Another Tarot Deck

 

Hyperallergic reports that there is a new set of Major Arcana cards known as the Academic Tarot.

This isn’t just any tarot deck. The 22 Major Arcana are reinterpreted for academics and public scholars living during the pandemic amidst spiritual havoc. The Fool becomes the Grad Student. The Magician becomes the President. The High Priestess becomes the Archivist.

The VFC came to be during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the midst of the long-overdue national reckoning led by the Black Lives Matter movement. Its 22 members are experts in literature, culture, digital humanities, and beyond, hailing from all corners of the US. Co-founders Dr. Hannah-Alpert Abrams and Dr. Brian DeGrazia wanted to make an intentional space for any individual on a college or university campus facing the COVID-19 crisis to help “trace the contours of things that define our shared human condition,” DeGrazia told Hyperallergic.

The Visionary Futures Collective, also known as the VFC, is fighting for what higher education needs most: a bringing together of thinkers who “believe in the transformational power and vital importance of the humanities.” And it is doing so in unexpected ways, including its most recent project, “Academic Tarot: The Major Arcana.”

This isn’t just any tarot deck. The 22 Major Arcana are reinterpreted for academics and public scholars living during the pandemic amidst spiritual havoc. The Fool becomes the Grad Student. The Magician becomes the President. The High Priestess becomes the Archivist.

The VFC came to be during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the midst of the long-overdue national reckoning led by the Black Lives Matter movement. Its 22 members are experts in literature, culture, digital humanities, and beyond, hailing from all corners of the US. Co-founders Dr. Hannah-Alpert Abrams and Dr. Brian DeGrazia wanted to make an intentional space for any individual on a college or university campus facing the COVID-19 crisis to help “trace the contours of things that define our shared human condition,” DeGrazia told Hyperallergic.

The “Academic Tarot” is a project of the VFC’s Academic Psychic Friends Network, which circulates a biweekly newsletter about the state of affairs in higher ed. It includes data visualizations sourced from an open access COVID-19 response tracker; student-reported stories on how the pandemic is impacting their work; and “feelings surveys” that report on campus workers’ emotional responses to re-openings. Key word: feelings — the VFC’s starting point, rather than an after-thought, making the VFC’s ethos a pathos. The organization prioritizes the feelings of individuals who teach others how to interpret “being” in text, in art, and now, in themselves. It puts the human back in the humanities.

Horoscope for the Week of March 29, 2021 - Pluto in Capricorn Trines 4 Planets

Pluto in Capricorn is the planet of the moment as it trines four planets in Taurus for the next few weeks. Suddenly our landscape can shift for the better as long term plans that no longer work are discarded and new directions forged. Time to get going!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Catherine de' Medici had Pluto in Capricorn)

Never miss your horoscope again -- free sign up here. Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2020 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 10th printing and available as an eBook.

ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)
Whatever you have been thinking regarding a career may change as new ideas pop into your head and new opportunities - better ones - make themselves known, So don’t panic, Aries, as your long held beliefs and plans are no longer relevant. It’s a new day and a new path - one that can lead to greater stability and personal satisfaction.

TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21)
If you have been feeling stuck at home and in a bit of a rut, now is the time to explore new horizons that will bring you into the forefront of any group you want. Mingle with international types any way you can, whether virtually or safely in person, Taurus. There are strong and powerful connections to be made from some of the most surprising sources.

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)
There is so much happening behind the scenes, Geminis can be forgiven if they are feeling a bit off kilter. But this dizzy energy can bring you into an entirely new frame of mind where love is concerned. Will someone totally surprising sweep you off your feet? Or will a current amour be found to be “The One” after years of being not sure. Let’s just see....

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)
If you are currently in a relationship, don’t be surprised if it shifts in some enjoyable way. If you are in the meet market and ready to expand your choice of potential partners, don’t be surprised if friends have the perfect person for you. This is a highly social time for you, Cancer, so enjoy the camaraderie and the potential for much, much more.

LEO (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)
The balance between long term professional growth and the day to day things you have to do one a job may shift into high gear. What can you accomplish now that will put you on firm footing for future satisfaction, growth and, let’s face it, much more money? What you thought you needed may now change, Leo, but all for the better ... and easier.

VIRGO (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)
Virgos step into the big leagues or art and overall fun now. And your path can take you into international spheres of influence. Is this what you expected when you dipped gingerly into your creativity? Maybe not but now you might change your entire perspective of what you want to do and how you have fun and enjoyment in life. Good.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)
Family dynamics can shift in unexpected ways now, Libra, but these shifts may be things that have been a long time in coming. You feel deeply about certain relationships and maybe your commitment and attitude will lead to a refreshing new direction now. The secret is to stay focused on what you really want and the cosmos will delivery.

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)
You are bold, Scorpio, and like to tell it as you see it in a strategic way. So how will you approach partners and others with whom you have a close relationship? Not only will you be especially eloquent and persuasive, you plant seeds for future success in any area you want. Expect interesting changes as you parlay your opinions. All for the better.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)
You can be a bit freer in your money, Sagittarius, but keep a watchful eye on your financial stability for upcoming opportunities and growth. Understand that the ground can shift as you start to put a new plan in place, but this readjustment can be something that is necessary and important for your future security. Go forth carefully and prosper.

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)
Capricorns maneuver into the center of attention and the crux of the power elite. It will not only be useful but also great fun for you to hob nob and take your reputation to the next higher level. Can you use this charisma to form future long term plans that place you exactly where you want to be? Yes but also be flexible and pivot when needed.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)
Secrets tend to be revealed now, Aquarius, so be sure that whatever surprises emerge, you find ways of using it to your advantage, especially in your domestic situation. Whether it involves certain family members or where you physically live, the changes that occur now place you in an enviable position for future growth and happiness.

PISCES (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)
I see more heart to heart talks with pals now, Pisces. And these interactions will not only bring certain people much closer to you but also open up a bridge of understanding and hope. Don’t be shy. Find current and future friendships. Make stronger connections with those you currently know, but maybe not that well. Happy surprises can happen.

(c) 2021 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. @thestarryeye
Astrology readings on tinyurl.com/TheStarryEye

Lucky Numbers for the Week of March 26, 2021

Lottery ads tell us you only need a dollar and a dream. But it is also helpful to have a list of lucky numbers to help spur the good fortune ... or fortunes. So with that in mind, here are some lucky numbers that can be used in any helpful way. I gazed into a pool of water, Nostradamus-like, and contemplated the cosmos. Then I mixed the tarot cards and allowed the spirits to guide me to the cards that represent the lucky numbers for this week. Nothing is guaranteed but who knows ....?

I choose eight numbers because 8 is the number of of wealth.

Here are the lucky numbers for the week of March 26-April 1, 2021:

3, 4, 10, 14, 29, 30, 53, 59

There are many ways to delve into your own consciousness to find luck and intuition. Try reading Dream Power/Improve Your Luck (Super Strength Series) and see if your dreams give you any clues and premonitions. Here's a guide to the best books available this month

Meditation for People With Limited Attention Spans

I have a big problem concentration, especially since the pandemic where I am not only more stressful but am getting a bit bored.

 

 

 

 

 

 

So meditation should be a great activity for me to do, right? Well ... I am finding that when I try to sit for a few minutes and let my mind relax and empty, I can't do it for more than a few seconds before I am thinking of something else!

I am sure that I am not the only one out there who has trouble mellowing out. Here is what I have learned over the past 12 months regarding meditation:

1. Find a comfortable position for you. We are told to sit upright with a straight back to meditate. But no sooner do I sit somewhere and straighten my back then I am thinking about how uncomfortable I am! For me, I like to lie down in a bed. I know we are told not to do that but it works for me.

2. If your mind wanders to something, don't get frustrated. Just pull back and continue as best as you can to empty your mind into a fog.

3. Sometimes 2 minutes work better than 5 or 10. I find that meditating in short bursts is easier than committing to a longer time.

4. Choose the time of day when you are most willing and able to meditate. Some people like to meditate when they first get up. Other prefer the afternoon. I like to try and meditate just before I go to sleep - because it helps me fall asleep. Find the time of day that works best for you.

5. Sometimes Music Helps. It doesn't have to be new age music - just something that you find relaxing.

Horoscope for the Week of March 22, 2021 - Sun and Venus Enter Aries

The Sun and Venus enter robust Aries this week delivering optimism and sexy energy. We are lucky in love and want the world to know. Give the best of you and get the best of others back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Elton John has Sun in Aries)

Never miss your horoscope again -- free sign up here. Here is my favorite book on astrology and a "must" for anyone interested in learning more: Secrets from a Stargazer's Notebook: Making Astrology Work for You and here's a guide to the best books available this month. This column is (c) 2020 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. Madam Lichtenstein is the author of the best selling astrology book “HerScopes ” now in its 10th printing and available as an eBook.

ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20)
Aries are not only celestial stars in their own galaxy, their ample charisma shines brightly across the cosmos. What are you going to do with all of this lovely energy? I suggest you use it to reach out and advance any beneficial personal project or goal that has been sitting on the shelf for too long. The world reaches out to you. Be sure to connect where and when you can.

TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21)
There is good karma surrounding you now, Taurus. All of your efforts over the past few months can deliver greater rewards and comfort to you. Continue pushing good works and kind words. Times are still stressful and being the calm salve will help change minds and bring folks to much better states of mind. Meditate, make your best moves and thrive.

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21)
Not only are certain friendships especially important to you now, Gemini, there are those who you will soon meet who will prove to be pivotal in your life going forward. So keep your mind open and find new ways of reaching out and connecting with others. It may be time to join a new club or mine a new interest. Mingle (safely) and you will jingle.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23)
Long term plans suddenly get a boost, Cancer. What have you been mulling over for a while? What plans have been percolating? Whatever it is, try to jump start it now when the fates are listening and the world gets a little easier to navigate. This could be a career changer or just a way to ask advice from a mentor. The path should become clearer.

LEO (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23)
It has been a while since you really had a vacation Leo and it appears like opportunities to expand your horizon is at hand. Venture out, but do it safely, and see how you can break with your old routine and get into something dramatic, fun and mind expanding. Wow! Maybe it’s an actual trip or maybe its with virtual reality. Your choice.

VIRGO (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23)
The combination of cosmic forces will not only make you especially sultry and sexy but will also open up more possibilities for love. Don’t be shy, Virgo. You have it and should show it off in safe and fun ways. Others seem to seek you out and you can have your choice of opportunities. But also reach out. This great energy doesn’t come around often enough.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23)
Balance and diplomacy are part of your personality Libra. You will put these wonderful attributes to good use now. Find ways to better connect with those close to you and try to establish areas of agreement and concord. Bonds with others will strengthen and before you know it, even stressful relationships will feel less tense and happier. Happier is good.

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22)
Many of us have been thinking about health issues for a while and now, Scorpio, you may find that you can not only better cope but also may be feeling energized. Concentrate on what you can do to get in a better health regime, better diet and even a bit more exercise. It will have multiple benefits - beyond the physical to the mental and emotional.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22)
If you have been feeling a bit blocked creatively, now is the time to get back to the art of whatever charges you up and lifts your spirits. Cooking, painting, dancing, acting, safely partying and just being generally inspirational will enliven your life and give you extra oomph. And we can always that harness extra oomph for other activities, Sagittarius.

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20)
If your home life has been a bit too restricting or stressful, you will definitely see some relief now, Capricorn. Whatever has been holding you back may give you a little more slack. Whatever you need to tackle, suddenly seems to give you an opening. So focus on the close and near and prepare for a wider and expansive future.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19)
Speak and others will follow, Aquarius. Your ability to schmooze and reach the masses has no parallel now - you are the voice of the people. So what will you do with all of these bon mots and great ideas? Find ways to amplify your message and see where it can all lead. But plan carefully so that this ability lasts longer into the year.

PISCES (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20)
You have greater financial acumen now, Pisces. Your mind is centered and clear on the long term prize of security. There are some people who can help so vet their abilities carefully, ask the right questions and make your decisions. The next few months can pay off in valuable ways and prepare you for a cushier retirement.. sooner or later..

(c) 2020 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved. For Entertainment Purposes Only. @thestarryeye
Astrology readings on tinyurl.com/TheStarryEye and Herscopes Astrology book is #1