#Vehicle Alignment tool | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

juicycoutureheaux · 11 months

Text

Fixer Upper

This is an AU with sheriff!Leon x innocent!farm girl reader

Chapter 1 Chapter 2

I usually don’t write for Leon, but I felt inspired to write after a work inspired by Lol I felt like the story idea was fitting for his character. This is set in another time, around the 1950s, so there will be some sensitive topics that my personal values DO NOT align with. We can’t change the past but we can change the future, I will put TW but if I miss anything please let me know, I would love to be accommodating. Let me know what y’all think if it’s good enough to be a series or if I should even want to entertain the idea.

This fic was inspired by a new friend who I have been so excited to be able to get to know over a short period of time. thank you for everything @heavennights , you're an amazing human.

Y/N wiped the sweat from her brow as she leaned over the truck’s steaming engine.

It was her daddy’s old Ford truck and she wasn’t even supposed to take it out this long. She cursed herself for not bringing her tool set, but she didn’t anticipate the truck to get overheated so quickly either.

You wanted to cry, you were dreading the tongue-lashing you’d get from your daddy when you got home. Y/N had just turned 18 earlier that month, right before she graduated high school.

You wanted to go to college,learn about space, and how to get there; but mama & daddy said it was a waste of time, they would never let a woman work at NACA; no matter how hard she tried.

Instead, Daddy had pulled in a favor from one of his childhood friends that worked at the police station and got you a job there as a secretary. Daddy prayed that Y/N would settle down with a good man that could take care of you. The farm was going to be passed down to your older brother, Hank.

Hank was already married with a child on the way. His wife, Mary-Anne, was one of your only friends. She was two years older than you but they genuinely enjoyed each other’s company.

You were deep in thought when you heard tires coming down the dirt road. She turned around and saw the flashing lights coming from the vehicle's top.

When the vehicle came to a stop, you realized you hadn’t recognized the man getting out of the front seat. You couldn’t help but stiffen up at the stranger and felt a cold shiver down your spine despite it being close to 90 degrees outside.

You couldn’t deny the man was handsome; his clear skin was complemented by his stormy blue eyes. His features mirrored the men in the magazines, his hair longer in the front and slicked to the side. His official Springfield County Name tag read “Deputy Kennedy.”

You must have been staring too long because he smirked at you playfully. It made you blush.

“Looks like you have a dilemma here, darlin.” He said, his voice lacking the southern accent most people had in this area.

“Oh…uhm…” you said timidly looking at the broken down truck. You were sure you had never seen this man before despite working for the local police force. She knew the sheriff's position had opened up but didn’t realize they had someone in mind since Chuck DuBois had resigned.

“You’re not in trouble, sweetheart. I’m here to help.” He smiled a toothy smile at you.

You couldn’t help but return it meekly. “I was trying to get home, but my engine overheated,” you said, trying to choke back tears. “I can walk up the road to Parker’s Gas station and call my daddy, I don't want to waste your time.

The man looked at you shocked. “In this heat, sweetheart? You might as well call the coroner now.”

It was a hot day, and your hairline growing damper by the second.

“Let me take you home, I’m sure we can get your daddy out here and we can fix the truck for you.” He opened the passenger door for you and you gladly accepted.

“Deputy Kennedy” cranked the car and the radio blared to life playing “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash.

He extended his hand to you. “I realized I didn’t introduce myself; I’m Kennedy, Deputy Leon Kennedy,” he eyed you up and down absentmindedly. “And you are…?”

You blinked. “Oh, I’m, “Y/F/N, Y/L/N.”

Leon looked at you for a minute, before he asked, “That last name, is your father Farmer L/N?”

You shook your head.

Leon smiled at you brightly. “So you’re my new secretary! Damn, this town is really tiny!” He laughed.

You couldn’t help but giggle along with him. What were the chances?

You decided to be brave and get to know your new boss.

“Where are you from?”

“I’m actually from Colorado, but I moved to Georgia about a year ago.”

“That’s really neat.” You said meekly, not quite sure how else to respond.

“I guess, have you ever been?”

You shook your head, “I’ve never been out of the South, but I would like to ride on an airplane one day!” You said excitedly.

His handsome features turned into a genuine smile. “I know you will, Y/N.”

You blushed and they rode together in comfortable silence until his car pulled down the long driveway of the farmhouse.

Y/N’s father and mother were waiting for her outside the farmhouse. You gulped and suddenly felt like a small child.

Leon let out a deep whistle. “Looks like they’ve been waiting for you.”

He exited the car, waved in the direction of her parents, and opened the door for her.

She hesitantly got out and walked up to the house. Y/N’s father was the first to talk.

“Where the hell have you been?” He looked at Leon. “And why the hell are you wasting the deputy’s time to escort you home? Why didn’t you call?” He raised his voice.

You were scared to answer, you were shaking and very upset to get the courage to speak.

“Sir, I insisted that she ride with me. The truck she was driving had broken down and she wanted to call, I felt that it would be more efficient to just take her home.”

Y/N’s father’s glare softened. “If you insisted,” was all the rugged farmer could say.

Your mother grabbed you to take you inside, but you resisted slightly, thanking Leon for his Kindness instead.

He tipped his hat, “No need to thank me, miss.” he said genuinely, “I look forward to seeing you tomorrow morning at the station.”

He walked back to the patrol car and drove away, the dust from the unpaved driveway following him.

Your mother wasted no time in pulling you harder than before, into the farmhouse.

“Y/n!” she scolded. “What were you doing accepting a ride from a man you had never met before? I hope Patrick’s parents don’t hear about it!”

You cringed. You were so taken up with Deputy Kennedy’s kindness, you had completely forgotten that your parents had set you up with someone else.

Patrick was a young, college-educated fellow whose parents were influential in not just your town, but the entire southeast. Your mother was absolutely delighted when his mother, Suzanne approached her in church one Sunday and suggested setting you and Patrick up.

According to Suzanne, you were a charming match for her son, you had no reputation of being “fast” and came from a good god-fearing family.

You had never interacted with Patrick before, despite your brother Hank having gone to school with him. When you asked Hank about Patrick, Hank scoffed. “That guy is known for being a candy-ass, but popular with the ladies. He was always playing backseat bingo with some floozy.”

“Mama and Daddy want to set me up with him.” She confessed to Hank. “Miss Suzanne insisted we meet.”

“You’ve got to be kidding, they’re that desperate to get you off the farm? I knew you were talking about that NACA stuff, but I didn’t think they were listening.” He said bluntly.

“What are you talking about?”

“They don’t want you going to college, Y/N. They want you close to home, that space shit, its just a bunch of bullshit.”

Y/N felt her ears get hot. Sure, she wasn’t the smartest, but she had won the Science Fair three years in a row, all of her projects inspired by NACA. She was interested in how intricate mathematical equations could put men into space.

“It's not bullshit.” She said quietly.

“I know it's not bullshit to you, Y/N; but people around here, they don't know the difference.”

She decided to end the conversation and head up to her room after that.

The next day she was dressed in her Sunday best waiting in the Armstrong family’s Parlor. It would be her first time meeting Patrick. He came strolling in, dressed in preppy casual attire, oblivious of his surroundings.

She rose to meet him. “Oh, darlin’ don’t you get out of that chair, I didn’t think you’d be here so soon.” You blushed at him calling you a pet name so quickly.

“I apologize, I didn’t know what to expect.”

“You’re too polite! I know why my mother had such an interest in you.” He said proudly.

You analyzed his features, his eyes were dark but expressive; his windblown hair had soft curls. You thought he was quite handsome, no wonder Hank had mentioned him being so popular with the girls.

He sat down next to you, smelling of aftershave. You were enamored with him already, none of the boys at school ever paid you any mind. You could have never imagined holding a princely character such as Patrick’s undivided attention.

As you two were starting to engage in casual conversation, an older woman in a maid’s uniform brought in a tray of iced tea & other refreshments.

“Thank you, Lavinia.” Patrick said passively.

Lavinia just bowed silently and hurried out of the room quietly.

You had never been served by anyone before. You were so shocked you couldn’t even focus on the fact that Patrick was eyeing you carefully.

“Sooo, what do you do in your spare time y/n? Surely you don’t spend all your time entertaining farm animals all day.”

That last part of the statement caught you off guard. Is that all he thought of you as? A simple farmer’s daughter?

You laughed awkwardly. The laugh was more for Patrick’s comfort as he was obviously proud of his poor attempt at humor.

“I enjoy reading to the animals,” you said sarcastically. You looked as Patrick’s handsome features contorted into an expression between confusion and genuine concern.

“That was a joke,” you rushed to say. “I enjoy reading, but obviously to myself.”

Patrick’s face relaxed, relief spreading over his features. “Oh, that's neat! What do you like to read?”

“Ray Bradbury, The Martian Chronicles is one of my favorite books.”

Patrick looked at you, the confused look coming back to his face. “That's…interesting.” He said, trying to be polite.

“What do you like to do?” You tried to direct the conversation to himself.

You quickly learned Patrick loved to talk about himself, he couldn’t stop talking about his various “Achievements”.

You listened patiently, thankful that he probably wouldn’t ask you any more questions about yourself; you didn’t want to embarrass yourself further.

After he listed off his various conquests of sailing and horseback riding, he began to scoot closer to you.

“I think this has been a wonderful meeting, mother was right, you are quite beautiful.” He said, brushing stray hair behind your ear.

You blushed, you had never been touched like that.

“Do you think we could meet again next week? I would love to take you out.”

You nodded enthusiastically.

“Wonderful!” He checked his wristwatch. “It looks like it’s getting late, would you like me to take you home?”

You looked at him hesitantly, you were unsure about having another man drive you home.

“Don’t worry,” he said, an almost devious look shone through his eyes, “I don’t bite.”

You reluctantly agreed and soon you were in his 1956 Red Corvette. It was a sporty thing, he insisted riding with the ragtop down. He handed you a pair of sunglasses that were hiding in the glove compartment.

“You’ll need these.” He said as he put his own pair over his eyes.

He looked perfect. How could he be anything less? His life was absolutely charmed. You wondered if he ever felt out of place, of course not.

As the two of you were riding in the car, he moved his hand closer to you, slowly and put it on your knee.

You felt butterflies in your stomach, completely overwhelmed by all the new sensation. Wind blowing your hair violently, the scent of summer and Patrick’s warm large hand on your bare knee.

The ride was over too soon for your liking. You handed the sunglasses back to him.

“Keep ‘em sweetheart. You’ll need them again when I pick you up next time.” He winked at you.

You felt like your knees were going to turn to liquid and you felt like you couldn’t move.

He leaned over and gave you a peck on your cheek and you almost fell over.

You quickly gathered your things.

“T-thank you for your time. It was really nice!” You stuttered out.

“Anytime Sweetheart.”

When you got to the door safely and waved goodbye he started the car and rolled away.

You would be dreaming of this moment for a while.

#resident evil fanfiction #leon kennedy x reader #leon x reader #leon kennedy #resident evil #alternate universe #fanfiction

182 notes · View notes

talonabraxas · 4 months

Text

'Sirian' Merkabah 🌀 Talon Abraxas Merkabah and your Spiritual Ascension The journey of spiritual ascension is a deeply personal process, one that involves evolving consciousness, opening higher faculties, and aligning with your divine potential. Merkabah, with its profound symbolism and ancient wisdom, plays a crucial role in this transformative journey.

The Merkabah, viewed as a light body vehicle, can assist us in navigating through higher dimensions and deeper states of consciousness. By activating our Merkabah through daily practices and intention setting, we can potentially elevate our vibrational frequency and enhance our spiritual capacities.

The activation process is often seen as a multi-dimensional awakening. It involves a shift from a state of ego-centric consciousness to one of unity and interconnectedness with all of creation. This ascension journey, mirrored in the geometric harmony of the Merkabah, reflects the process of moving beyond perceived dualities and into a more holistic understanding of existence.

Working with Merkabah energy also aligns with the concept of “as above, so below,” a key axiom in Hermetic and spiritual teachings. This principle suggests that the macrocosm of the universe is reflected in the microcosm of our individual experiences. By aligning with the energy of our personal Merkabah, we’re syncing with the universal patterns and rhythms, facilitating a deeper connection with our higher selves and the collective consciousness.

…and we can’t forget that the Merkabah also symbolizes balance and integration of polarities — masculine and feminine, physical and spiritual, Earthly and divine. This harmonizing energy aids us in achieving a more balanced state of being, which is crucial for our spiritual ascension. The fusion of opposites within the Merkabah can be seen as a guide, encouraging us to integrate all aspects of our being in our quest for wholeness.

In essence, the Merkabah serves as a cosmic tool, aiding us navigate the intricacies of spiritual growth. By understanding and working with its energies, we can foster a clearer path towards ascension for a greater alignment with our highest self and deepest purpose.

44 notes · View notes

probablyfunrpgideas · 2 months

Text

Planescape Factions by Magic Color

I hope to get some responses on this, because I’m not super familiar with Magic lore. But here’s some of the Planescape organizations - the philosopher gangs and guilds who run Sigil and clash across the multiverse.

The Athar say that the gods aren’t truly divine and should be subject to the same rules as anyone, despite their power. They represent Blue/White with their focus on logic over faith and their organized printing presses and alchemists.

The Believers of the Source say all things are being tested and eventually, with enough determination, we mortals can achieve reincarnation into a higher state. In their foundries, they build tools and vehicles and fine trade goods. They represent Black/Green with the focus on growth and personal development, and the drive to become something new.

The Bleak Cabal says there’s no meaning or purpose to existence, and even accepting this lesson is just a temporary distraction from the endless, hopeless mess. In the Gatehouse, they care for the many poor and unhealthy citizens of Sigil. They represent a very odd flavor of Black/White as they turn their empty lives to a social mission.

The Doomguard say everything is going to end eventually, so why not enjoy the view of all the destruction? They push the entropic process forward by forging all kinds of weapons in the Armory. They exemplify Red/Black in their reckless disregard for the fabric of reality.

If this sparks some interest I will keep it going - there’s fifteen factions, so there might be color overlap between them. And keep in mind, there’s all kinds of alignments and ideals within these groups to inspire NPCs and adventure hooks!

#idea #tabletop rpgs #d&d #d&d 5e #planescape

32 notes · View notes

grey-sorcery · 9 months

Text

Title: Sigilcraft Mechanics: Metasigils, Hypersigils, & Knot Magic

Suggested Reading

Sigilcraft: How-to Conceptualization Vs. VisualizationAnchorsEnergetic ConstructsIntermediate Energy WorkIntro to GnosisVisualization: Effective PracticeCorrespondencesThreshold Theory Basics of Spellcasting Spell Design

CW: This article discusses | || || |_. iykyk

Sigilcraft, Metasigils, & Hypersigils

When first getting into sigilwork, you may stumble into the practices of meta/hyper sigils. Metasigils are things like sigil-chains and spell circles, or multiple sigils that are connected or combined in order to create a more specific purpose. Hypersigils are nebulous connections made between concepts and intent that are embedded into the media. Hypersigils operate off the exact same mechanics as regular sigils but they are carried through a different, more expansive, vehicle. Rather than using lines and symbols to carry their purpose, their purpose is programmed through imagery, theme, composition, color theory, mathematics/numerology, and/or energy work. Sigilcraft, Metasigils, and Hypersigils represent intriguing aspects of contemporary occult practices, drawing upon psychological frameworks and symbol manipulation. Sigilcraft involves the creation and activation of sigils, which are abstract symbols charged with personal meaning and intention. These sigils serve as condensed representations of desired outcomes or transformative states. Rather than relying on explicit intentions, practitioners engage in a process of symbolic encoding to tap into the subconscious and evoke change.

Metasigils take sigilcraft a step further by incorporating multiple sigils into a larger, interconnected system. This system aims to capture a complex web of desires, beliefs, and archetypal influences. Metasigils serve as composite symbols that harmonize various facets of the practitioner's psyche, creating a unified expression of personal goals and aspirations. Through the interplay of multiple sigils within a Metasigil construct, practitioners seek to engage with deeper layers of their consciousness and facilitate transformative shifts.

Hypersigils push the boundaries of sigilcraft by expanding beyond static symbols into dynamic narrative frameworks. Hypersigils encompass a multidimensional approach, incorporating elements of storytelling, art, and personal mythology. They function as immersive vehicles that transport practitioners into a narrative world where their desires and intentions unfold. Hypersigils intertwine the symbolic power of sigils with immersive narratives, fostering a heightened level of engagement and identification. Through the ongoing interaction with the narrative construct, practitioners immerse themselves in a self-created reality that facilitates profound personal transformations.

The underlying psychological mechanisms behind sigilcraft, Metasigils, and Hypersigils are rooted in the power of symbolism and the subconscious mind. By engaging in symbol manipulation and focusing attention on the sigils or narrative constructs, practitioners tap into the reservoir of the subconscious, which is receptive to symbolic language and imagery. This process operates on the principle that the subconscious mind is more receptive to indirect communication, bypassing conscious filters and allowing for greater potential for change and manifestation.

Within this psychological framework, sigilcraft, Metasigils, and Hypersigils can be seen as tools that interface with cognitive processes, including attention, belief formation, and intentionality. The process of creating, activating, and interacting with these symbolic constructs involves a deliberate manipulation of cognitive processes to influence perceptions, motivations, and behaviors. By engaging with sigils, Metasigils, and Hypersigils, practitioners harness the power of suggestion, amplifying the psychological impact and aligning their subconscious processes towards desired outcomes.

Historical Contributions

The contributions of Paracelsus (1493-1541), Austin Osman Spare (1886-1956), Marsilio Ficino (1433-1499), Abu Ma'shar al-Balkhi (787-886), and Zhang Guo Lao (c. 8th century) to the practice and use of sigils, talismans, and amulets were instrumental in shaping the understanding and application of these symbolic tools.

Paracelsus, a pioneering 16th century physician and alchemist, explored sigils, talismans, and amulets within his holistic approach to medicine and metaphysical philosophy. His seminal works, such as "The Book of Seven Seals" and "Philosophia Occulta," elucidated the intricate connections between the natural and spiritual realms. Paracelsus emphasized the utilization of symbols and objects to harness and channel the innate healing powers of nature, promoting the idea that the physical and spiritual aspects of existence were intimately entwined.

Austin Osman Spare, an artist and occultist, brought a unique perspective to sigils, talismans, and amulets in the early 20th century. In his influential work, "The Book of Pleasure," Spare developed a method known as "The Alphabet of Desire." This system involved the creation of personalized sigils as a means of manifesting one's desires. Spare's approach emphasized the integration of sigils into individualistic practices, wherein practitioners could tap into their subconscious and project their intentions into the symbol, without relying on external correspondences or established magical systems.

Marsilio Ficino, a 15th century Italian philosopher and astrologer, made significant contributions to the understanding and application of talismans. In his notable work, "De Vita Coelitus Comparanda," Ficino explored the concept of celestial correspondences and the use of talismans to align oneself with the cosmic forces. He believed that talismans, charged with celestial energies, could serve as conduits to bring about specific effects or virtues. Ficino's emphasis on the inherent connections between the celestial and human realms paved the way for further developments in talismanic practices.

Abu Ma'shar al-Balkhi, an 8th century Persian astrologer and astronomer, explored talismans and their relationship with celestial influences. In his extensive writings, including "The Book of the Thousands" and "The Great Introduction," al-Balkhi explored the creation and application of talismans based on astrological principles. He believed that the proper alignment of planetary influences and the selection of auspicious times were crucial factors in the efficacy of talismans. His works provided a structured approach to the utilization of talismans in magical and astrological practices.

The fangshi (Occultist or Alchemist) Zhang Guo Lao, a legendary figure in Chinese Taoism during the Tang Dynasty (7th century), is associated with the creation and use of talismans. Though historical details of his life are uncertain, his role in Chinese folklore and Taoist practices is noteworthy. Zhang Guo Lao was believed to possess the ability to create and utilize magical charms and talismans. He was associated with the tradition of Taoist magical arts and was considered a master of talismanic practices.

These individuals, each with their unique perspectives and contributions, shaped the understanding and practice of sigils, talismans, and amulets. Paracelsus's holistic approach, Spare's individualistic methods, Ficino's celestial correspondences, al-Balkhi's astrological insights, and Zhang Guo Lao's mythical influence all played a significant role in the development and evolution of these symbolic tools. By exploring the interplay between natural and spiritual elements, these historical figures expanded our understanding of how sigils, talismans, and amulets can be utilized as practical and symbolic aids in various metaphysical, mystical, and magical practices.

The concept of hypersigils emerged in the field of chaos magic, and it was popularized by the occultist and writer Grant Morrison. Grant Morrison is often credited with introducing and developing the idea of hypersigils in his comic book series "The Invisibles," which was published from 1994 to 2000. Morrison expanded on this idea and proposed the concept of hypersigils, which extended the creation and activation of sigils to more complex and immersive forms of media. In "The Invisibles," Morrison incorporated his personal beliefs, desires, and intentions into the storyline, characters, and themes of the comic series. By doing so, he believed that he was effectively creating a hypersigil that would have a profound impact on his own life and the world around him. Morrison is quoted: “"The 'hypersigil' or 'supersigil' develops the sigil concept beyond the static image and incorporates elements such as characterization, drama, and plot. The hypersigil is a sigil extended through the fourth dimension. My own comic book series The Invisibles was a six-year long sigil in the form of an occult adventure story which consumed and recreated my life during the period of its composition and execution. The hypersigil is an immensely powerful and sometimes dangerous method for actually altering reality in accordance with intent. Results can be remarkable and shocking"

Uses and Applications in Witchcraft

The applications of Sigilcraft, Metasigils, and Hypersigils within the models of psychological, spiritual, energetic, and informational witchcraft encompass a diverse range of practices and techniques, each with its distinct focus and approach. Sigilcraft, the creation and utilization of sigils as symbolic tools, finds relevance and applicability in these different models.

In the psychological model of witchcraft, sigils serve as potent vehicles for self-exploration, introspection, and personal transformation. Through the process of crafting and activating sigils, practitioners engage in a form of self-directed psychological programming. Sigils become encoded representations of desires, goals, or affirmations, and their activation acts as a catalyst for subconscious shifts, empowering individuals to manifest desired psychological states or changes within their own psyche.

In the spiritual model of witchcraft, sigils hold significance as sacred symbols that establish connections between the individual and the divine or spiritual realms. Through the process of crafting and consecrating sigils, practitioners forge a connection with spiritual forces or deities, invoking their guidance, protection, or blessings. Sigils become conduits for spiritual energy and serve as focal points for devotion, meditation, or ritual practices, facilitating communion with the sacred and the cultivation of spiritual growth. May also incorporate astrology to aid in constructing this connection.

Within the energetic model of witchcraft, sigils function as energetic constructs that interact with subtle forces and channels of energy. By infusing sigils with a specific energetic signature, practitioners direct and manipulate energetic currents to influence specific outcomes or to affect the energetic balance within themselves or their environment. Sigils become energetic engrams, harnessing, transmuting, and directing the flow of subtle energies to bring about desired energetic fluctuations. Due to the pervasiveness of energy within all practices, any media or symbol can be created as, or made into, a sigil.

The informational model of witchcraft recognizes sigils as symbolic codes that communicate and transmit information beyond the conscious realm. In this model, sigils serve as gateways to accessing or altering information within the collective unconscious or the larger informational field. Practitioners employ sigils to tap into the reservoir of universal knowledge, to enhance intuition, or to encode information for purposes of communication, divination, or influencing informational flows.

Metasigils, an extension of sigilcraft, further expand the possibilities within these models of witchcraft. Metasigils operate on a meta-level, encompassing multiple sigils within a unified framework. They represent complex intentions, archetypal patterns, or overarching principles, serving as beacons for desired outcomes or as catalysts for profound shifts on various levels of existence.

Hypersigils transcend the individual sigil and encompass an entire narrative or artistic creation. Hypersigils are multifaceted expressions of intention and passion, woven into a larger creative endeavor such as a novel, artwork, or performance. Through immersion in the hypersigil's narrative or experience, practitioners engage with the intention on a deeper level, blurring the boundaries between the symbolic and the lived reality, thus manifesting desired outcomes or transformations.

Sigilwork As A Concept

The conceptual foundation of sigil magic is functionally the same as non-sigil spellwork. Both are forms of esoteric manipulation, exhibit striking similarities when examined through a purely theoretical lens. Both rely heavily on the deliberate and purposeful application of intent, passion, and gnosis, hinged on the belief that human will, when focused, can incite change in the experienced reality.

Sigil magic operates on the premise that a practitioner, through concentrated trinity of spellwork, invests a symbol, or sigil, with a specific directive or objective. This directive, often personally significant and meticulously crafted, is embedded into the sigil during its creation. This procedure leverages the potent forces of subconscious cognition, energy work, and potentially spirit work to effectuate desired outcomes. The sigil, in this case, serves as an anchor for the working of the practitioner.

On the other hand, non-sigil spell work also hinges on the utilization of the trinity, albeit sometimes without the symbolic component. Such spells, which can incorporate verbal utterances, physical actions, or the use of specific artifacts, aim to manifest a certain outcome by directly channeling the practitioner's will. In non-sigil spell work, it is the act or process of spell-casting that provides the energy which is typically anchored in a physical object or organism rather than a symbolic representation.

This dichotomy between the symbolic (sigil) and the action-oriented (non-sigil) methodologies offers an intriguing insight into the functional versatility of focused willpower in esoteric practices. While sigil magic employs symbols as the praxis for the working, non-sigil spell work instead often utilizes action or ritual which may not utilize this method of symbology. Despite these differences in methodology, both practices exhibit a common underlying principle: the harnessing of will (intention, passion, & gnosis) to effect desired changes. Energizing a sigil, akin to the preparatory stages of a non-sigil spell, involves focusing one's psychological, spiritual, and emotional energy on the emblematic object. This concentration of energy can be analogized to potential energy in the physical sciences - energy that is stored and ready to be transformed or released.

In the final stage of the sigil operation, commonly referred to as activation, the practitioner catalyzes the stored energy, analogous to the casting stage of non-sigil magic. Like a potential energy converted into kinetic energy when a physical object is set into motion, the activation process of an active sigil (see Sigil guide) transmutes the potential 'energy' concentrated in the sigil into a force aimed at manifesting the initial objective. The release of energy in this manner parallels the manner in which a spell is cast in non-sigil magic - a directional release of prepared energy to achieve a desired outcome. They also invariably utilize energy work, subconsciously or otherwise, to program the work towards a specific direction; move the work towards its target; and cause manifestation to a certain degree.

Furthermore, through the Spare method a meme, like the well-known "Loss", starts as an explicitly narrative unit. The original comic strip, that gave birth to the "Loss" meme, encapsulates a specific narrative—a poignant moment in a larger story. When this meme gets abstracted into a series of connected lines (| || || |_), it undergoes a transformative process akin to the creation of a Spare sigil, where an idea or goal is reduced to an abstract symbol.

The process of abstraction is central to this model, severing the explicit link between the signifier (the meme or sigil) and the signified (the original narrative or goal), thereby enabling the meme or sigil to be loaded with new meanings. Through the principle of intertextuality, each subsequent iteration of the meme or sigil can carry additional layers of meaning based on its relationship with other texts or cultural artifacts, further augmenting its power or ability.

When a meme is shared, engaged with, and re-contextualized by numerous individuals across the digital landscape, it can accumulate a form of energy. This propagation, engagement, and subsequent energy accumulation parallel the charging phase in sigil work.

The final aspect of this model concerns the activation of the sigil or the triggering of the meme's energy. When the meme is encountered in a context that aligns with its charged energy—whether that's humor, shock, or another emotional reaction—it discharges this energy, catalyzing a change in the perceiver's consciousness. This change is the operative goal in both meme propagation and sigil magic, making memes an intriguing tool for modern magical practitioners.

This concept is relatively mirrored by spellwork and spiritual practices found in pop-culture magic. Where a spell or being is used in real life. Pop-culture spellwork operates on similar principles to traditional spellwork, with pop culture entities taking the place of classical magical symbols or archetypes. For instance, a practitioner might call upon a character from a popular film or book, seeing in that character a symbolic representation of the qualities they wish to evoke or the changes they aspire to make. This is akin to how a sigil operates: an abstracted symbol carrying potentially accumulated meanings, invoked to initiate a desired change. Spirits conceptualized this way can become what is referred to as an egregore, or a thoughtform, which is forged in the idea of “the collective consciousness”. These entities, much like memes, are imbued with a certain collective energy derived from the shared cultural understanding and emotional investment of their audience. Intertextuality and abstraction play significant roles in both practices. In pop-culture spellwork, the entities used are intertextual, their meanings and energies derived from their relationships with other cultural artifacts. In pop-culture spiritwork, the practitioner often abstracts the entity from its original context, enabling it to carry new or additional meanings.

Applications of Sigil Conceptualization via Gnosis

The application of sigil conceptualization via gnosis demonstrates its efficacy and adaptability in various magical practices, such as knot magic, candle magic, rune magic, and kitchen magic. Gnosis, referring to a state of deep intuitive insight or focus (typically propagated through the cultivation of a conducive headspace), serves as a powerful catalyst for sigil work. The process involves the practitioner entering a heightened state, transcending ordinary awareness to connect with their intention and passion.

Knot magic, a practice found in diverse cultural traditions, involves the tying of knots to manifest desired outcomes. Through the use of knots, imbued with symbolic significance, practitioners harness the power of intention and gnosis to weave their desires into the fibers. By tying and untying knots with purposeful focus, the practitioner establishes a tangible representation of their intention through abstraction, activating the energetic potential of the work. This is nearly a 1:1 correlation to sigilwork.

Candle magic, another commonly employed practice, utilizes the element of fire as a transformative agent. The practitioner chooses a specific colored candle that corresponds with their intention, and through passion and gnosis, infuses the candle with their energy. As the flame flickers and dances, it serves as a medium for the manifestation of the spell’s purpose, releasing the intent into the universe.

Rune magic, outside of divination, is derived from ancient Germanic and Norse traditions, involves the use of runic symbols as conduits for magical workings. The practitioner, with deep gnosis, selects specific runes that resonate with their intention. By inscribing or projecting the chosen runes, they infuse them with their energy and connect with the inherent energies represented by the symbols. The runic sigils act as channels through which the practitioner channels their will and taps into the primal forces of creation.

Kitchen magic, rooted in the practical aspects of everyday life, utilizes the preparation and consumption of food as a magical act. With a focused mind and gnosis, practitioners infuse ingredients and dishes with their will. By combining culinary techniques, herbs, spices, and energetic and maybe even ritualistic preparation, they create edible hypersigils that carry their encoded purpose. As the food is consumed, it serves as a vehicle for the manifestation of the magical intent, bringing transformative energies into the practitioner's life through their physical body.

The applications of sigil conceptualization via gnosis in knot magic, candle magic, rune magic, and kitchen magic highlight the versatility and potency of this approach. By bypassing the psychological model and eschewing specific religious or ceremonial frameworks, these practices provide a pragmatic and accessible avenue for magical workings. Through the fusion of focused intention, symbolism, and intuitive insight, practitioners unlock the transformative potential of sigils and harness the universal forces at play in the world.

Ideas to Consider When Using Sigils in Spellwork

Since sigil magic can be considered a spell within itself and its core concepts permeate such a large area of magical practice, it would be wise to consider just how it is used as a component in spell work. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to see if your sigil would interact with your working in a hindering way:

Does my sigil’s meaning align exactly with the purpose of my spell?

Yes: Beyond using it as a correspondence, or a physical representation of the threshold you’re creating, it will not help or harm the spell itself. If you want or need such representation or reminder it may be helpful for casting.

No: Next question

Does my sigil avoid all concepts that are in my spell?

Yes: Will the sigil still work towards the purpose of the spell?

Yes: This sigil will aid the spell, as a spell itself rather than as a correspondence, but it won't necessarily help the caster.

No: Why are you using it? Perhaps omit it or find another to use.

No: Next question

Does my sigil represent my target?

Yes: This will work effectively so long as the sigil is energetically activated and/or can evoke solid memories, imagery, voices, and characteristics of the target.

No: Next question

Is my sigil used purely for correspondence?

Yes: Next question

No: Does the sigil imply some verbage or means of manifestation?

Yes: Next question

No: This sigil may potentially interact, though without more specific information it is difficult to tell.

Did I activate my sigil, or plan to?

Yes: Correspondence or manifestation?

Correspondence: If you plan to activate it, it would be wise to reconsider. If it is already activated, it would be wise to recreate an inactive version.

Manifestation: This sigil will work well for your purposes, so long as the means of manifestation are the same as the means defined by the spell.

No: This sigil will work for your purposes.

Patron Shoutouts!

Megan Kipp Jinsu Ing Mar Cosmicaquamarie Ash Elizabeth T.

Thank you for your continued support! My patrons help me maintain the drive to create content and help me keep food in my pantry.

Support me! Here's a Masterpost of all my planned and published content! This post was reviewed and edited by ChatGPT.

#sigilwork #sigil witch #sigil magic #metasigils #hypersigil #beginner witch #baby witch #informational post

54 notes · View notes

life-in-the-garden · 22 days

Text

Jar Spell: "Stay Off My Turf!"

This jar spell is a ward that will protect your residence, vehicle, or any other physical location/object. It’s a type of aggressive defense that might entail something nasty happening to any would-be intruder or curse-maker, so you should be okay with any ill-wishing intruder getting their comeuppance for attempting to break the ward, as opposed to just being scared off. This spell is for marking your territory and promising harm to anyone who dares step over the line; this is baneful magic.

This spell can potentially involve bodily fluids (not blood) + animal products, but neither of these elements are required. It definitely involves destruction of the jar (glass is preferred for its tendency to shatter under blunt force trauma; safety measures will be discussed further on).

With all of that in mind, let’s get on with the spell!

You will absolutely need:

1 small-ish vessel with a lid, preferably glass

sealing wax (preferably red) or liquid glue

a tool with which to break the vessel, such as a hammer, large wrench, or other heavy object.

A durable bag in which to encase the vessel prior to breaking

For your medley of potential ingredients to go inside the vessel, you will want things that are aggressive, fiery, and martial. You want ingredients that do the symbolic equivalent of spitting in an intruder’s eye and kicking them while they’re down to ensure they stay down. Things that align with the planet Mars, and/or are affiliated with warrior deities whom you work with, and/or are connected to territorial animal spirits whom you feel connected to… they will also do well in this capacity.

Some ingredient suggestions are:

the spiciest pepper you can find, chopped but not seeded

a large helping of cinnamon

red pepper flakes

very hot chili oil

rusty nails and/or fishhooks

iron filings

a small quantity of urine (human or otherwise)

a braided black and white cord/ribbon to represent a skunk

a drawing of a moose’s rack of antlers

a tooth from a carnivorous animal

a sigil involving the symbol or name of a warrior deity/spirit

Directions:

Once your ingredients are assembled and in the jar, put the lid on seal it with the red wax and/or glue. Carve an X onto the wax/glue on the lid and put the entire vessel into a durable bag. Seal the bag, then say something to the effect of, “Fuck off, you bad vibes bastards!”

Once that is done, smash the jar using your smashing tool. (The bag ensures that glass shards don’t go everywhere and from there present a safety hazard). Your ward is now set. Dispose of the bag and its contents without opening the bag (to avoid contact with glass shards).

#haven's original spells #jar spell #spell jar #baneful magic #witchcraft #magic #baneful witch #witch bottle #warding #protection magic #spell bottle

16 notes · View notes

usafphantom2 · 7 months

Text

Northrop Grumman releases update on the program and progress of the B-21 Raider

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 09/192023 - 6:00 p.m. in Military

At last week's Air, Space and Cyber Conference of the Association of Air and Space Forces, the leadership of the U.S. Air Force and the Department of Defense discussed the B-21 program in terms of effective program management, production readiness, and early integration of support elements as fundamental to the effective delivery of operational capacity.

In addition, the U.S. Air Force announced that Northrop Grumman has driven the B-21 engines, a significant milestone in the aircraft's ground testing program. Although the first flight of the B-21 is a data-driven event closely monitored by Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force, key decisions and programmatic strategies are putting the program in a positive position in the future.

Production representative aircraft

A key to the overall program strategy established from the beginning was to build a first test article representative of production. Instead of a prototype, the first test article of the B-21 Raider was built with rigorous production processes on the same manufacturing line with the same tools that will be used to continue to shape the B-21 fleet. Exclusive to aircraft development programs, the first test article of the B-21 is equipped with its primary mission systems, such as communication and navigation systems.

The decision to build a highly representative test vehicle will allow Northrop Grumman and USAF to conduct a robust flight test campaign and discover what is necessary, in alignment with the program's execution strategy from the beginning.

"The B-21 program is an excellent example of how the industry can be a capable partner in providing systems that meet critical needs efficiently. The first test aircraft was built by our technicians using factory production processes; we are doing this learning and refinement in parallel, which will allow us to reach a stable and constant production more quickly," said Tom Jones, president of the sector of Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems.

Support influencing design

In addition to focusing on production in the early stages of the program, the B-21 program took into account the support during the design phase. In addition to boosting long-term efficiency, this approach also produces more short-term benefits.

“Given Northrop Grumman's focus on support at the beginning of development, the B-21 is much more advanced in technological data than we would normally expect in a new program at this time,” said Doug Young, vice president and general manager of the division, Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. "Content development such as product support, material preparation and training is well underway, giving the B-21 an initial advantage in support and support operations before delivery to the user community."

Proven fidelity of the digital model

Developed with a digital line throughout the life cycle of the program, the B-21 Raider uses the latest in digital tools and resources, from design to development and testing and, finally, in support. This focus on the B-21 digital ecosystem, along with investment in laboratories and testing facilities, allowed the Northrop Grumman team to digitally model the B-21's performance before physical movements or needs.

As the B-21 undergoes several ground tests, digital models are surpassing industry standards with twice the accuracy. This is evident in the initial tests, with the first test article presenting the expected performance; the tests of the engines, weapon compartment doors, landing gear and control services demonstrated the expected results and indicate the effectiveness and value of digital modeling.

Defining the capacity of the sixth generation

The B-21 Raider is the world's first sixth-generation aircraft, supported by decades of experience in stealth technology and optimized for cutting-edge threat environments. With its open architecture and cloud technology application, the B-21 Raider was built for seamless incorporation of software updates and new features. Northrop Grumman has already demonstrated that the B-21 will be able to integrate third-party technology, supporting the maximum focus of the program on modernization and the need to keep the weapons system at the forefront of future threats.

The new approach of the program to the execution of the program, together with the effective application of digital technologies, demonstrates a focus on delivering exceptional capacity, effectively and efficiently.

Tags: Military AviationB-21 RaiderNorthrop GrummanUSAF - United States Air Force / U.S. Air Force

Sharing

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Daytona Airshow and FIDAE. He has work published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work throughout the world of aviation.

Related news

MILITARY

Philippine Air Force introduces Cessna C-208B surveillance aircraft donated by the U.S.

19/09/2023 - 14:00

HELICOPTERS

IMAGES: Bell presents the Czech AH-1Z and UH-1Y combat helicopters

19/09/2023 - 12:00

MILITARY

Paramount declares first Mwari operational and reveals additional sales for two operators

19/09/2023 - 09:00

MILITARY

Australia will upgrade the P-8A Poseidon fleet and acquire the fourth MQ-4C Triton

19/09/2023 - 08:14

AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS

Wreckage of the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B jet is found in South Carolina

18/09/2023 - 23:26

MILITARY

VIDEO: USAF receives the first T-7A Red Hawk in the production standard

09/18/2023 - 19:30

21 notes · View notes

five-rivers · 2 years

Text

Cult Division 1

A continuation of this series.

Cameron Daily ran Amity Park Police Department’s Cult Division.

Phrasing it that was, honestly, pretty generous. Ninety percent of the time it was him and his computer monitoring Amity Park’s religious social media and the Amity of Amity Park community forums. Most of the time, the cults were harmless splinters of more established religions. Just people trying to come to terms with the whole ‘ghosts are real’ thing.

Hell, technically speaking, he was part of a cult. An extra dimension full of super powered and extremely violent dead people of various moralities wasn’t part of standard Episcopalian cosmology.

Anyway, most of the time his job was fairly laid back. Low effort, low responsibility. He did, however, have the ability to rope other people in if it looked like something bad was about to go down.

Something was about to go down.

Now, whether it was bad or not, he didn’t know, but since it was happening at midnight in the graveyard, he was going to play this cautiously. Especially since the cult in question was one of the Phantom cults.

Not to be judgemental, but the Phantom cults caused at least half of the cult problems. From kidnapping Danny Fenton that one time to starting a fight with the more established churches over putting a religious statue of Phantom in Amity Park… okay, that was at least half on the Christians, but still. The kidnapping thing still stood.

Plus, and he was saying this as someone who looked into a lot of cults, some of the Phantom cults were just downright creepy.

Okay, anyway. Time to call in help.

“Hey!” he shouted across the room. “Paterson! Collins! McGee! I need your help with something!”

“I’m not interviewing any more cultists!” said Paterson. “I’m out!”

“Stakeout and I’ll buy you pizza!”

“Changed my mind. I’m in!”

McGee thought he was okay with stakeouts. He was a detective. Undercover. It was one of the tools in his box. Part of the package. A stereotype, even. He’d gotten used to them long ago.

But stakeouts in the backseat of Collins’s car were something awful. There was never enough room. Ever since the Fentons had come out with the ‘Fenton Freshener’ the vehicle had smelled perennially of limes and ozone, which went poorly with the oregano on the pizza. There was always the chance that a ghost might come along.

Having Daily squeezed back there with him only made it worse.

“Having us stay out all night because a teenager called in a tip seems like overkill.”

“Not just any teenager,” said Daily, “Sophia LaMar. She’s connected. I’ve also got red flags on a bunch of social traffic and some of the Amity of Amity boards. This is the real deal.”

“I thought you kept getting kicked from the Amity of Amity boards.”

“Yeah, that’s because I was accessing it from the police station. Apparently they have something programmed to weed out the GIW. I monitor the Amity boards from home, now." He made a face. “I still sometimes get kicked, those guys are really insistent on not being monitored by law enforcement, but–”

The door opened, making everyone jump.

“Move over,” said Danny Fenton, prompting Daily to scoot further into McGee’s space.

“How do you do that?” demanded McGee. “Do your parents know where you are? It’s eleven.”

“Don’t you get tired of reacting that way?” asked Danny, sliding into the seat Daily had just vacated. “Do you know what’s going on?”

“No. You?”

“Just that some of the cult kids were really antsy about something, and the occult side of the Amity forums kept talking about how special the date is.” He made a face. “I don’t get it. It isn’t like there’s a planetary alignment or a meteor shower or anything. It isn’t even a new moon or a full moon.”

“Not all special dates have to do with astronomy,” said Paterson, playing with her binoculars. “Any other messages?”

“Phantom he’s going to be out here tonight, in case whatever is going on is more magic ritual than graverobbing. He’d like you not to shoot at him if he has to go fight the cultists over some kind of slavery spell or something.”

“And if it is graverobbing?” asked Collins, putting his coffee in the cup holder.

“He’d rather you guys take care of it before they start digging.”

“Sure thing.”

“Great. I can’t hang aroun– Oh, is that the new jalapeno and pepperoncini pizza from Spectral Slices?”

“Triple cheese,” said Daily, apologetically.

“Ah, well. You should try the ghost chili one, it’s to die for.” Fenton climbed out of the car. “Have a good night!”

McGee waited for him to be a good deal away. “Why does no one else think a teenager hopping into a car in the middle of a stakeout at almost midnight weird?”

“We do think it’s weird,” said Paterson. “But he is a Fenton.”

“Yeah,” said Collins. “You have to make allowances.” He leaned forward. “I see something.”

“Oh, they’re wearing robes. That’s cute,” said Paterson. McGee would have to take her word for it, because in the back he could see approximately nothing. “Probably a bad sign, though.”

“You’re telling me,” said Daily. “Robes mean rituals, ritual action, means they’re serious about this.”

“Aren’t all cults serious about what they do?” asked Paterson.

“Sure, but it raises the stakes. Do you know how hard it is to get teenagers to stick to a dress code? Mom couldn’t even stop my sister from going out in a crop top. Did you know–”

“Cameron,” groaned Paterson, “we’re trying to focus on the cult.”

Danny watched the cultists from above. He… Okay, at first he’d thought that it was kind of fun, having cults. Like a sort of fan club. It was always nice to be appreciated.

Now, though? Some, most, even, were still like fan clubs, but others were… pushy. Always wanting things he couldn’t give them. He tried to minimize interactions with them.

He didn’t like the idea of one of those messing around with his grave. Which. You know. Contained his dead body.

Luckily, they didn’t seem to be breaking out any shovels or knives or weird books or chants. Maybe they just wanted to say some prayers?

One of the cultists took out a large folded sheet from under their robe. Were they having a picnic or something? The cultists unfolded it.

Danny had just enough time to see the circle sewn into it before he was suddenly in the midst of the cultists, floating above the circle.

“Oh my gosh,” he said. “Was I just summoned? Was that what that was?”

The cultists start to celebrate.

“Oh no,” said Collins as a very familiar dot of light appeared in the middle of the graveyard. “Looks like things just went wrong.”

Paterson dropped her binoculars. “Did he just get summoned?”

#danny phantom #exhumed #dannymay 2022 #dannymay #corpse au

309 notes · View notes

justice-forever · 3 months

Text

Nighthawk By Green-Mamba

Real Name: Kyle Richmond

First Appearance: The Avengers #69 (October 1969)

Orphaned as a child by in a racially motivated drive-by shooting, Kyle Richmond vowed to dedicate his life to stamping out white supremacy. Undergoing rigorous physical training and using his inheritance to craft an array of weapons and vehicles, Richmond became the Nighthawk, the vengeance against all who would prey on the disenfranchised.

The most controversial recruit of Hyperion's Squadron Supreme, Richmond had at first been a proponent of the Utopia Project, as he believed it was the best way to bring about the systemic change the world needed.

But when it came to forcibly reprogramming people, Richmond saw the potential it had to be used as a tool of oppression, and he left the Squadron a fugitive.

Joining together a group of like minded individuals who sought to put an end to the Utopia Project, their fight became a perilous one as the natural disasters caused by the untethering of their world with their counter-Earth worsened.

On the day of the alignment, when it was believed the two Earths would cross each other's paths in space, Richmond's redeemers intended to use the cover of the worsening earthquakes to take back the Squadron Supreme's headquarters, but fate took a different turn.

Expecting to find the halls empty as the Squadron was busy dealing with the latest natural disasters, Richmond instead found a bearded wizard in a red cloak battling to contain a giant man with green skin.

Wary of potential collateral damage, Richmond tried to intervene in their conflict before the sorcerer's dimensional mirror spell was shattered by the green goliath.

When he came to, Richmond did not find himself in the Squadron's headquarters, instead in the sorcerer's sanctum--on the counter-Earth.

It seems the sorcerer, who called himself Doctor Strange, was attempting to help the green man, called Bruce Banner, contain his anger in a phase shifted dimension, but they had accidentally ended up in the respective counter-Earth in doing so due to the alignment.

Richmond explained himself and the dire situation of his counter-Earth.

But with the alignment now passed and the unusual circumstances of the transportation not known, Richmond was now stuck in a different world as his slowly died, trapped under the tyrannical heel of the Squadron Supreme.

As Strange tries to help Nighthawk figure out a way back to his counter-Earth, Nighthawk joins his nascent Defenders team alongside the Hulk after learning that the Avengers had been hunting the green giant down for deserting them, which makes Nighthawk see the Avengers as little better than the Squadron Supreme.

Yep, another Squadron Supreme member.

Obviously if you're going to do a second one after Hyperion it has to be Nighthawk, the Squadron Supreme's answer to Batman.

But Nighthawk is a funny one--there are like at least four Nighthawks, all named Kyle Richmond, who have all had a prominent role in the Marvel comics at some point.

There is the original Squadron Sinister one who later became a hero and joined the Defenders, there is the actual proper Squadron Supreme one who lead the redeemers against them (and later died, passing his mantle to his son), there is the Supreme Power one who was a black man fighting against racists, and then there is the modern one from Mephisto's Squadron Supreme.

I decided to merge the first three together, he's a black man who fights against racists who joins the Squadron Supreme but ends up fighting against them with the redeemers and then ends up joining Doctor Strange's Defenders.

But that meant there was a lot to get through in the bio! I hope I hit all the main points.

So Nighthawk is actually the first person from Counter-Earth to cross over to the mainline Earth (as the Squadron Supreme is from Counter-Earth in my universe).

And if you're keeping track, my Defenders roster is Doctor Strange, Valkyrie, Hellcat, Nighthawk, and Hulk. This is the entire starting roster, if you're wondering.

Maybe I'll draw them all together in the future. I dunno.

But yeah. I think the two most well known looks for Nighthawk are the original Defenders' era's Nighthawk and the Supreme Power's Nighthawk.

So I tried to combine the two looks while also trying to make him look as much like Batman in silhouette as I could.

So he's got the dark blue with the yellow bird emblem and the wing like red cape of the original (plus the extendable claws!), as well as the scale armor and scary goggles of the Supreme Power's Nighthawk.

The added little "ears" on the side of the goggles help give him more of a Batman like silhouette, and yeah, I know hawks don't have points like that on their head, it makes him look more like an owl.

But that's okay.

The bird emblem took the longest to design, I originally tried to get it to look closer to his classic emblem but it just wasn't working out, so I took inspiration from Nightwing's emblem, what with the whole Batman connection.

And like I said with Hyperion, the Squadron Supreme are designed to look inherently less grounded than my normal Marvel designs, to help sell them apart.

#nighthawk #comics #comic #comic books #comics books #marvel #marvel comics #marvel universe #squadron supreme #redesign

7 notes · View notes

eretzyisrael · 6 months

Text

by Sam Westrop

Recent analysis published by Israeli analysts place Hamas’s annual budget in Gaza at between $2 and $3 billion. At least an estimated $500 million of this is provided by the “Hamas Charity Coalition” and various investment entities. New sanctions imposed by U.S. Department of the Treasury are based on similar conclusions, and target a range of charities and companies.

One named entity in the U.S. government document is the “Gaza-based and [Palestinian Islamic Jihad]-affiliated Al-Ansar Charity Association (Al-Ansar),” which “provides millions of dollars … for the families of terrorists affiliated with Hamas and PIJ. Al-Ansar claims to provide funds to families affiliated with these terrorist groups as an extension of Iranian support to the Palestinian people, but the funding ultimately serves as a recruiting tool for terrorist activities.”

Indeed, radical movements have long used charitable programs and promises of social welfare to build a base of support and help with recruitment. Crucially, as the U.S. government realizes, charities do not have to fund Hamas’s terrorist operations directly to benefit the terrorist organization financially or ideologically.

Across the Islamist world, in fact, Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, Khomeinists, Wahhabis, ISIS, and al-Qaeda and, indeed, Islamist groups all around the world, have made use of charitable programs to expand and consolidate control over Muslim communities. Hamas and other terror groups refer to this approach as da’wa. The term is usually employed to mean a proselytizing call to Islam, but in the case of Islamist movements and its terror offshoots such as Hamas, it serves as a call to Islamism – and thus a vehicle to impose Islamist rule. Counter-terrorism experts and an increasing number of governments note that the use of da’wah through charity facilitates an influx of largely-unchecked foreign funds, helps to recruit to new members, frees up money for violent operations, and serves to sanitize the reputation of terror movements.

Much of the charitable work is indeed real, but it still serves to benefit terror. In Gaza, for instance, decades ago, Hamas came to the fore by distinguishing itself, through its charitable work, from the incompetence and corruption of the PLO. While Palestinian nationalists embezzled millions, their Islamist rivals set up medical clinics, orphanages and summer camps for Palestinian youth, winning grassroots support. Decades earlier, the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt pioneered a similar approach.

The designation of Al-Ansar is certainly not the first time the link between charity and terror has been officially recognized. After the 9/11 attacks, Western governments quickly came to realize, with horror, the ease with which these foreign terrorist organizations could exploit nonprofit industries. Worse still, Western governments eventually began to notice that extremist networks within Western Muslim communities were willing to set up nonprofits on behalf of these foreign terrorist groups.

In response, a slew of prosecutions, designations and bans across America and Europe during the 2000s shut down significant numbers of these Islamist charities, but political enthusiasm for prosecutions and investigations eventually waned. Since then, a decade of lax oversight and fears over the political fallout from new prosecutions has allowed the Islamist nonprofit industry to grow once again.

Nonetheless, in 2010, the solicitor-general, Elena Kagan, now on the Supreme Court, reiterated that “Hezbollah builds bombs. Hezbollah also builds homes. … When you help Hezbollah build homes, you are also helping Hezbollah build bombs.”

Today, however, the law is still simply not being enforced. The activities of terror-aligned charities are largely ignored by law enforcement and policy-makers. Sometimes, the taxpayer even funds these radical charities through a wide array of obscene government grant programs.

There is a broader problem too. A search by the Middle East Forum of electronically-filed Schedule F forms (part of nonprofits’ 990 tax returns) – which are supposed to disclose foreign spending by 501(c)s – for mentions of “Palestine” or “Palestinian(s)” yielded hundreds of millions of dollars of expenditures in the Palestinian territories in recent years, with hundreds of millions more likely uncountably listed under broader regional terms such as “Middle East.” Actual recipient names are redacted or unprovided, making the true amounts going to Gaza impossible to track properly.

Nonetheless, through open-source investigation, in the wake of the October 7th attacks, Focus on Western Islamism has put together a list of Islamist nonprofits in the United States, along with fellow travelers, which we believe make-up a major Hamas-aligned charitable industry in North America. Through searches of the electronic 990 filings, we have also gathered and summarized these charities’ top funders through the 501(c) system, totaling a worrying $262 million.

(Note: 501(c)s’ 990 Tax Returns occasionally contain inaccurate information. Misspelled names, incorrect EIN numbers, among other problems. Every effort has been made to ensure the funding data is comprehensively accurate and the grantees listed in these 990s are indeed the nonprofits listed in this report, although it remains possible that a negligible number of false positives have made their way into the final data.)

By Hamas-aligned, we mean that our list comprises charities that have previously collaborated with Hamas or related terror groups, funded charitable proxies for Hamas in the Gaza Strip, or employed officials who publicly express support for Hamas with apparent impunity. A second list of additional Islamist charities with extremist histories relevant to their work in Gaza, but whose current involvement with Hamas or Hamas proxies is unknown, is also included. The charities in both lists (see table of comments) deserve close investigation by media, law enforcement and policymakers.

Hamas-Aligned Charities

Rahma Worldwide Aid & Development

Rahma Worldwide, also known as Rahma Relief, is a Michigan charity run by Shadi Zaza.

#hamas #gaza #hamas aligned charities

17 notes · View notes

blueikeproductions · 4 months

Text

So the original pitch bible for Transformers Prime was revealed, its prototypical stage was called Robots in Disguise funnily enough, and I’m mixed on what I’ve seen.

Let’s be clear, Prime is ok, but I’ve always found it bland. Flash over substance, best remembered for being gritty and violent with little to say outside of that becoming a forced amalgam of what came before, while its true saving grace being it got Peter Cullen and Frank Welker back on TV in their best known roles. It never knew what it wanted to be, and it’s why I preferred RiD15 since, while far more “kiddy”, I respect a show that at least knows what it is sincere about it.

With that in mind, the concept art oddly feels more cohesive than Prime. The general gist was pretty unabashedly Bayformers: The Animated Series and to a degree I’m surprised they didn’t just do that with NEST, Sam & Mikayla instead of trying to make douchebag hacker Spike a thing.

Indeed, Spike was originally meant as the lead human, described as a rebellious hacker seeking the truth, and one day discovers a Transformer. While there’s no design drawn, reference photos use what looks like stereotypical teens from the 2000’s, ranging from a skateboarder to a grungy emo teen that reminds me of douchebag SM3 Peter with the symbiote. Going by the description and visuals, Spike was evidently split apart into Jack, Raf and Miko, which might explain why they never worked… at least to me. They became a fragment of Spike’s original personality and never fully grew beyond that, when keeping them a single character might’ve been far more interesting.

It appears NEST inspired TASK, no idea what it stands for, but they were similarly a military unit aligned with the Autobots. A female love interest was sketched out, though frankly with how masculine the sketch looks, I keep thinking it’s a guy. Sort of the reverse TF Zone Akira (looks like a girl, is actually a dude). Frankly I say keep the military person a love interest and make ’em a dude: let’s get Akira and Cain up in here with it lol. (I know they weren’t officially a couple, but I still think it’s funny. Plus a version of Spike with a boyfriend could be fun as something different.)

Anyhow, a big emphasis was humanity joining the fight, as well as how they’d react to the TF’s Great War. This didn’t really make it into the final product beyond Prime and RiD’s over fixation on hiding the robots (when in both cases it was becoming increasingly hard to believe people didn’t see anything or just shrugged it off. Though RiD at least had some funny bits poking fun at this I liked.) TASK was basically NEST, and in some cases was just one letter away from just becoming MASK. …Which leads into the toy aspect.

I think had they played their cards right with this early pitch, they could’ve had Autobots, Decepticons, and TASK/MASK transforming vehicles. A huge emphasis was placed on Optimus having specialized trailers, all seemingly based on the Armada and Prime Force drones from Energon to some extent. There was the base trailer that unfolded into a military platform for Autobots and humans to use, a drill trailer for Energon mining, a submarine trailer for water missions, I think I saw a jet trailer, and a tank trailer. It appears they could all Transform to some extent, even becoming armor for other characters to combine with. They evoke the later Cyberverse Spark Armor vehicle combinations with a dash of ROTF Jet Optimus, so the concept made it out just not in Proto-Prime lol.

There was also a proposed Energon Weapon gimmick that strongly resembles the RB style Energon Tools gimmick, so presumably it too got repurposed.

Curiously there’s a LOT of concept art of the Autobots in underwater missions, wearing armor that resembles the submarine armor TFA Bumblebee toy. One concept art drawing features a giant robot manta-fish guy, who I’m assuming was a Seacon or a Sharkticon of some sort. The later TFP prequel stuff that did get made involves an adventure on Aquatron, with Megatron becoming a liberator of the Sharkticons, so I guess that’s where that came from? Megatron even got a Sharkticon inspired toy to boot. I suppose it’s ironic we have all this water business but no one thought to include guys like Sea Spray (and NOT kill him off screen). The robot designs were all over the place. A lot of art mostly uses stylized G1 designs, but the proposed designs were a stronger hybrid of the movies and G1, as opposed to what we got which was purely movie inspired with a dash of Animated. It’s funny to me that after years of praise for Prime’s art style, upon seeing the concept art, it’s now ok to absolutely dunk on Prime. Megatron is the stand out for many, being a hybrid of his WFC, body, his Cybertron Mode Animated body and his Revenge of the Fallen bodies. His vehicle mode was a tank, instead of the first Bayformer space jet thing. He also had what I think might have been a battle axe on his back. It’s definitely cooler than what we got, and I get a strong sense it might crop up as a toy in a future Concept Art Studio Series release. The other designs I think got repurposed though. Bee’s design looks to be what eventually became RiD15, CV and ES Bee, Starscream became RiD15 Screamer, Soundwave’s Earth Mode became RiD15 and CV Soundwave. I genuinely believe RiD15 was where some of these designs were saved lol. Optimus was pry the more G1 looking, with the look possibly influencing his CV and RBA bodies. Soundwave had an alternate design that was his ROTF design, but with Fixit’s wheel feet. I personally hate this look, buts pretty clear ROTF Soundwave was still a huge influence for what became the final and genuinely popular TFP Soundwave design. Ironhide was one of the main Autobots along with Ratchet, both being heavily influenced by their Movie selves, like what would’ve happened with TFA Ironhide and TFA Ratchet. I suppose the funny thing is the Ironhide design made it through, becoming Kup in the American release but staying Ironhide in the Japanese release. Still, the designs were very rough, and as much as people seem to be more for them, they’re too busy and are still clearly finding a balance in what they wanted. I think had they refined it a bit more we could’ve had the perfect Godzilla: The Animated Series equivalent to the original Bayformers. Alas we got Prime, while well intentioned was a show that coasted hard on being dark and gritty, shackled to continued unpopular modern ideas that’s only held TF down than uplift it. I think at the very least EarthSpark is a better version of Prime’s ideas even if I don’t agree with its execution.

#blueike productions #transformers #blueike #maccadam #macadam #transformers prime #transformers robots in disguise #rescue bots

15 notes · View notes

fragile-practice · 6 months

Text

Week in Review

October 23rd-29th

Welcome to Fragile Practice, where I attempt to make something of value out of stuff I have to read.

My future plan is to do longer-form original pieces on interesting topics or trends. For now, I'm going to make the weekly reviews habitual and see if I have any time left.

Technology

OpenAI forms team to study ‘catastrophic’ AI risks, including nuclear threats - Tech Crunch; Kyle Wiggers

OpenAI launched a new research team called AI Safety and Security to investigate the potential harms of artificial intelligence focused on AI alignment, AI robustness, AI governance, and AI ethics.

Note: Same energy as “cigarette company funds medical research into smoking risks”.

Artists Allege Meta’s AI Data Deletion Request Process Is a ‘Fake PR Stunt’ - Wired; Kate Knibbs

Artists who participated in Meta’s Artificial Intelligence Artist Residency Program accused the company of failing to honor their data deletion requests and claim that Meta used their personal data to train its AI models without their consent.

Note: Someday we will stop being surprised that corporate activities without obvious profit motive are all fake PR stunts.

GM and Honda ditch plan to build cheaper electric vehicles - The Verge; Andrew J. Hawkins

General Motors and Honda cancel their joint venture to develop and produce cheaper electric vehicles for the US market, citing the chip shortage, rising costs of battery materials, and the changing market conditions.

Note: What are the odds this isn’t related to the 7 billion dollars the US government announced to create hydrogen hubs.

'AI divide' across the US leaves economists concerned - The Register; Thomas Claburn

A new study by economists from Harvard University and MIT reveals a significant gap in AI adoption and innovation across different regions in the US.

The study finds that AI usage is highest in California's Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area, but was also noted in Nashville, San Antonio, Las Vegas, New Orleans, San Diego, and Tampa, as well as Riverside, Louisville, Columbus, Austin, and Atlanta.

Nvidia to Challenge Intel With Arm-Based Processors for PCs - Bloomberg; Ian King

Nvidia is using Arm technology to develop CPUs that would challenge Intel processors in PCs, and which could go on sale as soon as 2025.

Note: I am far from an NVIDIA fan, but I’m stoked for any amount of new competition in the CPU space.

New tool lets artists fight AI image bots by hiding corrupt data in plain sight - Engadget; Sarah Fielding

A team at the University of Chicago created Nightshade, a tool that lets artists fight AI image bots by adding undetectable pixels into an image that can alter how a machine-learning model produces content and what that finished product looks like.

Nightshade is intended to protect artists work and has been tested on both Stable Diffusion and an in-house AI built by the researchers.

IBM's NorthPole chip runs AI-based image recognition 22 times faster than current chips - Tech Xplore; Bob Yirka

NorthPole combines the processing module and the data it uses in a two-dimensional array of memory blocks and interconnected CPUs, and is reportedly inspired by the human brain.

NorthPole can currently only run specialized AI processes and not training processes or large language models, but the researchers plan to test connecting multiple chips together to overcome this limitation.

Apple’s $130 Thunderbolt 4 cable could be worth it, as seen in X-ray CT scans - Ars Technica; Kevin Purdy

Note: These scans are super cool. And make me feel somewhat better about insisting on quality cables. A+.

The Shifting Web

On-by-default video calls come to X, disable to retain your sanity - The Register; Brandon Vigliarolo

Video and audio calling is limited to anyone you follow or who is in your address book, if you granted X permission to comb through it.

Calling other users also requires that they’ve sent at least one direct message to you before.

Only premium users can place calls, but everyone can receive them.

Google Search Boss Says Company Invests to Avoid Becoming ‘Roadkill’ - The New York Times; Nico Grant

Google’s senior vice president overseeing search said that he sees a world of threats that could humble his company at any moment.

Google Maps is getting new AI-powered search updates, an enhanced navigation interface and more - Tech Crunch; Aisha Malik

Note: These AI recommender systems are going to be incredibly valuable advertising space. It is interesting that Apple decided to compete with Google in maps but not in basic search, but has so far not placed ads in the search results.

Reddit finally takes its API war where it belongs: to AI companies - Ars Technica; Scharon Harding

Reddit met with generative AI companies to negotiate a deal for being paid for its data, and may block crawlers if no deal is made soon.

Note: Google searches for info on Reddit often seem more effective than searching Reddit itself. If they are unable to make a deal, and Reddit follows through, it will be a legitimate loss for discoverability but also an incredibly interesting experiment to see what Reddit is like without Google.

Bandcamp’s Entire Union Bargaining Team Was Laid Off - 404 Media; Emanuel Maiberg

Bandcamp’s new owner (Songtradr) offered jobs to just half of existing employees, with cuts disproportionately hitting union leaders. Every member of the union’s eight-person bargaining team was laid off, and 40 of the union's 67 members lost their jobs.

Songtradr spokesperson Lindsay Nahmiache claimed that the firm didn’t have access to union membership information.

Note: This just sucks. Bandcamp is rad, and it’s hard to imagine it continuing to be rad after this. I wonder if Epic had ideas for BC that didn’t work out.

Surveillance & Digital Privacy

Mozilla Launches Annual Digital Privacy 'Creep-o-Meter'. This Year's Status: 'Very Creepy' - Slashdot

Mozilla gave the current state of digital privacy a 75.6/100, with 100 being the creepiest.

They measured security features, data collection, and data sharing practices of over 500 gadgets, apps, and cars to come up with their score.

Every car Mozilla tested failed to meet their privacy and security standards.

Note: It would be great if even one auto brand would take privacy seriously.

EPIC Testifies in Support of Massachusetts Data Privacy and Protection Act -Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC)

Massachusetts version of ADPPA.

Note: While it may warm my dead heart to see any online privacy protections in law, scrambling to do so in response to generative AI is unlikely to protect Americans in any meaningful way from the surveillance driven form of capitalism we’ve all been living under for decades.

Complex Spy Platform StripedFly Bites 1M Victims - Dark Reading

StripedFly is a complex platform disguised as a cryptominer and evaded detection for six years by using a custom version of EternalBlue exploit, a built-in Tor network tunnel, and trusted services like GitLab, GitHub, and Bitbucket to communicate with C2 servers and update its functionality.

iPhones have been exposing your unique MAC despite Apple's promises otherwise - Ars Technica

A privacy feature which claimed to hide the Wi-Fi MAC address of iOS devices when joining a network was broken since iOS 14, and was finally patched in 17.1, released on Wednesday.

Note: I imagine this bug was reported a while ago, but wasn’t publically reported until the fix was released as a term of apple’s bug bounty program.

What the !#@% is a Passkey? - Electronic Frontier Foundation

Note: I welcome our passkey overlords.

11 notes · View notes