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sunkissedbedard · 13 days

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fortnight [ethan edwards x reader]

a/n: hey lovelies !!! AHH this is my first LONG fic and smut piece. please be nice, i am new to writing smut so cut your girl some slack !! i really enjoyed writing this & a big thank you to @homestylehughes for proofreading for me !!! i hope you enjoy and please remember to reblog creators works !! 🫶🏻

summary: i love you, it’s ruining my life

warnings: smut 18+: oral (m&f receiving), fingering, p in v protected sex

word count: 7.9k

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

it may be an understatement to some, but you loved the back to school season. with the transition into autumn as the environment's colour palette turned from vibrant greens, to warm browns and yellows, you found yourself content as the pumpkin spice and apple pie scents cascaded through the atmosphere.

walking across the campus as the dried leaves crunched underneath you, you mindlessly took in your surroundings, observing your fellow students and seeing the excitement fall upon their faces as new friendships blossomed, and friendships rekindled after spending the last few months back to where their stories were created.

your headphones were plugged in, allowing you to enter a trance of tranquillity, finding all your worries in the world disappear into an abyss. you were relieved, given your last semester, you were faced with an unkind welcoming that most people would question you for being so dismissive of.

ethan edwards, 5’11 defenseman for the university of michigan’s hockey team. enrolled in the same physiology class last term, the pair of you were assigned partners at the start of the semester for your final examination project, which entitled you to countless hours outside of class to be spent together. and maybe that wasn’t something you would complain about initially.

the close proximity your assignment brought upon you, may have been a blessing in disguise, but neither ethan or you were going to be the ones to admit it. the brunette had caught your eye when he entered the classroom shortly after it had begun, looking out of breath as if he had sprinted to the lecture hall. there was no denying you felt your stomach do a summersault when you found your name printed next to his, looking up and meeting his eyes as you followed from where his finger had pointed. and when you first began the foundational stages of the project, you couldn’t help but acknowledge the flutter you felt in your chest when he’d chuckle at something you said, or got caught gazing into your eyes a second too long for anyone to consider there was no chemistry.

as the project unfolded, and you began scheduling times within the week to work on the requirements, you noticed yourself more frequently checking the day and time of the week, anticipating the moment you would meet the brunette again. you mentally frowned upon yourself, he was just another one of your classmates, you questioned yourself, why was he so different than all the rest?

maybe it was the way he’d wait for you after the class had a quiz or midterm if he finished before you, or would always save you a seat in the classroom, every single class, or even when he copied his notes from the days you missed class from being sick with strep throat.

you had to convince yourself he was just another one of those hockey players. they had that natural charisma, he was used to charming the ladies, society had just instilled that hockey players drew all the attention, and there was just something so intriguing about them.

you had come to realize the impact his hockey commitment had on his academic availability was a bit heavier than you had anticipated, so when he had missed a meetup one week without informing you, he received a lengthy message about punctuality and responsibility, which earned you your favourite drink and dessert as an apology.

you knew hockey players though, you had family immersed in the community and when you began your continuing education, you made a promise to yourself to steer clear of hockey players at all cost. however, that was inevitable, considering UMich had quite the popularity surrounding the NCAA hockey team. you’d hear about the team from your roommates and classmates, about the big win from the night before, or how a player made a stylish play, it’s as though it suffocated you, which led you to think that was the reason ethan left you so entranced by his presence.

you didn’t want to like him, but your heart cried out to you when there was unexpected rain in the weather forecast, and you ended up arriving to the project meeting drenched by mother nature. ethan immediately rushed to you, asking about what had happened and if you were okay. he insisted that you take his navy blue hoodie that had a yellow “M” embroidered into the front, with his number 73 stitched into the arm. much to your dismay, he pushed past your protests, and forced you to change into the warm, dry piece of fabric, that you hated to admit smelt like the best cologne you could ever imagine.

you went home that night thinking about all the encounters you had ensued with ethan, and a tiny seed had planted in your imagination, that maybe he was acting in a way that was more than a group-project partner, more than a friend who simply looked out for you. maybe he was different, there were so many questions that raced through your mind when he appeared in your head, that you considered letting your hockey player-driven guard down.

you assumed it was nothing, but when your roommate had caught you smiling at your phone like a mischievous child, and proceeded to interrogate you at who could possibly be taking away this much of your attention, maybe ethan seemed to be more than a group partner to you, and a liking had sprouted in your heart for the hockey player.

every so often when you would catch his eye in class when the professor was in the depth of the lecture, you would smile to yourself as if one look meant a million more words. ethan was so genuine, in class and out, there was no way he couldn’t be sincere. and when he sent you a message thanking you endlessly for surprising him at his hockey game, the three red hearts that trailed along at the end of the grey text bubble made your heart pound in your chest, wanting to burst.

ethan

y/n!! there’s no way i saw you up in the stands today.. i thought you hated everything hockey?? what changed?

y/n

i was forced against my will. 😐

y/n

i’m kidding, my roommate dragged me out of the dorm and said i needed to experience one of the games, and i guess since i knew someone on the team it made it a bit more exciting to go to

ethan

oh, so when your roommate asks you it’s an immediate yes?

ethan

i’ve been asking you for months to come to one of the games!!!

y/n

allie is much more convincing than you are.. 🤷

ethan

seriously tho, it made my night to see you there. and you even got to see me score!!

y/n

it was pretty cool how you did that one move, and i saw you look up after so i knew i had some sort of part in your celebration after

ethan

hey well what do you say you come to the next game next thursday? i can bring one of my jerseys to our meetup on wednesday for you to wear to the game

ethan

but again, thank you so much for coming to the game y/n. it made my night seeing you there ❤️❤️❤️

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

your semester had come to an end, and ethan and you aced the project, receiving one of the highest grades in the entire class. as a ritual, your fellow students gathered for the end-of-semester party that was held at the hockey team’s shared housing unit. it was only the middle of november when your classes had ended, so you found yourself picking out a black dress that you knew accentuated your body in all the right ways, and would definitely catch the attention of some.

your friends and you entered the house that held the hockey team, being welcomed to the loud, vibrating sound of music playing all over the inside, the smell of sweat from nerves and dancing, and suddenly becoming aware of how sticky your shoes felt against the hardwood floor as you stepped farther in.

your roommate allie had found herself reconnecting with another one of her friends from her classes, while your other friend, taylor had already ventured to find the nearest source of alcohol. you scanned the layout before you, seeing the stairs on the left that would lead to the frat houses’ bedrooms, and to your right was the living room where the furniture was pushed to the perimeter of the room to make a makeshift dance floor, while also giving seating for couples and drunk college students to make out, seeing a couple heavily entranced by each other’s mouths while the girl straddled the guy’s lap, you let out a breath, having this be a reminder of why you hated highschool and college parties.

there was really nothing entertaining about walking in to an occupied bathroom unbeknownst to you because the random strangers were too concerned with where each other’s hands and lips were, or how you had to hyperfixate on the drink in your hand, not knowing who or what could be around you.

you walked down the hallway, sliding between bodies, mumbling an “excuse me” and placing a soft hand on the backs or shoulders of the students you were passing by. you had turned the corner to which revealed the kitchen you had been searching for to mix yourself a drink, but rather than excitement unfolding, you were hit with a wind so cold and frigid, you almost stumbled back on your feet.

right before you was the infamous brunette, ethan edwards, leaning forward towards a short unknown figure, having each of his arms on either side of her body, almost trapping her into his embrace.

you didn’t know why it felt like there was no air to breath anymore, why it felt like your throat was closing up, or why it felt like you were choking on your own throat. you didn’t know why you felt your hands numb or why your stomach dropped rather than somersaulting. you blinked, trying to clear your vision at the sight before you, and you shook your head at yourself, not only because you couldn’t comprehend the sight before you, but also because you knew it didn’t matter that ethan was consumed by the unknown girl. you weren’t talking in that type of way, you weren’t pursuing him, and you most certainly didn’t like him, so why did it matter?

you knew you were in over your head and you felt heat fill in your cheeks in embarrassment at yourself for thinking any of the things ethan had done or said to you were sincere, or that he actually meant any of it.

to him, you were just another girl that was at his feet giving him attention, another stack on his shoulder to feed his ego, another notch on his belt. you knew it was too good to be true. how could he be any different than all the other hockey players, you just hadn’t seen it coming, being blinded by the thought that maybe this one would prove you wrong.

you were ashamed, feeling the ache of your heart, heat rushing through your body and the euphoric feeling spreading to the tips of your fingers as it felt like you dissociated from your own self, watching from a bird’s eye view at what unfolded before you.

you swallow the lump in your throat and blink heavily to avoid any tears spilling from your eyes as you turned to your left to walk around the far side of the kitchen counter. you had found taylor, drink in hand, who was mingling with a girl she had met a few weeks into the semester. you wiped a bright, cheerful expression on your face approaching your blonde friend, who smiled brightly as she opened an arm to you and pulled you into her side.

“y/n! this is chloe, we were just talking about how allie and i had finally convinced you to go to that one hockey game back two weeks ago, she was there, literally right near us and i totally missed her!” taylor exclaimed as she smiled back towards chloe who was leaning against the white kitchen cabinets. you gave her a polite, small smile which she returned, but it was hard to focus with the loud, indistinct voices that echoed throughout the house, and the evident tension in the room as you heard the giggles from the unknown girl below ethan, fighting the urge to look over at the pair.

as they immersed themselves back into their previous conversation, you stood beside the two girls before excusing yourself to prepare a drink. if you were going to have to manage seeing ethan and another random girl mesmerised by his charm, you would need to have some alcohol in your system to make it more tolerable.

you grabbed a red solo cup from the edge of the island that stood in the middle of the kitchen, and reached for the bottle of spiced rum, adding the liquor into your cup a bit over what a normal amount would be for a cocktail. you shrugged to yourself, as you eyed the amount of alcohol entering your cup, before you set the glass down and begin to walk towards the fridge quickly stopping in your tracks when you were reminded by the sight of the obstacle you would have to avoid in order to make your drink less of a concern to if you were going to down it immediately.

the unknown brunette was now sitting on the counter with her legs widened enough for ethan to stand between them, his hand clearly on her waist, gripping her sides which you knew would cause a flutter in the girl’s stomach.

you hesitantly inhale, wanting to make your manoeuver as nonchalant as possible, it would only be easier to forget about ethan being a close distance from you if you didn’t bring attention to yourself, so you emerge towards the fridge, keeping your eyes locked at the metal appliance, and reach to open the right door when a voice stops you in your tracks.

”y/n?” of fucking course. just like everything else with ethan and the timing of how things play out, of course he had to notice you while the unknown girl had her arms draped around his neck. “no way you’re here! what are you doing here?” as he questioned you, you watched with a blank stare as he turned to have his body facing you, and in doing so, let the girl’s arms fall from his shoulders. his eyebrows were raised in surprise and his mouth was held open in excitement, but his response is what shocked you the most, given he seemed to be pretty occupied before. he raised his arms out as if he were to go in for a hug before you shut down his opportunity to brush over what his actions unknowingly did to you.

“well what would a student who just finished her exams be doing at a frat party?” you asked dryly. ethan’s head jolted back quickly in confusion at your rhetorical question, surprised by your shift in demeanour.

“i, uh- well, y’know, i’m just surprised to see you, i didn’t know this was your type of scene,” ethan trailed off, stumbling over his words. you hummed in response, giving him a tight-lipped smile with a small squint of your eyes before reaching into the fridge to grab a can of coke to add to your drink that was waiting for you.

you hummed with a tight lipped smile written on your face, “i’ll see you around ethan,” turning your body away from him and leaving him in a trance.

closing the fridge door and pivoting on your feet to walk back in the direction of where your drink was, you made sure to keep your eyes in a forward stare, knowing any slight aversion of your eyes would cause the tears that had been pooling to spill. you begin to fill your red cup with the soda, keeping your head down as you felt your emotions rush over you. the sight of ethan close to another girl only caused your stomach to tighten in a knot, resulting in you taking a long swig of your drink, tasting the kick of the extra alcohol fall down your throat.

this was going to be a long night.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

a few hours had passed and the drinks had become significantly more easy to finish in a short amount of time, and you had found yourself conversing with a few students you had recognized from your classes from the previous semester, laughing drunkenly over jokes being made and other remarks, and as you gossiped over your professors, each time your drink had emptied, another was placed in your hand without you having to leave where you were seated. needless to say, when you quietly excused yourself to the washroom, having broken your seal about 30 minutes prior, you felt the buzz erupt through your body as you walked to find the nearest bathroom.

your head was spinning lightly, so you balanced a hand on the wall as you tried entering the main floor’s bathroom, only to be blocked by the noises you would only assume would be coming from a frat house’s bathroom, so. eager to release the pressure that was filling your bladder, you wandered back towards the stairs that led to the second floor that displayed all of the bedrooms. following what you hoped to be the right path to the bathroom upstairs, you find yourself leaned up against the wall opposite of the closed door, waiting for vacancy.

taking in your surroundings while you waited, you squinted your eyes to suppress the drunken state you were in and noticed the majority of the doors to the bedrooms were opened, with one at the end on the left being closed. as your gaze lingered down the hallway, you heard the lock of the bathroom unlatch, to which you pushed yourself off of the wall you were leaned against.

and as if your night couldn’t have gotten worse, you stood opposite to the tall, muscular figure, who you wanted no more than to slap across the face for the way he made you feel, whether it was unbeknownst to him or not.

you rolled your eyes as you watched his expression lighten over his face at the sight of you, and you crossed your arms over your chest, waiting impatiently to enter the room you came for initially.

“y/n! there you are! you disappeared after i saw you in the kitchen- you alright? you seemed kind of off when i talked to you,” ethan spoke in excitement, clearly the alcohol was buzzing through his system as it was yours, causing his bubbly, and overly chipper demeanour.

you scoffed at his oblivious remark over your previous encounter, trying to dodge a conversation with him and attempting to sneak past his figure, only to be blocked by his reflex to stop your movement, which caused you to lightly bump into his frame. you couldn’t look him in the eye as he spoke to you, knowing that if you did, you would cave and you would forget the sight of seeing him with another girl, and melt at the knees when you held eye contact with him. it happened every time you were with him. it was as if everything around you disappeared into an abyss when you looked in his brown eyes, nothing else being as important as the way he looked at you. and you hated the way that it was an act as simple as eye contact that made your heart warm, your cheeks fill with heat and butterflies to erupt in your stomach.

ethan reached an arm up to grab onto the side of your arm, causing you to stop your attempt to pass by him, and making you avert your gaze up to where he towered over you, looking down with his infamous soft eyes. you could smell his cologne that you hated because of how much you loved it, and you bit the inside of your lip, stopping yourself from making any impulsive, drunken decisions that you knew you would regret when the alcohol had worn off.

“nothing’s wrong,” you said blankly, peaking around his body towards the empty bathroom that was calling your name. “come on, let me go, i need to pee.” you urged, shrugging your shoulders in defeat with a slight pout forming on your face. ethan had only grinned to himself without any other words being spoken and he pushed you behind him towards the bathroom as he stepped to the side, and you quickly stepped in, shutting the door behind you.

you used the washroom as you needed, but before exiting, you peered at your reflection in the vanity mirror, taking a deep breath to compose yourself as the alcohol slowly took over more of your system, making everything feel a slight bit more distorted than normal. you closed your eyes as you reached for the door handle, knowing there was a fifty-fifty chance that ethan would still be waiting on the other side, and much to your dismay, the odds weren’t in your favour as the one and only brunette hockey player was leaned up against the wall you once were standing against, locked into his phone screen as you watched him scroll mindlessly.

you sneaked past the bathroom door, veering to the side of the wall as you tried to escape another confrontation from ethan, but his awareness overruled as his arm reached out to stop you, grabbing your wrist and pulling you back towards him. his pull had been slightly stronger than it needed, so you stumbled over your feet towards him, steadying yourself by grabbing onto his biceps with both of your hands and looking up at him with an unimpressed look as you gathered yourself. maybe the extra liquor added to your drinks wasn’t the best idea after all.

“so can we talk? or are you gonna keep acting like you’re a criminal trying to escape the police,” ethan lightly chuckled, again looking down at you with the smile that you had grown to adore too much.

“i’m not avoiding you, ethan,” you argued.

ethan hummed, “i’m pretty sure you are,” he said quieter as he took a step closer to you, “just because the semester’s over, doesn’t mean we have to be.” he said, and you almost choked on your breath. your mouth had slightly opened in shock, taken aback by the words that had just fallen from his tongue.

“w-what do you mean we don’t have to be over?” you awkwardly chuckled, stumbling over your words. maybe it was the alcohol that was clouding your judgement, but you truly did not understand ethan’s intentions.

“all i’m saying is that just because the class we had is over, doesn’t mean we have to stop being friends.” he said with a shrug of his shoulders and once again, the cold air of realization hit you like a brick wall, as you processed his words. you knew you didn’t hear him correctly, you knew there was a misunderstanding, and you knew you were in over your head, yet again. you mentally frowned upon yourself at how stupid you felt in the situation, knowing you probably looked like a fool standing opposite to ethan.

“right, yeah.” you trailed, looking down towards your feet as you tried to compose yourself, knowing if you dwelled on the current situation, tears would begin to form. “look- i gotta go find my friends, we’re probably gonna head out soon anyway, i- uh, it was nice seeing you i guess. we can keep in touch too, but i know our schedules are both pretty busy.” you said looking back up at the brunette, you gave him a soft, sad smile as you tried to make it seem like your mind wasn’t racing and the utter sadness at the situation wasn’t beginning to fill your body. you turned to head back down the stairs to where the party was still going, but yet again, ethan stopped you in your tracks.

“y/n,” he repeated more sternly, and you hated how your heart ached in your chest, how you wanted nothing more than to scream at him that you were falling for him, but in doing so you hated how it made you feel, you hated how you wanted to kiss him like the world was ending and there was no tomorrow, but if you did, he’d probably turn away. all because of the stupid project that had to be such a large portion of your grade, you had slowly fallen for the boy who occupied every wednesday of your semester. “follow me,” was all ethan said as he took your hand in his, and you felt the texture of his skin beneath your own, how his hands were somewhat dry, but not overly coarse, and how they were warm and encapsulated your own.

you let ethan guide you down the hallway, as you trailed behind his large figure like you were a lost puppy. he turned the corner into one of the opened bedroom doors, and your eyes widened in shock at what you assumed entering his room meant. you had been in his room before, one of the times you had planned to work on the project and the library had been closed due to maintenance, ethan offered to have the meetup be held at his place. that was the reason you had been familiar with the layout of the house when arriving at the current party.

panic settled in as you watch him reach behind you to close the door, and your eyes followed as he walked towards his desk, silently reaching into the third drawer on the desk and pulling out what looked to be a picture. your brows pulled together in confusion as he turned back to where you stood, close to the door with your hands fiddling with each other as you anticipated what he had to show.

he reached out to pass you the print, and you met his eyes again for reassurance that it was okay to take it from him, to which he nodded in encouragement. you took it in your hands, and looked down only to see that it had been a picture of you in his team hoodie, the day that you had been rained on, with your hair wet, makeup slightly smudged. you stood opposite of him, with the hoodie engulfing your frame making you look much smaller compared to ethan’s larger frame. you smiled at the picture, but were only even further confused as to why he had it, so as you hand it back to ethan, you look up in confusion, only to see a small blush forming on his cheeks.

“i know it’s kinda creepy to just have this picture of you, but you looked so cute in my hoodie and that day we had together, was probably one of the best days i’ve had all year, maybe even the best day since i first got here.” ethan shyly explained, making your gaze soften as you watched him explain.

“yeah, i remember that day, it was one of my favourites.” you responded softly, smiling to yourself as you reminisced. but before you grew too distracted by his romantic act, you came quickly to remember how you felt when you first arrived, conflicting your feelings as you stood in ethan’s room. there was a silence that was held between you two, and you didn’t know what to say, and you knew it would probably be best if you didn’t open your mouth to speak, knowing you would most likely regret what words formed. ethan placed the picture back on his desk, before placing himself on the edge of his bed, clasping his hands together, and you stayed put where you were standing, watching him before you.

“come,” ethan gestured to the mattress beneath him, patting the spot next to him for you to sit.

“i don’t think that’s a good idea.” you responded quickly, allowing your blunt and cold facade to take over yet again. “really, i should probably go find my friends, they're gonna think i got kidnapped or something.” you awkwardly laughed. taking a step backwards closer to the door as you tried to escape,

“oh, come on,” ethan whined, throwing his head back in protest. “don’t make me come over there and make you sit on my bed.” he warned. you rolled your eyes yet again in annoyance at how easily convincing he was, and you took the few steps forward to reach his bed, and ethan scooted himself over to the side to give you more room.

“what’s up?” ethan asked quietly, the close proximity between the two of you becoming more evident as you were now sitting shoulder to shoulder in his bedroom. it intensified every thought and feeling you had run through your body. you noticed his eyes were hooded from the alcohol, his hair looked freshly washed and you could see his silver chain slightly peeking out from the collar of his crewneck hoodie. you took in his appearance slowly, before meeting his gaze that had already landed on you, looking into your eyes with a soft, alluring gaze.

“i said nothing’s wrong, ethan.” you exclaimed, letting out a breath as you grew more annoyed with his persistence. you didn’t want to let your guard down, you couldn’t. not while you were in his room, drunk, at a party.

“that’s bullshit, come on, you’ve been off since i first saw you.” ethan countered, and you then felt the weight of his hand being placed on the middle of your thigh, immediately making your breath shift into slower, more heated breaths. you looked down at the hand on your exposed leg, becoming aware that the fabric of your black dress had slowly rode up your thighs. you then met his gaze, again, as he was still maintaining eye contact with you.

“ethan,” you pushed, not wanting to continue the conversation any longer than it had already been happening, you sighed and began to stand up to leave, but you were prevented from doing so as his hand pushed against your thigh to keep you placed on his bed.

“y/n,” was all he responded.

your eyes darted to the side, contemplating whether or not you would cave, before letting go another breath, “okay, look-” you began before you stopped yourself, wanting to find the correct words to describe your feelings. if you had finally decided to have the conversation you had envisioned every night before going to bed, you wanted it to be relatively similar to the way you had planned it to be. although, you didn’t expect it to be happening at the actual moment it now was.

“fuck,” you mumbled under your breath, looking down into your lap, but was quickly guided to continue looking into ethan’s eyes by his hand that had slipped under your chin and tilted your head up. “i’m confused.” you blurted, no other words coming to mind as you looked at ethan with an expression of confusion and distraught written over your face.

ethan paused before responding, “why?”

“because of this!” you gestured between your bodies that were inches away from each other. “i come to this party against my will, because we both know i hate this type of scene, and low and behold, i come to find you invested in some random girl i’ve never seen before, with her hands all over you, and i can only assume what words were being exchanged.” you said in a single breath, your chest heaving as you explained your dilemma to the brunette in front of you.

ethan went to his open his mouth to justify his actions, but you beat him to it, “no, you don’t get to say anything,” you pointed with your index finger, “and then when all i need to do is pee, god forbid i run into you and you end up showing me a picture you’ve been hiding in your drawer and you look at me in a way that makes me feel so weird!” you rushed, your brows furrowing in your own confusion as you spoke.

“y/n, i’m lost, what are you trying to say?” ethan said softly, looking at you with his own brows stitched together in confusion.

this was it, this was the moment you’d confess your secret to the man who had occupied your brain 24/7. the one you thought of immediately when you did well on an assignment, and the one you would stand in the freezing arena every game to watch him play. the one you pictured yourself with when your friends and you gushed over the desire for a relationship. the one you searched for in a crowd of people at a school event, and the one you wanted nothing more than to be with.

“i love you, okay?” you bursted, slightly raising your voice with your face strained, “and it’s ruining my life.” you said as you ran a hand over your face to wipe away the hair that had obstructed your view, “and it killed me to find you here with another girl, and having to imagine myself going onto the next semester and not having you in my life.”

your chest continued to heave up and down, out of breath as you admitted to your internal conflict, and you searched in ethan’s eyes for a response. he was silent for a moment, his eyes darting from side to side as he collected his thoughts. you inched forward on the bed as a way to encourage him to say anything, but the longer the silence settled, the more you began to regret your sudden confession. as you went to place your head in your hands with your elbows resting on your knees, ethan’s mouth opened.

“are you drunk?” was all he asked, but given the amount of time you had spent in ethan’s room, and your body trying to compose yourself, you hadn’t felt the effects as strongly as before.

you shook your head, “if i am, drunk words are sober thoughts.” you chuckled to yourself.

“in that case, are drunk actions, sober thoughts?” he asked quieter, and you tilted your head in confusion, not being given a moment to process his words before you felt his hand reach for your jaw and lightly pull you in to meet his lips.

your mouths connected, and you inhaled sharply at the contact, melting into his touch as you adjusted yourself to face more towards his figure, you reached your arm to rest on his shoulder. ethan held your cheek in his hand, with his fingers reaching the nape of your neck to pull you in closer, and your body went weak, quickly to be supported by ethan’s free arm reaching around your back.

he pulled away, lips swollen from the contact, and his chest rising and falling rapidly. you looked up at his with doe eyes, wetting your lips without saying any words being said, and he reached back down to connect your lips again, his arm around your back sliding to your side to take hold on your waist. he pulled your body closer to him as a wordless action to adjust your position, and with your eyes closed and lips still mangled, ethan pulled you farther on the bed, and leaned your figure back to where he now hovered over your body with your back against the mattress.

he detached his lips again, breathing heavily with his chain dangling over your face, you stared up at the sight before you, “should we really be doing this?” you questioned softly, gripping his forearm with your hand.

ethan sucked his bottom lip between his teeth, “i’ve been wanting this for a while, and trust me this is not how i envisioned this happening, but i can’t hold out any longer,” he confessed, and before you can say anything in response, he delved back in, placing a kiss on your jaw near your ear, the sound of his wet mouth suctioning your skin made your entire body erupt in euphoria, and caused you to squirm underneath him. he trailed his wet, sensual kisses along your jawline as your hand found itself intertwined with his soft, brunette hair. he continued kissing down your jaw onto your neck, sucking slightly on your skin, as his arm held the weight of his body over yours. he looked up at you, with pleading eyes to adjust the strap of your dress, and without words you allowed him to move the fabric to the side, but in your own confidence, you sat up and lowered the dress to your waist, exposing your black lace bra you had worn underneath.

ethan took in the view, sighing in delight at your figure before him, and he leaned back down to continue his mission to cover every inch of your skin with wet, slow kisses. your hands found themselves interlocking behind ethan’s neck as he kissed your collarbone, and he looked up to your face with his eyes only, silently asking for permission to remove the piece of clothing that restrained your breasts. you nodded and lifted your back to allow for his hand to reach beneath you and unclasp the lingerie, freeing it from your body as he pulled it off of you. immediately his hands fell to your chest, cupping his large hands over your front and kneading your breasts as if they were dough.

your head fell back in pleasure at the contact of his mouth to your nipple, as he curled his tongue around the sensitive end. your hand tugged at his hair, arching your back in desperation for more.

ethan looked up at you yet again, and you reached forward, guiding ethan to stand on his knees, grabbing the end of his crewneck hoodie and pulling the fabric upward over his head, revealing his toned, broad figure. you mentally gawked at the sight and looked up at him as he towered over you, with your face being perfectly aligned with his waist.

you held eye contact with him as you reached for the waistband of his pants, noticing the growing bulge that began to protrude against his pants. you slipped a finger into the space between his body and the pants, gliding it along his v-line before tugging at his bottoms to expose his lower half. he had quickly stood up off of his bed to remove his pants, and while doing so, you shimmied out of your black dress, letting the clothing fall to the floor beside his bed, leaving you in nothing but the matching underwear to your top. ethan then climbed back on the bed, on his knees like prior, and you took in the sight of his bulge beneath his underwear, constraining the fabric and tauntingly wanting to be freed.

you looked up at ethan who watched your every move intensely, and then averted your gaze to the sight before you. you slowly grabbed the waistband of his boxers on each hip and pulled the fabric down, releasing his cock to be free as it sprung up, throbbing in anticipation to find a release.

your mouth practically salivated at the sight, and you instantly reached a hand to wrap around the base of his cock, feeling the warmth beneath your hand. stroking your hand twice up and down the length of ethan, you heard him groan above you, as he reached a hand to steady himself on your shoulder.

you adjust yourself beneath him, looking up to reach his eyes with your own and his bottom lip was tucked under his top row of teeth as he watched you take his cock in your mouth. you slowly wet his length and pushed your mouth farther down and closer to his stomach, until your eyes began to water, feeling the tip of his cock hit the back of your throat.

you pulled back slightly and quickened your pace as you began to bob your head along his length, ethan throwing his head back and gripping the back of your head softly in response. he held you there as he attempted to hold himself together, fighting the urge to release at that moment.

“fuck, y/n,” he breathed, holding your head closer to the rest of his body for a moment hearing the noises of your mouth taking every inch of his cock, as you slightly gagged on his member. you release him from your mouth with a small ‘pop’, and grin at ethan’s flushed face. he began to compose himself before he pushed you backwards until your head met the pillows of his bed and his face was inches away from your stomach. he maintained eye contact, which in response evoke an incline of your breath, chest heaving up and down as you grew impatient for ethan to make some sort of move to aid your frustration.

ethan looked at you with concerned eyes, in a way to silently ask you if he was allowed to continue and you eagerly nodded your head, your hips buckling upwards anticipating any sort of stimulation.

ethan flip the waistband of your underwear under his finger and dragged it over your hips and swiftly pulled the fabric off of your legs, tossing the piece to the side and focusing his attention back at the sight before him. his hands immediately found the inner space of your thighs, lightly rubbing the soft skin with his calloused hands, his tongue running over his bottom lip in hunger and desperation to delve into the lust.

“god, you’re perfect, y/n,” ethan mumbled, but before any other words were exchanged, he pushed your legs softly to the side, exposing your core and his head leaned into your body, immersing himself in you and suffocating himself with the taste of you. you moaned at the contact, your hips caving at the contact. ethan continued to stimulate your clit, his tongue lapping over the skin between your legs. your hand found his hair, tugging the brown locks in pleasure, and biting your lip to restrain yourself from making too loud of noise.

ethan moaned against your body, sending vibrations through your body, almost sending you over the edge, earning a whimper to escape from your mouth.

“oh my god, ethan,” you whined through gritted teeth as ethan held your legs down to the side with his arms and your hips bucking at the pleasure. he pulled away, the missing feeling making you crave more to put you over the edge, your legs bent up to the rest of your body as you watched ethan hold eye contact with you, reaching to his side table drawer and pulling out a condom.

you watched before you as he slipped it on, his body coming to hover on top of yours and aligning his cock with your entrance. your hands found themselves gripping onto his shoulder, and you bit your lip as ethan began to lower himself into you, the pressure causing your eyes to flutter shut. ethan went slow, no words being exchanged other than the wordless eye contact that was held between ethan and you, and when he bottomed you out, your mouth fell agape, causing ethan’s own mouth to fall open in pleasure.

his movements began slow, thrusting in and out, watching as your body responded in sync to his moments, and as it became more comfortable, ethan earning a nod from you to quicken his pace, your mouth hung open, small whimpers escaping as each thrust was complete.

ethan’s one hand remained by your head, lowering himself onto his elbow to inch closer to your face, while his other hand was placed on your hip, tightly gripping your skin as he continued to thrust harder and deeper into you.

“fuck, ethan, yes,” you moaned as he hit the right spot to cause an eruption of pleasure through your entire body, you felt the knot in your stomach begin to tighten when his hand on your hip reached between your legs to rub circles on you clit, and your moans sounded in sync with his thrusts, the sounds of two bodies erupting in pleasure filling the room.

“god, you’re so tight, y/n,” ethan moaned in response, his eyes squinting shut in concentration as he held himself together, your hands pulled at his neck, bringing his face to yours and your lips meet his, tightly interlocked as his thrusts still moved your body beneath him.

you could tell ethan was reaching his own climax, his determined thrusts becoming more and more sloppy, and his breath shaking against your lips. his fingers kept rubbing on circles on your clit, determined to bring you to orgasm, and when you adjusted your hips slightly, allowing for ethan to hit a deeper, more pleasurable spot in your body, the noises that came out of your mouth in response caused ethan to release into the condom, his own moans filling your mouth as his thrusts came to a halt and you felt the pressure hit your walls as he filled the condom with his cum. determined to bring you to your own climax, ethan’s fingers still worked their efforts on your clit, bringing his free hand to your mouth, trailing over your bottom lip, awaiting entrance.

his middle finger slipped into your mouth, and instinctively you sucked on the member, watching ethan look at you in amusement. when his finger was lubricated to his liking, he reached to your sex, running his finger along your folds to collect the wetness before pushing his finger in, immediately curling his finger towards him.

with both hands in action to put you over the edge, you raised your arms above your head in pleasure, feeling the knot in your stomach tighten even closer to being released.

“yes, ethan, just like that,” you moaned when ethan fastened his pace.

he hummed in response, “yeah? is that what you want, babe? you want to cum for me?” ethan asked softly, holding eye contact as his fingers worked magic against you. your eyes closed in pleasure, your head slightly tilting back, and when ethan slipped a second finger into your sex, and pulled his fingers in and out while maintaining curling inside, a loud moan escaped your mouth as you felt the knot come undone in your stomach, your legs shaking lightly as you rode out your orgasm.

your breath uneven, a grin erupted on both of yours and ethan’s faces, as he reached for his boxers and your matching set of undergarments, helping you put on the pieces of fabric, and quickly slipping under his covers. you follow suit, and find yourself curling up against his figure, your head resting on his chest, listening to his heightened heart rate.

ethan pressed his lips against the top of your head, “you really meant all those words from before?” he questioned, earning a giddy smile from you as you looked up to meet his gaze.

“and a thousand more.”

#ethan edwards #ethan edwards x reader #ethan edwards x y/n #ethan edwards imagine #ethan edwards fic #ethan edwards smut #umich x reader #umich fic #umich imagine #umich smut

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socialjusticeinamerica · 24 days

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🤦🏾🤦🏼🤦🏽

Excerpts:

“Launched in 2020 and hosted by pastor Gene Bailey, “FlashPoint” at times looks and sounds like other right-wing cable programs. But unlike Fox News hosts, the rotating panel of conservative pastors and commentators on “FlashPoint” pepper their political analysis with messages that they say come directly from God.”

“Viewers hear regularly from Lance Wallnau, a self-described prophet known for popularizing the Seven Mountains Mandate, a philosophy increasingly embraced on the right that says Christians are called to claim positions of power atop seven key “mountains” of society, including government, education, business and media. “FlashPoint,” which presents itself as an alternative to mainstream news, embodies that strategy.”

“In a January broadcast, pastor Hank Kunneman, another “FlashPoint” mainstay, said the Lord told him that 2024 would be a year of “divine reckoning” and “vengeance against the wicked.” In the months since, the show has portrayed the presidential election as a spiritual clash while depicting Trump as a flawed leader — like a modern King David — who’s been anointed by God to save the nation.”

“Trump has embraced elements of this framing, warning in speeches that the left wants “to tear down crosses” and promising that his return to office would restore Christian power. He also has promised to eliminate the Johnson Amendment, a rarely enforced federal law that prohibits nonprofit foundations and religious organizations — including the one that operates the Victory Channel — from endorsing political candidates.

“White evangelical Protestants remain among Trump’s most loyal voting blocs, with more than 80% planning or leaning toward voting for him in November, a recent Pew Research survey found. Hoping to push that number even higher, “FlashPoint” has called on pastors to start preaching a pro-Trump message on Sunday mornings.

Bailey, the “FlashPoint” host, did not respond to messages requesting an interview.

Rick Green, a regular “FlashPoint” panelist, is the founder of Patriot Academy, a Texas nonprofit that teaches courses about what it calls the nation’s explicit Christian origins — an idea disputed by historians. He told NBC News that he believes many critics of the show’s mixing of religion and politics are ignorant “about the founding principles of America.” Others, Green said, harbor “hatred and intolerance of differing views.”

“This seamless weaving of immersive religious expressions, apocalyptic preaching and right-wing political organizing worries some religion and extremism experts, including Onishi, who pointed to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol as evidence of what can happen when people come to believe a candidate has been chosen by God. There’s long been a strain of American evangelicalism that portrays current events as signs of the coming apocalypse. But tying the fate of humanity to a particular candidate is “something new and novel in modern U.S. history,” Onishi said.”

#Christian nationalism #fake christians #evangelical charlatans #evangelical assholes #snake oil salesmen #Republican propaganda #scary shit #never trump #republican assholes #maga morons

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genderkoolaid · 1 year

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His work through EEF was crucial to improving the lives of countless trans people. In addition to funding many of the earliest research projects, his two main contributions were the financial support he gave to the Harry Benjamin Foundation and the first North American gender clinic at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Erickson funded international conferences on trans topics in 1969 (cosponsored by the Albany Trust of London), 1971, and 1973. Later conferences were organized by the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association (HBIGDA) founded in 1979. It changed its name to the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) in 2007. EEF made major contributions to growing public awareness, too, through funding lectures, educational films, newspaper articles, radio, and television programs, and books including Money and Green’s Transsexualism and Sex Reassignment, 1969, and Money and Ehrhardt’s Man, Woman, Boy, Girl, 1972. [...] After learning about Los Angeles-based gay and lesbian rights group ONE, Inc., which published the highly influential ONE magazine, in 1964, Erickson began giving them money after convincing them to form the nonprofit, tax-exempt Institute for the Study of Human Resources. With the huge amounts of money he gave them over the years that other gay groups at the time could barely dream of (some $1.5 million in today’s dollars), they published a two-volume Annotated Bibliography of Homosexuality and created a variety of unprecedented gay equality focused research and education programs including lectures, and, ultimately, accreditation in 1981 by the state of California as a graduate degree-granting institution.

#m.#transmasc history

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visenyaism · 8 months

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our school always stopped at the end of the civil war and picked up at the compromise of 1877 so we barely learned shit abt reconstruction, any reading recs?

YES you really missed out because everything about American history makes so much more sense once you fully understand Reconstruction. I think the Zinn project and Social Justice Books also have a lot of really good resources if you want to know more.

the most foundational text to the discipline is Black Reconstruction in America by THE Dr. W.E.B. DuBois written in 1935. Then in the 1980s, Reconstruction by Eric Foner reaffirmed DuBois’ work, especially to the broader american public. Both fantastic books that did a lot of the heavy lifting to center the role of African-Americans in the historical narrative. Not a bad idea to start here!

Capitol Men by Philip Dray specifically about Black congressmen was really interesting, LOVED Race and Reunion by David Blight especially as someone interested in historical memory, and I had to read Educational Reconstruction by Hilary Green about the system of Black schools for class but also really loved it.

I also really liked The Death of Reconstruction by Heather Cox Richardson (West from Appomattox from her is also good), and Wilmington’s Lie by David Zucchino. (Also Ben Tillman and the Reconstruction of White Supremacy by Stephen Kantrowitz.) Most of the work I did in college was on the historical memory of the various coups that ended Reconstruction so I was over in that end of the historiography, and those books help me understand it a lot more clearly.

I picked up I Saw Death Coming by Kidada Williams recently and i am SO excited to read it especially because it centers Black resistance and survival during these times of extremely targeted white supremacist terrorism more than a lot of the historiography does.

#sorry i am just so interested in Reconstruction it is the most important period of our history and i am not kidding

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ariesmoontarot · 2 months

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Tarot Card Guide🃏

Numerology:

0: Infinity, eternity, cycles, the void, possibilities, circle of life.

1 (Ace): Leadership, rulership, influence, authority, beginnings, manifestation, action, independence, taking initiative, will-power.

2: Duality, opposites, balance, extremes, femininity, intuition, crossroads, diplomacy, polarity, contrast, planning steps.

3: Collaboration, groups, arts, imagination, fun, gatherings, creativity, self expression, initial achievement of goals, growth, vision.

4: Stability, logic, reason, intelligence, endurance, foundation, hard work, pragmatism, material reality, problem solving, perception.

5: Change, freedom, challenge, conflict, loss, instability, risk, innovation.

6: Love, romance, sex, loyalty, relationships, harmony, communication, problem solving, cooperation, domesticity, healing, service, reciprocity, emotions.

7: Patience, determination, occult, mystic, paranormal, spirituality, contemplation, withdrawal, metaphysics, reflection, motives, assessment, intellect, solitude, control.

8: Progress, drive, ambition, enterprise, effort, focus, prosperity, abundance, movement, action, change, authority, manifestation coming, business, goals, mastery.

9: Wisdom, charity, activism, fruition, manifestation, attainment, understanding, completion, conclusions, compassion

10: Wholeness, completion, fulfillment, end of a cycle/chapter/job/relationship, end of a journey, renewal.

Element:

Air: White (clear)- Intellect, thoughts, mental, beliefs, conflict, truth, fairness, justice, learning, observation, mental stimulation, wittiness, skills, communication, perspective, perception, awareness, strategies, experience, pain, bittersweet, abrupt, swift or abrupt pace/change, quick pace, quick witted, week(s).

Earth: Green- Material resources, possessions, physical, surface level/what you can see, wealth, environment, nature, home, attainment, relationships or connections you have with people, work, physical manifestations, career, money, school/education, stability, health, attachment, body, patience, slow and gradual pace/change, year(s).

Water: Blue- Emotions, love, empathy, spirituality, creativity, happiness, sensuality, romance, compassion, soul connections, intuition, healing, sensitivity, the subconscious, depth, beneath the surface, dreams, flow, month(s).

Fire: Red- Passion, ambition, excitement, energy, action, creativity, efforts, perseverance, will, endurance, challenges, competitors, conflict, anger, growth, maturity, logic, drive, inspiration, ideas, influence, magnetism, plans, visions, sexuality, intimacy, attraction, spirituality, fast and steady pace/change, day(s).

Major Arcana:

0. The Fool: Upright- Free spirited, innocence, youthful, new beginnings, spontaneity, adventure, originality, freedom, idealism, new relationship, new job, new business, new business, new venture, spontaneous spending, financial opportunities. Reversed- foolishness, naive, reckless, impulsive, risky, careless, distracted, immature, childish, gullible, dull, stale, non-committal, flighty, irresponsible, overspending, oversharing, being taken advantage of, stale and boring job, seeing life through rose colored glasses, inconsideration.

1. The Magician: Upright- Manifestation, creation, will-power, determination, concentration, resourceful, skill, ability, desire, powerful, creating opportunities, being proactive, using skills to create, alchemist. Reversed- Abuse of power, manipulation, cunning, trickery, illusion, deception, wasted skills/talent, low willpower, insecurity, doubts, powerlessness.

2. The High Priestess: Upright- Intuition, mystery, alluring, sacred/hidden knowledge, unconscious, spirituality, higher power/divine, inner voice, deep passion and intimacy, calm exterior but intense emotion beneath the surface, education, instincts, not revealing too much for good reasons, remaining patient for the right time to say, reveal, or do something, a guide, mentor. Reversed- Suppressed feelings, ignoring intuition, lost inner voice, lack of awareness, uncentered, secrets, hiding true self, lack of information, feeling isolated, hidden motives, superficiality, confusion, cognitive dissonance.

3. The Empress: Upright- Mother/maternal figure, divine feminine energy, wife, queen, compassion, submissive, pregnancy/conception, birth, creation, creating a new idea, healing, sensitivity, intuition, empathy, sensuality, beauty, abundance, nature, self-expression, supportive person, committed relationship, compassionate coworkers/colleagues, creativity at work, freshening up office, generosity, sharing, material wealth/comfort. Reversed- Lacking empathy, unsupportive, insecurity, overbearing, smothering, negligence, lack of growth/progress, immaturity, jealous, clingy, lack of self-worth/confidence, feeling insecure at work or with finances, codependency, lack of self-assurance, moody, irritable, overwhelmed.

4. The Emperor: Upright- Father/paternal figure, divine masculine energy, husband, king, leadership, boss, authority, power, higher position, principles, independence, good reputation, logic, supportive, provider, committed lover, stability, passionate, initiative, structure, self-control, calm, protective, self-disciplinary, practicality, focus, creates rules/systems, knowledgeable, strategic, goal-oriented, very serious/traditional person, routine, older/wiser, isn't always emotional and uses logic and reasoning in love, careful about spending time, money, etc. Reversed- Rigid, egoic, stifling, controlling, possessive, abuse of power or authority, toxic masculinity, tyranny, lack of self-control/discipline, recklessness, temperamental, power struggles, competitiveness, overbearing partner, bad reputation, bad boss, mediocre, low concentration, bureaucracy, over-spending, coldness, unauthenticity, narcissistic, overly logical, close-minded.

5. The Hierophant: Upright- tradition, religion, social groups, marriage, conventionality, conformity, education, knowledge, beliefs, ceremonial, institutions, safe/traditional person, avoiding taboo, spiritual love, morals and ethics, sharing a set of beliefs, teamwork, mentor, teacher, success in work groups, keeping money safe. Reversed- untraditional, unconventionality, breaking taboo, breaking out of social/familial norms/expectations, new approaches, rebellion, subversiveness, values not aligned, stale relationship/job/investment, peer pressure, bureaucracy, confinement, stifling, taking risks with finances, new institutions, breaking down a traditional set of beliefs (could be religious).

6. The Lovers: Upright- Love, union, connection, marriage, a deep and spiritual relationship, partnership/friendship, teammates, duality, reverence, commitment, choices, romance, togetherness, trust, balance, harmonious, romance at work/school. Reversed- lack of harmony, deception, unfaithful, infidelity, separation, lack of trust, imbalances, non-committal, romance at work causing trouble, not responsible about finances, conflicts between colleagues/friends/family, detached partner, one-sidedness.

7. The Chariot: Upright- Success, ambition, determination, will-power, control, self-discipline, focus, moving forward, pursue a plan with a structured and ordered approach, action, taking control, motivation, direction, strength. Reversed- Lack of control, lack of direction, aggression, forceful, powerlessness, obstacles, obsession with finding love, lack of ambition, pushy, rushing, hesitant about financial decisions.

8. Strength: Upright- Confidence, strength, will-power, courage, humility, bravery, compassion, inner power, resilience, perseverance, fearlessness, strong caring relationship, self-mastery, boldness, large purchases, controlled spending, self-control, discipline, taming the ego, beauty and the beast. Reversed- Insecurity, lack of control, fear, ego, ruthlessness, weakness, inadequacy, coward, forcefulness, domination, low self-esteem, negativity about love, imposter syndrome, fear of making big moves, compulsiveness, compulsive spending, hesitancy about spending.

9. The Hermit: Upright- Solitude, self-reflection, inner voice/guidance, wisdom, old soul, lone traveler, retreat, separation, seeking truth, contemplation, introspection, search for self, withdrawal, dark night of the soul, tapping into the unconscious mind, digging deep within yourself, seeking answers, pausing love to introspect, self-understanding in love, contemplating next steps, searching for purpose, less focus on materialistic things, contemplating the role of finances in happiness. Reversed- Loneliness, isolation, lost your way, recluse, anti-social, rejection, returning to society, distance, feeling distant from partner, realigning career to internal goals, outcast at work, working alone, better understanding of material situation.

10. Wheel of Fortune: Upright- Change, direction, closing a cycle, ending a chapter/relationship, coming to an end, fate, divine timing, patience, good luck, the inevitable, favored outcome, fortune, decisive moments, changing of season, making adjustments, navigating change with partner, opportunities present, adaptable, flexibility. Reversed- No control, control issues, bad luck, unfavorable outcomes, resistance, delays, obstacles, holding onto the past, refusing to change, something completely outside of your control causing delays.

11. Justice: Upright- Fairness, balance, karma (can be good or bad), consequences, getting sentenced, legal matters, truth, law, accountability, honesty, integrity, pleading, cause and effect, compromise, give and take, equality, reciprocity, repentance. Reversed- Lack of accountability, unfairness, injustice, not facing the consequences, imbalance, dishonesty, breaking the law, corruption, retribution, treating someone unfairly, blaming the wrong person, untrustworthy financial dealings, avoiding financial accountability, unfair love/work/family life, sinning, deception.

12. The Hanged Man: Upright- Surrender, changing perspective, stagnancy, pause, sacrifice, release, martyrdom, waiting, uncertainty, lack of direction, contemplation, suspension, indecision, patience, repentance. Reversed- Stalling, needless sacrifice, fear of sacrifice, stagnation, disinterest, standstill, apathy, changes in love, new perspective, new career move not working, procrastination, failed investment, wasted sacrifice.

13. Death: Upright- Endings bring new beginnings, dark night of the soul, spiritual rebirth, ego death, could be literal, letting go, release, metamorphosis, transformation, change, transition. Reversed- Fear of change, fear of letting go, not accepting an ending, having a difficult time with a loss, staying the same, holding on, stagnation, repetitive, going in circles, unhealthy financial habits, resistance, lack of growth, inadaptability.

14. Temperance: Upright- Balance, harmony, flow, reciprocity, equilibrium, middle path, patience, divine timing, finding meaning, moderation, calm, serenity, peace, tranquility, careful consideration, steady and slow progress, diligence. Reversed- Excess, extremes, too much, imbalance, overindulgence, impatience, hastiness, rushing, recklessness, all or nothing attitude, temporary fulfilment in a situation.

15. The Devil: Upright- Fear, addiction, materialism, feeling chained or tied down in some way, escapism, lust, overindulgence, excess, oppression, control issues, sexual manipulation, powerlessness, pulling strings, codependency, limitations, hedonism, selfishness, obsession, self-sabotage, bad habits, lack of self-control, blaming/ lack of accountability, toxicity, addict, substance abuse, abuse. Reversed- Release, freedom, revelation, independence, reclaiming power, regaining control, ending co-dependency, taking accountability, empowerment, breaking out of bad habits, ending toxicity.

16. The Tower: Upright- Sudden upheaval, revelation, unexpected, shocking disaster, shocking situation, chaos, the breakdown of a faulty relationship or lifestyle, faulty foundation, the breakdown of illusions, broken pride/ego death, destruction, trauma, the breakdown of beliefs that are no longer useful, sudden loss. (the tower usually happens very quick and abruptly) Reversed- Averting disaster, trying to keep something from inevitably falling apart, resisting change, leaving a weak relationship, surviving disaster, overcoming chaos, surviving, leaving a temporary situation, avoidance, repeating financial troubles.

17. The Star: Upright- Hope, rejuvenation, healing, inspiration, fame, wish fulfillment, faith, renewal, positivity, optimism, reaching goals, accomplishment, awakening to oneself (finally seeing your potential). Reversed- Unhopeful, lack of faith, uninspired, negativity, pessimistic, despair, depression, despondent, self-criticism, lack of confidence, unmotivated, dissatisfied.

18. The Moon: Upright- Secrets, illusions, unconscious, intuition, dark night of the soul, in the dark, hidden truth, hidden emotions, the unseen, confusion, complexity, mystery, uncertainty, let your intuition guide you through the things you can't see or understand, repressed intuition. Reversed- Deception, truth revealed, clarity, what's done in the dark always comes to light, misinformation, misinterpretation, fear, confusion, trickery, sabotage, paranoia, misunderstanding, understanding, anxiety, inner realization, not facing the truth.

19. The Sun: Upright- Happiness, coming out of a dark night of the soul, joy, abundance, manifestation, inner child, creativity, clarity, healing, revitalized, vitality, creative ideas/opportunity, creativity in love, children, optimism, positivity, celebration, party, success, confidence, radiance, enthusiasm, energetic, bubbly, strong financial situation. Reversed- Negativity, depression, sadness, insecurity, secrets, hidden truth, feeling unsuccessful, creative blocks, lack of energy, unenthusiastic, inner child wounds, pessimistic, unable to see joy in love or anything, boredom, taking things for granted, unrealistic beliefs/ideas, unappreciative, hardships are only temporary the sun will shine again, overly optimistic.

20. Judgement: Upright- Self-evaluation, facing judgment, spiritual awakening, renewal, finding purpose, reckoning, reflection, gaining self-awareness. making adjustments in love, renewed love. Reversed- Lack of awareness, lack of accountability, self-doubt, self-loathing, failure to learn lessons, denial, self-denying.

21. The World: Upright- Coming to a close, wrapping things up, cycles ending, certain phase ending, relationship ending, endings bring new beginnings, moving on, completion, achievement, fulfillment, sense of belonging, wholeness, harmony, enlightenment, nirvana, connectedness, gratitude, feeling love, in alignment. Reversed- Lack of closure, emptiness, feeling incomplete, missing something, lack of achievement, taking someone or something for granted, false measures of success, close to completing a goal, unfulfilled, ungrateful.

Court Cards:

Kings: The Leaders/Authorities- Usually a father figure or a highly evolved person who could embody masculine energy, but certainly doesn’t have to. Upright- They’re very responsible and have a high position in some way. Provides, takes initiative, has stability, their reliable, supportive, protective, strategic, charming, powerful, commanding, esteemed. Reversed- Abusive, narcissistic, controlling, possessive, egotistical, overbearing.

Knights: The Go-Getter/Pursuer- Usually a young adult or someone who’s just starting to master a certain task, skill, or ability. Upright- They learn by taking action and not being scared of the action they take. They dive into any situation. Courageous, willful, risk-taking, passionate, offering, adventurous, persuasive, charming, suave, confident. Reversed- Arrogant, irresponsible, flighty, impulsive, prideful, non-committal, player.

Queens: The Creators/Care-takers- Usually a motherly energy or someone who is more evolved and mature within their energy. They handle situations like an adult would. Upright- They’re very intuitive & led by their heart majority of the time. Creative, nurturing, receptive, generous, compassionate, alluring, independent, and patient. Reversed- Introverted, co-dependent, overwhelmed, manipulative.

Pages: The Messengers/Scholars- Usually a teen, young energy, or someone who is not yet fully matured in a specific area or in general. They observe, research, and take in almost everything. Upright- Curious, innocent, inspired, playful, optimistic, imaginative, in awe of life and their experiences. Reversed- Naive, immature, compulsive need to be right, has a lot to learn.

Minor Arcana:

🗡️Swords: Air Element- Gemini, Libra, Aquarius.

King of Swords: Upright- Head over heart, disciplined, truthful, honest, intelligent (intellectual), reason, authority, integrity, morality, serious, high standards, strict, observant, keen, clear minded, spiritual understanding, open minded, diplomacy, good judgment, rational, reserved, controlled emotions, stern but righteous mentor, challenges or challenged to do yours or their best, thinking realistically, logical, boundaries, detail-oriented, picky about who is allowed close to them, makes smart decisions, cool, calm, collected, blunt, mentally stimulating, self-control, good thinker and communicator, mentally stable, knowing when to speak or listen. Reversed- Cold, inhumane, cruel, heartless, ruthless, oppressive, secretive, selfish, narcissistic, controlling, mentally abusive/disturbed, dishonest, ingenuity, dominating, judgmental, overly opinionated, overly critical, low standards, always wants to be right, uses intellect to an advantage, dark minded, pessimistic, dark humor, mentally unstable, extreme vulnerability, ferocious, doesn’t communicate, cold shoulder, ghosts or blocks people, narrow minded, over sharer.

Knight of Swords: Upright- Assertive, direct, impatient, intellectual, daring, communication, focused, perfectionist, ambitious, likes a challenge, easily bored, needs mental stimulation, fears about intimacy, messenger, decisive action, quick thinker/communicator, difficulty committing, getting things done quickly, really focuses on what they have in mind, efficiency, making big moves, focus on financial goals, taking action towards goals, defending beliefs. Reversed- No direction, disregarding consequences, unpredictability, aggressive, bully, mentally abusive/disturbed, intensely argumentative, ruthless, vicious, arrogance, ferocious, intimidation, fraud, dishonest, scams, coercion, shady, rude, tactless, ignorant, doesn’t communicate at all, ghosts and blocks people.

Queen of Swords: Upright- Honest, truth, observant, rational, keen, intelligent (intellectual), open minded, fair, calm, disciplined, reserved, self & spiritually aware, principled, perceptive, objective, constructive criticism, independent, good judgment, balances logic and emotion, looking at the facts before making a decision, detail-oriented, thinking realistically, blunt, telling it like it is, high standards, picky about who is allowed close to them, boundaries, wise guidance, teacher, mentor, respected, knowing when to speak or listen. Reversed- Pessimistic, malicious, dishonest, harsh, bitter, spiteful, cruel, deceitful, unforgiving, cold shoulder, cold hearted, ghosts or blocks people, wants to be right, narrow minded, selfish, mentally unstable, mentally abusive/disturbed, trauma, toxic person, poor communication, confusion, irrational, extremely vulnerable, overly critical, judgmental, overly opinionated, uses intellect to an advantage, overthinker, over sharer.

Page of Swords: Upright- Curious, witty, chatty, communicative, messenger of legal matters/gossip/agreements/truth, inspired, vigilant, alert, mental agility, loves to learn, passionate about debates/ heady discussions, shy, intellectual person, lack of emotional intimacy, flighty, nervous, anxious, could be in school, brainstormer, ambitious. Reversed- Gossipy, scatterbrained, cynical, sarcastic, insulting, rude, lack of planning, talks too much, anxious chatter, argumentative, loves to be right, defensive partner, failure to communicate healthily, over sharer, flighty, uncertainty, over-thinker, researching but taking no action, insensitive, deceptive, all talk no show, two-faced, stalker, instigator.

Ace of Swords: Upright- Clarity, truth, spiritual awakening, revelation, communication, new perspective, learning a lesson, mentally maturing, breakthrough, new idea, vision, force, focus, facing problems honestly, facing reality, stimulating situation or environment, think rationally, avoid making emotional based decisions, sharp mind. Reversed- Confusion, brutality, chaos, lack of clarity, not facing the truth, miscommunication, hostility, arguments, destruction, uncertainty, clashing perceptions, painful words, failure to learn, unable to express thoughts clearly, boredom, double check finances/statements/legal documents.

Two of Swords: Upright- Indecision, confusion, illusion, second-guessing oneself, trying to listen to intuition, stalemate, stuck in the middle, denial, hidden information/secrets, choosing between two directions, things, or people, choosing between love/family/work, conflicts at work, taking sides, avoiding decisions, difficult choices, being gaslighted. Reversed- Lesser of two evils, no choice is a right choice, confusion, failure to make a choice, inaction is an action, hesitancy, too much information, truth revealed, clarity, anxiety, can’t prioritize love/work/family, stressful decisions, accepting financial position.

Three of Swords: Upright- Heartbreak, sadness, grief, depression, betrayal, third party interference, breakup, pain, heart issues, sorrow, loss, trauma, tears, argument, hurt feelings, feeling hopeless, disappointment, division of assets after divorce or breakup. Reversed- Healing, forgiveness, recovery, reconciliation, repressing emotions, holding onto sadness, moving on after pain, separation, putting conflicts behind you, developing better processes, building savings, finding stability, severe grief about finances.

Four of Swords: Upright- Meditation, rest, recuperation, relaxation, finding a peace of mind, sanctuary, self-protection, rejuvenation, a choice to withdrawl, exhaustion, a need to find quietness, alone time, taking a vacation, mental health day, anxiety about finances, avoid overthinking, contemplation, restoring, getting better sleep/taking a nap. Reversed- Restlessness, burnout, stress, mentally drained, recovery, awakening, re-entering world, release from isolation/withdrawal, refreshed, rejection from pressuring lover, reigniting passions, not accepting support, overcoming stress.

Five of Swords: Upright- Combativeness, wanting to be right, bully, one undermining the other, challenging beliefs or opinions, not being heard, not listening, arguments, disputes, aggression, intimidation, conflict, hostility, stress, tension, refusing to agree with someone else, irritability, fighting, defensiveness, being taken advantage of. Reversed- Reconciliation, resolution, agreement, compromise, revenge, regret, remorse, cutting losses, walking away, breaking up, forgiveness, open dialogue, sabotage, loosening of tension, relief, resentment.

Six of Swords: Upright- Overcoming a hard time, moving into calmer waters, leaving the past in the past, moving forward, moving away, leaving home, leaving a job, leaving a relationship, departure, distance, accepting lessons, feeling sad but moving on, reconciling after a fight. Reversed- Holding onto the past, stuck in the past, haunted, can’t move on, creating conflicts, self sabotage, trapped at job/relationship/or in a situation, avoiding dealing with finances, emotional baggage, unresolved issues, resisting transition, returning to the past, returning to trouble, running away from problems.

Seven of Swords: Upright- Strategize, sneakiness, secretive, thief, lies, deception, scheming, trickery, resourcefulness, cunning, trying not to get caught, manipulative tactics, affair, sparing feelings, feeling suspicious, gossip, jealousy at work, shadiness, fraudulent, scams. Reversed- Confession, getting caught, conscious, regret, maliciousness, truth revealed, end of playing games, dropping pretension, liars exposed, consequences of actions, changing approach, consequences of dishonesty in financial dealings, still deceiving after being caught.

Eight of Swords: Upright- Self-sabotage, limiting beliefs, fearful, overthinking, analysis paralysis, mental captivity, restricted, victimized, paralyzed, helpless, powerless, imprisonment, feeling controlled, smothered, suffocated, passive in love life, dependence on person or job, can’t change careers, fear of job change, anxiety about money, can’t see financial opportunity. Reversed- Freedom, release, taking control, survivor, facing fears, empowered, surrender, clearer perspective, active role in love life, new job to reach potential, freedom from anxiety, continued struggle, intensified anxiety, paranoia, fears clouding the truth, dissociation, self-acceptance.

Nine of Swords: Upright- Anxiety, overthinking, losing sleep, restless mind, replaying events and experiences over and over again, nightmares, sleep paralysis, isolation, fear, terrified, breaking point, mental breakdown, crying, despair, trauma, needing to open up about pain and grief, not trusting, suspicious, regretful, no coping mechanisms, stress, panic, consuming worries, feeling deprived. Reversed- Seeking help, alienating stress by opening up, clarity, finding peace of mind, stresses manifesting in real life, poverty, lack of resources, learning to cope, recovery, facing life, shame, guilt, mental health issues.

Ten of Swords: Upright- Betrayal, deception, attack, ending, loss, destruction, sabotage, pain, dead end, failure, ruin, exhaustion, bitterness, victimization, collapse, tragedy, breakup, infidelity, failed investment, loss of finances/home. Reversed- Survival, improvement, healing, lessons learned, despair, relapse, putting relationship back together, changed jobs, found less stressful work, avoided financial ruin or bankruptcy, can’t get worse, only upwards, inevitable.

🏅Pentacles: Earth Element- Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn.

King of Pentacles: Upright- Abundance, prosperity, security, ambitious, safe, kind, patriarchal, protective, businessman, provider, sensual, reliable, supportive, patient, loyal, self-assured, trustworthy, committed, successful, prosperous, father/husband, generous, good partner, diligent, careful, practical, reserved, good reputation, good at saving and investing, referrals, encouraging, conservated, mentor, teacher, friend, family member, family/career oriented. Reversed- Greedy, materialistic, wasteful, chauvinist, poor financial decisions, gambler, exploitative, entitled, possessive, physically/financially abusive, attachment issues, co-dependent, stubborn, controlling, insecure, egotistical, bad reputation.

Knight of Pentacles: Upright- An offering of commitment or secure relationship, offering to work together, long term investment, practical, reliable, efficient, stoic, slow and steady, hard-working, committed, patient, conservative, loyal but stubborn, focused, goal-oriented, determined, frugality, efficiency, charming. Reversed- Non-committal, lazy, insecure, unreliable, overly stubborn, obsessed with money, workaholic, dull, boring, no initiative, cheapskate, irresponsible, gambler, risky investments, homebody, neglecting relationship/friends/family/self, little or too much ambition, wasting time and money.

Queen of Pentacles: Upright- Generous, caring, nurturing, homebody, good business sense, practical, comforting, welcoming, sensible, luxurious, gentle, supportive, patient, committed, mother/wife, friend, lover, teacher, mentor, stable, conservative, encouraging, good partner, trustworthy, reliable, loyal, family oriented. Reversed- Co-dependent, controlling, insecure, materialistic, selfish, unkempt, jealous, insecure, greedy, gold digger, intolerant, self-absorbed, envious, unfaithful, bad partner, money mismanagement, hoarding, smothering.

Page of Pentacles: Upright- Ambitious, diligent, goal oriented, planner, consistent, star student, studious, grounded, loyal, faithful, dependable, connectedness, quiet/shy, steady, diligent, dedication, big dreams, setting good habits. Reversed- Foolish, immature, irresponsible, lazy, underachiever, procrastinator, missed chances, poor prospects, all talk no show, non-committal, boredom, monotonous relationship, avoidant, wants easy results with no work, insecure, greediness, begger.

Ace of Pentacles: Upright- Long term opportunity, new opportunities, a long-term goal, accomplishment, committed relationship, graduation, physical manifestation, resources, abundance, family, prosperity, security, new venture, receiving the fruit of your labor, an investment, new job, privileged person/couple/family, attaining financial wealth, inheritance. Reversed- Missed opportunity, missed chance, bad investment, scarcity, deficiency, instability, stinginess, lacking financial support, self-doubt, money issues affecting relationship, job loss, bad financial decisions/habits, needing to budget your resources.

Two of Pentacles: Upright- Balancing out work/family/love, balancing self care/work, balancing out your time and energy, adaptation, balancing resources, spirituality and practicality, flexibility, multitasking, prioritizing what's most important, resources are tight/unstable finances, weighing out the best options. Reversed- Disorganized, scattered, overwhelmed, imbalance, messiness, chaos, overextending, unfocused, negligence, taking things/someone for granted, overworked, too much of something, juggling a lot all at once, too many bills, can't keep up with deadlines or payments, focusing too much on one area and neglecting another.

Three of Pentacles: Upright- Sharing ideas, shared goals, partnerships, collaboration(s), group effort/project, working with others to achieve the same goal, teamwork, apprenticeship, pooling energy, a goal or project requiring diverse skill sets and opinions to create a successful outcome, learning about finances, getting advice about a long-term goal, investment, or project. Creative hobbies. Reversed- Disagreements, not working together, refusing to take on another's ideas or opinions, lack of cohesion, apathy, poor teamwork, poor motivation, conflict, ego, competition, stress and frustration with partner or colleagues, conflicts in practical life, office politics, avoiding learning about finances or required skills/resources.

Four of Pentacles: Upright- Materialism, possessiveness, hoarding, stringiness, stability, security, insecurity, savings, wealth, frugality, boundaries, guardedness, greediness, not wanting anyone or anything to take away wealth, clingy, jealously, control issues, holding onto the past, imposter syndrome, paranoia, avoiding collaboration, stable finances, saving for future, conservation. Reversed- Greediness, stinginess, possessiveness, overcoming jealousy, letting go of the past, letting go of past or overdue relationships, generosity of with colleagues, risky work decisions, spending, donating, giving, sharing resources.

Five of Pentacles: Upright- Hardships, hard times, loss, loss of home, eviction, isolation, feeling abandoned, adversity, struggle, unemployment, alienation, disgrace, losing something valuable, depression, feeling distant, outcast, poverty, debt, bankruptcy, tight finances. Reversed- Overcoming hardships, positive changes, recovery from loss, overcoming adversity, forgiveness, feeling welcome, opening yourself up to others, friendships at work, saving, paying debts, charity, improvement.

Six of Pentacles: Upright- Generosity, charity, giving, community, material help, support, reciprocity, gratitude, supportive relationship, mentor, being valued employee, investors, donations. Reversed- Power dynamics, abuse of generosity, strings attached/offerings, inequality, extortion, taking advantage or being taken advantage of, controlling lover, hidden agendas, sucking up to bosses, being a pick me, teachers pet, lack of help, unfair loans, resentment, abuse of authority, domination.

Seven of Pentacles: Upright- Patience, harvest, rewards, results, growth, planning, perseverance, determination, hard work will pay off in time, effort, friendship turns to romance, evaluation of progress, slow and gradual progress. Reversed- Unmotivated, laziness, waste of time/energy, lack of energy, procrastination, one sided effort, unfinished work, low effort, impatience, lack of growth, lack of reward, hard work not paid off, lay-off, no results, can't rush or hurry love, stagnancy, losses, little financial compensation, distractions.

Eight of Pentacles: Upright- Skill, talent, craftmanship, quality, high standards, expertise, mastery, commitment, dedication, accomplishment, achieving goal, cultivating success, promotion, financial rewards, becoming financially independent, diligence, passion. Reversed- No motivation, uninspired, no passion, neglect, tedious job, low quality, low standards, carelessness, overspending, impatience, bad reputation, mediocracy, laziness, low skill/talent, dead end job.

Nine of Pentacles: Upright- Self-assured, confidence, independence, stability, success, achievement, rewarded efforts, leisure, material security, self-sufficiency, joy, freedom, high standards for partners, balance of love and independence, spending. Reversed- Insecurity, living beyond means, obsession with work, false success, fear of giving of independence, being guarded in love, desire for fast success/money, desire to succeed with no work, overspending, acting on impulse.

Ten of Pentacles: Upright- Inheritance, financial freedom, coming together of family, legacy, roots, ancestry, windfall, foundations, marriage, privilege, affluence, stability, long-term success, long-term manifestation, culmination, long-term relationship, milestone, family approval, stable future. Reversed- Acting on too much short-term fulfillment, family disputes, bankruptcy, debt, fleeting success, conflict over money, conflict in between love and family, outside opinions affecting love life, instability, breaking traditions, company dissolutions, unstable career.

🍷Cups: Water Element- Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces.

King of Cups: Upright- Wise, diplomatic, balance between head and heart, devoted, advisor, counsellor, compassion, faithful, loyal, loving, gentle, supportive, caring, intuitive, spiritual, calm, balance, control, goes with the flow, mysterious, intimate, values connection and openness. Reversed- Cold, moody, bad advice, overwhelmed, anxious, repressed, withdrawn, manipulative, selfish, secretive, deceitful, unfaithful, emotionally manipulative, controlling, victimization.

Knight of Cups: Upright- Idealist, charming, artistic, graceful, tactful, diplomatic, mediator, negotiator, romantic, a lover not a fighter, messenger, invitation, romance, attraction, flirty, hopeless romantic, player, unrealistic expectations. Reversed- Disappointment, tantrums, moodiness, turmoil, avoiding conflict, vanity, obsessive, serial dater, extreme player, passive aggressive, wishy-washy, false appearance.

Queen of Cups: Upright- Compassion, warmth, kindness, intuition, healer, counsellor, supportive, devoted, loyal, faithful, empathetic, trustworthy, attractive, deepening existing relationships, submissive, caretaker, generous, calm, comforting. Reversed- Martyrdom, obsessive, clingy, attachment issues, co-dependent, insecurity, giving too much, overly sensitive, needy, fragile, one-sided love, emotional exhaustion, overextending, victimization.

Page of Cups: Upright- Idealism, sensitivity, dreamer, naivete, innocence, inner child, head in the clouds, message of love, persistence, new perspective, imaginative, easily falls in love, happy surprise. Reversed- Emotional vulnerability, immaturity, over-expressive, being taken advantage of, easily fooled, overly sensitive, victimization, emotionally co-dependent, disappointment, very unrealistic, escapes from reality, unrealistic thinking, overindulgence in a fantasy.

Ace of Cups: Upright- Emotional awakening, new love, pregnancy, birth, spiritual awakening, new feelings, happiness, creativity, intuitive and emotionally led actions are favored during this time, release of emotion/tears, letting go of emotional baggage and stress, deeper intimacy, next level in friendship, openness. Reversed- Blocked emotion, repressed intuition, breakup, sadness, depression, emptiness, emotionally exhausted, coldness, emotional loss, blocked creativity, feeling unloved, gloominess.

Two of Cups: Upright- Trust, balance, harmony, duality, emotionally deep connection, spiritual connection, complimenting each other, healthy balance between two people, close bonds, attraction, mutual attraction/feelings, coming together, reconciliation, new relationship. Reversed- Lack of trust, imbalance, disharmony, miscommunication, distance, lack of communication, deceit, secrets, pain, infidelity, tension, separation, breakup, division, withdrawal.

Three of Cups: Upright- Friendships, parties, gatherings, celebrations, community, group events, social events, friendship leading to love, deep friendship with lover, meeting someone at a party/gathering, financial milestone. Reversed- Gossip, scandal, third party interference, isolation, short but exciting romance, one night stand/sneaky link, excess, loneliness, overindulgence, imbalanced social life, solitude.

Four of Cups: Upright- Apathetic, depression, sadness, bitterness, resentment, emotional turmoil, choosing to remain unhappy, pessimism, contemplation, feeling disconnected, melancholy, boredom, indifference, discontent, lack of excitement. Reversed- Overcoming sadness, choosing to be happy, clarity, sudden awareness, acceptance, excitement, new inspiration.

Five of Cups: Upright- Sadness, loss, grief, heartache, disappointment, crying over spilled milk, focused on the negative feelings, mourning, feeling let down, dwelling, self-pity, regret, things are still salvageable. Reversed- Acceptance, moving on, finding peace, contentment, seeing the positives, healing, relief, rebuilding.

Six of Cups: Upright- Nostalgia, reflecting on the past, learning from past experiences, bittersweet memories/feelings, childhood, reciprocity, receiving/giving love, receiving/giving gifts, comfort, familiarity, sentimentality, back when things seemed simple, healing, comfort, reliving happy memories, reconnecting with someone from the past, learning lessons, returning to comfort zone, moving back in with someone. Reversed- Stuck in the past, moving forward, leaving home, independence, clinging to past connections/lovers, hard time being present, leaving job or relationship, letting go of something that was once good.

Seven of Cups: Upright- Temporary options, illusions, fantasy, imagination, choices, searching for purpose, daydreaming, wishful thinking, indecision, now is not the time to make a long-term investment or decision based off of emotion, be cautious. Reversed- Lack of purpose, disarray, confusion, diversion, distractions, clarity, making choices, overindulgence, choosing between long-term and short-term fulfillment.

Eight of Cups: Upright- Abandoning a relationship, pulling back love and emotion to seek a more fulfilling investment, walking away, letting go, searching for truth, leaving behind something or someone, stepping outside of what's familiar, abandoment issues/fears, taking vacation, escapism, choosing happiness over financial security, disillusionment. Reversed- Refusing to walk away from something that is no longer fulfilling, avoidance, fear of change, holding on, resistance, fear of loss, fear of feeling negative emotions, stagnation, monotony, accepting less, staying in bad situation.

Nine of Cups: Upright- Contentment, self-assurance, emotional independence, wishes coming true, satisfaction, success, achievements, recognition, pleasure, appreciating love/life/family, avoid being cocky or overconfident, abundance, positivity leading to romance, enjoying the luxuries of life. Reversed- Unhappiness, ungrateful, smugness, lack of fulfilment, disappointment, underachievement, arrogance, snobbery, spoiled, unappreciative.

Ten of Cups: Upright- Happiness, homecomings, fulfillment, emotional stability, security, domestic harmony, sharing joy and abundance with others, commitment, marriage, lasting relationship, sense of belonging, fulfilling and supportive job, feeling of having enough, dreams coming true, inner happiness. Reversed- Unhappy home, separation, domestic conflict, disharmony, isolation, shattered dreams, broken family/relationship, divorce, domestic disharmony, meddling relatives, external factors affecting love life, a short fling, adversity, arguments about money, hostile work environment, family/relationship conflicts, needing to defend oneself or relationship, face any criticism with your partner as a team.

🪄Wands: Fire Element- Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.

King of Wands: Upright- Leadership, authority, mentor, provider, action, assertive, passionate, confident, mature, energetic, intimate, sensual, perseverant, determined, disciplined, self-control, will-power, courageous, vision, bigger picture, innovative, boldness, perfectionist, focused, dominate, optimism, daring decisions, taking risks, highly capable, charismatic, high position, well respected, knowledgeable, logical, stability, generous, overcomes challenges. Reversed- Reckless, temperamental, rash, angry, controlling, jealous, insecure, possessive, physically abusive, forceful, domineering, tyrant, vicious, powerless, ineffective, weak leader, overbearing, impossible expectations, egotistical, impulsive, overindulgence, lack of self control/discipline, passive aggressive, narcissistic, energetically/physically drained, toxic and enjoys it.

Knight of Wands: Upright- Assertive, initiative, passionate, takes action very quickly, acts off impulse, charming, restless, energetic, courageous, hero complex, rebellious, hot tempered, free-spirit, fearless, erratic, flight, always moving and doing something, antsy, difficult to commit, brave, sudden influx of money, using finances for travel, expanding horizons, action, adventure. Reversed- Anger issues, controlling, insecure, prideful, egotistical, overly impulsive, immature, overindulgence, arrogant, reckless, impatient, lack of self control, passive aggressive, volatile, domineering, physically abusive, energetically/physically drained, toxic and enjoys it.

Queen of Wands: Upright- Confident, independent, optimistic, bold, attractive, passionate, energetic, self-assured, determined, social, charismatic, vivacious, uplifting, protective, supportive, openness, cheerful, inspirational, strong, courageous. Reversed- Selfish, obsessive, controlling, attachment issues, overindulgence, insecure, temperamental, lack of self-control, low self-worth, lack of confidence, jealousy, demanding, vengeful, bully, overly dominate, unmotivated, overspending, energetically/physically drained, toxic and enjoys it.

Page of Wands: Upright- Adventure, excitement, fresh ideas, cheerfulness, energetic, fearless, extroverted, lively, eagerness, temptation, exploration. Reversed- Flighty, non-committal, lack of direction, insecure, drama starter, creates conflict, hasty, impatient, lacking ideas, tantrums, laziness, boring, unreliable, distracted, interferes in other people's relationships, unenthusiastic, toxic and enjoys it.

Ace of Wands: Upright- Inspiration, creative spark, new initiative, new passion, enthusiasm, energy, attraction, follow your instincts, flirtation, excitement, will-power, drive, desire, determination, creation. Reversed- Lack of energy, lack of passion, unmotivated, unenthusiastic, boredom, short-term affair, creative block, financial loss, risky decisions, delays, blockages, obstacles, conflict, chaos, hesitancy.

Two of Wands: Upright- Planning, taking steps, innovation, making decisions, leaving comfort, taking risks, progression, moving forward, setting goals, envisioning dreams, laying the foundation, leaving home. Reversed- Fear of change, playing it safe, procrastination, bad planning, not thinking ahead, not setting long term goals, unexpected obstacles, lack of control, overanalyzing, avoiding risk.

Three of Wands: Upright- Momentum, confidence, expansion, growth, foresight, looking ahead, having a vision, creating a stable foundation/relationship, next stage in relationship, new horizons, rapid growth. Reversed- Obstacles, delays, frustration, impatience, learning to compromise, feeling caged, restriction, limitations, lack of progress.

Four of Wands: Upright- Stability, deepening relationship, marriage, family, stable foundation or relationship, community, home, celebrations, reunions, parties, gatherings, belonging, holidays, engagement, relationship going public. Reversed- Instability, broken home, lack of support, home conflicts, transience, conflicts, burdens, feeling unwelcome, lack of roots, not knowing where you fit in, insecurity.

Five of Wands: Upright- Challenges, conflicts, chaos, interference, competition, obstacles, arguments, hostility, fights, aggression, rivals, egos clashing, accept the challenge as a way to improve yourself instead of feeling malice or taking things personal, playful banter, fighting over a person. Reversed- Respecting differences, avoiding conflict, resolution, trying to keep the peace, overcoming obstacles and challenges, cooperation, truce, agreement, harmony, peace, end of conflict.

Six of Wands: Upright- Triumph, victory, success, achievement, overcoming obstacles/setbacks, rewards, recognition, praise, acclaim, pride, strength. Reversed- Setbacks, obstacles, excess pride, punishment, lack of recognition, feeling unloved, feeling neglected, failed project, being overlooked, financial loss, failed investment, bad purchase.

Seven of Wands: Upright- Protectiveness, standing up for yourself, defending yourself, protecting territory, boundaries, on guard, standing on business, fighting for love, fighting for what you believe in, facing challenges, protecting finances, maintaining control, perseverance. Reversed- Giving up, admitting defeat, no confidence, overwhelmed, drained, defensiveness, denial, a breakup from external pressure, surrender, lack of self-belief.

Eight of Wands: Upright- Sudden change, progress, change in energy, movement, speed, quick decisions, excitement, positive growth, important news, surprises, traveling, cash coming in and going out, motivation, impact. Reversed- Panic, waiting, slowing down, misunderstanding, delays, hectic pace, confusion, career stagnation, lost chances, overwhelmed, lack of patience, chaos, losing momentum, hastiness, being unprepared.

Nine of Wands: Upright- Last stand, persistence, grit, resilience, perseverance, close to success, fatigue, hard-work, love isn't easy, success isn't easy, self-improvement, temporary pressure, economic duress. Reversed- Stubbornness, rigidity, defensiveness, refusing compromise, giving up, defiance, combativeness, pushing people away, one-sided effort, struggling, exhaustion, fatigue, unsure motivation.

Ten of Wands: Upright- Overwhelmed, burdens, a lot of responsibilities, keeping a lot in, physically/energetically drained, exhaustion, needing support, duty, stress, obligation, burning out, struggling daily, large unavoidable expenses, being overworked, accomplishment after much hard work. Reversed- Can't delegate, overstressed, burnout, refusing to ask for help, finding support, relief, carrying too much, collapse, breakdown, lightening the load.

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bonefall · 7 months

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could a starclan cat send a non-native species as an omen? in one of my projects starclan sends a death’s head moth to a mexican clan as a sign that one of the healers is evil; could something like that happen in BB?

No, they don't send anything that could never be in the native range. Occasionally they can send an insect up from a little further south (house centipedes and death's heads moths; a den pest and a wayward summer migrant) but I try to avoid doing that too often

It strikes me as cheating, and also as a creative crutch. Why must it be this particular iconic species that I'm familiar with, as a human? The setting you've chosen is beautiful and unique, and there's so much to learn about it. Can I not find something that can fill the same purpose?

Everyone knows what a Deathshead is, Silence of the Lambs did that, but everyone just sees its skull marking and does nothing else with them. They're pollinators! They're huge hawkmoths which can hover like hummingbirds! They squeak when you poke them and have huge migrations to Britan from Africa! But they just get boiled down to "ooo spooky moth" because of their popularity in horror

And that's what I'd be doing if I was just giving StarClan the ability to magically spawn some animal they would know nothing about. Boiling down a species to just a symbol for this one purpose. If it can't show up here naturally then the living cats can't have their own meanings for it, it's JUST StarClan's rubber stamp.

My take on StarClan is "ground upwards," not "top down." The living cats make StarClan what it is, really, with their beliefs and their culture. They believe it's the other way around (and StarClan encourages this view) but the truth is that the descendants are the real foundation.

So why import a luna moth when the green hairstreak shines like a minty rainbow and lives in the WindClan heath? Or have aloe sprout in the palearctic when chickweed was historically used as ointment there? Why not use invasives like hogweeds and spruces as very serious omens?

It's like-- what would be the point of all my research and education if I just discarded it for something so trivial? I can do better

#Ecological overhauls #Bone babble

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valeriianz · 1 year

Note

A WILD PROMPT APPEARS

Dream and Hob take a very cliché romantic walk on the beach at sunset. really lean in to the rom com tropes. like maybe it starts raining and they kiss in the rain but then they have to run home and they’re all wet oh no however shall they get out of these wet clothes oh my oh dear 👀

xo @hardly-an-escape

EDIT: now heavily edited and expanded on Ao3!

___________________

Most people go to bars after a breakup, numbing themselves from the pain of a broken heart. Some stay at home, curled under a blanket and hiding themselves from the world. Hob had been there, sitting at the corner of his couch and taking on equal amounts of whiskey and ice cream until he was (literally) sick with it.

Morpheus, however, could be found in the stacks of the campus library. Hidden away in silence, sitting on the floor against a wall of books, losing himself in dry, educational text. Distracting his brain from the sentimental, emotional, raw feelings of rejection with the names of dead kings, scientific formulas, or art theory.

“Knew I’d find you cooped up in here, feeling sorry for yourself.”

Hob spoke softly, walking up to his oldest and best friend, crouching down next to him. Morpheus spared him a glance before swinging his eyes– blue, like sapphires, like polished stone glinting in the sun– back to the dull and dusty tome opened on his lap.

Hob remained perched on his heels, watching, waiting for Morpheus to snap out of it. It sucks that Calliope broke up with him, they really seemed great together (even though watching them together, Morpheus holding her hand, pulling her into even a casual kiss, made something ugly and green roar inside of Hob). But what makes the whole thing worse is the reason.

“Too much…” Morpheus had told him. He was too much for her. Too fast, too intense, and her sisters worried about her settling before she was ready, swayed by Morpheus’ eagerness. Hob hated that. He hated the idea of breaking up with someone because they loved too much.

Hob was desperate to be loved like that. To be the only person in his partner’s orbit, to be the only man worthy of Morpheus’ attention. To be loved so intensely, so frequently that Hob would ache with it, would suffocate with it, drown in it, everything. Everything. He wanted to be everything to Morpheus.

But Hob was his friend, had been since childhood, and that was enough. It was enough to even be in his life, no matter how platonic and at arm's length. So what if Hob had to be there to pick up the pieces of Morpheus’ shattered heart. Offering him comfort, encouraging words and booze to drink, if he so wished.

So what if Hob saw the most fragile, frail side of him and Morpheus never seemed to understand how he was pouring his love into him, filling the cracks and splinters with his soul, his breath, his wanting. Hob had hoped, foolishly, that one day Morpheus would figure out his little crush, his obsession, and act on it. But as the years went on and Morpheus continued dating other people that were decidedly not Hob, he figured it was nothing more than a fantasy

And of course Hob dared not reveal his own feelings, worried to death how that would affect their friendship. He’d never forgive himself for demolishing a perfectly good foundation, the history that they’d already built. As friends. Best friends.

And best friends do not fall hopelessly in love with each other.

“Must be a really good book.”

“I must confess,” Morpheus finally spoke, sighing tiredly. “I have been reading the same page for ages now.”

“Let’s move on then.” Hob slapped his thighs, standing to full height and offering his hand down to Morpheus.

Hob felt himself grin as Morheus studied his hand, watching it like it might bite. Hob wiggled his fingers and Morpheus finally relented, closing the heavy book and taking Hob’s hand, hefting himself up.

—-------------------

It was not proper weather for an outing to the beach, the sky was graying and a breeze had kicked up, carried by the water. But Hob had insisted, taking off his shoes and rolling his pants up past his ankles, encouraging Morpheus to do the same.

His toes sunk into the cool sand as they walked just out of reach of the shore, the tide ebbing and flowing, scaring off the Curlews who poked their beaks into the sand, searching for morsels.

Hob swung his shoes, stuffed with his socks, in one hand, smiling in amusement as Morpheus did the same, though his arms didn’t swing. His fingers stuck in the loops of his heavy black boots, hanging low and barely moving. He looked dead ahead, his brows furrowed, like he was thinking too hard.

“Hey,” Hob pushed his shoulder into Morpheus’, bumping him out of his thoughts.

“You’re too good for her.”

Morpheus sighed, his eyelids slipping shut, but he kept pace with Hob, kicking up sand now.

“I’m not good.” Morpheus says at length, his eyes opening again, but the stress is gone, replaced with tired acceptance. “I’m selfish and greedy and…” he huffed, a humorless laugh. “Rational. Which I’ve learned recently is just as bad as being irrational.”

“That what Calliope said?”

Morpheus shook his head, his midnight dark hair ruffling in the breeze.

“That’s what everyone says.”

Hob keeps his eyes on him as they walk, slowly, not so much enjoying the sounds of the waves coming in, or the soft grit of the sand underfoot, but relaxing in the company of one another.

“I like your rationality,” Morpheus peeks over at Hob’s words. “Balances out my impulsiveness.”

“Yes,” Morpheus sighs, amused, the corner of his mouth curling up. “I must keep you in check.”

“I like it.” Hob feels his neck heat up, looking away from his friend as Morpheus swings his head back to him. “Helps me stay out of trouble.”

Morpheus hums, a quiet settling over them once more.

There’s no one else on the beach, and it’s almost eerie, but it’s also relaxing. Knowing they are alone, staring down the coast that stretches on for miles, reveling in the large clouds that move quickly with the wind. The sunlight that manages to peek through the clouds is setting in the distance, casting a deep indigo across the sky. but Hob feels comforted anyway, in good company, and only hopes Morpheus feels the same. His sweater hangs thick and heavy around him and Morpheus’ jacket hugs tightly to his frame, barely bristing in the breeze.

“Thank you,” Morpheus says, the minutes wasting away. “For dragging me out here. I needed this.”

“To feel the sand between your toes?” Hob teases, smiling.

“Mm…” Dream hums, his own smile threatening to break through. “To feel grounded.”

“Anytime.”

Hob looks down, movement caught in his periphery, and watches Morpheus move his boots from one hand to the other, using his freed hand to tentatively grab onto his, slowing their walk to a stop.

Hob only has time to gasp softly before Morpheus is pulling him into a one-armed hug, his face tucking into his neck.

Hob immediately drops his shoes to get both arms properly around his friend, pulling him close and shutting his eyes with it. He feels himself unintentionally rocking them back and forth, like a mother soothing her child.

Though that is the last metaphor on Hob’s mind. Especially as he feels Morpheus drop his boots too, both arms now around Hob’s shoulders, with his around Morpheus’ middle, holding him close, reveling in the heat that emits from his slim frame.

Morpheus inhales deeply, as if he intends to pull Hob into him, sucking his very essence into him, curling further, crushing Hob against him like Hob’s a glue meant to put Morpheus back together.

Hob’s hands move, rubbing soothing motions on Morpheus’ back and failing to hold in a full body shudder that nearly decimates him as Morpheus exhales, long and low and hot against his throat.

Hob’s eyes open, staring into the horizon, scanning the dark water and choppy waves, distracting himself from his own feelings. His own stupid heart racing in his chest, trying out for a marathon run. His stomach clenched in delight, in anticipation, fighting down the urge to turn his head, to press a kiss to Morpheus’ head, to nuzzle his nose past feather soft hair… to sob wearily.

Morpheus needed comfort. Not– this. But the longer they stood there, locked in each other's embrace, Hob couldn’t help but imagine this was happening under different circumstances. That Morpheus clung to him out of want, out of affection. That Morpheus’ cold nose dug into the flesh behind Hob’s ear with intention to lay a kiss there, to bite and leave a mark.

Christ Hob was a goner. And he was so resolutely fucked.

After a moment, the seconds ticking away and hedging on too much, too far, Morpheus speaks again, his low voice and deep timbre rattling Hob’s brain.

“I’ve been thinking lately…”

“Dangerous.” Hob grins, tapping his fingers now along Morpheus’ spine, certain he can feel the knobs of it even under layers of shirt and jacket.

Agonizing seconds pass, and Hob wonders when a good time to pull back would be (never, he never wants to pull away from this), when Morpheus whispers, soft, careful:

“About you.”

Hob feels his stomach give a delighted swoop.

He licks his lips, finds them chapped. “What about me?”

A pause. Hob feels his blood racing, his nerves singing. Morpheus finally pulls away, but not far, keeping his hands on Hob’s shoulders, their faces mere inches apart.

“I didn’t fight. When Calliope suggested we separate, I didn’t fight for her.” Morpheus looks bewildered with this revelation, his eyes never leaving Hob’s. “I didn’t beg her to reconsider. All I was thinking about was… you.”

Hob swallows, not daring to speak or move, frozen to the spot. He feels his pulse pounding in his ears, it’s a miracle he can hear Morpheus speak again.

“And I was thinking about our time together… all that we’ve been through… how much you selflessly care for me.” He shakes his head, like Morpheus can’t believe it, his eyes trailing down, as if taking Hob in, settling– Hob feels a spike of want stab through his body– on his mouth.

“You pick me up, you always have. You’ve stayed for so long, despite my ridiculousness– my inability to cope.”

Morpheus’ gaze swings back up, regarding Hob’s eyes again.

“Are you in love with me?”

Hob’s jaw drops, his heart halting in his chest before kicking up again, nearly making him dizzy. But before he can say anything, Morpheus leans in, just a touch closer, noses brushing.

“Because I’m in love with you.”

“Oh.” Hob eloquently says. His body is vibrating, he can feel it.

And Morpheus is still staring at him, watching, waiting for something. Hob licks his lips again, catching Morpheus’ eyes slipping down, and doesn’t hesitate as he leans in.

Kissing Morpheus, his best friend, doesn’t feel real. Like Hob is in a dream and could float away any minute.

So he hangs on, tightening his hold around Morpheus as he moves his lips, pressing harder, reveling in the way they fit together, like two halves of a whole finally reconnected.

Morpheus’ arms slide back around Hob’s shoulders, getting his hands in his hair and lighting Hob up, his groan muffled as Morpheus slips his tongue– insistent– past Hob’s parted lips.

Hob is on fire. The long, pianist fingers knotting into his hair coupled with the way Morpheus’ tongue sweeps the inside of his mouth, like he intends to memorize it, sets Hob ablaze. Morpheus tastes like earl gray tea and rainwater and something indescribable, something heady that makes Hob’s head spin, makes him crazy.

The whine Morpheus makes as Hob pulls back, only to bite at his bottom lip, turning into a moan so salacious it causes Hob to momentarily forget where they are, his hips jerking involuntarily, searching for friction.

“Fuck– Morpheus–”

“You haven’t answered my question,” Morpheus gasps, breathless and misty. Hob finds his eyes and sees how blown his pupils are, the black such a stark contrast to the bright blue of the iris.

“What?” Hob breathes, going back in to kiss along the sharp edge of Morpheus’ jaw, dragging his lips and tongue and teeth to his ear, nipping it and grinning at the noise that pulls out of Morpheus.

“Do you– ahh–” Hob feels Morpheus’ pulling him in impossibly closer as he bites behind Morpheus’ ear, sucking at the skin there.

“Do you love me?”

Hob laughs gently, elated, getting his own hands in Morpheus’ hair, moving them to face each other once more.

“Yes, you impossible creature. I love you.”

Morpheus smirks and it nearly strikes Hob down. He’s never seen Morpheus so… confident, his eyes sparkling with mischief, with euphoria.

“Will you show me,” Morpheus leans in, brushing their lips. “...how much you love me?”

Hob has to bite down something animalistic, something feral that rises in his chest, threatening to come out as a growl. Instead his fingers clench in Morpheus’ hair, pulling to expose his neck (Hob’s arousal jumping in his pants at the choked off noise that comes from Morpheus’ lips, unbidden).

“Yes.”

#dreamling #hob x dream #friends to lovers #good lord this prompt had me by the throat #i might havta polish it up and post it on ao3 lol #needed some fluff after that last angst filled thing #hope you like it!#hardly-an-escape #my writing

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haven-of-dusk · 7 months

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More Caswen Headcanons because I have too many of these to fit in my mindbrain:

This one's long. A few years after their wedding, Ricky is selected as one of the Greene Foundation's Global Ambassadors for the Universal Language Project, or in other words, he gets to travel the world a bit to help encourage musical education globally. EJ doesn't have to come with him...but he does want to, so he quits his job (cordially, they understand it's not like he hates it there) and learns as much as he can about the variants of sign language in the areas they'll be traveling to so he can interpret for Ricky. Ricky also attempts to learn some, but really only succeeds in remembering 'Sorry' 'Please' and 'I love you'.

Building on that last one, EJ's favourite location they live for a period is Sweden, while Ricky's favourite is a tie between Wales and Italy. As a result of that, once they finish Ricky's time as an Ambassador, they settle in Copenhagen and EJ lands a job at the University of Copenhagen while he works on a second Masters degree there.

They adopt a Bernese Mountain Dog name Lykke and a Husky named Kota (because I couldn't resist).

One of EJ's nicknames for Ricky is 'Mr. Whiskers' for twofold reasons, because whenever EJ plays with Ricky's hair he leans into it like a cat, and also because of EJ enjoying the time Ricky attempted to grow facial hair.

They both cry at emotional movie moments. Frequently.

Ricky: Golden Retriever Boyfriend, EJ: Black Cat Mask hiding another Golden Retriever Boyfriend

EJ watches anime because he's fascinated by the art form, Ricky watches with him because he enjoys the stories, the colors, and any excuse to cuddle with his husband.

EJ drinks coffee in the morning, Ricky does not, but since he's up earlier anyway, EJ makes it a habit to visit one of a few local cafés every couple days and pick up a different pastry each time for Ricky's sweet tooth.

Speaking of which, Ricky loves couple costumes for Halloween, which EJ's willing to go along with out of love.

Ricky always knows when EJ is getting too stressed about work and will come up (much like a cat or dog) and demand attention until EJ relents and takes a break.

EJ is very much a New Years person, and thus Ricky has a bunch of contacts lined up for restaurant/event dates around that time.

Ricky found out how much he loves traveling while they were moving around for the Ambassador thing, so EJ always arranges a 2+ week vacation in the summer to at least one location they haven't been yet. Sometimes with at least one of the other Wildcats joining them.

#ej caswell #ricky bowen #caswen #hsmtmts #matt cornett #joshua bassett #ship headcanons #i love them to an unhealthy degree

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readmarxz · 2 months

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Help Palestines first solar technician!

This is Ghada, she’s 23-year-old history maker. Being the winner of the International Green Skills Competition from the European Union Training Foundation. She became one of the first technicians in photovoltaic solar energy systems in Gaza, and one of the most influential women in Palestine in 2021. Through her work in ensuring a greener future she has become a role model for many girls within her community. Showing them how to be strong, smart, and resilient in the face of challenges and hardships.

Ghada had big dreams that went beyond studying a male-dominated field or winning the green skills contest. She wanted to finish her education and start her own business. She worked hard to make her dream come true, but the war shattered her life. In one night, the war took everything from her: her home, her room, her office, her smile, and her memories. Ghada and her family are traumatized now because of what they went through. She was looking forward to graduating, wearing the gown, and celebrating with her family.

She was pursuing the rewarding and challenging career of renewable energy and business administration, growing her business with optimism. Now, everything is in ruins - her dreams are buried under the rubble, her home is destroyed, and their lives are disrupted.

Ghada is the sole provider for her family of eleven, but the war robbed her of her job, her home, and everything she owned. They have no income and nothing left. Her father, who is 62 years old, had a horrible car accident in August 2023 that fractured many bones in his body and head. He is still suffering from the aftermath of the accident and needs urgent medical care, but he could not complete his treatment because of... the war. Moreover, Ghada had a hole in her eardrum due to the loud noise of the bombing, and she needs treatment urgently.

Ghada and her family need urgent humanitarian aid; I am asking you to donate whatever you can to help Ghada rebuild her life. With your generous support, we can give her food, water, medicine, clothing, shelter and more. We aspire to be able to raise an amount that will help Ghada and her family leave Gaza and start a new life away from fear, danger, destruction, and war; because even when the war is over, the situation in Gaza will not return to what it was before the war, Gaza has become a completely destroyed place.

Do not lose hope... Be stronger and demand the saving of Ghada and her family's lives. You are our only hope, together we can make a lasting impact.

#free palestine #palestine #urgent #mutual aid request #support palestine

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spurgie-cousin · 1 year

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ok my mom understandably had to go to bed (very late here in her time zone, and it's even an hour later in the one I'm used to) but I'm a mental masochist so I will trudge on until I can't physically watch Shiny Happy People anymore (and I'm just going to edit my comments instead of reblog bc so far there's really not a lot most of us aren't aware of):

- firstly, I knew Deanna was raised Christian but I didn't know she was raised VERY conservative Christian. Per Deanna, this is the reason Amy was allowed so much freedom; she didn't want to limit her as a female in any of the ways she was

- going off of that, I can see how that foundation would open Jim Bob up to a religion that is so insanely misogynistic

- I know it's a thing all of us who've been around a while have known, but it's all but explicitly said that the Duggar kids had any steal of rebellious beat out of them. By Michelle, regardless of what she sounds like.

- I can't help but wonder if this is the reason Michelle sticks so closely to this faith, even after all that's happened. Even as her own children have expressed how abusive their upbringing was. Leaving the ideology means admitting you were an abuser and not an educator.

- Jill felt like she lied in the Megyn Kelly interview. She didn't want to do it and said she wouldn't have without her parents urging, and she felt obligated to protect her family. She didn't want to do this interview, but didn't trust anyone else to tell the truth which, given her upbringing, I totally get.

- the interviews with other ex-IBLP kids are just as fascinating to listen to as Jill's (if not more bc a lot of them WANT to be there). Tia Levings in particular is so incredibly brave and wonderful, please follow her your preferred platform ❤️

- Mike Huckabee is an accomplice to abuse and ped*philia at best

- I know Derick can be insufferable but I promise he's worth listening to in this doc, at least so far (I'm halfway through episode 3). And he's a very serious Jill advocate, which I feel like all the Duggar girls need so badly.

- Jill didn't want anyone at her birth because SHE DIDN'T WANT TOO GO THROUGH WHAT ANNA WENT THROUGH. She agreed to a diary cam at most.

- For that work they did during their babies birth, the Dillards requested not a full paycheck, but a small health insurance renumeration fee from TLC, who asked them to do this work. TLC informed then that they had already paid all sums to Jim Bob.

- Jill has never received any amount of payment from TLC for all the time and work she had given them. Neither had Derick.

- this is probably a NO DUH for us around here, but here is a short list of IBLP/ATI approved lives of training, especially for minors who are doing work for free for other members of the organization (i believe the Bates kids are included in some of the pictures accompanyingthis part):

1. CoNSTrUCTioN!!!

2. Cosmetology (women only of course)

3. Ministry

4. Business?

5. Healthcare consultant

6. ALERT counselor

Secular college courses so not apply to accreditation in these fields

- other ex-IBLP members confirm that children were trained in construction trades and child labor was used gratuitously in the organization, for anything from repairs, to setting up conferences, to building actual buildings. And it was all, of course, free.

- ALERT confirmed as a purposeful paramilitary organization

- am ex-IBLP woman who was sent to ALERT states that they took tampons away from her, as they were a form of purity violation (she says they said she had purposefully taken her own virginity by using them).

- a woman raised in IBLP recounts a story at a conference in Oklahoma City where her roommate almost slit her throat with a knife over being a 'glutton'. Essentially, a teenage girl almost killed herself over not being thin enough to be 'godly'.

- David Green, the CEO of Hobby Lobby, is STILL IBLP's biggest donor. Don't fucking shop there!!!!

- a purposefully sanitized version of Bill Gothard's teachings have been and might still be used in elementary schools, prisons, police and military units as a way of indoctrinating those in attendance to be more open to absolute authority.

- All of the kids besides Jill & Derick might've very well signed a very lengthy contract that extends at least a decade. The Dillards didn't, and have received extreme yet Christian-flavored threats over it???

- The Dillards were using a food bank even after they asked Jim Bob for the most basic payment for their services to the show

- Jill, Derick, and others all agree tha Journey To The Heart was a vetting mechanism for Gothard's abuse victims

#the duggar family #shiny happy people #iblp #institute of basic life principles #tia levings

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chattingwiththelightkeeper · 6 months

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Are They Seeking Fantasy Or Reality?

The BDSM lifestyle is a complex and diverse world of sexual exploration and power dynamics. It is essential to differentiate between those who are genuinely interested in living the BDSM lifestyle and those who may only be engaging in a fantasy or online role-play. Today, we will explore the red flags that indicate someone may not be genuinely into the lifestyle and the green flags that suggest a sincere interest in BDSM.

Red Flags: Indicators of a BDSM Fantasy:

Inconsistent Interest:

One of the most significant red flags is an inconsistent level of interest. Someone more into the fantasy might engage in BDSM activities periodically or when they feel like it, whereas a true enthusiast is consistently engaged and committed to the lifestyle.

Lack of Education:

A person who is merely living out a fantasy might have limited knowledge about BDSM practices, safety protocols, and the importance of consent. They may be more interested in the aesthetic aspects of BDSM without fully understanding its principles.

Superficiality:

Fantasy-focused individuals often prioritize the superficial aspects of BDSM, such as costumes, props, or role-playing, while neglecting the deeper emotional and psychological aspects that are integral to the lifestyle.

Reluctance to Communicate:

People who are primarily in it for the fantasy may be hesitant to engage in open and honest communication about their desires, boundaries, and expectations. They may lack the emotional depth necessary for a genuine BDSM relationship.

Disregard for Consent:

A clear red flag is someone who dismisses the importance of informed, enthusiastic, and continuous consent. In BDSM, consent is paramount, and those who are truly into the lifestyle respect these principles.

Green Flags: Indicators of Genuine Interest in BDSM:

Consistent Commitment:

Individuals genuinely into the BDSM lifestyle are consistently engaged and committed. They prioritize their BDSM activities as a core part of their lives and relationships.

Education and Self-Awareness:

Green flag enthusiasts are well-informed about BDSM practices, safety guidelines, and the psychological aspects involved. They seek education and self-awareness to enhance their experiences.

Emotional Depth:

True BDSM practitioners appreciate the emotional depth of BDSM activities, understanding that it is not just about physical sensations but also trust connection and psychological exploration.

Open and Honest Communication:

Genuine BDSM enthusiasts place a strong emphasis on communication. They openly discuss their desires, boundaries, and expectations with their partners, creating a foundation of trust and consent.

Respect for Consent:

Respect for consent is non-negotiable in the BDSM lifestyle. Green-flag individuals prioritize ensuring that all participants willingly and enthusiastically engage in all activities.

Inclusivity and Community Involvement:

Those who are truly committed to the BDSM lifestyle often engage in community activities, attend events, and seek out like-minded individuals. They are willing to learn and grow within the BDSM community.

Distinguishing between someone living a BDSM fantasy and those genuinely into the lifestyle is crucial for a fulfilling and respectful experience. Red flags, such as inconsistent interest, a lack of education, superficiality, reluctance to communicate, and disregard for consent, can indicate that someone may not be fully committed. In contrast, green flags, including consistent commitment, education, emotional depth, open communication, respect for consent, and community involvement, demonstrate a sincere interest in embracing the BDSM lifestyle. It's essential to engage with honesty, awareness, and a deep understanding of the values and principles that underpin the BDSM community.

What tips do you have for determining if someone has a true interest in the lifestyle versus a person looking to pursue a fantasy?

If you enjoyed this, I invite you to give my podcast a listen 'Chatting With The Lightkeeper,' a top 25% most-followed podcasts on Spotify but available on all the major podcasting apps and follow my socials for more exclusive content: Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) for a deeper dive into the wonderful world of D/S.

As with all of my thoughts, please see this disclaimer.

©TLK2023

#d/s relationship #bd/sm community #dom/sub #d/s community #my writing #the daily d/s #bd/sm blog #bd/sm daddy #bd/sm kink #bd/sm lifestyle #bd/sm relationship #d/s

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stardyng · 2 years

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The character I have the most problems with in this Green versus Black conflict is Viserys. Of course, there’s the facts that if he didn’t order the mutilation and death of his first wife Aemma to rip a baby out of her and if he didn’t marry a teenage girl and then treat her like a baby-making machine, there wouldn’t have been any ‘’challenge’’ to Rhaenyra’s claim and there wouldn’t have been any foundation laid for this conflict. However, moving past all of that, there’s also the facts that he simply does not follow through on anything he does. After overlooking Rhaenyra for a decade and a half, he decides to make her heir, which to be fair, isn’t a problem in and of itself. However, the reality is that she hasn’t been groomed for the position and he makes zero efforts to provide her with the resources, proper education, training, teachers and political lessons in order to ensure that she’s equipped for the position. Despite being in the position himself, he doesn’t even take her under his wing to prepare her to properly navigate the royal court, let alone handle the throne. He just lets her run around and do whatever regardless of the consequences, which, quite honestly, would have not been a problem, if he didn’t make her next-in-line to the most powerful position in the seven kingdoms without doing anything to set her up for success.

Even in regards to the succession laws, Viserys’ lack of commitment to his actions shows itself in how he chooses to ignore them to allow himself this one ‘’exception’’ to them. If he really wanted Rhaenyra to take power in this rigid patriarchal society, he would have needed to spend the last decade and a half of his life facing these laws and the conservative political climate of Westeros (or at the very least, of King’s Landing) head-on in order to create an environment that would properly accept a woman as the rightful heir without any loud contestation. His own people are creating whole plays to the population about how Rhaenyra isn’t the ‘’rightful’’ heir because she lacks ‘’male parts’’ and people are showing up to celebrations and parties assuming and talking about how Aegon II will be heir, and he’s simply not doing anything of note about this culture that’s undermining his decision and his heir. He may not directly face consequences for this neglect to act, but his heir will.

Anyhow, going back to this ‘’challenge’’ to Rhaenyra’s claim, it’s important to highlight that the reality is that Alicent was an non-consenting participant to their sexual activities but due to living in a culture and society that doesn’t give her much of a choice, she had to endure it. On the other hand, Viserys initiated it over and over again and yet it’s only Alicent who ends up taking responsibility for the children that come out of it. If Viserys wanted to foster a positive environment between these children (that could potentially challenge and oppose his desired heir) and Rhaenyra and her children and if this man wanted them to navigate life and society the way he expected them to, all he had to do was actually raise them. Simply take care of his children. Instead, he was so neglectful and inactive in raising his children that they spent practically every day walking around wearing Hightower green, representing rebellion against the crown and his wishes.

Viserys could have guided Aegon II towards strongly desiring another position/career and basically fight against Alicent’s efforts. He could have cultivated certain values and ideals that would promote unity and cooperation with the rest of the family. He could have made sure his children wore Targaryen black and red and brought these two sides of his families together himself if he willed it. However, he did nothing for the children he decided to have. He emotionally neglected them and naturally enough, their path in life ended up not intersecting at all with his vision or wishes, and instead ended up tied to the vision and wishes of their mother as she actually raised them and actively spends time with them. Though again, considering Viserys wants Rhaenyra to be the uncontested heir to the throne, it’s quite imbecilic of Viserys to not step up as a parent and instead let the only major parental influences in his other children’s lives be the person who has waged war against the crown, and the people working under her. Viserys could have been a far stronger influence on them (considering how he’s the one with the most power) than anyone else and could have guided them towards the path he wanted if he had just committed. Try to blame others all you want and throw pity-parties about how Viserys only wants everyone to be cordial and peaceful but at the end of the day, this conflict started and only was possible due to him murdering his wife and grooming a teenage girl. Not only that but he also could and should have prevented the conflict from escalating on many levels and in so many ways but instead, he did nothing. Now, he’s reaping what he sowed but didn’t nurture, and I have zero sympathy for him in regards to that.

#anti viserys i targaryen #house of the dragon #hotd #so yeah fuck viserys and the peace he wants #he doesn't deserve it #he did nothing to get it #rather he set the stage for war and conflict #let everything build towards it #and is now all surprise that it's happening #btw this post may seem like I'm discouraging Alicent's efforts but I'm not #just highlighting things from Viserys's POV to show what he should have done #if he wanted to have his peace

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oliviabutsmart · 8 months

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Physics Friday #10: The Philosophy and Ethics of Science

Preamble: Some Important Information/Disclaimers

Education Level: High School (Y8/9)

Topic: Scientific Philosophy and Ethics (Philosophy)

An important disclaimer to the Philosophers: This post is discussing philosophy and ethics from the perspective of a scientist, meaning that I'm purposefully going to brush over and ignore entire fields or subjects within philosophy.

You may read this post the same way a pure mathematician may read a physics or astronomy paper. It's generally okay but it's full of abuses of notation, physical numbers and values, and hand-wavy approximations. So don't worry too much if I brush over and oversimplify a lot.

This is a rather big post. Full of different foundational topics to the way we do science. But it's important, for all areas of science, to have this information in the background as it comes to the forefront. In our discussions, our conclusions, and when presenting information to the public we use these tools constantly and subconsciously.

It's obviously going to get a teeny bit political, but not in a way that you'd like hate me or something. As we will be talking more about science's interaction with the political and public worlds (but not completely).

What does it mean to know things?

It's important to seperate the idea of truth and knowledge.

A prehistoric Soyjack.

Of course, the main difference is that what is true is not necessarily what you know. But is what you know necessarily true?

If I knew that the sky was green and I lived underground ... would I really know that the sky is green. I'd be incorrect, how can I know something if that something is wrong?

Often, for simplicity we remove the colloquial definition of knowledge and say, generally, knowledge = belief + truth. You have to both believe it's true and be correct at the same time.

But that isn't the full picture. I could stay in my underground cave for a day and then believe that it's raining, and it just so happens to be that it is raining. But I wouldn't actually know it's raining. I just made a guess and got it right.

Okay so obviously in order to know something you've had to have seen it yourself. Knowledge = belief + truth + evidence.

But what if I was in my cave and could hear the sounds of thunder, or could hear the sound of rain falling? I never actually saw the rain itself, just it's effects. What I actually had to do was deduce that it was raining:

There is the sound of thunder

There's a storm nearby

There are sounds of water falling outside the cave

Water is falling outside the cave

There can be no other sources of the falling water.

Therefore it must be a rainstorm

Okay ... so Knowledge = belief + truth + evidence + reason. This is generally where most people stop. Because it's kinda hard to come up with more details afterwards. And sometimes we often wrap evidence and reason into just "justification" generally.

But what's clear is that we haven't really proportioned our sum correctly. We don't always need reason if we can see it in-front of us, for example.

Epistemology - the study of Knowledge

From the scientific perspective, there are three guiding "ways of knowing":

Empiricism "Knowledge comes from evidence"

Rationalism "Knowledge comes from reason"

Skepticism "Knowledge can go fuck itself"

All three aspects of these philosophies inform how we do science.

Generally, we found our scientific knowledge off observation, experimentation. In order to demonstrate it practically. This is a foundational component to the scientific method. Which is why science could be termed as "Methodical Empiricism"

Reason, while not the foundation of our work in science, is still important. Some things we cannot see. We cannot look at an electron, we cannot see evolution. But what we can see is it's effects, and we can connect previous bits of information together in order to deduce more complex outcomes.

Mathematics is an example of something that is much less Empiricist and much more Rationalist. Everything in mathematics stems from a set of 'truths' (axioms) from which we derive all of the subject using reason.

Skepticism is a bit broad but it is generally about questioning our ability to know things, sometimes stating that true knowledge is impossible.

While it doesn't sound immediately helpful, can be appreciated in the aspects of assuredness. Are we really sure X is true? Skepticism allows us to constantly question what truths are truths and allows us to re-examine our world around us.

It is thanks to skepticism that we often require the ability for experiments to be repeated, or that consensus is necessary to "knowledge". Because experimentation and measurement conducted by one human, can never be enough for everyone to know.

The power of logic

As I said before, reason forms an important sub-component to the scientific method, appearing in-between the foundational aspects of observational knowledge. It appears in the details, the statistics, the mathematics, and the deductions we make.

But there are different ways in which we use logic, some of which doesn't behave as rigorously as you may think.

We can generally split logic into two camps:

Deductive logic is absolute. If our premises are true then so are our conclusions. Deductive logic is best used with mathematical proofs, or generating a conclusion from the evidence.

Inductive logic acts as a means of generalising. If something is true in specific, then it might be true generally. We use inductive reasoning when generating a hypothesis from prior knowledge

Each of these types of logic are important. When we have already observed something we want sound and valid reason to produce a conclusion that is also always true.

But we also like induction. The scientific method is an ongoing process and often a conclusion will come with it's own package of questions that need answering.

Induction is not always correct, however. When you generalise something you may end up finding exceptions to the rule. Take this popular example:

All swans I see are white, therefore, all swans are white.

This in the would be true for your medieval peasant living in England, until we go to Australia and find a species of black swans.

You may look at this example of logic and see it's flaws. But it's important that a hypothesis is only an educated guess. When constructing a hypothesis we must have a method of making sure it can be proven wrong.

Induction guarantees this, because we know it can be disproven using a counter example. Other forms of reasoning and idea generation also must follow this same style of induction if it wants to survive the falsifiability test.

What actually is science?

I remember one time in the past one of my friends said the following:

Astrology is a science

Now, of course, this is not exactly the most correct. Her two arguments were "the ancient peoples (whoever they were) treated it the same way as we treated science" and "It follows from a tradition of science going back to ancient times".

The problem obviously, is that you cannot use a modern definition of something to the ancient world, "science" didn't really mean anything to ancient scholars (it was either logic or astronomy), and it's kinda disrespectful to group the thousands of years of "ancient peoples" all into one culture and category.

But this brings up an interesting question - what actually is our modern definition of science, and where did it come from?

Our modern understanding of science has evolved over time, from the Classical Greeks to the Islamic/Hindu Golden Ages, from the Enlightenment to the Information Age.

While Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle were forming their ideas on logic and knowledge, our understanding of the "scientific method" comes from Ibn al-Haytham, and was developed over the years by European scholars who "borrowed" the credit for their method:

Research previous sources of knowledge

Generate a Hypothesis, based in justification from what we know

Develop a Method to investigate the validity of our hypothesis

Perform an Experiment to derive observations of our claims

Discuss the ability for our results to provide meaningful insight

Deduce a Conclusion from the observations and what we know

Well, that's great and all. But you've probably already seen this. What's important is how we jump from each component to the next.

We use induction to get from research to hypothesis by making a series of educated guesses

We develop a method to determine if our guess is correct

We use the method and setup to perform a repeatable experiment

We discuss the efficacy of our experiment i.e. assess our data and method. A backwards analysis of the methodology and the observational evidence

We use deductive logic to generate a sound conclusion based on what we got as a result, and what we can/can't say about it given our known limitations of the method

We publish our conclusions to build a portfolio of researchable knowledge on the topic

It's a cyclic process that repeats endlessly, like an uroboros!

Pictured: Science, to an accuracy of 1 significant figure Image Credit: The Spectator

This gives us a baseline of understanding for science: it's about the method. But there are different ways we can conduct our method and process in general.

Three extra ways in which we conduct Science

Pseudoscience vs. Science: Falsification

One of the most influential ideas to science is falsification. And Karl Popper's idea science is based on this idea fully.

A theory in science is just a hypothesis backed up by evidence, or in other terms, it's a collective series of conclusions and ideas given structure due to what we know.

Popper believes that for a theory or hypothesis to be scientific, it needs to be disprovable. i.e. I can set up some experiment that can demonstrate it wrong, given that it is wrong.

Pseudoscience is the opposite; it's when you try to seek to prove something true rather than prove it false. The reason why this is dangerous is that methods "attempting to prove something right" is going to be riddled in confirmation bias, and will never be held up to full scrutiny.

Science can only progress when we are constantly vigilant to disprove our conclusions and hypotheses.

We do rely heavily on this in the realm of science. Many scientists attempt constantly to disprove certain theorems that may be true, or to re-examine old bits of evidence with new equipment.

Where Popper Goes Wrong

There are several criticisms of Popper's ideas:

It may be difficult to prove a single hypothesis on it's own, as it could rely on several bits of logic pulling on other strings. Meaning that you cannot individually verify one theory with a simple test.

Falsifying can be done naively; you may falsify a true statement on accident because of an unknown correlation or due to errors in experimental data

Social and psychological sciences often cannot rely on the falsifiability of hypotheses, because experiments are much more complicated than simple deductions and hyper-precise measurements. Generally when you have a complex system, your methods are more focused on probing than predicting.

We may be a little too over-eager to disprove theories, especially for ones that are well-established. This can lead to genuine conspiracy theories being masked in science-like rhetoric. We need to direct our attention to theories which are still uncertain as to how "well-established" they are

His use of "Scientific Marxism" as an example of pseudoscience; as for some Marxists use a different definition of science to mean "the analysis of material information instead of pure ethical reason" - that and some Marxists rejected the ultimate predictions made by Marx, an example of more scientific thought

The idea that progress in science is purely defined by falsifying theorems, something we'll get into much more

Scientific Revolutions

Thomas Khun emphasised a different idea of how science progresses, instead of it being the falsification of already-established models, science comes from noticing contradictions that present themselves in well-established theories.

If a theory or model is incorrect or at least not the full picture, we will inevitably stumble on anomalies in our data. Anomalies that cannot be explained by other information.

This is where the idea of a "scientific revolution" comes along. We have an established paradigm - a paradigm that is regularly proven via experimental evidence - but slowly over time, more holes begin to appear in this paradigm.

As further research builds the holes outnumber the proofs of efficacy, resulting in a crisis. This crisis gets resolved when some new theory comes along, completely upending the old and begging in a series of steps to cement this as the new paradigm.

Miasma vs. Germ theory and Newtonian Mechanics vs. General Relativity are the best examples of these revolutions. Whereas the many acid and base theories work as more minor examples.

Scientific Anarchism

This is another response to Popper - it follows the idea that there is no specific way in which we progress science or focus on methods of experimentation.

While there still is an empirical process of Guess - Test - Present, there is no clear or necessary way to conduct this process. And that any further attempts at structure cause us to land into a series of exceptions.

Tools for getting rid of bad information - Razors

There are other parts of the scientific method that are important. These are often known as 'Razors'.

Razors act to shave the flack and crap off an argument, and also help shorten discussions by pointing out the limitations of certain arguments.

Occam's Razor

Occam's Razor is often very misused. It goes like this:

If there are two or more explanations to a phenomenon, the simpler explanation is likely more correct.

You can see, and probably already know why this is problematic. It's not always true that the simplest explanation is correct. And sometimes, multiple explanations can be more valid.

It's important to examine what we mean by "simpler". Because if we just mean "less words", well, then the "simpler" argument becomes a question of semantic specificity.

Is it really simple if we can describe something in a few words? If all of those words require individual definitions?

Often, physicists take simplicity to mean "less equations". Which makes sense. If I can describe all of the universe, in one equation, and it works fairly well. Then it's probably better than two. It's part of the reason why we so often try to compress our equations into as little as possible.

Hundreds of equations describing electromagnetic phenomena -> 4 Maxwell's Equations -> 1 Tensor Maxwell-Einstein Equation -> Standard Model Lagrangian.

This forms what is closer to Einstein's Razor:

The goal of any theory is to make the irreducible elements as simple and as few as possible without having to remove it's explanatory power.

Newton's Flaming Laser Sword

Yes, this is an actual name, also known as Alder's razor goes like this:

If something cannot be settled by experiment or observation, then it is not worthy of debate.

This is effectively a restatement of falsifiability. You cannot have a theory that cannot be proven true or false.

This razor is very powerful, as it basically can cut out any and all supernatural explanation to a theory.

It's also why our current paradigm in physics is so hard to break through. Primarily because we cannot find a theory that is falsifiable, or a theory that can make a testable prediction. It's also why so many people are slowly beginning to loose enthusiasm for string theory.

Of course, that doesn't mean "physics bad", it means that we can't find an explanation for anomalous or unexplainable phenomena. Many physical theories attempting to unify QFT and GR require extremely complex mathematics, and just may require a lot of theoretical development before coming up with a testable hypothesis.

Where does ethics come into this?

Now there's a lot of ways I can tackle ethics. Ethics around how we present science to the public, ethics about corruption and inclusion (i.e. human scientists doing bad things to other human scientists), or the legality of conducting science (less ethics and more politics). But to keep on track we'll focus on methodological ethics.

Methodological ethics concerns ourselves with the ethics of conducting our experiments specifically.

It's a pyramid scheme! ... or the next splatoon splatfest idea. Image Credit: technicalandcomputerissues.wordpress.com

Now, this triangle of ethics is generally useful, but I'll put it in terms that concern a scientist in specific:

Consequence (what effect/outcome will this experiment have?)

Intent (what intentions do I have going in?)

Natural Law/Principle (Am I playing god? Should I play god? Should I step beyond a certain taboo?)

When making decisions about how to hold and conduct experiments, it's important to consider all aspects of the triangle. Not just for the safety of any test subjects, but also the safety of the examiners.

Of course things change depending on the field of study. In Physics and Astronomy, our discoveries often are never in violation of any "natural law" or at least "natural law" that is taken seriously.

But I include natural law for several reasons. As the reader, you might be left-leaning - and that probably means when you hear "we have to care about principle or natural law" you may scoff.

Natural law and principle comes into effect when we think of several different cases:

In conservative and religious societies, natural law may be more than just a philosophy. To "violate" this societies' natural law could harbour very bad consequences to YOU and your colleagues but not really to the progress of science. Take Galileo or Copernicus

Societal taboos exist in general, and sometimes, researchers themselves might have personal objections to your methods. Some taboos are in place for a reason; like "don't use women's egg cells in cloning research, especially if it's not consensual"

Forgoing principle and procedure also means ignoring an ethics board. Even if what you're doing may be free of consequence and of good intent, the next researcher to ignore the Ethics board might not be

Note that in these three examples, we have mixtures of both intent and consequence. "Violating" natural law could result in consequences, or forgoing principle may be a sign of bad intent.

Of course, any person prioritises their own view of ethics, which is why I must add that I am generally more consequentialist-leaning. To state my biases clearly.

But from a general point of view, all three aspects need to be accounted for, as different people will weigh each aspect more.

Back to the subject of Physics, our application of experiments has a lot less ethical weight, and our methods can only be unethical if the methods are unsafe. Which is why we focus much more on risk and harm reduction in the physical sciences.

In the psychological, natural, and medical sciences, however, ethics is very important. Primarily because you are now bringing the subject of study to animals and humans.

Weirdly, when you get to social and economical sciences, the emphasis of ethics returns to a bit of a similar state to Physics, where the bulk of ethical decisions comes in the way you present your findings to the public, and how you interact with the political world.

Conclusion

Long post? Long post. Fortunately I had the time to do so because I did not have much else to do today. I wanted to do a more 'bigger picture' post as well, as you can see.

The importance of knowing the reason as to why we do things in science and the importance of knowledge, ethics, and logic, is something sorely missed in today's education system. It specifically becomes evident in how these methods of science often come accessory to a subject itself.

The problem obviously is that different subjects in science need to prioritise different parts of the ethical and reasoning process. And so the lack of cohesive information can result in the creation of pseudo-intellectualism i.e. "people pretending that they are being rational or scientific".

Anyways, you know the drill. Follow this account or my silly shitposting account for more of these posts. Feedback and criticism is also heavily appreciated.

See ya next week!

#physics friday #stem #academics #stemblr #science #ethics #philosophy

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