#knowledge graph visualization

[slingshotsimulations]

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[raointean]

Silmarillion Survey Essay!

My essay was due last night (submitted it with 6 minutes to spare!) and my professor said I could post it to Tumblr if I wanted to. It's divided into four sections, all marked. The first section is the introduction where I explain the point of the survey, who I studied, and why. The second section is the methods I used to design the survey, get answers, record answers, and control for variables. The third section is results, where I highlight several of the questions I thought would be most stratifying and explain what I actually found (it has graphs!). The fourth section is the discussion where I talk about what I found and what conclusions I drew from that.

I'd love to hear all of your thoughts on the results and my conclusions!

Introduction

            For this project, I looked into age (and length of time in fandom, in one case) affected knowledge and attitudes about fandom language. I investigated several terms and phrases, both from fandom at large and from the Silmarillion fandom specifically. The group I studied was the fandom of The Silmarillion on Tumblr because I am intimately familiar with that internet space (and could therefore phrase the questions in a way that would be understood) and because the majority of Archiveofourown.org (a popular fanfiction website) users are also Tumblr users.

            For the purposes of this paper, I am defining the Silmarillion fandom as a community of practice. The Wenger-Trayner article, “Communities of practice a brief introduction”, defines a community of practice as an entity with three parts: domain, community, and practice. The domain is “an identity defined by a shared domain of interest” (Wenger-Trayner 2). The domain in this case is The Silmarillion. As The Silmarillion is a history book set in a fictional universe, it is incredibly dry at times (there is an entire chapter titled “Of Beleriand and its Realms” which deals mostly with geography) so anyone who reads it by choice is necessarily interested in the work. The second part, community, is made up of “members [that] engage in joint activities and discussions, help each other, and share information” (Wenger-Trayner 2). Most fandoms engage in discourse/discussion, create transformative art (mostly written or visual, but I have seen musical as well) and exchange craft advice to better each other’s creative work, but due to the almost academic nature of the Silmarillion fandom, we exchange background lore knowledge, additions to Tolkien’s conlangs, translations, timelines, and character sheets in addition to the regular fandom activities. Finally, the Silmarillion fandom also has a shared practice, defined as “They develop a shared repertoire of resources: experiences, stories, tools, ways of addressing recurring problems—in short a shared practice” (Wenger-Trayner 2). As mentioned above, the Silmarillion fandom has shared resources (such as tolkiengateway.net, Nerd of the Rings on YouTube, as well as several established “fandom elders” who are happy to answer questions), stories, established characterizations for “only-mentioned-once-in-a-footnote” type characters, settled linguistic debates, and several research-oriented blogs (such as two of my own) that record niche or new knowledge about either Tolkien’s work or the fandom itself. Almost all of the above (with the possible exception of the website and the youtuber previously mentioned) is unpaid hobby work.

            When doing this survey, I expected to find a rather steep difference between older and younger members of fandom regarding their knowledge of fandom terminology. I expected the 18-25 age group to be the most knowledgeable of fandom terms with the under 18 group to be only slightly behind them and the 26-30 group a slightly further way behind the under 18 group. For the groups over 30, I anticipated that the rate of knowledge would sharply decline and that older fans would be unfamiliar with fandom terminology for the most part. I was… incorrect.

Methods

            There are eight questions highlighted in this paper. The first chart (Figure 1.) is the total percentage of answers that amounted to “I don’t know”, filtered by age. The first table (Figure 2.) looks at the people who did not know the term “Isekai” based on whether or not they were native speakers of English or live in Asia (given that “Isekai” is a Japanese word). The second table (Figure 3.) compares the percentage of people who mentioned that the word “angst” is also present in everyday German, categorized by German speakers and non-German speakers. The third table (Figure 4.) examines attitudes towards the anti/pro-ship terms based on age. The second chart (Figure 5.) examines attitudes towards the term “omegaverse” separated by age. The fourth table (Figure 6.) compares groups of people who could define the difference between “peredhel” and “peredhil”, separated by how long they have participated in the fandom surrounding the Silmarillion fandom. The third chart (Figure 7a.) looks at people who understand the phrase “Fëanor did nothing wrong” as a joke, filtered by age. Finally, the fourth chart (Figure 7b.) shows the percentage of people who used the phrase “tongue-in-cheek” in the 31-40 group as opposed to other age groups (that one was not explicitly asked for in the survey; I simply noticed a steep trend while dissecting the results from the “Fëanor did nothing wrong” question).

            I compiled all of these questions (along with several others) in a google form as a three-part survey. The first part was comprised of basic demographic questions, the second of general fandom terms and phrases, and the third of terms and phrases specific to fanfiction of The Silmarillion. The 418 responses were recorded and examined in Google sheets, which I used to filter the demographic information for ease of synthetization.

            The group I examined was people who participate in the Silmarillion fandom on Tumblr. I chose this group because I am familiar with them, because they are the most likely to be aware of these terms (due to the large overlap between Tumblr and Archive Of Our Own), and because fandom language is (to the best of my knowledge) not well studied. I was able to isolate this group by only posting the survey to Tumblr itself. Tumblr posts are only viewable to Tumblr users, so even if someone were to post a link to the post elsewhere, the only people able to access the survey would be Tumblr users. I further attempted to control by including several fandom related and The Silmarillion-specific questions in the demographic portion of the survey. Anyone who completed the demographic portion would have been well aware of the nature of the survey by the end, regardless of how poorly they understood the original survey posting. These measures, of course, did not stop everyone. I had a few respondents who submitted only the demographic portion or the demographic and general fandom portions. Luckily, due to the Google Sheets functions, such responses were relatively easy to filter out.

Results

(Figure 1. A chart observing, out of all 16,065 answers, how many equate to “I don’t know?” Under 18: 14.24%, 18-25: 5.9%, 26-30: 7.43%, 31-40: 9.17%, 41-50: 13.63%, 51-60: 7.3%, 61-70: 9.7%)

(Figure 2. A table comparing different categories of people and what percentage of them are unfamiliar with the term “Isekai”; a Japanese term which is most commonly defined as “a trope in which a character somehow travels from the mundane ‘real’ universe into a fictional one.” 23.08% of native English speakers are unfamiliar with the term. 27.07% of non-native English speakers are unfamiliar with the term. 20% of respondents who live in Asia are unfamiliar with the term.)

(Figure 3. A table comparing different categories who mention that “Angst” (defined in fandom context as “dramatic, serious, and sometimes dark”) is an everyday word in German. 12.73% of German speakers mentioned it. 1.38% of people who either do not speak German, or did not mention it in their language background, mentioned it.)

(Figure 4. A table comparing the attitudes of different age groups to the terms “anti-ship” and “pro-ship”. These terms are hotly debated in fandom. Those on the anti side of the debate define anti-ship as “being morally against abuse and pedophilia,” and pro-ship as “excusing abuse and pedophilia in fandom.” Those on the pro side of the debate define anti-ship as “puritanical and chronically online people who can’t separate reality and fiction” and pro-ship as “letting people ship whatever they want and separating reality from fiction.” Those under 18 are 4% anti, 4% pro, and 92% neutral. Those from 18-25 are 2.44% anti, 29.27% pro, and 68.29% neutral. Those from 26-30 are 0% anti, 33.67% pro, and 66.33% neutral. Those from 31-40 are 2.2% anti, 26.37% pro, and 71.43% neutral. Those from 41-50 are 0% anti, 46.15% pro, and 53.85% neutral. Those from 51-60 are 12.5% anti, 37.5% anti, and 50% neutral. Those from 61-70 are 0% anti, 50% pro, and 50% neutral (although, admittedly, there are only two respondents in that group.))

(Figure 5. A chart that shows the rate at which respondents cringed (using phrases such as “please don’t make me define this,” “oh god,” and “Nuh uh. Sorry man. Sweet baby rays good lord.”*) within their responses while defining “Omegaverse” (an erotica subgenre within fandom based on outdated wolfpack dynamics. Very popular, but also very taboo). Under 18: 16%, 18-25: 6.71% 26-30: 7.07%, 31-40: 6.45%, 41-50: 12%, 51-60: 12.5%)

*All real responses I received

(Figure 6: A chart exploring the differences between who can correctly identify the difference between the terms “peredhel” (half-elf, singular) and “peredhil” (half-elves, plural) based on how long they have been in the fandom. Those who have been in the fandom for less than a year are 31.71% correct and 14.63% incorrect. Those who have been in the fandom for 1-2 years are 71.67% correct and 10% incorrect. Those who have been in the fandom for 3-4 years are 74.44% correct and 7.78% incorrect. Those who have been in the fandom for 5-9 years are 65.93% correct and 9.89% incorrect. Those who have been in the fandom for 10-14 years are 73.85% correct and 12.31% incorrect. Those who have been in the fandom for 15-19 years are 76.92% correct and 11.59% incorrect. Those who have been in the fandom for 20-24 years are 69.57% correct and 13.04% incorrect. Those who have been in the fandom for 25-29 years are 100% correct and 0% incorrect. Those who have been in the fandom for 30-34 years are 75% correct and 0% incorrect. Those who have been in the fandom for 35-39 years are 100% correct and 0% incorrect.)

(Figure 7a. A chart observing who sees the phrase “Fëanor did nothing wrong as ironic” divided by age. Under 18: 23.53%, 18-25: 35.77%, 26-30: 36.9%, 31-40: 42.67%, 41-50: 22.22%, 51-60: 37.5%)

(Figure 7b. A chart observing the percentages of age groups who used the phrase “tongue-in-cheek” while answering the above question. 18-25: 1.84%, 26-30: 2.04%, 31-40: 9.78)

Discussion

            Observing these results, I can see that, while there is some level of stratification by age and length of time spent in the fandom, it is not nearly as dramatic as I had expected it to be. These results strongly demonstrate the power of communities of practice. These people, across ages and continents, communicate so often and so deeply, that nearly all terms are understood to the same degree by everyone, and nearly everyone has similar stances on divisive pan-fandom debates.

            Were I to do this study again, or a similar study in the future, I would probably narrow the purview by a lot. I would ask fewer questions (or at least, only ask questions of a single type), compare them against only one demographic question, and sincerely consider making them multiple choice. That being said, I do not regret this survey having short answer questions. There were several definitions of several terms that I never could have come up with in a million years. Synthesizing the short answers may have taken more effort on my part, but I learned a lot about my fandom.

@proship-anti-discussion (ship debate was mentioned)

[medicineinside]

Understanding study material 📚 Effective strategies 🤔

Here are some research-backed tips to help you navigate difficulties in understanding study material effectively 💪🏼

1️⃣ Break down complex concepts

Research suggests that breaking down complex concepts into smaller, more digestible parts can aid in understanding. Divide the material into manageable sections and focus on understanding each component before moving on to the next.

2️⃣ Engage in active learning

Active learning techniques, such as summarizing, teaching others, and practicing with flashcards, can improve understanding and retention. Engage actively with the material by explaining it to a study partner or testing yourself with practice questions.

3️⃣ Seek clarification

Don't hesitate to seek clarification from your instructors, peers, or online resources when you encounter difficulties. Research indicates that asking questions and seeking feedback can enhance understanding and fill in knowledge gaps.

4️⃣ Utilize visual aids

Visual aids, such as diagrams, charts, and graphs, can help simplify complex information and improve comprehension. Create visual representations of the material or use existing visual resources to enhance your understanding of challenging concepts.

5️⃣ Connect new material to prior knowledge

Research in cognitive psychology emphasizes the importance of connecting new information to existing knowledge for better understanding. Relate new concepts to familiar ideas or experiences to establish meaningful connections and improve retention.

6️⃣ Practice retrieval techniques

Research studies suggest that practicing retrieval techniques, such as self-testing and quizzing, can strengthen memory and understanding. Test yourself regularly on the material to reinforce learning and identify areas that require further review.

7️⃣ Collaborate with peers

Collaborative learning has been shown to enhance understanding and retention of study material. Engage in group study sessions with peers to discuss challenging concepts, share insights, and benefit from diverse perspectives.

8️⃣ Take breaks and manage stress

Take regular breaks during study sessions, practice relaxation techniques, and prioritize self-care to manage stress levels and optimize your cognitive performance. Read posts about mental and physical health to find more useful information.

[jesperweidemann]

Top 5 Writing Applications for Worldbuilding and Complex Story Planning

In the realm of creative writing, particularly when it comes to worldbuilding and complex story planning, having the right tools can make a significant difference. Writers often find themselves juggling multiple characters, intricate plots, and expansive settings. To manage these elements effectively, specialized writing applications have been developed to assist in organizing thoughts, tracking details, and fostering creativity. In this article, we will explore the top five writing applications that are indispensable for worldbuilding and complex story planning.

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1. Obsidian: The Ultimate Tool for Writers

Obsidian is a robust note-taking and knowledge management application that has gained immense popularity among writers for its flexibility and powerful features. Whether you are working on a novel, a series of interconnected stories, or an entire fictional universe, Obsidian provides the tools you need to keep everything organized and easily accessible.

Key Features of Obsidian

Markdown Support: Obsidian uses Markdown, a lightweight markup language, which allows writers to format their notes with ease. This feature is particularly useful for creating structured documents and linking related notes.

Bidirectional Linking: One of Obsidian's standout features is its bidirectional linking capability. This allows writers to create connections between different notes, making it easy to navigate through complex storylines and character relationships.

Graph View: The Graph View in Obsidian provides a visual representation of how your notes are interconnected. This feature is invaluable for worldbuilding, as it helps writers see the big picture and understand how different elements of their story fit together.

Plugins and Customization: Obsidian offers a wide range of plugins that can enhance its functionality. Writers can customize the app to suit their specific needs, whether it's adding a calendar for tracking writing progress or integrating with other tools like Google Drive.

Cross-Platform Sync: With Obsidian, you can sync your notes across multiple devices, ensuring that you have access to your work wherever you go. This is particularly useful for writers who like to jot down ideas on their phone and then expand on them later on their desktop.

Pricing

Personal Use: Free

Commercial Use: $50 per user per year

Add-ons:

Sync: $4 per user per month, billed annually

Publish: $8 per site per month, billed annually

Catalyst: $25+ one-time payment for early access and VIP features

How Obsidian Enhances Worldbuilding and Story Planning

Obsidian's features are designed to support the intricate process of worldbuilding and story planning. The ability to create detailed notes for each character, location, and plot point, and then link them together, allows writers to build a comprehensive and cohesive narrative. The Graph View provides a visual map of the story, making it easier to identify connections and ensure consistency. Additionally, the customization options and plugins available in Obsidian mean that writers can tailor the app to their specific workflow, making it an indispensable tool for any serious writer.

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2. Scrivener: The Writer's Swiss Army Knife

Scrivener is a well-known writing application that has been a favorite among writers for years. It offers a wide range of features designed to help writers organize their work, from drafting to final edits. Scrivener is particularly useful for long-form writing projects, such as novels and screenplays, where managing large amounts of text and research is essential.

Key Features of Scrivener

Project Management: Scrivener allows writers to break their projects into manageable sections, such as chapters or scenes. This makes it easy to navigate through the manuscript and make changes as needed.

Research Integration: Writers can import research materials, such as PDFs, images, and web pages, directly into Scrivener. This keeps all relevant information in one place, making it easy to reference while writing.

Corkboard and Outliner: Scrivener's Corkboard and Outliner views provide visual ways to organize and rearrange sections of the manuscript. This is particularly useful for plotting and structuring complex stories.

Customizable Templates: Scrivener offers a variety of templates for different types of writing projects, from novels to screenplays. Writers can also create their own templates to suit their specific needs.

Export Options: Scrivener supports a wide range of export formats, including Word, PDF, and ePub. This makes it easy to share your work with others or prepare it for publication.

Pricing

macOS: $49

Windows: $45

iOS: $19.99

Bundle (macOS + Windows): $80

How Scrivener Enhances Worldbuilding and Story Planning

Scrivener's project management features are ideal for worldbuilding and story planning. Writers can create separate sections for different aspects of their world, such as characters, settings, and plot points, and then easily navigate between them. The ability to import research materials directly into the project ensures that all relevant information is readily accessible. The Corkboard and Outliner views provide visual ways to organize and rearrange the story, making it easier to see the big picture and ensure consistency. Overall, Scrivener is a powerful tool that can help writers manage the complexities of worldbuilding and story planning.

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3. Campfire: A Comprehensive Worldbuilding Tool

Campfire is a writing application specifically designed for worldbuilding and story planning. It offers a wide range of features that allow writers to create detailed and immersive worlds, from character profiles to interactive maps. Campfire is particularly useful for writers who are working on large-scale projects, such as epic fantasy series or intricate science fiction universes.

Key Features of Campfire

Character Profiles: Campfire allows writers to create detailed profiles for each character, including information on their appearance, personality, and backstory. This helps ensure that characters are well-developed and consistent throughout the story.

Worldbuilding Tools: Campfire offers a variety of tools for worldbuilding, such as interactive maps, timelines, and relationship webs. These features allow writers to create a comprehensive and cohesive world for their story.

Plotting Tools: Campfire's plotting tools help writers outline their story and track the progression of the plot. This is particularly useful for complex stories with multiple plotlines and subplots.

Collaboration Features: Campfire allows writers to collaborate with others on their projects. This is particularly useful for co-authors or writing teams who need to share information and work together on the story.

Customizable Templates: Campfire offers a variety of templates for different aspects of worldbuilding and story planning. Writers can also create their own templates to suit their specific needs.

Pricing

Free Plan: Limited features

Standard Plan: $19 per month or $160 per year

Custom Plan: Prices start at $0.50 per month per module

How Campfire Enhances Worldbuilding and Story Planning

Campfire's features are specifically designed to support the process of worldbuilding and story planning. The ability to create detailed character profiles and interactive maps allows writers to build a rich and immersive world for their story. The plotting tools help writers outline their story and track the progression of the plot, ensuring that all elements of the story are well-organized and consistent. The collaboration features make it easy for co-authors or writing teams to work together on the project. Overall, Campfire is a comprehensive tool that can help writers manage the complexities of worldbuilding and story planning.

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4. Aeon Timeline: A Visual Timeline Tool for Writers

Aeon Timeline is a visual timeline tool that helps writers organize their stories and track the progression of events. It is particularly useful for complex stories with multiple plotlines and characters, as it allows writers to see the big picture and ensure consistency.

Key Features of Aeon Timeline

Visual Timelines: Aeon Timeline allows writers to create visual timelines for their stories, making it easy to see the progression of events and track the relationships between different plotlines.

Character and Event Tracking: Writers can create detailed profiles for each character and event, including information on their relationships and interactions. This helps ensure that all elements of the story are well-organized and consistent.

Customizable Templates: Aeon Timeline offers a variety of templates for different types of writing projects, from novels to screenplays. Writers can also create their own templates to suit their specific needs.

Integration with Other Tools: Aeon Timeline integrates with other writing tools, such as Scrivener and Ulysses, making it easy to import and export information between different applications.

Collaboration Features: Aeon Timeline allows writers to collaborate with others on their projects. This is particularly useful for co-authors or writing teams who need to share information and work together on the story.

Pricing

One-time Purchase: $65 (includes 1 year of free updates)

Additional Year of Updates: $35 per year

How Aeon Timeline Enhances Worldbuilding and Story Planning

Aeon Timeline's visual timeline feature is particularly useful for worldbuilding and story planning. Writers can create detailed timelines for their stories, making it easy to see the progression of events and track the relationships between different plotlines. The character and event tracking features help ensure that all elements of the story are well-organized and consistent. The integration with other writing tools makes it easy to import and export information between different applications, ensuring that all relevant information is readily accessible. Overall, Aeon Timeline is a powerful tool that can help

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5. Plottr: Visual Story Planning Made Simple

Plottr is a visual story planning tool that helps writers outline their stories in a clear and organized manner. It is particularly useful for writers who prefer a visual approach to planning and want to see their story structure at a glance. Plottr's intuitive interface and powerful features make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced writers.

Key Features of Plottr

Timeline View: Plottr's Timeline View allows writers to create a visual timeline of their story, making it easy to see the sequence of events and how they fit together. This is particularly useful for complex stories with multiple plotlines.

Character and Plot Templates: Plottr offers a variety of templates for character development and plot structure. Writers can use these templates to ensure that their characters are well-rounded and their plots are cohesive.

Drag-and-Drop Interface: Plottr's drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to rearrange scenes and chapters. This allows writers to experiment with different story structures and find the one that works best for their narrative.

Filtering and Tagging: Writers can use tags and filters to organize their scenes, characters, and plot points. This makes it easy to find specific elements of the story and keep track of important details.

Export Options: Plottr allows writers to export their outlines to other writing applications, such as Scrivener and Word. This makes it easy to move from planning to drafting without losing any important information.

Pricing

Annual Plan: $25 per year

Lifetime Plan: $99 one-time payment

How Plottr Enhances Worldbuilding and Story Planning

Plottr's visual approach to story planning makes it an invaluable tool for worldbuilding and complex story planning. The Timeline View allows writers to see the big picture and ensure that their story flows smoothly. The character and plot templates help writers develop well-rounded characters and cohesive plots. The drag-and-drop interface and filtering options make it easy to organize and rearrange story elements, ensuring that nothing gets lost in the process. Overall, Plottr is a powerful and user-friendly tool that can help writers bring their stories to life.

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Each of the applications we’ve explored - Obsidian, Scrivener, Campfire, World Anvil, and Plottr - offers unique features that cater to different aspects of writing. By integrating these tools into your workflow, you can unlock new levels of creativity and efficiency.

Are you ready to take your writing to the next level? Dive into these applications and discover which one resonates with your creative process. And don’t forget to follow us for more insights, tips, and recommendations on the best tools and practices for writers. Your next great story is just a click away!

[c-u-c-koo-4-40k]

Future Inlaws?

Next in the Severe Miscalculation storyline!

Previous Chapter Here:

Next Chapter Here: coming hopefully soon.

Edit! This Here!

For the madness that started it all click here!

Summary: We see some more of Khopesh's...family for lack of a better term. Another short interlude.

Warning: Swears! Other than that not many Karlsor makes a groaning statement about shoving an icepick in his brain. I guess that counts.

Tags: @kit-williams (Who let me use Anrir so Thank You!) @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan (Who let me use their sweary lad Karlsor, Thank you!)

@bleedingichorhearts @bispecsual @egrets-not-regrets @passionofthesith @sleepyfan-blog @barn-anon

Scrtch scrtch scrtch scratch. The gentle sounds of a stylis on paper filled the dimly lit chamber with one sole inhabitant.

An ancient a terrifying being, with both wit and knowledge that spanned centuries, millenia even.

The Terran born Nightlord known as Anrir reviewed and continued to bonder over his notations. Some where simple paperwork relating to his position as Apothercary, others were more...personal pursuits.

The Nature of Warp Bonds and Their Affects

The top of the page read. Sprawling throughout the documents were testimonies, graphs, data and hypothesese about the strange phenomenon known as bonding.

Even before Anrir had achieved his own bond he'd been endlessly Fascinated with the concept. In a manner he saw it as the main driving force between All interactions that occurred in this bizarre version of Terra's timeline they'd been sent to.

Without bonds, the more...vicious of their brother cousins would have likely converted at least half the native population into bloody pulp for the Skull Throne.

With them, as well as the lack of resources making sustained conflict untenable, the foundation for the greater alliance was made.

And their Appearance. Anrir could not see it himself, but the Librarians and Psychers he had collaborated with told him they often took the appearance of plants and flora. The exact type varied heavily depending on the relationship in question.

Anrir hypothesized the continuity might be due to their minds visualizing the unseeable. A bizarre form of paradolia that gave form to the formless. He continued to review his latest additions to his notes-

CrrrAsh! "Mother fucker I Swea..."

Thud! "...have to Run faster than tha..."

Until a pair of Very Recognizable voices faded in and out of the background as they ran, interrupted his writing.

Anrir sighed, placing his stylus down....next to a cracked picture frame from the Last Time this happened.

The stomping footsteps became louder again. He turned, briefly calculating the distance in his mind.

Thump thump thump thump Thump!

Anrir casually flexed the unmarred digits of his right hand before-

"If I didn't know any better I'd day you're gettin slower Karlsi-EeK!"

Snatch! One Charmingly Taxing Nightlord scout scruffed in his hold. While more frantic (or perhaps furious) footsteps approached.

Thump,thump,thump,thump,thump,thump,thump!

"Mother fucker I'm gonna kill you! I'm gonna fucking kill- Fuck..."

Anrir turned his eyes to his Claw's librarian, Karlsor, who'd stopped a few paces away.

"N-now Anrir, we didn't fuckin break anyth-Hurk!"

Two, two little Charmingly-Taxing-Nightlords scruffed.

"What...have I told you two?" Anrir asked, his voice firm yet controlled. "About Running near my Research?"

"Dont fuckin do it?" "Don't?" They said in unison.

"And...What, were you just doing?" He posed further.

"That," "Yeah, but he fuckin Started it!"

"You left the glasses unattended! You're lucky Ghosk didn't decide to snatch em!"

"They're My Sun goggles and How Fuckin Dare You!"

As the two younger Nightlords started bickering back and forth Anrir took a deep steadying breath and gently, but firmly... Knocked their skulls together.

Clack!

"Owwww!" "Fuckin hell that stings!"

"Now..." Anrir began. "Are we ready to discuss things properly?"

"Yes..." "Fine! fuck..."

"Khopesh...return Karlsor's glasses." Anrir commanded.

"Fine." Khopesh grumbled, more at his fun ending than Actually having to give the shades back.

"Hrmph!" Karlsor snatched them back with a growl, before placing them back on his face.

"And What do we say, when we have done something Wrong?"

"...I am sorry for taking your sun glasses." Khopesh aquiesed reluctantly.

"Hmph! Damn right you're sorry!"

"Karlsor..."

"And I accept your apology." Karlsor added quickly.

"Good." Anrir released the youngsters from their scruffing.

Khopesh rubbed the back of his neck. "You gotta Know you don't even Need them in this part of the base, riiiiight Karlsy?" Khopesh teased, gesturing to the Very dim surroundings which were custom suited to the Nightlords dark adapted eyes.

"Don't fuckin call me that ya whelp! And so fuckin what! They're My Shades and I'll wear them where I damn well please!" Karlsor snarled, before turning to stomp away.

"You're going to run into things again if you do that." Khopesh pointed out.

"The fuck I-WoAhAAH!" CRASH! The impact of the armored Nightlord hitting the wall rattled the room. On the worktable the picture frame once again fell over.

Unluckily as Khopesh predicted, Karlsor indeed did run into something. Or rather tripped. Whether that was do to wearing shades in a dark room or him being too mad to notice his surroundings was up for debate.

The grouchy librarian righted himself, before turning back to Khopesh with a seething look. "Not - one - word."

Khopesh smiled. "Okay. I'll just laugh then! BWAHAHAAHAHAHAHAA!"

"You're a FUCKIN DEAD FUCK I SWEAR!"

"ENOUGH!"

Oh shit. Both the younger Nightlords flinched as they remembered exactly Who they were squabbling near.

"Sorry Anrir." "Sorry." They replied hurriedly quieting their tones. The older Nightlord had his back turned, simply righting the framed photo from where it had fallen.

Thankfully, not Off the desk this time. Anrir took a moment to examine it, as he often did throughout the day.

No New cracks, thankfully. But the large one down the middle...no that truly wouldn't do. He did not Enjoy how it stretched between him and his Kitty.

He'd find a new sheet of plastic or glass. He'd prefer to keep the frame. Cutesy and childish as a lesser man would have considered it with its numeral stickers and pom poms and finger paint, courtesy of his darling participating in one of her daycare charges' crafting activities.

Anrir placed the frame back down with careful reverence, before turning back to his Sons.

"Let us but the matter Behind us, shall we?" He questioned. Though there was no room for debate in his tone. "Onto more Important things. Khopesh, you mentioned an announcement over your vox?"

The mood shifted with the change of subject almost immediately. The long haired Nightlord began bouncing in place, practically vibrating.

"Yes yes yes! I have someone Very special to introduce to all of you And! A new Hunt for us to plan!"

Well now That did intrigue Anrir. Khopesh could be very eager to go on Hunts (some would even say too eager). But far be it from Anrir to stifle something that made his son truly happy And generally made the world a safer place.

"You mention these two things at once...are they related?" Anrir questioned.

"If they are it's not much of a hunt if you Bring the fucker to us, dumbass." Karlsor snubbed a bit. Still a bit grouchy about the glasses...and grouchy in general.

"NO!" Khopesh snarled, barring his full teeth to his battle brother.

Karlsor's frustration was replaced with shock. This display wasn't the most frightening he'd seen, but he was stunned to see it come out of Khopesh, at Him.

Given the stunned silence Khopesh seemed to realize he over reacted. "I mean, No no no no No...well Yes technically." Khopesh corrected quickly. "They are not the one to be hunted! They are the one who was Harmed by the one we are going to be hunting. And they'll be here soon! I Just Know you'll Love Them!" Khopesh went from frantic correction to...cooing like a lovesick Lamenter??

"I see..." Anrir paused. "And...may I assume that this person is...Special to you?"

"Very much so! They are my sweet Lullaby! And we'll be sharing our first meal together tonight!" Khopesh said excitedly, quickly pulling up his vox messages and other saved photos. "I want them to meet all of you and your bonded's eventually! I think they'd fit in very well here. See?"

Khopesh showed off a few picts. One was of his Lullaby riding in horse competition. Another was them helping a young child learn to ride a horse. The picts and videos were a selection Khopesh had found from their mother's business' noosphere media.

Originally he'd obtained them as part of his investigation into Lullaby as a person, when he'd first met them. Now he simply kept his favorites, and to have something to show his Claw for reference.

"Rabbit and them both compete in sports, And they have experience in childcare and teaching from their family business like Kitty!" Khopesh explained. "And they're so sweet I'm sure Claude will find them very calming, once he gets past his usual shyness and then-"

Anrir's focus trailed off, but not for lack of interest! One of his sons had found a partner, And yes he Knew it was a partner; the smell he'd walked on base with, the 'glowing' and 'bouncing' energy he seemed filled with, and the presence of the bruising marks known as 'hickies' were enough to tell him that much.

He apparently Really liked and was looking forward to spending time with them. And Anrir would support Khopesh in this endeavor whole heartedly, bond involved or not. Anrir was many things but he was Not an Absent Parent.

No...it was because something about those photos-

Shwoop!

Khopesh's vox pings and a notification pops up covering the screen.

Lullaby: Hey I've arrived...I think? But I'm not sure where to go. Also I'm not sure they'll just let me in?

"Oh whoops! One moment." Khopesh shoots a vox message back.

Khopesh Thing That goes Prank in the Night: You should be able to enter the main lobby as it is open to the public. Wait for me there please! I want to introduce you to my brothers! I'm so excited for you to meet them.

Lullaby: Oh okay...how many am I meeting?

Khopesh: Just the ones in my claw that are here now. Don't worry they're gonna Love You! ;3

Lullaby: Including the one you made angry enough to chase you?? You suuuuure he'll like me? 🤔🤭

Khopesh smiled as he typed his next reply.

Khopesh: I'm Certain of it. He'll probably like how mouthy and sassy you are!

He stopped but then added...

But he can't have you of course! You're mine.

Lullaby: pfft! You've pissed him off that much huh? Well either way I'm making my way into the main lobby. The building is so Biiiiiig. I'm not used to this kinda space.

A photo came in. Showing Lullaby standing next to one of the Astarte sized chairs near the main entrance. It did indeed dwarf them as an average sized human.

"And saved!" Khopesh trilled, doing exactly that with the new photo.

Khopesh: Excellent! I will see you soon!

Anrir and Karlsor watched on with fascination. Well Karlsor was more still stunned to see this range of behavior from his brother.

Anrir, having his own special someone, was more understanding. But Still something itched at his brain.

"I must go greet them now. I will be back soon!" Khopesh stated, turning quickly to leave.

To his credit he did start by walking normally...until his speed picked up and he Launched himself into scrambling running climb throughout the unique architecture of the Nightlord base area.

Again, specially designed for suit their preference for skulking and climbing.

Karlsor stood their bewildered for a moment, before turning to Anrir. "What the Fuck was that about?"

Anrir simply chuckled. "Ah...young love..." He shook his head fondly before returning to his notes. Best sort and put them away for now, after all he'd be greeting a new face soon, best to look Presentable and make a good first impression.

He said much the same to Karlsor. "I'm assuming he'll be bringing his 'Sweet Lullaby' to meet us soon. Best get ready for that."

Karlsor groaned. Baselines were...well they were Frustrating or deal with! They either Weren't scared or were too scared. Sometimes they'd scream way too loud! And worse sometimes they'd giggle and call him...Bleh. Cute.

And Khopesh had apparently found 'someone special'. "If it turns out he's fuckin found someone Just Like Him I'm gonna stab myself with an Ice Pick!"

"I doubt Khopesh could find someone Exactly like himself dear Karlsor." Anrir assured, his desk now clean. He turned back to the Librarian.

"Though...I Must admit I am curious about his... Lullaby." Anrir muttered to himself.

Why couldn't he shake the feeling he was missing something?

"What got you Fuckin stewing suddenly?" Karlsor asked, noting Anrir's change in demeanor.

...

"...Those photos...did you recognize the Baseline in them?"

"...no?? Did you?"

Anrir turned back to Karlsor, his expression was serious. "I'm Certain beyond a shadow of a doubt that I've Never," he emphasized. "Met them before in my Life."

"So why Do I recognize them?"

Next chapter will be Here: (hopefully soon pray for my sanity)

[metalheadsagainstfascism]

Hey, love the post you make about obscure disabilities. Could you make/ have you made about dysgraphia?

Sure. This will be my post for disability pride month tomorrow. Which I'm posting now because I don't have the spoons to schedule it for tomorrow.

I hope you don't mind I turn this into a combo one because I have a hard time mentally processing one of these conditions without understanding all three.

(Obligatory I do not have any of these conditions. This is not meant to be a diagnostic tool. Please do your own research. I'm only answering a question that was asked of me and it's really hard for me to explain one of these without explaining all of the similar conditions to differentiate them.)

And I hope that you don't mind my poorer language skills right now I'm recovering from a server sinus headache I've had all day.

Dyslexia vs Dyscalculia vs Dysgraphia (bonus round Dyspraxia)

These issues have like, a 30% comorbidity rate. So if you have one there's a 30% chance you'll have either of the others. People with conditions may be perceived as "slow" but they are not intellectual disabilities (Not that there's nothing wrong with intellectual disabilities. I'm just pointing it out because people will say "you can't have dyslexia. You're so smart.")

But the fact that they're comorbid and often comorbid with autism and adhd causes some misunderstandings around the conditions because people think they have one condition and attribute all of their issues to the one condition with no knowledge that its not just one condition they're expressing.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is characterized by the limited processing and comprehension of graphic symbols, particularly those regarding language. People with it have poor reading skills, flipping letter sequences and words, and poor handwriting. Although it is a learning disability, it's important to note that dyslexia does not impact a person's intelligence, although they may seem slower due to poor language processing skills. (There's nothing wrong with disabilities that impact intelligence, I just don't want people saying "he can't be dyslexic because he's so smart".)

Many representations of dyslexia often exhibit letters tap dancing across the page, shape shifting, and doing backflips. It's important to note that these are incorrect representations, because it's really hard to give a visual representation of what people with dyslexia experience. However, it's really harmful to express dyslexia in this fashion as it leads to people thinking that they don't have dyslexia when they actually do.

As I understand it, dyslexia is the eyes/ brain being able to flow seamlessly when reading large blocks of text. Ways to combat this is cut out a strip to block off lines when you read them. Use a highlighted strip of paper to highlight lines as you read them.

Fun fact, there's a few fonts that space the letters well enough and differentiate similar letters enough that make it easier to read. Comic Sans font is the most widely accessible accessibility tool for dyslexic people as it's one of the easy to read fonts that on every machine. (These accessibility tools have proven to make everyone read faster, dyslexia or no. But people with dyslexia have found them instrumentalin functioning. )

Another fun fact. Rick Riordan wrote Lightning Thief so that his dyslexic son could have representation in a character that had the same disability as him.

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is often called "math dyslexia". People with Dyscalculia have issues with numbers. They have poor math skills, issues interpreting graphs, issues doing basic arithmetic, issues understanding things like place value, issues understanding time especially when it comes to reading an analog clock, and issues seeing patterns. This often causes a high level of anxiety around math. Some reports say these people have issues with directions, remembering locations, and reading maps (though research is inconsistent on that one).

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is easy to mix up with dyslexia, which is why I needed to write all these out. Where dyslexia is difficulty reading. Dysgraphia is difficulty writing. Symptoms include difficulty writing words, expressing thoughts in written form, and organizing and processing your thoughts. This can cause issues with social communication for obvious reasons.

These people also may have fine motor perception issues, writing in a straight line, spacing their letters correctly, etc. Especially fine motor skills around writing. They may also have issues with grammar, punctuation, and capitalization.

Bonus Round:

Dyspraxia

This one gets mixed with dyslexia two. Dyspraxia is issues with spacial awareness. They often say they can't tell where their limbs are in space. They may have issues with coordination, walking in a straight line, and balance. It's very hard for me to conceptualize, but people that have it may say that they bang their limbs against things due to poor spacial awareness. Which honestly, relatable. I've slammed me calf into a door before. And my shoulder blade. How? Good question.

These people have issues in social situations because their entire focus will be on their coordination, not making a mess, and not making a fool of themselves, etc. Their issues actually get better when they drink because the stress of sucked situations makes it worse and alcohol loosens them up. (I'm not advocating for drinking, but saying that the issues resolving when your drink validates your dyspraxia, not invalidates it.)

I think a lot of people that know of the condition may think people with low depth perception have dyspraxia. A lot of people have told me they think I have dyspraxia because my lack of depth perception negatively impacts my spacial awareness.

-fae

[laurabenanti]

Duplicate Frame Deletion: A Likely Unnecessary Tutorial

So… you updated to MacOS Sonoma, and–while it is amazing in many regards for photoshop things–it is a dang bummer and mood killer if you use MPV. However, after slamming my head into a wall trying to change the code on my own, I realized there is a much, much simpler solution to this.

In this tutorial, I will be showing you all how to delete duplicate frames from your gifs, with two options:

duplicate finder

within photoshop

Under the cut because pictures are a visual learner’s best friend!

A quick note:

MPV is odd with this. I’ve not had to do this on 4k capping, but have had to on anything under that. I don’t know the full reasoning, but it mostly looks to be something with the way it is reading frame rate. I know it’s in the code, but could not pinpoint it myself, and these were the only tricks that worked. If you find a better solution, please let me know! It has been rough, otherwise.

Step 1: Cap in MPV as normal

Now, this may be obvious, but make your caps in MPV. For a full tutorial on this, I highly recommend this one by kylos. The only difference between our software and their suggestion is going to be using the newest version of MPV (.0.36 at the time of this), and not the older. This is because there is an issue with MacOS Sonoma and older versions of MPV that prevent it from opening for… Some reason.

Step 2: Make sure you have your caps

I recommend moving your caps to whatever folder you like for your own ease of use. My biggest rec is to have it in its own folder, with no older folders within the folder. Not really a requirement, but in my mind, it makes the process faster (only true depending on number of files in other folders). You should have something like this (I am doing a scene from TWOT, as it’s one I’ve tested this method on a few times in several instances):

Once there, it’s time for the line split. I recommend option 1 the most (it’s faster, IMO), but again, this is a two option thing.

Option 1: Duplicate File Finder

So, duplicate finders are what they sound like. They are pieces of software that can be used to scan your device (or specific sections of said device), for duplicate files. It does not matter the title of the file, if the system reads it as a copy, it will find it.

There are a number of varieties for this, paid and free. I will not lie, the one I use is a paid version, because I had a huge issue with duplicate files taking up space when I moved to a new device. This also helps a lot with cloud file keeping, in my opinion. But that is beside the point.

This is Duplicate File Finder Pro, which I got for other reasons, but has been very useful since this became an issue. The free version is sufficient for removing duplicate files found in folders, and that is why I still suggest it. You only need to get the pro if you have other intentions.

Now, onto the next step…

Step 3: Drag and drop the folder

With our folder full of caps, we simply drag and drop it into the application to begin.

Step 4: Click “Find duplicates” and watch the pretty graph roll.

Step 5: Select the duplicate images

You can see here it found the duplicates.

Now, I could go through by hand and click them, but… that’s a lot of time I don’t want to waste. I let it auto select them instead (you can tweak the settings for auto-select, but this is not that tutorial).

Step 6: Select review & remove, complete!

Wham bam! You’re completely set and good to go. Gif as normal~ (all final results at bottom)

Now, of course, maybe you don’t want a duplicate remover. Understandable, so what then? Well…

Option 2: Photoshop & the Changing Frame rate

So, this one is a little more technical. I suggest basic giffing and Photoshop knowledge before attempting.

Step 3: Import folder as you normally would

I believe this works as it would for import video, but I don’t want to say that and be wrong. But load your files in and you’ll be here:

Now create video timeline, make frames from layers, yada yada (kylos’ guide is very good with this if you need help, it’s the same that was linked at the beginning of this). You’ll now be here:

And the actual part of the tutorial you all came here for...

Step 4: Change the frame rate

So, in the bottom, next to the mountains for zooming in on the timeline, you’ll see it reads “30.00 fps.” We need to change this to 60. How? Easy! Click the three lines circled here:

Then click “Set Timeline Frame Rate…”

A little box will pop up, change the 30 to 15 (dropdown or typing, it works the same) and click “OK.”

Your timeline will now be cut in half for length. That’s OKAY. DO NOT PANIC.

(Optional) Step 5: Double Checking

Click play on your gif, and you’ll notice it is no longer duplicate framed! To verify, let’s convert back to frames, just to see…

And it did, success! So make the rest of your gif as normal.

Your final results for the gif will be the following, with the gifs all labeled on what option was taken (or not). These were cropped for uploading and sharpened because of how I am. No coloring applied.

If anything was confusing, please don't hesitate to reach out! I'm happy to help in any way I can on this. My ask is always open. Happy Giffing!

[thequeenskeep]

Self-Mastery

Pinp0int

Everything in your life is a result of your greatest thinking.

∞ = 0. It is everything and nothing simultaneously. 0 is a circle-an enclosed space that feeds into itself. Infinity is zero collapsed, where nothing becomes everything. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction reducing All to 0. All numbers, all energy, all dimensions. The YOUniverse is infinite. Self-mastery is the application and transcendence of infinity, reaching the 0-dimension. The In. Finite. Point. In everything we do, we seek embodiment and expect to achieve a specific result. Be specific. Become limitless.

The origin, or starting point, of a graph is also known as the point of intersection. A point where the x-axis, y-axis, and all quadrants meet.

All dimensions exist on the same plane, the first dimension (1D), and within the same point, the 0 dimension (0D), as demonstrated by infinity. Our inability to perceive mystical energy or entities stems from their exist in other dimensions beyond our comprehension. The unforeseeable exists outside of our third dimensional perception. Our minds, thoughts, feelings, spirit, etc. exist on different planes.

When you take a picture or video of the third dimension (3D), it is captured as a flat image observed 2 Dimensionally. Movies, for instance, are shown in 2D. When you turn that image on its side, it is a line or plane. That is the first dimension. Furthermore condensing it to a point, brings us to the 0 dimension. Multidimensionality is inherent; what exists is not absent, it is unseen or inconceivable. If you exist on point (3,2) in the graph that is physically (3D) all you know.

Our minds transverse dimensions. When we close our eyes and see darkness, we are observing 0. Within we can see everything. This is known as astral (a star) traveling. However, opening our eyes reinstalls us into the 3D plane binding us to the laws of physics. It is possible to elevate our perception to see other dimensions with our physical eyes. However, this can lead to psychosis for beings accustomed to the 3D world. Its infinite nature reignites our genetic code(DNA), and we are bombarded with the real Truth. Reality. This rebirth, or revelation, prompts an overwhelming influx of knowledge putting us into a state of infancy where everything feels new, unfamiliar, and challenging to process causing a possible loss in consciousness.

We are creators. Our souls are creating everything we experience in other, alternate dimensions. Our mind is the messenger. Everything our brain’s experience is documented and delivered to the soul as an Instruction Manual. Our 3D vessel is the anchor, or origin point for the rope grounded to the Earth while our being occupies the cosmos. We are tethered to our creations, alternate realities, or dimensions and birth them into the 3D by tugging on, or embodying that energy. Eventually these dimensions, or planes, overlap and generate a 2D image, visualization, and as we experience life we identify them in the 3D as synchronicities or coincidence. We and our subsequent creations are bound to the Universal Laws that govern how our creation manifests in life.

Mind/Matter.

The name of the ‘Game of Life’ is self sufficiency. This includes self-awareness, self-discipline, emotional intelligence, positive, realistic thinking, goal setting, time management, and stress management. To achieve self mastery one must transverse the 7 dimensions, or chakras, within the One by: learning to think; learning to intuit; learning to feel; learning to do; learning to communicate; learning to lead; and learning to be. We evolved from nothing; therefore everything is accessible within. If We have everything we need to succeed, how will you access it?

[sierrawitch]

Menstrual Magick: The Goddess Within

by autumn sierra

*This is an original article written for educational purposes. Please do not plagiarize this work. You may reference it as you like with proper accreditation to the author. The author reserves the right to remove this article if deemed appropriate.*

᚛ᚇᚏᚐᚔᚑᚉᚆᚈ ᚋᚓᚅᚄᚈᚏᚒᚐᚂ᚜

Table of Contents

Introduction

Anatomy & Physiology

Two Cycles

The Sacred Nature of the Infradian Rhythm

Healing Your Cycle: Negative Influences [EDCs, Reproductive Conditions]

Healing Your Cycle: Positive Change [Diet, Herbs & Seeds, Movement, Personal Care]

Menstrual Blood in Spells & Ritual

Resources

Citations

᚛ᚇᚏᚐᚔᚑᚉᚆᚈ ᚋᚓᚅᚄᚈᚏᚒᚐᚂ᚜

Introduction

   It’s become common in western culture—and perhaps in most cultures around the world—for women to hide their bleeding or feel shame surrounding their menstrual period. It’s so normalized, in fact, that most women will consult an OB/GYN for pain management or symptomatic aid and be given some form of contraception as a band-aid catchall. Regardless of what the underlying ailment may be, medical professionals aim to cover up the issue rather than digging deeper to heal the root cause.

   Because of this shame culture, women have been unable to embrace their cycles for generations upon generations; unable to harness the power of their natural rhythm in tune with earth and its own cycle. Not only have they lost that spiritual connection, but women of all ages are taught that menstruation inherently dooms women to a life of suffering, rather than being properly educated on the strengths of each phase of the cycle, as well as how to properly accommodate themselves at each phase.

    This article aims to re-empower women with educational information on the physiology of their cycles, how it relates to witchcraft, and how women can reconnect with the sacredness of their cycles without shame. It’s time for women to take their unique power back and truly reconnect with their rawest self.

Anatomy & Physiology

   To begin, let’s quickly review the anatomical make up of the female reproductive system as a refresher (surely high school health class was at least minutely thorough in this area). The organs and tissues directly involved in menstruation are located in the lower-abdominal and pelvic area of the body. These organs include:

ovaries

fallopian tubes

endometrium & uterus

cervix

vagina

Interestingly, what many women don’t realize is that there are various hormones involved in the physiology of the reproductive system as well. It’s easy to say “my hormones are so out of whack today!” without actually realizing if those hormones are truly out of sorts, or if they’re being actively combated by daily routine.

*Phases and how to accommodate them will be discussed later.

   It’s assumedly common knowledge that the main function of the menstrual period is to shed the uterine lining (endometrium) when a woman does not become pregnant within a given cycle. The main hormones in charge of this action are Estrogen (estradiol) and Progesterone.

*Additional hormones—Testosterone, LH and FSH—will be discussed later.

Take note of the intersecting lines near the end of this graph. This is a visual representation of hormone levels during menstruation. Progesterone—whose action is to prepare the endometrium for implantation of a fertilized egg—falls when a woman does not become pregnant. Similarly, Estrogen (estradiol)—whose action is to thicken the endometrium for implantation of a fertilized egg—also falls, signaling the shedding of the uterine lining [1]. It’s at this time that bleeding begins and typically lasts for 4-7 days until the cycle restarts again.

Two Cycles

   Up to this point, the words “cycle(s)” and “phase(s)” have been used quite a bit. But there hasn’t been any real depth of explanation as to what is meant by “phases” of a cycle, and what is meant by the title of this section. “Two cycles??” Yes. Contrary to their male counterparts who have only one static cycle, women have two biological cycles that are constantly shifting and changing. These cycles are known as:

Circadian Rhythm & Infradian Rhythm

   Circadian rhythm is one cycle with which most people are familiar. This rhythm is the one disrupted twice yearly for daylight savings time changes (if you are one of the 70 countries that participate). More plainly, it’s the shared daily cycle of waking and sleeping, and the hormonal changes during that 24 hour period. Everyone experiences the circadian rhythm and its regulation of:

core body temperature

immune system responses

general hormonal fluctuations

metabolic processes

cognitive function

mental and physical responses to stress [2]

   However, women additionally experience the infradian rhythm. This rhythm is a 26-34 day cycle which begins on the first day of menstruation during puberty, and repeats until just before menopause begins. The infradian rhythm also influences 6 different systems of the body:

brain

metabolism

immune system

microbiome

stress response

reproductive system [3]

   To make things even more specific, this infradian rhythm is split into 4 phases, each with their own strengths that women can take control of to influence their personal success in the home, in social groups, at work, etc.

The Sacred Nature of the Infradian Rhythm

   This section will go a bit more in depth into the 4 phases of the infradian rhythm, and how each phase reconnects women to the patterns of nature and the divine feminine.

Menstrual Phase (4-7 days long)

   Menstruation is the bleeding period associated with the new/dark moon, winter, dormancy, and reflection. During this phase, the right and left areas of the brain—responsible for creativity and analysis respectfully—are most closely aligned, allowing for well-informed decision making and clarity of intuition.

    This phase is also associated with the Witch archetype, usually an elderly woman living in a secluded area of nature. But don’t be fooled by the frailness of her age; she is quite powerful and influential, knowledgeable, wise, transformative, and deeply in tune with her creativity and intuition [4].

    As it was discussed earlier, Progesterone and Estrogen (estradiol) are at their lowest points during this phase, as well as all of the other reproductive hormones. Just like its alignments, it’s important to indulge in physical and mental rest during menstruation.

   Menstruation has been a time of seclusion for women around the world for centuries; and not just for oppressive reasons. In ancient times, cultures that revered women for their divine femininity respected and even celebrated menstruation. “Yurok, a native tribe from the northwest coast of the United States stratified by class, had a group of aristocratic women who saw their periods as a time for purifying themselves…and did a series of rituals during the cycle that they said was a period of their most heightened spiritual experience”[5].

   In some parts of Ghana, West Africa, young women sit under ceremonial umbrellas when they begin menstruating, the families giving them gifts and paying homage [5]. Ojibwe women in the indigenous Midwest of the United States seclude themselves in “moon lodges”, fasting from sexual intercourse, ritual practice, food preparation, and child rearing in order to cleanse their energies, meditate, and connect with the other women in their communities [6].

   The Philippines challenges the myth of menstrual blood being unclean by applying it to the face to prevent breakouts and inflammation of the skin. The blood of the endometrium is rich in nutrients and stem cells which may improve the health of skin [6]. Fresh blood is safe to use topically (and arguably internally), but large amounts collected should not be used once it has sat at room temperature for a long duration of time, as it can become foul like any other blood outside of the body.

Follicular Phase (5-6 days long)

   The follicular phase is associated with the waxing moon, spring, planning, curiosity, and problem-solving. During this phase, the brain is more wired for creativity and alertness as it enters a kind of “rebirth”.

    This phase is also associated with the Warrior Maiden archetype, a young woman in tune with personal strength. She is transformative, courageous, honorable, commands respect, and allows herself to fall into a more feminine/passive role with her partner without losing said strength [7].

    Estrogen (estradiol) and Serotonin—a neurotransmitter hormone that induces focus, emotional stability, happiness, and calmness—rise to bring about more social and verbal tendencies. Cortisol—the stress hormone—is low and energies are calm. Additionally, the aforementioned FSH hormone—follicle stimulating hormone responsible for the rise in Estrogen (estradiol)—sends signals for the follicles in the ovaries to begin developing the beginning of a new cycle.

Ovulatory Phase (5-6 days long)

   Ovulation is associated with the full moon, summer, confidence, socialization, and passion. During this phase, the brain is somewhat balanced again, with sharp intellect, creativity, and communication skills, making it the perfect time to engage with others and kickstart projects, as well as the integration of new ideas.

    This phase is also associated with the Mother archetype, a mature woman radiating harmony, spirituality, deep love, self sacrifice, and inherent strength. She is the giver and nurturer of life and presides over both the realm of the living and the dead, as the womb is a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds [8].

    Estrogen (estradiol) skyrockets, providing high energy and high spirits. The rise in LH—luteinizing hormone responsible for signaling the release of an egg—notifies Progesterone and Estrogen (estradiol) to begin preparing and thickening the endometrium for implantation after the egg has been fertilized. At this point, Testosterone has also increased for enhanced sexual arousal, but drops suddenly to let Progesterone and Estrogen (estradiol) take over in preparation for a potential pregnancy.

Luteal Phase (10-15 days long)

   The luteal phase is associated with the waning moon, autumn, easy networking and socialization, and slowing down. During this phase, focus begins to turn inward with projects reaching the finishing stages. This is the perfect time to tie up loose ends and have everything taken care of before “winter” sets in again.

   This phase is also associated with the Enchantress archetype, who is a voyager to inner worlds, a prophet, and a dreamer. She urges the embracing of life’s surreal moments, and owns her personal sexual power. She is the embodiment of the feminine mystique with full trust in her intuition, and freely indulges in her seductive and pleasurable nature [9].

*Please indulge responsibly with a trusted partner!

    The ratio of Estrogen (estradiol) and Progesterone at this stage encourages very observant behavior, allowing the ability to pick up on subtleties in communication and behavior that may have been missed otherwise. Testosterone also rises slightly, once again enhancing sexual arousal in the former half of this phase. It eventually lowers again during the latter half in preparation for menstruation. With the endometrium lush for implantation, it awaits a fertilized egg to begin pregnancy. If successful, the menstrual cycle is halted here for the duration of the pregnancy. Otherwise, the cycle continues on to begin again.

Healing Your Cycle: Negative Influences

   It’s no secret that the (arguable) majority of women in our modern world are undereducated about their bodies, hormones, and cycles, leading to the notion that womanhood is a curse only to inflict pain while men have no issues with their bodies (also a false assumption). The reason for this conclusion is simple: pain equals punishment. Punishment for what? Existing, right? Wrong. The pain is not punishment, but a byproduct of blissful ignorance.

    Unbeknownst to many men and women alike, every single factor of their environment impacts the body and mind to a shocking degree that may not noticeably present itself. This leads people to believe that there are no underlying issues at play, when in fact the opposite is true. So, let’s take a look at what underlying issues or environmental factors can negatively impact the menstrual cycle.

Underlying Issues

   Many underlying issues impacting the menstrual cycle can be traced back to inherited genetics or developed hormonal imbalances. Reproductive disorders are major influences in the upset of the infradian rhythm. However, generally irregular cycles can be due to hormonal abnormalities in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, or ovaries [14]. Listed are some examples and their characteristics.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

   PCOS is a reproductive and hormonal disorder affecting about 8-13% of reproductive aged women, and is associated with various long-term comorbid (linked) disorders such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, heart disease, and endometrial cancer [10]. This disorder is characterized by excess levels of Androgen—hormone responsible for kickstarting puberty, increasing libido and blood flow to reproductive organs, and increasing sexual gratification—causing enlarged ovaries with cysts presenting internally, externally, or both.

   Some symptoms of PCOS include “heavy, long, intermittent, unpredictable or absent periods; infertility [myth]; acne or oily skin; excessive hair on the face or body; male-pattern baldness or hair thinning; weight gain, especially around the belly area”[10].

*There are no known cures for PCOS, but there are methods of coping (discussed later)

Endometriosis

   Endometriosis is a reproductive disorder affecting around 10% of reproductive aged women, and is associated with severe, life-impacting pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements and/or urination, chronic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, fatigue, and sometimes depression, anxiety, and infertility [11]. This disorder is characterized by tissue similar to the endometrium growing outside of the uterus. This leads to inflammation and scar tissue forming in the pelvic area and sometimes other areas of the body.

   Some symptoms of Endometriosis include pelvic pain during menstruation, during or after sex, when using the restroom, chronic pelvic or other bodily pain, heavy bleeding during periods or between periods, trouble getting pregnant, bloating or nausea, fatigue, depression or anxiety. However, it’s also acknowledged that some women may not have symptoms at all [11].

*There are no known cures for endometriosis, but there are methods of coping (discussed later)

Primary/Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

  POI is a reproductive and hormonal disorder causing premature ovarian failure and early menopause, beginning as early as the teen years [12].

   Some symptoms of POI include hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, poor concentration, decreased sex drive, pain during sex, and chronic vaginal dryness [12].

*There are no known cures for POI, but there are methods of coping (discussed later)

Uterine Fibroids

   Fibroids are benign growths in the uterus—very rarely malignant (cancerous),—and most often appear in reproductive aged women. They can vary in number and size depending on the individual, and in extreme cases, can cause the appearance of a pregnant belly.

    There are also multiple types of fibroids to look for during ultrasound screenings: Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular wall of the uterus. Submucosal fibroids bulge into the uterine cavity. Subserosal fibroids form on the outside of the uterus [15].

   Although some cases don’t provide symptoms, some common symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding or painful periods, longer or more frequent periods, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination or trouble urinating, growing stomach area, constipation, pain in the stomach area or lower back, or pain during sex [15].

Do not begin treatment without receiving a professional opinion from a primary physician or OB/GYN. If self diagnosing, confirm diagnosis with your doctor before attempting over-the-counter or diagnostic treatment.

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC)

   Along with hormonal imbalances and disorders occurring within the body due to hereditary genetics, hormones can also be affected by external environmental factors—aka endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC)—in daily life. “Each person has unique exposure to a variety of both known and unknown EDCs. Individual differences in metabolism and body composition will create considerable variability in the half-life and persistence of EDCs, as well as their degradation in body fluids and tissues…[and] human disorders are more likely the result of chronic exposure to low amounts of mixtures of EDCs“ [16]. Listed are some examples and their effects.

Plasticizers (BPA, Phthalates)

   Phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) are found in plastic products and have significant negative impact on female fertility.

    Phthalates were commercialized in the 1920s and are still used in many plastic food containers, blood bags and medical tubing, as well as personal care products. “Prospective clinical studies indicate that higher phthalate concentrations in urine were associated with longer time to pregnancy (TTP)” [14]. Recent studies reported that higher levels of phthalates in urine were associated with lower probabilities of implantation and clinical pregnancy, and higher probabilities of still birth. Not only do phthalates decrease fertility for women exposed to the chemical in their lifetime, but also decrease the fertility of future generations of women in that line [14].

   BPA is found in products such as plastic bags, bottles, and packaging, including food and drink cans. BPA concentrations were found to be significantly higher in infertile patients compared with fertile subjects. Additionally, BPA was associated with lower rates of fertility and fecundability (probability of conception), as well as with increased embryo implantation failure and decreased estrogen, fertilized oocytes, and oocyte counts in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), providing evidence to debilitated ovulation and endocrinological health [14]. Studies in lab animals also indicate an impairment of female reproductive capacity with BPA alternatives: bisphenol S and bisphenol E.

   (On an additional note, researchers of phthalate affects on neurological constitution reported in JAMA that ordinary exposure to certain phthalates found in urine samples was associated with ADHD-related behaviors in adolescence [13].)

Pharmaceuticals (Synthetic progestin norethindrone (NET), Diethylstilbestrol (DES))

   Despite medical professionals endorsing the safety of pharmaceuticals, there is substantial evidence of their effect on the female reproductive system, as well as the general endocrine system of the human anatomy.

    Although naturally occurring progesterone is one of the crucial hormones in women’s natural cycles, synthetic progestin (NET)—found in oral contraceptives—is a steroidal pharmaceutical recorded as a thyroid endocrine disruptor [17]. As an interesting aside in environmental sustainability (or lack thereof), since there has been such consistent consumption of progestin by humans and its use in livestock farms to promote the growth and fattening of animals, there has been a rising level of the chemical within various aquatic environments. In one US stream, “the concentration of synthetic progestin norethindrone (NET) was reported up to 872 ng/L” and continues to increase [17].

   In a study conducted on adult zebrafish in such contaminated environments, it was found that NET alters sexual differentiation, development and reproduction, and shifted sex ratio towards males through higher androgenic activities [17]. This potentially leads to the implication of a similar effect on adult humans, providing some insight toward the steady rise in gender dysphoria amongst both biological male and female youth and adults, with prevalence in females due to sensitivity of androgen levels in female development.

    In comparison, Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a non-steroidal pharmaceutical estrogenic EDC that was prescribed to millions of pregnant women between 1940 and 1970 in order to prevent miscarriage, premature labor, and related complications of pregnancy [18]. However, women who were exposed to DES in utero experienced higher rates of infertility, pregnancy complications, and reproductive cancers including breast and pancreatic cancer, and cervical precancer [18,19]. “The onset of puberty was also significantly affected, with the timing of vaginal opening occurring significantly earlier in DES descendants. These results indicate a transgenerational effect of DES on multiple reproductive parameters including fertility, timing of puberty, and AGD. These data have significant implications for more than 50 million DES descendants worldwide as well as raising concerns for the ongoing health impacts caused by exposures to other estrogenic EDCs which are pervasive in our environment” [18].

   The drug also may be linked to an increased chance of developing ADHD in the grandchildren of women who used it during pregnancy. DES was found to cause epigenetic changes, altering the way genes are turned on and off, in a study analyzing the reproductive organs of mice. “The findings provide a possible explanation for how endocrine disruptors affect fertility and reproduction” [13].

Cosmetics & Personal Care (Parabens, Glycol Ethers, Parfum, etc)

   Cosmetics and personal care items including shampoos, soaps, and other products contain harmful EDCs which are exposed to women (and men) on a regular basis, increasing the health risks associated with EDCs.

    Parabens are one of the most popular preservatives used in these products (as well as foods and pharmaceuticals) and have been promoted worldwide since 1920. Easily absorbed into the body via topical handling or application, parabens acutely (short-term) and chronically (long-term) hinder the human endocrine system and induce complications in homeostasis. They have also been recognized as a causative factor in various diseases [20].

   Glycol Ethers are a chemical compound used in certain solvents (resins, lacquers, paints, varnishes, gum, perfume, dyes, inks, as a constituent of paints and pastes, cleaning compounds, liquid soaps, and hydraulic fluids) and as an ingredient in cosmetics.

    Acute exposure to high levels of the glycol ethers in humans results in narcosis, pulmonary edema, and severe liver and kidney damage. Acute exposure to lower levels of the glycol ethers in humans causes conjunctivitis, upper respiratory tract irritation, headache, nausea, and temporary corneal clouding. Animal studies have reported adverse effects on weight gain, peripheral blood counts, bone marrow, and lymphoid tissues. Chronic exposure to the glycol ethers in humans results in fatigue, lethargy, nausea, anorexia, tremor, and anemia. Animal studies have reported anemia, reduced body weight gain, and irritation of the eyes and nose from inhalation exposure. Anemia and effects to the thymus, spleen, bone marrow, liver, and kidneys were reported in animals following oral exposure to the glycol ethers [21].

    (Interestingly, the EPA.gov source claims there is apparently no carcinogenic or reproductive issues caused by glycol ethers based on a lack of evidence, insinuating that these compounds have not even been tested for such effects to affirm or refute this claim.)

    Parfum and fragrance also have a hand in this EDC issue. These synthetic compounds have become ubiquitous components of personal care and household cleaning products over the decades, resulting in excess usage of these chemicals on a regular basis. Fragrances are linked with rapidly increasing rates of diabetes, cancer, neural ailments, teratogenicity, and (shockingly enough) transgender instances, insinuating that some—not all—transgender instances appear as developed through EDC influence rather than appearing as an inherent biological characteristic at birth [22]. The adverse effects of the fragrance constituents as phthalates, parabens, glutaraldehyde, hydroperoxides, oil of turpentine, metals, nitro musks, and essential oils, among others, are being identified and subsequently linked to the breakdown in homeostasis. They have been labeled 'slow poisons' following the analysis of estrogen hyperproduction and inflammation, among other issues (“fragrance compounds share configurational similarity with carcinogenic environmental hydrocarbons and provoke the expression of cytochrome group monooxygenase enzyme aromatase [which] aromatizes androgens to form estrogen…[causing] the majority of morbidities.) [22].

Metalloestrogens aka Heavy Metals (Aluminum Chlorohydrate (ACH), Lead, Mercury, Cadmium)

   It is most likely accurate to assume that the negative impact of heavy metals on the body is common knowledge in our medically advanced society. Despite this, metalloestrogens are still incorporated into daily use products.

    Aluminum might be one of the most widely known for its toxicity in multiple forms. As aluminum chlorohydrate (ACH) or aluminum salts, it is included in antiperspirant deodorants, foods and supplements, antacids, vaccines, and various house hold products [23]. ACH is commonly absorbed through the sensitive skin of the underarms in close proximity to the breast, increasing the risk of breast cancer development and increase in current cancer cells among other conditions including deficient estrogen regulation and response, affected gene expression, dialysis dementia, iron-adequate microcytic anemia, osteomalacia, and neurodegerative diseases [23].

    Lead is also known as a harmful heavy metal, with its use in plumbing less prevalent in our modern society. The harms of lead have been extensively documented and acted upon, yet again there is still lead being consumed even in minute doses. This chemical has been labeled an EDC through its absorption into the thyroid gland and the effects of its homeostasis, effects on insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia and glucose intolerance, pituitary action, accumulation in reproductive organs, and causation of metabolic disease. For women attempting to have children, semen quality and sperm modality, abnormal testosterone levels and infertility are also effects of lead on male hormones [24].

   Mercury poisoning is a regular topic and valid concern. The most common discussion is the concern of methylmercury—anthropogenic mercury made when inorganic mercury circulating in the general environment is dissolved into freshwater and seawater—poisoning via high consumption of certain shellfish and fish, such as albacore tuna. Ethylmercury—inorganic mercury compound made by binding organic chemicals—is an active base in thimerosal which is used as an anti septic and anti fungal/anti bacterial agent in vaccines. Both types of mercury have the capacity to cause adverse effects on the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal gland, and gonads (testis and ovary) [25]. In the past, thimerosal was used in all vaccine compounds until it was proven as a carcinogen capable of breaking through the blood brain barrier, at which point it was repealed from all but multi dose vaccinations such as the multi dose Influenza vaccines.

    Cadmium is a common environmental pollutant and has major presence in tobacco smoke. It has been known to either enhance or inhibit the biosynthesis of progesterone (affecting normal ovarian cyclicity and the maintenance of pregnancy), decreased birth weights and premature birth, with the enhanced levels of placental cadmium “resulting from maternal exposure to industrial wastes or tobacco smoke being associated with decreased progesterone biosynthesis by the placental trophoblast”—an outer layer of cells providing nutrients to the embryo [26].

Synthetic Materials (Polyester, Acrylic, etc)

   Synthetic woven materials used in the manufacturing of clothing, blankets, and other fabrics (although interacting topically and externally) affects the endocrine system. These facts make reconsidering fast fashion a wise hesitation.

    Polyester is a significant example of EDCs in fabrics. It’s made with recycled phthalates and BPA plastics through PET production using a catalyst called antimony trioxide—a carcinogen and EDC, which affects fertility in men and women, neurodevelopment and glucose metabolism, and disrupts thyroid function [27]. This toxin can absorb into the skin due to even low temperatures or regular levels of body heat, or via sweat or saliva. Additionally, microplastics are released into the air and onto the body during each wear and wash. Because of its lack of biodegradability, the particles are then consumed, absorbed or spread by various objects, plants, insects, fish, animals and other humans throughout the environment [27].

    Additionally, acrylic fibers are made from acrolynitrile (aka vinyl cyanide), which is a carcinogen effecting the brain, lungs and bowels, and acts as a mutagen, targeting the central nervous system. According to the CDC, acrylonitrile enters our bodies through skin absorption, as well as inhalation and ingestion. It is not easily recycled or biodegradeable. It was found that women who work in factories producing acrylic fibers have seven times the rate of breast cancer as the normal population, and those working with nylon have double that risk [28].

Healing Your Cycle: Positive Change

   After enduring such a long-winded list of how EDCs and reproductive conditions effect women’s hormones and overall biological rhythm, let’s explore the light at the end of the tunnel; a ray of hope in the midst of hard truth. While there are many factors working against the natural female cycle in the modern world, there are most definitely ways in which women can take control of their reproductive health and wellbeing to re-sync with their cycles. After all, happy hormones lead to an overall happier life, and isn’t that the end goal?

Diet

   One of the most underrated aspects of health maintenance in terms of impact is diet and metabolic habit. Each phase of the infradian cycle requires different nutrients in order to perform at maximum efficiency in their respective functions. The most important thing is to pause before acting on a stomach rumble and think about “Am I hungry, or is the last meal I ate still digesting right now?” and “What am I craving, and how does it fit into the current phase of my cycle?”. You might discover that your body has been telling you exactly what it needs, but you might have missed the signs.

* Although not mentioned in the section covering EDCs, pesticides contribute to the disruption of female and male hormones. Please wash all produce thoroughly before consumption! (Mix vinegar and baking soda into a water bath)

Menstrual Phase

   The menstrual phase is probably the most taxing phase the body goes through in the infradian cycle (not surprising, since there is considerable blood loss and uterine contractions to shed the endometrium!). High power foods like protein, healthy fats, minerals and root vegetables are needed to support the body and its energy levels as it works through the grueling task of refreshing the endometrium.

   Red meats and fatty fish like salmon (and even beans!) during this phase of the cycle replenish low iron levels and provide substance and caloric benefits while the body is going through a sort of “purge” of unneeded tissues. (Be aware of eating too much red meat, as a compound called prostaglandin can cause more bleeding when too much is ingested.)

    Healthy fats such as probiotic yogurts, nuts, olive oil, and avocado are also beneficial in reducing inflammation and cramping, maintaining muscle strength, and a feeling of fullness after eating to help prevent over indulgence during this time of nutrient deficiency. It’s not at all uncommon for snacking to become more frequent in this phase. Although it’s not a sin to have a sweet treat or splurge a bit on a meal here and there, remembering that balance is key during menstruation (and really all of the phases) is extremely important to long-term health.

    Root vegetables such as purple potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, carrots, and pretty much anything else you can think of to stir into some sort of hearty stew are great for providing vitamin A. This aids the liver in processing estrogen and revitalizes the body’s vitamin and mineral reserve.

    Some supplements that can be incorporated alongside diet include:

magnesium: helps to reduce cramping by relaxing contractions

omega3: anti inflammatory agent can also relax contractions

vitamin D&E: anti inflammatory that reduces the severity of dysmenorrhea

zinc: anti inflammatory that can reduce cramping

iron: supports the replenishing of red blood cells

   Think of this time as a grounding period to reconnect the mind, body, and spirit to the earth. The hearty vegetables and hefty meats nourish and root us from the busy, hectic world outside in order for the body to slow down, rest and recuperate in preparation for the beginning of a new cycle.

Follicular Phase

   The follicular phase is the revitalized product of menstruation. The body is fresh and ready to re-acclimate to routine and societal expectation. This is the perfect time for light, colorful, and vibrant foods as well as pre and probiotics and complex carbs.

    Lean proteins like chicken, tofu, nuts, and eggs are your friend in this phase. Some may feel inclined to go full salad-mode after refreshing from menstruation, but everyone should maintain a level of balance that feels right for their own body.

    Colorful vegetables like carrots, lettuce, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and cucumber help the body to metabolize estrogen and maintain healthy levels in the endocrine system.

    Pre and probiotics of the follicular phase include fermented and pickled foods like kombucha, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt. These foods promote healthy gut flora which—if there have ever been any facts that stick in mind, this should be one of them—ultimately dictates the wellness of the rest of the body alongside the endocrine system. (Highly recommend further reading on this topic!)

   There are good carbs, and not-so-good carbs. Brown rice, quinoa, and grains are some good carbs the body can benefit from in this phase to fuel energy reserves.

   Some supplements that can be incorporated alongside diet include:

vitamin B: supports energy levels and hormone balance

zinc: regulates hormones and maintains cycle

fiber: whether through fibrous vegetables or supplement maintains healthy digestion

Ovulatory Phase

   The ovulatory phase is the body’s time for getting a little hot and heavy. Not only have hormones and energy levels risen, but body temperature also gets a fraction higher. To combat the heat, eat raw and cooling foods with lots of color. Metabolic activity is lower at this time, so not as many carbs or calories in general are needed to sustain energy.

    Fish, eggs, and lamb are some healthy proteins for this phase, as well as lentils.

    Vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes (also affectionately known as love apples), asparagus, scallion, dandelion, cucumber, and okra keep the body fresh and rejuvenated during ovulation. Specifically, okra is very healthy to consume throughout the cycle, as its pods secrete a mucous-like fluid that positively impacts the mucosal membrane of the digestive track as well as the vaginal canal and uterus!

   Don’t hold back on the pre and probiotics from the follicular phase since they can still influence digestive efficiency and healthy gut flora.

   Some supplements that can be incorporated alongside diet include:

omega3: anti inflammatory agent supports hormone health

vitamin B&E: helps the body release eggs & anti inflammatory that supports fertility and hormone balance

zinc: anti inflammatory supports hormone health

Luteal Phase

   The body slowly winds down in the luteal phase to once again prepare for menstruation. This is truly the time to shy away from anti inflammatory foods like sugar, dairy, very spicy foods, and alcohol to regulate painful contractions during menstruation.

    Working back into the denser and fattier meats, fish, turkey, beans, and beef are great proteins for the luteal phase.

   There’s also a gradual return to root vegetables. Cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, collard greens, onion, pumpkin, purple potatoes, yams, and sweet potatoes are the go-tos in this phase.

    Carbs come back into play as well. Brown rice, millet, and whole grains help support the body’s wind-down time.

    Some supplements that can be incorporated alongside diet include:

magnesium: alleviates PMS symptoms

calcium: promotes relaxation

chasteberry: supports progesterone levels

Foods to Avoid

   Many cycle syncing practitioners promote a mindset of focusing on foods they CAN eat versus foods they CAN’T eat. Psychologically, this changes the perception of “restricted” eating as a punishment and alters it to a conscious lifestyle change which invests in a healthy body, mind, and spirit for future versions of themselves. However, for those who would prefer a more cut and dry outline of foods to avoid within the cycle, listed below are some inflammatory foods to limit (does not need to be a cold turkey elimination) in personal dietary choices.

gums (xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, lecithin gum, carob/locust bean gum, gellan gum, Arabic gum)

   Gums are carcinogenic to humans and can cause additional side effects. Check labels for gum content. Switch to thickening agents like corn starch, potato starch, rice flour, and arrowroot powder.

inflammatory oils (seed oils, vegetable oil)

   Check labels for inflammatory oil content. Consider switching to olive, coconut, sesame, and avocado oils (some avocado oils may be contaminated with inflammatory oils, always check!). Coconut oil and LIGHT olive oil are good substitutes for vegetable oil in baking.

dairy products (cheese, pasteurized milk, etc)

   Check labels for dairy content. Consider switching to almond or coconut milk, dairy free cheeses (i.e. Daiya), and nut-based yogurts. (Cashew milk yogurt is a personal favorite which can double as sour cream on taco Tuesdays!)

soy products (lecithins, GMO content, estrogen unbalancing effects, long-term influence on growth, digestion, sexual maturation, thyroid health, and breast cancer risk)

   Check labels for soy content. Controlled amounts of soy consumed in moderation are beneficial to the body. Consider limiting soy consumption to miso, soy sauce, edamame, natto, etc.

refined sugar (bleached sugar, corn syrup, etc)

   Unnaturally occurring sugars are an inflammatory agent that affects insulin regulation and dietary conditions. Check labels for added sugar content. Consider switching to raw cane sugar, monk fruit sweetener, honey, agave, and DIYing brown sugar by mixing cane sugar and molasses.

*Be careful of sugar free products which contain aspartame—an artificial non-saccharide sweetener 200 times sweeter than sucrose—as it’s labeled as a carcinogen and can cause kidney issues, toxic liver disease, and psychological effects [29].

gluten (bleached flour, GMOs, pesticide-treated wheat, digestive upset, fatigue, bloating, weight gain and retention, etc)

   Check labels for types of grains or flours used in gluten products. Consider switching to rice flour, buckwheat flour, corn meal, almond flour, coconut flour, oat flour, corn starch, potato starch, and arrowroot powder.

alcohol (high sugar content, gluten, inflammatory agent, bloating, fatigue, headaches, weight gain and retention, weakened liver function, etc)

   Although all alcohol is inflammatory, clear spirits (vodka, gin, tequila) are lower in sugar content compared to dark liquors (rum, whiskey, brandy, scotch, cognac) and wines. However, wines can have some health benefits when consumed in controlled amounts and in moderation. Beers contain both sugars and gluten, so be wary of amounts consumed in a given time frame.

Herbs & Seeds

   In holistic medicine, herbal remedies and a process called seed cycling are great supporters for reconnecting with the infradian rhythm and balancing changing hormones. Listed are some herbs and seeds that benefit each phase of the cycle.

Menstrual Phase

red raspberry leaf

nettle leaf

turmeric

pumpkin seeds

flax seeds

*parsley is an emmenagogue that can stimulate proper menstrual flow for late or light periods

Follicular Phase

nettle leaf

holy basil

pumpkin seeds

flax seeds

Ovulatory Phase

dandelion root

burdock root

turmeric

pumpkin seeds

flax seeds

Luteal Phase

red raspberry leaf

burdock root

dandelion root

ginger

sunflower seeds

sesame seeds

flax seeds

Movement

   Exercise or any general physical movement is extremely important for staying healthy and maintains harmony in the menstrual cycle. As hormones fluctuate, movement helps accommodate and balance levels of different chemicals in the body, including cortisol—stress hormone. The higher the cortisol, the higher the inflammation, and the harder it will be to lose stubborn fat, get rid of water weight and bloating, manage pain during bleeding and contractions, etc.

Menstrual Phase - Restorative Movement

No to Low cortisol

walking

yoga

stretching

gentle pilates

REST!!

*Studies have now proven that circadian rhythm and sleep patterns differs between men and women (surprise, surprise). Despite the 6 hours of sleep preached for the last how many years, women actually need 8 to 9 hours of sleep depending on the phase of their cycle. Take your sleep schedules seriously!!

Follicular Phase - Fitness Movement

Low cortisol

resistance training

hiking

gentle aerobic training

swimming

dancing

yoga

Ovulatory Phase - Energetic Movement

Med to High cortisol

high intensity interval training (HIIT)

martial arts & kickboxing

spinning

aerobic training

swimming

resistance training

power yoga

dancing

hiking

Luteal Phase - Easy Movement

Low to No cortisol

gentle aerobic training

resistance training

yoga

pilates

swimming

dancing

rest

*Notice the cyclical nature of each phase’s movement! It begins very gently, increases in activity until the climax of ovulation, and then gradually returns to restful movement again.

Personal Care

   Within personal care there are sub-topics of what women can take control of to promote a healthy cycle. This section will review skin care for each phase of the cycle, endocrine-safe fabrics, period products, makeup, and other personal care products that can subsidize those containing harmful toxins.

Skin Care

Menstrual Phase

   Hydrate and moisturize! Since estrogen and progesterone are low, it weakens the skin barrier and makes it dry. Use a gentle cleanser and a hydrating cream or lotion. Products like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, peptides and ceramides are great for this stage of your cycle [30]. Drink lots of water!

Follicular Phase

   Maintain your skin’s normal health needs as estrogen rises and revitalizes the epidermis! Since there isn’t much progesterone in this phase, the skin won’t be as oily. Regularly cleansing and moisturizing should do the trick.

Ovulatory and Luteal Phases

   Progesterone rapidly elevates in these phases causing the production of more sebum and oils of the skin and hair. Skin sensitivity is heightened at these times, so continue using a gentle cleanser and non-active-ingredient products, like those that contain niacinamide [30].

Makeup

   Finding makeup that doesn’t negatively impact hormones can be tricky, since many contain EDCs, as previously discussed. While it might be impossible to avoid EDCs completely in the makeup industry, there are cleaner and higher quality options to invest in. Some of these brands include bareMinerals, RMS Beauty, Alima Pure, and (rising in popularity) Ilia Beauty.

    These brands create eco-friendly, non-toxic, and cruelty free skincare & beauty products to help improve the conditions of the environment and of consumer wellness. Each brand carries their own formula of serums, moisturizers, foundations, concealers, lip products, and eye products that maintain skin health while simultaneously shining a spotlight on natural beauty.

    Perfume can also be considered a cosmetic. Like discussed earlier, mass produced perfumes contain harmful EDCs. But at the root, perfumes are scents derived from plants. Making DIY perfume is easy and fun, and probably more affordable. Let’s say Sarah (fake person for this scenario) really enjoys Marc Jacobs’ Daisy Love perfume, but wants to avoid the EDCs in the formula. She can research the ingredients and make her own formula with essential oils! Cloudberry seed oil is a base note of the perfume, but it’s also incredibly good for vitality of the skin with fatty acids like Omega 3&6. This can be mixed with daisy essential oil and sandalwood, vanilla, amber, and patchouli to create the cashmere and woody scent. Mixing different amounts together with a base solution will then create a similar perfume!

    Most perfumes are alcohol based, so using vodka as a base is on the table. However, oil based scents can last longer. There are a few options to consider, but always remember to dilute essential oils as they’re too potent to apply directly to the skin!

Soap, Shampoo & Conditioner

   Bath products are used daily, and are therefore very important to consider in creating an EDC-free or cleaner home environment. Right off the bat, a great substitute for mass produced soaps and body washes are bar soaps made with goat’s milk and other organic materials. Buying handmade soaps are a great way to invest in quality and health, and to support small businesses!

   Drugstore shampoos & conditioners have their quality-over-quantity substitutes as well. Companies like Prose and Function of Beauty take time and care to formulate products specifically for hair type (and skin type) to meet personal health and/or beauty goals. Companies like The Earthling Co. and Viori also make shampoo & conditioner BARS. This is a revolutionary innovation on their parts. Not only are bars more sustainable for long-term and controlled use, but they also reduce waste in the environment. For hair types 2C to 4C, brands like Innersence, Uncle Funky’s Daughter, Only Curls, Cantu, Camille Rose, Mielle and many others use natural ingredients and do their utmost to avoid EDCs in their products.

*Many small business owners also use organic and non-toxic ingredients in their products, don’t forget to support small and local businesses and the quality they provide!

Cleaning Products and Detergents

   Most people don’t even consider natural and non-toxic cleaning products nowadays. Clorox, bleach, and harsh chemicals seem to be pushed the most, even in child-centered environments. In reality, a good ol’ combination of baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice does the trick, and it’s very affordable since most people have these in their pantries. The chemical reaction caused by the baking soda interacting with acid acts as a cleaning agent for not only messy surfaces, but also for fruits and vegetables! Adding some vinegar and baking soda to a water bath and letting produce sit for 5 to 10 minutes reveals a pretty disgusting—yet relieving—sight of clean produce versus dirty water. Some other non-toxic cleaning brands include Branch Basics, Bon Ami, Ecos, Grove Collaborative, and Enviro One.

   Now, detergents. Even though detergents and softeners and fresheners aren’t being poured onto the skin or the body being submerged into a warm bath of sticky blue liquid, the EDCs in detergents are absorbed by fabrics in the wash which can then absorb into the skin via perspiration and heat. Some non-toxic laundry products include Branch Basics, Thieves, Ecos, Meliora, baking soda, essential oils for fragrance, and wool balls instead of dryer sheets. (Awesome laundry tip: apply some essential oil to a wool ball before drying laundry. It will come out warm and smelling amazing!)

Endocrine-Safe Fabrics

   When the term “natural fibres” is mentioned, what comes to mind? Any organic fiber made from plants rather than plastics. Some endocrine-safe fabric fibres include cotton, linen, rayon, wool, hemp, silk, leather, cashmere, bamboo, sisal, and jute.

    It’s HIGHLY recommended that women wear 100% cotton underwear. This fibre’s breathability aids with air circulation down south, which helps to eliminate odor, heat, and wetness from sweat and discharge. Not only is it uncomfortable to experience these, but it can also cause infections due to heat and moisture acting as a breeding ground for bacteria.

*Be wary of lingerie like thongs. Although they seem breathable for lack of coverage, some thong fabrics contain EDCs, and the vulva can come into contact with any bottoms you’re wearing. This can also become a breeding ground for bacteria.

    Silk is a great fabric for pillow cases and bonnets. If you’ve experienced frizzy hair in the mornings, or you need to keep your coils and curls covered overnight, silk is the go-to fabric for avoiding static electricity while tossing and turning in bed. Silk is an extremely fine fiber, so it causes less static with friction, ergo less frizz and dead ends.

    Linen is a light yet durable fabric. It can be worn at any time of year, but it’s particularly useful in the spring and summer temperatures when the sun is at its closest and hottest. In contrast, wool is wonderful for the autumn and winter seasons with its insulated density. If there are any concerns about animal cruelty in the process of shearing, shepherds are careful and well educated on how to maintain their sheep’s coats. It’s very necessary for sheep to be shorn since the wool can easily become overgrown, matted, and weighted, causing discomfort and even pain for the sheep. Check out different companies’ animal cruelty policies for further information if still unsure.

   Not only are these fabrics organic, they’re also very sustainable. Unlike the trends and EDCs of fast fashion, well made endocrine-safe textiles can last with minimal wear for many years. This reduces waste production and supports the possibility of a healthy change in consumerist economy. Money can then be saved and put toward investing in true quality, rather than quantity and trends lasting less than a year.

Period Products

   It’s easy to go to the supermarket and pick up a pack of pads, liners, or tampons for an upcoming menstrual phase. Yet all of these contain phthalates, volatile organic compounds, parabens, environmental phenols, fragrance chemicals, dioxins and dioxin-like compounds which disrupt the endocrine system, as well as the vagina’s natural PH balance and flora [31].

    A good substitution for store-bought menstrual pads and liners are reusable fabric pads. These fabric pads contain bamboo fibres which wick and lock in sweat and blood. Unlike store-bought pads, reusable pads can actually be used for 8 hours before a change (although durations can vary by preference or heaviness of flow). The blood absorbed into the pad can be wrung out for collection (discussed next) or simply rinsed with water until wrung clear, then tossed into the laundry to be washed.

    Reusable pads also save a significant amount of money. Not only have extremely necessary feminine products been made for profit, the average price of pads rose by 10% in 2022, perpetuating university students’ likelihood of “period poverty” with 20% of women unable to afford store-bought products [32]. Women spend about $4,800 in their lifetime just on menstrual pads [33]. A reliable pack of reusable pads, however, can cost around $20 to $30 and last—with proper care—for 5 to 10 YEARS (I am currently on year 3!).

    Similarly, menstrual cups are a great resource and replacement for tampons. Tampons are absorbent, yet susceptible to leaks and can be uncomfortable when inserting and removing. Like store-bought pads, tampons cost a significant amount over a woman’s lifetime, around $2,000 [33]. Menstrual cups are made with medical-grade silicone which are soft and simple to use, and they can last up to 10 YEARS. These devices are great for collection, even more so than reusable pads (discussed next).

    Towels. Towels? Yes, towels. A good, plush towel is actually a great period product. Thick towels can be folded in half for extra security and sat or laid on to engage in free bleeding. Free bleeding is the practice in which women do not use period products or any constrictive garments to obstruct menstrual flow. Whether it be beneath a tree on personal property, or in the comfort of the home, free bleeding has many benefits including maintaining vaginal flora, reducing menstrual product waste, and reducing stress [34]. Some even say it can lighten the flow. (A/N: see my previous free bleeding blog for more on my first experience!)

Menstrual Blood in Spells & Ritual

   In ancient Rome, Pliny the Elder argued that menstrual blood contained limitless power. Hailstorms, whirlwinds, and lightning were said to be dispersed by a menstruating woman. It could also sour crops, wither fruits and vegetables, kill bees, drive dogs insane, dull the brightness of mirrors, blunt razors, turn linens black, and rust iron and bronze.

    Blood in the context of spell work and ritual acts both as a taglock/personal effect and as a boost of energy and power within the working. Although blood magick isn’t evil, it’s important to be wise about how and when it’s used for a variety of reasons such as…

it could cause bacterial growth

it could backfire much more strongly

it could bind one to the working longer and more intensely than one would like

   Now, these reasons shouldn’t be a deterrent for using blood in spell and ritual. Negative outcomes can be easily avoided with critical thinking and decision making. First and foremost in the safety of blood magick: keep tools clean. Sterilizing and sanitizing certain tools and items is crucial in avoiding bacterial growth when working with blood. Cleaning the altar or work space before and after the working is also important to maintain a healthy environment.

    Since this article focuses on menstrual blood, there does not need to be any wounding of the practitioner in order to draw blood. (If working with regular blood, do not draw from the palm, thigh, or forearm as shown in pop culture. This could cause over-bleeding and is dangerous!!) As mentioned in the previous section, menstrual blood can be collected easily by using a menstrual cup, reusable pads, or by way of free bleeding. In reality, the most blood one needs when performing blood magick is a few drops, but at the time of menstruation, much more is available for use for a longer duration of time. Collected blood can be stored in a sterilized glass container in the refrigerator, or dried and kept in a cool dark space in wait for rehydration.

   Be mindful of what spells or rituals the blood is being used in. As mentioned, the use of menstrual blood can very strongly tie a practitioner to the working and could backfire more strongly than usual workings because there is more power and energy being incorporated. Spending the proper amount of preparatory time beforehand and really setting intentions can help avoid these outcomes and secure success in spells and ritual.

How to Use Menstrual Blood

   Menstrual blood is versatile in its application to magickal practice. In every case it can be considered a type of ritual or ceremony since bleeding occurs every month in conjunction with the phases of the moon.

   The first method of using menstrual blood is as an anointing “oil”. It can’t really be called an oil since it’s blood, but nonetheless, it can be referred to as such for associative purposes. As discussed earlier in the article, Filipino women apply menstrual blood to the face to prevent breakouts and inflammation of the skin. But since it’s also associated with fertility, life’s source, the cycle of the natural world, cleansing, transformation, and divine exploration, blood can anoint the face, body, or other objects to aid in workings involving such themes.

    When developing a deeper connection with the elements, menstrual blood can be included in these rituals/spells to tie oneself to the element of choice. Blood can be used to anoint candles in fire-related workings. After carving the wax, wiping a thumb’s-worth of blood over the carving will increase its effects. In water workings, blood can be added to a bowl or chalice of water to transform it with the properties mentioned above. Additionally, a few small drops of fresh blood can be diluted in water and safely consumed to further connect with the element of water. Blood can be taken outdoors on a windy day and trickled into the breeze, or left on the skin or other object to be dried by the air. It can be offered back to the earth as is, or diluted and used to water potted houseplants. The nutrients of menstrual blood enrich the soil and can aid in developing deeper connection with plant allies. (Do not add blood to still-water plants, the water will go foul over time!) Some free bleeding practitioners sit at the bases of trees and give their blood back to the earth directly while meditating or casting spells.

   Menstrual blood can also be used for divination. Scrying with a bowl of pure or diluted blood can be extremely powerful as well as grounding.

Art is another breathtaking way to use menstrual blood. Jasmine Alicia Carter (@jasminealiciacarter) is a renowned artist known for her use of menstrual blood in spiritually significant paintings, pulling inspiration from her own erotic form and from Hindu and Buddhist teachings. Her blood has been used in hundreds of beautiful works including her most recent project “Blazing Bliss Mandala” which used 4 cycles worth of her blood!

Rowan Vossepoel (@hanahonua.memoir) is another example of a menstrual artist, in tandem with her other artistic mediums including photography and woodwork. In tune with her cycle, she engages with nature and the creatures in her life with such awareness, and records her spiritual growth with her art.

Blood art can be created on paper, wood, stone, leaves, bone, skin, or any other material that is significant to the practitioner. Drops of blood can be added to ink to write petitions and increase the power of words, or to draw.

Resources

   After discussing the depth of infradian rhythm and its application in both lifestyle and in witchcraft, some resources may be helpful for getting started on a new journey of embracing your cycle, if so chosen. Listed below are some apps, influencers, and texts that can be very impactful in this endeavor.

In the Flo by Alisa Vitti

   This book kickstarted my passion for writing this article. I’m also planning on developing a health course based on feminine anatomy and physiology to help undereducated women.

MyFlo App

   The MyFlo app is in conjunction with In the Flo. Developed by Alisa Vitti, the app allows you to become more educated on the infradian rhythm while tracking your cycle and its symptoms.

Elicia Goguen on YouTube

   Elicia is a great spokeswoman for female empowerment not only through menstruation, but in other areas of life such as mental health, relationships, fitness, motivation, and more. Many of her videos are structured like a vodcast, so it’s the perfect content to indulge in the background of regular daily activity.

Stardust App

   The Stardust App is another period tracker, but is connected to new age and witchy themes. This app not only educates in science, but also in folklore of the phases of the infradian rhythm. By purchasing an annual subscription for unlimited access, the proceeds are put toward funding access to feminine products for the needy.

MyFitnessPal

   MyFitnessPal is a great resource for tracking movement and diet if it’s in line with your lifestyle goals to do so.

Flo App

   The Flo app is another period tracking app. It’s not as educational or accurate as Stardust or MyFlo, but has a great community of women that post on the Flo forums to talk about similar struggles, relationships, life, and anything period related.

*Please be aware that some period tracking apps will market personal information based on your location. Make sure to read each app’s privacy policies!!

   There are many ways to adapt magick and lifestyle to accommodate the menstrual cycle. It’s a very raw way of connecting with what it means to be a woman, and connecting with the millions of women that came before. Witchcraft can sometimes be a bit messy, but that’s something to embrace rather than shy away from. By accepting some unconventional means of raising power and creating change through magick, there is no telling what you can accomplish.

    Heal your cycle. Live by it. Celebrate it. Liberate it. And in turn, you will celebrate and liberate yourself from the confines you didn’t know were holding you back, both in your practice and in your daily life.

Thank you for reading this article. I hope you learned something about your own cycle, or about the cycle of a loved one. Some of the information in this article can also be applied to men such as the information in the EDC and diet sections. Anyone can benefit from positive lifestyle changes and healing. Please comment or DM me with any questions or corrections, or with requests for certain sections to be added! I would love to hear from you about your personal experiences and how the article impacted you.

Sláinte 🌿

Citations

1. Menstrual Cycle - You and Your Hormones

2. Circadian Rhythm - Sleep Foundation

3. Infradian Rhythm - FLO Living

4. The Witch Archetype - The Moon School

5. Some Cultures Treat Menstruation With Respect - NPR

6. Menstrual Rituals Around the World - Flex Fits

7. Evolved Archetypes: The Feminine Warrior - Beyond Human Stories

8. The Mother Archetype: Understand and Embody Her Feminine Power - Where Wonder Waits

9. The Enchantress Female Archetype - Allison Clark Intuitive

10. PCOS - WHO International

11. Endometriosis - WHO International

12. POI - Medline Plus

13. Endocrine Disrupters - NIEHS

14. EDC and Reproductive Disorders in Women, Men, and Animal Models - PubMed

15. Uterine Fibroids - Mayo Clinic

16. EDC: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement - NCBI

17. The synthetic progestin norethindrone causes thyroid endocrine disruption in adult zebrafish - Science Direct

18. Prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol has long-lasting, transgenerational impacts on fertility and reproductive development - PubMed

19. Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Exposure and Cancer - Cancer.gov

20. Parabens and their effects on the endocrine system - Science Direct

21. Glycol Ethers - EPA.gov

22. Fragrance compounds: The wolves in sheep’s clothings - PubMed

23. Potential interference of aluminum chlorohydrate with estrogen receptor signaling in breast cancer cells - PubMed

24. Exploring the endocrine disrupting potential of lead through benchmark modelling – Study in humans - Science Direct

25. The endocrine disruptive effects of mercury - PubMed

26. Endocrine disruption by cadmium, a common environmental toxicant with paradoxical effects on reproduction - PubMed

27. Recycling Plastic Into Clothing Isn’t Going To Cut It - Medium

28. 10 REASONS TO MAKE SURE YOUR SOFA CHOICES ARE UPHOLSTERED WITH SAFELY PROCESSED FABRICS - OECO Textiles

29. Aspartame hazard and risk assessment results released - WHO

30. Cycle Sync Your Skincare - OOVA

31. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in menstrual products including tampons, pads, and liners — GMU

32. How price impacts individuals buying menstrual products — NM Politcal Report

33. The Cost of Your Period - Pandia Health

34. 6 Benefits of Free Bleeding - Clue

[consistentsquash]

love: a diptych is simply lovely ✨✨ your f1 lore knowledge is impressive. what's your process? how did you collaborate with the author? does she give you an outline to research for each driver? does she select the book first or is that after the fic is written? how did you work the lore into the driver research? these are some of the best researched stories in f1. you can make a f1 lore nano degree from this series.

Hiya! Super happy you liked the series <3

I am describing the tl;dr of the process below the cut.

Definitely tell the author with a comment on the fic which is always the best way to appreciate fanfic authors. Just as a fyi, E goes by he/they.

We keep things simple and follow a method E has used in all their fandom works with graphs. So normally I do the research separately and create a graph/fill the graph/extend the graph decade by decade and sometimes at more granularity like year by year or even week by week in some cases like 2021 season for each driver's history. I also have one graph to represent connections between drivers and another one for teams. I also do a catchall one for world events/driver country politics which can be useful for context. It's really systematic and organized but also super easy to work with/super visual. I always add links for sources if it's videos/long interviews, I edit to 1-2 sentences or a small few seconds clip.

E usually works on top of the graph, they write based on where they see good connection density. It actually really works brilliantly as you can see in the series.

We don't really discuss plots/identify characters before I do the research. So it's a two stage process and the stages are separate. I mean E is a pantser so nothing to discuss in terms of plot. But sometimes they can be writing in one area of the graph and they will ask me to check for more information to increase the density there/expand the graph more in that direction. Also the reason I know too much about the hour by hour timeline of the Kyalami Drivers Strike

So stage 1 is research and I do it with the graphs. My main goal is to build a sandbox of canon context so that E can work without canon exposure. Stage 2 is E's magic and how they do it I don't know.

The books are super fascinating! E usually indexes a lot on driver nationality/context and they have a lot of understanding for the political/social context of the decade/year something interesting is happening to the driver. They find the books but IMO it's pretty easy for them and they normally take them from previous reads. In some cases like the Brazil/Senna fic E took a long time to identify a book with strong enough emotional connect for Senna's context in that period of Brazil's history/Sao Paulo/public perception of him/what folks say his actual personality was.

We don't do it for the nano degree :D But that's really sweet of you <3 Personally, It's a super rewarding collab and I feel these kinds of projects are critically important when the world is going crazy. We have to find some positive experiences to stay optimistic and fandom is usually great for that because it has creativity aspects and also community/friendship aspects. For me personally, this saves me from social media doomscrolling a lot and instead I am searching for dead links to 1983 races which is a great way to stay busy/mentally engaged especially when I know my work is going to be used. It's super rewarding and motivates me to put in a lot of effort when I can someone really benefiting from it. One of my fav authors turning it magically into the most beautiful fics I have read + readers appreciating it is really the best reward for the research <3 Simply lovely in the words of a famous boy, oops not a boy anymore :D

[blissfullyunawares]

5 Days of Helping You Outline Your Next Novel

Day 5: Obsidian for Outlining

Find all 5 installments of the mini series: helping you outline your next novel

*I have added a layer of “static” over my screenshots so they are distinctive enough to stand apart from the surrounding text

did you miss this series? here you can find all posts here: [day 1] [day 2] [day 3] [day 4]

Do you use Obsidian?

What is Obsidian?

A note-taking and knowledge management tool that allows you to create and connect notes seamlessly.

Uses a local-first approach, meaning your data is stored on your computer, not the cloud (unless you choose to sync).

Features bidirectional linking, which helps create a non-linear, networked way of organizing ideas—great for brainstorming and outlining.

Why should you use Obsidian?

Flexible & Customizable – Unlike rigid writing apps, you can design your own workflow.

Distraction-Free Writing – Markdown keeps the focus on text without extra formatting distractions.

Ideal for Outlining & Organization – Connect story ideas, characters, and settings effortlessly.

Obsidian for Writing

Outlining

Creating a One Pager

Create a single markdown note for a high-level novel summary.

Use headings and bullet points for clarity.

Link to related notes (e.g., character pages, theme exploration).

Here’s an example of an outline I’m currently using. This is what my website will have on it (and what goals I hope to achieve w my website)

Using the Native Canvas Tool

Use Obsidian’s native Canvas tool to visually outline your novel. (Best on PC)

Create a board with columns for Acts, Chapters, or Story Beats.

Drag and drop cards as the story evolves.

Writing

Why Write Directly in Obsidian?

Minimalist interface reduces distractions.

Markdown-based formatting keeps the focus on words.

No auto-formatting issues (compared to Word or Google Docs).

Why is Obsidian Great for Writing?

Customizable workspace (plugins for word count, timers, and focus mode).

Easy to link notes (e.g., instantly reference past chapters or research).

Dark mode & themes for an optimal writing environment.

Organization in Obsidian

Outlining, Tags, Links

Each chapter, character, important item, and setting can have its own linked note.

Below, for example, you can see the purple text is a linked page directly in my outline.

Use bidirectional linking to create relationships between (story) elements. Clicking these links will automatically open the next page.

Tags can be used for important characters, items, places, or events that happen in your writing. Especially useful for tracking.

Folders for Efficient Storage

Organize notes into folders for Acts, Characters, Worldbuilding, and Drafts.

Use tags and backlinks for quick navigation.

Creating a separate folder for the actual writing and linking next (chapter) and previous (chapter) at the bottom for smooth navigation.

You can also create and reuse your own internal templates!

Spiderweb Map Feature (Graph View)

Visualize connections between characters, plot points, and themes. Below you’ll see the basic mapping of my website development project.

This view can help you spot disconnected (floating) ideas and create bridges to them.

Exporting

Why Export?

Ready to format in another program (Scrivener, Word, Docs, Vellum, etc).

Need a clean version (removing tags, notes, etc) for beta readers or editors.

Creating a backup copy of your work.

When should you export?

Personally, I like to export every 5 chapters or so and update my live version on Google Docs. This allows my family, friends, and beta readers to access my edited work.

After finishing a draft or major revision.

Before sending to an editor or formatting for publication.

Where should you export?

Personally I copy and paste my content from each chapter into a google doc for editing. You may also want to make note of the following export options:

Markdown to Word (.docx) – For editing or submitting.

Markdown to PDF – For quick sharing

Markdown to Scrivener – For those who format in Scrivener.

To Conclude

Obsidian is an invaluable tool for novelists who want a flexible, organized, and distraction-free writing process.

Try setting up your own Obsidian vault for your next novel! Comment below and let me know if this was helpful for you 🫶🏻

your reblogs help me help more ppl 💕

follow along for writing prompts, vocabulary lists, and helpful content like this! <333

✨ #blissfullyunawaresoriginals ✨

[remy2fang]

F.A.N.G's super LONG Shadaloo PR monologue on the Official Street Fighter V website (Japanese and Desktop only). He talks about a myriad of things that include the purpose of the website, the Four Heavenly Kings, the Dolls, other members of Shadaloo, food, some SFV gaming advice, himself, and so much more. This started in 2016, but it had updates. Thankfully, ryo_redcyclone compiled the entire transcript of the updated version onto this page.

I used Google Translate for this. Apologies if some of the translations look weird. I broke it down to smaller paragraphs, otherwise the entire thing is basically a very big block of text lol. Also, you’ll notice that F.A.N.G says desu a lot. Normally it’s spelled です (is/am/are/to be, usually a sentence ender) in hiragana, but the way he said it is デス in katakana. This is a play on words. He is still using desu, but he is also saying the English word ��death” (he’s a poisonous assassin and mad scientist after all). In SF6, A.K.I. also emulates her master’s speech pattern in the Japanese version. She too says desu in デス 💜💜.

Anyway, here’s the translation:

——

Nishishi! Everyone of Shadaloo army, how are you? It's your reliable boss, Lord F.A.N.G.

The Shadaloo C.R.I., also known as the Shadaloo Combat Research Institute, has been renewed. It's a calm and stylish atmosphere in white. I love Lord Bison’s psycho power and purple, which is the color of poison (I also like pink). With the emphasis on visibility, I made it white, with great heartache and even shredding my intestines. Feeling like your intestines are being ripped apart is a powerful expression. It hurts, it hurts so much. It's better to be poisoned than to be slashed. The poison handled by I, Lord F.A.N.G, is something I learned in special training since I was young. Metals other than gold are said to melt! Nho ho ho ho, isn’t it amazing? Moreover, you can take poison in and out freely! ( But I'm always releasing a little bit at a time, so my cell phone and other things are made of pure gold). In other words, I, Lord F.A.N.G, is the most treacherous and strongest. Oh, the strongest is Lord Bison.

And this time, at the Shadaloo CRI, you can find out the usage rate of characters in online matches. The usage rate of those who belong to Shadaloo is skyrocketing! As for Lord Bison, the usage rate is over 200%. You can understand even if you don't see it. Mr. Balrog is about 2%. After all, it's hard being a popular character. We have no choice but to make the world better with the power of Shadaloo! And then the diagram is counted on a monthly basis. The counting is done manually by low-ranking Shadaloo soldiers under the orders of F.A.N.G. ...That's a lie. What is a diagram in the first place? To explain to those who say, it is a research site made by the Shadaloo Information Department that is full of the knowledge of the world: According to Shadopedia, the aggregated information was visualized in two dimensions with an expression model such as graphs and tables. In other words, the strong one is on top and the weak one is on the bottom. However, it is not a visualization of the performance of the character. It's calculated based on which character is winning "around the world" during "this period." Don't give up even if you're at the bottom. As long as everyone uses it and win, that's fine, desu.

Well, today, I'm going to work hard on training while having beef stew with shakko power extract! The CRI itself is also scheduled to evolve every day. It's good to check it every day. The central part of this Shadaloo secret base is where I am now, I update it from here. Oh, those beautiful statues you see behind me... From the right, there’s the "World's Strongest Number 2”, that’s me. Next is claw-man, a cruel narcissist with a really bad character. Lord Bison, the perfect ruler who was born to conquer the world! And finally, the boxing man, desu. I will update the information from time to time from this majestic room. The electricity at the Shadaloo base is mostly made up of geothermal power sources. It's ecological, desu! Shadaloo’s slogan is “Easy on Earth”! That's why this room is quite hot. This place will also be for daily training.

Endurance is perseverance! That’s it, desu. Endure after having poisoned your enemy! Brilliantly dodge the opponent's attack so that you won't be beaten! This is the true value of F.A.N.G-style martial arts. If you don't get hit, you won't lose, so that's how it is. I guess it's a different character in this work where offense is important. A database that aggregates information on all kinds of fighters around the world. Uhihihi, there’s all we know and don’t know about that fighter, that damned female detective, that muscular wrestler, some rolled beard from a former royal family, a guy with a hairstyle like an eryngii mushroom, and a person who stretches his hands. Of course, we can also find information about Shadaloo from here. If you know them and know yourself, you will never be defeated in a hundred battles. It's good to work hard to achieve Lord Bison’s ambitions. That device, that plan, and if you have this powerful database, conquering the world will be easy as taking candy from a baby. It is, desu.

Speaking of rice before breakfast, have you finished your meal yet? Now I'm doing a beef stew fair at Shadaloo Cafeteria on the 13th basement floor. I like beef stew a lot. As I said earlier, I've already eaten twice today. Finished eating. It seems that it will be full of energy with psycho power. After eating, it's good to take a good rest before going to the training facility.

It's good to train your energy and physical strength at the 48th room of the Shadaloo training ground. Don't neglect your daily efforts to create trust and achievements. If you live a lazy life with plenty of time, you will become an incompetent person like that Balrog. I still can't believe that such a guy is the Four Heavenly Kings. Lord Bison should also reconsider this. Is the punch power the best in the world? I, the invincible Lord F.A.N.G, could melt such a thing with poison! I don't like the bastard who wears a mask. I can't forgive the attitude of looking down on people! In the first place, he doesn’t have enough loyalty to Lord Bison! Only by serving Lord Bison is a true Shadaloo soldier. I think people have to respect each other. Now, you are also aiming to be the strongest Shadaloo soldier at the CRI!

If you have time, it's good to earn fight money in story mode and unlock additional characters. No matter who ever comes, I, Lord F.A.N.G, am and always will be invincible; this won’t change! In other words, I'm Number 1!! ・・・・・・ Oh, Lord Bison is Number 1, so I'm Number 2! I’m the strongest and invincible Number 2, desu! Wow, that was close. It would bring me bad luck....

Hmm? How can I become strong? That's a simple thing, it's good to master the poisonous hand. My V-Skill, Nishodoku, is unblockable. Are you surprised? To be honest, I was also surprised. It flies slowly, so you can chase it and use it as a check. It's good to take away the opponent's physical strength and keeping them from reaching you with Nishikyu or a Sotoja. Hmm? Isn't that what you mean? What do you mean! If you don't want to learn poison, you can play against opponents from all over the world in an online match! It's the best way to get stronger in the actual battle! Of course, it's better to collect information about the characters before fighting. It's more interesting to grasp not only the characters but also the habits and characteristics of the opponent, and you can fight advantageously. The CRI is for you, a rookie Shadaloo soldier! If you have this, you can advance into a top-class Shadaloo soldier!

I'm going to explain about Shadaloo, to which we belong, here. I'm sure you know that it's a secret society that works behind the scenes all over the world, but there are also many excellent engineers and programmers. I'm working hard for the effective use of psycho power and world peace. In addition to weapons development, we are also conducting experiments that maximize human power and food development that does not expire at all. The salary is paid in the dedicated currency ZENNY.

In order to work on conquering the world with peace in mind, we are preparing all uniforms and residences in Shadaloo. Speaking of uniforms, it is a characteristic shoulder armor, desu. It is a thing that imitates Lord Bison’s costume. All are color coordinated. There is a color change once every 4 years. It was just the timing of the switch this year, so it's a refreshing blue. Before that, it was a chic brown, mustard-like color. A hat that goes well with the uniform is prepared. Lower-ranking soldiers are required to wear helmets during their duties. It is possible to protect the head and temporarily strengthen the body with a psycho power receiver. A stylish red beret is prepared outside the mission. I'm sure it will look good on you too. Red is the color of passion! It's Lord Bison’s color!

Speaking of missions, Shadaloo soldiers sometimes fight. Hitting, kicking, throwing, and poisoning are scary, aren't they? But! Even if you are like that, if you are learning Shadaloo-style martial arts, you will do a great job! From a posture that looks harmless for a moment, a powerful tackle, and a flowing cooperation technique, an alarming sharp punch, this combo is the legendary [Shadaloo Punch] desu. In addition, with eyes like a dead fish, let the opponent off guard and rise at once while rotating (there is no attack judgment here) A heavy kick like stepping on a falling coin. This is [Shadaloo Kick] desu. It's a must-have technique for the intermediate promotion exam, so it's good to practice well.

Speaking of Lord Bison’s aides that I remembered in the battle, in addition to the Four Kings and I, the magnificent Lord F.A.N.G, there are also his elite female body guards called the Dolls. They have a special combat training, so they are quite skilled. If you have the chance, it's a good idea to practice with them. I'm going to explain the members.

First of all, the one with the pink curls. [Enero] She is the leader and her role is to plan special missions and give instructions to other members. She can also fight, so it seems that she often go to the battlefield and take direct command. She’s good at copying vocal cords, and she can confuse the enemy. She has a lot of pride, so she sometimes have trouble handling it.

Next is [Février] She’s in charge of firearms who skillfully use two submachine guns. She has a very foul mouth, so you'd better be careful. You can never win if you have a sting. It's a waste of time. Her hair and glasses are the charm points.

[März] She is good at information manipulation and cyber attacks. She can't physically fight, but she seems to more than compensate with that. It's scary when this type gets angry. Actually, boxing in secret (exercise?) It seems that she was doing it.

[Aprile] She carries a medical kit and is in charge of providing first aid to her comrades. I, Lord F.A.N.G, have bestowed upon her a finely developed neurotoxin, so that in case of danger she can use the poison and attack. She's originally from Italy and apparently did rhythmic gymnastics, so they took notice of her and snatched her up! That’s scary! Kidnapping is bad!

[Satsuki] Japanese samurai-style fighter desu. The combat power is Number 1 for the Dolls. The sharpness of her beloved samurai sword blade is amazing. Well, if it comes to me, I'll melt the whole sword with poison. Actually, she is also good at taijutsu, and she has the technique of grabbing her opponent, jumping to the sky and hitting the ground. It's a sub-style technique of the hooligan combination, and it's pretty cool. She also does sliding.

[Juli] She’s a combatant who uses a sniping arrow. It seems that a lot of things happened in the previous work, but she has returned safely to Shadaloo and participated in the conquest of the world.

[Santamu] This is a member who is good at fighting with spears. Because she has good eyesight, she can look over the enemy from high ground and carry out the mission efficiently. The Golden Lion Tamarin, Kiki, is like her partner. It seems that she likes animals and is heartbroken to exploit Kiki, but it is unavoidable in this world and for Lord Bison.

[Xiayu] and [Jianyu] are twins. It appears to me that the one fighting with nunchakus and sporting a classical Chinese Opera face paint is Xiayu, while Jianyu is the one that fights with acrobatics wielding a stick; I tend to confuse them often. Seems to be good at combination techniques, desu. It's kind of sneaky.

[Noembelu] She’s the powerhouse of the Dolls. She is equipped with two one-handed axes. The attack of holding an axe in both hands and slashing while rotating is intense. She’s a quiet person with few words. It seems that growing vegetables is her hobby, so she provides a corner of the rooftop of the base and is making a vegetable garden. Also, she seems to be good at making dolls.

Finally, [Decapre] She is a fighter who is most strongly influenced by Lord Bison's psycho power, desu. Does she hate the former Doll Killer Bee? I would like to know. I don't know anything about their past, so I can't say anything. It seems that the mask had a minor change.

..Well, I'm really lucky to be working at Shadaloo with such unique members. I should feel honored. With Lord Bison's blessing, I'll be sure to continue the quest for world domination.. Please invite your friends as well. It's good to learn what you don't understand at the CRI. Everyone gets along well, let’s do world conquest! For the sake of the wonderful Lord Bison. Yes, yes, I remember!

Let me tell you one thing. Why don’t I, Lord F.A.N.G, have a holiday costume? Is the Chinese girl’s costumes popular? Is the curled hair lady's swimsuit popular? Oh dear, desu. There are shirts with bird (flamingo) patterns during summer vacations and my favorite purple sleepwears, so why don't they release those?! There's no mistake in selling explosively, but I don't understand!

——

There’s also an older version from 2016 which was translated in English by Miðgarðsorm. It’s the 11th post. Because this one’s older, it’s shorter and have less content than the updated one from above. But there are some interesting differences. Instead of mentioning his favorite food being beef stew, F.A.N.G said he doesn’t like curry that much. Now you know his food preferences 😄😄.

This neat feature reveals a lot about F.A.N.G’s character, sentiments, and how his poison works all in a fun and upbeat way. And isn’t it neat that he ran and updated the website himself too (according to website lore)? But I wonder how he feels every time he sees himself at the bottom for character usage? 😅😅. I think that this type of content was meant to make F.A.N.G into an endearing character. He gives some gaming tips and words of encouragement to the player, something that wasn’t present in SFV as he would often belittle or threaten anyone that isn’t Bison. The website gives us a friendlier portrayal of F.A.N.G, which I think contributed a slightly positive-leaning perception of him in Japan as oppose to the rest of the world. Seeing things like this, I wish it was translated for the English version of the website. This type of supportive personality from him was transferred into SF6 when he’s providing medical advice. I didn’t understand why F.A.N.G was so oddly “helpful” and “kind” in SF6 at first (even if it’s just to gain something he wants), but now it makes sense when looking back at this old gem. I wonder if F.A.N.G talks to A.K.I. like this when she’s training and studying under him? I wouldn’t be surprised if he did and it’s no wonder A.K.I. loves him. I can imagine him giving her exercise and educational tips while encouraging her to do her best and never to give up 💜😄💜😄.

And I just love how F.A.N.G complained that all of the cool DLC costumes go to Chun-Li. Like yeah, a lot of people actually did share his sentiments on that lol. But it’s Chun-Li. She is the face of Street Fighter along with Ryu.

[storyowls]

The Study

A college, pre-embrace Anna drabble! This one looks at her disserataion work.

Warning: While it doesn't go into detail, this writing talks about people who have passed away and science being done with their bodies.

The experiment is going a lot better than I hoped.

It’s always an odd turn of events that can lead one to getting the perfect dissertation set up. For me, three people dying in hospice who were friends got me here. Their eagerness to be part of science, my science specifically, really spoke to me. Not a lot of folks were interested in what a corpse would do to dirt, to plants. But these three were curious to the end.

I made sure not to take too much of their bodies so they could be buried and remembered by loved ones.

One of them went from natural causes, old age you could say. The second was taken by cancer, which spread to the whole body. The third passed from Huntington's, his neurons shot years ago. A death sentence no matter what. 

From the second two, I took small samples from the most poignant parts of their disease. Get as much into the dirt as I could, short of having synthesized cell samples from the medical building. Three samples from each, and the anticipation was almost crippling.

Each type of dirt had four samples; one control, and the other three with a flesh sample in it. There were three types of dirt in total; pure dirt, a dirt and sand mixture which is common in my area, and pure sand. Constant monitoring each night to see how decomposition was going, not held back by body preservation.

I studied how the samples affected the dirt they lied in. The PH, the acidity, everything down to how the color of the dirt may change. It’s been about two weeks, and progress is steady. Once the samples are fully gone, and the dirt seems to stabilize, I will add the plants.

One must study everything, after all.

Luckily the campus has a small, private lab for my studies. It’s locked up when I’m not there, and the janitorial staff is told not to touch things marked off. I do, of course, leave what needs to be taken care of in a certain area so they don’t have to search for it.

Even the trash can, which is constantly full of paper coffee cups. I should invest in those refillable cups welcomed by the campus’ coffee shops, but I don’t trust myself to keep the damn things clean when I’m so focused. Between my courses, the experiment, and sleeping in naps, I resort to having as little to clean as possible.

Especially for my roommate’s sake.

Sitting at the tiny desk that’s pushed into a corner, I sip at my second coffee as I graph my progress. Naturally I will put my gear back on after I clean myself up to not contaminate the study area, but for now I must eat and work. Besides, there’s not much change since the night before, so it’s not like I’m missing anything. Flipping my graphs over, I put them side by side.

Week one is looking vastly different than now. Exciting.

I remember classmates talking about their dissertations, how excited they were. A lot of them, dedicated as they are, are doing open field research. See how things one can’t really control in a lab shake things up. What threads of nature they can weave together with their knowledge, what they can tell the world of our work.

I am one of the view who’s turned their eyes to the dirt, and how nature reacts to things that people can’t control in ways outside of the weather.

I don’t remember what everybody is doing, and I don’t really expect them to remember what I’m up to. We’ll find out during our defenses, and I’m excited to see what they’ve discovered. What they have weaved, the knowledge they have found.

And I’m sure they’re eager to know what I have found. 

I finish my late meal, cleaning up. I then go back to my graphs and drawings, making visuals for my paper. Flipping back and forth between the graphs, I double and triple check to make sure nothing’s confusing. Sure, the folks grading this know what is going on, but I’d much rather know that it’s all clear.

It’s just for my doctorate degree after all.

Humming to myself, I turn and clean up. Goggles and lab coat on, I wash my hands before pulling on the gloves. I look at my samples, my studies, and think of the people who donated their bodies to my cause.

I silently thank the three of them, and go back to work.

[galaxyseclipse]

grant us the knowledge

hmmmmgh okay :)

since you didn’t give anything specific, I’ll just do inkfish anatomy stuff cause I’ve been thinking about it

as always with my massive infodumps, if you have any questions, feel free to ask! :3c

this post is probably gonna end up long as shit, so I'll put a cut here

this is mostly just "traits that both Inklings and Octolings have, and the slightly different ways they have them"

* Tentacle color and movement are huge indicators of emotions. Usually, the more active and saturated they are, the stronger the emotion is. The one exception is sadness, where they will go more limp and lose color. This also applies to photophores, where they will brighten or dim slightly depending on emotions. So unless an individual has a ton of control over themself(or is in general pretty apathetic), these critters are pretty easy to read emotionally.

* Generally, females of both species are taller/bigger than males. Male Inklings are on average about 140-160cm tall while females are about 150-175cm tall. Octoling males and females are about 145-165cm and 160-180cm respectively. Females of both also tend to be more aggressive overall.

* Both races have pretty sharp nails made from chitin, like their beaks. Inklings’ claws are retractable and Octolings’ nails are not, they’re more like hard, pointy extensions of their fingers. Where do they go in swim form? They become spikes in and around their suckers, of course! On Inklings they are in a ring inside the suckers on the club tentacles(five on each one) and on Octolings there's one inside the ring of suckers closest to the center, with the two largest arms getting an additional one.

visual aid because describing that last part was hard lol

* Both races also have spiked tongues, the spikes are only about 1cm long, but pretty sharp and firm. That's essentially how they “chew”: by rubbing food against the inside of their mouths and grinding it up with these spikes. They also use their beaks like how we use our teeth, but because they’re thinner, they need the extra "help". The spikes would raise issues with… stuff, but we’re not worrying about that right now :)

* Speaking of beaks, an inkfish’s beak grows continuously, but pretty slowly. The pointed ends are the areas that grow slightly faster. It’s not uncommon for teenagers to file their beaks to make the longer parts sharper, or make the entire thing serrated, to look cool.(<- Four did this; they regretted it later)

* Inklings and Octolings both can be venomous. The potency ranges from “wait, the tingles aren’t just because you bit me?” to “requires immediate care so as to not fuckin’ die”, with the large majority falling into the middle ground of “I can’t feel my limbs, but I'll be fine”. Generally, one species will be immune to others of the same species’ venom, until the strength gets on that higher end, but even then it probably won’t mess them up too bad. One can build up an immunity through repeated exposure, but most don’t do that because why would you? <- It is way easier to do this if you're already venomous. Octolings are much much more likely to be venomous in some capacity, with only about 1 in 500 not having venom. For Inklings, this ratio is reversed, where individuals with venom are much more rare.

fun little graph with headcanon-y stuff and my characters :3c

* Almost every bodily fluid is based around ink, save for stuff like sweat or other waste. Thus, it’s all at least tinted whatever their current ink color is. They're essentially water balloons filled with inky flesh. have fun getting that out of your nightmares :)

* Since their bodies are more or less held upright purely by ink pressure, when they’re asleep or otherwise unconscious, that pressure goes down(they get a little squishier too). Also, since they don’t have bones, they’re a lot more noodly than a human is when like that. Like disturbingly so.

* And finally, one of my favorite headcanons: hypo- and hyperpigmentism. Basically: the tentacle chromatophores make either too little(hypo) or too much(hyper) pigment, resulting in near-white or near-black tentacles. Ink color can still be changed, but the tentacles don't reflect that change very much. If anything, usually just the ends change color. In older times -at least in Inkadia- people with these conditions were said to be "blessed by the gods" and given high status because of it(why do you think idols are called that? it's definitely not because the word has another meaning). Eventually it was found out to just be a genetic thing, but folktales still circulate. Many higher-class families still "pretend" to have it by adopting a dark or light color over most of the tentacles(Tsunami's family, for instance).

this one's more basic because i lost momentum

———

I could make an entire separate post about like development and hygiene and maybe some more species-specific stuff(and I probably will make those eventually), so I won’t put all that here. This is just some basic stuff for now.

as always with my massive infodumps, if you have any questions, feel free to ask! :3c

[bsenvs3000w25]

Blog #2 Essential Skills for Environmental Interpretation

An environmental interpreter is a passionate and knowledgeable individual who engages diverse audiences. In my opinion, an environmental interpreter should possess the following skills:

Strong Communication Skills -Able to use vivid and descriptive language to engage audiences -Must be able to answer any questions one should have

Creativity -Incorporates props, visual aids, and storytelling to engage individuals with various learning preferences

Leadership and Confidence -Confident in the information being presented -Is able to lead with enthusiasm and confidence

By embodying these qualities, an environmental interpreter can create impactful, and memorable experiences that inspire all participants to develop a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Different Learning Styles As mentioned in Unit Two, "Teaching Learners," everyone has a unique learning style, which can be auditory, visual, tactile, or kinesthetic. This week's content describes visual learning as a style where the use images is preferred, while auditory involves learning through listening, and tactile through hands-on experiences. After completing the course link quiz I found that I am a visual learner. I usually learn best by studying for tests using images, graphs, and charts, or by visualizing concepts when someone explains them to me so this was not a shock for me. Adapting to different learning styles is key for interpreters; as mentioned in the textbook, "Interpreters can benefit from an understanding of how different people most effectively take in and process information" (Beck et al.,  2018).

My ideal role as a Nature Interpreter

My ideal role as a nature interpreter would be a tour guide. A tour guide leads groups of people on excursions, providing information and insights about specific destinations, attractions, or experiences. As a guide its important to keep participants engaged throughout the tour by sharing fun facts and interesting stories.

During my trip to Alberta, we did a tour where our guide took us up the Banff Gondola for a breathtaking view of the Canadian Rockies. I remember him sharing many historical facts about the area, including little comments about how high up we were, the name of the mountain, and how long it would take to reach the highest point.

Banff Gondola 698 meters (2,292 feet)

The textbook emphasizes the TORE model, which is essential for effective communication to enchance a persons overall experience. The four qualities thematic, organized, relevant, and enjoyable are crucial for any tour guide aiming to keep the audience engaged (Beck et al.,  2018).

T- (thematic with a foucs on the main message conveyed) O- (organized to provide structure and meaning) R- (relevent for audience) E- (enjoyable for the audience)

Interesting Fact: The Banff Gondola was first bi-cable gondola in North America and the first gondola of any kind in Canada.

More info below if you are interested!

Reference: Knudson, Larry Beck, Ted T. Cable, Douglas M. Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Available from: Sagamore Publishing LLC, Sagamore Publishing LLC, 2018.

Thanks for reading!

Biona 🏕🌷🏔

[xaltius]

Unlocking the Power of Data: Essential Skills to Become a Data Scientist

In today's data-driven world, the demand for skilled data scientists is skyrocketing. These professionals are the key to transforming raw information into actionable insights, driving innovation and shaping business strategies. But what exactly does it take to become a data scientist? It's a multidisciplinary field, requiring a unique blend of technical prowess and analytical thinking. Let's break down the essential skills you'll need to embark on this exciting career path.

1. Strong Mathematical and Statistical Foundation:

At the heart of data science lies a deep understanding of mathematics and statistics. You'll need to grasp concepts like:

Linear Algebra and Calculus: Essential for understanding machine learning algorithms and optimizing models.

Probability and Statistics: Crucial for data analysis, hypothesis testing, and drawing meaningful conclusions from data.

2. Programming Proficiency (Python and/or R):

Data scientists are fluent in at least one, if not both, of the dominant programming languages in the field:

Python: Known for its readability and extensive libraries like Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, and TensorFlow, making it ideal for data manipulation, analysis, and machine learning.

R: Specifically designed for statistical computing and graphics, R offers a rich ecosystem of packages for statistical modeling and visualization.

3. Data Wrangling and Preprocessing Skills:

Raw data is rarely clean and ready for analysis. A significant portion of a data scientist's time is spent on:

Data Cleaning: Handling missing values, outliers, and inconsistencies.

Data Transformation: Reshaping, merging, and aggregating data.

Feature Engineering: Creating new features from existing data to improve model performance.

4. Expertise in Databases and SQL:

Data often resides in databases. Proficiency in SQL (Structured Query Language) is essential for:

Extracting Data: Querying and retrieving data from various database systems.

Data Manipulation: Filtering, joining, and aggregating data within databases.

5. Machine Learning Mastery:

Machine learning is a core component of data science, enabling you to build models that learn from data and make predictions or classifications. Key areas include:

Supervised Learning: Regression, classification algorithms.

Unsupervised Learning: Clustering, dimensionality reduction.

Model Selection and Evaluation: Choosing the right algorithms and assessing their performance.

6. Data Visualization and Communication Skills:

Being able to effectively communicate your findings is just as important as the analysis itself. You'll need to:

Visualize Data: Create compelling charts and graphs to explore patterns and insights using libraries like Matplotlib, Seaborn (Python), or ggplot2 (R).

Tell Data Stories: Present your findings in a clear and concise manner that resonates with both technical and non-technical audiences.

7. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities:

Data scientists are essentially problem solvers. You need to be able to:

Define Business Problems: Translate business challenges into data science questions.

Develop Analytical Frameworks: Structure your approach to solve complex problems.

Interpret Results: Draw meaningful conclusions and translate them into actionable recommendations.

8. Domain Knowledge (Optional but Highly Beneficial):

Having expertise in the specific industry or domain you're working in can give you a significant advantage. It helps you understand the context of the data and formulate more relevant questions.

9. Curiosity and a Growth Mindset:

The field of data science is constantly evolving. A genuine curiosity and a willingness to learn new technologies and techniques are crucial for long-term success.

10. Strong Communication and Collaboration Skills:

Data scientists often work in teams and need to collaborate effectively with engineers, business stakeholders, and other experts.

Kickstart Your Data Science Journey with Xaltius Academy's Data Science and AI Program:

Acquiring these skills can seem like a daunting task, but structured learning programs can provide a clear and effective path. Xaltius Academy's Data Science and AI Program is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and practical experience to become a successful data scientist.

Key benefits of the program:

Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers all the core skills mentioned above, from foundational mathematics to advanced machine learning techniques.

Hands-on Projects: Provides practical experience working with real-world datasets and building a strong portfolio.

Expert Instructors: Learn from industry professionals with years of experience in data science and AI.

Career Support: Offers guidance and resources to help you launch your data science career.

Becoming a data scientist is a rewarding journey that blends technical expertise with analytical thinking. By focusing on developing these key skills and leveraging resources like Xaltius Academy's program, you can position yourself for a successful and impactful career in this in-demand field. The power of data is waiting to be unlocked – are you ready to take the challenge?