I am currently wondering if you've heard about the reports that announce that Warner Bros. Discovery is merging with Paramount. I really hope there'll be more antitrust enforcement, starting with this case.
Hi Jesse, I'm offering one tarot card reading in the comments per month to each paid subscriber. If you're interested and want a reading for this or another question, please upgrade your subscription and I'll be happy to get back to you. The link to upgrade is near the top of the article and also on the 'About' page: https://kyraoser.substack.com/about
Dec 12, 2023·edited Dec 12, 2023Liked by Kyra Lin Oser
Dear Kyra, how exciting to see what's in store for 2024!
I have especially been feeling the energy of the 4 of Wands myself, after completing my postgraduate degree, and going back to being a freelancer artist for the first time since 2018. I'm not gonna lie, though, it has been quite scary to do this transition at such a critical historical moment, especially since I live currently in Berlin. The ongoing political climate here has seen an unprecedented level of censorship of artists and freedom of speech by the German government and cultural institutions themselves, especially when it comes to critical voices calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. I'd been contemplating myself a move to another country, given this situation, but it feels like there's no place to hide, as this turn to political extremes–as you write in the article about the US– seems to be happening in other places in the world as well.
As I'd left my home country of Brazil in 2018, because of this exact polarisation of society, which led to artistic production being severely undermined by a lack of arts and culture funding, I seem to find myself at a similar crossroads now in Berlin many years later. I've been waiting for the answer on public funding for my projects here, but Berlin–notoriously a creative city, home to many artists–does not have a track record of paying these same artists just fees, or making it possible for them to earn a living within the possibilities of Berlin alone. This has been pushing me to try and find work elsewhere in Germany, where the salaries for arts and culture are more handsomely paid.
At the same time, Berlin rewards me with a great community of immigrants and expats, and I've just gotten my own apartment through Germany's social housing after many years of searching for a place, due to this city's desperate housing crisis. In fact, the great social system in Germany is one of the reasons why I haven't left this country.
What I'd like to ask you then is, would you please guide me in understanding if I'll be able to manifest the 4 of wands energy whilst living in Berlin, or if I will truly indeed need to lead a life wandering for work in other cities in Germany (and/or the rest of Europe), whilst keeping my home base in Berlin?
I'm glad you enjoyed the 2024 predictions! And congratulations on getting the housing! That sounds like something to celebrate.
I noticed you posted one main question but also mentioned a way in which something has informed your approach to this question. So I will address both.
First of all, as for a ceasefire, there was a ceasefire in effect, with the same ruling party in Gaza (Hamas) on October 7th. This has been tried repeatedly and it doesn't work. Until Hamas and others are removed from power, any ceasefire will not be honoured. Many people are not aware that there have already been ceasefires. There was one in recent weeks and that wasn't honoured by Hamas, either. It's reasonable to think that there would be peace if fighting stops, which is what a ceasefire would mean, but all parties need to be willing for that to happen.
I'm responding to this part of your comment because it sounds like this concern is influencing your overall question. It might help to know (and for anyone reading this comment to know) that there have already been ceasefires recently and not one of them was honoured. I noticed there continued to be protests calling for a ceasefire DURING a recent ceasefire (including on my university campus). I'm sure some stopped calling for a ceasefire at that time, but as for those who didn't, it makes me think there is either a lot of misinformation being broadcast about this topic, insufficient media reporting regarding these ceasefires, or possibly both.
So while Germany will continue to place restrictions on protests related to Gaza (for obvious reasons of trying to make amends for past actions), you wouldn't get much traction calling for a ceasefire anyway when that's already happened but failed every time due to Hamas breaking every ceasefire agreement. We could have a continuous ceasefire today if Hamas would release the remaining hostages and surrender, but Hamas leaders who financially benefit from this war (and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran who fund it) have not been willing to do that.
At the same time, and for reasons that are also related to WWII, Germany is particularly sensitive to far-right ideologies. They will be especially careful about preventing that from gaining momentum there; more so than some other countries in Europe. The policy you mentioned is attempting to address a specific historical moment and related issues.
Next, I shuffled the deck to answer your question. And I am not kidding about this, I pulled the 4 OF WANDS! I was not expecting that (I'm psychic but don't see everything—haha)! The 4 of Wands is a joyful card indicating festivities, stability, community, and partnership. It also encourages meeting new people at parties and other gatherings. While there will be visual and performance aspects to your work, and I see this as a blending of more than one artistic form of expression, you can also make meaningful contacts with musicians.
Community is especially important when you draw this card, so being in a place where you have access to the support of like-minded artists will matter to you. However, you don't have to be there full-time, and travel is indicated. This is where you can have it both ways!
Having a home base in Berlin can give you the satisfaction of connection and collaboration. At the same time, you will benefit from taking gigs or artistic residencies from time to time in other cities. How wonderful that they are well-paid in cities outside of Berlin so you don't always have to go very far for freelance work while keeping a home base in the city.
This tarot card has two figures and four wands, denoting work with two organisations or (sometimes) in two places at one time. The 4 of Wands also signifies working creatively in groups. It's interesting that there is a castle in the background of this card's image, and you asked about a home base. The message is to make creativity (and if it speaks to you, spirituality) your main focus (represented by the wands in the foreground); relationships with other artists and artistic organisations as a consideration after that primary purpose (as denoted by the figures in the midground and background); and to consider decisions related to home location after you have attended to artistic expression and relationships (as the castle is in the background).
In other words, if you put your artistic vision, creativity, or spiritual practise first, all the rest (such as who you choose to have in your life and where you choose that to be) falls into place. This card encourages you to enjoy and celebrate (and also feel proud of earning your place in) a social system that is giving support to artists. Imagine a world where those kinds of opportunities would be accessible to artists everywhere. Now that you've acquired this beneficial position, you are in a great place to launch your career from here!
Dec 16, 2023·edited Dec 16, 2023Liked by Kyra Lin Oser
thank you so much, Kyra, for such an in-depth answer and reading!
The 4 of Wands again (!!!) is truly a very auspicious synchronicity, as I'm very often seeing 11:11, which is also in the symbology of this card. And also the Venusian expression of Community and the Arts, which is a very dear revelation you have brought to me. Happy Holidays to you as well, and sending much love to you and yours for the New Year to come! ❤️
I am currently wondering if you've heard about the reports that announce that Warner Bros. Discovery is merging with Paramount. I really hope there'll be more antitrust enforcement, starting with this case.
Hi Jesse, I'm offering one tarot card reading in the comments per month to each paid subscriber. If you're interested and want a reading for this or another question, please upgrade your subscription and I'll be happy to get back to you. The link to upgrade is near the top of the article and also on the 'About' page: https://kyraoser.substack.com/about
Thanks for reading!
Dear Kyra, how exciting to see what's in store for 2024!
I have especially been feeling the energy of the 4 of Wands myself, after completing my postgraduate degree, and going back to being a freelancer artist for the first time since 2018. I'm not gonna lie, though, it has been quite scary to do this transition at such a critical historical moment, especially since I live currently in Berlin. The ongoing political climate here has seen an unprecedented level of censorship of artists and freedom of speech by the German government and cultural institutions themselves, especially when it comes to critical voices calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. I'd been contemplating myself a move to another country, given this situation, but it feels like there's no place to hide, as this turn to political extremes–as you write in the article about the US– seems to be happening in other places in the world as well.
As I'd left my home country of Brazil in 2018, because of this exact polarisation of society, which led to artistic production being severely undermined by a lack of arts and culture funding, I seem to find myself at a similar crossroads now in Berlin many years later. I've been waiting for the answer on public funding for my projects here, but Berlin–notoriously a creative city, home to many artists–does not have a track record of paying these same artists just fees, or making it possible for them to earn a living within the possibilities of Berlin alone. This has been pushing me to try and find work elsewhere in Germany, where the salaries for arts and culture are more handsomely paid.
At the same time, Berlin rewards me with a great community of immigrants and expats, and I've just gotten my own apartment through Germany's social housing after many years of searching for a place, due to this city's desperate housing crisis. In fact, the great social system in Germany is one of the reasons why I haven't left this country.
What I'd like to ask you then is, would you please guide me in understanding if I'll be able to manifest the 4 of wands energy whilst living in Berlin, or if I will truly indeed need to lead a life wandering for work in other cities in Germany (and/or the rest of Europe), whilst keeping my home base in Berlin?
Namaskar!
Hi Marcelo,
I'm glad you enjoyed the 2024 predictions! And congratulations on getting the housing! That sounds like something to celebrate.
I noticed you posted one main question but also mentioned a way in which something has informed your approach to this question. So I will address both.
First of all, as for a ceasefire, there was a ceasefire in effect, with the same ruling party in Gaza (Hamas) on October 7th. This has been tried repeatedly and it doesn't work. Until Hamas and others are removed from power, any ceasefire will not be honoured. Many people are not aware that there have already been ceasefires. There was one in recent weeks and that wasn't honoured by Hamas, either. It's reasonable to think that there would be peace if fighting stops, which is what a ceasefire would mean, but all parties need to be willing for that to happen.
I'm responding to this part of your comment because it sounds like this concern is influencing your overall question. It might help to know (and for anyone reading this comment to know) that there have already been ceasefires recently and not one of them was honoured. I noticed there continued to be protests calling for a ceasefire DURING a recent ceasefire (including on my university campus). I'm sure some stopped calling for a ceasefire at that time, but as for those who didn't, it makes me think there is either a lot of misinformation being broadcast about this topic, insufficient media reporting regarding these ceasefires, or possibly both.
So while Germany will continue to place restrictions on protests related to Gaza (for obvious reasons of trying to make amends for past actions), you wouldn't get much traction calling for a ceasefire anyway when that's already happened but failed every time due to Hamas breaking every ceasefire agreement. We could have a continuous ceasefire today if Hamas would release the remaining hostages and surrender, but Hamas leaders who financially benefit from this war (and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran who fund it) have not been willing to do that.
At the same time, and for reasons that are also related to WWII, Germany is particularly sensitive to far-right ideologies. They will be especially careful about preventing that from gaining momentum there; more so than some other countries in Europe. The policy you mentioned is attempting to address a specific historical moment and related issues.
Next, I shuffled the deck to answer your question. And I am not kidding about this, I pulled the 4 OF WANDS! I was not expecting that (I'm psychic but don't see everything—haha)! The 4 of Wands is a joyful card indicating festivities, stability, community, and partnership. It also encourages meeting new people at parties and other gatherings. While there will be visual and performance aspects to your work, and I see this as a blending of more than one artistic form of expression, you can also make meaningful contacts with musicians.
Community is especially important when you draw this card, so being in a place where you have access to the support of like-minded artists will matter to you. However, you don't have to be there full-time, and travel is indicated. This is where you can have it both ways!
Having a home base in Berlin can give you the satisfaction of connection and collaboration. At the same time, you will benefit from taking gigs or artistic residencies from time to time in other cities. How wonderful that they are well-paid in cities outside of Berlin so you don't always have to go very far for freelance work while keeping a home base in the city.
This tarot card has two figures and four wands, denoting work with two organisations or (sometimes) in two places at one time. The 4 of Wands also signifies working creatively in groups. It's interesting that there is a castle in the background of this card's image, and you asked about a home base. The message is to make creativity (and if it speaks to you, spirituality) your main focus (represented by the wands in the foreground); relationships with other artists and artistic organisations as a consideration after that primary purpose (as denoted by the figures in the midground and background); and to consider decisions related to home location after you have attended to artistic expression and relationships (as the castle is in the background).
In other words, if you put your artistic vision, creativity, or spiritual practise first, all the rest (such as who you choose to have in your life and where you choose that to be) falls into place. This card encourages you to enjoy and celebrate (and also feel proud of earning your place in) a social system that is giving support to artists. Imagine a world where those kinds of opportunities would be accessible to artists everywhere. Now that you've acquired this beneficial position, you are in a great place to launch your career from here!
Happy Holidays, Marcelo!
Wishing you all the best,
Kyra
thank you so much, Kyra, for such an in-depth answer and reading!
The 4 of Wands again (!!!) is truly a very auspicious synchronicity, as I'm very often seeing 11:11, which is also in the symbology of this card. And also the Venusian expression of Community and the Arts, which is a very dear revelation you have brought to me. Happy Holidays to you as well, and sending much love to you and yours for the New Year to come! ❤️