Mermikides: The Symbiotic Dance of Sleep and Music
Sleep and music are deeply intertwined, both essential to human existence, offering a retreat from the conscious self and creating altered states of autocreativity where we are both creator and audience. They share a 'secret logic' and act as journeys into parallel worlds, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
The Universal Lullaby: More Than Just a Soothing Song
Lullabies are a universal musical form found across all cultures, effective in calming infants and even strangers. Beyond soothing, they serve as emotional release for caregivers and act as cultural mirrors, reflecting societal values, anxieties, and even grief, as seen in ancient and diverse examples.
Music in Dreams: Anxiety and Inspiration
Our brains process music even during sleep, and music frequently appears in dreams, manifesting as both anxiety-inducing nightmares (e.g., forgetting music, performance mishaps) and profoundly inspiring visions, as experienced by numerous musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Paul McCartney.
Ovid's assertion that 'Caesar is the Republic' was not a simple declaration of absolutism like Louis XIV's 'L'état, c'est moi.' Instead, the poet used the phrase to claim a share in the new power structure, implying Augustus was common property and thus also the poet's property, suggesting limits to imperial authority.
Augustus's 'Restoration' and the Ambiguity of 'Princeps'
Augustus claimed to have restored the Republic in 27 BCE, emphasizing his limited powers as a consul and his 'auctoritas' (moral influence) rather than absolute power. The title 'princeps' (first citizen) was deliberately ambiguous, allowing him to wield pervasive influence without holding a formal, new office, thus maintaining a facade of republicanism.
The 23 BCE Conspiracy and the Shift to 'Autocratic Legalism'
Following a conspiracy in 23 BCE, Augustus relinquished the consulship and relied on tribunician power for life, while also becoming the 'greatest proconsul.' These changes, though legally enacted, fundamentally altered republican norms by granting lifelong powers and subordinating provincial governors, marking a significant step towards autocracy through legal means.
The Morrigan is currently the most famous Irish goddess, functioning as a dark alter ego to Bridget, embodying violence, sex, shapeshifting, and sorcery. Her international popularity, especially in America, has led many to worship her as a powerful spiritual being, representing the 'scary side of female power' in an age exploring humanity's limits.
Hutton: The Name Game - 'Nightmare Queen'
The etymology of 'The Morrigan' is disputed, with potential meanings ranging from 'great queen' to 'phantom queen.' However, the most fitting translation, considering her association with frightening superhuman females, is 'nightmare queen,' aligning with her role as a terrifying Irish goddess.
Hutton: The Outer Circle - Generic Battle Spirits
The Morrigan was associated with an 'outer penumbra' of generic, terrifying battle spirits like 'wafa,' 'banana,' 'bo kak,' 'the Gh,' and 'demons of the air.' These airborne beings swarmed battlefields, anticipating and enjoying slaughter, much like scavenging birds, but without the specific roles of Norse Valkyries or Roman Furies.
Sir Andrew McFarlane: The Evolving Landscape of Family Law
Family law has seen substantial evolution over the past four decades, driven by legislative changes like the Children Act 1988 and the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, alongside judge-led developments. However, society's changing relationship structures necessitate continuous adaptation to ensure the law remains relevant and effective.
Sir Andrew McFarlane: Prioritizing Children in Private Law
The current system fails separating parents by only engaging them when they seek court orders, missing opportunities for early support and dispute resolution. Initiatives like the Family Solutions Group's recommendations and government policy aim to provide information, advice, and mediation outside court to keep families out of the arena.
Modernizing Adoption: A Centenary Rethink
The current adoption model, established a century ago, is ill-suited for today's world. It needs reform to acknowledge that adopted children often have existing knowledge of their birth families and live in a digital age where maintaining connections is easier. The focus should shift to safely facilitating enduring relationships for adopted children to foster a stronger sense of identity and belonging.
