#retrograde arena

[qwertacius-boi]

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[seafoamreadings]

week of april 28th, 2024

these are written predominantly for the *rising* signs but they are also intuitively "channeled" enough that they should work for any dominant energy you have! (try your sun if you don't know rising, or more advanced readers can try moon, anywhere you have a stellium, etc and see what works best for you!)

aries: mars into your sign at last is likely to renew your energy and power. pluto heading retrograde may disrupt your social life, so even if you feel like a nuclear-powered battery keeps you going in that arena, it may be wisest to tone down the socializing and let things blow over a bit.

taurus: so many things end up just where they're supposed to be this week. mercury settling into direct motion, mars into its domicile aries in your 12th house, and venus at home in your sign too. you may feel energetic or simply hotheaded, but you know how to have a good time, so do it.

gemini: the academic geminis among you may have some sort of philosophical disruption or bureaucratic struggle to overcome this week. it is easy to get lost in frivolous things when they are large in number and every day, but don't let them overpower what really matters to you at the core.

cancerians: this long cardinal period does not let you rest yet. mars moves into aries and then your ruler the moon does too. in some ways you will feel like you've been transmogrified into an aries yourself. think before you act, but don't shut down the whole operation if you're really in the right.

leo: pluto of course is these days haunting your 7th house of partnership. this week he heads backwards in the first couple of degrees of aquarius for a little added upheaval until he straightens out his retrograde motion, so hold on to your hats.

virgo: mars heads from your seventh house into your eighth house. this is rather like a honeymoon phase wearing off, and a push to pool resources. but that push is impulsive and perhaps purely external. forget what they say about sharing is caring - you can if you want to but make sure you actually want to.

libra: your relationships take an emotional turn this week in more ways than one. there is an impulsive and urgent desire, lust even. then there is that need for nourishment. try to meet all your needs, but place nourishment first. this desire comes likely a bit later in the week than the impulses. but real intimacy - in the sense of vulnerable closeness - is what is going to feed you best.

scorpio: venus into taurus brings a lot of potential pleasure to relationships and deep partnership. if those things aren't part of your focus right now consider at least spending some time thinking about it! meanwhile mars in aries has an affinity with you that can give you a good boost in day to day energy.

sagittarius: mars into aries means fun for you. get creative, go on dates if that's your thing, spend time with children if you get along with them! whatever brings you bliss. meanwhile venus in taurus is really good for your day to day well being, especially if you are using this time to sleep well, eat good, and stop to smell the roses.

capricorn: you're known for being the hardest worker of the zodiac, and in your darkest moments perhaps a bit of a miser. but allow venus in taurus to be fun rather than forcing yourself to keep your nose to the grindstone. and if you can, make active changes to your home as well, wherever repairs are needed or a little life could stand to be injected.

aquarius: power struggles involving the home and/or family of origin are fairly likely this week. these are best worked with and worked through, not avoided or detoured. one way to help this go smoothly is to make a safe and pleasant home for yourself; if you cannot alter the building you are in or the people you are around, make this spiritually within.

pisces: i feel like i've been issuing you a lot of warnings lately to take care of your money diligently but this week is no exception. on the bright side, venus in taurus is very powerful for your social life in your local community, so don't stay at home too much unless you really need the recharging. such neighborhood involvement will go surprisingly far behind the scenes in your spirtual development and in fact a church or a coven type of group, or even a support group, would be highly auspicious, according to your personal style.

[faxmachine0210]

Some retrograde minis sprites I recolored and added stuff to for my next Lancer game, we are planning on doing essentially an arena that the players can play with in between our wallflower sessions, when not everyone can get on. we have a Zheng, a Blackbeard, and an Atlas all on the same squad this time around.

[annelidist]

that last ask has made me wanna post all the monster sprites i made for my campaign villain, so you guys have all gotta look at these now. most of these were made with retrograde minis' excellent lancer token creation tools; the ones that aren't will be called out as i get to them.

first off we have the npcs from the players' first brush with anesidora: MANIFESTATION-A/"FIRST GIFT", a crackling tower of organic cabling animated by anesidora's will, and the ORPHAN units, unfinished, flash-defrosted expendables. MANIFESTATION-A was an exotic spite, and the ORPHANs were assault grunts it'd periodically release from stasis tanks along the walls of the arena. it was an evacuation sitrep, meaning the players didn't actually have to defeat the FIRST GIFT, so i got to make it really overtuned. these guys are slightly modified sprites from pokemon black/white 2, specifically the "movie" segment.

next up we have SIMULACRUM-D, SIMULACRUM-G, and SIMULACRUM-H, semi-organic recreations of the players' builds that showed up for a challenging "evil twin" encounter following the impression the party made on anesidora in their first meeting. they are, respectively, an elite goliath (representing a drake), a veteran witch (representing a goblin), and an elite hive (representing a hydra). the drake's player was running a technothumb build, so SIMULACRUM-D also contained pyrrha, an unstable, hyperaggressive fragment nhp derived from anesidora herself (who the players immediately adopted).

these guys were also accompanied by MANIFESTATION-B "NEW FRIEND", a realspace extrusion of anesidora's mind that resembled a floating, semicorporeal tangle of wires. this one was an exotic support, if i recall correctly. i can't remember exactly where i got this sprite, but the style suggests it's from one of the snes shin megami tensei games. (reverse image search suggests "parasitism", which is pretty cool.)

lastly, we have the two npcs that made up the campaign's final battle! anesidora's casket itself, represented by an exotic elite witch, and her ultimate weapon, HUSH-1, an oversized, overtuned ultra monstrosity that packed counters to each of the players' mechs. (i also gave it the breath attack from shin godzilla.)

i really loved roleplaying this character and designing her encounters. playing a recurring villain with a big, memorable personality is one of the most fun parts of gming as a whole for me, and anesidora is a personal favourite

[forthegothicheroine]

Oh hey, as long as I have my Stephen Hunter collection nearby, let me pull from another of his negative reviews, this one of the 1998 Godzilla. The theme of this review is that the movie is trying to have it both ways in the worst way, trying to counterbalance ugly 50s ideas with ugly 90s ideas. This culminates, naturally, in the movie’s overall theme:

The prime idea of the fifties monster movie- and of fifties America- can barely be expressed now, so retrograde and slimy has it come to seem. But let us say it loud and clear: that man shall have supremacy over the Earth, its birds, beasts and fishes. It was, we believed and this Godzilla advances, our Earth. This is what I admire about this film- like Independence Day, it really gives you what it promises. Big intruder comes into the house; we kill it. Hooray, huzzah, way to go! Mess with us and die. If you want to run, you’ll only die tired...Emmerich pretends he believes [in environmentalism] and he makes all the right sounds, particularly by making certain the movie is devoid of white male authority figures who might seem to take pleasure in making the kill. But he pulls the trigger anyway. Talk about having a cake and eating it, too!

One thing that lets him get away with such apostasy is a nineties idea, and it makes the film distinctly different from a fifties film: it has no subtext. The greatest monster movies of the fifties- including all the Harryhausen work and the original Toho production- used the monster as a symbol of nature given scaled, puckered, or glisteny flesh; massive claws; and jaws the size of Cadillacs, come to punish us for fracturing the atom and learning how to destroy the planet. That may have been something of a fig leaf for a genre of movies that really took pleasure in the most primitive of cinema spectacle, the pure nihilism of destruction. Nevertheless it gave the movies a cloak of intellectual respectability, and in an era where critiques of our nuclear deterrent were not present in the arenas of public discussion, it might have seemed almost subversive. 

But Emmerich and Devlin keep their Godzilla distinctly meaning-free. At no point is the beast weighted with significance; he’s just a big beast. The end fo the Cold War has taken the sting out of bomb fear, but they don’t bother to make him a symbol of pollution or ozone depletion or deforestation or any of the other cosmic ills that we have unleashed upon ourselves. He’s just a big old green lizard with a prognathous jaw and glittery eyes. That way, secretly, we can enjoy the movie’s deepest and most subversive pleasure: Like the boys at the end of Lord of the Flies, we can, in our hearts, chant “KILL THE BEAST!” without remorse.

[ms-m-astrologer]

Transiting Uranus stations direct

Sunday, January 22, 2023, 22:59 UT, 14°56’ Taurus

Caveat: unless Uranus is a player in your chart, this may not be a big deal for you. (“Player” = Uranus is in strong aspect to the Sun, the Moon, &/or an angle; you have strong Aquarius &/or 11th House energies.)

Any direct station for any planet means the same thing: a process that has been more internally-direct during the retrograde, is going to be able to express itself outwardly. Since this is Uranus, we can “expect the unexpected” - of course, that’s no surprise! - and since Uranus is in Taurus, one likely arena is money. Here in the US, we hit the “debt ceiling” two days ago (meaning, the government has maxed out on how much debt it can assume), and the chief capitalists are trying to figure out what to do about it.

On a more personal level, we need to look at transiting Uranus’ position in our natal chart. Got any impasses there? They can break up, especially if transiting Uranus is making an aspect to one of your natal placements.

Uranus’ next retrograde station falls on Tuesday, August 29, 02:39 UT, at 23°05’ Taurus.

[elminx]

Energy Update: Eclipse Season, Oct-Nov 2022

As I have been looking over the astrology of the upcoming eclipses, I am stuck (once again) by the beauty of synchronicity that often happens with astrological transits. To understand the energy that we are headed into over the next two weeks, we need to return to the beginning of the year.

We started 2022 with two intense personal planet retrogrades (Mercury and Venus) that extended out in a butterfly pattern around Pluto in Capricorn. Venus' retrograde began in conjunction with Pluto (extending back towards the start of Capricorn) and Mercury's retrograde ended in conjunction with Pluto (and extended forward into Aquarius). Likewise, we will end the year with two intense personal planet retrogrades (Mercury and Mars).

In between these intense transits, we've had multiple eclipses on the Taurus-Scorpio axis. This is important because between them Taurus and Scorpio are ruled by Venus, Mars, and Pluto.

Let's take a look at Pluto first as this is an influence that has colored all of our year. Pluto is our planet of death and transformation - it is a distant planet* of rock and ice. It is unreachable by us, untouchable; an inevitability more than something that we can act upon or understand. Pluto in Capricorn has been working to break down and recycle our institutions and conventions that have outlived their time and become cumbersome and unwieldy. This is an ongoing process - Pluto entered Capricorn in 2008 (note the timing in relation to the financial crisis) and will remain there through 3/23/23 where it will make its first transit into Aquarius. Why it is being felt so intensely this year is its ongoing relationship with our personal planets and their retrograde cycles.

If the Sun rules our egos and the moon our emotions, the other personal planets (Mercury, Venus, and Mars) are the working parts of our personalities. They rule how we communicate, what we want, how we go about getting our needs met, how we love, and how we hate. 2022 has been a testing ground - the proverbial arena where we can choose to show up and fight for what is ours, or we can sit back in the cheap seats and yell about it.

Back in January, during the end of Venus' retrograde cycle, she met up in conjunction with Mars. Venus conjunct Mars is generally an auspicious event - it means what we want and how we get it are somewhat in alignment. In this case, it was a mixed bag. Neither Venus nor Mars is particularly well placed in the craggy wildness of Capricorn and Venus was in retrograde on top of this. The planets traveled together all the way through the sign of the sea goat and on into Aquarius before separating. From there, we faced a Venus besiegement.

Our girl had a rough go of things in the spring. Without her to mollify Mar's harsh energy, many found themselves at war - either within their personal lives, in the workplace, or at large.

All of this sends a strong message to the seasoned astrologer: something - and something Venusian - needed to change. In some way, our Venusian natures had outgrown our shells - a part of us needed to die so that it could be reborn.

Enter our two pairs of eclipses who were ruled by Venus (Taurus) and Mars/Pluto (Scorpio). In the spring, we saw a Taurus solar eclipse and a Scorpio lunar eclipse. Now we are fast approaching a Scorpio solar eclipse and a Taurus lunar eclipse. If we consult my past writing on deciphering eclipse energy: these two eclipses both bring the energy of removal AND forward motion. The solar eclipse has new energy (the new moon) mixed with old energy (the south node), and the lunar eclipse has old energy (the full moon) mixed with new energy (the north node).

Finally, we are approaching the stage in which all of this undoing can get somewhere. If we've been doing the work, if we've been showing up and getting into the arena (and not just yelling about things from the cheap seats) - we've likely burned ourselves to a complete crisp with the energy of it all. But herein lies the secret of Scorpio season: though often connected to the icon of the scorpion (and not without merit), Scorpio's deeper and more evolved icon is that of the Phoenix.

Nobody knows quite how to reinvent themselves like a Scorpio. Nobody knows quite how easy it can be to pick yourself up and rise out of the ashes.

This year has been a lot. You may feel down and out. You may have been beaten to a metaphorical pulp. But these eclipses can be a lantern in the dark. All you have to do is commit to the change and stand back up.

As I look at the transits associated with Tuesday's upcoming solar eclipse, all of our players are involved. Our Sun and Moon will be conjunct Venus, and Mercury will be both trine to nearly-retrograde Mars and square to Pluto. Something has got to give. That doesn't have to be a bad thing. Let the doors that open, open; and the doors that close, close. Eclipses have a way of opening our eyes, of making it all (finally) make sense.

They are also, like many things in life, what you make of them. When the going gets tough and the path is unclear - ask yourself this: What if everything worked out in the end?

*I know, for the sake of astrology its easier to call Pluto a planet

Do you like my work? You can toss a coin to your local astrologer over on Kofi where you can tip me, buy some art, or commission a natal birth chart or transit report written by yours truly.

[relogioserelogios]

A few days before the start of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Bvlgari presents the Gérald Genta Arena Bi-Retro Mickey Mouse Playing Football, a limited edition of only 200 pieces with a 41 mm steel case. The mother-of-pearl dial displays the figure of the popular mouse and a football created with padded and lacquered plates. The in-house automatic movement features jumping hours indication in a circular window, retrograde date and retrograde minutes indicated by Mickey's arm. 💰 24,000 Euros . A poucos dias do início da Copa do Mundo de Futebol no Catar, a Bvlgari apresenta o Gérald Genta Arena Bi-Retro Mickey Mouse Playing Football, uma edição limitada de apenas 200 peças com caixa de 41 mm em aço. O mostrador de madrepérola exibe a figura do popular camundongo e uma bola de futebol criadas com placas impressas e laqueadas. O movimento automático in-house traz indicação de horas saltantes em uma janela circular, data retrógrada e minutos retrógrados indicados pelo braço de Mickey. 💰 24.000 Euros 📷 @bulgari • • #bulgari #geraldgenta #mickeymouse #soccer #fifaworldcup #waltdisney #geraldgentaarenabiretro #finewatchmaking #hautehorlogerie #relogioserelogios https://www.instagram.com/p/ClHME3Yu21Q/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[rosesrotofficial]

Prompt: "I just wanted to protect you."

“I just wanted to protect you,” she whispers, eyes glimmering with that sort of rotten regret. 

You don’t know how to respond to it. 

She has bodies. Cut up. Lathered down the stairwell’s gaping windows. 

It’s awning dusk. The glow hollows out the mansion’s darkness. 

And then there were none. 

You’re the last one. 

You stare at her. At her cheeks. Where once there were tears. When she’d sobbed at you, in the cell-cold rooms, pleaded so deeply the fortnight it became all too much. 

Please, I don’t want to die on this island, Ri, you know I didn’t do it, didn’t kill Jeanette Hackman. This fucked-up game, I-I’m done. We don’t belong with these corrupt fucks, Judge Finley that damned proven innocents to prisons, Leo Hudson that money laundered grannies to their deaths. You shouldn’t be here, I shouldn’t be here. We need to go before—

Elaheh doesn’t look at you with fear. A hazy light glistens in her irises. You think it’s the dusk. 

“This isn’t protection,” you whisper. “Why? They were just like—”

“No. They weren’t like us. We would’ve died.” Elaheh says. “They would’ve gotten us. Honest to god, Ri. This—” and she waves at the dead corpses, strewn about the stairwell, “—is just a preventative measure.”

Then again. Maybe it was always there. 

“How else was I supposed to save you? They were hardly innocent.”

It’s true. You plucked them from their hells into here for a reason. Corrupt lawyer here, rapist there, fucked-up fearmonger, another and another. Loose lips sink ships; paid vacations net damnations. It was easy getting them to come. 

Getting rid of them was even easier. You relished their deaths: chopping Michael Farrell’s fingers off, hacksawing Leo Hudson’s rows of liar teeth. Pasting together newspaper letter notes like a terrorist, left under their rooms, You’re next, do this or you’re dead, darling.

Your heathens scrabbled like pit bulls in a cage fight. Slinging blame, degrading into animals in liquid retrograde. 

On your island, you are god. 

Were. God. 

You didn’t think Elaheh would do it. You didn’t think she was—

Capable. 

(You were about to spare her, too. You were convinced. Elaheh’s lips quivered with mortal fear, the night she pled her case in your bedroom. They framed me for Jeanette Hackman’s death. I shouldn’t be here. No murderer would seem so terrorised.)

(Then her lips met yours, and you tasted tears, desperation, salt and need and nectar-sweet truth.)

“Which one do you think was the killer?” Elaheh murmurs. She swishes her knife around: the dusklight arcs with it, glinting a spotlight upon the bodies. 

“My money’s on the Judge. He’s got that crazy look in his eye.”

You have a crazy look in your eye, you want to tell her. You want to tell her it makes her that much prettier. 

“Or maybe it’s Risha Auborne. Would be a nice plot twist. One of the girls killing wendigoes in business suits. How good would that be.“

You’ve cut my game short, you want to say. You want to annihilate her, rend her flesh from throat. Strip of it. Bit by bit. You want to kiss her. 

The light in her eye is manic. 

You think the dusk was always there. 

(You fell for her for a reason, after all.)

“Or none of them,” you say. “Darling.”

She stills.

You still.

“Oh, Ri…” Elaheh’s lip splits open. “Fuck, that’s funny. Fuck.” She laughs. Cracked out, hoarse— nectar-sweet truth. “I won’t say sorry.”

Her knife thunks on the floor, a wet noise. 

It’s surrender. 

“Actually,” you whisper. “I have a proposition.” 

(Next year comes with vacations, paid in full, sealed and sent to 12 corrupt fucks. Upon an island that hosts an arena for pit bulls, two gods rule.)

[5sosfanfictioncatalogue]

Fics Including Luke’s Family Masterlist

Arcadia (ao3) - paperstorm michael/luke E, 100k

Summary: Crisp, thin air. The rough scrape of blades on ice. The jumbled, unintelligible echo of male voices, ringing off the rafters and bouncing through the empty seats. The familiar smell, sweaty equipment and rubber flooring and Zamboni fluid. Luke’s taken to closing his eyes sometimes, cutting off his primary sense, and just absorbing the noise and the scent and the feel of cool air on his cheeks. That way, regardless of where he is, an arena still feels like home. Or, an AU in which Luke is a small-town hockey superstar who gets drafted to the Montreal Canadiens, Ashton is the bubbly team Captain, Calum is a defenceman with a bad habit of settling on-ice conflicts with his fists, and Michael is the NHL's first openly gay player.

Chimney Heart (ao3) - rollercoastar michael/luke T, 4k

Summary: A low moan escaped Luke’s lips as Michael started to play with his lip ring, pushing Luke as close to him as possible. ‘’Okay, enough’’ Ben laughed, ‘’I think you left our Lukey boy all hot and bothered’’. Luke blushed furiously as Michael let out a laugh, ‘’this is nowhere near as bothered as he can get’’.

Or, Luke and Michael spend Christmas eve at the Clifford's playing board games, and Christmas day being teased and asked about their sex life by Ben and Jack.

Comment, Like, Subscribe My Heart (ao3) - thesoulsailor michael/luke N/R, 54k

Summary: It didn’t take more than the first three videos and Michael was hopelessly endeared. Luke was funny in an unintentional way and his words and stories were simply intriguing. The vlogs were a lot barer, broadcasted Luke’s life right into Michael’s bedroom. It felt weird, almost as if he and the blonde boy were friends, the way Michael learned Luke’s quirks and character, little things like the fact that Luke preferred soda over coffee. And Luke was not wearing make-up in some of them. or Youtube!AU in which Luke is a non-binary beauty guru, Michael is the lead singer of Ashton's cover band and Calum thinks gender roles are overrated anyways.

Don't Blink (ao3) - paperstorm michael/luke E, 20k

Summary: Suddenly Luke’s skin is itchy underneath and his clothes don’t feel right. He’s sweaty and uncomfortable with how good it feels having Michael pressed up against him. It isn’t supposed to feel like this. Luke doesn’t know why he never realized that until just now. This thing they do, where they’re always in each other’s space, always touching, always wrapped around each other – it’s how Luke should be with a girl. Not his best friend.

flowers in your hair (boys can't be pretty) (ao3) - prettyluke (parting_ways) luke/ashton, michael/calum N/R, 71k

Summary: Ashton has been in love with the pretty boy next door since he was seven. Luke has called Ashton home since he was five. They grew up with the daisy field behind their houses, but nobody told them that they couldn't love anywhere else.

if we make it through december (ao3) - allsassnoclass (brightblackholes) luke/ashton T, 28k

Summary: “I didn’t tell them,” he blurts. Ashton falls silent on the other end of the line. “My family. I didn’t tell them about the breakup. And I know that I should’ve and I swear I will, but Gram asked about you today and it’s probably her last Christmas with us and you know how much she loves you. I couldn’t do it. It’d break her heart, and I can’t do that to her. Not right now. So if you-- I mean. What I’m trying to say is that you’re still invited to Christmas, if you want. You don’t have to, I can make an excuse for you, and I swear I’ll tell them after the holidays, but I thought maybe… maybe you’d want to see them one last time.”

In Memoriam (ao3) - paperstorm michael/luke E, 59k

Summary: An accident during a performance ends for Luke in blood and total retrograde amnesia; rendering his mind an empty slate that doesn’t know as much as his own first name. His band is left to help him reassemble the scattered pieces of his life, to coax his memories back, and to deal with the fallout when the most important thing is the one thing Luke can’t remember.

let me go (ao3) - lukeisababe michael/calum, luke/ashton T, 7k

Summary: “Oh my god.” Calum says quietly from where he's sat at the small table for two in their kitchen. Michael turns around from where he's standing in front of the stove, making scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast, to see Calum with an honest to god newspaper in his hands. Michael wasn't even aware that they still subscribed to it.

“What's up?” He asks as he goes back to cooking, finishing up the last few pieces of bacon before he splits the food up on two plates, but Calum doesn't reply as he's too busy reading whatever headline there is for today. “Cal?”

“They've found a body. That Hemmings kid.”

or: the one where luke went missing three years ago and his body has just been found. michael is a ghost whisperer who helps luke moving on to the other side by putting the guilty one in jail.

Long Time, No See (ao3) - ConfusedPython michael/luke, calum/ashton T, 23k

Summary: Michael hears a song on the radio, catches a radio interview where 5 Seconds of Summer talks about their new single (Beside You). And the names and voices are familiar. Then someone knocks at the door and maybe Michael's luck isn't so bad after all.

Mockingbird (ao3) - thesoulsailor michael/luke E, 43k

Summary: It was then that Michael realised two things. First off the boy on the ground was gorgeous. All fair skin and scrawny limbs, golden hair styled into a faux hawk and mesmerising eyes, coloured a clear, sharp blue. He was breath-taking in a subtle way that didn't call for attention. Secondly the boy on the ground wore a yellow band around his upper arm, three black spots explaining why he wasn't fighting back. He couldn't. The boy was beautiful. The boy was blind.

or Luke is blind, Michael is new and everything after they meet is nothing one of them would've ever expected.

no body, no crime (ao3) - jbhmalum luke/ashton, luke/calum, michael/calum M, 11k

Summary: the no body, no crime songfic no one asked for

Rest (ao3) - ShyyyVictoria ot4 M, 14k

Summary: Luke is taken from a rest area after being tricked into helping a 'hurt' man. Then is sold to three guys for who knows what. He should have listened to his brother when he told him he was to innocent and gullible to trust people so blindly.

the dream that you wish will come true (ao3) - prettyluke (parting_ways) luke/ashton G, 17k

Summary: Luke didn't think he would ever escape the malice of his stepmother and stepbrothers, and Ashton didn't think he would ever find a boy he could love.

Tidal Wave - @ashtcnirwin (elivigar) luke/ashton E, 127k

Summary: “We talked about it before we went over to fetch you,” Ashton starts, “and Michael talked it over with Liz, and we decided that you shouldn’t live on your own for the time being.”

“You decided that I shouldn’t live on my own,” Luke repeats. “Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I’m an adult who can make his own decisions.”

Ashton smiles, but it’s thin and void of humour. “You’re staying with me for a while, Luke.”

A story about figuring out how to handle the difficulties life throws at you, on your own and with the help of loved ones.

where the angels sing (ao3) - fermentedpotato michael/luke, calum/ashton N/R, 79k

Summary: The thing was: he kept seeing on TV and in ads on the sides of websites that told him to embrace your differences and that being different is okay! But those sentiments only rang true for his sexuality and his hair colour and his eyebrow piercing because once people found out about his cystic fibrosis they treated him differently. He was always alienated in some way and it always sucked.

or the one where Michael's illness gets in the way of almost everything and Luke takes a long time to open up

you've got a heart as loud as lions (ao3) - bisexual_jace M, 2k

Summary: “Are you gay?” It’s his father who asks, finally saying something. Luke looks at him sharply but his dad’s face is just as warm and intent, ready for whatever Luke has to say. Luke knows then, with certainty, that his family won’t ever judge him or condemn him for what he is. Stupid, again, to think otherwise.

“Yeah.” Luke confesses quietly.

The one where the Hemmings brothers walk in on Luke and Michael making out.

[aestheticvoyage2022]

September 2022

Don’t have much “nice” to say about this month.  Brick bottom.   Health woes, home reno woes, general upside down chaotic retrograded energy in everything I did and wanted to do and didn’t do.   A 30 day hurdle event, I am happy to put it away in the archive and try again in October.

These are the days.  Moving at God’s Speed, hoping it all adding up to something just right if I keep doing the work, and make meaning of it.

Best Day: September 25 - Late Season Pool Day

Best Quote:  “The third thing I learned has turned into a mandate by which I live: If you are not in the arena getting your ass kicked on occasion, I’m not interested in or open to your feedback. There are a million cheap seats in the world today filled with people who will never be brave with their lives but who will spend every ounce of energy they have hurling advice and judgment at those who dare greatly. Their only contributions are criticism, cynicism, and fearmongering. If you’re criticizing from a place where you’re not also putting yourself on the line, I’m not interested in what you have to say.” ― Brené Brown

“To be alive at all is to have scars. ” ― John Steinbeck

Best Song: Zach Bryan - God’s Speed

[seafoamreadings]

week of october 8th, 2023

these are written predominantly for the *rising* signs but they are also intuitively "channeled" enough that they should work for any dominant energy you have! (try your sun if you don't know rising, or more advanced readers can try moon, anywhere you have a stellium, etc and see what works best for you!)

aries: this week's new moon is also a solar eclipse and it's in libra, your seventh house. that's your committed partnerships, political or business alliances, and known enemies arena; the way you live in the world is reflected in the people who you interact with. the volatility inherent in eclipse times can help you break any undesired patterns and start fresh.

taurus: venus moves into virgo. ignore the old timey suggestions that that placement is somehow bad; your ruling planet is not super comfortable there but there's nothing inherently unfortunate about it. discomfort spurs growth, and virgo is an earth sign like you. let it be a blossom rather than a wilt. the week is capped by a solar eclipse to help you shift your routine if you want. also if you don't want! out with the old.

gemini: eclipse season is on. sensitive folks already feel this weekend's agitation but if you don't yet, you'll see it by the weekend. if you make art this is an incredible time for an emotionally moving piece. be aware of the likelihood of unplanned pregnancies, conflicts with children, and drama in romantic flings.

cancerians: obviously the eclipse would have to be the most significant transit of the week for such a lunar creature as you. you may need a change of scenery, beautify or clean or repair your home, or just reboot your system after an exhausting period.

leo: venus leaving your sign may take a little (just a little) of the volume and shine out of your hair but it does bless your income or material resources, one way or another, and contributes to a good healthy self concept and the ability to live authentically.

virgo: a venusian ingress into your sign brings a little glamor into your life. avoid getting into any martyr/victim mentalities. by the end of the week the solar eclipse causes a security shift. for the better or not? depends on how you've been doing things since last eclipse season!

libra: your week is most likely nothing short of momentous as your ruling planet changes sign AND there is an eclipse in your sign. some of you are still having birthdays and this may occur near your sun's degree which would make for an interesting solar return. expect upheaval but maintain poise as well as you can, and remember that although the unknown can be scary, since you don't know what is coming, there is a chance it will be beautiful. don't assume the worst.

scorpio: while eclipse season may feel to you like a sort of dark night of the soul, venus into virgo at least means you're magnetizing helpful and kindly people. mentors, good samaritans, friends, neighbors, and network connections. you are not alone in whatever the struggle is; lean on support even if you aren't sure yet where to find it. it is there. keep looking.

sagittarius: you may gain and lose friends seemingly at the drop of a hat this week as the eclipse does its thing in libra. meanwhile venus into your 10th house means all eyes are on you, and even if you make a mistake you recover gracefully and everyone is impressed. so let yourself slough off the acquaintances who don't appreciate you. move on.

capricorn: solar eclipses and venusian transits will get most of the hype this week and yes they affect you, but almost unique to you is the groaning out of retrograde of pluto in the far reaches of your sign, heading for practical purposes permanently out of your sign again. a destruction occurs, which may be blamed on an eclipse, but it clears space for new growth or construction.

aquarius: for the most part you have no issues expanding your horizons. but wherever you've chosen to stay small out of fear or "respect" or for any other reason, you are forced to grow large this week, ready or not, like it or not.

pisces: this week's venusian activity affects you more strongly than the eclipse (unless you're also a libran or something). maybe this is something to be grateful for. while eclipses aren't always bad they are by nature volatile, and venus tends to be much more stately. from now she begins to focus on your partnerships and commitments.

[acharyadevraj91]

Famous Best astrologer in India Jyotish Aacharya Devraj ji

Famous Best astrologer in India  Jyotish Aacharya Devraj ji

Best astrologer in India name  Jyotish Aacharya Devraj ji with more than 18+ years of revel in in predictive astrology. He has workplaces in Dwarka, Delhi, and Punjabi Bagh, Delhi, and he additionally conducts face-to-face conferences with clients all over the world. His exercise includes astrology, numerology, Vedic science, yoga, meditation and spirituality. His offerings consist of horoscope readings, enterprise and profession steering, marriage counseling and extra.

Acharya Devraj Ji is a incredibly esteemed and informed Jyotish professional, with a profound expertise of the ancient Vedic science of astrology. His sizeable know-how and expertise in Jyotish have made him a sought-after guide for people looking for insight and steerage in their lives. Top astrologer in delhi, India - Jyotish Acharya Devraj JI - Based for your beginning chart, we make 100% correct marriage predictions after the in-intensity examine of technical & scientific components of astrology. Reasons for put off in marriage & also provide satisfactory remedial measures.

Acharya Devraj Ji is a highly esteemed and knowledgeable Jyotish expert, with a profound understanding of the ancient Vedic science of astrology. His extensive knowledge and expertise in Jyotish have made him a sought-after guide for individuals seeking insight and guidance in their lives. Top astrologer in India - Jyotish Acharya Devraj JI - Based on your birth chart, we make 100% accurate marriage predictions after the in-depth study of technical & scientific aspects of astrology. Reasons for delay in marriage & also provide best remedial measures.

He is likewise regarded for his accuracy and his expertise in reading his hands and faces. His readings have helped human beings discover new paths, improve their paths these days, and sell general fulfillment in lifestyles. As an the world over renowned astrologer, Jyotish Acharya Devraj JI has helped many We've helped shape lives and pave the way for achievement. Over the years, he has grown to be one of the pinnacle astrologers in India and a noticeably ranked astrologer internationally. Also a renowned Vastu representative, Kundli of Matchmaking, Motivator He Speaker, Life His Coach and Anchor Jyotish acharya Devraj JI is committed to creating a difference within the lives of human beings round the arena. Who is a Jyotish Acharya Devraj JI has been ranked among the Indian best astrologer online so many years.  

How Astrology Can Help You Succeed You may additionally have heard many say how predictions and pointers from astrologers helped of their birth. I often wonder why. What are the real energies and advantages that astrology offers and how can astrology assist you achieve success? First of all, it is critical to remember that the whole thing taking place around you is given to you by using celebrities and planetary generation.It's just a 'shallow' manner of lifestyles, however greater technological. . How can astrology assist you prevail? The first step to fulfillment is understanding yourself higher than every body else. With astrology, you could better recognize your self, recognize your attributes, your internal self, and extra. Astrology additionally has useful applications that will help you build who you are and sources to help you remedy your problems. There are fundamental astrological thoughts that have a genuinely rational program: Moon Void and Mercury Retrograde.

Here are some FAQs about Acharya Devraj Ji :

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[duorogue]

Group of three LANCER pilots, designed as enemies for a 3v3 arena oneshot (in case one of my players is out that week). The synergy of the team is balanced by the fact I can barely play one character without missing things let alone three. I find that, given the lack of stakes and general speed of LANCER combat, that a 3v3 tends to last around the length of a regular session, and works surprisingly well.

Crescendo and Bassline sprites by Carcosa, being Dog and Glimmer Chiliad; Flow's sprite is The Burning Heart of the Woods, by Ashen One; all three were taken from Retrograde Minis' chop shop, which can i just say is absolutely incredible and shows off some top tier artists.

Below is the builds they're running, and some descriptions. Generally pretty simple gameplans, unlike the last team with both a lich and a goblin...

DRUMBEAT // GLIMMER CHILIAD (LL6) HASE: 0/2/0/6 SSC Death's Head | Core Bonus: HEATFALL COOLANT SYSTEM, OVERPOWER CALIBER Talents: CRACK SHOT 3 | NUCLEAR CAV 2 | TACTICIAN 2 | LEADER 2 Weapon: CYCLONE PULSE RIFLE Systems: Core Siphon, Siege Stabilizers, External Ammo Feed, Autoloader Drone, Personalizations

Overcharge loop with loading weapons, death's head edition. Abuse Extrenal Ammo Feed and Autoloader Drone to reload the CPR with quick actions, plus getting bonus damage off of nuclear cav. Probably explodes the moment you get in close, but with 20 range, that amount of damage, and allies, that's not exactly guaranteed.

CRESCENDO // ANNOYING DOG (LL6) HASE: 2/4/2/0 PI-OF Lemongrass | Core Bonus: AUTO-STABILIZING HARDPOINTS, SLOPED PLATING Talents: BLACK THUMB 3 | TECHNOPHILE 3 | HOUSE GUARD 2 | BONDED 1 (Volcano) Weapons: BLACKSPOT TARGETING LASER (Auto-stab) | DAZZLER/DAZZLER Systems: Active Defense System, Cargo Walker, Carrier Clamps, Cherenkov Manifold, Dampening Amalgam

Homebrew stuff! Castor & Pollux being the source. The idea of the Lemongrass is that it's constantly gaining Ion charges, and whenever someone attacks the Lemongrass or an adjacent ally, it spends those charges as both damage to the attacker and reduction on the damage dealt to the ally. The entire setup here is support; Black Thumb 3 to do some ally support, Technophile to pilot the mech while black thumb is active, house guard and bonded to do house guard and bonded things. Blackspot with auto-stab is more or less crit-fishing (this is a build that would benefit from tactician 2 as well, since the Lemongrass can fly) for more ion charges, though the lock-on is nice, and the dazzler is to annoy anyone who tries to get up close. Basically all those systems are defensive ones, providing difficulty or damage reduction, though I would like to highlight the Cargo Walker, a size 2 deployable that allies can mount, and moves on the deployer's turn, 2 spaces. This will give Drumbeat the extra height to proc tactician 2, as well as make it even more annoying to hit them even with siege stabilizers up.

FLOW // THE BURNING HEART OF THE WOODS (LL6) HASE: 0/2/0/6 IC Pollux | Core Bonus: SUPERIOR BY DESIGN, OVERPOWER CALIBER Talents: NUCLEAR CAVALIER 3 | BONDED 3 (Crescendo) | HOUSE GUARD 2 | PROSPECTOR 1 Weapons: DISPLACER | THERMAL LANCE (OP cal) | NEXUS (HUNTER-KILLER Systems: Argonaut Shield, Solstice Shield, Reactor Failsafe, Stasis Barrier, Personalizations, Custom Paint Job

More Castor & Pollux! The Pollux's primary frame trait is gaining overshield at the end of turn based on how much heat it has. With 6 Engineering and Superior By Design, this is a cap of 16. LL6 is a bit low to finish the entire build, since I did want the drake's superheavy, but the Displacer is too important. Sure, 10 energy in burst 1 at range 10 is nice, but the real juicy bit here is the 10 heat (self), instantly setting up the entire build. After this, it's a mix of tossing around various strong (but heat-building) systems and weapons, and trying not to explode from overheating, partially helped by Crescendo's Black Thumb 3. There's not much to this except being a Big Boy Who Is On Fire.

Though a notable aspect of this is, due to being one scene, each team gets a single core power between all three characters. This team is built with FLOW's core power as the primary one, being able to 1/round deal damage equal to half it's current overshield. An extra +6 or more on a hunter-killer nexus is pretty useful, and ensures consistent damage even when playing it safer in regards to heat cap.

[gautam-101]

Celestial Threads: Unraveling the Influence of Planetary Cycles on Fashion Trends

Introduction

In the intricate tapestry of human existence, the cosmos has long been regarded as a source of inspiration and guidance. Beyond its celestial beauty, astrology delves into the profound connections between celestial bodies and earthly affairs. This cosmic dance extends its influence to diverse aspects of our lives, and surprisingly, one such arena where planetary cycles wield a captivating sway is the world of fashion.

 Also read - Exploring Ancient Wisdom of Vedic Astrology and Palmistry

Fashion, with its ever-changing trends and styles, reflects not only our societal evolution but also our deeper connections with the cosmos. This blog aims to explore the intriguing interplay between planetary cycles and the ebb and flow of fashion trends, uncovering the cosmic threads that weave through our wardrobes.

The Celestial Ballet: Planetary Cycles and Their Influence on Fashion Trends

Mercury Retrograde and Style Revisions:

The elusive Mercury Retrograde, known for its communication disruptions and introspective energy, holds a peculiar influence on fashion trends. As the planet appears to move backward, a sense of nostalgia permeates the air, urging fashionistas to revisit styles of the past. Vintage clothing and retro accessories often take center stage during these periods, showcasing a collective desire to infuse a touch of the past into contemporary wardrobes.

Chat here: Chat with astrologer online

Venus in Retrograde: The Dance of Love and Aesthetics

When the goddess of love, Venus, takes her periodic retrograde journey, the fashion landscape experiences a subtle shift towards romance and timeless elegance. This celestial event encourages the embrace of soft fabrics, pastel hues, and ethereal silhouettes. Designers draw inspiration from classical art, infusing their creations with a sense of poetic beauty that resonates with the celestial dance of Venus.

Mars and Bold Statements: Assertive Fashion Choices

As the fiery planet Mars exerts its influence, the fashion world witnesses a surge in bold, assertive styles. The energy of Mars inspires individuals to make powerful fashion statements, incorporating strong lines, vibrant colors, and avant-garde designs. This period often marks the rise of androgynous fashion, blurring traditional gender norms and embracing a dynamic, bold aesthetic.

Jupiter's Expansive Influence: Exuberance in Fashion

Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, is associated with expansion and abundance. Correspondingly, when Jupiter enters a prominent phase, fashion trends tend to lean towards opulence and extravagance. Luxurious fabrics, elaborate embellishments, and grandiose designs take center stage as individuals seek to manifest the magnificence associated with the cosmic giant.

Saturn's Disciplinary Touch: Structured and Minimalistic Trends

Saturn, the cosmic taskmaster, imparts a disciplined influence on fashion trends. During Saturnine periods, minimalistic and structured designs gain prominence. Clean lines, muted tones, and functional aesthetics characterize the fashion landscape as individuals align their style choices with the disciplined energy of the ringed planet.

Lunar Phases and Emotional Couture

The moon, with its ever-changing phases, has long been associated with emotions and intuition. Lunar cycles, particularly the full moon, influence fashion choices by amplifying emotional expression. Designs during full moons often feature flowing fabrics, dreamy textures, and a heightened emphasis on comfort and self-expression. The lunar influence encourages individuals to explore their emotional depths through the artistry of fashion.

Conclusion

As we navigate the celestial currents of planetary cycles, it becomes evident that the cosmos weaves its magic not only in the vast expanse of the night sky but also in the intricate details of our daily lives. Fashion, as a form of self-expression, mirrors the cosmic energies that surround us, reflecting our collective aspirations, emotions, and desires.

Understanding the influence of planetary cycles on fashion trends adds a layer of depth to our sartorial choices. It invites us to dance with the celestial bodies, embracing the ephemerality of trends while honoring the timeless rhythms of the cosmos. So, as you adorn yourself with the latest styles, take a moment to consider the cosmic tapestry that connects us all – for in every thread and stitch, the universe leaves its indelible mark on the ever-evolving canvas of fashion.

 Have any questions? Speak with an astrologer: Download the App Now

[michellefromthemoon]

𝑼𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒖𝒔 𝒅𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝑻𝒂𝒖𝒓𝒖𝒔

enerGy update: ♅ ♉︎

uranus has stationed direct in taurus

~ expect the unexpected, in the most loving ways

we officially have all planets in forward motion!

•

uranus is a generational planet ~ before it entered taurus 2018; it was the last time in taurus in 1935-1942 which was quite a dramatic time.

Uranus next goes retrograde on Sunday, September 1, at 27°15’ Taurus.

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Uranus is Innovative, unpredictable, resourceful, imaginative and experimental.

uranus rules electricity, creativity & scientific genius. so it’s also connected to our nervous system & unconscious

this planet is all about creating sudden & unexpected maybe radical even, change, it it’s wants to break rules & break free of old habits & pattern.

uranus had a lot to do with finding freedom & confronts us with change.

•

when in taurus, uranus is in the 2nd House:

here changes come unexpectedly and unpredictably and feel more out of comfort zone. We have to become more free-thinking & don't let others lead us.

it also guides us through understanding our relationships & money habits.

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any direct station for any planet means the same thing: a process that has been more internally-direct during the retrograde, is going to be able to express itself outwardly.

Since this is Uranus, we can “expect the unexpected” - of course, that’s no surprise! - and since Uranus is in Taurus, two likely arenas are Love & money.

•

taurus is the sign that, out of the entire zodiac, is the most resistant to change & doesn't like chaos, being ruled by Venus.

— meets the planet that insists upon it..

both the planet & the sign are coming from different places, but both share a refusal to budge from their entrenched positions..

••• find out more and how this transit impacts you: link below. I share monthly astrology updates, interpretations of each planetary transit, they are detailed ~ in depth ~ juicy ~ always include how it affects each sign ~ mood boards ~ messages

A COMMUNITY and soul much more 🫶

~~~ 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘺𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯: 𝘫𝘰𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘰𝘯 🪽 ~~~