Satyrs, by nature feel Passions at a greater extent than most others. And while, yes, this means that any joy you feel, you stand a strong chance of experiencing to a greater extent than others, this also means you stand a chance of feeling pain and sorrow stronger than most others.

Now, I have been to shrinks who have classified me "maniac/depressive", "bipolar", and a host of other pseudo-scientific terms. Not one ever bought the clue that this is not a bad thing. It hurts. When the pain hits, it hits HARD! But, as my dear friend Ashran always tells me, "No one ever said enlightment didn't suck!"

Just like Love of a Satyr, you have to be prepared to accept the pain with the joy ... the good with the bad ... the dark with the light. Understanding friends are one way of helping, but even then, what do you do when they don't understand?

Well, as harsh as it sounds, you have to learn to cope with it. Thinking happy thoughts is a little shallow, but sometimes it does help. Eventually, though, you will be forced to face the music and experience some of the down side of your Satyr existance.

To get you through this, I have no idea. I'm writing this in the midst of just such a frump. A "self-indulgent Cancerian Satyristic Funk" as a friend of mine phrased it (I love you too, Nali!). I don't expect them to understand at this point, but that they love me anyway is a strong help.