Today, my taxi driver in Montevideo, Uruguay gave me a copy of a weekly magazine called Caras&Caretas after he dropped me off. After a day of wandering around the city, taking care of my laundry, and enjoying the scenery and the kind people, I returned to my temporary home. Alas, I flipped through and skimmed the magazine before finally reading my horoscope for June 17 to June 23.
Translation from Spanish:
“Leo
The sun continues on Gemini in the 11th House. Friendships will play a very important role in your life. It is in your interest to maintain your interests and social contacts, provided that you do not neglect your relationships. The development of your sense of identity will be most convincing through your work and experiences with groups that support social reforms, philanthropy, and politics. Love: Your erotic fantasies will be fulfilled.”
I probably read my horoscope once a year, if that. And admittedly, I do not believe in astrology. I also won't discuss the last line of this horoscope. ;)
But it does make me want to reevaluate and reconsider many of the friendships that I maintain and those that I associate with when I return home to New Orleans. People always say that you do not have to agree with people on everything to be friends with them. But for many things, and in certain circumstances, it makes all the difference. Especially for marginalized people.
The necessity of activism to fight against all forms of oppression has always been necessary. But it is even more necessary for our well-being and overall mental health if the people we befriend and associate with the most join in that fight. It's not always just about sharing common hobbies, having fun together, and sharing a sense of humor. Let's dispel with the notion that everyone is entitled to their option, and that we can just agree to disagree, and still be friends. That just doesn't cut it anymore.
Superficial friendships are so exhausting and temporary. And this horoscope highlights the importance of true friendship that enhances your sense of self. It highlights the fact that friendships are in fact political, whether you like it or not. Although it took me a while to realize this, it is okay to end friendships over politics.
In recent years past, I realized that many of the friends that I made in college were just temporary. Temporary, because they have stayed silent when Eric Garner, Michael Brown, and so many other unarmed people were killed by overzealous, racist police. Temporary, because they think I "play the race card" when I discuss the plight of oppression. Temporary, because if they have not protested against police violence, they do not value my life, let alone have the right celebrate the life of my future black children. Temporary, because they support politicians that advocate for policies that disparage the autonomy, dignity, and very humanity of women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, the differently abled, non-Christians, and anyone who is not in the 1%. Temporary because their brand of white feminism is not in the best interests for all women, and is particularly harmful to women of color. Temporary, just temporary.
I could go on. This horoscope is not just for Leos—it's for everyone. It is relevant at all times, not just during June 17 to 23. Even the part about love. ;)
