Beyonce is a popular singer and performer known for her powerful voice, electrifying performances, and influential presence in the music industry. However, there have been various rumors and conspiracy theories surrounding her involvement in the occult. These theories suggest that Beyonce practices witchcraft and is a practitioner of the occult. One of the main pieces of evidence used to support these claims is Beyonce's use of symbolism in her music videos and performances. It is argued that she incorporates occult symbols such as the eye of Horus, triangles, and pyramids into her shows, implying her allegiance to the occult. Additionally, her frequent references to ancient Egyptian mythology, such as the use of the goddess Isis, have been seen as further evidence of her involvement in the occult.
When black women come to believe in our own love and beauty as fiercely as we believe in any other god, we become everyday alchemists and good witches, the Oshuns of fire hydrants and Nefertitis of box braids. And that, yes, is a black feminist political act.
It s possible that when Beyoncé sings, You can taste the dishonesty It s on your breath as you pass it off so cavalier she is offering a metaphor for the cavalier, disavowed unfreedom that black women continue to face in President Barack Obama s America the lies told to women like Sybrina Fulton, Lezley McSpadden and Gwen Carr, who pose in Lemonade with pictures of their slain sons Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and Eric Garner. Overall, the production value is stellar, which will enchant viewers and the cameos by popular Black performers provide an excellent level of engagement for both the eyes and the ears.
Additionally, her frequent references to ancient Egyptian mythology, such as the use of the goddess Isis, have been seen as further evidence of her involvement in the occult. Moreover, Beyonce's connection to the secretive society known as the Illuminati has also fueled speculation about her occult practices. The Illuminati is believed to be a powerful group that controls world events and influences individuals in positions of power.
Beyoncé’s Lemonade Is Black Woman Magic
Beyonce performs onstage during the Pepsi Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Feb. 7, 2016.
Matt Cowan—Getty Images Ideas April 25, 2016 5:20 PM EDTOmise'eke Natasha Tinsley is associate professor of African and African Diaspora Studies at the University of Texas at Austin and a Public Voices Fellow for the OpEd Project.
B eyoncé’s Lemonade is grown-ass black woman magic. And the lemons that Queen Bey is working with, powerful hoodoo ingredients for overpowering bad energy, are clearly the Louisiana kind. Lush, troubling visuals show that Beyoncé is the goddess, the goddess is furious, the goddess is victorious, and most important: The goddess is every black woman. Slay.
With horror film-style camera work and a gothic Louisiana setting, Lemonade styles Beyoncé as a parade of black Atlantic deities.
Floating on a gush of water and an equally flowing yellow dress, smashing hydrants with glowing laughter and a buoyant reggae beat, Beyoncé is Oshun, the Nigerian, Cuban and Brazilian orisha of sweet water, sexuality and creativity, whose generosity makes life worth living and whose wrath begins with rolling laughter that foreshadows disaster.
Surrounded by flames, rocking untamed hair and cinched into a scarlet dress as her coven cast spells, she’s Erzulie Red-Eyes, the Haitian lwa Edwidge Danticat calls the “hot-blooded Erzulie who feared no men but rather made them her slaves, raped them, and killed them … the only woman with that power.”
Crowned in braids, a bejeweled headdress and a triangular silver bra, she’s Nefertiti, the powerful Egyptian queen-deity whose name means “The Beautiful One Has Come.”
All this while she sings lyrics about infidelity, hurt and transcendence: “When you love me, you love yourself/Love God herself.”
In case you thought this black woman magic wasn’t political, she samples Malcolm X to tell you why it is. As shots of black women’s faces fill the screen, Malcolm intones: “The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.” To demand respect and reverence for black women is at once to work magic, and to call for a revolution of American values.
Beyoncé’s expression of the goddess-like wrath of a black woman betrayed is not about her—Lemonade is art, not autobiography, and continues the protest tradition of women blues artists. In black women’s music, trifling men have long been metonyms for a patriarchy that never affords black women the love and life they deserve.
As Angela Davis argues in Blues Legacies and Black Feminism, blues artists like Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey performed songs about lovers’ broken promises as metaphors for the unfulfilled promises of freedom. It’s possible that when Beyoncé sings, “You can taste the dishonesty/ It’s on your breath as you pass it off so cavalier” she is offering a metaphor for the cavalier, disavowed unfreedom that black women continue to face in President Barack Obama’s America—the lies told to women like Sybrina Fulton, Lezley McSpadden and Gwen Carr, who pose in Lemonade with pictures of their slain sons Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and Eric Garner.
Beyoncé’s vision of black women’s divine retribution also is not a confession of her occult practices. Her imagination of black women tapping into supernatural powers to right wrongs also continues Africana feminist legacies of protest against social injustice. In Flash of the Spirit, Robert Farris Thompson reflects how West African women’s devotion to Oshun and other magical practices emerge as acts of resistance to male privilege. In patrilineal Yoruba societies, where men claimed most positions of political power, women claimed the power of witchcraft to “use that power against the institutions of society” and “militate against … total male dominance.”
Similarly, Warsan Shire’s prose poetry in Lemonade expresses an understanding of black women’s magic that’s less the spectacle of the voodoo queen than the everyday art of surviving and blossoming in a misogynoir world where not only white folk, but black men will our marginalization. “Grandmother, the alchemist,” Beyoncé incants in her voiceover. “You spun gold out of this hard life. Conjured beauty from the things left behind. Found healing where it did not live. Discovered the antidote in your own kitchen. Broke the curse with your own two hands. You passed these instructions down to your daughter, who then passed it down to her daughter.”
When black women come to believe in our own love and beauty as fiercely as we believe in any other god, we become everyday alchemists and good witches, the Oshuns of fire hydrants and Nefertitis of box braids. And that, yes, is a black feminist political act.
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B eyoncé’s Lemonade is grown-ass black woman magic. And the lemons that Queen Bey is working with, powerful hoodoo ingredients for overpowering bad energy, are clearly the Louisiana kind. Lush, troubling visuals show that Beyoncé is the goddess, the goddess is furious, the goddess is victorious, and most important: The goddess is every black woman. Slay.
Beyonce's association with the group is often cited as evidence of her involvement in the occult. However, it is important to note that these rumors and conspiracy theories lack concrete evidence and rely heavily on speculation and interpretation. Many people argue that Beyonce's use of occult symbolism and imagery in her performances is simply a way to create visual impact and generate buzz around her music. They view these symbols as nothing more than artistic expression rather than evidence of her involvement in the occult. Furthermore, Beyonce herself has denied these claims and stated that she does not practice witchcraft or any form of occultism. In interviews, she has addressed the conspiracy theories surrounding her and expressed frustration over the persistent rumors. In conclusion, the claim that Beyonce is a practitioner of the occult is based on rumors, speculation, and conspiracy theories. While she has incorporated occult symbols into her performances, these are often seen as artistic expression rather than evidence of her involvement in the occult. It is important to approach these claims with skepticism and consider the lack of concrete evidence before drawing any conclusions..
Reviews for "The Hidden Tarot: Beyonce's Occult Symbolism Explored"
1. Sarah - 1/5
I was very disappointed in Beyonce's alleged involvement in the occult. As a long-time fan, I always admired her talent and empowering message in her music. However, if these rumors are true, it significantly changes my perception of her. I believe in staying away from any form of darkness or evil, and I cannot support an artist who is associated with such practices.
2. John - 2/5
While I appreciate and respect Beyonce's skills as a performer, I was deeply troubled to hear about her alleged involvement in the occult. I have always admired artists who use their platform to spread positivity and inspire others. If these claims are true, it raises serious ethical questions, and I find it difficult to separate her personal choices from her artistry.
3. Emily - 3/5
Although I find the idea of Beyonce being involved in the occult quite disturbing, I must admit that it does not necessarily affect my overall enjoyment of her music. While her alleged association with such practices is concerning, I still recognize her talent and appreciate the catchy melodies she brings to her songs. However, I do hope these rumors are false, as it would greatly impact my perception of her as an artist and role model.
4. Alex - 2/5
As someone who values moral integrity, I cannot support an artist rumored to be a practitioner of the occult. Even if these claims are merely rumors, the fact that they exist raises concerns. It's important for public figures to use their influence responsibly and promote positive values. Beyonce's alleged involvement in the occult goes against that principle and leaves a questionable mark on her otherwise successful career.