#atr reference

[1-mini-1]

After the Rain- Hello, Musica (ハロームジーカ) English Lyrics

「君が零した涙の道を

必死に追いかけてここまで来た」

振り向いた先には息を切らした赤い顔

“I got here by frantically following

Your trail of tears.”

When I turned around, I saw your red face, out of breath

君は無理やり僕の手を握る

「君の悲しみが悲しいんだ

僕に半分だけ背負わせてくれないかな　いいだろう？」

You grabbed my hand

“Seeing you sad makes me sad.

You can at least let me carry half your pain, can’t you?”

氷ついた心を溶かす

炎のように熱い掌

Like a flame, your warm hand

Melts my frozen heart 

聴かせてムジーカ

君が歌えば世界中に響くメロディ

風の吹く日も涙の日だって咲く一凛��ラブソング

Let me hear you, Musica

When you sing, the melody echoes around the world

On the days the wind blows, even the days you cry, a love song blooms

群青は今日も夜を染めてく

眩しすぎると俯く僕と

お構いなしに手を引く変わらない君だ

The night’s going to be dyed in aquamarine again today

It’s too bright and I hang my head

You pull my hand and, as usual, aren’t phased by it

本当はもう気付いていたんだ

君からは逃げられやしないこと

ずっと昔に涙は乾いていたこと

The truth is, I’ve already realized it

That I can’t escape you

That my tears dried long ago

できっこないと忘れた明日も

盲いるほど求め続けて

転んでも君がいるなら

それでも共に行こう

A tomorrow where you forget you can’t do anything

Keep searching for one until it makes you blind

If you’re still here when I fall

Then let’s go together

聴かせてムジーカ

君が笑えばモノクロが彩られていく

空を覆う深い闇にだって輝く銀河のアストラ

Let me hear you, Musica

When you laugh, monochrome bursts into color

Even galactic astra shine on the abysmal darkness that covers the sky

ガラクタ詰めこんだ　僕の宝箱

たったひとつの奇跡はそうさ　ただ君と出会えたこと

My treasure chest is packed with trash

As for the only miracle in my lifeー Yes, it was simply meeting you

約束しようよ

恥ずかしいけど

Let’s make a promise

Even though it’s embarrassing

聴いてよムジーカ

君が笑えば胸に宿る小さな勇気

今更だけどこんな僕だけど　隣を歩いていいかい

Listen, Musica

When you laugh, it sparks the small bit of courage inside me

This is a little late, and I know I’m not the best, but can you walk next to me?

聴かせてムジーカ

君が歌えば世界中に響くメロディ

風の吹く日も涙の日だって咲く一凛のラブソング

聴かせてよ

Let me hear you, Musica

When you sing, the melody echoes around the world

On the days the wind blows, even the days you cry, a love song blooms

Let me hear you

[herpsandbirds]

White-bellied Go-Away-Bird (Crinifer leucogaster), family Musophagidae, order Musophagiformes, Kenya

The name refers to the call of the birds, which sounds as if they are saying “GO AWAY!”

photograph by Sanjeev Atre

[artbyfelmcinnis]

Afro Americana (Version II), digital, 2024

Somewhat of a self portrait but mostly an illustration inspired by the Black American heritage flag. I prefer this version cause it blocks out my eyes with the cowrie shells lol, but also cause it references art history and my spirituality!!

Note: I won't ever speak in-depth about my practices, but I don't mind sharing a little surface-level info. 😗

In my art history classes and from my own research, I learned that historical African art often used cowrie shells to represent eyes. These shells can relate to protection, wealth, and prosperity. They also connect to the ocean and water spirits in African Traditional Religions (ATRs), both typically representing abundance, wisdom, beauty, wealth, prosperity, tragedy, and so many other vast ideas reflecting the alluring mystery and possibilities of the seas.

Cowrie shells are, of course, popular and significantly used within Afro-diasporic cultures. It's normal to see the shells adorning hair, clothes, decor, in art, etc.

Eyes are the window to the soul. As an afro-spiritualist, I feel that my soul, spiritual energy, ambitions, passions, and future plans are linked with the guidance and sometimes personalities of my ancestors and other higher spirits.

I'm open to seeing other interpretations for this work as well :)

Woman with Cowrie Shell Eyes

19th century

Wood, cowrie shell, and pigment

Unknown artist

Black American Heritage Flag

Adopted on March 5, 1967

Designed by Melvin Charles & Gleason T. Jackson

[praisedbesophia]

Yeah anyways I totally understand why Indigenous Mexican Muertistas don't trust white "Santa Muerte devotees" because I really don't trust most of them either

For real if I were given a dollar every time I saw a white "devotee" appropriate an ATR — particularly Voodoo — or Lilith, refer to themself as a "Muertista", or make some goddamn racist remarks in relation to Santa Muerte or her culto (e.g. claiming that Santa Muerte is Hekate), I'd be fucking rich

[ophernelia]

Got an ask and I don't really wanna post it, but Dodona is not a "Voodoo Queen". The Marie Laveau archetype is one people often use. It usually depicts an older black woman, who's blind or has her eyes covered, wears a headwrap and other beaded adornments. It's existed long before Dodona and is not at all her influence. That archetype is usually a mash of stereotypes about Vodun and Romani culture and never depicted accurately or respectfully. (AHS, The Princess and the Frog, etc. Also Marie wasn't blind LOL) I've studied African Spirituality for years during undergrad and have spoken about that before. So, I hold an immense amount of reverence for this spiritual practices and religions. Vodun is a closed practice ATR. There isn't a way to accurately or respectfully depict it since that ATR does not allow it's practices be shared openly. That only comes with initiation. (And even with initiation, practitioners cannot freely share that info.) It would be incredibly irresponsible for me to include that in Lykaia. "It's not that serious. It's just a show." Black religious and spiritual practices across the diaspora are often demonized and disrespected. Even in media, they deserve to be revered and not used to perpetuate sinister and/or negative tones. Cough, AHS.

Dodona's influence comes from Hoodoo. Which is never to be used interchangeably with Vodun because they are two different practices entirely. Hoodoo is a closed spiritual practice not a religion. As an African American with family in the deep south and the Carolinas, it is a practice I am familiar with and grew up with. It may share some similarities with other ATRs in regards to divination and how our ancestors are honored which you'll see present in Dodona, but it is not Vodun. Most of what's seen is a watered down version anyway, because Hoodoo's preservation relies on it staying within the community. (Certain groups of African Americans, not all.) So, I can't really talk about it. I have to keep it vague. Since Lykaia is inspired by Greek Mythology, Dodona's influence is also drawn from oracles and Hellenism. It's a good mix of the two. With that said, Dodona has no ties to Vodun at all and do not refer to her as such. So, people can't copy that 'cause that's not what's being presented lol.

Every blind older black women ≠ Voodoo Queen. Like.. let's not start that lol.

[all-that-remains-au]

ATR RULES AND GENERAL INFO 🗝️

Welcome to the studio! Here are some base rules/guidelines to follow within the blog;

Feel free to ask anything that does not fall under the topics of hate speech (racism, lgbtphobia, ableism, etc.), NSFW (as I am a minor), or anything else that could be potentially harmful in any way. Otherwise I will just not answer your ask and delete it.

Do not write the story yourself or alter any kind of plotline in the form of an ask. The story will write itself for you.

Roleplaying is allowed, but do not roleplay as a character shown in the blog itself. However, non-ATR characters and personal OCs are allowed.

Please do not spam the inbox. The more asks you submit does not mean I will see them more/get you "noticed".

Information about the blog itself;

This AU is a huge work in progress! This means that any roles/plotlines/arcs may be skewed/altered in the future. Reference images are also still a work in progress, which means they will be incrementally added to this post based on who's currently introduced. Check back here for updates on ref sheets or character info. ;o)

This AU follows the general idea of BATIM, and does not include any form of plotlines/cycle development from BATDR whatsoever. However, characters like Alan Gray, Nathan & Wilson Arch, or Memory Joey may be briefly mentioned for consistency.

There will be various character dynamics/ships that are crucial to the plotline (including OCs!) as well, so if certain aspects aren't up your alley, I totally get it. This is a judge-free zone.

I also ask that you be extremely patient with me and the consistency of uploads, as I am usually very busy in real life and do not know how well I'll be able to actually keep up with the blog itself. Anything promised will not necessarily be 100% guaranteed.

With all of this said, I hope whoever's reading this enjoys this AU, and enjoy your stay ^_^ <3!!! play ball or Wateva -Mod Rozz (@r0zzk1ll)

Character Reference Sheets

[propheticeve]

Black American trance work : Shouting

The evolution of the ring shout serves as proof of resilience, creativity, and the enduring connection between faith and culture. The ring shout is not just a dance; it's a sacred form of expression that bridges the realms of the earthly and the divine. Unique to the Hoodoo and Christian faiths, the ring shout has a complex history that mirrors the multifaceted nature of Black spirituality in the United States.

The history of the ring shout is as diverse as the regions and church denominations in which it thrives. In a society where African Americans were subjected to the oppressive forces of slavery and its accompanying suppression of cultural practices, the ring shout emerged as a form of worship that allowed a connection with the divine, even when drumming and dancing were prohibited in many church settings.

One of the defining features of the ring shout is its minimalistic approach to musical accompaniment. Unlike many religious dances, the ring shout typically relies on clapping and stomping as opposed to musical instruments. This made it permissible within church contexts after the formal worship, opening the door for spiritual expression that was otherwise suppressed.

The earliest recorded encounters with the ring shout by outsiders occurred during the Civil War in 1861, particularly in the coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina. It was during this tumultuous period that the world began to witness the profound spiritual and cultural significance of the ring shout.

In contemporary times, shouting, or "praise breaks," is far more than a testament to one's connection with Jesus or Christian faith. It is a profound method of connecting with the divine through worship, one that encompasses a range of powerful components. These can include speaking in tongues, bodily convulsions, prophecies, falling unconscious and being covered with a white cloth, crying, screaming, and experiencing what is often referred to as "catching the Holy Ghost."

The concept of the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit, in Christianity has been a source of deep reflection for many. For some, catching the Holy Ghost is an intensely personal and transformative experience. It's a moment when something stirs deep within, leading to powerful releases of emotion and spiritual energy.

The traditions of praise breaks and ring shouts are not confined to a single denomination or cultural group. They are woven into the fabric of various Black American cultures, including the Gullah Geechee community, the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), Holiness and Pentecostal traditions, and more.

The key here is understanding that Black Americans have a unique way of connecting with the divine, one that may differ from other cultures. This distinct form of trance work, often deemed "bad" by those who fail to recognize its roots, is deeply intertwined with African and Indigenous practices.

The practices seen in the Black church are not confined solely to Christianity. Rather, they encompass a tapestry of African and Indigenous traditions that have persevered through generations of slavery and dehumanization. From dance to drumming, these practices echo ancestral roots in Voodoo, Obeah, Santeria, and various African Traditional Religions (ATRs).

Praise breaks and ring shouts extend far beyond the act of talking to God; they are gateways to connecting with spirit. These traditions are a testament to the diverse ways in which Black Americans express their spirituality and connect with the divine.

The Black American church has always represented more than just faith in Jesus; it has stood as a beacon of justice, healing, home, and peace. While this isn't an attempt to convince anyone to join a church, it serves as a reminder that we can connect with our ancestors through praise breaks, shouting, and songs of praise.

The words themselves are not what matter most; it's the intention, the energy, and the connection with spirit that hold the true power. Whether you're engaging in dance, song, or a simple prayer, know that your intent and the energy you conjure are your magick—a direct gateway to your ancestors and a testament to the resilience and creativity of Black spirituality.

I often wondered who is the holy ghost exactly, have i caught him? I think so i remember a time where i felt something stir up within me so deep and i let out a belt, i had to be aorund 11 or 12, it was like a release and i began to cry out to God. Not to Jesus but to something deeper than what i was taught to belive god to be. Around 16 I felt this energy in the church setting again however this time it was different but much more potent, this was the enrgy that sent me on my Journey of Spiritualism. Back to shouting.

You see This show up in so many different black american cultures such as the Gullah geechees, Cogics and holiness and pentecostal. As black people we tend to connect to the divine differently then other, i mean every culture has their own way of connection right? Why is black american trance work deemed bad because one may not understan the difference between Christianity and Black spirituality.

Almost everything you see being done in the black church is not CHRISTIAN and has nothing to do with the bible, rather its full of african and indigenous practices that have been watered down thru generations of slavery and dehumanization.

I must say, as a Holiness Hoodoo myself not everyone can “shout” but hey different strokes for different folks.

But one must ask who is the Holy Ghost and why does this spirit show up so differently for black americans. This is something I deem to explore as whatever religion black people touch ALWAYS shifts culturally.

In the heart of the Black American church, there lies a profound reservoir of emotion, detail, and a connection that transcends the mere belief in Christ. It stands not only as a sanctuary of faith but as a beacon of justice, healing, home, and peace. The Black church has always been a cornerstone of the community, providing solace and strength in the face of adversity.

A Legacy Beyond Belief

The power of the Black church is not solely rooted in the teachings and sermons but also in the deep well of feelings and connections that are forged within its walls. From the resounding rhythm of drums to the uplifting harmony of songs and the transformative energy of dance, the Black church is a testament to the multifaceted nature of faith and spirituality.

It serves as a pillar of justice, where voices rise together to demand equality and fight against injustice. It is a place of healing, where the wounded find solace and rejuvenation in the embrace of their community. It is a home, a sanctuary where individuals come as they are, finding not just shelter but a sense of belonging. And, most importantly, it is a source of peace, offering respite from the trials of the world and a place to commune with the divine.

A Call to Connect

Now, this is not a plea to join a church; rather, it's an invitation to connect with the spiritual legacy that runs deep in the Black community. Consider making it a practice to "shout" for your ancestors, to engage in a "praise break" when the spirit moves you. The words you use matter less than your intention, your energy, and the connection you forge with the divine.

Your songs of praise become a vessel, carrying the feelings, memories, and ancestral energy that you conjure with every note and every step. This is your magick—a direct gateway to your ancestors, a bridge that spans generations, and a testament to the enduring strength of Black spirituality.

The Black American church has always been more than a place of worship; it is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and unity of a people who have found strength in their faith. In your own way, whether within the walls of a church or the quiet of your home, you can tap into this powerful legacy and connect with the divine.

Please remember to SHARE! SHARE! SHARE! My Mind and Me inc 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to promoting Mindfulness in urban communities is teaming with Temple of living word LLC to purchase our very own Praise house where you can come and practice your ATR judgment free ! Click the link below to read, share and support !

[marcojames87]

Forex Volatility Secrets: What the Top 1% of Traders Use to Dominate the Market

Forex volatility is often viewed as both a challenge and an opportunity in the fast-paced world of trading. For the majority of traders, volatility represents a threat—an unpredictable force that can quickly wipe out profits. However, for the top 1% of traders, volatility is an ally, an essential element they’ve learned to harness to their advantage. In this article, we’ll delve into the secrets behind how these elite traders master Forex volatility, with expert insights from Sangram Mohanta, a Forex trader with 15 years of experience. We’ll also share a real-life success story and discuss the importance of website security in Forex trading.

Understanding Forex Volatility

Forex volatility refers to the rapid price fluctuations that occur within the foreign exchange market. Volatile markets experience sharp, often unpredictable price movements, making them exciting for traders who know how to profit from these swings. However, volatility can also lead to substantial losses for those who aren’t prepared.

For top traders, volatility is not something to fear. Instead, it’s an opportunity to make substantial profits. By understanding the causes of volatility—such as economic data releases, political events, and central bank decisions—they can predict market movements and make informed trading decisions. Mastering this volatility is key to dominating the market.

Expert Insights: How Sangram Mohanta Dominates Forex Volatility

Sangram Mohanta, a Forex trading expert with over 15 years of experience, has been trading through various market conditions, including high-volatility periods. According to Mohanta, “The key to success in volatile markets isn’t to avoid the fluctuations but to embrace them and learn to read the signals the market is sending.”

He believes that the top 1% of traders use a combination of technical analysis, a deep understanding of economic fundamentals, and precise risk management strategies to profit from Forex volatility. Mohanta recommends staying informed about global economic events that can trigger volatility, such as GDP reports, central bank decisions, and geopolitical developments.

“Volatility is predictable if you understand the forces driving it, says Mohanta. By closely monitoring the economic calendar and using the right tools, traders can prepare for and capitalize on these movements rather than being caught off guard.

Insider Secrets to Mastering Forex Volatility

So, what are the specific secrets that top traders use to dominate the Forex market during volatile conditions? Here are a few key strategies that the elite traders rely on:

Leverage Advanced Technical Analysis: The top 1% of traders are masters of technical analysis. They use sophisticated chart patterns, candlestick formations, and indicators like the Average True Range (ATR) and Bollinger Bands to assess market volatility. By identifying patterns such as breakout or reversal signals, traders can time their entries and exits with high precision, capitalizing on price swings.

Use Fundamental Analysis to Anticipate Volatility: While technical analysis is vital, top traders also use fundamental analysis to anticipate volatility. For example, when a central bank is about to announce interest rate decisions, there is often heightened volatility. Traders who track economic data and geopolitical events can predict potential market reactions and position themselves accordingly.

Implement Smart Risk Management: The difference between a successful trader and an unsuccessful one is often the ability to manage risk. Top traders know that Forex volatility amplifies the potential for loss, so they never risk more than they can afford to lose. This is why they use techniques like setting tight stop-loss orders, scaling into positions, and employing position sizing strategies to protect their capital.

Trade with Smaller Time Frames: In volatile markets, large price movements can happen within short time frames. Many successful traders take advantage of this by trading on smaller time frames (such as 5-minute or 15-minute charts) to catch intraday price swings. This allows them to stay nimble and capitalize on short-term volatility.

Stay Disciplined and Patient: While volatility creates opportunities, it also leads to impulsive trading decisions for many. Top traders remain disciplined and patient, sticking to their strategies even when the market is chaotic. They understand that not every price movement needs to be acted upon, and waiting for high-probability setups is often more profitable than chasing every fluctuation.

Real-Life Trading Success Story: How John Turned Volatility into Profit

John, a novice trader, once struggled with the volatility of the Forex market. In the beginning, he was overwhelmed by rapid price changes and found himself losing money more often than winning. However, after following the strategies taught by Sangram Mohanta, John’s approach to trading transformed.

John began to pay close attention to economic calendars and the events that created market volatility, such as U.S. Federal Reserve announcements and European Central Bank policy meetings. Using technical tools like Bollinger Bands, John started to identify price breaks and volatility expansion, allowing him to catch high-reward trades during these periods of market movement.

One of John’s most successful trades came during a highly volatile week when the U.S. Dollar experienced significant fluctuations due to a surprise rate cut by the Federal Reserve. John positioned himself ahead of the news, using his technical analysis to predict the likely direction of the market after the announcement. As a result, he was able to capitalize on the initial price surge, closing out with a substantial profit. John’s success story exemplifies how understanding Forex volatility and applying strategic methods can lead to substantial gains.

Website Security Features: Trading Safely in a Volatile Market

In addition to mastering volatility, it’s crucial to prioritize the security of your funds and personal information when trading Forex. As volatility can attract cybercriminals, ensuring your trading platform is secure is paramount.

Top Forex brokers, recommended by Top Forex Brokers Review, implement advanced security measures to protect traders. Here are some key security features to look for:

SSL Encryption: A secure trading environment starts with SSL encryption, which ensures that any data exchanged between you and your broker is encrypted and cannot be intercepted by third parties. This protects your personal information and funds.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Many trusted Forex brokers offer 2FA as an added layer of protection. This requires you to enter a unique code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password, making it harder for unauthorized users to access your account.

Regulation and Licensing: Reputable brokers are regulated by top-tier financial authorities such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). These regulatory bodies ensure brokers meet strict security standards and safeguard client funds.

Secure Trading Platforms: The best Forex brokers provide trading platforms with built-in security features, such as real-time monitoring of transactions, secure login systems, and encryption to prevent unauthorized access.

By choosing a broker with a strong security infrastructure, you can focus on your trading strategies without worrying about cyber threats or financial risks.

Why Choosing the Right Broker Matters

When navigating the volatile Forex market, your broker plays a pivotal role in your success. A trusted broker ensures that you have access to the right tools, market analysis, and a secure trading platform. Top Forex Brokers Review evaluates brokers based on key factors such as regulatory compliance, customer service, and platform reliability. Choosing the right broker is essential for capitalizing on market volatility and achieving long-term trading success.

Conclusion

Forex volatility doesn’t have to be a source of stress. By adopting the strategies used by the top 1% of traders, such as leveraging technical and fundamental analysis, implementing smart risk management, and staying disciplined, you can turn volatility into an opportunity for profit. Expert traders like Sangram Mohanta have built successful careers by mastering the art of trading during volatile periods—and you can too.

Additionally, don’t overlook the importance of website security. By choosing a trusted and regulated broker with robust security features, you can trade with peace of mind.

With the right knowledge, tools, and security measures, you can dominate the Forex market and join the ranks of successful traders in 2025. For expert broker recommendations and more insights into trading strategies, visit Top Forex Brokers Review—your go-to resource for Forex trading success.

[roboyomo]

it is a pain to always have so so many art ideas and then have so little energy and/or time. Yeag i want to draw my ocs, high effort oc illustrations, oc reference sheets, my friends' ocs, adam lobcorp, carmen ruinacorp, the sephirot, jia xichun, donchun, dadqui, volo, N, rika, cynthia, volo oc x canon, brian yuppie psycho, The Devil (tm), domori and rei sintra, protag elevator hitch, normal guy elevator hitch, bok-su go married in red, my Weird Fucken Clownthing, senra in specific, urashimasakatasen, soramafurasaka, AtR, aranarumey, medicine pocket r1999, marcus r1999.

And The List Just Keeps Going On. Every day something new

[magicaguajiro]

Caribbean Folk Saints and Mighty Dead: San Lázaro

Patron of Cuba, Father of the Earth, Lord of the Mound, Man of the Crossroads, Babalú-Aye, Asojano. San Lazaro has had many titles attributed to him throughout his existence within the Caribbean. But who is this Saint, and why is he so important to Cubans all over the diaspora?

Origins

Like Caridad del Cobre, this beloved folk saint has multiple origin stories even within each separate community. To cover the catholic versions lightly, he is a combination of two separate biblical figures, Lazarus the Beggar who was treated poorly by a king at the table in life only to return the favor in the afterlife, and Saint Lazarus of Bethany who was raised from the dead by Jesus. The image used in veneration given the name San Lazaro is not the canon Saint but rather the beggar, yet all myths attributed to both are also attributed to the one folk saint.

It’s important to not this slight divorcing from Catholic Canon. This version of San Lazaro still is not canonized to this day. So why would either of these figures end up becoming the patron of a New World country one thousand years later?

From King to Father

San Lazaro is best known for his syncretic relationship with the Orisha Babalu-Aye. This Orisha has a complicated history before he even arrived from Africa. According to one of his origin stories, back in Yorubaland Babalu-Aye was a beggar with disease, feared by the people. they sent him away, with only dogs to guide him. When they banished him, his friend (Sometimes Eleggua, sometimes Orula) went to the Arará people and prophecized that their king woukd arrive from the woods surrounded by dogs. When he arrived he was celebrated as their king and the rest is history.

Other stories say he was a great king from the beginning, but his reckless spirit and unfaithful ways led Obatala to scolding him, and telling him should he continue his ways he would be punished. He continued to party and thus caught a venereal disease from one of his mistresses. The disease spread all over his body and this is sometimes referred to as the origin of STDs that affect the skin. In some versions, he ends up dying and being raised by his friend from earlier, very similar to San Lazaro!

His name even reflects this. Originally Obalouaye and called Omolu Brazil, his name originally meant King of the Earth. In the diaspora we call him Babalu-Aye, Father of the Earth. So as you can see, Babalu Aye can be the both the underdog and the protagonist with too much hubris. He is both a patient old man, and a rowdy drunk who likes to dance. He is a man of immense liminality, existing as both the personification of Healing and of Disease, the Father of the Earth and The Lord of Death. He is the man of the crossroads. In the wet season he runs and lives in the forests, and kn the dry he returns to reign in the cities amongst the people.

It is impossible to mention ATRs and not mention Haitian Vodou. San Lazaro is actually associated with Legba in Vodou, and more strongly tied to the crossroads and liminality. He plays a different but still similarly fills the role of gatekeeper between worlds in a way. His stories of being resurrected also lend to this idea that he is a traveler between the worlds.

Father Earth, Grandfather Fire

Throughout the Caribbean, many times we see multiple Indigenous entities consolidated into one figure. We see this in the way Cuba’s Caridad del Cobre is tied to both Atabey and Guabancex, or in DR where Anacaona and Taiguabo are both tied to multiple Cemí.

San Lazáro shares a similar story. The symbology of the aching old beggar who is truly a king despite his outward appearance is one that resonates deeply in the rural Guajiro communities where value is often placed in eldership and community ties rather than monetary means. Before colonization, Indigenous Cubans held stories of Bayamanaco, considered by some to be the Taino version of Grandfather Fire, an archetypal class of ancestral spirit seen throughout South America. In the creation stories, this old man was a gatekeeper of the sacred plant medicine and magic of Cohoba, as well as being seen as both firm and punishing yet patient all the while, much like our beloved Lazarus.

We also see him take on a role of the masculine counterpart to Caridad del Cobre, in a way acting as Yucahu. One way I have seen it described is Atabey is the dirt, while Yucahu is the plants growing in the dirt so both are the Earth in a way. San Lazáro has become closely associated with many Indigenous plants and healing methods, such as passing with beans and offerings of corn and tobacco. San Lazaro is also deeply tied to the natural world in general.

Practice

There are alot of practices attributed to San Lazáro, including the use of gold milagros although this is more broadly Catholic and I rarely hear of Cubans actually doing this. Rather, our practices have been deemed unworthy of Catholic Canon and yet we persist.

Most commonly you will see people making offerings of mixed beans with red onion, coffee, liquor and tobacco and purple or yellow candles and flowers to San Lazaro in thanks for miracles he has already performed. He is renowned for his patience and love, taking pity on those who can approach him with integrity and appreciate the comedic crassness that is part human life, especially in this part of the world. This is shown because despite his condition, he still loves to have a good time.

Most people will do a sweep with handfuls of beans before placing them in the higuero in front of him. This is done while praying for San Lazaro to help alleviate any disease or health issues and replace them with prosperity and wealth.

On December 17th, his feast day, some of his more devout followers will don burlap for the day, a fabric the Saint holds sacred. They will then crawl on their knees, usually from their statue at home all the way to the nearest church procession. While doing this, the burlap helps to remind us of the skin conditions the saint suffers and the crawling to teach us how it feels for him to walk while being disabled.

In all of his associated practices, we see the theme of humility. We are meant to humble ourselves in his honor. San Lazaro is a humble, patient old man. He is kind and giving, and wants his followers to be the same. The absolute best way you can honor him on any day is simply by treating the unhoused people around you with dignity and respect, and helping them out whenever you are able with food or money. These small acts were instilled in me my whole childhood, and to this day I stand by that most homeless people you meet will treat you better than any rich man. There are even stories of San Lazaro disguising himself as beggars to trick his unsuspecting followers, seeing if they truly take pity on the poor when noone else is around.

This is why it is important to note that Papa Viejo, as he is affectionately called, is known as a two-handed Saint. This is where people’s healthy fear of him stems from as well. He can harm and punish just as easily as he can help. This is another reason we never want to be rude to the less fortunate, because we can be put in their position just as easily. However, this also means he can help to put others in that same position if you know how to petition him.

By using sesame, you can blow it at your enemy or their property and with the help of San Lazaro you will bring pestilence to their home. Just be sure they deserve it and haven’t made better offerings than you did.

Bendiciones 🕯️

[deme-real-life]

"Two Guardian Angels" by Kessa Panthric, 9th Sect Cup Scholar

At the time of this writing, the publicly considered concept of a guardian angel has been heavily butchered from its original context. While many of the nation believe the concept of a guardian angel is just an angel with the specific assignment of defending and looking over a specific person, this does not match the original use and general coining of the term. While such angels do exist as a result of Sword Saint Marquiesse--albeit only for followers of the 13th Sect, though there are certainly many --that is not what the term describes. The term originates from the late 600s text "Guardian Angel" by Joan Takes The Wind, an author at the time famed for her activism toward rights for the disenfranchised¹, as well as her transgender identity, especially in the location she is believed to have been living in. Though we are not certain where exactly she lived--as her texts were housed only in the Ninth Sect's² archivals--it is believed that Joan not only lived in then-Doriargeus, now present-day Vigilance, but was also a true native of, due to the nature of her full name.

Of all her works, "Guardian Angel" was certainly her most critically acclaimed: and for good reason. The text uses a slightly edited version of traditional Gelatherian poem structure, reminescent of Coin Saint Rhysandala's works⁴, to paint the picture of a woman whose bedroom window is visited by a strange being each night. Though Joan uses her own name for the title of the protagonist, it is not clear whether or not the woman is a self-insert, as the woman does seem to be a member of the Second Sect rather than the Ninth *or* the Third. Whether this implies Joan was a multi-secter⁵ or if the woman is simply unrelated from her, the woman will simply be referred to by just that--The Woman--for the purposes of this essay.

In any case, in "Guardian Angel", The Woman is repeatedly visited by a person referred to only as "[her] Guardian," described as being wrapped in metal wings and near-constantly covering her eyes. Based on both the title of the text and the description of The Guardian, the reader can instantly tell that this Guardian is an angel, visiting for some at first unknown purpose, soon revealed as The Woman experiences several near-death experiences that result in The Guardian saving her. While the first half of the text covers The Woman dealing with The Guardian and an anti-transgender murderer, the second half covers The Woman and The Guardian growing closer and more intimate. The text ends with The Woman and the Guardian ascending to the now-defunct Pyramid of Venus,⁶ which reads as both literal and symbolic. Because of all of this, it's clear that "Guardian Angel" is simply a metaphor Joan uses for describing The Woman's--or her own--angelic lover. As one might see, this differs greatly from the present usage of the term. One may wonder how this term shifted use.

During the early 12th Century ATR³, the head of Southeastern Steel Society⁸ was presented a collection of Joan Takes The Wind's works at a poetic festival. He was incredibly interested in the different works, but was outraged upon learning that Joan was both a Doriargaeic (present-day: Vigilant) native and a transgender woman. As a result, he called for S.S.S. officials to begin rewriting the books so as to be acceptable to S.S.S. standards. When it came to rewriting "Guardian Angel," the S.S.S. sought to eliminate most, if not all, of the text's original meaning. The more "intimate"⁹ scenes in "Guardian Angel" were immediately scrapped, and all other forms of romance were removed as well. The Woman was no longer a woman, instead being referred to as John, and The Guardian simply fulfilled their title and nothing more--from thereon, they were also referred to using only masculine pronouns¹⁰. Rather than having the murderer, the main conflict of the first half of the story, target John for being transgender--in this version, of course, "John" wouldn't even be transgender--the murderer was instead a multi-secter who wanted to cause havoc for no reason. Finally, the ending was changed to merely be John ascending to the Moon post-mortem and The Guardian being assigned a new person to watch over.

Unfortunately, due to the fact that the S.S.S.'s version of "Guardian Angel" was far more general and far less intimate, it caught on quicker, as readers could put themselves in the shoes of John, a regular everyman, far easier than putting themselves in the shoes of The Woman, a fully fleshed out character with such things as "thoughts" and "aspirations." Eventually--it is thought somewhere around the 16th Century--the term "Guardian Angel" lost its capital letters, becoming less focused on the original text *or* its rewriting, and beginning to refer simply to the idea of a conceptual angel that would watch over you specifically. Originally an intimate transgender love story¹⁰, "guardian angel" is now a simple term used for any given person to soothe their fear of dying horrifically with the idea that somewhere, someone is watching over them.

¹ Though today's meaning of the word refers specifically to those deprived of the right to vote, this phrase uses the definition of someone oppressed or otherwise deprived of their overall rights.

² It is believed that she switched sects from the Third to the Ninth after her transition, as her works became more openly about love and chance. At the time, switching sects was far more acceptable than it is now. Today, young adults are expected to pick a sect--usually a choice made for them by their family--and stick to that decision for the rest of their lives. However, young adults during the 7th Century ATR³ would usually spend at least a year travelling between sects, and it wasn't unheard of for them to switch sects even after over a decade in one sect.

³ After Total Reset.

⁴ See "The Sun; Luminescence Intertwined with Beloved Mercury" from ~320 ATR³.

As the guillotine's rope is cut, Joan describes three moments all taking place in the same split second; first, she describes the science of a guillotine's blade falling--while it's not entirely accurate, it is a remarkable demonstration of Joan's scientific knowledge and how it excelled in comparison to other writers of the time; and then, she moves toward the topic of what happens to Wyreta--the harborer/harbinger of the three multi-secters/sexters (a dichotomy of words that, when combined with Wyreta's initials, spell out the true meaning of the story; that Wyreta was likely W.H. or/ing [whoring] herself out to the multi-secters; a topic for another paragraph)--as she realizes her impending doom. Lastly, she focuses on the emotional impact of Wyreta's death on her housemates and family. The whole segment gives off a feeling of hopelessness and despair, a sinking feeling equatable to one of Joan's other stories, "D[r]own[ing]," or also called "Down/Ring," in which Joan herself is described to be drowning on Uranus and witnessing its vertical ring as she slips into the planet's icy abyss. Upon reading either "Down/Ring" or "Tree, Rope, and Branch," many readers often speak of the same feeling of crushing dread. Joan Takes The Wind certainly knows how to convey many kinds of emotion.

⁵ A multi-secter is someone who is illegally a member of several sects at once. In her short story from 684, "Tree, Rope, and Branch," Joan details a particularly gruesome execution based on the true story of three multi-secters who ran away after being found out and the woman who harbored them--all of whom were eventually caught. In the text, Joan focuses heavily on the emotional aspect of the execution, yet manages to still maintain a feeling of grotesqueness throughout. In a chapter of Monjaela Leach's "The Concept of a Woman and a Post-Total Reset World," Leach dedicates an entire chapter to Joan Takes The Wind. She has this to say on "Tree, Rope, and Branch."

Though the excerpt tends to go on tangents due to its nature of discussing Joan's works as a whole, it gets the point across: "Tree, Rope, and Branch" is a well-written and exceptionally horrifying story.

⁶ The Pyramid of Venus was initially a giant civilization specifically dedicated to the now-dead Fifth Sect⁷ and the various landmarks that Venus had to offer, but was evacuated after the drainage system failed and the Pyramid was infested with Venus's subterranean mole-like creatures that thrived in the Pyramid's sewers. Some say that the drainage system's failure was an intentional act on the part of a group of Second Sect Sectorialists, also referred to as Moon Purists, who sought to eliminate the sin of being romantically involved with angels and having pre-marital sex, two things that were prevalent throughout the Pyramid. Though the Pyramid of Venus is now "abandoned," it is frequently (and ironically, if the story of the Second Sect Sectorialists, who are also relevant to the main essay, is true) explored by daring couples who wish to get married--and/or perform conception--in Venus's hot springs.

⁷ The Fifth Sect was a sect that exclusively worshipped angels and the Moon, rather than joining the Second Sect and worshipping both the Moon and the Sun.

⁸ Also referred to as leadheads due to their manufacturing of metal (specifically harvested from angel corpses--as for where the angel corpses themselves are harvested from, the S.S.S. refuses to divulge), the Southeastern Steel Society holds essentially the same values of the Second Sect Sectorialists, and is in fact the very same group, after an extensive and not very well done rebranding.

⁹ See Canto Seven, Stanza 16 of "Guardian Angel," where Joan extensively describes a sex scene between The Woman and the Guardian.

¹⁰ Although The Guardian is not explicitly stated to have transitioned, whereas The Woman is, The Guardian is oft referred to with feminine pronouns alongside gender-neutral ones. Even this simple touch implies that The Guardian does not follow typical angelic gender standards, since they picked any pronoun besides neutral.

(THANK YOU FOR READING! THIS IS ENTIRELY FICTIONAL. NONE OF THESE EVENTS REFLECT REALITY. IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE TO THAT, SORRY! I TAGGED IT AS UNREALITY FOR THAT REASON BUT IF IT DID NOT WORK I APOLOGIZE EXTENSIVELY.)

[usafphantom2]

Newest U.S. Navy aircraft carrier arrives in Norway, generating discontent from Russia 🇷🇺

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 05/26/23 - 08:07am in Military

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the newest and most advanced U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, arrived in Oslo, Norway, as part of its planned visit to the port on May 24.

During the visit of the USS Gerald R. Ford, which marked the first visit of a U.S. aircraft carrier to Norway in 65 years, the ship held a reception in Oslo to honor the U.S.-Norway relationship, welcoming local authorities and important leaders.

Prior to arrival, the Gerald R. Ford Strike Group (GRFCSG) integrated Her Majesty's Ship Norwegian (HNoMS) Roald Amundsen (F311) as GRFCSG Surface War Commander, demonstrating strong interoperability between the U.S. Navy and the Royal Norwegian Navy.

“Norway is a strategic partner in ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and stable Arctic and North Atlantic region that benefits global order,” said Rear Admiral Erik J. Eslich, commander of Carrier Strike Group 12.

PLEASE TAP RELOAD TO VIEW👆

"We are committed to our NATO ally and promoting our strong relationship built on a basis of shared values, experiences and vision," he added.

However, as press reports indicate, Russian authorities criticized the aircraft carrier's visit during the stopover, referring to it as "illogical and harmful".

“There are no issues in the North that require a military solution, nor issues that require external intervention,” Russian embassy spokesman Timur Chekanov told AFP by email.

“Considering that Oslo admits that Russia does not represent a direct military threat to Norway, such demonstrations of force seem illogical and harmful,” he added.

As the leading Ford-class ship, the CVN 78 represents a step forward in the Navy's global power projection capabilities, as demonstrated during combat system qualification tests.

Featuring 23 new technologies, including the electromagnetic aircraft launch system, stop equipment and weapon lifts, Ford-class aircraft carriers allow higher assorted rates with a 20% reduction in crew size compared to Nimitz-class aircraft carriers.

Since the departure from Norfolk, Virginia, on May 2, Gerald R. Ford has been involved in training, exercises and joint and combined operations aimed at mitigating maritime safety risks in the upper northern region, in response to increased activity in the area.

Tags: Military Aviationaircraft carriersUSN - United States Navy/U.S. Navy

Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Daytona Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work around the world of aviation.

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[moons-of-firdaws]

Adding to this as someone who learned about astrology because I hated it, and I pride myself on being an informed hater.

It bothers me when people talk badly about astrology, not because their critiques aren't valid but because they're misinformed.

When we're talking about an astrology that shoves you into 12 boxes and says "cancers are emotional", and believes certain things about you are fundamental and unchangeable and that they know everything about you without actually having to talk to you — we're not critiquing astrology, we're critiquing the New Age movement (the section in your local library that says "new age spirituality"? These are the same thing) which began somewhere around the 1970s. Now this, this is important to critique, call out and pushback against because it is a reactionary and fundamentalist counterculture movement — other markers of the New Age movement are: alternative medicine, the law of attraction (prosperity gospel) and pseudohistory or historical reconstructionism.

This is where you get things like crystal or essential oil healing, low vibrational and high vibrational thoughts ("you attract what you think about, avoid low vibrational thoughts") and Wiccanism being attributed to thousands of years ago and referred to as the first witches or the first religion (Wiccanism emerged in the 1960s).

It is important to understand (and position) this kind of critique against astrology within that framework, because another Hallmark of the New Age movement is the appropriation, misappropriation and bastardization of a variety of complex spiritual systems through a reductionist lense. Different spiritual systems, and different parts of different spiritual systems, are cherry picked, repackaged and simplified into... what I'll be referring to as determinist categories for a lack of a better word (I'm running on 5 hours of sleep and I can't remember the specific word for this, but I know it exists). They did this with astrology, but they also did this with Chakra, with Reiki healing, the Jewish tree of life (and other aspects of Kabbalah) and ATRs (African Traditional Religions) to name a few. This is how you get things like: the divine feminine, twin flames and you need to open your sacral chakra (P.S. Chakras don't "open" or "close", you can't open your Charkra because it doesn't close. P.P.S. also Chakras are a closed practice to certain Hindu and Buddhist sects, and to my knowledge the Hindu sects which do accept converts don't do Chakra — this is very much a "you're either born into it, and in certain sects even if you're born into it you have to be initiated into it first, or you can't practice.") etc. These are all very much rooted in the stereotypical conceptions of spirituality (/spiritual systems) within western cultures. It is important to call this out because the New Age movement and associated notions are dangerous, like all reactionary movements it's peddled towards people who are desperate to offer an easy-fix solution and in some cases it can convince people to forgo life saving treatment in favour of crystal healing (or essential oils, or convince them to ingest toxic crushed crystals, herbs or oils), and this is without unpacking all its racist and antisemitic elements and the harm that it does to marginalized communities. Obviously, the degree of danger differs, to use a more relatable example to bloggers who are likely to be exposed to posts by user batmanisagatewaydrug, think of the difference degrees of danger within puritanism: from "if you ship jaytim you're weird and wrong" to "sexual deviants (queer people, sex workers, kinksters) should be criminalized and also sex outside the institution of marriage is a sin that should be outlawed." See?

Now, let's talk astrology. I'd like to preface with the fact that I won't be talking about Vedic astrology here, with all the associated implications of it being used as an oppressive tool in South Asia, because that is a different context that's not relevant to this conversation; New Age astrology isn't referring to Nakshatras when it makes these statements and generalization and (in mainstream cases) wasn't appropriated from vedic astrology, it is a bastardized form of hellenistic astrology (which was practiced in the Mediterranean and Egypt). Majority of western astrologers practice hellenistic astrology (with a few exceptions that practice a form of mesopotamian astrology or Islamic, or Jewish, astrology) and this will henceforth be referred to as just astrology because it makes things easier for me specifically.

So, astrology, what is it? Not your personality is actually predetermined by space gas at birth. Astrology doesn't draw, nor imply, causal relationships — in layman terms, astrology says, "as above, so below." What this means is that astrology is a spiritual system that is a method of divination (see: coffee cup reading), and the way through which it divines things is by reading the sky and planetary movements (not much to do with stars, I'm afraid) on the basis that the world goes through the same bullshit, and it's easier to look at the sky to draw an inference than it is to do so from the inside — in the exact same way that it is easier to look at a mirror to put on your eyeliner, than it is to figure it out by Proprioception. Basically we use the macrosome as mirror, looking at our cosmic reflection, to figure out the microsome.

But astrology, as a spiritual practice, is very clear that these are inferences. Correlationial inferences. Correlation is NOT causation.

The part we talk about when we go, "I'm a Virgo sun and a Leo moon" are natal charts. Natal charts are essentially a snapshot of the sky, relative to your geographic location, at the moment you were born — and the thing is, it's way more complicated than Virgo sun and Leo moon (that's part of the reason why its bastardization by the New Age movement is an issue, it strips it from a lot of context and makes it easy to make sweeping generalizations). First, there are outer planets (also sometimes referred to as generational planets, these you share with your birth cohort) and inner planets (specific to you) that's because, while the sun changes signs every 28 days, Pluto changes signs every 12-30 years. And that's just zodiac signs, we haven't even gone into Houses (a planet will transition into a sign, and into a house, a Libra moon in the 7th House is different than a Libra moon in the 12th House). Then we go into the fact that, natal charts are a mathematical mapping of planetary positions, relevant to your location at a very specific time, and the angles of these mapped out lines and the patterns they make matter, and what quadrant they're in also matter, because the position of different planets in relation to each other matter (are they opposite or square each other? is it a trine, a sextile, a grand cross? In which of the four quadrants is anything; ascendant, descendant, midheaven, or IC?) and you will have multiple of these patterns in one natal chart.

That's to say, every single natal chart is unique. There are no two natal charts that are the exact same (hence: you can't and shouldn't be make sweeping generalizations about people). Except for cesarean twins that are born, like, 2 minutes apart; a conundrum for natal chart astrology divination (natal chart astrologists will make the argument that identical twins who share 100% of their genes will also be different, this doesn't invalidate natal chart astrology, I'll leave that up to you to work through).

And that's just natal charts. Which isn't even the most practiced, relevant, or salient part of astrology. The primary practice of astrology involves transits. If you've ever heard the phrase, "mercury retrograde", that's a transit (retrograde isn't enough either, is it in Gemini or Virgo? What House is it in currently? Where is it in relation to other planets in antegorate or retrograde?)

Then, if you want to know what relevance a transit has to you... it gets even more complex. You overlay snapshot of the sky currently (and how it's going to move), on top of your natal chart — this also means that your natal chart, or the saliency of different aspects of your natal chart and its relevance to your life isn't static, it changes with time. It breathes with you. This is referred to as horoscopic progression.

The most popular form of horoscopic progression are what we colloquially refer to as "horoscope" (which is a misnomer as that's more of an umbrella but whatever), which, by the way, is not about your sun sign. If you're a Libra sun, you don't read Libra horoscope. You read by your ascendant, which is your sign in 1H (first house), i.e. a Libra sun, Aquarius Ascendant/Rising, should be reading the horoscope for Aquarius and not Libra. Your ascendant also changes every 30mins (actually 2 hours, but it goes by 30s, i.e. the ascendant sign for someone born at 14:00 will be different than the ascendant sign for someone born at 14:30, and will stay the same until 16:30; the minutes it goes by might vary by year, I haven't actually checked that) so if you don't know the exact time of your birth, that's not a part of horoscopes you can glean information from.

And this barely scratches the surface of astrology!

Anyways to conclude, I leave you with this screenshot of Wikipedia on Horoscopes (taken 28/11/2024) because it elaborates on my prev points on horoscope astrology much more clearly than I ever could.

[Image Description: Astrological progression is a part of what is usually called predictive astrology, the claim of astrology to predict or forecast future trends and developments. Most astrologers nowadays regard the term 'prediction' as something of a misnomer, as modern astrology does not claim to directly predict future events as such. Instead it is claimed that an astrological pattern with regard to the future can correspond with any one of a variety of possibilities. What is in fact foretold is the trend of circumstances and the nature of the individual's reaction to the situation. In other words, progressed and transiting movements of the planets indicate phases in the individual's life when the potential shown in the natal chart will be given opportunities for development, whether through favourable or unfavourable circumstances.

In addition all modern astrologers stress the role of free will. It is asserted that astrology does not reveal fate or patterns which are 'written in stone', rather it reveals a person's strengths and weakness, talents and opportunities. The horoscope does not determine the future, but shows the possible paths that lie ahead so that the individual can choose between them. Modern astrologers argue that no planetary aspect brings a fate that cannot be counteracted in some way and some benefit derived from it - what actual events happen are largely dependent upon the freedom of choice of the individual. The role of the astrologer is to create self-knowledge and awareness of the movement of the planets and their meaning, so as to give the individual an improved ability to make reasoned and sensible life choices. In short, modern astrologers do not generally predict actual future events, or claim that the future is mapped out and determined.

End Image Description.]

(P.S. if I've gotten anything wrong and anyone wants to offer corrections to the information presented here, or add on to it, please feel free.)

I also apologize in advance for the very long post that's about to hit my mutuals & followers; I don't know how to put things under a read more tag.

it does still make me insane specifically how many queer people lovingly embrace astrology. I went to a poetry workshop yesterday that was genuinely quite good but also included an option to disclose astrology designations during introductions and so many people broke out some variation of "I'm a [x] sum but I have a [y] placement and it SHOWS" girl no it doesn't. that's meaningless correlation you completely invented the causation

[strock-markets]

Forex Market Volatility: A Complete Guide for Smarter Trading

Ever felt like the forex market is constantly on the move? That's because it is. Currency prices are always shifting. Sometimes gently, other times with wild swings. These movements, whether small ripples or big waves, are what traders call volatility.

But here is the thing. Volatility isn't something to fear. It is something to understand and use to your advantage.

Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just dipping your toes into the forex world, knowing how volatility works is key to spotting opportunities and managing risk. In this full guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about forex market volatility—what drives it, how to trade it, and how to stay smart when the market gets stormy. For example, platforms that offer online forex trading often provide real-time data and tools to help you navigate volatile conditions effectively.

Let's dive in and make volatility your trading ally.

What is Volatility in the Forex Market?

It refers to the rate at which currency prices change over a given period representing the degree of variation in the price of a currency pair. A highly volatile market means prices are moving quickly and significantly, while low volatility reflects slow, stable price movement.

Different currency pairs exhibit different levels of volatility. Due to higher liquidity, major pairs like EUR/USD or USD/JPY tend to be more stable. If you're learning how to trade EURUSD, this stability makes it a great starting point. In contrast, exotic or minor pairs such as GBP/NZD or USD/TRY often experience sharper movements due to lower trading volume and increased sensitivity to market news.

This can be measured using numerous tools like:

Standard deviation

Average True Range (ATR)

Volatility Index (VIX) (though not directly related to forex, it can reflect market sentiment)

Key Drivers of Forex Market Volatility

Several factors contribute to the rise and fall of volatility in the forex market. Here are the most influential:

Economic Data Releases: Major economic indicators, such as Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP), CPI, GDP and unemployment rates can lead to sharp fluctuations in currency values. The health of a nation's economy is provided by these reports, which also impact interest rate projections.

Geopolitical Events: Elections, wars and trade negotiations, along with political instability, can have a significant impact on the currency of. countries. Market volatility is often triggered by market fear, which is driven by uncertainty.

Central Bank Policies: Central bank policy announcements and interest rate determinations (such as those made by the Federal Reserve or the European Central Bank) are significant drivers of volatility. Markets may experience significant changes if the rates are suddenly rising or dovish.

Market Sentiment: Investors' attitudes toward risk are known as risk-on/risk-offsentiment. It can impact forex volatility. When traders are risk-averse, safe-haven currencies like the USD, CHF, or JPY strengthen, while riskier currencies weaken.

Unexpected News or Black Swan Events: Pandemics, natural disasters, or financial crises can send shockwaves through global markets, creating extreme volatility in a short time.

How to Identify Volatile Forex Pairs

Some currency pairs naturally experience more volatility than others. Commonly volatile pairs include:

GBP/JPY – Known for sharp moves due to the economic sensitivity of both currencies.

AUD/USD – Highly responsive to commodity prices and Chinese economic data.

USD/ZAR or USD/TRY – Exotic pairs with lower liquidity and higher political risk.

To identify and prepare for volatile conditions, traders can use:

Economic Calendars – Highlighting upcoming market-moving events

Volatility Indicators – Such as ATR, Bollinger Bands, and price range technical analysis in forex

News Feeds & Alerts – Staying informed in real time helps anticipate large moves

Opportunities and Risks of Trading in Volatile Conditions

Opportunities

Higher profit potential – Bigger price swings create more room for gains

Short-term trading opportunities – Scalpers and day traders benefit from fast-moving markets

Clear trend formations – Volatility can strengthen breakouts and continuation patterns

Risks

Increased loss potential – Volatile markets can turn against you quickly

Price slippage – Executions may not happen at desired prices during extreme movement

Emotional trading – Panic or overexcitement can lead to poor decision-making

Understanding both sides of volatility helps traders plan accordingly and avoid common pitfalls.

Strategies to Trade Forex Market Volatility

It has been oftenly said that volatility creates opportunities, but only with the right strategy. Here are a few approaches that suits the best for high-volatility trading:

Breakout Trading: Look out for the price deviations that fall below the level of support/resistance. It frequently indicates a robust move in the direction. To identify pre-breakout contractions, employ Bollinger Bands.

News Trading: Capitalize on market reactions immediately after major economic announcements at the time of forex market opening. Use economic calendars to track release times and plan trades around high-impact events.

Scalping: Make quick trades over a short period to capture small price movements. Scalping requires fast execution and tight spreads—perfect for EXMA's advanced trading platforms.

Hedging: Open opposite positions in correlated pairs or the same pair at different times to reduce risk during volatile swings. This helps balance exposure when markets move unpredictably.

Visual tools like candlestick patterns, trendlines, and volatility indicators can support these strategies and enhance precision.

Managing Risk During High Volatility

Risk management is all the more essential in unstable markets. Here's how you can remain safe:

Use Stop-Loss Orders – Set your tolerance for maximum acceptable loss and remain committed to it

Take-Profit Targets – Lock in gains before markets reverse unexpectedly

Adjust Lot Sizes – Trade smaller sizes to manage exposure in unpredictable conditions

Avoid Overleveraging – Excessive leverage amplifies both profits and losses

Follow a Trading Plan – Emotionless, disciplined trading results in more stable outcomes

Keep Emotions in Check – Fear and greed can derail even the best strategies

Successful traders focus more on managing risk than chasing profits, especially when volatility is high.

Conclusion

Volatility is what makes the forex market exciting and challenging. It is the constant movement that opens the door to countless opportunities, but only for traders who know how to navigate it wisely.

Understanding the forces behind market volatility, knowing how to spot high-impact moments, and having a solid strategy in place can make all the difference between reacting blindly and trading with purpose.

Whether you are aiming for short-term gains or building a long-term edge, mastering volatility is a skill that sets successful traders apart. Stay informed, stay disciplined, and embrace the movement because volatility isn't the enemy; it's the opportunity.

[maximumsongcandy]

Blue Hydrogen Market Innovations: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Energy Future

The blue hydrogen market is experiencing a wave of innovations aimed at enhancing production efficiency, reducing costs, and contributing to a low-carbon future. Key advancements include carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology and new production methods.

The world is witnessing a shift towards sustainable energy sources, and one of the most promising innovations in this space is blue hydrogen. As a low-carbon alternative to traditional hydrogen production, blue hydrogen offers a solution that combines the benefits of hydrogen fuel with carbon capture technology. The blue hydrogen market is undergoing rapid innovation, with new advancements designed to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and contribute to the fight against climate change.

Understanding Blue Hydrogen and Its Role in the Energy Transition

Blue hydrogen refers to hydrogen gas produced from natural gas through a process called steam methane reforming (SMR) or autothermal reforming (ATR), with the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions captured and stored through carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. This makes it a cleaner alternative to conventional hydrogen, which is produced using fossil fuels without carbon capture. Blue hydrogen holds the promise of providing a low-carbon, scalable, and affordable solution for various sectors such as transportation, industrial manufacturing, and energy generation.

Innovations in Blue Hydrogen Production Technologies

The primary innovation driving the blue hydrogen market is the improvement of the production process. Traditionally, producing hydrogen from natural gas results in significant CO2 emissions. However, blue hydrogen technologies aim to mitigate these emissions through CCS. As the market grows, several innovations are transforming the way blue hydrogen is produced.

Advanced Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Solutions The efficiency of CCS systems is critical to the success of blue hydrogen production. Innovations in CCS technologies have made it more feasible to capture and store CO2 emissions from hydrogen production. New developments in CCS focus on increasing capture rates, reducing energy consumption, and lowering the cost of implementation. Advanced materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and new sorbents are being researched to enhance the capture process and increase efficiency.

Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) Enhancements Steam methane reforming, the most common method for producing hydrogen, is being improved through the development of more efficient catalysts, higher operating temperatures, and improved reactor designs. These innovations reduce energy consumption and make the process more sustainable, further reducing the carbon footprint of blue hydrogen production. New approaches to integrating renewable energy sources with SMR processes also contribute to reducing emissions and enhancing sustainability.

Electrolysis and Blue Hydrogen Synergies Electrolysis, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity, is another method being explored in blue hydrogen production. The combination of electrolysis with blue hydrogen is a particularly exciting development. Innovations in electrolyzer technology, such as proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers and solid oxide electrolyzers, allow for the integration of renewable energy sources into hydrogen production. This hybrid approach results in cleaner, more efficient hydrogen production with reduced reliance on fossil fuels.

Blue Hydrogen Market Expansion and Commercialization

As innovations in blue hydrogen technology continue to advance, the market is expected to experience rapid growth. Several key factors are driving the commercialization and scalability of blue hydrogen.

Government Support and Policy Frameworks Many governments are introducing policies and incentives to support the development of blue hydrogen infrastructure. Financial backing, tax credits, and regulatory frameworks are crucial for attracting investment and encouraging companies to invest in blue hydrogen production. These policies are helping to lower the financial risks associated with scaling up hydrogen projects, thus accelerating market adoption.

Industry Collaborations and Partnerships Leading energy companies are increasingly collaborating with technology firms, research institutions, and governments to develop and deploy blue hydrogen solutions. Partnerships between major oil and gas companies, renewable energy providers, and technology innovators are accelerating the commercialization of blue hydrogen production. These collaborations also focus on creating integrated hydrogen hubs that combine production, storage, and distribution infrastructure.

Investment in Infrastructure The expansion of hydrogen infrastructure, including storage, transportation, and refueling stations, is essential for the widespread adoption of blue hydrogen. Investments in building large-scale infrastructure are gaining momentum, with several countries announcing ambitious hydrogen infrastructure plans. These developments are crucial for reducing the logistical challenges of transporting and storing hydrogen and ensuring a seamless transition to a low-carbon economy.

Environmental Impact and Future Outlook

The global focus on reducing carbon emissions has made blue hydrogen an attractive option in the energy transition. By utilizing natural gas while capturing the resulting CO2 emissions, blue hydrogen offers a pathway to decarbonizing industries that are hard to electrify, such as steel production and heavy transport. The market is expected to grow rapidly, driven by technological advancements, government policies, and increased demand for low-carbon energy solutions.

The future of blue hydrogen holds great potential for transforming industries and mitigating climate change. While challenges remain—such as the high cost of production, the scalability of CCS technologies, and the need for large-scale infrastructure investment—the progress made in recent years demonstrates the viability of blue hydrogen as a key component of a sustainable energy future.

Conclusion

Innovations in the blue hydrogen market are unlocking new possibilities for cleaner energy production and contributing to the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. From advancements in carbon capture and storage technologies to improvements in production processes, blue hydrogen is emerging as a vital part of the energy transition. As the market continues to expand, blue hydrogen has the potential to play a critical role in achieving a sustainable and low-carbon future.

[existentialexitwounds]

ATR

There's this funny thing that happens when people ask me my orientation.

First I try to give them the coordinates to a place in Antarctica in latitude and longitude format.

If they clarify their statement further, I become very judgmental and try to make it the complete opposite of whatever my overly judgmental assessment of their orientation is.

If that doesn't work, I resort to telling them I am simply just -- a very goth Mormon.

If that doesn't deter them ???

I guess I start asking them questions because how does all that not work.

In a world in which we are bound to our pain and do not bond with each other. So true.

Growing sad, losing my mind again. It's like a movie screen.

Conscientiousness, intention, conscious action, love, and ∞

If you want better you have to stop acting like you're a swarm, and break beyond blaming the one factor you think is easiest to blame. Every time you point what you point at inherently points back act you like a quantum effect. You made that measurement and that measurement measures back.

So it helps to cooperate, but sometimes dissent is an important factor too. It has to be of a certain sort, a certain quality, and with reason as its guide; and it even takes thinking unreasonably sometimes to break through.

Otherwise someone will take advantage of you like a system and you deserve better.

You are more.

There is only one of me as far as I know and I'm just wondering how long it's going to be before my father succumbs to the lack of oxygen caused by his blood cancer and plows right through me given where I'm located.

Why I want to move for?

Avarice really is a shit thing. see my situation for reference.

It doesn't even have to be a big catastrophe, sometimes small catastrophes do enough.

Especially where systems are designed to cave in on everyone when certain things happen.

If this turns you off, good. This situation is highly fucked up all around.

Sorry if this sounds fucked up but someone is relying on persons willingness to not help in a simple way to make certain something keeps happening.

Exactly the same way every time until everyone starts to wonder why they feel empty inside, just doing anything.

Eternal return, I hope you have fun.

I'm sticking around just in case I'm wrong, because I want better things for everyone, but I felt like I should point (Sorry for pointing that out, but sometimes it helps or at least it should :-T) that out in case things become significantly weirder and better for everyone later.

Because it weirds me out that that might happen to persons, and there should be a better way about it. Ever forget about the dancing part of life and focus too much effort on the maintaining balance part of being⸮

Personal advice: If you love doing something, good, but always hate the results. And then, find a way to move on from something knowing that it's never good enough, repeat into infinity

Panda Express is my Achilles' heel. It lacks nutritional value and I will shovel it into my face. Buy me it and I will love and hate you forever.

There is absolutely no reason I should enjoy eating this. It lacks any redeeming qualities.

It's basically the perfect self-loathing food. "Oh god, I hate myself so much for this, but the hate tastes so good!"

Actually, I'm going to term this as hate food -- because I hate everything now.