homestuck: aspect overview

ASPECTS are one half of a mythological role. they describe the primary sphere of interest of a player in a given session, and dictate the flavour of their powers.

there are twelve aspects in total. they are arranged into six groups of two, called axes. aspects on a given axis represent dichotomous concepts, both of which are needed for an axis to be fully realised.

the six axes are as follows:

• COSMIC AXIS
• RELEVANCE AXIS
• EXISTENCE AXIS
• IDENTITY AXIS
• INTERFACE AXIS
• BELIEF AXIS

most individuals can be construed in a manner that fits any aspect to a certain degree. one's aspect designation outside of a session is ultimately a matter of personal preference. however, it may not always align with one's aspect in every game session, as assignment depends on session-specific circumstances.

aspects as they function in homestuck canon are deeply rooted in the concept of yin and yang, and by extension dialectics. an aspect on a given axis does not exist by itself, and can only be defined in relation to its counterpart.

COSMIC AXIS: SPACE & TIME

the COSMIC AXIS hosts the aspects of SPACE and TIME. an universe cannot physically exist without spacetime, and so the aspects of this axis are traditionally considered to be the cardinal aspects of SBURB. they are necessary for a conventionally successful session, their presence within its players is prioritised.

SPACE is the aspect of creation, beginnings and processes.
TIME is the aspect of destruction, endings and results.

RELEVANCE AXIS: VOID & LIGHT

the RELEVANCE hosts the aspects of VOID and LIGHT. a story cannot exist without text and subtext, so it makes sense to me to view this as the second cardinal axis, although is not explicitly given such treatment in canon. a session can succeed without these players, but a story narrative necessitates the presence of these aspects.

VOID is the aspect of subtext, obscurity and irrelevance.
LIGHT is the aspect of text, illumination and probability.

EXISTENCE AXIS: LIFE & DOOM

the EXISTENCE hosts the aspects of LIFE and DOOM. this axis governs the nature of living beings, their behaviours and patterns of development.

LIFE is the aspect of raw power, growth and indulgence.
DOOM is the aspect of restriction, decay and sacrifice.

IDENTITY AXIS: MIND & HEART

the IDENTITY hosts the aspects of MIND and HEART. this axis governs the internal worlds of sentient beings, the way they perceive and present themselves in the world.

MIND is the aspect of thoughts, exteriors and impartiality.
HEART is the aspect of emotions, interiors and subjectivity.

INTERFACE AXIS: BREATH & BLOOD

the INTERFACE hosts the aspects of BREATH and BLOOD. this axis governs the way sentient beings interact with the world and each other, forming and dissolving various structures.

BREATH is the aspect of individualism and detachment.
BLOOD is the aspect of collectivism and obligation.

BELIEF AXIS: HOPE & RAGE

the BELIEF hosts the aspects of HOPE and RAGE. this axis governs the various belief systems held by sentient beings, and the impact of these beliefs on the world.

HOPE is the aspect of construction, affirmation and trust.
RAGE is the aspect of deconstruction, negation and doubt.