I've come to a decision that I've been thinking about for quite some time.  I've implemented a Wiki on this web space, but I wasn't sure what I wanted it to contain.  Well, I've thought about it over the past couple of days and have decided that the following will be removed from the Forum and placed in the Wiki instead.

• The Role Playing System database.  This will list all the games that I'm comfortable with hosting on this site, as well as purchase information and links.  (I'm also going to see if I can also use an affiliate marketing link to try to earn some pennies to help cover the cost of hosting.  You've been notified, officially!)
• Tutorials and How-To Guides.  These are the various tricks and tips that I've learned using the multiple free and/or open-source applications, such as Unreal Engine, Gimp, Blender, and more.
• Creative Fictions Workspace.  This section is not going to be the actual stories that I'm writing.  Those will be hosted on my personal Patreon page.  Instead, what will be found in this section will be my working notes.  Random scraps from ChatGPT, other inspirational ideas that I've collected from the various media sources that surround me.  I want a somewhat private, but reliable place where I can store all my information without worrying about it being lost.  I say private, because I'll be the only person who can edit the information, however, most of the contents will be publicly available.

I plan to rework the Role Playing area with a fresh look and new character based tools soon.  I may also decide to start an anime blog (or multiple) as well, but I haven't completely decided on that just yet.  Right now, the majority of my attention is focused on my full time job and my new Patreon page.  I'm hoping to have at least two reliable sources of income defined before the end of the year.  I've also been reaching out to other people on various social media networks, attempting to grow my intended audience.

Finally, I'll be purging all inactive members from the Forum on January 1, 2025.  I understand that people grow and change, and evolve different hobbies.  Anime typically doesn't stick around in people's lives for nearly as long as it has in mine.  The last thing I want is for my passion to become a burdensome pest.

I know this site seems pretty empty, and I'm not entirely sure that's totally my fault, but I'm going to do my best to try to rekindle the Spark of Anime enjoyment for anybody who wants it.  Until later, have fun!

I've been contemplating finding another job for a while now, and recently I've felt more of a pull toward Spirituality.  I've also gotten more of distaste in corporate job culture as more and more posts I'm seeing on the Internet are low pay for high tasks, and seemingly micromanagement.

I decided that maybe I shoud pursue something on my own,  make something, a small business maybe.  Using a different income stream than a typical Nine-to-five job.  But what?  So I asked the Tarot for some insight, and this is what I got.  I'll be pondering what to make of the results for a couple of days.

"I would like to find an income source that is reliable and sufficient for my current lifestyle needs without having to relocate my residence."  I used the simple three card horizontal spread:



I also asked AI, just for shits and giggles:

QuoteYour three-card reading seems to provide an encouraging message about your financial situation and how you can achieve a reliable source of income. Here's a breakdown of the interpretation based on the Thoth Tarot:

1. **Three of Wands (Virtue):**
  - This card represents strength, virtue, and confidence in one's ability to achieve long-term goals. In the context of your question, it suggests that you already possess the inner power and vision to move forward with a business or creative venture. It points toward teamwork, leadership, and harnessing creative energy to build something stable. It implies you should trust in your ability to grow something sustainable, especially related to your passions.

2. **Prince of Cups:**
  - The Prince of Cups is a card of intuition, creativity, and a fluid emotional connection. It suggests you may need to tap into your emotions and creativity to find income that aligns with your deeper self. This card often indicates success through artistic or spiritual endeavors. Since it also speaks of emotional intelligence and flexibility, it could point toward an income stream that allows you to work with others' emotions or creativity, such as helping, advising, or producing something artistically fulfilling (perhaps tied to your interest in Tarot, astrology, or RPG-related projects).

3. **Nine of Cups (Happiness):**
  - The Nine of Cups is the card of contentment and emotional fulfillment. In this context, it suggests that the path you choose will bring you happiness and satisfaction, both emotionally and materially. It's often called the "wish card," meaning that you can expect a positive outcome if you trust the process and follow the emotional, intuitive side (signaled by the Prince of Cups). It suggests that success is within reach, and it will lead to contentment without needing to drastically change your lifestyle.

**Summary:**
The cards suggest that the path to a sustainable and reliable source of income lies in a creative or spiritually fulfilling venture. You already have the foundation (Three of Wands) and the intuition (Prince of Cups) to guide you, and pursuing this path will bring you both financial and emotional fulfillment (Nine of Cups). Trust your creative instincts, whether that means expanding on your Tarot-related interests, artistic endeavors, or the positive, unity-driven art projects you're considering.

1. Law of Divine Oneness
The concept here is simple yet profound: everything in the universe is interconnected. Our thoughts, words, and actions reverberate through the web of existence, affecting not just ourselves but the whole cosmos. Understanding this law urges us toward greater responsibility and compassion.

2. Law of Vibration
From the tiniest subatomic particle to vast galaxies, everything is in a state of vibration. This law teaches us that our mental and emotional states also vibrate at specific frequencies, attracting experiences and circumstances that resonate with them.

3. Law of Action
Manifesting our desires and thoughts requires more than just intention; it demands action. This law reminds us that we must engage in actions that align with our thoughts and feelings to realize our aspirations.

4. Law of Correspondence
"As above, so below; as below, so above." This ancient aphorism encapsulates the law that patterns repeat throughout the universe on both macro and micro scales. Whether it's the intricate orbits of planets or the personal decisions we make, underlying patterns govern all.

5. Law of Cause and Effect
Every action has a reaction, and nothing happens by chance. This universal law is a reminder that our current reality is a result of past actions and decisions.

6. Law of Compensation
As an extension of the Law of Cause and Effect, this law suggests that our deeds and intentions yield corresponding returns, whether material or spiritual. Kindness begets kindness, while negativity fosters more of the same.

7. Law of Attraction
Made famous by books and films, this law asserts that like attracts like. Positive thoughts attract positive outcomes, while negative thoughts bring forth unfavorable situations.

8. Law of Perpetual Transmutation of Energy
This law gives us hope by suggesting that we can change our lives by altering our consciousness. As we evolve spiritually, mentally, or emotionally, our external circumstances follow suit.

9. Law of Relativity
Everything is relative, and our perception of the world is based on our point of view. What may be difficult for one person may be a walk in the park for another. This law teaches us to cultivate empathy and perspective.

10. Law of Polarity
Hot cannot exist without cold, and good cannot exist without evil. This law emphasizes the existence of opposites and shows us that they are different expressions of the same thing.

11. Law of Rhythm
Life has its ebbs and flows, its seasons and cycles. Understanding this law helps us navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and wisdom.

12. Law of Gender
This law reveals that both masculine and feminine energies are essential for creation. By balancing these energies within ourselves, we can live a more harmonious life.

13. Law of Resonance
While closely related to the Law of Vibration, the Law of Resonance serves as a specific focus on how similar frequencies resonate with each other. This law has practical implications for personal development, relationships, opportunity manifestation, and even spiritual connection. Whether it's finding your soulmate or achieving your life's purpose, understanding resonance can offer illuminating insights.

1. The Principle of Mentalism

Quote"The all is mind; the universe is mental."

Firstly, the Principle of Mentalism stresses that on the most foundational level, everything in the universe is mental. In a certain sense, the Universe is itself a living mind; one that is connected to all other minds.
As such, every action you take and every thought you take is an interaction between different aspects of the mental.
This important Hermetic Principle tells us that we are all one and that our surroundings are an inherent part of us. Once you understand the truth of Mentalism, you begin to grasp how it is that we are capable of shaping our reality using just our thoughts.
Another important lesson drawn from the Principle of Mentalism is that if we think the right thoughts, the right actions will follow.
This is a reminder that it is vital to plan carefully, to spend time reflecting on your true passions, and to identify your life's purpose. Once you have done so, your thoughts will be aligned with the Universe in such a way as to create the reality you desire.
While there is an important place for intuition (as we will see below), Hermetic teachings emphasize the power of reason and intelligence, cautioning us against impulsive choices.

2. The Principle of Correspondence

Quote"As above, so below, as below, so above. As within, so without, as without, so within."

At the heart of the Principle of Correspondence is the idea that there are constant links between the mental, physical and spiritual planes. Consequently, if we want to understand the patterns we see in our lives then we must look at all of these aspects.
Implicit in this Principle is the acceptance that we cannot access all planes of existence. However, Hermetic practitioners tend to believe that a keenly honed sense of intuition can help us tap into aspects of the higher and lower planes. Paying attention to gut feelings (such as a seemingly unexplained "pull" towards a person or an event) can help you make more sense of links between your everyday experiences and the higher, spiritual plane.
The Principle of Correspondence is also linked to the idea of repeating patterns, small and large. It is a reminder to consider the repeating themes in your own life and to reflect on the interconnected nature of your mental, physical and spiritual aspects.
For example, low energy in your spiritual life can manifest itself in physical lethargy in your body. On the positive side, practicing daily gratitude rituals can rejuvenate your spiritual side and lead to noticeable improvements in your physical well-being.

3. The Principle of Vibration

Quote"Nothing rests; Everything moves; Everything vibrates."

Those who are experienced in working with the Law of Attraction will likely already be very familiar with something like the Principle of Vibration. To put it simply, all things carry their own unique energy, on all planes of existence.
In fact, even the smallest particle in the universe has a vibrational frequency that impacts things around it.
Crucially, this Principle tells us that high-energy things are magnetically drawn towards one another, and are attuned to them on a basic level.
Meanwhile, low energy particles gravitate towards other sources of low energy. So, in order to have a happy, fulfilling life, you will benefit from aiming to become a source of high energy.
It is this understanding of vibration that underlies the Law of Attraction idea that "like attracts like". If you can increase your own vibrational frequency, you can attract more positive, high-energy events, people, and possessions into your life.
On the other hand, if you get dragged into negativity, it will be hard to attract what you desire. Both expert manifesters and Hermeticists believe that all of our thoughts can be fine-tuned. In this way, we can make our vibrational frequency progressively higher in a way that changes our lives.

4. The Principle of Polarity

Quote"Everything is dual, everything has poles and everything has its pair of opposites; Like and unlike are the same; Opposites are identical in nature, but different in degree; Extremes meet; All truths, are but half-truths; All paradoxes may be reconciled."

The Hermetic Principle of Polarity tells us that all things in our lives have an opposite and that the resulting contrast is part of what gives our narratives meaning.
For example, without knowing what lack feels like, it is difficult to focus on and appreciate abundance; the polarity of life's experiences helps us to avoid taking things for granted.
This Principle is also often taken to mean that everything has a dual nature. So, we all contain love and hate, positivity and negativity, sadness and joy.
It is up to us to recognize these contrasts and reflect on what they mean to us. We should use our willpower to align ourselves with the pole that is more helpful in our given situation.
One way to use the Principle of Polarity in your everyday life is to prompt yourself to reflect on contrasts that boost your vibration. For example, for every bad or difficult thing, you go through, challenge yourself to remember at least one good thing.
Then, notice how your appreciation of the latter is made more potent by having faced previous challenges. In addition, realize that everything that doesn't work well for you helps to point the way towards its opposite; the thing that will work for you.

5. The Principle of Rhythm

Quote"Everything flows, out and in; Everything has its tides; All things rise and fall."

One of the major things we can learn from the Principle of Rhythm is that everything is in constant motion. There is a pattern to the changes we experience. Everything goes through cycles that move from birth to death and then rebirth.
This principle applies just as much to the Earth's seasons as it does to our bodies. The core idea here can be illustrative with an image of a pendulum. Imagine it constantly swinging back and forth and repeatedly reaching both great highs and great lows.
There is a sense of predictability and inevitability attached to this idea. In addition, there is a message that nothing in life is ever still.
The Principle of Rhythm can help you with mindfulness practices that support your Law of Attraction work. In particular, it stresses that nothing is permanent, whether it is good or bad.
All that you have is the present moment; fully immersing yourself in each part of your cycle will ensure that you learn and experience the most you possibly can. Focusing on this idea as part of a meditative exercise then helps to distract your mind from ruminations on the past or anxieties about the future.

6. The Principle of Cause and Effect

Quote"Every cause has its effect; Every effect has its cause."

Sometimes just called the Principle of Causality, the Principle of Cause and Effect describes the way in which all of our actions and experiences relate to other events. In other words, every action instigates a reaction, and nothing should be viewed in isolation.
In addition, there is no such thing as pure luck or chance; there is a reason for everything that happens to you. Hermeticism often encourages people to become more active agents in their life. Essentially, you become the "cause" more often than the "effect". Decide what you want to do and be.
Then, plan out the precise steps you need to take to attain those goals.
This Principle prompts you to think about the far-reaching impacts of your choices. Plus, it encourages you to address the things that are influencing you (for good or for the ill).
For example, when you apply the Principle of Causality to your manifestation work, you can use it to understand the ways in which the spiritual dimensions of your life can directly influence your surroundings (as well as other people).
If you work on creating a richer, more positive inner world, it will instigate positive changes on the outside. Meanwhile, if you are stuck in a negative environment, your inner world will suffer in response.

7. The Principle of Gender

Quote"Gender is in everything; Everything has its masculine and feminine principles."

The last of the 7 hermetic principles. The principle of gender tells us that the masculine and feminine can be found in everything; not just in people, but in all aspects of the mental, physical and spiritual plane.
However, it's important to note that it isn't necessary to believe in gender stereotypes or to believe in perspective views about gender roles in order to make use of these concepts.
This principle has less to do with biological sex than it has to do with the notion of different masculine and feminine energies.
In general terms, the former is thought to be assertive, exploratory, and transformative. Meanwhile, the latter is reflective, protective, and nourishing. We are at our best when we know how to draw on both energies in an appropriate way.
Followers of Hermetic philosophy typically hold that we are all made up of a blend of these types of energy. The Principle of Gender can be taken as an inspiration for us to find ways to apply and balance our masculine and feminine aspects.
An excess of either can lower our vibrational frequency. For example, with too much masculine energy comes recklessness and loss of perspective. On the other hand, too much feminine energy may be correlated with inaction.

...Is Bullshit.  In 2024, the so called American Dream has been discovered to be nothing more than a piece of propaganda written by the Wealthy Elite to keep workers pacified and controlled.  Why do I say this?

First, let's look at what the Dream is supposed to be:  An individually owned house with a yard and a white picket fence in Suburbia with a spouse and 2.3 kids, maybe a dog and cat.  You get to go to college and earn a four year degree for a career that you get to choose.  You work your entire adult life, providing for your family, and then you get to retire at age 65, so that you can go travel the world, or take cruises, or do whatever hobbies you've put off for your younger adult life.

It doesn't matter if you're working for somebody else, or if you're bold and brave, and decide to start your own business.  You're still working so that one day, you can retire and finally get to enjoy life.  But this is all a lie, a fantasy.  The truth is much more sinister.

Reality shows Americans the truth:  You get good grades in school to demonstrate that you can obey.  Then you go to college, get into massive financial debt to obtain a piece of paper that says you have a clue about your chosen profession, your occupation.  Then you work and work and work for 40 or 50 years, all the while, putting off your dreams of world travel, eating exotic foods, and forging friendships through a diverse set of cultures, until your body finally gives out, or your mental capacities fail.  Then you're offered retirement.  Because you're of no more use to Society.  Congratulations, you've been exploited to the point of being broken and damaged beyond usefulness.

Sure, you may get that house, but that comes with a 30 year mortgage.  Mortgage actually means "life debt" in Latin.  You may find romance and get married, but that too is going to cost a financial burden.  You may have children.  Guess what?  More debt.  The cost of just delivering a baby is several thousands of dollars.  Then there's the 18 years of raising a child.  Several more hundreds of thousands of dollars -- That should go towards your golden retirement fund.

And there's the trick.  The American Dream is nothing more than a trick of smoke and mirrors.  A distraction.  Here's a shiny new house that you get to take care of, and that your TAXED on each year, and if you don't pay the TAXES, despite paying off the mortgage at the end of 30 years, the Government will just TAKE YOUR HOUSE.  All these things that comprise American society, the house, the cars, the marriage, kids, are all distractions.  To keep you working, while the Chief Executives of the companies you work for (yes, plural), get to live the good life, your retirement life, RIGHT NOW.

And this is pre-Covid, 2020.  Things have gotten dramatically worse in the four years since the Pandemic.  We see the corruption now, all the "Record Profits" at the expense of normal working people who can't afford to enjoy little scraps of life anymore.  Having to decide between eating, paying rent, or keeping the lights turned on.  Debts that demand people work two, three, or even FOUR jobs, just to make ends meet, and everybody in the household is now working.  And we're all exhausted.

You want to know what's really crappy about the American Dream?  That retirement that you've got your eye on?  Those are the worst years of your life. Your body is broken, your mind is wasted.  You end up not traveling the world, meeting interesting people, or sampling foreign cuisine.  No, you end up rotting away in some nursing home, if you're lucky, otherwise, you end up just being a burden on your children.  Sounds more like an American Nightmare to me.

When are we, as a Working People, going to demand the paradigm to change?  We want to actually enjoy OUR LIVES too!  But, how do we make this change?  What needs to happen?  And those are quite literally the million dollar questions.  Because we can't just all stop going to work.  All of society would collapse into chaos.  Many innocent people would end up dying.  So that's unacceptable.  Voting won't work either.  Why?  Because ALL the political parties are funded and controlled by the corrupted corporations and stockholders that sold us this Nightmare.

I think that we should be investing our skills into our own services that we can provide.  This means honing the skills that bring us joy and pleasure.  At least until our entire System is fixed when we won't have to worry about selling anything to anybody anymore just to survive.  What do you think?  What can we do as individuals to make a better system that allows everybody happiness without the exploitation that is currently running rampant throughout the Country and the World?

I recently viewed a post on Reddit about time travel, and I got to thinking that it would be interesting to move through time.  Just to visit, I think.  I'd actually like to visit about 500 years into the future, to see if Humanity has managed to mature and evolve beyond all the division, greed, manipulation and egocentric problems that we're currently dealing with that are destroying the planet.

Unless of course, we end up nuking ourselves within the next five years.  When would you visit?

So Big Eyes Small Mouth has an Attribute called, Alternate Form, and one of the forms a character may become is Two Dimentional.  So I had a thought!

Be scared.  Very, very scared!

So, you're a Magical Girl, or maybe not, but you have a companion, who has this Attribute.  How neat would it be to be able to fold up your Companion and stick them in your pocket?  Or, when they're really annoying, fold them up into those little paper footballs, and flick them across the classroom?

Imagine the horror stories this poor companion would tell!

But I wonder, does the character still weigh the same in 2D form as they do in 3D form?  That could cause a problem.  Hmmm.

I'm looking at options for VTTs.  I know of Roll20, and there are a few others, but what do you think of them?  Are there any features that you feel are missing?  How well do these work using a mobile phone (since most of my role playing time would probably be spent on the Bus or Subway).

Do you use online maps and tokens, or are your sessions mostly imaginative based?  I'm curious to know what your experiences have been using VTTs, since the only online experiences I have had involve using forums like this one.  Speaking of using forums, are there any items that could be implemented that would improve your playing experience here?

Technically, this is more of a physical well-being topic, but I feel that it could fit here.

Do you believe that massage of specific point on the foot can benefit internal organs?