Alright, alright. I’ve been gone again for a long time. But this time for good reason! I have my own radio show! It started toward the end of December when I was talking to my friend Tony Colombo about the weekend programming at NewsTalkSTL. I asked him, “How does one get a radio show?” Really, it was more out of curiosity. I mused about having something of my own similar to the paranormal themes I used to be a guest for when I worked with Tony at other stations. I thought it would be fun to do free readings for callers so that listeners could understand what a tarot card reading with me was like (and to help others for free). I loved the idea of being able to promote kindred spirits and help authors I respected sell books. And maybe I’d sell a few of those too!

Well, Tony thought it was a great idea. Next came the name, because, as we know from spiritual teaching, nothing (good or bad) is real until it is named! Tom and I wandered the mall trying to get our steps in on bitter cold nights, trying ideas out. Too many of them sounded like bad band names. Souler Coaster, anyone? The best ones were already taken, like Beyond Belief. I saw a cellphone fix store and that’s when Mystic Fix came to me. Fix has a lot of good meanings: to situate, to repair, and to satisfy a craving (We will leave out the castration definition). And so, naming the show was part of its conjuring.

NewsTalkSTL, meanwhile, had a pipe burst over the Christmas cold and lots of damage. The station co-owner suggested that my show start January 21st, but I bumped it to February 4th to be safely out of Mercury Retrograde’s shadow and to let NewsTalkSTL recover. The energy had to be good!

Most importantly came the matter of finding a sponsor to pay for it. I spent the last days of December and the first week of January pitching the idea of the show that did not yet exist to businesses I thought might have interest. It felt very much like when I started Night Times magazine in the 1990s, getting my first check from Streetside Records–God Bless them–which was the $900 that changed my life. Here I was selling a dream again, with the same kind of energy of creating something, or maybe letting the something create me since I wasn’t entirely sure of what I was doing.

Then, one of my dearest regular clients came through to promote his pet project, Kamaflight, which is a fascinating, therapeutic, and dare I say, sexy amalgam of yoga, meditation, and massage. Next, I needed a producer to be assigned to me, and I lucked out with the wonderful Leah Almstedt. We are becoming fast friends. Because I do nothing halfway (or maybe because I tend to go too far) I decided that I wanted this show to also be videocast and podcast. Radio is a one-shot communication; you have to be in the area at the right time to tune in. But podcast and videocast last in perpetuity. Truth is, creating any of it is out of my wheelhouse, but I wanted a way for my family and friends on the east coast to tune in/see me, as well as clients around the world. To get the station to do videocast would be an extra cost that I didn’t have, so I figured I’d do it myself. How hard could it be, right? (Ha ha. I’ll be getting to that).

I had to plan the show(s), of course. Which meant finding good guests who could be available for the time we were pre-recording, synchronizing everyone’s schedule with producer Leah’s and the station’s studio availability. I wanted some kind of theme, so of course, I picked tarot. Every show has a tarot card theme assigned to it, in order of the cards. There are 78 tarot cards, so when I get through that many shows I can either repeat the themes with new guests, choose a reversed meaning of the cards, or try something new altogether. I’ll worry about that later.

There were (are) lots of other moving parts. I needed a website for the show. And a social media presence outside of my posts of my cats, my family, and Plath. I needed a YouTube Channel (and all the others). Thank God next for my sister-in-law, Anne Peters, my web ninja who has been behind the scenes creating logos, making social network reels, and launching my website www.mysticfix.com.

Recording the first show, I was a little shaky. I was not in full voice and unsure of what to say and when as I was not yet accustomed to being the one directing the whole thing (I did have a radio show of my own, The Writer’s Voice Hour, way back in 1994 and 1995 on KYMC community radio). Since then, though, I’ve always been a guest who could just smile and let the host go to commercial or whatever. I only just learned–the hard way–you don’t say the POINT in 101.9, and they don’t say FM anymore (we used to always say both in the 1990s). Being prerecorded has both challenges and benefits: The biggest benefit being, obviously, that if you screw up you can do it again. But with prerecorded, I’m cued to stop for commercials and news I don’t hear because it’s not there yet! I had to imagine introductory music that had not yet been created for me. Acting skills are involved. I’m learning.

We’ve recorded three episodes and tonight is the show’s debut! 8:00 pm on NewsTalkSTL 101.9 and 94.1 FM. I set the video camera up and just let it go. The first episode’s video initially disappointed me because 1.) I was too far away from my guest,  2.) I sounded too shy and quiet,  and 3.) my hair was a little wonky. My friend Garrett Enloe came to the first recording to take pictures for my website and be some moral support. My friend Tyler Kiwala was a fantastic first guest, and I interviewed a wonderful author in Great Britain, Rachel Patterson, on her occupation as a kitchen witch.

Learning the video processing software was a bit challenging, but thanks to Tom, I got the basics down fairly fast and decided to use all that extra space between me and my guests! The videocast of Mystic Fix is now like a spiritual version of VH-1’s Pop-Up Videos (Yes, the 90s again. It was my favorite decade for so many things). I feel exceedingly creative and haven’t had this kind of energy and enthusiasm in a long time. It’s hard work, but it’s a blast.

So, when and if you watch the first show, know that I wish I had been better. But my guests are fantastic. I really mean that. They save the show, and I still think, while I am not great, the first show is good. The second is even better and by the third, I found my footing.

If you can’t listen to the radio tonight, I’ll have links posted on www.mysticfix.com and all my social networks on how and where to find us in podcast and videocast. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts. xo

The post Announcing… Mystic Fix! (Or, How to Start Your Own Radio Show) appeared first on Julia Gordon-Bramer.

Hello and Happy New Year!

On this first day of 2023, we have a symbolic blank page on which to write our hopes, fears, prayers, and creative energies. All of these create our experience of this new year. Today, I hope that you celebrate possibilities and empower yourself to attract them. This is that “manifesting” buzzword you hear so much in spiritual circles.

For me, it’s been another year of neglecting regular blog entries, but let’s get real: We all have too much to read and spend too much time anyway! I only want to write if I have something worthwhile to say to you. If you want the micro-blogging stuff, check out my Twitter @jgordonbramer.

I am astounded to say that 2022 is over. And I’ve done some things! Manifesting is real! The highlights are:

• A book contract and finalizing the manuscript for Tarot Life Lessons (formerly The Tarot Diaries) with Destiny Books, a subsidiary of Inner Traditions (and a publishing home to the tarot genius Alejandro Jodorowsky! So honored to share his label!). Release date should be announced VERY SOON. The cover is beautiful!
• A book contract for The Magician’s Girl: the history and mysticism of Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes, with Inner Traditions. The title could change, and it may be on another imprint of Inner Traditions–I’ll hear soon.
• In May 2022, I became the proud owner of Sylvia Plath’s (hand-carved by her) Hermetic Caduceus with provenance papers. Additionally, I’ve acquired a November 1952 photograph of Sylvia, autographed by her mother Aurelia to friend Richard Larschan and his wife, as well as a copy of the very rare “Last Encounters” memoir of Plath by neighbor Trevor Thomas, inscribed and signed by the author.  Many thanks to Richard Larschan for all of these things, but most of all, for his friendship!
• At the end of June, I lost my dear friend, literary mentor, writing teacher, surrogate father, and friend of Plath and Hughes’, Zulfikar Ghose. I’m not over it yet. I began writing him a memoriam, but nothing can do him justice. We shall see if I ever finish it.
• I toured Sylvia Plath’s childhood home in Wellesley, Massachusetts with the Larschans; I had a blast traipsing across Cape Cod with my friend Margaret following Plath and Hughes’ footsteps (if you’re going to the Cape, stay at Margaret’s beautiful historic Bursley Manor); and I had some time visiting family in both the Boston area and Ocean City, Maryland.
• I watched one of my besties and his wife, Garrett and Stacy Enloe, put out the coolest book ever about Mississippi Nights, of which I was honored to help with and even more honored to be in (along with Tom). I’m in for Night Times magazine, which started as a Mississippi Nights publication, and Tom is in the book with his old band Radio Iodine. Our 30-year-old pictures are in it too! Garrett and his work have reunited me with so many dear friends from the St. Louis scene and I’m so proud that his efforts have made it a best-seller in St. Louis this Christmas season.
• I fully immersed myself in a return to music and saw some great shows: The Cult with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club; Jack White; The Who; Jane’s Addiction and Smashing Pumpkins; Gin Blossoms; Local H; the Eagles—and those were just my favorites, there were others!
• Finally, I am going to have my own radio show on NewsTalkSTL 101.9 and 94.1 FM! I am still figuring out some of the details: studio time, who my producer will be, sponsorships and advertisers, etc. As soon as I have a start date, I will post it here. But I can tell you it is called Mystic Fix and the show will focus on mind-body-spirit topics–everything from yoga to Qabalah to the paranormal. Should be a lot of fun! If you have a business that wants to help support this program (and of course, get lots of publicity on STL’s fastest growing station) PLUS it’ll be podcast so all those outside of the area can hear at their leisure and ads will last in perpetuity–give me a holler and we will talk!

OK. Back to manifesting! Hope you have a fab 2023! xo

The post The End of An Exciting Year; The Beginning of Even More appeared first on Julia Gordon-Bramer.

Someone asked me why I have been on conservative-leaning radio stations lately. The answer is simple: they are the ones who ask me! I would be happy to appear on KWMU (our NPR station in St. Louis) or any other, but today it seems spirituality is pushed away by much of the media. This is sad for me because I know lots of spiritual people on both sides. Let it be known that in addition to NewsTalkSTL and 97.1 FM, I have appeared on KEZK, Y98, KMOX, KLOU, KDHX and others (these are just the ones I can remember). Plus television (St. Louis channels 4, 5, 11; Nickelodeon and MTV).

I have friends, clients, and family of all political persuasions and it is not my goal to teach anyone what I view as right or wrong; I trust my clients to live their truth and respect others’ lives. Tarot is about seeing one’s unique and personal energy and helping them make the right decisions for them. A spiritual counselor of any kind knows that paths are different and should be appreciated and celebrated as such.

I was thinking this morning about the term “Left-Wing” and “Right-Wing.” It occurred to me that a bird cannot fly without both wings or if one wing is broken. Unity is our only way out of this current mess that our world is in, and if we try to crush the other side, we are destroying ourselves in the long run because WE ARE ONE. I’ve often wondered if aliens ever attacked us if that wouldn’t change our opinion about the other guy. Maybe that is something to hope for. Ha ha.

A Course In Miracles talks about the difficult balance between understanding that the world is illusion and controlling how we live within that illusion. “There is only love and fear,” says the Course, “and fear does not exist.” And yet here we are, in this often fearful place, here to learn and experience Relationship in all its forms. We are here to find unity and connection, echoing the oneness of God (or the Universe, or however you choose to frame it). This is not an Us-versus-Them world if you’re truly spiritual. We know that there are so many shades of gray, and few of us are entirely on board with every issue on our political party (if we even have a political party).

If you’re wondering who to trust for guidance, spiritually, politically, and otherwise, watch out for those who alienate others with different belief systems and check your energy to be sure that you’re not doing it yourself. We all slip into it now and then. Where there is no peace, love, or unity, there are certainly no moments for discussion or teaching to heal. We must find common ground and love even when we don’t always like how someone thinks or lives. Anytime we feel righteous and superior, or fearful and panicky, we can be sure that we are not in a unity mindset and not living from spirit.

The late, great Dr. Wayne W. Dyer said in one of his many books, “God feels good.” And so, if we get “triggered” (to use a popular buzzword), we know that we are out of alignment with God, the Universe, the Source or whatever your view is. Our happiness is inward, and what we believe and how we choose to perceive creates our outer experience. I choose to perceive these troubled times as a dismantling of the old systems to birth new ones. I choose to not take sides, politically or otherwise, knowing that there is truth to Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I will love you all, no matter what, even if we disagree and even if you don’t love me. Maintaining conflict separates, teaches nothing, and helps nothing. I’m going to stay in alignment as best as I can on this rocky road, and I hope that I will see you all in good health and happiness at the end of it, my friends.

The post Happy New Year and Check Your Alignment appeared first on Julia Gordon-Bramer.

Firstly, I’m going to be on the radio again on New Year’s Eve! My old pal Tony Colombo (we go back to the 90s alternative music scene when he was at the Point and I did Night Times) and new friend Katie Fitzgerald on NewstalkSTL 101.9 FM are hosting a New Year’s Eve “variety show” format and I should be on early in the 4:00 pm hour. If you aren’t able to tune in, I will post any links to recordings or videos here and on my Media page. If you ARE able to tune in, call for a free tarot card reading!

I’m seriously trying to be better about social networking (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and blogs here). I am learning about how to take better pictures, create content, etc. I have to say that this is not a comfortable world for me. I’m not very photogenic and usually just have one cheesy smile across all photos because otherwise, it’s that “resting bitch face.” Most of my photos have been the same headshots, with no body, varied expressions, or movement. I’m trying to relax and genuinely smile at a mechanical gadget on a tripod, and this feels very false. But here is an effort for you:

So, in the Things I Did Right column for 2021, I had several fun media appearances, I reminded my clients that I do gift certificates for the holidays and was well-rewarded for that, and tarot has been busy as ever. I have continued my personal training and yoga, which has now become an essential part of my life (shoutouts to The Fitness Edge and YogaSix!). I continued my volunteer work at the Wildlife Rescue Center, but cut my hours back a bit and am taking the winter (slow season) off to get more writing done. I started a collection of poetry about this work and, while it is taking a while to complete, I am pretty happy with what I have done so far and have begun sending out some individual poems for publication.

This year I started a study group for A Course In Miracles, and this group has become very special to me and an essential part of my week (message me if you’re interested). I continue with my Buddhist Women’s Group as well, which is also integral to my spiritual growth and overall sanity during such strange years as these.

In the Things I Wish I’d Done Differently column for 2021, my writing has taken a back seat to the tarot, and I’m just not sure how to correct that as those who work for themselves know we have to take the work when we get it because it is our livelihood. There’s a Plath conference next year and I didn’t even send in an abstract to present! This is partly because I am too busy, partly because it is all on Zoom (and aren’t we all sick to death of Zoom events?), and partly because I have been alienated by most of that crowd and am tired of trying to show them something they are not interested in seeing (Academia is the most close-minded place in the world; take it from someone who used to teach).

And then, there are those Strange Events I’m Not Sure How to Categorize; things that feel both right and wrong:

I’ve learned about personal and professional boundaries the hard way. My line of work is emotionally demanding and can form connections that blur these lines. It can be a hard call to distance from someone who’s in a tough personal situation, even though I care. Likewise, sometimes people lean too heavily on me and expect me to fix their lives. Only they can do that. Some professional relationships ultimately strained my family life–that stopped this year.

I also had a misunderstanding with a client that taught me the extent of irrational fear controlling people right now. I learned that standing firm in what I know is the truth, even at the expense of losing a key customer, is the right thing to do. It also taught me what our relationship really was. This is the trouble with being a tarot card reader: we don’t read for ourselves because there are biases there; I wanted to believe in a friendship that wasn’t real when push-comes-to-shove.

There was that whole St. Louis Sound thing at the Missouri History Museum… Ugh. I still groan just thinking about it. I stand by almost everything I said about the exhibit (I posted a correction on part of it). I made a lot of enemies with that blog, but I also resurrected a lot of great music friendships. And I was reminded of what I already knew: that I am brave enough to say it!

These divisive politics of the last couple of years have lost and tested some of my relationships. I feel as I always have, never ascribing a side but voting instead for people and causes. Anger and fear are not going to control me. Nor am I going to label groups of people as good or bad, because I know humanity is much more complicated than that. I believe in promoting empowerment, not victimization (this does not mean I don’t feel compassion, only that I want to elevate the individual). I may not agree with every point of view, but I will not condemn or judge another for thinking differently than me. Even if they do this to me.

And without further ado, my 2022 Resolutions:

I am going to send out more manuscripts for publication. For me, the writing part has been relatively easy and I have FIVE complete or nearly-complete books on my hard drive! (Night Times, a memoir of my days running an alternative rock zine as a single mom in the 1990s; The Magician’s Girl, the mysticism of Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes; The Tarot Diaries, real-life tarot stories; Sylvia Plath’s Early Poems; and a collection of poetry, to be named). Add to that numerous essays and individual poems. I simply hate the submission process, and writers submitting whole books know that this is a very time-consuming process. (Would someone like to be my agent? I will pay you!)

I am going to limit my waste: of food, money, and energy. This means not buying so much at the grocery store that goes bad before I can eat it, or subscribing to an online class I don’t have time to complete, or watching too many videos sent by well-meaning friends, or allowing my writing time to be interrupted with texts, phone calls, etc.

While I love my AppleWatch, I am not going to let it control me with its commands for me to close my move ring, etc. Apple, you are not my master! (Just as I finished that sentence, my watch signaled: “Time to stand!”)

What are your resolutions?

The post The End of Another One appeared first on Julia Gordon-Bramer.

[Link above!] I’ll be live streaming on @NewstalkSTL ‘s Facebook page Tuesday, Dec. 7th at around 11:45 a.m., having fun and reading #Tarotcards with my good friend @TonyColumboTalk and his pal, @yovic7 (Vic Porcelli). If you can’t catch it live, you can watch later on their Facebook page or here at https://juliagordonbramer.com/index.php/media/ Watch this space for other announcements, as I’ll be on the air on the Colombo and Katie Show in the near future.

The post Facebook Live Stream! appeared first on Julia Gordon-Bramer.