The Hit List - It's always about the politics

“You’re so political. It’s always about the politics with you,” he said. Frankly, he was right. Justice has always been part of my vernacular from the time I was a wee lass. I started my first revolution at the ultra-tender age of four when I declared that I would no longer go to church. That rebellion was quickly squashed, although I made a silent vow that I would stop attending mass once I hit eighteen. I made good on that promise.

It shouldn’t have been a surprise that I was politically charged from the jump. Politics were often discussed at the dinner table. My father read the news from front to back every night – and that influenced me to do the same. Knowledge was power. In our case, it was the power to argue about the state of the world

This led to a stint for an anarchist newspaper, which further shaped my interest in social justice. I even briefly entertained the notion of becoming a lawyer to fight for worker’s rights.

But alas, my career went in a drastically different direction when I walked away from the newspaper and took a more spiritual path as a tarot reader. The cards had always been my main passion, so here I am thirty years later and still at it. That hasn’t stopped my interest in current events. Like dad, I voraciously read the news (although less so these days because it’s too depressing). I want to know what’s going on – and stay involved. Putting my head in the sand never feels right.

Recently, we had an election debacle here in my state. Unless you live under a rock (or outside the United States) you probably heard of the mess we’re in.

Long story short: we, like many people in my mighty fine state, were unable to vote because of the inept and corrupt mismanagement by our state government – and the Supreme Court. Instead of pushing back the voting date, we were forced to cast our ballots during a pandemic – with only 5 polling stations open when there are normally 180.

My husband and I had applied for absentee ballots…which didn’t arrive on time. Our state government showed no empathy – their advice was to throw the dice and get in line if you didn’t get your absentee ballots. In other words: if they didn’t do their job to deliver the ballot, you had to vote in-person and take your chances with your health. Tough luck! During a pandemic, this shows a lack of ethics and concern. (I’ll bet if they thought their favored candidate might lose this week, there would have been different decisions made. I’ll bet dollars to donuts they would have suddenly cared about people’s rights…and health. Just sayin’.)

Lines at the polling stations stretched for blocks and some folks didn’t get the social distancing memo. It was too dangerous to take the risk. At the end of the day, we got screwed and were unable to vote through no fault of our own. The state failed us. (They are trying to pass the buck to the post office but that’s bullocks.)

When the local television station reached out for a sound bite, I was more than happy to give them my two cents. I had plenty to say but some of the choicest bon mots were left on the cutting room floor. Even so, I had my moment to take a stand. (I also contacted my representatives, the election commission, and Protect Our Vote hotline. I’m relentless like that!)

One particular person in my life has been silent about this. It’s because his politics don’t match mine and he doesn’t like it when I speak up.

For people like him, tarot readers should just ”shut up and shuffle.” (Sound familiar?)

But we need to be political, no matter what your vocation or stance may be. Especially when it comes to issues like voting. Ultimately, which “side” you’re on doesn’t matter. What matters is that every human gets the chance to cast their ballot, to have their say, to feel free to have an opinion. That’s how democracy works.

So yes, it’s always about politics. Because we have a right in a so-called free country. There’s plenty of room at the table but only if we all create the space for every voice, every person. That begins with being “all about the politics,” and fighting the good fight, even if others prefer you to close your mouth and keep on shuffling those cards. That isn’t happening here.

My daughter won the daughter game with this surprise box of Easter candy!

Other stuff:

I’m sharing my thoughts about the absentee ballots over at WISN. Maybe I have a new career as a pundit?

The Supreme Court failed us in Wisconsin.

YUP: ‘Not as Wisconsin Nice as We Used to Be’: The Divisions in Dairyland.

According to Refinery29: Mercury Is Entering Aries, Bringing Us Creativity And A Little Attitude.

Check out my friend Noura’s new site: Noura Shakri.

Learn about Mercury aspects in the latest Astrology Bytes.

Good to know: Here’s Exactly Where to Buy Face Masks Right Now.

OMG: The ‘Tiger King’ Cast, Matched to Tarot Cards.

Sex Work Comes Home. More of us are making and watching sexual performances online now. Fewer of us are paying.

What happened to the old punkers? Never mind the bus pass: punks look back at their wildest days.

Love seeing The People’s Oracle featured here: Astrology, tarot and other spiritual readings are helping people cope with the coronavirus — and they’re available online.

How Tarot Helped This Writer-Artist Find a Brighter Future.

Outrageous: Abortion Clinics Under Siege by Protesters During COVID-19 Pandemic.

Awwww: Serena Williams And Alexis Ohanian Were Meant To Be Since The Day They Met.

Great question: Pregnant Women Are Wondering: Should I Have a Home Birth?

Check this out from Yoga Journal: How One Month of Pulling a Tarot Card Every Day Transformed My Practice.

I need this: Skill in Action: Radicalizing Your Yoga Practice to Create a Just World.

Shaheen Miro’s soon-to-be-released deck is GORGEOUS: The Uncommon Tarot: A Contemporary Reimagining of an Ancient Oracle.

Oooh, Jake’s Astrology is releasing this goodness: Astrology for Relationships: Your Complete Compatibility Guide to Friends, Lovers, Family, and Colleagues.

Almost here: The Magical Writing Grimoire: Use the Word as Your Wand for Magic, Manifestation & Ritual from Lisa Marie Basile. Trust me, you’ll want this.

I am interested in this: Vedic Astrology for Beginners: An Introduction to the Origins and Core Concepts of Jyotish.

Dammit, I need this: Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life.

I am so excited for my next book to drop:Tarot: No Questions Asked: Mastering the Art of Intuitive Reading. Coming at you September 1st, yo!

If the news has been getting you down, you need to find a way to unwind. How about some crayons and The Tarot Coloring Book?

Tarot For Troubled Times was written for times like this. If you want to learn how to cope – and make a difference – this is your tarot book.

A few years ago, I was asked if I could write an astrology book. My answer: YES! Here is the result: Astrology for Real Life: A Workbook for Beginners (A No B.S. Guide for the Astro-Curious). Yay!

Events:

August 30, 2020: Brushes and Stars. Where: Oakland, California. A full-day of astrology and intuitive painting – and yummy food! Join me and Chris Zydel for a joyful, astrology-inspired intuitive painting experience.

May 2-8, 2021: The Tuscany Tarot Intensive. Where: Italy! A full week of tarot immersion. Due to the Coronavirus, we moved the event to next year. Good news: the dates allow for a few extra seats which means you can join us next year! Yay!