Urban Shamanism

I love my town

Seriously, I do! Especially in days like today, windy, fresh, clear and radiant. I constantly post about deep stuff in these posts and today's message isn't particularly light either, so I decided to focus on things to thank for, to appreciate and enjoy not just once in a while but all the time. My city's one of them.

Caracas wasn't always this nice for me. I spent years fearing this place, at every corner I could meet a thug or worse, a policeman or a soldier. I could lose my possessions, get injured or killed. That fear's still prevalent for many who live here or have left precisely because of it. I no longer experience that fear, haven't done so for a while. I realized that I was making my own town dangerous for me and I stopped. As a consequence, the level of threat declined tremendously and our connection became more and more beautiful. My love for Caracas is one of the main reasons why I lost my urge to leave like so many, although it was oppressive at one point.

Of course, there's no point in denying that it's an infrastructural mess, surrounded and invaded by slums, with places where garbage overflows (although these are shockingly few for a country in this critical condition,) damaged roads and unfinished State projects languishing in the elements. Pockets of crime and hazard still exist and there are areas that's still best to avoid altogether. The subway's underfunded and undermaintained to the degree that it's a wonder it still works. Public transport is crumbling along with the rest of public services... and yet everything still holds, and what's more, it's improving! There's genuine life and joy in the streets again and the recent rains have left the place feeling healthier, resounding.

My time here will soon come to an end, at least for a period, but in the meantime, I really like living its vibe, its intensity and energy of renewal. I feel its resurgence daily and profoundly, and in its streets I see myself transported to other locations, for every city's a mirror of all other cities. I'm grateful for being here and for the gifts that the Lady of the Avila gives me at every second; for its sunsets and weather; for the wonderful, expansive mood of its citizens even in times of stress. As long as I'm meant to stay, I continue to pay honest tribute to my home.

I've seen this city and this country rising to prominence in coming years, becoming shelter for displaced populations coming from everywhere, so I rejoice that the darkness has cleared, that this great might I perceive is now bursting out like a new sunshine for the whole world to see. While the inexorable horns of conflict and catastrophe reverberate across all continents, these parts will continue to grow more welcoming, elevated and safe.

Night Rune: Perthro

I am in a sort of interview at the cosmic level where I exhibit superhuman abilities.

Daylight Rune: Uruz inverted

Disease, weakness. Receive and thank for the aid that is offered to you, do not reject support in times of need. Restrain yourself, do not react impulsively, limit your advance, reduce your speed. Insane connections, contaminated channels, a tumor is unveiled that you must treat. Take your time to consider options, breathe. Let the rocks mark your way. Observe, stop, rest. Reason must mediate in the face of effrontery. The enemy has revealed himself and is also vulnerable, a strategic response can notably reduce the threat. In ethereal and diffuse times, seek the earth, the ethereal reconfigures and the terrestrial strengthens. In the jungle only the apt may procure their sustenance, you must train yourself.