#other themes include: identity & power & transformation

[plutosunshine]

What trauma can become your power? Chiron in the houses

Chiron in the 1st house

Chiron in the first house signifies a deep inner wound related to personal identity, self-esteem, and the sense of self. This may stem from trauma experienced in early life when a person felt inadequate, rejected, or misunderstood in their unique expressions. Individuals with this placement often struggle to justify their existence, prove their worth, or meet others’ expectations to earn love and recognition.

However, this wound can become a source of incredible strength. Over time, individual learns to accept themselves as they are, with all their imperfections, vulnerabilities, and unique traits. This journey of self-discovery and acceptance not only helps heal their wound but also inspires others who face similar inner conflicts. Chiron in the first house makes a person highly sensitive to issues of individuality and self-expression, and their personal struggle with these themes becomes a powerful tool for helping others.

Chiron in the 2nd house

Chiron in the second house often indicates a wound related to self-worth, self-esteem, and material security. People with this placement may experience feelings of inadequacy, inner shame, or fear from an early age, believing they are undeserving of abundance or stability. They might have faced situations where their value was questioned by others, or they struggled to identify what makes them unique and worthy.

However, this wound carries the potential for profound transformation. As individual begins to work on recognizing their true worth, they can develop a powerful sense of inner resilience and learn to view the material world as a tool for growth rather than a source of fear. By overcoming self-doubt, they can become an inspiring example for others, demonstrating that a person’s value is not determined by external circumstances but emerges from inner confidence and self-acceptance.

Chiron in the second house has the power to transform this wound into a source of strength, helping the individual not only to build their self-esteem but also to guide others in discovering their true worth. Such a person may develop a unique gift for healing issues related to money, abundance, and self-worth, both in their own life and in the lives of those around them.

Chiron in the 3rd house

Chiron’s wound in the third house is associated with themes of communication, learning, self-expression, and interactions with the immediate environment, including siblings, neighbors, and close acquaintances. This placement may point to painful experiences related to the inability to be heard or understood, fear of saying the wrong thing, feelings of intellectual inadequacy, or traumas in relationships with relatives. A person with this placement often struggles with internal conflicts around expressing their thoughts and ideas, feeling that their voice does not matter or that their words are not taken seriously.

However, this wound can become a source of strength when the individual finds ways to overcome their inner fears and begins to see their experience as a unique gift. This transformative process often involves recognizing the value of their own voice and the power of words. Such individuals are capable of developing exceptional communication skills and becoming sources of support and inspiration for others. They may excel as teachers, writers, counselors, or lecturers, helping others overcome fears and learn self-expression. Their early pain teaches them to be attentive listeners and empathetic conversationalists, sensitive to the subtleties of communication and able to create a space for meaningful dialogue.

Chiron in the 4th house

Chiron’s wound in the fourth house is associated with matters of home, family, roots, and emotional security. This can manifest as a sense of lacking warmth, acceptance, or support during childhood, feeling alienated from one’s relatives, or an inability to find a place that feels like “home.” A person with this placement may experience an internal conflict between the desire to put down roots and the fear of being rejected or emotionally vulnerable.

However, the potential for transformation arises through working with this wound. By overcoming these inner fears and learning to create a sense of home within themselves, the individual can become a source of support for others, particularly for those who face similar challenges. They learn to transform pain into strength, developing a deep understanding of emotional needs and creating a space where others feel safe and accepted.

This wound becomes a source of strength when the individual recognizes that their ability to be empathetic, caring, and supportive has grown out of their own pain. This experience helps them build strong connections with others, grounded in genuine emotional depth and sincerity. A person with Chiron in the fourth house can become a symbol of healing energy within the context of family and emotional relationships.

Chiron in the 5th house

Chiron in the fifth house is often associated with a deep wound related to self-expression, creativity, love, and inner joy. People with this placement may feel unworthy of being in the spotlight, fear rejection for their talents, or struggle with insecurity in matters of personal fulfillment. This can manifest as a sense that their creativity is not valuable enough or as painful experiences connected to romantic relationships.

However, this wound, when worked through, can become a source of incredible strength. Those with Chiron in the fifth house have the potential to gain profound insight into how to help others embrace their uniqueness, support them in finding joy, and express their creativity. They can become mentors, inspiring others to overcome their fears and be true to themselves. This transformation not only makes them stronger but also more empathetic to the suffering of others, allowing them to use their wounds as a tool for healing, both for themselves and for those around them.

Chiron in the 6th house

Chiron’s wound in the sixth house is associated with a sense of inadequacy in daily life, service to others, and care for one’s body and health. People with this placement may experience inner conflicts stemming from feelings that they are not good enough in their work, that their efforts are undervalued, or that they are unable to care for themselves or others in the way they desire. This can manifest as chronic anxiety, difficulties establishing a healthy routine, or a tendency toward perfectionism that drains their energy.

However, this wound can become a powerful source of strength. A person with Chiron in the sixth house has the ability to transform their struggles into profound wisdom and an understanding of how to navigate daily challenges. They can become excellent mentors, healers, or specialists who help others organize their lives, overcome work-related difficulties, or improve their health. This experience teaches them to embrace imperfection in themselves and others and use it as a foundation for growth.

The core strength here lies in approaching oneself and others with compassion, recognizing the value of even the smallest efforts, and helping others find harmony in their everyday lives. Such individuals become a source of inspiration, demonstrating that wounds do not define us but can serve as a foundation for meaningful service that brings joy and purpose.

Chiron in the 7th house

Chiron’s wound in the seventh house is often associated with painful experiences in relationships and challenges related to finding a balance between oneself and a partner. This can manifest as feelings of rejection, disappointment in love, fear of intimacy, or a constant need to please others at the expense of one’s own needs.

However, like any Chiron wound, this trauma carries immense potential for healing and transformation. By recognizing their fears, failures, and behavioral patterns, individuals with this placement can develop deep empathy, wisdom, and the ability to support others through emotional and personal crises. This wound becomes a source of strength when they learn to harmonize with themselves, find a balance between independence and closeness, and build healthy relationships based on respect and mutual understanding. In doing so, they become an example for others, inspiring deeper and more conscious connections.

Chiron in the 8th house

Chiron in the eighth house often indicates deep emotional wounds related to themes of loss, transformation, intimacy, or matters of life and death. This can manifest through painful experiences such as betrayal, fear of losing control, or difficulties trusting others in close relationships. However, these very wounds can become a source of incredible strength and inner growth if the person is willing to recognize their significance and transform their experience.

Healing pain in the eighth house is possible through embracing vulnerability and exploring the power of transformation. This process can turn the fear of change into an ability not only to accept transitions but also to help others navigate through periods of crisis. People with Chiron in the eighth house can become remarkable mentors or healers, possessing a unique ability to understand others’ pain on a deep level and show them paths to healing. Their strength is born from the realization that true transformation begins with accepting the darker aspects of oneself, ultimately leading to inner freedom and empowerment.

Chiron in the 9th house

Chiron’s wound in the ninth house is associated with deep scars in the realms of higher education, philosophy, faith, the search for meaning, and travel. A person may feel an inner conflict or insecurity in their beliefs, doubt their own knowledge, or experience the pain of being unable to find their place within a worldview system. This wound often manifests as a sense of rejection of their ideas or beliefs or as a feeling of losing connection with something greater—be it cultural, spiritual, or intellectual belonging.

However, it is precisely through working with this wound that a person can gain immense strength. Chiron teaches us to heal our pain by sharing our experiences with others. The wound of the ninth house can become a source of wisdom if one recognizes that their unique journey, even if it has been full of doubt and searching, can inspire and guide others. They may become a teacher, philosopher, or guide, helping others find meaning in life and expand the boundaries of their worldview. By accepting their wound, the person becomes open to a diversity of perspectives, which makes them incredibly wise and tolerant. Thus, Chiron’s wound in the ninth house transforms into a source of strength, helping not only the individual but also those around them, building bridges between different cultures, religions, or philosophical systems.

Chiron in the 10th house

Chiron in the 10th house indicates wounds related to social status, career, achievements, and attitudes toward authority. This may manifest as a feeling of inability to achieve success or fear of responsibility. Such individuals often face criticism from society or loved ones, which can lead to self-doubt and uncertainty about their professional abilities. However, this vulnerability can become their strength if they recognize their fears and transform them into wisdom.

By overcoming the inner conflict tied to self-esteem and societal recognition, a person with Chiron in the tenth house can become a mentor to others, helping them overcome their own professional and personal barriers. This wound can provide a deep understanding of the nature of leadership, teach the balance between ambition and emotional needs, and show how to maintain resilience in challenging circumstances. Thus, Chiron in the tenth house has the potential to transform the pain into a source of inspiration and support for others.

Chiron in the 11th house

Chiron in the eleventh house indicates a wound related to themes of friendship, acceptance in groups, social ideals, and a sense of belonging to a community. A person with this placement may feel isolated or misunderstood within a collective, face betrayal by friends, or experience the sense that their uniqueness prevents them from being part of something larger. However, this wound can become a source of growth and strength. By working through their experiences, the individual learns to value their individuality and use it to build harmonious connections with others.

Chiron in this house grants the ability to mentor or inspire others, particularly those who feel “different” or out of place. The trauma associated with rejection can transform into the gift of creating communities where mutual understanding, respect, and support flourish. Thus, personal experiences of pain become the foundation for helping others find their place in the world.

Chiron in the 12th house

Chiron in the twelfth house often indicates a profound emotional wound connected to feelings of loneliness, separation from the world, or the suppression of emotions. This may stem from experiences of loss, hidden fears, or repressed traumas that a person carries within themselves, often without fully realizing it. The wound of Chiron here is tied to the subconscious, to what is hidden from the external world, and sometimes the person may feel lost, not understanding where their pain and anxiety originate.

However, this very wound can become an incredible source of strength and transformation. If a person becomes aware of their inner fears and wounds, they can learn to work with them, transforming them into compassion and wisdom. Chiron in the twelfth house offers the potential for deep healing—not only of oneself but also of others. Such a person can become a guide for those who are suffering, possessing a unique gift for delving into the hidden corners of the soul and helping others understand and embrace their shadows.

The key to turning the wound into strength is accepting one’s vulnerability and exploring the inner world through meditation, psychological work, or spiritual practices. Chiron in this house teaches that weakness can become a powerful resource for inner growth, and through serving and helping others, a person can find profound meaning and personal healing.

[the-cosmic-cauldron]

Simple Astrology Observations

People with Leo placements often feel very self-assured. Since Leo is ruled by the Sun, which represents one’s core self, those with Leo placements tend to have a strong sense of identity. You cannot tell a Leo who they are—they are more likely to tell you who you are.

If you have Cancer placements, emotions play a significant role in your life—not just in how you feel, but in the emotional themes that guide your decisions. You need to feel emotionally clear and balanced in whatever you pursue. The energy of a space matters to you, and you seek to create a sense of peace, both for yourself and those around you. Cancer placements are deeply caring, prioritizing emotional security and the well-being of others.

For those with Gemini or Virgo placements, communication is incredibly important. Virgo, ruled by Mercury, values precision in speech, ensuring that their ideas are conveyed clearly and accurately. They take communication seriously, paying close attention to the words they use and how they structure their thoughts. Gemini, also ruled by Mercury, thrives on expression. The worst thing for a Gemini is feeling unheard or unable to share their thoughts. Communication is the outlet through which they process their many ideas, and without it, they can feel restless and unsettled.

Taurus and Libra, both ruled by Venus, prioritize love and connection. Taurus dislikes being single, as love is deeply ingrained in their nature. They seek to nurture and nourish those they care about, especially their closest relationships. Similarly, Libras thrive in love. They value bonds and daily communication with those they cherish. For a Libra, talking regularly with loved ones—whether friends or a romantic partner—is essential to their well-being.

Aries and Scorpio share a strong, feisty energy due to their Mars rulership. People with these placements are more prone to conflict, including physical altercations, even if they aren’t the ones to initiate them. Additionally, Mars’ influence heightens their desire for physical intimacy, making it a central aspect of their personality and emotional well-being. Aries and Scorpio placements often feel a deep need for consistent and passionate physical connection to maintain their spirits.

If you have Sagittarius or Pisces placements, you are driven by an insatiable desire for more—more experiences, knowledge, and growth. These signs do not settle easily, and even when they appear to, their minds are often wandering, imagining new possibilities or planning their next adventure. Stagnation is unsettling for them.

Aquarius and Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, often feel as though they are walking an uphill battle in life. Whether due to strict parenting, restrictive work environments, or self-imposed limitations, they frequently experience a sense of constraint. Aquarius, in particular, craves change and can be unpredictable, making them difficult to keep up with. Their transformations tend to be sudden and unexpected rather than gradual.

For Pisces placements, imagination is everything. Attempting to force a Pisces to be more “realistic” or grounded disrupts their natural flow, making it difficult for them to feel at peace. It is often better to let a Pisces exist in their dreamlike state rather than trying to pull them down to reality. If you do, you may encounter their less pleasant side.

Those with Scorpio placements experience profound transformations throughout life. Who they once were often feels distant from who they become. Their journey involves peeling back layers of buried emotions and illusions until they finally uncover their deepest truth. At some point, every Scorpio placement undergoes a powerful awakening where they recognize and embrace their authentic self.

If you focus on your rising sign, you may find it to be one of the hardest placements to internalize. The rising sign represents how you show up in the world, but it may not feel like an accurate reflection of your true self. For example, if you have an Aries rising but a water sun and moon, you might struggle to keep up with the fiery, bold energy others perceive in you. On the other hand, if your rising sign aligns closely with your sun sign, it will likely feel more natural.

The Midheaven (MC), though often associated with career, represents a broader sense of achievement and purpose. An Aries Midheaven may indicate a life goal of cultivating independence and authenticity, while a Libra Midheaven might strive for harmony, balance, and meaningful relationships. Rather than dictating a specific career path, the Midheaven reflects the aspirations that align with one’s true self.

Pluto is a planet of power, but many people develop an imbalanced perception of it based on how they were raised. Your relationship with your Pluto placement is deeply influenced by your upbringing. However, Pluto ultimately reveals where your power and influence lie in this life, making it one of the greatest tools to harness for your career, relationships, and daily life.

Neptune is the planet of the unseen, and your Neptune placement reveals where you lack clarity. It represents areas of life that feel elusive, confusing, or difficult to grasp. For example, having Neptune in the fifth house may indicate struggles with understanding romance, self-expression, courting, or dating. These aspects of life may feel unclear or difficult to navigate.

Uranus is the planet of progression, and your Uranus placement reveals the areas of life where you feel driven to grow and evolve.

Jupiter is the planet of satiety, representing what you need in life to feel fulfilled, satisfied, and content.

Saturn is the planet of long-term goals, which is why it brings restriction and obligations—these are the challenges we face when pursuing long-term objectives. In this lifetime, Saturn represents what you should aim to achieve.

[possesseddesiress]

The Midnight Ritual (Part One)

CONTENT WARNING: This story includes themes of transformation and body control with a suggestive approach. If this type of narrative is not to your liking or you do not meet the recommended age, we suggest you do not continue. All images used (if any) belong to their respective owners. I claim no authorship over them and they are only used for illustrative purposes.

If you decide to go ahead, welcome to Possessed Desires, where mind and body are never completely under your control.

The Midnight Ritual, part one (English Version)

Don't ask me how this all started, because even I don't know.

Jacob and I were friends since high school, approximately. He was almost my best friend, we used to do everything together, and we were very trusting of each other, something that causes me even more guilt about everything that ended up happening...

I had bought a magical contraption from an esoteric store, I didn't think it would work but as the days went by, the more curious I became to try it out.

And I thought Jacob was the best way to corroborate such a thing.

Jacob's body was big, strong, charismatic and nice. He used to go to the gym a lot, was popular in high school and very friendly.

I wasn't as popular, but I wasn't invisible either. I was well known although my physique was not very above average, somewhat average. Sometimes I went out with other guys but almost never got serious, I guess my insecurity influenced a lot when it came to dating.

That magic object was supposed to give me the trust of another person, as long as he agreed.

I talked to him, nervous that he would tell me I was ridiculous or foolish. But on the contrary, he gladly agreed. 《Whatever you need, buddy》 - and we began the ritual.

Apparently nothing happened, until the first full moon came after that.

I was sleeping when I felt a strange force pull me from my body, until I was thrown into what felt like nothingness, I panicked until I breathed again, opened my eyes in fear.

I sat up in bed, breathing heavily, and I sat there for a while, trying to calm down until I felt heavier. More... Thicker?

I looked down, finding huge pecs. Thick and juicy, it was hard for me not to gasp, instead I just kept groping myself like crazy. I squeezed my new muscles, flexed my arms not believing how big they were.

Everything was so new, so strange... I didn't even notice what room I was in. I lifted my shirt, revealing a formidable six-pack, flexed my biceps again, feeling the strength and power they seemed to emanate, and without being able to control it, the relief on my pants began to rise.

Eagerly I pulled my clothes down, wrapping my hand around my new shaft. I stroked it slowly, at first, but the more I began to move it, the more anxious I began to become. My toes tensed as I gasped loudly, I was sloppy with the movements, erratic. Just stamping my hand up and down.

I was absorbed in my thoughts, blinded by pleasure, clumsy and foolish, with a fuzzy smile. Then I looked ahead, noticing the pattern of the room? Why did it look familiar? I let out a confused grunt but kept moving my hand. It wasn't until I saw the ceiling that I realized where I was, though it was too late.

I let out a choked gasp, feeling my nectar dripping down the sheets with force, some of it even ending up on my face. I took a bit to put it in my mouth, smiling at the taste.

When the euphoria subsided, I realized what was happening. I noticed more of my body, observing the reliefs until I noticed a bracelet on my right arm. It was identical to one I had given Jacob some time ago, and he never took it off.

Shit, shit, shit.

I stood up suddenly, turned on the light to reveal my friend's room, then stood in front of the mirror, noticing that I was now inside his body. I flexed my arms in confusion, it was all so... strange, but it still felt good. I felt powerful, strong; I flexed my arms more, enjoying the sensation of my muscles widening, I even noticed a slight scent of sweat, so I raised my arm a little more to free my access to the armpit, and inhaled with pleasure.

- Mfhh... Jeez dude, you smell good - I let out a slight chuckle, sniffing again with need.

I think that's where it all went down. Since that was seven months ago, I discovered that Jacob wasn't aware of that whole effect, he was falling asleep somewhere in his unconscious, though everything he did in his body, seemed to have repercussions for his psyche. Staying recorded as a common and ordinary habit, it was strange and a little unhinged (because I could do nothing but watch), to see him sniffing and flexing his arms like the most common thing in the world.

And what about my body? It seemed to go into an automatic mode, my "mind" was not aware that I was inside Jacob, so it treated me like him. I wasn't even aware of the magic object, it was as if only I knew that after such a ritual, I could stay in my best friend's body for a few hours, initially, I could only access it during full moons. But all of a sudden, I started to be able to do it every weekend.

It wasn't even because I wanted it or asked for it (though I certainly wasn't complaining), but I would end up in Jacob's body once one or the other fell asleep.

It was uncomfortable, as I had no control over it. One day during class, I was in chemistry class when I felt that invisible force pull me out of my body to throw me into Jacob who just fell asleep in history class.

I always tried to respect Jacob's body, to leave no trace of my presence. No mark that could affect him, living as close as I could to his initial style. But it was hard to keep my composure in such a... tempting body.

For the first few months I managed it well, but as the months progressed, the mission fell apart. The clothes my friend used to wear to work out were quite modest, loose and baggy, although one day I just couldn't take it anymore.

I put on short shorts, which showed off my new legs and my new bulge, I liked the feel of the fabric, even how others seemed to look at me. Even that day I became more exaggerated with my movements, as if I wanted to highlight more my butt in each squat, or my biceps when lifting each weight. Gosh, my chest from just walking.

And there was another change for Jacob, his closet changed drastically, now he only wore fitted clothes, tight fitting compression shirts and tiny lycra shorts that highlighted his bulge and his fat buttocks.

I was almost ogling him every day, what was I doing?!

It was as if I was transforming my friend to my most primitive desires, I was afraid to erase all traces of him. But at the same time... How could I control myself? It was automatic, I couldn't do anything; in his body things felt different, they smelled different, they even treated me differently, and that was the other point that fucked the whole thing up even more.

I had ended up at a party that Jacob was invited to, he had taken a nap and in less than five minutes I was in the driver's seat.

I dressed up to attend, wearing nothing but a blue tank top, if Jacob was already an exhibitionist, it wouldn't affect much, would it?

From the first moment I walked into the party, the vibe felt... different.

How people greeted me, the discreet touches and squeezes as I moved through the crowd. I didn't even know where to go, I was so lost that when I least expected it, I was in the middle of the room with a bottle steeped in my mouth.

- Drink, drink, drink! - what seemed to be at least 60 people were shouting in unison with excitement, apparently Jacob's body had a good stamina or a deep throat because he seemed to finish at least half of the bottle in mere seconds.

Although I started to feel dizzy - and to make matters worse, more uninhibited - I moved with some difficulty around the house until I ended up in a somewhat far corner, having a drink.

- Hey, hi.

A guy came up to me, smiling and winking. Holy shit.

I had always been gay, I knew that and everyone who knew me, I know Jacob was straight, so I tried not to do anything gay on his body, mainly so I wouldn't change that trait about him.

- Hey, how are you?

I felt a strange tingle of security, I stood in front of him, casually flexed my arm, which seemed to charm him. I didn't know if I was slurring my words but the feeling was... Strange, I don't know how to describe it exactly but it felt different than all those times I tried to flirt with someone else. It felt... Good.

In less time than I expected, we ended up kissing intensely in one of the rooms of the party, with him anxiously trying to unhook my shirt, I knew it was all wrong. I had kissed a man on Jacob's body, I was about to have something that would only close this thing I had done by accident, but the more I tried to think, the more softly that boy kissed me on my neck.

- Easy, big guy... - he murmured feeling my muscles, enjoying the volume - let me take care of it.

And then Jacob started having homosexual tendencies.

- I just don't get it, man. I mean, I don't have anything against gays, it's just... Well, it's not something that's ever happened to me, you know? I experimented before, I tried things before but I didn't feel anything, now it's like out of nowhere... I feel that urge.

- Maybe it's because you're older now and you're still discovering yourself, don't you think? - I lied shamelessly.

- Yeah, yeah... I think so, man.

Jacob became quite the casanova with the guys, I didn't know if it was because of my acting at that party or if it was just my orientation mixed with his natural charisma, but there he was... Having as many guys at his feet as he wanted, it seemed there wasn't a trace left of his former interest in women.

And that made me jealous, while, I loved the attention I was getting from the guys and the great fact that I no longer had to modulate for that part being Jacob, at the same time... It was impossible for him to notice me on his own. He only saw me as his friend, almost a brother, he couldn't even see me with those eyes if he wanted to.

At that point I guess I lost all my reasoning... But wouldn't you have done the same?

To be continued.

----

I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you liked it, don't forget to follow it and share it so more people can discover it.

I'm always open to suggestions and ideas, so if you have any fantasy or scenario in mind, let me know in the comments or in messages. See you in the next story... Who knows what body you will occupy this time?

---

[fernwehreader]

"They Call You Shadowsinger": Parallelism and the Power of Being Seen

I’m currently doing a Crescent City re-read and am really enjoying spending time with this series at a slower and more deliberate pace. As a result, I’m seeing threads between Crescent City and ACOTAR that I didn’t fully notice upon earlier readings.  I think this is in part due to the fact that I spent a great deal of time with ACOSF and its bonus chapters immediately before returning to Crescent City.  

So, as I’ve just wrapped up HOEAB, there’s one topic that keeps rolling around in my head: parallelism!

Literary Parallelism

Hang with me for just a bit as I explain a little about what parallelism usually looks like--I promise this is going somewhere!  Parallelism can be a literary device where parts of a sentence/paragraph/stanza have the same grammatical structure, intended to emphasize or draw attention to something in particular.  When I teach parallelism in my high school literature classes, I often include it as part of a rhetoric unit because it’s not uncommon to see it combined with rhetorical devices such as antithesis or repetition--which are also meant to emphasize something in order to persuade or to draw attention towards a specific detail. 

When I teach my rhetoric units to highlight the effect of using these devices, I usually use Disney songs since there is a general level of familiarity with them.  For instance, when the Muses in Hercules sing the song “Zero to Hero,” they say:

He was a no one A zero, zero Now he’s a honcho He’s a hero Here was a kid with his act down pat Zero to hero, in no time flat Zero to hero, just like that!

Here, parallelism is achieved through repetition of the phrase "Zero to hero" and its variations, which emphasize Hercules’ dramatic transformation.  This repetition, combined with antithesis to show opposite meaning, is meant to draw the audience’s attention to the theme of personal growth for the story’s protagonist.  

So, we often see parallelism like this, used how it is in Disney songs, in notable speeches like MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech, or in dramatic moments like Mark Antony’s funeral speech in Julius Caesar.  But it can also be used in literature through mirrored scenes.  Instead of focusing on grammatical structure and patterns, it instead relies on parallel dialogue and imagery to highlight thematic connections or character development.  

In my opinion, this is exactly what we see upon closer examination of HOEAB and ACOSF, where SJM crafts deeply intimate character moments in two separate scenes--belonging to two separate books and worlds.  One scene occurs between Bryce and Hunt in HOEAB, and the other between Gwyn and Azriel in his ACOSF bonus chapter.

These scenes possess deliberate literary parallels between their pivotal moments along with what they reveal about identity, emotional intimacy, and the quiet beginnings of a relationship found through deep understanding. It's also worth noting that these two books were published a year apart, with HOEAB released first. I always found it interesting that SJM didn't release ACOSF after the ACOFAS novella--so it's worth considering why we were introduced to Bryce and Hunt first before jumping back to Prythian to meet Gwyn and get Azriel's first (and only) POV.

Again, this is part of the narrative framing in which I’ve previously written about, as my contention remains that this is all to serve the purpose of character development (the romantic pairing of Azriel and Gwyn) and narrative continuity (establishing ACOTAR5 as Azriel’s book).  

I know that many readers have already made comparisons between Bryce/Gwyn and Hunt/Azriel.  I’m not sure what more I can add to that particular conversation.  However, I do have some very specific thoughts regarding how parallelism is being used by SJM to further establish the runway being laid for Azriel’s book--as well as to continue spreading the seeds for the romantic pairing of Azriel and Gwyn.  In these mirrored scenes, SJM uses parallelism to draw our attention to show how a single interaction can begin to redirect a protagonists’ narrative.

Parallel Structure & Phrasing: HOEAB vs. ACOSF

The literary structure and phrasing of the two interactions in question are strikingly similar--enough so to discourage an argument of pure coincidence.

In the HOEAB scene, Bryce is sitting alone on a bench overlooking the Istros River with a box of chocolate croissants to commemorate Danika’s birthday.  Hunt soon flies in to join her, and they share an emotional scene where Bryce laments how everyone else seems to have moved on from Danika’s death--yet, she cannot.  Hunt then shares details about Shahar, her death, and how it has impacted him over the years.  A realization then hits Bryce after Hunt’s admissions:

She looked to the river. “I never realized it,” she murmured. “That you and I are mirrors.” He hadn’t, either. But a voice floated back to him. You look how I feel every day, she’d whispered when she’d cleaned him up after Micah’s latest assignment. “Is it a bad thing?” A half smile tugged at a corner of her mouth. “No. No, it isn’t." “No issue with the Umbra Mortis being your emotional twin?” But her face grew serious again. “That’s what they call you, but that’s not who you are.” “And who am I?” “A pain in my ass.” Her smile was brighter than the setting sun on the river. He laughed, but she added, “You’re my friend. Who watches trashy TV with me and puts up with my shit. You’re the person I don’t need to explain myself to--not when it matters. You see everything I am, and you don’t run away from it.” He smiled at her, let it convey everything that glowed inside him at her words. “I like that.”

We will be comparing this scene to Azriel’s bonus chapter from ACOSF, shortly after he arrives at the training ring and unexpectedly finds Gwyn.  After Gwyn teases Azriel about needing his dagger to sleep and they exchange some pleasantries about celebrating Solstice, Gwyn has a surprising question for him:

She angled her head, hair shining like molten metal. “Do you sing?” He blinked. It wasn’t every day that people took him by surprise, but . . . "Why do you ask?" “They call you shadowsinger. Is it because you sing?”  “I am a shadowsinger--it’s not a title that someone just made up.” She shrugged again, irreverently. Az narrowed his eyes, studying her. “Do you, though?” she pressed. “Sing?”  Azriel couldn’t help his soft chuckle. “Yes.” 

The parallel structure of these interactions is not by accident.  For starters, both scenes are in the male POV, which gives the reader particular insight into their (albeit limited) perspectives.  Additionally, both Bryce and Gwyn are alone as these scenes begin--they are interrupted by Hunt and Azriel flying in:

Hunt landed quietly before sliding onto the bench’s wooden planks, the box between them.

Azriel landed in the ring a few feet from where Gwyn practiced in the chill night . . . 

Both Hunt and Azriel literally descend from the skies, landing quite near Bryce and Gwyn.  In my opinion, this isn’t just coincidence or logistical--this reflects a descent into emotional vulnerability.  These are male characters known for their emotional detachment, and their flights into these scenes could symbolize a movement downward from their hard shells into more intimate emotional territory.

Additionally, there is deliberate phrasing in both these interactions which supports the literary parallels taking place.  The male characters are both known by fearsome titles: Hunt is the “Umbra Mortis” (or “Shadow of Death”), and Azriel is the “Shadowsinger.”  These epithets reflect how the outside world perceives them--deadly and dangerous.  Both males are warriors, assassins, and instruments of power used by others.  Additionally, they bear the weight of countless deaths and trauma associated with their freedom being stripped away.  Their identities are often defined by others.  

Bryce and Gwyn then continue their conversations with Hunt and Azriel built around these monikers and identities.

After Bryce notes that she and Hunt are mirrors, Hunt says:

“No issue with the Umbra Mortis being your emotional twin?” But her face grew serious again.  “That’s what they call you, but that’s not who you are.”

This line cuts to the heart of Hunt’s struggle with being defined by the darkness of his past and his violent role in a broken system.  Bryce, however, sees all of Hunt in this moment and does not hesitate to tell him.  What follows is an emotionally intimate declaration:

“You’re my friend . . . the person I don’t need to explain myself to—not when it matters.  You see everything I am, and you don’t run away from it.”

Similarly, in Azriel’s ACOSF bonus chapter, Gwyn presses Azriel about his title: 

“They call you Shadowsinger.  Is it because you sing?” “I am a shadowsinger--it’s not a title that someone just made up.”

There is an intentional parallel in the exact phrasing here by using the words “they call you”--that is not an accident.  SJM is relying on parallelism to do what it does in more typical contexts: to emphasize or draw our attention to these specific words.  Both Azriel and Hunt are often viewed through the lens of the outside world, and we can begin to see how that might weigh on each of them.

Interestingly, Gwyn immediately shrugs off the reply, irreverently.  Her casual dismissal of Azriel’s deadly title is a pivotal moment . . . very much so mirroring Bryce’s refusal to allow Hunt to be defined by his title.  Gwyn is unafraid, unfazed, and unmoved by Azriel’s reputation.  Like Bryce, Gwyn sees something more in the male before her.

Perhaps this is even why Gwyn proceeds to call Azriel “Shadowsinger” instead of by his name later in ACOSF--she is teasing him, almost as if to tell him: If you say this is what you are, then that’s what I’m going to call you.  

And, in these two scenes, Hunt and Azriel are not left unaffected by these comments from Bryce and Gwyn.  Hunt smiles at Bryce in response and “let it convey everything that glowed inside him at her words”--while the notably stoic Azriel “couldn’t help his soft chuckle” when Gwyn continued to ask if he sings.

Hunt opens up to Bryce in a moment of shared grief as they discuss Danika and Shahar.  Azriel, fresh from a painful confrontation with Rhys and his interaction with Elain, finds unexpected comfort in a late-night encounter with Gwyn.  Yet both males, defined by death and duty, find themselves smiling and laughing--softened by these females who refuse to fear them.  

Ultimately, in both scenes, the titles for Hunt and Azriel are named and then rejected.  Bryce and Gwyn see past the labels to what lies beneath.  This mirroring is a prime example of narrative parallelism and intertextual echoing.  The same emotional arc is achieved through different characters across different texts–but with identical purpose.  

Glowing Hearts and Emotional Intimacy

Another example of parallelism cements the lasting, emotional importance of these interactions: the mirrored imagery of something glowing inside both Hunt’s and Azriel’s chests.  After Bryce tells Hunt who he really is, he let his smile “convey everything that glowed inside him at her words.”  Likewise, at the end of Azriel’s bonus chapter, after Clotho agrees to give the necklace to Gwyn anonymously, Azriel buries the imagined image of Gwyn’s joy in his chest--where it “glowed quietly.  A thing of secret, lovely beauty.” 

The glow is not accidental; it’s symbolic of something dormant being awakened--compassion, hope, perhaps even the beginning feelings of something more romantic.  These descriptions are not just parallel in phrasing; they symbolize something profound.  Both Azriel and Hunt are males trained to bury everything--perhaps partly out of self-preservation.  So, these glowing sensations are not fireworks or passionate explosions, but quiet illuminations--a spark of something soft and sacred awakening inside them.  Maybe something they didn’t know they still had the capacity for.  It is the literary embodiment of intimacy, not lust.

These mirrored glowing moments also represent hope, potential, and the beginning of self-forgiveness.  Notably, in both cases, the glow is inside of Hunt and Azriel.  Both males are not ready to act on it yet, but they protect it.  It is a seed planted in their hearts by Bryce and Gwyn who have started to become the safe harbors that Hunt and Azriel didn’t realize they needed.  

“SO WHAT?”

My favorite literary question to ask my students comes last, as usual: SO WHAT? 

Why does this matter?  Why would SJM intentionally echo such specific literary structure, phrasing, and emotional beats across two different texts and series?

Because she is building a broader thematic through-line across her multiverse by juxtaposing Bryce/Hunt against Gwyn/Azriel.  These scenes are not throwaway moments--they are turning points.  They suggest that Azriel, like Hunt, is on the cusp of transformation.  The glow in the chest is symbolic of a soul rekindling itself, and the females who see these males are clearly not afraid. 

I believe that Bryce is trying to flash a neon sign indicating the importance of this parallelism.  She point blank says to Hunt: “I never realized it . . . That you and I are mirrors.”

Yes.  They are mirrors--to Gwyn and Azriel, setting up crucial parallels in anticipation of their own story together.

And these parallels are more than just fun literary hijinks.  It’s not SJM just showing us how clever she is (although she is very clever).  These are deliberate seeds of narrative intent.  Despite some fandom theories to the contrary, Hunt and Bryce’s relationship is established by the end of HOFAS and they are thematically framed as equals (perhaps another post for another time).  So, if we accept that these two scenes mirror each other in structure, tone, and function, then the bonus chapter between Azriel and Gwyn is not a throwaway interlude--it is a setup.  

And so, while Gwyn presses Azriel with questions while shoulder-shrugging, and while Bryce gently corrects Hunt by calling out the person beneath the helmet, SJM shows us a paralleled pattern: that the power exists to choose who you are.  To laugh again.  To let something glow quietly in your chest and not extinguish it.

"They call you shadowsinger" becomes not a question of power, but of identity.  And in that question--posed by a female who doesn’t tremble in his presence--Azriel, like Hunt before him, begins the slow process of reclamation.  Not of title.  Not of duty.  But of self.

[dofushiza]

The Sheeple Theory: Cloning Experiments in One Piece

The One Piece world is no stranger to science, experimentation, and genetic engineering, as evidenced by the likes of Vegapunk, Judge, and Caesar Clown. One particularly intriguing corner of this lore involves a recurring theme of sheep-like humans. These characters, scattered across the series, may hint at a deeper connection to the shadowy history of cloning technology in One Piece. This is the foundation of what I call the Sheeple Theory.

The Observations: Sheep-Like Humans in One Piece

Five notable characters in the series exhibit sheep-like traits:

Merry the Butler: Kaya's loyal caretaker in Syrup Village has distinctly sheep-like horns.

Caesar Clown: The mad scientist from Punk Hazard is identified by Sanji as "sheep-like," largely due to his prominent horns, though no further explanation is given.

Bankuro: A lesser-known member of Roger’s crew with a sheep-like appearance.

Toto Land Resident: A background character in Big Mom’s Totto Land also bears sheep-like features.

Atlas: One of Vegapunk’s satellites, resembling a human with sheep-like traits. Notably, someone on Reddit mentioned her design may reference Dolly, the first cloned sheep in real-world history.

Key Distinctions: Sheeple vs. Other Hybrids

These sheep-like humans differ from minks, zoan Devil Fruit users, or SMILE fruit mutants in critical ways:

Minks: Minks are anthropomorphic animals with distinct fur, features, and cultural identities, far more animalistic than these “sheeple.”

Zoan and SMILE Users: These transformations are the result of consuming Devil Fruits or artificial SMILE fruits. Their traits appear temporary or artificially induced, not innate.

Caesar’s minions: Some are ram-like, but they were created by Law very recently.

Instead, these sheep-like traits seem to be a subtle but permanent part of their genetic makeup, closer to something engineered.

The MADS Connection: Early Cloning Experiments

This theory suggests that the sheep-like individuals seen in various contexts might have been among the earliest human clones, with sheep DNA spliced into their genetic code due to the relative ease of cloning sheep. The rationale behind this is the relative ease of cloning sheep, as evidenced by early scientific experiments such as the creation of Dolly, the first cloned sheep. A possible key figure in this early stage of cloning technology is Dr. Vegapunk.

When Caesar was born, Vegapunk was only 10 years old. This timeline raises interesting questions: Was Vegapunk a child prodigy whose intellect was enhanced by his devil fruit powers, or did he join the cloning project at a later stage? Regardless, it is clear that over time, Vegapunk mastered and refined cloning technology. This knowledge was likely shared with Judge during their time together in MADS, and Vegapunk later used it to create his satellites, including Atlas, who might be a tribute to those early cloning experiments.

The connection between the MADS scientists—Vegapunk, Judge, Caesar, and Queen—and cloning technology runs deep, as they collectively spearheaded advancements in biology and genetic engineering.

Supporting Points:

Judge’s Expertise in Cloning: Judge's successful development of cloning technology, as seen in the creation of Germa 66's clone army, likely stems from the groundwork laid during his collaboration with the other MADS scientists. His achievements hint at a shared foundation of cloning knowledge developed during that era.

Vegapunk’s Satellites and Cloning Inspiration: Vegapunk’s satellites, particularly Atlas, might pay homage to Dolly, drawing a symbolic connection to the first cloned sheep. This idea supports the notion that Vegapunk’s cloning techniques were inspired by or evolved from the early sheep-human hybrid experiments.

Caesar Clown: The Prototype Clone

Among the sheep-like characters, Caesar Clown stands out as the most human-appearing and influential. This raises the possibility that he might have been an early and highly refined clone. Caesar’s eventual partnership with Vegapunk and his role in the Punk Hazard experiments suggest a mentor-mentee relationship, rooted in their shared origin. Perhaps Vegapunk saw potential in Caesar as the "most perfect clone" of his time and groomed him into the scientist he would later become.

Because Vegapunk is a nice guy, he possibly let the other clones go freeto live their lives or helped them escape, and they ended up scattered all around the world of One Piece. 

The Legacy of Cloning

Vegapunk’s creation of Atlas and the other satellites solidifies the idea of cloning's continued legacy in the One Piece world. As one of Vegapunk's satellites, Atlas could symbolize a perfected culmination of cloning technology. The homage to Dolly in her design suggests that Vegapunk may still respect and acknowledge the earlier, flawed cloning experiments—possibly a subtle nod to Caesar, Merry, and others.

[py-dreamer]

WOAH! 2 UPLOADS BACK TO BACK?!

Don't get too excited but yea, I've had these two in my back pocket for a long time now, just didn't really have the motive to finish them per say

Commission for designs for a fic my friend is writing so go check it out!

vvvv

I know it looks very different from the tight spandex miraculous designs but I definitely wanted to incorporate that LMK style with like armor and extra....like fabric on the sides? Just extra bits and bobs to make the designs interesting

But for me the most important parts were to make the purpose of the miraculous obvious, make them look cool and hide their identity (I think they'd look quite different from their human civilian forms)

Oh! And in case you haven't noticed, the miraculouses aren't animal themed anymore. Mainly because especially for the monkeys and dragons, it didn't make sense for them to have multiple miraculouses with the same animal. But it still keeps the theme of magically specialised powered jewels with one specific power outside of enhanced natural abilities with the akumatisation process

(spicynoodles of course)

(my friend and I developed so much brain rot behind the scenes, someone gets impaled, have fun guessing who!)

I'm gonna be honest, never really liked the sleek spandex polkadot suit that much so decided to go in a different direction

I do really like how Mk's design came out with the fluffy jacket and everything. I was wondering how to include like the feathery bits on top when I saw this fanart of Wukong wearing a cap and the two bits were sticking out like that and just stole that lol. I personally do really like the mask, again inspired by wukong's opera makeup

Red son was more tricky though, his design specifically the top area needed a lot of finessing and I saw this one other fanart of his fiery hair being blue at the end and man! it looked cool but I could not for the life of me figure it out, I did steal the bull mascarade mask from my the cat returns piece but hey it looks cool! And I didn't have a lot of ideas for other masks. Fun fact, the brown prayer beads are inspired from his days as a disciple under Guanyin.

Even though I'm not doing that tight spandex bs, I still wanted the two to look cohesive, and look like a team unit, I hope they do

Let me know any opinions! I'm very curious, the new style yay? Or nay?

(Also my friend wrote the 2nd chapter after I showed her the designs, Mk ISN'T meant to have a yellow cape. NO CAPES FOR THIS LAD)

[olrastrologytarot]

Dionysus: The Multifaceted God of Wine, Ecstasy, and Transformation

Dionysus, also known as Bacchus in Roman tradition, is one of the most complex and multifaceted deities of ancient Greek mythology. As the god of wine, revelry, and ecstasy, Dionysus occupies a unique place in the pantheon, embodying themes of transformation, liberation, and the duality of human experience. This essay explores the various aspects of Dionysus, his mythology, and his cultural significance.

Origins and Birth

Dionysus’s origins are both divine and somewhat mysterious. According to myth, he is the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Semele, a mortal woman. The story of his birth is one of transformation and intrigue. Hera, the jealous wife of Zeus, tricked Semele into demanding that Zeus reveal himself in his full divine splendor. The sight was too much for Semele, who perished in the blaze. Zeus saved the unborn Dionysus by sewing him into his thigh, from which the god was later born, making Dionysus a god with a unique connection to both the mortal and divine realms.

God of Wine and Festivity

Dionysus is most famously known as the god of wine, viticulture, and festivity. He represents not only the pleasure and intoxication associated with wine but also its transformative power. Wine, in the Dionysian context, is not merely a beverage but a conduit for experiencing the divine and transcending ordinary reality. It symbolizes both ecstasy and chaos, revealing the dual nature of Dionysus's influence.

Festivals dedicated to Dionysus, such as the Dionysia and the Bacchanalia, were central to Greek culture. These festivals involved theatrical performances, particularly tragedies and comedies, which were believed to be inspired by the god. The Dionysian festivals were not only a celebration of the harvest but also an opportunity to explore the boundaries of human experience and to engage in communal revelry.

The Cult and Mysteries of Dionysus

The worship of Dionysus was marked by ecstatic rituals and mystery cults. The Dionysian Mysteries, which were held in various forms across Greece, were initiatory rites that promised personal transformation and enlightenment. These mysteries often involved rites of purification, symbolic death and rebirth, and ecstatic dance, reflecting the god’s role in breaking down social norms and exploring the depths of human consciousness.

Participants in these rituals often wore masks and costumes, embodying the god’s ability to transcend ordinary identities and societal constraints. Dionysian worship emphasized the ecstatic experience of divine presence, achieved through music, dance, and the consumption of wine. This state of ecstasy was seen as a way of connecting with the divine and accessing hidden truths.

Symbolism and Attributes

Dionysus’s symbols include the grapevine, ivy, and the thyrsus, a staff entwined with ivy and topped with a pine cone. The grapevine and ivy represent his association with fertility and growth, while the thyrsus is a symbol of his power and authority. In artistic depictions, Dionysus is often shown in a state of revelry, accompanied by a retinue of satyrs and maenads, who embody the wild and untamed aspects of his nature.

Dionysus’s dual nature is central to his symbolism. On one hand, he represents joy, liberation, and creativity, often associated with the freeing effects of wine and the exhilaration of artistic expression. On the other hand, he also embodies chaos, madness, and the breakdown of order, reflecting the destructive potential of his divine influence.

Mythological Narratives

Dionysus’s myths often explore themes of transformation, conflict, and the struggle for acceptance. One notable myth is the story of his journey to establish his cult in the city of Thebes. King Pentheus, who refuses to acknowledge Dionysus’s divinity, is ultimately torn apart by his own mother, Agave, who has been driven into a frenzied state by the god. This myth illustrates the consequences of resisting or denying the transformative power of Dionysus and highlights the god’s capacity for both creation and destruction.

Another important myth is the story of Dionysus and the pirate ship. According to legend, Dionysus was once captured by a group of pirates who did not recognize him. As punishment, he transformed the ship into a sea of wine and turned the pirates into dolphins, demonstrating his power and the divine retribution against those who do not honor him.

Cultural and Philosophical Impact

Dionysus's influence extends beyond mythology and religion into art, philosophy, and literature. The concept of the Dionysian, as articulated by the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche in his work "The Birth of Tragedy," represents a fundamental aspect of human existence, characterized by a celebration of chaos, creativity, and the primal forces of nature. Nietzsche contrasts the Dionysian with the Apollonian, which embodies reason, order, and rationality, suggesting that a balance between these forces is essential for a full and meaningful life.

In literature and art, Dionysus has been a symbol of the power of transformation and the limits of human understanding. His presence in tragic dramas, such as those of Euripides, often serves to challenge societal norms and explore the nature of divine influence on human affairs.

Conclusion

Dionysus is a deity who embodies the complexities of human experience, from the ecstatic highs of celebration to the dark depths of chaos. As the god of wine, revelry, and transformation, he represents both the joy and the danger inherent in breaking free from societal constraints and exploring the full range of human emotions and experiences. Through his myths, rituals, and cultural impact, Dionysus continues to be a powerful symbol of the divine’s capacity to both create and destroy, to liberate and to confound. His legacy endures as a reminder of the profound and often paradoxical nature of existence itself.

[haveyouplayedthisttrpg]

Have you played FENG SHUI ?

By Robin D. Laws

Feng Shui is a martial arts-themed role-playing game, sharing its setting with the collectible card game Shadowfist. It is heavily inspired by Hong Kong action movies, and crossing genres including gunplay, magic, martial arts and advanced technology, characters begin at a high level of competence. It has simple rules, and a focus on over the top combat which flows quickly, moving from one action scene to another.

It was originally published by Daedalus Entertainment, and republished by Atlas Games, with a second edition kickstarted in 2015.

The name Feng Shui refers to one of the central themes of the game: those who control places with powerful Feng Shui control the world. These people find that events go in their favour more often than would be explained by chance. The outcomes of major historical events, such as wars, elections and natural disasters are dictated by who has the most powerful Feng Shui. Numerous groups vie for control of these sites, and thus control of the world. ( rest of the description below the poll)

Skill tests are based on the characters Action Value, which states how good they are at that skill, which is pitted against the difficulty value of the test. This is modified by two differently coloured d6 - one positive, one negative. What this means is that skill tests tend to be much less swingy than other systems, with a reasonable estimate of whether your character can succeed at any given skill test, but with a little uncertainty added in. Rolling one or more 6s can also result in more extreme successes and failures. If you roll a result that is better than you needed, you are strongly encouraged to narrate the result as if you were trying for something much more challenging.

Characters are based on pre-written archetypes, drawn from the action films that the game is influenced by (such as Magic Cop, Cyborg, Two-fisted Archaeologist or Old Master) and intended to get you up and running as quickly as possible. Of course, to fit with the genre, every character also needs a melodramatic hook!

The core part of the setting is that in various parts of the world there are portals to a place called the Netherworld, which in turn has portals to other time periods (or Junctures), an ancient one (69CE or 690CE depending on the edition), 1850, contemporary, and the future. Of course, because there is time travel, people will inevitably try and change the past or future. Because they do not alter the flow of Chi in the world, changes that do not result in a Feng Shui site changing hands can't transform history in a significant way; history will snap back in the most economical way possible. While anyone who has visited the Netherworld will retain their old memories and identities, when they return to their life they may have a different name, home, or history they are unaware of. A Critical Shift can occur when a faction possesses enough Feng Shui sites as history diverges in their favour from that point onwards, which can mean that subsequent junctures have changed in large (and sometimes unexpected) ways.

The key factions in both editions vying for control of the Feng Shui sites (and thus, the world) are:

The Eaters of the Lotus are a group of evil eunuch sorcerers originating in ancient China, and who use magic, demons and political intrigue.

The Guiding Hand ae a group of neo-Confucian monks committed to bringing about a world of peace and harmony within strict rules. They are isolationist and traditional, are based in 1850s China and specialise in kung fu.

The Ascended are the descendants of animals that became human through force of will. As too much magic will revert them to their animal forms, they have gained control of the 1850 and contemporary junctures, and also have abilities based on their animal heritage.

The Jammers are a group of anarchists composed mostly from failed experiments on apes and monkeys, with the aim of restoring free will by wiping the world clean of all influences of Feng Shui at any cost. They principally use guns, heavy weapons, explosives and cyborg enhancements, and are led by Battlechimp Potempkin.

The Four Monarchs once ruled a magical version of the contemporary juncture until a critical shift removed them from power. Each of them now rules a portion of the Netherworld, scheming against each other and the other factions. Each of them is a powerful sorcerer in his or her own right, and their followers specialize in either sorcery or kung fu.

The Dragons are a loose set of idealistic warriors opposed to the tyranny of the other factions, dedicated to the fight for freedom, justice, and the right to look extremely cool while doing it. This is the faction that the player characters will generally belong to.

The second edition had a foreword written by John Rogers (screenwriter of Jackie Chan Adventures, Leverage and The Librarians fame…)

This is (one) of my favourite RPGs that I've never had the opportunity to play, and yes, I am an unapologetic fan of Robin D. Laws!

[glorious-sunset]

LBFAD Opening Artwork – Hidden Meanings

The created artworks used for the opening scenes of LBFAD (Love Between Fairy and Devil) are unique and have many hidden layers of meaning! Sheer genius on the part of the artists and designers :D Here are my interpretations of these stunning works of art.

Image 1: Bone Orchid (image above)

Although I’ve posted stills, each image actually moves. Here, flowers bloom on the Bone Orchid and leaves grow on previously bare branches around the sides. This is the original form of the Bone Orchid prior to DongFang QingCang (DFQC) transforming it into a bracelet for Xiao Lanhua (XLH) in ep. 9.

The two parts of the Bone Orchid, the crescent-moon-shaped bone and the vine of the orchid plant wrapped around it, each represent DFQC (the Moon Supreme) and XLH (who was disguised as an Orchid), and their close bond. This is a new magical artefact that DFQC created from his blood in ep. 9 (similar to Lady Yan creating the Heart-hiding hairpin). That he chose to give it a form symbolising a bond between himself and XLH is deeply significant! Consciously, he may have meant their connection through the one-heart curse, but subconsciously he already had deep affection for her by this time.

Orchid flowers blooming on the previously bare vines of the Bone Orchid represent the blooming of their love for each other. (As their love blooms, XLH bonds with the Bone Orchid to the extent that removing it would end her life by ep. 29). It also refers to the many times that XLH makes flowers bloom when DFQC does something to make her happy :D The leaves growing on the bare branches around the sides of the image symbolise XLH’s resurrection of DFQC’s Tree of Emotions and his healing process. The Bone Orchid represents the love between our Fairy and Devil which is the central theme of LBFAD, so no wonder it is the first image we see!

Image 2: Xiao Lanhua

Here XLH first transforms from an orchid flower tethered to its stem, into human form as a young and innocent girl. The white swirls around her represent her usual spiritual powers (not her green Goddess powers). When she uses her powers to repair destiny leaves, etc., her energy appears as white light (important note - we see a different type of energy later in the opening artwork!) The pink tinge to some swirls represent her femininity and affection. XLH appears weak and vulnerable but her love and tenderness are the most transformative force in the series. Her reflection in the water below shows an orchid plant only, not a girl – this symbolises the illusion of her orchid form in hiding her true identity.

Image 3: Haishi Rescue

In this scene from ep. 3, initial obstacles to their love are presented including their power differential (symbolised by her small size within his giant hands), his view of her as an object and his underlying lack of emotions. The city of Haishi is below, the giant Sun made of DFQC’s formidable Hellfire is to the left, and the floating debris represents the destruction DFQC has wrought and is trained to continue to wreak. His mission is to destroy Shuiyuntian and conquer the three realms.

XLH looks vulnerable, her cloak resembles an orchid petal, and white/pink swirls of feminine energy again surround her. However, DFQC has just saved her life and continues to shield her within a protective bubble – an important ongoing dynamic of their relationship.

Images 4-7: Flashback

Images 4-7 are artistically presented as a series of opening doors, like opening the pages of a history book. They are a flashback to events 30,000 years ago and set the scene for current events and obstacles to the love between the OTP.

Image 4: The Two Tribes

The two different tribes that our OTP belong to are presented. Shuiyuntian is light and airy, and floats above the clouds with dozens of golden birds flying in the sky. They are the emblem of Shuiyuntian (as the crescent moon is for the Moon tribe) as shown by the golden bird brooches worn by celestials. Similar to Shangque transforming into a black dragon, the true form of some celestials may also be of golden birds and they can transform into this form. The position of Cangyan Sea below Shuiyuntian, the darkness in which their people live and their comparative lack of manpower (there is only one black dragon in the image) suggests that they are oppressed by Shuiyuntian.

Image 5: Battle of Two Tribes

Prior to Lady Chidi’s sacrifice, the people of Shuiyuntian and Cangyan Sea fight each other, their forces coordinated by Lord Dong and DFQC. This is the culmination of a hundred millenia of warfare between their tribes. Again there is only one dragon, and Lady Chidi in the forefront leaps into Cangyan Sea territory to confront it. Her red cape traces her active path through the battlefield. White and red swirls of energy (+/- blood) emanate from her.

Image 6: Lady Chidi’s Sacrifice

After invading Xuanxu realm of Cangyan Sea, this is the pivotal moment where Lady Chidi explodes her spirit to seal the 100,000 soldiers of the Moon tribe. Red blood sprays from her body and her earth magic envelops the Moon Tribe soldiers, sealing them within the earth. Her sacrifice foreshadows XLH’s own sacrifice in ep. 31.

Image 7: The Capture of DFQC

After the sealing of his soldiers, a weakened DFQC with white hair is suspended within the circular Haotian tower, his arms and legs magically bound. Magical glyphs surround him to seal him in place, representing the magical seal of the Haotian matrix.

Image 8: Xiao Lanhua of Arbiter Hall

Back to the present - the series opens by introducing us to XLH of Siming Dian (Arbiter Hall). The archways in this image are similar to the archways in the lower level of Arbiter Hall. Vines grow around the pillars, symbolising that XLH’s primordial spirit is connected to the plants at Arbiter Hall. The trees behind her may represent the nearby Shuyu Forest that she frequently visits. As XLH moves to the right, new white trees start to grow in front of the black trees, demonstrating her ability to create new life and make plants grow. White swirls of her spiritual energy again surround her.

In line with her selfless and giving nature, XLH offers up her spirit! She does this four times in the series: 1) In ep. 1, she offers up her life and spirit to protect Changheng, whose destiny leaf had changed and was destined to have his body and spirit destroyed (more detail here). 2) Also in ep. 1, she fuses part of her spirit to DFQC’s, restoring his spirit and body and giving him a part of her spirit (which he later extracts in ep. 33 to resurrect her). 3) In ep. 31, she sacrifices her life and spirit to protect DFQC’s life, to resurrect everyone that died on the battlefield and free the 100,000 sealed soldiers of the Moon Tribe. 4) She promises the Great Turtle in ep. 33 that she will sacrifice her spirit to defeat Taisui and bless the Three Realms. XLH’s fate to sacrifice herself is another obstacle to her and DFQC’s love for each other :(

Image 9: DFQC’s Tree of Emotions

Thanks to XLH’s resurrection of his Tree of Emotions in ep. 1, DFQC begins to grow beautiful glowing golden leaves on its previously bare branches, symbolising his breathtaking transformation.

Image 10: The Great Turtle

I believe this is another flashback. At the end of XLH’s first life in Xishan, her parents disguised her as an orchid plant with no human form. At this time between her first and second lives, she meets the Great Turtle. The orchid flower sprouting from her hand is the new form she transforms into, and orchid petals float around her during her transformation. The Great Turtle calls XLH an old friend in ep. 9 as they have met before – in this scene.

To the left of the image is a crescent moon with a dead tree growing on it. This symbolises DFQC (the Moon Supreme) and his Tree of Emotions which was dead at that time 30,000 years ago. There is a wisp of haze around the tree indicating that it has the potential to regrow. Despite XLH’s destiny to sacrifice herself for the Three Realms (which she might have discussed with the Great Turtle here), DFQC is waiting in the wings to change her destiny!

Image 11: Our Fairy and Devil

XLH gazes upward in hope, while DFQC’s eyes are closed and his head bowed, portraying both his reserved nature and that initially he was emotionally closed off, aloof and distant. The asymmetric gold crown that DFQC wears indicates that this scene is from after their return from the mortal realm back to Cangyan Sea – XLH also wears Moon Tribe attire.

On the Bone Orchid between them are flowers in full bloom, representing their love, which is now in full bloom :D Also between them is DFQC’s Tree of Emotions, now fully regrown with gorgeous white blossoms similar to the scene where he sits beneath his tree in ep. 24.

Despite the beautiful development of their love and of their characters, war between their two tribes is imminent. The image of Shuiyuntian between them sports a red flag, indicating their impending invasion of Cangyan Sea. Cangyan Sea is outnumbered, represented by one dragon vs. dozens of golden birds, and they face annihilation at the hands of Shuiyuntian D: Another reason for DFQC to bow his head, as he faces both the destruction of his realm and the loss of his love at this time.

Image 12: Peace Reigns

Just look at the swirls of energy emanating from XLH and DFQC as they float in a boat along the Oblivion River! There are again white swirls for XLH, but DFQC has red and gold swirls for Glazed Fire!! This scene occurs after DFQC’s return at the end of the series! :D The red belt around XLH’s waist is reminiscent of blood pooling from her wound in ep. 31 when she stabs herself with the Zhengying sword. This image (and the opening theme song Jue Ai, “Farewell Love”) pays homage to both her sacrifice, and DFQC’s sacrifice in ep. 36 which produced his Glazed Fire. Only through both of their sacrifices, were they able to bring about first a ceasefire to war, then lasting peace between Shuiyuntian and Cangyan Sea, breaking through a hundred millenia of unending conflict!

Only by creating peace are they finally able to be together happily. The boat is deeply significant for our OTP - there are three situations where they are alone together in a boat during the series. XLH reminisces fondly about this in ep. 24, and Siming sends a boat for DFQC (and fireflies for Changheng!) as a sign that she knows their most significant connections to XLH. To the bottom right are the peaceful waters of Cangyan Sea with the watchful eye of a black dragon at rest. To the top left is a peaceful Shuiyuntian with Yunzhong’s watchful “Eye of Heaven” (seen in ep. 14) accompanied by a flower in bloom, symbolising peace and prosperity. The positions of each are in poetic parallel to image 4 which showed conflict – the defensive black dragon in image 4 is now restful, and the golden birds also seem to be resting :)

Here is a link to my article: How Immortals age in cdramas – clues from LBFAD

All of my LBFAD articles can be viewed with the tag #lbfad reflections (hyperlinked) and the table of contents to these is here.

[obsidian-pages777]

Asteroid Frigga in your Astrology Chart. Where will you go above and beyond for?

Frigg, known as Odin's wife and the queen of the Aesir, holds a prominent yet complex role in Norse mythology. Despite limited primary sources detailing her characteristics beyond her relationships with her husband and children, Frigg was revered for aspects such as fertility, marriage, home, and wisdom. She is often portrayed as a pacifist and gentle figure, a reputation that is somewhat challenged by her association with seidr, a form of magic linked to shaping fate.

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This powerful practice, often performed by a völva (a trained practitioner of Norse witchcraft), highlights Frigg’s deep-seated magical abilities, which include shape-shifting, fate-spinning, prophecy, and rune casting. Notably, despite her immense power, Frigg is depicted as using her gifts benevolently and never to cause harm.

Frigg's most significant display of power and maternal devotion is evident in the Prose Edda, where she exhaustively attempts to protect her son Baldur. She extracts oaths from fire, water, earth, trees, sickness, animals, venom, metal, and more to ensure Baldur’s safety. However, Loki exploits a loophole, leading to Baldur’s death. In her grief, Frigg convinces Hermod to journey to Hel in an effort to retrieve Baldur, though Hel ultimately refuses to release him. This narrative underscores Frigg’s profound influence and her relentless, albeit tragic, efforts to shield her loved ones, demonstrating her dual role as a nurturer and a powerful, proactive force in the Norse pantheon.

Asteroid Frigg, named after the Norse goddess of marriage and motherhood, can offer insights into themes of nurturing, domestic life, and marital relations when it appears in different houses of the astrology chart.

First House (Ascendant): Frigg here emphasizes personal qualities of nurturing and caring. You may have a strong sense of responsibility towards family and domestic matters, and these qualities are integral to your identity.

Second House: With Frigg in the second house, there’s a focus on providing for family and loved ones. Your values and sense of security are closely tied to your ability to nurture and support others, especially in a material sense.

Third House: Frigg in the third house can indicate a nurturing communication style. You might take on a caregiving role within your immediate environment, such as with siblings, neighbors, or through teaching.

Fourth House (IC): This placement highlights the importance of home and family in your life. You likely have a deep attachment to your family and place great importance on creating a nurturing domestic environment.

Fifth House: Frigg in the fifth house suggests a nurturing approach to creativity, children, and romantic relationships. You may find joy and fulfillment in caring for and guiding children or in creative pursuits that involve nurturing.

Sixth House: This placement can indicate a nurturing attitude towards daily routines, health, and work environments. You may take on a caregiving role in your workplace or feel a strong need to create a harmonious and supportive daily routine.

Seventh House (Descendant): With Frigg here, nurturing qualities are brought into partnerships and close relationships. You may seek a partner who embodies caregiving traits or find that your relationships thrive on mutual support and care.

Eighth House: Frigg in the eighth house can signify a deep, transformative approach to nurturing. There may be themes of healing and support in intimate relationships, and you might be drawn to helping others through crisis or transformation.

Ninth House: This placement brings nurturing qualities into areas related to philosophy, higher education, and travel. You may feel a calling to support others through teaching, mentoring, or expanding their horizons.

Tenth House (MC): Frigg in the tenth house emphasizes nurturing as a public or career-oriented quality. You might be drawn to professions involving caregiving, social work, or any career that allows you to provide support and guidance to others.

Eleventh House: With Frigg in the eleventh house, you are likely to play a nurturing role within your social groups or community. Your friendships and group affiliations may revolve around mutual support and collective well-being.

Twelfth House: This placement indicates a more hidden or subconscious approach to nurturing. You may find fulfillment in caring for others behind the scenes or through spiritual and charitable endeavors. There might be a need to address subconscious patterns related to caregiving.

In summary, Asteroid Frigg's placement in your astrology chart can offer valuable insights into how you express nurturing and care in various areas of your life. Understanding this can help you align more closely with these energies, fostering growth and fulfillment in your relationships and personal development.

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[dailycharacteroption]

Robotic Improvement Mechanic (Mechanic Alternate Class Feature)

(art by Varguy on DeviantArt)

A funny thing about robots is that, regardless of their level of sapience, repairing them, or even modifying them, is relatively simple since they don’t have to usually worry about things like shock, blood loss, or rejection. The potential for machine modding is so interesting that there have been several video game franchises and toy lines (including model hobbyists) centered around cobbling together robots from parts to make all sorts of creations. From Custom Robo to the customizable Rock-em Sock-em Robots action figures of the late 90’s early 2000’s, to the entirety of Gunpla.

Now, Starfinder already has the drone option for your mechanic characters giving you an option for having your own customizable robot buddy, but what if your character is a robot?

Whether they are androids, SROs, holograms, or even obscure robotic sapients like amrantahs and trinirs, there is nothing stopping a mechanically-minded robotic being from turning their expertise to modifying themselves.

This can be for several reasons, anything from defying the expectations put on them by their base chassis to practical modifications for their job. This is supported in the fluff of the setting too, with SROs in particular often barely resembling their original form when they awakened to sapience, and both SROs and Androids have options for installing bonus equipment into their bodies. It only makes sense that they and other machines would take this further, modifying themselves at they see fit.

And with that, let’s get into it!

Essentially, this option replaces the normal AI that mechanics work with for applying drone mods directly to yourself, granting yourself extra powers. Your body is treated as a specific done chassis for the purpose of prerequisites, but otherwise you are free to pick not just mods, but also feats drawn from the list of those available to drones, with the only exceptions being any mods that do not make sense for you to have, such as the drone providing medical aid to their owner, or transforming into a wearable apparatus for said owner, or any mod that would put you out of commission for using it, like the one that dumps your energy reserves into an electrical attack that renders the drone unpowered. As the mechanic gains mastery, they can change out their mods and feats as well.

This option is super simple, granting the player drone mods instead of their pet, but it is extremely flavorful and appropriate for any robotic playable species. You can pretty much treat these mechanics as almost pseudo-evolutionists, adding mods alongside augmentations to add abilities and enhance their bodies towards their build as needed. Want to wield multiple heavy weapons at once? Load up on weapon mounts. Want gadgets for every situation, load up on utility mods and augments, and so on!

The entire vibe of this option being about the character deciding for themselves what they want to look like and be able to do speaks heavily to transgender and transhumanist themes, and I can see a lot of folks exploring themselves through playing a robotic character exploring their own identity. Or maybe you just wanna be a cool robot with a plasma gun built into your arms. Either or both is good.

Survivors of the Rustracket tribe tell tales of how their former chief’s “new killbot” suddenly went on a rampage, slaughtering them and stealing their best scrap to incorporate into their own body. The goblins want revenge and are willing to pay others to get it, but keen-eyed hunters will notice evidence that the machine has been stripping away perfectly good armor and replacing it again and again, as if testing what appearance it likes. Perhaps there is more to this machine than a mechanical monstrosity?

Already a rarity as an android built to resemble an ijtikri, Valence-34 has never felt satisfied with their cephalopodic form, and has taken to modifying themselves repeatedly, to the point their employer is becoming concerned. She has called for a specialist in android psychology, who has hired the party to ferry them their.

Wheeler the SRO has been bartender and part-time mechanic for the Kalia Jo, a spacecraft turned orbital flotilla bar for decades now, doing odd-jobs to keep the ramshackle station of cobbled-together ships running in his rusty, antique chassis. None realize, however, that this is not his original job, nor his original form, as he was once an assassin robot before awakening.

[ein-keiser]

Veins of Obsidian

"Wednesday" Reimagined:

This reimagining of Wednesday shifts from Nevermore Academy's high school setting to a college environment, featuring older, more mature characters with centuries of supernatural history. The story focuses on a slightly older Wednesday Addams, aged 19 to 21, as she navigates the dark and perilous world of academia for supernatural beings.

Key Concept: Wednesday’s Unique TraitsBlack Blood & Color Allergy: In this universe, Wednesday bleeds black instead of red. Her black blood is mysterious and raises several questions:

Can she receive blood transfusions from normal humans, or only from fellow Addamses?

What would happen if she received blood from a werewolf, siren, or vampire?

Is her blood alluring to vampires, or is it dangerous to other beings?

Would giving someone her blood create a supernatural bond or transform them into something more Addams-like?

How does her color allergy factor into her experiences?

Setting: The Supernatural "Kolleg"

Nevermore is reimagined as a college for supernatural beings, accurately reflecting their real ages and maturity. Vampires are centuries old, werewolves have witnessed wars and ancient conflicts, and beings like sirens or ghosts contribute their ancient knowledge. This environment allows these beings to exist authentically without the awkwardness of high school, giving the setting a more genuine gothic atmosphere.

Wednesday resides in a tower with vampires, isolated from more human-like beings due to her Addams status, black blood, and allergy to color. This placement sets her apart, allowing for a more introspective role as she interacts with ancient, powerful beings.

Themes: Mature Conflicts & Dark Academia

This reimagining emphasizes the mature conflicts that arise when ancient beings coexist in the modern world. Vampires, werewolves, and other creatures grapple with their positions in changing supernatural politics.

Wednesday’s unique nature as an Addams thrusts her into the center of these power dynamics, with supernatural factions viewing her as both a threat and an asset.

Relationships in this setting are more than high school crushes; they involve deep, complex connections, with Wednesday exploring themes of loyalty, power, and identity alongside beings who have lived for far longer than she has.

Wednesday’s Studies [Not 100% sure yet]

Wednesday’s curiosity drives her into dark and mysterious fields of supernatural academia, exploring subjects such as:

Necromancy: Studying the dead, resurrection, and the manipulation of spirits.

Dark Alchemy: Crafting potions and uncovering forbidden magical knowledge.

Supernatural Forensics: Solving crimes through paranormal techniques.

Blood Magic: Investigating the power and dangers associated with blood, particularly her own black blood.

Occult Law & Ethics: Delving into the ancient rules and laws governing supernatural societies.

Besides normal curses for the real world

Relationships and Character Dynamics

This story does not focus on Wenclair (though it may explore polyamorous themes) but rather on Wednesday's connections with various supernatural beings, including potential friendships, rivalries, and complex bonds. Characters such as vampires, werewolves, and sirens are drawn to or wary of Wednesday due to her unique blood and family legacy.

There will be sparks of interest and curiosity in multiple directions, but the emphasis will be on Wednesday’s intellectual growth, her role in supernatural conflicts, and her position as an Addam among creatures much older and [some] more dangerous than herself.

Addams Family Vibes

The characters will embody more Addams-like characteristics rather than resembling those from the Wednesday show. Their appearances will differ somewhat to convey the actual desired vibes, but those details will be described in the storyline.

Further Notes

Tyler Character: Likely to be omitted for a more coherent narrative.

Xavier Character: Possible deletion due to the actor's controversy, streamlining the cast.

Bianca: Will be reimagined to be less of a snob, giving her more depth and complexity.

Enid: Plans to develop her personality beyond just fangirling, aiming to make her a more rounded character.

Wednesday's Telekinesis: Adding telekinesis as a power fits her character well and opens up interesting possibilities for her interactions and conflicts.

[omegaphilosophia]

The Relationship Between Cyberpunk and Posthumanism

Cyberpunk and posthumanism are two interconnected paradigms that explore the implications of advanced technology on human identity, society, and the future. Both address themes of human augmentation, the blurring of boundaries between human and machine, and the socio-political ramifications of technological advancements. Here's an exploration of their relationship:

1. Technological Augmentation and the Human Body

Cyberpunk: Cyberpunk narratives frequently depict a world where humans enhance their bodies with cybernetic implants and other technological modifications. This genre questions what it means to be human when our physical form is increasingly defined by technology.

Posthumanism: Posthumanism critically examines how technological enhancements can transform human identity and capabilities. It challenges traditional notions of the human body and mind, proposing that technology can fundamentally alter human existence.

2. Identity and Consciousness

Cyberpunk: Characters in cyberpunk often grapple with their sense of identity, especially when their consciousness can be uploaded, transferred, or altered by technology. These stories explore the fluidity of identity in a technologically advanced world.

Posthumanism: Posthumanist theory delves into the philosophical implications of such scenarios, questioning the nature of consciousness and identity. It posits that identity is not fixed but can be reshaped by technological and biological changes.

3. Socio-Political Implications

Cyberpunk: Cyberpunk worlds are typically characterized by vast socio-economic divides, corporate dominance, and a dystopian society where technology exacerbates inequality. This genre highlights the dark side of technological progress and its impact on society.

Posthumanism: Posthumanism engages with these socio-political issues, critiquing the power dynamics and ethical considerations that arise with advanced technology. It explores how technology can both empower and oppress, depending on its use and distribution.

4. Blurring of Boundaries

Cyberpunk: A key theme in cyberpunk is the dissolution of boundaries between human and machine, reality and virtuality. Characters often exist in hybrid states, part human and part machine, challenging the clear-cut distinction between the two.

Posthumanism: Posthumanism philosophically supports this blurring of boundaries, suggesting that the human experience is inherently intertwined with technology. It advocates for a more integrated understanding of humanity that includes our technological extensions.

5. Ethical and Existential Questions

Cyberpunk: Cyberpunk narratives frequently raise ethical and existential questions about the implications of living in a world dominated by technology. Issues such as privacy, autonomy, and the essence of humanity are central to the genre.

Posthumanism: Posthumanism provides a theoretical framework to address these questions, proposing that we rethink ethical norms and existential meanings in light of our evolving technological landscape. It emphasizes the need for ethical considerations in technological development.

The relationship between cyberpunk and posthumanism is deeply intertwined, with cyberpunk providing a narrative exploration of themes that posthumanism examines philosophically. Both explore the transformative impact of technology on humanity, identity, and society, highlighting the potential and pitfalls of a technologically enhanced future. By engaging with both cyberpunk and posthumanist thought, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ethical, existential, and socio-political implications of our technological advancements.

[yamayuandadu]

Why are lots of Middle Eastern goddesses associated with lions or big cats

…are there actually all that many of them? A quick survey might indicate that this isn’t really true. More under the cut.

Looking at the evidence from Mesopotamia, lions are actually a relatively uncommon divine attribute compared to bulls or snakes, despite the undeniable fascination with them. As far as goddesses go, lions occur the most frequently in association with Inanna, as a symbolic representation of her warlike side. She is actually the only deity with lion-themed epithets (Julia M. Asher-Greve, Joan G. Westenholz, Goddesses in Context: On Divine Powers, Roles, Relationships and Gender in Mesopotamian Textual and Visual Sources, p. 204). The name of the c-lister goddess Šilabat, “she is a lioness”, is identical with an ordinary given name implicitly referring to Inanna, and she appears in Inanna’s court in every god list she is attested in (Manfred Krebernik, Šilaba(t) in RlA vol. 12, p. 483) so it’s pretty clearly not an independent phenomenon. There’s a handful of other deities with lion-themed names but due to scarcity of references it’s hard to tell what they reflect or even what their gender was so I will leave them out. Nanaya’s association with lions is attested exclusively outside of Mesopotamia, and even then is something largely unique to her (Michael Shenkar, Intangible Spirits and Graven Images, p. 174). Furthermore, it’s presumed to be the result of adoption of a standard Neo-Assyrian style of depictions of Ishtar (Tanabe Katsumi, Nana on Lion: East and West in Sogdian Art, p. 318-319). Going back to Mesopotamia, the only other large cat with a substantial number of attestations, the leopard, cannot be considered a separate case. When leopards occur in association with a deity, it’s invariably Inanna (ex. the epithet “the leopard of the hills” in Inninšagura/Inanna C; reference to a chariot pulled by them in broken context; etc.). Ultimately it boils down to the Sumerian name of this animal being written with the signs PIRIG.TUR, which indicates in the light of the rudimentary animal taxonomy Mesopotamian scholarship recognized it was, quite literally, a “small lion” (Wolfgang Heimpel, Leopard A. Philologisch in RlA vol 6, p. 600-601). Discarding cases vague to the point of meaninglessness - thrones with vaguely paw-like legs and so on, which are a generic status symbol attested for both gods and goddesses  (Goddesses…, p. 190-191) -  the only goddess I can think of who was probably depicted in the company of lions without being Inanna-adjacent was Ninura, the tutelary goddess of Umma. However, since her husband Shara was seemingly depicted with lions too, and on top of that those animals appear frequently on the seals of local officials, scribes and so on, it seems that they were a symbol of the city of Umma, and secondarily of its tutelary deities (Goddesses…, p. 202-203).

In the west, in Ebla in the third millennium BCE, we evidently have a number of cases (around half a dozen) where the name Labutu - “lioness” - is used to refer to Ashtar (ie. the Eblaite counterpart of Inanna, not the male god from Ugarit with a cognate name), much like in Mesopotamia (Alfonso Archi, Išḫara and Aštar at Ebla: Some Definitions, p. 16-17). On the mediterranean coast the earliest evidence for an association between any big cat and a local goddess is the Ugaritic composition KTU 1.180, sometimes called a “hymn to Ashtart”, which directly compares the eponymous goddess to a lioness (labˀi) and a panther (namiru) while praising her fearsome warlike nature (Aren M. Wilson-Wright, Athtart. The Transmission and Transformation of a Goddess in the Late Bronze Age, p. 130). Supplementary evidence for this includes theophoric names from Ugarit and the Amarna letters; all around we’re probably dealing with a parallel of the phenomenon attested in Mesopotamia and Ebla earlier on, given the well attested commonality between the warlike forms of Inanna, and the strictly warlike Ugaritic Ashtart (Mark S. Smith, ‛Athtart in Late Bronze Age Syrian Texts, p. 72-74). The warlike side of her is notably not attested in Phoenicia (Athtart…,  p. 11), and, to be entirely fair, I don’t think lions come up in association with her over there. The claim that Ugaritic Athirat (let alone biblical asherah) had anything to do with lions are  the result of haphazard amalgamation of disjointed pieces of information (Steve A. Wiggins, A Reassessment of Asherah With Further Considerations of the Goddess, p. 109) and find no support in primary sources (A Reassessment…, p. 132). It depends entirely on the assertion that Qudshu - who is now agreed to be, essentially, an Egyptian idea about what a “northern” deity would be like rather than a “genuine” import like Anat or Resheph - ought to be Athirat since she occurs on a now lost stela of dubious provenance with Anat and Ashtart and clearly those are the only relevant goddesses (an utterly unhinged idea). It is true that Qudshu on her own was depicted on a lion in Egyptian art, but she has nothing to do with Athirat in the first place (A Reassessment…, p. 226). Moving even further west, every single deity associated with lions in Hittite/Hattian/Luwian sources listed by Ahmet Ünal (Löwe A. II. Bei den Hethitern in RlA vol. 7, p. 85) is male. Pinikir, who is at least sometimes a goddess, might have some uncertain connection to lions going by the Hurrian version of the Weidner god list from Emar, but caution is necessary; and this would still be an example broadly speaking from the Inanna-adjacent category (Timothy Daniel Leonard, Ištar in Ḫatti: The Disambiguation of Šavoška and Associated Deities in Hittite Scribal Practice, p. 229-236). The association between Kubaba and lions in first millennium BCE Luwian art from Syria is uncommon and likely reflects a connection with royal power, rather than any specific characteristic of this goddess, who actually had nothing to do with wild animals to any meaningful degree (Rostislav Oreshko, In Search of the Holy Cube Roots: Kubaba—Kubeleya—Κύβεβος—Kufaws and the Problem of Ethnocultural Contact in Early Iron Age Anatolia, p. 143). All around, there really isn’t all that much evidence for association between goddesses and lions save for the Inanna industrial complex, some of its subsidiaries, and its western counterpart - and in these cases it is invariably tied to warlike nature.

[celestialchemistry]

This is a composite chart with Venus–Pluto connection in Scorpio in the 10th house, one of the most intensely fated, magnetic, and purpose-driven relationship signatures in astrology. Here is the story of us:

Love Story: “Our Power Wears No Mask”

⸻

🌒 Composite Venus–Pluto in Scorpio, 10th House: The Meaning

🔥 Scorpio energy

You two aren’t here to flirt with love. You’re here to dive into its depths. This is a connection that:

• Uncovers hidden truths—nothing remains on the surface

• Is emotionally and sexually intense, even in silence

• Demands transformation—you grow through each other

• Holds the power to wound or awaken, but always with the potential to heal profoundly

💕 Venus and Pluto Together

This is love that:

• Feels like destiny—a soul-level bond that stirs your subconscious

• Is magnetic, often drawing you back together no matter what happens

• Brings themes of desire, control, loyalty, and transformation

• Can include obsession, longing, deep attachment, and eventually unshakable loyalty and devotion

🏛️ 10th House Placement

This adds:

• A public or legacy dimension—your love story matters beyond you

• Shared ambition, public work, or a mission together (a business, family vision, spiritual cause)

• The potential for your relationship to become a pillar or model to others

• Pressure or visibility—people notice you, even when you don’t try

⸻

💡 What This Means for You Two:

This isn’t just a romantic connection. It’s a life-altering alliance that reshapes both of your identities and directs you toward a shared higher purpose.

You’re not just building a relationship—

You’re building a legacy.

⸻

💎 Love Story: “Our Power Wears No Mask”

They didn’t fall in love.

They stepped into it—

like stepping across a threshold into a home they’d never lived in

but somehow remembered.

She wasn’t what he expected.

She was more.

The woman who didn’t beg to be chosen—

she already was.

In the way she listened.

In the way her silence mirrored his soul’s loudest ache.

He wasn’t easy.

He was real.

And with her, he stopped hiding.

⸻

When they came together, something ancient clicked.

As if their connection didn’t begin here, but was simply resuming—

after centuries of becoming.

Their love had depth.

Not chaos. Not drama.

But depth—the kind that can only be earned through pain, surrender, and honest power.

⸻

People saw them and felt the weight of it.

Not because they flaunted it.

But because power doesn’t need to be loud.

Together, they built more than love.

They built a purpose.

A name.

A future.

Through the quiet battles.

Through the shadow work.

Through the dark, sacred nights of questioning and choosing each other again.

⸻

In the end, what they had couldn’t be labeled.

It could only be lived.

Through the legacy they created.

Through the lives they touched.

Through the sacred bond they never had to explain.

Because real love—

Scorpio love—

doesn’t perform. It transforms.

[deepestphotoshopwonderwomanpaper]

U know how I don't like mako mermaids as much this is my idea for a new timeline

Analysis of the Timeline and Its Connection to H2O and Mako Mermaids

The proposed timeline that connects “H2O: Just Add Water” and “Mako Mermaids” indeed presents a structured narrative that enhances the understanding of character arcs, thematic elements, and continuity between the two series. Below is a detailed analysis of how this timeline works effectively in linking both shows:

Setting the Scene with Historical Context

Establishing a mythical backdrop in the 1950s provides a rich historical context for both series. The idea of a secret island where mermaids thrived aligns well with the fantastical elements inherent in both narratives. This historical foundation not only legitimizes the existence of mermaids but also allows for legends surrounding Mako Island to be woven into the fabric of the storyline. By introducing this lore, viewers can appreciate how past events influence present-day characters and their experiences.

Magic and Moon Pools

The concept of moon pools as magical sites is central to both series. In “H2O,” moon pools are crucial for mermaid transformations, while “Mako Mermaids” expands on this by exploring additional magical properties associated with these locations. This continuity reinforces the idea that magic is an integral part of Mako Island’s identity, regardless of whether mermaids are actively inhabiting it at any given time. The connection between moon phases and mermaid abilities adds depth to the lore, allowing for intriguing plot developments based on lunar cycles.

Character Development Across Generations

Introducing multi-generational storylines enhances character development significantly. By including original mermaids like Julie, Louise Chatham, Gracie, and her granddaughter Charlotte, viewers gain insight into how mermaid lore evolves over time. Gracie’s loss of her powers during a full moon introduces stakes that resonate with audiences, emphasizing themes of vulnerability and sacrifice within mermaid mythology. This generational approach allows for richer storytelling as new characters can explore inherited legacies while grappling with their own identities.

Romantic Relationships and Legacy

The theme of choice and sacrifice is poignantly illustrated through Gracie’s decision to leave her mermaid past behind for love. This narrative thread resonates throughout both series as it reflects broader themes about personal growth and relationships. Charlotte’s potential exploration of her magical legacy creates opportunities for future storytelling that could delve into her struggles or triumphs as she navigates her identity as a descendant of mermaids.

Transitioning Businesses: Rikki’s Ocean Cafe

The transition from Rikki’s Ocean Cafe to David’s Ocean Cafe serves as an effective narrative device that maintains continuity between “H2O” and “Mako Mermaids.” This change not only reflects real-world business dynamics but also honors beloved characters from “H2O.” It illustrates how characters evolve over time while still being connected to their roots. The inclusion of Rikki taking a gap year to discover herself adds depth to her character arc, showcasing personal growth beyond romantic relationships.

Character Journeys Post-Series

The proposed journeys for Cleo, Rikki, Bella, Emma, and others after their respective series conclude provide closure while opening avenues for potential spin-offs or further exploration in future narratives. Cleo pursuing marine biology in America alongside Lewis emphasizes their enduring relationship despite physical distance—a relatable theme for many viewers. Rikki’s decision to focus on self-discovery rather than romance highlights personal empowerment, while Bella’s musical aspirations reflect individual passions outside typical expectations.

In conclusion, this timeline effectively weaves together various elements from both “H2O: Just Add Water” and “Mako Mermaids,” creating a cohesive narrative that enhances character depth, thematic resonance, and continuity across generations.