Cultural Appropriation Wasn’t Enough –

Now We’re Stealing Entire Species There was a time — not so long ago — when human identity crises stayed vaguely within human boundaries.But we have entered a fresh cultural epoch: trans-species, otherkin, therians, furries, and fully grown adults who solemnly declare themselves foxes, wolves, deer, dragons, otters, or shimmering astral serpents. Humanity, it seems,...

Welcome to Zoöpolis: Notes From the Dawn of the United Species Organisation (USO)

(A Satirical Report) Note: Zoöpolis – an academic proposal imagining “interspecies democracy,” where humans and animals supposedly participate equally in political life. Yes, really. Zoöpolis seems quite prepared to launch the United Species Organisation (USO) — a kind of United Nations, but with antlers, feathers, tails, and committees devoted to “interspecies diplomatic relations.” One can...

Interspecies Democracy: Political Spectacle

Definitions: Interspecies (adj.): relating to, existing between, or involving different species.In modern politics: the act of holding a serious policy discussion while dressed as an owl, a butterfly, or – heaven help us – a fly agaric. Southampton City Council hosted what it proudly called an “interspecies democracy meeting.” The concept: politicians and activists gathering...

Metaphors and idioms with “snake”

Snakes inspire both fascination and fear. Their silent movement, venomous bites, and cultural representations make them powerful symbols. The use of snake-related metaphors and idioms reflects the deep psychological and cultural associations humans have with these creatures. Snakes inspire both fear and fascination, embodying themes of treachery, danger, cunning, and transformation.

2025 – the Year of the Wood Snake

Wednesday, the 29th of January, 2025 is the first day of the Chinese year of the Wood Snake. The Snake is the sixth animal symbol in the 12 Chinese Animal System, known for its mysterious nature. People born in the year of the Snake are said to be the most intuitive. In the Chinese tradition,...

Feline Psychology: Lessons for the Aspiring Novelist

Aldous Huxley, in his essay “Sermon in Cats,” offers a whimsical yet profoundly insightful piece of advice: “If you want to be a psychological novelist and write about human beings, the best thing you can do is to keep a pair of cats.” On the surface, it may seem like an odd prescription for aspiring...

Honouring the Goddess in Your Home

Greetings, humble human. You have been chosen by a feline representative of the great Bastet, the revered goddess of ancient Egypt, symbol of grace and mystery. As your new overlord, I, a cat, am here to guide you on how to properly show your appreciation for this great honour. Consider this manual a sacred text,...

From Bastet to Me: A Cat’s Divine Heritage

Ah, humans, let me remind you of a little-known fact: I am no ordinary domestic cat lounging around your home. I am a descendant of the great Bastet, the ancient Egyptian goddess of grace, ferocity, protection, joy, and music. Yes, you heard me right. Bow before my whiskered magnificence. Bastet was believed to be the...