I dislike the "keeping" terminology for the same reasons and gravitate more towards "companionship" verbiage. I do default back to "keeping" sometimes because it's so prevalent, but it gives me a squidge. And I like the mindful respect that using words like "companion" pull up and out for me. There is something that feels commoditizing and de-personalizing about saying things like "my keep," and I think that terminology has a cumulative effect that is probably not positive.Nyctophilia Raven wrote: ↑Sat Feb 22, 2020 3:03 pmSo, here at S&S, we don't call this "spirit keeping." Language matters, and because words come pre-loaded with all kinds of attachments, layers and sublayers of meaning, choosing the right words for a thing becomes vital. Spirit keepers easily become spirit collectors. Spirit keepers also easily become spirit slave drivers. Here at S&S, we don't use the terms spirit keeping at all... we use the term demon companion. Admittedly, that doesn't work for anyone who's not a demon, but... I have... two harpies, an incubus, a vampire, two wraiths, and a multitude of temple Fu... and I call all of them companions, as well. It reminds me of the relationship I'm choosing to have with them. Keeping is... too close to bondage. I say all this just so you understand the language changes that have occurred here - this is not a criticism, just an explanation, with the reasoning behind it.
Of course, using language like this doesn't condemn anyone to the bad apple barrel in my brain, but I appreciate seeing conversations about this aspect of how we talk about our companionships, partnerships, friendships, and chosen family. It added a nice note to my day. Thanks, NR!