This is going to be a book lol I hope you like reading

Some relevant back-story: I pretty much did the S+S equivalent of ignoring this release, which is to say I didn’t ravenously hit refresh during launch hoping to score as I had with earlier offerings. I looked through what was still available knowing certain things would be long sold-out, including this talisman.

I didn't vibe very much with the original Venus in Taurus drop, and I was so disappointed because it was the version of Venus I was looking forward to the most (I'm a Taurus Sun + Merc). Despite the fact that the Empress is a super-powered election, I was sure that ViT and I were not simpatico.

Still, I wasn't bummed out because I felt like I was likely hanging on to the materia I had for someone else, and that it would make its way to its rightful owner/s eventually. I was finally able to make good on this when the trading forum opened on the S+S private group.

I eventually tried the Empress out via the body butter. Empress definitely began causing significant positive changes in my life. (This is in addition to my weekly Venus devotions.) It became impossible to keep silent about things I wanted. I found myself speaking up and leaning into my fear, asking for what I wanted, and having matters change in my favor.

When an Empress talisman became available, I had the sense that I'd earned the right to finally have one. I took a chance and was able to buy it through sheer luck in what was essentially a lottery. At the same time, I was able to get a few other rare items that I really wanted. The whole thing had a fated feeling to it, considering how coveted this talisman was.

So. Here are a few notable things that have happened since it came into my possession: my lover has become noticeably more attentive to my pleasure (sidenote: he always notices my Venus talismans lol. He doesn't say anything about other accessories I wear. He also noticed and liked the scent of the Empress bb. It's like he can sniff out Venus); a gorgeous friend I once dated propositioned me, specifically stating that he wanted to focus on my pleasure; I lost 20 pounds effortlessly but remain fairly toned: pretty ridiculous considering I have done zero exercise since March 2020.

This series definitely has a glamour effect. After getting away with looking 24 when I was in my teens, I'm at this point where I seem to have stopped aging?? I look exactly as I did 10 years ago, maybe even better. Which sounds great but can be a problem when people size up your appearance and won't believe that you're a seasoned pro unless you pull out your birth certificate.

Speaking of work, I keep getting more and more responsibility, which would be great if I also got paid more and more! Still waiting on that part to kick in (thanks, Jupiter), but I've definitely become way more generous to the homeless on the subway, sometimes to my detriment.

This part's gonna sound a little nutty but you've read this far so fuck it right? I think of Empress like a vine that has extended its tendrils into both the future and the past. I feel like small clues have been left in the random memories that pop up in my head jukebox-style. They don't feel so random anymore.

Ok, signing off before Kait bans me for writing Infinite Jest lmao

Hail Venus