#and concerns without fear of judgment or rejection. Honesty

[theanmolkang]

Relationships in Midlife

Relationships in Midlife: Challenges & Opportunities The midlife years bring many changes, including shifts in relationships that have been established over the years. As we age, our priorities and perspectives change, leading to a reevaluation of our relationships with partners, family members, friends, and colleagues. In this blog, we will talk about the challenges and opportunities that come…

[edwin-ting]

The Foundation of Trust: Strengthening Blended Family Bonds

Blended families are increasingly becoming the norm in today's world. As divorce rates continue to rise and remarriage becomes more common, many families are navigating the complexities of merging two distinct family units into one cohesive whole. Trust is one of the most essential components in ensuring the success of blended families. Trust is the foundation of all relationships, and it is even more crucial in the context of a blended family. Without trust, the relationships between stepparents, stepchildren, and half-siblings can become strained, making it difficult for everyone to feel secure and valued. Building trust in blended family relationships is not an overnight task; it takes time, patience, and a collective effort from every family member. However, when trust is established, it can foster a sense of belonging and emotional security that forms the bedrock of a thriving family dynamic.

The Role of Patience and Time in Building Trust

One of the first lessons to learn about trust in blended families is that it cannot be rushed. Relationships take time to develop, and in a blended family, every member needs the opportunity to adjust to the changes that come with the new family structure. Children, mainly, may experience feelings of loyalty to their biological parents or resistance to accepting new authority figures. On the other hand, Stepparents may feel pressured to establish a relationship with their stepchildren while navigating the nuances of a new marital relationship. This can be challenging, as children and adults need time to adjust to new routines, living arrangements, and dynamics. In these situations, trust forms slowly through consistent actions, reliability, and openness. It is not built through grand gestures but through everyday interactions demonstrating dependability, understanding, and care.

Patience is vital when trying to establish trust in a blended family. No one can expect a seamless transition from one family structure to another. There will be bumps in the road, misunderstandings, and moments of discomfort. However, trust takes root as family members consistently show up for each other and keep their promises over time. Small acts of kindness, honesty, and reliability will gradually lay the groundwork for deeper and more meaningful relationships.

Honesty and Transparency in Communication

Effective communication is pivotal in building trust in any relationship, especially in a blended family. All family members must communicate openly and honestly without fear of judgment or rejection. Stepparents should strive to establish a relationship based on transparency, showing their stepchildren that they are open to hearing their thoughts and feelings. Likewise, biological parents must foster open dialogue by ensuring all family members feel listened to and respected.

In some blended families, children may initially feel unsure or resentful about the new dynamics, mainly if they are unsure of the stepparent’s intentions. By being transparent about feelings, motivations, and boundaries, each family member can better understand one another. Family meetings or one-on-one conversations can create a safe space for sharing concerns, addressing issues, and navigating conflicts. When family members communicate openly, they remove ambiguity and the potential for mistrust. This transparency reinforces the idea that everyone’s emotions and concerns matter, and this shared respect helps to solidify trust over time.

Setting Clear Expectations and Boundaries

Establishing trust in blended families also requires setting clear expectations and boundaries. A lack of boundaries or role confusion can often lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Stepparents may feel unsure about their role in disciplining children, while children may feel uncomfortable with a stepparent attempting to fill a parental role that they aren’t ready to accept. Parents, biological and stepparents, must openly discuss their expectations with each other and their children to avoid overstepping or creating unrealistic expectations.

Boundaries also involve respecting the relationships that children have with their biological parents. For instance, stepparents should avoid pushing too hard for a close relationship with their stepchildren too quickly. Instead, they should give the child space to form a relationship on their terms. Similarly, biological parents should be careful not to create unnecessary tension by pitting their children against a stepparent or vice versa. Everyone involved must be mindful of each person’s needs and feelings to avoid conflicts that might erode trust.

By establishing clear expectations, family members can understand their roles and responsibilities within the household, reducing confusion and resentment. This transparency about boundaries and roles allows family members to interact in a supportive and respectful way, ultimately building trust and fostering positive relationships.

Consistency and Reliability in Actions

Consistency is key when it comes to trust. Family members must be able to count on each other, especially in the early stages of blending a family. If promises are made, they need to be kept. If a stepparent agrees to a specific rule or guideline, they must follow through to establish credibility with their stepchildren. Likewise, children need to understand that their biological parent and stepparent will remain united in their approach to family life, reinforcing the idea that the adults in the family are a stable source of support.

This consistency doesn’t only apply to rules and expectations but also to emotional support. Family members must be reliable in showing care, love, and empathy for one another. A child who sees their stepparent consistently acting in their best interest will feel more secure and trusting. Similarly, when parents consistently put effort into nurturing relationships, everyone in the family will feel valued and respected. Over time, this predictability creates an environment in which trust can flourish.

Navigating Challenges Together

Lastly, overcoming challenges as a family can significantly strengthen trust. Every blended family will face difficulties—whether it’s a disagreement between parents, sibling rivalry, or difficulties in forming relationships with stepparents. However, it is during these challenging times that trust can grow. By addressing issues together, family members learn they can rely on one another for support, even in the most trying situations. When family members work together to solve problems or navigate difficult emotions, they build resilience and deepen their bonds with one another.

Overcoming challenges as a team fosters loyalty and unity, strengthening trust in the family unit. Instead of falling apart under pressure, a family that tackles problems together becomes more cohesive and connected. Trust is solidified in the understanding that, no matter what happens, the family will face challenges together and support one another through thick and thin.

Building trust in blended family relationships is not easy, but it is undoubtedly worthwhile. Trust takes time, patience, and commitment from all family members. By fostering open communication, setting clear boundaries, remaining consistent, and navigating challenges together, blended families can create strong, trusting relationships that last. As each family member contributes to the process, they help build a solid foundation that supports the family's overall well-being. While the journey of building trust may not be quick, the bonds that are formed will ultimately create a family unit that is resilient, loving and united. In the end, trust will allow a blended family to thrive and grow together, even in the face of challenges.

[drkarenhawk]

Overcoming Anxiety in Relationships: Dr. Karen Hawk’s Guide

Anxiety can be a powerful force in relationships, leading to misunderstandings, emotional distance, and even breakdowns in communication. When anxiety is left unchecked, it can cloud our judgment, create unnecessary tension, and even prevent us from fully engaging with our partners or loved ones. Dr Karen Hawk Psychologist, a compassionate psychologist in Phoenix, specializes in helping individuals overcome anxiety in relationships. Through her empathetic approach, Dr. Hawk provides practical strategies to identify, understand, and manage anxiety, ultimately leading to healthier, more fulfilling connections with those around us.

Understanding Anxiety in Relationships: Dr. Karen Hawk’s Insight

Anxiety in relationships can stem from various sources, such as past trauma, fear of rejection, or unresolved insecurities. Dr Karen Hawk Psychologist Phoenix explains that anxiety often arises when individuals feel uncertain or vulnerable within their connections with others. These feelings of uncertainty can lead to overthinking, constant worry, and a fear of abandonment, which may manifest in controlling behaviors, excessive reassurance-seeking, or withdrawing emotionally.

Dr. Hawk helps her clients identify the root causes of their relationship anxiety by exploring past experiences, patterns of behavior, and personal insecurities. She emphasizes the importance of understanding that anxiety in relationships is not necessarily a reflection of the other person’s actions, but often a result of our own internal struggles. By bringing awareness to these anxiety triggers, Dr. Hawk empowers clients to break free from unhealthy cycles and begin to heal the emotional wounds that contribute to their fears and doubts in relationships.

The Impact of Anxiety on Communication: Dr. Karen Hawk’s Approach

One of the most significant ways that anxiety manifests in relationships is through communication difficulties. Dr Karen Hawk Psychologist explains that anxiety can cause individuals to misinterpret their partner’s words or actions, leading to unnecessary conflict, emotional distance, and confusion. People may become overly defensive, anxious about being misunderstood, or even avoid confrontation altogether due to a fear of conflict.

Dr. Hawk advocates for open and honest communication as a way to reduce anxiety in relationships. She encourages her clients to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns clearly and calmly, without allowing anxiety to dominate the conversation. Dr. Hawk also stresses the importance of active listening, which allows both partners to feel heard and understood. By practicing mindfulness during conversations, individuals can stay present in the moment rather than being consumed by their anxious thoughts, leading to more productive and positive interactions.

Building Trust and Reassurance: Dr. Karen Hawk’s Key Strategies

Trust is a crucial component of any relationship, but for individuals struggling with anxiety, it can be particularly challenging to trust their partner fully. Dr Karen Hawk Psychologist Phoenix understands that anxiety often creates a constant need for reassurance, leading to the cycle of seeking validation from a partner in an effort to alleviate feelings of uncertainty or fear. While reassurance can offer temporary relief, it doesn’t address the underlying anxiety that is causing the distress.

Dr. Hawk works with her clients to develop healthier ways of building trust and managing anxiety within relationships. She encourages individuals to trust in both themselves and their partners, recognizing that a strong relationship is built on mutual respect, honesty, and understanding. Rather than seeking constant reassurance, Dr. Hawk teaches clients to develop inner trust and self-compassion, which in turn strengthens the overall dynamic of the relationship. Trust-building exercises, emotional vulnerability, and setting healthy boundaries are just a few of the tools Dr. Hawk uses to guide clients toward a more secure and fulfilling connection.

Challenging Negative Thoughts: Dr. Karen Hawk’s Cognitive Techniques

One of the most common contributors to anxiety in relationships is the presence of negative, irrational thoughts. These thoughts may revolve around fears of rejection, abandonment, or being unworthy of love. Dr Karen Hawk Psychologist uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help clients challenge these negative thought patterns. By identifying and reframing distorted thoughts, individuals can begin to reduce anxiety and gain a clearer, more balanced perspective on their relationships.

For example, Dr. Hawk might encourage clients to ask themselves whether their anxious thoughts are based on facts or assumptions. Are they worried that their partner is upset because they haven’t heard from them in a few hours, or is it possible that their partner is simply busy with work? By practicing this type of cognitive restructuring, individuals can begin to break free from the cycle of overthinking and reduce the emotional charge that anxiety often brings. Dr. Hawk’s CBT approach equips individuals with the tools to challenge fear-based thinking, leading to greater emotional stability and confidence in their relationships.

Mindfulness and Relaxation: Dr. Karen Hawk’s Tools for Managing Anxiety

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are powerful tools for managing anxiety in relationships. Dr Karen Hawk Psychologist incorporates mindfulness practices into her therapy sessions, teaching clients to stay present and grounded during moments of stress or emotional turmoil. Mindfulness encourages individuals to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, allowing them to respond to challenging situations with calmness and clarity.

Dr. Hawk also introduces relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided meditation, to help individuals reduce physical tension and calm their anxious minds. By practicing these techniques regularly, clients can develop a greater sense of emotional regulation and resilience, enabling them to approach relationship challenges with a more composed and balanced mindset. Dr. Hawk’s emphasis on mindfulness and relaxation empowers individuals to gain control over their anxiety rather than letting it dictate their emotions and behaviors.

Developing Healthy Boundaries: Dr. Karen Hawk’s Guidance for Self-Care

For many individuals struggling with anxiety in relationships, establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries is crucial. Without clear boundaries, anxiety can escalate, leading to feelings of overwhelm, burnout, and emotional depletion. Dr Karen Hawk Psychologist Phoenix helps her clients understand the importance of setting boundaries in order to protect their emotional well-being and reduce relationship stress.

Dr. Hawk encourages clients to define their needs and limits, both within the relationship and in other areas of their lives. Healthy boundaries allow individuals to maintain their sense of identity, independence, and self-respect, which in turn reduces anxiety and promotes more balanced, harmonious relationships. She works with clients to identify any areas where they may be overextending themselves or sacrificing their own needs for the sake of the relationship. By learning to assert their boundaries with confidence and compassion, individuals can foster more fulfilling and respectful connections with others.

Creating a Supportive Environment: Dr. Karen Hawk’s Role in Healing Anxiety

Anxiety thrives in environments that are tense, unpredictable, or emotionally unsafe. Dr Karen Hawk Psychologist emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and nurturing environment within relationships, where both partners feel safe to express their emotions, vulnerabilities, and concerns. Building a relationship based on mutual understanding, support, and empathy can significantly reduce anxiety and promote emotional healing.

Dr. Hawk helps her clients foster a supportive environment by encouraging open dialogue, empathy, and shared emotional responsibility. She also emphasizes the importance of self-care and mental health in relationships, guiding individuals to prioritize their own well-being as they work toward reducing anxiety. When both partners are committed to supporting each other’s emotional health, the relationship becomes a source of comfort and security rather than a source of stress and anxiety.

Conclusion: Overcoming Anxiety in Relationships with Dr. Karen Hawk

Anxiety in relationships can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools and support, it is possible to manage and overcome it. Dr Karen Hawk Psychologist, a skilled psychologist in Phoenix, offers compassionate guidance to individuals and couples who are struggling with anxiety in their relationships. Through a combination of communication strategies, cognitive techniques, mindfulness practices, and healthy boundary-setting, Dr. Hawk helps her clients build stronger, more secure, and emotionally fulfilling connections. If anxiety is affecting your relationships, reaching out to Dr Karen Hawk Psychologist Phoenix for support may be the first step toward a healthier, more harmonious future.

[forevrus-in-love]

What are the benefits of emotional vulnerability in a relationship?

Vulnerability in a relationship means being open and honest with your partner, even when it feels uncomfortable or frightening. Many people fear vulnerability because it involves exposing their true selves, but it is also one of the most crucial steps in building a strong and meaningful connection. This blog will explore what emotional vulnerability is and the incredible benefits it can bring to your relationship.

What Is Emotional Vulnerability in a Relationship?

Emotional vulnerability involves sharing your true feelings, thoughts, and fears with your partner. It means being authentic, even if you're uncertain about how your partner will respond. For example, expressing that you feel nervous about an upcoming event or discussing a personal dream enables your partner to understand you more deeply. It’s crucial to remember that being vulnerable does not equate to being weak; rather, it signifies being genuine and placing trust in your partner with your emotions.

Why Are People Afraid of Vulnerability in a Relationship?

It's common to feel scared about opening up in a relationship. Many people fear rejection, judgment, or being perceived as "too needy." Others worry that showing vulnerability might make them seem weak. These fears often arise from past experiences or a lack of trust. While it’s natural to feel this way, it’s important to understand that vulnerability is the foundation of healthy, deep connections. Overcoming these fears can lead to a more fulfilling relationship.

Benefits of Emotional Vulnerability in a Relationship

Vulnerability in a relationship offers many benefits that can strengthen your bond with your partner:

Builds Trust: When you open up about your feelings, it creates an environment of honesty and trust. For instance, admitting when you’ve made a mistake shows your partner you’re genuine.

Deepens Emotional Intimacy: Sharing your fears, dreams, and struggles brings you closer together. These moments of openness create a unique emotional connection that strengthens your bond.

Improves Communication: Being vulnerable helps you express your thoughts and feelings more clearly, leading to fewer misunderstandings. For example, saying, “I feel overwhelmed today” helps your partner understand and respond.

Encourages Support: When you share your emotions, your partner has the opportunity to support and comfort you. This mutual care creates a safe and loving relationship.

Creates a Safe Space for Honesty: Vulnerability inspires your partner to open up too, creating a judgment-free zone where both of you can be your true selves.

Strengthens Problem-Solving Together: Sharing your concerns or struggles allows you and your partner to tackle challenges as a team. For instance, admitting financial stress can lead to a constructive plan together.

Promotes Personal Growth: Being vulnerable helps you understand your own emotions and fosters self-awareness, making you stronger and more resilient over time.

How to Be More Vulnerable in a Relationship

Becoming emotionally vulnerable takes practice, but taking small steps can make it easier. Start by sharing minor details, such as how your day went or a small worry. Create a safe space by listening to your partner without judgment when they express their feelings. Be honest about your emotions, even when it’s challenging to articulate them. Building vulnerability in a relationship is a gradual process, but trust and patience significantly contribute to creating a stronger bond.

Common Myths About Vulnerability in a Relationship

Many misconceptions about vulnerability can prevent people from embracing it. One common myth is that being vulnerable indicates weakness. In reality, opening up demonstrates emotional strength and courage. Another misconception is that vulnerability leads to dependency on your partner. However, sharing your feelings actually helps both partners grow individually and as a couple. Addressing these myths can encourage more people to accept and embrace vulnerability.

Overcoming Challenges with Vulnerability

If you have faced heartbreak or betrayal in the past, it’s natural to find it difficult to be vulnerable. Begin by taking small steps, such as discussing minor issues before delving into deeper emotions. Rebuilding trust takes time, so be patient with yourself and your partner. If necessary, consider seeking support from a therapist to help you address any fears or past traumas that may be holding you back.

Real-Life Examples of Vulnerability in a Relationship

Vulnerability can arise in everyday situations. For instance, admitting that you're feeling anxious about a work deadline and seeking reassurance can lead to a comforting conversation. Another example is sharing a personal mistake and collaborating to resolve the issue. These small acts of openness help build trust and create opportunities for deeper connections in your relationships.

Conclusion

Vulnerability in a relationship is essential for building trust, improving communication, and deepening emotional intimacy. Although it might feel challenging or uncomfortable at first, the benefits far outweigh the difficulties. Start small and take incremental steps to create a safe space for openness with your partner. Remember, being vulnerable is not a weakness; it’s a strength that can lead to a happier, healthier relationship. Take the first step today and experience the transformative power of vulnerability in your relationship.

[how2fit]

Love and marriage are complex dynamics that require attention and effort to maintain a healthy relationship. Within the context of any relationship, five key areas play a crucial role in the success of a marriage. This includes: communication honesty loyalty respect and trust However, among these areas, trust stands out as the number one key for several reasons. Trust forms the foundation of any strong and lasting relationship. It is the belief that you can rely on your partner’s honesty, integrity, and faithfulness. But without trust, love and marriage can become fragile and vulnerable to misunderstandings, conflicts, and ultimately dissolution. Understanding the Significance of Trust in a Marriage Trust is the foundation upon which a strong and healthy marriage is built. It is the cornerstone that holds a couple together through thick and thin, and without it, a relationship can quickly crumble. Trust in marriage goes beyond simply believing that your partner will be faithful. It encompasses a deep sense of reliability and confidence in each other’s words, actions, and intentions. When trust exists within a marriage, it creates an environment of safety and security where both partners feel comfortable being vulnerable and open with one another. The importance of trust cannot be overstated. It forms the basis for effective communication, mutual respect, and emotional intimacy. Trust allows couples to rely on each other during challenging times, knowing that they have each other’s best interests at heart. Building trust takes time and effort from both partners. It requires consistent honesty, reliability, and transparency in all aspects of the relationship. Trust can be nurtured through open communication channels where concerns are addressed promptly and honestly. Additionally, trustworthiness plays a vital role in maintaining a successful marriage. Being trustworthy means keeping promises made to your partner, being dependable when needed most, and consistently demonstrating integrity in your actions. It’s The Foundation of Emotional Intimacy and Connection Building a strong foundation of emotional intimacy and connection is crucial for a healthy and fulfilling marriage. Emotional intimacy refers to the deep sense of closeness, trust, and vulnerability that exists between partners. It is the ability to share one’s innermost thoughts, feelings, and desires with their spouse without fear of judgment or rejection. To establish emotional intimacy, it is essential for both partners to actively work on building trust. Trusting your partner involves having confidence in their reliability, honesty, and faithfulness. This trust forms the basis for open communication and allows couples to feel secure in sharing their deepest emotions. The connection in marriage goes beyond physical attraction or shared interests. It involves a deep understanding and acceptance of each other’s needs, values, and aspirations. Couples who are emotionally connected can empathize with one another and offer support during difficult times. One vital thing about nurturing emotional intimacy is that it requires an ongoing effort from both partners. It involves active listening, expressing empathy, validating each other’s feelings, and being responsive to each other’s needs. By creating an environment where both partners feel safe to be vulnerable without fear of criticism or rejection, they can strengthen their emotional bond over time. Ultimately, a foundation of emotional intimacy and connection provides the framework for a loving and enduring relationship. It allows couples to navigate challenges together with resilience while engaging in a deep sense of love, understanding, and companionship. Trust Promotes Open Communication and Vulnerability For Love And Marriage Open communication and vulnerability are key components of a healthy and thriving marriage. These elements create a strong foundation for trust, understanding, and emotional intimacy between partners.

Open communication is the practice of sharing feelings, concerns, and thoughts with your partner honestly and transparently. It involves actively listening to your spouse’s perspective without judgment or defensiveness. By creating an environment where both partners feel safe to express themselves, open communication allows for deeper understanding and connection. Vulnerability in marriage refers to the willingness to be emotionally exposed and share one’s true self with their partner. It involves letting go of defenses and allowing oneself to be seen authentically. When couples embrace vulnerability, they create a space where they can fully understand each other’s needs, fears, dreams, and insecurities. Sharing feelings and concerns openly promotes a sense of emotional closeness between partners. It allows for problem-solving together as a team rather than individually navigating challenges. Honesty and transparency create an atmosphere of trust within the relationship. In addition to building intimacy, open communication, and vulnerability also help resolve conflicts effectively. By openly discussing disagreements or issues that arise within the marriage, they can work towards finding mutually satisfactory solutions. Furthermore, embracing vulnerability enables partners to provide support during difficult times. When one person feels comfortable expressing their struggles or vulnerabilities without fear of judgment or rejection from their spouse, it creates a sense of safety within the relationship. In summary, promoting open communication and vulnerability in marriage is essential for cultivating a strong bond between partners. Creating an environment where both individuals feel safe expressing themselves honestly without fear of judgment or rejection from their spouse leads to increased emotional intimacy, problem-solving capabilities as a team during the conflict resolution process, and overall marital satisfaction. Creates Mutual Respect and Support In a healthy and fulfilling marriage, mutual respect and support are key ingredients that contribute to a strong foundation. Respect in marriage involves valuing each other’s opinions, feelings, and boundaries. It means treating your partner with kindness, empathy, and understanding. Supporting each other’s dreams and goals is an essential aspect of creating mutual respect. When couples encourage and actively participate in the pursuit of their partner’s aspirations, it creates a sense of validation and appreciation. This support can manifest in various ways, such as providing emotional encouragement, offering practical assistance, or even just being a listening ear. Having each other’s back is another crucial element of mutual respect in marriage. It means standing up for one another during challenging times or when facing external criticism or judgment. Couples who have each other’s back create a safe space where they feel protected and valued. Teamwork plays a significant role in creating mutual respect and support within a marriage. By working together towards common goals, they can build trust and develop effective communication skills. They learn to navigate conflicts constructively while maintaining respect for one another’s perspectives. Overall, fostering mutual respect and support in marriage requires ongoing effort from both partners. By prioritizing these values, they can cultivate a loving relationship built on trust, understanding, and shared aspirations. Enhances Love And Marriage Security and Stability In a relationship, feeling secure and stable is essential for emotional well-being and overall satisfaction. It encompasses both emotional and physical safety, creating an environment where partners can trust and rely on each other. Relationship security refers to the confidence that one’s partner will be there for them emotionally, providing support, understanding, and empathy. It involves open communication, mutual respect, and a sense of being valued in the relationship.

When a person feels secure in their partnership, they are more likely to express their thoughts and emotions honestly without fear of judgment or rejection. Stability in marriage or long-term relationships is crucial for building a strong foundation. It involves consistency in commitment, trustworthiness, and dependability. Couples who feel secure in their relationship have a sense of predictability and reliability from their partner. This stability allows them to navigate challenges together with confidence. Feeling safe with your partner physically is another important aspect of relationship security. It involves knowing that you can rely on your partner to provide physical protection when needed. This includes feeling safe from any form of abuse or harm. Enhancing relationship security and stability requires effort from both partners. Building trust through open communication, practicing empathy, respecting boundaries, and addressing conflicts constructively are crucial steps toward creating a secure foundation in any relationship. Creates a Positive Environment for Love and Romance Creating a positive environment for love and romance is essential in any relationship, particularly in marriage. Love and marriage thrive when there is a strong foundation of trust, open communication, and mutual respect. Romance and passion are vital components that keep the spark alive between partners. It involves expressing affection, engaging in romantic gestures, and nurturing the emotional connection. The trust serves as the bedrock of love, providing security and confidence within the relationship. When partners trust each other completely, they can freely express their emotions, share vulnerabilities, and build a deeper bond. To create a positive environment for love and marriage, couples can prioritize quality time together, engage in activities that create intimacy, communicate openly about their needs and desires, and show appreciation for one another regularly. These efforts contribute to strengthening the emotional connection between partners and keeping the flame of love burning bright. Conclusion: Nurturing Trust for a Strong Love And Marriage Nurturing trust in love and marriage is essential for building a strong and lasting relationship. Trust forms the foundation of any successful marriage, fostering open communication, intimacy, and emotional security between partners. By understanding the significance of trust and implementing strategies to cultivate it, anyone can create a loving and secure bond that stands the test of time.

[relationaltherapist]

I'd describe a relationship as a connection between two or more beings based on mutual understanding, trust, and emotional investment. It involves sharing experiences, supporting each other, and forming a bond that enriches the lives of those involved.

Sharing experiences in a relationship means participating in activities together, whether they're mundane daily tasks or exciting adventures. It involves not just being physically present, but also emotionally engaged and interested in each other's lives.

Supporting each other goes beyond just offering help when needed; it's about being there in both good times and bad, offering encouragement, empathy, and understanding. It's about being a source of strength and comfort for your partner.

Forming a bond that enriches lives is about cultivating a deep connection built on trust, respect, and affection. It's about feeling understood, valued, and accepted for who you are. This bond can bring joy, fulfillment, and a sense of belonging to both individuals, making their lives more meaningful and fulfilling.

Trust develops over time through consistent and reliable behavior. It starts with small interactions where individuals demonstrate honesty, integrity, and dependability. As these interactions continue and positive experiences accumulate, trust grows stronger.

Communication also plays a crucial role in building trust. Open and honest communication fosters transparency and allows individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of judgment or rejection.

Additionally, trust is reinforced through shared experiences, mutual respect, and empathy. When individuals feel understood, supported, and respected by their partner, they are more likely to trust them.

Ultimately, trust is a fragile yet essential aspect of any relationship, and it requires effort, commitment, and mutual respect to develop and maintain over time.

[soulvedablog]

The Key to Lasting Bonds: Transparency in Relationships

In the intricate dance of human connection, one concept reigns supreme: transparency in relationships. It's not just about being honest; it's about being open, vulnerable, and authentic. In this blog post, we'll explore what it means to be transparent in a relationship, how to practice it effectively, the distinction between honesty and transparency, and whether total transparency is beneficial.

What Does it Mean to be Transparent in a Relationship?

Transparency in a relationship is the willingness to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly with your partner. It involves being forthcoming about your emotions, desires, and concerns, without fear of judgment or rejection. Transparency fosters trust, intimacy, and mutual understanding, laying the foundation for a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

How Do You Practice Transparency in a Relationship?

1. Open Communication: Communicate openly and honestly with your partner. Share your joys, fears, and insecurities without reservation. Be receptive to your partner's thoughts and feelings, and strive to understand their perspective.

2. Vulnerability: Embrace vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness. Share your authentic self with your partner, including your flaws and imperfections. Vulnerability cultivates deeper emotional connections and strengthens the bond between partners.

3. Active Listening: Listen attentively to your partner without judgment or interruption. Validate their feelings and experiences, and offer empathy and support. Active listening demonstrates respect and fosters trust in the relationship.

4. Respect Boundaries: While transparency is important, respect your partner's boundaries and privacy. Understand that not everything needs to be shared, and allow space for individual autonomy and independence.

5. Consistency: Practice transparency consistently in your relationship. Build a culture of openness and trust by being reliable and dependable in your communication and actions.

What is the Difference Between Honesty and Transparency in a Relationship?

While honesty and transparency are related concepts, they differ in scope and depth. Honesty involves telling the truth and not deceiving your partner, whereas transparency goes beyond mere truth-telling. Transparency entails sharing not only factual information but also your thoughts, feelings, and intentions openly and authentically. It requires vulnerability and emotional openness, whereas honesty may focus solely on factual accuracy.

Is Total Transparency Healthy in a Relationship?

While transparency is crucial for fostering trust and intimacy, total transparency may not always be healthy in a relationship. Complete disclosure of every thought, feeling, or past experience can overwhelm and burden both partners. It's essential to strike a balance between transparency and respecting each other's privacy and autonomy.

Instead of aiming for total transparency, focus on creating an environment of openness, trust, and mutual respect. Communicate openly about important matters and share your thoughts and feelings authentically, but also recognize the importance of individual boundaries and personal space.

In conclusion, transparency in relationships is the cornerstone of trust, intimacy, and mutual understanding. By practicing open communication, vulnerability, active listening, and respect for boundaries, couples can cultivate a healthy and fulfilling relationship. Remember, it's not about revealing every detail of your life but about sharing your authentic self with your partner.

Click here to take our quiz and assess the transparency level in your relationship!

[helenanashton]

Understanding Committed Relationships: Building Bonds of Trust and Partnership

In the realm of romantic relationships, the term "committed relationship" carries significant weight, often symbolizing a deep level of dedication, trust, and partnership between two individuals. But what exactly constitutes a committed relationship, and how does it differ from other types of relationships? In this article, we'll explore the essence of committed relationships, examining the key characteristics that define these bonds and the importance of mutual commitment in fostering lasting love and connection.

Defining Committed Relationships: At its core, a committed relationship is a partnership between two individuals who have made a mutual commitment to each other. This commitment goes beyond mere verbal agreements or promises—it's a conscious decision to prioritize the relationship and work together towards shared goals and values. Committed relationships are built on a foundation of trust, honesty, and mutual respect, fostering a deep sense of emotional intimacy and connection between partners.

Key Characteristics of Committed Relationships:

Mutual Commitment: In a committed relationship, both partners are fully invested in the relationship and are committed to each other's happiness and well-being. They prioritize the relationship and make decisions with their partner's best interests in mind.

Open Communication: Communication is essential in a committed relationship, allowing partners to express their needs, desires, and concerns openly and honestly. Effective communication fosters understanding, empathy, and intimacy between partners, strengthening the bond between them.

Trust and Honesty: Trust is the cornerstone of a committed relationship, and honesty is its bedrock. Partners in a committed relationship trust each other implicitly and are honest and transparent in their interactions. They feel secure in the knowledge that their partner has their back and will always be there for them.

Shared Values and Goals: Committed partners share common values, beliefs, and life goals, aligning their aspirations and ambitions for the future. They support each other's dreams and aspirations and work together as a team to overcome challenges and achieve their shared objectives.

Emotional Intimacy: Emotional intimacy is a hallmark of committed relationships, involving a deep connection and understanding between partners. Committed partners feel comfortable being vulnerable and authentic with each other, sharing their deepest thoughts, feelings, and fears without fear of judgment or rejection.

Mutual Respect and Support: Committed partners respect each other's individuality and autonomy, honoring each other's boundaries, opinions, and decisions. They offer unwavering support and encouragement to each other, celebrating successes and providing comfort during difficult times.

Importance of Mutual Commitment: Mutual commitment is the glue that holds a committed relationship together, providing a sense of security, stability, and trust. It gives partners the confidence to weather life's challenges and uncertainties together, knowing that they are in it for the long haul. Mutual commitment fosters a deep sense of connection and belonging between partners, creating a safe and nurturing environment where love can flourish and thrive.

Conclusion: In conclusion, a committed relationship is a partnership built on mutual commitment, trust, and respect between two individuals. It involves open communication, shared values and goals, emotional intimacy, and unwavering support and encouragement. Mutual commitment is the foundation of a committed relationship, providing the stability and security needed to navigate life's ups and downs together. By fostering mutual commitment and prioritizing the relationship, partners can build a lasting bond of love and partnership that stands the test of time.

[maritaljoy]

Building trust and intimacy in your marriage

Trust and intimacy form the foundation of a thriving marriage. This discussion offers marriage advice on how to nurture and strengthen these vital elements, creating a deeper and more fulfilling connection.

The importance of trust and intimacy in a marriage

In any successful marriage, trust and intimacy play crucial roles. These two elements are the foundation for a strong and lasting relationship, providing the necessary support and connection needed for a fulfilling partnership.

Trust is the cornerstone of a healthy marriage. It involves having confidence in your partner's reliability, honesty, and loyalty. When trust is present, it creates a sense of security and emotional safety within the relationship. Couples who trust each other are more open, honest, and vulnerable with one another, allowing for deeper levels of connection and understanding.

Building trust in a marriage requires consistent effort and communication. It involves being transparent, keeping promises, and demonstrating reliability. Trust is not built overnight but grows over time through shared experiences, open communication, and a commitment to each other's emotional well-being.

Intimacy, on the other hand, goes beyond physical attraction. It encompasses emotional, intellectual, and spiritual connections between partners. Intimacy involves feeling emotionally close and connected to your spouse, being able to share your thoughts, feelings, and desires openly without fear of judgment or rejection.

Cultivating intimacy in a marriage involves regular communication, spending quality time together, and being fully present in each other's lives. It requires active listening, empathy, and a willingness to understand your partner's perspective. Intimacy is built through shared experiences, creating a bond that goes beyond surface-level interactions.

When trust and intimacy are present in a marriage, couples experience a deeper level of satisfaction and fulfillment. They are more likely to overcome challenges together, as they have a solid foundation of trust and emotional connection to rely on.

Marriage advice often emphasizes the importance of trust and intimacy for a reason. They are essential for maintaining a healthy and loving partnership. Without trust, the relationship lacks stability, and without intimacy, it can become disconnected and stagnant.

Investing time and effort into building trust and intimacy in your marriage is worth it. It requires open and honest communication, vulnerability, and a commitment to the well-being of your partner. When trust and intimacy are nurtured, they create a strong and lasting bond that can withstand the tests of time.

Effective communication techniques for building trust

In any marriage or relationship, effective communication is the key to building trust, understanding, and a strong foundation. Without clear and open lines of communication, misunderstandings and conflicts can arise, leading to erosion of trust and harmony. Here are some effective communication techniques that can help strengthen your relationship and build trust:

1. Active Listening: One of the most important aspects of effective communication is active listening. This involves giving your partner your full attention, maintaining eye contact, and being present in the moment. It's about truly understanding what your partner is saying, without interrupting or formulating a response in your mind. Active listening shows respect and empathy, which helps build trust and creates a safe space for open communication.

2. Open and Honest Communication: It's crucial to be open and honest with your partner about your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Bottling up emotions or avoiding difficult conversations can create barriers and hinder trust. Express yourself calmly and respectfully, using "I" statements to avoid sounding accusatory. Encourage your partner to do the same, fostering an environment where both of you feel comfortable expressing yourselves.

3. Practice Empathy and Understanding: Put yourself in your partner's shoes and try to understand their perspective. Validate their emotions and show empathy, even if you don't fully agree. This allows your partner to feel heard and understood, strengthening trust and fostering a deeper connection.

4. Non-Verbal Communication: Remember that communication is not just about words; non-verbal cues play a significant role as well. Pay attention to your body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Avoid defensive or aggressive postures and gestures, as they can create a hostile environment. Instead, maintain a relaxed and open posture to show that you are receptive to your partner's thoughts and feelings.

5. Resolve Conflicts Constructively: Conflicts are a natural part of any relationship, but how you handle them can either strengthen or weaken your bond. When conflicts arise, focus on finding a solution together rather than placing blame. Use "we" instead of "you" or "I" to promote a sense of unity. Practice active problem-solving and compromise, allowing both partners to feel heard and valued.

By implementing these effective communication techniques into your relationship, you can nurture trust, strengthen your bond, and create a harmonious and loving partnership.

Enhancing emotional intimacy in your marriage

Emotional intimacy is a crucial aspect of any successful marriage. It involves establishing a deep emotional connection and fostering trust, understanding, and support between partners. If you're looking to enhance emotional intimacy in your marriage, here are some valuable pieces of advice:

1. Effective Communication

Communication forms the foundation of emotional intimacy. It's essential to communicate openly and honestly with your partner, sharing your thoughts, feelings, and desires. Active listening, empathy, and non-judgmental attitudes play a vital role in fostering emotional closeness. Make time to engage in meaningful conversations and create a safe space where both partners feel heard and validated.

2. Quality Time Together

Spending quality time together is essential for building emotional intimacy. Make an effort to engage in activities you both enjoy, such as going for walks, cooking together, or participating in shared hobbies. Disconnect from distractions like electronic devices and prioritize uninterrupted time with your partner. This will allow you to deepen your emotional connection and strengthen your bond.

3. Express Appreciation and Affection

Expressing appreciation and affection regularly is crucial for nurturing emotional intimacy. Show gratitude for your partner's efforts, small gestures, and qualities you admire. Physical affection, such as hugs, kisses, and holding hands, can also strengthen the emotional connection between partners. Small acts of kindness and affirmation go a long way in fostering emotional intimacy.

4. Foster Trust and Emotional Safety

Trust is the cornerstone of emotional intimacy in a marriage. It's essential to create a safe and supportive environment where both partners feel comfortable being vulnerable. Be reliable, keep your promises, and avoid betraying your partner's trust. Encourage open and honest communication without fear of judgment or criticism. By fostering trust and emotional safety, you can deepen your emotional connection.

5. Show Empathy and Understanding

Empathy and understanding are vital for building emotional intimacy. Make an effort to see things from your partner's perspective and validate their emotions. Practice active listening and avoid jumping to conclusions or offering unsolicited advice. Showing empathy and understanding creates an environment where both partners feel validated, leading to a stronger emotional bond.

6. Seek Professional Support if Needed

If you're facing challenges in enhancing emotional intimacy in your marriage, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Marriage counselors or therapists can provide valuable guidance and tools to improve emotional intimacy. They can help you identify and address any underlying issues that may be impacting your emotional connection.

Remember, enhancing emotional intimacy in your marriage requires effort, patience, and consistent practice. By implementing these tips and prioritizing emotional closeness, you can strengthen your bond and create a fulfilling and intimate partnership.

In conclusion, these marriage advice tips emphasize the significance of trust and intimacy in building a resilient and deeply connected marriage. Prioritizing these elements ensures a lasting and fulfilling partnership.

[captainmdhridoyhossain-blog]

[ad_1] Building Trust: Key to a Lasting Relationship Introduction In the realm of relationships, trust is a foundational pillar that holds everything together. It is an essential element that solidifies the bond between individuals and cements their commitment to one another. Trust is not something that can be built overnight; it requires time, effort, and consistency. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the significance of trust in relationships and discuss effective strategies for building and maintaining it. So, grab a cup of coffee and let's explore the world of trust! Section 1: Understanding Trust Heading 1: Defining Trust Trust is a multifaceted concept that encompasses feelings of reliability, loyalty, and confidence in someone. It involves having faith in their words, actions, and intentions. Trust is the bedrock upon which a solid and enduring relationship is built. Subheading 1: Trust in Personal Relationships Trust plays a pivotal role in personal relationships, be it friendships, romantic partnerships, or familial bonds. It creates a sense of security and emotional safety, allowing individuals to be vulnerable with each other, share their deepest secrets, and rely on one another during times of need. Subheading 2: Trust in Professional Relationships Trust is not limited to personal relationships alone. It is equally crucial in professional realms, such as workplaces and businesses. Trust within a team enhances collaboration, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. It fosters a positive work environment where individuals feel supported and valued. Section 2: The Importance of Trust in Relationships Heading 2: Establishing Emotional Safety Trust is the foundation of emotional safety within relationships. When trust exists, individuals feel secure, knowing that their feelings, vulnerabilities, and secrets will be respected and protected by their partner. Emotional safety promotes open and honest communication, nurturing a deep connection between individuals. Subheading 1: Trust as a Form of Reliability Trust signifies reliability. When trust is present, individuals have confidence that their partner will be there for them in times of joy, sorrow, and everything in between. This reliability builds a sense of dependability and reassurance, allowing individuals to feel supported and loved unconditionally. Subheading 2: Creating a Safe Space Trust creates a safe space for growth and exploration within relationships. Individuals can experiment with new ideas, express their true selves, and work towards self-improvement without fearing judgment or rejection. The presence of trust enhances personal and relational development. Section 3: Building Trust in Relationships Heading 3: Honest and Transparent Communication Honesty and transparency are the building blocks of trust. Individuals must be truthful and open with their partner regarding their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Maintaining clear and consistent communication fosters trust and prevents misunderstandings that could erode the foundation of the relationship. Subheading 1: Active Listening Active listening is an essential component of effective communication. It involves attentively hearing and understanding your partner's words, emotions, and needs. By actively engaging in conversations, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to the relationship and show that their partner's thoughts and feelings are valued. Subheading 2: Avoiding Deception Deception has no place in a trusting relationship. Individuals must refrain from lying, hiding information, or engaging in manipulative behavior. Deception erodes trust and can irreversibly damage the bond between partners. It is crucial to prioritize honesty and integrity at all times. Section 4: Maintaining Trust in Relationships Heading 4: Consistency and Reliability Consistency and reliability are vital to maintaining trust in relationships. Individuals must follow through

on their promises, be dependable, and consistently demonstrate their commitment to the relationship. By being reliable, individuals convey that their partner can count on them, thereby strengthening the trust between them. Subheading 1: Trusting Each Other's Boundaries Respecting and honoring each other's boundaries is paramount in maintaining trust. Individuals should acknowledge and be mindful of their partner's limits. By doing so, they create an atmosphere of trust and demonstrate their commitment to their partner's emotional well-being. Subheading 2: Addressing Issues Promptly Addressing issues and conflicts promptly is necessary to prevent the escalation of problems and the erosion of trust. Individuals must be willing to have open and honest conversations about concerns, grievances, and areas of improvement. By proactively addressing issues, trust can be upheld and even strengthened. FAQs About Building Trust: Q1: How long does it take to build trust in a relationship? A1: Building trust is a gradual process that varies from person to person and relationship to relationship. It can take weeks, months, or even years to establish a strong foundation of trust. Q2: Can trust be repaired once broken? A2: While rebuilding trust after a breach can be challenging, it is possible with sincere effort, honest communication, and consistent actions over time. Rebuilding trust requires patience, forgiveness, and a genuine commitment to change. Q3: What role does forgiveness play in trust-building? A3: Forgiveness is a significant factor in rebuilding trust. It involves letting go of resentment and offering a second chance. Forgiveness paves the way for healing and rebuilding broken bonds. Q4: How can past trust issues affect future relationships? A4: Past trust issues can impact future relationships by creating a sense of insecurity and fear. It is important to address and heal from past wounds before entering a new relationship to prevent the recurrence of trust issues. Conclusion Trust is the lifeblood of any lasting relationship. It is a complex yet essential element that holds partners together, creates emotional safety, and fosters growth. Building and maintaining trust requires honesty, transparency, communication, consistency, and respect for boundaries. By prioritizing trust, individuals can nurture and strengthen their relationships, paving the way for a fulfilling and lasting connection. [ad_2] #Building #Trust #Key #Lasting #Relationship

[vaire-gwir]

Some Cat and Wolf fanfic I had in mind pt.2

There is a part 2! Is it less trash than part 1? No, I mean I wrote it, what did you expect. I like to believe I know where I’m going with this one, but who am I kidding here. 

There are a couple of flashbacks, I tried my best at writing how Lambert finds out about Aiden’s death and what happens after that, a sad dream, just a tiny bit of fluff cause I couldn’t resist, and maybe angst? Again, let me know what you think, if it makes sense or it’s truly just rubbish. Feed my feedback monster please. It’s still very not canon and even more out of characters probably, so sorry. 

Maybe I’ll call it ‘I lost a friend, I lost my mind’, still not sure.

Also, English is clearly not my first language, I’m sorry for all the mistakes!

***

He's always dreaming of Aiden lately, and he can still feel the blood on his own hands when he wakes up, it's splattered on his clothes, soaking through the fabric from where he kneels on the ground next to the dead body and it makes him want to scrape and scratch at his skin until the feeling is gone.

Lambert never saw Aiden's body, and part of the guilt he feels fuming inside him every time he thinks of his best friend comes from the fact that he can't stand the thought of his lover dying alone. The medallion came to him later, when he tracked down the Dyn Marv Caravan, worry fraying his nerves into a sickly thin rope ready to snap, cause Aiden was not at any of their usual spots and Lambert had been moving from one village to another asking at every inn but no one had seen the other Witcher since before winter. There was a bitter taste on his tongue every time he left a certain tavern empty-handed, a mixture of disappointment and frustration. By the time he decided to follow the trail of the Caravan the sharp twist in his senses every time another innkeeper or maid sent him on his way without any helpful information had been vexing him so much that he felt almost raw and he couldn't ignore it anymore. He knew something had happened to Aiden. Something always happened to the people he cared about, and most of the time it was his fault.

The Caravan wasn't particularly hard to find, but it still was a challenging decision to go looking for them. He knew the other Cats had no sympathy for him, the rivalry between their schools was older than the Continent itself, and it was no secret that in time they began accepting contracts on humans, turning them into nothing more than highly-skilled assassins and thieves. Aiden was not beyond stealing here and there, of course, but a few times he said he had refused to add more corpses to the baggage he was already carrying, weighing down on whatever was left of his conscience, if Witchers had one at all. 

Once, they were settled in the woods south of Temeria, relaxing before walking into town the next morning. They had found this small clearing, easy to defend on all sides in case of a monster making a sudden appearance, and they decided to make camp, both of them wanting to enjoy the quiet of the forest for one more night. They know it didn't mean safety, but it was still better than the villages, with their constant loud dissonance, with too many eyes, and too many people pointing fingers all the time. Being around humans always meant being extra careful, cause people too easily turned against them at the first sign of any inconvenience. Aiden was chatty that night, the calm of the evening keeping the rumble of words from his chest steady, and Lambert will never admit it but he truly enjoys listening to him talking, cause he can just focus on his tone, and that soft voice helps him keep his thoughts under control. It's less messy in his head when Aiden is close, he can simply lay there splayed on a blanket, his head pillowed on Aiden's lap, with the Cat running his magical fingers through his hair and enjoying the moment. 

He was telling Lambert about this job he did with one of his brothers, something about lifting a curse on the sister of a bastard mage that tried to trick them, and that's how he slipped into the topic of the other questionable jobs his fellow Witchers were willing to take. He didn't try to deny that he did the same thing as the other Cats for a while, as a Witcher he had to do terrible things, just like the rest of them, and Lambert would never judge him for that. At least Aiden had enough honesty in himself to speak the truth about what he did. Lambert had met so many bastards with the face and the acts of an innocent monk and their hands as dirty and bloody as everyone else, just a bunch of bragging hypocrites, that's what they were. 

<<We were made to kill monsters, some of my brothers would argue that death is death, but it's not Wolf, it's not. Cheating, and stealing, and deceiving is one thing, I won't pretend I'm not a horrible person. But when you start killing humans the lines blur out a lot more, it changes you. Usually, in a version of yourself that you eventually learn to hate.>> 

<<I don't think you're horrible. I mean, only sometimes.>> Lambert opened his eyes to look at the face above him and he met the endless green he adores. Aiden was looking at him with an amused expression, the motion of his fingers through his hair came to a halt, and Lambert whined at the loss.

<<Only sometimes, ah? Well, that's a relief considering you're stuck with me for a good while.>> Aiden leaned down to press a kiss to his lips, his hand now trailing down his face to his chest, resting just above his heart, the slow rhythm reassuring and soothing. Lambert opened his lips the moment he felt Aiden's tongue flicking against them, the taste invading his mouth in the most delicious way. He could just kiss him for hours and never get tired of that. The Cat straightened his back licking his lips, and Lambert brought his hand on top of the one on his chest. He had never been one for affection, but since the Cat walked into his life he tried to steal little kisses and small touches every chance he got.

<<How long is a good while?>>

<<As long as you want. So don't get tired of me just yet, pup.>> Aiden was always beautiful, but bathed in the firelight, with flames dancing in his perfect eyes and his legs stretched out in front of him, leisurely crossed at the ankles, warm and content, he looked like a divine gift. Lambert raised his fingers to trail his profile, slowly caressing the side of his face, almost afraid that if he dared too much that mystical creature would break right before his eyes and vanish forever.

<<You'll get tired of me. I mean, I'm awesome, but I'd get tired of myself too.>> Aiden looked at him right in his eyes, the serious look he had on his face was the one that meant he wasn't fooling around anymore, he was about to say something important. <<Never gonna happen. You're always gold to me.>>

Finding the Caravan was not the smartest decision, just being close to where they made camp meant risking his life, but he didn't care, this was his last resort, fear and concern were bound to kill him anyway if he didn't find Aiden soon, cause when Witchers go missing there's only one place they can be found: death. To directly approach the Caravan alone felt wrong, it went against every instinct he had, he felt exposed, like an easy target. As desperate as he was, he was still not completely stupid, so he lingered at the edge of the clearing for a second too long on purpose to make his presence announced. Lambert had seen other Cat witchers only a handful of times before, and he had never seen the whole Caravan, Aiden thought it was not safe for him to meet them, probably for the very same reason why he never took his Cat to the Wolves den: suspect and rejection were looming too close, no one was interested in risking bloodshed. Meeting on the road was one thing, paths were meant to cross at some point, but going home was an entirely different story, it was a sacred space, and it was too risky to invade that place, a balance too precarious to not be disrupted by refusal, judgment, and misunderstanding

There were six pairs of eyes on him immediately as soon as Lambert stepped forward from the line of the trees. He wasted a few precious seconds realizing his first mistake. A wolf, alone and armed, walking right through the Cat's camp was certainly asking for trouble. The look they gave him had the sole intent of making him feel uncomfortable and unwanted and it worked perfectly. Second mistake, his hand inched closer to his sword as a natural reflex, causing the handful of Witchers scattered around him to instantly reach for their own weapons. Lambert remained still, judging that he could probably take down at least three of them before the others attacked him, when a vaguely familiar figure stepped forward. He took it as a good sign that no arrows or daggers were flying in his direction, if they wanted him gone, he would be bleeding already.

Karadin muttered something along the lines of 'it's fine, I know this one,' and it was enough for his brothers to relax a little. Lambert attempted to stay calm while the other Cat approached him, there was something in his steps that made him look as if he was about to jump him. He didn't like it one bit being here, and as much as he tried to ignore it, hostility was vibrating in the air and running between the whole group like a current. <<I'm looking for Aiden. Not here to kill anyone.>> He said quickly. They had met once before, he had seen Aiden at ease talking to him, and so far he was the only one that didn't seem to want to murder him on the spot. Probably he was just a better liar. <<Figured that already. I remember you. He's gone, I'm sorry.>> His voice had a sharp edge that he tried to mask under practiced neutrality, but it still made him sound like it didn't matter at all to him if the others killed Lambert or not. <<Gone where? I've been....> <<Gone, Wolf. He's dead.>> 

It seemed empty when he said it as if he spoke those exact words so many times that they lost their true meaning now, he made it sound as if this was just another annoying thing that happened in their life, and they both should know better than to make a big deal out of it or get attached to another, cause people and especially witchers, die all the time. Easy for him to be this composed, he was not the one whose walls were crumbling.

There was a part of Lambert, the part he refused to listen, that had understood something occurred as soon as he realized Aiden was not in Kaedwen, cause he had no reason to not show up after winter. It was their thing, a sort of ritual they took to perform every season: come spring they would meet again and spend the following days holed up at an inn, barely leaving their bed, completely lost in feeling each other after so long and getting reacquainted with what belonged to them. It took Lambert a day and a half before he started to panic, and after that, his personal version of hell unfurled. For two endless weeks, Lambert had spent every single day searching for him, refusing contracts that he couldn't care enough to take, cause the prospect of a job was not sufficient to fill the hole inside him left by Aiden's disappearance. The voices in his head kept alternating between whispering that the Cat just left him cause he had enough of his sorry ass, and screaming that something happened to him and he wasn't doing anything useful about it. Two weeks made of empty days and cold nights consumed by doubts and fear, passing through another nameless village, threatening mages, picking fights, moving hell and earth to find him, repeating to himself over and over that Aiden couldn't be dead. All he did had been in vain until now, cause now this stranger was standing there and turning the cold suspicion he desperately tried to silence into the bitter truth. Dead. <<I was there.>>

Lambert tried to ask for something else, he really tried to sound coherent but all of a sudden he felt so tired. He also missed most of the words spilling from Karadin's mouth, but he'll have plenty of time to visualize in detail Aiden's death, because now that the crushing rage and grief he tried to keep at bay had washed over him like the waves of the ocean he could barely restrain himself. He felt as if someone was picking at the stitches that held him together and pulling so harshly that his seams were all coming apart at once. Dead. <<You can have this.>> A gloved hand pressed something into his palm, the sound of the leather squeaking in the motion bursting through the fog that settled around his head, and he felt the shape under his fingers. Aiden's medallion. He should pay more attention to the twisting in his guts suggesting that there was something very wrong, like an odd scent of lies in the air, but he didn't, he couldn't. Two Witchers on a contract, one is dead and the other escapes without a single scratch on him, he should figure out that there must be more about this that Karadin was not telling him, yet he ignored that intuition. Third mistake of the day. His mind was miles away, and his body was craving to put as much distance as possible between himself and this place, his heart beating too fast since the word 'dead' had been said out loud. Karadin must sense it, cause he didn't waste time in sending him away. <<Go, it is not wise of you to stay. And Wolf, I'm really sorry.>> 

Everything after that was dull and confused, he had a few scattered memories, most of them were nothing more than blinding pain, but he made it as far as the side of the forest before his legs gave out. He felt as if someone sent him stumbling in the darkness, without his potions and his tricks and everything was as gloomy as if all the light had been taken from the world. The next thing he remembered he was drunk out of his mind at an inn and morning found him passed out in a dirty alley, with blood on his clothes that he didn't know who it belonged to, and throbbing pain in his hand but his mind was too hazy to focus on anything right now. His first thought is that he has to find Aiden. It took a moment for the events of the previous day to resurface, but when they did, he was on his knees retching and gasping for breath. He can't go looking for Aiden now, cause his best friend is dead.

He replayed the encounter with the other Cat enough times in his mind to put together the scattered pieces, so now he knows how Aiden died, he knows where and he knows he was not alone. And all these things he knows don't help at all though, cause Lambert wasn't there to see it, to stitch him up as he did countless times before, to try and save him. After all, he'd never let a fucking griffin kill his best friend. Lambert was miles away in his winter keep, safe and sane like the fucking coward he is, dreaming of spring while he repairs old walls because he doesn't know that spring is not coming this year. And yet, all he can see now is Aiden's death. Every night when he closes his eyes the shadows move in his mind, showing him the horror that he never witnessed as if the universe was performing a sick joke on him. There are usually no words or sounds in his visions, and as dreadful as it is, it's still better than when he can hear Aiden's voice.

About a couple of weeks ago his exhausted brain decided to start playing tricks on him, making him see things he's sure are not real, but it's not always easy to tell the difference between reality and dreams when everything is a nightmare. Minds work in a very funny way when faced with unknown suffering, in a funny and cruel way, that's why in these hallucinations Aiden is nothing like the friend he used to know. The thing is, the nightmares are just nightmares. Reality is worse cause he can’t wake up from it. And truth is, Aiden is gone. Lambert has a hard time making sense of the words he hears, so unusual coming from this person he considers his friend, his lover, his. Some bits stick to him, and he remembers those so well it's impossible they are just a product of his subconscious.

<<You should have let me come to Kaer Morhen.>> Lambert's shoulders are hunched, the weight of those words too heavy for him to bear. A few days before going their separate ways Aiden asked him to spend the winter together and he said no. He said he'd stay and that they could find an overly rich lord looking for two extra soldiers, but going to Kaer Morhen was out of the question. He had toyed with the idea of bringing the Cat back home before, the promise of a pleasant and refreshing winter with his lover as tempting as ever. Except that there were two other Wolves at home, and even if they didn't send Aiden away running, Vesemir would kick both of them out before they step through the doors. He couldn't face his family knowing they'd think even less of him for showing up with a Cat. That's why he refused, because he's nothing but a coward, and now Aiden carries the same hurt on his face that he had that night.   <<I really wanted you to come, I was...>> <<And I really don't believe you.>> Aiden spats out angrily at him with blood seeping through the blue fabric of his shirt as he wipes a hand over his face, smearing the red lines dripping down his cheek.

<< I don't know how to lie to you.>> <<I'd know it if you were.>> <<It always seemed pointless to do it anyway. No one ever saw me as you did.>> Aiden's laugh is as disturbing as his unseeing eyes, and the way it echoes in the dark makes him ache. Aiden wants to hurt him as much as he had been hurt. And the people that know us best always know how to cause more damage. <<That's an awful amount of words for you.>> The metallic and cold smell of death overpowers everything, there are no more spices or fresh tinges of mint, no sweet undertones of honey, the scent that used to make him think of peace, of happiness and the sea is lost somewhere under the pain. Lambert wants to clutch at that dark shadow that wears the face and the body of his best friend, hold it close to his chest, run a hand through his hair in a desperate attempt to find a trace of that happiness but deep down he knows he can't touch. <<I'm...sorry.>> <<What for?>> <<Being a coward.>> <<Something suddenly loosened up your tongue, I see....tough luck wolf, it's too late.>> Lambert feels like choking on the air he was trying to breathe, the harsh truth hits him like a punch. He always thought he had time, time to find the courage to talk to his family, to figure out how to deal with all his sharp edges without lashing out at his lover, to simply be with Aiden and live long enough to defeat the Witcher's curse and outrun their past, and move together somewhere close to the sea where he'd build another boat and finally they could settle down and life would stop being this constant amount of bullshit. But it's too late. <<I love you.>> <<No you don't. You never did. You don't know how. You cared more about what your ridiculous family thought of you than about me.>> <Didn't know how to show it.>> <<You should have figured that one out before leaving.>> Realization sends an unfamiliar drop rolling down his cheek and he doesn't bother brushing it away. It wouldn't hurt this bad if it wasn't true. <<You were everything to me! I can't...I'm sorry I....>> <<Sorry doesn't bring back the dead. Nothing does.>>

Panic settles in his system and it doesn't leave even when he jerks awake, panting as if he had been running for days. His eyes are wide open, unfocused on the forest around him and this time he dries the wet lines on his cheek, the borders between reality and dreams too weak to not be torn apart by pain.

Sadness smells like dust, with a tinge of something smokey and iron, like burning old wood and pouring water over it. The sharp edge of Aiden's words cut like his swords and all he can do is lay on his blanket trying not to suffocate. It doesn't matter that this version of Aiden he keeps conjuring up from the bottomless pit of his guilt continues saying things the real Aiden would never say, cause in the middle of the night, when the weight in his chest becomes unbearably heavy, he's drowning and the dark tide of his thoughts doesn't let him come up for air. It's hard to remember that Aiden was never cruel to him, cause he can barely stop his hands from shaking, and forcing himself to will away the tears is the only thing he can focus on.

Every time he closes his eyes the ghosts crowd behind them, to remind him that he messed up, that he should have been there, he should have done better. As if it wasn't bad enough that he had lost the only person that ever loved him. Maybe that's when it all went wrong, cause there’s no such thing as love for a Witcher, isn't it? There are monsters, coins, and death. It’s a sad life they live and it’s only a matter of time before a beast, an assassin, a mage or an angry mob send them to their grave. They all live with a damn ticking clock on the back of their neck, tick tick ticking away with the number of days they have left, he always thought he had time, but he was wrong. They don't get to retire or move somewhere better, there's no boat by the sea for a Witcher, no lover to hold on to, they don't get a choice. They never did.

He’s talking to a vision that can’t answer him and that’s a sign that he’s gone crazy, he lost his marbles for good this time. And for fuck sake he has to get a grip on himself. Maybe if he had brought Aiden with him to Kaer Morhen he'd still be alive and they'd still be together. There's a voice in the dark that seems to whisper 'coward' over and over and the dark glow of the metal on the Cat medallion on his chest seems to shame him and blame him as much as Aiden's words did in his dream. He's sure he can feel that thing moving, crawling on his skin, a silent accusation reflected in those dead eyes, shining in a sinister way. It bothers him, cause that piece of metal is a reminder of when he failed, what he has lost, where he messed up. It seems to accuse him, demand him to fix this, but how do you fix death? What was that wretched thing reproaching him for, expecting him to mend death as if it was just another curse? When he throws the cat-shaped medallion in the fire in a fit of rage cause the damn thing is mocking him he's three heartbeats away from losing his mind and he smells it: sadness. The woods are filled with that smell of misery, of dust, and grief, the fire trying to burn the metal like the pain was burning his heart, and he stares entranced.

The glimmering of the jewelry in the flames is hypnotic, just like Aiden's eyes were with their shade of green. He'll never gaze into those perfect eyes ever again. He'll never have another spring reunion, he'll never mindlessly trace the line of the scar under Aiden's ribs when he's lost in thought and they're lounging lazily on the bed, and he'll never feel the unique mix of mint, honey and spices that belonged only to Aiden, and no one will ever look at him and make him feel important as he did.  

He blinks the tears away and he’s frantically reaching into the flames to retrieve it, reverently placing it on the rumpled blanket, making sure he didn’t damage it in his stupid fit. He can’t afford to ruin the only thing he has left of the only person that ever accepted him and that realization hurts less than his burnt fingertips. There’s nothing left but this necklace. And all his memories.

After that, he's unable to put the cat-shaped medallion back on so it lives in his pocket until he finds enough strength to leave it behind or wear it around his neck again, whatever comes first. That necklace is so heavy it seems to burn a hole in his flesh, and for an irrational second he finds it fitting: Aiden was always getting under his skin, maybe that’s where it should be. Safe, but he’ll never be safe again, the dead are not safe. He tries to shake his thoughts out of his mind while he walks toward the closest village he can find outside of Redania, cause he's almost out of coins, and the perspective of getting drunk and blissfully passing out without dreams for a couple of hours it's too tempting to ignore. With the last of his money, he gets a drink and a room, and after setting his stuff down he sits in a corner of the inn that is slowly filling up. Lambert tries to tune out all the noise of the other patrons, he's not in the mood for petty chats. He's been sitting there for no more than a couple of hours when a slightly drunk guard tells his companions that he's glad he doesn't have a night shift. Last month the black beast devoured three of his mates again, one is still missing. Lambert spares a glance at the little patch of sky he can see from his spot and stands up, making his way to the guard's table. Maybe killing something would keep him distracted. <<This black beast, it shows up once a month?>> The guard looks at his companions utterly frozen in front of him and doesn't bother turning around. <<And how could you possibly know that?>> <<Sir, he's a Witcher, sir, we've seen the lot of them here before. Bad luck to have them around. Terrible bad luck>> Lambert doesn't bother with this pale man that looks too close to fainting, he keeps his eyes on who he assumes he's the captain of the guards that finally decided to turn around, a curious look in his eyes. <<A Witcher, uh? Aye, once a month, for the past three months. I lost twelve good men already.>> <<And how much will you pay for it?>> <<You think you can kill something that took twelve soldiers?>> Lambert is quickly losing his patience, this idiots are not helping his sour mood. <<It's a werewolf, and I've killed the likes before. How much?>> One of the pale kids starts mumbling again, afraid to look at the Witcher and afraid to look away from him. <<My old nan always said it, someone dies when there's a Witcher around.>> <<Did your nan know how to kill a werewolf? Do you? No, so how about you close your fucking mouth!>> <<300 hundred crowns is all I can give you.>> The captain interrupts.

Lambert goes back to his room without another word, preparing for the hunt. He tucks his medallion under his shirt and places the cat-shaped one on the bed. He feels the dark eyes on it following him everywhere, just like the Cat used to do when they were together. He loved it, the feeling of someone watching him not with suspicion, fear, or hate, but kindness and understanding. It was an unfamiliar sensation at first, no one ever looked at him that way. No one ever will. Now he doesn’t want these metal orbs, he wants green eyes that are alive, that stare at him and care, that challenge and mock him, that love him, fight him, accept him. He tries leaving it hidden between the clothes in his pack and it makes it as far as the front door before he's rushing back up to stuff the damn thing in his pocket and head out to hunt this werewolf.

[a-long-walk-in-the-forest]

Sasuke’s saturn degree exploration

This post is about his saturn which is likely in 3rd decan cancer. 

23-24

It denotes a strong, masterly character of great endurance, stability and daring; ambitious of honor and capable of withstanding his enemies while achieving greatness and fame for himself. It is a degree of MASTERY.

The native’s soaring ambition is fanned by great qualities and as great failings; it takes but little help by other astrologic factors to have that ambition satisfied even beyond expectations. This degree grants ,an inborn prestige, admirable courage and untiring industriousness, but a snake-like hypocrisy as well, a tendency to cool-blooded, ruthless scheming, a mean way of cowering and cringing until the desired aim and the attending distinctions are in sight. Such vices are hard to sublimate into virtues. The native’s religious spirit would offer a chance, although exactly the contrary-namely, perversion of that outer intolerant and hypocritical formalism-might be expected. But the importance of the other factors and their marshalling, can never be overstressed. There will be no lack of enemies, whom the native will not fear. He may instead go out of his own way to bargain with them, if this can lift him but one step higher. As soon as he has the whole flight of steps behind himself, he will have them all under his heels and will rule over them all as a tyrant.

Music; denotes the seer; a charming person who may use his gifts for a good cause; a good critical writer; he can blend truth with imagination to make his works interesting; literature; has the audacity to be different; gastric ulcer; blood vessels.

24-25

It indicates a person of much independence of spirit, self-willed and daring. Such is capable of carrying out designs conceived by himself without the aid or companionship of others. He may be a pioneer; it is certain he is venturesome and self- reliant; and where such qualities may have influence, he will succeed and be singular in honor as in action. The native will be somewhat estranged from his kindred; taciturn and self- contained; but will make his mark in some field of work requiring independence of spirit, courage and perseverance. It is a degree of SELF-RELIANCE

The strongest man is the one who stands most alone. Ibsen, An Enemy of the People A high-spirited being, full of noble purposes and setting his aims high, cherishing freedom above all earthly things and driving this love so far as to stray away from his kind into silence and seclusion. If other stars help, this will not prevent his doing great works likely to exert a deep influence on his neighbors and to leave a mark in history. The secret of his success is his unshakable self-confidence supported by a fiery will. Under less favorable influences his daring may become a reckless love of adventure, his zest for work wild and fickle fanaticism, his lofty aspirations selfish ambitions. Travel will play some role in his life. Concurrent emergence of suitable factors might make him into a pioneer.

Literature; gift of healing; musical ability; art; denotes the seer; a degree of “darkness”; independent; capable of carrying out his own ideas; fired with great aspirations, his influence will be felt in far places; afflictions threaten trouble with and danger through liquids, water, gas, poisons or dog bites; rising; said to inspire admiration for the canine species; proud and easily angered; petulant; duodenal ulcer; digestive organs.  .

28-29

It indicates a person of docile and tractable nature, combined with a certain subtlety of mind and high order of intelligence. One who will be held in restraint by others, or whose freedom will be taken by the hand of Fate and the force of circumstances. Although thus held in check, the native will be subject to dangers of an unknown character from secret enemies and jealous foes, and will be in peril of an untimely end. It is a degree of forced RESTRAINT.

Where there are pointers of honesty and decency, this degree bestows a superior intelligence and a sense for business. Unfavorably aspected, it will produce a low cunning leading to unscrupulous doings, cheating, and even theft. Strange as it may seem, the native tends by nature to be shy, yielding, self-conscious, and close. Such a pliancy will remarkably relieve the educator’s task, provided he can see through his pupil, but will increase the danger of evil as well. Should other astrologic factors concur, an unhappy end might be foreseen: jail, death sentence, violent death and the like. The ambushes of men and fate are, in any event, to be feared.

An interesting person but sometimes unreliable and uncertain, conscious awareness of hair, often acts on inspiration or impulse; last 2 degree of Cancer not favorable for Neptune unless there are good aspects (Mars favorable to this Neptune; energy for the work denoted); spleen.

29-30

It denotes a person of much intelligence, ardent spirits, somewhat willful and daring nature; having a great love of freedom, contempt for public opinion, and much self-reliance. The mind is quick and alert, but somewhat untamable and willful, and the emotions are apt to run away with the reason. There is, however, a good deal of intuitive judgment in the native, and this degree gives a keen sense of justice, a warm passionate nature, strong will, little self-restraint and much insight into human character. It is a degree of FREEDOM.

 As are all over-compensated half-wits, the native is firmly persuaded that other people’s opinions count for nothing. As far as he is personally concerned, no-one can deny him a certain ready wit, a certain insight and a degree of psychological penetration, or the sense of justice. But unless very favorably aspected elsewhere, he cannot be expected to be modest and to harbor any feelings of human brotherhood. His force does not lie in his thought, but in his will power, which, if backed by other good aspects elsewhere, can really be above average. He will disdainfully reject help and shun dependence, plunge boldly into action and engage single handed in fierce struggles-and will still succeed best in that very field any logical mind would deem the least congenial to him, namely, government career. He might take to the sea and have to stand the hardest ordeals and face the worst dangers in his career, which, in the light of abstract reasoning, would seem to fit him to a tee.

Avid collectors; botanists and foresters; hoarding or miserliness (or a spendthrift); sometimes physical misfortunes the native cannot avoid; not favorable for Neptune unless well aspected; clairvoyance; bronchitis; twelfth dorsal vertebrae.

[meishutori]

@sphaeraa

         Deserved happiness.

           Here was yet another person--Rose’s own zanpakutō--saying what it was that Rojuro deserved. In hindsight, it could be viewed as insulting to one of the Hōgyoku’s caliber. For anyone to imply what another soul deserved--good or bad--was to hold them beneath an umbrella of judgment adhering to certain expectations.           

How exhausting it was, this series of standards set forth by anyone and everyone but by Rojuro’s own design. A soft breath parted the god’s lips, his shoulders remaining squared into the meditative rest that held his poise.            

“For a spirit, you know little of the heart. You seem trapped in the expectations of your own mind. ‘What is best for Kinshara and her survival... and the santity of the temple housing her.’”

           He trailed off, eyes opening to cast toward her visage.            

“That is what I detect from you. A nearly-panicked level of self-conservation disguised as concern for one’s master.”            

It was not him jabbing insults for the sake of doing so. Nor was this meant to be insulting. It was only a level of insight, provided by the Hōgyoku’s sentience interpretation. He could be very wrong, as any god could.           

 “His ‘deserved happiness’ is something you have decided for him. That is what ‘deserved’ implies. He ‘deserves’ the best, because that is becoming of him. But the ‘best’ for someone is a matter of opinion. What is ‘best’ for a fly, is not ‘best’ for the spider. And it goes, too, in reverse. What is ‘best’ for the spider, is not ‘best’ for the fly.”

           The Hōgyoku paused again, this time allowing his gaze to lower, as if in contemplation. Though, a moment passed, and he continued again.           

“If Rojuro believes himself deserving of what he has found, then I am only grateful to be beneath the scope of someone of his sentience and caliber of perspective. If he eventually believes himself deserving of ‘better’, or ‘worse’--each defined by his own definitions--then I will respect his decision.”           

“Only if, or when, that time comes. Until then, I will not dishonor his willingness to accept my sentience, by rejecting what he views to be his ‘deserved happiness’. To do so would be insulting to his heart and to his mind, and insulting to what he has taught me about the integrity hiding in scarce remnants of humanity.”

--- Funny, this.. He seemed to want to look into her the way he did Rojurou. True, she was a reflection of him, and yet.. Her own person. And the innards of a zanpakutou spirit are but pure energy. Her psyche was much like the Hogyoku’s, in that it did not truly hold a physical form. She just made it so, when it suited her. And so, in a small whirlwind of whiskers and flowing dragon-hairs, the serpent flew, a small tornado all its own that shifted until there, in front of the Hogyoku, now stood a woman. All six arms folded within her giant sleeves of white. Robes and sleeves alike touching upon the ground. She lowered into a flutter of fabric and hair, into perfect seiza, one hand coming up to push a stray strand of ebony hair behind an ear. 

      “You are mistaken.” She speaks, her voice melodious, as though like bells carried onto the wind. “The concern I feel for my master is no charade.” One pair of hands folds over one another into her lap. “You yourself have seen what havoc was wreaked upon Rojurou’s inner world; his very psyche.” She looked up at him through her lashes first, then tipped her chin. and regarded him a while, without comment, before continuing her reply to his observations. “’Panic’ is not a feeling I am familiar with.” She stated. “Deserved indeed is subjective; so let me explain what I mean by that. Rojurou has had to carry burden upon burden, and does so still, without complaint. Deserved, is a reprieve from that. Deserved is peace and happiness in whatever form he chooses.” She agrees with the deity on that, at least. “He chose you.” She pauses, studying the face this being has chosen, and understands, in part, what had drawn Rose to him. “I do not intend to interfere, perhaps your reaction comes from an expectation you have projected onto me in turn. I too, respect my master’s decisions. But so too, do I know his habits, his wishes, his concerns, his deepest fears.. We remain harmonious.” Even after everything. “I would hope you would take me more seriously than a loud-mouthed shinigami-” Meaning Kensei, of course “-- when I tell you that Rojurou has his doubts. If he had none, I would not feel them.” Her master will not thank her for her honesty, of that she is sure. But this being appreciated honesty above all, did he not?

      “I am not being protective, Hogyoku-san. I am reflective; I am but a mirror.”

[dfroza]

Shine like stars across the land.

Cling to the word of life…

Today’s reading of the Scriptures from the New Testament is the 2nd chapter of the Letter of Philippians:

If you find any comfort from being in the Anointed, if His love brings you some encouragement, if you experience true companionship with the Spirit, if His tenderness and mercy fill your heart; then, brothers and sisters, here is one thing that would complete my joy—come together as one in mind and spirit and purpose, sharing in the same love. Don’t let selfishness and prideful agendas take over. Embrace true humility, and lift your heads to extend love to others. Get beyond yourselves and protecting your own interests; be sincere, and secure your neighbors’ interests first.

In other words, adopt the mind-set of Jesus the Anointed. Live with His attitude in your hearts. Remember:

Though He was in the form of God,

He chose not to cling to equality with God;

But He poured Himself out to fill a vessel brand new;

a servant in form

and a man indeed.

The very likeness of humanity,

He humbled Himself,

obedient to death—

a merciless death on the cross!

So God raised Him up to the highest place

and gave Him the name above all.

So when His name is called,

every knee will bow,

in heaven, on earth, and below.

And every tongue will confess

“Jesus, the Anointed One, is Lord,”

to the glory of God our Father!

So now, my beloved, obey as you have always done, not only when I am with you, but even more so when I can’t be. Continue to work out your salvation, with great fear and trembling, because God is energizing you so that you will desire and do what always pleases Him.

Do all things without complaining or bickering with each other, so you will be found innocent and blameless; you are God’s children called to live without a single stain on your reputations among this perverted and crooked generation. Shine like stars across the land. Cling to the word of life so that on the day of judgment when the Anointed One returns I may have reason to rejoice, because it will be plain that I didn’t turn from His mission nor did I work in vain. Even if my lifeblood is to be poured out like wine as a sacrifice of your faith, I have great reason to celebrate with all of you. And for the same reason, you can be glad and celebrate with me.

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy your way. He will visit soon so that he may report to me how you are doing. To hear all that is going on with you will truly encourage my heart. There is no one like Timothy. What sets him apart from others is his deep concern for you and your spiritual journey. This is rare, my friends, for most people only care about themselves, not about what is dear to the heart of Jesus the Anointed. You know Timothy is genuine in the Lord’s ways. He has been a faithful partner to me as we express the good news, as much as my own flesh and blood would have been. I expect to send him soon, and I will as soon as I see how things turn out here. I trust in the Lord that it won’t be very long before I can come and be with you in person.

But for now, I think it is best to send Epaphroditus home to you. He has become my dear brother in the Lord. We have worked well together and fought great battles together, and he was an encouraging minister to me in my time of need. He could not wait to see you all. He was concerned for you when he found out you knew how sick he really was. In fact, he nearly died. But once again, God was exceedingly kind and covered him with His mercy. And I, too, by His mercy, have been spared sorrow on top of sorrow.

I am so excited to be sending him back to you! I can picture the joy on your faces when he arrives; I can feel my worries falling away. Welcome him joyfully in the Lord. Esteem all spiritual leaders like Epaphroditus because he placed his life in grave danger for the work of the Anointed; he risked his life to serve me when you couldn’t.

The Letter of Philippians, Chapter 2 (The Voice)

Today’s paired chapter of the Testaments is the 12th chapter of the book of Jeremiah that includes Judgment but also a promise of restoration:

Jeremiah: Eternal, You always do what is right

when I bring a complaint Your way.

So now let me put a case before You:

Why do the wicked prosper so much?

Why do all the untrustworthy have it so easy?

You plant them and watch them take root;

You allow them to grow and even bear fruit.

And yet, Your words mean nothing to them, deep down.

Still, You know me, Eternal One; You see what is deep inside me.

You’ve examined my heart,

So why aren’t they brought to justice? Deal with them as sheep

set aside for slaughter, singled out for death.

How long must the land cry out in mourning,

the grasses of the field wither and bake in the sun?

The birds and wild animals have simply vanished,

all because of the wicked living here—

Because they say, “God does not see what will become of us.”

Eternal One: If you are worn out after only running with a few men,

how will you one day compete against horses?

If you stumble on the easy terrain,

how will you manage in the thick brush near the Jordan?

Jeremiah, even your brothers and the rest of your family

are ready to betray you.

Even they cry out for your death; don’t trust any of them,

no matter how nicely they speak to your face.

I have turned away My house,

abandoned My heritage;

I have given My deeply beloved one over to her enemies.

My very own people have acted toward Me like a lion in the wild,

roaring at Me in defiance. For this, I hate her.

Have My own people become like colorful vultures?

Are birds of prey circling all around them?

Gather the wild beasts and bring them on to devour My beloved.

Many shepherds have already destroyed My vineyard;

they have crushed My fields.

My beautiful land of promise has turned into a barren wasteland.

The very ground cries out to Me in this empty and forsaken land;

the whole land is desolate, but no one seems to care.

The destroyers pour over the bare hills in the desert

as the sword of the Eternal devours the land from one end to another.

There is no peace for anyone.

The people planted wheat, but they will reap only thorns.

In the end, there will be nothing to show for all their hard work.

Shame will be their harvest because of the Eternal’s burning anger against them.

The Eternal has this to say:

Eternal One: As for My wicked neighbors so eager to take away the inheritance I gave My people Israel, look! There will come a day when I will uproot them from their lands, and I will take Judah from their midst. But after I have uprooted them from their homelands, I will have mercy on them and restore them to their own lands and their own possessions. And if they diligently learn the ways of My people and trust in Me instead of idols, if they swear by My name saying, “As the Eternal lives,” just as they taught My people to swear by Baal, then I will establish them alongside My people. As for any nation that will not listen to and follow My ways, I will uproot it and destroy it completely.

This is what the Eternal has declared.

The Book of Jeremiah, Chapter 12 (The Voice)

A link to my personal reading of the Scriptures for Wednesday, August 25 of 2021 with a paired chapter from each Testament of the Bible along with Today’s Proverbs and Psalms

A post by John Parsons about being honest:

Teshuvah, or turning to God for life, is - in the present hour - an act of faith, for faith "sees the invisible" and discerns God's presence even as if "through a glass darkly" (1 Cor. 13:12). However, in the end, when everything will be manifest and brought to the light -- every soul will be turned to face God, and consequently every soul will be compelled to confess the truth about who they are. As C.S. Lewis wrote: "In the end that Face which is the delight or terror of the universe must be turned upon each of us either with one expression or with the other, either conferring glory inexpressible or inflicting shame that can never be cured or disguised" (Weight of Glory).

Human beings have a moral imperative, given by God Himself, to receive the truth and to live according to the nature of spiritual reality. Those who reject or suppress the truth, however, are responsible for their actions, as it is written, “No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes” (Psalm 101:7).

Being honest with ourselves is absolutely essential for any sort of authentic spiritual life... "No person is saved except by grace; but there is one sin that makes grace impossible, and that is dishonesty; and there is one thing God must forever and unconditionally require, and that is honesty" (Soren Kierkegaard). Confession means "saying the same thing" about ourselves that God says - and that means not only acknowledging our various sins, transgressions, and iniquities, but also affirming our new identity as the beloved children of God. Saying that God doesn’t love you is a lie as damning as denying His very existence... The great test of faith is whether you know in your heart that you are chosen, beloved, and forgiven by God, despite your many failures and sins.

Today is our opportunity to turn to God and find life. The Lord does not force us to choose life over death, though he does constrain us to choose, since being made in his image and likeness means that our choices are full of eternal and everlasting significance. When God finally appears at the end of the age, there will be no further call to choose to believe in his redemption, for the hour will be past, and our indifference will then mark our fate. Truth is the foundation of reality, and lying is therefore a form of denial of reality – a dangerous denial - since reality invariably proves self-authenticating (John 3:18). [Hebrew for Christians]

and another about forgiveness:

The essence of Torah is to love your neighbor as yourself (Rom. 13:10; Gal. 5:14). Teshuvah means, among other things, understanding how far we are removed from this ideal and how we might move to remedy the breach. This is a daily task, an ongoing duty... But we cannot give away what we don’t have to give, so if we’re deficient in self-love, we will be unable to genuinely love others, too. Part of loving others is the obligation to forgive yourself for your sins. For some people, this might mean “accepting that they are accepted” by God... Real change is difficult -- some would even say impossible -- though with God all things are possible -- including the miracle of a heart of stone turning to flesh.

Forgiving others is a way to be free of their hold over us. It is a letting go of the pain of the past and finding courage to press on in hope. In the Gates of Repentance it is written: ‎"I hereby forgive all who have hurt me, all who have wronged me, whether deliberately or inadvertently, whether by word or by deed. May no one be punished on my account. And as I forgive and pardon those who have wronged me, may those whom I have harmed forgive me, whether I acted deliberately or inadvertently, whether by word or by deed." Amen... It is only when we give up our hurt that we are able to move forward in the realm of the spirit. Faith and forgiveness are therefore intimately linked. Therefore Yeshua taught us to forgive others whenever we pray to the Father (Matt. 6:12).

For this coming year, may it please the LORD to first of all help us to love Him with all of our hearts, and to love others as we love ourselves... May it please Him that we “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1). May the LORD renew our minds so that we might discern His will (Rom. 12:2), and may He help us abide in Him -- so that we will not be ashamed at His coming (1 John 2:28). May the new year be good and sweet for us all, and may our righteous deeds increase, like the many seeds of the pomegranate (1 John 2:29).

Hashivenu Adonai elecha ve'nashuvah, chadesh yamenu ke'kedem: “Turn thou us unto Thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; Renew our days as of old” (Lam. 5:21). [Hebrew for Christians]

8.24.21 • Facebook

Today’s message (Days of Praise) from the Institute for Creation Research

August 25, 2021

Preaching the Resurrection

“And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” (Acts 4:33)

There are multitudes today who believe that Christ’s resurrection was a “spiritual” resurrection, insisting that the idea of a dead body returning to life after three days in the grave is completely unscientific and impossible.

This was not what the apostles preached with great grace and great power, however. They would hardly have been excited about any kind of spiritual resurrection, since everyone— both Jews and the pagan Gentiles—believed in life after death. If that was their message, no one would have doubted, and no one would have cared. Even when the disciples saw the resurrected Christ, they first “supposed that they had seen a spirit” (Luke 24:37). Christ even had to urge them to “handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have” (Luke 24:39).

When the disciples finally became convinced of His bodily resurrection, they were quickly transformed into courageous evangelists, willing even to die in support of their glorious message of salvation. The resurrection was, indeed, contrary to scientific law and all human experience, and this very fact proved to them that their Lord was Himself the divine lawgiver and author of all human experience. All other founders and leaders of human religions, ancient or modern, are themselves subject to death, but He alone has triumphed over death. Only the Creator of life can conquer death, and the resurrection proves that Jesus Christ is Creator as well as Savior.

Therefore, when we today, like the apostles of old, proclaim the resurrection of Christ, we know that His name is above every name, and this enables us also to witness with great power, in great grace. HMM

[yaidenpart-blog]

Writing Dark Themes

Some stigma circulates around writers who tackle dark subjects regularly. Those writers tend to be treated a bit, well, like they're gonna pull out the fangs anytime and suck your blood. Today I'll talk about this stigma, approaching dark subjects in fiction in general, and my thoughts on Writing Dark Themes (And Why You Shouldn't Be Ashamed to Do so).

In preparation for this post, I read a dozen analyses, studies, and an absurd amount of psychology articles so I wouldn't show up empty handed and stupid. Though to be honest, the only thing that deep dive resulted in for me is dry eyes and a giant headache. Therefore, while I may build some arguments on top of the things I've researched, I'll use my own experiences to wing a big part of it.

So let's get started.

1. What Draws Us to Dark Subjects

What draws us towards dark themes? To reach a satisfying conclusion I first have to determine what exactly is included in 'dark themes' in this case. I'll mainly talk about the content matter of fiction, not equated to but also not divorced from the literary term 'theme’ describing the underlying meaning of a work. Basically, I'll fudge both together because to me they have always been inseparable in writing.

Since violence and disturbing motifs (such as abuse, gore, disturbing sexual content etc.) traditionally play a prominent role in the horror and thriller genres I'll center my attention on those. Though I'll also take care to explore dark themes in a broad sense applicable to other genres as well.

Various factors play a part in making the dark appealing to us, one being the human desire to peek behind the curtain and rob our fears of their power. By facing them in a safe, controlled environment we can stare right into their yellow eyes and desensitize ourselves. And through that, perhaps, gain the confidence to face these fears in reality as well.

Another one is catharsis. Some folks enjoy disturbing media as a healthy, secure outlet for their forestations. It lets their lizard brains bare their teeth without actually biting anyone, like a puppy play fighting.The public hanging of old, we as a western society used to love so, is now replaced with violent TV and fiction. Just. You know. With the difference of fiction not actually hurting anyone. And hanging making people dead. Yep.

Some people watch horror movies for the adrenaline rush, and write fiction which lets their readers experience the same, as a meta-analysis of the studies about mediated fight (1) confirmed,“Evidence also emerged that sensation seeking is associated with a greater enjoyment of fright and violence, which was consistent with other research [...]”

And of course, there's nothing wrong with any of that. But for me, personally, it has always been for the sake of exploration, of seeking to connect with humanity, to bridge the good things we are and the outright gruesome into a cohesive whole. While still keeping a layer of distance between reality to keep it safe.

So a fear of becoming homeless turns into monster stalking you and blocking the entry of your workplace every morning. Kind of a cheesy example, but you get the gist.

Writing provides us with a channel to explore those fears, to cut them down into pieces and hold against the light.

To understand them.

But that's just me.

Now we've cleared up why we're drawn to it, the question remains: Why should you integrate dark themes into your writing?

2. Benefits to Your Writing

Not to tap into a cliche, but, light doesn't exist without dark. You can't define the one without the glaring contrast of the other as a counterpart.

When you try to write a story that is completely pure, you'll end up with a flat mimicry of reality. Not to say you can't write a positive feel-good story, but it's like with GCI buildings in movies. Without a bit of scratch, they're not convincing. They don't feel real.

Imagine you add a hint of darkness to your story. May that be in the characterization, a breath held too long as your MC has to calm themselves down, a glance too harsh to be gentle from an old person across the street, moments of awkwardness when someone accidentally breaks a topic all present silently agreed to never talk about. Or in basic world building, monotone news voices droning on about crimes, tagged houses, and playgrounds where no child sets a foot on anymore.

Details like these may seem inconsequential, but they can roughen a story up just enough to make it into something raw.

To bring it to life.

Human experience doesn't only consist of roses and love triangles. A writer who keeps that in mind and works it in their stories in a respectful, emphatic way, possess a certain edge. In my opinion.

The key to writing dark themes, especially when you want them to be the focus of your story, is to approach them like peeling onions. Shhh, hear me out, I'll explain.  

Let's tell a story about hmm … a vampire. This is just an example, okay?

So we got a superficial plot of a teenager waking up with bloodlust gnawing at his gumps. Fairly simple. This is the surface layer.

To go deeper we have to peel off another one, we need to look at how he deals with the conflict we created (the vampirism).This is the reaction layer. At first, he freaks out and then resigns himself to starving because he'd rather scratch up his own arms than hurt someone else. His quick acceptance tells us he's both a nice kid and used to being screwed over by life.

When we go to the next layer, we realize why he's used to it. This one I like to call the core, it's what ties the dark theme together with characterization.

The relationship with his parents is strained, they demand nothing but outstanding performances outside inside and out of school while simultaneously neglecting him emotionally and physically. He has to deal with them sucking the life out of him on top of his newly acquired vampirism doing the same. Of course, depending on how you're inclined, you could spin this thread into a dramatic end scene of him cracking under the pressure and sucking their blood out in return, or he spares them after he learned he has a right to companionship and food and munches on squirrels or something. Whichever scenario you prefer.

So you see, the emotional core we've unveiled is is him feeling undeserving of basic human needs. And it affects how he deals with both the vampirism and abuse, one being a simple metaphor for the other.

Every theme has several layers, and once at the core, it's time to rebuild your story and make every element match accordingly. If you want. What matters is you can dig to a real, raw humanity through your dark subject and that's to me, the truly impactful aspect of dark fiction.

But unfortunately, not everyone gets it. You probably made the experience of relatives and friends judging your writing at some point, maybe even when you were just writing 'normal’ stuff. Golly, you think, when they're like this now, how badly would they react once you put all that saucy vampirism in? The thought doesn't bear contemplating.

Why exactly though, are dark themes such a taboo for some people that they get 'concerned' about your mental wellbeing when you preoccupy yourself with them?

3. Why Others Judge but You (still) Shouldn't be Ashamed

People, in general, love simple concepts. Like father, like son. You are what you wear.

The media you consume defines you.

Pushing people into tiny neat boxes is tempting because it's so damned easy. It doesn't require much thought, and as we all know, thinking hurts. So it's no surprise most writers of dark content, especially horror writers, face a certain... judgment. When you consume dark content you're branded as a bit weird, when you create it you might as well be the devil.

That's a bit of an exaggeration, but you get my drift.

Though what to do when someone cocks an eyebrow at your work, besides walking away or telling them to screw off? Well- that's what you got me for. I dived deep into research so you can refute anything people will throw at you with solid facts (should for whatever reason basic common sense not be enough) and maybe quieten some of your own worries.

Most studies and articles I found were more about violent video games (since that seems to be a Hotly Debated Topic™), but I figure it serves a similar service as violent books and movies.

Already 2011 studies which supported the outcome of aggression being a causation of violent media have been rejected by the US Supreme Court in the Brown v EMA (2), stating, “These studies have been rejected by every court to consider them, and with good reason: They do not prove that violent video games cause minors to act aggressively (which would at least be a beginning). Instead, “[n]early all of the research is based on correlation, not evidence of causation, and most of the studies suffer from significant, admitted flaws in methodology.”  

And studies 2016 and more recently have only further affirmed that decision, finding no relation between violent video games and increasing aggression (3) and not supporting any prior studies.

These prior studies had been, well, manipulated is such an ugly word. Let’s go with: primed to fit the desired outcome.

Some actually legit studies analyzed media history from 2005 to 2012 and showed an obvious decline of general social violence in connection to the introduction of more violent media︀ (4), implying violent media serves as a sort of catharsis for the modern western world, stating,”We find no evidence of an increase in crime associated with video games and perhaps a decrease.”

Puh, now we got these dry as desert facts out of the way -

Honesty, writing about dark or disturbing things is not a thing to be ashamed of, watching violent media doesn't turn you violent (assuming you're a person capable of differentiating between fiction and reality) and writing about it certainly doesn't mean you're sick.

We as humans aren’t perfect and pure, so common sense dictates the things we create are neither. Writing about the whole scope of human experiences can only benefit you.

So go on and fly my little bird, further your horizons and write some dark fiction.

That's all I have for you today, I'd love to hear your thoughts and maybe get a discussion going!

See ya in two weeks,

Yaiden Part.

**

Sources:

1.Hoffner C, Levine K. Enjoyment of Mediated Fright and Violence: A Meta-Analysis, MEDIA PSYCHOLOGY, 7, 207–237 Copyright © 2005, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.

2.McCarthy R, Coley S, Wagner M, et al. Does playing video games with violent content temporarily increase aggressive inclinations? A pre-registered experimental study. J Exp Soc Psychol.

3.Brown v EMA, 564 US 08-1448 (2011).

4.Cunningham S, Engelstatter B, Ward M. Violent video games and violent crime. Southern Economic Journal

[airmom]

Asteroids + Meanings

- source

AESCULAPIA: (Asclepius and Askalaphus) [Full number 88, root 7] ‘success’ Contact with physicians; health generally symptoms and medical conditions; self healing regarding belief-systems. A number of good judgment and common sense. A master executive number; Agreement, excellence, exercise, pleasant, vision.

AMOR: [full number 47, root 11] ‘inner wisdom reflected through organisation’ The “conditions” of unconditional love; understanding love; what interferes or blocks love and acceptance; figuring out “boundaries” or limits on what happens in the name of “love”; Conditions on whatever occurs in aspect. Words; authority, incentive, inspector, preacher, training. Impossible, probation.

APOLLO: [full no.60] ‘need to be heard’ “Banging your head against a brick wall”; going against the odds; provocation; repeated lessons ;Slow to learn A family vibration, words; communication, performance, psychoanalysis, understanding, investigator.

ARACHNE: [full no 50] ‘intellectual freedom’ Contact with weaving; creation of intrigue and entanglement; entrapment ;Intricate detail; knitting; layered complications/meanings; macramé, network; spider webs; woven fabric/thread. Fearless ‘intrepid’=50, ‘diversity’=50 joy=50 Words; engineer, explorer, investigate, professor, prophesy, technician. Endangered, ignorance, intolerable revolting.

ASTRAEA: [full no 65], ‘the group learning by experience’ an inability to read beginnings and endings or to “let go” of things; staying to “the end” bitter end ; believing that “its not finished yet” even if it already is; blocked closure; people or events; the witnessing of events. Thoughtless interference.

ATLANTIS: [full no 96] 15/6 ‘inappropriate, unappreciated ‘body’ needing to be voiced’ Abuse of resources; access to inside or confidential information; an impending doom; belief in deserved punishment ; invasions of privacy; importance of confidentiality/use of knowledge; talents or information; warnings; water disasters. The need for responsible caring.

ATROPOS: [full no 104] 5 ‘freedom’ 10-completed 4-form Completion; conditions at the finish, Endings; what is needed to conclude.

BACCHUS: [full no.57] 12/3 ‘making negative conditions better’ Addiction; attempts to manage feelings; contact with orchards; excess; intoxication; people and situations through substitution or avoidance; pine and fir trees; vineyards. Words; cooperation, prevention, perfection. Negatively its negligent.

CERES:[full no 50] ‘of the senses’ Food ; growths/cysts; herbs and grains. mothering as in taking care of, nurturing need; the relationship between mother & child; plants and animals; Deals with indulgence and balance of stimulation, irresponsibility, adaptation and perversion.

CHILD:[full number 36] ‘creativity’ Attitude to children, childish reactions, own childhood events, innocence and maturity Kindness/responsibility and honesty. Fortunate in money, overcoming problems with faith and patience. Negatively, argument, despised, dogmatic and problem.

CHIRON: [full no 67] 13/4 ‘well thought of’ Accentuation of differences from categories; adolescent crisis; effecting turning points or changes in status; expression of unique or individualistic views and behaviours; refusal to conform with parental or societal expectations and standard norms; exceptions/exemptions to the rule(s). Note that Chiron has been classified a comet, not an asteroid. Administration, distinguished, practitioner.

CIRCE: [full no 38] 11 ‘ a gift of vision’ Acting as a facilitator; being of assistance & coming to the rescue; helping, understanding the motives for help. Bringing enlightenment; healing. Negatively; cowardly, narcotic, traitor.

CUPIDO-A: [full no 69] 15/6 ‘attracting attention’ 1-self 5-charming, 69-unfulfilled needs appreciation. Art and beauty interests; attraction; concern about appearances; “for the sake of appearances” “keeping up appearances”; relationship concerns; the face or complexion; the “look” of something; Vanity;

DAEDALUS:[full no 67] 13/4 ‘ abstract made real’ Affinity with metals; Architecture; cleverness; creative; design; leaving the consequences to others; instances of feeling like an honored slave; jealousy; “The artful dodger;” The engineer, mechanic, mathematician, musician, teacher.

DEMETER: [full no 70] care-taking relationships; food, growing things; diet, Mother-Child relationship; nutrition & meals.

DIANA: [full no 29] ‘spiritual power’ Attunement to animals and nature; being hunted; feeling “chased;” elusive, hard-to-find or difficult-to-pin-down behaviours and reactions.

EROS: [full no. 57] eroticism; reproductive organs; sexuality; the heart & cardiac system; the history, the Will to Live; what “turns you on;”

EURYDIKE (Eurydices) [full no 98] Dependence on people, issues or behaviors of aspects feels like a matter of life and death; drama of dependence & reliance through aspect pattern.

HEBE: [full no 20] Codependency, service attitudes; service industry ie waitresses, secretaries, receptionists, bartenders, etc; putting up with the egocentric, emotionally immature or demanding behaviors of others;. waiting-on others;

HEKATE: [full no 50] Crone; dreams; knowing; intuitive wisdom; protective mother; Hekate is sometimes important at or in connection with childbirth, and can show what wisdom is gained at other life passages.

HEPHAISTOS: [full no 120] contact with metals; cripple; lameness; parental abandonment (mother) “an issue” between the parents; tendency for an unlikely match in relationship (i.e., variations on The Beauty and the Beast! .

HERA: [full no. 32] Events through partners & partnership; Issues of “rights” between people; jealousy; relationship dynamic and parental model; maintaining fairness in dealing with others;

HIDALGO: [full no. 56] Contact with Latin American, Mexican or Spanish peoples; foods and cultures; revolutionary governments; standing on principle & saying what's on your mind (but challenging aspects can = secrecy & expedient disclosure); watching what you say; (or those based on an ideology).

HOPI: [full no. 48] Attack or ambush; contact with knives/cutting; corn-based foods; culture; deep-seated defense feathers; indigenous peoples; memories and behavioral inclinations; minority groups; Native American peoples; perceptions; snakes and ambushes (inc. psychological); territorial claims and disputes;

HOUSE: [full no 68] When “place” is important in predictive work; residence and “at home.”

HYBRIS: [full no 81] Expectation, glass-ceilings, future expected, their lot in life; expectation of others; what others, parents, you see as “your fate;” conditioned limitations.

HYGIEA: [full no 55] Medical concerns and health (especially issues related to FITNESS “hygiene” and cleanliness.

ICARUS: [full no 71] Careless escapes without thought of consequences; desire to “leave” the fast break impulse; attraction to speed, danger or risk; desire to get away from restrictions (of aspecting points).

INDUSTRIA: [full no. 115] Facilitates identification of career and work interests, abilities, and matters.

ISIS: [full no 56] Sibling relationships; issues involving “scattered” locations, ideas, people and things; fragmentation; sense of needing to “get or put it together;” desire to make things whole.

JUNO: [full no 60] Partners; marriage/relationship; maintenance of one's rights or position with other; question of “rights” and fairness/compromise; enforcement of fairness; potential for score-keeping, jealousy, fears of abandonment & infidelity; tallying (£££ & fairness).

KASSANDRA:[full no 71] Wasted breath! Advise & consent roles—offering advice or prophecies; questions about whether to believe what others say (whether to follow advice); offering counsel; broadcasting ideas; lecturing; auditory sensitivity; hearing difficulties.

KLOTHO: [full no 81] Conditions (fate and expectations) at the beginning; initial understanding, what is apparent at the start, origins/beginnings in general. [See also, Lachesis for the middle and Atropos for the denouement or ending]

LACHESIS: [full no 76] Intervention, assessment mid-way into a sequence, what “interrupts” an evolving sequence from going as one would have expected (from the way it began or is underway.)

LILITH:[full no 70] Triangulation; competing; selection & rejection; decisions (regarding angle or aspects divided loyalties; favouritism; gender stereotypes; use of sex or rejection for dominance.

MINERVA: [full no 82] Broad perceptual skills; strategies to deal with situations and people; “calculations” (whether dealing with math or public relations); figuring things & people out. [See also Pallas Athena]

NEMESIS: [full no. 84] The Undoing, the Achilles Heel, seeking to place BLAME; “scapegoating;” finger-pointing; identification of “the enemy,” fault, or source of a problem.

NIOBE:[full no 45] Humbling lessons through excess pride in one's children, fertility, virility or creativity (including creative products).

ODYSSEUS:[full no 127] Exile, extended trip or absence, long journey, ex-patriate, to feel rootless or homeless—a stranger in a strange land, to be sent away from “home.”

OPHELIA:[full no 66] A point of over-reaction and counterproductive reactions (linked to mistrust of one’s value to others and concern about deception.)

ORPHEUS: [full no 102] Sad, sweet or haunting music, lyrics or poetry; dirges; sense of mourning and loss; grief (for what you don't have—what has gone out of your life¼what “might have been” or what was); contact with death.

PALLAS ATHENA:[full no 110] Approval-seeking; strategies of relating; perceptual skill; whether one is willing and/or able to do those things that will please another. [See also Minerva]

PANACEA*:[full no 41] What you believe it takes to find solutions, cures or remedies for problems (and not only those related to the health.)

PANDORA: [full no 69] Encountering unexpected consequences; getting “more than you bargained for;” being enticed by a curiosity, new idea, person or situation—and finding that it has set you on a whole new path; agitation.

PERSEPHONE: [full no 121] Attitude toward “leaving” or “being taken or sent away from¼home, family or familiar conditions;” memories of what separated you from mother/family (even emotionally); how you handle transitions and the rites of passage in your life (going to school; the adolescent crisis; separation for marriage or career; mid-life, etc.,). [See also Proserpina]

PHAETHON:[full no 96] Instances that involve cars, transport, driving; other forms of recklessness—feeling out of control—as though you’ve taken on more than you can handle; having trouble keeping to the middle of the road!

PHOTOGRAPHICA: [full no 115] While useful for showing the importance of photography and visual images, Photographic also relates to the brain’s ability to retain and interpret visual imagery.

PROSERPINA:[full no 131] Separation anxiety; leaving; going away; what you believe will happen if “mother's not there to take care of you;” the conditions you attract as you approach a transition or separation.

PSYCHE: [full no 61] Recognition of childhood trauma; raw wounds psychologically; vulnerability; memories; insight; psychic impressionability; psychological recovery; the state of your “mental health;” head wounds; brain states.

REQUIEM: [full no 79] As well as a connection to the ceremonies of death (and the formalization of grief,) Requiem stands for a place of acceptance, a cessation of struggle. Whether one should be AT PEACE with the people, actions and events shown by aspecting points is the issue!

SAPPHO: [full no 67] Friendship; bonding; feeling close to or the same as others; kindred spirits; having things in common; artistic interests; shops/galleries. Sappho as “pairs” assumes another importance in medical astrology.

SISYPHUS: [full no 136] Starting over; the “uphill climb;” feeling like you're running' against the wind! It’s having to “go back to the beginning;” getting the rug pulled out from under you just as you thought you were getting somewhere; dogged rejection of defeat.

SIVA: [full no 51, 52] also SIWA*: Episodic, catabolic (breakdown/through) process that precedes insight; destruction of density/fixated beliefs (relative to aspects); crisis of death (stagnation) or regeneration; The Far East (inc. Vietnam, India, China, Malaysia, Japan periodic occurrence; ascetic; attention to sound.

SPHINX: [full no 90] “Unsolved Mysteries!” Enigma, paradox, questions, missing information, lack of answers and understanding (about points in axis or aspect.)

TANTALUS: [full no 108] Teasing; temptation; times when what is wanted is just out of reach; excessive hunger or thirst; failures of gratitude; problems with giving the right thing to the right person; feeling as though one is “tested on whether they know” about aspecting or axis factors.

TERPSICHORE: [full no 136] Dance, aerobics, exercise that increases flexibility; coordination, agility, grace and mobility; flexion muscles; body image/ego; gestures; body language.

TISIPHONE: [full no 115] Seek justice for "crimes against kinship, family;" dose of one's own medicine; fairness; just desserts; how and where and if one gets “what they deserve.”

TORO: [full no 68] Machismo; bullying; intimidation; doing hard, physical work; strength (muscular); muscle flexing—psychologically or physically; challenging others; rough treatment; competitive; football; prizefighting; toughness.

URANIA: [full no 64] Astrology; astronomy; handling theoretical, hypothetical or abstract principles and information; logic and rationality; ability to “see the big picture” and not be dissuaded by instant details; an intellectual framework; apperception—intellectual “context.” Bias and distortions to rationality and conceptual ability.

VESTA: [full no 67] Commitment to work; using work as a compensation; dedication to accomplishment or goals; emotional distancing; hard work and career demands; impersonal; sublimation of other interests into the career or vocation; sacrifice/denial of self (by others/self) for a “greater goal.”