The Star card ft. Michael Jackson

 

I’m having so much fun reimagining tarot cards and exploring new imagery that feels incredibly relevant to the present time. For The Star card, I chose Michael Jackson as the subject, as his fame and success seem fitting for the card’s symbolism. His unprecedented level of stardom was something the world had never seen before and likely won’t see again. Traditionally, The Star represents growing popularity, fame, blessings, success, and exposure—but it also carries a shadow side, highlighting the pitfalls of such heights. We could never truly know what it felt like to be him.

Michael Jackson was multitalented and had an extraordinary work ethic. He poured his entire soul into his craft. Whether you watch him dance or listen to his music, there’s a profound depth in his performances that inspired millions, both in life and death. His philanthropic efforts were well-known, even though he rarely boasted about them. From songs about self-reflection and personal change to calls for activism and societal transformation, Michael took his influence seriously. He encouraged others to shine and make a difference in the world.

However, achieving the level of success that Michael did must have been an incredibly lonely experience. When most people rise to success, there are mentors and peers who can guide them through the process. Michael’s star, however, rose so high that there was no one else in that space—no one to help him navigate the complexities of such fame, and no one who could truly relate to his experience. That isolation, combined with the public’s intense focus on him, must have been overwhelming. Fame at that level can feel isolating, even dangerous.

The pressure Michael endured must have been enormous: lawsuits, investigations, rumors, relentless paparazzi, and even exploitation by people close to him. It had to be deeply painful. Yet, despite it all, he would get up, put on his dancing shoes, and give everything he had to his performances. By all accounts, he was a perfectionist and consummate professional—never resting on his laurels, always striving for more, and continually giving of himself.

Including the shadow of his inner child in the imagery of The Star card felt particularly poignant. Michael had been famous since childhood, and his career never slowed down. It’s remarkable that he endured so much scrutiny, false accusations, and misunderstandings over decades. I can’t help but wonder: What would child Michael think watching adult Michael at the height of his career? And what would adult Michael say to his younger self?

If I were to pull Michael Jackson as The Star in a tarot reading, here’s how I might interpret it:

Positive meanings: Fame, celebrity, popularity, the fulfillment of a childhood dream, inspiration, performance, dance, theater, exposure, and unprecedented success.

Challenging meanings: A persona or mask, external pressure to perform, feeling under a microscope, lack of privacy, a need for grounding, perfectionism, loneliness, disconnection from others and self, a desire to return to authenticity, or “selling out.”

I hope you’re enjoying these reimagined tarot cards as much as I am! If you could reimagine a tarot card, which one would you choose? Would you feature a celebrity, or would you keep the characters more general? I’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Make Room For The Unexpected!

 

One of the biggest barriers I see with people trying to manifest money is that they’re too intense about it. They hyper-focus on it, and that kind of energy is repellent. Let’s frame it this way: imagine money is a woman named Cheryl. You like Cheryl and want to pursue her, maybe take her out and see where it goes.

You take Cheryl out, have a great time, and drop her off. But then, every time she turns around, you’re blowing up her phone—texting, calling, constantly talking about how much fun you had and how excited you are for the next date. Cheryl doesn’t want to see you anymore. You’ve become a pest, and your energy is pushing her away. Some people even take it to an obsessive level. Now, take that same energy and apply it to money manifestation.

If you’re this intense about money—talking about it constantly, obsessing over affirmations, creating vision boards, wearing money-themed clothing—you’re turning it into something unattainable. You’ve made money into a celebrity, and it doesn’t like you back. There are people out there who seem to attract money effortlessly—it flows to them. If you’re a die-hard fan of money, but it doesn’t like you, then you’re doing something wrong.

Why Letting Go is Crucial

In all manifestation work, there comes a time when you need to let it go so the process can unfold. Think of it like planting seeds. You plant the seeds, cover them with soil, water them, and wait. You don’t keep digging them up every day to see if they’ve sprouted—that would ruin the process. You check in occasionally to see if they need more water, but mostly, you let them do their thing. Manifestation works the same way. After you’ve done your affirmations, vision boards, and other practices, you need to back off and give space for things to align.

Overpowering Energy Blocks Manifestation

Many people trying to manifest money or big goals are too overpowering—they’re constantly on top of it, obsessively monitoring their progress. This blocks the natural flow of energy. You need to give the universe space to work with you. Once you’ve done your part, step back. Trust that the process will guide you. When you let go, you’ll start noticing breadcrumbs—small synchronicities and clues leading you toward your goal.

Here’s a story to illustrate this: A woman wanted to manifest a new car. She did all the work—affirmations, vision boards, everything—but after a month, she felt stuck and hopeless. So, she decided to let it go. She put her vision boards and affirmations away and stopped worrying about the car.

One day, she went to the store to grab her usual sub sandwich and root beer. While there, she ran into a friend who was buying a lottery ticket. The friend encouraged her to try it too, even though she didn’t usually gamble. She decided to spend $5 on a ticket. She didn’t win the jackpot, but she did win $35,000. With that money, she bought a new car.

The lesson? Letting go created space for her manifestation to come through in an unexpected way.

Take a Step Back

If you feel stuck, try this: put your vision boards, affirmation cards, and manifestation books away. Let go of the outcome and give yourself permission to breathe. Create space between you and your desire. This detachment allows you to notice opportunities and synchronicities when they appear. When you stop forcing it, you’ll be more alert and ready when it’s time to take inspired action—whether that’s buying a lottery ticket or following another unexpected lead.

Manifestation isn’t about controlling every detail; it’s about aligning with the flow. Sometimes, letting go is the key that opens the door!

The Technologist 🤖

 

Recently, I was contemplating archetypes and the tarot when I realized that technology has become an archetype in our collective consciousness. It has elbowed its way into our daily lives, to the point where it’s not just a tool—it’s a force! Technology occupies significant space in both our minds and our world, making it a powerful energetic presence. Enter The Technologist 🤖

My journey with tarot has been fascinating. Through studying the cards and reading for myself and others, I learned what archetypes are and how they help us understand ourselves and our motivations. The imagery of the tarot has been instrumental in my personal growth.

Currently, I’m confined to a hospital, which has given me ample time for reflection and creativity. I’m fortunate to have access to tools that allow me to continue my creative projects and bring my ideas to life. A big part of that accessibility comes from AI—a technology I was initially skeptical about. Like many people, I worried about its invasiveness and the moral and legal implications of its rapid growth. It felt overwhelming, as though we were merely passengers on a runaway train that we built ourselves.

However, during my hospital stay, I came across a video about ChatGPT, and it was amazing!. I decided to try it, and now I’m a convert. This program has helped me stay creative and work through ideas during a very, very challenging time.

Technology has undoubtedly become its own entity, especially with the rise of AI. This inspired me to create a tarot card to represent it. The Technologist is a blend of modern technology and traditional tarot imagery. The card features a robot and a computer set against the backdrop of a classic tarot design. Although not an actual tarot card, The Technologist symbolizes the powerful role technology plays in our lives.

If The Technologist were part of a traditional tarot deck, here’s how I would interpret it:

The Symbolism of The Technologist

The Robot: Represents AI, its capacity for vast data storage, and its ability to process and deliver relevant information.

The Computer: Symbolizes all forms of electronic communication, from the internet and social media to emails and beyond.

The Rising Sun: A new dawn, marking the moment we recognized technology as a major force in the world.

The Terrain: Reflects the internet as the “wild west,” symbolizing its uncharted potential and rapid growth.

Possible Interpretations

If The Technologist appeared in a reading, it would offer plenty to explore. Here’s what it could represent:

Positive Meanings:

• Visionary thinking

• Genius and innovation

        •   Military and police force

•       Plans, blueprints, strategy

•       Uncharted territory

• All forms of technology (computers, robots, AI, social

                media, websites)

•       Digital footprint

•       Bitcoin and all cryptocurrency

• Science and medical advancements

• Cutting-edge systems

• Problem-solving in IT or programming

• Creating and designing apps, websites, or systems

•       Improvements, updates, upgrades

Challenging Meanings:

• Over-reliance on technology

• Systems failures, security breaches, or scams

• Deepfakes or bot interactions

• Difficulty connecting emotionally

• Academic arrogance or lack of social skills

• Being “chronically online”

        • Heartless, cold, calculating

Creating This Card: A Personal Journey

Creating The Technologist has been deeply personal. My history with technology began unexpectedly. When I joined the military through the delayed entry program, I planned to be a photojournalist. I envisioned myself working for Stars and Stripes, capturing action shots and documenting military life. But on the day I shipped out, I was told that the Army didn’t need any more photojournalists and instead wanted me to become a computer specialist—a job that required a much longer enlistment.

At 19 years old, I was devastated. I had only an hour to decide: take the offer or go home. Having already committed to joining the Army, I chose to stay. That decision turned out to be one of the best of my life. In 1992, computers were still new to most people, and I knew almost nothing about them. But by the end of my training, I had graduated at the top of my class. Working with computers came naturally to me, and I fell in love with technology.

In many ways, The Technologist feels like a reflection of me. But it’s not just me—it’s all of us. Anyone who uses the internet, posts, likes, comments or subscribes embodies the essence of The Technologist. It’s an archetype that reflects the role technology plays in all our lives.

Why This Card Feels Like a Missing Piece

The Technologist fills a gap in the tarot. For example, there’s no card that specifically represents a doctor, yet modern archetypes like doctors, scientists, and technologists are deeply relevant to our evolving world. This card can stand in for those roles and more, capturing the energy of innovation, creativity, and progress.

If The Technologist appeared in your reading, how would you interpret it? 🤖

Hospital Skin 😳

 

When I was first hospitalized back in May 2023, my skin was in really good condition. I had a daily moisturizing routine and used an exfoliating cream for tough, dry patches. Because of my hair and skin, it’s important for me to stay moisturized and hydrated. Dry skin can go from being just unattractive to downright scary and gross!

I was completely bedbound from May until August 2023. During that time, I received bed baths from the staff. They would come in the morning, and depending on who was on duty, they’d wash the ‘hotspots’ with a little soap and water, dry me off, apply deodorant, and put on a fresh gown. Some nurses and aides would go the extra mile and apply lotion, but most didn’t.

I had no idea my skin was breaking down because, at first, I couldn’t maneuver enough to see past my knees. They kept socks on me, so I didn’t know what was happening underneath. I was also in a state of delirium for most of that time, so I wasn’t fully aware of what was going on with my body. It wasn’t until my head started to clear that I became concerned about the condition of my skin.

There were times in the past when I hadn’t used lotion and was a little ashy, but the dry skin I developed while being bedbound was on another level. My sister jokingly called me “Ashy Larry”! At first, I got an attitude, but all I could do was laugh because it was true. My skin got so bad that I was flaking off skin everywhere I went.

It was embarrassing. Even though I was in a hospital where they’ve seen all kinds of things, I wasn’t used to it. I asked my family to bring me a big jar of Vaseline, and I started slathering it on my face, hands, arms, and legs up to where I could reach. It helped control some of the dryness for a while. Reactions to my Vaseline regimen varied—Black folks understood without needing an explanation, while others seemed confused about why I was using so much. That changed once my skin started clearing up. Then they’d ask, “Wow, what do you use on your skin?”

I thought I was making real progress. The day I could reach my feet and apply Vaseline to my heels and between my toes was a banner day. It might sound a little goofy, but that milestone was a goal I had set for myself. I had to work every day on my flexibility, doing stretches to reach the bottom of my feet. Some days were frustrating and exhausting just from moisturizing, but all that effort paid off.

Then, about two months later, I developed a skin condition that made the skin on my arms and legs look like wet fish scales. I also developed dandruff and a fungal infection under my breasts, armpits, and behind my ears. My skin wasn’t done healing. I tried various lotions, but nothing seemed strong enough to clear the scales. One of the nurses brought me a lotion with silicone, which helped keep the scales from flaking everywhere, but it didn’t resolve the condition. So, I went back to my tried-and-true remedy: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter.

Palmer’s is fantastic for your skin, but it’s a solid lotion, so you have to work it out of the jar, melt it in your hands, and then rub it onto your skin. It was a lot of work, but worth it. I used cocoa butter for about three months. However, if I didn’t apply it immediately after washing, the scaling would become visible again. Despite all my efforts, I was getting frustrated. The staff would just shake their heads—we’d tried prescription treatments, ointments, powders—you name it.

Desperate, I went online and found a doctor who recommended a special wash. Since it required a prescription, she suggested using Head & Shoulders as an alternative to help manage the skin scaling. It felt like having full-body dandruff. I bought four bottles of Head & Shoulders and started washing my arms, torso, and legs with it. I also got a body brush, so my routine became brushing off as much flaking skin as I could, then washing with the dandruff shampoo.

This combination worked like a charm! After about four days, the scaling had reduced significantly. It took about two and a half weeks for most of the scaling to go away. I still have a few stubborn spots, but for the most part, my skin has cleared up, and I’m so pleased with the results. Who knew that dandruff shampoo could help clear up a skin condition?

However, I had to consider that I’m in a very old hospital with hard water. Ironically, while the dandruff shampoo helped clear my skin, it also dried it out. So, it was crucial to moisturize immediately after rinsing off the shampoo. I switched from the solid cocoa butter to an oil version, which absorbed beautifully into my skin.

Since I’m either in a wheelchair or in bed most of the day, the oil was only practical for nighttime. It’s a fall hazard if you’re trying to use a walker or shuffle to the wheelchair with slippery feet! After about a month and a half, I had to switch again, this time to Baby Magic Creamy Baby Oil. I love this stuff—it’s like a cross between oil and lotion, absorbs quickly, and washes off my hands easily. It allowed me to wash and moisturize without worrying about slipping while transferring to the bed. I use it everywhere except for the stubborn spots around my ankles and heels, where I still apply Palmer’s Cocoa Butter.

I had no idea this would turn into such a journey to get my skin back in condition. I’m taking my vitamins and staying as hydrated as possible. What I’m doing internally supports what I’m doing externally, but going almost five months without proper skincare has turned into a year-long quest to restore my skin. I’m also working on my hair, which became matted while I was bedbound. Thankfully, a staff member helped comb it out, and while I lost a lot of hair, it’s slowly coming back.

I’m very satisfied with the progress I’ve made with my skin. For those caring for bedbound loved ones, it’s much easier to keep up with their skin than to let it go and deal with the aftermath. If their skin hasn’t been tended to in a while, start with Vaseline or Eucerin cream (with the red cap). Once the skin starts improving, you can switch to something lighter, but at first, heavy creams or Vaseline are necessary. The act of massaging these products into the skin also helps stimulate circulation and awaken the nerves just beneath the surface.

Maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails is a challenge when you’re bedbound, but even a little effort is better than none. If all you have is Vaseline, use it. Do what you can with what you have. If you’re able to reach your hands, arms, or legs, massage them as often as possible to keep the blood flowing. Keeping up with your skincare will help you continue to shine and glow. Even with physical limitations, staying moisturized, drinking water, and taking your vitamins can boost your recovery. Help yourself to help yourself.

CBD Oil Review - Does it really work?

 

A few years ago, my daughter recommended that I try CBD oil. At the time, I was skeptical and didn’t pursue it. I did some research, but this was about eight years ago, and the information I found was mixed. There didn’t seem to be any solid regulations, and companies offering CBD products were popping up and disappearing quickly. It didn’t seem like I could rely on a consistent product from the same brand. I’m a loyal customer who takes time to find quality products that work as promised, and consistency is very important to me.

Since being in the hospital, I was prescribed gabapentin for neuropathy. I’ve been experiencing pretty intense neuropathic symptoms, but the gabapentin wasn’t making any difference. When I spoke to the doctor about it, she suggested increasing the dose, but I felt that I had been on enough to know whether or not it was going to work. Since I wasn’t feeling any relief, I asked to be taken off it.

I have two different pain medications that I can take if things get really bad, so I decided to just manage my symptoms as best I could with those. Then, I came across an ad for CBD oil online. After doing more research, I decided to try a CBD isolate. The company had good reviews, and I felt comfortable ordering from them.

The first thing I noticed after taking it was that I actually felt rested when I woke up in the morning. Many times I’ve slept, but it never felt like true rest. That was the first change I experienced. While I liked that benefit, I was also hoping for more—maybe some pain relief or another noticeable effect. What stood out the most, though, was that I started to feel a little more like myself.

I’ve been in the hospital since May 2023, and it’s been nothing but work—learning how to walk again, wash myself, go to the bathroom, and get dressed. Every day is full of effort. But after about a week of taking the CBD isolate, I realized there were moments throughout the day when I wasn’t thinking about my condition or pain. I was just focused on my tasks, like completing my cognitive recovery games, writing, or making artwork. For the first time in a while, things felt normal. That was a blessing.

They say you need to take CBD for two weeks to a month before you start noticing real effects. After two weeks of the isolate, I was happy with the better sleep and lighter mood, but I felt like it wasn’t enough. It’s possible that a higher dose would have made a difference. However, there was another company I wanted to try, so I ordered their full-spectrum, USDA-certified organic whole flower CBD oil.

The company, Cornbread Hemp, stood out because of their transparency—they provide USDA lab reports right on their website, and they take the production of their product seriously. I was impressed by their commitment to quality. After trying the whole flower CBD oil, I found my sleep improved even more than with the isolate. After reading more reviews and seeing that someone mentioned it helped their neuropathy, I decided to order their CBDa oil for daytime use, along with another bottle of the whole flower CBD for nighttime.

At first, the only thing I noticed was the continued improvement in my sleep. But one night, I forgot to take my morning dose, and my feet felt like they were on fire. That’s when I realized I hadn’t felt that level of neuropathy pain since I started taking the bundle. Now, after about a week and a half of taking both the morning and evening doses, I’m starting to notice a difference in my pain levels. While it hasn’t provided significant pain relief, there’s a noticeable reduction in the pain I feel during restorative therapy when I walk with my walker. The lighter mood I felt with the isolate has also continued with the whole flower CBD.

I’m looking forward to seeing how things progress. Like other supplements and medications, CBD can take a few weeks to a month to show full results. Although I’ve been using CBD for about a month now, I’ve only been consistent with my current routine for about two weeks. I’m curious to see how things continue to improve, and I hope to experience some of the more significant benefits that others have reported.

TL;DR

After a month of trying two different CBD oils, I’ve noticed some reduction in neuropathy pain, a lighter mood, and better sleep. While the effects haven’t been dramatic, both companies advise consistent use for a month or more to get the best results. I plan to revisit this post after three months and again at six months.

Performative Femininity vs. The Divine Feminine

 

There’s a lot of content out there—ideas, vlogs, podcasts—talking about feminine energy. You’ll find YouTube channels popping up with both women and men discussing what it means to embody feminine energy. It can be overwhelming, and there’s quite a bit of misinformation floating around.

Part of the problem is that we’re socialized to compare and compete. In the collective conversation on feminine energy, this has turned into women competing over who is more “feminine.” You also see men sharing their opinions on what they think defines feminine energy in a woman. Honestly, I’m starting to find the whole conversation a bit ridiculous.

Just like I wake up every morning as a woman, I also wake up with feminine energy. In fact, we all do—men and women alike. It’s part of our energetic makeup, just present in different quantities in each person. The same is true for masculine energy.

Where I think the conversation has gone off track is that many people focus on shallow characteristics. What’s being discussed is “performative femininity,” which involves outward expressions like wearing makeup, dresses, or getting dolled up. While fun and attention-grabbing, these things aren’t exclusively feminine—we know this because men can also participate in these behaviors for the same reasons.

Currently, there’s a cultural obsession with a certain look as the “feminine ideal.” I find the idea of defining feminine energy this way unsettling. The expression of feminine energy is so much deeper, richer, and more complex than how it’s portrayed on social media.

Anyone can put on a wig, beat their face, slip into a tight dress, grab a Gucci bag, and throw on red bottoms for some Instagram selfies. But this does not capture the true essence of feminine energy.

A better way to explain masculine and feminine energies is to recognize that we need both for the world to function. Masculine energy is active—ambitious, competitive, and striving. Feminine energy is more passive—focused on relationships, harmony, and nurturing. Even these definitions are limiting because masculine and feminine energies exist on a spectrum. If we wanted to dive deeper into feminine energy, we would explore both the creative and destructive sides of the divine feminine.

Feminine energy is about yielding, acquiescing, and reflecting. It’s quiet, thoughtful, nurturing, and supportive, often compared to the ocean. In calm waters, you can float and be carried effortlessly. But feminine energy can also be wild and untamed—deep, powerful, and sometimes destructive.

What I see on social media is an attempt to put feminine energy in a box—to define it, give it a specific image, and encourage women to fit into that mold. Ironically, trying to contain or label feminine energy is a very masculine thing to do. Even those so-called “feminine energy coaches“ who promote a certain feminine ideal are operating in masculine ideas of what femininity should be.

True feminine energy is not something you can label or put in a box. It’s creative, chaotic, and fluid. When masculine and feminine energies work together harmoniously, new worlds are formed, new life is created.

Feminine energy doesn’t have a specific look; it has a feeling. It isn’t exclusive to one gender or even to humans. The current conversations around what feminine energy is or isn’t often create more confusion than clarity.

For both men and women, to connect with your feminine energy, sit still. Breathe deeply. Let your thoughts and feelings simply exist without trying to understand or control them. If you can relax into that state, you’ve tapped into the essence of feminine energy. By meditating and connecting with it more often, you may notice heightened intuition, smoother relationships, and deeper insights into yourself and those around you. Through this awareness, you can begin to create more depth and love in your life. It’s all very natural, normal. Don’t complicate it.