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The daily New York Times Connections puzzle continues to challenge word puzzle enthusiasts, and today, Saturday, February 21, 2026, is no exception. For those seeking a little assistance with today’s grid, we’ve compiled hints and, for those who prefer, the complete solutions. This popular game, second only to the NYT crossword in popularity, tasks players with grouping sixteen words into four categories of four, based on shared themes.

The challenge lies in identifying those connections, which can be deceptively subtle. The game categorizes the difficulty of each group with a color: yellow (easiest), green (easy), blue (medium), and purple (hardest). Successfully identifying all four connections without four mistakes unlocks the solution, but four errors complete the game.

Today’s Connections: Hints to Get You Started

Before diving into the answers, here are some hints to guide you through today’s puzzle. Remember, the goal is to discover the common thread linking four words together in each category.

• Yellow: Shadows of the past that shape the present.
• Green: Often heard by children.
• Blue: Things you might mutter after a solve.
• Purple: Brand names with a little *extra*.

Need a little more nudge? Here’s one word from each category to facilitate you along:

• Yellow: History
• Green: Present
• Blue: Phew
• Purple: Audits

The Solutions to Today’s NYT Connections (#986)

If you’ve exhausted your hints and are ready to reveal the answers, look no further. Here’s a breakdown of each category and its corresponding words:

• Yellow: Experience – Background, History, Life, Past
• Green: Attendance Status – Absent, Excused, Late, Present
• Blue: Commentary About Your Connections Results – Great, Perfect, Phew, Solid
• Purple: Car Brands Plus Two Letters – Audits, Dodgers, Infinitive, Minion

Many players found the purple category particularly tricky, with “Dodgers” initially leading to thoughts of the baseball team and “Minion” evoking the Despicable Me franchise. The key was recognizing the connection to automobile brands with added letters.

Congratulations to those who successfully navigated today’s Connections puzzle! A new puzzle will be available tomorrow, offering another opportunity to test your word association skills. Keep practicing, and you’ll be a Connections master in no time.

What was the most challenging category for you today? Share your thoughts and strategies in the comments below!

As the week draws to a close, many are looking to the stars for guidance on what tomorrow holds. According to astrological forecasts, Sunday, February 22, 2026, promises a mixed bag of fortunes for the twelve zodiac signs. While Virgo is poised for potential gains and favorable opportunities, Scorpios are advised to proceed with caution. These predictions, based on insights from Astroved.com as reported by TribunWow.com, offer a glimpse into the energies expected to influence each sign.

Astrology continues to captivate a wide audience, offering a framework for self-reflection and understanding potential life patterns. While not a scientifically proven method, many find value in the insights provided by zodiac forecasts, using them as a tool for navigating daily life and making informed decisions. The upcoming day, according to these forecasts, will be particularly noteworthy for Virgo and Scorpio, but all signs can benefit from understanding the potential influences at play.

Zodiac Predictions for February 22, 2026

Here’s a breakdown of what each sign can anticipate on Sunday, February 22, 2026:

• Aries (21 Maret – 19 April): Expect a day filled with joyful moments. Success will reach through sincere effort, and opportunities for spiritual engagement will bring happiness.
• Taurus (20 April – 20 Mei): Progressive results are anticipated, with the right moment arriving to showcase your talents and abilities. A surge of confidence is expected.
• Gemini (21 Mei – 20 Juni):
• Cancer: (Information not provided in source)
• Leo: (Information not provided in source)
• Virgo (23 Agustus – 22 September): Sunday looks particularly promising for Virgo, with forecasts indicating potential gains and favorable outcomes. It’s considered an auspicious day for making important decisions and anticipating growth.
• Libra: (Information not provided in source)
• Scorpio (23 Oktober – 21 November): Scorpios are cautioned to be mindful, as the day may not yield desired results. Careful consideration and measured communication are advised.
• Sagitarius: (Information not provided in source)
• Capricorn: (Information not provided in source)
• Aquarius: (Information not provided in source)
• Pisces: (Information not provided in source)

The forecasts highlight the importance of adaptability and awareness as we move through the day. While Virgo is encouraged to seize opportunities, Scorpio is urged to exercise prudence. Understanding these potential influences can empower individuals to navigate their day with greater intention and resilience.

The enduring popularity of zodiac readings speaks to a broader human desire for meaning and guidance. Resources like Freepik offer a wide range of visual representations of the zodiac signs, reflecting their continued cultural relevance.

As we look ahead, it’s important to remember that astrological forecasts are interpretations of planetary movements and their potential influence on human affairs. Whether you choose to align your actions with these predictions or view them as simply interesting insights, the key is to approach the day with a positive mindset and a willingness to embrace whatever comes your way.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming astrological influences? Share your perspectives in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with friends and family who may find it insightful.

Across social media platforms, a growing number of individuals are openly identifying with animals, expressing a deep connection that extends beyond simple affinity. This phenomenon, known as being “therian,” is gaining visibility, prompting questions about its origins and whether it represents a new social tribe or something more complex. But what exactly does it signify to identify as an animal and what’s driving this trend?

The term “therian” stems from a blend of ancient Greek roots – therion, meaning beast or wild animal, and anthropos, meaning human. Combined, they form “teriantropía,” which describes a psychological, symbolic, or spiritual identification with a specific animal, often referred to as a “theriotype.” While seemingly a recent development fueled by online communities, the concept itself has deeper roots in contemporary psychology and self-perception, according to experts.

Argentinian psychologist Florencia Rodríguez, who has studied this trend, explains that the core difference between therians and traditional urban tribes lies in their non-human reference point for identity. “What’s happening here goes beyond what we’ve seen with urban tribes like emos or floggers, who identified with people,” Rodríguez stated in an interview with Caracol Radio. “The difference with therians is that they self-perceive as animals, sense a very special connection with animals, and replicate behaviors.”

This replication of behaviors, often seen in viral videos, has led to misconceptions about the community. However, individuals within the therian community are quick to clarify that their identification is not about believing they *are* animals, but rather a deeply felt sense of connection and identity. ‘Nix Titi,’ a therian who identifies as a black cat, emphasized this point, stating, “What we have is an identity, it’s of the soul, it identifies you. It’s about real animals, in my case a black cat.” As reported by Caracol Radio, Nix Titi actively discourages judgment based on sensationalized online content, asserting, “It’s an exaggeration absolute what is being seen in videos.”

The question of whether this identification constitutes a mental disorder is a subject of ongoing discussion. Rodríguez suggests that problems arise when individuals become “trapped” in their chosen persona. However, many therians, like Nix Titi, are adamant that their identity doesn’t indicate a disconnect from reality. “We know we are human beings,” Nix Titi explained. “It’s not that we have a dissociation from reality.” She draws a parallel to engaging with fictional narratives, stating, “When you watch a movie, you might identify with the protagonist, but that doesn’t turn you into the character.”

The motivations behind this growing trend are complex and varied. For some, it’s a spiritual connection; for others, a deeply personal sense of self-discovery. Many therians find solace and community with others who share similar experiences. A recent video on Caracol Radio’s YouTube channel features a young Mexican therian, Gray, discussing her experiences. You can view the interview here.

While the phenomenon is gaining traction, it’s important to note that the therian community is diverse. Individuals express their identity in different ways, ranging from subtle personal practices to engaging in role-playing or adopting animalistic behaviors. However, as Nix Titi points out, the often-portrayed extreme behaviors seen online do not represent the majority of therians. “We continue to do common human things, and when we have free time, we like to dress up as little animals and play with nature,” she said.

As the therian community continues to grow and gain visibility, understanding the nuances of this identity and dispelling misconceptions will be crucial. The trend raises broader questions about identity formation, the search for belonging, and the evolving ways individuals connect with the natural world. The conversation surrounding therianthropy is likely to continue evolving as more individuals share their experiences and perspectives.

What do you think about the rise of the therian community? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends!