#goth

Tarot Never Lies

/ Mordred / Leave a comment

This will be a quick post, as it’s now Tuesday morning and I’m heading off to the day job soon.

Every Sunday evening (or sometimes Monday morning), I do a tarot reading to get some personal insight. I am not one of those people who always sees the positive side, as the tarot can also give us warnings and information we may not want to hear. Yesterday morning was no different. I pulled The World, Ten of Swords and the Four of Cups. As usual, it was spot on and did give me some encouragement. I have been feeling disillusioned about some things lately, and I have felt that some things needed to change. Certain aspects of my witchcraft practice did not seem to have the same energy as before, and I have been feeling a nudge to take my practice in a slightly different direction. Below is a summary of what this spread means:

“This spread marks a profound emotional and spiritual transition: the painful conclusion of a difficult cycle, a period of stagnant apathy, and the ultimate triumph of reaching wholeness. The Ten of Swords and Four of Cups reveal a deep sense of burnout and emotional withdrawal, while The World indicates that true peace and completion are on the other side. This combination in a tarot reading suggests that though you are currently feeling stuck and recovering from a draining situation, you are standing on the brink of a major milestone. To move forward, the cards advise you to look past your current stagnation, process your recent hardships, and embrace the sense of closure and integration that The World offers”.

Closure and Integration: those are loaded concepts for me right now. Some things need to be put aside while other things need to be integrated and embraced. This applies not only to my witchcraft but also to my personal life.

In other news, I still don’t have my car back yet. It’s fixed and ready, but the repair bill was through the roof and we’re still paying it off. GOD I HATE DRIVING. But it has to be done.

I’m currently reading a fun book, Eternal Goth, by Emma Madden. I found it on sale at a local shop and I’m enjoying it. It’s a sort of Goth history book. Lots of photos.

During the recent storm, our power went out for 18 hours. We had to throw away all the food in the refridgerator. The husband had just gone food shopping. We live in the mountains, and the power flickers off a few a seconds all the time, but it has never been out for such a long time before. We do have a generator, but neither of us know how to use it. I think we’re going to sell it, actually.

Okay, time to go to work.

Find me in the shadows…

A Safe Space? Yes, But Not For Everyone

/ Mordred / Leave a comment

I love the concept of the Safe Space. I have buttons and pins that have the words “Safe Space” superimposed on the Progress Pride flag. I put them on my backpack that goes everywhere with me. I have small signs with the same image that I put up at my events. I am getting one for my car.You may have seen them as well. But what do they mean? Safe Spaces are created to be welcoming areas for people who are often marginalized or targeted because they are perceived as being “other”. They are environments where people can be accepted without criticism, discrimination or judgement. These spaces are secure and supportive, allowing for authentic expression of gender identity and sexual orientation. These spaces offer active listening, confidentiality and inclusive language. There are many items available with the Safe Space logo and I love them. The Progress Pride flag and the words SAFE SPACE will perfectly illustrate who is welcome and it is perfect. For the record:

  • I and my events are a Safe Space for the Gay and Lesbian communities, as I happen to be gay myself.
  • I and my events are a Safe Space for the Bisexual community. I have many bisexual friends whom I love, and some of the hottest guys I know happen to be bisexual.
  • I and my events are a Safe Space for the Trans community. I have many friends who are trans, and I love them dearly.
  • I and my events are a Safe Space for those questioning their sexuality, whom I support without criticism or judgment.
  • I and my events are a Safe Space for the Intersex community. You have my utmost respect.
  • I and my events are a Safe Space for the Asexual community.
  • I and my events are a Safe Space for the Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities. Over the years I have had friends and lovers of all races and backgrounds. You are safe with me.
  • I and my events are a Safe Space for the Drag community. You have my highest admiration and respect.
  • I and my events are a Safe Space for the BDSM, Fetish and Kink communities. I have quite a few myself.
  • I and my events are a Safe Space for the Goth and Vampire communities, who are often misunderstood.
  • I and my events are a Safe Space for the Druid, Pagan and Witch communities, as I happen to be all three.
  • I and my events are a Safe Space for those in the Adult Entertainment community. as some of my friends over the years have been porn actors and strippers. I happen to watch lots of gay porn myself.

I have also seen Safe Space items that add “for everyone‘. Everyone? That’s not possible. You cannot be a safe space for everyone. There are reasons why these are called Safe Spaces and there are reasons why certain communities are in them. Protection and Safety. Allowing “everyone” into your Safe Space will make it less so, Dangerous, even. For these environments to remain SAFE, we must exclude those who would make it less so. It is important to clarify who is welcome in our safe spaces and who is not. You cannot be a ‘safe space’ for people who are actively trying to erase your existence. You cannot be a ‘safe space’ for people who want to take away your rights. For example:

  • I am NOT a safe space for bigots and homophobes, though I’m pretty sure most of you are still in the closet.
  • I am NOT a safe space for nazis, racists and white supremacists. You deserve to be publicly shamed.
  • I am NOT a safe space for anyone who supports the Trump regime. Don’t buy my books and don’t come to me for readings.
  • I am NOT a safe space for evangelical Christians and Christian Nationalists. I have ZERO interest in your Bible and your beliefs.

Safe Spaces are not for “for everyone”, so don’t display signs or pins with those words. The signs that say “for everyone” are inaccurate.

Instead, use this one. It is all you need. There are rectangular versions as well.