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dreadnought-dear-captain · 6 years ago

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You Asked, I Told and Update

CW: Spoilers for Baghdad Waltz up to chapter 36 and some non-graphic discussion of childhood sexual abuse

Hello!!!

Wow, I am so, so sorry for falling off the grid like that. I thought I was going to have WAY more time in October/November to work on the fic and work on fandom stuff in general, but my professional life threw me a huge right hook and I got completely sidetracked for weeks. So I’m off schedule a bit, in terms of having the next chapter. I’m sorry for the delay.

I’m done with the full draft of Chapter 37 (about 23k - “short” but emotionally very dense) and am working through final revisions now. However, I also had to do an extensive amount of 9/11-related research for it, and part of that research has been reviewing oral histories of New Yorkers from the day of the attacks, and I came to the shocking realization that much of the prologue is historically inaccurate. Moreover, it’s shamefully inconsistent with the way that New Yorkers would respond to such an event. I’m embarrassed by how shoddy of a job I did with it.

Thus, I’m also going to be rewriting the prologue and including more accurate details, both historically and in terms of character dynamics. I mean, there’s no way Bucky could even live in Brooklyn and be a first responder at Ground Zero! All the bridges and tunnels were shut down. Shame on me. There will be ripple effects throughout the entire fic. Sigh. This is just round one of the massive amount of revisions I will be doing to the early chapters of the fic, which I wrote years ago now. I was going to wait to post both at the same time, but I don’t want to make you wait that long. I’ll just give you a notification when I finish the prologue revisions, and it’ll be like a little bonus chapter.

Anyway, here are some asks! Starting with a two-parter

First, thank you for the kind words. I’m glad you’re finding this fic moving. It’s definitely an emotional rollercoaster for these characters, and my hope (I guess?) is to have that be a parallel process for the readers. I think you hit the nail on the head that this relationship is exhausting. And you’re also right that not everyone would have the perseverance to keep coming back to it. It would be so much easier to amputate, pack up and go home. But once these characters get back into each other’s orbit, it’s very challenging for them to not keep crashing back into each other. It’s partially because they just love each other so much, but it’s also because they have an unhealthy relationship dynamic that sets them up for these toxic cycles. This will become especially apparent in the next chapter. They love each other, yes, but they also use each other to fill the gaping holes and insecurities they have within themselves. And they’re horrible communicators to boot. It’s a perfect storm. But at least they are going to try out some of this therapy crap maybe…?? We’ll see!

Along a similar line…

Thank you so much. That is so lovely of you to say, and I’m happy that I have your trust with this story. That said, I don’t know if it’s weakness if you’re not willing to run yourself through a miserable gauntlet of suffering the way Steve and Bucky are doing in this story. Would we call Rikki weak for drawing a boundary and stepping away from Bucky when his alcoholism was destroying their family? Some people used other words, but I’m not sure if weakness is the thing that might make someone walk away from a relationship like this. Just because you love someone doesn’t mean you should keep slamming your face against the same wall until you’re black and blue. This is a highly dysfunctional couple, and these men have serious issues they are grappling with personally that make them ripe for this kind of relationship. Bucky is an open wound, crippled with shame, desperate to do anything to feel better. Steve has deep attachment injuries from his chronically ill mother and deadbeat dad, as well as major control issues, and he wants to latch on and fix and make right, and if he manages every variable just right, he really thinks he can do it. And then throw in a fuckton of PTSD and TBI and alcoholism and physical injuries on top of it. So no, I wouldn’t rush to judge yourself for not envisioning yourself gutting it out in this grim scenario.

But I also think we can identify with at least one of these characters, and we can root for people who want to overcome the shit that life has thrown at them to be with the person they love. Because they really do love each other. There’s just so much noise that it’s hard to tease out the signal sometimes.

Good call on Bucky being a notoriously unreliable narrator, and he’s someone who is likely to underreport his suffering. Aside from his war-related injuries and his psychological struggles, Bucky’s most symptomatic issues are his GI problems. He has both peptic and esophageal ulcers, which are slightly different creatures. Peptic (stomach) ulcers, in Bucky’s case, have been caused by H. pylori and exacerbated by smoking and drinking. The esophageal ulcer was most likely caused by an excess of stomach acid due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and, once again, exacerbated by drinking. Both of these have led to nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, and weight loss. They have really emerged since Bucky got out of the military and pursued drinking with renewed vigor. Though he wouldn’t know it at the time because he doesn’t keep up with these things, his GERD is very possibly linked to acute, high dose exposure to the exceedingly toxic “dust” from the collapse of the World Trade Center towers. It’s one of the most widespread chronic health ailments of those exposed, aside from lower respiratory problems.

And now for some heavy-ass questions from licketysplittt — see CW above.

Yes, I am going to talk more about the context of Bucky’s abuse for sure, so I won’t go into the depths here. But I will say now that you are absolutely right that he has complex feelings for his abuser. I think it would have been easy to write him as just being unidimensionally angry or ashamed, but I know that’s not the experience of everyone who has experienced sexual abuse. This is especially the case if the person who commits the abuse it is a family member or caretaker or friend or trusted religious figure or someone who’s not just a “stranger in the bushes” type. I wanted to try to capture that experience in this fic. Bucky has also been multiply victimized by multiple people over the course of his life, which adds to this complexity and creates an internal narrative for him. Like what does it mean that this keeps happening to him? This is also not an uncommon experience for people who have been abused as children. And there’s also the added piece of this that Bucky’s gay, right? So he’s got this very, very young sexuality that’s on the verge of blooming (your Disney sexuality perhaps, sitting close, holding hands, etc) and this older male is making sexual advances toward him, and so he might ask if this person “saw” something in him aside from his social isolation that made him choose him. These are certainly questions he’s tortured himself over. I will get more into all of this, I promise.

Winnie and George undoubtedly knew that their kid wasn’t a very popular one. But perhaps they always knew that he was a kid who wasn’t destined to have many friends because he’s “sensitive” or however they would characterize him (I’m sure they had different ways of viewing him). And I think it’s important to take into account the type of household that Bucky was in and the way he would shape his behavior. George was this total wildcard — “Best Dad in the World” most days but a screaming, violent tyrant at these odd, unpredictable times that were fucking terrifying for everyone in his path. This is a house where it’s best just to shut up and create as few problems as you can, because you don’t want to be the one that dad is gonna flip his shit at. And so everyone is walking on eggshells and Bucky is going to get very good at lying about how bad things are. And oh! Jamie finally has a friend, how wonderful. There will be more details in upcoming chapters about how this all transpires, but I think the dynamics at home made it possible for a lot of this to happen. And you’re right that these were not the most skillful parents, and their marriage was very strained and stressful for everyone. And these fictional assholes also frustrate me! The emotional content can be hard to write. It’s one reason these past few chapters have taken me soooooo painfully long.

Great questions! You are all so thoughtful and kind. Sorry again for getting so terribly sidetracked. I am going to keep plugging away at the chapter and at comments and asks. I’m optimistic that I will have the next chapter for you within the next two weeks. I am pleased with this chapter and hope you’ll like it. Thank you for being so patient!!!

#YOU ASKED I TOLD #send me asks #baghdad waltz #you are the best

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mutantsrisingrpg · 5 years ago

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Congratulations ALEJANDRO! You’ve been accepted as PLANET X with a FC change to SANTIAGO CABRERA.

Alejandro, your application literally left me speechless. Seriously, I truly don’t know what to say other than this is everything I could have hoped for and more (like, a whole lot more) in an application for Andreas. There was genuinely a moment where I was bouncing between all the parts of the biography, wondering where it all connected, only to read the end and just have my jaw drop. Every sentence of this application oozed with such confident characterization of Andreas in the best way possible. I seriously can’t wait to see him destroy me and the rest of our mutants on the dash!

Welcome to Mutants Rising! Please read the checklist and submit your account within 24 hours.

Out of Character Information:

NAME/ALIAS: Alejandro

PRONOUNS: He + Him

AGE: 27.

TIMEZONE & ACTIVITY LEVEL: EST. I’ll be most often available during weekends, given the hectic nature of my profession + studies, with occasional popping up during week days.

In Character Information:

DESIRED ROLE: Andreas Guzmán, aka PLANET X.

GENDER/PRONOUNS: Cis man, he + him.

DETAILS & ANALYSIS:

He wants you to see him as aimless. He wants you to see him as erratic. Uncertain as the X within an unsolvable equation. It makes it harder to see him coming that way, and it’s always far more damaging if you don’t know from which direction he will strike. A chaotic, whimsical, elusive figure in Miami’s mutant underworld, he sees the advent of the Chicago gangs as an affront but also an opportunity, an influx of new blood and interesting faces – new pieces within his chessboard, even, if he plays his odds right. If he is not seen coming.

The truth is, Guzmán’s power resides in how little it is known of him and his true intentions. Much like the planet he named himself after, Nibiru, he’s closer to a fiction than a fact, closer to mythos than reality, and he favors it this way; he has crafted a grandiose image of himself that goes beyond the confines of his birth name, beyond the confines of mortality, beyond the essence of man, because he needs to be more. Guzmán sees himself as a force of nature, as entropy, as a wildcard, an unpredictability that threatens any semblance of order or peace, and he will only reveal the reasons for his actions once the fruits of his labor have long ripened. He learned since he was very young that knowledge was a very powerful tool, and that just knowing more than everyone else wasn’t enough – he needed to control the very flow of information too.

So he is unknowable (as far as something can be unknowable) and he is unreachable (unless he deems it necessary to appear otherwise, and he often does), his mind fixated on the ever-changing, ever-morphing fabric of the world he’s living in, while he oversees the building of the next one. Building? Yes, he’s building a world after the death of this world, where he and his kind thrive as gods, and they’re given their rightful place: below him, but above all else.

BIO:

Content warnings: violence, murder.

OPTION ONE. A young man born to privilege and Texas oil royalty, with too much time in his hands and little in the way of scruples. His life already outlined well before he was born, a project molded with his father’s forethought, his mother’s aloofness, and a nonstop, near repulsive stream of cash. He was to become something great, just as those before him. He was to fit himself into the grand scheme of the Guzman family’s empire: a chief executive, a politician, a diplomat, a lobbyist, a lawyer, someone with authority and the charisma to move millions toward edge of the precipice, if so he happened to need them there. But there came one issue: much as they tried, the young man did not fit perfectly within this carefully constructed plan. While brilliant without compare, his brain was racked with maladies. He’d grown impulsive and hard throughout his upbringing, and worse still: enamored by celebrity, unwilling to listen, and prone to bursts of temper that rivalled his dad’s. It was during one of those heated arguments they liked to have that Andreas Guzman’s mutation blossomed: a passing comment and a venomous will transmuted to a tattered pulse and an itch on his father’s left arm. What is the likelihood of Edgardo Guzman spontaneously developing heart failure? Slim. He took care of himself. He was young. He had no genetic background that reasonably explained this development. And yet, it happened, a freak accident, a tragedy the likes of which you only see in movies. Edgardo died in front of Andreas, and while there was no possible way to pin the death to him, Andreas was convinced he’d played a role. He only later came to learn how.

OPTION TWO. A talent for numbers. Unbridled curiosity. And a knack for finding the most efficient solution even if it wasn’t the standard solution – those were the ingredients that made Andreas. A professor of Math 55’s course with a textbook middle class past, he came into the profession wholly on the desire to understand his gift and the world and pass his knowledge onto others. And as for the gift itself: he seldom used it, fearing its unforeseeable outcomes, anxious about its untapped potential, which was so much greater than anything he knew and so destructive because of it. Others weren’t so careful, however: when his mutant status was revealed and his exact mutation was discovered through an undisclosed examination of the university’s faculty, he was “persuaded” into accepting a job within Intelligence. Reluctantly, he gave in, hoping to be of service. You see, back then, he was innocent, an optimist with unshakeable faith, as all good mathematicians are, and it was only after years of deadening work as an Special Analyst, and years of exploitation by the emotionless, relentless hands of the State that the Andreas you know was born. This Andreas that granted the United States of America many a victory overseas simply by tipping the scales in their favor. This Andrea that fell ships, killed spies, manipulated foreign policies – all within the comfort of the little box they’d built for him. That Andreas – well, one fateful night, he ended up disappearing from the face of the Earth. Changed his name (he wasn’t born Andreas, of course he wasn’t) and bits of his face and killed his old life and resurfaced years later with fire in his eyes and one simple goal: Chaos. Turmoil. To strike fear in the hearts of those that had previously filled him with it.

OPTION THREE. A career criminal and kingpin, he was born in the slums of Venezuela to Chilean immigrants and had little choice in the matter of his fate. The streets were his teachers, the lessons hitting in a flurry between ages eight and nineteen; first lesson: lying; second lesson: theft; third lesson: robbery; fourth lesson: assault; fifth lesson: murder. He graduated with honors at the top of his class, and he had a talent for leadership that made other kids want to follow him. The boy was just lucky, almost supernaturally so, managing to survive more than one ambush and hit, making him evade prison more than once. Well before knowing about his mutation, he’d been using it, pushing its limits. It wrapped him up in myth, made his subordinates think he had some kind of pact with the devil or dabbled in witchcraft, and it was just as well because it made them develop near-blind trust in him. Over the years he upsized his operation, made it encompass whole regions of Central and South America – by this point, he sought mostly other mutants, giving them food, shelter, safety and dreams to chase after right by his side. He called this horizontal organization El Panteón (The Pantheon), and named himself its central figure. Together, they put small and medium-sized governments at their heel and switched policies in their favor – or simply murdered the dignitaries publicly if they did not cooperate. And in neither case it was enough for Guzmán. These bloody endings were still only the beginning. Eventually, at the age of thirty three, he settled in America – Miami, to be precise, with plans to expand The Pantheon to this untapped territory and bring about the next step of his plan. By the age of 39, the Pantheon had a foothold in Miami.

OPTION FOUR. The reincarnation of an elder being. Sounds crazy, but Guzmán honestly believes it to be true. The whole background of it came in the shape of dreams during his youth at an orphanage. What else could explain his predicament? What could explain the migraines? The premonitions? The ability to change what seemed unchangeable? In his teenage years he took to books of mythology, history, cosmology, mathematics, theology, conspiracy. Things none of his teachers, all nuns, would approve of if they knew. He learned about the presumed origins of mutations, about aliens, about ancient races and old forgotten gods that were very different to the God he was familiar with, that didn’t make sense to him. And he came to the conclusion that he was one of them. That mutants, as a whole, were, but they’d forgotten; their history had been taken from them. And just like that, at the age of seventeen, the malignant seed within his brain had been planted. Every action to be taken afterwards was just the means to his end as the truth’s very emissary.

THE ANSWER. None of these options are true. All of these options are true. To what extent? That is the actual question, and the answer is that Guzman won’t tell you. He will tell you, but only the false parts. He will tell you, but only if it’s a mix of falsehood and truth. Unreliable without compare, and with an ambition sharp enough to cut through diamond, Guzman will stop at nothing to see his vision materialized. The only things you can have for certain is that he’s charming, playful, hungry, and unable to see a scenario where he does not come out on top.

EXPANDED CONNECTIONS:

RICHARD MALLORY.

When I think of Guzman and Richard, I think of the Nibiru cataclysm. If Guzman is Planet X and Richard is the Earth, it only makes sense to imagine a catastrophic collision between them sometime in the near future. To Guzman, Richard represents the status quo that he so abhors, a system that pretends to patch up a bullet hole with a Band-Aid and act as though it’s enough. Richard stands in the way of the destruction Guzman craves, and it just so happens that right now they have a similar objective, but for different reasons, so Guzman is willing to entertain a begrudging partnership.

On the character level, I see them as foils of one another. They’re both highly intelligent and even idealistic men (if you’re willing to accept that Guzman is idealistic, and not utterly nihilistic), but where Richard desires cohabitation (“peace, unity, amicability”), Guzman wants radical, violent change, and it’s simply not compatible with what Richard wants for Miami or mutantkind in general.

HANA MERCADO.

Hana is one of the mutants Guzman has kept tabs on for a little over a year now. In her, he sees ample potential. He sees power. He sees confidence. He sees someone worthy of the new world. He has employed her in the past for several of The Pantheon’s exploits, and he has been respectful of Hana’s wishes to remain an independent force. They’ve managed a friendly relationship out if it. However, with the arrival of the new gangs, Miami’s landscape is rapidly changing, and he knows it’s time for her make a choice. After all, the alternative to joining forces with him is to let the newcomers seize control of their city.

EXTRA:

ON THE TOPIC OF:

HIS NAME: Much speculation has been given to whether Andreas Guzman was born Andreas Guzman or not, and he’s not about to tell you the answer. But he, in fact, prefers if you would call him X, since that is how he’s known by much of the underworld in Florida. Friends and family and enemies call him Guzman. Nobody calls him Andreas, unless they want to displease him.

THE PANTHEON: Guzman’s organization, comprised entirely of mutants at this point in time. As it was mentioned above, unlike a pyramidal structure where Guzman reigns on top, it’s more of a flat, loose entity, closer to a cartel. He’s still in charge, but outside of his direct orders, it acts mostly independently under the direction of several sub bosses. It wields its most influence in South America and Mexico, with a centralized focus in Florida right now. Allegedly responsible for an outrageous number of assassinations, arsons, and massacres, they have been labeled as an anti-human, pro-mutant terrorist group by the FBI. It’s not widely known that Guzman is responsible for its inception and much of their work, and given his elusive nature, they don’t even know what he looks like.

HIS POWER: Guzman’s mutation is very powerful, yes, but it’s also incredibly difficult to work with and, if he’s not careful, it can be world-breaking. Years of trial and error have allowed him to hone his craft, but the carefulness still remains – it has to. It’s not just luck and likelihood, it’s also how they present themselves. Like a genie and its three wishes, he has to be precise about what he wants to occur, and plan for contingencies in case something gets out of control. On the other hand, it’s a very nifty tool for general mischief-making. He can let loose from time to time and probability meltdowns will take place: glass will shatter, tremors will shake the earth, and cars will crash. Sometimes they will happen without his input, this because the power has a direct connection with his mental status. It’s not pretty to be able to see the probabilities of everything and the millions of path you can possibly take. As such, on the worst days, he’s prone to nightmares, migraines, hallucinations, nosebleeds. He hides all this very well, but sometimes they can be debilitating. He self-medicates.

NARRATION: Guzman is an unreliable narrator. He’s plagued with delusions of grandeur, as a byproduct of his mutation, and many things he says will simply not be true. He knows how to lie. He knows what to say in order to get what he wants. But also, he genuinely believes things that have no grounding in reality. The idea, ultimately, is a gradual revelation of the aspects and bits that are true for Guzman – whenever the interaction allows it.

RIGHT NOW: The most succinct way to put what Guzman does for a living is: he’s a crime boss. He pushes drugs and weapons in and out of America. He also makes money using his mutation (he’s won the lottery a few times, won multiple sports bets, card games with six figure pots – through frontmen, naturally). He uses this money to keep tight control of Miami and fund his many projects.

MISC: sangrelobo.tumblr.com | mockup blog for the man himself.

ANYTHING ELSE: faceclaim changed to Santiago Cabrera.

#accepted #accepted: planet x

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phynxrizng · 8 years ago

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DAILY ASTROLOGY REPORTS AND HOROSCOPES FOR, 12-8 -17

Astrology Cafe

Daily Astrology ABOUT TODAY DAILY MONTHLY CHART You are here: Home / Daily Astrology / Astrology of Today – Friday, December 8, 2017 Astrology of Today – Friday, December 8, 2017

Dec 7, 2017 by Annie Leave a Comment

The Moon is in Leo until 6:08 PM, after which the Moon is in Virgo. The Moon is waning and in its Waning Gibbous phase. The Full Moon occurred on the 3rd in the sign of Gemini, and the Last Quarter Moon will occur on the 10th. Mercury is retrograde in the sign of Sagittarius (Mercury is retrograde from December 3-22). **Times are Eastern Standard Time (EST). Horoscopes

Aries

Aries You can be responding to unusual desires and may be acting on or entertaining whims today, dear Aries. You are in the mood for something a little different! However, little of what you’re feeling is permanent. Look for ways to explore new things, but don’t neglect the actual root of restlessness. Today is good for learning something useful for progressing a hobby, pet project, or even a romance! When it comes to a person you love, there can be a strong feeling of compassion and dedication felt today. The Moon moves into your service sector this evening, and this stimulates a desire to set the smaller things in your life in order.

Taurus

Taurus While the day can begin quite humbly, dear Taurus, as it advances it can transform into a very self-expressive period. You can feel quite energized as the day progresses, and the trick will be to manage or channel your feelings effectively, as self-discipline may not match. There can be a restless quality and a sense that moods and desires are impermanent, and you’re probably right that they won’t last long. Family matters tend to run smoothly, however. As well, there can be an opportunity to enjoy yourself, an invitation, or simply a very pleasant, playful mood now. Inhibitions tend to drop, but it remains a less than ideal time for big decisions.

Gemini

Gemini Even with Mercury retrograde, you’re in a good position to communicate your feelings in the first half of the day, dear Gemini. It’s also an excellent time to think up solutions to problems. As the day advances, you may be craving a little more excitement from a partner or your social life, in general. Alternatively, you’re caught by surprise by your social life! There can be unusual feelings or whims to explore now, but they’re unlikely to be very permanent. Going off on a small tangent may be just what you need to keep things interesting, but big moves are not advised right now.

Cancer

Cancer You are likely to have many ideas and plans going on today, dear Cancer, although there can be a tendency to scatter your energy as the day advances. The first half of the day is quite good for unique ideas to make, save, or spend money or to enjoy your work. Desires and whims may not last, and schedules may be overturned later today, however. Surprise elements may keep you on your toes. Depending on your mood, they can lead to creative detours or can be most annoying! Either way, a small change of pace may be in order, and it’s best to recognize your need for change rather than wait for it to happen to you.

Leo

Leo This can be a good time for pouring your energy into a project, pastime, or money-making endeavor, dear Leo, but as the day advances, prepare for wildcards. Impulse buying could be an issue, or you may be facing some unpredictability with a friend or lover that changes your plans. In truth, you may discover that part of you is looking for a change of pace. The Moon leaves your sign this evening, and you could find yourself settling in a little in the next couple of days, but a Venus-Uranus influence tonight can wind you up if you’re feeling restless. You can also feel excited about a new idea.

Virgo

Virgo There is some tendency to switch around plans today, mainly related to family or home life, dear Virgo. Shows of independence from others may throw you for a loop at first, but they can also prompt you to find other activities that you’re just fine doing solo. You can indeed have and enjoy company today, but the fewer expectations you have for them, the better. This saves frustration! The Moon enters your sign this evening, and emotions are transparent and feel more immediate. With Mars about to change signs as well, you are inclined to make snap decisions which could end up being regrettable so take things easy now.

Libra

Libra The first half of the day is good for communications with friends, dear Libra, even with the current Mercury retrograde climate! In fact, you can come up with some interesting ideas that may need more “work” but that have high potential. Energy for you turns somewhat insular by evening as the Moon moves into the sign just behind yours. It’s a natural time for reviewing recent events and recharging your emotional batteries rather than for leaping into something new with a splash. However, a couple of factors seem to be encouraging you to do this, and it’s wisest to resist! Whims experienced now are unlikely to have holding or staying power. A partner could be confusing, or there may be a shuffling of plans. If possible, take extra time for yourself. The atmosphere is ripe for the unexpected and surprise elements, and you may very well be the catalyst!

Scorpio

Scorpio The first half of the day finds you quite steadily at work or putting in the effort, dear Scorpio. You’re feeling pleasantly committed. You’re unlikely to want to follow a schedule or adopt a traditional approach to the letter as the day advances, yet you are wholly focused on getting routine things done! Solutions to practical problems may be unconventional now. A partner may introduce some surprises today. Watch spending and quick decisions, particularly tonight as Mars approaches your sign. Early tomorrow, Mars will enter Scorpio for a transit that lasts seven weeks. Just before this change, you can be feeling rushed to make a decision that may end up being entirely premature. There is some tendency to act on whims or to entertain unusual desires now.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius You’re feeling far less rigid now, dear Sagittarius, and today is good for playing things by ear. This kind of spontaneity is right up your alley, although there could be some surprises that throw you for a loop now. Changes in plans can stimulate new approaches and ideas, but they can frustrate as they occur. This is not the ideal time to make a warm impression, so save the big talks for another day, but the day is good for intuitively arriving at new ideas and approaches. Keep your schedule open. The Moon moves to the top of your solar chart this evening and will stay there through Sunday, stimulating your desire to make or pursue bigger goals.

Capricorn

Capricorn While you may prefer the pace of the morning which is likely to be far more measured than the latter part of the day, dear Capricorn, you can make some interesting detours and discoveries if you keep an open schedule and mind today. You can, in fact, get in touch with a desire to get away, to change the pace of your life, and to do something entirely different than you usually do. Especially as the day progresses, social energy is a little erratic so that it’s best not to pour out your feelings or choose this time to get closer to someone. There can be a pleasant feeling of joy and comfort in thinking about the bigger picture or far-off plans later today as the Moon moves into your solar ninth house.

Aquarius

Aquarius Relationships can be strong on your mind today, more than usual, dear Aquarius. Even so, social energy is a bit erratic just for now. In fact, it can be difficult to discern whether a sudden need or desire is a deep, authentic one or merely a surface whim. You’ll eventually discover which is which, but for today, enjoy and entertain your feelings and reserve acting on them until you feel more confident of them. Small changes, however, are precisely what you may need at the moment, particularly with friends, dreams, personal interests, and long-term happiness goals.

Pisces

Pisces You’re a little less attached to your feelings or worries today, dear Pisces, and this can lead to just the right atmosphere to enjoy yourself more. However, as the day advances, you may feel that others are a bit unreliable or indifferent now, which can have you feeling a tad alienated. This is temporary, so don’t take things to heart. Look for new ways to entertain yourself or even to do business, as they are ripe for the picking. A fresh or new approach can keep you engaged now. The Moon’s move into your partnership sector this evening suggests you’re seeking out company or advice/feedback.

* Remember to read horoscopes for your Ascendant sign and Sun sign. If you don’t know your Ascendant sign (and you know your birth time), you can look it up here.

If Your Birthday is December 8th, If Today is Your Birthday full horoscope here.

Astrology of Today – The Details:

If you’re astrologically inclined and interested in the details of the Astrology of today, here are some of the factors considered in the forecasts (for the astrology of the week, see This Week in Astrology):

Date & Time: Dec 8 2017 6:08 pm Event: Moon enters Virgo Description: The Moon in Virgo We crave organization and order, and are quickly disturbed by anything standing in the way of these things. This is a good time for chores, organizing, and tidying. It’s also a time for scheduling health appointments and checkups, starting new routines, and generally tending to details.

Date & Time: Dec 8 2017 5:40 pm Event: Moon goes void of course

Date & Time: Dec 8 2017 4:10 am Event: Tr-Tr Mon Cpl Jup Description: Transiting Moon ContraParallel Transiting Jupiter

Date & Time: Dec 8 2017 7:06 am Event: Tr-Tr Mon Cpl Jun Description: Transiting Moon ContraParallel Transiting Juno

Date & Time: Dec 8 2017 8:19 am Event: Tr-Tr Mon Qnx Chi Description: Transiting Moon Quincunx Transiting Chiron Hurt feelings may be opportunities for healing. Now is the time for building bridges, not burning them.

Date & Time: Dec 8 2017 9:12 am Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Ura Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Uranus We are open to new ideas. A break in the routine is pleasing now. We could be experimenting with new ideas or feelings. There can be chance meetings, events that occur that open our minds or our awareness.

Date & Time: Dec 8 2017 10:24 am Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Pal Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Pallas There is a good ability to successfully combine logic and intuition, and to understand problems taking into account the human element. There is sensitivity to people’s issues now. Cooperation. Effective, sensitive decision making.

Date & Time: Dec 8 2017 12:20 pm Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Mer Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Mercury Ideas flow freely. We express feelings with clarity and thoughts with sensitivity. An excellent time for cooperative projects. A good time for taking tests, writing, promoting, public speaking, and studying. We are alert, observant, and our memory is good.

Date & Time: Dec 8 2017 12:41 pm Event: Tr-Tr Mon Qnx Jun Description: Transiting Moon Quincunx Transiting Juno There can be some inclination to manipulate others to further our own goals, which should be avoided. There may be indecision regarding feelings about a relationship. Alternatively, there can be a conundrum regarding family and a relationship.

Date & Time: Dec 8 2017 3:49 pm Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Sat Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Saturn An auspicious time for any project demanding endurance or tolerance. Also good for establishing new habits and rituals.

Date & Time: Dec 8 2017 5:40 pm Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sxt Mar Description: Transiting Moon Sextile Transiting Mars We are more courageous and able to take the lead. We are in tune with our natural desires and instincts. We express our feelings honestly. We are independent, resourceful, and brave.

Date & Time: Dec 8 2017 6:08 pm Event: Tr-Tr Mon Cnj Vir Description: Transiting Moon Entering Virgo We crave organization and order, and are quickly disturbed by anything standing in the way of these things. This is a good time for chores, organizing, and tidying. It’s also a time for scheduling health appointments and checkups, starting new routines, and generally tending to details.

Date & Time: Dec 8 2017 11:26 pm Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqq Plu Description: Transiting Moon SesquiSquare Transiting Pluto Deeper feelings emerge suddenly, and possibly in a disruptive way. We may be over-reacting or going to extremes. Wait for the tension to subside before taking action.

Date & Time: Dec 8 2017 1:56 pm Event: Tr-Tr Sun Tri Nod Description: Transiting Sun Trine Transiting North Node We are more cooperative and supportive, and might realize that we need others in order to further our goals.

Date & Time: Dec 8 2017 2:43 pm Event: Tr-Tr Mer SSq Ves Description: Transiting Mercury SemiSquare Transiting Vesta There can be distractions and difficulty focusing now, and important details may be missed in the process. There may be a superficial interest in a project or a misjudgment of how much effort something requires.

Date & Time: Dec 8 2017 11:40 pm Event: Tr-Tr Ven Sqq Ura Description: Transiting Venus SesquiSquare Transiting Uranus Social affairs are unpredictable. There can be aloofness or rebelliousness, in relationships, with fashion and trends, and in our tastes. Sudden whims and fancies. There can be issues with personal freedom and expression which seem at odds with closeness or intimacy.

Date & Time: Dec 8 2017 2:10 pm Event: Tr-Tr Nep Tri Ves Description: Transiting Neptune Trine Transiting Vesta We seek out meaning and a higher purpose to the work we do, and we can effectively bring imagination and creativity to our efforts. This is a time of dedication, particularly on spiritual levels. We might volunteer our services, or willingly support and make sacrifices for loved ones at this time.

Strong Signs, Elements, Modes

BALANCE OF SIGNS

LEO STRONG Self-confident, generous, warm-hearted, powerful leader, dramatic. Can be overly proud, vain, extravagant, arrogant. SAGITTARIUS STRONG Inspiring, broad vision, enthusiastic, goal seeking, truthful, adventurous. Can be reckless, unrestrained, tactless.

BALANCE OF ELEMENTS

FIRE STRONG Fire is enthusiastic, dynamic, and spontaneous, but lacks reflection. We are more courageous and adventurous now, with a tendency to act before thinking. There is little concern about what happened in the past. We are competitive and possibly impatient or bored easily. EARTH WEAK There can be a lack of desire, interest, or skills regarding practical affairs. We may not be very much in touch with reality. Difficulties concentrating, grounding ourselves. AIR WEAK We may have a difficult time being objective or detached. We may not be especially communicative. WATER WEAK There may be some insensitivity or lack of empathy now. We may be out of touch with what we’re feeling or with our emotional needs. We may be tougher than usual now, and more inclined to follow mental or practical considerations than we are to listen to our intuition.

BALANCE OF MODES

MUTABLE STRONG We are flexible, adaptable, willing, open to change, and possibly flighty or nervous.

LUNAR PHASE: DISSEMINATING Moon 135 to 90 degrees behind the Sun. Sharing our knowledge with the world is a major motivation at this stage. We believe we have gained much knowledge and wisdom through our experiences, and want to ensure others have the benefit as well.

The following aspects (major only) and positions are at noon (EST) on December 8th:

Note that when an aspect is applying, it has not yet happened but is within orb – it’s pending. When an aspect is separating, it has already happened/perfected and is moving away from the aspect. Depending on the speed of the planet/body involved, the aspect will have perfected–or will perfect–in a matter of hours (often the case with the Moon), days, months, and possibly years in the case of the very slow-moving outer planets and bodies.

Note that the Moon moves at a rate of approximately one degree every 2 hours so that if an aspect involving the Moon is applying and has an orb of 5 degrees, the aspect will perfect (be exact) in about 10 hours. If the Moon is separating from an aspect with an orb of 2 degrees, it has already formed said aspect approximately 4 hours ago (since the following are positions at noon today, then it would have occurred at about 8 AM today).

**I suggest paying close attention to applying aspects. The energy of the aspect builds as it gets closer to exact. Once an aspect involving inner planets has happened, it’s over. Separating aspects are good to know for context, but in terms of energy that is with us today, applying aspects are most important. (This is the case for daily astrology influences involving inner planets, which pass quickly, and not natal astrology aspects, which are with us for a lifetime).

THE MOON

THE MOON IN LEO You have an emotional need for praise and attention. Under stress you may show off in order to gain attention, or become arrogant. You may be proud of your mother, or she may be very proud of you.

27TH DEGREE OF LEO Part of Body: Chordae tendinae Sabian Symbol: Daybreak.

ASPECTS OF THE MOON TRINE MERCURY Orb 0°12′ Applying Our hearts or emotional needs and our minds seem to be cooperating, and we are able to communicate effectively. It’s a good time for publicity, marketing, writing, and studying.

SEXTILE MARS Orb 3°07′ Applying We are more courageous and able to take the lead. We are in tune with our natural desires and instincts. We express our feelings honestly, and are more independent, resourceful, or brave.

TRINE SATURN Orb 2°11′ Applying We are more able to find a balance between our own emotional needs and our responsibilities. This is a strong time for establishing good habits. We are more tolerant, deliberate, and resolute.

TRINE URANUS Orb 1°37′ Separating We are open to new ideas, ways of expressing ourselves and our feelings. A break in the routine is pleasing now. We could be experimenting with new ideas or feelings. There can be chance meetings, events that occur that open our hearts or our emotional awareness.

THE SUN

THE SUN IN SAGITTARIUS You are a sunny and adventurous individual. You are optimistic and philosophical, and may tend to bluntness.

17TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS Part of Body: Sciatic nerve Sabian Symbol: An easter sunrise service.

ASPECTS OF THE SUN CONJUNCTION MERCURY Orb 9°52′ Applying Thoughts and communications about ourselves and our goals. We are expressing ourselves confidently, directly, and clearly.

CONJUNCTION VENUS Orb 7°35′ Applying We take pride in our ability to relate well with others or to smooth over differences now. Graciousness, diplomacy, charm, and some superficiality are themes. This is a good period for social affairs, pleasure, amusement, and romance, all things considered.

SQUARE NEPTUNE Orb 5°15′ Separating This a time for dreaming rather than important decision-making. It’s a good time to pay special attention to dreams and inspiration. Clarity may not be with us, but we probably don’t need it right now. It’s difficult to know for certain what we want, as we may be wavering.

MERCURY

MERCURY IN SAGITTARIUS You seek knowledge to expand your world view. You are a born philosopher, enjoying any information which helps you see the big picture. For instance you may enjoy a religious debate. You place importance on freedom of speech and thought.

27TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS Part of Body: Gluteal muscles Sabian Symbol: The sculptor’s vision is taking form.

ASPECTS OF MERCURY CONJUNCTION SATURN Orb 1°59′ Separating You have a logical mind. As a child you were shy and unable to express your opinions. As an adult you will become a voice of authority.

TRINE URANUS Orb 1°49′ Applying We are mentally alert and aware, and might be experimenting or opening our minds to new ideas. We could be feeling inspired, and our thinking is inventive. Varying our usual routine may be rewarding.

SQUARE CHIRON Orb 2°20′ Applying There can be insecurity about our own ideas or decisions, or we may not know who/what to believe. Words, or lack of, can hurt right now. There is greater sensitivity to what is being said, choice of words, and syntax.

VENUS

VENUS IN SAGITTARIUS You want to share adventure with your partner, ranging from sharing adventurous ideas to hiking in the mountains. You may also enjoy relating with foreigners, and dining out with your partner at foreign restaurants.

10TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS Part of Body: Left lymphatic vessels Sabian Symbol: A stage symbolization of the “goddess of opportunity”.

ASPECTS OF VENUS SQUARE NEPTUNE Orb 2°19′ Applying We are easily seduced, impressionable, and ready to believe what we want to see. Wait for a better time to make important decisions.

MARS

MARS IN LIBRA You have a strong desire for diplomacy and justice, and a strong creative urge. You may become indecisive when opposed.

30TH DEGREE OF LIBRA Part of Body: Left ureter Sabian Symbol: Three mounds of knowledge on a philosopher’s head.

ASPECTS OF MARS SEXTILE SATURN Orb 0°55′ Separating This is a good time to temper our energy and to exercise better judgment, as well as to get organized. Traditional methods work, and thoroughness brings rewards.We are self-disciplined and controlled.

OPPOSITION URANUS Orb 4°44′ Separating You enjoy the excitement of conflict and challenge. You can be arrogant or charming and do well in selling. Be careful with dangerous sports as you can be accident prone.

JUPITER

JUPITER IN SCORPIO You are on an intense search for the truth. You have strong desires for sexual union and joint enterprises. You could be a transformative teacher.

13TH DEGREE OF SCORPIO Part of Body: Vulva, Labia minora, glans penis Sabian Symbol: An inventor inventing.

ASPECTS OF JUPITER TRINE NEPTUNE Orb 1°05′ Separating You are artistic and may also be religious. You have a need to help others and may feel you have a calling. You have the ability to inspire other people’s talents as well.

SATURN

SATURN IN SAGITTARIUS Saturn in Sagittarius asks us to take on the responsibility of living according to our personal truths and principles — and to be loyal to these. This is a time for turning a critical eye to those beliefs and principles that don’t accurately reflect our authentic selves. (December 23, 2014, to June 14, 2015, then September 17, 2015, to December 20, 2017)

29TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS Part of Body: Left leg muscles Sabian Symbol: A fat boy mowing the lawn.

ASPECTS OF SATURN TRINE URANUS Orb 3°49′ Separating You have a talent for investigation. You look at new ideas and are able then to put them into action. In business you achieve much in your own independent way.

SQUARE CHIRON Orb 4°19′ Separating There can be fears now of not being competent or effective enough to meet our responsibilities, or we could find it hard to strike out on a unique path, again due to fears or insecurities. The desire to break from the status quo is strong, but we may not have the necessary confidence to do so. We may have difficulties empathizing with others and understanding ourselves.

URANUS

URANUS IN ARIES The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong during this cycle. (May 27, 2010, to August 13, 2010, then March 11th, 2011, to May 15, 2018, then November 6, 2018, to March 6, 2019).

25TH DEGREE OF ARIES Part of Body: Sternocleidomastoid muscle Sabian Symbol: A double promise reveals its inner and outer meanings.

NEPTUNE

NEPTUNE IN PISCES A long-term influence in which fantasy, imagination, compassion, and spirituality are in stronger focus. (April 4, 2011, to August 4, 2011, then February 3, 2012, to March 30, 2025, then October 22, 2025, to January 26, 2026)

12TH DEGREE OF PISCES Part of Body: Plantar artery of right foot Sabian Symbol: An examination of initiates.

PLUTO

PLUTO IN CAPRICORN Tests of our boundaries; breaking down and rebuilding structures and rules. (From January 25, 2008, to June 14, 2008, then November 26, 2008, to March 23, 2023, then June 11, 2023, to January 20, 2024, then September 1, 2024, to November 19, 2024).

19TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN Part of Body: Ligaments of left knee Sabian Symbol: A child of about five with a huge shopping bag.

Chiron, Major Asteroids, and Moon’s Nodes: in Sign and in Aspect

CHIRON

CHIRON IN PISCES

Strong awareness of our own vulnerabilities and humanity stimulates compassion for others. (April 20 to July 20, 2010, then February 8, 2011, to April 17, 2018, then September 25, 2018, to February 18, 2019).

25TH DEGREE OF PISCES Part of Body: Left distal tibio-fibular joint Sabian Symbol: The purging of the priesthood.

VESTA IN SCORPIO You are intensely committed to your work. Dedication and the ability to focus are keys to your work. Sexual morals may feature strongly as you seek to either break existing sexual mores or repress sexual urges behind a strict code of ethics.

12TH DEGREE OF SCORPIO Part of Body: Seminal vesicles Sabian Symbol: An embassy ball.

PALLAS

PALLAS IN ARIES You have a keen intellect with the ability to come up with exciting, new ideas. You are also happy to risk putting your new ideas into action.

26TH DEGREE OF ARIES Part of Body: Skull Sabian Symbol: A man possessed of more gifts than he can hold.

JUNO

JUNO IN CAPRICORN You want a partner who you can respect, and who respects you. You seek long-term commitment and may marry later in life.

27TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN Part of Body: Deep nerves Sabian Symbol: A mountain pilgrimage.

CERES

CERES IN LEO You feel cared for when other people play with you and praise you. You like to show others you care for them by encouraging their creative talents and sense of fun.

18TH DEGREE OF LEO Part of Body: Right cardiac cavity Sabian Symbol: A chemist conducts an experiment before his students.

THE NORTH NODE

THE NORTH NODE IN LEO This a quest to develop your inner strength. You may find that you experience times of loneliness. These times are part of your lesson to forge your own creative life in order to give generously to the world.

17TH DEGREE OF LEO Part of Body: Right auricle Sabian Symbol: Volunteer church choir makes social event of rehearsal.

THE SOUTH NODE

THE SOUTH NODE IN AQUARIUS This a quest to develop your inner strength. You may find that you experience times of loneliness. These times are part of your lesson to forge your own creative life in order to give generously to the world.

17TH DEGREE OF AQUARIUS Part of Body: Spinal nervous system Sabian Symbol: A watchdog standing guard.

*** CONJUNCTIONS TO SELECT FIXED STARS ***

Transits 8 December 2017

Aspects to Mer 26°Sg39 -23°06′ Cnj 25°Sg58 ACULEUS Enduring attacks but success

Aspects to Ven 09°Sg12 -21°23′ Cnj 10°Sg00 ANTARES *** Success which can be obsessive

Aspects to Jup 12°Sc37 -14°39′ Cnj 12°Sc32 ALPHECCA Fruitfulness Cnj 12°Sc06 ACRUX Focused on the physical world.

Aspects to Sat 28°Sg39 -22°30′ Cnj 28°Sg59 ACUMEN Enduring attacks which weaken.

Aspects to Ves 11°Sc29 -10°16′ Cnj 12°Sc06 ACRUX Focused on the physical world.

Aspects to SNo 16°Aq52 -15°46′ Cnj 17°Aq37 SUALOCIN Tantalising but naive.

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Current Planetary Positions

12/8/2017 8:01:51 AM

Sun 16° Sagittarius 45’ 18" Moon 25° Leo 53’ 28" Mercury 26° Sagittarius 42’ 16" R Venus 09° Sagittarius 09’ 34" Mars 29° Libra 33’ 22" Jupiter 12° Scorpio 37’ 07" Saturn 28° Sagittarius 38’ 43" Uranus 24° Aries 50’ 00" R Neptune 11° Pisces 32’ 23" Pluto 18° Capricorn 01’ 33" Chiron 24° Pisces 19’ 18" TrueNode 16° Leo 52’ 37" Subscribe to Blog via Email

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