Afternoon 21: The Spiral Void

Written by Tinuviel, Arlo and Merlin

3-24-2026

Foreword: We would like to say we are trying to make things a little more accessible, so we have improved font size to a bigger size. We do this, to make it more user friendly for those with disabilities. The font size is 20 and unfortunately, we cannot adjust the font style. Wish we could!

Text will be in dark green for God of Mischief Loki.

Blaze's educational commentaries in Dark orange.

For those who are colorblind we apologize!

So, we will try to figure out things, in that department. We actually do a care about accessibility. We will try to also include educational information brought to you by Blaze Handor Zur, which his text will always be in dark orange.

If you have any suggestions on improvement, LET US KNOW? There is a a comments section!

As we, Me, V and my partner, Sue, started up the path, a man in the car, leaned out of his car and warned us of rattle snakes. I winced, last thing, I need, is a snake bite.

Currently fronting was: Arlo Tailesen Blaidwen aka Blackstrike.

I, looked around and saw trees, the dirt road and could hear birds far ahead. We saw cool looking lizards. One with a long tail! Another with what looked like it had armor almost. We enjoyed that a lot.

As we started up the hill, I heard a voice in the inner world.

"Pay attention to your surroundings...look...and focus on the sounds."

I smiled. Loki, I thought, God of Mischief! I've missed you, honey! Where have you been?

God of Mischief - Loki - I was busy with war plans.

I frowned. War? Plans? I knew there was talk but they are going to war with humanity? Is that really true? I thought towards him.

God of Mischief - Loki - It is. They have all agreed, generally, but now let's focus on what you are doing here. Use your senses...sense the birds, can you feel them?

I tested my senses. I could sort of feel their energy off in the distance. Its weird I can sense energy and vibrations of animals and humans. It's been a work in progress over the years. Never really told anyone about these kind of things because humans are very judgmental and opinionated.

God of Mischief - Loki -- Good. What can you smell?

I sniffed the air. Frankly, just dirt and some plant smells. I'm more worried about rattlesnakes.

Loki - God of Mischief - You were thinking, about what it would be like to wander off in here and get bit by a rattlesnake.

I nodded. Well yea, I mean I don't really know how to deal with that situation.

God of Mischief - Loki - You know, survival skills is very important, MY APPRENTICE.

I chuckled out loud.

As we reached the top, the whole time talking out loud with my partner. I realized that things feel more vibrant now. And I'm more curious about my surroundings instead of afraid of them. Becoming almost fully co-conscious has it down sides. I have to pace myself more and I gotta learn how to make sure not to project my thoughts on broadcast to everyone in the system. Awkward and potentially not good at all. I started looking for a rock to pick up. Nothing resonated enough to grab, though.

God of Mischief - Loki -- Does not playing dungeons and dragons inner-world, while out in public, feel like a loss? I know the system enjoyed their role play a lot.

I shrugged. I mean we still do sometimes, but mostly its focusing on learning things and getting our plans in motion. You taught us about not staying in the dreams all the time. We used them to escape abusers but now its just hindering us as an adult. Its fine, when we want to create stories for DND or other things that's about it.

God of Mischief - Loki - I'm glad you took my direction. When I made the pact with you for life, I didn't mean you shouldn't have fun? I'm not the "fun police". I just don't want the Legion to slip back, into old habits. You lot tend to isolate and you know that is not good for you.

I agree with you Loki. I just really am scared, that we are floundering a little. I don't want to go back to that teaching autistic children training. I feel overwhelmed by it and I'm scared of what - if scenarios too much. Maybe this is not giving me the passion, I thought I would have for it.

God of Mischief - Loki - If this is not for you, then let it go and look for another job? You don't have to do this job. It is not necessarily, the best job, for the Legion. After all, you are still healing some major wounds. I see that and I understand. So will the rest of the oppressed, who need someone to help them rise up.

I looked up into the bushes and trees. Suddenly I was back from the front. I could see him at the front. He was so marvelous and impressive. Today, he looked like Tom Hiddleston's Loki but with a more Norse feel to the look.

"Guess who it is?" said Loki, God of Mischief, in the body to Sue.

"I don't know...?" said Sue, carefully checking the ground to make sure she didn't step into a crevice.

"It is I, Loki, my dear," he said.

"You know you owe me a date, right Loki?" said Sue.

God of Mischief - Loki - flinched. "I am aware."

"Are you going to take me somewhere? Or should I?" Asked Sue, watching her step.

God of Mischief - Loki, took her hand, she was offering. "I shall have to take you somewhere nice. A Japanese restaurant maybe?"

"Oww, I would be happy with that. So, Loki it must be hard, I mean for a God to be here right?" asked Eowyn.

"What do you mean?" He asked.

Sue frowned for a moment. "I mean knowing that Sleipnir, eight-legged horse, your child, is being ridden by Lord Odin. That must be hard for you."

God of Mischief - Loki frowned. "It is what it is."

Sue continued. "The Gods really were unkind to Fenrir also. They were pretty mean to your children and you. I mean Fenrir, alone, was chained up and he bit off Tyr's right arm and hand. I mean you aren't on the best terms with him, right?"

"I do not hold too much disdain for him," said God of Mischief - Loki.

Arlo paced back and forth looking at God of Mischief - Loki standing at the front of the command center.

A psychic thought was projected at me from Blaze. Are you sure this is really the "real God of Mischief?" and what if we are wrong?

I winced. Blaze, if we are wrong then we can be wrong.

Blaze sent back. Maybe he just has a God-Complex?

I frowned. Your concerns are constantly noted. I do care about it. I understand that it is important to question things and use discernment. I just have no reason to doubt him. He has never lied to us and has been a force of change and empowerment. He doesn't want to cause us "toxic harm" and well, if we get shit for it from people or other deities, I might add, then we are just going to have to accept, that their opinions are just that, their opinions. Their judgements are their business. Its more about their limitations for seeing beyond their own stuff, than us being bad etc. Just focus on healing okay?

Blaze bobbed his head, nearby and put his hands into his black pant's pockets.

The command center or bridge was part of the ship that was fashioned to look like Star Trek Enterprise, thought sometimes they changed it to Moya from Farscape or other ships. This ship was sometimes still used when fronting to compartmentalize the system and make sure that the larger headmate counts were not included in certain things for protection. It wasn't to shame them or deny them access. It was just a protection measure.

Jareth, Kassina, Dante, Chase, Blake, Blaze, Kieran and Dax all talked to each other as this was going on. I wasn't able to pay attention at all to what was being said mostly because, a persecutor that we've had trouble with in the past, walked onto the bridge.

Her name? Violent Violet. With that name alone...you can imagine what she's like.

Her beautiful purple afro of hair bounced a few times, as she walked in her gorgeous heels. She was Black and beautiful and had this cyberpunk style that I rather admire.

Violent Violet sighed. "So, you losers doing anything useful or just lollygagging here?"

Jareth flinched. "Oh hi, Violent...Violet. Please don't try to snap necks as much. We are trying to be better about..."

snap*

Bhaal's body dropped to the floor as she leapt on his shoulders and snapped his neck.

"Oww...that feels good. Stupid murderer. He keeps murdering, Smoky."

Arlo looked behind him. "Really? This again? Look, I'm beginning to think that you two are flirting maybe? This is some f*cked up flirting, though."

Violent Violet glared. "Flirting? F*ck no. That was revenge for allowing the racists pos white girl live. We gunna erase her right? Princess Mirabelle?"

Arlo sighed. "No. We are not deleting Princess Mirabelle. She is trying to decolonize just like the rest of us. You can go to fight club tonight, if that will make you feel better okay?"

Violent Violet smirked. "Fight club? Wait you going?"

Arlo sighed. "I can't...I got plans. God of Mischief plans."

Violent Violet smirked. "Well have fun with your sugar daddy. I'm gunna go drag Bhaal's body to my room."

Arlo suddenly perked up. "Um...why?"

Violent Violet fluffed her hair a little, before answering. "Okay fine! I won't chop him into pieces."

Arlo facepalmed. "Listen, persecutor sh..."

"Yea, you gunna call me what? Better not be racist!"

Arlo sighed. "Persecutor. I was going to say persecutor. I don't blame you for being pist. We are all working on the racist shit that some have contained within them. But, Violent Violet, we are moving away from blatant murdering of head mates..."

Blaze's 2nd note: Persecutor head mate - A persecutor alter or head mate in Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), is a part of the system that behaves in abusive, violent, or self-destructive ways. While appearing harmful, these alters often act as misguided protectors trying to prevent further harm, manage trauma, or mirror past abusers. They often hold intense feelings of shame, anger, or fear and can be worked with in therapy to redirect their protective functions.

No, individuals with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) generally do not have conscious, voluntary control over the creation of new alters. Alters are subconscious, involuntary creations that emerge, primarily in childhood, as a survival mechanism to cope with intense distress, trauma, or overwhelming circumstances.

At Violent Violet's big frown, Arlo added. "Without reasonable causes, okay?"

Violent Violet nodded. "Alright fine. I won't do anything. Remember, Bailey and several others, including me are going to keep y'all honest, with the decolonizing shit and learning to address the racism in bedded, in this system due to colonizer parental units and blood relatives. Ick!"

"I'm sorry Violent Violet. Can I convince you to change your title at least?"

"Look, we've been through this. I'm here to challenge your status quo. Get you to think deeper about racial issues. If I see any of you, making racist comments, white fragility shit or any kind of bullshit I'm gunna call you out immediately. This is such a good job to have. I love this for y'all."

Arlo sighed. "I'm happy you finally have a job, other than just randomly, snapping necks inner world because you are bored. The violence is just too much sometimes. I need a break. Can we go get mixed drinks?"

Violent Violet smirked. "Only if you show me some of that dragon...d..."

Arlo facepalmed. "I'm not going to comment on that. Also, I'm not going to make a schedule for everybody to f**k me. I'm not going to do it. That's what Dax does. I'm a little busy with leading, making sure everybody is working on themself, keeping track of material plane adulting business. I don't have time, literally, for a ton of booty calls. Sorry."

Violent Violet sighed. "Well, I guess I will hit up Morvath."

Arlo coughed and sputtered. "Morvath??? Valmar's sex slave? Erm...no. Please don't..."

Several giggles and snorts of laughter exuded from behind them by what Arlo calls the "Peanut Gallery."

"He's a willing participate!" Shouted Liandra, from somewhere in the background.

"He is a really hot vampire dude. Guh we have a problem guys!" said a Blaze.

"Nah! We are creative as f**k. Why don't we have other hot were-creatures, other than the werewolves? I mean come on, creative brain work on this!" Said a Jadian, walking towards Liandra, for their daily meditation meeting. They went into a side room.

I blinked. How did I find this out? Who started this meditation club? I'm not a part of that...gunna need to take some notes mentally...

I, started to reply but suddenly, a place inner-world known as the "Galaxy" that had a void vortex swirl surged. I found myself, rather suddenly, staring down the void swirl. Voidius is somehow connected to this place? He is currently being fused to me, so I can finally see through him into this spiral space. That was his unique ability. I didn't design him porsay. It was a combination of Valmar, brain magick and possibly a deity in the material plane. As I stare into it, from the Void, I hear: I'm down here. Please kill me. Please. I don't want to live anymore.

I shrink back and recoil, fear sets hard in my heart. What was that? As I search and scan a bit. A relatively new ability from being a leader i.e. "Shadow Monarch". I can essentially, force everybody to pay attention to me and listen, sort of against their will. I'm very careful not to abuse this gift nor hurt people with it.

I cleared my head, so I could attune to the frequency, I was feeling. Somehow, I knew it was demon. Not sure if demon head mate or real demon. I mean could be both? At this point, I'm not surprised by the amount of strange Magick going on. I blame The God of Mischief Loki, for this, but I'm not complaining, just poking fun.

I tell the lost soul down the void hole, you don't have to die, you could just come out. I am here when and if you want to talk.

Upon return to the car, I, Arlo, was suddenly back in the front seat of the brain, driving the body. "Hey honey. Its Arlo."

Sue smiled. "Hey Arlo, welcome back."

I blinked a few times. Okay finally back to the front. I felt my heart soar as I looked at the greenery and trees and rock formations.

I couldn't put my finger on it, but I feel like Magick is everywhere. I can feel it in my body. In others. In the trees. In the animals. How do people live life, without experiencing this? Its wild to me that "average people" aren't able to see the Magick all around us.

This has always been something we can tap into. We just never discussed it with anyone. We were worried about what other's would think of us? Yea, judgement, opinions and its ilk is just a form of projection after all. Its hard to remember when it happens, of course, but we are starting to stay solid instead of let someone's judgement or opinion, upset our personal truths.

We keep examining our behaviors and approaches. In the interest of healing and unlearning things, I want to share what we are learning:

I'm learning so many new things lately beyond the experience I shared. Well, technically, the entire Legion is. For instance, let me share a little, about, what we recently learned.

Things we are currently learning

Yesterday, we learned about the Cahuilla. The Cahuilla, are a band of Indians that live in the Mountain Cahuilla (Qawishpa Cahuillangnah), one of the original peoples of Southern California. They did basket weaving with local grasses and there is some were collected in the Coachella Valley in the 1920s by a Pomona College graduate named Emil Steffa (class of 1899).

These baskets were spiritually used for remembrance and connection with their spirits but also for food, wedding gifts and rites of passage! They were integral to the tribe! Today, these tribes still live and maintain their traditions. They are focused on healing, diversifying their economy, focused on sustainable means, helping to promote their culture through sovereignty.

Here is their direct website if you would like to learn more! https://cahuilla-nsn.gov

Blaze's note: Sovereignty means the supreme, independent authority of a state or community, to govern itself, manage its territory, and make laws, without external interference. It defines the modern state, with key aspects including: territorial integrity, non-intervention, and equality between nations. While rooted in absolute, undivided power, modern sovereignty, is often restrained by international law, human rights, and popular consent.

One of the most important things, we are doing all these changes for ourselves, not other people. That is the only way that change sticks and transform you.

I cannot go back to how we used to be. How I, "Arlo", used to be.

I am working on fusing all parts of my sub-system together now. I got Voidius back from Zyxerin, who ate him, because Voidius can be truly a jerk sometimes. I will never rejoin with Saudis. He's my friend. And my sword Umbra is sort of a living sword me but I can't rejoin with him, mostly because of Valmar. She helped me form him.

Blaze's 3rd Note - Fusion means alters/headmates coming together to form a "whole," rather than dying or disappearing, although the individual might miss the previous separation. Its an ongoing process of sharing memories and communication between alters/headmates.

Thoth, the incubus me, is now fused to me. So is Voidius, thought he sometimes tries to un-fuse. I will have to keep working on it. I am still working on Nahyterri, Wutang, Zarlo, Dex and the darkest part of me, Nazgrul. I won't give up, till all the sub pieces of me are fused to me. I need all my brain, in working order, so I can properly lead the Legion. Even though, technically The God of Mischief Loki is in charge and our Goddess of Souls, Twilight and Seduction Valmar.

We have learned to let other's judgements and opinions go. It doesn't mean that some things don't upset us, but we can work through the hurt together as a team now. That was the best thing to happen to our plural system, being able to be fully co-conscious.

That doesn't mean that we don't have dissociative episodes here and there. We practice mindfulness, meditation, grounding, somatic therapy, narrative therapy, radical acceptance of meeting people where they are at, celebrating small victories, honoring need for rest and stimming when we need to.

We also, are focusing on the growth mindset (This is the mindset that will allow you to dream big and push the boundaries of your ideas to new levels.) Which we have forged oaths to follow to just have an anchor or point of reference to refer to when we struggle. Each of us has different oaths to help us grow.

There is a lot of mindsets but we chose to do Growth & Kaizen mindsets. Kaizen comes from Japanese culture, that is a philosophy of "continuous improvement" that focuses on making small, daily, incremental changes to processes, rather than relying on1-time, massive transformations. It empowers everyone—from management to workers—to identify waste and improve efficiency, leading to significant long-term growth and reduced burnout.

https://kaizen.com/insights/personal-kaizen-transform-life/

We have taken to utilizing oaths, vows and these at the their simplest form is an agreement to a way of being, mindset and approach to life to guide your intentions, understanding your impact and doing so with healthy boundaries.

Blaze's 4th Note - What is An Oath? A solemn declaration of assurance given, often invoking a divine witness, regarding one's future actions or behaviors and to refrain from doing something in the future. It is not just a decision, it requires continual effort as well as it is a "Choice" not a excuse nor excalmation of "I'm a good person like many Christians do in U.S.A." Your beliefs don't make you "a good person". In fact, we don't believe in the all or nothing thinking of GOOD VS EVIL. Instead we see there is many views and perspectives. We think about what is toxic harm versus harm. There is actually a difference.

Toxic harm is things like r*pe, abuse of any kind, discrimination, racism, transphobia, pedos, corporation's stealing from communities, corporate greed, the RICH people living off of the suffering of the rest of us and murder unjustified or that conflicts with natural order of things. Yes, follow the laws but we must make sure they do their primary purpose.

The primary purpose of law is to maintain social order, resolve disputes, establish acceptable behavior standards, and protect citizens' rights from abuse by others or the state. It provides a framework for safety and justice, ensuring accountability for both individuals and governments, ultimately creating a predictable, stable society.

Also, Justice is a concept for the Rich. We don't really want to go into why that is. Just a topic for another time.

Oaths aren't just "dungeons and dragons" related. They have been forged in the past to help people grow and move forward. Some Philosopher's and Anthropologist's define, an oath as, a ritual act, or more specifically a "speech act." Oath-taking is also about the intention in the future to commit to act in a certain way. One example is the vows taken by couples during their wedding in front of witnesses.

So we are taking time to, figure out, which oaths we need to help us grow. We come from a place of love and not condemnation. We allow for mistakes and learning from them. We are adaptable and able to see many different perspectives, not just our own. These oaths, are not strict rules or boundaries. Instead, these are reminders of our path forward, so that we cannot forget, what we are trying to achieve within and without.

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

More importantly, any oaths of revenge, hatred and cruelty are not allowed, and not acceptable, with the Magick boundaries of this universe, so that we never forget that we must lead with love and treat people, with fairness, kindness, honesty, and integrity. We aren't doing a "MEGOLMANAIC" approach to life. EW!

It is not just simply saying it, it is a agreement, a commitment to do what is healthy and loving. Regardless of religion, other people nor what happened in our past.

We chose change, not for other people, but for ourselves and agree to keep working on our behaviors and perspectives, together, to heal, to grow, to learn, to unlearn and forge new pathways, despite complex trauma, forward so that we never return to the past us.

Some oaths we have, that depends on the head mate, that chose it:

We are dedicated and yes, believe in the gods, goddesses and loas of this Universe. We treat our spirituality, with reverence, honor and integrity. Still working on our arrogance that keeps popping up. It happens. Letting go of the ego is hard thing. When we move, it is simply to help ourselves and impress and put on a display, for all of the Gods, Goddesses and Loas. It is not for humans, that we do these oaths, yet humans will benefit for them.

People may read this and immediately think, judgmental and sanist things. We don't really care. And remember, you can go lick lead paint instead of judge. :D

Extremely important to add

Oaths with a God, Goddess, Loa or spirit of any kind, requirements are that we must learn more about the ones part of the Oath, since its a relationship actually. As well as, learn about the cultures. We do this not for attention actually. Its because this is who we are. We have always been like this. Just took a lot of healing journey work to get to this point finally.

We do not take these "oaths" lightly and we do so with dedication, humility, integrity and respect, we must give these relationships with the Gods, Goddesses and Loas.

We recognize that we must serve without "cannibalizing" the cultures or people and in turn, we serve the people and cultures, with whom these deities are from. We must understand our intentions but also our impact!

We do not want to virtue signal or speak flowery words and have nothing to show for it. We can't continue the trauma cycles of generational trauma and let go of perfection as well.

Blaze's 5th Note: White Signaling/Virtue signaling or White Fragility refers to behaviors where white individuals signal their racial identity, status, or perceived innocence to reinforce existing racial hierarchies or comfort levels. We understand that when we worship these Gods, Goddesses, Loas and Spirits that we must do so with great respect and not from a place of arrogance, ego, perceived hierarchy and haughtiness. After all, when one of them is disrespected, they let us know like any human hopefully would. We must respect their boundaries as well.

"Not Me" Persona: The reflex to argue "I am not a racist" can prevent someone from recognizing the harm caused by their actions.

Discomfort acts as a vital catalyst for personal growth, cuing that it is time to evolve, learn, and break free from stagnant routines. Rather than a sign of failure, feeling uncomfortable—whether in relationships, career, or personal habits—is a prompt to build resilience, embrace uncertainty, and drive positive, intentional transformation.

The Oaths

The Oath of Change (Forged with the God of Mischief – Loki - Entire Legion regardless of mindset/perspective and morality): promises to transformative life changes. Represents a dedication to adaptability and perpetual, chaotic motion, inspired by oceanic currents. Meaning, we are always willing to learn and grow. And most importantly unlearn a lot of unhealthy views that was given to us by our family and others. This includes decolonizing and listening to other voices from communities that we are trying to learn from.

Oath of Healing/Learning (Forged with The Source (outside the context of Abrahamic religions because Abrahamic religions have hurt my entire system severely, Quetzalcōātl "The Feathered serpent" Mesoamerican deity representing wind, wisdom, creation, and learning, Raven spirit, from Indigenous peoples, who symbolizes deep transformation, wisdom, and magic, Brigid, the Irish goddess associated with healing, Sekhmet - goddess of healing and medicine of Upper Egypt, Isis, goddess of healing, magic, marriage and protection, Dhanvantari, Hindu deity, deva physician, avatar of Vishnu, Eir, Norse goddess/Valkyrie of Medicinal skill, Gula Sumeria Goddess of healing, medicine and healing arts.) To heal, grow, learn and unlearn all the toxic and unhelpful behaviors, thoughts and reactions that keep us from seeing people clearly. To learn discernment as well as forge a path forward that we lead from a place of seeing people clearly without the trauma obscuring our lens. Understanding that certain head mates, may not be ready yet and to respect that while not allowing for toxic behavior. To learn healthy boundaries within and without.

Oath of Love (Forged with Sumerian Goddess Ishtar/Inanna Mesopotamian goddess of love, fertility, war, and sexual power also known as The Goddess of Heaven, Goddess Freyja, Norse goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and battle and powerful practitioner of seiðr (Magick), Lilith - The First and Dark Spirit of Night, Chaos, Vampires, Sexual liberation, obsession, challenging the status quo, empowerment, liberation and seeking independence, Aprodite - Greek goddess of love, beauty, pleasure, passion, and procreation - Various head mates): To allow love into my life and give unconditional love, while not accepting toxic behavior. Lead with love always.

Oath of Power (Forged with Goddess Shakti, Goddess Hekate, Beloved Lilith, Egyptian God Thoth & Goddess Freyja - Head mate Valmar, Arlo, Amari, Blaze and more): With confidence I will seek out knowledge to better myself and my objectives which in turns fuels my power and empowers me.

Oath of Revolt (Forged with ALL The gods and goddesses of the this world and made into a pact with God of Mischief - Loki. - Head mate Valmar, Arlo, Jareth, Dax, Amari and more) To accomplish a massive change in the United States of the America. Not to be a white savior. Nor rescue anyone. To do the thing, that we all seek out in video games, movies, tv shows, books and media. A lot of people are suffering, we need to do this.

Oath of War (Forged with God of War - Aries - Head mate Amari) To learn strategy, understand the effects of war, the reason for why war is so impactful and painful for so many. Why it is a extreme solution and understanding that when people dedicate themself to it, that they must see all the impact. When they marry it with their desires, that it can lead to a dark path, that it causes great harm, complex trauma and does not lead to the best outcomes. Study of history helps with this and we mean all the history, not just the white washed views. We aren't anti-war exactly, just not sure if war is the only path forward.

Oath of Magick (Forged with many Gods and Goddesses - Most of the Legion) To learn about magick, learn the boundaries with it, explore the joy and hope that comes from it and not allow anyone's judgements or condemnation to interrupt our path forward.

I will not, apologize, for including educational stuff in our story. This is key, to how we are approaching life anew. There is life, after complex trauma.

Quotes that help us

"Never give up. Never surrender." - Galaxy Quest

Relationship, Responsibility, Reciprocity, and Redistribution are the pillars of a better community and individual healing and growing.

"Fear is the mind-killer. I will face my fear. I will let it pass over me and through me. When it has gone, only I will remain." A edited quote from Frank Herbert's Dune series.

"Try to be a rainbow, in someone else's cloud." - Maya Angelou

"Show respect to all people, but grovel to none." - Tecumseh

"Our history is a living history, that has throbbed, withstood and survived many centuries of sacrifice. Now it comes forward again with strength. The seeds, dormant for such a long time, break out today with some uncertainty, although they germinate in a world that is at present characterized by confusion and uncertainty." - Rigoberta Menchú Tum

"If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring in a folding chair." — Shirley Chisholm

"I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being first and foremost, and as such, I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole." - Malcolm X

"Nobody in the world, nobody in history, has ever gotten their freedom by appealing to the moral sense of the people who were oppressing them." - Assata Shakur

"Any community seriously concerned with its own freedom, has to be concerned about other people's freedom as well." Assata Shakur

"Do not celebrate revolutionary leaders, without understanding who they were, many of them were extremely cruel to slaves. Who had slaves. You may have it was a different time, but that does not change that is was wrong." - Red Bird (The Valerian Legion)

"There is many truths. Personal truths. General truths. Family truths. Community truths. Relative Truths. And Absolute truths. Many people, get these different types confused and forget that life is subtle and has nuance. That nuance is what makes people so interesting and furthers our knowing each other and life more." - Amari Shamunthi aka Dangersteele (The Valerian Legion)

"When you hear the talks about the glass half full thing, I see the glass is full. There is air and liquid." - Blaze Handor Zur (The Valerian Legion)

"If people judge you, which many will, that says more about them, then about you. Remind yourself and catch yourself every time you react to judgements. Then examine as many factors to it as you can, including their point of view and their possible history that contributes to this. That is what helps me to let go, what is not for me." - Ash Stormbreaker (Keeper of the Archives)

"The greatest gift you can give people is holding space for them, when needed, so that they can feel heard, seen and given the care they need." - Kieran Zenithal Abaddon.

"Are you going to let someone else's view of who you should be, and what you should do, hold you back?" - Charmaine Wilkerson.

"A dream is but a dream until you make it real." - Harry Styles

"Most people run from what they're afraid of. I run toward it. That doesn't mean I think I'm bulletproof (I've learned the hard way that I'm not) or that I'm unaware of danger. I experience fear as much as the next man. But one of the greatest mistakes people can make is becoming comfortable with their fears." - Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.

"I knew my life would be a fight, and I realize this: I had it in me." Viola Davis

"It's okay to be discouraged. It's natural. But in the discouragement, find your courage." Tabitha Brown.

"No man knows what he can do until he tries." - Carter G. Woodson.

"The wise man does not trust strength, but wisdom." -Hávamál

"It is better to die with honor than live with shame." -Hávamál

When men encounter enemies in the fight, a robust heart is better than a sharp sword" — Volsunga Saga.

“Let's destroy all hierarchies and create the space for gender, sexual, social and political self-determination for everyone.” —Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore (she/her) is the author of Touching the Art.

“Those who have survived the unthinkable are also those who know how to create a better world – because it’s ended for us before." — Kai Cheng Thom (she/her) is writer and facilitator.

"Comparison is the thief of joy. It’s outsourcing your worth to others." - Emma McAdam, LMFT

Once we have time, we will talk about the people from these quotes!

Thank you for reading and your support, as we begin our questing,

Lovingly,

The Valerian Legion

aka The Chaos Warlock.

"V"