The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance. – Aristotle

(vol 4, issue 3)  

In college, I became OBSESSED with all things New Age: books, crystals, runes, oracle decks, and tarot cards. But when I found myself consulting the tarot on just about any situation, I gave away everything because I don't like the idea of anything having a hold on me.

I did this with cigarettes, too.

But I did keep one deck of cards. A beautiful Norse mythology tarot that I hope is holding up well in storage.

It's interesting though to see how popular the tarot has become these past few years. Some attribute it to the pandemic, but I think we're in a messy,  post-religious period where folks are trying to find meaning, structure, and direction to replace what was once given to us through the Word. 

But don't get me wrong. I'm not pushing any set of beliefs. I simply feel folks are trying to figure out what to believe in. Whether this is through diet or politics, people need a compass, so I suppose a return of the occult makes as good a sense as any.

Tarot cards can possess both captivating art and meaning. They offer a kind of transcendental experience we once got through art or music. And who doesn't want to know what's up ahead?

What do you think?

How to Stop Overthinking. I don't know about you, but I feel like my imagination gets me in bigger trouble. I lose sleep, too.

Weird Old Book Finder. I can't be the only one who likes to peruse old books that smell musty. 

Did I tell you about these Chocolate Date Balls? No bake. Made them several times. Eric loves them.

Passion fruit's been in season (jealous?), but you can probably get them frozen, right? Anyway, combining them with orange juice is crayzeee. Talk about a wake-me-upper.

Dino Game. I actually learned about this from my students.  It's addicting and pointless, but that's why we play games, innit?

Playing For Change's latest "When The Levee Breaks" is powerful reminder of positive creative movements.

And for laughs, my current fav is Steven He's channel. "How Asian Parents Flex" is pretty good. I also like "When "Asian" is a Difficulty Mode: EMOTIONAL DAMAGE" but if you don't play video games, it might not make sense.

Mexican artist David Romero aka Chicome Itzquitntli Amatlapantli's work in progress: Tarot Mexicayotl.

Hope you are well, xo

Lani