You are free to be who you want to be
You are free to be who you want to be
You don’t have to be anything you don’t want to be
You don’t have to be anything you don’t want to be.
You don’t have to live up to anyone’s expectations.
There’s no need to strive for a kind of perfection that’s not very interesting to you.
You don’t have to believe in ideas that make you sad or tormented.
You don’t have to feel emotions that others try to manipulate you into feeling.
You are free to be who you want to be.
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POEM by me I kick my own ass and wash my own brain. I push my own buttons and trick my own pain. I burn my own flags and roast my own heroes. I mock my own fears and cheer my own zeroes. + Nothing can stop me from teasing my shadow. I’m full of empty and backwards bravado. My wounds are tattoos that reveal my true beauty. I turn tragic to magic and make bliss my duty. + I honor my faults till they become virtues. I play jokes on my nightmares till I’m sure they won’t hurt you. I sing anarchist lullabies to lesbian trees and love songs with punch lines to anonymous seas. + I won’t accept gifts that infringe on my freedom. I shun sacred places that stir up my boredom. I change my name daily, pretend to be nobody. I fight for the truth if it’s majestically rowdy. + Gravity fucks me and I fuck it back. The sun is my sex coach, the moon smokes my crack. I pump up my conscience with idiot laughter. I’m living happily, in love ever after. + I brag about what I can’t do and don’t know. I take off my clothes to those I oppose. I’m so far beyond lazy, I work like a god. I’m totally crazy; in fact that’s my job. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + OFFERING FEMINISM TO YOUNG MEN I love it when I find out that young men have read and enjoyed my book The Televisionary Oracle. It means they have had a first-hand encounter with the Dark Goddess and have meditated deeply on what it would mean for men to learn how to metaphorically menstruate. It means they have considered the possibility that empathy is a superpower, that it's healthy to endlessly overthrow their own fixations, and that our holiest struggle is to resist the genocide of the imagination. If a young man has read and enjoyed The Televisionary Oracle,"it means he has considered the possibility that the cure for phallocracy—and thus the cure for the global ecocide that is now ravaging the planet—is to work to create a culture where women have at least 60% of the power in every field of human endeavor. You can read the book for free online. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR: DREAM VISITATIONS FROM ANCESTORS
I've been having vivid dream visitations from my father's sister, Mary Ann Brezsny-Danenberg, who departed this world 14 years ago. She has been offering me guidance and inspiration. I'm grateful!
Amazing that in my dreams of Mary Ann, she is constantly beaming me her magnificent smile. She encourages me to GO FOR IT! To be brave and wild as I pursue my dreams.
She was a Taurus who loved music and was an accomplished musician. She was a citizen of the world who frequently traveled abroad. As a child, I loved the stories she told me about how non-Americans lived—was in awe of her knowledge and appreciative of how she widened my horizons.
She was also a liberal Democrat who provided a nice counterpoint to my parents' Republican ideas.
I believe her appearance now is tender encouragement to keep expanding my outlook, keep pushing on to consider more influences, keep widening my view of what's possible.
Mary Ann Brezsny-Danenberg:
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PREDOMINANCE OF WOMEN AT SPIRITUAL EVENTS
A few years ago I was honored to be part of a solstice healing ritual led by priestess and author Marguerite Rigoglioso.
Here's a fact I noticed not just on that occasion, but on many other occasions over the years: Most spiritual gatherings, workshops, and rituals have a preponderance of women and a dearth of men.
Do you have any theories about why that's true?
I'm the tall one in the back on the extreme left.
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BLURBS FOR MY UPCOMING BOOKS!
If novelist Frank McCourt were still alive, I might ask him to provide the same blurb for my upcoming books that he gave to several authors: "You will claw yourself with pleasure while reading this book."
Truthfully, though, I would prefer that my readers caress or hug or kiss themselves while reading this book. Or caress or hug or kiss a person or animal they love while reading this book. I'm all in favor of perpetrating as much joy, pleasure, and sweetness as the universe allows.
And yes, it's that time. Two of my 14 in-progress books (a novel and an astrology book) will be published in the next six months.
So I need to start collecting blurbs from famous and non-famous people who like my writing. Publicity! Marketing! Promotion!
If you're either a famous or non-famous person, I welcome your blurbs.
If you would like to connect me to a famous person who might give me a blurb, that would be good, too.
Write freewillastrology@substack.com
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This is the cover of one of my future books.
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PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR CLIMATE CRISIS TRAUMA
I love the work I do with my psychotherapist, Leslie Davenport. Our conversations are essential in nurturing my creative writing.
Leslie is also the lead instructor in offering a Climate Psychology Certificate at California Institute for Integral Studies.
The program provides psychological training for therapists and healers to address the mental health impacts of the climate emergency.
Here's the Climate Psychology program: https://tinyurl.com/4dsbza82
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Leslie Davenport has also written books that have been meaningful for me, including Healing and Transformation Through Self-Guided Imagery and Emotional Resiliency in the Era of Climate Change and All the Feelings Under the Sun: How to Deal with Climate Change.
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TERESA TRULL
I am remembering with fondness that many years ago I worked a 40-hours-a-week job for the Duke University Grounds Crew. My colleague in chopping weeds and pruning bushes was Teresa Trull, who went on to become a major force in Women's music.
We sang together on a few occasions all those years ago. What a privilege!
Teresa was and still is a soulful singer, songwriter, and producer.
She has recorded two albums with Barbara Higbie and one with Cris Williamson. She has toured and recorded with Bonnie Hayes, David Sanborn, Andy Narell, Darol Anger, Mike Marshall, Alex DeGrassi, Joan Baez, Linda Tillery, Cris Williamson, Holly Near, and Tracy Nelson.
I salute you, Teresa. You have created a magnificent life!
Here's Wikipedia's entry about Teresa Trull.
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I DROPPED OUT OF KINDERGARTEN
Hear my band's song "I Dropped Out of Kindergarten"
I dropped out of kindergarten to explore eternal youth I talked back to Mr. Science to defend eternal truth I saw angels on the playground They taught me to kiss the sky I unlocked all nature's secrets Cross my heart, I'll never die I bailed out of Daddy's airplane Fell to earth like angel dust I broke into Caesar's Palace looking for eternal lust Every time I found a goddess we had sex by accident No one ever tried to stop me when I fired the government I don't need no paradise Living here is twice as nice I don't need no enemy Free of fake emergencies I lucked into symbiosis Worked my voodoo to the bone Everything I love surrounds me Never never am alone I broke into kindergarten to destroy the evidence I danced backwards on the tombstones to restore my innocence I don't need no paradise Living here is twice as nice I don't need no therapy Free of freedom Free of me I totally l-l-l-lost my pattern I totally l-l-l-lost my pattern I totally l-l-l-lost my pattern
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You can hear a lot more of my music here:
https://soundcloud.com/sacreduproar
and here:
https://freewillastrology.com/music
Click here for info about my band.
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If, however, you are sufficiently prosperous and feel comfortable about donating money to me, I welcome it. Please know, though: I am TOTALLY FINE if you don't donate.
Sign up here: Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com
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FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
Week beginning October 13
Copyright 2022 by Rob Brezsny
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): When he was young, Libran poet W. S. Merwin had a teacher who advised him, "Don't lose your arrogance yet. You can do that when you're older. Lose it too soon, and you may merely replace it with vanity." I think that counsel is wise for you to meditate on right now. Here's how I interpret it: Give honor and respect to your fine abilities. Salute and nurture your ripe talents. Talk to yourself realistically about the success you have accomplished. If you build up your appreciation for what is legitimately great about you, you won't be tempted to resort to false pride or self-absorbed egotism.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In his absurdist play Waiting for Godot, Samuel Beckett offers us two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, who patiently wait for a white-bearded man named Godot. They're convinced he will provide them with profound help, perhaps even salvation. Alas, although they wait and wait and wait, Godot never arrives. Near the end, when they have abandoned hope, Vladimir says to Estragon, "We are not saints, but we have kept our appointment." My sense is that you Scorpios, like Vladimir and Estragon, may be close to giving up your own vigils. Please don't! I believe your personal equivalent to Godot will ultimately appear. Summon more patience.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Poet Charles Wright has testified, "I admire and revere and am awed by a good many writers. But Emily Dickinson is the only writer I've ever read who knows my name, whose work has influenced me at my heart's core, whose music is the music of songs I've listened to and remembered in my very body." In my astrological reckoning, now is an excellent time for you Sagittarians to identify artists and creators who provide you with similar exaltation. And if there are no Emily Dickinson-type influences in your life, find at least one! You need to be touched and transformed by sublime inspiration.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I've read and studied poetry for many years, but only recently discovered Capricorn poet Lizette Woodworth Reese (1856–1935). How is it possible I missed her? Her contemporary, journalist H. L. Mencken, described her work as “one of the imperishable glories of American literature." She received many other accolades while alive. But today, she is virtually unknown, and many of her books are out of print. In bringing her to your attention, I am announcing my prediction about you: Anything in your life that resembles Reese's reputation will change in the next 12 months. If you have until now not gotten the recognition or gratitude you deserve, at least some of it will arrive.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Author Sophia Dembling defines a friend as a person who consoles you when you're feeling desperate and with whom you don't feel alone. A friend is someone whose life is interesting to you and who is interested in your life. Maybe most importantly, a friend must not be boring. What's your definition, Aquarius? Now is an excellent time to get clear about the qualities you want in a friend. It's also a favorable phase to seek out vital new friendships as you de-emphasize mediocre and overly demanding alliances.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Do you or do you not wish to capitalize on the boost that's available? Are you or are you not going to claim and use the challenging gift that would complicate your life but also expedite your growth? Act soon, Pisces! If you don't, the potential dispensation may disappear. This is an excellent chance to prove you're not afraid of achieving more success and wielding more power. I hope you will summon the extra courage necessary to triumph over shyness and timidity. Please claim your rightful upgrade!
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MAYBE JOY AND BLISS ARE CATALYTIC SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES
Assume that pleasure and happiness doesn't interfere with your spiritual growth, but may in fact stimulate it.
Proceed on the hypothesis that cultivating delight and wonder might make you a more ethical and compassionate person.
Imagine that feeling good has something important to teach you every day.
For inspiration in practicing this approach, tune in to your EXPANDED AUDIO HOROSCOPES. They're four-to-five-minute meditations on the current state of your destiny.
To listen to your Expanded Audio Horoscope online, go to https://RealAstrology.com
Register and/or log in through the main page.
The cost is $7 per sign online. (Discounts are available for bulk purchases.)
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ARIES (March 21-April 19): "Magic Realism Bot" is a Twitter account that generates ideas for new fairy tales. Since you will benefit from imagining your life as a fairy tale in the coming weeks, I'll offer you a few possibilities. 1. You marry a rainbow. The two of you have children: a daughter who can sing like a river and a son who is as gleeful as the wind. 2. You make friends with a raven that gives you savvy financial advice. 3. You invent a new kind of dancing; it involves crying and laughing while making holy prayer gestures toward your favorite star. 4. An angel and a lake monster join forces to help you dream up fun new adventures. 5. You discover a field of enchanted dandelions. They have the power to generate algorithms that reveal secrets about where to find wonders and marvels.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): On February 1, 1976, singer Elvis Presley was partying with buddies at his home in Memphis, Tennessee. As the revelry grew, he got an impetuous longing for an 8,000-calorie sandwich made with French bread, peanut butter, blueberry preserves, and slabs of bacon. Since this delicacy was only available at a certain restaurant in Denver, Colorado, Elvis and his entourage spontaneously hopped onto his private jet and flew 900 miles to get there. In accordance with astrological omens, Taurus, I encourage you to summon an equally keen determination to obtain pleasurable treasures. Hopefully, though, they will be more important than a sandwich. The odds of you procuring necessary luxuries that heal and inspire are much higher than usual.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini writer Nikki Giovanni reminds us, "It cannot be a mistake to have cared. It cannot be an error to have tried. It cannot be incorrect to have loved." In accordance with astrological omens, I ask you to embody Giovanni's attitude. Shed any worries that your caring and trying and loving have been blunders. Celebrate them, be proud of them, and promise yourself that you will keep caring and trying and loving. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to renew your commitment to your highest goodness.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): I was born near Amarillo, Texas, where the US Energy Department stores over 20,000 plutonium cores from old nuclear warheads. Perhaps that explains some of my brain's mutant qualities. I'm not normal. I'm odd and iconoclastic. On the other hand, I don't think my peculiarity makes me better than anyone. It's just who I am. I love millions of people who aren't as quirky as me, and I enjoy communicating with unweird people as much as I do with weirdos. Everything I just said is a preamble for my main message, Cancerian: The coming weeks will be prime time for you to give extra honor and credit to your personal eccentricities, even if they comprise a minor part of your personality.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Author Jennifer Huang testifies, "Poetry is what helps me remember that even in my fragments, I am whole." What about you, Leo? What reminds you, even in your fragments, that you are whole? Now is an excellent time to identify the people, animals, and influences that help you generate a sense of unity and completeness. Once you're clear about that, spend quality time doing what you can to nurture those healers. Maybe you can even help them feel more cohesion and harmony in themselves.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo journalist Sydney J. Harris described "the three hardest tasks in the world." He said they weren't "physical feats nor intellectual achievements, but moral acts." Here they are: 1. to return love for hate; 2. to include the excluded; 3. to say "I was wrong." I believe you will have a special talent for all three of these brave actions in the coming weeks, Virgo. Amazingly, you're also more likely than usual to be on the receiving end of those brave actions. Congratulations in advance!
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Homework: What has been your favorite mistake in the past 10 months? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com
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WOWWW…I LOOOVE your poem SOUL MUCH RB!!! And OMG your writing on feminism for young men truly made me weeep 😭 TY for YEARS! Such a BEAUTIFUL God and HUMAN!!! 🤍🕊
I LOVE Teresa Trull!! I saw her tour with Chris Williamson back in the 80's. Molly's Sky is forever a favorite song. ~~ I'm not a famous person, well, not to the world, but certainly to my circle of friends. :) I have over 700 subscribers on Substack - not a lot but it's something. Let me see how I can work you into an upcoming post. I have followed you at least since 2008 and your writing has always been a touchstone for me. I look forward to your new book!