This is kind of a book review, but it will lead into the most recent inner-workings of my life, too. All who care, read on...

I was assigned to read "Stranger in a Strange Land" by Robert A. Heinlein this past week. I just finished it a few hours ago... the basis of the story is about a human who was born on Mars, and therefore essentially Martian, the same way that a French couple who had a child and raised it in Spain. Spoke Spanish, ate Spanish, thought Spanish. Well, he comes back to Earth after he's an adult by human standards, and cannot understand anything about us. He's saved from the government by a nurse who was coaxed into it by a reporter looking for the next biggest thing.... anyway, the story holds that in Martian, babies are the ones to compete to live, while adults live in harmony and understanding. They also have amazing telekinesis and their ancestors really are like  what the Chinese believe... living entities who know all, see all. They have no concept of religion, property, money, or sex... all the things which rule Earth. ... While the main character is in hiding from the governemnt he learns what it means to be human... he tries to "grok"humanity... (wiki that) and in the process draws this group of humans who has helped him into his innermost circle of trust... "water brothers".. the concept of a water brother is,... well, first by stating that water on Mars is seen as something precious and adored. When you share the water of life with someone, you become instantly and eminently tied with them in a bond that lasts beyond life. I've described it recently as a binding, but with less magical aspirations. This bond means everything; it means complete and  total trust and honesty, a sharing of selves that most humans are too scared to try.You are now tied to that person, and you are he and he is you. ...That, basically, is the meaning of the book, "Thou Art God" .. the idea that we are all connected through Divinity that we all are.
It showed beautifully the ideal way in which to live and love... and makes me wish for that level of understanding in all of us. Without jealousy and self-interests in your heart... why steal when you are being given everything you could ever want or need? Why be jealous when we all love each other?

Why be jealous?

Thou Art God. YOU have the power to be anything and everything you ever wanted to be.

That being said, I did have a few issues with the book.. it was published in the early 1960's, which explains some things... but it took a sexist view of women in society, even in future society. He never sets a year, but it's very obvious that even in the past 40 years we've more than bypassed most of the prejudices and gender rolls the author alluded to. Now, in the inner circle of the main characters the author does imply that life was ruled not by gender roles but by comfort and familiarity; but when they are with outsiders the gender rolls of female subservient to the males wishes and desires are again enforced. .... Aside from that, the organization that became the main character's reason for martyrdom was portrayed much like the 60's and 70's free love communes... which is an interesting note. But, looking back on that as I do because of my decision to label myself as polyamourous, I take a bit of offense at the flippant nature of the organization. I pride myself on my safe and ethical practices, and I like to point it out as often as possible...

And, where this all ties into my life...

"Drink deep, may you never thirst. Thou art God."

A water brother is a very serious thing. I almost never take oaths (alludes too much to that thing called marriage) aside from professional promises, and promises to my friends. Once I grokked, I gained a family. No words can describe the level of peace, happiness, and gratitude I have for the gesture; and even more for the oath itself. It's hard to find people in your life whom you can call family, by choice not birth; and  I again have to say I'm many times blessed to have these people in my life.
I wish to share water with all those who I've already counted my family, you should know who you are. (Katie, I'm thinking of you foremost!)

..."All knowledge is worth having"...

Blessed Lughnassad, darlings.

Twilight and Beauty,
Saraid

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