<script data-pm-proxy="intercept"></script><?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[A.Astera]]></title><description><![CDATA[Words. Life. Inspiration.]]></description><link>https://aastera.substack.com</link><image><url>https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oey_!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F70bebd1c-1f4f-4c4e-b5c5-e97ba2b9c16b_736x919.jpeg</url><title>A.Astera</title><link>https://aastera.substack.com</link></image><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 09:11:38 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="/__u/aastera.substack.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><copyright><![CDATA[A.Astera]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[tr]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[aastera@substack.com]]></webMaster><itunes:owner><itunes:email><![CDATA[aastera@substack.com]]></itunes:email><itunes:name><![CDATA[A.Astera]]></itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author><![CDATA[A.Astera]]></itunes:author><googleplay:owner><![CDATA[aastera@substack.com]]></googleplay:owner><googleplay:email><![CDATA[aastera@substack.com]]></googleplay:email><googleplay:author><![CDATA[A.Astera]]></googleplay:author><itunes:block><![CDATA[Yes]]></itunes:block><item><title><![CDATA[“Zihnin de açlığı vardır]]></title><description><![CDATA[As&#305;l zenginlik sahip olduklar&#305;m&#305;zda de&#287;il, her g&#252;n &#246;&#287;renerek d&#246;n&#252;&#351;t&#252;&#287;&#252;m&#252;z insandad&#305;r.]]></description><link>https://aastera.substack.com/p/zihnin-de-aclg-vardr</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://aastera.substack.com/p/zihnin-de-aclg-vardr</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[A.Astera]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:57:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!m04c!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffdfcf881-bb84-4759-a7d0-612d6056c170_675x1200.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Kendime d&#246;n&#252;p her bakt&#305;&#287;&#305;mda, bir &#246;nceki hal&#305;mdan biraz daha iyi, biraz daha bilgili, biraz daha &#246;&#287;renmi&#351; birini g&#246;r&#252;yorum. Bazen hi&#231;bir &#351;ey yapmad&#305;&#287;&#305;m&#305;, sadece telefona bakarak ge&#231;irdi&#287;im bir g&#252;n ya&#351;ad&#305;&#287;&#305;m&#305; d&#252;&#351;&#252;n&#252;yorum. Ama sonra fark ediyorum ki, o g&#252;n bile bana bir &#351;eyler katm&#305;&#351;. Bir c&#252;mle, bir video, bir insan&#305;n d&#252;&#351;&#252;ncesi, duydu&#287;um bir bilgi, hatta fark&#305;nda olmadan g&#246;zlemledi&#287;im bir davran&#305;&#351; bile zihnimde bir iz b&#305;rakm&#305;&#351;.</p><p></p><p>&#199;&#252;nk&#252; insan &#246;&#287;renmeye kodlanm&#305;&#351; bir varl&#305;k. Merak etmek, anlamaya &#231;al&#305;&#351;mak, sorular sormak, g&#246;rd&#252;kl&#601;rimizin arkas&#305;ndaki nedeni aramak bizim do&#287;am&#305;zda var. &#304;nsan &#246;&#287;renmeyi b&#305;rakt&#305;&#287;&#305;nda yaln&#305;zca bilgisini de&#287;il, zamanla kendisini de kaybetmeye ba&#351;lar. Sanki kendi do&#287;as&#305;na ihanet eder.</p><p></p><p>Bir insan&#305;n bedeni suya ne kadar ihtiya&#231; duyuyorsa, zihni de bilgiye ve yeni t&#601;cr&#252;b&#601;l&#601;r&#601; o q&#601;d&#601;r ehtiyac duyur. Kor bir insan&#305;n &#305;&#351;&#305;&#287;a duydu&#287;u &#246;zlem ne kadar derinse, insan&#305;n &#246;yr&#601;nm&#601;y&#601;, anlama&#287;a v&#601; ya&#351;ama&#287;a olan ehtiyac&#305; da bir o q&#601;d&#601;r d&#601;rindir. &#199;&#252;nki ya&#351;amaq sad&#601;c&#601; n&#601;f&#601;s almaq deyil. Ya&#351;amaq h&#601;m d&#601; h&#601;r g&#252;n bir az daha &#231;ox g&#246;rm&#601;k, daha &#231;ox anlamaq v&#601; d&#252;n&#601;nki &#246;z&#252;nd&#601;n bir add&#305;m ir&#601;li getm&#601;kdir.</p><p></p><p>H&#601;yat&#305; &#231;ox yax&#351;&#305; olan insanlar tan&#305;ya bil&#601;rsiniz. Pulu, evi, ma&#351;&#305;n&#305;, rahatl&#305;&#287;&#305;, c&#601;miyy&#601;td&#601;ki m&#246;vqeyi, h&#601;r &#351;eyl&#601;ri ola bil&#601;r. K&#601;nardan baxanda onlar&#305;n h&#601;yat&#305;nda &#231;at&#305;&#351;mayan he&#231; n&#601; g&#246;r&#252;nm&#601;y&#601; bil&#601;r. Amma bir insana h&#601;qiq&#601;t&#601;n yax&#305;ndan baxanda onun n&#601; q&#601;d&#601;r bildiyini, n&#601; q&#601;d&#601;r d&#252;&#351;&#252;nd&#252;y&#252;n&#252;, d&#252;nyaya nec&#601; baxd&#305;&#287;&#305;n&#305; g&#246;r&#601; bilirsinizmi?</p><p></p><p>M&#601;n &#8220;varl&#305; insanlar &#246;yr&#601;nmir&#8221; demir&#601;m. &#399;lb&#601;tt&#601; ki, &#246;yr&#601;n&#601;n, &#246;z&#252;n&#252; inki&#351;af etdir&#601;n v&#601; b&#246;y&#252;k d&#252;nyag&#246;r&#252;&#351;&#252;n&#601; sahib &#231;ox varl&#305; insanlar var. Sad&#601;c&#601; dem&#601;k ist&#601;diyim budur: pul insana h&#601;r &#351;eyi &#246;yr&#601;tmir.</p><p></p><p>B&#601;z&#601;n pul biz&#601; rahatl&#305;q verir, amma d&#252;&#351;&#252;nm&#601;yi &#246;yr&#601;tmir. B&#601;z&#601;n imkan yarad&#305;r, amma d&#252;nyag&#246;r&#252;&#351;&#252; vermir. B&#601;z&#601;n h&#601;yat&#305;m&#305;z&#305; asanla&#351;d&#305;r&#305;r, amma h&#601;yat&#305;n m&#601;nas&#305;n&#305; izah etmir.</p><p></p><p>&#399;sl z&#601;nginlik m&#601;nim &#252;&#231;&#252;n yaln&#305;z sahib oldu&#287;un &#351;eyl&#601;rin &#231;oxlu&#287;u deyil. &#399;sl z&#601;nginlik beynind&#601; da&#351;&#305;d&#305;&#287;&#305;n fikirl&#601;r, g&#246;rd&#252;y&#252;n d&#252;nyalar&#305;n say&#305;, &#246;yr&#601;ndiyin d&#601;rsl&#601;r, d&#601;yi&#351;dirdiyin d&#252;&#351;&#252;nc&#601;l&#601;r v&#601; &#246;z&#252;n haqq&#305;nda h&#601;r g&#252;n k&#601;&#351;f etdiyin yeni h&#601;qiq&#601;tl&#601;rdir.</p><p></p><p>M&#601;n bu g&#252;n d&#252;n&#601;nkind&#601;n daha &#231;ox bilir&#601;ms&#601;, d&#252;n&#601;n anlamad&#305;&#287;&#305;m bir &#351;eyi bu g&#252;n anlaya bilir&#601;ms&#601;, s&#601;hvimd&#601;n n&#601;tic&#601; &#231;&#305;xar&#305;b &#246;z&#252;m&#252; d&#601;yi&#351;&#601; bilir&#601;ms&#601;, dem&#601;li, h&#601;yat m&#601;n&#601; h&#601;l&#601; d&#601; n&#601;s&#601; &#246;yr&#601;dir.</p><p></p><p>V&#601; b&#601;lk&#601; d&#601; insan&#305;n &#601;n b&#246;y&#252;k u&#287;uru he&#231; vaxt &#8220;h&#601;r &#351;eyi bilm&#601;k&#8221; deyil. &#399;n b&#246;y&#252;k u&#287;ur, h&#601;l&#601; bilm&#601;diyi n&#601; q&#601;d&#601;r &#231;ox &#351;ey oldu&#287;unu d&#601;rk edib &#246;yr&#601;nm&#601;kd&#601;n he&#231; vaxt vaz ke&#231;m&#601;m&#601;kdir.</p><p></p><p>&#199;&#252;nki insan &#246;yr&#601;ndikc&#601; b&#246;y&#252;y&#252;r. D&#252;&#351;&#252;nd&#252;kc&#601; d&#601;rinl&#601;&#351;ir. Sual verdikc&#601; d&#252;nyas&#305; geni&#351;l&#601;nir.</p><p></p><p>V&#601; m&#601;n h&#601;r d&#601;f&#601; &#246;z&#252;m&#601; baxanda d&#252;n&#601;nki m&#601;nd&#601;n bir az daha f&#601;rqli birini g&#246;rm&#601;k ist&#601;yir&#601;m. Daha a&#287;&#305;ll&#305; oldu&#287;u &#252;&#231;&#252;n deyil, daha &#231;ox &#351;ey&#601; sahib oldu&#287;u &#252;&#231;&#252;n deyil &#8212; sad&#601;c&#601; h&#601;yat&#305; bir az daha yax&#351;&#305; anlad&#305;&#287;&#305; &#252;&#231;&#252;n.</p><p></p><p>B&#601;lk&#601; d&#601; insan&#305;n &#246;z&#252;n&#601; ed&#601; bil&#601;c&#601;yi &#601;n b&#246;y&#252;k yax&#351;&#305;l&#305;q budur: he&#231; vaxt &#8220;art&#305;q kifay&#601;tdir, daha &#246;yr&#601;nm&#601;y&#601; ehtiyac&#305;m yoxdur&#8221; dem&#601;m&#601;k.</p><p></p><p>&#199;&#252;nki h&#601;yat&#305;n &#246;z&#252; bir d&#601;rsdir v&#601; biz ya&#351;ad&#305;&#287;&#305;m&#305;z m&#252;dd&#601;tc&#601; h&#601;l&#601; &#246;yr&#601;n&#601;c&#601;k &#231;ox &#351;eyimiz var.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" 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6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Yaşadığın Kişi Gerçekten Sen misin?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ger&#231;ekten bu hayattaki ki&#351;i sen misin? Yoksa yaln&#305;zca ya&#351;ad&#305;&#287;&#305;n&#305; sand&#305;&#287;&#305;n bir karakter mi?]]></description><link>https://aastera.substack.com/p/yasadgn-kisi-gercekten-sen-misin</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://aastera.substack.com/p/yasadgn-kisi-gercekten-sen-misin</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[A.Astera]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:12:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!zIbx!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5645df17-5c9f-49a4-8e7b-30cae17a1afb_564x705.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="/__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!zIbx!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5645df17-5c9f-49a4-8e7b-30cae17a1afb_564x705.jpeg" 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/__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_auto, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F5645df17-5c9f-49a4-8e7b-30cae17a1afb_564x705.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 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Kimi orada ba&#351;ar&#305;l&#305; bir i&#351; insan&#305;d&#305;r, kimi sevdi&#287;i ki&#351;iyle mutlu bir hayat s&#252;r&#252;yordur. Kimisi d&#252;nyan&#305;n farkl&#305; yerlerini gezer, okumak istedi&#287;i kitaplar&#305; okur, yazmak istedi&#287;i yaz&#305;lar&#305;, makaleleri ve bloglar&#305; yazar.</p><p></p><p>Peki, hayal d&#252;nyandaki o ki&#351;iyle &#351;u anki sen ayn&#305; ki&#351;i misin?</p><p></p><p>Bug&#252;n ya&#351;ad&#305;&#287;&#305;n hayat, zihninde kurdu&#287;un hayat&#305; yans&#305;t&#305;yor mu? Yoksa ikisi aras&#305;nda b&#252;y&#252;k bir mesafe mi var?</p><p></p><p>Daha da &#246;nemlisi, o hayal etti&#287;in ki&#351;iye d&#246;n&#252;&#351;mek i&#231;in ger&#231;ekten bir &#351;eyler yap&#305;yor musun? Yoksa hayal kurmak sana iyi geldi&#287;i i&#231;in mi o d&#252;nyada ya&#351;amay&#305; se&#231;iyorsun?</p><p></p><p>Hayallerin, ger&#231;ekle&#351;mesi m&#252;mk&#252;n olan hedefler mi? Yoksa yaln&#305;zca zihninin sana sundu&#287;u g&#252;zel bir ka&#231;&#305;&#351; alan&#305; m&#305;?</p><p></p><p>Kendini hayal d&#252;nyanda bir yazar, bir doktor, bir sanat&#231;&#305; ya da bamba&#351;ka biri olarak g&#246;r&#252;yorsan, ger&#231;ek hayatta bunun i&#231;in ad&#305;m at&#305;yor musun? Bir g&#252;n ger&#231;ekten o ki&#351;i olabilecek misin, yoksa sadece olma ihtimalini d&#252;&#351;&#252;nmenin verdi&#287;i huzuru mu ya&#351;&#305;yorsun?</p><p></p><p>Belki de kendimize sormam&#305;z gereken en &#246;nemli soru &#351;udur:</p><p></p><p>Hayallerim beni gelece&#287;ime mi g&#246;t&#252;r&#252;yor, yoksa beni bug&#252;nden uzakla&#351;t&#305;r&#305;yor mu?</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Balance Within]]></title><description><![CDATA[Human beings naturally strive to feel whole.]]></description><link>https://aastera.substack.com/p/the-balance-within</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://aastera.substack.com/p/the-balance-within</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[A.Astera]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:55:12 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0TZY!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F45c50d88-d024-407e-919f-8bb0486e71f2_736x1308.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Human beings naturally strive to feel whole. Wholeness is not only an emotional need but also an energetic one.</p><p></p><p>Within every person exist two fundamental energies: the masculine and the feminine. Like Yin and Yang, day and night, light and darkness, these energies complement one another.</p><p></p><p>When they are in balance, we are able to express our full potential, make clearer decisions, and navigate life's challenges with greater ease.</p><p></p><p>The feminine energy is the part of us that receives, nurtures, feels, creates, and trusts the natural flow of life. The masculine energy is the force that takes action, creates direction, sets healthy boundaries, solves problems, and moves us forward.</p><p></p><p>Both masculine and feminine energies exist within every human being, regardless of gender. The goal is not for one to dominate the other, but for both to exist in harmony. When this balance is disrupted, we often begin to notice it reflected in our relationships, our choices, our inner peace, and the overall quality of our lives.</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="/__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0TZY!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F45c50d88-d024-407e-919f-8bb0486e71f2_736x1308.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="/__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0TZY!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_424, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_webp, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F45c50d88-d024-407e-919f-8bb0486e71f2_736x1308.jpeg 424w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0TZY!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_848, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_webp, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F45c50d88-d024-407e-919f-8bb0486e71f2_736x1308.jpeg 848w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0TZY!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_1272, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_webp, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F45c50d88-d024-407e-919f-8bb0486e71f2_736x1308.jpeg 1272w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0TZY!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_1456, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_webp, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, 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isPermaLink="false">https://aastera.substack.com/p/why-are-so-many-people-drawn-to-crystals</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[A.Astera]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2026 11:16:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xF4I!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb5ff84ac-a906-4055-95c9-36280977b1b0_675x1200.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="/__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xF4I!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb5ff84ac-a906-4055-95c9-36280977b1b0_675x1200.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="/__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xF4I!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_424, 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/__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_auto, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb5ff84ac-a906-4055-95c9-36280977b1b0_675x1200.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Natural crystals have become more than beautiful accessories. For many people, they represent a deeper connection to mindfulness, intention, and spirituality. While some are captivated by their beauty, others are drawn to the meaning and symbolism that different stones have carried for centuries.</p><p></p><p>What Makes a Crystal Feel So Personal?</p><p></p><p>Have you ever felt naturally attracted to a particular crystal without knowing why? Many people describe this experience as an intuitive connection. Whether it's the color, the texture, or simply a feeling, the crystal that catches your attention often reflects what you feel drawn to in that moment of your life.</p><p></p><p>More Than Something You Wear</p><p></p><p>For those who include crystals in their spiritual practice, wearing one is often about more than fashion. A crystal can become a gentle reminder of your intentions&#8212;whether you're seeking inner peace, confidence, protection, love, or emotional balance. It serves as a personal symbol that brings you back to yourself throughout the day.</p><p></p><p>The Meaning We Give Them</p><p></p><p>Every crystal has its own traditional symbolism. Amethyst is often associated with inner peace and spiritual awareness, rose quartz with love and compassion, and black tourmaline with grounding and protection. While these meanings come from long-standing spiritual traditions, each person's relationship with a crystal is unique and deeply personal.</p><p></p><p>A Quiet Companion on Your Journey</p><p></p><p>Perhaps the true value of crystals isn't found in the stones themselves, but in the way they encourage us to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with our inner world. Sometimes, the smallest object can become the most meaningful reminder of the person we are becoming.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Place of Tarot Cards in Our Spiritual Journey

]]></title><description><![CDATA[Tarot cards are not necessarily a tool for predicting a fixed future.]]></description><link>https://aastera.substack.com/p/the-place-of-tarot-cards-in-our-spiritual</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://aastera.substack.com/p/the-place-of-tarot-cards-in-our-spiritual</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[A.Astera]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2026 11:07:42 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3IDi!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7c9f961b-e6d3-458d-b2a6-05d8c90ceab2_626x939.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="/__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3IDi!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7c9f961b-e6d3-458d-b2a6-05d8c90ceab2_626x939.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="/__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3IDi!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_424, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_webp, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7c9f961b-e6d3-458d-b2a6-05d8c90ceab2_626x939.jpeg 424w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3IDi!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_848, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_webp, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7c9f961b-e6d3-458d-b2a6-05d8c90ceab2_626x939.jpeg 848w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3IDi!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_1272, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_webp, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7c9f961b-e6d3-458d-b2a6-05d8c90ceab2_626x939.jpeg 1272w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3IDi!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_1456, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_webp, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7c9f961b-e6d3-458d-b2a6-05d8c90ceab2_626x939.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="/__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3IDi!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7c9f961b-e6d3-458d-b2a6-05d8c90ceab2_626x939.jpeg" width="626" height="939" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/7c9f961b-e6d3-458d-b2a6-05d8c90ceab2_626x939.jpeg&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:&quot;normal&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:939,&quot;width&quot;:626,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:71510,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/jpeg&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:null,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="/__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3IDi!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_424, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_auto, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7c9f961b-e6d3-458d-b2a6-05d8c90ceab2_626x939.jpeg 424w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3IDi!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_848, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_auto, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7c9f961b-e6d3-458d-b2a6-05d8c90ceab2_626x939.jpeg 848w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3IDi!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_1272, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_auto, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7c9f961b-e6d3-458d-b2a6-05d8c90ceab2_626x939.jpeg 1272w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!3IDi!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_1456, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_auto, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7c9f961b-e6d3-458d-b2a6-05d8c90ceab2_626x939.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p>Tarot cards are not necessarily a tool for predicting a fixed future. For many people, they serve as a symbolic language that helps explore the inner self, emotions, and the energies surrounding different stages of life.</p><p></p><p>Every card carries a story, an archetype, and a lesson. Some invite us to face our fears, while others remind us of hope we may have forgotten. Rather than giving us all the answers, tarot often encourages us to ask deeper and more meaningful questions.</p><p></p><p>A spiritual journey is not only about discovering the world around us&#8212;it is also about understanding the world within. Tarot is not the only path to self-discovery, but it can be a meaningful companion for reflection, self-awareness, and personal growth.</p><p></p><p>At the same time, it is important not to surrender our decisions entirely to the cards. No spread can replace free will, personal responsibility, or conscious choice. Our lives are ultimately shaped by the actions we take and the decisions we make.</p><p></p><p>Perhaps the true value of tarot is not in revealing the future, but in encouraging us to look inward. Sometimes the answers we seek are not hidden within the cards themselves, but within the thoughts and emotions they awaken in us.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Does Your Soul Truly Want? ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Our soul is always speaking to us.]]></description><link>https://aastera.substack.com/p/what-does-your-soul-truly-want</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://aastera.substack.com/p/what-does-your-soul-truly-want</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[A.Astera]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2026 10:38:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ndrQ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F15f01444-6e7d-484d-9a50-b5394dd96921_720x900.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Our soul is always speaking to us. The truth is, only those who learn to listen carefully can truly hear it.</p><p></p><p>One soul may long for a quiet, peaceful life. Another may feel called to be seen, to share messages that inspire and touch many people. Every soul chooses a different way to express itself. Some through music, some through painting, some through acting, writing, or countless other forms of creation.</p><p></p><p>But what happens when a soul is silenced?</p><p></p><p>Life begins to lose its color. Nothing feels truly fulfilling. You eat, sleep, spend time with friends, travel, and keep yourself busy&#8212;but somehow, it all feels empty. Not because these things have no value, but because they are not what your soul has been longing for.</p><p></p><p>When we ignore the path our soul is trying to show us, happiness can start to feel out of reach.</p><p></p><p>Maybe that's why, every once in a while, we need to pause and ask ourselves:</p><p></p><p>What does my soul truly want?</p><p></p><p>What is the thing that would make me feel deeply alive?</p><p></p><p>And perhaps the most important question of all:</p><p></p><p>What is one small step I can take today to move closer to that life?</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="/__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ndrQ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F15f01444-6e7d-484d-9a50-b5394dd96921_720x900.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" 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/__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F15f01444-6e7d-484d-9a50-b5394dd96921_720x900.jpeg 424w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ndrQ!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_848, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_auto, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F15f01444-6e7d-484d-9a50-b5394dd96921_720x900.jpeg 848w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ndrQ!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_1272, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_auto, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F15f01444-6e7d-484d-9a50-b5394dd96921_720x900.jpeg 1272w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ndrQ!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_1456, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_auto, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F15f01444-6e7d-484d-9a50-b5394dd96921_720x900.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spirituality]]></title><description><![CDATA[What does spirituality and spiritual life mean?]]></description><link>https://aastera.substack.com/p/spirituality</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://aastera.substack.com/p/spirituality</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[A.Astera]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2026 09:02:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UwOx!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc4b4fc58-e886-43e3-b2b8-1bee16c5b44c_736x1096.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What does spirituality and spiritual life mean? Why do we need to live this way?</p><p></p><p>Because this was the way of life passed down to us from our ancestors.</p><p></p><p>In the past, people never forgot their spiritual lives; they protected them. They would finish their work during the day, have long conversations at night, watch the stars, and gaze at the sky. Watching the moon and stars was a natural part of their lives.</p><p></p><p>Today, when we find time to escape the light pollution of cities, we try to go camping or on vacation. Yet, nature was actually a part of their daily lives.</p><p></p><p>So what have we lost?</p><p></p><p>Why have we become like this? Why do we constantly feel the need to buy natural stones, go to yoga, and attend sessions?</p><p></p><p>The reason is very simple: Our lives have become focused on making money, building a rich and luxurious life. We have forgotten our soul, which is what truly makes us who we are.</p><p></p><p>Our soul, as if trying to stop us, has begun to remind itself through the emptiness and restlessness within us. All it really wants is for us to hear it.</p><p></p><p>So what does your soul want?</p><p></p><p>Have you ever thought about this?</p><p></p><p>You can share it with me.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="/__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UwOx!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc4b4fc58-e886-43e3-b2b8-1bee16c5b44c_736x1096.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="/__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UwOx!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_424, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_webp, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc4b4fc58-e886-43e3-b2b8-1bee16c5b44c_736x1096.jpeg 424w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UwOx!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_848, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_webp, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc4b4fc58-e886-43e3-b2b8-1bee16c5b44c_736x1096.jpeg 848w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UwOx!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_1272, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_webp, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc4b4fc58-e886-43e3-b2b8-1bee16c5b44c_736x1096.jpeg 1272w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UwOx!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_1456, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_webp, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, 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/__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc4b4fc58-e886-43e3-b2b8-1bee16c5b44c_736x1096.jpeg 424w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UwOx!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_848, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_auto, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc4b4fc58-e886-43e3-b2b8-1bee16c5b44c_736x1096.jpeg 848w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UwOx!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_1272, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_auto, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc4b4fc58-e886-43e3-b2b8-1bee16c5b44c_736x1096.jpeg 1272w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!UwOx!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_1456, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_auto, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc4b4fc58-e886-43e3-b2b8-1bee16c5b44c_736x1096.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 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isPermaLink="false">https://aastera.substack.com/p/are-you-truly-spiritual</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[A.Astera]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2026 08:14:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xwlO!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7123472b-bd3c-4194-9e76-cb413e88fb36_736x919.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>These days, everyone seems to be talking about being spiritual. They post about it, they build an identity around it, and they make sure everyone sees it.</p><p></p><p>But is it really who you are? Or is it something you do because Instagram likes it? Because TikTok rewards it? Because you want people to say, "Wow, this person is so spiritual. I should follow them."</p><p></p><p>Someone sees tarot cards on their feed, buys a deck, and suddenly starts reading tarot. Someone else buys crystals, wears them every day, and calls it a spiritual journey. Before long, everyone begins to look the same.</p><p></p><p>I don't believe that, deep down, we truly want to be like everyone else. I think every one of us wants to feel unique. Yet, somehow, we often end up following the same trends while trying to prove that we're different.</p><p></p><p>At the heart of it all, I think we simply want to be seen. We want to matter. We want someone to notice us.</p><p></p><p>There's nothing wrong with seeking visibility. But while doing that, we should be careful not to believe everyone who calls themselves a spiritual teacher or guide. I'm not talking about the people who have genuine knowledge, experience, and integrity. I'm talking about those who build an image to attract attention rather than to help others.</p><p></p><p>So here's my question:</p><p></p><p>If spirituality exists only when the camera is on, is it still spirituality?</p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="/__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xwlO!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7123472b-bd3c-4194-9e76-cb413e88fb36_736x919.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="/__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xwlO!, /__u/aastera.substack.com/w_424, /__u/aastera.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/aastera.substack.com/f_webp, /__u/aastera.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/aastera.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7123472b-bd3c-4194-9e76-cb413e88fb36_736x919.jpeg 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