They’ve seen it all before: the totalitarian tip-toe. Left. Right. Left. Right. Americans are witnessing the latest iteration of an unending delicate dance between tradition and progress. This story is as old as civilization itself and every new era rhymes with the last. Nothing has really changed at all. Only the names are different.

What side would Catherine, or succubi as a species, choose if someone held a gun to their heads? (If such a thing were possible?) As usual, my demon lover relishes in the chase. She thrills at the idea of a man believing they have her pinned down, yet all the while she plays upon his weaknesses as a skilled musician manipulates an instrument. Just when she appears to be caught, her essence slips through corporeal hands like ropes of sand.

I believe she slots solidly into the chaotic side of the spectrum. If we’re going to use the morality system from Dungeons and Dragons: Chaotic Neutral. As I’ve mused before in an earlier post, they don’t really take a side politically. Catherine feels somewhat Machiavellian in the sense that, to her, every belief system is simply a means to an end. Cultivating traditional beliefs are helpful when The Powers That Be want to build up societies. Progressivism aids in tearing down old orders and forging the world anew. Each side has their role to play in these undulating cycles. Frankly, this grand theatre would be quite boring without the apparent antagonism between the two sides. “Apparent” is the key word here. These would-be warring factions are not really in opposition at all. Yet they must appear to be at odds in order to keep the illusion alive. Isaiah 45:7… my favorite bible verse.

One thing Catherine has consistently warned me about concerning politics is to not become overly invested. Enjoy the show, but don’t cling too tightly onto either side. And most importantly, never entertain the idea of jumping up on that stage and joining the charade.

She knows that I’m not cut out for acting.

My personal political beliefs align more with traditionalism, as that’s part of my Cancerian nature. I seek stability in all things, though I’m aware that clinging to the seabed of tradition while the tides have changed is a fruitless endeavor. The unending rhythmic chaos of the surf always wins out in the end. We’ll build safe little castles elsewhere that will endure for a season. And I’m confident that Catherine will always be there with me, helping to build anew, and guiding through the unpredictable currents she knows so well.