#trait: deva

[digi-lov]

Lopmon EX6-032 by Ryodan, Turuiemon EX6-033 by banira, Antylamon EX6-034 by Sanosuke Sakuma, Cherubimon Ace EX6-035 by koki from EX-06 Extra Booster Infernal Ascension

[vullcanica]

Headcanon: Avita and Nik have planetar heritage in their D&D verses because once upon a time a celestial let one of their ancestors hit. It's where Avita gets her aasimar from and where Nik gets his fucking audacity

[velvetseahorse]

Astrology Observations pt 2: Ketu Nakshatra

Ketu natives struggle with attaching and relating to others from a young age. They are more observers than willing participants, showing little interest in faking emotions to make others feel comfortable or match the energy in a room. People tend to notice the detached behavior of Ketuvians and may judge them for it. Consequently, Ketu individuals may feel pressured to fake emotions. For Ashwini, there is a greater effort to fit into societal norms than for Magha and Mula. Ashwini is a Deva Gana (divine) nakshatra, making them appear more grounded and approachable. In fact, they often possess a mystic aura that leaves people astonished rather than intimidated—unlike Magha and Mula, both of which belong to the Rakshasa Gana (demonic). Magha and Mula can come across as aggressive, potentially alienating others they have more of an intimidating but pulling energy. However, Ashwini’s efforts to “fit in” are often unsuccessful. Striving to meet societal expectations can cause more harm to the Ashwini native, leading them to suppress their feelings. This suppression sometimes results in self-destructive behaviors, as Ashwini individuals feel like they are constantly hiding their true selves. All three Ketu nakshatras—Ashwini, Magha, and Mula—are quite rebellious, refusing to conform to expectations. In fact, they may deliberately disappoint others to challenge the emotional attachment to success or failure. I recall a memory of myself competing in a local festival competition, where I was winning. My family was cheering and hyping me up, but for some reason, this made me uncomfortable as it felt egoistic. So, I gave up on purpose and let the other child win, feeling happier doing so. My family was disappointed, but I didn’t care. I use to also walk away during social gatherings not to purposely be rude or anything but I felt the need to return to myself and when I would flash a smile people seemed to be uncomfortable. (I’ve read somewhere that ashwini smile can be creepy because it’s falsely exaggerated)

• Ketuvians have a natural inclination towards spirituality due to their detachment from material matters. This detachment allows them to deeply face and sit with their inner selves, often leading to a sense of emotional distance from their surroundings. For Ketu natives, expecting anything in return is rarely a priority. However, this sense of detachment creates a void within them, leading them to unconsciously drain both material and spiritual energy from others in an attempt to fill it. In the end, this process provides little fulfillment for them, yet the act of draining itself brings them a sense of pleasure, rather than the material rewards they seek. I would recommend that people with Ketu influence engage in a creative hobby. Creativity comes naturally to them, as it is not influenced by expectations of rewards or fear of judgment. Ketuvians thrive when they create because it serves as the most authentic form of self-expression.

• A physical trait I’ve observed among people with Ketu nakshatra is not just their sleepy, penetrating gaze but also their very thick, dark, wild hair. Among all the 3 naks, their hair stands out—thick, long, and bushy, often seeming to have a mind of its own. Their hair is typically on the darker side, very full, almost as if you could get lost in it. It often appears unkempt, as though they haven’t brushed it or just rolled out of bed. However, there are moments when their hair is styled, and that specific hairstyle becomes synonymous with the Ketu native. For example, Mula ☽—Amy Winehouse—is well-known for her messy, vintage updo. Ashwini ☉,—Magha ↑—Conan O’Brien has a signature hairstyle, his wild, iconic hair often referenced as a significant part of his brand, with people constantly mentioning it. Ashwini ☽—Pamela Anderson—popularized her famous messy bun, which many struggle to recreate. Lastly, Magha ☽—Aaliyah—with her signature side-swoop that covered her right eye became so popular and mysterious that false rumors spread, suggesting she was concealing a glass eye.

• You’ll find that many Ketu natives are involved in niche forms of media and alternative subcultures such as goth, punk, and grunge. They are drawn to styles that often include silver chains, black clothing, distressed fabrics, and DIY fashion pieces they design themselves, reflecting anti-establishment attitudes. In fact, you can observe a strong presence of musicians within these subcultures who have Ketu nakshatras. Notable examples include Lydia Lunch (Ashwini ☽), Robert Smith of The Cure (Ashwini ☉,), Nick Cave (Magha ☽), Joe Strummer (Magha ☉, and ☽), and Paul Simonon (Mula ☽) of The Clash. Other influential figures include Layne Staley of Alice In Chains (Magha ☉,), Jim Reid (Mula ☉,) of The Jesus and Mary Chain, Iggy Pop (Ashwini ☉,), Lou Reed (Magha ☽), and Penelope Houston (Mula ☉,) of The Avengers, as well as Tom Waits (Mula ↑).

(In my research, I also noted the presence of Mercury nakshatras within these subcultures, along with Krittika nakshatra. This tracks well, in my opinion, as these nakshatras are often rebellious, individualistic, and intensely creative.)

• A consistent romantic or close platonic pairing I’ve noticed among Ketu nakshatras is with Mercury nakshatras. Mercury and Ketu nakshatras sit at the Gandanta point, where the water signs transition into fire signs a point of spiritual transformation and awakening. These nakshatras seem naturally drawn to each other, but their interactions are often karmic and toxic. However, both individuals learn significant lessons from these relationships. Interestingly, it’s typically the Mercury nakshatra that initiates and drives the relationship. The Mercury native teases and provokes the Ketu native to get a reaction, but the Ketu person doesn’t give in easily. A personal anecdotal of mine, I was friends with an Ashlesha woman when I was outpatient at a mental institute, she was dating a Magha man She would do risky things, like experimenting with taboo drugs or even stealing from him, just to push his boundaries. At first, he didn’t react much, but over time he started to secretly enjoy her rebellion. Eventually, he joined her in taking drugs, and they even engaged in ménage à trois. Things escalated until she became pregnant, and both developed a drug addiction. Interestingly, their relationship grew stronger before it began to deteriorate. She made efforts to get clean, but he continued using. Despite this, he remained an active and supportive father. However, every time he returned to her life, she would relapse, so they eventually broke up. Both went to rehab, and their lives took different yet positive turns. She pursued higher education and earned a bachelor’s degree, while he began doing voluntary counseling for kids struggling with addiction. They are now great co-parents. Ketu nakshatras are also frequently seen dating Venus nakshatras or moving within their social circles. Typically, Venus nakshatras stick to other Venus nakshatras because of their elitism, but they occasionally connect with Ketu nakshatras and sometimes even Sun nakshatras. Ketu is the most raw primal self and Venus is the refined accumulation, @venusiastro has a great post about it in much depth here.

Notes on ashwini native

Taylour Paige - Ashwini ☽

Jaime King - Ashwini ☉

• Ashwini Nakshatra’s deities, the Ashvini Kumaras, are described in Vedic texts as twin gods who ride a golden chariot. They are the Physicians of the Gods, renowned for their powerful healing abilities, including rejuvenation, making the old young again, and even bringing the dead back to life. It is said that the Ashvini Kumaras were highly skilled in Ayurveda, the original system of healing, and that they revived Sage Dadhichi. Because of this connection, natives of this nakshatra often possess a youthful appearance that carries into old age. Their faces tend to retain a childlike quality, even with wrinkles, giving them an ageless charm. This childlike quality, however, can lead others to judge them as naïve. In fact, the Ashvini Kumaras themselves were not taken seriously because of their youthful demeanor, and many assumed they were incapable due to their playful attitude. Similarly, Ashwini natives often feel the need to prove themselves to others despite their incredible talents and capabilities.

•Ashwini is always on the go and dislikes staying in one place for too long. They are the type to embark on road trips or even live without a permanent home, as they have a deep fear of feeling trapped. This restless nature is connected to their affinity with transportation and traveling, not only in the material sense but also between different realms or planes of existence. In the material world, Ashwini natives are often drawn to motorcycles or horses—like cowboys or members of motor gangs—because these symbolize freedom and movement. They prefer to be freeloaders on their own journey but often enjoy traveling with a companion, as their deity is a pair of twin brothers. Ashwini’s primary symbol is the “horse’s head,” representing strength, movement, freedom, and endurance. This nakshatra is driven by a constant urge for movement, both physically and spiritually.

•Ashwini natives struggle to stay still or be patient. Because of their restless nature, they often leave tasks or projects unfinished, constantly seeking excitement in something new—until that excitement burns out. They are highly independent and confident in their skills and abilities, which makes them resistant to being told what to do. Their stubbornness often leads them to ignore others, even pretending those people don’t exist. This is an inherently rebellious nakshatra. As children, Ashwini natives were purposefully defiant—sneaking out or running away, sometimes with no apparent reason other than to experience the thrill of it. Personally, I’ve found myself in situations, like sitting in class or walking home, imagining what it would be like to leave my life behind—and nearly acting on it. When Ashwini natives mature, they become more intuitive and insightful about the correct path to follow. However, those who haven’t evolved yet often act recklessly, doing whatever they please without truly understanding their actions. While Ashwini natives may not always finish tasks, they never give up easily. This nakshatra is incredibly resourceful. Despite a lack of discipline, Ashwini natives possess endurance and resilience. Once they master discipline, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

• Ashwini natives are highly sensitive and easily overstimulated, with minds that are constantly racing. The symbol of the horse’s head conveys sensitivity, alertness, and an ever-present readiness. Ashwini is the first nakshatra within Aries, which, in Vedic texts, represents the head of Kala Purusha (the eternal being). The head is central to all bodily functions as it houses the brain—a concept made somewhat ironic by Ketu’s association with being headless. This connection emphasizes Ashwini’s mental impulses, making it a highly impulsive nakshatra. Ashwini natives also make excellent leaders. The Sun (Surya), associated with leadership, is exalted at its highest point in this nakshatra. In numerology, the Sun is represented by the number 1, while Ashwini is the first nakshatra. Vedic texts describe Surya as constantly moving and rising on a chariot drawn by seven horses. This ties directly to Ashwini’s symbol of a chariot and the number 7, which is ruled by Ketu. Horses, an animal associated with Ashwini, are emotionally intelligent yet fidgety and restless—traits reflected in Ashwini natives. Horses are also known for their stamina, abilities, and speed, which connect to Ashwini’s shakti or power: “to attain things quickly.” This nakshatra is the fastest among all nakshatras, and as a result, Ashwini natives are often blunt, direct, and quick to get to the point. They dislike long-winded conversations and can become irritated when others fail to communicate efficiently. Ashwini individuals are fast thinkers, quick talkers, and even quick runners. For instance, I remember racing all the boys in my elementary school during recess—and winning.

•Ashwini natives are deeply compassionate towards animals. Many individuals with this nakshatra (myself included) have a natural affinity for caring for animals, especially strays. They often take in sick or injured strays and nurse them back to health, Even the most aggressive animals eventually warm up to their kindness and care.

•You cannot tame Ashwini. They are like wild horses—sensitive yet aggressive and cautious. As I mentioned before, they deeply value their independence, which is one of the driving forces behind their highly individualistic nature. Ashwini natives often feel as though they stand out from others, and they sometimes sense that they possess unique talents. This is true, as Ashwini tends to have a pioneering attitude and spirit. This nakshatra is strongly connected to the original creative spark, as Vedic texts associate it with Ketu’s primordial creative potential. However, this creative energy is so intense and overwhelming that it can be difficult to harness and control—much like Ashwini natives themselves. One of the weaknesses of this nakshatra is its tendency to act on impulse, attempting extraordinary things without proper evaluation. However, when Ashwini natives learn to slow down and approach their ideas with more consideration, they become true pioneers. Ashwini natives often emerge as inventors or “the first” to achieve something, and people frequently look to them for answers. However, their journey is not without challenges, as they often have to prove themselves. Others may feel the need to humble Ashwini natives, perhaps because of their boldness and confidence.

•Ashwini natives lifestyle choices often resemble those of hippies. They may live in a van or other transport vehicles, no stable job, embracing a free-spirited, go-with-the-flow attitude (often accompanied by a love for marijuana).They tend to eat vegan, have an interest in herbs, and maintain a very laid-back demeanor. Ashwini natives can also be deeply involved in activism and politics, often emerging as powerful political leaders. However, their intensity can lead to making a significant social impact, whether for better or worse, as they are willing to go to any lengths to achieve their goals. (For example, consider Malcolm X, who had an Ashwini ☽, or Hitler, who had an Ashwini ☉.)

•Ashwini natives can be tricksters, often playing with illusions. This trait ties to their deities’ story, where ancient texts recount how Indra warned Dadhichi not to teach the Kumaras Brahma-Vidya (the knowledge of creation), as their occupation placed them outside that realm. Indra threatened to cut off Dadhichi’s head if he disobeyed. When Dadhichi shared this with the Kumaras, they devised a clever plan. Using their incredible skill, they removed Dadhichi’s head and replaced it with a horse’s head. After Indra eventually cut off the horse head, the Kumaras restored Dadhichi’s original human head.

•I’ve observed that Ashwini natives have bright, radiant eyes, regardless of their color. It’s as if the sun is reflecting in its most powerful and raw form. This nakshatra is associated with the Ashvins, the gods of the dawn, and their eyes resemble the striking ambience of the dawn sky.

• Red and black are Ashwini’s theme colors (the nakshatra color is blood red). Whether it’s red lipstick or clothing paired with dark hair and darker garments or red, this color palette complements them beautifully.

•Ashwini natives, with their strong Ketu influence, have the innate ability to detach from the physical world, which allows them to transcend boundaries and connect with higher spiritual realms. This detachment gives them the ability to enter and exit their body at will, a key trait that allows them to access profound healing abilities, both spiritual and medical. Their intuitive healing is often centered around a deep connection to the etheric and energetic bodies, allowing them to sense and manipulate energy in ways that others cannot. This spiritual detachment also grants them heightened clairsentient (feeling) and clairaudient (hearing) abilities. They may receive intuitive messages or insights through their senses, such as hearing things others do not or feeling the emotions and energies of those around them. These abilities make Ashwini natives highly sensitive to their surroundings, but they must learn how to refine and discipline these gifts to fully harness their potential. Without proper self-control, their sensitivity can become overwhelming or scattered. In order to master their abilities, Ashwini natives need to engage in spiritual practice, which helps them ground themselves and refine their intuition. Through meditation, self-reflection, and healing practices, they can learn to navigate their advanced perceptive skills. This discipline will also enhance their capacity for self-healing, as they can better understand their own energetic blockages and clear them.

Notes on Magha natives

Eva Green - Ashwini ☽ Magha ↑

Wyntor Gordon - Magha ☉, Mula ☽

• Magha is deeply connected to Pitra Loka, the realm of ancestors, which ties the nakshatra to the afterlife and ancestral guidance. This connection imbues Magha natives with a sense of respect for their heritage, tradition, and the spiritual wisdom passed down from generations before them. The symbolism of Magha often revolves around endings, death, and mourning, reflecting the process of transformation that occurs after death, both in the physical world and spiritually. Magha natives are not only influenced by the idea of death but are also tasked with channeling the energy of their Pitris (ancestors), who are seen in Vedic texts as protectors and nurturers of humanity. The elder energy associated with Magha comes from this ancestral connection, giving natives a wisdom that feels ancient and timeless. This is reflected in their aesthetic choices—vintage clothing, gothic aesthetics, and worn-out pieces, often oversized, especially suits. This style can reflect the idea of both embracing the past and holding onto something that endures beyond time. Their look may carry a sense of nostalgia or reverence for history, much like their reverence for their ancestors. Additionally, sunglasses are an intriguing detail in the styling of Magha natives. Since the eyes are ruled by the Sun, Magha’s co-ruler, and Ketu deals with what’s hidden, sunglasses serve as a way to shield the eyes from direct visibility. This style element not only creates a sense of intrigue but also connects to their desire to maintain a sense of privacy or inner world Interestingly, I’ve also noticed Ashwini natives embracing sunglasses, which might be due to their own connection to Ketu , Sun and the desire for some form of distance or protection.

•Magha natives are indeed eccentric,(it is a nodal nakshatra after all) The Ketu rulership and Their connection to the Sun imbues them with a strong sense of purpose, often manifesting in a unique and unconventional personality. They are deeply drawn to exploring and expressing their individuality, sometimes in ways that challenge or defy societal expectations. This can make them appear mysterious or intriguing to others, as they seem to balance their rebelliousness with a deep respect for tradition and responsibility. Their ability to maintain a strong sense of duty, while also pursuing their own path, creates a dynamic where they seem both grounded and unpredictable, operating outside the conventional norms.

• Magha natives are also psychically sensitive, often experiencing prophetic dreams or gaining insight from the deep unconscious. Their ability to tap into these deeper realms allows them to perceive information that others may miss, sometimes giving them glimpses of the future or hidden truths. They are aware of their sensitivity and may even cultivate it, allowing their intuition to guide them in their life decisions. In contrast, Mula and Ashwini natives may not always be as aware of their own psychic abilities.

•While Magha is a Ketu nakshatra, and Ketu is inherently separative—disassociating from the material world—Magha itself is quite active in the material realm. This paradox exists because Magha is a dutiful nakshatra, deeply tied to social responsibilities, status, and the preservation of tradition. Magha natives often feel a sense of duty towards their community or heritage, and they take their responsibilities seriously, striving to uphold their legacy and make their mark in the material world. However, Magha’s rebellious streak—inherited from Ketu—emerges in its challenge to authority and conventional structures. While they engage in the material world, they are not easily controlled by external forces or expectations. Their rebellious nature often manifests in their refusal to conform to authority, whether it’s societal norms, hierarchical systems, or traditional rules. This makes Magha both deeply connected to the world around them and simultaneously disconnected from its oppressive forces.

• Magha natives often feel a deep connection to the past, and this is reflected in their affinity for older, nostalgic items like typewriters, record players, and handwritten letters rather than modern conveniences like text messages. They value tradition and often hold onto physical objects that evoke a sense of history, reflecting their respect for ancestral legacies. Their love for the past is tied to their desire to remain rooted in something timeless, rather than being swept away by fleeting trends.They also pride themselves on being independent and introspective, often cultivating a deep sense of self-awareness and self-reliance. This introspection extends to their interest in the occult sciences and psychology, fields that allow them to explore the deeper workings of the mind and the mysteries of the unseen. Magha natives are not only drawn to uncover hidden truths about the world but are also fascinated by the complexities of human nature and the psyche. Their connection to both the past and the unseen realms makes them uniquely equipped to navigate the spiritual and material worlds.

•Magha natives often have voices that are deep, haunting, and gritty—like they’ve smoked a pack a day. These voices carry a raw, almost preachy quality that can feel intense and captivating. The haunting tone can linger with you. Magha natives like Nick Cave and King Krule exemplify this with their powerful, commanding voices that have authority and emotional depth. Their sound is evocative, drawing you in with a sense of vulnerability and intensity. A similar voice can be found in Mula ↑ Tom Waits, whose gravelly, weathered voice carries a unique rawness. Other Gandanta nakshatras, like Ashlesha ☉, Revati ☽, and ↑ Louis Armstrong, also share this gritty, haunting vocal quality. Anja Plaschg (with Revati ☉ and Ashlesha ☽) and Bill Skarsgård (with Ashlesha ☉) in Nosferatu similarly possess voices that carry a dark, magnetic energy—intense yet strangely mesmerizing. These voices feel untamed and primal.

•Magha’s shakti, “the power to leave the body,” reflects its unique ability to access deep states of consciousness, sometimes akin to a trance or temporary death. This capacity for profound detachment is referenced in some old Vedic tales, where the nakshatra is described as the heat generated by the speed of a shift in the field of consciousness. It implies that Magha natives can experience altered states of awareness that transcend the physical realm. A great example of this influence can be seen in Magha ☽ native David Lynch, who embraced Transcendental Meditation (and has his own program that teaches this method) This practice is said to allow individuals to effortlessly tap into unlimited reserves of energy and creativity—qualities that are also central to Magha’s essence. Magha natives are often able to access deep, limitless wells of inspiration, channeling them into their work and life. This transcendental quality is characteristic of the nakshatra’s connection to ancestral wisdom and the ability to harness spiritual and creative energy.

•Magha natives naturally attract attention with their regal and commanding appearance. The symbol of Magha is a royal chamber containing a throne, signifying dignity, authority, and a connection to ancestral pride. Interestingly, many Magha natives are often photographed sitting in chairs or thrones, exuding a majestic aura that aligns with this symbolism. Take Magha ↑ Eva Green, in the photo above for example.

Notes on Mula natives

Beatrice Dalle - Mula ☉ Magha ↑

Anjelica Houston - Mula ↑

•Mula is deeply connected to the concept of the root, as its name and symbol both relate to the foundation or the deep core of something. Just as roots lie hidden beneath the surface of the forest, this nakshatra embodies the idea of digging deep to uncover what is concealed or not immediately apparent. Mula natives have an innate drive to get to the very essence of things, whether that involves unraveling mysteries, exposing hidden truths, or understanding the underlying structure of existence. This relentless pursuit of the core reflects Mula’s connection to transformation, as true growth and rebirth can only occur by addressing and understanding the roots.

•Mula has a profound interest in deep knowledge, often delving into the occult and exploring the unknown or unseen. They possess an innate understanding of hidden truths and are drawn to unraveling mysteries that others might overlook. You’ll often find Mula natives in private or niche libraries, completely immersed in studying various topics, from complex theories to alternative ideologies—anything that challenges or contradicts material reality. Their thirst for knowledge goes beyond surface-level understanding, as they are committed to uncovering the roots of existence and the deeper workings of the universe.

• The deity of Mula is Nritti, the goddess of dissolution and destruction. Her name translates to “calamity,” reflecting her association with chaos, endings, and dismantling illusions. In some Vedic texts, Nritti is described as a destructive demon, while in others, she is referred to as Alakshmi, the opposite of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, abundance, and prosperity. However, it’s important to note that while Nritti embodies destruction, it is not without purpose. Her nakshatra represents the highest point of material accumulation, which acts as a foundation for the beginning of spiritual awakening. Mula’s energy dismantles attachment to the material world, paving the way for transformation and the pursuit of higher consciousness. This duality of material success and spiritual liberation is a defining characteristic of Mula, making it a nakshatra of profound growth and evolution through intense trials.

•Mula natives often come across as apathetic, showing a disinterest in certain moralities or societal norms. However, this seemingly “depraved” outlook can be strangely liberating—they lack self-doubt, and their sharp wisdom, whether conscious or subconscious, often helps others reach higher states of awareness. Mula natives are known to underplay even the most intense life events with sarcasm or dry humor, a coping mechanism that can put others off. Their approach to situations, coupled with their intense and impulsive nature, may result in behaviors that shock or intimidate people. Mula is a nakshatra of extremes—hard, sharp, and dreadful—reflecting the destructive aspects of Ketu. This sharpness, while harsh, is often necessary to trigger awakenings and spiritual transformations. Mula’s intensity, combined with its raw, unapologetic energy, can intimidate others even when no harm is intended.Take Keith Richards, for example, a Mula☉ native. Many people find him intimidating because of his dark, shaggy hair, deep eyes, and brooding presence. Despite his appearance and history of addiction, he defies the typical rock star stereotype. Unlike many of his peers who chased the party lifestyle and fleeting relationships, Keith has been married to the same woman since the ’80s and showed deep care for the mother of his first two children until her passing. While other rock stars indulged in reckless pursuits, Keith’s grounded loyalty and respect for the people in his life set him apart. Those who know him often describe him as surprisingly sweet, proving that Mula’s sharpness hides a deeper, more sincere core.

•Mula has a tendency to cut off anything—or anyone—they don’t deem useful. Being part of the butcher caste, they embody the energy of severing ties and eliminating what no longer serves a purpose. This reminds me of their alternative deity, Kali, who is often depicted with her tongue out, holding a decapitated head. Mula is deeply tied to destruction, but this destruction is not without purpose; it paves the way for regeneration and transformation, even if the process feels harsh or ruthless. I’ve found that Mula natives naturally crave the deconstruction of the superficial. There’s a deep yearning within them to annihilate illusions, driven by an intrinsic feeling of emptiness. This emptiness motivates them to break through falsehoods, either to experience their own rebirth or to guide others through karmic transformations. Their shakti lies in the power to ruin, destroy, and break things, paving the way for profound change and renewal.

•Mula is also associated with intoxication and smoking, a trait I’ve noticed with other Ketu nakshatras as well. I believe this connection stems from Ketu being headless, leading to an oral fixation as a way to seek stability or stimulation. Additionally, there’s something mystifying about smoke clouding your face, giving the impression of being “not there,” which aligns perfectly with Ketu’s inherent sense of detachment and otherworldliness.

•As I mentioned before, natives with Ketu nakshatras often have notable hair. Mula natives, in particular, tend to have smooth, silky black hair that is almost reflective. Mula is associated with Sage Pulasthya, whose name translates to “having smooth hair,”. Another notable physical trait among Mulas is gap teeth.

• Mula natives possess a peculiar magnetism that can completely consume you. No matter how intimidating they may seem, you can’t help but feel drawn to them. Mula is associated with being surrounded by the galactic center of the universe, often referred to as a black hole. Like a black hole, Mula natives have an irresistible pull that draws you in.

Thank you for reading, a reminder that these are my observations from both personal experiences and what I’ve read from vedic text. sources: The Book of Nakshatras by Prash Trivedi & Barbara Pijan Lama Jyotisha site.

[ryin-silverfish]

how does rebirth and reincarnation work in Buddhism

do memories carry over and Can personality traits or characteristics also stay the same

or does being reborn erase everything and basically reboot a person

is everyone reincarnated or just some people and what causes rebirth

if you don’t want to explain it can you please reply with links to websites where I can find information on the topic

Disclaimer: Everything I write here is less Indian Buddhism, and more "sinicized Buddhist concepts", aka "Chinese adoptation of the ideas of karmic laws and reincarnation, with a bunch of tweaks".

-There are 6 paths of rebirth: Heavenly/Deva, Asura, Human, Beasts, Hungry Ghosts, Hell. In practice, because of unfamiliarity with the Hindu Asura ("wrathful demigods"), it often gets simplified into 5 paths instead.

-Based on one's karma (consequences of one's causes), one is reborn into one of these Paths after death. The first 3 are commonly seen as the "3 good paths", while the last 3 are the "3 bad paths".

-Technically, even being reborn as a celestial being does not free you from suffering, since, despite the incredibly long lifespan of celestials and the pleasures they enjoy, their stay there is still not infinite, and they'll be reborn into a lower path once their Good Deeds Bank runs out, so to speak.

-However, in lay practice, being reborn in the Heavenly path is often considered "Good enough".

-Similarly, in more doctrinal Buddhism, the concept of "non-being" and the lack of a permanent, eternal self is a big thing (where there's no continuation of the self between each life, memory-wise or personality-wise).

-Yet after its spread to China, it was adjusted to fit, and syncretized with existing beliefs about souls and ancestor worship, and honestly, folks pretty much assumed that there is a...soul thingy that gets reincarnated, and some sort of continuation exists between each life.

-In Northern-Southern dynasty and Tang legends, there are a lot of tales about people who remembered their past lives, or people who suffered misfortune/got a lawsuit from ghosts in the Underworld bc of bad things they did in another life.

-However, in the latter case, they often don't remember. It is kinda implied that reincarnation itself blurred/erased their memories, but never explicitly explained.

-The much later Ming-Qing addition of Mengpo and her amnesia soup could be seen as a "fix-it" to that question: people don't remember their past lives bc the amnesia soup is mandatory, and the few who remembered are folks who had found a way to avoid drinking it.

-Like all folklore stuff, it's far from universally adopted, and in Liaozhai, you can still see tales like Lian Xiang's, where the fox spirit in question died, reincarnated into a human body, and remembered her old ghostly rival-turned-best-friend upon seeing her again.

-In vernacular novels and tales about reincarnated immortals and celestial deities, like JTTS and JTTN, it's more common for the protagonists to remember their original self from start to finish, or recover their memories after being informed of that fact and settle on working their way back into their old position.

-As for "does everyone have to go through reincarnation?" Unless you are a Buddha, a Bodhisattva, or Arhat, technically yes.

-After Daoism adopted the Buddhist ideas of karma and reincarnation, there were also works that suggested, by attaining immortality, you wouldn't have to reincarnate again...

-But I personally saw that as more of a "immortality just means no natural death, not unkillable" situation——the immortal in question won't have to reincarnate bc they can no longer die of old age, but if sth comes along and kill them, or they got demoted by the Heavenly Emperor for breaking celestial laws, their soul will still re-enter the cycle.

-Lastly, what causes rebirth? Well...existing. As long as you are within the Realm of Desire and a being of the Six Paths, you are subjected to the cosmological cycle, and to Buddhists, the only way out is attaining enlightenment.

[13lunarstar]

Nakshatra compatibility in Vedic Astrology

Nakshatra compatibility plays a crucial role in determining the harmony between partners. The Nakshatras, or lunar mansions, influence personality traits, emotions, and compatibility in relationships. Understanding the compatibility between the Nakshatras of two individuals can help predict marital success, emotional bonding, and overall relationship dynamics.

In Vedic Astrology, the compatibility of two individuals is analyzed based on the Koota System, which consists of 10 main factors:

Varna (spiritual compatibility) – determines the spiritual compatibility between partners.

Vashya (control and influence) – analyzes the dominance and influence partners have over each other.

Tara (birth star compatibility) – examines the health and fortune between partners.

Yoni (sexual compatibility) – determines sexual attraction and physical harmony.

Graha Maitri (mental and intellectual compatibility) – checks friendship between the Moon signs.

Gana (temperament compatibility) – categorizes people into Deva (divine), Manushya (human), and Rakshasa (demonic) temperaments.

Bhakoot (destiny and family welfare) – determines family growth, prosperity, and longevity.

Nadi (genetic and health compatibility) – examines genetic compatibility and health issues.

Mahendra (longevity and support) – indicates the potential for long-term support.

Stree-Deergha (happiness in marriage) – checks the happiness and longevity of the wife.

Nakshatra compatibility essentials:

Certain nakshatras naturally complement each other, while others may create disharmony. In short, the best matches are based on at least these 3 factors:

Same Gana (temperament and nature) compatibility: Deva with Deva (divine with divine), Manushya with Manushya (human with human), Rakshasa with Rakshasa (demonic with demonic).

Compatible Yoni (sexual compatibility for procreation)

Positive Bhakoot and Nadi Matching (overall family prosperity and well-being prospects): ensures emotional and physical well-being.

The list of the best matching nakshatras for long-term partnerships, including marriage, for each lunar mansion:

Ashwini – Magha, Swati, Mula

Bharani – Rohini, Revati, Purva Phalguni

Krittika – Uttara Phalguni, Rohini, Pushya

Rohini – Mrigashira, Uttara Phalguni, Anuradha

Mrigashira – Rohini, Chitra, Revati

Ardra – Swati, Satabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada

Punarvasu – Anuradha, Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati

Pushya – Uttara Phalguni, Anuradha, Chitra

Ashlesha – Jyeshtha, Chitra, Dhanishta

Magha – Ashwini, Mula, Swati

Purva Phalguni – Uttara Phalguni, Rohini, Revati

Uttara Phalguni – Purva Phalguni, Rohini, Pushya

Hasta – Swati, Anuradha, Shravana

Chitra – Mrigashira, Hasta, Dhanishta

Swati – Ashwini, Anuradha, Dhanishta

Vishakha – Anuradha, Chitra, Jyeshtha

Anuradha – Vishakha, Uttara Phalguni, Rohini

Jyeshtha – Ashlesha, Vishakha, Chitra

Mula – Ashwini, Magha, Purva Bhadrapada

Purva Ashadha – Uttara Ashadha, Swati, Revati

Uttara Ashadha – Purva Ashadha, Shravana, Anuradha

Shravana – Uttara Bhadrapada, Revati, Hasta

Dhanishta – Chitra, Shravana, Swati

Shatabhisha – Ardra, Swati, Uttara Bhadrapada

Purva Bhadrapada – Uttara Bhadrapada, Mula, Anuradha

Uttara Bhadrapada – Purva Bhadrapada, Revati, Shravana

Revati – Rohini, Uttara Bhadrapada, Purva Ashadha

[magicaldragons]

deva: a weapon.

the movie does everything to show us that deva holds no agency over himself or his actions and that he has no ambition whatsoever.

his main trait is loyalty, and this is emphasized again and again.

• he is enraged at the mistreatment of aadhya, but where an actual 'hero' would save her, disregarding any rules or conditions – he remains bound by his mother's words.

• he is a weapon in the hands of anybody he gives his loyalty to, and throughout the movie, all of his actions aren't really credited to him, but to the person he commits these acts for/with permission of:

1. in the first scene, we see both deva and varadha, without hesitation, understand that deva has to complete the task for varadha's honor

2. it's evident, when bilal tells aadhya, that the only person who can keep her safe is 'amma' (because it is true, only deva's mother can allow deva to help)

3. when we are first introduced to deva, it is through his mother describing him as a "blood-shedding weapon"

4. when varadha comes to ask deva to accompany him, the narration doesn't feel accurate. varadha has barely voiced his request for deva to go with him – it is actually deva who wants to protect him after seeing his condition, but the narration is: "on one hand varadha had decided to take deva, no matter what, and on the other hand, his mother would not allow him to go" further emphasizing that deva is comparable to an object between the only two people who 'own' him

5. in the first action sequence, after his mother releases him from the promise he made to her, we have this shot:

framing deva's mother as if it is her who is responsible for that first blow

6. even after she has given him agency over himself, he still follows his mother's orders, not bothering to put any energy into what he thinks is the correct thing to do

7. we also see this when radha rama blames varadha for vishnu's death and has to be reminded that – no. it was the new guy who dealt the blow.

8. and again, when naarang heads in varadha's direction, completely disregarding deva and all of deva's attempts to provoke him, even though deva is the one who killed vishnu

it's an interesting way of depicting his personality – the movie equates him to a weapon at every turn, either metaphorically or though dialogue

which also makes it extremely significant, that the ONLY TIME deva has ever acted on his own (according to what we know) is when he: 1. went against his mother: to make a promise to varadha instead 2. did not follow varadha's explicit instructions: and pleaded with naarang to leave varadha alone

deva only breaks free from the narrative for varadha – which really speaks about varadha's importance and the power that varadha holds over deva.

[ogcalesgf]

windbreaker | tsubachika friendship discussion-prompt!

i’m procrastinating so… (also, these are personal takes so a there might be a lot of inaccuracies and such)

i don’t know why, but i have this inkling that tsubaki and chika would be great friends if they’ve met in a different time and setting or something. i can hardly believe that a deva, umemiya’s deva would have nothing that chika would be interested in, when one of the reasons why they could support ume is they share a similar trait with him. may it be the objective, or will alone, i feel like that would be enough to catch chika’s interest. maybe ume just overshines the light they have in them, but it doesn’t mean that they don’t have it. (ume please stop being the sun or smth challenge failed?!?)

heck, umemiya met tsubaki when he was fending off the bullies for making fun of what he likes. i feel like that certain drive that tsubaki has would be enough to catch his attention.

but also, what if, they met after the noroshi war. in the same salon. getting the same hair treatment (to rehydrate their hair because they dye it a lot), and by chance they just talk.

tsubaki tends to follow ume’s will a lot, especially in a matter of building relationships. and while he can be wary, in a certain situation at that, he won’t be rude to him especially when nothing bad is happening after they “settled” the matters from before.

now, here comes the prompt:

this is more of an post-war interaction, because i feel like chika would interest himself with people that ume interacts with.

tsubaki is… well, he didn’t expect this. meeting takiishi chika, in the same salon that he goes to every now and then. not really knowing how to act, he just nods at him as the red head blinked before tsubaki went to the hairstylist to tell them what he for the day.

and being the lucky lad he is, tsubaki was sat next to chika. even with a lot of empty chairs around them.

they don’t seem to particularly want to talk to each other, but it just happened. their stylists were talking, and are involving them in their conversations until the four of them are now sharing opinions about a certain topic.

even chika who often just nods are now speaking a few sentences every once a few responses. and as they were finished with their appointment, well, they didn’t expect to see each other again unless chika visits furin so—

oh well, he’s wrong.

tsubaki finds himself seeing chika in the large crowd in front of the stage where performs. after his performance, he made mind note to steal nakamura’s table (chika’s) to see how he ends up here.

it was supposedly just a light conversation between a customer, and a pseudo-waiter, however, tsubaki finds himself talking around chika who seems to indulge himself with tsubaki’s chatter.

and then it happened again. and again. and again.

endo just finds tsubaki, one of umemiya’s deva, in his’ and chika’s shared apartment.

“endo,” tsubaki greeted him with a nod.

“what… are you doing here?” endo was taken aback, he’s here to fetch chika to show him something interesting; but finds himself interested instead.

“well, chi-chan invited me.” he said with a light hearted tone, expecting someone to react. endo did, feeling quite the irritation. a very familiar feeling.

of course he knows this feeling, that’s how ume makes him feel on a daily basis ever since he and chika became friends.

“i told you not to call me that, tsubakino.” chika emerges from the kitchen with some fruit in a platter, heading towards the sofa to sit beside tsubakino.

“and i told you that friends call each other nicknames! it’s tsubaki-chan! tsu-ba-ki-chan!” tsubaki said as he grabs a sliced apple to bite on it.

it was a weird thing to witness, maybe annoying, but it was also fascinating. endo’s pretty sure that calling chika, “chi-chan” would have him at death’s door if he even breathes that horrendous nickname around him.

wait. fri—huh???

“you should have some, endo. chika-kun bought these with me earlier,”

what.

“and i bought these for us, why are you giving it away?”

What.

“because sharing is caring, chika. endo would love to have whatever you give him, right, endo?”

WHAT.

“hm.”

since when does chika use words to express himself???!!? and he didn’t hit tsubakino tasuku, for not agreeing with what he thinks?

“wha- yo- how- huh?!? since when have the two of you starting becoming friendly?!”

“for a while now,” chika answered, staring blankly at endo who is currently at his wit’s end.

“you are now interested in tsubakino? him?” he asked exasperatedly, pointing towards tsubaki.

“i’m plenty interesting, thank you very much!” tsubakino refuted, eyebrow raising.

“he’s… fun.”

yup. endo’s losing it. maybe he’s being punished for his greed. maybe he’s now paying for all the horrible things he’s done. he can’t even pray because his god is the one who changed!

“i think you broke him, chi-chan. i should go.” tsubaki said, uninterested.

“mhm.”

“i’ll call you, okay? see you!”

note! a very chaotic idea for my very chaotic week. i want a tsubachika friendship and ume just watching them from afar and cheering them on, and endo just hating all the furin students except sakura because of how tsubaki AND ume steals his god. but anyways, if you don’t like it simply don’t read. thanks!

[ririsasy]

Bro Daddy was such a cheerful movie to watch, was curious to see what Prithvi would do teaming up with Mohanlal again for his second movie as a director after their success together with Lucifer and Prithvi really didn’t disappoint, he really has an unique style as a director, I think he was trying to proof himself and see if he could do a good rom-com and I think he definitely could! This movie was an enjoyable ride from start to finish. Prithvi said in an interview that he did this movie during pandemic and thinking about a light hearted movie to watch on streaming services with family because the time was bleak and want to bring something to laugh together with and it was clear that he also have so much fun himself directing the movie, love seeing his adorable laugh between takes. What this man couldn’t do?? That’s the real question now.

Even though the movie was so colorful and there were so many scenes to gif lol but for me the most fun part was watching the BTS (pardon the quality because they only gave that tiny footage beside the rolling credits) because when Prithvi was directing he acted and became like every character in his movie 😂

1. Acting like a cool capable savvy tech dude

2. Directing an attitude for a granny 😂

3. Became an eccentric wedding organizer lol

4. How to act cute toward your mother in law

5. And of course directing the Mohanlal, I adore all these BTS footage because Mohanlal look like he clearly adore Prithvi. These are like two strikes successful good movies they made together

No wonder Prithvi could emote so easily when he became the actor himself, he could just put his director mind and thought about what a director would want to see in this or that kind of situation from him.

And my favorite from the bts is pregnant prithviraj 😂 when he’s directing the morning sickness because well…this BTS inspired the whole new Salaar AU for me 😂🤣 (forgive me because whatever movie I watched of Prithviraj I will keep trying to connect it to Salaar somehow, so watch out for more crossover 😂)

Salaar omega verse AU headcanon below (thanks to this bro daddy BTS) 🤣 👇👇🐺🐮

Obviously it’s an mpreg. So proceed if you’re okay with it.

Salaar is so easy to see as an omegaverse because Deva's traits are inherently similar to all the feral possessive alpha traits (with never let anyone to touch Varadha or he will lost his cool and he basically from a wolf tribe like???? That’s an alpha right there) and Varadha is the omega that everyone is crazy about (seriously what’s up with everyone trying to take Varadha’s honor and touching him in humiliating and inappropriate way hands off!)

So, what if Varadha after Deva left Khansaar started showing symptoms making Baachi (okay we gonna pretend he’s alive in this AU) all confused what happened to his brother.

Deva didn't know that Varadha was pregnant with his child and it was Varadha who banished him anyway, Actually even Varadha himself didn't know that he was pregnant he only figured it out after 3 months of Deva's departure.

I will imagine that it’s the same with Prithvi character in bro daddy where he is having a hard time trying to tell the news to his parents but in Salaar AU he keeps making up excuses to Baachi about his morning sickness like it was because of the food stomach flu and everything until he runs out of excuses and Baachi figured it out eventually when his stomach started showing and Varadha just didn’t make a public appearance much anymore.

So Imagine 7 years later Deva broke the seal only to be greeted at Khansaar gate by a 7 years old kid that look like him.

It is hilarious but also sad at the same time moment like “why the hell this kid looks like me , where is his parents”

Varadha was searching for the brat (attitude close to a maniac that one he used to love) that’s been causing havoc all throughout the palace, his kid was so close of getting out of the big gate himself because he was spying on the gate to open ready to run away.

The reason why he run because he got into an argument that morning with Varadha who didn’t tell him about his mother. Varadha was like “you didn’t have a mother, I carried you myself” and his son was like “then where’s my father???? What’s his name” and Varadha refused to answer so his kid set out his heart and packed a tiny backpack throwing his clothes inside ready to explore the world searching for his dad 😂

That he immediately met at the gate! what’s the odd and he looked up at Deva, strong and big Deva full of charisma with sun rays illuminating his figure like “are you my dad?” Just as Varadha arrived behind them with his entourage.

Bilal that arrived behind Deva a moment later also didn’t know that Varadha was pregnant! He left with Deva but it’s so easy for him to put the two pictures together because well the brat look like the splitting image of deva and varadha. They didn’t need DNA test for that to know who his fathers are 😂

Varadha calling his son that he named Raju (pfft) to quickly come to his side and scold him because why would he bother a stranger like that.

Deva is like “is he?–” (Mine) he couldn’t say the word because what if he’s not? 😭😭

Deva didn’t know which one is worse, not knowing you fathered a child and not be there for him for 7 full years or Varadha already taking a queen and got married and have a son now. Both equally devastating. That’s when Baachi rushed toward him to punch Deva on his face and Deva got his answer.

Imagine if it was the last hate sex they have before the big separation that made Varadha got 🫃, I mean they start rawing the moment Deva enter Khansaar (cough the moment where Vishnu was throwing that firework at Varadha’s doorstep and Deva was waking up behind Varadha 👀 omega verse and all I imagined Deva’s presence might’ve triggered an early heat for Varadha) but since Varadha never showed any symptoms when he was around in Khansaar for a whole year so Deva made a quick calculation that the child was indeed conceived when they were tearing the house apart before they went their separate ways. 😞

Anyway that’s all I got from now lol feel free if you want to elaborate it more or continue this headcanon . I love my imaginary 7 years old boy, Raju, already.

[luckshmi]

Lord Ganesha | Remover of Obstacles

Lord Ganesha, also known as Ganapati, Vinayaka, or Pillaiyar, is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. Recognizable by his elephant head, Ganesha is worshipped as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. His presence is invoked before the beginning of any new venture or journey, symbolizing auspicious beginnings and successful outcomes. Ganesha's origins, characteristics, and the rich tapestry of stories associated with him provide profound insights into Hindu philosophy and culture.

Birth and Origins

Ganesha's birth is narrated in various scriptures, most notably the Shiva Purana and the Skanda Purana. According to these texts, Ganesha was created by Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, from the turmeric paste she used for her bath. Parvati fashioned a boy from this paste and breathed life into him. She then set him at the entrance of her abode to guard it while she bathed. When Shiva returned and attempted to enter, Ganesha, unaware of who Shiva was, stopped him. In the ensuing conflict, Shiva, in a fit of rage, severed Ganesha's head. To console the grief-stricken Parvati, Shiva promised to bring Ganesha back to life. He instructed his followers to find the head of the first living being they encountered, which happened to be an elephant. Shiva placed the elephant's head on Ganesha's body, reviving him and blessing him to be worshipped before all other deities.

Characteristics and Symbolism

Physical Appearance

Ganesha's distinctive elephant head symbolizes wisdom, understanding, and a discriminating intellect that one must possess to attain perfection in life. His large ears signify that a perfect person is the one who possesses a great capacity to listen to others, and his small mouth suggests he talks less and listens more. The trunk of Ganesha is capable of holding a lotus or a modak (a sweet) and symbolizes high adaptability and efficiency.

Attributes

Large Head: Represents wisdom and knowledge.

Small Eyes: Denote concentration and focus.

Trunk: Indicates adaptability and strength.

Big Ears: Symbolize a keen ability to listen and absorb ideas.

Small Mouth: Emphasizes the importance of speaking less.

One Broken Tusk: Signifies the acceptance of the good and the bad in the world.

Iconography

Ganesha is often depicted with a potbelly, symbolizing the capacity to digest both good and bad experiences. He usually holds an axe (to cut off bonds of attachment), a rope (to pull devotees closer to their highest goal), and a modak (representing the sweetness of the soul). His vehicle, the mouse, symbolizes humility and the ability to overcome desires.

Personality and Traits

Ganesha is known for his intellect, wisdom, and benevolence. He is also celebrated for his humor and playfulness, which are evident in numerous stories about him. Despite his divine status, Ganesha is approachable and understanding, making him beloved among devotees. His ability to solve problems and remove obstacles makes him a popular figure for those seeking guidance and support in their endeavors.

Family

Ganesha is part of the Shaivite tradition and is closely associated with his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. His brother is Kartikeya, also known as Murugan, who is the god of war. The familial relationships and stories involving these deities highlight the dynamics of divine interaction and provide moral and spiritual lessons.

Parents: Shiva and Parvati

Shiva, the destroyer in the Hindu trinity, represents the aspect of God that brings about transformation and change, while Parvati represents love, fertility, and devotion. Their union symbolizes the balance of male and female energies in the universe.

Brother: Kartikeya

Kartikeya, also known as Skanda or Murugan, is a warrior deity. The sibling rivalry and companionship between Ganesha and Kartikeya are depicted in various myths, emphasizing different aspects of duty, strength, and wisdom.

Popular Stories

Ganesha and the Mango

One of the well-known stories of Ganesha is the competition between him and Kartikeya to win a mango, a fruit of immortality and wisdom. Shiva and Parvati decided that the one who could circle the world three times first would win the mango. Kartikeya immediately set off on his peacock, but Ganesha, knowing he couldn't match his brother's speed, simply circled his parents three times, stating that for him, they were his world. Pleased by his wisdom, Shiva and Parvati gave him the mango.

The Writing of the Mahabharata

Another significant tale is Ganesha's role as the scribe of the Mahabharata. Sage Vyasa sought someone who could transcribe the epic as he recited it. Ganesha agreed to take on the task on the condition that Vyasa would recite it without pause. To ensure that Ganesha would write carefully, Vyasa composed the verses in a complex meter, which required Ganesha to pause occasionally to understand them, giving Vyasa time to compose further.

Association with Astrology

In Vedic astrology, Ganesha is associated with the planet Ketu. Ketu represents obstacles, detachments, and spiritual pursuits, qualities that align with Ganesha’s role in removing obstacles and guiding devotees on the path of wisdom and spirituality. Devotees often invoke Ganesha’s blessings to mitigate the malefic effects of Ketu in their astrological charts.

[bloodsol94]

Rate Your Traits - OC Edition

Still sick, miserable, but i have been sitting here for four hours, I had fun doing this, I also now see that i have the wrong eye color, on Myron's eyes, will I change it? Don't know. I love him as he is, i just wish there was a mod for Eilistraean earrings. Oh well i can not have everything

@nemo-of-house-hamartia, and @mogruith What do you think? Need to ad more or what?

0/10 never expresses this trait 5/10 sometimes expresses this trait 10/10 almost always expresses this trait

COMPASSION 10/10

Myron has compassion for every living thing, it be devil, deva, demon (not Loth), or mortal. He will go out of his way to help, and because he is a drow, he has to work extra hard to show how kind his people can be. He will take peoples abuse if he has to, and he has done that too, many times. He will not stop caring even when you are dead, he will ask Eilistraee or Bahamut to get you from the Fugue Plane, if they can. And takes comfort in their attempt.

BITTERNES 2/10

Myron is normal not a bitter person, he is mortal so he is not perfect. He is abit bitter for not meeting his parents as they was killed by Loth, when he was a baby, but that was outside of his control. And who knows, maybe he would have been a different person had they been alive, and he feels bad for not truly missing them, but as Bahamut said, "It's hard to miss someone that you did not know"

HAPPINES 9/10

Myron is a really happy man, he is rarely sad, so when he is sad, a storm sorcerer will make it rain in Neverwinter. Myron always smiles to the people around him, it be friend or foe. Graz'zt finds this so annoying, to the point he just gave up on trying to seduce Myron, ad in the fact Myron is 2.50 meter, and Graz'zt is 2.7 meter tall, he did not like to look up to se Myron's kind eyes.

POLITNESS 10/10

Myron is so polite that the lord of Neverwinter sometimes ask him to help with trade, events or other important stuff. He once settled a near war between Waterdeep and Neverwinter. It has a limit how ever, and when it reaches zero, fun stuff happens. The Waterdeep/Neverwinter situation was one of these times., he just rolled up a non important papers, and hit both leaders on the head and said that they need to act like adult. Or as he said it, "If you both want to act like toddlers, you are not allowed to drag the armies into this conflict". Then made shure to read thru the peace papers to see if there was anything that could hurt the other city.

CHIVALRY 10/10

As a cleric Myron is cheval to a fault. He believes in honor on the battlefield, and in common courtesy. He was raised to show his friends and enemies respect. He was thought that chivalry meant to show measure of kindness, generosity, and respect. He was thought not to be polite, kind, and unselfish to everyone around him. That is why many calls him the kindest man in the realms

PRIDE 8/10

Myron is a mortal man so he has some flaws, one of them being his pride, he prides himself on his looks, (he know he is good looking). On his knowledge as he is 250 years old, and his MASSIVE library that could rival The Master's Library. He prides him self on the fact he and his friend, has managed to get so many drow away from Loth, and has started construction on a new city for them under Neverwinter, (sunlight sensitivity can be a real bitch). And having the most beautiful woman in all the realms, Tavlon.

HONESTY 9/10

Myron is is honest that when he lies, not even the Lord Of Lies can tell if he is lying. Myron is the embodiment of in honesty is the best policy. BUT, if Tavlon asks him a question that ends with him sleeping on the to small couch, he will lie in a heart beat

BRAVERY - 9/10

Myron is quite brave, but even he has fears. His biggest one is losing Tavlon, his heart and soul. He will not hesitate to stand agenst the horde to protect as many he can, even if it gives them only one second, he will die with out regret. He will how ever not punish THE archdevil supreme in the face. He is not stupid.

RECLESSNESS - 5/10

Before he meet Tavlon, he was a ferly careful man. After he meet her, his anxiety got anxiety. But he is also taking more chances, and is having more fun the he has had in a long time, he is still careful, but now he is not afraid to to be more reckless

AMBITION - 10/10

Myron wants all drow freed form Loth, and see her gone from all planes, and her soul destroyed. He wants to show the world that the drow is only prisoners of Loth.

LOYALTY - 10/10

He is so loyal to his gods and his adoptive parents, (the two dragonborn that raised him), that when they died they made him promise them, that he would not fall to darkness, with out a reason. And not fall to Shar, they would know if he does that. He would never brake that promise, till he meet Tavlon. For her he would destroy the world, if he had to.

LOVE - 10/10

Myron is a all or nothing type of man. He will show you the world of colors, or the universe. Give him a chance, and he will treat you better then a goddess. He near literally gave his heart to Tavlon to show how much he loves her. The only reason he did not was because, she said he did not have to, she believes him. And she has not been better treated in the world, then when Myron spoils her.

SENSE OF FAMILY - 10/10

Myron wants a big family, he wants many children, biological or adopted, he does not care, he wants as many kids as possible. That is one of the major reasons he is still working at the orphanage. To make shure that they find they find their forever family. And to give them a good role model. To show them how a real adult should be treating everyone else, and to help them on their way in life.

ATTRACTIVNESS - 8/10

Now Myron is attractive, and he knows it. He has used it to get intel on adventure before, to charm trades and to charm his enemies. He is a bit sanative about his burn scar he has on his face, and the fact he has a prosthetic right eye. The eye he is not so sensitive about anymore, as Loth took it when he was born, and the prostatic was a gift from the lord Neverwinter was there when arrived at the Temple of Bahamut, by Eilistraee mail, (litary she gave him to the temple priests). The burn scar on the other hand came from a fight he had with a dreider, and got burned by it. So that is still a soar theme, but he won the battle.

AGILITY - 9/10

Not shure if this counts, but this man can bend in ways that could make a snake green with envy. Since he dances so mush he, learned to bend in painful ways to many people. But he does it, he once removed his armor to squeeze in crack in a wall to get some children out of a collapsed building. He can collapse his ribs a little bit, so he had better place.

SEX DRIVE - 10/10

Before Tavlon come into his life he had to be tag temed by Vhaeraun and Divi'rach, just not to feel so stressed, and pent up. He is still not shure on how Vhaeraun, joined the nightly escapades, but he did. And when Tavlon came into the picture, she and Myron went at it like breeding rabbits. They showed each other what true love making is. And as long as it is not a woman he sleeps with, she don't care about Vhaeraun and Divi'rach. And as long as he don't get pregnant,only she can do that. (Vhaeraun has never been more terrified in his long life)

[emmkayyy03]

Hey there sweets,

I wanted to know you're opinion of Utara Ashada women. I've noticed that there isn't acknowledgement or too information on the nakshatra. Good day and thank you

Hiiiiii. Good day to you too.

Okay lets start with the lore of the nakshatra, lord vishnu taking the form of Mohini the maiden to distract and lure away the Asuras and demons during the churning of the ocean after they took the possesion of nectar of immortality and give it back to the devas/gods . The themes we see in the story are that of resilience, leadership, idealism, strategic thinking and a shift in dynamics due to these traits.

With my experience with UA women, I have had 2 friends and both of them had strong leadership qualities and resilience.They just have this way of walking into a room and instantly lighting it up with their confidence and energy. When things get tough, they don’t just fold; they turn setbacks into winning moments. I have never seen them giving up. Being a dev gana nakshtra they have strong ethical values, are loyal and nurturing as well.

Idealism is another defining trait I’ve noticed. Their strong sense of justice echoes the Sun’s role in representing truth and higher purpose. They are known to engage in social causes and events, believing in the power of change. Conversations with them can be deeply enriching; they challenge you to think critically and expand perspective.

Unlike Shiva who grants boons to anyone devoted to him, Vishnu only blesses the gods and anyone of benefic nature, loyalty is another strong trait of this nakshtra. They are incredibly devoted friends, always ready to offer support and honest advice, making it clear that authenticity is key to their relationships.However, their high ideals sometimes lead to disappointment when reality doesn’t meet their expectations. 

They are always curious for knowledge too and never stop learning.

These qualities can sometimes manifest negatively in certain individuals when underdeveloped ,

Resilience many a times manifests as stubbornness .When they set their minds on something, they can become really stubborn. This inflexibility can be tough for others, especially in group situations where collaboration is key. Their idealism drives them to aim for the best, but it can quickly turn toxic if they project those high expectations onto others. These women can be fiercely loyal, but sometimes that loyalty can tip into possessiveness. They might become overly clingy or controlling in relationships, suffocating those they care about.Their strong sense of right and wrong can make them judgmental. Their desire to lead and do things their way can sometimes come off as controlling. They might insist on having things done their way, leaving no room for others to contribute or share their ideas.

These are some of the areas they might have to work on potentially to become the best version of themselves.

Elephant as the Yoni Animal of Uttara Ashadha

They are usually wise , calm , patient and value social bonds. In relationships they are known to be nurturing and desire a strong emotional connection rather than just physical pleasure.They are often confident and  may not shy away from taking the lead and expressing their desires, which can create a fulfilling dynamic in intimate encounters.

Life Pattern

Early Life:Strong Foundations: Many Uttara Ashadha individuals have a supportive family environment that emphasizes values such as ethics, education, and hard work. They are often encouraged to pursue academic and extracurricular interests.Leadership Tendencies: Even in their early years, they may display natural leadership abilities, taking initiative in group projects or extracurricular activities.

Career Path: Leadership Roles: Uttara Ashadha individuals are often drawn to leadership positions and may find themselves in roles that allow them to influence others, such as management, teaching, or community organizing. Their ability to inspire can lead them to be respected figures in their professional circles. Given their idealistic nature, many may engage in social causes, nonprofit work, or careers in public service. They feel a strong urge to contribute positively to society and advocate for justice and equality.

Life Challenges: Throughout their lives, they may face various challenges that test their resilience and values. These experiences can lead to significant personal growth, helping them understand their strengths and weaknesses better

Spiritual Exploration: Their search for higher meaning often leads them to spiritual or philosophical pursuits. This exploration can deepen their understanding of their purpose and enhance their overall well-being.

This is my limited knowledge on this nakshatra, hope this could be of your help.

[digi-lov]

Loyalty Deeper than the Sea EX5-071 by banira from EX-05 Theme Booster Animal Colosseum

This option card is a reference to this program card from Hyper Coloseum of the same name! There's no obvious similarities in the effects.

Loyalty Deeper than the Sea Bo-701 from Booster 14 ~The Radiant Crimson Knight of Heavenly Wings~

[youremyheaven]

The Paradox of Being

just a little PSA for everyone who sends me asks like "how can ashlesha be manipulative if they're mleccha caste and abused their whole lives? or how can xyz nak be deva gana AND be shudra caste?? or how come xyz planet or nak can have yada yada yada qualities when its deity/nature/plant/yoni/theme is abc,,, for the love of god, not everything is a monolith, every single nakshatra and every single planet is full of "contradictions" (i say this with air quotes because i dont think having "opposite" qualities is contradictory at all, without the shadow, light cannot exist, everything serves its function to create a single unified being, once you rise above paltry understandings of "duality" and "contradictions" you will understand what it is to be a "whole" and integrated person, people who are extremely kind are also capable of immense cruelty if they feel its justified, this is the nature of life) and "paradoxes" because that is the truth of human nature and life. not everything is black and white. if you aspire to understand the spiritual dimension, give up these binary views of "right" and "wrong" and think of everything as one. extreme empathy can twist into manipulation, selflessness can morph into tamasic passivity and self-neglect, compassion can turn into control, the "negative" qualities an individual possesses is the shadow of their "positive" qualities. every single personality trait is interconnected and exists in a state of mutual causation. nothing is separate. division is an illusion. the difficult experiences of a nakshatra do not redeem them of the negative traits attributed to them. multiple "conflicting" things can be true. it is possible that your gana/purushartha/planet/caste etc are all at odds with each other, this adds to the richness and complexity of life. that's the beauty of vedic astrology. dont try to fit everything into the straitjacket of a very tropical (astrology) based worldview of "cancers are crybabies" "capricorns are workaholics".

thanks for coming to my ted talk

[jotun-philosopher]

Aziraphale: Dungeons & Dragons AU

I've been on a bit of a D&D jag recently -- a couple of 50th anniversary adventure books caught my imagination -- so I went back to this little post and decided to expand on it with in-universe character bios and statblocks for the Ineffable Husbands!

I can't safely assume that everyone who reads this post will be familiar with D&D terms, so I'll be including a lot of inline links -- let me know in the notes if there's anything I've missed on that front. For the links to 5e.tools, there are tabs for Traits/Stat Block, Info and so on at the top of each information pane on the right-hand side of the screen. The tables on the left-hand side of the screen can be hidden by clicking on the 'Hide' tab.

Crowley bio/statblock here -- the bios are intended to be read more-or-less side-by-side. The whole thing is also available on my AO3 here

cw: child abuse, physical and psychological (mostly implied, some effects shown or discussed), cults, violence, trauma

*********

Shabby but comfortable scholar's robes in an old-fashioned style, short white hair, stocky build, a gentle, kindly, soft-spoken manner -- apart from the brown eyes liberally flecked with silver and the ring of dusty, sparkling light around his head, like a concentration of the 'diamond dust' that sometimes forms in cold regions, Aziraphale looks like a perfectly mundane bookseller in a well-preserved late middle age. Many have judged this aasimar thus; for some beings, it was the last mistake they ever made.

It was not always so. Aziraphale was born into a self-righteous apocalypse cult that travelled around the easternmost reaches of the continent. His strong celestial heritage was obvious from the start, which the cult leadership took as a sign of divine favour for their schemes.

As a small child, Aziraphale would have been perfectly content to spend his time chasing butterflies, trailing his fingers in running water and playing with motes of dust dancing in sunbeams. However, a stern, distant angelic figure began repeatedly appearing in his dreams, sending vague dark prophecies and visions of events that might or might not come to pass. When Aziraphale mentioned this to the adults, with all the trusting innocence of the very young, the cult's resident sage recognised the signs of a deva guide reaching out to their assigned aasimar. The cult leaders, unwilling to relinquish control of their little figurehead, proceeded to use every method they could find, both magical and mundane, to manipulate and browbeat Aziraphale into becoming their chief enforcer.

When Aziraphale came of age, the cult's leadership decided to test the strength of their control over him by sending him out to kill some tiefling children in the nearby town for, essentially, being tieflings. He went out, because the conditioning to which he'd been subjected for most of his life was deeply rooted and backed up with a high-level geas. Underneath it all, though, Aziraphale was wracked with nebulous fears, doubts and uncertainties that the chains of enchantment around his mind would not permit him to examine more closely. This internal conflict, however deeply buried, was still potent enough to slow his steps and blunt his situational awareness; when he entered the residence of his assigned targets, his guard was just low enough that he didn't notice the adult tiefling rogue until his sword was snatched and thrown across the room at the same time as he was slammed into the wall.

Aziraphale rather distantly realised that he should have been scared. Instead, the golden-yellow eyes staring into his own struck him as the most beautiful and above all kindest eyes he had ever seen. Distracted by this sight and thought, and the further inner turmoil they provoked, he answered a series of probing, compassionate questions without thinking, until he found himself helping his would-be targets discreetly take flight to a far-off place of safety -- without provoking a psychic backlash from the geas!

On a hillside overlooking the town, once he'd helped this mysterious tiefling burn the house down to cover up the family's escape, Aziraphale risked taking a closer look at the golden-eyed stranger. Six feet of lanky height, dark red hair falling in waves past the shoulders, elaborately twisting horns above the temples, serviceable leather armour and a five-foot-long prehensile tail -- an arresting sight indeed! And so many questions -- delivered in a gentle tone, but carefully worded and incisively aimed. Aziraphale answered haltingly, utterly unused to such interactions and uncertain as to why his new friend seemed so horrified at things that were, for him, perfectly normal. He tentatively reached toward the thought that maybe they weren't normal, but as soon as it began to form, the harsh bite of enchantment yanked his mind into a stinging dark red haze and his limbs began to move of their own volition.

Stumbling back to the cult's encampment, a prisoner within his uncontrollable body -- in pain on an earthen floor, the cult's leader wielding a wooden cudgel to vicious effect while the sage rummaged through his mind -- tremors in the ground, the boom of a magically magnified voice that seemed familiar, though the words were indistinct -- being carried at speed along a dark street, blood streaming from his nose...

When Aziraphale regained full consciousness, he found himself lying in his underclothes on a bed in a small stone room, his brain feeling like it had been pulled out and flattened with a mallet. His tiefling friend -- who seemed to be called Crowley, judging by the argument they were having with a senior cleric -- barged the door fully open, helped him into a set of nondescript common clothes and a cloak (to conceal his distinctive halo), guided him carefully out of the temple through a rear door and, hand in hand, they legged it out of town just as dawn was creeping over the horizon.

And so began their desperate flight across the continent. Aziraphale struggled to adjust at first; the privations of life on the run were not so different from life in the cult, but having anyone at all (let alone a very stylish and huggable tiefling) treat him with kindness and actual, genuine respect for his thoughts and feelings and needs and personhood was so unfamiliar as to be initially incomprehensible. Sleep wasn't much of an escape -- his nightmarish memories combined with his deva guide's attempts at reaching out in surreal and disturbing ways.

It got easier. With every hug from Crowley, every kind word, every chance to watch a piece of natural beauty or try a tasty new food, and with the passage of time, the memories did not so much fade as lose their sharp edges. With the abatement, however gradual, of the nightmares came the mental space for Aziraphale to reconnect with long-buried parts of himself, in particular his quiet pleasure in sensory communion with nature, and his own aasimar powers.

When their funds started running low a little under one third of the way across the continent, Aziraphale was therefore the one to suggest taking adventuring work as a way to fund the rest of their travels -- jobs were in plentiful supply, after all, and it'd introduce an erratic element to their travel path that'd likely confuse any lingering pursuit (not that there was likely to be any, given Crowley's skill at stealthy travel). Plus, knowing that the cult had tried to exploit his power for evil ends made him very determined to use that power to help and protect people. Crowley seemed hesitant, but agreed after some thought, and helped him find a suitable sword and some decent affordable armour.

Taking up adventuring proved to be a better decision than Aziraphale had ever expected. Solving people's problems alongside Crowley and seeing genuinely positive results from using his aasimar abilities helped light break through the shell of trauma and darkness around his soul, and every smile -- from people he'd helped, and especially from Crowley -- went to shore up his burgeoning feelings of hope for himself and the future. Even his deva guide proved useful once or twice, pointing out places where a situation might need attention (though its distant, detached perspective and rigid criteria for 'goodness' proved troublesome and helpful in equal measure).

The discovery that he truly enjoyed helping and protecting people and places stoked in Aziraphale a fiercely burning love of all of the good and life-giving things of the world and a powerful determination to preserve them. He was musing over this one morning, watching an interesting bush swaying in the breeze, when a huge and magnificent blue butterfly began emerging from its chrysalis but fell from the branch before its wings had fully expanded. Aziraphale gently caught it and let it rest on its hand until it was able to fly. Something about the situation felt powerfully evocative of his own recent history, which gave him an idea. He discussed it with Crowley, and the very next day, in a sun-dappled glade with the wind whispering through the leaves, Aziraphale took the Oath of the Ancients before no god but nature itself, swearing to kindle the light of hope through acts of mercy, kindness and forgiveness; to shelter the light of beauty, goodness, life, love and laughter against the forces that would devour them; to preserve the light in his own heart, that he might best preserve the light of the world; to be a beacon of joy and courage and hope for those living in despair. The stern and muted approval of his deva guide at this decision was as nothing compared to Crowley's radiantly evident pride.

The decision to take the path of a paladin helped give a more defined shape to their adventuring work, and Aziraphale and Crowley quickly gained a degree of note (or at least notoriety) for being seemingly utterly mismatched -- paladin and rogue, aasimar and tiefling, heavy plate armour versus light, spike-studded leather -- yet working together with fluid brilliance, putting paid to evil schemes wherever they found them. Aziraphale in particular tended to attract curiosity and surprise, with his intense enthusiasm for butterflies (having adopted the image of one as his holy paladin symbol) leading people to take him for an unusually heavily armoured ranger or druid -- until he started smiting undead monstrosities or healing mortal wounds with divine light.

As far as Aziraphale was concerned, Crowley was the greatest of the good and life-giving parts of the world, the sheer goodness of their kind and caring soul (though they denied it, out of long-ingrained habit) a shining light that he would fight to preserve regardless of formal oath. This culminated, one crisp, clear spring morning, in the pair taking their wedding vows in a lush meadow in the foothills of a mountain near the western coast of the continent. Their rings being perfect for use with the warding bond spell was the icing on the metaphorical cake.

Once the honeymoon was over, the adventuring work continued as usual -- though not without struggle. Aziraphale's tensions with his deva guide increased, as the guide's detachment from the realities of life on the Material Plane and unswerving adherence to a rigid conception of Goodness clashed with his lived experience of small, everyday acts of courage and kindness and love being just as important in holding back darkness (per his paladin oath) as any amount of smiting great evil. The guide's dream-contacts also made Aziraphale feel out-of-sorts for days afterwards, with the old nightmares tending to make a resurgence; he eventually realised that the pressure to adhere unquestioningly to rules of Goodness written on Mount Celestia was constantly re-opening the wounds inflicted on him so long ago by his childhood cult in their efforts to control him. He tried to convey this to the guide and request a cessation of contact save in the most apocalyptically dire emergencies, but the only response the guide made was to accost Aziraphale and Crowley in person when they were returning to civilisation, lightly singed, after dealing with a swarm of hell hounds and the fire giant to whom they were in service.

The meeting did not go well; almost the first words out of the guide's mouth were criticisms of Aziraphale's choice of paladin oath and general waywardness, Crowley's influence being blamed for the latter. Aziraphale could have dealt with all of that with comparative equanimity, but the guide followed it up by calling his and Crowley's marriage 'a distraction and a mistake'; it got about halfway through making a profoundly bigoted remark about Crowley's tiefling heritage before Aziraphale delivered a plate-armoured straight-arm punch to the nose. With the guide stunned on the ground, he coldly, calmly instructed it to never attempt to contact him or Crowley again, by any means or for any reason -- a request not quite delivered at swordpoint, but certainly with several inches of unsheathed blade. Thankfully, the guide got the message.

After that, things settled back into the usual rhythm of the adventuring life, with events ranging from the routine (such as joining up with another group of adventurers to deal with a demilich haunting the cellars of an opera house; a profoundly grateful management offered free tickets as part of the reward, so it turned into an impromptu date night!) to the surprising (a rare black-and-tan pegasus bonding with Crowley; for whatever reason, they decided to name it 'Bentley') to the intense (Aziraphale's childhood cult attempting to make a resurgence; their fatal error was in assuming that the powerful and experienced paladin with a legitimate grievance and devoted, protective spouse would be just as easy to control as the isolated and vulnerable child. They were swiftly proved wrong.) A few magical artifacts came into their possession, too, whether discovered in dungeons or given as rewards -- and once, when an old man festooned with canaries pressed a small canary figurine on them in the street because he 'liked their faces' (Aziraphale gave it to Crowley more or less immediately, because it was the same pretty gold colour as their eyes).

A short time after the final dissolution of the cult, the duo were attacked by a pit fiend that abducted Crowley, apparently due to some sort of long-ago deal. Aziraphale wasted no time in sending Bentley to fetch help, gathering resources, preparing spells and giving chase, refusing to leave Crowley in the darkness and despair of captivity for a single second longer than necessary, or to believe that his spouse would voluntarily enter into an infernal contract.

The portal to the pit fiend's lair lay in the ruins of a wizard's forest tower, and led to an isolated section of Avernus, first and outermost of the Nine Hells. While Crowley was too physically far away for the warding bond spell in their wedding rings to activate, long familiarity with the latent link meant Aziraphale was able to get a very good idea of which direction to go. He set off walking across the barren, blasted hills, cutting a swath through any creatures attempting to waylay him (when he was unable to avoid them using stealth techniques picked up from Crowley) and avoiding all deals, temptations and tarnish to his soul by means of sheer single-minded stubbornness. When a cave came into view that his senses, both mundane and divine, told him was the place where Crowley was being held, Aziraphale took a moment to pause and listen.

The pit fiend was gloating to Crowley (who was chained and caged, but alive and seemingly unharmed) and a bearded devil minion about its scheme to usurp power in Avernus, which apparently relied upon corrupting powerful souls; neither fiend was paying close attention to the cave entrance. Aziraphale was therefore able to catch the bearded devil entirely off-guard with a casting of moonbeam, which destroyed it in a matter of seconds. He moved the spell's area of effect to the pit fiend and advanced steadily, noting with the small part of his mind not bent on maintaining the spell that Crowley had nearly broken free of their bonds and was hastily working to finish the job.

The pit fiend lunged out of the moonbeam spell at that point, breaking Aziraphale's concentration with a tail strike that sent him reeling. Aziraphale responded by invoking warding bond and the strongest magical transformations granted by both his aasimar heritage and his paladin oath, and went on the offensive, trying to damage the pit fiend as much as possible while drawing its attention away from Crowley, who had managed to escape both chains and cage, and was readying a sneak attack.

Aziraphale and Crowley fought hard, with a fluid cooperation honed over many years. The pit fiend gave as good as it got, though, and despite Aziraphale's protective paladin auras and Crowley's speed, they eventually found themselves near collapse, burned by walls of fire and weakened by poison from the fiend's bite. Then Crowley, with the ingenuity that always made Aziraphale go gooey inside, remembered the enigmatic canary figurine, invoking an activation command and hurling it at the pit fiend's feet -- whereupon it transformed into an adult gold dragon!

The considerable distraction provided by the dragon allowed Aziraphale the opportunity to heal himself and Crowley and repair the rents in their armour. After that, they went back on the offensive, and with the aid of their new ally they vanquished the pit fiend. In the aftermath, Aziraphale took a moment to sit and catch his breath while Crowley carefully gathered up the restored canary figurine and explained about how their village had tried to sacrifice them to the pit fiend in their early childhood, and the swiftly-dispatched bearded devil had once been part of the old cult.

Their belongings gathered, the next problem presented itself: getting out of Avernus safely. An investigation of the meagre hoard of treasures in the pit fiend's lair turned up a silver ring inlaid with three green gemstones, one of which burned with a curious internal fire. Aziraphale recognised its powerful magic immediately, and after some thought, Crowley identified it as a ring of three wishes with one charge remaining. As the more proficient spellcaster, Aziraphale used the ring to transport the two of them back to their campsite, where Bentley the pegasus was waiting for them, whickering nervously.

Ultimately, despite multiple boons from some of the more sentimentally inclined deities who'd been following his and Crowley's relationship and exploits, an accumulation of physical and mental scathe forced Aziraphale to retire from active combat and adventuring. He bought property in a somewhat out-of-the-way town and opened a bookshop, which quickly gained a sort of affectionate notoriety for its incredibly convoluted opening hours and refusal to actually sell anything.

Adventurers are welcome to drop by the bookshop for advice on spellcasting, assistance with copying or interpreting spell scrolls, information on butterflies (which they'll probably get anyway!) and good counsel about many other matters. A very lucky few might be permitted to pet or feed Bentley the pegasus, or take some fruit and vegetables from Crowley's well-tended garden. It would be wise to note, though, that despite his retirement from active adventuring, Aziraphale still keeps in shape and follows the tenets of the Oath of the Ancients as best he can in everyday life -- and thus retains all of his paladin powers. Only the most terminally foolish individuals would try to steal from the bookshop or otherwise provoke his and Crowley's ire.

---

Aziraphale

Medium Humanoid (Protector Aasimar, 20th level Oath of the Ancients Paladin), Chaotic Good

Age: Unknown (immortal) Height: 5'10'' Weight: 194lb

Armour Class 13 Hit Points 250 (20d10+140) ('Tough' feat applies) Speed 30ft

STR 23 (+6) DEX 17 (+3) CON 20 (+5) INT 22 (+6) WIS 20 (+5) CHA 22 (+6)

Saving Throws Strength (+20), Constitution (+19), Intelligence (+20), Wisdom (+12), Charisma (+20)

Skills Athletics (+13), Sleight of Hand (+10), Arcana (+20), History (+13), Nature (+20), Religion (+20), Animal Handling (+19), Insight (+12), Medicine (+19), Survival (+12), Intimidation (+20), Persuasion (+20)

Damage Resistances necrotic, radiant; bludgeoning, piercing and slashing from non-magical attacks

Damage Immunities psychic, poison

Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, possessed, poisoned, stunned, all diseases

Senses darkvision 60ft, passive Perception 29

Languages all

Challenge 21 (33,000 XP) Proficiency Bonus +7

Traits

Special Equipment Depending on the circumstances of combat, Aziraphale may be wielding either a Holy Avenger Longsword or a large candelabra. He uses them two-handed and has proficiency with both. He also wears a ring of the ram on the little finger of his right hand and a platinum ring for use with the warding bond spell on the ring finger of his left hand; Crowley wears the other such ring.

Chronic Fatigue Due to persistent trauma, Aziraphale has two levels of exhaustion as a baseline.

Channel Divinity: Nature's Wrath As an action, Aziraphale can cause spectral vines to ensnare one creature within 10 feet of him that he can see. That creature must succeed on its choice of a Strength or Dexterity saving throw or be restrained; it can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, freeing itself on a success. This causes the vines to vanish.

Protective Auras Provided that Aziraphale is not incapacitated, he and any creatures friendly to him who are within 30ft of him have a +6 bonus to saving throws and resistance to damage from spells, and cannot be inflicted with the 'frightened' condition by any means.

Divine Smite Aziraphale deals an extra 1d8 radiant damage with all weapon strikes (as detailed under 'Radiant Strike' in the 'Actions' section)

Undying Sentinel (1/day) Aziraphale falls to 1 hit point if he takes a hit that would reduce him to 0 hit points without killing him outright.

Magic Resistance Aziraphale has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Legendary Resistance (3/day) If he fails a saving throw, Aziraphale can choose to succeed on it instead.

Spellcasting Aziraphale is a 20th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 21, +13 to hit with spell attacks). He uses a butterfly-styled amulet as a spellcasting focus and as such requires no material components. He has the following paladin spells prepared, and casts warding bond at the start of combat:

Cantrips (at will): light, mending, holy word

1st level (4 slots): wrathful smite, divine favour, ensnaring strike (oath spell), speak with animals (oath spell)

2nd level (3 slots): branding smite, warding bond, moonbeam (oath spell), misty step (oath spell)

3rd level (3 slots): blinding smite, remove curse, aura of vitality, plant growth (oath spell), protection from energy (oath spell)

4th level (3 slots): aura of purity, supernal smite, staggering smite, ice storm (oath spell), stoneskin (oath spell)

5th level (2 slots): banishing smite, destructive wave, commune with nature (oath spell), tree stride (oath spell)

Actions

Multiattack Aziraphale makes two Radiant Strike attacks and either casts one spell or expends one charge from his ring of the ram.

Radiant Strike Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 5ft, one target. Hit: 15 (1d10+10) slashing damage plus 15 (2d10+1d8) radiant damage (Holy Avenger Longsword)/10 (1d6+7) bludgeoning damage + 4 (1d8) radiant damage (candelabra).

Radiant Soul Aziraphale unleashes the divine energy within him. For the next minute, he has luminous, incorporeal wings which grant him 30ft of flying speed and the ability to deal an extra 20 radiant damage on one weapon or spell strike per turn.

Elder Champion Aziraphale calls upon the strongest powers granted by his oath, gaining a leonine mane of shimmering butterfly wings. For the next minute, he regains 10 hit points at the start of each of his turns and can cast his paladin spells as a bonus action even if their casting time is 1 action; additionally, enemies within 10 feet of him have disadvantage on saving throws against his spells and Channel Divinity feature.

Reaction

Trauma Aziraphale is immune to all enchantment and illusion magic. Any such spell cast on him fails automatically; furthermore, he moves to within 5 feet of any creature that tries to cast such magic on him or Crowley and makes two weapon attacks on that creature, which are automatic critical hits.

---

Notes:

I wrote this with the Forgotten Realms setting in mind, since I'm most familiar with that world; translating things to another part of the D&D multiverse shouldn't be too much of a problem

I was leaning on the 2014 editions of the Player's Handbook, Monster Manual and Dungeon Master's Guide for this fic and statblock -- the 2024 PHB came out when I was halfway through typing up the statblock! XD

This statblock is intended to portray aasimar!Aziraphale in retirement; if you want to put him into your campaign as an active paladin, equip him with Plate Armour of Etherealness (angels aren't occult, after all!) and a shield in addition to the Holy Avenger Longsword; I'm torn between Euryale's Aegis, Sentinel Shield and a simple +3 shield (the latter two of which would free up an attunement slot for something else (maybe a Necklace of Prayer Beads?)). Whichever one you choose, tweak the statblock accordingly, and happy dungeoneering! And definitely drop me a line to let me know how it goes! :D

My autistic headcanon for Aziraphale really made itself felt while I was planning/writing this (I'm autistic myself and identify with Az to a slightly worrying degree, so I was probably projecting a bit while writing); I'm not entirely sure where the butterfly aspect came from, but eh, it fits ^^

Props to @vidavalor for doing a spot of beta reading :D

[bethanythebogwitch]

Digimon & Mythology: the Holy Beasts and the Deva

I really like mythology and I really like Digimon, so why not combine them? Talking about the real-world inspirations behind monsters is something I've been doing with Pokemon, so let's give Digimon the same treatment.

Digimon has a lot of special groups whose members share common goals and origins. Two of these groups that are inticately linked to each other are the Holy Beasts (translated to English as the Sovereigns or Harmonious Ones) and the Deva. The Holy beasts are Ultimate/Mega level Digimon who each guard one of the cardinal directions of the Digital World: north, south, east, and west, with a 5th member ruling over the other four and guarding the center. The Deva are a group of 12 Perfect/Ultimate level Digimon that serve the Holy Beasts, with each of the Beasts having 3 Deva that answer to it. The Beast of the center has no Deva.

The Holy Beasts are based on the Chinese legend of the Four Symbols or Sì Xiàng. Other names for them include the Four Guardians, Four Gods, and Four Auspicious Beasts. These are four constellations that are said to represent and guard the four cardinal directions. Some versions of the myth add a 5th member representing the center. While it originated in China, the legend of the Four Symbols spread across East Asia and can now be found in many cultures. The legend reached Japan where it inspired the designers of Digimon. They specifically made the Holy Beasts based on a Japanese variant of the legend where the Four Symbols are believed to guard Kyoto. The Beasts are also associated with seasons and were syncretized into the 5 elements of the Wuxing: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. I will discuss each Digimon and its mythological counterpart below.

The Deva have multiple origins. The name comes from the Devas of Hinduism, benevolent supernatural beings who fought against the evil Asuras. As Hinduism evolved and changed over time, the term took on varying meanings, but still retained the idea that Devas are good. Buddhism adopted the idea when it split off from Hinduism. Buddhist Devas are beings that are more powerful than humans, but are still mortal and trapped in the same cycle of death and reincarnation as humans are. While Devas may be venerated by humans, they are still below the Buddhas. This can be seen in the Digimon Deva who are powerful beings (though not all of them are as benevolent as their mythical counterparts) but still are subordinate to the Holy Beasts. The Deva take the shape of animals from the Chinese zodiac. The names of the Deva come from the Twelve Heavenly Generals. These are Buddhist figures that are the guardians of Bhaisajyaguru, the Buddha if healing and medicine in Mahāyāna Buddhism. This story spread throughout Asia including to Japan, where Bhaisajyaguru is called Yakushi. The Heavenly Generals eventually came to be associated with the animals of the Chinese zodiac, though different traditions disagree on which animal is associated with which general. I think I have tracked down the version used by the Digimon creators, which uses the same animals for the Generals and the Deva. The Deva's names all come from Japanese transliterations of the Generals' original Sanskrit names. In this tradition, each General is associated with a particular weapon. The Deva share this trait, each having a weapon named in Chinese called the Bǎo [weapon name] with Bǎo meaning "treasure". Stragely, the Deva mix up which weapon is associated with which General. I don't know if this was intentional or not. Each Deva also has an attack named after one of the Narakas (hells) listed in the Hindu text Vishnu Purana. More detail on each Deva will be presented below.

The Holy Beast of the north is Xuanwumon (Ebonwumon in English). It is a gigantic tortoise with two snake-like heads and a tree for a shell. It is based on Xuánwǔ, the Black Tortoise of the Four Symbols. While nearly every depiction of Xuánwǔ depicts it as a tortoise, usually with a snake on its shell, the name actually translates to "black warrior". It is associated with the season of winter and element of water. The snake seen with it is because it was believed that turtles could only mate with snakes and not each other. Yeah, the Greeks weren't the only people who could be hilariously wrong about animals. The snake connection carries over to Xuanwumon, whose heads and necks are those of snakes. Xuanwumon is the eldest of the Holy Beasts and fights using water powers (fitting its mythical counterpart). It is also the least violent of the Holy Beasts and is a philosopher who comes up with zen koans.

The Deva who serve Xuanwumon are Kumbhiramon the mouse, Vajramon the bull, and Vikaralamon the boar. Kumbhiramon is usually depicted as the weakest of the Deva, but is very intelligent, capable of predictions the actions of others, and participates in Xuanwumon's philosophical musings. It is also rather rude and sarcastic while playing up its charming and cute aspects. It's weapon is the Bǎo Chǔ, a vajra (type of Indian club) that it controls with telekinesis. This is one case where its namesake does use the same weapon and it functions as a pun since "chu" is the Japanese onomatopoeia for a mouse's squeak.

Vajramon is the most physically strong of the Deva and is a mighty warrior who seeks truth and honor and despises cowardice. It also aims to rid itself of material and emotional concerns, fitting the Buddhist origins of the Deva. It wields the Bǎo Jiàn, a pair of swords, which fits its legendary counterpart.

Vikaralamon is the largest of the Deva. It is detached, preferring to silently observe the world form a distance and only steps in when it needs to. It may also just be lazy as it sleeps a lot and can sleep with its eyes open. Its weapon is the Bǎo Lún, wheels that it spits out of its mouth and which have different effects depending on what color they are. None of the Heavenly Generals uses a wheel. Its namesake instead uses a sword or vajra. The wheel is a common symbol in Buddhism used to symbolize the cycle of death and rebirth.

The Holy Beast of the west is Qinglongmon (Azulongmon in English), a dragon made of storm clouds. It is based on Qīnlóng, the azure dragon of the east. It is associated with the season of spring and the element of `wood. Xuanwumon seems to have stolen the wood though, given it has a tree on its shell and Quinglongmon has nothing woody about it. Quinglongmon is described as a dispassionate deity who rarely concerns itself with humans or weak Digimon and will only step in when things get serious. This is in contrast to its anime appearances, where it was the most helpful and proactive of the four. Quinglongmon is also a member of the Four Great Dragons, possibly the least utilized group in the franchise. They exist as nothing but a reference to the Chinese Myth of the Four Dragon Kings.

The Deva that serve Quinglongmon are Andiramon the rabbit, Majiramon the dragon, and Mihiramon the tiger. Andiramon (Antylamon in English) is the first of the Deva to debut, predating the group as a whole, though in a different form. There are two forms of Andiramon, Andiramon (data) and Andiramon (virus) with the former being treated as the normal form and the latter being a corrupted version of the Deva as a result of a computer virus. Andiramon (virus) appeared before Andiramon (data). Andiramon is also the only Deva with a dedicated evolution line from Child/Rookie to Ultimate/Mega. Andiramon is a gentle Digimon that loves small and cute creatures and will defend them. Its weapon is the Bǎo Fǔ, which are its own hands transformed into axes. Its mythical counterpart instead uses a mallet or whisk.

Andiramon (data)

Andiramon (virus)

Majiramon is the most capitalist of the Deva. It is extremely greedy and will not lift a finger to do anything that doesn't benefit itself. It also puts a monetary value on everything and will intervene if anything upsets the flow of money. Its weapon is the Bǎo Shǐ, arrows formed from its hair, each of which is worth 5,000 yen. Its associated General is usually associated with bows or spears.

Mihiramon is a scoundrel and a ruffian that enjoys picking fights, but is also the Deva's best strategist and possesses a brilliant tactical mind. Combined with its ability to fly and incredible speed, Mihiramon is one of the best fighters amongst the Deva. Its weapon is the Bǎo Bàng, a three-sectioned staff connected by chains that it can turn its tail into. Think a souped-up nunchuck. Its mythical counterpart uses a vajra instead.

The Holy Beast of the South is Zhuqiaomon. It is based on Zhūquè, the Vermillion Bird of the south. The bird is described as a pheasant with five-colored feathers and that is perpetually covered in fire. Fittingly, its season is summer and its element is fire. Zhuqiaomon is also a flaming bird that attacks with fire. It is the least pleasant of the Holy Beasts, a violent and often cruel god who incinerates those who approach it and rarely helps out others. Fittingly, its sole major anime appearance was as a villain.

The Deva who serve Zhuqiaomon are just as assholeish as their master. They are Indaramon the horse, Pajiramon the sheep, and Sandiramon the snake. Indaramon is a vain asshole that spends its time bragging about talented it is. It even looks down on those who value hard work as it views them as inferior to its natural talent. Despite fussing over its appearance, it is completely unrefined in battle and fights like a berserker. Its weapon is the Bǎo Bèi, a giant gilded conch shell that it uses as a bludgeon and as a horn that can release ultrasonic blasts. Its mythical counterpart instead used a staff

Pajiramon is one of the coolest Deva and one of the evilest. It rules the world of dreams and knows many dark secrets that it divulges to no others. It even avoids the other Deva. While it is described as always calm and yet cruel to others it gives me the impression that the secrets it holds are so dangerous that it must stay away from others at all costs. Its weapon is the Bǎo Gōng, its crossbow that fires arrows which can put others to sleep and trap them in nightmares. It's mythical counterpart also uses a bow.

Sandiramon is the cruelest and most cunning of the Deva. It prefers to draw out fights and kill its enemies in slow and torturous ways. It also lives underground and excels in subterranean combat. Why do snakes always have to be evil? Let us have good snakes damnit. I really don't like it when a group of animals are always or almost always villains in fiction, like sharks, rats, vultures, and snakes. Its weapon is the Bǎo Kuí, spears made of light that it spits out of its mouth. Its mythical counterpart uses a sword or conch shell instead.

The Holy Beast of the west is Baihumon. It is based on Báihǔ, the White Tiger of the West. Báihǔ is associated with autumn and the element of metal. Metal is fitting for Baihumon as it wears metal armor and can unleash a roar that turns targets into metal statues. Baihumon is the youngest and strongest of the Holy Beasts. It is a neutral being that prefers not to get involved in most matters, but is the first Holy Beast to leap into the fight against a powerful enemy.

The Deva that serve Baihumon are Caturamon the dog, Makuramon the monkey, and Sinduramon the rooster. Caturamon has a strong sense of justice and will preside over judgement of others, proclaiming them as good or evil. It's view of justice is very black and white and it doesn't like dealing with situations without a clear good and bad side. It also acts like an older brother to its fellows, something they do not seem to reciprocate. Its weapon is the Bǎo Chuí, a giant hammer it can transform its whole body into. Its mythical counterpart uses swords instead.

Makuramon is interesting it that it almost never speaks and its face remains completely expressionless. This would make its emotions enigmatic, but its body language is extremely expressive, showing it to be hyperactive and extremely curious, though with a short attention span. It dislikes battles and prefers to trap enemies and settle fights nonviolently. This is opposed to its major anime appearance, where it was a total asshole. Its weapon is the Bǎo Yù, spheres that can be used to trap other Digimon. Its mythical counterpart prefers an axe.

The last Deva is Sinduramon, which also sounds like it would be unpleasant to be around. It's a gossip that loves to give insults and pick fights, then it hides inside its armored shell when this inevitably gets it into trouble. I know some people like that and they suck. Its weapon is shared with Kumbhiramon, a vajra called Bǎo Chǔ. Sandiramon's vajra can shoot lightning. Its mythical counterpart also uses a vajra, but a single-pronged one instead of a three-pronged one.

The leader of the Holy Beasts and one of the most powerful Digimon in existence is Huanglongmon (Fanglongmon in English). It is based on Huánglóng, the Yellow Dragon of the Center. It is considered the incarnation of the supreme deity that is the Yellow Emperor and its color represents the earth. It represents the changing of the seasons and the element of earth. Huanglongmon is associated with earth in that it is trapped in the center of the world, from which it observes the Digital World and oversees the other Holy Beasts. In the distant past it was free, but when Lucemon (Digimon's devil) rebelled against God, it trapped Huanglongmon as its first act since its rebellion would have been foiled were Huanglongmon around to oppose it. The imprisonment of Huanglongmon caused the other Holy Beasts to begin fighting for supremacy, but they eventually settled into an equilibrium. Huanglongmon's body is coated in the ultra-rare metal Huanglong ore, which is utterly indestructible. Assimilating Huanglong ore into one's body is a process that takes so long that only Huanglongmon is old enough to actually use it. Huanglongmon is both good and evil, having achieved true balance. If that balance is thrown off, bad things can happen. Specifically, if it leans too hard to evil it will become Huanglongmon Ruin Mode, an unstoppable god of ruin whose rampage was only stopped when the other Holy Beasts restored the balance. This would imply that it also has a mode where it leans too hard to good (Holy Mode? Creation Mode?) but this have never been made official.

Huanglongmon

Huanglongmon Ruin Mode

[moth-thief]

Antylamon EX6-034 R <03>

Ultimate | Data | Holy Beast/Deva

[[Digivolve] [Turuiemon]/[Wendigomon]: Cost 3]

<Alliance>

[When Digivolving] You may play 1 level 3 green or yellow Digimon card from your hand without paying the cost.

---

Inherited: [End of Attack] (Once Per Turn) By returning 1 of your other suspended Digimon to the hand, you may play 1 level 3 card with the [Beast] trait from your hand without paying the cost.