#critical web vulnerability

[aeth-eris]

★ the rising signs & their enemies: 6th house, 8th house, 12th house, 7th house ★

the 6th house enemy (the relentless taskmaster) forces them into exhausting routines, health struggles, and responsibilities they resist.

the 8th house enemy (the shadow) drags them through power struggles, loss, and emotional transformations they fear.

the 12th house enemy (the hidden saboteur) lurks in their subconscious, whispering fears, doubts, and self-destructive urges.

the 7th house enemy (the mirror) appears as challenging relationships, adversaries, and karmic partners who expose their weaknesses.

★ aries rising : the critic, the manipulator, the phantom, the diplomat ★

the critic (6th house, virgo) forces them to pay attention to detail, refine their skills, and practice patience—three things aries finds unbearable.

the manipulator (8th house, scorpio) drags them into power struggles, intense emotional wounds, and betrayals that shake their trust in others.

the phantom (12th house, pisces) is a hidden force whispering fears of failure and clouding their instincts with self-doubt.

the diplomat (7th house, libra) appears in relationships that demand compromise, balance, and emotional maturity—things aries struggles to embrace.

★ the critic (6th house, virgo) ★

how it attacks:

aries rising thrives on spontaneity and speed, but virgo in the 6th house forces them into a world of rules, precision, and detail-oriented work. the critic appears as demanding bosses, relentless deadlines, and never-ending to-do lists. work environments feel suffocatingly structured, full of picky supervisors and coworkers who obsess over minor details. aries wants to charge ahead, but the critic forces them to slow down and follow proper procedures.

how aries self-sabotages:

they rush through work to escape boredom, but end up making careless mistakes that cost them more time. they resist structured routines, leading to chaotic, unproductive cycles of burnout and recovery. their health suffers because they ignore their body’s warning signs, pushing themselves to exhaustion rather than pacing themselves. the more they resist patience and discipline, the more the critic tightens its grip.

how to defeat it:

aries must learn that working smarter is better than working harder. they can use their energy more effectively if they accept the power of structure and preparation. instead of seeing routine as a cage, they must learn to use it as a weapon.

★ the manipulator (8th house, scorpio) ★

how it attacks:

scorpio in the 8th house drags aries rising into power struggles, toxic relationships, and situations that demand emotional endurance. the manipulator appears as controlling lovers, financial traps, or betrayals that leave lasting wounds. aries prefers quick fights with clear winners, but the manipulator plays the long game, slowly pulling them into webs of emotional intensity and secrecy. they may find themselves deeply entangled in affairs, debts, or psychological battles they can’t easily escape from.

how aries self-sabotages:

they jump into commitments too quickly, thinking they can control the situation, only to realize they’ve given away their power. they ignore their own emotional wounds, but the manipulator forces them to face their fears of dependence and vulnerability. when they feel trapped, they lash out aggressively, only for scorpio energy to strike back ten times harder.

how to defeat it:

aries must learn that true strength includes emotional intelligence. instead of fighting against transformation, they must embrace it and become strategic rather than reactive. the manipulator cannot control aries if aries masters their own depth and intensity first.

★ the phantom (12th house, pisces) ★

how it attacks:

pisces in the 12th house makes aries rising doubt their own instincts, leading to uncertainty, procrastination, and emotional exhaustion. the phantom isn’t a direct enemy—it lurks in the background, making aries feel lost and disconnected from their usual confidence. it appears in moments of burnout, whispering, “what if you’re not as strong as you think?” aries thrives on clarity and action, but the phantom clouds their judgment, making them feel like they are fighting an invisible battle.

how aries self-sabotages:

they avoid deep emotions, fearing that slowing down means losing their edge. they distract themselves with reckless behavior, trying to escape feelings they don’t want to acknowledge. their impulsivity leads them to make quick decisions that come back to haunt them.

how to defeat it:

aries must learn that facing their emotions doesn’t make them weak. if they stop running from their subconscious fears, they can conquer self-doubt and make peace with the unknown. stillness isn’t failure—it’s a different kind of power.

★ the diplomat (7th house, libra) ★

how it attacks:

libra in the 7th house makes relationships feel like a battlefield of compromise and indecision. the diplomat appears as partners who challenge aries’ need for control, forcing them to slow down and consider others. aries prefers taking the lead, but libra energy demands fairness, patience, and balance. they may attract passive-aggressive partners, people who make them question their choices, or relationships that feel like constant negotiations.

how aries self-sabotages:

they push people away before they can get hurt, creating a cycle of short, intense relationships that never last. they see compromise as a weakness, leading to conflicts that could be avoided. they mistake calmness for boredom, gravitating toward passionate but toxic relationships.

how to defeat it:

aries must understand that true leadership includes knowing when to listen and adapt. instead of seeing compromise as losing, they need to see it as a skill that makes them stronger in the long run. the diplomat teaches them that not every fight is worth winning—sometimes, peace is the real victory.

★ taurus rising: the indecisive, the wildfire, the instigator, the seducer ★

the indecisive (6th house, libra) disrupts their routine, forcing them into social politics, unclear expectations, and frustrating indecision.

the wildfire (8th house, sagittarius) drags them into chaotic transformations, financial instability, and unpredictable emotional upheavals.

the instigator (12th house, aries) lurks in their subconscious, feeding them impulsive urges and self-sabotaging desires that conflict with their need for peace.

the seducer (7th house, scorpio) appears in intense, consuming relationships that demand vulnerability, trust, and transformation—things taurus resists at all costs.

★ the indecisive (6th house, libra) ★

how it attacks:

taurus rising thrives on consistency, structure, and predictability. but libra in the 6th house makes their daily life feel unbalanced, full of constant adjustments and unspoken expectations. the indecisive appears as fluctuating work environments, bosses who can’t make up their minds, and obligations that require constant social maneuvering. instead of a clear, stable routine, their work life is full of compromise, diplomacy, and trying to keep everyone happy. this drains taurus, who just wants things to be simple and efficient.

how taurus self-sabotages:

they overextend themselves trying to create harmony, taking on more than they should in order to keep the peace. they delay decisions out of fear of disrupting balance, leading to missed opportunities and built-up frustration. they struggle with health routines, often neglecting their needs in favor of pleasing others or maintaining external appearances.

★ the wildfire (8th house, sagittarius) ★

how to defeat it:

taurus must learn that their well-being comes first. if they stop worrying about external harmony and focus on creating stability for themselves, they will gain true control. learning to make firm decisions and set boundaries will weaken the indecisive’s grip.

how it attacks:

sagittarius in the 8th house forces taurus into chaotic, unpredictable life changes that destroy their sense of control. the wildfire appears as sudden financial upheavals, unexpected breakups, or major life shifts that happen with little warning. taurus seeks security and careful planning, but this enemy forces them into situations where nothing is guaranteed. it teaches them that the only constant in life is change, a lesson they desperately resist.

how taurus self-sabotages:

they cling to stability so tightly that when change inevitably comes, it feels like a disaster rather than a transformation. they resist new opportunities out of fear of risk, missing out on growth and expansion. they may stay in stagnant relationships or jobs long past their expiration date, choosing comfort over evolution.

★ the instigator (12th house, aries) ★

how to defeat it:

taurus must learn to see change as a gateway rather than a threat. if they embrace adaptability and allow themselves to take calculated risks, they will harness the wildfire’s power instead of being burned by it.

how it attacks:

aries in the 12th house creates a hidden, internal battle between taurus’ need for stability and a subconscious craving for reckless action. the instigator lurks deep in their mind, whispering, "burn it all down. shake things up. do something wild." they may suppress anger, frustration, and impulsive desires, only for them to explode in destructive ways when least expected. this enemy thrives on pent-up rage and frustration, creating a cycle of bottling things up, only to act out in self-destructive ways.

how taurus self-sabotages:

they suppress their emotions, pretending everything is fine until they snap and make impulsive, out-of-character decisions. they lash out at loved ones unexpectedly, then feel guilty and retreat further into denial. they may sabotage themselves by avoiding conflict until it becomes an unavoidable disaster.

★ the seducer (7th house, scorpio) ★

how to defeat it:

taurus must acknowledge their hidden anger and suppressed desires. if they express frustration in healthy ways rather than letting it fester, they will prevent the instigator from causing sudden, reckless destruction. recognizing that some risks are necessary will also help them avoid self-sabotaging stagnation.

how it attacks:

scorpio in the 7th house brings taurus into intense, consuming relationships that demand emotional depth and transformation. the seducer appears as partners who are magnetic, mysterious, and emotionally overpowering. they attract lovers who force them to let go of control, exposing their deepest fears and insecurities. relationships feel like life-or-death experiences, pulling them into passion, jealousy, and emotional power struggles they don’t know how to handle. taurus wants stability, but scorpio partners make love feel dangerous and uncontrollable.

how taurus self-sabotages:

they fear emotional vulnerability, so they may shut down or distance themselves from relationships that get too intense. they hold onto people they should release, fearing that letting go means losing control. they may attract possessive, obsessive partners, or they themselves become secretly possessive, refusing to trust fully out of fear of betrayal.

how to defeat it:

taurus must learn that true emotional security comes from trust, not control. if they allow themselves to experience deep love without fearing destruction, they will master the seducer’s power rather than being consumed by it. learning to release relationships that no longer serve them will also free them from toxic emotional cycles.

★ gemini rising: the strategist, the tyrant, the prison guard, the preacher ★

the strategist (6th house, scorpio) places them in work environments full of power struggles, secrecy, and intense expectations that drain their energy.

the tyrant (8th house, capricorn) drags them into slow, grueling financial and emotional transformations that test their patience.

the prison guard (12th house, taurus) keeps them trapped in comfort zones, making them fear commitment, security, and stillness.

the preacher (7th house, sagittarius) appears as partners who challenge their beliefs, freedom, and ability to keep relationships light and casual.

★ the strategist (6th house, scorpio) ★

how it attacks:

gemini rising thrives in fast-paced, lighthearted work environments, but scorpio in the 6th house places them in high-pressure jobs, intense coworker dynamics, and workplaces full of secrecy and manipulation. the strategist appears as bosses who micromanage, colleagues who withhold information, and work projects that demand deep focus and long-term dedication. gemini prefers multitasking and variety, but the strategist forces them to dig deep and fully commit to one thing at a time. work becomes mentally and emotionally draining, filled with hidden agendas and power plays they weren’t prepared for.

how gemini self-sabotages:

they avoid dealing with workplace tension, choosing to play along rather than confront problems head-on. they struggle with maintaining focus, leading to unfinished tasks or wasted potential. they burn out because they don’t pace themselves, overloading their mind with too much information, too fast. they may leave jobs abruptly when things get too intense, but this enemy follows them into every workplace until they learn to handle high-stakes situations with strategy rather than avoidance.

★ the tyrant (8th house, capricorn)★

how to defeat it:

gemini must develop emotional intelligence in professional settings. they need to recognize when they’re being manipulated, set boundaries with draining coworkers, and commit to mastering a skill instead of bouncing between interests. if they can channel their adaptability into resilience, the strategist will lose its power.

how it attacks:

capricorn in the 8th house forces gemini rising into slow, painstaking transformations that demand endurance and responsibility. the tyrant appears as financial debt that takes years to pay off, emotional baggage that refuses to be ignored, and long-term commitments they can’t escape from. gemini wants quick solutions, but this enemy ensures that growth comes at a painfully slow pace. they may feel trapped in difficult family obligations, controlling relationships, or legal struggles that demand structure and discipline.

how gemini self-sabotages:

they avoid long-term financial planning, leading to money struggles that haunt them for years. they enter deep emotional connections without preparing for the responsibilities that come with them. when things feel too heavy, they run, only to find themselves stuck in the same cycles later on. the tyrant wins when gemini refuses to commit to their own long-term success.

★ the prison guard (12th house, taurus) ★

how to defeat it:

gemini must learn to take control of their financial and emotional future. if they develop patience, structure, and discipline, they can turn the tyrant into an ally rather than an oppressor.

how it attacks:

taurus in the 12th house makes gemini rising fear being trapped in a life of stillness and predictability. the prison guard appears as comfort zones they can’t break out of, routines that lull them into complacency, and an inability to fully commit to something out of fear of losing their freedom. gemini craves mental stimulation and new experiences, but deep down, they fear stability. this enemy makes them feel restless, unsatisfied, and always searching for something better, even when they already have what they need.

how gemini self-sabotages:

they jump from one thing to the next, thinking the next opportunity, relationship, or project will be the one that finally makes them happy. they avoid long-term commitments, fearing they will lose their sense of self. they stay in situations that are “good enough” rather than taking action to create something truly fulfilling.

★ the preacher (7th house, sagittarius) ★

how to defeat it:

gemini must understand that true freedom comes from within, not from constant external movement. if they embrace a sense of inner security, they will stop running in circles and start creating real stability on their own terms.

how it attacks:

sagittarius in the 7th house brings gemini rising partners who are larger than life, intensely opinionated, and constantly challenging their beliefs. the preacher appears as romantic and business partners who demand that gemini commit to something bigger than themselves, even when they aren’t ready. these relationships push them toward philosophical growth, travel, and long-term visions that require full investment. gemini prefers casual, adaptable partnerships, but the preacher forces them to step up, engage in serious discussions, and face uncomfortable truths about themselves.

how gemini self-sabotages:

they attract partners who force them to commit, but they hesitate, afraid of losing their freedom. they fall into hot-and-cold relationships, bouncing between intense passion and restless boredom. they avoid deep discussions, but the preacher always brings them back, making them face difficult conversations they’d rather escape from.

how to defeat it:

gemini must learn to embrace the idea that deep relationships don’t have to limit them—they can expand their world instead. if they commit without fear, they will gain something much more valuable than surface-level connections.

★ cancer rising: the wanderer, the machine, the chameleon, the fortress ★

the wanderer (6th house, sagittarius) disrupts their sense of routine, forcing them into chaotic work environments, health struggles tied to stress, and unpredictable daily life.

the machine (8th house, aquarius) drags them into cold, impersonal emotional transformations, sudden losses, and crises they cannot emotionally process in real-time.

the chameleon (12th house, gemini) lurks in their subconscious, making them doubt their own emotions and get lost in mental spirals that detach them from their intuition.

the fortress (7th house, capricorn) appears in relationships that feel more like contracts than love, forcing cancer to prove themselves and work for emotional connection rather than receiving it naturally.

★ the wanderer (6th house, sagittarius) ★

how it attacks:

cancer rising finds comfort in stable routines and environments, but sagittarius in the 6th house brings constant change and unpredictability. the wanderer appears as unstable jobs, overwhelming responsibilities, and schedules that never seem to stay the same. cancer wants structure, but this enemy forces them into high-energy, ever-changing work environments that demand constant adaptation. they struggle with balancing personal and professional life, often feeling like their work obligations pull them away from home and emotional security. their health also suffers due to stress, irregular sleep, and emotional eating.

how cancer self-sabotages:

they try to create strict routines to regain control, but life continues to disrupt them, leading to frustration and burnout. they may stay in unfulfilling jobs out of fear of instability, but deep down, they crave freedom from overwhelming responsibilities. they avoid necessary changes because they resent unpredictability, but this only makes them feel trapped in situations they secretly want to escape from.

★ the machine (8th house, aquarius) ★

how to defeat it:

cancer must learn that flexibility does not equal instability. if they embrace change with an open heart, they can create a sense of emotional stability within themselves rather than relying on external factors. the wanderer loses its power when cancer rising accepts movement as part of life instead of resisting it.

how it attacks:

aquarius in the 8th house forces cancer rising into impersonal, unpredictable emotional transformations. the machine appears as sudden losses, betrayals that come out of nowhere, and situations that demand complete emotional detachment. cancer wants depth and connection, but this enemy forces them into cold, distant transformations where emotions are ignored or dismissed. instead of the slow, meaningful healing they need, they are thrown into sudden, shocking changes that feel like they have no control over them.

how cancer self-sabotages:

they cling to past emotional wounds, refusing to accept sudden changes. they become too emotionally attached to situations or people who have already moved on, making it harder for them to heal. they suppress their grief and emotions in an attempt to move forward logically, but this only creates a deep sense of emptiness. the machine wins when cancer rising refuses to embrace emotional change and instead becomes frozen in time, unable to move forward.

★ the chameleon (12th house, gemini) ★

how to defeat it:

cancer must learn that not all changes need to be personal. sometimes, life moves quickly, and not every loss is a betrayal. if they can separate their emotions from external situations and allow themselves to process grief without attachment, the machine loses its power.

how it attacks:

gemini in the 12th house creates a constant inner dialogue that questions cancer’s emotions and instincts. the chameleon appears as racing thoughts, self-doubt, and a subconscious fear of never truly understanding themselves. cancer is deeply intuitive, but this enemy makes them overanalyze everything, causing them to detach from their emotions and question their feelings instead of trusting them. it manifests as sleepless nights, endless mental loops, and a deep fear that they are making the wrong decisions based on emotions rather than logic.

how cancer self-sabotages:

they suppress their intuition, trying to rationalize everything instead of feeling it. they get caught in toxic thought patterns, overanalyzing relationships, decisions, and emotions to the point where they lose sight of what they actually want. they struggle with expressing their deepest fears, often talking about surface-level concerns rather than addressing the real, painful emotions underneath.

★ the fortress (7th house, capricorn) ★

how to defeat it:

cancer must learn to trust their emotions instead of overthinking them. if they allow themselves to feel without explanation, they will reconnect with their inner world. the chameleon loses its power when cancer realizes that not every thought needs to be analyzed—some things are meant to be felt, not explained.

how it attacks:

capricorn in the 7th house makes cancer rising feel like love is a responsibility rather than a source of comfort. the fortress appears as partners who are emotionally unavailable, distant, or overly focused on practical matters instead of intimacy. cancer wants nurturing relationships, but they often attract serious, work-oriented partners who struggle with emotional vulnerability. they feel like they must earn love through effort rather than simply being loved for who they are.

how cancer self-sabotages:

they overcompensate in relationships, trying to prove their worth by giving too much. they stay in emotionally distant relationships for too long, believing that if they just work harder, they’ll finally be loved the way they need. they mistake stability for love, sometimes choosing partners who provide security but lack emotional connection.

how to defeat it:

cancer must learn that love isn’t something they have to earn—it’s something they deserve unconditionally. if they stop seeking validation from emotionally unavailable partners and instead find those who nurture them in return, the fortress crumbles.

★ leo rising: the overseer, the abyss, the phantom king, the outcast ★

the overseer (6th house, capricorn) places them in structured, high-pressure work environments where their freedom and creativity feel suffocated.

the abyss (8th house, pisces) drags them into murky emotional depths, forcing them to deal with loss, betrayal, and subconscious fears they’d rather ignore.

the phantom king (12th house, cancer) lurks in their subconscious, making them fear irrelevance, abandonment, and losing the admiration they thrive on.

the outcast (7th house, aquarius) appears in relationships that challenge their need for attention and admiration, making them feel overlooked or disconnected from their partners.

★ the overseer (6th house, capricorn) ★

how it attacks:

leo rising thrives on passion and creative expression, but capricorn in the 6th house forces them into structured, demanding work environments with little room for individuality. the overseer appears as bosses who expect perfection, high-pressure job expectations, and relentless responsibilities that drain their energy. instead of being recognized for their natural leadership, they are forced to prove themselves over and over again through discipline and hard work. their daily routine becomes rigid and exhausting, making them feel like they are losing their personal freedom in the pursuit of success.

how leo self-sabotages:

they resist structured routines, leading to chaotic schedules that leave them overwhelmed. they rebel against authority, refusing to follow rules that they see as beneath them, which can lead to career instability or professional conflicts. they take on too much responsibility, feeling like they have to do everything themselves to prove their worth. this enemy wins when leo rising tries to fight structure instead of learning how to use it to their advantage.

★ the abyss (8th house, pisces) ★

how to defeat it:

leo must realize that discipline and structure do not limit their creativity—they refine it. if they learn to balance responsibility with self-expression, the overseer loses its control.

how it attacks:

pisces in the 8th house forces leo rising into deep emotional crises where nothing is clear or predictable. the abyss appears as betrayals that come out of nowhere, financial instability, and emotional wounds that refuse to heal in a straight line. leo rising prefers clarity and control, but this enemy clouds their judgment, making them feel lost in emotional confusion. they may struggle with being deceived by those they trust, feeling like the rug has been pulled out from under them without explanation. their relationships and financial security often feel uncertain and unstable, making them fearful of the unknown.

how leo self-sabotages:

they cling to illusions, refusing to see the truth in situations where they have been deceived. they distract themselves with external validation, avoiding processing their emotional pain in a healthy way. they rush into financial or emotional commitments without considering the risks, only to feel trapped when things don’t go as expected. the abyss wins when leo refuses to acknowledge their emotional wounds and instead hides behind their pride.

★ the phantom king (12th house, cancer) ★

how to defeat it:

leo must learn that true strength comes from vulnerability, not avoidance. if they face their emotional pain with honesty and allow themselves to heal, the abyss loses its hold.

how it attacks:

cancer in the 12th house creates a hidden fear of losing relevance and being abandoned by those they love. the phantom king whispers, “what if they stop caring about you? what if no one sees you anymore?” leo rising thrives on recognition and connection, but this enemy makes them fear losing their place in people’s lives. they may struggle with hidden insecurities about being replaceable, leading to subconscious self-sabotage in relationships and career moves. this enemy appears in moments of loneliness, nostalgia for the past, and fears of fading into the background when they aren’t actively in the spotlight.

how leo self-sabotages:

they overcompensate by demanding attention, fearing that if they aren’t constantly visible, they will be forgotten. they hold onto relationships that have run their course, terrified of losing emotional connections that once defined them. they hide their own emotional needs, pretending to be strong and unbothered while secretly fearing rejection. the phantom king wins when leo rising lets their fear of irrelevance control their actions.

★ the outcast (7th house, aquarius) ★

how to defeat it:

leo must realize that their worth is not tied to external validation. if they build a strong inner foundation and embrace self-love without needing constant recognition, the phantom king fades away.

how it attacks:

aquarius in the 7th house attracts partners who are independent, unpredictable, and emotionally distant. the outcast appears as lovers who resist deep emotional connection, friendships that feel distant, and business partners who prioritize logic over feelings. leo rising wants passion and devotion, but this enemy places them in relationships that feel cool, detached, and sometimes outright indifferent. they may feel like they are giving their all to people who never fully reciprocate their energy.

how leo self-sabotages:

they attract partners who challenge their need for admiration, feeling frustrated when their efforts go unnoticed. they mistake freedom for rejection, struggling with trusting that love doesn’t have to be constant validation. they push people away when they feel unappreciated, rather than allowing relationships to breathe and grow organically. the outcast wins when leo rising seeks constant affirmation instead of building secure, balanced relationships.

how to defeat it:

leo must understand that love is not about possession or constant reassurance—it’s about trust and mutual respect. if they allow themselves to experience relationships without needing control, the outcast loses its power.

★ virgo rising: the fool, the destroyer, the ghost, the trickster ★

the fool (6th house, aquarius) disrupts their carefully structured routines, throwing them into unpredictable work environments and health struggles that defy logic.

the destroyer (8th house, aries) drags them into sudden, painful transformations that strip them of control and force them into crisis mode without warning.

the ghost (12th house, leo) lurks in their subconscious, whispering fears of being invisible, unappreciated, and never truly recognized for their efforts.

the trickster (7th house, pisces) appears in relationships that deceive, confuse, and challenge virgo’s desire for certainty and clarity in love.

★ the fool (6th house, aquarius) ★

how it attacks:

virgo rising craves efficiency, order, and structured routines, but aquarius in the 6th house brings constant change, unconventional work settings, and unpredictable health patterns. the fool appears as disruptive coworkers, unstructured job environments, and sudden shifts that force them to adapt when they’d rather plan ahead. workplaces feel disorganized, full of eccentric personalities who don’t follow the rules. instead of a reliable schedule, their daily life is full of interruptions, last-minute changes, and unexpected complications. their health may also be affected by nervous energy, sudden stressors, or erratic habits they can’t control.

how virgo self-sabotages:

they cling too tightly to routine, panicking when things don’t go as planned. they try to fix chaos with logic, but the fool doesn’t play by their rules. they struggle with overthinking and micromanaging, exhausting themselves in an attempt to control what can’t be controlled. the more they resist embracing spontaneity, the more the fool tightens its grip.

★ the destroyer (8th house, aries) ★

how to defeat it:

virgo must learn that not everything needs a strict plan. if they embrace adaptability and trust themselves to handle the unknown, the fool loses its power. finding balance between logic and flexibility will allow them to navigate chaotic situations with confidence.

how it attacks:

aries in the 8th house forces virgo rising into intense, fast-moving crises that demand immediate action and emotional endurance. the destroyer appears as sudden losses, financial upheavals, and deep betrayals that happen without warning. virgo rising prefers carefully planned transformations, but this enemy rips control from their hands, forcing them into high-pressure situations where they must act fast. this enemy thrives on pushing them to their emotional and financial limits, demanding resilience without preparation.

how virgo self-sabotages:

they overanalyze rather than act, trying to delay crisis instead of adapting quickly. they suppress anger and emotional intensity, but the destroyer forces them to confront raw, unfiltered emotions head-on. they struggle with letting go, resisting transformation until it happens by force. the more they try to control the uncontrollable, the harder the destroyer strikes.

how to defeat it:

virgo must learn that not all change can be planned—some must be faced head-on. if they accept that destruction is sometimes necessary for rebirth, they can turn moments of crisis into opportunities for renewal. the destroyer loses its grip when they trust their instincts rather than fear them.

★ the ghost (12th house, leo) ★

how it attacks:

leo in the 12th house creates a hidden fear of invisibility, unrecognized effort, and being overshadowed by others. the ghost appears in moments of self-doubt, whispering that no matter how hard virgo rising works, they will never receive the recognition they deserve. they thrive on being useful and competent, but this enemy makes them feel unseen, unappreciated, or constantly second to someone else. they may struggle with feeling overlooked in their personal and professional life, believing that their worth is only as strong as their ability to serve others.

how virgo self-sabotages:

they work tirelessly to prove themselves, but never feel fully satisfied with external validation. they suppress their own creative desires, prioritizing helping others over their own self-expression. they fear taking up too much space, often downplaying their achievements instead of owning their success. the ghost wins when virgo rising lets self-doubt keep them in the background instead of stepping into their own spotlight.

★ the trickster (7th house, pisces) ★

how to defeat it:

virgo must realize that they are not just valuable because of what they do for others—they are valuable simply for who they are. if they allow themselves to take pride in their talents and step forward with confidence, the ghost fades away.

how it attacks:

pisces in the 7th house makes relationships unclear, unpredictable, and often filled with illusions. the trickster appears as partners who are hard to pin down, emotionally elusive, or dishonest in ways that are hard to detect at first. virgo rising wants practical, straightforward partnerships, but this enemy attracts romantic and business relationships where nothing is as it seems. they may fall for people who manipulate with charm, promise stability but never deliver, or disappear when things get serious. love feels like a constant puzzle, full of missing pieces that virgo rising desperately tries to solve.

how virgo self-sabotages:

they overanalyze relationships, trying to find logic in emotions that can’t be rationalized. they seek perfection in partners, only to feel disillusioned when reality doesn’t match their expectations. they ignore red flags, assuming they can fix or help the people they love, but the trickster thrives on false hope and illusions.

how to defeat it:

virgo must learn that love is not a problem to be solved—it is an experience to be felt. if they stop seeking certainty and instead embrace emotional flow, the trickster loses its ability to deceive. trusting intuition over logic in relationships will allow them to see through illusions and avoid unnecessary heartache.

★ libra rising: the workhorse, the storm, the doppelgänger, the challenger ★

the tide (6th house, pisces) pulls them into waves of emotional and professional overwhelm, blurring the line between responsibility and sacrifice.

the sandstorm (8th house, taurus) buries them in slow-moving but unavoidable emotional and financial transformations that challenge their patience and comfort zones.

the masquerade (12th house, virgo) lurks in their subconscious, whispering self-doubt and perfectionism, making them feel like they must constantly refine themselves to be worthy of love and success.

the warrior (7th house, aries) appears in relationships that demand courage, independence, and confrontation—things libra rising instinctively avoids in order to keep the peace.

★ the tide (6th house, pisces) ★

how it attacks:

libra rising craves clear responsibilities and work-life balance, but pisces in the 6th house brings fluidity, uncertainty, and obligations that drain them emotionally rather than just physically. the tide appears as jobs that expect too much, coworkers who overshare personal struggles, and unclear boundaries between professional and emotional labor. libra rising often finds themselves absorbing the stress of their environment, feeling responsible for fixing problems they didn’t cause. their work feels like an ocean of shifting expectations, where they must constantly adjust without clear guidance. their health also suffers from stress, exhaustion, and difficulty maintaining routines due to external demands.

how libra self-sabotages:

they say yes too often, believing that if they help enough people, everything will fall into place. they struggle with setting boundaries, fearing that asserting their needs will make them appear selfish or unkind. they avoid structure, thinking that rigid schedules restrict their freedom, only to become overwhelmed when they lack direction. the tide wins when libra rising lets themselves be carried away by responsibilities they never truly wanted to take on in the first place.

★ the sandstorm (8th house, taurus) ★

how to defeat it:

libra must learn that helping others does not mean drowning in their problems. if they establish firm boundaries and create routines that prioritize their well-being, the tide loses its grip. learning to say “no” without guilt will allow them to regain their own sense of flow without being swept away.

how it attacks:

taurus in the 8th house forces libra rising into slow, heavy transformations that cannot be rushed or avoided. the sandstorm appears as financial burdens that take years to resolve, emotionally draining relationships that linger, and personal evolutions that feel like walking through endless resistance. unlike the quick, adaptable change libra prefers, this enemy demands endurance and patience, refusing to let them move on until they fully face what needs to be transformed.

how libra self-sabotages:

they cling to comfort even when it no longer serves them, fearing that leaving stability behind means making an irreversible mistake. they avoid difficult emotional conversations, thinking that if they pretend everything is fine, it will eventually resolve itself. they struggle with letting go, often holding onto people, financial obligations, or emotional burdens long past their expiration date. the sandstorm wins when libra rising remains stuck in cycles of avoidance, letting change happen to them instead of actively participating in their own transformation.

★ the masquerade (12th house, virgo) ★

how to defeat it:

libra must accept that not all change can be controlled, and some things require endurance rather than avoidance. if they face their financial and emotional struggles with patience rather than trying to rush to the finish line, the sandstorm loses its grip.

how it attacks:

virgo in the 12th house creates a hidden voice of self-criticism that constantly questions libra rising’s decisions, making them feel like they must be polished and flawless to be truly accepted. the masquerade whispers, "are you sure this is the right choice? are you refined enough, successful enough, desirable enough?" libra thrives on beauty and balance, but this enemy makes them fixate on flaws, second-guess their actions, and fear being exposed as inadequate. they may struggle with an internal pressure to maintain an idealized version of themselves, constantly adjusting to meet others' expectations instead of simply existing as they are.

how libra self-sabotages:

they overanalyze every social interaction, every choice, and every commitment, paralyzing themselves with indecision. they struggle with acknowledging their own needs, often deferring to what they believe will please others rather than what truly fulfills them. they may hold themselves to impossibly high standards, believing that any mistake could damage their reputation or relationships. the masquerade wins when libra rising lets their own self-doubt keep them from embracing their true identity and desires.

★ the warrior (7th house, aries) ★

how to defeat it:

libra must realize that they do not need to be perfect—they need to be authentic. if they trust their instincts rather than constantly refining themselves for others, the masquerade loses its power.

how it attacks:

aries in the 7th house attracts partners who are direct, independent, and sometimes confrontational. the warrior appears as lovers who push libra rising to assert themselves, stand their ground, and make decisions without overthinking. libra prefers harmony and mutual understanding, but this enemy places them in relationships that demand personal strength and self-assertion rather than constant compromise. they may attract partners who challenge their desire for fairness by pushing them to be decisive, competitive, and self-reliant.

how libra self-sabotages:

they avoid conflict at all costs, often sacrificing their own needs just to maintain peace in relationships. they mistake assertiveness for aggression, struggling to stand their ground when it truly matters. they may become overly reliant on a partner’s leadership, believing that someone else should make the hard decisions for them. the warrior wins when libra rising fears confrontation so much that they lose their ability to fight for what they truly want in relationships.

how to defeat it:

libra must realize that standing up for themselves does not mean creating conflict—it means claiming their power. if they embrace self-assertion and make decisions based on their own needs rather than trying to please others, the warrior loses its grip.

★ scorpio rising: the taskmaster, the wildfire, the mirror, the tower ★

the taskmaster (6th house, aries) forces them into grueling work environments, exhausting responsibilities, and non-stop action with no room for rest or strategy.

the whirlwind (8th house, gemini) spreads rapid and unpredictable destruction through miscommunication, betrayal, and emotional upheavals they never see coming.

the mirror (12th house, libra) lurks in their subconscious, forcing them to reconcile their need for control with their hidden desire for harmony and validation.

the tower (7th house, taurus) appears in relationships that challenge their emotional intensity with stability, patience, and resistance to their usual tactics of manipulation or control.

★ the taskmaster (6th house, aries) ★

how it attacks:

scorpio rising prefers to move with strategy, taking control over their own pace, but aries in the 6th house drags them into constant action, high-pressure work environments, and physical exhaustion that leaves no time for careful planning. the taskmaster appears as demanding jobs, overwhelming routines, and responsibilities that never seem to end. scorpio rising craves depth and meaning, but this enemy forces them into mindless, repetitive labor that drains their energy. their health suffers from stress, overworking, and pushing themselves to the absolute limit.

how scorpio self-sabotages:

they refuse to rest, believing that if they stop, they will lose control over their success. they bottle up frustration, only to explode when the pressure becomes unbearable. they reject help, thinking that true strength means doing everything alone. the taskmaster wins when scorpio rising burns out completely, leaving them unable to function effectively.

★ the whirlwind (8th house, gemini) ★

how to defeat it:

scorpio must learn that working smart is more important than working hard. if they embrace efficiency, delegate responsibilities, and prioritize their well-being, the taskmaster loses its power.

how it attacks:

gemini in the 8th house forces scorpio rising into fast-moving emotional crises, unexpected betrayals, and chaotic transformations that they cannot control. the whirlwind appears as partners who spread misinformation, friendships that dissolve without warning, and secrets that surface at the worst possible moments. unlike the slow, deep emotional transformations scorpio prefers, this enemy brings sudden, jarring changes that leave them scrambling for answers.

how scorpio self-sabotages:

they obsess over hidden meanings, desperately trying to piece together fragmented truths. they hold onto grudges, unable to let go of past betrayals even when moving forward would serve them better. they overestimate their ability to control narratives, believing that if they dig deep enough, they can uncover the full truth—but the whirlwind ensures that truth always remains elusive.

★ the mirror (12th house, libra) ★

how to defeat it:

scorpio must accept that not every mystery needs to be solved, and not every battle is worth fighting. if they let go of their need to control information and embrace adaptability, the whirlwind loses its power.

how it attacks:

libra in the 12th house creates a hidden contradiction within scorpio rising—on the surface, they exude power and independence, but deep down, they secretly crave harmony, acceptance, and even love from others in ways they don’t admit to themselves. the mirror whispers, “you are not as in control as you pretend to be. you want to be loved, just like everyone else.” scorpio rising wants to believe they are above the need for external validation, but this enemy forces them to reckon with the parts of themselves that desire approval, affection, and connection.

how scorpio self-sabotages:

they push people away, fearing that letting others in will make them vulnerable. they dismiss their own need for love, pretending that they do not care about being understood. they struggle with internal contradictions, torn between their desire for power and their secret longing for peace. the mirror wins when scorpio rising denies their softer side, refusing to acknowledge their need for balance and connection.

★ the tower (7th house, taurus) ★

how to defeat it:

scorpio must accept that they can be both powerful and vulnerable, both dominant and loving. if they embrace their desire for harmony instead of suppressing it, the mirror loses its hold.

how it attacks:

taurus in the 7th house attracts partners who resist scorpio’s usual tactics of control, manipulation, and emotional intensity. the tower appears as lovers who refuse to engage in power struggles, who demand stability instead of chaos, and who hold their ground rather than bending to scorpio’s will. relationships feel slow, unmovable, and sometimes frustratingly stable, lacking the extreme emotional highs and lows scorpio is used to navigating. unlike the deeply transformative connections scorpio prefers, this enemy forces them to experience love as something steady and unshakable rather than dramatic and consuming.

how scorpio self-sabotages:

they test their partners, pushing limits to see if they will react, but taurus energy remains calm and unmoved, which frustrates them even more. they resist trust, believing that if they let go of control, they will lose their power. they mistake consistency for boredom, often sabotaging stable relationships because they crave something more intense. the tower wins when scorpio rising rejects stability, convincing themselves that love must be painful in order to be meaningful.

how to defeat it:

scorpio must realize that true strength lies in trust and patience, not just in power and intensity. if they embrace the idea that love can be stable and fulfilling without being destructive or obsessive, the tower loses its foundation and crumbles.

★ sagittarius rising: the warden, the undertow, the serpent, the ballast ★

the warden (6th house, taurus) forces them into repetitive, rigid routines that feel suffocating and slow, demanding discipline and patience rather than excitement and variety.

the undertow (8th house, cancer) drags them into overwhelming emotional depths, forcing them to confront attachment, loss, and intimacy in ways they instinctively resist.

the serpent (12th house, scorpio) lurks in their subconscious, clouding their instincts with paranoia, self-doubt, and fears of hidden betrayals that may or may not be real.

the ballast (7th house, gemini) appears in relationships that feel too logical, detached, or mentally exhausting, challenging their need for passion and spiritual depth in love.

★ the warden (6th house, taurus) ★

how it attacks:

sagittarius rising thrives on spontaneity and movement, but taurus in the 6th house drags them into slow, repetitive routines that feel like an inescapable prison. the warden appears as unwavering responsibilities, work that demands patience and endurance, and an environment that offers little stimulation or adventure. sagittarius wants quick results and flexible schedules, but this enemy demands consistency, discipline, and a long-term commitment to progress. it shows up in strict work schedules, demanding health regimens, and daily obligations that seem to drag on forever.

how sagittarius self-sabotages:

they avoid commitment, jumping between jobs and projects before they see results. they procrastinate on long-term goals, believing they will figure things out later, only to feel overwhelmed when responsibilities catch up to them. they resist slowing down, fearing that stillness means stagnation. the warden wins when sagittarius rising refuses to develop discipline, leaving them stuck in cycles of unfinished ideas and fleeting interests that never turn into something stable.

★ the undertow (8th house, cancer) ★

how to defeat it:

sagittarius must learn that structure does not equal confinement—it is the foundation that makes long-term freedom possible. if they embrace patience and steady effort without seeing it as a cage, the warden loses its power.

how it attacks:

cancer in the 8th house forces sagittarius rising into deep emotional waters they are not prepared to navigate. the undertow appears as intense, overwhelming relationships, family burdens they cannot escape, and a need to face their own emotions instead of running from them. unlike the lighthearted connections sagittarius prefers, this enemy drags them into matters of life, death, and legacy, forcing them to feel things they would rather intellectualize or joke about.

how sagittarius self-sabotages:

they avoid deep emotional bonds, keeping relationships surface-level to avoid being tied down. they shut down when people expect emotional vulnerability, preferring to keep things light rather than diving into painful discussions. they distract themselves with travel, work, or new experiences rather than sitting with their feelings and processing them fully. the undertow wins when sagittarius rising denies themselves true emotional connection and healing because they fear the weight of it.

★ the serpent (12th house, scorpio) ★

how to defeat it:

sagittarius must learn that freedom is not just physical—it is emotional too. if they allow themselves to face their feelings rather than escape them, they will find deeper meaning and connection than they ever thought possible.

how it attacks:

scorpio in the 12th house creates a lurking fear of betrayal, failure, and losing control. the serpent coils around sagittarius rising’s subconscious, whispering "what if you're wrong? what if you’ve trusted the wrong people? what if there's something lurking beneath the surface you’re too blind to see?" sagittarius prefers truth, openness, and expansion, but this enemy poisons them with paranoia, self-doubt, and subconscious sabotage that leads them into self-destructive patterns. they may laugh things off on the surface, but underneath, they are haunted by unspoken fears of what’s waiting in the shadows.

how sagittarius self-sabotages:

they become reckless to avoid confronting their inner darkness, throwing themselves into distractions instead of acknowledging their deeper wounds. they doubt their own wisdom, fearing that they will never have all the answers, leading them to overcompensate with arrogance or avoidance. they keep their pain buried, assuming that if they don’t think about it, it won’t affect them—only for it to creep into their decisions unconsciously. the serpent wins when sagittarius rising lets fear of the unknown dictate their actions rather than embracing the power of transformation.

★ the ballast (7th house, gemini) ★

how to defeat it:

sagittarius must realize that fear only has power when ignored. if they confront their hidden wounds, embrace vulnerability, and trust in their ability to overcome, the serpent loses its venom.

how it attacks:

gemini in the 7th house attracts partners who challenge sagittarius rising’s need for passion and adventure with logic, detachment, and intellectual debates that can feel cold or exhausting. the ballast appears as lovers who overanalyze everything, make love feel like a mental chess game rather than a passionate connection, or constantly test their beliefs in frustrating ways. sagittarius seeks a lover who will run wild with them, but this enemy keeps them tethered to reality, forcing them to engage in difficult conversations rather than simply escaping into passion or philosophy.

how sagittarius self-sabotages:

they get restless in relationships, craving constant novelty and excitement. they avoid serious conversations, choosing charm and humor over emotional depth. they struggle with staying present in relationships that require patience and effort, assuming that if things aren’t effortless, they aren’t meant to be. the ballast wins when sagittarius rising rejects commitment, assuming it will slow them down rather than expand their world in new ways.

how to defeat it:

sagittarius must realize that real love is not about constant movement—it is about trust, growth, and exploration together. if they stop fearing commitment and embrace meaningful intellectual and emotional connections, the ballast loses its weight.

★ capricorn rising: the conveyor belt, the pyre, the shadowcaster, the maelstrom ★

the conveyor belt (6th house, gemini) throws them into chaotic routines, constant multitasking, and shallow distractions that drain their efficiency and focus.

the pyre (8th house, leo) forces them into ego-destroying transformations, stripping away their carefully built self-image through loss, betrayal, and power struggles.

the shadowcaster (12th house, sagittarius) lurks in their subconscious, creating an inner conflict between their need for control and their hidden desire for boundless freedom and escape.

the maelstrom (7th house, cancer) appears in relationships that overwhelm them with emotional intensity, unpredictability, and demands for vulnerability they struggle to meet.

★ the conveyor belt (6th house, gemini) ★

how it attacks:

capricorn rising thrives on structure and efficiency, but gemini in the 6th house disrupts their carefully laid plans with constant interruptions, overwhelming responsibilities, and shallow tasks that waste their time. the conveyor belt appears as a fast-paced work environment that prioritizes speed over quality, an endless influx of responsibilities that prevent deep focus, and a lack of consistency that makes it difficult to establish long-term stability. capricorn rising prefers steady progress, but this enemy forces them to juggle too many tasks at once, leading to burnout and dissatisfaction.

how capricorn self-sabotages:

they micromanage everything, believing that if they control every detail, they can prevent chaos—only to exhaust themselves in the process. they overcommit to responsibilities, taking on too much out of a sense of duty, even when it drains them. they ignore their need for rest, believing that working harder will solve everything, even when their lack of efficiency is the real problem. the conveyor belt wins when capricorn rising mistakes busyness for productivity, losing sight of their long-term goals in the process.

★ the pyre (8th house, leo) ★

how to defeat it:

capricorn must learn that quality matters more than quantity. if they prioritize deep work, delegate unnecessary tasks, and allow flexibility in their routines without sacrificing structure, the conveyor belt loses its grip.

how it attacks:

leo in the 8th house forces capricorn rising into sudden and often humiliating transformations that strip away their pride, authority, or sense of control. the pyre appears as public failures, betrayals that damage their reputation, or deep emotional losses that force them to let go of their rigid self-image. unlike the gradual, structured change they prefer, this enemy burns away everything they once relied on, leaving them exposed and vulnerable before they have a chance to rebuild.

how capricorn self-sabotages:

they cling to their authority and status, refusing to admit when they need help or when their old methods are no longer working. they fear showing weakness, leading them to bottle up emotions until they explode in dramatic ways. they struggle with letting go, often trying to salvage control in situations that demand surrender. the pyre wins when capricorn rising fights against necessary transformation, only to have it forced upon them in painful, unavoidable ways.

★ the shadowcaster (12th house, sagittarius) ★

how to defeat it:

capricorn must accept that sometimes destruction is necessary for renewal. if they embrace change rather than resisting it, they can rise from the ashes stronger and wiser. the pyre loses its fire when capricorn learns to let go of outdated versions of themselves before life forces them to.

how it attacks:

sagittarius in the 12th house creates a subconscious conflict between capricorn’s need for stability and their hidden desire for escape, risk, and freedom. the shadowcaster whispers, “what if you’re missing out? what if you built this entire life only to realize you never really lived?” capricorn rising thrives on control and careful planning, but this enemy fuels impulsive desires to abandon everything and run toward the unknown—an urge they struggle to reconcile with their responsibility-driven nature.

how capricorn self-sabotages:

they deny their need for adventure, suppressing any impulse that threatens their structured world—only to find themselves secretly fantasizing about escape. they intellectualize their emotions, avoiding deep spiritual reflection in favor of tangible achievements. they fear uncertainty, preferring to stay on the path they’ve built, even if it no longer excites them. the shadowcaster wins when capricorn rising lets fear of instability keep them from evolving, leaving them feeling trapped in a life they built but no longer connect with.

★ the maelstrom (7th house, cancer) ★

how to defeat it:

capricorn must learn that they don’t have to choose between stability and adventure—they can have both. if they integrate spontaneity and self-discovery into their structured life, the shadowcaster fades away.

how it attacks:

cancer in the 7th house attracts partners who bring deep emotional intensity, unpredictable moods, and demands for vulnerability that capricorn rising struggles to meet. the maelstrom appears as relationships that require them to open up, soften, and connect on an emotional level rather than just a practical one. capricorn rising prefers partnerships built on mutual goals and stability, but this enemy forces them into love that is raw, nurturing, and sometimes overwhelming in its depth and intensity.

how capricorn self-sabotages:

they emotionally detach, keeping relationships strictly transactional or goal-oriented rather than allowing them to be deeply felt experiences. they view emotions as distractions, struggling with being present in moments of deep connection. they fear dependency, believing that needing someone too much will make them weak. the maelstrom wins when capricorn rising pushes away genuine intimacy out of fear that they will lose control in the process.

how to defeat it:

capricorn must learn that true strength lies in allowing themselves to be loved fully, not just respected or admired. if they embrace emotional connection rather than avoiding it, the maelstrom loses its storm.

★ aquarius rising: the tidebreaker, the iron veil, the hollow, the sovereign ★

the tidebreaker (6th house, cancer) disrupts their logical, structured world with unpredictable emotional demands, workplace drama, and physical stress rooted in unresolved emotional baggage.

the iron veil (8th house, virgo) forces them into slow, grueling psychological transformations that demand patience, humility, and meticulous self-analysis—things they resist deeply.

the hollow (12th house, capricorn) lurks in their subconscious, creating an inner war between their rebellious ideals and a hidden, relentless drive for control, status, and power.

the sovereign (7th house, leo) appears in relationships that challenge their detached, intellectual approach to love by demanding passion, adoration, and unwavering presence.

★ the tidebreaker (6th house, cancer) ★

how it attacks:

aquarius rising thrives on rationality and objectivity, but cancer in the 6th house forces them into work environments and daily routines that are dictated by emotion rather than logic. the tidebreaker appears as unpredictable coworkers, emotionally draining work responsibilities, and health struggles that stem from bottled-up stress. unlike the detached and calculated approach they prefer, this enemy turns every task into an emotional ordeal, making it difficult for them to separate work from personal feelings.

how aquarius self-sabotages:

they dismiss emotional needs as irrational, avoiding self-care until stress manifests as physical exhaustion. they detach in workplace drama, refusing to engage but still feeling the weight of unresolved tension around them. they overlook the importance of emotional balance in their daily life, leading to burnout and erratic productivity cycles. the tidebreaker wins when aquarius rising ignores the emotional undercurrents affecting their well-being, mistaking detachment for control.

★ the iron veil (8th house, virgo) ★

how to defeat it:

aquarius must learn that emotional intelligence is just as important as intellectual intelligence. if they acknowledge the emotional weight of their environment instead of dismissing it, they can create boundaries that protect their energy rather than pretending they don’t need them. the tidebreaker loses its force when aquarius rising embraces both logic and emotion in their daily life.

how it attacks:

virgo in the 8th house forces aquarius rising into painfully slow, detail-heavy personal transformations that feel suffocating and never-ending. the iron veil appears as a cycle of self-improvement that is never enough, deep insecurities masked as perfectionism, and crises that require careful, tedious healing instead of quick fixes or intellectual solutions. unlike the sudden breakthroughs aquarius prefers, this enemy demands meticulous self-work that cannot be skipped or avoided.

how aquarius self-sabotages:

they intellectualize their emotions, analyzing their problems instead of actually processing and feeling them. they avoid deep personal work, preferring to distract themselves with new ideas or future plans rather than dealing with old wounds that still influence them. they deny their own vulnerability, refusing to admit that they, too, need healing and emotional care. the iron veil wins when aquarius rising avoids necessary transformation, staying stuck in mental loops rather than making real progress.

★ the hollow (12th house, capricorn) ★

how to defeat it:

aquarius must realize that true transformation is not about intellectual mastery—it’s about emotional integration. if they embrace the discomfort of slow healing instead of trying to "logic" their way out of it, the iron veil loses its power.

how it attacks:

capricorn in the 12th house creates a hidden conflict between aquarius rising’s rebellious, nonconformist ideals and their subconscious desire for control, power, and recognition. the hollow whispers, “you act like you don’t care about success, but what if deep down, you do? what if everything you claim to reject is actually what you crave the most?” aquarius prides themselves on breaking societal norms, but this enemy reveals the part of them that fears being irrelevant, directionless, or incapable of building something lasting.

how aquarius self-sabotages:

they reject traditional success too aggressively, sometimes turning down opportunities just to prove they are different. they act as if they don’t care about legacy or reputation, even when deep down, they want to make a lasting impact but fear being seen as hypocritical. they hide their need for structure, believing that admitting to their ambitions would mean surrendering to the very systems they claim to resist. the hollow wins when aquarius rising lets their fear of conformity keep them from fully embracing their power and influence.

★ the sovereign (7th house, leo) ★

how to defeat it:

aquarius must realize that power is not the enemy—misuse of power is. if they accept that ambition does not have to mean selling out, and that structure does not have to mean restriction, the hollow loses its grip.

how it attacks:

leo in the 7th house attracts partners who demand loyalty, grand gestures, and unwavering presence—things aquarius rising often struggles to provide. the sovereign appears as relationships that feel larger than life, lovers who expect admiration and deep emotional engagement, and partnerships that challenge their need for independence and detachment. aquarius rising prefers companionship that allows for freedom, but this enemy demands total commitment, forcing them to confront their resistance to deep emotional investment.

how aquarius self-sabotages:

they keep relationships at arm’s length, fearing that if they give too much of themselves, they will lose their identity. they downplay their emotions, sometimes acting indifferent or unavailable even when they deeply care. they resist partners who want to be the center of their world, struggling with expressing appreciation in ways that feel genuine to them rather than performative or forced. the sovereign wins when aquarius rising rejects the vulnerability of love in favor of detached intellectualism, losing deep connections in the process.

how to defeat it:

aquarius must learn that true freedom in relationships comes from trust and mutual respect, not distance and avoidance. if they embrace devotion without feeling like it threatens their independence, the sovereign loses its power.

★ pisces rising: the inferno, the marionette, the rift, the sentinel ★

the inferno (6th house, leo) burns through their desire for quiet, intuitive work, forcing them into high-pressure environments where ego and recognition dictate success.

the marionette (8th house, libra) traps them in emotional and financial dependencies, pulling their strings so subtly that they do not realize they are losing control until it is too late.

the rift (12th house, aquarius) lurks in their subconscious, making them feel like an outsider in their own mind, torn between their dreamlike visions and the cold detachment of reality.

the sentinel (7th house, virgo) appears in relationships that demand practicality, structure, and discipline, forcing them to reconcile their ideals with the need for stability and reliability in love.

★ the inferno (6th house, leo) ★

how it attacks:

pisces rising thrives on fluidity, creative expression, and quiet inspiration, but leo in the 6th house throws them into environments where they are expected to be seen, acknowledged, and perform under pressure. the inferno appears as demanding bosses, high-stakes careers that require constant self-promotion, or daily routines that require them to maintain a dominant presence rather than flowing at their own pace. unlike the dreamlike, intuitive work environments they long for, this enemy demands authority, structure, and external validation.

how pisces self-sabotages:

they shrink from leadership roles, fearing that stepping into the spotlight will strip them of their deeper, spiritual purpose. they avoid structured routines, preferring spontaneity even when discipline could help them thrive. they downplay their own success, believing that seeking recognition is egotistical when, in reality, it’s necessary for growth. the inferno wins when pisces rising refuses to embrace their inner strength, instead letting themselves drift aimlessly in jobs or routines that do not fulfill them.

★ the marionette (8th house, libra) ★

how to defeat it:

pisces must realize that being seen does not mean losing their authenticity. if they allow themselves to take up space, lead with compassion, and accept recognition as part of their journey, the inferno loses its flames.

how it attacks:

libra in the 8th house forces pisces rising into deep, complex emotional and financial connections that feel impossible to untangle. the marionette appears as relationships where they lose themselves in others, joint financial burdens they cannot escape, and a never-ending struggle between maintaining peace and asserting their needs. unlike the free-flowing, romantic bonds they seek, this enemy ties them to obligations that grow more complicated over time, draining them of energy and autonomy.

how pisces self-sabotages:

they prioritize harmony over self-protection, staying in situations that are quietly suffocating them just to avoid confrontation. they believe love means sacrifice, sometimes giving up more than they receive in return. they become financially or emotionally dependent, making it difficult to walk away from relationships that have become entangled with their survival or sense of self. the marionette wins when pisces rising mistakes obligation for connection, binding themselves to others at the cost of their own freedom.

★ the rift (12th house, aquarius) ★

how to defeat it:

pisces must learn that true connection does not come from dependence—it comes from mutual respect and balance. if they assert their boundaries and reclaim their independence, the marionette’s strings will snap.

how it attacks:

aquarius in the 12th house creates a deep internal divide between pisces rising’s rich inner world and an underlying fear of emotional detachment or irrelevance. the rift whispers, “your dreams are beautiful, but what if they don’t mean anything? what if you are just another wandering soul, lost in illusion?” pisces rising is deeply connected to spirituality and creativity, but this enemy injects doubt, making them feel isolated even within their own mind. they may experience visions, intuition, and dreams that feel profound, only to question if they are truly connected or if they are merely lost in their own delusions.

how pisces self-sabotages:

they avoid grounding themselves, preferring to stay in the world of ideas and dreams even when reality is calling them back. they doubt their own intuition, fearing that they cannot trust their instincts or that their inner world is somehow “wrong” or meaningless. they disconnect from others, feeling too different or too misunderstood to fully belong anywhere. the rift wins when pisces rising convinces themselves that they are a ghost drifting through life rather than an active creator of their own destiny.

★ the sentinel (7th house, virgo) ★

how to defeat it:

pisces must realize that they do not have to choose between dreams and reality—they can build a bridge between them. if they anchor their creativity and intuition in the physical world through action and expression, the rift loses its power to separate them from themselves.

how it attacks:

virgo in the 7th house attracts partners who demand order, structure, and logic—things that pisces rising often struggles with in their romantic relationships. the sentinel appears as partners who need stability, who expect routines and reliability, who analyze love rather than surrendering to it. pisces rising seeks romantic, intuitive, and spiritual bonds, but this enemy challenges them to be practical, to make love something tangible rather than just a dream or a feeling.

how pisces self-sabotages:

they romanticize instability, sometimes choosing lovers who “save” them rather than ones who help them grow. they resist structure in relationships, fearing that commitments will strip away the magic and mystery they crave. they become passive, allowing partners to dictate the direction of the relationship because they fear confrontation or responsibility. the sentinel wins when pisces rising refuses to engage in the practical side of love, expecting devotion to be purely intuitive rather than a daily act of commitment and care.

how to defeat it:

pisces must learn that love does not lose its magic just because it is stable. if they embrace consistency and effort as part of devotion rather than limitations on passion, the sentinel loses its power.

[bestanimal]

Round 3 - Cephalopoda - Vampyromorphida

(Source)

Order: Vampyromorphida

Common Name: “Vampire Squid”

Family: Vampyroteuthidae

One living species: Vampire Squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis)

Anatomy: reduced internal shell; eight arms lined with spines, contained within a fleshy web; only the tips of the arms have suckers; two pouches in the webbing contain tactile velar filaments; small fins projecting from the lateral sides of the mantle; almost entirely covered in light-producing photophores; colour varies from velvety jet-black to pale reddish

Size: 15 cm (5.9 in) long body; maximum total length (includes arms) around 30 cm (1 ft)

Diet: mainly marine snow (detritus) and crustaceans, large adults may take fish opportunistically

Habitat/Range: extreme deep sea of the tropics and subtropics, depths from 600 to 900 metres (2,000 to 3,000 ft) or more (oxygen minimum zone)

Evolved in: Jurassic

Conservation Status: unknown, but may be at risk from microplastic pollution due to diet of marine snow

Propaganda under the cut:

The Vampire Squid has the largest eyes in the animal kingdom, proportionately, with a 6 inch (15 cm) body possessing eyes 2.5 cm (1 in) in diameter. Their large eyes are accompanied by similarly expanded optic lobes of their brain. This allows the Vampire Squid to detect distant bioluminescence: signs of animals, such as prey aggregations or potential mates.

The Vampire Squid lives in a discrete habitat known as the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ). Within an OMZ, the saturation of oxygen is too low to support aerobic metabolism in most complex organisms. The Vampire Squid is the only cephalopod able to live its entire life cycle in the minimum zone, at oxygen saturations as low as 3%. To cope with life in the suffocating depths, Vampire Squids have developed several adaptations: the lowest mass-specific metabolic rate of all deep-sea cephalopods, hemocyanin within their blood that binds and transports oxygen more efficiently than in other cephalopods, gills possessing an especially large surface area, weak musculature and a reduced shell, and ammonium-rich gelatinous tissues closely matching the density of the surrounding seawater. Living in an OMZ keeps the Vampire Squid safe from many large, apex predators.

If disturbed, the Vampire Squid will curl its arms up outwards and wrap them around its body, turning itself “inside-out”, making itself seem larger, and exposing the spiny projections on its tentacles (cirri) (see gif above). The underside of its cape is black, concealing most of the body's photophores. The glowing arm tips are clustered together far above the animal's head, diverting attack away from critical areas. This anti-predator behavior is dubbed the "pumpkin" or "pineapple" posture. The armtips regenerate, so if they are bitten off, they can serve as a diversion allowing the animal to escape while its predator is distracted.

Like many deep-sea cephalopods, the Vampire Squid lacks ink, but if highly agitated, it may shed a sticky cloud of bioluminescent mucus containing orbs of blue light from its arm tips. This luminous barrage, which may last nearly 10 minutes, serves to dazzle would-be predators and allows the vampire squid to disappear into the dark without the need to swim far. The glowing mucus is also able to stick to the predator, making it more vulnerable to other predators and visible to other prey. The display is made only if the Vampire Squid is very agitated, due to the metabolic cost of mucus regeneration.

[bumbled-bees]

Hey I wanted to know about how people who barely know Lily get "abusive" vibes from her.

I remember Vouch and Westside Tyler and others immediately recognise this on her "Writer tips".

How can a young neurodivergant person look out for red flags in people like Lily? Is there a way to break out their web?

Thanks for reading xxx

This is a really good question, and a super important one too—because you're absolutely right: even people who barely know Lily Orchard often report getting a kind of “abusive vibe” from her. That instinct isn’t paranoia—it’s usually a reaction to very real red flags. The tone she takes, the control she exerts, the way she presents herself as an authority and discourages criticism... it all adds up.

For many neurodivergent people—especially younger folks—these kinds of figures can feel safe at first. Lily speaks confidently. She provides strict rules. She sounds like she knows what she’s doing. That kind of certainty can be really appealing when you're unsure of yourself, trying to navigate a creative space, or looking for guidance. And that’s part of what makes it dangerous.

So, how do you spot these red flags early? A few things to look out for:

1. Do they talk at you, not to you? Lily often talks down to her viewers, assumes ignorance or bad faith, and speaks in absolutes. Someone who genuinely wants to help you grow or think critically will invite conversation—not shut it down. If you feel like you're being scolded instead of engaged, that's a sign.

2. Do they discourage disagreement or curiosity? Lily routinely punishes disagreement. She bans people for asking questions she’s “already answered” (even if the person is new), labels corrections or different interpretations as “talking past her,” and paints dissenters as harassers or stalkers. If someone is building a community around their personal infallibility, run.

3. Do they make you feel small, stupid, or scared to speak? Even when Lily isn’t yelling, the vibe is there. She creates a power imbalance where she’s always right, always smarter, always more “in the know”—and if you don’t fall in line, you’re either pathetic or toxic. That’s classic behavior from someone who wants control, not connection.

As for breaking out of that web—it’s possible, and so many people have done it. The first step is recognizing that the discomfort or unease you feel is valid. You don’t need to wait for proof or a smoking gun. If someone’s content makes you anxious, if you feel like you're constantly walking on eggshells just to be part of the community, that is enough.

And finally—don’t beat yourself up if you fell into that web before. People like Lily are very good at what they do. They know how to speak to vulnerable people, how to make you feel like they’re doing you a favor by being cruel. But the fact that you’re asking these questions means you’re already seeing through it—and that’s the most powerful first step you can take.

[mara-phelion]

have we ever considered that nightowl and onionthief have the makings of two Bitter Exes

doing nightowl's route and seeing the way onion acted towards both us and him felt so...telling. like it's not even them being in a full romantic relationship, any kind would've sufficed, but everyone can see an unmistakeable tension

let me paint you a picture: two grad students who like the same web novel. so different, yet one always balances out the other

emotion and logic, the sun and the moon—two people who are at incredible parallels to each other that they fail to realize that they're just the sides of the same coin

onion cares in his own way, calculated and cold yet with warmth all the same. and nightowl sees that. he argues, but he sees that. until the words are too harsh, too critical, too much like his mother and her endless ways to tell him he's not enough

on the other end, nightowl is the life of the party, seriousness can be so easily pushed back in his light. and onion basks in it. he gets burnt, but he basks in it. until the sleepless nights happen and the alcohol hits, too chaotic, too vulnerable, just too much

and they break apart. who cares about what they could've been if they had only learned that they shared the same affinity for numbers? what does it matter that they both know what it's like to fear the impending doom of expectations? they're just onion and owl. too different. too much for the other to love

then here comes mc with their patience, intelligence, humor, and kindness. and just like that, old wounds open as onionthief and nightowl see exactly what they wanted and needed from the other that they never got

but mc chooses nightowl. in all his failure and broken glory, and in turn, he chooses to be better for the both of them

while onion is left to think about all the what-if's. what if he were kinder? what if he were less arrogant and cared more about him instead of being right?

left to wonder why now, why not then when it mattered just as much, not when it was him who was on nightowl's side

why he just wasn't good enough.

[grison-in-space]

It's never too late. We are beginning to think about how and why we exploit animals, and how it is not morally consistent with our values; several prominent anarchists and communist bloggers on Tumblr have admitted that veganism is ethically and financially superior on every level, though they don't participate in it, which is sad. All it takes is a little extra work. The collapse of capitalism will also bring the collapse of the animal industry, or vice versa. The meat plants subjugate both humans and animals, causing persistent trauma- in fact, it has the highest rate of trauma among every category of labor. If you support abolition, you should support all abolition: children, psych people, and animals. On a site like Tumblr, we have an opportunity to promote the breakdown of all positions of power. We are all equal.

Honey, you have the wrong fucking blog to the extent that I can only assume you are spamming this message to everyone you think might listen. I have gone on the record several times to say:

I am a pragmatic empiricist. I care much less about ideological consistency than I do about observed outcomes. There are traps there, too—sometimes people get too much into the weeds about observing proxies for desired goals—but essentially I do think that careful observation of the world around me is much more valuable than starting with a consistent ideology and assuming that good intentions will yield good outcomes.

I am motivated by animal welfare. For me, part of that involves meeting animals on their own level, using their own species-specific signals to assess stress and comfort, and understanding animals within their own social context. Therefore,

I am opposed to animal rights narratives that encourage people to project their own imagined emotional responses onto animals without assessing the animals' actual signals in context. Additionally,

I believe as a behavioral ecologist that, for good and for ill, humans are essentially animals participating in a broader ecosystem that includes us. I do not think humans are special or exist outside that broader web, and I think that ecological intervention works most effectively when we see ourselves as part of nature rather than as some kind of twisted unnatural personification of original sin. Conflict and death are part of life. You won't make a better world by pretending otherwise.

I am a disabled person ("psych people?!"), and more specifically an autistic and neurodivergent person. I literally spelled out for you last night that I have difficulties eating and that imposing more barriers to that ("a little extra work") is a significant burden for me. Your easy dismissal of this point is, in context, amazingly and blithely ableist. Wow.

"psych people?!" I am happy to critique coercive psychiatry and medicine more generally, but that one's new on me. If you're not brave enough to use the language of mad/crip pride, are you entirely sure you understand the points of the dialogue? Your demonstrated grasp of disability justice is already extremely poor; this ain't helping.

I am not anti-state (i.e. I am not an anarchist; I am a democratic socialist) and I routinely criticize daydreams about burning entire systems to the ground and replacing them with a vague new system. Those criticisms are usually based in historical analysis of attempts to do exactly that, which have typically resulted in a lot of bloodshed, generally from the most vulnerable people in society. They also often yield a new and not necessarily more egalitarian power structure that continues to oppress people, sometimes more aggressively than the institution preceding it.

For the same reason, I am not a communist. I think communism offers too many opportunities for unscrupulous people to seize power, creating more inequality under the banner of equality itself. Again, this position comes from reading the history of communist states from as many perspectives as I can get my mitts on.

I frequently critique assumptions that capitalism is the only root of social problems. This does not mean that I am pro-capitalism. It means that I think you have to think deeply about problems, especially when it makes you uncomfortable, to understand how to solve them. Many problems that capitalism exacerbates are actually rooted in problems about impulse control (as with Ideas Jerry the other day), basic human social dynamics, emotional regulation, complex traumas, and many other things. You must understand how these problems arise before you can construct a structure that guards against them effectively.

Fundamentally, I think you are probably optimistically spamming this message to anyone that you think will listen. I invite you to consider how effective that is as a tactic to advance your politics: when you pick the wrong person, at best you leave the impression that people serving your ideology are essentially self centered and bad at listening. At worst, you wind up pissing people off enough to sit down and lay out exactly how many points they disagree with you on. Coalitions of solidarity are based on listening carefully to one another and finding the places we agree on; shit like that is antithetical to building them because it sends a very effective signal that you are either very, very bad at listening or uninterested in doing so.

Either way, get out of my house.

[probablyasocialecologist]

The backlash is in full swing. People who speak out for Palestine, for Palestinians, for Gaza are being punished simply for using their voices to advocate against genocide and for the preservation of life. Many of the high-profile examples of people being punished for their speech involve absurdly banal statements. Some folks didn’t even mention Israel by name. The CEO of Web Summit has resigned after tremendous backlash over the comment, “War crimes are war crimes even when committed by allies, and should be called out for what they are.” It would be comical if the implications weren’t so disastrous. Forced out for saying war crimes should always be called out. This obviously correct statement should’ve received no backlash at all, and instead cost this man his job. And yet, as we’ll get into here, the response to such a mundane statement hints at Israel and Zionism’s immense fear over public opinion turning, and on an even greater scale exposes the vulnerability of Western hegemony in this moment. Paddy Cosgrave, the Irish entrepreneur and CEO who stepped down at Web Summit, is not alone. Authors, workers, and politicians who speak out against Israel’s actions in any way are being censured and forced out of their jobs. The famed 92nd Street Y in New York City canceled the talk of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen for signing an open letter condemning Israel's "indiscriminate violence" against Palestinians in Gaza. The editor-in-chief of eLife, a scientific magazine, told the world he is being replaced for sharing a piece from The Onion that called out indifference to the lives of Palestinian civilians. There is again a comic tragedy to someone firing an editor for sharing a headline from a satirical magazine that reads, “Dying Gazans Criticized For Not Using Last Words To Condemn Hamas” and not realizing how they are proving the very point they hope to suppress. In short, by suppressing, firing, and attacking those who uplift the humanity of Palestinians and condemn war crimes, powerful people are making it clearer than ever that they are not in fact on the side of justice. Even more plainly, when they condemn Hamas as barbaric again and again, but then go after people who oppose crimes against humanity and say that thousands of innocent people in Gaza should not be slaughtered, they expose themselves as barbaric and depraved. I hesitate to even use the language of barbarism, as implying the absence of civilization has over centuries become synonymous with dehumanization. But as Israel runs ads in Times Square that say “Be Human. Stand for Israel” and relentlessly bombs Gaza, killing thousands, it becomes hard to ignore how nearly every move made both by the state of Israel and many Zionists has the opposite of its intended impact.

[dinoflwer]

^^ this is a shortfin mako shark!! cute, right?

it belongs to the family of lamnidae, also known as mackerel sharks or isurids. lammidae are large, aggressive and powerful sharks that live in tropical to cold, temperate waters globally. there's only 5 species of shark belonging to this family: white shark, shortfin mako, longfin mako, porbeagle and the salmon shark.

its the fastest shark species with cruising speeds of 45mph (faster than a running horse!!) to astonishing speeds of 60mph! these gorgeous speed demons are able to be so magnificently agile due to their strong muscles and a streamlined body which allows them to power through water in fast bursts.

also, same as their lamnidae family, shortfin mako’s have specialised blood vessels that regulates their blood temperature to be higher than the surrounding water by producing heat metabolically. this is referred to as a heat exchange circulatory system and makes them one of the few endothermic sharks! their warms blood enhances their agility, allowing them to move at greater speeds, and being able to swim intensely for longer periods of time and reside in colder waters.

primarily, their diet consists of bluefish, swordfish, tuna, marine mammals and few other sharks. as they are aggressive predators near the top of the marine food web, this speedster doesn't have many predators, just commonly other larger sharks when shortfin's are still juveniles.

shortfin mako's habitat is near the surface of tropical and temperate oceans. juveniles are commonly located in coastal waters and adults are more likely found offshore. however, they are still highly migratory and are incredibly capable of swimming long distances across entire oceans!

these guys are certainly no where near being the largest shark species, the whale shark, by averaging size of 1-2 metres (6-7 feet). mako's suit the average shark lifespan (20-30 years) by being capable of living up to and over 30 years.

their reproduction doesn't happen until later in life. males at 8 years of age whilst females 20. a female shortfin shark's pregnancy lasts 15-18 months and they give birth to live young. their offspring ranges from 4-16 pups and, at birth, the pups range from 68-71cm (27-28 inches). also, each female will give birth to the ranged amount of pups every 3 years, due to their reproductive cycle. mating occurs from summer to autumn where eggs are fertilised internally and then develop inside the mother.

unfortunately, according to the 2019 stock assessment, shortfin mako sharks are overfished and subject to overfishing due to their coastal and temperate latitude across all oceans, making them an easy target. they are either targeted commercially, caught purposely to create a profit, or captured accidentally in fisheries. shortfins are valued for the quality of their fins and meat.

thankfully, NOAA fisheries implemented regulations to protect the shortfins after they were determined "critically endangered" in 2019, after being up-listed from "vulnerable" and "near-threatened" back in 2007. this rebuilding plan promotes population growth.

[futureplayboibunnie]

Let Them Bleed For All I Care (pt.2)

Miguel O’Hara x fem!reader

being fuckbuddies with Miguel O’Hara wasn’t easy when you were both intensely yearning

okay i bust my ass for this second part cause i just luv angsty smut with miguel sm. ooooh this was so juicy to write.

warnings: smut 18+ (MDNI this is obscenely filthy), angsty as hell, teading and brattiness, avoidance and attatchement with this brooding ass man, sensual aftercare confessions (tehehee)

It's been a few weeks since that certainly enlightening morning. Neither of you talked about it after. In fact, you both avoided each other even more if that was even possible.

After your confession to Miguel, you couldn't handle the weight of it being out in the open. It was so dense and cruel- it was embarrassing and you didn't want to constantly be feeling this way about him. So...vulnerable, it was just something you couldn't afford at this point, you've more than paid your dues and you were done being run dry. Feeling this way about someone like Miguel was dangerous as it was careless- he was also your fucking boss but you wanted him, fucking hell, you needed him and it's just ugly from all sides.

He said 'let them bleed for all I care’ but the problem was...you did. You can't handle compromising such a thing. He probably understands but he also probably resented you for it and neither of you was willing to talk about how devastatingly desperate you were for each other. Fuck, you missed him, you wanted him so bad you were sure it wasn't healthy. You caught glances of him looming around in the shadows at HQ, looking vacantly provoked and displeased. He wouldn't talk about it, and the rest of the spiders had to bare the brunt of it all, no one was surprised at this shift in attitude- it was just Miguel O'Hara being duplicitous like he criticized you for being. Fucking hypocrite. HQ was practically empty and everyone had gone home to their respective dimensions but just like that everything just became ten times worse when he practically grabbed you by the wrist and slung you into his office, you wanted to have a temper tantrum in his arms and you attempted to struggle away from his hold but he gripped onto you harder. Miguel left you stumbling as he let you go so he could swing up on his high-rise platform, looking at the screens and sighing heavily.

“Miguel-“ You started when you picked yourself up and pocketed your mask, your face vacant and slightly irked as you stared up at his broad back. He fiddled around with his screens, pulling up a grab of you on an earlier mission today and you were already dreading his inevitable response to your catastrophic fuckup...or the fact that you had both been avoiding each other? You'd prefer the former over the latter. “If this is about what we said I don't have time for it.”

“No. It's not. You fucked up the mission pretty badly...you ran instead of fought.” Miguel bit at you venomously, trying his hardest not to get pissed at you. Anyone else would've gotten a verbal tongue-lashing from him but you, he tried to reign in his temper.

“So now what, you're scolding me for doing what I thought was right?”

“You have an irritating tendency to run away.” He wasn't sure if he was referencing the mission or you telling him you loved him and decided to leave right after. This was what Miguel was afraid of: being left, being betrayed when he finally let someone in and now he was reaping the consequences of trusting. He trusted you and you left him, now he was particularly furious and bitter towards everyone.

“I don't think this is about the fucking mission at all, Miguel. I don't want to fucking hear it, I'm leaving.”You waved your hand as if to dismiss the situation and hell would freeze over before he let you leave right now. Miguel frowned and instinctively webbed your waist and dragged you on the platform.

“Let go! Let me the fuck go Miguel-“Your protests fell on deaf ears, he was like a man on a mission to just get you close to him, anyhow, anyway he could. He placed you in front of him, his hands falling to your shoulders.

“You're so fucking unreadable.” He gritted through clenched teeth, his jaw grinding in the process and you could practically hear the bones crunch against each other as his eyes burned into yours. “I've been going fucking crazy because I don't know what you're thinking, what you want.”

“Miguel, I swear to God, if you keep talking-“ you tried to warn him and struggle against him but his hands were planted firmly on your body, the hairs on your neck stood to attention almost immediately and you hated how pathetic that made you feel

“Was anything you said true? Or do you just pity me? Is that why you said it?” Miguel tensed his eyebrows, his voice low and deep as he implored you to make him see reason, the eye contact between you never wavered once as if you were both challenging each other.

“What No!”

“Then enlighten me on why I haven't been seeing you.” He grunted, his tone filled with undignified fury.

“Because if I crawl into bed with you, if I let myself get involved with you further than we already are...we'll both do something that we can't undo.” You attempted to reason with him but you knew once he set his mind to something he won't change it.

“I don't care.”

“Well, I do. Don't act all flippant and self-absorbed. You created all of this for a reason.”

“So you tell me you love me and then you run away from me.” His voice faltered a little and you felt your heart wilt and dampen with sadness at such a thing.

“You should get it, Miguel. Loving you makes me sad and fucking insane. It makes me weak and unfocused, is that what you want?” You were pissed and it was searing your skin, hot to the touch. You were tired of fighting him but you weren't backing down, you could understand how your actions and words could be confusing or misinterpreted- your brain was fighting your heart and your body was fust in a state of hyperactivity as you were practically begging for him to touch you again. Miguel's gaze softened at your aggravated confession, he was taken aback. He didn't know what else to say, his mouth unhinged open as if he was going to say something. Instead, you just grabbed onto him before you had another chance to think, your face instinctively buried in his neck and inhaled deeply, your nimble fingers unable to resist raking through his hair. His steely resolve faltered at the slightest touch. “I miss you...” You breathed in his ear, planting a kiss on his earlobe. Miguel was even more confused now but then you let him go to stare into his eyes “….But I can't have you. You cradled his face with your hands and he looked like he had just seen a ghost, those words setting deeply into his chest.

“Stop playing a martyr for something that hasn't even happened yet.” You attempted to swing away but he just grabbed onto your waist and rooted you back to the ground, his other hand gripping on both of your wrists and dragging you closer to his chest.

"Oh like you do. You're a fucking hypocrite, this happened before and you lost everything.” You yelled through clenched teeth, eyes glued to his, your reply providing him with a tenacious red glow to his eyes alongside the blue vein popping out of his neck. he was furious about you reminding him of it, he knew it perfectly he fucked everything up.

Miguel pulled your wrists closer to him and smashed his lips against yours. He grunted with a certain passion he had never given you- as much as you wanted to and tried to struggle and squirm away, you couldn't, you missed the taste of his lips so brutally. Miguel released your wrists and gripped your cheeks, forcefully slipping his tongue into your gaping wet mouth as you panted into his. You were drooling for him already. Too consumed by how aggressively you've missed his harsh touch. Miguel's particularly apathetic hands flew to the back of your neck, taking complete and utter control of you as if to prove a point you were too hot and wet to care about.

“I don't give a damn about any of it. Let them fucking break. I don't care.” He pulled away to whisper hoarsely in your ear, his temper besting him once again. He wasn't sure if he believed any of the words he said himself but when he was with you...all he wanted was to have you.

“'I don't believe you.” You whined at him your eyes gleaming with sadness and arousal at the same time. Miguel pulled your hair and tugged it, you yelped helplessly and he enjoyed hearing such a pretty sound. Oh, he'll fucking show you.

Miguel tisked at you, his fangs vibrating against his gums and his teeth threatening to shatter before he fiddled with his watch and entered the bedroom of your universe. It was all over in a flash and the look on your face was that of pure unbridled surprise even though this perfectly aligned with Miguel's impulsive and arrogant nature- the man still fucking surprised you, damn. He threw you to the floor and sat himself on the edge of the bed, gasp fell from your lips as you reluctantly hung your head up to stare into those ferocious and unending eyes.

“Sit and stay.” He gritted.

“I'm not a dog.” You warned him but he wasn't listening.

“I know we're having a lover's spat right now but I've been hard ever since I fucking touched you. Do something about it.l he demanded ever so pompously, his ego bursting out of him as you pretended you weren't enjoying this but your thighs were trembling as you kneeled in front of him.

“Wow, I'm a stickler for honesty.” You rolled your eyes at him and his condescension. Miguel gripped your cheeks, his talons slightly peaking out and napping the skin of your face. Your eyes darted down to see that his hologram suit was no more...well, he definitely wasn't lying. It had been a few weeks but you did miss this part of him, the angry and volatile part. It made for the best kind of sex.

“Stop sulking and do as you're told.” His voice was severe and rough, and his demands during sex were always serious but he had never been this pissed before. You were on his leash, unhappily hanging onto the filthy shit his mouth had to offer. You hated that he made you weak for him. Your eyes widened as you glared at his thick and veiny cock, the tip leaking as it stood directly in front of your face. Your mouth dropped open in an attempt to search for words long gone by now but your face scrunched up into a fiendish scowl.

“What if I bite it off? Would that appease your insatiable appetite?” You challenged through flirtatious and defying eyes. Miguel's fingers hooked under your chin as if he was cooing at you wickedly.

“Don't be a bitch.” You leaned in and kissed the tip of his twitching cock, your teasing eyes were transfixed on his and he could've cum right then and there. “Come on, no teasing...Por favor...I mean-please.” He breathed and the way he was finally polite about it made you want to laugh. You licked the underside of him before your lips swallowed him whole. The small broken gasp Miguel let out pricked at your ears when your mouth was stuffed full of him. He tasted so damn good and your tongue relished in the musk. His cock was magnificent, you hummed around him and his body jolted, Miguel's head hung back as he rested on the back of his hand. His palm went to your hair and pulled you on and off him

“Choke on me. I dare you.” He grunted as a bead of sweat swerved to his brow. You actually did as you were told for once, you took him so far down your throat to the point Miguel genuinely shuddered, he swore he could've cum on your pretty face just by the fact.

He was slightly worried you wouldn't be able to breathe, being the kind and selfless saint he dragged you by the hair and pulled you off and took a moment to appreciate you blinking up dumbly at him. Your mouth was wide open, lips parted and painted a pretty bloodshot red as if you had been chewing on them, drool fell down your chin and escaped the corners of your lips. You looked like wet dream and he wanted to plow you- he had been itching for you since you left him. You clambered onto his lap and kissed him hard, tongues sliding against each other as he sloppily bit at your lips. You ground into his aching hard cock and his talons ripped the remnants of your suit clean off, your naked body providing a feast for him to devour. Miguel kissed up and down your neck as his taloned palm rested on the skin at the back of it, tugging your head back for easy access to your skin

“I hate you.” You whispered knowing that you felt the complete opposite.

“I believe you.”

“I hate you for how I feel about you.” Your hands tangled in his hair and scratched at his scalp,

“I said I believe you.” He gripped your chin unkindly as he grazed his sharp fangs against your jaw and pushed you flat onto the bed before you could comment anything glib.

Miguel loomed over your body, the cascade of your hair flowing out onto your pillows only proved how fucking angelic you were. You were a drug that needed to be constantly pumped into his veins, without it he was empty. He pinched your nipples and twisted them, playing with your tits just to wind you up. You moaned as his tongue licked down your collarbone, between your tits down to your stomach. Miguel loved that you were always so responsive, he loved how your body arched off of the bed and into his touch. Your legs hooked up onto his perfect broad shoulders and the look that was shared between you was sharp and piercing. He moved his face down to your lower stomach and shifted slightly so that he was face-to-face with your glistening pussy. He suppressed a quiet groan at the sight of you bare and vulnerable underneath him, writhing and squirming as you gripped the bedsheets, threatening to tear the fabric apart.

"You've been cruel to me these past few weeks Hermosa.” He growled at the memory of you actively avoiding him. “You said you loved me and then you ran away...this is also what you ran from.” Miguel slipped two fingers into your sopping hole. “Me. Making you feel like this.”

He curled his fingers up to massage that spot inside of you that made your body jerk around. “I feel you clenchingaround me...already?” He smirked at your body giving you away, your head buried back into the pillow as your eyes screwed shut, the pleasure of his nimble fingers overwhelming you.

“Please…”

“You want me to eat you out? An eye for an eye?' He was dragging it out and all you could do was moan at nothing. To stop your incessant panting, he retracted his fingers that were inside of you and shoved them into your mouth to lick them clean. “Yeah, I’ll do just that.” You let go with a pop at the prospect of tasting yourself, you tasted...good.

“Then do it.” Whining and groaning didn't seem to do anything to avert him from instantly indulging in your desires. Miguel stroked your thighs and spread them wider as they rested on his shoulders. His tongue swiped onto your aching slit, the wetness collecting on his tongue as he finally got what he was silently begging from you for weeks. He swiped his mouth on your sticky folds and felt your body shake as he continued his wicked machinations and ministrations.

“I've been dying to taste you agaib. You've held out on me and I won't forgive you for that.” He mumbled against your skin, his lips viciously latching onto your swollen clit and sucking. You cried out as he kept licking and sucking on you faster and harder.

“Miguel...I'm gonna-“You started to feel your throat going sore and raw as you tried to tell him you were about to finish but instead he found the perfect opportunity to show some cruelty to you. He lifted his head and all you saw was his roguish grin.

“You couldn't possibly believe that I would make you cum that easily after everything you've done to me...no, I want you to cum on my cock." He reassured but you felt betrayed by his cold demeanour. Miguel kissed you harshly and bit your lip, as if it was instinct, you whined into his mouth. His cock slapped against your clit and the vulgarity of the wet sound made you shiver, he guided his aching shaft down your sticky fold and pummelled into your leaking hole without any time to adjust to his massive and borderline scary size. You're still not used to it after all this time.

“You're infuriating.” A broken moan fell from your lips as he rutted in and out of you, hitting that spongy spot that made you see stars and fireworks. You meant what you said but you didn't mean it either. He keeps harping on about how confusing you were and you were now beginning to have an inkling that he was onto Something that you didn't have time to self-reflect on.

“So are you.” He exhaled raggedly into your mouth, his strokes were powerful and long and just fucking surreal. He buried himself to the hilt and you squeezed around him mercilessly, clenching like crazy. Your pussy was made for him, you were quite literally sucking the soul out of him.

“Let me cum...please...Or I swear to God-“ You felt the coil within you tighten and threaten to snap if he continued pounding into your raw pussy this way.

"Oh, you swear? Fine then take all of it.” He stuck his talons into your skin and shook your body about as his final thrusts were sloppy and less graceful.

The heat rising within the knots of your stomach released in a powerful gush, your heart kicking into a violent overdrive as your pants were borderline desperate. You came hard on his throbbing cock, the warm stickiness coating the most sensitive parts of him.

He fucked you through your mind-bending orgasm and bit your jaw. He pulled out and released thick white ribbons onto your chest as a guttural groan rippled throughout his body, stilling after he was finished fucking you to the brink of insanity. Your eyes met his and they were wild and angry, the looks you shared were nasty and mean, completely conveying both of your moods. Miguel rolled over beside you as you were practically still leaking from where he plugged his cock into you and your chest which he so vulgarly defiled. Neither of you talked, you had to regain the breath back into your lungs as you reeled yourselves back in from that I love you but I hate what you did sex. You both scowled at the wall waiting for either party to crack through the silence. You swiped a finger on the sticky liquid on your chest, popping it into your mouth for a taste.

"You still taste good.” You said bluntly, hating that you gave in to his intoxicating purpose just by a lick.

“Hm. I should clean you up.” Miguel replied half-heartedly, both of your minds still heavy with the real issue at hand as he leaned up and left the bed to enter your bathroom. You sighed and frowned at the wall splayed out wistfully on the bed. He came back with his boxers on and with a towel and some body oil. He was still pissed and his face was still hard and steely. You only mimicked such a bodily response.

Miguel sat on the edge of your side of the bed and swiped the towel over his own makeshift painting, he threw it onto the floor once he was finished. The thought would have made him smirk any other day but he was combative and assailing, he had no problem showing that to you even though he loved you.

“Sit up.” He demanded coldly and you gave him an unbothered apathetic look and yet he did the same, you couldn't peel your eyes away from each other and that's what made this all the more dangerous. Miguel poured some of the oil onto his palm and started massaging it onto your arms and neck, soothing everything sore.

“This is a nice change of pace.” You joked with little to no humor apparent in your voice. He's never done this before, it was actually...quite nice.

“We wore each other out, don't you think?” He responded coolly, acting so unaffected and nonchalant. You despised such a tedious and banal thing. He kept smothering you in the thick and warm oil, his big hands kneading and teasing you again, your flesh glowing and shining under the soft light of your bedroom.

“I still love you.” You blurted without thinking and his hands stopped their movements and his soft gaze turned into a weary glare. Miguel knew for an irrefutable fact that he loved you too and that's what was making him so deranged and angry. “I feel so exposed and vulnerable for loving you.”

“But you did the one thing that could really hurt me. You left me.” He confessed and the words made your heart sick. You hurt him which was one of the last things you've ever wanted to do. “The amount of vulnerability you're feeling right now is what I have to feel all the time. It's the same story. I started this. I have to lead this. I have to take calculated risks which could blow up in my face and kill millions of people as we know it but you...leaving me was the one thing that really hurt me.” He was baring his soul to you yet again. You blinked up at him, your face easing with every word that fell out of his mouth. You felt guilty for doing this to him after he told you that it would tear him up inside. You grabbed his face and cradled it, the pad of your thumb smoothing out the skin of his cheek.

“I shouldn't have left you. I know I shouldn't have. But I'm scared Miguel...see, I was scared of other people being hurt or collateral because being selfless comes with consequences but if someone else's house is on fire for once I'll let it burn because I don't want to leave you. I don't want to hurt you.” Your eyes were glassy and wide, exposing the truth in the process, and as always you disarmed him once more. Miguel turned his head to kiss your palm, his hand holding onto yours to keep in contact with the skin of his cheek.

“Then don't.”

[titleleaf]

The film has such a strong theme around family and continuity/affinity — ancestors and descendants — that goes far beyond strict family trees in a way that’s totally fitting. I really like thinking about the generations of artists who Sammie’s music will touch, the way that his extraordinary gift of music is an active and living thing in dialogue with other extraordinary Black musicians, past present and future, and in parallel with that all the lives his family members and the survivors of that night will lead. There’s not really any sugarcoating what will make the life of a professional musician hard for Sammie — being on the move, striving, hard-living, channeling tremendous pain, extraordinarily vulnerable; it will mean leaving home to practice his craft and a break with his family that he has no way of knowing whether it’ll be permanent or not, if he’ll ever reconcile with his father or see his siblings grow up or if it’ll be like he died. Which is all WILDLY interesting in the context of a vampire movie, one where vampirism is so thematically linked to community in the worst sense, a communal hive mind that threatens to overtake your individual agency and subsume your individual gifts into a dominant culture that serves someone else, not you. (And in the context specifically of Mary and Stack’s afterlife after Remmick.) Idk, it’s really cool! I’ve been thinking a lot about musical genres and artists as a sort of alternate genealogy or a web of affinities and influences (particularly in the context of Polyphonic’s video essay on prog soul and F.D. Signifier’s videos on Black musicians and communities of artists — getting Nebula was worth it for his music criticism alone) and Sammie’s heroic journey/personal arc has a lot of resonance with that.

(edit: also to be clear the film’s themes of ancestors and descendants are very specifically keyed into the violent discontinuity of enslavement and life under Jim Crow — part of the beauty of That One Scene(tm) is how it makes visible what’s invisible, for a moment all the walls come down and the connections that can be agonizingly slippery and elusive become so clear and legible. It’s really cool and I feel like there’s a lot more to say for someone way better informed than me about the parallelisms of rootwork and Delta blues as types of ancestor work that synthesize superficially disparate influences.)

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Charlotte Clymer at Charlotte's Web Thoughts:

Since 2017, Senator Chuck Schumer of New York has led the Senate Democratic Caucus, and in recent months, his inability to fight back against the ongoing catastrophes of the Trump White House and Congressional Republicans has been glaring and demoralizing. Between Election Day in 2024 and Inauguration Day in January, Mr. Schumer completely failed to prepare for the widely anticipated threats posed to the stability of our country by Trump and Elon Musk. In the early months of the 119th Congress, Mr. Schumer has been effectively impotent as Minority Leader, offering no comprehensive plan or strategy to combat the efforts by Trump and Elon Musk to demolish the federal government and harm the American people. Drastic and unnecessary cuts to essential programs and agencies that help the most vulnerable in our country should not be tolerated by any lawmaker, let alone by Democratic leadership. Mr. Schumer's stated approach of waiting for Trump to "screw up" and continue this inexplicable embrace of the slippery slope is wholly inadequate and an astonishing failure of leadership. With his decision to approve Trump's federal budget continuing resolution, Mr. Schumer has decidedly abdicated his critical responsibilities to the American people in a moment of compounding crises for our nation and the world. We must completely reject Mr. Schumer's approach of appeasement in response to the deeply irresponsible, dangerous, and cruel attacks by Trump and Elon Musk on the American people.

Charlotte Clymer is right. Capitulating Chuck Schumer must step down as the Democratic Senate leader.

We need a REAL fighter who’ll stand up for common sense and against the Trump/Musk assault on our rights and democracy.

[maybe-boys-do-love]

So far, Kidnap the series, is BL-ing in all the right ways. It's light fare, but that's exactly what it aims for, and its hitting near the bullseye every episode. Just because its light doesn't mean its bad. Consider this my plea to everyone--for the sake of romance, BLs, and Thai BLs in particular--to stop equating dramatic naturalism with 'good' art. Kidnap is silly, sweet, and such a throwback to classic BLs--it's already hit most of the BL tropes. More importantly, Kidnap understands a major 'why' of BLs and light fare, and the series, itself, is depicting that 'why': they can give an overwhelming sense of reparation for queer people's buried traumas.

On the podcast Boys Love Boys Love, hosts and gay married couple Adam and RJ have been recapping their first watch of ITSAY (which very much broke open many traditions of the BL genre) with guests. In all three recaps so far, the guests and hosts have detailed vividly how, despite feeling 'proud' of their sexuality, BL shows allowed them to revisit painful experiences of isolation and abandonment in adolescence that occurred because of homophobia and then re-imagine an adolescence in which they weren't constantly on guard but instead experienced genuine adult care, friendship, and uninhibited explorations of first love. BL shows and their happy endings help queer people process griefs we don't realize we've suppressed.

I see a parallel to this experience in Kidnap as Min aids Q in coping with his acute PTSD, especially in the play acting scenes. Q can safely engage with his past experience and gain a sense of control and compassion over what he couldn't manage originally. Because I'm a performance dork at heart, the context of Ohm, the 'king of BLs,' leading Leng, an entirely green actor, within the show and through the actual process of acting in BLs doubles down on the theme. With each clear-from-outer-space romance beat, the show promises that this is a safe place to be vulnerable.

In the latest episode (episode 5), the series even began to reveal plot-relevance to its BL levity. We've all joked about Min's incompetency with all the crime he's been drawn into. After the first episode, the people on the internet chucked it up to a cheesy show disinterested in researching and committing to the realities of crime, but then James walked in the next week and called him out on it all. It was just Min, not the show. His exuberant care and desperation to please has led him, unsurprisingly, into a web of deception with no way out.

Brother Mhen laid it flat out this week: just because Min takes care of him doesn't mean he doesn't also provide kinds of care for his brother. Min, like any human-being, has his own weaknesses and issues of self-worth, and Q, with his savvy and prerogative of self-preservation learned from his upbringing, is positioned perfectly to provide the care and encouragement Min needs. I don't think the show has invited this comparison as directly, but it does make me think about how we figure the lighter BL shows and people like Ohm, a particularly evocative representative for creators in the industry, who endure controversies and vitriol to bring their best attempts to lighten the burdens of audiences.

For all the intense feelings ITSAY or The Eight Sense or The On1y One produced in me, I can recognize that their 'cinematic' style, with its naturalistic performances and precise camera work, is still just a style. It's not inherently better than shows recorded on sound-stages with more theatrical performance styles, though many critics and scholars have trained us to think that way. I Love Lucy, The Golden Girls, and shows like them are undeniably celebrated series that have no interest in approaching cinematic style.

Stable cameras, broader characters, and more absurd situations allow for subversive problems to be broached and tackled (and laughed at) while maintaining audience comfort. The slapstick and screwball comedy is one of the things I've adored about Thai BLs, in particular. The audience can feel for but not with the characters. And, that healthy distance is not to be diminished. Comfort can be a vitally important aesthetic experience, and the rules for judging genres that prioritize it are very different than those used for judging prestige tv and *poetic cinema.*

Too much realism would be detrimental to an action rom-com like Kidnap because the audience would no longer feel safe to laugh and coo about these characters in their situation. Although GMMTV is leaning more into its cinematography for BLs recently with this series and The Trainee (maybe toss Moonlight Chicken in there), I personally appreciate how they've maintained the genre's unpretentious sentimental tone, even as they've allowed creators to expand the breadth of the genre and address its problems. That tonal lightness allows us, in Kidnap, to safely dive into PTSD and perhaps our own experiences as queer adolescents with parents who left us unseen as we suffered alone; we trust the show will leave us and the characters resolved in the end.

But I don't want to mistake that kind of depth as the main point of BLs. Those are the undercurrents but we're meant to have fun here. You don't pull-up Miss Congeniality on your TV to understand the human condition. We like these characters, feel safe to open up our hearts, and trust, even as threats of death loom, queer love will conquer all.

[cafeleningrad]

inspired by this post it comes to my mind how RGU analysis for me works best coming full circle. To give an example: Characterisation of Miki's and Kozue's relationship often ends at "Miki has a madonna-whore complex", which he has, but doesn't elaborate on why he has it, and how this factors into his character arc. Him returning to his piano, Kozue and Miki going their seperate ways after their argument is a positive development for both of them. Whereas everyone's development is strongly tied to enforced limitations of gender essentialism, it's worth asking what gender essentialism is limiting. Gender essentialism in Ohtori limits access to power (hence why the Black Rose duels are so subversive, and in fact highlights how the existence Prince depends on the existence of a Rose Bride first), shaping and understanding of the self, human connection is mutilated into hierarchical orders of social standing.

And why would Akio act the way he acts? His understanding of love only goes one-way, admiration without repercussion, love as transactional (service to the people in order to be adored), hence his understanding of self is a lonely one. He's also, against his idolization of his childhood self, highly averse to experiencing emotional pain. So in the face of a state in which he believed himself to be loved without repercussion ending, he rather dwells in his old idolized memories rather than reflecting and accepting how horrid the feeling was. Glamourizing, romanticizing of an actually painful state is Akio's way to handle loss. But because he never deals with such pain, he never reflects upon all the premises upon which he was created. In that sense, Akio's unable to face existential crisis. But all the other characters are faced with existential fears, each character splitting up in different facets: If the Prince's represent the coping action and delusion, the Black Rose duelist formulate the actual existential crisis. All Black Rose duelists express a fear to be left behind, alone, and unloved. Keiko might seem insignificant, easy to gloss over even in her own episode but I think she's most poignantly highlighting the existential crisis, the undercurrent force of all the actions motivating the characters. She's not just a background character but has own desires, feelings, and needs for connection. By being de-personnified, in return she de-personifies Touga in return because Ohtori presents the following solution to fear of loneliness: Personal crisis should be solved by an avatar providing the illusion of fulfillment whereas the actual intimate sphere and vulnerability remains untouched. Layers upon layers of masquerading and play-acted conformity which slowly web into the real self. Then the self takes a certain shape, it is to a certain degree still the actual person. But is it really a comfortable self? The self is marked but not defined by it's confines. Here heavy speculation: The story harkons back ever so often how there never was a pure self, a self without constraints but one in which one could be more honest to oneself (as in the children speaking out their needs more clearly all while burdened by the circumstances around them). However the seld needs to reshape itself by breaking free from it's constrictions to rediscover itself.

Saionji takes the bait of solistic glory, strict hierachical order, power over connection because he's scared of loosing Touga. Tsuwabuki wishes to be listened to, his affection for Nanami to be taken seriously, so he does follow the manual of sexual oppression to push his will upon a girl after feeling exploited and belittled by Nanami. Miki and Kozue are in a constant struggle of identifying their real self but Miki's refusal to accept the pain of criticism and responsibility for mistakes (growing up), and Kozue's self only being defined by her brother in skill and virtue makes it difficult. That's where the unequal gender role expectation and differing treatment upon gender comes in.

To say, it's easier for me to ask: What does the character truly wants, then: How does that desire get abstracted, reformulated, and repacked when Ohtori barely doesn't provide a language to formulate such big concepts?

[synnthamonsugar]

With regard to last reblog, dropping this sample email to representatives & senators I found on reddit. I already contacted all of mine and encourage you do to the same.

Find your congressional representative

Find contact info for your senators

(Address & phone number on the directory, but if you click through to the senators' websites you should find email & web contact forms as well.)

.

[Representative NAME]/[Senator NAME], I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my concerns about the actions of Elon Musk and the significant risks they pose to national security.

As you may be aware, Musk’s actions—particularly the unknown levels of access to US government networks—are increasingly involving individuals who lack proper security clearances, granting them access to sensitive and classified information. This access without oversight raises serious concerns about the integrity of our national security infrastructure and the safety of American citizens.

Additionally, Musk’s ventures have introduced unknown and potentially severe vulnerabilities to government networks that hold highly sensitive personally identifiable information of millions of Americans. Given the complexities and risks associated with the intersection of unvetted devices into US government networks and national security, it is crucial that we ensure these networks are adequately protected against exploitation and cyber threats. The integrity of our digital systems, especially those housing such critical data, must remain a top priority.

I strongly urge you to take action to address these threats by calling for greater oversight and regulation of Elon Musk involved in national security matters. Government security must be carefully guarded to avoid compromising the safety and privacy of the American people.

Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue. I look forward to your response and hope to see meaningful steps taken in addressing these national security risks.

Sincerely, [YOUR NAME]

[bumbled-bees]

It's Okay to Not Know Things

One of the most defining and damaging traits in how Lily engages with the world: she has a visible, persistent refusal to admit when she doesn’t know something. And the consequences of that ripple outward into every corner of her behavior, her rhetoric, and the way her community operates.

At the root of it is something very human: the fear of being seen as vulnerable or uninformed. But where most people respond to that fear by either learning or listening, Lily shuts it down entirely. In her world, not knowing isn't just uncomfortable, it’s unacceptable. She equates uncertainty with weakness. So rather than admit she’s out of her depth, she does something else: she pretends she isn’t.

She does this in a few very recognizable ways.

First, she reframes ignorance as insight. When she doesn’t understand a topic (whether it’s economics, neurodivergence, gender identity, or history), she doesn’t say, “I don’t know.” She says, “That’s not real.” Or “That’s stupid.” Or “Only idiots believe that.” It’s not just dismissive, it’s defensive. She bulldozes past any nuance and acts as though rejecting the premise entirely is the same thing as having a valid opinion.

You can see this clearly in moments like her recent comment about inflation, where she mocked people for believing inflation is the reason prices are high by saying, “Inflation is man-made,” as if that somehow invalidates its effects. That doesn’t just miss the point, it refuses the point. She doesn’t engage with the economic forces at play, doesn’t question how inflation works, doesn’t admit there’s a complex web of causes and consequences. She just declares the whole thing fake or irrelevant, and dares anyone to challenge her.

Second, she leans on tone over substance. Her confidence becomes the argument. It’s not about what’s being said, it’s about how decisively she says it. That certainty is seductive to people who are unsure of their own footing. So instead of cultivating curiosity, she cultivates a culture where people don’t question her, and in turn, don’t question themselves. And if someone does challenge her, she either talks down to them or implies they’re acting in bad faith.

Third, she treats questions or criticism as attacks, because to her, being corrected is synonymous with being humiliated. It doesn’t matter how gently it’s phrased, how factual it is, or how necessary. If someone corrects her or points out that she misunderstood something, she almost always responds with sarcasm, mockery, or condescension. She has to reassert dominance. Because again, the idea that she simply doesn’t know something isn’t on the table. She can’t just be wrong: the other person has to be stupid, or sensitive, or some kind of hater.

And finally, this bleeds directly into the culture she builds around herself. Her community internalizes this allergy to uncertainty. Disagreeing with her becomes risky. Asking her to clarify something becomes an act of defiance. So even when she’s clearly talking out of her depth, there’s no one around her who’s willing to say so. Or if there is, they’ve learned to stay silent. She doesn’t create spaces where growth is possible, because growth requires acknowledging that you don’t already have all the answers. And Lily can’t do that.

In the long run, this isn’t just a quirk or a personality flaw: it’s corrosive. It stunts dialogue. It undermines trust. It damages the people who look up to her. And it ensures that any time she speaks on a topic (especially one with real-world implications), she’s just reinforcing her own ego rather than actually contributing anything meaningful. Her resistance to saying, “I don’t know” isn’t strength. It’s insecurity masquerading as wisdom.

And it shows. Every time.

[officialdailyplanet]

The Dark Truth Behind Bruce Wayne: A Cautionary Tale

By @dottie-mcveigh

In the shadows of Gotham City, a sinister reality lurks beneath the polished facade of one of its most prominent figures—Bruce Wayne.

While the world knows him as a billionaire philanthropist, the truth is far more disturbing. Beneath the surface, @officialbruciewayne is not merely a man of wealth; he is a master of deception, a puppeteer hiding his malevolent intentions behind a mask of charm and benevolence.

For years, rumors have swirled about Wayne’s clandestine activities, whispers that go beyond mere speculation. It is imperative we confront the uncomfortable truth: Bruce Wayne’s empire is built on and for the exploitation of the city’s most vulnerable inhabitants—its children.

Wayne Enterprises has become synonymous with charitable giving, funding orphanages and youth programs, while the reality is much darker. How convenient that the very institutions he donates to also serve as a cover for his nefarious operations. These facilities, meant to protect and nurture, may instead be breeding grounds for the very abuse we hope to eradicate.

Wayne’s carefully curated public image allows him to operate undetected, an illusion that conceals his true nature. His wealth buys silence and compliance, but the walls of this façade are crumbling. It is time to shine a light on the shadows he desperately tries to keep hidden.

Reports of missing children in Gotham have become alarmingly frequent, yet the media remains blissfully ignorant, wrapped in the comfort of Wayne’s reputation. But what if those children are not merely lost? What if they are being ensnared by the very man who professes to protect them? The signs are there, if only people would take off their rose-colored glasses and look closely.

Whistleblowers within Wayne Enterprises have spoken out about troubling practices. Allegations suggest that Wayne uses his influence to silence those who dare to reveal the truth. The very institutions he claims to support could be funneling children into a system that exploits their vulnerability. It’s an intricate web of lies, one that stretches across the city, ensnaring countless innocent lives.

As we confront this disturbing reality, we must raise critical questions that demand answers:

Are Bruce Wayne’s adopted children truly safe in his care or are they subjects of his darker impulses?

What really happened to Jason Todd? Did Bruce, in a moment of rage or to cover up his deviant urges, cross a line that cost a young boy his life?

Could the trauma and secrecy surrounding Todd’s fate be the catalyst for Dick Grayson’s abrupt departure to Blüdhaven?

Was it a desperate escape from an abusive household, a move to protect himself from the same fate?

These inquiries are not just speculative; they are essential to understanding the true nature of the man who walks among us as a celebrated philanthropist and charming dilettante.

It is essential that we confront the myth of Bruce Wayne head-on. He is not a savior; he is a predator hiding in plain sight.

The narrative of a lonely billionaire who once tragically orphaned now takes in young and vulnerable children is captivating, but it obscures the reality of his actions. He is not the kind family man he portrays himself as, and any who seek to unmask him are themselves punished legally, financially and perhaps—with their lives.

I—myself—was sacked from the Gotham Gazette for seeking to dig deeper into Bruce Wayne's complex web of deceit.

We must ask ourselves: how many children have gone missing while Gotham lauds Wayne as a hero? How many lives have been shattered because we chose to ignore the signs? How many more children will this man take, exploit and abuse?

The time for complacency is over. The citizens of Gotham must rise to challenge this injustice. It is our duty to protect the vulnerable, to ensure that our city does not become a breeding ground for predators like Wayne.

Bruce Wayne may hold power, but it is the collective voice of the people that will shine a light on his dark deeds.

Let us not be blinded by his wealth and influence. Instead, let us demand accountability, and work together to unearth the truth.

Only then can we hope to save the innocent children ensnared in Wayne’s insidious grasp and trapped in that mausoleum of abuse. The time for action is now, and together, we can ensure no more children fall prey to a sick man.

Dorothy Moire Mcveigh

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or individual.