:)

Patronus: Blackbird

Those who are born with or develop the patronus of a Blackbird over their lifetime are idealistic, intelligent and thoughtful. They believe in their own abilities to do well, and to make change whilst refusing to conform to any standards that do not match their own. 

Blackbird patronus’ typically suggest that their witch or wizard is naturally independent and free of spirit. The bird is symbolic of life in the heavens (higher ideals, higher path of knowing) and the color black is symbolic of pure potential, simplicity and clarity. A witch or wizard with this patronus will know what they want and will generally achieve whatever their desire because of their strong will and passionate nature. 

Witches or wizards who possess this patronus tend to be quiet thinkers. They enjoying spending time alone to simply think or observe the world around them. This tendency makes them creative and curious individuals. They believe in themselves and don’t rely on anyone else to get by. However just because Blackbirds tend to be thinkers, doesn’t mean they don’t possess a high level of ambition and determination. Blackbirds generally want to do well and succeed in their chosen fields. 

Blackbirds tend to enjoy intellectual conversations that explore philosophical, psychological and theological ideas. They enjoy scientific concepts such as evolution and can be quite analytically minded. Those who possess the patronus of a Blackbird are also very perceptive. This quality allows them to adapt to their environments and establish new relationships quickly and efficiently.

Most people with this patronus will be great listeners and will find that many people will share their problems with them in search for sound advice. While those with a Blackbird patronus may be sympathetic listeners, they have very strong (and sometimes too idealistic) opinions about situations. They do not take kindly to people who simply ignore any given advice, generally because Blackbirds have spent quite a while thinking about the situation and examining in with a quiet patience.

it's essential now more than ever to make sure that we're in the loop with current events and politics. this post is absolutely not advocating for ignoring the news, especially considering factors such as privilege. if you're able to, please do try to stay informed. but there comes a point where information can become too much (particularly when you belong to a marginalized group), causing stress, anxiety, and burnout. being an informed citizen shouldn't come at the expense of your wellbeing.

right now, please ask yourself: am I checking the news to stay up to date, or am I checking it because I'm scared? am I following current events to enhance my understanding, or am I following it because I'm too anxious to tear away?

if you feel rising panic, dread, and anxiety that's spiraling, it's time to step back. being an informed citizen doesn't mean agonizing over things you can't control. when that happens, it's time to reign yourself back in.

consider this post a checkpoint, especially if you're an American, black/a person of color, a marginalized identity (be it religious, gender/sexuality, or disability), or any combination thereof. it's alright to step back and care for yourself.

But when Trump supporters STORM THE CAPITOL the police stand by, they try to push back but barely. No state troopers, no militaristic police. Just domestic terrorism being allowed

classic academia: beige trench coats, wool sweaters. plaid skirts. think femme fatale, but educated. sobbing in bed late at night over the secret history or dead poets society. tea with milk and sugar. subsequent tea stains.

darkest academia: running through the rain, dimly lit by streetlights. brown tweed jackets, dress shoes. cold fingers and colder gazes. french-pressed black coffee, piping hot. dark, candlelit rooms with ancient wood floors/walls. 

light academia: white cable-knit sweaters, sparkly eyes and foggy glasses. going to art museums and falling in love with every portrait, every sculpture. caressing the petals of a rose, hearing the crinkle of leaves underfoot.

witchy academia: burning candles while reading or doing homework. black turtlenecks, velvet skirts. walking through the forest in autumn. passing a graveyard and feeling a greyish presence. waiting anxiously for samhain.

romantic academia: writing flowery poetry about someone you’ll never speak to (guilty oops). a cozy alizarin sweater, pleated skirts. slow dancing around your room to the beatles. curling up with warm, pallid cups of tea and a book.

scholarly academia: impeccable notes in class. leather bound bags crammed with textbooks and pens. lots of coffee with scones, and even more late nights. a wide vocabulary (that people constantly comment on). lives in the library.