REFERENCES
Gary E. Schlansker
President and CEO
YMCA of Greater St. Louis
1528 Locust Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63103
Mike Steinberg
Director
Webster University Film Series
470 E. Lockwood
Webster Groves, MO 63119
Vicky Newton
News Anchor
One Memorial Drive
St. Louis, MO 63102
Tom Cohen
Owner Cohen Architecture
2100 Locust Ave
St. Louis, MO 63103
Ron Jackson
Executive Director
St. Louis for Kids
1415 Olive Street Ste 150
St. Louis, MO 63103
ENDORSEMENTS
The iM Film Strategic Plan was sent to Bob Costas. Mr. Costas contacted me directly and offered a very personal and enthusiastic endorsement of my plan and vision.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Phillip Johnson Resume
PHILLIP W. JOHNSON
Film Producer - iMFilms
4428 Enright
St. Louis, MO 63108
Cell (314) 814.0141
E-mail IMFilms2007@gmail.com
BACKGROUND SUMMARY
My film experience includes production (pre and post production), camera work, lighting, sound, editing, writing, and acting.
Film Equipment and software: Sony PD150, Final Cut Pro Non Linear Editing Software.
EDUCATION
Rockhurst University, Kansas City, MO
BA Political Science 1982 Minor Business Administration
Accepted into Drake Law School 1999
TRAINING
Completed Training in Camera and Non Linear Editing – Double Helix Television (now KDHX)
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
CURRENTLY IN PRODUCTION
Beyond Vietnam – Dr. King’s Last Year
Misdirection – The Running of the Bulldogs © Trailer 2009
TELEVISION CREDITS
The Legend of Ira Cooper © 2004 Trailer - KDHX
Co-Wrote The Prince © 2004 - 48 Hour Film Project (Winner of Best Music Award)
Camera and Floor Director – Impact on the Issues 1995 KDHX
Wrote for The Speakeasy Local Origination Program TCI Channel 21 1995
SCREENPLAYS
The Ashes of Winston Alexander © 1998
The Prodigal Son © 1998
Help is on the Way © 2002
The Final Hole (Treatment only )© 2003
MANAGEMENT
Executive Director - Ville Area Neighborhood Housing Association
Primary Duties include:
Coordinate Agency Fund Raising Efforts
Hired and Managed Support Staff
Coordinate Agency Home Development Efforts
Oversaw agency compliance requirements.
Oversaw agency financial guidelines.
ADMINISTRATIVE
YMCA of Greater St. Louis - Executive Assistant
I provide Administrative Support to the CEO Executive and for the Senior Vice President for Public Policy, International, & Community Development programs.
AON INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS (formally Independent Dealer Services) Office of the President Group - Administrative Assistant
Responded to Escalated Customer Correspondence.
Responded to Attorney General and Better Business Bureau Inquiries.
Worked with Office of the President and other departments to resolve “hot” customer issues.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
As the Founder and CEO of Katalyst2000 a community based organization designed to promote holistic life choices, I participated in community Health Fares
As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. I coordinated a local “Voteless People are a Hopeless People” campaign. I also organized a Candlelight March and Vigil April 4th 1982 in memory of Martin Luther King Jr.
As a member of the League of Women Voters, I spoke to youth groups, wrote Letters to the Editor supporting “League” causes, as well as participated in numerous Voter Registration drives.
Member YMCA Greater St. Louis Greater Needs Society
OP ED CONTRIBUTOR/COMMENTARY PAGE CONTRIBUTOR
St. Louis Post Dispatch – 1992
St. Louis American 1997 - 2009
Film Producer - iMFilms
4428 Enright
St. Louis, MO 63108
Cell (314) 814.0141
E-mail IMFilms2007@gmail.com
BACKGROUND SUMMARY
My film experience includes production (pre and post production), camera work, lighting, sound, editing, writing, and acting.
Film Equipment and software: Sony PD150, Final Cut Pro Non Linear Editing Software.
EDUCATION
Rockhurst University, Kansas City, MO
BA Political Science 1982 Minor Business Administration
Accepted into Drake Law School 1999
TRAINING
Completed Training in Camera and Non Linear Editing – Double Helix Television (now KDHX)
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
CURRENTLY IN PRODUCTION
Beyond Vietnam – Dr. King’s Last Year
Misdirection – The Running of the Bulldogs © Trailer 2009
TELEVISION CREDITS
The Legend of Ira Cooper © 2004 Trailer - KDHX
Co-Wrote The Prince © 2004 - 48 Hour Film Project (Winner of Best Music Award)
Camera and Floor Director – Impact on the Issues 1995 KDHX
Wrote for The Speakeasy Local Origination Program TCI Channel 21 1995
SCREENPLAYS
The Ashes of Winston Alexander © 1998
The Prodigal Son © 1998
Help is on the Way © 2002
The Final Hole (Treatment only )© 2003
MANAGEMENT
Executive Director - Ville Area Neighborhood Housing Association
Primary Duties include:
Coordinate Agency Fund Raising Efforts
Hired and Managed Support Staff
Coordinate Agency Home Development Efforts
Oversaw agency compliance requirements.
Oversaw agency financial guidelines.
ADMINISTRATIVE
YMCA of Greater St. Louis - Executive Assistant
I provide Administrative Support to the CEO Executive and for the Senior Vice President for Public Policy, International, & Community Development programs.
AON INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS (formally Independent Dealer Services) Office of the President Group - Administrative Assistant
Responded to Escalated Customer Correspondence.
Responded to Attorney General and Better Business Bureau Inquiries.
Worked with Office of the President and other departments to resolve “hot” customer issues.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
As the Founder and CEO of Katalyst2000 a community based organization designed to promote holistic life choices, I participated in community Health Fares
As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. I coordinated a local “Voteless People are a Hopeless People” campaign. I also organized a Candlelight March and Vigil April 4th 1982 in memory of Martin Luther King Jr.
As a member of the League of Women Voters, I spoke to youth groups, wrote Letters to the Editor supporting “League” causes, as well as participated in numerous Voter Registration drives.
Member YMCA Greater St. Louis Greater Needs Society
OP ED CONTRIBUTOR/COMMENTARY PAGE CONTRIBUTOR
St. Louis Post Dispatch – 1992
St. Louis American 1997 - 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Dealing with a Pattern of Suspicion
A few years ago I watched an extraordinary episode of NBC’s Dateline. It was called A Pattern of Suspicion. The producers of Dateline started out covering the death of a black man who was shot by the Cincinnati police in 2002. That shooting led to public outcry within the black community. But where the story took Dateline went far beyond the confines of Cincinnati. In covering their case, Dateline uncovered what the deemed a national pattern of behavior of racial profiling. Their efforts brought Dateline to St. Louis, where several African Americans of all ages, both male and female shared their experiences. Dateline producers then went the unprecedented step of getting over four million records of police stops for non moving violations. This is impressive, as well as illuminating. Non moving violations often include citations that were not visible to the police prior to the person being pulled over; examples are an expired inspection sticker, expired registration, no insurance, inoperable equipment, and so on. These records suggests that the police officer may have been “fishing expedition”, using race as the sole motivator for the making the stop. The recent arrest of Harvard Professor Gates, while not a “driving while black” scenario, presents another opportunity for black America to be proactive rather than reactive in dealing with a serious issue. An opportunity lost in the madness that followed the 1992 Rodney King verdict.
In the glow of the historic election of an African American president, one wonders if black America has latched onto the fool’s gold of complacency. If so that would be a big mistake. I have little doubt that the Justice Department under Eric Holder will be quite different from the one of John Ashcroft, or Roberto Gonzales, yet, in 2009 time has long passed where our only solution is to passively wait for the government to resolve our problems. The criminal justice system is a billion dollar industry and black men are disproportionately the largest member of that unholy fraternity. We as a community can no longer afford to have allowed the false hope that a political solution is the only solution. As I see it, challenging the status quo by engaging ourselves on a multitude of levels represents a paradigm shift from victims to empowerment. Empowerment works when a community is engaged, proactive, educated. The heroes that we celebrate every February during Black History Month names like Tubman, Douglas, Malcolm, and Dubois were symbols of black empowerment; part of the debt owed to those ancestors is to approach core issues facing our community with the kind of audacity that President Obama wrote about.
As a lifetime St. Louis resident, I have had the opportunity to see racial profiling up close and personal, and simply being angry about it, is a mentality that I can no longer support. As a result, I plan to work with others in the community who are active in this effort, as well as look at new approaches. This fall I will have a community showing of the Dateline episode and facilitate a panel discussion on the topic of racial profiling that will be aimed at taking specific action, reviewing all applicable laws so that we as a community are well versed in our rights, and legal options. Those topics could include but not limited to exploring “Sunshine Laws” to track if one’s plates have been “run” yet they were never stopped, getting clarity on what are the rules governing running license plates, and the ability to gain access to police reports that police use to stop black men. No longer should it be acceptable for a 5’10 black man weighing 200 pounds to be stopped on the basis of a report looking for a 5’5 140 suspect. But to address this issue without developing a comprehensive strategy aimed at both protecting and educating our young people would be a tragic mistake. Currently the NAACP and the ACLU have education programs in place hopefully this process will allow those outreach and educational programs to expand. Finally it is my hope that in 2009, the Internet becomes significant tracking and communication tool by using social networking websites like Facebook to monitor police actions, provide up to date information, and maintain a watchful vigilance. An empowered community has the right, and the choice to make the police accountable for their actions.
In the glow of the historic election of an African American president, one wonders if black America has latched onto the fool’s gold of complacency. If so that would be a big mistake. I have little doubt that the Justice Department under Eric Holder will be quite different from the one of John Ashcroft, or Roberto Gonzales, yet, in 2009 time has long passed where our only solution is to passively wait for the government to resolve our problems. The criminal justice system is a billion dollar industry and black men are disproportionately the largest member of that unholy fraternity. We as a community can no longer afford to have allowed the false hope that a political solution is the only solution. As I see it, challenging the status quo by engaging ourselves on a multitude of levels represents a paradigm shift from victims to empowerment. Empowerment works when a community is engaged, proactive, educated. The heroes that we celebrate every February during Black History Month names like Tubman, Douglas, Malcolm, and Dubois were symbols of black empowerment; part of the debt owed to those ancestors is to approach core issues facing our community with the kind of audacity that President Obama wrote about.
As a lifetime St. Louis resident, I have had the opportunity to see racial profiling up close and personal, and simply being angry about it, is a mentality that I can no longer support. As a result, I plan to work with others in the community who are active in this effort, as well as look at new approaches. This fall I will have a community showing of the Dateline episode and facilitate a panel discussion on the topic of racial profiling that will be aimed at taking specific action, reviewing all applicable laws so that we as a community are well versed in our rights, and legal options. Those topics could include but not limited to exploring “Sunshine Laws” to track if one’s plates have been “run” yet they were never stopped, getting clarity on what are the rules governing running license plates, and the ability to gain access to police reports that police use to stop black men. No longer should it be acceptable for a 5’10 black man weighing 200 pounds to be stopped on the basis of a report looking for a 5’5 140 suspect. But to address this issue without developing a comprehensive strategy aimed at both protecting and educating our young people would be a tragic mistake. Currently the NAACP and the ACLU have education programs in place hopefully this process will allow those outreach and educational programs to expand. Finally it is my hope that in 2009, the Internet becomes significant tracking and communication tool by using social networking websites like Facebook to monitor police actions, provide up to date information, and maintain a watchful vigilance. An empowered community has the right, and the choice to make the police accountable for their actions.
Being Single and Opportunity for Growth and Evolution
Being single, an opportunity and a choice.
Often when I speak to folks who are either in an unhappy relationship, or just left one the there are two things that I notice. One, they will usually speak ad nauseum about their pain, anger, and their hurt. Secondly, what is that noticeable by its absence is the word “I”. And that’s a problem. Many people enter the single life for many reasons, divorce, and death, break ups etc. Being thrust back into a world of dating can be scary, but it also presents unique opportunity for review, reflection, and ultimately growth. Entering the single life brings about critical life choices, and how one responds to those choices, may determine the nature, and sustainability of future relationships. Entering the single life after a break up or divorce is a reflection on both parties in that relationship. Now that other person is gone, with no one else to blame the focus should be on self. Unfortunately too often, many of us fail to see the inherent opportunity in their single status and proceed to enter new relationships without resolving their own issues. Thus they fall victim to the trap of doing the same things and expecting different results. We live in an instant gratification society that places disproportionate value on the external rather than the internal, and a society that shows appreciation for superficial rather than substance. Sadly too many of our relationships has become a reflection of the culture. In the card game of relationships we gamble that we will succeed the next time, by pulling out the same hackneyed cards that resulted in the last failed relationship. Too often left on the table and never played is the card of friendship, and as a result the lynchpin of any successful relationship never becomes part of the process. How does that happen?
Boy meets girl, decides he is interested, and has a choice to make. That choice in many instances will set the tone for any relationship that ultimately develops. What card does he pull out? Often it will reflect what has worked in the past, his comfort level with that card, and the manner in which he reads the situation. But it’s a two way street. Often women, who offer a litany of complaints about the men they are in a relationship with, should look in the mirror. They saw the card that was pulled, and they too made a choice. What is interesting in both cases, both parties often find themselves in situations that bear a strong resemblance to others that preceded it. And in doing so they often fail to realize that by the choice to pull and to accept certain “cards”, they are breathing life into a familiar and unhealthy pattern.
What are the types of cards that are pulled? It could be status, looks, wealth and power, a need to rescue or be rescued, and often sex. What is the common thread? Escapism. The path to a relationship that goes through escapism is ultimately a ticking time bomb. Those relationships are fraught with extreme highs and lows, an emotional roller coaster that is draining and unfulfilling. Sadly, escapism too has become embedded into our culture. We seek escape hatches in many forms ,drugs, alcohol, careers, sex, sports, entertainment and yes - relationships. Often those cards that we pull out and/or accept are the chosen ones because they both push the buttons of our ego, while at the same time offer a diversion from our need to evolve and grow. Thus we enter those relationships incomplete as evolved individuals, but we seek out those relationships because we subconsciously think they compensate for our deficiencies. What we fail to realize is that we are either seeking to enable or be enabled. Those cards of wealth, status, good lucks, and sex appeal, all represent the soft underbelly of the ego. Those cards are often are transitory, and lacking the bond of friendship, they often are not able to survive the myriad of challenges that relationships face. All this is underscored by the number of people seek love but overlook the importance of “like” and therefore they often find themselves in a “loving” relationship with people they don’t even like.
In relationships like any other part of life there is a natural order of things, and learning to like a truly like person is a process that can only be forged through the process of friendship. Playing the card of friendship first, provides the greatest opportunity for both parties in the relationship to develop the building blocks of a relationship at a natural organic pace, develop a bond and chemistry, but most importantly allow time to determine for example when if at all the friendship should move into the realm of intimacy. I have been around for 50 years, and have heard the term “be friends first” hundreds of times. Yet in the real time, real world reality of relationships, in the context of a country that emphasizes escapism, live in the moment, instant gratification and hedonism, being friends first often gets pushed aside. The debris of emotional, physical, mental and spiritual baggage that litters the landscape of this culture is a reflection of the how we truly dismiss the notion and potency of truly being friends before embarking down the road of a true and lasting intimate relationship. It has been my personal experience that true growth and evolution can happen when we allow a friendship to blossom to full flower; there is liberation in developing a relationship according in concert with your higher self rather than succumbing to the lower angels who angle for those other cards to be pushed. For those who are currently single, I would encourage them to review the cards they are playing and ask themselves, are they on the road to a healthy, spirit filled, relationship, or continuing the pattern of relationship self sabotage? The choice is yours. Choose wisely.
Reply
Often when I speak to folks who are either in an unhappy relationship, or just left one the there are two things that I notice. One, they will usually speak ad nauseum about their pain, anger, and their hurt. Secondly, what is that noticeable by its absence is the word “I”. And that’s a problem. Many people enter the single life for many reasons, divorce, and death, break ups etc. Being thrust back into a world of dating can be scary, but it also presents unique opportunity for review, reflection, and ultimately growth. Entering the single life brings about critical life choices, and how one responds to those choices, may determine the nature, and sustainability of future relationships. Entering the single life after a break up or divorce is a reflection on both parties in that relationship. Now that other person is gone, with no one else to blame the focus should be on self. Unfortunately too often, many of us fail to see the inherent opportunity in their single status and proceed to enter new relationships without resolving their own issues. Thus they fall victim to the trap of doing the same things and expecting different results. We live in an instant gratification society that places disproportionate value on the external rather than the internal, and a society that shows appreciation for superficial rather than substance. Sadly too many of our relationships has become a reflection of the culture. In the card game of relationships we gamble that we will succeed the next time, by pulling out the same hackneyed cards that resulted in the last failed relationship. Too often left on the table and never played is the card of friendship, and as a result the lynchpin of any successful relationship never becomes part of the process. How does that happen?
Boy meets girl, decides he is interested, and has a choice to make. That choice in many instances will set the tone for any relationship that ultimately develops. What card does he pull out? Often it will reflect what has worked in the past, his comfort level with that card, and the manner in which he reads the situation. But it’s a two way street. Often women, who offer a litany of complaints about the men they are in a relationship with, should look in the mirror. They saw the card that was pulled, and they too made a choice. What is interesting in both cases, both parties often find themselves in situations that bear a strong resemblance to others that preceded it. And in doing so they often fail to realize that by the choice to pull and to accept certain “cards”, they are breathing life into a familiar and unhealthy pattern.
What are the types of cards that are pulled? It could be status, looks, wealth and power, a need to rescue or be rescued, and often sex. What is the common thread? Escapism. The path to a relationship that goes through escapism is ultimately a ticking time bomb. Those relationships are fraught with extreme highs and lows, an emotional roller coaster that is draining and unfulfilling. Sadly, escapism too has become embedded into our culture. We seek escape hatches in many forms ,drugs, alcohol, careers, sex, sports, entertainment and yes - relationships. Often those cards that we pull out and/or accept are the chosen ones because they both push the buttons of our ego, while at the same time offer a diversion from our need to evolve and grow. Thus we enter those relationships incomplete as evolved individuals, but we seek out those relationships because we subconsciously think they compensate for our deficiencies. What we fail to realize is that we are either seeking to enable or be enabled. Those cards of wealth, status, good lucks, and sex appeal, all represent the soft underbelly of the ego. Those cards are often are transitory, and lacking the bond of friendship, they often are not able to survive the myriad of challenges that relationships face. All this is underscored by the number of people seek love but overlook the importance of “like” and therefore they often find themselves in a “loving” relationship with people they don’t even like.
In relationships like any other part of life there is a natural order of things, and learning to like a truly like person is a process that can only be forged through the process of friendship. Playing the card of friendship first, provides the greatest opportunity for both parties in the relationship to develop the building blocks of a relationship at a natural organic pace, develop a bond and chemistry, but most importantly allow time to determine for example when if at all the friendship should move into the realm of intimacy. I have been around for 50 years, and have heard the term “be friends first” hundreds of times. Yet in the real time, real world reality of relationships, in the context of a country that emphasizes escapism, live in the moment, instant gratification and hedonism, being friends first often gets pushed aside. The debris of emotional, physical, mental and spiritual baggage that litters the landscape of this culture is a reflection of the how we truly dismiss the notion and potency of truly being friends before embarking down the road of a true and lasting intimate relationship. It has been my personal experience that true growth and evolution can happen when we allow a friendship to blossom to full flower; there is liberation in developing a relationship according in concert with your higher self rather than succumbing to the lower angels who angle for those other cards to be pushed. For those who are currently single, I would encourage them to review the cards they are playing and ask themselves, are they on the road to a healthy, spirit filled, relationship, or continuing the pattern of relationship self sabotage? The choice is yours. Choose wisely.
Reply
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Lacking Nuance
The trademark of the Obama campaign was the ability to stay on message. The Obama team then, and now understands the voracity and viciousness of the 24 hour news cycle. The news industry has become a cannibalistic beast that now carries a potency probably far exceeding the intentions of the founding fathers or the protection of the First amendment. Yet in a free society, the media as the voice of the “people” have become a money making sacred cow, while our politics too often have been reduced to a high stakes game of verbal last tag. Last summer when Barack Obama went to Europe, he returned to a nonstop barrage of news depicting him as presumptive, and marginalized as a celebrity. Later the afterglow of his nomination speech in Denver was cut short by the news buzz of the self proclaimed barracuda from Alaska Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin. In both cases the Obama team’s media rapid assault team landed successful counter punches.
As a result of a historic political success, the Obama administration has been extremely proactive in micromanaging the shifting winds and vagrancies of a billion dollar news industry that feed an insatiable American appetite for news that seems demand very little in the way of accuracy or balance. Blogs, networks, talking heads representing the entire landscape of political affiliations represent the emerging opinion battleground as they raise the emotional volume while appealing to our lower angels. As a result a new cottage industry has emerged that has made millionaires out of anyone who can manipulate public opinion. Any one applying for a job with a politician not armed with a skill set in spin doctoring need not apply. Barack Hussein Obama is the 44th President due in large major to the masterful way in which they navigated the every changing flow of public opinion.
Part of the Obama mystic is being a political Cool Hand Luke, calm in a storm, and having an uncanny political instinct. He was going to be the “steady” hand on the wheel. In the aftermath of the Obama victory, one political term that is gaining currency, “being nuanced". The Obama team, argue that one of the core attributes that separate him from the 43rd President is his ability to be temperate in tone, and approach. Webster defines nuanced as the ability to “define delicate shadings”, in short seeing the world through the prism of gray and not exclusively through black and white. When critics of President Obama condemned aim in his response last summer to the crisis in Georgia or this year’s revolution in Tehran, his supporters offered the description of nuance.
Nowhere is the need for nuance more prevalent than on the topic of race. Both candidate and President Obama have demonstrated an acute awareness that the subject of race in America remains fraught with political danger. The manner in which then candidate Barack Obama responded to the subject of race, was deft, disarming, and yet still direct. Barack Obama’s political opponents ultimately paid the price trying to use race as a wedge issue. However, last week President Obama’s response at his press conference lacked nuance, or deftness. Indeed it could be seen as tone deaf to other nuances at play. By falling into the trap of automatically defaulting to side against a white policeman in a “he said – he said” situation, President Obama may have been the one who acted “stupidly”. The “no drama” President, effectively stepped on his own message, and diverted precious political time, and capital at time when he is hemorrhaging in both areas.
Yet what is more troubling than President Obama’s political gaffe is that his entrance into the “Professor Gates controversy” presupposes that Professor Gate’s version of the truth was one hundred percent accurate. As a personal note, earlier that week I was dismissed from a jury panel where judging by the voir dire questions, the case would pivot on the testimony of two police officers against a black male defendant. I wrote on my personal blog that I believed that I was dismissed from the panel because I could not convince the prosecutor that I would not be biased against the police and hold the police to a higher standard on the witness stand. The prosecutor was right. As a black man who has been profiled - often, I completely understand why white cops are not given the benefit of the doubt within the black community, and I understand how that would extend to the President of the United States who just happens to be black man.
Yet, to be honest, when I listened to the version of the incident by officer Crowley, Professor Gates’ response smacked of what I call black elitism - a high brow version of the “I’m Rick James - bitch!” Thus, the visuals created by Officer Crowley’s words seems quite credible to me. I can visualize the kind of black entitlement, coupled with the righteous indignation that is exacerbating by even suggesting they provide identification – in their own house no less. “Don’t you know who I am?” Which also begs the question - at least to me, if Professor Gates gave his ID, the police officer faces an untenable situation. Wouldn’t arresting a man of Louis Gates stature with his connections in his own house who was complying in a deferential manner create a now win situation for him as a white policeman? As a man working on issues like diversity Officer Crowley has to realize the ramifications of arresting Professor Gates, which is one of the things makes the Gates version hard to for me believe. Shades of Gray.
All which leads us to question who to believe, who was lying, who was giving the abridged version? Who knows? So what was the major difference in my experience with the prosecutor, and President Obama’s? Simple - his was not a voir dire exercise like mine in which I was instructed to rule out shades of gray, and enter the stark world of black and white. My courtroom experience was quite a contrast to the leader of free world. Barack Obama usually chomps at the bit to display the calm visage of a reflective leader therefore for him to stumble into the kind of legal and racial quagmire he has worked tirelessly to avoid was a lapse pure and simple. With little room for error and the fate of his centerpiece domestic policy lying in the balance President Obama picked a singularly inopportune time to blunder.
To his credit, by week’s end President Obama begun to return to form, at least by embracing the notion that his response was improper and presented an olive branch to both the Cambridge Police and Officer Crowley. Finally planning a Kumbaya moment at the White House with both parties over a beer he set a tension breaking tone. In suggesting that his initial response should have “recalibrated” differently he noted that this was a teachable moment. Agreed let’s all pay attention because the issue of race in America is one where the education never ends.
As a result of a historic political success, the Obama administration has been extremely proactive in micromanaging the shifting winds and vagrancies of a billion dollar news industry that feed an insatiable American appetite for news that seems demand very little in the way of accuracy or balance. Blogs, networks, talking heads representing the entire landscape of political affiliations represent the emerging opinion battleground as they raise the emotional volume while appealing to our lower angels. As a result a new cottage industry has emerged that has made millionaires out of anyone who can manipulate public opinion. Any one applying for a job with a politician not armed with a skill set in spin doctoring need not apply. Barack Hussein Obama is the 44th President due in large major to the masterful way in which they navigated the every changing flow of public opinion.
Part of the Obama mystic is being a political Cool Hand Luke, calm in a storm, and having an uncanny political instinct. He was going to be the “steady” hand on the wheel. In the aftermath of the Obama victory, one political term that is gaining currency, “being nuanced". The Obama team, argue that one of the core attributes that separate him from the 43rd President is his ability to be temperate in tone, and approach. Webster defines nuanced as the ability to “define delicate shadings”, in short seeing the world through the prism of gray and not exclusively through black and white. When critics of President Obama condemned aim in his response last summer to the crisis in Georgia or this year’s revolution in Tehran, his supporters offered the description of nuance.
Nowhere is the need for nuance more prevalent than on the topic of race. Both candidate and President Obama have demonstrated an acute awareness that the subject of race in America remains fraught with political danger. The manner in which then candidate Barack Obama responded to the subject of race, was deft, disarming, and yet still direct. Barack Obama’s political opponents ultimately paid the price trying to use race as a wedge issue. However, last week President Obama’s response at his press conference lacked nuance, or deftness. Indeed it could be seen as tone deaf to other nuances at play. By falling into the trap of automatically defaulting to side against a white policeman in a “he said – he said” situation, President Obama may have been the one who acted “stupidly”. The “no drama” President, effectively stepped on his own message, and diverted precious political time, and capital at time when he is hemorrhaging in both areas.
Yet what is more troubling than President Obama’s political gaffe is that his entrance into the “Professor Gates controversy” presupposes that Professor Gate’s version of the truth was one hundred percent accurate. As a personal note, earlier that week I was dismissed from a jury panel where judging by the voir dire questions, the case would pivot on the testimony of two police officers against a black male defendant. I wrote on my personal blog that I believed that I was dismissed from the panel because I could not convince the prosecutor that I would not be biased against the police and hold the police to a higher standard on the witness stand. The prosecutor was right. As a black man who has been profiled - often, I completely understand why white cops are not given the benefit of the doubt within the black community, and I understand how that would extend to the President of the United States who just happens to be black man.
Yet, to be honest, when I listened to the version of the incident by officer Crowley, Professor Gates’ response smacked of what I call black elitism - a high brow version of the “I’m Rick James - bitch!” Thus, the visuals created by Officer Crowley’s words seems quite credible to me. I can visualize the kind of black entitlement, coupled with the righteous indignation that is exacerbating by even suggesting they provide identification – in their own house no less. “Don’t you know who I am?” Which also begs the question - at least to me, if Professor Gates gave his ID, the police officer faces an untenable situation. Wouldn’t arresting a man of Louis Gates stature with his connections in his own house who was complying in a deferential manner create a now win situation for him as a white policeman? As a man working on issues like diversity Officer Crowley has to realize the ramifications of arresting Professor Gates, which is one of the things makes the Gates version hard to for me believe. Shades of Gray.
All which leads us to question who to believe, who was lying, who was giving the abridged version? Who knows? So what was the major difference in my experience with the prosecutor, and President Obama’s? Simple - his was not a voir dire exercise like mine in which I was instructed to rule out shades of gray, and enter the stark world of black and white. My courtroom experience was quite a contrast to the leader of free world. Barack Obama usually chomps at the bit to display the calm visage of a reflective leader therefore for him to stumble into the kind of legal and racial quagmire he has worked tirelessly to avoid was a lapse pure and simple. With little room for error and the fate of his centerpiece domestic policy lying in the balance President Obama picked a singularly inopportune time to blunder.
To his credit, by week’s end President Obama begun to return to form, at least by embracing the notion that his response was improper and presented an olive branch to both the Cambridge Police and Officer Crowley. Finally planning a Kumbaya moment at the White House with both parties over a beer he set a tension breaking tone. In suggesting that his initial response should have “recalibrated” differently he noted that this was a teachable moment. Agreed let’s all pay attention because the issue of race in America is one where the education never ends.
Friday, July 24, 2009
The Universe Has Ears
This is a personal observation that I am sharing with many friends and family. I am standing at the threshold of a new, and exciting journey, a journey encrypted with instructions that begun in the ethereal world, made mortal on June 20th 1959, molded by the journey of life with is challenges, and experiences. As I write and as you read, at this present moment we are some of our individual choices, our physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional lives as they are presently constituted reflect our choices. Our choices either bring us closer or further from our spiritual instructions. As I reflect on the past 44 years of this incarnation, I come away with one overwhelming dose of reality.
The universe has ears.
As brilliant as I my think I am, as wise, and resourceful, I believe my self to be, my human and spiritual ness, an extremely small, minute piece of the vastness that is the universe. The universe that represents every manifestation that has every emanated from the creator, and every manifestation that ever will. The universe represents both present, future, and past as one moment in time. It is that universe that hears our thoughts, our words. The universe hears and accepts as read your thoughts and words and interprets them as your true intentions, and the universe responds accordingly. The deep reservoir of the subconscious is the well from which our thoughts, and fears, wishes and dreams stem. What are we telling the universe? Because the universe is so vast, so big, and all knowing, it will find a way to make your thoughts, fears, dreams and wishes come true. The conscious manifestation of your subconscious fears, dreams via the spoken word, gives more validation to your subconscious, your actions and deeds provide even more validation as the universe sees as well as hears.
“Spiritual abortion”
We often hear the term “letting things happen organically” which to many, means to allowing events to unfold naturally without interference. We plant the seed in our minds, for positive things to happen, we dream of happiness, success, love. Do we allow those seeds to root, and sprout organically or do we abort the process? The universe hears and sees our intentions, and will respond. Do we wait for the organic manifestation or do we manipulate the process. And what happens when we abort the process, do we change the reality? Does the all hearing and seeing universe respond to new data, new request that stem from our hearts and minds, and made real by our words and deeds? The term I like for spiritual abortion is self sabotage.
Matthew 14:25-33
During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
Our undoing springs from our deepest fears, doubts. It is those fears and doubts that provide the basis for spiritual abortion and self sabotage. Like Peter in Matthew’s gospel for that one moment in time he latched onto the same divine power that elevated Jesus, yet, it was fleeting, his doubts reclaimed power, and he begun to sink. Peter believed and his walk on water was the organic process unfolding but the power of his fears and doubts became apparent to the all hearing and seeing universe, and he begun to drown. Where in our lives have we walked on water only to have our own fears and doubts drown us?
The character Sisyphus of Greek mythology was punished by the gods, by being forced to push a huge border up a hill, only to have the bolder slip away and fall back down as he approached the top. This sad character was forced to eternally endure this torture. Often as we get close to victory, we begin to let victory slip away, in the same manner, perhaps we are sending messages to the universe, we don’t deserve victory, perhaps we are hearing external voices telling us that we will change, we will become too big, too famous, too proud, and we internalize those voices until they become ours. Yet we continue to prod, getting ever closer, and then fall. Where in our lives do we inch closer to our dreams only to have reoccurring negative patterns negate our good work forcing us to start over, and over, and over?
The word become flesh
Our connection to the creator is not merely a spiritual one, but it is real, and physical. Imagine if you took a limp balloon, blew your breath in it and let it fly. If that balloon flies to the ends of the earth it flies animated by your breath. Thus your connection to that balloon is a physical connection, and that balloon is connected to you. The same can be said for each of us, we are the word become flesh. We are connected physically to the creator, which makes us linked to the divine. While it doesn’t mean our every action will be divine, whole, or loving, it does mean we have power. Our power is our willingness to accept our divine nature, and accept that the universe all hearing, and all loving, is much far greater than us. And through that innate divinity, great things can happen for us.
As above so below
“Coincidence is God’s way of being anonymous” – Author unknown
Our power comes from allowing our dreams, and our thoughts, that stem from our subconscious to send positive signals to the universe, that our spoken words and deeds that reflect a harmonious balance with our thoughts and dreams reflect a positive loving subconscious. The universe has ears, and eyes, and it is a creative force that will create in ways that are far outside our comprehension to manifest what you want. It will bring about events, people, so-called “coincidences” to make your dreams, and wishes come true. Let the universe hear joy, peace, harmony, love, and it will manifest accordingly. Let your words and deeds be one of peace, harmony, and love and the universe will respond. Let the universe hear of healing, transcendence, and it will respond accordingly. I truly believe that the universe has the power, to heal totally and completely if we believe. Now do you believe?
Peace and Love
Phillip
2003
The universe has ears.
As brilliant as I my think I am, as wise, and resourceful, I believe my self to be, my human and spiritual ness, an extremely small, minute piece of the vastness that is the universe. The universe that represents every manifestation that has every emanated from the creator, and every manifestation that ever will. The universe represents both present, future, and past as one moment in time. It is that universe that hears our thoughts, our words. The universe hears and accepts as read your thoughts and words and interprets them as your true intentions, and the universe responds accordingly. The deep reservoir of the subconscious is the well from which our thoughts, and fears, wishes and dreams stem. What are we telling the universe? Because the universe is so vast, so big, and all knowing, it will find a way to make your thoughts, fears, dreams and wishes come true. The conscious manifestation of your subconscious fears, dreams via the spoken word, gives more validation to your subconscious, your actions and deeds provide even more validation as the universe sees as well as hears.
“Spiritual abortion”
We often hear the term “letting things happen organically” which to many, means to allowing events to unfold naturally without interference. We plant the seed in our minds, for positive things to happen, we dream of happiness, success, love. Do we allow those seeds to root, and sprout organically or do we abort the process? The universe hears and sees our intentions, and will respond. Do we wait for the organic manifestation or do we manipulate the process. And what happens when we abort the process, do we change the reality? Does the all hearing and seeing universe respond to new data, new request that stem from our hearts and minds, and made real by our words and deeds? The term I like for spiritual abortion is self sabotage.
Matthew 14:25-33
During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
Our undoing springs from our deepest fears, doubts. It is those fears and doubts that provide the basis for spiritual abortion and self sabotage. Like Peter in Matthew’s gospel for that one moment in time he latched onto the same divine power that elevated Jesus, yet, it was fleeting, his doubts reclaimed power, and he begun to sink. Peter believed and his walk on water was the organic process unfolding but the power of his fears and doubts became apparent to the all hearing and seeing universe, and he begun to drown. Where in our lives have we walked on water only to have our own fears and doubts drown us?
The character Sisyphus of Greek mythology was punished by the gods, by being forced to push a huge border up a hill, only to have the bolder slip away and fall back down as he approached the top. This sad character was forced to eternally endure this torture. Often as we get close to victory, we begin to let victory slip away, in the same manner, perhaps we are sending messages to the universe, we don’t deserve victory, perhaps we are hearing external voices telling us that we will change, we will become too big, too famous, too proud, and we internalize those voices until they become ours. Yet we continue to prod, getting ever closer, and then fall. Where in our lives do we inch closer to our dreams only to have reoccurring negative patterns negate our good work forcing us to start over, and over, and over?
The word become flesh
Our connection to the creator is not merely a spiritual one, but it is real, and physical. Imagine if you took a limp balloon, blew your breath in it and let it fly. If that balloon flies to the ends of the earth it flies animated by your breath. Thus your connection to that balloon is a physical connection, and that balloon is connected to you. The same can be said for each of us, we are the word become flesh. We are connected physically to the creator, which makes us linked to the divine. While it doesn’t mean our every action will be divine, whole, or loving, it does mean we have power. Our power is our willingness to accept our divine nature, and accept that the universe all hearing, and all loving, is much far greater than us. And through that innate divinity, great things can happen for us.
As above so below
“Coincidence is God’s way of being anonymous” – Author unknown
Our power comes from allowing our dreams, and our thoughts, that stem from our subconscious to send positive signals to the universe, that our spoken words and deeds that reflect a harmonious balance with our thoughts and dreams reflect a positive loving subconscious. The universe has ears, and eyes, and it is a creative force that will create in ways that are far outside our comprehension to manifest what you want. It will bring about events, people, so-called “coincidences” to make your dreams, and wishes come true. Let the universe hear joy, peace, harmony, love, and it will manifest accordingly. Let your words and deeds be one of peace, harmony, and love and the universe will respond. Let the universe hear of healing, transcendence, and it will respond accordingly. I truly believe that the universe has the power, to heal totally and completely if we believe. Now do you believe?
Peace and Love
Phillip
2003
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Open Letter to Barack Obama - October 2006
From the blogging files...boy did I nail this one!
Open letter to Mr. Obama
The road to the Democratic nomination runs through Hillary Rodham Clinton. It’s that simple. The moment Bill Clinton left the White House, the Clinton team, their supporters, and funders have positioned themselves for a Hillary Clinton White House run in 2008. Let’s not forget that behind the genteel visage that the Clintons present to the public, is a ruthless ambitious, ego driven team. One only has to revisit Bill Clinton’s recent Mike Wallace interview to gauge how serious the Clintons are about their legacy – and their future. You would be taking on a team who believes the work of William Jefferson Clinton was only interrupted by the 22n amendment, and that the momentum of the eight years of Democratic rule stolen in Florida.
The Clintons and their supporters will not stand idly by while a first term Senator, who has never cut his teeth on national politics considers running for president. Running for president means more than a cover story on a national magazine, or musing on a Sunday Morning talk show. Just as George Bush utilized the holdovers from his father’s administration, as well as many others with personal, financial, and political ties to the Republican Party, many Clinton loyalists will be supporting Hillary in 2008. Making enemies with the resources that the Clintons can bring to bear will make one a political piranha, and democrats who see Hillary Clinton as their party’s best chance to regain the White House will not look favorably on any opponent who loses the nomination, extends Ms Clinton in a manner that may cost her the general election akin to what Ted Kennedy did to Jimmy Carter in 1980.
My advice to you Mr. Obama is to have a private conversation with the Clintons, prior to making any formal announcements. The Clintons have invested over 30 years in positioning Hillary to be the first female President, and to continue the Clinton legacy, to add to that, the Clintons have proven to be prodigious fund raisers. Winning the Democratic nomination, without the unequivocal support of the Clintons will make fundraising extremely difficult if not impossible. Many feel that a Vice Presidential nomination makes more sense, as witnessed by recent vice presidents, that role of VP has taken on a larger scope of responsibilities, and increased visibility. Assuming Hillary Clinton wins two terms of the President, you would be the front runner in 2016 for the democratic nomination and an heir to the Clinton legacy. To run now and you may position yourself to be a thorn in that legacy. Heir or thorn – its yours to chose.
October 29, 2006
Open letter to Mr. Obama
The road to the Democratic nomination runs through Hillary Rodham Clinton. It’s that simple. The moment Bill Clinton left the White House, the Clinton team, their supporters, and funders have positioned themselves for a Hillary Clinton White House run in 2008. Let’s not forget that behind the genteel visage that the Clintons present to the public, is a ruthless ambitious, ego driven team. One only has to revisit Bill Clinton’s recent Mike Wallace interview to gauge how serious the Clintons are about their legacy – and their future. You would be taking on a team who believes the work of William Jefferson Clinton was only interrupted by the 22n amendment, and that the momentum of the eight years of Democratic rule stolen in Florida.
The Clintons and their supporters will not stand idly by while a first term Senator, who has never cut his teeth on national politics considers running for president. Running for president means more than a cover story on a national magazine, or musing on a Sunday Morning talk show. Just as George Bush utilized the holdovers from his father’s administration, as well as many others with personal, financial, and political ties to the Republican Party, many Clinton loyalists will be supporting Hillary in 2008. Making enemies with the resources that the Clintons can bring to bear will make one a political piranha, and democrats who see Hillary Clinton as their party’s best chance to regain the White House will not look favorably on any opponent who loses the nomination, extends Ms Clinton in a manner that may cost her the general election akin to what Ted Kennedy did to Jimmy Carter in 1980.
My advice to you Mr. Obama is to have a private conversation with the Clintons, prior to making any formal announcements. The Clintons have invested over 30 years in positioning Hillary to be the first female President, and to continue the Clinton legacy, to add to that, the Clintons have proven to be prodigious fund raisers. Winning the Democratic nomination, without the unequivocal support of the Clintons will make fundraising extremely difficult if not impossible. Many feel that a Vice Presidential nomination makes more sense, as witnessed by recent vice presidents, that role of VP has taken on a larger scope of responsibilities, and increased visibility. Assuming Hillary Clinton wins two terms of the President, you would be the front runner in 2016 for the democratic nomination and an heir to the Clinton legacy. To run now and you may position yourself to be a thorn in that legacy. Heir or thorn – its yours to chose.
October 29, 2006
Saturday, July 18, 2009
This Ain’t prophesy, but its what I C
From 2005
It’s unreal they way we sit still
As they close in for the kill
It’s unreal
But you see
We waste time seeking thrills
And as I said in my poem,9-1-1
This is not a drill
In 1992 we all got fooled
By a dope dealer named Bill
Who spent eight years having both friends and enemies killed
“W”, just sends them to the killing fields
But hiz-story has revealed
Both parties rob, butcher, and steal
Yet we lack both political skill or the collective will
To successfully learn the art of a deal
But that hasn’t kept our leaders from their
Five course meals,
Which brings me to the case of
Government agent 666 -
And hears my “message” to that black man
A few years ago
I witnessed your tearful mea culpa on 60 Minutes
But for me it failed to diminish
Your role in brother Malcolm’s untimely finish
A bloody blemish
Remains
An ugly stain
A sold out soul
But to what gain?
So that 30 years later
A Million men could march
For your glory, your honor and your fame?
You got misguided soldiers worshiping a fraudulent name
Too busy hustling pies to
Peep game
Or so they claim
But I think it is it fear of reprisals
That has them restrained
Like Pavlov’s dogs
Conditioned and trained
Freed from prison -
But still in chains
If they only knew
If they only knew
That now a black demon has replaced a white one
And at the end of the day
Only the shackles have changed
And it’s uncanny
To say the least
But I don’t get it twisted when I see the beast
Because I know its now no longer men in sheets
That are the sole source of our grief
Our city streets
Are terrorized by red and blue beefs
And 100 thousand saints on Sunday
With their bibles, faith and belief
Don’t bring peace
But get fleeced
Because apparently Salvation ain’t cheap
Even liquor stores, pimps and hustlers find it hard to compete
With a misinterpreted scripture
That keeps a nation asleep
We worship the lamb
But bow down like sheep
I wonder if the objective
Of the pastor’s directives
Is to maintain a slumbering collective
You see
Penitentiary minds
Distorts our perspective
And though its been suggested
But not requested
I wonder if
Our own 9/11 would bring us justice?
Or as Richard Pryor once said
just us
But we have 2 much reverence
And show too much deference
To do any thing that would stress em
Test em
But god bless em
We’ll be brothers and sisters in heaven
Rignt?
But it’s the heaven on earth that we ignore
And clearly our intent
is not to restore
Like an aging lion without a roar
Each day becomes a chore
Since in 2009 our image in the mirror
we still fail to adore
Trust and believe
The food will always taste better
From the masters floor
We peer through closed doors
Trusting those whose duplicity
And tacit complicity,
But seekers and lovers of their own publicity
Yet it’s our divinity
Not another Kennedy
That will provide us
With a true and last remedy
But we spend our energy
Supporting thieves
As we believe
Whatever foolishness is up their sleeve
Whether brilliant fucked up or ill conceived
While a mad man
Commander and chief
Makes decisions based on greed
But plants the seeds
For more destruction
And deadly deeds
And when it comes?
When it comes
Hundred million of us are guaranteed to bleed
And it won’t be over yet
Because karmic justice responds in threes
In 2001 we responded in arrogance
Refusing to heed
But once again America – and her allies
The writing is on the wall
But can we and will we read?
This ain’t prophesy, but its what I C
It’s unreal they way we sit still
As they close in for the kill
It’s unreal
But you see
We waste time seeking thrills
And as I said in my poem,9-1-1
This is not a drill
In 1992 we all got fooled
By a dope dealer named Bill
Who spent eight years having both friends and enemies killed
“W”, just sends them to the killing fields
But hiz-story has revealed
Both parties rob, butcher, and steal
Yet we lack both political skill or the collective will
To successfully learn the art of a deal
But that hasn’t kept our leaders from their
Five course meals,
Which brings me to the case of
Government agent 666 -
And hears my “message” to that black man
A few years ago
I witnessed your tearful mea culpa on 60 Minutes
But for me it failed to diminish
Your role in brother Malcolm’s untimely finish
A bloody blemish
Remains
An ugly stain
A sold out soul
But to what gain?
So that 30 years later
A Million men could march
For your glory, your honor and your fame?
You got misguided soldiers worshiping a fraudulent name
Too busy hustling pies to
Peep game
Or so they claim
But I think it is it fear of reprisals
That has them restrained
Like Pavlov’s dogs
Conditioned and trained
Freed from prison -
But still in chains
If they only knew
If they only knew
That now a black demon has replaced a white one
And at the end of the day
Only the shackles have changed
And it’s uncanny
To say the least
But I don’t get it twisted when I see the beast
Because I know its now no longer men in sheets
That are the sole source of our grief
Our city streets
Are terrorized by red and blue beefs
And 100 thousand saints on Sunday
With their bibles, faith and belief
Don’t bring peace
But get fleeced
Because apparently Salvation ain’t cheap
Even liquor stores, pimps and hustlers find it hard to compete
With a misinterpreted scripture
That keeps a nation asleep
We worship the lamb
But bow down like sheep
I wonder if the objective
Of the pastor’s directives
Is to maintain a slumbering collective
You see
Penitentiary minds
Distorts our perspective
And though its been suggested
But not requested
I wonder if
Our own 9/11 would bring us justice?
Or as Richard Pryor once said
just us
But we have 2 much reverence
And show too much deference
To do any thing that would stress em
Test em
But god bless em
We’ll be brothers and sisters in heaven
Rignt?
But it’s the heaven on earth that we ignore
And clearly our intent
is not to restore
Like an aging lion without a roar
Each day becomes a chore
Since in 2009 our image in the mirror
we still fail to adore
Trust and believe
The food will always taste better
From the masters floor
We peer through closed doors
Trusting those whose duplicity
And tacit complicity,
But seekers and lovers of their own publicity
Yet it’s our divinity
Not another Kennedy
That will provide us
With a true and last remedy
But we spend our energy
Supporting thieves
As we believe
Whatever foolishness is up their sleeve
Whether brilliant fucked up or ill conceived
While a mad man
Commander and chief
Makes decisions based on greed
But plants the seeds
For more destruction
And deadly deeds
And when it comes?
When it comes
Hundred million of us are guaranteed to bleed
And it won’t be over yet
Because karmic justice responds in threes
In 2001 we responded in arrogance
Refusing to heed
But once again America – and her allies
The writing is on the wall
But can we and will we read?
This ain’t prophesy, but its what I C
Somebody Explain this Shyte to a Brotha
From 2004 is it still valid?
We relegate ourselves to far less than second class standards
And blaming the white man has become our standard
Yet we support agendas that take us for granted
You know the drill
Pass out a few crumbs
Leaving the rest of them stranded
Now how do you think those who were transplanted?
Thru the midst of the Atlantic
Feel about the seeds that they planted
Was it all in vain?
Now they say don’t hate the playa
Hate the game
So how does one explain?
The lore of red and blue gangs
Streets laced with bloody stains
Crack sales, gang bangs
Earning rep
the late poet Tupac called it - street fame
But Pac reminded us
That it’s the thugs in suits who stand to gain
And despite the daily carnage we remain the same,
Afraid to name names, accepting with mind numbing alacrity
Our collective shame
And how do we explain
Our lack of ambition
What ancient karma has come to fruition?
As descendants of kings
Bow in homage to inferior traditions
Cuz neither Muslim, Jew nor Christian
Has stopped our unrelenting march to perdition
We hear the truth
But offer little resistance
Preferring a marginalized existence
So how many more will die
Before we listen?
But we listen
To compromised politicians
With doggy style ways
As hidden cameras displayed
57 new ways to misbehave
And thus they betrayed
The martyrdom of Martin and Malcolm
As they were welcomed
In to the rituals of the beast
Participating in their blood lusting androgynous feasts
And what do you suppose
The millions of immortal souls
Say as we lie in repose
Watching us fold
As more and more leaders become exposed
For bargain basement prices they become bought and sold
And how do you explain
Our belief in a theology rooted in Caucasus caves
Forced on us by the ones that called us slaves
Thus we worship a man made god
With genocidal ways
And on Sundays we behave
In total acknowledgment of how far we’ve strayed
And just skip past the spot where the night before
A four year old was sprayed
Each night bullets blaze
And crack heads prey
On the elders
What once was a village can no longer shelter
It’s become more like Helter Skelter
But this is not a Lennon and McCartney song
And by the way,
Mr. Minister,
In 95 weren’t we suppose to atone?
So somebody explain
Why future kings continue to die
And 13-year-old mothers try to get by
Offering their temples
To the lowest bidder
Living in denial as their stomachs gets bigger
An existence 5 zeroes from six figures
But wouldn’t you figure
Some one would hip her?
And perhaps deliver
The truth about her holy roots
That the seed she carries is the sacred fruit
Of divine intentions
We need to put to rest our self-hatred
And self-inflicted lynchings
And recognize we are Black gods and black goddesses
On a holy mission
Only by accepting our greatness
Can we make a difference
Yet with all that is stake
Can you explain to a brotha?
Why we still won’t listen?
We relegate ourselves to far less than second class standards
And blaming the white man has become our standard
Yet we support agendas that take us for granted
You know the drill
Pass out a few crumbs
Leaving the rest of them stranded
Now how do you think those who were transplanted?
Thru the midst of the Atlantic
Feel about the seeds that they planted
Was it all in vain?
Now they say don’t hate the playa
Hate the game
So how does one explain?
The lore of red and blue gangs
Streets laced with bloody stains
Crack sales, gang bangs
Earning rep
the late poet Tupac called it - street fame
But Pac reminded us
That it’s the thugs in suits who stand to gain
And despite the daily carnage we remain the same,
Afraid to name names, accepting with mind numbing alacrity
Our collective shame
And how do we explain
Our lack of ambition
What ancient karma has come to fruition?
As descendants of kings
Bow in homage to inferior traditions
Cuz neither Muslim, Jew nor Christian
Has stopped our unrelenting march to perdition
We hear the truth
But offer little resistance
Preferring a marginalized existence
So how many more will die
Before we listen?
But we listen
To compromised politicians
With doggy style ways
As hidden cameras displayed
57 new ways to misbehave
And thus they betrayed
The martyrdom of Martin and Malcolm
As they were welcomed
In to the rituals of the beast
Participating in their blood lusting androgynous feasts
And what do you suppose
The millions of immortal souls
Say as we lie in repose
Watching us fold
As more and more leaders become exposed
For bargain basement prices they become bought and sold
And how do you explain
Our belief in a theology rooted in Caucasus caves
Forced on us by the ones that called us slaves
Thus we worship a man made god
With genocidal ways
And on Sundays we behave
In total acknowledgment of how far we’ve strayed
And just skip past the spot where the night before
A four year old was sprayed
Each night bullets blaze
And crack heads prey
On the elders
What once was a village can no longer shelter
It’s become more like Helter Skelter
But this is not a Lennon and McCartney song
And by the way,
Mr. Minister,
In 95 weren’t we suppose to atone?
So somebody explain
Why future kings continue to die
And 13-year-old mothers try to get by
Offering their temples
To the lowest bidder
Living in denial as their stomachs gets bigger
An existence 5 zeroes from six figures
But wouldn’t you figure
Some one would hip her?
And perhaps deliver
The truth about her holy roots
That the seed she carries is the sacred fruit
Of divine intentions
We need to put to rest our self-hatred
And self-inflicted lynchings
And recognize we are Black gods and black goddesses
On a holy mission
Only by accepting our greatness
Can we make a difference
Yet with all that is stake
Can you explain to a brotha?
Why we still won’t listen?
Saturday, July 11, 2009
ASTROLOGICAL INTEPRETATIONS
I PROVIDE DETAILED ASTROLOGICAL/NATAL CHART ANALYSIS
MY FEE IS $50.00 PER CHART – I WILL NEED AN ACTUAL TIME OF BIRTH IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THE ANALYSIS
BELOW ARE INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO READ MY REPORTS AND SAMPLES FROM ACTUAL CHARTS.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ME AT IMFILMS2007@GMAIL.COM
HOW TO READ MY REPORTS
• Planets represent our basic human urges.
• Signs represent the manner those urges manifest.
• Houses represent the area of life those urges are felt the most strongest.
SUN
Planetary Statement: “This is who I am”
Keywords: Ego, Identity, Purpose, Vitality, authority, masculine principle
Associated with Leo and 5th House
MOON
Planetary Statement: “How I feel safe and nurtured”
Keywords: Emotional self, instinctive responses, receptive, nurturing, feminine principle
Associated with Cancer and 4th House
MERCURY
Planetary Statement: “How I make sense of things, and communicate”
Keywords: communication, intellect, nervous energy, early education, versatility
Associated with Gemini and Virgo and 3rd and 6th Houses
VENUS
Planetary Statement: “What I find beautiful”
Keywords: Harmony, power of attraction, art, balance, beauty
Associated with Taurus and Libra and 2nd and 7th Houses
MARS
Planetary Statement: “I live by action”
Keywords: Energy, drive, action, aggression, courage,
Associated with Aries and 1st House
JUPITER
Planetary Statement: “My search for truth and wisdom…. If I ruled the world”
Keywords: Expansion, optimism, extravagance, belief system, political and social institutions, higher learning.
Associated with Sagittarius and 9th House
SATURN
Planetary Statement: “My teacher and business manager”
Keywords: Limitations, discipline, responsibility, karma, lessons, structure, boundaries
Associated with Capricorn and 10th House
URANUS
Planetary Statement: “My life without rules and boundaries”
Keywords: Nonconformity, genius, liberation, invention, inspiration, sudden change
Associated with Aquarius and 11th House
NEPTUNE
Planetary Statement: “My personal fantasy world”
Keywords: Imagination, transcendence, mysticism, illusion, compassion, dreams
Associated with Pisces and 12th House
PLUTO
Planetary Statement: “Spiritual personal trainer”
Keywords: Transformation, regeneration, death/rebirth, power, control, elimination
Associated with Scorpio and 8th House
SIGNS
NOTE:
THERE IS NO GOOD OR BAD SIGN; THE CHARECTERISTICS OF SIGNS REFLECTS THE MANNER IN WHICH THE INDIVIDUAL EXPRESSES THAT ENERGY.
Aries – Associated with Mars and Natural Ruler of the 1st House (Fire)
Positive Manifestation
Courageous, Pioneering, Energetic, Leadership skills, dynamism, competitive
Negative Manifestation
Impulsive, Impatient, Reckless, self centered
Taurus – Associated with the Planet Venus and Natural Ruler of the 2nd House (Earth)
Positive Manifestation
Stable, Reliable, Productive, Sensual, Resourceful,
Negative Manifestation
Hedonistic, Lazy, Stubborn, Slow
Gemini – Associated with Mercury and Natural Ruler of the 3rd House (Air)
Positive Manifestation
Versatility, Wordsmith, curious mind, logic, playful,
Negative Manifestation
Unfocused, gossipy, superficial
Cancer – Associated with the Moon and Natural Ruler of the 4th House (Water)
Positive Manifestation
Family Centered, Maternal, Protective, Emotional Bonding, Excellent Memory
Negative Manifestation
Clingy, over emotional,
Leo – Associated with the Sun and Natural Ruler of the 5th House (Fire)
Positive Manifestation
Creative, Enthusiastic, Fun Loving, Natural Leaders
Negative Manifestation
Domineering, bombastic, self centered, over dramatic
Virgo – Associated with the Planet Mercury and Natural Ruler of the 6th House (Earth)
Positive Manifestation
Attention to Detail, Health Conscious, Orderly, Routine Centered
Negative Manifestation
Nit-Picking, restlessness, hyper-critical, fussy
Libra – Associated with the Planet Venus and Natural Ruler of the 7th House (Air)
Positive Manifestation
Balanced, Charming, Cooperative, Refined, Strong Sense of Justice
Negative Manifestation
Indecisive, laziness, procrastination
Scorpio – Associated with the Planet Pluto & Mars and Natural Ruler of the 8th House (Water)
Positive Manifestation
Willpower, Tenacity, Emotional Depth, Tantric/Spiritual Sex
Negative Manifestation
Control, Abuse of Power, Obsession, Sex as a Controlling Mechanism
Sagittarius– Associated with the Planet Jupiter and Natural Ruler of the 9th House (Fire)
Positive Manifestation
Opportunistic, World Traveler, Higher Learning, Physical Activity, Optimistic, Literary
Negative Manifestation
Overreaching, Arrogance, Overindulgence, Pompous
Capricorn– Associated with the Planet Saturn and Natural Ruler of the 10th House (Earth)
Positive Manifestation
Ambitious, Patient, Organized, Businesslike, Methodical, Practical
Negative Manifestation
Restricted, inhibited, emotionally limited, brooding
Aquarius– Associated with the Planet Uranus and Natural Ruler of the 11th House (Air)
Positive Manifestation
Innovative, Unique, Humanitarian, Individualistic, Genius,
Negative Manifestation
Cold, private, distant,
Pieces– Associated with the Planet Neptune and Natural Ruler of the 12th House (Water)
Positive Manifestation
Psychic, Spiritual, Dreamers, Intuitive, Musical, Poetic
Negative Manifestation
Delusional, Self Defeating, Addictive,
PLANET/SIGN ANALYSIS:
This report will explain the nature of personal urges by exploring the planet and the sign that planet is located in. The location of that planet reflects the area of life that represents where that lesson will be felt the strongest, and if you master it in that area, you successfully apply that energy to other parts of your life.
The relationships between planets, i.e. oppositions, conjunctions, and squares represent the ways which planetary energies will work in a harmonious or inharmonious function. The key is to become aware of those energies so you are able to work through them.
HOUSE RULERSHIP ANALYSIS:
This report reflects the importance of the life lessons based on the information from the houses. The sign that rules the house reflects the personal path of evolution in that house or area of life.
KARMA ANALYSIS:
Karma is reflected in the natal chart in several areas. This report will focus on the karma by focusing on:
1. Saturn
2. Pluto
3. Nodes of the Moon
4. 12th House
5. Chiron
THEME ANALYLIS
This analysis reflects where there is a preponderance of a particular time of energy i.e. 4 planets in a sign, or several planets in a house, as well as the breakdown of element energies. Element = Fire, Air, Earth, and Water energies of a chart.
SAMPLES FROM ACTUAL CHARTS
2ND HOUSE
Evolutionary Life Area – How to use the gifts we were born with
Practical Applications - One’s approach to material wealth/self esteem/productivity/sensuality
Ruling Sign - Pisces
Personal Evolution Path
We are born with innate gifts, and we also acquire gifts during our journey. The 2nd House is the area in life that speaks to how we utilize the gifts we were born with, and how we acquire the things we need to sustain us. The 2nd House also indicates what we place value in, the nature of our personal resources, and our self esteem. This house also speaks to one’s natural approach to productivity.
With Pisces ruling this area your natural gifts are more ethereal than material. Pisces provides the blessing of an innate ability to connect with the spirit realm through visions, dreams, meditation etc. Pisces blesses you with the gift of poetry, music, and compassion. Although these tools and gifts of Pisces are more spiritual then material, utilizing them will be critical in getting the things that you need to sustain yourself. Your imagination and your ability to connect with the spirit realm can be converted into tangible material assets in this journey.
MOON IN CAPRICORN 12TH HOUSE
The Moon is your inner mother, her energy nurtures, protects, defends, and makes one emotionally safe. It’s the energy that reflects our natural self preservation instinct, and our habits based on early life experiences. Capricorn is the sign connected discipline, organization, ambition, and status. Therefore a Moon in Capricorn reflects an emotional need for discipline, organization, ambition, and achievement.
The 12th House is the house that deals with your subconscious energy, how you deal with issues like Karma, dreams, imagination, and depository of past life issues. A 12th House Moon suggests a strong subconscious need for quiet, solitude, “down time” equates to emotional nourishment. Activities such as journaling, meditation, dream work, are critical to your emotional well being. The test will be to find the balance between healthy and unhealthy seclusion.
KARMA
SATURN AS AN INDICATOR:
The location of Saturn reflects the type of Karma debt owed from past lives.
Saturn
Saturn in Leo reflects a Karmic lesson surrounding the use of personal power, and the application of one’s creative energy. As Leo is a self oriented energy, Saturn’s karmic force restricts that energy perhaps as a way to teach the lesson of applying creativity, for the good of the collective, as opposed merely for the purpose of ego gratification. The more creativity is used for the collective, the less restrictive that will feel.
Saturn’s location in your chart reflects a karmic need to create scenarios to induce growth and maturity. Until that growth and maturity takes place there will be a feeling of restriction, and stagnation. Therefore with Saturn in the 7th House the karmic lesson is to understand how to express your Leo energy in the area of personal and business relationships that lead to evolution and growth.
PROGRESSIONS & TRANSITS
Transits reflect the current location of the planets. Since the outer planets stay in signs and houses longer the focus is on Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.
Planets have influence the areas of the chart they transit through by infusing their energy into the area of life that they are transiting.
JUPITER TRANSITS
Jupiter transit 12th House
Jupiter transiting through your 12th House relates your subconscious, imagination, dream life, and your ability to access the spirit realm. Jupiter transiting this area could increase your capacity for sacrifice, and compassion, or contrarily increase your desire to be a martyr.
Finally the 12th House is your personal poetic and musical muse. With Jupiter transiting this area of your life you will expand your capacity to dream, visualize, and to utilize your musical and poetic outlets. In addition Jupiter brings about good luck and fortune in this area. The key with Jupiter transits is not to over do it.
In your case Jupiter is about to enter 1st House where you will approach life with an increased level of self confidence, optimism, and hope. The key for this transit is to avoid the temptation of being over indulgent or overly optimistic.
PROGRESSIONS
Progressions reflect the manner in which a person may reinvent themselves during their lifetime, expand their perspectives, and outlook on the world. The Progressed Sun is one of the biggest indicators in this analysis.
Progressed Sun in Cancer reflects that at the core you retain your Gemini identity, but as your progressed Sun moved first in to Cancer at about age 8 you added a layer of Cancer love of family, tradition, ancestors to your core being. In addition Cancer brings about a strong maternal, protective instinct. Often the urges are unconscious, but they are there. In about 8 years your Sun will progress into Leo when the reinvention energy will be one that is more creative, and perhaps the unconscious urge will be toward leadership.
THEMES
3RD HOUSE
With 2 planets (Mars and Venus conjunction) and your South Node in the 3rd House there exists a great deal of energy in this area of life. Again, the 3rd House focus is on the manner in which we interact with our immediate surroundings in our day to day life. It is an area of life that is considered practical learning, because we may have to consistently adjust and respond as the situation dictates. We also learn and adjust as the world responds to us. With Aries ruling this house it would be useful to focus on a positive application of Aries energy of directness, courage, assertiveness, and taking initiative. With a Venus/Mars conjunction be aware of the powerful lessons that your inner goddess and inner warrior want to teach as it relates to everyday interactions.
MY FEE IS $50.00 PER CHART – I WILL NEED AN ACTUAL TIME OF BIRTH IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THE ANALYSIS
BELOW ARE INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO READ MY REPORTS AND SAMPLES FROM ACTUAL CHARTS.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ME AT IMFILMS2007@GMAIL.COM
HOW TO READ MY REPORTS
• Planets represent our basic human urges.
• Signs represent the manner those urges manifest.
• Houses represent the area of life those urges are felt the most strongest.
SUN
Planetary Statement: “This is who I am”
Keywords: Ego, Identity, Purpose, Vitality, authority, masculine principle
Associated with Leo and 5th House
MOON
Planetary Statement: “How I feel safe and nurtured”
Keywords: Emotional self, instinctive responses, receptive, nurturing, feminine principle
Associated with Cancer and 4th House
MERCURY
Planetary Statement: “How I make sense of things, and communicate”
Keywords: communication, intellect, nervous energy, early education, versatility
Associated with Gemini and Virgo and 3rd and 6th Houses
VENUS
Planetary Statement: “What I find beautiful”
Keywords: Harmony, power of attraction, art, balance, beauty
Associated with Taurus and Libra and 2nd and 7th Houses
MARS
Planetary Statement: “I live by action”
Keywords: Energy, drive, action, aggression, courage,
Associated with Aries and 1st House
JUPITER
Planetary Statement: “My search for truth and wisdom…. If I ruled the world”
Keywords: Expansion, optimism, extravagance, belief system, political and social institutions, higher learning.
Associated with Sagittarius and 9th House
SATURN
Planetary Statement: “My teacher and business manager”
Keywords: Limitations, discipline, responsibility, karma, lessons, structure, boundaries
Associated with Capricorn and 10th House
URANUS
Planetary Statement: “My life without rules and boundaries”
Keywords: Nonconformity, genius, liberation, invention, inspiration, sudden change
Associated with Aquarius and 11th House
NEPTUNE
Planetary Statement: “My personal fantasy world”
Keywords: Imagination, transcendence, mysticism, illusion, compassion, dreams
Associated with Pisces and 12th House
PLUTO
Planetary Statement: “Spiritual personal trainer”
Keywords: Transformation, regeneration, death/rebirth, power, control, elimination
Associated with Scorpio and 8th House
SIGNS
NOTE:
THERE IS NO GOOD OR BAD SIGN; THE CHARECTERISTICS OF SIGNS REFLECTS THE MANNER IN WHICH THE INDIVIDUAL EXPRESSES THAT ENERGY.
Aries – Associated with Mars and Natural Ruler of the 1st House (Fire)
Positive Manifestation
Courageous, Pioneering, Energetic, Leadership skills, dynamism, competitive
Negative Manifestation
Impulsive, Impatient, Reckless, self centered
Taurus – Associated with the Planet Venus and Natural Ruler of the 2nd House (Earth)
Positive Manifestation
Stable, Reliable, Productive, Sensual, Resourceful,
Negative Manifestation
Hedonistic, Lazy, Stubborn, Slow
Gemini – Associated with Mercury and Natural Ruler of the 3rd House (Air)
Positive Manifestation
Versatility, Wordsmith, curious mind, logic, playful,
Negative Manifestation
Unfocused, gossipy, superficial
Cancer – Associated with the Moon and Natural Ruler of the 4th House (Water)
Positive Manifestation
Family Centered, Maternal, Protective, Emotional Bonding, Excellent Memory
Negative Manifestation
Clingy, over emotional,
Leo – Associated with the Sun and Natural Ruler of the 5th House (Fire)
Positive Manifestation
Creative, Enthusiastic, Fun Loving, Natural Leaders
Negative Manifestation
Domineering, bombastic, self centered, over dramatic
Virgo – Associated with the Planet Mercury and Natural Ruler of the 6th House (Earth)
Positive Manifestation
Attention to Detail, Health Conscious, Orderly, Routine Centered
Negative Manifestation
Nit-Picking, restlessness, hyper-critical, fussy
Libra – Associated with the Planet Venus and Natural Ruler of the 7th House (Air)
Positive Manifestation
Balanced, Charming, Cooperative, Refined, Strong Sense of Justice
Negative Manifestation
Indecisive, laziness, procrastination
Scorpio – Associated with the Planet Pluto & Mars and Natural Ruler of the 8th House (Water)
Positive Manifestation
Willpower, Tenacity, Emotional Depth, Tantric/Spiritual Sex
Negative Manifestation
Control, Abuse of Power, Obsession, Sex as a Controlling Mechanism
Sagittarius– Associated with the Planet Jupiter and Natural Ruler of the 9th House (Fire)
Positive Manifestation
Opportunistic, World Traveler, Higher Learning, Physical Activity, Optimistic, Literary
Negative Manifestation
Overreaching, Arrogance, Overindulgence, Pompous
Capricorn– Associated with the Planet Saturn and Natural Ruler of the 10th House (Earth)
Positive Manifestation
Ambitious, Patient, Organized, Businesslike, Methodical, Practical
Negative Manifestation
Restricted, inhibited, emotionally limited, brooding
Aquarius– Associated with the Planet Uranus and Natural Ruler of the 11th House (Air)
Positive Manifestation
Innovative, Unique, Humanitarian, Individualistic, Genius,
Negative Manifestation
Cold, private, distant,
Pieces– Associated with the Planet Neptune and Natural Ruler of the 12th House (Water)
Positive Manifestation
Psychic, Spiritual, Dreamers, Intuitive, Musical, Poetic
Negative Manifestation
Delusional, Self Defeating, Addictive,
PLANET/SIGN ANALYSIS:
This report will explain the nature of personal urges by exploring the planet and the sign that planet is located in. The location of that planet reflects the area of life that represents where that lesson will be felt the strongest, and if you master it in that area, you successfully apply that energy to other parts of your life.
The relationships between planets, i.e. oppositions, conjunctions, and squares represent the ways which planetary energies will work in a harmonious or inharmonious function. The key is to become aware of those energies so you are able to work through them.
HOUSE RULERSHIP ANALYSIS:
This report reflects the importance of the life lessons based on the information from the houses. The sign that rules the house reflects the personal path of evolution in that house or area of life.
KARMA ANALYSIS:
Karma is reflected in the natal chart in several areas. This report will focus on the karma by focusing on:
1. Saturn
2. Pluto
3. Nodes of the Moon
4. 12th House
5. Chiron
THEME ANALYLIS
This analysis reflects where there is a preponderance of a particular time of energy i.e. 4 planets in a sign, or several planets in a house, as well as the breakdown of element energies. Element = Fire, Air, Earth, and Water energies of a chart.
SAMPLES FROM ACTUAL CHARTS
2ND HOUSE
Evolutionary Life Area – How to use the gifts we were born with
Practical Applications - One’s approach to material wealth/self esteem/productivity/sensuality
Ruling Sign - Pisces
Personal Evolution Path
We are born with innate gifts, and we also acquire gifts during our journey. The 2nd House is the area in life that speaks to how we utilize the gifts we were born with, and how we acquire the things we need to sustain us. The 2nd House also indicates what we place value in, the nature of our personal resources, and our self esteem. This house also speaks to one’s natural approach to productivity.
With Pisces ruling this area your natural gifts are more ethereal than material. Pisces provides the blessing of an innate ability to connect with the spirit realm through visions, dreams, meditation etc. Pisces blesses you with the gift of poetry, music, and compassion. Although these tools and gifts of Pisces are more spiritual then material, utilizing them will be critical in getting the things that you need to sustain yourself. Your imagination and your ability to connect with the spirit realm can be converted into tangible material assets in this journey.
MOON IN CAPRICORN 12TH HOUSE
The Moon is your inner mother, her energy nurtures, protects, defends, and makes one emotionally safe. It’s the energy that reflects our natural self preservation instinct, and our habits based on early life experiences. Capricorn is the sign connected discipline, organization, ambition, and status. Therefore a Moon in Capricorn reflects an emotional need for discipline, organization, ambition, and achievement.
The 12th House is the house that deals with your subconscious energy, how you deal with issues like Karma, dreams, imagination, and depository of past life issues. A 12th House Moon suggests a strong subconscious need for quiet, solitude, “down time” equates to emotional nourishment. Activities such as journaling, meditation, dream work, are critical to your emotional well being. The test will be to find the balance between healthy and unhealthy seclusion.
KARMA
SATURN AS AN INDICATOR:
The location of Saturn reflects the type of Karma debt owed from past lives.
Saturn
Saturn in Leo reflects a Karmic lesson surrounding the use of personal power, and the application of one’s creative energy. As Leo is a self oriented energy, Saturn’s karmic force restricts that energy perhaps as a way to teach the lesson of applying creativity, for the good of the collective, as opposed merely for the purpose of ego gratification. The more creativity is used for the collective, the less restrictive that will feel.
Saturn’s location in your chart reflects a karmic need to create scenarios to induce growth and maturity. Until that growth and maturity takes place there will be a feeling of restriction, and stagnation. Therefore with Saturn in the 7th House the karmic lesson is to understand how to express your Leo energy in the area of personal and business relationships that lead to evolution and growth.
PROGRESSIONS & TRANSITS
Transits reflect the current location of the planets. Since the outer planets stay in signs and houses longer the focus is on Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.
Planets have influence the areas of the chart they transit through by infusing their energy into the area of life that they are transiting.
JUPITER TRANSITS
Jupiter transit 12th House
Jupiter transiting through your 12th House relates your subconscious, imagination, dream life, and your ability to access the spirit realm. Jupiter transiting this area could increase your capacity for sacrifice, and compassion, or contrarily increase your desire to be a martyr.
Finally the 12th House is your personal poetic and musical muse. With Jupiter transiting this area of your life you will expand your capacity to dream, visualize, and to utilize your musical and poetic outlets. In addition Jupiter brings about good luck and fortune in this area. The key with Jupiter transits is not to over do it.
In your case Jupiter is about to enter 1st House where you will approach life with an increased level of self confidence, optimism, and hope. The key for this transit is to avoid the temptation of being over indulgent or overly optimistic.
PROGRESSIONS
Progressions reflect the manner in which a person may reinvent themselves during their lifetime, expand their perspectives, and outlook on the world. The Progressed Sun is one of the biggest indicators in this analysis.
Progressed Sun in Cancer reflects that at the core you retain your Gemini identity, but as your progressed Sun moved first in to Cancer at about age 8 you added a layer of Cancer love of family, tradition, ancestors to your core being. In addition Cancer brings about a strong maternal, protective instinct. Often the urges are unconscious, but they are there. In about 8 years your Sun will progress into Leo when the reinvention energy will be one that is more creative, and perhaps the unconscious urge will be toward leadership.
THEMES
3RD HOUSE
With 2 planets (Mars and Venus conjunction) and your South Node in the 3rd House there exists a great deal of energy in this area of life. Again, the 3rd House focus is on the manner in which we interact with our immediate surroundings in our day to day life. It is an area of life that is considered practical learning, because we may have to consistently adjust and respond as the situation dictates. We also learn and adjust as the world responds to us. With Aries ruling this house it would be useful to focus on a positive application of Aries energy of directness, courage, assertiveness, and taking initiative. With a Venus/Mars conjunction be aware of the powerful lessons that your inner goddess and inner warrior want to teach as it relates to everyday interactions.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Inverted Maslow
Inverted Maslow, dayam what a concept. Well, let me clarify. Maslow hasn’t been inverted, but what has is the vibrational energy in which we honor these primal, and emotional driven needs. What brought about this epiphany is a thought I had while driving home. This guy parked his SUV in front of my home, and was chatting this sista up, when I left for the grocery store. I was like, well who is she, and why in the hell doesn’t he park in front of her house. When I drove back they were still there posted up. I “mean mugged” them as I drove in the driveway to the parking area in the rear. Then I thought, WTF? I don’t own that space of land, they are not threatening me, I am not embarrassed, disrespected, or - then I went back to “they are not threatening me”. I then realized, what being “threatened” meant or so I thought…then I said how does Webster define it?
Threatened
“Having an uncertain chance of continued survival a threatened species; specifically: likely to become an endangered species”
Huh? And since survival is the threshold which defends the state of being threatened, it represents a hella high threshold. So back to my scenario, to have gone back out front and beefed with a some dude (bigger than you) on Full Moon was insane. In short, it represented a dangerously low threshold for being threatened. Which begged the question how and when did that happen? When did we as a people decide that there was real value in lower vibrational responses to basic human needs? What was the tipping point? There had to be a moment in time, and I am certain anthropologist, socialist and historians, if given that parameter, could give us that moment. That moment where those who valued lower vibrational emotional response became dominant. But for me, without historical data, I am left to a gut feeling, so I am going with 2000 years ago or so. At that time, the seminal beats of modern religion Christianity, Judaism and Islam were reverberating in the fruit of the Fertile Crescent - Northern Africa and the Mediterranean. Each of those spiritual paths represented a critical turning point in man’s spiritual evolution. The ascension of the external God and the marginalization and in come cases the criminalization of the internal god. From that moment, on millions were fed by a powerful, vengeful, warlike, war making god, who had ultimate control over the destiny of men, and that was the sole creative force in the universe. Those God’s all spoke to a prophet, who could was uniquely qualified or “called” to hear him. Two points real quick – the existence of a uniquely qualified spokesperson, carried with it a presupposition that only that prophet could speak for god, and any that comes after them would be deemed worthy or unworthy based on their supplication and fidelity to that prophet, and secondly that prophet created a living spiritual body to represent him on earth, and fidelity to that body, represented fidelity to the prophet and vicariously to that God. The third part is this – all the Gods, and their prophets, their acolytes and syphocants were men. The theology formed in those critical years of human evolution, therefore can be defined in two ways, the degradation of the feminine principal, and the marginalization of the internal divinity. In astrology the three main features of human personality reside in the location of the Sun, the moon and the sign at the cusp of the first house aka the “Rising Sign”. Using the context of what was cut out of human evolution was the Moon energy and the Sun, leaving the superficial and less spiritual rising sign energy to rule. In simpler terms, humans thrived when all three energies were fully functioning. The worship of the Sun was present in all ancient cultures, and in doing so, activated their own divine spirit. The creations of the pyramids, longevity and outer worldly contributions of the Nubian, Mayan, empires for example are testaments to the holistic spiritual forces in play. In many ancient cultures the equality of women was reflected in shrines for Isis, and Sophia to Diana and Venus. To me true genius is the merger of both hemispheres of the brain, fully functioning, and allowing the spirit to express itself in a variety of ways. But more importantly understanding that there is a higher power, but also viewing one as a co-creator, fully embracing the spiritual component of this human journey empowers and offers the greatest chance for human greatness to shine. Embracing the feminine energy engages our empathetic, nurturing, protective, and intuitive side. True genius is what allows Mozart to tap in to his creative forces, or Nureyev to dance, and Langston Hughes to write, it allows Ella to be Ella, and Marion Anderson to inspire.
Back to Maslow, and his “needs”. Those needs are fundamental to our existence on this human plane. From the most primal human needs to self actualization we all have them. What has happened is that humans stripped of valuing our feminine energy, and disconnected from power as co-creator, lowered our threshold for security therefore we remain in a permanent cycle of paranoia, and hyper sensitivity. We now define love and self worth through the prism of society’s mores, and values. Lacking our personal power, we become easy pickings for the blandishments of marketers, and spin doctors. Finally our self esteem is not derived internally, but through the POV of others thereby robbing us with the capacity to truly self love ourselves. As I mentioned earlier in Astrology the rising sign is the mask we show to the world. Visualize those old Shakespeare plays where the actor or actress held a mask in front of their face to reflect what they wanted you to see. That’s who we have become. We have fully developed our mask, our brand. Our rising sign/mask is a spiritual tool, it is the prism that we chose in the spirit to see the world and for the world to see us. Yet, to truly evolve, we must engage our inner feminine, and reconnect with our birthright as co-creators. Failing that, Maslow’s needs will continue to be expressed in a manner that is both anti life, and anti evolution.
Threatened
“Having an uncertain chance of continued survival a threatened species; specifically: likely to become an endangered species”
Huh? And since survival is the threshold which defends the state of being threatened, it represents a hella high threshold. So back to my scenario, to have gone back out front and beefed with a some dude (bigger than you) on Full Moon was insane. In short, it represented a dangerously low threshold for being threatened. Which begged the question how and when did that happen? When did we as a people decide that there was real value in lower vibrational responses to basic human needs? What was the tipping point? There had to be a moment in time, and I am certain anthropologist, socialist and historians, if given that parameter, could give us that moment. That moment where those who valued lower vibrational emotional response became dominant. But for me, without historical data, I am left to a gut feeling, so I am going with 2000 years ago or so. At that time, the seminal beats of modern religion Christianity, Judaism and Islam were reverberating in the fruit of the Fertile Crescent - Northern Africa and the Mediterranean. Each of those spiritual paths represented a critical turning point in man’s spiritual evolution. The ascension of the external God and the marginalization and in come cases the criminalization of the internal god. From that moment, on millions were fed by a powerful, vengeful, warlike, war making god, who had ultimate control over the destiny of men, and that was the sole creative force in the universe. Those God’s all spoke to a prophet, who could was uniquely qualified or “called” to hear him. Two points real quick – the existence of a uniquely qualified spokesperson, carried with it a presupposition that only that prophet could speak for god, and any that comes after them would be deemed worthy or unworthy based on their supplication and fidelity to that prophet, and secondly that prophet created a living spiritual body to represent him on earth, and fidelity to that body, represented fidelity to the prophet and vicariously to that God. The third part is this – all the Gods, and their prophets, their acolytes and syphocants were men. The theology formed in those critical years of human evolution, therefore can be defined in two ways, the degradation of the feminine principal, and the marginalization of the internal divinity. In astrology the three main features of human personality reside in the location of the Sun, the moon and the sign at the cusp of the first house aka the “Rising Sign”. Using the context of what was cut out of human evolution was the Moon energy and the Sun, leaving the superficial and less spiritual rising sign energy to rule. In simpler terms, humans thrived when all three energies were fully functioning. The worship of the Sun was present in all ancient cultures, and in doing so, activated their own divine spirit. The creations of the pyramids, longevity and outer worldly contributions of the Nubian, Mayan, empires for example are testaments to the holistic spiritual forces in play. In many ancient cultures the equality of women was reflected in shrines for Isis, and Sophia to Diana and Venus. To me true genius is the merger of both hemispheres of the brain, fully functioning, and allowing the spirit to express itself in a variety of ways. But more importantly understanding that there is a higher power, but also viewing one as a co-creator, fully embracing the spiritual component of this human journey empowers and offers the greatest chance for human greatness to shine. Embracing the feminine energy engages our empathetic, nurturing, protective, and intuitive side. True genius is what allows Mozart to tap in to his creative forces, or Nureyev to dance, and Langston Hughes to write, it allows Ella to be Ella, and Marion Anderson to inspire.
Back to Maslow, and his “needs”. Those needs are fundamental to our existence on this human plane. From the most primal human needs to self actualization we all have them. What has happened is that humans stripped of valuing our feminine energy, and disconnected from power as co-creator, lowered our threshold for security therefore we remain in a permanent cycle of paranoia, and hyper sensitivity. We now define love and self worth through the prism of society’s mores, and values. Lacking our personal power, we become easy pickings for the blandishments of marketers, and spin doctors. Finally our self esteem is not derived internally, but through the POV of others thereby robbing us with the capacity to truly self love ourselves. As I mentioned earlier in Astrology the rising sign is the mask we show to the world. Visualize those old Shakespeare plays where the actor or actress held a mask in front of their face to reflect what they wanted you to see. That’s who we have become. We have fully developed our mask, our brand. Our rising sign/mask is a spiritual tool, it is the prism that we chose in the spirit to see the world and for the world to see us. Yet, to truly evolve, we must engage our inner feminine, and reconnect with our birthright as co-creators. Failing that, Maslow’s needs will continue to be expressed in a manner that is both anti life, and anti evolution.
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