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Saira Anwar's avatar

This moved me deeply, what a sacred, beautiful tribute to the journey we’ve all been part of. To be named in this constellation of voices, to be seen and remembered in this way. I’m truly honoured. Thank you, Ral, for creating a space where tenderness is held, where slowness is valued, and where each offering becomes part of something timeless. Grateful to be orbiting here, and growing with you all, with amazing and talented artists. ❤️🥰🥹✨️

Ral Joseph's avatar

This moved me to tears, Saira. Thank you for being such a vital part of this journey and for valuing the "slowness" right there with me. You aren't just a name in the archive; you are a huge part of its heartbeat. I feel so lucky to be orbiting the same sun as you and to watch you continue to bloom among these incredible artists. Much love to you

Saira Anwar's avatar

My pleasure! Ral, your words truly touched me. I’m beyond moved, thank you for holding this space with such vision, heart, and soul. To be seen like this, to be part of something so intentional and sacred, means more than I can say. I carry this archive, and the orbit, with me in all that I create. I feel lucky too, to be growing alongside you, and to be part of a world where slowness, tenderness, and truth are honoured. Much love to you too. 💛❤️🌎✨

Ral Joseph's avatar

Grateful for you and your beautiful soul! ✨❤️

Saira Anwar's avatar

Grateful for you too and your beautiful soul. ❤️✨️

Ral Joseph's avatar

OUR ARCHIVE

Planet Ral began as a quiet act of listening, prioritizing the sacred ache of human connection over the noise of traditional publication. It was built on the belief that art is a way to remember, not to impress.

The Gospel of the Orbit

This archive is a collective scripture where sixteen issues honor authenticity over artifice. It serves as a sanctuary where softness is power and the human element is never edited out.

On Issues, and the Act of Returning

These sixteen arrivals form a living arc of transformation—born of fire, grief, and joy. They are not static records, but active blueprints of a community still in the process of becoming.

The Archive as Altar

This is an altar of sincerity, inviting readers to trade speed for depth. Each contributor is a flame in a sanctuary built for those seeking a collective heartbeat and a place to rest.

A Benediction for the Reader

This is communion, not content. It is a luminous invitation to recognize yourself within these pages and join an orbit that remains, and always will be, open.

To the Ones Who Made the Orbit Possible

This archive exists because of you.

❤️

Kelly Trost's avatar

Ral, this is breathtakingly beautiful. I stand in awe of all you have achieved. And are not only an accomplished publisher, but a fine, fine poet in your own right. I am privileged and honored to call you friend.

Ral Joseph's avatar

Kelly, your words have always been a soft place for me to land. Thank you for seeing the poetry in the process and for standing by this orbit since the beginning. This archive exists because of the love and dedication of people like you who believe in the "quiet hunger" we all share. I am so deeply moved by your kindness - it is a true privilege to walk this creative path with you as my friend. Love you dearly.

Kelly Trost's avatar

Hello Ral, I feel exactly the same. I very much value the experience each and every time I am published by you. Thank you so much for everything.

Ral Joseph's avatar

That's beautiful

Ral Joseph's avatar

Thank you for being such a light and such a cherished friend. Love you ❤️

Kelly Trost's avatar

And you.

Waving From A Distance's avatar

What a wonderful summary for your end of year message. An archive unlike none other here on Substack. Your quiet act of listening in the beginning was heard by so many. Congratulations on amazing work. Awe is a good word for how I feel about all you have achieved with your artistic talent. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for featuring a few of my words in one of your gorgeous publications.

Ral Joseph's avatar

Your words have touched me so deeply sweetheart. Thank you for truly seeing the 'quiet listening' that started this all - it means everything to know that it resonated with you. It has been such an honor to feature your beautiful words in our publication; your contribution added a layer of depth and grace that I’m so grateful for. Thank you for walking alongside me this year and for such a heart-filling message.

Ral Joseph's avatar

Your talent is a gift to this space. I’m so glad we’ve built this archive together, and I’m beyond thankful for your support and presence here. Much love ❤️

Laney Mills's avatar

Thank you Ral for this most wonderful space. A space of safety, love, and creativity ❤️🥰

Ral Joseph's avatar

Laney, your words mean the world to me. Thank you for being such a vital part of this space and for standing by both the publication and me throughout this entire year. Your friendship is a gift I cherish deeply - thank you for your constant support, your beautiful heart, and for making this journey so much more meaningful. Love you!

Laney Mills's avatar

Oh my gosh Ral! I love you too! You are my buddy. 🥰❤️ Thank you so much!

Ral Joseph's avatar

This space wouldn't be what it is without your light and creativity. I’m so grateful for your presence this past year and even more grateful for the beautiful friendship we share. Thank you for being there for me and the publication every step of the way! ❤️

Laney Mills's avatar

I am honored! ❤️🥰

pm's avatar

Wow.. incredible💛💛💛

Ral Joseph's avatar

I know right🥰🥰🥰

pm's avatar

You're just amazing🌻🌻

Ral Joseph's avatar

Thanks for showing up here

pm's avatar

My pleasure🌻

Ri's avatar

Thanks for creating this beautiful space, Ral! 🤎

Ral Joseph's avatar

Thanks too love for gracing us 🥰🥰

Ral Joseph's avatar

How is your holiday going?

Ri's avatar

It’s really relaxing actually. And honestly that’s what I really needed. It’s offered me space to just be. How’s yours going?

Ral Joseph's avatar

It's amazing love

Taqaddus Qamar's avatar

Oh wow, I feel so overwhelmed, you remember me, Ral.

For many days, even months, I’ve been so busy with my routine and job that I couldn’t give proper time to Substack. But seeing my name here made me feel motivated again. It makes me want to show up again and again. You’re the one, Ral, who always remembers me. Love you 😘

Ral Joseph's avatar

Out of sight doesn't mean out of mind on Planet Ral. It means forever in our hearts. Love you

Taqaddus Qamar's avatar

Thanks Ral. 🥂

Taqaddus Qamar's avatar

Love you too.

Ral Joseph's avatar

Join the paid tier this year for Christ sakes. You're still of of my editors it's pretty unfair ☺️

Candy Kennedy's avatar

I am anxious to see what 2026 brings in your creativity, Ral, and hope to be a more active participant. You are a gem!

Ral Joseph's avatar

Candy.... Having you onboard our paid members as one of our patrons this year would be such a blessing

Ral Joseph's avatar

Coke drink wine in the form of culture, Community and art with us 🍷🍷

Kind Talk Project's avatar

Seeing this archive laid out as a scripture of seasons is incredibly moving. Having been part of this journey, I feel a profound sense of connection to this community of builders and witnesses. You’ve met a vital need for recognition and purpose by framing our contributions as an act of communion. I am so inspired to keep "un-becoming and becoming" alongside this beautiful orbit you’ve set in motion. 🙏💗

Ral Joseph's avatar

Hello love

Ral Joseph's avatar

I had to read this three times and hold myself back from not crying. The love and grace we all share in this community is all and all.... Hope to have fun with you this year.

Kind Talk Project's avatar

Ral, I'm so glad my words resonated with you. Your kind response brought tears to my eyes too! I'm grateful for the love and connection we share in this community. Looking forward to more fun, growth, and shared experiences in the year ahead! Happy New Year! 🙏💗

Ral Joseph's avatar

Looking forward to having you fully with us

Ciara Totton's avatar

Thank you for all that you do to bring so many incredible artists together! You are amazing

Ral Joseph's avatar

Hello Ciara♥️

Ral Joseph's avatar

I'm so short of words.... Thanks too. Hope to have you fully onboard this year honey🧡