The Phoenix Issue '21

The Art Of Wearing

Emerald Green Silk Deju Photographed by @theginstarp Styled by @isaintlu.co for @lucostudiong Model @officialglitzz @litmodelsng Makeup @jogis_artistry Accessories @zeriluxury

Emerald Green Silk Deju Photographed by @theginstarp Styled by @isaintlu.co for @lucostudiong Model @officialglitzz @litmodelsng Makeup @jogis_artistry Accessories @zeriluxury

The Art Of Wearing

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Alpaca Aran Crew Neck

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This Aran island sweater design is inspired by the highly decorated styles that islanders prized as ‘Sunday Best’ formal wear, and by the pure white knits worn by island boys and girls to their First Communion ceremony.

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Warmth from the edge of the world

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Structural Cuts, Bold Prints, Colorful Accents Sustainable Solids

Structural Cuts, Bold Prints, Colorful Accents Sustainable Solids

Phoenix Issue Editor’s Letter

Dear Reader,

Most everyone knows the legend of the phoenix—a mythical creature that dies by bursting into flame and is then reborn again from the ashes. Did you know we have a real-life phoenix right here on earth? But instead of fire, all you have to do with this one is add a little water.

Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are microscopic (and kind of cute) animals that have been on Earth for over 600 million years—that’s 400 million years longer than the dinosaurs. They have survived every mass extinction event due to their unique indestructible powers.

Tardigrades can survive in extreme temperatures. They can live under more than 6x the pressure of the deepest part of the ocean or live under no pressure at all in the freezing vacuum of space. Radiation. Starvation. Dropped into boiling liquids. This little creature can survive it all.

It does so, by slipping into a state of cryptobiosis. Essentially, it sucks in its head and arms and dehydrates itself, going into a death-like state until reintroduced to water. Tardigrades can survive in this way for decades and then be reanimated as if nothing ever happened.

Phoenixes are great, don’t get me wrong, but not everything has to die to be reborn again. In trying times (like the modern age), sometimes we just need to stop for a minute, pull in our head and arms for protection, and wait until some new water comes along.

And in this issue of TrooRa, we’re featuring people who did just that. From finding adventure in a go-kart in Malaysia to what numerology says about emerging victorious in 2021, we’re exploring how individuals and businesses survived in 2020 and how they intend to come back strong today. Enjoy this issue!

Story Behind the Cover

This image by @gremlin is very spiritual. It represents a phoenix rising from the ashes. A form of rebirth. A new phoenix rises from the ashes of its dead predecessor. This is symbolic rebirth, hope, renewal, progress, end of oppression, and eternity. It is a time for true change. This image represents this and is very poignant at this time in history. Follow @gremlin on Istock photo.

In support of the BLM movement, Rare Magazine and Throckmorton Jones have mutually agreed all proceeds from BLM mask purchases will be donated to Pretty Brown Girl prettybrowngirl.com and National Alliance Of Mental Illness nami.org

HOME DESIGN & DECOR

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CHIC BATHROOM UPDATES MANDY ALLEN Blissful spaces prove that bathrooms don’t have to be a bore.

ONE OF A KIND CARY WONG One of a kind - The Long and Sudden Rise of Single Thread

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Photographers

WHITE HAUTE

Why be basic when you can be extra? This bathroom elevates traditional elements—such as the classic combination of white and brass, vanity mirrors as well as old-school basins—by combining them with show-stopping features that include a customdesigned XXL round mirror, contemporary hexagonal tiles, and bare bulbs hung from cord cables that, creatively, have been positioned on the wall with bespoke brass supports rather than being suspended more conventionally from the ceiling.

Tips

* Mirrors in bathrooms, strategically positioned, will make the space feel bigger and lighter.

* A niche recessed into the wall and hung with floating shelves is a space saver as well as an eye-catching architectural feature.

* Maximise storage wherever you can. Here, open brass shelves form part of the basins and provide space for bath and hand towels.

* A round tray can easily be converted into a quirky, compact table that’s ideal for the bathroom – a simple DIY job using hairpin or wooden furniture legs.

PHOTOGRAPHS GREG COX/ BUREAUX, WARREN HEATH/ BUREAUX

Chic Bathroom Updates

These blissful spaces prove that bathrooms don’t have to be a bore. Just look at it as an extension of your personal style and create a bathroom with serious chemistry.

JEWEL ROOM

The North African influence remains a magic formula for statement bathrooms as is evident in this breath-taking steam and shower room. The main event is, of course, the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling tessellated Zellige tiles in lapis blue with their subtle variations in texture and colour. Restraint in the design details—a simple timber-framed glass door, brass light and shower fittings, and a dramatic marble basin and polished stone shelf set low to the ground— ensures the finished look is classic and contemporary, never gimmicky.

Tips

* Creating a bathroom on a budget? Invest in just one ‘wow’ piece – a show-stopping basin, a beautiful light, or a tiled or wallpapered feature wall. Keep the rest of your fittings and decorations simple, minimalist, and timeless.

* Wet/steam rooms require ample ventilation.

* While there’s nothing quite like the real thing, photo-real vinyl stickers are effective in cheating the North Africaninspired tiled look.

SHADES OF GREY

Old meets contemporary meets futuristic in this striking bathroom that boldly places grey on grey on grey. Glossy subway tiles and a painted concrete floor look unexpectedly fresh in combination with vintage-style pressed ceiling panels (who needs wallpaper!) that lend texture and pattern. The interplay of old and new is taken to the next level here: an antique walnut plant stand and ornate period lights (given an update with white paint), as well as the nostalgic aesthetic of the pressed panels, act as a bold counterpoint to the fluid curves and ultramodern design of Patricia Urquiola’s Pear vanities for Agape.

Tips

* Introduce gloss and matt surfaces for a mood that is very of-the-moment. This nifty style trick also creates a sense of layering and energy in a space where colour has been purposely edited down.

* The introduction of pops of colour, in the form of an art print and indoor plants, as well as natural wood lends warmth and personality.

* Revive second-hand Victorian brass wall sconces and other period lighting with a coat of paint in fresh white or be bold with colour.

MATERIAL WORLD

In this bathroom, the juxtaposition of textures and finishes delivers major character and visual interest. A modern, dramatic overall effect is created by polished stone countertops, square tiles, a glossy concrete floor, ornate glass wall sconce lights, and curvaceous, oversized basins contrasting against an exposed stone wall painted white, a distressed oversized mirror, chunky exposed ceiling beams, and smaller details such as a rough-cut stone stand for soap and body products in the shower zone.

Tips

* A reflective floor can effectively serve to bounce natural light.

* It’s not always necessary to tile an entire wall, which in turn will save on costs. As this space demonstrates, a large section of tiled wall suffices in the shower zone, the remaining wall acting as a frame.

* Think about shape when creating contrast. The square tiles in the shower area connect visually with the mirror, their differing textures amplifying the interplay between rough and smooth, old and new.

BACK TO BASICS

If ever there was the perfect marriage of restrained industrial cool and free-form organic spirit, then this bathroom is it. Every element is perfectly curated for functionality as well as aesthetic balance: from the precise lines of the bespoke black galvanized steel shelves set against creamy white, artfully imperfect Zellige tiles to a collection of apothecary bottles filled with scented bath salts and the untamed arrangement of air plants hung from a metal chandelier frame. Large white marble floor tiles and a tree stump table further enhance this union of nature and machine-made, rustic and modern.

Tips

* Air plants are ideally suited to the steamy bathroom environment, not to mention those who need their living accessories to be low-maintenance.

* Beware of overcrowding. A space like this calls for decorative restraint to allow the balance to be maintained and the beauty of the features—the tiles, bespoke shower fixture, and shelving—to stand out.

* An all-white palette will be given grounding and modernity by interjections of black, living greenery, and coloured glass, in this instance the warm amber of apothecary-style bottles.

ROUGHED UP

Unique details, layered textures, and a rich, warm palette give this space its inviting character. The ruggedness of the raw brick wall has been exaggerated by a distressed finish and, while it is the main architectural feature, it harmoniously aligns with the raw concrete that makes up the rest of the flat surfaces. Vibrant plants with reflective, waxy leaves and the high-sheen copper ball-and-claw tub provide a smooth, glossy contrast to the rustic textures.

Furniture, accessories, and fittings bring a touch of nostalgia and individuality, the end result being the antithesis of showroom sterility.

Tips

* The bathtub has been slightly raised on a tiled platform, drawing the eye and introducing a sense of architectural layering.

* Indoor tropical plants thrive in a steamy bathroom environment but remember that natural light is still important to their wellbeing.

* A plumbed enamel basin on a converted dresser makes for a beautiful and unique bathroom vanity.

INDUSTRIAL LUXE

In an open-plan bedroom, the bathroom zone has been defined by a raised concrete platform. The industrial-style glass and steel shower cube is a showstopper. The restrained glamour of the space is enhanced by elegant details such as tessellated Zellige tiles, an oak bathroom vanity, a shell chandelier, a large framed mirror, and a decorative ladder used for towels rather than hooks. The limited colour palette gives the area a clean, fresh look.

Tips

* Take a note from the stylists and lean decorative items such as mirrors, artworks, and ladders instead of affixing them to the wall – it’s called casual chic, darling!

* You can never have enough baskets in the bathroom (or your home, for that matter). Larger ones will work as a laundry basket while smaller baskets can store everything from cotton wool and plasters to toiletries, make-up, and hair accessories.

BAROQUE AND ROLL

What at first seems to be a traditional bathroom space reveals itself to have a modern edge thanks to contemporary drop-pendant lighting, a beautiful gold side table with a delicate profile, and a deep Victorian-style ball-and-clawfoot bathtub that has been updated with a coat of glossy graphite-hued paint. The carved framed mirror—an antique shop find—is a dramatic focal piece and connects visually with the ornately framed portrait by South African artist Andrew Putter from his African Hospitality series.

Tips

* Indulgence and functionality don’t have to exist separately in a bathroom situation. Introduce elements such as beautiful lighting, a feature rug, and a striking piece of furniture for a feels-likehome statement.

* As long as a bathroom is well-ventilated and light, there is no reason not to introduce a few artworks. Just make sure they are not in the direct line of the bathtub or basin steam.

* Engineered hardwood has the look and feel of solid hardwood flooring and, under certain conditions, can work well in a bathroom that is properly ventilated, not overly humid, or prone to frequent flooding (kids, we’re looking at you!).

PRETTY IN PINK

Don’t shy away from all-over colour in a small bathroom or washroom. As well as enlivening the space, colourful walls will deflect attention from any design shortfalls. Pink, a shade that has crossed the line from accent colour to full-on classic, is a fun, lively, and fresh choice.

Tips

* Repurpose an office drawer by painting it a fashionable shade to use as a quirky bathroom storage unit.

* When not in use, leave the bathroom door open as a pop of bright colour adds joy to a home when it catches the eye, especially in a small space.

* Take your passion for colour to the next level and extend the wall colour onto the bathroom door, both inside and out.

PALE & INTERESTING

A monochromatic scheme makes this bathroom feel poised and contemporary. While simplicity reigns, there is still plenty of interest, from the contrast of the shiny tiles with the matt finish of the bagged stone floor and main walls to the play of angular shapes (the taps and bespoke black metal cupboard) versus round (the mirrors, basins and pendant lights). The basin stand—made from reeds that have been lashed together and set on bespoke whitepainted steel legs—is an unusual choice of material but effective in injecting an element of texture and warmth.

Tips

* Play with shapes such as circular elements in rectangular rooms. Round mirrors and curvaceous vessels are a good starting point.

* When limiting colour, it’s still possible to create interest with contrast—think matt vs glossy and sleek vs tactile.

* To keep a monochromatic palette fresh and modern, curate your colours carefully and stick with blacks and whites that have the same tonal depth.

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One Of A Kind –The Long and Sudden Rise of SingleThread

When Chef Kyle Connaughton and his wife, Katina, opened SingleThread in Healdsburg, California in 2016, it seemingly became one of the hottest restaurants out of nowhere. For knowledgeable gourmands, scoring a table at the 55-seat spot became increasingly difficult. As its fame grew fast and furiously, so did the accolades.

Eater named it one of the most beautiful restaurants of 2016. In 2017, it won a James Beard Award for its design. The San Francisco Chronicle gave the restaurant four stars in the same year. The World’s 50 Best Restaurants named SingleThread as “One To Watch” in 2018. And the Michelin Guide awarded two stars to the restaurant in the same year and bestowed the coveted three stars honor in 2019. It seemed easy; but in reality, it was a tough journey toward success.

Chef Connaughton attended culinary school and worked in

several notable restaurants in the Los Angeles area. He moved to Japan to work for Michel Bras and then to England for Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck.

Ms. Connaughton, his high-school sweetheart, and eventual wife accompanied him on his adventures while studying sustainable farming techniques, working for three years on a strawberry farm.

After their return to the US, they bought a 5-acre farm in Healdsburg of Sonoma County in 2014. Working to cultivate the produce, flower, apiary, and livestock, they prepared the inn and developed the restaurant menu that opened in December 2016. Those 28 years together have been quite a journey. She pursued her farming career while he did the same in cooking; so SingleThread was a culmination of their two paths and allowed them to work side-byside as a partnership.

They have learned a lot along the way but craftsmanship and artisanal products were two things that really stood out philosophically. They work very closely with artists all over Japan on much of their dishware and cooking vessels. “It’s something that we are

both very passionate about and it makes for a collection of very special things that the guests are able to interact with during their visit,” Chef Connaughton said.

In addition to the great food, SingleThread also features a beautiful interior design and lots of guest-experience details like freshpicked flowers attached to the menu. A holistic guest experience is very important to them.

“We approach the experience at SingleThread less like you are coming to a restaurant to dine; but more like you are coming to a dinner party in our home,” Ms. Connaughton said. “(The space) has to be filled with warmth and genuine experiences that draw the guest into what we do on our farm, the cuisine, the service, the wine (particularly from our region), and very importantly a real sense of the time within this place in Sonoma.”

A distinct characteristic of the location is

that it also houses a 5-room inn that serves a renowned breakfast program and fits perfectly into the entire experience. “We had always dreamed of having a very small inn that would allow us to extend our hospitality beyond just the dining room. We love breakfasts and producing them on such a small scale means we can do some really fun things,” she said. “We love for guests to have long relaxed mornings around these breakfasts either on the rooftop or in front of the fire in their rooms. It’s also another expression of the produce and products from the farm that they get to experience in a different way.”

All of the aforementioned produce and flowers are driven by their farm. As a result, SingleThread showcases the beauty of the location not only geographically but also temporally. “We want everyone to really feel

the fleeting moment of that day within the season in everything they see, touch, taste, and take that away with them,” they said.

The couple is now working on a huge farm expansion that is nearly 20 acres larger than the existing one. It gives them the opportunity to expand their agricultural footprint. It means more produce and more varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers than in the past. In addition, it is also an opportunity to bring guests to visit the farm and learn more about what they do agriculturally, as well as sustainable agriculture in general. Last but not least, this expansion will allow them to grow their charity meal donation program.

From a community standpoint, the Californian Wine Country is a large area and can take an hour or more to drive to various points, there are so many different attractions available. As such, there is an incredible community of restaurants working together and supporting each other.

“We are always really excited to send our guests to other restaurants in our area that we love for them to try during their stay,” said Chef Connaughton. “We don’t feel in any competition with the restaurants locally or within Wine Country.

We are all very supportive of each other and come together often, especially in times of need like during the fires.”

Sadly, the wildfires in Sonoma had done tremendous damage to the area and hospitality industry. The Restaurant at Meadowood, for example, has been destroyed. And the community has stepped in to help those who were impacted. “Everyone has helped in so many ways. We’ve really worked together during the fires to produce food for the first responders and the shelters for those who were displaced,” Ms. Connaughton said.

“We also worked on community fundraising efforts as well as ways to welcome guests back to the region. We work closely with Sonoma Family Meal, which is an organization that fights local food insecurity born from the fires and the instability due to the pandemic in recent months.

At SingleThread, we produce up to 1,000 donation meals a week for them from our kitchen. We also work with other programs such as Farm to Pantry to further utilize the raw ingredients in our community.”

Further on the topic of community, there is a close relationship with the local wine producers and they amplify each other’s strengths. The Connaughtons are very passionate about the many incredible local offerings. SingleThread shares these wines with guests and set them up with wintery visits and tasting appointments.

“It’s always fun to find great local wines that click for a guest and for them to experience that for the first time. We want to help make that connection for them so they can build that relationship with the winery as well,” they said.

Speaking personally, the couple loves to cook Japanese hot-pots that are prepared in earthenware vessels called “donabe”. It is something that they became passionate about when they lived on the North Island of Japan. These soulful dishes are what they always come back to.

“We make very healthy but also rich-tasting hot-pots full of fresh vegetables from our farm. We like to sit around and enjoy them

with friends and family over wine or sake— while following the COVID guidelines!” said Ms. Connaughton. That sure sounds like a perfect way to enjoy the ample bounties at Healdsburg!

Sweet and Savory - A Match Made In Kitchen at Kasama

Anyone who is willing to take a risk and open their first restaurant during a global pandemic is fascinating. When one digs into the background of Chefs Genie Kwon and Tim Flores, it gets even more so.

Genie and Tim both have impeccable culinary backgrounds, working individually at fine dining establishments such as Boca and Eleven Madison Park.

The two talented chefs met and overlapped while working at GT Fish and Oyster in 2014, as Chef Flores was leaving and Chef Kwon was starting. They did not have much experience working with each other before deciding in 2016 to help open Oriole, now an iconic Chicago eatery. There, Chef Kwon worked as the pastry chef and Chef Flores was the chef de cuisine.

Having left Oriole in 2018, and after getting married, they opened their first restaurant, Kasama, in August 2020. Kasama—which means “together” in Tagalog—is located in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village neighborhood. And despite the pandemic, they sold out of food completely on their first day.

This restaurant is a multitasker, a Filipino spot with an on-site bakery that sells counterservice breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their initial concept was a full-service dinner and

the couple intends to go forward with that once in-house-dining resumes.

“We anticipated to do most of our business during dinner hours but during the pandemic (with carryout) it has flipped and most of our business is done during the day,” Chef Flores said. “We always knew we would open a concept where our backgrounds in food could work together. The challenge was creating a concept and space layout where they could work cohesively.”

The two of them approach food and create dishes in the same way. Using all the techniques they have learned over the years to create elevated casual food, with an appreciation of textural contrasts and balance.

They discuss each dish and pastry at length. “Most of the changes are slight but we feel they do make a big difference in the final

product. We are never really satisfied which makes for hopefully better food but a pretty masochistic life,” Chef Kwon explained with a smile.

“When we are working, we are pretty stoic. Someone once described Tim as a ‘text message’ because he never knew if Tim was angry, excited, or happy,” Chef Kwon said. “Most people wouldn’t know we are married if they didn’t know our history. It is very important for us to not let personal feelings influence the day-to-day operations. Even though we spend every minute of every day together in the same place, during the week it feels like we don’t really see each other.”

Having dissimilar demeanors is also a key as Chef Flores tends to focus on the finer details while Chef Kwon sees the bigger picture, and that difference makes for a good partnership. To Chef Flores and Chef Kwon, their experiences in Oriole and other high-pressure kitchens taught them discipline and resilience. Stress, fear, and mistakes were par-for-the-course as they learned through the process and stuck with the process of a new opening in an especially challenging time.

“We searched for a space for two-and-a-half years. It was incredibly discouraging looking at space after space and entering one deal after another to have it later fall through,” Chef Kwon recalled. “Ironically, we ended up in a building that we drove past every day for over three years. And almost every day Tim would say it would be really amazing to open a restaurant in that space.”

With their background in and love for fine-

dining, it was a surprise that Kasama is more of a casual restaurant. Initially, they thought they would open a tasting-menu restaurant and that may still happen.

“We still think about doing (fine-dining) at Kasama,” said Chef Flores. “There is so much more control with a tasting menu. It is incredibly helpful for a business when you know how many people you will be serving every day.”

“Tim never thought he would cook Filipino food,” said Chef Kwon. “The more we talked about what type of restaurant we wanted to be the more he realized he wanted people to experience the food he grew up eating. Once we decided to open a Filipino-focused restaurant the goal shifted to making Filipino food accessible to as many people as we can because so few people had experienced it before.”

Considering the harsh winters of Chicago, not to mention the immediate challenge of COVID-19, their long-term goals have become shorter-termed ones. As such, they shifted to a menu that was more takeout-friendly.

“For us, half of the deliciousness of food comes from the temperature at which you are supposed to eat it. Not having that control once the food leaves the restaurant was, and still is, very hard to accept,” they said. “Whenever we put a dish on the menu, we will let it sit out for a couple of hours to see how the integrity of it changes over time.”

The amazing Chicago food scene also played a part in their thinking around Kasama. “We want Filipino food to be seen in as

common a light as Italian food or Chinese food,” Chef Flores explained. “That is the goal. We want to elevate it in a way so that people feel it can be paired with wine and make it modern but still keep the flavors traditional.”

In their personal time, they eat very simply—a fact that would surprise many. “(We eat) rice and eggs for most of our meals,” she said. “People think we must cook nice meals for ourselves but we probably eat at McDonald’s about three times a week. We do love to eat chili mac. It is satisfying and you can prep a lot of it and freeze it. It is a very efficient meal for us.”

To relax, they often end up eating Mexican food on their off-days as Chef Flores grew up in Cicero (a suburb of Chicago) with many great Mexican restaurants. “We usually spent our pre-pandemic times visiting Tim’s family, who still live in Cicero, and going to a local Mexican restaurant,” said Chef Kwon.

And one can imagine the many families that will do the same at Kasama with the great Filipino food by these two great chefs!

Culinary Innovation Born In The Napa Valley

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Decatur and the New South in London

The name Decatur instantly evokes images of the American South— Decatur Street; Café Du Monde; jazz and gumbo; the French Quarter in New Orleans. Seeing the name in London, England gives you a good idea of what Chef Tom Browne serves in one of the hottest restaurants in town.

Though the question remains—what is the story behind this very different concept?

Growing up in Nottingham, United Kingdom; good food has always been a part of his life thanks to his Mum’s fascination with the world’s cuisines. She moved to the UK from Pakistan when she was a young child. Having grown up with the tastes and smells of Karachi before maturing in London, she had a wide experience of different types of food.

The family has a library-sized collection of cookbooks—around 4000 last time Chef Browne did a count—and he always ate well. One night it might have been Mexican chorizo tacos, the next could be a Pakistani smoked lamb curry, or an authentic Coq-AuVin. When he moved out at 18, he needed to learn cooking in order to continue to eat well.

As far as Southern food, “my fascination with the cuisine of the South came about in

my early twenties,” he said. “I had always loved America, American culture, music, art, and people, but I had not yet ventured to the South back then.”

That changed when the band of his best friend Craig went there to tour alongside Thou, a Louisiana outfit. “I went with him and we all became great friends by the tours’ end,” he remembered.

The bands played two final shows in New Orleans. There, Craig met Lauren, and within a year they were married and he moved to America. Not wanting to be left out, Chef Browne got a job in New York, living in Brooklyn from 2011 to 2013. “Even though I was not working full-time with food, I spent most of my spare time either eating in great neighbourhood restaurants, staging in Michelin-starred kitchens, or visiting Craig and Lauren in New Orleans,” he said.

By the time his contract (and visa) ran out, he was in love with the South—its people, its cities and its food. When he came back to London, he was amazed that this deeply nuanced, rich, and fascinating part of America had been reduced to tired stereotypes, like Mardi Gras masks, in restaurants serving food that tasted nothing like the real thing.

And so began his attempts at cooking a British-inflected version of Southern food that is inspired by Louisiana, the cuisine of the greater South, and the neighbourhood restaurants he loved in New York.

The different climate, surroundings, and attitudes of Louisiana and London are startling. Over his seven years cooking Southern food in London, he was amazed at the similarities between the produce available in Louisiana and London—not to mention the relationship between the two cuisines.

“British food gets a pretty bad rep as being boiled vegetables and grey, tired meat. But our cuisine traditionally has been linked to the land, with wild meats being at the core of our cuisine,” Chef Browne said. “Game birds like pheasant, partridge and grouse have been prized for centuries and we have always been a country that has eaten ‘nose to tail’ just as they do in Southern Louisiana.”

From the British tradition of butcher-shop charcuterie like brawn (pigs’ head) and ox tongue to offal-based dishes like haggis and blood pudding, the parallel of these dishes to Cajun cuisine is evident. Where the Brits have brawn, Cajuns have hog head cheese. Where they make haggis with sheep’s offal and oats in the United Kingdom, Cajuns make boudin with pig’s offal and rice.

Moreover, both places share a tradition of sausage making and braising game down into pies and rich stews. Case in point, study the Louisianan one-pot gumbos, sauce piquants, and stews.

“If you look closely, the Northern European influence in Cajun cuisine is huge,” he said. “And although the Louisiana pantry has a little more spice from its African and Spanish influence, many of the principles of the cuisine are the same.”

In addition, there are a lot of similarities to the ingredients of both places: oysters, crab, shrimps, summer berries, and tomatoes are but a few examples. “I would put British Pork up against any in the world in terms of quality,” Chef Browne declared. “For a while, I could even source live, wild, British Crawfish, though the environmental agency has put a stop on the sale of it, as it’s an invasive species.”

Despite having to buy the odd crate of imported hot sauce, part of the fun of his job is working out the similarities and applying Southern sensibility and technique to British produce. It has undoubtedly led to some great dishes!

In addition to solving the raw materials puzzle, Chef Browne also rose to the challenge

on the business-side. He had a street food setup for a short while but the van was unfortunately stolen four months into his start. The natural decision was to move into pop-up spaces after that incident as he could cook a much bigger menu and spend less time on the logistics.

His restaurant was due to open in 2020 but was canceled due to the pandemic, so he needed to pivot again. “We’re actually just delivering meal kits into people’s homes,” he explained. A seafood boil and their famous chargrilled oysters are now his main menu items. Since the pandemic, restaurants in the United Kingdom are facing a difficult situation with policies that flip-flop between partial openings and restrictions on leaving the house except for essential needs.

“When this all calms down, a permanent restaurant in my part of East London (Waltham Forest) would be the dream,” he said. “For me, a restaurant is really about community more than anything else and I’d love to be able to open a place that became a part of people’s lives in my neighbourhood. Especially as it feels like everyone will be utilizing what’s near to them… rather than making unnecessary trips on crowded trains.”

Circling back to food, on a personal level, one of his favourite things in the world is Thai Congee with crispy pork belly and green chilies in vinegar. “I can’t get enough of Thai food,” he said. Another of his go-to items is the Decatur boudin. Making them is a matter of perfecting the recipe—he has made more than 50 different incarnations since he started!

“For me, it’s the perfect bar snack—a link of boudin, some crackers, some hot mustard, pickles, and a few beers are heaven,” Chef Browne said. “I’m sure it’s also probably because it transports me straight back to the gas-stations and markets of Southern Louisiana—which is a great place to escape to in the cold winter of London.”

BI-DEN!

If you’re reading this, that means, like me, you have survived 2020. The astrologer that I follow on YouTube called it long before planes were grounded, long before hospitals became places to fear, and long before 2020 had become the year of “Bird Box.” According to my planet’s alignment, the astrologer claimed 2020 was going to be a successful year for me. Well, considering the fact that I made it to 2021, it’s fair to say she was right.

Just like the rest of the 7.8 billion people in the world, when 2020 started, I made my new year’s resolution, claiming that it was going to be my year. My sense early on was that, since it was a new decade, it would go down in history as a year of rebirth, a time of reset, the year when we would finally awake to the enormity of the climate emergency. Well no shit!

But early on, we knew that 2020 was going to be in a lane of its own. Not just because of the

pandemic buzz, but also because it was the year that we would decide what kind of country we want to live in. Would it be one that promotes racism, corruption, and chaos? One that calls Mexicans rapists? One that calls Haiti and Africa shit-hole countries? One that makes fun of the disabled and promotes anti-Semitism?

Or would we choose one where we can be a civilized nation, where Black lives actually do matter, where we can show empathy towards one another, lead the world, promote change, and build back better? I don’t know about you but I came to America because of the latter and it is my responsibility to be part of the climbing process. So my choice was clear and my vision was 2020… until shit got blurry.

Back in January 2020, China remained the epicenter of the outbreak. Of course we spoke with naïve optimism of track and tracing rather than blanket lockdowns. We promoted washing hands for like a week, then it was “don’t touch your face, don’t wear a mask — oh no wait! Do wear a mask, but still don’t touch your face.” We had no idea what we were doing.

When I started making plans for my birthday bash in England for September 2020, my buddy, Joe thought the chances of that happening this year were slim. His prophecy, of course, turned out to be prescient; but my response was as ridiculous as it still sounds now: “Bro, Black people don’t catch that shit.”

And then came the images out of Sydney of the shells of the Opera House shrouded in smoke from wildfires; images of the residents of one of the planet’s most enjoyable cities going about their daily lives wearing masks. Soon, however, those pieces of fabric would appear in every city and on every continent as a guard against a different kind of respiratory threat. The mask not only became an emblem of 2020, but also a huge controversy in a frightening new age. Covid was here and it was here to

stay.

Like many crises that call for a historic world event, there are causes and effects (e.g. the Haitian revolution where 200,000 people died but Haiti became the first black nation in the Western Hemisphere to gain its independence on January 1st 1804). There were many more events like this that took place in the past, and most times, we understood why and accepted the morning-after pill. But this time around, it felt wrong. We all knew that the presidential election would be a crisis that may call for a historic world event but never in a million year, did we think Covid-19 would be the price to pay. And it was too expensive.

When Covid-19 was finally declared a pandemic in the United States on March 11th 2020 by the World Health Organization, it was already too little too late. Not because it was impossible to contain but because there was so much conflicting information provided by the government and others. Most people just didn’t know what to believe anymore. Some of us complied; others just went with the flow; and too many of us died because of it. Hundreds of thousands of innocent people lost their lives in 2020 (and continue to perish today) because of Covid-19. And even more people have died in the last four years because of that other virus— “Individual 1.” The one that failed us all.

Both viruses have destroyed not only the country, but its citizens, its rule of law, its morale, its standing in the world, and so much more. America “is” the greatest country in the world and it’s a bit disingenuous to use “present tense” because it’s so far from what we’ve come to witness in these last four years with Individual 1, which frankly felt like a decade. But since I still have faith in the country that I’ve come to claim as my home, I have to believe that that there’s still a slim chance that we can build back better to that number one spot… again…somehow.

Most days, I feel enraged that I had to lose so many friends because one person failed to be

honest. Some days, I feel broken watching my beloved country going downhill unchartered because one person failed to lead. Today, I feel sad because I know within my heart that as a nation, we can do better. None of this should have happened. All of this could have been avoided, but when you have a virus handling another virus, it’s almost impossible for the equation to not be about one striking out the other.

Even then, they both still failed. Individual 1 failed to get rid of Covid-19 as Covid-19 failed to get rid of Individual 1. Quite the duo if you ask me. But for the sake of our country, the anxieties, the economic downfall, the injustices of Black and Brown people, the mishandling of the pandemic, the sheer racism and inequality of everything with a drop of color—we must do better. Covid-19 is nothing but a virus, a virus that we can and must defeat. And Individual 1 is nothing but a number, a number that has already been changed.

But there are a lot more viruses out there in our society that we also must rid of, the kinds that cause us to hate each other because of race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicities, disabilities, accents, and more. The kinds that put children in cages and tell women that they have no rights over their bodies. The kinds that prey on the needy and claim to make us great again but only aim to divide and conquer. The enablers, the racist sympathizers, the both-sides-of-the-story tellers, we see you. And just like 2020, we’re waving bye to you. Good riddance, hasta la vista, au revoir, Auf Wiedersehen.

James Baldwin was right: “To be a negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in rage almost all the time.” America, I’m tired! I’m tired of waiting…waiting for a new day to come. And even when this new day comes, and the phoenix rises from its ashes, I will

still be tired of waiting, because it might not feel like home.

But I’m also hopeful. After four years of holding my breath under this water, fearful that one day I might just drown in my own tears, I must find hope in this new promised land. Not because I believe that it’s going to keep me from sinking, but at least my head will be above water, and maybe, just maybe I might be able to swim my way out of this misery. And if — or when I do make it out, I will hold my head up high, stick my chest out, purse my lips and with my 2021 vision and the little bit of strength that remains, I will look back and wave goodbye to an era that has not only taught me that my Black life matters, but that my voice also matters. And while this war is yet to be over, this fight we must claim. We did it, Joe. We made it through another day. Until next time… BI-DEN.

Staying In Place

From Corporate to CaravanningMy Journey to Life on the Road

Hello everyone, my name is Clay and I’m a 31 year old Software Developer from the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York. Growing up in the country gave me a deep appreciation for this beautiful Earth we live on, and a desire to see as much of it as I can. When I was younger, I loved exploring the woods and mountains, and even got myself purposely lost a few times. Finding your way home without a GPS back then was always a good time, at least I thought so.

Fast forward to the present; I’ve been working

for a major bank in Charlotte North Carolina for the past seven years. I genuinely enjoy my career, but if you’ve ever worked in a big corporation, you know just how repetitive and mundane your daily routines can become. To offset the repetition, I got into landscape photography as it was the perfect creative outlet to complement my love for travel. When I’m not coding, I’m off exploring some part of the world with my significant other and my incredible friends, snapping pics of my experiences.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began spreading around the world, cities transitioned into lockdown mode and my

travel plans for 2020 were obliterated. This included a 2-week getaway to Thailand, my best friend’s wedding, and a much anticipated hike in Yosemite National Park.

My job informed us that we were to work remotely until further notice. My daily routine then went from working in a cushy 26th story office and booking trips every other weekend to spending 95% of my time at home, going out occasionally for groceries.

As the months rolled by and I ran out of Netflix shows to watch, the newly emerged Coronavirus showed little signs of slowing down (here in the US anyway). I started to wonder what the future would hold for my career. I was informed that we’d be working from home until at least the beginning of 2021. It was then I figured as long as I’m working from home, it shouldn’t really matter where exactly home was, as long as there was good WiFi and I could get my work done. My SO and I decided cutting our lease short and

moving back to New York would be a good move. We’d get to save on rent and be closer to our families.

Once I got the green-light from my job on moving to NY, I thought about the possibility of traveling while I work. Like plenty of the super-hip millennials out there, I started looking into living life on the road. I didn’t have a mortgage or kids tying me down, and the thought of traveling the country full-time had been on my mind for a couple of years now. That’s when I came across the idea of “van life”. Van life is, as the phrase suggests, literally converting a van into a livable space and traveling to wherever your wheels may take you. In recent years its become a popular social movement among modern nomads. This immediately spoke to the adventurer in me that had been groomed and polished into somewhat of a corporate robot over the decade (premature mid-life crisis maybe?).

After watching dozens of videos of

YouTubers making these wicked awesome van conversions and going on these incredible adventures, I became totally enamored and decided to make it a reality and purchase a van of my own.

This would be the perfect Stay-At-Home project so I immediately began planning. I didn’t want to live like a complete caveman so the van had to be large enough to install a full kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area, storage space, and a place for me to work. I’m 6 ft tall, so being able to stand up straight was ergonomically important. Luckily I was able to find a perfectly-sized Dodge Sprinter for sale nearby and immediately scheduled an appointment to check it out.

The day came to go see the van. I took the morning off and headed out with the SO to inspect our possible new home (she was very excited about this as well). Now, I’m not sure

if this next event was a warning sign or just bad luck, but my Honda broke down along the way and nearly caught on fire. Most people I know would have called it a day and got an Uber back home. However I’m ultra stubborn and had a friend graciously drive us the rest of the hour long drive to see the vehicle. Shout out to Derell, you’re the man.

We finally made it to the owner’s residence who was nice enough to wait for me and gave us a tour of the van. It wasn’t in too bad of shape; a few dents, rust spots here and there and a small leak in the roof, but I knew it was a perfect fit. It was a former American Red Cross van, and oddly enough that made me like it even more. After a test drive and some back & forth with the owner, I purchased my new van and officially began the journey into van life. Woot woot!

Being that this van was a former Red Cross

vehicle, there were certain customizations made to it that we had to uninstall. This included a gigantic, extremely heavy, fully-motorized hydraulic ramp attached to the back. It came in very handy for the many trips to Home Depot for lumber, insulation, etc, but at some point this thing had to come off. Doing this particular job ourselves would have been extremely difficult given the weight and our lack of power tools, so I took it to a local mechanic who got the job done no problem

We’ve done a ton of work on the van since. So far we’ve removed the flooring, cleared all the rust on the inside, cleaned the (possibly blood) stains from the upholstery, insulated the inside, installed a fan into the ceiling, cut, framed and installed wood for the subfloor, lined most of the inside with cedar wood, built a frame for the bed, shower and cabinets, and wired the overhead lights.

Converting a van is an incredibly huge task to take on, but the reward makes it all worth it. I owe a ton to my SO, I’d still be at square one without her. We’re aiming to have the van complete by the end of February and couldn’t be any more excited.

Making the move towards life on the road has helped me renew my adventurous spirit that I feel most of us lose when we enter adulthood.

The responsibilities of growing up put many of our dreams and aspirations on the back burner. Getting married, purchasing a home and starting a family are all fantastic goals that most of us plan on reaching, however I feel I don’t quite fit that mold just yet (don’t tell my gf that). Spending my days at the beach or camping in the mountains are much more my speed, and I plan on doing as much of this in 2021 as my new mobile home will let me.

Rare Stays in Magical Mauritius

Mauritius is a tropical paradise and Africa’s top luxury destination.

The two Rare Stays shared in this edition are located on the northern tip of the island and the rugged southwest of the island, respectively. Vibrant Mauritius is a volcanic island nation surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. This is a paradise for sun, beach, water sport, and cultural enthusiasts.

LUX* Grand Gaube is a completely reimagined luxury resort situated at the northern tip of Mauritius. The bright, light, and airy resort was the result of the pioneering vision of designer Kelly Hoppen. Guests step into paradise the moment they arrive and relish the effortlessly chic yet blissfully relaxed setting.

LUX* Grand Gaube is located amidst lush tropical gardens and surrounded by coves that provide calm lagoons for enjoyable swimming. The gorgeous selfencompassing resort has a large property close to the small town of Grand Gaube, but it is unlikely that you will want to leave the resort after arriving. This is a true destination that spoils guests with an abundance of special

spaces, dining options, activities, and much more.

LUX* Grand Gaube has the ideal spot on the island, as the weather is just about always perfect. The resort is built along the coves and beaches that offer calm and warm waters all year round. You can enjoy a range of different culinary experiences at fine restaurants such as Palm Court Restaurant; you can indulge yourself with some spa treatments at LUX* Me; or you can just lounge on the beach or poolside all day.

The core values of simplicity and timeless elegance are evident throughout the resort but specifically in the rooms, suites, and

villas. Each offers generous spaces and feels like living in a stylish beach house. Guests can select a Superior Room, a LUX* Villa, a Deluxe Room, a Junior Suite, an Ocean Junior Suite, a Prestige Junior Suite, a Family Suite, or an Ocean Villa.

The villas are unattached to other rooms and much more private. However, each and every room or suite offers unparalleled luxury and comfort. Each room and suite has a balcony or terrace and is laid out so that they all have ocean views. Besides these lovely features, all are fully equipped with everything you expect in a hotel room and more.

All the LUX* Resorts & Hotels have unique facilities that make your stay special. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the resort. There are a number of restaurants, as well as bars such as The Bar - LUX* Grand

Gaube. They have their own brand of coffee that gets roasted on the island and can be enjoyed at Café LUX*. And they make their own ice cream that can be sampled at Lux ici Icecream. There are a few beaches for guests to enjoy but the adultsonly private Banyan Beach @ LUX* Grand Gaube is incredible. Guests are also free to enjoy the two pools, gym, spa, and other common spaces such as the LUX* Cinema.

LUX* Le Morne

LUX* Le Morne is a dreamy fivestar resort located on the southwest coast of magical Mauritius. LUX* Le Morne is situated on a long stretch of coastline at the foot of the majestic Le Morne Mountain. This sheltered space offers guests the perfect spot to tune into the natural surroundings.

The dramatic backdrop of the distinct mountain and the lush tropical environment make this resort feel like a secluded secret. Throughout the resort, you are only a few steps away from a comfy space to relax under a palm tree. The calm, warm waters of the lagoon and long stretch of pristine beach are quite famous and especially attractive during sunsets.

LUX* Le Morne truly has the most perfect spot on the beautiful island of Mauritius. There is something about the energy of Le Morne Brabant and the lush natural surroundings that make this location so special. Guests feel relaxed, happy, and at ease from the moment they arrive at this unique resort. The endless palm tree-lined beaches, warm turquoize water, and numerous green spaces offer a tranquil escape from everyday life.

LUX* Le Morne offers beach living at its best with wooden chalets dotted all along the coastline. Guests are never more than a few feet away from the beach and the views are all incredible. The rooms and suites are designed simply but offer unrivaled comfort. Guests will enjoy the private terraces or balconies that provide them with a calming space among the palm trees and other greenery. Select between the Junior Suite, Prestige Junior Suite, Ocean Junior Suite, Superior Room, or Honeymoon Junior Suite. Each room and suite is well stocked with all

the necessities such as Sleep Tight beds, comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, working desks, and ensuite bathrooms, some of which have luxurious Jacuzzi baths.

The resort is full of world-class facilities and amenities for guests to enjoy. Expect complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the resort as well as wonderfully friendly staff. Guests can make use of the gym or the LUX* Tennis Court and partake in scheduled activities or be pampered at the LUX* Me Spa. Walk along the LUX* Le Morne Beach and relax on one of the hammocks or swinging beds. You can also lounge in or next to one of their three gorgeous pools. Go to the LUX* Boat House to book a water sport activity or excursion. There are numerous restaurants, bars, and even the Cafe LUX* from which to get refreshments or treats. Finally, make sure to check out the wishing tree, the ice cream station, the art space, and the London-style

2021 a Phoenix Rising from the Ashes of 2020

2020, what a year!

Who could have predicted a year so utterly paradigm-shifting? Say this in a room full of astrologers or numerologists and you’ll hear a chorus of ‘we told you so” mixed in with laughter.

You see, the chaos of 2020 was written in the stars and programmed in the numbers. It was predestined, unavoidable and an inevitability in the world we’ve created.

2020 acted both as the destruction of the world as we knew it and a wake-up call to cultivate a new world. As painful and challenging as this year was, it was necessary. It happened in our favor – for our greatest good so that we can evolve with the times.

The Great Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter meeting at 0 degrees in the sign of Aquarius on 21 December 2020 for the

first time in 400 years finally propelled us into the longawaited Age of Aquarius. The world is changing and we need to change with it. And the turbulence of 2020 is exactly the push we needed to change at a fundamental level. Without it, we would have been too fearful to change – stuck in our old ways or afraid to leave our comfort zones.

Instead, we’ve been awakened (however shockingly) to new possibilities and better ways of being. We’re emerging from the ashes of 2020 like a phoenix ready to rise to the occasion.

2 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 5

2021 will be ruled by Universal number 5 which suggests that change is at the core of this year.

A 5 Universal Year holds a changeable, adventurous, and free-spirited energy. It comes at the mid-way point in the 9-year cycle, so in some ways serves as a kind of pivot around which the two halves of the cycle turn.

Its energy is said to usher in change.

Although we could say the same of 2020 (which was a Universal number 4), this time things are different. In 2020, change was forced upon us because the foundations of our world were shaken to the core. We spent the whole year scrambling to regain our footing and save the life we had built. 2021 won’t be without turmoil, but last year taught us how to adapt and pivot to accommodate the change. In 2021 we regain some semblance of control even as the chaos continues around us. This is our saving grace that will lead us to a calmer and a better world on the other side.

What to Expect in 2021

What the Numbers Say about 2021

The things that happen in 2021, will put us on the path towards a more humane world. This year will be about addressing climate change, equality, and expanding political alliances but will be met by significant violence and marred by natural disasters.

Each new event will grab our attention obscuring our ability to see our progression towards a more community-driven society. But rest assured, a greater sense of sisterhood and brotherhood is promised to us in 2021.

There is More to Reality Than Meets the Eye

There are different layers of reality. On the surface level are the events and circumstances that form part of our material world. Just below this level is the stream of consciousness and our evolving awareness - the forces which shape the physical world.

In 2021 there will be days when we can’t see past the physical chaos around us. But there will also be days when we feel instinctively that we’re heading in the right direction. Those days will give us hope and the strength to continue.

2021 will be a year of spectacular events and

changes, not unlike 2020. But the deeper reality is that we are evolving quickly, gaining control, changing direction, and moving forward in constructive ways we have yet to see clearly. There is a bigger picture we can’t yet see. It won’t come in a day, and it won’t be easy, but the numbers predict a significate leap forward and in the right direction over the next five years - starting in 2021.

Break the Banality & Routine

Experiencing something that you do out of the ordinary helps you look at life with a new perspective amidst the global pandemic. Nizie Lokman and her multigenerational family discover a vast liberation of freedom gokarting on the tiny island of Langkawi, Malaysia.

Traveling Again

The global pandemic that hit us in 2020 changed everything. It was the year where the entire world stood still, especially in tourism. The situation crushed my heart as a traveler. Due to the fluctuations of numbers in the Covid-19 cases, outdoor adventures in groups were disrupted on and off during the control movement order in Malaysia. Although the Malaysian government was acting in the best of our interest, I was screaming in silence, rattling the cage to escape from an extended insane home quarantine. Like everyone else, I was doing the same thing every day—staying at home.

Fortunately, after many months of restlessness, Peninsular Malaysia was allowed to move from one state to another. My deep desire to travel was reborn again, allowing me

to break free from my banality and routine. Coincidentally, this coincided with the yearend holiday. My family and I excitedly took a journey to reconnect with the natural islands of Langkawi, up north from the city of Kuala Lumpur.

We spent most of our trip at Datai Bay, a secluded bay that is known as one of the top 10 beaches in the world, cited by National Geographic in 2016. Surprisingly, we managed to go against the grain and took a spontaneous 45-minute road trip from Datai Bay. There, we found ourselves on the grid of speed at the Morack Adventure Park, Malaysia’s longest go-karting tracks of 1,300 meters.

Let’s Go Karting

Morack Adventure Park is Malaysia’s leading international go-karting circuit today. It also made history as the first SWS certified track in South East Asia under the helm of Genji Hashimoto. With more than 40 years of experience in his professional motorsport in Asia, an ex-Lamborghini driver in GT500 class showcases the Sodikart SR4 in the Malaysian scenes, namely in Langkawi, for thrill-seeking domestic and international travelers.

The Sodikart SR4 is a modern and unique style representing the new generation in karting design; the perfect choice for drivers who enjoy the true racing sensation. It is also an ideal activity for the family to create an exhilarating experience together, including breaking boundaries and creating new perspectives. Through this thrilling experience, I discovered how to rise from my breakdowns to navigate my breakthroughs for 2021, on my own terms.

1. Feel the Heart-Racing Intention

I always believe that setting goals is like stretching a heart-racing intention. A vision of purpose supporting smaller goals needs to be stretched with achievable higher standards. You must think that it’s possible even though it can be crazy and scary. Likewise, in our own dimension, my family and I chose gokarting because we realize that we either take

the risk or lose the chance of the moment. After all, we are a family that believes speed sets our soul free after a long slow moment of staying at home.

Interestingly, my daughter in her own way managed to influence her grandfather to go-karting as well and do something out of the ordinary with a heart-racing intention together as a family. I see it as journeying together in a mini-community. I believe this activity is a way to let go of the painful past and gear up towards a new meaning in a different light.

2.Move with a Maverick Motivation

I often read books and listen to other people’s stories about stretching human potentials, but it can never be the same as experiencing it myself. Imagining the sheer thrill that comes with speed gives me a sense of freedom. It is my analogy of feeling alive within the extraordinary experiences as I create the space I want for myself. It’s one way to channel our negative energy to a positive one.

Expressing our inner child with thrills helps us reconnect to our faith instead of fear. We must take charge and find ways to motivate ourselves every day. We must believe these extraordinary experiences are teachers to reach our full potential. We chose Morack Adventure Park to do just that.

3.Accelerate into Unapologetic Action

That moment of fear is no joke when the momentum moves you speeding down the track. It was just me and the wheels. I almost wanted to retreat but I heard my inner voice talking to me. ”Nizie, listen to me. When you hear your whole body respond to your intention, even though your knees are knocking and your heart is racing, you are about to do something really brave, bold, and create something beautiful for yourself. You need to feel the burning desire to be where you want and give your best shot in this one life you have. Only you can do this for yourself.”

The vibes were indeed awakening and electrifying. Instantly, I pushed my right toe to accelerate unapologetically and I moved forward. I looked at my husband, daughter, and her grandfather from a distance. They probably felt what I felt. Moving in motion unapologetically from intention to action with no holds barred in the world.

For those who see us from afar, it may seem as if we are competing with each other, measuring who is faster, or observing the skills of taking control behind the wheels. But the underlying principle is the importance of expressing yourself by shaking up your being and making yourself better today than yesterday.

Most of us have great intentions, but if you don’t make it happen, you will stay the same and resist change. This go-karting experience

shook me and reminded me that we are the driver of our life, and we must independently make every day extraordinary. Doing things that scare you a little helps put the world right again.

4. Experience a New, Exhilarating Sensation

Wiki Yoshikawa once said, ”every act is an expression of oneself.” How we unconsciously behave shows who we are underneath. Gokarting is one way you can create your destruction if you haven’t done this before. It doesn’t mean that you need to put your life at risk, but sometimes we need to do new things that squash our status quo. The struggles we face will only change when we consciously turn intention into action and not just talk about it. Just like the phoenix, we must rise, take charge, challenge ourselves, and be aware that we can bounce back bigger and better than before. So, in order to make progress in the next level of your life—just do it. On your mark, get set, and go!

Let’s finally turn intention into action. Let’s transform our inner zest into an extraordinary experience that sets us free. If I can embody this growth mindset, you can too. For more information about Morack Adventure Park, visit http://moracadventurepark.com.

buloshoes.com

Diarrablu: Ananas Kimono

Cocoacentric: Nubia Large Tortoise Earrings Faux Tortoise Gold Plated Stainless Steel

Bulo Shoes: Oriana is a women's leather pump from Halmanera. Made in Italy, in high-quality leather, and a 2½-inch heel. Black and Red heel

Model: Deja Peters

Photographer: Laura Tillinghast

MUA: Celestine Pearl

Stylist: Angelica Garde

Creative Direction: Brian Esterle

Style Curation| Creative Direction: Trystanne Cunningham

Produced by: Rare Magazine LLC A Fortunest Group

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Mate Masie Curations: Thato Choker Material: Wood Beads and Ribbon

Nikki E Designs: The Caté Ear Jacket multi way earring. Wardrobe: White Jacket Charlie Mub Coutoure Stylist: Angelica Garde

Model: Deja Peters Photographer: Laura Tillinghast MUA: Celestine Pearl

Creative Direction: Brian Esterle

Style Curation| Creative Direction: Trystanne Cunningham Produced by: Rare Magazine LLC A Fortunest Group

Fashion & I –RISING PHOENIXES!

The start of a new decade, 2020 was the threshold of greatness with the whole world looking upon it with such promise. However, that quickly changed as three months into the year, the world was brought to a standstill by an endemic that quickly progressed into a global pandemic.

We were forced to slow down and for many including me, the year was an opportunity to critically analyse what we want from our lives and what we hoped to make of the rest of the year and the rest of our lives really.

2021, quickly replaced 2020 as the year we attached all our hopes too. Now these hopes were connected by a common thread globally, an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, with talks of a vaccine spelling a nearer end than we thought.

In more ways than one 2021 is the Phoenix year. Humanity is rising from the ashes of a fireball of a year and while the numbers are rising again, the optimism that has been attached to the year don’t seem to have reduced. In fact, more people are chasing their dreams, laser focused on not time pass by without fully achieving their goals.

In the spirit of rising from the ashes of 2020. I decided to go back to school and took it a step forward and moved to a country thousands of miles away from mine to start my MA in the school of my dreams. Starting a new journey in a lockdown has all the makings for mental/emotional stress but after being put on hold for a

whole year, I am ready for my life to begin.

Having the option to learn about fashion from outstanding tutors and meeting, albeit virtually incredible creatives from around the world is an invaluable experience and I intend to make the rest of my 2021 one whole invaluable experience.

The past year presented many hurdles to overcome, the new year was sort of a push of the restart button in our lives, both personally and professionally—and more so within the fashion community. The fashion community like everyone else is making a comeback and dealing with new realities.

“I think 2021 will be between 2019 and 2020 levels. It will certainly not be worse than last year. I dare not make more ambitious estimates, the first half of the year seems not easy,” Ermenegildo Zegna’s CEO Gildo Zegna told reporters on the sidelines of a press conference for the autumn/winter 2021 collection.

In a Coveteur article, Damie Idowu, Founder and Creative of MÍE says:

“In 2020 I learned without a doubt that focusing on the good, no matter how small it seems compared to the bad, creates more room for positive things to happen. And that’s the energy I’m taking into the

new year: to always focus on the good. One of our goals for Míe in 2021 is to be more sizeinclusive”.

Damie’s comments on her goals for her brand are in the same lines with a lot of thoughts about fashion and how the fashion community can survive and thrive in the new normal.

Business of Fashion’s the State Fashion 2020 report, when discussing consumer shifts and how fashion business will respond to them says:

“The pandemic will bring values around sustainability into sharp focus, intensifying discussions and further polarising views around materialism, over-consumption and irresponsible business practices”. It also mentions a need or fashion brands to reinstate value to make it worthwhile for shoppers to purchase at full price and a huge part of doing so is gaining the trust of customers anew.

The report goes on: “The coronavirus also presents fashion with a chance to reset and

completely reshape the industry’s value chain — not to mention an opportunity to reassess the values by which we measure our actions.”

From fashion brands working to survive this pandemic, to entrepreneurs starting new business or perhaps going back to school, we are all rising phoenixes.

Palm Springs Earrings

A sweet Patina Gold Hand painted monstera leaf on top, mixed with a toned down cream and green acrylic links

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Warm Watercolor Tassel Earrings marble acrylic Tribe Tribal Necklace in Feather Bib Necklace, with snake chain.

Model: Deja Peters

Photographer: Laura Tillinghast MUA: Celestine Pearl Stylist: Angelica Garde

Creative Direction: Brian Esterle

Style Curation| Creative Direction: Trystanne Cunningham

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Renaissance de la beauté

2020 was the year of uncertainties, disruptions, and revival. Beauty was one of the most affected industries. As we’ve all been and continue to be on lock down, we’ve avoided making ourselves up and there has been less focus on personal grooming, even to the extent of not showering for a few days (so, I’ve heard). Salons are closed with no professional services being offered. All of this resulted in reduced sales of beauty products and a huge loss to the overall beauty and grooming industry.

Nevertheless, as things start to look better for the future, there is no doubt the beauty industry will come back in full swing. We are all yearning to look good and start feeling good about ourselves again. There are plenty of new ideas, new products, and new concepts to tackle our “new normal” concerns.

2020 was the year of uncertainties, disruptions, and revival. Beauty was one of the most affected

industries. As we’ve all been and continue to be on lock down, we’ve avoided making ourselves up and there has been less focus on personal grooming, even to the extent of not showering for a few days (so, I’ve heard). Salons are closed with no professional services being offered. All of this resulted in reduced sales of beauty products and a huge loss to the overall beauty and grooming industry.

Nevertheless, as things start to look better for the future, there is no doubt the beauty industry will come back in full swing. We are all yearning to look good and start feeling good about ourselves again. There are plenty of new ideas, new products, and new concepts to tackle our “new normal” concerns.

Let’s have a look at some of the features of the new beauty market.

Sustainable formulations and transparency about ingredients will be key for all products. The consumer has become more aware and brands are also striving to make their products environment friendly.

There will be more focus on skin care products. People are getting more comfortable in their skin and are happy to flaunt their no makeup, healthy skin look. Skin hydration products will be one of the major segments to be highlighted.

Due to prolonged use of masks, Maskne (acne due to wearing a mask) is a concern that needs to be handled. Soothing face sprays or lotions will be ideal to take care of this.

DIY beauty has become quite popular during lockdown, and will remain popular in 2021 also. Lots of brands are coming up with easy DIY kits—be it hair color, facial treatments, or gel nail colors.

Along with skin, a lot of focus will be on eye care. Prolonged screen time has led to fatigued eyes and the appearance of crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, eyebags, dark circles etc. Eye treatments will be more popular to combat the above issues. Increased availability and awareness of eye care products will be seen this year.

Minimalism will be the go-to approach in makeup. BB cream will be more popular than full coverage foundation and contouring will be done away with. A quick makeup look will be preferred, especially for online meetings. The most commonly used products will be concealer, BB cream, blur powder, mascara, and lipstick.

Multi-tasking products—like a primer-foundation-concealer combo or a crayon that you could use as a lipstick, blush, and eyeshadow—will be quite popular when getting ready for video calls. Monochrome makeup is the latest trend.

When stepping out, transfer-proof makeup will be the choice of everyone. The makeup should still be on your face and not on your mask when you take it off. Finishing powders and sprays, which help to set makeup will become quite popular.

With masks on, eyes are the only features, meaning everyone wants to enhance them. Bright colored eyeliners, two tone eyeliners,

long lashes, and multi-chrome eyeshadow will be the rage.

A lot of importance will be given to hand care. With excessive washing and use of sanitizers, our hands tend to become dry. Hand care products like hand creams, hand serums, and scrubs will be hitting the market. Hand sanitizers were quite harsh in 2020. In 2021, they will be more formulated with gentle ingredients and more efficacy.

A focus on “local” will be another big concept this year. People will try to use whatever is available locally to support the economy.

There are a lot of opportunities for the beauty industry in 2021 and beyond. It is time for a resurrection and focus on the concepts and ideas that consumers will benefit from after a two-year hiatus.

2021 Emerging Artists

In our Rare Gems playlists, we don’t want to lean heavily on the newest tracks. Too much media attention is focused on what is new over what is great. It’s important to me as a music writer that I don’t give the impression newer is inherently better. There are just too many lost classics hiding on records that can’t be hyped for being the “next big thing.”

But as we are all still excited about the new year, I want to set aside some tracks to remind you that, yes, they do make good music these days. Here are some musicians who have put out only one or two full-length albums in the past few years, and have yet to break through into becoming household names.

As usual, our list is carefully sequenced to flow through the tracks without jarring transitions. So if slow, pretty songs aren’t your thing, jump ahead to the end. The tracks build in energy as the list progresses and you’ll find plenty to rock out to in those later tunes.

List

Molly Burch - To the Boys

I knew I’d want to start this list with “To the Boys” as it’s one of my favorite jams of 2020. By now, you can take your pick of songs that could be packaged as ‘girl power!’ yet “To the Boys” revisits the notion in Burch’s own unique way. It’s a song about being quiet but assertive. We feel that not only in the lyrics but in the presence in her voice.

I don’t need to scream to get my point across

I don’t need to yell to know that I’m the boss

That is my choice

And this is my voice

You can tell that to the boys

She delivers it all with this sultry, Texas croon that I can’t help but sing along with. We also featured Molly Burch on our Holiday Rare Gems playlist.

Filous - Bicycle

Filous is a producer from Austria who makes addictive pop songs. This is firstcocktail dance music. Not bangers, but head boppers. Fans of Pharrell, Taylor Swift, and the Gorillaz will dig these jams.

My current favorite is “Bicycle” because newcomer Klei’ singing—Do I look too cool? On my bicycle...I’m sorry I rule—is just too cool. I’m sorry, it rules. “All My Friends Are Rich” is another charming song to add to your pop list.

SAULT

What is there to say about SAULT? They don’t promote themselves; even their Instagram page consists of only 35 posts (each of their songs, and a one-sentence announcement when a new album is released). There is no bio on their website, and the only message in all of their tweets was about taking a stance on systemic racism. Thus SAULT is a band built on zero hype; they let the music speak for itself.

That music is a little bit R&B and a little bit disco. It all comes together in a way that somehow sounds both classic and new. Though they have plenty of love songs that fit into the expectations of disco, some of their most groovy songs like “Wildfires” and “Don’t Shoot, Guns Down” give voice to the struggle against police brutality.

NVDES

One of the older bands on this list, you may have heard Josh Ocean’s indietronica project NVDES in the latest iPhone commercial, but they have so much more to offer than being background music for a brand. Though Ocean is the main force of the project, he conceives of NVDES as a collective to produce songs with his many musical friends. Though don’t neglect the string of EPs and singles Ocean has put out before.

In the broad spectrum of indie pop, NVDES dapples in a wide array of styles. They have chilled out jams like “Do You Think About Me,” “Anything Goes,” or “Dancer from New York.” They have hard-hitting trap tracks like “The Godde$s Way” or “DYT (Do Your Thing).” And house tracks like “Stupid Dope.” Oliver Tree’s rap on “Running” could be channeling the

Beastie Boys. But my favorite NVDES songs are dance-punk, like the rollicking, shouting “My Mind Is” or “On MY Magic” and also “Oh La La La.”

Though all of these songs and more are worthy of this playlist, I’ve left you with “Don’t Fvck Your Neighbor,” as hearing Madi Diaz chant ‘I don’t care how many steps that you take / as long as you walk away from me’ is the perfect soundtrack for those stepping out from sheltering in place.

Model Child

If you’re in search of angsty music to soundtrack your decadent downfall, look no further than Model Child. After launching his music career writing songs for Shawn Mendes, Nick Jonas, and Jessie Ware, punk rocker Danny Parker started Model Child for an outlet that was less bedroom-pop and more queer punk. Exemplary is “My Queer Teenage Anthem” which is exactly what it says on the tin. He shouts, ‘All of my friends and all of your friends should get a room together,’ over serious guitar and a seriously catchy beat.

If you like this, a good follow up song that is just as catchy is “Trash.” “No Sleep in the City of Angels” doesn’t rock as hard but is equally fun.

The Wrecks - James Dean

The Wrecks self-produced their album in several days, sneaking into a studio where their friend was house-sitting. They make accessible, straight-forward indie rock. They had a bit of a hit with “Favorite Liar” but this band is too good for us to let them become a one-hit-wonder. If you like one song, you are as likely to enjoy the whole album. Stand-out tracks “Freaking Out” shares Nick Anderson’s experience experimenting with psychedelics while on “Out of Style,” Anderson asks ‘when the hell did love go out of style’ over a banger of a beat.

The song “James Dean” that I’ve included in this list is delivered with a smirk in the tradition of late-nineties pop-punk bands like Lit and Blink-182.

Imagine being shallow, Thinner than a shadow, Thicker than wood

Imagine for a minute, The way that I’d be living, If only I could

In the second verse, they describe getting busted by their mom for smoking at a party. The Wrecks make being uncool sound pretty cool.

KennyHoopla - How Will I Rest If I’m Buried by the Highway?

At the turn of the century, a slew of bands reinvented the new wave they grew up with, as indie rock grew from the ashes of alternative. So if that generation was making a new new wave, is the next generation that grew up listening to that going to make a new new new wave? All I know is that twenty years have passed but KennyHoopla is channeling Bloc Party hard, and I can’t get enough of it. If you miss the days of oughtie indie, you may feel the same.

While tracks like “sore loser//” and “plastic door//” have a quiet intensity, the song that will grab you and shake you is “How Will I Rest if I’m Buried by the Highway?” He sounds so sincere and he rocks so hard you will want to give him a hug but you’ll be too busy jumping up and down. Or maybe that’s just me?

Badflower - 30

Speaking of 90s nostalgia, Badflower’s tribute to turning thirty could easily have been written in 1999. There’s not a line or a note out of place in this gem, with confessional lyrics like ‘The sex passed too fast / I ask, ‘How long did your ex last?’’ The song laments that their fans want them to be sad so they’ll write sad songs, like “Move Me.” But I think they’re best when they’re angry and rocking out on tracks like “x Ana x.”

Look Mum No Computer - Grandma’s Money

In 2016, Sam Battle started the YouTube channel for Look Mum No Computer and it has since accrued over 390,000 subscribers and his videos have had over 31,843,624 views. Battle has been a musician his entire life and worked on many projects, but Look Mum No Computer didn’t start out as a band. It was a space for him to show off his weird/ adorable obsession with analog synthesizers.

He doesn’t just use them, he takes them apart, and builds them from scratch. His videos show how he built a synth out of Furby’s, and hacked a Gameboy to play music, and did an experiment on acoustic feedback—and that’s just a sampling. Battle brings a sense of play to music that is very punk rock, but that play comes with the level of obsession that is required for greatness.

And his music is great. I should know, collecting synth-rock bands is one of my personal obsessions, and the music he’s been putting out as Look Mum No Computer is at the top of my list. Though fans of M83 and Dan Deacon will appreciate his layered synths, EDM fans will enjoy the bleeps and bloops. But be forewarned—this is not dance music, not pretty dreamwave you can have as a background. This is rock music; it just happens to be made with a synth.

I give you “Grandma’s Money,” a song I take to be about the economic woes of being a Millennial. But every one of his songs is a welcome jolt of beautiful noise.

Full 2020 Emerging Artists Playlist

Molly Burch - To the Boys Arlo Parks - Black Dog ((( O ))) - Yuyu Fieh - 25

Ego Ella May; Theo Croker - Alright (feat. Theo Croker)

Ben Esser; Beau Diako; emawk - Stripes Amber Mark - My People IHF; Ian Urbina - Heart Moods; daste. - Moonrider JÁNA; VanJess - Green (feat. VanJess) Ian Ewing; Shopan - Street Vol. 2 Kipp Stone; Mick Jenkins - Sprague Street Chloe Lilac - Manic Pixie Dream

slowthai; James Blake; Mount Kimbie - feel away (feat. James Blake & Mount Kimbie)

James Vickery; SG Lewis - Pressure (with SG Lewis) ford. - The Color of Nothing

Che Noir - Divine Knowledge

Loote - This Is How U Feel

Rocky G; NugLife - The Odyssey

Alia - Save Me filous; klei - Bicycle

JVLY; edapollo - windless Ssion; Ariel Pink - At Least the Sky is Blue Golding - Alone. Together.

Sophia Bel - No More Tungz; Bad Sounds - Somebody To Get Shy With (feat. Bad Sounds)

Goth Babe - Moments / Tides

The Japanese Housesomethingfartoogoodtofeel

Prince Innocence - Noches

Moaning - Fall in Love Emotional Oranges; Channel Tres - All That (with Channel Tres)

SAULT - Wildfires

The Landing - Lustre Kailee Morgue - Dying To Live filous; Louis III - All My Friends Are Rich Ric Wilson - Fight Like Ida B & Marsha P NVDES - Anything Goes Model/Actriz - Suntan

The Wrecks - Out Of Style KennyHoopla - how will i rest in peace if i’m buried by a highway?//

The Chats - Identity Theft

BLAB - R.I.P

The Snuts - Juan Belmonte

Des Rocs - Nothing Personal Badflower - 30 Loote - All the Fucking Time

Hatari - Klámstrákur

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER - Grandma’s Money

grandson - Blood // Water

Unlike Pluto - Gaze Peking Duk; Jack River - Sugar Heron & Serum; Reks; Shabaam SahdeeqAmerikkkan Horror Story

chromonicci - Hello. NVDES - Turning Heads Model Child - My Queer Teenage Anthem

The Wrecks - James Dean

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Secular Tarot

My friends and I have a New Year’s Day tradition of giving each other Tarot readings. You may think this suggests some particular cultural or spiritual heritage, but that’s not the case. I am a practitioner of secular Tarot—those who use the cards without believing they hold the power to read the future.

Why Read Tarot Cards?

It’s a myth that Tarot cards have a magical history. Long before they were used for divination, they were solely used for parlor games. Just as reading tea leaves doesn’t mean that your afternoon cup of tea is imbued with magic, Tarot cards are the same. Historically, Tarot cards evolved from the standard deck of playing cards, and a Renaissance Tarot reader was just as likely to read your fortune with regular playing cards.

What Tarot cards do offer is a collection

of useful archetypes. The cards capture the various journeys of life, the struggles that humans face whether it’s 2021 or 1621. Thus, Tarot is a useful tool in considering your life, your future, your dreams, and your options. It is a way for you to imagine the different paths your life can take, and how you feel about that. What could be more useful and relevant?

Consider, for comparison, the coin flip. Whether you land on heads or tails, listen

to how your body feels about that result— and act not according to the flip, but according to the gut instinct you feel. The Tarot can offer a similar guide, but with more complexity. It may not tell you the truth about your future, but it will tell you how you feel about that potential future.

Moreover, it is good for us to create space for thinking about our goals. The Tarot offers a way for us to do this in a way that doesn’t feel like work. It allows us to explore our futures with a sense of play. It allows us to say, “what if…” to our own lives.

The First Rule of Tarot Is: There Are No Rules

One reason I clarified that the cards are not inherently magical is that there’s no wrong way to read them. Though the standard RiderWaite deck is covered in symbols that take years to learn, it is not necessary to know those rules. It is fine to look at the images and interpret them based on how the imagery on that card makes you feel.

Having said that, there are 72 cards and sometimes their significance may leave you scratching your head. Take, for example, the Nine of Pentacles. This shows a woman with a bird standing in front of a fence. When I first started reading, I was confounded by what to make of her! But the fence she stands before is a vineyard, which takes years to become profitable, and the bird is a falcon, which takes years and patience to train. There is also an estate in the distance, her estate. She represents the wealthy widow, a card of independence. Thus it’s right there on the card, representations of the kind of stability not from a sudden windfall but years of effort. It is a card of wealth and independence that comes from patience, maturity, and work. But it was only through study that I came to understand the significance of these images.

Choosing Your Deck

With this article, you can do a Tarot reading with an ordinary deck of playing cards. But there are so many beautiful decks, it’s so much more fun to have a genuine Tarot deck with all 72 cards.

Decks tend to fall into two categories: those based on the RiderWaite deck and those based on Aleister Crowley’sThoth deck. While there are hundreds of beautiful decks to choose from, I suggest choosing a deck based on Rider-Waite because the Crowley decks don’t have as many images to discern meaning out of.

There are decks themed around various art movements, literature, and films, but be careful with these. If the art is pulled from an existing work, the connection to the original intent of the card can sometimes be confusing.

Also, stay away from “oracle” decks. This is the name given to decks that don’t fit the structure of the tarot, so none of the explanations here will apply. Oracle decks have their own rules that are completely different.

How to Interpret the Minor Arcana of the Tarot

I’ll begin with the Minor Arcana because they are both the most inscrutable but also the most familiar, as their layout is similar to playing cards. They comprise 56 cards of the 72 card deck.

Tarot symbolism comes from Jewish mysticism, in particular the Kabbalah’s Tree of Life. The easiest path into these symbols is numerology. Reducing the complexity of Tarot to numbers may seem even less comprehensible, but I think you’ll find that numbers have an inherent relationship you already know well.

If you consider life as a series of journeys, each of those journeys could be broken into steps. In the Tarot, these journeys are represented by four suits that go from one to ten, exactly like playing cards. At its simplest, you can see how the even numbers tend to represent stability and the odd numbers move back towards conflict. Every number represents a step on that journey, from idea to completion (1-10).

So what would an Ace card be, in such a journey? It would be the very beginning of a new quest when it’s little more than a seed or an idea. The aces represent an exciting disruption and the foolishness of beginning a completely new journey.

Naturally, Twos represent a new partnership or alliance.

Three’s a crowd, and likewise, the threes represent the instability that happens when a third comes along to break up the unity of twos. These cards are about launching the idea that started this journey into something tangible, and the mess that comes with it.

Up until this point, everything has been in the chaos of the new, but fours represent bringing in a foundation and stability.

Five is the middle of our journey. We are now in the thick of things; we still have that foundation of the four but an added element of new instability. Hence fives represent conflict, challenges, and competition.

Once you’ve tackled the challenges of the fives, you need rest and restoration. The sixes

speak to our need to turn to outside help in order to grow. They are cards of charity and realignment.

On a journey that ends with ten, the seven is far along in our progress. Hence, this card tends to represent lessons that must be learned in order to gain the wisdom to finish the journey. Seven cards tend to be about overcoming delusions or besting your enemies.

Having learned and grown through all these steps, eights represent action. At the beginning of the journey, actions aren’t as impactful as they are in this late stage. These cards are about being forced to make big choices.

The nines are about attaining your goal. These are cards of fulfillment and fruition.

Yes, there are ten cards even though the nines represent reaching your goal. Tarot recognizes that our lives are cyclical. The ten is a one and a zero, and hence these cards are about finishing your journey and contemplating new directions.

The Suits: You’ll Never Look at

Playing Cards the Same Way

Again

Now that you have an idea of what the Minor Arcana’s numbered cards represent, how to interpret the difference between, say, the Two of Cups versus the Two of Pentacles? That’s even easier!

Cups

Aptly, these are the equivalent of hearts in your playing cards and they do tend to deal with relationships. Water is the element of feelings and these cards are about love, family, and community.

Pentacles / Coins

Coins are the earth element and thus relate to our base desires. These are the cards of work, and the goal of this journey is prosperity. Coins are not only made of earthen metals,

they are symbols of wealth, luxury, and what we’ll do to get it. In playing cards, they are diamonds.

Wands

Wand cards are also related to work but in an entirely different way—they represent ambition and creativity. Wands are about imposing your will upon the world. Think of them like a walking stick on the journey of your dreams, or a torch to light the way, or a plant that grows your vision. In playing cards, they are clubs, and their element is fire.

Swords

Swords are the element of air, related to spades in your standard poker deck. Air is the element of clarity and Swords are the suit of ideas and intellect. While many cards

can be read ambiguously, Swords are the most negative cards of the deck (heartbreak, betrayal, deceit, nightmares, etc.).These cards are about cutting through to the harsh truth of reality. Other suits deal with who or what you want, but this suit is all about facing your own fears and flaws, or waking up to the machinations of those around you.

Reading the Court Cards

The court cards that show up in your reading can represent actual people who share attributes related to that suit, you, or someone you know. You can think of their roles as levels of experience. The Page is a novice, thoughtful and hesitant. The Knight is a sophist, eager for action, just smart enough to get him or herself into trouble. The King is the Emperor of that suit, a natural leader or

actual authority figure (not necessarily over you, but over the domain that suit represents). Likewise, the Queen is a wise woman or maternal presence; she’s the Empress of her suit.

Meet the Major Arcana

There are an additional 22 cards in the Tarot that aren’t present in playing cards, known as the Major Arcana. Fortunately, these are concepts you are more likely to recognize as familiar archetypes, so their interpretation is easier. Games built around the Major Arcana are the source for the term “trump card.” Look out for them in a reading as more important than the Minor Arcana cards.

The Major Arcana are also sequenced to reflect life’s journey. It begins with the Fool, which is numbered zero, a lucky card as it means beginning something new. It ends with The World, which is also a very lucky card. Just like with the Minor Arcana, it represents the successful completion of the journey and the attainment of your goals. Presumably, the card represents the subject of the reading, but you could also read it like a court card, as a person who represents that particular archetype.

Meanings of Major Arcana Cards

Fool - the beginning of a new endeavor, so-called because we all charge into new adventures with foolish optimism. Note he is about to walk off a cliff! Still, a good card!

Magician - Similar to the Knight cards, the Magician has learned a few tricks, but this knowledge is surface-level. Still a fool, but now somewhat equipped with tools to bring their dreams to reality.

High Priestess - To understand this card note that the temple she stands before holds all the divine secrets of the world. This is a card about listening to your intuition.

Empress - “Mother earth” and all the associations that go with that concept— fecundity, abundance, motherhood, etc.

Emperor - a confrontation with authority. This card represents conformity and tradition. Positively, it can mean finding discipline.

Hierophant - The counterpart for the

High priestess, a more familiar term for him would be the “Pope.” This represents institutional knowledge, religion, tradition, and community. Or it could be a mentor.

Lovers - Just as you’d expect, this card represents a new relationship. It could be a friend; but either way, it’s a true connection.

Chariot - Like the chariot driver must control two horses that want to run in different directions, this card is about being the kind of leader who can show balance and bring together opposing forces.

Strength - Literally, strength, but more strength of character than brawn. It depicts not a lion’s strength, but the strength of the woman who can put her head in the lion’s mouth and get bitten.

Hermit - Again as you’d expect, this is the card of study and contemplation.

Wheel of Fortune - Fate, but usually considered good luck rather than bad.

Justice - The legal system, getting what is due, for better or worse. Impartiality.

Hanged Man - Perhaps the most misunderstood card—not a man who has been hung to death. Rather it is a call back to stories of enlightenment like the Buddha, Odin, and Jesus. Thus, it is a fortuitous card, suggesting great wisdom, even if there will be self-sacrifice.

Death - Not literal death, but a big change. Transformation. Some decks call it Metamorphosis to get rid of the fully negative connotation.

Temperance - Finding balance and inner resolve. Synergy.

Devil - Giving in to temptation and all the negatives that go with that.

Tower - Like the death card, this represents great change, but it’s the mind-shattering change that will rock you to your very foundations. Arguably the most ominous card in the deck.

Star - Keep the faith. The journey will be long, but the guiding star indicates success... not tomorrow or the next, but someday.

Moon - Like the High Priestess, a card for intuition, but consider that this card comes

closer to the end of the journey. No longer looking to an outside force for arcane wisdom, the Moon suggests divine knowledge within.

Sun - Think of the Moon and Sun cards as representing the two halves of the yin yang, with the Sun filling in the white half: wisdom, truth, clarity, reason.

Judgement - Don’t be taken aback by the Biblical imagery. This card is about finally seeing what is most important. As the Fool completes the journey, the final step is letting go of all that has held your back.

World - Completion, mastery, satisfaction.

Laying Out the Cards

The subject of the reading should contemplate his or her question as the cards are being shuffled. My custom is to have the subject pick the cards, or for a longer reading, cut the deck, as their choice gives the subject more of a sense of involvement and control.

I recommend keeping your layout simple, in order to not interpret too many concepts at once. You can always extend the reading by asking a follow-up question and laying the extra card(s) across the card that puzzles you. There is no limit to the amount you can expand your question with additional free-

form cards.

Keeping that in mind, you might consider a single-card answer to your question to be a good way to start. It is clear and direct. If you want something more expansive, a good layout is three cards: situation, action, outcome— in this context (card one), if you take this action (card 2) the outcome will be this (card three). This way, you can do several readings on different topics quickly, while still getting a narrative. Play all three cards before you interpret them.

Another open-ended and easy way to do a fuller reading is to lay out a card for each of your options. You may think of it like the single-card option above, wherein each card is an answer to the question, “what if you choose this path?” With the added benefit that you can then compare all your options.

Shadow Cards (Inverted Cards)

If you’re just getting started, I recommend turning all upside-down cards right-ways and ignoring the “shadow” reading. It can be quite confusing! However, if you want to tackle inverted cards, don’t think of them exactly as opposites. Rather, think of them as the original card’s meaning, but this force is being held back. So the potential for the card is there, but something stands in the subject’s way of achieving it.

Putting It All Together

Look for patterns. An abundance of a particular suit should be a sign for the subject to consider that element more, while low cards versus high cards indicate the subject’s progress and much farther they have to go. While the Minor Arcana cards reflect some aspect of life, note the Major Arcana cards as they point to bigger life events that are allencompassing.

Reflecting on Your Reading

This is a very basic primer but I hope it helps you see how you can dive into the Tarot as a tool for planning your year. While the whole point of the exercise is to fit the cards into the narrative of your own life, try not to bend the meaning of the card to suit the answer you are seeking. Part of this process is about opening your mind to new possibilities, and that’s another reason it can be a benefit to have someone do the reading for you.

If you’re receiving a reading, don’t get caught up in trying to get the interpreter to guess your life in order to prove their psychic powers. Instead, consider the person doing the reading as a guide to help you find your own truth.

On the other hand, part of finding that truth is listening to how your body reacts to the reading you get. If your gut tells you the story the reading presents does not represent your life, then that too is useful. It is useful to be reminded of what you are certain of and where you have doubt.

Consider your Tarot reading a playful form of meditation on the future and life of the person receiving the reading. If the reading is your own, let the cards be a reminder of your self-determination and where you have doubt. Every moment your life is unfolding with infinite options. Tarot gives you a moment to pause, look at the map, and choose your direction with confidence.

Artist Dameon Priestly

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