Daily Reflections: Seeing Yourself In The Tarot

"Justice" by Yves http://alk0n0st.tumblr.com/

So, an artist on Twitter, who goes by @_martiniboy, created this card inspired of course by Nicki Minaj and the minute I saw it, I couldn't help but to fall in love with it. When I saw the image retweeted into my timeline early this morning I knew there needed to be a full deck based on it; not only because Nicki Minaj has been stealing my heart more and more as of late but because I believe gorgeous artwork like this, Tarot imagery based on people of color, is largely absent from the Tarot market. (A Tarot friend of mine, Beth of littleredtarot.com, recently wrote about this issue on her blog).

As a Tarot reader, I have yet to find a deck featuring people of color that really resonates with me as a black woman, which is why I've been clinging so heavily to my Black Cats Tarot Deck (which features cats, not people LOL).

The Magican from The Black Cats Tarot Deck

And this is not to say that there aren't any decks that exist with subjects of color, the Daughters of the Moon and Motherpeace Tarot decks immediately come to mind. It's just that the selection is so sparse.

Cards from the Daughters of the Moon deck. Photo courtesy of astroamerica.com

This is also a similar issue I sometimes have with astrology, as the Western astrology I practice is rooted in Greco-Roman symbology. Which is why I often choose to include wider representations of astrological symbolism on my blog and elsewhere. To me, it just makes sense to be able to see affirmative images of yourself if the goal of Tarot (or any other form of divination/spiritual practice/self-development method) is to consistently affirm yourself and your connection to the Divine Source.

But back to Nicki and this glorious card. I (and about a thousand others) have begged the artist to create a full a deck. I'm happy to report that he says he is considering doing two more cards featuring Beyonce and Rihanna (especially since Nicki saw the card and gave it her blessing). I asked him to go for the full 22 Major Arcana. We'll see if he does. Either way, I look forward to seeing more.

Full Moon in Pisces: Dream A Little Dream

"Emerald" by Pamelinas Studio

Happy Full Moon-- excuse me, SUPERMOON in Pisces!  Under this super dreamy, watery moon we're called to sit still and FEEL into our needs and desires. Our hearts have been speaking to us for a while, but the mental/outside chatter may have been too loud. This is the time to listen, so the heart may be heard. Pay attention to your dreams.

On a slightly different note, there is a lot of Neptune haze in the atmosphere today and the next few days. While it will be important for us to feel our feelings to tap into the magic that surrounds us, we must be careful not to avoid the truth or waste time with what can never be. In other words, this moon can help us to cut through and release the bullshit if we want it to.

Jupiter in Virgo: Work The Earth

Photography: Olivia Malone for marahoffman.com

Hellooooo Jupiter in Virgo! Over the next 12 months: refine, renew, reorganize, remedy. Work the earth. To find out what the planet of luck, opportunity, and abundance has in store for you, check out my August Horoscopes.

Mars in Leo: Dress To Kill

Dress To Kill Magazine, June 2014

Yes! Warrior planet Mars is in Leo beginning today until Sept 24 and the swag gets turned all the way up. Simply put, we get what we want by way of confidence, passion, and sheer hauteness. Meow!

Fun fact: Not only do I have Mars in Leo in my birth chart, but the model in this photo, Herieth Paul, shares a birthday with me! (didn't know that until after I selected this photo.) Herieth and the entire editorial from the June 2014 Dress To Kill Magazine is fire btw.

Mercury In Virgo: Writing Your Narrative

Courtesy of bigstockphoto.com

Communicator Mercury, transits its home turf in meticulous Virgo from Aug 7-27, and we're concerned with just the facts. We're checking our to-do list and checking it twice as we're the mood to get our lives in order. If you find something or someone to be an unhealthy distraction, it's time for a little self-analysis. Edit out what is no longer useful/necessary, then rewrite your narrative. You are the author of your story.

Full Moon in Aquarius: Keeping Your Head Above Water

"Keeping Your Head Above Water" by John Dinser

July 31st brings a full moon in Aquarius, the second full moon of this month; otherwise known as a Blue Moon. Symbolically, blue moons are considered to be auspicious since they rarely occur and therefore signify occasions that have a once in a lifetime kind of vibe. Truth be told, I've been aware for weeks that this full moon was coming but I didn't really get the chance to think about what this moon would mean until after a rather impromptu text exchange with a dear friend of mine. She wrote: "I feel challenged to think outside the box." And that's an Aquarian theme, right? Aquarius pushes us to think outside of the box. Aquarius pushes us to do things differently than we have ever done before. Through Aquarius we experience breakthrough, freedom. So why has breaking through been so hard?

To say that this last month has been emotional is an understatement. With 50-11 planets in Water signs, the past 30 days (and if you want to get technical: the last two years) have been downright distressing. From Saturn in Scorpio churning up our fears to Neptune in Pisces wearing down our walls to transit planets in Cancer poking hard at our soft spots, we have been living in a world under water. Having been given the cosmic push to plunge deep into this space, to experience the full spectrum of our emotions, for some of us this period has been cathartic--cleansing. For the rest of us, this period has been full of painful reminders; water does after all hold our memories, as does the moon. In too much water, we can feel stuck, drowned, and well in over our heads. Though this full moon in Aquarius provides a buoy. This moon in Aquarius offers up fresh air; a shot at freedom from the stagnant and murky entanglements that hold us back.

In astrology, Water signs usually get the credit for being the most intuitive, though Aquarius, an Air sign, is intuitive too. Co-ruled by the planets Saturn and Uranus (the mythological keepers of time), and represented by the symbols of electricity and water--Aquarius is a conduit. Picking up on trends and currents, Aquarius experiences this intuition by way of aha-moments, rationale, and flashes of insight. As full moons represent culminations and endings of a cycle, this moon represents a much needed goodbye. This is a moon of the future.

Looking back again at what my friend wrote to me, I am reminded that this moon is co-ruled by Uranus in Aries and Saturn in Scorpio. Whatever flashes of insight we receive, whatever decisions we make at this time has less to do with thinking outside of the box and more to do with finding the courage (Aries/Scorpio) to actually move beyond it. We already know what needs to be done, what changes need to be made for true progress. We just need to do it. This is our chance.

Uranus Retrograde In Aries: Rebel Yell

What sets you free, and brought you to me, babe?

--Billy Idol, "Rebel Yell"

Freedom, independence, and unconventionality is so punk rock; so is Uranus in Aries. Anarchy, chaos, and eccentricity, is also punk rock; just like Uranus in Aries.

Uranus, begins its five month retrograde today (July 26-Dec 25), supercharging the planet of independence, originality, and the unexpected. While a retrograde (or backwards motion) of a planet seems to weaken its powers, Uranus--the off-beat member of the bunch, works differently (of course).

While Uranus is retrograde in a bold and impulsive sign like Aries, we can expect an increase of information, insights, and incidents that seemingly pop up out of the blue. This means under this influence we can either experience a shake-up that inspires us or jars us completely loose. And that's the great riddle of a Uranus transit; the gift and the curse. Its lessons can sometimes be the thing(s) that sets us free and shakes us to our core...kind of like a yell or the act of yelling, which can be equally liberating, defiant and terrifying.

Though as I mentioned in my post on the current Venus retrograde , the point of a retrograde is to be more of an observer opposed to taking direct action. With Uranus, a planet of action currently housed in Aries the sign of action, many of us may find it hard to keep our impulses in check over the coming months. Yet, the biggest questions to consider: is whether those impulses are truly the keys to freedom or an empty rebel yell? Is there a way to act on our own impulses and inspirations in a way that not only benefits and empowers us but others as well?

What do you think?

Venus Retrograde: Refunds And Receipts

Flowervases by Martin Klimas

Beginning today until September 6th, Venus goes retrograde; first in Virgo, then moving back to Leo. As the planet of love, harmony, beauty, and wealth; Venus helps us to get pleasure out of life. Symbolizing our approach to relationships and what we deem valuable, natal (birth chart) and transit (orbiting/moving) Venus pushes us to find balance, improvement, and security in everything we hold near and dear to our hearts.

However, when a Venus retrograde comes along, our special things (and people) come up for review. Challenges and disagreements in relationships become more apparent, while a job, location, or subject we may have loved doesn't seem so lovable anymore. Finances come up for scrutiny too. If our bank accounts are lacking, Venus retrograde asks us to reassess our worth. Are we settling for less than we deserve? And what about our personal style? Is it time to look the part we want to play? Could our look use a little va-va voom?

In Virgo, Venus retrograde asks us to go over our relationships and budgets with a fine tooth comb; analyzing the results and involving ourselves with only the people/things that improve us. In Leo, Venus retrograde is about valuing our talents, our specialness--and when others don't, having the confidence to walk away.

As with any retrograde period, this is a time to review the areas that Venus symbolizes; not necessarily a time to act on them. This means, that we make note of the challenges that come up, think and discuss resolutions but we don't make actual changes until Venus goes forward or direct. This review or sitting period ensures that we don't make hasty decisions and get the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate the seriousness of the situation. This rule also of course applies to beginning new relationships, jobs, etc. we want to be long term or doing anything drastic to our appearance. Wait until Venus is direct.

Though we'll all be affected by Venus retrograde (depending on where she currently is orbiting in your birth chart), those of us who can expect the lessons of this Venus retrograde to hit particularly close to home are:

• Libra Suns and Ascendants/Risings (Venus is your ruler)
• Taurus Suns and Ascendants/Risings (Venus is your ruler)
• Sagittarius, Virgo, Gemini, and Pisces (while Venus is in Virgo)
• Scorpio, Leo, Aquarius, and Taurus (while Venus is in Leo)

And remember, when it comes to retrogrades, don't panic. Think of retrogrades as Cosmic Quality Assurance. The Universe is helping you to make sure your wheels don't fall off when you hit the gas.

Venus in Virgo: Choosy Lover

"Virgo" by Sheeba Maya, sheebamaya.com

On July 18th, the Moon helped kick off Lady Venus' transit of Virgo, indicating that our emotional fulfillment, well-being, and finances will be best experienced through a discerning and sensible filter. When the planet of love and wealth expresses herself through an Earth sign such as Virgo, quality over quantity becomes the mantra.

Given that Venus will go retrograde on July 25 (and back into Leo, from July 31-September 6) it seems appropriate that her first stop before heading backwards will be in Virgo. As with Virgo, a Venus retrograde encourages us to go over our relationships and money matters with a discriminating eye, eschewing anything (or anyone) that's more trouble than it's worth.

Aside from being the zodiac's Editor in Chief, Virgo also teaches us the importance of service to others. During the height of Cancer season, I stressed how vital a self-care practice is to navigating the wear and tear of everyday life.  Though as Leo season approaches; bringing with it Jupiter's move to Virgo, and later followed by Venus, much of the cosmic emphasis will be on extending the support and concern outside of ourselves. Just make sure that your time and resources are being given to a worthy cause.

Vantage Points From Venus

Inspired by the Sun's passage through Cancer, I was digging through some old email recently, and came across a piece I wrote some years ago (six to be exact) when I was wearing my poet hat. I remember writing this after dealing with a string of less than stellar relationships with men who weren't right for me. When I performed/read this piece in front of audiences, I always prefaced the poem with a joke about playing the "angry woman" so as to make it more palatable to the men that may have been in the audience. Looking back, I believe that there was a part of me that was angry but I also think that I was using that anger to draw a boundary of sorts. This was the beginning of a cathartic purge, of me taking a stand for myself and other women that also allowed themselves to be sucked into relationships--however fleeting--with men who devalued us. Today, I freely admit that this poem is angry. It's gritty, it's caustic but sometimes anger is the very thing you need to save yourself.

Vantage Points from Venus

Homeboy, this is a notice:
This is a notice to inform you that from now on, from this point forward
This moist, soft fold of flesh, between my thighs
Brown like soil, seeped in rose water—
With gossamer rings that circle the sun like Jupiter—
Will in fact, no longer be your nomadic dumping ground. 

My man, this is a notice
This is a notice to apprise you that at this very point in time
My pussy will no longer be considered as some random gaping hole, empty crevice, curbside 
Gutter
For you to fill
With sour spit
And dirty fuck fingers
That stick in me, stuck sticky
With bad blood birthed
Between you and the women who came before me 

My dude, this is a notice
This is a notice to enlighten you that as of today and every day immediately after
My vagina will no longer be your battleground
For you to stage your one man revolutions
Against your army of spastic demons
Camped on bridges spanning matriarchal meltdowns
And the fantastical failures of ill-equipped dads turned infant in the eyes of gods 

Oh boy. This is a notice.
This is a notice to advise you and your likeminded gentry
That your penis will no longer be a battering ram
It will no longer be used to break down my uterine walls
In an effort to break me or my momentum
In breaking up your preconceived notions about who or what you mistake me to be 

And mister believe me when I tell you about me—
This girl, woman, daughter, sister, mother, lover
Anti-Hottentot, uber Venus
She who sits atop the world
Balancing the weight of the universe
Under the pressure of her womb
Holding whole galaxies between forefinger and thumb
She who steadies whole oceans between bellies and hips 
She, me, I,
I, me, she
has come to put you on blast 
That until further notice
My black ass will no longer take your shit. 

Me in 2009. 

Mars In Cancer: Guarding Your Soft Spot

But fuck what they talkin' about on your timeline
That's cuttin' all into my time with you
Fuck what they talkin' about on your timeline
That's cuttin' all into my time with you

-Drake, "Jungle"

Mars is in Cancer from June 24th to August 8th. As a sensitive and emotional sign, this is not an easy place for Mars, the planet of sex and fury to be in. At worst, Mars in Cancer can make us touchy, brooding, and unable to let go of the past. Yet, at it's best Mars in Cancer teaches us the power of loyalty, intimacy, and the importance (emotional satisfaction) of protecting what we love.  Act from your heart.

Photo courtesy of http://hqwallbase.com

Listen To My Podcast...and Win!

Dropping that hot fire on you this week. LOL! So I have a podcast now. I'm talking news, film, and TV via astrology with my co-host @JChiron18. I am so excited about this!

Also, help us name our podcast! The lucky winner will win an astrology reading.

Take a listen: http://twosagittariusonflix.podomatic.com/ #NameOurPodcast

Venus in Leo: Viva La Ferocity

Pictured: Kelis. Photo credit unknown.

Lady Venus, the planetary Goddess of love, wealth, and well-being leaves shy and sensitive Cancer today for the bold and dramatic shores of Leo, where she'll stay until July 18th (before doubling back again on July 31st). So what's our cosmic directive over the next few weeks? Simple: If whatever (or whomever) you involve yourself with now doesn't fill you with LIFE, find something that does. Quickly.

With our gal Venus joining up this month with awe inspiring Uranus and generous Jupiter, blessings come in the form of creativity, romance, passion, and fun! With Venus at the helm of this fiery trine, don't look to play yourself small now (as other surely won't be). This is the time to be seen, be heard; to wow and be wowed and remember what it's like to have magic at your fingertips. Ferocity is favored, darlings. Take your spot in the sun and shine on.

Full Moon in Sagittarius: Give Us Free

Photo courtesy of: http://sequine.forumotion.com/

On June 2nd the Universe blesses us with a Full Moon in Sagittarius. Coming into close quarters to Jupiter in Leo and Mars and Mercury (retrograde) in Gemini, this is a Moon that undoubtedly pushes us to break free. Under this Full Moon in Sagittarius we are encouraged to rid ourselves of emotional entanglements (it's also squaring off with Neptune in Pisces), unnecessary distractions, and anything that does not speak to our true purpose.

With the help of Mercury Retrograde, this is our opportunity to rethink anything (or anyone) that holds us back from our vision. Here is where we can redirect our energy (Mars) to more emotionally fulfilling endeavors that speak to the heart of who we are (Jupiter in Leo, Moon in Sagittarius). For some of us, this may be getting a second chance at a missed opportunity while for others, it may mean taking a gamble on an opportunity you may have been trying to talk yourself out of, but you're getting every reason under the Sun to just go and do it.

As the Full Moon in Sagittarius approaches, think about where the theme of freedom resonates the most with you right now. Then, once you’ve sat with this vision, send it out into the world.

Devil in a Dress: What Tarot Has Taught Me (So Far)

The Devil card from The Black Cats Tarot Deck

A little over a month ago, in a more determined effort to learn Tarot, I registered for the Alternative Tarot Course designed/taught by the delightful and very knowledgeable, Beth Maiden (@littleredtarot). And I don't know if it's because of Beth's very clear and encouraging teaching style or the fact that we share some kinship by way of her Aquarius Sun and my Aquarius Moon (probably a little of each) but I have never been more eager and confident about learning a new subject since when I first got into astrology.

At the beginning of her course, Beth invites students to do a Reader’s Reading which helps students to explore their strengths and challenges with working with the Tarot. In doing one for myself, I pulled the Devil card as the card representing the strengths that I bring to Tarot. Admittedly, I was surprised at this. I freaked out a bit and immediately thought I may have done something wrong as Googling the Devil card did not return many positive hits. What could this mean? I thought frantically. But then as I sat with the card (as Beth advises), I found myself more intrigued than anxious.  Not only was I attracted to the artwork of the Black Cats Tarot card but I started to think about how the Devil has always been considered to be the influence of what does not go with the norm, the counterculture of what’s expected. Then I thought about what it means to be good, normal, etc,. and how I have never really fit into that conventional paradigm. Ever. And it also made me think about how I do bring an element of this unconventionality to my coaching work/readings (Aquarius Moon in the 7th House/Uranus square Mars/Midheaven).

Words and images that also came to me when viewing the card: seductress, Kali Ma (the Hindu Goddess), bad bitch, witch, being in touch/comfortable with the taboo/dark side, divine femininity, pleasure.

Having been a fan of Tarot since I received my first reading back in 2012, I always had an interest in learning to read the cards on my own but only up until recently did I find the courage to do so. This reluctance has been largely in part of me not wanting to, quite bluntly, fuck shit up. I mean, I had already had a handle on astrology but the idea of memorizing and interpreting 78 cards as a form of divination intimidated me. Blame it on the influence of Saturn in my birth chart but I just couldn't bear the thought of making a fool of myself in the face of more experienced Tarot readers, or better yet, I didn't want to risk giving someone bad information. But when it dawned on me that these were the exact thoughts I had before I became a professional astrologer I realized I needed to get over myself and just put in the work. And then I had another realization, that maybe I was experiencing yet another facet of this Devil energy; of how we can be born with this innate power that we're taught to fear/second guess. But that's a dis-empowered form of this energy. And ain't nobody got time for that.

So, in a move to empower myself (and others) further, I will be offering mini Tarot readings alongside my astrology services very soon. Be(a)ware. Be ready.

Venus in Taurus: Pleasure is an Investment

Artwork courtesy of sheebamaya.com

Being a Libra North Node* (with Taurus at the Midheaven*),  I am always fascinated (and at times challenged) by all things Venusian. As the planetary ruler of Libra and Taurus, Venus is the guiding light toward anything that brings us pleasure and romance. Through Libra, she's charming, witty, well-dressed, and creative. Through Taurus, she all of these things too but whereas Libra's focus is on the visual and intellectual expression of Venus, Taurus is more concerned about the sensual and material. And as an Earth sign, it's all about substance and quality for The Bull.

As an astrologer and transformation coach, I can't begin to tell you how many people (especially women) that I come across who spend very little time and money on pleasure. Though I can't say that I blame them, as we live in a culture (namely, American culture) that places way too much emphasis on productivity and not nearly enough on relaxation and renewal. Yet study after study has concluded that being overworked and overextended can lead to some very damaging consequences for our health.

Outside of health complications, there's another danger to being too busy. We lose the power of allure. Think about it. When you're in the throes of something pleasurable, a delicious meal, a juicy kiss, a hearty laugh, a good movie--you light up. You become so consumed with the brilliance of that moment that you become pleasant and enjoyable. You become attractive;  a happy magnet. Knowing all of this, why are we still so pleasure deprived?

We're often bereft of pleasure because we've been conditioned to view it as frivolous. I mean, why put so much effort in wasting time when there's so much to do? However, as the Queen of Pleasure, Venus in Taurus asks a little something different of us. She asks that we shift our perception of fun by taking it seriously. This is not about wasting time or resources as much as it is about being smarter about how we spend it. Through Venus in Taurus we discover that when we take the time out to invest in our pleasure what we are doing is investing in ourselves. So, as planet Venus makes her way across this earthy terrain (from UPDATE for 2017: June 6-July 4), here are a few ways to make the most of this time:

Be wise with your money. This is not about being cheap or exorbitant but about a balance. Treat yourself to quality. Save for security.

Get bodywork. Reiki, acupuncture, and massage are just a few ways to rejuvenate and restore your body.

Eat something healthy and delicious. Bonus if you cook it yourself.

Get into your body. Intro to Pole? Qoya? Belly dancing? Adopting sensual movement as exercise can be fun and invigorating.

Take your time. Slow down your eating, breathing, walking to be more present to the moment.

Wear something pretty. A wonderful way to amp up your self-confidence, joy, and personal allure.

Have good sex. Notice the emphasis on "good." The health benefits are proven.

Create something you love. Then show it off!

Only do something if your heart's really in it. Don't settle for anything less.

Suggested reading: Sacred Seduction by Kitty Cavalier

*North Node/South Node: A component of the birth chart that highlights the purpose of a person's life or karmic path.

*Midheaven: A sensitive point in the birth chart that symbolizes/denotes a person's career path, reputation, or legacy.

Venus and Mars in Aries: Love is (kinda, sorta) A Battlefield

Gutsy. Independent. Ferocious. Passionate...and ever, ever so sexy. These are just a few terms to describe the mighty Aries prowess. So, what happens when two of the most cosmically famous lovers meet up in this powerful sign?  

FIRE. WORKS.

That's right, babies. Having Venus and Mars coupled up in a steamy, go-getting sign like Aries means no ordinary love will do...nor will shy love. Here in this sign, Venus does not play coy, nor does she play anyone's shrinking violet. In Aries, Venus stands apart from the crowd, goes after who or what she wants and takes no prisoners. So will Mars. At home in Aries, he'll go the distance for the object of his affection. He'll woo you, win you, and wear you out (wink.) What else would you expect of a champion?

While these two heavyweights get together for a raunchy, yet rare rendezvous from February 20-22, expect love to hit a fever pitch. This could mean interesting happenings in a new romance, an existing romance, or a creative or financial situation. Where Aries falls in your chart will give you clues on how things will unfold, especially if you have any planets or angles in the very early degrees of Capricorn, Cancer, Libra, or Aries. If anything, having Aries on your side can mean the courage to take care of yourself or to do what's necessary to take charge of your life. Wimping out is not an option.

P.S. If you're in New York City on 2/21/15 come and celebrate with me at this sexytime event!  https://darkersideeroticastrology.splashthat.com/

Venus in Pisces: What's Your Potion?

Venus, our planetary Goddess of love and wealth, makes her way into Pisces today, where she'll eventually sync up with Neptune, then Mars. But not before having a face-off with Saturn in Sagittarius on January 29th. If we've been fooling ourselves in our relationships; playing too many rounds of victim-savior, or mistaking poverty for piety, Saturn will come along to deliver some hard, but necessary, truth. 

Yet, for those of us who have been erring too far on the side of the cynic, the stoic, the guarded, the critic, the pragmatic-because-it's-safe-side, this deep and dreamy union of Venus, Mars, and Neptune will be a reminder. A planetary potion of sorts to remind us of how it FEELS to be in love, to soul mate, to stand emotionally naked in front of another in our truth. 

  Drink up.

Mars In Pisces: Soldier of Love

Warrior planet, Mars, moves to soft and soulful Pisces today, where he'll stay until February 19th. What happens when you combine the God of War with the Messenger of Peace? Active compassion. Fierce fantasy. Creative courage. 

However, since Mars is also the planet of action and ambition, beware of passive aggression, lack of follow-through, or executing plans with no real aim. This is especially important as Mercury prepares to do his backward spin later this month. 

If love is your campaign, you'll win. Especially if you act on intuition.

Happy New Year!

Wow! Thank you to everyone who supported and encouraged my mission/vision this year. I couldn't have made it this far without you. For you, I am forever thankful. I wish you all a very happy, New Year filled with love, warmth, and abundance. Here's to a wonderful 2015!