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tempest-toss · 2 years

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Cult/Interloper/Report

(Hello, it's me again! Back with another SCP vignette-kinda! This time however we are going to be going a bit more dark so heads up!

If you wish for something to get tagged don't hesitate to let me know and I can fix it! Enjoy!)

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The snow-covered forests of Canada were known for being very pristine and beautiful during the winter times. In the serene forest exists a small world of animals and plants that are untouched by the accursed hands of humans that wish to harvest and kill for their own selfish goals. Here they live in relative harmony, keeping the balance of nature, or at least they still try to since THEY came. Sometime in the past, a strange gathering of humans arrived and began to live in the heart of the forest. They had no technology, they had no guns, they rarely carried sickness, and they frequently gave off a strange vibe. On the outside they looked like normal people, or at the very least a vague description of normal. They wore clothes, they ate and drank, they smiled and engaged in polite conversation with each other, and just like most people in the world, they murdered.

Not that long after they arrived did they bring back dead bodies. Sometimes they brought back someone still alive and killed them there. Rarely would their prey escape and they would give chase and eliminate them. Regardless of how their victims came to be, their fate was always the same, and that was that they were consumed by the people, a group that became known as the Church of the High Moon, or alternatively the Children of the Deep Woods. A knowledgeable look at their community might notice the cult-like design of their art, structures, and attires, of course, this insight would soon be wasted as the observer would most likely meet their bloody end shortly thereafter.

The cult was active for many years before seemingly vanishing altogether. Remnants of their woodland home could still be found, but traces of them could not. Life returned to normal in the forest for a long time after that. Everything returned to the normalcy that once dominated the forest. It remained this way for many years until the Incident at Site 515. Following that, the cult seemingly reappeared out of thin air, and began their actions, with seemingly more fervor than they did before.

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Alexios Bellomo always liked the forests of Canada, especially during the early days of winter, when the snow softly fell, and the weather was just right to have an enjoyable time. He enjoyed the gentle chill of the snow, a great counterpart to the warm beaches that he grew up with in Europe. He wouldn’t usually find himself in a place such as North America again, but after his beloved passed, he decided to go back to the forest they visited on their honeymoon, for a little reminisce of the memories that they had made together, a time that was the highlight of his life, easily.

As Alexios walked through the calm woods, he thought about how lucky he was. He was blessed with two loving parents, a generous life, great athleticism and intelligence, and a charming personality. Despite being labeled as “Mr. Perfect”, Alexios had no love life. He was quick to figure out that people were only loving him on a superficial level, or that they had only pursued him so that he would give them gifts of wealth. Heartbreak after heartbreak led Alexios to give up on love altogether, that is until he finally met his beloved. Said person in question tripped on a tree branch and collided with Alexios at a park. Like a cliche, they fell for each other at a first glance and kept meeting up by chance again and again until they decided to finally have an official date. Alexios’s past made it hard for him to accept another person into his life, but he eventually did, and never looked back. After a few years, they made it official and tied the knot. A few years after the honeymoon, his other half was the unfortunate victim of a hit-and-run meant for Alexios, who used the same car as his spouse. Death was immediate.

The loss of his partner upended Alexios’s life. He lost the one person that truly understood him, the only one that could bring a smile and lift up a bleak atmosphere on even the gloomiest of days. Alexios grieved the hardest that he’s ever had in his life; he shut himself out from the world to be by himself in his sadness. Near the end of his grievance, he decided to honor his true love by sprinkling their ashes at the place where they made the most memories: a forest in Canada. After the long flight, he was a tad anxious to enter the forest, only to be stopped by some locals at the forests’ edge. They asked him why he was entering the forest, and he gave a truthful answer back. They immediately grew somber, they warned him to not enter the forest with a heavy heart, that evil preys on those that are sad, and Alexios agreed to not enter. But as the locals left, Alexios snuck into the forest; he had to do this one thing, he must spread the ashes of his beloved!

The trek into the forest was a bitter one for Alexios. While walking he was brought to remember the happy times he had with his spouse. The times they laughed, they cried and were scared, all of them coming to him back-to-back. He was crying as they came back to him, like a knife being twisted into him over and over again, but he also loved this walk down memory lane, as it brought back scenes of his beloved that was so vivid that he could practically hear their voice, it was so clear, it was so clean, it was-

Find me…

What was that? Alexios whipped his head around. Was someone playing a trick on him? Did one of those locals come into the forest to prank him, to take advantage of his sadness? That had to be the answer, after all, no one could sound just like-

Alexios…

His love! His beloved was speaking to him again! Alexios began crying anew, his beloved was talking to him! He asked him to “Find me”, maybe his spirit was deeper in the forest, yes that had to be it! Alexios took off in the direction of the voice, emotions overriding his logic as he barreled deeper into the forest. Had he been cognitively aware, he would have noticed that the trees were becoming richer in color, that strange huts were popping up, and that pools of red were appearing more and more as he went further in. After approximately seven minutes, he found the source, it was a source of moonlight beaming down on a small, raised mound! He saw a figure in the light, it must be the spirit of his love! He ran towards the figure, eyes stinging with salty tears of happiness, he was about to see his love one last time, but as he came closer, the figure did not seem to match his beloved, and what were they holding? It looked like a front piece of a wolf skull! As he tried to stop moving, he felt something grab his arms and pin them back as they hit the weak points behind his knees, causing him to collapse into a kneeling position. It was there that a cloaked figure placed the bone piece onto Alexios’s face in the harsh moonlight.

An inhuman roar shook the forest a half-hour later.

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Incident Report 3962-1-C

Following a report of mass mutilation in Canada, Foundation personnel were sent out to the forest [REDACTED] after reports of the victim’s deaths seemed to match up with how SCP 3962-A kills. Suspicions were proven correct as the latest SCP 3962-1 instance was successfully rendered unconscious through the use of anesthetics. Amnestics were to be administered to the locals but were denied by command of O5-█.

This instance of SCP 3962-1 appears to be the same as the two that came before it, however, it seems that this particular specimen has a higher degree of cognitive ability, being able to still articulate, albeit in broken sentences. It also seems to have a high degree of emotional attachment to an ornate urn that it carries with it, mauling agents that have attempted to take it away. Sedation of 3962-1-C allowed for the temporary removal and testing of the ashes inside. Testing reveals the ashes are the remains of ██████ ███████████, spouse to Alexios Bellomo, a famous zoologist and wildlife conservationist whose DNA mostly matches that of 3962-1-C.

The base SCP, SCP 3962“The Wolf Skull Piece”, is still absent. Due to the nature of the crime, specifically, the remnants of the break-in seem to narrow the GOI responsible to a few, although that number dwindles every day. The current GOIs that seem most likely to have committed the crime include The Sarkic Cults and The Church of the High Moon, as both deal with powers involving the flesh, as well as other characteristics.

The fate of 3962-1-C is currently unknown, as it was going to be sent for termination, but two different Site Directors (Enigma and █████) have both requested to house the specimen. Awaiting O5 command’s choice on the matter

–Dr. Warp

#Church of the High Moon #Children of the Deep Woods #SCP #GOIs #Worldbuilding #Lore bit

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sinagrace · 4 years

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Iceman’s been back on my mind lately. It started with the internet rumor that Shia Labeouf was being considered to play the role of Bobby Drake in a Marvel Cinematic Universe version of the X-Men. My DMs and @Mentions on social media were a mixture of intense reaction and then asking my take on who would make a great Bobby Drake (for the record: in my head I always saw him as a younger Antoni Porowski with a theater background, ‘cuz playing the funny guy with a vulnerable streak requires serious acting shops). My mind went back to the time of BC, when I was doing a lot of touring, and answering this very question because of my work on the Iceman book at Marvel. One thing led to another, and I decided to take a trip further down memory lane to look at my favorite volume of the series: Amazing Friends. Now, I know I’ve spent equal amounts of time publicly stating what a gift working on Iceman was, while also calling out the challenges that came with the experience, but the third volume really was a pure blessing. I was able to take every valuable lesson I learned as a writer, and apply it to telling a story that would be interesting to one person: Me. I’ve been a lifelong X-Men fan, I live and breathe comics, so my own expectations for a return to the series seemed like the only ones to really worry about meeting/ surpassing. The first two volumes had been so bogged down by rotating editors, complex continuity, company-wide events, multiple artists… The third volume was my chance to focus on what an Iceman series was outside of so much context. All that mattered was challenging myself to do an X-Men story that focused on the aspects of the franchise I felt were valuable and relevant, meaning: excuses to have Emma Frost be an asshole and finding an opportunity to make fun of Kitty Pryde’s haircut. Before moving on from Marvel, Axel Alonso made time to call me for a pep talk about the series. I wanted to get the series extended, and he wanted to help me succeed with the ten issues he could commit to. First, he offered an eleventh issue to give me more time on the stands. He took a look at everything I had planned, and basically told me to restructure with an eye for ramping up the pace. My writing background comes from prose and essays/ think pieces… both of which are methodical and provide some allowance from the reader to really take your time and set up the world before diving into the meat. That’s not the case with comics. You gotta work fast. Especially in today’s market, there is less and less room for a retailer to say, “give it two volumes, because shit starts really coming together by the third trade.” That was literally my speech for hooking people on such iconic series as Invincible, Fables, and Strangers in Paradise. Nowadays, every single issue is not a brick to be laid down as foundation so much as a bullet in your gun. Conflicting imagery, but that’s the point. Axel told me to think about the Big Moments in my life and sort out how to inject the mutant metaphor into it and make the most compelling comic book story I could. This was epic advice that I took with me into the new arc, but I struggled a bit with what could be bigger than the “coming out” storyline in volume one. Love was off the table because I wanted to keep Bobby single and ready to mingle. Death was off the table too, because my editor felt like we’d done enough with Bobby’s parents in the first two volumes. Upon looking at my own life, and considering the stuff me and my friends were dealing with, I landed on something a bit more reflective than LIFE or DEATH. I wanted to focus on that moment when a gay guy looks outside of himself and realizes the folks around him may not have it so easy. After everything we’ve been dealing with this summer, Iceman’s “big issue” of the arc feels oddly prescient. Bobby Drake had to reconcile his accidental complicit role in keeping the Morlocks down, and he has to investigate new approaches to being a better ally to those who don’t want to or can’t live under the protection of the X-Men. I used the Morlocks to allegorically speak to the issues that the trans/ NB community face today. Considering that trans folks are facing higher rates of homelessness and murder than other members of the LGBTQIA+ community, all I needed to do was find a perfect villain to treat the Morlocks as “lesser-than.” Cue Mister Sinister, who I wrote as particularly Darwinist with a major flair for interactive theater. While Amazing Friends definitely is the most fun I’ve had working on the book, it was also full of the heaviest shit I’ve written about. I’m so grateful that my editor let me use Emma Frost for a story about the trauma of gay conversion therapy with her brother Christian, but I’m still annoyed he wouldn’t let me put her in a sickening Givenchy outfit for her reveal. Similarly, creating the Madin character required that I chat with several mental healthcare professionals and members of the NB community to respectfully portray them as a resilient and fleshed out hero. I included personal lessons that I learned from years of the therapy (the sandcastle / sea image, a Jay Edidin fave moment). My editor and I weren’t always aligned, but we definitely were on each other’s side. He understood what I was trying to do and asked questions when something flew over his head, and he even had the good instincts to stop me from going too heavy handed with the ending. My original idea for the arc’s finale was to have Bobby become permanently scarred in his fight with Sinister, where he’d have a cool ice gash running across his face or something, a la Squall from Final Fantasy 8. The goal was to show Iceman stripping himself of his ability to pass as non-mutant to save the Morlocks, but the Mutant Pride fight scene being a stand-in for the Stonewall Riots kind of already made enough of a statement. Plus, no one in editorial wanted to deal with remembering to track his scar in other books. At first I tried to balk at his point of view, but when I looked over my original notes for the series, the point was to focus on optimism and hope. Giving Bobby a permanent scar and emphasizing the notion of sacrifice was too bleak a message for a series wherein the hero carbo-loads hoagies while riding an ice scooter and mutant drag queens emcee local festivals. Of course, the crowning achievement of the series… my mutant drag queen :) I’ve witnessed a lot when it comes to the world of pop culture and myth-making, and I 100% believe that you can’t plan the success of something. I’ve seen bands forced into breaking up because labels spend six figures failing at making listeners connect with an album. I witnessed firsthand how The Walking Dead was built from relatively humble beginnings as a buzzy cable drama into a literal international phenomenon over the course of its first three seasons. Everyone hopes for the best, but you never know how something will land with audiences. When the Shade character took off, I was truly astounded. Things I posted on Instagram while half-asleep became official quotes on major news sites. Queens and cosplayers were interpreting her like Margot Robbie had unveiled a new Harley Quinn lewk. The impact was so legit and immediate that we had to jump in and give Shade a proper Marvel hero alias, to truly welcome her into the X-Men canon. Hence the name change to Darkveil. (Funny story: I tried to fight hard for Madame X as an alias, but CB didn’t want another Agent X / “X-Name” character. Three months later, Madonna announced the Madame X album. Phew!) There was a time where I felt uncertain that the folks in charge at Marvel would bring Darkveil into any stories outside of the ones I wrote. My understanding was that Hickman was like the Cylons and had A Plan-- one that didn’t include her character. I made peace with my contribution to the Marvel Universe being contained, but then someone on social media pointed out that Darkveil showed up in an issue of Marvel Voices. After breaking down and reading Hickman’s House of X, I saw that his Plan was one of endless possibilities, and that he was moving EVERY character into new and dynamic places. I have hope now that he sees the possibilities with Darkveil, and takes advantage of her and all of her many body pouches. Amazing Friends really is my favorite thing I’ve done for the Big Two. I made a lifelong friend out of artist Nate Stockman (DC, please hire us for a Plasticman book), and I got to run a victory lap with the most encouraging and supportive readers out there. It was worth every dreadful conversation, every shitty thing a person said to me online, and all of the fun nonsense that goes into being creative for a living. Being stuck at home in quarantine has given me a lot of time to reflect on the gift that my career to date has been, and I feel so grateful to be where I am today. Other people may groan when they have to talk about something they’ve moved on from, but not me. I made people happier, I got to work with my favorite characters at Marvel, and and I'll say it again: it’s a frickin’ gift to make people move from your work. So, I will engage every tweet or message asking me my thoughts about who should play Bobby Drake in the Marvel Cinematic Universe… I’ll just never have a good answer.

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energykite2 · 3 years

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agarwal-packersandmovers · 4 years

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Planning Your Commercial Relocation? Know Ways to Support IT Staff

While planning to relocate your office, IT Department is one of the crucial departments whose support is essentially required. You IT department might not be generating a direct revenue stream but your revenue streams entirely depend on the IT crew. As you are planning your commercial relocation, atleast make it your priority to come up with a well-organized moving plan for the computers, servers and other equipment. You should hire Agarwal Packers and Movers to get the help in packing and moving activities. As there are lots of other activities which require utter concentration rather than devoting your efforts in planning relocation. Let the moving company do it for you. It is advised to support your IT staff while moving to minimize the issue related to connectivity, communication, computer etc. Here, we are discussing three most important aspects to show your utter support to IT Department while moving to the new office in different area.

Make Your Budget for Move

Most of the companies commit the mistakes of scrimping their IT distributions. These business owners take the IT spending in the similar manner as they treat with their bathroom soap and business cards. These expenditures are glanced as the operating cost rather than the investment on the infrastructure. While relocating commercially, this policy might be revised to make sure a successful move to a new site. The following IT Tasks must be funded properly:

• Moving and Packing Supplies

• IT Inventory and Breakdown

• New IT Site-Plan Creation

• Proper Racks, Infrastructure and Cables

• New Site Inspection, Measuring and Testing

• Cabling and Rack Installation

• Specialty Moving Fees

When your IT Staff is allocated with numerous jobs of breaking down and recreating the date and the internet system, there would be more other expenses that incurred. For instance, if you are having the small IT staff, you are expected to pay overtime during the moving period to those employees who succeed. Your staff will work many late hours on this project. With the proper funding of your IT department during your relocation, you should give them adequate resources to reduce the downtime of your sensitive operation. You IT equipment are much safer and secured when you invest in the relocation support.

Time for Moving

You should the files in a carton and stack your desk in the moving truck while relocating. You cannot directly put the IT equipment in the carton boxes and throw the twisted cables in the bag like the abandoned strand of holiday lights.

All the sensitive and precise IT component must be diligently dismantles and cushioned for the moving. The equipment’s like routers, servers etc should not be directly exposed to extreme temperatures and rough handling. All the adjoining cables should be perfectly wrapped and labeled.

The physical process of relocating your IT room is only one area of the moving experience wherein inconsiderate speed will cost for you. If you don’t offer your IT staff the minimum possible time for planning and execution while moving, then you are going to face more tech conflicts and delay in the location.

Time support for IT staff comprises:

• Advance notice of move

• Advance notice of new providers

• Backup of necessary data and hardware

• Validation, troubleshooting, and testing

• Draw down phase operations

You should manage your time well by giving the order for the new broadband services for your new premises. While in some location, there is huge waiting time for the internet connection in various commercial districts.

You should connect and power up you new sites for the period of two or month in advance. This will provide your IT staff with adequate time for ensuring the reliability and functionality of your Wifi Connection Speed and Security of the System.

Moving Tools for Relocation

You IT team require some efficient tools for dismantling and reconstructing your data center or network. As already discussed in the planning part, you should be ready with list of specialty software, hand tools, and various other supplies to facilitating the secure and hassle-free moving process. The inventory process is an essential part of moving your gear racks. Every single constituent of your systems must be added to an inventory and properly labeled before packing and moving. The inventory database comprises:

• Make and model of components

• Serial numbers

• Dependencies and support information

• Associated data, applications, and users

• RFID chip information

• Location on racks and cabinets

A proper inventory could save your moving expensed by allowing your IT staff for discarding unused and terminated components. Superfluous but usable mechanisms can wiping and cleaning of data and sold for metal, contributed to a non-profit, or sold as usable IT equipment for the start up.

Sometimes, it is easier to move works where they are rather than breaking down your IT structures. If you are planning to move the component on the specific racks, then your IT staff should properly check the dynamic and static load ratings of all the equipment racks and cart. You should also load the racks upto the threshold till when the racks are perfectly stable. The dynamic rating signifies the maximum capacity of the racks while they are moved or rolled.

All the racks, which are loaded over the dynamic limit, should be reconfigured so they don’t tip over while moving. Otherwise, you should buy new racks to evade accidents or damage to people and equipment.

If Your IT people do not have the necessary tools or experience for handling intricate cabling requirement, you should connect with Cable Installation Company for disconfiguration and reintegration of your IT equipment in a hassle-free manner. A fresh, neatly prearranged cable setup gets your new site off to a blessed start and freezes your IT staff to motivate on staff message and connection needs.

You should connect with Agarwal Packers for scheduling professions move for your IT Sensitive Office Equipment, who are fully equipped with necessary packing supplies and moving containers to pack and move your fragile data center component to make your commercial stress-free and fast.

Have a Happy and Safe Move

#agarwalpackers #aggarwalpackers #agarwalpackersmovers #agarwalmovers #aggarwalmoversnpackers #originalagarwalpackers

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theparanormalperiodical · 4 years

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The REAL Story Behind A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984), And The 11 Demonic Entities Which Are Most Definitely Causing Your Sleep Paralysis

In 1981, The New York Times reported on something rather unusual that was occurring in southeast Asian communities in America. A couple of years later in 1987, The LA Times would pick up on the same, strange story:

In the late 1970s, 130 people died in their sleep.

No cause was pinpointed.

No symptoms were reported.

All they knew was that healthy, young men were crying out in their sleep as if having a nightmare, and then never waking up.

A copy of this edition would fall into the hands of a horror director Wes Craven, and their findings would inspire one of the most iconic horror slashers that is still haunting our nightmares:

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984).

But the thing is, this isn’t the first time a link between our dreams - or rather, our nightmares - and the paranormal has been forged. A number of demons, spirits, and entities are said to be hiding in the dark corners of your bedroom and waiting for you to drift into an eternal slumber.

There’s reality in Freddy Krueger’s dream world.

First, let’s talk about this era-defining slasher movie.

1984 is mainly known for one thing: it titled the fictional tale of a dark, twisted dystopian novel penned by George Orwell. But in the actual year, we stumbled into a dark, twisted movie.

A movie that would change the genre forever, and spat out the very first slasher.

Through seven films we follow a simple yet traumatising premise: teenagers have nightmares of a mysterious and yet grotesque figure that attempts to kill them - and sometimes succeed. If they die in the dream, they die in real life.

As the films and even a TV series continue, we discover more about the mysterious figure, Freddy Krueger, and his past, and explore the possibilities of the dream world in which he operates.

‘Couple jokes cracked by the murderous villain and a few million dollars in the bag for Wes Craven later, and we arrive at one of the biggest horror film franchises still haunting those that grew up in the ass-end of the 20th century.

What’s the film based on, again?

Wes Craven has stated that the movie was inspired by those that had survived the Killing Fields in Cambodia. The Killing Fields are a number of sites where more than a million people were killed in what is now labelled the Cambodian genocide.

During the rule of the Communist Party of Kampuchea from 1975-79, anyone who was suspected of a connection with former or foreign governments was to be arrested and executed. The exact number of those that were executed has been disputed, but Yale has indicated through analysis of mass grave sites that at least 1,386,734 people had died at the hands of the Khmer Regime.

One Cambodian family successfully fled the brutal regime in the 70s, but their son had already been traumatised.

The child would stay awake for days for fear that something in his nightmares would chase him and eventually kill him. He finally fell asleep one night, but would cry out into the middle of the night one last time.

By the time his family got to him, he was dead.

This experience was placed within a wider phenomenon occurring throughout southeast Asian communities, a phenomenon that has actually been established in the medical world: it’s called Sudden Arrthymic Death Syndrome.

Most common among young men (average age of 33) who were seemingly healthy, they would simply cry out in the middle of the night randomly, and then they would die. It was later discovered that this wasn’t an unexplained phenomenon; they were suffering from undiscovered medical problems including a slightly large heart and other defects.

This rare syndrome was first noted in the Hmong refugees in North America in 1977, and is most often associated with southeast Asian immigrants to the US and Canada.

What’s really interesting, though, isn’t the medical proof that you can indeed die in a nightmare. It’s the paranormal link to SADS, as it is also known.

Medical journals have already outlined the link between the victims of this syndrome and their cultural beliefs in the spiritual world. This was first suggested in regards to the Hmong population:

Hmong cultural beliefs traced back this phenomena to nocturnal pressing spirit attacks.

To the Hmong people of Laos, dab tsuam - a spirit which takes the form of a jealous woman - sits on one’s chest and suffocates you in the middle of the night. And it turns out each culture right across the globe has their own negative spirit or entity that supposedly causes what we now call sleep paralysis.

The Hmong belief developed in the 1970s and 1980s, however, to take into account the political context. When the syndrome began a timely outbreak in this period, many were unable to worship properly as a result of the guerrilla war against the Laos government. By failing to worship properly, whether they were incorrectly performing rituals or failing to carry out sacrifices, the ancestor or village spirits would not protect them.

This claim is not impossible to make: many still confuse sleep paralysis from which you are awake but unable to move or make any noise with paranormal activity. This is become typically one witnesses strange, shadowy figures or terrifying entities near them and feels suffocating pressure on their chest at the same time.

That being said, a link to the supernatural has been present throughout history. And maybe, just maybe, there is something going bump in the night.

It’s time to talk about the 10 other terrifying sleep paralysis demons that are probably haunting you in your sleep.

Without summarising the entirety of human history, it’s safe to say that before science could explain natural phenomena, gods, spirits, and demons were used to make sense of the world.

Before we knew what sleep paralysis was, we pinned it on the paranormal.

Most often entities or spirits would be considered to be causing such an affliction. Even the term ‘nightmare’ can be traced back to a mare, a Norse spirit that would crush people’s chest in the dead of the night and cause traumatic nightmares for the victim.

According to folklore, the mare was believed to ride horses, leaving them exhausted and covered in sweat - a symptom associated with night terrors and nightmares. Mare would also tangle their hair, another symptom of thrashing around in one’s sleep, I guess - but this can be related to the Polish plait phenomenon (a hair disease from which one’s hair becomes matted).

Mares are also associated with witches when they would take on the form of animals. Their spirits would effectively leave their bodies, enter the animals they would possess, and leave them in a trance.

Scandinavia, Germany, and Poland are the most popular champions of mares and have their own takes on the typically dishevelled creature. In fact, some of them bear a similarity far too close to Krueger.

And the mares aren’t alone.

#2 - Kana tevoro, Fiji

Feeling the weight of a jealous old woman sitting on your chest is by no means a pleasant experience. Being eaten by a demon, or kana tevoro, is far worse.

Fijians believe the spirit of a recently deceased relative takes the form of this demon who returns to their living relative to impart important information or complete unfinished business.

Although the idea of being eaten by an evil entity sounds like something you’d much rather not experience, those sleeping near you should say “kania, kania” (“eat, eat”) in order to prolong the possession. It’ll give the relatives a chance to talk to you and explain why they have returned.

When the person being eaten awakens, they should curse or chase away the spirit to end the terrible experience. Simply tell them to go away, and you will be free from their midnight snack.

#3 - Phi Am, Thailand

Thailand is also home to demons seeking a feast in the dead of the night.

Sleep paralysis in this part of Asia is caused by the ghost Phi Am (‘phi’ is the word for ‘ghost’ in Thai), a spirit that is known to cause bruising, a tell-tale symptom of violent spirit or demonic attacks.

Phi Am sits on your chest while you are asleep, and often causes troubled nightmares and uncomfortable sleep. Some even claim this Phi can kill you in your sleep.

#4 - Dip-non, Tibet

In Tibetan culture, the phenomenon of sleep paralysis goes by the name ‘dip-non’. Roughly translated from Tibetan, this means that one is oppressed or struck by a shadow, referring to a ‘spiritual pollution’.

Despite little being mentioned on the web, it sounds like this refers to an individual’s depression or spiritual emptiness, and thus means something far more personal than paranormal.

#5 - A collection of evil beings, Pakistan

Pakistan gives their take on the Old Hag far more backstory than other nations. Sleep paralysis on this part of the planet is considered to be an encounter with one of three things: jinns, demons, or Satan.

(Take your pick, I guess.)

It is supposedly caused by black magic that is performed by enemies or those that are jealous and wish to cause harm to the victim. To protect against this, Pakistani culture dictates several measures for defending against evil supernatural beings.

This includes wearing Ta’wiz, an amulet to ward off an evil eye, performing exorcisms, and blessing haunted houses with specific Muslim practices.

There is no specific Old Hag sitting on the chests of innocents in Pakistan; instead, any ol’ negative spirit or entity will do the trick.

#6 - Jinn and/or a nameless African Queen, Egypt

Out of all cultural groups, Egyptians are probably the most terrified of sleep paralysis. A huge number of studies and investigations have even attempted to explain the high incidences of such troubled sleep.

Unfortunately, the information on the beast they believe to be haunting them is limited.

You have two options: there’s the evil African Queen who might be Lilith, a female demon belonging to Jewish mythology, or it’s just jinn.

Evil jinn typically bear the blame for sleep paralysis as a result of the strong religious traditions still present within the country. According to Islamic mythology, jinn are genies and this is not the only time they have been blamed for a bad nights sleep.

#7 - Dukak, Ethiopia

‘Dukak’ - that is, ‘depression’ - is sleep paralysis that is caused by an evil spirit possessing one in their sleep. But this possession might be associated more with khat, a stimulant which can cause excitement or euphoria.

By quitting khat, users experience hallucinations which are punishments from dukak, a personification of the depression as a result of the withdrawal. The dukak takes pleasure in extreme forms of punishment aside from sleep paralysis, including forcing someone to swallow a bag of gravel, or being put in a bottle and the bottle being shaken violently.

Don’t do drugs, kids.

#8 - Haddiela, Malta

The entity halting this island nation in their sleep is Haddiela. They take the form of a stereotypical Old Hag that spends the evening lounging on your ribcage. To get rid of them simply place some silverware under your pillow.

Interestingly enough, Haddiela is married to Hares who is considered to be an entity similar to a poltergeist.

#9 - Women executed in the Salem witch trials, USA

It’s peculiar.

No, really, this one is weird.

Each country has folklore that can be followed back to the darkest depths of history. And most of the spirits, demons, entities, and jinn mentioned in this article can be traced back just as far. But the sleep paralysis experienced by those in America during the Salem witch trials was actually pinned on the witches on trial.

Jon Loudner was one of the first to experience this, and gave his encounter as evidence in the trial of Bridget Bishop, the first woman to be executed for witchcraft in the trials.

Loudner claimed something of her likeness attacked him in the middle of the night and made attempts to suffocate him in a manner similar to other sleep paralysis entities.

“… I going well to bed, about the dead of the night felt a great weight upon my breast, and awakening, looked, and it being bright moonlight, did clearly see Bridget Bishop, or her likeness, sitting upon my stomach. And putting my arms off of the bed to free myself from that great oppression, she presently laid hold of my throat and almost choked me. And I had no strength or power in my hands to resist or help myself. And in this condition she held me to almost day.”

Yeah, you gonna want to rethink that Sunday morning lie in.

Liked this article? Love the paranormal? Go on and tap follow to read a new article about the supernatural every weekend and hear a new ghost story everyday.

Oh, you can’t wait to get your hands on more real evidence and experiences of the paranormal? Then you need to head over to the People’s Paranormal Archive, the online collection of real stories of the supernatural.

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thornelia-ravenwood · 4 years

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Thorn’s Witchy Tips: Getting Stared in Witchcraft

What is witchcraft?

Witchcraft is different for everyone! Your craft is what you make it! There are different types of witches and practices (e.g. hedge, crystal, kitchen, divination eclectic, etc).

How do I know what type of witch I am or the type of witchcraft I want to practice?

Research! Talk to other witches! Explore! Try different things and figure out what is best for you. The most important thing I will say is that you don’t have to label yourself. You’re a witch. That’s all you really need to say.

Where should I research more information?

Tumblr is a great start! Personally, I started on Pinterest as there is a lot of information that will link you to other sites. Facebook is a great place as well. I am in a group called “Wicca & Witchcraft for Beginners,” which is a great group to ask questions of other witches of all different levels. I am in a few others that share information and help with practicing readings. There are other places to go as well.

BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS!

When my boyfriend and I started getting into witchcraft, we immediately started reading books. Find the book(s) that call to you and interest you the most. Here is a list of the four books we have and reference quite often:

The Elements of Spellcrafting by Jason Miller

The Book of Spells: The Magick of Witchcraft by Jamie Della

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham

The Goddess Path: Myths, Invocations & Rituals by Patricia Monaghan

Do I have to work with or devote myself to any deity?

Again, your craft is what you make of it! It is completely personal to you. If you feel like you want to work with a deity, then go for it! If you don’t feel like that is what you want to do or you are uncomfortable with it, then that’s perfectly okay! Nobody in the witch community will judge you for your decision. You can always change your mind down the line; that’s also perfectly okay!

Meditation: Why should I do it? How do I become better at it?

Meditating is something that a lot of people struggle with. We are so use to going a mile a minute and rarely take the time to actual relax. In my opinion, meditating is, honestly, one of the most important aspects of witchcraft. In order to perform spells correctly or achieve the results you want, you need to be able to calm your mind and your body. Guided meditations on Youtube are a blessing. I think they can really help a person who is learning to meditate. Some, however, don’t always give you long enough to visualize, so you want to find the right video or channel that is best for you. You really want to make your situation and environment as calm as you can. I like to shut the door (mostly so my cats won’t bust in), turn the lights off, light a candle and burn some incense (or use my essential oil diffuser). I’m a huge fan of crystals, so I try to hold one (or several) depending on how I am feeling or what my focus is on. Depending on whether you choose to sit or lay down, you want to make yourself as comfortable as possible. I like to sit on a pillow and have a blanket around me. Keep in mind that the key isn’t to “have a clear mind” like some people think. That’s not truly possible. If a thought pops in your head, acknowledge it and let it go.

Never be afraid to ask questions!

We are all learning together. Never be afraid to ask questions! Feel free to ask my anything! I will do my best to answer or try point you in another direction. We are all a family, I think. We may have different opinions and practices, but it never hurts to learn more or to look at things from a new perspective!

Blessed be, witches!

#witch #witchcraft #witchblr #witch blog #thornswitchytips #witch asthetic #getting started #baby witch #wicca #magic #magick #original content

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changeit20 · 4 years

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First Site Review

Oh where to even start with this company...I never write reviews but this one had to be written. This will be long but I assure you its worth the read. I will try to go in order of what issues I had throughout my lease along with an overall summary at the bottom and a note to the owner who replies to these reviews.

1. Whenever I had to talk to a First Site employee I was always talked down to, and they treated me as if I didn't know anything. Always had an undertone of "mommy or daddy" handles everything so I can't possibly know what I am talking about. This is evident when going through the leasing process. Whenever I asked a question about the lease they would brush it off and just say “everything is handled this is a very easy process no need to ask these questions” I didn't sign it immediately as they so desperately try to do with other students. My roommates resigned and they assured us the apartment was ours as long as we signed the paperwork on Friday (This was told to us on Wednesday) Friday morning comes along and we go to sign. They told us the apartment was already rented out to someone else yesterday (Thursday). We told them on Wednesday that none of us could sign that day and wouldn't until Friday as our schedules were booked. They assured us repeatedly that we would have the apartment because we were resigning and were good lessees. When we were obviously perplexed as to why it was signed away. Their reasoning was they didn't have to wait on them and signed within hours of viewing pictures online.

The lack of professionalism is astonishing. Not sure if they do not communicate between each other, lack training, or simply make rules up as they go. Another example is you could ask a simple question and receive a different answer from every single one of their employees. I went in and called them (I kid you not) 10 times asking about my parking pass that was included in my lease. They were dismissive and clearly fed up with me consistently asking. I finally was told to go to Joes Towing to get it. When I got there a few minutes later the lady was frustrated that they sent me to their office. She did not have my pass. Even she was annoyed with them as this was not the first time they did this to someone. It took one call from her and they finally disclosed where to actually get it. Mind you this was the same person working that told me to go to the towing office. This was not the first or last time I had to go in circles to get the right or proper information. If you ask them something PLEASE get it in writing and the name of the worker so you can defend yourself. If you tell them you were told differently you WILL be called a liar or simply just "misremembering" as they "would never" tell someone false information...ugh please.

They treat you as if you were a child. When I first moved in I was given one key. This key was meant to be the front door key. The key they gave me looked like the stairwell key. I did not say anything at the time and assumed they changed the locks to the door. When I went up unlock my apartment the key didn't fit. I went to check if it worked for the stairwell and it did! I went back to the office and asked for the front door key. I was belittled and treated as if I was dumb.

"Are you sure you did it right?" "Do you even know how to open a door with a key?" "That is the right key, you clearly did it wrong" "That is the front door key" "Did you even go to the right apartment? Did you go to [redacted]? Are you sure it was apartment number [redacted]? Do you know your numbers?"

He then told another worker to go with me to "show me how to use the key right" The other worker, bless his soul, knew that the key I had was the stairwell key so he got the master key as well. I am grateful he apologized on behalf of the other worker. The way that worker talked to me was despicable.

Hire more personable and competent workers as this worker was also the one who gave me false information about the parking pass and has always been hostile towards me. I have talked to FirstSite about this worker and I was simply told it won't happen again.

They only care about money. They offer a program where you can defer payments until your student loan comes in and you are able to pay rent. I asked when the due date was to fill out the form and was told I had a week to do it. I filled it out 2 days later and called again to ask a question, they told me that the date had already passed by over 2 weeks. I told them that I had a week of time left because that is what a different employee told me. They said they couldn’t do anything and I needed to pay. I waited another 2 days and called again. I was told I still had time and it wasn’t until the end of the month. I turned in the paperwork that day. A few days go by and I was told that I was too late as the due date passed by a week. After talking to this agent and the manager I was told I needed to pay and if I didn’t pay within 5 days after the 5 day grace period they would start the eviction process. I told them I wouldn’t be able to pay until a day or two after the grace period because of my financial situtation and if it was possible to waive the late fees for that. I thought that was reasonable as multiple workers told me lies and caused me to go in financial distress in order to pay for the months I would have had deferred. They refused to help me in any sort of way. I have worked in the rental business and a good company would try and work with someone in my situation after everything. I would still pay, just not within the grace period. They were rude to me and said I still needed to pay the rent and late fees. Each time I was late I and my roommates would be harassed with text messages saying I NEEDED to pay, and multiple threats of eviction.

What really pisses me off is that my roommate during our lease couldn’t pay for a few months, and yet no threat of eviction was given to her! They said she had something like 30-60 days to pay. They were sympathetic to her and understood her situation. Also I only received ONE text message about it. How come I was not given that same response??? Was it because she was white and I was not? Again the level of professionalism of their employees is sub par. They do not have good customer service AT ALL. It is basically non existent.

2. First Site is obsessed with renting out their apartments as fast as possible. They start their rental process extremely early and pressures students to find an apartment for next year quickly because they rent out fast. They can show your apartment to potential renters. I lived above their office, I can not say if they do this to other locations but they would send out a text to each person living in the apartment stating they are going to show it to people within 10-15 minutes. That in itself is outrageous. Typically lessors should give at least a 24 hour warning before showcasing the apartment. This is to assure the renters have privacy, can clean up and make it presentable, not have a ton of guests etc. But because we were right above their office we were never given that absurd 10-15 minute window. It was always 5 minutes or less.

How is that okay???? I have been in the shower or freshly out of the shower multiple times when they came in. It happened so many times I thought they wanted to see me naked. It is extremely uncomfortable to run from the shower to close my bedroom door while its being opened by the leasing agent all while naked because I did not hear them. If I was given more of a warning of the apartment showing I obviously wouldn’t hop in the shower. I checked my phone when I closed my door and their warning message was sent to me 7 minutes prior. THAT IS INSANE.

My roommates and I felt violated and felt like we had zero privacy as they just waltzed in whenever they felt like it. Many times I wouldn’t get the text until they were already knocking at my door. They always came at the WORST times. Either someone was showering, we were cleaning, cooking, sleeping etc. Our apartment didn’t rent out fast so we had to deal with this for MONTHS. And they never changed anything.

First Site should refuse same day apartment showings for walk ins. Their website offers a schedule showing option. I have never used it but they should make sure they do not allow people to view an apartment less than 24 hours of booking. This would solve the major issue I had. My roommates and I expressed our concern about this and we were told that they simply just have to rent out the apartment for it to stop and the texts were sufficient. 15 minutes or less IS NOT ENOUGH TIME. WE DESERVE PRIVACY.

This is the part that a lot of people have been reviewing about. Filter the reviews from lowest rating and you will see.

3. The move out process is predatory. It is designed to assure you do not get your deposit back. If you do get any money back, it will be enough to get you a fast food meal. Each person on the lease will have a security deposit. Anything they deduct from it will come out of every single person’s deposit regardless of who did the damages. Their form and method of inspecting the apartment is rigged. They will simultaneously nitpick and glance over every part of the apartment. The form they used is rigged because if one box labeled as a deep clean is checked, then your deposit is hit with the max amount. A deep clean depending on the apartment size is an automatic $100-$235. So it does not matter if there is a tiny amount of cleaning like a simple wipe down or a large amount like an actual deep clean scrub, it’s viewed as the same. Here is what the form looks like for the Kitchen:

[ ] **Clean inside/outside/sides of Stove

[ ] ** Clean top & underneath Stove top

[ ] Pull out stove & clean floor under stove

[ ] ** Clean top and underneath range hood/microwave

[ ] **Clean broiler

[ ] Clean all ceiling fans & light fixtures

[ ] ** Clean inside & outside of refrigerator

[ ] ** Clean inside & outside of microwave

[ ] Clean inside and outside of all cabinets

[ ] ** Clean inside and outside of dishwasher

[ ] Clean and wipe down countertops

[ ] Clean all light switches & outlet covers

[ ] Clean & mop floor

[ ] Clean out pantry

[ ] Clean bar stools/table & chairs

the ** parts are labeled as a deep clean. When they inspected the kitchen they automatically checked these before viewing the kitchen. When I commented on that they then spent extra time trying to find reasons to justify it. The microwave justification was 3 specks of the inside corner of it. They did not check the underneath it yet it stayed checked. They did not open the dishwasher but it was checked. Regardless if was spotless or had a minuscule speck of dirt, if a box with the double asterisk was checked the entire apartment was automatically considered a deep clean. It says on the from as well

“If a box is checked then the required cleaning was NOT completed by the tenant.

** Failure to clean any appliance and/or shower/tub will result in a heavy clean charged to the tenant”

Now I will admit that the inside of our oven needed cleaning as something on the base of it would not come off. That is one part I will agree to it being justified.

But they just mark these boxes for any small reason. For the bedroom the desk and dresser is combined into one box. It was checked because there was a TINY piece of paper that came off of the paper towel used to wipe it down on the bottom half of the desk. They took a picture of it and used that as their evidence that we did not clean it. I am talking half an inch in size. I said I could just pick that up after they took the picture as it was so tiny and the desk wasn’t dirty so it shouldn’t be marked as so. It still ended up marked and the picture was in our final move out form lol.

Example of Bedroom:

[ ] Clean all ceiling fans & light fixtures

[ ] Clean and wipe down inside and outside of desk/dresser

[ ] Clean and wipe down all baseboards

[ ] Clean all windows (glass, sills, frames)

[ ] Clean closet and all shelving

[ ] Vacuum carpet

What is also annoying is the carpet section. Not only was the vacuum carpet section checked (When you can CLEARLY see the vacuum marks, and they came by 40 minutes before our appointment asking if we were ready and would want to do the move out early, they said sorry for knocking loudly as they could hear us VACUUMING and wanted to make sure we heard instead of just unlocking the door) That is just dumb.

They have a carpet cleaning section. In this section there are 3 options.

No carpet shampoo needed

Carpet shampoo needed

Strip and seal (wax) needed

They will charge you $45-$89 dollars if you did not have it shampooed yourself. Which is so stupid because their sales pitch is “we have professional cleaners deep clean the apartment so it is move in ready for you” They say that they have the carpet shampooed after each tenant, so why should we have to pay for it if they allegedly do that after every lease?

If they find pinholes in your walls they will mark it down for painting. That is an automatic $100-$225 fine. The painting fine is automatically applied regardless if it is one wall or the whole apartment.

What pisses me off is that they do not do these cleanings that they mark in these move outs. When we moved in, there was dust, dirt and grime everywhere, previous pin holes in the walls, marks on the bathroom floor, paint chips on the wall etc. The appliances were not cleaned, I could see the grease left on it from the previous tenants. The carpet was 100% NOT cleaned. I vacuumed my room 5 times in a row and each time my vacuum was FILLED with dust hair etc. And yet they heavily charge you for these exact reasons. The showers were gross. Red and brown build up, the shower doors weren’t wiped down. My toilet had this brown/black sludge on the bottom outside bowl that had to be there for a while because even when I cleaned it with bleach and other cleaning supplies, it left a stain. I have no idea what it was but I was extremely grossed out. A “deep clean” wouldn’t leave that.

Now I am not stating that I am perfect. There were a few things that needed to be cleaned. What I wish First Site would do is deduct the damage costs based on who lived in what room. A majority of our deductions were in a roommates room. I shouldn’t have to be punished for that. Now stuff in the common areas I think is fair to distribute the costs between everyone. I do not agree with their nitpicking. They want you to leave the apartment 20X better than you got it. And if you didn’t get your own pictures during the move in inspection they can claim [allegedly] it wasn’t there before and you did it and its their word agains yours. Now again I am not stating my apartment was perfect upon move out, what I am stating is that the way they handle this move out and they way they charge is isn’t right.

Basically if you want to sign with them, take two days to fully look at every single detail of your apartment and take photographic evidence of it and send it to a manager or the owner so they also have the photos. Do not expect any amount of your deposit back. ( I have a feeling that they might get commission for marking it as a heavy clean.) If you want any amount of it back, it should sparkle and not have one speck dirt. Take spongebob’s episode sb-129, everything is chrome in the future, make sure your apartment is like that too!! Do not think you will be treated as an adult. I am in my mid 20′s and was talked down like I was 12 years old. You will receive different responses/answers to simple questions from each person as they do not communicate with each other or maybe they don’t care to look up the actual rule/regulation and just say whatever they want. The only redeeming quality is their maintenance team. Any time I have interacted with them has been pleasant and they are very nice people. I wish first site would hire more people like them.

I don’t know if the actual owner replies to these google reviews, but you can clearly see how “professional” they are. I have gone in and discussed my issues to you, so don’t reply with that. You don’t seem to take any of these negative reviews as a serious matter nor care to change the ways of your company and your employee’s behaviors. I dare you to reply to this review with something other than your 4 same responses. I already came in and discussed the issues. A “thank you” reply to a negative review is simply passive aggressive. You sound like Trump when you state any negative review is “fake news” or a “fake review.” The only fake reviews are the 5 star review that you tell people to leave so they can get a free t-shirt, gift card or another incentive. Also I clearly do not have my name public on this review so don’t even try to say that “you have no record of me” and therefore my review is “fake.” How can this level of detail be fake love? Why would I spend my time writing a fake review? Also your empty threats of posting the move out inspections of people so “the google world can see” is just laughable. If you could do that, you would have already lol. The responses you give make you seem like an immature child who can not take any criticism and simply deflects it. Your awards of being one of the best in Bloomington doesn’t have any real credit to it as you monopolize the city and are 1 of, what, 3 realtors for students? Here is a link to their replies incase they delete them or if they say I am “making this up” https://imgur.com/a/V154UuN and gives proof of these repetitive replies I stated above. I have stated my issues and ways you can improve. So why don’t you actually implement some changes for once?

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lovehaswonangelnumbers · 4 years

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New Post has been published on https://lovehaswonangelnumbers.org/cosmic-weather-report-march-2020-saturn-in-aquarius-harvesting-magic-from-chaos/

Cosmic Weather Report March 2020 Saturn in Aquarius: Harvesting Magic from Chaos

By Soul Level Astrologer Mark Borax

Forty-eight hours after Spring Equinox occurs on the night of March 19, Saturn enters Aquarius the evening of March 21, where it will remain till July. In July Saturn drops back to Capricorn, then returns to Aquarius near the end of the year during the all-important Winter Solstice of 2020, meeting Jupiter in the Great Conjunction of our time, which brings the future closer to the past.

Saturn is the planet of purpose. This spring and summer, its entry into the Sign of the Water-Bearer previews our December entry into a new chapter of the Aquarian Age, the time scheduled for the awakening of humanity. If a quick look at the world around you indicates anything but an awakened species, that’s because we can’t wake up till we see how unawake we are.

The karmic drama unfolding across the world is The End of Everything That Never Worked Right in the First Place. As old systems crumble, we must harvest magic out of chaos. In the 1960s, mimeograph machines in the streets of Berkeley, Boston, New York and San Francisco spread the tribal drumbeat: Down with Pigs/Up the Revolution!

The mimeograph of our time is the internet, last bastion of global freedom. Even though corporate ownership is pushing for more control, even though some shows are censored with false labels, like Lee Camp’s Redacted Tonight that’s mistakenly labeled as funded by Russia because it provides truths inconvenient to corporate dogma, and even though, now that Google has gone into the pharmaceutical business, alternative healing sites are dropping off their search algorithms, for the most part the web is still within public domain.

Which means we have the ability to spread news counter to corporate views. CNN, MSNBC, NPR, FOX, the NYT, WA POST and the rest have become lap dogs of their Corporate Masters, with much less difference between Left and Right than they’d have us believe. Aquarius adds the telepathic communication of the real worldwide web of collective consciousness, announcing the great change rising from the soul of the world everywhere people get done with being puppets on a string.

To harvest magic from chaos we must join together in exposing distortions, speaking truth, untwisting corporate twists, and envisioning the real human being rising up out of a corrupt system. Don’t buy into the lies. Don’t let yourself be talked out of claiming the magic of an evolving species that has a lot of love left inside. Feel the change sweeping the soul and let it out in your own way.

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folkelorde · 4 years

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lcmongrass :):)

maren !!! icb i have to expose my love for u right on main, how embarrassing !!! i feel so happy n blessed that you stumbled across my first post promoting sedona from somewhere and i remember how impressed i was at ur take on a stereotypical label and how much fun we had first plotting together – & it’s only been more fun since then and i truly believe you are the NICEST and KINDEST person on this entire site, ur so welcoming and uplifting and i appreciate u cheering me on from the sidelines and i love how u message me every time i like one of your random text posts alkdjf u rly make sedona feel so homey. i’ll prob always think of u when i see gifsets from after now … i know u don’t claim that film, but it’s too late !!

that said thank u for also enabling all of my stupid ideas and helping me push sedona along bc i truly don’t believe it’d still be around without u !!! also queen of talent bc every time i read ur replies to me my jaw truly drops !! i would really write a billion more plots w u in ANY setting at all bc truly anyone in this community who knows u and has written with u must know what i’m talking about. ♡♡♡

#lcmongrass

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creepingsharia · 5 years

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Florida: 217-acre, sharia-compliant Muslim resort planned near Disney, next to Margaritaville

The sharia-compliant resort where terror-linked Muslim organizations can plan their ongoing Islamziation of America will be near another foreign-funded Islamic compound. Read: Mega-mosque being built in “strategic location” between major Orlando tourist sites

A Canadian real estate developer that is building the first Muslim, family-friendly resort in the Dominican Republic has a purchase contract for one of the largest undeveloped tracts on Osceola County's W192 corridor and plans a similar 5-star resort.

The Everest Group of Companies is eyeing the 217-acre parcel at the southwest corner of U.S. 192 and the Western Beltway (S.R. 429), just across the toll road from Margaritaville Resort. This is the same property that was under contract twice in recent years, first for a controversial auto racing attraction, then for a sports complex which failed to close the deal despite a $20 million commitment from the county. It's priced at $13.75 million.

Everest is working with David Portwood, president of Davenport Consulting Group, and Kimley-Horn's Jordan Draper on its conceptual planning and due diligence. They met with Osceola County's Development Review Committee Wednesday for a pre-application meeting to discuss the latest master plan for the resort with a working title of "Golden Lagoon."

Portwood told GrowthSpotter he estimates the project budget at roughly $500 million. The first phase would begin on the northern end of the property and would include a mix of multi-story retail buildings, restaurants, multifamily and the first of several luxury hotels. Portwood said the full-service hotels would be 5-star quality with ample meeting and convention space.

Everest CEO Zafir Rashid formed an Orlando-based affiliate company, GMR Development Orlando Inc., for the project, which will be its first in the United States. In Canada, the company specializes in multi-family real estate, student residences, commercial/retail mixed-use communities, and hospitality properties.

The master plan and mood board indicate the project would replicate some of the features of Everest Group's Grand Medina Resort just north of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. An earlier site plan provided to Osceola County continued the Grand Medina branding. Portwood said the developer has not announced whether newly renamed Golden Lagoon would be designed specifically for Muslim tourists.

(video and more below the fold)

Portwood did say a Grand Medina-style resort here in Orlando would open the door to a global tourist demographic that isn't well served by the local market.

"It's an exciting project," Portwood told the DRC members. "We find that this is a niche, in a sense, and we're blessed to bring it to the county. It's a wonderful opportunity."

https://www.growthspotter.com/news/osceola-county-developments/gs-deal-for-20m-sports-complex-on-w192-falls-through-land-back-on-market-20190211-story.html »

Davenport Consulting is the architect of record and is working in collaboration with Spanish firm, Arquiestudio, which is also designing the Caribbean resort and has completed luxury resorts in Egypt and the Canary Islands.

The resort itself would be gated with a 4-lane spine road on the eastern boundary linking U.S. 192 to Funie Steed Road. The entire resort would be hugged by a massive man-made lagoon. It calls for multiple hotel and timeshare towers, a full service spa and private water park - complete with its own wave pool, water slides and lazy river. There's also a Women's Club, with a separate pool and waterfront cabanas, just like the Grand Medina Resort.

Portwood said the resort would provide water-taxi service on the lagoon for guests. Some areas of the development are designed as a series of connected islands.

"The lagoon serves two functions," Portwood said. "It's stormwater retention and also compensating storage (for the floodplain)."

Coldwell Banker Commercial Broker Paul Hoffman has the exclusive listing for the property.

The $750 million Margaritaville Resort opened in late 2018 and has already filed preliminary plans for its fifth phase of vacation homes.

Meanwhile, Maitland-based Equinox Development Properties has assembled 48-acres on the north side of U.S. 192, across from Margaritaville and west of Disney's Animal Kingdom, and plans a massive mixed-use resort development there.

youtube

Grand Medina Resort & Spa Orlando is the 1st Muslim-friendly, family-oriented, master-planned community in the Americas. Located just minutes from Walt Disney World, Grand Medina Orlando is a multi-phase hotel and theme park development project located in Florida, USA. Resort Highlights: Alcohol-free Environment Halal Restaurants Private Women’s Club Artificial Beaches Retail Shopping Children’s Amenities Spa Services Conferences & Special Events

From their FAQ - it’s clear this is a Muslims-only facility that will allow non-Muslims who submit to sharia law while on premise:

Q. Halal food? Everything will be halal. All meat will be hand-slaughtered and certified...

Q. Alcohol? There will be no alcohol served, sold, or allowed on-site, ever.

Q. Prayer facilities? A welcoming 9,000 sq. ft prayer center with an on-site, local Imam.

---------------------------------------------

Jacob Engels at the Central Florida Post notes the developer’s ties to known-wolf Muslim groups that are linked to terrorists, via Muslim “Friendly” Resort With Terror-Ties Planned Near Disney World

Rashid’s companies have sponsored the Reviving the Islamic Spirit annual gathering, where WTC bombing co-conspirator Siraj Wahhaj and noted anti-Semite Linda Sarsour have spoken. Wahhaj’s son was recently busted running a terrorist training compound in New Mexico...

The Grand Medina Resort, Rashid’s Dominican Republic based and soon-to-open carbon copy of the proposed Orlando project, recently sponsored the Islamic Society of North America’s annual convention in Houston. ISNA has admitted ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas, both extremist terrorist organizations operating in America and abroad.

...

At face value, you might think that there is nothing wrong with having a “Muslim friendly” resort, but how can we be sure that “Muslim friendly” does not mean “Muslim only” or terrorist friendly?

Presumably those were rhetorical questions. If Rashid is openly hosting ISNA - they will host ICNA, MAS, MSA, CAIR and other Islamic groups. All have terror links, some are on terror lists, and all are terror friendly.

There is no chance that the dhimmis in Orlando will risk be labeled Islamophobic and shut this project down, even if the city/state lose money.

#Immigration #Sharia

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left-handed-roots · 5 years

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This ritual is about introducing you to the powers and spirits of the world at large, rather than purely about initiation or dedication. It is really quite a simple ritual, despite how lengthy it appears in print. It is meant to establish communication and to begin a relationship with the spirits of your region. The Witch Lord is only one component of your local landscape. He should be viewed as a mentor and guide, rather than as a deity or being to worship. He may visit your dreams or be seen in the leaves of the trees on a breezy silent night, but he is most surely your first step into the world of the Craft.

You will need these items to perform the rite:

-An offering bowl (if you are working indoors)

-A navigational compass

-A bag of small, shiny objects, like glass beads

-A bottle of locally produced red wine or a reasonable substitute

-A small loaf of locally baked bread

-A pair of scissors

-A red cord roughly ¼ inch in diameter and cut 24 inches longer than you are tall.

Perform this rite on a full moon in a secluded outdoor location. If this is not possible, you can perform the rite indoors. If outside, wear dark clothes to take advantage of the cover of night.

On your way to the space, see if you can find a suitable stick or branch about waist height and bring it with you. Do not remove the branch without asking permission of the spirit of the wood. Explain your need and wait for an answer. If you feel it is permissible, leave some of the shiny objects you brought with you—but don't lose your car keys! Verbally thank the branch and the space, and continue on your way with the branch. If you are unable to procure a branch or stick, or know in advance you will not be able to find one, bring a staff or cane with you. The stick/ branch is not required to perform the rite and there's always a way to substitute any ritual component.

Once at the site, make peace with your surroundings and ask permission of the land and its accompanying spirits to proceed. If you are not welcome in that space, you will. Facing east, sit in silence upon the earth for several minutes, feeling the solitude and embracing the local sounds of the night. Sit for several more minutes, experiencing this sensation of being a point in space. Once you have reached this point, stand up. If you have a branch or stick, bring it with you as you take a step and a half forward toward the east. Pause for several breaths before beginning the second part of the ritual—

THE CROSSROAD RITE

This is a short ritual to create a crossroads wherever you happen to be. Depending on why you are performing the rite, it can be modified to fit your intent and to fulfill a variety of functions. Here, the rite is being used to create an intersection to fulfill the role of an actual crossroads, a liminal space. It is also emblematic of the phrase “the Crooked Path,” which is another label for witchcraft itself. The rite delineates a working area by heading in different directions and forming a Solar Cross. In other paths, this same symbol is also referred to as the Mark of Cain.

Standing slightly east and forward from where you were just seated, face the east. If you have a branch or staff, hold it in your left hand with one end touching the ground. Say the following aloud, addressing the space as you do so:

From the east, I go to west.

Turn and take three steps to the west, dragging the branch so that it inscribes the ground, marking a trail. Now, standing three steps to the west, turn right and say:

About to north.

Continuing to drag your branch or foot, walk one-quarter of a circle around to the north. Then turn right, face the south, and say:

And then to south.

As you take three steps, crossing the center of the space where you were originally seated in meditation, say:

Crossing roads as I go about.

Facing south, turn right and, continuing to drag your branch or foot, walk one-quarter of the way around the circle to the west and say:

Laying the ground for a witch’s work.

In the west, turn right and walk three steps to the east. Say:

Down at the crossroads is where I vow.

In the east, turn right and, continuing to drag your branch or foot, walk one-quarter of the way around the circle to the south. Say:

To meet with she and he and they and thou.

In the south, turn right and walk three steps to the north. Say:

Upon this night, and in this hour.

In the north, turn right and, continuing to drag your branch or foot, walk one-quarter of the way around the circle to the east, completing the rite. Say:

I call upon thee to beseech thy power.

HAILING THE WITCH LORD

Once the crossroads is established, walk from the east to the center of the space. Knock or stomp three times upon the ground (or floor), then pause and call upon the Witch Lord using the following words (or something spontaneous of your own devising):

Hail the dread Lord of witchcraft, the wilderness and night! I, (state your full name), call upon you, To visit and recognize me as a wanderer, And new disciple of the Crooked Path. I stand before you of my own free will, In silence and in secret, To know the wonders of your ways. Lord of Wild Abandon, Uniter of Worlds, Grant me your passion, permit me your blessing, As I embark upon this journey on this full moon night. From this time forth, be my guide to the greater realms, Throughout, about, above, and below, As I desire—it is so!

Take out the bottle of wine you brought with you. Open it and say:

With this wine, the blood of the land—May it fill me with your passion and thus—It is so.

Take a drink of the wine, then pour some on your left index finger and anoint your forehead. Pour out the rest of the bottle onto the ground around you while turning clockwise. If you are performing this rite indoors, pour the wine out four times into the offering bowl instead. Then take out the bread you brought with you, hold it before you, and say:

With this bread, made of the land, May it fill me with your blessing and thus—It is so.

Eat a single piece of bread, then scatter pieces of it to the east, south, west, and north. If you are performing this rite indoors, break off four pieces of bread, hold up each in turn to its appropriate direction, then place them into the offering bowl. Once the offering is complete, proceed to the final portion of the rite—creating the witch’s cord.

THE CORD OF SOVEREIGNTY

The Cord of Sovereignty is the witch’s cord of initiation. It is made by tying knots along the cord, from foot to head. Once the last knot has been tied, the cord is cut. To begin, tie a knot in one end of the cord. Hold this knot under your left foot between your big toe and your index toe. Thread the cord between these two toes so that your foot is holding the knot to the floor. Once this is done, say:

With this first knot, may I always be grounded, walk a balanced life, and stand strong against any threat or tyranny.

Draw the rest of the cord up and tie another knot level with your groin. Say:

With this second knot, may I maintain dominion over my own being; I am my own person, now and evermore so.

From the groin, draw the cord up and tie a knot level with your belly. Say:

With this third knot, may I always be full of food and drink, as well as with knowledge, wisdom, and life.

From the heart, draw the cord up and tie a knot level with your throat. Say:

With this fifth knot, may I forever hold sway over my own speech and may I honor my oaths and any words that I speak henceforth.

From the throat, draw the cord up and tie a knot level with your third eye—a spot on your forehead between your brows. Say:

With this sixth knot, may I see and know beyond the veil and in life. And with this sight, may all be revealed unto me.

From your third eye, draw the cord up and tie a knot level with the crown of your head. Say:

With this seventh knot, may the Witch Lord and Witch Queen aid and empower me in all that I do.

Using the scissors, cut the cord an inch or so past the final knot and, while holding the cord, say:

With this Cord of Sovereignty, may I seize governance over my own self through wherever this path will take me. May I be empowered to pursue my dreams and to succeed in attaining them in accordance with my Will. So mote it be!

You can wear the cord as you see fit. Tie it around your waist, drape it around your neck and over your shoulders, or wrap it around your left arm—whatever is most comfortable and practical for you. Once the cord is in place, sit down, close your eyes, and relax. Take a few minutes to allow this moment to sink in. During this time, you may receive information through mental images. Instead of trying to clear your mind, explore the random thoughts that present themselves. You may be visited by the Witch Lord himself; you may be given a new name; you may make contact with a familiar spirit, or with something more. These conversations and experiences, whether they occur mentally or verbally, are significant. So be sure to keep an open mind and be observant.

When the time feels appropriate, get up from your meditation and thank the Witch Lord. Knock or stomp three times upon the ground (or floor) and then depart. Be sure to take the empty wine bottle with you. Leave some glass beads as additional thanks and either leave the branch you found, thanking it for its service, or, if you feel an affinity for it, bring it home to turn into a wand or staff, depending on its size and shape. If it has any leaves, be sure to save them, as they will help you identify what type of wood the branch is. Different varieties of wood hold different meanings or associations, and all things have their own voice. So be sure to begin paying attention to these sorts of messages or directions, if you don’t do so already.

If you performed this ritual at home, clean up the space and go outside for some fresh air. Re-engaging with the rest of the world outside your ritual space can be a little disconcerting, so it is always a good idea to reground yourself. If you keep a journal, write down your thoughts and experiences for later reflection. For the next month, you may want to sleep with your cord under your pillow to further enhance your relationship with it. Witches’ cords are powerful tools, as they embody the witches themselves and their will. After sleeping close to your cord for a month, keep it in a secret location and wear it whenever you do a working.

For more on the practice of modern traditional witchcraft, read the book used as source material for this post. It is a very insightful work!

Christopher Oraphello and TaraLove Maguire. 2018. “Besom, Stang, and Sword”.

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livingwithkami · 5 years

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Shinto and Sexuality: A gift of life

With the recent ban on adult content on Tumblr, it has given way to a lot of discussion about adult content online and what is or isn't acceptable. Legitimate issues were brought up in how violence is more normalized than intimacy and sexuality, and how the bans would affect sex workers and nsfw artists greatly – Tumblr, one of the last safe mainstream social media platforms that could ensure an income and audience base is now also being ripped out from under them. I feel this is not right and even a dangerous and irresponsible decision to make. Instead of relying on bots and algorithms to moderate between adult content and all-ages content, they should hire a dedicated moderation team, and proper safety features into the site to protect minors, but also while not censoring adult content creators and their adult consumers. There were ways that worked before that do not require a site-wide ban.

Unfortunately, this issue branches from a much larger issue of bans across the internet based on how society views these topics. In many modern societies today, and even in the past, sexuality is often viewed as something very taboo or forbidden. It is something only for the minds of adults, and even then, only married adults in a strict setting with only certain positions being “acceptable”. In this, there is a high sense of rigidity, shame, and hiding in sexuality.

I do not agree with this and feel this viewpoint is very wrong. Nudity and sexuality itself should not be viewed as shameful or wrong, because there is nothing inherently wrong about them. We are all born naked, and the action of sex itself is what creates life. Why can we show and talk about gory murders in detail with a degree of normalcy, but when there is a non-explicit sex scene, it is somehow more scandalous, forbidden, and dirty? I feel strongly instead it should be something understood as beautiful, and definitely should not be seen as a taboo action, especially comparing to a gruesome murder. Learning about sexuality, and being comfortable about nudity is something I feel should be more open to explore for people of all ages, and work to remove the stigma surrounding sex and nudity.

That being said, I do strongly feel minors should be protected from eroticism, that is, something inherently intended to be erotic and presented in an erotic nature. I feel that eroticism is a more advanced area of sexuality that should be kept in adult spheres only and explored by adults only. It's important to let kids be kids and understand about their sexuality in a healthy and educational way, but leave erotic content for 18 and older. That isn't to say eroticism is what is taboo, wrong, dirty and should be hidden, but should be explored in an open, healthy, and safe way only once someone matures into an adult.

In relation to that, on the topic of showing a “female-presenting nipple” as Tumblr called it in their guidelines, such as a topless woman just lounging as a topless man would in a non-erotic way, or a breastfeeding woman, is not erotic nor should be seen as such. I personally feel non-erotic nudity and sexual educational content should not be censored at all, and erotic content can be accessed by adults-only without banning it entirely. The fact there is no understanding between these differences in content, nor any care to understand between them, and just labeling anything relating to sexuality as wrong, dirty, taboo, and forbidden to be banned - leads to many issues and shame surrounding our bodies and our understanding of sex, sexual attraction, and sexual desire.

This is such a harmful and unhealthy view in our society that is being enforced by this censorship online, and in addition has very real detriments to people's livelihood. It affects sex workers, and erotic nsfw (not safe for work) artists livelihood and ability to survive; and removes access to a safe community. In extreme cases, it is pushing sex workers into dangerous communities where their lives can be at danger either by trafficking or murder. Censorship, banning, lack of education, and hiding these topics away also leads to other broader issues that harm people greatly. Such as sexual abuse, transmission of STI's (Sexually Transmitted Infections), unexpected pregnancies, body image issues, self-esteem issues, and more. I feel strongly we must work toward being more open to educate about sex, sexuality, and our nude bodies with no shame. And for the adult sphere, adults also need to understand exploring eroticism, and erotic content in itself, is not taboo, shameful, or wrong. Understanding that those who are sex workers or nsfw artists are not inherently deviant perverts or bad people - after all, there are plenty of clients who request their services. This isn't something wrong or dirty. It's a part of the human experience, and again, nothing is inherently wrong, bad, or evil about it.

This is a large part of why I practice and why I love Konkokyo Shinto – sex and our bodies is not seen as something wrong, bad, or shameful. It's a part of nature, it is an action that is one way to bring pleasure, to express love deeply, as well as the action that creates life itself. It is something that brings love, pleasure, joy, and life. Exploring our own bodies and sexuality consensually with others helps us to understand ourselves better and helps us to learn to love and treat ourselves and each other well. Within Shinto as a whole, this is expressed in various myths and other shrine traditions too.

I'll start from one of the oldest myths, the first and most direct example of this belief and view – the creation of the islands of Japan, and the myriads of kami which populate the world. The traditional myth goes that after the first generations of kami were born from the divine universe's energy, the last generation born this way was Izanagi Okami and Izanami Okami, who were also the very first kami who got married. A famous line in this myth is when Izanagi Okami points out he has something “extra” but Izanami Okami has something “less”, so he suggests something good may happen if the extra part he had would compliment the part she did not have. And thus, the two kami are said to have discovered sex. Because of this discovery, the two kami were able to create many children, which were both the islands of Japan, and the millions of kami that inhabit the islands. In this sense, sex is viewed in an extremely respected and positive light. Without that action, nothing would exist. And indeed, even for us as humans, without the action of sex, we could never continue on in our survival as a species. It is viewed as a highly sacred, but also very natural and beautiful action. There are even sacred Kagura dances that recreate this event via an implied (not erotic or explicit, as it is a public dance where minors also attend) way between Izanagi Okami and Izanami Okami, and it is not seen as wrong or perverted.

Izanagi Okami and Izanami Okami Source: http://mesosyn.com/myth2j-13b.jpg

Next, the following myths are famous ones, wherein a “female-presenting nipple” (a pair of them) in fact saved the world, twice.

In the first myth, in summary, the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami had hidden in the cave Ama no Iwato due to immense grief. Because of her isolation and neglect of her responsibilities - providing sunlight and management of Earth's cycles - the world began to spiral into decay and chaos. The other kami came together to come up with a plan to entice her out. Prayers were chanted, divinations were done, beautiful treasures were offered, but nothing worked until Ame no Uzume no Mikoto, a goddess of the dawn, dance, femininity, womanhood, and more, danced and danced.

The atmosphere remained gloomy, but Ame no Uzume no Mikoto remained cheerful, and eventually, exposed her breasts freely. Because she unashamedly, happily exposed her breasts for all of the kami to see, they burst out in joy and even laughter at seeing Ame no Uzume no Mikoto's ecstasy and freedom amidst the gloomy atmosphere. It was because of the joy, happiness, and pleasure the exposure of her breasts brought, that Amaterasu Omikami finally peeked out of the cave, which led to her being pulled out and restoring light to the world. All thanks to Ame no Uzume no Mikoto's breasts, and, “female-presenting nipples” Hardly something to consider shameful, bad, or wrong. In fact, if she had kept them hidden, according to the myth, we may not have the Earth as we know it today, or even survived at all. The second myth is when, in summary, the Heavenly kami (Amatsukami) were going down to the Earthly realm to rule. In some myths, Sarutahiko Okami came out to greet them, and then married Ame no Uzume no Mikoto upon seeing her beauty, thus joining the Heavenly kami and Earhtly kami (Kunitsukami) as one clan of kami. However, there is another, more critical version of the myth. Where Sarutahiko Okami came to stop the Amatsukami from coming to Earth. No other Amatsukami could defeat him, and they were stuck on what to do in their desire to come toward the Earth. So, they began to consider a war against the Kunitsukami. That is, until Ame no Uzume no Mikoto again took the stage, and approached Sarutahiko Okami by herself, and bravely, unashamedly...exposed her breasts to him.

Needless to say, all thoughts of war dropped from anyone's head, and the only thought left for Sarutahiko Okami was to ask Ame no Uzume no Mikoto to be his wife, to which she happily accepted, and united the Amatsukami and Kunitsukami kami. In this sense, she saved the world once again, from a world-breaking war between the Amatsukami and Kunitsukami, instead, uniting them.

In this sense, the form of breasts are what once again, restored balance, and protected all life. Ame no Uzume no Mikoto freely showing the beautiful natural form of her naked body is what brought these blessings of joy, life, protection, restoration, happiness, and peace. I feel like we should learn from her and these myths, that when we feel comfortable and confident, and not ashamed of our natural selves, there can be much more happiness spread.

In relation to Ame no Uzume no Mikoto, in the ancient era, miko (female shamans), who Ame no Uzume no Mikoto is the protective goddess of, used to practice sacred sex work in the ancient era. There were even intimate rituals between a miko and her kami. Miko never needed to be virgins, and while even in the modern era the sexual practices of miko are no longer, and the role is only one of a shrine attendant and offering sacred dance to kami, they still do not need to be virgins. The concept of virginity has no real significance or even importance in Shinto.

Ame no Uzume no Mikoto and Sarutahiko Okami img source: https://www.univie.ac.at/rel_jap/an/Bild:Uzume_Sarutahiko_ningyo_kuniyoshi.jpeg

Of course, not ignoring the modern sensibilities, I understand the importance of modesty in the general sense of being in public – however when there is the double standard of shirtless “male-presenting nipples” being fine, but shirtless (non-erotic) images of “female-presenting nipples” are somehow seen as taboo or inherently wrong to be banned or even illegal in some cases, this should be re-examined.

Especially when one considers breastfeeding, and a non-erotic context as a general whole. Tumblr's rule of “no female-presenting nipples” was one of the most ridiculous sentences I've ever read in my life. What makes a “female-presenting” nipple wrong and banned, but a “male-presenting” nipple alright? Why is a natural feature of a nude body with extra fat tissue to be banned, but one without isn't? I know the reason, of course, I know society's general viewpoint. However what I am saying is – we should sincerely reconsider this, and re-examine our values and beliefs on this particular matter strongly, as this sense of shame and restriction can be very harmful and feed into a larger problem of an unhealthy and skewed view toward sexuality, nudity, and eroticism.

The next example that is quite famous in Shinto is Kanamara Matsuri. The matsuri (festival) has a big reputation overseas for it's images of large penises, penis shaped candy, and imagery everywhere. Many foreigners believe this to be a part of the “weird, perverted, wacky” side of Japan - but it's not. All matsuri are inherently fun and joyful – it's a festival after all! But there is a very real sincerity behind it. This festival is to pray and celebrate fertility, life, sexual health, and the prevention and curing of STI's. It's not just a “wacky penis festival” but something very important for both sexual health and reproduction for couples, as well as general sex between consenting adults and safe practices. In addition, the shrine that hosts the festival, Kanayama Shrine, was famous in the past as frequented by sex workers to protect against STI's in their field of work, and that carries on into the modern day too. Kanamara Matsuri isn't the only festival to feature penis imagery, and usually the ones that do always have the same themes: fertility, sexual health, sexual virility, safety, curing and protection of STI's and so forth. There are other shrines with similar themes too, for example, some Inari shrines in Kyoto with similar imagery, and are also prayed to by sex workers for their protection and healing of STI's.

Kanamara Matsuri parade Img source: https://imgur.com/gallery/fPmmH

In the same manner as the above, in my tradition, Konkokyo Shinto, sex workers pray to Tenchi Kane no Kami-sama for protection and healing, and sex is not viewed negatively. There are many sex-positive teachings, and how nature and even faith itself reflects it. For example, how the sky is viewed like a father kami and the earth is like a mother kami, where the rain that falls from the sky fertilizes the earth to create life – implying in the same imagery as with humans. And that to practice faith single-heartedly evokes the same feeling as when one has sex with their partner, especially if they want to conceive. They are totally focused in the moment, and don't think of anything else but single-heartedness and love to their partner. I also know of priests who used to be sex workers, and of course many if not the majority of priests and priestesses are sex-positive, and are married with children of their own.

the sky and the earth img source: https://wall.alphacoders.com/big.php?i=426773

Unfortunately, this beauty of Shinto and it's healthy relationship with nudity, sexuality and sex positivity as a natural and beautiful thing is covered with a dark cloud from modern Japanese society, beginning with the Meiji reformations in 1868 and getting worse over time. Sex as a shameful, hidden, taboo thing has trickled and spread deep into the mainstream society here.

In pre-Meiji era, nudity, sexuality, and eroticism were much more open. Shunga art is the most popular example of this pre-Meiji era openness, and some of this is still seen today in the cases of onsen, or hot springs, where one bathes naked in a public sphere with strangers. However, the positive and healthy views were unfortunately lost. In particular, a whole esteemed and open culture of sex workers was completely destroyed by the Meiji reformation. What was once a highly respected, legal, safe line of work, with a whole esteemed culture surrounding it, was completely decimated. Oiran, who were entertainers of the arts and sex workers, and yuujo, who focused on sex work, were held in high regard. An especially respected and professional oiran or yuujo were named as “tayuu”, a rank which means “best in their art” and were treated very well.

Unfortunately, all that had gone away, and it is now very dangerous for sex workers in Japan, with a lot of challenges. Especially for Japanese professionals in community-based fields, such as being a priestess like myself, society as a whole views any mention of openness about sex or sexual relations, especially in the context of work, as extremely negative and even something to be publicly shamed about.

One doesn't need to look any further than common news of celebrities or public figures sex life being exposed as a scandal, as if it's something they should never be let known. It is even more dangerous for sex workers, especially since the anti-prostitution law from 1956. Horrifically, the law states that being a sex worker is a crime, but those who seek their services are not committing a crime. There are loopholes and ways for sex workers to work relatively safely, such as working in an intimacy job that does not promise intercourse, but eventually can lead to it.Thereby being legal by receiving payment for intimacy; whereas receiving payment for intercourse itself would be illegal.

However, while there are ways around it, it’s still a hostile environment, with workers having to not stay at once place for too long. In addition, much more so as Japanese society is very much about saving face and having an external image, knowledge one is a sex worker can make them the target of extreme bullying, harassment, violence, and losing their non sex work source of livelihood /line of work, despite there being many consumers of erotic content and even gravure books openly on shelves in convenience stores. It is quite cruel and hypocritical.

If, for example, I chose to be a sex worker and a priestess at the same time, I would have to keep it completely hidden and private due to the stigma in Japanese society. While there would be absolutely no issue in Konkokyo Shinto as a shrine tradition if I was open about being a sex worker at the same time as being a priestess; there would be a massive issue from the viewpoint of society as a whole, with hostility, mistrust, harassment, and even threats against me and even the shrine itself – in some cases even on grounds of being threatening or dangerous to children, minors, and families who visit the shrine. It is really a difficult and upsetting situation. Not even only for my line of work, but often the same with teachers and educators and any line of work that would involve interaction with families and minors.

I can only wish that Japan returns to it's roots and view of nudity, sexuality, and eroticism in alignment with Shinto. That it is not seen as something wrong, bad, or dirty - but something to be celebrated, to be honored, to be prayed to the kami for assistance with – and most of all, something normal. Something a part of life. Acknowledgment that without it, we would not be here.

And, most of all, I hope Shinto can teach this around the world. That we don't need to view these topics in such a negative light. That it can be open, it can be healthy and moderated, and explored in a positive way. This recent decision of social media sites sets us back that much further. And feeds into that negative stigma which harms so many. But I think it's important to keep pushing back, to educate, and to remove stigma.

#shinto #konkokyo #shintoism #japanese culture #japan #japanese religion

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empathmionworld-blog · 5 years

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Lightworkers

Lightworkers are people who have volunteered before birth to help humanity.

The lightworkers are here to hold the love and the light that is radiating from the infinite-all or creator “GOD”, and to transmit that energy through their words ,thoughts, feelings and actions in order to broadcast or "stream" the cosmic energy into the minds and hearts of humanity; many who may not be consciously holding onto this light on their own. It is almost as if they are taking the lower dark vibrations and transforming it into higher light vibrations. "spreading the love". The ultimate goal is to help others and to make the world a better place.

Lightworkers often feel inspired to help others through spiritual meditation, teaching, healing, prayer, writing and speaking through unconditional love. Lightworkers come from a variety of spiritual traditions and backgrounds, yet generally agree that the healing light they work with is comprised of eternal energy connecting everyone and everything.

When you watch the news and you see a rapist, murderer, or a terrorist, most people are quick to radiate negative energy such as hate and rejection. Any sane person would right? Not the lightworker. The lightworker tends to not only empathize with the “scumbag” but to send love, light and healing towards the individual. Sending negative energy FEEDS negative energy. Every light worker is different though and is on their own path. They radiate their love and their light to how they see fit. Some do charity work, some are doctors, and some are spiritual healers and others are your everyday regular people. I will post the types below though. Explaining what a lightworker is to everyday people is very hard for me. I get asked this question a lot in real life. Like the other day my mother in law asks me “Why do random people just walk up to you and tell you their life story and their problems?” Hard to explain!

However, if you’re wondering if you’re a lightworker here are some signs that you might be one!

Signs You Are A Lightworker 1. You feel called to help heal or guide others

2. You feel strongly about environmentalism and the treatment of animals

3. You feel an affinity to the healing arts and have explored many healing modalities

4. You are very aware of your own fears and the fears of those around you

5. You love being around people but also need your alone time to recharge

6. You are aware of the power of your thoughts and your ability to manifest

7. Though you connect with people easily and it is part of your purpose to help them, you are somewhat of a loner. You are sensitive to other people’s energy, and can only take it in doses.

8. Your young life set you up for a series of traumas, challenges and other difficulties. You understand that these were not intended to hurt you, rather to awaken you to the healer you are now.

9. You are constantly on a mission to improve your own life and the lives of those around you. Your core drive in life is to identify what needs to be fixed, and how you can possibly make it better. Though this sometimes becomes a shadow of perfectionism, when used the right way, is an incredible gift

10. Though you once may have struggled with certain mental illnesses, you have come to understand that they were adaptations to your circumstances rather than innate problems. You understand that part of your purpose is to revolutionize the way people see their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health.

11. You are spiritual, but err away from religion. Your life work is to help people re-internalize their power. Even if you use teachings or principles from one enlightened master or another, you maintain focus on awakening the god within each individual and helping them to see their unlimited power, potential and healing capabilities.

12. You are naturally creative, and your healing process often involves some kind of art, writing or one-on-one healing modality.

13. You are the epitome of an old soul. You are wise, mature and seem to have the experience of many lifetimes, despite being far too young to be as tuned in as you are.

14. You have always been inexplicably different from your family, friends and peers. Because of this, you may have struggled to find your “tribe” or feel as though you really fit in anywhere.

15. You are constantly coming into deeper self-awareness about yourself and your life. Through your ongoing journey of awakening and healing, you continue to shine light on the shadow aspects that most people reject and deny.

16. You are an extremely powerful manifestor. When you think or focus on something clearly, you receive it or are able to create it in very short amounts of time.

17. This strong energy is both a blessing and a curse: you have to be careful of what you focus on, because you will end up creating it in your life, whether it is good or bad.

18. You are naturally drawn to ancient spiritual texts about energy and ascension; you resonate more with eastern philosophies than western.

19. You are almost psychic in your ability to intuit what other people are thinking, feeling, or need in order to heal.

20. You know you are here in this life to dissolve your old karmic patterns, and to break into a new level of consciousness and awareness. You understand that your purpose here is not just a job or a task, but rather, to just become who you are meant to be.

21. Your main objective in life is self-growth. You are always focused on how you can better yourself, and know that the best years of your life are yet to come.

22. You feel a strong connection to nature, and believe that it is the closest that we can get to becoming most aligned with source.

23. At one or multiple point(s) in your life, you experienced an intense spiritual awakening. Your worldview shattered, and you were forced to purge out all of the limiting beliefs that were once holding you back. You understand that awakening can be an exhausting, sometimes painful process, but that it is often necessary.

24. You can sense that you are part of a global effort to raise people’s consciousness, and are often referred to as a “frontrunner” in the spiritual community. This is not to say that you are enlightened and other aren’t, it is just to say you learned your lessons a little sooner, so that you could help others through their own. 12 Types of Lightworkers 1. Gatekeepers They create the human grid that connects the hearts of all awakened humans. They are the actual doorways on the earth that connect sacred sites through lay lines and act as portals that allow light to come to this world through their open hearts. 2. Divine Lightkeepers In tumultuous and chaotic events, their light shines enough to give hope and inspire others. These Lightworkers uplift and support humanity in the unfolding awakening process. Most of them are comedians, motivational speakers, spiritual teachers, celebrities or even local grounded individuals who you feel comfortable to lean on to. 3. Transmuters Transmuters neutralize the negativity and darkness by diving into it and releasing their light. When the negativity is returned to divine neutrality, it’s restored to balance. By transmuting past karma, transmuters work on behalf and for the collective consciousness of humanity

.4. Healers Healers help practically everything: humanity, the earth, animals, souls and all beings by healing their mental, emotional, physical, or spiritual aspects. As a Healer, you must listen to your internal guidance about the modalities, techniques, and ways in using your gifts through service. Most empaths are unrealized healers who need to use their emotional abilities to unlock their healing potential. It is important that you focus on healing yourself first because by doing so you can raise your vibration and fill up yourself with the light that can heal, support, serve, love and guide others.

5. The seers These Lightworkers have opened the third eye or psychic sight making them able to see beyond the physical and the veil of illusion. Their gifts include providing readings or services to inspire, empower, and guide others to their truth and the truth of the world. They may also focus on areas where their energy is much needed for healing, transmutation, or release. It’s here where their light, power, and presence make a big difference. These people are usually the ones who reveal the truth behind the shadows. Most of them are really good psychiatrists who are labeled as parapsychologists (think of Carl Jung), truth activists and even professional psychics. 6. The Divine Blueprint Holders Everyone has a divine blueprint, which is a template to a fully awakened self. All Lightworkers have this template, but the Divine Blueprint Holders are the most active in tuning into it and retrieving the codes of awakening. They are best at translating these codes so everyone can understand them and use them to raise the levels of their consciousness. 7. Dreamers The Dreamers serve their gift by dreaming, interdimensional travel, and going into the dream space which allows them to access alternate dimensions of experience. The Dreamers are usually people who are called psychonauts. They use certain rituals or supplements to embark on psychedelic trips and access realms and ideas that would later inspire and uplift the human spirit. If it weren’t for The Dreamers there wouldn’t be 90% of the art, technology and inventions we have in the world today

.8. Messengers Messengers receive guidance and messages from the Divine, Angels, Ascended Masters, Galactics, and their Higher Self. They share these messages through videos, blogging, teaching, or writing. Whatever media or platform, Messengers serve humanity through the awakening process by sharing powerful spiritual insight and information. They are explaining to people what’s happening to them making them better understand this journey of evolution through the guidance they receive from the Spirit.

9. Manifestors These Lightworkers are involved in weaving light to manifest changes on the earth, which could come in the form of intending and manifesting timelines, manifesting positive events or creating the template for greater love, greater light and harmonious co-creation. They do this through various ways like meditation and visualization accompanied with self inspection.The Manifestors manifest for the highest interest of all beings, Gaia, animals, and all of the humanity. But as they keep manifesting they work strongly on their inner selves to make sure their manifestations are not of egoistical nature but from their heart center. Most of these people don’t even focus on manifesting but on clearing the way so what they resonate with is for the good of all

.10. The Ascension Guides They are the ascending Lightworkers. They step into greater levels of light and share what they learn about the ascension process. These people step into the edge of enlightenment and push even further by questioning and embodying higher levels of light. Most of their teachings are aimed at the spiritual masters so they can push even further the spiritual evolution of humanity. The Ascension Guides show us how to overcome some of the pitfalls of enlightenment to help everyone not lose themselves on their way to ascension. Some of their teachings might even contradict the regular teachings of Lightworkers. This is because they approach the truth from a much higher viewpoint and see the flaws that might surface with blind spirituality.

11. Wayshowers Wayshowers walk their talk. They embody the ascension process and live their lives in the most authentic way. They keep the highest interest of all beings and live an awakened and inspired life. These people are not even aware that they serve humanity in some way. All that The Wayshowers do is live in resonance with their truth and the teachings other Lightworkers share with the world. These people are the heart of the Lightworkers. They are what inspires and motivates other Lightworkers to keep doing what they are doing because there is still good in the world that needs their light. And by looking at them, other Lightworkers are reminded of what really matters.

12. Unifiers These Lightworkers see how everything connects with everything else. They are really good at finding patterns and merging various philosophies into one. They are the translators that gather the teachings of other Lightworkers, the truths and philosophies of spiritual masters, and shape them in a way that is really easy for people to consume. The Unifiers are good at perceiving the essence behind different opinions. That’s how they can find ways in connecting people together. They naturally see beyond the 2 sides and understand the whole that the 2 sides are a part of. These people are not just for translating but for unifying different teams of Lightworkers together so their impact can be much greater. Even though you are mostly identifying yourself with one of the 12 types of Lightworkers, you are likely to have some traits from all the other. We are all a different mix of these types based on how these secondary types can benefit the realization of our primary type’s purpose.

#lightworker #god #wiccan #eclectic wicca #pagan wicca #witchcraft #witches #witchblr #witchythings #witch

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buzrushcommunity · 4 years

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Succeed Through Online Marketing

How Electronic Advertising and marketing Will Change: 17 Forecasts for 2020

Electronic advertising is not any unknown person to modifications.

Succeed Through Online Marketing - We have to stay on our toes if we want to stay relevant with the never ending changes to algorithms and regulations and part of that is positioning ourselves for success.

Precisely what is digital marketing planning to look like in 2020?

We experienced possessed 17 computerized entrepreneurs weigh into tell us what they see about the horizon, therefore we can all prepare accordingly and also a great season ofclicks and engagement, and sales.

Allow me to share 17 forecasts for electronic advertising and marketing in 2020.

Benton Crane, CEO of Harmon Brothers

Ad platforms (looking at you Facebook or twitter) continues to highlight shorter content material (needless to say, they want to offer more thoughts). Brief-type, nonetheless, limits what you can do to construct your company persona, voice, and world.

We foresee the profitable strategy may be to perform advertising chess, not checkers. In chess your parts have various strengths and weaknesses, whilst all checkers parts are identical. If you build up your web marketing strategy use a mixture of simple, medium sized, and lengthy-develop information. Don’t stop building your brand character, voice, and universe with longer-form content, although use the short-form content to appease Facebook’s algorithms.

Logan Fletcher, Content material Marketing Administrator

If you aren’t posting videos on social media, 2020 NEEDS to be the year you start, otherwise, you’ll get left behind, Succeed Through Online Marketing -.

Beyond that, we foresee a higher appearance of companies on social websites, since they try to create a technique that can help them purchase an advantage on opponents. Online video on sociable systems will probably continue being with the fore-front of effective methods.

Not only are B2B companies going to focus on creating video for LinkedIn, but they will also start to take notice of IGTV. With changes to Instagram’s algorithm formula, video clip placed on IGTV will go to the top of your followers’ rss feeds, and also be discovered much more prevalently on users’ investigate web pages. This will result in more movie prospects, a more substantial audience, and more advantages.

What different will we see in 2020? We believe that online marketers will begin focusing more on consumer demands, instead of “marketing requires.” Entrepreneurs will start responding to customers’ questions directly that will create campaigns that solution these inquiries. The only real individuals who actually make a difference are definitely the people who we want using our service or product. Refocusing what exactly is sent to customers will be a pattern in 2020 that many firms will not be capable of disregard.

Michelle Barnum Smith, AMZ Messenger Bot Group

The Amazon marketplace is consistently in flux. There are far more individual label retailers now than before as well as the marketplace may become much more competing. To stay in the video game, sellers really need to be tough and flexible.

Probably the most crucial methods to adjust is to possess a brand name-attitude. A product is not pretty much turning up having a individual merchandise-it’s about creating a local community of fervent buyers. The best and easiest method to start off is by using driving a vehicle your very own outside website traffic employing Talk Advertising and marketing tactics by way of ManyChat.

ManyChat tends to make chat advertising and marketing an omni-channel expertise. Now dealers can operate multichannel promotions through a single tool and reach their viewers in the most efficient techniques possible. Chitchat advertising will certainly make market developing, item establishing, and item advertising seamless for Amazon . com Dealers.

Tara Robertson, Director of Customer Marketing and advertising at Sprout Sociable

2020 is all about refinement. Brands not just need to focus on who they really are but moreover, the way they are different from competitors that will create remarkable experiences for customers. In ahead of time, online marketers will emphasis much more about becoming buyer obsessed by making certain each and every touchpoint is steady and purposeful. Supplying outstanding consumer experiences has stopped being a “nice to have,” but an hope-specifically as businesses aim to get noticed inside their saturated markets.

For that conclusion, there will be an increased desire for content and experience that favors high quality more than quantity. We are living in the age of authentic marketing along with the a lot more related and relatable your marketing and advertising is, the better dedicated your market can become. It is not simply regarding the new system, sophisticated AI, or even a powerful technology stack. The truth is, I actually think it will likely be the opposite.

We have to cut back time contemplating our automation plus more time considering the way you can connect with our buyers and each and every other. We expect far more customization than ever before as buyers and it is essential that marketing and sales crews fully grasp the and this need for connection.

Jenna Snavely, Creation Content Manager at DigitalMarketer

I talk to a lot of experts in the industry, as host of The DigitalMarketer Podcast. From all of the my podcast job interviews across the minimum year, the marketplace developments we have been viewing carefully at DM, and my own acquiring habits-I believe the easiest way to get support in 2020 (or maintain your steer) will be serialized consumable online video content.

It is a huge opportunity to outline your company sound and make a crowd, and the majority of importantly…it’s a way to more than-produce.

Manufacturers which do the difficult job, receive the payout.

Nathalie Lussier, Founding father of AccessAlly

Succeed Through Online Marketing - In 2020, I forecast that more men and women will carry on and “cut the cord” from cord and proceed to streaming options for their entertainment. It’s approximated that 45 mil men and women will depart their cable tv or satellite suppliers in 2020.

Exactly what does that pertain to digital marketing and advertising?

This means that as interest changes far from classic Television set advertising, more marketers will have to get innovative and find approaches to get to individuals on-line alternatively.

That may be the two a true blessing and a curse: It’s going to raise the cost of advertising on the hottest platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Google, although it’s going to create more work for digital agencies.

Brand names may not be moving all their dollars to “pay for every click” advertising, they will often also up their content material advertising and marketing budgets in order to happen in social offers and chats, also! Content marketing organizations, be aware!

Splintering Community Platforms

For businesses that want to boost their communities on the internet (and who does not? ) there is an intensifying have to take acquisition of community place.

For many years the right spot to host a group has become via Facebook organizations. There is a great deal of growth and engagement on Facebook or twitter, because of an previously a built in habit (or possibly is it an dependency? !).

However, the tech giant has experienced some political and ethical backlash and more digital business owners are looking for alternatives.

I foresee that programs that permit you to generate neighborhood “on your very own turf” like Palapa, Mighty Sites, BuddyBoss, and Wp are going to see plenty of development.

However, as much as I see people building these networks outside of the Facebook ecosystem, those that have tried and failed say the the vortex is strong… and engagement isn’t as high.

So, there will likely be a splintering of communities across different platforms, and I suspect also a consolidation for those groups that don’t get enough traction off Facebook when they return.

Intensifying Polarization & Woke Advertising

So will the political polarization in 2020, as the planet’s climate continues to heat up.

Brand names can have an option to help make: remain neutral or have got a perspective.

The companies that stay higher than the fray will steer clear of the drama and the unpredictability that comes with going into the chat on everyone’s thoughts.

But those businesses that can genuinely share their point of view, will get long-term customer loyalty for being happy to place their ideals above short-run income. According to Cone Communications, 92% of consumers say they have a more positive image of a company when the company supports a social or environmental issue.

Yes, you will see drop out from businesses that embark on “woke marketing” and combine activism or national politics inside their message.

More businesses will be willing to put their reputations on the line to connect with Gen Z and Millennials who are more discerning about where they spend their hard earned dollars… and how it impacts the world at large. That is my prediction.

Rachel Pedersen, Chief executive officer in the Viral Touch And Social Media Marketing United

2020 is the 12 months the facade of flawlessly polished marketing burns and crashes. A lot of people happen to be burned up by influencers faking it with ideal photoshoots, and people are desperate for validity.

They will be looking for context outside of keynotes, as consumers get hungry for REAL answers. They are looking for signs and symptoms of congruency - proof that the favored individuals on systems are jogging the stroll.

In 2020 the internet marketer who supplies all-access, behind the curtain, contextual marketing is the winner. It is the entire year of humanized marketing.

Right here is how you can beat the band wagon internet marketers in 2020:

1.Tik. Tok: The clock is ticking. TikTok is actually a rare foundation that reveals a lot more measurements and permits audiences to adore your creative, impromptu and unpolished or UCG content.

2.Go live. Anywhere. Display the mayhem of getting prepared for an occasion with 3 kids when your baby provides the influenza along with your previous thoroughly clean outfit was *coughing* messed up.

3.Report your podcast in person situations. Enable your market to FEEL your life and surroundings with the mp3.

4.Decline Photoshop. So you have a scar on your eyebrow? The vacation consuming magically extra another 15 pounds in your photographs? Permit it to be. Let them see.

5.Online video conveys all. Shoppers are looking for contextual signs in your marketing with video. They desire over a best established and script. They need to see your identiity. Let them have more to work alongside.

6.Tell the reality. So, 2019 was a hard year? Tell them. And do not just clean it off with all the common ‘Oh gentleman, it was a challenging calendar year! ’ Tell them what went wrong. Inform them the way your cardiovascular system shattered. Let them know regarding the nighttime once you almost cease. Let them know concerning the mistakes that almost ruined you. Just inform them the truth.

Jody Milward, Founding father of Interpersonal Charlie

A game changer for Mentors and Electronic program designers starting 2020 is to include a Personal Liquidating Offer (SLO) at the front end conclusion in their Facebook or twitter Advertising. Because with the rising costs of Facebook ads, these offers weren’t profitable, over the years coaches have been told to drop the low ticket offers and focus entirely on High ticket sales.

But that is EXACTLY why they should be part of product suite in 2020. We’re experiencing individuals generating 6 stats in less than a 12 months by using a $27 provide. As an example, Allie Bjerk, runs Facebook advertising to frosty traffic on her SLO using a $27 offer you. This has made practically $500,000 in 9 months having an total 2.4 by ROAS. So, not only is she generating covering and leads her ad spend, she’s also making money. When she promoted her higher ticket offer she experienced a good quality market of consumers and of individuals who joined, 70% got bought her $27 offer.

Then there’s Ashley who has an SLO for Freelance writers and it is covering up her ad invest as she will grow her subscriber list. Engaged community and her SLO was a major contributor to the success of her five figure program launch, by having people come into her community via a paid offer she’s seeing significant growth in her Facebook Group with a lively.

A great SLO can not only cover your advert invest but in addition make you funds when attracting an excellent audience of buyers, as an alternative to plenty of tyre kicking inexpensive leads who never ever even go and available your emails. When the intitial front end offer you is mixed inside a product sales funnel with complementary upsells, we are finding what starts with a $27 provide actually have a standard purchase price of $61 along with an average charge for every transaction of $33.

So, rather than pouring money into free lead magnets and filling up your CRM with cheap unqualified leads, turning that lead magnet into an excellent low ticket offer to bring in quality customers who are actually paying to get on your email list, will make a massive difference to your Facebook Ad Budget and business in 2020.

(NOTE: Need to have a helping palm along with your electronic advertising initiatives? Or you would just like established, workable advertising and marketing instruments, techniques, and layouts to put into action in your organization? Look into the most up-to-date bargain from DigitalMarketer, and you will be moving toward aiding your small business grow.)

For more info visit:- BuzRush

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