a mainly female cast with a black and asian characters and the only male on board being established gay and jewish. However this view fails to point out the fact that we only ever see William Kaplan as portrayed as jewish. Any associations to religion with Billy Maximoff, who appears to be a completely different character, are to witchcraft adjacent religions such as wiccan and paganism. This paired with the fact that by extension of his mother’s erased romani identity, his was erased as well, it’s not looking good for him. Fortunately there’s still hope for his brother. 

Now as much as a good example as the Maimoff family is, there are many others. Such as, America Chavez. Now my knowledge on the comic book character is limited due to the fact that simply haven’t gotten there yet, however I know quite a bit about her appearance in Marvel Rising, a series of short films focusing on new jersey hero’s such as Ms. Marvel or Inferno. And in such she was displayed as a dark skinned Spanish aligned queer woman working a job that was barely paying for her schooling. And in multiverse of madness, she’s practically the definition of white washing. Not to mention the down play of her character’s strengths and sass. Everything that makes America, America is taken away. It’s one thing to play down what makes a character a minority but that alongside with the down play of her characterization makes her into a weak link in the very weak chain that is multiverse of madness.

Now another great instance would be Loki, who in comics is gender-fluid and pansexual. In the movies however is treated solely as male and straight. In an attempt to give him a love interest the writers posed the question, “What if Loki was a woman?” However if they were simply comic accurate, there would be no alternative female version of Loki, because sometimes he is she. Loki is the epitome of a shapeshifter who’s gender-fluid. In fact they are the first that comes to mind when asked to think of the trope- simply because it’s done so well. Loki is meant to be a character who simply is, and is unapologetic for who they are good or bad, male or female, unfortunately the MCU gave us a bratty theater kid and called it a day. 

After this point tw: Child abuse

Now all of this is well and good- but the final straw would be the Hulk. In comics the Hulk, or Bruce Banner has an incredibly tragic backstory. He is a demonstration of how at times the greatest danger to a child, is the one in their own home. Bruce was abused by his father as a child which eventually led to him forming dissociative identity disorder. The alter to Bruce being Hulk an angry and out of control monster, whom is eventually given its own form different from Banner in a very Jekyll and Hyde fashion. The movies however completely ignore this idea even to such an extent that a character tells him roughly“I control my anger infinitely more than you do” almost as though it were a competition as to who has suffered more. Bruce Banner’s trauma was downplayed so parents would take their children to see his movies.

To me this is a very personal essay. I want to love the MCU as blindly as I did as a child. But I have found that the more source material I read. That harder that becomes. A character in Daredevil once said roughly ‘To love something is to forget what you don’t like about it.’ If that be true then I no longer hold this same love. I fortunately believe in a different idea, that love is something that people love to think is inherently blind. But in reality, the most complex loves are the wary ones. I love the Marvel Cinematic Universe, however I grow more and more wary of the cinematic universe as I grow more and more in love with the comics.