The Los Angeles launch event for the Itinéraires Fantômes Oracle Deck at the Philosophical Research Society was a night filled with magic, synchronicity, and illuminating conversations. Artists like Alexandra Grant and Edgar Fabián Frías shared their creative journeys, exploring themes of art, mysticism, and even the psychic abilities of cats. This gathering was not just a celebration of an oracle deck but a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring impact of cultural icons like Hélène Cixous.
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Unveiling the Itinéraires Fantômes Oracle Deck: A Journey Through Art and Divination /
As an artist and oracle deck enthusiast, I've had the incredible opportunity to contribute to and explore one of the most unique decks I've ever encountered: the Itinéraires Fantômes Oracle Deck. Created by Alexandra Grant in collaboration with Hélène Cixous, this deck is a true masterpiece that bridges the worlds of art, literature, and divination.
The Genesis of Itinéraires Fantômes
The Itinéraires Fantômes deck is more than just a set of oracle cards; it's a celebration of Hélène Cixous's work and a companion to an art exhibition of the same name. Curated by Marion Vasseur Raluy and Ana Iwataki, the exhibition runs from June 21, 2024, to January 19, 2025, at the CAPC Musée d'art Contemporain de Bordeaux.
Inside the Box
The deck consists of 72 beautifully designed cards, each measuring 5.1 x 3.5 inches (13 x 9 cm). These cards are housed in a sturdy cardboard box, measuring 7.9 x 6.3 x 2 inches (20 x 16 x 5 cm). Accompanying the cards is a thoughtfully crafted bilingual booklet in English and French, sized at 6.3 x 4.7 inches (16 x 12 cm).
A Diverse Artistic Collaboration
What sets this deck apart is its incredible roster of contributors. Alongside Alexandra Grant and her partner Keanu Reeves, the deck features work from a diverse array of renowned artists and writers. From historical figures like Victor Hugo and Franz Kafka to contemporary artists such as Jeffrey Gibson, Johanna Hedva, and Louise Bourgeois, each card is a unique creation reflecting a variety of voices and styles.
The Six Categories
The 72 cards are divided into six intriguing categories:
1. Those from Below
2. Those from Above
3. Those Who Fly/Steal
4. Portals
5. Messages and Symbols
6. Superpowers
These categories add depth and structure to readings, allowing for rich interpretations and insights. Each card was created as a brand new artwork by an artist and/or curated from a selection of existing artwork. This gives the deck an eclectic yet harmonious composition. On the backside of each card is a unique drawing done in gold against a white background. When brought together these different drawings create a map designed by Alexandra Grant.
L'étranger Redoutable and "La Non-Forme, both 2024. Courtesy of Edgar Fabián Frías
My Contribution
As one of the contributors, I had the honor of creating two cards for this deck: "L'étranger Redoutable" (The Formidable Stranger) and "La Non-Forme" (The Non-Form). The creative process was both challenging and rewarding, as I sought to capture the essence of these concepts in visual form.
Upcoming Launch Event
For those eager to experience the deck firsthand, there's an exciting launch event coming up:
Date: Saturday, August 24 at 7 PM
Location: Philosophical Research Society, Los Angeles
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artist-talk-itineraires-fantomes-oracle-deck-launch-tickets-942419942417
Final Reflections
The Itinéraires Fantômes Oracle Deck is more than just a divination tool; it's a journey through art, literature, and the collective unconscious. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a seasoned oracle reader, or simply curious about unique creative projects, this deck offers something truly special.
To learn more about the deck or to purchase your own copy, visit X Artists Books
https://www.xartistsbooks.com/books/itineraires-fantomes-oracle-deck
And if you're interested in seeing more of my work, you can find me at:
https://bio.site/edgarfabianfrias
Also, to hear more thoughts of mine about this deck, see an unboxing, and flip through of all the cards, as well as learn who the artists that created are, watch this video below.
Have you encountered any oracle decks that have left a lasting impression on you?
Share your experiences in the comments below!
Communing with the Missing Witches Deck Of Oracles /
Introduction
I'm thrilled to share my latest YouTube video where I dive deep into the mystical world of the "Missing Witches Deck Of Oracles." This deck, authored by Risa Dickens and Amy Torok, has been a profound addition to my collection, and I couldn't wait to give you all a detailed review and flip through.
The Deck and Booklet
The "Missing Witches Deck Of Oracles" is not just a tool for divination but a bridge to connect with historical and legendary witches. This deck features 52 cards, each presenting a unique illustration and message on one side, while the other side shares the story, insight, or meditation related to each witch. The accompanying booklet offers a wealth of information, making it easy to incorporate the deck into your daily, weekly, or as-needed rituals.
Flip Through
In the video, I take you through a complete flip through of the deck, card by card, so you can appreciate the intricate designs and the powerful energy each card holds. The artwork is not just visually stunning but also deeply symbolic, resonating with themes of empowerment, reclamation, and resistance. Each card serves as a portal to the wisdom and magic of witches from different eras and backgrounds, from Octavia Butler, Audre Lorde, María Sabina, Zora Neale Hurston to Hildegarde, Leonora Carrington, Anna Halprin, and Mayumi Oda.
A Powerful One-Card Reading
Towards the end of the video, I perform a one-card reading that turns out to be incredibly powerful. The message I received was so profound that it left me visibly shaken. This reading demonstrated the potent spiritual connections facilitated by this oracle deck, making it an invaluable tool for both new and experienced practitioners of the craft.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy the video and find the "Missing Witches Deck Of Oracles" as enchanting and transformative as I do. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to oracle readings, this deck offers a unique and enriching experience.
Watch the Video
Check out the full review by clicking here: https://youtu.be/iKq9Cj0XnAM?si=5BI3W0iSVof9
and flip through on my and let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Additional Information
For those interested, the deck is set to release on July 9, 2024, and is available for preorder. It's published by North Atlantic Books and is priced at $19.95. The deck is designed to be a standalone tool but also complements other works by the authors, such as "Missing Witches" and "New Moon Magic"【13†source】
Trans Hirstory In 99 Objects Book Release At The Hammer Museum /
Last night was truly a profound and unforgettable experience. Being invited to participate in the iconic event for the release of Chris E. Vargas' Trans Hirstory in 99 Objects book at the Hammer Museum was an immense honor. To be surrounded by such trailblazing trans luminaries like Zackary Drucker, Raquel Gutiérrez, Amos Mac, Uri McMillan, Christina Linden, and David Evans Frantz was incredibly powerful.
The entire evening had an almost sacred energy, as if the spirits of our trans ancestors were present, guiding and blessing us. Chris' vision with the Museum of Trans Hirstory & Art (MOTHA) as a "forever under construction" container to celebrate trans hirstory and existence is so profoundly needed. In a world that has tried to erase and deny our narratives for centuries, MOTHA unapologetically inserts trans magic into the spaces where it is most vital.
I felt immensely grateful to Chris, Christina, and David for their years of labor in crafting this phenomenal book that weaves together our vast, complex trans lineages and legacies. The care and intentionality they brought in organizing this event was palpable.
Being invited to share a personal three card tarot reading using The Shining Tribe Tarot deck, which was also my contribution to the book, allowed me to open up in unexpectedly emotional ways. Drawing The Strength card for our collective present moment imbued the space with a sense of fortitude and resilience that I know we'll all need as we navigate the continued challenges ahead.
Witnessing the outpouring of love, support, and celebration for this work and our community left me in awe. I hope the recording of this historic gathering is released publicly soon so that the ripples of trans brilliance and affirmation can extend even further. My heart is overflowing with gratitude to have been a part of such a sacred night amongst my siblings and ancestors.
You can watch the full video of this event below:
HoliGay Gift Guide 2023 /
The holiday season is giving many of us a moment to reflect and connect with loved ones. As we take comfort in traditions, we remember all communities do not share in that privilege. I cannot ignore the injustices happening now, like the crises happening in Gaza, Sudan, Congo, Yemen, and other places. If you wish to help, consider donating to reputable organizations supporting human rights like Doctors Without Borders, the World Food Program, and the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. You can also check out some non-monetary ways you can get involved in supporting the work of If Not Now and National Students For Justice In Palestine.
Gift-giving, however small, can also spark joy and help support small businesses that are helping to create another vision of a more equitable and inclusive world. In that spirit, I want to share my list of creative gifts for artists and witches under $100, predominantly from small businesses owned bypass LGBTQ+, women, and people of color.
Click here for a 1-minute video preview!
The suggestions span artisan goods for various interests and budgets. I aimed for makers offering quick shipping during this busier time of year.
I'll wrap up by spotlighting some community-nominated businesses. My goal is highlighting diverse creatives while encouraging more conscientious consumption. I hope somewhere within this list you find inspiration, whether through action, advocacy or gift-giving gentleness.
Top 15 Gifts Under $100
1. Chani Nicholas’ 2024 Astro Planner is filled with 291 pages of rituals, reflections, exercises, astro cheat sheets, planetary movements, and daily and monthly calendars that allow you to map out your year, track your intention for the day, and make the most of the current astrology. Plus, each 8.75" x 6.25" planner includes a customizable birth chart, 100+ astro stickers, and a free month of premium content in the CHANI app for new users. Here’s to an abundant 2024. $54.99 (affiliate link)
2. The Evanesced [Tarot Deck] by Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle & Olomidara Yaya is inspired by The Evanesced Series, an expansive body of work channeled by Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle a.k.a. Olomidara Yaya. Through 100+ drawings and paintings that Hinkle/Yaya calls un-portraits and a suit of site-specific performances, she/they are creating a body of work that interrogates the erasure of Black womxn historically and presently. This deck and its creation stand in solidarity with various intersections of what it means to be femme, especially Black and femme, and is in conversation with the #SayHerName movement. All un-portraits featured in the deck are from The Evanesced: The Untouchables (2020) commissioned for the traveling exhibition The Black Index, curated by Bridget R. Cooks. $65
3. Radical Tarot By Charlie Claire Burgess is a dynamic re-envisioning of the tarot, including tarot card imagery, that describes how the tarot is queer, that the archetypes are alive, and that tarot doesn’t tell the future; it creates it.
Radical Tarot meets the tarot in a space of evolution, deconstruction, and creation, using the historical and common meanings of the cards as a launchpad for digging into limiting beliefs and societal conditioning and unlocking the personal truths beneath. $19.99
4. Crystalpedia By Athena Perrakis, PhD With dazzling photography, this book is not only a reference guide but also an oracle to guide your journey, whatever your goal is. Simply set an intention, ask a question, and then flip through the pages until your intuition tells you to stop. You’ll meet the stone you are being guided to discover. $26.99
5. The Green Gold Ancestral Plant Spirit Oracle by Botanica Cimarron is a 68 card deck and guidebook connecting you with diasporic contemporary guidance rooted within the ancient wisdom of our oldest ancestors on earth — plants!
The reverence of nature as our original family is the heart of indigenous traditions. But this experience of connection can be hard to access in the modern world without the right tools. With Green Gold as your guide, enter an enchanting portal for accessing divine knowledge that can unlock your timeless memories ripe with creative solutions for transforming your reality. $48
6. Wild Medicine By Shelby Bundy and Kate Belew is a gorgeously illustrated herbal from the witchy experts at Tamed Wild, this handy guidebook introduces readers to the most common and powerful healing herbs and the wisdom gained over centuries of use. Ideal for green witches and budding herbalists! Inspired by Tamed Wild’s best-selling herb decks, this handbook covers more than 60 magickal herbs–a must-have for anyone interested in the power of herbal healing. A lovely hand-painted watercolor introduces each herb, offering an artist’s look at the identifying characteristics. $21
7. Spellbound Sky’s Sage & Soil Scented Ritual Candle Burn this candle to get back to Earth, feeling rooted, revitalized and purified. Inspired by the protective and grounding powers of Smoky Quartz, this earthy metallic beauty was created to clear your space of bad vibes and evoke the feeling of being deeply connected to your Root Chakra. Use this candle by itself or with other candles to ground the energy of your ritual work. The warm and earthy scent brings you back to nature, infused with Desert Sage, Oakmoss and Cactus Flower…topped with Sacred Dirt, Smoky Mica and Bronzed Gold flakes. Burn as needed to get grounded and realigned with the healing powers of Mother Earth! $20
8. The Liberation Tarot Deck is a collection of 79 tarot cards and accompanying guidebook, created over the course of four years by more than thirty artists and writers living in the US, Canada, France, Brazil, Palestine, and Mexico (including me!). The booklet includes an introduction from deck organizer Elicia Epstein, insightful essays by adrienne maree brown and lawrence barriner II, and beautifully crafted card descriptions from poet emet ezell. $50
9. Stelle* Scopa Deck of Cards by artist Maria Moltenia is original deck of playing/divination cards- inspired by Italian Scopa & Tarot cards- charmed by celestial + terrestrial iconography. “Stelle Scopa- The Deck” includes 61 Card Deck in a silver bag. $40
10. Grandes Maestros del Arte Wixárika: Acervo Negrín is a gorgeous book jointly published by the Secretary of Culture for the State of Jalisco, Mexico and the Wixárika Research Center in honor of the Year of Indigenous Languages and to celebrate the exhibit Grandes Maestros del Arte Wixárika: Acervo Negrín at the Museo Cabañas in Guadalajara (June 21, 2019 - January 12, 2020). This is a tri-lingual publication - Spanish, English and Wixárika. Sales support the Wixárika Research Center. $75
11. Le Nouveau Belline by Anne Horel is a luminous 52 card reproduction of the original Le Tarot Belline originally created in 1863. Anne is a digital witch and a pioneer in social media and GIF art in France and globally. This deck is truly a magical work of art and reflects Anne’s deep relationship with the esoteric, divination, and visual & digital spells. The deck is in French and the art is universal. $40
12. The Ignota Diary 2023 is a beautifully designed diary and week-to-view planner is filled with historically significant magical and sacred dates from around the world. Drawn from events such as the Buddha’s birthday, esoteric festivals and artistic and occult history, the diary touches on the lives of characters such as Ursula K. Le Guin, Ithell Colquhoun, Zora Neale Hurston, Carl Jung, Simone Weil, Leonora Carrington, Maya Deren, Aleister Crowley, George Bataille, Timothy Leary, Hilma af Klint, Saint Hildegard of Bingen, William Blake, W.B. Yeats and Octavia Butler. $22
13. Trans Hirstory in 99 Objects is a compelling exploration of trans art, activism, and resistance. Spanning over four centuries, this volume brings together a wide-ranging selection of artworks and artifacts that highlight the under-recognized histories of trans and gender-nonconforming communities. Through the contributions of artists, writers, poets, activists, and scholars, this title reflects on historical erasure and imagines trans futures. An expansive array of objects chart not a patriarchal history but a gender-neutral, trans-centric hirstory. The first publication of its kind, this survey celebrates trans forebearers, highlights struggles and triumphs, and reflects on the legacies of trans creative expression.
Contributions by Kate Bornstein, Ria Brodell, Vaginal Davis, Leah DeVun, Mo B. Dick, Zackary Drucker, David Getsy, Martine Gutierrez, Andrea Jenkins, Jade Guarano Kuriki-Olivo (Puppies Puppies), Thomas (T.) Jean Lax, Abram J. Lewis, Miguel A. López, Amos Mac, Cyle Metzger, Deborah A. Miranda, Morgan M Page, SA Smythe, C. Riley Snorton, Dean Spade, Sandy Stone, Jeannine Tang, Michelle Tea, McKenzie Wark, and many others probe new horizons where institutional critique and trans culture meet. This book is copublished by the Museum of Trans Hirstory & Art (MOTHA), a conceptual art project of artist Chris E. Vargas that is forever “under construction” by design to allow continual transformation.
14. In New Moon Magic, Missing Witches authors Risa Dickens and Amy Torok offer Witchy practices to change your life and reshape the world, without falling prey to the commercialization that belies the true heart—and power—of magic.
Witchcraft is praxis: how we do what we believe, and how we make those beliefs manifest. New Moon Magic is an offering to all witches, honoring the Craft’s roots in centuries of empowerment, survival, and resistance—despite capitalism’s attempts to co-opt and dilute its practice. $19.95
15. Turning Terrestrial Tides Tarot Deck. We’re in turbulent times. The US is experiencing its first Pluto Return, and Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are all set to move into new zodiac signs in the near future.
The astrology suggests that we’re collectively standing on the precipice of a major shift here on Earth. So, how do we use this astrological energy of change to our advantage? The 78 tarot archetypes invite us to self-reflect and entertain curiosity around designing our future within our larger communities. During these times of intense transformation, tarot can act as both a mirror and an anchor for personal empowerment, reminding us that we write our tomorrow. This DIY quality is reflected in the Turning Terrestrial Tides Tarot artwork. The travel-friendly, poker-sized deck was created in the approachable cut-and-paste collage style of 90s zines and includes the astrological linkages to each tarot archetype as well as words to reflect on, both on the cards and within the included mini guidebook. $40
Honorable Mentions
Dream Job Spell Analog VR by yours truly published by Stories To Change The World. There are just a few of these limited edition artworks left. They contain a word and visual art spell created to invoke expansive and infinite potential when it comes to dreaming your dream job into existence. As an added bonus, Anne Horel (mentioned above), has also released a limited edition Analog VR set titled Macro Vitae. $36
Goddex Sugar Scrub from Ever’s Apothecary. The Goddex is Sacred Fluidity, Versatility, Enthusiasm, Adaptability, and Unconventionality. It's about honoring all sides of our nature and embracing our natural non-conforming energies. Our Goddex Sugar Scrub is crafted with ingredients to work into any beauty ritual. Formulated with our favorite exfoliating agent, Oatmeal, to soak up excess oil and help hydrate dry skin from seasonal climates; Safflower Oil infused with Butterfly Pea Flower Powder is packed with antioxidants and aids in rebuilding elasticity to reduce redness from external irritants visibly; Unrefined Shea Butter rich in vitamins A, E, and F, to heal and promote skin circulation while softening and toning. Dressed with Whole Oats and Blue Cornflower, this scrub vibrates to awaken your psychic awareness, heal intuitive blocks, and connect to our queer ancestors to liberate inner wisdom.
Eden Sky | Labradorite by Siren of The Sea. An enchanting, sunset-colored Labradorite with peach orange hues & blue/green undertones. This spectacular & rare piece was combined with an elegant design using sterling silver. Labradorite exudes magical energies associated with intuition, protection & transformation. $98
Community Nominated Businesses
Theyfriend Candles is a queer, nonbinary, trans witch-crafting candle venture. All candles are crafted by hand and enchanted by Kirkean (Circe-based) Witch Rune Rainwater (they/them). Theyfriend seeks to be in a non-extractive relationship with all crafting materials; our candles are made with sustainable materials: beeswax & hemp wicks. They never use synthetic dyes or oils, instead crafting our candles with food-grade sustainable dyes like pomegranate powder. Their packaging is eco-friendly: boxes are reusable and biodegradable, and candles are wrapped in heavy paper that can be reused for any purpose (they highly encourage you to use the wrapping paper for sigils, petitions, and other witch work!).
Eagle Screen Printing is a queer run print shop based in NE Minneapolis that creates t-shirts, tote bags, prints, and more.
PublicParts creates hand made designer dildos using body safe platinum silicone.
Paige Emery’s Blue Garden Apothecary provides plant remedies intentionally made to aid the body, mind, and spirit in transformative and difficult times between a dying world and a new world we want to exist.
Good Mexican Girl has the best vegan empanadas and baked goods with gluten free and non-vegan options as well. Based in the Los Angeles area they are able to ship nationally and also offer free delivery to certain zip codes in LA.
Kaitlyn Graña Mother of Mystics is an East Los Angeles-based Espiritista, trance medium, expert occultist, and doula of radical spiritual awakenings.
DYEShemportraits based in Hollywood, California makes crystal jewelry, clothes, candles n soaps as well as has a journal PDF download.
New Moon Spell For Empathic Care ❤️🔥 /
“Everything we do to help each other is an act of resistance”
- Beverly Smith (from New Moon Magic: 13 Anti-Capitalist Tools for Resistance and Re-Enchantment)
Today's New Moon in Scorpio marks a transformative celestial dance, akin to a scorpion shedding its exoskeleton. Embrace Scorpio's potent energy tied to authenticity, truth, love, and courage. Channel this intensity into a spell, envisioning yourself as a conduit for empathic care that extends beyond personal boundaries.
Picture this compassionate energy field as a dynamic force—a collective tide of love merging with intentions worldwide. Let this spell be a catalyst for positive change, a ripple of kindness weaving through humanity's interconnected web.
Whether practicing alone or with companions, Scorpio's power thrives in collective experiences. Energetically invite others through methods like bibliomancy or a symbolic calling in of their energies. Join forces in person or virtually via Zoom or Facetime. Together you amplify your magic and add potency to your spellwork.
Today's New Moon in Scorpio calls us to be architects of compassionate change. Use the energy of death and rebirth, truth, love, and courage to cultivate care beyond our immediate sphere. Embrace celestial synergy and uncover the alchemy of connection and collective compassion.
A new moon signifies renewed optimism, a time to gather energy for the upcoming weeks. It fosters self-reflection, clarifying desires for contribution, and reception from the world. This phase is ideal for divination and imaginative exploration, envisioning and manifesting a change process.
How to begin
Gather the following materials (all materials are optional):
Salt
A white or black candle
A bowl of water
Crystal and/or plant friends who want to join & support (e.g. watermelon tourmaline, figs, pomegranates, rose quartz)
A few books for bibliomancy and/or your trusted tarot or oracle cards
Your journal or a notepad and a pen
Find a place that feels safe and secure. This could be in your bedroom, next to a tree friend in the forest, or in a private Zoom call with your closest friends. Set aside 10 - 30 minutes for this ritual.
How to begin
Start the spell by casting a circle of protection around you and anyone who is joining you. You can do this by physically creating a circle of salt around you and/or the candle you are using in this spell. You can also do this by taking a moment to visualize a circle of energy surrounding you and anyone else you want to bring into the center of this circle.
You can also use this time to cleanse the space with aura mists, crystal clearings, smudgings, bells, or prayers and affirmations.
Light the candle when you are ready. Let the spirit realm know you are ready to commune.
Check-in and connect
Take a moment and check in with yourself and/or each other. What are you feeling? How are you? Do you need anything right now? Feel free to use your notepad to take notes or write out reflections.
Ask for guidance
Turn towards bibliomancy and/or divination for sacred support. To work with bibliomancy, pick up a book you have brought into the circle and let yourself be guided to turn to a page and see what is the first thing that catches your eye. It could be a word or a phrase. How does it impact you? How does it make you feel? What comes up as a result? Again, feel free to use your notepad to take notes or write out reflections.
Similarly, if you are using tarot or oracle cards, I invite you to pull one card and take a moment to reflect on it. Let the card’s visuals and text connect with you deeply. What is real? What is authentic? What is here?
Feel free to pull another card for further guidance or clarification. Or do a three-card pull and assign meaning to the cards as you see fit (e.g. past-present-future, situation-intervention-outcome, desire-prayer-action, etc.)
Water Connects Us
Whenever you are ready, I invite you to hold the bowl of water you have in your hands. Or spend some time with your eyes closed and visualizing. I invite you to imagine your heart producing an electrical field of energy. This field can expand and contract with your intentions and desires. You can imagine this field of energy starting to expand to hold you and all your complexities. The parts of you that you love and admire about yourself and the parts of you that feel difficult to sit with or that you might even dislike. Imagine the water acting like an amplifying element, helping you expand and grow.
When you’re ready, imagine this field of compassionate caring energy starting to expand beyond your body and touching all those who are in your circle. The crystals, ancestors, plant kin, and other participants who are in this circle with you. Let your field of energy encompass them in all their complexities. Embracing and holding them.
From the circle, you will now imagine this force of love emanating outward from the circle. Touching your neighbors and their loved ones, touching those in your neighborhood, in your city, in your country. Let yourself envision this field of energy reaching out, moving at the speed of love, and touching, holding, and embracing, all those who need this energy right now. Let yourself embrace all living and non-living beings in all their complexity. Tune into your heart. Take deep breaths here.
Once you feel your energy field expand to connect with your whole country, imagine your field of compassionate care reaching out and touching other people in other countries. Countries that may be filled with joy, grief, pain, celebration, shock, and hope. Let your compassionate care touch this country and the living and non-living beings residing there. Let yourself hold everything you encounter in its fullness. In all its complexity. Share care. Share love. Breathe. Come back to your heart.
For the last part of this visualization, you can imagine your empathic field of energy expanding out to hold the entire planet and all its living and non-living beings in all their grand complexity and wholeness. Taking another deep breath, you can imagine this field of energy moving out to touch all the planets in our solar system as well as all the stars, meteors, comets, space trash, and dark matter that exists in this space. And, if you’re able to, you can envision this field expanding out from beyond the solar system and touching all the other galaxies and living and non-living beings that exist in our universe.
Grounding Your Care
Take a few more deep breaths. Let yourself come back to your body and being. Perhaps touch the floor or rub your hands together. Do something to let yourself know that you’re back. Spend a moment writing any reflections you have about that experience, any intentions, or prayers you want to share or remember.
I am a big believer in the fact that all things are spiritual. Spiritual practice is done in ceremony and it’s done every time we offer our love, attention, and care to others. Spiritual practice is washing your dishes, donating to an organization you support, and advocating for peace out on the street with others.
Below I offer a few options for groundign your spiritual practice with specific actions that demonstrate care. Please feel free to choose one that resonates with you and/or create your own!
Craft Art & Stories for Change - Use art and narratives to expose truths, challenge misinformation, and counter disinformation campaigns by powerful entities. As artists and storytellers, unite against the manipulation of truth and amplify silenced voices. Imagine alternative worlds through your creations, resisting the status quo and demanding accountability. Your creative power is a force for change, shaping a narrative that advocates for justice and equity. Remember that there are MILLIONS of dollars (if not more) being spent on paying creatives to promote war and justify it. Check out this great conversation starter article What Roles Does Art Play In Protest by Art 21.
Sustain Awareness and Engagement - Make a commitment to stay vigilant and engaged with the evolving situation in Palestine. Align yourself with credible news outlets to stay abreast of developments. In this ongoing lunar cycle of awareness, continue to advocate for change, ensuring your efforts remain tethered to the evolving needs of those affected by the conflict. Check out this video by Travelgrrl which shares some people and organizations to follow for up-to-date information about the ongoing situation Gaza. You can also visit Genocide Watch to learn about other unfortunate situations unfolding around the globe.
Nurture Economic Empathy - Plant the seeds of support by championing Palestinian businesses. Seek out and patronize Palestinian-owned enterprises, nurturing local economies and fostering growth within the region. Whether online or within the vibrant tapestry of local markets, your conscious consumerism becomes a beacon of solidarity. Here’s a list of 24 Palestinian-owned Brands to support.
Champion Transformation - With newfound awareness, become a catalyst for change in Palestine. Channel your energy into advocating for political reform—penned letters to elected representatives, the resonance of your signature on petitions, and active support for campaigns echoing the call for peace and justice. Elevate your voice to illuminate the plight of the Palestinians, contributing to the positive transformation of their circumstances. Check out this blog entry by Haute Hijab on how to contact your representatives and what to say.
Tax Magick - A lot of people are angry that we don’t get to decide if we want our tax dollars to be going toward funding war and genocide or towards basic needs we have both here in this country and elsewhere. I have definitely seen a lot more people talking about protest via Tax withholding or writing official letters of complaint. While this is not financial advice this is meant to get you to start thinking about this as a strategy/practice/tactic and for you to see how and if it makes sense for you and your situation. Check out this great resource from the National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee. I have also seen some very interesting conversations happening on TikTok and Reddit that have gotten my gears going. I’m definitely doing my research on this one and would love to hear any thoughts you have!
Illuminate with Generosity - Let the glow of the hidden new moon inspire a gesture of generosity. Cast your contribution towards reputable organizations dedicated to providing humanitarian aid. Click here for a list of reputable places to donate to from NPR. Donate directly to Doctors Without Borders here.
Publicly Promote Harmony & Ceasefire - Traverse the city streets with a collective heartbeat resonating in unison for peace. Join the assembly of compassionate voices, echoing a fervent plea for an immediate ceasefire and a resolute commitment to diplomatic solutions. Let the streets become a canvas for peace, where your advocacy paints a compelling picture of a world united against the ravages of war. Find a protest near you here (this list has been getting updated frequently). Here are some protest tips & resources from NYU Law.
Conclusion & Future Offering
I cannot stress enough that protest & spellwork are creative spiritual practices! They are also emergent ones. Meaning that we can sometimes receive messages from within or without that share information about our next steps. That inspires us to dream and experiment with the ways in which our spellwork and protest take forms. I am hoping this New Moon spell can guide you in connecting with your own intuition and that you are able to explore and create the perfect containers and creations that you need at this moment. Remember there is no wrong or right way to do this. Listen to your intuition and ask for help and/or support if you need it!
And, if you are wanting a space to co-create art spells together in community I am offering a Full Moon Art Spell Ceremony for my subscribers on Instagram on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 11 AM PST (and also available asynchronously). This is a perfect time to bring together any insights, downloads, or channelings you receive from this New Moon time up until the Full Moon as this lunar cycle is going to be RICH and DEEP with messages & moonifestations. Come make magic with me and others and help amplify the Art Spells you are making by creating them in a community of other witches!
You can join by clicking the subscribe button at the top right of my posts or on my Instagram profile page. If you found this helpful and are feeling called to send me a donation or energy exchange, please do so. Your support helps me continue to thrive and do this work.
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This spell is inspired by Risa Dickens & Amy Torok’s New Moon Magic: 13 Anti-Capitalist Tools for Resistance and Re-Enchantment.
Five Lessons I've Learned This Chariot Year 2023: Embracing Transformation and Growth /
As the year of the Chariot draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the profound journey I've experienced over the past months. This period has been marked by a surge of learnings, energies, messages, and guidance that has led me to reorient and reorganize myself both internally and externally. The Chariot year has brought with it a series of powerful lessons, paving the way for transformation and growth in ways I could never have imagined. Here are five lessons I have been reflecting upon, receiving, working with, playing with, dancing with, etc. these past few months.
1. Change is holographic and nonlinear.
Change can happen in the most microscopic levels. From you taking a moment to make a different choice, access a different part of yourself, or choose a different path home, change can often feel small and incremental. Change can also happen all at once, like learning to cope and adapt after receiving a life-changing diagnosis, leveling up in your practice or career, taking a big risk, or going through a spiritual crisis. Change cannot be contained. It is messy, wild, and emergent. It has its own consciousness, its own process, and its own flow. Change is holographic as it touches everything. Change moves within and without. Change is the universe and the soul.
Change has an energy you can tune into and that you can speak with, commune with, and flow with. What does change feel and/or sound like for you? For me, it’s electrifying, tingly, uplifting, enlivening, and sentient. I feel it moving through my hands, my heart, my back, my neck, through my third eye. It has structure, scaffolding, and a certain sense of unfurling, reaching, stretching, and contracting. It asks you to listen, to be present, and to feel its presence.
It moves forward and not at all. It is nonlinear as it exists now, existed before, and will exist for time immemorial. It moves in cycles, in seasons, in waves, in moments of eruption and transcendence, and moves slowly, imperceptibly, in chthonic underground fermenting, rotting, interconnected ways. Change can feel like a river, it can feel like a trickle, like a big flow, like a void, or a pause. Change is mutable and mutates. Change will not stand still. What does change feel like for you?
2. What we feel and think matters deeply when it comes to making changes.
I’ve been sitting with the profound power that our feelings, emotions, stories, and imagination have when it comes to how change happens in our lives. The Chariot can often be associated with action, with taking the reins of life, and while that is an important aspect of this tarot card, it is also important to look at what is underneath our desires, our dreams, and, ultimately, our decisions. This year, I have been asked to take a deep look at my own motivations, catalysts, and the emotions and stories that I am consciously and unconsciously producing. It is challenging me to take risks, dream bigger, and expand my ability to tolerate the unknown, the seemingly impossible, and the great discomfort that comes with trying on new ways of existing, perceiving, thinking, and behaving. It is important to take action and it is important to ask ourselves why we are taking action. To look at the maps we are creating and to re-direct, re-draw the map, access other dimensions, and form new possibilities. It is also important to really take a look at what is fueling our Chariot. What is driving us? Why are we taking action?
3. There is control and there is allowing.
I have been directed to take expansive and microscopic looks at my life. To think about the next few decades and to make decisions in the present moment based on the goals, visions, fears, doubts, hopes, wishes, and desires I see moonifesting in them. This has helped me make some tough decisions and start to create structures, processes, and changes in my life that are reflecting this deep work and the insights I am receiving about the many paths my life is taking/will take. I have also been directed to trust. To let go of control. To allow and receive. To feel into the synchronicities that want to unfurl in my life. To enjoy the mistakes, the failures, the moments of serendipity and surprise that accompany this type of change. To know that there is control and there is allowing and that both of these energies are important. To try and find balance, flow, and enjoyment within these ways of being and doing.
4. Clarity and imagination are keys!
Keys are potent forces of fire in our lives. Keys help us unlock doors of possibility and they help us enter into other dimensions and other realms of being. Keys are psychic tools and psychic gifts. Clarity and imagination and two magical keys we are being called to connect with deeply.
Clarity allows us to see things clearly and to get specific. The devil is in the details and so is the divine. Let the universe know exactly what path(s) you see yourself on and what it is you are looking to bring into and/or change in your life. Write a list. Make a map. Draw up a plan. Put it in your calendar and check off those items on your checklist. These are the gifts of clarity.
Imagination on the other hand opens us up to possibility. It allows us to dream beyond the current constraints we may have or imagine possibilities emerging where we once could only see obstacles or limitations. Imagination is a realm of the unknown, and an invitation to pause, re-center, and tune into what is present and what is wanting to emerge, be born, and blossom. Imagination is closely connected to our intuition. It can sometimes want to be expressed through art, dance, song, somatics, poetry, breath, channeling, and other forms of non-linear and expansive containers. Our imagination should surprise us, confuse us, and make us wonder and reflect. These keys are, of course, not binaries and can sometimes mutate into each other and be a part of a similar tool and process.
5. Grief and change bloom together.
This one has been hard. But a big lesson I have been learning this year has been to truly sit with the grief of change. Of letting go of past versions of yourself, past relationships, or even stories that have provided us comfort, solace, and meaning. Grief means mourning the person we were, the possibilities we clung to before, and the existential worlds we created as a result. It means feeling the loss that comes with change. We cannot move forward without looking back and without acknowledging the sadness that emerges when we depart from somewhere with our chariot pointing in the direction of a different land, a different career, a different version of ourselves. Grief and growth are friends. They are mirrors of each other. We are blessed by their presence in our life and must learn to dance with them. They are here to teach, guide, clarify, enrich, soothe, transmute, and transform.
As an added bonus, I am excited to say that a few folks from my newsletter have decided to share their own lessons and experiences from this year!
Ohhhhhh soooo much, where do I even begin? How do I even put it into words?!
Everything is a sign
I often teeter between giving everything meaning and straight up nihilism. When I have that tickle in the back of my head asking if something happened because it was meant to be a message, I now embrace that notion. First of all… life is more fun when you believe it is magical, and you also never miss a message. This is true ESPECIALLY when you ask yourself “was that a sign?”
I am from the past and the future.
Not only do I represent what’s to come… one stroke beyond the pendulum of time that swings back and forth, but I am of the past… reflecting a time before colonialism and white power when my ancestors clung closer to their core and the earth and each other.
Every move in the physical world makes moves in the spirit world.
And vice versa. They are inextricably linked. Every chant, manifestation, dance, song, etc. effects all energies and spirits around me and connected to me. I’ve been “pushing” more than ever in the spirit world… and I have still yet to see its total progress in the physical world. So much has happened already!
Everything is a mirror because everything is me.
I look into the eyes of another and I greet myself, wishing myself a great day. I am happy for myself for having an experience, and sad when I’m stuck in a depression cycle. The collective mind is a humbling place to return to and remember.
I am creative because I am a creation.
I remember this when I feel a lack of creativity flow.
The tools I need in life are easily accessible to me… almost like I can grab them out of thin air.
This relates back to the “everything is me” theory. I have done literally everything in the world, so why not access what I want to now? The tools I’ve used for lifetimes can return to me now.
No matter how “enlightened” I become, I will always struggle with my core trauma and wounds.
They will find their way back in my body, in my mind and all I need is better tools to fight them. Just when I think I’ve slayed the last self-hate demon, another one starts to infest. Just when I think I’m done trying to appease my parents, some pattern of behavior reveals itself. I try not to beat myself up for it.
Being on Earth is a divine experience.
Embrace it and feel every aspect of it… hell and heaven exist here!
Text by Mads Ambrose
My chariot year is intermingled with my personal year, the star/strength (January 9th bday). I am 33 years old, just finished my masters in counseling psych and have studied human development and healing for over a decade (aquarius rising and Gemini Moon). Having said that, I was never really good at actually implementing or embodying the practices that I learned over the years, but this chariot year is helping me have the courage and self-love to put the healing in action when I need it.
When you wrote about widening your window of tolerance, I wanted to "like" your email! Through EMDR and trauma healing, I now realize that I couldn't implement all that I had learned because my nervous system's imprint of the past was overriding my experience of the present. Slowly, very slowly, and gently (I see the imagery of the strength card), I am feeling sensations in my body and the time it takes me to realize when I have been triggered is becoming shorter and shorter. I celebrate this growing capacity to put my knowledge into action so it may become embodied wisdom and muscle memory. I feel myself walking through the world with a more grounded and sure footing, and at a much slower pace than before. I am learning to be a better steward of this chariot, which to me feels like it's more about checking in with and taking care of the sphynxes than controlling them.
Text written by Erin F. Bower, Songwriter, Therapist, Teacher
Talking with Adrienne Maree Brown about withcraft, animism, divination, and so much more! /
In the world of podcasting, there are moments when you get the chance to sit down with someone whose work has profoundly influenced your life. For me, that moment arrived when I had the incredible honor of speaking with Adrienne Maree Brown, co-host of the thought-provoking podcast "How to Survive the End of the World." Together, we delved into a realm of enchanting topics, from bibliomancy and the myriad paths of divination in nature to the profound wisdom of animism. Our conversation flowed, touching on the rich traditions of the Wixárika people and the profound ways that art and magic can shape our lives. You can listen to our episode here.
A Fan's Dream Becomes True Reciprocity:
As someone who has long been an admirer of Adrienne's transformative work, including her groundbreaking books "Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds" and "Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good," this podcast was a dream come true. Adrienne's most recent work, "Fables and Spells: Collected and New Short Fiction and Poetry," further showcases her ability to tap into the collective wisdom of humanity and the magic of storytelling. It was incredibly moving to have adrienne share an excerpt from this book during the podcast and, as if that weren’t enough, to also share that she is a big fan of me and my art as well.
**Bibliomancy: Unveiling Messages in the Written Word**
We talked about divination and focused on bibliomancy, which is the practice of finding divine messages in books. Adrienne shared her own experiences with this mystical art, stressing the significance of approaching it with an open heart and mind. She also highlighted the importance of "curating" your experience by paying attention to what emerges and how you choose your reading material. We also discussed how beautiful it is when serendipity leads you to a passage or phrase that deeply resonates and becomes a guiding light in your life.
**The Many Paths of Divination in Nature**
Nature, with its infinite wisdom, became another focal point of our discussion. Adrienne and I eloquently described various forms of divination rooted in the natural world, highlighting the profound connections we can forge with the environment around us. From the patterns of birds in flight to the whispers of the wind, nature offers us endless avenues to tap into its sacred knowledge.
**The Wisdom of Animism**
Animism, the belief that all living beings and natural elements possess a soul or spirit, resonated deeply with both of us. We explored the ways in which animism invites us to engage with the world around us on a profound level, recognizing the consciousness present in every tree, rock, and creature. This perspective fosters a sense of interconnectedness and reverence for all life.
**Wixárika Traditions: A Journey into Indigenous Wisdom**
Our discussion shifted towards the Wixárika, a global indigenous community with deep traditions and wisdom, of which I am a descendant. I shared my experiences with Wixárika culture and my connection to its cosmologies, marakame (medicine people), and deities. I emphasized the significance of respecting and learning from indigenous communities as we aim to expand our understanding of the world. I brought up the incredible work that Diana Negrín has been doing with the Wixarika Research Center and her father’s legacy of uplifting and preserving José Benítez Sánchez’s incredible oeuvre. I also mention the work of Mama Chali and María Sabina.
**Art and Magic: Letting Creativity Flow**
As our conversation unfolded, we found ourselves immersed in a discussion about the inseparable connection between art and magic. Adrienne emphasized how both can be powerful tools for transformation, allowing us to channel our inner creativity and shape our lives in ways we may not have imagined. We shared personal stories of how art and magic have guided our own journeys and brought profound meaning to our existence.
**Profound Messages and Channeled Guidance**
In the spirit of sharing, Adrienne and I opened up about the profound messages we've received from the everyday world around us. From chance encounters with strangers to the synchronicities that seem to guide our paths, we explored the idea that life itself is a teacher, offering guidance and support when we are open to receiving it.
My conversation with Adrienne Maree Brown was a deep dive into the realms of magic, wisdom, and the everyday miracles that surround us. As someone who has long admired Adrienne's work, this podcast episode was not only a dream come true but also a reminder that when we open ourselves to the mysteries of existence, we uncover profound insights and a deeper connection to the world around us.
Adrienne's books, including "Emergent Strategy," "Pleasure Activism," and "Fables and Spells," serve as beacons of inspiration, guiding us to shape change, find pleasure in activism, and embrace the magic of storytelling. As we continue on our respective journeys, may we remember the wisdom shared in this conversation and carry it with us as we navigate the ever-unfolding story of our lives.
Arte Sana Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer Circulo Retreat at Wild Places /
This past weekend will forever be etched in my memory as one of the most profound and transformative experiences of my life. I had the incredible privilege of co-organizing & participating in a retreat on Tule River Indian Tribe land in central California at Wild Places, a sanctuary dedicated to the well-being of plants, animals, and our two-spirit Native and Indigiqueer communities.
The retreat, organized by the Arte Sana cooperative, was made possible through the generous support of the Artists Adaptability Circles program. Through this program, we formed a tight-knit community to share stories, dreams, and visions as two-spirit, queer, and indigiqueer artists and community leaders. We met for over a year and, as a part of this process, decided to host a retreat that would support us in creating a nurturing space that would replenish our spirits and enable us to continue doing our vital work. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, one of our members was not able to join us for the retreat but was with us in Spirit.
Building Community and Sharing Medicine:
Guided by our shared vision of a healing and nurturing retreat, we invited a couple of gifted facilitators to guide us through practices that would deepen our connection to ourselves, each other, and the land.
The first facilitator, Batul True Heart, a death doula, medicine maker, and community leader, introduced us to the sacred practice of creating all-natural Agua Florida (Florida Water). Through a vibrant blend of spices, fruits, herbs, and flowers placed gorgeously ok a sacred altar by the Tule river, Batul shared the art of crafting this potent elixir while also guiding us through the 13 Aires by Estela Roman. We engaged in a powerful talking circle, sharing the Aires that resonated with us at that moment, and receiving reflection and guidance from Batul. It was a transformative experience that nurtured introspection and connection within the group.
Our second facilitator, Yoli, an artist, herbalist, and educator, brought a playful and performative energy to the retreat. Yoli, embodying the mischievous elf being "Baby," led us through a joyful and psychedelic experience. We engaged in bubble gun cleansings, adorned ourselves with vibrant outfits, painted our faces, communed with medicinal honey, and shared open-hearted moments by the river. Yoli facilitated a ceremony that encouraged us to embrace joy, pleasure, and ceremony as a collective. As a culmination, we immersed ourselves in the Tule river together, experiencing a profound sense of unity and vulnerability.
Unexpected Encounters with Nature:
Nature blessed us with extraordinary moments of connection throughout the retreat. Xico, who is one of Wild Place’s stewards, discovered a baby deer fawn in desperate need of care due to a severe injury. With immense compassion, Xico brought the injured fawn into the sanctuary at Wild Places, providing the necessary attention and love until animal rescue experts could offer further support. This unexpected encounter reminded us of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of showing kindness and care to the world around us.
The land itself embraced us, as various creatures visited us during our time at Wild Places. Butterflies and dragonflies danced around us, while hummingbirds, finches, hawks, and turkey vultures mesmerized us with their grace. Squirrels, spiders, and insects went about their daily routines, reminding us of the rich tapestry of life that exists harmoniously in the sanctuary.
Gratitude and Nourishment:
A central aspect of our retreat was gifting ourselves the luxury of having our meals prepared for us. The dedicated staff at Wild Places graciously provided us with a feast of delicious, nutritious, and healthy vegan and non-vegan food. Every meal became an opportunity to connect, share stories, and express gratitude for the abundance we experienced together. The act of communal dining fostered a sense of unity and deepened the bonds we formed throughout the retreat.
Farewell Under the Starry Sky:
As our time together drew to a close, we gathered for a final evening of sacred songs and prayers. Xtal was kind enough to bring their sacred drum, Wiwa, which helped us offer songs and prayers beneath the enchanting starlit sky. I was so happy when Adriana, who had been our retreat’s wildly talented cook, and had made us the most delicious and magical food, asked to join us in the drum circle. It was a moment of profound connection, where our voices harmonized in unity and our intentions soared to the cosmos.
The retreat on Tule land at Wild Places was a journey of healing, connection, and renewal. It provided a sanctuary for our souls to rest, replenish, and strengthen our bonds with each other and the natural world. Through the guidance of skilled facilitators, we explored sacred practices, playful experiences, and moments of unexpected encounters with nature. We expressed deep gratitude for the nourishment provided by the staff at Wild Places and concluded our retreat with a powerful communal prayer beneath the starry night sky. This weekend will forever remain etched in our hearts as a luminous and transformative experience, igniting our spirits to continue the important work we do within our communities.
Announcing The Liberation Tarot! /
I am so excited to finally be able to share about this! The Liberation Tarot Deck has been years in the making and I was fortunate enough to have been invited to create the Mutant card (see below)—a powerful symbol of emergence, magic, transmutation, and alchemy that is intricately connected to the Temperance card in the more traditional tarot. This tarot deck celebrates collective liberation and challenges the norms of the able-centered, capitalist, cisheteronormative, white supremacist patriarchy. It was created by an incredible group of very talented artists and it is available today to preorder via their Kickstarter!
The Liberation Tarot deck is a testament to the transformative power of magic, healing, and social change within our communities. It brings together the talents of over thirty artists and writers from different corners of the world. Together, we have crafted a tapestry of non-hierarchical cards, honoring revolutionary concepts and figures that redefine the traditional tarot archetypes. As you dive into this world, let us rewrite the vocabulary of power, strengthen our muscles of radical dreaming, and embrace a vision of co-resistance. Join me on this extraordinary journey as we explore the Liberation Tarot and uncover the profound significance of the Mutant card—a beacon of possibility, transformation, and collective liberation.
From PM Press’ website:
Magic is an essential tool for healing and social change within our communities. Liberation Tarot is a collection of 79 tarot cards and accompanying guidebook, created over the course of four years by more than thirty artists and writers living in the US, Canada, France, Brazil, Palestine, and Mexico. The booklet includes an introduction from deck organizer Elicia Epstein, insightful essays by adrienne maree brown and lawrence barriner II, and beautifully crafted card descriptions from poet emet ezell.
Following in the lineage of projects like Slow Holler, The Collective Tarot, and Next World Tarot, Liberation Tarot seeks to serve as a tool for those inspired towards revolution in the face of the able-centered, capitalist, heterocis-normative, white-supremacist patriarchy.
Tarot helps us re-write the vocabulary of power, and with it, to strengthen our muscles of radical, revolutionary, and abolitionist dreaming. The deck eschews conventional tarot cards like the Emperor or Knight in favor of non-hierarchical cards honoring revolutionary concepts and figures such as the Crone, the Healer, and the Rebel, among others. Figures in the deck have bodies of all shapes and sizes, colors, genders, ages, and abilities—together, elaborating a vision of collective liberation and co-resistance.
Contributors
Abdu Ali (The Artist card) | adrienne maree brown (essay contributor) | Amina Ross (The Accountability card) | Amir Khadar (The Shadow card) | Anne Horel (The Caravan card) | Aparna Sarkar (The Moon card) | Cassie Thornton (The Ancestors card) | Charmaine Bee (The Whore card) | Cole M. James (The Suit of Blades) | Cyrée Jarelle Johnson (The Doula card) | d. Wright (The Fool card) | Edgar Fabián Frías (The Mutant card) | Elicia Epstein (organizer, curator, the Suit of Spirals) | emet ezell (author of guidebook) | Eva Wu (The Suit of Vessels) | INVASORIX (The Suit of Flowers) | J Wu (The Love card) | Jennifer Moon and jarret hood (The World card) | Katie Kaplan (The Establishment card) | Karryl Eugene (The Artist card) | Kinoko (The Courage card) | lawrence barriner II (essay contributor) | Malak Mattar (The Death card) | Malaya Tuyay (The Hermit card) | Mark Allen (The Chaos card) | Nathaniel Russell (The Dream card) | Nissa Gustafson (The Chrysalis card) | nkiruka oparah (The Uprising card) | Petra Floyd (The Doula card) | Scarlet Tunkl (The Portal card) | Shoog McDaniel (The Sun Card) | Syan Rose (The Star card)
About the Creator
Elicia Epstein is a semi-nomadic multimedia artist and organizer, currently getting their Master’s in Fine Arts from the Tyler School of Art and Architecture. Elicia’s creative inquiries manifest conceptually and promiscuously across a broad range of media including sculpture, installation, photo, video, performance, publication, printmaking, collage, and cross-media collaboration. Her work has been shown in several places in and outside of the US, most recently at the Oakland Museum of California’s Hella Feminist exhibit.
Queer Conjure: An Interview with Jasper Joy, the Genderqueer Witch Redefining Magic and Empathy /
Hello Jasper, I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to chat with you today and delve deeper into your world and the work you do with Queer Conjure. Before we begin, would you kindly introduce yourself and share a few key aspects of your journey that have led you to where you are today? I'm eager to learn more about your unique path.
Yes, thank you! Your work has been quite the inspiration for me! I first learned about you through Ylva Mara a couple of years ago and I’ve been listening to your Mutant Musings on Youtube ever since, as well as some of your other videos and I just appreciate them so much.
My name is Jasper Joy, my pronouns are they/them, and I am a white genderqueer witch, tarot scholar, writer, and spiritual support specialist. I have a small professional practice called queerconjure.org where I teach tarot and witchcraft in a way that centers queer experiences, trans experiences, and neurodivergent experiences. Because those are the communities I belong to. As a child, I was raised by gay new-agers and sober lesbian Buddhists. I was an initiate and acolyte of a Wiccan temple for all of my twenties. I am always investigating ways to honor what my elders taught me in a way that makes more room for anti-racist work and resists all concepts of hierarchy.
Could you share a memorable experience or transformational moment you've had while supporting individuals through your offerings and practices at Queer Conjure?
I have a client that comes to me twice a year for tarot readings and she spends most of our time together telling me hilarious stories. I don’t say much except to reflect back to her what I’m hearing as the thread that connects those stories together. At first, I wasn’t sure what she was getting out of our sessions. Through working with her I learned a lesson that changed my practice completely. Tarot, as well as other forms of divination, is primarily a tool to facilitate active and empathetic listening. For me, it is more important to shine a light on what the client already knows and feels than to try to wow them with what I know (or think I know). I have to set my ego aside and become a reflective reader rather than a projective reader. What’s more, I work with marginalized communities that often have to work really hard just to be taken seriously. Putting their needs to be seen, heard, validated, and accepted ahead of everything else is a very powerful healing magic.
How do you approach failure and what have you learned from your past setbacks?
I’m not sure that I believe in failure. Within every experience is an opportunity to learn and open. Failure suggests shame or blame, a perspective rather than a reality. My mama used to say “well, I just paid some tuition to the college of life” whenever something went horribly wrong. I mean, accidentally setting the lawn on fire wrong. Literally shooting oneself in the leg wrong. It was her way of saying that, even amidst the most fucked up chaos, there is something to learn and grow from. Setbacks are real and they can bring a lot of grief with them. They bring up a sense of loss. Most of my recent setbacks have come from chronic illness and therefore less work. It’s been a big cosmic neon sign that says “slow down or else”. The more I resist the more the universe puts obstacles in my way. So I finally had to let go and slow down. And it’s allowed me to open more.
Could you share some insights into the rituals or practices that are particularly meaningful or powerful to you?
Journaling will always be my true love. I have ADHD and a memory disorder, so writing things down is essential. But it’s more than just a way to recall events. Writing creates change, which is also what magic does. It’s a sacred tool that reorients the writer back to their true path. Back to their dreams. In the mornings, as often as possible, I light a birthday candle on my altar and journal for as long as the candle burns. Which is only a few minutes. But it’s not the length of time that’s important, it’s the attention that’s given to the ritual that makes it powerful.
Can you share any advice or guidance for others who may be exploring their own gender identity or considering incorporating witchcraft into their lives?
I highly suggest shedding all concepts of “feminine” energies and “masculine” energies when it comes to witchcraft. No matter how you identify. Just take them off and throw them in the bin! Replace them with a word that resonates more with who you are deep down (because that’s where divinity is). Maybe “cloudy” or “creature”, “dandy” or “mossy”. The social construct of a gender binary serves as a tool of societal oppression and does not add value to intuition or magic- in fact it degrades our connection to the universe. Aside from that, I will say what I wish my first teacher had said to me: be gentle with yourself. You’re going to make mistakes- sometimes huge mistakes- and your magic isn’t going to look like a tiktok video. (Though tiktok wasn’t a thing when I started!) No matter how long you practice magic, or how many gender workbooks you complete, you will always be at the beginning of figuring it out. Never at the end. So always treat yourself with the patience and care you would give to a child who is just learning to tie their shoelaces.
Are there any specific deities, spirits, or elements that you feel particularly connected to, and if so, how do you honor and work with them?
I like to work with queer ancestors and ancestral chosen family. For example, if I have writer’s block, I’ll build an altar with pictures of Hans Christian Anderson and Leslie Feinberg. I have a couple personal deities that I “made up” because there just aren’t any I fully connect with. I’m an animist so I spend time intentionally and silently connecting with the spirits of “things” that might otherwise be undervalued- the overzealous multiflora rose behind my house or the tea kettle that I use every morning. The couch where my family crowds in for movie night. The broom I use to sweep the patio. All of these things contain the elements, contain divinity, and offer opportunities for reverence. I’m grateful for that.
Are there any misconceptions or stereotypes about being a genderqueer witch that you would like to address or debunk?
I protect my energy by not getting into Gender 101 discussions unless I’m being paid to do so. I’m genderqueer because queer is my gender, which means I can’t explain it in a succinct way. I don’t have to explain it to anyone’s satisfaction in order for it to be valid and valued. My genderqueerness is part of the mystery that fuels my witchcraft. To separate my queerness and witchcraft would be impossible for me at this point.
What other hobbies or interests do you enjoy outside of witchcraft that bring you joy or inspiration?
I’m a very family-oriented person. Not in a nuclear-hetero way, but in a way that requires a deeply intentional cultivation of relationships. I love my friends so much my heart feels like a bird. I enjoy the hell out of them. I love spending time with my nesting partner and children. I build my life with them in mind. I’m a book nerd, for sure. I’m also just a geek for whatever is considered “weird”. I listen to a lot of podcasts and read a lot. I get very enthusiastic about new-to-me information and trying new-to-me things.
Are there any books, resources, or mentors that have significantly influenced your journey?
Cassandra Snow was my first portal into queerness as an essential part of tarot and magic. Before them, I was juggling those pieces of myself as separate rather than embodying them as a whole. I’ll be forever grateful to them. I have a booklist here of forty-plus books that I hold in high regard. The In Search Of Tarot podcast and the Missing Witches podcast routinely blow my mind. My conversations with Ylva Mara are deeply influential as well. I highly recommend her book A Practical Guide For Witches.
What are some of your favorite magical tools or ingredients to work with, and why?
Invasive plants! Anything that’s considered a nuisance but holds powerful medicine within. Their tenacity feels inherently queer to me. I have a small cauldron that I ritually work with several times a month that often holds plant friends and scraps of paper with scribbled wishes or thanks written on them. The cauldron is sacred for many reasons, but to be honest I love it because it’s iconic. Tarot cards are an obvious answer for me, because that’s what most of my work revolves around. For me, tarot is just as enigmatic as queerness and offers millions of lifetimes worth of lessons.
In what ways do you use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to amplify your message and connect with a broader audience? How has social media impacted your spiritual practice and community-building efforts? Any messages you feel called to share around social media?
When I began my witchy studies, there was this thing called Witchvox. It was an online social network for witches and pagans before social media was even a thing. It’s where I found my first teacher. My first ritual, my first spell. It’s how I got my start. These days, my witch-community is a quilt of queers I stumbled upon thanks to some algorithm on Instagram and sometimes dating apps. I am grateful for that. I don’t know if it’s “amplified my message” exactly. I have a business partner that makes beautiful posts that keep us in the feed. I try not to think about the fact that I have an audience, though. I’m just doing my little turn on the catwalk, checking in with my loves, and looking at reels of cute animals. If I start paying attention to likes or followers or traffic reports, then social media begins to feed on my sense of self-worth. I think it’s important to hold boundaries that prevent that.
What are some ways that folks can connect with you and do you have any exciting things coming up you’d like to share?
All of my work can be found at queerconjure.org and I love getting emails from new folks. I also have a Patreon and a podcast, both called Queer Conjure. Right now my partner and I are creating the second issue of our downloadable tarot workbook and I’m very excited to share that once it feels complete.
Please feel free to share any additional insights or stories or anything else you feel is important to share with our readers.
Thank you so much for these lovely questions! It was a wonderfully creative and introspective experience to answer them!
As an added bonus, I recently had the privilege of being a guest on the Queer Conjure Podcast where we delve into the intersections of queerness and spirituality.
Chosen by the People: Celebrate Pride 2023 with LGBTQIA+ Small Businesses Nominated by the Community /
In our quest to uplift and support LGBTQIA+ small businesses, we reached out to our amazing Instagram followers for their recommendations. This is an opportunity to embrace the true spirit of Pride by shopping small and directly supporting businesses owned by LGBTQIA+ individuals. Together, let's move beyond the rainbow-washing efforts of larger corporations and instead celebrate the authentic voices and stories behind these businesses. As an LGBTQIA+ small business owner myself, I, Edgar, believe in the power of building networks of resiliency with others. So, please join the conversation by commenting below and sharing more businesses you would like to highlight. Together, let's make a difference and celebrate Pride 2023 with these remarkable entrepreneurs.
Without further ado, here are queer, trans, and gender-expansive small businesses chosen by you:
Milk Thistle Apothecary and Gallery - Discover the enchanting world of Milk Thistle, an apothecary, gallery, and community workshop space located just outside Joshua Tree National Park in Yucca Valley, California. Step into the realm of tarot readings available by appointment or as drop-ins from Friday to Sunday, and let the cards illuminate your path. Immerse yourself in the Hi-Desert Zine Zone Library, a captivating collection of zines from local artists and creators. Embracing creativity and collaboration, Milk Thistle plans to host regular workshops, events, and pop-ups featuring talented creators near and far. If you're interested in hosting a workshop or showcasing your creations, don't hesitate to reach out to them!
STEM Handmade Soap - Born out of a simple science experiment in the basement of Dave and Steve's Lakewood, Ohio home, has blossomed into a thriving venture. With Steve's background in biochemistry and 18 months of extensive research and feedback, they crafted the perfect bar of all-natural soap. The positive response from customers led to the expansion of their product line, as additional all-natural skincare solutions were developed and added to their website. As demand grew, STEM Handmade Soap relocated to a dedicated small building in Lakewood, Ohio, where every product is meticulously handmade from start to finish. Their skincare products are scented with essential oils, providing an aromatherapy experience, and formulated with natural, skin-loving ingredients that are both beneficial for your skin and environmentally friendly. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen for its specific purpose of helping your skin reach its full potential and maintain its radiance. STEM Handmade Soap believes that caring about what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it.
Trial and Error Art - by the talented artist Naima Lowe, a creative force based in Tulsa, OK. Naima is the mastermind behind the brand. Trial and Error is more than just a project—it's an experiment in connecting Naima's artwork directly with consumers. Taking risks and embracing the concept of failing better, Trial and Error embodies the spirit of artistic exploration. Prints, scarves, and stickers are expertly crafted at Flash Flood Print Studios in Tulsa, while other items are sourced through print-on-demand services from suppliers worldwide. Naima Lowe is not only a prolific artist but also a Black queer disabled writer, whose work draws from improvisational and collaborative strategies rooted in the alchemic survival practices of Black cultural production. With an impressive array of accolades, exhibitions, and artist residency fellowships under her belt, Naima continues to push boundaries and challenge norms through her transgressive and radical traditions of Black utterance. Embracing improvisation as a liberatory praxis, her performances, texts, and videos explore themes of love, desire, and personal narratives, infusing them with ritual, music, and the ethos of inclusivity and community care. Step into the world of Trial and Error Art and experience the vibrant expressions of Naima Lowe's creative journey.
Cosmic Cousins - Discover the transformative and intuitive practices of Jeff Hinshaw (he/they), a seasoned practitioner with over a decade of experience in tarot, astrology, and somatic healing. Grounded in reverence for the elements, nature, the Earth, and Spirit, Jeff's unique expertise in ritual, tarot, and astrology guides individuals on profound journeys of self-exploration, transformation, and healing. As the host of the enlightening podcast Cosmic Cousins, Jeff facilitates a deeper connection to the Moon and the current astrological transits, offering valuable insights on each New and Full Moon. Jeff's Brooklyn Fools: Tarot Journey, a 22-week ritual gathering through the Major Arcana of the tarot, has earned acclaim as a "radical tarot school" by National Geographic, fostering a vibrant Tarot Community since 2014. Passionate about upgrading archetypes for collective intention, Jeff has embarked on community projects like Zodiac Queens and authored the book Aries, published through Sterling Publishing House.
Ms. Tea Botanica - Discover the inspiring work of Ms Tea Botanica, a bioregional herbalist, medicine maker, and visual creative dedicated to supporting people of all genders and levels of access to care. Operating within an anti-oppression, liberationist framework, Ms Tea Botanica offers a safe and non-judgmental space, free from hierarchies of health/illness. Their practice encompasses various aspects of healing, addressing physical and energetic patterns such as sleep, digestion, musculoskeletal pain, anxiety, respiratory care, grief, trauma, sexual violence, and intergenerational harm. With an apothecary of handcrafted and ethically sourced herbs, including a medicinal herb garden and native plant stewardship, Ms Tea Botanica fosters regenerative and reciprocal relationships with the magic of both the human and more-than-human worlds. Grounded in humility and accountability, Ms Tea Botanica actively dismantles oppressive systems and works towards collective liberation. Through sliding scale consults, redistribution of resources, community care, and solidarity projects, they strive to repair injustice and build resilient communities. With a deep commitment to ethical sourcing, cultural and spiritual respect, and dismantling colonial frameworks, Ms Tea Botanica is a beacon of inclusivity and healing in the health and wellness space.
All She Wrote Books - an intersectional, inclusive feminist and queer bookstore that is dedicated to supporting, celebrating, and amplifying underrepresented voices. With a thoughtfully curated selection of books spanning across all genres, All She Wrote Books is a haven for book lovers seeking diverse narratives and perspectives. By shopping with them, you not only indulge in the joy of reading but also contribute to a space that fosters inclusivity, representation, and social change. Join the movement and support this inspiring bookstore as they continue to champion marginalized voices and create a more equitable literary landscape.
Brujita Skincare - Indulge in the enchanting world of Brujita Skincare, a Latina LA-based brand that proudly celebrates the unique souls that the conventional beauty industry often overlooks. With a commitment to sustainability, Brujita Skincare sources the majority of its ingredients from the vibrant city of Mexico, crafting a range of exquisite products including organic and unrefined masks, cleansers, hand care, healing balms, and lip balms. Discover your perfect skincare match by taking the captivating Brujitas Skin Quiz, tailored to your individual needs.
Spellbound Sky - Mark Phillips and Martin Anguiano have manifested their destiny by creating a captivating space brimming with love, magic, and boundless positive energy. Former fashion designers turned spiritual entrepreneurs, their shared fascination with the metaphysical led them to embrace crystals as their ultimate obsession. In 2011, Spellbound Sky emerged as a haven to share their profound love for crystals and the mystical realms, while staying true to their modern and free-spirited vision. Year after year, Mark and Martin inspire and empower their community, providing the wisdom and tools necessary to unlock unlimited potential and transform dreams into reality. Prepare to be spellbound by the wonders of Spellbound Sky, where the sky truly is the limit in your spiritual journey.
Otherwild - a queer-identified woman-owned store, design studio, and event space that centers ethics at the heart of its business. Established in 2012 within a diverse community of artists and designers, Otherwild is dedicated to showcasing thoughtfully crafted goods made with care by individuals. With a focus on beautiful and well-designed products, they also offer refillable bulk home cleaning and personal care items, as well as lo/no-waste reusables under the name Otherwild General. Their passion for the handmade extends to their own line of apparel and home goods, produced independently and collaboratively. With an unwavering commitment to an ethically-sourced supply chain, Otherwild strives to cultivate a counter-cultural approach to exploitative consumer capitalism. They provide sustained support to their staff, vendors, and suppliers, and actively contribute to grassroots activist and social justice organizations through their Anotherwild Fund.
Wolfe Video - For over three decades, Wolfe Video has been passionately serving audiences as the largest exclusive distributor of LGBT films. With a commitment to showcasing these stories to the widest possible viewership, Wolfe engages through film festivals, theatrical and non-theatrical releases, broadcast, DVD, and digital platforms. Their extensive catalog includes not only their own Wolfe label films, available on DVD and digital but also thousands of other LGBT titles. As a pioneering force in the industry, Wolfe continues to make a difference inside and outside of the entertainment business, offering a diverse selection of movies that resonate with audiences worldwide.
The Phluid Project - At The Phluid Project, they are more than just a fashion brand. They are a movement. Founded in 2018, they dissolve the artificial boundaries of gender, skin color, and status. They believe in embracing their true selves and breaking down societal barriers. With a focus on community, activism, and education, they celebrate inclusivity and value every individual, regardless of body, size, ability, race, gender, faith, or nationality. Their completely gender-free fashion reflects their mission to empower and amplify underrepresented voices. Through partnerships and collaborations, they expand their reach and shape a more inclusive future for all. Join them on this empowering journey of self-expression and celebrate your authentic self with their diverse collections of gender-free clothing and accessories.
Theyfriend Candles - Theyfriend Candles is a queer, nonbinary, and trans-owned candle venture that combines witchcraft and sustainability. Each candle is handcrafted and enchanted by Rune Rainwater, a Kirkean witch and Tarot reader. Theyfriend prioritizes a non-extractive relationship with crafting materials, using sustainable ingredients like beeswax and hemp wicks. Synthetic dyes and oils are replaced with food-grade sustainable dyes, and eco-friendly packaging is encouraged for reuse in witch work. Following astrology and astroherbology, they offer astroherbalist candles aligned with specific planetary influences. Empowered with Kirkean spell work, these candles are designed to assist with spells, blessings, and more. As a one-witch show, Rune pours their energy and expertise into every candle, fostering an accessible and non-exploitative approach. Embracing pleasure-based Kirkean Witchcraft, Theyfriend Candles invites you to enhance your own witchy power with their enchanting creations.
Chef Joya - Adjoa Courtney, known as "Chef Joya," is a culinary mastermind who transforms ordinary recipes into extraordinary culinary creations. Raised vegan since childhood, Joya drew inspiration from her grandmother's kitchen in Milwaukee, WI, and sought out authentic recipes from elders in her community. With a passion for plant-based cuisine, she began hosting dinner parties that left guests in awe and soon gained popularity through vlogs and cooking lessons on Instagram. Joya's specialty lies in "veganizing" traditional dishes, bringing flavors from diverse cultural backgrounds to her repertoire. As a personal chef, she shares her expertise with other chefs, bridging the gap between vegan and non-vegan culinary experiences. Chef Joya's vibrant and unique approach to food has earned her recognition as one of the top vegan culinary artists in the United States. Whether through her travels, restaurant collaborations, or online platforms, she continues to captivate hearts and taste buds with her delicious and magical meals.
Automic Gold - Al Sandimirova, an Indigenous, queer, Trans, non-binary refugee, is the visionary Founder and Jewelry Designer behind Automic Gold. After immigrating to the U.S. in 2009, they embarked on a journey in metal smithing and jewelry design, driven by a desire to challenge the industry's narrow standards. Feeling that jewelry often neglected inclusivity, Sandimirova established Automic Gold as a brand that celebrates diversity in all its forms. Their commitment to accessibility is reflected in the brand's offerings, catering to all genders, skin tones, and sizes. In a deliberate move towards authenticity, Sandimirova selects models who embody these values and refrain from retouching their photos. With Automic Gold, they have created a platform where everyone's voice is heard and represented, empowering individuals to embrace their unique identities.
NOTO Botanics - NOTO Botanics emerged from a transformative journey of self-reflection and a desire for authentic representation. After a soul-searching trip to Thailand, the founder, a fashion and celebrity makeup artist, envisioned creating a line that celebrated the spectrum of identities often overlooked in the clean beauty industry. Launching NOTO in their own kitchen, they poured their decade+ of expert experience into developing a multi-use, gender-inclusive, and clean cosmetic line. NOTO's products are formulated with simple yet high-performing ingredients, promising transformative results with regular use. Embracing the power of self-expression, NOTO champions individuality and fosters a creative and mindful community. With a commitment to representation, customer satisfaction, clean ingredients, and giving back, NOTO Botanics embodies a holistic approach to beauty that is both vegan and cruelty-free.
Embracing My Multi-Hyphenate Career Path: Balancing Art, Mental Health Care, Religion & Spirituality /
Throughout my life, I have been constantly reminded of the conventional and traditional way of selecting and following a career. However, despite these societal and familial pressures to do so, I have always been determined to avoid the constraints of conventionality. As a result, I am now living where I can delve into all facets of my being and explore different paths without limitation or stagnancy. My pursuit of a non-traditional approach has allowed me to experience life in a genuinely unique manner that is not available to those who follow typical routes.
As an individual with many interests and proficiencies, my schedule is replete with diverse engagements. Throughout one day of every week, I discharge the role of a mental health counselor, offering counsel and succor to those grappling with sundry issues related to psychological well-being. Apart from this, a considerable fraction of my time is invested in artistic pursuits. My creations have been showcased in numerous galleries and exhibitions. Furthermore, I have developed expertise in crafting and vending editions of my digitally native work as crypto art.
To expand my knowledge base and share my ideas with others, I visit universities where I engage with students on creativity, magic, divination, mental health, and other similar concepts. Furthermore, I conduct workshops on these topics and teach classes and offer artist talks to those who wish to learn more about me and my diverse practices.
As someone passionate about spirituality, I provide spiritual services through Our Sacred Web. In this donation-based practice, individuals can receive tarot readings or have me officiate their weddings or host ceremonies. My tarot reading skills were even sought after by the LA Times when they commissioned me to perform readings for the city of Los Angeles.
My varied interests enable me to frequently appear worldwide, where I am invited to speak about topics such as witchcraft and creativity.
Despite my passion for this multi-hyphenate career path, I often must classify my practices and separate myself. But I'm taking a stand and refusing to do so. Instead, I want to build a world where having multiple passions and interests is encouraged and supported.
As a contemporary artist in Los Angeles, my work is informed by indigenous futurism, a style that reflects my deep interest in healing and spirituality. As a somatic psychotherapist, I use interdisciplinary education and holistic therapies like mindfulness-based therapy, Hakomi, somatic psychology, and internal family systems to help people heal.
My dream job allows me to integrate my diverse interests and skills rather than forcing me to choose just one. And I'm not alone in this desire. Others like me refuse to "niche down" and instead embrace multidisciplinary career paths.
I've found balance and fulfillment in my work by embracing a multi-hyphenate career path. It can be challenging to juggle multiple roles, but the rewards are worth it. I can pursue my passions, help others, and live a life that feels true to who I am.
Embracing a multi-hyphenate career path is the key to finding balance and fulfillment in work and life. We don't have to choose just one passion or career path - instead, we can embrace our diverse interests and skills to create a career that reflects who we are. Let's build a world where multi-hyphenate career paths are encouraged and celebrated.
Beyond the Classroom: Creating Informal & Ad-Hoc Educational Spaces for Community Building and Resilience /
At my core, I strongly believe in the power of creating communal spaces that allow for personal and societal growth. As an individual and an organization, being adaptable and open to new perspectives is critical in establishing these spaces that promote learning, idea-sharing, and community-building. This belief is the driving force behind my work in creating workshops, ceremonies, artist residencies, and events in a wide range of settings.
One of the most significant benefits of creating educational and communal spaces outside of academic institutions is that it allows for a more diverse range of voices to be heard. In my experience, when people from different backgrounds and experiences come together, new ideas are formed, and we can learn from one another in ways that are impossible in a traditional classroom setting. This leads to a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of complex issues and can result in more effective problem-solving, community-building, and cross-pollination.
To me, creating these informal and ad-hoc communal spaces is not just about providing an alternative to academic institutions but rather about expanding our understanding of how knowledge and wisdom can be acquired. We must break free from the idea that formalized spaces are the only places where learning and growth can occur. Instead, we need to cultivate spaces that exist both within and outside of formal structures to create a healthy and resilient community that values the diversity of voices and experiences.
In addition to creating spaces outside of formalized institutions, I believe it's equally important to establish these types of educational and communal spaces within them. By creating spaces within academic institutions that are open to the wider community, we can bridge the gap between academia and the broader community while also providing access to the resources and knowledge available within the institution.
Throughout my career, I have organized events in a variety of settings, including galleries, museums, healing spaces, therapy centers, nonprofits, businesses, music festivals, and more. Each space presents unique challenges and opportunities, but they all serve to create a sense of belonging and connection. Time and time again, I've witnessed people showing up and offering care for each other, finding solutions for others where they previously felt stuck or alone, and even sharing messages gleaned from personal journeys with others that leave a deep impact on them. These types of group experiences can be profound, moving, emotional, and uncanny, and they illustrate the power of community building.
As someone who has earned two Master's degrees, I recognize the value of formal education, but I also see the limitations of traditional academic institutions. That's why I am passionate about creating non-formal educational opportunities that promote a sense of community and foster learning beyond the classroom. By cultivating educational and communal spaces both within and outside of formalized institutions, we can create a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of complex issues, while also connecting with others outside of it. Weaving webs within the interstices of institutional and relational systems.
Take a look at some of the past workshops I’ve been able to offer. I’d love to encourage you to check out my upcoming events section to keep up to date with different opportunities to connect within and outside of these spaces and invite you to join my newsletter to be the first to know when these opportunities arise. Also, if you’re interested in inviting me to organize a workshop at your institutions and/or do an artist talk or presentation on my work, please feel free to reach out and contact me.
Ten Journal Prompts To Help You Get Unstuck, Figure Out Your Values, And Set Intention /
I was recently interviewed by the incredible author Laura Pitcher on How To Prepare A Spiritual Bath With Intention for Nylon Magazine. It is also inspired by Tiktok’s #SpiritualBath trend and features myself, Porsche Little, and Semra Haksever of Mama Moon Candles.
In this article, I mention how one of the most important things in getting ready to draw a spiritual bath is to begin by setting an intention. This can sometimes be really clear and easy to do, but there are other times that you may feel confused about your intention or you may have a hard time figuring out what’s important at the moment.
From the article:
“The most important part of the process is being certain about what you intent to draw in. “It's important to get clear on what your intentions are first before doing anything,” says Edgar Fabián Frías, an indigenous Mexican artist and brujx who launched Our Sacred Web. This can be nearly any thing Frías explains: “Are you trying to draw a bath to relax? To manifest a new career? To inspire self-love, To draw in magic?” If you don’t know where to begin, they recommend journaling to uncover what it is you are hoping to achieve through the bath, before moving on to the next steps.”
Journaling can be a powerful practice to help you get grounded, and centered, and to help you tap into your intuition, your ancestors, guides, and your higher self. With this in mind, I thought I would share some journaling prompts that can help you get into the flow.
Journaling Prompts to Help You Get Unstuck
To start, I wanted to share some creative writing prompts that can help you get into the flow or writing and explore your imagination and creativity. Feel free to adapt these as you see fit and use them as a way to get into the flow before you start to ask more pointed questions about your intentions.
Imagine yourself as a character in a book. What kind of story would you be in? What challenges would you face, and how would you overcome them?
Choose a random object in your environment and write a story about it. Where did it come from? Who owned it before you? What adventures has it been on?
Write a letter to your younger self. What advice or encouragement would you give? What lessons have you learned that you wish you knew back then?
Create a bucket list of things you want to do before you die. What experiences do you want to have, places do you want to visit, and people do you want to meet?
Write a stream-of-consciousness narrative about your day. What did you do, see, and think about? What stood out to you?
Make a list of your favorite quotes or passages from books, movies, or songs. What do they mean to you, and why do they resonate with you?
Imagine yourself in a different era or time period. What would your life be like? How would your experiences and perspectives be different?
Write a story that begins with the line, "Once upon a time, in a far-off land..."
Choose a color and write about what it represents to you. What emotions, memories, or associations do you have with that color?
Write about a place that inspires you. What do you see, hear, and feel when you're there? What memories or experiences does it bring up for you?
Journaling Prompts To Help Get Clear On Your Priorities & Values
Write a letter to yourself five years from now. What do you hope to have accomplished by then? What do you want your life to look like?
Choose a moment in your life that was particularly meaningful or transformative. Write about why that moment was important to you, and what lessons you learned from it.
Make a list of your values and beliefs. What are the things that matter most to you? Why are they important?
Write about a time when you had to make a difficult decision. What factors did you consider, and how did you ultimately make your choice?
Imagine that you are at the end of your life, looking back on your journey. Write about what you would want to have accomplished, and what kind of legacy you would want to leave behind.
Think about your ideal day. Write about what you would do, who you would be with, and what kind of experiences you would have.
Write about a person who has been a positive influence in your life. What qualities do they possess that you admire? How have they impacted your life?
Make a list of your goals and aspirations. What steps can you take to achieve them, and how will they help you live a more fulfilling life?
Write about what you want your intention to be for a specific situation or event. What feelings or outcomes do you hope to cultivate, and what actions can you take to manifest them?
Imagine that you have just won the lottery. Write about what you would do with the money, and why those things are important to you.
Journal Prompts To Help You Get Clear On Your Intention
What is the purpose of this intention? Why is it important to me?
What am I hoping to achieve or manifest through this intention?
How will this intention align with my values and beliefs?
What emotions or feelings do I want to experience as a result of this intention?
What specific steps can I take to work towards this intention?
How will this intention impact my life in a positive way?
What are my fears or doubts about setting this intention, and how can I overcome them?
How can I hold myself accountable for working towards this intention?
What support or resources do I need to achieve this intention?
How will I know when I have successfully fulfilled this intention?
Reflecting on these creative writing prompts has helped me realize the importance of clearly articulating your intention. To achieve this, I recommend boiling it down to just one sentence or a few words that capture the essence of what you want to manifest. Using an affirmation-style statement can also add power and possibility to your intention. Rather than stating “my intention is to become a successful artist”, I can declare “I am a successful artist” and repeat it out loud as a daily affirmation. By being clear and concise with my intention, I can focus my energy and attention on bringing it into reality.
Rest in peace and in power Rachel Pollack 💖 /
Rachel Pollack passed away on April 7, 2023. She was a trans activist, tarot reader, comic book and science fiction creator, and much much more.
Check out my post on Instagram about Rachel’s passing where I share how I was asked almost exactly a year before her passing to create a written contribution to respond to her tarot deck The Shining Tribe Tarot, which is one of the 99 objects included in the forthcoming book Trans Hirstory in 99 Objects edited by Chris E. Vargas, David Evans Frantz, Christina Linden and a part of the Museum of Trans Hirstory and Art.
Queer Magic - A Spell For Community! Open Call for LGBTQ+ artists living/working in New Mexico /
Happy Spring Equinox! We are so pleased to launch Edgar Fabian Frias's gif spell A Spell for Community, 2023 on CCA's social media to announce our Open Call for LGBTQ+ artists living/working in New Mexico. As part of the Queer Magic exhibition, this unjuried open call is intended to build inclusive community through the power of the social media algorithms, as well as Edgar's incredible magical and artistic practice.
Click here to learn more about this open call and to apply!
The Sacred Web A Gender Neutral Tarot Deck Full Review Unboxing and Flip Through /
For those of you who know me, I am a queer & nonbinary tarot reader who loves gender neutral, nonbinary, and gender expansive tarot decks. Being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am always searching for divination tools that resonate with me and my communities.
The Sacred Web Tarot is a gender-neutral tarot deck by Jannie Bui Brown, James W. Brown IV, and nonbinary artist Liv Brown and is published by HarperOne, a publishing imprint of HarperCollins.
From The Sacred Web Tarot's website: The Sacred Web Tarot deck was co-created out of a traumatic brain injury sustained in 2017 by my son, James, who, at the time, was 25. Out of his pain and throughout his recovery, James drew images that I came to understand were the beginnings of a tarot deck. Our reimagining of cards that typically elicit fear or concern when they appear to a reader into images of beauty convinced me that we needed to complete this tarot creation journey.
We discovered that The Sacred Web Tarot (The SWT) knew at its essential center that the shadow and the struggle are the great teachers; that there is nothing to fear when you perceive the challenging experiences of your life as opportunities to evolve and grow.
To learn more about The Sacred Web Tarot:
https://sacredwebtarot.com/
To sign up for Edgar Fabián Frías' newsletter click below:
https://www.edgarfabianfrias.org/sign-up-to-my-newsletter
Here are most of Edgar Fabián Frías' links:
https://linktree.com/edgarfabianfrias
To learn more about Edgar Fabián Frías' practices:
www.edgarfabianfrias.org
A 3 card Tarot Reading for the City of LA EDGAR FABIÁN FRÍAS for Los Angeles Times /
Artist, therapist, brujx, and tarot reader Edgar Fabián Frías did a three-card tarot reading for the City of Los Angeles.
The three cards that appeared in the reading were: The World, The Hierophant, and the Ace of Cups.
Please listen to the video below to hear what this means for us in the upcoming future of the city of Angels.
Click below to see the Los Angeles Times article which includes original artwork by the artist Edgar Fabián Frías as well as a transcript of this tarot reading:
L.A. is due for a transformation. This three-card tarot reading will reveal what kind
https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/image/story/2022-08-17/artist-edgar-fabian-frias-gives-tarot-reading-for-los-angeles-transformation
This story is part of Image issue 12, “Commitment (The Woo Woo Issue),” where we explore why Los Angeles is the land of true believers.
Read the whole issue here: https://www.latimes.com/projects/commitment/
For more information about Edgar Fabián Frías, please click the link below: https://linktr.ee/edgarfabianfrias
Here is Edgar’s bio:
Edgar Fabián Frías works in installation, photography, video art, sound, sculpture, printed textiles, GIFs, performance, social practice and community organizing, among other forms. Their art addresses historical legacies and acts of resistance, resiliency and radical imagination within the context of Indigenous Futurism, spirituality, play, pedagogy, animism and queer aesthetics.
Born in East Los Angeles in 1983, Frías received dual bachelor of arts degrees in psychology and studio art from UC Riverside. In 2013, they received a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Portland State University in Portland, Ore., with an emphasis on interpersonal neurobiology and somatic psychotherapy. Frías received their master of fine arts in art practice from UC Berkeley in 2022. Their work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Vincent Price Art Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco, Oregon Contemporary, MOCA Jacksonville, Performance Is Alive, Project Space Festival Juárez and ArtBo. Their work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Taschen, Bustle, Motherboard by Vice, Slate, CVLT Nation, Terremoto, Hyperallergic, and other publications.
Traducción en Español
Elle artista, terapeuta, brujx y tarotista Edgar Fabián Frías realizó una tirada de tarot de tres cartas para la Ciudad de Los Ángeles.
Las tres cartas que aparecían en la lectura fueron: El Mundo, El Hierofante y El As de Copas.
Escucha el video arriba para saber qué significa esto para nosotros en el futuro próximo de la ciudad de Angeles.
Haga clic a continuación para ver el artículo de Los Angeles Times que incluye obras de arte originales del artista Edgar Fabián Frías, así como una transcripción de esta lectura de tarot:
L.A. está por una transformación. Esta lectura de tarot de tres cartas revelará qué tipo
https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/image/story/2022-08-17/artist-edgar-fabian-frias-gives-tarot-reading-for-los-angeles-transformation
Esta historia es parte del número 12 de Image, "Commitment (The Woo Woo Issue)", donde exploramos por qué Los Ángeles es la tierra de los verdaderos creyentes.
Lea el número completo aquí: https://www.latimes.com/projects/commitment/
Para obtener más información sobre Edgar Fabián Frías, haga clic en el siguiente enlace: https://linktr.ee/edgarfabianfrias
Aquí está la biografía de Edgar:
Edgar Fabián Frías trabaja en instalación, fotografía, videoarte, sonido, escultura, textiles impresos, GIFs, performance, práctica social y organización comunitaria, entre otras formas. Su arte aborda legados históricos y actos de resistencia, resiliencia e imaginación radical dentro del contexto del futurismo indígena, la espiritualidad, el juego, la pedagogía, el animismo y la estética queer.
Nacido en el este de Los Ángeles en 1983, Frías recibió una doble licenciatura en psicología y arte de estudio de UC Riverside. En 2013, obtuvieron una maestría en consejería clínica de salud mental en la Universidad Estatal de Portland en Portland, Oregon, con énfasis en neurobiología interpersonal y psicoterapia somática. Frías recibió su maestría en bellas artes en práctica artística de UC Berkeley en 2022. Su trabajo se ha exhibido internacionalmente, incluso en el Museo de Arte Vincent Price, Instituto de Arte Contemporáneo de San Francisco, Oregon Contemporary, MOCA Jacksonville, Performance Is Alive, Project Space Festival Juárez y ArtBo. Su trabajo ha aparecido en Cosmopolitan, Taschen, Bustle, Motherboard by Vice, Slate, CVLT Nation, Terremoto, Hyperallergic y otras publicaciones.
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