#and contributing to the growth of a stronger

[meripheri]

[fithealth-goals]

Stronger, Healthier Nails: My Positive Experience with Pro Nail Complex

For years, I battled weak, brittle nails that chipped and peeled easily. It was frustrating and made me self-conscious. I tried various strengthening treatments and polishes, but nothing seemed to make a lasting difference.

Then, I discovered ProNail Complex. With its focus on promoting healthy nail growth from the inside out, it piqued my interest. After reading reviews and learning about its natural ingredients, I decided to give it a try. Here's how ProNail Complex has transformed my nails for the better.

Nourishing Nails from Within

One of the things that impressed me most about ProNail Complex was its focus on internal nail health. It contains essential vitamins and minerals like Biotin, Zinc, and Selenium, all known to contribute to healthy hair, skin, and nails.

By nourishing my nails from within, ProNail Complex addressed the root cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. This approach made sense to me, and I was eager to see the results.

Visible Improvements in Strength and Growth

Within a few weeks of taking ProNail Complex daily, I started noticing a positive change. My nails felt noticeably stronger and less prone to breakage. They were also growing faster, allowing me to maintain a longer length without chipping or peeling.

This newfound strength and growth were a game-changer. I could finally experiment with different nail polish colors and styles without worrying about them breaking or looking unsightly. It was a small thing, but it made a big difference in my confidence.

Healthier Nails, Healthier Look

Beyond the aesthetic benefits, ProNail Complex also contributed to the overall health of my nails. The ridges and unevenness that I used to struggle with diminished significantly. My nails looked smoother and healthier, adding a touch of polish to my overall appearance.

Convenient Daily Dosage

ProNail Complex comes in easy-to-swallow capsules. The recommended dosage is just two capsules a day, making it a simple addition to my daily routine. I never forget to take them, and the capsules are small and easy to swallow.

An Investment in Healthy Nails

ProNail Complex has been an investment in my overall well-being. It's not just about having pretty nails; it's about taking care of my body from the inside out. With stronger, healthier nails, I feel more confident and put-together.

If you're struggling with weak, brittle nails, I highly recommend giving Pro Nail Complex a try. It might just be the solution you've been looking for. Remember, while this review reflects my experience, it's always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting any new supplement program.

[reasonsforhope]

1. More children are surviving today than ever before.

Close to 8 million more children in the world survive to see their fifth birthday than in 1990 — a 60 percent decline in annual under-five child mortality. 

UNICEF and partners have contributed to this remarkable achievement through proven, sustainable solutions for improving maternal and child health care services and strengthening disease prevention — and delivering those solutions at scale...

2. Vaccines have saved 154 million lives in the last 50 years.

As the world’s largest vaccine supplier, UNICEF procures and distributes enough vaccines annually to immunize 45 percent of the world's children. In 2023, UNICEF supplied 2.8 billion vaccine doses to 105 countries, up from just over 2 billion to 102 countries in 2020. Through widespread immunizations, polio is on the brink of eradication.

3. Safe water is available to over 2.1 billion more people compared to 20 years ago.

Consistent access to a sufficient supply of safe water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene is the foundation for child survival, healthier lives, stronger economies and more sustainable societies. With support from UNICEF and partners, more than a quarter of the world's population gained access to safe and clean drinking water in the past two decades.

UNICEF-supported programs help ensure access to safe water for 35 million people around the world every year. UNICEF also leads coordinated emergency response efforts related to safe water access in roughly 85 percent of countries affected by crises. In 2023, over 42 million people in 73 countries were reached with emergency water services, helping to prevent outbreaks of cholera and other waterborne diseases.

To help build community resilience to climate shocks, UNICEF has also supported the installation of more than 8,900 solar-powered water systems in 56 countries — an important climate adaption measure that also reduces the use of fossil fuels.

4. The number of children with stunted growth due to malnutrition has declined by 40 percent since 2000.

For more than two decades, UNICEF has been the world’s largest procurer of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), procuring up to 80 percent of global demand, ensuring children suffering from severe malnutrition can be treated successfully.

5. Over 68 million child marriages have been averted in the last 25 years, giving girls their childhoods back.

In the late 1990s, 1 in 4 young women aged 20 to 24 were married as children. Today, it's 1 in 5. UNICEF has played an important role in global efforts to end child marriage, supporting 35 countries in implementing action plans, and working at the community level and across the health, education and other sectors to increase knowledge and change attitudes around the practice.

In 2023, UNICEF reached 11 million adolescent girls with prevention and care interventions empowering them to delay marriage and choose their own futures. 

6. Fewer kids are out of school.

The world stands on the cusp of realizing primary education as a basic right of every child. A world where more children learn is a world that is healthier, more prosperous and more resilient.

In the early 1950s, roughly half of all primary school-aged children were out of school. Now it's less than 10 percent. And every year, 23 million more girls are completing secondary school compared to a decade ago...

7. The world is on track to eliminate open defecation by 2030.

In the last two decades, 2.5 billion people have gained access to safely managed sanitation, while the number of people practicing open defecation has also declined by two-thirds — from 1.3 billion in 2000 to 419 million in 2022 — putting the world on track to eliminate the practice entirely. 

Ending open defecation drastically lowers the risks of diseases and malnutrition among children in low-income and lower-middle-income countries. Child deaths from diarrhea — a leading killer of young children — have already decreased by 60 percent...

8. Birth registration rates are way up.

Today, 77 percent of children under 5 are registered, up from 60 percent in the early 2000s — a major leap towards ensuring every child has a legal identity and can access health, education and other essential services...

Countries that prioritize birth registration see rapid progress. In Côte d’Ivoire, birth registration prevalence rose steadily from 65 percent in 2012 to 96 percent by 2021, proving that change at scale is possible.

9. A future free from HIV seems possible, one baby at a time.

An estimated 1.9 million deaths and 4 million HIV infections have been averted among pregnant women and children in the past 25 years...

10. In times of crisis and emergency, UNICEF is there — helping to save more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization.

[Note: Okay, I think they're cheating listing this one, but the article header said 10 things, so if I included only 9 it would be weird. Obviously this is an article from UNICEF, but UNICEF's data, reporting, and statistics are considered to be of high quality.]

-via UNICEF, February 25, 2025

[matrix-fairy]

Saturn in the Houses: Social Approval and Self-Reliance

Saturn's placement in a house indicates where you seek social approval, feel a need for structure, and learn to rely on your own efforts. Here's how Saturn influences each house:

1st House (Ascendant)

You seek social approval for your identity and personal image.

Building self-discipline and confidence in your abilities is essential.

Learning to embrace leadership and personal responsibility will bring growth.

2nd House

You feel the need for stability and approval regarding financial resources and security.

Developing financial independence and managing resources wisely is key.

Stability and satisfaction come from taking responsibility for your material world.

3rd House

You seek validation for your communication skills and intellectual abilities.

Gaining confidence in expressing your thoughts and focusing on learning is vital.

Patience and responsibility in relationships with siblings and close circles lead to fulfillment.

4th House

You crave approval in family dynamics and emotional security.

Learning to rely on your inner strength and taking responsibility for family matters is crucial.

Emotional maturity is the reward for hard work in this area.

5th House

Social acceptance of your creativity, romantic relationships, and hobbies is important to you.

Cultivating your talents and finding joy in personal expression requires effort.

Responsibility in love and creative endeavors leads to long-lasting happiness.

6th House

You seek recognition in your work, daily routines, and health management.

Demonstrating reliability and dedication in your job will help you earn approval.

Success comes from embracing discipline in daily responsibilities.

7th House

You look for validation in partnerships and close relationships.

Developing strong, dependable relationships through responsibility is key.

Long-term commitments help you find balance and fulfillment.

8th House

You desire trust and approval in shared resources, emotional depth, and transformation.

Strengthening your inner power and managing crises independently is essential.

Facing challenges builds resilience and deep transformation.

9th House

You seek approval for your beliefs, philosophies, and higher learning pursuits.

Confidently expressing your knowledge and taking responsibility for personal growth is vital.

A broad perspective brings clarity and success in this area.

10th House (Midheaven)

Social approval in your career, reputation, and public standing is essential.

Hard work and dedication to your goals lead to recognition and success.

Taking responsibility for your ambitions solidifies your place in society.

11th House

You seek acceptance within social groups, friendships, and community ideals.

Contributing meaningfully to group dynamics and social causes builds approval.

Responsibility and persistence in achieving shared goals lead to success.

12th House

You feel the need for approval in solitude, spiritual growth, and the subconscious realm.

Developing inner trust and finding strength in isolation are necessary.

Taking responsibility for spiritual growth brings peace and fulfillment.

Saturn in each house challenges you to grow stronger, more disciplined, and self-reliant. The more you focus on personal responsibility rather than external validation, the more you unlock lasting success and fulfillment. 🌟

[astroeleanor]

˚ ༘🪞✨Ultimate Astrology Guide to *GLOW UP* in 2025 + The Blessings You Will Receive✨🪞˚ ༘

2025 is shaping up to be a stellar year for growth and receiving blessings. Why? Because the planet of expansion and abundance, Jupiter, is playing a leading role in activating your birth chart. Jupiter, the planet of luck, wisdom, and glow-ups, will be making *waves* as it moves through Gemini in the first half of the year (From January 1st until June 8th 2025) and into its exalted home of Cancer in the second half (From June 9th 2025 through December 2025).

Today I will help you understand how Jupiter’s journey will supercharge your personal glow-up in 2025! Each Rising Sign will see two of their houses being activated in 2025, which means you will receive blessings in two areas of your life. So, make sure to look for both sections for your Rising Sign in this post. Are you ready to dive in?

1H (GEMINI & CANCER RISING): A glow of confidence and optimism, feeling revitalized and energized, major life shifts, being recognized as a source of comfort and inspiration, new lifestyle choices, magnetizing relationships and opportunities with ease, a major life chapter begins, personal growth, radiance, stronger sense of identity and emotional empowerment.

2H (TAURUS & GEMINI RISING): Expanding your income, attracting wealth, cultivating gratitude for abundance, long-term financial security through smart investments or savings, discovering hidden talents that enhance your earning power, unexpected financial windfalls, financial growth, expansion of material possessions or luxuries.

3H (ARIES & TAURUS RISING): Growth in skills such as writing or speaking, profitable ventures through local businesses, strengthened relationships with siblings/cousins/neighbors/people in your ZIP code, a busy and rewarding schedule of short trips or community events, receiving recognition for sharing ideas or educational content, mentors or teachers who open doors, enhanced communication skills and persuasive abilities, success in teaching endeavors.

4H (PISCES & ARIES RISING): Opportunities to invest in or expand real estate holdings, emotional closeness with parents, healing generational trauma, creating your dream home environment, welcoming new family members (the birth of a child), stability and security, a sense of belonging, opportunities to purchase or upgrade property, ancestral blessings, home renovation, relocating.

5H (AQUARIUS & PISCES RISING): A creative renaissance, success in artistic projects, romantic opportunities that feel emotionally fulfilling, blessings related to children or parenting roles, getting pregnant, rediscovering hobbies or activities that bring you joy, being recognized for your talents, healing your inner child.

6H (CAPRICORN & AQUARIUS RISING): Better work-life balance, a surge in productivity, improved daily routines, leadership opportunities in health or service-related industries, gaining recognition for your contributions, health improvements through lifestyle changes, stronger connection with pets, emotional fulfillment through acts of service, workplace dynamics improve, receiving blessings through helping others.

7H (SAGITTARIUS & CAPRICORN RISING): Meeting a soulmate or significant long-term partner, business collaborations that bring financial stability, increased harmony in your relationships, resolving conflicts, legal settlements work in your favor, resolving disputes, expansion and blessings in partnerships, opportunities for marriage, growth through collaborations, favorable outcomes in negotiations, meeting influential or supportive people.

8H (SCORPIO & SAGITTARIUS RISING): Emotional healing, investments and joint projects bring success, positive personal transformation, personal empowerment, strengthened intimacy and trust in your relationships, your psychic abilities growing significantly, resolving karmic debts tied to finances or emotional entanglements, financial windfalls, receiving inheritances, beneficial psychological transformation.

9H (LIBRA & SCORPIO RISING): Life-changing travel experiences, academic success, finding your sense of purpose, gaining wisdom through spiritual practices, favorable legal resolutions, publishing or sharing knowledge with a wider audience, encounters abroad lead to lasting connections, opportunities for long-distance travel, more faith and optimism, success in publishing or teaching.

10H (VIRGO & LIBRA RISING): Professional breakthroughs, leadership opportunities, receiving recognition and rewards in your career, improved relationships with bosses or authority figures, achieving balance between ambition and personal values, public acclaim, guidance from mentors propel your success, career advancement, increased visibility and influence.

11H (LEO & VIRGO RISING): Expanding your influence within social or professional circles, dreams manifesting effortlessly, earning collaborations, accolades from peers and mentors, meeting influential friends, getting access to rooms you couldn't enter before, access to exclusive networks, manifesting a long-held dream, financial blessings through social connections.

12H (CANCER & LEO RISING): Freedom from emotional burdens or self-sabotaging habits, solitude that recharges your soul, hidden sources of wealth or financial relief from unexpected places, protection from unseen challenges, divine intervention, old karmic debts dissolve, peace and closure, spiritual growth, stronger connection to your intuition.

(ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ.ﾟ✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚v✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡(ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)

These are the blessings waiting for you in 2025. If you would like to significantly increase your chances of experiencing the positive manifestations of Jupiter, I create a free video detailing the best strategies to obtain them.

This is your *fail-proof* guide to GLOW UP in 2025! There are a ton of practical tips covering how to reinvent yourself this year using your Rising Sign.

I explore this topic in-depth on Youtube. If you're excited to own TF out of 2025, here's the guide!

(ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ.ﾟ✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚v✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡(ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈) Thank you for taking the time to read my post! Your curiosity & engagement mean the world to me. I hope you not only found it enjoyable but also enriching for your astrological knowledge. Your support & interest inspire me to continue sharing insights & information with you. I appreciate you immensely.

• 🕸️ JOIN MY PATREON for exquisite & in-depth astrology content. You'll also receive a free mini reading upon joining. :)

• 🗡️ 50% OFF SALE: BOOK A READING with me to navigate your life with more clarity & awareness. (ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ.ﾟ✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚v✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡♡˚✧˚ ༘ ⋆｡(ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)

[yuurei20]

Updated Silver Facts Part 56: Silver and Training (pt2)

Silver says that he spends his days off training if he does not have any Equestrian Club activities.

He says that he has sparred many times with Sebek and seeing him hard at work inspires him to train that much more, and that if he were to change dorms he would like to go into Savanaclaw, as he would have no shortage of training partners and could “also get a greater breadth of experience, which would contribute to (his) personal growth.” 

(Note: Silver actually chooses Ignihyde, at first, and then changes his answer to Savanaclaw. Lilia also chooses Savanaclaw, while Malleus chooses Ignihyde.)

Silver says that his best subject in school is PE, and he has “never really struggled with anything involving physical fitness.”

Silver explains, “When I started here, it felt like I already had the necessary strength and endurance for class.My daily life back home was training enough. Drawing river water, chopping firewood...Chasing around the animals who lived nearby must have helped strengthen my legs as well.”

This may have all contributed to how Silver seems to be stronger than he looks: Ortho says that he possesses “muscle strength far above the average” and is “incredibly built,” while Idia says he has “hard muscles.”

When Azul explains the boardgame club to Silver, his response is to adapt boardgames into an opportunity for the Equestrian Club to train together on rainy days, much to Azul’s dismay.

Malleus says there “is something to be said” for the level of perseverance that drives Silver to train hard every morning.

The two characters have interesting overlap through lines about things that do not betray you: hard work for Silver, stars for Malleus.

[accio-victuuri]

cpn catch-up: of interview clues, mushrooms, flowers 🍄🌸

at the rate cpns are raining down on us, you only blink and boom you missed alot. lol. so this is my attempt at catching up before weibo night comes in tomorrow.

gege had a really good interview for his portrait magazine interview! it’s nice to know his thoughts on certain topics. he is definitely calm and in a good space. the next month/s will be chaotic for him due to loch promotions but i’m confident he can deal with it 🫶🏼

for his wonderful interview, i wanna list down a few cpn-y points…

1. in the beginning he was talking about what changed and he said he was more composed/calm and self-focused. adding that before he was conscious of what others thought of him, but now, he relies more on his own judgment. this is ( atleast to me ) exactly how yibo has been lately, especially with being calm. you can totally see that during live events and in just the way he expresses himself.

yibo has always been someone who didn’t care much about what others think of him, and i’d like to cpn that this kind of attitude transferred to xz. their relationship also influenced that, they are secured with who they are so none of the outside voices matter anyone.

love that for them!

2. both of them exercising for strength and not necessarily to be thin.

3. i like how fans are playing up the real life yizhan AU of xz as a bakery owner and yibo as a race car driver.

4. there was a part of him talking about his best when he experiences challenges in acting. that kind of drive, they are so similar! they are not afraid to do things over and over again till they get it right. and no matter what happens, they know they did their best.

5. when xz said that he is lucky and happy 💕

of course there are a lot of factors that contribute to that. i will not disregard his own growth as a person from his personal experiences cause he went through ALOT for the past five years. but it surely helped that he has someone on his side to help him.

there may be more but as a fan this was such a good interview. proof that he is happy with where he is right now, it’s not perfect. he still has fears of failing but his disposition is so much stronger now.

from something serious, let’s move to clownery. the mushroom in the loewe shoot 😂😂😂 if you saw their ig post about yibo that was included. makes us think of the mushroom that wakes up at 4:00 AM

do they know about this? HAHAHAHAHAHA!

and lastly, yibo sent a flower arrangement to Hu Jun as a gift for his play. and we noticed that one of the flower/s is the same as what xz received before. is it a type that he likes to send for congratulations?

-END.

[theambitiouswoman]

SELF TALK. Replacing the NEGATIVE things we say to ourselves with POSITIVE words 🦄💜✨✨

When we say bad things about ourselves, our minds and bodies pay attention and start believing those things. It's like a cycle. When we keep telling ourselves we're not good enough or can't do things, our minds start thinking it's true. These bad thoughts can make us act in ways that match what we believe, like avoiding things because we think we'll fail. Over time, our brain gets used to these thoughts and they become a regular part of how we see ourselves.

But if we say good things to ourselves, it can be really helpful. When we're kind in how we talk to ourselves, it can make us feel better and stronger. It's like giving ourselves a little boost of confidence. When we're positive, we can handle problems better and feel less stressed. When we believe good things about ourselves, we might do better in different situations. So it's important to notice how we talk to ourselves and try to say nice things, even if we don't always feel that way.

Negative: "I always mess things up." Positive: "I sometimes make mistakes, but I also learn from them."

Negative: "I'm so stupid." Positive: "I'm smart and capable; everyone makes errors."

Negative: "I can't do this; it's too hard." Positive: "I can handle challenges with effort and perseverance."

Negative: "I'll never succeed in anything." Positive: "I have the potential to achieve my goals through hard work."

Negative: "Nobody likes me." Positive: "I have people who care about me and value my company."

Negative: "I'm a failure." Positive: "I've achieved many things and will continue to grow."

Negative: "I'm not good enough." Positive: "I am enough just as I am, and I'm constantly improving."

Negative: "I'm a burden to others." Positive: "My presence and contributions make a positive impact."

Negative: "I always mess up social situations." Positive: "I can connect with others and enjoy social interactions."

Negative: "I'll never get over this." Positive: "I can heal and move forward from difficult situations."

Negative: "I'm so ugly." Positive: "I am unique and have qualities that make me attractive."

Negative: "I'll never be as good as them." Positive: "I have my own strengths and talents that are valuable."

Negative: "I'm a loser." Positive: "I have the courage to try and the ability to succeed."

Negative: "I'm always so awkward." Positive: "I am learning and growing in social interactions."

Negative: "I can't handle criticism." Positive: "I can learn from feedback and use it to improve."

Negative: "I'm too lazy to accomplish anything." Positive: "I have the energy and determination to achieve my goals."

Negative: "I'll never be happy." Positive: "I can find joy and contentment in the little things."

Negative: "I'm a failure as a parent/friend/partner." Positive: "I care and do my best to support those around me."

Negative: "I'm too old/young to do that." Positive: "Age doesn't define my ability to pursue my passions."

Negative: "I don't deserve good things." Positive: "I am worthy of happiness, success, and positive experiences."

Negative: "I'm a failure because I haven't achieved enough." Positive: "I'm on my own path of growth and accomplishments."

Negative: "I can't handle stress." Positive: "I am resilient and can manage stress with effective strategies."

Negative: "I'll never be as talented as others." Positive: "I have unique talents that make me special."

Negative: "I'm so clumsy." Positive: "I am improving my coordination and skills."

Negative: "I'm too shy to make friends." Positive: "I have qualities that others appreciate and I can connect with people."

Negative: "I'm not good at anything." Positive: "I have strengths and abilities that I can develop."

Negative: "I'm a burden on my family." Positive: "My family supports me and we help each other."

Negative: "I'll probably fail, so why bother trying?" Positive: "I have the courage to take on challenges and learn from them."

Negative: "I can't trust anyone; people always let me down." Positive: "I can build meaningful and trustworthy relationships."

Negative: "I'll never find love." Positive: "I am deserving of love and can create meaningful connections."

Negative: "I'm not creative at all." Positive: "I can express my creativity in different ways."

Negative: "I'll never be able to speak in public." Positive: "I can develop my public speaking skills with practice."

Negative: "I don't deserve success." Positive: "I am capable of achieving success through hard work."

Negative: "I'm so disorganized." Positive: "I can improve my organization skills with time."

Negative: "I'll never be happy with my body." Positive: "I can make healthy choices and appreciate my body."

[brittanyearnestauthor]

Understanding and Effectively Writing About Character Beliefs

Human beliefs are deeply complex and shape the way we understand, interact with, and navigate the world. Beliefs form early in life—often during childhood—when we place full trust in those around us without the ability to distinguish what is objectively right or wrong. Over time, experiences, learning, and self-reflection refine or even completely alter those beliefs, making them a dynamic part of personal growth.

Beliefs influence relationships, careers, well-being, perceptions, decisions, values, and actions. They define how individuals view themselves and others, shaping social dynamics. Not only are beliefs intellectual, but they are also heavily impacted by emotions, making them an integral part of character development in storytelling.

How Beliefs Are Formed

Several aspects contribute to a person’s belief system:

- Cultural background: Traditions, societal norms, and family influence shape core beliefs.

- Religious upbringing: Faith can play a significant role in moral perspectives and life choices.

- Political ideologies: Government systems and social movements influence how individuals perceive fairness, justice, and societal order.

- Personal experiences: Life events—both positive and negative—shape unique perspectives and alter beliefs over time.

Since beliefs are rarely stagnant, they evolve as people grow, adapt, and respond to new circumstances. Some individuals modify or unlearn outdated beliefs as they gain new knowledge, while others double down on their convictions based on social influence or personal reasoning.

How Beliefs Influence Community Engagement

Beliefs guide the type of communities people choose to be part of—most people seek groups that align with their values, fostering stronger connections. Being part of a community that respects personal beliefs helps build trust, while conflict between opposing belief systems can lead to social tension and impact mental well-being.

In writing, these dynamics play an essential role in crafting realistic societies within stories. Whether your characters seek harmony within a group or struggle against societal norms, understanding how beliefs influence their sense of belonging can enhance depth and authenticity.

Types of Beliefs

Beliefs can take various forms depending on their source and level of influence:

- Core Beliefs: Deep-seated assumptions about oneself, others, and the world.

- Experiential Beliefs: Formed through personal experiences and observations.

- Influenced Beliefs: Shaped by social interactions, culture, and authority figures.

- Intuitive Beliefs: Developed from gut feelings or instincts.

- Preference-Based Beliefs: Reflecting personal values and individual choices.

- Religious Beliefs: Centered around faith, spirituality, or the supernatural.

- Political Beliefs: Opinions about governance, leadership, and societal structures.

- Scientific Beliefs: Based on empirical evidence and logical inquiry.

Belief Challenges

Beliefs can serve as a source of conflict, particularly when they clash with progress or differing perspectives. Some challenges include:

- Holding onto outdated beliefs that may hinder growth and development.

- Using beliefs to incite conflict, leading to mental distress, anxiety, or division.

To reduce negative effects, understanding and respecting differing beliefs can encourage coexistence, opening space for dialogue rather than confrontation.

Critical thinking also plays a significant role in evaluating personal and societal beliefs, allowing individuals—and characters in stories—to adapt and grow rather than being bound by rigid perspectives.

Applying Beliefs in Writing

When writing characters, belief systems should mimic real-world complexities to make them relatable, realistic, and engaging. Beliefs shape interactions, influence decision-making, and create tension or motivation within a narrative.

Showcasing a character’s evolving belief system, their struggles with moral dilemmas, or their efforts to reconcile conflicting views can help readers deeply connect with them. Stories that incorporate belief-driven conflicts allow readers to reflect on their own perspectives, making literature more impactful.

By following this guide, you’ll be equipped to weave compelling belief structures into your characters and stories, making them resonate more with audiences.

Conclusion

Developing a character requires attention to many details, and belief systems are among the most important factors that shape a well-rounded protagonist or antagonist. Whether faith-based, philosophical, or experiential, beliefs drive a character’s actions, emotions, and relationships, making them an essential element of storytelling.

As I continue covering different aspects of character development, I hope this post helps you create deep, realistic characters that keep your audience engaged and coming back for more!

Happy writing!

[alittlegiraffe]

Title: Family Man

Chapter 5: The Legacy

By 2016, you and Marshall had settled into a rhythm that balanced family life, career, and personal growth. Your home was a haven of peace and creativity, a testament to the love they had nurtured over the decades. Marshall’s music continued to resonate with fans, but it was his role as a father and husband that brought him the most fulfillment.

The media's fascination with your relationship showed no signs of waning. Every public appearance was met with admiration, every interview a chance to glimpse the softer side of a man once known for his raw, edgy lyrics. Marshall had evolved, and his journey with you was a central part of that transformation.

In early 2016, Marshall received a Lifetime Achievement Award at a prestigious music ceremony. It was a night of celebration, honoring his contributions to the industry and his impact on countless artists. As he took the stage, he couldn’t help but reflect on the journey that had brought him here.

"I never imagined I’d be standing here, receiving an award like this," Marshall began, his voice steady but emotional. "When I started out, all I had were my words and a dream. I didn’t think about awards or fame—I just wanted to be heard."

He paused, glancing down at you, who sat in the front row, your eyes glistening with pride. "But along the way, I found something even more important. I found love. I found a partner who believed in me when no one else did. Y/N, you’ve been my rock, my inspiration, and my greatest support. This award isn’t just for me—it’s for us, for the life we’ve built together."

The audience erupted into applause, the cameras capturing the tender moment between you and Marshall. It was a testament to your enduring love, a love that had weathered every storm and emerged stronger for it.

After the ceremony, they returned home to celebrate with their family. Your children were thriving in their respective pursuits. The house was filled with laughter, a reminder of the joy that their love had brought into the world.

As the evening wound down, you and Marshall found yourselves alone on the porch, a glass of wine in hand as they watched the stars.

"Do you ever think about what kind of legacy we’re leaving behind?" Marshall asked, his gaze fixed on the night sky.

You leaned into him, your hand resting on his. "I think about it all the time. But our legacy isn’t just about your music or the awards. It’s about the love we’ve shared, the family we’ve raised, and the impact we’ve had on others."

Marshall nodded, a sense of peace washing over him. "I want our kids to know that love is the greatest success. That no matter what they do, as long as they have love and support, they can overcome anything."

You smiled, your heart swelling with pride. "They already know, Marshall. Because they’ve seen it in us."

In the years that followed, Marshall continued to make music, though at a more measured pace. He collaborated with younger artists, offering guidance and sharing his wisdom. His legacy grew not just as a rapper, but as a mentor, a philanthropist, and a family man.

You, too, continued to make a difference in your own way, your work as a teacher leaving a lasting impact on your students. Together, you remained a beacon of hope, a reminder that true love could withstand the tests of time and fame.

In 2025, as you celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary, you and Marshall reflected on their journey. You had built a life filled with love, laughter, and purpose—a legacy that would endure long after the spotlight had faded.

And as you danced under the stars that night, holding each other close, you knew that your story was far from over. It was simply evolving, just as you had, together.

[a-student-out-of-time]

The Post-Tragedy Horrors of Despair Time

Hello everyone, Mod Bubbles here!

This Halloween, I decided to do something a little different. Rather than a dedicated post or song parody, I've decided to share a worldbuilding analysis. A pretty fortuitous one, since we've recently completed Chapter 2 of Despair Time.

I'm sure it's no exaggeration to say that DT is a pretty dark fangan, especially within its own context. I wouldn't say it's as grimdark and nihilistic as some people are convinced it is, but there's some elements to it that I feel are worth analyzing going forward.

See, it's been established that DT is set within the Hope's Peak continuity. This would mean that the canon games sans V3 (and if you want to have fun with it, other fangans like the Another series) have all happened here.

According to a Q&A, DT is set around 70-80 years after the end of the Tragedy, so if you wanted to estimate based on in-universe dates (such as Makoto's Hope's Peak brochure saying 2010 in the earliest version of the game but 2014 in a re-release), that would put it sometime around 2080 to the mid-2090s. Veronika backs this up in Chapter 2, when she mentions the Tragedy happened "almost a century ago."

Why do I bring all this up? Because if you looked at DT, you'd probably never guess it was that deep in the future. I know I didn't at first. And this is all by design, but it goes beyond simple cosmetic details. Allow me to explain to you why this is probably the darkest timeline that could've happened after Class 78's victory over Ultimate Despair.

___________________________________________________

Modern Stagnancy

So if we look at the obvious, the world of DT looks pretty much identical to our own, which should be a good thing. When you consider that this is set after The Biggest, Most Awful, Most Tragic Event in Human History- an event that saw societal collapse, wars happen for the sake of destruction, massive pollution, rampant murder, and countless killing games- then it almost seems utopian.

Cities have long since been rebuilt, the skies are clear, there are functional trains, movies, celebrities, schools, music, art, Ted-Talks, the internet, all the trappings of normality. And that's really the problem.

Once the recovery efforts were underway, the goal of those in power was to rebuild things exactly as they used to be. Bear in mind, the world looks like our modern day, yet this is set deep into the late 21st century. In that context, the world almost seems stunted in its growth or even that it's regressed, given that CDs and DVDs are used rather than USBs or digital downloads.

Not only that, but this extends to societal attitudes as well. Nico was the victim of bullying over their status as an enby by everyone who knew, including their own father. It's almost the 22nd century and anti-LGBTQ bigotry like this still exists.

In that context, it feels less like the world is recovering and more that it's been stuck in its pre-Tragedy status quo, right down to continuing the Ultimates program that contributed to The Tragedy in the first place. And who would be motivated to do that?

2. Hope's Peak And Their Kin Are Stronger Than Ever

Probably one of the most contentious aspects of DR3's ending is that, after everything the people in charge of it were responsible for- exploiting their students, covering up crimes, human experimentation- Hope's Peak Academy was rebuilt by the survivors, now with Makoto as headmaster.

Now, one could make the argument that Makoto is a better example of hope and thus better suited to lead the school to follow its stated ideals than the Steering Committee ever was. That very well may be true, but as they also proved, nobody stays in charge forever. And now, because of his decision, Hope's Peak isn't contained to Japan.

There now exist Hope's Peak branches in every major country on Earth, with two in the United States. Teruko and co. are students of the East Coast Division's 27th class, meaning that one opened almost thirty years ago. This would also mean that Japan's Hope's Peak would have seen over 150 classes since its inception.

I bring all this up because, as has been made very clear by canon, Hope's Peak is a terrible place even in concept. When you remove the idyllic aspect of fostering talent and guaranteeing its students are set for life, the truth is that ultimates are stunted in their development. They're only encouraged to excel in their particular field, whether they really want to or not.

In addition, Hope's Peak has always quietly held this belief that only people with talent hold any worth; those without talent are just "ticks" who leech off the success of their betters. Characters like Byakuya and Nagito echo those very same sentiments, this extreme elitism that encourages people to view the "99%" as inherently inferior.

Even if you wanted to say Makoto managed to undo that idea, can we really say this divide would never come up again? No matter how many years pass or how many divisions of Hope's Peak are set up across the world? That seems really far-fetched to me.

Consider Min's bonus video. As she explains, she was never scouted by the school. Instead, America's Hope's Peak announced something called the Ultimate Contest for Eminent Students, where eligible high school students would be allowed to take a test, the best of whom would be admitted to the school when they graduated. The catch is that they had 12 years to prepare. Min, who was only 5 at the time, wasn't initially going to participate, but then the founder of a company called XF-Ture Tech approached her family- who was quite poor- and wanted to sponsor her in exchange for her participation.

She spent her entire life preparing for that test. And when she passed, she realized it was all really just an experiment to create their ideal version of the Ultimate Student. She even doubted that she was the best in terms of raw score, just that she met their desired expectations by cutting out everything else in her life for that test.

It also extends beyond just Hope's Peak itself. Those with power and influence now hold a strangle hold over the most vulnerable people out there, as we can see with the Lacroix family.

Rose wanted to help her family out of their financial limitations using her painting skills and her photographic memory, which lead to her becoming an art forger. However, at 15, she was found out and her family faced tens of millions in fines. This would've been the end, but then they were bailed out by a billionaire named Richard Spurling, founder of the Spurling Foundation. In exchange for clearing her charges, Rose had to sign a contract that meant she doesn't own the rights to anything she paints.

She hates what her life has become, where she can only ever really paint things at the whims of the Foundation because it was the only way her family could survive that mountain of debt. The exploitation there is undeniable.

No matter where you look, there's still exploitation and experiment abound with the school, corporations and the wealthy. And if you think the Spurling Foundation sounds bad here, they're implied to be responsible for something much worse.

Which is also brings us to Xander. See, there's a curious detail when we first meet him in the prologue:

And I agree. Xander being the Ultimate Rebel really doesn't fit him, as he's better described as the "Ultimate Revolutionary." Except there's no chance Hope's Peak would call him that, instead paying lip service to the idea in a digestible format to still support the status quo.

Xander is an activist who works to oppose corruption, but the ones who benefit from corruption wouldn't want him to flaunt that. It's a subtle but very clever detail that shows those in power still maintain a hold even over their beloved Ultimates.

They probably had no issue throwing the obviously corrupt under the bus to save their own hides, and raised Xander up with a quasi-supportive title. It gives them a chance to look like they're supporting what he's doing while still tying an element of a "rebellious child" to his image with the name.

Had Xander survived, he had a good reason to want to bring them down, especially the Spurlings.

3. Illness and Poverty

Xander's bonus video clued us in on what I believe is one of the most important parts of DT's continuity: the fate of the town of Chariton, implied to be where he lived. It seemed to be a small town, home to a couple hundred or a couple thousand people, where the only hospital for miles was "dinky, understaffed" and barely able to handle a minor flu outbreak. They were completely unprepared for what became known as the Chariton Incident.

When he was around 14, the town was hit by a disease that caused those infected to decay from the outside in; their limbs would stop working before their organs did, meaning they would just lay there and feel themselves slowly dying. So many died that nobody was left to move the bodies, so they were left where they fell, rotting in the summer heat.

The cause of this outbreak? A contaminated river that served as the town's water source. Chariton was an impoverished community, where people had no money to treat their water, get medicine from a nearby city or to even move out. It's also implied, based on Xander's anger, that Duke Spurling was partially responsible and that he got off the hook, which may be what drove Xander to become the Ultimate Rebel. Especially when you consider he's the only surviving member of his family.

Duke Spurling is, as the named implies and Dev has confirmed, the younger brother of Richard Spurling. The money and influence needed to get his brother off the hook is the very same that has the Lacroix family under his thumb.

So as we can see, Chariton was a major event in DT's canon. Not only does it showcase corruption, it also showcases understated but still prominent problems in the post-Tragedy U.S. If you pay attention, you'll also notice Teruko, Min, and Rose mention poverty playing a role in their lives.

As we can see, poverty plays a major role in their lives, and that extends beyond a personal level. Chariton's poverty is why the incident happened at all, and a big reason is because it's also an example of a medical desert.

"Medical desert" is a term used to describe regions whose population has inadequate access to healthcare. This can be all healthcare in general or in specialties such as dental care or pharmaceuticals. This is an especially prominent problem in rural areas, but it can affect urban ones too.

If that sounds implausible to you, today it's believed that around 30 million Americans- over 1% of the population- live over an hour from a hospital. Can you imagine how bad the problem is in a world after The Tragedy? All the damage to infrastructure, established institutions, the economy, and the population? I doubt Chariton was the first to see something this bad.

Ace's execution gives us more clues. In the Death By Illness section, there are several newspaper clippings on the wall, most of which are readable. One flashes on screen saying "Unexplained Illness Kills Thousands," which I believe is another reference to Chariton (why else would it flash on screen?), but there's more as well:

"More people are dying of cancer than ever before"

"Flu season claims thousands of lives"

"Falling rates of survival for hospitalized patients"

"Antibiotic-resistant infections a growing threat in this hospital"

One is harder to read, but I believe it mentions Chronic Kidney Disease being tied to an early death

Now, the interesting thing is that most of these are modern headlines, and they can be pretty misleading. The cancer one is actually based on the fact that more people are living longer lives, thus are reaching ages where they develop cancer due to their cell infrastructure breaking down naturally. It doesn't mean there's more cancer cases overall across all ages.

The only one that's not true is the falling rates one. Which suggests that not only was it Chariton, but healthcare infrastructure in general after the Tragedy seems to be a mess.

See, I was assuming that these articles are identical to what we see today. But it's also possible that the cancer one is now literally true, and it could be because The Tragedy was rife with this kind of horror. We know that terrorism, coups and wars happened for no reason other than to spread despair across the world.

Could you imagine how many nuclear, chemical, biological and radiological weapons were used? How many diseases and hazardous materials were seeded into the environment? If it's unsafe to drink tap water after a serious hurricane or earthquake, how bad is the problem when contamination is the goal?

And this doesn't even touch on how disturbingly easy it would be to spread long-term illnesses such as HIV or CJD in contaminated food and medical supplies. Some diseases have latency periods that last decades, meaning they could still be killing people even by the time DRDT is set.

Antibiotic resistance is also a very real and serious problem. Even today, some strains have become immune to even the strongest antibiotics available. This has given rise to Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci or VREs, which are immune to basically every medication we can throw at them.

Now, it's still possible to deal with them, such as with naturally antimicrobial metals or experimental treatments such as CRISPR and Phage Therapy, but in a world that saw such a massive hit to everything? I'm certain antibiotic-resistance bacteria have become much more serious, potentially resulting in epidemics over the years.

And when these things happen, it's always the poor who suffer the most.

4. Lethal Repetition

Now we come to the most obvious example, something highlighted by the same reveal that DT is set nearly a century into the future:

Veronika, who provided us with information on the effects the Tragedy still has, apparently has never heard about The Killing School Life.

Now, it's important to keep in mind that most of the Killing Games in DR were pretty secluded and motivated. SDR2 was only broadcast to Future Foundation with the goal to allow Junko to escape into the real world, for example. However, DR1's Killing School Life was broadcast globally as a means to break humanity's hope by showing the Ultimates slaughtering each other. Instead, Makoto and co. managed to reinvigorate the world's hope and played a pivotal role in ending the Tragedy.

...And yet Veronika apparently hasn't heard any of it.

Now, there's two possibilities here, neither of which are good:

One is that the Mastermind has removed their knowledge of previous killing games, specifically. Now, I actually consider this an unlikely explanation because, not only does Teruko seem to vaguely remember the Killing School Life happened, but what's the goal in doing so for the participants?

The canon games all had solid reasons why the other masterminds erased the participants' memories: the revelation that they'd been killing their friends, the fact that their past identities were supposed to be undone to save them, even the fact that they weren't even who they were supposed to be in V3.

But what's the purpose of suppressing the memories of the Killing School Life in the participants themselves? Especially since this game is also apparently being broadcast to the outside world, although we only have MonoTV's word on that. Is it to undermine everything the survivors achieved or to get the participants not to consider the same strategies?

The other, more plausible explanation to me is that the mastermind isn't the one who erased their memories. The outside world did.

It's possible that, in the decades since the Tragedy and the drive to return things to the status quo, knowledge of the Killing School Life has been suppressed. It would be so easy to blame Makoto's decision to rebuild the school, but it's just as plausible that his attempts to genuinely reform the school were undone over the years.

Corporations and those that came after had a vested reason to improve their own reputations, and why would they allow their connection to the Tragedy to remain public knowledge? The entire thing began as a revolution of lower classes against the rich before it became a whirlwind of mindless violence.

So what does this mean for DT? This is more hypothesizing on my part, but I'd say this could tell us a lot about the potential motivations for this very killing game. Could it be someone trying to remind the world about this event and how we got here? Is it more retribution against the wealthy? Is it someone who was inspired by Junko to slaughter her friends? Or is it something else entirely? And what role does Teruko have if someone involved is so hellbent on trying to kill her?

For now, we can only speculate. But I can tell you that, based on what we've seen here, DT is probably the darkest future we could've gotten out of the canon series.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

[conceptionsofconciousness]

Ardra Nakshatra "The Star of Destruction"

Individuals born under Ardra Nakshatra embark on a unique karmic journey that highlights the significance of destruction and transformation. This Nakshatra is associated with the energy of change, motivating its natives to critically examine and dismantle outdated beliefs and habits. Through the process of unlearning, Ardra individuals create space for new ideas and perspectives to emerge. Their transformative essence signifies a continuous cycle of renewal, reflecting a commitment to breaking free from stagnation and embracing evolution.

The ability of Ardra natives to confront and dismantle barriers demonstrates a powerful inner strength. Much like a storm that clears away debris, they tackle obstacles with determination and clarity. By challenging outdated structures, they pave the way for innovation and creativity, often inspiring others to follow suit. This characteristic not only fuels their personal growth but also serves as a source of inspiration for those around them, making them catalysts for collective change in their communities.

Ultimately, the karmic lessons inherent in Ardra Nakshatra guide its natives toward profound self-discovery and empowerment. Their journey is marked by intensity, but this dynamism is essential for fostering positive transformation in both personal and societal contexts. By embracing their role as agents of change, Ardra individuals contribute to the larger narrative of growth, reminding society of the value found in adaptation and renewal. Through their experiences, they illustrate the importance of confronting challenges and emerging stronger on the other side.

Return to Basic Stories of the 27 Nakshatras Masterpost

[bitchy-craft]

Let's Give You A Confidence Boost | Pick A Pile

Hello and welcome to this Pick A Pile! In here you'll find a confidence boost for you. I hope you guys enjoy and find this useful. Do make sure to leave comments down below on your experience! I do want to remind you all that this is a General Pick A Pile which means this is for a lot of people; therefore keep what resonates and leave what doesn't.

Masterlist > Questions > Paid Readings

Pick A Pile!

Pile 1:

It's important to recognize that your journey is uniquely yours, filled with experiences that have shaped who you are today. Embrace the qualities that set you apart from others, for they are the very essence of what makes you special. Your strengths, talents, and even your challenges have contributed to your growth and wisdom.

As you navigate through life's twists and turns, remember that you possess the inner strength to overcome any obstacles that come your way. Every setback is a chance to learn, adapt, and come back stronger. Embrace your journey, and let your confidence shine.

Pile 2:

At times, it's easy to underestimate your own potential, but I want you to recognize the incredible capabilities that lie within you. Take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments, both big and small. Each success is a testament to your dedication and hard work. Your journey is a collection of achievements that highlight your resilience and determination.

Believe in your abilities, and trust that your unique perspective and skills bring immense value to any endeavor you pursue. Don't shy away from challenges; instead, view them as opportunities for growth. The world is waiting to see the greatness you're capable of achieving.

Pile 3:

Life is a series of steps, each one taking you closer to your goals and aspirations. Amidst the uncertainty and self-doubt that can sometimes cloud our minds, it's crucial to remember just how resilient you are. You've weathered storms and celebrated triumphs, proving your ability to navigate through life's highs and lows. While it's easy to be critical of yourself, I encourage you to acknowledge your progress, no matter how incremental it might seem.

Each step forward, no matter how small, is a testament to your determination and courage. The path to success is rarely linear, but your willingness to persevere despite challenges speaks volumes about your character. Keep moving forward with unwavering confidence in your potential. You've got this!

[mangaloversolar2000]

Analysis for Gus toh ?

Gus Porter, the charismatic illusionist from The Owl House, is a fascinating character whose depth, intellect, and unwavering loyalty contribute significantly to the show’s dynamic. However, despite his remarkable abilities and compelling backstory, his character arc often feels underdeveloped compared to others. While Gus has his moments of growth, much of his untapped potential remains a tantalizing "what if?" within the series.

A Promising Start: Gus’s Early Development

From the beginning, Gus is established as a prodigious illusionist, gifted far beyond his years. As the youngest member of the main cast, his intelligence and enthusiasm make him stand out. He becomes president of the Human Appreciation Society at Hexside, showcasing both his intellectual curiosity and leadership qualities. This trait suggests that Gus is not just a sidekick, but someone capable of significant influence in the story.

One of Gus’s defining moments early on is his ability to see the value in humans despite their lack of magic, a perspective unique among witches. His fascination with Earth signals a larger theme of bridging gaps between worlds—a theme that, unfortunately, never reaches its full potential with him at the forefront. His ability to humanize both the demon realm and the human world could have played a much stronger role in the show’s resolution.

An Underrated Powerhouse

Gus’s illusion magic is, without question, one of the most creative abilities in The Owl House. Unlike conventional magic users who rely on elemental forces, Gus’s illusions are powerful weapons of deception, allowing him to manipulate perception and even distort reality. When he fully unleashes his skills—such as in Labyrinth Runners, where he strategically uses illusions to outmaneuver his opponents—it becomes clear that he is one of the most capable young witches at Hexside.

Yet, his abilities often serve as plot devices rather than receiving sustained focus. In moments where Gus shines, such as tricking Belos’s soldiers or generating overwhelming illusions, his magic is shown to be incredibly effective, but he rarely gets the same dramatic weight as Luz, Amity, or even Hunter. His growth could have been explored further in battles, political conflicts, or deeper emotional struggles.

Emotional Depth That Deserved More Attention

While Gus is frequently presented as lighthearted and optimistic, glimpses of his emotional complexity occasionally shine through. His struggle with feeling undervalued, particularly as a younger student among older peers, provides meaningful depth. His insecurities about being dismissed as “just a kid” lead him to moments of reckless experimentation, but these themes are seldom explored in great detail.

In Labyrinth Runners, he displays a vulnerability we rarely see—losing control of his own illusions and becoming trapped in a mental maze of his own creation. This is arguably one of the most compelling character moments for Gus, yet the show moves past it quickly, failing to deeply explore his trauma or potential ramifications. Had the series delved further into his psychological struggles with illusion magic—perhaps even addressing its dangers in a broader way—Gus could have been given a more robust arc.

The Missed Opportunities

One of the most frustrating aspects of Gus’s character is how much potential he had in the story’s larger conflicts. As a master illusionist, he could have played a critical role in outwitting Emperor Belos. His ability to deceive and create elaborate visions could have been pivotal in battles, espionage, or exposing lies. Yet, much of his involvement remains secondary to the main plot rather than integral to it.

Additionally, his passion for human studies could have been a driving force in uniting the two realms more meaningfully. While The Owl House explores human-demon relationships through Luz and Camila, Gus’s perspective as a scholar of humanity could have led to major diplomatic shifts or even a resolution that actively included Earth and its inhabitants more directly.

[cotton-fae24]

Just my luck that I get sick again 2 weeks after I recovered from my last cold. I hate spring. Still working on the comic, so for now, enjoy some lore I wrote about mermaids in this AU. I hope you enjoy it, and thank you for your patience.

HEALTHY MERMAID ANATOMY:

Fangs:

All mermaids have shark-like fangs that make grinding and chewing meat alot easier (yes, mermaids eat fish, bigger fish eat smaller fish all the time). Some mermaids have more noticeable fangs compared to others, and adults tend to have bigger fangs than kids do.

Webbed hands:

All mermaids have webbed fingers. This is to make swimming alot easier. However, the webbing itself is very flexible, allowing mermaids to pick things up and move their hands as normal. So they get the best of both worlds!

Mermaid tail:

Mermaid tails are more like dolphins rather than fish. They move up and down rather than side to side. Also like dolphins, they don't have bones in their dorsal fin; rather, their tail is made up of connected tissue. So despite their fish-like appearance, mermaids are still fully mammalian creatures.

Ears:

All mermaids have fins attached to their earlobes. This is to protect their ears from infection and pressure. Their ears can also move and shift based on their feelings.

Breathing and Strength:

Mermaids actually have both gills and lungs, and can switch between them depending on their location. Mermaids also have naturally stronger chests and arms compared to humans to make swimming easier (think professional swimmers as a reference to an average mermaid body).

LUZ'S TRANSFORMATION AND AFTEREFFECTS:

At the beginning...

Though Luz was transformed into a mermaid physically, that doesn't mean she adjusted to it so quickly. Luz was already underweight back when she was a human (her family couldn't afford much after all), and she certainly was no professional swimmer either, so she really struggled to swim with her new tail. Her body also struggled to adjust to breathing with gills, so Luz lost her breath fairly quickly. Her neck wound certainly contributed to her shortness of breath as well. Stringbean actually acted as Luz's mobility aid for a while, guiding her around the palace.

Probably the worst part, though? Water pressure. Luz was not prepared for how intense the pressure underwater was, and for the first few days experienced massive headaches, nausea, and fatigue. It was so bad that she actually spent her first few days as a mermaid resting in the castle. Given small portions of food by Eda to combat the nausea, as Luz adjusted to the intense pressure and cold. Lilith and the servants didn't really bat an eye at Luz's sickness; they just assumed she had a bad flu.

Months later...

After about a week, Luz recovered, and her body adjusted to the pressure. Her body also adjusted to breathing underwater as her neck wounds healed and as she spent more time underwater. Thus, making Luz alot more energetic and chipper

Luz also experienced physical changes. Combined with access to a wider variety of food and more practice with her tail, Luz became a healthier weight and even built up stronger muscles in her chest and arms, allowing her to swim faster and better keep up with her friends. Though she still isn't as physically strong as, say, Willow.

Luz grew quite a bit, too. Back when she was human, the lack of food she had access to stunted her growth. So when Luz first arrived in the Boiling Bay, she was actually shorter than Gus. Eda even thought Luz was way younger when she first met her, thinking she was 10-11 until Luz corrected her. But once Luz grew into a healthier weight, puberty hit her like a train. She grew a good 3 inches, towering over both Gus and Willow (something Gus is totally not jealous of), and finally looked her age.

OTHER FUN FACTS:

Patterns:

All mermaids have unique patterns/scale-like markings on their faces, arms, and legs. Much like a fingerprint, every pattern is distinct and individual.

Hair Care:

Since salt and wave currents can very easily damage it, hair care is very important culturally to mermaids. They brush their hair constantly, sometimes 2 or 3 times a day. Brushing a person's hair is also considered a form of affection for mermaids, usually a familial type of love between siblings, parents, etc, etc. It's like the mermaid equivalent of preening for birds.

Long v Short hair:

Fun fact about mermaids, their hair grows at a much quicker rate than humans. So the human stereotypes of mermaids having "long, luscious hair" were just mermaids who got tired of cutting their hair constantly. Though it doesn't stop mermaids like Lilith from trying to keep it short, no matter how quickly it grows back. However, many mermaids maintain this long hair; in fact, having long hair is considered very attractive in mermaid culture, as long hair implies you spend a lot of time maintaining and taking care of it.

[aeth-eris]

Solar Return Moon House Placements

Solar Return Moon in the 1st House:

Theme: Emotional Self-Discovery. This year encourages you to focus on self-awareness and emotional independence, allowing you to understand your feelings and needs more deeply and develop a stronger sense of identity.

Solar Return Moon in the 2nd House:

Theme: Emotional Security and Material Comfort. This year emphasizes the importance of creating emotional stability through financial security and a sense of material well-being, encouraging you to find comfort in your resources and possessions.

Solar Return Moon in the 3rd House:

Theme: Emotional Communication and Mental Stimulation. This year highlights the significance of expressing your feelings through effective communication and fostering emotional connections with your immediate environment, encouraging you to seek mental stimulation and emotional fulfillment through learning and networking.

Solar Return Moon in the 4th House:

Theme: Emotional Home and Family. This year emphasizes your emotional connections with your family and the significance of creating a nurturing and secure home environment, encouraging you to focus on your emotional well-being and establish a stronger sense of emotional foundation.

Solar Return Moon in the 5th House:

Theme: Emotional Creativity and Self-Expression. This year encourages you to explore and express your emotions through creative endeavors and personal passions, fostering joy and emotional fulfillment through self-expression and embracing a sense of playfulness and authenticity.

Solar Return Moon in the 6th House:

Theme: Emotional Well-being and Daily Routine. This year highlights the importance of maintaining emotional balance through a structured and healthy lifestyle, encouraging you to focus on emotional self-care and establish practical routines that contribute to your overall well-being.

Solar Return Moon in the 7th House:

Theme: Emotional Relationships and Partnerships. This year emphasizes the significance of emotional connections within your one-on-one relationships and the importance of nurturing harmonious and supportive partnerships, encouraging you to cultivate emotional balance and mutual understanding within your relationships.

Solar Return Moon in the 8th House:

Theme: Emotional Depth and Transformation. This year encourages you to delve into your emotional depths and embrace transformative experiences, allowing you to let go of emotional baggage and experience profound emotional growth and empowerment.

Solar Return Moon in the 9th House:

Theme: Emotional Exploration and Higher Understanding. This year highlights the significance of emotional expansion through spiritual and intellectual pursuits, encouraging you to seek emotional fulfillment through philosophical exploration and meaningful experiences that contribute to your personal and spiritual growth.

Solar Return Moon in the 10th House:

Theme: Emotional Alignment with Career and Public Image. This year emphasizes the significance of emotional fulfillment through your professional life and public recognition, encouraging you to seek emotional satisfaction through the pursuit of your career goals and the establishment of a positive public image.

Solar Return Moon in the 11th House:

Theme: Emotional Connection within Community and Groups. This year highlights the importance of fostering emotional connections and shared values within your social circles and community, encouraging you to seek emotional fulfillment through meaningful friendships and collective goals.

Solar Return Moon in the 12th House:

Theme: Emotional Healing and Spiritual Renewal. This year encourages you to focus on emotional introspection and spiritual development, allowing you to embrace solitude and inner reflection for emotional healing and a deeper connection with the divine.