Welcome to Cast Iron! A weekly newsletter that talks fitness, tarot and current events that hits inboxes every Monday. Each issue features a workout based on a tarot card, a tarot pull related to current events and, sometimes, a blog post or journal prompt. You’ll also find a list of my current favs at the end of each email, so be sure to check those out if you’re low on inspiration or energy. If you like my work, connect with me on Instagram and Twitter @byAlissaSmith or visit my website.
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The High Priestess represents the unknown. They represent the search for knowledge that continuously uncovers more questions, some of which can’t be answered right now or ever. As such, this workout is an AMRAP, which stands for “as many reps/rounds as possible.” You don’t know how many rounds you’ll get done and you don’t know which move will be the worst; You just know that this workout will take 45 minutes.
Set a timer and run through the first round as many times as possible in 15 minutes. Try to move to the next 15-minute round with minimal rest but make sure you’re not pushing yourself beyond your limits.
Please keep any injuries or health issues in mind when attempting this workout. Sharp pain means stop, dizziness means stop, feeling lightheaded means stop. And, when in doubt, check with your doctor before starting any new workout program.
This workout requires weights but don’t worry if you don’t have any. Just grab an odd object — like a backpack filled with books or a full milk jug — that will leave you nearly gassed by the end of the rep range.
Ready?
Fit Tip: You likely don’t need any sort of intra-workout snacks if your workout is less than an hour; You have enough blood glucose and stored glycogen to get through it without hitting that dreaded “wall.”
Reading (the) Room
And now onto even tougher lifts.
I’m not sure how versed you are in the world of tarot but you can find out more about how I approach the cards here. I don’t believe in fate or in the cards foretelling a concrete future — though it would be nice if they did. I believe tarot is a way to gain insight and understanding.
This week’s question: What was up with U.S. President Donald Trump refusing to denounce white supremacists during his debate with Democratic candidate Joe Biden?
If you watched last week’s debate between Trump and Biden, you know that it was a complete “shitshow.” It essentially was a cacophony of interruptions, except when it came to the climate change portion.
As CNN’s Jake Tapper said, the American people were the debate’s true losers.
The reversed Five of Swords is about taking action to preserve relationships. Paired with the Ace of Pentacles, a card intimately connected to work and money, this spread says that Trump refused to denounce white supremacists because doing so would have endangered his relationships and cash flow.
What can we take from this?
Unsurprisingly, the reversed Star, Strength and upright Three of Cups say that Trump is an insecure man who abuses his power and cares deeply about the approval and acceptance of his peers. The Star and Strength are major arcana cards that say these tendencies are reflected in other aspects of Trump’s life, not just his public persona or debate face. Unfortunately, the prevalence of community and relationships in this reading led me to hazard a guess that Trump refused to disavow a community to which he belongs.
What can you do with this information?
What I’m loving this week:
This YA novel about followers of Sante Muerte covers love, magic and hope and features a trans Latinx protagonist. Though many of the twists were predictable, that didn’t stop me from gathering my skirts and twirling with abandon.
La Colombe Draft Chocolate Milk
Life is hard, so why not enjoy some frothy chocolate milk as you slide from your bed and onto the floor while trying to hide from the world.
Huh, yeah. I guess you’ll have to click the link to see what this is all about.
This week’s deck is The Vindur Deck
I love The Vindur Deck’s simplistic color scheme that breaks the suits into primary colors, and I love the quality of the card stock. I also love the artist. I have the first edition of the deck, which is sold out (no, I will not be trading what is the equivalent of a holographic Charizard) but the artist recently opened pre-orders for the second edition!
Pst. You might have noticed a pair of snake earrings in the above photos. They were made by Josie, a scientist who makes jewelry in her spare time.
How can you support Cast Iron?
Share this newsletter and leave a comment below! Tell me what you liked, didn’t like, want to see, etc. I want to know how to make this newsletter the best thing about Mondays. If you have a story or topic idea, drop me a line at Hello@AlissaSmith.red.
How can you support me?
Hire me for freelance writing gigs. You can find some of my clips here.
Schedule remote tarot readings and/or personal training sessions with me.
Buy a copy of COVENTRY, a secular witchcraft zine run by me and my friend, Megan Castro, an Atlanta-based artist. Our newest issue talks about problematic ideas (e.g. The Secret) perpetuated in Western witchcraft circles.