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.
The Lovers represent a choice or connection.
In this deck, the Lovers are portrayed by two opposing forces, both of whom are completely nude, once again alluding to vulnerability. The female figure is bathed in light while the male figure looks down and is covered in shadow. The female figure holds an inverted pyramid in her hand while the male figure holds an upright pyramid. Both are tied together by a red string of fate, implying that they can’t or won’t ever escape their connection, regardless of how much time passes between their meetings.
In the RWS deck, we see a nude woman and man standing in a field beneath the burning angel, Raphael, whom Labyrinthos says is an archangel of air. The card relates to the zodiac sign of Gemini, a mutable air sign known for its love of duality and communication. The woman is flanked by a snake climbing an apple tree (yeah, the symbolism is thick here, and Pamela Colman Smith bowed to xtian themes) while a burning tree stands behind the man. We will see similar images later in the major arcana but, for now, let’s focus on this card.
When talking about a connection, the Lovers speaks about a relationship that is passionate, wild and volatile. It is filled with intense arguments and equally intense makeup sessions. Often, it is not sustainable, and some people confuse the heated interactions for love. I’ve found that this card usually comes up in readings for querents who have overlooked red flags in their relationship in order to give more weight and attention to what the relationship could or should be.
Sometimes the Lovers represents a healthier relationship, one built on the concept of unity and partnership. But I usually get a different card for those types of relationships, romantic or not.
And sometimes the Lovers represents a choice. The Lovers urges the querent to pick a path, to commit and deal with the fallout. There are other cards that represent choice, so the Lovers’ status as a major arcana card underscores just how important and impactful this decision will be.
With all that in mind, I’ve made a repetitive and intense workout to which you can commit and improve your speed and cardio health.
As always, 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.
Fit tip: When starting a new workout program, commit to sticking with it for at least eight weeks, which is about the length of time it will take for you to see concrete results.
Reading (the) Room
We’re talking about the election. Well, we’re talking about the election’s possible aftermath.
The Lovers came up for us when we talked about our newest SCOTUS justice, Amy Coney Barrett, and I think it’s very fitting that Election Day falls on the week we were set to do a deep dive into the card.
What can we expect after the events of Nov. 3?
Yikes. I actually made a joke a few days ago about how awful it would be if this card popped up in response to this question. For those of you who read tarot, I’m sorry you understand what’s to come so deeply. For those of you who don't read tarot, here’s a quick snap into the Emperor’s dark side: tyrannical behavior and abuse of power.
Kitchen Table Tarot author Melissa Cynova describes the reversed Emperor as representing bullies, racists and egomaniacs. Again, yikes.
So, who will win the 2020 U.S. presidential election?
None of us. The reversed 10 of Pentacles is a card of failure and, more importantly, the loss of stability. Regardless of how Americans will lose this election, there is a clear fork in the road: Will the U.S. continue to move toward unbridled fascism, or will fascism's growth slow under new leadership?
What I’m loving this week:
It’s wild how much cold brew I drink and how much making cold brew yourself will save you in the long run. This setup is large enough for my husband and me to use without feeling like we’re being shorted but there is a smaller version for those of you who don’t have to split your cold brew down the middle.
You’ll know how to say this when you watch this adorable show. Those of you who know I was in Tae Kwon Do for just over a decade know that I grew up watching K-dramas and can’t get enough of them. This show (almost) has all the K-drama staples: love, loss, serial killers/stalkers. It remains to be seen if ghosts will make an appearance but I’m crossing my fingers in the meantime.
Very happy to report that this gel nail tip kit has survived multiple weight lifting sessions, run-ins with walls and counters and hours of slamming my nails into video game controllers. If you also are avoiding nail salons, can’t stand stick on kits and need something to reinforce your natural nail, check this out!
This story was wonderful, and I absolutely love all the characters, some of whom are played by actors from The Haunting of Hill House. Fair warning: This made me cry for 45 minutes straight.
Made of high-quality card stock that feels like velvet and is incredibly difficult to shuffle, this dark deck features androgynous characters that appear to be carved out of white marble. The artist, Arthur Wang, is a designer whose natural interest in the occult and tarot makes this deck thoughtful and intense. Each major arcana card in this week’s deck includes a glossy background illustration that deepens the card’s meaning and will send you on a research tangent. Wang’s website says that most of the profits made on orders placed Oct. 17 will go toward “worldwide humanitarian efforts and LGBT youth crisis prevention in the United States,” so consider putting this on your wish list.
How can you support Cast Iron?
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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 covers spellcrafting and casting. It’s available now as part of a collab with Folk Care, an Atlanta-based herbal company.
Note: Some of the links I’ve included are affiliate links, which means I may get a cent or two if you decide to purchase whatever was linked.