#soil stabilization guide
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
envirotacinc · 2 years ago
Text
Tumblr media
Soil Stabilization Guide - All Types of Soil Stabilization Methods
0 notes
coven-of-genesis · 11 days ago
Text
The Four Elements in Magic
A balanced spell draws on all four, but listening to what you’re lacking can guide which one to call on more deeply.
🌬 Air -
Direction: East
Energy: Intellect, communication, ideas, clarity
Used in: Manifestation spells, divination, intention-setting, breathwork
Symbols: Incense, feathers, bells, wind chimes
Signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
🔥 Fire -
Direction: South
Energy: Passion, courage, transformation, creation
Used in: Banishing, motivation, confidence, destructive magic
Symbols: Candles, matches, sunlight, embers
Signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
🌊 Water -
Direction: West
Energy: Emotions, dreams, intuition, healing
Used in: Love spells, emotional release, dream magic, purification
Symbols: Cups, seashells, moon water, tears
Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
🌍 Earth -
Direction: North
Energy: Stability, abundance, grounding, protection
Used in: Money magic, home blessings, long-term goals
Symbols: Salt, crystals, soil, stones
Signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
66 notes · View notes
nicromancytarot · 5 days ago
Text
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW RIGHT NOW? 2.0
This is a general reading based on a collective of people. Take what resonates and leave what doesn’t. If you don’t feel the pile resonates with you, don’t be scared to try another, if it still doesn’t feel right, that’s ok! Maybe our energies aren’t as connected and my readings are not for you.
I do these strictly for fun and educational purposes. I do not charge for these readings, and I do not fake readings. I would tell you the cards I get for the readings, but I pull like 15-20 cards each reading and that is just slightly a strenuous task to write them all down lmao.
PICK A CARD READING
I asked my spirit guides what you need to know right this moment, pick a picture to find out what they had to say!
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
PILE 1
Hello my beautiful pile number 1’s! I am feeling that your reading has a lot to do with the expectations of others around you, and your complicity to do as they tell you without really taking into account what you yourself desire. I’m getting the sense that the people you surround yourself with gain from your labours and success, whatever that may be — but they may not quite realise how this situation affects you. I’m getting the message that you need to begin prioritising yourself when it comes to what YOU want in life, things seem so fruitful to others, but you’re not feeling completed, or whole in what you’re doing.
My guides want me to relay that you may need to take some very nerve-racking leaps in order to get what you want and do as you so please. This may mean that you have to leave comfort behind, possibly even people. Say you’re in a stable job and decide to throw it away to pursue a career in a creative position — it may not be so extreme, but it reads all the same. Whatever this is will shake you up, you may feel out of place when you begin these changes, may even be scared of what could happen next.
I feel you may experience loneliness or lack of financial stability during this era of change, but I promise it will all be worth it. I’m getting the message that your “soil isn’t fertile” and that’s why your “plants” aren’t growing. You could need to relocate perhaps, or just try new things to figure out what helps your growth the best. Always know that you’re in control of your life, if you decide to stay in this energy out of worry of loss, that’s fine, but no one can force you out of this more, it’s your choice that matters the most. So choose wisely. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavours!!
PILE 2
Hello my fabulous pile 2’s! This reading seems so targeted, so this is for anyone that is having some type of competition in the workplace. I’m seeing that you’re spending a whole lot of time focusing and keeping productive when it comes to whatever has transpired here. I will however say that you may be lacking the security that you need right now, this competition or possibly even resentment may be making your energy fairly unstable right now, I’m getting even temperamental.
My guides want you to know that your biggest priority right now is getting back to that stable area in your life, possibly taking a step back from this competition whether it be a person or event — though you do have a high chance of ace’ing whatever it is. You’re being told to take a moment for yourself, think a fun relaxing weekend, treating yourself to something you denied yourself of in the resent weeks or months. I am also getting the feeling that you need to be more careful when it comes to money and financial decisions as a whole — ensure you’re not overspending, especially when it comes to this competition.
Solitude could give you an incredible idea.
I’m also seeing that you’re very focused on making others proud, being able to aid other people in some way, and while you can absolutely look forward to that, please make sure you take care of yourself first and foremost.
Also always remember to work from your head and not your heart, never overwork yourself to the point of exhaustion, be smart about how you spend your time. Get those face masks on right this instant!
PILE 3
Hello my wonderful pile number 3’s! Y’all are my obsessive relationship type — if not, this pile is definitely not for you lmao. The people here are looking, searching the scorched desert that is the dating sphere right now. You’re getting out there, going out to places to meet new people, or joining social groups and dating apps hoping you’ll truly meet the person or your dreams. Unfortunately it’s not quite working out, is it? Well I’m here to say that luckily you’re just crying over spilt milk here, and there are definitely a pool ready for you to jump in and test the prospects.
Firstly, and I know it’s hard, but you need to let go of any resentment you have from past relationships, situations, anyone who has disappointed you romantically. Let go of the exes, the people whom had ghosted you and you’d hoped they’d come back — sorry, they’re not 🫤 But alas! I have a better solution to solve each and every one of your little romantic heart problems. Seeking out your soulmate? We shall find them, but first and foremost, you MUST focus on yourself, letting go of everything and every fear you have, then I want you to do the hardest thing ever, and look forward people whom you would normally never interact with — your lover is in that pile somewhere, I swear it.
My cards depict the 8 of cups as dirty dishes in the sink, clean your damn dirty dishes. Out with the old and in with the new, you gotta work to clean up everything you don’t need, and then once your dishes are tidy, you haven’t got to worry about them until the next time they’re messy!
You are doing the best you can do with all romantic prospects, you’re putting in the work, checklist ticked off, you’re not just expecting them to turn up — so don’t worry, they will! Buttt you also need to ensure you know what you 100% want when looking, no “they’re not perfect, they’ll do.” You’re going to have the best of the best if you just keep experimenting and looking around. Good luck!!!
127 notes · View notes
talonabraxas · 6 months ago
Text
Tumblr media
“The aura is an extension of a person’s personality and emotional, mental and physical landscape, so it will change from day to day.”
Aura colours and their meaning.
The aura is an extension of a person’s personality and emotional, mental and physical landscape, so it will change from day to day. It can be affected by external factors as well as the general disposition and character of the individual.
There are no hard and fast rules as to what these visual variances ‘mean’, as, with all psychic practices, it depends on the intuition and knowledge of the reader. But there are certainly common themes. For instance, those who practice yoga tend to have a ‘still’ aura or people with serious illness have a fainter aura than someone vital. Moreover, auras tend to have a ‘texture’ to them. They may be sparkly, treacly, in lines, waves or arcs.
Below, I have given a rough guide to how you might interpret auric colours only, but it is no mean a fixed manual:
The Aura Colors Meaning Chart:
Red ~ Pertains to circulation, the heart and the physical body. In its higher aspect, it is an indicator of a healthy ego, stability and being strong-willed. In its lowest aspect, red energy can give way to anger, unforgiving, anxiety or nervousness.
Orange ~ points to the reproductive organs and feelings. It is the colour of vigour, vitality and enthusiasm. In its higher aspect, orange energy shows creativity, confidence and gregariousness. In its lowest aspect, it can give way to stress and addictions.
Yellow ~ represents life energy – qi or prana. The colour of optimism, awakening, inspiration and intelligence. It has no lower aspects.
Green ~ connects to the heart centre and lungs. It is the comfortable and healthy colour of nature, representing growth, balance, healing, and depicting a love for all sentient beings and Mother Earth.
Blue ~ Pertains to the throat and the thyroid and is therefore indicative of communicators. Writers, public speakers and linguists will often have a lot of blue in their auric field. It is also a cool, calm and collected energy.
Indigo ~ Pertains to the third eye and therefore is a colour of deep feelings, intuition and sensitivity.
Violet/Lavender ~ Relating to the crown, pineal gland and the nervous systems. It is the most sensitive colour in the aura. People with a lot of violet in their auras are usually highly artistic, psychic, intuitive, visionary and magical.
“The aura is an extension of a person’s personality and emotional, mental and physical landscape, so it will change from day to day.”
Other Aura Colours:
Turquoise ~ is associated with the immune system and usually found in the auras of healers and therapists. It is a sensitive, compassionate colour.
Silver ~ pertains to spiritual and physical abundance. A lot of bright silver in an aura may indicate a spiritual awakening or financial gain.
Gold ~ typical of divine protection and enlightenment. This colour points towards strong spiritual and universal guidance, intuition, wisdom and inner peace.
Black ~ points towards pulling, capturing and transforming energy. It can indicate unreleased anger, grief or health problems. It also shows an unforgiving nature (to themselves and others) and possible past-life issues that remain unresolved.
White ~ linked to protection and deflecting other energies. Flashes of white within the auric field often signal that angels are nearby. As with most associations with white, it symbolizes purity, truth and a healthy individual.
Earth Tones/Brown ~ Colours of soil, wood, minerals and plants highlights very grounded energy and someone who works with the earth, such as a gardener or farmer. However, a more brownish hue can point to greediness, self-absorption or ignorance in its lowest aspect.
Rainbow ~ auras with stripes of colour emanating as beams of light from the hands, heart, or head indicate someone who is a healer.
Art by Solar Aura - Peter Solarz
56 notes · View notes
lupine-trees · 5 months ago
Text
until we see the sun.
[ the boys are on a mysterious magical mission. inspired by the @drarrymicrofic january song prompt: “running wild” by jin ]
drarry | word count: ~620 | rating: t
_ _ _
The ley line had led them due east. The signatures had seemed coastal, initially, but the readings had gone sideways once they landed, the dowsing compass spinning frenetically until they began walking inland. Then, once they were facing toward Inverness, it steadied. Stopped, still.
Most of the night was gone, and they’d tracked the seam, taking the odd measurement, walking in companionable and focused quiet.
“You think the rift will stabilize if we find the center?” Harry had asked, softly, trying to hush the uncertainty.
Draco, knelt down in the dark of the field, caught in the ring of Harry’s lumos, brushed his fingers across the map in their field guide. Three anchor points were marked on the page. Three of what they assumed were seven altogether.
“Suppose we’ll find out,” he answered, snapping the guide closed, pulling the end of his wand from the soil.
“Scripturam mementus,” he’d whispered, and Harry had imagined the fine scrawl of his handwriting unfolding inside the book’s bindings, careful notes and geologic data settling onto paper.
The terrain was rough, and it had been foolish, ultimately, not to pack their port-a-brooms. They hadn’t expected, though, to be so far off-mark.
Over the last 12 hours, Harry supposed they’d managed to cover nearly 40 kilometers. Which wasn’t bad, considering the dark and the frequent stops for sampling, the picking their way carefully through unmarked highland. It was slow going, and who knew how long until they reached where the compass was guiding them?
They stood at the crest of one of the foothills of Aonach Buidhe, passing the charmed canteen back and forth between them.
Harry’s lumos was growing fainter. Orange was humming over the hills ahead of them, sunrise imminent. The cast of light lingered and rolled over the loch in the valley below.
Mhoicean, Harry thought, maybe, recalling from an earlier check of their hydrological map.
He was trying hard, really, not to watch Draco as he drank— the pull of his throat, the rivulet spilling from the greedy corner of his lip. Draco caught his eye, though, his gaze tugging from the eastern hills, from the soft-glowing body of water.
Harry flushed, turning away, and suddenly, Draco was shoving the canteen sharply to his chest, a flurry of motion.
“Wha—” Harry began.
“Shush,” Draco answered shortly, dropping to the ground and clawing frantically through his bag, drawing out the guide and the maps, notes and samples, settling them quickly on the hillside. Harry watched his mind work, the thrum of calculation overcome him.
Then: still.
He glanced up to Harry, eyes bright, smile wide. “You weren’t wrong,” he said, and Harry felt it whistle through him.
“What?” he answered, a croak of a sound.
“About the coast. Ah, well, perhaps about the coast, yes, but— the instinct was right.”
Harry puzzled, aching. “I don’t… follow.”
Draco tugged at the hem of his coat, and Harry dropped to the earth beside him. He pointed to the map in front of them, gestured to the loch below.
“Water, Potter,” he breathed, elation scarcely contained. “We’re going to Loch Moy.”
He gathered their things quickly as Harry let the revelation settle in him.
“Come on,” Draco called, already partway down the valley, glancing back, his hair catching gold. He grinned up at him wildly, took off running.
It was nonsensical. Harry knew that, knew Draco must know, too. Their haggled portkey was for nine o’clock, and it must have been half six already. Loch Moy may as well have been ages away.
And yet.
The compass in his chest was fine-tuned: sure and pointing. Draco was running— Harry would follow.
He took off down the hill, heart on the horizon. Racing toward the sun.
38 notes · View notes
dasenergi · 10 months ago
Note
it’s very out of the blue, but I feel like you might have an answer: do you mind sharing a way to ground or open your sacral chakra? I was told that might be something I need to work on but engaging with it eludes me
Hello, Friend,
First, let’s clarify a few concepts:
Grounding refers to becoming more centered in your body and present in the moment. It's about connecting with the earth to bring your energy down from the upper chakras and distribute it evenly throughout your body. Grounding stabilizes and connects you, forming a foundation for removing blockages and allowing energy to flow freely through your chakras.
Opening a chakra, on the other hand, is about activating and energizing the chakra.
As a reiki healer, I have worked with clients who have experienced different blockages — overactive (which can feel hot) and underactive (which can feel cold) chakras. In my experience, while reiki and sound baths can support chakra healing, the most significant progress happens when clients actively engage in their own healing process. This work requires patience, consistency, and commitment to a daily practice.
I am curious why you specifically mentioned the sacral chakra. Understanding your experience with this chakra could help identify what might be blocking it and how best to balance it. Below I will speak in broad general terms about my experience with grounding, the sacral chakra, and ways people recommend to balance it.
The Sacral Chakra: Creativity, Emotional Expression, and Sensuality
When the sacral chakra is unbalanced, it can manifest in various ways:
Emotional instability Insecurity and anxiety Addictive behaviors (overindulgence) Resentment and guilt Lack of creativity Feeling unmotivated Lack of desire
When this chakra is balanced, you feel emotionally grounded, creatively fulfilled, and physically vibrant. You are inspired, creative, sensual, passionate, playful, energetic, joyful, balanced, and connected.
Grounding Techniques When I work with clients on grounding, we usually use meditation, breathwork, and visualization.
Tree Visualization/Meditation: We hold hands, close our eyes, and synchronize our breathing. I then guide them to imagine themselves as a tree, with roots extending deep from their feet into the earth. They feel the energy from the earth rising up through their roots, stabilizing and centering them. Their arms and hands become branches reaching for the sun, feeling its nutrients invigorate them. They imagine their branches swaying in the wind, taking in carbon dioxide, and releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. Their body is the tree trunk, feeling strong, connected, and supported — energy flowing freely.
Barefoot Walking: Another effective grounding technique is walking barefoot on natural surfaces like the earth, grass or soil. Whether it’s a walk in a park, forest, or beach, this direct connection with nature can be incredibly grounding.
Connecting with Nature: Touching nature, hugging trees, talking to plants, and listening to their responses are other powerful ways to ground. Gardening can also be a deeply grounding practice, even if its just potted plants inside of your home. If you don't have any plants, visit a plant nursery and become a plant parent. If you are nervous about being a plant parent, start-off with a small succulent. They tend to be easier to care for, although a few have died while in my care.
Physical Exercise: Physical activities like swimming, walking, or going to the gym can help ground your energy and bring awareness to your body.
Water Connection: Water is especially beneficial for grounding. Whether it is taking a dip in a stream, river, ocean, spa, swimming pool, or even a bath or shower, water can help you reconnect and stabilize your energy. Practice luxurious bathing. Water is my personal #1 healing & spiritual practice. (It is not out of the ordinary for me to take 3 showers a day.) If I don't swim every day, I feel it. I just got back from a multi-week silent meditation Buddhist retreat in the mountains, and I brought with me a glass bottle of my swimming pool water to anoint myself everyday. (I also used it to water some of the trees and plants around that I was connecting with.)
Dance: Movement is another way to ground yourself AND release blocked energy. Don’t worry about how you look—just move! Create a playlist of three songs that get your body moving, and let your body guide you. Dance as if no one is watching, allowing your intuition to lead the way. (Here is a link to a Spotify playlist of songs for intuitive dancing.)
Sensory Connection: Engage in activities that bring pleasure and engage your senses, like:
Enjoying a favorite meal mindfully. Turn off the TV and electronic devices. Close your eyes and take your time to chew slowly, savoring each flavor as it unfolds on your palate. Pay attention to the sensations of eating, how the food feels in your mouth, and how your body responds to it. Allow yourself to be fully present, appreciating the nourishment and pleasure that each bite provides.
Mindful Tea or Coffee Drinking. Make a ritual out of it. Pay attention to the sound of the water boiling, the aroma as it brews, and the warmth of the cup in your hands. Sip slowly, savoring each flavor note and texture, and allow yourself to be fully present in the experience.
Textural Exploration. Spend time exploring different textures with your hands. This could be anything from soft fabrics, like silk or velvet, to natural textures, like stones or leaves. Close your eyes and really focus on how each texture feels against your skin, allowing yourself to be absorbed in the sensation.
Opening & Balancing the Sacral Chakra involves a combination of the grounding techniques (above) and also some suggest the below:
Color and Crystals: Some believe that the sacral chakra’s association with the color orange means that eating orange foods (like oranges, carrots, mangoes, and cantaloupe) or carrying orange crystals (like Amber, Carnelian, Orange Calcite, Gold Tiger’s Eye, and Moonstone) can help balance it. This also includes wearing orange clothes, perhaps a new orange scarf or shoes? October is coming up!
Yoga Poses: While I am not trained in yoga (and only practice sporadically) certain poses are often recommended for opening the sacral chakra, such as Mountain Pose, Tree Pose, Warrior Pose, Crescent Pose, Goddess Pose, Forward Bend, Bound Angle Pose, Triangle Pose, Pigeon Pose, and Butterfly Pose. Aromatherapy: Mindful breathing with scents. Using essential oils like jasmine, sandalwood, ylang-ylang, orange, or patchouli can also support sacral chakra healing.
Creativity: Expressing yourself creatively is key to sacral chakra health. Write, draw, paint—let your creative energy flow. Even if you are not feeling particularly inspired, just start. A single brush stroke or word on a page can lead to more. Make creativity a daily practice, whether it is doodling, writing a sentence, or something else.
And probably the most important recommendation on how to balance your sacral chakra—
Emotional Exploration: Since the sacral chakra is closely tied to your emotions, consider exploring any underlying emotional issues or traumas that might be contributing to the imbalance. Journaling daily, therapy, or talking with someone you trust can be powerful tools in this process.
Even though I tried to be as thorough as possible above, I should note that I am NOT actually an expert in the chakras. I disagree with the common western belief that there are only seven chakras. I believe that there are A LOT more. Each finger has at least four! Chakras are energy vortexes. And I have a lot of opinions about them.
But like I mentioned above, doing the grounding work that I mentioned along with a daily practice, should help you.
If you want to come off Anon and send a personal message, I will be happy to provide more thoughts on the subject specific to your circumstance.
44 notes · View notes
ascendedice · 7 months ago
Text
The basics of Elemental Magick - How to use it in your craft!
(I originally made that guide for my witchcraft discord server, but I'll upload it here. you can join it if you want: https://discord.gg/N57k5YKHcG)
Tumblr media
The five basic elements – Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit – are fundamental elements in magical practice and symbolize different energies and attributes.
Today we will learn about the first four, how to use them and when to!
ELEMENTS AND THEIR MEANINGS:
Earth represents stability, grounding, and material things. Its energy is associated with nature, fertility, and growth.
Air symbolizes mental clarity, communication, and intellectual pursuits.
Fire signifies transformation, passion, and energy.
Water symbolizes emotion, intuition, and purification.
HOW TO USE THEM: Using the elements to symbolize a specific goal in your spell work can be really useful. Here's a list of the most basic examples of using in general:
Air: Use elements like feathers, wind chimes, or burning an incense that evokes air energy. Use your breath in visualization exercises and grounding exercises.
Earth: Focus on grounding and stability. Use stones, soil, or salt in your practices.
Fire: Use candles, fire colors (red, orange), or burning specific herbs or oils. Visualize heat and energy.
Water: Use water-charged stones like aquamarine, use water in your spell work and visualize the way water flows.
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES OF USING ELEMENTAL MAGICK Here's a list of things you can do in your everyday life to use more elements!
Air: Saying verbal spells, burning incense.
Earth: Using crystals, doing protection based on the earth element.
Fire: Candles, burning herbs, rubbing your hands to generate heat (in spellwork for symbolism)
Water: Stirring in your intentions with your drinks (stir clockwise while affirming to invite in things, stir counter-clockwise to banish things from your life), soaking items in that enchanted water
That's it! I hope you liked my guide, I made it include all the basics you might need and I recommend researching more about it!
29 notes · View notes
posttexasstressdisorder · 4 months ago
Text
WhatMatters
Your guide to California policy and politics
Tumblr media
By Lynn La
February 12, 2025
Presented by California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, California Water Service, Uber and Dairy Cares
Tumblr media
Good morning, California.
LA mobile home park fire victims face uncertain future
Tumblr media
An aerial view of the Palisades Fire devastation at the Palisades Bowl Mobile Home Park on Feb. 8, 2025. Photo by Ted Soqui, SIPA USA via Reuters
The Palisades Fire that ignited in January and killed 12 people engulfed several luxury homes, beachfront properties and celebrity mansions. But it also razed the homes of those living in more affordable communities, including two mobile home parks. 
For those residents, the long road to recovery includes even more uncertainties and barriers, writes CalMatters’ Felicia Mello.
The Pacific Palisades Bowl Mobile Estates and Tahitian Terrace together housed hundreds of retirees and other long-time residents. Some residents who moved in decades prior paid just $600 a month for rent-controlled lots. 
But that all changed on Jan. 7, and the limitations of state and local rules ensuring affordable housing in Los Angeles are becoming clearer. For instance, under California law, mobile home park owners who rebuild after a natural disaster must allow tenants to return — but they can also increase rents to cover rebuilding costs.
For Colby Biggs, the co-owner of the 150-unit Palisades Bowl, being unable to recover costs could mean foregoing rebuilding the grounds altogether. 
Biggs: “If we have to go invest $100 million to rebuild the park and we’re not able to recoup that in some fashion, then it’s not likely we will rebuild the park. … We’re not evicting anybody. But if the park’s not rebuilt, then obviously the residents wouldn’t have the right to reoccupy the park.”
Biggs said it could be “a different story” if he can secure state or federal funding. But that’s a big question too: Gov. Gavin Newsom flew to Washington D.C. last week to lobby for disaster aid, following President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to withhold aid to California if the state didn’t change its water or voting policies. Trump has also floated the idea of “getting rid” of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, adding another wrinkle to recovery efforts. 
Read more here.
Focus on Inland Empire: Each Wednesday, CalMatters Inland Empire reporter Deborah Brennan surveys the big stories from that part of California. Read her newsletter and sign up here to receive it.
CalMatters events: On Feb. 25 CalMatters’ Adam Echelman will hold a panel to discuss what the state is doing to help employment outcomes for Californians ages 16 to 24. Register here to attend in person at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles or virtually.
Other Stories You Should Know
Rainfall could cause deadly debris flow
Tumblr media
Heavy machinery hauls dirt and sediment during the clearing of the debris basin at Sierra Madre Dam on Jan. 29, 2025. Photo by Jules Hotz for CalMatters
The other devastating Southern California January fire, the Eaton Fire, is also completely contained — but its potential to cause deadly debris flow has experts on high alert, report CalMatters’ Julie Cart and Alastair Bland.
The U.S. National Forest Service on Tuesday released a damage assessment report that found that the “probabilities of hyper-concentrated flows and/or debris flows are high to very high” in the Eaton Fire burn area. 
Heavy rainfall expected on Thursday and Friday could increase the chances of mud, boulders and debris rushing toward the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains — endangering the nearly 170,000 people living in Altadena, Pasadena and other nearby communities.
For fire-scarred parts of these mountains, there is no more vegetation to stabilize the earth. The soil, now coated with ash, repels water, and can roll off easily down hillsides instead of soaking back into the ground. Together with other sediment, they form debris flows, which can travel as fast as 40 miles an hour.
In addition to crushing bridges, buildings and vehicles in their paths, the flows can claim lives: The subsequent debris flow of 2017’s Thomas Fire killed 23 people in Montecito.
Read more here.
Insurance costs grow in wake of fires
Tumblr media
The remains of a home affected by the Eaton Fire in an Altadena neighborhood of Los Angeles on Jan. 8, 2025. Photo by Jules Hotz for CalMatters
To keep itself solvent, the state-run fire insurance plan of last resort is turning to private insurers — and, in turn, their customers — for a bailout.
As CalMatters’ Levi Sumagaysay explains, the California FAIR Plan offers customers limited coverage when no private company will cover them. Severe wildfire seasons in the past few years have driven up the number of FAIR Plan customers to more than 451,000, as more insurance companies stopped writing or renewing policies in the state.
The FAIR Plan has predicted it will run out of money by March, so on Tuesday the state Insurance Department approved its request to impose a $1 billion charge on private insurance companies to cover claims from the L.A.-area fires. Most California home and fire insurance customers will likely see temporary fees added to their insurance bills.
Meanwhile, the consumer advocacy group Consumer Watchdog is considering suing over the new charges customers will pay.
Read more here.
And lastly: CA’s ex-firefighter, GOP lawmaker
Tumblr media
State Sen. Kelly Seyarto during a Senate committee hearing at the Capitol Annex Swing Space in Sacramento on Oct. 7, 2024. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters
State Sen. Kelly Seyarto spent 35 years fighting fires in Southern California, and is one of the few career firefighters to have served in the Legislature. But despite his expertise, Seyarto said being a Republican excluded him from discussions on the special session bills related to the L.A. fires. Find out more about the Murrieta lawmaker from CalMatters’ Sameea Kamal.
California Voices
CalMatters columnist Dan Walters: A 1995 court ruling that doubled down on the federal government’s exclusive power to regulate immigration may help Trump’s current fight against state sanctuary laws.
 Other things worth your time:
��Some stories may require a subscription to read.
 Billions of gallons of water wasted in CA in what now appears to be a Trump political stunt // The Guardian
Danes launch petition to buy CA in response to Trump // San Francisco Chronicle
Flu deaths surpass COVID deaths in CA for first time since start of pandemic // The Mercury News
New database tracks learning loss and gains in US school districts, including CA // EdSource
Trump funding freeze halts key environmental projects in LA area // Los Angeles Daily News
Huntington Beach’s city attorney joins Trump’s Justice Department // Los Angeles Times
New details of toxic chemicals released after Martinez refinery fire // KQED
Stanislaus County warns of toxic industrial chemical being found in street fentanyl // The Modesto Bee
Lawsuit alleges LAUSD misused millions in Prop. 28 money meant for arts education // Los Angeles Times
See you next time!
Tips, insight or feedback? Email [email protected]. Subscribe to CalMatters newsletters here. Follow CalMatters on Facebook and Twitter.
     
About Us· How We're Funded· Subscribe· Donate
CalMatters 1017 L Street #261 Sacramento, CA 95814 United States
6 notes · View notes
geleynugvc · 1 month ago
Text
Key Considerations Before Removing a Mature Tree from Your Property
When deliberating the removing of a mature tree from your private home, one may well suppose an unpredicted mixture of feelings—sadness, nervousness, or even reduction. Trees serve as silent witnesses to our lives, bearing witness to celebrations and demanding situations alike. However, the decision to get rid of one isn’t purely an emotional choice; it’s a gigantic project that consists of distinct explanations. In this text, we are going to discover the Key Considerations Before Removing a Mature Tree from Your Property, guaranteeing that you just make an informed decision that aligns along with your necessities and values.
Key Considerations Before Removing a Mature Tree from Your Property
Removing a mature tree is not really as ordinary as it is able to appear. Here are several necessary concerns to prevent in thoughts earlier taking motion:
Tumblr media
Understanding the Health of the Tree
Before making any selections, check the wellness of the tree. A expert tree provider can assistance overview even if your tree is diseased or broken past recovery.
youtube
Tumblr media
youtube
Signs of Tree Health Issues Leaf Discoloration: Yellowing or browning leaves may also indicate rigidity. Bark Condition: Cracks or peeling bark may also be symptoms of degradation. Fungal Growth: Mushrooms at the bottom should imply internal rot. The Role of Trees in Ecosystems
Mature timber play an a must-have position in putting forward ecological stability. They present shelter for flora and fauna and guide purify air and water.
Tumblr media
Environmental Benefits Carbon Sequestration: Trees absorb CO2, aiding fight climate difference. Habitat for Wildlife: Birds and bugs rely on timber for cuisine and nesting web sites. Soil Erosion Prevention: Roots stabilize soil, minimizing erosion negative aspects. Local Regulations and Permits
Many municipalities have legislation governing tree removing. Familiarize your self with local laws to sidestep fines or authorized issues.
Permit Requirements May Include Proof of ownership Documentation of wellbeing and fitness assessments Detailed plans for alternative landscaping Assessing Property Value Implications
Did you understand that mature trees can extensively improve assets price? Understanding how their removal may perhaps have an effect on your house’s price is vital.
Potential Value Increase Factors Curb enchantment enhancement Shade for cooling homes Improved backyard spaces Safety Concerns Related to Tree Removal
Consider safe practices implications professional tree service whilst opting for mature tree elimination. Leaning trees or these as regards to systems pose titanic dangers.
youtube
Common Safety Risks Falling branches at some point of storms Root platforms damaging foundations Power line interference Costs Involved in Tree Removal Services
Engaging a knowledgeable tree service is on the whole worthwhile for safe removal, but
2 notes · View notes
envirotacinc · 2 years ago
Text
Soil Stabilization Guide: All Types Of Soil Stabilization
Tumblr media
Soil Stabilization is one of the oldest methods there are in the industry to prepare the soil for a good construction process and result. Soil stabilization refers to improving the engineering properties of soil to make it more stable and suitable for construction purposes.
In a more traditional and usual form, soil stabilization is associated with the use of water to bind the soil together and strengthen it to make it more suitable for construction purposes but usage of water is not a successful method since it can bring about major fatalities on drying of it.
Therefore, several methods are available for soil stabilization, and the choice of method depends on factors such as the soil type, project requirements, and environmental conditions
Mechanical Stabilization
Mechanical stabilization is the method where mechanical methods or compaction materials are used to manipulate the particle size of soil in order to make it more suitable for specific construction purposes since every construction project requires different types of soil sizes to stay strong on it.
In this method, large mechanical equipment is used to convert the soil more suitable by applying compressive force. Here are the following methods included:
Compaction
This technique involves applying mechanical force to increase the density of soil, reducing air voids, and improving load-bearing capacity.
Compaction can help improve the load-bearing capacity, drainage, and settlement of soil by applying mechanical force to it. Compaction cannot be used for all types of soils but it is considered best on granular soil for further construction purposes. Compaction is further of two types.
Dynamic Compaction
In this compaction method, High-energy impacts from heavy machinery or dropping weights are used to compact loose or weak soil layers.
Vibro-Compaction
In this compaction method, Vibratory probes including rollers and plate compactors are inserted into the soil to densify loose granular soils by reducing pore space.
Chemical Stabilization
Chemical soil stabilization involves the addition of chemical agents to the soil to improve its engineering properties and enhance its stability so that it can be made best suitable for construction purposes.
These agents chemically react with the soil particles, altering their properties and creating a more stable soil matrix. Here are some common methods of chemical soil stabilization:
Polymer Stabilization
Polymer Stabilization is one of the best methods of soil stabilization. Polymers, such as polyacrylamide or latex emulsions, are added to the soil.
Polymers bind the soil particles together, enhancing cohesion, reducing permeability, and increasing strength. These chemicals are further segregated into two parts where one is totally synthetic and best for binding the soil together for best results and is dense in nature which does not let the soil give up on the load it bears so forth.
Whereas, the other type of polymer stabilizer is completely environmentally friendly which doesn’t harm the soil properties, and does the binding job well although, it isn’t as effective as the synthetic polymer used. Polymer stabilization is effective in improving the stability and performance of fine-grained soils, such as silts and clays. 
Lime Stabilization
Lime Stabilization is another very popular form of chemical stabilization. Lime, in the form of quicklime or hydrated lime, is added to the soil to chemically react and improve its strength, plasticity, and long-term stability.
Lime stabilization is a versatile and widely used method for improving the engineering properties of soils. It offers several advantages in terms of strength enhancement, reduced plasticity, and improved stability. 
Cement Stabilization
Cement, typically in the form of Portland cement, is mixed with the soil to create a cementitious matrix, enhancing its strength and durability.
It offers several advantages, including increased strength, reduced plasticity, and enhanced durability. The dosage of cement to strengthen the soil is totally dependent upon the properties of the soil, the requirements of the project, and various relevant factors. 
Fly Ash Stabilization
Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion is mixed with soil to improve its strength and reduce plasticity. It is commonly used in subgrade stabilization.
The presence of silica, alumina, and other similar compounds is quite helpful in this process as they interact with the soil to enhance its properties to bring the best out of the stabilized soil in such a manner.
Bitumen Stabilization
Bitumen or asphalt emulsion is mixed with soil to enhance its strength, moisture resistance, and cohesion. Bitumen is a viscous, black, and sticky material derived from petroleum, commonly used in road construction.
This stabilization method is best for increasing the strength, durability, and cohesion of the soil to facilitate reliable construction.
Geotechnical Stabilization
Geotechnical stabilization refers to various methods and techniques used to improve the engineering properties and stability of soils. It involves the application of physical, mechanical, or chemical means to enhance soil strength, reduce deformability, control settlement, mitigate erosion, and increase overall stability. There are various types of geotechnical stabilization methods that can turn out great for soil and construction.
Geosynthetic
Geosynthetics contain geotextiles, geogrids, or geocells that are used to reinforce the soil and enhance its stability by distributing loads and reducing soil movement.
These geosynthetics enhance stability, prevent erosion, improve drainage, and control soil movement.
Geotextile Tubes
Large geotextile tubes filled with soil, sludge, or other materials are used as structural elements for erosion control, shoreline protection, or slope stabilization.
They provide a versatile solution for containment, dewatering, shoreline protection, and sediment management applications
Soil Nailing
Steel or fiberglass reinforcing elements, called soil nails, are drilled into the soil to provide tensile strength and prevent slope instability. Soil nailing is commonly used in applications such as slope stabilization, excavation support, and retaining wall construction.
Soil Anchoring
In this method, high-strength cables or rods are anchored into the soil to provide lateral support and prevent soil movement. There are various types of Soil Anchors used including deadman anchors, drilled anchors, and screw anchors.
Biological Stabilization
Biological Stabilization is the most environment-friendly model of soil stabilization. This approach combines the ecological benefits of vegetation with engineering principles to provide erosion control, slope stabilization, and soil improvement.
This is the best sustainable and environment-friendly approach to soil stabilization for construction purposes.
Vegetation
Planting suitable vegetation helps stabilize the soil through root systems that bind the soil particles, reducing erosion and enhancing slope stability.
Native plants or specially selected species with deep root systems and good soil-binding capabilities are often chosen for their ability to stabilize the soil effectively.
Bioengineering
Natural or synthetic materials, such as biodegradable blankets or mats, are used in combination with vegetation to provide erosion control and slope stabilization.
Bioengineering includes various techniques like brush layering, wattling and cior matting which are used to vegetate the soil to stabilize it for the best results.
Although this method might take longer than usual to give results, it is considered best for the environment other than polymer stabilization which is the best solution for soil stabilization for time constraints with the best environmental benefits.
Electrokinetic Stabilization
Electrokinetic stabilization applies electrical currents to the soil, influencing the soil's moisture content, pH, and chemical composition. It can improve soil strength, reduce swelling, and control moisture migration.
Conclusion
Each soil stabilization method has its advantages and limitations. The selection of the appropriate technique depends on the specific soil conditions, project requirements, and cost-effectiveness.
A thorough site evaluation, laboratory testing, and consultation with geotechnical experts are essential to determine the most suitable soil stabilization approach for a particular project.
0 notes
cebomar09-blog · 5 months ago
Text
The Spirit Of Ideas, The Death of God, and the Crisis of Truth
"In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." -Judges 21:25
The same idea can lead one group to justify the enslavement of people based on the color of their skin just as effectively as it can spark an abolitionist movement. Take the grand narrative (universal truth) of Imago Dei—the idea that all of us were made in the image of God. You can use that to say that everyone is equal no matter what. One can also say, “Everyone is made in the image of God and therefore equal, except you people.”
An additional illustration is the social constructionism put forth by Michel Foucault and his peers in 1970s France. This concept posits that ethics, morality, identity, knowledge, and social norms are shaped by historical and cultural contexts rather than being inherent or universal truths. Foucault, Derrida, and Sartre signed a petition supporting the decriminalization of consensual relationships between minors and adults…
If each person’s individual truth is considered The Truth, who are we to deny them? 
Conversely, Derrida’s relativism possesses a certain brilliance, making it quite suitable for career counseling and other areas of counseling. The postmodern constructivist perspective encourages individuals to reflect on the various factors that have shaped their current life circumstances, offering them the possibility of escaping a fixed narrative. This approach fosters insights far more effectively than a generic method, especially in an age when people can no longer depend on predefined identities or linear career paths.
The point I aim to drive home is that ideas, their development, and how we use them matter. Philosophy, theology, and the social sciences aren’t simply a matter of people having abstract discussions for the fun of it. The discourse of ideas shapes humanity, and if you’re reading this, you have a worldview that affects you and everyone around you. 
The Spirit of Ideas
Nietzsche begins Beyond Good and Evil by critiquing philosophers by pointing to their arrogance. They lack the humility, he says, to admit that their ideas come, in large part, by way of their own psychophysiological societal constitution. “...the greater part of the conscious thinking of a philosopher is secretly influenced by his instinct and forced into definite channels.”
Nietzsche seemed to understand that ideas are not formed in isolation; rather, they are like seeds that carry the imprint of the environment in which they were conceived. Just as DNA encodes the blueprint for a living organism, ideas are shaped by the psychological, cultural, and social forces that give birth to them. These forces—what might be called the spirit behind an idea—guide its development and influence the direction it takes in the world.
Additionally, Nietzsche prophetically lamented what would happen when grand narratives collapse, leaving humanity in a state of moral and existential disarray. As the death of God looms over modernity, we see ideologies emerge that seek to fill the void. The rest of this post will showcase examples of important ideas that started as seeds, the soil in which they flourished, and the fruits they produced.
Example 1—From Karl Marx to Soviet Russia and Mao Zedong: Communist Atrocities and the Influence of Postmodern Neo-Marxism in Today’s Discourse 
Karl Marx had an obsession with destruction that was not solely intellectual; it carried a psychological weight. His works often reveal profound disdain for his surroundings, a fixation on chaos, and a compelling urge to witness the downfall of established institutions. This sense of negation is intertwined with his personal life—his estrangement from family, inability to find personal stability, and a disordered lifestyle mirror the decay and turmoil he sought to inflict on society. Considering Nietzsche’s view that philosophers' ideas stem from their personal instincts and experiences, Marx’s preoccupation with destruction, rebellion, and dark imagery becomes particularly telling.
Dr. Paul Kengor, author of The Devil and Karl Marx (2020), notes that Marx was fixated on Faustian themes and Hell, despite his declared atheism. He famously stated, “Thus Heaven I’ve forfeited, I know it full well... My soul, once true to God, is chosen for Hell.” For those unfamiliar, Karl Marx, along with Friedrich Engels, profoundly influenced modern communist ideology, laying the groundwork for many 20th-century communist movements, including those responsible for over 100 million deaths. No other ideology in history has caused such widespread loss of innocent life. Marx also advocated for the dissolution of the nuclear family and encouraged ruthless scrutiny of everything—ABSOLUTELY everything. The Communist Manifesto explicitly calls for a violent overthrow of the current state of affairs, including private property, capital, the family unit (yes, the family unit), and entire societies. He glorified destruction.
I encourage you to look into the terrifyingly strong positive correlation between dark triad (now tetrad) personality traits and left-wing authoritarianism.
What about the origins of this spirit of destruction?
These ideas originated from a deeply unclean man who led a chaotic, financially unstable life, constantly borrowing money and failing to repay his debts. Marx exploited his parents' generosity and was widely disliked, even by his partner, Engels. He refused to bathe, and his squalid living conditions reflected a deeper disorder that manifested in his revolutionary vision. Marx’s life embodied his ideas—marked by disarray, dependency, and self-inflicted misery. Just as he sought to abolish the social order, he rejected personal responsibility and hygiene, living in perpetual financial and physical distress.
He suffered from carbuncles, which were at their worst while he was writing Das Kapital (his magnum opus), a lengthy and painful read (I’ve tried). His carbuncles on his privates were particularly severe during the writing process, sometimes triggering fits of rage. In a letter to Engels (co-author of The Communist Manifesto), he noted a boil between his upper lip and nose, stating, “It's as if the devil has been hurling shit at me.” It is not unreasonable to suggest that Marx’s bodily suffering found expression in his work—his pain, both physical and psychological, sought relief through the destruction of the societal body. His boils, which tormented him as he wrote his magnum opus, can be seen as a metaphor for his ideas themselves: festering, painful, and ultimately destructive.
Karl Marx’s perspective views consciousness as a collective social phenomenon heavily influenced, if not determined, by material, particularly economic, conditions. He argues that societal superstructures, especially economic and religious ones, manipulate the working class (proletariat) to benefit the ruling class (bourgeoisie). He wasn’t entirely mistaken. History indicates that religion can indeed perpetuate oppression, as seen in the papal states' influence over politics, the harshness of the Inquisition, and the collaboration between religious institutions and colonial powers. However, to limit human history solely to class struggle while neglecting the positive aspects of the subjects he criticized oversimplifies the intricate nature of human experience. I think this quote from The Communist Manifesto sums it up: “The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggle.” History, for Marx, is defined by conflicts between classes with opposing interests, and the mode of production in any given society determines its social structures and relationships. That’s it. It’s all about power.
If that sounds familiar in today’s discourse, it should. The dominant view of universities, which has so thickly seeped into every nook and cranny of sociopolitical life, has become an adaptation of this same Marxist framework—only now, class struggle has been refashioned into an endless struggle of identity categories. There are the privileged people and the oppressed people, and they are demarcated primarily by race, gender, and sexual preference. If you are a member of the oppressed class, you are de facto morally superior to your oppressors. Some people go as far as to suggest that being wealthy or white means you must be morally corrupt. And if you happen to be a wealthy straight white male, well…
What I’ve just described is often referred to today as postmodern neo-marxism. It denies the existence of universal truths and grand narratives while paradoxically operating religiously (wink) under its own rigid, unquestionable dogmas. But some ideas seem to eat themselves alive like a snake. This intellectual ouroboros fuels a cycle where every institution, relationship, and belief is viewed through the lens of power dynamics, often leaving little room for nuance, complexity, or alternative interpretations. Ironically, while striving to break down hierarchies and absolute truths, these ideologies establish new, rigid orthodoxies that replicate—yet corrupt—the systems they aim to dismantle. This creates a continuous cycle where skepticism becomes self-destructive, eroding the very foundations it relies on. Consequently, we find ourselves in a culture dominated by deconstruction, which allows scant opportunity for genuine reconstruction.
In the end, Marx’s philosophy of destruction did not arise from an objective analysis of history but from the chaotic, festering spirit of his own life. His call for revolution was not just theoretical—it was deeply personal.
Example 2—John Money, Alfred Kinsey, And The Spirit Of Hate And Deception 
John Money
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Ideas do not emerge ex nihilo. Their existence embodies the essence of those who conceive them—molded by personal experiences, trauma, biases, and disturbing motivations. This was evident in Marxism, and it holds true in the work of John Money. 
Money’s childhood in rural New Zealand was marked by early failures, anxieties, trauma, and personal tragedies. He was thin and delicate, raised in a home of strict religiosity, or what he would later call “tightly sealed, evangelical religious dogma.” He had a terrible relationship with his father. Many decades later, he wrote about his father, describing him as a brutal and heartless man who gave an “abusive interrogation and whipping” to his four-year-old son over a broken window. Money famously indicated that this event contributed to his enduring rejection of “the brutality of manhood.” After his father’s death, he wrote, “My father died without my being able to forget or forgive his unfair cruelty.”
Money was thereafter raised in a strongly feminist atmosphere, shaped by his mother and single aunts, whose critical attitudes towards men had a profound effect on him. “I suffered from the guilt of being male,” he wrote. “I wore the mark of man’s vile sexuality”—referring to penis and testicles. Considering Money’s forthcoming notoriety in adult and infant gender reassignment, his subsequent remark carries a disturbing tone. “I wondered if the world might really be a better place for women if not only farm animals but human males also were gelded at birth.”
Fifteen years after starting at Johns Hopkins University, he became known as the individual who introduced the term "gender identity" to describe a person’s internal sense of being male or female. He was also recognized as the foremost expert on the psychological effects of ambiguous genitalia and garnered international attention for establishing the pioneering Johns Hopkins Gender Identity Clinic (presently known as the Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Health). 
I’ll provide some direct quotes and tidbits from Money.
"If I were to see the case of a boy aged ten or twelve who's intensely attracted toward a man in his twenties or thirties, and the relationship is totally mutual, and the bonding is genuinely totally mutual, then I would not call it pathological in any way," he told the journal, and added, "It’s very important once a relationship has been established on such positive and affectionate grounds that it should not be broken up precipitously."
In 1987, Money wrote a foreword to a work published in Denmark entitled Boys on Their Contacts with Men: A Study of Sexually Expressed Friendships by Dutch professor Theo Sandfort. The book presented what purported to be verbatim testimonials of boys as young as eleven years old describing the delights of sex with men as old as sixty. "For those born and educated after the year 2000," Money wrote, "we will be their history, and they will be mystified by our self-imposed moralistic ignorance of the principles of sexual development in childhood."
A childhood sexual experience," he explained to Time magazine in April 1980, "such as being the partner of a relative or an older person, need not necessarily affect the child adversely." 
He granted an interview to Paidika, a Dutch journal of pedophilia, which carries ads for the North American Man-Boy Love Association and other pro-pedophile groups.
Under Money’s influence, the Johns Hopkins Medical School curriculum in 1971 featured explicit photographs of people engaged in bestiality, urine-drinking, feces-eating, and various amputation fetishes in order to desensitize medical students to sexual perversions.
During a lecture in Winnipeg, Money screened a stag film of five women and three men having group sex, then followed the screening with a speech in which he informed the assembled professors and first-year medical students that marriage was simply an economic compact in which the “heart follows the wallet”; that incest should not be prosecuted as a criminal offense; and that in cases where stepfathers sleep with their stepdaughters, the mother is often “happy” because she “is glad to have [her husband] off her back.”
[W]hat happens in our culture?" he wrote. "Children's sex explorations are treated like a contagious disease... [D]on't let them see the incontrovertible differences in their genitals, and don't, at all costs, let them rehearse copulation—the one universal human activity that still imperatively demands that the two sexes behave differently and harmoniously!"
In an interview with the pornographic magazine Genesis in April 1977, Money vented his frustration against the prohibition against childhood sexual rehearsal play and a psychologist's right to observe it. “The number of studies of the effects of depriving human infants and juveniles of sexual rehearsal play is exactly and precisely zero,” he said, “because anyone who tried to conduct such a study would risk imprisonment for contributing to the delinquency of minors, or for being obscene. Just imagine the headlines and the fate of a research-grant application requesting funds to watch children playing fucking games!”
Note: Information about Money is sourced from As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised As A Girl (2000) by John Colapinto.
His influence on the fields of gender studies and human sexuality extends far beyond the walls of Johns Hopkins University, where, like a seed planted in fertile soil, his ideas have taken root and flourished, influencing generations of scholars, clinicians, policymakers, and the political landscape of modern discourse. Many of his students and proteges, educated in his theories of psychosexual differentiation, have risen to prominent roles at some of the nation's most esteemed universities, research institutions, and scientific journals. Among his former students are Dr. Anke Ehrhardt, a senior professor at Columbia University; Dr. Richard Green, director of the Gender Identity Clinic in London; Dr. June Reinisch, who led the renowned Kinsey Institute (remember that name) for many years; and Dr. Mark Schwartz, director of the influential Masters and Johnson Clinic.
The spirit of his ideas, born from personal turmoil, radical ideology, and an explicit disdain for men, continues to shape policies, academic curricula, and society's perceptions of gender and sexuality. However, John Money was not an anomaly. He was part of a larger intellectual movement determined to dismantle long-standing notions of sexuality and morality under the pretense of scientific inquiry. To grasp the full extent of this ideological shift, we must also consider another influential figure whose impact parallels Money's—Alfred Kinsey. If Money’s theories sowed the seeds of gender fluidity, Kinsey’s work laid the groundwork for the sexual revolution itself. Like Money, Kinsey's research did not arise ex nihilo; it bore the unmistakable mark of his personal obsessions and biases, which continue to reverberate through academia and public policy today.
Alfred Kinsey 
Alfred Kinsey's work on human sexuality was deeply influenced by his personal history and upbringing. Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1894, Kinsey grew up under the watchful eye of his father, a strict Christian disciplinarian who saw Sundays as sacred and tightly regulated his family's activities. Conversations about sexuality were virtually non-existent in his household, leaving Kinsey grappling with feelings of repression well into adulthood. In fact, by the time he met his future wife in 1920, he had never been on a date or engaged in sexual intercourse—a striking testament to his sheltered upbringing.
Kinsey’s early years were further complicated by a series of health challenges, including rickets, rheumatic fever, and typhoid fever, conditions that left him physically frail. The combination of his father's rigid expectations and his own physical vulnerabilities may have fueled a deep-seated desire to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. His fascination with biology and the natural world provided an escape, offering him a lens through which to explore life beyond the rigid confines of his upbringing. Eventually, this scientific curiosity led him to one of the most controversial and influential fields of study: human sexuality.
Initially trained as an entomologist, Kinsey’s career took an unexpected turn when he founded the Institute for Sex Research at Indiana University in 1947.
Kinsey’s personal experiences with repression, combined with his relentless pursuit of scientific understanding, fueled his advocacy for a more nuanced and inclusive perspective on human sexuality. His work not only ignited academic discourse but also played a pivotal role in reshaping societal attitudes, paving the way for modern discussions about sexual fluidity and orientation. Whether hailed as a visionary or criticized for his methods, Kinsey undeniably left an indelible mark on the study of human sexuality.
The Kinsey Scale and Its Influence
Kinsey's most famous contribution is the Kinsey Scale, introduced in Sexual Behavior in the Human Male (1948). The scale ranges from 0 (exclusively heterosexual) to 6 (exclusively homosexual), with intermediate numbers reflecting varying degrees of bisexuality. This scale critiques the binary perception of sexual orientation, framing sexuality as a spectrum.
The Kinsey Scale is frequently used by LGBTQ+ advocates to highlight that sexuality isn't limited to fixed categories but exists along a spectrum. It provides a flexible framework for individuals to explore their sexual orientation, and it is often referenced in educational materials and awareness campaigns aimed at promoting acceptance of sexual diversity. Kinsey’s research significantly contributed to the concept of sexual fluidity, challenging the notion of static sexual identities. His work has been vital in LGBTQ+ advocacy, normalizing various orientations and addressing societal taboos. Much of Kinsey’s foundational work has paved the way for marginalized individuals, fostering a sense of welcome and inclusion in society. 
Let’s take a look at how he conducted his research, which was cited positively multiple times during my time at IUPUI from 2020-2024. What you’re about to read is deeply disturbing. 
In Sexual Behavior in the Human Male (which was reprinted in 1998 and is widely available), the Institute published the notorious Table 34, which documents the sexual responses of children from infants through teens. They conducted sexual experiments on hundreds of children by bringing them to what the experimenters called “orgasm”, timing these responses with a stopwatch.
Kinsey proudly asserted, “We have now reported observation on such specifically sexual activities as erection, pelvic thrusts, and several other characteristics of true orgasm in a list of 317 pre-adolescent boys ranging between infants of five months and adolescence in age.” Table 34 in Kinsey’s book includes an 11-month-old baby who had an alleged “orgasm” ten times in one hour; a four-year-old child and a 13-year-old boy experienced 26 such alleged “orgasms” in a 24-hour period.
For more information, visit: https://familywatch.org/fwi/Kinsey_fraud.cfm & https://stopthekinseyinstitute.org/ 
John Money and Alfred Kinsey's work illustrates how humans tend to develop new moral frameworks when traditional ones are lacking. Nietzsche's famous words — “God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him. Yet his shadow still looms” — effectively captures the contemporary challenge of replacing objective morality with constructs rooted in science and society. As Kinsey explored the complexities of sexuality and Money aimed to redefine gender, society began to forge new sacred values to fill the emptiness left by diminishing traditional values. 
The fundamental ideas promoted by John Money and Alfred Kinsey have had far-reaching societal outcomes. On one hand, their work played a pivotal role in advancing discussions around sexual identity and gender expression. Kinsey's research, in particular, helped to destigmatize non-heteronormative sexual orientations. His findings contributed to a gradual shift in public perception, paving the way for advancements such as the legalization of same-sex marriage and broader LGBTQ+ rights movements. Similarly, Money's introduction of the term "gender identity" laid the groundwork for the recognition of transgender individuals and the development of legal protections and healthcare policies aimed at supporting gender-diverse populations.
However, their work has also led to controversial and unintended consequences. Increasingly, gender-related concerns in individuals are being addressed through medical interventions rather than social or psychological support, resulting in a significant rise in treatments for minors, such as puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and surgeries. Rather than affirming the inherent connection between mind and body and reinforcing the intrinsic value of one's biological identity, these ideas have contributed to the erosion of parental rights—as seen in many cases in Canada—and the destabilization of the nuclear family. This has raised serious concerns about the long-term social and psychological implications of their theories.
While Kinsey and Money influenced important social progress, their legacy remains a complex and polarizing one—challenging society to continually navigate the balance between evolving scientific understandings and the stability of long-standing moral frameworks.
Did the spirit of their ideas require child sacrifice in order to flourish? Was that worth future social progress? I’ll let you decide. 
Final Thoughts
Nietzsche’s haunting question— “What festivals of atonement, what sacred games shall we have to invent?”— rings louder today than ever. The collapse of grand narratives and universal truths has left society in a frantic search for meaning, replacing once-sacred values with new ideological constructs. But what drives these constructs forward? The spirit of an idea, much like a seed, carries the imprint of its origin—its cultural, psychological, and historical context—shaping the trajectory of thought and action in ways both profound and perilous.
Ideas, as we have seen, are never neutral; they are infused with the desires, biases, and struggles of those who conceive them. The spirit behind an idea influences whether it will build or destroy, liberate or oppress. In the absence of universal guiding principles, we find ourselves in a landscape where ideas are constantly deconstructed but seldom reconstructed with wisdom and foresight.
As we strive to redefine morality, identity, and social order, we must ask: Are we creating a coherent framework that fosters human flourishing, or are we trapped in an endless cycle of ideological reinvention? True balance requires both order and chaos—an acknowledgment that while ideas must evolve, they should not detach entirely from the timeless truths that anchor our humanity.
In the end, the spirit of an idea shapes not just the world but the soul and psyche of those who embrace it. The challenge is not merely to invent new values but to discern which spirits we allow to guide us forward, for better or worse.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.
Matthew 7:15-16
5 notes · View notes
keztis · 3 months ago
Text
Tumblr media
@d4gangera | continued from [ x ]
Tumblr media
                𝚃𝙷𝙸𝚂  𝚆𝙰𝚂𝙽’𝚃  𝙷𝙾𝚆  𝙺𝙴𝚂𝚃𝙸𝚂  𝙴𝙽𝚅𝙸𝚂𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙴𝙳  𝚃𝙷𝙸𝚂  𝙿𝙻𝙰𝚈𝙸𝙽𝙶  𝙾𝚄𝚃.    he’d imagined approaching dagan with the same unassuming charm that so often invited conversation, presenting a broad opening—casual yet inquisitive, interwoven with just enough intrigue.  a deliberate balance, intended to reach beneath the surface without giving the impression of an interloper prying into the life of a jedi long removed from his time.
instead, cal had stumbled over his own question, lost his footing in the exchange, and continued to trip over words as though he hadn’t thought about this moment countless times before. because he had. days of idle thought, devoted to precisely this scenario. granted, most of that thinking happened while bored out of his mind in hyperspace, trapped in the monotony of a supply run from jedha to koboh to tanalorr, so maybe the absence of more pressing concerns had left him too much time to contemplate.  to envision.  to script, again and again, the way it should have gone.
and yet, despite it all, cal’s face brightened with sudden enthusiasm.
             ❝you do?  that’s great!  that’s. . . that’s really great.  because i—uh. . .❞   the young knight hesitated, glancing over his shoulder just as BD-1 whistled excitedly and launched from his perch. the droid’s thrusters sputtered in bursts, then stabilized, guiding him down to tanalorr’s pale soil in a controlled descent.  cal murmured his usual thanks—an absent, familiar habit—and shrugged off his old, well-worn rucksack, dropping it to the ground.
inside, an assortment of seed jars and flowers spilled into view—fresh and dried, vivid and fragile—along with neatly bundled roots, gently cleaned and preserved for planting.
it had taken years to gather. a slow accumulation from distant worlds, collected in moments of reverence amid surrounding chaos, each discovery carefully tucked into the rucksack’s ever-filling pockets.  cal never considered it a possession in the conventional sense, and certainly not something valuable.  yet as he looked down at the years of travel laid out before him, a wave of quiet contentment settled in his chest.  every one of these plants, found by chance—sometimes in wild, untouched places, though more often in the charred remains left behind by the empire—would one day have a new home.   somewhere better.  somewhere safer.
Tumblr media
                ❝i guess it’s just. . . i like plants.❞  his voice, softer now, carried no less sincerity as he cradled a clump of damp roots in his hands, his thumb tracing over yellow hairs as if memorizing their delicate form.  ❝i know that probably sounds kind of dumb, but. . .  i’ve seen whole worlds lost.  people, cultures, entire histories—just. . . gone.  it’s easy to feel like nothing good lasts.  but plants. . . they’re stubborn. they grow in the ruins, in the cracks, in the ash.  it’s proof that life doesn’t give up.  and that keeps me grounded.  gives me hope.❞
for a moment, only the hush of tanalorr filled the space between them. BD-1, evidently less patient, hopped in place, then whistled in confusion. cal only rubbed the back of his neck, apprehensive—uncertain. no, he hadn’t decided which one to give dagan. would dagan favor the inisa, an elegant flower with soft, delicate colors?  or would he gravitate toward something wilder, something untamed and defiant, like the sficca with its riotous colors and thorn-laced stems?
❝i thought. . . maybe you’d appreciate that too.❞   the words came quietly, but with less hesitation.  cal exhaled, then extended a cluster of firethorn blossoms—freshly picked from the garden on koboh—toward dagan.  ❝i wanted you to have these.  if you want.  if not, BD-1 and i can always find a nice spot to plant them instead.  i don’t know.  or maybe we could. . . plant some together?❞
Tumblr media
2 notes · View notes
astrxlfinale · 1 year ago
Text
Tumblr media
HC; Concept of Destruction. The Connection.
Outside of the more physical sightings of how Destruction is exercised and exerted as a concept through battle, I'd actually like to explore it deeper in a way I'm glad to see Star Rail taking it. How these forces are in their own ways Laws that either conflict or unify with their opposing. Caelus's situation of being a Stellaron's host gives him an uncanny valley of being a Pathstride involving Destruction.
That golden potential courses through body and soul, it's a force that intends to dismantle above all else, and this can go for high potentials from other Paths as well. My best example to look at would be the scenario where you could consume Dan Shu's 'medication' which served as a one stop shop for becoming Mara struck. For anyone that should've been it, for the conflicting biological laws via the Abundance intended to overwrite your current structure.
Tumblr media
You can see firsthand how it's actively working to make you the soil and seed, and how your will plays a potential variable if you can be the sentience amidst this rapid vitality that intends to use you. It's through the Destruction and in kind, the encounter with the Cloud Knights as the Seat of Foresight that a key ingredient to wade off the worst comes into play. Conflict.
Conflict from the conceptual scale is one of the guiding fuels for Destruction. Elimination, collision, dismantling in ways that create the nurturing grounds for the new to rise. Through a combination of being upon this path, and sporting one of Nanook's Stellarons, that said valley was tapped into in order to make this dangerous overgrowth of life pause in it's tracks.
You come to see it during the check up.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Similar to how the Stellaron's influence eroded the death of the Ambrosial Arbor to allow it's functions to reactivate, from how I see it, it also held that same quality to directly erase that same influence that selfishly takes to live on, as the essence of life always tends to do.
In the end, I believe that one of Destruction's biggest boons despite it's highly volatile potential is breaking. If it cannot be overcome, it can actively devour the current reality, it's physical/spiritual structures to it's conceptual laws if it's force cannot be triumphed over. In return, this is what gives me the idea in how it can make these miracles take place. The sacrifice of resolve/will, of literal grounds, these all provide sustenance that can enact a recreation function as well. Despite how it ends all, we can also see through the Fragmentum it does a similar angle to the Remembrance.
It rememebers, even if it provides more bastardized and at time even stronger variants. Considering how much of a universal menace the Stellaron network is, the wealth of knowledge kept in Destruction's hand would be a vast quantity.
That said, this is starter post I intend to return to. There's other mysteries such as the Trailblaze Path's relationship with the Destruction I want to dig deeper into. The formatting of powerful memories and giving opportunities for Trailblazes to recover these methods of empowerment from the Calyx earns it's own study, the sort I'd love to see more in!
Routing this all back to Caelus, being the host of a stabilized Stellaron thus puts him in this really weird angle. While abilities like this can be utilized (and I'm pretty sure that reach will grow with the game), it's also hosting it's fine share of mystery due to being a Stellaron that managed a peaceful stabilization. Exactly what can that entail outside of a more intimate connection with Nanook's Path?
10 notes · View notes
talonabraxas · 11 months ago
Text
Tumblr media
Aura colours and their meaning.
The aura is an extension of a person’s personality and emotional, mental and physical landscape, so it will change from day to day. It can be affected by external factors as well as the general disposition and character of the individual.
There are no hard and fast rules as to what these visual variances ‘mean’, as, with all psychic practices, it depends on the intuition and knowledge of the reader. But there are certainly common themes. For instance, those who practice yoga tend to have a ‘still’ aura or people with serious illness have a fainter aura than someone vital. Moreover, auras tend to have a ‘texture’ to them. They may be sparkly, treacly, in lines, waves or arcs.
Below, I have given a rough guide to how you might interpret auric colours only, but it is no mean a fixed manual:
The Aura Colors Meaning Chart:
Red ~ Pertains to circulation, the heart and the physical body. In its higher aspect, it is an indicator of a healthy ego, stability and being strong-willed. In its lowest aspect, red energy can give way to anger, unforgiving, anxiety or nervousness.
Orange ~ points to the reproductive organs and feelings. It is the colour of vigour, vitality and enthusiasm. In its higher aspect, orange energy shows creativity, confidence and gregariousness. In its lowest aspect, it can give way to stress and addictions.
Yellow ~ represents life energy – qi or prana. The colour of optimism, awakening, inspiration and intelligence. It has no lower aspects.
Green ~ connects to the heart centre and lungs. It is the comfortable and healthy colour of nature, representing growth, balance, healing, and depicting a love for all sentient beings and Mother Earth.
Blue ~ Pertains to the throat and the thyroid and is therefore indicative of communicators. Writers, public speakers and linguists will often have a lot of blue in their auric field. It is also a cool, calm and collected energy.
Indigo ~ Pertains to the third eye and therefore is a colour of deep feelings, intuition and sensitivity.
Violet/Lavender ~ Relating to the crown, pineal gland and the nervous systems. It is the most sensitive colour in the aura. People with a lot of violet in their auras are usually highly artistic, psychic, intuitive, visionary and magical.
“The aura is an extension of a person’s personality and emotional, mental and physical landscape, so it will change from day to day.”
Other Aura Colours:
Turquoise ~ is associated with the immune system and usually found in the auras of healers and therapists. It is a sensitive, compassionate colour.
Silver ~ pertains to spiritual and physical abundance. A lot of bright silver in an aura may indicate a spiritual awakening or financial gain.
Gold ~ typical of divine protection and enlightenment. This colour points towards strong spiritual and universal guidance, intuition, wisdom and inner peace.
Black ~ points towards pulling, capturing and transforming energy. It can indicate unreleased anger, grief or health problems. It also shows an unforgiving nature (to themselves and others) and possible past-life issues that remain unresolved.
White ~ linked to protection and deflecting other energies. Flashes of white within the auric field often signal that angels are nearby. As with most associations with white, it symbolizes purity, truth and a healthy individual.
Earth Tones/Brown ~ Colours of soil, wood, minerals and plants highlights very grounded energy and someone who works with the earth, such as a gardener or farmer. However, a more brownish hue can point to greediness, self-absorption or ignorance in its lowest aspect.
Rainbow ~ auras with stripes of colour emanating as beams of light from the hands, heart, or head indicate someone who is a healer.
Solar Aura Peter Solarz
70 notes · View notes
magicravengrimoire · 5 months ago
Text
The Power Of Intention
At the heart of all magic lies intention—the unseen force that shapes energy into purpose, weaving the threads of the universe to fulfill the caster’s will. Intention is more than mere desire; it is the focused alignment of thought, emotion, and spirit. Without intention, a spell is but an empty ritual, devoid of power and meaning.
The wise know that intention works as both the foundation and the guiding star of magic. It is the seed planted within the soil of ritual, watered by belief and nourished by action. When intention is pure and clear, it resonates like a bell across the unseen realms, calling forth the energies required to manifest the caster’s will.
How Intention Works
The process of intention can be understood through three key principles:
1. Clarity
Magic requires precision of thought. A scattered or uncertain mind will scatter the energies you summon. Before beginning any spell or ritual, meditate upon your goal. What do you truly seek? State it plainly and with conviction. Writing it down or speaking it aloud can help anchor your focus.
Example: Instead of saying, “I want more abundance,” define it clearly: “I seek financial stability through new opportunities that align with my highest good.”
2. Emotion
Intention is fueled by emotion. The energy of your feelings amplifies your focus, acting as the current that carries your will into the universe. Feel your desire as though it has already come to pass—joy, relief, gratitude. These emotions are the language of creation.
However, beware of negative emotions such as fear or doubt, for they can weaken your intention and invite unintended outcomes.
3. Action
Magic works in harmony with the physical world, not apart from it. Casting a spell without taking mundane action is like planting a seed but refusing to water it. Your intention must be supported by steps in the material realm. For example, a spell for success may require you to pursue opportunities actively.
Tumblr media
5 notes · View notes
containerhomeswiki · 5 months ago
Text
How to Build a Container Home Step by Step in 2025
Container homes have become a groundbreaking trend in sustainable architecture, offering affordability, eco-friendliness, and versatility. In 2025, the process of building a container home has become even more streamlined, thanks to advanced materials and innovative designs. This comprehensive guide outlines every step to create your dream container home while ensuring compliance with modern standards.
Tumblr media
Step 1: Planning and Design
Define Your Goals and Budget
Before starting, determine your purpose for the container home. Is it a permanent residence, a vacation property, or an investment rental? Establish a realistic budget, considering land acquisition, permits, materials, labor, and unforeseen costs.
Research Local Building Codes
Container homes must comply with local regulations, including zoning laws and building permits. Research thoroughly or consult a professional to avoid legal issues later.
Select the Right Design
Modern container homes range from minimalist single-container structures to luxurious multi-container designs. Collaborate with an architect experienced in container home construction to optimize space utilization and aesthetics.
Step 2: Choosing and Preparing Containers
Select High-Quality Containers
Opt for ISO-certified shipping containers to ensure structural integrity. Containers come in two standard sizes: 20 feet and 40 feet. Choose new or lightly used containers to avoid dealing with rust and damage.
Inspect and Clean the Containers
Thoroughly inspect the containers for dents, corrosion, or chemical residues. Once inspected, clean them using pressure washers and non-toxic cleaning solutions to eliminate contaminants.
Modify Containers for Your Design
Cut openings for windows, doors, and ventilation according to your design. Reinforce edges with steel beams to maintain structural strength during modifications.
Step 3: Securing the Foundation
Choose the Right Foundation
The type of foundation depends on your site conditions and budget. Common options include:
Concrete slab foundation for flat surfaces.
Pier foundation for uneven or sloped land.
Crawl space foundation for additional storage or ventilation.
Prepare the Site
Level the ground, remove debris, and compact the soil. Install drainage systems to prevent water pooling, which could compromise the foundation over time.
Step 4: Assembling the Structure
Position the Containers
Using cranes or heavy equipment, place the containers on the foundation as per your design. Align them carefully to ensure structural stability.
Weld and Secure Containers
Weld the containers together for a unified structure. Seal any gaps to improve insulation and prevent water leaks.
Install Structural Reinforcements
For multi-story container homes, add steel columns or beams to support the weight of the upper containers. Reinforce the roof if necessary for load-bearing purposes, such as solar panels or rooftop gardens.
Step 5: Insulation and Weatherproofing
Insulate for Comfort
Steel containers are excellent conductors of heat and cold, making insulation crucial. Popular options include:
Spray foam insulation for superior thermal performance.
Rigid foam panels for cost-effective solutions.
Natural materials like wool for eco-friendly insulation.
Weatherproof the Exterior
Apply anti-corrosion coatings to the steel surface. Seal joints with waterproof caulking to protect against moisture. Add cladding or siding for aesthetics and additional protection.
Step 6: Installing Utilities
Electrical Systems
Hire a licensed electrician to install wiring, outlets, and circuit breakers. Plan for energy-efficient systems, such as LED lighting and solar panels, to reduce your carbon footprint.
Plumbing Systems
Install water supply lines, drainage systems, and sewage connections. Consider using a tankless water heater or rainwater harvesting system for efficiency.
HVAC Systems
Choose compact and efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to maintain comfort throughout the year.
Step 7: Interior Finishing
Walls, Floors, and Ceilings
Walls: Cover the interior with drywall, plywood, or reclaimed wood for a polished look.
Floors: Install durable flooring materials such as vinyl, laminate, or bamboo.
Ceilings: Use suspended ceilings to conceal wiring and ductwork while adding insulation.
Furniture and Fixtures
Optimize space with built-in furniture and multi-functional designs. Use modular kitchen units and compact bathroom fixtures for maximum efficiency.
Step 8: Exterior Enhancements
Landscaping
Enhance your container home’s surroundings with landscaping features such as pathways, gardens, and outdoor seating areas.
Decks and Patios
Extend your living space with a deck or patio. Use reclaimed wood or composite materials for sustainability.
Solar and Energy Systems
Install solar panels, wind turbines, or battery storage systems to power your home sustainably.
Step 9: Final Inspections and Permits
Conduct Professional Inspections
Before moving in, have professionals inspect the structure, electrical systems, plumbing, and overall safety. Address any deficiencies to ensure compliance with building codes.
Obtain Occupancy Permits
Submit all necessary documentation to local authorities and secure an occupancy permit to finalize the project.
Step 10: Maintenance and Upgrades
Regular Maintenance
Inspect your container home periodically for rust, leaks, or structural issues. Repaint and reseal the exterior as needed to maintain its durability.
Future Upgrades
Consider adding features like rainwater harvesting systems, additional solar panels, or a green roof to enhance sustainability.
Building a container home is an exciting and rewarding endeavor that combines functionality, sustainability, and modern design. By following these detailed steps, you can create a comfortable and eco-friendly living space tailored to your needs.
Tags:
2 notes · View notes