#invictus

In the Japanese anime film “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” based on Yasutaka Tsutsui's novel, the sentence "Time waits for no one" echoed both at the beginning and end of the movie.

In his poem “Invictus”, Henley declared "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."

The Rolling Stones recorded the song “Time is on My Side”

All of this got me thinking:

“Is time only a ruthless enemy or also a subtle ally we too often fail to recognize ?”

As the years go by, if we remain focused, unshakably determined, and committed to our deepest goals and desires despite all odds, time may slowly reveal the fragrance of the flowers and the beauty of the garden we have patiently cultivated, one day at a time.

In this case, I wanted to create two versions, one before and one after the capture, wanting to stretch my creativity a bit. I don't think this type of hairstyle existed in the history of Germania Magna, but how can I not imagine it like this?

The spear-wielding gladiator par excellence is the Oplomachus. His name derives from the Greek and literally means "he who fights with weapons." Visually, he is one of the most spectacular gladiators because his style reflects the aesthetic of the legendary Greek hoplites or the warriors of Thrace. At the beginning of Roman history, these gladiators were actual prisoners of war from Greece or the East. Over time, the class became a technical specialization taught in the ludi (gladiatorial schools) even to chosen slaves or free men seeking ransom.

Tarot Reading

OK, so I'll post a reading. There's so much drama going on I have to get a grip on it.

I'm using the Zombie Tarot. I haven't used it in quite a while but it's usually pretty chatty and brutal in the truth area. Meanings are slightly different than the Rider Waite style decks.

I'm using a modified Celtic Cross layout. It's more in-depth than my standard.

About Harry and his tactics.

Present self, the Tower reversed. Appearances are decieving and the zombies are at the door. Time to look at the reality because what he thinks is going on is not what's going on. The family will not be decieved and he has no where to jump. He can not avoid what's coming.

The Obstacle, Six of Swords. He wants to escape to a more peaceful place and let his scars heal. He's in the middle of a mess and that's not an option, given the Tower is his present self.

Below, Eight of Wands reversed. This is the influence position. Upright there's movement and followers and good news. This is in reverse so there's no good news coming, no one is standing with him. He's stagnant unable to move. Upright this is about holding your tongue but reversed he can't hold back and spews zombie vomit. Don't trust what he says.

Above, Eight of Hazards (Pentacles). This is the goal he's looking to achieve. He is now trying to think outside the box. Rewire his methods to find a new possibilities or new angles. Comes with a warning that doing the same thing over and over hoping to get different results will end in disaster. I wouldn't be surprised if his PR just get outlandish.

Near future, Page of Swords. The picture is a sneaky red headed kid holding a small axe as he eavesdrops behind the wall. Funny enough there's a childs drawing of a boy and a girl. The picture is worth a thousand words. Immature energy, spiteful, looking to get information that's not his business. Yet.

Past influence, Six of Cups. Thinking of the past before, well all of this. Mommy holding his little self. He thought an old friend would save him. Instead this friend chewed off his face.

Hopes and Fears, Two of Swords. The outlook may become his worst enemy. For this it's a question of which weapon to use. Is it going to be the rifle or the chainsaw? He didn't get the information he was sneaking around to get so now he's stuck on which hurt to use. Zombies are close, he better decide.

Self perception, Queen of Hazards (Pentacles). Harry doesn't have one except the one he's given on that day. This is her, the spouse. Money, fame, sitting pretty, sugary as gumdrops. She will drive the force of all they want straight into zombieville.

Environment, the Star. This is for external influences that might affect the situation. What's the plan Stan, asks the guy who is scraping zombie goo off his shoe. There's going to be a short pause while admiration of oneself takes place. Hopefully there's a move on quickly. If something is played right maybe someone will reach out with an awesome hand and give the man a break. But he's got to make a quick move and turn away from looking at the wonder he thinks is him.

Outcome, Three of Wands. If nothing changes he may find himself with a group that backs him. A combination of resources. I'm feeling Invictus and media folks running to his aid. Busting down doors and scaring regular folk will be the outcome here. Help or no help he's going at it with brute force. Now how can that be warm and fuzzy?

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid.

My all-time favorite poem. Keeps me going

Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate,I am the captain of my soul.