this one are observations based on people I know, after analyzing their birth chart.
again, if u want to share your opinion on those, i would love reading them!
leo rising really have hair that STANDS OUT. usually wavy, voluminous, shiny, just beautiful. the wish to dye your hair red always appears at some point, and I recommend it, it looks wonderful.
mercury – uranus aspects can make someone have a unique voice.
aquarius rising are usually part of some subculture.
venus in virgo and your need to please your partner in every way. always asking if you're feeling well, because you don't have a smile on your face.
moon in 5th house and their connection with children :'). even if you don't like it, children admire you, you'll just catch them looking at you like that 🥹.
people with gemini rising have frog beauty. also, I love the aura of this ascendant, you are cute, youthful, there is a receptive energy coming from you, this ascendant's smile is beautiful too.
as a venus in scorpio (stellium in scorpio to be more specific), i would definitely say that Patrick in 10 things i hate about you is my ideal type.
libra moon really don't like arguments, they try to stay calm and not take sides. but if you offend us, it's over, the rage will come 🤓.
I realized that we generally get along very well with ppl that have their sign in our 3rd house. my bestie has my sun in her 3rd house, and we are soulmates. also, my friend and his bestie also have that, and other couple of friends share the same synastry. this is because the 3rd house is the house of communication and everyday relationships, it's as if you and that person spoke the same language, exchanging ideas in a healthy way. furthermore, we can consider the person with whom we have this synastry, as a brother/sister.
I noticed that most of my friends are virgo, or virgo is prominent in their birth chart. they are clever people who I can count on whenever I need, they are organized, or at least give off that vibe lol and are very good company. i love u virgos 🤍.
gemini and aries in an chart, makes someone fiery, a leader, but at the same time, someone very humble, nice to talk to lmao. it's a very likeable combination.
scorpio rising really have that penetrating gaze. usually, scorpios are really easy to identificate.
that's not an observation from someone I know, but I noticed it. Michael Jackson had a stellium in the 6th house, and that makes so much sense. his life was about making physical efforts, dancing, performing in general, and he tried to be excellent in everything he did.
i met a aries mars boy and whoop. he was AGRESSIVE, got in a lot of fights (always winning). i don't talk with him in like 2 years, but i found him on instagram and now he is a bodybuilder.
saggitarius rising and their ability to lighten up the room they are in, i love.
ok, hear me out. 5th house is connected to hobbies that give us pleasures (includes films, music, books, etc.) and also to crushes. I've been noticing that the celebrities I admire have the same sign as my 5th house:
MJ (pisces Moon and rising)
Heath Ledger (pisces stellium)
Andrew Garfield (pisces Rising)
Rihanna (pisces sun)
Ryan Gosling (pisces Rising)
taurus rising are so soft, down to earth, charming people. ppl with that rising are so attractive 😿.
i made this in RUSH, and i'm falling asleep, not the best one srry 🙏🏻
Degree Theory Series: The Leo Degrees (5°, 17°, 29°): Unveiling the Complexities of Power, Prestige, and Presence
☆ Leo degrees represent a striking influence—one that combines ambition, charisma, romance, and a near-magical allure. The house that Leo is in your chart is reflective of the area of life that you have the potential to receive a lot of attention. It is literally the sign of reaching for the stars. But beneath the well-known themes of fame, leadership, and power, these degrees have deeper, sometimes hidden qualities that shape the lives they touch. Here’s an exploration into these powerful degrees, plus the distinctive flavors they create when combined with different planetary energies.
5° Leo: The Catalyst for Expression and Presence
Keywords: Bold action, self-expression, initiator, elite status, teaching and guidance.
☆° ✩࿐
Personality and Physicality: Known as a degree that heightens presence, 5° Leo lends a dignified, commanding air that can be quite magnetic. David Hasselhoff’s for example has a Venus at 5 degrees of Leo. Back in the day, David was known for his magnetic charm and stage presence. He had set the Guinness world record of the most watched man on Tv. This degree supports his appeal as the central figure of Baywatch, Knight Rider and other things, and it shows his ability to thrive under the spotlight. He had set the Guinness world record of the most watched man on Tv.
5° Leo isn’t just the “leader” degree; it often marks those who naturally attract authority and influence without having to seek it.
Hidden Quality of Resourcefulness: A lesser-known quality of 5° Leo is its connection to resourcefulness in high-stakes situations. Those with this degree on key planets often discover remarkable ingenuity under pressure, especially in challenging or isolating circumstances. To thrive in the spotlight, you have to be very resilient.
17° Leo: The Degree of Visionary Influence and Endurance
Keywords: Legacy, public service, intellectual pursuits, mentorship, teaching roles, family connections.
Social Reach and Legacy: 17° Leo reflects someone whose influence extends over time, resonating through a legacy, particularly through teaching, law, or service roles. the 17th degree is the 2nd highest degree amongst the leo degrees (5, and 29 are the other leo degrees) meaning that it has a “longevity” behind it. There’s often a connection to mentorship or guiding others, and those with 17° Leo placements may be naturally drawn to academia, justice, or philosophical pursuits. They often think in terms of generations and long-term impacts.
Oprah has her MC in 17 degree of Libra.
Elvis Presley is a prominent example of a celebrity with a 17° placement, specifically with his Sun at 17° Capricorn, which is influenced by the “Leo degree” due to degree theory. This degree is associated with lasting fame, a magnetic stage presence, and the ability to create legacy and extend over time. Elvis Presleys music has the ability to transcend time—this aligns with Elvis’s legendary status as the “King of Rock and Roll.” The 17° Leo degree amplifies qualities like charisma, recognition, and impact in the public eye, traits strongly reflected in Elvis’s career and enduring influence in music and culture.
Another example is George Michael, whose Ascendant is at 17° Cancer, lending him a path aligned with Leo qualities—drawing attention, captivating fans, and excelling as a charismatic performer in the entertainment industry. Both figures illustrate how the 17° Leo degree enhances the potential for significant, long-lasting public impact and memorable artistry.
These cases highlight how the 17° degree is seen as one of prestige and enduring influence in charts of famous figures, marking individuals with an aura of distinction and an ability to maintain a lasting legacy in their field.
The Role of Family and Support: This degree frequently connects individuals with family lineage, both in values and sometimes through inheritance or positions of responsibility within family networks. The “father” degree, it suggests an ability to support or uplift family lines or nations—carrying a certain gravitas that inspires collective respect. Just as 17° Leo was prominent in Bill Clinton’s chart, it speaks to enduring influence, as well as the idea of a “national father figure.” Again with Presley he was considered the Father or King of Rock and Roll.
Lesser-Known Influence in Social Structure: Lesser known is 17° Leo’s gift for navigating social structures, from rallying support to surviving intrigue. Individuals with this degree may exhibit a resilient streak, successfully facing threats or challenges within power structures=Much like Elvis who did receive multiple death threats and kidnap warnings, particularly while performing in Las Vegas.
29° Leo: The Degree of Transformative Leadership and Strategic Vision
Mystery and Power Dynamics: Known as an “anaretic” degree, 29° Leo carries themes of completion, change, and high-stakes decisions. People with this degree tend to face intense personal or public challenges that demand creative problem-solving and often put them in complex or strategic roles. A bit of a “chameleon” degree, it suggests someone who can operate under the radar and emerge victorious, often as a reformer or innovator within traditional structures. Leaders like Winston Churchill, who had his Moon at 29° Leo, epitomize the strength of this degree. Similarly, Donald Trump's 29° Leo Ascendant underscores a charismatic presence and his controversial but impactful role in the public sphere, navigating complex political power structures. They guy became the president of the United States at one point and is up for office again.
Transformation and Symbolic Rebirth: 29° Leo may indicate the ability to work behind the scenes or in covert ways, potentially in intelligence, diplomacy, or advocacy roles where resilience is paramount. Often, individuals here face life events that force them to “become someone new,” such as a leader rising unexpectedly or a figure dealing with transformative personal setbacks. Just as Churchill rose during Britain’s darkest hour, those with 29° Leo can emerge from crises as symbols of strength and change. his degree also enhances adaptability, suggesting a capacity to emerge stronger after setbacks or public scrutiny. This is also seen in Drake (BBL Drizzy) and Heidi Klum, both with Ascendants at 29°, which contributes to their enduring relevance and adaptability in the ever-changing entertainment landscape.
Lesser-Known Themes of Hidden Loyalty: There’s also a lesser-known aspect of loyalty and readiness to defend others, even to the point of self-sacrifice. This degree attracts followers or allies who support them in unlikely ways, often during critical transitions or public shifts.
Planetary Combinations:
Mercury at 29° Leo: Mercury here indicates someone who speaks with finality and influence, often giving speeches or communications with a lasting impact. They may find themselves in pivotal discussions, historical moments, or transformative media.
Pluto at 29° Leo: This pairing suggests a powerful leader who can influence others profoundly, sometimes by overturning existing power structures. Pluto at 29° Leo is highly transformative, especially in public roles, and may attract both fame and intrigue, giving the individual an almost mythic quality.
Uranus at 29° Leo: With Uranus, there’s a push for radical change and an ability to innovate under pressure. Individuals with this placement can disrupt the status quo effectively and are unafraid to act independently, even if it means losing support temporarily. Their vision is ahead of its time, and they may be involved in pioneering work or historic moments of change.
Hidden Qualities Across the Leo Degrees
Each of these degrees in Leo also carries unique subtleties, especially when it comes to handling public pressure, love for prestige, and overcoming personal trials. Whether seen in how they survive adversities (often with an unexpected inner resilience) or in their commitment to their people or causes, Leo degrees add depth and charisma that’s impossible to ignore.
If you hold one of these degrees in a major placement, consider it a call to embody love, loyalty, and leadership in your unique style. The Leo degree asks for authenticity and confidence, even when the stakes are high.
Observation:
Sun at 5° Leo: A classic position for leaders who are highly visible and admired. The Sun here drives an ambition that others respect, even if they don’t fully understand the drive behind it. There’s a fierce desire to succeed on one’s terms, often in high-profile careers or pursuits.
Moon at 5° Leo: Emotional expression is vital here, with a need to connect in visible, memorable ways. A Moon at 5° Leo can feel happiest when making an impact in social or familial spheres, perhaps guiding or inspiring others. There’s a special talent for evoking loyalty and support from people, often based on an instinctive understanding of group dynamics.
Mars at 5° Leo: Mars here is a warrior spirit that fights with purpose. It’s often associated with a physical stature or confidence that commands space, possibly leading to military or athletic pursuits. There’s a heightened ability to rally others, leading to leadership roles that arise naturally in tense situations.
🖤Having a Taurus rising in the composite chart shows us that this relationship happens as a slow burn, one that is sensual, intriguing and in which both end up completely drawn and fascinated with the other. Both tend to seek security, pleasure, and a practical approach to building a relationship that is not only loving, but lasting. The relationship may move slowly as both people prefer to take their time to solidify the connection. This couple has a mission in the relationship and that is to provide each other with emotional and physical security. There is a strong desire to be there for each other, to give themselves to the relationship and work together to make things work. They want this relationship to be solid and stable in the face of any issue or adversity, and they are not the type of couple to seek to separate when faced with the not-so-fantasy-like sides of relationships, as they are quite realistic and sensible. They can look and feel more attractive when they start a relationship, together they look very good and they can find an aesthetic or style that suits them very well.
🖤When we observe Gemini in the 2nd house, it symbolizes that this couple needs the other to constantly provide verbal reassurance, precisely because they both share this need, it is easy for them to reassure the other. This couple highly prioritizes maintaining constant communication and seeks to keep it free of any atmosphere of tension. One of the things that makes them greatly value this connection is the excellent intellectual chemistry that exists, in addition to deeply admiring each other's intelligence and trusting their judgment, since they provide each other with this feeling of common sense and realism. This position makes both of them generous and very fluid with the other in terms of tangible demonstrations of love, especially gifts. They don't mind using their money on each other, in fact they love spoiling each other with gifts and little surprises making them quite generous. They deeply value taking their sweet time to get to know aspects of each other's personality in order to understand and love them better.
🖤Having Cancer in the 3rd house makes it easy for this couple to verbalize their feelings with the other, the most vulnerable side of their being and feel that the other will not only make them feel protected and loved when they break up, but also seen and taken into account. They have an ease of expressing their emotional needs to others, because they know that they will listen to them and do everything possible to take them into account. Opening up about your past and childhood can be very easy for both of you. They will protect each other's secrets, they will be prudent, considerate and very gentle in their way of speaking. They value honesty, yes, but they will never seek to hurt others for it. They may love doing household activities together and will be curious to know what it is like to live with each other. This position favors a comfortable experience in case you take that step of moving in together. In their communication there could have been that feeling of familiarity from the beginning, which made it easier for them to feel safe about opening up.
🖤Leo in the 4th house tells us that the emotional world of the relationship is tinged with warmth, active and loud displays of affection, and the mix between tenderness and passion. The adoration they have for each other and that frequent way of showing the other that they are your priority gives them a great feeling of emotional security. This couple will never miss the past of what their relationship was, because it will be easy for them to enjoy the present and feel that right now they have everything they need with each other. The fun, expressiveness and attraction between you lasts over time, as well as that particular way in which your hearts beat knowing that you will spend time with each other. This couple can comfort themselves after a difficult day with praise, hugs and trying to make the other see their virtues and abilities in themselves. Being with each other is a source of trust and encouragement in which your insecurities disappear and you immerse yourself in the love that your partner offers you.
🖤In the 5th house, Virgo makes both have a deep devotion and romantic loyalty towards each other, they feel the strong calling to be constant with their partner. Love within the relationship is expressed through acts of service and mutual care. They love to plan together, organize their time together to do things that make them both happy. They are capable of leaving their comfort zone to make their partner feel happy (for example, trying hobbies they never tried or leaving their guarded personality aside to try and be more in touch with their romantic side). Time with their partner will never feel like a waste for either of them. Both see it necessary to constantly work on the romanticism of the relationship so that it is not lost over time, even if it is through subtle or small ways. They are the kind of couples who plan things for a long time for each other, taking care of every detail. This couple does a lot of taking care of each other, cooking for each other, spoiling each other or helping them resolve issues that arise.
🖤Libra being in the 6th house causes this couple to have the ability to romanticize the small moments with each other. For them it is not necessary that it be an anniversary or birthday to cherish the other, fill them with love or gifts, rather this can be something that they do very frequently. They have the ability to make the most mundane moments something loving and beautiful for their partner. They love to fill each other with happiness, to show the other that every day by their side is a blessing, something for which they feel grateful. Dates and small romantic outings are frequent and somewhat classy, opting for outings to restaurants or places that bring back beautiful memories of the relationship. You can include small romantic gestures toward each other in your routine, kisses before going to work, an ‘I love you’ before going to sleep, and an ‘I miss you’ message at midday. All of this is important to this couple because they think their partner deserves to be reminded of how much they love them.
🖤With Scorpio in the 7th house there is a strong devotion between them, a total surrender of body, mind and spirit. From the beginning there was this lethal attraction towards the other, that desire to explore everything about that person who seemed to you the most fascinating mystery. They feel that it is right in the arms of their partner where they belong and where they are safest. This couple stands out for being able to see the truth in each other, no masks on, no sugarcoating, only the rawest and most irresistible truth, which makes them a united, understanding and strong couple. This couple usually shows their love through physical contact [... a lot of physical contact] and, to strengthen their bond, they are always open to talking about their emotions, revealing themselves to each other and allowing themselves to be vulnerable. There are high levels of trust and compatibility between the two, it may be so much that they may think it is the first time they desire and love someone with such intensity.
🖤When we talk about the intimacy of this couple, it is necessary to take a look at Sagittarius in the 8th house. This placement tells us about a fiery, fun and extremely pleasant atmosphere in the bedroom, a desire to explore your partner and mutually succumb to all those desires that awaken the lips, touch and appearance of the other. They want to enjoy their partner's body as much as their energy allows, it's addictive, it feels too good and so natural. They want to know every fantasy, every desire that the other buried deep just to explore the crazy and unbridled sides of the one that drives them mad. They feel like they can't get enough of each other, of their ecstasy and pleasure, they find themselves wanting more and more of each other, getting where no one else has been able to. This also applies in the field of emotional intimacy, there is a strong desire to navigate the depths of the other, to know the sides that not everyone sees, to know who they truly are, what made them who they are.
🖤Having Capricorn in the 9th house tells us about the type of people they are, they are not people who enjoy focusing only on living in the moment, they are looking for something long-term, building something stable for both of them and striving for the relationship to prosper for a long time. They know perfectly well that they want the other to stay to be their life partner for as long as possible. Both love to think and plan for the future, visualizing their partner right where they belong, at their side. They want to create a relationship that has exactly what they both value and want from a relationship, that the other does not feel dissatisfied in any area and that they are always clear that the other will be there to support them no matter the difficulty or tense moments in life. . Both can bring a lot of stability to each other's lives and a more realistic and lasting vision of relationships. They both want to make their partner's wishes a reality, to give each other everything they once thought they wouldn't have in a relationship because of the feeling of ‘dreaming too big’.
🖤The presence of Aquarius in the 10th house tells us that this couple has high ideals and aspirations in the relationship, they want to do many things together, be together in the long term and above all, do things differently, either from how they did it or the examples they have seen in other people. They want this relationship to not be like what they have experienced or seen before. People see a lot of mutual acceptance in this couple, a union full of camaraderie but in which both allow themselves to be independent and do their own thing. Both want the other to go after their goals and support each other in the process, they do not hinder their partner's path, rather they inspire and encourage them. It is possible that many people look up to your relationship and often attract comments of "I want something like that." It can make them feel very comfortable knowing that your partner will always respect your personal time and will not be invasive or controlling.
🖤Having the sign of Pisces in the 11th house shows us that this couple has many shared goals and dreams, likewise, they inspire each other to go after what they dream of or see as distant. They have no problem adapting to the other or giving in sometimes. The couple has a romantic and utopian approach towards their long-term goals, they can fantasize about a future together and it is likely that from the beginning they will visualize themselves together, even before formalizing. There is a strong idealism and a sense that together they can create something magical and meaningful, a precious relationship that makes them feel fulfilled in every way, especially emotionally and spiritually. Both can be a very good influence in each other's lives, making the other appreciate life and motivating each other to improve gradually although on their own, always hand in hand with the other.
🖤Having Aries in the 12th house shows us that from the beginning this tension could have existed between you, perhaps because of the way you looked at each other or how you talked with each other. Both can easily awaken drive, impulsivity and desire in its most fiery and lustful form in the other. It is likely that, regardless of how they both project themselves, they were capable of perceiving a dominant and strong energy in the other, something by which they see themselves reflected and attracted. Both of you can be a source of mutual protection and, in times of crisis, you will find yourself acting quickly and bravely. Aries here shows us the search for solving issues or discussions in private and, in some cases, having the tendency to repress their anger or frustration.
Placements Who Are Most Likely to Experience a Chill Kill
Chill kill - the term refers to a situation or person that disrupts a state of peace or silence, even though that disruption is ultimately missed.
Pisces 4th house (Sag rising) - Pisces is a sign about the unknown and not seeing clearly. It's about dreams and being up in the clouds. but being in a house that is so established and has to do with family, living situation, and the place you come from, could cause confusion or major change in the household. I have a sag rising and when I was in 8th grade, my parents completely uprooted our household to move North, for no reason at all. this rising can give you a disoriented home life and parents who probably are good for each other.
Scorpio 4th house (Leo rising) - Scorpio is a sign about transformation, it's after Libra which starts darkness and Scorpio is pitch black. You could have moved or had really bad living conditions. maybe abuse or just parents who might have not been that good together. A mother that's a little dark but probably still loves you.
Aries 4th house (Cap rising) - Aries is a rapid fast-moving sign so you could have moved a lot or the neighbor hood you lived in what either very child friendly or really not.
Neptune in the 1st or 4th house - Neptune is Pisces' modern ruler so the themes of Pisces transfer here too. in the 1st, the person could have been confused and not know who they really are. in the 4th, your household could have been very scattered and no real structure and this affected you because when children have no structure you grow into adults with no structure and live their lives confused.
Mars in the 4th house - Mars is an independent planet and can lead to dysfunction and violence in the house.
Pluto 1st or 4th house - Pluto is Scorpio's modern ruler and it also has to do with rebirth and transformation. You could go through internal struggles and people not liking you and going through rebirth if its in the 1st house. in the 4th, there's dysfunction in the household and transformations in the home.
Jupiter 4th house - Pisces traditional ruler and has to do with expansion so you could have been born into wealth or come into wealth. Could have lived in a lot of houses.
Anti-AA headcanons and gaslighting. Taking apart the online mythology around Ascension. Part 1.
Yes, yes, that's the one. Who hasn't encountered this nonsense about “Ascended Astarion becoming the second Cazador” is probably only someone who hasn't played BG3, or has been practicing exceptional online hygiene all this time, staying in a blissfully happy world of pure own perception. For the rest of us, this headcanon about how destroying your enemy and using him as an ingredient for a ritual automatically magically transforms you into an absolute copy of him, has surely gotten sick of it by now.
Complete rebuttal:
And here:
Astarion doesn't follow any of Cazador's “rules”.
Cazador forbade spawns to drink the blood of thinking beings - Astarion gives his blood to Tav (“Don't you worry. You have supped of my blood. It will be no trouble to extend a fragment of my protection to you”). Astarion allows Tav to drink his blood. (“Of course I will, and you'll drink mine. I can't wait to taste your lips after you've tasted me.”) In the game, you can bite Astarion and drink his blood.
Cazador was demanding total submission - Tav doesn't listen to Astarion, refuses to take control of the Brain, and destroys it. Astarion makes plans to take over the city, Tav wants to travel instead - and Astarion happily agrees. (“Then you shall. We'll travel the lands together, tasting everything Faerun has to offer.”)
The spawns could not leave Cazador without orders - Tav could leave Astarion and go with Karlach to Avernus without Astarion's consent. (“I'm not some controlling monster out there”).
Astarion even genuinely sympathizes with Tav, who agreed to willingly give their body to Haarlep and received consequences because of it - the incubus now has power over their body (“I heard that moan. It's the incubus, isn't it? Enjoying your body? Gods, though I've become untouchable, my precious treasure has been violated still. I know what it's like to lose control over your own body. It's a wretched thing.” “I know what's done is done - you made your vow. But I'm sorry all the same.”)
Astarion uses the words “we”, “our” very often, which suggests that he perceives himself and his consort as one, as a real united couple. ("My consort, we are so close to our triumph, I can almost taste it.") Who will say “ours” about triumph, referring to their “property”? “We are sovereigns. My sole endeavour is to make this world yours and mine alone." - again, “we” and “the world for the two of us.” And even first “yours” and only then “mine”. “I wish we could retreat into our palace already, and spend a decade in each other's arms. But first we must manage the trifling matter of the brain. Perhaps it will listen to us. Perhaps it, too, will serve.” And right after the ritual is complete: “I did. We did.”
“It can be ours, my love. The whole world - we only have to take it.” “And as you're my consort, that makes us the most powerful people in the world.” (with special emphasis on the word “us”). “Together, we can do anything. The world is ours for the taking.” “We could be together for eternity, ruling this world side by side. We could have it all.” Because: “I may have power, but it would be nothing without you. You complete me. And together, we are unstoppable. So Heavens help the fool that tries to get in our way.”
Ascended Astarion sincerely, truly loves Tav - and offers an conversion because of love, just to be together forever. Tav-illithid senses the love hormones emanating from Astarion. Astarion wishes to protect Tav. (“Don't worry - if anything happens, I'll protect you.”) Astarion was intimidated and lived in perpetual fear as a spawn of Cazador, and now, after the Ascension, he is no longer afraid, and he seeks to protect the Tav, to make sure they have nothing to fear. “My pretty consort, I don't like to see doubt cast upon your face. Fear not: you are mine.” “You need not fear anything.”
Amellysan's prophecy states that Astarion and Dark Urge will love each other until the end of the world (the same will be true with Tav - “Aeterna amantes. Lovers forever, until the world falls down.” Same for both Tav and DU).
If the player fails a manipulative Persuasion check: “This power will trap you, just like it trapped Cazador,” Astarion responds, “I'm not him, and I will not become him. Please! I can't do this alone.” What is this line of persuasion even based on? What is this “trap”? Where is any factual evidence that Astarion falls into the “trap”? All we know about the ritual are Raphael's words: “If he completes the rite, he will become a new kind of being - the Vampire Ascendant. All the strengths of his vampiric form will be amplified, and alongside them he will enjoy the luxuries of the living. The arousals and appetites of man will return to him, and unlike Astarion, he will have no need of a parasite to protect him from the sun.” Where is the “trap?” Also note that Cazador never managed to get into this “trap”, only dreamed of it - Cazador didn't perform the ritual and we can't say anything about what would have happened to Cazador in that case - simply because it will never happen.
Cazador is a broken, mangled individual, a “trained psychopath,” who has had “rules” hammered into him by years of being on the stake. He wasn't that way from the beginning - he was broken by Vellioth. But he was broken long before the ritual. Astarion isn't broken, he's kept his personality, unlike Cazador, yes, he has trauma, but he's kept himself. Strength of character keeps the trauma from consuming the personality. Astarion is mistrustful, because experience has shown that you can't trust anyone. And yet he has a seemingly paradoxical desire to trust. But not so paradoxical, because he is a strong person. He's not broken, even though he seems that way. Vellioth's second lesson is that power comes from solitude. To share with others is to be weak, and to be weak is to fail ... and die. Astarion breaks this rule completely. Astarion and Tav perform the ritual together, Tav helps him, and Astarion shares his power with Tav. “I'm willing to share all of this with you. What's that if not love?” They are sharing everything and doing it together. “We share a palace, share power, live lives eternal in each other's arms.” Strength is not in loneliness, strength is in unity. A united pair. “A vampire and bride who truly love and trust each other make a team that is exceptionally difficult to defeat!”("Van Richten's Guide to Vampires"). Cazador had no beloved.
Cazador, Vellioth's broken puppet, is a rule-following psychopathic maniac, “fixed” by Vellioth, and he also tried to “fix” Astarion.
There are no other Cazador in the game other than the original. Astarion NEVER tries to “fix” Tav, does not try to change them, Astarion loves and accepts Tav as they are, sees only “perfection” in them.
AA:
"You were already perfect before. It's hard to improve."
"You are perfect, every time."
Cazador:
"I strove for perfection in all things – even those as imperfect as you”.
AA:
“Terrifying and brilliant.”
“I'm so lucky I crash-landed next to such an intelligent creature as you.”
“I always knew you could do it. I always knew that together, we could do anything”.
Cazador:
«You are week, my child. You are a small, pathetic little boy who never amounted to anything”.
“I fondly remember your empty boasting, your tired jokes, your endless prattle…”
“Because he is incapable of anything else”.
Cazador also infantilized Astarion to make him a victim. He called him a boy, considered him a child. Doesn't this resemble attempts by some people in the fandom to portray Astarion as an infantile, emotionally immature “elf child” (relying on the age listed on his grave - 39), and themselves as some sort of “life teachers”? Claiming that he was “blinded” at the moment of the ritual, even though the plot makes it obvious that he had been preparing for the ritual long before.
Ascended Astarion is the exact opposite of Cazador. Cazador continues the “cycle of fixing”. Vellioth was able to fix Cazador, breaking him and reshaping his personality. Cazador tried to fix Astarion but couldn't, Astarion proved to be stronger. Astarion never tries to fix Tav. Only fans of the story: “I can fix him” keep doing it to Astarion. UA looks depressed, like he's suppressing his true nature. He has to hide part of his personality in order to be accepted by his lover and other “good” companions. He's been imposed with someone else's view of the world, and he kind of “should be grateful” to them, and do what he did under Cazador - adapt and pretend, “be convenient”. Ascended Astarion says he used to be “pathetic”. Adaptability is his survival mechanism, that's the consequence of his trauma. He doesn't like it, he's disgusted by the necessity of it, it's a survival mechanism, and it's precisely the real reaction to the trauma. Astarion was a nobleman and a magistrate, I wonder how he behaved before, before his conversion to spawn?
It's a pity there's so little info about Vellioth - that is one true psychopath and maniac. His very rules speak to that. Cazador looks like a wannabe, and a pretty weak wannabe compared to Vellioth. “Manic fantasy” and “creativity” (if we can call it that) was Vellioth's alone. Astarion doesn't follow these rules at all, he doesn't want to be in their “system”, he's not maniacal at all. He has cruelty, but his cruelty is an expression of anger, and his inner pain as well. It is not maniacal cruelty. Bloodthirsty and a love of killing, but without cruelty for cruelty's sake. All in all, a classic fantasy trait of vampires. And in the world of Faerûn, where necromancers operate freely - nothing supernatural.
The only “proof” for this headcanon in the game is that Tav can say “Now you're just like Cazador”. How is the possibility of a certain line supposed to convince someone of anything? The game is full of rude lines towards companions, not only Astarion. Does that mean that all companions are accurately described by those rude lines? If you wanted to, you could make a great portrait of each “good” companion using Tav's lines to do so, it would probably come out very funny.
Also presented as an “argument” is Astarion's reaction to these words, full of anger and pain. The line “You're like Cazador” are words suitable for a roleplay of an extremely cruel and emotionless character, these words are aimed at hurting Astarion, nothing more. Astarion is a character with PTSD (PTSD survivors can have very aggressive and even lightning fast reactions to such things, if you tell a soldier, who has experienced torture in captivity, that he is just like the one who tortured him, nothing good will come out of it). Astarion was a victim of terrible violence, he's been a victim for 200 years, I don't think the authors of “cazadoric” headcanons, or anyone in the real world in general, can fully envision that. Astarion reacts more than adequately to cruel, insulting, traitorous words from the one person he has unfortunately only just begun to trust. And this reaction only validates Astarion's feelings for Tav - that he doesn't react like that soldier in the example above, nor does he lash out and attack the one who compared him to his tormentor.
To compare a person, who has gone through such suffering as Astarion, with his tormentor (“You're like Cazador”) - in reality, a narcissist or a psychopath could also say such a thing in order to cause emotional damage to their victim. An abuser would behave very differently and show real cruelty in response to the line, “You're like Cazador.” But Astarion's response is one of anger and hurt, not violence. Just put yourself in Astarion's shoes, imagine that this “You're like Cazador” is addressed to you (knowing that Cazador tortured him for two hundred years, and Astarion hated this creature more than anything else in the world), then you will be able to appreciate this situation in all its colors.
BG3 | Comparing Ascended Astarion to Cazador - Is his anger an overreaction or is it understandable?
But six months later, at a party in the epilogue, Astarion responds to these attacks much more calmly. In the epilogue, in response to Tav's line, “You're like Cazador,” Astarion says: "Try to wound me all you like, but I'm so much better than he ever was." This is the reaction of a strong person, an example of the behavior of a person healing from trauma. Astarion doesn't let Tav hurt himself. And this line also suggests that Astarion understands the motives of Tav, who compares him to Cazador.
I've always been curious, where did this strange interpretation of “Astarion - Cazador 2.0” even come from, how can one person suddenly turn into another in such a magical way? It seems to me, that the premise of the “cycle of abuse” lies in the fanfiction of the non-con genre. The very idea of this “cycle” lends itself perfectly to such stories of suffering and violence. This idea was later hyped and used by “preaching harpies” - “agenda” activists in games, who really wanted an example of a “toxic relationship” and a “white abuser” to shove their “new ethics” into games and “teach” adult RPG players their rules for “healthy relationships”. And they decided to use the image of Astarion for this purpose. One of the propaganda techniques - the method of multiple repetition works in such a way, that there is some “truth” that has no proof, and if it will be repeated without end by many people, then for other people, and people are rarely inclined to double-check information, especially if it is not very important for them, it will be perceived as truth objective, normalizing this idea in the eyes of others.
P.S. The following posts will also deal with all the other headcanons of haters and examples of gaslighting around Ascended Astarion (“AA is losing his soul”, “AA doesn't love Tav”, etc. etc.).
When I wanted to be perceived as mysterious so the universe gave me a scorpio rising and a big fat scorpio 12H stellium in my Ascendent persona chart :
Juno In Sagittarius people love to travel with their partner. Prefers someone that is out of state and sometimes even out the country. Their obsession with travel and exploring is also a huge part of their love language.
Moon/Mercury
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Moon/Mars
Both experiencing major headaches. In fact, they get headaches easier than others. If they don’t eat enough or take long periods of time without eating can result in headaches. Being tired can cause headaches. Quicker than normal and typically more painful.
Aquarius placements can be some of the most delusional people. They can lack self awareness. They are be so opinionated on others and what they’re doing. They can try so hard to pick apart what others have going on. As soon as someone says “you” to them, defense mode.
Leo and Capricorns have very similar energy. Both can be very sure of themselves and what they want. Both are goal oriented. Having both Leo and Capricorn in a natal chart, specifically in the big three, makes someone very reliable and independent. (My favorite type of placements tbh lol) Both energy care about how they’re perceived, they don’t do anything without thought. Contrary to popular belief, Leo’s are very calculated people. All earth signs are calculated in different ways of course. Capricorns in particular have a way of playing chess and making sure that they do things that benefit them in the long run. As far as these energies being together in a relationship, perfect match. Leo being a fixed sign, this energy wants to make things work. They are not easy to give up on things and people. They make change happen if need be but only to keep the stability in their connection with others. At the end of the day you can summarize that as being loyal. Capricorns never leave people high and dry. They are straightforward with their ACTIONS. They are honest and if they care enough (lol) they’ll speak up. For the most part, they are showers. They show people how much they care. Which Leo’s loves. A doer, not someone who’s all talk. They’re the show off and the ones doing to talking! Not their partner. Capricorns are also very loyal as well. I personally love love love these two together. Power couple for real. Also makes the best of friends too!
Cardinal
These people are considered the scout. The leaders. What this means is when it comes to relationships, they are more upfront about what they want and what their needs are. They enjoy people to let them take the lead. They are not afraid of pursuing people they want in their life. Romantically or friendship wise. They’re more picky and they are definitely more independent. It doesn’t take them long to move on. (cancers.. yeah maybe a little different but once they’re gone, it no way possible for anyone to get the back) They shoot their shot directly and can even be flirty. They do not beat around the bush at all. They like to jump straight into things. Sometimes this does backfire. Moving too fast into things. Rushing even. Thinking too far ahead. Sometimes they can stress themselves out by thinking too much into the future or may even be seen as bossy. Or pushy even.
(Capricorn, Aries, Cancer, & Libra)
Mutable
These people are more inclined to fluctuate. They love having variety and options. They tend to not sit still, ever. Always on the go. Tend to go well with someone who helps balance them out. They are not the neatest people, yes even Virgos. These people are not that straightforward I’ve realized only when it comes to things they aren’t passionate about. In comparison for cardinal signs, it doesn’t take much for them to pursue anything. These people struggle with finishing project, ideas, etc. They can have an idea that they sit on for days (or forever). These people are very creative though. Don’t underestimate their creativity. They just need that push to execute and consistency.
(Pisces, Gemini, Virgo, & Sagittarius)
Fixed
These will be your most unconvincing, stubborn, my way or the highway type of people ever. They rarely change their minds. The way they’re used to something is how it will be for a long time. How they were raised shows up a lot in their adult life. These people enjoy routine. These people also love the thought of continuous things. These people don’t like forming deep relationships with new people. They will try to make things work. They will be very loyal people. Aquarius is known to be flaky. But they’ll be there for those who give them space and don’t conflict with their decisions and beliefs.
(Aquarius, Taurus, Leo, & Scorpio)
Thank you all for reading. I’m open for doing synastry readings and natal chart readings all week. Make sure to book your reading in my bio. Again, thank you all for reading have a nice day!
