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miralia · 4 years

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Speculation on the Historical Influences on the Kyoshi Warriors of Avatar

(Disclaimer: I know there are multiple influences. This is just something I found that I thought was really interesting. And we’re not going to get into how ATLA appropriated, appreciated, and cherry-picked Asian cultures. This is just a fun thing I found out. It might just be a coincidence. If you wanted an essay on “how terrible Bryke is”, go under the “anti bryke” tag and laugh at the toxicity. This is about history.)

I don’t know if this has been done already, but I was really excited when I found out, so I had to share!

So, I’m not quite sure how I found this out, but I think I was both off-and-on researching premodern combat weapons of different cultures (link here if you want to spend a few hours ogling swords and daggers) and trying to figure out what kinds of cultural things influenced the Kyoshi Warriors. I figured out (at least I’m pretty sure I did, sword experts feel free to correct me) that they do, in fact, wield the Japanese katana (I don’t know which period. Not trying to lump anything together, just thought it was best to refer to it as a collective for fear of being wrong). This was kind of odd to me, as the Earth Kingdom appeared to have *mainly* Tang and Qing dynasty influences. So I decided to dig a little deeper on this subject.

(SECOND Disclaimer: People more well-versed in the different parts of Asian culture I will be referencing can tell me I’m wrong in the comments and I’ll edit this. I really and truly am not trying to be offensive or say my opinion is correct blindly, but at the same time, I did do my research and that has to count for something.)

Introduction

I’m an ATLA nut, as well as an Asian women’s dress nut. I’ve made connections between real clothing and ATLA clothing before, but then realized that other people had already done it, and done it much better.

But I haven’t seen anyone really talk about the inspiration behind the Kyoshi Warriors yet, besides a few mentions, so here I am with my two cents!

The First Thing (Swords)

The first thing I noticed that started me on this quest was realizing that the Kyoshi Warriors wield katanas (also called nihonto), as opposed to a Chinese weapon that would be more fitting for their position in the Earth kingdom (like we see with Jet’s hook swords).

For clarification, I figured this out by using still frames of Suki from the show, then measuring the rough length of her sword to her height, approximating the length to see if it would be correct (it was). Then I watched the video of the Kyoshi Warriors’ fight with Team Azula, which is (if I’m not mistaken) the only time we actually see them use their swords as well as their fans.

In a few frames, we can see Suki’s sword has the characteristic tsuka ito (cord wrap) around the hilt of her sword, a gold-colored habaki (blade collar), as well as a golden kashira (butt cap/pommel), paired with a golden fuchi (a band at the end of the handle before the tsuba (guard)) to make a fuchigashira. From what I can gather, these are usually intricately decorated, but we can blame early 2000s animation for exempting that detail.

But anyway, the presence of the katana got me thinking. What other Japanese influences are displayed in the Kyoshi Warriors?

(Actually, scratch that. The first thing that got me clued in to the presence of Japanese influence was the red and white makeup that the Warriors wear. It seemed similar to that of the geisha, but I disregarded this as it wasn’t similar enough to warrant real research on my part. Just google ‘geisha makeup’ and you’ll see what I mean.)

And the answer was: a good few. Something Mina Le (a fashion youtuber) already touched on in her video on Avatar. But the question is, what exactly influenced them?

So, back to katanas. Once I figured out that they wielded katanas, it was a simple conclusion that they drew inspiration from the samurai of feudal Japan.

War Fans (Tessen)

Another similarity that ties them into samurai are their characteristic fans.

I actually learned about the art of Japanese war fans (tessenjutsu) before I even watched Avatar. The fans called tessen are made out of iron, but the other types of war fans, gunsen and gunbai, don’t seem to fit the bill for what the Kyoshi Warriors use them for. So, instead of being made of iron, their fans are made out of a golden metal, probably to fit their gold-and-green aesthetic.

An illustration of a warrior using a tessen.

The way they use these tessen to fight is debatably accurate. I have never studied tessenjutsu, nor do I really trust modern videos of tessenjutsu, so I have no basis. But it is said that wielders would use one to attack and one to parry, and that does seem to be somewhat what they do? Not sure if their forms or usage or that one time that one girl threw both her fans at Azula like some sort of razor-sharp Frisbee is accurate. Tessenjutsu practitioners, feel free to correct me!

But all this talk about fans and swords isn’t coming to the real core of my speculation. There is one crucial fact: samurai are men. But the Kyoshi Warriors are girls. Were there any female samurai?

The Onna-Bugeisha

Yes, there were! They were called onna-bugeisha, literally meaning “female martial artist.” You can read more about the onna-bugeisha on their Wikipedia page.

Let’s start with the similarities between the Kyoshi Warriors and the onna-bugeisha.

Clothing/Armor

The first, and most obvious, is their clothing. The onna-bugeisha appear to wear both the traditional kimono or large, loose pants in illustrations. This really does seem to differ a lot based on source material, and I’m not knowledgeable enough to really affirmatively say why. But they do appear wearing the pants when riding horses, and the kimono when they’re standing or looking super regal in the illustrations.

Empress Jingū, a mythological example of onna-bugeisha. She became empress after her husband, the fourteenth emperor Chūai, was slain in battle. She is said to have led an expedition to Korea around 200 AD, and was the first woman on a Japanese banknote. This illustration is probably not accurate, as it was made by a European man, but it does illustrate one of the earliest known cases of onna-bugeisha in Japanese culture.

Hangaku Gozen, a famous general of the Genpei War (allied with the Taira clan).

The Kyoshi Warriors!

Bryke/the animators chose the dress route for making the Kyoshi Warriors, dressing them in split-front dresses colored in shades of green, with a dark green layered underdress under a lighter green overdress crossed left over right at the collar (like many, many different kinds of traditional Asian women’s dress). The coloration appears to be more to signify “Earth Kingdom” than to be historically accurate to the onna-bugeisha, something that was probably a good idea. Remember, this was made to be a kids’ adventure show, and they had already established the color-coding based on country.

The sleeves are voluminous, which is definitely a characteristic of the onna-bugeisha. They are cinched at the wrists with dark cuffs, which isn’t a characteristic of all the different illustrations/photographs, but is certainly present in some. These cuffs are paired with two-toned gloves, which are always a good idea in any kind of weapon battle, but aren’t present in many, if any, photographs, but at least in some illustrations.

Partially covering the dresses is the thing that most tipped me off: the armor. It seems to be of black plating, which bears a striking resemblance to the plating/ridging on the onna-bugeisha’s armor. The chestplate itself bears a really, really close resemblance (if it isn’t an exact copy) to the chestplates of the onna-bugeisha, though the color isn’t the striking red that seems to appear a lot of the time. The rectangular shoulder/upper arm plating that is present in nearly all depictions is severely lacking, however, though this seems to be a choice to make the Warriors seem less bulky and more dynamic. Plus, it would be easier to animate. (They do have slimmer shoulder plates that attach, though.)

But the (for lack of a better word) skirt plates of the armor remain really, really similar to the onna-bugeishas’ armor. It really just looks like a scaled-down, black instead of red version. And I think that’s super cool, and one of the best pieces of evidence that backs my theory.

Topping off the “Kyoshi look” are gold-and-green headpieces that are different depending on the warrior, and a hairstyle that differs depending on the warrior. I’ll probably go more in-depth about the headpieces and hairstyles on a different post, but the gist is that yes, the presence of headpieces is historically accurate, at least in some photos/illustrations (which appears to be the norm. Can I ever get something concrete here?).

Examples of onna-bugeisha wearing headpieces.

All of them wore helmets (obviously), but some seem to have some sort of decorative aspect (again, tell me if I’m wrong and the pieces have a meaning or purpose).

Edit: One commenter, @atla-headcanons, said that their Japanese grandmother once said that warriors’ headdresses were status symbols, as well as ways to tell allies from enemies. This would be supported by the fact that Suki, as the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors, would have a headpiece similar to Kyoshi’s, and the rest of the Warriors would have different ones. I was unable to fact-check this at the time (may return to it later), but it seems likely, and it would be really cool if it was intentional on the characters’ designs!

Avatar Kyoshi

The second thing that made me speculate whether the Kyoshi Warriors were connected to the onna-bugeisha was actually Kyoshi herself.

We all know about badass Avatar Kyoshi. She’s amazing. A definite certified badass. But there might actually have been a real-world counterpart to her. Nakano Takeko, a famous onna-bugeisha of the Aizu Domain who fought and died in the Boshin War, could have been possible inspiration for her.

Statue of Nakano Takeko. I don’t trust that the pictures on Pinterest are actually her.

Not only is Nakano a certified badass, taking down five to six men with her naginata in the Battle of Aizu, she also taught women and children to fight with the naginata for a time. Sound familiar? It might just be a coincidence, but I’m sticking to my theory here. You can read more about her here, but I’ll give a rundown of the highlights that make her a Kyoshi-Level Badass™:

- Taught naginata to the lord of Niwase’s wife

- Taught naginata to women and children in Aizuwakamatsu castle

An onna-bugeisha wielding a naginata. They’re pretty awesome!

- Worked in defense of the shōgun Tokugawa Yoshinobu

- Fought in the Battle of Aizu using a Japanese weapon (naginata) against a white weapon (guns)

- Created and headed an ad-hoc group of female warriors in the Battle of Aizu, retroactively called the Jōshitai (Girls’ Army). She did this without permission, as the senior Aizu retainers didn’t want them to fight and wouldn’t let them fight as an official part of the domain’s army

- When she was taken down by a rifle shot to her chest, she asked her sister Yūko to behead her so that the enemy couldn’t take it as a trophy. Her sister employed the help of Ueno Yoshisaburō, and did as she was asked

- With the reforms of the Meiji Era (samurai class abolished, western-style army established), Nakano Takeko was one of the last samurai in history.

Conclusion

That concludes my essay! Remember, this is all speculation. If you have your own take, please tell me! I love hearing all the cultural influences in Avatar.

Now, if Bryke meant to make the Kyoshi Warriors to be inspired by the onna-bugeisha, then there is something more that I would have liked to see. It would have been really cool to see them use naginata in the show, as it was actually originally a weapon for females to use, its length compensating for the smaller body size and comparatively lesser brute strength of women warriors.

(Also, I just want Suki utterly destroying Sokka with a naginata in that episode where she kicks his butt to prove a point. Hey, I’m a simple girl with simple tastes.)

Sources:

Basically all Wikipedia. I’m sorry I couldn’t reference, like, ebooks on this subject. But I did look at the reference lists for the Wikipedia articles I used, and they all seemed to be credible ones. So, don’t come at me, please! I did the best I could!

I really appreciate whoever read this far. It takes stamina!

Thanks for reading!

#avatar theory #avatar the last airbender #kyoshi warriors #a:tla #atla #atla theory #atla essay #onna-bugeisha #samurai #japan #japanese culture #suki #sukka #avatar kyoshi #atlaworld

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rwdestuffs · 3 years

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RvB0: What went well, what didn’t, and all the in-between.

Since RT is making this a bit easier by releasing the complete seasons in long videos, this is arguably something that probably should be done to wrap up the whole thing, and maybe see how far the series has come.

Red vs. Blue: ZERO is arguably the most divisive season of the entire series of the show.

Now obviously, people are very resistant to change, but whereas the prior seasons had change that was received to varying degrees of positivity, it was overall, positive.

So let’s go over some history to better understand what happened.

The main aspect of the original Reds and Blues, intentionally or not, were based off of gaming stereotypes.

It’s WAY too long to describe here, so here’s a link to how it works: [here]

Seasons 1-5 is basically a showcase of these gamer stereotypes. Displaying them as their base personalities and grows them as these new characters.

The whole entirety of Project Freelancer is pretty much a deconstruction of gaming tropes. The AI are Lootboxes that give an edge to a player, they have leaderboards, and they go into lobbies with lower level players to basically flex all over them.

The Chorus Trilogy has an arc deconstructing the concept of these types of team battles, pointing out how it never really amounts to anything except profits for the one side that’s basically the third party (Think Mann Co from TF2).

Season 14 is basically a celebration, so we’ll skip that, but keep in mind Meta vs. Carolina, it’ll be important later.

Season 15 is basically an attempt to revive the series. Maybe a documentary on prior pro players, and how people might try to exploit them, or how people may have lost their streaming careers to some of the players humiliating them, but that’s a stretch. There is no real tie to gaming here, or during this arc. This is where the whole thing starts declining. A lack of actually tying it to a gaming trope arguably makes it much more different than the previous seasons.

So, where does RvB0 stand in all this? Well, it is a bit of a return to form by being a previous pro player wanting to get a new squad, but having to now adapt to a new team.

But the way we’re introduced to them is jarring. This isn’t some episode of DEATH BATTLE. We should get to know who these characters are by their interactions with one another, their dialogue, and their actions. But let’s take a look at what gaming stereotypes we’re working with here. we already covered Florida, and the Director is basically these guys’ sponsor who basically caused all of what happened. Carolina is the streamer who gets mad at losing her top rank, York is the nice guy who probably helped set up other peoples’ streaming equipment and is just a friendly guy to be around in general, South and North are what happens when someone gets a rare item from a lootbox and the other doesn’t, etc.

Shatter Squad, is unfortunately, a lot of repeat gamer stereotypes.

West is basically the dad who is an ex-pro trying to make sure his team succeeds, like Florida.

One is the competitive pro who doesn’t like having her top spot challenged, like Carolina.

Axel is the resident Cool Guy™ whose exploits are told by anecdote or flashback. Similar to Tucker, except minus the sex jokes. Or maybe he’s like Wash, in the sense that he’s an ex-pro who got out of the game but keeps being dragged back into it by other circumstances (maybe financial).

East is the new player, much like Caboose. She thankfully is different enough by way of being the stream mole who helps out the other team by sabotaging the team she’s a part of.

And Raymond is the guy who thinks that all his tech and equipment will give him an edge over his opponents, much like most of the Freelancers who had an A.I.

The action is actually good, except for one scene. The scene where East (temporarily) kills Tucker.

Like… Torrian. Torrian. Meta vs. Carolina is my favorite episode of season 3 aside from Hulk vs. Doomsday, and you have him go down to a dagger? You pretty much animated an epic fight scene with all the Reds and Blues in the RvB0 advertisement that really should have been Tucker vs. Jaune as a means of joint advertising- I’m getting off topic here.

The new characters are also a point of some good and some bad. Obviously, you can only do so much with the OG characters until it becomes stale. This is why Dragon Ball is starting to get boring. It’s also why Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is still going strong. But trying to diversify the cast isn’t going to go well with a lot of the original audience. The most progressive thing the Blood Gulch Chronicles did was have Church challenge Simmons’ stereotypical comments regarding Donut. Change won’t go over so well with the audience.

In addition, the passing of Tucker’s sword to another character wasn’t going to go over so well without a big fight scene over the sword. Again, Torrian: YOU MADE Balrog vs. TJ Combo, All Might vs. Might Guy, and Blake vs. Mikasa. Out of everyone on that team, you of all people would have been more than qualified to animate a cool fight sequence that would showcase Tucker stopping East from just stabbing him. I know that the research is left to other people, but one of the big things about the characters is that they tanked a bomb worth a few dozen megatons of TNT… And Tucker goes down… To a dagger.

The fight sequences of RvB0 are great. I’ll say that much. But after every fight, I fully expected Wiz and Boomstick to come in and explain why the fight went down the way it did. Though, that may be due to me actually being interested in RT because of DEATH BATTLE… For better or for worse…

The dialogue wasn’t that great though. A lot of the humor falls flat, and the only joke I legitimately laughed at was when a member of Shatter Squad (One IIRC) responded to Carolina’s bold and serious declaration of “We have to save Lavernious Tucker” with “Who’s Tucker?” This is a series where the comedy comes from dialogue. So slapstick and physical humor don’t land as much, and the whole thing of them making reference to their situation doesn’t let a joke land as well as it could.

People are used to the head bobs of prior seasons, so the expressive gestures is super jarring and actually makes dialogue harder because you have to accompany it with the gestures. The limitation of what they had in season 1-5 is what led to innovation. Limits are how you make something extraordinary. So the freedom of actual gestures makes the overall product feel less like RvB and more like Torrian‘s equivalent of RWBY. He wanted to make a bunch of cool fight scenes. Which like… He had the perfect place to do that: DBX. Want a character who can generate a clone and uses a bladed weapon to fight? Uh, Noob Saibot is right there. You could have him fight… I don’t know, maybe Shadow Jago? They both utilize darkness, it would be fun.

Regardless, I honestly hope that wherever Torrian takes his talents, that he’s going in a place that he likes and that can keep him and his family comfortable.

RvB0: It’s a mess, it hardly really connects back to the OG Reds and Blues, and while the new characters breathe a new life into the series that was sorely needed, it probably wasn’t what people expected. This changing of the guard type of story doesn’t really work when the previous guard doesn’t pass down the mantle.

Also, Carolina constantly calling Wash by his real name just feels like some random pandering. It used to be special that you didn’t know what the real names of the Freelancers was, but the constant use of it just feels like something to just be there to constantly use.

But hey, if you liked it, more power to you.

#rvb crit

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carriagelamp · 4 years

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Book Review - Summer Summary 2020

I didn’t get around to doing an individual post for the books I read in June/July/August, so I decided to choose a dozen that I read over the summer... I’d separate the wheat from the chaff for you so to speak. Though like you’re about to find out, that doesn’t necessarily mean they were all good by any means...

Crave

My girlfriend got this for me to “tide me over until Midnight Sun”. Between you and me, I think she was taking the piss. Anyway, Crave is very... standard fare paranormal YA school romance with the added flare of being written by an adult erotica writer, meaning the rhythm and tone of this novel is fucking bonkers. If you want to read the novel without reading the novel, just take Twilight and the entire Vampire Academy series, shove them in a blend, and force down the sludge you get from that. Normal Average Girl Goes To Secret School In Alaska For Vampire, Werewolves and Dragons. That’s this book. It is so big and so so so bad. I finished it out of spite, please don’t do that to yourself. Unless you are really craving (hurr hurr) some top tier trashy paranormal romance, in which case... no judgment.

The Last Firehawk

The Last Firehawk is a Scholastic “Branches” series, written for beginning readers (grade 1-3ish, depending on the child’s reading level). It has short stories, big text, and awesome pictures on every page. Guys. I unironically am adoring this series. It’s simple and is introducing children to a number of classic elements in the fantasy quest genre, but it is so charming. Friends Tag and Skyla discover a firehawk egg, and species that is supposed to have disappeared long ago. When Blaze hatches from it, the three are tasked with going out and finding the magical ember stone which was hidden long ago by the firehawks and which could be used to defeat the evil vulture Thorn and his dark magic... I read the first two books to second graders who ate it up and read the next four books because I personally wanted to continue the series. If you have young readers in your life (or just want a fun kid adventure) then please try these they’re the literary equivalent of nibbling on a chocolate chip cookie.

Lupin III: World’s Most Wanted #3

All the kind people that still follow my tumblr and haven’t tried to murder me because of my Lupin obsession are not going to be surprised by this one. I finally read one of the manga for this series and honestly I’m delighted. Somehow even hornier than the show, but hilariously funny. I felt like I was reading a more adult version of Spy Vs Spy. It’s a bunch of short, individual bits/adventures with lots of visual gags and an artstyle that is really different and delightful.

River of Teeth / Taste of Marrow (American Hippo series)

I’ve talked about River of Teeth before, but I finally finished the American Hippo duology and need to sing its praise. This is an alternate history series composed of two novellas that explore the question What would have happened if the States had decided to import hippos as livestock...? Anyways, my pitch for you: queer hippo cowboys. That’s all it took for me to read it. You have a gay gunslinger who loves his hippo to death, a nonbinary explosives-expert / poisoner who is the main love interest, a fat con artist who spoils her hippo and is the only voice of reason in this entire series, and a latina mother-to-be who is the scariest assassin in the entire series and is obviously scheming. The four of them are brought together on a job to deal with the Mississippi’s feral hippo problem.

IT’S A QUEER HIPPO COWBOY HEIST NOVEL GUYS I DON’T KNOW WHY I’M STILL TALKING AND YOU HAVEN’T JUST GONE TO READ THIS YET.

Petals to the Metal (The Adventure Zone series)

The graphic novel adaptation to the McElroy family’s DND podcast The Adventure Zone. Most of you are probably aware of this? It’s a great adaptation, it hits all the important beats, shows off the characters really well, and still gets lots of good gags in even while condensing entire arcs into single book stories. This one is probably my favourite so far just because Petals to the Metal was one of my favourite arcs in the show... but you can also see how the art has improved and the chaos of the race is fun to see drawn out.

If you like The Adventure Zone but haven’t tried the graphic novels yet -- would recommend! If you’ve always wanted to listen to The Adventure Zone but don’t have time for such a long series or struggle to focus on podcasts then pick up the first book of this series (Here There Be Gerblins) and try reading it! It really is an enjoyable adaptation.

Pony to the Rescue (Pony Pals series)

I continued my April/May theme of reading old-school chapter book series to combat Covid Brain Fry, so I picked up a few Pony Pals books. I read these as a kid and always enjoy them -- there’s just something so appealing to a child about having a horse. It gives your child characters a level of independence and ability to explore that you wouldn’t get otherwise. These books definitely read young, but they were nostalgic to revisit.

Small Spaces

A really cool middle grade horror novel I picked up. Maybe it’s because I live around a lot of corn fields, but farm/scarecrow themed horror absolutely does it for me. One evening, after seeing a woman try to destroy a strange, old book, eleven year old Ollie doesn’t stop to think, instead stealing the book and running. That’s how she becomes wrapped up in the strange, sinister story of a cursed family and creature called the Smiling Man that seems to live out in the foggy fields. While unsettling, Ollie tries to remind herself that it’s just a story... but this becomes more challenging when her school bus breaks down one day out their own set of fields, and a fog is rolling in...

“Avoid large spaces. Stick to small.”

Snot Girl #1 - #2

A Canadian graphic novel series by the creator of the Scott Pilgrim series! I love his work so I decided to give Snotgirl a try, even though it’s not generally my genre. I’m glad I did! First book took a while for me to get into, but by the time I hit the second I was really wrapped up in the mystery and character development. Snotgirl is about Lottie, a self-consumed fashion blogger whose biggest struggles are dealing with her allergies, frustration with her fellow-blogger friends, and how entirely her self-esteem is tied to her “beauty” and how people view her. But everything shifts in strange and horrifying ways when Lottie starts taking a new allergy medication, meets a new friend... and then witnesses that girl’s death. Or does she?

Seriously, or does she? I have no idea, I need to read the third book. This book is full of intrigue, complicated relationships, murder (or not?), and a healthy dose of magical realism to keep you guessing. If you like slice-of-life, crime, and abstract reality then this series is world a try. Plus the art is gorgeous.

Summer Wars #1 - #2

I recently rewatched Summer Wars (still one of my favourite movies) and decided to read the two-book manga adaptation. It was a really neat little adaptation. The creator of the movie gave the writer free range to tweak things to fit better in a manga format, which means some movie elements were allowed to fade into the background, whereas other aspects were fulled into the forefront and fleshed out to a greater degree. It was very cool, it kept the same story but gave you new things to think about which I wasn’t expecting. Reading this as a stand alone works just fine, but honestly if you’ve never watched the movie Summer Wars you should give it a try! It’s a great mix of slice-of-life, sprawling family dynamics that I relate to a little too well, cyber adventures, and fantasy. Super feel good.

This One Summer

Okay, last graphic novel, I swear. This One Summer was... weird and intense. It’s a coming-of-age Canadian graphic novel that follows a pair of pre-teens who meet up like they do every year at their family’s summer cottages. You see them both in the awkward phases between childhood and growing up to become teenagers, as they’re confronted with things like maturity, friendship, self-esteem, family problems, and sexuality. A beautiful read, but probably the heaviest out of all the books on my list.

Wild Thornberrys Novelization

I rewatched The Wild Thornberrys movie with my girlfriend earlier this year, and decided I wanted to hunt down the chapter book novelization because I’m kind of a sucker for novelizations. Honestly, this was about what you would expect from the era. 90s/00s novelizations, especially young novelizations, are generally just a transcript of the movie without much thought or effort put into them to make them anything but. That’s what this was. It was fine, and it really let me revisualize the entire movie, but honestly you’re probably better off just rewatching the movie unless you also really deeply love The Wild Thornberrys.

The Willoughbys

I saw that Netflix had done a funky looking adaptation of The Willoughbys and I decided I needed to read the book first before watching the movie. This was a little bizarre, I’m still not sure how I feel about it. Over all, I think it was a net-positive experience. It’s an obvious satire on classic children’s novels, especially the likes of Mary Poppins (real Mary Poppins, not the Disney version) and while a little heavy-handed, it does a Series of Unfortunate Events vibe that redeems it. The story is about a group of horrible children (The Ruthless Willoughbys) who decide they are sick of their parents and would rather become Worth Orphans... and to do that, they’re going to have to dispose of their inconvenient parents, obviously. Conveniently their parents are also sick of having children and decide to do away with them as well. The Willoughbys sets up three (or four?) different subplots that are gradually woven together through a series of schemes and exploits. It’s definitely more ruthless (hurr hurr) than the Netflix version, which tried to make the children more sympathetic, and in some ways I think that’s a definite point in the novel’s favour. I’m not sure I would go out of my way to recommend it, but it was a fun romp if you want something short and off the wall (and a lot more fleshed out than the Netflix version).

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matpisound · 4 years

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matpi’s 2020 top ten

With this crazy year finally being thrown to the wolves, I thought I’d share some of my favorite songs. Usually I rank songs based on my mood, but I thought long and hard about this list to make it as accurate to my tastes as possible. In addition to the musical elements, I’ve also considered my personal experience with each song. With that said, get ready for a list that defines the phrase, “all over the place.”

10. ”約束” - Roselia

Translating to “Promise,” this Roselia song rounds out the list with its dynamic highs and lows and metric complexities. Combine that with Roselia’s signature sound and you have yourself a straight up banger. There are a lot of feel changes, with sections of 3 against 4 polymeter, steady rock groves, and a double time chorus, and this keeps the song interesting and super fun to listen to. Not to mention the powerful lead vocals, courtesy of Yukina Minato, played by the insanely talented Aina Aiba, as well as the occasional trading of vocal lines with bassist Lisa Imai, voiced by Yuki Nakashima, allow the song to really shine.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQS0LZfXRCs&list=OLAK5uy_l6KyKKWX1j8vHY-PjK6yJHkIZpOV0WMrE

9. “Avant-garde HISTORY” - Roselia

Going up the list now we have another Roselia song. This song is marked by its progressive rock influence in the intro, with a lack of adherence to a single key or time signature, all while remaining an epic intro to the majestic 6/8 rock ballad that follows. Combining rock with orchestral elements is a recipe for greatness, and Roselia really pulled through here. The lead vocals are supported by a chorus of the other members in a really significant way in this song, contributing even more to the sheer glory that it exudes. Add in some huge drum fills and epic buildups between sections, and it creates this absolute work of art.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nakW_Ziciik&list=OLAK5uy_lImYujueVzq7DDMrRc2TX8qnp1ZzMlHKM&index=6

8. “Ride” - Samuel R. Hazo

No, this is not the twenty one pilots song, nor is it a cover. It’s a wind ensemble piece chock full of the good stuff. Spicy harmonies, giant fanfares, fast runs, solos, time signature changes, heavy yet tasteful use of percussion, what’s not to love? I really wanna play this in band one day, because aside from being fun to listen to, it’s a real challenge to play, especially with a large ensemble. Wind ensemble pieces in general are really cool because they are light-years ahead of most modern music in terms of dynamic contrast, and "Ride” has a ton of it.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au4geHy_S_0

7. “Amaryllis” - Shinedown

I honestly don’t know how to describe why I like this song so much; I just do. It’s a really nice song. The amaryllis as a flower is extremely beautiful, sporting vivid reds and pinks in its petals, and that imagery really shone through with its lyrics and 6/8 ballad feel. I’d like to mention the key signature as well. The key of D♭ just feels like a beautiful key signature, and here that beauty was thoroughly reflected.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixltBz9IENw

6. “FIRE BIRD” - Roselia

Back again with another Roselia song. First of all, this song is great because of the story of the Phoenix. I always thought an immortal bird of fire rising from the ashes was such a glorious thing, and this song captures the essence of this tale perfectly. A quiet start with just piano and vocals gives way to a ginormous sounding intro as all the band members sing as a choir, which then leads into a crazy double-time groove which persists throughout the song. Combine that with Roselia’s sound and you get a triumphant anthem that’s sure to energize anyone and anything.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_F7l7n_oP8&list=OLAK5uy_lImYujueVzq7DDMrRc2TX8qnp1ZzMlHKM&index=4

and here’s a live version because the visuals are IMMACULATE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AwP7S9f3A8

5. “Guilty All The Same” - Linkin Park

Off of one of the greatest rock albums in my opinion, “Guilty All The Same” is nothing short of a masterpiece. A nearly 6-minute song, and it’s never boring for a second. The unique drum grooves and use of 3 against 4 polymeter are what make this song so damn interesting to listen to, and lead singer, Chester Bennington’s, vocals are nothing short of spectacular. Rakim’s verse in the bridge combined with the sick guitar riff and the drums backing them up makes it one of the best combinations of rock and rap that I’ve heard.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEaEdLQbAFM

4. “LOUDER” - Roselia

This being one of the first Roselia songs I’ve listened to, it has a really special place in my heart. But musically, it’s super awesome too. At a blistering 195 BPM, it’s one of the fastest songs on here, meaning it’s also super fun to play on the drums. It also changes keys between the verses and choruses from D minor to D major and back. And of course, who could forget lead vocalist Yukina Minato guiding the song through her soaring melodic lines. All in all, it’s a great song that managed to top my Spotify Wrapped.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYSXZQ2b1-c

Now before we get into our top 3, let’s look at some honorable mentions:

“A DECLARATION OF ×××” - RAISE A SUILEN: A song inciting revolution, this combination of rock and EDM is a straight up vibe. We also get some djent as a bonus! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=713nCe8LLa0

“DIVE!” - Setsuna Yuki: Rock music in the world of anime idols is a foreign concept, and to me it’s a welcome one. It seems, however, that others disagree... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXXxW8hEF3o

“Neo-Aspect” - Roselia: I swear this is the last Roselia song, but it was way too good not to include here. A powerful song filled to the brim with expression. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snp_DT9EqiQ

“カレンデュラ“ - RONDO: “Calendula” for those who can’t read Japanese, this heavy song carries a lot of weight in it’s lyrics as well. Overall a really epic song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRnaYwx2fH4

“Daybreaker” - Waterflame: Made fairly recently by a producer who made music that was a huge part of my childhood, this song just vibes so fucking hard. Fun fact: it was released on my birthday! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLomCDE7E50

3. “Transcendent Journey” - Rossano Galante

Now we’re talking about the true bangers of my music taste. I love Galante’s music because it’s always so dynamic always with super melodious lead parts. This piece is no different in that sense. It really feels like a journey. Fast woodwind runs supporting soaring brass lines, quiet woodwind melodies, blazing fanfares, and varied tempo make this piece of music really feel like a spiritual journey. There’s so much about this piece that I just can’t put into words so you just have to listen for yourself.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuMi2z2F3io

2. “Nostalgia” - Rossano Galante

Another wind ensemble piece making the top 3? Well, aside from being a beautiful piece musically, it brings a lot of good memories for me personally as well. We played this for my band’s spring concert when I was in 8th grade. As 8th graders, our ensemble included the high school band students as well, and that was the year one of my favorite seniors was graduating. He was such a big role model for me, and the entire concert was extremely emotional. This was my favorite piece we had programmed that night, and it’s made its way into my favorite songs of all time.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qaq_WKsatg

1. “The Catalyst” - Linkin Park

This was one of those songs. You know those songs that you fall in love with as soon as you hear it for the first time? Yeah, this was that. With every listen, I only liked it more and more, and it crawled its way to the top. It starts off soft, but it just keeps building. Everything builds and builds and becomes increasingly chaotic until it all collapses in the second half of the song. From there, the repeated lyrics “Lift me up, let me go” carry this song to its epic finale, in which we feel the culmination of all that chaos from earlier. Not only does the song work so well as a standalone track, its use as the penultimate track on “A Thousand Suns” (my favorite album of all time) serves as the final climax before resolving the intricate story weaved by the album. This is a perfect song if I have ever heard one.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sBjZBn3DQU

Well, folks, there you have it. A playlist of the best songs that got me through this forsaken year and will hopefully empower the next. I wish you all a better and happy 2021, and I’ll catch you at the double barline!

#music nerd #music #top 10 #top ten #music analysis

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starrysamu · 4 years

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I have done away with the stupid case study and i finally got time to read the next time chappy and hehehehehehehe im shaking its all happening OH boy (also does he hit different after the new ep or is it just me? 😳) "and if you really felt like deluding yourself, you could feel the way his arm wrapped around your waist" OOF the difference a single person can make to a bed :') alsoooo if osamu owns that new store around the corner then im gonna freak outtttttt

+ (tumblr give me the longer asks challenge grr) i thought u explained her distraction rlly well, like just staring blankly at the words (can relate rip). also how dare u remind me that he would have already brought her a coffee + food >:'( they really fell back into a rhythmn quickly huh? i read "you caught the familiar whiff of powdered sugar" and i nearly cried like smells are so evocative! and thats all it takes to bring /everything/ rushing back </3

+ and also its lowkey ironic that the smell of the bakery, the thing that took him away, is the thing that she most fondly associates with him :( AND THEN you hit me with "like you were the only thing he’s needed this whole time." and ahh does regret hurt. also INFURIATINGLY "because in your head, you’d do everything right this time" like girl! u did have another chance! and u learnt a heap but u didnt follow through :') but i think theyll got it this time. hnnnn i rlly hope the get it this time

+ also lowkey thought the sister was gonna dip and leave her and osamu on a blind date lsdjfkbh. fav line was "because maybe that would mean that whatever you had with him back home would get tainted with whatever you were now" because oof. like that week only feels like just an unattainable dream? even through the fights and emotion and stress, all that is remembered is the good stuff :'))))

+ "you could relive your moments together instead of replaying them" OOF YES OK LOVE THIS WORDING and it links with "thinking about how history was undoubtedly always good at repeating itself"! Thats all shes been doing! replaying what happened instead of taking the jump to try it all again with him :') and the repetition through this section was super cool, really made it feel like a waterfall of realization happening all at once!!!!!!

+ yea so in conclusion i thought this was a v important and clever chapter and im v excited and sad for this final chapter oof. good luck writing it ;) <3

goddamnit erica and her inflammation

the way u manage to still surprise me even after all these chapters. please i tell u this every single damn time but i don’t think i’ll ever be able to convey how grateful i am for u. u have been so so integral in me successfully writing this even when i’m low in confidence. even when i put out something that i feel iffy about, you’ve still managed to somehow highlight the parts you liked which means like ... so incredibly much to me i can’t even YOU MAKE ME ATTACHED TO THIS STORY FOR NO REASON

the way i’m a fake fan and haven’t seen the new episode yet i’m gonna hurl i’m waiting to watch it after i finish all my quizzes and assignments for the week i can’t believe i live like this but i’ve seen clips and ss and i wanna vomit how tf does he look like that huh make it make sense

i just think senses are so much more important than . actual thoughts. idk like for me, i have a song associated with almost every aspect of my life. listening to it reminds me of either a memory, a time in my life, or a person/event. i wish i utilized something like that a lot more throughout the story because i also feel very emotional when i hear a song that reminds of a part of my life. so i’m glad someone could appreciate it because i tried to make like a recurring theme earlier, when she was crying that one night and he comes home smelling like sugar idk i think like ... it’s just something she associates with him now (rightfully so) and i think something like that is meaningful idk i’m rambling now

yeah she’s ..... hhhh she’s frustrating. she’s really convicted in her ways sort of, or stubborn i suppose, in a lot of aspects, especially when it comes to him. she’s never really gotten the chance to prove herself or had some big “self realization” sort of thing that’s been meaningful enough for her to change her ways. i wanted to sort of use this chapter to kind of highlight that, because with the way it was going, it was evident that she didn’t really have a reason to act. i wanted to reflect like hey, if she still doesn’t take the chance after this, after realizing how much he means to her, then she’s literally a lost cause like girl even i, the writer, do not know how to help u -

PFFFT YEAH A LOT OF PEOPLE THOUGHT THAT ABT THE SISTER. idk ... we’ll see ...

and this was in no way a redemption for the sister i guess. she still sucks, family sucks a lot sometimes tbh, but i think i kinda wanted to show that it’s a balancing act between them (even though i made her absolutely hateable in the beginning lol). i wish i could’ve expanded on the relationship between reader and sister a bit more, but it seemed sort of frivolous in the grand scheme of things. but i will say i think reader needed some outside intervention to realize like hey ..... this is actually kind of important to you and you should do something about it. idk?

THERE WERE SOME LINES I REALLY REALLY LIKED WRITING. frankly listening to supercut did so much good for me i made jac listen to it on repeat w me for like. two hours. she a real one for that. BUT i really liked some of the lines in here (even if i wasn’t too content with the thing as a whole .....)

thank you so so so much for thinking it was a decent installment. idk i have mixed feelings about it, but i don’t think i would’ve been able to justify the ending without it. thank you for supporting it (and me), i absolutely, truly, wholeheartedly adore you!!!

#AN ESSAY!#SORRY MISS MOO U ALWAYS GET THESE ):#i'm so thankful for u fr #i really ... would've lost motivation long ago for it if it weren't for u #it's kind of a shifty installment but .... idk idk idk ugh #ughghhghhghhgh #anyways ):#thank u always ):#i don't deserve u . or this #i love u ):#moo !#next time asks

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neshabeingchildish · 5 years

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WEEK FOUR: GENERAL PROMPTS ♡ 1/27 | Fluff #2

So, in true Nesha fashion, I’m gonna go a little bit in a direction that I’m unsure of whether or not it’s what is being sought out, but my interpretation of the prompts. Idk if I’ll keep up with it this week. We’ll see what type of feedback I get about today’s… Which… Anybody paying any attention to me will know that Fluff is not my ministry, but I’ll give it a try. Here is my premise: I am going to take the AU universes that I put out last week and give y’all a drabble for each with this week’s concepts. At least, that’s my goal. So, here goes.

Fantasy ♡ Full Moon Over Swellview

Jasper handed out Valentines’ cards to everyone in the school that he knew. A lot of people were EXTREMELY happy to get them, to Charlotte’s surprise. They were 16 years old. Who the heck cared about Valentines’ Day Capitalism? Apparently everyone but her. Henry had even made himself a little business on the side, accepting flower gram orders for $3, since the high school didn’t do them anymore after a budget crisis that Captain Man caused. Charlotte found it appalling that Henry would profit off of a service that he was at leas partially responsible for the school having to give up, but… who was she gonna tell but he and Jasper? Nobody knew that Henry was Kid Danger, and she valued that secret. She’d SOONER tell them that he was a vampire. She wouldn’t tell either.

Whenever she got to her locker, she found a red sack attached to it and sighed, opening it up and looking inside. It was some type of scroll. Trusting no one, she glanced around and when she was convinced that the coast was clear, scanned it to be certain it wasn’t a set up of dark forces. It was just from Jasper. She laughed and opened it. An invitation to a Valentine’s Day dinner. She tossed the scroll and the sack into her locker and yelped when she turned around and Henry was there with a bouquet. “Hey! I got you some flowers!” He said. She put her hand over her heart. “There are A LOT of people who like you. Never would’ve guessed.” She took them and stuffed them in her locker, not even bothering to glance at the cards that went with them. “Wow. So playa,” Henry said, impressed.

“I HATE these aspects of Valetines’ Day!” she complained. “You know… it wasn’t even initially candy and card sales. It was a love lottery for fertility. We should be banging, if we really want to celebrate.”

“I have no problems with that,” he said. She threw him a look. “It’s all in good fun. NOTHING that we celebrate has it’s original meanings. Well… I mean, the rest of us. You’re probably gonna Pagan the heck out of today, huh?”

“No, not really, but I did make something for Jasper, because of the whole Lupercalia lore.” She could tell from Henry’s face that he had no idea what she was talking about, so she gave him the quick notes, “Old Pagan custom is kinda a part of werewolf history.”

“Oh.”

“So, I made him these little Romulus and Remus, feeding on the She Wolf.” Henry’s eyes were wide in confusion. “He will maybe know what it represents and probably like it!” She snapped and slammed her locker. “This holiday is stupid, anyway! Who spends all the time and money that people spend on these things for high school relationships? None of the couples that you unethically charged for flower grams are gonna last.”

“You are the Scrooge of Valentine’s Day,” Henry commented.

“I am the Scrooge of any observation that the Christians stole and remarketed when they were traveling the world killing people for being unbelievers. No offense to the ones that just go to church and go home until they die, but let’s be very factual about how much history and culture that religion has taken and ruined! And in the name of such a progressive miracle working practitioner!”

“How about this? Forget the Christians stealing it and making it about cards and candy and just look at it as a night to get to pet Jasper’s belly and scratch behind his ears by candlelight. That’s what I’m doing.” Henry said. “Nobody hates Christianity more than the vamps. We literally will burst into flames at a crucifix wielded with enough holy hate.” She laughed at the phrase “holy hate.” But… that was a good way to take her mind off of things.

The truth was that a lot of warrior witches lead lonely lives. Battling the evils that defied nature, the ones that misuse nature for their dark purposes, and so on… That almost guaranteed that she couldn’t get close to people, make many friends, or fall in love. The fact that these normals were always “falling in love” only to throw it away in a few months and still made an entire DAY of it was irritating to behold. They took so much for granted all of the time and she was frequently sick of it. But, if she was gonna spend time with her friends, that was at least cool.

Jasper made a setting in the Man Cave for the three of them. He’d of course invited both of the “loves of his life” to this Valentine’s Day event, set the table with stuff that the three of them loved and decorated the place with red and hearts. He got them into their seats and then took his own. “So… I hope that everybody enjoys everything. I wanted to treat you both to something special, because I love both of you and I know that neither of you believe that you’ll ever find love, (both Henry and Charlotte began to try to argue with that assessment) whether or not either of you will admit it. But, I love you both. So, Happy… Day of Love.” He didn’t want to say the “V” word around Charlotte and start a tangent.

“Charlotte’s got a present for you, Dude.” Henry said, reaching out to adjust the bouquet that Jasper had placed in the center of the table. It needed a little bit of work. Jasper looked at Charlotte, excitedly. The “wagging his tail look,” she thought of it as, because if he was in wolf form, she knew that he would be.

“Yeah… It’s probably stupid. You might not even like it, just in observance of this time of year, I made this little display…” She reached into her satchel and pulled out something wrapped in a red fabric. “Actually made from 100% Jasper hair and fur… also wood, from a very sacred tree, to my family… and some crystals that I… had…” She was TRYING not to blabber, because that made the gift even more important, she realized with everything that she said.

He was now looking at the unwrapped thing. Twin boys with hair like his suckling on a lady wolf with twinkling eyes and the word Lupercalia carved into the base. “This is the most beautiful thing that anyone has ever given me,” he said in a small voice. “I love it… and you!” He gave her a hug and a kiss and set it on the table, near the bouquet. “I’m gonna cherish this forever.”

“Henry, I also got YOU a gift!” Henry gasped. He honestly hadn’t expected one! She was SO against it, and as far as he knew, there were no vampire ties to this holiday, and even if there were, she was still pretty anti-vampire, no matter how much she tried to accept him, personally. She pulled out a jewelry box and he opened it to see a glass vile, attached to a necklace with symbols. “Is… is this YOURS?” He asked.

“Yes.” It was super forbidden in her practice to offer her blood to a vampire. Vampires would drain witches dry and discard all remains, in order to keep safe from possible attacks. So, for her to offer it to him was a huge show of faith, and huge sign of love. He rushed to give her a hug and a kiss too, then she helped him put it on. He was never going to take it off.

She wondered, “Did you two get each other anything special?”

Jasper shrugged and said, “I have a pitcher of blood on the table for the feast.

Henry said, “I got him some of those Valentines Day chew toys from the pet store.”

“You two are SO romantic,” she said sarcastically. They laughed, then everybody paused when Ray came in, dressed like cupid and setting food on the table. Charlotte shook her head and said, “Nope.” Then got up from the table.

“Charlotte! You can’t leave now. It’s the feast time! We can do fertility stuff if you want!” Henry called.

“Ray is in a little toga with wings! A LINE HAS BEEN CROSSED!” Truth be told, she was filled up with emotion from everything that had taken place. She just needed to breathe for a moment. Did she wanna see Ray in a toga? Absolutely the entire heck not. But... she was never gonna say that she wasn’t 100% against “doing fertility stuff” with her boys. She blushed, glad that none of them could hear her thoughts.

#henrydangermonth #Full Moon Over Swellview #henry danger #hd AU fic #Nesha HD Fics #Fluff Prompt 2 #Chensper

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gg-astrology · 5 years

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Moon Phases in Astrology | pt. II

Hello! 💕❤️ Since we talked a lot about -- how to find what phase the moon’s in w/ ur chart, w/ part 1 -- i figured today we’ll go into some expositions on each phase and what it means. As well as where this is all coming from, hopefully it can shed some light on what it means when your moon is positioned the way it is on your chart. As always, I hope you enjoy this lil trip we’re doing together! 💕❤️

Note: Text Heavy, feel free to skim or have some time slot out to read before going to bed?

Note pt. 2: This part is going to be about the New Moon, Waxing Crescent Moon, First Quarter Moon and Waxing Gibbous Moon. ❤️💕

The next part will be the Full Moon + Waning Moon phases. But I hope you enjoy and maybe give it a read anyways! ❤️💕

Moon Phases in Astrology | pt. I

*How to find: Moon Phase with a Natal Chart

Moon Phases in Astrology | pt. III

*Astronomy: How to identify what Moon Phase you’re in + Time/Location in the Sky (without a chart)

Context, Sources, Premise - A little ramble?

Ok so!!! ❤️💕 Before we start, I just want to lay down some thoughts.

I’ve been having contemplations about this topic for a while now, because there’s not a lot of sources about Moon phases.

I think that in a way, we’ve always had some sort of idea on how big the topic might be in our civilization. Agriculture, customs, traditions and harvesting. Lores and oral tradition/history, making of the universe stories. The Moon and perhaps some of it’s phases have always been part of how we align ourselves with the world around us.

Shifting to adapt and navigate ourselves through space, time, life. Why wasn’t there much of a collected studied investigation based around the Moon phases and it’s importance in astrology? Did we lose some information, haven’t uncovered significant studies around this topic? Was it lost through wars and history?

Since astrology is a subject about the stars, the constellations and the things around us. I actually felt somewhat unsure of whether or not to talk about this topic at all -- since we focus a lot more on the concrete things that we have.

The planets, the signs, the houses. Even if we argue amongst ourselves a lot sometimes about different things that should be taken into consideration, I’ve always wondered if somewhere along the line of passed-on tradition, maybe there was evidence of us studying/investigating moon phases more before. But maybe it’s not available to us now?

Or maybe it just wasn’t a big deal.. nah, it doesn’t seem likely? does it? that it hasn’t been a big topic even from way before. It’s always been a thing to study and observe. So us not having a lot of information/sources/studies on Moon phases now, I guess it’s making me feel some type of way and unsure about how to proceed with this, because there’s not much to grasp and study on.

With that said, we do have some more modern resources that has been talking about Moon Phases and Lunation Cycles. Dana Rudhyar’s ‘Lunation Cycle’ published in 1967 has been one of the most recommended one on the topic.

I’ve also been reading the more recent ‘Moon Phase Astrology’ by Raven Kaldera (published in 2011) in conjunction to that. Rudhyar’s text is still a little hard for to digest, but if you’re into the topic -- I highly recommend you check both books out

Hm. Well. For the premise on this 2nd part -- I just wanted to let you all know this is based around some of the more modern sources we have. Part of the reason I felt a little weird about doing it is because by all premise, it SHOULD be a part of ancient astrology as well. But if there’s very limited expansion on the topic -- I don’t know how much I should infer to the modern sources for the information we have.

Regardless, I’ll keep an eye out for it. If anything were to come by, I’ll try to navigate it as thoughtfully and honestly as possible. I think in a way -- our relationship with the moon has always been our source of purification and comfort. It’s root runs deep, even to this day, maybe to certain people even more so than others. But to all of us, it’s a natural force and pull that affects our very environment.

I’ll be mindful of what information I talk about and I hope to wrap this up nicely for all of us w/o feeling dissatisfied or uncertain about the topic, I hope you enjoy the topic anyways! ❤️💕

Different Phases of the Moon

So last time, we talked about identifying moon phases on the chart (link to part 1 at the top). As well as going through briefly how to differentiate and remember the names from each other. Hopefully that was helpful.

For today I kind of want to talk about what significant it may have. As well as pulling from some of it’s significance and what it’s used for.

Moon Phases - What does it mean?

Terminology

Since I try to be as beginner friendly as possible -- I’m sure some might’ve heard of the terms disseminating moon or balsamic moon, rose moon, Super moon etc. And had gotten confused about what it all means. I figured it might be nice to clear this up a little, so here we have a name for all the different phases, but with a little more alternative adjustment-- with the corresponding phases/names:

NEW MOON

Waxing Crescent/Crescent Moon

First Quarter/Waxing Quarter

Waxing Gibbous/Gibbous Moon

FULL MOON

Waning Gibbous/Disseminating Moon

Last Quarter/Waning Quarter

Waning Crescent/Balsamic Moon

I know a lot of people get confused about the terminology. But it’s really nothing to worry about much -- when we understand the core of it as it is.

Waning Gibbous and Disseminating Moon

Between the Waning Gibbous and Disseminating Moon for example, once we go ‘ah the disseminating moon is the waning gibbous’. We can essentially choose what purpose we look at the Moon for, what we want to call it.

Disseminating essentially means spreading, so when the full moon becomes the waning gibbous or disseminating moon -- its losing it’s light from our perspective (even if technically it’s moving closer to the sun)

It’s called the disseminating moon because of that nature. To disassemble and dismantle, to let things go. As part of the passage or starting to do so. In relation to human-lunar cycles.

It’s a reminder of what we have to do, albeit - the name is much more straight to the point of what our purpose here should be, rather than the waning gibbous which is more of a terminology for what the Moon is.

So, you see. It’s kind of like, purposeful. Each name is purposeful, and there’s no need to be scared or confused over what it is. Because technically, you can choose to go the astronomical side and say it’s a waning gibbous (which would be true and very technically specific) -- or you can say it’s a disseminating moon. Which is the same thing, but with a different purpose/signification in mind.

Waning Crescent or Balsamic Moon

Just like the above, the Waning Crescent and Balsamic Moon is also one of the same. The Moon is a sliver in the sky, about to become a new moon. This is a crucial point at the end of a cycle -- since the new moon, as the name implies, ‘begins’ a new cycle all over again.

Balsamic -- contrary to the salad dressing (and deliciously simple dipping sauce for bread) means to restore, soothe, and is of nature -- to be at peace/yielding to the end of the cycle. It’s a reminder for us that this period is a liminal space, meant for us to come to term with the end of a cycle in order to enter a new one.

Since this post is catered to astrologers, we’d probably be more familiar with the concepts of critical or anoretic degrees, or void of course moon when it enters a new sign/travelling to the next phase/transitioning phases where sun-moon doesn’t make an aspect currently. It’s important to note that these things aren’t the same, nor are they interchangeable. Even if the idea of liminal space/time is similar.

Anyways, so just like the above. You can see how certain names have significations that are different from each other. But the core is essentially the same. It is a phase of the Moon, illuminated a specific percentage (for this moon it’s 0-15% illumination)

I hope this helps you not panic when you see these terms/names for certain moon now ❤️💕 It also gives us a great lee-way into talking about the different phases of the Moon in more details

Some little other things...

This is unrelated, but I kinda want to talk about the Super Moon and Micro Moon for a second. You’ve probably heard of the Super Moon before -- when it’s BIG BIG in the sky and you’re just like!! wow!!! look at THAT moon!

Isn’t it so cool to think about the SIZE of the moon sometimes? This can be important too. The reason why we have a Super Moon is because the Moon is technically orbiting the earth right? But one side is closer to use than the other!

The side closer to us is called the perigee, and the furthest point away from us is the apogee. This is because the Moon’s orbit is ecliptic, it isn’t a perfect sphere like we think it is! In terms of speed, the Moon typically makes its meeting with the perigee and apogee around once a month. However, the travel time between perigee to perigee is a little longer. This is in between perigee to perigee (anomalistic month) but during the perigee period-- the moon orbits a little faster around the earth, while it’s rotational speed remains the same (moon orbits the earth, but it rotates around the it’s own axis.) At the same time, it orbits a little slower during the apogee moon. Typically we call it a Supermoon or Micromoon when we’re looking at Full or New Moons.

Another cool thing about this is when we say Blue Moon or Red/Blood Moon -- a phenomenal where we’re usually talking about the Full Moon, but in different colours. It’s more likely to be because of the dust particles in our atmosphere rather than the Moon suddenly shifting Blue rays or Red light from the Sun.

Did you know that when you can see-- not just the crescent, but a little bit of the darker side of the Moon itself - that it’s probably because of Earthshine? The earth’s surface can reflect light onto the Moon, but because we’re not emitting of our own sunlight-- this is a double reflection (sun -> earth -> moon) and thus the lights are a little dimmer. But it’s a cool phenomenal to see!

Usually the best way to see this is around 5 days before or after the New Moon, where you can perhaps (*depends on your location as well) observe it when its nigh!

I just wanted to talk about nifty things here.. also! void of course that we mentioned before, I think we might’ve heard of it. We often think of it as period where things can should take a break technically, it’s separating from it’s prior aspect to form a new one - but it’s the period where it’s not forming aspect, so it’s a good cue to take our rest here. During this period, we may take cue to just relax a little, in case we get befuddled, confused, forgetful or in that transitional period where it’s best to focus on what we’re doing and continue doing something familiar.

Sometimes I think of it as a break time whistle, where it’s essentially telling us to take a little walk meet up with friends or spend some time journalling instead of embarking on a new project. Just take sometime getting ready to go into the new sign, finishing up and tying the ribbon on something we’ve held off doing for a while now/our general upkeep. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, just a reminder that life goes on and we forget to take breaks sometimes.

We’re gonna begin talking about the different phases now. Starting with the New Moon.

New Moon

As we’ve probably figured out, the New Moon occurs when the Moon conjuncts the Sun. To get the logistics out of the way - they are also astrologically in the same sign (*there may be out of sign conjunctions if it occurs when the signs are close to the start/end of it’s cycle)

From the earth’s perspective -- the Moon is in complete darkness. By conjunction, the Sun - Moon - Earth (in that order) is sandwiched. The Moon -- in longitudinal degree, is approximately touching the Sun (from our perspective). Hence, the side of the Moon that is illuminated is actually facing the Sun. We (earth-bounds, hello nasa ) gets to see it’s shadows.

We know this because of scientific studies, but from our everyday, earth-bound perspective-- we often just see the Moon -- the constant presence in our sky-- disappear for a few days along with the Sun. Clueless as to where it went we may look for it, maybe hidden under the clouds. Is it over-casted tonight? Not realizing where it went or when it’ll come back, until the first sliver of the crescent starts to rise up again in 3-4 days. Reassured, we continue on with our lives. Perhaps not even realizing that we’ve just started another cycle. Yet somehow- the idea of the Moon not being here and not being completely physical to our sense -- a constant presence in our existence on the earth -- unnerves us somewhat. Kinda similar to what we might find if the Sun suddenly disappears, even though it’s improbable if it hasn’t exploded.

It’s pretty curious to think about it like this -- with the New Moon. There is little to no visibility sometimes. How are we supposed to sow our seeds if we don’t know what direction we’re planting, landing or what’s out there to manifest? Thus, a certain part of the New Moon period is to make space/room for things we might not have known, have seen or have figured out yet.

For the New Moon Born

New Moon people (sun-moon conjunctions) didn’t start out all typically all-knowing -- they know what they know, and they’ve experienced what they’ve experienced. Things aren’t as foreseen as others may perceive them to be, New Moon (Sun/Moon conjunction) natives strength lies in their ability to be themselves, but also grow and learn as they experienced different phases of their rhythm/cycle.

Nothing ever comes easily to anyone, even if to our eyes it is fortunate that they do. Being a New Moon native would also mean they’re catching the tide throughout their life-- learning, discovering and facing every new rite of ritual every time it comes around. Life, in essence, is all about knowing what you do know about yourself, your experience and your core-- sticking by your guns in essence -- and taking things as it comes to you. Making you experience, integrate, and change/adapt some of your beliefs to further add to the narrative/growth as a person.

It’s interesting to think about how each sign would help colour the expression of each moon differently -- say an Aquarius Sun/Moon conjunction in the 11th, would be different from a Cancer Sun/Moon conjunction in the 2nd. Each New Moon babies would have different sets of expressions and things they are ‘ready’ to face-- yet, it’s emotional growth and consciousness is something that they will still have to try and connect to the world with, from within themselves, outwards. As this set of Moon phase specify.

The journey is different, the varying perks and strengths of each signs still signifies different things within Sun-Moon conjunction. Yet, the journey and what they have to consciously experience in order to get there- the ultimate lesson is still the same. Manifesting outwards, learning in a similar yet totally different way. It’s quite exciting to contemplate, how much they may have in common-- despite being of completely different experiences.

Perhaps because New Moon natives are Sun-Moon conjunctions, they might have to come later into realizing that certain things, might not have been as simple as they seen/thought. There are complexity and nuances, but certain things are overlooked in the casted shadow of the Moon.

Because the moon is casted in shadows, part of the psyche, intuition and feelings may be heightened. It is how they navigate through the dark, with the Sun structuring the conscious, and the Moon as our receptive (receptive to the light of the Sun, but is it a good thing or a bad thing if it’s to the point the Moon from the earth is casted in shadow?)

These aspected to each other in conjunction, certain self-awareness are focused solely on the core nature of the person, the sun, whilst those perhaps, around them are often something they will continue to learn and balance between. To grow, learn and perhaps gather/develop into receiving/knowing of the world around them.

Even with Venus/Jupiter aspected to it, the Sun/Moon luminary conjunction holds a stronger characteristic of the person. Perhaps they can share that, but in doing so - what do they receive back? How will they balance between themselves/the world around them, as to not be taken in as part of the larger community, or lose part of themselves? The strength that others see in them, the steeled backbone and pillar of strength-- others see but perhaps, not them.

It’s curious to think about New Moon in this way, because in a sense -- these natives may often feel somewhat individualistic sometimes. It’s not a bad thing, inherently-- what we see of those with Sun/Moon conjunctions may not always be what they often see of themselves. Emotionally to say the least, there may be dissatisfaction sometimes, or maybe complacency in certain signs. This may have to do with the native and how they’ve inherently grown, have they received lessons as the tide of the moon, the chances and experience -- or has it yet to come for them.

If you think about Sun-Moon conjunction a tiny bit further, not all is as it seems sometimes. Certainly in terms of how emotionality is perceived, it’s somewhat tied to the ego/core of the person themselves-- the Sun. For most other people around them, we tend to feel grounded in the nature and characteristics of our Sun-Moon conjunction friend. Our New Moon native buddies certainly bring something solely them into our lives, giving us the emotional reassurance and satisfaction in seeing them just represent-- and unapologetically be themselves, as who they are.

However, for the Sun-Moon conjunction native. Perhaps sometimes, there are disrupencies. Like the mentioned above, experiences and challenges can be unexpected from our pre-planned ideas formed before. But taking it in strides, growing and adapting as these challenges fuse into us, and making the best direction out of these growth period, is certainly helpful for us in the long run.

Perhaps one of the most characteristic and unified idea about New Moon native is that they are often innovative, often up for brandishing new and interesting ideas. But the follow up that happens can be disrupted, either by their own doing or by nature. Unexpectance happens, because essentially we don’t really know where we’re going/following along or doing in the very end. The cycle is to grow and learn, the journey is an experience we can’t plan -- but instead, New Moon natives may often go in sincerely facing the journey, with pure heart that it will turn out well. Because they believe in the core of themselves.

For Those Not Born During the New Moon

We may walk around aimlessly for a while during the New Moon period, certain interpretations takes New Moon as a reasonable period to cast seeds, sown into the ground, pre-plan for what is to come. But what’s to realize for most of us is that what we’ve casted may or may not come with unexpected changes/upheaval we didn’t account for. Things pick up-- the conjunction between luminaries are particularly powerful. This can come with unexpected change and opportunities, realizing that ‘taking a chance/change’ can be something that happens to us instead of being controlled by us is something the New Moon might talk about-- particularly if you think about how we cannot control the rise in tides-- yet it happens, and we have to be open to that. To opportunities and changes that aren’t preconceived or seen, but come to us whether we’ve seen it, liked it, or not.

Because it is (let’s call it) backlit by the Sun, during the New Moon period -- the darkness of the moon means we get a better time observing other cosmic entities. There are things to do during the New Moon! The tide rises, as well as a fortunate time to casts new seeds. Constellations as well as other planets may be something we choose to look at during this period where the illumination of the Moon is weaker -- with the Moon being casted into shadow and the Sun illuminating space, it’s a beneficial time to see what we’d like to cast, new beginnings, as well as promising things for ourselves that we’d like to do/look at during the new cycle (onwards).

For those of us NOT born during the New Moon period -- take this energy with you. Yes it’s a good idea to start thinking about what you might want to manifest, grow and plant accordingly to it. But also keep in mind that it’s entire journey is to learn, accept and grow through the experience that is faced/given as well. We may think making changes consciously helps, sometimes for us to feel like we’re diverting and controlling where change is going to come. But ultimately sometimes--- changes occur where we need it most, changes can ask us to touch on the things that we’ve kept in the dark, hasn’t seen or isn’t expecting. During the New Moon period-- perhaps it’s also wise to keep an eye out and an open-heart/mind to the possibilities of new happenence. Even if we can’t see any big/major manifestation yet. It is -- after all -- in the dark. For a while.

Waxing Crescent/Crescent Moon

We move onto the waxing period, the next period of the lunation cycle. Coming fresh off the stem of the New Moon’s gestation -- the Waxing Crescent becomes the entering stage of where we start to see things takes shape, walk, form, shape. And perhaps, take actions in accordance to the logic we’ve placed before, pointed in a direction as we march towards it.

The sliver of the moon appears on the sky, the first glimpse that she hasn’t left us. The earth and moon co-exists in more than just orbital plane. The Moon brings time, space, brings shape, natural occurrences on our plane. The earth reflects the sun light back into space, onto bodies like the Moon (‘earthshine’)

Isn’t it curious to see the semi-square aspect with the Sun-Moon? It’s not typically seen as a harmonious thing, but in essence, taking your first step is new and unnerving, but it doesn’t always mean it’s a bad direction/thing to do all the time. Brimming with energy and a new sense of direction, sometimes attempting to do something, is the first foundation in practicing that and becoming proficient in it.

Everyone probably took their first step as a kid somehow, in different ways. I’m not gonna mention how walking is a universal thing everyone did, because perhaps it’s not? But essentially, maybe it’s in learning to talk, eating food, developing in some capacity -- is how we grew into learning how to grow further from there/then on.

Without trying, or reaching out to do the things we deem desirable/want to do-- how would we have achieved anything? Whilst the New Moon period may be more about processing the feelings/experience that has come to us, the Crescent moon is building onto that but in a different way -- taking steps, pointed direction. The things that we see fit, the semi-square brings us into action even if we’re not completely far-sighted enough to calculate all the result to our manifestation.

In a way, the Crescent Moon period could also encompass those with Sun-Moon sextile. Which is curious to think about, especially with the analogy above. There an air of innocence and purity of will, in wanting to do something/go somewhere from just how we thought about it. If we think about the word ‘cresere’ -- it’s to increase/grow (thanks google). Isn’t it curious that whenever we start something, the natives may have a general good-will, a desire to do something with it- that’s refreshing to see somewhat.

One more thing to think about, doesn’t it feel scary to have been crawling, been doing something-- and then changes happen and you can finally do something else-- but then also having to face the possibility of falling as well?

Consequences are something that we may have to deal with/talk about. Unlike the New Moon above, now is the time for consequences that perhaps-- stem from our actions/lack of judgement as well.

Sometimes it’s about the unnoticed, the doors we close without realizing. When the world gets too loud/too much, sometimes those with Crescent may not realize they resort back to their emotional support- numbing all of that because we may have grown bored of it already. Too much of the excitement, the stimuli -- also comes with consequences, whilst we may tend to be careful and practical in our proceedings (Crescent Moon natives especially) - we may tend to do that with our actions/the things we think we control. Yet, when it comes to mental fortification and truly balancing out our receptive health-- sometimes the Crescent Moon’s consequences comes in the form of defense mechanism, closing up, in, not realizing that change won’t come if we don’t open our doors or learn how to navigate it thoughtfully as well.

From the New Moon to the Crescent

Falling almost always comes with the territory of -- y know, learning how to do something. In a way, once we set off in something and has moved past the initial we don’t consciously tend to think about it, because it’s natural in a way. The natural relation to things. We like to be prepared for our journey, what should we pack, what does it entail, what is it about/like.

Just like how if you fly up, you have to also land. If you learn how to eat different food, there’s always a possibility of learning what you’re allergic to, what you don’t like. Learn a language, realizing there’s social/cultural thing you’re unfamiliar/not a part of. There’s always, unexpected circumstances/nuances that we didn’t realize.

We don’t really think about the consequences before we do it -- because that’s not really motivation is it? In a way, perhaps native of the crescent/waxing moon nature sees opportunity and takes them, consequences will come-- but whats the point in ruminating on what’s unseen/not known when you could manifest/show what you have now, and cross the bridge when you get there later.

With Crescent Moon, it’s a great thing to adapt - at least to the benefit of these people. In a way, there’s a natural order of things. And in that order, it’s natural to expect things to be balanced/have consequences. Not in a negative way-- but kind of like, if something only has positives, why wouldn’t it have negatives? Shouldn’t we be prepared and informed? Readied and somewhat, able to take some of what to expect when it comes?

Crawling doesn’t leave as much of an impact in the fall as when you’re further away from the ground - much like how something won’t hurt as much, if you’re mentally and emotionally prepared for it for sometime. If something doesn’t manifest (hasn’t manifested) during the period, it wouldn’t hurt as much as if it did, or has shown signs of being successful but also has to face with realities of consequences?

It’s the unexpected happenance, the things we couldn’t account for that might have hurt us most. It hurts even more sometimes-- to realize that it was all from our own doing. Our actions, the way things were handled or the procession of how things have played out. The hardest part of it all is to make changes happen, because it’s much harder to do so flexibly when you were prepared, walking in a certain direction all along. And now you’re having to make some changes/adjustments and address things within yourself.

For the Crescent Moon Native (continuation from above)

Isn’t it so interesting to think about the Crescent Moon though? A period where we’re manifesting, but in order to make happenence happen -- we also have to consider that it doesn’t always come in the things we want it to be.

We can be so prepared for something, but it’s not the right period. We can want new changes, ideas, opportunities -- yet we aren’t making ourselves open and available to all choices in what’s required for it. We see an empty cup, and perhaps it’s an opportune time to fill it with what we want to do. That’s new and exciting, it’s do-able. Yet when it comes to editing/working out the kinks of why it may not be good to carry it with you -- we cling onto our defenses. The will (sun) and our receptivity to it (moon) aren’t always entirely aligned-- even when it’s harmonious, if we THINK we’re prepared to make those changes happen, reality of the practical aspects -- what our emotions would have to endure and work through with sincerity, can be feeling like warning to our ego/who we are sometimes.

It’s relationship is rather interesting, because in a way-- if the Crescent Moon increases in will but isn’t as readily to hear/receive or reflect as much, they can be rather callous/dismissive of what was heeded or given/warned to them before. If they are too receptive and has little will, they become prone to inertia and let opportunities slip away. It’s a crucial period during the lunation cycle-- just like how those of us who gets really hyped up and excited about New Moon tend to not go through/manifest what we said we will back then during the Crescent.

In a way-- the Crescent Moon period is just as crucial to the continuation of our journey, learning to adapt and balance between navigating the tide is helpful. Particularly because from here on out -- there’s increase in happenence until the full-moon. We’re in our waxing period now, this is where things will be coming more and more, and how we are going to receive/accept that, the manifestation of things that comes to us, whether we like it or not.

Another thing about the Crescent Moon native is that often times-- contrary to New Moon natives who often has so many things they want to do, has done, but has let go of. The Crescent Moon often has a pointed idea of where they want to go -- not in a literal sense of material things mostly.

But in terms of surpassing challenges and bigger things. Immigrant parents, and Crescent Moon natives reclaiming back roots. Becoming people who are -- more than the precedents, surpasses expectations. There’s a natural pointed focus to them that become more pronounced in the long run, although nuanced in everyday situation-- they may not always pull attention to it, as it’s something they may think are just the part of their organic nature, nurture, upbringing and being. But as a bigger picture (i.e. becoming good in a language, being able to do this or that proficiently) and thus-- are capable of implementing and helping their everyday life, is a part of how these Crescent Moon natives serves to find ways in surpassing everyday expectations of other Moon phases, and may often bring joy/gratuitous from others around them.

They may also often be cynical in a way, not all is positive when you’re balanced precariously on the nature of good/bad and seeing it all before you work on something. Because the will/receptivity is somewhat sharpened, they may in a way tend to be those who has seen luck fail on them, despite being quite proficient and adept at what they do. Challenges and adapting, doing and getting back on the feet. Proving time and time again that they are deserving, worthy and capable in their own rights.

For those with Crescent, and Not with Crescents

Isn’t it so curious to think of Crescents as being a sharp semi-square? But also those who may be in sextile, a part of the moon transitioning through the phase into the next major phase? With this, we can kind of understand the frustration Crescents may feel. When happenence don’t happen in their favour, when often our big dreams are hit sometimes, with subconscious or consciously acute, dreaded fear of consequences. Insecurities or simply -- looking in the wrong place sometimes. Opportunities occur but do they turn out well for us? And rather, how do we work through them and come up mightily above them?

Remember that semi-square isn’t a major aspect, in most cases we are able to override them if we know what we’re doing/what to do (in the context we need it for). But when we pay so much attention to what is holding us back, we also tend to let it get to us. And make us lose opportunities/our initial hope/dream/optimism that’s presented to us at the New Moon as well.

So just think about it. In a way, Crescent Moon natives lives quite comfortably being receptive to familiarity. But in a way, they are those who wants to keep a critical eye out for changes and reforms, those who wants to take steps into making it a possibility - the reality for us. But if the first path is with challenges, why should we walk? It’s because if we don’t take a stance or step in what we want to manifest/believe in, then we’re stuck in inertia thinking and drowning in our own conscious/consequences. I think this is something we could take with us, and also to sooth us at the same time. That sometimes-- it’s a lot more complicated and won’t come at us all controlled-- sometimes the first step requires 15 more steps, or 30 more steps, in order to actually be our ‘first step’ to something.

First Quarter Moon

Finally here with our first quarter moon. This is one of the major phase, or it’s making one of a major aspect from the Sun and Moon. Rudhyar calls this the ‘crisis’ time -- but the word in the english language is often associated to the idea of change happening (which we often don’t like to disrupt/change things, if something could make us fall) -- inevitable or somewhat negative.

The idea of crisis has begun to sound more like ‘the purge’ -- at least to me. Nobody likes a ‘crisis’, but we often can’t help but feel exhilarated -- physically, mentally, emotionally-- when we know something is about to happen.

A shift. But also an unexpected splash of sea water to our face, little moisture and drop of mists in our hair that we can wipe off as it accumulates. What creases and rises with the tide, it’s a chance to turn things around, maybe that’s what’s been on our mind for so long. Or perhaps, maybe the tide is here to swallow us altogether. The ‘crisis’ here is more of both of those, a chance in happenence. Even more so, maybe the tension before it happens as well as the action and post action itself.

Whether it is a consequence coming through, or an opportunity to be made. We may associate certain it to a rising in tension- the palpable sense that something has to be done, made, in order for something to shift here.

In a way, the squares really do bring out a major dynamic huh? Especially if you’ve seen/read about Sun-Moon squares before. I’m sure you might’ve heard how the core/will of the person isn’t entirely aligned/balanced with their emotional response/receptivity to things. Which can be a part of it, in a sense.

But what does this mean in terms of Lunar Phases? From the progression of our Lunar Cycle -- now may be the time/period where we reassess how we’ve managed to do since the New Moon -- what we promised ourself, did it go as planned?

Since this is the First Quarter Moon, we’re still in the middle of waxing period -- what do we want to do to continue to manifest? What do we have to do, in order to do so? And what do we actually want to manifest now that we know a part of it’s cycle? What we idealized, walked and faced along the way, how much does it matter and how much could we use? In what ways?

The First Quarter represents a reality check point where we should begin to acknowledge, ascertain, or weigh whether something has been worth it - whether to strike out a new path, whether the path we’re on has been exhausted, what to do with the past experiences - cleanse it, use it, or renew/reuse it? What changes has to be made in order to do so, what to take and what to let go.

Change is inevitable, but more so -- it’s done through reaching that point that most Sun-Moon square would face-- where we have to make that choice for ourselves. What we feel that is at the end of what we set out to do, the path could no longer go on. Or whether we’ve been led unexpected down a path we did not desire nor expect, how much we want to actually continue.

Whether we should refocus ourselves somewhere again. This is where chance and opportune happen -- as those who are native of the First Quarter would also realize - you have to save yourself from drowning if you want to survive.

For those born during the First Quadrant Moon

There’s no going around the Sun-Moon square, even if the signs in questions are out of sign (i.e. Capricorn Sun at 27′ square Taurus Moon at 2′). I think most of these individuals know how taking responsibilities for their actions a huge part of their conscious/rationality as well -- it weighs on their mind, their core self-esteem. If they don’t feel proud of who they are, their actions often being met with what they know, what they’ve experienced and what they expect themselves to do vs what they’re doing matching up to that or not. Instinctual in a way, strong fronted in how they are, and perhaps-- the feeling of validation, the true ‘conquer’ of the square, is what drives them forward.

When it ebbs and flow like the tide, meeting and colliding, clashing with each other-- those that are born during the First Quadrant Moon comes with a chance to change - either succeed, or fail in their own ways. Depending on how they to go forward about it from there, build up from it or is weigh down by themselves/their conscious - going further the path is either something that is dreaded, or something to look forward to for those who are First Quadrant born.

Squares in general, is the meeting of two planets that wants the same thing/similar thing but has a way of going about it differently from each other. This may often cause conflict, since often there are tension and arguments between which expression gets to be shown. The problem usually lies in how they can’t compromise, or see value/nurture or support each other’s expressions properly before having to insist on their own vision first. Thus the expression/action presented are often one that is not in favor of either of those placements. Something that is a by-product of the block of proper expression/compromise - an internal problem may become external, hurting those around it without realizing as well.

First Quadrant Moon talks about addressing this issue, in a way-- we also think of the square as the weight of expectations, capabilities and desire. What do we have till now? Our expectations and knowledge of what we can do, who we are, what we desire. When those things are weighted during this half-time -- we either drown under the crushing weight of disappointment/not enough in ourselves -- expectations that aren’t met.

With the slower moving body in the aspect -- we may often find it setting us goals and expectations that we see fit to want. What we want, what we desire, what we need (in this case, it’s the sun, our ego) -- but because it is squared to our moon -- the faster moving body neither care for the goals, nor do they feel they are capable of achieving it. Tension and exhaustion builds, frustration and resistance. The sides talk and understands, but fate is simply not working in their favours when it comes to profit and execution.

As the slowing moving planet sets up more goals - and the faster moving planet somehow fails and fails all over again in some way shape or form. Or feel like, in some ways, certain things are being done that it’s overlooking it’s own needs/wants/discover.

Once the faster moving body has had enough of it -- in this case, our emotional needs/wants/desire, our psyche and a part of our health. When frustration and inhibition mounts to a level in this square aspect-- a confrontation happens, actions are taken. And things are set loose, chances are made- taken, hoped to happen. Emptying the glass in order to refill it again, but thinking about what we want to fill it with, and to what proportion.

It’s having to gone through the change, responsibility for it’s action. For the Moon (or any faster moving body in the aspect) - it’s for the sake of discovering itself, putting itself first. For the slower moving body -- it’s so that it doesn’t have to put up with constant disappointment all the time. Get to planning/working on what it could do.Something that the Sun-Moon square brings.

Part of this isn’t all doom and gloom, in fact-- the faster moving body goes on it’s own pursuit and adventure. Freed from the chain of prior expectations it can discover itself and it’s needs/want.

Does this sound familiar to the section above when we talk about re-evaluation of goals/experience? If we say the Sun-Moon conjunct of the New Moon is setting those expectations together, having talked and process it together. Whilst the Sun-Moon semi-square/sextile during the Waxing Crescent is experiencing the journey, walking along the path. Then this Sun-Moon Square is the result of the journey, what becomes of it. Is it successful? Should we continue? What is the profit/loss of whats happened? Is it worth it? Can we take this some more?

Eventually the faster moving body would have to look forward to the future as part of their past. What they’ve set up, the foundational growth and development we went through. Without realizing, because we were constantly put to trials and on tests, we’ve become experienced and better at it. New trails we’ve faced that is a repeat of the old ones are succeeded, completed.

Squares are directional forces that push us to develop in life, whilst we weren’t grateful for it at the time where we were being bullied, pressured. Eventually, we’ve become more experienced and taken subconscious knowledge of it that we are able to surpass trials ourselves now. This is because through these trails, we’ve built endurance and stamina. We’ve learnt the hard way how to discern and be more careful. To teach and survive. We become more confident once we grow into ourselves-- despite how harsh it was before, it did pay off. We’ve gained valuable skills - that helps us move forward through life, and sustain ourselves through it.

The First Quadrant is satisfying because it requires us to take action -- the confrontation, and acknowledge our experience and skills. Those born during this period may often have remarkable base to their operations, their fundamentals down. But the decision to take action or inaction is one that will shape them and change them in the future.

Because squares are always re-occuring pretty regularly throughout our lives, I don’t necessarily think there’s one big moment and then it ends. We go through this as part of our operation module, we make the changes happen. We have to, otherwise nothing will be satisfying for us once the results arrive.

The trials and endurance we go through are all an intricate part of how we embrace ourselves and use to push us forward. Nothing can manifest outside if we struggle with our own feeling of being trapped, pressured, forced under the expectations of who we are.

Without nurturing/support from ourselves as well -- we are bruised from the journey and take more damage than we should. Learn to heal, as part of the First Quadrant or Sun-Moon square, that we have to step forward gently and take care of ourselves, our body our energy and health. Whenever it occurs, be thoughtful and treat it preciously -- instead of sustaining large amount of damage (accumulated) and then healing at once -- that won’t work.

For those who aren’t born on the First Quarter Moon - and Those that Are Too

Courage isn’t something that can be done once and called it a day. To actually manifest something from it, or call it courageous -- we’d have to face these challenges again and again.

In regards to the First Quarter Moon, often times we choose the path that is self-protective, despite saying ‘oh this is my choice that’s going to make a change for the situation!’ -- it may be lacking, or cowardly because we already know the choice that truly evoke fear/trepidation in us is the one we are consciously looking away from. If the weight or value that choice is smaller than the other, do we truly believe that the compensation will be enough? Do we make goals/resolution for new year, set up the foundation -- but don’t willingly put in the value/effort so that the consequences are little to no impact on us. And thus, we don’t fulfill the goal we’ve made-- because we refuse to take chances and actions-- to make it worth the value for ourselves? What it truly mean for us long term?

We want positive long-term benefits without the conscious trepidation of lost and going through changes. But how do personal changes happen if it doesn’t have an impact on us? Vulnerability is something Sun-Moon squares will constantly have to work through-- squares are temporal forces after all. And we will have to face it again and again in order to utilize it’s source and power, and direct it into achieving something truly fulfilling for us (*whatever sign or houses that it’s in can point to what the affair/matter is. For transit and natal as well)

Decisions that we choose may be hesitant, but still would rather choose it to be the sacrificial lamb, instead of the true one. No matter what justification or ‘oh but this has more percentage of succeeding!’ -- truly isn’t it just a self-preserving excuse for another self-comforting action? To choose the fear that we know rather than the one that we truly fear, but desperately wanted to make a change in. To know that if we were to make ourselves vulnerable, put ourselves out there -- we would have that, could get it. But we don’t -- instead we fall into habit and comfort instead? Doing the bare minimum to get by, for our own internal growth. Instead of the ones we should be doing-- when given the opportunity instead?

The true choice of our own beneficial development is buried under our consciousness, we willingly place it into the subconscious -- so that we don’t feel guilt over not being courageous or not having to see/choose it in the first place. During and for those with the First Quadrant Moon, try to be courageous and choose the one that truly evoke your fear instead.

It doesn’t happen overnight, but it happens when repeated exposure to the process of putting ourselves out there-- vulnerably. It does pay off, as of most things. Truly the path of the square is to learn that changes has to occur. Decisions and actions have to be made. Ones that are hard for us to do -- because the consequences are harsh. But it’s necessary, for us to reap the reward of our effort and gain more confidence later.

We may often think of ourselves as failure if we don’t see ourselves succeed directly at the task we’ve set up or is given, but that doesn’t mean we haven’t learnt skills during the process. Often times, those in and born with the First Quadrant will have to realize this -- you’re not useless. You’re laying down and learning the foundation to something that would prove useful in the future. All you have to do, is make conscious choices to be courageous and choose your path, take actions in said path. Make your decisions yourself.

The conditions of Mars -- sorry this is the last bit-- the condition of Mars is also something to look at. Since we’re often talking about actions when we’re talking about squares, often times, those with First Quadrant Moons are the ones who likes to see through the development of projects/things at the beginning phase-- but may leave once they’ve grown bored or want to start another venture afresh. Just like the progression of New Moon, Waxing Crescent to here -- it’s about the project and seeing how it goes till we are satisfied with what happened. And then reassessing what we want to do from there, once we’ve grown some stability from it as well.

Waxing Gibbous

Gosh, we’re finally here at the Waxing Gibbous! You know how we talk about surviving in the First Quarter Phase? Well now perhaps this is more like living. But it’s the stage where we are in-between that surviving and living, not well-off but perhaps trying to get to where we can live comfortably and just mind our business without getting wrecked over again.

To survive and to live are different in motivation right? One is with a sense of urgency, of panic. An awareness of our past action that may have lead us to there, or something that requires combating immediately because there’s resistant force. Living is more in-tuned with our desire and need to get better. A desire for a truly fulfilled life, at the end of the day. Pushing still, and without a truly harmonious aspect it can be something that is motivational in purpose -- a need to be psychologically in-tuned with the world, using our emotional bases/foundation as the core of how we make sense of it and grow from there as well.

With more luminary to the moon - some have said the more illuminated the moon is, the more our emotions heightened. This kind of reminded me of why people say the full moon is when werewolves turn. So in return, perhaps the waxing gibbous is when they may start the stage of pre-turn/pre-feral. Or maybe it is when they’re mostly going through that ferality?

During this period, we’re still increasing in our waxing-- thus, not all is good yet. We haven’t reaped the rewards of our efforts, not until we’ve reached a trine/sextile while the come-down becomes much more enjoyable process for us. However, now that we’ve done our *wriggle hands* emotional crisis ‘sink or swim, live or die’ kind of deal. Here’s the part where we pick up and clean off, see where we go from our tantrum from here.

For the Waxing Gibbous Moon Native

With the kind of aspects the Gibbous has (sesquiquadrate) -- perhaps the native of these Moon may often find it difficult to join/smash their will and emotions together well. If their will are at the forefront, perhaps sometimes it requires emotionally shutting down in order to do so, or engaging with their emotions-- then sometimes the will may be lacking/scattered to do so properly. It’s not usually as dual as this, but rather because it’s happening all at once-- sometimes they fall into either side hard without realizing - and thus, becomes detriments to themselves when they can’t pull themselves up each terrain (transitional phase).

Because the Moon isn’t quite ‘full’ -- we’re almost there, but we aren’t yet. That’s important to realize, because this is a period that requires a lot of tolerance and patience for themselves/others/what they want to manifest as well.

As most Waxing Gibbous will learn - sometimes they can be their own detriment due to losing patience or motivation for something or their circumstances. Worrying or anxiously waiting on productivity to arrive. Often impatience to get things done/worked out can be part of why they are stuck in a hard place in the first place - most of the things they wish to work out, acceptance and compassion for the circumstances/whatever frustration it was aimed at -- quelling the heart and mind can be helpful for them.

We’re in a place where we aren’t there yet -- but because they think they see the finish line so close, they may sometimes act brashly/rashly that they lose out on the footing. Thus why it’s in-between surviving and living, we aren’t there yet. Plus, understanding that-- even though it is difficult and life has difficulties (which these people would have a deep understanding of) -- there are solutions, and you can come out of the other side safely is important to know, as they tend to be worriers sometimes when faced with a problem, anxiety inducing, putting themselves through emotional pain/turmoil sometimes when caught off-guard with ‘unexpected’ situations

Think about the Moon, it’s nearly full - which puts us at a false sense of security sometimes. We think we’re nearly there, but we do have that small percentage of darkness that we often get ‘ambushed’ by - certain awareness of this darkness and vigilance can be the lacking in Waxing Gibbous people. As they may tend to focus on earning/achieving that higher percentage of luminosity, the threat of darkness blindside them.

Although the minor darkness percentage is something to note, as most of the time-- it’s minor devils that you can win in a fist fight if you’re emotionally prepared for it. It’s just a matter of whether or not you want to engage in a fight with them and is fully concentrated to win, or are you going to take that first punch and realize you’re not well-equipped for it and lose?

Basically, our attitude towards realizing our miscalculation, mistakes and minor mishaps that becomes troublesome on the bigger scale of thing is important. We can often let it put us in vulnerable position, let it pass us by without realizing it’ll become a thorn in our side-- or we can take an active position and vigilance in our humble position of trying to move through this slippery terrain.

Often times, Waxing Gibbous individuals may find themselves ‘oopsie’ falling into slippery slopes because of their own miscalculation, lack of vigilance, purposefully ignoring a minor problem that seems to not have a large impact for the sake of it being ‘fun and just my personality’ (sometimes) -- which eventually becomes a bigger problem to solve when it’s set in a bigger context, or has escalated to the point where it worsened/involves others.

This is why it’s sometimes not advisable to go overlook certain things. But yes, attitude towards these helps. Particularly if we learn from them and make changes in our awareness for it. See it as a problem, see it as something to resolve. Rather than ignore.

Another thing about Waxing Gibbous is that they can often - hm, crop up at unexpected times with unexpected problems. Often times we recall a moment where we pay the repercussion, a fall-out, a conflict (square) - and then if we put a semi-square on top of that. We are blindsided, overlooking our own involvement at the problem at the time. Our lack of foresight or patience, significance of that minor thing that in turn escalates into a major thing. We feel like things came unexpectedly, caught off-guard at the last moment. Because we couldn’t forethought/foresight it to have came earlier. But only through introspection do we realize what truly caused it.

‘It’s not our fault, technically.’ - yes while that may be true. No one can truly predict the future! But that’s also part of the sesquiquadrate isn’t it? Things tend to crop up and challenge us, makes us lose out on opportunities or certain experience.

But we can always see it after, assess it and revise, re-edit, rework the process on our own terms. Most Waxing Gibbous may tend to do this-- reworking things when they have certain distance from it. As it tends to help then see clearer/not be as ‘unexpected’ anymore, when things finally clear up. What they do need to realize however, is that the things that they think are ‘beyond our control’ when it happened sometimes- a part of them may have also been responsible for a seed of it too. And of course, putting that on themselves and taking accountability for it can sometimes be the hardest to do on softer soul/emotions and ego of the person. Which is self-protective at best. But is necessary to do.

Being a Waxing Gibbous is moving forward from the First Quadrant stage, but it’s so curious to realize how much Waxing Gibbous individuals may wish to go back and pay attention to the lessons First Quadrant brings. Callous, impatient, other small minor insignificant that becomes blown into a larger thing-- these would benefit from the stages of having to realize and make choices for survival. As much as ‘living’ is a nice position to be - the lesson of the First Quadrant is important to learn in order to move forward into the Full Moon as well. And those stuck in between may want to revisit lessons from both ends in order to make the best of their situation.

For everyone else, and them

The Waxing Gibbous, although a transitional stage with a ‘minor’ aspect-- can have a very interesting impact on us. Because we’re forced to face with irritations, we become adept at seeing and solving situations/problems around us. It’s inevitable, but you have a blindspot on you that makes you constantly learn that you are somewhat prone to self-indulgence and sometimes, things ‘slip up’ on you. Emotionality over willfullness, willfullness to force the dull of emotionality to be over. Again and again, we’ve reached a blindspot where we cannot get out of the confusion and find balance between the two. A 145′ is literally a semi-square, on top of a square. How do we go about resolving that?

We burn it off, smoke it out. Again and again, until things become clearer to us. Where we can take responsibility for our action - move past the helplessness and useless actions we do and actually accept life on life’s term.

Emotionally, it would feel like finally being freed from a cycle. Seeing something as what it is, and not feeling agitated, irritated or responsive to it anymore. Our ability to handle the thing freely and thoughtfully, thoroughly and freely. We become more reliant on our experience with it and our familiarity, we know we’re now comfortable with the unfamiliar/unexpected. We resolve it through our emotional cornerstones, as most Waxing Gibbous tends to want to align themselves and manifest with the external world. What is our identity, our sense of purpose to the external, what we want to express with our internal that desire to make an impact externally. The cravings we’ve had for validation and success, the choice we made in the First Quadrant starts to manifest into more solid values and morals here. The corner stone is set for us to start expressing, living, and gaining experience/wisdom in.

You start to get better at learning how to discern and work through impossible tasks, one bit at a time. Often times, we are gifted in working things through tenaciously. Thoughtfully and thoroughly, but again-- this is when they are concentrated and focused. When things are focused in one pointed direction, we can align our will and receptivity to operate/function in order to solve it all at once. But when we do it without the knowledge, the foresight and clarity that we often miss due to our blindspots. We tend to make mistakes, and then we repeat that cycle all over again - until we finally get it, until we attain wisdom and truly move past it.

Perfectionist tendencies (somewhat) and self-analyzing is a large part of this Moon phase’s mode of operation. But that’s because it’s necessary to work through seemingly ‘impossible’ missions.

Curiously, sesquiquadrate and quincunx sun-moon are considered ‘auspicious’ days in the Tibetian lunar cycle. The method is different, therefore they don’t have the 8 cycles of the Moon. But the day is an auspicious day because it is the right time to gain knowledge. Wisdom, comes into play. And it may be a part of the Waxing Gibbous cycle to learn this over and over again. Attain it and attune it, so that it could be used. And is represented in their cycle.

During these times, it’s advised to look thoroughly for blindspots and smoothen out our otherwise, perhaps shaky manifestation at the beginning. We’ve came a long time from the New Moon, and now into the last phase of Waxing before the Full Moon. We are putting the final touches, combatting the last demon before we face the Stage Boss in the next phase.

A little to add about New Moon + Waxing phases

Phew that was long.. I hope this was enjoyable for you to read! I don’t have a lot more energy but thankfully I wrote this conclusion in the middle of working through this, before I came back and finish the post..

Hm in the next post, I’ll talk about how to identify the Moon in the sky (w/o the chart) so you know when something is Waxing/Waning, or whether it’s the First Quarter or the Last. Hopefully that’ll be nifty to read!

As a little conclusion, here’s what I wrote: I honestly find it so fascinating, how these periods and phases alludes to almost a lifetime of journey-- stretched over our own personal growth/development with how we go about the expanse of our years and future -- checking our natal moons, our lunar charts, our lunar returns/new moon chart -- but also happens over small period of time, 3 to 4 days of phase throughout the month -- and shifting, constantly, in the sign that it appears in.

Being so subtle and subliminal that we often overlook it in someway -- but certain rhythm and tides to the phases of the moon, particularly when we mention ‘oh new moon in leo!’ or ‘full moon in libra!’ -- we make note of, we take notice. And our focus shifts to pay attention to the manifestation that it brings, when we’re constantly going through the motion of progressing towards aspects -- minor and major, throughout our chart with our moon phases. We just need to look at how it could possibly focus, ebb and flow together, into causing the cycle and changes that its making to us?

It’s just.. such an interesting thing, how in smaller bits and pieces we can pick out what this thing mean and then the other. But looking at the bigger picture together, of this particular context and component -- we haven’t been paying much attention to?

It’s all about the temporary forces that it brings, the synergy between conjunction to semi-square to sextiles to squares. We know what Sun/Moon conjunction is, then what Sun/Moon sextile is separately. We know what Sun/Moon squares are like, and then Sun/Moon trine right after. But when we put it together to study Lunation Cycle -- we start to realize that these energy progress and move to a rhythm that tells a story, and makes an influence on us.

Each phases and period has it’s own dimensionality and life. It’s own stories and personal hardship/challenges stories. It’s never about ‘oh this is the one Moon you can relax in’ because there’s never truly a time where you’re just idle. If you think about floating in the sea - the ebb and flow of the ocean keeps you working with your buoyancy even if you’re not technically doing anything. With how the Moon functions and controls the ocean’s tides, it’s so interesting to note how Moon Phases in the same manner- brings lessons and motions into our lives that if we perceive it thoughtfully, could bring and help us manifest changes as we progress through each sign as well.

Also, isn’t it interesting how time is a construct that is -- somewhat, relevant to how we perceive ourselves as ‘this period where i do nothing’ versus ‘this period where everything is happening and i have things to get done/do!’ -- when time is happening everywhere, every time. The Moon being quite fast in it’s orbit and shifting of signs, and then the shifting of phases that happens a little after that-- would that have an influence on how we gestate and then get up to go do things? Different ideas, stories, interpretations. Every New Moon in Aries is different of a signature than a New Moon in Taurus. Every cycle and period of what’s to be expected of the motion is different, relevant to the expressions of the sign it’s in.

Anyways I’ll let you off with this, thank you for skimming through!💕❤️ I know it’s a lot to read ksksks so I hope you had a good time!! 💕❤️💕❤️

#personal #moon phases #moon phases astrology #sun-moon aspects #moon #moon in astrology #new moon #waxing crescent #first quarter moon #astrology #sun-moon square #sun-moon conjunction #sun conjunct moon #sun square moon #sun semisquare moon #sun sesquiquadrate moon #anyways

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calamity-bean · 5 years

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Hi !! In your post about "Mad Sweeney through the ages" you noted in the tags that you restrained yourself from going into tangents... I'm super interested about what you mentionned though ! Would you mind wiritng a little bit on the relationship between the Tuatha de and the fairies and the dead ?? Sorry, i'm very curious and I love history and mythology a lot !! (Also sorry for any mistakes, I'm not a native speaker !!) Thank you ! :)

Hello! Sorry it took me all day to answer this; it’s just that, well… this got a bit long, even though I tried to be brief. XD

Basically, what I was referring to is the same thing Sweeney talks about in the show: the way his identity has changed SIGNIFICANTLY over the centuries because the stories about him have mutated over time. People gradually conflated stories about certain types of beings (such as the Tuatha De Danann) with stories about other types of beings (such as fairies), or allowed elements of certain stories to influence others, and as a result, the very essence of what Sweeney IS evolved along with the folklore.

The cool thing, though — and I guess this is really the crux of what I was getting at in my tags — is that Sweeney’s particular evolutionary path isn’t a concept that’s unique to American Gods. I mean, to SOME extent, it’s AG’s invention; after all, the traditional figure of Mad Sweeney as portrayed in the Buile Suibhne is not a leprechaun or Lugh. He’s cursed, but he’s still just a mortal dude. But I think AG’s decision to MAKE him into those other things makes perfect sense in light of the fact that in certain areas that historically retained a strong Celtic influence (including much of the British Isles as well as Brittany), there really are a lot of intriguing similarities, overlaps, and parallels between the way folklore portrays fairies and the way it portrays the spirits of dead mortals. In Irish mythology specifically, the Tuatha De Danann get wrapped up in the relationship as well. These similarities have inspired a theory that elements of Celtic folklore about fairies might have evolved out of ancient superstitions about the dead and the places the dead were believed to inhabit. Which isn’t to say that it’s a direct evolution, nor that these three types of being are all exactly the same thing — simply that they seem to be related and to have influenced one another over time.

Unnecessarily detailed discussion under the cut, along with more of my thoughts on why I think this whole concept works out really well with regard to Mad Sweeney and lends a lot of weight to his backstory’s arc.

The People of the Mounds

One of the most familiar narratives in a classic fairy story is the human traveler who accidentally wanders into the fairy realm. It’s a story with innumerable variations. Perhaps the traveler simply follows the wrong path, or perhaps they enter a doorway in the side of a hill — either way, they end up in Faerie. It is a liminal space inhabited by beings that, because they are immortal or non-mortal, are not DEAD, exactly, but aren’t quite ALIVE, either, not in the way that mortal human beings are alive. And in many stories, it is also inhabited by dead humans. There are many versions of this story in which the traveler in Faerie is shocked to encounter a neighbor or loved one whom they know for a fact died years ago — like, actually physically DIED. And yet here their spirit is, trapped in this other world! The realm of Faerie is thus a place of great wonder, yes, but also great peril. It’s a place into which a person’s soul might be tragically stolen, though also a place from which they can sometimes be rescued. One such tale of rescue is the medieval poem Sir Orfeo, which is straight-up a Breton/English reimagining of Orpheus and Eurydice — except it’s set in Faerie instead of in the realm of the dead.

In short, Celtic stories often handle fairies and Faerie in a way that strongly evokes death, the realm of the dead, and the spirits of the dead. But for me, perhaps the most interesting aspect goes back to what I mentioned about WHERE these stories often take place. Where do the aos si dwell? Underground, of course — specifically, in hollow hills. It’s right there in the name: “aos si” means “people of the mounds.” Hence the stories in which a traveler enters Faerie through a door in the side of a hill. Coincidentally, where do the Tuatha de Danann dwell? Also underground — not originally, but they were driven underground by the Milesians, who took the above-ground world as their half of the earth in their truce.

But what kind of hill would be hollow? What kind of hill might have a doorway set into the side…?

Well… A hill like Newgrange, perhaps. Or like other hills within the Bru na Boinne complex. Or a hill like Bryn Celli Ddu in Wales, or Maes Howe in Orkney, or the Mound of the Hostages at Tara, or any number of other ancient barrows/tumuli: burial mounds built in prehistoric times as tombs for the human dead. Because the answer to “What other kind of creature dwells underground?” is, of course, dead people, at least in cultures which have tended to bury them.

Thus, the familiar trope of entering Faerie through a door in a hill very much evokes the idea of entering a tomb. This concept is reinforced by the fact that some specific fairy legends are anchored to specific tumuli. Newgrange is said to be the home of the Dagda and other Tuatha De; Cnoc Maedha is home to the fairy king Finvarra. Glastonbury Tor is associated with Gwyn ap Nudd of the Tylwyth Teg, ruler of the underworld of Annwn. Willy Howe is proposed to be the location of a specific version of one of those tales about a traveler wandering into a hill.

Not every fairy legend is associated with a specific hill, not every tumulus is associated with a fairy legend, and not every hill associated with a fairy legend has been confirmed to actually be a tomb. It’s more of a general association based on the tumulus shape. Also, some of these associations seem to have originated much later than others; they might be fairly recent inventions rather than old, traditional myths. But that’s kind of the point in AG, isn’t it: traditions evolve. Over time, they gather new associations and take on new meaning as the stories change. Did the idea that the aos si live in hollow hills evolve directly out of a superstition that specific hills — specific burial mounds — were home to the spirits of the dead? Perhaps! Perhaps not! Perhaps it’s more a case of stories mutually influencing each other, or maybe it’s convergent evolution, or maybe it’s sheer coincidence. But I think that the amount of similarity and overlap in these legends is enough to suggest roots in a common tradition, or at least to suggest that beliefs about these three categories of being have, over time, become intimately associated with each other.

Suibhne, the Dead King?

Which FINALLY brings us back to Sweeney.

I think the idea that the aos si evolved out of the Tuatha De Danann is pretty well known; I don’t think it’s entirely clear-cut from a historical standpoint, but it’s a theory I see mentioned quite often, and I feel like it intuitively makes sense. A transition from one supernatural, subterranean creature to another feels natural; it’s easy to grasp how those legends could be related. So it’s no surprise that American Gods would have a character who starts out as one of them and evolves into the other, especially since it’s been theorized that the concept of leprechauns in general might have evolved specifically out of Lugh. (The names share a possible etymology, and the characters share an association with luck.)

But the primary inspiration for Mad Sweeney — Suibhne, son of Colman Cuar, of the Buile Suibhne — feels, at first, like more of an outlier. Sure, Suibhne was under a curse, but he wasn’t, like, any type of supernatural creature… He was just a mortal human. The whole legend at least purports to be based on a real-life historical man. How does a mortal human get turned into a god or a fairy? How does that stage of Sweeney’s evolution fit in with leprechauns and Lugh?

To me, the key lies in the Annals of Tigernach. As I mentioned in my Mad Sweeney Through the Ages post, these annals record that Suibhne didn’t FLEE from the battle of Magh Rath… he DIED in it. And I don’t know whether AG is doing this on purpose, but in my opinion, this death really fits with the way AG has chosen to tell Suibhne’s story? In the Buile Suibhne, Suibhne flees the battlefield simply because the frenzy and St. Ronan’s curse overwhelm him. The idea that he fled because he foresaw his own death is AG’s own particular twist on the legend. AG’s Sweeney is a character who is haunted, throughout the different versions of himself, by near-deaths and foreseen-deaths and deaths that may or may not have actually happened. By choosing to reference the fact that Sweeney should have died at Magh Rath — possibly even did die at Magh Rath, heck, he supposedly died that night with the seer, too! — American Gods makes the critical decision to recast Suibhne mac Colmain as not merely the story of a king, but of a dead king.

And if you view the Buile Suibhne as the story of someone whose life, historically, ended at Magh Rath, but who through the power of mythology has been given an existence beyond Magh Rath, it becomes a story of undeath: of a mortal who becomes trapped in a strange, supernatural form of existence that is not exactly death but not really life as he knew it, either — sort of like a spirit trapped in Faerie. For me, AG’s decision to connect Suibhne’s legend with leprechauns and Lugh makes the most sense when I view Suibhne as a figure who kind of escaped death, but also kind of didn’t escape death, and always has this specter of death hanging over him for the rest of his cursed “life” after Magh Rath. If Suibhne is, essentially, a spirit persisting in a type of pseudo-life beyond death, then I can contextualize his role in Sweeney’s evolution within this whole theory of how the dead, the fae, and the Tuatha De Danann are intimately entwined.

Conclusion???

…WOW, this got long! Thanks for listening to me ramble. I hope it was interesting to you and that I’ve explained myself in a way that makes sense.

Obviously, I don’t know whether Gaiman / the showrunners of American Gods had any of these same concepts in mind when they were creating the book or the show. And I want to reiterate that the proposed relationship between these types of folklore is more of a theory than a concrete historical fact. It’s a theory that I find very compelling and very inspiring, but it’s difficult to really prove that traditional beliefs evolved in this way. Also, much of the actual scholarship I’ve found on this subject is older than I’d like, and I’m not sure whether different interpretations have since gained more traction in the field. Still, the work of Katharine Mary Briggs is a good place to start if you’re interested in reading more on this subject, especially her article “The Fairies and the Realms of the Dead.”

Regardless of whether it’s provable, though, I think it’s a theory that works beautifully with what we see in “Treasure of the Sun” and that fits really well with the mechanics of American Gods. And when it comes to AG, it doesn’t really matter, anyway, whether the dead and the fae and the gods were originally related or not — all that matters is that we humans believe that they are.

#mad sweeney #american gods #irish mythology #folklore #buile suibhne #ag meta #my meta #op #asks #Anonymous

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sammysdewysensitiveeyes · 5 years

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@thecorteztwins

I wound up writing a little thing based on those panels you showed me of villains “rehabilitating” (but actually being mind-controlled) at Clear Mountain Center in X-Men 92. This was meant to be a funny story about Fabian in rehab learning how to talk to women, but it got a little disturbing because of the mind-control aspect, and also Avalanche tells a grim little story about baby murder, so warnings for that. But now I’m really tempted to write something about Haven taking the place over and actually Doing It Right.

“So,” Fabian began, speaking in the halting tones of someone attempting to wrap his mind around a difficult concept. “You’re saying you’re not attracted to me?”

“Not in the slightest,” said Tabitha Smith, the mutant known as Boomer (and also Time Bomb, Boom-boom, Meltdown, and whatever other code-name caught her fancy). Her tone was firm, but she smiled at him, as if to soften the blow. “I mean, you’re obviously good-looking, just not my type.”

“Oh, of course, you prefer women. I understand. I am open-minded about such things –“

“Nooooo…..” Boomer cut in, with some slight irritation creeping into her voice. “I’m mostly into guys. Just different types of guys.” Fabian thought hard. He was tempted to spread his legs out wider, to give her a better look at what she was rejecting, but he’d gotten enough tiny power-bombs to the crotch to learn that that was a bad idea. (The low-powered bombs did no real damage, but they certainly stung.)

“I get it, I get it. You are holding yourself back. You are maintaining a professional relationship because you are my counselor.”

“No!” Boomer held her head in her hands for a moment, sighing. “Look, not every woman will find you attractive, okay? Everyone has different preferences. Like, people think Leonard Decaprio is super-hot, and he just doesn’t do anything for me, I’m more of a Brad Pitt girl. It’s not something you need to feel bad about, it doesn’t mean you’re like, ugly, or anything like that.”

Fabian’s mind whirled. This girl was young, beautiful, a powerful mutant, and had showed him such kindness as his mentor. She had a surprising amount of wisdom underneath her shallow and flippant demeanor. And yet, her judgement was so unsound. Perhaps she had some kind of psychological condition, like a strange form of face-blindness? But then, Fabian had been learning to accept many ideas that had previously seemed impossible. The idea of living with the humans in peace. The idea of answering hatred with understanding, not violence. The idea that he should treat others with kindness and respect, instead using them as stepping stones in his quest for status and power.

“Very well,” Fabian began again. It was difficult to force the words out. “I…accept that you do not find me attractive. I….accept that some people…..may….not find me attractive. After all, there are many different preferences in this world.”

“Yeah, dude, exactly. It’s like…some people like Cool Ranch Doritos? And some people prefer Nacho Cheese. There’s no right or wrong, except for the people who like Funyuns, because that shit is nasty.” Fabian wanted to roll at his eyes at her rather low class tastes, but instead he found himself laughing good-naturedly.

“Ha, ha, yes, that is a funny joke,” he said, beaming. It was strange. His mind felt so….slow. Like there was this weight pressing down in it. But at the same time, it was oddly pleasant. A bit like Anne Marie’s more enthusiastic hugs, which always threatened to break the recipient’s back.

“In Spain we have jamon flavored potato chips. Perhaps you would find them interesting to try. I will bring some back the next time I visit home.” He did not add that he had never eaten those chips, they were junk food for peasants, but if this girl found them enjoyable, he would indulge her. It was a nice thing to do, and he found that he wanted to be nice lately. He didn’t entirely understand why.

“Oh dude, that would be amazing!” Boomer exclaimed. “I love trying junk food from other countries. There’s so much cool stuff out there. Did you know that they have, like, a whole ton of Kit-Kat flavors in Japan?”

I don’t care, Fabian wanted to say. I spent my time in Japan eating Kobe beef and blue-fin tuna, not wasting my money on cheap candy.

“No, I didn’t know that,” he said aloud instead. He hadn’t meant to say that. He hadn’t intended to sound so interested, but his mouth and brain did not seem properly connected. The pleasant feeling hung over him, almost suffocating.

“OMG, there are like, so many! There’s strawberry, and sweet potato, and soy sauce, and wasabi – which is like, better than you’d expect – and sake, and…”

Fabian wanted to tell her to stop prattling, but he couldn’t quite find the words. He looked around the outdoor area while she rambled on. There was Blob pruning rhododendron bushes with Storm, the blossoms tiny in his huge, clumsy hands.

“….and blueberry cheesecake, and apple pie, and brown sugar syrup, and cantaloupe which sounds totally disgusting but apparently it’s pretty good, and…”

The Kleinstock brothers and Frenzy were tossing a Frisbee around with Feral and Cannonball, while Vertigo and Arclight were playing scrabble with Polaris and Multiple Man. Ruckus was strumming a guitar, pausing occasionally to sweep his hair back dramatically, and clearly looking around for an audience. Ugh, he was singing “One Tin Soldier.” Fabian hated that song. Fabian hated……a lot of things that were happening at that moment.

“….and maple, and pumpkin, and chestnut, and green tea, and Tokyo Banana, because apparently that’s a thing, and..”

He hated listening to this stupid girl spew out every thought in her empty brain. He hated sitting in group therapy and listening to the peons that he shared the facility with whining about their inconsequential problems. He hated having to hug people. He hated being stuck in this adult daycare while he should be leading his Acolytes to victory against humankind (and racking up a few kill points for the Upstarts while he was at it.) Something in his mind was breaking free.

“Enough!” he snapped, jumping to his feet. “This isn’t right! I shouldn’t be here!” Boomer paused in her Kit-Kat flavor recital.

“Whoa, dude. Chill out. You need a time-out, or something? Maybe you need some time in the Angry Room.”

“No, I do not need some time in the Angry Room,” Fabian snarled. “I don’t belong here with the rest of these losers, there’s nothing wrong with me. I’m….I’m so much better than the rest of you. I’m practically a god! I should be….should be –“ His eyebrow twitched. His body shuddered, and a fixed grin came over his face.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be saying things like that. What am I thinking? We’re all special in our own way. I just want us all to be friends,” Fabian continued. A single tear leaked out of one corner of his eye.

“Hey, good job, man,” said Boomer, patting him on the shoulder. “You recognized a negative thought pattern, and then, like, stopped it. That totally deserves a Hershey Kiss.” She tossed him the silver wrapped chocolate.

“Thank you.” Fabian shuddered again, and then his body seemed to relax, his tense smile softening into one that seemed genuine, if a bit dazed. “I like Hershey Kisses.”

“Don’t we all, buddy.”

“They are good,” Fabian continued, pulling the foil off and popping the chocolate in his mouth absent-mindedly. “This place is a good place. We are all good here.”

At the table, another group was mid-way through a fairly intense game of Uno. Most of the group (X-Men included), would have preferred poker, but apparently that wasn’t wholesome enough the rehabilitation process.

“I’m just saying, we didn’t start the war.” Avalanche slapped down a card, perhaps slightly too hard. “Humans want to stomp out anyone who’s different. That’s the whole damn history of the human race.”

“But nothing will change if we continue the cycle of violence,” argued Colossus.

“We must ‘turn the other cheek,’” agreed Nightcrawler. “Send out a message of peace and love.” He betrayed that sentiment by tossing down a Draw Four card.

“Yeah, and the guy that did that got nailed to a cross, didn’t he?” Avalanche retorted. “Didn’t work out so well for him.”

“You can’t be expecting us to imitate Christ, can ya?” Pyro put in, throwing a Reverse on the stack. “He was all flawless and perfect and ‘ineffable,’ right? And he had a get-out-of-death-free card. We ain’t got that.”

“You could have that, by the Grace of God –“ Nightcrawler began, than stopped, shaking his head. “I’m sorry, this is not the right place for that conversation. I know religion is very personal, and everyone must make their own choices. But I will talk about it with any of you privately, if you want.”

“All I’m saying is, humans have tried to bloody kill us,” Pyro continued. “Are we supposed to just lie down and take it? I’ve had people turn on me, even back before the Brotherhood, before I committed any crimes. People that I thought I could trust.” The cards in his hand crumpled as his fist clenched.

“Humans are fucking brutal. I’ve seen…..” Avalanche shook his head. “There was a woman back on Kalymnos, gave birth to a baby with gills. Nothing wrong with the kid otherwise, it was just a cute baby. But people acted like it was the damn anti-Christ. Her husband moved out and wouldn’t have anything to do with her. And one day….” A slight tremor rippled across the table as he continued. “One day some guy just snatched the baby out of her arms and threw it down on the rocks. I’ll never forget how she screamed. And nothing ever happened to the guy. He was a murderer, and the police did nothing. Everyone just pretended that it never happened –“ The table shook visibly now, the vibrations spreading out into the ground around them.

“Tovarish, please calm down. I understand how that memory must pain you, but –“

The vibrations suddenly stopped. For a moment, Avalanche looked confused, then a dull smile spread across his face.

“I’m sorry, friends. I just get upset sometimes, thinking about that. I shouldn’t dwell on such horrible memories.”

“Yes, we should just think about good things,” Pyro agreed, wearing the same sickly smile. “We are in a good place. We are all good here.”

Sitting in the sun on the roof, Toad wrapped his arms around himself, smiling. He felt….good. For the first time that he could remember, he was entirely at peace with himself. He wasn’t plagued with anxiety at every social interaction, waiting for the inevitable rejection, wasn’t miserable when he looked into the mirror. No more flashbacks or sudden fits of sadness or anger. He woke up and was actually eager to get out of bed in the morning, eager for a day that he knew would bring good things. And people were actually being nice to him! There was no superficial politeness or poorly hidden disgust, no cheap pity. Just genuine kindness. His counselors and the other former super-villains actually seemed glad to see him every day.

Of course, sometimes it felt too good to be true. Sometimes he would look around and everything would feel slightly off, like one of those hyper-realistic dreams where you can only tell that you’re dreaming because something in your room is out of place. He felt like he was constantly wrapped in a blanket of warm air, and it was so good and comforting, but it made him dull and sleepy. (Perhaps this was what being drunk was supposed to be like? For the normal people? When Toad tried alcohol, it only seemed to make him sad.) Things were very hazy, and it was hard to put his thoughts together. But that didn’t matter, did it? Because finally he was safe and happy, and everyone was so nice.

“This is a good place,” he said aloud to no one in particular. “We are all good here.”

#fabian cortez #dominic petros #avalanche #pyro #st. john allerdyce #toad #mortimer toynbee

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ober-affen-geil · 5 years

Text

Roswell New Mexico New York Comic Con 2019 Cast Nerds and Beyond Round Table Interview: Tyler Blackburn

youtube

Note: this is a “round table” so there is more than one interviewer. I have differentiated them where I can but they do not identify themselves in the video and I had difficulty keeping track of them, so my accuracy is most likely minimal.

Transcript:

[intro music for the first 8 seconds]

Interviewer 1: Is this...your first ComicCon?

Tyler: Yes!

Interviewer 1: Ahhhh!

Tyler: I did a - I presented an award at the San Diego ComicCon, it was like a, I think it was through MTV or something like that an award but I didn’t like do any of the actual convention. So this is my first ComicCon.

Interviewer 1: Nice. And? Have you been able to go out and about at all?

Tyler: Literally got here yesterday,

Interviewer 1: Oh, ok.

Tyler: Woke up today, and came straight here. So I haven’t seen much. I’ve seen some people walking around, but nothing super crazy.

Interviewer 1: Ok. Just me.

Interviewer 2: [laughs] yeah.

Interviewer 3: So what should we expect kind of going into season 2 of the show now?

Tyler: Um, gosh I mean a lot happens, even in just the first episode. You know I think, the first season, by the end, is pretty explosive, we haveMax dying, we have Noah dying, um so that sets it off with a bang. You know? The second season. Um, as far as Alex goes he, he realises that you know he initially wanted to get out of the Air Force and he realises that it’s actually pretty important for him to stay in. Um, so he can access confidential government information. That way he can help figure out maybe how to bring Max back to life potentially, um, kind of the history of, of the aliens in Roswell and just sort of how he can maybe help the situation. Um, and so he’s fired up. Like Alex has a lot of pent aggression [??]. He’s been through years of abuse and oppression so he’s very like, he’s ready to fight. So he kind of started season 1 in a shell, and now in season 2 he’s just like...he’s ready to fight. He’s got a fire inside, you know what I mean? So that’s kind of where he starts off the season and we’re shooting episode 5 right now, so I have no idea where it’s all gonna go, but as of right now that’s kind of where he’s at.

Interviewer 3: Is that how it works for the show? Is like you get the scripts and then you immediately film and you don’t have the next episodes, you don’t have them all in front of you to read from to inform your character -

Tyler, overlapping: No, no.

Interviewer 3, overlapping: So you’re learning kind of with the audience in a way -

Tyler, overlapping: Totally. Totally. And they, I mean they write the episodes like - I mean we basically get the final draft of a script three days before we start shooting it basically.

Interviewer 3: Oh wow.

Tyler: And they’ll even do revisions while we’re shooting it, you know, so. Um it definitely keeps you on your toes. Yeah.

Interviewer 1: What’s ah, what’s in store for the two main relationships in your life, Alex and Michael, and Alex and his dad.

Tyler: Yeah. So uh, in season 1, again, you see Kyle Valenti um hit my dad over the head. And so the beginning of season 2 he is kind of out of commission. My dad is in the hospital, he’s suffered some injuries, so it’s kind of this powershift where Alex can utilize his dad’s position to, you know, gain information, ask questions of him, um, and you know kind of put him under his thumb, you know? Which is fun. Um, and with Guerin, they have been through a lot together, uh they have a very...they have a very tense relationship, it’s almost like a love-hate, you know what I mean. And so I feel like this season they just really - their goal is like, “before anything happens, what’s at the foundation of this relationship? Can we be friends even, do we like each other? Like yes we like to sleep together, yes we have this like cosmic bond, but do we like each other?” You know, so this season they’re not really focusing on the romance aspect of their relationship. They both kind of, try to date other people actually. Um, and kind of talk to each other about it, it’s like in that interesting dynamic shift. Um. Of course there’s sexual tension. [laughs] Um, but uh, yeah. That’s where it stops.

Interviewer 2: Um, are we gonna see any hints of uh, Alex’s time in the war, any flashbacks?

Tyler, overlapping: I love that idea, I don’t know that we’re gonna do that this season or not.

Interviewer 2: Ok.

Tyler: Um, that wasn’t part of like the original season pitch that I heard, but I would love that, I think it could be really - it would just explain so much. You know? I think Alex a little bit too has a love-hate relationship with the Air Force and going to war, because it was - it made him feel important, it made him feel needed. Um, but it also you know. It, it, he lost his leg! He had been through a lot, you know what I mean? Um, yeah. So I don’t know for sure. It would be cool though, I think we should.

Interviewer 2: Yeah, even just to show like how he lost his leg -

Tyler: Yes.

Interviewer 2: Have back story on that.

Tyler: Yeah. I asked Carina that and she told me what she was thinking which, I’m obviously not going to tell you guys that…

Interviewer 2: Right.

Tyler: There’s something in her brain, something in the works.

Interviewer 2: Ok. Good to know.

Interviewer 1: What was your favorite scene to shoot in season 1?

Tyler: Season 1? Oh man.

Interviewer 1: Yeah. Or season 2 if you want to spoil us!

Tyler: Yeah, no I can’t really do season 2 yet um. Season 1 that’s hard, there were so many, there were so many scenes where I felt like...you know it’s funny because this show, of course it’s SciFi. But it’s so grounded in reality at the same time, do you know what I mean? Where you just like, you really get to kind of explore the human emotion of things. Working with, with Michael Vlamis is like pretty electrifying, like we really just do have good chemistry and he and I are pretty different people, but like we really work well with each other, and I would say...it has to be a scene with him. One of my favorite scenes, and I am not sure which but uh, lemme think for just a sec. [pauses] Honestly I think it might have been in episode 12 or 13, where Alex finally decides “I’m going to tell him exactly what I want” you know, “I’m not going to walk away” and...it’s just so raw, he’s just so honest. Like Alex has a hard time being open and honest because he’s so, he doesn’t like being vulnerable, and so it’s such an honest response that comes out of his mouth, and I thought that was pretty intense and emotional. Yeah.

Interviewer 3: Would that be the most challenging scene -

Tyler: It’s funny ‘cus it’s like it’s taxing, but it’s not challenging. Like I feel like there’s something about our dynamic on set where we just allow each other to play, and feel, and explore, um. So it wasn’t even like “challenging” it was taxing because you have to [gestures], you know, get those emotions up and then like, they’re like “cut” and do it all over again you know, 10 more times you know, different camera angles and stuff you know. Yeah.

Interviewer 1: Is there a moment in the upcoming season, of what you’ve already shot, uh is there a moment that you can’t wait for the fans to see? With your character. Just, just point us to that episode.

Interviewer 2: Or tell us all about it!

Interviewer 1: Or tell us all about it. [laughs]

Tyler: Let’s see. It’s just a sticky situation because I can’t say too much. I mean, my mind is going over so many things and I’m like “I was literally instructed not to talk about that, not to talk about that,” Um. You know, I - there is one scene with his dad. In the hospital that I, I think is pretty cool. Yeah. It’s in episode 3. I believe.

Interviewer 3: So just to kind of wrap things up, I wanted to know, what would you say is one thing you really took from your character on the show, like what got you into playing him and what’s one thing you kind of learned about yourself through playing him in both seasons?

Tyler: Oh, that’s a good question, yeah. Um. I mean for me I feel that I was really excited to play a queer character. Because I am queer myself and it was really important for me to play him honestly, and to play him in a way that really depicted that inner struggle and that like inner shame um, and confusion, you know all those emotions that can come with that so. I think in a way it was like this show and Alex’s journey allowed me to be brave enough to be more honest and open about myself. About myself. I mean to the public, to anybody because it’s like. “Who fucking cares?” You know, everybody has these emotions, everybody has the same feelings as the next person does, you know what I mean? Um, and so for me I think that was the most valuable but um. Yeah I mean I just feel like even though I wasn’t abused growing up with my father, I feel like I can stand the idea of like wanting - or, or questioning whether or not I’m getting the love that I want from my father, and things like that you know um. And so I feel like there’s a lot of similarities. So it was cathartic to play that.

Interviewer 3: Thank you so much, it was brilliant.

Interviewer 4: Just a real quick one.

Tyler: Yeah.

Interviewer 4: I know you had music last season, are you gonna have it in this season?

Tyler: I don’t have anything in the works but I have a, my friend who I did the song with, we’re taling about it again. Because Carina like, just loves music and loves, you know, [gestures] like bringing in other creative you know uh, formats to the show so. You never know. Yeah.

[Interviewers together] Thank you, thank you so much.

#roswell new mexico #rnm #roswell season 2 #roswell cast #nycc2019 #transcript #tyler blackburn #tw abuse mention #a riley special

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imaginethatawriter · 6 years

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Frank Castle Relationship Alphabet

A- Activity (What is their favorite activity to do with you.)

Not Requested Yet

B- Beginnings (How do they act in the beginning of a relationship)

He’s a pretty cool guy. He’s super chill at the beginning of a relationship especially because most of the time he stumbles his way into relationships. Any relationship he get’s into always starts very casually. Maybe he needs your help with something or maybe you two keep bumping into each other and having short conversations. Regardless you start off as his friend and gradually progress to something more. Or maybe you really start as a one night fling that turns into something more.

His number one goal at the start of any relationship is to get to know the person he is with. He is always taking in information. Even small tidbits of information that seem insignificant he stores it away to better shape his opinion and his overall picture of you. He doesn’t shy away from conversations other people would be scared to bring up at the beginning. His philosophy is learning the hard stuff early is the best. It’s waste of time if people skip around the hard questions only to eventually realize they don’t want to be together because of the answers to the hard questions. He’ll talk about politics, sexuality, bad history, past or present addictions. It doesn’t really matter to him. He just wants to know. And he’ll be pretty upfront about his own history besides keeping some of his more “violent” actions hidden. At least for a little while. So you can’t be afraid to confront difficult aspects of your personality or history. Otherwise you and Frank will not work out.

C- Communication (Are they good communicators? How do they normally talk about their problems or solve issues)

Is he a good communicator? You could say that. He’s extremely upfront about his opinions so if he thinks something is stupid he’s going to say it. However this really only applies to things that have nothing to do with emotions. If something is bothering him about your relationship he probably isn’t going to say anything and because he doesn’t know how to express his emotions into actual words. He knows he’s irritated, but he doesn’t know how to verbally tell you what is irritating him. He’s not good at expressing his emotions unless that emotion is anger.

And if you try to confront him he gets very defensive and his first reaction is to be guarded and deny anything that you’re saying. He doesn’t like feeling that he’s insufficient. He can actually get very angry any time you repeatedly push him to talk about what is bothering him. You’ll have to let him cool down for a day and try again next time. Eventually if you’re persistent but not overly pushy, you can get him to sit down and work through what’s bothering him.

Number one way to quickly get him to talk about things is to mention that his silence is bothering you. He hates feeling like he’s hurting you in any way. This method is slightly manipulative so you definitely cannot do it a lot, but in extreme cases where something is really bothering him to a point where it’s a danger to himself it is necessary.

D- Drunk (What are they like when they’re drunk)

Frank is no stranger to drinking a lot and his tolerance level is very high. He doesn’t normally go for the harder drinks like vodka and rum, but he can absolutely drain a beer, or two, or three. When he starts getting drunk he just starts talking really slow, which isn’t a huge difference from how he normally talks. That’s why it can be really difficult to tell if he’s getting drunk in the first place. He’s surprisingly not the type of person to get aggressive when he get’s drunk. he’s aggressive enough on a day to day basis. Lots of alcohol just makes him slow and sleepy. He will never let himself get drunk in public, but if he decides to really get going at home it’s entertaining to say the least. He goes through long periods of silence and suddenly he’s going on a really slow low energy rant about something that might have happened to him five days ago that’s still on his mind. And when he starts in on something you might as well just nod and go along with it, because he’s not going to stop until he thinks you agree with him.

Another thing he does when he’s drunk is keep you very very close to him. And it’s definitely not something on purpose. He’ll be continually talking to you while keeping an arm cinched tightly around your waist while the two of you sit on thr couch. He needs to do something that requires two arms? Well that sucks because one of his arms is currently occupied and the other is holding a beer so I guess he’s just not gonna do that. It’s just not possible to extract the arm that is currently curled around you. It is stuck. Also another drunk Frank will do is fall asleep wherever he is currently sitting. At this point you just need to be prepared to spend the night on the couch with him still holding on to you or you’ll have to fight him off after he falls asleep.

E- Emergency (How are they in emergency situations? You get hurt, they get hurt, someone is dying etc..)

Not Requested Yet

F- Free Spot (I’ll give you any headcanon I come up with)

Not Requested Yet

G- Gifts (What kind of gifts do they give? What kind of gifts do they get?)

Frank is actually trash at giving and getting gifts. He has such a hard time figuring something out because he wants the gift to be sincere but he can’t come up with any good ideas. And he’s not very creative so he keeps getting stuck on the normal gifts like jewelry or giftcards. So if you really like jewelry and giftwards you’re set but otherwise you might have to give him a very explicit list of stuff that you would be interested in. If Frank tries to get you a piece of clothing as a gift it will always be one size too big because in his words “I didn’t know you’re size and I didn’t want you to feel bad if it was too small.” Which is really sweet, but right now you have an entire section of your closet dedicated to items of clothing that you can’t properly wear because it’s too big. He’s much better at showing his appreciation through actions. Like his favorite “gift” to give is cleaning the entire house or fixing something that’s been sitting around broken for a while. Or maybe just taking you out for a date that you can both enjoy.

He’s also not a graceful gift receiver. Frank Castle does not blush very often but when he receives a very heartfelt gift his face get’s just a little bit redder. He’s not an easy person to shop for because he tends to live very minimally, but that makes the gifts that you do get him all the better. He likes the classic clothes gifts especially when you notice that he’s running low on nice shirts of clean decent pairs of jeans. And it’s really easy to get his size right because it’s on all his clothes and men’s clothes tend to be pretty consistent. The only “expensive” gift that he likes to receive are watches and he really only wants those like once every five years. He doesn’t need a new watch clogging up his closet.

But the best kind of gift that Frank could ever receive is a gift from a little kid. Oh my gosh he loves getting really horrible drawings from kids. It just means so much to him. And he knows that they’re pretty useless, but pieces of paper with little scribbles of color all over them tend to stick around in his car and apartment. It’s just another reminder that he’s not the horrible monster that a lot of adults see him as.

H- Hugs (How do they show affection/cuddle)

It really depends on the situation and how he is feeling/where he is in his life. If he’s in a high intensity situation where he’s in danger or you are in danger, he does not show affection. He’s not going to kiss you goodbye or hold your hand to comfort you. He’s going to get the job done and get you and him into a safe situation as quickly as possible. He can be a very tough love kind of guy if something really dangerous is happening.

However it can be completely different situation if he’s in a stable situation with you. He is definitely not over the top especially not out in public, so let’s start with how he acts in public!

In public he’ll keep an arm around your waist or shoulder while you walk or sitting next to each other. It’s a very casual thing. He’s not trying to prove anything or show you off in any way. He just likes to have you close and feeling like he’s protecting you even in a small way. He’s probably not going to reach for your hand to hold it, but if you grab his hand first he will absolutely not tell you no. If he’s feeling especially affectionate he’ll press soft kisses to the crown or your head or your forehead, making sure that you know he loves you.

In private he is much more affectionate, but he has to be in the mood for it. And by that I mean if he’s not busy trying to get something done he’s down for sitting on the couch with you in his arms. He’s definitely the “big spoon” in any cuddling situation. He really loves to feel your body on top of his. For example he’ll sit with his back against the arm of the couch with you laying against his chest. At night he’ll tuck you under his arm so that you can rest your head against his chest. And if he’s feeling particularly “cuddly” he’ll wrap his arms around your middle and almost wrap himself around you.

He feels the most cuddly after he has sex. He absolutely is the kind of person that wants to stay in bed with you and hold you close. He runs his fingers up and down your arms, playing with your hair and just overall paying a lot of attention to you.

I- Irritation (What is something that irritates them? How do they show their irritation?)

The biggest thing that annoys Frank is people who talk way too much. He is a man of few words and to him there is a very clear definition between useful conversation and conversation for the sake of noise. He hates the later. He thinks it’s obvious that when one participant in the conversation stops responding with more than one word that the conversation is over. But there are some people who cannot stop talking and they just keep making the same comments over and over again. Frank has no time for it. He will happily get up and leave or very simply tell them to shut up.

He get’s even more annoyed when people who talk too much talk about things that are not their business. Gossiping is a huge no for Frank. Everyone’s got their issues and he doesn’t take kindly to people that try to make themselves feel better by judging other people. He will shut gossipers down in a second with a simple “It’s not your business so shut your mouth.” And it works every single time. No one wants to disobey Frank Castle. Especially when he feels so strongly about something.

J- Jackpot (How would they spend their winnings if they won the lottery?)

Not Requested Yet

K- Kryptonite (What is their ultimate weakness?)

Franks two biggest weaknesses are animals and kids. He barely gives a shit about grown women and men because they’re grown and they can make their own decisions. But kids and animals are vulnerable and they need protection. They don’t have the power to control their own lives and Frank takes that responsibility on himself. It’s the dad gene that is ingrained in his very being.

It’s easy to see that he loves animals. Dogs, cats, birds, whatever it is Frank has a respect for it. His favorites are dogs obviously and he can’t stand to see dogs suffering. He thinks the worst kind of people are the people who abuse dogs. (Though he thinks anyone who abuses anything is a piece of shit that needs to be taught a lesson.) In a more peaceful life Frank would have probably rescued and fostered dogs as much as possible. And he finds himself detouring missions for the sake of an animal’s safety.

Frank is also very weak to children. He had his own children taken away from him so that plays a part in it, but even before he had his own kids he loved kids. There’s something about the fact that they have so much life ahead of them and inside of them that he loves. He feels the intense need to make sure that kids can live the full life that they deserve. The perfect human shield from Frank is a child, because he would rather shoot himself in the foot than harm a child. However, once he get’s the child out of harms way (which he will) he’s going to destroy whoever decided it was a good idea to force a child into a world of crime.

L- Laughter (What makes them laugh?)

The number one thing that will make Frank laugh is you laughing. He loves your laugh so much because it means that you’re happy and enjoying yourself. He loves the meaning behind it and he just loves the sound. He thinks it is one of the most beautiful sounds and he will absolutely not let you make fun of your own laugh. If you’re laughing at something chances are he’s going to start laughing with you even if he doesn’t find anything actually funny.

He also laughs ironically at things a lot. Like someone tries to threaten him and he’ll give them a small chuckle. He uses laughter as a challenge. If he gives a short laugh at anything that you say, he’s challenging you to actually go through with it. “I’m gonna destroy your entire life, Punisher.” And all he’ll do is laugh. Good luck bud.

M- Morning ( How do they wake up in the morning? Are they a morning person or a morning grouch?)

I wouldn’t say that Frank is a morning person but he’s not horrible in the morning. He wakes up slowly during peaceful times. It takes him about half an hour to fully wake up and before that he’s just not very responsive or fun to be around. Just generally very groggy and only speaks in mumbles and grumbles. But normally once he’s awake he’s awake for the rest of the day so he doesn’t sleep in a lot. At the very most he’ll sleep an hour later than usual and at that point he just has to get up and get out of bed. If he needs to wake up quickly he can drink a warm drink, most likely coffee, and get himself going.

His favorite way to wake up in the morning is with you in the same bed as him. He doesn’t need to be wrapped around you or you crowding up in his space, it’s enough that you’re just nearby. He’s very likely to trace the features of your face gently or play with your hair while he lays there and admires you. If he wakes you up all the better because now he can see you’re beautiful eyes and he thinks you look gorgeous when you wake up in the morning.

N- Needy (When do they feel particularly needy? How do they show it?)

Frank is a very straight forward person in general. If he wants something he’s going to ask you for it or he will give you very heavy hints that are unmissable. he get’s needy when he’s been away from you for a long time or the two of you have been busy in your own lives. He’s also a self proclaimed “old-fashioned tough guy” so he can handle a cold or the flue without being whiny, but his need for affection/attention increases by about 200%.

As far as how he shows that he’s being needy, like I said before he’s very straight forward. If he wants to be near you, he’ll sneak up to you while you cook and wrap his arms around your middle and refuse to let go. If he wants you to stop moving around the house and spend time with him, he’ll grab you as you walk by and move the two of you to the couch or the bed.

O- Oasis (Where is their happy place? Where would they go if they didn’t have anything holding them back?)

He’s a pretty simple man. He doesn’t want to go to some foreign country or some over the top beach. He just wants to be left alone. Preferably he’d want to be somewhere with a little bit of isolation but isn’t too far from civilization. Think a nice farm house with a lot of land and few neighbors, but the nearest grocery store is only like 20 minutes away. After moving from place to place so long he’d like to have a place where he can settle in and make an actual home.

He also likes to take trips up to the mountains where he live with the trees and just enjoy nature. The mountains are really nice because there’s a lot of peaceful sounds, like the birds and bugs and any bodies of water that are nearby. He’s not concerned with spending time on the water, but he likes to take hikes.

Ultimately though his happy place is anywhere with you that he feels secure. And if that place happens to be in the middle of a big city in a small apartment so be it. He can be happy anywhere as long as he has you by his side and he doesn’t feel like he’s being hunted.

P- Pain (How do they handle pain? How do they handle when you are in pain?)

I think it’s pretty clear that Frank handles pain extraordinarily well. Especially when he’s in the moment. We’ve seen Frank get shot in the middle of the fight and keep going so his adrenaline really overrides all of his sense of pain. He get’s more sensitive once the adrenaline wears off. He’s not Superman so if he is injured he feels it and it definitely hurts. He isn’t going to recklessly reopen wounds or do anything to further or worsen his pain. However, if it’s necessary he can push through a lot of pain to continue moving and get to somewhere safe. And he doesn’t do this by somehow “dulling” or getting rid of his pain. He basically just clenches his teeth and deals with it. He’s also very good at patching himself up which often involves pulling shrapnel from injuries and giving himself stitches.

Everything changes when you’re in pain. He hates it. He hates it more than anything else in the entire world. Your pain is just a constant reminder that he failed to keep you safe and protected. And now he might have inflict even more pain on you to fix the problem that he created. He is very good at responding to your pain. He doesn’t freak out or turn frantic, his mind becomes very focused. He knows exactly what he has to do to get you out of the dangerous situation and minimize your pain as much as possible. He normally stays as far away from doctor’s and hospitals as possible, but he will break that rule for you. Could he give you stitches, pull out pieces of metal and bandage your wounds? Yes he could. But he doesn’t know if he can handle seeing you suffering from pain that he is inflicting. He also doesn’t want you to have permanent damage and scars just because he was afraid of going to the hospital and being found out.

Q- Quote (What’s a quote that fits them and your relationship)

Not Requested Yet

R- Reunion (How do they celebrate seeing you after a long time of being apart)

Not Requested Yet

S- Stress (What stresses them out? How do deal with stress and how do they relieve it?)

Everything stresses Frank out let’s be real. He’s a big tough guy with a majorly soft heart so he’s worried for everyone 24/7 even if he will never show or admit it. Plus add in the fact that he is a dad and now he’s worried about all the kids he sees.

Though on a more serious note he can be really good at hiding away his stress and packing it away until he can properly deal with it. If he is set on a mission and he has an end goal in sight and the process of getting to that goal is what stresses him out, he get’s all the more determined to reach his goal. If his goal is to take down an enemy, he get’s more ruthless in his fights and he doesn’t properly take breaks even if he’s running on zero sleep and coffee. In a more mundane life where his goals are less high stakes he still runs himself ragged, but he can be pretty easily convinced to take a break and rest a bit.

Sometimes he’ll drink to relieve stress, but he tries not to make it a habit. Instead he likes to watch sports games like football or hockey to take the edge off a stressful day.

But by far the most stressful thing that exists in his life is you. He heavily prescribes to the “Happy wife (or husband) happy life” motto. He wants you to be happy and safe. Sometimes that means doing stuff that he doesn’t like such as cooking food or folding laundry. And other times that means pursuing a huge crime syndicate and destroying it from the inside out in order to keep you safe. Whatever it is he has to do it’s worth it if he can eventually make it back to your home and settle himself into a nice comfortable couch with you tucked against his chest and the TV droning uselessly in the background.

T- Terror (What are they afraid of?)

Frank Castle’s biggest fear is having more people ripped away from him. He’s not afraid of guns, heights, snakes, sharks or even death it self. But he is terrified of losing people close to him. He struggles with this to such a large degree that he tries to distance himself from people or even convince himself that he doesn’t actually care about people. But let’s be honest, Frank get’s attached to people extremely quickly. He’s a family oriented guy and because he doesn’t have a blood family anymore he continually collects people in his own sort of family. But if you ever asked him about it, he would deny it for years. Because as soon as his enemies know he cares about people they will try and kill them. He cannot deal with any more people being taken from him.

He worries about this to the point that he has regular night terrors about people dying. It started out as just his family and that particular version of the nightmare still happens, but the more people he cares for the more people appear in his dreams.

U- Unique (What is a quirk that is unique to them?)

Frank has a couple ticks that you can see in the show that he expresses when he’s nervous. For one he rubs his hands together a lot, especially when he’s talking at a table or sitting down in some way with nothing in his hands. He also rubs his nose a lot and just generally moves his head around a lot.

But outside of what we can see in the show I am a firm believer in the fact that he makes dad noises every single time he get’s up or sits down. It is honestly a compulsion, if you tell him to get up without making a noise it is impossible. He is going to make some kind of noise. Also makes the exact same noise if he’s lifting anything remotely heavy. It’s cute and funny the first couple of times, but I can imagine if he’s doing it repeatedly it could get annoying.

V- Violence (Do they fight a lot? Are they a good fighter? What is their fighting style?)

Not Requested Yet

W- Wow (What do you do that really surprises them? What do you do that they really like?)

Frank Castle could ascend into heaven every single time you wake up and make breakfast for him. Normally he’s the first person to wake up because his body is just used to waking up super early in the morning. So when you wake up earlier than him and also manage to have breakfast ready it’s really special. The first time he wakes up to the smell of warm food it immediately brings him back to his life with his wife and family. For a few seconds it’s like he’s traveled back in time, but he quickly remembers himself. His wife and kids are gone and they’re not coming back. But now he has you and he’s moving forward in his life once again. His bed feels 10 times more comfortable than normal and he has to work really hard to get himself out of bed.

He wanders out of the room without putting any proper clothes on and makes his way over to the kitchen. He attaches himself to your back and wraps his arms around your waist. He mumbles a good morning into your ear in that rumble early morning voice you love so much. You have to force him to let you go so that you can finish the meal.

Another thing that always really surprises him is when you get assertive or defensive when someone is being rude or too pushy. He loves being able to protect you, but he loves it even more when he knows that you can take care of yourself. He doesn’t have to worry about anyone harassing you because you are always prepared to defend yourself. Of course if anything becomes too much Frank is always prepared to step in and keep you say.

X- (Explicit headcanon. For all you degenerates)

Frank is definitely dominant in many aspects of his life and it definitely translates to his sex life as well. However, that doesn’t mean that he has to be on top all the time. In fact he really likes when his partner is on top. What can I say he’s a very hardworking man and he likes to be able to have a good time and do minimal effort. He’ll make it a good time though don’t worry.

He prefers to have as much skin on skin contact as possible. His hands are on you the entire time and he loves pressing kisses to any stretch of skin that he has access to. Also because he loves skin contact he is not a fan of having sex with any amount of clothes on. If you have long hair he definitely uses it as a handle to move your head around as he pleases. You better make sure he doesn’t have any rings on because they will be tangled. His handling gives sex hair a whole new meaning. Don’t plan on going anywhere for a while.

Y- Yucky (Is there something that grosses them out so badly that they can’t deal with it?)

Not Requested Yet

Z- ZZZ’s (What are their sleeping habits? Both with and without you)

He likes having a normal sleeping schedule. He get’s tired at the same time every night and he wakes up at the same time every morning. On nights when he has to stay up late he tends to suffer a lot for the next couple of days regardless of how much sleep he catches up on. He sees sleep as a necessity rather than something to enjoy so it will always annoy him just how much he needs sleep. He will never tell anyone, but sometimes he feels jealous of people that regularly pull all-nighters and use the time to be productive.

When he sleeps he can have good nights and he can have bad nights. He suffers from PTSD so he has some nights where he tosses and turns and just can’t seem to have a calm moment and other nights his head hits the pillow and he’s out cold with his limbs splayed across the entire bed. When you start spending nights in the same bed as him things calm down a little bit but not entirely. He still has nights where he’s yanked out of sleep only to find out that he’s essentially run you out of the bed and you’ve moved to the couch. But then there are also nights where he cuddles right up to you and wraps himself around you for a long night of sleep. Every night is a toss up so you might want to have a second set of sheets lying around and a really comfy couch to crash on.

#frank castle #frank castle x reader #frank castle imagine #frank castle headcanons #the punisher #marvel #defenders #punisher imagine #punisher x reader

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