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omegaphilosophia · 11 months

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Native American Spirituality: A Path of Harmony with the Earth

In a world facing pressing environmental challenges, the need for a sustainable and holistic approach to our relationship with the planet has become increasingly apparent. Native American spirituality offers a unique perspective that emphasizes a deep connection and reverence for the Earth. In this blog post, we will explore why Native American religion stands out as a path that holds valuable lessons for humanity's harmonious coexistence with nature.

1 - Ecological Wisdom: Native American religions have long recognized the interconnectedness of all living beings and the environment. They view nature as a sacred and interconnected web of life, where every entity, from animals and plants to rivers and mountains, possesses inherent value and deserves respect. This ecological wisdom teaches us the importance of living in harmony with the Earth and embracing sustainable practices that honor the delicate balance of ecosystems.

Example: The Navajo people's belief in the interconnectedness of all things is reflected in their concept of "Hózhǫ́ǫ́gįį́," which encompasses beauty, balance, harmony, and health. It promotes living in alignment with the natural world, acknowledging the interconnectedness of all living beings and the responsibility to maintain harmony within the environment.

2 - Stewardship and Conservation: Native American spirituality emphasizes the role of humans as stewards of the Earth rather than dominant rulers. The concept of stewardship recognizes our responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations. Many Native American tribes have traditionally practiced sustainable land and resource management, showing respect for the Earth's gifts and ensuring their responsible use.

Example: The Iroquois Confederacy's Great Law of Peace emphasizes the importance of considering the well-being of future generations in decision-making. This principle reflects a deep respect for the environment and a commitment to ensuring the continuity and sustainability of resources.

3 - Rituals and Ceremonies: Native American religions often incorporate rituals and ceremonies that foster a connection with nature and express gratitude for the Earth's abundance. These practices serve as reminders of our interconnectedness with the natural world and help cultivate a sense of reverence and respect for the environment.

Example: The Sun Dance ceremony, practiced by various Plains tribes, symbolizes renewal and the cycle of life. It involves fasting, prayer, and dancing in harmony with nature, reinforcing the bond between humans and the Earth.

4 - Spirituality in Everyday Life: Native American spirituality emphasizes the integration of spiritual beliefs into everyday life. It encourages a deep sense of awareness, gratitude, and mindfulness towards the natural world. This approach nurtures a profound respect for the Earth and fosters a sustainable way of living in harmony with nature.

Example: The concept of "Mitakuye Oyasin" among the Lakota people expresses the belief that all beings are interconnected and part of the same spiritual family. This understanding inspires a sense of responsibility and care for the well-being of all creatures and the environment.

Native American spirituality offers a valuable perspective on our relationship with the Earth, emphasizing ecological wisdom, stewardship, and a deep reverence for the interconnectedness of all life. By embracing these teachings and integrating them into our lives, we can cultivate a harmonious and sustainable approach to coexisting with the planet. The wisdom and practices of Native American religions serve as a profound source of inspiration and guidance as we navigate the environmental challenges of our time and strive to create a better future for generations to come.

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noknowshame · 20 days

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hello- on your jesus birthday post you said The Child Is The Price. What does that mean?

Okay THIS one I will answer. this is a reference to Roberte Icke's adaptation of Aeschylus' tragic play(s), The Oresteia. simplifying as much as possible, the story begins by following Agamemnon, the leader of the Greek army during the Trojan War. the winds he needs to sail his army to Troy have not been blowing, and Agamemnon receives a prophecy/instruction on what is needed in order to return the winds. the prophecy states "The Child is the Price". this phrase is repeated throughout the play, and what it is asking him to do is make a human sacrifice of his young daughter, Iphigenia. eventually, he goes through with it, and the winds do indeed return.

In the original plays by Aeschylus, the actual death of Iphigenia has already happened and is referenced as something the audience should already know all about. Icke chooses to add an act to the play that allows us to linger on that decision much longer. As a whole, the play deals heavily with themes of the nature of sacrifice, narrative inevitability, and cycles of guilt and violence.

When I was drafting my... infamous christmas post, I was trying to think of the story of the birth of jesus like a greek tragedy, involving very similar themes. factually, in a textual sense, jesus is the sacrifice. his death is the price paid for - according to christianity - absolution. and what I was attempting to point out is that we spend so much time celebrating jesus' birth as this wondrous arrival of the savior that we don't stop to meditate on exactly how bloodily that saving is going to play out. it's the exact same thing: The Child is the Price.

As a last note, many many many people have told me in the tags that me saying "Mary did you know? that your womb was also a grave?" is stupid because "all babies are born to die, Jesus isn't special" ...but there is a Very important difference I'd like to point. yes, all babies will die eventually. but NOT all babies are born to die. Jesus was. it was God's plan from the start for him to horrifically die on the cross, and it was inevitable as soon as Mary agreed to give birth to him. I feel that is an important part of the story. The Child is the Price.

(...anyway go read Robert Icke Oresteia and also watch Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) while you're at it)

#a lot of my thoughts on biblical sacrifice also come from the writings of Rene Girard but we do NOT have time for that here #I think seeing the new testament through a tragic lens really helped me See it a lot more #because A) I'm agnostic with very chaotic contradictory beliefs #and B) I grew up with a very.... veggie tales easter bunny arts & crafts with the youth pastor type of protestant christianity #(which my mom gave up on by like age 8 in favor of new age spiritualism and witchcraft)#so none of the 'scarier' side of the bible was ever talked about. and I'm the kind of person who really connects with horror #talking about human sacrifice and such isn't meant to be a criticism of religion. it's the part I find the most engaging and interconnected #asks #robert icke oresteia

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bloodhound00 · 2 months

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a look around the world in a fraction of a second.

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in-tenebris-et-in-solitudine · 8 months

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angelkwill · 27 days

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Interconnection

Darkness can be solitude and comfort; stepping into the shadow can be a respiteso why are we afraid of the dark? In a polaric realm, things have opposites;they are understood in relation to the other;experience for thyself. Explore and observeto understand, revelation is given to those who seek. Life is to be lived in wonder, trust, and awe. This interconnection, a beautiful gift. Eternal…

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#calm #connection #gift #God #interconnection #life #now #peace #poem #poetry #revelation #spiritual #tranquility #trust

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raffaellopalandri · 2 years

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I went to the woods - Henry David Thoreau

I went to the woods – Henry David Thoreau

I want to share with you a quote that I absolutely love from Walden, written by Henry David Thoreau and published in 1854. I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear;…

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#Book #Concord #Henry David Thoreau #Holistic #interconnected #life in nature #Massachusetts #nature #quote #Raffaello Palandri #Ralph Waldo Emerson #spiritual journey #survival #Walden #Walden Pond #Wilderness

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brother-hermes · 1 year

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IT TAKES TWO TO DISCUSS UNION

As we continue our conversations on Kabbalah let us pause for a moment and discuss Chesed in relation to Gevurah. In many ways we can’t discuss one without the other. Could divine love pour through the universe if there were no people to experience it? Occultists recognize this as the principle of polarity. It’s a necessary component of existence itself. Rock with me as we seek understanding.

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theesotericecho · 3 months

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Welcome to the Fusion of Sexuality and Spirituality

Dive into the quantum mystic journey where spirituality meets science. Explore sacred sexuality, awaken your consciousness, and embrace the interconnectedness of all. Join us on this transformative adventure to uncover the universe within and around us.

Quantum Intimacy: Beyond Space and Time by David Sawin Imagine stepping into a realm where every breath and touch is a gateway to deeper consciousness. Here, sexual energy is not merely biological but a quantum field of infinite possibilities. This energy, known as prana in some traditions, mirrors the entangled nature of particles in quantum physics, where connection transcends physical space…

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turiyatitta · 8 months

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The Tapestry of Oneness

My Journey Through Non-Duality and Its Life-Altering Echoes In the boundless journey of spiritual exploration, some moments transcend words, where the self dissolves into an infinite expanse that is all-encompassing and deeply transformative. During my conversation with Steve James on Guru Viking, I touched upon such moments, sharing experiences of oneness and non-duality that have profoundly…

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thehealingdance · 1 year

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#self lof #self care #oneness #unity consciousness #interconnectivity #spiritual awakening #higher awakening

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soular-sisters · 2 months

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Your Rising Sign & Your Gift From The Universe 🤍

Through my studying of astrology, I have learned that with each individual’s rising sign comes a natural ability gifted by the universe that is second nature to that individual. Here is a little description of each rising sign’s gift that the universe has given you in this lifetime.

🤍 Aries Rising: Since aries is ruled by mars (the planet of masculine energy & drive), an aries rising is naturally goal-oriented. The universe has gifted aries rising with the ability to follow through with goals & continuous energy to reach their success.

**ways to best use their ability: leading a group to success, motivating a team, & helping push themselves and others through tough times.

🤍 Taurus Rising: Being a taurus rising, the venus sign that’s of earth element, means they are naturally grounded. The universe has gifted taurus rising with a natural sense of mindfulness & peace within their being.

**ways to best use their ability: meditating in nature, being a healthy mediator in situations of conflict, & creating peaceful practices for yourself and others to follow.

🤍 Gemini Rising: With gemini being one of the two signs ruled by mercury (the planet of thoughts & communication), a gemini rising has the gift of gab. The universe has gifted gemini rising with the ability to expand their mind & connect with others from all walks of life through communication.

**ways to best use their ability: forming friendships with diverse people, networking with others to develop their career, & creating social groups by interconnecting their various friendships.

🤍 Cancer Rising: As a cancer rising being ruled by the moon (the planet of the mother & feminine intuition), they are naturally caring and empathetic individuals. The universe has gifted cancer rising with a natural intuition into their own emotions as well as the emotions of others.

**ways to best use their ability: being the mom friend of a friend group, intuitively sensing how to help those in need, & caregiving for animals and people who need healing.

🤍 Leo Rising: The solar sign of leo being ruled by the sun (the planet of warmth & radiance) is a natural star. The universe has gifted leo rising with a natural stage presence & ability to perform on cue.

**ways to best use their ability: giving an unforgettable speech, performing a piece of art that they’re passionate about, & using their charm to present on a topic for positive change.

🤍 Virgo Rising: Virgo being the earthy sign ruled by mercury (the planet of our analytical mind & communication), they naturally sees the finer details the average person doesn’t. The universe has gifted virgo rising with natural observational skills to see situations from a clear & logical view.

**ways to best use their ability: giving solid objective advice to others, finding truth in complex situations, & standing up for what’s right even if others don’t initially see it.

🤍 Libra Rising: Libra being the second of the two venus signs carries an undeniable beauty that can be seen from anyone they meet. The universe has gifted libra rising with natural physical beauty & grace.

**ways to best use their ability: styling themselves and loved ones for an event, spotting the trends before they start, & finding the beauty in life where others don’t see it.

🤍 Scorpio Rising: Scorpio is a unique sign that is ruled by two planets (mars & pluto) giving them an energy to intuitively connect with the physical & the unseen. The universe has gifted scorpio rising with an ability to intuitively see through the vail of any facade & naturally see pure truth.

**ways to best use their ability: reading situations for what they are, being the one to say what’s being unsaid, & connecting the truth between the spiritual and the physical world.

🤍 Sagittarius Rising: The happy-go-lucky sign of sagittarius being ruled by jupiter (the planet of luck & adventure), is blessed with a natural sense of positivity. The universe has gifted sagittarius rising with a lucky streak, it seems as though the universe finds good luck for these natives through life’s sticky situations.

**ways to best use their ability: helping themselves and others find luck in a bad situation, using their good sense of humor to lighten the mood, & seeing the positive side of life.

🤍 Capricorn Rising: It is no wonder that the sign of capricorn being ruled by saturn (the planet of karma & knowledge), is known as the old soul of the zodiac. The universe has gifted capricorn rising with innate wisdom.

**ways to best use their ability: answering pop quiz questions that come to people’s minds, studying various topics to gain deep universe knowledge, & giving sound advice to others through higher wisdom.

🤍 Aquarius Rising: The unique & innovative sign of aquarius is another sign with dual rulership by both the planets of uranus & saturn. The universe has gifted aquarius rising with a natural connection to humanity.

**ways to best use their ability: making personal connections with various people they meet in life, understanding the depths of humanity, & using their humanitarianism to heal rifts in human connections.

🤍 Pisces Rising: The spiritual sign of pisces is our final sign of double rulership with two ruling planets of neptune & jupiter. The universe has gifted pisces rising with a strong intuition through their connection to the spiritual realms.

**ways to best use their ability: meditating to connect to their higher self, making spiritual connections to the people they meet in their life, & helping others to connect to the unseen spiritual realm.

-A.A.

🩶 instagram: @dredivinecreates 🩶

#astrology #zodiac #aries #gemini #aquarius #taurus #cancer #capricorn #leo #libra #pisces #virgo #ascendant #rising sign #scorpio #Sagittarius #astrologer #astro #astro community #zodiacsigns

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bloodhound00 · 2 months

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blackoutthewhiteout · 2 years

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See The World As You See Yourself

@mantralotus See the world as you see yourself. #fyp #fypシ #inspiration #mindfulness #changeyourworldview #reality #motivation #selflove #changeyourmindset #connected #weareone #universal ♬ Music In Your Heart (Instrumental) – BLVKSHP

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#compassion #daily affirmation #fyp #Hello Goddesses #Hello Goddesses Podcast #humanity #inspiration #mindfulness #positive thoughts #reality #spiritual eyes #universal connectedness #universal love #vision #we are interconnected #we are one

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1000sunnygo · 2 months

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Law's artist side isn't talked about enough, so here's a smooth brain ramble.

He prefers abstract arts over realism. Unlike Kid who forms animal or skull figures with metals, Law creates strange 'sculptures' with his victim's bodies/belongings:

And, of course, the tattoos.

I like how all of his tattoos accentuate the shapes of his torso and arms, especially the joints and muscles. Combined they look like a single stylized drawing of human upper torso.

Seen theories that the tribal style could be a lost trend from Flevance (as seen on the arm of a miner in his flashback), but it could just be his personal style. That said, his upper arm's heart tattoos look similar.

(Something that artists probably noticed long ago but I'm only noticing recently: Law's upper arm's tattoos have been simplified over time. There used to be two spiral-like protrusions, but Oda has been omitting them in later arts)

The "DEATH" tattoos have a straightforward message. According to the Law novel, these were his first tattoos.

Speaking of death, ghosts and spirituality have been implicitly a theme for Law, especially during Dressrosa. Doflamingo referred to Law as Cora's 'vengeful ghost'. Law's (cursed) sword Kikoku's name means 'wailings of a restless ghost". Ironically, Law having a hidden name was also a tradition that related to dead people.

The orange jolly roger (red in the sail) could be many things, I think it's a stylized way of drawing the sun.

Sun symbols are everywhere in the One Piece world. Law's lower arm tattoos are different types of 'suns'. Law might've subconsciously carried those symbols from his hometown for their aesthetic appeal.

The tattoos on the back of his hands reminded me of the church lady's cross, which is slightly different from the cross seen at Kuma's church. It's possible that various faiths in One Piece world are interconnected, leading to a prophecy about the sun god and Dawn. Law, at the very least, believes in the will of D and his own fate being tied to a purpose.

The chest tattoo, clearly a tribute to Corazon, could have some elements of catholicism. Kikoku also has crosses all over its sheath. Originally this wasn't my observation, but Law seeing Cora as a sacred being makes a lot of sense.

Carving a heart at the dead center of his chest by creating small wounds - the process itself reminds of Cora doesn't it

The custom-made Dressrosa coat is another tribute to Corazon, but IMHO he designed it specifically for Doflamingo, as a mockery.

A cross and circle like dangling a pistol target for Doflamingo's shooting practice, with a grinning face copied from Doflamingo's own jolly roger, but it's Corazon. Like his brother has returned to face his pistol again. A vengeful ghost indeed

And boy did it work...

Doflamingo shot it until the mark was completely drenched and unrecognizable.

Assuming he draws for all of his clothes himself, here's this masterpiece:

Or maybe it's gifted by his crew mates. Either way, it's adorable.

Since he's a surgeon (and a comic nerd), he should be skilled at drawing human anatomy. How does he draw realistic arts? Does he doodle while taking notes?

We've seen his handwriting in punk hazard arc and it wasn't particularly stylized. Regardless, it'd be nice to take a proper peek at his notebook.

#law's design appreciation #lmao this tag lives on #I miss Law man #if there's any different interpretation please feel free to share them!#one piece #one piece meta #one piece theory #trafalgar law #trafalgar d. water law #donquixote doflamingo #donquixote rosinante #mine

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fishnapple · 1 month

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CRYSTAL READING: Getting in touch with your creative spirit

How can you be more creative ?

What creative themes resonate the most with you ?

This is a general reading meant for multiple people. Take only what resonates and leave out the rest.

Feedback is much appreciated ❤️

Masterpost

Buy me a drink or book a reading with me - KO-FI (Read this post : personal reading)

1. Trolleite

🎐How to get in touch with your creative spirit :

Showing your emotions through the dance.

The dance of the hands, the dance of words.

If you take a peek into your creative cradle, you will see spirits dancing there. Dance with them, and let the words flow out freely. I see that you have the gift of crafting beautiful words.

Dancing or doing some activities and exercises that blot out the noisy inner critics.

When you are in the water, when you let your emotions run freely, the moment you're about to fall asleep. That's when you can come closer to your creative spirit.

Reading or seeing art of foreign culture could also help you open the gate of creativity.

🎐The theme of your creation:

Celebration of the intimate details and beauty of daily life

The darkness

The strange landscape of dreams

The forgotten memories of bygone childhood

The foreign lands and people

The sea, the water, the life beneath

The motion of life, transformations, life's fragility

Wings

Celebration

Dancing

Something deeply vulnerable

Movement of the body, movement of the mind

Fluidly, floating, flowing

2. Clear quartz

🎐How to get in touch with your creative spirit :

The power of touch

Through the sensations in your hands when touching, you get the spark of creativity.

It's through the connection with other beings in life, through 1on 1 conversation with yourself, with other people that connect you with your inner spirit.

Going out in nature, feel the busy activities surrounding you, the wind, the swaying leaves, the frogs leaping, the flutter of wings, the sound of running water, the velvet surface of petals...

Record the sound, the scenes you see through the camera.

You may have the gift of recreating the wonders of life. By sculpting, drawing, cooking, or taking pictures.

Observe life and see the interconnections of everything.

🎐The theme of your creation:

A pair, a couple

Companionship

Loneliness

The relationship between close friends, lovers, families

The illusions, the magical, the fantasies

Mask, acting, disguise, transformation of the appearance

Cinema, photography

Blurry landscape

Hidden femininity

Sudden upheaval

Faith

Adventures, pilgrimage

The struggle of rules and oppression, freedom

Transcendence

3. Carnelian

🎐How to get in touch with your creative spirit :

Pay attention to your dreams. They are whispering quite loudly to you

There is a hidden life in your dreamscape. Sometimes, it can spill into the waking life, pull you in a trance, and make you out of focus for a moment.

You have a powerful inner spirit, be more aware of your daydreams or wandering thoughts, they can somehow come to realization. I sense a negotiation between your ego and your creative spirit. Your spirit demands lots of things, but your ego is resisting.

You also receive lots of influences from the mass. You could subconsciously take in the mass's negative and positive energy.

There are 3 areas in your life that are closely connected with each other. Change in one area will result in change in other areas. They are all under the influence of your emotions. And those areas are the gates to your creativity.

One is your subconscious life. One is your faith and ideals. One is your relationships and mundane life.

🎐The theme of your creation:

Trio

Religion

Meditation

Travelling, journey, spiritual trip, learning

The path less traveled

Finding oneself

Compassion

Interviews

Odd habits, genius

Strange solutions for inexplicable situations

Social trends

Giving voice to hidden lives, the minority

Arrows and spears, pioneer

Love.

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reunionatdawn · 3 months

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Weighing in on ATLA shipping discourse

Iroh: You're not the man you used to be, Zuko. You are stronger and wiser and freer than you have ever been. And now you have come to the crossroads of your destiny. It's time for you to choose. It's time for you to choose good.

Why did Zuko have a fever after decided to let go of his Blue Spirit mask? Well, the imagery suggested that he experienced a Kundalini awakening. A Kundalini awakening is a profound spiritual experience that involves the activation and rising of Kundalini energy, located at the base of the spine. In Hindu and yogic traditions, Kundalini is often depicted as a coiled serpent, symbolizing dormant spiritual potential.

Ida and Pingala are the two energy channels that run alongside the spinal column and correspond to the left and right sides of the body, respectively. Ida is associated with the feminine or yin aspect. It is linked to qualities such as calmness, receptivity, intuition, and nurturing. It is also associated with the moon, coolness, and the element of water.

Pingala represents the masculine or yang aspect. It is associated with qualities such as activity, dynamism, alertness, and willpower. It is associated with the sun, warmth, and the element of fire. In the yogic tradition, the balance and harmonization of Ida and Pingala are considered essential for achieving physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Once the two energies combine at the crown chakra, a person's consciousness is supposed to transcend duality. What does that mean, exactly? It means to move beyond the perception of reality as consisting of opposing or dualistic concepts, such as good and bad, light and dark, right and wrong, or self and other. You understand that these apparent opposites are part of the same unified whole and are interconnected in a deeper, more profound way.

"I was head writer of ATLA, and this is exactly how I see it! There was some controversy that Zuko made the "wrong choice" at the end of season 2. A lot of fans were ANGRY! But it had to be this way… we wanted him to get everything he thought he wanted. The triumphant return. His father's respect, and a seat at his right hand. Only then could Zuko truly outgrow these things, and choose to do the right thing in a meaningful way." (Aaron Ehasz)

So, the symbolism definitely favors Zutara in that respect. Katara learned through Zuko that the Fire Nation is not innately evil. Even though he hurt her with his "wrong" decision, part of her character arc was understanding why he did it and being able to forgive him. And because he made that choice, she could trauma-dump onto him and that led to her gaining closure about her mother's death.

"I was head writer of ATLA. Azula and Zuko's relationship was not always well understood, even by the team internally. Azula loved Zuko, more than anyone save her father. She also felt competitive with him for their parents' attention of course, but since she had alienated herself from her mother, she focused her energy on pleasing dad… which of course meant acting in more and more intense and possibly evil ways." "By the end of the series, of course, her loss of her friends shatters the part of her identity that she could somehow control affection and love through intimidation. As a result she spirals… I did however intend to leave a kernel of humanity, and had we made a season 4 Azula would have completely bottomed and we would have explored the possibility of a path to redemption. True story!" (Aaron Ehasz)

But it's not even just Zutara. What I found interesting was that Azula was the blue dragon and Iroh the red dragon. Azula was crazy and needed to go down, right? By siding with his sister, you're meant to think that Zuko chose "evil" instead of "good". But it looks like some of the writers meant for it to be more complicated than that. There was no "good" or "evil" choice. Azula had a softer "yin" side, too.

Zuko wanted to get along with his sister. He did not want to kill her, even though Iroh thought that was the only option. The fact that Azula never got her redemption arc did a massive disservice to Zuko's arc as well. The fact that Azula had good in her is exactly why Zuko's choice in BSS couldn't truly be called "wrong" or "evil".

Azula loved Zuko and that idea wasn't conveyed very well in the cartoon. She was the one person on that beach who actually did understand him. She was jealous that Zuko chose the Avatar over her. And she knew that targeting Katara with her lightning was the best way to hurt Zuko. Katara found a non-lethal way to defeat Azula for Zuko's sake. Because after seeing how hard it was for him to fight her, she finally understood why he made his choice in Ba Sing Se.

"[Azula] had not bottomed in the end of season 3, she had further to go. At the deepest moment in her own abyss she would have found: Zuko. Despite it all, her brother Zuko would be there for her. Believing in her, sticking by her, doing his best to understand and help her hold her pain that she can no longer hold alone. Zuko — patient, forgiving, and unconditionally loving – all strengths he gained from Uncle Iroh." "And I always imagined that after coming out the other side, she would be one of those people who hilariously over-shares her own feelings all the time, and that she would be a bit over-apologetic. Like a Canadian version of Azula." (Aaron Ehasz)

The first episode of Book 3 was called The Awakening. Aang literally awakened to the energy twisted up in the middle of his back. He did not complete his spiritual transformation. The Kundalini energy did not reach his crown chakra. It was still blocked because he had an attachment to Katara that he hadn't worked through yet.

Zuko's awakening was figurative. Mai didn't understand how he felt. Symbolically, when she turned his head to kiss him, it showed the audience the scarred side of his face. When Zuko lied his sister, the unscarred side of his face was shown. I suspect that the writer for the episode, Aaron Ehasz, wanted to hint that Zuko did still feel a connection to Katara and didn't want Azula going after her and Aang.

Zuko in The Crossroads of Destiny was not supposed to be the same Zuko from The Avatar State. Both versions of Zuko still wanted to go home. But 201 Zuko was motivated more by selfish attachment. 220 Zuko was more motivated by love. He loved Azula unconditionally. Even with all of her twisted, ugly, and cruel behavior. His consciousness had transcended the duality of Iroh and Azula being opposites where one is "bad" and the other is "good". During The Beach he was fantasizing about a time when Iroh played with both of them as little kids. Back when they were all a family.

Mai: You know what will make you feel better? Ordering some servants around. I might be hungry for a whole tray of fruit tarts. And maybe a little palanquin ride around town. Double time.

I don't dislike Mai. I think she is an interesting character who was not a bad person or anything. I just thought she served a very specific narrative purpose. She was there to show how Zuko wasn't compatible with his old lifestyle anymore.

Mai wanted a typical socialite boyfriend. They really didn't get along too well or have much to say to each other during The Beach. She didn't like him when he started talking about his trauma and showed his uglier side. Zuko was insecure and jealous because he was not even sure if she really liked him. And she didn't even know the person he was after his banishment, only the person he was as a child. When he turned his head away from her, his unscarred side was shown.

Zuko: When I got to the meeting, everyone welcomed me. My father had saved me a seat. He wanted me next to him. I was literally at his right hand. Mai: Zuko, that's wonderful! You must be happy. Zuko: During the meeting, I was the perfect prince. The son my father wanted. But I wasn't me.

He walked out of that war meeting with the scarred side showing. Mai didn't love Zuko. She loved the perfect prince. The fantasy she built up in her head and the role Zuko was acting out at the start of the episode when he was ordering her the fancy fruit tarts.

Mai: I guess you just don't know people as well as you think you do. You miscalculated. I love Zuko more than I fear you.

Mai stood up to Azula to save Zuko, and she genuinely believed she loved him. But he left her behind to be with his new companions. If not for Ty Lee, she would have died. That should have been the end of that relationship. I thought it was very weird that they got back together. The NATLA writers should definitely find a different way to conclude Mai and Ty Lee's character arcs. Especially Mai. She deserved a more dignified ending than being left in prison and then threatening her ex-boyfriend to take her back.

"I love that even though Aang is sort of not in this story very much, to me, he's-his presence is in all of these scenes 'cause you know he's like the little angel on her shoulder [...]" (Bryan Konietzko)

The main reason I think the shipping discourse in the ATLA fandom is so toxic is because the creators Mike and Bryan saw the narrative differently than the other writers. They seemed to have a completely different vision for the story and characters compared to the head writer. So, there were two conflicting visions and fans who liked one over the other could argue their side indefinitely. Bryke saw things as more black-and-white and good vs. evil. You can see it in some of the interviews and commentary, particularly with Bryan.

IMO, there really was no "good" and "evil" side in The Southern Raiders. There was no "angel" or "devil" sitting on Katara's shoulders. To Katatra, what Aang said must have sounded like nothing more than a trite platitude. It's true that in the end, she didn't choose violence. But I don't think Aang's words were very pertinent to her decision-making when she finally faced Yon Rha, LOL.

It's understandable why Aang would come off as preachy, though. He was just a child coping with his own grief. The Air Nomads' philosophy was one of the only things he had left of them, after all. Such a teaching was no doubt his own personal coping mechanism.

Aang was right in the sense that Katara didn't need to resort to violence in the end. But ya know, maybe she would have if she didn't have someone by her side who understood her inner darkness and accepted her even if she had chosen violence. Just like how Aang might have killed the sanbenders if Katara hadn't been there. And Katara would not have condemned him if he had done so.

"Zuko and Katara might have shared some sparks, but sometimes there are people along your 'journey of love' who are there to teach you about yourself and what you really need, but don't necessarily end up being your partner. Come on, kids! 'Zutara' never would have lasted! It was just dark and intriguing." (Bryan Konietzko)

Zuko was a character of duality. Yin and Yang. Light and shadow. His two sides were represented by the scarred side and non-scarred sides of his face. I think Bryan viewed Zutara as a "dark" ship because a big part of Zutara was about Katara's shadow side.

Just like Mai did with Zuko, Aang built up a fantasy version of Katara in his head. The perfect, well, "waifu," I guess. The endlessly patient feminine maternal figure. The sweet beautiful girl with such manageable hair. But that's only half of who she was. There was another side to her that he never saw. One that used bloodbending. Angry, hateful. Yes, even ugly. And that's not a bad thing. It's human.

#atla #avatar the last airbender #zuko #katara #zutara #avatar #princess azula

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