Wednesday I let these words flow and I reflect on how far I came since releasing this journalistic experiment, how I tapped into the word of God and the magic to find my voice. I discovered power in the tongue and I am so proud of how diligent I’ve been with my conviction. With my Sun conjunct Mercury in Gemini, I find self-expression liberating. My delivery is a result of the turning of the wheels within the first four chakras and I have come to embrace all aspects of my speech. I am not afraid of my words and how my messages are delivered for His loving-kindness is before my eyes and i have walked in His truth*. I speak my prayers out loud for the healing of my spirit, recite my poetry out loud to reclaim my self-image, and write my explorative thoughts onto the page every morning to witness my brain in tangible form. My speech tends to be quick, witty and impulsive yet honest, practical and compelling. Speaking and sharing thoughts in fellowship has been one of the main ways how I have continue to liberate myself through expression. And creating this book is the constant reminder that I am, in fact, real.

I believe there is an art child in all of us. A small portion of us are crazy enough to pursue the art child’s dreams through our career endeavors while another may simply attend to the desires of this child’s dream through activities of interest. However, there is still a vast majority of us who keeps the artistry contained. We convince ourselves art is a luxury, an impractical fantasy, and we hinder ourselves from embracing the artist within. I like to see the voice as the easiest form of artistic expression. The voice is a creative outlet of our honest selves illustrating philosophies, dreams and the meditations of our hearts. And dialogue with others allows us to retain new perspectives, ideas and influences while discerning the receipt of this newness with our own integrity The voice tells the stories of sorrow and fear, joy and hope. And, as a Black woman, the delivery of this expression is vulnerable to negative perceptions due to the historical implications of who Sapphire is. Sapphire: The Angry Black Woman that talks back. This oppressive stereotype has silenced the voices of many Black women out of fear of misperception. The woman who wanted to be heard, to be seen and be protected would be submitted into silence and forced to put on a mask of stoicism. And, for many years, I’ve allowed the stereotype to silence me, too. I was so focused on being accepted by others, I would internalize the words people would say or didn’t say. But as I reflect on the days of my submission, I would think of the words of Audre Lorde:

…when we speak we are afraid

our words will not be heard

nor welcomed

but when we are silent

we are still afraid

So it is better to speak

remembering

we were never meant to survive.

My mouth has gotten me into a lot of trouble; it’s ignited the violence of misogynistic lovers, challenged the authority of egocentric superiors and dismantled the illusionary foundation of interracial homes. But, after 9 months of being alcohol free and reflecting on the release of who will protect me?, I realize my defiance is what makes me an exceptional artist and a powerful woman. So dare I be the villainous depiction of The Angry Black Woman and become Sapphire.

Tapping into the throat chakra can be loads of fun and it’s literally one of my favorites! Check out some of my favorite practices for keeping the throat open:

💙The Morning Pages (three pages of conscious writing)

💙Reciting Psalm 26:3*

💙Using tobacco leaf and lemon verbena to improve spiritual dialogue

💙Bathing in my herbal fragrance superpower**

**By Fall Equinox, superpower will be introduced to the market as a luxury sugar scrub along with awake, momma Spirit and her daughter. Subscribe to the newsletter for updates!

becoming Sapphire: The Angry Black Woman