Michael J. Morris - The Work of Magic and Ritual, Organizing and Activism
“Rather than thinking of my heart being broken, I think of my heart being broken open and what can then come through because of that heartbreak, what becomes possible because our hearts have been broken.” - Michael J. Morris
It is not an easy era to identify as a fiercely open-hearted, optimistic human, especially for folks embodying marginalized identities. Somehow, though, Michael J. Morris still manages to lead with love. They’re a powerhouse talent committed to personal and collective healing through their work as an astrologer, tarot reader, artist, writer, teacher, facilitator, and witch. Michael’s ability to thrive in possibility rather than succumb to pessimism is the kind og energy we love to see in a world intent on erasing trans folks–– it's the kind of spirit that just might save us all.
“Looking back, I think as a young queer person in the evangelical Christian context in the deep south of the United States, I felt forbidden in a lot of ways.” After growing up in such an oppressive environment, no wonder they found a home in spaces that felt taboo, like witchcraft and astrology. Michael deepened their knowledge of witchcraft under elders of the Ara tradition and studied astrology with Demetra George and Chani Nicholas while also pursuing their Ph.D. in Dance Movement. Their professional endeavors are, as a result, hella diverse: tarot consultations, reiki, astrological readings, ritual facilitation, teaching… whatever it is, Michael aims to help folks find the tools they need to create a more meaningful life.
While astrology may not be my thing, it’s interesting to hear Sarah and Michael discuss what they describe as astrology’s power to connect us toward our better selves. “One of the basic assumptions has to be that there’s some sort of meaningful connection between our lives on earth and what is happening with the movements of the planets, the stars in the sky, the cosmos,” they explain. “Coming into that awareness that we have always been connected to a cosmos that's bigger than us, and bigger than this moment in history––coming into that awareness can facilitate so much healing and belonging for so many people.”
As Sarah says, there’s medicine and magic in Michael.
Mentioned in this Episode
Rising Strong - Brené Brown
Black Trans Feminism - Marquis Bey
GUEST CONTACT AND BIO
Michael J. Morris, PhD., is an astrologer, tarot reader, artist, writer, teacher, facilitator, and witch committed to personal and collective healing and liberation. They began their consulting practice, Co Witchcraft Offerings, in 2019, through which they share astrology, tarot, and movement ritual practices. They hold a PhD in Dance Studies, and their work is inspired and informed by many years of experience in dance, yoga, feminism, queer studies, and making connections between different disciplines and practices.
Let’s be friends! You can find me in the following places…
