#Seven Secrets of Great Magicians

[thatsbelievable]

#Seven Secrets of Great Magicians #magic #magicians #magician #peanut butter

[thinkingaboutjaedyn]

i'm your biggest fan [j.shaw x morgan!child!reader]

prompt: after jaedyn's great performance at the game against argentina, you become her biggest fan.

author notes: been trying to get back to writing more and finally got some inspiration. i have been wanting to write a child!reader fic forever, blame @/woso-dreamzzz because im in love with her child!reader fics so bad. this is me trying to make myself feel better after that shit ass usa vs mexico game 🤗 so enjoy! P.S. the reader is like around five in this.

you're standing on the pitch after the usa vs argentina, happily following around your soccer aunts. this game was one of the best lately. your throat was dry from all the shouting and cheering you have been doing. especially when your mother scored a banger in the nineteenth minute. of course you weren't only cheering only for your mommy, getting loud for all your soccer aunts too. like blondie lindsey and tiny rose. that doesn't mean you haven't been focusing your attention on the new girls though; they are officially your soccer cousins now since they are all too young to be aunties in your opinion.

one new girl in particular has caught your attention. the way she has been performing so strongly throughout the whole match has you obsessed with her. not that you understand soccer tactics or anything, but even a five year old knows good play when they see it. you screamed her name the loudest (right after your mommy's of course); jaedyn. not only was jaedyn the cool new girl who your mommy says is going to the next big thing for the team, but she also wears the number above your mommy's new one. you honestly hated the new number because your mommy is number thirteen, not seven but you can't seem to understand whatever rule your mom told you about because it's too much for your brain so you don't think about it. the only good thing that came out of the change is the fact your mommy's cubby is next to jaedyn's.

the moment you spot the girl in the question as you follow around lynn, who just stopped to talk to crystal about the game, you slip off to where jaedyn is which wasn't a hard task. just having to go through a few legs with some quick "hi!"s in-between.

finally you make it to where jaedyn is sipping on her water bottle. she looks so cool even when just standing around. it seems jaedyn doesn't spot you, so you just do the ol' tug them by the shorts trick and her eyes look down at you.

"oh? hey mini morgan," her smile is like the sun to you. her tone sounds so chill and cool that you try to copy her. "hi big shaw!" you say. your words coming out way less cool than hers but it was worth the effort. the american player lets out a short laugh, ruffling your hair that's in pigtails. making it a bit messy, but you don't really mind. it's jaedyn doing it so why would you?

"big shaw? i'm the only shaw around here, so shouldn't it be shaw the first?" you nod at her words already. "okay, shaw the first, can you teach me how to shoot a banger?" you ask. looking up at her with high exceptions already. the way you say your words make her laugh loudly which confuses you. why is cool girl jaedyn laughing? is it because she thinks you can't score a banger too? or maybe she's like a magician and can't reveal her secrets.

you lean more towards the magician theory, saying, "i promise i won't tell anyone about it! so you can keep your shooting superpower hidden." jaedyn just shakes her head before crouching down to your height. "you don't have to keep it a secret. i think everyone already knows," she whispers, "but yeah i'll teach you. just make sure to ask your mommy." you let a excited gasp as you whip your head around. looking for your mom across the pitch. your expert alex morgan finding eyes locate her easily. turning your head back to look at jaedyn with a smile. you hold out your pinky finger, "pinky promise?"

"pinky promise," jaedyn accepts your declaration of confirmation as she locks her pinky finger with yours. "thanks shaw the first!" you shout at her after pulling away. already running quickly to go ask your mommy to let jaedyn to teach you how to score bangers. hopefully she doesn't question why didn't you just ask her since you wouldn't want to break it your mommy that jaedyn is just cooler. your mommy is still one of the coolest though.

you almost bump into the legs of naomi on your way to your mommy, but dodge quickly with your great dodging skills. naomi even said you might be a defender in the making once. the loud voice of yours can be heard to everyone around you as you finally reach your mommy.

"can big shaw teach me how to score bangers, please!" you shout out happily. your mommy just chuckles before patting the top of your head, "of course, baby."

and that was possibly the path to you being a future forward. all thanks to big shaw.

#uswnt x reader #alex morgan x reader #jaedyn shaw x reader #jaedyn shaw #alex morgan #woso x reader #woso fanfics

[pearl-tarotist]

ೄྀ࿐ PAC: What do they love about you that they do not tell you?⍣ ೋ

“If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.” (Jane Austen, Emma)

Piles 1-2-3 will be referred to your FS, what does your Future Spouse love about you that they do not say? Choose one of them. 🌷

Piles A-B-C will be referred to your friends/family, what do they love about you that they do not say? Choose one of them. ✨

Other readings (M.list)

Paid readings

PILES 1-2-3 (from left to right)

PILES A-B-C (from left to right)

PILE 1

(Prince of Gems – King of Gems – Justice -The Magician – Devil in the back - Let it be – True love)

They love how hardworking you are. They admire the fact that you can put your mind into something and create it from the beginning to the end. You are not the type to stop half-way, you go all the way. You could also have a pure hearth and mind. You do things with a lot of genuineness.

I have the feeling that they love to see you work, they love being able to look at you while you are sitting in your desk. I think their heart flutters at the thought of knowing “you are theirs”. They love to see you concentrated and focused on something.  They love to admire you (as if they were a secret lover), they like to pass their gaze from your hair to your lips. I think you may have long eyelashes and when you look down, they are gently laying on your cheeks, they love it. They love your eyes and its gaze (you could have doe eyes). They love how pure and soft you look in those moments. The duality, looking soft while being so capable and clever.

They also love how your ethic stands out, you may be someone honest and truthful. This may be hidden because saying to someone: “I love your principles and values” may be a bit weird. 🤣🤣. But I think your principles match, so they love that. You could be great matches to each other. They would also love your energy and how they feel around you, you tick the right boxes in their brain. Cleverness-wise.

They do also love your body, mostly your legs. They think you have a toned and pretty body, a slender one. You could look taller than not what you really are. They love it, they are really obsessed with your body and the things they want to do to it.  You may seduce them without even knowing. Your body and your soft aura are a kill for them. It’s as if they could not understand how something like you exist.

They do feel it could be true love with you. They could have had bad relationships in the past. It’s possible that they were confused about the feelings they had for their partner, but with you, they know it’s real and true love. They will start to understand a lot of things from the moment you enter their lives. There’s an admiration that comes from them that you could find difficult to understand. But it’s just that you were the spark to start their peace.

PILE 2

(Prince of Roses – Four of Wings – Seven of Shells – Six of Gems – Express your love – Let your ex go)

With the cards I got, I am seeing a story. It feels as if in this couple there are an extroverted and an introvert. The extrovert could be a bit of a flirt, could be expressive, open-minded and with a fresh energy. The introvert is calmer, does not express their love or does not confess their crushes. It’s a way more private person.

I think that both people like the other for the qualities that they themselves do not have. If you are the introvert one, your FS would love how you are private and you do not need to show everybody else how much you love them. I think your FS understands and likes the fact that you think he’s the only one you must show your love to.  And you do express your love!! I think that you try to enjoy the things that your FS wants to show you as the extroverted in the relationship. You have learnt to take a few risks and you have growth with them.

You are generous and kind. A good person, it may look simply, but that’s what your FS likes in secret about you. It could be a bit weird, but they like the comfort and security that it brings him. Your FS feels safe around you.

I think your FS would rather express their love for you with compliments about your beauty and how sweet or how pretty you are. But they do also like the comfort that they get when they hug you or when they kiss you. I think they are happy that what you have is not a mere illusion; not for them. They would love you so much. It’s as if you were their little treasure that they must protect. It’s as if they wanted to keep a string attached to both of your wrists, so your fs will never lose you. Your future spouse could be a little more possessive that what lets you see. Maybe, for other people it could be weird because they do not understand what you have from an outside point of view. You will create your own form of communication and comprehension. It’s really cute.

PILE 3

(The Magician – The High Priestess – Ten of Wings – Six of Shells – Two of Roses - Confidence)

Your FS likes that you take responsibility for your own actions. They like that you are feminine and in tune with your intuition. You are someone magnetic and a bit mysterious to them. It feels as if you appeared to know more than not the average person.  It’s possible that you have had bad experiences and you have decided to trust more your hunches; in hopes to stop yourself to get into toxic relationships.

I think they like the rush they get from your energy and your personality. You make them really happy, and they love your bad jokes. They think you are also a bit childish, a bit of a brat, a cute one! They like how much attention you demand from them. They may be serious, probably older than you.

They do also like how you were the key to a new part of life. I think you have showed them that love is funny and mischievous. Some of your FS past relationships must have been really serious and not romantic. I think they focused more on what to do than not on how to do it. Casual things can be as much or more romantic than not big gestures of “love”.

They do also love the fact that they can trust you with their whole heart. They know you are trust-worthy and that you will never lie to them. (It’s possible that they got cheated on before?). I think they could be healing their inner-child; they got hurt and they did not had people around them that supported them but with you they feel as if they had heal and that they are ready to start taking some risks and enjoy their lives a bit more.

I think they do always ask for your advice and thoughts, you could become one of their greatest counsellors and they love you for it. You are an unchangeable part of their heart.

PILE A

(Three of roses – Judgment – Ten of wings – Princess of Wings)

I think the first two cards are mostly related to your family. You could be responsible and you yourself are used to reflect on your situation and your options, I think it’s mostly based on your studies/job. It’s possible that you have a clear view on the opportunities that you have.

I think they are proud of the choices that you have done trough life. Some of them could have been really complicated and hurtful at some points but they and you know that it’s the best at long-time. They do not express it but they feel it. They know you are someone responsible and preventive.

They do also love how strong you are, you have been able to free yourself from certain situation, possible betrayals from friends or being able to cut people off that were toxic to you.

They do also think that you are good with words or with communication. I think it’s possible that you speak more languages than your friends or family. You are someone that’s always receptive to their approaches, maybe a bit too much (learn to express your boundaries). They can always come to you to express their problems and doubts.

A lovely aura. Clever but soft.  

PILE B

(Justice – Six of shells – Five of gems – Princess of Gems)

You are honest, they love and appreciate your honesty and the way you are always truthful. I think they see how you calculate your acts and its consequences. You are a clean-fingered person. You could make them evolve with your words and views on things.

I think that what they most like is the way you calculate your actions with good intentions. You are a good person, and you always act in a way to try to make your friends and family happy. It’s an act, a performance, you decide to act in a childish way for protecting them and to make them happy.  I think you are an observer and much cleverer that what you let them notice.

You could have a bit of anxiety, they notice that: but still, you are also hard-working. They notice how you try to push your limits and how you try to grow and expand your limits. You are not afraid to get your hands dirty working hardly and honestly. I think these impressions comes mostly from your friends.

They do also see, mixing my last words, that you are someone naive with the work that you do. You are always excited and eager to learn more and to explore. I think you still conserve the innocence of a growing child. They get happy to do anything new, no matter how much it will cost or how tiring it is.

PILE C

(The Lovers – Prince of Shells – Seven of Gems – Two of wings)

DAMN, you are so beautiful!!!!!!! Aren’t you? You are really attractive and passionate. You are a charmer; you are really loved! You are a little star; I think some of you are so beautiful that you get pretty privilege (sorry not sorry for saying it). Your friends and family truly think that you are pretty.

The first thing I have noticed, as I said, it’s your beauty and your passion. You could be a bit of a brat, always searching to stir feelings and small dramas. Passion is a good thing; you do like to find the best way to get to your objectives or the things that you like. I do think you have a mix between water and fire signs (even a bit of air). You do always fight for what you want in a really strategic way. They could even get frustrated about how much you try.

The second thing I notice is balance. You are someone balanced between brain and heart. You do keep a diary on your mind on what you have done, and you always try to be the fairest.

I think you always keep your options open or that you always have paths for everything. You are the person that your friend go to when they need to find something or when they need to buy something, etc… You are a really cool older sister for them, always having the resources that they need.

But at the same time, you have the vibes of an adorable and bratty young sister, you do always get away with it.

#tarot reading #free tarot #future spouse #future spouse pick a card #fs pick a pile #message fs #what do they love about you #family tarot #friend tarot #pac #pick a pile #pick a card reading #pick a card #tarot deck #tarot pac #tarotcommunity #tarot spread #tarot reader #tarot cards #divination

[archersarrow-tarot]

Tarot Cards That Are..

🚩🚩🚩RED FLAGS 🚩🚩🚩

🚩 • Emperor (Reversed)

abuse of power. domineering person. a tyrant.

🚩 • Magician (Reversed)

someone is trying to take advantage of you. manipulation.

🚩 • Justice (Reversed)

unfairness, dishonesty.

🚩 • Two of Swords

not being fully informed, blocked emotions, denial, ignoring warning signs.

🚩• Five of Swords

sneak attack, winning at all costs, betrayal, ambition in a negative sense.

🚩• Seven of Swords

sneakiness, dishonesty, hidden motivations, avoiding obligations, getting away with something.

🚩 • Ten of Swords

betrayal, hurt, disappointment, backstabbing, feeling alone.

🚩 • Page of Swords

can indicate a devious or manipulative person working against you. spitefulness and petty behaviors.

🚩 • King of Swords (Reversed)

being overly judgmental. distant or cold behavior. ability to empathize with others is blocked.

🚩 • Ace of Pentacles (Reversed)

shady business situations. greed. overconfidence and arrogance.

🚩 • Three of Pentacles (Reversed)

being taken advantage of. being undermined or to made look bad.

🚩 • Four of Pentacles

greed, materialism, superficiality. possessiveness. control issues.

🚩 • The Devil

obsession, materialism, illusion, temptation, control, denial, unhealthy & negative attachments, feeling powerless.

🚩 • The Tower

great change, turmoil, major upheaval, destruction, drama, disruption.

🚩 • The Moon

confusion, secrets, insecurity, deception, extreme anxiety, things working against you.

🚩 • Ace of Cups (Reversed)

unhealthy flow of emotions, emotions out of control or excessive. being unbalanced.

🚩 • Two of Cups (Reversed) 

deception, lack of mutual respect or trust. potential breakup or separation.

🚩 • Three of Cups (Reversed)

something is amiss with friendships or relationship. Potential third party encroaching on partnership.

🚩 • Four of Cups

self absorption, moodiness. passively accepting, withholding affection, losing interest.

🚩 • Ten of Cups (Reversed)

behaviors that are putting family or home life at risk. deceit, tension.

🚩• Page of Cups (Reversed)

immaturity, emotional troubles, escapism. be wary of new people in your life. potential for negative upheaval.

🚩• Knight of Cups (Reversed)

may be too good to be true. potential deception/betrayal by someone you trust. listen to your gut. be wary of new commitments.

🚩• Queen of Cups (Reversed)

inability to connect emotionally. lack of empathy or understanding. excessive emotions

🚩• King of Cups (Reversed)

moodiness, controlling behaviors, instability. selfishness, unsuspected dangers.

🚩• Five of Wands

bickering, hassles. rivalry. conflict or competition.

🚩• Five of Wands (Reversed)

not being able to handle conflict well. needs a warning that there are forces working against you.

🚩• Seven of Wands

🚩• Six of Wands (Reversed)

arrogance, overconfidence, obnoxiousness.

🚩• Nine of Wands (Reversed)

defensiveness, on edge, paranoid.

🚩• Knight of Wands (Reversed)

arrogance, reckless. potential for violence and abuse. jealousy.

🚩 • King of Wands (Reversed)

ruthlessness, forcefulness. a bully or tyrant. abuse. disloyalty, volatile temper, broken promises, vicious, bitter.

🚩 • Queen of Wands (Reversed)

demanding, overbearing, pushy. jealousy. deceit. unfaithful. manipulative, catty, unfriendly. aggressive and angry.

#tarot cards #tarot community #tarot reader #daily tarot #tarot #tarot readers of tumblr #tarotblr #tarot witch #tarot of the day #free tarot #tarotdaily #tarotcommunity #tarot lessons #tarot learning #tarot life #tarot blr #tarot blog #tarot beginner #tarot card #tarot divination #tarot diary #tarot daily #tarot business #tarot study #tarot tips #tarot readings #tarot reading #tarot deck #tarot spreads #tarot spread

[talonabraxas]

Temple of the Aleph ℵ Talon Abraxas

Aleph, number One. "God is triune." Aleph symbolizes the absolute unity of the three primary forces of God which contain the secret image upon which man must be created.

Aleph is formed by two Iods (letter symbol of Kether). One stands on the upper right and the other hangs on the lower left, joined by a diagonal Vav. The two Iods represent the creative power of God in the higher Eden in Daath and the lower Eden in Yesod. The letter Vav between both Iods is man made into the image of the Spirit of God that moves within both Iods (the creative power of God). So, the Spirit of God that moves in the upper waters of Daath and the Spirit of God that moves upon the lower waters of Yesod is the source from which the heavenly man, which is the firmament in between them emerges.

The upper Eden is first mentioned in the first day of Genesis: "And the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” These waters are the Akasha Tattva that belongs to upper Eden. -Arcanum 1: The Magician

[just-an-enby-lemon]

Steph: Hey, wouldn't it be hilarious if all B's villains had backstories like the new Disney villain-centric movies?

Barbara: Explain.

Tim: Oh! I get it is like Riddler is evil because a riddle killed his mom!

Barbara: But wouldn't that make so he hated riddles?

Tim: Maybe he hated his mom? You don't know!

Duke: Or maybe he hates riddles and uses them to stop himself and protect the world for the evil he truly represents... Nah, that's stupid.

Barbara: No, no go on.

Steph: It was funny as hell.

Duke: The Riddler hating riddles was not the stupid conspiracy theory I thought I would make for Tim today.

Barbara: How many conspiracy theories did you even made for Tim?

Tim: Does the ones he made for Bernard count?

Duke: A magician never revels their secrets.

Barbara: You're not a magician.

Steph: He could be. Anyway before this ends up with someone giving Duke a box of magic tricks for begginers made for seven year olds *looks pointedly at Babs, she shrugs* my idea was that the number two died trying to save Two-Face's grandma from the other numbers.

Barbara: Okay, this one makes more sense. What about Scarecrow lost his puppie because of a horror movie?

Tim: You judge me but that means Crane would hate fear. So check mate.

Barbara: No, no, hear me out, he lost the puppie because the dog was too brave and stayed during the whole movie. If if had runned afraid it would have been fine.

Duke: My turn! I present all the books they had falled into Mad Hatter's dad killing him except somehow the Alice in Woonderland book that stayed in the shelve so he sweared to never read another book ever again?

Steph: Love it.

Cass: *was always there but hidden in the corner* Great. May I?

Duke, Tim and Steph:*surprised jump scare noises*

Babs: Please. Be our guest.

Cass: Killer Moth was raised by moths. Bruce accidentaly killed his third aunt as a child because he tried to pick it and show Alfred but was too strong.

Duke: You are a genius.

Steph: It's better than whatever official backstory he has.

Dick: *just came back from a mission* What are you guys doing?

Tim: Creating stupid rogues origin stories.

Dick: It seems fun. Let me try... huh... Oswald became Penguin because a Penguin flew through his window the moment he was considering becaming a criminal .

Damian: *was in the mission with Dick* May I try? Joker is a villain because his mother had depression and his jokes never made her happy.

Dick: Holy shit! Too heavy, lil D.

Duke: Sadge.

Tim: It looks like a soap opera plot.

Damian: I DO NOT watch soap operas with umi. SHUT UP!

Tim: Whoa there is a lot to unpack here.

Damian: Say one more word and I'll kill you Drake.

Duke: My bet is on Dami.

Cass: Bet Tim survives but barely.

Dick: Let's all calm down a bit. Maybe Joker became a villain because a mean kid said he wasn't funny.

Jason: *coming out of nowhere* What about Joker became a villain because he sucks?

Steph: That's just real life, Jay. We are trying to have fun here.

Jason: *rolls his eyes* Fine. Let me try again. All of B villains had their family killed by a bat. All of them. The same day, the same bat. Better?

Steph: Amazing!

Tim: Wait a second.

Damian: What now, Drake?

Tim: Bane has a Cruella type backstory!

Babs: *eyes getting huge* Holy shit he kindda has.

Cass: Explain.

Tim: When in the pit because a lot of irrelevant trauma things Bane had nightmares with a half bat half man creature attacking him so his solution was to crack B's spine in half.

Dick: Okay we need to make a Cruella Bane song.

Babs: Is not that close of a backstory.

Dick: So you don't want a Cruella Bane song?

Babs: Good point. I stand corrected.

#batfam #barbara gordon #stephanie brown #tim drake #duke thomas #cassandra cain #dick grayson #damian wayne #jason todd #batkids

[yuurei20]

Crowley Fact Sheet

(Did not rank in a combination of seven different character-ranking surveys held throughout 2021)

Name: Dire Crowley Role: Headmaster Age: unknown Height: 185cm (taller than Vil/Idia/Crewel, same height as Leona, shorter than Sebek) Homeland: Unknown Hobby: Traveling Favorite food: Wild game meat

According to the official fanbook Crowley’s first name, Dire, has been retconned to be pronounced as “Dia” in order to be closer to “Diablo”, the name of Maleficient’s bird in the original Sleeping Beauty movie. I also came across a fan theory that the name “Crowley”, might be both a reference to Diablo and to early 20th century English occultist, magician, poet and painter Aleister Crowley, but this is unconfirmed.

Crowley hires the player to fill the role of “beast master” and keep Grim in check after being impressed by the player’s ability to goad Ace, Deuce and Grim into working together to take out a monster in the prologue of the game. In return, the player is permitted to live in the abandoned “Ramshackle” dormitory on campus.

While Crowley insists that he is still searching for a way to send the player back to the world from whence they came (claiming that it is all he thinks about when he sleeps and eats), it is difficult to tell how much effort he is actually putting towards this goal.

Crowley has explained that he likes shiny objects like gems and precious metals, and thus the mirrors that he carries about on his person.

In other voice lines he says that he wipes down the frames of the portraits of the Great Seven in his office everyday, watches Spelldrive tournaments on television late at night and that he does not like spicy food.

He has also said that, “To create whatever magic you wish to produce, you need imagination. Some mages say that they practice drawing and writing in order to strengthen their ability to make their imaginations more concrete”.

Crowley often meets with Trein for tea, but has said that Lucius makes him uncomfortable and he is not very good with cats. Despite this apparent camaraderie with Trein, he was once ten seconds late to a meeting and Trein lectured him for ten minutes as punishment.

He says that while he greets every student he sees every morning, sometimes they ignore him, but he doesn’t mind as it is part of being an adult.

He often leaves difficult situations and problems up to the school’s students to handle rather than facing them himself, claiming that it is to cultivate their independence; the students, by and large, do not trust him as a result.

Crewel describes Crowley as being very busy and always hurrying off to deal with one issue or another, but it is unclear what he is actually up to most of the time. It is commented during the Halloween event that he seems to have secrets that he would prefer the police not know about.

He seems to have a soft-spot for money, receiving a portion of Azul’s profits from Mostro Lounge and—according to Jamil—arranging for Kalim’s belated enrollment in the school in exchange for large monetary donations from Kalim’s father.

On the other hand, in the Port Fest event half of the profits earned by the student food stalls are donated to Crane Port, and Crowley arranges for the remaining half to be divided amongst the students themselves (at Azul’s request).

Crowley's voice actor Miyamoto has been voice acting since before many of us were born. He was inspired by a favorite TV show to become a teacher, but failed to acquire a teaching license.

In a 2014 interview he said, ‘I would love to play a villain or eccentric role that is far removed from myself, like Tim Curry in "The Rocky Horror Show’.”

He is the voice of adult Simba in the Japanese-language-dub of Disney's The Lion King, the voice of Soma Ayame in the original release of Fruits Basket, Roger Smith in The Big O, Hubb Lebowski in WOLF'S RAIN, Jean Croce in GUNSLINGER GIRL, Maiza Avaro in BACCANO! and other characters in over 170 other anime series, OVAs and video games.

Additional Fact Sheets ・Riddle Rosehearts ・Trey Clover・Cater Diamond ・Ace Trappola・Deuce Spade ・Leona Kingscholar ・Ruggie Bucchi ・Jack Howl ・Azul Ashengrotto・Floyd Leech・Jade Leech ・Kalim Al-Asim・Jamil Viper ・Vil Schoenheit・Rook Hunt ・Epel Felmier ・Idia Shroud・Ortho Shroud ・Malleus Draconia ・Silver・Sebek Zigvolt・Lilia Vanrouge ・Sam・Crewel・Trein・Vargas・Crowley

#twstcharactersheet #Dire Crowley #twisted wonderland #ツイステ #twst

[venus-of-the-hrdsell]

I want to get into Zatanna comics but I’m not sure where to start. What series do you recommend?

Hello! Don't worry, I can give you a short starting guide + some recommendations on this post so you can read without having to dive fully into thousands of issues (unless you want a detailed guide of more appearances).

The usual go to for any beginner is Zatanna (2010) by Paul Dini. It's her longest solo comic (16 issues) and it fits as a stand alone.

If you are interested, I'm currently working in a masterlist reading guide of her appearances. Zatanna is a very old character, so a lot of her appearances are scattered as cameo and team books, so often finding what to read is hard. If you want to get a little further into her character, these options I'm about to mention are good as well. More under the cut because this is a long post.

- Secret Origins (1988) (volume 2) #27

Offers a summary about of Zatanna's origin in the DC universe. A bit old, so the scans can be blurry, but still a nice read.

- Zatanna Special (1987) by Gerry Conway & Gray Morrow

Zatanna gets contacted by the ghost of her mother Sindella, which leads her to travel to secret city of the Homo Magi with her manager. A lot of details about her background are revealed her, it's one of my favourite comics for her.

Zatanna: Come Together (1993) by Lee Mars & Esteban Maroto

Four issue mini in which Zatanna tries to get a fresh new start in San Francisco, temporally retiring from her superhero career. Unfortunately, she doesn't expect to find her stay disrupted by a supernatural threat infesting the city. Still one of my favourite comics of her and the art is amazing too. It also explores her background from her mother's side of the family, which is always good and underrated.

Zatanna: Everyday Magic (2003) by Paul Dini & Rick Mays (one shot)

We see Zatanna in her best moment as a famous stage magician in a long tour. She seems to be doing great, but she still fights to have an ordinary personal life. Things get complicated when her former partner, John Constantine, shows up on her life once again.

This is a fun story! It's Zatanna only Vertigo solo book. There are some poorly aged jokes and the art is not everyone's cup of tea, but it's a fun light hearted read for everyone.

Zatanna: Seven Soldiers (2007) by Grant Morrison & Ryan Sook

Zatanna attends a superhero support group. Her powers are weak and she finds herself in a low spot in her life, but the arrival of a mysterious girl pushes her to go on a tripe to find her father's missing journals.

This mini series is part of a bigger event written by Morrison called Seven Soldiers of Victory, but it can be read as a stand alone. If you want further context, I recommend reading the event, though.

I really like this comic, though. I wish we got to see more of Zatanna's mentorship role.

Black Canary & Zatanna: Bloodspell (2015) by Paul Dini & Joe Quinones.

A fun team up comic! It's an original graphic novel. I love Zee and Dinah's friendship.

Wonder Woman: Agent of Peace (2020) #15

A fun team up issue with Diana and Zee spending quality time together.

Justice League Dark (2011) (New52) & Justice League Dark (2018) (Rebirth)

Now, to clarify. I don't necessarily recommend the Justice League Dark books, but I'm incluiding them since most of Zee post new 52 appearances are in these two books which are...a mixed bag. Justice League Dark (new 52) wasn't of my liking with the exception of the last third of the whole book (Dematteis did a good job, probably the best out of the three writers heading the book). Earlier writers didn't know how to handle Zatanna, her personality is very watered down just as well as her abilities, and she isn't really given spotlight, leadership and full potential of her abilities until Dematteis takes the pen. I also don't enjoy how off was the characterisation of other characters of the book and the overall writing quality and pace, but that's a story for another post.

Justice League Dark (Rebirth) is a step up in quality from New52, but unfortunately it continues with the weird personality shift in Zatanna's personality and the a lackuster character design. As much as I love Diana, who is part of this team line up, I think Zatanna should have been given the leader role and the spotlight. Out of this book, I sincerely enjoyed Ram V's stage on the later half on this run, who deserved to stay longer on this title.

That said, you can take a look on these titles, but you know, at least you know what to expect.

Bonus: Graphic novels, webtoons and stand alone stories

DC's new talent showcase (2018)

Truth and Justice (2020) #7 - 9

Zatannna & the Ripper (Available for Free in Webtoon, still ongoing)

Zatannna & House of Secrets (Kids graphic novel)

Batman: Urban Legends (#11-16)

Johnny Constantine & Mystery of the Meanest Teacher (she's a co protagonist here)

#long post #zatanna zatara #zatanna #reading guide #answered #dc comics #i hope this helps! it took me a while but i think this makes sense #okay to reblog btw

[deterweek]

Welcome to the theme announcement for Deter Week 2023.

Same as last year, there are two prompts per day for you to choose from—you can also use both if you’d like to! There is no obligation to complete all seven days; you can totally skip a day if the themes don’t click. Just do as many as you wish.

There are absolutely no restrictions on content (ratings, word count, kinks, if they are romantic or platonic, darkfic, etc.); as long as it’s tagged appropriately, anything goes! There is also no set Free Day, but if you have something to post that doesn’t fit one of the themes, just post it anyway. The aim of this event is to achieve more Deter content, so honestly, GO NUTS.

There are sub-prompts listed below each theme. I wanted to give you a few examples to help spark ideas—they are literally just things that popped into my head when I was thinking about each prompt—but of course, you can totally ignore them.

Here you go:

Day 1 (March 14th) -

"Promise me."

keeping or breaking promises, secrets, deals made, the night of the fire, etc.

Back To School

student/teacher relationships, homeschooling, punishments, back in time, college au, jocks, nerds, power dynamics, help with homework, my hero presentations, moving out, etc.

Day 2 (March 15th) -

Magic

witches/wizards, magicians, historical au, spells, curses, breaking spells/curses, love potions, rituals, witch trails, spells gone wrong, etc.

Dungeons and Dragons

mythical creatures, royalty au, bards, knights in shining armour, fantasy, imprisonment, adventurers, kingdoms in ruin, roleplaying games, etc.

Day 3 (March 16th) -

Vacation

weekends away, long distance relationships, sex on the beach, nights out, visiting family, fake dating, the honeymoon, business trips, pampering, relaxation, fluff, etc.

Spring Time

spring cleaning, hayfever, celebrations, sex pollen, florist au, farming, new beginnings, kid fic, reminiscing, etc.

Day 4 (March 17th) -

Ooh, Kinky

let your kinks run free, bdsm, add another character to their relationship, monsterfuckers unite, sex toys, kink discovery, discussions, under-negotiated kink, cnc, sex clubs, dd/lb, dressing up, spicing things up, etc.

"What have you done?"

suspicion, surprises, assassin au, taking the blame, murder husbands, time travel au, stuck in time, accidental baby acquisition, facing the consequences, gift giving, ah shit moments, etc.

Day 5 (March 18th) -

The Big Screen

going to the movies, first dates, pornstar au, celebrities, rewrite your favourite movie but make it deter, movie quotes, etc.

Heroes and Villains

costume parties, origin stories, superhero au, evil deeds, secret lairs, crime solving, love and hate, lovers to enemies, good turning evil, saving the day, etc.

Day 6 (March 19th) -

Medical

doctors and nurses, surgery, medical kink, roleplay, doctor/patient relationships, a/b/o dynamics, memory loss, disabilities, alternative reasons for peter's coma, hurt/comfort, near death experiences, etc.

"You can't fix it."

angst, broken relationships, breaking up, infidelity, wrongdoings, attempts at diy, who needs the instructions, renovating the hale home, making mistakes, etc.

Day 7 (March 20th) -

Animals

adopting a pet, petplay, visiting the zoo, zookeeper au, stuck in animal form, either of them as a different creature, predator/prey, etc.

Cowboy AU

life of the ranch, homemaking, brokeback mountain au, horseriding, etc.

Please reblog this post, then go ahead and start brainstorming; let your imaginations run wild! If you have any questions about the event or any of the prompts—or if you’d just like to chat to someone about your ideas—don’t hesitate to get in touch.

When the time comes, you can add your works to the Deter Week collection and remember to tag Deter Week 2023 and/or mention @deterweek on your Tumblr posts so I can reblog them.

I am super excited to see what kind of great new content we can all add to the fandom this year.

Happy creating 💛

#deter week #deter week 2023 #deter week themes #teen wolf event #peter hale #derek hale #deter

[inverted-flowers]

Secret Life Tarot Reading no. 5!

It's Tango's turn!

So this reading has been done after episode 3s have gone out while the previous ones (Joel, Martyn, Grian, Impulse) were done after ep 2s. Oh and I've decided to put the cards I draw in a colored font now too instead of italics!

Also just a reminder that you don't really need to know anything about Tarot Cards here. Just understand that I'm using them to predict how Secret Life is going to go for its lovely players that we all know and love. I guess it'd be good to mention that I'm interpreting the meaning of the cards I draw to fit a Minecraft smp (of all things good lord what am i doing pft /lh). I could very easily interpret the cards one way and the cards mean it in a different way. Or they could just be wrong who knows ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

First Card - Start

To describe the start of this season (which has definitely now passed) I drew the Seven of Cups in reverse. This card represents chaos and indicision, which, if you've seen Tango's 1st episode... kinda makes sense? I'll be honest I've seen his pov so far but I have a terrible memory. I do remember him struggling to find someone to settle down with in the first episode. The first ep is always pretty chaotic but with the lack of natural regen it's been even more so.

I'll be honest this might've just been a bad pull. My fingers get tingly when I hover over the cards almost like a metal detector. I'm not super good with following that though but that's exactly why I need this practice! I really struggled to pull this first card because the tingling was super strong and it was a bit overwhelming. I have learned though and I'm thinking next time this happens I'll just shuffle again :D

Second Card - Individual

This card is meant to describe how Tango will play! For this I drew the Ten of Wands. Honestly I looked at this and my first thought was that my deck didn't get the message that we're talking about Secret Life and not Decked Out 2 lmao. This card talks about responsibility; that one has had made great accomplishments that they now need to maintain. But then I remembered the whole schtick he's doing with the heart foundation and it made more sense. (Ifykyk. Not spoiling ;3) Tango might struggle with the upkeep of it. It is a very new way to play the game afterall!

Third Card - Social

This card is to describe how things will be going for Tango on the social side of things here. I drew The Magician which funnily enough dropped into my lap while I was shuffling! (If you saw my post just before this one it was after that.) This card is talking about ingenuity and combining strengths which... I mean this sounds again like the Heart Foundation thing! It's a new way to play the game and with all of them working together? I think we've really hit the nail on the head here! I can't really say a whole lot since I don't wanna spoil things. So far though I feel like this reading is saying what they've done (and are doing) is a strong or at least an innovative play so that's good!

Fourth Card - Big Impact

This card is supposed to tell us about what makes the biggest impact for Tango this season. For this I drew The Hanged Man. Now I'd like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that I don't feel comfortable giving interpretations that feel more about the cc's feelings. It feels wrong because- well for one, it's not really what we're talking about is it? We're making predictions on how a game is going to go. But mostly it's just... not exactly good to do a tarot reading on someone without their consent. It's an invasion of privacy. Which- again, not what we're doing. So I'd like to ask you guys who read these to also avoid using my readings in this way. Now that I've gotten that out of the way, this card represents inner reflection and the need for a break. (See why I went on that tangent now?) Regardless of what may immediately come to mind I do genuinely feel like this card is talking about the gameplay! This card is talking about needing to postpone decision making to further think and reflect on a situation. It's really pushing the idea that Tango's going to need to pause and think things through; to not make rash decisions. This probably means that the thing most impactful for his season is a rash descion he makes that he should've thought more about than he does.

Fifth Card - End

Finally I drew the Ace of Pentacles in reverse to describe how Secret Life ends for Tango. This one I feel really follows with our previous card but I think that's more for the final thoughts and theories section >:3 This card talks about a loss of opportunity. For the end of a traffic life season I can think of several different ways this manifests. It would probably be what truly does him in because... well this certainly doesn't seem like winner's end card does it?

My final thoughts and theories:

As much as this reading seems to praise Tango's strategy (if I'm interpreting this right) it's not exactly predicting a bright future for him huh? What Love Island has going is a new and innovative way to lay the chess pieces. But for Tango, in accordance to this reading, it won't be enough. It seems to say he's going to make a poor decision- one that he should've taken the time to think out better. That, with the end card saying he'll have a loss of opportunities... Well I've got a few theories! One option is the ever obvious he takes on a hard task and is then unable to complete it. This would in one way or another result in his elimination either directly taking his last life or by getting him low enough. You could also go a similar route and say he dies trying to complete said hard task due to a lack of opportunity pushing him to take a more dangerous route with it. Honestly with that one it might even just be a normal task.

Another idea is that the Heart Foundation gets a lot of pressure and it uh.. puts a crack in their walls? Man it's hard not to spoil that... Anyway- this could make Tango feel less secure and make him more likely to make a hasty descion. What that descion could be is up for debate (for now ;) ) but a couple ideas are that he leaves his faction (seems p unlikely to me) or makes a bad deal.

Ooh I'm so excited! I'd love to hear what other people think on these. If you've got any other ideas on what my readings could mean I'm all ears lol. 'Til next time!

#traffic life smp #tarot predictions #life series #traffic smp #traffic light smp #secret life #tangotek #trafficblr #life series predictions #secret life tarot prediction

[richincolor]

New Releases

As summer begins to wind down we have a few books of fantasy and family drama fun to helps us enjoy these last few "laying by the beach" days. 

Guardians of Dawn: Zhara by S. Jae-Jones Wednesday Books

Magic flickers. Love flames. Chaos reigns. Magic is forbidden throughout the Morning Realms. Magicians are called abomination, and blamed for the plague of monsters that razed the land twenty years before. Jin Zhara already had enough to worry about—appease her stepmother’s cruel whims, looking after her blind younger sister, and keeping her own magical gifts under control—without having to deal with rumors of monsters re-emerging in the marsh. But when a chance encounter with an easily flustered young man named Han brings her into contact with a secret magical liberation organization called the Guardians of Dawn, Zhara realizes there may be more to these rumors than she thought. A mysterious plague is corrupting the magicians of Zanhei and transforming them into monsters, and the Guardians of Dawn believe a demon is responsible. In order to restore harmony and bring peace to the world, Zhara must discover the elemental warrior within, lest the balance between order and chaos is lost forever.

Damned if You Do by Alex Brown Page Street

Seven years ago, Cordelia Scott’s abusive father left without a word, and life has been normal ever since. The seventeen-year-old spends her days stage managing the school play (which is going great, if anyone asks), pining over her best friend, Veronica, and failing one too many pop quizzes. She’s never been sad that her father left, but she knows something is…missing. When her school guidance counselor, Fred, reveals during a session that he’s actually a demon, she learns that something is indeed missing: a piece of her actual soul. Why? She unwittingly made a deal with him to make her father disappear – then bargained to have the memory erased. To make matters worse, Fred is here to make another bargain: Help him with a “little” demonic problem, or she’s doomed to spend eternity in Hell with her father. The deal? Help Fred neutralize a rival demon, who means to do more harm in her hometown than your average demon deal. 

True True by Don P. Hooper Nancy Paulsen Books

This is not how seventeen-year-old Gil imagined beginning his senior year—on the subway dressed in a tie and khakis headed towards Manhattan instead of his old public school in Brooklyn. Augustin Prep may only be a borough away, but the exclusive private school feels like it’s a different world entirely compared to Gil’s predominately Caribbean neighborhood in Brooklyn. If it weren’t for the partial scholarship, the school’s robotic program and the chance for a better future, Gil wouldn’t have even considered going. Then after a racist run-in with the school’s golden boy on the first day ends in a fight that leaves only Gil suspended, Gil understands the truth about his new school—Augustin may pay lip service to diversity, but that isn’t the same as truly accepting him and the other Black students as equal. But Gil intends to leave his mark on Augustin anyway. If the school isn’t going to carve out a space for him, he will carve it out for himself. Using Sun Tzu’s The Art of War as his guide, Gil wages his own clandestine war against the racist administration, parents and students, and works with the other Black students to ensure their voices are finally heard. But the more enmeshed Gil becomes in school politics, the more difficult it becomes to balance not only his life at home with his friends and family, but a possible new romance with a girl he’d move mountains for. In the end, his war could cost him everything he wants the most.

The Boy You Always Wanted by Michelle Quach HarperTeen

Francine loves her grandfather, but their time together is running out. He has one final wish: to see a male heir carry on the family traditions. Francine knows his ideas are outdated, but she would do anything for him. Her solution? Ask Ollie Tran, a family friend (and former crush, not that it matters), to pretend to be ceremonially adopted and act like the grandson A Gūng never had. Ollie generally avoids the odd, too blunt (and fine, sort of cute) Francine, whose intensity makes him uncomfortable. So when she asks him to help deceive her dying grandpa, Ollie’s not down. He doesn’t get why anyone would go to such lengths, even for family. Especially with a backwards (and sexist, Ollie keeps stressing) scheme like this. Francine, however, is determined to make it happen, and soon Ollie finds himself more invested in her plan—and in her—than he ever thought possible. But as the tangled lies and feelings pile up, Francine must discover what exactly she needs for herself—and from Ollie. Because sometimes the boy you always wanted isn’t what you expected.

#new releases #weneeddiversebooks #ya lit #young adult books

[sarahlancashire]

i'm watching midsomer murders & it's really fucking long

PILOT (1997): (1) the killings at badger's drift

SERIES ONE (1998):

(2) 1.01: written in blood (3) 1.02: death of a hollow man (4) 1.03: faithful unto death(5) 1.04: death in disguise

SERIES TWO (1999):

(6) 2.01: death's shadow (7) 2.02: strangler's wood (8) 2.03: dead man's eleven(9) 2.04: blood will out

SERIES THREE (1999 – 2000):

(10) 3.01: death of a stranger (11) 3.02: blue herrings (12) 3.03: judgement day(13) 3.04: beyond the grave

SERIES FOUR (2000 – 2001):

(14) 4.01: garden of death (15) 4.02: destroying angel (16) 4.03: the electric vendetta (17) 4.04: who killed cock robin? (18) 4.05: dark autumn(19) 4.06: tainted fruit

SERIES FIVE (2002):

(20) 5.01: market for murder (21) 5.02: a worm in the bud (22) 5.03: ring out your dead(23) 5.04: murder on st. malley's day

SERIES SIX (2003):

(24) 6.01: a talent for life (25) 6.02: death and dreams (26) 6.03: painted in blood (27) 6.04: a tale of two hamlets(28) 6.05: birds of prey

SERIES SEVEN (2003 – 2004):

(29) 7.01: the green man (gavin troy leaves!) (30) 7.02: bad tidings (dan scott arrives!) (31) 7.03: the fisher king (32) 7.04: sins of commission (33) 7.05: the maid in splendour (34) 7.06: the straw woman(35) 7.07: ghosts of christmas past

SERIES EIGHT (2004 – 2005):

(36) 8.01: things that go bump in the night (37) 8.02: dead in the water (38) 8.03: orchis fatalis (39) 8.04: bantling boy (40) 8.05: second sight (41) 8.06: hidden depths (42) 8.07: sauce for the goose(43) 8.08: midsomer rhapsody (dan scott leaves!)

SERIES NINE (2005 – 2006):

(44) 9.01: the house in the woods (ben jones arrives!) (45) 9.02: dead letters (46) 9.03: vixen's run (47) 9.04: down among the dead men (48) 9.05: four funerals and a wedding (49) 9.06: country matters (50) 9.07: death in chorus(51) 9.08: last year's model

SERIES TEN (2006 – 2008):

(52) 10.01: dance with the dead (53) 10.02: the animal within (54) 10.03: king's crystal (55) 10.04: the axeman cometh (simon dixon arrives!) (56) 10.05: death and dust (57) 10.06: picture of innocence (58) 10.07: they seek him here (59) 10.08: death in a chocolate box

SERIES ELEVEN (2008 – 2010):

(60) 11.01: shot at dawn (61) 11.02: blood wedding (simon dixon leaves!) (62) 11.03: left for dead (63) 11.04: midsomer life (64) 11.05: the magician's nephew (65) 11.06: days of misrule (66) 11.07: talking to the dead (aired between s12 & s13)

SERIES TWELVE (2009 – 2010):

(67) 12.01: the dogleg murders (68) 12.02: secrets and spies (69) 12.03: the black book (70) 12.04: the glitch (71) 12.05: small mercies (72) 12.06: the creeper (73) 12.07: the great and the good

SERIES THIRTEEN (2010 – 2011):

(74) 13.01: the made-to-measure murders (75) 13.02: the sword of guillaume (john barnaby arrives!) (76) 13.03: blood on the saddle (77) 13.04: the silent land (78) 13.05: master class (79) 13.06: the noble art (80) 13.07: not in my back yard (81) 13.08: fit for murder (tom barnaby leaves! also joyce & cully barnaby, gail stephens!)

SERIES FOURTEEN (2011 – 2012):

(82) 14.01: death in the slow lane (sykes the dog arrives!) (83) 14.02: dark secrets (sarah barnaby arrives!) (84) 14.03: echoes of the dead (85) 14.04: the oblong murders (george bullard leaves!) (86) 14.05: the sleeper under the hill (kate wilding arrives!) (87) 14.06: the night of the stag (88) 14.07: a sacred trust (89) 14.08: a rare bird

SERIES FIFTEEN (2012 – 2013):

(90) 15.01: the dark rider (91) 15.02: murder of innocence (92) 15.03: written in the stars (93) 15.04: death and the divas (94) 15.05: the sicilian defence (95) 15.06: schooled in murder (ben jones leaves!)

SERIES SIXTEEN (2013 – 2014):

(96) 16.01: the christmas haunting (charlie nelson arrives!) (97) 16.02: let us prey (98) 16.03: wild harvest (99) 16.04: the flying club (100) 16.05: the killings of copenhagen (betty barnaby arrives!)

SERIES SEVENTEEN (2015):

(101) 17.01: the dagger club (102) 17.02: murder by magic (103) 17.03: the ballad of midsomer county (104) 17.04: a vintage murder (kate wilding leaves!)

SERIES EIGHTEEN (2016):

(105) 18.01: habeas corpus (kam karimore arrives!) (106) 18.02: the incident at cooper hill (107) 18.03: breaking the chain (108) 18.04: a dying art (109) 18.05: saints and sinners (110) 18.06: harvest of souls (charlie nelson & sykes the dog leave!)

SERIES NINETEEN (2016 – 2018):

(111) 19.01: the village that rose from the dead (jamie winter & paddy the dog arrive!) (112) 19.02: crime and punishment (113) 19.03: last man out (114) 19.04: red in tooth & claw (115) 19.05: death by persuasion (116) 19.06: the curse of the ninth (kam karimore leaves!)

SERIES TWENTY (2019 – 2020):

(117) 20.01: the ghost of causton abbey (fleur perkins arrives!) (118) 20.02: death of the small coppers (119) 20.03: drawing dead (120) 20.04: the lions of causton (121) 20.05: till death do us part (122) 20.06: send in the clowns

SERIES TWENTY-ONE (2020 – 2021):

(123) 21.01: the point of balance (124) 21.02: the miniature murders (125) 21.03: the sting of death (126) 21.04: with baited breath

SERIES TWENTY-TWO (2021 – 2023):

(127) 22.01: the wolf hunter of little worthy (128) 22.02: the stitcher society (129) 22.03: happy families (130) 22.04: the scarecrow murders (131) 22.05: for death prepare (132) 22.06: the witches of angel’s rise

SERIES TWENTY-THREE (2024):

(133) 23.01: the blacktrees prophecy (134) 23.02: the debt of lies (135) 23.03: a grain of truth (136) 23.04: dressed to kill

SERIES TWENTY-FOUR (2024):

(137) 24.01: the devil's work (138) 24.02: book of the dead (139) 24.03: claws out (140) 24.04: climate of death

#usually i would write a physical list to keep track of this sort of thing #but i'm trying to do that less & take more digital notes #so here we are #a hundred and forty episodes might not seem like that many but bear in mind that each one is an hour and a half long #also that itvx is stuffs them full of ad breaks 😠 #personal

[thelittleredheadedmusician]

Do you have any advice for writing Zatanna in fanfic? :0

I think it’s important to keep in mind what version of Zee you’re writing & how old she is because that’s going to effect how you write her. If Zee is still a teen in your fic you’re going to want her to be more bubbly, a little silly & naive, and less unsure in her abilities though more willing to take risks. If she’s older than it’s likely after her dad’s death & that really has a major effect on her character, often making her think about his legacy & what their relationship would be like if he got to see her grow into the great magician she is. She’s still outgoing & friendly, but might be charming in public while feeling like it’s part of the act. Zee has a tendency to get anxious over her reliance on magic (calling herself a spellaholic in seven soldiers of victory) & guilty about using her magic to get what she wants or mess with people’s minds (identity crisis had major ripple effects). She gets more & more confident in her abilities, viewed as an expert & treated as such by both other magic users & heroes. The biggest thing to remember is that Zee is a performer, she can put on an excellent show no matter who the audience is & sometimes it’s the people she cares about.

I really recommend watching Young Justice’s episode Secrets, reading the Zatanna 4 part mini series in Seven Soldiers of Victory, Black Canary Zatanna: Bloodspell, & Zatanna: Mistress of Magic if you’re looking for some canon touchstones.

(I also take it you like my takes on Zee so thanks!!!)

#asks #anon #anonymous #dc comics #annataz

[litcityblues]

Doctor Whoquest Part Seven: Capaldi Couplets

Oh, man. We'll have to see when all is said and done with the Whoquest, but this might be the season that puts Capaldi over the top for me. So far, Doctors- with the exception of Eccleston, obviously- have averaged about three seasons in various forms (with Tennant and Smith getting some specials tacked onto the end of their respective runs) so if you assume the first season is going to be about establishing yourself in the role (and Capaldi's First Season was a strong one) you would expect the second season to really take a step up in quality- both acting and writing/story and this season more than hits that mark and blows right past it.

I know Doctor Who as a show has a long history of serialization-- most, if not all of Classic Who seems to run like that. Long, multi-part stories that get cobbled together into a season. While the structure of this season seems like a break in form- as it consists more or less of four two-part stories and then a three part-arc to end the season with a random singleton of an episode thrown in for good measure. The pattern doesn't quite hold, but I am always willing to give shows- especially well-established ones- a nod when they take a chance on form/structure to see what happens. I don't know if this was a deliberate choice on their part or if it just shook out that way- but either way, it worked really, really well.

Three Episodes I Liked

'Heaven Sent': Yes, you can throw in 'Face The Raven' and 'Hell Bent' to complete the full arc of this story and probably should, but 'Heaven Sent' to me, might wind up being one of the greatest episodes of Nu-Who, if not the entire franchise, full stop. I'm going to put down another marker: this is Capaldi's finest hour in the role. Hands down. There's an outside chance that something in his third season could top this, but I doubt it. This is so good that it's not just a truly great episode of Doctor Who- it's a great episode of science fiction. Capaldi carries the episode, acting more or less solo throughout and it's a searing, beautiful portrait about loss and grief and how far people will go to resolve it. (While the climax of this episode 'Personally, I think that's one hell of a bird' is beautiful, the real moment that really brings this episode into full focus comes in the next episode, 'Hell Bent' where Clara finally finds out how long the Doctor stayed trapped in the confession dial and asks him why and he says in that sort of broken voice, 'I had a duty of care' and it's just... so, so perfect.)

'The Zygon Inversion': A nice callback to the 50th Anniversary special, ('The Day of the Doctor') where three Doctors solve a Zygon invasion by erasing everyone's memories and allowing the Zygons to settle on earth in secret, maintaining their human forms, many of them unknowing that they are in fact, alien. The centerpiece of this delicate arrangement is the Two Osgoods (Ingrid Oliver) and at the start of the two-parter ('The Zygon Invasion') one of them- whether human or Zygon, we don't know- gets kidnapped. There are twists and turns along the way, but everything culminates with Kate Stewart of UNIT (Jemma Redgrave) facing down a militant Zygon who's taken Clara's body (Jenna Coleman) the Doctor pleads with them both to do anything but start a war, admitting to both of them the consequences he has had to live with after the Time War and both realize that the boxes are empty and only a ploy to avoid disaster. Kate's memory is wiped to keep the peace treaty and the militant Zygon, Bonnie becomes the new second Osgood and the balance is restored. It's an excellent callback to a prior episode and if everyone praises Capaldi's performance in 'Heaven Sent', his pleading monologue at the end of this one is another brilliant moment that also gets cited.

'The Magician's Apprentice': This was one hell of a way to start the season. The Doctor finds a young boy trapped in a war-ravaged battlefield and attempts to save him- but when he finds out that the boy is in fact, Davros, soon to be the creator of the Daleks, he abandons him. In the future, planes are frozen mid-flight and Clara is summoned to UNIT to help figure out what's going on, only to find out it's Missy (Michelle Gomez) who has received the Doctor's confession dial/last will and testament and seems pretty convinced that the Doctor thinks he's dying, so they go and track him down and find him rolling a tank into 1138 England with an electric guitar and sonic sunglasses. Everything just gets better from there.

Two Episodes I Didn't Like

'Sleep No More': The lone singleton episode of the season, I think it was the ending that did it for me. Don't get me wrong- in a season that plays with structure and form overall, I liked the whole 'found footage' aspect of it from the jump. But I think they should have leaned more in the direction of 'Event Horizon' than 'The Ring' for the ending. Basically: loved the overall episode, loved the idea, and the found footage aspect of it, but it doesn't stick the landing as well as it should.

'Before The Flood': The one two-parter that is largely just 'okay' throughout the entire season, I didn't mind it- but it feels weirdly like a bottle episode from Star Trek. The Doctor and Clara, face a menace/monster, etc of some kind in confined quarters. It was Satan in 'The Impossible Planet'/'The Satan Pit', but here it's ghosts and The Fisher King. It's largely okay, I did enjoy Capaldi running around talking about the bootstrap paradox at the beginning-- his solo moments in the TARDIS are something that he's overall very good at. But this felt like a remix of an episode we'd seen before.

One Episode To Consider

'The Husbands Of River Song': HBO Max does this weird thing with the episode order, so this one was technically tacked on at the end of this season along with 'The Return of Doctor Mysterio'-- by itself, 'The Husbands of River Song' is a perfect ending to the character of River Song and 'Doctor Mysterio' deals with some of the aftermath of that, even if it's not the main focus of the episode, it gets touched on, which is a nice bit of continuity.

Overall: I said it at the jump-- unless Capaldi's third season has some surprises in store, I think this is going to be his best season and might be the season that converts me to Team Capaldi once and for awhile. I love that they play with the structure (the majority of the season is two part or multi-part stories), and while they didn't stick the landing with 'Sleep No More' it was something fresh and different with the 'found footage' structure of it all- even the inevitable appearance of the Daleks was a new angle on the Doctor's ancient enemies and making his way back to Gallifrey it was just great. Loved this season. It might be my favorite so far.

My Grade: 9/10

#whoquest #doctor wo #12 #season 9 #peter capaldi

[aleatoryw]

Updates to the Bella Sara tarot deck

Patch notes: replaced a minor arcana with the incorrect symbol with a major card and altered the major arcana slightly to accommodate this change (wiki edition of card and owned physical edition have different symbols), reorganized all minor arcana to better reflect three years of tarot knowledge from readings and research

Improved deck with all card messages, corresponding tarot cards, and card meanings below the cut, old deck (and the explanation for how and why i made this!) here. card meanings via biddytarot.

Major Arcana

The Fool - beginnings, innocence, spontaneity, recklessness - Luna - “A wonderful and exciting world awaits you.”

The Magician - manifestation, resourcefulness, power, untapped talent - Tao - “The whole world is at your feet.”

The High Priestess - intuition, subconscious, divinity, secrets - Santos - “Be mindful of your senses and your intuition.”

The Empress - femininity, beauty, nature, creative block - Honey - “Create something beautiful. It will make you feel peaceful.”

The Emperor - masculinity, authority, structure, control - Cantaro - “Develop your ability to lead. Ask a wise person for advice.”

The Hierophant - religious beliefs, tradition, spirituality, freedom - Angel - “Angel is coming. Make space and let heaven help you.”

The Lovers - love, relationships, choices, disharmony - Yin & Yang - “You always have a choice.”

The Chariot - willpower, action, self discipline, travel - Tai - “Be resolute and energetic in what you do.”

Strength - courage, compassion, influence, self-doubt - Thunder - “I give you courage. Now you can release your fears.”

The Hermit - introspection, withdrawal, inner guidance, loneliness - Mushu - “Find a peaceful place where you can gather new energy.”

The Wheel of Fortune - luck, destiny, cycles, turning points - Eagle - “See the world from above like an eagle.”

Justice - fairness, truth, accountability, cause and effect - Grey - “If you really want it, it will come to you.”

The Hanged Man - surrender, new perspective, indecision, delay - Yasmin - “Retreat and gather new energy for taking steps on the road.”

Death - endings, change, transformation, purging - Chung - “Let go of pain and sorrow. The road will open and everything will go right.”

Temperance - balance, moderation, patience, re-alignment - Peace - “Those who don’t think of winning or losing have peace in mind.”

The Devil - attachment, restriction, limiting beliefs, dark thoughts - Ninja - "Be careful every minute."

The Tower - sudden change, chaos, revelation, disaster - Macon - “It is wise to accept that there are things you can’t do.”

The Star - hope, renewal, purpose, self-trust - Star - “It is not what you do but who you are that is important.”

The Moon - illusion, anxiety, release of fear, inner confusion - Sheng - “Understand the past. Hold onto the great things and move forward alone.”

The Sun - positivity, warmth, success, inner child - Bella - “Think positive every day! Feel the bliss of joy and energy that comes with it."

Judgement - rebirth, inner calling, absolution, inner critic - Starfighter - “Believe in your vision and make it come true.”

The World - completion, integration, accomplishment, closure - Sunny - “The wind blows. The sun is shining. Surround yourself with positive friends.”

Minor Arcana

Suit of Wands/Flowers:

Ace - inspiration, growth - Feng - “This moment is full of opportunities.”

Two - future planning, fear of unknown - Halloween - “I will keep you safe.”

Three - progress, foresight - Nanna - “Think positively. Your happy thoughts will grow.”

Four - celebration, harmony - Walter - “I love your company. Let’s have a good time together.”

Five - conflict, tension - Shakira - “Goodness and generosity create loving energy.”

Six - recognition, confidence - Tiffi - “Paradise is a state of mind.”

Seven - challenge, protection - Flipper - “I will embrace you with extra energy and magic. Then you don’t have to be afraid.”

Eight - movement, alignment - Misla - “With me you will be safe and protected by heaven.”

Nine - resilience, overwhelm - Yung - “Don’t be afraid. Show who you are.”

Ten - burden, hard work - Jewel - “I will help you stay in a steady flow of abundance.”

Page - ideas, limitless potential - Pink Lady - “I am the spirit of your inner child. Be joyful and see the world as a magical place.”

Knight - passion, adventure - Sarah - “Take a chance and follow your heart.”

Queen - courage, determination - Shaman - “You are more powerful than you realize. It is safe and good for you to be powerful.”

King - vision, leadership - Bosi - “Use all your abilities to make this a beautiful place.”

Suit of Pentacles/Moons:

Ace - opportunity, abundance - Sokki - “Seize the day.”

Two - adaptability, priorities - Rose - “Listen to your dreams. What they tell you is important.”

Three - teamwork, collaboration - Rain - “Run with me and feel the power.”

Four - control, scarcity - Leonard - “Your life is a sundance.”

Five - isolation, worry, loss - Charlie - “Make time to listen to your friends.”

Six - giving, receiving - Leonardo - “When you hear me neigh you will feel the joy we have.”

Seven - long-term view, perseverance - Hummingbird - “Go after the point of life.”

Eight - apprenticeship, skill development - Hercules - “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Nine - luxury, self-sufficiency - Mermaid - “Laugh from your heart and feel the joy.”

Ten - family, security - Mandalay - “This is a magical moment. You can make a wish.”

Page - manifestation, procrastination - Jonathan - “It is time for joyful playing. Joy creates miracles.”

Knight - hard work, routine, discipline - Lucky Light - “Always be clear and brave.”

Queen - nurturing, self-care - Shadow - “Look within yourself and love what you find there.”

King - abundance, security, leadership - Balto - “Happiness is a decision. Decide to be happy.”

Suit of Swords/Horseshoes:

Ace - breakthroughs, clarity - Konfu - “Move towards your goals. The road is open.”

Two - difficult decisions, avoidance - Blackie - “Follow your dreams. Feel the happiness it brings.”

Three - heartbreak, forgiveness - Yellow - “Spend time with me and you will get your heart’s desire.”

Four - relaxation, recuperation - Sweety - “You are a perfect child. Believe it.”

Five - conflict, making amends - Alibi - “Find new ways to be with others.”

Six - transition, resistance to change - Parlez - "Make a plan and commit completely to it."

Seven - deception, strategy - Moonlight - “Trust the moon and the stars. Then your dreams are coming through.”

Eight - limiting beliefs, self-imposed restriction - Jojo - “You create your own reality.”

Nine - anxiety, turmoil, releasing worry - Freja - “Close your eyes and hear the sound around you.”

Ten - painful endings, loss, recovery - Cascadeur - “The things you have lost will come back by themselves.”

Page - thirst for knowledge, communication - Colour - “Feel the joy in what you see, hear, and sense.”

Knight - ambition, restlessness - Flame - “I run faster than the wind. Follow me and we will find a magical place.”

Queen - independence, clarity - Ming - “Be open and take care of what is necessary.”

King - intellectual power, authority - Bello - “Life is a gift. Receive it and love it.”

Suit of Cups/Hearts:

Ace - new relationships, creativity - Pegasus - “Your dreams are coming through. I am here to help you trust.”

Two - partnership, unity - Saga - “Join me and we will be happy together.”

Three - celebration, friendship - Nikita - “You may join us if you like.”

Four - meditation, contemplation - Sung - “Retreat from conflicts and go where you feel safe.”

Five - regret, disappointment, moving on - Filippa - “Enjoy what you have got. You don’t need what you have not.”

Six - revisiting the past, joy - Fiona - “Be the hero in your own story.”

Seven - choices, wishful thinking - Roxy - “Magical opportunities surround you.”

Eight - abandonment, escapism, trying again - Lancelot - “Be patient. Wait for the right moment before you take action.”

Nine - contentment, gratitude - Misty - “You have Misty’s touch right now, and everything you start turns to gold.”

Ten - divine love, bliss, happiness - Lucas - “Run with me and you will feel the strength and power inside you.”

Page - curiosity, possibility - Sasha - “Make your goals magnificent.”

Knight - romance, charm, imagination - Ghost - “Your beauty comes from within.”

Queen - compassion, self-love, stability - Skipper - “Believe in your worth. You are valuable.”

King - diplomacy, balance - King - “I will help you spread peace and unity throughout the world.”

#bella sara #tarot deck #i've been using this deck in my rotation for three years now! and i'm excited to start with the updated version! #a lot of the minor arcana resonate so much more now that i'm more familiar with the card meanings #this post is a reference for me but also feel free to adapt it for your own use #making a deck out of things you're familiar with is so beautiful and fun and personal

[floatysparrowthing]

Pancake’s Pride Month Book Recs!

The Delightful Romance Novels

These three books are heavy on the romance and read like the best fanfiction, with plenty of humor and heartbreak before the (spoiler alert) happy ending!

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun:

Dev works as a producer on a Bachelor-like reality TV show and desperately wants his own happily ever after. Enter Charlie: this season’s Prince Charming, who’s anxious and afraid to let anyone in, but handsome as hell. Secret dating and strong mental health themes round it all out to make this mlm + aspec romance a wonderful read 😊

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston:

23yo August falls in love on the New York Subway when she sees the leather-jacket-clad Jane who’s quite literally stepped out of the 70s and into the modern day. Between the lovable queer community, drag queens, pancakes, and time travel mystery, this wlw book is so so great!

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

After landing a government job he knows nothing about, Robin finds himself embroiled in a magical side of London he also knew nothing about. In Edwardian England, he teams up with the incredibly smart but reserved magician Edwin to figure out what happened to his missing predecessor. There are libraries and labyrinths and countryside manors, spicy scenes and an inventive magic system in this mlm romance ✨ plus, a wlw sequel is coming out later this year 👀

The Sad Gays

Don���t expect a happy ending with these, but they’re gorgeous love stories that will stick in your mind and refuse to leave.

Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

A retelling of the Illiad through Patroclus’s POV, as he and Achilles fall in love as young boys and become fiercely devoted to each other. But of course there’s war and glory and tragedy to be had… this one’s heart wrenching for sure! But oh it’s a beautiful read 💜

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

In a fictionalized old Hollywood, the beautiful young Evelyn Hugo does whatever it takes to become a star and goes through seven marriages in the process. Although that’s what she’s famous for, the book is actually about hiding queerness when coming out could have wrecked your career— I got wayyy more emotionally compromised from this book than I expected! (There’s wlw and mlm in it!)

The Magical Bisexuals

The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo

This one’s a retelling of The Great Gatsby, but from the POV of Daisy’s friend Jordan Baker. In this version, Jordan is a Vietnamese queer woman with a talent for magical paper craft. In fact, just about every character is now queer! It’s not a simple love story, but it’s certainly one to suck you into it’s hazy world of parties and poor choices. There’s one scene in particular that has stuck with me for months now.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

As a hopelessly lost 20-something this one really hit home for me— we quickly learn that the immortal Addie LaRue is forgotten by everyone she meets until she comes across Henry who somehow remembers her. The book alternates telling her 300 year history (beginning in France when she gets her curse) and their present day story. Both main characters are bi! This is one book I absolutely didn’t want to end.

The Fantasy Trilogies

The Shades of Magic Trilogy by V. E. Schwab:

This trilogy is mostly about the magic plot of parallel universe Londons and the struggles of its main characters, with a side of romance. While I’m p sure all the characters are bi, there is definitely a take-my-breath-away mlm romance. And oh! The characters! They’re wonderful— from the powerful but leashed magician Kell to the girl with all the knives Lilah to the charming but hurting prince Rhy. They simply don’t let go of your heart even after you’re done reading.

The Simon Snow Trilogy by Rainbow Rowell:

The mlm romance takes center stage in this trilogy!! They’re rivals at their magic school which is delicious in itself, but add to that an interesting breakdown of the chosen one trope, an amazing dive into how depression can affect your relationship, vampiric self-discovery, and downright hilarious writing and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve listened to these audiobooks 😅

I think a lot of people have probably already read many of these books but eh, whatever— they’re my fave queer books I’ve read in the last few years! 💖💜💙

#pride #pride books #book recommendations #happy pride #pride book recs