Book Recommendations

Because I haven't had much time to post anything lately, I thought I would provide a list of useful astrology books!  These are the ones I consult most frequently.

The Only Astrology Book You'll Ever Need by Joanna Martine Woolfolk

Momstrology by Ophira Edut and Tali Edut

Bad Birthdays: The Truth Behind Your Crappy Sun Sign by Sarah Christensen Fu

The Secret Language of Birthdays by Gary Goldschneider and Joost Elffers

The Secret Language of Relationships by Gary Goldschneider and Joost Elffers

Power of Birthdays, Stars, and Numbers: The Complete Personology Reference Guide by Saffi Crawford and Geraldine Sullivan

Astrology for Writers by Corrine Kenner

Ancient Astrology by Tamsyn Barton

Catching Fire: SPOILER ALERT

The film began with scenery reminiscent of the Twilight movies, so you can imagine that it brought me to laughter at its start.  However, the outdoor setting relating back to the ridiculous Twilight movies quickly turned legitimately intense as Katniss attempted to shoot a turkey.  Her reaction to shooting the turkey and having a vision of killing a tribute shows her Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, not exactly her emotional state.  I've heard it argued that Katniss was more emotional in this movie and that the actress better portrayed Katniss' emotions.  I disagree.  In the books, Katniss is not a very emotional person, she's very thoughtful (as in, she thinks a lot).  Throughout Catching Fire, the book, Katniss has many more outbursts, as a result of her being traumatized, leading her to have many more in this movie, contrasted to the previous one.  Katniss in The Hunger Games serves as a participant; now, in Catching Fire, Katniss must deal with her past and start dealing with the trauma it has caused.  The adrenaline has worn off (now that she doesn't need to literally survive), now she's stuck processing everything she went through and everything she did while also struggling with the more physical consequences of her actions.  Overall, I believe she, and the other actors, did a great job portraying their characters; or, I was just too distracted by the awesomeness of the movie to notice bad acting.

I understand that the writers of the film must have chosen to also have Gale in this opening scene in order to speed up the process of showing his and Katniss' potential love interest, but I honestly think the book's opening scene would have been more powerful.  A sixteen-year-old girl drinking away her traumatized past would have hit the audience more dramatically and driven home the point of her suffering more thoroughly, I think.  By the way, I hate how the world is creating a "Team Gale, Team Peeta" around this story.  It was okay to do that with Twilight; because, other than an obsession with being young and beautiful, Twilight made few statements about society worth looking more deeply into.  The fact that we're taking this story and turning it into a fetish about who is the "better guy" for the heroine means that we are doing exactly what is so disgusting about the Capitol inhabitants.  We are failing to recognize the grotesquery (I may have just made up a word) given to us in the story.  THE STORY IS ABOUT CHILDREN KILLING OTHER CHILDREN BECAUSE THEIR GOVERNMENT FORCES THEM TO AND THEIR PARENTS HAVEN'T STOPPED IT.  Yet, we, as a society, allow ourselves to get caught up in the very, very slight, insignificant romance in the story.  The romance was only important to the extent that it provided some relief to the dreary aspects, even though the romances often also exacerbated the problems.

Another thing that makes me sick is the advertisements by Covergirl.  I get that the brand may have done the make-up for the movie, but they shouldn't be advertising the styles as something we should mirror or repeat.  The whole point of the Capitol people looking that way was to cover-up the nastiness beneath and to juxtapose them and those from the Districts.

Suzanne Collins may be brilliant.  She has let us mirror what she has shown us is so wrong in her books.  However, if she were really feeling this way, I would hope she'd voice this opinion.  But, perhaps she's either not that brilliant after all or she's also fallen prey to hypocrisy.

Other than the scenery given in the opening scene, the only other scenery I had a major problem with was the Victor's Village.  I pictured it to indeed be "sanitary" but more colorful, or at least grand, from the outside.  The movie made the village look like a cemetery.  The arched entrance looked like one that would be at a cemetery entrance and each home looked like a tombstone.  This was not what I pictured at all.

I really appreciate the looks we get at the gamemaker's studio and the president's house through the film interpretations.  However, I was surprised they didn't put in the part about Plutarch Heavensbee showing Katniss his watch at the president's party though.  That would have been wonderful foreshadowing!  I was very impressed with the arena and the attack of Cinna before Katniss entered the arena.  The only problem I had with the arena was that I was very confused with where Katniss and other tributes were when she dove in the water and ran on the platform.  I also couldn't figure out why Finnick, being such a natural swimmer, wasn't able to reach Peeta and help him when he was fighting the other tribute in the water.

I would have also liked more character development of the other tributes.  And, Finnick was NOT cast right.  Sam Claflin is not very attractive in the way Finnick should have been and really doesn't seem to fit the mold for smooth, charming, cold, passionate, and deceptive all at the same time.  But, I'm not very surprised he was given that role.  After his appearance in Pillars of the Earth, then in some PBS movies, and finally in Pirates of the Caribbean, I knew he'd get a role in one of the big "blockbusters" loved by teen girls.

I really, really, really liked Katniss' hairstyles!  Although, she is supposed to have drastically longer hair.  Her hair for the president's party was SO intense!  I loved it.  I also liked the general braid they chose for her this time.  I don't really understand why they changed her costumes from what she was supposed to wear in the book though.  I definitely pictured different suits for the arena as well.

Well, for now at least, I've run out of things to say and I'm very tired.

This Week's Horoscope (10/6/13 - 10/12/13)

Link:  Weekly Horoscope

This Week's Horoscope (9/29/13 - 10/5/13)

Link:  Weekly Horoscopes

This Week's Horoscope (9/22/13 - 9/28/13)

I have begun to write horoscopes for one of my college's newspapers.  Below you can find a link to the horoscopes on the newspaper's website:
Weekly Horoscopes (9/22/13 - 9/28/13)

A Problem of Being Straight at a Women's College

I don't know why but recently, in my spare time, I just haven't been in the mood to create my Astrological blog posts.  I apologize if you're anxiously awaiting my posts!  I don't know when I'll get to the Pisces, Aries, and Taurus health tips and Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, and Taurus facial features; so don't hold your breath.

I truly have been busy with school, more so than last semester, but not enough that I can justify slacking on my posts.  I just haven't been in the mood to make them.  I've also been slacking on Astrological chart interpretations that were due for my friends last semester!  It's not that I'm waning in my Astrological interests, I just haven't been in the mood to fulfill my blogging obligations that they require.

I guess it would be valid to say that I'm bored (busy, but bored - not even bored with my school work, just bored in general).  You'd think that my boredom would cause me to want to be on top of my Astrological obligations?  I don't mean to say that nothing "exciting" has been happening, that nothing "new" has been happening, because that wouldn't be true.  I'm just bored.

Upon evaluating myself, which I haven't done very thoroughly, I have found that I'm bored because I have nothing to "dream" about.  There are specific things that I hope to happen, like getting a particular job this summer; but these immediate, specific things, I don't like to "dream" about too much because then I get my hopes up; if they don't happen, I get too crushed. But that's normal for me, as in, I've always thought that way; that shouldn't specifically be making me bored.  By having nothing to "dream" about, I mean I have nothing to daydream about.  I'm a straight woman at a women's college.  While there are lots of guys around and on campus on a daily basis, I don't see particular guys as often as I would have in high school.  I'm not a very bold person, so it's difficult to form relationships with people you see for a few hours a week in a classroom (meaning not social) setting or just in passing.

Perhaps this seems pathetic, or ridiculous, to be bored because I don't have guys to daydream about, but it's true.  Since I started school as a child, I've always managed to have a crush on some guy at almost all times; but, in school, you are constantly with these people and have grounded relationships with these people, so you have the opportunity to form real intrigues.  Yes, I can form a crush based off of appearances that I've only briefly seen; however, one that I would daydream about would have to be one that also comes from knowing a person.  Therefore, I am bored and don't know how to comfortably solve this problem.

What You Need to Know About Sagittarians

Sagittarians are very energetic and always up for a challenge.  Sagittarians love exploring new places and learning about new things.  They seek knowledge as well as pleasure.  These people tend to have a lot of good luck.

Random Facts:
Sagittarius is a masculine, fire, and mutable sign.  They are always up for a chase or challenge, but easily become bored of anything when it's too easy for them to solve or achieve.  They tend to be selfish in that way, unconsciously, when in relationships.

The Dark Knight Rises: SPOILER ALERT

Tonight was the first time I've seen The Dark Knight Rises; I viewed it at my college as one of the "Bryn Mawr Film Series" movies, which take up most of my early Friday and Saturday evenings.  Preparing to watch this infamous film, my thoughts were mixed with paranoia and anticipation.  Other than knowing that Cat Woman was involved and that there was a guy with a breathing device and that it was about Batman and the creation of Robin, I had no idea what the actual story was going to be like.  Also because of the films infamous opening night there was a smidgen of anxiety and sadness, especially since the film began so violently.  I have to admit, other than the violence, the beginning was really hard to follow and I'm still not sure how it fit in with the rest of the plot to be exact.  I also am confused about some of the other plot points, like who was Miranda's father in relation to the earlier movies and story, as I am not a Batman fanatic.  Many times in the movie, I had no idea what was going on, like how was Batman transported to the prison, and how did he get to Gotham from the prison?

I must also admit that until almost the second before the unveiling of Miranda, I had no idea that she was the real bad guy and mastermind.  I did however, even though I had mostly forgotten that Robin appears, anticipate Joseph Gordon-Levitt being Robin and giving up the police force.

The movie was very dark at the beginning and quite depressing at first; however, as it progressed, it became lighter and lighter. By the end there was much hope and happiness; in other words, it had a very happy and mostly satisfying ending.  The only unsatisfying thing I can say about the ending is that there really was no build to the romance between Cat Woman and Batman...  They had no real connections; Cat Woman just flirts and kisses Batman.  That is no reason for them to end up together.  Their relationship had no real progression.

My biggest criticism of the movie is that if you haven't recently watched all the Batman movies preceding this one, you (like I) would be totally lost on much of the plot and references.  The only reason I don't criticize Batman's escape from the nuclear bomb is that I'm sure they'll explain it in the next film.

I don't know whether this is a criticism or a congratulation:  But, other than the obvious subliminal similarities, they made a STARK reference to Gotham actually being New York City when they flashed by Saks Fifth Avenue in one of the battle scenes towards the end.

By the end of the movie, I determined that overall, I enjoyed the film, although it was very confusing and the beginning was a little to dark and violent for my preference.  I think the fact that most of the actors are very beautiful, helps a lot in my determination of it being an mostly satisfying movie.

Oh, I almost forgot!  In the scene where Cat Woman drops Batman off at the underground lair, I was reminded of the scene in Star Wars where Luke finds out that Darth Vader is his father.  Not that the situation was similar, but the look of the set and characters.  Batman looked like Vader while Bane looked more like Luke, but with the Vader voice....

On Another Note (sort of):  Christian Bale is from (according to IMDb) "Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK".  Bryn Mawr <3

What You Need to Know About Scorpios

Scorpios are very emotional, jealous, and secretive.  They often create an air of mystique.  They tend to be vindictive, yet misunderstood.  They really enjoy sparring conversations.  Scorpios can also have a superiority complex and tend to like to dominate in a relationship.

Random Facts:
Scorpio is a feminine, water, and fixed sign.  Ruled by Pluto, Scorpio represents death (quite fitting that Halloween falls under this sign) and wealth.  They are often driven by what they believe to be fate.  Scorpio is also the most sexual sign.

Sagittarius Matches

I will begin with the sign most compatible to Sagittarius and move down from there.

Also, examples are very difficult to find, so some won't have examples just yet, if I discover them, I'll revise my post.

Sagittarius - Aquarius is the second most harmonious match of the zodiac.  Neither sign is defined by emotion in relationships, which helps them to understand each other.  Neither will expect to be fully committed or expect it from the other.  Both are lovers of the new and newly innovated, they also are signs that create people who enjoy living (meaning they appreciate having life quite literally).  They are also both idealists and typically humanitarians.  Although Aquarius is known for being opinionated, Sagittarius won't mind them being solid in their opinions.  They just won't care all that much.  Sexually, they are very compatible as well.  In both everyday life and such they will almost always have fun together.

In this relationship it doesn't really matter who is who gender-wise.  They are just compatible together regardless.

Examples:  Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston; Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest

Sagittarius - Aries is one of the MOST sexual matches of the zodiac.  Although specific interests may very, typically the two enjoy each other's company because they can both constantly share about their favorite activities.  Sagittarius is usually willing to try anything at least once, so if their interests don't match initially, Aries can plan for the Sagittarius to at least try out some of the Aries' interests.  They are also both very active and social, preferring to constantly be engaged.  Both can be very explosive when bothered by something and both typically hide their sensitivities, but they tend to get over things pretty fast, so it ends up being okay.

This relationship isn't very gender dependent either.

Example:  Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson

Sagittarius - Leo is a pretty good match.  Leo and Sagittarius are equally social and are lovers of life.  Leos seem intriguing to Sagittarians because Leos are confident and therefore striking in a way and they also seems like a challenge to conquer, which can be good or bad.  But, Leos typically cannot be conquered unless you were to insult them significantly, then they'll essentially cry about.  The fact that Leos cannot be conquered keeps Sagittarius constantly on its toes.  Leo will allow Sagittarius freedom as long as they Sagittarius doesn't cheat.

This sign is somewhat gender dependent.  Leo women tend to have a difficult time in relationships.  So as long as the woman is a Sagittarius, it should be wonderful.  I'm not saying it won't work out for a Leo woman in this relationship, but typically the only match for a Leo woman that really works out is with Libra, Leo - Leo is a perfect match for raising a family but doesn't usually work out romantically.

Example:  Gary Morton and Lucille Ball

Sagittarius - Libra is an interesting match.  Librans can charm Sagittarians, but if it weren't for that fact, they probably wouldn't be a very good match.  Sagittarius will always keep Libra on its toes because balance will be constantly thrown out of place, not necessarily in bad ways, but Libra will constantly be trying to fix this.  Librans are a bit too home-bound for Sagittarians, but because Libra is so charming, Sagittarius will be intrigued enough to stick around.  This couple is a bit unnatural together, but if the Libra loves the Sagittarius, it'll work out.  In this case, the relationship is dependent on the Libra.

It is most likely that if the Sagittarius is female, the relationship will be more smooth than if the Sagittarius is male.  Both signs are masculine and like to dominate.  Not being able to dominate would bother a Sagittarius male and the Libra female is likely to be a little too sensitive and romantic for the Sagittarius to truly appreciate.

Example:  

Sagittarius - Taurus is a common match although they aren't considered very Astrologically compatible.  Taurus is probably the most fixed of the fixed signs and is very hard to reason with once their minds are set.  They also despise criticism and Sagittarius will say whatever it is thinking.  Also, typically Taurus likes control, while Sagittarius CANNOT stand being controlled.  Taurus also HATES change, while Sagittarius needs change to be happy.  Taurus takes comfort in home and material goods, while Sagittarius likes things, they don't need to hang-on to things.  This can cause problems if they ever get to the point of settling down together.  Overall, it can make a very unhappy marriage.  If the Sagittarius is truly in love or committed the relationship could work, but this is very unlikely at least on the long-term for the Sagittarius.

Gender isn't really applicable.

Example:

Sagittarius - Gemini is unlikely to work, as they are opposites; however, this match is the most favorable of all opposite matches. Both have selfish tendencies; Gemini consciously and Sagittarius unconsciously.  They are an excellent match sexually.  They are also both very active and will enjoy each other's company, as long as remains on a superficial level.  Gemini can  be a bit demanding and that's not something Sagittarius can handle.  As friends and sexual partners, these two are great, but further than that, they should stay away from each other.

Gender makes no difference in this relationship.

Example:  Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

Sagittarius - Cancer rarely works outs.  Cancer is very sensitive, moody, and emotional.  Sagittarius can't handle the sensitivity nor emotion levels of Cancer.  The moodiness is intriguing to Sagittarius, but as soon as it looks deeper at Cancer, Sagittarius will want to run away on a new pursuit.  Also, it wouldn't work in the long run because Cancer loves home too much.

A Sagittarius woman with a Cancer man may work if the Sagittarius is very committed.  But, it's even unlikely because she'll become miserable from being at home too much.  Sagittarians NEED change or they become miserable.

Example:

Sagittarius - Virgo both enjoy conversations, which is the only reason this couple may be intrigued by one another.  At first Virgo will greatly entertain Sagittarius with its sarcasm and sometimes fun-loving behavior, but after a while Sagittarius will begin to notice the calm and reserved behavior of Virgo and become very bored.  Virgo is also not sexual enough for Sagittarius.  Virgo will also expect commitment, which Sagittarius avoids.  Typically they don't understand each other, which for a while will intrigue Sagittarius, but eventually will just begin to annoy it.  As anything more than friends, this relationship should be avoided.

It is more likely that a Sagittarius woman will fall for a Virgo man, than the opposite.  The Virgo man may be intriguing enough for the Sagittarius woman if she's looking to have a family is is just very in-love with the man.  This is most likely if they were friends long before their relationship.

Example:

Sagittarius - Scorpio is one of the worst possible matches romantically.  Because Sagittarius is sooo active, Scorpio has a tendency to become majorly jealous and angry.  Scorpio is also a bit too intense both sexually and psychologically for Sagittarius to handle, as Sagittarius is such a lighthearted sign.  The two really don't understand each other.

I don't think gender plays a role here; both should stay away from each other.

Example:

Sagittarius - Sagittarius is a complicated match.  They share the same interests and values, yet by hypocrisy this couple tends to not last.  Neither partner is very committed on the surface and there tends to be a lot of issues of cheating.  From my observations of a couple both being Sagittarians, they are not committed in the short term, but tend to be committed in the long term.  They have their issues, including cheating, but come back together.  Totes complicated.

Example:

Sagittarius - Capricorn has a lot of issues as a match.  Capricorn is typically melancholy and not too pleased with life, while Sagittarius loves life.  Capricorn has its own set of rules on the best ways to get things down, usually being very conservative and cautious; whereas Sagittarius won't usually get caught up on the details.  If they can get over the little things that bother them about each other, it can work, at least for a time.  The big issue will probably end up being that Sagittarius isn't committed enough for Capricorn to be content and Sagittarius won't understand this.

I'd say that it's worse with a Sagittarius female and a Capricorn male because Capricorn males tend to be even more melancholy than Capricorn females.

Example:  Jane Austen and Tom Lefroy; Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth

Sagittarius - Pisces probably won't work out as a match.  Pisces is way too emotional for Sagittarius to handle in the long run.  Sagittarius can't understand why Pisces gets so riled up emotionally.  Pisces needs more sensitivity.

A Sagittarius woman is most likely not going to be okay with an emotional Pisces man; she'd think him too weak.  A Sagittarius man most likely wouldn't have patience for a Pisces woman.  So neither combinations are likely to work out.

Example:

Something New

Because of a recent request from a hallmate for an analysis between the match of Virgo-Sagittarius, I've decided to add a new "special" kind of blog post.  For each Astrological sign, I will be analyzing its match with all the other signs beginning with Sagittarius, as the analysis was requested by a Sagittarius and going through the signs of people on my hall first.  My hallmates, or Customs Group, includes two Sagittarius', two Capricorns, two Geminis, two Scorpios, an Aries, a Taurus, a Virgo (though technically two b/c our HA is also a Virgo), an Aquarius, and a Pisces.  After I've finished all the signs in roughly that order, I will then finish with the remaining signs - Cancer, Leo, and Libra.  I will not make redundant match analysis' (ex. Sagittarius - Aquarius is the same as Aquarius - Sagittarius, so I will not repeat the analysis when I analyse the matches for Aquarius).  My first post (for Sagittarius) will appear sometime over the next week (so it should be posted by next Tuesday).

One thing to keep in mind about Astrological matches (for romantic relationships specifically) is that although a match may typically be a "bad" one, matches are dependent upon Moon Signs and Ascendants, as well as the sexes of those in each sign.  In these posts, I will analyse only the compatibility of Sun signs and the role gender plays in it.  I will not analyse how the Moon and Rising signs play a role.

Health Tips for Librans

Exercise:

- try crunches and sit-ups

- yoga with a focus on the back can be very beneficial

Diet:

- avoid sugar, fat, and acidic foods

- avoid red meat

- the fresher the food, the better

- nuts are great for skin

- drink lots of water and avoid much alcohol

Suggestions:

- unhappiness majorly effects health; stay/get out of dysfunctional relationships and situations

- keep hands and feet warm during the winter, especially when outside

- avoid excess in anything

What You Need to Know About Librans

Librans love social life, as long as it is harmonious.  They are all about balance and often fairness and justice.  Typically, they have the best social manners in that they know them and are not awkward in displaying them.  They are at their best when they have a partner, whether it is as friends or romantically inclined.

Random Facts:

Libra is a masculine, air, and cardinal sign.  Ruled by Venus, Libra is inclined to love the beautiful as well as social interactions.  They love the good and breakdown around the bad or inharmonious.

Bryn Mawr College Traditions

This is a non-detailed list of the traditions and superstitions that I am aware of at the current time at Bryn Mawr College.

1.  Customs Week - essentially freshwomen, transfer, and McBride student's orientation; lead by sophomores
2.  Tea Parties - depending on who is hosting the "Tea" there may or may not actually be hot tea; Teas are typically formulated around a specific topic or group; for example my Customs people hosted a Tea for my Customs group (which is the group of freshwomen on my hall) - I am planning on hosting an astrology Tea!
3.  Friendship Poles (which no longer exist) - whoever you're walking with must go around or through the poles by Pem Arch on the same side as you or you'll have a major argument
4.  Senior Steps - don't touch them unless you're a Senior, you won't graduate
5.  Senior Row - don't walk all the way down the path of trees in the middle of campus unless you are a Senior, you won't graduate; if you loop one, you're fine
6.  Bryn Mawr Chant - don't start it unless you are a Senior, you won't graduate
7.  Don't kiss on Moon Bench - you'll break-up with whoever you kiss
8.  Kiss under Rock Arch - you'll have a lasting relationship with the person you kiss
9.  All of the "bad" things can be reversed by giving a SINCERE offering to Athena, located in Thomas Great Hall
10.  Parade Night - freshwomen run through Pem Arch and down the concrete area there while being pelted with water balloons by the sophomores and flowers, candy, bread crumbs, glitter, and confetti by the juniors the first Friday after classes begin
11.  Step Sings - lots of singing
12.  Lantern Night - freshwomen receive their lanterns
13.  Hell Week - hazing week; includes Duck Pond Run (running to Haverford's duck pond and getting pushed in at the beginning of the month of FEBRUARY!)
14.  May Day - white dresses, pole dancing, singing, picnicking
15.  Senior Bell Ringing - Seniors each ring the bell in Taylor after they finish their finals for the number of their graduating class
16.  Fall Frolic - second Friday after classes begin where the student body gathers for picnicking and club sign-ups

There are probably more, but I don't know them yet.  :/  And some of the details have been left out in case any potential freshwomen read this, because at least for Parade Night, there are some surprises that I wouldn't want to ruin for them!  :)

"Book One: A Game of Thrones" in Review

Initially written (and perhaps even written in another context before) in 1996 by George R.R. Martin, "'When you play the game of thrones, you win or die.'"  Now it has become a go-to topic.  A Game of Thrones, the first book in "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, tells a sci-fi tale of kingdoms at war within themselves.  There is the major/main kingdom in the West, the Free Cities, the Dothraki Grasses, and the kingdoms in the East (which based on the first book seem to be under-developed compared to the West). The main kingdom is mostly divided into two parts, The North and The South; typically they don't get along very well.  Also, above The Northern portion, there is "the land beyond the Wall", which is not ruled by man; it is a land of magic and mystery (at least in the first book).

Until the above quote is said more than half-way through the book, it isn't the prevalent theme of the book(forgive me if this literary term isn't being used correctly).  You don't even really know where the book is going until that point.  The book is a little hard to get into because it jumps around and you don't necessarily care what's going on in each place until you get to the actual theme, then you can't put the book down, but that's 408 pages in!

Now, you either win or die.  There is no single victor in this book...  But the book doesn't end with the end of the game either; the throne has yet to be won.  Eddard dies as soon as he begins to play the game because he honorably reveals to Queen Cersei that he knows that her children are not actually the king's.  Nobody wins the game with honor, only deceit.  Khal Drogo dies after he agrees to take back the throne for his wife and future son.  King Robert obviously dies as he is unable to truly hold/keep/control/protect the throne.  Rhaegar's family is all eventually killed, excluding only Daenerys and Maester Aemon.  However, Daenerys did not decide to play the game truly until essentially the end of the book (on another note, notice that a total of three lives were lost in order to create her three dragons; her son, her husband, and the maegi).  Maester Aemon isn't playing the game because he stays out of it entirely, guarding the Wall.  Lord Arryn dies when also trying to crown the "true" king, while his wife and son live as they flee from the politics of the kingdom, hiding away in their mountain castle.  Lord Stannis doesn't die, but he stays out of it all at Dragonstone.  This leaves Daenerys, Queen Cersei and her family, and Lord Renly, plus the confusion of Lord Baelish and Lord Varys, to fight it out.

My prediction is that Daenerys will team up with Lord Stannis.  She has her three baby dragons; Lord Stannis is staying at Dragonstone.  In my oppinion, Lord Stannis does not believe himself to be the rightful heir either; I believe he believes that Daenerys is the true heir to the throne.  Daenerys also represents magic, the Free Cities, the main kingdom, and the Dothraki through her connections and experiences.  However, I don't know that it really matters who takes the crown in the end until the land beyond the Wall is taken care of...  Just based off of the titles of the other books, we've begun our game and the pieces have been narrowed down and have moved forward; Kings Renly and Joffrey and Robb will clash in the next book, leaving out Daenerys for now; swords will bring chaos with the problems on the Wall and beyond, plus the storm of swords that Daenerys will bring with her; crows will feast in the North when the Wall fails/falls (poor Bran!); and finally, Daenerys will win the crown with Lord Stannis' help and a new age of dragons will begin.

And now for my observations about how annoying the resemblances are in random details between A Game of Thrones and The Hunger Games.  For starters, both "A Song of Ice and Fire" series and "The Hunger Games" series call each of their installments "Book #".  With regards to titles, do I really have to say anything?  Another resemblance, is "the girl on fire".  Daenerys emerges from flames unharmed other than her burnt hair with her three baby dragons hanging on her, symbolizing her true entrance into the game and igniting rebellion against the norm of Dothraki customs while gaining the undying loyalty of the "underdogs" of society.  Katniss was set on fire and came out unharmed by it at the opening ceremonies before she literally steps foot in the games; she ignites rebellion and gains the loyalty of supporters through her fiery actions while in the Hunger Games.  In both games, you either win or die.  At the end of the Hunger Games, two victors emerge; at the end of this game, a few temporary victors emerge.  Lord Petyr Baelish's, the man in love with Catelyn Stark (think about the names...Katniss...Mellark...Peeta), who also cannot have her because she had to marry a Stark, sigil is a mockingbird.  He also is a great speaker and deceives others easily.  And just to mention the foil, Lord Petyr Baelish is the master of coin, while Lord Eddard Stark (Catelyn's husband and Lord of Winterfell) represents snow (bastards from the North are given the last name "Snow" and he does have a bastard).  On page 427, Lord Petyr Baelish is described as "clad in a blue velvet tunic with puffed sleeves, his silvery cape patterned with mockingbirds" just before Eddard begins the rebellion in the kingdom (book cover of Mockingjay?)  Lord Varys has his "little birds" who tell him secrets and information of the goings on in the kingdoms, much like the jabberjays.  Lord Varys also is initially described as "plump, perfumed, powdered...wore a vest of gold thread over a loose gown of purple silk, and on his feet were pointed slippers of soft velvet...flesh was soft and moist, and his breath smelled of lilacs" (pages 145-146).  Lord Varys is also described on page 161 as "smelled as foul and sweet as flowers on a grave."  Both quotes are similar to descriptions of President Snow in "The Hunger Games" series.  Also, in the main town where the Red Keep is and the king lives, the courtly people dress much more lavishly than anywhere else in the country, but I suppose that just may be more of something expected than something overly similar to that of the people of the Capital in Panem.  During the jousting tournament, a young knight dies and Eddard declares, "'This was needless.  War should not be a game'" (page 256).  I don't think that needs more explanation.  Eddard gets a leg wound that greatly debilitates him, like Peeta in "The Hunger Games" series.  As indirectly stated by Lord Varys on page 531, there are no scruples against killing children in this game.  Birds called "snow shrikes" warn in a line of calls from one to another of the impending attack on page 583.  Birds are essentially the main form of communication and warnings throughout both series.
*since reading further in the series and rereading this blog post, I have discovered that another similarity between Katniss and Daenerys is their braids.

And finally, Astrology:
Aries:
- Arya Stark
- Jon Stark
Taurus:
- Gendry, King Robert Baratheon's bastard
- Ser Kevan Lannister
Gemini:
- Jeyne Poole
- King Robert Baratheon
Cancer:
- Daenerys Targaryen (Capricorn Rising)
- Lady Lysa Arryn
- Lord Robert Arryn
Leo:
- Lord Jaime Lannister
- Mya Stone
- Queen Cersei Lannister
- Ser Rodrik Cassel
Virgo:
- Lord Tyrion Lannister (Gemini Rising)
Libra:
- Magister Illyrio
- Lord Walder Frey
Scorpio:
- Khal Drogo
- Lord Petyr Baelish
- Lord Roose Bolton
- Prince Joffrey Baratheon
Sagittarius:
- Rickon Stark
- Ser Jorah Mormont
Capricorn:
- Lady Catelyn Stark
- Lord Eddard Stark
- Lord Robb Stark
Aquarius:
- Bran Stark
Pisces:
- Sansa Stark
- Ser Brynden Tully

Planetary Subrulers

Each Astrological sign is divided into three parts called Decans or Decanates.  As there are twelve months on the calendar with roughly thirty days, there are twelve Astrological signs each consisting of about thirty days.  There are roughly ten days in each Decan.  Your Decan determines your planetary subruler.  If you are born in the first Decan of your Astrological sign, then your subruler is also your ruler.  All subrulers for a sign come from the rulers of signs belonging to the same element.

Decans of Aries:

March 21 - March 31
Subruler:  Mars (Aries)
Impact:  naturally aggressive, impulsive, passionate about the things you do, see tasks through, never know when to stop, excellent leader
Tendencies:  outspoken/likes to dominate a conversation

April 1 - April 10
Subruler:  Sun (Leo)
Impact:  extremely sexual, loves constant change - dissatisfied by almost everything, enjoys life as a whole
Tendencies:  always eating, complains a lot

April 11 - April 19
Subruler:  Jupiter (Sagittarius)
Impact:  extremely independent/needs freedom of restrictions, loves to learn/experience new things
Tendencies:  prone to luck, bossy

Decans of Taurus:

April 20 - April 30
Subruler:  Venus (Taurus)
Impact:  materialistic, love of beauty, typically charming, strong likes/dislikes
Tendencies:  avoids/refuses to try new things

May 1 - May 10
Subruler:  Mercury (Virgo)
Impact:  a bit reserved in nature, good at teamwork, needs personal downtime, must pace themselves, eloquent communicators
Tendencies:  forgetful of details of plans or situations, becomes frustrated when other people push them to do something before they are ready (for example, if you were to work on a project with someone born under this, they would not present you with their portion or even their ideas until they are ready to present them), bad with forced deadlines

May 11 - May 20
Subruler:  Saturn (Capricorn)
Impact:  determined, reliable, set in decisions, strong feelings, loyal, very serious
Tendencies:  take everything personally

Decans of Gemini:

May 21 - May 31
Subruler:  Mercury (Gemini)
Impact:  decisions come quick, hides struggles, lives by logic over emotion, need to express yourself and led by that
Tendencies:  worries a lot

June 1 - 10
Subruler:  Venus (Libra)
Impact:  seeks approval from others, needs people around to succeed, tries their best at things, generous, expressive of feelings
Tendencies: argumentative/unable to back down about opinions/ideas

June 11 - 20
Subruler:  Uranus (Aquarius)
Impact:  witty, outspoken, high expectations of others, only values useful things/people
Tendencies:  looks for brains before body

Decans of Cancer:

June 21 - June 30
Subruler:  Moon (Cancer)
Impact:  cannot handle conflict, fair at weighing and making decisions, sensitive
Tendencies:  notice the big picture but not the details

July 1 - July 11
Subruler:  Pluto (Scorpio)
Impact:  very fixed in opinion, practical in business but sentimental in personal affairs, deep thinker
Tendencies:  feelings/emotions cloud decision making, good luck at gathering information

July 12 - July 22
Subruler:  Neptune (Pisces)
Impact:  can handle different people effectively, loyal in relationships, always seeking to find balance (to weigh equally the pros and cons) in a situation to make the world seem like a better place
Tendencies:  avoidance of conflict, romantic

Decans of Leo:

July 23 - August 1
Subruler:  Sun (Leo)
Impact:  makes leading easy, constantly expresses and shows feelings/emotions (when upset, you look as if a cloud is raining and storming over your head)
Tendencies: draw attention to yourself (in either good or bad ways), impulsive about love, stubbornness

August 2 - August 12
Subruler:  Jupiter (Sagittarius)
Impact:  very proud, makes authority easy, cannot see personal flaws, loves mental stimulants
Tendencies:  willing to try new things, enthusiastic

August 13 - August 22
Subruler:  Mars (Aries)
Impact:  strong willed, need material praise for efforts (like a gold medal), demanding, expect perfection from others, impatient
Tendencies:  bi-polar with energy levels, can't keep a secret

Decans of Virgo:

August 23 - September 1
Subruler:  Mercury (Virgo)
Impact:  able to find the how and why of things, extremely observant, high expectations of others 
Tendencies:  worries a lot, attends to details

September 2 - September 12
Subruler:  Saturn (Capricorn)
Impact:  plans everything, self-demanding of perfection, people-pleaser, extremely stuck in opinion and will fight constantly to defend it
Tendencies:  melancholy, stressed

September 13 - September 22
Subruler:  Venus (Taurus)
Impact:  needs approval, excellent communicator, full of personality, needs independence/freedom of restrictions from others
Tendencies:  colorful in personality and in the way you present yourself or your surroundings

Decans of Libra:

September 23 - October 2
Subruler:  Venus (Libra)
Impact:  adoration of beauty and luxury, need to be impactful, need to be loved, likes to hear fresh ideas
Tendencies:  spends lots of money, bad choices of partners in relationships

October 3 - October 13
Subruler:  Uranus (Aquarius)
Impact:  original, determined, need love or at least positive social interactions
Tendencies:  independent in actions

October 14 - October 22
Subruler:  Mercury (Gemini)
Impact:  curious about the new, people typically like you, make balanced judgments and decisions, need attention, extremely intellectual
Tendencies:  follow head over heart - difficult to communicate emotions

Decans of Scorpio:

October 23 - November 1
Subruler:  Pluto (Scorpio)
Impact:  dependable, extremely committed to people, fixed opinions unless new facts change them
Tendencies:  let opportunities pass due to laziness

November 2 - November 11
Subruler:  Neptune (Pisces)
Impact:  selfless, enjoy helping others, romantic, need love
Tendencies:  extreme impatience

November 12 - 21
Subruler:  Moon (Cancer)
Impact:  enjoys teamwork, easily gains popularity, fights for fairness, somewhat awkward about emotions, moody
Tendencies:  work in public positions, have little control over your own life

Decans of Sagittarius:

November 22 - December 1
Subruler:  Jupiter (Sagittarius)
Impact:  seeks adventure, truthful, good communicator, belief in independence - hates to be tied down, hates negative emotions
Tendencies:  not totally committed in serious relationships

December 2 - December 11
Subruler:  Mars (Aries)
Impact:  disciplined, dependable, extremely independent, passively controlling, loyal, humorous
Tendencies:  always has a goal, hides emotions

December 12 - December 21
Subruler:  Sun (Leo)
Impact:  charming, enjoys new experiences and meeting new people, somewhat impulsive
Tendencies:  hides intelligence, easily fall in love but falls out of love just as easily

Decans of Capricorn:

December 22 - December 31
Subruler:  Saturn (Capricorn)
Impact:  little trust in others, determined, follow-through, cannot stand being low on any ladder, passionate in love
Tendencies:  aggressive about succeeding

January 1 - January 10
Subruler:  Venus (Taurus)
Impact:  hates wasting time, needs personal time, devoted to partner and family and friends, avoids revealing emotions
Tendencies:  likes to write letters

January 11 - January 19
Subruler:  Mercury (Virgo)
Impact:  adaptable - especially to different people, dependable, fair, respectful, determined when motivated, emotions not apparent to others
Tendencies:  finds good investments (monetarily and materially)

Decans of Aquarius:

January 20 - January 29
Subruler:  Uranus (Aquarius)
Impact:  good with people, good sense of humor, loves challenges, needs change, emotionally detached, analytical of the why
Tendencies:  logical in emotional situations

January 30 - February 8
Subruler:  Mercury (Gemini)
Impact:  very honest, witty, loves to learn, has unrealistic ideas of love
Tendencies:  talks too much

February 9 - February 18
Subruler:  Venus (Libra)
Impact:  needs people, adores beautiful things, critical, very flirtatious
Tendencies:  easily frustrated with the imperfections of other people

Decans of Pisces:

February 19 - February 29
Subruler:  Neptune (Pisces)
Impact:  expressive, cannot handle emotional distress, wound-up
Tendencies: writes, easily gets sick

March 1 - March 10
Subruler:  Moon (Cancer)
Impact:  aware of people's feelings around you, very observant, unoriginal, charming, romance and love is important
Tendencies:  inconsistently in love with a single person

March 11 - March 20
Subruler:  Pluto (Scorpio)
Impact:  imaginative, energetic, likes to discover new things, needs alone time, great communication skills, deeply emotional
Tendencies:  led by love, thinks with heart before head

Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn

My absolute most favorite obsession is Anne Boleyn.  Since I was about ten, I have been fascinated with the Tudors and more specifically, Anne Boleyn.  The obsession began when I read Elizabeth I:  Red Rose of the House of Tudor, England 1544 by Kathryn Lasky (a Cancer), at about the age of ten.  It was a fictional interpretation of what a diary would be like kept by a young Elizabeth I.  In the book, Elizabeth visits the Tower of London where her mother was beheaded and is told about it.  Ever since that recount, I've wanted to know more about Anne Boleyn.


In seventh grade, we had to take a class that explored numerous random stuff and one unit was on the English Renaissance.  We had to read Beware, Princess Elizabeth by Carolyn Meyer (a Gemini) for a summer reading assignment before seventh grade as preparation for the class.  From that book, I found more books about the Tudors.  I read Mary, Bloody Mary (also by Carolyn Meyer), which eluded to Anne Boleyn the most of all the books I had read thus far.  There is a book by Carolyn Meyer called Doomed Queen Anne, but I never finished it.  I just really didn't like it for some reason.


When the movie, "The Other Boleyn Girl", came out, my obsession with Anne Boleyn reignited drastically!  Over Spring Break my eighth grade year (the year the movie came out), I read the book, The Other Boleyn Girl, by Philippa Gregory (a Capricorn!).  I then began extensive research on Anne Boleyn and began to try to relate her story to life today (this is not even going into how obsessed I am with this stuff).  Eventually, after discovery, I went on to watch and own the television series, "The Tudors".


From my research, I have found that Henry VIII was born on June 28, 1491, which makes him a Cancer (and, according to my astrology book, an Aries Moon).  Anne Boleyn, from the extensive research I have performed, was most likely born in late May of 1507, making her a Gemini (but regardless, her character seems greatly portrayed as being significantly touched by Mercury if she wasn't indeed a Gemini).  For some reason, Cancer's have a tendency to be very attracted to Geminis.  This is, however, a TERRIBLE match!  Gemini is too witty and cruel for emotional, sensitive Cancer.  Initially, Gemini's wit is attractive to Cancer, like in the case with Henry and Anne.  However, Cancer is easily offended and, with Cancer males, their pride is easily hurt.  Geminis are selfish, so they don't care much if they hurt other people as long as they get what they want (like Anne's cruelty to Catherine of Aragon, Henry's first wife).  Henry and Anne were infamous for their fights and shouting matches.  Shortly after their marriage in January of 1533, Henry grew tired of Anne's arguments (probably because he couldn't win them), especially after she failed to give a successful birth of a male child (an issue separate from astrology).  By 1536, Henry convinced himself that Anne was cheating on him (and if she was indeed a Gemini, she probably had been - most Gemini women I have met agree that if their husband cheats on them, they'll cheat on their husband; and Henry was definitely cheating on her), so along with other charges, Anne was sentenced to death.


But for their romance:  As a Gemini, Anne appreciated language, especially poems.  Romantic, emotional Cancer, was happy to oblige this by writing Anne countless love letters.  That is how their relationship began.  Anne was known for her wit, which at first intrigued Henry, as he enjoyed conversing with her.  Anne also had experience as a seducer on her side from her time at court in France.  Certainly, Anne had pressure from her family to pursue a relationship with Henry, but rather than follow the normal rules of being a mistress to a king, Anne forced more to it, causing the division of England from the Catholic Church.  Anne was able to manipulate a lot of the going-ons of the kingdom throughout her relationship with Henry.  He easily fell for her words, though I guess eventually his pride was hurt enough that her words were no longer good enough.  Anne was known for the lively court she kept, as Queen.  After a while, this bothered Henry because she wasn't solemn enough as a Queen - Cancer's are all about appearance.  Another very Gemini thing about Anne was her eyes.  Most Gemini women have very noticeable, bright eyes (not like the bulbous Taurus eyes, but they stand out in a room).  Anne's eyes were noted on many accounts by observers and were a defining feature of the woman.  They must have stood out to Henry because other than that, Anne wasn't considered to be notably attractive in appearance.


To sum it up, Geminis and Cancers should not even try to date.  It ends badly and may cause hurt on both ends.  In the case of these two, Anne ended up dead and Henry kind of lost it from that point...


For more information on the Tudors, visit Tudor History.

Snow White and the Huntsman: SPOILER ALERT

For starters, WORST TITLE EVER!  It would have been significantly more fitting for the title to be just plain "Snow White".

Summary:  Narnia, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, Avatar, Twilight, Wizard of Oz, Joan of Arc, Stardust, and of course, Snow White.

I don't mean for you to think that the movie wasn't good, because it was very good.  I was impressed with it.  I just couldn't help but be distracted by the similarities between this movie and many other recent epic movies/stories.

My least favorite parts:  the creepy alien fairies, the stag, the confusing declaration of Snow White's Christianity, Snow White kissing her childhood friend (who turned out to be the Queen, though the part that he turned out to be the Queen wasn't the part I didn't like), the fact that the mirror wasn't destroyed necessarily, the pathetic ending.

My favorite parts:  the subtle similarities between the original story and the remake, the troll, the dark forest, Snow White's escape from the castle, the line "he couldn't lift his sword" - or something very close to that - said by the Queen referring to Snow White's murdered father, the death of the Queen.

The most interesting thing for me about this movie is its relation to one of the original vampire stories that I learned about watching "Vampire Secrets" (I believe it is a History Channel movie).  The evil Queen is extraordinarily similar to the Countess/Duchess in that movie/documentary.  They both were mistreated by men; they both stole young, beautiful women and killed them seeking youth from their lives; they both weren't adverse to consuming the young, beautiful women to maintain youth; they both had minions.  I suggest watching "Vampire Secrets" if you've seen or plan to see "Snow White and the Huntsman", though otherwise I wouldn't suggest watching "Vampire Secrets" because it's totes creeps.

I enjoyed the epic proportions of "Snow White and the Huntsman", though some of the lines were weak and it was almost annoying because of all the similarities to other stories.  It was well made and certainly worth seeing.

And just fyi, Sam Claflin will totes be the young actor a bunch of annoying teen girls constantly gush about in approximately less than a year.  He's been in a lot of movies I've seen lately, like "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides", "Any Human Heart", "The Pillars of the Earth",  and now "Snow White and the Huntsman".  Though, apparently, he's not that young, as he is almost twenty-six years old, according to my IMDb search of him. I also learned from this IMDb search that Ipswich is an actual place.

The Cube Test

Last Semester, in my creative writing class, we did a thing called "The Cube Test".  You can only do it once in your life for it to be accurate.  I found the test online about an hour ago, so I decided to post how to take it.  Here it is:


You need at least one piece of paper and some sort of writing utensil; I suggest using a pen because you really shouldn't erase.  Write what you feel, as you feel it.  Focus on sensory details and how each description you give makes you feel; be as detailed as possible.  If it helps, you may also want to draw a picture.


You are in a desert alone.  Describe the setting and how the setting makes you feel, mentally and physically.


A cube appears.  What color is the cube?  How big is the cube?  In relation to the desert's size, how big is the cube?  Can you see through the cube?  What is the cube made out of?  How far is the cube from you; where is it in relation to your setting?


A ladder appears.  Where is the ladder in relation to the cube?  Does the ladder lean on the cube; is it free standing?  What color is the ladder?  What is the ladder made out of?  How many rungs are on the ladder?


A horse appears.  In relation to the cube and ladder, where is the horse?  Describe the appearance and demeanor of the horse.  How does it react to the ladder and cube; does it notice them at all? Is the horse tied up, or is it free standing.  If it is tied, what is it tied to?  Does the horse wear a saddle?  Describe the saddle.


Flowers grow.  How many flowers are there?  Where are the flowers in relation to everything else?  Describe the flowers.  How do the flowers make you feel?


A storm erupts.  Is the storm near you, near the items?  If it is near the items, what items is it near?  Where is the storm?  Is the storm passing through, or here to stay?  Describe the severity of the storm.


Find closure to your descriptive story.


Now, here are my answers to the Cube Test, as I wrote them in my class journal (with some editing).  If you answered differently, you're not wrong.  There is no right or wrong to this test.  It's about personality.


The desert is sprawling, entirely made of sand.  Dunes and hills are sprawled out around the massive desert.  There are no clouds in the sky, only the bright, huge sun.  I can feel the heat from the ground in my feet.  The sand blows around with the wind.  It is like an oven of scorching light.  There is a little sand colored cube with curved edges maybe eight inches on each side sitting on the ground before me.


Right behind the cube, a silver colored metal ladder is standing at angle as if it were leaning on something, but there is nothing there for it to be leaning on.  It has about eight or nine flat rungs.


A horse appears, tied by it's reins to the ladder about halfway up the rungs.  The horse seems unhappy, focusing on it's confinement to the ladder, but doesn't try to escape, it seems patient.  The horse is sweating profusely.  It is brown with white furred hooves and a white spot above his nose.  It looks desperate for relief from the squelching heat.  It seems to beg me to care for it.

Flowers emerge spontaneously before the horse and next to the cube, forming a square shape between the four, like what is seen to the left.  The flowers are tiny and pink with green oval leaves circling the open petals.  There are about two hundred of them.  They appear completely cared for, without even the want of water.  They seem grossly out of place in the desert setting.  They remain unaffected by the terrible heat.


From nowhere, a thunderstorm appears to my right in the distance.  I hope it will come to me to cool me off.  I see dark clouds and rain and hear the monstrous roar of thunder in the distance.  I pray desperately that the storm comes to relieve me.  The horse is spooked by the thunder and tries to run away, but the ladder holds strong.  I am overcome by the smell of rain, the darkening sky, and the hope it brings.  I pass out, cooled from the rain.  Everything goes black and its over; I am happy.


And now for the interpretation tools:


The Desert, the world around you
If your desert is sprawling, without a visible end, you are well aware of the vastness of the world.  You realize that there are lots of people, spreading far and wide.  You are likely to think that there is too much to explore in a lifetime.  And you could be overwhelmed by the world around you.  If your desert has visible borders, you are aware of the world directly around you, but do not pay much attention to the world at large.  You are probably mostly grounded in your community and home life.  If your desert is oppressive, the world around you has a lot of affect on you, not necessarily negatively.  If you don't pay much attention to the physical feel of the desert, then you are mostly unaffected by the world (at large) around you.


The Cube, yourself
If the cube is made out of stone, or something solid, you are very determined in your thoughts and actions.  You do what you think is right for yourself.  If your cube is made of glass or a delicate material that can easily break or fall apart, you are very sensitive and can easily become upset or emotional.  Likewise, you can almost fall apart when overjoyed.  If your cube is small in relation to the desert, you don't have a large ego.  Then, if your cube is large in relation to the desert, you have a large ego.  If your cube (by actual size, excluding the desert) is relatively small, you may be more introverted or not one hundred percent confident - for example, my cube would be considered just under medium size; it's not minuscule, but definitely not large.  If your cube is large, then you are very confident and feel in the spotlight when in a group of people (even if you aren't actually the center of attention).  If the cube is see-through, you feel that people can easily read you.  If, like mine, it is either the color of the background or barely visible, then you feel as if you're a chameleon.  You can blend into the background in a group, or make yourself known.  You have the ability to adapt to your surroundings.  If your cube is black or dark, you are likely to be either very secretive or feel as if people are unable to read or understand you.  You also may be hiding something.  If the cube is near you, then you feel you know yourself pretty well.  If the cube is far away from you, you feel that you haven't quite found yourself yet.


The Ladder, friendships
If the ladder leans on the cube, then you feel that your friends are very reliant on you.  If the ladder supports the cube, then you rely a lot on your friends.  If your ladder is made out of strong material, like metal, then your friendships are strong.  Also, if the ladder is securely grounded, you are therefore secure in your bonds of friendship; your friends are always there for you.  If your ladder is laying on the ground, you don't give much value to friendship in your life.  If the ladder is close to you, then your friends are always there for you.  If the ladder is close to the cube, you feel your friends understand you on a deeper level.  If the ladder is far away from you/the cube, then you often feel distanced from your friends.  If you feel okay in your story regarding the distance between you and the ladder (if the ladder is far away), then you have chosen to distance yourself.  If you aren't okay with the distance, then you feel ostracized by your "friends".


The Horse, your lover
If the horse travels towards the ladder, then your lover (or prospective lover) was friends with either you or your friends before your relationship grew.  If the horse travels towards you, then your lover follows you blindly, with absolute devotion and trust.  If the horse travels to the cube, it is likely your lover is indeed in love with you and prefers you over anything else.  If the horse is traveling away from you or the cube, well...  However, if the horse is traveling away from you but you seem okay with it, then either you're neutrally parting ways or your lover is just very social and you're okay with that.  If the horse is tied up to something, you are possessive of your lover - in my case, since it is tied to the ladder, my friends would be the ones to keep a grip on him, if that were applicable.  If the horse is saddled, you like to control your lover.  If your horse seems upset, notice where it directs its disgruntlement, that is where your lover is likely to be discontented in the relationship.  Notice obvious behaviors, like in my case, the horse needs me to care for it, so I would be caring for my lover; and the horse is being patient, so he is allowing my friends to keep a grip on him while he waits for my attention and care.


The Flowers, your children
The way your flowers appear may describe how your children came into the world (or how they will come into the world).  If you individualize your flowers, then you are likely to devote a lot of time to your individual children.  If there are lots of flowers, you probably have lots of children.  If they are flourishing, that's good for them.  If the flowers are wilting or are dead, well don't lose hope.  Notice how the attention you give to the flowers, and interpret obviously.


The Storm, your life obstacle(s)
If your storm is near you, or directly effecting you, then you are controlled and driven by your obstacles.  If your storm hovers over the cube only, then you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.  You are unaware of other people having their own obstacles and feel your's the greatest.  If the storm surrounds the whole area, then you feel like the world as a whole is affected by your personal obstacles.  If the storm effects the individual objects, then I'm sure you can figure out the obvious.


How you end your story can be interesting for the individual to interpret as well.  Using the tools from above, I'm sure you can figure out a well thought-out interpretation.